[+] I went to the gym yesterday with the best intentions to run 12 miles on the treadmill. I was going to set my pace slow and easy and watch the Canada-Finland hockey game and just slog through and get it done. Thanks to a sore, rolled ankle from Saturday plus stomach issues galore, 12 miles turned into 7 very painful, slow, and aggravating miles. I hated every step and I couldn't wait to be done. I threw in the towel and hit up the elliptical instead for one more angry mile to make it an even 8. It was frustrating and discouraging but I'm trying to use this as an opportunity to regroup and go for it again next weekend rather than beating myself up. 8 miles is better than 0.

[+] We're all done with winter at our house. Couldn't be more over it, in fact. Yesterday was a weather-filled day, not a fluffy snow day but a freezing rain slash ice pellets slash wet snow day. Eli and I holed up in the TV room to watch the Jungle Book in the morning while Peter shoveled our driveway, estimating that each scoop weighed 40lb. It's just getting really old and unpleasant and I curse my ancestors for not settling someplace tropical.

[+] Lately I am just feeling unable to get anything done. I have big plans and I can't seem to accomplish anything. I feel like I'm making long to-do lists and setting these goals, big and small, then doing NOTHING to work towards them. I don't know where to start. Everything seems like this massive mountain to tackle. Even simple things like making a dentist appointment, setting up a meeting at the bank, getting an oil change...I just don't want to do any of it. I HAVE to do all of it. Bad combination.

[+] Just so this isn't a complete waaah-waaah post, some good things have been happening. Valentine's Day! We celebrated with a morning workout and lunch out, followed by a matinee showing of American Hustle. Date night becomes date-day-when-your-kid-is-at-the-sitter's when you have a two-year-old, so we booked the day off work to spend some time together. American Hustle was good. I'd heard it was slow and boring - people lie. Saturday night we watched the newest Star Trek movie at home. Pretty good considering I hate space, aliens, lasers, etc. And yesterday we baked the best sea salt chocolate chip cookies ever. This recipe is my go-to. I can't even count how many times I've made it and the cookies always turn out perfect.

I've decided that since I can't seem to do anything and stick to it unless it's written down, I'm going to plan out my workouts for the coming week in my blog, and that way you guys can hold me accountable and yell at me via the Internet when I don't comply. Sound good?

I've been feeling pretty miserable and fatty all week, and it's a waste of precious time. I should be pumped about having things like arms and legs and lungs that can jump around and do stuff. Instead, I just spent my Friday evening eating homemade peanut butter and Reese's pieces cookies*, reading magazines, and playing Guitar Hero instead of going to the gym.

Here are my workouts for the coming week, beginning tomorrow...

Saturday, March 7:
-Running 45 minutes (intervals)
-Abs

Sunday, March 8:
-Running 45 minutes (incline)
-Upper body strength training

Monday, March 9:
-Mixed cardio 45 minutes
-Lower body strength training

Tuesday, March 10:
-Rest Day (Maaaaybe easy cardio, like a walk, if I'm feeling it)

Wednesday, March 11:
-Running 45 minutes (intervals)
-Abs

Thursday, March 12:
-Running 45 minutes (incline)
-Upper body

Friday, March 13:
-Cardio mix, 45 minutes
-Lower body

Brutal. Let's see how this goes.

*recipe for best and easiest cookies ever:
-1 cup peanut butter
-1 egg
-1/2 cup sugar (I used Splenda, because I like chemicals!)
-a handful of yummies (optional)...can be chocolate chips, M&Ms, Reese's Pieces, Smarties, etc.

1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Mix all ingredients.
3. Drop batter in spoonfuls 2" apart on a cookie sheet.
4. Flatten cookies with a fork.
5. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. OM NOM NOM!

Why was today so sweet? Let me count the ways:

1. I started off the day with a 4.3-ish mile run. AWESOME. I love running in the morning, both because it gets it out of the way nice and early and frees up my schedule for the rest of the day, and because it gives me such a nice burst of energy that lasts a while and a sense of accomplishment that stays with me all day long.

2. When I was in the shower post-run, H2B went to Starbucks and bought me my grande coffee with nonfat milk and Splenda. He's trained really well.

3. Megan and I went to see Confessions of a Shopaholic--mediocre film made much better by the fact that a) it's buy one ticket for regular price, get the second for $1.99 weekend at Empire and b) it meant we had Kid's Packs for lunch.

4. Went to Michael's, saw the wedding invitation DIY options, and was able to relax a little.

5. Painted two new acrylics. I'm a shitty painter, but I'm really liking these two. They're a set and I'm very happy with the end result. Clueless was on while I painted which was a great little blast from the past.

6. Cinnamon buns are baking as I speak so the apartment smells all domestic and cinnamony.

7. Next up is dinner and drinkypoos at Moxie's with H2B, Adam, and Heather. Super pumped for that (I'm starving and have been sneaking bites of raw cinnamon bun dough for the past hour.) I plan to get shittered and foolish. After that we'll either head downtown or back here for some Guitar Hero. Either option sounds equally appealing.

I'm feeling 100% better today compared to earlier this week, when I was all funky and down. I love Saturdays like this where I'm productive but don't head into the weekend with a ton of plans. Best day I've had in a long time.

<3