Let's Post our Daily Exercise

Thirty minutes of weights and lunges with my PT. 30 minutes of elliptical while watching the news of the shooting. It doesn't get any worse than this.

Walked on the treadmill for an hour & did 15 minutes of abs. I'm dreading school on Monday, how do you reassure kids that they are safe, when clearly they are not.  

I had great intentions, but those were yesterday.  Awoke with SOMETHING, which I think must be the tummy crud going around.  Plus a headache.  Plus, all I want to do is sleep.

I dug out my super-warm robe which is a wool-cashmere blend (one of my resale finds), so like wearing a blanket.

Fortunately, no "must do's" for today.  I did quite a bit of walking yesterday and Thursday, ~3 miles each day.

Still in shock from the news.  I have cycled through Newtown as not that far from where I used to live.  I even know where the I84 exit is.  One of those quaint, semi-rural New England towns.

Poor people, and so senseless.  One of the things I think about is how lucky I was growing up.  There was someone in my class who I think had the same violent tendencies.  Weird, nerdy, bright kid, and a loner.  There was more to this story, but I am so glad that he never acted out.  Because we could have been the class. - Claire

Such heartbreak, absolutely unbelievable, Ruth I do not envy you or any teacher monday is going to be a hard one for all of you.

Was very hard to get out and go to the gym this morning as it was brrrrrr cold but ended up doing a great Body Combat class.  Ruth do you have Big Lots in your town, almost texted you but of course you know me my phone was in the car - was in Big Lots tonight and they had Firm, Giam and Jillian Michaels DVDs for $3.00

We talked about this last night a little bit with DD and focused on the brave teachers.

Went for Zumba yesterday. Left my bike at the gym because there was no room for all my Christmas shopping. Had to lug the heavy bags home.

"I heard the motive was jealousy: he thought his mom loved her students more than him."

That was what I thought, as soon as I heard what happened. It is exactly the way my schizophrenic brother would think. I know this guy was not DXed with schiz, but I have to wonder, because he fits the profile a little too well.

Good morning!

Feeling a lot livelier this morning, so back to at least a short ride today.  Found this tip, so thought I would share.  From a Spark article on how to avoid eating pitfalls.  One I wouldn't necessarily think of, but certainly helpful with all the holiday temptations around.

7. Pack in the protein.
Studies show that protein plays a key role in regulating food intake and appetite; people who consistently consume protein regain less weight after a significant weight loss, too. Protein helps increase feelings of fullness because it takes longer to digest. When you skip protein in your meals and snacks, those pesky hunger pangs might encourage overeating! So get into the habit of consuming protein at each meal and snack. ACTION TIP: Stick to lean sources of protein: Beans, hummus, egg whites, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products (cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese, and milk) can all give you muscle-building proteins without added fat.

Cycling as x-country trails aren't open yet.  Have things to get wrapped up so out the door tomorrow.  Plus, I still need to make puddings which will be this week. - Claire

Errands N Scuplt for me this weekend - stitches come out tomorrow so I can get more active after that.

Like all of us, I cannot comprehend what happened in Connecticut.  They were just babies.  How can someone do that?  There are no answers.

Gwen, good for you. I think it is really key not to assume that you can't. When it turns out that you are too tired or whatever, you can stop, but no reason to start with the idea that you can't do XYZ. 

Of course, there were many, many things I found completely impossible to do during chemo: vacuuming, mopping, toilet scrubbing, ironing! ...

Gwen, you're awesome!  Keep going, stay strong!!!

Thanks for the laugh, Ruth.  I remember cleaning during chemo.  But I have a small place.  I cleaned on Friday which I now realize explains why I got a visit from the Creeping Crud (tummy version) yesterday.

Anyway the ride was extremely bracing.  I went, as not quite cold enough to be icy, not quite windy enough to be that bad, and not quite that rainy enough to be sidewise rain.  20 miles was more than enough.

Stopped in at glassybaby on the way back and was shivering (as in knocking knees) while waiting for them to ring me up.  I wrapped presents following a long hot bath.

Highlight of my ride was getting to see a bald eagle up close.  Showed it to a family who were also out braving the elements.  First time the 8 year old had seen one.

The ducks looked happy too, and I saw thousands of Canada geese in the sky.

Speaking of Christmas presents, I am trying a Vermont wine with my salmon tonight.  There are new grape varieties that can take the cold weather.  Promise a report.  I chatted this evening with an old NYC area friend who was happily having a glass of the red I sent her.  Over the moon with delight.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week. - Claire

Body Step class today, it was hard to get out of bed as it is cold and rainy here but last night the instructor had sent me a message saying she was doing some of the old stuff I like and it turned out to be fun.

Claire how exciting to see an eagle, Badger you don't need to have your DH go to the post office you can just do it all online and print the label on a piece of white paper, the post office website is very easy to navigate. I wrapped presents and I'm trying to curl ribbon but I have an "assistant" (a very large ginger cat) and he thinks I'm playing with him so it's a bit difficult.

Ruth, I have taken the exact same precaution

Happy Birthday, Carol! Calories consumed on one's birthday don't count!

Badger ... congrats on your entry into the Half Marathon in DC!  I would run for Tiffany bling too!  That's awesome!