The Chat- Check in Thread: May 1 - 15, 2007
 

OK, OK, so I'm jumping the gun by about 4 and a half hours...but mornings just don't work for me anymore!

I never did go visit the fancy gym down the road. With no traffic, I only live about 6 minutes (I drive really fast!) from where I work assuming no slooooow cars or long lines of UPS trucks. So I came home at lunch time and did my chest workout, them raced back to work and ate my lunch that I'd brought :lol: I'm still planning on checking out the gym, but another day. It's horrendously expensive, but for some of my workouts, I really need a gym. I can't duplicate what I like to do completely at home :( Getting my lifting done at lunchtime makes life soooo much easier than afterwork.

Shan! That's great news :D Congratulations- now you can join the rest of the world who spends their weekends at Home Depot:devil:

Tomorrow my mother and step-father arrive for two weeks. Yikes...they will have to entertain themselves. Maybe they'll cook and do yardwork, lol. My step-father is annoyed that I no longer belong to a gym with a sauna. He likes to lift 3 times a week and spend half an hour in the sauna each time. I told him to lift at my house, then go in the computer room and keep the door closed :p With 5 machines in here it gets pretty toasty :dizzy:

HAPPY MAY!

Mel

Wow early!!

When DH and I were looking at homes, one of them is near a Washington Sports Club (can we say $$$). They even charge for "trial" memberships. Our primary choice though is near where we live now and we live near a Ballys (but it sucks) and a Gold's gym (I belong to Ballys and I'm too cheap to try to switch).

I also work near a really nice gym and it can be on my drive home but I like working out at home.

Ah, expensive gyms. They're so much fun, if money is no object!;) Mine is a medium/expensive gym. In downtown Toronto, there are lots of choices but this one is about a 30 second walk from my office so that pretty much says it all. I get a corporate rate and enjoy the perks so it's not bad. I know there are some other very fancy/shmancy gyms nearby that, I think, charge $1000 initiation plus $150+ per month! Craziness, I know. I have to imagine that it's filled with lawyers/bankers and probably a lot of corporate memberships.

Anyway, everyone just does what they can I guess. For me, I need the gym or I just don't work out (at least not regularly and not too well). I wish I had the room for all the equipment at home...and that I used it! Then maybe my dh would use it too. He's finally starting to mumble about "maybe I should get some exercise too". It was shocking but we'll see if it goes anywhere. I have to find that balance between supportive and nagging.

:carrot: This is for being almost May!

:D

Hi Everyone:wave:

From the previous thread looks like most everyone had a great weekend! Saturday was a little iffy here but the sun finally peeked through around noon and we felt a little more motivated to go into weekend mode. Sunday was insane, the weather was beautiful and everyone and their aunt was either calling me or showing up at my front door wanting to do something. It's nice to be loved...:s: My plans for the day changed by the hour but somehow we still fit in a bike ride with DSs at the park like I promised.

DS2 has the sweetest little bike. If I haven't mentioned it before it is a two wheeler with no pedals, and no brakes. He just runs his feet on the ground to make it go. Boy is that child fast! He gets it cranked up and then coasts for quite a while with great balance. Cutest thing. Unfortunately, he can't keep up with those of us who are using pedals. Our bike ride was a little short but he felt like a big guy going with us instead of being stuffed into a trailer. Next year...he'll be ready for the real thing.

MEL: Thanks for the ant tip. I like the idea of using cinnamon. It must smell better than the insecticide too. Fortunately, it wasn't a big problem. I sucked them up with my trusty vacuum and haven't seen anymore since. Hikerchick, was that you with the carpenter ants? Those things wig me out. They are so big and like you said they have wings. :fr:

SHAN: Wow a house and a wedding all in the same year. And your stress level is in check? It's good stress though. Congratulations! :hug:

About those fancy gyms...ya know, there is a fancy gym that was just renovated less than ten minutes from me. DH also is eligible for a corporate discount membership that extends to our family but I prefer my current gym. It is further away and not quite as large but I don't think I want trendy and large. :dunno: Parking is a real issue at this trendy gym for me too. They encourage members to park across the street of a rather busy four lane road when spaces in the front lot are full. Yeah, I don't think so. Not a "privilege" I'm willing to pay extra for. :s:

Oh, let see, what else can I rant about this evening...? :devil: Nah, life is good who am I kidding? I did 55 minutes of cardio, HIIT elliptical and cycling, 30 minutes of LBWO, and 15 minutes of core and stretching. Knees are feeling healthier and my turkey meatballs made everyone smile at dinner tonight. :goodvibes: Well, actually the chianti was responsible for DH's grin but, I'll take credit for that too. ;) This week my goal is to hit the gym five more days in a row, keep the eating squeaky clean until Saturday and drop a couple of pounds that really do want to leave. Really, they do...:rollpin:

Hey gals - Happy May!

I have just 5 months left before my wedding - eek! It didn't seem like I had much left to do, but now that it's getting close, the details are popping up to deal with, and that is starting to stress me out a bit!

I also need/want to lose 20# more by then, so I've got that work to do as well. My program is back on track, after last week's travel threw things out of whack a bit.

I'm quite spoiled when it comes to gyms - mine is at work, and we only pay $3/week to use it! Now granted, it's rather small, and doesn't have the latest equipment, but at times I am the only person in there, and I LOVE that! Then I don't feel so self conscious doing things like mountain climbers and not being able to do them for more than 30 seconds! So, I can't complain!

Mel - I love the cinnamon idea as well - I have some on the counter as we speak, but the ants seem to have moved on - last weekend was another story - I was killing them left and right!

I did a "core training for golf" class this afternoon, and boy are my abs sore! This is the 4th week of this class, and I've really got to do these exercises at least one more time/month to get myself used to them! It's really Pilates/abs work in disguise, so some men would participate!

Well, dinner's just about ready, so I'd better go attend to it!
Cindy

:lol: What is it about men that they think yoga and pilates is so beneath them. There were a few guys that would occasionally show up at my yoga class back at the YMCA I used to go to in LA, but they were all Indian and the male instructor was British. Maybe it’s just an American machismo thing?

I finally got out for a run last night. Just wasn’t feeling it though, my calves and ankles were feeling kind of tight and just didn’t care to participate. Did my usual 3 miles anyway.

I’m thinking some core and back and shoulders should do for tonight.

Have to show the apartment to a prospective renter tonight. The landlady will let us out of our lease as long as we help her get a suitable tenant in there when we leave.

Cindy - I forgot to wish you good luck with the pre-wedding weight loss goal. Just 5 months to go, it must be getting down to crunch time with all your plans for the big day! I originally thought that I might like to hit my overall goal by my wedding date, but even with it still being over a year away I have my reservations. I only lost 1 pound in all of April, and I would say my food was pretty good most of the time and the exercise efforts about what I’m able to regularly maintain with my schedule. Heck, even if I only lose 10 or 15 more lbs I will still be at my lowest adult weight ever, so I would be pretty happy with that.

Hello everyone,

Boy have I been a slug this week. My runs are good but I have been lazy in the weight lifting department. I keep thinking that perhaps my body needs a little bit of rest. Perhaps, but I don't want to give it too much rest KWIM?

I'll try to kick myself in gear and get some sort of workout in today.

Shan congrats on the house!!!

Cindy 5 months to wedding. Very exciting.

And Shan's getting married too. Wow. I must have not been paying attention. When you think about it it doesn't really matter if you are at goal or not. Every little bit more is so much better than before.

Kids are being kids gotta go.

Have a great day!

Actually, my dress pretty much fits me already - it's a little snug in the bust, but can be altered if necessary. I would be more comfortable in it if I lost the weight - but that's not why - it's more of a personal goal. I regained a lot of this weight since I started to date my DF, and it's sort of my wedding present to myself to get down closer to the weight I was when we met.

But, I don't want it to add to my stress, so I will just keep plugging along as I have, and if I'm as successful as I was the first three months of this year, I will be thrilled with that!
Cindy

:wave: Hi all.

Spent yesterday SITTING most of the day at a training. Bah! I was tired than most days at work when I'm more active. Took myself straight outdoors for my scheduled training walk, and felt so much better for it! :) Doing the same this evening, though today was more "normal" at work.

Hiker - you do need to rest from WL once in awhile, don't feel badly, you won't lose much as long as you go back to it in a week or so.

Lydia - you sound like you had a really good weekend.

Cindy - 5 months will fly by. Good luck with getting it all done, and don't stress the 20#. At least you weren't unwise enough to buy your dress to fit 20# lighter. :lol:

Mel - how's the job going?

Gyms: I don't really have a choice if I want to drive less than 30 minutes. We have one real gym in town, along with a Curves, and a "cardio express" type place (which as it sounds has only cardio equipment, and NO SHOWERS!). There are 2 price levels at my gym, the basic which gives you everything except classes and raquetball, and the deluxe which of course adds classes and raquetball. We get a $5/person discount for being seniors, and end up paying $78/month for the basic. The owners are nice, and often around. I've taken some of the classes (trial basis) and they're okay, but not enough to up our membership (we don't play raquetball). I do wish it had a pool ( the HS one has limited public hours) and a hottub, but overall it's good. Has tons of free weights and machines, adequate :tread: :ebike: and elliptical for cardio, plus a couple stairsteppers.

:D Hi There All!

Mel: How are things going with the parental units? I think it's adorable that your step-dad got used to the sauna @ your old gym....but then again, if he winds up grumpy about it....then: :kickbutt:

On the topic of gyms: The gym that I LOVED (Powerhouse) wound up closing-I spent 8 wonderful years there. It was the best because of the environment & fellow lifters (and non-lifters) that belonged there. I would have paid any amount to stay there because of the support & energy created w/everyone up in the house throwing up weights and training for marathons or bodybuilding shows. Hmmm...those were the days!

Now, I belong to a health club that is affiliated w/a local hospital. It's great in that there are tons of options for lots of people. The downside is...there really aren't many bodybuilders around-a lot of seniors that are there doing physical therapy. So, the atmosphere does little to motivate ya to get down & duuuurty! But, it's offered @ a discounted rate through my job...so that's the one I went with. For me, the atmosphere is key (and right now there are no gyms that offer it). I agree with Elisa that if I don't have a gym membership, I just don't remain faithful in my workouts.

Lydia: How's it goin' w/the mini goal this week w/workin' out 5 days? I haven't been up to doing anything-tired still. Really, I just need to force myself to do it-I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I really am using this hypothyroid thang as an excuse to stay heavy so that I have something to complain about. :dizzy: Wow-so if I am....I really would be my worst enemy eh? LOL about the chianti comment!

Cindy: Can you describe your dress a little? Is it sleeveless? Lacy? If I ever get married (I'm almost 40, who am I kidding?), I want something with a little color running through the bottom-like ribbons of hot pink or something crazy like that! :D

Hiker: I still give you credit (even though you feel sluggish), 'cause anyone with kids is always on the go! So don't beat yourself up!

HI PAT! HI SHAN-Did you find a renter to take over the lease yet?

Have a fab day all! Melinda

Melinda - don't give up yet - I'm a first-time bride at 43!

My dress actually *does* have sleeves - it was hard to find one that did, but I felt the need to cover my arms - the area of my body I am least happy with!

The dress is white - I'd wanted ivory, but as it was an discontinued style, beggars can't be choosers!The skirt is matte satin, with a wrap-waist with side draping. The bodice above the waist is lace w/lots of beading and sequins, sweetheart neckline. The sleeves are sheer, slighty off-shoulder with lace appliques and tiny covered buttons at the wrist. Small train with some lacy detail added. I'll have to take a picture the next time I try it on.

You'd be surprised - there is much color in dresses these days - you can have colored sashes, and some dresses even have colored embroidery. Many designers have dresses in pink, gold and blue, as well as traditional white and ivory!
Cindy

All this wedding talk is making me feel all misty eyed. I am such a romantic!

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I don't feel too bad about taking a little break.

I even got little mini workouts in on M and W. A few squats, lunges and pushups and hang and try to pullups. I think I got in a whole 30 minutes yesterday and I am aiming for a more thorough upper body tomorrow. I think its lower body that is needing the break. Probablly cause I ran 6.5 miles of hilly terrain on Sunday. Duh!

Still trying to convince my body that I am wonder woman.

Cindy – Your dress sounds lovely. You’re right, it does seem to be next to impossible to find something with sleeves! As long as I don’t feel like my dress is in danger of falling I’m pretty open to strapless styles at this point. After much online searching I’ve finally found some styles I would like to go check out in person. Alfred Angelo just added a whole bunch of new one and I found this one in the lot: http://www.alfredangelo.com/index.cf...f-dbfca138c5d3

I don’t care for the pink/white color scheme, I’d probably do ivory with an accent color to match the bridesmaids (celadon green and/or cornflower blue are what I’m thinking). I like the overall shape, weight of the fabric, embroidery, the lace-up back. And it’s under $600! Hope I like it when I try it on, I’ll have to see if any local stores have a sample available (with my luck they will only have one in size 4 :rolleyes:).

I am feeling pretty sluggish on the workout front, not sure why. Food has been pretty good at least this week. Off for another run tonight, hopefully better than the last one. Maybe I’ll do some pilates core work as well, see how I feel after the run.

We’ve only shown the apartment once, got another prospective renter coming in Saturday. Hope we find one soon, shouldn’t be too hard what with it being spring and all the students shifting around this time of year.

You are wonder woman! How long have you been running? I'm hoping I can do a 10k race by next year, but anything over 3 miles is really a struggle for me right now.

Hi all!
I've been wandering around this wonderfully huge site and I think I want to hang out here. I tend not to post a lot but I like to read everything.
I lift at home about 4x a week. We don't own a scale in my house so I only measure my success in sizes. I'm almost into my 18-20's with my goal being about a 14-16.
I hope to get to know you all a bit more while I'm here.

My mother has hijacked my computer in the evenings! I'm really still here :wave:

I joined the big country club-spa gym yesterday on a two month trial membership. They don't even call themselves a gym. I call it the "unfitness center". They have fantastic FreeMotion equipment, lots of free weights and loads of racks. Very few people using the free weights at lunch time, so it's perfect. A couple of guys, a few retirees and me. I drew heavy stares with what I was doing and probably for how I look (muscled). It's fantastic to be able to lift for 45 minutes at lunch time, get back to work, and be done. Racing home from work and lifting at home while I was trying to make dinner, lunches and breakfast was killing me! So far I've gotten up every morning and done 45 minutes of cardio. Yay me!

Hi lowcarblou! Measuring success in sizes and fitness level is a wonderful way to guage progress:D

Pat- I agree, the sitting days are soooo much more tiring than the racing around days!

All the wedding dress talk makes me sorry I eloped- but that's what I wanted then. Now I'd like to have a gorgeous dress, lol!

OK, mom wants the computer :(

Mel

Mel - too funny you're having to share your computer with your mom! :) Your gym (or whatever they want to call it) sounds nice. Being able to squeeze in a decent work out at lunch is exactly why I overpay for my gym. You've got to do what works for you and for me, at lunch is the best. What would I be doing otherwise? Not too much probably.

I've been quite busy this week too and only got in three workouts. I'm determined to get in at least one 5k run this weekend. Last weekend in didn't happen but I'm not as busy this time and the weather is supposed to be great. Add that to some gardening that must be done and I should be okay. It might even make up for the cake and icecream (yes, just like a kid's party) that I just had for dessert...but I doubt it :o

lowcarblou - you're smart to measure your success that way. I am a slave to the scale and it's sometimes to my detriment since I have, in the past, let it affect my moods. not good. Also....Welcome!

Tired...off to sleep. Have a great weekend everyone!

:D

Hi Everyone:wave:

Melinda: Yep, I did meet my mini goal this week of working out everyday and keeping it clean. Okay, Thursday I took off and had lunch with DH (in Grandview Mel) But who could blame me. It was a sunny day, DS2 had a playdate and I had four hours to myself. :sunny:

I made up for it today though. I spent two hours working out this morning and feel like I still didn't get everything in. :dizzy: I think it's time for a four day split. :yes:

Mel: We have the FreeMotion equipment at my gym too. It's what I started with when I began strength training. I still use it in my rotation just to keep changing things.

So, let me ask you a question. How do squats using the FreeMotion equipment compare to that of smith squats? Previous to my injury I was able to two sets of 10 reps at 140lbs flirting with 160 with the Freemotion equipment. How does this translate to smith squats? Apples and Oranges right?

Currently my smith squats are pretty light. We are just working on form which I think I've accomplished well. My PT initially had me put two 5lb plates on the bar. :rolleyes: But honestly, at first, it was enough for me...I've since loaded with with another ten on each side. I know to start experimenting with how much I can handle but I just wanted your opinion on where my expectations should be placed between the two types of squats. :dunno: If I were to do the Freemotion squats I know I could do 100lbs but I just don't think I could do that with the smith squats. Apples and Oranges and I probably just answered my own question. :lol:

Elisa: Hey three workouts are better than none. Enjoy the run over the weekend.

LowCarbLou: :welcome: Glad you found us! No scale needed. :lol: The pantometer works just fine. :yes:

Shan: Good luck with your apartment showings. Having last minute calls to pick up my house for a walk through would drive me insane. :dizzy: Hopefully this won't last too long for you.

Hikerchick: I'm thinking about you every MWF at around 9:30am. That's about the time that I'm doing my horizontal pullups. :lol: I WILL DO THIS! :lol3:

Cindy: Your dress sounds lovely. I remember mine had sleeves which my seamstress adjusted to make detachable. It was nice to have the sleeves during the ceremony and then to remove them at the reception.

Hello to Pat and Rabbit. I'm tired and need sleep. Big plans for Cinco de Mayo tomorrow. :devil:

Good Morning Everyone!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Anyone got big plans for the weekend?

Well I did. I'm hosting a block party in my backyard this evening. Looks like rain and DH is freaking out.:s: The forecast earlier this week called for a beautiful day and evening. 24 hours before the party they begin calling for on and off showers. ~sigh~

Worst case scenario. I call it off and then call two other couples to come sit at my kitchen table and eat, drink, and be surly with me. :lol3:

Sunday will be beautiful and I'm headed to the garden center to pick up some beautiful hydrangia bushes I found. Simply the most beautiful flower in the world thank you! Okay. Maybe not but they are one of my favorites if they are just the right combination of blue and white.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Lydia- I haven't tried a leg workout there yet. I usually do squats with a free bar or single dumbbell plie squats. If I use the smith, I'm doing something funky like legs together or a split squat, so I can't compare.

Hope you party works out and it's :sunny:!

Mel

Good Morning All!

Lydia, did the weather hold up for you?

Didn't do much this weekend. I'm starting my new workout tomorrow. I'm excited. I try to change every 2 months. I lift at home so I'm limited to free weights but I've discovered the ball can really change an exercise and make it more difficult.

Hope every body has a great day!:D

Lowcarblou: Enjoy your new workout tomorrow. Its a lot of fun to put a new routine together, try it out for the first time to get a baseline and then see success in gaining strength or endurance as the following weeks pass. Have fun!

Boy it was an 11th hour decision with regard to the party last night but fortunately the rain stopped at the last minute and held off for the rest of the evening. :woohoo: It was just so nice to sit down and spend time with friends. Everyone just looked so happy and relaxed sitting around the fire last night. It definitely made the prep for the party worthwhile.

This morning I have a few "deliveries" to make. I found a few things left behind from last night and then I'm outside planting again. DS2 has acquired more seed packets than we have backyard but :dunno: we'll see what we can do.

Well I did the 5k that I promised myself today and it actually went great! Since I've been doing more spinning, I've had less time to run and while part of me thought that any cardio should help build endurance, part of me thought, not running as much might make it really tough when I finally did go.

Anyway, I didn't really feel like getting out for the run today but there was nothing stopping me. I had the time, the weather was fine so I knew I had to go. I kept my pace a fair bit slower and that helped so much. I ran (okay jogged) the whole 5k without stopping in about 34 minutes. Not going to win any races but not bad at all!

Tomorrow, it's time for an UBWO! :carrot:

Lydia - I'm so glad that the weather worked out for you. That's the only thing that I hate about trying to plan summer time functions...always worrying about the rain. Sounds like fun.

As for my usual weekend eating indulgences, it wasn't so bad this weekend, but never as great as it could be.

Have a great Monday!

:D

Hi LWL,

Lydia - glad the weather worked out for you
Pat - You jogged for 5k ? When I grow up I want to do that too!!!

Getting back into the routine again here. last week was break for the kids, and glorious weather: sunny, 22 C ...I spend my mornings at the office and my afternoon hanging out with the kids. Went shopping to get DD a cute bikini, a capri jeans & some T-shirts. She looks so good, i can hardly believe i have such a beautifull daughter.

Unfortunately I feel like a bloated whale... not enough exercise, unfortunate food choices (strawberries!!! with addtions, always my downfall in spring.), too much wine. So it's back to the grindstone for me, and for starters i biked to work again today. in the rain, and against the wind. I definitely will have a low weight on the powerclass this evening. I put a minimum of 4.5 hours of exercise as my goal for this week, so I'll have to bike to work twice, and go to powerclass and yoga to get there.

Have a great day all,
rabbit

Ah, the weekend! So many indulgences, but I had a great time. At least I made a healthy snack to go with my Coronas, baked organic blue corn chips with fresh salsa I made myself. :T Spent some time around downtown and campus, sat out on the terrace at the union just watching the lake, sipping a beer.

Lydia, sounds like a great party!

Mel, It’s great that you’re able to work out at lunch. No gym here in the sticks where I work now, but lots of beautiful rural space to take a walk through.

Mondays always seem to bring me back to reality, guess that’s probably a good thing. Going out running tonight, probably some batch cooking so I have good things on had for meals later in the week.

I signed up for another 5k on June 2, I’m hoping to break 30 min this time. Better get my rear in gear!

:wave: Morning all!

Rabbit - it was Elisa who ran the 5K. No way can I run that far - or much at all - with my knees feeling the way they do. :) I did however, walk about 10.5 miles in 4 hours on Sat. I feel confident that I can walk the half marathon in under 4 hours now. A little over 6 weeks to go....

Lydia - the party sounded great! So glad the weather cooperated. I have a GF who always had a Cinco de Mayo party at her house. She invited everyone she knew and it always started noonish and went on into the late evening. She stopped a couple of years ago, and we're all still sad about it. Of course, May 5 is always iffy weather in Alaska! This year it was cool, but dry. Yesterday was gorgeous - in the 60's Yay!!

Tonight is supposed to be a gym night, and I just realized I forgot my MP3 player (still charging), so I may change to weights at home, and get to the gym tomorrow. We'll see. Maybe DH can be persuaded to drop off the player? Or I could drive the 7 miles home and back at lunch and get it. :)

Happy Tuesday all!

Just checking in to say HI - things are a bit hectic at work, so I'll have to do my 3FC time at home tonight.
Cindy

HELLO MY FAVORITE LIFTING DIVAS!!! Today was crazy busy for me too and I will be gone most of tomorrow here @ work. Sooooo, I will catch up with everyone yet this week! :) Haven't been good AT ALL with lifting or even doing anything remotely resembling cardio. 8-( Ok, I mowed the lawn this weekend and did go for ONE power walk. Doesn't count much does it? Ok, I know, I know...get my rear in gear! :D

Talk to you all in a couple!!!!

Melinda

Howdy!
I've been sooooo good, I deserve a gold star, but I can't find a gold star smilie so I'm giving myself this little guy :woohoo: Why? Because I have dragged my butt out of bed before work every single day and done 30-45 minutes of cardio, and hit all my workouts either at lunchtime or on the weekend. I have to do legs on Saturday or Sunday- no way can I do that at lunch and be back in time or in my clothes! :faint: I'm loving the new gym although the price still makes me gag. I have no intentions of using the spa, classes, pools, courts, cafe, etc., and resent the enourmous price tag. But it sure is convenient and NO blasting heavy metal music :dizzy:

Oh yeah, eating has been good too. Everyone warned me about office food, but so far there hasn't been any office food. There is talk of a Friday pizza lunch, but I honestly cannot eat pizza due to my wheat intolerance so, haha, guess it's chicken on a pile of greens with a bit of sweet potato or brown rice for me!

Sounds like everyone had a lovely relaxing weekend. My mother is a gardening dervish and was appalled by my jungle. I spent quite a few hours unhappily helping her redo or hack back a lot of my gardens. I'm so ready to just declare chemical warfare or dump rocks all over! Right nw it's really pretty with lots of blooming bleed hearts and columbine, and the lilies are on their way, but the weeds will be back :devil:

Pat- your knees must be holding up pretty well to do the 10 miles on Saturday! Yay!

Elissa- Great going on the 5K :D

Shan- My back to reality is always Sunday night...sigh...lots of cooking and packing.

Lydia- glad the party worked out! Can you identify who belongs to everything? We always have stuff left after parties and I don't have a clue to whom it belongs. I once acquired a raincoat that way and 3 years later gave it to a charity. I was relating the story to a neighbor and she started laughing- it was hers and she couldn't figure out where she'd lost it. I thought I'd called everyone!

I'm seriously sore for the first time in a long time from yesterday's chest workout. New equipment = new workout! I guess I should go do legs there someday. I get a lot of stares because of my bosu ball and stability ball antics. The place is kind of stuffy!

Mel

Rabbit- You're a braver woman than I...I wouldn't ride my bike to work in the wind and rain!

Hey Mel, since you are a Northeast girl (or anyone?), have you had any experience with <city> sports clubs? The one here is Washington Sports club.

I'm doing good myself. I've been working out at home. I'm changing my diet slightly, cutting down on carbs, counting carbs and calories and fat... phew. Not anything close to atkins but trying to keep carbs under 100 per day.

But Nelie, what happened to the lovely bride?? :)

So I am trying to kick my butt back in gear.

Lifted today after my week off. Felt good. Boy is it tough to get back into the swing of things. But I think I needed the break.

Everything else has been good. Food good. Lots o running.

Sounds like everyone is doing very well.

Pat, the bride is nearly 6 months old!! :) I actually need to take a different pic and I love cows so it is my temporary place holder :)

Whoa nelie! (Just wanted to type that :) )
I've been to two different Philadelphia Sports Clubs and they were both excellent facilities- clean, well equiped and expensive. Nowhere near the absurd country clubish thing I just joined, but a luxury, compact version. They really were nice. I think they are run by the same management organization.

Hi Hiker! Glad you are back in the game :wave:

Mel

Hi LWL,

Just checking in to tell that i've been good.
Went to power class monday after biking to work and back (total 2.5 hours excercise), and went to powerclass again this morning (1 hour). My goal is a minimum of 4.5 hours excercise per week, so I', OP.

BTW: I'm getting into the groove again...I felt the familiar endorfine rush again this morning, after 45 minutes of power class. I'm relieved, I take it as a signal that I'm shaping up again.

Mel - gold star vibes coming your way...
Hi to pat, nelie and hiker,

have a great day all,
Rabbit

Yes, they are expensive. Ever since I watched "Buff Brides", I've wanted to go to one. Our local one charges a fee for their trial membership, *******s. Anyway, through my medical insurance, it is $70/month with no other signup fee. Considering every other gym offered through my health care is at least half that price and my current Ballys membership is 1/10th of that, it is definitely expensive :) The only reason I started thinking about it is because one of the areas we might move to has one right around the corner (walking distance). Although I think DH and I will buy a weight "system" once we move into a more permanent location and build up our home gym.

Wow, has it really been six months Nelie?? The cow is cute, but I miss your smiling face. :)

Mel - my knees don't seem to be affected by the long walks. I did have that lovely "how am I going to sit down" pain in my thighs the next 2 days though. :lol: Shorter walks the rest of the week, then another 4 hour one on the weekend. Luckily the weather is nice, though we had a real downpour for about an hour yesterday. Started as hail, and changed to rain after about 15 minutes. Effectively stopped me from going for a walk at lunch! After work, everything had dried up and it was sunny again.

DH left last night for 2 weeks to visit his family, esp his 94 year old Dad. It's a good length of time for him to be gone - enough for me to get some things done, and still some time to watch movies he won't, etc. :lol: and enough to get to missing him, but not badly, if you know what I mean. First however, I have 2 more nights of meetings to get through (had one last night too), and Relay for Life on Friday night.

:wave: to everyone. Glad you're back in the game Hiker and Rabbit.

Pat – Your weather sounds about a psychotic as ours in the “in-between” seasons. Luckily it looks like we’ve firmly moved into spring, the surprise snow storms should be behind us! I’m even going sleeveless today. Enjoy your “you” time. I also like it when DF is working evenings sometimes so I can watch DVDs he doesn’t care for, spend a little more time on my workouts without feeling guilty, and not make dinner into a production. However he has had the evening shift for three weeks now and I’m so glad he’s going back to dayside next week. I’m sick of having to catch up with him by e-mail and phone!

Got a decent run in last night, though I’m getting a little worried about taking my dog with me as it gets warmer. I had to take a walking break because he looked like he needed one, I don’t want him to get heat exhaustion!

Hiker – Sounds like you’re doing awesome, keep it up!

Pilates and LBWO tonight. Is the weekend here yet?