Damage Control-May!!!

Hi all,

I've worked this weekend...so lots of walking with that! Yesterday I did Athletic Workout-can't remember what it's called exactly-from the Low Intensity Series. Diana, I think I'm going back to 3 days on then 1 day off. I really liked that format. Day 1: Cardio, Day 2: Upper Body, Day 3: Lower Body Weights-add cardio if I feel like it i.e. Cardio Leg Blast. I feel ok-just not up for super intense right now. Your walking and getting to the gym sound good for being away from home!

LL, how was the convention?

Tina, I do not recommend Fates and Furies...I would not have finished it if it wasn't our book club book. I did not like either character. It was like 50 Shades of Gray meets Gone Girl-self absorbed whiney adults. I'm now reading another David Mitchell-Black Swan Green. DH is reading Number 9 Dream. I like his sci-fi and manner. Are you biking? It's been really weird weather here-from snow to hail, rain, everything! DH biked last Friday-last nice day here.

Beth
 
Ok, so I pulled something in my back and haven't worked out since a lame Boot Camp wo, lame because I didn't work that hard because I was in pain. But I think I might be able to do something more HiiT, but light on the bending over and back usage? I don't even know if that's possible. But I hate not working out for 4 days!!

The convention was good, went to a bunch of workshops about raising and teaching boys. I'm still unsure about science and history. I did buy a history program but I'm not sure I'll use it. My history options are: Notgrass- 3 texts, quizzes/tests, all on my own with the exception of maybe getting together with another mom to do some stuff but she lives 15 min from Philly and I'm 35 west of her. Second option: Veritas Press Omnibus- my high schooler would take the live class at our co op, middle schooler would take the self paced online class and I would work with B. The last option is to do what I did this year and have the high schooler take the online class from Tapestry University and put my middle schooler in it too and B would be with me. For this option. I have the opportunity to talk with another mom of 4 active boys and figure out how to do the program with objects and not burning out! Or I can put them all in the co op history classes, Story of the World for the younger 2 but own age classes and the oldest in the Omnibus. I just don't know! We are just finishing up our year in the middle of the Revolutionary War. So we will be doing American history next year for what ever path we choose. Science isn't a as hard, I'll likely do what the co op is doing chemistry for JTrain (high schooler), physical science or what the other co op is teaching (for CDawg) and chemistry for B. I need to decide if I want B in most classes the co op offers or keep him with me to help him focus. He has had a lot of trouble focusing these last few weeks. Maybe it's spring and lots of rain??

Hi Tina, Beth and Diana!


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LL, hope your back feels better soon. You are so busy with the home schooling and sports! How is baseball going?

Diana, are the early morning workouts going well? How is the weather for walking? When do you get back home?

I took Sunday off. Monday was X10-step, low-impact, and fat burning segments. Today for upper body I did RWH UB circuit. My upper back is still tight so I've been keeping the weights super light. I've been massaging with a tennis ball to help break up the fascia and booked an hour massage for next Monday to help it. I feel like I'm starting from scratch with trying to get my upper body built back up. Oh well, one day at a time! I'm just glad it doesn't hurt so much that I can't do anything. That rest time was good for it.

Hi, Tina! How are the chicks?!

Beth
 
Beth- yes it stinks and I don't "have time" to be in pain. But it makes me slow down. I hope to put the middle boys In front of Johnny Tremain this afternoon to try to do some kind of workout. Not sure what. I love X10 but I think unless I do the low impact I'd be hurting. I'll probably put some heat on my back for 20 min when I get home and then just look at the DVDs and see what looks doable. Any suggestions welcomed!! Yeah, I kinda went off on the hsing. Sorry!! We are winding down, so it's a big push to get things di sines up. Sports yes another huge time commitment. B has a game tonight and JTrain is umping at another field tonight. But it's raining....again. Sports every night this week. Two parties, that I'm hosting for our science lab (5 extra boys) and co op party in the afternoon. And 2 baseball tournaments this weekend. Hubby will be at Rypken in MD Saturday and Sunday (not staying over night) and JTrain has his locally, thankfully. And Cdawg has a game Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. Thankfully our church has a 5pm service! Five games between 10 and 2 Sunday morning! Tennis ball, I will have to try that, Beth! I have been seeing the chiropractor Wednesday, Friday yesterday and will see him again on Wednesday and Friday. I also have a massage Friday. I've been a wipe though and haven't done anything by heat and keep up with life.

Hi Tina and Diana!


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Hi Ladies,

Wow, the days are flying by at this location. I'm busy from morning until I leave at night. Then I have to log into work from the hotel and send the project manager my daily status. Only 2 more days to go, I fly home on Friday.

Last night I walked into the downtown area and at dinner on my way back to the hotel. I had a grilled chicken salad, merlot and chocolate cake. It was delicious! I've been eating tuna for dinner and stopped at the store to get food for lunch. I don't have a refrigerator at my hotel, so it has to be non-refrigerated, ready to eat etc.

This morning I was up at 5:45 to get to the gym by 6am. I did a 10 min warm up on the elliptical and then a 40 min circuit of 30 sec work/10 sec rest. I met my 10K steps again today!! Of course I'm eating a chocolate chip cookie as I type this. :)

It's supposed to rain all day tomorrow. I'm not really looking forward of walking a mile to and from the office with my heavy laptop and bag.

Beth-the weather is mostly nice during the day. Cloudy and cool for the walk to and from work-generally nice. The morning workouts are fine, it's the only time I can do it. When I had a 32 mile drive to work, well then I got up early to w/o too. I know, if I don't do it in the morning, it most likely won't happen at all. I like the 3 day on, one day off. Do what feels right to you.

LL-Sorry about your poor back. Have you tried ice? I seem to have better luck with ice than with heat. Also, depending on where the back soreness/pain is, I can usually do cardio fine. I try stay away from kickboxing too just due to all the twisting motions in kickbox. Clearly, if you in pain, stop what you are doing. Aaahhh, the life of a parent is in full swing for you. Hopefully you will get the school situation decided quickly. Gotta love the sports! I enjoyed watching my kids play in all their sports. Now getting them to/from practices, multiple kids, multiple locations...not so much.

Tina-what are you up to?

bbl
 
Diana- I'm having so much trouble with the food part. So what's new?? Chinese for dinner last night and left overs for lunch today. [emoji17] not drinking enough water and the higher protein/veggies vs sugar/bad carbs. Failing miserably and the scale shows. ☹️


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LL, you are NOT a failure. You are a busy, busy person. My husband and I wished we'd have homeschooled both our boys. DS1 had such a good experience the 3 years we did it. We (I) was just afraid of high school and then I went back to work so it didn't happen. You are to be commended for your job! Plus all the extra curricular. I have nothing but respect for all you do for your family. Glad to hear you're getting to the chiro and a massage to help your back. It has never really hurt me to take a week or two off from formal workouts.

Diana way to go with the circuits and the 10,000 steps!

Beth
 
Hi Ladies,

I didn't get to sleep until very late and was too tired to go the gym this morning. It was pouring rain so I actually took a taxi to work.. The 1 Mile trip cost 7 pounds which is $10,21. Everything is so expensive here. I plan in hitting the gym tomorrow morning though. I've also made arrangements for the almost 2 hour taxi ride to the airport at 5am on Friday.

Honestly, my eating hasn't been the best. I've picked up salads with chicken at the grocery store for dinner. I'm having scramble eggs and 2 link sausages for breakfast. I haven't found any individually wrapped pieces of dark chocolate. I've been having a couple mini chocolates to satisfy my sweet tooth. I have had 3 glasses of wine during my stay here.

LL-I'm in in awe with all that you do. You are an amazing wife, mother, teacher.... Never ever ever...ever refer to yourself as a failure or failing, you are amazing!! I think the food part is the hardest, definitely for me and probably for most. You just do the best you can. You will find what works and what doesn't, eventually what works will become your staples and what doesn't will become you occasional items. It's all will time, practice and preparation. You have 4 kids with an ever changing schedule that you have to work around. I think you are awesome!

Beth-I'm really looking forward to giving whole 30 a go in June. They are also running the 21 Day food challenge that month as well. What I like about that one, is they provide the meals for each day/week. They provide a shopping list for each week, and it's easy to prepare most of the meals ahead of time for each of the 3 weeks.

Waving Hi to Tina....

bbl
 
Diana, I can't wait either for the Whole30. I've been cheating a bit lately and need to clean it up again.

Today was LIHI Legs. Tomorrow a rest day-maybe a walk if the weather is nice.

Beth
 
Our bathroom is getting redone this week. I've been really busy emptying everything out. We're claiming some of DD's closet to make a linen closet in our bathroom, so that mess had to be removed. They gutted the entire bathroom, down to the studs. The only other bathroom in the house is a tiny corner bathroom with an itty bitty shower. Not enough room to even shave your legs in. It will be a long three to four weeks before it's finished. We've been cycling a lot too. The new bike is so much fun. I only have STS plyo legs left to do before I'm finished the program. I may try to squeeze it in tonight or maybe Sunday, due to rain. Next week is a rest week. I think I'll stick to circuits like DM, BM2, and LIC.

LL, I hope your back heals soon. I'm still nursing my forearm injury, but that's nothing compared to back pain. I hope you're able to sleep okay.

Diana, I hope you have a safe flight home. You must be looking forward to your own bed again!

Beth, the chicks are doing great. We just put them into their own little coop that has a tiny outdoor run. It looks like all four have a different mommy hen. The adoptive silkie hen that hatched them is still with them. The chicks look like tiny periscopes in between her wings. :) Have you been getting out on your bikes this week?
 
Thanks for all the encouragement, I needed it. Not sure what is going on with my body, but my rosacea is also in high gear and I look terrible. Only 2 of the 4 pairs of shorts that I bought last summer fit. Ugh! And the challenge is over a week from Friday? Or a week from Monday, not sure but there is no way I've come close to winning. I'm not sure if I will have lost anything pounds or inches or body fat. Just depressing. It's hard not to get completely down on myself.

Today I did BootCamp with only 1 modifications, can't do planks, kinda like Cathe's plank jumps from RWH core with wts, but no jump, just the up down part. I did a static crunch instead. Bicycle move was hurting some too, I just did them slowly.


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Hi Ladies,

I made it back home safe and sound Friday night. I'm still trying to acclimate to the 7hr time difference. Yesterday I was up at 4am. I was productive before I crashed in early evening. I did 4 loads of laundry, went through the mail and paid the bills, and went to Costco.

Workout wise, I hope to do CLB and abs today. I'm leaning towards the GS w/o's and really want to do Imax 3 soon. It's a fav of mine. The scale is only up a tad and I like to give myself a couple days of eating my normal foods before worrying about the scale after traveling. It will be nice to get back on track with my normal w/o's and eating.

Tina-You will so enjoy your new bathroom. We were fortunate that they staggered our bathrooms, so we always had 1 shower available-with a tub. Having the bathrooms re-done forced me to clean out the vanities...which probably hadn't been done since we moved in.

LL-I'm sorry to hear your back is still bothering you. I hope it heals up in short order. Don't put so much stress on yourself. Do your best and forget the rest. Consistency is key, and that is really hard with your busy schedule. Set yourself up to be successful. Perhaps have a daily goal instead. Something along the lines of drinking a gallon of water each day. Do that for 7 days and then add in another goal, no processed food and a gallon of water each day...so on etc. Small doable changes that make a difference over time. I think you are amazing! I get tired just reading your posts.

Beth-I need to get busy reading the whole 30 book and check out the website. I can say that is extremely strict. I'm not sure I care about that approach. I do understand it though. I'm all for eating whole foods and protein, eliminating the junk. Between now and the start of June, I want to plan my meals and grocery lists.

bbl
 
Hi all!

This weekend was a RWH weekend-CST Sat. and BSB today. Lightening the weights has really made a good difference for me. I'm sore in a good way-not hurting so much. Tomorrow looks to be a bike ride-finally! It's been raining here all weekend.

Diana, I agree that Whole30 is pretty strict. I don't think I really have any food allergies which is why they say they limit everything and then slowly add it back in. What I have found is that not having processed food is key for me. I still think beans are good for you and still have a hard time eliminating them! Not having cereal has helped me at work-I'm loving the protein powder smoothies and may continue with them after the Whole30. Glad you made it back and are getting back to your routine!

Tina, glad to hear you like your new bike! The chicks sound so cute and fun!

LL, hope you are getting a little YOU time this weekend!

Beth
 
Diana, happy to hear you are back safe and sound. You sound so level headed about your weight! I figured out I'm up 15 from last year this time!! Not happy.

One week of the challenge yet. I'm going to aim for M-F Boot Camps and and continue with the May rotation at my own pace. I was able to do RWH low impact 1 ab circuits weight and plates. I don't have weighted gloves so I put on my weight lifting gloves. [emoji23] and ankle wts. I could do all of the wt ones but basically none of the plate exercises. I was able to hold a plank, straight arm for 3-4 seconds up from not at all last week, before my back would start hurting. So I guess it's an improvement. I miss the HiiTs!! Boot Camp is so much body weight and I feel like my heart rate isnt getting up high enough.

I was at the vitamin store (not a chain like GNC) and the guy, who really knows his stuff, told me I should get some blood work done, hormonal work up. My rosacea is out of control. Then again so is my stress level. He recommends no wheat no dairy no sugar. I may try this for the last week of the challenge.

Beth- I should take a look at whole30 even if for a week. Is it similar to paleo?

Me time? Yesterday I was home all day doing sheets, laundry and some cleaning (both vacuums is broken). Hubby was at 3 baseball games in the light rain. Today we split up: I took JTrain and B to church and food shopping while he took Little K (lingering cough) and CDawg to his baseball game. Now I'm at B's game while hubby and CDawg are on their way back from the evening service at church. Tonight is supposed to be a girls night out but it's 30 min away at 7:30. I'm not sure I'm up for it and I have another GNO tomorrow with different girls. [emoji4]

Hi Tina!



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LL, Whole30 is no sugar, no dairy, no grains, no legumes, and no alcohol. The basic premise is: if man made it, don't eat it. I really lost the bloat in my stomach for the days I was following it to the tee. Naturally, I'm up a couple of pounds now and have recommitted-because it's Monday and a good day to start, right?! I'm doing a protein shake for breakfast (using up my Shakeology since it cost $$$) and doing Whole30 lunch and dinner-salads with oil and vinegar, recipes from the book like Fish Cakes, Fritatas, meat and veggies. You can have coffee! They have a good website and Facebook site with lots of Q&A-check it out! Sounds like you had a busy weekend. Glad your back is feeling better. The sun is shining here and a bike ride this morning is on the table!!

Have a good day all,

Beth
 
Hi Ladies,

Yesterday I did TTM Extreme premix. My intention was to do weights at lunch but I got stuck in a meeting. Today I had a 6:30am meeting, of course when I logged in...the meeting had been canceled. Now I don't have much time until my next meeting, I may try to do DWP. Not sure about weights today, Tuesday I'm glued to the chair for back to back meetings. UGH. My weight is back down to my pre-trip weight. It just takes a few days of being on my normal routine for food and exercise.

My HR monitor needs a new battery....again. I'm so sick of having to send it to polar etc. I'm on the lookout for a new HR monitor that I can change the batteries in myself. Do any of you have any recommendations?

I've been getting lots of calls from recruiters lately. I went ahead and sent my resume to one of them. It doesn't hurt to keep your options open. I do think this position is back down where I used to work, 60-75 min morning commute and 75-90 min evening commute. It's going to be hard to find something that comes close to what I have now.

LL-HUGS-you have so much going that being able to focus on weight loss is difficult. I also believe you have to be in the right mindset if you will. One time I did Weight Watchers for 3 months and didn't lose anything. My mind wasn't in the game. What about 21 Day Fix, that seemed to work well for you. I have struggled with my weight basically my whole adult life. Weighing everyday just helps me stay on track for that day. I write the number down everyday and move on. It also helps me identify foods that make the number go up and down. I know bread, pasta, rice, potatoes etc will make the scale go up.

Beth-I'm looking forward to Whole30-the foods, not the rules. I plan on continuing to weigh everyday and track in MFP. I think the rest will be tough but doable. I'm more of a grazer. I struggle with overeating so I don't like to have 3 meals a day. What is really wrong with making whole30 friendly snacks?? The meals themselves are similar to what I eat, protein and veggie. I think giving up peanut butter will be the most difficult for me. I eat a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter before my morning w/o's! I prefer almond butter anyway so I may be okay. :)

Tina-what are you up to???

bbl
 
Beth, I put pb in my shake everyday. But I found it in the freezer this morning so I went without and it was still good! It was me doing that I think on Sunday. Hopefully I didn't kill it. I can do without it. And grains I can even do without. It's sugar and chocolate I have trouble with. I'm not naturally a coffee person but but I've learned to like not love iced coffee with chocolate sauce and half and half!

Diana, I use a Fitbit but it's the charge not HR. Sometimes I wish I had the HR but why do I need that anyway? It's just another "toy" and number for me to stress about. And I was at the doctor yesterday, and between the rosacea and the lack of sleep and stress is a trigger for rosacea and I need to learn how to destress. I am at 15 pounds in the last year and a half since my last doctor's visit. That's extremely depressing. But I'm trying to work on it and I guess I will be for the rest my life. I don't know if I want to do 21 day fix again, it seems too rigid but then again what I'm doing now only allows a half cup of sweet potatoes or other types of vegetable starch is including beans and a half cup of brown rice or other grains. But there are more vegetables, 6 to 12 cups per day and more protein 4 to 6 servings of protein a day. Larger protein meals in smaller amounts of snacks. Fruit is limited to two a day.

so yesterday I did. Lower body for the first time. And I matched her race except for the squats just because I feel a change of the ways. And my back seem to handle it pretty well. But the ball exercises, I am just so weak in that area. I tried to go to Boot Camp after that I was late and since he changed it up, he didn't let me in. This morning I went to Boot Camp and I'm hoping to do to chiseled lower body soon.

Hi Tina!

Kids are fighting, gotta go!


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Hi all,

I got a nice long (for me) 15 mile bike ride in yesterday. It was FUN! I didn't worry about going in a super hard gear to "build leg muscles"...I felt energized afterwards! Then I went in to the massage for 75 minutes-so nice. It was the first time I had a guy do one and it was better-sad but true, I know. He was able to get firmer pressure and my upper back and shoulders are feeling great. He said the tight rhomboids are probably from the push-ups. My form must not be good or I'm doing them wrong. I don't know. I wish I lived somewhere where there were personal trainers and I could have my form checked. Maybe I'll look into some of the towns an hour away-closest thing to civilization/malls! Today is another bike ride. I figure I'll just shock my body with workouts-it won't know what to expect! I'm not following any rotation right now. It rained all weekend so I did weights and it's been nice this week so far-so biking!

Diana, I hear you on the peanut butter! I got some almond butter, too. I think you can have as many snacks as you want-as long as it's on the approved food list. I'm going to do that! When I was experimenting with it a few weeks back I had coconut chips and walnuts on hand. It's only 30 days-1 day at a time! I'm curious if I'll get any of the non weight loss benefits like sleeping better and better digestion. We'll see. I will definitely still weigh myself daily-it really keeps me in check.

Good news at work today-there are extra Shingle vaccines that the Dept. of Health is giving to my facility for anyone who wants to have one. I signed up for sure. I have seen 50 year olds get Shingles, I had Chicken Pox, and it's so painful and horrible. I had DH get one as soon as he turned 60. I have to pay for it, but it is so worth it in my book.

Tina, how is the bathroom remodel going? We are doing nothing around the house while DS2 is still in college. We did have a leak in a pipe in the basement last week, so we got that fixed. But other than emergencies-nothing. How are the Gym Styles?

Diana, I finally got rid of my Polar. I had sent the watch in numerous times and then had to send the chest part and then the band on the watch broke and I just threw it all out-tried to replace the band with no luck with my skin allergies. I have no recommendations for you...sorry. I'm curious to hear what you get!

LL, you sound stressed. I'm glad to hear you got some good workouts in. I found some refrigerator leftovers in the spice cupboard last week! It happens!

Gotta go-heading out at 3:30 with DH for our ride.

Beth
 
I meant to say I did lower body pyramid yesterday. Today I did end up doing ice chiseled lower body blast. Tomorrow I hope to get to boot camp early and then do ice chiseled upper body. I'm not sure how my back will do but if it hurts, I'll just modify or skip.

Another baseball game tonight that finally felt like baseball season! Sunny and warm! Tomorrow 86° and sunny and two baseball games at diff fields. Hubby will be with his parents because his dad is having rotator cuff surgery and hubby will spend most of the day with them. Not sure if he will e back for driving to games. They are only 10 min apart so it could be worse!

I may try almond butter in my shakes just for a change. I do love dates with almond butter, I had 3 tonight! Trying not to have chocolate chips! But I may have hot chocolate. I put some chocolate chips in there but only a small handful and then I put the back away. Funny how I don't over do with that... And I sub some of the mix (whole foods brand) with unsweetened cocoa.


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Hi Ladies,

Yesterday I did Imax 3! Whew, I just love that work is tough but doable and the time flies by! I was hoping to do something today, but it may end up being a rest day. My day started with a 6:30am conference call then a quick ortho apt at 7:40 to replace a hook that fell off. My between meetings time isn't enough to get in a w/o. I'm leaning towards GS...or...can't believe I'm saying this...starting Meso 2.

Tonight I'm getting a microderm and a massage!

Beth-
I found some refrigerator leftovers in the spice cupboard last week! It happens!
I laughed out loud when I read this!!! So true though. Good idea getting the shingles vaccine. I'm sick of sending my polar in too! I may go ahead do that, it's seems like every year now. Glad you were able to get in a bike ride. My bike is covered with dust in the garage. :( I've been reading the Whole 30 book and found the FB page. I need a meal plan and grocery list. Hopefully I can find one of those, otherwise I'll have to create my own. I don't want to be "winging" it. I only have 1 event in June, DH's birthday...well and Father's day. I don't anticipate having any issues with eating whole 30 on those days.

LL-I have the some struggles with chocolate. I feel your pain. I had to give up buying chocolate chips because I eat them by the handful, and on occasion have eaten the whole bag in one day. Sad but true. It took years, but I learned I really just wanted the chocolate, not the cookies and cakes etc. Milk chocolate is my favorite, but now I try to stick to the 72% dark chocolate-individually wrapped. You are getting in some great workouts!

Tina-How is the bathroom remodel coming along? Have you been out riding lately?

bbl
 

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