Day 3 of Spring Break

Today I travelled 4 hours to go to Bowen Therapy. The therapist focused on the Respiratory, and TMJ moves since those are my major issues-digestive and TMJ (pain in my jaw, neck, face).  I've never had the TMJ moves before and was a little nervous after she described what she would do, but could the pain get worse?  Probably not.

I always get so relaxed during Bowen-I think I may have fallen asleep a few times!  Afterwards the therapist told me that she has never met anyone whose muscles were so bent..??? What?  And that when she walked in the room for the first time she got a hazy thing happening in the back of her head.  Hmm...okay.  And that it happened again everytime she walked into the room.  I'm not sure what she was implying other than my body is messed up and she has some "sense" of this.  It was bizarre.

I am to record everything I notice about my body for 7 days after which we will have a phone conference.  So far I have felt jaw pain, had a flushed face for a short period of time, my neck is tight/sore but that could be from travelling, my legs are sore--again could be from sitting in a truck most of the day, the front of my throat has been sore where she "massaged/pulled" the muscles, and that is about all so far. 

I am beginning to wonder if food isn't the issue, but certain foods trigger different TMJ symptoms.  More investigating will have to be done.

Highlight of my day?  Eating a great salad and grilled salmon at Moxie's (husband had a burger, of course) and then going to the theatre to see "The Hunger Games".  And like always, saw a few locals at the theatre even 6 hours away from home!

Triceps, Biceps, and Abs workout

Day 3 targets triceps, biceps, and abs!

I do 3 sets of 12 reps of a tricep, bicep, and ab exercise before moving onto the next.

BICEPS:
-Supinated bicep curl
-Hammer curl
-Incline bicep curl
-Cable curl
-Bicep machine (I sometimes just do a curl with a dumbell instead)

TRICEPS:
-Overhead press (I stand on a BOSU ball)
-Skull crushers
-Kickbacks
-Cable press
-Dips

ABS:
-Bicycle
-Reverse crunch (lifting butt off floor)
-Pilates 100
-Crunches
-Crunches on BOSU ball
(or any variation you like!)

I throw ABS in with arms because it is a quick workout.

Legs and Shoulders workout

Day two of super sets focuses on legs and shoulders!

Do 3 sets of 12-15 reps of each leg and shoulder exercise before moving onto the next.

LEGS                                                              SHOULDERS
-Squat on BOSU ball                             -Hold kettlebell and raise it
                                                             on the up position of the squat
-Lunges                                               -Shoulder press after the lunge    
-Press (two legs)                                   - Rear delt with dumbell
-Press (single leg)                                 -Lateral raise with dumbells
-Leg extension                                      -Landmine press
-Hamstring                                           -Front raise with dumbells

I did this one today and can feel the burn in my legs!  Love it!

Back and Chest workout

I have had a bunch of people ask me what I do at the gym lately, so I decided to blog about my Back and Chest workout. I mentioned before that I love super sets because they get you sweating and you can fly through a workout in a short amount of time (if you want).

My super sets are broken into three days and I always start with Back and Chest.

3-6 sets/8-15 reps/60-90 second rest

BACK                                                         CHEST
-Chin ups                                 - Bench press (can also do this on a ball instead)
-Rows                                      -Incline bench press
-Cable or machine row              -Machine press
-Lat pulldown (can do wide grip, -Flys (can use a bench or ball)
narrow grip,or underhand on
the bar)
-Alternating hand lat pulldown     -Push ups

I do 12-15 reps of the back exercise and then 12-15 reps of the chest exercise for 3 sets, then rest before moving onto the next set.

This is my favorite workout day!

Lia Sophia Jewellery

This afternoon I hosted a Lia Sophia jewellery party and it was the perfect way to spend a rainy Sunday.  I had invited close to 40 women, but knew that under 20 would actually attend, which is how these home parties usually go.  I decided to host a party because I adore jewellery, but also because I am missing social gatherings with friends.  I co-hosted a Scentsy party back in November with my mom and that was a lot of fun, and jewellery would be something different for my friends.  Looking back, I hosted a Body by Vi shake party in October as well.  I like to host; what can I say?

I felt a little awkward when the consultant explained to my guests what I would receive if they spent a certain amount of money at the party (they usually don't do that), because I was not having a party to get free jewellery!  I had invited a few bride-to-bes to the party hoping they would find some wedding jewellery for themselves or bridesmaids, because I had difficulty finding my own not so long ago.  I think both of the girls went away with lots of ideas for their big days!  I also invited a girl I had met at the gym and who is new to town because I wanted her to meet some new people, and my other attempt at a girl's movie night didn't work out.  Lots of co-workers and some of my mom's friends came too so there was a nice mix of people in attendance.

I had looked through the catalogue probably 20 times and found a bunch of items that I liked.  I was drawn to a few rings, and since I have lost weight I need to replace my collection because most of my costume rings are too big now.  Of course once I was able to try on some of the necklaces at the party I found about 6 that I loved!  And some "diamond" stud earrings.  Yikes! 

Well after all of the girls placed their orders and I sat down with the consultant I found out that we sold close to $700 worth of jewellery in about 2 hours.  That meant that I could pick out $167 worth of product for free!  And pick 4 bonus items for a discount!  Well I went through the catalogue about 3 more times and fine tuned my wishlist.  Then went back and looked again (of course I found a necklace that I had never noticed the first 23 times looking through).  In the end I only spent $85.12, which includes the shipping and handling, and "bought" 2 rings, 1 pair of earrings, and 4 necklaces. I was in heaven. 

As soon as I got home my husband asked how the party went (I had the party at my brother's house because we are renovating), I was so excited to show him what I got.  Then I got curious as to what I would have spent if I wasn't the host.  I added it up and was amazed.  I had got $565 worth of jewellery for $85.12.  My husband was impressed (and didn't give me a hard time about wasting money on silly things like rings), and I was extremely happy.  It was a win-win for us both. 

If you like jewellery as much as I do, I would consider booking your own party to host!  I have to say that Lia Sophia is one company that really does look after the host. 

Happy Sunday!

www.liasophia.ca I am in no way affiliated with this company and did not receive anything for writing about it.

Gluten Free Pancakes

Happy Sunday! This morning I decided to switch up my blueberry smoothie for some gluten free blueberry pancakes, since I promised my dietician that I would put some grains back into my diet. 

I was a little hesitant to try anything new before having allergy tests done, but the pancake mix I used had the fewest ingredients that I could find and I think I recognized most of them. 

I've also been craving something sweet, like muffins and cookies, so I thought I would add blueberries and lemon zest to the mix to make it more like my favorite blueberry lemon muffins . Click here for the recipe. http://everythingwillbeaohk.blogspot.com/2012/02/blueberry-muffins.html

 The brand of pancake mix I tried.

Add the mix, egg, milk, oil, blueberries, and lemon zest in a bowl.  Mix gently.

Cook the pancakes until golden brown.

They looked yummy! The real test would be if my husband liked them.

At first he wasn't sure...but after a few bites he exclaimed, "These aren't too bad!  They're actually pretty good!" Then he went back for seconds. 

My review- they weren't very sweet, but the blueberries, lemon zest, and maple syrup on top made them delicious! I don't know if I would have enjoyed them as much had I not added the blueberries and lemon zest.  They tasted very similar to my blueberry muffins actually, just more flat!

Blueberry Smoothie

Well it is report card time again and I have found something new to do instead of report cards.  Normally I would clean out my closet, wash the dishes, clean the fridge, dust, etc.  but unfortunately all of that has been recently done...last night...in my attempt to not work on report cards. 

Oh procrastination! 

I drink a blueberry smoothie every single morning for breakfast and decided to share the recipe with you.  So here you are...my favorite smoothie!

Milk, plain greek yogurt, frozen blueberries, ground flax seed, maple syrup, ice

Put milk, greek yogurt, flax seed, and a little maple syrup in blender

I put this into the fridge while I get ready so that the flax swells and softens a bit, but you don't have to

Then add the frozen blueberries and ice to the blender and blend away!

Pour into a travel cup with a straw

Date Night

Last night I suggested that my husband and I spend Friday evening together because we haven't had much quality time together in a long time.  We picked out a movie on the T.V. that started at 8:00 and planned on having popcorn (this is a big deal because I haven't had "junk food" in forever!).

So today is Friday and that meant Date Night!  This is how it went down.

5:45 I get home from the gym. I start supper and go downstairs to let the dog in.  I smell something weird...a burnt smell, but weird.
6:30 Dave gets home from the ice shack. He showers and goes downstairs, from where he calls me to come down.  He smells something weird too. He "works" on some stuff down there...wires and the hot water tank, blah blah...I zoned out and went upstairs to finish supper.
7:15 I eat supper.
7:30 Dave comes upstairs and eats supper because he "fixed" the problem.  Something to do with the hot water tank.
7:45 I am still eating supper (slowest eater in the world here)
7:50 I am told that the movie starts in 10 minutes so "hurry up"
7:52 I shower and get ready for the movie while Dave makes the popcorn
8:00 We watch the new "Foot Loose" movie and eat popcorn

Now the movie is over and the popcorn bowl is empty and we had our date, but it made me wonder...when did spending quality time together get so scheduled?  It seemed like an appointment instead of a pleasure. 

Are we getting old?  Too comfortable?  Boring? 

I'll have to work on adding some excitement to our lives.

Happiness in a Vase

My husband and I went to get a few things at the grocery store tonight and there were some beautiful Gerbera Daisies there.  I couldn't resist.  They make me smile everytime I see them on my coffee table.  I always used to buy fresh flowers at the grocery store but one of our local stores closed and I stopped. These pink flowers were a great addition to my day.

It really is the simple things in life, isn't it? 

Meditation

Yesterday I had my third Bowen session.  Before we got started I was talking to the therapist about changes since the last session, how I've been feeling, etc. and I realized that I must sound like a lunatic.  I listened to myself and finally something in my brain clicked.  I need to relax. 

R-E-L-A-X

Sounds easy enough, but it isn't easy for me to do. 

Being a teacher is the most insane thing I could have chosen to do.  What was I thinking?  The job never ends.  I get to work at 8:00 every morning, occassionally get a few minutes throughout the day to go to the bathroom (Recess is for the students--teachers might get a minute or two to take a break but usually the 15 minutes is spent peeing, gobbling down a quick snack, making parent phone calls, photocopying, working with a student, or standing in the hallway waiting for the kids to get out!), eat lunch at the school and then do more work during the lunch hour, students go home at 4:00 and I stay to continue working (marking, prepping, tidying, planning, phoning) until I FORCE myself to leave the building. 

Then after I have forced myself to leave the school I go to the gym where I tell myself I am relaxing.  And I am.  It is good for releasing tension and getting rid of stress, plus is so good for my body.  An hour or so later I go home where thankfully my husband usually has supper ready for us.  We eat, clean up, I shower, and then crash on the couch at around 7 or 7:30.  My mind is fried, my body is exhausted, and I just want to watch T.V. or go on Facebook. I couldn't possibly do more.  But wait...

There is marking to do.  And more planning to do.  And another parent phone call to make.  And laundry to throw in.  And I need to make my lunch for tomorrow. And pack my gym bag. And have a conversation with my husband so he doesn't feel neglected.  And cuddle the dog so she doesn't feel neglected. Now the phone is ringing.

10:00 is bedtime.  The day is finally over.  Okay, now I can relax. 

10:05- "I wonder how I can make an imovie with the class."
10:10- "I didn't get everyone's points for the Health Challenge so I'll have to e-mail tomorrow."
10:11- "If I video the students then we can add their voices later."
10:15- "I wish I could fall asleep as quickly as Dave."
10:30- "I forgot to print the comprehension test."

My point is, when you are a teacher the job never ends. My brain never turns off.  You don't get days off either. I often work on Sunday. I can't go anywhere without seeing a student, former student, or a parent of a student.  I'm always "the teacher" 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Thank goodness I don't have children!  How would I add them into the mix?  There aren't enough hours in the day. 

So listening to myself talk yesterday made me realize that I need something in my life to help me relax.  Laying on the table, listening to the waves crashing (still my favorite sound!), concentrating on my breathing, I felt relaxed. 

The therapist suggested meditation. I know people who meditate-I've never really thought about doing it myself because up until yesterday I thought I knew how to relax.  Apparently I don't because my body is fighting me every minute of the day. So this morning I looked up The Chopra Center's 21-Day Meditation Challenge online. I signed up.  I also signed up late so I could only access the 10 most recent days.  I got out my yoga mat, turned on Day 4, layed down, and meditated.

I was told to concentrate on my breathing, and think about the now.  Anytime my mind wandered I was to bring my focus back to my breathing.  My mind wandered constantly. It felt good to breathe deeply, lay in the quiet, and listen to the music and gentle voice coming from my laptop.  I was instructed to think about the things I cherish NOW in my life. 

I instantly thought of my husband. I cherish him, appreciate him, love him...I know he is the greatest thing in my life.

I thought about my mom, my best friend, who I couldn't live without.

My dad...I am so happy that he is healthy and in my life.

My brother. And this is the point I got tears in my eyes.  For awhile I didn't know if I would have him in my life ever again because of the choices he made and how he treated me, but he is in my life again and I have forgiven him for his stupidity and hurtfulness and I have to forget the past and think of the now. 

My Bailey, my sweet puppy.  She is my baby and she makes me so happy.

My friends, who I don't see often enough and it makes me sad but I love them and need them.

Then I concentrated on my breathing again because my mind started wandering. 

So I have decided that I always work on my body through exercise and healthy eating, so now I need to work on my mind too.  Maybe I will start to heal.  It is time. 

Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Soup

Tonight I decided to whip up a batch of sweet potato and butternut squash soup to take for lunches. I even froze most of the batch for quick lunches when I'm too tired to make something.  It is dairy, gluten, nut, soy, etc. free!  It could even be vegetarian if you used vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. 

I love this soup. 

It is sort of a Fall type of soup but is good all year round because it is quick, simple, and healthy!

Ingredients:

1 medium to large sweet potato, peeled and chopped coarsely

1 small to medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped coarsely

1 large onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, sliced

2-3 ribs of celery, chopped

2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped

1-2 Tbsp. butter or oil

6-8 cups of chicken broth (enough to cover all of the vegetables- you could even use some water)

2 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. turmeric

Process:

1) Heat butter or oil in a large pot on the stove

2) Add onion, celery, and carrot to pot and cook until tender

3) Add garlic to pot for about 1-2 minutes

4) Add sweet potato, butternut squash, stock, curry powder, and turmeric to the pot. 

5) Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or longer (sometimes I forget about it and it simmers for awhile!)

6) Remove from heat and puree in a blender, or use an immersion blender

Enjoy!