Last week I had one of those days that rarely happens to me anymore ... I plain and simply did not want to go to the gym. I did not want to run the intervals I had planned to do that night. I did not want to complete the training session I had scheduled. I did not want to step foot inside the gym, I just wanted to go home.
I have always told myself that half the battle is getting there, and really I just have to get started. Once I have my gym clothes and shoes on I am committed. By the time I drive to the gym, it's too late to turn back, I might as well go in. When I finally jump on that machine, I know I will complete the workout set in front of me.
But that doesn't mean I like it ... all ... the ... time. Most of the time I love the gym. It is truly a place for me to focus entirely on me, to spend some time inside my own head, to sort out my thoughts while working on my body at the same time. But some times I just don't want to be there, and on those days are the days that matter most.
It is easy to go to the gym on the days you are feeling well or when you need to get out some aggression. It is easy to go on the days you are meeting someone or need a break from reality. But it is not easy to go everyday. Going everyday is hard. Going on those days you are tired or sore or incredibly busy is even harder. But those are the days that matter most.
Those hard days matter most BECAUSE they are hard. They are the difference makers. They are the make or break. They are the challenge that creates the change.
So on those days that you just don't want to go, remember those are the days that matter the most. Go and you won't regret it. Skip it and I can almost guarantee that you will.
Working out even on those most difficult days is just a part of living every day!
June 30, 2013
June 26, 2013
"Jim" v. Gym
First off, let me start by clarifying. This “Jim” referenced in the title is no person in particular, but rather a generic term for someone I may have or will date. I actually don’t think I even know anyone named Jim ... but that is besides the point I suppose.
Anyway, I have always assumed it sort of natural that people “rate” their dates, either the actual person or the experience in general, on some sort of scale. Some use the standard “on a scale of 1 to 10,” others use a more standardized test “poor, fair, good” method, and still others may resort to an annual review type “below expectations, meets expectations, exceeds expectations” way of comparing and contrasting.
Well, none of these ways have really worked for me. After a date I typically end up with “it was fine, I guess.” Not quite the stellar, informative, reflective and awakening perspective that I want and expect from myself. But, I have lived with that, until recently that is.
As of late I have had dating experiences that lead me to think “I should have stuck to my gym schedule instead.” Which has lead me to the “Jim” vs. Gym comparison method! (NOTE: for those of you who hate the gym, this probably will not work at all, but maybe you could find something as a substitute and just do a find and replace of some sort). So, here you go, my new method of rating my dating:
“Jim” v. Gym Comparison
10. Gym? What Gym?
9. Worth skipping the gym even if I got free training
8. Worth skipping the gym every day of the week.
7. Worth skipping even on a training day.
6. Worth skipping on a legs, cardio or arms day, but not a training day.
5. Worth skipping on a cardio or arms day but not a training or legs day.
4. Worth skipping on an arms but not a training, legs or cardio day.
3. In hindsight, not worth skipping, even on an arms day.
2. My only thought during the date “I wish I was in the gym right now.”
1. I Actually cut the date short and went to the gym.
Dating and going to the gym, just part of living every day!
Anyway, I have always assumed it sort of natural that people “rate” their dates, either the actual person or the experience in general, on some sort of scale. Some use the standard “on a scale of 1 to 10,” others use a more standardized test “poor, fair, good” method, and still others may resort to an annual review type “below expectations, meets expectations, exceeds expectations” way of comparing and contrasting.
Well, none of these ways have really worked for me. After a date I typically end up with “it was fine, I guess.” Not quite the stellar, informative, reflective and awakening perspective that I want and expect from myself. But, I have lived with that, until recently that is.
As of late I have had dating experiences that lead me to think “I should have stuck to my gym schedule instead.” Which has lead me to the “Jim” vs. Gym comparison method! (NOTE: for those of you who hate the gym, this probably will not work at all, but maybe you could find something as a substitute and just do a find and replace of some sort). So, here you go, my new method of rating my dating:
“Jim” v. Gym Comparison
10. Gym? What Gym?
9. Worth skipping the gym even if I got free training
8. Worth skipping the gym every day of the week.
7. Worth skipping even on a training day.
6. Worth skipping on a legs, cardio or arms day, but not a training day.
5. Worth skipping on a cardio or arms day but not a training or legs day.
4. Worth skipping on an arms but not a training, legs or cardio day.
3. In hindsight, not worth skipping, even on an arms day.
2. My only thought during the date “I wish I was in the gym right now.”
1. I Actually cut the date short and went to the gym.
Dating and going to the gym, just part of living every day!
June 23, 2013
Spring Training 2013, Part II
Good Lord, I cannot believe the delay on getting this post up! And for something so important too!!
After going to spring training the first weekend in March, I was hooked. It was like I was a person walking through the desert and someone appears and gave me a bottle of water and said “only one sip.” One sip, clearly is not enough. So, I just had to go back for more baseball (and since it was so hot, water too for that matter!)
My roommate and I drove out to Arizona for another baseball filled weekend, the fourth weekend in March. We had tickets to 2 games. The first was a night game at Salt River Field (spring home of the Diamondbacks and the Rockies). This was my first spring training night game and my first spring training game somewhere other than Scottsdale stadium. I was excited.
The stadium was gorgeous. The food was unbelievable - they seriously had everything. The game was a good one right off the bat with homerun after homerun. The seats were awesome, third row from the field right near the bullpen. But, the teams weren’t mine, so I was not quite as engaged.
The next day, we headed to the Angel’s camp to see the Angels take on my Giants! My roommate is an Angel’s fan, so it was great that we both got to see our teams (just for the record, I really like the Angels, just not when they play the Giants).
It was HOT, but I was excited. We got there early to see the players arrive. The Giants players were signing autographs on the field. Blanco and Pagan were signing, but I could not make my way to the front. I was disappointed.
Finally the crowd thinned a bit and I finally made it to the front. Blanco and Pagan had left, but much to my delight, who was signing autographs but Hunter Pence! LOVE him!! He signed my ticket and I gladly gave up my spot in front, and headed to get food before sitting for the game.
The Giants were behind the whole time, and the in true Giants fashion, came back to win it in the end. I believe the score was 5-4. It made for a happy ride home (for me anyway!)
So in my two trips to spring training this year, the Giants won all of their games and I got autographs from CODY ROSS, SERGIO ROMO, and HUNTER PENCE. I don’t know how 2014 is going to top this ... but I can’t wait to find out! ;)
Going back for more of what you want ... living every day.
After going to spring training the first weekend in March, I was hooked. It was like I was a person walking through the desert and someone appears and gave me a bottle of water and said “only one sip.” One sip, clearly is not enough. So, I just had to go back for more baseball (and since it was so hot, water too for that matter!)
My roommate and I drove out to Arizona for another baseball filled weekend, the fourth weekend in March. We had tickets to 2 games. The first was a night game at Salt River Field (spring home of the Diamondbacks and the Rockies). This was my first spring training night game and my first spring training game somewhere other than Scottsdale stadium. I was excited.
At Salt River Fields
The stadium was gorgeous. The food was unbelievable - they seriously had everything. The game was a good one right off the bat with homerun after homerun. The seats were awesome, third row from the field right near the bullpen. But, the teams weren’t mine, so I was not quite as engaged.
The next day, we headed to the Angel’s camp to see the Angels take on my Giants! My roommate is an Angel’s fan, so it was great that we both got to see our teams (just for the record, I really like the Angels, just not when they play the Giants).
A little friendly competition!
It was HOT, but I was excited. We got there early to see the players arrive. The Giants players were signing autographs on the field. Blanco and Pagan were signing, but I could not make my way to the front. I was disappointed.
Finally the crowd thinned a bit and I finally made it to the front. Blanco and Pagan had left, but much to my delight, who was signing autographs but Hunter Pence! LOVE him!! He signed my ticket and I gladly gave up my spot in front, and headed to get food before sitting for the game.
Just before signing my ticket!
:)
The Giants were behind the whole time, and the in true Giants fashion, came back to win it in the end. I believe the score was 5-4. It made for a happy ride home (for me anyway!)
So in my two trips to spring training this year, the Giants won all of their games and I got autographs from CODY ROSS, SERGIO ROMO, and HUNTER PENCE. I don’t know how 2014 is going to top this ... but I can’t wait to find out! ;)
Going back for more of what you want ... living every day.
June 21, 2013
Wa-wa-wa-wakeboarding!
I went to the lake (Lake Havasu to be exact) with good friends the first weekend in June, and we had a blast out on the water.
The original plan was to go to Lake Mojave, but high winds thwarted our ability to take a boat out. So we drove the 45 minutes to Lake Havasu where the winds were milder. Thankfully we were able to rent a boat (and a nice one!) with last minute notice.
We spent the first part of the day just motoring around, taking in the beautiful shoreline. We stopped to eat and hangout in a quiet little alcove and enjoyed the cool water and warm air (it was roughly 115 degrees out).
Then we progressed to the more active part of the day - wakeboarding and tubing! I had never been wakeboarding before but was eager to try. After two of my friends showed off their awesome skills, it was my turn.
Let's just say I was less than stellar, BUT I almost made it up. So, so, so close I could taste it. After about a million tries, my hands just hurt too much to continue holding onto the rope. So I took off the board and gave others a try. I had a great time, and I did not even get to standing, so I am very much looking forward to the next time, when I WILL STAND!
It was a beautiful day on the lake with the best of friends, trying something new ... living every day. :)
The original plan was to go to Lake Mojave, but high winds thwarted our ability to take a boat out. So we drove the 45 minutes to Lake Havasu where the winds were milder. Thankfully we were able to rent a boat (and a nice one!) with last minute notice.
We spent the first part of the day just motoring around, taking in the beautiful shoreline. We stopped to eat and hangout in a quiet little alcove and enjoyed the cool water and warm air (it was roughly 115 degrees out).
Then we progressed to the more active part of the day - wakeboarding and tubing! I had never been wakeboarding before but was eager to try. After two of my friends showed off their awesome skills, it was my turn.
Strapping on the boots of the wakeboard
with a little help to pull the laces tight!
Let's just say I was less than stellar, BUT I almost made it up. So, so, so close I could taste it. After about a million tries, my hands just hurt too much to continue holding onto the rope. So I took off the board and gave others a try. I had a great time, and I did not even get to standing, so I am very much looking forward to the next time, when I WILL STAND!
It was a beautiful day on the lake with the best of friends, trying something new ... living every day. :)
June 16, 2013
Eat Your Veggies
I was (am) one of those people who hates vegetables. I have tried ... so many times. I cut the them up, arrange them nice on a platter, admire their colorfulness, and yet when I pop them in my mouth, it takes everything to keep from spitting them out.
I have tried them with dips, dressings and spreads. Cream cheese? No good. Peanut butter? End up just licking the peanut butter off. Ranch Dip? Probably the closest to working, but kind of defeats the purpose. Hummus? Only works with peppers, and then only a minimal amount.
So, what's a girl to do? I NEED to eat my veggies, for so many reasons.
Well, I started throwing them in soups. I have a beef soup I make in the crockpot that I love. I have a chicken soup that is really good when I'm feeling under the weather. But, these got old when you eat them day in and day out just to get your veggies in. And for me, getting old is hard - my veggies have come from these two soups for the last 2 and a half years. (I'm also one of those people who can eat the same thing everyday for a long, long time - it's a blessing really).
Anyway, I recently have started experimenting after a friend made a delicious tortilla soup for Cinco De Mayo. Since then I have made a variation of the tortilla soup, a carrot soup, and tonight, a broccoli soup, which was a-mazing! After a couple of requests for the recipe, I have decided to add it here (and I will post the other recipes as well in future posts). But as you read this recipe, please be patient, I don't really cook with measurements. Sorry, but here you go!
Ingredients:
1/2 a head of cauliflower
1 and 1/2 heads of broccoli (just the florets)
1 white onion
Garlic (minced)
1 carton of vegetable broth (4 cups)
Sea Salt
Pepper
Tumeric
Garlic Powder
Dill
Season All
Directions:
1. Cut the cauliflower and broccoli into pieces that are roughly the same size.
2. Dice the onion (a roughly dice is fine).
3. Put all the veggies to a big pot and pour in the vegetable broth.
4. Turn on the burner to high.
5. Add the garlic (I used about a tablespoon or a little more, but it depends how much you like garlic)
6. Add about 2 dashes of tumeric and dill.
7. Add about 3-4 dashes of garlic powder, dill, season all and pepper.
8. Add the salt (I have no idea how much I add, but I like a lot of salt, start off with small, then add)
9. Mix with a big spoon, taste broth (add more spices if needed) and put the lid on.
10. Let cook for about 30 minutes stirring occasionally (basically everything should be pretty soft)
11. Turn heat to low cook for an additional 15 minutes if necessary.
12. Turn off the heat and let sit for about 20 minutes to cool.
13. Put soup into a blender (or use an immersion blender if you are lucky enough to have one) and blend!
Here is what it should look like:
I really hope you enjoy this as much as I do! :)
Living everyday, making veggies edible (and even delicious)!
I have tried them with dips, dressings and spreads. Cream cheese? No good. Peanut butter? End up just licking the peanut butter off. Ranch Dip? Probably the closest to working, but kind of defeats the purpose. Hummus? Only works with peppers, and then only a minimal amount.
So, what's a girl to do? I NEED to eat my veggies, for so many reasons.
Well, I started throwing them in soups. I have a beef soup I make in the crockpot that I love. I have a chicken soup that is really good when I'm feeling under the weather. But, these got old when you eat them day in and day out just to get your veggies in. And for me, getting old is hard - my veggies have come from these two soups for the last 2 and a half years. (I'm also one of those people who can eat the same thing everyday for a long, long time - it's a blessing really).
Anyway, I recently have started experimenting after a friend made a delicious tortilla soup for Cinco De Mayo. Since then I have made a variation of the tortilla soup, a carrot soup, and tonight, a broccoli soup, which was a-mazing! After a couple of requests for the recipe, I have decided to add it here (and I will post the other recipes as well in future posts). But as you read this recipe, please be patient, I don't really cook with measurements. Sorry, but here you go!
Ingredients:
1/2 a head of cauliflower
1 and 1/2 heads of broccoli (just the florets)
1 white onion
Garlic (minced)
1 carton of vegetable broth (4 cups)
Sea Salt
Pepper
Tumeric
Garlic Powder
Dill
Season All
Directions:
1. Cut the cauliflower and broccoli into pieces that are roughly the same size.
2. Dice the onion (a roughly dice is fine).
3. Put all the veggies to a big pot and pour in the vegetable broth.
4. Turn on the burner to high.
5. Add the garlic (I used about a tablespoon or a little more, but it depends how much you like garlic)
6. Add about 2 dashes of tumeric and dill.
7. Add about 3-4 dashes of garlic powder, dill, season all and pepper.
8. Add the salt (I have no idea how much I add, but I like a lot of salt, start off with small, then add)
9. Mix with a big spoon, taste broth (add more spices if needed) and put the lid on.
10. Let cook for about 30 minutes stirring occasionally (basically everything should be pretty soft)
11. Turn heat to low cook for an additional 15 minutes if necessary.
12. Turn off the heat and let sit for about 20 minutes to cool.
13. Put soup into a blender (or use an immersion blender if you are lucky enough to have one) and blend!
Here is what it should look like:
I really hope you enjoy this as much as I do! :)
Living everyday, making veggies edible (and even delicious)!