Hi Five's for Helga

WARNING! This post is going to be a big ol’ Wii testimonial.

When I ordered the Wii Fit I did it because I thought that just having it around and fun might encourage me to exercise just a little bit more, even if it was just 10 minutes extra a day. I thought that it might be fun but mostly it was just to squeeze out a little more exercise, a few more calories burned. Little did I know that it would help me with my brain – muscle coordination and help earn me a Hi-Five in step class.

Yes, you heard it here first I earned a Hi-Five from the instructor in Step Class! I actually have improved so much that I can make it through 1 segment of the routine without a mistake (maybe only once but it is once more than I used to)!

I think that I am the poster child for stick-to-it-ness at a step class. I have been floundering around in that class for over 6 months. When new folks come in and seem lost the instructor always points to me and basically says “look at her, she is still working at it after 6 months but she’s here”. Naturally, they all “get it” in a week or so and execute complicated routines like they were born to it.

Not I. Every new routine is like having to solve one of those math word problems we all hated in grade school. Every new sub-routine is like learning another language. Well, it was like that … Now, I have enough of the “steps” that I can do several in a row without completely being lost and, back to the testimonial, I thank the Wii Fit.

With Wii Fit you have all these “Balance” games that are really coordination games. I actually have graduated to the advanced level on one of them where just a few months ago my Mii hung her head in shame on every game.

My trainer, Little John, has also noticed a difference with my balance and core strength. I don’t know whether it is the Pilates, the Wii, Step Class or a combination. I’m just glad to say that it’s all working … and I am glad to get that Hi-Five! (Can you tell?)

Have a Wii Kind of Day,

Ella

Channeling Thelma and Louise

I had a strange dream last night. Sort of an Ella and Pumpkin channel Thelma and Louise. I don’t often remember my dreams the next day but this one stuck with me. The main question that came out of the dream is: If you drive away when you have been pulled over (while the police are walking up to your car) and then drive around the corner (you have time because there would be a little lag time before they could get into their vehicle) and then get out of the car and walk away could you still be charged with driving without a license? Charged with car theft? I know I know … they have cameras in the police cars but how reliable are they? Did they get a good look at me? These are just some of the silly things that I think of at 5am.

I went to Step class for the first time since before leaving for Japan. I felt really bad for the girl behind me. It was her first class, it was a tough routine, and she was behind me. God help her if she even tried to follow a thing that I was doing! I did warn her though. It was a fairly difficult routine (even some of the long-timers thought so) (And, no comments from the peanut gallery - it makes me feel better thinking this is the reason that I suck so badly) and I didn’t get half of it! I am counting on my Wii Basic Step (claims to improve rhythm) to make me the queen of the Step Class! I think that this Mii looks amazingly determined. I wonder whether I look that determined when I do my steps?

At Christmas I bought these very cute “Ugly” dolls. By now you know that I LOVE cute! I don’t know what I am going to do with it yet but right now it is enjoying living on my desk. Any ideas?

And now I have a “date” with my in box.

Have a wonderful day!

Ella

PS. My sister-in-law asked for this recipe. It is a terrific energy pick-me-up. I haven't done the calorie count but it might be hefty. It might be hefty but it is natural and is a great power boost.

Power Spheres yields 15 spheres

¾ cup dried Apricots
¾ cup dried Apple
4 brown rice cakes
1 cup unsweetened coconut
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup rolled oats
1 ¼ cups fruit sweetener (this can be adjusted to taste)
½ cup natural peanut butter
1/3 cup sesame seeds (for coating the spheres)

1. In a food processor, pulse the apricots, apples (you can substitute other dried fruits), and rice cakes to a fine texture. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
2. Next, pulse the coconut, seeds, and oats to roughly combine. Add to the fruit mixture along with the fruit sweetener and peanut butter.
3. Mix everything together until well combined (you may have to adjust the ingredients to make them come together.
4. Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
5. Roll the dough into approximately 2 oz balls. Roll the balls in toasted sesame seeds to coat, pressing them in slightly.
6. Serve, or wrap in plastic and refrigerate.

From Rebar Cookbook

Dream a Little Dream of Me?

Have you ever had a dream and woke up mad at the person that you were dreaming about? I had just one of those dreams last night. Prince Charming is VERY lucky that he wasn't here otherwise ... (fill in violent action here). I dreamt that he told me that he had fallen for someone but didn't want to hurt the other person that he was in love with. I was very sympathetic and comforted him. It was only later that my brain said "HEY!!! The other person that he was in love with???". I spent from about 4am until 5am coming up with an ironclad post-nup. Wait until I see him next week!!!

My cold seems to be trying to come back!?! After feeling pretty darned good for at least 1/2 of Saturday and all yesterday this morning I woke up achy and with the sniffles. I will have to keep an eye on it. It did give me an excuse not to do the strength class today which I only feel slightly guilty about. I did a bunch of errands and came home and did an ICA class so that made me feel better about missing it. Besides, I felt like a bag o' rats after the step and abs class so I probably made the right decision.

Today is another busy day and I feel great about it! I have accomplished more in the past 2 days than I did for the past 2 weeks! Well, maybe a slight exaggeration but I have accomplished a lot. I managed to do everything on yesterday's list except getting the office ready to start working on the Mosaic and the optional filing. I have a class later this afternoon so I will do some filing then.

I am a little sad because I just called about my KitchenAid mixer. In June I bought a Commercial KitchenAid mixer for at the cottage. I had to haul it there and then haul it over to the island. When I tried to use it it was extremely underpowered and wouldn't get past about 2 in speed. I was soooooo disappointed. I didn't do anything about it during the summer (Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!) figuring that I would deal with it when I got back. Instead we had Ike arrive and all thoughts of the mixer went out of my head. Then came Christmas prep and the like and it wasn't until this week that I thought about calling for warranty work. I didn't realize when I bought it, but the cheaper price should have been a clue, but it is a refurbished model. And, refurbished models only have a 6 month (Argggggg) warranty. The closest repair place is in Dallas (4 hours away!). I am now going to try to find somewhere in Ontario to get it fixed and haul it back to the cottage this summer. Bummer! Bummer! Bummer! It does make me realize how important my "Protect our Money" goal is. If I had purchased the Square Trade Warranty for this item (I thought about it and then rejected it) I wouldn't be in this mess right now. It also teaches me that I have to deal with these things RIGHT away. Lesson learned!!!!!

So what's on my plate today?

• Telephone Elastigirl
• Send Birthday greetings to people with birthdays this week
• Send Hercules his RAM
• Give the dogs their Sentinel
• Set up a grooming appointment for Jack
• Telephone Mom
• Package up Mom's shirt for mailing
• Package up a book for Ariel
• Send Hervules a birthday card (I don't know how long it will take to get to China)
• Do a German lesson
• Update my blog
• Clean up my inbox - 15 mins
• Call KitchenAid re warranty (you can tell that I have already done this!)
• Email Alice about the elevation certificate for the house (I need it for insurance)
• Hang the curtain in the "Wine Cellar" (it is actually the elevator shaft storage area but Wine Cellar sounds so much better)
• Install new door knobs on the basement doors
• Filing - 30 minutes (not optional today)
• Step / Abs class
• Enter items in food journal
• Grocery shopping
• Take back slips to Sears
• Bid on a Wii and Wii Fit on eBay
• Read the Brian Tracy newsletter
• Coaching call
• ICA class
• Work on my coaching model - 30 minutes
• WHEW!!!

I realized yesterday that being super busy keeps my mind off of food / snacks! I was so focused on getting my To Dos done that I didn't really have time to wonder what tasty treat I was missing. That and eating good and balanced meals during the day helped also. I look forward to having the same magic today :)

Have a good one and I will talk to you tomorrow!

Ella

PS Remind me to tell you about Project 365.