school

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

I have been MIA.

I hate grad school. Ok, a lot of classes were easy, but a pain in the ass because they were time consuming. But my last two courses, which I am taking simultaneously are the absolute worst. W-O-R-S-T. I took them in undergrad and they were the 2 courses I hated with a firey passion. And now this time around, I get to do it all via the internet. Lucky me.

Since the term started on Monday, I have cried approximately 7 times, sent 15 e-mails to professors and advisors for help (to no avail- internet school is the worst. The time lag on everything is terrible, and everyone is in a different time zone. Total nightmare), I screamed and pulled my hair 3 times (One time, Tyler was mad because it was loud, the other time it scared Layla, and the third time I was home alone).

I have 10 more weeks to go. 10 more weeks of tears and anger and frustration – and really not learning anything but how much online school is stupid. 10 more weeks of lecturing poor Tyler on how I don’t understand anything. 10 more weeks.

I am writing about this now because I am procrastinating writing this paper that is due by 10pm tonight. On top of the discussion boards, homework assignments and quizzes that I have already done.

AND PEOPLE, please tell me WHY half of my class already started working on next week’s assignments? I emailed my professor asking him why he was already asking us to ‘wrap things up’ on Thursday, when there were still 3 days to go in the week. I feel like I am being penalized for not being super speedy in my work- even though I am turning them in on time. And these people are already engaging in discussion for week 2. I hate this. So much.

I feel about .00001% better having vented on my little blog. I’ll feel 3482635982364% better once it’s December 9th and I am done with school. FOR GOOD.

CAKE

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

I went for a run OUTSIDE yesterday, and I ran FAST. Like, it was the first run I have done outside in Calgary where I didn’t feel like I was about to pop a lung. Or die. So YAY for me!

I also was hard at work in the kitchen yesterday morning, making a cake for my birthday boy.

I had to stick that puppy in the fridge so it wouldn’t fall over!

In the mean time, I took the birthday girl over to the pet store for some goodies. Once we got back, she wanted a photo op with all her loot.

Cutie patootie!

Once Tyler got home, I surprised him with all of his goodies. Photo op yet again!

I wanted to get him all jacked up and excited for his birthday, but it didn’t work out so well. I am so over-giddy about birthdays, that I am usually jumping and clapping all day, and Tyler is pretty much the opposite. I still tried, though!

Lots of fun goodies!

The cake was by far my favorite part. I was so excited all day for him to see what I made! We stuffed ourselves with dinner, so he didn’t really want any cake, but I kept pushing it, because I wanted him to see why I was so excited for it. He eventually caved..

I let Tyler blow out the candles. If Layla was in charge, she would have just stuck her nose in it, sneezed, and ruined the whole thing.

5 layers of different shades of purple covered in gold icing! Aka: The Vikings colors- his favorite football team.

How awesome is that?

******

Today we are getting out furnace/hot water tank replaced, and the water is OFF. No shower, no nothing until they are done. It’s gonna get smelly up in here!

TWO birthdays!

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Happy happy happy happy happy birthday to Tyler and Layla!

Crazy that they both share the same birthday! (Ok, Ok, I don’t know Layla’s actual birthday because she’s a rescue, but I got her on Sept. 19th three years ago today, so that’s when I have been celebrating!)

As soon as the alarm went off this morning, I started singing Happy Birthday over and over. I think I got into Layla’s head, because as soon as I would stop, she’d nudge me to keep going. She has also been a little more demanding for treats today. Hmm

I’m still recapping those dang fitness classes from the weekend. Not gonna lie, I’m getting bored of it, so this one will be brief.

Third class I took was TRX circuit training. I’m no stranger to TRX and unfortunately I didn’t learn much in this course. He gave us the basic moves, and after targeting multiple zones, we would run over to the field and engage in high intensity cardiovascular training before returning to the ropes.

The cool part of this course was that I was located up the path from the main lodge where my first two classes were, so I was able to get in a nice 2km walk both ways. I was totally on the lookout for bears- apparently black bears were spotted there every day that week.

******

Last night’s workout was supa dupa sweaty. In fact, only 7 minutes into my WARM UP- I had to strip (bow chicka-bow-bow) and I noticed the weirdest sweat mark

That’s not where my nipple is, people, so don’t be getting any ideas.

I did 10 minutes of kickboxing for my warmup.

Then, I did stability ball lunges with bicep curls (2 sets of 12 on each leg), stability ball chest press (1 set of 12, a set of 12 with a 4 count up, one count down, then another set of 12)

Then another 10 minutes of kickboxing.

Single leg (resting the other leg on the stability ball) overhead press (3 sets of 12, with the middle set having that 4-1 count), tricep extensions (3 sets of 12), woodchops (3 sets of 8 each side).

Last 10 minutes of kickboxing.

Plank holds (20 seconds on, 10 second rest. 4 times)

The idea with this workout was to incorporate strength conditioning with cardiovascular exercise. By the end of the hour, I was sweaty, the floor was sweaty, and the dog was sweaty (not because she also worked out, but because she HAS to be with me when I’m working out, and was the lucky recipient of my flying sweat).

I am currently switching between homework and baking (it’s a surprise for now, but will blog about it later). Have to take the puppy out for her birthday treat at the pet store, pick up some more gifty gifts, workout, and get ready for the arrival of the birthday boy! So so so excited!

Anyone LOVE birthdays?! Tyler doesn’t seem too excited, maybe his prezzies will cheer him up!

Short and Sweet

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

I can’t seem to get my WordPress account to work on my computer, so I’m gonna have to make it short and sweet via my iPhone today. Let’s do bullet points:

– I taught an indoor class yesterday. First time since I’ve been in Calgary. And it felt GOOD.

It was my first time teaching with a mic too. I’m so used to yelling that I probably overdid it, but no one complained!

-Pumpkin has wiggled into my diet over the last 24 hours: ale and coffee

-I took the puppy to the river today. She knew what was up

And she was so happy to have more off-leash time

-I’m of to the fitness retreat tonight. Can’t wait to get my exercise on.

-I have the hiccups.

Fitness Retreat

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

So, this fitness retreat I have been mentioning. It’s this weekend. I’m kind of excited because it means I get to get out of the house. And workout. And be with other people who love to workout. But I am nervous because I won’t know anyone. And I’ll be away from Tyler and the pup. And what if I hate it?

I’m turning into such a worry wart and a homebody. Gross.

Here’s the deal: The retreat is Friday-Sunday. We meet at one of the Calgary YMCA’s, take one of two 90 minute (optional) classes, then take the bus out to the mountains to the retreat lodge. When we registered for the retreat, we had to rank which classes we would like to take for each time slot. I still don’t know which ones I have gotten into, but I thought I would give you some of the info regarding my top choices (as described in the retreat information packet).

Pre-Conference (Friday night at the local YMCA)

Turn & Burn: Athletic Cycling meets resistance training head on! Kickstart your retreat with this energetic, 60-minute workout that alternates cycling drills with training intervals on a variety of equipment.

Session 1 (Saturday, 10:30am)

Booty Camp: You’ve heard of Boot Camp… but have you heard of Booty Camp? Take your below-the-belt classes to camp with this whole new, circuit-style approach to training glutes and legs. Whether in pairs, on a team, or just surviving solo, come ready to experience a lower body challenge that is just plain booty crazy.

Session 2 (Saturday, 1:00pm)

All Systems Go: Experience the ultimate cardio and strength interval rush! All Systems Go fires up all energy systems for a crazy fitness adventure. It all begins with a fab warm-up that teases you into thinking ‘hey, this workout is gonna be fun and fancy-free’. But when the warm-up is over, there’s no looking back. You will alternate between cardio and strength intervals that challenge your muscles, heart, and soul to go where they’ve never gone before. Using the Body Bar, your body weight, and sheer determination, this is a workout to be conquered!

Session 3 (Saturday, 3:00pm)

TRX Training Zone Circuit: The TRX Training Zone is a new anchoring solution that provides a revolutionary environment for functional circuit training. Learn how to skillfully use all the elements of the TRX Training Zone to bring the best of Suspension Training, Rip Training, and Functional Conditioning together in one effective, high-energy workout.

Session 4 (Saturday, 5:00pm)

Flirty Girl!: Get ready to get flirty. You’ve thought about teaching cardio dance but didn’t know where to begin; well look no further- you are about to experience Flirty Girl Fitness. No dance experience is necessary with the easy-to-learn dance routines that perfectly combine cardio and strength training. You’re gonna think you’re part of a music video rather than in a cardio crazy, core-chiseling, booty-toning, arm-sculpting workout. Boys welcome!

Early Riser (Sunday, 7:30am)

Rise-and-Shine Yoga

Key Note Lecture (Sunday, 9:30am)

w/Mindy Mylrea. Every Movement Matters: Training the Whole and Not Just the Part.: Teachers teach and students follow. That’s how it goes..or is it? Is our roles as fitness professionals just to lead a great class- or is it to encourage and direct our students to take action outside of the class room. We are here to empower and assist in creating lasting change. Learn strategies, tips, and tricks to assist your students to change their lives for the better. Through encouraging healthy eating, movement through the day, and mindful acts you truly can be the catalyst for more than just a great workout.

We’ll see if those are the classes I get into!