hey bunny rabbit

It's Friday, Friday! It's my last day off until some time next week. I should be making the most of it, but I'm a day waster these days so how about a post of random things from this week.


So I had the urge to text ScruffyNerdy on Tuesday night because I hadn't seen him on social media for a few days, but didn't know what to say. Because I think I'm funny I began the conversation with, "Hey Bunny Rabbit!" I figured that'd get some sort of response. And it did. He might not have been very amused, but I surely was. Oddly enough about 30+ minutes later the Friends episode that that line comes from aired. Which made my choice of words more comical.


Wednesday I finally made it back to the gym after not going for about 3 months. The first two months I'm blaming on the holidays/work. The last few weeks my valid excuse is having thrown out my back. That was not fun at all, especially since I still had to go to work and my job requires me to stand for hours at a time. It felt good to get back to the gym. A lot of new faces and it was a little more crowded than normal. I figured by now the resolution makers would have petered out and gone back to their old habits. Maybe by March?

After the gym I headed to the grocery store to pick up some much needed food and ingredients to make ice cream...yes...I went to the gym and then came home and made ice cream. Nutella ice cream. And I only needed TWO ingredients. I used this ice cream recipe here. It came out more icy than it did creamy. I wonder if it's because I didn't separate the fatty cream from the coconut milk. I have one can of coconut milk left so I'm going to give it another go and try it that way. Even though it was more icy,  it was still delicious because Nutella.


I want to do a Disney run next year or sooner if someone else wants to sponsor me. Angela ran one today and Evani is running one later this year I think. They look like a lot of fun and well Disney. I also want to run another color run this spring. I need to start preparing and find someone to run/walk with me. Those runs are always much more fun when you have a friend to run with you.

Lastly they've announced Quiltcon for next year. It's a year away. I'd really love to go, though I'm not that social. Plus it's in Austin. Why does everything have to cost money?

reading - Swish by Joel Derfner This post brought to you in part by:

I bought a washing machine...

A couple of buckets and plunger. You weren't expecting that picture were you.

I've been trying to figure out an alternative to the laundry room in my building for awhile now. Those machines down there are not only expensive, but at this point not working either. I've got clothes to wash and don't really want to lug laundry on the bus to the laundromat. No, not going to do it.

Awhile back my friend mentioned she got a portable washing machine. I was like...portable washing machine? They make those? Yup. Mini washing machines you can hook up to your sink. I thought about saving up to get one of those, but I get distracted to easily by other things I want and my friend has been having issues with hers.

Then we were at The Container Store the other day and they had the Laundry Pod (an oversized salad spinner) and I thought that might be a decent option. I looked it up and still kind of pricey. The reviews weren't that great either. While I was looking into the Laundry Pod, the Rapid Washer also came up on my search. The Rapid Washer looks like a plunger. And at $20, I thought that was pretty reasonable. I read a lot of the reviews and people were pretty happy with it. I mentioned it to my friend and she said she used that method before she bought the portable washer. I asked her where she got hers  and she said, oh I just used a brand new toilet plunger. She'd done some research and said it was the same thing, just cheaper.

Yup, much cheaper. A cheap plunger is $5. My two buckets were $3 each. New washing machine plus tax, $12. And I get an upper body work out for free. FREE! Ha!

The plunger method is supposed to be easier on your clothes than a washing machine AND since you're washing the clothes yourself you can see if all the laundry soap has washed out of your clothing. Apparently unless you run an extra rinse cycle the laundry soap might not all be washed out of your clothing. The plunger method works by sucking the water through your clothing. It's easier on your clothing than the agitation from a washing machine. When you dump the water you can see how much dirt was in the water.  And rinse as many times as you like buy plunging, wringing and dumping.

I've done two loads so far. I fill up the bucket with warm water and laundry soap (just a table spoon will do) and let my clothes (about 4 - 5 pieces) soak for a bit and then plunge. I do this in the tub...because I'm messy. I wring out the clothes and stick them in another bucket with cold water to rinse and plunge. I repeat this process until I'm satisfied with what color the water is when I wring out the clothes and dump the water. You're looking for clear water, but if you're washing red or blue, the water may have a tint no matter how many times you do a rinse.

I'm hanging my clothes for now. Larger items I may still use the dryers downstairs unless I can figure out a way to turn a tub, laundry basket, fan/hair dryer and crank into a tumble dryer. My hands are kind of red and soar from the wrining, but I'm okay with that. I just need to make sure I moisturize them. It beats dealing with the laundry room. I've got a ton of clothes to wash and will be washing a couple loads a night for a few nights until it's all done now that I don't have to worry about the laundry room being open and functioning and making sure I have quarters. Hopefully soon I'll have nice strong arm muscles and a strong back.

reading - *gasp* I didn't read anything but blogs today! This post brought to you in part by:

progress - they see it, I don't

On the way to the gym the other day I came across a woman who I was seeing on the bus regularly during this past winter holiday season and she told me that I look like I've been making progress. I smiled and said thank you to her. But when I look in the mirror I don't feel like I see any physical progress. I know I'm getting stronger, but I'm still not seeing any change. I've said this before I'm sure...it's frustrating.

My coworker who lost over 100 lbs also told me the other day that I look like I'm losing weight. I told him as well that I don't see it. He told me when I lose more weight, I'll start to finally SEE the changes. He said it took him awhile to notice the weight falling off of him too.

I think we're so used to our bodies that when the small changes start to take place we don't really notice it. It's like we're blind to the change. Or maybe that's just me. Kind of a bummer because it's hard to keep going some days when you can't see any difference in how you look. Even if you DO feel different.

I'm just gonna keep plugging along until I reach my goal. Many pounds to go and many muscles to strengthen. (I gotta stop eating all the cookies and the brownies and candies, they are not helping at all.)


reading - Cocktails for Three by Madeleine Wickham This post brought to you in part by:

hot as balls - a list

• one month since my last photo update and to me...no noticeable change. 2 lb loss last weigh in. 
• it's hot as balls. I'm pretty sure it's hotter in my apartment than it is outside. I need to rig my fan into an A/C. both of them.
• it has been a busy week of mystery shopping. I've done 7 so far this week with 2 more to go. I should have a post up about how to get started and what not soon. or you can email me and I can send you some info. 
• I saw a mouse in my kitchen. not happy. I blame the neighbors.
• thinking about getting a tub of ice water to put under my desk to soak my feet in so I can cool down. or stick my head in the freezer again.
• one GOOD thing about this heat...I drink a lot of water.
• I need to cut my nails, they're too long for my liking.
• I finally got my hands on some of Trader Joe's Cookie Butter. delicious!
• in September/October I'm starting a quilt challenge. 100 quilts for 100 kids. I thought about starting an indie go go campaign to help with funding the challenge. my goal is to make them all within a year, but if I don't complete them in a year, that's okay. I will still make 100 quilts for 100 kids. Donations of fabric, thread, batting or cash are deeply appreciated.
• I just want to fall asleep in a clean, air conditioned, comfy bed. (One more week until a night in Chicago.)
• my coworker has run out of my business cards and I've even gotten some business from someone he met. Woo!
• shaving all the hair off my head sounds like a good idea right now.
• anyone know where I can donate/sell new/used once nail polish?
• who else is addicted to Candy Crush. It's okay to admit it...no judging here. 
• what about Minion Rush?
• I'm trying not to be a complainer about this heat. have I ever told your guys that I prefer the colder weather. you can layer your clothing when it's cold out...but once you're nekkid that's it when it's hot...and you can't even go outside like that. well...you could, but you'd probably get arrested.
• the back of my knees are sweating...I'm going to bed.

reading - The Museum of Hoaxes by Alex Boese This post brought to you in part by:

Run: Mean Streats Urban Obstacle Course

Red faced, sweating, dirty and hot...but I did it. And I can't wait to do it again.

On Saturday I ran the Means Streets Urban Obstacle Race. It was just shy of a 5K and a shit ton of fun! The race consisted of 16 obstacles ranging from dumpster diving to cargo climbing with some running (or walking) thrown in shits and giggles too.

I received an email from Groupon about this race and clicked through to check it out. I thought it looked fun and had decided to do it whether I could find someone to run with me or not.  Thankfully my neighbor, Angie, was willing to run with me. I purchased the Groupon and got us all signed up for the race.

Mean Streets invited the participants to dress up in costumes, but it wasn't mandatory. Looking back, Angie and I wished we would've dressed up in a super hero shirt or something else fun. A lot of the runners had done so. We'll be prepared for next year. I did wear a sweatshirt, crazy. I was sweating so much I got sweat in my eyes.

The race was ran in waves that went ever 15 minutes and started at 5PM. Our wave was at 530. Most of the other people in our wave looked like runners so we opted to hang out at the back of the pack since we figured we'd end up being passed up anyway and were going to take our time. That's exactly what happened. The lady said go and the pack was off with us trailing behind. We were a good ways behind our group...so much so that 7 runners from the 6PM wave passed us up (there was no 545 wave). As the 7th runner passed I said to Angie that I wasn't going to let anyone else pass us and no one else did.

It didn't matter how fast we ran, we were going to finish the race no matter what. The obstacles definitely made it a little more difficult. There was a lot of climbing and crawling. Of the 16 obstacle I only skipped over 3. And I only skipped them because I didn't think I'd be able to defeat them without getting hurt (I did have to work the next day). I was actually surprised that I did more of the obstacles than Angie did since she's been working out about 5 days a week for the past couple of years. She's definitely more fit than I am.

After the race we had some snacks provided by Mean Streets, listened to some music and watch some of the other participants finish the race. As one gentleman was attempting the balance beam slipped (straddling the bar) there was a collective groan from all the men. It was fun cheering others along.

Part of what I enjoyed about this race is that our course wasn't blocked off from walking traffic. We had to dodge people walking along the side walk and even passed by a wedding reception and a couple of other couples taking wedding pictures. It was hard to contain ourselves. I wanted to photo bomb the fancy wedding reception with my red, sweaty face. Instead we ran past waving our arms in the air and shouted that zombies were chasing us.

I definitely want to run more of these races and am looking into a mud run and another color run. They're definitely more fun when I've got someone to run with me. Looks like I need to find someone who doesn't mind getting a little dirty.

reading - Six Earlier Days by David Leviathan This post brought to you in part by:

enjoying the sweat

It's been about 4 weeks since I've started working out again. I think I joined Planet Fitness about 3 weeks ago. No change in weight. I don't think I look any different and my clothes still feel like they fit the same. I'm totally fine with that. I know that I didn't gain the weight overnight and that it won't disappear overnight. (I think I am going to try to take a picture of myself every 4 weeks to track my progress. Probably weight myself that often too.)

I'm really enjoying my gym membership. I do AT LEAST an hour of cardio, sometimes more. I like to do at least two of the following: ARC Trainer, elliptical, treadmill or bicycle. I try not to do the ARC Trainer on the days I muscle train my legs. It ends up being torture when I get home (3 flights of stairs).

I'd like to do more free weights. Bench press and what not, but I'm a little scared to do those things by myself. I'd hate to drop the bar on myself and not have someone there to pull it off of me. I might have to convince one of my friends to start working out with me or something.

I don't think my eating habits have changed too much. I am eating more salads though and shopping at Whole Foods more. It gets expensive. Also, I'm addicted to Whole Foods pizza. I've stopped in twice in less than a week so far for lunch just for a slice of pizza. And they always give me the biggest available slice. I don't know why it's so good, but it is. 


Also, this happened today. I've been thinking about cutting bangs for a month or so. I was getting ready to take a shower and just went for it. I'm still on the fence. I did leave them long enough so that I can still pin them back. They hide my unkempt eyebrows nicely.

I had something else I wanted to mention, but I already forgot what it was. It happens.

I want to go to London. Random.

I guess that's all for this post. Come back, Friday I'll be sharing my wishes for summer. 

reading - Hippo Eats Dwarf by Alex Boese This post brought to you in part by:

FLAME SAX!!!

First off, this is my 600th PUBLISHED post (I've got some drafts hidden away). I'm not doing anything special though. *shrugs* Also, this two posts in less than 24 hours. Who does that?



MUSCLE, MUSCLE, MUSCLE WHAT
MUSCLE, MUSCLE, MUSCLE FLEX
I love this video, when I'm at the gym I think about it and run those words over and over in my head. I like to think that it helps me get through. It's my inspiration. I don't want to be ripped like him, but I want me some muscles!

reading - Elephants on Acid by Alex Boese This post brought to you in part by:

shit's getting serious

I joined a gym today.


This is kind if a big deal. If you didn't know already, I'm kinda frugal. I don't like to pay for things that I can generally do for free. Working out is one of those things I didn't really WANT to pay for.

You see I've never had to pay to go to the gym. It has always been free for me to go until now. Well not now, but ever since I've had access to a gym. Living on a military base, the gym was free and then when I went away to college the gym was "free" (okay, probably factored into tuition, but I wasn't paying monthly or anything.) I've been running on the Monon when I get the chance because that's free and even have a Tahitian Hip Hop tape that I do sometimes and that's a free workout too. But...the weather is getting pretty hot now. The high today was in the 80's and as much as I enjoy running on the Monon it's just too hot to be outside to me and I can only do this workout video so many times before I get bored.

I contemplated joining the YMCA because it was the closest gym I was aware of over the past couple of years, but I never took the plunge because it just didn't seem affordable. I did hear that they will base if off your income, but it still seemed expensive and the location I had in mind doesn't stay open very late. I believe they close at 7.

Then for some reason Planet Fitness kept popping into my head and I kept telling myself that I was going to get online and check it out. I knew of one location that I could get to via the bus, but it wasn't as convenient as I would have liked. Then when I checked the website I found out there was a location much closer and much easier to get to that was brand new. I asked some friends about Planet Fitness and they said they liked it and that was good enough for me so I went over there today and joined. I even went ahead and worked out while I was there.

It's only $10/month and there's no contract. I can dig that. AND since I'm using gympact, I figure that what I earn for logging into gympact when I workout, my gym membership will pay for itself. So it'll kinda like I'm going for free again. You can't beat that.


I kinda wish I had a gym buddy. I think it'd make it more fun, but I also think I'd be that annoying little twit right now because really now I want to go to the gym EVERYDAY! I've got some plans for this body and it involves spending some time at the gym. I definitely plan to get my $10/month worth. I can't wait to start seeing changes in my body and in my health in general.

reading - Elephants on Acid by Alex Boese This post brought to you in part by:

Let's Get Physical - May

I'm sitting here drinking a Banana Chocolate Milkshake as I type this. I plan to chase it with water for the rest of the night. I just really wanted something sweet and figured if I added a banana that would make it kinda healthy.

I admit I've pretty much half assing it when it has come to my health. I worked out most mornings while I was on vacation because I had access to a gym, but as soon as I got back I stuck to taking naps and putting off all kinds of things. I've even taking to doing some moving while at work (doing triceps curls with boxes while at work). And I've been eating okay, but I could be doing better.

I WANT to at least lose 30 lbs by my birthday. But how badly do I want it. I tell myself over and over that I want it, but then don't make the effort I need to make. And I REALLY need to make a better effort. The 2 - 3 pairs of jeans that are currently comfortable for me to wear have holes in the thighs, which means I need new pants. I don't want buy new pants when I have several pairs of jeans that would fit if I dropped a few lbs.

Evani's post this month has inspired me. The weather is nice again so I can't use that as an excuse for not getting up early to go running/walking. I also have a freezer full or chicken and broccoli for dinner. It's time to get my weight under control and do this. This body ain't built for traveling and I want to do all the traveling.

I'm not going to make any concrete goals this month, but I'm going to work on getting my butt outside and eating better.

Now head on over to Simply Evani and come link up with us.

reading - The Umbrella Academy - Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way & Gabriel Ba This post brought to you in part by:

Let's Get Physical - April

Yay!!! Today is the day! I'm off to California for a week, but first we've got to get this Let's Get Physical post out of the way. There's a gym at the hotel I'm staying at so I've packed some gym clothes so I can work out while I'm away. Probably for the best since I'll be eating out the whole time. I plan to eat all the good food. I'm hoping maybe Rima will even bake some goodies while I'm there too.


I was at the grocery store late on a Sunday night and came across a 12 pack of VANILLA Coke that was supposed to be on sale. Vanilla Coke is my weakness. I thought it was only available via soda fountains and only at certain fast food chains. Next thing I know it was in the shopping cart and going home with me. I thought I'd be able to show restraint and only drink one every couple of days...nope. One every day for the most part. No bueno. They're all gone now though, so the temptation no longer exists. I did still drink a lot of water though. I added lime, mint and lemon to give it some flavor. (not all at once though)

I think I balanced all my horrible eating with all my good eating. I ate more veggies this month and I had fruit just about every day. I just need to working on eating twice as much good stuff as bad stuff. Slowly but surely I suppose. While on vacation I'm going to do my best to make good eating decisions. It's going to be hard though I think because I have a ton of places on my list that I want to eat at. And then there's Disneyland. Thankfully I'll be doing a lot of walking to balance it all out. Balance is key.


Hopefully by the time I get back from vacation it will have warmed up and all the snow will be gone so that I can get outside more and get to walking and training for my next 5k. I ran/walked one day so I won't have to start from the beginning, but I will have to do some work. I'm really looking forward to better weather.

Now head on over to Simply Evani and come link up with us.

reading - Frostbite by Richelle Mead This post brought to you in part by:

Let's Get Physical - March

I'm actually ready for spring. I normally don't mind the winter and the snow, but I'm officially ready for spring. I want to spend time outside and I want to start wearing warmer weather clothing. I love my winter jacket, but I want but that sucker in the closet until the rest of the year. Anywho, let's talk about what went down in February.


I discovered the Strip n' Run shortly after I posted about doing the Bunny Rock. I'd rather do the Strip n' Run. I think it'll be much more fun AND it's a little further away. I'm still working on getting someone to run with me. I will totally do it alone, but I think it's more fun and encouraging when someone does these fun runs with you.

No meat all month was pretty easy. I didn't eat nearly enough veggies though. I ate A LOT of cheese and chocolate. No bueno. I tried fake bacon and it was so gross. That's probably the one thing that would keep me from being a vegetarian. I can't give up the bacon. (Though I went through my twitter when I first started in 2008 and had given up bacon for a whole year, so I guess it is possible.)

Since I really only work about half a week these days I spend a lot of time on my computer or at my craft table. That means I do a lot of sitting. One day I said that every time I get up from my desk I will do 10 jumping jacks. It felt good. I could feel my heart rate go up. It wasn't a lot, but it was something. I think even the small things help. I want to be more mindful of down time and do little things in those bits of time. Wish me luck. I'd like to finally see a lose on my little weight tracker in the sidebar over there.

Now head on over to Simply Evani and come link up with us.

reading - Bonk by Mary RoachThis post brought to you in part by:

Let's Get Physical - February

It's 430AM and normally I'd be sleeping, but I had a quick nap earlier and then went out so I'm tired, but awake. It's a good thing I'm off tomorrow so I can sleep in.


The weather here has been stupid crazy. One day it's 60 and sunny and the next it's 25 and snowing. I can't deal with it. If it's gonna stay cold I'd rather it just stay cold. I wanted to start walking/running outside again, but the weather can't make up it's mind and the mornings I say I'm gonna go for a walk it ends up being cold and wet outside. Sorry excuse to use, but I'm using it. It's so easy to make excuses.

damn it...I misspelled February. I DO know how to spell it. don't judge me.

I haven't signed up for the Bunny Rock just yet because money is tight around these parts at the moment, but when I get some spare change I'll be signing up. It looks like a lot of fun. Bunny ears included. I think Rima would love this run. I think I may have to dedicate my run to her and do a little hop at the end.

One of my monthly goals is to eat vegetarian all month. So far so good. I've eaten vegetarian for two weeks straight before so I know I won't have a problem getting through this first part, it'll be the second part that I may have a problem. I already want some chicken fingers or a sandwich from Jimmy John's. I think the hardest part is giving up bacon.

Also, I'm going to go ahead and admit it now...I'm already behind on Fab Ab February. Why is plank so hard??? And sit ups are hard now too. I remember being able to do a bunch of them when I was younger. Crunches though...I can do plenty of those.

Now head on over to Simply Evani and come link up with us.

reading - Three Parts Dead by Max GladstoneThis post brought to you in part by:

Let's Get Physical - January

Another year has passed and I'm still here. Yay!

So I told myself that I wasn't going to buy anymore pants (even work pants) until I dropped a size. A month ago I HAD to buy a new pair of work pants because I ripped a hole down the seam and they were beyond fixing. Well...guess what...I bought a size down and while they're a little snug when they are fresh out of the wash, they fit just right after about 30 minutes of wear. Woo! Success! Here's my recap and goals for January.




I need to figure out how to work small work outs into my day. I think that'll make working out much easier. Simple things like lifting hand waits while I'm watching TV or crunches during the commercials. Getting away from my computer is the hard part I think.

The Biggest Loser just started back up and that's usually inspiration for me to work out. I don't love to have access to their gym and be able to work out ALL the time. Crafting and working out, that'd be a good day.

Now head on over to Simply Evani and come link up with us.

reading - A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin This post brought to you in part by:

Let's Get Physical - December

Yay! I'm cohosting with Simply Evani for Let's Get Physical this month. I'm her first cohost. *does a jig*
That jig counts as exercise. I made no effort in November to do anything remotely healthy. My list never made it off the computer. Out of site and out of mind. I could blame it on the holidays or work, but that would just be an excuse. Anyone who wants something enough won't make excuses or lay blame. That means I still don't want it enough. Ugh.




I'm going easy on my monthly goals this month. I hope that means I can put more effort towards my health goals. I have a lot of stuff going on from now until the 15th, so it'll be stressful. I'll need to work on my eating for sure. I've been eating dinner early in the day around 4 and 5 and then I'm hungry again around 10. Not good. I'm gonna be calling on you folks this month when I want to eat all the pie. Changes need to happen for real. I don't want to slack and say I'll start in January like the rest of the world.

  reading - A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin This post brought to you in part by:

Let's Get Physical - November

Link up time again with Simply Evani for Let's Get Physical.

Another piss poor effort was put forth again for October. Again I'll say I have no good excuse. I mean really, I didn't even think about my health goals this month. Horrible, I know. I think it was in part that I don't have my goals written down anywhere that I can see them on a daily basis like I do my monthly goals. That will change this month. I will post them on my board so that I can look at them every time I sit down at my desk. Especially since I tend to eat at my desk. Bad, I know. Anywho...let's get on with the rest of this post:




I'm for real tired of being overweight. I don't want something drastic to happen in order for me to realize that I need to make some serious changes. The holidays aren't going to make this any easier, but I'm going to put in a better effort to accomplish some if not all of my goals this month. So I will need your help to keep me motivated. Tweet me. Feel free to make me feel guilty if it looks like I'm falling off the wagon. Something. mmmmkay?!?
 

Now head on over to Simply Evani and come link up with us.

reading - Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra This post brought to you in part by:

Let's Get Physical - Octobeard

Oh hey, guess what time it is...yup time to link up with Simply Evani for Let's Get Physical.

I did a piss poor job this month on doing accomplishing any of my goals from September. I don't even have a good excuse, so I'm not gonna make any. How's that for accountability? Also, I like how Evani made graphics for her confessions, facts and goals and thought I'd give it a try. I like it and I don't care if you do or not. So let's get to it:

My birthday is at the end of the month and I'd normally take that chance to indulge in all kinds of foodie craziness, but I plan not too. I want to limit myself to one indulgent birthday meal and a cupcake. We'll see how that goes. I'd like to see a change in my weight loss ticker over there on the side. Okay ladies, help me stay motivated. Tweet me. Feel free to make me feel guilty if it looks like I'm falling off the wagon.

Now head on over to Simply Evani and come link up with us.