Oh, my poor sore abs....

My midsection is hurting from a particularly nasty ab workout (and from having too much fun at a recent wedding - we'll call it a free day :)) I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Me, I'm gearing up for a renewed workout and taking it easy today, but I thought I'd post to say: For goodness sakes, send me an e mail :) Let me know about topics you'd like to see discussed or send me a recipe. I'd like to start up my "Guest essay of the week" spot, so if you'd like to submit a short rant on your body-building experience or, of course, shoes, I'd love to hear from you. Since I am also considering adding martial arts into my training regimen, I love to hear from those of you who are doing the same. Have a great day to all!

e mail me!

Fitness Funk/Shoe fun

Good lord! What have I done? What was I thinking letting myself get so lazy...I went to work out today and found that I have become weak and soft. It seems that 2 weeks (?) worth of not really working out much have wrecked me. Apparently some folks feel taking a 1-2 week break from the ole bodybuilding is a good thing, so maybe it's not so grim. I do feel pretty motivated to get back on the wagon (Note: most of my limbs are dragging, but I haven't completely fallen off) Are you hitting a brick wall? Here's a good place to look for info on the subject. (Topic of the Week)

Now...I took this quiz, and it seems I am a pair of "slinky heels"...I kinda already new, but gosh darn it, quizzes are fun, no?

Confessions

Someone recently pointed out that while I look like a 30 yr old woman, I am in fact, a six year old boy. In addition to my great love of good shoes, I really like shoot-em-up video games, toys and comic books. My latest toy discovery, however, is a bit embarrassing. Yes, it's Bionicles. I was bored one day and wanted to "build" something. I was in the local drug store and found this cute little $4 model of a robot (?). I took him home, put him together in about 5 minutes and then realized he might get lonely. Now I have 3. (I think my Planet of the Apes dolls are jealous). Anyway, someone asked me if Bionicles was a cartoon or what. I had no idea and didn't care. Until last night when I was at the video store and happened upon Bionicle the Movie! Delightful. I had no idea that Bionicles have such a rich history. And apparently a huge following...no doubt made up of six year old boys....and me :)
Bionicle sites:
Bionicle (official Lego web site)
Mask of Destiny (fan site)
Neat

Update: The Battle with my Bulge

So, I finished my 1st 12 week Body for Life challenge...now what? Well, I only kind of half way kept it up during my vacation - not too bad. But now, I'm just being plain lazy. I'm not "officially" starting my next challenge until I get the calipers I just ordered (so as to get an accurate body fat measurement). So, I'm kinda in limbo. My weight hasn't changed (116), but I feel the ole' belly creeping up. I'm certain, I've lost some muscle and gained some fat...so, tomorrow morning begins what I shall call "Fuzzy E's Pre-Mini-Sorta-BFL Challenge #1 & 1/2". It's intended to serve as a maintenance program until the next challenge in which I intend to "kick it up a notch" - and actually enter the contest. All I'm gonna do is run, run, run 'fast as I can and work on the abs...So, wish me luck and less laziness...Have a healthy day!

"There's worse things than being centrist, honey..." #3

So, I've recently seen some movies: Tears of the Sun, Sometimes in April and Hotel Rwanda...it's kinda sad that it takes a Hollywood movie to inform some people, but I guess it's better than nothin'. All these movies are about the Tutsi-Hutu conflict in Rwanda back in '94. (Not that long ago). It seems that the general consensus (especially among my age group) is that we (America) should have done more to stop the genocide. But that's easy to say after the fact. I've noticed that people love to complain that America is always meddling with other countries when they shouldn't or that America should go in and help when things get bad. So how is the government supposed to act? Should they barge in and "lay down the law" in these countries, especially when they aren't seeking our help? Or should we sit back and let our fellow humans hack each other up? I certainly don't have all the answers...Did anyone ever imagine that Rwanda would get so bad? Surely not...but who knows? Apparently the same (if not worse) thing is happening in a place called Darfur. It boggles the mind that something like this is going on RIGHT NOW. Want more info? Wanna help? Try these 2 links: Save Darfur & Darfur Eyewitness

Shoe of the Week - Issue #5

I've posted a pic of these shoes before sans the review, but since I've finally had a chance to wear them, here goes....The "Saki" by Carlos Santana is without a doubt, one of the prettiest shoes I have ever seen. These 3 1/2 inch heels with their embroidery and beadwork are also quite comfortable. And with the exception of a small clasp flaw, they seem very well made. They were reasonably priced for the quality (and name). SO, I give them 4 1/2 stars...happy shoe hunting!

Recipe of the Week

Here's a recipe from one of the gals at my BFL group (yum yum):

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Cooled)
1 Egg white (Lightly Beaten)
3/4 Cup Skim Milk
3/4 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine sweet potatoes, egg white and milk. Beat
until blended. Add the flour and the baking powder. Stir until smooth
2. Lightly coat a pan or griddle with Pam and heat stovetop to medium
3. Pour mix and cook until top of pancake is covered with tiny bubbles
and bottom is golden brown. Turn and cook other side.

Nutritional Facts (Using Lactaid Fat Free Milk):
Total Calories: 439
Makes 4 pancakes
Fat: 3g
Carb: 91 (77 Net)
Fiber: 14
Pro: 26g

P. McCready Strikes again!

For anyone thinking about posting comments on this site, be aware that if you attempt to abuse the "comments" section by advertising, etc...your comments will be erased. And, P, no you can't have any materials from this fur-bearing creature, but please come again -you're a hoot!
Ok, so my vacation is almost over and all I can say is "O my goodness". I really had intended to "stick to the plan", but I think I got a couple of inches back on the waist and for sure, a couple of pounds. Oh, the sugary headache. O well, back on the wagon next week, eh? For now, I must pack and get ready to brave the skies again! My weekly features should be back up and running soon. I shall leave you with 7 things I learned on my vacation:
1. My family really is crazy.
2. My dog really is the best dog in the world.
3. There's nothing like seeing old friends again. (Hi, J & N!)
4. "101 Things Removed from the Human Body" is great television for bonding with your Dad.
5. My left bicep still rocks (even after a week of "fattening hobo cuisine")
6. Neutrogena "Build-a-Tan" self tanner is a very bad idea the day before a wedding.
7. I will never cut my hair right before holiday EVER AGAIN - and this time, I mean it!

Train Wreck

I've been very good about sticking to my healthy eating and exercise, but I am giving myself some vacation "free days". You only live once, and my six pack can wait one more week....So, last night, I decided to go to one of my favorite restaurants. I ate, and I ate, and I ate....then I went to the local pancake house and ate some more...I don't know how I did it, but I no doubt consumed enough calories for 3 weeks and enough grease and fat to power the Exxon Valdez. I shall declare last night "Pigfest 2005." So how do I feel this morning? Well, let me see...My head felt as though it would explode. My lats were (and still are) throbbing from my last Upper Body workout. And, oh , man the heartburn. My stomach... you don't want to know. I'll just say that if I didn't know my body comes sans appendix, I'd have been very concerned. Basically, a train wreck.

Ole' Two Sticks...chickoo, chickoo, chickoo

So, here I am on vacation (visiting the family). I'm finding it very difficult to stick to my healthy eating, but it hasn't been too bad so far. I was also worried about having a place to pump my guns, but in fact, just this morning, I was given a free gym membership for the length of my stay. Sweet biscuits! I think they were intimidated by my left bicep. Anyway, as I was leaving the house today with plans of leisurely sports bra shopping, I saw "the guy who lives across the street". Apparently his cognitive faculties have been on the decline the last few years, and he has taken up a new hobby. On a clear day he can be spotted standing under his lovely magnolia tree muttering insults at the neighborhood squirrels. And he has cycled through various weapons in pursuit of their destruction, I am told. First, it was a harmless water hose. The squirrels could be spotted laughing. Next, he took up a hammer, flinging it wildly into the tree, until one day, the hammer, succumbing to the forces of gravity and poor aim, came down upon his head. More squirrel laughter. Now it seems that he prefers the "two stick" method. What does that mean?, you may ask. Well, apparently you need a metal pipe approximately 16 inches long, 2 inches in diameter, as well as the broken end of a broom handle. (You must also go into the fray bare feet wearing a wife beater.) Once these items have been procured, you must face the evil squirrels and rub the 2 sticks together as to lull them into a false sense of security. When the squirrels are quite hypnotized, you make your attack by first throwing one stick quickly followed by another. Note that this does nothing to rid the yard of squirrels, but it may at least give them something to think about. As for the guy across the street, I can't help wondering if I should stop rooting for him. After all, Thoreau said, "The squirrel that you kill in jest, dies in earnest." Although, it does sound like a great upper body workout. By the way, I didn't find a sports bra. O well.

Your feedback is important to me, so please keep those e-mails coming! And don't forget, you can leave your comments at the end of each post. I'll be on vacation this week, but I'll be blogging nonetheless. Let's just hope I don't get too soft and gooey while I'm gone! Have a great weekend!

Shoe of the Week - Issue #4

I thought I'd depart from the glam shoe, and bring out an oldie but a goodie. I have this classic Adidas in white/metallic gold stripes. They are pretty comfortable, and since I got them in the little kid's department, they were really cheap. They will almost certainly never go out of style. Therefore, I give them 5 stars!

Recipe of the Week

Here's a recipe that was posted on my BFL Women's Group. I haven't tried it yet, but it's sounds tasty. Personally I 'd cut out some of the bread and have it open-faced, but that's just 'cause I'm still planning on having a six pack... someday...And unless you want to bloat up - drink plenty of aqua fresca - this one's got a fair amount of sodium...Let me know if you try this and what you thought. Healthy eating, everyone!

Barbecue Turkey Burgers

1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup barbecue sauce, divided
2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
3/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 pound ground turkey
Cooking spray
4 large leaf lettuce leaves
4 (1/4-inch-thick) slices tomato
4 (1 1/2-ounce) hamburger buns

Combine the onion, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce, breadcrumbs, and the next 5 ingredients (breadcrumbs through turkey) in a medium bowl. Divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 1 1/2 inch-thick patty. Heat a grill pan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Place patties in pan; cook 7 minutes on each side or until done. Place 1 lettuce leaf, 1 tomato slice, and 1 patty on the bottom half of each bun. Spread each patty with 1 1/2 teaspoons barbecue sauce. Cover with top halves of buns.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 burger)

NUTRITION PER SERVING
CALORIES 310(22% from fat); FAT 7.6g (sat 2.1g,mono 1.7g,poly 2.8g);PROTEIN 29.9g; CHOLESTEROL 65mg;CALCIUM 102mg; SODIUM 642mg; FIBER 2.1g; IRON 3.5mg; CARBOHYDRATE 28.5g

New Link

Well, folks, I wrote the author and got permission to post a new link to the sidebar: Tom Venuto's Blog! If you're any kind of health and fitness fan, you can go there now to sign up for free! Yup, I said free. Thanks, Tom! awesome...

How NOT to take fitness progression photos!

Well, here are my pics for this, the first of many 12 week challenges. Start to finish. I still can't believe I did it. I realize the picture quality is "a little more than lame and less than kind", so in an effort to help you succeed in taking your own progression shots, please refer to the following tips:

1. Don't be a cheapskate: The package on the $6 dollar camera you bought may read "Fun Saver", but in other languages, this phrase can be loosely translated into "Your crap photo".

2. Plan ahead: Have the same person take your photos every time. Asking the ex-con who lives next door may result in your camera being stolen and pawned for drugs, resulting in your photos ending up on a website called "Naughty Fitness Gals". (It could happen)

3. Don't try too hard: Never think that slicking your body down with cheap vitamin E oil will result in Miss Olympia quality photos. It will, however, produce blinding effects when used in conjunction with your fun saver and pearly white skin.

4. The most important tip: never forget to shave, ladies. :)

Poor Shoe Cow...

Have I ever mentioned that every time I leave my favorite grocery store - you know, the really expensive one that carries tons of healthy, organic, hormone-free foods - I pass a truly lovely shoe boutique. Even though I know for a fact that this particular establishment does not and probably never will carry size 5's, I get this sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. It's like the feeling I imagine a poor, hungry cow might feel when he spies an ample, green field of grass. And he just can't make it over the fence. You see, there was a time when my grocery budget was only 50$ for all the Coca-Cola and Ramen noodles I ate. Now that I'm doing Body for Life and eating everything in site (everything healthy, that is), I find my grocery bill to be a bit more intimidating. This, of course, leaves no money for a poor shoe cow. I wonder if those grass-fed steaks I just bought at Whole Foods are size 5?

Happy Holiday!

It' s the 4th of July today. What does that mean to me? I think it's something to do with independence, but all I can think about is getting home and locking myself in before the neighborhood erupts into a frenzy of boozing and setting fire to small explosives. I'm not a party-pooper, but I'm pretty sure there's a law somewhere that says these people shouldn't be within 10 ft of my front door. Perhaps this year will be different. Be safe.
Funny Firework Safety Tips

Day 85/84 BFL C1

Well, folks, it's over, I did it! I am finished with my first 12 week Body for Life challenge. I intended to post this yesterday, but the squirrels ate my keyboard. So how did I do?
Lets review...

Starting stats:
5 ft tall
130 lbs
BMI - 25 (overweight)
Body fat - 30%
Thighs - 23 in
Waist - 32 in
Hips - 38 in

Main Goals:
Lose 10 lbs of fat & gain 5 lbs muscle
go from 30% body fat to 18%
Get a 26 in waist
Quit smoking

Results:
Still 5 ft tall
116 lbs
BMI - 22.7 (normal)
Body fat - 24.4%
Thighs - 21 in
Waist - 27.5
Hips - 35.5
...still smoking :(

Participation:

• missed 12 out of 36 planned cardio sessions (ouch...and thank you, PMS monster)
• missed 3 out of 18 planned lower body workouts (my least favorite thing to do)
• missed 2 out of 18 planned upper body workouts

To sum up, I lost 4 1/2 inches from my waist!!!, 2 inches from each thigh, and 2 1/2 inches from the hips...I lost 14 lbs. I actually didn't "lose" the weight, I used it as krusher fuel against my worthless enemies :) Can you imagine what I could have done had I not missed any workouts? Awesome to the max. A note about the body fat (BF) results: You see, I was an idiot and didn't get a proper body fat test done. Either at the start or the finish. If the numbers above are correct, then it would mean that I have lost 11 lbs of fat, as well as, 3 lbs of muscle. There is no way. None. You see, when I started this program, I was bench pressing 6 lbs (what a wimp), and doing 12 lb leg extensions...now, I can bench press 50 lbs and do 80 lb leg extensions. These are just a few examples...you're gonna tell me I lost muscle? No way, buddy. So why are my BF numbers so inaccurate? I was unable to find anyone in this whole entire town to test my BF with calipers (considered the most accurate measure), so I went to my gym and used their Omron Analyzer. It was all I had, but I actually felt that the 30% start number was pretty close to the truth since I *had* gotten caliper readings a couple of years ago and had a pretty good idea of where I was at. (Yes, for all you grammar freaks: I *like* ending sentences with prepositions) But when I got the 24.4% reading and crunched the numbers, I realized that Skwigg was right all along. The Omron should be called The Moron. Check out her article on the subject. So, needless to say, this krusher is ordering her own calipers for the next challenge. That's right, you heard me...the next challenge will start shortly after I return from my vacation (TBA). And whether or not these numbers change much, alls I know is, I'm wearing old clothes I never thought I'd see again, I feel so much better (& waaaay stronger), and I look great (if I do say so myself)...and how you feel is all that really matters. Be on the look-out for updated challenge photos coming soon! Also, I want to thank every one who helped (and continues to help) support me in this endeavor: Bootsy McClure for the krusher moniker, my family (who are also awesome to the max), the ladies at the Body for Life Women's group, D, for providing me a link to Skwigg's site (which is how this all started), my co-workers, and the tax service I used who gave me a free trial membership to Bally's to get me started. Have a great day to all!

Shoe of the Week - Issue #3

Since I gave such an unfavorable review of Nina Shoes last week, I thought I'd show you a different pair...the Nina Fayme. These 3 1/2 inch heels have rhinestone studded straps on the instep and vamp. They are pretty darn comfy for such high heels, so...I give them 3 stars for overall "cuteness" when paired with good jeans. It's hard to go wrong with open toes...but they lose 2 stars b/c as I have said about this brand, I don't expect them to last forever. Happy shoe-hunting!