Murph WOD and Dunkin Donuts

10:00 AM CrossFit, check! We did Murph. I did it as a team of 4 with my sister and 2 friends from the 6:30 AM class.

Murph WOD:
1 mile run (the 4 of us each did the 1st and 2nd miles)
100 pull-ups (25 per person, with bands)
200 push-ups (50 per person, I did them on my knees)
300 squats (75 per person)
1 mile run
Time: 32:29 for me, 32:59 for the whole team.

I was able to do both miles without walking (although, I did take a deep breath at the top of the hill both times). My sister, Maria (my healthy eating challenge partner) and I went to Dunkin Donuts afterwards to celebrate being done with the workout and the healthy eating challenge. I told the cashier that I was paying for the 4 of us. My sister mumbled behind me, “You mean, the 3 of us.” Oh, what? Oh, right. Yes, 3. I can count. I went with Boston Cream and jelly filled donuts and a iced caramel latte.

My parents hosted a BBQ tonight for Memorial Day. We had steaks, hot dogs, pasta salad, and corn. Robyn brought her "famous" broccoli salad, and I brought cookies 'n cream ice cream cake. It feels so good not to be on the healthy eating challenge (can't you tell? I mean, hello, I went all out today!), but I know I need to get back on track when I get back from my work trip to Albuquerque.

I lost 4 lbs on this challenge, so it's nice to see results after only a month. And truthfully, it wasn't that hard to follow as long as you took time to do some food preparation the weekend before since eating out is not so easy when you're not really sure what you're really eating sometimes.

My new shirt from Target: "Always Napping." Yep, seems about right.

Treat Yo'self!

I was feeling kinda meh about going to spin class this morning since I knew it was going to be a substitute instructor, but I went anyway. Go me. Afterwards, I went to do some grocery shopping and then to Target to get some boring stuff (vacuum cleaner bags and cotton rounds) and fun stuff like this tank! I got another one that was USA themed and then one that says lways Napping." Heh. I got some good deals with the Cartwheel app and stuff that was already on sale this week.

My original plan for today was to go see the new X-men movie, but the reviews didn’t seem that great. I thought it’d be more productive to tackle a bunch of household stuff instead (so. much. laundry.) and save the money for another summer movie. Finding Dory maybe?

I tried out a new purchase from yesterday- an Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick in Carina. It really should have been named “Hella Bright” because that’s what it is.

I switched out my winter comforter for my summer one. I need to take the winter one's cover to my parents' house to wash. You could probably make a whole other cat from what's clinging onto fabric. I just can't wash it in my little bucket of a washing machine because there's no room. RJ wasted no time getting hair on the summer comforter. Sigh...

Brunch with Jenny and Jessie and a Productive Shopping Day

Quads are coming in! :)

Busy day today!

I met up with Jenny and Jessie for brunch at Ted's Bulletin. I really wanted some French toast, but since the healthy eating challenge doesn't end until tomorrow, I went with the omelette (which was still yummy!). Afterwards, I wandered over to Target (bought a pair of earrings on clearance, heh) and Kohl's. Then I stopped over at my parents' house and then went to the mall near my house to walk around. I went looking for the yellow dress that I had found about a month ago. I was telling myself that if I did well on the healthy eating challenge, I could get the dress. I couldn't find it!  Oh well.  There will be other dresses, ha ha. At least I got some steps in.

I went home to feed RJ and then I went back out to Ulta and DSW. Ooo...Ulta. Fun times!  I've had my eye on some Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipsticks. They have a pretty amazing color range, and the reviews have been positive. My left hand was covered in swatches by the end of my stop there, so I had to ask one of the Ulta employees for a makeup wipe. I promise I'm buying something and didn't swatch all these for nothing! I came out with Carina and Potion, pretty much polar opposites of each other. Super bright vs. very dark.

I went a few doors down to DSW. I have been looking for a new purse because my current one is getting kinda dirty and the straps are slightly fraying. I didn't want to bring that on the work trip next week. I found a dark pink one and thought to myself "SOLD!" I told the cashier that I saw the color and had to have it. "I can tell you liked that color," she said as she pointed to my phone sitting on the counter, which has case in the same color. Heh.

Long Workout Day

6:30 AM CrossFit, check! I almost didn’t go when I saw the WOD (running, yuck!) but I also wanted to have perfect weekday attendance. Sigh, ok, I’ll go. It'd also save me from the grief I'd get from Julie and Maria for not going.

WOD:


1 mile run 

50 kettlebell swings (26 lbs)


250 single unders


50 sit-ups


Time: 18:44

Whew, I did it! Perfect weekday attendance, check. Bonus: I didn’t die during the run. I may have trailed behind everyone, but I kept going the whole way. No walking. :D

It’s been a really good test week at the box! Quite a few folks PRed: 405 lb deadlift for Eric, 275 lb deadlift for Jackie, Nicole crossed off her deadlift 2016 goal from the white board. I'm so happy for and proud of everyone! I recognize that PRs will become harder and harder to come by as the weight gets heavier, so I think it's important to celebrate them when we achieve them.

The gym’s healthy eating challenge ends on Sunday. Thank goodness! My sister, Maria, and I have already planned a Dunkin' Donuts date after Monday’s Murph workout. I already know what I want...gimme a Boston cream donut or jelly-filled one...or BOTH! Heh.

Bench Press Goal Accomplished

6:30 AM CrossFit, check! It’s test week…bench press for me, deadlifts for everyone else.

At the beginning of the year, we had to write a 2016 goal on the white board. Mine was 1 rep max bench press at 100 lbs. And today, I DID IT! For reference, on 12/14, it was 80 lbs and it took me several tries. Like 15 mins worth of tries. On 4/7, it was 90, and it took me two tries. And today, it only took me one try. I went for 105, but my arms were like “Um, ok, that’s enough for youuu.”

I'm really proud of myself because, back when I wrote the goal, I thought it was impossible. I had 40 lbs to go and 80 lbs was already really hard. But, with consistent work these past few months, I did it! YAY! Now I need to think of a new goal, ha h.

WOD: AMRAP 8:00. 
100 single unders and 
20 overhead lunges with a 25 lb plate. 
I got through 3 rounds and halfway through the single unders.

At work, I wanted to get feedback incorporated into a poster I was working on this week. The feedback came in over the weekend, but I was starting to feel overwhelmed that I had to forcibly close my email and tell myself that I shouldn't be doing work on the weekend! I sent the poster back, so hopefully in email back to me will be the green light to print it. Time's running out!

Gel Liner Empty and Coworker's Family Gathering

Holy cow! I finally finished a whole container of gel eye liner. I honestly thought it would never end. A lot of winged liner love came out of that little jar. Good thing I have a backup to open up tomorrow before work.

My coworker's dad passed away last weekend, and she invited me and some people from the office to gather at her parents' house for a celebration of life event. The invite didn't go out to the whole office, so since I got an invitation, I made sure that I went to go support her. I went to the grocery store before heading to the house, and thankfully they had bouquets of sunflowers. They made me think of her since she's got a giant sunflower tattoo on her calf. I hope they would cheer her up during this difficult time. A bunch of us from the office showed up, so we hung out in the family room for a while. We even gave ourselves the tour of the beautiful custom built home (5 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms, lovely patio, elevator, massive kitchen, etc.).

After I left my friend's place, I did my family rounds, checking in on my parents, cousin and uncle. My uncle is currently undergoing dialysis, so I just want to keep his spirits up.

Saturday CrossFit

9:30 AM CrossFit, check! 6th class this week, wheee! My sister and I worked on our front squats. I did 3 x 5 at 85 lbs.

Partner WOD: each person has to do A and B before moving on.

A: 20 cal row
B: Pull-ups (with green and red bands)

A: 30 cal row
B: Lunges (I did a few with 20 lbs per hand and then went NOPE! And grabbed the 15 lbs Dumbbells)

A: 40 cal row
B: Burpees

Time: 17:15. Whew!

Other notes:


• How can it be raining again??? 
• I’ve slept only one night (last night) with a cat hair free pillow. He’s like “Yes, I can see you frowning. No, I don’t care.” Come on, I JUST changed the sheets! Ugh.

• Today is Day 20 of my gym’s healthy eating challenge. I’m happy with my progress. Whaddiya know? I do have some self control. Well, except for the ice cream I had yesterday. Aside from that and Happy Hour last Friday, I’ve been sticking to the prescribed diet. Gotta get back on track today!

CrossFit and the Chocolate Police

6:30 AM CrossFit, check! Long workout day…
 

Alternating Tabata, 4 rounds, Squats + Mountain climbers

1:00 REST

Alternating Tabata, 4 rounds, 
Box jumps (20 in) + OH Barbell lunges (35 lbs)

1:00 REST

Alternating Tabata, 4 rounds, 
Bar Facing Burpees + Push Press (55 lbs)
 

This was deceptively challenging because with the tabata scheme (20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest), the workout is intense but quick. There isn't a ton of pacing that you can do. All 3 boys were in class today, which is very very rare.  More boys in class is better for everyone: more entertainment for the girls because the guys can say some pretty funny stuff and more bro company for the guys.

Whoo hoo, some gains! I think? Maybe if I squint real hard? Top: 2/3/16. Bottom: 5/12/16. I might have to retire this shirt soon. It’s getting tight around the arms.
 

On this healthy eating challenge I’m doing (today is Day 11), we can have a treat on Saturday or Sunday. I didn't have any chocolate last weekend because my treat was sushi. All the dark chocolate that I bought is at my parents’ house, where my sister (the chocolate police) has hid them in a safe spot so I don’t get carried away with eating the whole bar (or several bars at this point...). She set aside my treat already since she’ll be in Colorado for her friend's wedding.

Mother's Day Brunch and New Cards

I went over to the house to help Julie make brunch this morning. Mom was actually on her way to Costco when I parked, so I guess that worked out fine since we could cook while she was out. Julie made the eggs and sausage and I made the (slightly squished) French toast. Mom was out for a while, and I didn't want to wait anymore, but just as I was leaving the house, she parked her car. She went over to my uncle and aunt's house after going to Costco. I watched her eat the French toast to make sure she liked it (she did), and then I went off to Target and Kohl's. I didn't find as good deals that I did yesterday, but that's okay. At least I got my steps in!

Ok, so presentation wasn't that great, but it sure tasted just fine!

Julie asked me to make a card for her friend Rachel's wedding and a thank you card for her host mom for when she stays at her house for the wedding. I was sure that I had lost the "you" die somewhere when I opened up the package. I even went back to shake it around to see if it was stuck somewhere. Third time's the charm because I found it! Whew.

CrossFit and Shopping

9:30 AM CrossFit, check! Jeff shaved off his beard! He has kinda a babyface underneath it all, ha ha. 3 x 5 front squat at 65 lbs.

WOD: 10:00
Start off with 800 m run
In the remaining time, AMRAP:
25 kettlebell swings (26 lbs)
20 goblet lunges

I got through 2 complete rounds and then tacked on 1 KBS in the last second.

The sun was actually out today, which was so nice. I did quite a bit of shopping this afternoon.

• Ulta. I had a coupon and an Ebates gift card to use. I bought The Body Shop body butters in strawberry and mango (OMG, they smell so nice!), NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Budapest, and a self tanning mitt.
• The healthy eating challenge states that  you can have a treat on Saturday or Sunday. There are 4 options: dark chocolate, wine/cider/beer, popcorn, white or brown rice. I went to Whole Foods to check out the dark chocolate there. Yikes, it was a little expensive there, so I went next door to CVS. Ah, buy 1, get 1 50% off. Perfect. I bought 2 bars each of 85% and 90%. As I was walking out, the homeless guy with his service dog were sitting not too far away. I see him there pretty frequently. I asked him if he wanted some chocolate. His face lit up, "Sure!" I handed him one of the bars of chocolate and continued on my merry way. :)
• I went to Marshalls to get Mom a Mother's Day gift: a teacup/saucer set and 2 picture frames for photos I printed from my uncle and aunt's 50th wedding anniversary.
• My last stop was New York & Company where I bought 2 lace sleeveless tops.

Julie texted me later to say that they were going to get sushi for dinner at the house. So, I wandered over there with the Mother's Day gifts. We also planned to make brunch for Sunday, so we went to Safeway to get milk, sausage and flowers to give to my aunt. I wandered down the ice cream aisle and stared longingly at the ice cream selection. Sigh. On the way home, we stopped by my uncle and aunt's house to deliver the flowers and also check in with my uncle who is currently undergoing dialysis.

I left the chocolate at my parents' house and didn't end up eating any since we had sushi for dinner. Julie said that she had moved the chocolate so that a) Mom wouldn't accidentally eat it and b) so I wouldn't be tempted to eat it if I'm at the house when my sister wasn't around to police it.

This healthy eating challenge apparently requires some teamwork.

I got a few compliments on this lipstick while I was out. It's Stila All-Day Liquid Lipstick in Bacca.
Mom said that I looked like the Catwoman image on my t-shirt.

Captain America: Civil War

I decided to take a rest day. My shoulders and abs were definitely feeling it. I'll go to CrossFit tomorrow morning instead. I had very important things to do like ogle Chris Evans. And by that, I mean I went to see Captain America: Civil War with my coworker Reggie, and the movie was awesome! So so good. I enjoyed it more than Avengers: Age of Ultron (Am I a bad Marvel fan for saying that? Oops.) The CGI was amazing, but more importantly, it was interesting to see the struggle between government control and non-government control and also see friendships tested. It was well worth the wait.

I wanted to check the office mailbox for my payment check for the anniversary cards I made two weeks ago, and whoo hoo, there it was.  Reggie was talking to the IT guys about the movie. One of them was like "Tina, would you go see the movie again?" Um, but it's $11!  "Aren't you a baller now?" Umm...I'm a baller on a budget. "There's no such thing..." 

Whattt.  Yes, there is!  Just because I have the money doesn't mean that I should go spend it. That's how people get in major debt! I might just buy the movie when it comes out on DVD and watch it as many times as I want. 

 

I did some meal prep for the upcoming week since I had the time and wanted to feel productive before bedtime. I baked some chicken, green beans and sweet potatoes. YUM!

Long Workout Day at CrossFit and Meals During this Healthy Eating Challenge

6:30 AM CrossFit, check! It’s long workout day…

Three rounds of:
Wall-ball Shots (Reps), 10 lbs
Sumo deadlift high-pull (Reps), 55 lbs
Box Jumps, 20" (Reps)
Push-press (Reps), 55 lbs
Row (Calories)
1-minute rest
1:00 at each station, no rest between stations
Score: 173.

There are breakfast leftovers again, hooray! Eggs, turkey bacon, and some potatoes. For lunch these past two days, I've been eating salad that I bring from home: vegetables, egg, topped with balsamic vinaigrette. And for a snack, I've been eating grapefruit and nuts, instead of reaching for the candy bowl.  The candy bowl that sits at the edge of my desk, near the aisle, was empty when I came to work on Monday, so I put it away. It was about 10:30 AM when Reggie asked me if I wanted candy from his refilled-to-the-brim bucket of candy. No, go away. I can't eat any of that for a month!  Don't tempt me!

Bench Press at CrossFit

6:30 AM CrossFit, check! Bench press day for me (deadlift for the other folks)…3 x 5 at 75 lbs. Maybe I’ll go for 80 lbs next week? Coach Christian showed up with a bandaged up leg...he broke his ankle yesterday morning and it'll take about 6 weeks for it to heal.

WOD…4 x 500 m row. Fastest time for me was 2:03 and slowest was 2:11. Eric and Matt were averaging 1:40.

My abs were sore this morning from yesterday’s hanging leg raises, and now my shoulders are like AH!

At least my workout is done, and I got some meeting breakfast leftovers at work: eggs, sausage and some potatoes. We are so spoiled with meeting leftovers this week. I'll have to be better at planning my breakfasts next week while on this Healthy Eating challenge.

My coworker Reggie and I purchased our Captain America: Civil War tickets for Friday. Well, technically, he purchased them to pay me back for when I paid for Zootopia a few weeks ago.

Push-ups and Leg Raises at CrossFit and Lunch with Sadira

6:30 AM CrossFit, check! We worked on our push-ups and hanging leg raises (not hanging knee raises this time, yay!)

WOD…5 rounds:
7 front squats (45 lbs)
10 lateral burpees
Time: 11:37

I didn’t want to straighten my hair this morning for work, but braiding it proved to be difficult because my shoulders got a workout this morning. 4 day work week…I’m taking Friday off to see Captain America: Civil War. YAY!

My former coworker Sadira sent me a text message on Friday, asking if I wanted to meet up with her for lunch on Monday. YES!  I haven't seen her since August when she moved to California to be closer to family. We went to Sweetgreen, which is her favorite place to eat near the office.

Today is Day 1 of my CrossFit gym's Healthy Eating challenge. The nutrition coach gave all participants a list of Yes foods, No foods and foods that you can eat, but you should stick to the Yes list. I got the Avocabbo salad with no corn and balsamic vinaigrette instead of the usual blue cheese dressing. I told Robyn about the challenge yesterday, and how we have to have a mantra that we tell ourselves throughout the challenge. "What's yours going to be? 'Donuts in June?'"

Maybe, hah. That does sound pretty awesome after not having any for a month.

For extra credit today, I went to 6:00 PM spin class and then went next door to the grocery store to restock on grapefruits. Mangoes, watermelon, pineapple and bananas are on the flexible list because of the sugar content, all things I like to eat! Especially bananas since they are convenient to eat before CrossFit in the morning. Citrus fruits, on the other hand, are on the Yes list.

Baltimore Aquarium with Robyn

Robyn and I went to the Baltimore Aquarium today. My favorite part was being able to touch the moon jellyfish (they were kinda slimy). It was also cool to play on one of the interactives that my sister’s company built for the aquarium.

Other interesting things:

• Calypso the resident sea turtle only has one front flipper because an infection forced the aquarium to amputate it.
• The rainforest exhibit has 4 sloths, but we only saw one of them. Robyn wanted me to check out the tarantula...mmmNO THANKS!
• I learned that recyclable plastic items can only be recycled one time, so it's best to use reusable water bottles instead of getting bottled water.

On the way home, we got crab cakes to eat there and slices of cake to go. I shared the red velvet cake and leftovers with my sister. Yummm!

Look at us, goofballs. We’re just as silly as the kids in the background.

The CrossFit gym is doing a 30-day Healthy Eating challenge, which starts tomorrow. The nutrition coach gave us a Yes food list and No food list so help us with our diets. We'll see how this goes! No ice cream/candy for a month will be a challenge by itself!