We lost a wonderful woman on Saturday.

Rest in peace Nanny, God bless and keep you safe.

xo

K-Cup Heaven

My darling friend Angi introduced me to a store in my 'hood called Tweed and Hickory.

I had driven past it a kajillion times, but had never actually ventured in. It's a odd store, but the most important part? It's K-Cup heaven!

The thing with K Cup coffee, is that it's expensive... espescially if you buy an entire box and don't like it.

Tweed and Hickory sells them in bulk. You can pick and choose, 24 for $16.49.

I got lots of new flavours to try: butterscotch, donut shop, pumpkin, peppermint tea, white hot chocolate, Haiwaiian hazelut, pecan praline, chocolate donut, winter carnival, lemon tea and caramel vanilla nut.

...and as 2012 is the year of financial success, for those of you doing the math: that's 0.68 cents a cup!

TV Talk

It's no secret that I have an addictive personality.

This also applies to my TV watching skills.

I hate watching TV in "real time" and thrive on marathon-series on DVD-sessions.

This all started waaaaaaaaay back in about 2003, when I watched the first episode of 24...which resulted in me not leaving my house for an entire weekend because I was glued to the TV.

My latest obsession?

Sons of Anarchy. It's sooooo good. I'm not sure how I've missed out on it for all this time. There's already 4 seasons!

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Other shows that I have plowed through: Dexter, Breaking Bad (my favorite!), American Horror Story, True Blood, Californication, Gilmore Girls (still have a few seasons to go), The Good Wife (still have a few seasons to go), Entourage, and as much as I hate admitting this: One Tree Hill.

Are you a marathon TV watcher?

Dinner of Champions

Sometimes work gets in the way of my quest for healthy living.

I am absolutely loving the new challenges in my career, but admittedly my plate is pretty full. I start work early, but as my clients are mostly International I arrive to a full inbox every morning due to time change. I'm finding the best time to get work accomplished is between 5-7 when everyone has left for the day.

I left late last night, missing my 4:30pm workout window. The entire drive home, I was thinking "I'm just gonna skip tonight" but then my conscience got to me and I decided I'd feel worse if I didn't go.

I went to Body Combat and rocked it. I left feeling slightly queesy, and decided I didn't want/have the energy to prepare the bok choy and mushroom stir fry I had planned.

Instead, I had my version of a Dinner for Champions.
A green smoothie (water, strawberry yogurt, frozen banana, fresh strawberries and a scoop of vanilla protein) annnnnnnnnnd a piece of cake.

Odd yes, but equally delicious.

The moral of the story? Sometimes it's ok to eat cake for dinner. In fact, I encourage it.

(Still haven't decided on a back splash... but I gotta say, I'm liking the way that one looks against the counter!)

Morning Hydration

I love my Tupperware Tumbler.
Drinking enough water usually isn't really problematic for me, but during the winter months I am finding it a little more challenging to guzzle.

Every morning after my shower, I get back into bed and put on my make-up sitting cross-legged with a compact. (Is that weird? I was telling a colleague that, and she thought I was a weirdo!) And for those who are about to blast me for being a bad wifey, Andrew is a sound sleeper and this dosn't wake him up... despite having the light AND radio on! :)

I've gotten into the habit of filling up my tumbler and leaving it on my night table, thus, making it very accessible during the make-up application ritual. I've been drinking a full tumbler (24 oz./700 mL) before 5:45am.

Not that this is earth shattering news, but I just thought it was a good way to sneak in a little extra H2o... especially after not drinking all night, and before dehydrating with a cup (or 16) of coffee.

Do you find it challenging to drink enough water during the chilly Winter months?

My RPM Audition - The Results

It was Friday night at about 10pm, I was out at a "Holiday Gala" for Andrew's company when the red light on my Blackberry started flashing.

I had been quasi-stalking it all day, because I knew I'd be receiving an email with either good news or bad news.

The subject line was: RPM Audition - Thank You

I knew it was bad news immediately, but continued to read:

As Team Leaders for RPM, we would like to thank you for coming out to the RPM audition on Saturday January 7th, 2012. We appreciate your interest in becoming an LMI Instructor with GoodLife Fitness Clubs.

Unfortunately we are not able to offer you a spot in the upcoming training session at this point in time. As space in the training is limited, we have made every effort to select those individuals who we feel best meet the current schedule needs and the Les Mills International (LMI) criteria - awesome technique, performance and enthusiasm!

While we were not able to select you at this time, we would encourage you to keep attending RPM classes. Ask the instructors for feedback on technique, and pay special attention to the passion that is displayed by your instructor. These are all aspects that you can work on over the following months. We encourage you to come back to see us at our next audition.

Thank you for your interest and your passion for RPM.

So, that's the scoop. I am not going to be an instuctor.

This may sound egotisitical to the max, but I don't often fail. Usually when I put my mind to something I generally succeed. I think that's why I'm so upset. The fact that I failed at something I really put my heart into.

But at the end of the day I tried. I gave it 110% too.

I guess there's always next time, right?

Thank you for all your support and words of encouragement. xo

Pillow Talk

It's no secret that I like to be a little dramatic.

It shouldn't shock you that this also applies to my cycle.

It also shouldn't shock you that each and every month I bust out my best Maury Pauvich impression (air microphone and all) to tell Andrew "You are NOT the Father."

Usually he just rolls his eyes, and goes back to sleep. Yes, I wake him to tell him this at 5:15am. I'm nice like that.
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The coversation was slightly different yesterday morning though.

It went something like this:

Amy: ANDREW, You are NOT the father!!
Andrew: Already?
Amy: Hunh?
Andrew: I looked at your period calculator app last month and took a mental note. I thought it was coming on the 20th?

I had no words. And then I laughed my ass off.

I'm glad that I'm so pleasant that he takes mental notes of when to expect me at my finest. That right there my friends, is a good man!

Happy Friday!

Jumping on the NROLFW Bandwagon

It's no secret that I'm a cardio whore. I go to Body Pump once a week maybe, but that's where my zest for strength training ends.

I've been seeing this book pop up all over the internet, and I had a Chapters gift card burning a hole in my pocket so I procured it last night.
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I skimmed it quickly, and jotted the first workout down and hit the gymbo.

This time of year at the gym is no joke - it's packed at every hour of the day. I'm pretty lucky that there are 2 Goodlife locations within a 5km radius from my house. One of them being an all-women's location - which is perfect for me - the shy/embarrassed/rookie weight lifter.

I set up shop and rocked the first workout.

I didn't feel much of anything, as I didn't use super heavy weights because the whole purpose of the workout is to use heavier weights each workout. I didn't want to go balls-to-the-wall on the first one, ya know?

Following the workout, I had plans for sprints on the treadmill - but shocker - they were all full. The only piece of cardio equipment that was free was the eeeeeeevil elliptical. I did 30 mins of intervals and the end result was a hot and sweaty Amy.

The plan calls for 3 times a week, but I've decided to do it on Tuesday and Saturday and then continue to do Body Pump and CX Worx on Sunday.

Here's hoping for a ripped moi in 2012!

Anyone else following this program?

The great tile debate

We've been in our home for 7 months now. Each and every day during those 7 months I have cursed the lack of storage.

The thing with the kitchen, there is a lot of space it's just not designed well.
Despite our home only being 2 years old, we've decided to have some additional cabinets added. Merely for my sanity.... and storage.

Here is a drawing of the design:

Reno's include: Taking down the hood fan and replacing it with a microwave/hood fan (this will free up the cabinet across from the stove) adding doors to the cabinet where the microwave currently is, adding a panty, adding a broom closet, a desk, and 4-5 extra cabinets on the top.

Oh, we're also getting rid of that hideous light over the sink and the ceiling fan and running potlights through the whole kitchen.

I love this design, as my main concern was making everything look like it's been there since the house was built. I'd love to change the finishings (the people that built the house were in their 60's) as they aren't my taste... but it really is a beautiful kitchen.

I figured while we're at it, we might as well replace the ugly back splash too.

I think I know which one I want, but I thought I'd ask for your opinion too!

Option A)

Option B)

Option C)

Option D)

Who knew that choosing the back splash would be the hardest part?

Avocado Chicken Salad + CX Worx

I know I'm not the first person to write about subbing avocado for mayo, but it was the first time that I actually did, and it was delicious!

I had some leftover rotisserie chicken, and an avocado that was on it's last legs.

It was pretty simple: I just shredded the chicken, gave the avocado a whirl in the food processor, and added some chopped apple for crunch.

I had a bad weekend in terms of body image, which was triggered by catching a glimpse of my inner thighs in the mirror while waiting in line for CX Worx to start. I'm not going to dwell on it much, it was just a reminder that I need to keep my nutrition in check.

CX Worx is new at my club, and ooooooooh boy is it a workout. I fully admit that I'm not a pro-planker, which made this class even MORE challenging than it already is. I generally get sore 2 days after a workout, but my bum is definitely feeling it today which makes me scared of what's in store for me tomorrow!

Have a great Monday!

Coffee Talk

I have deemed 2012 to be the year of financial success.

First step. My coffee addiction.

I almost died when I started adding up my coffee expenses.

I'm not a full blown addict by any means, I usually enjoy 2 cups a day.

By simply swapping out my delicious, yet expensive, Starbucks Americano Mistos and replacing them with either (disgusting) Tim's or making it at home via my Keurig the savings are astronomical.

Next step: Retraining my palette to make other forms of coffee tolerable.

2012

Along with the 25 containers of Chobani I purchased yesterday, I also picked up this little gem.

12 entire months of Derek Jeter? Yessssssssssss!

I actually had a golden retriever calendar in my hand and was en route to check out when I noticed the plethora of NY team calendars. I then decided to pick up a NYY calendar, and that's when the Jeter calendar caught my eye. Easy decision, right? My justification? I have a golden retriever to look at whenever I want to. I don't have a Derek Jeter to look/touch/fondle whenever I want to.

2012 is going to be a beautiful year.

My RPM Audition - The Scoop

Greetings from the beautiful Pillar and Post in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I know, I know… blogging on a get-away is lameo, but I actually have time to sit and write without distraction.

I want to thank you all so much for all your support via tweets, emails and blog comments in regards to my RPM audition on Saturday. I’ve had a few requests for scoop on how it went and what was involved, so here it goes.

Let me rewind to the week of January 2-6th. I pretty much lived on the spin bike. I attended a class each day, and even 2 classes on the 3rd. I wouldn’t necessarily “give’r” but I’d try to focus on certain things: keeping my shoulders down, arms loose, foot position, keeping on the beat, arm position on the handle bars, etc. I tend to go balls to the wall during RPM, making form the last thing I think about. The spin room at my club also doesn’t have any mirrors which makes it difficult to see if you look ridiculous.

Anyways, my emotions were all over the place. After one class in particular, I was certain I wasn’t ready. I was gasping for breath, and I was doubting my fitness level for the first time in my life. That sounded completely cocky. But, if I’m anything in this world - I know that I’m fit. I find that RPM is one of those classes that no matter how many times you attend, it just doesn’t get easier.

After a wicked class on Friday night, I knew I was ready. In fact, I was even confident that I was going to succeed at this. I felt strong.

….that is until I walked into the gym on Saturday morning to see the biggest line I’ve ever seen in my life.

I had no idea that many people were spin enthusiasts!

The administrative process was relatively simple: Deliver your CV, get your head shot taken (I kept blinking, I think he had to take 5 pictures…idiot Amy) and then you were given an assessment sheet for the movement audition.

All riders went into the spin room for a info session, and then we all had to get up in front of the room and say our name and something interesting about ourselves.

Now for those of you who know me in real life you can attest, I am not shy. I am not afraid of public speaking. I got up there and my voice felt a little shaky, very strange for me! My interesting fact? I spin because I’m a little accident prone on road bikes. Spin bikes don’t move!

After that, half of the candidates left while the first 31 of us did the ‘movement audition’ which was 6 RPM tracks. We were each assigned an assessor who would then evaluate each track for things like form, foot position, staying on the beat, etc etc etc.

There was also a man that walked around and video taped us. I found this to be the most awkward part. I wasn’t sure if I should look at the instructor or look in the camera. I just chose to pretend the camera wasn’t there. Worked for me.

You know what the best part was? Despite the fact that it was an audition, the movement audition was SO FUN! Spinning with 30 other enthusiastic people made the energy-level in the room phenomenal. Everyone was letting out ‘woo-hoos’ and signing the lyrics. I smiled the whole time, despite having sweat come out of every pore. I was able to forget that I was being assessed and just had fun!

I’ve had a couple of days to reflect (read: obsess) over this, and it became apparent that I really want this. I never realized how much, until it became very obvious that the chances of being accepted really aren’t in my favour. 63 people for 12-14 positions. Those are some scary odds.

I want this. I want it badly. I’m just going to continue to think positively.

I’ll find out in about 2 weeks. That’s so long!

Thanks again for your support. You’re the best.

Enough RPM talk for now. There is wine to be drank, and shopping to be executed in the USA.

Side note: Is it weird that we’re driving back home on the US side mainly so I can buy Chobani and shop at the Nine West Outlet?

I don’t think so either.

It’s go time

 

If you read this post, you know that today is a big day for moi.

Bring it.

Golden Retriever Out-takes

Fact: My dog is photogenic.

Fact#2: It dosn’t come without a struggle.

Christmas Day seems like the perfect day for a photo-shoot, right?

The weather was beautiful, there was freshly fallen snow. I managed to get a couple great shots you’ll see at the end but it was all the outtakes that really made me laugh! She is such a dork!

 

Money shot #1

Money shot #2  

The key to happy Jersey faces? Holding a stick up in the air.

I love that dog to bits.

2012

The blogosphere will most likely be filled with inspiration today. You’re going to read about resolutions and goals for 2012.   

I’m not sure you’ll find that here today, because as much as I love you guys, I’m writing this post for me.

2011 was an interesting year in terms of health and fitness. My shoulder injury really through me off course. The good thing that came out of it? I  didn’t gain a bajillion pounds because I was focussing on what I was eating. I lost weight as a result.

But you know what else? I quasi reverted back into my OCD/WW eating ways. Food guilt will always be a part of me. Always. No matter how ‘real’ the food is, no matter how much I workout… I will always struggle with this.

I have an addictive personality. I’m an “all or nothing” kinda girl. While I worked out just about every day during the holidays, I spent the most part of it focussing on the “nothing” side of nutrition. Cookies, chips, squares, peanut butter balls. You name it, I ate it. This is not healthy. Not only is it healthy for me physically, I fear it’s more unhealthy for me mentally more than anything else.

Like every slip-up, I’ll get back on track and start to feel a little more human after a couple of days. I know this. You know this.

Because it’s the start of a new year, I can’t help but think about where I was on New Years 2003. I made it my resolution to lose weight and joined Weight Watchers. I was one of the January-Joiners that I curse for the first 3 weeks of January.

While Weight Watchers helped me lose a ton of weight, I also blame it for making me so obsessed with food. Yes, tracking is important for success… but it also helped me become completely obsessed with every piece of food that went into my mouth. I’m sure, in fact I’m positive I’m not alone with these thoughts.

On the flip side, you know that I thought was kinda cool? I beat the statistics. I was a January joiner, and I can honestly say that for the last 7 years I have been to the gym at least 5 times a week. I definitely make good use of that membership!

With all my ups and downs, smiles, tears, wins and losses, regardless of what the scale says or if I ate 4953 cookies I’m definitely in a much better place than I was in 2003. And for that I am thankful.

Wishing you a Healthy and Happy 2012.

xo