And..

 

It's Monday, soo...

Last week's progress:

Great day at the gym on Tuesday--a new level on the hill program, 35 minute workout, fastest I've ever gone..I was happy.
Sick Th-Friday so no workout.

Sat. morning, went to gym, did 30 minutes of level 3 on the hill program. Not as intense as Monday, but not bad, either. Then I went home and cleaned for 90 minutes--HARD cleaning. So lots of working out that day. 

Also did some strength training and seated yoga poses. 

No fast food! Lots of cooking! 

So not a bad week, over all.

Gyming

 

My first "Real" day of this:

**35 minutes on the treadmill. Hill program level 4 (highest yet). Really felt good to do a proper workout, instead of the short ones I've been doing because people were waiting for machines. 

**Seated yoga poses (because, according to one of my PTs, I have the 'tightest hamstrings in the world.' since then, I've stretched them a LOT and have gained much flexibility. But they still get uber cranky when not given sufficient attention.)

And, I use the following tools: An Ultimate Workout Log, and the Self Challenge (link for the Challenge on the page). I've done parts of the Challenge before (usually the strength training stuff) and this year's looks pretty sweet. Plus you win cool prizes just by logging workouts and meals! That's some motivation.

Beach Countdown

Jane's doing this...I might as well join...

 

See, I've got two big things happening in August: 

--Duck vacay (read: swimsuit)

--Tiff's wedding (read: photos that will be on walls forever)

So, here's the plan:
1. No fast food

2. Exercise at least 3 times a week

3. Post progress

Three times a week is TOTALLY doable. Let's be real here. I have DVDs at home, the gym's not that far. It can be done. 

Starting...tomorrow.

The Simple Woman's Daybook--February 23, 2010

Outside My Window::

38 degrees, sort of sunny, the snow is melting! I can see my porch again!

I am wearing ::

jeans, a lavender t-shirt

I am Thankful For::

A fruitful Lent, thus far

I am Reading:

Just finished In This House of Brede (again), and am reading Master and Margarita (it's so good, so far!)

From the Kitchen::

Not sure. Made chicken curry last night, so might be a sandwich night around here.

I am Thinking:
how glad I am that the snow is going away!

I am Creating::
a short story. It's almost finished!

On my iPod::

My gym soundtrack

Towards Rhythm and Beauty:
Still keeping the gym log. The food log is a LOT harder!

To Live the Liturgy:

Lent at St. Pat's is beautiful and solemn. Today is the Feast of St. Polycarp. I went to Mass and heard Fr. Blau give a great sermon on the meaning of the Our Father and meaningful repetition vrs. just repetition. So great.

I am Hoping and Praying:
For some friends who are making big decisions. 

Around the House:

Always--the kitchen table. Vacuuming. (Are you surprised?) a little bathroom cleaning, too.

One of My Favorite Things:

Daily Mass

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:

Th: Voice lesson

 

The Simple Woman's Daybook--February 1, 2010

I am so glad it's February! January seemed to last forever!

Outside My Window::

Very clear, not too cold--in the mid 30s. No ice, so I'm happy!

I am wearing ::
J. Crew chinos (gray), a Banana Republic cashmere argyle sweater

I am Thankful For::

My Parade experience

I am Reading:

Mediterranean Summer (I keep re-reading this. It’s such a good winter book.)

From the Kitchen::

A chocolate mascarpone cake from Giada’s Kitchen; pasta; chicken dishes that have yet to be decided on.

I am Thinking:
about how fortunate I am.

I am Creating::
ORDER. (see below)

On my iPod::

My gym soundtrack

Towards Rhythm and Beauty:
I have a gym log and a food log. I figure if I write everything down, that will be incredibly helpful. I used to keep a workout log, but I finished it, and I’m glad I finally have a new one. It’s a great way to track what I do in the gym. I’ve never used a food diary, so this will be a  new experience.

To Live the Liturgy:

Mass tomorrow for Candlemas (I love this feast, I love the name, love it all), LOH, Rosary, magnificat

I am Hoping and Praying:
For Leah Y., who is currently in labor with her first child—a boy! She was induced yesterday so I hope by now the babe has appeared.

Around the House:

Always--the kitchen table.  Taking out the trash, vacuuming.

One of My Favorite Things:

Symphony Concerts

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:

Tonight: Dinner with Karen and Paige

T and W: Session

Th: Voice

   A Picture Thought  I'm Sharing:

From the Parade archives: 

Last dress rehearsal, before the opening of Act I 

Feel the burn

I went to the gym today and watched football. Burned a lot of calories.
Came home and rooted for the Steelers. Probably burned an equivalent amount of calories.
Getting into the playoffs is hard work. And it's not over yet.

UPDATE: OK, no playoffs this year. But still, 9-7 isn't too bad. Troy will recovery gloriously, and we will have a successful 2010 season!

The Simple Woman's Daybook--January 3, 2010

Outside My Window::

The sun is glorious, the sky is clear and bleached white. This, combined with the snow, makes it dazzling outside, but probably very cold!

I am Listening to::

Silence (CI's not in!)

I am wearing ::

My garnet hill nightgown, so I feel like Elizabeth Bennet

I am Thankful For::

* A wonderful Christmas season spent with family and friends, especially a chance to see my grandparents and Di and Susie;

* My new parish family

I am Reading:

Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: While The Greeks Still Matter

From the Kitchen::

So many big plans--I got cookbooks for Christmas. I just need to go shopping! But definitely my favorite Texas Cornbread (if I make it, recipe will be up). I'd also like to try some muffins from my new cookbook.

I am Thinking:

That even though I had a wonderful vacation, I've sort of missed my job! (whether or not I will be able to convey this into a cheerful wakeup tomorrow remains to be seen)

I am Creating::

ORDER. My mom and I did a massive apartment purge during my week off, so now all that's left is to clean off my desk and dining table. Both of those are easier said than done, but I want to tackle them today so that I can start 2010 back at work with a clean home slate. 

On my iPod::

Loreena McKennit's An Ancient Muse.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty:

Per my new year's goals, I want to incorporate some things into my life, like working out and daily writing. So today I will be creating a schedule to attempt to balance all the things I have going on right now.

To Live the Liturgy:

Today's Epiphany, one of my favorite feasts. I love the songs and the image of the Wise Men bearing gifts to the Baby Jesus. 

I am Hoping and Praying:

:: for health and fitness, strength and grace to do His will. (stole this from Elizabeth, but it's good!)

Around the House:

After last week's purge, I have to vacuum the floors. And, as I said above, the kitchen table needs HELP. 

One of My Favorite Things:

Babies, especially Susie and Justin, whom I got to see last week.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week:

:"Back to life," as the song goes. That means:

--Work, in general, and daily Mass at St. Pat's

--Voice lessons on Thursdays (I've missed them!)

A Picture Thought  I'm Sharing:

Susie, tasting the Baby Einstein Animals. :)

The Simple Woman's Daybook--November 9, 2009

Outside My Window ...

It's dark now, but it was a beautiful late fall day--highs in the 60s, and a pale blue sky. Fantastic.

***

I am listening to...

Handel's "Messiah" (Christmas section)

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Magnificat, Rosary, and Signs of Life, Scott Hahn's new book.

***

To Fit and Happy...

Gym and ballet this week. I get Wednesday off, so there is no reason gym and/or ballet should not happen.

***

I am thankful for...

short weeks!

***

I am pondering ...

tomorrow's Target list.

***

From the kitchen ...

Not sure. Lots of pasta/soup this week, I think. Maybe some meat sauce making on W.

I am wearing ...

Pitt sweatpants, a J.Jill camisole (heading to bed soon)

***

I am creating ...

music

***

On my iPod...

more "Messiah" and voice lesson music.

***

I am thinking...

that I can't wait for Wednesday

***

Around the House

Cleaning which =getting stuff off the floor!

.***

I am reading ...

See above; also The Looking Glass, and Catherine of Sienna. Also read: A Daughter's Love: Thomas More and His Dearest Meg yesterday. Soooo good.  (Of course this ALSO led to watching A Man for All Seasons, which is NEVER a bad thing.)

***

I am hoping and praying ...

for my grandpa.

***

On Keeping Home ...

Getting ready for the holidays--card writing, cleaning, etc., etc.

***

One of my favorite things ...

singing with talented people

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

T: Pampered Chef Party!

W: Voice at 2:00, gym/ballet, DAY OFF!

Th: CF clinic @ 3:30

Sat: Music Man auditions!

Sunday: Messiah rehearsal; Faith Sharing group

A picture thought I am sharing:

Corner of State and Third Street, Downtown Columbus, Fall (it was taken this year, ignore the '07 thing)

The Simple Woman's Daybook--October 19, 2009

Outside My Window ...

Sunny and the leaves are pretty close to peak color. They are fantastic!!!

***

I am listening to...

Loreena McKennit, "The Book of Secrets" (I'm ADDICTED, I tell you. Addicted.)

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Rosary, Magnificat, Bible reading, classes, and re-reading Rediscovering Catholicism for my Faith Sharing Group. I also got my Advent companion from Magnificat today. Can you believe in about a month, it will be the first week of Advent?!

***

To Fit and Happy...

Gym and ballet this week. If I achieve ONE day of gym, and ballet class, I will be happy.

***

I am thankful for...

beautiful fall days.

***

I am pondering ...

the rest of the day's schedule

***

From the kitchen ...

Made orzo pasta with saffron and shrimp last night, and had the leftovers for lunch. So probably just soup and sandwich for dinner. I'm sort of "eating down the kitchen" this week.

I am wearing ...

Brown tights, a heather khaki skirt from J. Jill, and a cashmere sweater from Talbots (in this fantastic color called "raven", it's a great blue. I want everything they have in this color, but I'm restraining myself.)

***

I am creating ...

The memoir; music (voice lesson practicing)

***

On my iPod...

The "random" Setting. :) (Or shuffle. Whatever)

***

I am thinking...

that it's shaping up to be a good week.

***

Around the House

More clearing of the kitchen table.

.***

I am reading ...

W.H. Auden's poems; The Amish Cook's Baking Book. (It is awesome. Believe me.)

***

I am hoping and praying ...

for friends who are undergoing cancer treatments.

***

On Keeping Home ...

these candles look awesome. (keeping this link because they are awesome)

***

One of my favorite things ...

baking

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Possibly Opera Columbus this weekend--they're doing Pagliacci. 

W: Ballet

Th: Voice

A picture thought I am sharing:

Jerome Bettis and Mario at the Steelers game yesterday. Two of my favorite sports people.

The Simple Woman's Daybook--October 12, 2009

Outside My Window ...

A bit overcast. The leaves, however, are looking wonderful--red, black, ochre, gold, yellow, a bit of green, some fantastic auburn. It's so beautiful!

***

I am listening to...
Loreena McKennit, "The Book of Secrets" (I'm ADDICTED, I tell you. Addicted.)

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Rosary, Magnificat, Bible reading, classes

***
To Fit and Happy...

Gym today. I swear it will be happening. I have the day off, there's no reason it cannot happen.

***

I am thankful for...
my faith sharing group
***

I am pondering ...

What I can get done today.

***

From the kitchen ...

Irish Soda Bread (recipe up later), pizza for dinner with peppers, onions, and garlic from the North Market

I am wearing ...

A pink camisole, Pitt sweatpants (yeah, I just got up)

***

I am creating ...
The memoir; music (voice lesson practicing)

***
On my iPod...
Voice lesson music

***

I am thinking...

that I am looking forward to today.
***

Around the House

I mopped yesterday! Go me! Vacuuming today.

.***

I am reading ...

How the Irish Saved Civilization

***

I am hoping and praying ...
that my biopsy goes well this week. 

***

On Keeping Home ...

these candles look awesome. (keeping this link because they are awesome)

I was re-organizing a few things yesterday, trying to make the place look a bit tidier. More to do today, but I've been enjoying it so far. 

***
One of my favorite things ...

baking

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Monday: OB/GYN appointment

W: Ballet

Thursday: Biopsy/voice

Friday: Swan Lake!

A picture thought I am sharing: 

The Jane shelf in my apartment--my scholarly books on Jane, and the Madame Alexander "Emma" doll. The novels are with the rest of my fiction. 

***

If you like reading my daybook, you can find many more over at Peggy's!

The Simple Woman's Daybook--September 27, 2009

Outside My Window ...

It's dark now, but it was a beautiful fall day.

***

I am listening to...
L'Angelus, since it's Sunday.

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Rosary, Magnificat, Bible reading, classes

***
To Fit and Happy...

Gym tomorrow, ballet class on W.

***

I am thankful for...
Being healthy
***

I am pondering ...

How I can trick my body into letting me sleep tonight!
***

From the kitchen ...
This is what I made last night. And here's this week's schedule. 

I am wearing ...

A pink camisole, Pitt sweatpants.

***

I am creating ...
My memoir. It's going really well so far!

***
On my iPod...
(Isn't this the same as the above question? Oh well)

Stuff for my voice lessons--"Messiah", "Scarlet Pimpernel"

***

I am thinking...

that it was a good weekend.
***

Around the House

Not too much! The place is relatively clean!

.***

I am reading ...

"Home" by Marilyne Robinson

***

I am hoping and praying ...
For friends I know with cancer; for a good appointment tomorrow, and good oral surgery this week. 

***

On Keeping Home ...

these candles look awesome. (keeping this link because they are awesome)

And MORE candles: these are what I'm burning right now.

*yeah, I really like candles*

***
One of my favorite things ...

This jam. 

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Monday: Gym

Tuesday: House!

Wednesday: Ballet, Glee

Thursday: Voice, Bones, going to parents'

Friday: Oral surgery--oh yay. 

***

If you like reading my daybook, you can find many more over at Peggy's!

Simple Woman's Daybook--September 22, 2009

Outside My Window ...

A gray day for the first day of fall. Leaves are already falling! A lot are turning gold and lighter green, with a few red leaves here and there. No rain today, but we had lots of it yesterday.

***

I am listening to...
The Dirty Dancing soundtrack (getting in touch w/ my 80s side)

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Rosary, Magnificat, Bible reading, classes

***
To Fit and Happy...

Gym yesterday--I've lost three pounds in a week! Ballet class tomorrow. (With hopefully more of the awesome company dancer as teacher we had last week?)

***

I am thankful for...
My family
***

I am pondering ...

What else I need to do for my parish council meeting tonight.
***

From the kitchen ...
Not much right now. Probably just spaghetti for dinner.

I am wearing ...

Boden skirt and top, grey pearl earrings that I bought in Duck.

***

I am creating ...
A CLEAN APARTMENT. REally it's coming along. And music.

***
On my iPod...
Everything is back! Yay!!!!

***

I am thinking...

that I'm excited for this evening.
***

Around the House

Vacuuming (again, always)...dusting a bit.

.***

I am reading ...

Just finished Moloka'i for facebook book club. Such a great read.

***

I am hoping and praying ...
For friends I know with cancer.

***

On Keeping Home ...

these candles look awesome. (keeping this link because they are awesome)

And MORE candles: these are what I'm burning right now.

*yeah, I really like candles*

Putting out my autumn Willow Tree Angel.

***
One of my favorite things ...
Fall, in general

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Tonight: Parish Council meeting

Wednesday: Ballet class, "Glee"!

Thursday: "Bones"!, voice lesson

***

If you like reading my daybook, you can find many more over at Peggy's!

A new record

One. Hour.

One hour.

At the gym.

Yikes.

The Simple Woman's Daybook--September 14, 2009

Outside My Window ...

Another great early fall day here. The leaves are starting to turn gold on more trees. I love fall!

***

I am listening to...
L'Angelus "Sacred Hymns" (yes, still. It's that good!)

***

To Live the Liturgy...

Today: Exaultation of the Holy Cross

Tomorrow: Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (so hopefully Mass)

in between--rosary, Magnificat

***
To Fit and Happy...

Gym with my brother tonight; dance on Wednesday--that's what is set in stone right now.

***

I am thankful for...
My family; football season
***

I am pondering ...

What to order tonight at dinner w/ my brother
***

From the kitchen ...
Made a pizza over the weekend, and cake for the two birthdays I celebrated. Yummy.

I am wearing ...

gray slacks, a Boden top, my pearl necklace.

***

I am creating ...
typed at least 10 more pages in the memoir yesterday. Yay!

***
On my iPod...
I have to reinstall iTunes, so right now...nothing.

***

I am thinking...

I'm excited to see my brother tonight.
***

Around the House

Vacuuming (again, always)

.***

I am reading ...

Finished We Two (about Victoria and Albert) over the weekend, and picked up Home. Also read The Gargoyle, and it is amazing; do yourself a favor and pick it up!

***

I am hoping and praying ...
For friends I know with cancer and who are receiving treatments this week.

***

On Keeping Home ...

these candles look awesome. (keeping this link because they are awesome)

And MORE candles: these are what I'm burning right now.

*yeah, I really like candles*

New stuff: Just general cleaning, getting ready for fall and colder weather.

***
One of my favorite things ...
The Gargoyle (see above); football; hockey training camps!

***

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Tonight: Dinner and gym with my brother

Tuesday: Biblical Studies Lecture

Wednesday: Ballet class

Thursday: Voice lesson

Sat.: A friend's baby shower

Sunday: football!

***

If you like reading my daybook, you can find many more over at Peggy's!