Monday, May 31, 2010

P90X Day 90

Day 90.  That looks....sooooooo good.

Memorial Day 2010 and we're hanging with my parents in NY.  You know you're committed to a workout and a plan when you bring your DVD's with you on your long weekend, pack an extra set of workout clothes just in case you decide to stay for an extra day, and get up at 6:25 on your day off so it doesn't mess with the family's picnicking adventures.  

Recovery week began last Wednesday with a weigh in and measurements (yay!!)...and a lightened schedule.  Well.  Mostly.  :)  On day 81, I added in some double workouts...running, eliptical, a couple of other crazy things mixed in...it struck me that I may never achieve the stomach I want without a little extra effort (translation: fat burning cardio)...so on non-karate days (when I already get my double), I run or do something else.  The interesting thing about running...in addition to the fact that I hate to run...the first day I jumped on the treadmill in...a very long time...I ran. I mean, only two miles...but rewind a sentence or so: I hate to run.  I got brave this week and added a little distance, and cut two minutes off each mile (he he...don't be too impressed there...I'm now running ten-minute miles). I don't know how consistently I'll run....I still don't love it...but you know your physical condition has changed when you can do something completely outside your typical workout routine, and not want to die (and it's a good reason to have to buy a new pair of sneakers...shin splints suck).  

90 Days.  I feel strong.  I feel fit.  My body has changed.  I see muscle everywhere.  Muscle I didn't realize was hiding under there.  My shoulders, my triceps, my back...my thighs and calves.  I will admit, however, I still struggle looking in the mirror...even when you shrink almost 4 inches around from your neck to your hips...the proportions don't necessarily change...so you see the same body you saw before.  I don't see a waist that's 3.75 inches smaller than it was 3 months ago.  But.  I love how I feel.  My pants won't stay on and even my belts are too big, but...I seriously love how I feel.  Tomorrow, I take after pictures and more importantly, repeat the fit test (after Yoga. :) ).  I can't wait to see how much that has changed.  I may never look like Dreya, and I may never be able to flip that darn yoga block the long way like Shawna does...but I'm going to keep trying. 

And in October...Insanity. :)

Will report final measurement totals tomorrow. 

Round 2...Classic P90X...starts Wednesday.  And today...a walk through the gorge...wonder how many steps you actually climb on that hike?  Looks like we'll find out.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook, May 24, 2010

Outside my window...gray skies...but with the promise of 80's and sun. And the pool is almost clear...  

I am thinking... that 82 days has gone so quickly...can't wait for round 2!


I am thankful for... healthy, perfect, beautiful, well-adjusted, loving, compassionate, outgoing children.


I am wearing... white tank top, chocolate-brown bermuda length shorts. it's a horse lesson day.


I am remembering... thirteen years ago today, this moment...i was drinking Dunkin Donuts coffee, curling my hair, re-applying my make-up, and finding that my comb was sewn into my headpiece upside down, about to spill coffee on my white silk mary jane heels, all while my aunt and Seth's uncle snapped like paparazzi...getting ready for the biggest day of my life to that point. (and now, at the time of pushing "post," i was almost ready to walk down the aisle. posing for pics with mom and dad kissing my cheeks.)


I am creating... mock-ups of two wedding cakes.


I am going... mostly crazy. 


I am reading... the owner's manual for my palm pre.


I am hoping...  that the church's insurance company gets things taken care of quickly. 


On my mind... decorations for my newly painted bathroom.


From the learning rooms...  dividing decimals, borrowing and carrying review, animal classification, Assyrian history, drawing still life...15 days and counting.


Noticing that... a tidy house on a Monday morning brings much less stress for the week. as does a consistent workout schedule. hmm.


From the kitchen... plans for spaghetti and meatballs and Italian bread...


Around the house... neatness.


One of my favorite things... espresso.


Praying for... my sweet friend and her dear family. 


A Lyric or two...

The land unfit enough for planting
Barren enough to conceive
Poor enough to gain the treasure
Enough a cynic to believe
Enough a cynic to believe

Confused enough to know direction
The sun eclipsed enough to shine
Be still enough to finally tremble
And see enough to know I'm blind
And see enough to know I'm blind

It's just enough to be strong
In the broken places, in the broken places
It's just enough to be strong
Should the world rely on faith tonight?

-Jars of Clay, "Faith Enough"

A verse to share... 
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3

A few plans for the week... workouts (recovery week!), catching up on worship record-keeping, making the pool and the house sparkle, finding the top of my desk, enjoying a long weekend, dessert with friends on Friday, the normal sports/rehearsal schedule...

For more info or to get involved by writing your own Simple Woman's Daybook, 
CLICK HERE.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook, May 17, 2010

Outside my window...72 and overcast...but it's not raining yet, so i'm not complaining.  

I am thinking... about dear friends and sweet spirits.


I am thankful for... the ability to work hard and make plans to reach goals.


I am wearing... great jeans (thanks again, Sarah), a turquoise bloused, girly t-shirt, a-shade-lighter-than-the-shirt flip-flops and a silly grin.



I am remembering... that a year ago today, i was just beginning to unpack in a different house. again. and it wasn't this one.


I am creating... a cozy bathroom space, completely void of cherubic murals on the walls and figurines on my curtain rods.

I am going... to plan out some goals for the summer.  soon.


I am reading... still working through The Case for Faith. it's going to take a while.


 
I am hoping...  my knees don't hurt tomorrow.  or even that they don't hurt on Thursday. plyo with ouchy knees...no thanks.


On my mind... the realization that my girls...are growing up. fast.


From the learning rooms...  II Kings, multiplying fractions, more borrowing, finishing up our read-aloud, pretending we have more than 3 weeks to finish it all...



Noticing that... even the most amazing three children on the planet can wreak havoc in a home during a day when you allow them free reign while you work.

From the kitchen... breakfast for dinner.  Reasa making brownie cookies.  and a whole lot of clutter. because Lainie found all of the kid dishes in the garage yesterday. joy.


Around the house... a huge cushion fort in the living room (this is a theme lately), shredded wallpaper that the dog dragged all over the house while i worked, a ten-year-old who has forgotten that whineyness should end at...like...5. seriously.


One of my favorite things... conversation.


Praying for... peace. direction. patience. 


A Lyric or two...

What do I know of You
who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
but the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire are You fury?
Are You sacred, are You beautiful?
So what do I know...what do I know of Holy?

"What Do I Know of Holy" Addison Road

A verse to share... 
Psalm 71:5... "For You have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth."

A few plans for the week... finish the bathroom project, help friends fill up our garage so they can close on their house(s), sports, workouts, school, cake plans, and a softball game on Sunday. wish me luck. :)

For more info or to get involved by writing your own Simple Woman's Daybook, 
CLICK HERE.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Biting the bullet.

I have five beginnings of blog posts saved in drafts.  They start out being something interesting, and my mind wanders, and I can't make any sense of them past the first two sentences.  It's pathetic, actually.  So.  As a result of my lack of intelligent, even semi-interesting writing ability...let me sum up:

I.  My kids are amazing.  
   A.  The girls took their required fifth grade standardized tests on Tuesday, and they rocked them.  As a homeschooling mom, I question every decision, every curriculum choice, every teaching moment, every battle to get something finished, every single day.  Their test results made me...giddy.  They're not only getting the job done, they're kicking butt.  
  B.  Bryson can borrow.  I know this doesn't seem like a big deal to you...I get that borrowing is something you could do with your eyes closed and your hands tied behind your back.  But the girls couldn't borrow to save their freaking liveswhen I tried to teach them.  We literally spent an entire month working on the concept.  I don't know if Bryson just has a knack for math...it really seems like his brain just works that way...or what it is, but the look on his face when he finishes an assignment...well, it's mirrored in mine.

II.  I am completely insane.
  A.  May 2nd, I helped pull off an all-church celebration event at the Pickelner Arena here in town...my responsibilities included lights, sound, and helping to organize and lead worship for the event.  So many hands were involved in making this happen...and after hours and hours and hours of prep...it all came together.  I can't even tell you how long I spent in front of my computer screen making slide shows and organizing song lyrics.  Hours.  The response from the congregation, the overwhelming presence of God, the feeling at the end of the day...priceless.
  B.  I'm still in the process of moving this blog.  So far, nothing more than moving three months worth of posts and updating with each new one I write here has actually happened...but the process continues.   http://fiveofuscrazy.blogspot.com  <--- that's where you'll find me.  
  C.  I may have inadvertently taken on a wedding cake three hours away from me three weekends from now.  This week.  And it maybe wasn't inadvertently.  I'm not completely sure.  I hope my brother doesn't mind a house guest (or 4) that weekend. 
  D.  I had two wedding cake consults within 14 hours of each other this week.  I can't remember the details of either cake clearly without looking at my notes very carefully.  Hopefully I remember what each of the brides (and grooms) said.  :)
  E.  I have become obsessive about checking my email.  And less capable of producing a decent status update.
  F.  Complete insanity implies that I may not actually share all of the details with you.  It's part of the insanity.  Some of that is frustration with what it includes...some of it is just that...he he...I like secrets. :)  Insanity...it's a part of my life I sort of relish.

III.  Spring may never actually get here.
  A.  We have had snow, rain, sleet, frost, wind advisories, and heat in the past three weeks, with the heat being the most scarce.  Seth brought home a huge pit liner from work yesterday, torturing the children with the thought of an industrial strength slip-and-slide for the back lawn.  The temperature climbed to a whopping 64 degrees today, and Bryson was beside himself over the fact that I would not let him use it today..."Mom, it's HOT out.  Almost!"  Mmm. Yes.  Almost. 
  B.  Tomorrow's forecast calls for a high of 82.  You won't find me holding my breath.

IV.  My girlfriends and I should stop planning get-aways.
  A.  Tomorrow, we planned to leave for the weekend, meet at a tiny little cottage at a conference center someplace in Western PA, and spend the weekend being silly, scrapbooking, and talking until we fell asleep.  This marks the third trip we have cancelled in the past three months.  Sigh.  For the time being, we have given up.
  B.  Eventually, I may just take a trip all by myself.  With a couple of good books, my blog, P90X dvd's, and yummy snacks.  At a sweet little bed and breakfast in the middle of nowhere.  Cell phone optional.

V.  P90X has changed my life.  And my body.
  A.  I have completed 72 of 90 days of my first round of P90X.  I have never, ever felt stronger, more energized, or more happy with how I look.  Ever.
  B.  Getting up at 6:00 in the morning or before has never even crossed my mind as something I would look forward to.  Until now.  Even when I've only gotten 4 hours of sleep. 
  C.  I think there is something wrong with me.  But I like it.  And in 19 days, I'll start round 2.  And after that, I'm pretty sure I'll try Insanity.
  D.  I have hit every single one of the goals (and surpassed some of them) I set at the beginning of this 90 days except for the weight goal...which is a little silly...because I picked a random number out of the air (a number I haven't weighed since middle school).  I'll let you know if I hit that one (I'm not planning to, frankly, but I'll keep working at it).  The goals I have hit include losing 3 inches from my chest, 3.5 inches from my waist, and 3 from my hips (all of which are at least .5 in. more than my goals)...which may not seem like a big deal, but, umm...it sure feels like it. 
  E.  I desperately need new pants. :)

VI.  Life is complicated.

Enough said.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook, May 10, 2010

Outside my window...a deceiving day...it looks soooo much warmer than it is. go away, wind. you'll blow off all my blooming lilacs.

I am thinking...  altogether too much. about things that are too hard.


I am thankful for...cherished friends.


 
I am wearing... dark blue skinny cut, bootleg jeans, a turquoise dressy t, off-white cardigan, and freshly cut hair.


I am remembering... when things were simple and straightforward.


I am creating...a plan of action.


I am going... away with girlfriends this weekend...I hope.


I am reading... The Case for Faith, Lee Stroebel.


 
I am hoping...  that at the end of the tunnel, the light isn't a locomotive.


On my mind... my kids. their little hearts.


From the learning rooms...  evaluations and testing tomorrow. borrowing. multiplying decimals.


Noticing that... it's amazing how little you accomplish when all you can think about is...tomorrow.


From the kitchen... lasagna. french bread.


 
Around the house... clutter left over from an overnight with a 7-year-old. :)


One of my favorite things... strawberry shortcake. with berries fresh from Daddy's garden.


Praying for...clarity. wisdom. direction. 


A Lyric or two... 

Ride the wave, wave goodbye, and by the way did I mention today
That I don't know the way home
So could you take me by he hand and lead me to the drier land
So I can finally breathe again instead of sinking like a stone
And now I will diligently and not religiously but affectionately come
Before the throne of your grace in this place and seek your face
for all eternity and then some
 -Jimmy Needham, "Lost at Sea"

A verse to share... Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:2-6


A few plans for the week... school. evaluations/testing. normal sports. hoping for a weekend with the girls...planned for a long time. 
For more info or to get involved by writing your own Simple Woman's Daybook, CLICK HERE

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Can't get it out of my head...


Once in a while, I just can't stop singing one song.  Over and over, until everyone around me is like, "Min, seriously??"  

OK, so if I'm being honest, most of the time some song dances through my mind like background music...and sometimes, one in particular, for a long period of time.  Like...a really long period.  Like all week.  This week in particular, this Jimmy Needham song has consumed me.  I'm actually a little tired of it because since I don't actually know all of the lyrics, it's been just the chorus.  Well, now it will be the whole thing (thank you, google).

If you don't know "Dearly Loved," google it.  I'm sure it's on youtube.  But here are the lyrics I can't stop singing...not because you need to read them, necessarily, but because, hey, this is my blog. Someday my kids will read this and say, "Yep. I remember that week. How annoying." :)

Please lay down your arrows 
'cause they're sure to pierce the skin 
And water from a broken well 
Will make you thirst again 
When all things you've acquired 
Are tested by the flames 
And you can see them melting 
Then will you call his name? 

And it's worth it brothers 
And it's worth it friends 
To know your maker 
To lose your sin 
Did you know that you are dearly loved? 

To the slaughters you are being led 
Being told that it's a party 
That this God is in your head 
And every single lie 
Sounds just like the greatest truth 
But the one truth you're not hearing 
Is that he died for you 

And it's worth it brothers 
And it's worth it friends 
To know your maker 
To lose your sin 
Did you know that you are dearly loved?

No greater joy 
No greater peace 
No greater love than this

And it's worth it brothers 
And it's worth it friends 
To know your maker 
To lose your sin 
Did you know that you are dearly loved?

Thursday, May 6, 2010

There may be something wrong with me.


I can't tweet.  I can't come up with decent status updates.  I can't decide on a single thing to blog.  The mind that constantly thinks along these lines...won't.

I'm either entirely preoccupied...

...or it's writer's block...

...or something.

Meanwhile, I'm done staring blankly at my screen, and I'm going to bed at 10:15.  Maybe my brain will turn back on tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

P90X Day 63

So as it turns out, I was two days ahead of myself on Friday--Sunday actually marked day 60...ah, well. It doesn't change how I'm feeling about the program one tiny bit. Or the results. As my back hit the floor in Back Hero today during stretch, and as I stop being so danged jealous of Shawna's ability to move like she's truly made of play doh, as Tony says, I am continually blown away by how much my body is changing. More than just the muscle tone and the weight loss and the fact that my clothes don't fit...I can move. I challenged my gymnast daughter to a split contest the other day...and beat her on every one. Today, it was royal dancer pose in the kitchen...she decided she wants to use that one in her optional beam routine. :)

I will say that at the end of week 9, I'm a little more sore than I have been the past couple of weeks (which makes sense. last week was recovery, so mostly cardio and stretching. this week...chest and back, plyo, etc...it's a big switch). But...I like sore. I know that it means the muscles that keep showing up are getting what they need. I blew my hair dry the other morning and noticed in the mirror that even my forearms have actual definition. Crazy. I don't expect big changes when I weigh and measure tomorrow...but I'm OK with that. I'm really close to my goals, and I'm not complaining. And in the form of an update...the weight gain thing I was battling? Yeah, that's over. But I'll blame that more on stress and a bit of an emotional workout than on P90X. Because, umm, you have to eat with this program. If you don't...it's not good. I won't be throwing away my scale anytime soon, but I will say it's definitely not my focus anymore. And if you know me, you know that weight has kind of always been a focus.

I look forward to Chest, Shoulders, Tris and Ab Ripper tomorrow...

...but 5:45 will come early. G'night.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Amazing

You know those friends who are just amazing?? The ones who stand behind you and remember things you forgot you told them and take time to let you know they're thinking of you and they love you and you are on their mind at just the right moment??

Pretty incredible. What a gift.