Day 5 and Day 6

Again, I actually did my workouts for day 5 and 6. I'm pretty impressed with myself for staying with it for this long, I usually end up giving up because I don't see the results I want quick enough. I've come to the point that I now realize nothing is going to happen overnight and I need to be patient and also work hard and eat healthy. This feels like it has become a game, I lose if I skip a workout or eat something absolutely horrible for me. Mainly just if I skip a workout... ha. But really, I was watching tv tonight and there was a commercial for cold stone and I actually covered my eyes because the ice cream looked so good!! Maybe for my birthday in a month... I don't have much to say about the workouts, it gets easier every time I do it, but also is getting kind of boring. I'm excited to move onto level 2 but also nervous about the workout! We watched a little bit of level 3 today and it looks very scary!! I hope by the time I get to level 3 my strength has increased because there is no way I could do some of that stuff today! I will definitely let you know when the time comes if I can accomplish any of the moves from level 3.


On to another topic... Kim K got married yesterday and although I haven't seen much of anything I am already trying to plan out where I can watch the October wedding special... There is just something about that family that captures my mind and I am dragged into watching everything I can possibly find. Like tonight Rachel and I watched Keeping up with the Kardashians and as pitiful as it sounds, it was awesome. I wanted more. And I know that they are famous for basically nothing and I have nothing in common with any of them, I rarely wear jeans and when I do they are always too long so it's definitely not my fashion sense that keeps me enchanted by them. Or the need to be made up at every moment of my life... I seem to remember my mother making me brush my hair at the cabin before I went on the boat just in case there were some paps snorkeling who wanted to take my picture.. or not. But the one thing I do kind of have a problem with is people comparing this wedding to the royal wedding because there is just a giant difference between Kim and Kate when it comes to classiness and "royalty" and only one has it. That would be the one that I woke up at 4 in the morning to watch get married... But none the less both weddings I am/was definitely interested in and I will definitely be checking out pictures from kim's nuptials, not by buying the magazine that paid 1.5 million for the first pictures though. Maybe someone will want to pay me money for my wedding pictures? I am taking offers now...


Alex

Day 3 and Day 4

Just finished day 4 workout! And by just finished I mean sitting on my bedroom floor covered in sweat because I just finished! I don't want to go out into the living room because Andrea and a couple of her friends are here all looking cute and ready to go out and I am in shorts and a t-shirt sweating. I don't want to scare them! So anywho here is the details on day 3 and day 4.
Day 3- I worked out right after work around 2 and I felt like I am definitely improving with the push ups but I found it even harder to do the jump rope and butt kicks, even the jumping jacks made my legs burn an insane amount and I had to take a quick break! So the strength felt improved but the cardio portion burned more. I think it might be because this is the closest I have done the workout together from the previous night to just the afternoon. I started the workout using the 5 lb weights again but certain moves such as the side lunges with the vertical lift were too difficult and I ended up using my Zumba weights again. I decided that for Day 4 I am going to go buy 3 lb weights which I think would be perfect! I realize I haven't written much about the ab stuff but its not too difficult it starts with regular crunches then moves to side crunches across the body and reverse crunches which is when you lift your legs in the air and it works your pooch. It ends with the infamous bicycle crunch for a grueling minute. This is definitely the hardest part but also bearable. Overall still a very good work out and I can feel certain parts becoming easier.


Day 4- I did this workout in my room which ended up being just enough room. I went to shopko after work and got 3 lb weights and also vitamins which I feel I should be taking and it was buy one get one for a penny... so I got an adult gummy multi vitamin and I'm sure it tastes horrible and also I got a vitamin b 12 sublingual supplement which is supposed to help with your metabolism and nervous system health so we'll see! The workout went well and I again saw an increase in my ability to do push ups! The jumping part is still hard for me I think it might have to do with my knees but I am continuing to push myself! Still sweaty afterwards and I'm nervous for level 2! I know it's only day 4 but I was secretly wishing I would be 10 lbs lighter which I know is not even possible but maybe by day 30!! Who knows I'll keep you updated :)


Alex

30 Day Shred

So after a wonderful week at the cabin of eating everything in sight and only walking to the dock and back and then a marvelous doctors appointment the Monday right after we got back... I decided it was time to change something. Enter the 30 day shred by Jillian Michaels. I have actually had this work out DVD for probably 8 months and have never tried it out because at my old house the DVD player did not like Jillian so it refused to play her. So on Aug 16 Andrea and I decided to begin to torture ourselves for 30 days.


Day 1: I am writing this in red because well Day 1 absolutely SUCKED and red is the color I associate with something sucking!!! The workout has three different levels with level 1 being the easiest. The workouts are only 20 minutes long and have 3 sections with 3 intervals: 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. It sounds like it should be easy to get through by switching it up every couple of minutes. It's not. You begin by doing push-ups. I can't do push ups and I never have been able to! I could barely manage to do the girl push ups with your knees on the ground, but I tried and did as many as I could even though it was burning. Also I have really bad knees that hurt when I do anything so they were very sore after many static lunges, jumping rope, butt kicks, and squats. I was already sore the minute the work out finished. Lets just say the next morning it was really hard to pee because sitting on the toilet is difficult when your legs are sore. I've always noticed this, every summer when I would start the weight lifting program at school I could never pee easily after the  first and second days because I couldn't get on the toilet! But I definitely felt sore in other parts of my body as well but it was a good sore because I knew I had gotten something accomplished. I had to take a couple of breaks but they were very short and it was mainly because I couldn't lift my weights any higher or my feet hurt.


Day 2: Day 2 is purple because I like purple and the workout seemed a little easier today!! I don't know how since I was sore all day but after warming my muscles up I could no longer feel the soreness just the pain from the workout I was currently doing. I felt like I could do some more girl push ups but those are still the hardest part of the workout. I used 5 lb weights this time instead of my Zumba shake weights which Andrea used. I'm not 100% positive if I can lift my arms... hopefully I can tomorrow! I really do like this workout though, I feel like I'm actually getting something done in 20 minutes. Again took a couple short breaks but less then yesterdays which is a good sign!


I'm going to try really hard to update this blog with how the work outs are going on a daily or every other day basis.


Alex


PS HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN!!!! BIG OLE 22!! YOU OLD MAN :)

It's been awhile

I realize I haven't blogged in a really, really long time. My apologies, I haven't been busy or anything like that I simply just didn't feel like blogging. Sometimes I feel like I need to have this amazing blog that will make people laugh and show how witty I am, but then I realize I just need to write something so my sister will have something to read... not as much pressure. So today, this blog will consist of random things.
Colin and I had our 5 year anniversary on July 20th (dating anniversary). We decided this year we would just make each other cards and not get gifts. I basically made my card into a gift by spending over an hour in Michael's. That store has so many styles of paper and different kinds of stickers and sparkly things, I was in heaven!! I eventually got black glitter paper and gold shimmer paper and made a four page mini scrapbook. I was rather impressed with myself since I am not creative at all!! But it was really rewarding to put so much effort into my sparkly cardbook and it made me really think about these past five years and how wonderful they have been!!
Okay enough with the mushy stuff!!
The weekend after that one we had our annual pool party with the Peterson/Nelson/Lockers aka my Dad's side of the family. I always look forward to this weekend in the summer because it is so fun to hang out at the pool, eat food, and have fun with the fam! This year was different than usual though because it was the first year without Grandma, who finally got her wish to go to heaven on Easter Sunday (ironic, perfect day for her to go to heaven!) so we spent Saturday and Sunday night going through old pictures and cards that she had saved, basically every card she ever received!! Definitely bittersweet. We also got cupcakes from Cold Spring Bakery and again the women (not mentioning names) who believe that EVERYBODY just loves the raspberry filled almond cupcakes were wrong. They like the raspberry filled almond cupcakes and everybody else likes the cherry chocolate cupcakes!! We always run out and they always think that nobody likes them which makes no sense. So next time, more chocolate, less raspberry almond.
Today, Andrea and I got voice mails from our landlord Let me just start by saying he is very nice but incredibly awkward! This is the beginning of the voicemail... Hi um this is Mark, your landlord of course. Haha Of course its Mark my landlord!! Well it was just really funny because he is so awkward you would have to hear it.But either way he is going to come put new tile in our hallway and kitchen! Yay!
I also saw Transformers and Harry Potter. Both I really liked! Transformers actually had a plot compared to the second one so it was much better and still definitely entertaining. Harry Potter was wonderful and there were only a few things I would change just because it was different from the book and seemed unneeded but my opinion really doesn't matter at all! But I did laugh (mainly inside not out loud hence the no LOL... ha just kidding) at the end of the movie when it is supposedly 19 years later and the only difference in any of them is how their hair is styled and Harry has some stubble... it seemed awkward. But oh well the rest was good.
Well Casey I hope this keeps you busy for a little bit. I'll try to do this more but no promises. I really do have to put up a video of Bentley in front of the treat cupboard, he's so weird!! And I swear I will eventually write about Gracie and her bizarre eating habits. Have a good night!!


Alex

It all ends...

Tonight at midnight the final Harry Potter movie will be released in theaters. I don't know how to feel about this. My emotions are incredibly mixed I'm very excited to see the last movie and to see how the directors decided to film the end but at the same time I will never look forward to a series of movies as much as I have looked forward to the Harry Potter movies. It was similar when the book series ended, the only consolation was knowing that there would still be movies. Now the movies will have ended and all of the people who didn't go through the trouble of reading the books, which they should still read because they are awesome, will find out if the boy who lived, dies. As long as they haven't figured out the ending already, I'm not going to spoil it here but I really do like the ending and I think it is a great finale for this ride so many people have taken. I remember reading the first book in fifth grade, Mrs. Diedrich read it out loud to the class which really is not as good as reading it yourself and putting your own imaginative twist on the characters. Never-the-less I was 11 when I met Harry, Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Hogwarts crew. I can remember looking forward to when the book would come out and I could read it as fast as possible. I later realized when I read the books for the second time that I couldn't remember half of the details of the story because I read it so fast the first time! So this movie will be incredibly bitter sweet, and I'll probably cry. My family has had a tradition of going to the movies together so this year it will be the same. As tempted as I am to sneak out of my house with my wire rimmed glasses and an eye liner lightning bolt scar drawn on my forehead, I will refrain but will most likely have to go at our family pool party next weekend. Also I will like vicariously through my roommate who is probably waiting in line right now with her dad. I hope you are going to the movie tonight or see it soon and end Harry's journey with the rest of the world :)


Alex

Guilty or Not Guilty...

Today the verdict for the Casey Anthony trial was given... not guilty of first- degree murder, aggravated child- abuse, and aggravated manslaughter of a child. But guilty of four counts of providing false information to law enforcement which could result in a maximum of 4 years in prison, 3 of which she has already served. I know my opinion does not matter at all in this case and I was not on the jury but I can't help but feel this trial is going to be compared to the O.J. Simpson trial. This case was extremely publicized by the media who I admit may have influenced my thoughts on Casey Anthony but I won't ever know the extent to which the media may have influenced many to believe Casey Anthony is a murderer. I understand that even though common sense made me believe that she killed her little girl, there was very little factual, concrete evidence against her. I keep hearing the word circumstantial, used to describe the evidence that was used. I can maybe understand the not guilty verdict on the first degree murder charge but wrapping my head around the aggravated child abuse not guilty verdict is what is puzzling me. Not reporting your 2 year old daughter missing for 31 days, to me, qualifies as child abuse. Even though she was not alive during those 31 days, if Casey Anthony is not guilty as the jury has decided on, she was not aware of her child's death and therefore extremely neglected the well-being of her child!? I don't even know what to say, I feel she deserves more than just lying to an officer. Why would she need to lie to an officer is she did nothing wrong? Why was she out partying days after Caylee went missing? Why did she not tell someone her daughter was missing if she did not harm her? And most of all why did this little girl die at the young age of 2?
With all of the verdicts put aside, I think Casey Anthony just got away with murdering her daughter and is as guilty as the man who her trial will be compared to. This also leads me to question the United States Judicial system. I'm no expert with the government but I try to stay informed, how the court system works baffles me. I also would have no problem if someone tried to explain things to me but I really don't know who to ask and if someone did tell me I am not entirely sure I would believe them anyway, but if anyone wants to inform me, let me know! Why are some cases determined by a jury and others determined by the judge? And who thought it was a good idea to have a jury of our peers when it takes only 1 person to have a hung jury and a lot of people aren't knowledgeable with scientific information who could royally screw up a case? I actually recently heard that it takes 2 people to have a hung jury because normally 1 person doesn't have the guts to stand up to the rest of the jury, but when there is 2 the person has someone to back them up.
Just looked up what aggravated child abuse is defined as in Florida:
(a)  Intentional infliction of physical or mental injury upon a child;
(b)  An intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child; or
(c)  Active encouragement of any person to commit an act that results or could reasonably be expected to result in physical or mental injury to a child. 
A person who knowingly or willfully abuses a child without causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(2)  "Aggravated child abuse" occurs when a person:
(a)  Commits aggravated battery on a child;
(b)  Willfully tortures, maliciously punishes, or willfully and unlawfully cages a child; or
(c)  Knowingly or willfully abuses a child and in so doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child.


So from reading that description, since they found her not guilty of murder I would only assume they couldn't find her guilty of child abuse? I also looked up the definition of child neglect in Florida:
1.  A caregiver's failure or omission to provide a child with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child's physical and mental health, including, but not limited to, food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of the child; or
2.  A caregiver's failure to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person. 
(a) Neglect of a child may be based on repeated conduct or on a single incident or omission that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, serious physical or mental injury, or a substantial risk of death, to a child.
(b)  A person who willfully or by culpable negligence neglects a child and in so doing causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
(c)  A person who willfully or by culpable negligence neglects a child without causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child commits a felony of the third 
degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.


So could she be charged with neglect? It's a different charge then abuse correct? If anyone has any comments regarding this situation or could provide some insight into the judicial system and why things happen the way they do I would greatly appreciate it so leave me a comment!!



-It's really important to remember that a little girl was taken way to soon from this earth and that the Anthony family... guilty or not... will forever be changed.


Alex

Shoes

I got back yesterday to Eau Claire after spending a week at home and at Colin's Cabin. I really had a wonderful time at home and my parents were absolutely awesome and we all had a really good time. At least I did, they may pretend that they didn't but I know deep down in their hearts they really miss me making a mess out of their house. But the main point of this post is the story about my shoes. (hence the title) So it all began a few months ago when I asked my mom if she would buy me a pair of tennis shoes because mine were getting very worn down and I have had them for five years. Surprisingly (really shockingly :)) she said yes!! But for a couple of weeks I didn't think she was actually serious so I never went and bought any because I am too poor to buy a pair of shoes and I didn't want to risk me thinking I was getting a pair of shoes but not really getting a pair. Turns out it was true and she really was going to buy me a new pair of shoes!
So finally this past week I said "Hey Mom can I get that pair of shoes now?" and she said "Well of course my perfect princess of a daughter I would love to buy the chosen one a new pair of shoes!" So we go to kohl's in the middle of the day to look for a dress for a wedding and some shoes but BAM the princess all of a sudden does not feel good at all and we had to leave!! Eventually the princess started to feel much better so that evening we all went to the Liberty Block party and watched Tanya Tucker perform. For those of you who don't know her she was a country singer back in the day and in my mother's words she was "rode hard and put away wet." Supposedly that saying has something to do with horses but I really don't believe her. Back to the shoes! We decided to go to Kohl's after the concert that we didn't stay the whole time for and since kohl's is open until 11 (weird) it was perfect. Poor Colin was dragged along to this too and after "looking at everything he could think of to look at" he went and sat in his car and studied for the mcat. Sorry :) 
So it was my mother, my father, and me shopping away. I finally found a dress for the wedding and my dad found a pair of shoes for himself. They were all white with a silver N. Super exciting, I know. Well these awesome shoes were a bargain also ringing up for 44 dollars. So my mom wants to go look at curtains or pillows or sheets or something like that so my dad and I head on over to the shoes. I'm looking at the shoes and I'm finding some that I think are really cute. My dad just kinda follows me around and every time I say a pair is cute he would flip over the price tag and go ugh too expensive, ugh too much, I'm not paying that much for a pair of shoes! I tell him Dad those aren't even that expensive! You have to be realistic! And then he tells me I can't get shoes that are more expensive than his 44 dollar shoes. Right dad. So I tell him to find me shoes that are less than 44 dollars. He found two pair. They were all white with a tiny word AVIA written in light blue lettering on the side. I told him they were mom shoes and I would not get those!! So I meander back to the pair of shoes that I like and he continues to tell me he will not get me 69 dollar shoes! And then he takes it a step further and tells me my shoes look like Halloween!!! Number one they are dark grey with watermelon neon pink accents... no orange to be found. Number two they just don't look like Halloween at all. But he continued to tell me they are ugly even though I think he was just saying that because he didn't want me to get them and he really thinks they are the cutest shoes ever. So now my father calls my mother and tells her she needs to come break up the fight over the shoes. So she comes over and she sees my shoes because i am now trying them on and says oh those are cute! And my dad begins to tell her just how darn expensive they are and how I should not be getting more expensive shoes than him and how they are ugly. My mom then says in her calm voice she has developed over the years from working as a para at a middle school "Rick I didn't think you're shoes would be as cheap as they are so I can't expect her to get cheaper shoes just because you got such a good deal on yours. Also 69 dollars for a pair of Nike's is not even that expensive." So I got the shoes. VICTORY! They are my favorite and I wore them on a walk tonight and they don't hurt my feet!! 


As you can imagine this is an abbreviated version of this story, I can only imagine what people thought of us arguing in the Kohl's shoe department and I hope we managed to entertain some people that night. Also we did not make a scene because I don't do that. But really thinking about our argument makes me laugh and would probably make you laugh too if you could have witnessed it.


I was wearing my shoes on Sunday around the house and I said "Dad look at my awesome shoes!"



Thanks Mom and Dad for my awesome shoes!!!


Alex