Last Minute

Tonight we are celebrating Xmas with my parents. Tomorrow we are spending the evening getting ready for our trip to NYC. Laundry, cleaning, packing, shopping...things I normally would have had done WEEKS ago. Boy have times changed. Where does all my time go?

I am looking forward to time away from Athens with long walks and great art.

Family Units

Christmas Morning...getting ready to cook.

The holidays are going GREAT! I closed the boutique on the eve and will be returning to work for two days as of tomorrow. I have spent the time off entertaining friends at the lodge, watching TV, playing Wii, cooking and staying up late. I figure this is a good time to do it, since as of the 5th I will be back in the grind of getting up at 4.30am. I am living the good life.

Steve Gray and Family (LOVE IT!)

Say TREEEES!

Today is the last day of the shopping holiday season, so once again I am at the boutique ready and waiting for those last minute shoppers.

Brian is in Atl, so Lee is picking me up from work and we are making dinner at the house. Jasey will be joining us after he wraps up work at his studio. Let the Wii begin! I have a feeling the evening will be filled with laughter.

Grass in Winter?

What is new: I am down to a 10.08 minute mile. I am still in boot camp and loving it. I have been spending my holidays working my butt off. Days at the boutique, weekends at holiday markets and evenings sewing or drinking. 'Tis the season for celebration.

Lee is coming into town on Xmas Eve and we are gathering around the table to gossip, while Brian is at his mother's for dinner. It will be good to spend QT with my boy. It has been too long.

I am heading to NYC on the 1st of January, where I have lined up a 7K run at 8.30am on Saturday morning. I look forward a great holiday in the city. We plan to spend our days walking the MET, sipping coffee, hitting MOMA and definitely make a trip to Rudy's. Other then that I have nothing planned and love it. Relaxing and low stress is on the menu.

Happy Camper

I have an old friend that has ventured out on his own. After being head brewmeister at the Wynkoop Brewery for years, Kyle has finally opened his own micro-brew pub in Denver.

CONGRATS ON A JOB WELL DONE!

Check out Kyle's new place NorthStar.

Fun on Facebook

Isn't it wonderful who you reconnect with on facebook? This is a photo of one of my favorite men in the whole wide world. We spent many hours over the years laughing together. For some reason we lost track of one another, but now we are once again FOUND!

Best Sunday

I had the best Sunday in many months! Brian and I spent the morning tracking down holiday gifts for the family and right around noon we wrapped it up and went out for a beer. It has been close to a year or more since I have had the time to enjoy a nice Sunday brew with friends. Janine was able to join us, so the conversation was full of laughter. Perfect way to end a week.

Sweet and Tangy

Tonight Brian is staying at his mother's in Atlanta. It will be strange to have the house to myself. Dogs on the bed, long hot showers, ice cream for dinner, bad tv! unfortunately, I will not be doing any of these things, b/c I will have to be working on Nourish stuff tonight. If I am good I might treat myself to a bowl of soup and crackers, but that will most likely be the extent of it. --4.30am bootcamp, so I will have to be good. (will I be taking off any more lbs this month....it is a mystery)

Isqk

Talk about buck wild! Isqk has been enjoying the freakishly warm weather. We, the dogs and I, spent the holiday sitting on the back patio ready, while the brisket was cooking. Once Lee arrived it was time for a little eating and CSI: NY. After Ruth arrived we were down with the new Mariokart we purchased for the Wii. Talk about a holiday! -grin

Cold...

Today is was 20 degrees at boot camp. I layered up and come to find out we spent the entire class in the gym. My legs felt like someone laid concrete in them after an hour workout. I can't tell if it is because I was sick or if I am just out of shape (again). I need to make up a class, so I am hitting camp again tonight. It will be good for me, since I am doing another 5K this weekend. I will need all the help I can get to make it through. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

Back at it....

So, I show up at UGA ready to speak to a classroom of 100 students and find out the class is TONGIHT. Soooo, I called Brian and we met for a drink at the National, which turned to dinner and then desert. I made it home in time to watch RHA and catch a very small glimpse of Nicacelly's dress and then off to bed.

After not doing anything (except a 4 mile walk) since last Friday, due to a bad stomach, I got up and worked my ass off at bootcamp. I can really see improvement in my performance.

jogged, the entire class today! This would make me REALLY happy, if I could see results in my body as well....DAMN IT, will I ever change?

Tearful

For the first time in over two years of dating I was a bitch and yelled at Brian. I don't know what got into me. I think it is the stress of the boutique being slow, trying to wrap up things at the cottage and dealing with the upcoming holidays. I feel terrible. Terrible in a way that I have never felt before. On the verge of crying, yet I know things will be ok. Shit like that is something you can never take back. I had forgotten what it felt like and now that I have experienced it again...it will never happen again.

Saturday Fun...

Brian and I took the day and went to Atlanta to do a little shopping. He hit lunch over in Norcross located a short walk from Trader Joes. This area of town is known for its 'money'. I couldn't help but notice the line of over sized gas guzzling cars in the parking area...only in America.

Anyway, the trip was fun, but we didn't accomplish much...no fabric for the curtains I want to sew and no chair for the 'great' room, but I did get this KICKASS scratch on my forehead (below). I put it there with my own fingernail. That is just how talented I can be.

Morning Coffee

Yes, you read right...I have started drinking coffee. After 20 years of being caffeine free I am swimming the a pool of gourmet coffee and the water is fine...jump in! I have one mug a day and it is the perfect amount to get that lazy brain of my moving at full speed. I never knew life could be so sweet...CNN Morning Express and coffee from Healthy Gourmet.

One Example

This is just one example of how bad the dogs have it these days. While Brian is hard at work building them a beautiful stone floored dog run, they are sun bathing. THE HORROR! The horror.

Working Sunday

Sunday I started a big project for the boutique. It sounds terrible for someone to work 7 days a week, but it was a really fun project, so I didn't mind. Of course, the dogs spent most of the day sleeping at my feet. It was all Iskq had in her to stand for the photo. -grin

Art in Life

There are times in life when I find that even most mondain object can become exquisite.

End of the Month

Today's Photo

So my assesment was a bust...no really change except I GAINED 5lbs. Talk about a doggie downer. I have been grumpy ever since I found out on Tuesday. April was very surprised, b/c she has noticed a change in my body (and so has everyone else). Maybe I am just building muscle. Who knows?

The results of my monthly timings
Timed Mile: 14.38 - 13.16 - 10.43
Minute Sit-ups: not timed today

Minute Push-Ups: not timed today

1st Photo

Count Down

Owen

Tonight I organized my studio to the point I can work in it. I am starting our Halloween customs tonight and I need all the space I can get. Wish me luck. This is my first attempt at apparel.

Brrrr....

Winter is taking over! The mornings are cold, icy and rainy. both make for a challenging boot camp, but I seem to be hanging in there.

I walk/ran my first 5K today in 39.30 minutes and it was ROCKIN! It was on the UGA campus and if you have never been I can tell you that there are some hills that at 24 I had a hard time capping on a bike. Today I walked up them, but I did it with all I had and during moments of desperation (teehee) I could hear April's voice in my head saying, "keep those arms moving. they will get you up that hill.' and low and behold...THEY DID!

In celebration of the completion (Brian did as well) I hit Bulldog Sporting goods immediately after for a new sports bra, warming socks, a winter workout vest and a pair of Nike running gloves. I love my new gloves so much that I am calling them 'driving gloves' today, so that I can wear them even though it is 60 degrees outside. Brian got a bag of gourmet coffee from Ron at Healthy Gourmet.

Hats

When packing up the closets I ran across my old cowgirl hats, so I decided that I need to start wearing them again. I began with a trip to Jasey's studio, which lead to putting on my boots, which lead to dinner at the National all 'Western' and shit...very 'tomboy' of me.

I am doing my first 5K tomorrow. It is a run/walk, so I am not that scared of it. Brian is joining me, along with a girl from the evening WOW camp. I am excited to see how it feels. I will mostly be walking, but I do hope to run at least 2.5 of the 5.

Hair

The weather is wonderful around Athens these days. I have been spending time in the new back yard admiring the new fence and chasing the dogs around the yard. It is so much fun to play with them these days. Like me, they have lost weight and it shows in their spirits. I tried to take a photo of them, but they wouldn't/couldn't sit still long enough for the photo.

1/2 and no change....

Person Goals for the month:

increase my time line by 1.22 minutes

increase my push ups by 1 regular

increase my sit ups by 1 regular

decrease my body fat by .3%

decrease my wieght by 3 lbs

This month has been a hard one for me. I have been to everyday of boot camp, but my days off haven't been spent wisely. I fear that at the end of the month I will see no change. I still have 15 days, so I better get my ass in gear and make it happen.

Today I sent off to the boutique is this wonderful workout gear (NOT), b/c I knew I would be busy all morning reworking the boutique after a big trunk show I had at the Phi Mu house. I am also planning on making up boot camp at 6pm, b/c I couldn't get my lazy ass out of bed after watching a movie until 11 pm.

Torta Loca!

Well, today I went a little crazy and shared a torta with Brian. I will just have to put in a harder mile or more after work. Just to let you know how crazy I have become for W.O.W., I have written the leader to find out how much more it would be for me to attend sessions 5 mornings a week for one month. WHAT AM I THINKING!? I spent the end of my mile jogging last Friday and now that I have had a taste I can't wait to get better. I want it NOW and I figure 5 days a week would really kick start me.

Timed Mile

The results of my monthly timings

Timed Mile: 14.38 - 13.16

Minute Sit-ups: 17 reg - 18 reg and 15 crunch

Minute Push-Ups: 20 modified - 2 reg and 24 modified

Moderate Aerobic Exercise for 30 Minutes a Day, 5 Days a Week·

A minimum of 30 minutes a day. The 30 minutes can be in 10 minute increments.

At least 5 days a week. ·

What Does Moderate Feel Like? A moderate level of activity noticeably increases your heart rate and breathing rate. You may sweat, but you are still able to carry on a conversation. ·

Kinds of Exercise: Brisk walking, easy jogging, treadmilling, elliptical trainer, bike riding, swimming, dancing. ·

What Doesn't Count: An easy walk of under 10 minutes doesn't count as aerobic activity.

You can build moderate activity by walking briskly for at least 10 minutes to the bus, etc. But just adding steps on your pedometer doesn't count.

-9.2

the RESULTS!

9/6/08 9/30/08

BMI: 26.70-25.20

Weight: 170.60-161.40

Body Fat: 33.3%-32.7%

Neck: 13.50-13.00

Chest: 37.75-37.00

Waist: 33.90-32.75

Hips: 43.50-42.50
R Bicep: 12.00-12.00

R Thigh: 25.75-24.90

For the Birds

This was a great weekend. Ruth stop by on Friday to show me some of her new paintings. All of which I loved. She was in a market at the Lyndon House Saturday morning, so I had a sneak preview.

Saturday Brian and I got up early so we could be one of the first to walk into the market. It paid off because Brian was able to have his pick of all the wonderful art around us and we went home with absolute treasures. It was wonderful seeing him excited about purchasing art. We are now going to have one of the coolest homes in Athens. -wink

I was able to take Saturday off. My niece-in-law was in town and said she would work for me. It was wonderful to have it off and I ended up spending it with her son, my great nephew, running around town.

Sunday Brian and I went to Atlanta and bought our new sofa and a bed for the master bedroom. We converted back to a futon and I think it will really make a difference on my back. I can't wait to get it set up and ready to use.

Monday I didn't know how to act after having two days off, so I milled around the boutique.

WEEKEND!

painting by Ruth Allen

Tonight Brian is arriving home. It has taken me all week to adjust to the fact that he will not be leaving for Atlanta on Monday morning and I imagine it really won't hit me until Sunday night. Tonight after work we are entertaining at the new house, just 6 people, but it should be nice. We will all have to sit on the patio, b/c there is not interior furniture over there. That will happen over the course of the next week. You will be happy to know that I am taking my camera with me tonight, so that I can show you the progress that has been made over the course of the last month...still some work to be done, but it is a start.

AWESOME!

April, on the left in the blue dress, is the leader of WOW! She is a tiny spunky woman that is ready to go the minute she walks in the door. Behind her is Marti, the friend of mine that actually encourage me to join WOW. Thank you Marti!

BARF!!!

Today is Brian and my anniversary. It has been 2 years to the day that we romantically met on the busy streets of Athens GA. Him walking to his car and me peeing off a bumper. Oh the memories. To be young again. -grin

He is coming to town and taking me to the Five and Ten for oysters. YUMMY! I bought him a book George Washington on Leadership. How romantic is that?

BEFORE

I got my act together today and took a 'before' photo...one week in, but I imagine not much has changed in a week. The plan is to take off 30lbs in the next year. Do you think I should take a photo at the end of each month or at the end of my 6 month session?

HOLY WOW!

Monday I started WOW and it is life changing. I thought it would be a battle for me to quit smoking and drinking, but this boot camp doesn't stop at 6.45am...it is an everyday all day thing. They continually encourage us to eat and live well, while running our ass into the ground. -grin The entire thing makes me feel younger and happier. It is like PE class from jr. high, but at 41 years old...and my body isn't used to this much fun. Waking up at 4.30am isn't a challenge either. It is easy when you know you are on your way to a better heart.

Yesterday we were divided into groups of 7 to accomplish our workout. It was wonderful for me to work closely with 6 other women and get to know them and their abilities. They were encouraging and happy to have me on board. I feel more like the group after only 2 classes. It is so wonderful to have the support of other women around me and I look forward to the next 6 months of training.

You never know...I might be running the Peachtree next year.

Lunch Time

Monday I start boot camp and this week I am working towards a better Lylou. I am going to the store this afternoon to buy gum to stop smoking (in case I am too weak to quit on my own). I knocked off the sauce. I am getting up at 6am...working my way to 4.30am by Sunday. I am getting on my bike tonight to start working on lung capacity. Last but not lease, I am getting the diet rolling tomorrow (today I am having my last burger and baked potato) with my bi-annual cleanse. It is going to be such a life changing experience that ya'll may not recognise this woman by next August. I will be as clean and healthy as the rest of you.

Besides all the fun and games I will be balancing the bank statements tonight, cleaning up around the 'rental' (as it is now called), and hanging with the pups.

Prrrrr.

What the hell?! I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Kitty Wigs

Whew...

My life has been so crazy lately that Ii don't know where to shit or go blind. I feel as if I am being pulled in a million different directions at every moment. There are times that I feel as if I am going to break down and cry, but I hold myself together and push through. I just keep telling myself that it will calm down soon and I wont have to deal with all of these things on my own in FIVE more weeks.

Things I have taken care of this week.

1. meet 4 landscapers to get estimates on putting up a retaining wall

2. worked with the floor man to get the ball rolling on carpet at the boutique

3. had an interview with Athens Magazine about a holiday article on Nourish

4. meet with 3 designers about placing product in Nourish (outside of hours)

5. started an issue with the landlord over the heating and cooling of the building

6. packed 8 boxes to transport to the lodge

7. watched an hour of the democratic convention

8. started, but haven't finished, laundry

9. worked 8 hours at my part-time job

10. dealt with the removal of an old washer and dryer from the lodge

On the brink

As you can see by my rough appearance I am a little worn down. I had to laugh when viewed this photo because the camera has played tricks...no, that isn't a black eye it is a shadow caused by my glasses. I also do not have peripheral neuropathy.

A Life

Sahar last February

I have decided to make some fun changes in my life this upcoming month. I am joining WOW and get back in shape over the next year. I have decided to set down and make some personal goals for myself for the next 12 months. It is going to be a busy year and after loosing track of my life the past 8 months it is time to refocus attention on Lylou. I have six weeks alone and it will be a great time for reflection and goal setting. It is exciting and scary.

Bathrooms

OMG...it is totally 60's. The bathrooms haven't been remodled since they were installed in 1968. They are not much to look at, but they are clean. Mark my words, in the next 12 months i will be taking on the project of upgrading the bathrooms. There is no room in my life for carpet in a bathroom.

COME ON!