Cross Fit ~ Week 7 ~ Day 4

Getting close to the weekend! Yeah! Today's workout was a 5K run up at Edgewood/Canada Rds. Oh how I so wanted to just hit the snooze button and roll over, back to sleep- but I got up in large part because my friend Yvonne was going to meet us and before I left the house I checked email and had one from Yvonne that she wasn't going to make it...but I still went.

There were 4 of us plus trainer Jeff. I did not do the whole run and what I did do was partly run/walk. I have never been a runner and I'm not sure I ever will become one- I really do prefer to walk briskly! Jackie and I move at similar paces, so didn't take long for she and I to be "pulling up the rear" ~ maybe that's why I don't like running..I have always liked to be "in front" or "first"- all my life. In fact, in first grade the teacher told my mother, "Pamela must learn that she can't always be first." Guess I never learned that lesson! I still like being first and in the front! Anyway, we did our pace and Jackie wasn't feeling well, so we slowed down to a decent walk for awhile and then she encouraged me to go on and she was going to head back to the car. So I did for awhile and then started to feel bad that she was going back alone and here I was running alone which didn't make me feel very comfy either. So I turned back to meet up with her.

In talking on our way back, I think I realized part of my problem is that I really need to know distance, etc. This trail did not have mile markers or anything like that (at least not that I noticed)..vs. Sawyer Camp Trail that does have the mile markers all the way through- I think for me knowing, "ok just passed one mile", "ok just passed two miles" - it's a psychological thing for me. Yes, I could invest in a Garmin or similar- but like I said, I can't imagine being a runner on a regular basis, so it's not worth it to me to invest in something like that. When I was running solo after leaving Jackie, if I had known - ok it's 1/2 a mile to reach the turn around point, etc. I might have pushed forward to do that as the return run was easy- mostly downhill...

...oh well, I'm still proud- I did go, I tried and I did what I could. But boy did my lungs really tighten up when we started - don't know if it was the terrain with the weeds, etc. playing havoc with my allergies or what, but I had the allergy cough all the way home. I do plan to work on my running while on the cruise....that I think I can handle!! Tomorrow is friday and one of the team is celebrating a birthday this weekend, so the WOD is a special birthday workout- from what I understand- the # of repititions = her age and she's going to be 49!! I'm scared, but since we are not dancing tomorrow night- I plan to be there!

Cross Fit ~ Week 7 ~ Day 3

Today was a different workout- it was really more a full blown out warm up and then what they call an "Olympic Lifting" move. I'll break it down:

For the warm- up we did our stretching, foam rollers, shoulder discs and 400m run, then continued with 3 circuits of the following:

15 sit ups
15 push ups
15 back extensions
15 dips
3 pull ups

After we all went through the 3 circuits we then were introduced to the front squat- which is basically a squat with the barbell held in front, resting on your clavicle and finger tips. This is a very hard move on the wrists! The idea was to do 1 squat, rest, add more weight, do another and continue this process 7 times and stop adding weight when you reach your maximum. The goal of the exercise was to work on form and perfect the squat with keeping yourself upright, all the weight in the heels and avoid leaning forward. I was able to get up to 45 pounds on the squat, but had to reduce down to 35 pounds because of the stress on my wrists. They say that will get better once more flexibility is developed in my wrists, but I'm a bit skeptical about that ~ I've always had issues with my wrists.

We were not times on any of this today because it was strictly a warm up and then working on the form for the front squat. We then finished up with some ab work on the stability ball.

Cross Fit- Week 7 - Day 2

I have missed so many Cross Fit workouts since I started 7 weeks ago, that I'm not even sure which week for me this really is- I'm guessing I'm on my 4th week technically speaking--but today I was BACK!! I did have full intentions of getting back yesterday to do the "Murph" workout--but was at the Emergency Room Sunday night with my brother until 3 A.M. Fortunately, he is ok and I'm happy that I was there to help him out in his time of need. He wouldn't ask for help unless he was really in pain--so I know he needed to get to the hospital.

Today it felt so good to be up at 5am (yes I know that sounds crazy)- but I had a great sleep last night, woke up before the alarm, enjoyed a little cuddle time with the furry child and then got to Optimal Fitness on time even!

Started out with the normal stretching, using the foam roller, then 400 m run followed by sit ups, lunges, shoulder discs and some squats.

Today's WOD was similar to one we did two weeks ago, with a change up of one exercise.

3 circuits:
Rowing: 1000m/750m/500m
or Run: 1200m/800m/400m (we only have 3 row machines)

Wall Balls: 21/15/9
D-Ball Slams: 21/15/19
Kettle Ball Swings: 21/15/9

My time today on this was: 21:49...I finished 2nd in the time amongst my peers. I was fortunate to always get a row machine- so my workout was all rowing.

We finished the workout today with ab work- forget what the first thing was called- but we
hung from the pull up bar and used abs to bring your knees to elbows (ah that's what it's called "knees to elbows") - that was tough, we only did 5 of them..
Then Scissor Kicks, Flutter Kicks and Planks.

Really had a great workout!! My legs will feel it I'm sure- all of the exercises involved squats-
wall ball, you squat and as you come up throw the ball to the wall and catch it. D-Ball Slams, you have the medicine ball over head, as you come down in the squat you slam the ball down, Kettle Ball Swings- again squatting with the kettle ball in hand.

I have 2 spin classes to teach today- this should be fun!! Happy Tuesday and I hope to get to Cross Fit the rest of the week! I hear we have a birthday WOD on friday for one of the team. Rumor has it the # of reps is equal to the birthday person's age! Let's just say that most of us in the group are probably in the 30's and 40's!

Spaz is the King of Cozy- I think he "lives" to find more cozy spots to call his own- his new spot this week is the pile of laundry going to the dry cleaners this week. I started the process of getting ready for our Alaska Cruise in less than two weeks and priority one was making sure Bill's tuxedo was sent to the cleaners...so every morning I find Spaz curled up in the pile of clothing!

The King is doing much better than a few weeks (almost month ago)- he is eating about 1.5 cans of wet food a day and he is also eating some of his kibble food - which he had not been touching for several weeks. He actually "yells" at you if you don't feed him right away- it's almost like he saw "the other side" and thought to himself, "I'm not ready to leave this world yet" - he now has the fighter attitude! Love it! He DEMANDS that I refill the bathroom sink with water and he visits that throughout the day- in fact this morning I forgot to refill it after I was done brushing my teeth/washing my face...so when I came back upstairs he gave me a piece of his mind! I weighed him this evening and he was just shy of 6 pounds- now after his throw up/diarrhea weekend 2 weeks ago, I had weighed him and he was 5.2...so he has gained weight and I'm now thinking that he must have had a different bug that weekend- maybe a kitty flu or something like that. The Diarrhea is not a common effect of the CRF disease...so who knows. I'm just glad he's feeling better now!!

Friday- Friday- Friday!! Yeah!

This has been a "trying week", between client drama on Monday and then restless sleeping for most of the week ~ until I discovered I was using hubby's pillow and not mine...I am really happy that Friday is here.

Disappointed that I did not get to Cross Fit a single day this week- but when you toss and turn every night, it's hard to be up doing a tough workout at 530am! I have taught spin 3 times this week and managed to get to Zumba once- but have to say I have not hit my target calorie burn but maybe 1 day this week! I just have to remember tomorrow is another day and this weekend is a very low-key weekend for us and I am in desperate need of it!

Got to talking to a gal at the gym yesterday and the subject of Facebook came up and she was talking about how she was apprehensive to get on Facebook, etc. I mentioned that I actually love Facebook- and for a variety of reasons. It has been a great source for marketing for my business PAMS PATH TO TRAVEL. I have reconnected with people I've known through school or work environments who either never knew that I was in travel or didn't know how to find me. So it has been a great success for new business. I also explained for someone like myself, who is very social ~ working from home, it gives me a social outlet during the day. It also gives me a support system when things are not going well and/or kudos when I have good news to share. I just really had not thought much about Facebook and the benefits that I get from it, other than the new business until now--but I really do count on facebook to keep me connected to people and "goings on" . I've also noticed that facebook has had an infectious effect on people and things that they do with their lives. I often times will post updates about my fitness endeavors and I can count on 1-2 hands now the number of people who have tried "Zumba" just because they have inquired after my posts about the class and I've encouraged them to give it a try. They all come back saying they are hooked! Facebook is really just an awesome venue to get people involved in different things in life! I was talking to my husband about Facebook and we are both connected to several "friends" who we see every weekend dancing at the Saddle Rack- they aren't our real "friends"- but mainly because there is never time to get to know these people- we see them once a week at a place where we dance all night- not talk and get to know other people...but because of Facebook, we feel that we are getting to know people better and that is making for more solid friendships in person! It's very cool!

Just felt like writing about it and getting my thoughts out there. Have a great weekend everyone ~ I know I plan to!

What a week....and it's only Wednesday....

Well fortunately Wednesday is almost to an end...will be as soon as this blog is posted as then I am on my way to bed!!

Feeling like crap this week. Had such a messed up Monday, so stressed with the client issue that it really set the tone for the whole week. I've been getting things done, but it's almost as though the air has been let out of my balloon! I feel so bummed that I have not been able to get up for Cross Fit one day this week-- each night I go to bed tired...but then toss and turn every night. I am hoping that tonight will be different.

My thought is this- the last of this group arrived at their destination today- so "no news is good news"- if there would be anything to complain about I would have heard about it now (hoping)- so maybe with that thought process, I can relax and sleep thinking that I'm not going to get a desperate phone call or text message tearing me to shreds!!

I am going to make Thursday the best day this week...going to get up for Cross Fit...going to get to Zumba at 1230pm and go to the gym with hubby at night!! Going to finalize several client's trips and feel good about everything!! Positive attitude is EVERYTHING!!

Oh and Spaz is really doing good - he's eating like a starving animal!! Yeah!! He actually gained 1/2 a pound...so I'm happy about that!!!!

LIFE...what a fun ride!!

Mr. Spaz Kitty...update...

I have to say that Spazo is doing much better. Last week he started to nibble on his food wednesday night (this was after not eating anything since the previous Friday). He nibbled more on thursday and started cleaning his plate by Thursday night. Friday he ate and ate anything we gave him.

He has continued to eat and clean his plate, even eating some of his hard kibble food that he has ignored for 3+ weeks! Now we're convinced he has a tape worm- LOL! He is being much more social with us, spending time relaxing on the couch in the evenings and last night slept on our bed for a few hours.

He is very demanding for more food- meows insistantly until you get him more! Bathroom habits are back to normal also. I won't question any of it, I'm just happy he's back to "normal" for now...

I know that with his CRF disease it is going to be a roller coaster ride with many good weeks and many bad weeks- but I do prefer the good weeks!!!

Cross Fit ~ Week 6 ~ Day 1

Well, that was how the week was supposed to start out....but between some work emergencies that kept me working on Sunday evening for a few hours- I needed an early start today to get things sorted out. Well that took ALL flippin' day~well until 3pm! I didn't sleep well last night, Spaz woke us up around 3am as he was investigating Bill's duffle bag that he had not unpacked from our weekend in Modesto...then Spaz decided to get cozy with us..I never did get back to sleep!

Work was awful today! I have one client who has a knack for making you feel like you do a crap job and that everything you do gets screwed up and then when you calmly, firmly and professionally reply back, he's your best friend. I call it Bi-Polar behavior, but it is very frustrating when people want to blame you for their own misconceptions. Today's issue- client not happy that their 2 bedroom suite had 1 King bed and 2 Double beds for 6 people...they were told that would be the likely bedding, but they actually considered the Double beds to be twin beds- so I'm sure in their dictionary of beds "double" doesn't exist - it's either twin or King! So I worked all day trying to make something "right" that was never really "wrong" to begin with. They got exactly what they were supposed to get ~ but it's my fault that they don't like double beds. I even explained that the hotel really doesn't recommend that 6 people stay in the 2 bedroom suite. Go figure. People only hear what they want to hear and I have to remind myself to not take these types of incidents so personally - because I am damn good at what I do and I go the extra mile for my clients.

So needless to day, Cross Fit never happened today- I knew that it wasn't going to happen at 530am, but really had hoped to get out to the gym this evening and do the workout then...but I was still deep in work and just couldn't get away...

Today would have been Murph week #3--I'm going to see if I can get that workout in another day this week, just to see my time and if I can get a better time than last week.

Cross Fit- Week 5 - Day 5

Well as is the case, I did not go to Cross Fit today- I never commit to fridays, unless I know that we're not going out dancing friday night. It's awfully hard to be up at 5am, so that workout, then teach my spin class and then go dancing for hours on end!! Besides, yesterday kicked my butt between Cross Fit, spin sub, Zumba and spin sub again! I burned over 3000 calories yesterday! Yeah me!

From what I understood from yesterday, today's cross fit WOD was going to be "Fran"-

21 reps 95 pound thrusters
21 reps pullups
15 reps 95 pound thrusters
15 reps pullups
9 reps 95 pound thrusters
9 reps pullups.

I had an interview this morning for a new spin instructor position- it's actually for a location that I was teaching before the management of the facility changed- but the new management heard good things about me from the previous management company and the members- so I think I'll be teaching two more days per week! What's even nicer is that it'll be a 715am class, which means I can still do my Cross Fit workout, then go teach my class and be done early in the day with sweat!

Looking forward to the weekend...fairly low-key plans, dancing, sunbathing, partying...relaxing!
Cheers Everyone!

Cross Fit ~ Week 5 ~ Day 4

Yeah, weekend is almost here! Today's workout was pretty decent, not too hard overall. After our stretching and warm up drills we went for the 400 meter run and then back for the workout.

Today's WOD consisted of 3 circuits:

Rowing Machine 1000m/700m/500m
D-Ball Slams 21/15/9
Kettle Ball Swings 21/15/9
Sit ups 21/15/9

Because there are only 3 rowing machines- we had the option to go for a 400m run instead of the row if there wasn't an open machine when we needed it. So for my 700m row, I did to the 400m run instead.

Followed up with stretching. Many of our group had to leave early today, so we didn't do group stretching or abs at the end. Very low key.

My time on this workout: 19:35

Now- the awful part of this morning- while I was at Cross Fit from 530am-630am, I was supposed to be subbing spin at PSC from 6-7am. I completely forgot. Because yesterday was my anniversary- I wasn't "glued" to my Outlook Calendar like normal and really didn't look at my cell phone once we got home last night- which if I had looked I would have seen this morning's commitment!

When I came out of Optimal Fitness I had a message waiting for me and actually did rush over there to teach the last 20 minutes. Fortunately, one of the students had her ipod, hooked it up and they were happily spinning on their own. I felt so bad, but they were very forgiving! :(

Sure hope the rest of the day doesn't follow suit. I'm in a good mood and want to have a good day! I plan to go to Zumba at 1230pm because I am having major withdrawals!! Then I am subbing spin at 530pm tonight ~ not sure why that one is in my mental calendar, but the other wasn't.

3 Amazing Years of Marriage.........

Today was our anniversary...and we always spend the day together. We don't let "life" get in the way on this special day. We slept in until 8am or so- I actually did wake up at 5am without an alarm, but quickly rolled over back to sleep. We headed to Burlingame for my bi-weekly manicure/pedicure appointment....Bill had a pedicure. Then to the Shane Company to have jewelry inspected and cleaned...good thing- my center stone on my wedding ring was loose! So they needed to keep the ring for over an hour- we decided to go get lunch.

Lunch was at Mimi's, yum!! The most heart-clogging grilled cheese sandwich and fries! Then back to get my ring! From there we leisurely headed to the movies - had time to kill, so I showed Bill my "Pac Man" skills in the arcade. Gosh I loved that game! Then we watched "The Hangover"- it was pretty good, funny movie. Then massages...in the couples suite...afterwards take out from Lucia's and home in time to settle on the couch with a glass of wine, dinner and watching "So You Think You Can Dance". All in all, a perfect day!

I really can't believe it's been 3 years since we were married!! I feel as though I've been married to Bill ALL my life...in a very good way! It's as though my life "pre-Bill" did not exist, yet I know that I needed that pre-life to be the person that I am today who is such a great fit to Bill. He is truly an amazing man and I am blessed to be able to call him hubby, best friend, love of my life!

Cruises that I've Taken

At one point, I decided that I better document all of the cruises that I've taken so that I know how many I've taken.  It's a fun list to refer back to and to reflect on the memories!!   #livelovecruise  #livelovetravel

1. May 1990 - 1st cruise: Holland America Line "old" Rotterdam, 3 day coastal SF-YVR
2. December 1993: Holland America Line "old" Westerdam, 7 day Eastern Caribbean
3. May 1995: Norwegian Cruise Line - Southward (I think) - 7 day Southern Caribbean
4. January 1997: Celebrity Cruise Line - Century - 7 day Western Caribbean
5. June 1997: Carnival - Holiday - 4 day Catalina/Ensenada
6. May 1998: Carnival Elation - cruise to nowhere out of SF
7. September 1998: Norwegian Cruise Line- Star - 7day "texaribbean"
8. April 2000: RCCL - Voyager of the Seas - 7 day Western Caribbean
9. 2000/2001: Carnival Fascination - 7 day Caribbean (western I think)
10. May 2001: RCCL- Radiance of the Seas - 4 Day Pacific Northwest
11. January 2002: RCCL - Viking Serenade - 3 day Ensenada
12. May 2005: Carnival Victory - 7 day Eastern Caribbean (Bill's first cruise ever)
13. April 2006: RCCL- Vision of the Seas- 7 day Mexican Riviera
14. September 2006: Princess- Dawn Princess - 2 day Coastal YVR-SF
15. June 2007: Princess- Dawn Princess- 10 day Alaska
16. April 2008: Celebrity Mercury - 7 day Pacific Northwest
17. July 2008: Disney Magic - 7 day Mexican Riviera
18. August 2008: Carnival Elation - 4 day Cabo
19. March 2009: Carnival Splendor - 2 day Cruise to Nowhere out of SF
20. July 2009: Celebrity Infinity - 7 day Alaska round-trip from Seattle 
21. February 2010- MSC Poesia - 7 day Eastern Caribbean Country Dance Cruise
22. September 2010- Mariner of the Seas - 7 day Mexican Riviera
23. September 2010- Zuiderdam (Holland America) - 3 day Pacific Coastal.
24. November 2010 - Allure of the Seas - 2 day cruise to nowhere out of Ft. Lauderdale.
25. February 2011 - Norwegian EPIC - 7 day cruise to Western Caribbean: Cozumel, Costa Maya & Roatan
    
26. June 2011 - Carnival Paradise- 3 day Baja Cruise to Ensenada "5th year anniversary Cruise"- BILL'S 15TH CRUISE IN 6 YEARS!!
27. May 2012 - RCCL  Oasis of the Seas - 7 days Eastern Caribbean (V.com conference)
28. May 2013 - Celebrity Solstice - 2 day cruise to nowhere
29. October 27 2013 - Royal Princess- 2 day TA cruise to nowhere 
30. October 29, 2013 - Royal Princess - 5 day Caribbean Inaugural Cruise
31. December 28, 2013 - Adventure of the Seas- 7 day Southern Caribbean New Years Eve Cruise
32. February 23, 2014- Norwegian Jewel- 7 day Western Caribbean from New Orleans (Mandi's Line Dance Cruise)
33. July 3, 2014 - Carnival Imagination - 3 day Baja Cruise to Ensenada "Bill's 50th birthday cruise" 
34. March 26, 2015 - Carnival Imagination - 3 day Baja Cruise to Ensenada "Janet's 50th birthday cruise"
35. April 24, 2015 - RCCL Quantum of the Seas- 8 day Bahamas- Vacation.com Conference at Sea
36. September 24, 2015 - RCCL Liberty of the Seas - 9 day Canada/New England- Line Dancers at Sea
37. April 4, 2016 - Norwegian Pearl - 10 day Partial Panama Canal Cruise from Florida (2016 Line Dancers at Sea)
38. November 8, 2016 - RCCL Harmony of the Seas- 2 day Inaugural
39. December 31, 2016 -  Celebrity Reflection - 7 day Western Caribbean from Miami
40. April 22, 2017 - Disney Fantasy- 7 Day Eastern Caribbean from Port Canaveral
    
    
41. June 27, 2017 - Grand Princess- 10 day Alaska from SF (2017 Line Dancers at Sea) 
42. September 23, 2017- Coral Princess- 4 day Coastal Vancouver to LA "Suzy & Charles Vow Renewal"
43. December 30, 2017-Harmony of the Seas- New Years Eastern Caribbean
44. January 12, 2018- Carnival Inspiration-Country Booze Cruise Line Dance-Ensenada
45. May 4, 2018- Celebrity Equinox- 10 day Southern Caribbean (5th Annual Line Dancers at Sea Cruise)
46. May 25, 2018- Norwegian BLISS- 2 day Agent Inaugural Cruise to Nowhere
47. August 12, 2018- RCCL Oasis of the Seas- 7 night Eastern Caribbean "Suzy's 50th Birthday Cruise"
48. December 1, 2018- Celebrity EDGE - 3 day Preview Cruise
49. December 4, 2018- Celebrity EDGE - 2 day Agent pre-inaugural Cruise
50. December 29, 2018-Norwegian BLISS- 7 night Caribbean- New Years Eve (Bill's 37th cruise)
51. April 3, 2019 - Disney Wonder - 5 night Mexico- "Mandi's 60th Birthday Cruise"
52. April 27, 2019- Royal Princess  - 7 night Mexico- "TNC Dance Cruise"
53. Oct 27, 2019- Celebrity Solstice - 12 night NZ trip- 6th annual Line Dancers at Sea Cruise (at the age of 53!! & Bill's 40th lifetime cruise!) 
54. December 28, 2019 -CARNIVAL PANORAMA - 7 night Mexico- New Years Eve Cruise! 
55. 
    

Dawn Princess in Alaska

Disney Fantasy

Carnival Elation

Harmony of the Seas

CELEBRITY REFLECTION                                                                         

Disney Magic

Norwegian Bliss

(Royal Princess in background)

Quantum of the Seas

                 

Liberty of the Seas

Cross Fit ~ Week 5 ~ Day 2

Ah, that sore feeling when you wake up the day after the "Murph"- I didn't expect to be that sore today, but I was. Sigh. But I got up, and out the door for another punishing workout. Jeff was back from Israel today - so that was a plus!

We did our stretching as always- basic warm-up drills and then off for the 400m warm up run...not bad- just hard to get the legs to wake up and perform...

Then the WOD:

Each Circuit included:
400 m run
Burpees
Dips
Lunges
1st round = 21 reps, 2nd round = 15 reps, 3rd round = 9 reps

Let me just say that Burpees are the work of the devil!!! I can't stand them and I especially hated them on the 1st round with 21 reps! Still hated them when I had 15 to do...and yes still hated them when I had 9 to do- but 9 felt so much like the home stretch!!

This was a timed workout and my time today was 21:20

I did each of the 400m runs and my leg wasn't bothering me- there is still a sore spot on my left upper shin, but I'm not entirely sure it's the start of shin splints...almost feels more like a bruise. Still have to get inserts for my running shoes- the store I went to yesterday was out of my size. Will try another store today!

Not sure if I will make it for tomorrow's WOD- celebrating 3 years of wonderful marriage with my husband Bill and we are both taking the day off of work...plan to get my manicure and pedicure, go out to lunch, take a walk or hike, evening massages and then pick up dinner from our favorite Italian place and enjoy a bottle of wine while watching "So You Think You Can Dance". No phones, no computers...just together time!

Cross Fit, Week 5, Day 1

Ok, so I'm back and hopefully for the full week. Hoping that life stuff doesn't get in the way of taking care of ME!

Today was week 2 of "Murph Month"...and each Monday is "Murph Monday"--so we did the Murph workout.

The warm up consisted of using the roller and then you had the choice to do the jumping jack variations that we did last week or the rowing machine for 500m - I chose to do the rowing machine. Followed by 10 dips, 10 kettle ball swings and 10 ball slam squats. After that we started the Murph workout with the intent of doing 1/2 of the repetitions

The Full "Murph" is:
1 mile run
100 pull ups
200 push ups
300 squats
1 mile run

I went out for the first run, but knew that I might not be able to do it. Last monday I felt something in my left leg along my shin and suspect that a shin splint might be brewing- it is still aggravated, so after running 1/4 mile, I went back inside and then rowed 3/4 miles on the machine. Did my 50 pull ups, 100 pushups and 150 squats. Kept it simple- did 5 rounds of 10/20/30, then finished off with 1600 meters on the rowing machine.

Then as a group we did some abdominal work, flutter kicks, scissior kicks, sit ups , leg raises and then stretching.

I know that we were timed on the 1/2 Murph- but forgot to ask what my time was...I think I completed it in 25 minutes (roughly)- just based on what I remember the time on the clock to be.

Felt good to be back in the groove...so I am really trying to stay focused this week..really the next 4 weeks because then I have vacation and I am hoping to get a list of the workouts while we are gone and get my workout in everyday!! Bill doesn't know it, but he's going to have to do them with me!

Overwhelming Life....

.....last week was a tough week. Work was stressful, the week started off pretty good the first two days- was able to get to my Cross Fit workouts, get lots of things done with work - but still had a few loose ends that were just determined to remain "loose". Wednesday the week started to go downhill (see previous blog) Then Thursday morning - Spaz had a throw up episode at 520 am as I was about to leave for my Cross Fit workout, but I ended up having to tend to him instead. A month ago, I probably would not have stopped what I was doing to tend to him-but now he's just so fragile.

Seemed that the puke on the carpet was just a sign of how the day was going to go. I figured I would make up the workout on my own, I never made it out of the house again. Had great intentions to get to Zumba at 1230pm (work was just way too crazy)--fortunately I was subbing spin at 530pm- so I did get out and move my ass! Friday, I had so many loose ends to finalize with work before leaving for Monterey- so I was up working until I had to go teach 915am spin.

Spaz had been improving from the previous week....he picked up his eating and was cleaning every bowl we put down, which was exciting and I was feeling better about him (for the time being). He had been constipated for several days- but thankfully a while after he threw up, he did go to the bathroom. Again, I was happy the constipation was gone.

Friday we had to go away for the night to Monterey to see two nephews graduate High School. Our faithful kitty caregiver, Lisa was going to check in on him. She fed him friday night and by morning he had not cleaned his bowl, she fed him again and he barely touched it- well later saturday afternoon he threw up again and then had a major 'bout of diarrhea- all over the house. That sounds worse than it really was, it was more like tiny drops of liquid poop around the house. Lisa cleaned up what she could (bless her heart) and then texted me about what had happened. We were already on our way home. She stayed with Spaz all day until about 730pm. We got home close to 930pm. He was very needy- had a very sad expression on his face and the most pathetic meow. Broke my heart. So I had another meltdown when I went to see Lisa and give her "gifts" for taking good care of the furry child.

Spaz has not eaten anything since this diarrhea episode...he has wanted water, which is good- he wants to hydrate himself. But I weighed him and according to my scale - looks like he is now weighing 5.8 (which is down .4 from last weekend's vet visit). I have emailed the vet to see what she thinks- I'm not sure that he is in pain (yet)...but it's now getting ugly. I don't want this to sound bad, but knowing that his time is limited- do we really want to constantly be spot cleaning the carpet (bless Bill for doing this, he's gotten to be a pro at it)?...do we want to be trying to clean dried poop out of his fur? do we want to continue to see him wither down to 5 pounds or less? I don't mean to make this sound about "me" or "us"- ultimately, if I knew Spaz was in pain, I would do the humane thing immediately ~ but not knowing that and knowing that his life expectancy is not very long...I'm trying to be realistic. I LOVE this boy to death and this is all tearing me up inside. I am just so afraid that I'm not going to do the right thing at the right time or that I'm doing to do something for the wrong reason.

I cried myself to sleep last night. I've had tears several times today...3 days ago I wasn't even thinking of tears- but a week prior to that I was. Whew- what a roller coaster ride this is certainly proving to be. I just can't imagine my life without Spaz, but I know that it will happen ~ I know that I will have to learn to live without the best damn kitty that I have ever met. I know that he will be in such a better place when he leaves us and with any luck he'll run into my dad (who he never knew) and together they can wait together to be reunited with me when it's my turn to meet my maker. I just pray that I know when it's his time and that I don't second guess it for my own benefit.

As for the rest of the week- as overwhelming as it was- things that had to "come together" on Friday did- there are still a few things that need to come together Monday/Tuesday due to deadlines. But once I "let go" on friday to leave, I was peaceful- I knew I had done everything I possibly could to get things done. I did enjoy a nice 1-1/2 days with my in-laws in Monterey and was amazingly relaxed all day saturday- no email, no real phone contact with anyone...just time to watch the water, the seals, enjoy a little wine tasting....it was as if the world stopped for a day for me to take a deep breath.

I did pray today in church for God to give me the strength to know when it was Spaz's time for me to let go. I can't pray for him to get better, he is terminally ill...but I have to trust that I will know when to let go.

Looking forward to a new week, hopefully one that isn't as emotionally draining...and hopefully one that will help me to stay focused on my health and get in my workouts.

Cross Fit, Week 4, Day 3

Today was a tough day, being that I didn't sleep very well last night. Tossed and turned, I think because I kept hearing the rain. Hello ~ we live in CA and it's June- we're not supposed to have thunder/lightening and rain!! Thunder and Lightening always "unnerve" me a bit to begin with.

So the alarm went off at 5am- I got up, brushed my teeth, washed my face and felt the aches all over my body and just knew they were the aches that were screaming "more rest please". So I listened and crawled back into bed for a couple of more hours sleep ~ with the promise to myself that I would still do the workout.

Today was going to be a 5K run- that is the "Workout of the Day"- of course with a proper warm-up/stretch before and abs to cool down and stretch. So I will be heading to the gym in a bit to do my run on the treadmill, once the hubby gets home and eats.

Cross Fit, Week 4, Day 2

Well today was very interesting when trying to get out of bed. I was so sore from yesterdays workout, it was unbelievable. Everything hurts! But I mustered up my courage and got myself out the door to the workout today! It was a "nicer" workout vs. yesterday's "murph" ~ thank God!

So Stretch, Run 400m, then some more warm up exercises on the shoulders and then some sit ups.

The WOD today consisted of 5 circuits, 7 repetitions each
Pull Ups
Squat Thrusts (this is the squat and come up with overhead press)
Burpees (yes, they returned today...we have not had burpees since Day 1 of Week 1)

I completed this circuit in 10:05

The first set of Pull Ups were tough- mainly due to having done so many yesterday- but I managed to push through!
Burpees- well I'll always hate them, but because of everything else we've been doing, I felt stronger doing them. I'm sure I still look pretty lame...but it's progress. Rome wasn't built in a day!

We finished up the day with our ab workout- which today was a bit of everything. We worked with medicine balls and a partner. First was the medicine ball toss back and forth to each other...then we did the same thing with a much heavier medicine ball (ouch)...we then did sit ups facing each other with a medicine ball toss on the way up from the sit up...and then obliques by standing back to back and rotating our torsos to handoff the medicine balls to each other...

...a good workout today- not sure if I'll be sore from it, at this point I think I'll be sore from yesterday's workout all week long- so heck, what's a little bit more!!

I am scared- tomorrow's workout is a 5K run....I have not ran 3 miles consecutively since I did my sprint triathlons 6 years ago...yes I did run 2 miles yesterday- 1 at a time....but I'll do my best, come what may!

Spaz...update on his CRF

This past weekend we took Spaz to the vet. He had a pretty bad week, started a little bit over the Memorial Day weekend- we noticed a decrease in his appetite and he was just a little less like himself. After the holiday weekend, things seemed to be much the same, he was eating about 1/4 of what he normally does and not doing the same bathroom habits, etc. I weighed him and as best I could tell, he had lost a pound since his last visit to the vet, 2 months ago. That is actually close to 20% of his body weight. He's a small boy- so going from 7.5 to 6.5 weight is not good.

Bill and I took Spaz to the vet Saturday morning and first thing Dr. Depunzio said was that she'd be surprised if the test results said "today is his day"- he didn't appear to her as a kitty on death's door. So she examined him a bit and then took him for blood sample. We then waited for the results- of course Spaz would have been just fine to go home and get the results later. Bascially, when Maria came back she said the results were what she would consider "good news"- there are two numbers that they measure- the BUN which went from 58 to 56, considered close enough to be the same. Then there is the Creatine level, which went from 2.6 to 3.8 and that is not good.

From what I've read this puts Spaz in stage 3 of 4 possible stages on Kidney Failure. At this creatine level, his kidney functions are at a 75-90% loss. To reach stage 4, that creatine level would be 5.0 or higher and then you're looking at 90% loss of kidney functions and that is when your feline friend is most likely in pain and you're then faced with the decision that we don't want to make.

Spaz is eating a little more than we was a week ago- so I'm hoping that it is a good sign. After his diagnosis, he really didn't know any signs for almost 2 months- this past week was the first noticeable signs of a sick kitty. All we can do is love him and enjoy him until we are faced with making the decision....

The posted pictures are from the vet visit- he stayed under the chair the entire time! He really did not want to be there!

Cross Fit- Week 4
(but for me really week 3 due to my cold and crazy schedule that followed)

Well, hello Monday, hello 5am alarm clock - was tempted to not get up and continue to cuddle with the kitty. But I got up, and made it to Optimal Fitness for the WOD. (Workout of the day)

Robert was there, but no Jeff today (he's off in Tel Aviv for a week)- so we had Ben taking his place and just as the workouts change daily- when you have a new leader....that changes things up a bit also.

Warm Up was a little different- we did our stretching and then 50 jumping jacks, but he challenged us to engage our brains while doing jacks. Criss-Cross the feet each time, change how your hands meet above your head (fists, thumbs, open hands, back hands, etc.)- of course the only problem with that is nobody was counting!

Then we did little jumps with feet together, from there a "cross-country" type motion and then adding a torso twist to the movement.

After that, we started the WOD. Ben explained that June is "Murph" month. He told us why:

In memory of Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., who was killed in Afghanistan June 28th, 2005.

This workout was one of Mike's favorites and he'd named it "Body Armor". From here on it will be referred to as "Murph" in honor of the focused warrior and great American who wanted nothing more in life than to serve this great country and the beautiful people who make it what it is.

THE WOD IS THE FOLLOWING:

1 mile run

100 pull ups

200 push ups

300 squats

1 mile run

So after the warm up- off we go for the run, into two groups - those who think they can run a 1 mile and those who think 1/2 a mile is all they can manage. I told Ben, I'll give the mile a shot- but don't worry if I drop off. I ran my mile...then we returned inside to tackle the rest. We paired up and could manage the tasks anyway we saw fit to do. Brien and I were teamed up and we decided to do 10 sets of 10 pull-ups, push-ups and squats. Well we failed to read completely and thought we were supposed to do 100 of each task- but anyway- we figured no problem once we did the 100 of each, then we'd finish up the push ups and squats. Well, we ran out of time. We got through 9 sets of 10, then off for the final mile run. I thought I was going to DIE!! We were back at 630am after the run, and did some ab work: planks, flutter kicks, scissor kicks and then we were done.

The idea behind this workout though is time based and ideally I think you'd want to do the entire workout and see how long it takes you. I've read on the Cross Fit website discussion board some people doing the entire workout in 17 minutes. Well, I'll be a long way from that kind of time...hell I run about a 12 minute mile. I did have quite a few problems with the pull-ups. I was not using the assist machine that I'm used to- but instead using a bar with the elastic suspension- well it would take me a flippin' minute just to get in the elastic - oh and getting out of the elastic was not a pretty site. Once I went onto the pull-up assist machine I felt more productive on that task.

I would say that overall- Brien and I completed 9 sets of 10 ..so we did 90 pull up, 90 push ups, 90 squats and ran 2 miles- in what I would think was about 40 minutes. (***ok, update ad of 6/2/09...I just found out today that because we were teamed up, we were supposed to "share" the workout: i.e. 50 pulls up each, 100 push ups each and 150 squats each....I think we would have completed it all and would have been much easier without as many pull ups- that was bringing me down!!)

So, how do I feel? Ha, ha, ha...well I am sorry that I didn't get in there last week, because after being away from Cross Fit for 7 days- (3 days from week 2 and then 4 days from week 3)...I'm hurtin' for certain! I'll be lucky if I can get up the stairs tonight after an evening on the couch! LOL Add to all of this a sunburn from yesterday- I'm a mess! But "I will survive"...I always do, it's in my nature!

I will say though 1/2 the battle is really the mental game. Having the ability to put mind over matter and push yourself. I was a wimp- when we went for that first mile run and I gave my "disclaimer" about maybe dropping off- wimpy wimpy wimpy!! When we went out for the last mile run, I didn't say it, but I thought it to myself "well if I only do 2 laps that'll be ok". But after I did the 2 laps, I did the 3rd and really thought ok, "I'm done"- but then the mental game comes in and I'm thinking, "only one more lap- you can do this, take your time and just do it". I remembered back 6 years ago when I did my two sprint triathlons and ran 3 miles- which is really not a BIG deal at all...but when I was doing that race and on my way back (it was a loop course), I so wanted to give up and then there were kids on the course, running towards me (starting their run portion of the race) and yelling, "you can do it, keep up the good work, you're almost there". It's amazing what words of encouragement can do for you.

On the last lap today, Ben paced with me. The thought of "nobody runs alone" and "we run at the slowest runners pace" and then when we saw the finish, he pushed me to give a little more, to push a little harder....and that brought me back to 6 years ago when I saw that finish line and how I couldn't wait to get there.

If I understand correctly, this will be the Monday workout for the month of June because Ben was commenting about how lucky we are to have 5 mondays in June! We get to honor Navy Lt. Michael Murphy with his favorite workout 5 times this month! HA!!!