Inverted Reflection

Excuses

2013-03-22T20:03:00.000-04:00

I'll tell you the end at the beginning: I got myself a banana and powered through it (I don't even like bananas). I reached for the Welch's fruit snacks first and thought better of it. I see growth and progress in that as I am making healthier, lower calorie, more efficient food choices. I had a lot of reasons NOT to work out today and only one to do it: I told myself I would. I honored myself by following through on a commitment I made to me. I work in service of everyone else. I'm at a point of burnout. Not a career-ending burnout b/c it's nothing my upcoming vacation won't fix but a burnout nonetheless. I needed this. The endorphins, the one step closer to my goals, the release. I gave myself a gift for which there is no excuse.

Fuel

2013-03-21T08:05:00.000-04:00

I lost approximately 1.5 lbs of those extra 3 I picked up. I have been keeping a food diary for the last couple of days. This time, it's a handwritten one rather than using My Fitness Planner. Something about the old-fashioned way has me more accountable. Plus, I found a use for that moleskin journal since I haven't been writing poetry much. I struggled through another installment of level 2 of Shred and all I could think about was a green smoothie. Here's what I threw together (no measuring):

spinach
banana
nut and honey granola
water
mixed berry activia yogurt

No bad. Next time, I'll add ice. It's a little warm. Throwing this tasty concoction in the 'fridge while I go shower. Today, I learned to use what you have and try things out. I dont have all the stuff in the recipes I came across online but this tastes something close to the Bolthouse joint I buy sometimes anyhow.

Set Backs

2013-03-19T07:24:00.000-04:00

I stepped on the scale and was greeted by 3 additional pounds. Haven't lost an ounce but I GAINED 3 lbs. I missed too many workouts, made poor eating choices, and haven't had enough water. I want to blame some of this on monthly weight gain but that is likely not the case. So I am now 13 lbs over original weight and that was supposed to be a starting weight so 23 lbs from goal weight. WAAAAAAA *sips lemon water*

Tough Decisions

2013-03-14T07:46:00.000-04:00

I'm all about integrity. I don't feel just in just starting level 3 on the 10 day mark. For one thing, level 2 is kicking my butt too bad and I wanna honor myself by allowing myself time. The other reason is I had two unplanned non-workout days. Those are in addition to the unforseen one I am having this weekend. Technically, there are two this weekend as Idk how much of a workout paintball is and I won't be doing Jillian Michaels. All factors considered, I have decided to extend my challenge 4 days. Barring any further interruptions in the plan, this will put me with an end date exactly one month from SXM. I can live with that.

FAIL

2013-03-12T21:50:00.002-04:00

Not a complete fail but some fail is going on. Couldn't get my workout this morning b/c of an unforseen emergency that wasnt even an emergency so much as it was fucking inconvenient. Anyway, this is the night I work til 8 and having had to get ready and out of the house early to rush to get to work for a long, hard day, a workout simply wasn't in the cards. Would you look at that run-on sentence? I'm tired and irritable. Good night.

Level 2: Day 1

2013-03-11T07:16:00.003-04:00

I allowed myself to progress to the second level despite not having fully mastered all of level 1 moves. I attempted every move and completed few of them. Level 2 is significantly more difficult for me. The super brief cool down is a waste of time still. There is plenty of planking in this round which was never done in the first level. I think if there had been at least 1 plank move, I would have been better prepared. I have about 6 more times to get it right. I am making the decision to remain on the calendar schedule so whether or not I master level 2, it's on to level 3 on the 21st. The road to SXM will not be completely paved with this one DVD. I plan to mix it the hell up b/c I quickly get bored with the same approaches. I need to make dietary lifestyle changes, use other DVDs I have purchased, and I have Pinterest pins of exercise routines to throw in on weekends.

Planning Ahead

2013-03-10T13:20:00.001-04:00

My niece's bday is this week. To celebrate, she wants to play paintball Saturday. She lives far out and then the paintball spot is further. I'll be spending the weekend there resulting in losing two workout days. Friday is already a scheduled rest day so no problems there. Saturday is the day of paintball and I'm gonna count that as a workout since I assume I'll be running around. Sunday is St. Patty's Day where I was already scheduled to do a little drinking and then I have a date with my man. Theoretically, I'm losing one workout day. I could live with that. I plan to watch my portions this week and definitely take it easy on drinking for safety and responsibility above anything else.

Berry Breakfast Smoothie

2013-03-09T08:43:00.001-05:00

Simply blend raspberries, strawberries, and organic soy milk with some ice. Next time: add whey and soy protein powder. I really intended to do that this time but my brain isn't fully awake despite completing level 1 of the 30-day Shred. So far, no weight change but I feel my body adapting to working out again. I can also attribute no weight change to little variation in eating habits. Additionally, I am at most burning 250 calories per workout, per internet search results so there's that.

7 Whole Days

2013-03-07T20:09:00.000-05:00

One week of being conscious of my consumption and activity levels. I noticed that while I am still on the first level of the workout series, it feels harder the more I do it. I added heavier weights yesterday but seemed to struggle more today. My friend says thats good. I hope she is right.

The Morning After

2013-03-06T08:23:00.001-05:00

Resuming working out after a day of rest is like starting over for me. It is especially so because I picked up some 3 lb weights from Target yesterday to use instead of whatever my sister-in-law had down there. I believe each of her weights were 1.5 lbs. I still count this as day 6 of 30 and it is complete *sips lemon water*.

Update: Day of Rest

2013-03-05T08:51:00.002-05:00

As i prepare my water for green tea and boil my egg (no toast this AM. cinnamon apple instant oatmeal instead), I am back to share that I decided to allow a day of rest every 5th day of this 30 day journey. It will not be a day of complete inertia; for instance, I did some slight ab work this morning before venturing to the kitchen. On the 5's, I will work a muscle group that isn't sore and/or possibly isn't being worked to my satisfaction.

The airport code for St. Maarten is SXM so henceforth, it shall be referred to as such. SXM, we on the way!

Day of Rest

2013-03-04T22:31:00.000-05:00

My friend and fitness inspiration told me I need two rest days. I did not factor this into my plan. I complained to my boyfriend of leg soreness and he is requesting I work a different muscle group. That means skipping my DVD for the day. I think I can live with skipping my DVD and giving my legs a rest but I can't tolerate a full rest day. Not this early in the game. I'm too likely to stop and not start again. Time to investigate what I might do tomorrow.

Day 4 Post-Workout Eating

2013-03-04T07:56:00.003-05:00

Breakfast today is:

lemon water
green tea (plain)
cinnamon raisin toast
boiled egg

I believe it is my night to cook dinner so let me get into some meal planning. There are plenty of leftovers from from the last couple of nights, maybe we can survive off of that :)

Support

2013-03-03T08:27:00.002-05:00

I support and promote my friends. I support and promote folks who aren't actually my friends. If you are doing something positive and uplifting, you have my support. I try to do so financially but now, more than ever, I am in no position. I don't expect anything in return; just paying forward the blessings bestowed upon me. In support of my friend from undergrad, I direct you to her fitness blog: A Living Revolutionary

This Tumblr is full of motivational memes, eating tips, exercise routines, and just plain good advice. Check it out.

Road to St. Maarten

2013-03-03T08:14:00.003-05:00

Hello! Is anyone still out there following this blog??? I said "goodbye" in 2011 but I guess I didn't mean it. I'm back with no promises about how long or how often but I am here. Allow me to address the title of this post. My friend whom I have known since 9th grade is celebrating her 27th birthday. Sidenote: have you been keeping up with my foolishness here and on twitter since I was like 21? I'm turning 27 this year. You are a trooper. Congratulate yourself! Ok, now back to the post. I have seen chronicles of my girl's adventures via facebook and twitter. This time, I was invited along to participate, which fits with a major portion of my vision board. She's an international jetsetting beast and I am a novice traveler so I trust her to be my guide in this goal. The destination: St Maarten.

The cost of the trip has been paid: my flight is booked, my stay is paid-in-full, and my CC balance is $0. While my financial accounts are settled, I haven't paid physically. I am in no way beach-ready. Sure, I can find a swimsuit to fit me but I want photographic evidence of a bikini-laden body before I hit 30. So where am I with the process? I'll share:

I am on day 3 of Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred. Shred is a 20-minute interval workout plus warm-up and cool down. The DVD is broken down into 3 levels so I intend on doing each level for 10 days. The workout is over quickly and she promises weight loss of up to 20 lbs in the 30-day period. This is perfect for me because my goal was just 10 lbs but I have been diet reckless and must now lose 20 lbs before this trip.

So far, my arms hate me, however she has me doing ab work. It's not much but it's more than zero for a person who skips that segment on every DVD/workout plan. I am the same girl who totally skipped out on abs day and yoga day in P90X and just gave myself days off.

I am inviting you to read along as I journal my progress in preparation to depart for the island in two-months time. Maybe I'll share some other stuff going on with me, also, too, as well.

bye!

2011-05-24T00:39:00.003-04:00

yup i'm done. i didn't want to do a mellow dramatic post about shutting down the blog and blah blah blah but here i am. it's been like 4 years. im ready to move on. this blog started out as just my thoughts on anything no one actually asked my opinion on. ive seen it evolve into something else, something i am not happy with but am not sure how to change. i've also seen some awesome connections made as a result of having it. i want to thank all my readers for their constructive input. im glad for the love ive received from my readers, especially the ones i have been able to call "friend" (you know i dont like throwing that word around).

it's been a slightly neurotic rollercoaster but it doesn't end. you can still keep up w/ me (superficially) on my other blog and im on twitter. i'm available via email: invrtdreflection [at] gmail [dot] com. and some of you have my # and gchat. so yea, this vein is blocked but there are arteries and capillaries you can use to reach me. what the hell kind of magic school bus metaphor...? i need sleep. peace!

since you havent seen me in a while...

2011-05-01T20:22:00.003-04:00

PICTURE!

why should I protect the innocent?

What do you think about...

2011-04-30T19:55:00.004-04:00

"other" people getting "famous" for getting on Youtube and reciting songs by black artists? Is that really a talent? I know songs, too. First, it was Danny and now it's this Karmin chick. Yes, being able to rap as fast as Busta or Twista is a difficult feat but...*shrug* not impossible. I guess it's the same as other folks being part of cover bands. Again, that's something I don't get but at least they were an option for everyday folks who wanted a live performace but couldnt afford the artist. With these Youtube characters, they get on stage WITH the big name performers. Eh. Idk...shit's kinda weird. What do you think?

extreme stupidity

2011-04-30T17:24:00.003-04:00

so this show, which i like to think of as neat hoarders, is showing me a new kind of crazy. i love a bargain as much as the next chick however Extreme Couponing is the height of too muchery. you dont have kids but you have a stockpile of cheap diapers. even if a baby showed up in your house tomorrow, they wouldnt even be in that diaper size long enough to make a dent. IT IS NOT A DEAL IF YOU DO NOT NEED OR WANT IT! my mother taught me long ago that if it's a coupon for something you dont normally buy, that's not really a deal. yes, it's fine if you want to try something new but i something that you are very unlikely to consume is a WASTE. you can save more than that $1 off by not purchasing that stupid item at all.

as for household staples like mustard and crap, yea i wanna save on that but not ive i gotta keep 20 bottles at one damn time...my thing is if it isnt something my family runs through like toilet paper, there is no need to hoard large quantities. yes, it is super cool when they get thousands of dollars worth of items for about $20. however, most stores place limits on the number of something you can buy and/or the number of coupons you can use on one thing.

i guess someone could say i'm a hoarder for the sheer amount of makeup/beauty products (most at full-price) i could not possibly use all of. my thing is, they are actual items i use, i win giveaways so a good portion was free, and i could always sanitize and use on others.

Highlights: April 2011

2011-04-30T00:27:00.000-04:00

lost 6 lbs!!!- success due to Lent and #10lbchallenge

tax refund- paid off my CC bill and paid my sister for my part of the cruise this Sept.

won a couple of giveaways- I won a statement necklace and MAC candy yum yum lipstick (which i couldn't find ANYWHERE)

went to the melting pot for the first time- dessert was yummy but only worth it in the group we were in

How was your April? Worried that you missed something going on with me? Don't fret; there is nothing more than this highlights post to report. I'm on super chill mode as far as talking to dudes. I've cut everyone fully off and NO BACKTRACKING. I'm actually completely single and I don't much mind it. Weird.

that was fun while it lasted

2011-04-17T00:30:00.002-04:00

i'm over the whole relaxer thing. i've decided to go back to being natural. im not done with the creamy crack for good. the plan is to go completely chemical-free and then return to texturizers. that's what i was getting in the beginning. in a fit of laziness i told my stylist at the time to go ahead and relax it bone straight during one visit. BIG mistake. i hate it. so im going to let what's left of my relaxer grow out which is easier now that ive cut it. my friend is on her solange b/c she cut it ALL OFF! i need a few inches before i do something like that. no chrisette michelle for me. it would be nice to simply wash and go sooner than later but imma try to deal.

no, it really is me

2011-04-11T10:01:00.002-04:00

people get on twitter and say "if u think men aint shit, take a look at yourself". normally, i'd ignore that but it's getting harder and harder to do so. at one point, i was convinced that all the good ones are taken. not the case. every day, i hop on fb to see that so and so got engaged. granted, the guy was technically taken but some folks don't view it as such until there's a ring involved. all im saying is there still are a few good ones out there. maybe theyre commited to someone else but they do, in fact, exist. otherwise, these new engagements would not be occuring so frequently. i still highly doubt there is a good guy FOR ME but generally, good guys are available. i mean, these chicks are finding them. those still on the search, good luck.

get in your box!

2011-04-03T22:30:00.003-04:00

i like to compartmentalize. or at least i thought i did but what im doing speaks to the contrary. my buddy from work is now my real life buddy. i wouldnt go so far as to say we're friends but how much longer can i keep her in the work box if we go to happy hour and grab pedis before work? she's my friend on twitter. have you noticed how much less ratchet i am? she's also my friend on facebook as of today. im doing a lot. maybe it's in part b/c i dont take my job all that seriously. it's really just a job to me. a stepping stone. it's no secret: they know it and i know it. so yea, she's my bff at work and apparently she's cool people in my real life. i think this is a good thing. might be one of the only things making this bareable. she bet' not leave before im done serving my time.

Highlights: March 2011

2011-03-31T11:24:00.001-04:00

sprinkles cupcakes opened. my friend bought me a cupcake a few days after opening day.

bff's bday. he came to town and we explored old town alexandria, a spot im NEVER in. a stranger paid $20 of our $28 bar tab in one of the spots we hit. i paid the remainder b/c i was buying him a drink anyway.

my dad finally got me new tires for my car, saving me about $600.

my degree came in the mail and i picked up my commencement tickets.

i got 7 bottles of wine for the low-low via groupon

i got a free voucher for an orioles game in september.

how was your March? i was really reaching here for the good news so im hoping that April has a huge dose of awesome!

that's happening

2011-03-22T23:46:00.001-04:00

i got a guest post going on over at Tea and Such: check it out