Adventure.

Ever since I started my get-healthy Adventure, I've lost 30 pounds.

More importantly, I can squat 253 (not max- just work out weight).

My derby thighs are looking stellar.

On that note:

Me: Just squatted 253! I'll take it!

Elise: From the sounds of it, you could squat almost all of me. (which means, I EXPECT YOU TO BE ABLE TO SOON!) :D

Me: Challenge accepted!!

Elise: YESS!!

....maybe I can incorporate "Squat Friends" into training for the Warrior Dash in KC2012 which I will be battling through with theee Mary Lou Wretched.... I'd better start running more/faster. ;D

So... hells yeah.

My workout tonight was brutal... I pushed super hard tonight.

Upped all my weight, ran my cardio on an incline.

I'm not gonna lie - it was fueled.

If you haven't read about my sorority adventures, you can read them here or on my Fuck Yeah Roller Girls page.

Well.

A catty friend-of-a-friend cracked a joke about my misfortunes in said group.

Although it doesn't much matter... Specifically, I commented on a picture of President Obama and said I don't put my hand over my heart, and I don't feel any less patriotic. Snatch-Face replied with "But you're not president" .... "Anymore! :o"

And sure. Maybe I was being sensitive, but I'm 97% sure it was said specifically to get a jab in.

I wanted to shank that stupid bitch... She honestly has never met me. Ever.

I do not understand the necessity for women/girls to tear each other down for the hell of it. (Which is reason #564 why I love derby - because we don't do that shit.)

ANYWAY.

I got mad, and headed straight to the gym. It was precisely the fuel I needed to walk across my flooded parking lot to the complex gym.

Maybe I should get angry before every workout.

Because as I did my squats I realized..... I can squat two of that stupid twat.

I am stronger and more powerful than she is.

I have moved on with my life and become something better than I was.

That girl is nothing to me, and never will be.

So, don't sweat it - sweat it OUT.

And that's precisely what I did.

Hell, I even left my hoodie on for maximum sweating.

Which would be a gross statement if I weren't writing to an audience of derby kids.

So for today, remember that you're more powerful than those assholes in your life.

And if you're not... well, work harder. :)

reason #9234 why I love roller derby.

Coqtiz: Anyone else frequently fantasize about ruling the post-apocalyptic zombie-riddled Earth with a pack of roller girls and Mad Max?

Me: Constantly.

Coqtiz: I always picture you standing there on skates, one toe stop down, snarling with your bloody machete at your side.

Me: Oh HELL YES.

Coqtiz: Id never glorify the deaths of billions of people, but I wanna be prepared. It just so happens that my plans include hot pants.

Me: keep talking.. these quotes just keep adding to my facebook :)

Coqtiz: This is all due to my lack of Internet and abundance of zombie games/shows/movies. And my raw ore of badassery.

Me: yep. Just snorted. :)

Coqtiz: You’re gonna hafta subdue all snorts in the post-apocalyptic world. Zombies can hear snorts and chortles from miles away.

Me: Oh you’re right.. I need to snarl more and snort less.. Lucky it’s not the apocalypse yet!

Coqtiz: This is why we’re preparing now. Don’t wanna get caught with our hot pants down!

Texts Messages: Or, Why I Love My Friends

My friends are some of the most hilarious, random, amazing people on the planet.

Occasionally, they send me incredibly random text messages that make me literally laugh out... or snort... or chuckle... Or immediately read said message to the nearest person.

Here's a few examples of such :)

"What are the words to the fight song?"

"Dawwwwww. If she didn't have a coke addiction and fear of commitment you two would be so perfect together :) "

"Get drunk and act on your feelings. That's what I do. :) Be prepared to be slapped tho. Just cuz you're drunk doesn't mean everyone feels the same way about things"

"I really miss being a terrible grown up with you."

On my whiskey habits: "Whiskey never helps. It is a disaster drink. ....I always make angry choices when I drink whiskey..."

"I just woke up and had a minor heart attack because you weren't in my bed. Totes forgot I was at home. Thought you left me lol" ...this particular lovely friend allowed me to live in her apartment when I was homeless :) hahaha

"Remember: derby beats you because it loves you"

....more to come. :)

Full.

Even if my 3 miles are slow, I'm still going faster than that person still sitting on their couch.

Today my brain is extremely full of thoughts and ideas and paradigm changes... And I needed to clear my head.

So I went running.

I put on a playlist, stuck my ear buds in my ears, and ran.

(Nicki Minaj and Bright Eyes were my running partners today...)

I'm slow.

My form is not the best.

My breathing is sometimes erratic.

But I run, and I try, and I won't give up.

I've given up on living a healthy lifestyle too many times.

Today was my 5th day working out this week.

It should've been six, but sometimes, you just run out of hours in the day.

I can feel my muscles getting stronger. I can go for longer, and harder.

I can feel my spirit lifting, even if just a little, each time I sweat and catch my breath. Each time I up the weights on the machines....

I have issues with being 'in a mood'....

Working out fixes that.

If I'm in a shitty mood, I go run. (Endorphins are powerful.)

If I'm sad, I go lift weights. (They make me feel strong, and powerful and in control.)

If I'm pining over someone, I do push ups and core work outs... Because I feel if your core is strong, so is your heart.

And maybe that's a bit more spiritual and metaphysical subject matter than I usually write about... But these days, I feel everything is connected.

My heart, my soul, the earth, my breath when I run, the wind in the trees..

Working out fills my head, and my heart, with good thoughts.

When I run, I'm running away from the bad thoughts, the bad moods, the bad attitudes, the self-doubt.

And you know, maybe "running away" has negative connotations. But in this case, I mean that I'm leaving it behind.

I'm not a 5th grader, mad at my Mommy for telling me "no".. I'm mad at myself, and the world, for telling me no.

Because yes, I can. And yes, I will.

I'm so tired of hearing "no" all the time.

I don't know where I'm going with this...

The point is - It's all happening. It's all connected. It's all worth working for.

And if I have to stop eating carbs forever, I'll do it if it means I can skate like Suzy Hotrod, hit like Beyonslay, and look like that previously posted surfer girl....

My brain is full... my thoughts are everywhere... Can you tell? :)

Jello.

I started a new work out cycle today created by SRG's alum/KCRW current skater, Mary Lou Wretched.

I may or may not have said several times "Fuck that ho" and "I hate that bitch" while I did weighted lunges and cardio and Supermans and push ups....

I will love her in 3 weeks once I get my new cycle. :)

And when my shoulders and ass look amazing and my abs are smaller and I look incredible in my soon to be new little black dress. (Pin Up inspired. Platform peep toe heels. :D)

I'm just excited it's all happening.

And by that I mean I'm so excited I'M making it happen.

There was a possibility for a bet between myself and Russellmania for whoever lost the most body fat percentage by the first of the year.

I kindly declined.

While yes, it would inspire me to work harder... That's 1.5 months.

That's 6 weeks.

And while, yes, a lot can happen in 6 weeks... I just want to do this slowly and on my terms. :)

I had 1 week of working out... then a week off because I'm a lazy ass...

But today starts week 2 of consistent working out.

And I can already tell a difference.

My pants are all too big.

And so are my cardigans...

And I'm gonna have to go shopping, which I hate... but when is there a better time to buy new shit but when you're too small for all of your current shit. :)

However, I will say that my thighs/ass have gotten bigger.

Of course.. that's derby.

But it's bizarre to think that my waist and hips are getting smaller, but my muscles in my tush and thighs are getting super toned, and therefore bigger.

I'll never be teeny tiny and that's okay with me.

This journey is not about weight loss (although that will happen by default) it is about health and fitness.

So, yes... Maybe someday, if I work really fucking hard, I can look like this....
And who wouldn't want to? Homegirl is H-O-T. Toned, fit and still curvy!

instead of this:

And honestly... who the fuck would want to look like this? I mean, even Gemma Ward no longer looks like Gemma Ward, and good for her!!

(Okay... sorry, all you girls who love being impossibly skinny... But I like to eat, and I like to be strong... So, this is not a look I'll ever chase after.....)

Here's the thing about working out -

I sleep better.

I feel better.

I look better.

I feel more capable.

My confidence is directly related to how much and how hard I work out.

I get up on time. I get to work on time. I work harder, not just in the weight room....

So yeah.

Maybe it will take a while to look like surfer girl up there - but here's the thing. Fitness and health won't happen every night.

Every pound is a victory.

Every inch calls for celebration.

And every new muscle is worth a party in the street.

So, yes. Today, I am made of jello.

My shoulders have finally started to stop shaking.

My quads are still on fire....

And I'm a happy, happy, sleepy girl.

Running > Eating my feelings.

I'm currently still sweating my balls off from tonight's work out.

I didn't have the greatest day, and I didn't have the greatest welcome home.

Which... both left me furious, if I'm being honest.

I'm a self-admitted control freak, and I had the fury.

So, I grabbed Nemesis (my zune) and high tailed it to the gym... where I proceeded to do 30 minutes of interval sprints.

Which isn't bad for a girl who hasn't gone for a run on purpose in.... six months?

After that, I did a few overhead rows, just because I like them.

My long-distance trainer, Mary Lou Wretched, sent me my new plan - 3 days a week for 3 weeks.

I'll be starting it on Monday (because I'm weird and I have to start plans at the beginning of the week or I'll feel really weird about it...), and I'm super excited.

I'm ready to have a plan.

I'm ready to work my ass off - literally and figuratively.

I'm FINALLY sick and tired of being sick and tired and here's to Day 3 of actually doing something about it.

Back on the Wagon

Well. There was a whole week I didn't work out.

It was a sad week.

However! With the help of a highly motivated friend now workout buddy, I'm back on the wagon and working out 6 days a week again.

My pal Anna, has decided to be Team Awesome and work out with me.'

Afterall, my facilities are 'free'. (See also: included in my rent)... So why not utilize them?

I upped my hip sled weight today. I decided that cruising along and not challenging myself is exactly how I got to this lethargic, lazy-ass point.

I'm currently hip sledding my body weight. Which doesn't sound like much, considering everyone should probably be able to do that... But it's been YEARS (like 5+) since I've lifted.

Honestly, I've missed it. A lot.

I forgot what a power trip lifting is.

I always feel so strong lifting - even if I'm doing over-head rows at like, 33 pounds. :)

Each rep I finish is a huge sense of accomplishment.

Life is just better with work outs. :)

My derby name should've been Juice Box.

Who feels like a pussy for leaving practice early tonight?

This girl.

I thought it was because I was being a pussy and not skating well and blahblahblah...
But the Derbonic Plague has begun in our league.

I started developing a cough yesterday....
Then tonight, I got extremely dizzy after a sprinting drill (hence why I thought I was being a pussy)... I had some water... Started to cough, immediately juiceboxed (see also: barfed a lot)... got tunnel vision, my face/skin was so hot and red...

I don't know.
I've never experience that before.
So, I laid on the floor for a while, took off my gear so my skin would cool down...

Eventually decided I was less dizzy and could drive home, and left.

I'm at home now, half an hour later...
My face is still red and hot and my head is pounding.

I'll be having some tea, going to bed early, and hoping I feel better tomorrow.

Sigh.
Sometimes I feel like a derby failure.... even if I don't feel well and I can't help it...

Blender madness

I've begun my affair with smoothies, and therefore, my blender.

This morning, I chose a peanut butter/banana smoothie recipe - which I altered according to my own tastes.

It went a little something like this:

1 banana

1/2 cup skim milk

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt

1/4(ish) cup of organic smooth peanut butter.

It was a bit runny, but super delicious and kept me full for almost the whole day at work.

The original recipe I stole my adaptation from was approximately 400ish calories - so after changing it, I venture to say it was close to 500.

It was so tasty and like I said, kept me full all day!

Yay!

All's well that ends well.

There are days when I love derby more than anything.

Today is one of those days.

Myself and Jean With Envy.

Myself, and Loose E. Morales from St Chux

More photos of this last bout to come. :)

this and that.

I've been reading a lot about negative calorie foods.

I've always known they exist, but I've never known much about them... Or how many there are!!

Here's one of the many websites on which I've been cruising around...

http://www.calories-in-foods.com/negative-calorie-foods-list.php

It explains negative calories as: "what negative calorie foods are believe to be are in actual fact foods that if consumed into the body either raw, or in a few instances cooked only slightly on their own with nothing added them, will use more calories to process and digest than the amount that they contain."

Negative calorie foods - Negative calorie fruits

• Apple
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe
• Cranberries
• Grapefruit
• Honeydew
• Limes
• Lemon
• Mango
• Orange
• Papaya
• Peach
• Pineapple
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Tangerines
• Tomato
• Watermelon

Negative calorie foods - Negative calorie vegetables

• Asparagus
• Beet Root
• Broccoli
• Cabbage (green)
• Carrot
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Chile peppers (hot)
• Cucumber
• Dandelion
• Endive
• Garden cress
• Garlic
• Green beans
• Lettuce
• Onion
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Turnip
• Zucchini

I mean... what?? Why haven't I been eating more of these delicious foods??

and why haven't I looked into this before now??

I love, and eat, a lot of these already - but not on a very consistent basis.

Looks like I'll be adding more items to my produce shopping list!!

In other news, I've also starting looking up derby articles about stress fractures and/or top-of-my-foot pain, in general.

The news is not awesome... It is also not surprising.

I know I'm not the only derby girl that has foot pain from time to time.

At least one of our girls finally succumbed to her foot pain and saw the doctor... Verdict? Stress fracture.

She doesn't skate anymore.. and we miss her a lot.

However, there are things derby kids can do to avoid injury, and, it's not surprising that stretching and strength training can help.

I was reading this article from Atlanta Roller Derby, and she outlines a few helpful points!

And maybe a lot of it is common sense, but:

-Get fitted for, and buy boots that fit. Our rink owner, Mr Ted Hall himself, is incredible in that aspect. He is SO good to us. Once I've saved up for my new boots, I will, of course, order them from Mr Ted. Have your rink owner fit your feet, and help you pick out gear - not just boots - so that you are wearing proper gear and protecting all your vital assets! You only have one body, so take care of it!

-Identify the pain. Where is it happening, why is it happening, how can to remedy it?

-Stretch and strengthen -

http://www.examiner.com/roller-derby-in-atlanta/roller-derby-feet-first

http://www.examiner.com/roller-derby-in-atlanta/roller-derby-foot-pain

-Read up on common derby injuries so that your trainer - or you- can formulate a plan to protect your feet and joints.

http://www.skatelogforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29421

Okay, kids... I'm running out of steam while writing this... It's been a very long, very busy day - and tomorrow will be even longer - work 10-3, then set up for the bout starts at 4:15... Then I work Monday morning!

Only 1.5 weeks until I start my big girl job.

But that's for another post at another time :)

Strong is the New Skinny

Suzie (start watching at 51 seconds) gave me an accidental compliment the other day in the gym.

She went to use the hip press after me and exclaimed "Shit, Melanie.. your legs are STRONG."

...I may or may not have giggled. :)

This is week two of working out 6 days a week.

I've upped my incline and speed on the treadmill, and upped the weights on the leg machines. (It'll be a while before I up the weight on the upper body machines... I'm such a girl when it comes to upper body!!)

I have noticed a significant difference in my speed and endurance on the track.

THIS I like. A lot.

I am working towards TryOuts/Drafts.

I will make a team.

I will kick ass.

I will keep improving in my skating ability.

And that's why working out is great. :)

I will say I'm drinking far more soda than I expected.. But it's still less than I was drinking.

So.. that's an improvement.

I dunno... Tonight when we did our 5 minute warm up, I reveled in the fact that I passed people more, and passed faster people.

It can only go up from here!

Although I'm being all rah-rah cheerleader tonight, I still get super frustrated.

I am still a rookie and I have yet to have that light bulb go off in my head so I understand the game and understand how to execute strategy on the track.

Tonight my team scrimmaged with the All Stars.

I love those ladies. They are all so classy and so lovely - but when I get on the track with them, I feel like it's my first time skating again.

Maybe it's my insecurities getting in the way... But every time I skate with them, I feel like I skate like slop.

The more I skate, the better I get, and the more I play/scrimmage, the better I'll get.

Patience has never been a virtue I possess well.

You can ask my mom.

Growing up, when I would get impatient/not want to wait for a response, she would say "Well. You always do what you want."

Meaning, regardless of the advice or suggestions I seek, I still do what I want to do.

Some would call that trait "obstinate".

Others might call it determination. ;)

I might just be one of the latter.. :D

So. I do what I want.

Apparently, that's been my motto since the beginning of time. (see also: the beginning of my life... lol)

And right now what I want is to be strong and fit and once I've gotten in better shape - perhaps train as a jammer.

Maybe I'll never jam in a game.

But having it in my arsenal - the agility, the quick feet, the sprinting abilities, the ability to get off the ground everytime some giant MoMo knocks me on my ass...

I want those abilities in my arsenal.

Someday I'd love to be able to jump the apex and get through a pack the way my ridiculous and amazing roommate does.

Until then... I'm excited to skate faster and harder each practice. :)

And for now, I will revel in the fact that I can go harder, better, faster, stronger.. And I will keep working out and getting stronger. :)

And speaking of strong.... let's for one second, talk about how amazing my teammates are.

They are so strong- seriously. Some of the strongest ladies I know, both on and off the track...

They are so positive and perfect.

I love skating with them, heckling them, being heckled...

They are just extremely quality ladies.

I couldn't ask for a better group to learn and grow with.

I'm so tremendously proud to be a Battle Broad this season.

PS - I CAN DO TOMAHAWK STOPS NOWWWWWWWW!!!!! on both sides :)

More recipes!

Meal Replacement Bars (Cutting)

Visitor Note:

"the bars never set and they're mushy and therefore impossible to cut"

Combine in Large Mixing Bowl

8 Scoops Whey (Vanilla is very good)
3 Cups Oats
1 Package Sugar Free Fat Free Pudding (Any flavor is good)
2 Cups Skim Milk

Mix until a sticky batter is formed (may take a few minutes)

use a large spoon to spread out the mix into the bottom of a Pam-sprayed glass or metal cooking tray (spread until even)
put in the fridge overnight and cut into 8 equal bars that yield:
3g fat
28g carbs
29g protein
257 calories
These bars taste amazing, and are perfect for: breakfast, pre OR postworkout

STRAWBERRY & BANANA MEAL REPLACEMENT BARS

Makes 6 bars
1 cup raw oatmeal
5 scoops of strawberry protein powder ( 90g of protein)
1/4 cup fat free cream cheese
1/2 cup non fat dry milk powder
2 egg whites
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 bananas, mashed
2 tsp. canola oil (this is the secret to moist bars instead of the traditional dry bar)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray a 9x9 square pan with cooking spray & set aside. In a medium bowl combine oatmeal, Protein powder & dry milk. Set aside. In another bowl beat together with an electric hand mixer, cream cheese, egg whites, bananas, water & oil. Add the oat mixture & continue to beat until the two are combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan & bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Calories-203, Protein 22g, Carbs 22g, Fats 3g

No Bake Protein Bar

5 tbsp natural peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1/2 cup dry oat meal or whole grain hot cereal (uncooked)
1/2 cup oat flour (double the dry oats if you do not have oat flour)
6 scoops chocolate whey protein (approximately 132 grams worth of low-carb protein powder)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons flax seeds (optional)
1 cup non-fat dry milk
1/2 cup water (depending on what type of protein you use, you may need to add more)
Modifications: Use vanilla protein and replace ~1/4 cup of the oatflour with a variety of nuts, seeds, or dried berries.
PREPARATION:

Spray an 8x8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Combine dry ingredients in a medium size bowl and mix well. Add peanut butter and mix - the mixture will be crumbly and dry. Add water & vanilla. Sponsored Links

Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, everything until a dough forms. The dough will be sticky. Spread dough into pan using a clean wooden spoon or spatula that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Refrigerate a few hours (or freeze for an hour) and cut into 9 squares. Wrap bars individually (use sandwich bags or plastic wrap) or store in covered container between sheets of wax paper. Keep refrigerated.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:

197 calories, 21 g protein, 7.2 g fat (8% saturated), 13.7 g carbohydrate, 1.6 g fiber

http://liftforlife.com/content/bodybuilding-fitness-diet-health-articles/diet-articles/727-protein-bar

1 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1-1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup nonfat milk
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries (you can substitute partially thawed frozen blueberries)

2 eggs
1-1/4 cups part skim ricotta cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

In a small bowl combine first four ingredients (flour - salt). Add next four (milk - vanilla). Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined. Beat on medium speed one minute. Pour into greased 9x9x2 pan; spread evenly. Sprinkle blueberries over batter.

In a medium bowl mix remaining 2 eggs with a fork. Add ricotta, sugar and vanilla, beat until combined. Pour over blueberries and spread evenly.

Bake at 350 for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool and cut into 16 squares. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. Good warm; extra-yummy cold!

I have never tried substituting Splenda for sugar or egg whites instead or whole eggs, but I am betting it could easily be done in this recipe!

Number of Servings: 16

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user TIME4JUDI.

Number of Servings: 16

Nutritional Info

• Servings Per Recipe: 16
• Amount Per Serving
• Calories: 157.2

• Total Fat: 5.6 g
• Cholesterol: 45.9 mg
• Sodium: 113.6 mg
• Total Carbs: 22.5 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.6 g
• Protein: 4.4 g

http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=171753

but for now...

I need to write a new post.

But when you don't work out because one day is your day off of working out, and the second day you just don't have time until now... That doesn't make a good derby/health blog.

So. Here's some quotes I read on tumblr.

Tomorrow I'm planning a big fat work out.

"If you're sick of starting over, you have to stop quitting."

"Just go. Getting out the door is the hardest part."
"Stop saying 'i wish' and start saying 'i will.'"

"Transformation isn't a future event. It's a present-day activity." -Jillian Michaels

Thank you, tumblr, for all the insight.

You left the candles burning: Why I Love Working Out with My Roommate

It's the littlest things that seem to drive me bonkers. Yes, bonkers.

My roommate is a great lady, but bless her heart - this morning I woke up and wanted to kill her - She passed out on the couch after her shift at work, and left like, a billion (see also: 6 or 7) candles burning.

I screamed, "SUZIE! SUZIE WAKE UP."

She groggily came to...

"YOU LEFT THE CANDLES BURNING."
"I know... *snore*"

She had also left the tv on.

But let's face it - I'm sure that the fact that I leave cups EVERYWHERE or my aversion to doing the dishes or the fact that I hide my body sprays in a new place everyday so she can't use them probably drives her up the wall, too.

I never said I was a perfect roommate. :)

Fast forward to after work... My night class was cancelled due to my professor being ill. I'm not celebrating the fact that he's sick - I'm just celebrating a night off! wooo!

I drove home, Suz eventually came home, too.

I began with "Do you remember when I woke you up this morning?"
"Oh, yeah.. something about candles?"

"Yeah. I was pissed." I smiled/giggled when I said this, because let's face it - when I'm not on the track, I'm not the fiercest, most confrontational girl that ever walked the earth. I get embarrassed, I blush - I'm actually rather shy.

"Oh.. well... *smile* I just left them burning so that when you got up, you'd have to blow them out... and so I could sleep on the couch."

Then, I laughed for realz. She has a bed. And a giant bedroom. I'm sure I called her a mother fucker or something....

It's the little things that piss a girl off, and the little things that make her laugh about the crazy shit she's anal about.

And granted, yes - leaving candles burning when you're sleeping is pretty crazy town.. but she had only been asleep for about an hour when I woke up, and nothing burned down.. So. All's well that ends well.

After our conversation, we headed to the work out room. (Or Clubhouse, as Suzie calls it.)

I had planned on a long workout all day long.

Work as long, I didn't have a soda or a snack to get me through.. I knew I wouldn't be able to eat dinner before class - and thus, would not be able to eat before 8:30pm.

I was just a grumpy girl all day long.. So I looked forward to my workout.

I had planned a hard, sweaty, exhausting work out.

I even planned on wearing sweatpants and a long sleeve tshirt to maximize my sweatiness. (Which I did, by the way. It's not often that I had sweat actually dripping - that was quite the success for the day :D)

Suzie had other plans.

"30 minutes, right?"

I stared at her.

"No dude. I had a bad day, I want to sweat it out."

She glared at me...

It seems the trainer has become the trainee. ;)

So backwards, but makes me feel great about my new found love for working out.

Let's talk about all the good things that have happened since Monday - My own personal benefits from working out every day..

1. I sleep like a baby..

...you know, I've never understood that phrase, honestly. All the babies in my life seem to wake up a lot and scream and such. Maybe it's referring to the fact that babies haven't a care in the world so they sleep soundly. REGARDLESS. I sleep like a rock. Fo realz.

2. Adrenaline is a powerful drug. I am a much happier camper with a work out under my belt.

3. My desire to eat good things has resurfaced. I know I need the fuel to get through the day and get through at very least, a 30 minute session on the treadmill. All I want to do is eat fruits and veggies and chicken and drink 40 gallons of water. (Not really. That would kill me.)

4. I'm more excited about life, and more prone to get up and go and do and run and play. Life is SO much more fun when you have energy.

5. I really do enjoy the bonding time with Suzie. Tonight she remarked, "We do everything together." I said, "Well? At least we have fun."

Suzie is a really great work out partner - I know she's in better shape than me, and it pushes me to work harder. After 20 minutes on the treadmill, at a 3.0-3.5 pace at an 8.0 incline, my ass was starting to burn. I mentioned such and she looked at me like I was crazy. "Really? Your ass is burning?" YES. Yes it was.

I also appreciate when I'm grunting and swearing and sweating while I finish my last sets on the weight machine, she glances over and says "Dude. That's only 45 pounds." I glare.. "WE ALL WORK OUT DIFFERENTLY, SUZIE." She, of course, laughs at me and gets a drink of water.

It's quite a dynamic, roommates who work out together.

I can tell a distinct difference in our friendship/roommate relationship, even in 3 days of working out together.

We can spot each other's weaknesses. Suzie is a whiner if our work out goes too long.

I'm a quitter if I'm afraid or I think I can't do something.

Which, I think, speaks volumes about our approach to the flat track.

I am, by nature, fairly quiet, shy, and bashful. Despite those things, I am determined and a fighter.

Suzie is not at all the former- She is loud and outgoing and sure of herself in everything she does or says. She has no shame. She goes and does and doesn't give a shit.

When I step onto the track, I am a bit more timid than Suzie is.

When Suzie steps onto the track, she's been known to say "I want to do a flip/artistic jump/something crazy!"

....and I wonder why her name is Psycho Suzie. :)

THE POINT IS.

It is SOO much easier to get on the healthy lifestyle bandwagon when you have a buddy to do it with.

It is easier to come out of my "But I'm afraid" shell when Suzie is pushing me, daring me..

It's easier to go and go and go when she says "How about we work out until MY ass starts to burn?"

It is easier to be close friends when you know you sweat together every single day.

It is easier to excuse tiny faults when you know you'll sweat it out later.

Today, I'm grateful for Suzie, for her friendship and the motivation she gives me.

Obsessed.

I've become obsessed with reading about health, nutrition and fitness.

I'm excited to become one of those weirdo health nuts ;)

I will be making these soon... And not telling the Roommate they're healthy. ;D

(Honestly, I pick on her a lot - but she's typically willing to try new things when I make them! But if they're vegan? I will never tell. ;) My vegan recipes are great enough to pass off as not-good-for-you.)

Here are two killer recipes I found on the Spartan Chicked blog...

Down with O.P.P Bars

Ingredients:

1 TBSP Organic Olive Oil (for greasing the pan)

5 sweet potatoes

4 cups of oats (The 3 - 5 minute kind)

3/4 cup organic skim milk soured with

1 TBSP lemon juice (can use almond milk or soy milk too)

1/4 cup flaxseed

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 TBSP Peanut Butter

2 TBSP pumpkin pie spice

2 TBSP coconut butter

1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, dates, cherries, blueberries), chopped

1/2 cup raw unsalted nuts (walnuts, almonds, and/or pecans) chopped

pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a 9 x 13 baking dish by spraying it or line it with the olive oil

Prick sweet potatoes all over and bake until tender (about an hour).

When cold enough to handle, remove peels and place flesh in a large mixing bowl.

Set oven to 400 degrees now.

Add all remaining ingredients to sweet potato mix and mix well

Press into prepared baking pan.

Bake 30 - 35 minutes or until golden on top.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Cut into 2 x 2 squares.

Nutritional Value per serving (one bar):

Calories: 200 Calories from fat: 50

Fat: 7.5 Saturated Fat: 2 Trans Fat: 0

Sodium: 20 m

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Protein: 6 g

Carbs: 31 g

Fiber 4 g

Sugars: 8 g

J and J (Jim and Jamie) Protein Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup Whole Wheat Flour (or Oat flour)

4 Egg Whites

2 scoops Chocolate Whey Protein Powder

½ cup Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal

½ tsp Baking Soda

¼ tsp Salt

8oz Gerber's Organic Berry and Banana Blend baby food

3 tbsp unsweetened baking Cocoa

1/2 cup Ghiradelli dark chocolate chips

1/2 cup old fashioned oatmeal oats

1/3 cup slivered almonds

4oz Water

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Mix dry ingredients (oat flower, vanilla whey protein, baking soda, salt, baking cocoa) together in a large bowl.

3. Mix wet ingredients (egg whites, Splenda, Truvia, or Ideal, Berry flavored Baby Food,Water) together in a medium sized bowl.

4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix together. Add oats, chocolate, and almonds.

5. Spray cooking dish with a non stick butter spray and add batter to dish.

6. Bake 20-30 minutes in oven.

Makes 16 squares, serving size is 2 bars.

Calories per 2 bars: 200

Carbs: 28 grams

Fat: 6 grams

Protein: 14 grams

Fiber: 6 grams

I am super intrigued at the idea of using baby food in recipes. I never, ever thought about that! But, really, it is a good way to add a lot of vitamins and nutrients to your already healthy recipe!

Maybe I will make these delicious options for my team, the Battle Broads, for our last game of the 2011 season... And perhaps I'll put them in individual bags and label them Go-Go Fuel. :)

haha.. oh man. I'm so much happier when I'm working out. :)

That's it for now, kids... It's time to unpack some more boxes then head to League Meeting.

Love!

Premature D-Day + Food erotica.... Yes.

I know I said October 9 was D-Day... but we started a little early.

I worked my shift for the day, then headed to Subway since I didn't have time to go home and eat dinner before my volunteer shift at the dog shelter.

I had my usual - chicken breast on honey oat. Today I accompanied my chicken with provolone cheese, lettuce, onion, tomato, green peppers and spinach, plus vinegar and honey mustard. Delish!

Suzie slept like she does during the day - poor third shift kids!

When she was up and around she called me while I was at the dog shelter.

Our apartment flooded.

....okay, maybe that's dramatic. But the hose on the washing machine slipped off and sent water everywhere in our kitchen and hallway.

So. I left the shelter, came home, and we started working on the mess.

After that, we headed to our complex's work out room.

We spent 30 minutes doing cardio/weights- which, for me, included 10 minutes on the treadmill, 10 on the bike, and 10 doing weights for my hammies, quads, shoulders, and abs - 5 sets of 5.

**ahem... after speaking with my trainer, Mary Lou Wretched, she informed me that I need to go in with a plan! And not do whatever reps/sets I want! Good thing she's smart, otherwise, I'd end up with giant muscles! Not what I'm after. :) **

After that, spent a few (30ish?) minutes outdoor skating.

Speaking of which... dammit.. I WILL master tomahawk stops! Add that to my list of goals!!

Then we came back home for dinner.

Suzie cooked whole wheat linguine with Alfredo sauce, pan seared chicken breast and mixed vegetables.

(I hope to make chicken and black bean fajitas on whole wheat tortillas soon! With green peppers and red onions... Oy. Delicious. I mean... really. Thank GOD the roller derby workout plan included this delicious concoction.. I don't know how I've lived without it for so many years!! I hope Suzie will enjoy it as much as I do!)

And of course, we enjoyed our sodas...

Which we will be cutting back on until we stop drinking them completely.

My soda vice is not one I feel so bad about - I drink diet pepsi, and while it does have astronomical amounts of sodium, there are zero calories.

One of our primary goals is reading labels and eating things that are good fuel- not just eating to eat.

This will be a good goal for us - too many people skip over reading the labels, and that's silly. It's important to know exactly what you're putting in your body so that you feel good about your decisions, so that you know exactly the fuel that your body needs.

We also had a chat about Krissy Krash and her Derbalife packages.

Supplements are something I am interested in, but with which, I am not very familiar.

I suppose I shall cruise around the internet and read up on the pros and cons of supplements.

Then perhaps give Krissy Krash a shout and order some stuff.

PS. If you are interested in Krissy Krash and Herbalife/Derbalife, here are her contact links...

She's pretty stellar - and I would be more than happy to purchase a supplement plan from someone with 10% or less body fat.

http://livederbygirls.com/author/krissy-krash/

http://twitter.com/#!/krissy_krash

Her Derbalife blog and her facebook are hyperlinked in the paragraph. :)

So, tomorrow since I do not work - YAY day off! - I will be sleeping in, of course... then I will enjoy the other half of my chicken smammich, get a work out in, go to Board meeting, then league meeting.. then... hanging out with mah favorite girls. :)

In the meantime, I will be unpacking moar boxes and enjoying the Food Network.

Goodnight!

Change is the only constant.

It's time.

I know I've blogged about it a lot, but it's time.

Time to change my habits.

The roommate, Psycho Suzie, and I will embark on quite the roommate mission...

We're going to change our eating habits and cut down/cut out the soda and start our work out schedule.

October 9 will be D-Day.

Someday, when we have the time - we will sit down and talk about the things we want to accomplish on this life change.

For now, these are my goals:

-I want my 25in5 time to be at the 4 minute mark. Or, if I'm being realistic, at least 4:30 or less. Considering the last time I tested my time was 5:58... shaving off 30 seconds would be a realistic goal.
**correction... 30 seconds is a lot of time. So, for now, I will focus on shaving off 5 second increments... Much more realistic.

-I want to get in better shape. This is not about losing a bunch of weight or wearing a two piece.

To quote a blog I fell in love with, Love and Co-Op:
All of that being said, the last thing you need to know is that I, Jessie, am a large lady. Yes, I know it's weird to hear a woman refer to herself as fat, but that I am. It used to terrify me to acknowledge my weight but it has become somewhat of a powerful "taking-it-back" kind of emotion. I also know that my fat, not my "size", is a roadblock to my derby goals. Beautifully enough, I have derby girls to look up to. Ladies with big hips, big bums and broad shoulders. Women who look like they might actually eat. Ladies that the men AND the women can't take their eyes off of. In many cases these luscious ladies are the stars of the show making sure that the other team can't get by their bodacious barricade. But they are not fat. They are muscle-y, they are ripped, they are solid but they are not fat. So, that's my goal. I love having curves and being strong. I do not love getting exhausted after half an hour at practice. My self-conscious, neurotic 16 year old self has warped into a woman who wants to maximize her ability rather than slim down. I don't care what size my dress is as long as I can do those damn 25 laps in five minuets.

Perfection. I couldn't have said it better myself. It's so true - it's not about weight. It's about feeling healthy, being fit, and achieving goals. Cheesy. But true.

-Have a more positive attitude when it comes to derby practice, speed practice, and working out. I'm done with negativity, and I want to spread a happy, positive energy to all my teammates. The only ones who can improve morale and kick more ass is US.

-I'd like to sleep on a regular basis. Harder than it sounds when you have friends who are night owls! But I'm a much happier camper and can achieve my Positive Attitude goal faster when I'm well rested. :)

For now, that's what I've got.

I'm sure our other goals will include better money management.. but that's for a different post at a different time. :)

On that note- I'm going to bed! Working at 9:30am every day has made me a sleepy girl. :)

You're fucking perfect to me.

made a wrong turn once or twice

dug my way out, blood and fire

Who knows.

Maybe I'm the only 20-something that has absolutely no idea what they're doing.

But maybe I'm not.

Maybe there's an entire generation of lost kids out there.. wondering what their next step is going to be.. wondering what to do next when they can't make their dollars stretch and no one is hiring 20-somethings full time.

It's as if someone forgot to sit us down and tell us how to be responsible, money saving adults.

There are days (much like today) that I can't even figure out where to apply - or HOW to apply - for full time jobs.

Yes. I'm over-educated.

Yes. I'm probably over qualified.

No. I don't have the experience you're requesting, but I'm a quick learner.

Honestly, I can't even get a job serving because at 26, I've never done it.

I worked retail for 5 years.

Then a gracious derby sister let me work as her law assistant.

And now I'm working part time at a temporary Halloween store.

Yes. My bosses like me a lot.

Yes. I'm hoping they will give me a job at the main store.

No. I don't want it.

I have to force myself to remember what my goals are and how I'm going to get there.

Here's what I want:

I want to get a job at OTC in the HR department.

BECAUSE

I want my tuition fo' free.

BECAUSE

I want to get my culinary arts degree with an emphasis in baking.

BECAUSE

I want to open my own bakery someday.

Preferably with my mother.

Preferably not in Springfield, because let's face it - there are about 1 million bakeries here.

I want to save some start-up capital.

I want to move away from Springfield (which may be the hardest thing I'll ever do since I love SRG so fucking much).

I need direction. I need motivation.

I need money to pay my rent.

And honestly, I don't think a full time job with benefits is too much to ask.

Sure, everyone wants one of those...

But why can't I get one!

GAH.

Maybe us 20-somethings need to lower our job hunting standards.

Maybe we need to settle for less than we deserve.

Perhaps I'm just having a lapse in my own confidence...

I just need a job.

Because while I admire the courage of several of my favorite teammates for moving back in with their parents... I am not that courageous.

And I don't want to leave SRG, or my lease commitment with the roommate.

Life for 20-somethings is such a catch-22.

Move back in and save some money and have to live with your parents again and admit defeat... Or struggle, try to rise above and pay your own bills and possibly drown and have to revert back to option 1 in the first place.

I hope I'm not alone in all my crazy 20-something, jobless, poor feelings...

Because right now, life as a 20-something is pretty scary...

And i'd prefer my life with my Derby team in it... they make life less scary.

Maybe I'll just create a giant derby commune and we can all live and skate and have derby gear shops and be entirely derby sustainable...

Or maybe I'll keep dreaming and I'll keep fighting and pushing along.. Because someday, my hard work will pay off, and I'll have everything I want.

pretty, pretty please, don't you ever, ever feel

like you're less than fucking perfect

pretty, pretty please if you ever, ever feel

like you're nothing, you're fucking perfect to me