DVD/Video/At Home Exercisers, Week of May 24th

[sweetpea]

Happy Monday Everyone!

Well, today is Firm workout day and mowing the grass (i wish it would stop raining so the grass would SLOW down)...so it will be a short video day probably since i will be mowing the grass too and i get pooped after mowing the grass. I am thinking I will do Super Cardio Sculpt BEFORE the mowing! What's everyone else up to??

On a sad note--DH didn't get the job. :( They are just stuck on him not having a strong background in software programming (the only hang-up) so even after travelling over there on their expense, they have decided no. So, the mood is rather somber over here! Just makes me sad that i can't help make it better and means some more quiet days ahead as he gets over this HUGE dissapointment..I am ready for my happy hubby to be back again--between being stressed about this job and now not getting it...i am not looking forward to anymore of this! But i have a job interview this week--not sure if it's the hours i want/need but figure the interview will be good for me!

Paula--hope the rest of your packing and running around went well--and sorry your wrist hurts...that is the WORST! and glad dr.love is grinning all over himself for being cute! :)

How was everyone else's weekend? Any workouts? Is Linda still out there somewhere?? CindySoCal?? Anyone??:D

[Gilgamesh37]

I'm sorry Mr. Pea didn't get the job, Sweetpea. But (and I know this is easy for me to say) that probably means it wasn't the right job for him and the right one is somewhere down the road. When I got out of law school, there was only one job I wanted, in the local prosecutor's office. It was the whole reason I'd gone to law school in the first place. I interviewed there FOUR separate times, for 4 separate openings, over the course of about 2 years, and never got hired. Made it to the final round each time, with most of the office pulling for me, but the head attorney always picked someone else. I was heartbroken. But now, several years down the line, I realize it was absolutely for the best and I wouldn't hvae been happy there in the long run. I know that doesn't make it any easier now, but try to hang in and see where the road goes.

Weekend was all "real" activity for me, tons of house & yard work, staining our new deck furniture (who knew there was so much surface area on a wooden glider?) and scrubbing the deck and porch, all the other deck furniture, moving what was left of the woodpile, etc etc. I am officially over finding the mice running around our porch "cute". Today I have a job interview (not at all sure I want the job, which is an ideal way to go into it, I think) and an early meeting tomorrow morning, but I'm hoping for some good workouts this week--so far, my calendar this month looks horrible, only 11 workouts for the whole month! Ack!

[Pat58]

Good morning! Sweetpea, sorry about the disappointment. I couldn't say it any better than Gilgamesh. I hope your DH cheers up soon and something better comes through quick!

I had some good workouts over the weekend. Saturday I had a good chest and triceps weight training session at the gym then did Winsor Buns & Thighs at home; Sunday was my first try of Crunch: Fat Burning Pilates. I loved that one! The cardio is dancy but not overly choreographed, with standing Pilates moves. The exercisers are accompanied by an onstage drummer which was funky and fun. After the cardio you hit the mat for Pilates.

Only weird thing about that video, the background exercisers are wearing really low hipsters and their stomachs look funny during the moves - i.e., the same stomach can range from sixpack abs to my DH mowing the lawn with his shirt off, LOL! Like they forgot to suck it in, the stomach gets all poofy and then OOPS! the sixpack is back.

Weird! But the workout was a lot of fun and I felt like I got into a good heart range. One of these days I'm getting a heart rate monitor, but for now perceived exertion is fine enough.

Question: I don't have much room in front of the TV, can you recommend other cardio videos like the Crunch one that don't require a lot of space? I can't fit my step in front of the TV, either.

[engineer]

I echo what the previous two bright ladies said sweetpea, something better is down the road we just don't see it yet. DH and I were totally out of work for several 'years' 'Never be associated with an industry when it goes down the dumps! (I'm not exagerating either it was 5 years of out or substantial lower $ work - driving truck delivering livestock supplies, imprinting ear tags and bagging castrating rings:eek: ). I know how bad it can be when you think you have a great job lined up just to be told no. :( :mad: But I know you and lil' pea will remind him of what he has to be happy about just by being there. It will just take some time and new opportunities.

As for workouts I did Core Foundations and Cardio Burn on Sunday. Maybe I've developed brain worms but Cardio Burn didn't seem quite so bad - I really used to hate it. But then again I kept hearing Gil's words in my head and kept the HRM from beeping at me. (OK it felt like I was phoning it in, maybe that's why it didn't seem so bad

:rolleyes: ) Today I've got FP Strong Bear, I wonder how that will go?

Gil - it sounds as though you had a productive weekend. As for only 11 workouts this month - you did get your crossbow up and started playing with it so I think you should add one for that. Oh and birding should count for something. Good luck with the interview, I bet you found a great outfit for it even if your not sure you want it.

Pat if I saw those six-packs appearing and disappearing I think I'd probably fall over laughing and total lose my spot in the workout.

[Gilgamesh37]

Engineer--one thing about the HRM, and this is just what I do--but I don't wear it for weight/endurance workouts. I figure the HRM is to measure cardio exertion, and endurance exertion is a different beast. I wore it once for Firm Volume 1, a workout which totally kicks my butt and I KNOW is hard and thorough--but my HRM showed only about 10 minutes in zone, and calorie burn of (get this) 56 calories for the whole 60 minute workout. I know that ain't right, so know I don't wear it for non-cardio workouts. And as for feeling like you're phoning it in--that's just because you're accustomed to pegging out your heart rate, which isn't really a good thing.

And yet one other little karmic connection--for a while, The Guy and I were both unemployed at the same time. We referred to ourselves as the Most Glamorous Bum Couple in Our County. :D

[Paula H]

So sorry about Mr Pea missing out on the job, sweetpea. But as the others have pointed out (and even though it sounds trite), the right job is out there, the one that'll make him slap his forehead and say "why did I ever want that other job". (((the peas)))

More packing going on, and I now can't workout because there's no room left to workout in. Boxes boxes everywhere. Four days til the house is ours (and five days til the mother of all workouts - moving)!!!

Pat - you've got me interested in the Crunch Pilates video, but I'm trying to picture the incredible transforming abs and not sure I could handle not laughing (although performed properly, the laughter could add to my abs workout).

Linda - how're you doing??? Are you out there somewhere??

[cniles]

Sweetpea - I'm so sorry. I know you had high hopes for this - Hang in there, be there for him. You and the little one will help him through this.

Gil - you were busy this weekend!! I didn't get to read the weekend thread - how was birding?

Engineer - Well I have my ball blown up 80% and will finish it tonight. Hopefully I can do Core Foundations tomorrow. I previewed it and it looks like a killer!!!

Pat - that Pilates sounds interesting. I just got my Collage video catalog and looked at the Stokes and Crunch videos. Not sure about which ones you can do in a limited space, especially if you can't get your step in front of the tv. Maybe some of the old FIRM tapes - SuperCardio?

Paula - 4 days!! How exciting!!! Good luck packing!

I biked on Saturday and did one of the FIRM tapes yesterday (can't remember the title) Still doing well with my eating so want to keep on track.

[sweetpea]

Good morning all! Thank you so much for all your kind words and sympathies--you have NO IDEA how much it helps me to stay positive. I consider myself a pretty positive person but yesterday was a challenge for me. I just hate seeing him staring off into space/looking at want ads/staring off into space all day--hard to continue to be happy/supportive when all i want to do is run from this house or have a good cry (which i did), but today is a new day! :) And thank you for rooting for him--i know that there is something better as you all said--so true!

Today is walk day--DH is still sore from his race on saturday but i think i might talk him into walking with "us" :) I did end up doing Super Cardio Sculpt yesterday and just trimmed the lawn b/c DH insisted on doing it (even threatened to tie me to my chair!) but the tape was a good workout! Today we are making wooden cages for my tomato plants so there should be some pounding/muscle use involved in that! :)

Pat--i don't have much room in my dungeon either--about 4 feet across right in front of the tv, but if i turn sideways to the tv i have about 6 feet so if there are moves (with my Firm tapes) that i need more room side to side i just do it sideways to the tv--at first when i didn't know the moves that was a little tricky, but eventually i was able to do the moves without having to look sideways at the tv too much! :) does that help any at all?? i am sure you have already tried everything!! sorry i can't help with videos more--the firm ones are usually very good about staying in a small space, just a few segments need more room.

Paula--holy cow! 4 days!!! how exciting--except for the dreaded MOVE and UNPACKING--always my least favorite part! :) but a great workout none the less--just don't forget "bend from the knees, not from the waist" when lifting those boxes--good squat workout, right?

Engineer--what is FP Strong Bear??? i am intrigued by the name!! sounds like a native american thing!

Gil--how did the interview go??

Charisse--keep it up with your good eating! always feels great at the end of the day to know you succeeded at that, doesn't it??

[cniles]

OMG!!!! I just did Core Foundations! I can't tell you how many times I fell off the ball onto my face!:rolleyes: :D How the heck do you balance yourself when the ball is in between your feet?!!! I think I engaged my core more by laughing than by the exercises!!;) But I am dripping wet so apparently I was doing something. Can't wait to see what muscles are sore tomorrow!! Thank God the blonde woman was adapting some of the exercises too!! This is definately going to be my challenge! Thanks guys for recommending it!

Whew - guess it's time to shower!:p

Sweetpea - hang in there sweetie! I'm thinking about you and Mr Pea!!

[engineer]

Ok last night I did Fit Prime's Strong Bear and I must admit I did do some beginner things (like drop weight down a bit) Sorry but Tracy (as much as I love her) intimidates the heck out of me. And after meeting her that's even more pathetic as she is this little gal. :( But strong, athletic that's her. OK - New Rule for Me - Stop Being Intimidated and Just Go For It (dang it).

charisse - Isn't Core Foundations deceptive. You think Ok - I can do this and plop down you go. But OMG how good it feels when you can make through even one tune without a screw up.:D

Paula - I don't find unpacking as bad as packing. In some cases it's like x-mas in that you discover things you forgot you had (OK you should probably toss those things and declutter your life - but ...) And like Sweetpea said lift with the legs, not the back. I both happy and excited for you and Dr. Looove. ;)

Sweetpea - Hang in there girl. It's always darkest before the dawn (unless your a skeptical engineer - then it's always darkest before it's pitch black:rolleyes: ) But I promise things get better - it's just a matter of hanging in there until things turn around. And you didn't say how is race went, how did he do? And getting him out and walking and building cages and the like will at least distract him a bit. ((((pea's family)))

Gil - echoing sweetpea here - how did the interview go?

Tonight on the menu (exercise menu that is) - Functional Fitness or is it strength with Bonnie :eek:

[sweetpea]

I meant to say how Eric did this past weekend, but got distracted--thanks for asking! :) He raced with my older brother (who is a nationally ranked solo adventure racer but he races really well with my hubby too!) They got second and it was a true full 18 hour race--the race coordinator sets it up so that it is impossible to get all 40 checkpoints by the midnight cut off --that way everyone races the full 18 hours. It was hot/humid but DH did good this time and drank lots of fluids (said he has never peed so much in his life)--they canoed/mt biked/hiked/ran/bushwacked, etc. from 6 a.m. till midnight! he got home at about 3:30 a.m. tired and sore but happy to be done. His days as a leg model are really over now--he looks like he's been whipped with tiny little whips all over his legs--too hot for pants so the weeds/briars have tore up his little legs! So despite his "wounds" he did great and loves to talk about the race so he is obviously pleased, as am I--his number one fan! :)

Charisse--i can barely sit on my stability ball let alone do much else on it so yea you for trying and for continuing to work towards being able to do more! and thanks for the encouragement! :)

Engineer--YOU CAN DO IT!! come on now, aren't you the same one who always likes to give 150% and make your HRM go nuts???? don't be intimidated by little women with strong bodies (isn't she the one that has the picture of her back on the website??)--you ARE a strong body too! :) go girl!!!

[engineer]

sweetpea - be prepared that kid is going to hit the ground running (and jumping). Oh my the genetics on this kid are definitely not couch potato - your brother is a solo adventure racer too!:eek: No wonder you find trying to tone it down for the preg. so difficult. Yeah! for Mr Pea - it sounds as if he was challanged but had a super time. Gosh do I feel pathetic now:o .

And the back is of Cindy - a true living, breathing sculpture. The David my Michalanglo may be sculpture that looks like it should be living in breathing but Cindy really does. She's incredible. And two daughters to boot. :)

[Gilgamesh37]

Charisse--welcome to the wonderful world of falling off the stablity ball. I do love CF, even if I think that Jac is out to kill me. Every time I think I have one move down, I discover my form isn't all it could be and it gets hard all over again. A woman on another site I visit was gushing about these workouts and how she noticed her form was so perfect now when she did her old workouts. I am ashamed to say I wanted to reach through the computer and snatch her bald. :o

Go Mr. Pea! I can't even imagine 18 straight hours of activity. I can barely manage 18 straight hours of consciousness. Anyone with that kind of drive and determination is going to be snapped up by an employer who's smart enough to see it--and the employer will be lucky to get him. And Engineer's right--that kid is going to emerge and hit the ground already doing 70 mph. I can't even imagine a 2 yr old with this kind of genetic energy pedigree.

FP Strong Bear is my personal favorite of the Fit Prime tapes--I work hard, it goes fast, and there isn't a single section that I don't like (not true of other FP's--there's one section in Fast Cheetah where I swear I slide into a coma of boredom). Maybe I'll do that tonight.

Interview went fine--I think it would be a bad fit for them and me, but we'll see, I have a sense they may offer me the position anyway (even though I totally tanked the Access database test :rolleyes: ) If they do I'll decline, but it's good to practice the old interview skills from time to time.

No workout last night--I started and then a friend called, whom I had promised to run downtown to pick up his bike. Thought it would be quick but we got there and he started fretting it might rain, so then I had to stick around, listen to him argue with the counter guy over the work they'd done, finally pay, load the bike in my car, drive him home--anyway, it took over an hour altogether, so there went my workout time. But tongiht for sure! I need to do something so I can keep posting with you Amazon Women!!! :D

[cniles]

Originally posted by Gilgamesh37


Interview went fine--I think it would be a bad fit for them and me, but we'll see, I have a sense they may offer me the position anyway (even though I totally tanked the Access database test :rolleyes: ) If they do I'll decline, but it's good to practice the old interview skills from time to time.



Ooohhhh Access....That's what I used to work in before we moved and I left work. I only do sporadic projects and each time it gets harder to remember what links go where and what queries do what!!! It's something ya gotta do everyday!! Don't sweat it Gil! Sounds like if they want you it'll work out and if not, no big deal.... (what did you end up wearing???);)

[engineer]

Ok ladies - I guess I'm the first one to check in today. Last night I did Functional Strength and then hopped on the treadmill to round out the hour. I really tried to keep the heart rate down but by the time we got to that one section on the back of the step with the medicine ball it was in the 160's :eek:... so I backed it down and tried to get the darn thing to stop beeping at me. Other than that I'm starting to get the hang of the tape, so I'm feeling better about it overall.:D

So what's on your agenda for the day? My goal is the Power Yoga tape from the Firm. And work:(

Gil - heard back on the interview?

Sweetpea - things perking up at your place yet?

Charisse - How are you doing? I know that sometimes the worst of it doesn't hit for couple of days, how's that core feeling?

[cniles]

Hey Engineer! You are one exercising woman!!

I woke up to sore abs and triceps!!! I think it will be worse tomorrow. I'm taking a break today (my parents are in town and we're shopping for a freezer!! - early B'day and Anniversary gift!)

Tomorrow will be back to one of the FIRM tapes - although it's so humid here I should be able to sweat off some pounds!

Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!!

[Gilgamesh37]

Note to self: When you haven't done a workout in 2 full weeks, and haven't done a weight workout in 2.5, here's a thought: BACK OFF on hte weights. Did Super Sculpting last night and about killed myself. I did back off on the leg presses, and on the lat rows (that was by accident, I grabbed the wrong weight)--but still, I was gasping by the end and my triceps hurt today. But I did it and I feel good. It's ridiculous how happy I am to stick that stupid little foil star on my calendar that means I finished a workout. :rolleyes:

No word on the interview yet, which is fine--it's really just an ego thing now, since I know I don't want the job.

So how's everybody else doing today?

[sweetpea]

You all make me giggle!! I just imagine this baby zooming out and running across the floor--a fast delivery wouldn't be bad at all!

And Gil-i love thatyou put stars up when you complete a workout--i would totally love doing that too, so i just might! Glad the interview went okay--you are right about practicing interview skills --that is what my interview tomorrow is basically going to be i think! how are you feeling now that they day has progressed?? my muscles that were a little sore early on always got MORE SORE as the day went on...

engineer, you always amaze me that you get a full hour of workout in--once i get done with a tape, whether 45 minutes or 30 minutes, i am DONE, but not you! man, you just keep going! and you sound like you are getting the knack of that HRM too! :)

Things are getting better around here...we had our ultrasound today (the one and only) and it was AWESOME! we had a great ultrasound tech who took lots of pictures for us and took her time showing us everythign but the baby "parts"! we have some great shots of feet/legs/heart beat, etc. But it might have stressed the daddy out a little--awfully quiet on the way home and started working on calling contacts as soon as we got home! but overall his mood is much improved and we got our tomato "cages" structure built yesterday so he has been too busy to really ponder it!

Today is a video workout day--i am thinking i will do FitMama since i haven't done it in a while and i am just not up to do a Firm tape today--eric split firewood for his dad yesterday and i stacked it so i figured that was a good arm workout! :)

Now a question for you all --the Fit Prime Strong Bear tape--is it an aerobic tape or yoga or pilates or what? sounds like something i might like, but then i realized i don't even know what it involves!

[Gilgamesh37]

Go little Pea! His/her first pictures. I have another friend (who's due next week!) who when they went for their ultrasound, they hadn't really decided whether or not they wanted to know the sex. That matter was decided when the technician moved the wand around and said "Well, here's labia." (hope that wasn't TMI for anyone)

Strong Bear is wonderful and fun and definitely for AFTER you've had Lil' Pea. It's a strength tape with lots of yoga-ish moves thrown in (warrior, etc)--some interesting climbs over the box, half-handstands on the box (I love those, but the thought of doing them with a whole pregnant tummy on my front is scary), and--help, Engineer, it's been a while since I've done it, what am I forgetting?

When you're not pregnant, if you want to try it out, I'd be happy to send you my copy for a week or two. Some poeple really hate the FitPrime backgrounds, and others don't like the single instructor set-up. Always best to preview if you can, and I'm not sure thte FPs are available to preview on Collage.

[Molli526]

Butting it :)

I just got the new Collage catalog yesterday. They have all 3 Fit Primes available $19.99 each.

If there's room for one more, I will be joining you after my 6 week post-partum check-up. Mrs Pea puts me to shame doing Firm videos while pregnant :o

[engineer]

Molli526 - Don't let sweetpea put you to shame. 'cause between her and Mr. Pea (and from the sounds of it the entire pea clan or should I say pod;)) put us all to shame. Just please come and join the rest of us slugs (only by comparison to sweetpea and kin) as soon as you can.

Charisse - Freezer huh? So is it upright or chest? We have an upright that I like much better than DM's chest. Seems things always got buried in there that you didn't find for quite awhile. Which if you knew my mother's green chili only made it lethal. Don't know why hot stuff get's hotter when you freeze it but it does and her green chili starts out HOT! Happy early B-day and anniversary. So how many is it (anniversaries that is)?

Gil - I totally understand that silly happy feeling. I get it when I fill in my little calender. I put down what tapes I did, how long they were, what weights/step I used and at what level I thought I performed at. I have 4 of them now that I can review - when I feel like I'm not accomplishing anything I go back and kick myself.:D

Sweetpea you haven't said what type of position this interview is for (or if you did I missed it). But I bet you do great, your just that kind of person. As for Strong Bear - It has that Tortoise feel to it - slow and heavy for the most part. Lots of inner thigh or at least that's what my legs are saying to me today. But if you like Firm/TLP's I think you'd probably like Strong Bear.

[sweetpea]

i am BLUSHING over here--really we aren't that super human..just ready for challenges when it comes to exercise i guess-we get bored easily so Mr. Pea goes off into the woods for 18 hours and i try exercising with a belly! :)

molli--do join us...not much longer left in your pregnancy is there?? i promise i am really not all that impressive--if you could actually watch me doing Firm tapes right now, you would say "she isn't kicking very high? THAT'S all the weight she is using? etc"

engineer--the interview is with a local grocery chain for their Director of Consumer Nutrition--helping people use the healhty products in the grocery store, etc. etc.--right up my alley since i LOVE the grocery store, LOVE cooking and LOVE all things healhty (and not healthy for that matter!). Not sure it is a part-time job and not sure what all the job entails, but if nothing else this will be good experience like Gil said.

Gil--i made sure to tell the ultrasound tech right away "we dont' want to see anything that will tell us if it's a boy or girl" and man, i don't even know how she ever saw it! i know i didn't see any ***** like things so maybe it IS a girl (we have our fingers crossed for a girl--my nephew is the only other grandbaby so we all want some PINK!) and i think i will have to try the Strong Bear tape once baby pea is here--thank you for the offer!

oh yeah! the reason i post here--today is walk day again...i just wasn't feeling all that hot yesterday so i didn't get a video done--i was going to do FitMama but wasn't up to that either--by 4 p.m. my butt was SCREAMING from squatting so many times to pick up firewood and carry it over to be stacked..so DH and i headed out for a walk. Now to see if he will go this a.m. too! :) i'll keep you all posted as to how the interview went--too bad it's not till 2 p.m. this afternoon...ugghhh...the wait! :)

[Molli526]

I've got 4 weeks left - yay! I am ready to have my body back.

I am going for a walk this morning, once my breakfast has a little digest time.

Sweetpea, that job sounds awesome. You are a nutrionist right?

Charisse - did they ever send you BSS3? I saw in Collage they have it slated to come out in July now. I still want it, and plan on getting it.

[sweetpea]

oops! i totally didn't think about my word choice being edited out--sorry!! i used the anatomically correct word for boy parts...just wanted to clarify that post in case it was confusing without knowing what ***** was! :)

You are almost there Molli! Enjoy your walk! and yes, i am a dietitian...but i do mainly personal chef/consulting work--not a clinical job like in a hospital or anything--labs aren't my strong point but food is! :)

And i think BSS3 will be my "congrats you had a baby" gift to myself after the baby is born, but DH is going to make the step for me..i can't wait!!

[engineer]

Good luck Sweetpea on the interview:D Boy I wished I lived closer to you I bet you'd have me fixed up in no time. So have you thought of doing your own video it could include 'pick up wood' squats and 'to the dungeon' steps, etc. I think it would be quite entertaining and probably very intense ;)

Mollie - yes please join us when you 'get your body back'. And don't forget walking counts so for that matter you can join us now:)

Last night was my easy night. Firms Power Yoga. I really was feeling pretty good about my progress last night. I could hold the positions and only tettered once. Plus I like the fact she just moves right along and doesn't spend allot of time talking at me. I still don't quite have that breathing thing down yet but I managed to use my nose the whole time and not my mouth (which is very hard as it is such a larger air passage:D )

Tonight it's back to the hard routine but I'm looking forward to it. Core foundations and Cardio Sculpt Blaster.

Charisse - did you get your freezer?

Gil - heard anything back on that interview?

[cniles]

Hey Molli!!! I can't believe it's 4 weeks to go!!! I distinctly remember those times!!! Both of my boys were late so I got REALLY ancy!:p And I just got a postcard in the mail from the FIRM which said they had to cancel my original order. If I want to reorder, go to the website etc.... I think I'm going to wait a bit - I've been upping my DVD's with a couple of Gin Miller and then of course my new CORE FOUNDATIONS!! BTW - my abs and triceps today are SCREAMING! The old 2 day delay:D

Engineer - we got an upright - 17cubic feet. I decided to go with the big one since hopefully this will be my only one for a long time!! Can't wait to start freezing! I have a pick your own strawberry trip planned for next week - and I have 10 huge tomato plants in my makeshift garden!! (I have to go get tomato cages today) Sweetpea - how did you guys make yours??? Sounds really cool. And good luck with the interview - that type of position sounds neat. Gil - any news? and congrats on your star!! :)

Our Anniversary isn't until Sept but my mom thought I'd enjoy our "gift" for the summer. And we will celebrate #9 this year:D

[Paula H]

Hello sweaty people!

I'm now officially a homeowner! :) :) Let's just ignore all the stress that goes with that, shall we?

So still no real workouts, just lumping stuff into boxes, for tomorrow's marathon moving epic. And wouldn't you know it, after days of glorious sun, it started raining this afternoon. :( Fingers crossed it fines up overnight.

But go you good things, working out and working it hard. I'm so impressed (and feeling more than a little flabby) - can't wait to get back into it.

Dr Lurrrrrrve will be home from his work trip in another couple of hours, and then I can be really really really happy - it's so hard to be excited about getting our house when I'm standing around all by myself!

Now I have to go (a) bake biscotti (for the workers tomorrow), (b) reheat dinner, (c) clean dishes, (d) cook tomorrow night's dinner, and (e) pack.

[sweetpea]

hi all! just a quick report as i am stepping out the door to go do the final clean on that CASTLE before they move in this weekend...first and foremost:

Yippeeeee and Congratulations Paula and Dr. Love!! I am very excited for you--don't feel flabby, you couldn't have lost any tone with all the lifting/packing..you are doing GREAT to do all that!!

Engineer--HA! i never thought about having my own workout video--could include all the fun things we did as kids (walking acres of soybean fields pulling weeds, chopping firewood, killing chickens, picking bugs of tomato plants, etc etc.) --wouldn't that be fun! :)

the interview went great..i was very comfortable, no sweaty palms or anything and thejob sounds perfect for me, only problem is it's 40 hour a week job (actually more than that probably) and if they offer enough money i would do it, but i am not sure they will--one of those jobs that they are still creating and so i could see myself thinking i would be working 50 hours per week for so much money and then end up working WAY more than that for same money. we shall see--there will be another interview and i will say just that, IF they call me back! :)

today when i get home i am going to do a DVD i got at the library--"i want that body" not sure how it will go, but it was the only exercise DVD that looked good! :) i also got a book about exercise during pregnancy--SO COOL! i will share the highlights later--basically shorter labor, leaner babies for women who exercise right up to delivery! :) THAT'S ME i hope! :) have a great day all!

[HejazSunKat]

Hi All! I've missed my buddies! I just read through this entire thread to see what's been going on while I've been held hostage by my house. Paula sent out an all points bulletin (i.e. a PM) to find out what happened to me so I thought I'd better get my butt back here and check in even though I have NOTHING to report in the way of workouts (so with 11 this month Gil you've got me beat!) - unless you count all the house cleaning I've been doing.

We got home to find our house in less than good shape after our tenants moved out. I was not happy about that. They moved out 3 months ago and nothing was cleaned between then and now plus they still haven't moved out all of their belongings so not only am I cleaning up after them I'm packing for them too. Grrr. Well, the ray of sunshine is I have my house back after 6 years!! I think we all get possessive of OUR space and I've had a really hard time seeing other people living here.

It's nice to finally have the run of the house again (we didn't go into certain rooms out of respect for their privacy before) and to know I can bring something down from the attic and it doesn't have to go back upstairs before I go back to KSA again. We have so much work to do here in the way of repainting, repairing and redecorating. All the stuff we would have done little by little over the course of the last 6 years now will need to be done all at once. It's almost like moving into a new home.

So that's what I've been doing in between shopping and visits with friends and family. I did order 3 new Kathy Smith tapes that I hope to take back with me to KSA so I hope they arrive in time. We leave next weekend for 5 days in Holland before we go back to the Kingdom for about 6 more weeks. We are planning to come home FOR GOOD the first week of August!!! I can't believe it's finally happening. I feel happy about that and nervous at the same time. I know we're going to need some time to adjust and I'm just praying that DH will be happy in his new job. We BOTH want to come home but I want to a little more than he does so my biggest fear has been that he will (unconsciously) resent me for not being able to stick it out any more. A leap into the unknown is always a little scary and as bizarre as it sounds, given the tumultous situation in Saudi Arabia, where we are is something we know, it's 'safe'.

Soooo sorry about Mr. Pea's disappointment Sweetpea. :( It's hard not to get a 'Yes' when it's something you want so badly but I'm sure seeing the ultrasound pictures of his soon to be son or daughter helped put the important things in perspective for him. I hope he finds something even more wonderful than that job. Good luck with the job for you! If they offer it to you I hope they can work out a good schedule of hours for you. It really sounds like an ideal fit with your skills.

Paula - A formal congrats to you and Rich on the new house! :D

Charisse - You go girl! Sounds like you've really been getting in some good workouts - an enjoy your new freezer, sounds like a beauty.

Engineer - How are the girls doing?

Gil - Sorry the job isn't something worthwhile. Funny how those are the ones you always get offered but at least it feels nice to be wanted. Ugh - Access. That is a very difficult program at least for my tiny brain to comprehend. I taught myself the basics from a book but about all I can do is set up a very rudimentary database. I agree with Charisse that it's something you need to use every day to retain it. I was thinking of you yesterday when I put on a black jacket with a zipper up the front! I was reminding myself that this would NOT be appropriate for an interview. :D Having been away from the American workplace for 6 years I'm probably going to have a lot of Rip Van Winkle moments when I'm back out there pounding on doors. "Oh, maybe I shouldn't have worn this."

I'm hoping maybe to get in some tennis this weekend because we're having a little break Sat/Sun in a very rainy weather pattern. It will be good to get out and move again.

Take care people! Have a fun, safe Memorial Day!

[cniles]

Hi Linda!!! I've been watching the French Open and thinking of you!!! I marvel at their stamina!! It's wonderful that you will be home permanently really soon!! How exciting! Is your husband's new job related to what he's doing now in Saudia Arabia? Ie same company different position??? It's gotta help knowing you are back in the states, in a less tumultuous area as well as being near family and your new grandbaby!! I'm sure there will be a transition though - sounds like you are realistic about it:)

Sweetpea - you were very happy on your last post! Lots of smilie faces:p Good to see!!!

I had somewhat of a rough night - Sam (my 4 1/2 yr old) came down with a fever yesterday so we've been fighting that, crankiness and just the blahs! We're supposed to go to the Pocono's tomorrow for the weekend so I hope he turns it around!! I'm making my cinnamon rolls this morning just to be positive!!;) He's definately in better spirits this morning and not as hot so we'll see!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!!!!

[engineer]

Linda - I thought we we're going to have to send sweetpea out with her homemade wet noodle to bring you back. The end of the tunnel is in sight just a little while longer and you'll be back for good:D And you got new vid's - big yeah for you! Sounds like you'll be busy with the house like Paula. Just glad to have gotten you back. (And remind hubby that now he can golf on green greens;) ) And the girls are snots. They think they're supermodels and not suppose to work but Scott's planning (if it doesn't rain) to abuse them some by making them drag the pasture. They need their muscle sculpting too!:)

Charrise - I hope same is feeling better. I know homemade cinnamon rolls would definitely have brought me around at that age.:eek: Maybe that is why I struggle with my weight now - I could always be bribbed with food. Anyways I've never been to the Poconos but I've heard they are lovely. Lots of physical activity if you want - what with hiking and chasing after little ones, picking flowers and finding interesting rocks (some of my favs as a little one). So have a wonderful weekend. (PS cool about the freezer - no pun intended)

Paula - it sounds like you have my kind of luck with moving. I remember when we moved to Kiowa (before here) that it was -20F and for CO that's unusual. Couldn't sink posts for the dogs so they had to live in the trailer and the moving truck had the brake lines freeze so they kept having to stop and thaw things out.:rolleyes: But when it's all said and done you and Dr Love can sink back and relax with the feeling that your now in debt with the rest of us.;) Congrats again on the whole house thing. And workouts will return when your done lifting and toting.

Sweetpea - The interview sounds like it went well and I hope it all works out for you. Like I said if I lived closer I'd been into that store all the time picking your brain. How did you like the workout you picked up at the library?

So gang - any interesting plans for the long weekend (US & Canada residents) Paula I don't think you have a holiday this weekend do you?

As for me I did Core Foundations last night and then Cardio Sculpt Blaster. I am so frustrated with that dang HRM :mad: . To keep it from beeping I had to do the beginner form of the CSB. Argh - I know I can do better than that - I mean I have, but before HRM. Oh well today is Firm Basics Sculpting with Weights and then the treadmill.

[Gilgamesh37]

Hi everybody! Linda, good to see you back and I don't think I ever said congratulations on the new granddaughter! And Paula--YEA HOUSE KEYS! Moving will be chaotic for a bit but just think, you get to settle into YOUR place. I love that part of it, finding new spots for everything in the house, it's just the best.

Workout last night was mowing the freakin' lawn--it SHOOTS out of the ground here until about July when it gets hot enough to slow it down. 60+ minutes in zone, 546 calories. Unfortunately, I also did myself a bit of damage. I have really callous-y feet (because I go barefoot a lot and also a leftover tendency from many years as a dancer). For the first time in years, I cracked one wide open, right through my left heel. Not Fun. So I think high impact is out for a while. :rolleyes:

I'll be off the computer for the weekend--for one thing, another board that I've been deeply involved in for a long while is going down in flames and it's just too sad, I need to step back for a bit. But also, since DBF is off, we have about a zillion chores to do that require two people--like evicting the woodchuck who's been burrowing underneath our deck. Have a great one everybody!

[Gilgamesh37]

bump!

[sweetpea]

well, cinderella is home for the night after 9 long hours of re-cleaning that DARN house/castle and all it's many floors...i am tired, but happy. Feels good to get a good workout in and DH and i have a date planned for tonight!! I didn't try the video out since i am too pooped and figured all the stair climbing, squatting, mopping today was a good workout!

Welcome back Linda!! so glad you are okay and sorry about your house/bad tenants--you are a better person than I--i am too type A personality/clean freak to be able to let someone else live in my home...and yea! that you are coming home for good in August. I think we will all breath a sigh of relief :)

Engineer--before i forget--i was telling DH about your troubles with your HRM and he said not to get too excited about it if it doesn't seem to be right--mainly he said that your actual heart rate and the one on the HRM are usually 5-10 seconds apart (what it reports and where you are) and as long as you don't feel like you are OVERexerting then you should be fine. He isn't the biggest fan of HRM's though--he uses one when he races/rides his road bike but he just uses it as a GUIDE not necessarily the RULE....does that all make sense? i would just hate for it to not be accurately telling you your heart rate, then you reduce your workout rate too low then you start seeing negative side effects ...like WEIGHT GAIN! yikes! :) i guess my point is..don't stress with that darn thing! you know what you can handle...

charisse--hope sam is feeling better (samuel is one of our boy names we have picked out! :)) and yumm-o for cinnamon rolls...if i wasn't so pooped i go make some up for tomorrow a.m.! and i am too jealous of your reach in freezer--mine is the small chest and i HATE that i lose/forget what i have in there b/c it's buried!

gil--i actually GRABBED my foot when i read how you split yours open...dang, that screws with the workout plans, doesn't it?

and yes, everything is much improved around here--DH is moving on and in much better spirits. i would love to get this job so I wouldn't have to worry about money--DH doesn't or at least he acts like he doesn't, but my checking acct is dwindling so some big money would be FUN! :)
Everyone have a great great weekend--my sister's baby is turning ONE on sunday so we are celebrating with all our extended family, etc. so it will be great to have everyone in town! i promise to get my workouts in though! :)