The latest in my offline life

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

My apologies for the mini sabbatical I took from the blog. I'm back and ready to rock 'n' roll, though, so I hope you're ready :-)

Phew, I feel like a lot has happened since I last posted. I probably feel that way because frankly, a lot HAS happened. For example:

-I "debuted" the blog to friends, family, and their extended networks. It was a hard decision to make because despite how therapeutic the blog has been for me, I had so many deep-seated insecurities about how I thought the blog would be perceived. I let these anxieties, fears, assumptions, and presumptions get in the way of me sharing what I love with the people that I love, and I finally said: stop it. I knew that the time would never be "just right," so I said "here goes" and let 'er rip. And you know what?! The response has been overwhelming...in an unbelievably GOOD way :-) I've gotten some great and unexpected feedback which only served to remind me that so much of the negativity that keeps us from following our dreams is self-created. I owe you readers a great deal for helping me realize that, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.

-I turned 28! And there ain't no shame in my game! I'm embracing it. 27 was SUCH a good year, that it only stands to reason that 28 will be even better, right?! Here are a few pics from my day and night out with friends, which was so special. I love you all!

Sampling Italian pastries like it's my JOB!

 

With Liz and Jenny at Gabriela's for post-dinner drinks

Red velvet birthday cupcake with cream cheese frosting,

courtesy of my best friend, Keveney!

 

-Despite an off-track birthday weekend, I have been sticking to my low-carb, high protein/fat diet and weightlifting like a fiend to reach my January 1st goal. I'm building progressions into my training, and I'm slowly seeing some gains in strength which is motivating. I've noticed weight coming off in places where I'd prefer that it stayed (i.e. chest and bum), but I see more definition in my arms and upper back. I guess that's a good trade off, right? One lift that I've incorporated and believe has made a world of difference is the deadlift. I am ashamed to admit that until recently, I was ignorant to the ways by which this move, if properly executed, can sculpt a so-so derriere to one of "Baby got back" proportions. My fave, Neghar Fonooni, from Eat, Lift and Be Happy, sings the praises of this versatile lift in this hilarious post, and writes "[...] in terms of pure poster chain overload, nothing that trump the deadlift. We are talking about an exercise that engages your entire posterior chain-from-top-to-bottom-and, in some variations, even does a number on your quads as well." Love it.

 

Simply put, lots has been happening to keep life busy offline. However, I have no intention of abandoning you (especially now that I have plenty of new readers!) and to prove it, I've got some great stuff planned for the next few posts!

 

Keep up that health-usiasm!

Hilary

P.S. All photos are courtesy of the lovely, inimitable Jenny Randles. She's the best!