May 8th

What I wore...
Loft black cropped pants (Thanks ThredUp)
Cute Maurices multiple print top
Coral cardigan
Black wedge sandals (Gotta be careful with my purple baby toe)

I can't believe I am wearing black cropped pants.  Never did I ever think that I would love the look but I sure do.  I stopped eating junkie food when I realized I am what I eat and EVERY bite either fuels my body or slams my body with stuff it was never meantto digest.

Twister obsession

Eight months my gym closed...which forced me to research and find a new gym.  I choose Anytime Fitness since I could sign-up through my insurance provider and be rewarded for faithful gym attendance.  Oh and did I mention that the Perryville Anytime Fitness had the Hallmark channel. 

Well...as of November 30th,  my Perryville location closed.  It is moving to edgevrook Shopping Center. 

In the meantime - I am going to the North Second Street location where I discovered the twister.  My beloved twister ab machine and I have been reunited.  Together again...this girl and her beloved ab machine.

You see...I hate the "Electric Chair" style ab machine.  It was nicknamed not at all fondly by Ruthie.  The Electric Chair is evil disguised as a piece of gym equipment.  Trust us (Ruthie and me and there are others too).

It has been 8 long months since my abs have been twistin'...and let me just say, my abs are a-hurtin' today.

"Climb Faster!"

At my old gym, the elliptical would say "Climb Faster!" should you decide to slow down and/or stop climbing.  Personally I felt the machine was shouting and quite judgmental...


At my new gym, I decided to try out the Fat Burning session on the run-elliptical and when it checked my heart rate, the new machine said, "Slow down to reduce your heart rate."  Now - that's what I'm talkin' about.  I felt like it was saying, "Easy does it, fabulous!  You are already amazing!" 

I do not run with scissors. {Those last 2 words were not necessary.}

I don't run.  I don't like running.  I have never liked running.  In high school, I was forced to run a mile.  Worst 12 minutes of my high school career...and trust me, there were other traumatizing situations that I endured...but the mile, the forced running, was #1 on my list of things I hope I forget about high school. 


Last week I was forced to join another gym as my beloved Charter Fitness locked the doors and ended our 5-1/2 year relationship.  I didn't even get to say "goodbye" to my beloved elliptical machine.  We had been through soo much together...the losing of 60 pounds, the hours & hours of calorie burning...  It was all gone with the click of a lock and a sign that said, "We're closed."  The least they could've done was apologize and let me sneak in to say farewell, friend.  {Sigh.} 


My new gym, Anytime Fitness, has ellipticals but they are different than the ones at Charter.  The Anytime ones make ellipticaling (pretty sure it's a word) more like running.  Please re-read the first sentence of my post.


I decided to give these new machines a chance...and you know what I discovered.  *Whispers in awe* I actually like the run-elliptical-ing.  Total shocker!  I KNOW!  Now don't get me wrong - you are not going to see me out on the bike path running 5 miles in hopes of preparing for a 5K.  I will be the friend who will stand at the finish line with flowers and some dark chocolates.  Boundaries, people. 


I'm more shocked that I enjoy the run-elliptical than anything else.  It's fun.  I like that the new gym has televisions at almost every cardio machine.  It makes watching Hallmark an up-close experience.

I did it!!!

After 6 days of denial...in that my gym was really and truly closed, I accepted the closing of my beloved center for physical fitness and I joined another gym.  Actually I joined the fitness program through my company's insurance so I have several options!

There are several things...

...that I enjoy shopping for.  Spring skirts, sandals, boots, hair accessories, birthday presents, groceries, etc.  

I need to go "shopping" for a new gym...and too be honest, I am just not in the mood to shop for a new facility.  I'm really stuck shopping for a new gym as my gym closed as of Tuesday, April 14th.  

I don't know if I want to go with one of the two gyms that are on my way home...  If I choose Anytime Fitness, I won't have a work-out partner...but I will have flexibility and be able to use any of their nationwide and International facilities.  If I choose Planet Fitness, I can get the premium membership and occasionally workout with Rhonda...  
 
I really don't know what to do.   My preference would be that my little gym would re-open and I can return to life as I knew it before Tuesday...(sigh)...  I don't see that happening so I had best get gym shopping and pick one soon!!!

Xena

Tonight at the gym, these guys in the back weight area were shouting, “YOU’RE A WARRIOR!  A WARRIOR!  A WARRIOR!”

Xena…DUH!  I know!!!

4 Year Anniversary

I cannot believe that this month marks my four (4) year gym membership anniversary.  Never did I think that I would be this faithful to the gym, of all things.  For those of you who know me, you know that I began this journey as a social work-out kind of girl.  Meaning - I went to gab with my friend Rhonda. 

The first two years of our gym relationship, we worked-out six (6) days a week.  Most of those work-outs included an hour of cardio and 30 minutes or so of weights.  Wow - we were at the gym all the time.  Seriously! 

Then something changed...I went from the social work-out girl to being serious about getting fit.  I went to the gym without Rhonda.  I went by myself.  Whoa!  This was a break-through.  Never in those first 2 years of my membership did I dare venture alone to the gym.  It was unheard of and completely foreign to me.  I wasn't sure what to do if I didn't have someone to chat with.  I bought an MP3 player and would occasionally find myself singing along outloud with the song in my ears. 

We have a health & wellness "club" at work where we log in our hours and/or miles and if we meet our quarterly goal, we get a fun prize.  It's quite motivational!!!  I've been a member of this "club" for the past 4 years and I've met my goal every time except once.  I remember it quite vividly...it was two falls ago.  {Cardio goals are set-up in hours of cardio - the minimum is 30 hours, then 45 hours, and lastly for the over-achievers - i.e. me circa 4 years ago :) - 60 hours.}  Two falls ago I selected 45 hours, not sure why.  At the end of the quarter, I was 10 hours short.  Honestly, I remember being sad that I didn't make my goal.  I felt like a failure.  Was I a failure?  NOOOO!  {I hope you heard that emphatically!!!}  My favorite co-worker gave me much grief about not making my goal and this just added to my sadness.  Little did I know that the tables were about to be turned (insert evil laughter).  Ok - let me explain something...my favorite co-worker is my favorite because he (and my 2nd and 3rd favorites) keep my accountable about working-out and eating healthy.  He gives me grief about my gluten allergy and it's fine - because funny story, his dog has a gluten allergy.  Not soo much in my head now, is it?  (LOL!)  Anywhoooooo....the person in-charge of the tallying of the work-out hours sent me a little email that said, "Have fun with this..." and wouldn't you know that my favorite co-worker also did not make his fitness goal.  His goal was to ride his bike 700 miles.  He only rode 699.  (Not even kidding.)  Ooooh the fun I had with that...  He tried back-pedaling (not literally :)) and saying how he could've rounded-up and been over his goal, but all I heard was, "Waaaa-waaaaa-waaaaaa-waaaaaa!" {Much like the voice of Charlie Brown's teacher.}

Wow - that was a rabbit trail.  Yow-zers.

Here it is, August 2013.  I'm on the brink of beginning my 4th year of working-out.  I think for me - the biggest thing that has happened over the past 4 years has been my mental change regarding food.  Now, don't get me wrong - I love food.  {I've said this statement atleast 6 times in the past 48 hours.}  I love making good food choices.  I love working-out.  I love knowing that certain foods make me feel bad.  I love splurging when it's someone's birthday or someone invites me out to celebrate exciting news. 

The day I realized that food was designed by God to give us energy was, honestly, life-changing.  I love that He designed our bodies to crave heartier foods as the weather cools down.  I love His design with our bodies and how all of our organs work together and when one is out of whack - the rest of our system tries to make up for it!

Over the past 4 years, I've often contemplated if I had just treated this like a diet and not a lifestyle change, if it really would've stuck.  I don't think it would have.  I think you have to get our of your box if you are serious about seeing a change.  You have to realize - ok, I'm not losing weight, what's the real issue?  For me, it was gluten.  It is gluten.  It shuts down my system.  It's toxic. 

According to Dr. J.J. Virgin, there are 7 foods (ingredients) that often cause weight gain (and the inability to lose weight).  They are sensitivities/allergies to eggs, soy, gluten, dairy, sugar, peanuts, and sweeteners. 

I'm so thankful that with a little bit of research and much determination, I've been able to feel fit and fabulous!!! 

I'm pretty sure...

...that my co-worker thought I was kidding when I informed him that today (July 4th), I wanted to....sleep-in, go to the gym, sew, and read.  I was sooo NOT kidding!!!

Sleeping-in:
I slept-in mostly because last night, I disrespected today by staying up way too late reading and then some time around circa 1 a.m. my nonsensical neighbors (the ones that are kitty-corner in the back and to my right) shot off 3 single firecrackers.  [Is firecrackers one word?  I feel like when I make it two words that it represents "FIRE" and "CRACKERS."  Flame and snacks?  Ummmm...NO!]  Pow! Pow! Pow!  And of course, it was just as I was turning off my e-reader and ready to doze off to the happy land of slumber.  (Sigh.)  Thankfully the thrice pops were the only noises I heard for the remainder of the night and yes, I did drift off to sleep. 

The feline decided that 7 a.m. was plenty late enough for her human to sleep.  Some mornings I want to open the door and kick her out.  I mean seriously, does Maggie even know how good she has it here?  I think not!!!  Any-who...I threatened her very life and she stopped meowing.  I'm pretty sure my teacher voice works on her...lest she get a slipper heaved in her direction.

The Gym
Went to the gym.  45 minutes of cardio.  While working-out, The Price is Right was on.  I don't like the new version of this show.  When I was a kid, they had Plinko!  Does anyone else remember that???  Plinko - the good ol' days.  There was a board with a gazillion nails (or nail-ish looking things) and the contestants would stand at the top of the board and drop what appeared to be hockey pucks.  The pucks would travel down the board to the bottom where they would stop on a prize.  It was soo cool!  Today they had racetrack (again, is this one word or two?) with faux rats.  The military couple had to pre-determine which rat would win.  It was kind of lame.  Bring back Plinko!!! 

Inbetween segments, there was a ridiculous commercial for some new reality t.v. show coming in the fall.  I hate reality t.v.  Ok - wait.  The only reality t.v. that I tolerate and enjoy is the OLYMPICS.  Seriously - I really, really, really do not like reality t.v.  No, I hate it.  Loathe.  Despise.  Reality should be reality.  Reality t.v. shows are NOT reality.  They are hyped-up versions of YUCK that Hollywood thinks everyone wants to see.  We don't.  News flash:  Most people I know, and let's face it - I know some amazingly fabulous people, do not like reality t.v. either.  Where are these crazies that like that stuff???  Ick.  I'd rather watch all the Star Wars DVD on repeat for a week than watch reality t.v.  Do you know there are 6 Star Wars DVDs?  Do you know that would be 12 hours of one viewing...2 times through per day times 7 days.  I'd rather watch football than watch reality t.v.  Strong words, I know.  But seriously - reality t.v.  Bleh!

Any-who...

Sewing
Rhonda bought a cute Merona dress when we were thrifting on Monday.  The dress has a drawstring waist.  The top stitching was compromised.  The dress was brand new but it had the messed-up stitching.  I volunteered to fix the dress. 

After fixing the dress, I ironed and pressed fabric to make two super-cute pillowcases.  One is for Jackson (sock monkeys) and one is for Reagan (girlie-fru-fru).  I did learn a valuable lesson...

The original YouTube tutorial calls for 3/4 of a yard of main fabric, 1/4 of a yard for the pillowcase opening, and then 2 inches of fabric for the edge between the opening fabric and the main fabric.  I used ribbon for both pillowcases but learned (after the fact, of course!) that I had purchased too narrow (1-1/2") of ribbon of Reagan's pillowcase...so PLAN B - I used the top stitch feature and just attached the ribbon over the top of the quasi-missing ribbon from the first go around of stitching. 

If you need a cute, quick children's birthday/Christmas present - search YouTube for Magic Pillowcase Sewing Tutorial.  Honestly - I've made probably a dozen of these!!!  My goal:  too rid the world of blaz-ay pillowcases.  Well, too be honest, that's just one of my goals in life. 

Reading:  I downloaded a free Nook book titled, Ready or Not.  It's delightful.  I'm hoping to finish reading it today.  I must've selected LARGE PRINT because it says there are 896 pages and somehow I am already on page 599...which doesn't seem like I've read 598 other pages.  According to Goodreads, it should be about circa 290-300 which sounds reasonable.

Next week I am house-sitting for the first half of the week.  Off to Cherry Valley I go!!!  I'm actually quite excited about house-sitting...  There is a Keurig coffeemaker!!!  AND THEY HAVE A HUGE BATHTUB!!!!  I know the last thing probably sounds ridiculous, but my cottage only has a stand-up shower and I miss luxurious baths. 

I cannot believe it's July 4th.  My co-worker informed me that before we know it, it will be fall!  Goodness.  Let's not wish the summer away.  I mean, FOR REAL!!!!!  I want to embrace summer - similarly how a small child picks up a kitten.  By the neck and squeeeeeeze!!!  Don't get me wrong - I heart fall.  Infact the other morning, it was 50 degrees here and I daydreamed about hot apple cider.  YUM!  After 0.3 seconds, I stopped that nonsense and thought about fresh strawberries and raspberries.  In season fruit...my fave!!!

Hope you had a wonderful,

delightful, happy 4th of July!!!

It's kind of gross!!!

About a month ago, I stumbled upon a blog post about oil pulling and all the wonderful health benefits that come along with ridding your mouth of toxins.  The main thing I was hoping for was whiter teeth, because let's face it - I am not about to spend money on teeth whitening products that are potentially hazardous if swallowed.  Why on earth would I put those chemicals in my mouth? 

For the past 3 weeks, I have managed to increase my time from 5 to 15 minutes.  And I no longer get that gaggy feeling from having the oil swishing around in my mouth.  My biggest tip:  Put the oil in your mouth before you have to perform a task that will take your mind off the oil in your mouth.  :)  I put the melted coconut oil in my mouth before blow-drying my hair and/or applying my make-up.  This is what works best for me.  Maybe you can handle having the oil in your mouth while you sit patiently watching the timer count down to 0:00.  I cannot.  I have to be doing something else.

It's not terrible, but it sure is kind of gross.  For me - the benefits out-weigh the grossness.

The truth about "Expanda"

I need to start at the beginning.
When I first started eating healthy, I asked my two favorite co-workers to help keep me accountable.  They are both health nuts and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the fact that I needed their help.  I, also, asked my most favorite to inquire about my previous evening's work-out schedule.  It might seem drastic to you, friend...but trust me, I know me.  And I know that I need accountability.  Do I like accountability?  Ummmm...not so much...but every night, I would think twice before having a snack after dinner because I knew I would be asked to give a report the following day.

Fast forward 1-1/2 years...
Last December, my favorite and I were having one of our many daily chit-chats about food and such.  I believe we were discussing something healthy but this particular item had a high fat count.  My opinion on fat count:  he fat didn't matter because it was winter.  And just like the squirrels, I was totally ok with gaining 5 to 10 pounds.  I, then, proceeded to confess that my winter wardrobe was one size bigger than my summer wardrobe.  My favorite co-worker was completely dumbfounded and as I recall, he did not have an adequate rebuttal.  I'm pretty sure his lack-of-response was due to the fact that he was thinking, ANGIE GOOD IS A GENIUS!!!

A month or so later, he was consuming Greek yogurt and he informed me that he was going to go buy fat boy pants.  We deemed the term "expanda-pants" then...as I was working on a supply order of expanda-files. 

Earlier this week, my t-shirt top was literally 5 sizes bigger than what I needed, we deemed the top "expanda-top." 

Anytime we make a poor food choice (i.e. split a box of Junior Mints or share a Greek yogurt), we tease one another about needing stretch pants.

I'm happy to report tonight that my expanda-top got fixed at sewing.  It wasn't easy removing all the seams and re-cutting and then re-sewing...the ripping out of the seams was nerve-wracking.  Another sewer in the class said, "Wouldn't it have been easier to just go and buy new fabric?"  Too which I concurred...but the more I thought about it, ripping out those seams and correcting the problem helped me learn what NOT to do.  For example, I will no longer wait until the shoulders are stitched in place before trying on what I am sewing.  It was a What-not-to-do in reverse. 

I, also, learned how to take in seams in case the top doesn't lay right.  It was quite helpful and not my raspberry top fits like it was tailored for me...which it was made for me...by me!!!  I can sew!!!

A new treat

Every now and then I will get the urge to try something new.  Tonight I went to Woodman's after an hour-long cardio session.  Good idea - get groceries;  Bad idea - get groceries when you are hungry.  :)

Actually it wasn't a "bad" idea...and I honestly didn't over-spend or indulge in mass quantities of junk food.

I did, however, try a new snack food.  The name of the bar "The gluten free bar."  I promise you - that was it's name.  They have a fabulous website www.theglutenfreebar.com. 

My snack was the peanut butter bar.  I did purchase the chocolate & peanut butter combination bar to keep for an emergency situation.  You know...when the day needs to be ended in chocolate.  Let's not try and deny that we ever have THOSE days...  I know me and you know you.  There are some days when at the end of the day chocolate is calling our names.  I've heard it call your name too.  :)

I must confess, I was a little nervous about trying this new snack.  The last time I tried something new it was a box of brown rice crackers.  My first clue should've been the look of the cracker.  It looks like corrugated cardboard.  Note to self:  If the cracker resembles cardboard, it's probably going to taste like cardboard.  (Sigh.)  I tried.  I even tried eating them twice.  The first time was dreadful.  The second attempt only occurred after I felt guilty for preparing to throw them away due to the amount of money I spent on said box of cardboard -- er, crackers. 

No worries...the second attempt was made and the grossness was still a factor.  The box and the contents went in to the trash.  For 0.3 seconds, I considered throwing the crackers out in the yard for the squirrels, but I was fearful that the squirrels wouldn't like them and retaliate by chucking nuts at me!  I know the two oversized squirrels that are residing in the tree adjacent to the cottage...they are BIG and squirrelly!!!! 

Resolutioners

Tonight I went to the gym and there were approximately 14 people working-out.  It was wonderful.  My favorite machine was open.  Because of the lack of body heat, the temperature was a cool 68.  It was pleasant.

I do realize, however, my fabulous work-out conditions are about to drastically change come January 1st.  New Year's Day.  The day when people make resolutions.  Those people I affectionately (most of them time, it is affectionately) refer to as "Resolutioners."

I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions.  I like to make my resolutions in June or July. 

Well, these New Year's Resolutioners are going to invade my gym and use my favorite machine.  I know.  It happens every year like clockwork and 2013 is going to be no different.

I have some ideas that I think are pretty much genius. 

Idea #1:  Require the Resolutioners to work out at a set time where they will be surrounded by other Resolutioners.  You know, it must be disheartening for the Resolutioners to come try out the elipptical and only be able to work-out for 10 minutes tops while Lauren and I work-out for 30 solid minutes.  I think we are intimidating.  If the Resolutioners stuck together and worked-out at an appointed time, it would boost their morale.

Idea #2:  Why not have a Resolutioners Only Gym?  I mean seriously...you could rent out a warehouse and charge the Resolutioners a $50 start-up fee and then $20 per month.  I'm pretty sure there are some gyms that are collecting fees from people who aren't really working-out.  And Idea 2a - charge them an enormous cancellation fee.  Most people don't read the fine print and I am pretty sure if you hand them a Little Debbie product, they will be more inclined to blindly sign away their life.

Idea #3:  Hire the Little Debbie rep or maybe Fannie Mae to "greet" the Resolutioners with a box of chocolate and some sappy movie...maybe Sleepless in Seattle or PS I Love You.  Carbs and sugar...those Resolutioners will cave.

Again, it's not that I don't appreciate the time and energy Resolutioners put in to creating New Year's resolutions.  Kudos to them.  But seriously, please, please, please, find another gym...

I am not afraid to admit it outloud.

This morning while getting my lunch all packed for my workday, the notion that I am kinda a health food junkie flitted across my pretty little head.  I looked down and saw...

a small container of cut-up raw carrots

1/2 a chicken breast (baked with some olive oil)

1 cup (or so) cubed, baked sweet potato chunks

 an apple

My second thought was - this lunch is so boring.  No worries however, that 2nd thought was fleeting.  I know I eat healthily...and I am not afraid to admit it outloud.  

The new ab work-out and some randomness

Sometimes I compose blog posts in my head...and now that I am without a computer at the cottage, I find myself posting imaginary blog posts MORE now than ever before.  Scary, the thoughts that go through my pretty, little head.  :)  Yet, you keep coming back for more.  Who's the crazy one now?  (Laughing.)

Well, my friend and I started a new ab work-out and let me tell you...as weird as it's going to sound...I kinda enjoy it.  Not in a weird, deranged sort-of way...I don't need my head examined.  I like it mostly because I think it's going to work.  I love this piece of equipment at the gym that I refer to as "The Twister" -- it does what it says.  Twists and works your oh-bleaks.  Phonetics.  I heart them.  Well...we've given "The Twister" a break and we now use weighted exercise balls.  We do three reps of several different motions.  I love the 2nd set because I tell myself, "Angie Good" (yes, I use my first and last name when I chat with myself in my head!), "Angie Good, you are 2/3 of the way done."  Can you imagine what my blog would be like if I wrote every single thought that was going through my head?  I will save that for another day...maybe in the winter when I am snowed-in...and have consumed my body weight in Dark Hot Chocolate...and maybe some of those gluten-free muffins that I love ever so much.  I digress.  I digress often.  :)

I feel like I have so much to tell you and share...but now that I am sitting here at a computer, I cannot remember and it makes me sad.  Let me think...

Last night I put together a care package for my friend who's currently residing "Over the pond."  I would blog about what I put in it - but then when she stalks my blog, she will know before it arrives.  I'm really excited about sending her this package.  Oh - and this Friday, she's going to join us for coffee...via Facetime.  Yahoooo!  I miss her.

I'm getting in the mood to start knitting Christmas presents.  I have the yarn to make 3 cowl-scarfy things.  Gray, black, brown and purple.  Oops - I guess that's 4.  My mistake.  I forgot about the purple yarn until I mentally pictured my yarn basket and realized the 4th.  I will post pictures of them.  I'm going to use the simple pattern that I found last winter.

Well, I think shall publish this post and call it a day.  Not really a day...it's only 3:20 Central Standard Time.

Hope you had a fabulous sort of Wednesday!!!

RE: The Missing Gym Socks

I'm noting this on my blog for future reference...

On Saturday, I purchased a brand new package of 9 pairs of gym socks.  18 socks.  I'm hoping they don't go to Sock Heaven with the others... :)

The case of the missing gym socks

Here's what I don't understand:  where are all of my gym socks???

About a year ago, I bought new gym socks -- two packages of 6 pairs.  Do the math!!!  That's 12 pairs of socks.  24 socks total!  

Why is that I only have 3 socks remaining?  I don't understand.

I do my laundry at the cottage.  It's just me using the washing machine.  It's just my laundry.  I could understand if I had to use laundry-mat facilities...but I don't.  The socks go from the dryer to my gym bag...I don't put them anywhere else because going straight to my gym bag seemed like the smartest idea.  

So, where are my gym socks?  I don't understand.

And why do I have 3 socks...that's a 1-1/2 pairs...

(Sigh.)

You don't think someone is getting in to my gym locker and stealing my socks, do you?  I suppose I should invest in a lock and new socks.  Sheesh -- who would ever think to steal gym socks???

My 2 cents and other random Monday things... :)

For the past 27 minutes, I've been sitting Indian-style on my ottoman, staring at my computer screen (the blank blog post form), contemplating what to blog about this evening.  

It's weird that the Olympics are over.  And I would like to go on record for saying the closing ceremonies were awful.  I only watched (and I use the term "watched" loosely as I had to turn away from the t.v. screen) about 6 minutes.  The music was atrocious.  The clothing...ICK!  I just don't understand.  The opening was...well, during the Industrial Revolution -- that part was a little slow...but it was the INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION!  Back to the Closing...I wonder what kind of people are elected for the Olympic Ceremony Committee.  (I say the title of the committee as if I know that it's the official name...Confession:  I don't know that for a fact.)  I just finished up my Picnic Committee duties and am free for another 11 months, I could be on the Olympic Ceremony Committee...we have 4 years to plan.  Rio.  Hmmmm...I wonder what the theme will be in 4 years.  Actually, there will be Winter Games in 2 years.  The other day I was thinking about how old I will be during the next Olympics and it made me a little morose.  I mean, I will be 4 years wiser...let's hope.  :)

Anyway...Closing Ceremonies:  TWO THUMBS DOWN!  [Insert "Boooo!" and "Hiss!"]

After enduring the 6 minutes of the closing, I turned the moving picture box (AKA:  T.V.) off.  The truth is -- aside from the Olympics and a smidge bit of news I really don't watch t.v. all that much.  I get my fill of Fox News during my gym time.  It's win - win...cardio and information.

Speaking of the gym...tonight was the first night in about a month that I actually enjoyed working-out.  For the past 4 or 5 weeks, I've only gone to the gym because I knew deep down, I needed it...but tonight, it was nice to enjoy being there.  Thirty minutes of elliptical and I went home a happy girl.  

Home.  (Sigh!)  It's soo lovely to be home.  You do realize for the next 3-5 days, this is all I am going to blog about, right?  It's kinda like the first month of Sweater Weather...you know how I feel about Sweater Weather!!!!!!!!!  I suppose I should remind you...Edward's Apple Orchard opens in 11 more wake-ups!  Oh for a mug of warm apple cider...

You see, I'm a simple sort of girl.  A mug of warm apple cider, cooler temps, jeans, and a hoodie.  I'm set.  Oh, wait -- a good book.  And a friend to chit-chat with.  And maybe some of those gluten-free pumpkin muffins that I make using a gf boxed cake mix, can of pumpkin, and an egg.  

Today I was thankful for a busy day at work...I'm not kidding - I punched-in at 7:50-something and the next time I checked the clock it was 11 (time for break)!  Around 1 p.m., I accidentally selected SHUT DOWN under my Start menu...so down went what I was working on and instead of letting that bother me, I laughed OUTLOUD and went to lunch.  My co-workers, I'm fairly certain, thought that I was finally cracking-up.  I wasn't.  Not yet anyway...I'm sure that will come...eventually.  At 2 p.m. we had a Picnic Committee meeting to wrap things up and talk about suggestions to make 2013's Picnic more fabulous!  And the next thing I knew, it was 4:29 and people were proceeding to the timeclock to punch-out and yours truly was still sitting on her computer trying to get the thing to shut down.  Why is it that at 1 p.m. when I accidentally shut everything down, the computer seemed to operate more quickly than at 4:29?  Probably because I really, really, really wanted to leave.  

After work, I had to make a quick stop at the airport and drop something off at UPS.  It's sounds glamorous saying that I stopped at the airport.  It's not glamorous.  It's Rockford's airport and it will forever be Rockford's airport - no matter the fact that they officially call it "Chicago-Rockford International Airport."  They could add a bunch of other cool cities and it would still be Rockford's airport.  :)  No one ever asks my opinion...I think it's the naturally curly hair.

After UPS, a quick stop at the eye doctor because my new and improved...all .05% of the right eye...contact lenses are in.  I didn't feel like pointing out to the employee who called about my lenses that when I purchased them, the little man said he would ship them directly to the cottage.  It seemed like a lost cause...and really, I could make the eye doctor on my way to Gloria's!

Tonight I got to help a friend in need.  It was a nice feeling being able to rearrange my schedule and help Gloria.  I did a walk-through of her house and pretended that I was a potential buyer.  I got to open drawers and closets and comment.  It was kind of fun!  After the walk-through and final touch-ups, we went to Pier One where we oooohed and aaaaahed over a beautiful red rug.  It was truly a work of art.  It was technically a rose but if I am going to be honest, it reminded me of a Poinsettia.  It was beautiful!  

I'm pretty sure the Pier One guy was wanting to make a sale tonight...but instead he was stuck with two window-shoppers who happened to be in a hurry to get to Panera for nourishment.  :)

Said nourishment - Fuji Apple Chicken Salad.  I did explain to the Panera girl, "Please no bread anywhere near my plate.  No gluten.  I will get sick here."  I think it makes food workers nervous when you mention that you may get sick...in their restaurant.  I learned that little tip from the Gluten-Free Girl book that I read.  :)  She is a genius!

Salads and conversating.  What a beautiful combination.  At 7:00, I sent Gloria on her merry way to Indianapolis and I headed off to the gym.

What a great way to end a Monday!!!

Dark Chocolate

As far as I am concerned, dark chocolate is medicinal.  It’s soo good for you that you just NEED to consume it.  Seriously! 

The website www.allchocolate.com states:

“Studies show that eating chocolate, primarily dark chocolate, may contribute to improved cardiovascular health.  Packed with natural antioxidants, dark chocolate and cocoa sit in the same good-for-you category as green tea and blueberries.  That’s because chocolate comes from cacao beans (or cocoa beans), which grow on the cacao tree and are full of natural plant nutrients.  Most of the studies to date highlight dark chocolate’s health values because it has the highest percentage of cocoa solids, therefore more flavanol antioxidants.”

After reading this wonderful declaration by people who clearly understand the importance of dark chocolate…I asked myself (yes, outloud), “What are flavanol antioxidants?”  A quick Google search and I discovered they contain anti-aging benefits AND they help reduce effects of sun sensitivity.

Soooo what do I propose?  I, Angie Good, suggest that atleast once weekly, we embrace the benefits of dark chocolate and consume happily.

I embraced the flavanols and other antioxidants by purchasing a Dove Dark Chocolate bar.  And because I am an enabler, I bought one for my crafty co-worker.  I would hate to be the only one in the department to enjoy dark chocolate’s benefits.  Seems kinda selfish when you don’t share, right?

A very peculiar sort-of Thursday...

And when I say "very peculiar," I mean just not the norm.  


Have you ever had something HUGE that took alot of your time...and you had 97% of the task complete and you were over the whole this-is-never-going-to-get-done feeling but still kinda not sure about the last 3%?  That's how my morning started out...another round of edits on that terribly, wretched document...and when I finally realized that my overwhelming, mounded-high-with-stuff-TO-DO desktop (literal DESK TOP not my computer desktop) was more than I could get done in the next two days, I delegated.  Only then did I take a funny comment very seriously and felt a floodgate of tears about to open.  A quick prayer for Divine help (I suppose I should've written HELP!!!!!!) was uttered and a calm reassurance that He was in control and I just need to give this project 100% and my very best filled my heart.  


I was able to pass off one of the TO DO's to a co-worker...which might sound funny, but even though I gave her a headache-free project, it was still a relief knowing that one (just ONE) task was out of my hair! 


A deep breath, some calm music, and a cup of coffee helped me regroup and tackle the trying project on my desk.  This "trying project" might not be soo stressful or overwhelming or frustrating had the person in charge not waited 'til the last minute to hand it off to me...all 200+ pages.  Too keep my sanity, I reminded myself that the powers that be know that I was putting forth 100%...therefore this lack of preparation would not come back on me.  It's reassuring...but frazzling all the same.


Thankfully at 1:30 this afternoon, I was scheduled to donate blood!!!  I put the three exclamation points because I love donating blood.  It saves lives.  There are people that need my A+ blood.  It's something small that I can share with the world!  Soooo I went to the pink bloodmobile infront of my place of employment and shared the love.  It was a nice 45 minute break from my desk, a break from the bell at the window, and from my telephone.  Yahooooo!  

They made mention before I donated that my heart rate was elevated.  Ummmm---HELLO!  I WAS ENVISIONING A HUGE NEEDLE STABBING ME!  THAT IS CAUSE ENOUGH TO ELEVATE ONES HEART RATE, RIGHT?


Actually it might be slightly elevated because the stress of said project and the fact that for the past couple of weeks, I have turned in to a gym slacker, for lack of a better word.  Yes, the curly haired girl that was once obsessed with the gym and working out and being fit has turned in to a girl who has hit the gym once a week for the past three weeks.  I KNOW!  Are you shocked and scared as well?  No worries -- I've recruited the big guns to get me back on track and she was delighted to help!!!


After donating blood, we had a department meeting which was quite enjoyable.  I mean, we did talk sewers and such...but overall, everyone was in good spirits.  I did promise to bring a joke to the next meeting...which means I have 4 weeks to find a lame joke.  


Around 4 today, my favorite co-worker brought me stack of stuff to do.  He was kinda crabby about something and not really talkative.  Our conversation went as such...


Me:  "What's wrong?  You seem crabby.  Are you mad because I am not working on your stuff?" (pointed to his pile o'stuff)


Him:  NO REPLY


Me:  "....or are you just mad that I am sitting here getting paid to look cute?"


Him:  (stunned look on face)  "Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!" (he walks away)


Me: (calling out from my cubicle) "See -- I brightened your day!  You are laughing!  That was a freebie and a true statement!"


After punching out, I headed to pick-up Ruthie and scamper about Crimson Ridge.  For those of you who are not aware of what Crimson Ridge is...it's a huge gift boutique.  The building is divided into rooms and each room has a theme, of sorts.  I liked the sandals and scarves room.  WHO WOULDN'T?  :)  


We didn't purchase a single thing.  And actually, I think we might have scared the sales associates with our loud laughter and our comical interjections.  Poor Ruthie was on the verge of wanting "to take the gas pipe" as she so kindly put it.  Yes, we used Crimson Ridge as a bit of a therapy session or two....or three...or four.  


We were not asked to leave but I am sure the sales associates noticed a drop in volume when we vacated the premises and headed to Mary's Market where we met up with Barb and enjoyed a wonderful supper.  I had the Tropical Mango Salad -- strawberries, fresh mango, grilled chicken, pecans, feta cheese, and a fab dressing!  Ruthie ordered a guacamole grilled chicken salad and Barb had a chicken stir-fry meal.  We all partook of dessert -- Ruthie with a carrot cake treat, Barb had a key lime dessert, and I had a lemon bar.  The girls, also, ordered soup.  I opted for decaf coffee -- apricot.  It was not my favorite.  I prefer their chocolate raspberry blend...but the decaf apricot coffee sufficed.


And here it is...almost 9 p.m.  I turned on the furnace tonight.  I did not want to do it...but the cottage was soo cold and I want to make sure to get a good night's sleep tonight...just to ensure I am completely over my cold.  Which -- by the way -- I think the garlic killed my cold.  I should make a t-shirt and sell it.  "Garlic killed my cold!"  Garlic will also cause you to lose friends.  Wow -- that stuff comes out your pores!  It is some strong stuff.  


I guess I am labeling the day as "peculiar" because it was crazy-busy in the morning with an eventful afternoon...and then supper out with the girlies!  All-in-all this peculiar Thursday was actually rather wonderful.  Ooooh and this morning-ish, I made plans with my bestie for my birthday.  :)  FUN-TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!