Can you smell what the BCS is cooking?!

Fall is the best time of year. Not only does the weather get better, but there are lots of great holidays (my birthday included)...and FOOTBALL!

The 2010 college football season begins this Thursday and I can't wait! I'm driving up to Oklahoma on Friday and will watch the weekend games at Mom and Dad's house.

A few thoughts for this season:

1. OU. Sam Bradford is long gone and will be missed. But Landry Jones had an outstanding rookie season after stepping in for an injured Sam last year. Let's hope Jones will help lead the Sooners to victory. Player to watch: Ryan Broyles. Set a record last year with 1120 receiving yards.

2. Texas. Colt McCoy is also long gone...and won't be missed by this gal. :) I'm not sure what to think of the new Texas QB. Gilbert needs to boost the running game if Texas wants a shot. What to watch: Mack Brown will play Gilbert under center; strong offensive line.

3. Alabama. Ranked #1 (preseason) after a 14-0 season last year and a championship. Strong team, stout defensive line. But they have a tough schedule this year. Game to watch: Alabama v. Florida on 10/2.

4. Speaking of Florida...thank GOD Tebow is out of the picture. We'll see how the Gators do this season without him. Brantley might put up some good numbers.

5. Nebraska?! Actually breaking the preseason top 10?!

6. Ohio State. Playing 2 quarterbacks for their first game. Given the team's last few seasons and the talented roster his season, I predict the Buckeyes may be the team to beat.

7. Texas A&M. If the Aggies can just keep the other team from scoring, I think they have a shot at making their presence known in the top 10. Player to watch: Jerrod Johnson.

8. USC. New president, new athletic director, and a two-year bowl ban. Even if they are good this year, they can't go to the Rose Bowl. (tee-hee)

9. LSU. Critical season for coach Les Miles. The last two seasons have been crappy, especially following a 2007 national championship.

10. Heisman prediction: Terrell Pryor, Ohio State

Damn Oprah and her "a-ha" moments

I'm only damning her because when I had my "moment" today, the first thing that popped into my head to describe it (for later blogging) was the "a-ha moment." I avoid Oprah because she annoys me. Maybe it's because she makes too much money. Maybe it's because she interrupts every guest on her show. Maybe it's because her uber fans are nutso. Maybe it's because I wish I had too much money, a show on which to interrupt guests, and nutso fans. :) I refuse to buy into Oprah-mania, yet here we are.

Onto the point of this post...Mike The Personal Trainer will now only be referred to as "Mike" with no reference to Satan. I intended it as a joke because my muscles are mean and hurt when Mike is finished working me out. But today shed new light on the subject. I was still hurting like Hell, and actually cursed a few times during the session, but I found out why I need and thus have a personal trainer. Mike was gentle and encouraging even though the weights were killing me (upper body--my weakest area). I was really getting down on myself (must stop doing this) and feeling like such a wimp for running out of steam. But Mike kept telling me all about how we're building my strength, I will get stronger, I'm doing great, keep my head up, yada, yada, yada...normally this type of positive reinforcement goes in one ear and out the other (Mom can attest to this). As the workout came to an end, I realized I could barely move my arms. I still cannot raise them above my head. It may not have seemed at the time like I could do it--I was barely able to push through that last set--but the fact that my muscles were fatigued meant I did SOMETHING. And THAT is more than I would have done sitting on the couch! Bottom line: This is hard work and takes dedication. There is more mental strength involved than I once thought.

The real story here (hence the "a-ha" moment) is about Mike The Person. He kept making little comments like "I was just like you after chemo..." or "I had to build up my muscle once I got off the medications..." and, of course, at first these comments didn't land. When we were finished, we sat down on the mat and Mike again told me to hang in there and not get down. I finally broke free of my everything-hurts-and-I'm-a-sweaty-weak-blob reverie and really looked at him. "You had cancer?" I asked him, finally focusing on someone OTHER than myself. Turns out Mike was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2005 at 30 years old (we are the exact same age). I realized he was right about being just like me at one point...after the treatments and chemo he was underweight and very weak. He told me that before he got sick he didn't work out regularly. But as he got well, he really wanted to gain strength (and weight) and take care of his body. He started working out and now he's a personal trainer and in great shape...he's been in remission for 4.5 years!

When Mike started working out after chemo, he was trying to put on weight. I am working out to lose weight (and of course tone up). My a-ha moment was after our workout, when I was dripping sweat on the elliptical, doing some pondering (fyi--most of my life-pondering is done in the shower, while running, on the elliptical, or driving). I learned some valuable lessons today. First, I learned that I lucked out with my personal trainer--Mike is a great guy and I think he's in my life for a reason. Second, I'm not as physically strong as I thought. Going to a gym and working out makes you face what you can and cannot do, physically and mentally. This is quite the eye-opener. Third, and most important, when I start to feel sorry for myself or beat myself up about how much work I have ahead of me, I'll think of Mike--and how lucky I am to be trying to lose weight rather than trying to gain it because cancer almost took my life.

There is a God...and He createth Tilapia.

Oh, my Lands.

This is officially Day 1 of Operation Health & Body Makeover--I refuse to call it a 'diet' because the food is delicious and healthy! When my trainer first suggested this particular meal plan, I was skeptical because it doesn't allow for a lot of sugar (i.e. fruit) and I love me some grapes, oranges, and nanners. They are not completely off the menu, but I have to limit my intake. The plan includes lean meats, egg whites, green veggies, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.

This morning began with a Green Monster and an omelet (2 egg whites, 1 egg, fresh pico de gallo). And I just scarfed down THIS baby for lunch:

Oh, me, oh, my...it was fantastic! I've never dabbled with cooking fish at home other than my shrimp pasta. But last night I stocked up on fresh turkey, tilapia, and chicken like it was nobody's business. The next few weeks will entail lean meat 3 times a day. I'm more of a meatless-meal fan but this "makeover" calls for protein. With meals like today's lunch, I'm all in. The entire meal took less than 7 minutes. The broccoli was steamed and tossed with some teriyaki and Tuscan Sunset, and the sweet potato was nuked in the microwave...all while the fish broiled in the oven.

Broiled Tilapia

4 3-5 oz tilapia fillets
kosher salt
fresh black pepper
juice of a lemon

Salt and pepper the fish on both sides, place on a baking sheet with cooking spray, and drizzle lemon juice over fillets. Broil for about 5 minutes or until fish is tender and flaky. Perfection.

Side note: Satan Mike worked out my lower body on Thursday...as of this morning, I can barely walk. The squats and calf-raises have left me hobbling around and in need of The Stick. But I.will.survive!

Go with the flow [chart]

Life really is this simple. What's YOUR answer??

It's no secret...I'm a nerd.

Remember this Rolling Stone Magazine cover?

This issue debuted in 1995 when X-Files was the hottest show on Fox. The whole world was watching as Mulder and Scully investigated unexplained and paranormal cases.

I was not one of those viewers. I guess during that time I was partying too much...after all, I was 20 years old! I just never got into it and didn't watch the show...I don't remember even seeing it on TV at the time.

Yet, today I am considered an X-Files fanatic. It all began the summer of 2006. I was having trouble sleeping and would be up late during all hours of the night. Apparently, the Syfy network was running old episodes of the X-Files back-to-back from about 1:00 am to 3:00 am. The episodes weren't in sequence, which had me confused but I was totally hooked. I was intrigued...and became fully aware of just how sexy David Duchovny was (is). And I won't lie...I also developed a little lady crush on Gillian Anderson. Hello?!! The woman is gorgeous! Okay, back to the story of how I became an X-Files addict. I decided I needed to see this show from the beginning to fully understand the plot and characters. I joined Netflix and ordered the first few episodes. My mission in life then became to possess every.single.episode. While Netflix'ing my way through the series, I started collecting the DVD sets for each season. Within six months I had purchased all 9 seasons (a total of 202 episodes), a bloopers DVD, the first X-Files movie, and various X-Files memorabilia. I even went through a phase where I had to watch any and every movie that DD or GA were ever in (I highly recommend Duchovny's Return to Me and Anderson's The House of Mirth).

As of last year, I have gone through the entire series twice. Most of the time I would pop in the DVDs when I was sick or the cable was out. I would also randomly catch an epi on TV.

When I made the move to Dallas 3 weeks ago, I had no cable at my new place for 4 days. For me, that was killer. I love TV and like to have it playing in the background to keep me sane either while cleaning, cooking, or exercising. The first night in my place I was unpacking all of my DVDs and lo and behold there were all of the X-Files. It had been at least 2 years since I watched them and it was the perfect solution. So, VERY long story short, I'm back on the bandwagon for the third time around. I'm currently up to Season 3 and loving it. David Duchovny is still a hottie and I'm still fascinated by Gillian Anderson. Their characters are too cool and the show was brilliant. As with Seinfeld and Family Guy, I find myself quoting the show without even realizing it. I have reached "Specialist" status in X-Files trivia on Facebook. I have 2 fanatical tshirts: one that says "The Truth is Out There" and another that says "Scully's Morgue." I counted down the days until the second movie came out in 2008. I have the X-Files ringtone on my phone.

Like I said, it's no secret...I'm a nerd. And proud of it.

FFF Version 2.0

Due to some unforeseen circumstances (elaboration shortly) today's post will NOT feature a new recipe for Funky Fresh Friday. Yes, I, too, am sad.

My new trainer, Satan Mike, has me on a new "diet" for a few weeks that is fairly strict. Now, I don't DO diets but this is just to experiment more with my body and it's response to the strength training. He didn't force it--I opted to try it. Oh, and Mike is my NEW trainer--I was working Jonathan, but it wasn't a good fit after all--and I heart Mike. He is my age (exactly!) and we get along like Paris Hilton and excessive eye makeup.

So...instead of Funky Fresh Friday, how about a dose of Feline Furball Friday?? ^..^

Before I hopped in the shower last night, I noticed this:

Cleo rarely comes into the bathroom, much less the tub! I have a separate shower so this tub doesn't really get used. She seems pretty comfortable, no? Silly girl.

So there you have it. FFF Version 2.0, Cleo-Lady-Marmalade-style.

Too much wine...too little time

DRINK UP! Here is a very interesting article from the local Dallas CBS affiliate:

Study Says Wine Can Make Women Smarter Than Men

Aug 19, 2010 8:00 am
Carol Cavazos GRAPEVINE (CBS 11 / TXA 21)

Women looking for more 'mental muscle' may only need to lift a glass of wine. According to a recent study out of Norway, wine can give women a bit of an intellectual edge over men.

The so-called 'Tromso Study' tested more than 5,000 middle-aged men and women over seven years, and found that women who drank four or more times over a two week period scored better on cognitive tests than those who only drank once during the same time frame.

Julia Sizemore, who was sizing up the rental hall at Grapevine's Delaney Vineyards for a company event, said that she drinks a glass of wine almost every night. "I guess if I had not experienced it firsthand, I'd say I don't know about that," Sizemore said. "But wine just gives you a little bit of a nice edge."

One reason for the added benefit could be polyphenols, or antioxidants, found in the wine. Another reason could be the alcohol itself, which can improve blood circulation. "It's a lot of things synergistically working together," said TCU nutrition professor Anne Vanbeber.

The TCU professor also emphasized that moderation is key. For women, that amounts to one glass of wine each day. But she knows that everyone cannot do that. "If you can not drink, maybe try some grape juice, Vanbeber said. "Eat grapes."

Delaney Vineyards already sees a lot of traffic from women. But French studies have also shown that wine is good for heart health. All of these medical benefits give women multiple reasons to visit the Grapevine vineyard. "To me, obviously as a vintner, it makes sense," said Delaney Vineyards manager Leslie Hill. "I see it as a help to our industry."

Men who participated in the Norwegian study did not fare quite as well as women, but any complaints from them would just be sour grapes.

The blushing runner

Not really...it's just HOT!

Technically, it "cooled" off to a mere 93 degrees this afternoon. I thought I would take advantage of the weather and run outside. I love my new neighborhood and there are some very pretty trails. But they were hot. And humid.

Check out my face...it matches my shirt!! :)

Nothing a Green Monster can't fix! YUM

Fall OUT of the Gap

Question: Does this ad make you want to buy pants from the Gap?

Answer: No.

Whether I look good in shorts or not, it's not up to The Gap to decide!

Oh, I felt "The Burn"

Remember how I joined a new gym with the corporate membership, and learned that a free orientation and personal training session were in store?

Well, I met Edward The Trainer at 5:30. He told me we were first going to discuss some general nutrition information, work out, then discuss their "program options." I immediately knew this meant personal training sessions and $$$. I say to him "Oh, I can tell you right now I'm not going to want any of that stuff." He says, "Ok, no problem, let's just talk about your general health right now, where you want to be, and what you want to get out of this gym." Fair enough.

His discussion was actually interesting and I learned a lot...specifically, I learned that I need to lose exactly 36 pounds to be in excellent health. Yes, I had my body fat analyzed and it wasn't pretty. But the more I talked to this guy and listened, the more I felt excited and really into it. He puts me on the elliptical to warm up for only about 7 minutes. Now, I am a runner, and the elliptical is something I've never really used. I thought it felt awkward at first, but it was definitely getting my heart rate up there.

Then we start the workout. Edward wants to concentrate on core-strengthening exercises. He teaches a ONE-hour core class...I didn't even know there were that many core exercises out there. I was wrong. It's not just abs, but literally your core. And what an eye-opener it was for me. I.WAS.DYING. We begin with some ab exercises on the mat which include 1 minute planks. No problem, right? I mean, my own strength training workout at home includes 3 30-second planks. But these were 1-minute planks...believe me when I say 30 seconds makes a huge difference! I was sweating profusely at this point, my forearms literally sliding on the mat.

Let me interject an important side note here: My total fuel prior to this gym session was one small bowl of oatmeal, a banana, some grapes, an orange, another banana, and loads of water. Work was busy and I had no time to eat anything substantial. But, hey, at least it was healthy. However, this is not nearly enough food to sustain a good workout. Needless to say it was a dumb thing to do, and I was dizzy, lightheaded, and got a headache as soon as we started.

BUT, I kept pushing myself. The moves were difficult, but to be honest, I LIKED IT! I was having a great time. I was dripping with sweat and probably pretty stinky, and I couldn't speak in complete sentences because I was gasping for air, but this personal training thing was pretty nifty. All I had to concentrate on was holding the correct position and my breathing. We worked muscles that I haven't moved in a long time. He actually had to cut the workout short because he was afraid I was going to faint (insert an embarrassed me here--it was obvious I was pretty light-headed and shaky). But I appreciated his concern. He had worked me enough to feel more than satisfied that I had burned some serious calories.

I loved the machines, I loved the moves, and I loved having someone train me. It's a whole new concept for me and I just felt invigorated (albeit starving and wobbly). It was like another door had opened up in my life and I felt guided to step through. Granted, I lost 40 pounds on my own last year by running and eating right. But the next 36 are only going to get tougher...I need all the help I can get. And it's not just about losing  weight. Changing your lifestyle is a difficult and tedious challenge, and it doesn't happen overnight. BUT I'M READY.

So, this formerly-skeptical chick signed up for an entire year of personal training sessions, 3 days a week. Crazy, huh? I'm so excited and although I know it's going to be hard, and that I'll have good days and bad, I know this is going to help me achieve my goals. Tomorrow I have an appointment for a full physical assessment, including all of my measurements (yikes). I received a book that my trainer will use to enter all of my workout information each session, and each month we will track my progress. My sessions will include 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of strength training. I am free to keep up with my running throughout the week. My trainer is Jonathan, and although he is 10+ years younger than me and disgustingly fit, I really like him and feel comfortable with him. When Edward had to get me a towel during my workout (have I mentioned how sweaty I get?), Jonathan happened to be near and promptly had me get into another balanced plank (Bosu ball anyone??) for 15 seconds...he was so supportive even in just those 15 seconds. I knew he was the one. :)

The gym was filled with all shapes and sizes, and I saw a lot of women working out with a trainer. I had a completely different attitude when I walked out compared to when I had walked in. I drove away feeling more confident in myself than I had in a long time.Then I drove to Subway and scarfed down a healthy sandwich. When I got home I took some Advil and got in a hot shower. Getting up this morning wasn't so bad...but by the time lunch rolled around, my coworker (Karlie--more about her later) made me laugh and my abs nearly screamed at me. It was wonderful and painful at the same time.

So join me on this new journey to a healthy mind and body. I'm thinking I'll post about some of the sessions--what moves I do and things I learn along the way. It's going to be a long road and I've already started towards a new life...no looking back now!

Funky Fresh Friday

Holla...this is a new segment of Jenni-isms, as if this blog could GET any more exciting.

Funky Fresh Friday's will entail a new recipe (or a twist on an older one) using a seasonal, fresh ingredient. Yum to the tum. I know all of my followers (read: Mom) are enthralled. :)

Without further achoo, the inaugural FFF recipe:

Simple Summer Squash

2 c yellow squash, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 t Penzey's Tuscan Sunset seasoning
sprinkle of kosher salt
1/2 - 1 c water
cooking spray

Coat a pan with cooking spray over medium to medium-high heat (you could use butter, but I was trying to cut the calories and fat). Chop the squash and and throw it in the pan with the garlic. Sprinkle on the seasoning and salt and let them just sit for a while, maybe 5 minutes. Stir them gently around and add a little water whenever the pan gets too dry. After another 2 minutes (or when you can see the squash are getting a nice brown color) put in enough water to get them really steaming and cover the pan. Let them simmer for a few minutes...at this point, it's just a matter of how done you like them. I like them just barely soft so I take them off of the burner.

This recipe allows the true flavor of the squash to come out...this time of year they are so delicious. I try to buy the smallest squash I can find because I think they have a richer flavor.

Things I should do more often #4

Stop my own FAT TALK.

I still have a good 30-40 pounds to lose to be in my healthy BMI range (whatever that really means). I find myself talking and/or thinking negatively when it comes to eating something bad (hello, Chik-fil-A) or looking "fat" in the mirror (but those pants fit last week!).

This is not acceptable. This is not positive. This is not productive.

So, right here and now, you bear witness to my personal end to FAT TALK. I promise to always look for the light inside that makes me the smart, funny, smokin' hot woman that I am. :)

Feel the burn

Tomorrow after work I have a session with a personal trainer at my new gym. I don't normally "do" gyms. I've gotten by just fine with my bike, the road, and the treadmill. I also strength train, although I have admittedly slacked off this summer (in more ways than one...).

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my new company offers a free corporate membership to 1 of 2 gym chains. I found one that is literally equidistant from home and work--i.e., no excuse not to stop as I drive by 5 days a week! I figured I would give it a try...I'm mostly interested in using some new machines for weight training, using the pool, trying out a class or two, and generally being accountable (if we don't use the membership at least 12 times a month, they charge us). Good motivation, no? :)

So, the corporate membership comes with a free personal training session. I've done this once before and don't really like it. I may be able to run 3 miles no problemo at any time, but that doesn't necessarily mean I am all-that when it comes to cardiovascular health. I have NO idea what they have in store for me. But at least I'll be there, get in a workout, and see what it's all about. I want to feel comfortable there and make sure that all shapes and sizes utilize that gym. The last thing I need is some blond bombshell in size 2 spandex working out next to me...

Lace 'em up

The passion, the bug, the need, the craving...it's back!! The temps may be sweltering, but I've got the treadmill and the shade of the trails. I'm always amazed at how good it feels to run and how my body just falls back into the groove. I just need to figure out a way to post my Garmin training center information in my "Training" tab (mainly so I can be accountable for my progress!). Time to update the iPod and get moving!

"I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs. "

Jesse Owens

Track & Field Gold Medalist, 1936

Happy (belated) Blogiversary Year 2!

I can't believe it's been so busy that I forgot my 2-year blogiversary on 8/4/10!!

The last 2 years of blogging have been so much fun! Regardless of whether I have 1 or 100 readers, I enjoy blogging and will continue to virtually scrapbook my life.

Welcome Home!

I'm finally settled in and loving life in Dallas. My job is awesome and I've met some amazing people. The weather?? Um, not so much! We've had triple digits the last week and a half that I've been here and no rain.

Last night I hopped on the treadmill for the first time in almost a month. There is no way I am getting outside in this heat! I am joining a gym this week (company-paid membership...just one of the MANY perks at my new job!) and hope to expand my workouts and try some new classes/machines. It's been very hard to stay on track food-wise as vendors bring in breakfast every.single.morning. We are talking doughnuts, kolaches, tacos, cookies, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, yogurt, fruit, etc. Yes, I have tried to stick with the fruit but gave in to a breakfast taco today!

All in all, I am really happy with this move. The town home, the job, the people, and the atmosphere...it's all good. But I miss Mom, Dad, and Grandma so much!!!I'm just glad to be back in blogland and happy to get back to regular posting...new recipes, crafts with Mom (she is making me a quilt and some new pillows), decorating the new place, exercise/running, new friends, old friends, college football...you know, the usual. :)