free therapy ...

and it wasn't even MY birthday!!


Thanks King G for a most excellent session ~ 


and the workout was great too!!   


Enjoy your day!  =D

Happy Birthday - King G !!!

Hmmm...

guess the lack of "April Fools" foolishness could be exactly that -- April Fools.

~


I'd type more tonight but King G was kind enough to not go lightly on my Friday morning workout.  Whoo hoo -- K.G. my biceps arms are screaming expletives {which I can't spell out} so I hope you are "happy."  


[ ps:  No worries my ummm, tattoo is fine.]

HonuGirl

Day 1 ...

today is the first day of "limited sugar"

If I were to write "first day of no sugar" then my aggressive/defiant self (ADS) would become alert and rather noisy (although ADS is generally silent -- 95% of the time, my passive/compliant self (PCS) is at the ready for well, nothing really) … oh anyway, I’m gona blame King G for this one! 

King sent me to a website for my health (‘cause he’s thoughtful that way) – it was so fitting. Too much so, actually, it was as if the speaker/author/“fitness dude” could see me through the back side of the monitor; dang it!  He called it… nearly every symptom, ailment, and concern I had recently complained about (mostly internally as PCS rules 95%, and what have I to complain about anyway?)

Perhaps… it is the increased percentage of ADS presence that has been tad bit more noticeable as of late … (hey now – don’t think you’ll be getting’ any confessions here, I’m just saying...  maybe I’ve been told to chill-a-tude a little more often than usual).

Stay with me now …

~

Day 1 no milk in coffee, means no latte.  No latte means … NO LATTE    auuughhh!!!   What the heck!   Who agreed to this stinkin' deal anyway.

Whoooa!!   Wait, wait … really, what I meant was “I drank tea today, didn’t have any cream to put in my coffee” (milk has hidden – well, it's clearly documented on the nutrition label, but there’s that sugar stuff in there). 

Tonight I baked cookies for the office -- Thursday Treats tomorrow.  Yeah, almond snickerdoodles with pink & red sprinkles for Valentines Day.  .   

Resisting was easier than I thought -- although memory loss may be one of the symptoms on that Dude's list... hmmm.   Well, easy if you call biting my tongue and/or pressing it to the roof of my mouth so no air gets inside.  Holding my breath so as not to 'smell' the cookies as they come out of the oven in their perfect sugar/cinnamon almondy delight -- yeah, THAT was easy [NOT].  But I did it.

As soon as each batch was cool enough I'd count them as I placed each dozen into the ziplock baggie for transport -- kind of therapeutic -- yet, also assurance that  my ADS had not snuck one away from the batch and preyed on it

~

It's late now ... tomorrow I will have different sugar woes uh-hmm, sugar cane, uh-oh.   Thus, ends Day 1 -- all cookies accounted for in a bag.  Only one q-tip head size crumb found it's way through pursed lips -- but my tongue felt better when I stopped biting it!!


( ps:   thanks a lot King! )

Honugirl

What? – I need a ‘benchmark’ …

Do I have to have my eyes open?

"Now is when you set your benchmark!" She called out during the first 5 minutes of class. I cringed at the idea that I wouldn't know if I've set the right benchmark – it's my first time. Arggh.

Wait – that's actually closer to the end of the story. Better fill in the beginning and middle first.

*-*

I have this new friend – to protect her identity (while I thrash on our after-work 'date') I fondly refer to her here as my Get-Fit Girlfriend (GFG), which reflects her desire/energy toward fitness, not throwing fits (she's so sweet).

In our brief acquaintance stage, we had fun discovering how much we have in common, yet remain quite different; she's taller, younger, and has not yet experienced motherhood (but she does have a boyfriend, so – uhh just kiddin' – I won't touch that.)

I think she very bright (intelligent & cheerful), driven, and goal-oriented. Today I learned she "LOVES" to play with babies – me, not so much anymore. Oh, I know, I've had them – I'm just not inclined towards reliving the fully-dependent, coo-ing and/or the uh-oh where'd he go now (crawling) stage. But I did give in today with the blue eyed cutie pie in his Osh-Kosh engineer duds, quite flirty too.

*-*

Back to my point ~ since our fitness goals align; we decided to join efforts to "create" the time to get fit. We both know what our personal fit figure feels like – when we wear it – which admittedly that particular body-suit is somewhat elusive and our options from our closets grow smaller as time passes! (yikes)

So we now bring our workout bags to work so we can grab the occasional lunch hour fitness opportunity or an after work gym date! So far so good; today was one of those successful plans – 5pm, meet at the gym for 5:30 class!

No problem. Uhh, yeah.

We had our first glitch in the parking lot, when she announced… ummm, my bag is not in the car (kind boyfriend put wrong bag in car; being helpful, of course) – I only have a tank and shoes. Hmmmph.

No worries – your new friend is an indecisive pack rat and has enough "extras" to complete outfit – good thing you brought shoes, because we are not the same size! Whew! Problem solved.

All dressed and set… now get to class.

I am a newbie to this one… timidly, I walk to the back of the room, checking out the equipment with severe anxiety. How did I allow GFG to talk me into this? I should've suggested a different class. Ughh – heavy, sinking feelings ensue as I walk up to the stationary spinning machine – commonly known as a bike – but a fancy marketing idea to call it a "spinning" machine is rather appealing, compared to rump-busting, leg burning, pain-inducing cycle.

Guess that's just me being honest about the whole aversion to cycling. Yes, my friends, you see I have sworn off the real bicycle sport as in the past it did not treat me well… at least that's the way I "spin" the myriad of bad memories (and puns) from riding with FSU (former spousal unit).

*-*

Oohh-kaay... fine. Back to class.

It's all cool – for the first couple of minutes, spinning is easy. Then that whole… benchmark thing – what, why must I set a benchmark, I've never done this before. I don't get it. Hmm, just follow along it may make sense later (some things do).

Fast forward 10 minutes. Putting the past behind me (as well as a painful feeling).

And, I AM following -- at my own pace-- all commands …

"Gear Up" "Outta the Saddle" "Push it" "Another Minute" "Back to Saddle"

"Race it" "Gear down" "Benchmark" "Last Set"

(She repeats this pattern over & over for about 1 hour - and 15 more minutes, just because she has the microphone.)

Ugghh – gives new meaning to and keen awareness of the muscle group, including but not limited, to gluteus-rumpus (can't call it a maximus, not gona happen)—oww, my legs!! Course I may never walk normally again either.

Here are a few things I learned:

#3 – the floor is wood, stained purple. Which is really nice, because I thought that was God's way of ensuring me that I would survive to tell V2T that the floor was my FAVORITE color. I desperately wished to be walking on that lovely purple colored flooring, but no – still on the evil dreaded torture machine. Grrr!

#2 – people who ride these devices, S-W-E-A-T… oh my word – then again, that is a HUGE understatement. Oh, me? I had a serious glow about my person – no outward sign of over-exertion. lol

#1 – my benchmark I found, is that delightful space in time when I close my eyes and the urge to vomit is controlled by my subconscious mind and no longer the sole effort of my conscious mind, which is still "pushing it / gearing up / racing for 1^st in/out of the saddle all for another "minute".

Yes, I'm sure I put the past behind me now – at least I can't fall onto asphalt from here.

Suffice it to say, this was not a stellar performance on my part – but I might actually get on a real "bike" and not feel so anxious.

*-*

However, I'm sure I will have to keep my eyes open during an outdoor ride!

HonuGirl

Branded by product or rebel for health!

In church today the minister quoted a bumper sticker:   

   “Jesus would’ve used his turn signal”

Which is what reminded me of Starbucks.

Okay, perhaps that’s a big stretch for you  – but just about anything can remind me of that delightful aroma of coffee brewing and the hope that I can fill my personal Starbucks cup with a delectable 16oz,  two Splenda iced latte … 

Mmm!                 

Uhh, are you following me?   

Now I’m feeling guilty that you might not be able to track how I got from turn signals to Starbucks …

Let me start again… it goes like this: 

I like lattes! During the week, I frequent a particular Starbucks; due to my full time job I have only 15 minutes for a break and must travel quickly to my destination a few blocks down the road.

About the third time I was there – standing in line – one of our county Sheriffs noticed me; he approached me by asking what I do for my employer; he addressed the agency by name, which he recognized the department from my security lanyard -- which explains why he was rather direct (a bit of a relief after all, as I was feeling somewhat uneasy that he was staring so intently at my … ummm  navel).

Any who – we’ve since said hello a number of times while getting coffee;  even sat to visit once while awaiting my latte with a co-worker.  Sheriff *Starr drives an unmarked vehicle – I know this because I saw him pull a guy over on my way to work one day (* not his real name, but given where we met, it’s apropos).

He’s apparently noticed what I drive too; I proved this last week.  As I was leaving work (with my window down enjoying the sun), I made a left turn headed toward home, while listening to my radio and beginning to make a call to my dad (using my headset of course). 

It was at that very moment a familiar car pulled up next to me.  What a surprise –it was Sheriff Starr – he called out to me through his passenger window “HELLO!!”  followed by  “you know, last I recall, turn signals are still required at that intersection!”   

OOPS!!!   =0) 

 “ Ohh, of course!   Hi ~ it’s so nice to see you … I’ll remember that!”   I called back, practicing the use of my right turn signal I waved…  “Thanks Officer - see you at Starbucks soon!”   

Perhaps you're tracking with me now?

After church today, while I was still thinking about the “Jesus would…” bumper sticker and howquickly my mind jumped to Starbucks; I giggled at how my boys are branded as well.

It started on a  a Saturday morning.  

I was preparing for a workout.  I had yet to put on my tennis shoes, when Jeffrey said:   “Mom, you are NOT going to wear those Adidas over your Nike socks, are you?”  

By the sound of his question you would have thought the world was ending or I was violating the some athletic code of honor -- the very idea that I would mix my brands.  

However, by the time I had both shoes on (yes, over my Nike sport socks) and had asked a few probing questions, I received a very thorough discourse on Nike's use of high-quality polyester fabrics explainly quite clearly and exactly why Nike products (not just shoes) are better than Adidas.  

"Hmmm, interesting."

I managed to sound very grateful for the lesson as I departed for the gym wearing my very competitive athletic fashion faux pas footwear – sheesh.   I figure I will get a great workout keeping the two brands in check.

It's all about the health benefits after all! 

Inasmuch as I should be drinking water instead of coffee right now, I am a rebel for flavor as I sip my iced latte – which I made at home with non-Starbucks coffee beans, and am happily content to drink it from my Starbucks personalized cup!!    

AAAAuuggghhh say its not so!!!

tee hee ~ I feel like such a rebel!!

HonuGirl

Hello Sunshine!!!

WOWWW!!  How I love to see your smile!!

Is it true, are my  freshly painted toenails finally going to see the sunshine through my recently unboxed springy-summery sandals??  

Hah!   A couple days ago I nearly posted a blog about the weather ... but I thought I might jinx the weather report, but  {tee hee} the sun came out and I didn't have to post my disgust for yet another day of rain!!!

It's a very bright, cheery day for reasons far beyond the sun!   It's Friday!  I woke up at some unreasonable morning hour to put on workout gear and meet King G at the gym!!   

What a treat.   Of course it's hard to tell him how much I enjoyed the training he arranged this morning; because his computer is deleting all my messages as spam or average junk mail... WHHaat up with that King?   Anywho, I sure hope your people get that fixed soon.  I'm really not into losing connection with any more friends who I hold dear.  

Since you are reading my blog, you will get the update on how easy it was to wake up at that "much too early" hour this morning.   You know how it feels when the alarm is set for an early hour due to catching a flight for vacation... it's not as hard to wake up when you know you're going to that hot sandy beach somewhere fabulous and  "WARM" (did I already say this)?   

My ringtone played a fun little tune and my eyes popped wide open to the morning -- whoo hoo!!!   I'm going to the gym to meet King today -- I get to work out for an hour and a half!!  YEAAHH!

Never once did I think about the fact that I would be going to work afterward and there will be 8 hours of computer screen viewing, reading/proofing legal documents,  and communicating sensibly with co-workers or other peps out there...   uhhh, til now!!

Day is half over and I am remembering what it feels like to get less sleep than necessary.  

Which reminds me..  THANK YOU King G for showing up just for ME!!!   (I'm thinkin' you got less sleep than I did.  Hope you took a nap!)

Blessings to all and I hope you get to be in the sunshine.    I will feel it's warmth through the window while waiting for (leaning against) the copy machine.

HonuGirl

Since I brought it up...

Reading books bring such joy!

Jason LOVES to read!   

So far this week he's finished 

Treasure Island, 

The Picture of Dorian Gray, 

and   started a new book...

The Changling (number III in the Wormling Series).

I'm still reading that celebrity book.

Today before leaving for school he asked if he could take two of his new books (the one he just started and the next in the series).  

I said:  "Why don't you just take the one you're reading?"

His reply:   "Because if Miss B lets me read at recess, I might finish it and I want to have the next one to read on the bus ride home."

I agreed:   "Great plan.  Why didn't I think of that?"

I took my book to the gym today read it while on the treadmill.   

I feel better.  

HonuGirl

It Happened One Night, I started a blog…

It’s a L O N G story. I said that about 3 times today. But then again, I don’t remember. I was VERY late to the gym this morning. Poor King was worried. Sorry! My alarm sounded, but it was not enough to wake me. I awoke barely in time to get the boys ready for school. However, it took forever to do basic things to “get ready” for the day. I was lucky I remembered today was Tuesday and turned left – I go to a different gym one day a week. I didn’t have the wherewithal to be in step class though. I’m sure it would have been entertaining for the others, as I would have fallen on my butt – or maybe missed the step going forward and fell on my face; either way – way too much embarrassment and pain for me. When I arrived at the gym I chose to use the elliptical machine … where feet stay firmly in one place and move with the machine – a much safer choice. Why so sleepy? Nope, it was not the sprinklers. It happened last night – I think? I was up late writing… a blog; well, actually shamelessly flaunting pix online of cute kids in my family. It must have been about 1:30am. I heard distinctive bunk-bed noises that usually mean someone is having a bad dream and is about to get up. I checked. It was Jason. Not dreams. He had a bloody nose and needed to get up to take care of it. “Good thing you are already awake, Mom.” Yeah, timing is everything. That was when it began. Sleeplessness. As we took the appropriate measures to care for his nose, there was a quiet knocking at the door. Huh? Yeah, exactly what we both thought at 1:40 in the morning!! Jason was immediately suggesting who it could and couldn’t be based on the height of the knocking and the pattern of the knock. I handed him my cell phone with a knowing look and nod… then walked to the front door to look through the peep hole. A visibly frantic 20-something girl – who I recognized as my neighbor’s niece – was nervously wringing her hands and shifting on her feet. I opened the door and she immediately gushed out apologies for lateness and such… describing a tale of her mother stuck on a freeway across town walking in the cold; by the sounds of it - she was barely more hysterical than her daughter standing before me. The girl asked for assistance and used the phone to call her uncle at work as she would need to borrow his car to help her mom (his sister). He works about 2 miles from my apartment. This sounds like an interaction that would ordinarily be only a few minutes, but was actually a 20 or 30 minute ordeal. The Mother couldn’t describe where she was - exactly. The battery was dying on her cell phone. The more she talked, the farther she walked, and the more disturbed she became. The daughter calmed herself when she finally identified a landmark described by her Mother – she recognized that location and was relieved to let her mother hang up. She needed a ride to the Uncle’s car. Jason observed while using nearly a whole box of tissues on his nose… he said “wow Mom, you’re like the Good Samaritan”. Oh my. Would it be possible to rest? No – Jason was hungry. He picked something light to eat. It was now 2:15am. Finally it was quiet; all was finished. That is except Jason’s nose; it took some time for it to stop. We sat together and read a book while he held a cool cloth on his face and pinched the exact spot to slow things down. Whew!!! Soon it really was over. Jeffrey long asleep. Jason comfortably in bed. Computer in sleep mode. Doors locked. Make up off. Lights out. I think it was about 2:45am when I slid under the covers. AUGHHH – Oh my gosh … I didn’t finish my blog!

HonuGirl

Lose Your Love Handles in 3 Moves…

About advertising and inchworms. A friend of mine is concerned about having "a spare tire" (love handles) around the middle. Personally, there’s not a whole lot of love on my part toward that someone who actually plans to grab one of those… uhh handles. Hearing a need my ‘helpful’ inner voice said – ohhh, I know. I love recommending workouts. I can find a site to recommend for removing these ‘handles’ and share the love! I did just that. I searched online. I read numerous articles. Finally! I found the “right one”. A popular fitness magazine published many online. It seemed simple – easy even! It stated in big bold letters – “Lose Your Love Handles in 3 Moves” They even posted pictures of how to do the 3 moves. Can’t get any better than that, right? Just for kicks, I’ve posted the URL and diagrams – so as not to confuse you (I’m helpful that way) Lose Your Love Handles in 3 Moves

Stability-Ball Twist Roll and Curl

Medicine-Ball Twist Pay attention now. Do not expect to truly lose those handles in 3 Moves … I tried it already -- I did all 3 of those moves. Then waited. I have to say – it was rather disappointing. Nothing happened. I waited 30 more minutes -- still nothing. It's too bad... I really thought that would be the perfect workout for my friend. I guess my friend will have to work on that alone. Hummph! However, I am continuing my research as I'm more concerned with my abs than uhh those unloving handle thingies. Soon after I linked to the most intriguing articles entitled: "Get a Flat Belly in 10 Minutes" but I much prefer NOW rather than 10 minutes from now (I'm impatient sometimes) "Flat Abs Now! The Inchworm Push-Up" Whooo Hoo!! Doesn’t that sound like fun? Heh, heh - I can’t wait to watch that little inchworm do push-ups and begin sculpting my abs. Gee, I certainly hope it doesn’t tickle too much!!!

HonuGirl