New adventures in the world of diet and lifestyle! Yesterday, S and I began the Paleo Diet. We've both read the book by Dr. Loren Cordain, and we went ahead and got the cookbook that goes along with the book. There are several websites out there dedicated to the topic of the caveman, hunter-gatherer, paleolithic diet (some of the different names of this particular style of eating). I'm using everyone's best friend Google to find recipes, suggestions, and support as I eliminate (most) grain, dairy, and legumes from my diet. I told S that I'm willing to commit for a month, and I'll see how I feel after that. It's *such* a drastic change, I don't feel like I can honestly commit to more than that. Already today I'm craving pasta. I'm really good at craving exactly what I'm trying to not eat...but I was easily able to turn down (a delicious looking) cupcake!! By eliminating ALL grains (rice, corn, wheat, etc) I'm hoping to see if/what I'm sensitive to, as well as restoring my insulin sensitivity. It's also easier to decide what to eat by eliminating ALL those substances...rather than determine what's good or bad.
So my coffee is still ok, and I'm still planning on using half and half and sugar/truvia every morning. It's awesome that this diet also allows 3 open meals each week on the first level of the diet (I totally just did a Freudian slip...I typed "weak"...open meals for the weak!) so if I *need* something grain/flour based, or I go somewhere that those are the only options, I'm ok. It's a very forgiving mindset! That means I'm much more set up for success than with diets that are very strict and make me feel guilty if I slip just once! Plus, I can spread those meals out instead of having just one "cheat" day a week.
I also did my first TurboJam workout today, which I think will be a great cardio addition to my routine! It seems like a good cardio alternative to the elliptical that doesn't wear me out (or take as long) like Insanity did.
I fit perfectly into my wedding dress, but I look forward to losing some inches and feeling more comfortable in it. I can't lose too much though! So weights to keep the arms toned up and cardio to lose a few inches from the belly...that's the summer plan!
Any new adventures going on out there in your world?!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Clearing the mind...
I'm finding it difficult to clear my mind tonight. I'm afraid that if I go to sleep, my dreams will be haunted by the fears that are clouding my mind, drifting through my waking thoughts. Only in my sleep, in my dreams, they may turn into monsters, finding a way to root themselves deeper into my emotions and perpetuate themselves.
How do you truly clear a mind? If I play music, or a game, it only serves as a temporary distraction. I know that I am trying to cover them up. THEY know that I am trying to replace them, and they come back with a vengeance. I could read a story. I could take my mind (and my monsters) to another world, with characters who have their own universe, their own problems, their own monsters.
Tonight, I write. I will not tell you the names of my creatures. They are mine, and they are this moments. The next time I read this, I may have different monsters, but they seem to use the same tactics.
The deceit of my fears tears at my heart, for that is the true target of the weapon tonight. They want me to doubt the truths that I hold dear. They want me to blame. They want to weaken me.
I will not give in. I will not play them a little song. I will not let them travel from my head, from my mind, to my heart. I will weaken them, by exposing them and trapping them in words on a page.
My fears, my monsters, my deceit cannot win. Not tonight...begone, and find another hole to fill. My truths cannot be questioned. The false universe that is created by the stories of my monsters can never be true. The love that I have, and the Love that I know, regardless of the questions and the doubts that manifest, is greater than the monsters in my mind. As I make my statement, bold and true, the monsters turn to dust and the light enters. My night brightens to day, the breath returns to my body, and my heart rejoices in its freedom from the bondage of deceitfulness.
This is how you clear a mind. Not by distraction or music or stories, but by truth.
It is time to sleep. To sleep, perchance to dream....
How do you truly clear a mind? If I play music, or a game, it only serves as a temporary distraction. I know that I am trying to cover them up. THEY know that I am trying to replace them, and they come back with a vengeance. I could read a story. I could take my mind (and my monsters) to another world, with characters who have their own universe, their own problems, their own monsters.
Tonight, I write. I will not tell you the names of my creatures. They are mine, and they are this moments. The next time I read this, I may have different monsters, but they seem to use the same tactics.
The deceit of my fears tears at my heart, for that is the true target of the weapon tonight. They want me to doubt the truths that I hold dear. They want me to blame. They want to weaken me.
I will not give in. I will not play them a little song. I will not let them travel from my head, from my mind, to my heart. I will weaken them, by exposing them and trapping them in words on a page.
My fears, my monsters, my deceit cannot win. Not tonight...begone, and find another hole to fill. My truths cannot be questioned. The false universe that is created by the stories of my monsters can never be true. The love that I have, and the Love that I know, regardless of the questions and the doubts that manifest, is greater than the monsters in my mind. As I make my statement, bold and true, the monsters turn to dust and the light enters. My night brightens to day, the breath returns to my body, and my heart rejoices in its freedom from the bondage of deceitfulness.
This is how you clear a mind. Not by distraction or music or stories, but by truth.
It is time to sleep. To sleep, perchance to dream....
Saturday, February 25, 2012
More about me
I guess I should share more about myself, in an effort to connect with whoever stumbles across my little ol' blog :)
I could start with where I grew up, or my education, or my current job. So many of us identify with what job we have, but I often tell people that I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up yet! I could identify myself by groups that I associate with, or beliefs that I have, or things I have accomplished.
It's hard to define oneself, but I'll attempt to give you an idea "about me"...
Hmm. I am loud, outspoken, and opinionated. I like theatre and working out (sometimes!). I am a Christian and a doctor. I am a college professor (which I never 'feel' like. I think the title holds more weight with others than myself.). I love certain junk foods (hello, Buffalo pretzels and crunchy Cheetos!) and huge salads, although usually not at the same time. But salad and chicken wings go together nicely...
Back on track...I am a chiropractor. This really shapes my view on a lot of topics, especially political issues and healthcare of course. I also have sold any number of products over the years, or tried to...Pampered Chef and Stampin' Up, among others. I currently independently represent a couple different industries...Team Trivia and It Works! are the most prominent. (I love those wraps!)
I love animals and people. I love being social, but I definitely love being home cozied up to my muscle man, too! Oh, and I'm pretty darn crafty. Crochet is my preference, but I'm handy knitting something like a scarf (no purl, no other tricks). Give me chocolate and I'll love you forever, or until the chocolate is gone. I also enjoy fire, usually in the form of candles. I always buy candles, and yes, eventually I burn them! Especially if they smell yummy :) Oh, and I like cooking and baking. S does a pretty bang up job in the kitchen too...I can't wait until we can find a house with enough room for both of us to be in the kitchen together!
I have lots of ambitions and goals, although not all of them are easy to define. After getting married this year I plan on prioritizing my goals and creating goals with S. I know things will change over the next few years, but I'm looking forward to plotting out some life stuff with him. :)
I look forward to teaching in a four year institution (I think) and practicing again. I always look forward to whatever adventure presents itself, especially with a great teammate like S.
I also look forward to further questions, or comments, or both. Does anyone read this?!?
I could start with where I grew up, or my education, or my current job. So many of us identify with what job we have, but I often tell people that I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up yet! I could identify myself by groups that I associate with, or beliefs that I have, or things I have accomplished.
It's hard to define oneself, but I'll attempt to give you an idea "about me"...
Hmm. I am loud, outspoken, and opinionated. I like theatre and working out (sometimes!). I am a Christian and a doctor. I am a college professor (which I never 'feel' like. I think the title holds more weight with others than myself.). I love certain junk foods (hello, Buffalo pretzels and crunchy Cheetos!) and huge salads, although usually not at the same time. But salad and chicken wings go together nicely...
Back on track...I am a chiropractor. This really shapes my view on a lot of topics, especially political issues and healthcare of course. I also have sold any number of products over the years, or tried to...Pampered Chef and Stampin' Up, among others. I currently independently represent a couple different industries...Team Trivia and It Works! are the most prominent. (I love those wraps!)
I love animals and people. I love being social, but I definitely love being home cozied up to my muscle man, too! Oh, and I'm pretty darn crafty. Crochet is my preference, but I'm handy knitting something like a scarf (no purl, no other tricks). Give me chocolate and I'll love you forever, or until the chocolate is gone. I also enjoy fire, usually in the form of candles. I always buy candles, and yes, eventually I burn them! Especially if they smell yummy :) Oh, and I like cooking and baking. S does a pretty bang up job in the kitchen too...I can't wait until we can find a house with enough room for both of us to be in the kitchen together!
I have lots of ambitions and goals, although not all of them are easy to define. After getting married this year I plan on prioritizing my goals and creating goals with S. I know things will change over the next few years, but I'm looking forward to plotting out some life stuff with him. :)
I look forward to teaching in a four year institution (I think) and practicing again. I always look forward to whatever adventure presents itself, especially with a great teammate like S.
I also look forward to further questions, or comments, or both. Does anyone read this?!?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Foodie adventures...
Well, I did something I've *NEVER* done before tonight. Actually, several somethings!!
I have absolutely fallen in love with Pinterest (it's a bride's best friend!) and of course, along the way I find fabulous pictures of yummy looking recipes! (Check out my "Foodie Adventures" board!)
I came across a "Blue Velvet Cake" recipe and was instantly intrigued...probably because of the color. I'm a sucker for bright colors and anything shiny...
Here's the original blog post with the recipe I used: http://adventurescooking.blogspot.com/2010/03/blue-velvet-cake-with-cream-cheese.html
And here's some of my adventure...
I followed her instructions pretty much to the T, except for the amount of food coloring. Did you know that Red, Yellow, and Green food colorings come in full bottles (by the spices and extracts!) but Blue is only in 4 packs!??! At least, at my Walmart and Food Lion close to my house...so I only put in .25 oz instead of 2 oz. I don't know that it affected the color too badly...they're still pretty blue!
Also, I have exactly ONE muffin tin, so I made 12 cupcakes and 2 8" rounds. I did not grease the pans because one recipe said that angel food cake needs to "climb" the walls of a pan. I also considered doing this in a 9x13 pan but found out that it may not be the best idea, thus the smaller rounds.
Oh yeah, I forgot the blueberries! I had them...a huge thing of 'em from Costco...but totally forgot to put them in. So...see how I incorporated them anyways!!!
There are two gone because Muscle Man and I couldn't wait...
I mean...HOW CUTE IS THAT!??!
There's the two 8" rounds...I put one down on a plate with the cooked top up. Then I added frosting, and....
Frosting and BLUEBERRIES!! And more frosting on top of the berries. Then....
Threw the next round on TOP of all that, with the pan side up. It's flatter. There's a nice divot on top, but I filled it with frosting (icing?).
There it it! Two layers with middle blueberry surprise! It's by NO means perfect, but that wasn't my intention. Oh, and ignore the Woodchuck and Sam Adams bottles in the background, and the mess on the counter!! Do, however, pay attention to the Cardinals cup..they rock!
There's the finished product...more blueberries on top. Adorable, and the berries make it soooo tasty!
I have absolutely fallen in love with Pinterest (it's a bride's best friend!) and of course, along the way I find fabulous pictures of yummy looking recipes! (Check out my "Foodie Adventures" board!)
I came across a "Blue Velvet Cake" recipe and was instantly intrigued...probably because of the color. I'm a sucker for bright colors and anything shiny...
Here's the original blog post with the recipe I used: http://adventurescooking.blogspot.com/2010/03/blue-velvet-cake-with-cream-cheese.html
And here's some of my adventure...
I followed her instructions pretty much to the T, except for the amount of food coloring. Did you know that Red, Yellow, and Green food colorings come in full bottles (by the spices and extracts!) but Blue is only in 4 packs!??! At least, at my Walmart and Food Lion close to my house...so I only put in .25 oz instead of 2 oz. I don't know that it affected the color too badly...they're still pretty blue!
Also, I have exactly ONE muffin tin, so I made 12 cupcakes and 2 8" rounds. I did not grease the pans because one recipe said that angel food cake needs to "climb" the walls of a pan. I also considered doing this in a 9x13 pan but found out that it may not be the best idea, thus the smaller rounds.
Oh yeah, I forgot the blueberries! I had them...a huge thing of 'em from Costco...but totally forgot to put them in. So...see how I incorporated them anyways!!!
I mean...HOW CUTE IS THAT!??!
 | ||||
There's the two 8" rounds...I put one down on a plate with the cooked top up. Then I added frosting, and....
 | ||
Frosting and BLUEBERRIES!! And more frosting on top of the berries. Then....
So...there's my adventure for the day! Enjoy, and go try something new for yourself!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I'm still alive...
Yeah, I'm still here. Apparently consistency is not something I value with this little blog. I'd hope to turn it into one of the fabulous blogs I frequent, posting daily or at least weekly..maybe I'll turn that into a weekly goal. Update on my life, etc...
Ok, so this week...I've gotten a tattoo (my third), bought new shoes (it's been a year since I started working out, so new shoe time!), and...that's about it for interesting things.
I'm still doing team trivia, I'm still teaching and pushing them as hard as I can so the good ones who really understand the material are the ones that make it through (saving lives!), and I'm (still?) planning my wedding!
Oh, didn't I mention? Muscle man and I are engaged. :) As of January, when he talked to my parents. So 6 1/2 months from now, I will be Mrs. Liberty. Actually, legally I'll be Dr. Liberty. But still, awesome. I love this man so much, so it's exciting to put the time, energy, heart and soul into designing the perfect day for us and those we love to share this life event.
There's so much running around in my head these days. Work, work, grading, schedules, calendar for wedding stuff, money, and all the background noise of things I want to complete or projects I want to start....I wish I could find a way to get it all out of my head, onto paper, and organize it.
I'm inspired by friends (one in particular) who write daily, who draw regularly, who journal, who spend serious time each day feeding their creative side. I feel like I'm doing good if I get on Pinterest and at least get the juices flowing, much less complete or actually make something from there!!
One day...
I'll be organized.
I'll accomplish EVERYTHING on my to-do list.
I'll be bored outta my mind because I have *nothing* else to do...so really I'm just saving myself from the boredom!
I crack myself up, and I'm literally just rambling now. So I'll stop, and you can go back to doing something productive...
Ok, so this week...I've gotten a tattoo (my third), bought new shoes (it's been a year since I started working out, so new shoe time!), and...that's about it for interesting things.
I'm still doing team trivia, I'm still teaching and pushing them as hard as I can so the good ones who really understand the material are the ones that make it through (saving lives!), and I'm (still?) planning my wedding!
Oh, didn't I mention? Muscle man and I are engaged. :) As of January, when he talked to my parents. So 6 1/2 months from now, I will be Mrs. Liberty. Actually, legally I'll be Dr. Liberty. But still, awesome. I love this man so much, so it's exciting to put the time, energy, heart and soul into designing the perfect day for us and those we love to share this life event.
There's so much running around in my head these days. Work, work, grading, schedules, calendar for wedding stuff, money, and all the background noise of things I want to complete or projects I want to start....I wish I could find a way to get it all out of my head, onto paper, and organize it.
I'm inspired by friends (one in particular) who write daily, who draw regularly, who journal, who spend serious time each day feeding their creative side. I feel like I'm doing good if I get on Pinterest and at least get the juices flowing, much less complete or actually make something from there!!
One day...
I'll be organized.
I'll accomplish EVERYTHING on my to-do list.
I'll be bored outta my mind because I have *nothing* else to do...so really I'm just saving myself from the boredom!
I crack myself up, and I'm literally just rambling now. So I'll stop, and you can go back to doing something productive...
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Achieving something great...
To achieve something, you must have a goal. To achieve something GREAT, you must have a dream!
But how do you achieve your grand vision, your ultimate dream? By setting smaller goals and identifying the little baby steps along the way!
And a perfectly valid question...If you know what you want you want, but it's something you've never actually accomplished, how do you find your way? How do you know the steps to get there?
The best way to find out is to find a mentor. Find someone else who has accomplished the goal you want to accomplish. You may know them personally, or you may research and discover a person, or you may know of someone famous that you can study. Learn how they accomplished the goal. Find out what works, and what didn't work. Avoid the pitfalls they already discovered! You can stand on the shoulders of giants! You can step in the footprints of the great! Follow the path to success set before you by others who have also been successful.
Learn not only the steps to success, but learn the habits of the successful. Learn how they think. Most successful people have a positive mentality that takes each mistake and turns it into a lesson. They know to look above and beyond small failures and to keep their eyes on the prize..on that ultimate goal, that clear vision.
Life is a journey. Remember that with every step you take, you are moving towards something!! Is it towards your goal? Is it towards sabotage? Keep that dream, that vision, that goal in your mind as you take each step. And when you get there?? Make another goal!
What are YOU searching for? What are you moving towards? Enjoy your journey!
But how do you achieve your grand vision, your ultimate dream? By setting smaller goals and identifying the little baby steps along the way!
And a perfectly valid question...If you know what you want you want, but it's something you've never actually accomplished, how do you find your way? How do you know the steps to get there?
The best way to find out is to find a mentor. Find someone else who has accomplished the goal you want to accomplish. You may know them personally, or you may research and discover a person, or you may know of someone famous that you can study. Learn how they accomplished the goal. Find out what works, and what didn't work. Avoid the pitfalls they already discovered! You can stand on the shoulders of giants! You can step in the footprints of the great! Follow the path to success set before you by others who have also been successful.
Learn not only the steps to success, but learn the habits of the successful. Learn how they think. Most successful people have a positive mentality that takes each mistake and turns it into a lesson. They know to look above and beyond small failures and to keep their eyes on the prize..on that ultimate goal, that clear vision.
Life is a journey. Remember that with every step you take, you are moving towards something!! Is it towards your goal? Is it towards sabotage? Keep that dream, that vision, that goal in your mind as you take each step. And when you get there?? Make another goal!
What are YOU searching for? What are you moving towards? Enjoy your journey!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Workouts
I currently lift three days per week. I am getting ready to add some water aerobics classes and any other random cardio I decide to do (yeah, random is REALLY good for accomplishing goals, haha) up to three times a week and beach volleyball and all that.
My "day one" is legs:
Warm up:
3 sets/10 on leg extension, light weight
3 sets/10 hamstrings, light weight
Workout includes the following in any order:
Hack squat machine, 3 sets/12-15 (WB)
Squats, at least 3 sets/10 with increasing weight each set usually (WB)
Leg press, 3 sets/12-15
Calves, 3 sets/12 total reps. 4 reps toes in, 4 reps toes forward, 4 reps toes out each set
Leg extension individually, 3 sets/10 each side
Hamstrings individually, 3 sets/10 each side
Day Two: Back
I have started (usually) using a weight belt on my whole back day...it helps me learn/keep my posture. I DEFINITELY use it on my dead lifts.
Warm up (sort of)
High row machine, 3 sets/10
Low row machine, 3 sets/10
The following in any order:
Shrugs, 3 sets/10
Row, 3 sets/10
Lats, 3 sets/10
Lat cable pull down, 3 sets/10 with 3 second count on the pull down
Dead lift machine, 3 sets/10
Another lat exercise on the cable pull down if I feel like it...standing with arms straight, REALLY light weight and a flat handed push down from parallel to work the "bra fat" area :)
Maybe another row exercise...T-bar, free weights, whatever
Day Three: Chest
Warm up might be shoulder presses on the machine, really light weight to warm up the muscles, or just start on the bar...3 sets of 10 bench press with just the bar.
Bench press, sets of 10 reps to max. At max, partial presses are acceptable (just to parallel) and as many reps as possible.
Incline press, 3 sets/10
Shoulder presses, free weights 3 sets/10
Anterior shoulder presses, free weights 3 sets/10 (if I'm not blown out from everything else)
Rear delt presses on machine, 3 sets/10
Biceps, free weights or cable pull, 3 sets/10 each side
Triceps, 2 exercises, 3 sets/10 each exercise, each side. Could be nosebreakers, cable push down, the hard cable push down (less pulleys..harder to do!), machine, whatever.
That's about it. Of course, modifications are always possible...I recently added to my back day because it simply didn't challenge me as much anymore. My goal is enough weight to challenge the muscles but not stupid heavy. Those numbers are always changing as my muscle grows and gets used to the activities, and of course, there are "off" days where I just can't do as much as the day before...diet, sleep, mood, etc all play in to that.
It's pretty intense, but SO worth it when I get to show off my triceps or my legs :) Amazing how happy I am and how much I look forward to going to do these workouts!! I still feel a little guilty if I miss or have an off day...but I have learned to recognize that is just the Choleric in me and I try to ear better or plan to do a little extra the next time to make up for it.
My "day one" is legs:
Warm up:
3 sets/10 on leg extension, light weight
3 sets/10 hamstrings, light weight
Workout includes the following in any order:
Hack squat machine, 3 sets/12-15 (WB)
Squats, at least 3 sets/10 with increasing weight each set usually (WB)
Leg press, 3 sets/12-15
Calves, 3 sets/12 total reps. 4 reps toes in, 4 reps toes forward, 4 reps toes out each set
Leg extension individually, 3 sets/10 each side
Hamstrings individually, 3 sets/10 each side
Day Two: Back
I have started (usually) using a weight belt on my whole back day...it helps me learn/keep my posture. I DEFINITELY use it on my dead lifts.
Warm up (sort of)
High row machine, 3 sets/10
Low row machine, 3 sets/10
The following in any order:
Shrugs, 3 sets/10
Row, 3 sets/10
Lats, 3 sets/10
Lat cable pull down, 3 sets/10 with 3 second count on the pull down
Dead lift machine, 3 sets/10
Another lat exercise on the cable pull down if I feel like it...standing with arms straight, REALLY light weight and a flat handed push down from parallel to work the "bra fat" area :)
Maybe another row exercise...T-bar, free weights, whatever
Day Three: Chest
Warm up might be shoulder presses on the machine, really light weight to warm up the muscles, or just start on the bar...3 sets of 10 bench press with just the bar.
Bench press, sets of 10 reps to max. At max, partial presses are acceptable (just to parallel) and as many reps as possible.
Incline press, 3 sets/10
Shoulder presses, free weights 3 sets/10
Anterior shoulder presses, free weights 3 sets/10 (if I'm not blown out from everything else)
Rear delt presses on machine, 3 sets/10
Biceps, free weights or cable pull, 3 sets/10 each side
Triceps, 2 exercises, 3 sets/10 each exercise, each side. Could be nosebreakers, cable push down, the hard cable push down (less pulleys..harder to do!), machine, whatever.
That's about it. Of course, modifications are always possible...I recently added to my back day because it simply didn't challenge me as much anymore. My goal is enough weight to challenge the muscles but not stupid heavy. Those numbers are always changing as my muscle grows and gets used to the activities, and of course, there are "off" days where I just can't do as much as the day before...diet, sleep, mood, etc all play in to that.
It's pretty intense, but SO worth it when I get to show off my triceps or my legs :) Amazing how happy I am and how much I look forward to going to do these workouts!! I still feel a little guilty if I miss or have an off day...but I have learned to recognize that is just the Choleric in me and I try to ear better or plan to do a little extra the next time to make up for it.
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