Squats, Push-ups, Tricep Dips and Crunches.

Well, folks. My fitness routine has not been going so great. I've attempted quite a few workout videos which have trickled off into doing nothing. I however did get a new pair of Merrell running shoes from the Baluczynski family for my birthday. I've taken those out a handful of times for walk/runs, but the weather just hasn't been great.

I've got yet another fitness routine to attempt, but I'm determined to keep this one up. It all started when Maren told me about her 100-push-up program. It is a program that helps you work your way up to being able to do 100 push-ups. I took a look at the website and realized it was something I could do, too. They also have programs for 200 stomach crunches, 200 squats and 150 tricep dips. I decided to give it a go.

In order to pick which level program you can handle, you do an intial test of how many of each you can do in a row. At 141 pounds my results are:
– 12 push-ups (girl style on knees)
– 25 stomach crunches
– 25 tricep dips
– 100 squats

My fitness reflects the type of exercise I've done my entire life: running. My goal is to get some muscle on the arms and get rid of my paunch. The program is 6 weeks, I'll keep you updated.

To see the website, click here.

I Want!

Um, hello, Rachel dearest. Why have your cutest items sold out, already? Top shop Rachel Antonoff's line, visit Mod Cloth.

Bed Head, Some Days

The great thing about being a freelancer and working from home is probably the whole "get up and get to work" lifestyle. No ones cares that I don't brush my hair in the morning. My cat doesn't seem to mind. There's also no one around to tell me that I've worn the same sweater everyday this month. Most days I attempt to get dressed and look presentable, but there are definitely those days when I stay in my comfy clothes.

Okay, I'm going to get dressed now.

Mixing it Up

One of my 2011 goals is to "get in shape". For years I've been a basic runner. I thought running was all I really needed to do to stay "in shape". Last year I had some minor foot problems that never got sorted out, so I've resorted to other forms of exercise. I met with my friend Tony, who happens to be a personal trainer, about eating goals and strength training. He really opened my eyes to the importance of building strength when trying to get in shape. So, I've been mixing it up by doing a variety of exercises: personalized strength training workout from Tony, pilates, 30 Day Shred video, and soon I will be biking and running outside. Which brings me to the point of this entry.

I am not good at cardio dance videos. I popped in a shape DVD that I bought a couple of years ago, it's called "Bikini Body" and has a variety of 10-minute dance sessions. I selected the Jazz Dance session and attempted to follow the trainer, which lasted for about 60 seconds until I just stared dumbfounded at the screen. I am not cut out to do a series of moves. She kept adding on another move until it was way too complicated. I decided to put that DVD in the garage sale pile.

"Grapevine, turn, tap it across, slow drag, grapevine, step touch, keep that energy up."

2011

Hello friends.

It's already 2011 and I'm still not any better at blogging consistently. This year my goal or resolution is to spend more time doing things that matter to me. Blogging is on the list.

Just wanted to say hi.

Updates

Wow, it's been WAY too long since I last posted. I'm gonna post some photos just to get sort-of caught up...read this post bottom to top.

To start off August, we celebrated Kate's 28th Birthday at the Melting Pot. So fun!



One of my dear friends, Alisa, got married on the last day of July! Kate, Maren and I made a trip down to Cedar Rapids to see her get hitched.

Darin & Jonny rode in Ragbrai, so Maren, RiAnna and I took a quick road trip down to Clear Lake, IA to visit them mid-week.


At the end of July we had a Prom-themed bowling night at Mady's.
We also went to the St. Paul Farmer's market with Casey & Lacey & their two girls. Pippa had a little puke incident so Doug was entertaining Olive with the camera while she got cleaned up.
Doug and I got to babysit Ian for a day, that was a lot of fun! Even got to change a poopy diaper.

In July we celebrated Jen's 29th Birthday at Chino Latino in Minneapolis. Yum!

Maren and I also participated in the EG craft fair in Iowa. We sold our handmade jewelry!

In June, Emily Steffen photographed our jewelry so we could have some promotional photos.

In May, Maren started up "Jogger's Photography" group, inspired by Zooey Deschanel's character in Yes Man. Photo is from the first run/meeting.

Porky's

For the past couple of weeks Doug and I have been busy looking at new places to rent. We aren't happy at our current place, and are just ready for something new and fresh. We started looking in the NE Mpls area, but soon found that we couldn't afford any of the houses, and they don't have much for apartments.

So, we started looking in St. Paul, and that is where we found a nice 2-bedroom apartment that is spacious and even has hardwood floors (which I really wanted!). We will be moving at the beginning of May since the place was available and we wanted to secure our spot as tenants.

We signed our 13-mo lease yesterday, and in celebration, went to eat lunch at Porky's in St. Paul. It is one of Doug's favorite burger places. Here are some photos from our date.