Attend an NFL Football Game...Check!

14. Attend an NFL football game

It's been awhile since I checked off one of the items on my "Life List" over there on the right hand side of this blog.  But last Thursday night, I finally attended an NFL football game!  Some friends of mine have season tickets to the Baltimore Ravens.  They were out of town for Thursday night's game...so I got their tickets!  The seats were great...upper deck of the stadium, on the 50 yard line.  We could see the plays forming, but didn't feel too far away from the field.

I was amazed at how different a professional game feels from a college game.  And I've been to some serious college games (Williams-Brice Stadium anyone?  Death Valley, you say?).  But the fans at pro games are INTENSE!  Everyone was totally into the game...very little socializing going on at all.  Also, the players are soo much more athletic than college players.  The time outs are also a lot "slicker".  Meaning the videos were put together well; and the fan chants were a bit more polished.

I really enjoyed it!  Here are few pictures to document this milestone in my life!

The Ravens even have a Marching Band!

Player introductions

View of the stadium from our seats

Happy Page who could use some Make-up!

Making Progress

5. Workout everyday for a month

This was my goal for the month of September.

Frankly, this is one I didn't think I would ever complete!  Some weeks I find it difficult enough to get 3 runs in...much less some form of exercise every day.  But, moving into my new office and having a free gym less than 100 steps from my desk made all the difference.

My main rule was that the "exercise" had to be at least 30 minutes of some form of cardio.  In order to not kill my body (and mind), I deemed that walking could count.   I ran at least 3 times a week, got on the elliptical about 2 times per week, and walked the rest of the time.  I tried to save walking for days that I was at my house and didn't have access to the office gym.  The toughest day was the day I walked 30 minutes in the pouring rain.  For some reason, it's easier for me to run in the rain than walk.  Maybe because I feel more hardcore.

I'd love to say that after exercising every day for a month I've lost weight.  Sadly, that is not the case.  I'm about the same as I was at the beginning of September.  However, I seem to have leveled out the steady gain I had been working on since this time last year.  And, I have noticed other benefits to my efforts.  I feel fitter, I'm sleeping better, I also feel more disciplined and happier with my body (even thought I didn't lose any weight).  And, duh...my blood pressure and resting heart rate have dropped.

I have to say, some days it was really hard to go exercise, and it was only not breaking my streak that got me out there.  So, while one of my goals was to create a habit of exercising every day, I think I need the freedom to occasionally say, "You know what, I just can't do it today".  And that is ok.  However, I'd like to maintain a habit of exercising 5 days week.  Mon-Thurs at the office, and Saturday (or Sunday) long runs.  J and I have bought a treadmill for our house, so that should help as well.  My goal is to run my normal 3 days a week, and cross train the other 2.  I think I also want to start back up with some weight training 3 of the 5 days.

So while I won't be as regimented as I was in September, I want to still reap the benefits of creating this habit!

Another Item Crossed Off the "Life" List...

43. Make a Great Latte

When I envisioned crossing off #43, I thought I would have to buy a good quality espresso machine and learn how to steam/froth milk.

NOT. SO.

My new office has many amenities...an awesome gym, unlimited candy, many "hip" places to sit, read, and work...but my favorite by far is the espresso machine.  When I heard that there would be an auto-espresso machine in the Coffee Shop of our new office, I imagined it would be one of those gas station "cappucino" machines that puts out a sickly sweet mix of milk, coffee flavoring, and sugar...calling itself "French Vanilla Cappucino".  Yuck.

NOT. SO.

The machine (from which we can get unlimited drinks FOR FREE) is La Cimbali Q10.  One of the better auto-espresso machines out there.  The price tag is on up there for this gem, but well worth it (especially when I didn't buy it!).  And it makes a fabulous latte.  Much better than Starbucks...and some other coffee chains.  The espresso is smooth, the milk perfectly foamy...yum.

So, while all I do is press a button.  I'm still "making" the latte.  And as long as I'm at my current job with this machine in my life...I don't think I'll be trying to make my own latte by hand any time soon.  So, I'm counting it.