Let's start talking about workouts first. I have to say that I really do love my elliptical machine. It was one of the best fitness purchases I think I could have ever bought. It doesn't take up much room, is low-impact on my joints and is a great cardio workout. I love it as well cause it really works my legs, butt and thighs. They've always been my trouble spots. It's not overly loud so I can work out while Maddy is sleeping.
I normally do thirty minutes of elliptical. I don't stretch first because I start out slow to warm up. After I do the elliptical for thirty minutes I spend about 10 minutes stretching out my legs. Then I do some push-ups and I use the balance ball to do 60 crunches. I love the balance ball to do crunches because it really works your abs without letting the muscles go. But it's GREAT on your back too so you don't pull it. I also use the ball for other muscle toning and stretching exercises too.
I also like to do Pilates and Yoga. I'm not really good at either one of them, but I like them. However, I'm not really doing those right now cause I want to drop some weight and elliptical is a better way. If I start getting up at 6 to work out (shakes finger at Matt!), it will give me another nap cycle to do Pilates or Yoga. Once I really get moving to my workout routine I will be able to switch it up and do different things each day if I don't want to do Elliptical. But right now that's working for me! I also have a couple free weights that are just really light. I like using those for my arms, but haven't actually incorporated them back into my routine yet.
I normally work out five days a week during the work week but take off on the weekends.
Now let's talk about women. Why can women be so personally bitchy and catty? I've had a few friends go through instances of hearing women cackle about each other. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think anyone should be 'happy sweetness' all the time. There are times where I complain about instances or the way people do things. There are times where peoples' actions drive me crazy and I vent about them to my friends. (This being one of those times.) We need to be real people with real emotions that we can vent. If we're happy ALL the time, we'd be really boring. If we are always politically correct, there are very little opinions left in this world.
However, I think it's really nasty when a group of women get together and talk about other women they know behind their backs. Because, number one, if they are saying these mean things about other women what do they say about ME behind MY back? Secondly, why do women feel good about being nasty to someone else? I guess it's probably the common bond that occurs from being mean together. But aren't there other bonds that can be formed that are more positive?
Third, nothing drives me more crazy than when people 'pretend' to be friends and then turn around and back-bite about them. I don't want to hear someone say, "Oh, but I am their friend!!" Friends DON'T say one thing in-front of the person and then turn around and talk about them behind their backs. That is NOT a friend. That person is a two-faced liar. Also, why is it that some women say, "Well, we women need to stick together and support each other," but in the next breath they are catty and demeaning. How hypocritcal. That doesn't lift women up--not the woman they are talking about or the women who are doing the talking.
I'm not saying, "Oh, let's all be friends." There are some people who rub you the wrong way or are like oil and water. But I'm saying, if you are going to be someone's friend, then mean it. If you're just civil to them, that's fine too; but then be civil to them in front of them and when you're not in their presence.
Men don't seem to have this issue. If they do have this issue, it's more the alpha male thing where they do it publicly in front of one another. This is more tolerable in my opinion, since everyone has a chance to defend themselves or at least one-up each other.
Anyway, this world is waaaay too small to say things behind someone's back. It will come back around to bite the negative person in the butt. Even if it doesn't, has that even remotely made this world a nicer place to be? We have enough junk going on every day that we read about in the news and happening in our own communities that are full of negative things. When people get together with friends it should be a happy and uplifting time, not a negative gab fest.
I guess, in the end it really does come down to, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
I have two pieces of advice before I leave off on this topic. If you have a friend who's always backstabbing others you may think it's 'funny' or a nice way to 'get the dirt' but I will guarentee you that they are talking about you when you aren't around. So you may want to rethink that friendship or at least try to change its direction. Second, if you are the one who's doing the backstabbing maybe you should try to figure out why it feels fun to cut down on other people. Maybe you should try to figure out what it will do to your reputation as well. Because, in the end, that's all you have--is your reputation and your good name. Let's hope it's still good when you finish!
On a very positive note! Maddy slept through the night last night again! No fussing or complaining.
Tea of the day: Amhad Strawberry Black Tea in our tea service!
WO of the day: None, since it's a weekend. I'd say a good 4 yesterday!