Wednesday, December 30, 2009

SATC 2

So everyone is excited about the "Sex and the City 2" movie trailer.

I did like the first movie, really just for the clothes the gals wore and the NYC scenes. Big was a weak jerk (even the fabulous closet he built doesn't make up for it).

But you have to read this hilarious post on The Lil Bee -- a blog I recently found and am really enjoying!

She is so right -- Samantha IS Blanche!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

yummy brunch

On Christmas morning, I made Mr Right brunch. Eggs benedict but with beef tenderloin and corn bread. No hollandaise sauce. Not my favorite, but I think he really liked it.
Accompanied by Vueve Clicquot. THAT was my favorite. :)

Got the inspiration here.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

resolution solution

no resolutions.

This is really hard for me. But I have a planner pad full of goals and projects and I don't need any more lists. I need more check marks on the lists I do have.

I was thinking today that in 2010 I will turn 45. Halfway to 50. Geez.

I saw Meryl Streep in "It's Complicated" yesterday. I was so looking forward to it; Meryl inspires me. She is amazing and yet she keeps getting better.

There is a scene in the movie where she is picking tomatoes in her beautiful garden and arguing with her ex-husband, Alec Baldwin (I think the character's name is Jake). I couldn't tell you what she said to him, because I was looking at the beautiful garden. It was amazing.

I'm sure Hollywood has a high-end nursery bring in beautiful plants and set them down right before the shooting. Still, it was gorgeous -- Kale, Swiss chard, tomatoes, lots of things I didn't recognize.

I'd like to have a garden like that before I'm 50.

The problem is, I don't really like gardening. I hate yard work. I know there's a lesson here about "enjoying the journey" but I just want the garden. I'd prefer to pay someone else to do it. Am I getting shallow? Aren't you supposed to be more drawn to gardening as you age?

Anyway, besides the garden, Meryl Streep is her typical amazing self. She's 60, and makes 60 look good.

So in the spring I'll be half-way to 50. What can I be doing now that I am close to being the "best self" that Meryl clearly is?

I think I want to learn to speak French.

Spanish would be easier, I took it in hs and college. And it would be more useful. But French is so beautiful.

Johnson County Community College has this great deal with Rosetta Stone -- you can take all the Rosetta Stone language courses for 10 weeks for $99. I'm going to try Spanish, French and Italian. At the end of the 10 weeks, I may buy the Rosetta Stone that I suck the least at.

Who knows, maybe I will be billingual at 50.

Run Forrest Run

I'm starting to love running.

I've always really hated it.

Teaching exercise classes for years created what I call "cardio-induced ADD." I have to have my mind busy.

I went Christmas eve before company and felt so good all day.
I went last night at 9:00 pm. Because I knew I'd sleep better.

I don't wantto curse this with a New Year's resolution, but I hope to do more running in 2010.
Benefits of Running - read here.

New York memories

One of my favorite memories of 2009 will be this trip to New York that Mr. Right gave me for an anniversary gift.
My one-year old sat through a 90 minute show and was mesmerized by the Rockettes.
I emailed abbey (who I've never met) and she recommended a fabulous raw food restaurant, Pure Food and Wine. We loved it. Creative cooking to say the least. And we were lucky enough to meet the owner, she happened to be in the restaurant that night.
"Love, Loss and What I Wore" might have been my favorite part of this trip. Rita Wilson is charming and funny and I want to be her. (Not just because she's married to Tom Hanks.) Kristen Chenowith was darling, and the mother-daughter duo of Rhea Perlman and Lucy DeVito made me want to have another baby and name her Lucy.
I want to go back to New York. Now. Even though it's cold and snowy.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas Eve menu & Proscuitto Fig Tart

Last night Mr Right and I bought a Costco membership so we could get a few things for our company on Christmas Eve. Love the prices at Costco. Between the time we purchased the membership and got into the car, four different people tried to pitch us to upgrade to the Executive Membership for another $50. Ick. Felt like I needed a shower. Hate upselling.

After we got home, neither of us wanted to go back out so we sent Super Nanny to do battle at the grocery store. Now we are ready for company.

Christmas Eve menu:

appetizer: Proscuitto Fig Tart
Beef Tenderloin
Roasted brussel sprouts and parsnips
Garlicky parmesan cauliflower -- They used to try to fake mashed potatoes with this; I find people enjoy it more if you just call it what it is - cauliflower. Almost anything tastes good with garlic and parmesan cheese.
Cheese Tortellini with pesto and red peppers
Mac & cheese for kids (and probably some grown-ups)
Mr Right's famous cilantro-lime sweet potatoes
dessert: a small cake from Andres, chocolate-covered almonds from Andres, killer cupcakes from Cupcake Ala Mode.
Yumm.
I can't wait.

You HAVE to try the Proscuitto Fig Tart. Get a refrigerator pie crust and roll it on a cookie sheet. Spread spreadable cream cheese on it. Top with Fig preserves. (Sometimes I buy a can of figs, drain them, and stir them into the preserves for extra figgy-ness.) Turn up the edges of the pie crust, make your way around the tart. Then take extra-thin sliced proscuitto and twirl each piece. Put the twirled slices on the tart from the center outward -- like spokes on a bicycle wheel. Bake according to pie crust instructions. Yumm.

Monday, December 14, 2009

so true...

"There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity."
Washington Irving

Monday, November 30, 2009

Bye-bye November

I can't believe tomorrow is December.

November was good:
brunch for my Mom's birthday
several sweaty step classes
another month gone with no yoga (this is the LAST)
STFM Board meeting and Practice Improvement Conference
new windows in my house
a good meeting for NAPCRG
an exhausting week of work in Montreal
an amazing week in Montreal
a lovely Thanksgiving at my in-laws (I really do have wonderful in-laws)
holiday lights up outside house (a surprise from Mr. Right)
tree up; train up; ready for Christmas festivities
a couple of long stroller walks this past weekend

Now on to December.
And then to 2010.
Where is it all going??

Montreal





Montreal was magical.
The work was tiring, exhausting.

But that city was amazing. I so want to speak French. Maybe that will be a goal -- speak French before I turn 50. (I refuse to have a "bucket list.")

And I can find chocolate ANYWHERE. On any street, in any city and in any country. Had to snap a photo (thank you new Blackberry Tour) of this chocolatier. Christopher E still owns my chocolate-loving heart, but these folks were pretty darn good. Tres yummy!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thanksgiving is an inside job

Love this email I got today from Mama Gena about Thanksgiving.


Darlings,

What has the power to send a woman straight to bed with the covers pulled over her head for an entire week faster than the H1N1 virus?

Thanksgiving.

Not the ACTUAL Thanksgiving, but the Thanksgiving we are "supposed" to have. You know the one. . . the perfect family gathered 'round the perfectly set table, pumpkin pie aroma wafting through the air, children dressed in velvet playing nicely and sharing, handsome husband carving the turkey, grandpapa drinking brandy by the fire, while grandmamma and the aunties load the serving platters with all the trimmings. . .

WHAT?
That's not what you're doing?
Guess what?
No one is.
And the danger of this holiday season is that each of us have the potential to forget to celebrate what we HAVE and get stuck in the dark, destructive twirl of what we think we should be doing for the holidays, rather than being grateful for what we actually have- RIGHT NOW- and celebrating the light each of is in this world.

Is the scenario I described above enough to send you to bed with a box of Kleenex and a cold compress? Does it make you want to dive under the covers and emerge once this all passes?
Are you just gonna let it wipe you out and take you down?
Or will you rise up and fight back by having the most beautiful, blessed, outrageously thankful Thanksgiving of your life?

C'mon. Let me paint you a picture of what's going on for ME this Thanksgiving. My daughter is going out of town with her dad. My family is spread out all over the place and not getting together. A new guy I met and invited for dinner just canceled on me. And all my friends already have plans. Yep. Doesn't exactly look like the scene above, now does it?
Soooo, I could either join you in bed with the Kleenex- or triumph and choose to share this little light of mine bigger and brighter than it has ever shone before.

Because the truth is, no matter what I choose to do on Thanksgiving Day, I have got a lot to be grateful for. . .
I mean, c'mon- I just got back from Miami, with over 300 Sister Goddesses, celebrating every drop of what it means to be a woman. AND I had the incredible privilege of having my mama attend this World Wide event with me. This summer, after working non-stop for the last twelve years, I took time off to be with my daughter and work on my 4th book in beach paradise! I have an incredible team that I have the privilege of working with every day. My daughter is having a great school year in school. I am dating! (Not easy for a single mother/business owner!) AND I look and feel better than I have ever felt in my life. Not to mention, I get to live my dreams of leading the Pleasure Revolution every single day.

So, my plans for this Thanksgiving?
I have created a delicious day of thanks in honor of all I have been given. I'll be attending a Thanksgiving breakfast with some friends, and then I will be serving others dinner at a soup kitchen. And I've decided to take my alone time and spend it exploring parts of the city I have not had the opportunity to discover yet.

You see, it's not where we are going, or what we are doing, or who we are with that determines the way we experience this day.

Thanksgiving is an inside job.

You, me, any of us can decide to fall to our knees in gratitude for the gifts we have and shine our radiance on the world in any way we choose. We just have to remember- it's a choice.

So, now it's about you. I want to hear your Thanksgiving brags.
You can reply directly back to this email. I want to hear about your courage, your outrageousness, your hot, throbbing creativity as you design a day of days, filled with your magnificent, unique sacred light.

I am grateful to each of you for your part in the Pleasure Revolution. With you by my side, we will take this holiday season higher than it's ever gone before!

Happy Thanksgiving my darlings!
With so much love and pleasure,
Mama Gena

Monday, November 02, 2009

Bonjour November

It will truly be a month with a french accent, as I'll be leaving for Montreal in a few days and working like mad. Nearly 800 attendees at a convention. I am SO bringing my yoga mat and running shoes.

October ended in a flurry. I was so happy to attend Judith Lasater's yoga workshop "Moving from the Organs" and learn how healthy I'm getting from the inside-out!

Halloween was great fun with M as Baby Shrek. Went to visit my old neighbors, which always leaves me a bit lonely for that cul-de-sac of families.

Sunday was a gorgeous fall day and we had pizza outside at Pizza 51 to celebrate my stepson's 18th birthday.

Thank you October, for a month where I worked really hard. Adn for the milestones and celebrations.

I am still sad about the deaths of Kelly M and Ann W, 44 and 45 years old. For that I am glad to see October go.

November's shorter days are a mixed blessing. Like most of you, I love seeing the sun early and don't care so much for the darkness as I leave the office.

Here's hoping NAPCRG has an amazing meeting and November feels productive and like a month well spent.

and baby (shrek) makes 3




October 31st was Halloween. A happy, fun halloween.
It was also the 2-year anniversary of seeing that PLUS sign on a pregnancy test.
It was 5:15 am just before my fave 5:30 yoga class. Talk about pulling your brain together -- I had to really focus to teach that day!

That Halloween Mr Right and I dressed up as Shrek and Princess Fiona. This year we added a baby shrek.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Judith Lasater quoted Eleanor Rosevelt at workshop yesterday:
No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.

Can't hear that one often enough.

But Judith added: Fill in the blank, change "inferior" to any word you want. Hmmmm.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

my favorites

All the young bloggers -- and the blogging community makes me feel very old -- are doing lists of their favorite things.

There's no such thing as too old to have favorite things. :)

My current favorites:

Sweaty runs followed by a long shower

Sunday mornings with no schedule, just snuggling with baby girl and Mr Right

Hot baths

Yoga

Vanilla cupcakes from Cupcake ala Mode or Babycakes (no others, not worth the calories)

Fantasy travel planning

Fantasy interior design (no budgets in my fantasies)

recorded episodes of Divine Design

anything in New York

shopping

books, books, books

shopping for books

style and home magazines

my Kindle

Bukeka Shoals singing at church

pasta my husband makes

long walks

Anthropologie, Z Gallerie, Prydes, Nordstrom, "With a French Accent"

brunch (or anything) at Blue Stem

Christopher Elbow chocolates

beautiful hand writing

notecards and stationary

my iPod

my iPod shuffle

mocha, tea or anything warm in a mug on a chilly day

stories of inspirational entrepreuners

the beach

the city

completing a project that I created

taking photos

writing letters (or long personal emails)

strategic thinking, esp to boost business or participation

Is my list too long? I'm certainly not done. Has to be getting boring though.

My very favorite of all my favorite things:
when baby girl plants her slobbery, open mouth on my face and exclaims "mmmmm-uh!"

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Professional crushes

For a long time, I had a professional crush on Mireille Guilano. CEO of Veuve Clicquot -- is there a better job? Then to be an author. Too good.

Then I went through a phase watching Dara Torres - pure fitness envy.

Then Anna Wintour (how could you not with all the "September Issue" hype?)

Then Keith Johnson and Glen Senk -- but I was more envious of their style and homes. Ok, maybe more envious of their professional life.

Now I've come full circle and am envious of Mireille again. I downloaded her new book to my kindle last night. I read her "business manifesto" on her website today. "Bad hair is a branding catastrohpe for women." Sounds so shallow, but so darn true!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

new book - Merci beaucoup Mireille!



I can't wait to get this book! I just ordered it on Amazon.

You can read the first chapter here.

MAYA ANGELOU'S' BEST POEM EVER



MAYA ANGELOU'S' BEST POEM EVER

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to.....
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a youth she's content to leave behind.....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .......
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..
a feeling of control over her destiny...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job, break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without ruining the friendship....

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year....

from Angela: I'm not sure that a man shouldn't do the same. But I suppose most of them already know they should.
"A youth she's content to leave behind." Hmmmmmm. Gotta work on that. And the juicy past too.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

you must watch this

http://www.oprah.com/media/20090924-tows-stephanie-struggle-crash

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

The pumpkin scones at Starbucks are going to kill me. :)
I'm sure they have 500 calories. Good thing a sweaty step class is planned for tonight.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

fabulous fall weekend



A haul of yummy veggies from the Brookside farmer's market made for a delicious saturday dinner.
Then a jog with M in the new Bob stroller early Sunday morning.

Friday, September 18, 2009

bye bye breast pump


I'm putting my beloved Medela breastpump on eBay this weekend. For some insane reason, it's hard to part with.
I spent HOURS attached to this thing. Without it, I would have never been able to feed my baby girl "mama's milk" for eleven months.
I faithfully hauled it to the office everyday. To many cities during business travel and to many road trips (thank you car ac adapter). Without it's help, I may have never smuggled frozen bags of milk through customs, or begged -- sometimes in tears -- hotel staff for freezer space.
Since Mirabella is enjoying chicken, edamame and all kinds of veggies (mushrooms are her favorite - really), it's time to part with the pump.
Somebody will get a good deal (I do find some solace in the fact that someone else won't have to give up $300 for one!)

love the fall, love my latte


I REALLY wish I was doing something like this today. Coffee, book, nowhere to be (no deadlines!).
I did indulge in a lunchtime latte. HOW did I actually go a whole year with no caffeine????

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Loving my girl -- on the beach





The difference in life with kids and life without kids...weekends are more exhausting than the week!
I have always thought more women should NOT have kids. And I still do. It's interesting that we (as a society) take the decision not to have kids more seriously than the decision to have kids. It's backwards. The job is too important.

I remain an advocate of more women choosing not to have children.

I loved my life without a baby.

But I have to say, I am over-the-moon in love with my baby girl.
I loved this tee shirt from Banana Republic enough that I bought two -- purple and red.

Banana Republic has the cutest clothes, but they certainly don't cater to buxom women. Skinny girls will get the best fit.

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Got to spend time with Aunt Sharon, while in Southern Cal. She is so smart and amazing. A very Phit, ultra-cool chick.

75 degrees - love, love, love it!

I NEVER EVER thought I'd say this, but it's so good to be back in Kansas City, the weather is beautiful!
What?
Yes, 75 degrees.
After six days of sweating in Southern California, it feels good to be in Kansas City.
Did someone move the map around and not tell me??

Friday, August 21, 2009

Thursday, August 20, 2009

More birthdays


The American Cancer Society's healthier cake contest...read about the winning Red Velvet Cake that cuts back on sugar and oil has roasted red beets, dried cherries and whole wheat flour..

my favorite trips ever



No real vacation this summer. Or last.
Or most years.
I can't complain though, just have to remember these fabulous trips. South Africa. Paris. Rome. Alaska.

Fried Oreos?


Fried Oreos?

thanks to Rockstar Diaries for photo

new iPod shuffle!


Bought the new TINY iPod shuffle at lunch today. Can't wait to go for a run/walk after work in this beautiful weather!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Testing post from my new blackberry

personal branding


Today I went to a luncheon put on by the KC chapter of the American Marketing Association. Danny O'Neill of The Roasterie was the speaker.
His talk on branding was pretty good.
What I kept thinking about was how HE had a strong personal brand.
I'm so envious of folks who are so focused this way.
Danny is passionate and knowledgeable about coffee. He's also in love with Kansas City, his family, his company, all that makes a strong personal brand. Has a strong presence. And no, it doesn't hurt that he's really handsome too.
Another example of personal branding - Manon. She's a colleague I saw at this same lunch today that I haven't seen in quite awhile. She's really sharp and so sweet. Always extra polite and so, so nice. Manon is the living brand of dependable and sweet.
A personal brand for Angela?
Geez.
Marketing consultant. Non-profit executive. Yoga teacher. Business owner. Now a Mom.
Who the heck is this woman?
I read this book back in 2002 when it was new hoping to master this personal branding thing. Since then I've just discovered even more hobbies, books and people that interest me.
I suppose if you believe "variety is the spice of life" then I am a well-seasoned woman. :)
And at some point I'll discover or create a brand that folks can understand.

Friday, August 07, 2009

hilarious "mom" photo


This photo made me laugh out loud.
Maybe it's because I'm a new mom who is so serious and emotional about EVERYTHING regarding my baby. But I think it's also just flat out clever.
The New York Times recently featured these two Brooklyn sisters. Hollister, one of the sisters, has an interesting blog. Porter -- sister #2 -- is apparently trying out for a walk-on role on Mad Men. She took this fabulous photo of herself as an apathetic 60s (50s?) mom. I don't know these girls, but what creative souls they must be. I'm not sure if voting has ended, but if you want to, you can do so for Porter via the link on her sis's blog.

dear santa in august

Dear Santa.
I've been good and I want a pink Bob jogging stroller.
Angela

Last night Mr Right and I took baby M for a walk in our garage sale jogging stroller. Last summer he paid $60 for it which seemed like a lot at a sale. Now that I've been shopping for a new one, seems like we got a bargain.
I'm in love with this pink Bob one.
Since I know we are using the slightly bumpy used one, I'm saving to splurge on a new one. Got get that cardio in and I can't afford one more minute away from baby.

my next bathroom


Isn't this darling?
Supposedly the set for "the L Word" on Showtime. Being non-tv person, I have no idea what that is. I think it might be the Flashdance girl's show(?).
Anyway, I love this gorgeous bathroom. Thanks to blogger at design wonderland for sharing.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Am I too old for Anthropologie?


I love the clothes in Anthrolopie's catalog, website and store. There are only 25 year olds in their photos (and mostly in their stores).
Should a 40+ mom wear this skirt to work?

Monday, August 03, 2009

how to get rid of the mean reds

I could get rid of everything that causes the mean reds.

I could get rid of my job, (sometimes) my husband, (sometimes) many family members, maybe even "cycles" and stressful days.

Not too realistic.
I guess I'll keep thinking.

And keep searching for a used jogging stroller.

the mean reds


Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" said "the mean reds are horrible." The mean reds make the blues look like happiness.

I've always counted on an extreme cardio session to chase away the blues and even the mean reds. What's a woman to do when caring for a one-year old?
I guess I need a better jogging stroller. Will start saving for that.

Sunday, August 02, 2009

love the new boyfriend jeans


Have you tried on a pair of boyfriend jeans?
I'm curious if they fit "curvy" girls like me...

tea


At a Board meeting downtown and really cold in the room. Happy that I resisted the urge to go to lobby starbucks and get a latte or mocha. Had some "Paris" tea instead.
Do you ever get the feeling some teas are in fancy packages but are just plain tea?

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

yummy whole wheat pizza dough

We made the most delicious pizza from the whole wheat dough you can buy at Great Harvest Bakery. Got it at 83rd & Mission. SO good!

Not easy to find healthy, inexpensive stuff this yummy in Kansas City (perhaps that's why we are always on those "fattest cities" lists?)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Yummy casserole I made this weekend. My mom grew a bunch of fresh basil and it was so good in this dish. I used goat cheese and not ricotta since we minimize dairy at our house. The brown rice & parmesan combo makes a reallly nice crunchy topping that I plan to use it on other recipes too.

Monday, July 20, 2009

almond butter

An almost nutritionally-perfect snack is almond butter on rice cakes. Low calorie, good fats and decent protein.
I bought some natural almond butter and it isn't bad. The oils separate, like natural peanut butter, and you have to work a bit more to spread it out, but it tastes pretty good.
I've got the almond butter in the office fridge and the rice cakes in my drawer, so I'm hoping I can use them for afternoon snacks and prevent that end of day hunger.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Want you back...


MWSU dorm circa 1984 -- I could do a mean moonwalk.

Is there anybody out there who ever owned pompons and did NOT do a routine to Smooth Criminal (with a fedora, I bet) or Thriller (yep, white gloves).

RIP Farrah


I had a white cobra mustang like Charlie's Angel. Cancer sucks.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

pizza at North

Have you been to the restaurant North at 119th and Roe?
Excellent mushroom and arugula pizza. Truffle olive oil makes a wonderful woodsy flavor.
The crust is super thin so there can't be many carbs, and there's no cheese.
Yeah for healthy pizza option!
I never touch politics, but this got me.

Washington Times: "Extramarital affairs, gambling, alcohol abuse, prostitution and sexual pursuit of minors have taken a toll on the GOP."

"...taken a toll?"
Oh My.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

blogs I'm into now

I am really loving these talented blog writers:
www.joannagoddard.blogspot.com
http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/
http://decor8blog.com/
These women, of all ages, post wonderful photos, catalog pretty things and write wonderful little stories.

yeah for protein

Since I am no longer breastfeeding I can put dairy back in my diet. More and more though I'm reading dairy is not a good idea.
I was excited to get to drink an Isopure -- a protein drink in a bottle that's like a punch or kool-aid, not a shake. It's from whey protein, which is derived from cow's milk.
I was full all afternoon. Amazing how protein will quiet down your appetite and stabilize your blood sugar.
Going to make this a habit for a few days until I get my appetite under control!
Angela

Monday, June 22, 2009

Rose Brooks

I have been sick to my stomach all day.
I got a fundraising letter from the Rose Brooks Center. Apparently the economic situation has increased domestic violence significantly. Easy to imagine that. But the Rose Brooks Center is in a wait list situation.

I can't imagine a woman with a child who finally summons the courage to leave an abusive situation and then finds the shelter -- her last resort -- has a waiting list.

I wrote a check and put it in my desk to mail at the end of the week when I have money to cover it.
Having a new baby makes me feel vulnerable. Having enjoyed immense independence for my entire adult life, I can't imagine being in a situation where I had no options. A home life so bad I had to evaluate leaving. Sleeping in your car, staying with a friend, getting by until you can change things -- not options when you have a baby to care for.
I NEVER solicit and rarely do fund raising, but if you can help, please consider sending a donation to Rose Brooks Center, PO BOx 320599, Kansas City MO 64132-0599.
Angela

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

hormones and hunger

It's been ten days since I stopped, completely stopped, breastfeeding.
In the first week I gained ten pounds.

Every expecting mother is excited to learn that breastfeeding burns 500 calories a day.
No one tells you that you will be absolutely ravenous.
And then, when you stop breastfeeding, you have to re-train your appetite.

It didn't help that a weird neck/back injury kept me from working out for nearly two weeks.

But three days after the 10 pound gain (I nearly fainted on the scale) I have lost six pounds.

Whew. Work ahead.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day.

Did you see this article that thinner is better to curb global warming?

Regardless of how you feel about global warming, here's one more reason to eat well -- it's better for our planet. (Like we didn't have enough reasons already.)

On the consulting front, Excel Wellness celebrated their first year in business. I wrote her business plan and am tres excited to see her doing so well.

And I've known these girls for years, but recently developed a new program for them: Physical Transformation Retreats. You can learn how to get in Shape magazine cover-shape at one of their weekend retreats. If interested, tell them Angela sent you and you can attend the entire weekend for $299 (regular $499).
Create a healthy Earth Day
Angela

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

fit mind inspiration

Stumbled on a couple of cool sources of inspiration this week:
Jill Bolte Taylor speaking at the TED conference. You have to listen to this 20-minute presentation of this Harvard brain scientist re-telling the story of her stroke -- it is simply phenomenal.
I signed up for this online creativity circle; could use a boost since baby and demanding job have sucked up a great deal (all) of my time in the past few months. Time to re-focus on what makes me. I love this quote from Tim Ferriss: your job description is not your self-description.
Excited to go to New York in May. Attending the Yoga Journal Conference, though only one day of it, is at the top of my list while in the big apple. Also hope to do this anti-gravity yoga class which looks fascinating.
Creative not-exactly-Phit things I just have to share:
Delightful decals for decorating on Etsy: I am putting the cherry blossom branch in my office at home and "hanging" the chandelier over my desk at my "day" job office.
Another nifty find on Etsy: these darling ceramic buttons.
You can now follow me on Twitter or join me on Facebook. Hope to see you in cyberspace.
Angela

Sunday, February 22, 2009

cupcakes (again)

Had an excellent nutrition week and then yesterday Mr Right wanted to spend his William Sonoma gift card and we found ourselves on the plaza. Too close to Cupcake A La Mode. Chocolate cherry cheesecake. Unbelievably tasty and worth the approx 600 calories. Glad I tore up the treadmill yesterday morning.
We picked up some whole wheat pizza dough and made the best spinach and mushroom pizza for dinner. Going to have to eat light for several days to make up for that cupcake.
Have lamb shanks simmering in the slow cooker and they smell divine. Can't wait to feast on them before our Academy Awards party (a very private party this year, baby girl is teething).
Have been doing micro-sessions of strength training very well -- happy with my consistency. Cardio is still good too. Now I just need to make it to a yoga class.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

cupcakes and cardio

Well the cold seems to be over. Yesterday I felt almost completely better. Baby M didn't sleep at all so I didn't get out of bed Saturday and do the planned cardio. Today however, I fought the urge to sleep another hour and got myself over to Lifetime. The first 20 minutes felt boring and long. I stopped and did a couple machines for a change. Went back to the treadmill, changed my playlist and got busy with some intervals. It worked really well:
5 minutes walking at 4.5mph
1 minute running at 5.5 mph
1 minute jogging at 5.2 mph
then repeat, for 45 minutes.
Got good and sweaty and wow did the shower feel good.

So cardio is back on track.

Now the indulgence of the weekend...
on Thursday a vendor brought in cupcakes from a new bakery on the plaza: Cupcake A LaMode. Yum. They are definitely treadmill worthy. So good that Mr. Right and I went back down Saturday and indulged in cupcakes instead of a Valentine's Dinner out. Cupcake A La Mode has what they call a cupcake sandwich: two cupcake tops with buttercream frosting in between them. Wow.
The good thing is that they are so sweet you vow to eat good for the rest of the weekend.
Angela
Angela Broderick

Friday, February 13, 2009

good decisions and delightful surprise

I'm still baffled at how two hours can simply disappear when you have a baby. I was up at 5:30. Mirabella might be catching my cold. I so hope not, esp since I am feeling better.
Had a good breakfast of steel cut oats and scrambled egg whites along with a soy, decaf mocha. Thank goodness Mr Right is a wonderful cook and put this together while I pumped milk for M.
Even with a 5:30 wake-up, barely made it to the office by 8:00. Only about ten minutes of exercise: 30 push-ups and lots of stretching. Feels good. Will have to get my strength exercises tonight. Cold is lightening up so I'm hoping to resume cardio tomorrow. Had to get a sub for my step class last night.
I arrived at the office to find delightful surprises! A glass vase of red tulips on the table. And potted tulips on the window ledge -- the most beautiful shade of magenta.
Mr Right is not only a wonderful cook, he is exceptionally thoughtful and generous.
Next to the vase of tulips on the table was a gift wrapped in a very pretty white and damask paper with a bright red ribbon. Inside was an eco-jot journal of recycled paper. Been wanting a journal (another one!) to document M's "first's." Since she crawled last night it's time to start writing about important dates -- like watching her crawl across the bathroom floor instead of sitting and watching me brush my teeth as she has for several months. Just yesterday she couldn't hold her own head up.
Life moves so fast!

Thursday, February 12, 2009

"baby" workouts

Thanks to inspiration from Annette Lang, I've decided to try posting my workouts and nutrition challenges here as my "journal."
The new baby, new house and incredibly demanding job are taking quite a bit out of me. I've done well getting cardio in -- I go to Lifetime on the weekends and run on the treadmill (love the shock-absorbing decks on those treadmills -- my knees really love them), and when the weather cooperates I walk outside. But strength training has slipped away. For 20 years I've taught classes where I automatically did more strength training than I needed. My weight fell to pre-pregnancy weight before Mirabella was three months old. But I've a living case study in body composition -- muscle tissue atrophied while I healed from the c-section. The new lifestyle hasn't done much to build muscle.
So this morning Mirabella was up about 5:45. I should have been up before her but she woke up three times last night. Highly unusual as she's a steady sleeper (like Mom!). So after I got her up I put her in the playpen while I pumped milk for her. Then we went into my office where I keep my dumbbell set and we put U2 on the iPod. I put Mirabella in the jumper and started my weights. She has recently learned to patty-cake. At the end of each set, I put the weights down and she clapped for me. What wonderful motivation!
Her attention span doesn't allow for more than about 15 minutes in the jumper. But something is better than nothing, and here's what I got done:
Biceps:
10 reps w/ 18lbs
10 w/ 18lbs
9 w/ 18lbs
10 w/15lbs
Tricep kickbacks:
10 w/ 12 lbs
10 w/ 12lbs
8 w/ 12 lbs
Then did a series of low back stretches and my "hip opener" series that I used to LOVE to do in Sunday morning yoga. Did bridge for 60 seconds, three times. Then some more stretching.
Would have loved to do more, but M was tired of the jumper, and I needed to get in the shower or be late for work.
To improve: I skipped breakfast, got to do that tomorrow. Mr. Right made me a mocha (soy, decaf, almost nothing since baby can't have dairy or caffeine) but I should have had my usual oatmeal and I'd like to add in egg whites.
Rushed mornings are a part of almost everyone's lives these days. I recommend a baby clapping for you and a little Bono on the iPod -- does wonders!
Create a healthy day~
Angela

Sunday, February 08, 2009

fitting in cardio or not) while resting

Woke up with a scratchy throat and a huge fear of having to deal with the fatigue and fever of being sick in this upcoming busy week. So I took the morning off from the cardio I had planned and slept a bit longer. Spent the day using the neti pot and taking Zicam.
I was so committed to getting 60 minutes of cardio on every Sat and Sun. Since it's 11 pm and I still feel a scratchy throat, I'm very glad I rested.
Nutrition wise today was ok. I blew it with Mr Right's giant homemade chocolate chip cookie. But meals were good: breakfast of fresh spinach and poached eggs, lunch of shrimp and leftover pasta and dinner of soup. Soup was take out lobster something from Bonefish Grill -- yummy but probably too much fat.

Yesterday was a good day too. I took Mirabella out in the stroller for over an hour, then lifted weights and enjoyed her giggles as I counted reps out loud. Laid her on the floor while I did some yoga stretches.
Tomorrow starts another week. Let's hope the cold stays away so I can get on track with the cardio!
Angela

Thursday, January 29, 2009

cool blog

I have been to dozens (over 50 I bet) of fitness conventions. And one of my favorite presenters has always been Annette Lang. And I found this new blog of hers: sixbyfifty

She wants a six pack by her 50th birthday. She's actually blogging her workouts and what she eats. Very honest and brave, and very inspirational.

breastfeeding battles

I'm at a business meeting in Charleston. My fourth overnight trip as a Mom and my fourth episode of begging a hotel to store pumped breast milk in a freezer. I have to admit,these folks have been more helpful than others. But it is getting old.
My flight went thru Atlanta and I noticed the large, glassed room that was full of people smoking.
If airports can provide a lounge for people to smoke, hotels can provide freezer storage for breastmilk so working moms can attend meetings.
Period.