Early Monday chat

Happy Birthday, Jan!  I think cupcakes sound like a much better gift than a blender! 

Cupcake eating aside, what's your secret to your successful workout after only a month?  I've been going to the gym 3-4 times a week (cardio and strength training) for over 4 months, and I've not seen results yet.  I'm not focusing on a specific weight loss (although 5 pounds would be really nice), but my hope was that pants would fit better (i.e., no need to use a button-hole extender on several pairs) and that I'd be less "jiggly."  I had an assessment done when I started and measured very poorly on strength, body fat %, and flexibility . . . . it's time for reassessment, and I'm sure I'll show minimal improvement.  Do you jog?  Lift weights?  Anything specific that really works for you?

Doug, I hope your MIL settles in nicely and that she's happy and comfortable with you until she's ready for her own apartment.  So many apartments are very well equipped for elderly folks now -- all the grab bars in the bathroom, walk-in shower stalls, etc.  In the meantime, it sounds like you've got things in place at your house (sans flat screen TV, of course!).

Folks -- I'm alive ... kinda barely.  Back to the dr. today (had to take a freaking *cab* because I'm still too unstable to drive which just SO SO SUX).  Dx is still massive lung infection but likely with a viral component that is causing the late continued high fevers everyevening.  He gave me another shot of abx (in addition to what I'm taking) and steroids.  Hoping this gets this to turn a corner by Wednesday or they may have to hospitalize me. 

Honestly, I'd covet good thots and prayers -- strange strange stuff. 

But my 3 dog care team have been pretty danged incredible.  We do NOT like Mom coughing.  We gots to cuddle her bedder!!

Callie, good vibes coming your way.

The sun was out this morning, so I was surprised at how cold it was.  Brrr. I think it dropped down to the mid 30s overnight.  Between the low temps and the rain, I'll be surprised if any of the trees are producing this year.

DS decided he wanted to go to Cattleman's for his birthday dinner.  I had never been there, but they're famous for their steaks and I'm not much into red meat.  Turned out to be a very pricey night out and I told him if that wasn't the fantasy meal of his dreams, I don't want to hear about it. At least they had a nice lemon herb chicken breast on the menu.

Joyce

 sounds pretty serious Callie. I hope you get feeling better soon.

 My goodness, heal up already, Callie! Healing vibes and Rupey nuzzles are on the way!

Thanks for the Birthday wishes. I had a good day, until the kids' bedtime. Then they decided to turn into terrors. Ugh. Sonja is a terrible-twoer for sure.

Tracy, when I first joined the Y, I talked to a trainer. We didn't do any weighing or measuring though. I just told her that I was looking to tone up all over, especially abs, butt, and thighs. My goal was actually to bulk up my muscle, not lose weight. I told her what time I had and she helped me set up a program. I lift weights on Mondays and Fridays, and jog/walk on Wednesdays. I've never been a runner/endurance kind of person, so I'm starting slowly. Also, I jog in VFF shoes so that's another reason I've been taking the jogging slowly. My M/F strength training routine takes just over an hour, including a 5 min warmup walk and stretching afterwards. I think it helps that I lifted weights in college... apparently muscles have a memory or something. If you're not seeing improvement, I'd definitely bring it up at you reassessment. They should be able to help you modify your routine. Good luck!

Day 6 of record-breaking high temps here! It sure does give everyone spring fever. I know better though… we're sure to get more freezing temps and snow before spring really hits around here.