Allies Exercising Around the World - May Challenge

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies,

This is my first chance to post since coming home late Sunday night.

Maryam: Thanks for the bday wishes for my dad. We had a nice celebration, but the subsequent weekend was a nightmare with my 19 y/o brother who is having very serious problems (abusive to his parents, fighting vehemently with everyone, constantly lying, dropped out of school, refusing to get a job, no friends, etc.). It's so frustrating because my sister, DH and I have done as much as humanly possible to help, but my father and his wife are in serious denial about how bad it is and they refuse to get him the help he needs. They actually make it worse by giving him unlimited amounts of money and letting him get away with violent, abusive behavior. He's chronologically 19, but emotionally about 6. It's like you said about not being able to help people who won't help themselves. It's very frustrating because I love all of them, but I was never so happy to come back home! I will definitely pray for your friend; please do the same for my troubled brother.

I'm now back to work on a couple of projects and getting my beautiful red office together. I'm thinking of switching from a PC to a Mac, so I'm heading to the Apple Store tomorrow to check them out. Then I want to find a new rug and curtains. It's slowly coming together.

Kissa: What a beautiful photo!

Sandy: I hope you're doing well. Post when you can.

I can't believe we've made it so far on the map. Now that my foot is better, I'm back full-force at the gym. I made it to my class last night, plus some time on the elliptical. I'll post my miles and see you all tomorrow. I will try to post regularly again. I missed you, ladies!

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

2 + 8 for me yesterday = 10 (216 miles to go!)

[Blondie Baby]

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. TODAY I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

Good Morning Allies. Got in a good workout yesterday. Changed my abs workout and really feeling it today. 18 yo DD went to see Bon Jovi last night at Emirates Palace. Last I heard she was glued to her mobile trying to get all her friends organized with who's going by taxi, who sending the driver for whom, who's got the tickets!!!!!!! I'll have to wait till I get home to find out if they actually made to the concert!!!!!!

Can you believe her school is charging Dhs 300/- ($85) for cap and gown rental????????? I think that is just ridiculous! I told DH yesterday, she is finished with school and I'm STILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL paying!!!!!!

Dear friend decided to try to an stick and it out and get her DH some help. I'm not sure how long that will last. I told at the first sign of aggressive or violent behavior get out of there! She has a key to my flat and knows there is always a couch she can sleep on. May not be much, but it's better than a hospital bed!!!!!!!!

Planning to do cardio/abs/upper body this evening and then maybe go bday shopping for ds - my baby turns 7 on Saturday!!!!!

Jillian - What a weekend! Is this the brother that stayed with you for awhile? Giving him money in most certainly not the answer. His parents are going to have to FORCE him to take responsibility for himself and his actions! I'll certainly for him and your whole family! He's such a nice looking kid!!! He should realize that HE deserves better than that! Send him over here - we'll straighten him out!!!!!!!!!

Kissa, Sandy - Hope all is well

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

10 + 7 for me yesterday = 17 (209 miles to go!)

[Kissa]

Missing you all and hoping to get back to exercise tomorrow!

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies,

Happy Wednesday!

Maryam: Thanks for the words of support. Yes, it's the same brother. We thought he was making progress last year, but he's really backslided and is worse than ever. I WISH I could send him over to you or to anyone who knows how to discipline kids. My father and stepmother are making things worse by the minute! Like you with your friend, we can't force them to change, but we let them know we're here if they need us.

On to happier things... I didn't make it to the Apple store today because I got a new project. It's short-term and not too exciting, but I like the people and could use the extra $$ toward my new computer, etc.

I'm going to the gym tonight, so I'll be back to post my miles. I hope you're all doing well!

[Blondie Baby]

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. TODAY I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

Good Morning Allies. Thank God it's Thursday!!!! Been a stressfull week at work - we had a colleague pass away on Sunday night - he was younger than me. That on top of new projects and usually work pressures =

Kids start exams today. they all do well. I'm they will. All of them are at the top of their classes. Eledst dd has to go rent her cap and gown today. Her gradualtion a week from Monday. She's very excited but also nervous and scared about leaving. In her words - Mom, I'm starting to get freaked out about going to Dad's for college!!!! for her, too. She said that Bon Jovi was great, he's still hot and the concert was fantastic.

Good workout yesterday. Cardio/abs/upper body. And then went with dear friend. We walked around to the shops looking at clothes. I got a new sports bra and a couple really cute bra/panties sets for 12yo dd. She desperately needed new bras. Hoer old were getting too small and very worn out! So that was a nice walk.

Planning to do step/abs/lower body today. And the weather was really nice this morning. If it is still this nice tomorrow - not too hot and no humidity - Dh and I will try to go for our bike ride.

Jillian - I'm sorry things are such a mess with your brother. for him and your family. Glad your back in the gym!! Was starting to feel all alnoe here!

Kissa - Missing you, too!!!!!

Sandy - hope all is well.

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

17+ 7 for me yesterday = 24 (202 miles to go!)

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies,

Maryam: Best of luck with work and everything else! Your DD is going to college in Virginia, right? I'm sure it will be an adjustment, but she'll probably love it. I will send lots of good wishes her way. (College brought me to Washington and I often say it's the best thing I ever did!)

Kissa and Sandy: Please post when you can. We miss you!

I was pressed for time last night and only got in a short workout, but I'll post my miles below. Tonight is my double class (Step and Muscle Up), so I'll add a bunch of miles afterwards!

I have to get back to work, but hope you're all doing well. See you later...

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

24 + 3 for me yesterday = 27 (199 miles to go!)

[Kissa]

Happy to say I made it to the gym at last and I can offer you 6 miles!

Rushing by, will someone add them for me?

[JillianDC]

I'm back to post my miles and will add Kissa's (congrats on getting back to the gym!). I had a great workout and am feeling back in the zone!!!! Have a great night everyone.

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

27 + 6 for Kissa + 10 for me today = 43 (183 miles to go!)

[Blondie Baby]

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. TODAY I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

Nice to see some of the Allies back in the gym! Congrats ladies! I got in a good workout yesterday and then wlked up to Madinat Zayed (a Mall) and did the birthday shopping for tomorrow. Youngest dd and I also got some material for new skirts and blouses!

No bike ride this morning. DH alarm didn't go off so he even missed prayers. We woke up around 6:30 and by then it was alrdy too hot!

Jillian - Yes dd is going to college in VA. Her grqades are kinda lo so she plans to go to Rappahanock Community College the first year and then try to transfer to either Old Dominion or Willian and Mary.

Kissa - Congrats on making it back to the gym!!!!

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

43 + 10 for me yesterday = 53 (173 miles to go!)

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies,

I got in a quick workout this morning and am now getting ready to check out some Memorial Day sales. I hope you all have a great weekend and I'll see you soon.

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

53 + 4 for me today = 57 (169 miles to go!)

[Blondie Baby]

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. TODAY I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

No workout Sunday. Had to run errands and help my friend get all her stuff moved of of her dh's. He has kicked her out so she will be on my couch for awhile until she gets set up somewhere.

Cardio/abs/upper body yesterday. Changed my abs workout and I'm feeling it today. Guess it's true that changing up your workout every now and then really helps! Was planning to do step/abs/lower body but I may go grocery shopping instead. We have been waiting until after maghrib prayer to go but nowadays maghrib is after 7. If we wait until then it will be after 10 by the time we get home which means after 11 by the time I get everything put away and get in bed. And fajr prayers are at 4am!!!!! So I'm thinking it may be better to go as soon as I get home from work! We'll see what happens!

Hope everyone had a lovely Memorial Day weekend - those that celebrate anyway! And really to see all you back on the exercise circuit soon!

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

57 + 5 for me today = 62 (164 miles to go!)

[Kissa]

Hurray, great step class today. Well done Maryam, switching to a new abs routine is a great idea, I know how I felt after the 1/2 our abs I did last week.

I so admire you for doing your workouts at home. I must become more motivated! The truth is that I like every session to be like a party. Alone it just feels like work!

62 + 6 for me today = 158 miles to go!

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies,

I had a busy Memorial Day weekend and am now back into my routine. I made it to the gym for my class last night and a quick workout this afternoon, so I have some good mileage to add.

I agree that it's a great idea to mix up your workouts -- I need to do more of it. My weekly routine now consists of my two Muscle Up classes and one Step class, plus random time on the elliptical and occasionally the stationery bike. I'm like Kissa, wanting every workout to be like a party. Unfortunately, other than my classes, it's pretty dull. I do need to rev things up! I think I'll explore some other classes and, in the meantime, get back on the various machines.

I've got to get dinner started, but I hope you're all doing well and I'll see you soon.

Sandy: I hope you're lurking out there, just too busy to post. I hope you're getting happily settled into your new place!

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

68 + 6 for me yesterday + 4 today = 78 (148 miles to go!)

[speedymagee]

Hi Allies,

I'm baaaaaaaaaack!

Went for my first workout at the new gym! Here is a shocking tidbit of information. It has been 7 months!! since I left Victoria and therefore 7 months! since my last gym workout!! EEK!

Nevermind that I must focus on moving forward.

I went for my first workout this afternoon. I did a short 20 minutes on the treadmill. I think I'll do just cardio for the next week while I figure out what I want to do with weights.

They have some interesting things at the gym like kettlebells and lots of classes. I've never been a class kind of girl, but I'm not ruling anything out.

My pants are tightish, and there is a definite muffin top happening, but I am not stepping on that scale. I must NOT get into that diet mentality, that part of my life is finished.

I always check out what you gals have been up to every day, but honestly I've felt I had nothing to contribute since I was not working out at all.


Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

78 + 2 = 80 (146 miles to go!)
__________________

[Blondie Baby]

HAPPIPNESS IS A CHOICE. TODAY I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

Good Morning Allies and back everyone! I missed all of you! I did get in my workout yesterday. Salary didn't come so I will have to put off grocery shopping until tomorrow. I did step/abs/lower body. Changed my lower body workout and I'm definitely feeling it in my inner thighs and buns this morning!

Planning to do cardio/abs/upper body this afternoon. Since it's DH's long day at work, I may do a longer workout. Will see how I feel. My back is really aching today but I'm determined not to let that stop me!

Kissa - on getting back to the gym! My workouts usually are like parties with all the kids participating! Good for a few laughs anyway!

Jillian - Glad you had a nice weekend. Let me know what other classes you decide to check out! I find the machines sooooooooooooo boring!

Sandy - on your first trip to the new gym! ITA - get rid of the scale or have dh hide it! Focus on getting into a good workout/nutrition routine!!!!

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

80 + 7 = 87 (139 miles to go!)

[JillianDC]

Hi Allies and welcome back Sandy -- we missed you!!!! Best of luck getting back into the gym routine. I know you can do it!!!!

Speaking of which, I got in a quick workout this afternoon. I have to finish some work now, then get to sleep to get up early for a meeting. Have a great night and I'll see you tomorrow.

Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

87 + 4 = 91 (135 miles to go!)
__________________

[Blondie Baby]

HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. TODAY I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY

Just a quick post today. I'm swamped at work and only have a minute. Cardio/abs/lower body yesterday. No workout planned to day cause we will definitely go grocery shopping after work. Don't think there will be a bike ride tomorrow. DH going to his brother's this evening and usually gets home very late. And it is getting very warm in the mornings now! I'm thinking if we don't ride I may try to get in a step/abs/lower body. We'll see what happens.


Allies Exercising Around the World
NY to Los Angeles - We made it 2/21/08!!!!!
LA to Honolulu - 2260 miles
First stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/5/08!!!!!
Second stop: 226 miles - We made it 3/20/08!!!!
Third Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/06/08!!!!!!
Fourth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 04/22/08!!!!!
Fifth Stop: 226 miles - We made it 19/05/08
Next Stop: 226 miles

91 + 5 = 96 (129 miles to go!)

[Kissa]

Went on a great cycle ride with the family. I suppose it was about and hour and a half because we stopped and looked and chatted quite a lot.

So I will claim 9 miles.

Oh Maryam, I remember how hot even the early mornings can be in the Middle East, whew.

96 + 9 = 105 (138 miles to go)

[Blondie Baby]

Originally Posted by Kissa

Went on a great cycle ride with the family. I suppose it was about and hour and a half because we stopped and looked and chatted quite a lot.

So I will claim 9 miles.

Oh Maryam, I remember how hot even the early mornings can be in the Middle East, whew.

96 + 9 = 105 (138 miles to go)

Just corredting the mileage Kissa. Think you accidentally added instead of subtracted!

96 + 9 = 105 (121 to go!)

[speedymagee]

Hi there,

Maryam Is your back ok? I guess you are entering the 'indoor' season, just as most of us are entering the 'outdoor' season.

Jillian How is the office shaping up? Glad you are still getting your workouts in! Would you mind telling me a bit about your muscle up class? (I'm considering trying a class at my new gym). Is it for toning?

Kissa The bike ride sounds lovely, I imagine the weather is pretty good in the UK now. Also would you mind sharing a little about your exercise class? Is it aerobics or toning? Good fun or a bore?


I read The Diet Cure recently and it has had a profound impact on my thinking. If her theories of deficiency are true, it explains a whole lot about my struggles with food. I ordered a whole mess of supplements today and am going to see if there is any merit to her theories - (I sure hope so, since I spent a pretty penny!)

Her eating plan is LC in the sense there's no room for junk, sugar, frankenfoods and there are plenty of veggies, healthy fats, protein and some fruit. Though I don't think it is specifically LC.

No workout today.

[Kissa]

I love the step class I do down here in Devon (I live in Devon and in London). It is very aerobic and really challenging for me both physically and mentally. It is quite 'dancey' and fast and as I only get to do it now and then I find it quite hard.

Sadly the weather is pretty awful here just at present, lots of wind and rain.

[speedymagee]

Hi,

20 minutes on the treadmill this morning.

105 + 2 = 107 (119 to go!)

Enjoy your week-end everyone,
sandy

[Kissa]

Lovely river walk this afternoon, 4 miles altogether.

107 + 4 = 111 (115 to go)