A few weeks ago, I adopted a new gym routine. I realized I was coming home fatigued and in no mood following an 8+ hour workday, to sweat to any oldies or move any muscles, in any direction. I decided to give the early bird method a whirl and have been pleasantly surprised to the ease at which I have taken to it.
The drawback besides the hour-early wake up call, is the amount of people already there. I am a curious creature, heavily set in my ways, and prefer to do my cardio routine first. When all treadmills are occupied, I swallow a large pill labeled "I-could-have-slept-in-if-I had-known-this-is-what-I-was-going-to-meet!" I know you burn the same amount of calories starting the routine with weights, or on an eliptical, but I just don't like that. I like to feel the sweat first, then move on to the pumping iron period. I feel cheated when I get up at 6 a.m. to just lift some weights. It's not worth it to me. I need to feel my heart racing! Lifting does not do that for me.
One major plus to the early bird workout is the lack of children present. I cannot understand for the life of me why people bring their kids to an apartment community gym. This is only dealt with on the weekends when I go at normal hours to whip my fatness into shape, but it's becoming somewhat regular. I get that a couple might want to work out together but its a little weird when you are on the treadmill and have a baby tied to your back sloshing around squealing. Might I make a suggestion: stagger your workouts-you are only missing each other by an hour, really. It's worth it.
Secondly, the gym is not a playground. There are no monkey bars, see saws, or swing sets. It is no excuse for the park. Today, I bit my tongue as some grandfather let his two angels under 5 years old run, fall, and get thrown off the treadmill, to their utter delight, and his turned head missed it all. As if that wasn't fun enough, turning on and off all of the televisions, meddling with the weight machine settings, and flinging pull up bars, seemed to be their idea of afternoon fun. Perhaps I am turning into a critical, narcisisstic old woman, early. But seriously, that is out of control. Plus, my Type-A personality should point out, no kids are even ALLOWED in the gym! You have to be 18 years old, GEEZ.
My final problem boils down to television etiquette. If I am coming into a gym session when all tv's are in use, and then a treadmill becomes occupied, I take over the tv and change it to any program I wish. What I do continue to respect is the volume level. One must just deal with the closed captioning until the TV Czar leaves his thrown, and the second in line can take over, and so on, and so forth. I would not come into the gym, turn channels, nor volume up and down. It is rude and quite assuming that I want to listen to Tyra Banks. For the record, I would swim that day.
When I go to the gym, I am geared up to zone out and burn some major calories, in the name of a fabulous bod. I do not go to socialize, as I know I work out best solo. I do not go to make friends, or even to converse, period. It is a time of utter self-absorption. Please respect the time of those of us who are there by keeping the kids at home, not hogging the tv or machines for that matter, and just minding your p's and q's.
thank you and happy sweating.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
6 billion and counting, oh my.
Why oh why is this world so populated?
I find it much more noticeable during the holiday season. People literally leave the safe confines of their home to venture into malls, grocery stores, and the streets. I have a theory that some of these people come out so infrequently that they forget how to mesh with the rest of us that make it a point to leave our homes at least five times a day. These special humans are most noticeable in the following ways:
1. Their mobility is limited. They stop in doorways, the middle of aisles, and generally the busiest of places. It is likely that they are also the culprits braking on the road with no car or obstacle in front of them.
2. They hold up lines, lines, LINES! This species also seems to forget how the American dollar works. It is true, it's crap, but so is money all over the world, probably even the Monopoly money they are used to in their hibernating dwellings. For some reason that I hope I am rewarded for at a later time in life, they are also ALWAYS in front of me. I carefully scope out which Target/Trader Joe's/Albertson's line looks to be moving the fastest and somehow they sneak in and lose their monetary marbles. No you cannot use a combination of 7 credit/gift/debit cards to pay for that purchase. No, please do not decide to open a Target account in front of me and then proceed to debate for 10 mins over what split purchase to apply your 15% discount.
3. They generally have zero fashion sense. I know that claim is a bit below the belt, but come on people! At least roll out of bed and throw some pants and real shoes on--pajamas and slippers are not made for the public's viewing, EVER. Remember that it was only a few short years ago that women wore gloves, pearls, pantyhose, and heels. Men wore three piece suits and carried pocket watches. Their pants rose near the navel, not the knees. Show some effort for the rest of us who have to look at all of you.
Bottom line, hibernators, when entering the public sector, be aware of your surroundings. People move at a fast past-time is flying by and those of us that shake each day are out there taking advantage of it. Do stop and smell the flowers, but pull over and do it on your own time. If we are going to share the same resources we need to get along and move at a compatible speed.
It's at least 60 on the freeway and crocs are never ok.
I find it much more noticeable during the holiday season. People literally leave the safe confines of their home to venture into malls, grocery stores, and the streets. I have a theory that some of these people come out so infrequently that they forget how to mesh with the rest of us that make it a point to leave our homes at least five times a day. These special humans are most noticeable in the following ways:
1. Their mobility is limited. They stop in doorways, the middle of aisles, and generally the busiest of places. It is likely that they are also the culprits braking on the road with no car or obstacle in front of them.
2. They hold up lines, lines, LINES! This species also seems to forget how the American dollar works. It is true, it's crap, but so is money all over the world, probably even the Monopoly money they are used to in their hibernating dwellings. For some reason that I hope I am rewarded for at a later time in life, they are also ALWAYS in front of me. I carefully scope out which Target/Trader Joe's/Albertson's line looks to be moving the fastest and somehow they sneak in and lose their monetary marbles. No you cannot use a combination of 7 credit/gift/debit cards to pay for that purchase. No, please do not decide to open a Target account in front of me and then proceed to debate for 10 mins over what split purchase to apply your 15% discount.
3. They generally have zero fashion sense. I know that claim is a bit below the belt, but come on people! At least roll out of bed and throw some pants and real shoes on--pajamas and slippers are not made for the public's viewing, EVER. Remember that it was only a few short years ago that women wore gloves, pearls, pantyhose, and heels. Men wore three piece suits and carried pocket watches. Their pants rose near the navel, not the knees. Show some effort for the rest of us who have to look at all of you.
Bottom line, hibernators, when entering the public sector, be aware of your surroundings. People move at a fast past-time is flying by and those of us that shake each day are out there taking advantage of it. Do stop and smell the flowers, but pull over and do it on your own time. If we are going to share the same resources we need to get along and move at a compatible speed.
It's at least 60 on the freeway and crocs are never ok.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Le Quick Chick
Watch out Rachael Ray, here is dinner in 10!
Chicken
Chicken pieces-whatever you have on hand and however many you can eat, thawed: breast, tenders, legs, thighs, bird
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Steak seasonings
Heat skillet with olive oil and garlic. Sprinkle chicken pieces with seasonings. Cook each side until golden brown.
Rice
Use Minute Rice-boil water, add rice, let sit for a few minutes and voila!
Veggies
Whatever veggies you have on hand. I used:
1 zucchini, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
1/4 onion, chopped
1 c spinach
Heat skillet with olive oil and onion. Add zucchini and tomato and cook until zucchini browns. Mix in fresh spinach until it wilts. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve.
As I would say, you have an easy and healthy meal from start to finish in under....10 minutes!
Chicken
Chicken pieces-whatever you have on hand and however many you can eat, thawed: breast, tenders, legs, thighs, bird
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Steak seasonings
Heat skillet with olive oil and garlic. Sprinkle chicken pieces with seasonings. Cook each side until golden brown.
Rice
Use Minute Rice-boil water, add rice, let sit for a few minutes and voila!
Veggies
Whatever veggies you have on hand. I used:
1 zucchini, sliced
1 tomato, sliced
1/4 onion, chopped
1 c spinach
Heat skillet with olive oil and onion. Add zucchini and tomato and cook until zucchini browns. Mix in fresh spinach until it wilts. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve.
As I would say, you have an easy and healthy meal from start to finish in under....10 minutes!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wedding Bells!
...introducing the Mr. & Mrs!
September 7 was a beautiful date as I married my best friend and became his wife.
We went on a fabulous honeymoon to Boston:
Fenway Park--the energy was crazy!
At Harvard....
And Scott's second choice school, MIT:
From Boston we flew to NYC:
Overlooking the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park
At The Met (though these knights in shining armor pale in comparison to mine)
Cold, windy, and raining at the top of the Empire State Building:
At Yankee Stadium!
And finally on to the paradise that is Fiji
At the Taveuni Island Airport
Tavoro Falls Waterfall Hike
BBQ Snorkel trip on an uninhabited island
Enjoying the local brew, kava
Our last night in paradise
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Deep Breaths
As of tomorrow My Boy and I will be a month out from our marriage. This is mind boggling to me, as the months of preparation roll into the last minute details.
I hope that he is looking forward to certain moments as much as I am, as so many of these define the day for me, or at least how I anticipate it to be remembered.
This last month is kind of a final enjoyment period of the engagement stage, which really has been a whirlwind and utterly fun. I hope he has enjoyed the ride as much as I have.
I hope that he is looking forward to certain moments as much as I am, as so many of these define the day for me, or at least how I anticipate it to be remembered.
This last month is kind of a final enjoyment period of the engagement stage, which really has been a whirlwind and utterly fun. I hope he has enjoyed the ride as much as I have.
Friday, July 11, 2008
My Girl's 25th
My best girl turned 25 last month, and as is customary with our 19 year relationship, I determined she needed a surprise birthday party. It had been 4 years since her last, so with the help of her boyfriend and fellow roommate, we launched Operation Summer Solstice (with an ounce of intelligence you can guess the party date.)
Ms. PhD, as she will be know in the anonymous online world, was having a bit of a problem as this mid-point number loomed at her, so I figured, what better way than to throw a child-themed birthday with adult twists?!?! My Little Pony seemed to be the clear winner since the line is still around these days, albeit much sassier than I remember. I pretty much purchased everything cheesy that Party America had to offer in that department and set to work. Her BF and I decided to do Roman Cucina food for obvious reasons and since it is delicious, and cupcakes from her favorite bakery, the scrumptiousness that is Sprinkles. It turns out that our child-turned-adult party had very juvenile elements with a seasoned spin (decadent pizza, gourmet cupcakes, beer that would have otherwise been Hawaiian punch, etc.). We also could not let the soiree be pinata-less, so enter the Backyardigans. I had never heard of this Nickelodeon staple, but Uniqua was purchased for the event and definitely was a hit.
I had a great time planning the party with Roberto and I think he enjoyed his first real intro to party planning too. Unfortunately he broke the cardinal rule, "thou shall not leave email box open for GF to see" but c'est la vie as they say! Ms. PhD was not surprised although VERY appreciative of the love and attention from her many circles of friends. It is one of my favorite things in the world to do treat my best pals like this-so look out, if you are in the INNER CIRCLE you could be next!
Roomie Co-Conspirator preparing Ms. PhD for Uniqua's demise
MLP tats-the next rage on LA Ink:
Happy 25th Friend!!!
Cheers to a lifetime more birthdays together =D
Ms. PhD, as she will be know in the anonymous online world, was having a bit of a problem as this mid-point number loomed at her, so I figured, what better way than to throw a child-themed birthday with adult twists?!?! My Little Pony seemed to be the clear winner since the line is still around these days, albeit much sassier than I remember. I pretty much purchased everything cheesy that Party America had to offer in that department and set to work. Her BF and I decided to do Roman Cucina food for obvious reasons and since it is delicious, and cupcakes from her favorite bakery, the scrumptiousness that is Sprinkles. It turns out that our child-turned-adult party had very juvenile elements with a seasoned spin (decadent pizza, gourmet cupcakes, beer that would have otherwise been Hawaiian punch, etc.). We also could not let the soiree be pinata-less, so enter the Backyardigans. I had never heard of this Nickelodeon staple, but Uniqua was purchased for the event and definitely was a hit.
I had a great time planning the party with Roberto and I think he enjoyed his first real intro to party planning too. Unfortunately he broke the cardinal rule, "thou shall not leave email box open for GF to see" but c'est la vie as they say! Ms. PhD was not surprised although VERY appreciative of the love and attention from her many circles of friends. It is one of my favorite things in the world to do treat my best pals like this-so look out, if you are in the INNER CIRCLE you could be next!
Peanut butter-choc chip cookies, Sprinkles, MLP hats, and Uniqua grace the table:
Roomie Co-Conspirator preparing Ms. PhD for Uniqua's demise
MLP tats-the next rage on LA Ink:
Happy 25th Friend!!!
Cheers to a lifetime more birthdays together =D
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