I haven’t blogged since early March? Yikes. I need to get on this.

Since March:
- Antonio is on two more medications/remedies
- My sleep test came back ok for apnea, but I have decreased stage 3/4 sleep
- My thyroid levels came back borderline, might be hypothyroid
- I’ve been working out for 3+ weeks, and I’m starting to notice changes
- Been eating a lot of salad

There you go. You’re up to speed. I’ll think of something more interesting soon. Promise.

“It’s also known as a ‘flash mob,’ but in Baltimore that means something different, so we call it a ‘dance attack.’”

- CG, Dance Baltimore

I haven’t posted in over a week, but not for lack of events to discuss. Last week I had the most awesome trip home to Ohio – with a pseudo reunion, a day at Cedar Point, and a New Kids on the Block concert – not to mention all of the quality time with family. It was just under a week, and although I returned to the chaos and frustration of work and a few personal dramas, it was a needed break that I am grateful to have had.

A few thoughts about Cedar Point:
- I am getting older. Even the less thrilling roller coasters were exciting.
- I am more likely to notice potential safety concerns that ever before. I can’t believe it’s safe when the Mine Creek ride moves around the way it does.
- Water rides are overrated. So are wet shorts.
- Thrill rides have the potential to be more frightening that coasters. Skyhawke made me want to cry and run to mom.
- The red train on the Gemini CAN beat the blue train – even when the riders on the blue train are cocky, confident and loud.
- Chik-fil-a costs double.
- I’m glad the boat ride is still around. It was horribly cheesy, but a nice memory.
- Millennium Force still rocks my world. One of the best coasters ever built for sure.
- But Maverick was a pure joy. I wish I could have ridden it a few more times.It might now be my favorite coaster.

A few more thoughts on New Kids:
- I love sharing this with Cassie. No one understands my raw excitement more than she does.
- It’s crazy that I still think they are hot as sin – whether they’re nearing 40 years old or not.
- Joe’s smile melts me like I’m a 12 year old.
- Danny is in amazing shape. He’s insanely hot for once being the awkward New Kid.
- I can’t promise that this most recent concert (third in a year) is my last. I have no plans for more right now, but it is way too much fun (especially with girlfriends) to ever consider stopping.

That all aside, life gets more complicated and interesting and frustrating every day. I’m 12 days from my 32nd birthday, accomplished in my career, my friends, and my activities, but always still missing the companion part of things. He’s out there… and I may have to wait another year or so until I get him, but it’s heartbreaking at times just the same. I’ve also been working out and seeing differences in my waistline and legs, but no weight changes yet which is irritating. And friends are also testing my inner strength lately. As a wise man once said, keep the tier one friends close, but sometimes you have to let the others fall away. I’m learning a lot about my ability to persevere this year… and I hope it all makes me stronger, happier and more satisfied in life. (As long as it doesn’t kill me first, of course…)

Just a quick note about this new exercise regime I am starting. I started with Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred, and I am starting P90x on Monday. I will be tracking my weight using this cool little Google tool – “The Google 15.” My goal is about ten pounds, but if the muscle starts building that could change. I need to lose the FAT!

So good luck to you all – let’s all do it together. Wanna walk? Call me! Wanna hike? Lets go! It’s time to get in shape!

I hurt. I’ve started Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred to jump start the weight loss. It’s 30 minutes, but it is brutal if you’re like me and not used to it. A friend is sending me a copy of P90x tomorrow – so my discomfort will only get worse… and quickly.

All this is good. I need to tone up. So tonight post-workout, I am treating myself to Bell Pepper Nachos. Not as fabulous as the chips and drippy cheese kind, but a nice, healthier alternative. Mangia!

My body has a problem. Apparently one of my shoulder muscles is being overworked. I’m not exactly sure which muscle it is (supraspinatus?), but it isn’t supposed to “work” – only support – and it likes to join in the fun whenever I’m exercising or using my other shoulder or upper arm muscles. This causes tension in my shoulders and neck, which causes tension headaches, too.

I also have this “popping” going on in my left shoulder when I work with my weights. I told my chiropractor and he says my shoulder is “loose,” which means that the rotator cuff muscles aren’t very strong. He gave me one of those rubber rope thingies, and now I have an exercise to do a few times a week to help strengthen the muscles. Who knew I was such an athlete?

So I’m starting to see some changes in my arms. Nicole was over and showed me a number of other exercises to do, so I am excited to watch the muscles and the profile of my arms change. My biceps are becoming more defined, my triceps are starting to show some definition, minimal deltoid definition, and nice progress in what I call the “waitress muscle” (supinator longus?), because it was really defined back in the day when I carried trays. (It’s that muscle on the underside of your forearm that flexes when you fold in your wrist and turn your hand away from your body.) I like these changes.

This morning? I need to find more ab exercises because my fav on Exercise TV expired. The chiropractor also gave me tips to help “disconnect” my shoulder muscles from working together (see first paragraph). If I can’t manage to separate them, he has a whole therapy process to help them work independently… he just says it’s work. Either way, I’m anxious to make this happen. I need to work at strengthening my muscles to provide more back and shoulder support to help avoid my headaches and spine issues. Plus, I’m 31 for goodness’ sake. And I have friends that work out. All roads point to fitness. Fun.