We are the Champions...

Go Blue! (sound We Are the Champions by Queen)

At the beginning of Septemeber I joined a fall ice hockey league for a few reasons.

1. A friend of mine joined (always nice)
2. I wanted to get ready for the upcoming regular hockey season and 
3. I wanted to have some fun.

I was a member of the Blue team. They were a great group of women. Very personable and friendly (my friend ended up on a different team.) They were also very supporative.

I had a lot of fun and we ended up winning the league Championship. We played well together and ended the season undefeated. Awesome!

I drafted this post back in October 2011, but never posted it. My regular hockey season is not going quite as well as my preseason did. I am still having fun and enjoy my time on the ice, however, it's amazing what a winning team does for a mood booster.

Last Friday Night...

No, I didn't have quite the same experience that Katy Perry sings about in her song by the same title. But it was a pretty darn good night.

Friday night, my dear husband (DH) and I went to the movies. That is a VERY rare occurance for us. We don't normally venture farther than our living room couch on a Friday night, so it was quite exciting. We saw Friends with Benefits, starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis. I wouldn't say with was a cinematic masterpiece, but I did find it enjoyable.

The plot was pretty predictable, as is usually the case in romantic comedies. I laughed quite a bit and it ended sweetly. This movie reminded me of No Strings Attached with Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman. The plot was very similar. The main characters are emotionally unavailable (or messed up, however you want to think about it) and they get together for sex only. Nothing is supposed to materialize from the sex. No falling in love, no boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, just sex.

In Friends with Benefits, the main characters become best friends and have a hard time dealing with life after a falling out. They soon decide that they need each other and their friendship in order to cope with their life stressors (namely their parents.) We laughed throughout the movie and left the theatre feel good (all smiles.)  The movie left DH a bit uncomforatable at times (it was pretty 'graphic' for a less than X rating.) Sometimes I wonder if screenplay writers try to find ways to insert as many swear words as  possible into a single movie. I don't think that normal people swear as much as they do in movies.  I guess, there were quite a few drawbacks to this movie, but I liked it anyway.

After the movie we went to a nearby restaurant. I wasn't in the mood to eat since I had polished off a large pop and popcorn (love popcorn and it's even better at the movies.) So, we each had a margarita and some chips and salsa. I didn't care much for mine, but after I added some extra salt it was all good. It was a great date night.

Surpeme 90 Day

This past summer I found this great workout system and I decided I was going to try it out. You know, follow the whole program, well, except for the diet part.

In my slightly excercise obsessed mind I figured it wouldn't be too tough. I could handle it. I've been working out consistenly for years now and this would be a piece of cake. I had heard good reviews of the system, but I didn't actually know any of the people who told me it was good. They could have been fairly new to exercise, so it would absolutely seem challenging them. Then again, they could be serious exercisers who are in perfect condition - I am still floor by those who tell me certain programs that kick my butt are waay too easy for them. Wow! is my only thought.

Anyway, I pick up this program and think, "Hey, it's only about 30 minutes long. I can do that before my run on Saturday." Sure. Not a problem, easy as pie, right? Not really.

The first progam in the system is titled Chest and Back. Do you know what that means? It means pushups. Now, I understand that pushups are super good for you and altering your appearance, but holy smokes, tough. I had to do them from my knees. And 30 minutes? Not really more like 40 (with warm-up and cool-down/stretch). But, I perservered. Day 1 - done. It felt good and I got my training run in before everyone else (read husband, not children) woke for the day.

Day 2 - Total Core. Ouch! This workout was tough. I, again, thought that it wouldn't be too hard. I'd done my fair share of Pilates, planks and crunches over the past few months. So again my slightly exercise obsessed mind thought that this probably wouldn't challenge me much. Wow, so wrong. For nearly 30 minutes I worked every bit of my midsection using a stability ball. I could feel my body working, but wasn't feeling real sore after. So, naturally, I thought I wouldn't be too sore the next day. Again, wrong. Definitely sore.

Day 3 - Rest Day. Gotta love those right? So, I just did my training run.

Day 4 - Tabata Inferno. If you haven't heard of Tabata Training or haven't tried it- it's basically a series of 2-4 exercises that you do in succession in a 20-10 format with a 1 minute rest between sets. Example: Squat Jumps to Mountain Climbers, progression is like this - Do Squat Jumps for 20 seconds, Rest for 10 seconds, then Mountain Climbers for 20 seconds, Rest for 10 seconds. Do that 8 times for a total of 4 minutes.  Rest 1 minute. Then you get another series of moves. If you have four exercises then the progession is twice through for a total of 4 minutes. Rest 1 minute. This workout is tough. It challenges and pushes. It makes you sweat. You want to give up and call it quits, but you don't because you know that soon enough you will get a rest. It's awesome. This is the longest workout in the series coming in at just about 50 minutes. It's an excellent way to challenge yourself and your aerobic capacity.

You get the picture. I am not going to go through each and every workout - there were 10 different programs on 10 discs. The main point here is that I did follow the 'Success Chart' and was able to shed 10 pounds from my frame (even without following the eating plan). I also felt stronger and more in control, which made me a bit more confident, which in turn encouraged me to try some other exercise programs and continue with my 1/2 marathon training.

The most amazing thing? I decided to try the program again. So, I started this program a couple of days ago and I think it's harder the second time around. I am definitely feeling muscles I haven't felt in a while. May have something to do with that confidence thing, using heavier weights and knowing that I kicked the programs butt once before.

Go Me!

Cathe Friedrich's Pure Strength series DVD

Cathe's Pure Strength

A few weeks ago I came across Cathe Friedrich's Pure Strength DVD. I got a bit excited and decided I would try it out.

Wow! What a workout. Now, I had done her MesoCycle 1 Endurance a few weeks before (meaning I did all 12 DVDs (3x per week for 4 weeks) and had finished the cycle a few weeks prior to finding Pure Strength.) I must admit that I really liked the Pure Strength series. I liked it better than MesoCycle 1. I haven't quite figured out why, but I did. So much so, that I continue to do the Pure Strength series.

The Pure Strength DVD consists of all three of the Pure Strength VHS workouts - Strong Legs & Abs, Chest, Shoulders & Triceps and Back, Biceps and Abs.

The format of the workout is very similar to MesoCycle 1. You do each of the workouts 1x per week. You use heavy weights to build strength and lighter weights to build muscle endurance. None of the workouts are very fast paced so you don't really raise your heart rate, but Lower Body does raise it a bit due to using those large muscle groups.

Strong Legs & Abs is a series of squats and lunges but she also incorporates the high step and lying floor work. My favorite is the high step step-ups. They really work the quadricep muscles and glutes. I also really like the floor work with the body bar. It's perfect for the those inner and outer thighs (and I'm all for anything that will help reduce the size of my saddlebags.) This workout lasts about 70 minutes because you end with an AB-soultely amazing ab routine right after doing a  series of bridge lifts with your feet on a low step.

Chest, Shoulders and Triceps works the chest with a series of pushups, chest flys and chest presses then moves onto the shoulders with moves like the Arnold press and side lateral raises. You finish the workout fatiguing the triceps with moves like tricep dips and cross-body kickbacks. Super tough and you're finished in 40 minutes. No ab work in this program, but they need a day off after the tough sequence in Strong Legs & Abs.

Back, Biceps & Abs uses very heavy weights and you start with working the back muscles. I especially like the T-bar and bent over rows. Then she moves you through a very tough sequence of bicep building moves. Not only do you do regular bicep curls with a heavy barbell, you also do seated concentration curls and negative curls. After completely fatiguing your biceps you are in for a real treat with the super intense abdominal exercises.

I have come to realize why I like the Pure Strength series of workouts better (so far) than the MesoCycle (particularly vol 1) workouts. First Pure Strength has a shorter time duration. Second, I really like the ab routines. Third, I have really enjoyed the sequencing of the exercises. And, fourth, you don't need nearly as much room or equipment and get just as good if not (in my opinion) better workout (and a whole lot easier on the wallet.)

Cathe Friedrich STS Meso Cycle 1

When STS was first released (about a year ago) I was very leary of giving it a try. I was big into short, easy workouts at the time and didn't really want to push myself too hard. I was doing some running at the time and figured I didn't have the time to give this program a try. I mean there are 12 DVDs in each cycle. That's a.lot.

However, the idea to do these Cycles haunted me. I contemplated giving them a try, but then I'd get a new workout and push the thought to the side. Well, over the summer months, I tried a couple of different things and I was feeling pretty strong and assured. I completed a 10K and a 1/2 marathon. I even continued doing some running while on vacation in Northern Minnesota (as in almost everyday I was there not including the swimming, canoeing and hikes.)

We got back from vacation and I thought why not give this STS MesoCycle 1 a try. I've been doing some weight work, how hard can this be? I'll do this whole Cycle just like they recommend.

Like I said, 12 DVDs in total in the Cycle, but not as daunting as I initially thought. The program is broken down like this: Week 1: Monday Chest, Shoulder, Biceps; Wednesday: Back and Triceps; Friday: Legs. Weeks 2-4 have the same set up. Each week the program alters just a little bit. You either do a few more reps of an exercise or the exercise itself changes. Each of the programs (DVDs) are set up basically the same way. You do about 3 sets of each exercise varying the number of reps in each set. Some are straight 8s, some are 16s and some are 24s. Then she'll even alter the counts by the second set; drop sets, pyramid, etc.
These workouts also require a few pieces of equipment. Not only do you need  a variety of dumbbells, you also need resistance bands and tubing (unless of course you have a chin-up/pull-up bar), a stability ball,a chair and a barbell.

I'm not going to go over all the different moves in these workouts. Let's just say she covers each and every body part (except specifically abs) and pushes each muscle group to exhaustion. Each workout takes about an hour. However, Legs is a bit different in that the base program is about 40 minutes then you have the option of continuing on in Barre-type moves - very intense.

I do not have a chin-up/pull-up bar so I used a resistance tube strung over the door to the room (a similar option is shown in the workout.) I also did not have a chair available, so I used my stability ball.

I liked this workout. I thought I was able to increase my muscle endurance, which of course, was the goal. I think I could have used heavier weights for some of the moves, but overall I was pretty impressed with how fatigued my muscles became. I liked how the workouts were only slightly different each week - very similar with subtle changes. And, I really liked how quickly the time passed in each program. I was never staring at the clock hoping I was almost done.

Ever have those days when you know you want to write something, but just can't get your head around what it is you want to say?

I am having one of those days. I have many things I want to write about, but just can't decide on one, so I'll just give a little update on where I am right now.

Today, I am so. very. tired. I didn't think I'd be at this point so early in the school year, but I am. This level of tired doesn't usually hit until mid-December or January when my ice-hockey season is in full stride.

However, I started my hockey season nearly two months early (using the excuse I needed to break-in the new skates I'd received 5 months earlier.) So, I find that I have been pushing myself harder this last while than in years past (due to running, working-out, work, being a mom and all-those-other-last-minute obligations). I guess it's only to be expected. Ah, well. *sighs*

I am quite sure I will adjust. Now, if I can only convince myself to go to bed before 11 pm, I would be miles ahead of where I am.

A Proud Moment

Last night was parents night for my daughter's soccer game. I was a little excited and nervous. I had made other plans for last night and was quite anxious that I was not going to be able to be there on time.

Luckily, my earlier appointment went well and I was done fairly quickly. I canceled my second appointment and headed to the soccer game.

They had the parents line up across from their girls down by the team benches. Then they called out the girls names and parents according to their jersey number. The parents and girl stepped toward each other and the girls presented their parents with a chocolate bar and bottle of A&W Rootbeer. It was very sweet.



Fridley Girls Soccer Team



The game started out with a great goal for Fridley from none other than my own daughter. She plays right mid-field. She caught a pass, then turned on her speed, cut through 2 defenders and up the sidelines, then she made an awesome cut toward the net and shot the ball hard and high. The ball was in the back of the net before the defending goalie even knew what was happening. Oh, so exciting! And what a happy mom on the benches.

The next goal for Fridley came shortly after the first by a striker. It was another beautiful move. She cut around 2 defenders and strode right in for a face on kick that sent the goal diving toward the ball and the ball sailing into the net. Awesome!

Not 10 minutes into the game and my daughter took the ball in for a third goal. It was another thing of beauty. I was so happy for her and that third goal really energized the rest of the team. They came back with a fourth goal just before half-time.

No one scored again until the last few minutes of the second half, but you could tell the girls were feeling the game.Their smiles lit up the field and they were having a great time. They played a very smart game; both defensively and offensively. It was really fun to watch. And they ended up winning 5-0. Victory is sweet!

SparkPeople Quiz: Are You Obsessed with Exercise?

I recently took this quiz SparkPeople Quiz: Are You Obsessed with Exercise?

I was a little bit disappointed with the result because I ended up doing exactly how I thought I would. The end result told me that I have a 'healthy obsession' with exercise, which I already figured since I exercise almost everyday and sometimes more than once per day (always depending on what I classify as exercise).

Have you ever taken a quiz (in a magazine, online, in a book) only to find out that you already knew how you'd end up? It's a bit crazy, isn't it? In the quizes you've taken have you ever been frustrated by the leading answers they give as options to choose from?

I find it so annoying that in every quiz I've ever taken in this type of format leads you to the 'correct' answer. I sometimes find that I am not completely (at least don't feel as though I am) honest with the answers.

In any case, I have yet to amaze myself with some sort of revelation into my psyche or personality. However, the quiz is fun and only takes a couple of minutes. Give it a try. Maybe you'll surprise yourself. :-)

Crock Pot Potato Soup

The other day I was reading my sisters' cooking blog and came across a crockpot potato soup. I thought I was in heaven.

I love potato soup and almost anything I can cook in a crockpot. So, combining them together was almost too much for me to resist. I decided right then that I'd make this soup sometime over the weekend. It sounded so delicious, I could hardly wait.

Sunday morning finally came (I usually have more time to do things on Sunday mornings, so that's the day I decided to make the soup.)

Humble Beginnings

I printed off the receipe, gathered all the ingredients and set out to put the soup together. I got everything together and set the soup on to cook.

Soup's On

All went exceptionally well. The house smelled great and the soup looked good too. However it would seem that my math conversion skills were not really working that morning. I ended up using too much Chicken Base since I didn't have chicken boullion cubes and I added a tad too much salt. The soup was inedible - waaay too salty. I was very disappointed.

Finshed soup in Crockpot

But, all was not lost (read: enter husband to the rescue.) He drained all the liquied off the soup, diced up and some more potatoes, added some liquid (water and chicken base) and put everything back in the crockpot. He then made the roux and added the milk. He added no salt, but did add in a couple of slices of Provolone cheese - to give it a bit more body. He then let the crockpot melt and meld everything together.



Lunch



The end result? Absoulte deliciousness! We didn't eat much on Sunday, but Monday night we had the tastiest potato soup to come out of our kitchen in quite a while (we don't make soup very often). I can't wait to try this soup again - maybe this time I'll follow the directions more closely.

My Birthday 9/9/2011

My birthday was a week ago today. I can't beleive how fast time files!

I thought I'd share a bit about my day. It started out beautiful. The sun was shining and the air was warm. I did my my workout and got ready for work. My children woke up without any problems and I was greeted warmly by my 16 year old with a hug and a Happy Birthday (after he realized that it was my birthday and not the day before).

I was given the opportunity to take some time off work that day, so I seized the opportunity. I was a bit giddy at the beginning of the day knowing that I'd only be at work for a short time and then I'd be free to enjoy the weekend. My boss surprised me by bringing me a beautiful bouquet of flowers - giant yellow daisies, I beleive. They are gorgeous and brighten up my office nicely.

It was finally time to leave and I was so excited to go home and be with my family. I got home and my husband greeted me with one dozen long-stemmed red roses and a box of Turtles (yumm-y). He then gathered me up and took me out for lunch and a surprise. We went to Noodle & Co for lunch - another favorite of mine - for something filling yet light since my oldest child was preparing dinner. I, of course, ordered the same thing I always get - not much for adventure with food when I find something that I absolutely love and it is consistently delicious!

After lunch, we went on a short driving tour (read as, husband got turned around and somewhat lost, found a couple of dead ends before realizing where he was and found his destination). We stopped at yet another of my favorite stores - Ulta. I didn't need any new make up or anything, but he likes to bring me there on occasion just in case I need something. We loitered and I looked and drooled over different items and new cosmetics. I was ready to go and said so, but my husband told me I needed to wait a little bit. I had no idea what was happening until a store associate come up to us and told us she was ready. I figured it was me who she was seeing, but I didn't know for what.

We followed her to the back of the store and there is when I realized I was about to have a salon service that was not a haircut. I was surprised and a little nervous and then delighted when I found out she was about to give me a facial. Awesome!

My husband accompanied me into the room, found himself a corner to sit in and I laid down on the table (much like a massage table). The technician covered me with a sheet and explained a little bit about what she was doing. She didn't talk much and I didn't ask any questions. It felt so good and relaxing. The product she put on my face felt so decadent and she used just the right amount of pressure throughout the entire facial. I was entranced by the continuous movement and the warmth of the room.

I was a bit sad when the time was up because it felt so incredible. My husband found the dazed look and glassy eyes to be a good sign and scheduled me for another facial at the end of the month! What an awesome afternoon.

My oldest son made a delicious breaded chicken (think chicken picata without the picata sauce) and pasta. Absolutely delicious.

The day ended a bit early since I hadn't slept well the entire week, the facial was entirely too relaxing and I had been up since before 5am. But what a completely satisfiying day. I loved every moment of it - and it still continues...

Split Sessions

This week I tried Kelly Coffey-Meyer's Split Sessions workout DVD again. I still love it. I did it four times this week. This workout is broken into two workouts (each about 30 minutes). You can see a preview here.

The first workout is upper body. It is really good. You move fairly quickly through the moves so it also raises your heart rate a bit. She has you work everything in a push/pull format - meaning you work the back then the front or the front then the back. You will use a step bench in an incline poisition. You will also use two to three sets of dumbbells - one heavy (I used 15 lbs) and one medium (I used 12 lbs) and one lighter (I  used 10 lbs (this was for shoulder work)). I find this workout efficient and fun.

The second workout is for the lower body. In this workout you only use one set of dumbbells and a resistance band tied in a loop. The resistance band work is hard. You can feel every muscle in your outter hips and thighs. You can even feel the glutes and inner thighs as you move through each set. The great thing about a resistance band that you tie yourself? You can adjust the resistance by how small the loop is. It's great. After the resistance band segement you move into weighted leg work. She has you do many squats and lunges and some are performed with weights. Again a very time efficient, effective workout. The moves are sequenced well and you will move quickly through the series, so your heart rate will raise a bit.

In both programs she has you do each set twice and she alters the repititon (rep) count on almost each exercise.

Running - Daily Mile

Today, I decided I would start tracking my runs. So, I joined Daily Mile. It will be a new experience for me since I tend to be on the shy side and don't really express myself in terms of sharing things with the 'world'. However, since I also decided to maintain a blog dedicated to me and what I do, I thought what the heck, I'll give this Daily Mile thing a go too.

I started running again, after a 10 year hiatis, back at the end of May 2011 in order to prepare for a 10K in July. I decided on a 10K for a couple of reasons: 1) It would help raise money for the North Memorial Cancer Center and 2) It was relatively cheap ($20 for 6 miles and 100% of the proceeds went to the Cancer Center) - a great deal in my book.

So, I set out trying to find a decent training application for my ipod touch. I finally stumbled upon Runner's World Smart Coach. It was very helpful. I enjoyed how easy the program was to use and the training schedule. I felt fairly confident the day of the race. However, I finished slower than I had wanted and walked waaay more than I had expected. All that said, it was a good time.

Here's to running.

Slow or just beginning?

Have you ever read something online just becaue the title sounded intriguing then 20 some odd minutes later realized you read every post associated with the initial question?

Happens to me all the time. No wonder I am always at a loss as to where the time went.

This morning was no different. I was checking my email when I came across and email from Active.com and the article titled "Anyone as slow as me?" Active.com is a website dedicated to runners - they sponsor different races and activities, they give advice on running and they have a forum for people to post questions and the like.

The article title intrigued me simply because I often feel that there isn't a runner out there as slow as I am. Everyone I know is faster (even my 70-something uncle.) So, with my curiosity piqued I began reading. It was entertaining. In the original post (found here) the person indicates that she must be the slowest penguin on earth and asks if anyone is as slow as she is and if she should be worried about her time since she really just began running. The following comments are encouraging and fun.

There were a couple of quotes that I really liked. Here they are:

"Excruciatingly Slow Finish beats Did Not Finish, which beats Did Not Start." posted by DawnHMK
"Dear God, Please let there be someone behind me to read this." also posted by DawnHMK
and "I love when the podcasts say "if you get tired don't stop running just slow down your pace".....ummm, if I slowed down anymore I would be walking."  - posted by 1974mom

I really liked these quotes because I can so relate. They made me smile and that is always a great way to start the day.

Oxygen Women's Fitness | Training | Tone Your Triceps

I am always looking for effective, yet concise, exercises to tone my upper body - especially those troublesome triceps. I don't have a gym membership so anything I can do at home is a plus.

I know that push-ups are one of the absolute best exercises to tone the entire body, but one can only do so many before she get bored/tired of the exercise (even with all the variations). And who wants to do endless tricep dips?

So, when I was perusing the new Oxygen Magazine website, I was excited to see the following article...

Oxygen Women's Fitness Training Tone Your Triceps

Everything looked completely do-able at home. I would make some minor variations to the exercises since I don't really have the same equipment. I do however have a step bench that I routinely use as a weight bench, so I would use that for the close grip push-up (maybe even do those flat on the floor).

I also do not have a cable machine, but I do have resistance bands and a convenient adpater (a loop) that I place at the top of a door jamb and close the door. This would simulate the same moves. I would probably have to choke up on the bands to get enough resistance, but it would get the job done.

The third exercise is a seated overhead dumbbell extension. This is a move I use frequently. I will sometimes double up the weights in my hand to give me more resistance (since I have only so many dumbbells and only so much room to store them). I have even been known to use a 'stretchy-band' to give resistance.

I can't believe it

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted anything on this blog!

So much for my writing and reviewing of exercise videos (and I have done quite a few).

I was so excited when I began this venture and now I am having a hard time reconciling the difference between my excitement when I began and my utter disinterest over the last few months. So many things have happened, so many things I could have shared.

Oh, well. I guess it's time to get back on the ol' horse and give this a try again.

I have been doing some contemplating on whether or not this should be a separate blog, but as of right now, it still is. That may or may not change as I become more involved with my own life (blogging, that is).

Formerly Hot Home

Formerly Hot Home

I just came across this blog and love it. I've been reading Stephanie's articles in Fitness magazine for years and finally looked up her blog. Hope you like it too.

30 Minutes to Fitness

I am a girl who really likes to get the most bang-for-her-buck, especially when it comes to exercise.

I normally don't have a spare hour to devote to exercise, so I am very appreciative for those awesome 30 -45 minute workouts.

The other day, I submitted myself to 30 minutes of a totally awesome workout. Kelly Coffey-Meyers' 30 Minutes to Fitness Cardio Burn. I was looking for a quick but completely effective shorter workout because once again I woke up late and felt I needed to do something.

I found Circuit Burn in a pile of exercise DVDs I hadn't done for quite sometime. I dusted off the DVD and put it in the player. I was on my way.

I chose to do a 'Pre-Mix', which is not normal, as I don't generally care for them, but this was good. Really good. I got a total body workout (including warm-up and cool-down) in under 33 minutes and I was pumped for the day.

The 'Pre-Mix' inspired me. I remembered how much I absolutely love working out with Kelly, so my next workout I did Workout 1 on the DVD. I think with warm-up and cool-down it was a bit shorter than the Pre-Mix, but still totally worth the effort.

Workout 1 takes you through a series of interval training. Kelly has you doing jumping jacks, boxing moves and heavy & lighter weight work. The moves are all pretty basic, but the combination of moves with different tempos really works the body.

Workout 2 (which I did this morning) is similar to Workout 1, but I thought it was not quite as high-impact and there was more lower body focus.

These workouts were definitely worth the time invested. They really came through in providing a quick yet effective workout.

Pilates

I am sure many of you have given Pilates a try. I am still unsure if I like it.

I have many Pilates exercise videos. I have given them all a try. But, I don't seem to be able to get my head into the program.

Every time I attempt to do the workout, I get down on myself. Things like this run through my mind: I'm quite sure that I haven't performed the move correctly. I don't look like the girl on the TV. Where am I supposed to be feeling this?

Even though, I don't quite enjoy the whole mind-breath-movement thing, I keep trying different Pilates workouts.

I tried it again this morning. I pulled out my 10 Minute Solution Quick Sculpt Pilates with Ball workout because it was only 10 minutes and that's really all the time I had. Quick Pilates Sculpt uses a small inflatable ball to help mimick a Pilates Reformer the instructor tell us.

I started with the Total Body Sculpt. Thinking I only had 10 minutes I wanted the most bang for my buck. My ball was a bit deflated so I had to inflate the ball in order to do the workout. I inflated the ball so it was firmer than it had been even before it became deflated and I feel the work more than I had previously.

It was encouraging. I decided that I had another 10 minutes to spare on a workout so I moved to the Standing Pilates section. I enjoyed this segment too. Today, it really challenged my balance.

20 minutes of workouts using the Pilates techinque and I felt like I did a good workout.

Customer Service

A few weeks ago I placed an order over the internet. The placement of the order went off without a hitch. I got my order confirmation and an expected to ship date in an email.

I thought; 'Awesome. I'm getting a great deal on product that I really like and I should have it in about 2 weeks.' I was excited to say the least.

As my luck would have it, I get an email from said company telling me they've cancelled my order due to some of the product I ordered being out-of-stock. I was sad. But there was light at the end of the tunnel, they sent another email indicating they re-entered my order and would be shipping the productst that were still in stock. I was happy. Didn't give it another thought.

2 weeks later, I still have not received my order. I have gotten no other emails letting me know that my product has shipped. I am still hopeful. A few more days go by and still nothing.

I decided to be proactive. I called said company asking if my order did indeed ship. I get this really nice girl on the other end of the line. She looks up my order information and proceeds to tell me that my order was cancelled. I explain that I knew that my 'original' order was cancelled, but that I had received another email telling me that a new order was entered for the other products and that my order would ship. The girl then tells me that she sees these transactions, but that she will need to check with her manager to find out if they will be shipping my order. What?!

I am not the happiest of people at this moment. I get a little huffy (at least in my brain I did). The girl tells me she will get back to me as soon as finds out what is happening with my order. I tell her that is fine. Now, I am expecting to be contacted (in a timely manner - say, same day) by either phone call or email. Nope.

2 days later I receive a phone call from the girl at said company to tell me that the items on my order have all been discontinued and are now out of stock and they will not be shipping. Fine. But here's the best part. In order to compensate me for the inconvenience, they are willing to offer me 'Free Expedited Shipping' if I want to order comparable, but brand new items. Now, I'm floored. I shake my head in disbelief and kindly tell the girl that I don't want to order right now and bid good-bye.

What is a Hapless Homemaker

The other day as I was doing research for work, I happened upon a very cute blog A Slob Comes Clean (http://www.aslobcomesclean.com/).

As I read through some of her posts, I thought: 'Wow! I can so relate.' That one thought inspired me to creat my own blog chronicling my unique approach to life and homemaking.

My take on homemaking can be related to this quote: 'Cleaning house with children at home is like shoveling the driveway while it's still snowing.'

I am hapless in that I don't think of myself as lucky or fortunate when it comes to being organized and clutter-free. I don't think I exemplify a good homemaker. I can clean and organize with the best of them, I just don't do it often enough. I feel as though I run out of time or more honestly, it can wait until tomorrow. This attitude lets me down. a lot. I am often embarrassed when people show up on my doorstep unannounced. I don't want people to come over and because I am embarrassed it's much easier to be gone than to deal with guilt. If I'm not home then no one can fault me for being messy.

Why?

I plan to use this blog to share my struggles and sucesses in managing my life and my home. I will share my thoughts and feeling about things that matter a lot to me and those that don't. I will share tidbits from a wide array of topics; from dinner to cleaning and everything in between (well, almost everything).

I am involved in a lot of things and that sometimes makes for very poor time management. That means that sometimes my life and housework suffer.

I am not a writer (or blogger for matter), but, hopefully, I'll be able to make you laugh along the way as you read through my interesting way of life.


Enjoy!