live-it

 symbolic of the upcoming weekend

of moving/unpacking/etc

wish we were going to be here!

Yesterday, I decided to skip my run. 

Our final walk-through on our new house didn't finish until about 6:30 and by that time, I was tired and hungry, so I decided I'd rather have a really good workout the next day than two mediocre runs in a row.

Somewhat motivated, I signed up for the 6:00 a.m. Cardio Reformer/Tower Strength class at my Pilates studio, a perfect double whammy of cardio and resistance strength training that I've grown to love. When I saw who was teaching it, I cringed a little, because even though I really love Cindy, she sure knows how to kick a girl's butt, if you know what I mean.

When my alarm went off at 5:15 this morning, I was surprisingly alert and ready for class. I even got there a few minutes early and claimed my usual reformer, the second from the far wall. But when Cindy and Co. arrived, she announced that since two of the reformers were down, we were going to improvise and have a little spin class.

Um...what?

During my first and only spin class a few months ago, I almost threw up, was drenched in sweat, and my hiney was so sore I couldn't sit properly for a few days. So needless to say, I have been sticking with my usual class, which is enough of a challenge for me as it is. I was caught off guard, but came ready to play -- well, as ready to play as I can be when you don't have the proper shoes. (Reformer is like a horizontal trampoline with resistance springs, so we can't wear shoes.)

The elusive Julie was mentioned again today, a woman who has apparently lost 50 pounds by doing these hormone injections. My instructor expressed a little disappointment when she heard that, and I agree with her belief that someone should have a foundation of healthy lifestyle habits before they go for the easy fix, whether it's liposuction, gastric bypass, or weight loss substances.

And then I went off.

"I feel like I've been on a DIET my whole LIFE," I said, pedaling into a furious revery. "And the keyword in diet is DIE!"

"Yeah!" my equally furious classmates said. "You're right!"

Their encouragement and our feverish pedaling only fueled my fire. "I'm tired of DIE-Ts. Why can't we change our lifestyles and making it about living? I want to go on a LIVE-it!"

Onward I march, friends. Only it will be more of a stumble most of the time, I recognize. I'd love to know your thoughts, tips, efforts, and practices toward a healthy lifestyle.

the most wonderful day of the year

Today is the most wonderful day of the year. See above. I do not get to see my team play today because television is an abomination, but I will be thinking of them and wearing my burnt orange all day. I am so excited!

I am marking the occasion by finally making the whole wheat pizza I've been dying to make for nearly a month...and also cleaning before we go watch JT's team (and everyone else in this state's team) play on my parents' TV.

(edit :: it's even better than it looks. find out at Undomestic Kitchen!)

Yesterday, I made friends with a nice gentleman in my office building elevator. I asked him if he was wearing his Cowboy Orange button-down for a special occasion tomorrow. Why yes, he said, and looked at my shirt, but it's not for Texas. Weagreed to cheer for each other's teams. Cowboys and Longhorns are allies except for Halloween this year when they play -- at least in sports, they are rivals.

Last night, I got new clothes: some tank tops, a nice purple fall sweater, pajama boxers JT picked out, and a uber feminine navy top from Gap. I am already getting more confident with my body, which means my bank account will suffer. I am not the type of girl who just goes out and spends money compulsively -- I probably spend $200-$300 a year on clothes typically, which is not so bad, I don't think.

But I am excited about the girl in the mirror who has been doing Pilates and will only keep feeling better about herself for her hard work!

silly LB

I just clicked "Sign Up" for a 6am Cardio & Strength Reformer/Tower Class Combination tomorrow. What was I thinking? This past week, I have barely been able to pull myself out of bed around 8 for work.

The website description reads:

A class that combines intense, muscle building through Progressive Pilates and non-impact cardio training on the REFORMER machines for 20 minutes and the duration of the class spent on the Tower, a variation of a portion of the Cadillac the Tower/Spring Board utilized in this class provides spring resistance coils for sculpting and resistance training. This class, taught by a trainer, is 45 minutes in length. If you want an intense workout, this class is for you!

Andrea Cherie, if I never make it to your house with dinner, you can tell the cops to look for my body at the foot of this Reformer Machine. I'll be the one in a pile of sweat and jello-y muscles on the floor, only faintly breathing.

Booty, you'd better thank me for this later!

::edit:: I have survived and made it to work by 7:30. Good news: I did not almost throw up this time. Bad news: I chose Starbucks perfect oatmeal over shower time this morning. A "spongebath" just had to do. I have my own office, so I can do that!