I Win, Bruno Mars! I'm NOT Lazy :-D

I did it all! Check, check, check, check, check.

Survived A Full Day Of Teaching (Stanley Milgram Experiment). Check

Dinner. Check.

Made It Back To Work On Time (Barely) Check.

2 1/2 Hours of NON-STOP Parent-Teacher Conferences, Phase 1 Check.

1 1/2 Hours of P90X Yoga Hell. Check.

Don't ask me how I did this. I haven't a clue. I'm not sure that I'm actually awake right now. I could be sleep-typing. But tomorrow, there are WAFFLES for breakfast! WAFFLES!!!!

Also tomorrow, parent-teacher conference stage 2. Then, P90X Legs and Back Hell. Saturday, the Country-Side with Miss Noel and maybe some Kenpo. Now, I'm going to bed. If I can figure out a way to lift myself off this couch.

The Lazy Song Meets the Tired Jamie

Just needed to bring this to my reading public's attention...

"Today I don't feel like doing anything
I just wanna lay in my bed
Don't feel like picking up my phone
So leave a message at the tone
'Cause today I swear I'm not doing anything

Nothing at all!

Tomorrow I'll wake up, do some P90X"

Ugh. If only!! After 2 and a half hours of parent-teacher conferences, with an already sore-from-overuse throat, I have to come home and do the 1 hour and 30 minute P90X yoga session. God save the Queen.

Sigh.

Day of Days

Woke up this morning and ate one of these:

Pear, Granola Muffin. Different, unique, and pretty good. Plus, a cup of plain yogurt and a cup of strawberries. Heck yeah, P90X Nutrition!

Then, on my way to work, I saw a motorcyclist in the middle of the road with a crashed bike and nobody else on the scene. He was definitely unconscious and his bike was definitely smashed. Too much liability to stop, so, being a good Samaritan, decided to call 911. It took them 15 minutes before they put me through to EMS/ambulance because I was on a parkway and they wanted a house number, which I could not provide. Twice in my life I've called 911. Both times in the Bronx. Both times, the 911 people have complained about not being able to find the address. Lesson: don't get hurt/let your house burn down in the Bronx.

Then, I taught all day. The police detective on the case called me back, but I'm not an eyewitness to what caused the crash, so I think I'm pretty useless to him. After school, we had newspaper club. Very exciting April Fool's edition coming out soon, and the "Issues Issue" is distributed tomorrow, to coincide with parent-teacher conference (a day where I'll be LUCKY if I can get home by 9:00 PM, + I get to do it again Friday afternoon).

Then, I drove to Muscle Maker Grill in Throggs Neck, which I learned to never, EVER, call MMG again (ask someone who's Dominican. They'll explain). After taking a roundabout way home (hour and a half round trip, and I never left the Bronx...) I came home and did P90X, back and biceps and ab ripper. Hoo Hah!

Then, I ate my Muscle Maker Grill Godfather while watching Mob Wives because I adore irony.

Next, Brad and I went to see Jeff Who Lives At Home. A bit predictable. I'm not sure if I liked it or loathed it to be honest.

Then, we walked around, grabbed some calming tea, and I bought fake nails:

I figured I needed some eccentric in my life.

P.S.

In the past 15 minutes, I saw a grown man who acts like a toddler (sleeps in a crib, has a high chair, hangs out in a playpen), a man who owns over 250 "love" dolls (even though he doesn't use them for their, uh, intended purpose), a women who lives every single day like it's 1959 (from her furniture, to music, to technology, to the food and drink she consumes). Plus, a woman who has over 600 baby dolls.

Care of TV show "Obsession" on TLC

Can't wait for "Mamas Boys From The Bronx, premiering on my birthday, April 9! TLC.

So, uhmm... I think anything is possible. Including finding my dream job. That's the message of the story. I think.

Week 6

I think I do P90X because of my job. And no, not to escape my job. That would make sense. But because I am a GLUTTON for PUNISHMENT.

Ugh.

After a physically exhausting and mentally draining day, I come home, and I push my body to its limit (which often involves me literally collapsing on the floor). Now, most people say exercise relieves stress. But I stress out about getting the DVDs done, about doing my best, about not having any time.

Time. Yes. Time for a change. At this stage in the game, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed, my pinkies up, doing my best and forgetting the rest.

When I was little, people would ask me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I had two answers. 1) Invent Doors (to compete with Bill Gates' Windows) and 2) to be happy.

I'll get there.

Snapbacks, Shorts, Summer, and other Random Thoughts

So glad my hoarding skills are finally paying off.

Welcome back, Snapbacks. I can't wait to bust out my 1993 era baseball hats. When are Starter Jackets returning???

Oh, and you know you're doing P90X right when your summer clothes are hanging off you. What the heck? Scale number hasn't changed... I can't afford new shorts.

Is it bad if I have a Muscle Maker Grill obsession?

Check out my hero of the month's blog at: doonethingeveryday.blogspot.com

Enjoy this beautiful day! Today's mission, the ubiquitous GTL. Right now, I'm at the working on my tan stage. :-D

P90Xtreme

It's been a month since I started P90X. Which means that I am 1/3 through. 33.33333 percent for all you mathophiles out there. I think it's time to explain the P90X experience.

1. You borrow this from someone who has gotten results. They laugh at you. Not with you, at you. Like the cliche mad scientist. Except, you get the strange feeling that you're the "mad" one in the situation.

Or, you're up late at night/early in the morning, and there's an infomercial by a name that reminds you of donuts (Tim Horton's anyone?) but with someone who looks like they've never experienced the joy of a warm, soft, sweet Krispy Kreme. The workout looks challenging, and you think to yourself, nah, that crap never works. Beachbody? Seriously? Muscle beach? Zubaz pants and neon tank tops.

Then, later that day, the thought creeps into your mind... 6 pack...

Then, you drink one.

In 2 weeks, you decide to go online (because they're is no way in hell or on Earth that you're calling some infomercial number) and order the DVDs. What the hay?

So, through one of those methods, you come across the DVDs. You watch the introduction. Aight, fine. I saw the informercial, this is just repetitive. You throw on your best underarmour t-shirt, your mesh shorts, and a pair of kicks. Just push play. Easy.

Then, it's pull-up, push-up, pull-up, push-up. You do 7. Total. What is going on? How is he still going? What's up with this crazy German girl rocking it harder than I can? Why is Tony telling me to do more? Doesn't he realize I just face-planted? Why do all of these work-out videos have people in them that are machines? Where are the NORMAL people? I never liked water before, and now it's my favorite thing on Earth. Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

Somewhere along the way he tells you NOT to go into the kitchen and get a Krispy Kreme. Cripey, he knows what they are? Is he human? No, wait, more pull-ups. Nevermind. Totally a robot.

Then, finally, it's over. The embarrassment. Did you bring it? Tony tells you to. Does a total of 23 push-ups/pull-ups even count in an hour? Is that bringing it? I don't know, but I think I won't be able to drive to work tomorrow because I don't think I'll be able to close the car door. Wait. What's this? There's MORE?

Ab Ripper X.

The only time in my entire life of exercise (Fisher basketball practices, Running up 10 flights of stairs, doing 10 push-ups, running up 9 flights, 10 push-ups, etc., marathon training (and running), swimming, dance, etc.... IN MY ENTIRE LIFE that I found myself in the fetal position, crying, screaming "NO MORE P90X!" Then I slammed my fist into the floor numerous times (and 4 weeks later it still hurts like heck). But, even though I was on the floor crying (literally), I got back up and kept ripping my ab muscles apart. Visions of 6 pack abs ran through my head. I can do this. I can do this. Screw this. No, I can do this. Tony's own words, "I hate it, but I love it."

And this is just day 1. Wait until you get to Plylo. Ha.

But, that conversation is for another day.

And the nutrition plan? I've never eaten so much in my life. I've heard you have to eat more to lose weight, but this is crazy. Cottage cheese is my new best friend. Protein-heavy, fat shredder. Hundreds of dollars at the grocery store, healthy and fresh, soup-city. Tupper-ware is my life. Thank GOD for countertop dishwashers.

So, as you can see, it's a great experience and totally worth it :-D

Just Push Play. And then BRING IT! No more round O's. Just:

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X (Kenpo style)

P90X 30 Day Mark

1/3 There. 30 down, 60 to go. 2 Months to Bikini SICK!

Boo-ya! Stronger arm muscles. Plylometrics still exhausts me. LOVE the recovery shake. Definitely stronger legs, more energy, and more positive emotions when it comes to thinking about the workouts...

We're still on phase one of the meal plan. Switching to phase 2 (more carbs) at the end of this week. Phase one is all protein. Still shredding fat left and right ;)

Cannot wait for muffins! :-D But no more muffin top.

Super Sunday

No half :(

But... Shea Bear bike ride, got eye prescription, bought really cheap glasses online, renewed driver's license, Papa's Irish coffee, lots and lots and lots of P90X food, a little shopping (which I haven't done in months) and a good rest day.

Plus, March Madness B-ball.

Yay :)

Bike Manhattan! (32 Miles) Plus, Rendezvous with Kat at the Boat Basin!

So today, Bradford and I took our Cannondales out on the trail. In the opposite direction that we normally go in.

See, my knee is still giving me trouble, so Brad and I decided that it's probably not best to run the NYC Half tomorrow morning. Boo!!! :*( I was so excited about it. But... we did want to pick up our swag bag. And what better way to take advantage of a beautiful day and get some exercise than to bike to 18th street from Yonkers???

We started on the South County Trail, headed through Riverdale, and then down Riverside Park. Took the NYC Greenway allllll the way to 18th, and hustled across the city. Grabbed some lunch at the MMG, and then headed to 79th Street, where we met Katherine for a brewski. Such an awesome place, I can't imagine why I haven't been there earlier in life. We sat outside, soaked in the sunshine, and even though I had sun tan lotion on, my cheeks now have a rosy glow. What a GREAT day!

I LOVE the weather! :-D For the first time, probably ever, I felt like I was in one of those more pedestrian friendly cities, like Boston and DC which seem to have plenty of parks and greenways. Finally, I felt like I had found something similar in my concrete jungle.

So, I'm sorry NYC Half. I'll miss you. I'm very upset about this. But, at least there's March Madness and sushi/sashimi dinner to look forward to. All part of the Tony Horton flexitarian diet. I think I see some abs...

And, I was soooo glad that I was out in the sunshine doing something active and healthy, rather than stumbling around wasted like some of the people I saw today coming back from the parade. It feels SOOO good to be healthy. I could enjoy the entire day, and I know I'll be able to enjoy the entire day tomorrow. Awesome.

Time for an hour and a half of P90X Yoga. BRING IT!

Core Synergistics

Mamma Mia!

This 58 minute (yes, I'm being that precise because I remember every second of it) workout is INTENSE!!!

Why do boys like push-ups so much?

My shoulders are ripped. Or, at least, ripping. I'm going to be the best surfer (or at least wave catcher) on 0 beach this summer.

My arms ache, my legs feel like fibers are torn to shreds, and lying down on the mat after never felt so good. I'll get you, Superman Banana! and your little friend Jailhouse Push-ups, too!

The sweat is pouring off me.

I hate it. But I love it. But, I really do hate it. Kind of.

Save the Daylight! Bike for a Cause.

This is our first "rest" week for P90x. So, instead of lifting weights, we have core, stretch, kickboxing, and yoga. So, to celebrate unseasonably warm weather, and day light savings time, Brad and I went for a 14 mile bike ride after work. In shorts and t-shirts. It was GLORIOUS. Ahh I love sunlight. LOVE it. And I love my new bicycle. :)

1 hour and 30 minute yoga session tonight. Bring It!

Ran into Miles Austin, the football player, this weekend at Boathouse. Worth mentioning I guess. He seemed like a really nice guy. Posed for pictures, and was smiling like crazy. But, he's a Cowboy. So there are no Jamie and Miles pictures. Sorry.

Going to Philly tomorrow on a class trip. Sadly, no Pat's. Oh well. Not part of the P90X nutrition plan, anyway.

What did you do to celebrate sunlight after 6 PM?

P90X Week 3

Time goes by so fast. I know it's cliche, but seriously. When people tell me it's March, I shake my head and look at them with the "you can't fool me" grin. But, it's true. And not only is it March, it's already day 2 of week 3 of P90X. Which means, after Saturday, we have a "rest" week. Which pretty much is us getting our butts kicked with non-weight lifting routines that I'm sure will hurt just as much. So, now that I'm becoming a pro on the first phase, let me rank my workouts from favorite to "make this end, make this end!"

1. Kenpo (Kickboxing)
2. Arms and Shoulders (yeah, awesome biceps)
3. Plyometrics. This is supposed to be the worst workout according to Tony, but for some reason, I like it. You sweat like a fat Russian in a sauna, but it's kind of fun and it goes by quickly.
4. Chest and Back. Tony's favorite, and the MAN workout. Not so hot for a chick.
5. Yoga. It's HARD, and it seems to go by slower than the last class before summer vacation.
6. Legs and back. I hate squats and lunges and wall sits. Not awful, but blah for me.

Brad's Mix (I asked him this AFTER I did mine, I promise)
1. Chest and Back (Told you, MAN'S workout)
2. Yoga (It's new to Brad, and he's digging new-found flexibility).
3. Plyometrics
4. Arms and Shoulders
5. Kenpo
6. Legs and Back. At least we agree on something! Brad made a good point, it's hard because it comes at the end of the week. But, he does like it to some extent because you never really work out your legs. I mean, very few people choose to do squats and lunges when there are weights available.

I honestly don't hate any of them. And I like the idea of pushing myself; it makes me feel good.

The food plan can be quite stressful. It's hard to have all the ingredients and make the meals, particularly lunch. I feel like this is designed for somebody who doesn't have a job. I could use a good 5 more hours of unexhausted Jamie every day. I came home today, passed out on the couch for an hour, and then did Plyometrics. Didn't eat dinner 'til 9. Then, before you know it, it's bed time and you must wake up and do it all over again. Up at 6:30, out of house by 7:40, home from work by 4:30/5, P90X, dinner, repeat. But, I often remind/ask myself... what else would I be doing?

***I need a new job. If anyone has any ideas of things I would potentially excel at, please, PLEASE don't hold back. Let me know!

Coogans, Salsa, Blues, Shamrocks, Asian Food, and Bad Knees

Ran Coogans today, a very hilly 5k in Washington Heights. Made it through, with about 1.1 miles of tweaked knee, and 2 miles of little pain. The knee tweak came somewhere in the first mile, left, and returned at the end. Went to Coogan's for a little while afterwards, meeting up with a fellow teacher and her friend, and then headed home to soak in a warm bath with Epson salts and lavender.

Now, I still have pain in my inner thigh, and both my knee. What gives? I haven't turned 30 yet... Stop it, body! Stop it! I demand an end.

As for P90X meal plan, today was Asian inspired, with a beef and broccoli soba noodle stir fry, and miso soup. For lunch, it was an incredibly, unimaginably good island pork tenderloin salad. Again, P90X, adding the spice to my life.

P90X Scaling the Food Wall

Our new food scale. Yes, we've become THAT hardcore. BRING IT. OH AH. X. YEAH.

The meal plan is actually delicious. I must add that it is difficult to follow and involves A LOT of planning, since the ingredients are varied and you don't eat leftovers. Today, I made a cheese omlet with egg whites and mozz, consumed 12 oz of milk (some of which I used for my... gasp... coffee... I'm a rebel, I know), and 3 slices of turkey bacon. I didn't have cantaloupe, so I opted for a banana. Again, don't tell Tony about my rebellious substitutions and additions!

Ok, so P90X. As Jesus Jones once eloquently stated, Right here, right now. Also, No better time than today. And one more time with feeling, Sha la la la la la live for today. Et Cetera. The routine for today, the last day of week 2, is Kempo, which is super fun and not stressful; I actually look forward to it. Then, tomorrow, is the well-deserved rest day. Brad and I haven't had a rest day in 9 days, because we took one early last week due to unforeseen circumstances. So I cannnnnnoottt wait!

Oh, and as for results? End of week 2: Abs are starting to exist. Muscles on arms and shoulders. Legs are rock solid. Heck yeah! Bring it on, bikini season!

P90X Nutrition Plan

So, we made it to week 2, day 4. Here's a quick run down of the days I didn't document.

Shoulders and Arms: much better with dumbbells. Tastes like burning, but feels good!

Yoga: First 45 minutes insane. We almost quit. Then, right when we had given up hope, he said, ok, that was the hard part. Now on to balance poses. So we high fived and completed the task. 1 hour and 30 minutes yoga-riffic. Felt SOOOO good the next day--no more aches and pains.

Legs and Back: Killer squats. Ugh. I dislike squats. Just saying.

Kempo: Kickboxing, a return to something I've done before and taught to middle school students. LOVED it! I'd do this everyday if it were part of the plan.

Now, on to nutrition.

Brad made the executive decision to follow the P90X Nutrition plan. So...

Day 1 (Today): I AM STUFFED! I haven't even eaten all the required breakfast food for my weight group. This is insane. Huge egg white, mushroom, tomato, scallion, cheese omelet. Plus, I still have to consume a cup of cottage cheese and a cup of strawberries. I'm bringing those to my PD with me, and I'll have them when I arrive, around 9.

Then, walnuts for a snack: 1/4 cup.

Then, large chef's salad with avocado, turkey, ham, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and laughing cow cheese. Plus fat free ranch dressing.

Then, a protein bar.

Then, salmon with dill sauce, wild rice, asparagus, and red pepper soup

Wowzers.

After week 1, I already see some results, especially in my arms. If we start following the nutrition plan, watch out Sea Girt Beach. There will be a lot of wiggling. :-D