The Stationary Bike: My New Nemesis

/

I rode my stationary bike today. Given the level of mental and physical effort involved, I kind of feel like there should be a parade thrown in my honor or at least some sort of commerative plaque involved. Barring that, I'll give you a rundown on how it went.

Today's FURMAN workout called for 45 minutes on the bike. Seven minutes at an easy pace, 30 minutes at a moderate pace, and 8 minutes cooldown at an easy pace.

I haven't been on a bike in years so I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I also went in thinking of all the leg muscles I've built up from running the past several years and that I was only being asked to do a moderate workout.

"It will be a little challenging but not too bad," were my thoughts as I hopped on the bike and started the timer. "I've got this."

Read More

Relationship Deal Breakers

/

Blair and I saw a movie the other day with a couple with whom we've been friends for years. Lovely people - smart, intelligent, funny, great parents, etc. Which is why I was horrified to discover the secret they'd kept hidden from us all these years. They are, and perhaps always have been... movie talkers.

I get a little nervous when people talk to me during the previews of a movie, although I've relaxed my stance on that since so many commercials take the place of previews these days. Plus, people often settle into silence once the main attraction starts. But talking during a movie? Uh-uh. Nope. I have to take a stand. 

Read More

Where's The Cheese??

/

Earlier this week I posted a blog entry noting that I'd been dragging. Had that heavy, body-feels-like-dead-weight and head-is-filled-with-molasses (cliches, anyone?) feeling. I'd pretty much written the condition off to a change in the weather, with heavy heat and humidity finally coming in, combined with an increase in my exercise intensity.

My best friend Trisha called today and said she'd been thinking about it and wondered if my new plant-based diet had anything to do with my recent tiredness.

"You know, I hadn't made that connection," I said. "I guess that could be it."

Read More

Bag Lady

/

At what point in my life did I turn into that woman who can't leave the house without toting 20 lbs of luggage with her? And what magic words do I need to utter to make this annoying phenomena disappear?

It's 6:39 AM. I'll be leaving the house at 7 and won't return until close to 8 PM tonight. To get me through the time away from home I am taking with me:

COMPUTER BAG:  Laptop, cord, daytimer, client projects, marketing material to read, pen and paper for creative scribbling

GYM BAG: Shoes, shorts, top, jog bra, socks, towel, headband, deodorant, face wipes, extra top to change into for drive home after workout

FOOD BAG: Frozen thingees that act like ice-cubes, protein shake, nuts, apple

GREEN GROCERY BAGS: Need to make a quick trip to Earth Fare so environmentally-friendly bags are joining me. Grocery list.

PURSE: Keys, wallet, sunglasses, business cards, lipstick, headband b/c it's raining and if the hair goes berserk I need a back-up option, gum, mints, cell phone

Other people make it out of their homes w/out teetering down the sidewalk with piles of stuff crammed under each arm and slung around the neck. I either need to lighten the load or hire a sherpa. 

Sheesh.