If Jon can, so can I.

Fitness Test - 2

Last January I participated in my first ever fitness test. Last night I got to see how far I've come in the last few months. Some of the results were better because I am stronger - no doubt about it. Some were the same because I am a lazy ass and don't always do everything in my own workouts. And some were worse because, as you know, I am a lazy ass and don't always do everything in my own workouts. I also think that the time of day played a factor. When we did the test in January it was on a Saturday morning. I'd had a good night's sleep, was refreshed and full of energy. Last night was mid-week, at the end of the day, and also took place after an hour of paddling. (But those are probably more like excuses, the real reason is just that I'm a lazy ass.)

Here's how I did:

The maximum weight I can bench press is 85lbs. (15lbs. more!)
The maximum reps I can bench press in 90 seconds (using 45lbs) is 60 (possibly double what I did in January!)
The maximum reps I can bench row in 90 seconds (using 45lbs) is 77 (12 more!)
I can do a back extension for 4 minutes, 8 seconds (35 seconds less than in January)
I can do 40 sit ups in 90 seconds (exactly the same)
I can do 1 push-up in 90 seconds (I think I must've miscounted by 4 in January)
I can do zero chin-ups in 90 seconds (the same - but just so you know, a couple of the guys could only do 2 or 3, so that makes me feel a lot better)

This is hard

Visited two condos tonight. Both have a lot of potential.

One I liked more than the other but it's not exactly right. The bedroom may not have enough room for even the minimal furniture I have and the dining area wouldn't allow room for my china cabinet or buffet. It is completely ready to move in. Fantastic kitchen, beautiful floors, bright (3rd floor), front and back balcony, office space.

The second place is closer to my ideal budget but it's dark (ground floor), would have to be repainted completely and the living room is minuscule. Kitchen is a good size, bathroom too - but both are slightly dated. Bedroom would fit my furniture and office space is good too. Free parking out the back, nice floors, gas fireplace.

Both are close to the metro, bus and shopping.

I've also prepared a list of 4 other properties on Ridgewood that I should probably have a look at. Gosh - who has time to work? I'm trying to find a place to live!

Potential

Went to an open house on Ridgewood this afternoon. Found a lovely place, within my price range, closed bedroom, balcony, incredible view. Kitchen isn't fab and there's no washing machine but these are things that could be worked into the place.

Big decisions coming up.

Action on my place - somebody's coming to visit tomorrow morning ...

Faster than a speeding bullet

Or at least faster than the time it takes me to pull out my toolbox and open it to find the right screwdriver.

By that point Marc has already added a washer to my doorknob and screwed it in by hand, as tight as it can go.

Thank you, Marc. Now I can open and close the cupboard door without all that wiggling.

Lost Sunglasses

Lost my sunglasses in the basin last night. Not too sure why I had them with me in the boat in the first place but there you go. Had to bike home through the first bugs of the year and hope nothing flew into my eyes. The bright side - a trip to MEC is in order!

More Goodness

Made an apple crisp for our family Mother's Day celebration. Was that ever good. It's all I've been thinking of since. I may have to buy some more apples and make another apple crisp - just for me!

Happy 3rd Anniversary to Me!

Holy crap - it's the 3rd anniversary of my blog today.

As it turns out, it's also Mother's Day. So Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and my friends who are moms.

Chocolaty Goodness

Turns out I make a fine chocolate cheesecake. What was I so worried about?

Same Ol' Same Ol'

Remember how last summer I complained that it seemed to rain every Wednesday night when I had dragon boat practice? Looks like I'll be doing the same again this year. Last night was our first time on the water for the season and guess what? It rained!

100 Things To Do Before I Go - Part IV

Sorry I didn't get the chance to post these last ones yesterday. With no further ado ...

Numbers 76 - 100:

76. Teach someone to read
77. Hike through the Grand Canyon
78. Accept myself for who I am
79. Go whale watching
80. Win a trip
81. Learn to drive stick shift
82. Be the first to borrow a book from the library
83. See a Broadway play
84. Ride the Orient Express
85. Buy something at auction
86. Photograph tulips in Holland
87. Take more pictures
88. Go to the Ottawa Tulip Festival
89. Do 2 pull-ups
90. Buy a lottery ticket
91. Drink champagne in Champagne
92. Attend a Habs play-offs game
93. Live in a eco-friendly home
94. Go on a helicopter ride
95. Walk around Red Square
96. Buy myself a diamond
97. Go gliding
98. Ride in a hot air balloon
99. Tango in Argentina
100. Have mehndi (henna) applied to hands