The 109 in 2009

A book, a puzzle and a girls' night out

2009-02-27T10:46:00.005-05:00

So, last week I finished reading Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer. As Publisher Weekly puts it:

"Using mostly secondary historical texts and some contemporary primary sources, Krakauer compellingly details the history of the Mormon church from its early 19th-century creation by Joseph Smith (whom Krakauer describes as a convicted con man) to its violent journey from upstate New York to the Midwest and finally Utah, where, after the 1890 renunciation of the church's holy doctrine sanctioning multiple marriages, it transformed itself into one of the world's fastest-growing religions."

This book was phenomenal. I feel it is a must-read for anyone interested in religion, specifically the Mormon church. The book was very well-written, very fluid, and kept me engaged the entire time. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

I LOVE doing crossword puzzles. I always have. One of the strongest memories I have of my grandfather (my dad's dad) is him sitting at our kitchen table and doing a crossword puzzle. My dad carried on the tradition for a while, though he is currently enamored with Sudoku (I can't get into it). Whenever I have a long flight, I'll do puzzles to pass the time.

So, you're probably wondering why I have 'Finish a crossword puzzle' on my to-do list this year. Well, I always do them, but I rarely finish them! And since I moved back to the US from England, I don't have any long flights to do them on, and, if I have any spare time, I usually spend it with family and friends or reading a good book. BUT, every Monday night, Cam and I go to his grandparents' house for dinner and every Monday night I do a crossword puzzle while Mimi gets dinner ready (she won't let me help in the kitchen - and not because of my lack of skill, but because it is her way of relaxing). More often than not, Cam's mom helps me do the puzzles, but we always finish them! It's a wonderful tradition that I hold dear to my heart, so, my 'Finish a crossword puzzle' this year includes much more than the satisfaction of accomplishing a small goal. It has brought me closer to Cam's family AND made me more knowledgeable.

And finally, I had a wonderful Girls' Night Out last Friday.

There is a full post about it on A Different Bird, but needless to say (after you see the photos), I had a wonderful time!

Slim in 6: Days 31 - 32

2009-02-27T10:39:00.004-05:00

Feb. 27: It's funny how guilt will make you work so much harder. Today, I did the entire 'Burn It Up' DVD, including the leg lifts from hell! I was so proud of myself. So proud, in fact, that I thought about calling Kole at work to tell her. And then I decided that hearing my perky, excited voice that early in the morning may not be the best thing for her (I love you, Kole!). But damn, I feel good.

Feb. 26: I was SO BAD today. I was tired and cranky from not getting my full eight hours. The older I get, the more I treasure getting my eight hours of sleep. Anyways. So, Ms. Cranky-pants (ME!) only did half the workout and called it a day. And rather than dwell on it too much (though it did bother me on and off all day), I decided that tomorrow I shall just kick Slim in 6's ass.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 30

2009-02-25T11:57:00.004-05:00

Slim in 6: Day 29

2009-02-24T09:56:00.002-05:00

Feb. 24: So, I did it. I made it through my first real workout using the 'Burn It Up' DVD. And while I did march in place a couple of times while they were doing some exercises, I managed to power through it. And I hate to sound cheesy, but I really do feel empowered like the host, Debbie Siebers, suggests you will.

So, just 13 days left in the entire program. I'm really starting to wonder what exercise program to try next!

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Days 26 - 28

2009-02-23T11:35:00.002-05:00

Feb. 23: Oh my gosh. I tried (let me reiterate: TRIED) to do 'Burn It Up' this morning. The third in the Slim in 6 series. I'm no quitter, but halfway through the workout, I just stopped, throwing myself down on the couch and fast-forwarding through the rest of the workout to see what ~~torture~~ exercises I missed out on. Tomorrow, I will try to do better, but holy crap. The workout is just super fast and was too much for me on a Monday morning. I'm a little angry with myself, but I keep telling myself that a 30-minute aerobic workout wasn't bad this morning. It just should have been for an hour. Sigh.

Feb. 22: I took another day off because the durn elbow is still hurting. I think I slept on it wrong Friday night.

Feb. 21: I took the day off because my elbow is really hurting.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 25

2009-02-20T10:18:00.002-05:00

Feb. 20: This morning I wasn't feeling the workout. My legs were extra tired for some reason, and I didn't do all the leg lifts. That really bothers me because I have done them for six workouts in a row. I wasn't feeling really well last night though, and didn't eat a lot of dinner, so I may not have had enough energy to do the exercises. One thing I have learned is that I have to eat enough if I want to stay active. Maybe tomorrow will be better!

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

New header for A Different Bird

2009-02-19T17:26:00.004-05:00

So, I am now 1/4 of the way through 'design and create new seasonal headers for my other blog, A Different Bird'. I'm not really happy with it, but time is running out for Winter 2009.

So, what do you think?

Slim in 6: Day 24

2009-02-19T12:50:00.003-05:00

Feb. 19: After my workout today I really wanted to go for a run. It's such a weird feeling: having worked out so hard and then wanting to do more. And it has hit me in the last couple of days how much I want to eat healthy because my body is all like, 'You're working really hard by exercising but you are partially cancelling out benefits because you are still eating high-calorie food'. It said that to me. Really.

So, tonight I am fixing dinner for Cam and myself and I am looking for more healthy options. It's a start, right?

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 23

2009-02-18T12:49:00.002-05:00

Feb. 18: I realized today that I am more than halfway through the Slim in 6 program - I can hardly believe it. And I can tell a real difference in the way my clothes fit (they are so much looser!) and how I feel (no more getting out of breath!). I really need to eat better, but who knows if that will happen over the next 19 days. I've had a lot of trouble staying balanced the last couple of workouts, but I think my muscles are just tired. I've decided that next week I will definitely start 'Burn It Up'.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Days 18 - 22

2009-02-17T11:49:00.000-05:00

Feb. 17: I was totally right about paying for it today! Oy! I had NO balance on any exercise that required me to stand on one foot for any length of time. I ALMOST didn't finish the leg lift series, too, but I still managed to grit my way through it. I'm still not sure when to switch to 'Burn It Up.' Maybe just start fresh next week with it?

Feb. 16: So, I found out that I have today off. I spent most of the day helping Cam with a project and the workout was a nice break in the middle of the day. I'm going to pay tomorrow for doing the workout so late in the day since I will do the workout around 7 AM tomorrow. Leg lifts are still going strong!

Feb. 15: So, I totally took the day off today instead of Monday, because I just wanted to. I'm really glad I did.

Feb. 14: Even though today was Valentine's Day and Cam and I spent the entire day together, I did the workout. And it was a good thing, too, because dinner consisted of the best steak I have ever had (a bone-in filet served with butter sauce from Hal's Steakhouse), creamed spinach, lobster bisque, mussels in a white wine sauce and a slice of raspberry lemon cake (from Publix, actually). I was still able to do the entire leg routine, even though I was just a touch sore from the day before. Happy Valentine's Day!

Feb. 13: So, I actually waited until after work to do the workout - I usually do it in the morning around 7 AM. Well, I had a rough day and it actually inspired me to work harder than usual at my workout. And wouldn't you know it? I DEFEATED THOSE DAMN LEG LIFTS!! I did every single lift continuously, gritting my teeth the entire time, and I was so happy. In fact, I did the entire workout to a T and am trying to decide when to start the next (and final) video in the Slim in 6 series: 'Burn It Up'.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 17

2009-02-12T11:45:00.003-05:00

Feb. 12: Today was the first day that I nearly didn't do the Slim in 6 workout - strictly due to laziness and wanting to sleep in. I was actually late to work because I made myself do the workout after I slept in an extra 30 minutes! I'm really glad I did because after I do it I feel so energized! Sitting here at my desk I really want to go for a jog because I have that much energy.

And in exciting news, I noticed today for the first time that I have a lot more definition to my abs and hip area. I have lost about 5 pounds doing the Slim in 6 program and just watching what I eat (but not too closely actually). If I bettered my eating habits, I bet I would see much better results.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 16

2009-02-11T14:31:00.002-05:00

Feb. 11: Today, I got up at 6 AM to do the workout, and while I realize that is normal for many of you, it kicked my butt. I really wanted to roll over and go back to sleep for that extra hour, but I dragged my butt out of bed and I am so glad I did! The workout was really good and I was super awake during my meetings at the Capitol. My knees have started hurting during the plié phase, but I think that is from overdoing it when I was a runner. I say 'was a runner', but I really want to get back to running again.

Anyways. I tried to think of everything but the pain while doing the leg lifts today, and it helped. A little. I still couldn't do them, BUT I did a few more than I did yesterday. As Bill Murray said in Groundhog Day, 'Anything different is good.'

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 15

2009-02-10T19:02:00.003-05:00

Feb. 10: I've actually learned to like the music in the Slim in 6 videos even though it isn't that motivating. I like how it changes slightly throughout. And there is one point during the crunches phase in 'Ramp It Up' that the music reaches it's crescendo and you just KNOW that you are almost done with the exercises, which is fantastic because it happens during the crunches and they REALLY work the abs. I have actually yelled out because I was in pain during a crunch. Not because I was doing it wrong, but because they work so well.

Again, the leg lifts were beyond my reach. I'm getting annoyed at myself for not being able to do them all continuously. Tomorrow I have to work out extra early because I have a couple of meetings at the Capitol, so I am pretty sure tomorrow will not be the day I conquer the leg lifts.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Days 12 - 14

2009-02-09T15:07:00.003-05:00

Feb. 9: Day Off. My pectoral area is actually sore today because I skimped on the stretch and yoga portion of yesterday's workout. Note to self: STRETCH MORE!

Feb. 8: Today, I did the workout in the afternoon and it made a huge difference in my energy-level. I was working it harder than normal, though I didn't do the entire stretch & yoga section at the end of the video because I was in a hurry. That probably wasn't a very good idea. I did manage to make it through the second part of the leg lift section without putting my leg down. My goal this upcoming week is to make it through all three leg exercises without putting my leg down. It's killer!

Feb. 7: Oh my gosh, the leg lifts killed me! My butt and upper leg were burning so bad throughout the exercises. I shall not admit defeat (though I did today)! The weird part is that I am not sore after the workouts anymore, and it makes me feel like I am not pushing myself hard enough. Hm.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 11

2009-02-06T12:26:00.002-05:00

Feb. 6: So, um, Carl Daikeler, the CEO of Product Partners, which owns and operates Beachbody.com (the creator of Slim in 6) totally commented on my Slim in 6: Day 10 post. I really freaking appreciate the fact that he is reaching out to his customers. He suggested that I only use the Slim in 6 as a jumping off point, which was my plan the entire time. I will only do the program for six weeks and then I plan on trying something new. If anyone wants to send something my way, I will totally try it and diligently blog about it (hi, Carl!).

So, all that blogger-relations coolness aside, today's workout was much better than yesterday's. I really, really pushed myself to do the leg lifts. I quit about 3/4 the way through each leg for a break, but I did pick back up near the end of the sets, so I finally feel like they will be doable by the end of my time (I'm guessing another couple of weeks?) on the second part of the workout. And the demonstator in the back, Tracy, seemed even perkier than usual today, even though it is the same video every day. Maybe I was just paying more attention to her this morning.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 10

2009-02-05T10:08:00.003-05:00

Feb. 5: I can't believe it's already Day 10 of my 42-day workout 'experience' with Slim in 6. I was tired this morning and barely did any of the leg lifts, which appear to be crucial in getting a bottom you can bounce quarters off of. So, no quarter bouncing yet. I was able to do more of the arm exercises using the resistance bands, which is good. I really like Debbie Siebers' two exercise demonstrators much better in this video than in the first one. They don't look confused and smile a lot. Strangely, they make me feel like I should smile while working out, though typically I am gritting my teeth near the end of each rep. I'd post a photo, but I don't think you could handle the sheer determination my face conveys.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 9

2009-02-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

Feb. 4: Day two of 'Ramp It Up' was actually a little easier than yesterday, but I think that is because I wasn't pushing myself as hard as I should have yesterday so my muscles really weren't that sore today. Having pushed it really hard today, I wonder if I will be really feeling it tomorrow. And there is one thing that REALLY annoys me about the second part of the program - Debbie Siebers completely forgets to do an exercise set for one arm that she did for the other. It's the additional eight reps using the arm bands during the tricep workout. Rrrrrr.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Cirque du Soleil! & Slim in 6: Day 8

2009-02-03T15:39:00.001-05:00

I am so thrilled to cross 'Go See Cirque du Soleil' off my 109 list! For Christmas, Cam and our friend, Allan, got tickets for themselves, me and Allan's wife, the beautiful Amy. We went to see Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA show on Saturday and I can't recommend going enough. It was INCREDIBLE. The Atlanta run of the show ends on March 1st, so get your tickets soon!

Cam and me in front of the huge tent after the show.

You can't see it very well, but that's Cam, me, Amy and Allan in front of the KOOZA logo.

SLIM IN 6

Feb. 3: Today, I started 'Ramp It Up', the second in the Slim in 6 series. It moves from a 25-minute to a 48-minute workout. And as I told Kole this morning, it's like the first DVD ON CRACK. I actually started laughing in the middle of some leg lifts because they were so difficult and as soon as I took a break (you aren't supposed to pause between sets - yikes!), Debbie Siebers told me to take a break if I needed to. Thanks, Debbie. It is a great workout and I know that over the next three weeks (before I move onto the third in the series, oh dear me!) it will get easier, but my goodness. When the workout started, I was shocked at how fast they were moving on the screen. If Debbie's voice hadn't sounded normal (peppy, but normal), I would have thought the damn thing was on fast forward. Let's see how it goes for the next six days.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Days 5 - 7

2009-02-02T15:04:00.001-05:00

Feb. 2: Day Off. I feel like I should do the 14-minute Slim & Limber flexibility routine to "revitalize me on my day off". We'll see if I have time after work.

Feb. 1: I did the workout at my friend's house today, because I am committed to doing this workout 6 days in a row per week. Tomorrow is my day off and I'm really looking forward to resting up so I can get ready for the next step up in the work out program! Maybe Debbie Siebers will keep count better in the next DVD?

Jan. 31: Today, my legs and butt weren't nearly as sore as they usually are, and the work out actually seemed to go faster. Stef's face in the video still makes me laugh.

Read about my entire Slim in 6 experience here.

Slim in 6: Day 4

2009-01-30T11:52:00.001-05:00

Jan. 30: My legs were really hurting this morning before the workout, so I didn't push myself as hard as I did the first three days. I find myself staring at Stef, the guy who demonstrates the moves behind the host, and thinking that he looks slightly confused the entire work out. I'm looking forward to (and dreading!) the next step up in the six-week program, which I will start next Tuesday. I've done the second workout before and it is killer. Maybe Cam will carry me around afterwards?

Slim in 6: Day 3

2009-01-29T12:14:00.000-05:00

Jan. 29: The top of my legs and my bottom were both sore when I woke up, but nothing too bad. I think I need to start stretching more once the workout is through. Again, I was quite bored with the video, even though it is only like 25 minutes long. The workout is getting easier every day though!

Slim in six: Day 2

2009-01-28T10:45:00.006-05:00

I am keeping a full log of the entire Slim in 6 Experience on this post, but I think I will do each day as a separate post, too.

Jan. 28: I woke up with a sore bottom this morning. I am thinking the squats yesterday worked. I drank a glass of water before starting the workout, as suggested by some of the Slim in 6 literature. It really did help me perk up. I was slightly bored again with the video, but I distracted myself by counting the reps myself since the host, Debbie Siebers, really can't keep count. I know it's only been two days, but I'm feeling pretty good about it.

Update: I just walked to the office kitchen in heels and said ouch with every step because my rear end is so sore. Nice.

Slim in 6: My experience

2009-01-27T10:09:00.024-05:00

Feb. 25: Have you ever woken up in a foul mood FOR NO REASON AT ALL? Yeah, that happened to me this morning. When the alarm went off, I smushed my face into the pillow (oh, my lovely pillow) and listened to Adult Contemporary music for five minutes before getting out of bed.

I started the workout just fine, with lots of energy in fact. But by the time I got to the leg lifts (damn you, leg lifts!) I was running out of steam. I did the entire workout, but only two minutes of the after-workout stretch. I should have learned my lesson from not doing it before, but I haven't. Maybe I need it beat into my head? And for some reason, the hostess, Debbie Siebers, really annoyed me today. Every time she laughed during an exercise, I wanted to yell at the screen, 'What's so funny about being in pain this early in the morning, b***h?!'

Have I mentioned I do the workouts in our home theatre? So the cast of characters in the Slim in 6 DVDs are almost life size. So, today, while doing my front kicks, I attempted to wallop Debbie in the head. And while it was very immature, it sure did make me feel better.

Feb. 24: So, I did it. I made it through my first real workout using the 'Burn It Up' DVD. And while I did march in place a couple of times while they were doing some exercises, I managed to power through it. And I hate to sound cheesy, but I really do feel empowered like the host, Debbie Siebers, suggests you will.

So, just 13 days left in the entire program. I'm really starting to wonder what exercise program to try next!

Feb. 23: Oh my gosh. I tried (let me reiterate: TRIED) to do 'Burn It Up' this morning. The third in the Slim in 6 series. I'm no quitter, but halfway through the workout, I just stopped, throwing myself down on the couch and fast-forwarding through the rest of the workout to see what ~~torture~~ exercises I missed out on. Tomorrow, I will try to do better, but holy crap. The workout is just super fast and was too much for me on a Monday morning. I'm a little angry with myself, but I keep telling myself that a 30-minute aerobic workout wasn't bad this morning. It just should have been for an hour. Sigh.

Feb. 22: I took another day off because the durn elbow is still hurting. I think I slept on it wrong Friday night.

Feb. 21: I took the day off because my elbow is really hurting.

Feb. 20: This morning I wasn't feeling the workout. My legs were extra tired for some reason, and I didn't do all the leg lifts. That really bothers me because I have done them for six workouts in a row. I wasn't feeling really well last night though, and didn't eat a lot of dinner, so I may not have had enough energy to do the exercises. One thing I have learned is that I have to eat enough if I want to stay active. Maybe tomorrow will be better!

Feb. 19: After my workout today I really wanted to go for a run. It's such a weird feeling: having worked out so hard and then wanting to do more. And it has hit me in the last couple of days how much I want to eat healthy because my body is all like, 'You're working really hard by exercising but you are partially cancelling out benefits because you are still eating high-calorie food'. It said that to me. Really.

So, tonight I am fixing dinner for Cam and myself and I am looking for more healthy options. It's a start, right?

Feb. 18: I realized today that I am more than halfway through the Slim in 6 program - I can hardly believe it. And I can tell a real difference in the way my clothes fit (they are so much looser!) and how I feel (no more getting out of breath!). I really need to eat better, but who knows if that will happen over the next 19 days. I've had a lot of trouble staying balanced the last couple of workouts, but I think my muscles are just tired. I've decided that next week I will definitely start 'Burn It Up'.

Feb. 17: I was totally right about paying for it today! Oy! I had NO balance on any exercise that required me to stand on one foot for any length of time. I ALMOST didn't finish the leg lift series, too, but I still managed to grit my way through it. I'm still not sure when to switch to 'Burn It Up.' Maybe just start fresh next week with it?

Feb. 16: So, I found out that I have today off. I spent most of the day helping Cam with a project and the workout was a nice break in the middle of the day. I'm going to pay tomorrow for doing the workout so late in the day since I will do the workout around 7 AM tomorrow. Leg lifts are still going strong!

Feb. 15: So, I totally took the day off today instead of Monday, because I just wanted to. I'm really glad I did.

Feb. 14: Even though today was Valentine's Day and Cam and I spent the entire day together, I did the workout. And it was a good thing, too, because dinner consisted of the best steak I have ever had (a bone-in filet served with butter sauce from Hal's Steakhouse), creamed spinach, lobster bisque, mussels in a white wine sauce and a slice of raspberry lemon cake (from Publix, actually). I was still able to do the entire leg routine, even though I was just a touch sore from the day before. Happy Valentine's Day!

Feb. 13: So, I actually waited until after work to do the workout - I usually do it in the morning around 7 AM. Well, I had a rough day and it actually inspired me to work harder than usual at my workout. And wouldn't you know it? I DEFEATED THOSE DAMN LEG LIFTS!! I did every single lift continuously, gritting my teeth the entire time, and I was so happy. In fact, I did the entire workout to a T and am trying to decide when to start the next (and final) video in the Slim in 6 series: 'Burn It Up'.

Feb. 12: Today was the first day that I nearly didn't do the Slim in 6 workout - strictly due to laziness and wanting to sleep in. I was actually late to work because I made myself do the workout after I slept in an extra 30 minutes! I'm really glad I did because after I do it I feel so energized! Sitting here at my desk I really want to go for a jog because I have that much energy.

And in exciting news, I noticed today for the first time that I have a lot more definition to my abs and hip area. I have lost about 5 pounds doing the Slim in 6 program and just watching what I eat (but not too closely actually). If I bettered my eating habits, I bet I would see much better results.

Feb. 11: Today, I got up at 6 AM to do the workout, and while I realize that is normal for many of you, it kicked my butt. I really wanted to roll over and go back to sleep for that extra hour, but I dragged my butt out of bed and I am so glad I did! The workout was really good and I was super awake during my meetings at the Capitol. My knees have started hurting during the plié phase, but I think that is from overdoing it when I was a runner. I say 'was a runner', but I really want to get back to running again.

Anyways. I tried to think of everything but the pain while doing the leg lifts today, and it helped. A little. I still couldn't do them, BUT I did a few more than I did yesterday. As Bill Murray said in Groundhog Day, 'Anything different is good.'

Feb. 10: I've actually learned to like the music in the Slim in 6 videos even though it isn't that motivating. I like how it changes slightly throughout. And there is one point during the crunches phase in 'Ramp It Up' that the music reaches it's crescendo and you just KNOW that you are almost done with the exercises, which is fantastic because it happens during the crunches and they REALLY work the abs. I have actually yelled out because I was in pain during a crunch. Not because I was doing it wrong, but because they work so well.

Again, the leg lifts were beyond my reach. I'm getting annoyed at myself for not being able to do them all continuously. Tomorrow I have to work out extra early because I have a couple of meetings at the Capitol, so I am pretty sure tomorrow will not be the day I conquer the leg lifts.

Feb. 9: Day Off. My pectoral area is actually sore today because I skimped on the stretch and yoga portion of yesterday's workout. Note to self: STRETCH MORE!

Feb. 8: Today, I did the workout in the afternoon and it made a huge difference in my energy-level. I was working it harder than normal, though I didn't do the entire stretch & yoga section at the end of the video because I was in a hurry. That probably wasn't a very good idea. I did manage to make it through the second part of the leg lift section without putting my leg down. My goal this upcoming week is to make it through all three leg exercises without putting my leg down. It's killer!

Feb. 7: Oh my gosh, the leg lifts killed me! My butt and upper leg were burning so bad throughout the exercises. I shall not admit defeat (though I did today)! The weird part is that I am not sore after the workouts anymore, and it makes me feel like I am not pushing myself hard enough. Hm.

Feb. 6: So, um, Carl Daikeler, the CEO of Product Partners, which owns and operates Beachbody.com (the creator of Slim in 6) totally commented on my Slim in 6: Day 10 post. I really freaking appreciate the fact that he is reaching out to his customers. He suggested that I only use the Slim in 6 as a jumping off point, which was my plan the entire time. I will only do the program for six weeks and then I plan on trying something new. If anyone wants to send something my way, I will totally try it and diligently blog about it (hi, Carl!).

So, all that blogger-relations coolness aside, today's workout was much better than yesterday's. I really, really pushed myself to do the leg lifts. I quit about 3/4 the way through each leg for a break, but I did pick back up near the end of the sets, so I finally feel like they will be doable by the end of my time (I'm guessing another couple of weeks?) on the second part of the workout. And the demonstator in the back, Tracy, seemed even perkier than usual today, even though it is the same video every day. Maybe I was just paying more attention to her this morning.

Feb. 5: I can't believe it's already Day 10 of my 42-day workout 'experience' with Slim in 6. I was tired this morning and barely did any of the leg lifts, which appear to be crucial in getting a bottom you can bounce quarters off of. So, no quarter bouncing yet. I was able to do more of the arm exercises using the resistance bands, which is good. I really like Debbie Siebers' two exercise demonstrators much better in this video than in the first one. They don't look confused and smile a lot. Strangely, they make me feel like I should smile while working out, though typically I am gritting my teeth near the end of each rep. I'd post a photo, but I don't think you could handle the sheer determination my face conveys.

Feb. 4: Day two of 'Ramp It Up' was actually a little easier than yesterday, but I think that is because I wasn't pushing myself as hard as I should have yesterday so my muscles really weren't that sore today. Having pushed it really hard today, I wonder if I will be really feeling it tomorrow. And there is one thing that REALLY annoys me about the second part of the program - Debbie Siebers completely forgets to do an exercise set for one arm that she did for the other. It's the additional eight reps using the arm bands during the tricep workout. Rrrrrr.

Feb. 3: Today, I started 'Ramp It Up', the second in the Slim in 6 series. It moves from a 25-minute to a 48-minute workout. And as I told Kole this morning, it's like the first DVD ON CRACK. I actually started laughing in the middle of some leg lifts because they were so difficult and as soon as I took a break (you aren't supposed to pause between sets - yikes!), Debbie Siebers told me to take a break if I needed to. Thanks, Debbie. It is a great workout and I know that over the next three weeks (before I move onto the third in the series, oh dear me!) it will get easier, but my goodness. When the workout started, I was shocked at how fast they were moving on the screen. If Debbie's voice hadn't sounded normal (peppy, but normal), I would have thought the damn thing was on fast forward. Let's see how it goes for the next six days.

Feb. 2: Day Off. I feel like I should do the 14-minute Slim & Limber flexibility routine to "revitalize me on my day off". We'll see if I have time.

Feb. 1: I did the workout at my friend's house today, because I am committed to doing this workout 6 days in a row per week. Tomorrow is my day off and I'm really looking forward to resting up so I can get ready for the next step up in the work out program! Maybe Debbie Siebers will keep count better in the next DVD?

Jan. 31: Today, my legs and butt weren't nearly as sore as they usually are, and the work out actually seemed to go faster. Stef's face in the video still makes me laugh.

Jan. 30: My legs were really hurting this morning before the workout, so I didn't push myself as hard as I did the first three days. I find myself staring at Stef, the guy who demonstrates the moves behind the host, and thinking that he looks slightly confused the entire work out. I'm looking forward to (and dreading!) the next step up in the six-week program, which I will start next Tuesday. I've done the second workout before and it is killer. Maybe Cam will carry me around afterwards?

Jan. 29: The top of my legs and my bottom were both sore when I woke up, but nothing too bad. I think I need to start stretching more once the workout is through. Again, I was quite bored with the video, even though it is only like 25 minutes long. The workout is getting easier every day though!

Jan. 28: I woke up with a sore bottom this morning. I am thinking the squats yesterday worked. I drank a glass of water before starting the workout, as suggested by some of the Slim in 6 literature. It really did help me perk up. I was slightly bored again with the video, but I distracted myself by counting the reps myself since the host, Debbie Siebers, really can't keep count. I know it's only been two days, but I'm feeling pretty good about it.

Jan. 27: I began Slim in 6 today. I did the 'Start It Up' DVD and I was pretty dang bored by the end of it. Sadly, I am so out-of-shape that I actually feel a bit sore. Let's see how things progress.

3 down, 106 to go

2009-01-26T12:28:00.004-05:00

I am very happy to report that I have already crossed three items off of my list. First, I had a Jane Austen Day with one of my best friends, Julie. We spent nearly two days watching films, including the 5-hour, 1996 A&E version of Pride & Prejudice (wonderful!), the 2007 BBC version of Persuasion (so good!) and the 2006 Masterpiece Theatre version of Jane Eyre (not a Jane Austen-inspired film, but it was fabulous!).

And I finished reading Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China. This book was amazing and is now one of my top five favorite books of all time. Written by Jung Chang, it tells the story of herself, her mother and her grandmother during 20th Century China.

I think Publisher Weekly said it best: Bursting with drama, heartbreak and horror, this extraordinary family portrait mirrors China's century of turbulence. Chang's grandmother, Yu-fang, had her feet bound at age two and in 1924 was sold as a concubine to Beijing's police chief. Yu-fang escaped slavery in a brothel by fleeing her "husband" with her infant daughter, Bao Qin, Chang's mother-to-be. Growing up during Japan's brutal occupation, free-spirited Bao Qin chose the man she would marry, a Communist Party official slavishly devoted to the revolution. In 1949, while he drove 1000 miles in a jeep to the southwestern province where they would do Mao's spadework, Bao Qin walked alongside the vehicle, sick and pregnant (she lost the child). Chang, born in 1952, saw her mother put into a detention camp in the Cultural Revolution and later "rehabilitated." Her father was denounced and publicly humiliated; his mind snapped, and he died a broken man in 1975. Working as a "barefoot doctor" with no training, Chang saw the oppressive, inhuman side of communism. She left China in 1978 and is now director of Chinese studies at London University. Her meticulous, transparent prose radiates an inner strength.

I think you should read this book. Now.

And finally, I made a bacon, avocado and lettuce sandwich (with a lot of trimmings!). It is Cam's recipe and it was simply marvelous. You can find the recipe here on my new recipe blog: A Cooking Bird.

Bring on 2009

2009-01-22T18:09:00.008-05:00

In 2008, I attempted to do 108 new things in a year. Well, I did 45. Not bad but not great, and this year I hope to accomplish even more. And I also hope to document my progress more. I did a very poor job of taking photos as evidence of my endeavors. So, as a general rule I shall take more photos of day-to-day items/events.

Some of these are items I moved over from 'The 108 in 2008' list, some are completely new and some are slightly modified versions of last year's goals. Cam suggested I organize the lists into different categories and I really like the layout. I'll cross items off the sidebars as they happen. And as always, your encouragement is most appreciated.

Just for Fun (17)
- Have a Jane Austen Day that includes watching the entire 1995 A&E version of Pride and Prejudice.
- Go on a picnic.
- Read outside.
- Watch a sunrise.
- Watch a sunset.
- Buy a cookie cake for no reason at all (and of course share with friends).
- Send an overseas friend snail mail.
- Finish a crossword puzzle.
- Finish a jigsaw puzzle.
- Send my nana a card.
- Spend a whole (non-sick) day lounging around the house with movies, books, etc.
- Go out on a boat.
- Become SCUBA certified.
- Win a radio station contest.
- Have afternoon tea with my mom and sisters.
- Beat my dad at gin rummy.
- Go shooting.

Travels & Destinations (15)
- Go on a vacation.
- Tour one of North Georgia's vineyards & wineries.
- Go back to my college town for a visit, see Meaghan and meet her new son.
- Visit a park I have never been to before.
- Got to a state I have never visited.
- Visit a new foreign destination.
- Go to a fair.
- Go to an art museum.
- Stay at a nice bed and breakfast.
- Take an unplanned trip.
- Visit my high school alma mater.
- Go to the beach.
- Go camping.
- Visit a historical site.
- Visit Savannah.
- Visit Washington D.C.

Food & Cooking or 'The Making of a Domestic Goddess' (16)
- Cook at least once a week (starting now!).
- Take a cooking class.
- Make homemade pizza.
- Make homemade ice cream.
- Have a fajita night.
- Have a bacon, avocado, lettuce sandwich.
- Make biscuits from scratch.
- Bake a cake from scratch.
- Make homemade bread.
- Make S’mores.
- Cook and serve a four-course meal.
- Cook mama's recipe for pulled pork.
- Contribute at least one dish to Thanksgiving dinner.
- Make homemade lasagna.
- Cook Cam his favorite meal of country fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, fried okra and pecan pie.
- Fix a meal for either my family or Cam's family.

Go Out on the Town (12)
- Go see Cirque du Soleil.
- Have a girls' night out.
- Visit the New World of Coca-Cola.
- Visit the Georgia Aquarium.
- Try a new restaurant in Marietta.
- Eat at Bacchanalia - consistently considered one of Atlanta's best restaurants.
- Eat at Crepe Revolution.
- Be a tourist in my own town, including taking lots of photos.
- See Bodies: The Exhibition.
- See a play.
- Try a new type of cuisine.

Be a Bookworm (17)
- Read The Shack by William P. Young.
- Read Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.
- Read The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Neiffenegger.
- Read The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer in its entirety.
- Read Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister: A Novel by Gregory Maguire.
-Read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
- Read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
- Read Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer.
- Read Persuasion by Jane Austen.
- Read Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche.
- Read Wild Swans : Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang.
- Read The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards.
- Read The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller.
- Read Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott.
- Read The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.
- Read American Gods: A Novel by Neil Gaiman.
- Read Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.

Let's Get Physical! (11)
- Get back to a size 4 and maintain it.
- Stick to the BeachBody Slim in Six and post about my experience.
- Run a race.
- Learn to rollerblade
- Go bike riding.
- Go fishing.
- Participate in a team sport.
- Go skydiving (this will depend on funds).
- Go horseback riding.
- Do 100 consecutive push-ups.
- Go on a hike.

Be Creative (16)
- Create a tangible scrapbook.
- Create a handmade card and send it.
- Decorate my office.
- Write a short story.
- Knit a scarf.
- Knit an item for Nola.
- Design and create new seasonal headers for my other blog, A Different Bird.
- Draw a picture and frame it.
- Design stationary.
- Finish knitting Ava's baby blanket.
- Send out Christmas cards with a personal note in each.
- Get published under my name.
- Document a “day in my life” with photos.
- Throw a party.
- Plan & implement an entire date day.
- Create a series of graphic prints and have them framed.

Benefit Others (5)
- Baby-sit my niece, Ava.
- Baby-sit my niece, Nola.
- Leave a server a 100% tip.
- Volunteer for a worthy cause.
- Donate blood.