24thhhhh WEEK!!!!!

Into the sixth month, the morning sickness returns.  I must say, I feel quite monstrous. Not only do I seem to spit fire, but I tend to so with my mind as well.  At least I do so with the safe confines of my mind.

My appetite is through the roof too!  Seems like everything I eat is never enough.

Whatever you do, do not acquire the Prenatal Yoga video via internet access should you fear for your very sanity.  The lady in the video was like some alien abducted who runs a "seeing eye" storefront.

I am not the pregnant lady lacking the desire for her husband, either. HOWEVER, I feel like I am turning into a sexual predator against my hubby. Poor him.  Things ya'll shall look forward to should you or your wuhman want little hoomans.


Thus ends my 24 weeks update so far...

21 weeks through 23 weeks update....

Okay, so I have been slacking on my updates, yeah yeah.  You tend to get pretty busy when you have a mutant fetus of awesome inside you growing and doing amazing sidekicks and uppercuts to your cervix, bladder, belly button, and right kidney.  He's very precise with which organ or place of the womb he's not pleased with.  Very much like his daddy when trying to get comfortable enough to sleep.

Up to 39 inches around the waist and am at 149lbs.  So, that's a whopping 13lbs so far...I haven't been this heavy in seven years......my word.  But, it is totally worth it.

21 Weeks!

22 Weeks

23 Weeks along...

Been having bad muscle cramps, realized I haven't been eating any bananas-bananananannanananananananananas--sorry, have to get that out of the system.  We finally had new bananas in the commissary on base which took them four weeks, but hey! It's okay!

I started growing and planting orange mint, pepper mint, lavender (from propagation), mesclun, and spinach. Oh, and Japanese chives. The chives were EASILY grown.  They grow more quickly in water by itself, but sturdier in the soil, so I will have to transplant the final two soon.  The lavender looks half dead, but from what I have been reading, that's what most being to look like after trying to transplant from cuttings. I have found mint to grow like weeds. They would make EXCELLENT ground cover near walking paths, so that when you step on them, they will give off a nice minty scent.  I now have 22 pots covering my stairs and hanging from makeshift metal grate.  It looks KINDA tacky, but I haven't had time to crochet pothangers yet.

On the crocheting note, I have completed my baby's jacket! Aside from the buttons, of course. But I think I am just going to turn them into snappies.  Can't seem to find decent buttons to add to his awesome hooded jacket.  I also crocheted the cutest bootie socks!!!  They will come up to his knees. Which should be fine. It's going to get as low as 20 degrees in Germany, don't want my baby a popsicle.

Freaking out about not having enough maternity/fitting clothing.  Tired of wearing the same 10 shirts over and over again. They are shrinking already....

Uhhh....19/20 Week Update

Sorry, the weeks are speeding past faster than I could have imagined.  Finally have been indoctrinated into the housewife mindset.  Cleaning and running almost all the errands now have become...fun?  Guess that's better than being depressed about not having a paying job.  Oh, and I am pregnant. If this house ISN'T clean, then I go running to the nearest binlike object to vomit.

19 Weeks side shot

There is a military ball coming up and I have realized there are no decent maternity formal attire available to middle class customers.  I am NOT going to pay 500 dollars for a damn dress I will wear ONCE.

Seriously.

So, here's some tips to find a dress regardless of maternity:
~Find an empire waist cut dress or one without a fitted midsection.
~Make sure there's some extra flowy fabric around--just enough to cling and drape over the bump.
~Even cocktail dresses with the extra poofy layers added underneath help give more room to the belly.

Examples:
David's Bridal Halter Dress    DB Strapless Chiffon  Ever Pretty Charming   Bowfront Cocktail

Well, time to wrap this update and random rant with my 20 week shot!

The 18th Week

Today is a better day than yesterday.  If you don't know by now and you're pregnant, this is the beginning of the end of any proper sleep you will ever get.  I don't know how many times I woke up to the baby shifting and not wanting to be on one side, having to pee and back pain.  Sadly, it only gets worse from here.

On a good note, I can feel the baby a lot better than before so it's fun--for now until my kidneys become victims--to have a physical reminder that the baby is still alive and healthy.

My memory is shot. To counter this, I am now making a chore list so I don't forget where I put the vacuum and what the hell I am doing in this room to begin with. I even made the switch to mostly organic/all natural cleaning products because all this chemical mumbo-jumbo really got me scared.  The great part is, my house smells better, is even cleaner and the dish soap makes cleaning dishes even better than dawn itself.

Trying to get my husband to get his clothes in the dresser is like trying to get a bull to sit.  I don't know how I am going to get the rest of the chores done if he doesn't surrender some baskets and let me make room for more laundry. I am still finding more clothes to store till I am no longer pregnant.  It has cut down my wardrobe TREMENDOUSLY in a bad way.  I only have six shirts that actually fit without my boobs popping out or my belly being shown.  At least I can still wear MOST of my jeans since I have the bellaband.  I wear a size one (being in size 7 jeans) and it's still kind of loose while being at 37 inches.

This is my "I just woke up looking like THIS?!" face.

My dog Arya makes it very difficult to take pics now without her trying to climb all the way up. It's ridiculous. Well peace out, I will update yall some more laters!

Pregger woman hogging your machine...Problem?

Bodybuilding.com blog link--please follow!

This blog post will help give one insight to what is okay and isn't okay for exercising while pregnant. A lot of people are under the impression that women should sleep all day, eat everything in sight and do nothing. Well, they are wrong. Lack of exercise and a bad diet will only increase health risks for the baby and increase the likelihood of pre-eclampsia and other serious health issues related to pregnancy and labor/delivery.

The point is, your body is okay with working with the limit you had before being pregnant. Do not push yourself past it because all of your ligaments and muscle groups are loosening to better redistribute your weight and changes your center of gravity to better hold your womb with your body.  Continuing to push past limits will cause hernias, torn ligaments, sprains, strains and all sorts of mess.

Just because your body wants a swiss cake roll does not mean your body can handle all that sweetness and fats.  The baby only needs an extra 300 calories in general, but a lot of protein is needed along with folic acid.  So, stick with fish, chicken and wonderful soy products. The trick to fighting off sweet-cravings I found so far are bananas, applesauce, carrots, honey butter on whole wheat toast, and ovaltine.

Trust me, I don't want to gain anymore weight than necessary, but you won't be seeing me using the baby as an excuse to eat all the trashy snacks available.  This 27 inch waist went up to 37 mainly due to the baby--well I guess the water also counts towards the baby.

This is my tidbit of info for the day...

The Week of 17...

As I am blessed to be overseas with my husband, it is decidedly better to be stateside than on a remote island 6 hours away from either Europe or the States.  First of all, with all this B.S.ing about Chick-Fil-A, Americans don't know great food, employment in the fast food industry and great customer service when they see it.  I have never met a depressed, tired, or disgruntled person working at a store. Ever. I have been to MANY Chick-Fil-A's and I have seen a huge variety of people of different backgrounds able to get a guaranteed day off during the weekend. We don't have Chick-Fil-A, Popeye's, McDonald's, or anything remotely close to that here.  Consider yourselves spoiled, U.S.

With that out of the way (cravings drive me to extreme anger because they cannot be relieved by the drive thru window), I have been EXTREMELY tired this week so far, along with a lot of sleeping issues. I have been peeing twice in the middle of the night now because I still manage to roll onto my stomach, which pushes Midget right into the bladder. And the kicking. Oh the cute flutter kicks.  So, between excitement, bathroom worries, and hip/back discomfort, it has been a helluva time getting some sleep in. I really need to hit the gym up as well to get me even more tired.

Luckily, my husband and I qualify for WIC. With how much we are spending now with my constant throwing up and desire for milk and veggies and fruit and sammiches, we have been spending almost twice as much as we should.  Hopefully this will cover the outrageous pricing of living overseas on the Euro dollar instead of the good ol' buck.

I should be in Germany for a follow up on the fetal development between 3 Sept and 17 Sept for who knows how long. That would have been exciting, except it was supposed to be 2 weeks from now that they send me and I won't even know the gender of the baby until then.  Seriously, if I was back stateside, all of this would have been taken care of this week. Not 5-7 weeks from now. By the time they find anything wrong, it just might be too late. Thanks, government ran healthcare, thanks.  Anyway, I am also experiencing extreme anger moments. So I apologize for my self-entitled bologna and such.

I have been eating lunch meat, by the way. The trick is for you to get it cut immediately off the uncut round in the deli since most of the stuff that ships here expires in two weeks even with ultra-pasteurization. Also, you can heat the meat. Don't let anyone freak you out too much about lunch meat and cheese.  Cook the hell out of it, cure it with vodka then cook it, whatever you do, it should be okay. I get paranoid about the meat so I throw some vodka on it and let the alcohol cook off after it kills the tiny, microscopic monsters lurking.

16 Weeks Ago..

It was a wonderful dream four months ago at trying to get below 27 inches in my waist line. Today, I am now at 36 inches.  It has been 16 weeks and 2 days so far along in this pregnancy.  I walk more, though it hurts.  This must be what it feels be geriatric. I am also scared for when i hit 20 weeks. I hear that's when the fatness becomes a danger. The less I have to work with at the gym after birthgiving, the better.

This is my belly this Monday...Look at it just poking out...

The morning sickness is easing up a bit. I keep eating small amounts and trying to stay away from things I know will make me sick up.  I just have to continue with thinking positive.  It's hard when your OB freaks you out about your baby being unhealthy and paranoid till four weeks down the road your next OB appointment is scheduled and it happens to be a new OB than the previous one....I hope that makes sense.  If not, I apologize. Apparently, I have what they call "Pregger brain" already.

What a long break...

Wow, I guess I can welcome myself back to more motivation after a very suspenseful two months.  Needless to say I am now living for two lives, not just my own.  My dog back home died, that was a complete heartbreaking experience,  resigned from my job on base, and found out that I am now pregnant!!!!!

       So, freaking out for a whole month aside, I am now starting to revamp my health even more. I am also taking interest in creating items instead of buying them. Ever go shopping online or in store and keep thinking, "I can make that..."? 

       Also, for the next few--wait--several months this blog will be about motivating myself to stay in shape while pregnant and managing to keep the baby fat, and not myself.  Oh, how I reeeeaaaallly want swiss cake rolls. Seriously.

Look forward to the tips on food, exercises for even the wimpiest of prego ladies, and fun crafts as well as hobbies!

My trip to Sao Miguel

My anniversary was definitely worth all the money, time, and planning.  It definitely felt like another honeymoon.  Well, as promised, here are some pictures!
The collage to the right is of the hotsprings we found on a random drive.  Since we don't know all the signs, we found that following the brown signs led to something amazing.  You can swim in one of the built pools, but the natural springs are not allowed.
The changing stations are pretty nice, except for some nasty presents left behind by the not-so-hygienic females...All in all, it was still very beautiful and we managed to run into a couple of Germans and possible South Africans (according to the accents).

Here in this picture collage, there is a research facility atop the mountain.  There's also another angle of the changing booths.  To the left is the end of the trail due to a huge cliff side and fallen stones.  All in all, this trip on the wilderness side left me to believe the possibility of dinosaurs still alive.  I'm on to you Michael Crichton.

So here's my favorite picture I took while on the trip!  I really like the detail for a non-dslr camera. I am no crackshot with a camera, so this is my favorite. I mean seriously, look at the awesome dewiness on the moss growing on the stone wall.  This spot was absolutely amazing to begin with.  We just had a very flirtatious couple next to us making it quite well known they were completely randy for each other.  In other words, VERY UNCOMFORTABLE and AWKWARD moment. 


All in all it was a great and wonderful trip full of natural life, getting lost trying to find our way to our hotel, learning the difference between an American automatic vehicle and a European version, eating delicious breakfast and dinner, finally eating McDonald's after almost 2 years from being overseas at a remote tour, and getting to enjoy the reason why I married my husband. 

Sexy Beast

Sao Miguel, 5 Years and Counting

For those who do not know or are unaware, my husband is US Air Force Active Duty.  We are currently stationed overseas at Lajes AB, Azores.  It's an alright and beautiful place, but there's a reason this place is considered a short tour.  There's a lot more to be offered when stationed at high traffic/volume bases overseas. Here it is remote. VERY remote. Don't get me wrong, I love the culture of farmlands and families, the amazing nature, and the wonderful history of this place. It's just all seen, said and done the first few months here.  At least there is a bit of solace to be found on other, somewhat more commercialized and scenic, islands.

So, this evening, I will be leaving on a tiny buslike plane to the next island in the Azores.  My husband and I are going to be celebrating our 5 year anniversary!!  Thank goodness I pre-packed yesterday because I have only twenty minutes to get ready when I get off work....

Needless to say, I don't think I am a wonderful stick-shift driver, but I will do my best when we pick up the car rental. Slightly scary but I think it's worth having prepaid, mobile transportation. I just have to worry about gas...

This will be a good learning experience for later on, should we decide to island hop again one last time before leaving to our next base!  Hopefully we get to know where we are headed next this coming week!!!

~~~Look forward to kewl pix and this will be a wonderful break from workouts at the gym and home!~~~

Hey Yogi, do I get a pic-nic basket, or are you going to leave me upside down here too?

I have a few goals in fitness. One, is to be flexible.

In yoga, I have noticed a lot of people being able to do headstands, with splits and going into what is called Scorpion pose or the Crow pose. I want to be able to do these things, so of course I shall blog about it.



Here is a video tutorial on how to begin strengthening your upper body to withstand the full headstand.



This video is the most helpful in my opinion. I love the detailed and safer way of completing a full headstand.



I hope you find these video tutorials as helpful as I have!

GYM BOSS

Hey folk, guess what--I got a Gym Boss. I know what you are really thinking...WHAT IS THIS GYM BOSS?! A Gangsta running a gym? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....

2" with a clip in the back and only three buttons

Pretty much this will help me out whenever I am doing my circuit workouts.  I always lose time and this has a murderously annoying beep that will keep you right on track.

Aside from that, I haven't fully worked out yesterday or today due to Mother Nature being in cohoots with Satan Man.  I swear, I should have two sets of abs for what pain I go through in five days.  Can I get an "Amen!" ladies? No? Really? Okay.

I am going to start some at home free weight gym equipment. At our next base, we have to have a garage for this.  There are a lot of homemade "weights" you can make too if you have the time. Coffee cans filled with sand and if you have a soldering iron, you can seal the cans--there's a vid for it somewhere.  Essentially, it is using metal tins as dumbbells.  You can also use plastic jugs filled with sand or water, but that water you'll need in your body.

Just bought a pull up bar and barbell as a new edition to my small at home gym.  Since we do not have a woodcrafting place in the Arts and Crafts center, I will wait till our next base to build a nice workout bench and weights tree.  Never thought I'd get this excited over buying workout equipment as I'd be about buying shoes....

Weigh up, Size down

Alright, for the past few weeks I have been measuring my waist, hips, thighs and arms. I am fairly certain my calves will stay the same as they have always been.

Starting point (almost 2 months ago): 42in hips, 29 in waist, 25ish thighs. I only know how much the size was due to finding a measuring tape at work on the weekend when I was looking for a sharpie. I have ADD like a squirrel.

Now, I have 37.5 inch hips--all measurements are taken at my meatiest points-- 27 inch waist, and 11 inch arms. Arms didn't really do much of a difference except for a little more meat I suppose.

On the overall scheme, I have stayed the same weight, fluctuating between 135lbs and 139lbs. I don't really care about how much I weigh so long as I never break 140 ever again. Well, if I get preggers ever in my life, that will be the only exception. To me, it is about my size, shape, and strength. I don't want to be rail thin and weak, I don't want to be completely ripped, no soft curves, I want to be fit. I am doing alright so far...I think.

Good luck readers and stay strong. Don't expect to look like someone else. You will be you, no matter what size or how much you weigh.

'Piderman, 'Piderman...

So, today is the day. Yep. I am seriously cleaning the floors this time. I decided to stay home for some personal time where I don't have to fend off intruders on a machine or set of weights or the mat. Meanwhile, I was thinking it would be a great idea to try out Spiderman Crawl. Yeah. Hurts on tile floor. But, I soon noticed the horrid state my floor is in.


Throwing back to my childhood I thought I could throw down 100 jumps in jumproping a set, however, my ability is far from what it once was. Not exactly Rocky Balboa over here.
I then proceeded to utilizing my new resistance bands. I did squats, a pilates' weak girl version of deadman lift(have no bar so had to use something), some arm exercises with the resistance bands and some front kick to side kick sets. All in all, with a one minute break between sessions, I did 20 minutes (15 minutes first round, 5 minutes second). Not exactly sure on the calorie burn but it definitely puts me over 300 calories for overall today.
I was a bad girl and ate some tortellini alfredo for lunch. Nothing really healthy at all about that, but hey, it tasted DELICIOUS. All in all, I am under 1500 calories for intake today, but tomorrow I shall eat more. More healthy and more calories. YUMS, calories....

23 Feb-ulous

Yesterday was yet another day at the gym. I burned 200 calories on the cybex machine after doing 30 minutes of calisthenics and 12 minute kettle bell circuits. Wednesday wasn't the longest time I spent at the gym, but I daresay I pushed myself pretty well for the time I allotted.

Listening while Cardio-ing

Today, I am just going to yoga it up. I didn't get to eat much today, so I am having to slowly cram food into my stomach that isn't snack food full of delicious, tasty fatsuh...

Listening while Yogafiying

All in all, remaining under 1700 calories and burning at least 400 every day I work out. Which happens to be almost every fricking wonderful day :) Stay classy readers...

Weeble Wobble & Yet I Still Fall Down

Yesterday's attempt at working out at the gym is a definite success. Here's what I have done thus far:
12 minute circuit using kettle bells
*Shoulder Press
*Kettle bell Swings
*Kettle bell Bicep curl
*Clean & Press
*Halos
*Deadlift
---This exercise required 50 second session on each set and repeated twice with a 10 second break in between.

Took a break for 20 minutes by doing cardio on the Cybex. I loathed the Cybex, but just like with any torture device so far, I begin to love it.
Went to the back extension bench and upped up my weight/reps by doing the following for lower back/glutes: 0 pounds for 25 reps, 10 pounds for 20 reps, 25 pounds for 15 reps, and 10 pounds for 10 reps.
Afterwards, I kept the same 25 pound plate to do 30 reps on each side for the obliques but for two sets instead of the usual three.
Abduction 50 pounds to 110 pounds in four sets and Adduction 50lbs to 80lbs for four sets. This exercise allowed me to realize my absolute weakness--inner thigh muscles.
All in all, this exercise was meant for abs, core, and legs. I was excited since I got the go ahead to work on my legs again. However, this break from lower body exercises allowed me to focus a ton on my core and my back/arms.

Because I finally got to work out my legs, it seems like half the time I am about to fall down. My legs are jello. Can't wait to go back to the gym to do more...

Deadweight...No. Deadlifts.

Page 49 in the February issue of Runner's World magazine starts with the "Monster Moves" to help boost power and endurance for long distance running. Essentially, it is using cross-fit techniques to better your running time and breathing. Since I didn't get my run in yet this afternoon, I have decided to do some research on this cross-fit regimen. Today, I am going to ease myself back into working out my legs after an okay from the medical side. Here's what I will start off with:

I will also be doing what is called Kettlebell swings. It's exactly what it is called except it involves squats.Oh, the sweet blessed squats. Alright, alright, I know. This is only how I feel after my workouts, but watching these clips definitely help motivate me to push myself. Here's the actual tutorial on a proper kettlebell swing. Well, off to the gym in twenty more minutes, but I will be getting some last minute watering in before I go...good luck ya'll!!!

Gym and No Air

Here's my exercises for the 17th of February (420 calories):
****Keep in mind, this isn't in order, I just didn't have enough space on my workout journal page, so they are written in random spots****
~Obliques on Back extension bar
~Back Extensions on bench
~Overhead Lift
~Compound Row
~Elliptical
~Cybex
~Abdominal
~Back Extension Machine
~Lateral Pull-down

For the  20th,  it is as follows (No more than 325 calories burned):
~Calesthenics:
   Tri-press, Bi-curls, Lat Pulldown, Abdominal machine, Back extension bench for obliques and lower back,
   Chinups and Dips on Gravitron+ machine
~Cardio:
  Cybex machine for 14 minutes burning 201 calories

All in all for Monday this week, I tried REALLY hard to keep myself motivated without a functioning AC unit in the gym. Seems like every other day their air conditioning system is on the fritz.  Well, it was smelling of hot, sweaty, @$$ and I did the best I could not to vomit--Hayley I am pretty sure almost did multiple times, poor lady.

This afternoon, that machine better be working, otherwise, it is a few laps around base housing for me. The sun is shining, the wind isn't more than 20mph, and it is a nice temp too.  Time for some pics too!!!!

I'm Back...

Listening to Ladytron

That's right, today was my first time back at the gym in three days. Yeah, I know doesn't seem like much, but for me, that's like a crack addict going through withrdrawals.  I am all scratching at myself going into convulsions.

Since I am practically forbidden to exercise my legs (with the exception of low impact, minimal bending exercises), I have decided today would be the day I work my core and back.  Here's the layout:

CYBEX
~45 resistance 20 minutes for 290 calories

**STRETCH FOR 5 MINUTES**

ABDOMINALS
~50lb 20 reps all three sides
~65lb 15 reps  ""
~80lb 10 reps ""

BACK EXTENSION
~150lbs 20 reps
~170lbs 20 reps
~190lbs 20 reps
~110lbs 40 reps

OBLIQUES (25lb plate side drop)
~20 reps on left and right 2 sets

BACK EXTENSION BENCH
~25 rep (no weight)
~20 rep (10lb plate)
~25 rep (no weight)
~20 rep (10lb plate)

25lb plate

LAT PULLDOWN
~45lb 25 reps
~55lb 20 reps
~65lb 15 reps







Here's some more machines/doodads I used today:

This week thus far.

Okay, so what, today's Valentine's Day. Woopydiidaaaa doo.

Here's an update so far of my workout plan.

Saturday:  Tour Day!

Sunday: Circuit/Cardio Day

*Cybex: 20 minutes @ 40 resistance--261 calories
*Yoga/Stretch for 5 minutes
*Incline Press
~20lb @ 20 rep
~35lb @ 15 rep
~40lb @12 rep
*Overhead Press
~20lb @ 20 rep
~25lb @ 20 rep
~30lb @ 15 rep
*Gravitron Dips
~125lb @ 20 rep
~110lb @ 15 rep
~95lb @ 10 rep
*Gravitron Chinups
~125lb @ 20
~110lb @ 15
~95lb @ 10
*Circuit Training
~1st Session 20 minutes
~2nd Session 10 minutes

Monday: Rest Day!

Later on today I will be going to the gym, but I will be resting my legs as much as possible.  That doesn't mean I shouldn't avoid working out all together. I have to keep this pace up.  Can't miss more than two workout sessions a week. Won't. I refuse.

Good luck lads and ladies!

EDIT:  I realize I am currently only posting my workout information and now what the exercises are and what they look like per-say.  I will be working on setting up a decent description of each workout and why I do them and hopefully I can get some pictures in.  It's really difficult to take a picture of yourself in yoga let alone planking...just saying...lol.

Taste of the Northern Coast

This is a tour given by the Outdoor Recreation office in Lajes AB, Azores. Essentially, it allows you to get smashed, stuffed, and bemused for a few hours a day while you look on to beautiful scenery.

Wine Museum of Biscoitos, Terceira, Portugal

We first went to a "local" carpenter and had a chance to look at his crafts created.  They were interesting and useful, but I don't think I need a spear to kill a wild bull anytime soon.

Alas, we ventured forth to the museum of wine.  Not only do they have hundreds of years old wine making equipment, but they also still currently run the vineyard and distillery.  We went into their bar barn and began tasting some wonderful local wine.

My fresh flower, my hubby and his goofy faces, a kewl keg of wine, the wall of wine for sale, and the bottling system.

We managed to receive a free bottle of wine per person.  The ladies of the group were able to bring home some wonderful flowers freshly cut.  The taste of the white wines were truly amazing.

After visiting the museum, we were able to visit this old sage of a man.  He truly creates these fiery, maddening potions of wine, liquor, and moonshine.  Let me just tell you, he almost set the whole place on fire just testing out the potency of his bottled rage via fire.

Let's just say Mylynn's expression best describes the taste...

We then proceeded to the restaurant with a nice buzz feeling and a distinct desire to purge my stomach of such fluids.  I had a delish grilled salmon dish to cleanse the pallet as well as some tasty table wine.  And, we also had plenty of bread and butter. Oh was there butter...

We ventured forth to this cathedral and it was pretty.  It was built in 1542.  Though, it was very intimidating seeing a patron saint statue showing some leg through his garb.

And this concludes the tour.  It was quite amusing to have hangover issues after an hour power nap, but was quickly rid of for our not so healthy grill night.  Needless to say, many a cow had fed us all wonderfully.

Be Wary of Overdoing It

Currently I am experiencing pain going along the outside of my leg.  Found out through the internet and through my Runner's magazine what this could POSSIBLY be...  Here's some links:
~~Iliotibial Band Syndrome     
~~Testorerone Nation blog on pain while squatting down has a couple of good home remedies for this issue.
I will undoubtedly be making that appointment for the Physical Therapy office on base.

Granted, this isn't a major issue of life and death, but I know someone out there will be freaking out about this horrible pain on the outside of their leg and wants to know what is going on.  Well, have you been running improperly or pushing yourself extremely hard?  Have you been stretching properly afterwards? Did you squat improperly?

I am sharing this injury with you folks so you don't have to go through this yourself.  Do not ever forget to stretch properly. Moreso, do not over extend or stretch beyond what is comfortable.  The pain is not worth it. It keeps you from doing your workouts properly and gaining the best results.


On another note, I decided to be a dandy idiot and work out my arms immediately after receiving a flu shot. Little did I know that it can cause inflammation in the shot area.  Yesterday I had a wonderful hornet sting like area around the place of the injection.

So, sage advice for today is DO NOT FOLLOW MY LEAD.  Don't work out after getting your vaccinations, don't overuse, overextend and forget to stretch after working out. 

On This Day

**Update for 10 February 2012**

Without vehicular transportation, I was able to walk for 25 minutes. That allowed me to burn 152 calories. I am not talking, sweet and blissful flat roads, I am talking horrid, awkward inclines.  All in all, it is easy for me since I train to walk every day at such crazy inclines. Helps with the glutes. ANYWAYS, here's the gym workout. I didn't do much, but considering my swollen shot area on my deltoid and this really weird leg pain/spasm I get, I still felt I achieved a good bit.

Situps:  Various awkward not military correct situps that worked sides.
Planks: 1st rep was 30 seconds, 2nd 45 seconds, 3rd was 30 seconds, and 4th was 45 seconds
Crunches:  Did 10 reps for 2 sets.  Didn't really understand them. I didn't like how I couldn't go all the way up.
Hand under back crunches: These were better, since you had you hands resting under the middle of your back. Easy Peasy.
^^^38 calories^^^
Cybex:  15 min at avg 40 resistance burned 217 calories
Situps: 100 reps in one set burned 20 calories
Calisthenics: 8 minutes worth burned 52 calories

~~470 calories burned for the day.

Wasn't having the best, most wonderful day yesterday.  Thankfully I have amazing friends Hayley and Mylynn to thank for going out to eat at La Barca's. Had amazing food, carbs and BUTTER. Oh yes, butter.  The thing is, that meal still kept me under 1500 calories. It's becoming hard to eat healthy and still get over 1200 calories in your system--Aside from that, they lifted my mood and I got to enjoy talking with real human beings face to face.  It's hard to find people you aren't related to by blood that you can feel comfortable being yourself and trusting that much.  These two girls I adore completely.  They have the two most unique personalities and are so much fun.  I like how people can call you out on your ish not because they can't stand you, but because they respect you enough to be honest with you. That's what you have with these chikas.

Attacking the Gym!!!!

Listening to Attack Attack discography during the workout...

Alright, here is the update for what I did the past two days at the gym:
~~08 FEB 2012~~
*Treadmill 17 minutes at 3.0 incline 5.5mph--187 calories
*Abdominal machine
**50lb for 20reps on the three sides; 65lb 15reps per side; 80 lb 10 reps per side
*Dips on Gravitron 125lb 20 reps, 110lb for 15 reps, 95 for 10 reps
             ^^Calethinics 64 calories (No breaks in reps, straight into next set)
*Cycling 20 min medium resistance--151 calories
             Walked outside for 15 minutes & that burns 52 calories (including distance, incline &   speed)

 The burning total is 454 calories.  I checked and calculated and did all that I have done to make sure I did the specific calculations right, and this is what I came up with.  They say don't trust the reader on the machines, so just double, triple check if you are paranoid like me.  All in all 450 calories is very nice. 

~~09 FEB 2012~~
CYBEX machine for 15 minutes at 38 resistance--205 calories
Reverse sit ups
**25 reps 0 weight
**20 reps 10lb weight
**15 reps 25lb weight
Incline situps
**45 reps 0lbs weight
**40 reps 10lb weight
Side dips
**20reps 2 sets on left and right
Lat Pulldown190
**30 reps at 50 lb; 25 reps at 65lb; 15 reps at 80lb
^^^^^Calesthenics 62 calories^^^^^
Cycling
**High medium resistance for 15 minutes--124 calories
Arm Press machine thingy 20lb 15 micro sets
Shoulder cross
**left 10lbs 15 reps
**right 10lbs 15 reps
Bicep press thingy
**20 @ 20 reps
**25@ 15 reps
**30 @ 10 reps
Back extension
**165lb @ 15rep
**180 @ 15 rep
**190 @ 12 rep
**200 @ 12 rep
Pullover machine
**50lb @ 20 rep
**65lb @ 15 rep
**89lb @ 10 rep
^^^^Calisthenics 74 calories^^^^
Treadmill 3.6mph 15% incline for 15min--182 calories

All I know is I burned over 500 calories at the gym. My mind stopped counting as soon as this monster tuna sandwich hit my mouth.

Yoga Meditation--my way

I am not all about the soundwaves of whales and indian flute players piping away....UNLESS DUBSTEPPED. However, I tend to like trip hop type music when yoga'ing out.

 

Musical Chairs for Cardio??!!!

LMFAO Sexy and I Know It has a hilarity to it that can beat the mental drain focusing on those last few minutes of running, but overall I like to stick to my guns....all 36GB of them.

I don't lift weights with the same music as cardio simply because I do not want my whole body to explode and create a rapture at the gym. My cardio regimen has to be set at a heavier, faster beat than my weightlifting and circuit training and yoga. Just try to do Yoga listening to DMX, it just doesn't turn out right...


Cardio:

Three Days Grace

Static X

Five Finger Death Punch

Killswitch Engage

Chevelle

Nightwish   
I have also recently found out that listening to Ladytron discography definitely keeps me mentally amused while my body is going under self destruction on the elliptical.

Yeah, I made this.

Baked Tortellin--not healthy.  Made this last month before the diet revamping.

To make this meal healthy, perhaps I should use spinach ravioli instead.  And, I should use correct portions.  Adding fresh onions and garlic instead of the powder could probably add a bit better umph to the texture of the meal. 

Zuppa Tuscana minus the Kale. They don't sell kale here....

Made with Italian turkey sausage, vegetable broth with low sodium, red potatoes scalloped, and about a cup of skim milk.  Herbs used: Oregano, parsley, basil, crushed peppercorn, and pepper. 

Tuna Salad wrap with whole wheat tortilla

I used some wonderful smart balance mayo.  Seriously, this stuff is better than most condiments out there. I love the taste. ANYWAY, I used about a tablespoon for one pack of tuna. I used paprika and pepper for seasoning.  I then tossed some salad a viola, a tuna wrap.

Curried Chicken wrap

Used boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this one.  I used Oregano, curry powder, tarragon, marjoram, garlic powder, and onion powder.  To sweeten it slightly I sprinkled a pinch of sugar on the raw over the meat.  I cooked it in olive oil. If you want to make a sauce, I used sour cream (reduced fat). 

 Properly portioned granola for in between meal snacking

For this I used Bear Naked Granola.  I then measured the serving size times 2 for each container. I then labeled with a dry erase marker the amount of calories in snack.

What Have I DONE??!!

Yo peeps, brosephs, chikabees, how's it going?

Okay, enough of that.  Here's some updates on what I have been doing today. 

Today I ate some tuna salad wraps using lettuce, a black bean and salsa wrap, some pancakes, some carrots, some salad and a protein shake which tallies all up to 1670 calories for today.
However, I managed to burn over 500 calories at the gym.  My cardio workout alone busted out 480 calories, then I did circuits for 10 min and core workout as well.  Twas a hard evening at the gym, that's for sure.
Aside from managing, editing, and planning out the blog, I have decided to branch out and make interactive motivation boards.  I have some extra cardboard, construction paper and old work out mags...so why not go to town??

I figured I have kept you folks waiting for FAR TOO LONG and all are in dire need of a Shooglenifty fix.  Well, here ya go and enjoy!!!  Try not to jig out of your chair.  It tends to happen.

Ehhh, why don't we do this at home...

 Well, there are just some days when I do not want to walk to the gym or just don't have the time/transportation to enter a fitness facility.  However, many things can be done in between household chores.  Whilst battling the dust bunnies with your magical fuzzy stick, you can dance.  If you want to feel less awkward, try taking a break for 20 minutes and do yoga.  OR, you can do some circuit training.

At Home:

Yoga (Namaste Season 1) = 25 min

Circuit training= 20 min or longer, depending on reps
     All movements should be in a 20 second frame, and push yourself to do as many as you can. Take note on how many you can do.

Squat Thrust (aka Burpees)
    Rest-10sec
High Knees (or Front kick left/right, Side kick left/right)
   Rest-10sec
Jumping Jacks (Jump Lunges)
   Rest-10sec
Mountain Climbers
   Rest-10sec

~~~~You can switch out how you want to do High knees with kicks and the jumping jacks so that the reps don't get too boring~~~~

So, there's this gym...

Okay, I am stationed overseas and there is no wonderful malls, fabulous shopping centers, or circuses. That's right, NO CIRCUS!!!! Happy as hell, I am. However, we do have this gym on base and I have to say, it's amazing. I am not talking about the wonderful equipment they have there...no. I am not talking about the nice massage therapy sessions they have. NOPE. I am not talking about the FREE FRICKING CLASSES EITHER. I am simply going to tell you that the view alone is AHMAZING. The only reason I would want to go. There's nothing like being on that bike or treadmill and looking through this HUGE wall of window to make you feel like you are about to run across the ocean like JESUS.

Anyway, here's what I do there so far:

Cardio (includes core workout) at Gym:

Treadmill @ max incline for 3.8 mph for 10 min = 120 cal (I like to go up to 20min when alone)
    Optional: Run starting at 5.5 and increase 7.0 or 7.5mph at incline 2.0

Abdominal Machine Sets broken down as 20, 15, 10 each on right, left, and front
    Optional: 100 situps on mat

Bike for minimum 10min (I like the Cycling class's bikes with no timer, just a resistance knob)
    Optional: Stairmaster on the fatburner at lvl 12 for 10min

Lower Back Machine sets broken down as 20, 15, 10.
    Optional: Reverse bench and increase with free weights

Row machine for 2.5k meters at highest resistance

Treadmill for 10min cooldown

Stretch

Just Want...I Just Want to Dance...

Yeah, I bet you can see a pattern here, DANCING. Not "shake your booty you ho" but sultry, seductive, latiny, delicious dancing. Of course, a couple are from Strictly Ballroom. If you haven't watched it, you must. Only because I said so.

Anyway, this is what I wish I could learn. Dancing is healthy, and it can put you in a lovely mood.

By the way, Baz Luhrmann is a FRICKIN MOVIE MAKING GENIUS.



I just love the belting of the voice of Ewan Megregor. That guy has some pipes, man.



Vivir con miedo, es como vivir a medias!



A life lived in fear is a life half lived.



AND THAT'S HOW ANTONIO BANDERAS IMPREGNATES WOMEN.



So, though Take the Lead is not the greatest movie of all time, I love Moulin Rouge and Strictly Ballroom. I also enjoy every other Luhrmann movie out there, but not all of them revolve around Salsa, Tango, Paso Doble, or Merengue.


With all that said, I would LOVE for Shakira to teach me how to dance:

Well Ain't That Just DANDY...

Yeah, so I work out everyday, attempt to walk more to where I need to go, and eat under 900 calories a day--and for what?  Nothing. 

I binged yesterday night on soda, chips, cheetos, at a lightning fast speed. 

As if that wasn't a "Hey, maybe I should just eat more calories, even with the good stuff..."  my friend Hayley stopped using the Ipod app Lose It.  I was like, "WHY???!!!!"  Now I know. 

Just because the application asks you a few basic questions about what height, weight, and gender you are, doesn't necessarily mean it is tailored to fit YOU.  There are plenty of girls out there in the same weight range, with the same height, and so on.  That doesn't mean that your activities and eating habits and attitudes are the same.

So, I have come to learn that eating when you are hungry is okay.  Eating whatever comes your way is not.  It's okay to go above 1000 calories.  ESPECIALLY when you work out like a beastlord--or beastladybeast.  It's wonderful to eat many vegetables that are fresh and not out of the can (due to sodium levels).  Heck, eat the meatzuhs.  You know you want to....

Anyway, learning from Undressed Skeleton, I am going to attempt to not beat myself up over this splurging. Move on, and keep working.  Just eat more, and eat right. 

Despite my upset with Lose It, it is still a great application to use when monitoring the general calories each workout you do burns.  It can also help you estimate how many calories you ingest according to measuring of food intake and what kinds.  It's easy. Simple.  But, it can fool you and make you starve yourself when you shouldn't have to.

Here's some linkage to the app: Itunes - LoseIt!
                                      Android - LoseIt!

Just Starting

Here's the deal with this BRAND NEW BLOG.....

This is my--Cristina--first attempt to catalog and record things I do with my life.  All thanks to a couple friends of mine, I feel that openly sharing my thoughts, stories and ideas with others will allow the readers to feel that they are not alone...

Recently, I have decided to take a serious effort in doing better for myself.  I am a married woman with no real career and a strong desire to do a lot things.  So, the first step in taking care of myself is to gain superior HEALTH.  Like, not just +10 to stamina, but full on SEXEH woman-beast.

Expect the next few posts to be about meals, their calories, the exercises I do, where I do them, and I will even post pictures of where I run, what I eat, where I yoga, so everyone can be happily jelly with all the wonderful nature front available to me. 

Granted I am just starting hardcore with my "diet" and exercise, so this is to help with accountability and show real time progression so that the readers such as your self can see what to expect.

Now, I am 136/7 pounds depending on the food I ate and the craps I took.  My goal is 120 pounds. I came here this year at 145 pounds and thanks to an Airman named Straw and another named Hicks, I was able to shed most of that weight off.  However, they will not always be here or everywhere I am, so it is time to take the action into my own hands.