Absence: Couch to Croft Part 3

Well, my trying to blog regularly about my progress isn't going so well.  But, I'm determined to be better about it and just about everything else.

One of the reasons for my absence until now is kind of a cop-out but I'm using it anyway: school.  One of my goals now that I've started my graduate program is to graduate with a 4.0.  So far, I've managed to succeed (in part because it's only been one semester).  So, blogging became something that I would forget about until I was falling asleep.  I will do better, if only to do some writing that won't be graded.

Also, in April, I went home for an extended weekend to both visit the family and participate in the county fair.  And by participate, I mean I had a little job there.  It was nice to see the family but holy cow the job was tough.  I'll admit, it was definitely nice to have some extra money...which went straight to bills and other such grown-up things.

Now, school is back in session and I'm kind of freaking out.  It's a condensed semester (Spring, I think--it's all blurring together) so all of the work needs to be completed quickly.  I'll admit it.  I'm struggling a bit.  I'm waiting for my textbooks to arrive, so it's a bit difficult to do the reading without them.  I'm also realizing just how much I really don't know about this program.  All the technical terms are throwing me just a bit.  I guess I'm also a bit impatient to begin my concentration (basically, my major) so that's a bit of a drag.

Anyway.  I've made my excuses and now it's time to be better about it.  So, I've been slacking a bit in my workouts.  But!  There's hope!  There's a really fun YouTuber who goes by the handle Blogilates.  She uploads really fun workouts.  One of my favorites is the cardio workout she uploaded is the "Gangnam Style" video.  It's so much fun!  I've been trying to do a few of her videos each morning.  I'll do better.  I have to.

I've also decided it's time to give up a few vices of mine.  And, since I'm posting it, I'm accountable to not only myself but everyone who follows this blog (including my mom.  Hi Mom!).  Here's my list:

1. No more soda of any kind.  It's going to be tough.  I'm addicted to caffeine and Mountain Dew, Coke, and Dr. Pepper are among my favorites.  I may not be able to do it totally cold turkey, but I will wean myself off them if that's what it takes.
2. No more fast food.  Not only is it healthier, but it'll also save me money.
3. Cut down on the excuses.  Basically, I need to stop justifying not being healthier.  Time to stop being lazy and take control.  I'm tired of being passive in my own damn life.
4. Procrastination needs to come to an end, especially in light of school.  I at least need to tone it down or I'm totally screwed.

I think that's a good enough list for now.  I'll try and do another blog post at least once every two weeks; once a week if I can manage.  Also going to try and be better about adding photos.

Until next time, here's a link to the Blogilates video I mentioned.  Enjoy! 

From Couch to Croft: Part 2

Not too much to report as of yet, but I decided to update anyway.

So, I will post pictures as soon as I pull them from my phone.  Just pictures of some smoothies I've concocted and let me just say they are most delicious.  They may look funky, but they're awesome.  Oh, and pictures of a hike I went on with my friend Brit.

It's been a bit of a rocky start, but I'm improving.  I've gone from zero exercise (I know, horrible) to a few times a week.  I've been working out with a friend (Brit, you're, as the kids say, AMAZEBALLS) and that makes it a bit more bearable, especially when you're hiking somewhere as beautiful as by the Bridal Veil Falls.  So beautiful.

And, when we're not hiking, we dance.  Well, she dances and I flail like Kermit in a panic.

Anyway, this post is a bit short, but I'm trying to keep my promise of updating regularly in order to keep myself accountable.  I'll edit later tonight and add some pictures.

Until next week!

From Couch to Croft Part 1

I'm addicted to video games.  For those of you who know me outside of this blog, this is not a surprise.  I've been hooked on video games since I was very young.  Funny story, actually.  It was bring your child to work day, so I tagged along to work with my dad.  My dad is a professor, so what's he going to have his young daughter do while he teaches his class?  Play a computer game.

I sat on the chair, legs dangling, and watched as the computer screen came to life, images and sounds pulling me in until the game was the only thing that mattered to me at that time.  My dad could teach and I was thoroughly entertained until it was time to return home.

"Did you have fun with your dad?" My mom asked.

"Yes!" I said, enthusiastic, wanting to share my great time with my mom.  "I played a game!"

"You did?"

"Yes!  I played The Killing Game!"

For some reason, my mom wasn't amused.  I found out a few years later that the game I had lovingly called "The Killing Game" was Doom.  I have been hooked ever since.  My dad will never live this down.

Well, about a week ago, I noticed that Xbox was having a sale on downloadable games.  On a whim, I decided to look through the games they were offering.  A huge grin spread across my face as I found a game I had to get: Tomb Raider: Legends.

I love the Tomb Raider franchise.  What little girl wouldn't look up to Lara Croft?  She was educated, could travel all over the world, and she was a total badass.

So, I'm playing the game and Halloween comes to mind.  I try to plan my costumes ahead of time to make them as epic as possible.  I finished the level and immediately texted a friend of mine, wanting some other opinion than my own and hoping he agreed with me.

Me: Think I would make a good Lara Croft?

Lewis: Classic or reboot?

Me: I'm leaning more towards reboot.  (Side note: Reboot because she wears pants...and I really hate shorts.)

Lewis: I don't see why not.  Cosplay?  Or, like, real life adventuring to Tibet?

Me: I would love to say both, but alas, just Halloween.

Riveting conversation, no?  Anyway, with his bolstering of my spirit, I decided to go for it.

Then, I had that damning bit of total soul-crushing self doubt.  I wouldn't make a good Lara Croft.  There's no way I'd be convincing.  I mean, she's svelte and fit and a super athlete, and I am...not, to put it somewhat nicely.

I was determined and I wouldn't let myself ruin it for me.  So, I devised a plan and even came up with a catchy little moniker for said plan: From Couch to Croft.  I decided to chronicle my journey to Tomb Raider fitness (I doubt I'll turn myself into the athlete she is, but at least I'll be able to run without wanting to die) here.  It'll be a good place to document everything and it'll keep me accountable.

So, this is the first post.  I will be posting once a week, hopefully with pictures (don't worry, they'll probably mostly be of how far I've run or the food I'll make.  Nothing eye-gouging worthy.), as a constant update of my progress.  My goal is to be Tomb Raider worthy by September.

If I'm successful, I get to buy myself new clothes, something I very rarely do.  Just ask my mother.  It frustrates her to no end that I'd rather buy a book than a new shirt.

So, look for a post later this week.  Hope you're all ready to take this journey with me.

Where I've Been

I'm back!  I know, I know.  I promised I would post sooner, but alas, it was a promise I wasn't really able to keep.

This is just a quick post to let y'all know where I've been and why my posts have been severely lacking, if there is anyone even reading this anymore.

I graduated from BYU with my Bachelor's in English!  WOOHOO!!!

AND, I was accepted to graduate school!  YAY!  I'm getting a MLS (Master's in Library and Information Sciences).  It's a two year program and I plan on emphasizing in Children and Young Adult Librarianship.

As you can see, it's been a crazy year, but I love it.

I promise, from now on, I will be posting more regularly, as you will see very soon.  Promise!!

And, because I've been obsessed with this song band recently, clicky the video to listen for yourself.  Love.  I just want him to sing me to sleep each night.  Siiiighhhh.  Oh, the guitars...