Pooped

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

I feel like I have nothing good to say. Probably because I’m EXHAUSTED.

I cleaned. I ran errands. I shopped. I did homework. I worked out. I walked the dog (aka: workout #2). I watched more of the Olympics. And now, I’ve gotta somehow spit all this out so I can get to Tyler’s football game.

So, I’ve been watching one of the American channels to get good coverage of the olympics (Bob Costas is WAY better than any of these lame-o Canadian broadcasts. Fo’ real) And they recapped the opening ceremony- music included. I SWEAR TO GOD I’VE HEARD THAT INTRO SONG BEFORE. And then it hit me- this is where I know that song:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/d7e5ec2c55/highfive-from-almost-twins-jake-bob-turton-and-jack-packard

I might have to reenact this. Any volunteers?

I had Layla wear her name scarf

I painted my nails in a variety of purple

And I painted the bathroom

Tackling those cupboards next. Anyone know the best way to do that? Spray paint? Help!

Today’s workout was courtesy, once again, of Tina from Best Body Bootcamp. It was almost identical to last Monday’s sweat session, except we did an extra set of the ‘to fatigue’ exercises. 4 rounds of upper body supersets and 20 minutes of 60/60 HIIT. I actually got to the HIIT portion just as the US Men’s Beach volleyball team played Poland, so I ditched the idea of going to the gym and did my intervals in front of the TV. After 20 minutes, the US lost and I won ~~a lot of sweat .~~

Is it sad that one of the things I’m most excited about when I go home is my workouts? I have been in Calgary for 5 months and have been adjusting to the high altitude. I can’t wait to see my running capability when I get back to NY!

(Sidenote: I am selling my Kayak, paddle, life jacket, and Thule rack since I can’t take it back to Calgary with me. If you are in the upstate NY or Boston area and are interested, let me know! BTW, the Kayak is pink. So I’m guessing I’ll have no male takers.)

I am also excited for Frozen Dreams (this is right down the street from my parents house. I am totally walking there everyday. EVERY.DAY.), Trader Joe’s, Dunkin Donuts, and TAR-JAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY (Target, people. You have no idea how good you guys in the states have it. There are no Targets here. And I am unemployed. DO YOU KNOW how much time I can waste in that store?! SO EXCITED TO USE MY TARGET CARD. AHHHHHHHHKLKHGSLDHSDF(—-> that’s a little too much excitement). I’m also gonna buy a shitload of stuff while I’m home. I’d rather pay the $25 baggage fee per bag at the airport than have my mom ship stuff to me. Or buy it here.

(Sidenote: There are a lot of the same stores up here, but man oh man so I miss me some American Malls, y’all. Macy’s, I’m coming for you. And Urban Outfitters, watch out. Seriously)

I just mapped the route Layla and I took for our walk. We went 3 miles (4.83 kilometers). Girlfran hadda plunk it on someone’s yard for a bit. It was hot. And hilly.

I hosed her down when we got home. Considered doing the same to myself. But I didn’t want to scare the neighbors.

Still looking for people interested in guest blogging. I’d be insulted if you didn’t volunteer. Pleaseeeeee?!

Two Workout Wednesday

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Yesterday’s national tequila day resulted in this:

A grapefruit margarita from Earl’s. I was supposed to teach bootcamp last night, but when I got there, the front desk notified me that the client cancelled. So, I rung up my good friend Nicole, and we had a drink! She got a strawberry one:

I ended up just having dinner there as well. I had a salad with cajun chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and tortilla strips. It hit the spot. AND perfectly complimented my margie!

TODAY was a different story. I got my Best Body Bootcamp workout in this AM at the gym by my house, then I drove straight downtown and taught a seriously intense bootcamp. Here’s the recap!

Intervals on the treadmill:

Followed by 2 rounds of the core circuit given to us for Week 1.

SWEATY!

Then, at bootcamp:

Each move was performed for 50 seconds with 10 seconds of rest. Each round was done 2x through. In the first round, the 3rd and 4th move were done with the left leg, and in the 2nd round the right leg. Got it?

Round 1

weighted squats
jump squats
weighted lunge pulse (first time through, left leg forward. second time through, right leg forward)
weighted side lunge (first time through, left leg steps to the side, second time through right leg steps)

Cardio Set

high knees (30 sec)
butt kicks (30 sec)
180 degree jump squats (30 sec)

Round 2

kettlebell swing (you can use a dumbbell)
squat hold
squat and press (hold weight in left hand, squat, and as you come up- press the weight up over your head. switch to right hand the second time through)
reverse lunge and twist (first round, step back with your left foot, twist your torso and the weight to the left. Second time through, do it to the right)

Cardio Set

high knees (30 sec)
butt kicks (30 sec)
180 degree jump squats (30 sec)

Ab Circuit

Crunches
V-ups
Plank holds (60 sec)
Bicycle crunches
leg lifts
2x

My workout plan for this bootcamp was inspired by Day 2 of the Best Body Bootcamp workout- my class loved it!

******

Tonight’s dinner was the Chicken Enchilada pasta that I posted yesterday. And it didn’t disappoint. It was super easy to make, even easier to eat, and I’m guessing the leftovers are going to taste best!

I’m off to walk the pup!

Tomorrow, I’ll be talking about bunnies. No, really.

Still looking for anyone interested in writing a guest post. Contact me!

Frittata-ing and Sweating

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

Gah. I am sore this morning. I’m getting old, so I’m sore just about every morning. But this time, it’s from a super sweaty workout I did last night. I was dripping with sweat halfway in, and couldn’t wait to get this thing done. Afterwards (aka: after I caught my breath and could stand upright), I was pumped to get it under my belt. I’ll give you the workout, but first I want to recap yesterday’s eats first(and a recipe!)

Breakfast: Multi-Grain Cheerios with almond milk….in my new bowl!

Lunch: Plain 0% Greek yogurt, salsa and a dash of taco seasoning (eaten with blue corn organic tortilla chips)

Oops. I already ate it before I could get the shot.

Dinner: FRITTATA! I searched around the internet for a recipe, and ended up concocting my own (to make do with what was in the fridge)

Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup diced zucchini
1/4 cup diced onion
1/2 cup quartered tomatoes
1 cup cooked ground beef (I added a touch of taco seasoning to mine)
6 eggs
salt
pepper
basil
olive oil
1/3 cream cheese (I used light)

Directions

1. Heat 2 tsp of olive oil on a 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini and onions; stirring for 1 minute. Cover the skillet, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes, until zucchini is tender but not mushy. Add the tomatoes, basil and desired amount of salt and pepper, and cook until the moisture is gone- about one minute.

2. In a bowl, whisk eggs. Add the zucchini mixture, ground beef, cream cheese, and additional salt and pepper if desired.

3. Set the broiler to low. Clean 10 inch skillet, then coat with olive oil (about 2 tsp). Put the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the frittata mixture. Allow it to cook for approx 4-5 minutes; until edges are browning. As this is cooking, lift the edges and tilt the pan to allow uncooked egg to cook.

4. Take skillet and place in the broiler for about 3-4 minutes; until top is golden. Slide onto plate and serve

******

Now, the workout you’ve been waiting for. All you need is a set of weights. This should take you about 45 minutes. Each set will be titled with a set of numbers. You will do each exercise through for the first number of reps specified, do another set with the second number, etc. (i.e.: If it reads 1-2-3-2-1 you will do 1 pushup, 1 situp, 1 burpee, 2 pushups, 2 situps, 2 burpees, 3 pushups, 3 situps, 3 burpees, 2 pushups, 2 situps, 2 burpees, 1 pushup, 1 situp, 1 burpee. Get it? For moves requiring work on both sides- like lunges- you will do that number of reps for each side.)

Get ready to sweat!

Pyramid/Cardio Progression Workout

10 minute warm up (dance around, hop on an elliptical, walk the dog)

5-7-9-7-5

weighted lunges
180 jump squats
jump squats

2 minute cardio blast: 30 sec. jumping jacks, 30 seconds jump rope x2

9-11-13-11-9

bicep curl
overhead press
single leg deadlift

2 minute cardio blast: 30 sec. plank jacks, 30 sec. jog in place x2

13-15-17-15-13

crunches
leg lifts
heel taps

2 minute cardio blast: 30 sec. toe taps, 30 sec. jump rope x2

DONE!

(see what I did there? Progressed those pyramids to increase in reps. I’m so clever. Bwahaha)

Check out those sweaty gams. Ps: I have no idea why there appears to be a dimple in my right knee.

And in other news: Prior to my legs getting drenched in sweat, Layla and I hit the pavement for a walk. It was hot, and she has a fur coat on. Not a good combo. Her AC was on high for quite some time post-walk.

And now, I get to spend my Friday doing homework. Because apparently this week the professor wanted to bombard us with work. One paper would have been fine. But, I get to do TWO group projects (do you have any idea how hard that is when your group members are scattered all over the world?!!) and some blogs (that should be easy since I am kinda doing something similar -ummmm- now).

What has everyone got in store for the weekend?

Swedish Chef Talking

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

I forgot to mention this earlier when I posted about my parent’s visit here in Calgary. BUT, the entire trip, (and since we were drinking tequila like it was a high-paying job), my mother and I talked to each other like we were the Swedish Chef.

I’m not even kidding, you guys. We were a-boom-shootin’ the entire time. Mom & I= hilarious. Tyler & Dad= thought we were crazeballs. I told Tyler he can’t get rid of me because I pretty much can’t go back to the States now. He’s stuck. Poor thing.

Today’s bootcamp: Sweaty.

We divided into 2 groups.

Round 1

Group 1 did 2 ab tabatas- the first was plank holds, and the second was sit-ups

..while Group 2 did pushups, ran down and back the field, bicep curls with tubing, down and back the field. They repeated this until Group 1 was done with both tabatas (8 minutes total)

Then, they switched.

Round 2

Group 1 did another 2 full tabatas of V-ups and Russian Twists

….while Group 2 did bent over rows, ran down and back, tricep extensions, ran down and back. Again, they repeated this until Group 1 was complete.

Then, switch again.

This actually took up our entire class time, because we had to run from our start point at the Y to the field, stretch, do the 2 rounds, stretch, then get back to the Y.

It doesn’t sound like much, but believe me, it was tough.

Post workout fuel: Banana-Blueb Smooth

Fantastic after a super hot-n-sweaty workout.

Check out this sign my mom got me:

Unless you fly here. Or drive over 4 hours. Then, you should stay.

This week’s song brings out my inner 14-year old. But I don’t play it once Tyler gets home. His ears would probably bleed.

And, guys:

I’m still waiting for requests on what to write for a future post. Do you want to know my life story? Well, you can go here for that. Do you want to know my opinion on country music? Tell you my favorite stores to shop? If I brush my teeth up/down back/forth? I’d be happy to answer! Lemme know!

Recap of Yesterday

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Jen @nutcaseinpoint

1. Well, yesterday was a great day. I sold a bunch of stuff for Tyler (makin’ money, y’all!), got my hair done (holy 6 inch roots. I’m not even kidding), had dairy queen, did the ol’ H-Dubs (homework), and got in a sweaty gym session. AND I got that Lulu gift card from Athena. AND I got a surprise bday package from my old bestie, Amy.

Now, let’s elaborate.

2. Who cares what I sold. I won! I won! I won! The money is mine! For further elaboration on my reaction to each sale, I URGE you to check out this clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqcN-DF95PE

(except, I didn’t die)

3. While I was out winning the money, I had a sudden urge to get my hair highlighted. I figured, I’m leaving for NY/Boston soon, and I don’t wanna look like a dumpster lady when I see all my family and friends. So, I quickly googled places in Calgary that were near me, and I called the first one- they had an appointment available right then- and I got quite possibly the best coloring.of.my.life. (No offense, mom. You did good, too). No pics yet because I haven’t even bothered to do it. I was in a hurry so I didn’t even have her dry it. Does anyone else do that? It saves a ton of $$ too.

4.OMG YOU GUYS, DAIRY QUEEN. I woke up with the craving. And it’s a craving that will not go away until my cookie jar blizzard is consumed. So how did I get it? I made a trade. I made chicken and veggies for Tyler for dinner: he buys me the dairy goodness.

5. Homework. I don’t even care to elaborate. I wrote about stuff. Lots of stuff. And read other stuff. Today, I have to read some more stuff, right about that stuff, and hope my group inputs other stuff. The end.

6. Is it logical to go workout after consuming Dairy Queen? No. Especially if you’re lactose intolerant. But I feel like an all-star yesterday, so I saddled up and got my hiney in the gym. Nothing super fancy, but enough to get my heart racing, palms (and other parts of my body) sweating, and blood pumping. I did sprint intervals on the tready, intervals of clean and presses/curls/rows with the bar and cardio tabatas, chest prest/skull crushers on the ball, jacknife/pikes on the ball, and medicine ball twists on the ball. Outta there in 40 minutes. As Antonio from Barter Kings would say, “Bah-Bam!”

7. I told you about the Lulu card yesterday, but I was even more surprised to get a big box in the mail from Amy. Amy and I were neighbors and best friends in High School. We drank Twisted Teas and Keystone Lights in my room, snuck out to parties, and got matching tattoos. (of what, you ask? A martini glass. Because that’s the cool thing 2-18 year old girls would get.) Anyways, she sent me some cool stuff: