So I will start with a mid-week update on my efforts to turn my sloth-like lifestyle around:  so far so good.  Food-wise, I’ve been sticking to big veggie-loaded salads with lean proteins and hearty soups, and I’m avoiding evil mindless snacking, and of course, the booze.   (I’ve got another delicious soup recipe coming for you tomorrow, stay tuned.)

To my pleasant surprise, I had one of those really kick-ass workouts last night where you feel like you could just keep going forever (very rare occasion for me).  I did 30 minutes on the arc machine followed by 15 minutes on the stair climber, and I even banged out a bunch of strength training afterwards.  I started with squats with a 15lb body bar (3 sets of 8, pulsed for 3 sets of 8), squats on the bosu ball while holding an 8lb medicine ball (3 sets of 8, pulsed for 3 sets of 8), reverse lunges (3 sets of 8, pulsed for 3 sets of 8), wall-sits with an 8lb medicine ball (held 3 times for 30 seconds), and burpees with the bosu ball (3 sets of 8, held plank for 30 seconds in between sets).  And then I died.  But only momentarily.

Today should be super fun for me and my legs.

Speaking of super fun things…

Meet my new best friend.  Tommy Knocker Pumpkin Ale.  It was everything I dreamed of and more.  (I’m no beer professional, so I’ll give you my amateur but honest opinion.) Not too heavy, but filling enough that I probably could only drink 2 at most.  The best part is the smooth finish which is a rich natural pumpkin flavor with a touch of spice.  It was $5 for a 16oz draft at a local bar (Brewhouse Grille), and worth every penny.

Another delicious beverage I encountered this weekend was Sam Adams Blackberry Witbier.

This was my first experience with a fruit beer.  I’d been wanting to try one forever, but I’m glad this was my first.  Very refreshing with a pretty strong fruit flavor, but not overpowering.  I definitely see a 6-pack of these in my future.  Not too near future… you know cutting out the booze during the week and all.

And now for the crafty portion of today’s program. I present to you…  the Halloween Ribbon Wreath:

I have to give credit to the lovely Kelly for this one.  I completely jacked the idea from her, but let me tell you, girlfriend wasn’t kidding when she said it takes a while.

So. Much. Ribbon.  I showed it to my Mom (via text) and when she said, “I’d like to put my order in for one!” Words were mumbled that I’m glad she wasn’t able to hear.  Imma’ need a break from this little guy for a while.  Perhaps the rest of my life.  If you have the patience though, I definitely recommend making one.  It did turn out pretty adorable, right?

So how are those of you who decided to join me in “getting back on track” doing ?  Feel free to use me for support, I’m really good at yelling at people and using guilt as a weapon.

What…? At least I can admit it.  Happy hump day friends!