Time to Regroup

I have had many wonderful ideas lately for photos, articles and journal entries. The problem is, though, that I have not made time to write any of them down. I have done 2 double-shifts in a row and working much OT. I am working over the weekend as well as having a garage sale, getting the dogs groomed and looking for a minivan to buy. The time has come for a minivan. I do not have children (my stepson doesn't live with us) but it would be easier with the dogs and all my craft supplies. Someday, when I can afford to get a laptop, I will be a little traveling photo/writing shop!

Yesterday I ate a fortune cookie, and the fortune said "You will dine in many exotic places". Now, although I don't believe in fortunetelling cookies, this got me thinking. I have never been anywhere. My traveling consists of Washington, Oregon and California. I went to Idaho and Canada when I was little, but I don't remember it so it doesn't count. I have just driven through Oregon. So, basically, just Washington and California. Pretty sad, huh? My dad works for United Airlines, which makes it even sadder. My husband and I have discussed taking a road trip (hence the minivan-buying) next spring to GUESS WHERE? Yes, Disneyland in CALIFORNIA. I really need to regroup and expand my horizons. I think it will help my writing. Yeah! That's it! I need to travel and go on vacation to help my future career! Great justification! I think I will waltz into my boss's office and tell him! Now, where to go?

Crampy but Happy

OK, so I am a little "crampy" today. It is part of life (as a woman, anyway) but there are miracle drugs such as Aleve to make everything right in the world. My word for the day is "Wish". If I were to take the advice of my word of the day, I would wish for contentment. Not money (although that would be nice), not world peace (which would also be nice, but unrealistic) but contentment. Contentment with my job, contentment with my body, contentment with all the things in my life. I am fairly content now, especially happy in my marriage (9 years today! Happy Anniversary to me!). I thank God for the things in my life, but I always feel a little unsettled. Maybe it is because I am not taking enough risks. Maybe it is because I am in a bit of a rut. I don't always stand up for what I believe in (I get a little complacent sometimes) and I am not pursuing my dream of self-employment as a writer/artist/photographer hard enough. I get so scared of leaving my comfort zone that I do not move forward. I play with my camera, I write in my blog, I keep two journals (one food journal, one personal journal) and I scrapbook, but I do not really do what it takes to succeed. What do I need to do? I need to give it 100%. My fitness goals, my dream job goals - I need to give it 100%. The first step is: What is 100%? That is my task for today. What is my 100%?

A day of meals.

OK, for those who have expressed interest, here is an example of one of my meal days, and please don't scream, hide your eyes and then laugh hysterically if you are one of the yahoo group BFLers:

6:30am - meal 1 - Chocolate protein shake with glutamine, banana. Some form of coffee (either cappuccino or brew) - separate from the shake. Vitamins.
8:30am - meal 2 - Zone bar or Detour bar, ostrich stick
10:30am - meal 3 - egg whites with red, orange, & green pepper and white onion. Topped with salsa and Udo's oil. Strawberries with Splenda. 2 thermogenics (I use Maxlean or betalean)
12:30pm - meal 4 - 5oz of Chicken or tenderloin with Fat Free cream cheese rolled in 2 La Tortilla Factory wheat low-carb tortillas (the small ones). Cup of broccoli or zucchini.
3:00pm - meal 5 - strawberry/banana whey protein smoothie with lechtin, barley, minerals and glutamine. 2 more thermogenics.
6:00pm - meal 6 - Atlantic salmon (barbecued) with lemon pepper and oil, asparagus and either a yam or a sweet potato.
9:00pm - meal 7 - egg whites with broccoli. (Sometimes I forget to get this meal in)

That is approximately 2050 calories and a ratio of 40% protein, 40% carbs and 20% fats (the good fats).
I work out 5 to 6 times a week for about 45 minutes each session. I do High intensity interval training (HIIT). 3 cardio days and 2 to 3 weight training days. I do not mix cardio and weight training, but sometimes I wait tables on weight training days and that is almost like cardio. I have lost almost 30 pounds in 14 weeks and lost many inches. (I'll put the exact inches on an entry in the future). I have lost about 3% body fat. There are lots of people who do much better than that, but that is MY personal best so far. I do have cheat meals and/or a cheat day depending on how I am feeling that week. Occasionally, I have an unscheduled cheat - like a mocha Frappuccino! MMMM. I don't worry about it a whole lot, I just keep going. Never give up!

Holy Heavy Plates, Batman!

As you may have read in one of my previous blog entries, I work in a restaurant part time as a server. It is quite amusing to work in a restaurant, and YES "The Restaurant" reality show is fairly accurate on how a restaurant runs. There are many colorful personalities, and there is much DRAMA. There is no such thing as a restaurant employee who does not possess a life of mega-drama. It cracked me up the other night when our sweet little hostess/busser girl comes busting into the kitchen with a huge pile of plates in her arms exclaiming "HOLY HEAVY PLATES, BATMAN!". You had to be there, I guess, but it really was funny. I have worked in restaurants my whole working life (16 years) in some form or another. I have bussed, hosted, done bookkeeping, served, cocktailed, a little bartending and room service. I have seen it ALL. and I have even met some famous people. It is great money FAST, and it helps buy all those little extras like DVDs, CDs, books, craft supplies and tickets to Disneyland. It is also very social, and it keeps your heart rate up. It can be really interesting to do a 6-hour run-your-ass-off busy night after a hellacious workout. By the end of the night my legs are a rubbery mass of flesh, and I usually can barely get up the two whole steps to my front door. When I wake up in the morning, I have to hold the walls to get to the bathroom because walking becomes nearly impossible. I have a wonderful chiropractor, though, who takes very good care of me, and keeps me upright.

Soorrrreee.

OOhhh, I am sooo sore. My trainer had me do a full body workout on Friday. (To test my endurance). Every exercise was 1 full minute (seems like an hour) with no rest until after the 4th minute. Then, a minute and a half rest - then another full four minutes - continue, continue, continue. She had me do this crazy ab exercise thing where I lay on my back with my legs and arms straight up in the air towards the ceiling, then I have to transfer this big, huge rubber ball back and forth (without dropping it) between my arms and legs without moving them more than a couple of inches. It is hell just trying to keep my arms and legs up in the air, let alone trying to pass something back and forth. I also did lots of squat-like exercises, so my thighs feel like they are going to die, and every movement is a major issue. Watching me try to get up and down off the toilet would be quite amusing, I'm sure. I have a little bit of a headache I'm so sore! I also fell down on one of my knees Friday night onto hard tile at the restaurant I work at. There was water on the floor, and I slipped. So, on top of all that, my knee hurts too. Ugghh. The bright side is that I'm getting all ripped under all my fat! Someday, when all the fat has melted off because of my amazing metabolism, my sculpted muscles will awe the world! Ha!

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!

OK, eventhough I am totally broke, I have been buying myself lots of stuff. I work really hard and I deserve it, right? I pay my bills on time, I save money, and yes, I spend money when I should be fixing up the house. I have lost between 25 and 30 pounds now, and we have almost recovered from my husband's unemployment earlier in the year. Sooooo, shopping spree justification! I bought myself a set of toerings, 2 anklets, a book "Beautiful Bodies" and some eyelets, eyelet tools and cardstock from Stampin' Up. I also got some stuff from the craft store. Now I need a bigger purse (basically a big black bag from Target) and some new hair products. I love Aveda products, but I have a new interest in L'Occitane products, they are supposed to be really good for dry, naturally curly long hair with frizz issues. (Me!) I don't have human kids (don't know if I want them) so I figure it's OK to be a little self-involved at the moment. I have an anniversary coming up (9 years!) so I will have to buy something for my husband soon. Hmmm, maybe there is a DVD I (I mean HE) wants?

House of Freaks

So, I get home from work yesterday and let the dogs out to go potty. Louie decides to run over and get his red rubber frisbee and run around the yard with it. He suddenly has the urge to pee. He drops the frisbee and pees. What he doesn't know, is that he is actually peeing IN his frisbee. When he finishes, he goes to pick the frisbee back up to play and realizes there is pee in it. He sniffs, then backs away. He looks up at me perplexed, almost like it is somehow my fault. Meanwhile, Maggie is busy eating the yard. (I had just poured her food in her bowl, but the poopy/weedy grass is obviously more appetizing.) She then starts running around the yard barking at nothing. She stops. She projectile vomits green stuff. MMMM. Louie is now walking around trying to find something to do because his frisbee is icked-out. "Ooohhh, aaahhhh, I'll roll in this green stuff here, it looks fresh!" Yes, he rolled in Maggie surprise. You have to keep in mind here that my dinner is almost done, and I have lost my appetite. Louie decides the frisbee really isn't that bad and tries to take it in the house. Thank God I saw this and stopped him.

Monday, Monday

OK, I'm not cranky today. It is Monday, and I'm tired, but I'm OK. I get in those moods every once in awhile, and you just have to back up, turn around, and run. I have to say, though, I have it pretty good. I'm just really busy and some days I need to take it down a gear and rest. My husband did a good job of being lovey-dovey with me over the weekend, he even scrapbooked with me. Every time I got testy, he would get all cute and stuff and ruin my horrible mood. I got to spend time with my mom and dad, too, and they were being all nice and lovey, so I didn't stand a chance. Why is it, though, that I can get 6 hours of sleep on the weekend and wake up and be fine and happy, but then when I get 6 hours of sleep and have to go to work, I feel like a truck ran over me? It must be mental, but truly the physical part eludes me. I mean, I really feel tired today, but if you said, "Let's go skiing!" I would suddenly have a rush of energy and feel like Super-girl. It's not right, I tell ya. Oh, and by the way, HEY BLOGGER-MAKER PEOPLE, GET PRO-BLOGGER WORKING SO THAT I CAN UPLOAD PHOTOS AND STUFF! The upgrade has been down forever, and I want it! I WANT IT NOW DAMN IT! Does anyone out there know a good protein shake/healthy coffee drink/pick-me-up kinda thing for breakfast that might help me with this zombie thing I've got going on? If you do, email me your recipe. I tried Cappuccino Myoplex with extra coffee in it, but it was kinda gross. I'm not sure how to tweak it. Oh, and I tried "Ostrim" Ostrich sticks - YUM! 96% fat free with lots of protein - great with a piece of fruit!

Fun Icky stuff

Watched "House of 1000 Corpses". I rented the DVD that just came out. For those of you who know me, I love horror films. I'm picky, though, so most of them are not good enough. This one was a little disappointing. Rob Zombie could have done a whole lot better. I must say, though, "Captain Spaulding" was a hoot. The intro to the DVD (you know, the screen with the options on it like 'play movie', 'deleted scenes', etc.) well, it was HYSTERICAL. It was the best part of the whole movie. That guy slew me! (No pun intended.) Rent it just to watch that. There is no blood or killing or anything in that part, for those of you weak-tummy people. It is just funny. In a twisted sort of way. ;) I can't wait for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake coming out in theatres in October! Although, they will probably cookie-cutter-candy-coat it for the masses. Oh well, I'll still go see it. Texas Chainsaw Massacre II is still my all-time favorite. There is nothing better than mixing good gore and great humor in the same film!

Cranky

I am cranky today. Everyone is pissing me off at work, I'm tired, I hate my job, I worked too much over the weekend and didn't get to do anything fun, I want chocolate and can't have it, I don't feel like working out, I didn't lose my 2 pounds last week, I lost very little in inches over the last 2 weeks, I have to get a filling tomorrow, It's Monday, I have to work overtime this week, I don't want to work 3 jobs anymore, I'm broke, I don't have anymore vacation until December, I'm feeling sorry for myself, I'm feeling ugly, I'm sick of watching everyone around me get everything they want without working hard for it and damn it, they are messing up Disneyland! I have issues. Apparently, my happy pills are not working today. Waaaaahhhh, whiiiiiiine, waaaaah. Do not tell me that I am only focusing on the negative, or that I need to change my outlook on life and be thankful for what I have. If you do, I will hurt you. and no, I am not on my period. Not even close.

Storms and Measurements

We had a great thunder and lightning storm last night. I love storms! Louie and Maggie aren't usually bothered by it, but last night they hid in their crates. I took the day off yesterday to scrapbook with some friends, and it was a much-needed day off. Even though I didn't eat 100% healthy yesterday, I did get in 7 meals. I didn't get to the gym, though, so I am all out-of-sorts. I have to get measurements taken this Friday and I'm all freaked out that I haven't lost any inches because of all the Frappuccino-drinking and bread-eating. I have had quite a few compliments on my weight loss, but I'm really panicked. The scale hasn't moved much this week (either way) but inches are a whole other story. This whole accountability thing with my trainer keeps me on track MOST of the time!

Crazy Weekend

Wow, I have to go back to work to relax. I am pooped from the weekend. My shoulders are so sore from my workouts. My trainer has really been working my upper arms, and I can feel muscles! Yay! I made my husband feel my new muscles. I tried those "Zone Perfect" bars this weekend. I had the peanut butter chocolate one, and it was really good. Too good. Something must be wrong with them. Yep. Too much sugar. (12g) They have 16g protein, 7g fat and 20g carbs, which isn't too bad, but the 12g of sugar kills it. In a pinch, though, it is better than a chocolate chip cookie. They taste better than Cliff bars, also, which I think are gross, and Cliff bars have 23g of sugar! Woo! Way too much! So that is my critique of the day. I am listening to an old Pearl Jam CD, thinking of my college years when grunge was in. I live in the Seattle area and went to college at the University of Washington (UW) so I was right in the middle of the "Seattle Sound" in the early nineties. I even met Layne Staley of "Alice in Chains" before he died. I remember when the movie "Singles" came out, I was so proud. Yes, I did hang out in those great coffee shops in Seattle before Starbucks hit the big-time. This makes me feel so old. Time to go shopping and make myself feel better!

Working on my day off and the dream car.

I'm doing overtime today at my day job, then I am going to the gym with my trainer, then I am getting Louie his rabies shot, then I am having 8 people over at my house for a night of scrapbooking. (I am a consultant for scrapbooking materials). So, basically, I am working my little tail off today when I should be sleeping and eating my cheat meals. Maybe I'll make some good money and buy myself something! I saw my dream car today. A 1967 Camaro. I have wanted this car since I was about 14 years old. I know it's a guy's classic muscle car and all that, but I *love* them. The roar of the engine, taking those corners, being able to go uphill without people honking at me, it is my dream car. Call me nutty, but I want it. It is not practical, butI am going to see if I can test drive it today.

Dentists and Dog Poop

Ugghh, I gotta go to the dentist today for a cleaning. This is the only time I brush my teeth with a vengeance. I brush and floss of course, but not usually with fervor. The good thing is that I get to leave work early! I think I must have brain damage or something because I get excited to leave work for *any* reason, even if it is for a dental visit, surgery, or whatever. It's not work! Anyways, more awake today; took my thermogenic.

Maggie pooped on the floor this morning. She hasn't done this for a while! She knows better, and I had JUST let her outside. I was so mad. The funny part was, Louie tattled on her. I was getting ready for work in the bathroom and Louie came running to me, and started pawing my leg like the house was on fire. I know what this means. Maggie doesn't let me know when she has to go, and if she has an accident, she runs into her crate knowing she will get yelled at. Louie wants me to know that it wasn't him, and that I need to pick it up. Louie's way of letting me know HE has to go potty is to stand between my legs and lean to one side. How he came up with this is a mystery to me, and how I figured out what it means is even more mind boggling. So, when he paws my leg, I know it is a Maggie-poop accident. After I yelled at Maggie and gave her a time-out in her crate, Louie sprawled out in the hallway looking might proud of himself. My dogs. Worse than siblings.

Sleepy

When my alarm went off this morning the first thing that went through my head was "You've got to be kidding". It felt like I never went to sleep. My eyes are feeling heavy today. I did not have time to stop at Starbucks for a coffee, and I can't stand the stuff we make at work. I am getting ready to have some sliced turkey on dark rye here at 7:40 in the morning. I always get strange looks. I've been eating a little too much bread lately. I need to knock it off. I meant to make some wild rice and bake some chicken for the week, but I have been avoiding turning the stove on during our little heat wave here. We have no air conditioning in our house except for a little one in our bedroom and office. It is cardio day, and I am not looking forward to it because I will be so sweaty afterwards. I also have to do a "double" today. I have a second job, and work 10.5 hours at my day job, then go work another 4 or 5 hours at my second evening job. Then, as if that weren't enough, I have an hour commute home. The stupid thing is, I'm still broke all the time.

Later that day.

This is fuuunnnnn. I can't wait to upgrade so that I can include pictures. I'll never get any work done! Had a co-worker just bring me a Grande Mocha Frappuccino. Oooh, bad, but yet so good! I have been on a major Frappuccino kick lately, which is not a good thing when you are trying to be fit. It is 90 degrees here today with mega humidity. I was absolutely soaked after the gym! I found the only gym in this state without air conditioning. I am 31 years old for anyone who is interested. I am listening to Train "Calling All Angels" right now. I really like that song. I also like the Michelle Branch song "Are you Happy Now?" which is not usually the kind of music I listen to. I never used to listen to mainstream pop, but you know, some of the new artists are pretty good! I also like The Dave Matthews Band and David Gray. That's enough for now. Is anybody reading this? Probably not. I will enjoy looking back on it myself, though. I'm big on nostalgia.

A brand new blog!

Hello, CrazyDogMama here. I have decided to publish my daily insanity in a blog. First, why "CrazyDogMama"? Well, I am the human mama of two Cairn Terriers (like Toto) named Louie and Maggie, who are my kids, and I tend to be a bit crazy. I have an obsession with working out, eating healthy and photography. I am not an expert in any of these fields, but I do waste a lot of time doing/learning about them. I am an avid scrapbooker and am currently gathering pictures of my "Body for Life" (BFL) challenge for a scrapbook I am making of my progress. Now, of course, I can ramble on daily about it in my blog. I just finished an upper body workout on my lunch break at work. I am now drinking my "Muscle Milk". In a few hours I will be eating tuna on dark rye.

My current reading includes "Diary of a Manhattan Call Girl" and "God Save the Sweet Potato Queens". My husband goes along graciously with all of this, and I in turn, go along with his golf obsession. I don't golf myself; it is not exciting enough for me. I am an adrenaline junkie. Over the last 8 years I gained a whole lot of weight and have not been able to do my adrenaline junkie activities like snow skiing and jumping out of airplanes, so that is where my fitness obsession comes in. I WILL be ripped by next May, even if it kills me! I eat constantly (5-7 meals a day) and workout 6 days a week - HARD! Or at least I try. I have 2 cheat meals per week, in the same day. Some people have an all-day free day, which is great, and what I do when I am doing BFL, but right now I am trying to limit it to two meals a week at the advice of my trainer. These two meals could consist of an entire pizza or an entire package of Oreos, mind you. I have lost a little over 20 pounds so far in 9 weeks. I have lost almost 2% in body fat. In the past, I have not been good at this. I usually give up. NOT THIS TIME. I am on a mission.

Today, I am looking into a photography class. I love digital photography, but I also want to learn how to do regular photography. I am into black and white, although I am just starting that.

I have one other obsession. Disneyland. My husband and I are big kids who love Disneyland. I am so bummed that Space Mountain will be closed for 2 years! It is my favorite ride, ever! We are planning our next trip for 2005.

Interested in anything I have to say? Email me at crazydogmama@gmail.com.