A Quilting Fool

On Oct 7, Nyia is 7!!!

2010-10-08T06:31:00.000-07:00

I got a call yesterday morning. It was Nyia who was thanking me for the birthday card and the $7.00 that was in it. She also told me it was going to be a great day - she and her mom had made delicious cookies that she was taking to her school. We talked a bit and then I thanked her for calling me. She thanked me for answering the phone.

Looks like it was a great day after all.

We did it!!!

2010-10-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

Olivia and I finished our first 1/2 Marathon...13.1 miles of it!!

It was fun - a statement I never thought I would make about running,
let alone running anything beyond 400 meters!

Beautiful day -could not be more perfect.

Flat course - mostly.

A lot of things to see and, therefore, distract you from doing what you are doing -

which is running an ungodly distance.

And, then...

there is the finish line

ah sweet finish line.

O did it in 2:35

I did it in 3:00

both of us did it faster than we thought we would.

Crystal and Roger were there at the end
which made the finish line even sweeter.

My Saturday

2010-09-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my Saturday to take Lo and Ny to gymnastics. It was Cal Football Saturday so crazy crazy crowded (Cal won, I found out later), and making parking a mercenary affair.

After gymnastics, we went to a new small farmer's market in Berkeley - to see Crystal and her new friend. O and Dom came by as well. Crystal's friend made me a Piadini with tomatoes, eggplant, soft cheese, seasoning, a bit of sweet chili sauce - it was amazing! We also had grilled peaches with goat cheese - delectable combo. The girls ate a buffalo taco on Indian fry bread. Gotta love Berkeley!

After that, Lo, Ny and I went to SF to the Legion on Honor where there was a children's art program in the afternoon. They learned about perspective by cutting out wedges, visiting the Paris - City of Lights exhibit, sketching a bit and then coming back and putting it all together.

The top one is Nyia's and the bottom is Loli's.

Terrific program. Nyia wanted to sketch more but we did not have paper - she asked if she could borrow some from other people in the gallery who were sketching. I told her not to bother them - they were concentrating. I also told her we would come back with proper supplies and she could sketch to her heart's content.

We then went outside - a particularly magnificent day in San Francisco.

To be close enough to visit this particular site makes us very fortunate indeed.

After that, we went for ice cream. We chose Fentons because Nyia had been there and raved about a certain ice cream that she had with her mom (coffee with some kind of chocolate). Back through the city - bustling and crowded and slow going - but because it was such a beautiful day, it was ok.

At Fentons - also crowded as usual. The sizes are a bit deceiving...not smaller but bigger than they appear. So I overordered for all of us. They had it in a cup, I in a cone. We sat outside and, not far into my eating journey, my cone broke sending my huge ball of ice cream heading to the ground. Amazingly I caught it (why and how I do not know) and went back in to get a cup and spoon.

None of us finished - which was really a good thing.

I sent Lo in for lids.

While Lo was on that quest, Ny told me she was going to throw up.

Now, it is definitely NOT decorous to hurl in front of Fentons.

I told her to breathe deeply and hold on!

We all went in,

I got lids

we found our way to the restroom.

Ny held on and was fine.

Back on the road home. They were working through a bit of a sugar high.

Fortunately, one was going to grana's and one to dad's :-).

One terrific Saturday.

Mt Tam and Sausalito Art Festival

2010-09-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

We drove and then hiked up to the top of Mt Tamalpais. Beautiful day and amazing view - altho part was a bit hazy. I took quite a few pictures - none came out as breathtaking as the view itself - some because I am still not fluent in camera. I did like this one tho...because San Francisco looks like a city in a fairy tale.

Then we went to the Art festival in Sausalito. Interesting, unusual, large and small, unique, beautiful art...some artists that caught me enough to get cards and look up their work on line:

Lisa Telling Kattenbraker

batik

http://www.lisauntitled.com/.

"Walking through childhood's city"

"She was always prepared for what she suspected might be just around the corner"

Nicario Jimenez
Artist of the Andes
Retablo
http://www.retablosnicario.com/

Flora Zarate

Peru

Fiber Art

Beauties all

2010-07-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

sometimes it's good, sometimes it's just not

2010-07-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

ran 4 miles

on Sunday

on the waterfront

weather was perfect

new Ipod shuffle

cute as the dickens

new playlist

some good songs

some got axed later that day

all good

Monday

talked to my son

good

then to work

good

after work

decided to go to

because the WOD was...

July 12, 2010

Five rounds for time of:

400M Run

25 GHD Sit-ups

25 Back/Hip Extensions

one would think that

after a 4 mile run,

this would be easy squeezie

however

it felt like this

and this

and finally

almost

this

what the heck?????????

My Saturday for Gymnastics

2010-07-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

We, meaning the adults in the Williams family (those stateside, that is), take turns taking the grands to Saturday morning gymnastics.

Sometimes, gymnastics is just plain fun...

sometimes it is painful...

and then we get to be silly at Target

Donation Quilts

2010-07-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

Made two more donation quilts - going to a hospital. The effort is sponsored by Downy. They supply the fabric, we supply the batting and the work. I named one Kool Kicks and the other Ahoy Matey.

preview of the fourth

2010-07-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

bbq pizza

famous ribs

skylights

mosaics

2010-07-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

Nyia heard about mosaics at school and had been after me to do some...which we finally did last weekend.

1st 5K

2010-06-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

Ran it today. It was around Lake Merritt in Oakland as part of their 4th Sunday run. Olivia ran it too. Finishing times: Olivia - 29min, me - 38.50 min. I ran straight for the better part of 2 miles, then ran walked the rest (with 3 walks total). It was fun and I was happy with my results - most notably that I finished it and was not on the ground gasping for breath. Crystal, Roger, the girls were there too as spectators. Went to breakfast after and then home for a nap.

then and now 2

2010-06-22T06:36:00.000-07:00

basketball lesson

2010-06-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

Taught a Class

2010-06-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

for my quilt guild. We made messenger bags. It was fun and I think the ladies had fun too.

new look

2010-06-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

blogger has offered options for new blog looks - so I am trying them out. I hit on one, but my pix did not center right. So I am trying another. Unfortunately, they do not offer much in the way of creative license. I am not asking much, just want to be able to size my opening picture and maybe use one of my quilts as a background.

Hot Fun in the Summertime

2010-06-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Just Ran

2010-06-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

2.25 mi... on the treadmill. How is everyone else doing????

is anyone else still with me on this????

Can we do a 5K???

2010-06-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

it is coming up....

Then and now

2010-06-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

first in a series of images then and now....

Last few days

2010-06-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

My husband is so incredibly thoughtful...he got me a new....

and we went riding on Monday in Tiburon - pleasant, flat ride that ended at a place so close to Angel Island, you could almost reach out and touch it - that is it to the left.

The trail started in Blackies Park...

Then later in the date, I did a bit of running - up to 5 min run 1 min walk for 30 min (hereby referred to 5/1) although it actually went 5/1/5/2/5/2/5/2/3/1/2 - anyway, I did it.

Tuesday - just walked with Merle

Wednesday - back to CFV - where Li has us doing what she calls 6WOH (had to ask - means 6 weeks of hell) which means warmup (I ran an 800m and did a few of the non-shoulder related activites), then three different workouts, yesterday it was:

run 400 m, then a single arm lift and, I think, thrusters (I do not recall as I did not do these - my left shoulder still hurts - doc visit planned for next week)
10 min to max deadlift - did 175lbs - have actually lifted 180 in the past but did not want to push the shoulder
10 rounds - 10 deadlifts (I did 95lbs) 10 burpees...I subbed 5 mt climbs for the last 5 sets of burpees as my shoulder was starting to hurt. 21 m and some change.

sounds shoulder whiny, I know - but it is annoying and it does hurt (see prior post)!!! Seems like a while since I have been at it hard at the gym- prob about 1 1/2 weeks - so this was hard and I was gassed when done.

On Day 3 of my personal Paleo challenge - had slipped quite a bit after the Masters competition so back on it.

Long post - to my 2 or so readers - how do you like the new format (mainly just trying to get a comment or two).

An Amazing Artist and an Unrelated Idea

2010-05-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

This artist's canvas is fabric and her paint is stitched thread.

check out her other work at http://www.miyukisakai.com/frameset/Frameset-portfolio.html

Idea: Koosh ball slippers - course, they would probably be more popular if you got enough for each foot!

Progress

2010-05-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

So I am a day behind. I ran the 3 min on 1 min off stuff on Tuesday morning. Because (excuse coming right here) I was traveling, I did not run until today when I ran 4 min on 1 min off and actually did it for 40 min rather than the 30. Anyway, I will catch up tomorrow - 5 min on 1 min off.

Dare I say it, it is getting easier or at least I am able to keep up with the program. There is that righteous feeling when you are all done - that makes it certainly worth it.

I have to say today, the weather is perfect!!!
Right now it is....

and 59 degrees.

After all the rain, this is soooo pleasant

people are soooo pleasant

life is soooo pleasant.

See how good you feel after a run?????

Next up...

2010-05-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

conquering my dislike of running!
With my recent Master's competition in mind - where a goal is a great motivator and where I realized that doing it IS the win - I have signed up for a 1/2 marathon on October 3. I am also annoying three people to join me... Crys/O and my bro Mike ...I know they really want to do it!

Anyway, my plan is to have a plan and to hold myself accountable to said plan.
As my shoulder is still a bit sore and as I am traveling this week, I will lay off CF until I get back. But I will follow this plan this week:

Sunday - run/walk 30 min..R 2min/W 1min - DONE!!! it was 2.71 miles*
Monday - walk 30 min
Tuesday - 30 min R 3min/W 1min
Wednesday - walk 30 min
Thursday - 30 min R4min/W1min
Friday - walk 30 min
Saturday - 30 min R5min/W1min

I want to systematically do this even tho I think I can probably run more at a time than this. This will help me know for sure.

*found http://www.mapmyrun.com/ - you can map your route, calc mileage and elevation, among other things.

girls and gymnastics

2010-05-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

It is my turn this Saturday to take the Lo and Ny to their gymnastics class - they are so fun to watch and they are getting soooo good.

waaaa - my shoulder hurts

2010-05-19T06:33:00.001-07:00

still waitin for pix from the event, but these are THE best fans ever!!!

2010-05-15T05:52:00.000-07:00

I believe you about the birds, child...

2010-05-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

we all left Olivia alone on the beach

and during that time

birds slowly circled her

one came pecking at her bag of doritos

she was so reminded about

that one movie

by the ocean

with many many birds

and so...

she was just about to flee

when we returned

in time

to validate the tale of

O and her fine feathered friends

and

to rescue her

This past weekend

2010-05-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

some initial pix from the weekend:

Off to SoCal

2010-05-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

for meetings and the Masters....

and a bit of beach time.

CFV Quilt

2010-05-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

Finished and gifted the latest quilt - it is in the CFV colors (orange/black/white) which are also the SF Giants colors. The quilt was given to Ly - coach extraordinaire - for all of her dedication and care in getting all of us ready for the competition.

I think she liked it.

Did the first workout again....

2010-05-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

a reminder - it is....for time - max 15 min

50 DU
21 KB swings - 1 pood
12 pullups

did 2 rounds plus 26 du's which was an improvement over last time which was 1 round 44 du's.

All of the DU practice has injured my right shoulder - so we laid off them for a few days. This go around hurt but I was able to do them. My goal is to finish before the 15 min. I can do it - will lay off the DUs until Friday's competition.

Then CFV took me out to dinner as a send-off as none of them are going to be able to come. They put together a little tape machine with their cheers on it! Also a CFV Beast backpack with essentials - including a CFV towel! Soo soo sweet!

PR on the Thrusters

2010-04-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

did 80 today!!! could do 85 - almost got it up. For sure can do 85 at the Masters.

just about every 7 to 8 years...

2010-04-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

we do this....

at the gym

2010-04-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Last night, the WOD was:

For time:
10 GHD Sit-ups
10 Back Extensions
30 Thrusters 95/65 (did 33)
50 Pull-ups (used bands)
30 GHD Sit-ups
30 Back Extensions
20 Thrusters
35 Pull-ups
50 GHD Sit-ups
50 Back Extensions
10 Thrusters
20 Pull-ups

You can see GHD (glute ham developer) situps in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8n9th6TPI0

The back extensions are on the same machine only you are facing down.

Anyway...there were four of us doing them at the same time...I finished 2nd at 27 min. I went to see about one of the people who, altho he had been to CF in the past, was back for the first or second time. He was about 28-30. Anyway, he was doing the situps and back extension on an abmat. when I went to check on him, he was doing the 50 situps part. He sat up, looked at me and said..."You're amazing"!!!

Made my end of the day (it was already a pretty great day anyway).

never trust a kid with a hose

2010-04-27T06:54:00.001-07:00

did the other ones

2010-04-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

I did WOD #2 and #3 -

Before that I practiced DU's and got up to 11 in a row twice - so getting better

WOD #2 is Max Thruster - I did 75 but can go higher just need more form work

WOD #3 is Cindy with CTB pullups* - did 13 plus 5 pullups

*5 chest to bar pullups - i did jumping -first time I touched my chest to the bar

10 push ups

15 squats

here is what chest to bar pullups would look like if I could do them...and if I had a chest

toys are everywhere

2010-04-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

Lo and Ny were over this past weekend. After a raucous session of running in the sprinkler (sprinkler holder being me), they hung out by the front porch playing with rocks. Here is what they left...makes me smile and think of them everytime I come home,

First attempt

2010-04-19T20:30:00.001-07:00

at the first WOD which, to remind the audience, is...

3 rounds for time - 15 min max
50 double unders - which is jumping rope but the rope goes under twice for every jump
21 KB swings - 35 lbs
12 pullups - did them with one red band

Got 1 round plus 44 du's in. argghh

it was the double unders that took me forever!

got work to do.

give a kid a camera...

2010-04-19T05:59:00.001-07:00

a few pictures that Nyia took this past weekend.

and a few that Loli took a few weekends ago...

been a long time....

2010-04-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

been working, been working out, been remiss.

Anyway - the workout for the Masters has been posted:

Event 1

Friday 5/7

1-3pm at CF Ethos

Three rounds for time of:

50 Double unders

21 Kettlebell swings (1.5 pood men / 1 pood women)

12 Pullups

Event 2

Friday 5/7

4-6 at CF Ethos

1 Rep Max Thruster

Event 3

Saturday 5/8

UC Irvine

As many rounds as possible in 20 minutes of:

5 Chest to bar pull-ups

10 Push-ups

15 Squats

There apparently is a 4th that will be announced when I check in

So here is what I can already do:

Kettlebell swings at 1 pood (35 lbs)

Thrusters - working on max - probably about 65-75 lbs

Push ups

Squats

Here is what I am working on:

double unders - can string 3 together but it is getting better

pullups - now working with thin and thinnest bands

chest to bar pullups - mmm

what the heck - will just do my best!!!

Current project

2010-03-12T20:32:00.001-08:00

Here is a quilt that I am working on. I love the colors...the design is coming together. The back will be SF Giants fleece and it is for a friend.

She actually made this....

2010-03-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

Skirt!!!!

And she was so proud - wore it to show and tell the next day!

Grands and running

2010-02-21T09:04:00.000-08:00

spent the night. So fun. Here is one of my favorite pictures of them...they are such great readers!

Running ... last week at CF, we ran 100 m sprints for time..8 of them with 1 minute in between. I am training with some very fit CrossFitters who are going to the Sectionals in March. Anyway, we all started at once... they took off and were at the finish by the time I got half way there. It was like they were Roadrunners and I was ....

I have never pretended to be a runner but have run more in the past six months than I have ever done. First sprint was 32 sec, last was 25 so I did improve!!!

hose caught in a web

2010-02-18T06:22:00.001-08:00

First Glance

2010-02-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

This is one of the first things that you see when you come into my house....if you look up, that is.

it is one of my favs

My bro...

2010-02-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

is staying with me for a bit...makes me smile.

Saints win!!!!

2010-02-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

But I did not make a Saints quilt...instead I made this. It is for a Cowboys fan at work who recently got promoted and will be leaving soon. Here it is...

Jay's Cal quilt has gotten me hooked on quilts with a theme.

Three new additions to the drove....

2010-01-31T14:44:00.000-08:00

herd, litter, farrow (based upon age) or sounder (based upon wildness) of my collection....

from the members of the fam who live across the pond

from Loli and her mom

from R

I had not gotten any new pb's for a while

so it was fun and funny

that I got three all at once

this holiday

love them all

All things CF - Work Team event, Beast Camp and hanging with C

2010-01-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

Thursday, we had an AP v HR CF team event - we actually mixed up the teams. It was fun. We played baseball - run 100 m, 10 pullups, run 100 m, 10 squats, run 100, 10 situps, run 100, 10 burpees. Here we are at the end....

Went to my first Beast Camp last night in prep for the Masters CF Games in May.... I will officially start a week from Monday. The WOD was:

15 min max, 3 rounds

10 Squat clean and jerk - Rx for women is 95, I did 53
15 ring dips - did them with a band
20 kettle ball swings - Rx for women is 35, I did 26

Did it all in 12:23

Today - C and I are going to CF - she is training to join a football team next year so J is coaching her from afar and she will be joining me on Saturdays. I am excited. She is very strong and very fast naturally - altho she would not admit it - so with some training, she will certainly be a fierce beast!!!

Congrats to my thin sis....

2010-01-28T20:53:00.000-08:00

She hit her goal weight of 140 - which is incredible, I must say!!!

Old by another name....

2010-01-27T06:48:00.000-08:00

gonna do this....
http://games2010.crossfit.com/competitors/masters-competition-update.html

I am thinking...

why not (coined by Ly, CFV trainer/owner extraordinaire)
it is just another WOD or two
how many other 58 yr old women are gonna be there? If a lot, that is hot, if not, that is cool...can't lose either way
gives me a goal and is certainly a stretch in a lot of different ways
will make my son proud

http://www.crossfitvallejo.com/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY J!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-26T06:10:00.000-08:00

You're the best!

One for a friend

2010-01-20T04:58:00.001-08:00

After seeing the Cal quilt that I made for J, Mary, a friend from the gym, asked me if I finished quilts. She said that a few years ago, a friend made some embroidery patches for her and she started putting it together as a quilt. It was not turning out as she wanted and she stopped working on it. I told her I would take a look. Once I did, I asked her if she would mind if it took a bit of artistic license - I also asked her if she had a deadline. The answer was no to both. She is a local police officer so she gave me some of her old uniform patches as well. I took the quilt apart, used some of the fabric she had, added quite a lot from my stash and reworked it. I gave it to her two weeks ago on a day, her partner told me, that she had just put down her dog. I hope it made her feel better.

a few quilts along the way...

2010-01-19T06:07:00.000-08:00

Over the past month, a few quilts were made by the Williams family...

Nyia made one for her teacher and one for her mom.

After Christmas, we held a quilt relay in which we made a rag quilt out of the leftover flannel from years of making flannel pants for Christmas gifts. This quilt will be donated to the local Christian Help Center.

Is it twenty ten or two thousand ten?????

2010-01-15T20:46:00.000-08:00

I go for the least syllables possible.

Anyway, been busy, been sick and now back, altho still a bit sick.

Do have to report that J and I did the final 100 burpees on 1/3/10. I did mine in 12:46, he did his in 9:24!!! Crystal timed them, everyone watched and, when it was all over, my dear husband gave me flowers and a trophy that names me Burpee Champion!!!

Recipe for family fun - cookies, gifts and a bit of snow

2009-12-29T13:03:00.001-08:00

Cookies on Christmas eve...

Can't do it without some home made chex mix.

Some gifts just bring out the silly....

Trying to open some gifts that dad wrapped with his trusty tape gun.

Then to Truckee and the snow.....

Christmas morning

2009-12-25T06:31:00.000-08:00

I am up before anyone....not that I am so anxious to open gifts or to start the festivities, it is because I always get up early. It is almost a lifelong habit - started when the kids were young and it was to get some quiet time. It stuck and, of course, as you get older...it is what you do. Sometimes I sew, sometimes I "puter", sometimes I read. I always drink coffee and can absolutely NOT drink it without this ... only my current fav is vanilla cinnamon.

If I do not have it, I will take a trip in the wee hours to get it before I have my coffee. Another addiction to something that has absolutely no nutritional value...it is probably not even made of anything real except the taste.

Burpees...Jay and I did 90 yesterday am...he did them in 10:50, I did them in 11:30. Both are incredible times. The last time I did them sub 12 min was when I did 70 something of them. Goes to show you what a little competition and encouragement will do. Only 10 more days and I will have done a burpee challenge without missing a day!!!!

On another topic....do NOT tell Nyia the contents of any Christmas gift...she can't keep anything even under dire threat...she is so bad at this, she can't keep that she told!!! Part of the issue is she is a non-stop talker so she is constantly in need of subject matter coupled with her propensity to say anything and everything that is on her mind. A disaster for Christmas secrets.

This pix is from a previous entry but it makes the point. Love her so.

Anyway....

Merry Christmas to all...I hope that you are as fortunate as I am to have such an incredible family and to have this incredible family with me during the holidays.

Only Two More Days

2009-12-18T07:14:00.000-08:00

When I was younger and my sis was in her teens, I went back home for a visit. On her calendar, she had my name on the date of my arrival along with some happy faces/doodles. I was so touched when I saw it.

I do so get it, tho. Jay and T are coming home on Sunday - only two days away - and my calendar has happy doodles on it!!!

Here is a pix of when they embarked on their European adventure almost two years ago!

Hurry home!

Not many posts...

2009-12-17T04:57:00.000-08:00

been busy at work - but, incredibly, this week I hit my 10 year anniversary at bullseye country. I hate to be cliche...it does seem just like yesterday. Can't have the next 10 fly by so quickly!!!

Work is work, but there are far worse places I could work and I do have work. They seem to like me, I stay engaged and challenged, I have one of the best teams I have ever worked with, I get a great deal of freedom to choose how I spend my time, I get 5+ weeks vaca, and they pay me!!! All in all not a bad way to spend a decade :-)

Personal Best

2009-12-14T20:56:00.001-08:00

Today I did my personal best in:

Deadlift - 180 lbs
Back Squats - 135 lbs

AND did 80 burpees

not bad at all.

Busy and Cold

2009-12-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

These days it seems like I have more to do, both work and play, than there is day, and the days are short!!!!

They are also cold - colder than we care to think about or be in. It is pretty, tho...

This is Mt Diablo

two burpee stories

2009-12-08T05:49:00.000-08:00

One - a blog follower from my guild asked me to demonstrate what a bumpee was.

Two - on Sunday, I asked Ny, my grand, if she would time my burpees with a stopwatch. I showed her how and as soon as she pressed the start button, she started yelling at me with things like....

Come On Grandma

You are going too slow

The time is getting to 100, hurry up

No stopping

She even went so far as pushing me on the back when I paused between # 30 and #31.

and, then my fav... Is that all you got?

She grew up going to her mom's basketball practices. Clearly, my daughter had some sadistic coaches!!! Sorry, O, if I had only known!

pillowcases and shoelaces

2009-12-06T18:42:00.001-08:00

So, we ended up with 265 pillowcases to donate to two organizations - Foster a Dream and one that will send them to those in the military. Another winning Pillowcase Posse season...

In the background is my good friend Francie...we blog but have not seen each other for a bit. Was so fun to hang for an hour or two.

This next one is a keeper...

Nothing like a finished quilt...

2009-12-04T05:06:00.000-08:00

Here is the one from the Mystery Quilt class. I finished it so it could be a prize for a party I am going to.. I have grown to really like it!

Update -

Fitness - burpees at 69...gonna do 70 today. They are making my arms stronger...I am better at regular pushups and at pull ups. And they help with my wind (I put this in so my sis could comment). They are still very much NOT my fav.

Did go to CF Tuesday and Thurs this week - I had other stuff the other days. Next week will be back to 3-4.

Been eating ok after the holiday. Will see what the scales say. Do have a party tonight and one tomorrow. So far, I have been pretty good at them - depends upon my mood and whether I have a devil may care, throw caution to the wind, wtf kind of attitude or one of self constraint and self righteousness. Which one sounds better to you??????

Even tho it only takes me less than 12 minutes

2009-12-01T05:21:00.000-08:00

67 burpees kick my ass!!!

Well....

2009-11-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

this certainly was a long cheat weekend!!!! And the weigh in shows up 2 lbs - ah well.

You know, when you run out of gravy, you might as well have run out of everything else.. Except, of course, the turkey which, if I was supposed to eat bread, gets between two slices of bread, some mayo and there you have it!!!

Worked most of the weekend - Black Friday, Clean up Saturday. Off today.

Been doing burpees - on Thanksgiving, O and I did them together, all 62 of them in 8:20. Good to have someone around to push you.

Since then, I have broken them up and do half at a clip. I know, I know, but I AM doing them - haven't missed a day yet...scares the crap out of me to have to double them up.

Will be back to doing them all at once tomorrow.

back to regular CFittin

back to eating right

until

of course,

Christmas!!!

Thanks and the day after...

2009-11-27T17:31:00.000-08:00

These pics are for J and T who could not be here for the festivities but will be here soon!

Of course, things always start with family and friends.

And a few mad games of Old Maid ....

in which Nyia sets a new record of losing 4 times in a row.

The turkey was barbecued - HIGHLY recommended.

And the sides, oh the sides....need I say more????

Wake up tooth fairy

2009-11-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

I am not sure why, but it always seems to be more important to adults that a loose tooth gets disengaged from a child's mouth than said child. Such was the case this weekend with Nyia, N's mom, gramps and me. To be fair, that tooth was quite loose and, in fact, the replacement tooth was already more than crowned!

Anyway, we convinced Nyia that we should have a go at it.

Took quite a bit of doing, but finally we got the floss around the tooth.

Then, mom and Ny go to a doorknob because everyone knows that is one way to do it (although I do not remember any of the teeth on any of the kids coming out in this manner).

Mom has one end of the floss, gramps is looking on. Nyia is backing away from the doorknob and mom is acting not so sure. The floss is getting taut between them so quick thinking and acting gramps karate chops the floss.

Out pops the tooth.

A new look and, of course, she just had to tell the whole fam about it!!!!

Weigh In Sunday

2009-11-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

broke the 155 barrier - now at 154 :-)
burpees ... 58 in 8:53 - not bad - it is VERY important to time them because when you are low and do not want to do burpees (is there ever such a time??) - you can tell yourself it will only take 9 minutes...surely you can do that!

Did not go to CrossFit yesterday as just had to sew that mystery quilt. I have done 3 mystery quilts so far and I only really like one - it is not the pattern, it is where I choose to put the fabric before I know what it is going to look like. There must be a method to it that I just have not gotten yet.

But I also did not go to CF because on Friday, I had to run 4X400m (among other things) and my right leg was hurting a lot more than usual. Anyway it made sense to rest it for a while. Depending upon how I feel, I might take Monday and Tuesday off as well - then go on Wed. I figure as long as I do my burpees, I should be ok.

Mystery Quilt

2009-11-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

Going to a mystery quilt class - where we get the fabric according to some general description, cut it out and do some pre-sewing but we do not know what it is going to look like. I like these classes although I struggle a bit picking the fabric. Here is what I am using:

And here is what it turned out to be.

Now that I know the solution to the mystery, I might have gone about solving it a bit differently...but, as usual, it was fun. For those who are really good detectives, you will note that one corner is left undone...I only needed a 3 1/2 inch square and did not have it with me...fortunately, I did have enough at home.

Friday, at last

2009-11-20T06:07:00.000-08:00

This seemed like a long week so Friday is welcome. Next week is Thanksgiving and the start of the Christmas retail season...busy busy. Thinking of barbecued Turkey - did it once before and it was great...it also frees up the oven for all of the carbs that need cooking!

Have to get up at around 3:30am the day after Thanksgiving so I can visit stores that open at 5am - crazy!!!

Still at it with burpees - so far, no days missed. up to 56 in 9:09. Did not go to Crossfit on Wed - two reasons - work and my leg needed a rest as it was hurting from the deadlifts last week. Back at it tonight.

N and L demonstrated wall sits for R and me.

Politics at the local guild

2009-11-17T05:40:00.000-08:00

So, foolish as it sounds, I allowed myself to be appointed VP of our Quilt Guild for next year. Already there is guild drama and I only got appointed two weeks ago AND my term does not start til January. Not sure if I can take it.

On a burpee note - up to 53 this morning - did it in 8:10 which is too long.

They should have paid us to do last night's WOD:

3 Rounds of:

25 Air Squats/15 Pull-ups
Then:
Run 800 meters
25 Box Jumps (30/24")
15 Swings (70/53)
Run 400 Meters
25 Squat-Thrust Burpees

I did it in 24:05

I did NOT do it Rx, however.

One cute pix of Nyia...

Sunday at the alumni game

2009-11-15T16:57:00.000-08:00

which, as is only right, the alumni lost. I asked O to score 4 pts, which she did...one of which was a three pointer.

We asked Nyia to take our picture - see below ...it turned out a bit odd and dark but here we are. And, altho my hair can use some styling, that point at the top of my head is part of the background!

records and non records

2009-11-15T10:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I deadlifted 173 which is about 2 lbs less than my record. I think I could have lifted 10 more lbs but I felt a painful pull in the wrong area so stopped there.

today did 51 burpees at 7:31...2 more seconds than yesterday...mmmm

today weigh in broke the 156 barrier at 155 (I never count the stuff after the decimal point) - a record - at least for this go around!!!

Going to O's alumni game with my bro, Mike...gonna be fun.

And a shout out Happy Birthday to my sis.

50

2009-11-14T08:14:00.000-08:00

took me 7:29.

You would think just 12 more would only take a minute but those 12 took at least 2 1/2.

Update

2009-11-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

burpees - this morning did 38 in 4:48. So far, in this challenge, I have done at least 750 burpees and have not missed a day. I say, at least, because I started by doing 20 each day until my fellow co-challengers caught up and because we have had some WODs that included burpees.

Tomorrow fast forwarding to 50 so Jay can participate and so we can hit 100 when he is here.

What a mom won't do for her superhero son.

hey hey hey

2009-11-12T19:39:00.001-08:00

I did a double under....in fact I did 30 of them!! Not in a row, mind you, but 30 nonetheless. In case you do not know what a double under is....if you think it looks easy, try it.

CrossFit

2009-11-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

People ask me what CrossFit is - and I go on and on. I need a short, concise explanation for it so I grab their interest without scaring them off.

One description is:

Mixed Modal

High Intensity

Functional Movement

in a team oriented environment

with challenging, but caring, trainers.

Another is:

burpees today...36 in 5:01

Screwing with the time

2009-11-10T07:11:00.001-08:00

I don't know about any of you,

but I am not a fan of changing the time -

particularly at this time of year.

I am not sure why daylight

is more important to save

during the summer than the winter

Or why Arizona

doesn't have to do it

and we do

I hate it when I work in the office

(with no windows)

and leave at a decent time

(5 or so)

and emerge into darkness.

It makes me feel like this...

To catch up a bit...

2009-11-08T17:42:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, I had the chance to work out with some of the women from the SJ Police Department. They have their own gym and the woman who was instrumental in bringing it to the department gave a speech about CrossFit to a Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Conference that my company sponsored.

It was fun. The WOD was Tabata - squats, push ups and situps. Then they added burpees.

Friday - regular CRV warmup. Workout was:
For time:

30 backsquats - I lifted 85lbs
1 mile run

My time was 29 minutes even! Not bad, I thought.

Saturday -team workout - 50m death by running. That is so much harder than running straight! I did 12 rounds - best folks got to 16 rounds.

Babies spent the night - haven't had a sleepover with them for a while. Cutest grands in the world!

Today - did not run, but did 33 burpees in 4:21 and have not missed a burpee day yet. I am afraid to!!!

Today was a cheat eating day because we went to a brunch and then went to see baby Henry...so cute, although it is so hard to think of Elijah and Leslie as old enough to be parents!!

Piazza di burpee

2009-11-06T06:13:00.000-08:00

Here is where I do my burpees and where I did 31 this morning:

Donation Quilts

2009-11-05T04:50:00.001-08:00

This is two quilts - the front is mostly the same, the back fabric is different. Just thought the fabric was adorable. Donated them to Project Linus this past weekend.

Angie

2009-11-02T20:07:00.001-08:00

Warmup was run 800m and then some stretches.

then Angie, the WOD:
100 pullups (with band)
100 pushups
100 situps
100 squats

did it in 29 min.

amazingly... I did look up the WOD earlier today and I still showed up!!!

also did 27 burpees this am in 4:05

Costumes, concert and results

2009-11-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Two beauties and a rock star in spandex!

There are a number of great things about the company I work for...one is that I get to go to conferences and meetings and see folks I wouldn't ordinarily see. And I get to see them up close and personal. Last week, I went to the CA Women's Conference - heard some awesome speakers including Katie Couric and Madeline Albright and heard Alicia Keys speak and sing. She is beautiful, got a great set of pipes, loves her mom, and does some admirable work with her Keep a Child Alive organization which provides AIDs medication to children in Africa.

finally - results...

weight is the same at 156..I would check out inches lost except I did not measure at the beginning. I do know I am down 3-4 sizes since I began CrossFit last year and this month solidly down a size (you know, there is down a size and there is REALLY down a size).

New goals/tactics (most are continuing) are:

Work on pullups every time - goal: 1 unassisted pull up by Christmas
Run 400 - 800 m every day - goal: run 400m in less than 2 minutes
Continue 100 day burpee challenge - do them all at once & time them - goal: do them faster than day before
Continue Paleo (altho today will be a cheat day) - goal: down 5 pounds by 12/1

Hey...this is the last day...

2009-10-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

of the OC!!

That would make it October 31

and time for some good ol Halloween memories....

I have to say...

Jay - you were always a good sport about this holiday!!

burpee time...25 in 3:20

Thursday and up to 23 burpees a day

2009-10-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

When I travel early in the week...it feels like it should be the weekend when I get back. bummer that it's not.

On the trip, I did my burpees each day and ran each morning.

Eating - was fairly ok, considering. I did cave in to a Doubletree Hotel cookie that they give you when you check in. It is warm and it is soft and it is chocolate chip. Since I did not refuse it when offered, it was too much to expect of myself not to eat it once in my hotel room. Ah well...at least it was great!

Monday

2009-10-26T05:19:00.000-07:00

Going to be traveling for a few days - out today back Wed - so no posts...try to hang on.

Sunday - was a bit of a cheat day...ate some cinnamon bread, 2 slices, that was more like cake!!! Also had bean soup for dinner...not horribly bad but not on paleo nonetheless.

Did burpees - all at once, although had to rest a bit between 10's. Also ran about 3/4 of a mile... that is around a block close to home.

Made Lo's costume - a cat - black dress with white furry trim...will provide pix later this week. she was happy so that made me happy.

Sunday on the Scales

2009-10-25T04:39:00.000-07:00

Well - there could be a few reasons why there is no downward or satisfying progress....still at 156.

not really being honest about what I have eaten - no reason to lie... reject this one
not doing the work ... reject even tho I missed a day
not eating enough vegetables - I think this is true
eating too many nuts - as they are easy snacks and available - true
body is too damn old to respond to diet efforts like it used to - this might be true too

arggggghhhhh

not giving up, you understand, just a bit crapped out about it.

Yesterday's WOD was in teams of two...

10 rounds for time of...

1 snatch

3 hang power cleans

2 push press/push jerk

run 100 m

Did my burpees when I got home.

Also went to a competition in another CF gym for age 40 and older - called them a masters class. The first event was running...altho they did not tell them how far they were going to run. They just got to a point and were told to keep going - that happened about 3 times. Ended up to be about 3 miles. Second was power cleans and third was wall balls. I just heard about it the night before. If they ever hold one for 50 and older, I will enter.

Day 22 - Food Fitness and some Folly

2009-10-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

Food

thought I probably ought to get back to logging my food -I know how exciting that is for my reader or two, but - getting close to the end of the month and need to make sure that I am getting the most out of these last challenge days....

B - coffee with creamer - had to run out the door

S - nuts and raisins

L - eggs, hot link, pineapple, cantaloupe

D - halibut, asparagus, broccoli

S - cantaloupe with a scoop of ice cream (needed it)

Fitness

ran 800 m - need to catch up for a few days ... still 800 m behind

CFV workout

WOD

AMRAP (as many reps as possible)

3 min shuttle run - running short distance touching ground at each end - did 19

1 min rest

3 min dead lift - 133lbs - did 17

1 min rest

3 min burpees - did 23 - so got mine in for the day...was disappointed it was only 23 in 3 min, then I remembered the other stuff I had done before it.

This one was a wipe out!!!!!

Folly

thought I would add this to some of my posts - laughing at oneself is important.

Went to Starbucks drive through (I know I know - this was certainly not available in the Paleolithic era), was talking on the phone, ordered my drink, drove up to pay for it and drove off. Was making a significant point on the call and went to fortify myself with said coffee only to realize I drove off without it.

Folly part of it - this is not the first time.

Day 21 of the OC

2009-10-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

Today - did 20 burpees. Worked too late to get to CF so tomorrow gonna have to run 4X400 to catch up.

The funnest part of today was walking with Ny-pie in her halloween parade.

Last Few Days (18-20)

2009-10-22T06:15:00.001-07:00

Been busy with work - up early back late.
Been on Paleo all days - in fact, probably not eating enough - but certainly not eating too much. altho I have not given up the coffee/creamer fix yet despite my son's urging.

Monday -
Crossfit -
CFV warmup including my run and my 20 burpees
Overhead Squats
3-3-3-3-3 at 33 lbs
AMRAP in 12 minutes
7 OHSquats at 33 lbs
7 Pullups
I did nine rounds

Missed Tuesday burpees and run
Did not make it there on Wed - will try to go today to make it up
Did do 40 burpees on Wednesday
Have to run 3 X 4oom today to make up for the missed days

I was driving home too late last night to make CF thinking it is a drag that work gets in the way of fitness, especially when you are on a roll! I mean, it is hard enough to get on that roll!

Anyway, persevere... taking it one day at a time.

One anniversary - it was a year ago that I started at CF! J - it was when you were out here last October. It has been the longest I have ever stayed with a fitness program!!! thanks, kiddo.

OC Day 17 and Weigh In Sunday

2009-10-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Sorta told you about fitness day 17 with the 1 mile run...also did more burpees than required and the team WOD

food -

Reality is not far ....

b - eggs, hot link, peppers, zucchini, pineapple, mango

l - actually skipped it - at a volunteer event and they only had pizza

d - chicken and lamb, salad, oj

weigh in - same as last week - 156 - it IS a month long challenge - so hanging in there.

Painted Ladies

2009-10-17T20:17:00.001-07:00

today

2009-10-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

I ran a mile - more like trotted - but it was a mile and I did NOT walk it.

Day 15 of the OC on a muggy day

2009-10-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

Muggy muggy muggy yuck.

If I wanted muggy, I would live in the south

or in Chicago in the summertime

or in a rain forest.

Instead, I live in northern California and it should NOT be muggy.

Anyway, I am half way, or so, there on the OC.

So far so good - weigh in is this Sunday.

Food for the last few days has been on program with the exception of an eggroll, a few wontons in my soup and a bit of sauce. Does sound like more than a few exceptions, but I was not truly bad. I would admit it.. really I would

Yesterday did not include a WOD, a burpee or a run. Had to get to work early and got home exhaustedly late. See, I admitted that.

Today, tho...

20 burpees mixed in with the usual CFV warmup;

front squats 2-2-2-2-2 last was pb at 75lb;

run 400m X 3 for time -one was a pb at 2:11.

still not below 2 but closer.

Food words to live by....

2009-10-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

If you're not hungry enough to eat an apple,

you're not hungry.

heavy heavy on Day 13

2009-10-14T06:22:00.001-07:00

To say it rained yesterday is a gross understatement. It dumped buckets! More than it has on that very day for the last 40 years, they say. Wreaked havoc everywhere but no matter, rain is glorious!

Yesterday's WOD has me hobbling - it's the lunges - my backside from my buttocks to my ankles ...pain pain pain. Didn't help this nagging left leg achilles issue either.

Enough whining -

Food facts - b - turkey, banana, grapes; L - nuts, beef jerkey; D - beef, squash, green.

Did burpees in the am - before the pain set in. Did not run - altho I did a lot of running in the rain.

Miss my Crystal - you having fun, girly girl?

Miss my Loli - hope to see her this weekend.

Miss reading about Jay - you still on the burpee challenge? I got my peers on a 100 day challenge - we will see how they do. Are you also on another month's food challenge? Post, my son, post!

Day 12 of the OC

2009-10-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

This one was hard....

800m run.

20 Walking Lunge (50/30) - I did 20

15 Swings (52/35) - I did 18

600m run

20 Walking Lunge

15 Swings

400m run
20 Walking Lunge

15 Swings

200m run

20 Walking Lunge

15 Swings

I did it in 24.05 min - which was not the slowest person of the day - in fact, it was 4th from the slowest*. And I only walked about 100 m of the 800. So I clearly did my run for the day and also did my burpees.

*For the WODs that are hard for me, my litmus test is to not be last..anything but last!!

Food - after my birthday cheat day... I was pretty good.

B - two eggs scrambled with hotlink, tomato, red pepper, banana, strawberry

S - nuts, raisins

L - salad with shrimp, veg

D - chicken (left over from that awesome dish that Olivia made), butternut squash

Foto - after the WOD on Saturday - which I got to pick :-).

I picked luck of the draw - deck of cards, an exercise is assigned to each suit (sit ups, push ups, box jumps, squats with 200m assigned to the joker), other team picks for you...if they pick 9 of hearts - our team has to do 9 pushups, etc. Down side is they picked both jokers for us :-(. It was fun anyway.

the perfect gift...

2009-10-12T06:31:00.001-07:00

not bad for a....

2009-10-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

59 year old...

ran the 400m in 2:17 this am - in addition to 3 other 400m runs

did 20 burpees

probably could not do that when I was 39 - which is what I told O who was kind enough to come out and run with me during which I took four paces to her two.

also down to 156 which is 4 lb loss...on pace for my 30 day goal of 10 lbs.

won't bore you with yesterday's results other than to tell you I did what I was supposed to

Most importantly, still havin fun with it!!!!