10 Ways I Break the Rules

Inspired from today's post over at SUAR I thought I would come up with my 10 ways I break the rules. To make it challenging, I am not going to use any of the ones already mentioned like speeding (which I think most of us are guilty of), saying things to our kids and then doing them, etc.

So, here's my original list:

1. I almost always check my personal email/blogs etc at work. Not always outside of regular working time. Sometimes you just need a break to clear the mind!

2. I get wickedly dry lips in the winter, and I peel off the dry skin. It drives me nuts when my lips are rough. I know if I didn't pick, they'd go away fast, but I can't help it.

3. I rarely ever clean off my makeup before going to bed. Waking up with raccoon eyes is not uncommon.

4. I am guilty of being possessive about my own things (especially food I have bought for myself) and then sneaking bites of the things my husband and step-daughter by for themselves.

5. I am a seasonal runner at best. Winter + running don't generally combine in my head, and I let myself slide in the winter. Most runners, especially those with further distances under their belt, don't do that. Makes me feel a bit ashamed some days, and contributes to my "I must not be a REAL runner" feeling.

6. I reuse my gym clothes sometimes when I feel lazy -throw it in the dryer, hope I don't smell too much the next gym day.

7. Don't know if it is a rule, but people often think it is strange that I sleep with socks on, and wear socks all year round, unless I have to wear heels that they show.

8. I forget birthdays and special occasions a lot. Usually I catch myself like the day of and scramble to put something together.

9. I don't budget per se. I look at my expenses coming out and income going in every two weeks or so to know how much will be in my bank account in a given time frame, and spend accordingly. This method has worked very well for me over the years. If I was to follow a normal suggested budget, it wouldn't work for me because my car expenses (mandatory for the job) exceed the cost of my rent every month... :S

10. My general eating habits are awful! I can't keep track, I overeat and under eat some days, I don't get enough grains or protein, I love sugar and junk food, and I have little to no self control. The only reason I stay somewhat healthy is the exercise (5 times this week! Score!) and the tracking I remember to do during the day.

It was so hard to think of things not already mentioned by SUAR and the commenters on her post - can anyone think of new things to admit to? The only other one I have in my mind is leaving a job and taking some office supplies with me. But I wouldn't do that.... I'm a lawyer.... :P

What are the ways you break the rules?

Monday Miscellaneous...

I know, I know, I'm posting this on Sunday so it's not Monday yet, but considering the way my weeks have been going at work, this is the best time to write this so you all can read it on Monday. The time change is already killing me, and I am sure it will only go downhill this week.

Yesterday, I woke up bright and early to get to the gym with my constant companion Tina. We are constantly going to the gym and getting a swim in, but we decided to try and double up due to a missed workout on Thursday and hop of the treadmill for a half hour or so before getting a swim in. I'm still slowly easing into more workouts as the weather gets better and the days get longer, so this was a good effort on our part.

So we get up all bleary eyed and get changed before I realize that I have managed to leave my shoes at home. Not wanting to go back home, we contemplated the options. Skip the treadmill, wear my winter boots, or hop on the treadmill in sock or bare feet, and see if anyone noticed. I try to be as considerate as possible for others, but at the same time, it was going to kill me to not get on the treadmill after putting all that effort in to get to the gym.

So I walked out of the change room in my socks, and hopped on a treadmill. Did 30 minutes of walking on a 4% incline and some tentative running in shoeless feet. It was definitely an interesting experience - I know there are a group of runners out there that do barefoot running, but I would never consider it actively due to the risk of stepping on something and hurting myself. Running on a safe surface, you really notice the difference in how your feet strike the ground, and it was enlightening. Not a single person noticed that I did not have shoes on - or no one said anything to me or pointed and stared. Score one for me!

So I've got four workouts planned this week which should help me make it through the tough times at work. I love work, but I have a few big matters moving forward soon which are stressful and time consuming. One is my first true trial, which I already know will end with my clients paying out money. The question is how much will they have to pay, and will I avoid getting sued or reported to the law society by them. Not my favourite clients.

To cheer me up and give me some energy, I am trying hot yoga at my gym Monday night. It is costly at my gym (boo for it not being included in the membership!), but I have done it before, and I always walk out feeling both refreshed and exhausted all at the same time. It is yoga, but sweatier, and I am a sweat loving kind of girl.... ;)

Then class on Tuesday, swim or run on Thursday, and maybe another mini-brick workout on Saturday morning. Here's hoping all the exercise will counteract the crap I have been eating lately. Cookies, doughnuts, cake, all need to be banned if I want to get that dreaded extra weight off. I try not to make this a weight loss blog, but darn it, it is hard to say no to the sugar! I finally received my dress for my best friend's wedding:

and I need to look good in it! I had been lusting over this dress for ages, and I happened to see one in stock, only one, and only in my size a few weeks ago and snatched it up. I think I may have ordered the absolute last one, as it has now been taken down from the only website I could find it on. Scores for me!

What do you do to avoid the sugar cravings? How do you say no to the cookies and sweets in the office and at home (other than tossing them)?

Double timing...

So despite my best intentions to register for a race early and save on fees, as of last week I still had not signed up for anything this year. Talk about being lazy, but really, it has more been a money issue than anything else. Since that raise isn't coming yet, I am trying to stretch our money as far as possible. I want to do a 10k in May, but really, I haven't been running as much as I should. The pool in my gym (saltwater, with a sauna) is drawing me in these days, so the treadmill is seeming very unappealing.

So I suddenly found a world of motivation last week, when my friend and I discovered two races in our region that are going to be AWESOME. I have paid for the first, and the second we are trying to gather a group for to reduce fees. I am proud to say I will be running the following races:

1. Perth Kilt Run - 8k.

This race was organized last year a a Guinness book of world records attempt to set a new record for the most number of people running in, you guessed it, a kilt. They had 1200 people run, and it was an amazing success, selling out long before the run. But it was supposed to be a one off, so I was happy to find out they are organizing it again this year. The spots are still limited (just over 2000) so I jumped and signed up asap. For $60, you get your entry and a bona fide kilt to run in. It won't be a PR run, but it will be fun. Keep your eyes out for pictures like this in the future:

2. The Spartan Race - 5k

Some of you in the US may have heard of this race, or the Warrior dash. Basically, it is a course of approximately 5k, where you run and also have to manoeuvre around a number of muddy dirty obstacles. I expect to climb through mud under barbed wire, run through fire, and generally get my ass kicked. Most people end the race looking like this:

Best part about these races? They take place on the SAME WEEKEND. Am I crazy? Yes, more than a little. Will I be physically exhausted at the end of it? Absolutely. Am I going to love every minute? Yes, because it is competition, but with a lot of fun to take the edge off of my overly competitive nature.

So from now until June, I have to get my motivation back and hop on that treadmill. I am in a biggest loser type competition right now to try and lose the extra 10-15 pounds I am currently carrying. Here's hoping by the Spartan race, I will look like one... :P

Anyone else signed up for some crazy races this year? Tell me about them!

The ABC's of me!

So I have failed on keeping you all updated. Here's a boring quick update: Work has been crazy hectic, with lots of files and court dates on the go. My boss threw me off yesterday when he suggested we should "review your pay level in the next couple of months.... and it won't go down" Pay raise after 6 months? New concept to this constant student, but AWESOME!!!!

Workouts: I have been getting them in, but haven't been finding much running motivation. My pool at my gym is finally open, so I am swimming quite a bit, which is so nice. I'm not a tri girl, but a swim strengthens my chicken wing arms, so it's a good feeling. I signed up for my first run of the year... well, not the one that is supposed to happen first, but the only one that is currently paid for. As mentioned in previous posts, I am doing a 5 mile (8k) run in my region. Oh yeah, it'll be run in this:


Yup, it's the annual kilt run. Should be super fun (might be a new world record too depending on the number of participants) and I'm running not for a PR, but for fun.

Personal: hahaha, what personal life? ;P The plan for tonight is kid in bed = hubby+me+wine. Yeah! TGIF!

So to leave you entertained today, here are the ABC's of me!

(A) Age: 27
(B) Bed Size: Queen. Hope to upgrade to King one day so I actually have some room on the bed with my sprawling husband and dog (see (D) below)
(C) Chore You Hate: Garbage. Beyond belief.
(D) Dogs? Yup, she's our little devil! Boston/pug cross.
(E) Essential Start Your Day Item: Breakfast. Preferably something a bit sweet.
(F) Favourite Color: Blue.
(G) Gold or Silver? I don't wear much in the way of rings and things, but most of it is white gold, which I like.
(H) Height: 5ft 4in. Yup, I'm a midget.
(I) Instruments You Play: Actively, none. Used to play clarinet.
(J) Job Title: Lawyer. Stepmother. Wife. Daughter.
(K) Kids: One 10 year old stepdaughter.
(L) Live: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
(M) Mom's Name: Bette. Not pronounced "betty" just pronounced "bet"
(N) Nicknames: These days, mostly Babe (hubby). Mom used to call me all sorts of things like smurfette, Boober (from fraggle rock, get your head out of the gutter... :P), munchkin. Clearly, I am a child of the 80's.
(O) Overnight Hospital Stays? None. I like it that way.
(P) Pet Peeve: Lateness. Driving under the limit. People who can't own up to their own mistakes or responsibility for the problems in their lives.
(Q) Quote from a Movie: I got red, I got green, I got yellow... I'm out of purple, but I do have one Gold Circle coin left... the condom of champions... the one and only... nothin' is gettin' through this sucker. Whaddya say, hmm? (anyone who gets where this is from without looking it up gets a gold star!)
(R) Right or Left Handed? Right.
(S) Siblings: One older sister.
(T) Time You Wake Up? As late as possible. 6:30 on weekdays, 9 on weekends.
(U) Underwear: Thongs for me. Sorry if it's TMI, but the ABC's made me share!
(V) Vegetable You Dislike: brussel sprouts. Not a huge onion fan.
(W) What Makes You Run Late: Other people!!!
(X) X-Rays You've Had Done: Dental. My arm, my knee, my hand.
(Y) Yummy Food You Make: Mini pizzas, lasagna, healthy chocolate chip cookie muffins.
(Z) Zoo, Favourite Animal: Haven't been to the zoo in ages. Fainting goats. Love them, want to have one as a pet.

Have a good weekend everyone!

He Lied....

But I love him anyways.

*Note - If you are trying to lose weight, or generally not drool over your computer screen, do NOT continue reading. I am not responsible for any of you wanting to rush out for a great lunch/dinner*

So my husband lied about having a nice dinner in. I got home and was immediately told to stay in my winter wear, as we were about to leave. I have a suit on, and didn't really want to look like a lawyer lady over dinner, so I asked if I could just go take off my jacket and change into a nice shirt. Hubby said yes, so I went on up, proceeded to take off my jacket and find a nice shirt in my closet, all while never turning on our bedroom light. I came downstairs, and found my husband staring at me like my dog does when she hears a strange noise. Head cocked to the side, quizzical look on the face. Kind of like this:

(stolen from Hyperbole and a Half, which you SHOULD check out if you haven't. Especially this post.)

He proceeds to ask me: "Did you look at the bed?" No, I had no reason to, I was just getting changed in the dark like any normal person. So he sends me upstairs to go look at the bed with the light on, and I find these:

I come down, hug and kiss him, and we are on our way. En route, he tells me he doesn't have reservations. I think this is the kiss of death to our evening, but am pleasantly surprised that I am wrong. We went to our favourite Vietnamese place (aka a hole in the wall) where we were one of no more than 3 tables being served. It was nice.

We had these: (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

And this: (Hot and Sour Soup, the BEST on the planet)

And this: (Lemongrass Beef Pho)

And finished it off with some nice Vietnamese Hot Coffee (strong coffee that is poured with cool condensed milk on the bottom that you have to stir in, it is strong and sweet and lovely).

Great dinner. But just when I thought we were done, I came home and he whipped out these:

Needless to say, I was stuffed, but very, very happy. I did some crunches and the plank to try and feel less guilty, and am headed to the gym tonight to get a run in. All and all, well worth it.

Hope everyone had a good Monday!

Happy Valentine's Day

My days have been filled with a lot of evenings where all I want to do is go home and curl up in this thing:

Yes, my papasan chair has been seeing a decent amount of action these days, but I am also getting some decent workouts in at my gym. Have had a few 5kers, just to stretch out my legs and get back into the hang of things. I am dying to get a swim in, but sadly, after two months of my gym being open, the pool is still not ready. Can you say discount? I can't wait to get in there, as it is a lovely salt water pool, and my sea legs are calling... lol.

No big plans for the hubs and me tonight, despite the fact that we are kid-free. Maybe he'll surprise me, but even if we just have a quiet supper together, I will be happy. He has finally got on a healthy streak doing a bootcamp, and I love it. Finally I can convince him to get the sugar out of the house and not cook french fries. I think he is enjoying it too, and it will do him some good health wise. Now I only have to convince him to sign up for a 5k.....

First attendance in criminal court today - I am not generally a criminal lawyer, but I am willing to step in every once and a while for my boss, which I did this morning. Doing any type of law in court is like riding a bicycle.... you are wobbly and make mistakes at first, but once you get the hang of things, you just fly through it! I am really happy to finally be settling into a place where work is not a continual uphill battle of comprehension. Took long enough!

So, what are your Valentine's Day plans? If they include chocolate or other indulgent things, do you have plans to work it off later, or are you just going to eat and enjoy?

Road Kill

That is what I nearly became this morning when a plow took me off the road while driving to work. Driving around a corner at speed (ok, a little over it, so 90-100km, 55-60ish miles per hour) and came around a curve to find a snowplow with it's blade about a foot and a half into my lane. The truck wasn't moving over, so I braked pretty hard and tried to move over in my lane, but ended up catching some of the loose snow in the middle of the lane and spun out into oncoming traffic. Somehow they all missed hitting me, and I kept skidding until I ran into a protective fence edging the road. Scared the living daylights out of me, as my first true accident ever, and I was very lucky to get out of the situation with no personal injuries and just a few scratches to the back end of my car. Made me sad that not a single person stopped or came back to see if I was alright.

Ok, that's my sob story of the day. Going to the gym tonight to have a run and then do my yoga/pilates/tai chi class, which incorporates some serious ab work. Hopefully all that effort will burn off the decadent peanut butter cookie I am eating right now.... MMmmmm....

So, what is your scariest "I'm-gonna-be-road-kill" moment?