Thursday Thirteen

1) I am pretty much obsessed with Bikram Yoga. I tried it out for the first time on Saturday morning with Stacy and Dee. I was a little scared trying something new and out of my comfort zone, but it was a great workout and I felt AWESOME afterwards.

2) Since I'm an all-or-nothing kind of girl, I have been five days in a row (Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon, Monday morning, Tuesday morning, and Wednesday afternoon). I bought a 10-day pass for $155 (a slight discount versus paying $20 per session) which expires after 40 days. I'll have to use it before the honeymoon, but I don't think that will be a problem.

3) I never knew I could sweat so much and actually feel CLEAN afterwards.

4) My weight is still annoying me. I am still in the upper 150's, with an occasional slip into the low 160's. I was looking at wedding pictures yesterday, and I looked a lot better in the low 150's. I have been working on my diet, exercise, and drinking, but I haven't been logging my food like I did from January-May. I'm hoping that yoga will give me a little boost since it's something new.

5) I am done with club coaching and private lessons. I've got to say that this flexible schedule is pretty nice! I took a nap during my Tuesday telework lunch break, Leslie and I did a 5K walk yesterday, and I am meeting Kristin and Heidi for a swim tomorrow. And now I don't have to work from 8:45-5:15 on MWF. I went to yoga on Monday morning and did some weights at the gym after work. It is really nice to have more flexibility with my schedule.

6) I thought I would just be coaching Brian's group at TCC on Mondays and filling in every now-and-then as needed. Then I got an email from Chuck about a coach's meeting next Thursday, and that has made me rethink the whole thing. I really don't want any part of the admin stuff - coach's meetings, social events, swim meets, etc. That involves commitment, and I made the decision that I was moving on to other things.

7) Natalie Coughlin sent me a message today on Twitter. How cool is that? Very cool. And I updated my Facebook status within minutes to show off.

8) Is anyone else into Big Brother this season? Last night (since it took me 2 days to write a Thursday Thirteen post, today is now Friday) was a nice little twist. I'm glad Jeff didn't disappoint me.

9) Tonight we're going to the original Babe's Fried Chicken (and we're checking out Jamie and Dana's new house). Saturday morning is Bulldog Play Date. The rest of the weekend is free, except for a Sunday afternoon yoga session with Stacy and maybe some other friends.

10) I haven't been swimming much. I paid masters dues in June and July while I was coaching, and now I'm saving the $62/month since my attendance wouldn't make it worthwhile. Mama Kristin joined 24 Hour Fitness, so Kristin, Heidi, and I are going for a swim together at lunch today. Usually when I workout with friends, I get a much better workout. It's hard to push myself in the pool when I'm lap swimming solo.

11) My right foot is still aggravating me. I ran 2 miles on the treadmill yesterday, and I am slowly going to start back into running. I'm thinking maybe 2 or 3 two-mile runs this week, several 3-mile runs next week, etc. I know I have to be really careful, especially if I want to do a marathon this upcoming season.

12) I think my mom (and possibly my dad) might come visit in October. They have an American Airlines credit since I accidentally booked their trip to the Texas reception for the weekend of the California reception. Columbus Day is a federal holiday, so if they arrive on Friday and leave on Tuesday morning I would not have to use any leave. So that is a possibility.

13) Gus is LOVING the swimming pool. He'll swim for hours. He also loves drinking our beer and wine :) I took an iPhone video of Gus swimming. I need to figure out how to post it. That would be super cool.