oh baby....

I just can't stop laughing when I see this. That dad rocks! And by the way, that is the first time I have listened to that song in its entirety. Chad showed me this video a few nights ago and I woke up with this song in my head! OHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

So Mr. Fitness and I have been doing CrossFit for three weeks now. I can already tell a difference in my body. My massage therapist, Jenn, said she can tell my entire back and arms are getting stronger!

I'm still struggling with the met-con stuff but I just keep at it. It kills me but I know it will be over soon and I don't quit! I will finish.

This week, we had to determine our one rep max for three exercises. This is so we can do a program called 5-3-1 on strength days. It's pretty simple yet complicated at the same time and I'm not about to explain it here. So just to sum up my workouts this week:

Bench One Rep Max: 90 lbs

Squat One Rep Max: 125 lbs

Deadlift One Rep Max: 235 lbs

So for the next 4 weeks and really for the next year, my strength training will be based off of percentages of those numbers. Good thing I have Mr. Fitness and my Coach to explain all this everyday!

I was getting a little stressed over getting everything ready for the Holidays but Mr. Fitness helped talked me through it last night.  He is always right when it comes to this.  It's all under my control.  I do put too much pressure on myself so I decided to not pull together a few Christmas present crafts and only focus on two of them.  The terrariums will have to wait.  

I am really looking forward to seeing my family and friends in Alabama over the Holidays.   Then, when we come back to Florida we will see more friends and watch the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day! Yah!

And speaking of New Year's Day, I'm working my list of resolutions, I mean to-do list.  Some of them will be carried over from last year (oops!) LOL but that's okay.  Again, sometimes I put too much pressure on myself and realize I need to focus on two big things versus 10 small ones.  Or, that I was not really thinking straight when I thought I wanted to pursue my MBA.  lol

Here's a few photos from our walk on the beach last weekend.  The weather was great.  Of course, we decided to go when it looked like a storm was coming but it made for some cool pics!

Mr. Hotness

Windy!

Bonk Ur Junk

Okay so I've been trying to figure out how I would post on this blog and the workout blog site with my WODs and not let this blog become completely lame and boring. So, I think I worked it out that I would post my workouts once a week in one post. That way I will have a log of my weights and times and can blog about the other stuff like decorating, crafts and island life!  My friend from high school, Jen recently lost a ton of weight and posted weekly bikini photos until she reached her goal!  I'm not that brave but I did take before photos in my bikini as Josh the Coach recommended, but those will NOT be shared. I guess this could suffice as a before photo.

I'm still crafting away on some Christmas presents. Considering its only a few weeks away you would think I would be further along but I think I work best under pressure! I see some long crafting nights in my future!

I've been seeing a lot of terrarium how-tos on all the decorating blogs I go to. On our recent trip to Michigan we went to the Botanical Gardens and was completely inspired by their Cacti Garden. I love the texture and colors of succulents and seeing how this is pretty much the only plant I manage to keep alive, I really love them! There were succulents everyone!

So, now, I've been inspired to make a few small open-air terrariums (for succulents) as Christmas presents. Here's an example from a Google image search:

I bought a new laptop and haven't uploaded camera software or any music from my old laptop yet.  I'm lazy.  So these are the only photos you get!

And finally for a bit more random Jamie, I pulled a 200 lb deadlift the other day and I'm so happy.  It's always been my favorite lift out of the three (bench and squat are the others), so I was just elated when I realized it was 200 lbs!  Now the met-con (fast cardio stuff) that I have to do sucks a$$ and I despise it but that is what helps in weight loss so it's a love-hate relationship. Really just hate-hate.

Mr. Fitness was telling me about the paleo diet. A lot of CrossFitters eat paleo. That's eating like a caveman.  No sugar, salt, grains or dairy.  Only meats, fruits, veggies and some nuts.  Also known as "oh hell no"! by me.  There is a website that does a 30 day challenge, where you eat paleo with zero cheating for 30 days.  You don't get on the scales at all during the 30 days.  I do find myself thinking about it.  Maybe in January as a kick-off to good health.  I dunno.  It's so extreme and I did the extreme diet a few months back and I don't know how long I can live without cheese.

But you can have real bacon on the paleo diet and I could still eat grapes and watermelon.  So maybe.

Speaking of the paleo diet, here's a text conversation b/n Mr. Fitness and I today:

Mr. Fitness: I felt like captain caveman at lunch. Don't be surprised if I club you over the head tonight. (after he a ate a paleo approved lunch today)

Me: lol that's hysterical and don't b surprised if I yank that club from u and bonk u in the junk! I'm a modern cave wife.

WOD 12.01.10

Well, I completed day two of CrossFit Fundamentals Training and WOD!  Apparently, I have a few bad habits that developed back in the day when I was doing powerlifting that I need to change for Crossfit lifts.  One thing that Josh, the Coach, said to me was that I was thinking too much.  So, I need to remember to only focus on one thing at a time and eventually my body will learn the move and it will be like second nature.  So much to learn!

Again, I was tired after the warm-up and Fundamentals Training.  For warm-up, we row 500 meters on a Concept 2 Rowing machine, then 8-10 reps of 4 exercises: a pull, a push, abs and air squats - THREE TIMES!  Oh my word!  Then, the workout begins.  This really takes things to the next level, mentally and physically!

Here is a before photo - right after the warm-up.  A little tired and sweaty, but not too much and I'm still smiling!

  Here is the after WOD photo:

That workout was no joke:

I did 3 rounds for time of the following:  5 thrusters (which we learned how to do that day).  This move is like having a bar across your chest and then you squat and then quickly push the bar over your head! It took me 10 minutes and 22 seconds. And that was with encouragement being yelled at me from Josh the Coach and Mr. Fitness.

Like this,



And then 10 burpees after that.  Here's a burpee:



Of course, my burpees looked nothing like that. They kind of looked like a beach whale decided to spazz out on the beach and then jump and clap with his huge flippers. Oh it was horrible and my knees are all jacked up and bruised from it.

But it's fun! LOL - I think I've lost my mind.

WOD (Workout of the Day) 11.29.10

So yesterday was our first day ever in a box. A box is CrossFit lingo for a gym. It was really cool and intimidating as are most things that are new to you. And yes, it really kicked my ass. I remember doing CrossFit when I started this blog about 2 years ago and I remember it kicking my ass then too. But you know what? It's still fun and it's still worth it. I was tired and my legs were ready to give out after the Fundamentals portion of the class. And then, Josh, our CrossFit Coach, says, "OK let's start the workout!" I was thinking "WTF!?! Oh heck no!" but of course I smile (or really wince) and tell myself "Jamie, you can do this!" And guess what? I did! I almost thought I was going to throw up and pass out at the same time but I did it! Heck yes! Vance, my bro-n-law, told me there's a CrossFit saying that goes "Our warm-up is your workout!" Dude, I believe it.

I had to fill out three fitness goals I want to accomplish next year.  I could really only think of two but added losing weight for the heck of it.  Yes, I want to lose weight but it's kinda a given that will happen on this program.

1. Lose more weight :o) even though Josh said not to put this
2. Participate in first triathlon in May at Disney
3. Do one pull up. Pretty much every CrossFit workout includes pull-ups so I need to be able to do them.  Right now, I will be doing modified versions like ring rows or using bands to help me until I can do them!


So, today is recovery day. Oh boy, it has been tough. I tripped down the hallway at work every time I got out of my chair. My legs aren't cooperating! I received a text from Josh asking me how I was doing and he suggested I go for a walk to help put the blood back in my muscles so I did. It will be interesting to see how tomorrow night goes! Legs don't fail me now!

WOD 11.29.10 1/2 "Cindy"
As many rounds as possible (AMRAP) in 10 minutes of
5 ring rows
10 sit ups
15 air squats

I did 2 rounds plus 5 ring rows plus one sit up.

Hey-OOOOOOOOO!

Our box! Image via www.operatorcrossfit.com.

Oh the weather outside is....COLD...

image via polyvore

Well, it's not exactly cold now, but it will be where we're going....Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Our flight is at 6:50 in the morning so it will be a much needed coffee drinking morning.  We are visiting our friends Dan, Andrea and Jacob who moved from South Florida to Michigan over the summer.  Mr. Fitness keeps asking me why we are visiting them in the fall/winter and not the summer!  Ha!  Well, I'm thinking the same thing.  We miss our friends and it was just good timing to see them now and have Thanksgiving with them, like we did last year.

Andrea called me Sunday to tell me they will have a cold front coming through and the high will be in the low 30s and snowing!  Whoa (in my best Joey Lawrence impression).  It's 80 degrees in South Florida.  I finally bought a coat and a fleece sweater today!  Fortunately, the Treasure Coast had a cold front a few weeks back meaning it was going to be high 68 and low 48.  I realized I had zero long sleeves in my closet and bought a few for layering at Target.  I hope these things get me through!  I'm actually looking forward to the snow - it's been a while and then I'll look forward to the body scan/junk touching then 80 degree weather in South Florida on Saturday!

We have some cool things to look forward to upon arriving back home.  We are joining a real-life CrossFit gym - Operator CrossFit!  Remember, when I started this blog and I was posting WODs (Workout of the Day)?  Well, we were doing CrossFit in Birmingham just out of house and local gym but this is a brand new gym opening up and it's completely devoted to CrossFit.  They have rings and pull-up bars and huge tires to flip!  I'm nervous and excited!

Here's a video that may explain CrossFit a little more:



Here's to a happy gobble, gobble to everyone - before the hard core working out, right?!

Raising a glass to a nice, relaxing, rejuvenating Holiday.

Cheery-o,
J

Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
Louis de Bernieres

 

Love is a temporary madness,

it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides.

And when it subsides you have to make a decision.

You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together

that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.

Because this is what love is.

Love is not breathlessness,

it is not excitement,

it is not the promulgation of eternal passion.

That is just being “in love” which any fool can do.

Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away,

and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.

Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground,

and when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches,

they find that they are one tree and not two.

Eight years ago, I married my other half.  He completes me in every way and I will love and adore him for as long as I live.  A thousand times I love you, my tree sidekick.What kind of tree are we?

The Place Where Dreams Come True

What a great slogan, eh?  I felt like my dreams came true just being in the parking lot! Dinosaur 35, thankyouverymuch.

What can I say?  I'm a sucker for Disney.  Not really the current Disney stuff but old school.  Like Cinderella.  Love Lion King. Mickey Mouse Club - original and new.  I grew up on Disney, like most children.  I even remember the day we got cable for the first time and I was glued to the television watching the Disney Channel and wondering why all the times listed for upcoming shows were an hour off.

It has been 16 years since I visited Walt Disney World as a sophomore in high school.  This weekend, my hubby and I got to experience Animal Kingdom - a special, unplanned treat to celebrate our 8th year anniversary.

We BOTH had a blast!

Posin' in front of the Tree of Life - I swear I didn't mean to poke my boobs out.

My Gizmo Man

That's a croc mate!

We only saw this one giraffe and it was munchin on some grub

African elephants. EVERYWHERE.

For the birds

Just chillin right by the safari jeep pathway

Here fishy, fishy, fishy

The most fun coaster ever is in that mountain.  And a Yeti.

Love of my life

Why hello there

Holy bat balls, Batman!

Doesn't this look like we were in another country?  This section of 'Asia' was beautifully done.

Another authentic-ish area

Yah! The parade!  Soooo much fun! And look at our girl Minnie in her little safari outfit!

Rafiki!

 I actually took 178 photos and it was really hard to edit them down to this!

Chad said we should do this more often.  Can't wait to see the rest of the parks in the coming months/years!

Momma's Project

Hola from South Florida! Yo! A1A BEACHFRONT AVENUE!

As you know, I'm constantly crafting.  Well not really constantly.  Maybe constantly THINKING about it but not constantly doing it.  I've had my thoughts on a project I found in a shelter magazine called Cloth Paper Scissors.  This particular issue (from Sept/Oct 2007!) had the absolutely perfect quilting project for me.  I love the idea of quilting and have even started a few of my own but making a quilt is HARD WORK.  LONG HOURS.  DID I MENTION HARD WORK?  If you have a thousand dollars worth of machinery, maybe not so hard but I don't have this.  So in this issue finding an article called 'True Confessions of a Rebellious Quilter' was right up my alley.  Basically, the author loves the idea of quilting too and was taught by her great aunt when she was 12.  But she never finished.  So she decided to come up with a way to make it easier.  Her project involved taking an old photo and transferring it to fabric.  So, I've had several ideas in mind to make a quilt with either one or both of my grandmothers on it...one for Chad and I...for my family...but I would still run into other issues when dreaming up the quilt.

I mention all this to say that I was thinking about this quilt again and decided I should make one for my momma for Christmas and then I immediately thought of two photos I wanted to use of my brother and I for the quilt.  After completely trashing our guest room to find the photos (guess I know what I"ll be doing the rest of my Sunday), I FINALLY FOUND THEM.  Eek! I'm so excited!

Here are the two photos: 

This photo pretty much epitomizes our relationship.
I was around 4.  It was taken
at a photo booth at either Eastwood Mall or
Century Plaza. Love it!

My brother, Mr. Muscle Man, himself. When I see this picture
I just giggle incessantly.

I plan to transfer the photos to black and white for the quilt and design the quilt around the song "You are my sunshine" as inspiration!

Yah!  New project for Jamie!

My Chicken Nuggets!

Stylin...

Wow - had a great Holiday weekend with the family! Our nieces are just two precious and hysterical little babies! Well, they aren't exactly babies anymore!

Mer-Man

Ahhhhhh!!!

Not a huge fan of the sand at first, but eventually it was okay.

You can't see me!

They love their Uncle Chad.

Now this one is a little fishy!

Jazzy took a little bit longer to get acclimated to the water but eventually got the hang of it!

Fun times in South Florida!

And now the best for last....Hugs-N-Punches first video featuring Jazzy J and 'Riyah!

I gotta love and I know that it's all mine oh oh oh ohhhhh

thank you Beth for sending this to me! I think I've watched it 5 times in row in about about 2 minutes and laugh hysterically every time...

Of tables and nieces...

I am super excited about my new table that Chad made for me!

Some of the handy dandy tools required...

Adding some finishing touches prior to the paint

Ta da! New table!

Except I didn't like how I had accessorized it so this is how it looks now!

And yah! I'm also super excited about our family coming down over Labor Day weekend!  We haven't seen our nieces in five whole months!

I can't wait to see their cute wittle faces! And give 'em tons of love and kisses!

Jasmine at her birthday party.

Ariyah loved Chad's hat!

I'm quite sure I'm gonna have some great photos of them to share soon!  I have to document how big they've grown!

What I Did on my Summer Vacation

Hello from the land of Oops-I-forgot-I-have-a-blog-and-that-sucker-needs-to-be-updated!  See, I could never be one of those bloggers who actually make a living off of their blog.  This is proof.

So for starters let's talk briefly about what I did over my summer vacation.  First, what summer vacation?  I worked like 40 hours a week.  And by work I mean pretended to look busy for 8 hours a day.  See you can still have an imagination at 32!  Pretend can be for grown-ups it's just more in the form of deception. No really, I worked really hard - mainly on putting budgets together so I can see on paper that yes a department of 3 can raise $1 million this fiscal year!  Oye.

Okay nevermind that stressful stuff.  Let's look back on our summer vacation.  What's that you say? You want to see a summer photo montage?!? Why, of course!

Crocheted my little heart away for my bestie!

new glasses that I have to wear 24/7

friends in town for almost a month! They must come back immediately and STAY.

View of the intercoastal down in Boca Raton where I attended a philanthropy conference

One of my fave pics of the summer!  Chad with Joshie, our friends soon-to-be-official little boy!

A night of painting with Dana AKA 20 year old PBA student

Bailea in her groove.  That girl loves to paint!

Boating with friends - Joshie chillin on the sand bar.

Where else can I put THIS STUFF?

Relaxing on the sand bar.

Lou and Joshie in the 2nd cutest pic of the summer!

The BEST night of the summer...boat trip at dusk!

That's the Huizenga clubhouse behind us.  It was ginormous.

Gorgeous sunset at Sailor's Return.

That seriously was the color of the sky - no photo-shopping here!

Trip to Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach (in the pouring rain)!

Yo!

Cool canopy.

Look at the cool lizard tail!

What would a Japanese Gardens be without koi?

Cute bridge - reminded us of BBG.

Beautiful waterfall at the end of our path.

SAid goodbye to our friends, the Maisons, who decided
to leave the palm trees and blue sky for something called snow in Michigan.  Bless their little 'ole hearts!

Well, that's it - I have a few more things to add but those photos haven't been uploaded yet!  Chad technically started his first day today so it's appropriate that I post this today.  Although, I don't recall ever having to talk/write about what I did on my summer vacation in school.  I only see that on t.v.