Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know.

Geez, is everyone blogging now? A friend somewhere always seems to be starting and updating a blog. Way to make a gal feel guilty, guys. The sad part is I really do think about updating this blog, and I come across interesting tidbits that I think should be shared. But after a 12-hour day, I simply have no urge to write a post.

So to jump back in, I'll update you on my three resolutions and new developments in my life. Then I'll make an attempt to start blogging again. But let's be clear--I'm not making any promises here.

Goal #1: Write more.
Reality: While I don't really write much outside of work, I do feel like I'm getting to write a lot more--way more than I was writing on January 1, 2010. So I feel I've done well in that regard, and I hope it only improves from here.

Goal #2: Lose 5lbs.
Reality: HA! Unless I get my butt in gear in the next 5.5 months, this will not be happening. Along with no urge to post, I also have no urge to exercise. Just like thinking about posting, I think about working out on the commute home. Then I get home. And nothing happens.

Goal #3: Save three months rent.
Reality: This goal is actually progressing along nicely. We'll see what happens over the next month, but even if I fail, I am happy with what I've saved. I think the goal was a little lofty to begin with. Good thing I hate falling short of my own goals.

Other updates:

#1: I have two new furry roommates, Tommy and Marigold. We've actually been acquainted since 2007, but they've recently moved in. I inherited them from my grandma. I'll post photos later, and don't worry, I'm sure this blog will be full of their photos soon.

#2: I am still happily employed and living in the city, hence the change of name for the blog (again). And don't really have any other updates because, despite living in a big city, I still manage to live a boring life (which I enjoy, thanks).

And with that, I'm finishing this post and crawling into bed to read a book.

Three cheers to a boring life!

No, but really.

Well I didn't promise I'd write every day in my blog, now did I? I actually did do some writing over here though. It's about my New Year's resolutions, which you already know about because they're posted below.

I actually do have things to say on the blog, too. I think about them everyday while I'm at work doing actual work-related things. I would also post at night, but lately, I've been under the weather. So instead, I act like a lifeless blob covered in a snuggie. For real though, I love my snuggie.

So until I feel better or have something to report, this will have to keep you occupied.

PS: I'm looking for health/diet/fitness blogs to read for work-related purposes. Any suggestions?

I want to fly.

I forget if I mentioned this in my blog or not, but a while back a trapeze school came to Washington DC; Trapeze School New York to be specific. I had read about other people taking trapeze classes in New York, and I was definitely jealous. Then it came to DC, but I forgot about it for a while.

So earlier today I was reading some Web sites, including Metromix DC (love them!), and I came across an article about the trapeze school. It turns out the classes are relatively affordable, especially now that I have some extra income coming in. I want to take the Flying Trapeze class, the Static Trapeze and the Silks class. Although of all of them, I think the Silks class would be the coolest. I've always wanted to twist and turn high above the ground with just fabric, haha. Seriously though, I think it would be awesome.

You know, I'm just saying, but they also have giftcards. Ahem. That would make a pretty awesome Christmas or birthday gift to a certain someone special, ahem.

If I actually go through with it, I'll be sure to let you know. I have a feeling I might.

Total War

So I’m currently at war with the treadmill in my gym. This war, however, has spread to the weight machines, free weights and even my kitchen. It feels so good to be working out again. I can actually see the muscle coming back!

But to really get a good grasp on how I’m doing, I want this: Tanita BC-350 Ironman Body Composition Monitor.

According to the description, it provides your “weight, body fat percentage, body water percentage, muscle mass, bone mass, basal metabolic rate, physique rating, visceral fat level, and metabolic age.”

It’s $269.99, but isn’t it pretty?

And It's Hot! Hot! Hot!

A friend and I were talking about how excited we were about the weather this weekend. We're in two different locations, but each place should be in the mid to high 80s. How exciting! I'll be trapped inside for most of the week writing essays to apply for jobs, but this weekend I'm definitely getting out. Anyways, it made me think of this site I recently found. (I forget where I found it. If it was you, let me know and I'll fix it with a shout out.) The site is called "The F***ing Weather." It's pretty funny, especially on days when the weather sucks.

I hope everyone plans to spend the weekend outside. If you're a fan of yard sales, you need to check out this site: Yard Sale Treasure Map. It will provide a map of all the yard sales near you on whatever day you want. Genius! Are you a bigger walker? Why not find out your neighborhood's Walk Score and see what's close to you? Or maybe you're moving and want to find a walk-friendly neighborhood. It's definitely a useful resource.

I have a friend visiting, so I'm be playing tourist again. We'll probably end up walking the National Mall, maybe the zoo and other fun places. What are your plans?

Karma Wednesday

Nothing like a little break for a holiday. I hope everyone had a nice Easter/Passover/weekend, etc. I thought I'd just leave you with a few tidbits today.

1) My friend Michael Northrop officially has his first YA book out: Gentlemen. You should definitely pick it up and read it. The cover itself makes me want to pick it up and read it, which I will when I head to a bookstore. Check out the story behind it. I am excited to get my book autographed, too. Also, once upon a time, our luck/successes seemed to be closely linked, so hopefully, his luck will soon kickstart mine. He even has another book coming out in 2009: Trapped. Congrats!

2) My mile is getting better! I can run longer, too. How exciting. Although, I have some beef with health magazines (SELF included) and Web sites. I've recently decided I would try "interval sprinting" because I hear it helps trim tummy fat more than just running regularly. So I looked into some "rountines" to try out like this one. YEESH! Can you make a beginner running rountine please? I'm excited if I run 15-2o mins with maybe one minute of running a little faster than ususal. I tried to add a few interval sprints today and ended up with my left foot cramping up. Oh well. I guess I'll try again tomorrow.

3) It's TAX DAY. Hope you turned in your taxes, get a sweet refund and scored some great deals today. I actually turned in my taxes a while ago and got my tax refund. It sort of funded my visit to NY back in March.

Ok, I think I'm going to spend some time reading before bed. I'm currently reading Women & Fiction: Short stories by and about women. It was published in 1975. So far, it's not bad, but I really did not enjoy Gertrude Stein's Miss Furr and Miss Skeene. Good night for now.

How Exciting!

I'm so proud of myself today, and I want to share the reason why with all of you!

I ran TWO miles today on the treadmill in 25 minutes (five minute cool down included). I don't know how I kept running, but I did. AND I wasn't even really watching TV. I was listening to music though. This, my friends, is a milestone in the ongoing quest to conquer the treadmill.

Treadmill, you are so going down. Victory is MINE!

I Will Win, Treadmill.

If you know me, you know I HATE RUNNING. If you've read the blog, you know that I have plans to conquer the treadmill. I must say in general I've made progress, but I still have a long way to go. I can run a mile non-stop now as long as a good TV show is on.

As the weather gets warmer, all of these joggers start coming out. Usually I roll my eyes and think awful thoughts when I see them, but maybe (odds are slim to none, but I can dream) this summer (it's already spring; one goal at a time) I will join them. Just in case you plan on doing the same thing, here are some tips for transitioning from the treadmill to... the outdoors from FitSugar.

- Start slow. The full transition apparently takes about one to two months. Who knew it was this serious? One outdoor run a week is a good start, and build as you feel more comfortable.

- Run at a slower pace and run shorter distances to get used to all of those extra outdoor challenges. You don't want to trip or get stuck at the bottom of a hill.

- Be safe! Bring a buddy, an ID and your cell phone, just in case. Fanny pack anyone?

For more tips, check it out here.

Motivation is Key

My yoga move update: So I managed to hold the first pose (the Scissor Legs Side Crow) for about two seconds. The second pose (the One-Legged Arm Balance) was a bit less successful. I could hold it for about half a second because I have not regained the flexibility necessary for this move. Therefore, combining the two hasn't quite happened. First I need to work on upper body strength and flexibility. But let's be clear: I -will- do this pose one day.

Running, however, is something that I don't have the same motivation for. I attempted to run on the treadmill today. Thank goodness I was the only one in the gym, so embarassing. So when I read the Words That Move You slideshow on FitSugar, I knew I had to share it. Here are some of my favorites:

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing; that's why we recommend it daily." — Zig Ziglar

"Fall seven times, stand up eight." —Japanese proverb

"It's a dream until you write it down, and then it's a goal."– Anonymous

Treadmill, don't think I won't be back tomorrow. You're totally going down.

Snow Day

This is the view from my dining room window. See all that powdery white stuff on the ground? IT'S SNOW, and quite frankly, I hate snow. It's wet and cold and gross.

In order to hit the gym (which I must because I didn't go yesterday), I must be brave and head into the snow. Don't worry; I'll gather enough courage to go soon enough.

I have to go in order to regain strength and flexibility for this WILD yoga pose. I'm DEFINITELY going to try it (and hope that I don't break anything). And of course, I'll let you know what happens.

Sadly, I also have a sink full of dishes that need washing that I've been putting off all morning by feeding my new addiction to Twitter. I had no idea so many people/establishments were on it. I've also been catching up on all my blog reading. RSS feeds are honestly fantastic. If you don't use them or a reader or whatever, you really ought to.

Ok, so the dishes, the mail (my mom sent me a care package! i hope it's here!) and the gym are calling my name. (More like screaming really.) So I'll be back later this evening.

Burn Calories, Burn!

My ex-boyfriend would be proud of me. For the past two weeks, I've been going to the gym at least every other day. Today (SATURDAY) I was on the elliptical for over 2.5 miles! (How long that took is another story, but one feat at a time, thanks.) I'm so glad the apartment complex has a decent gym. Take that, stupid $60 gym memberships!

Anyways, since I've been working out, I thought I 'd share this interesting tidbit I learned from Glamour's health and fitness blog Vitamin G. Apparently, different workouts (ie. running, swimming, etc.) lead to different cravings. Personally I don't crave much of anything after working out except water, but that could be connected to my choice of exercise, according to this post. I generally pick a treadmill over running outside, and supposedly, treadmill lovers are more likely to experience appetite suppression. Wacky, huh?

But if you're more of a swimmer, or a swimmer in cold water, you end up craving foods higher in fat. If you're an outside runner, expect to crave fruit and high-water foods. Now I'm not big on swimming in cold water nor running, so if you are, does this resemble your post-workout craving?

You can read more about the study conducted at Loughborough University here.