Where's the Beach?

Credit/Debit Card Comments I must say, I am a little shocked at how many of you have experienced credit or debit card fraud too. It's really scary isn't it? You just never know when it might happen. We were very lucky that our bank apparently monitors all transactions with an eagle eye. Since we have almost completely stopped using that particular card, it probably made the crazy expensive purchases stand out more too. Thank you all for your well wishes with the matter. I'm pretty sure it'll all be resolved. WIth any luck at all, the fraud department with pinpoint the super nice person (or persons) who did this. Running & HIIT I slept really soundly last night until about 2 am, then I was up every hour until 4:30 and crashed hard. I didn't even hear Jason leave for swim at 5 am, but I did hear my alarm at 5:26 beckoning me to get up and get my workout done. I knew I wanted to get in 30 minutes this morning, but was totally undecided on what I was going to ac

Shopping in Spain Well, last night I waited to check the voice message on our phone until after I had finished my workout. It was a message from the bank. Well, I thought it was because I had been lazy and not activated my new card (it arrived Saturday). So I went to activate and wasn't allowed to do so. I was annoyed because that meant I had to call back the person who had left the message and actually talk to someone rather than punch in numbers. She started asking me about recent purchases...in Spain. Yep, card had been hacked somehow, and someone was having a great time buying 393 dollar perfumes and such. It's such a helpless feeling. They froze the account, but the bank was already closed for the day. That meant I had to wait...I'm not good at waiting. Luckily, the bank opens at 7:30 am, so we were there promptly at 7:30 am. Running in the Rain That story brings me to this morning's workouts. I was hell bent on running. I was determined to run with or withou

3 B's: Back, Biceps, Boxing When Jason got up at 5 am to go swim, I thought very fleetingly about getting my cardio done. Then I promptly fell back to sleep. I wasn't overly concerned, sleep is more important sometimes - especially on a Monday. I did my weights at lunch. Today was pull muscles for upper body: back and biceps. I did the following as supersets of 3 sets of 8 reps.  SS#1 Pullovers Alternating biceps curls SS#2 Double-arm rows Cross-body biceps curls SS#3 Single-arm horizontal rows Incline biceps curls Lat pull downs with blue (heaviest) band - 2 X 16 1 set of 21's for biceps This was a pretty good workout. I was feeling stronger today, and should likely have gone heavier for some of the back exercises. I feel like I'm never able to get the back gains I'd like though. I do not have a pull up bar. We tried to buy one - the kind that fits every door. Apparently as long as the house was not built in 1890. The bar would not fit in any of

Leg Day This morning I got up and did legs then just 2 of the boxing combos from MMA Boxing and the abs. I had a pretty good leg day. Though, I must admit that I'm not happy with my legs. They just aren't terribly defined, and I can't seem to build any hamstring muscle to save my life. For legs I did the following as supersets, 3 sets of 8 reps: SS#1 Squats Plie squats SS#2 Static lunges Calf raises (I did 15 reps for these) SS#3 Step ups Deadlifts Slide back rear lunge (using paper plate and dumbbells, 2 sets of 8 reps as straight set) Weight donkey kicks - 2 sets of 16 reps It was a good workout over all. Family Time & Pool Time Today we went to see my dad and step-mother's new house and celebrate Father's Day. They were busy trying to move last weekend, so we didn't get to get together. We had a great visit, and they are so excited about their new house. They are like kids in a candy store giddy! I must admit a huge jealousy of their

Friday & Baseball Recap I loved hearing all of your comments and thoughts about blogger food trends!! It's so fun to hear what you guys really think. I don't feel so alone now LOL. We had a great time at the game last night. One of the couples ended up having to cancel last minute, but our friend Gwynne still joined us. It started off HOT - 96 with 102 heat index. However, as the sun went down, the humidity seemed to drop and we had an awesome cross breeze. It turned out to be a very pleasant evening, perfect for a baseball game. The game was a bit slow, but the conversation and company was the best. Cardio Before Weights = Bad This morning I got up and had my typical Saturday PB&J&B Oatmeal. I was wanting to run really badly, but I was also planning on weights. I really don't like to do cardio before weights because I feel like I then have less energy to focus on the weights. But, it was literally getting hotter by the minute. I knew it would just be too

Soapbox Follow Up & Ideas Needed Thank you all for your comments and inputs regarding my soapbox moment . I am really glad to hear that even meat-eaters get my point. Now if only the restaurant chefs got it too. I do think that a big issue is location as well. I live in a region that still believes that meat completes a meal. Most people I know don't really understand vegetarian diets let alone a vegan diet. They simply think - omit meat and the person will be happy. Sigh. Anyway, Jason went to swim this morning and happened to strike up a conversation with the swim coach. She and her husband are apparently opening an Irish Pub downtown (close to our house). He asked about the menu and vegetarian options. She is completely open to suggestions!! This is exciting because it may very well give us a new place to hang out and eat. I mention this (exciting to me) news, because I have no idea what to suggest in terms of vegetarian and/or vegan Irish dishes. So, I'm looking to al

Wednesday Night Follow UP Sigh, I had hoped to have pictures to share of my awesome new purse and/or jeans. I'm sad to report that I came home empty handed (not that that upset the hubs mind you). They didn't have jeans in my size and the tops (burn out tees) aren't my style. There were 2 purses I had my eyes on. But, in the end, I just couldn't decided and figured that was a sign. Neither of them called out to me enough that I just HAD to have them. I still had fun getting out of the house and visiting with my friend for a bit.  I took the easy way out and replied to everyone's comments as a whole. I apologize, but since I didn't start replying last night, I just couldn't keep up. That makes me happy in a lot of ways because it means I have more friends commenting. The bad part is that it's getting harder for me to reply to everyone separately. I do appreciate everyone's comments. You guys always make me smile!   Run & Total Body Circuit

Morning Kickboxing Jason got up at 5 am to go swim this morning, so I peeled myself out of bed to get in my workout. I did Cathe's Kick, Punch and Crunch with the stability ball abs. It was a great workout and gave me the energy boost I needed to get the day started. In all honesty, even if Jason hadn't gotten up, I was planning on getting up early to get in another morning workout. I have plans this evening so I knew I did need to get it done. Kickboxing, in my opinion, is a great morning workout. Not too complicated, no chance of falling over or off the step... I'm still in the market for more kickboxing workouts as I'm really enjoying them. Oddly, I used to not. I may end up having to track down a gym that offers classes. No Amy Bento - but has anyone tried Kelly Coffey-Meyer's latest kickboxing workout? Any other instructors?? Out on a Week Night After work I am going over to a friend's house for a girly party: jeans and purses. I've never been to

Running & Boxing I was determined to get in a run this week. I have not run since vacation because it's just too hot to run past sun up right now. So, we got up and hit the pavement by 5:45. It was already a steamy 77 degrees humid. I say that  because 77 isn't bad, it's the humidity that's bad. Anyway, we just did 30 minutes at an easy pace. No records being broke, but that's what I wanted that early. I really just wanted to get moving again and to loosen up my legs (still sore from Sunday's workout). It felt great to be outside watching the sun come up too. During lunch I did Cathe's MMA Boxing . It's amazing how high your heart rate can get up there just punching. Free Time = Craft & Cooking Time Getting my workouts done early left me with free time after work. It's so nice to have that extra time after work. It makes me feel like I've had some sort of day that wasn't nothing but work. I started a new project last night, so I

Weights & Step As much as I wanted to run today, I knew there was no getting up early enough to do so. Monday's are hard enough without getting up at 5 am to run. Yawn ... So, today I did my weights at lunch then cardio after work. Weights were pull muscles (biceps and back). I did 3 sets of 8 reps of the following: Biceps : Alternating curls Cross-body curls Zottoman curls Back: Single-arm horizontal row Underhand DB rows Double arm rows It was a pretty good workout. I felt pretty strong today for some reason. Love it when that happens. My legs were pretty sore from yesterday's workout, so I opted for a lower intensity cardio: Cathe's Low Impact Circuit - Cardio Only Premix plus abs. It was a great workout and helped to loosen up my legs. KIND Review I have been very remiss with my review of the KIND bars that I won from Jill @ My So Called Health LIfe . I won the Nut Delight. I don't know why, but I expected it to be a tad softer

Loving Leg Days Today was a leg day for me. I used to really dread working legs, but the past two workouts I really was looking forward to. I did 3 sets of 8 of the following (except as marked) Step ups Calf raises (3 x 15) Alternating front lunges Alternating plie squats Squats Slide back lunge (using paper plate for rear leg, weights in hand, slide down, set weights down and stand, then slide down pick up weights and stand - did 2 sets of 8) Weighted donkey kicks After the weights, I did just 2 combos from Cathe's MMA Boxing . I just wanted a short bit of cardio and was starting to edge over the time I typically workout for the week. I used to easily hit 8+ hours. Now I try to keep it under 7. Lazy & Productive Today was both lazy and productive. After the workout, I had my oatmeal (PB&J&B) but got a little sassy and tossed in strawberries too. I know, craziness. It was SO good. I decided to allow myself some more pool/reading/lounging time before gettin

I wanted to thank you all for sharing past jobs. Some of you guys have had some really interesting gigs! Weights & Kickboxing This morning I got up and made my typical Saturday breakfast: PB&J&B Oatmeal before hitting the weights. Today was push muscles for upper body: Chest: Flat bench dumbbell press Flat bench flyes Decline dumbbell press Shoulders: Shoulder press Lateral raise Lying shoulder press (thanks for the idea Alyson @ Nourished Fitness ) Triceps: Overhead extension Weighted dips Double-arm kickbacks I followed up the workout with Cathe's Shock Cardio MMA Kickboxing and abs. I'm really digging kickboxing after upper body work. To me it is sort of like burning out the legs with plyo. I know...a little crazy huh? Day Outside I had a ton that I should have done today. However, I did nothing more than lounge on the patio and in the pool. I pretty much took the day off. It was almost like vacation. The only things I wore were workout clothes, my bikini,

Friday Rest Day Not only is today Friday, but it's my rest day. My biceps are still talking to me from Tuesday's workout . Not sure what that's all about. I don't ever remember my biceps being this sore, this long. I didn't think I even went all that heavy - maybe it was the slow rep count. Anyway, I do wish I had it in me to get my Saturday workout in today and Sunday's tomorrow. I really need Sunday off because we are supposed to help my dad and step-mother move, so that means I need to figure out when and how to squeeze in the workout (legs). I'm sure I'll figure it out. Thank you for the cardio suggestions. I do enjoy running outside, and would prefer to do that, but the heat is just too much right now unless I can manage the run around 5:30 am (and remember, I am not a morning gal). I may have to just start making myself get up though for the summer months if I want to run. Fun Facts Friday - Jobs Since there was so much discussion this week

Cardio Woes This was one of those mornings when I felt like I could have easily slept another two hours. Maybe it's because most of the week I've been waking up at 5 am and not being able to go back to sleep. I am really starting to miss being able to run at lunch. I love summer, and I don't mind it being hot. But, it's just too hot to run at noon now. So I'm starting to feel like I'm flailing with cardio. I can only do so much kickboxing (I only have 3 kickboxing and 1 boxing DVD). Step aggravates my plantar fasciitis problem, so I've been trying to avoid step now. I love doing boot camp/HIIT/interval style workouts, but those are typically short. So what's a girl to do on a cardio-only day? Oh, that was a real question by the way. I have no answer. I don't have any cardio equipment at home. I have gotten to where I simply dread the mere thought of running on the treadmills at the gym. I will say that when we were on vacation and I ran at the co

Tuesday's Comments Wow, thank you all for your comments from yesterday's post regarding work/career. I suppose it's so often to just assume others are happy as larks each and every day. I was rather shocked at how many seem to feel the same way. I do know people who LOVE getting up and going to their jobs though. I want to have that same feeling. I think we all deserve that. Life is too short don't you agree? Kickboxing Fail First off - Holy Mother of DOMS. I am still sore in my chest and triceps from Sunday's workout. Inner and outer thighs are screaming at me when I walk and sit from Monday's workout, and biceps...are they supposed to straighten all the way out??? It's all good though. I know I worked myself to the max and can't wait to repeat it starting with upper body push muscles on Saturday.  Now, onto today's workout.... This morning I was very rudely awakened by one of our alarm sensors going out. Not sure how long it was making the st

Upper Body & Kickboxing Well, my time off has ended. It was back to work today. I was actually up early, wide awake. But I just couldn't fathom getting up and exerting any energy at 5:15 am. So, I didn't. I did get my weights done at lunch. Today was pull muscles: biceps and back. I did 3 sets of 8 reps using the slow 6:2 rep count. Back Pullovers Single-arm row Underhand dumbbell row Biceps Dumbbell curls Hammer curls Cross-body curls My arms were jello after I was done. After work, I really didn't want a super intense cardio. I did Cathe's Kick, Punch and Crunch with the stability ball abs. I also stretched for a bit. The workouts definitely helped my mood today. Trying Tuesday Today was a difficult one for me in all honesty. I was in a major funk - the cry-at-the-drop-of-a-hat kind of funk. The weights at lunch helped a little (gotta love those workout endorphins). I know part of it was getting back into the swing of reality after a terrific vacation. Howeve

Legs & Boxing Today was my last day off. I got up and made myself some steel cut oats with peanut butter and cinnamon apples. Then I had to hit the grocery store so I could have something to eat for lunch. I should have gone to Target and Whole Foods too, but that just wasn't going to happen. When I got home and the food unloaded, I headed up to my little gym for legs. I did 3 sets of 8 reps using the same slow 2:6 rep count that I used yesterday (with the exception of step ups and calves). Squats Calves (did 3 sets of 15 reps) Step ups Plie squats Static lunges Deadlifts Donkey kicks (with weight) I followed this up with Shock Cardio MMA Boxing and a stretch. I had planned on doing abs too, but sort of ran out of steam. My Kind Bars Arrived After my workout and lunch, I decided to lounge in the pool for a bit. It was HOT out, so I didn't stay out long. Plus, I really did need to finish up with chores. Jason was great and vacuumed the area rugs for me. I ha

Home Sweet Home So while I am totally missing the beach, I think I had one of the best night's sleep last night. There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed after being away for a week. It was also nice to be back in my own kitchen where the knives are sharp, the pans are the ones I want, and I have access to all of my spices. There is truly nothing like being home. Now if I could just manage to make my home on the beach, I'd be one perfectly content gal! Back to the Weights Today I was eager to hit the weights again. I really missed being able to do a weight workout on vacation. I am undecided on a rotation so I just sort of winged it and have decided to try this split for 2 weeks at least. Today I worked upper body push muscles using a 6:2 count (e.g., chest press: 6 up, 2 down). I did 3 sets of 8 reps of the following: Chest: Chest press Chest flye Incline chest press Shoulders: Shoulder press Lateral raise Rear delt flye Triceps: Overhead extension Double-arm kickbac