(:--->STS 6 month alumni-Week of March 28<--:)

Good afternoon yall

It has been a while since I have gotten to post in the evening!
We are kind of having a chillax day here and then we are going to start working on the house in the morning. We went to town and got all the stuff we need so hopefully by the end of this week we will have the walls torn out to the living room. We have not been able to do that yet because wasp are still able to get in through the soffit area in the top but we are going to hopefully have that closed in tomorrow.
I am going to try and do a little meal planning. We have not been off this many days in a row for a while and I want to do some cooking but I have to see what I have and try to plan around some of that stuff. I wish dh was not such a picky eater but I can't say too much because when he and I got together we ate exactly the same pretty much. It is hard to believe that I eat everything almost now...at least I will try anything. I have gotten him to eat more things but it is not his favorite.

Jo-Don't be jealous. When the new job starts I probably will barely see daylight at my house. We will be working our butts off to try and meet an almost impossible deadline even if we had 10 guys working for us. The faster you work the faster they want it. It is never enough.
I have plyo tomorrow and I hope that my legs are cooperating after 40/20 today! Oh yea...DH and I have a Lostathon tonight. We did not get to watch last weeks so we get to watch them back to back tonight!

Kim-I am glad you think 40/20 is hard too. that way I do not feel like such a whine bag when I am moaning to myself in the mornings before I do it.lol
It sounds like you are having a pretty nice spring break. Sometimes it is more relaxing for me to stay home than to try and go somewhere in the few days we get off. We are going to try and go somewhere between this phase and the next one. That will be mid summer probably.

Cendrine-I still did not get my C.E. mag. I got another mag from the store...I think it is one of the test kitchen magazines but it is healthy eating one. I might share some of the recipe names and see if any jump out at you.

I am going to go do nothing. I did get a new recipe book in the mail. It is not a healthy one but did have a healthy section in it.

TTYT

Rachel
 
Goodness, it's warm here, I have the windows open trying to cool the house down before bedtime.

Jo I think you and I were posting at the same time this morning, I just realized that you had posted before mine. TBL just finished, I can't believe Melissa is back:confused: I was sure glad that Victoria got a chance.

Cendrine I was just talking with my family MD and pharmacist in January about mild asthma. I was debating the pro/cons of being on a preventative medication. The both strongly suggest that even mild asthma will cause scarring on the airways which overtime will cause the asthma to get worse. Better to prevent even mild asthma from occurring. I take just one puff of Flovent each morning and notice a huge difference. I used to just cough a bit especially on the cold winter mornings or have just a tight feeling in my chest. I've twice gone on it just for a few months and notice about an immediate change. Maybe you should just take something for a few weeks each spring.

Rachael Sounds like you have a busy day planned for tomorrow! Is it the mudroom that your working on?

So ds went over to his friend's house (male) this afternoon, the parents were home ( I checked). When we picked him up, the same 2 girls were there as well. It sounds like they were riding bikes in the backyard, and stuff. DS won't give me any details though:rolleyes: I don't even know their names. Hmm, maybe the mom of the other boy know what's up??
 
Good morning yall!

I just couldn't not set my alarm:rolleyes:...but I did set it for 6am which means I get 2 extra hrs of uninterrupted sleep. woohoo!
I just wanted to do a quick checkin. I have to go hit plyo. After this one just one more left!!!!!
Better go get it done!:eek:
TTYL
Rachel
 
Hi Goyls! :p
I ended up going to spinning with the girls last night. I was thinking I would die after having done Plyo legs yesterday, but oddly enough I was supercharged! It's like my body really wanted to go for it and I DID! Fun fun fun!

Kim, TBL was very good and I'm so happy about Victoria! Melissa, bleh...but it will make for more drama! ;) Nice to hear you had a warm day! That must have been a nice change! Well, girls are entering DS life for good now it sounds like! LOL! Have fun with that!

Cendrine, hope you're headache is better today! Are you reading something good?

Rachel, did you CE mag come? New recipe book huh? What did you get? Sounds like you'll be busy on the house this week so hope it's productive! Oh, I didn't know you are a LOST fan!!! I am too! Only they moved it to TBL time slot so I've been watching it on my computer after the fact.

Later!
 
Hi Girls,

Kim, thanks for your input! I didn't know you could take preventative medicine sporadically during seasons rather than all year. That is something to think about! Thanks!
I'm just smiling about the girls.... The way my ds is I won't ever get any details from him either when the time comes! I have to pull information from him like teeth for anything! LOL!

Rachel, hope your workout was great! And I hope you got the magazine!

Jo, wow, you are getting back into things full force! Nice! I'm still prereading books from ds' curriculum r ight now. the one I just finished is a historical children's novel about life in Florida during pioneer times, strawberry farmers in particular from the point of view of a girl. I so enjoy historical novels, I always learn something new!

Workout was LIC. It's a fun one!
 
Hey Ladies!
Just another quick check in for me.
I had a great workout this morning...I think the 3rd week of plyo is easier than the 1st or 2nd.
I had errands in town again and then had to come home and get some food prep done and then help dh. All in all it has been a very busy day!

I am thinking about adding on kickbox to fusion in some way tomorrow since I missed it last week and I have extra time in the mornings this week. We'll see what tomorrow looks like.

Jo-You Are a MACHINE! You are doing so many extra workouts that you are going to be in fighting shape pretty soon! Oh yea and I am a die hard LOST fan! Can not wait to see how it is all tied together!

Cendrine-I agree. I love LIC and miss it too. I am ready to be on a new rotation that works in some of the old workouts.
I made a marinade out of my left over buttermilk for my chicken today. I will let you know how it turns out
It was a combo of buttermilk, lemon, and dill and garlic. I tasted it before I put the chicken in and it tasted great on its own so keeping my fingers crossed!

Kim- I think you are going to be moved into your new house before we finish the mudroom..lol I am ok with taking it slow. We have so little free time that it is nice to take it easy a little!

No C.E. mag yet! grrrrr!
Maybe tomorrow!
Have a great night!

Rachel
 
DS and I just finished plyo #3. Rachael, I agree this one was easier except for those one legged squat thrusts!:eek: Spent the afternoon at the zoo today and all the fresh air seemed to have tired me out. Only got one closet cleaned out from the house project list. Also went to Walmart early this morning and got stuff for the kid's Easter baskets.

I've been watching for cathe to post the April rotation.

Cendrine There is a series of Canadian kid's books that are very popular. They are all placed in different parts of the country during different historical periods. DS read a few of them and now dd is reading her first one, about a young girl in the days of the gold rush. These books can be harsh because life was hard in those days.

Are your legs sore today Jo??
 
Oh you guys I discovered Garam Marsala spice! Have any of you ever tried it? It's an Indian cuisine spice and it has things like clove, cumin, cinnamon, corriander, etc. (I don't know what all). Anyway, a gal at work brought me some to try and this is what I fixed: cut up sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots and onion, put them all in a bowl and coated with a little olive oil and the spice, put them in a baking dish and then I sprinkled some walnuts on top and baked. I actually cut up what I thought was too much as I had 2 large baking dishes full and we ate all of but about one serving (I'll take for lunch tomorrow). Anyway it sure made the house smell wonderful! Everyone loved it!

Surprisingly my legs are not more sore than normal after doing plyo and spinning yesterday. I can't wait to do shoulders and arms tomorrow! It seems lke it's been so long! Then tomorrow night is spinning again. So we've all committed to Thursday spin and Tuesday's for whoever is available. Two of the girls have small children so can only really commit to one night and then the other two of us have no committments so we'll all get together when we can.

Cendrine, glad you're feeling better today and got LIC in! Now, that's a workout I really enjoy! I love reading everything! When SS was in school I enjoyed reading his books when I'd need to help him with reports and tests.

Rachel, you sound energized! Nothing like a productive day to make a girl feel good! Yes, I have become bionic! LOL! Actually I think having done the workout in the morning, then having had lots to eat during the day I was completely refueled to tackle another workout. I'm thrilled to know you love lost!

Kim, isn't it amazing how fresh air can make you tired? LOL! What's up with that? Well glad to hear you're having some fun this week and not just doing house projects!!!

MT GF will be here tomorrow (roommate's wife) and so she'll be here for a week. I plan to get her exposed to my dehydrating experiments among other things. She doesn't workout but have convinced her to go do Pilates with me on Saturday. Also it's DH birthday tomorrow (yes I'm married to an April fool!) so am going to have a little get together Saturday night to celebrate.

Okay, enough talk for tonight, off to read! Again, can't wait to do arms and shoulders tomorrow and wish you all a GREAT DAY!

BIG BIG news: GF hit 80lbs lost today!!!!!!!! Next Tuesday is a milestone day so that's when we measure. So far she's gone from a size 22 to a....drum roll....solid 12! She is so impressive and inspiring and you should see that girl spin! I've never seen anyone work harder! Her focus is laser beam! I told her when we're done we need to submit her to a couple of magazine Success stories. So 80 lbs in 6.5 months - crazy huh? I'm so proud of her! I have to tell you working with her, her great attitude and determination is infectious and inspiring!
 
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Good morning!

I love it Jo...An April Fool!!!:D That is too funny. Your gf sounds so determined that nothing is gonna stop her!

Just a quick pop in to say hello for the day. After I am done with my workout I probably won't have time to come back until later.
We should get the outside totally complete today if the wasp don't get us. They do not bother me but dh is not a fan (to put it mildly). But since he is the one on the ladder most of the time, I can see how he would feel a little vulnerable! haha
This morning I am doing Fusion and instead of the heavy bag bonus addon I am going to do some if not all of the kickboxing. I will let you know how I fair!:eek:

Kim-Isn't it crazy , how when you have all this time off, you think you are going to get so much accomplished but it feels like you can get nothing done. At least that is how it feels for me. I thought by now I would have already had my kitchen reorganized and dog houses cleaned out and I have not done either of those yet!
ughhh

Jo-I hope you have a great time with you gf. It will be fun showing her all your dehydrating stuff. Happy B-Day to your Dh!!!!

Cendrine-I hope you are having as good weather as we are! It is so hard to stay inside when it is so nice outside!

OK off to beat someone up!:p

TTYL
Rachel
 
Good Morning Sunshines!!!

It was so WONDERFUL to work my shoulders and arms today! Sing along..Heaven, I'm in heaven, though my heart beats so, that I can hardly speak....la la la la la...lalalalaaaa...lala... Great day, great workout! Oh, and the sun is shining, but no Rachel, it's only 45! HA!

Rachel, watch out for those "wascally wasps!" (Think Elmer Fudd there!) We have a problem with those as well - they seem to pop up in the most interesting places.

Hello Kim and Cendrine, hope all is well and the day is wonderful!
 
Jo, I have cooked with Garam Masala, and I like it too! Here's my favorite recipe to go with it!

Indian Style Lamb with Sweet Potatoes
Receive over 100% of the Daily Values for health-promoting vitamins A, C, and K when you enjoy this easy-to-prepare and delicious lamb dish. The blended spices of garam masala add the unique taste of India to your Healthiest Way of Eating.

Prep and Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:

½ lb ground or minced lamb shoulder or leg
1 medium-sized onion, quartered and sliced thin
2 TBS minced fresh ginger
3 medium cloves garlic, pressed
1 tsp garam masala
5 cups finely chopped kale
3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1-inch cubes (about 1 large potato)
1 TBS + 1 cup chicken broth
salt and white pepper to taste

Directions:
Prepare all the vegetables by chopping and have ready.
Heat 1 TBS broth in a large-size stainless steel braising pot or skillet. Healthy Sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and lamb in broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add garam masala, mixing well for about half a minute. Add 1 cup broth and stir in sweet potatoes and kale. Simmer on medium low heat covered for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until lamb, potatoes and kale are tender. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 4 Serving Suggestions: Serve with
Marinated Beets
Healthy Cooking Tips:

In order to make this recipe quick and easy, the vegetables and lamb should be cut into fairly small pieces. This way they can cook faster and the lamb can become tender more quickly. Make sure the lamb pieces are not bigger than ½ inch, otherwise they won't be tender when the vegetables are done. If you have the time to cook this for a longer time, and want a chunkier appearance, cut everything a little bigger, use some extra broth, and simmer on low for an extra 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Add the kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Make sure you mix in the garam masala well by stirring before adding liquid. This brings out the flavor of the spices.

Your recipe sounds really good too!

Congrats to your success with your friend hitting the 80lb mark, that is so amazing and inspiring!

Rachel, the weather here is cloudy and cold right now, so we are chickens (I should say, I am a chicken) and am not taking the kids to their weekly park picnic today)...:eek:

I did lots of stretching and pilates abs circuit today and it felt really good. I'm also using the foam roller to work on my right quad, for some reason it has gotten tight and is pulling my knee cap out and it clicks all the time (doesn't hurt, but it's annoying) So I am trying to do some consistent work on it to try to get this resolved.

Kim, I'm sure we'll get to the canadian book series before long! I love those kinds of stories!
 
Good Morning Yall!!!!

It's official...Only one week left of STS!!!! I can not believe how fast this went by. I had bi, shoulders and tri's today and went up one more pound on my concentration curls making it 21# for 6 reps!!! I felt pretty tough:D:p;)! I can't wait to tell dh!
Last night we had to go to town to pick up some supplies for a repair we are doing today. The manager of the shop that we work out of brought it to his house. He invited us to dinner and I really did not want to go but we agreed and it turned out to be a super fun night. We were at the restaurant for 2 1/2 hrs! While we were there we saw an old workout buddy of dh's and he said he had bought a fitness center in town (the one we started working out at) and gave dh a free weeks pass. Now dh just knows it was fate that we went to dinner and he got to hook up with his old buddy. I think the gym is calling him but he has so much going on that is hard for him to make time to drive clear to the other side of town to go. It is about a 35 min drive one way in good traffic. So we will see where this goes.

Yea!!! I got my clean eating mag yesterday and have not had time to even open it to see the front cover. Can't wait for the drive today!

And the mudroom is WASP proof!!!! Today it is the electrical and then we are going to be on easy street!
Hope you all have a great day!!!

Racehl
 
Cendrine thank you for the recipe! I am going to try that. You know, I've never cooked lamb before; I've tasted it and I think I like it, but have just never fixed it! I've never used a foam roller. Is that a nice prop to use for stretching? I saw them in the Pilates/Yoga room at the gym but didn't know what they do with them.

Rachel, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? 21lb? WOW! You must feel on top of the world! You getting some GUNS girl! Sounds fun for DH if he can use that pass; that is a long way to go though. And wow you guys have really made progress with the mud room! I can't wait for the pictures! ;)

So last night I went to spinning and yoga. I did better in yoga but she did more leg focus and my legs were spent from spinning. I'm really feeling the DOM's from shoulders, triceps and biceps yesterday (no 21ers for me :eek: - my best is 15 but I'll get there! LOL!) Then GF flew in last night and she'll be here until next Tuesday or Wednesday. Anyway, I'm skipping cardio today since I spun last night, took today off and we're going to go mess around all day. We have a big storm coming in with high winds so hope we don't lose power -another good reason to head to the mall! :p

Oh Cendrine, GF and I are going to make chips today (get them going before we head out!); I'm thinking I would make my black bean chips and instead of using chili powder using that marsala! Whatcha think about that?

Okay, I better go get around. I'm taking GF to do Pilates tomorrow morning. Hope you all have a fun day! Hello Kim!
 
Sorry I didn't get to post yesterday, 12 year old boys took over my basement and I haven't got to workout because they're still here:confused: The plan is to do disc 33 eventually. Yesterday was MMA Fusion and the heavy bag bonus. Got some errands done yesterday and then in the evening we went back to the model of the home we're building. I took some pictures of things like the curtains, etc to help me when I'm decorating. The kids were having a great time trying to decide where their beds would go. There was a different saleslady and she was having fun talking with us.

Then afterwards we went shower curtain shopping:D The kids will each have their own bathrooms and they thought this was great fun. Kind of silly since we don't even have a hole in the ground yet but it was neat buying something to decorate the new house that we would need anyways (we're going from one tub/one shower stall to 3 tubs). DS bought one with a palm tree/beach scene and dd bough an underwater scene.

Rachael What did you think of the April rotation?? I actually feel like overall we have accomplished quite a bit. Only a few things each day but they are adding up. Glad you are wasp proof! Today it's very cool and raining so a good day to get projects done indoors. Yippeee!!!On the 21 lbs bicep curls!

Jo That's amazing on the 80lbs, your friend must be so excited! What kind of diet changes did she make? I guess you're busy with your friend this weekend. Did you do anything for DH's birthday yesterday? How is his shoulder healing??

Cendrine How's the quad feeling after doing the roller? I've heard good things about the rollers for different injuries
 
I was just looking at the recent rotations. I think I'm leaning towards doing the March rotation, it has more variety than the April rotation.
 
I like both the april and the march rotation but am going to have to wait for both, I keep getting little setbacks that tell me to take it slow and easy... so hard when Rachel just lifted 21!!!! lbs , not something I am going to be able to do for a while! But all that said, the gym style in april made me want to try some form of gym style in the near future, since I haven't done that one yet, but have it. So I might work on that.

Kim, the roller is really tough, I have to work it super slow and help with the other leg, the full weight on it would be excruchiating (I know that looks wrong spelling, but I can't for the life of me figure out the right spelling right now....:eek:) Anyway, it is going to take daily work for a while before I see complete improvements but I think it is already a bit better.
Jo, I wouldn't know how to stretch with it in the conventional stretching way, but what you are supposed to do is lie on it with whatever muscle is bothering you and put on as much of your body weight as you can and then slowly roll up and down the muscle with it, which is supposed to loosen up the tightness of it. It is really painful to me, dh loves it and spends lots of time on it, I can only handle a few minutes at a time. It reminds me a little of shiatsu massage style stuff. If you ever have a really tight muscle you could try it and see if it helps.
The recipe with the lamb is really good with ground turkey or beef, too, I can't always get lamb and I just sub ground whatever for it and it tastes great. I'm sure the garam masala would be fun in the chips too! Let me know if you tried it!

Rachel, Congrats on your biceps success, how fun to accomplish that! And Congrats on the wasp proof mudroom! You guys are making great progress! I would never drive 35 min one way to go work out. I am way too practical for that. I wouldn't blame your dh if he ended up not going, especially since you have a good set up at home, but then, that room seems to not be calling his name, huh? Can he go after work? Seems to me you guys work out every day for work, so maybe he doesn't really need to go so regularly and then it would be more doable...

Kim, how fun to go shopping for something that isn't even there yet! And all of you with your own bathrooms! That will allow you all to get ready much faster all at once if need be since you all can take showers at the same time! I hope you get your basement back so you can do your workout!
 
Had to get up early as the bed frame is supposed to be delivered today. Of course they give you a 5 hr window:rolleyes: I've slowly started to stay up later and sleep in during my week of holidays!

Okay did something stupid, I bumped my head with the 20 lb dumbbell yesterday while doing overhead tricep extensions. I have a huge lump that is so tender! It didn't even feel like much when it happened but sure was sore last night and still this morning.

On the agenda today is Step Moves with the cardio only premix from Circuit Blast, looking forwarded Circuit Blast as seems almost like a whole new workout.

Cendrine, you're being so smart taking it slow and easy, I know it must be frustrating at times!
 

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