Friday Fiver: February favorites

 The "Dear Evan Hansen" soundtrack

I enjoyed the songs before, but after seeing the show last weekend, they have a lot more context and meaning. I can't listen to this in the office because the show was super emotional and I don't need to be a crying mess at my desk.

 

Belvita biscuits

These have become my go-to desk snack. The blueberry variety is preferred.

 

 

WordScapes

My mother-in-law introduced me to this crossword-like game last weekend. I made the mistake of downloading it.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the game. But the mistake is in how addictive it is. I tell myself "one more level" about six times before actually adhering to it.

 

 

Promise of a new Sara Bareilles album

I need it yesterday. But I'll have to wait. Pre-order launches today. I'm hoping this also means a tour because she's at the top of my list of "artists I haven't yet seen live but want to."

Trader Joe's 'Secco

We chose this for our wedding, but I didn't get to have any that night (I stuck to beer, plus it was gone in an instant). I had some last week and was reminded how much I love it. 

Plus it's only $7, so that's a total win.

 

 

This & That 2/14

I said it last week, and I'll say it again. I am sick of winter weather. Mother Nature has dropped so much on us these past four weeks (snow, frigid cold, ice, and more snow). If she had spread it out a little more over the whole winter instead of one month, I might not be so irritated. Or maybe I still would be. It's hard to tell. Either way, I'm thinking the groundhog lied.

 

Today is Valentine's Day, but that doesn't mean much for me.  It's just never been my thing. Instead, my husband and I celebrate a shared love of baseball and Pitchers & Catchers Report Day. Both of our teams had this milestone yesterday, so we've already exchanged gifts. He got me yellow and red (Cyclone colors!) roses, Reese's PB cups, and a new Rangers decal for my car (the winter took a toll on the other one). I gave him an eight-pack of BodyArmor (he loves the stuff and we usually only buy it when it's on sale), some Girl Scout cookies, and White Sox headrests for his car. Tonight, we'll probably throw on The MLB Network while we have dinner. 

 

I feel like all I do most days is work, workout, work some more, and then sleep. I try to also cram in some time with Sean, keeping in touch with friends, reading, and the occasional blog post. It's hard. I keep reminding myself that I only need to do this two-job thing for another year or so. It makes the 60-hour work weeks a little easier to tolerate. That said, when I do see the rare empty day on the calendar, I try to keep it blocked off. This Sunday is one of those days. So I plan to get everything done that I need to (laundry, food prep, etc.) on Saturday so I can spend Sunday watching movies, reading, and playing video games. Does anyone else have to actually plan lazy time?

 

The other day, my hands were itchy and I said to someone, "this is supposed to mean I'm about to come into some money." They looked at me like I was strange. Has anyone else heard that old saying? There are other weird ones too -- if your ears are ringing, someone is talking about you; if your nose itches, someone is thinking about you; etc. What's a weird one you've heard? Also, I do hope the itchy hands do mean money is coming my way. I need it!!

 

 

 

What's on your mind this week?

 

 

 

Show Us Your Books: January 2019

I fell into a bit of an author hole during the first month of the year. I read three books from the same author. It was not a bad thing. I am loving the writing of Sarah Addison Allen. I had to keep myself from checking out her other books from the library this month (but I'm sure I'll be going back for them soon). The author was recommended to me last year or so by Katie. I read one book back then and liked it, but for whatever reason, I didn't get around to picking up more until this year.

I was quickly drawn into this story about the Waverley family. They have a magical apple tree in their yard and Claire uses edible flowers to evoke certain emotions or reactions from whomever eats the baked goods. When her sister returns with a daughter in tow, Claire's routine is rattled, but the sisters reconnect. I loved the characters, the setting, and the touch of magic.

Josey lives beneath her mother's thumb -- eating sweets and reading romance novels kept hidden in her closet. It's easy to see it's not the life she wants, but she does it anyway ... until a mysterious woman takes up residence in said closet and challenges Josey to figure out who she is and live a little more. Much like in Garden Spells, there is still an air of magic and a lot of mystery. 

I think this is my favorite of Sarah's books so far. I sped through the story quickly, simultaneously wanting to see what happened and not wanting it to end. Emily Benedict arrives in the town where her mother grew up, hoping to learn more about her mother's mysterious past. She meets a grandfather she hadn't known existed along with a whole cast of people who give her different looks at her mother's life. Among those is Julia, who is searching for someone as well and hoping her delicious cakes will bring that person to her. I loved all of the characters and the town so much. I wish there was a sequel to this one.


I also finished two non-SAA books during January.

These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901

by Nancy E. Turner

Kristin read this one recently and mentioned it on her blog. I was intrigued, so I got on the wait list at the library. I had to wait a few months to get the book, which I took as a good sign. The story is told in diary form, so it took me a little while to get used to that. But once I adjusted and got attached to the characters, I flew through the book. I was anxious to find out what happened next as Sarah and her family settled in on the wild frontier. They battled diseases, Native American tribes, and lots of other dangers. I kept forgetting how young Sarah was until she would remind me in her diary entries. With all she went through, she always seemed much older. It was an inspiring and thought-provoking story, and I'm very glad I picked it up.

The Four Tendencies

by Gretchen Rubin

I had read "The Happiness Project" but hadn't really kept up with Rubin since then. This book came up in some of my networking sessions at work and also with a friend. I wanted to find out what my tendency was and how it affected my goal-setting and life in general. I am an Obliger, which didn't really surprise me.

Currently reading: The Good Father by Noah Hawley

I've hit a pretty good stride with reading so far this year. I'm hoping I can keep it up.

Music Monday: Welshly Arms - "Learn to Let Go"

This band has been on my radar (and my blog) for a while.

Their past singles have been gritty power anthems (especially "Legendary"). This one, however, is more introspective and thought-provoking. It's about letting go of critical thoughts and self-doubt. Fear not, it still has the fantastic vocals and driving beat of the other songs, but it shows another dimension of their musical talents.

I still haven't seen them live but I'm hoping to change that soon.

Sunday Sweats: Comparing myself to the wrong people

The Friday before last, we did a workout in class that was really tough. The mini-Murph.

 

 

I got through the list twice in 28 minutes (though I did remove one of the running segments, so I only did a mile and a half). I was really proud of myself. I felt strong and accomplished.

Until I talked to other Xtremers and discovered they'd gotten through it three times.

What? How?

My mind immediately went onto a track of comparing myself to those people.

"No matter how much weight I lose, clearly I'm still the fat girl."

 

"I work out more than they do, but I'm still slower. Why do I keep trying?"

 

"They had to have cheated. There's no way."

Those were the thoughts that circled, round and round, over and over.

This mental beatdown continued for longer than I want to admit. I began to berate myself for not being better and wondering if I should even continue with the workouts. I mean, what was the point if I was always going to be the slowest?

At some point, I was able to stop these thoughts. I don't really know how. I guess I just slept on it and found a way to remind myself that my fitness journey is different than that of those around me. I formed answers or rebuttals to some of the negative thoughts I had.

Thought three: "They had to have cheated. There's no way."

Rebuttal: If they cheated, then they're the only ones who suffer. They missed out on a complete workout and a chance to challenge themselves. None of my business. Their workout is theirs just as mine is mine.

Thought two: "I work out more than they do, but I'm still slower. Why do I keep trying?"

Answer: I keep trying because I want to get stronger and faster. I want to take good care of my body. Also, working out does wonders for my mental and emotional health. So ... I keep trying for me. I work out for me. Not to be the fastest or strongest in the class. I probably never will be. But that's OK.

Thought one: "No matter how much weight I lose, clearly I'm still the fat girl."

Rebuttal: Neither the number on the scale nor the size of my waist indicate my fitness. I am stronger than I used to be. The only way to measure that is to recognize what I can do now that I couldn't before. I do more burpees than I ever though was possible. Push-ups used to be my nemesis, but now I can do a good number (even some on my toes!). A year ago, I was using fives for most of my arm workouts. Now I'm using eights and tens. I am better than I used to be even if I'm not as good as others.

I know very well that comparison is a losing game. Always has been. Always will be. In various facets of life. Yet it's something I still struggle with. I have to keep reminding myself that I can only work on me. When I start worrying about what others are doing, I'm cheating myself. I need to celebrate the strides I am making and realize that others' achievements shouldn't take away from mine. The only person I should be comparing myself to is my past self.

+++++

Last week's workouts:
Sunday - Off
Monday - Xtreme Cardio (30 mins)
Tuesday - Xtreme Total Body Strength (30 mins)
Wednesday - Xtreme Cardio EMOM (30 mins)
Thursday - Xtreme 3-line stations (30 mins)
Friday - Xtreme Partner Cardio (30 mins)
Saturday - Off

Friday Fiver: Annoying office behaviors

1 :: Loud personal conversations.
Most people go into the hallway to answer their phones when their doctor calls. Some people use IM or email to chat with a co-worker about their weekend or latest in-law drama. But not everyone. Thank goodness for earbuds and music, but they don't help much when I am on the phone for a business call. And they definitely don't help when I'm in a bathroom stall. That's right. Yep, it happens. And bathroom phone conversations are the worst. They make me want to repeatedly flush the toilet and make a bunch of obnoxious noises, but something tells me the guilty party doesn't care much.

2 :: Leaving a mess.
We have coffee stations in our office. Every time I walk over for water (which is usually three or more times a day), the counter is a mess of water, coffee, sugar, and hot chocolate mix. I end up wiping it down because it drives me crazy. But I don't feel like I should have to clean up after adults. For a while, we had someone leaving a mug they had used for oatmeal in the sink. The cleaning lady would clean it at night and the person would reuse it and repeat the cycle. I don't think washing dishes should be the cleaning lady's responsibility.

3 :: Clipping fingernails.
Really, I'm just highly sensitive to extraneous sounds. However, the sound of a clipper going through nails just gives me the creeps. I can barely stand it when I'm doing my own nails. I don't want to hear it from across the cubicle wall. Also ... why don't you do that at home? I mean, I can understand if you need to get rid of a hangnail or uneven chip, but do you have to then clip the entire hand? If your answer is yes, please go to the restroom.

4 :: Eating smelly or noisy food.
I think we all know the foods that should not be reheated, right? Fish and brussels sprouts come immediately to mind. I'm sure there are others. Just be mindful of what you're putting in the microwave and how it might affect the people around you. The same goes for crunchy carrots or chips. If you're not sure you can eat it quietly, don't bring it to the office.

5 :: Reply all.
Seriously. It is 2019. We've been using email for more than two decades. Why are people still abusing the "reply all" feature and filling my inbox with emails I do not need???

This & That 2/7

:: Winter weather is just ridiculous lately. Two weeks ago, we got a bunch of snow dumped on us. Last week, we had the polar vortex. This week, it's sleet and ice. I get it, Mother Nature, you are powerful. But I'm over your little tantrums.

:: All this icky weather has me looking forward to spring and warmer temperatures. Specifically, I'm counting down the weeks until Sean and I go to Arizona for our honeymoon. And spring training baseball. Anyone have some Phoenix-area recommendations of places we must see, eat, or drink?

:: "A Million Little Things" was granted a second season the other day. I was so excited to see that news. Too often, it seems I get into a show only to have it cancelled or simply not renewed. I don't watch a ton of TV lately, but "A Million Little Things" is my main must-see show each week.

:: One of my favorite musicians (and someone I also consider a friend) had a good announcement this week. He'll be opening for Chicago throughout the Midwest in May. If you get a chance, go. It'll be a great show.

What's on your mind this week?

Music Monday: Ben Platt - "Bad Habit"

I know it's only Monday, but I'm already looking ahead to the weekend. That's not completely unusual. I think a lot of people do that.  The main reason I'm looking forward to Saturday is that I'll be seeing "Dear Evan Hansen," a show I've had my sights set on since I first knew it existed. I'm a big fan of Ben Platt (I loved his character in "Pitch Perfect"), and I was so excited when I heard he was part of this new musical.

He's not stopping there with his diversification. He's also releasing an album on March 29.

Amazon has it for pre-order

His first single was dropped late last week. Check it out.

I think the first comment I saw on the video nailed the analysis of this song -- "I get vibes of: Make You Feel My Love by Adele meets Drops Of Jupiter by Train with a hint of Sara Bareilles and Sam Smith."

I am very anxious to hear the rest of the work.

Sunday Sweats: January recap

Number of days I worked out:  21 (including three days of double workouts)I didn't take too many days off during January. Honestly, I enjoy the routine of working out and feel a little off if I don't keep it up five days a week.

Miles Ran:  4
It wasn't a great month for running. I have a hard time wanting to run when my only options are indoors. I'm definitely a fair weather runner.  But I want to be ready for spring before it arrives, so I probably need to step up my game here.

Personal victory: Burpees!
After my bouts of positional vertigo, I went months without doing burpees for fear of another episode. But I've been easing back into it over the past few months and during our Xtreme fitness test, I did 13 in one minute. I'm calling that a win.

+++++

February goals:

- Spend five minutes a day stretching.
This is something I'm not good about doing, but I know my body needs it.

- Incorporate a new vegetable into our rotation.
We've been stuck on broccoli, green beans, cauliflower, and corn. We need to branch out.

+++++

Last week's workouts:
Sunday - Off
Monday - Xtreme Cardio (30 mins)
Tuesday - Independent Fit Fusion (30 mins) + Xtreme Total Body Strength (30 mins)
Wednesday - Xtreme Cardio EMOM (30 mins)
Thursday - Xtreme 3-line stations
Friday - Xtreme Partner Cardio (Mini-Murph)
Saturday - Off

Friday Fiver: Awesome things about February

1 :: Baseball starts!! I have Feb. 12 circled on my calendar. That's when Rangers pitchers and catchers report to spring training.

2 :: Awards season is underway. Get ready for the Grammys, Oscars, Golden Globes, etc. Everything except my favorite (The Tonys, which are in the summer). I don't get too invested in the awards, but I like to see what some of the celebs wear.

3 :: Valentines Day and Galentines Day. No matter which one you celebrate, they're both about love and appreciation for someone special in your life. And if you don't celebrate either, there's still half-price chocolate on the 15th.

4 :: College hoops enters the crucial part of the season. Teams finish out their conference play and get ready for the big tournament.

5 :: It's a short month, which means even if it sucks, it's over quickly.

What do you like about February?

This & That 1/31

:: In case you didn't hear, we are in the midst of a polar vortex. Actually, we're on the tail-end of it today. When I left the house on Wednesday, it was -20 degrees. With the windchill, it was -47. Ridiculous. Today, our high is 8. Heat wave. And this weekend, we're looking at the 50s. Break out the shorts.

:: Last night, Sean and I made chicken and cauliflower rice soup. It had carrots and celery in it as well. It was good, but it was lacking ... something. Maybe some seasoning? Not sure. We'll keep experimenting.

Link to recipe we used.

:: Dave Matthews Band is my husband's favorite musical act. It looks like I'm going to a show with him in a few months, so I decided to listen to that artist station on Spotify earlier this week.  I don't love the music as much as my husband does, but I think I'll enjoy the show. What's something you got into because of your significant other?

:: Yesterday was the 16th anniversary of when I brought Cleo home. I went to that shelter looking for a black and white cat (probably part of why I got Casey six months later), but Cleo reached through her cage and grabbed my arm as I was walking by. She chose me. And I remind her of that every time she gives me that look that indicates she’s displeased with me. I love her so much and hope I have a few more years with her.

What's on your mind this week? 

Music Monday: Maren Morris - "Girl"

I love Maren Morris' debut album. And I wasn't alone. The woman sold lots of them.

So I was excited when she dropped a new song a few weeks ago. It's being touted as Maren's pep talk for herself, and I can definitely hear that.

Ahhh. So good. It has such a good, relatable message. Everyone has days when they feel down and not too fond of themselves, but with a little work, we can work through those days and feelings.

I can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

Sunday Sweats: Keeping it short and simple

I don't have a lot to say this week. It was a rough one. Between bad weather and some mental/emotional struggles, I just didn't feel great or full of energy at any point. But I powered through my workouts regardless.

Some weeks are going to be like this. Weather happens. Life happens. Bad moods happen. The important thing is that I didn't give up. And I think the workouts actually helped in a lot of ways.

\\\///

Last week's workouts
Sunday: Off
Monday: There were no classes, so I ran 2.2 miles (It felt amazing to run! If I'd had more time, I could have done three miles easy.)
Tuesday: Dance fitness (30 minutes with a work friend) + Xtreme Total Body Strength
Wednesday: Xtreme Cardio EMOM
Thursday: Xtreme 3-Line Stations
Friday: Xtreme Partner Cardio
Saturday: Off

Victory of the week:  
On Tuesday, I met up with a work friend who used to go to the same dance fitness (FitFusion) classes that I loved. We both gave up our membership to that gym but desperately missed that class. So our former instructor gave us a 30-minute playlist to work from and we got together to see what we remembered. We succeeded at probably 90 percent of it. Not too bad!!