Just one of them days

Hey everyone! Sorry about my little impromptu hiatus there. Friday was an off day for me on all counts, but when I finally felt ready to post, I found out that the ghetto hotel’s internet is still down and no one knows when it will be fixed. Lovely. So I’m going to be bumming wireless wherever I can find it until they get things figured out.

Here are some of the highlights since I last saw you:

Our papaya tres leches cakes that we made in pairs (mine and Michelle’s is the bottom strudel-looking cake)

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The comedian of the family:

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A cooked bfast, courtesy of my good friend Amy

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It cost as much as an entire thing of oats would, but sometimes convenience wins over price and I’m a little more than creeped out by using hotel pots and pans 😉

I added carob, brown rice protein, almond butter, mesquite, Stevia, sea salt and cinnamon

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And it warmed my soul from the inside out 😀

Not gonna lie, Friday was a little tough despite my awesome 5.5 mile AM run.

Another Polar bites the dust:

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I haven’t griped about this via blog yet, but my Polar hasn’t been working since I got here. I’ll be running and it will say my heart rate is in the 50s. I’m no rocket scientist, but I’m pretty sure that’s wrong. I also think it’s wrong that I’ll work out intensely for over an hour and the thing says I burned 129 calories. I’ve done everything I can think of– wash the strap regularly, make sure the sensors are wet before I wear it and no luck. Anyone else experience the death of a Polar? I’ve only had it for a year and it got me through quite a few races and a ton of aerobics classes, but I was expecting it to live a little longer. :/ Guess destiny is finally telling me to buy a Garmin??

So the deal with Friday was that I felt kinda icky all day… I’ve got a few stressors in my life (one of them is a beautiful Shiba Inu by the name of Viesa) and I didn’t do as well in school as I usually do.

When we plated our lunch, mine looked like a 5-year-old did it –usually we get a demo on how to plate our meal, but for this one we were just asked to plate it and I had no clue what to do with mine- and as I said on Twitter, I got told that it looked like a meal from a cheap vegetarian restaurant. In conjunction with all of the other stuff I have on my plate (pun? haha) –gotta keep some personal things personal- I was just feeling discouraged, stressed, overwhelmed and like I needed a breather. So I left and put myself together so I could go to work.

Bizzle always saves the day:

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I got an Americano with 1 pump Pumpkin Spice and I have no idea why I haven’t jumped on the Pumpkin Spice bandwagon this season yet. It just makes it feel like it’s officially Autumn and paired with a stack of cookbooks for my reading pleasure, it was everything I needed. Pumpkin Spice is tied with Gingerbread as my favorite seasonal flavor and I was actually drinking a pumpkin spice latte the night I met the pilot at Bizzle 😉

I could only drink about 1/3 of the coffee because since I haven’t had coffee in quite some time, I had quite the caffeine buzz 😀

So that’s what’s been going on over here! Irregular Regular blogging should be going down from now on 😉

Off to take a beautiful yoga class at The Yoga Room!

xoxo,

G

Today’s tip: (This one is courtesy of the madre) “If you believe it will turn out well, it will” She told me that when I was fretting about a dinner I was making. She promised me that if I told myself it would turn our perfectly, it would. So the entire time I was cooking, I was thinking about how wonderful the meal was going to turn out and to my surprise, it totally worked. Confidence shines through in everything we do. And when we’re not quite feeling it, that shows too

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46 Comments

  1. Rachael on September 26, 2009 at 9:28 am

    According to the website, Polar products come with a 2-yr warranty, so you can send it to them for repairs. My F7’s been giving me issues – mostly when I run. Similar issues to yours. I’m totally sending mine it – only had it since May.

    http://www.polarusa.com/us-en/support/service?product=&category=Service+Information&documenttitle=Servicing+Your+Polar+Product&document=/gip/PEUS1kb-public.nsf/web_cat/85256F470048B0BCC225743A0035CC4F

  2. Jessica @ How Sweet It Is on September 26, 2009 at 9:30 am

    Sending good vibes your way! You are amazing!

  3. Nicci@NiftyEats on September 26, 2009 at 9:32 am

    I still can’t get over the fact that raw foods looks so tasty and their are so many meals you can create! Keep your head up, I’d eat your cheap vegetarian meal! lol

  4. Andrea of Care to Eat on September 26, 2009 at 10:16 am

    I’m sorry you had such a sucky day. The good days wouldn’t mean as much if the bad ones didn’t happen every once in a while.
    My Dad has a quote he would always tell me – “If you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” – Henry Ford. So true.

  5. Lori on September 26, 2009 at 10:20 am

    Have you tried putting a new battery in the Polar?

    Those tres leches look fabulous!

  6. kay (eating machine) on September 26, 2009 at 10:23 am

    you read cookbooks too for fun?! i thought i was the only one who did things like that!

  7. Laura (On the Threshold of Greatness) on September 26, 2009 at 10:34 am

    Hope things are looking up! At least it’s the weekend! 😀

    I haven’t had a pumpkin spice drink yet this year either. It’s cool and cloudy here in VA so a trip to Starbucks may be in my near future!

  8. Mara @ What's For Dinner? on September 26, 2009 at 10:38 am

    Love you lady!!! So glad things are better…

  9. VeggieGirl on September 26, 2009 at 10:40 am

    **major hugs**

    Hope you’re doing well today, my dear xo

  10. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) on September 26, 2009 at 10:59 am

    Girl what you’re doing in sooo hard. You’re away from home, you’re in a very fast paced and structured school environment, there’s alotta pressure on you, you’re away from your man and dogs, totally outta your comf zone. And on toppa that your Polar breaks and hotel pots n pans are sooo nast. And the internet connection sucks. Yeah, been there. When I was first married I used to travel around the country to work. I was gone for 2-4 weeks at a time, come home for a week, then leave again. I was stayin in random rented condo rooms with scuzzy sheets, gross towels, pots n pans with someone else’s food junk on em and missin my man and wondering in the work I was doing was worth it on any level. I had my share of “off days” to put it mildly and would have been in no shape to be bloggin in that even existed so you are soooo entitled (not that you were asking) to take time off, step back, have a crappy day…but you always keep your chin up and come back and get back on track 🙂 and that’s why I love you!

    Anyway, shrug off the 5 yr old comment. The Polar or Garmin? Never owned one. Don’t care. Would rather spend my $ on new clothes or cooking gadgets. I have no idea what my heart rate is. Fast when I see Gucci, slow when I don’t 🙂

    Your mama’s advice of positive thinking/pos affirmation is so true. Listen to that mama of yours 🙂

    xoxo
    averie

    • Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries on September 26, 2009 at 1:32 pm

      Hahaha Averie

      I have no idea what my heart rate is. Fast when I see Gucci, slow when I don’t

      I think I love you…

      And Gina, I hope the stressors stop stressing you so, because you’re doing so many amazing, courageous things. I feel you on the not doing as well in school thing… Isn’t that obnoxious how something like that can dictate and set the tone for the whole day? Hope everything turns up 🙂

  11. Julie on September 26, 2009 at 11:05 am

    I’ve had similar problems with my polar. I’ve had within the past year and both of them have crapped out on me. It will read 00, and jump from 180 to 65 while I’m running. I do everything the book says to do care-wise, I was it, make sure it’s wet…It’s beyond frustrating. I’m sending both of mine back today to get serviced so hopefully this pain in my arse will be over soon!

  12. Elizabeth on September 26, 2009 at 11:23 am

    I hope that things pick back up for you soon — it seems with every peak we have to go through a valley. I am not a fan of valleys, myself.

    Hang in there! Your work has been great so far, you’ll get the hang of the plating and stuff.

    I always associate peppermint mochas with the day I got engaged. Funny how Bucky’s (or Bizzle in your case) is such a part o’ our lives.

  13. Rebecca on September 26, 2009 at 11:29 am

    Starbucks always makes everything better. Hope you feel better soon!

  14. Shelby on September 26, 2009 at 11:35 am

    I’m sending good vibes your way!

  15. Allie Katie on September 26, 2009 at 11:52 am

    Hmmmm as to the Polar, have you tried super tightening the straps? Mine was doing the same thing (it’s a year old) and it told me when I was running that my heart rate was 37. Like you, I knew that wasn’t quite right. So I looked it up online and it said to make the strap so tight that it is slightly uncomfortable (which it was at first but went away after a minute) and I did that and now it’s back to good!! Try that and see if it helps!!

  16. Emily on September 26, 2009 at 11:53 am

    Hey Gina! I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been having a tough time. Hang in there – you’re doing such a cool thing. I am definitely someone who fears taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone and my boyfriend always tells me, “Its by taking risks that we achieve greatness.” I think its definitely true. Keep your head up!! 🙂

  17. Elese on September 26, 2009 at 12:07 pm

    I stopped buying Polars because the last two I bought broke within 9 months. I was going to send mine in to get it repaired, but you have to have the receipt (I didn’t) and without it the cost was about half of what an entirely new heart rate monitor costs. That made me a bit annoyed (plus, I think you should be able to just replace the battery yourself). Since then, I have tried a Seiko (not user friendly, but the battery is manually replaced) and a Garmin forerunner. I like the Garmin the best…but they are very expensive. If you run as much as you do, though, it might be worth it. Hope this helps Gina! Enjoying all your pics from 105degrees. And, btw, I did like your workout post. I hate treadmills, but with winter coming…that option is kind of the best one if I want to keep running! Have a great weekend! -Elese

  18. Kimberly@Living Free on September 26, 2009 at 12:10 pm

    Those little cakes look adorable! Are they raw!? Glad you took a breather day and I hope you are feeling better:)

    • Fitnessista on September 26, 2009 at 12:48 pm

      100% raw! crazy, huh?!

  19. Stephanie on September 26, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    Mom’s are the best… how is it that they always know the perfect thing to say? 🙂

  20. Ashley on September 26, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    moms have the best phrases for everything, and she’s so right.
    think positive, gina! you’ve got such a bright spirit so keep it shining!

    • Fitnessista on September 26, 2009 at 1:02 pm

      thanks girl 😀

  21. Jaci on September 26, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    I hope you have a better Saturday than you did Friday! You’ve got so much going on right now and I’m sure even more than what is on the blog. Keep your head up and soon you will be home with a bunch of fun new recipes 🙂

  22. Lori Z. on September 26, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    Things will look up soon. It has got to be even tougher dealing when you are in school and away from the pilot and home. Hang in there!
    My Polar was doing the same thing and I sent it to be repaired. It was less than a year old. I thought it needed a new battery (I don’t think I would ever recommend Polar because if you replace the battery yourself it voids the warranty! So, you have to pay to ship it away…) It turned out the transformer or something was not working and it was replaced free of charge. I love my Garmin, but if you want to look at calories burnt that will only calculate outdoors when it is working with the GPS…

  23. Leah on September 26, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    I have that same HR monitor and mine does that all the time too. But for me it usually just means I have to tighten the adjustable strap because it probably (with wear) stretches out. (Kinda like a bra strap!)
    Try that before giving up on it.
    Leah

    • Fitnessista on September 26, 2009 at 12:47 pm

      good point, sometimes it falls down a little!

  24. caronae on September 26, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    I hope things get better!

  25. Kristen on September 26, 2009 at 1:32 pm

    Gorgeous desserts! Don’t be discouraged!

  26. Salamander on September 26, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    Hey Gina –

    No need to apologize to us for not posting. If you feel the need to take a hiatus – DO IT! If only for your benefit. We’ll all be here waiting when you return. Honest – we will! Sometimes you just have to take a personal day and I’ve learned that it’s quite okay.

    Hang in there, things will fall into place. Plus – you’re doing so amazingly! (and just keep looking back to the “I can hang my hat” Post to make you smile!)

    Best – Sal

  27. Run Sarah on September 26, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    Your mom is awesome – great advice! Those cakes look SO gorgeous – I can’t believe they are totally raw!

  28. Emily on September 26, 2009 at 1:55 pm

    Sorry about the downer friday! Hope it’s looking up….

    Love those little cakes!

  29. Tay on September 26, 2009 at 2:29 pm

    K girl those cakes are adorable!! I’ve seen that oatmeal at Costco and was curious. Pricey – but looks good! Great advice from tu madre. Will take that to heart 🙂

  30. Lauren on September 26, 2009 at 2:43 pm

    Come to think of it, my Polar has been on the fritz for the past few weeks too! Nothing is more irritating then when I am in the zone and feel like my HR is at its best and I look down at my watch to see it’s reading NULL! Ugh, it happens way too often! I want a garmin desperately! 🙂

  31. Emily (A Nutritionist Eats) on September 26, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    Couldn’t agree more with what your mom said! Hope today is going better for you! 🙂

  32. Brittany on September 26, 2009 at 3:32 pm

    Hope your Saturday is turning out to be better than Friday!! Your mom is so right. Confidence is KEY!

  33. Kristin (Kristin's Nibbles) on September 26, 2009 at 4:15 pm

    Pumpkin spices really is awesome! I need to try those Amy’s breakfasts… convenience is great sometimes!!

    xo
    K

  34. Jenna on September 26, 2009 at 4:16 pm

    amy has oatmeal?!!! i did NOT know that!!!
    jenna

  35. K on September 26, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    Mesquite in the oats? Loves.

    Aw, G$! Cheap vegetarian restaurant or not, I’d eat your creations! Keep your chin up!! I’m sending you lots of good thoughts 🙂

  36. GirlonRaw on September 26, 2009 at 7:00 pm

    Hey you! Sorry you have felt like crap, being away from your comfort zone can majorly effect that (I would know, living on the road alot of the time!), so don’t be too hard on yourself either and know that it will pass. I would have been a little upset about the comment on the plating too. I can be a bit sensitive sometimes (ok all the time), but don’t let it get you down. Before you know it you will be back home getting some lovin from your man and the furry family x

  37. Emily (Healthy Fit Mama) on September 26, 2009 at 8:57 pm

    I’m totally having the same problem with my Polar right now. I’ve had it for 2 years though. I was cranking on my Spinning bike the other night and it said my HR was 55. Ummm…no! Grrr…

  38. CaSaundra on September 27, 2009 at 9:06 am

    I looove that smiley cake–it looks like a clown ha!

  39. Jessie on September 28, 2009 at 11:57 am

    Re: POLAR, I have the same one and I have only had mine since May of this year. I wear it 4-5 times a week and have been having the same problem here recently. I didn’t think about adjusting the strap, but I bet that would work too. Sometimes my sports bra gets rolled up under it and I just have to readjust. Also, have you tried using rubbing alcohol on a q-tip to clean the sensor parts out? That worked for me last week and that was the last time I had trouble with it…sucks because that thing wasn’t cheap and I’ve come to count on it to measure my workout intensity.

  40. Michelle on September 28, 2009 at 12:27 pm

    You might just need a new strap. Mine only last about a year and then the battery dies so keep the watch and replace the strap. The 2 year warranty does not cover the strap battery sadly. I wear mine 6-7 days a week and with that kind of wear they dont last more than 12-14 months

    • Fitnessista on September 28, 2009 at 5:57 pm

      good to know- i usually wear mine 6-7 days a week as well

  41. Sammie on September 29, 2009 at 9:29 am

    Hey Gina,
    I am loving all the gorgeous raw food you have been making the past few weeks. I am so bad about commenting but I still check in on what you are up to daily.
    I was having problems with my Polar too – very similar issues as to what you described. I finally was able to talk to a The Polar Guy (you can actually google his name and find him). He told me that my strap was way to big (I had a Medium – X-Large). I purchased an XS-S one and my HRM has been working without any glitches ever since. Maybe something you can look into.
    Have a great day.
    Sammie

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