We Built the Elliptical and I Baked a Fruitcake

Friday, December 24, 2010

Being Friday, I did some circuit training. I wanted something short and difficult, so I did Jackie's Xtreme Timesaver Training...that one just kicks my butt. It felt great and didn't hurt my knees at all.
I cleared all of the weights out of the exercise room and brought them downstairs to the living room. Then started hauling pieces of elliptical up the stairs. I figured I could count this as moving and log it as fitness minutes. The large flywheel was just too big for me and my husband to get up the stairs, so I called my brother. They got it up the stairs and we started building. We finished in less than 2 hours (including the time it took them to bring up the big piece...they had to stop a few times on the stairs).
It even works:

The incline trainer is next to it. We'll have to get a small flat panel TV to put up next to the window so we can watch something while exercising. The big TV on the right is waaaay to heavy to put up on the wall.
I can't wait to get a real workout on it tomorrow..instead of running. I think my knees will thank me (or at least I hope so).
To thank the guys for all of their help, I treated them to lunch. We ended up going to Mexico Lindo (yes, the place my brother and I were going to go to on Tuesday). I got some huevos con papas...yummy. I know I can go anywhere that serves breakfast and get eggs and potatoes but there is something about it at a Mexican place that makes it over the top....probably lard but I really couldn't say for sure. I've got half left over for another meal.
My husband and I are invited to one of his coworker's house tomorrow for Christmas. The invite being along the lines of: you don't celebrate Christmas and neither do we but come over and we'll have some tamales. We can't turn down Celia's tamales. I figured I should bake a fruitcake.

Chocolate Cherry Fruitcake with lots of brandy...should be tasty. We'll see. I've never baked a fruitcake before. Yes, there is still brandy left in the bottle ;-)
Happy Christmas Eve and Happy Christmas to those of you celebrating. Otherwise, have a great Friday night (shabbat shalom) and Saturday!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STIPER23 12/28/2010 2:51PM

I'm glad you got the elliptical set up...and it works! The fruitcake looks yum! Sorry if my earlier comment about it being an "early Christmas present" was insensitive. I love tamales, too. Report Inappropriate Comment

GRACEKEYXO 12/27/2010 11:56AM

love your new machine. AWESOME set up. i have a great elliptical also. i wish i had a treadmill! Report Inappropriate Comment

WANT_POWER 12/26/2010 4:04AM

the elliptical looks awesome. Does it have the option to control movement and make shorter cycles? Instead of simply using momentum to keep going around? Hope you enjoyed the meal. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWMIRROR 12/26/2010 12:43AM

Ummm.. and I DO love brandy ( Blackberry being my favorite). Was just booing with my grandmother today about her neighbor that is too old to make her yearly fruitcakes now. BOOOOOOO! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKVAMPY2012 12/25/2010 6:19PM

YAY for the new equipment, up and running. That fruitcake lloks delish! Have fun at friends house. Report Inappropriate Comment

MIRWYN 12/25/2010 5:34PM

That's an awesome elliptical! Woot! Merry Xmas! Report Inappropriate Comment

LARIESHA 12/25/2010 12:41PM

Glad you got the elliptical all together and 2 hours to complete it, is great. I would still be trying to figure out what goes where right now. LOL! Your fruitcake looks yummy and have Brandy in it sounds delicious. I have a recipe for a Egg-less fruit cake, minus the candy from my great great great grandmother, that I usually make at Thanksgiving, but no baking this time. I might make one for New Year's Eve since I am tired of the traditional Pecan Pie and plain cake. Hope you enjoy the elliptical. Have fun with it. Report Inappropriate Comment

LJHST5 12/25/2010 10:28AM

I'm so excited for you about your elliptical! I love having variety at my fingertips when it comes to working out The fruitcake looks amazing! Thank you for the Christmas wishes! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSMITSY 12/25/2010 6:42AM

The fruit cake looks great, it reminds me of my Grandad, he loved fruit cake it was the one treat type food he couldn't say no to... Yay for a great workout and awesome feeling knees! Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 12/25/2010 5:28AM

Ah, I miss migas! Have you ever had them? Definitely not real healthy, but oh-so-good! Not a huge tamale fan myself, but that fruitcake sounds divine, and I never thought I'd say that! Enjoy the elliptical -- I'm sure your knees will! Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKYDOGFARM 12/24/2010 11:18PM

oh, nothing like tamales for Christmas! we used to get those in new mexico. with some really wonderful tamale sauce. your fruit cake looks yummy. one of these days i am going to make a fruit cake and leave the fruit out. just nuts and no booze. boring, i know, but the sugared fruit is yucky to me, as is the alcohol. hmmmm, unless i put some amaretto in there! that might be really nice! Have fun Not celebrating Christmas!! and remember, don't eat fruitcake and drive. Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSKIT 12/24/2010 9:15PM

Nice that you got your ellipical together! Yes a TV helps while exercising. I watch reruns of CSI while I walk. Your fruitcake looks yummy! Dinner sounds good as well. Report Inappropriate Comment

KAMAPERRY 12/24/2010 9:02PM

Way to go!! you got a home gym now!!! I'm jealous, lol! Your fruitcake looks awesome!! Merry Christmas and have a tamale for me! Report Inappropriate Comment

JO88BAKO 12/24/2010 8:52PM

Sounds like a lot of work! Good for you for sticking with it. Have a very Merry Christmas! Report Inappropriate Comment

YAY!!! My Elliptical Came...Now We Just Have to Assemble It.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

My knees were a little tight feeling and my right foot was a little sore this morning, but being an idiot I started week 3 of GW28K . My foot continued to be sore for most of the running/walking but my knees felt fine. I iced my knees after I was done...and I should probably do that with my foot when I'm done with this blog. Now my knees are a little sore...on and off. I didn't actually take an Advil like it said in my status but I may.
Sears gave me a delivery window of 1-3pm and at 12:55, the doorbell rang. My elliptical had arrived. The delivery guys were unable to bring it up the stairs in the box and since I hadn't ordered the installation, they weren't going to take it out of the box and carry the pieces up the stairs...that's what we'll be doing tomorrow. It'll be great to have another piece of equipment for some cross training. I'm seriously thinking that I should lay off the running for a little while to let my knees heal. I was hoping to finish Couch to 5K team's Running Through the Holidays challenge but I think I should not run on Saturday and start on the elliptical instead.
Here's the box:

Tonight is the Land Rover Christmas Party at Maggiano's. I have no idea what is on the menu but my husband thinks that it'll end up being chicken parmesan and fettucine alfredo. Since neither of us like these things, we'll probably end up at the Mini Gourmet with the model club guys after we make an appearance at the party. The Mini is a diner and is in no way gourmet but they do have really good soups and breakfast stuff. I guess we'll see what happens. I think my husband wants to go to the Mini anyway so regardless of what they're serving at the party, we'll be going to the Mini after.
Have a great Christmas Eve and a Happy Christmas to those who celebrate. Otherwise, have a great Thursday night and hopefully you have Friday off.
Thank you all of my friends who have made this Sparkpeople journey so enjoyable.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MBSKIT 12/24/2010 8:24PM

Awesome! Enjoy your new toy! I have the Sole treadmill and love it. Yes I agree that the you need to let your knees have a rest day! Hope you had a great time the Christmas party! Report Inappropriate Comment

YAMINOKODOMO 12/24/2010 12:35PM

Woohoo to the elliptical! That must be exciting! I would love to have an elliptical but I got no where to put it in my apt.. Unless I kick my boyfriend out of his computer room and put the elliptical in there... teeeheee.. LOL J.k! Hope you had a great time at the party and hope you found something to eat that you guys liked! Keep icing those knees and your feets! lol Hopefully they wont be so soar today! Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy putting together your new elliptical! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAMAPERRY 12/24/2010 11:33AM

Yay!!! I have a love/ hate for the elliptical, but they work you out good!! Have fun tonite! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSMITSY 12/24/2010 5:53AM

I love both those things! Not too spark friendly though I did find a fettuccine recipe with tofu which isn't too bad... Glad your elliptical arrived, what a great Christmas present for you! Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 12/24/2010 5:40AM

Fettucine alfredo would probably tempt me . . . you're lucky you don't like that stuff! I would love to have a recumbent bike to cross train on, but there isn't any room. Enjoy the elliptical! Report Inappropriate Comment

WANT_POWER 12/24/2010 1:34AM

Enjoy the party and whatever eats you end up getting, but enjoy your new toy even more! I really hope your knees and feet feel better soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWMIRROR 12/24/2010 12:11AM

? Land Rover Christmas party? Model club? not familiar wiith those references. What DID make me laugh was "Here's a picture of the box!" I'm so glad your new present arrived!!!! Ellipticals are nicer on joints. Make sure you see if you have a convertor/adaptor/whatever otherwise order one stat!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LJOHN44 12/23/2010 9:33PM

I got an elliptical about a month ago. It took me about 3 hours to put it together - so give yourself plenty of time! It's totally different than running- it kicks my butt! I'm doing the C25k running through the holidays too but since the weather is so crappy I'm counting the elliptical as running. It's better than sitting on the couch! Enjoy the elliptical!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKVAMPY2012 12/23/2010 7:43PM

Have fun at the party. Congrats on getting your new piece of equipment. Im sure you will get some good use out of it since you run alot. Report Inappropriate Comment

THEHONESTME 12/23/2010 7:41PM

Sounds like perfect timing with the elliptical -- you need a break from running! Enjoy!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LARIESHA 12/23/2010 6:18PM

Yay! An early Christmas gift. At least you did not have to wait too long for them to deliver it. Have fun putting it together! Report Inappropriate Comment

STIPER23 12/23/2010 5:34PM

It's like an early Christmas present! I haven't been keeping up with "the life of Nat" lately...I thought you were doing b210k...what is gw28k? Or did you finish b210k? I think we were about at the same place in b210k, but I took a week off after my last 5k race and will pick up the final day of week 4 tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

THATS_LOVELY101 12/23/2010 5:31PM

That's really great that you got an elliptical! I've been thinking of getting some sort of home gym equipment myself but haven't settled on what just yet. Let me know how it works out for you! It never hurts to give yourself a day or so to heal. You might try doing some low-impact strength training for a while and take it easy on your lower body. I hope you have a great weekend and a wonderful holiday! Happy Sparking! Report Inappropriate Comment

Super Busy Wednesday

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Today I decided that I'd let Jillian kick my a$$ so I did No More Trouble Zones but used 8lbs when I could and 5lbs when that got to be too much. I think I will be very, very sore tomorrow. That wasn't enough so I hopped on the the incline trainer and had her work me out some more.
I met my husband and brother for lunch at an Indian place near by husband's work. I had some very tasty aloo palak with naan and rice. I just can't resist spinach or potatoes and when they're together.....heaven. But wow that was hot, I burned my tongue.
The traffic was terrible both on the way to lunch and back and it's the same direction I have to go later.
I've got to wrap up those brownies and head out to dinner with my BFF. We're having tapas. I hope it's not all shrimp...we shall see.
I think I'll try surface streets. The big problem is I have to drive by one mall and actually go to one across the street for dinner. I'm going to head over early.
Have a good night everyone!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SPARKVAMPY2012 12/23/2010 11:39AM

I LIKE indian food but havent had it in such a LONG time. I am jealous of your workouts. You are such a determined machine! I havent done the FULL No More Trouble Zones that I would be in serious trouble afterwards, being sore. Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSMITSY 12/23/2010 6:58AM

Sounds like a fun day! Enjoy your dinner with your BFF! Report Inappropriate Comment

MRSROBERSON09 12/23/2010 2:30AM

I love Indian food! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAMAPERRY 12/22/2010 10:22PM

Amazing!! What is aloo palak with naan and rice? Report Inappropriate Comment

YAMINOKODOMO 12/22/2010 7:52PM

Tomorrow we will be having indian food for our little christmas party at my branch. Should be nummy! Man I havent done NMTZ in a while! I let one of my friends borrow it, I need to get it back so I can do it! I might not be able to last through the dvd since its been so long... lol Hope you have a relaxing night! Your vaca is almost here! Report Inappropriate Comment

LARIESHA 12/22/2010 7:18PM

Have fun! I saw some workout DVD's in the Walmart paper, they were pretty cheap, I think $9, but don't remember the exact price. Have a wonderful evening and enjoy dinner with your friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOAN_HEO 12/22/2010 5:59PM

Have a wonderful time!!! It sounds like a fun evening. I love tapas! Report Inappropriate Comment

Finished GW28K Week 2 and Baked Some Brownies

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

My run this morning went very well. A couple of times I felt a little sore in my calves/shins and a tiny bit in my right knee but they didn't last longer than 30 seconds and probably not even that long. The knees were a little stiff afterward and now my right knee is a little sore. I think that was because the QuickFire challenge for today was side lunges and when I did my second set, I felt it a little in that knee. I need to lay off the lateral movements for a little bit I think. My other knee feels good and that was the one that originally had the problem. I guess they're just sorting themselves out. Anyway, no later lunges for me for a little while.
My brother is also on vacation so he came over today so we could go out to lunch. We had planned to go to a Mexican place that we both like but when we got there, they were closed. It was about 11:40 but according to the website, they were supposed to be open at 10. I don't know. Perhaps they took the week off for vacation. We didn't actually stop. We just noticed the closed sign and kept going. We ended up at a steakhouse nearby. He got a patty melt and I got a burger. I hardly ever have beef burgers but you should have beef at a steakhouse. My brother took the other half of my burger home to have for dinner tonight.
We headed over to Target to get a few things. They had a really crappy selection of calendars but I got a Biggest Loser one because that was the best one they had. I usually get a baking one. I'll see if I can find one elsewhere but at least I have something.
I baked some gluten free cayenne brownies in mini muffin pans for a friend's Christmas present. We're having dinner tomorrow night so I wanted to be ready. I have a busy day tomorrow and didn't think I'd have time to bake them then.
Here they are:

Tonight's dinner is whole wheat rotelle (organic, of course) with Newman's sockarooni sauce, turkey meatballs and spinach. It's easy and warm and filling....good for a rainy-ish day.
Happy Tuesday!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BUTEAFULL 12/22/2010 5:46PM

I got your Mexican lunch today but it took me an hour due to all the road closures and detours, those brownies sure look good Report Inappropriate Comment

LARIESHA 12/22/2010 4:00PM

Your brownies look so good! Report Inappropriate Comment

ANEPANALIPTI 12/22/2010 2:36PM

These are SO cute!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAMAPERRY 12/22/2010 2:07PM

Mmmmmmmmmm!!! So I will post cookie pics later. Doing NMTZ today, hope I don't die, been away from it for a few days! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEWMIRROR 12/22/2010 1:51PM

sockarooni? Is that a red sauce? Either way, sounds pretty good for dinner :) Sorry I haven't visited your page as much.. I'm swamped with work stuff. I'm going to have to do just a mass-post on my blog :( Report Inappropriate Comment

WANT_POWER 12/22/2010 5:59AM

Yum, I'll take chocolate in almost any form! Sounds like you are enjoying yourself and your vacation. Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSMITSY 12/22/2010 5:32AM

Maybe they just forgot to change the sign to open this morning? It's getting to the time of year where people are sleepy and making mistakes like that... The brownies look great as always! Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 12/22/2010 5:27AM

Yum, those brownies look delicious. I'm actually thinking of spaghetti for dinner here, too. Was going to do my long run today, but am thinking of putting it off til tomorrow (when DH is home -- I know, sounds odd, but that way I don't have to leave the dogs with treats; Chester could stand to lose a couple of pounds!). Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIECALLOS 12/21/2010 9:56PM

I have no idea how you can have such delicious food in your home and not put them all into your tummy? Report Inappropriate Comment

CRAZYSTEPPER 12/21/2010 8:42PM

MMMmmmm....chocolate! Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKYDOGFARM 12/21/2010 8:39PM

Hi Nat! you need to join over-exercisers anonymous! lol. you are so good to be exercising all the time. I need to jump on that wagon. for sure i am not exercising enough. and the brownies in the muffin pans, what a great idea! i will have to try that. Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKVAMPY2012 12/21/2010 8:20PM

Oh those brownies look divine! I had spaghetti too! Changed dinner plans at the last minute. Congrats on the workout. Comment edited on: 12/21/2010 8:20:37 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

I Didn't Bake Anything Today!

Monday, December 20, 2010

It was a nice first day of vacation. I got up around 4:30 because the cat was walking on my face. I decided to workout after my husband left for work so I had breakfast first. It was kind of weird waiting. Anyway, since it's Monday I did some strength training. I ended up doing Bob Harper's Body Rev Cardio Conditioning workout 2 (25 minutes of mostly balance and lower body work) then I did Pure Burn Super Strength workout 1 (66 minutes of circuit training) then I figured I'd hop on the incline trainer and did one of the Jillian Michaels ifit workouts. After all that, it was definitely time for a shower and lunch.
I was craving some of the chocolate covered fruit that we got for a Chanukah present so I had a few pieces. Then felt a little yucky. I guess even though my mind wanted some, my tummy didn't. I thought maybe if I danced around the living room listening to my iPod it might help...it did :-)
Tonight I'm going to roast some garbanzo beans to have as a side dish along with Trader Joe's Andouille chicken sausage and some spinach. It should be tasty.
I hope everybody had a great Monday!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MBSKIT 12/21/2010 4:39PM

I'm glad you were able to workout for both of us ! I love Trader Joes! Dinner sounds yummy! Report Inappropriate Comment

LARIESHA 12/21/2010 2:08PM

You are my idol! I want to be the workout queen that you are. It will happen someday! Good Job! That sausage sounds good, I might have to make a stop at Trader Joe's on the way home tonight! Report Inappropriate Comment

BAILEYS7OF9 12/21/2010 12:01PM

OMG are you going thru withdrawals? Report Inappropriate Comment

KAMAPERRY 12/21/2010 11:28AM

Way to go on that workout, I am spending all day tomorrow baking! Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMPOSSIBLE82 12/21/2010 10:48AM

Holy cow - I'm exhausted just reading about how much you worked out. Way to go! Those beans sound delicious. Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKVAMPY2012 12/21/2010 9:45AM

Well you are a workout machine!!!!! That is ALOT of a workout! You go girl! Im sure a little chocolate covered fruit wont throw you off plan. Dinner sounds good though! How are you liking Bob's DVD's? Comment edited on: 12/21/2010 9:46:27 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSMITSY 12/21/2010 5:07AM

My goodness, loads of working out for you today! What a great way to spend your day off! Report Inappropriate Comment

WANT_POWER 12/21/2010 4:39AM

Sounds like you are feeling real good!!! Glad to hear it. :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

55TUCKER 12/20/2010 8:55PM

You are racking up those fitness minutes, girl! Motivating me to get moving again. And your dinner sounded yummy. Where did you find the Jillian Michaels ifit workout? That sounds good too. Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKYDOGFARM 12/20/2010 8:42PM

wow, i didn't know you knew how to have a non-baking day!! plenty of exercise going on instead. you are one busy Gal! Report Inappropriate Comment

SILENTPAWZ 12/20/2010 8:16PM

I was going to say that you probably needed a break, but it sounds like you still had a busy day! ;-) I'm glad you enjoyed it. The sausage. garbanzos and spinach sound delish! Report Inappropriate Comment

JLITT62 12/20/2010 8:05PM

Everyone needs a break now & again! Sounds like a nice, semi-relaxing day. Report Inappropriate Comment