Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Embryonic Stem Cell Research in the USA
Posted by Dee at 5:27 PM 0 comments
Labels: hESC Research
Monday, May 3, 2010
Just Another Manic Monday
Ugh. I hate Mondays. I'm always tired because I didn't sleep well the night before, crabby (because it's well, Monday), and just generally dreading the work week, not because I hate my job (I enjoy it) but because, let's face it, we'd all rather do something else rather than work! Like take long walks, read, sleep, watch movies, I could go on all day.
Alas, work pays bills. Thus, I work. Lame, I know. I have a lot of bills!
I hope working out will help me out. I'm going to go do circuit training at lunchtime, then back to work for a while, then picking out some plants to put in my office (it needs a little pick me up, a 100+ year old building is pretty dreary and flowers/ plants will make it a little better), then probably going for a run. I'm working on me. I have lost 30 lbs. so far and I haven't felt this good about myself in a while. I really let myself go, and it's hard to get to what I want to be. I still have bad days and look in the mirror and wish I saw someone different but more and more I'm happy with what I see. Well, happier. I know I still have a ways to go, but I like how I feel and that I do not have a double chin anymore.
For those friends who did not know, I'm also training to run in my first 5K in a very long time. I used to enjoy running, since I lived in the middle of nowhere with lots of side roads and trails to run on, so what's stopping me now?! Things are going well for me, and I think I'll be fine. As I progress I hope to run in the 10K next summer in my hometown and eventually a 1/2 marathon. I've been following the C25K plan, which is quite easy and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to start running again but isn't really sure how to go about it the right way.
I've also been doing WW for those of you who didn't know.. it's been going well. I am now working on keeping my own food journal and keeping track of points. It seems to hold me more accountable than the Iphone app I was using (because I would "adjust" the quantity for less points). Even if you aren't in WW, you should keep a food journal. You'd be surprised to see what you're consuming throughout the day. Seriously!!
Below I've put a workout routine that I've been doing (circuit training) with a student trainer for their practum. It was free advice and help, and now I'm sharing it with you, so enjoy!! I hope you find this worthwhile.
10-15 minute cardio warmup (I enjoy the elliptical for this)
Machine Pulldown @ 62.5 lbs (15 reps)
Machine Row @ 62.5 lbs (15 reps)
Military Press w/ 15 lb. dumbbells (15 reps)
Dumbbell Curl w/ 15 lb. dumbbells (15 reps)
20 weighted arm extensions (lay on back like you're going to do a situp, and holding a 6-10 lb. medicine ball, hold with both hands, extend to your left above your head, to your knees- but don't touch them, then to your right, then bring to the center of your chest, give it a light toss in the air and catch it. That's 1 rep.)
Leg Press @ 200 lbs. (15 reps)
Calf Raises- 15 reps
Hamstring Curl- 15 reps
Squats w/ 6-10 lb. medicine ball
Repeat the above sequence 2-3 times.
Then do 10 minutes cardio.
Follow with the abdominal sequence below (which you repeat 2-3 x)
Sit-ups- bring your elbows to your knees, hands stay behind head. 20-30
Weighted crunches- reach towards sky with a weighted medicine ball in hands. 20-30
Twists- using a 10 lb. dumbbell. 20-30
Flutters- kicking legs back and forth like the flutter kick in swimming while lying on your back 20-30 sec.
Superman- lay on stomach, lift legs and arms (extended in front of you) and head upward. 20-30 x
Teakettles- Using a 15 lb. weight, put rt. hand behind head and move in a teakettle motion, lowering left arm holding weight. Do 15-20 x and switch.
When you're done, stretch out to cool down and keep those muscles from locking up. Trust me, it's one hell of a workout.
~D.
Posted by Dee at 9:22 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Meatless Monday?
Greetings everyone-
So I came across a site today called "Meatless Mondays" which involves not eating any meat on Mondays (thus reducing your carbon footprint and it's good for you). I have decided to fully commit to this, even though I love eating chicken or beef for dinner. I am trying to cut back my meat consumption anyhow so this will motivate me even more! Check out Meatless Mondays here.
I have found a new site to use for keeping track of books I've read, ones I want to read, and ones I'm reading, called GoodReads. I like this site a lot better than Living Social Books because I've been having so many problems with their site. And they have a nice iphone app!
I'm still doing WW- but without e-tools. They wanted to charge me way more than what I was willing to pay. Oh well! I've got a notebook and it's not hard to track points. I like the lifestyle adjustment WW does for me. It keeps me accountable for what I consume.
Speaking of consumption- I can't wait until the farmer's market starts soon!! Fresh fruit and veggies from local farmers!! Woo hoo!!
That's about it here. Nothing too exciting to say otherwise- go green :) Earth Day is everyday!
Posted by Dee at 10:36 AM 0 comments
Friday, April 16, 2010
Life Updates.
Hi Everyone,
I really haven't posted much, primarily because I just don't have the time. I thought I'd give an update for those of you who actually read this, although I'm not sure how many folks do. I've been very busy over the past few months, as I work full time as the lab coordinator for a biology program as well as teach 4 undergraduate labs. I barely have time to think, I swear.
Work has been good. There are a lot of really great people where I work, they are intelligent and are fun to be around. There are a some that make wanting to come to work a discouragement at times. You know the type. The "I'm more important than everyone else so drop what you're doing and cater to my needs" kind of person. They are wearing me down and it's making my job not enjoyable. I enjoy my job normally because I work with the students and interact with the biology program. There's just that one person, and even though I try not to let them bog me down, sometimes I cannot avoid them and they suck me in to a black hole of irritation and anger. I guess that's life, you're always going to have one difficult person that you work with.
*Sigh*
My other issue of the day is a so-called "friend". I was once quite close with this person. At least I thought we were. Then I find out that she's getting married (this weekend now) much sooner than previously told to me by her- which I found out by seeing her bridal shower pictures online! She then goes on to tell me all about how I'd be invited to a bachelorette party in March (never did get that invite, hmm....) and that I'd still be getting a wedding invite (funny, it's tomorrow, never saw one of those either). If you didn't want me at your wedding, you could have at least told me instead of making up some stupid story. I feel hurt and offended. I guess that's how life goes. I've continually been shown who my true friends are in life, and I guess that's part of being an adult.
Speaking of friends, I'm a tad sad because a friend of mine is moving very soon!! I'm very happy for her of course (she's going to graduate school out west) but I'm going to miss her terribly, as she was my date for Twilight and Harry Potter movies- now I'm going to have to go to them alone (since my hunny isn't down with seeing those in theaters). *Sigh* She's pretty much my only friend that lives kind of close to my house.
I am excited for the upcoming weekend though- girls night out :) I can't wait to party with my favorite gals!!! It's going to be sooooo much fun :)
Anyhow, not too much else is new or exciting. I am going to start an MBA in the Fall of 2011 (At least, that's my goal date). I feel this would really expand my career possibilities. Hopefully I will get into either the UWM program or the MTU online MBA program, which are the two that I will definitely apply to (I may apply to Marquette as well, but they are pretty pricey).
As some of you may know, I've been working on losing weight using the Weight Watchers plan, which has been working out well for me. I hope to continue until I reach my goal weight. I don't aim to be thin, just to be healthy. I am too young to be having cholesterol problems like I have already had.
Finally, I recently started soliciting for donations for the Start! Heart Walk that is to be held in Milwaukee in October. If you look on the right side of this blog, you'll see a little badge that you can click on to link to my page to donate. I figured that April would be a good time to start. For those of you who did not know, my dad passed away in April 2000 from a massive heart attack. He was only 39 years old. I have previously donated this time of year my $$ to the AHA. This year I have decided to coincide with my healthier self and sign up to do the Start! Heart Walk and raise $250.00. If I do not meet that based on the donations of others by October, I will pay the difference. I plan on donating regardless, but I hope I can get others involved and join my cause.
I hope all is well with everyone. I try to keep in touch but I'm terrible at it.
Love- D.
Posted by Dee at 2:18 PM 0 comments
Labels: Life
Friday, January 1, 2010
New Year, New Decade
Greetings Earthlings,
It's been a while! I decided to take a moment to reflect on the past decade. Sorry if you think it's lame, but then again, aren't you if reading my blog is the best thing you have to do? Ha ha, just kidding! So, without further ado- 10 years in review.
1999-
In Jan. of 1999 I was a sophomore in high school. My sister was born in late 98, so it was interesting having a baby in the house. I was a total dork, but thought I was pretty cool at the time. I really felt like I had the best life ever. That year I entered a relationship that led me into many years of heartbreak, anger, and overall stupidity on my part.
2000-
I got to travel abroad to France and Toronto, although Canada isn't really a big leap when you are from da UP. I came home from France to be devistated with news that my dad died of a heart attack. Life was very difficult in 2000, and it took a very long time to heal.
2001-
I graduated from high school and started college. It was a pretty exciting time- the big travels of the year took me to Cancun, Mexico.
2002-2004: Primarily working towards my bachelor's degree which I got in Dec. 2004. I lost another family member, to breast cancer that managed to work itself into other places in the body. My Grandma was a wonderful woman and is still missed very much.
2005- I lost my second grandparent to cancer, this time brain cancer. I realized that marriage was not a good idea, for various reasons, and lost a lot of trust in some people. I've since moved on, live and learn. I ended up meeting the best guy (well not meet, but started dating) and we've been together since.
2006- Started grad school, moved up to the land of snow, taught my first lab. Nothing too exciting.
2007- Yelled at my grad project that was a pain and didn't work, made new friends, did a lot of homework and had a lot of good times up north.
2008- One of my best friends from my childhood committed suicide, it was very sad and I'm still angry about it. I got a master's degree, moved to southern Cheeseheadland, and now mold the minds of college students.
2009- Work. A lot. Moved, again, but just to a different place. Got a Wii. Life is good. My Uncle lands in the clink for being a thief and his wife acts like she didn't do anything wrong. My family is completely dysfunctional.
It's been a wild ride, and I left a lot out for the sake of not pissing anyone off. Happy New Year!
~D.
Posted by Dee at 8:27 PM 0 comments