Aran Islands, Doolin, The Burren

Daly B&B in Doolin is uber friendly. Susan meets us as many chances as she can with a Baileys and coffee. You just can't say no! Now I know where Mamie gets her, "Greet them with a drink at the door" philosophy.

Now, due to having family from Killaloe, I've been considered 1. wealthy and 2. an Irish traveler. Uhmm, completely different sides of the spectrum, and neither true.

We went to O'Connor's pub, which Susan's father, Gus, used to own. She worked there for 30 years. Doolin is known for hosting traditional Irish music known as a Seisiun (they have it in Woodlawn on Sundays at the Rambling House for those of you interested, but not interested in paying for a flight to Ireland). So people were singing and playing all kinds of instruments whenever they felt like it. I have a few videos of the sound. Pretty fun. Plus, I had my best meal... it looked like the Irish flag: salmon over mashed potatoes, orange turnips, and green broccoli. Plus, it was incredibly delicious.

Smithwicks is still better here. I tried the new variety, the Smithwicks Pale Ale (which I don't think they have Stateside.) Not bad... a very light IPA.

Today, we went to the Aran Island of Inishneer/Inis Oirr (Gaelic). The Aran Islands are the only place in the world where the inhabitants still speak Gaelic. Pretty nifty. We walked around, had a lovely beer battered cod lunch at the pub, and saw ruins that are older than old. Beautiful island. Stunning views. The ride home was incredibly rough. The waves were huge! And there were 100 dolphins! Incredible.

The boat ride took us to the Cliffs of Moher, which we saw from above yesterday with gorgeous blue skies and now experienced from the bottom in crazy rocking and rolling waves. Impressive for sure. Beautiful day today as well, totally grateful for that.

Then, we did some P90X Kenpo. Yep. We got it in.

Tonight, we're going to go to McGann's to hear Geraldine, Susan's friend, sing. But before that, we're going to have a wine and cheese party overlooking the sun SETTING over the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, that's right. Not rising, setting! If you happen to be standing on the Jersey Shore, I'll wave to you!

Tomorrow Galway. I'm just going to throw the name "Dawson" around and see what happens. I figure, it could go either way.

Killaloe. Birthday Killalooty!

29th Birthday started off in Dingle, ended in Killaloe, home of Grandpa Kealy. This is what happened...

B&B breakfast is lovely.

Headed 2 and a half hours East to Clare/Tipperary.

Drove through Obama land. No joke. Apparently, one of his very distant relatives came from some po-dunk town in the middle of nowhere Ireland, and he decided to visit it, so they painted all of the houses, made an Obama coffee shop, put up American flags and Obama billboards, and welcomed the U.S. president. Crazy. Maybe one day, Woodlawn will become Jamie-Land.

Anyway, we arrived on the border of County Clare and County Tipperary. Ballina and Killaloe are kind of like twin towns, one is on one side of the river Shannon, the other, across the bridge. Gorgeous Catholic church from 10th-12th century (depending on where you read about it), which is pretty cool, because that means Grandpa Kealy probablyjavascript:void(0) went there. Had a lovely lunch at the bistro in Killaloe, then headed to the Ballina side to check into the Lakeland House B&B. It rained, it was sunny, it rained, it hailed, it was sunny, it hailed, it rained, it was sunny, it rained, sunny, rain, sunny, rain, sunny... the entire day. And I thought Boston weather was unpredictable!

We walked around for a bit, then drove through the country side along the river just to see if we could find a Kealy farm. No dice, but gorgeous ride with rolling hills set against the river. We did some P90X Yoga for an hour and a half and later, had a wonderful birthday dinner at Flanigans Steak House, and went to Goosers for a night cap. Brad had had Trudy, our B&B host, bake me a birthday cake to surprise me when we checked in, so I got to blow out a candle and have an absolutely delicious death by chocolate cake. Then, we watched some Irish guy on TV who went to America to wrestle alligators in Colorado. Is that what they think we do? Ha.

This morning, woke up at 7, did some Core Synergistics for an hour, and now we're about to indulge ourselves in our first Irish breakfast (wish us luck with black and white pudding... Eh, don't tell me what it is until after. At least it's not blood pudding, right? Ok. I ate it. I'm updating this entry, and oh rats. It is blood pudding. I only had a few bites. I had suspicions. The white pudding was good, though!) Then, we're headed back west toward Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, and Aran Islands where we'll be for 2 nights. Very exciting.

To Doolin! (Where I hope the food is better than its Spring Lake counterpart's.)

Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps. All Good Things Come in Threes...

So here's a video I could NOT be in...

Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps.

I challenge you to a one handed push-up. Go ahead. Try it. No, get lower. What? Can't go any lower? Yeah, that's what I thought. Fine. Do a plylometric push-up. What's that you ask? You know, the kind where you do a push-up and then somehow manage to send your body into the air. All limbs of your body. So that for a second, nothing is touching. Here's proof that some humans (read: robots) can do this:

Oh, and Tony can, too. Obviously. Duh.

Follow it up with some Ab Ripper X for good measure. Gotta love those scissor kicks and those V-Roll-Ups (which make me think of fruit roll-ups: look simple enough, but they'll rot your teeth.) Get some!

Well, before embarking on Plylo-Push-Up Hell, Brad, Shea and I had some family time on a 4-5 mile bike ride around Tibbits Lake. Soooo nice. I love sun.

And, my bracket is on the line tonight. I have Kentucky vs. Kansas. Danielle has Kentucky vs. Kansas. But I have Kentucky winning. She has Kansas. GO KENTUCKY! (Sorry Conor.)

P90X Kenpo

You know you've been:

a. doing P90x too long
b. too confident

when you say "I could be in this video."

and Brad replies at the end, "I think we could definitely be in this video."

Yeah... Uhmm, sorry Tony, red head, and Doughboy, we're coming to take YOUR spot.

Relaxing Up In The Woods

One of the things that I want to get more into this summer, especially accompanying dog ownership, is hiking and camping. I love being outside. I dislike being inside. Hence, why work isn't always one of the most pleasant places for me to find myself. This weekend, Brad and I went up to Melissa and Devin's cabin in Jewett, NY (Tannersville area). For the first time in a while, I saw snow.

So peaceful. Melissa is also a teacher in the Bronx, and her situation is even more crazy than mine. The more I talk about education, the more I know that I need to make the decision that's in my heart. It was nice to be a little introspective and talk things out. It reminded me of my true passions/interests, and made me feel all happy inside. So, I keep my fingers crossed.

Another thing I can't wait to do again: RUN! Every time I get Runner's World in the mail, I make the mistake of reading it. And then I think about me not running. And trust me, the P90X is enough alllllll by itself, but I don't like not being able to do something. So, now I'm reading Bicycling. Haha. Yes, I'm slightly crazy. We took yesterday off, so Kenpo today. And then filet mignon with a pear/peppercorn sauce for dinner. Mmmmm Sunday just got awesome.

4 days to vacation. Flight to Ireland next Saturday night. 9 days to birthday. Time is FLYING!

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.

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.

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 :)

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

P90X Day 3: Girl Look At That Body...

Ow. I work out. Ow.

Or, more accurately, OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Last night was shoulders and arms. And that was fine. Plus Ab Ripper. Which hurt like all get-out, but we accomplished it. I only left 2 exercises out, because I literally couldn't do them. At one point, I was lying on the floor, not sure if I was laughing or crying, but definitely screaming, "NO MORE P90X!" So, only leaving 2 out is not awful... I did crunches during that time, which hurt pretty bad, and I did the other million ab ripping, excruciating activities that Tony told me to do. So, yeah, that was OW. But why the OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW?

MY LEGS! I'll get you, Pylometrics. And your little cat-like jumps, too.

I can barely walk. Quads hurt the worst. Stairs are a new challenge. Ahhhhh. But you know what? It's a good kind of sore. The one you get after you've accomplished a tough workout. The kind of sore that lets you know you've done something. So, when I'm running around in a few weeks, not staggering like a zombie, I'll be pretty proud. Until then, please don't shoot me, I'm not a zombie. I just P90X.

Biking With Shea Dog On A Beautiful "Spring" Day

I Love My New Bike. Yay Cannondale Quick 4. Yay!

And so does Shea!

Getting a little cardio in on ridiculously sore legs makes me proud. Biking doesn't hurt my knee, so I figured, hey, BRING IT! (As P90X says... Still have Arms and Shoulders later today... Oh boy.) We biked around Tibbits Lake, probably about 5 miles total, including the walk down and the walk back UP. Shea was so good! She is now lying on the ground, pooped as could be. Good times had by all :-D