Body Pump Update

I went to Body Pump again tonight. This was my fourth class and it's not getting any easier!

The instructor says you can tell a difference after four classes, but I don't see anything. That's not going to keep me from going back, though.

I definitely think more about what I'm eating. I haven't really changed anything, per se, but I have found myself wanting chips or chocolate and choosing not to eat either since it would take at least an hour to burn off the calories. That's a good thing, I guess.

I ate and drank anything and everything I wanted last weekend while I was in Memphis and this weekend is not looking better with my birthday next Monday. I'm sure it won't work, but I'd love to go to at least two of my favorite Alabama restaurants including, but not limited to, Ricatoni's, Frank's, Casa and Stanfield's. Just thinking about the food at these places is making my stomach growl! I'm also hoping to make a caramel cake (one of my favorite and most-requested cakes from Grams) and goodness knows there is nothing low-calorie in that!

I skipped the Y last night because I was so tired and I felt off all day. I'm planning on going tomorrow and Thursday as well unless I manage to get a hair appointment--these roots are getting pretty bad!

I know this is a boring post, but I'm writing about it to try to keep myself accountable. Hopefully, I can talk about positive results soon!

Walking in Memphis

There wasn't that much walking, but I had the BEST weekend in Memphis!  My best friend from Auburn's MAc program, Molly, lives in Memphis and we decided it was high time I came to visit!

I left Friday right after work and made my way down 40 West.  The drive was not bad at all, but nobody maintains a steady speed, so no cruise control for me.  Once I got there, we watched the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics and talked for a while before bed.

Saturday morning, we watched more Olympics before heading out.  We had a yummy lunch at Central BBQ before going on a tour of Memphis, getting pedicures and doing a little shopping at the Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn Outlets.

Later that night, we watched more Olympics before getting ready for dinner.  We went to Memphis Pizza Cafe (so good, btw) before going to a couple bars.  We were out pretty late and I think I was asleep before my head hit the pillow that night!

Sunday, we were slow-moving and didn't make it to brunch, so we decided to go to Young Avenue Deli.  I definitely ate too much here, but everything was so good!  I'm positive I was the group fat kid, but that's why I went to the gym four times last week!

Not long after we got back from lunch, it was time to say goodbye.  I definitely didn't want this weekend to be over!

Thanks so much for a great time, Molly!

I had to make this picture B&W so I didn't look completely day-glo!  For some reason, this is the only picture I have of just the two of us. We need to work on that!

  

Sore

I went back to Body Pump tonight. I'm already very sore, but it's a good kind of sore!

I have to say the second class was easier--maybe because I had a clue what I was doing or maybe just because it's not my second day at the Y this time.

I'm afraid I won't be able to comfortably climb stairs tomorrow, but that's alright. Every time my muscles protest tomorrow, I'll be reminded that I'm doing the hard work and I'm going to see results!

It's so much harder than it looks...

I tried a BOSU ball class at the YMCA last night. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into, but I grossly underestimated how hard this class would be.

I did fine with the crunches, but soon discovered this was not the class for me. I'm not coordinated or strong enough to do push ups with my feet on this ball and then suddenly push up and take both legs off the ball.  I'm having a hard time even describing the ridiculous things we were asked to do in this class.

I told Mother what we did in this class and I think she thought I was stupid for even trying it.  She was quick to remind me of my alternate first name, Grace.  Mom has often called me this when I do something silly like fall down stairs--something I do far too often (at my house, at the Florence Post Office...I could go on for a while, unfortunately!).  Too bad Daddy wouldn't agree on this name for a baby girl--maybe I'd be more graceful if I had had been named Grace Elizabeth instead of Katherine Elizabeth?

Conversations

I've spent most of the evening talking to Uncle Mark reminiscing about our family. Aunt Nancy (his sister) and I were so close and I was absolutely devastated, and am still, by her death. Like I told him earlier, the only good thing to come about after her death was he and I have become closer than I ever imagined. I talk to him for hours at a time and from time to time he tells me about things Daddy either doesn't remember or doesn't want to talk about. Thanks to him, I know more about my family from our conversations than I would have ever learned otherwise.

We talk about what Grandaddy Larry and Grandmother Ann would have thought of me, what they were like, how close I felt to Aunt Nancy and regrets I have in my relationship with Grandmother (actually my great-grandmother) among other things.

I often think about how awful it was that I never knew Daddy's parents and that I lost Aunt Nancy at such a young age, but so I'm glad I have him. I don't want any regrets about knowing enough about him. I hope he knows how much I love him, how proud of him I am (He's had an amazing career with two--that I know of--Sports Illustrated feature articles) and how glad I am that he's part of my family.

I'd post pictures, but until last week, I didn't have a picture of him since my christening at three months old. I guess I'll respect the photographer's wishes to not have pictures of him--for now, at least! :)

Weekend in Florence

My family had a bit of excitement with Grandaddy last week, so Mom and I didn't get to go to Gatlinburg with Daddy. Instead, I still took Friday off, but went to Florence to help Mama. Although I wish we could have gone to the mountains, it's more important to help Mama and spend time with Grandaddy while he remembers me. I'm so afraid I'll come in one day and he won't remember that I'm his "first baby"--for some reason he skips Mama and her sister and goes straight to me!

I got there late Thursday night and picked up Emma from Grandaddy's house. She was most displeased when I couldn't sleep and did all of our laundry instead.

Friday, I spent most of the day with Grandaddy. Mama and I cleaned out a closet so Grandaddy's clothes could all be upstairs instead of leaving some in the basement. It wasn't nearly as sad as I expected giving away most of Grams' everyday clothes. I actually enjoyed reminiscing about some of her favorite outfits. We definitely kept a few things for sentimental reasons, but there were bags and bags of things we gave away.

Saturday, I went back to Grandaddy's house and spent most of the day with him before going to Casa for my favorite Mexican food. The menu may be the same in other places, but the food is certainly not the same.

Today, I woke up early, but still managed to be late for the first church service. I spent some time with my choir friends and then sang in the second service. I certainly wish I could join then tomorrow night for the Handy concert, but it just won't work logistically.

Now, I'm back home and getting ready for the work week. I had a long weekend, but I do wish for another day off. Wouldn't anyone?

This week shouldn't be too bad and I'm planning on a trip to Memphis next weekend, so that's definitely something to look forward to. After that, I'm back to Florence the next weekend to celebrate my 25th birthday--geez, that sounds old!

Sometimes I'm not very smart...

I joined the Y yesterday. My first gym membership ever. I've had gyms at places I've lived before, but, to be honest, I rarely used the facilities. In the last year, since my health has been better, I've gained far too much weight. It's gotten to the point where I just don't feel good about how I look.

When I joined yesterday, I had a tour and then did 8 miles on a stationary bike in 30 minutes. I didn't feel too bad afterwards, but my legs hurt when I climbed the stairs at work today.

Today, I went with the wives of two of the guys I work with. We went to Body Pump and I'm not going to lie--I was really nervous for this class. For one, I don't think I've done an hour of INTENSE exercise in years. Also, I've never really done anything with weights and certainly not with a bar. Body Pump uses a bar almost all the time.

The upper body workout wasn't awful, but the squats and lunges KILLED me!! My legs were shaking during the squats an I was really feeling the burn! There are also tons of pushups which were no fun at all. I also learned that I absolutely cannot do a plank. Maybe if it hadn't been at the end of the hour, but I couldn't do one at all tonight.

I was so tired afterwards that I tried to talk to my friend Molly and couldn't even carry on a coherent conversation. I wanted to go straight to bed, but I had to make some brownies for a party at work tomorrow. I just took those out of the oven and now I'm going to take a shower an crash.

I'm seriously worried that I won't be able to move tomorrow, but I feel so accomplished that I went to the class and finished!

I'm planning on going back tomorrow, but I'm going to take it easier. I really want to go to a spin class, but I'm not sure I can handle it bam to back with Body Pump. We'll just have to see how tomorrow goes and what time I can leave work. Of course, this is all contingent on being able to move tomorrow!

I caught the bouquet!

I went to the wedding of my work friend, Melissa and her sweet fiancé (now husband...eek!), Patrick tonight. It was a beautiful wedding and suited their personalities perfectly!

I hated that it rained nearly all day today. I don't think I would be as good of a sport if it rained on my wedding day!

Traffic was awful due to road construction (part of one interstate is closed) and rain. I missed Melissa's walk down the isle, but arrived during the reading and heard the vows and witnessed the first kiss as man and wife.

The reception was super fun and the food was great. Both Melissa and Patrick live barbecue, so Jim-n-Nicks catered the reception. I think everyone enjoyed that. I hope we get leftovers at work on Monday! The also had snowcones with many favors and some more "adult" add-ins! The cakes were beautiful and the Bride's cake was very good. I chose to skip the Groom's cake after all the calories from the meal!

There were lots of people from work, so we had a very good time. We all get along pretty well and it's always nice to see my coworker's spouses.

For the third time in my life, I caught the bouquet! I was 16 the first time and almost 22 the second time. I think the third time might be the charm--maybe 25 is going to be a good year!!

Time for bed--it's going to be time for church much too early tomorrow!

The weekend is ALMOST here!

I'm so glad it's Friday!  My office is very empty because so many people are enjoying their summer vacations.  The two girls that I talk to the most are both out, but, don't worry, we've caught up on the office gossip via text and phone calls this week.  We are so mean...just kidding!!

Anyway, all that stands between me and the weekend is a few hours in the office and a TSCPA meeting for the rest of the day.

I volunteered and was selected to serve on the Scholarship Awards committee, so I get to spend the majority of the day today giving away other people's money!  One of my favorite things to do is shop with other people's money, but giving it away should be fun too!

I'm thinking about going to the YMCA after work and trying to decide if I'm going to join.  I've gained quite a bit of weight in the last year (I needed some after my illness) and I just want to feel good about how I look again.  The branch I'm interested in is less than 2 miles from my house, so I won't have an excuse!

Tomorrow I have to clean and do laundry, as usual, but then I get to go to the wedding of my work mentor and friend.  She and her fiance have been dating for more than four years and are very cute together.  I think I know all the details of the wedding and reception (including the surprises for the guests) so I'm super excited for tomorrow night!  I've got my dress and bag picked out, but I've still got to decide what to do with my hair.  If anyone wants to come to my house and fix it for me, you are most certainly welcome.  I might be able to prepare a tax return, but I can't do much with my hair.

Sunday is the day I'm really looking forward to!  Emma has a follow-up appointment at 11AM today and I'm hoping Dr. Snipes says she can come back to Brentwood on Sunday.  I've really missed having her with me the past few days.  Hopefully, she's on the mend and will be back to her old self (minus jumping off the bed!).

Time to go to work...running late, as usual!

Injury Report

Not for me, thank goodness!

Sweet Emma is on the injured reserve for the time being.

Tuesday night, I remember asking her why she was walking funny.  I know, "asking" like I expected a response.  I do treat her like my child and not the "D"-word! :)

She wasn't limping or whining, but she wasn't walking quite normally.  She acted happy though and I didn't really think about it any further.

When I decided to go to bed, I started up the stairs like usual and looked for her in my bedroom (she always beats me up the stairs).  When I didn't find her, I noticed that she was still at the bottom of the stairs.  I thought that she was just being lazy or was too sleepy to come upstairs, so I tried calling her and encouraging her to come upstairs.  Finally, I carried her upstairs and went to bed.  I didn't think any more about it.

Then Wednesday morning, I took her outside and she wouldn't do her "business".  This is never a problem, so that triggered a red flag for me.  I also noticed that she was trembling slightly and that was enough to call Mimi to the rescue.

I called Mama and she came to get Emma and take her back to Florence.  We have the BEST veterinarian in Muscle Shoals and I will always want Emma to go to her unless she is bleeding or has another problem that needs quick attention.

Well, Dr. Snipes diagnosed her with a pinched nerve in her back.  Probably due to her new (very bad) habit of jumping off my entirely too high bed.  She's not even a foot tall, so jumping off a three and a half plus foot bed is much too high for her.

She's got to take anti-inflammatory medicine for four days and cannot jump or climb stairs for a while.  She's got a follow-up appointment on Friday and hopefully she can come back to me on Sunday.  I can't imagine trying to keep her from jumping and I guess I will have to use her baby gate all the time to prevent her from climbing the stairs.

I guess I will just have to hold her all day.  I know that's what Mimi's doing right now.

Boy am I in trouble when I have human children!

One of my favorite Emma pictures...highlighting her jumping prowess!

RAIN

It's raining!  It's ridiculous how excited everyone is about the chance of rain.  After close to ten days of 100+ degree weather, we're finally getting a break.  I was told it rained in places on Saturday, but I know it rained at my house on Sunday afternoon and again Sunday night (Emma did not enjoy the thunder!). 

I went out to look at my plants last night and they didn't need a drop of water!  Since I'd been watering daily for weeks, I'm looking forward to a lower water bill this month. 

While driving to work this morning, it started raining again--a nice, slow rain!  The only negative to this is that the usually bad drivers in Nashville are much worse since they seem to have forgotten how to drive in rain.  On my drive in, I heard about at least three large wrecks on different interstates coming into the city.  Uh, oh...

Weekend at home

Friday after work I headed south to spend the weekend in Florence. Friday was Daddy's Birthday, and even though he wasn't home until Saturday night, I wanted to spend the weekend with him. Also, I spent a good part of Saturday morning and afternoon with Grandaddy. There's almost nothing better than sitting in the recliners in the den holding hands with him!

Friday evening, I had an adventure when I had to go to the grocery at 9:30. In Nashville, I wouldn't think twice about going to Kroger or Publix that late, but Florence is quite another story. I decided to make a German Chocolate cake for Daddy since that was "his" cake when Grams' would cook for our birthdays. Mine was usually pound cake, but sometimes caramel or cooked chocolate icing. It just depended on what mood I was in. Mother always got chocolate pies while Grandaddy got coconut cake.

Anyway, I started the cake around 10 and between making the cakes from scratch, finding appropriate pans (I'm always bringing mine from now on), making the icing and waiting for everything to cool, it was 2 AM before I could ice the cake. It was worth it to do something nice for the people I love and I'm always happy to add something new to my repertoire!

Saturday morning I got up and ready early so I could wake Grandaddy up and give him his medicine. It's always sweet, but sad, when he sees me each time since he never remembers that I am coming. This time, he didn't even know I would be there, but it was so nice to spend some quality time with him. I know there won't be that many more opportunities, so I want to make the most of the time we have.

After visiting with him, I got to visit with a good friend from high school and her family--including her sweet baby girl that I haven't seen since she was just days old. I've been saying she would be going to college before I saw her again (due to our different schedules and since we live in different states), so I'm glad that wasn't true! It's so strange that my friends are having babies now, but I love getting a chance to love on them! I'm so glad it worked out for us to visit and I loved visiting with almost the whole extended family.

I then went back to Grandaddy's to give him lunch and visit again. After that, I browsed in a few Florence stores and went to the grocery again so I could make Daddy's favorite childhood dish to freeze for work lunches for him. I don't find the dish too appetizing, but I will cook anything--especially for people that will eat anything I make.

Dad also requested my Pioneer Woman scones to take to work tomorrow. I brought two vanilla beans from home, but I needed a third. After going to two more stores, I finally found them at the store I hate the most--Wal-Mart. I have not been in that store once since I moved into my house in Brentwood. I taught Mom how to make the scones last night and we dipped them in the icing after church this afternoon.

I made one last grocery trip when I decided Daddy's Patio Skillet needed more olives. While at the grocery, I decided more tomatoes wouldn't hurt and also bought another pepper since I thought it would look more appetizing with a green pepper in addition to the red and orange ones I originally put in the dish.

To put it bluntly, I hope to stay out of grocery stores all week. I don't think that's realistic though since I haven't been shipping since last weekend for my own groceries.

After going to both church services this morning and visiting with my choir friends, I had to have a nap before heading back to Brentwood. I made it back about an hour ago and I still need to unpack. My neighbor is 7 and wants to play with Emma every time I am outside. Emma is not very happy about this since the little boy always wants to pick her up!

I'm making dessert for a work friend's rehearsal dinner on Tuesday night, so I need to do a little cleaning. I also have a meeting outside the office on Friday that I need to do some prep work for. I think this is going to be a very busy week, but I'm sure I'll have fun!

To explain the pictures with this post, I have a picture of my GPS saying it was going to take 29 minutes to go 11 miles to my parents house (yes, Mom, I was stopped in St. Florien when I took this picture!), the finished cake at 2 in the morning--leaning a bit, and the grocery at my final trip of the weekend. Isn't Instagram great? P.S--I can't get these in the correct order from my phone--please forgive me!

One more thing--I just learned that my first voice teacher lost her husband this afternoon. She's only a few years older than me and they hadn't even been married for two years. They have been traveling the country for Souls4Soles and were in Texas when he died. I can't imagine how lost she's feeling right now and I know she would appreciate the prayers.

Until next time...

My House-One Year Later

Today marks one year since I became a homeowner.  I decided this was a good enough reason to take some pictures.  I thought about posting the pictures I took of the house before I placed my offer, but I'm afraid that everyone will like the "before" pictures better than my "after" pictures! :)

 I only took pictures of downstairs, so pictures of the bedrooms will have to come later.  Let me know what you think!

Welcome to my home!

Weird picture of the foyer taken while standing on the stairs.  I couldn't figure out another way to get a picture of the whole foyer.

One of my antique store finds--perfect for the foyer

 This was one of my first antique store finds.  I bought this for the living room of my apartment in Nashville.  I think it works perfectly in my foyer.

I love this kitchen...except for the ugly white sink.

 I love my kitchen.  The appliances are not the newest, but everything works.  I would love to have a bigger oven or to get a combination convection oven/microwave, but I'm not getting anything new until something breaks!  I'm looking into having the Corian refinished, but it's still in great shape--just not a shiny as I would like.  I'm also looking for knobs/pulls for the cabinets, but I haven't chosen anything yet.  I had no idea how expensive cabinet hardware is and since I need 20+ pieces, I want to pick something that I'll be completely happy with.

Dining Room--yes, I have very traditional taste in furniture.

 My dining room furniture is my latest antique store purchase.  I looked for months for a table and a sideboard that I really liked until I found this one.  Florence has some of the best antique stores and everything I have gotten has been at an extremely reasonable price.  I still need to recover the chairs at some point and I haven't brought my tea service back from Florence yet.  I also want to have a flower arrangement made for the table, but I'm never in Florence when my favorite store for that is open.  The picture above the sideboard is there for safekeeping, not to stay.  I haven't found the right place for my painting from Chile yet and since the hardware was already in the wall, I stuck it up there for the time being.  I really want a mirror, but I can't put one large enough for the space in my car, so I have to wait for Mom to come visit with her SUV!

Living Room

The entertainment center is from Story & Lee along with the coffee and end tables.  I think everything I own is either from there or from an antique store!  The leather chair belonged to my Great Grandfather.  Since he died shortly after I turned two and I remember sitting in this chair with him, it's one of my favorite pieces of furniture.

More Living Room

 The picture above the entertainment center is from our family trip to Australia when I was eleven.  This was originally in Mom and Dad's house, but was no longer being used there, so I brought it home with me.  All the knick-knacks have sentimental value as well, but I didn't take a detailed enough picture to talk about each item in specifics.

I hope you enjoyed this quick tour of the downstairs of my house!  I'll try to take upstairs pictures soon.