One word. SORE. I guess that's what I get for upping the gym from lazy to committed. I walked/ran my way to 40ks this week and had two pump sessions. I'm proud of the effort.

I've been housing some smoothies (even though Melbourne hasn't realised it's summer yet)



Enjoying tomatoes from the garden (a teeny, tiny tomato)



And giving Lululemon all the funds in my bank account


And eating tempeh sandwiches prepared by the hubby


Time to find something exciting to do for Sunday.

-B

Back on the (fake)Rock

We spent our Friday night climbing indoors in the city, and I loved every minute (even when I had to sit through the safety lessons). Climbing is one of my favourite things to do, and I plan to do a lot more of in 2012. All the time off means my hand strength is non-existent, but you have to start somewhere. I only did three routes before I was done (13,12,13).

Saturday I spent the morning in pump (with the Aussie and the SIL). The Aussie has gone to it a few times, but this was his first time in Oz doing it. He pushed through like a champion. We *may* have napped after pump (an earned nap, right?). It was only 20mins but it was glorious. In the afternoon I watched the Aussie and his brother play some cricket. It was a 20/20, which means SHORT (woot, woot).

Teeny, tiny cricketers ;)

After a thrilling cricket game (seriously can cricket ever be thrilling?), we went for some food (Thai), including dessert (chocolate shop) (definitely the highlight of the day).

Today we slept until 11 (so wonderful), went for a walk around the lake, and then I went to the gym and the Aussie hit some golf balls. When I got home from the gym I went on a cooking spree--protein balls, bean burgers, broc and rice dish, and choc pudding (made from avocado).

The protein balls need to be re-created. I used 1 sm banana, 1/4 cup of applesauce, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1/4 cup crushed almonds, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup raisins, 1 scoop protein powder, 1 cup oat flour and some oats. I mashed everything together and then rolled them into balls.


The burgers are dry ... really, really dry, so that recipe will not be shared.

My meals lately have looked like this ...





Um, I like veg nuggets (in case you couldn't tell), but I do want to start limiting the fake meat.

Can I say I'm ready for Friday before it's even Monday?

Off to zzz,

B

P*U*M*P

A little time off of pump = inability to lift your arm (I exaggerate only a *tad*). Tonight I spent the evening with the SIL hating the shoulder track ... seriously Les (can I call you Les? sure I can, because you torture me) why do you tease us with a shoulder track that makes me swear it's going to end and then ... it's bar time?

The up part was using my lovely little Christmas gift (thanks Aussie!)


I also did a delicious repeat of the watermelon juice (watermelon, ice and blend, blend, blend)


Hey, who's that stealing my juice?!

Can I just say I love summer? I love summer :) A lovely little summer-inspired salad creation with veggie nuggets and loads of corn.



Off to zzz so I can gym it up in the am,

B

Hello 2012

The end of 2011 was incredibly relaxing. We spent it surrounded by family, laying by a pool, and eating perfectly roasted veggies. I could not ask for more. Now it's time to kick off 2012 on the right foot. This year is going to be filled with lots of qualifying stuff so I can practice over here. I swear I won't be a professional student, although I do feel like it's never ending. But instead of focusing on all the stuff I have to do that is less-than-fun, I want to focus on enjoying each day. It isn't easy to appreciate all the small things that make your life great.

Today my little things were ...

a watermelon smoothie that tasted sweet as can be


and tomato plants that are growing heavy with little tomatoes :)


I'm heading into 2012 knowing it will be hard work, knowing I am not in the exact place I wanted to be from a career & fitness perspective, but also believing that it can be the year that it all changes.

Hang your inspiration board and follow your dreams ... 2012 is going to be year to remember.


Off to pack for the gym tomorrow,
B