So. Um. Wow!

I’m pretty speechless after the response to yesterday’s post. It’s a tough spot to be in because part of me hates to give less to something I care so deeply about. However, I also know that I care more about other things – like my family and my own health. If that means letting go of control in order to have my goals and passions in line with my values, then I know I must. Thanks for everything. You don’t know just how much you all mean to me.

Now…let’s move on. Things may have to change a bit, but I’m for sure not leaving!

I’ve been in the mood to spice things up lately.

Spicing Up The Eats

Remember that fair thing we did this weekend? Yea. I’m sure you do. I only showed 93714854189 million pictures of it. Remember this one?

One of the vendors at the fair had a variety of local, homemade jellies and sauces for sale. For $6 a jar and a portion of each sale supporting a local school fundraiser, I knew I needed to grab some for home. I taste tested about every single one before finally settling on these two:

A spiced apple chutney and a hot pepper jelly. MMMM! I almost went with a FROG (fig, raspberry, orange, and ginger) jam as well that a certain someone always raves about, but the spice called to me on Saturday. Perhaps because I had just satisfied my sweet tooth with a mondo funnel cake and needed to balance it out?

Good thing I went with the spice though. I have been absolutely loving it. I have even spiced up my standard oatmeal breakfast a few times this week. Things are getting crazy up in here!

I’ve been having an omelet with some pesto, feta cheese, and a large handful of spinach in its innards.

Then, spicing it up with the pepper jelly.

Two slices of nine grain and seed bread from the bakery – one with a smear of peanut butter and another with a thick layer of pepper jelly. My mouth was on fire and I was loving every minute of it. I foresee a new favorite in this combo! Maybe for lunch today? You know I can’t go without oats for too long.

Spice Up The Workout (aka I’m Over Bodypump Type Classes)

Yesterday, in the midst of my overwhelmed feelings, I knew I needed to head out for a mind clearing workout session. I didn’t want to have to think much about my workouts, so I headed to the gym for some classes. I did a combo I used to frequent quite often – Group Power class (aka my gym’s Bodypump) and Group Ride class (aka cycle). I had a lot of steam to blow off obviously.

I started off in Group Power class and within 10 minutes of the workout, I found myself looking at the clock to see how much longer I had left. Blech.

I was not smiling like in that ^ old school preggo photo. ^

Here’s the thing – I like Group Power, Bodypump, and other group weights classes for many reasons.

• not having to plan a workout
• mixing things up with the endurance style training
• using a different tempo for exercises for a new challenge

But besides those things I am soooo over it! It’s just so BORING to me! Yea. I said it.

• It’s the same moves every single class.
• I like using different equipment.
• It always feels like I don’t get a great workout because I can never get the “just right” weight. For example, my back and neck make me use lighter weight in the legs track because they don’t like a bar on them for 3+ minutes. That leaves me not lifting heavy enough for my legs to really feel it. And with a sore neck. Grrrrr.

Long story short – I want to find something new for my strength training! I’m getting very bored with the same ole stuff and I want to spice it up!

I’ve tossed around the idea of Jillian Michaels’ Making The Cut or doing one of the New Rules of Lifting workout routines. If I could hire a trainer or afford a Cross Fit gym, I would so be there. Basically, I need a change. A change that doesn’t require me thinking or planning. A change that forces me out of my comfort zone and keeps things new and exciting. I need to spice it up, folks!

• Do you like spicy foods?
• What’s something new I should try to spice up my strength training?

After a good week of recovery work outs – some light recovery runs on the treadmill, not lifting too heavy during weights – I still had a bit of soreness going on when I awoke this morning. Guess Insanity for the first time will do that to a person.

When setting up my workout plan last week, I decided to have Fridays open for a yoga type of class at my gym. I did it all the time when I was pregnant. Flashback:

I remembered it being a good workout to stretch out achy muscles, so I made my way there for this morning’s class. I looked forward to that loosey goosey feeling at the end.

Apparently I only remembered the second half of the class. The first half was all about sun salutations, then holding poses for forrr-evvv-errrr. I hope my legs don’t feel those warrior squats and lunges too much tomorrow. Eeep!!! Luckily I did end the workout feeling perfectly relaxed and stretched.

Besides a yoga filled morning, we have also had a laundry filled morning.

We bought a new front loader washer and dryer last week.

It was quite the saga.

Peter found some for a good deal. He then debated for five days. Finally, he decided it was too good a deal to pass up and bought them. The next day, he continued to shop around after buying them. He found a better deal elsewhere.

What happened next? He bought those. Returned the first ones before they were even delivered. And still looks at washer and dryer prices. I may not understand the man, but I shall not complain. I now have a washer and dryer with more room to stuff clothes into…and new entertainment for the kids.

I shall never complain again about his deal finding ways. It makes mommy happy. It makes the kids happy. And it scored me that two dollar Runner’s World subscription! It may also score me a third washer and dryer set, but I won’t complain. No, wait. I didn’t say that. No more washer and dryers…PLEASE!

Also, notice I said I won’t complain about his deal finding ways. I will still for sure complain about having to fold laundry. Blech. Off to do that now! Have a good one, my friends.

• Do you like yoga? I think I would like it more if taken at a studio instead of my gym’s little class, but it does help the muscles!
• How much do you analyze your purchases and shop around?