Ryan? Really?

As I relax in my PJs trying to get the kiddos settled down for the night-- hey, this sounds like the night before Christmas poem...

Anyway, I am looking on-line to see what the New Year TV line up will be and I see that Dick Clark will once again be rocking in the New Year! I'm excited to hear this (I'm sure he won't be playing ba donk a donk), even though I liked Regis in '04!

After reading more about this, I see that this will be Dicks last Rocking Year and they are thinking of replacing him with RYAN SEACREST! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I prefer to see a smooth, older, distinguished host preferable in the music business....

MSNBC: The torch hasn't been passed yet, but Seacrest has his hand out. He's been added to the title of Clark's annual New Year's Eve special, making it official that he'll take over as host when Clark steps down.

So what do I watch now? Teli Tequila?

Country Music and Me...

I'm sure you are all aware that I don't care for country music. It's not that I think it's bad, but I prefer other types of music-- I like my 80s and my 70s. I've always said I should have been a teenager in the 70s! (I've heard it was fun). Anyway, my point is this... I was out over the weekend and this country song came on over the speakers of the bar.... Here were the lyrics.... Honky Tonk, Ba Donk a Donk... Is that a compliment? I'm not so sure I would want someone talking about my Ba Donk a Donk? Than he goes on to say Who Wee-- that's an actual lyric in this song-- Who Wee? I'm not ever sure I've even spelled it correctly... THAN it says Slap your grandma-- OK, I've heard enough-- And just than he uses the word britches!!! I mean, britches? Who uses that word? I just don't understand HOW a singer/song writer can walk into the music company with THOSE lyrics and get a record deal.... I think I may have to write my own song!

PS. Kathleen-- I missed you in spin tonight- Sorry I haven't blogged much lately-- there were NO frozen jogs, just for you!

No Body Pump

I'm sorry all, I'm really sick today. Took my NyQuil last night, but still can't get going this morning. Craig will be kicking your butts this morning...

See you Tuesday!

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa, Please send me a little brother.... Santa wrote back:
"Send me your mother..

Merry Christmas!

Winter Wonderland Part 1

I took the girls to Watkins park last night... I only had my cell phone, so the pictures are not that great, but you get the idea. Let me set the tone, the kids had dinner, showers, and they were in their pajamas, slippers, and robes. The van was warm and I had holiday music playing from my XM radio as we enjoyed these sites...

The entrance... It cost $5.00 to go through and it is totally worth it!

Penguin and igloo

Arches that we drive through-- some of the arches had lights flickering across...

Candy Cane lane...

A mushroom and butterfly and a snail off to the left.

Winter Wonderland Part 2

Santa playing basket ball- it was really cool because the lights would have him jump up from the ground!

Of course I had to get a shot of the gingerbread man (person) lifting weights!

The spin bike!

And the beautiful city of lights in the end!

Mr. and Mrs. Gingerbread waving goodbye!

OK-- so now that you have seen the sites and heard how I set the tone, I'm going to give you the real deal... If you remember from part 1, I had the kids ready for bed, holiday music, warm toasty van... You would THINK it was nice, the kids were excited to see the lights pointing out all the cool things, but NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-- it went more like this!

MOM! She won't stop looking on my side

MOM! Tell her that's not a real reindeer

MOM! Tell her to stop singing in my ear

MOM, do we have anything to drink?

MOM! She's aggravating me

MOM! MOM! MOM! MOM!

OK, what was I thinking?!?

Wed Ride-- LOTS OF CLIMBS!

WED ride LOTS OF CLIMBS!!!! (90-mins)

Warm up- Ticket to ride 3:07
Jog- Old time rock and roll 3:15
Climb- Wanted dead or alive 5:10
Jumps- In the Ayer (switch backs?) 3:39
THREE TURNS UP- No satisfaction 3:46 (STAND CLIMB 45, down 1 SEAT CLIMB, down 1 STAND RUN, down 1 SPRINTS)
Climb- Alright now 5:34
Jog- Take it easy 3:31
Sprints- One week 2:47
Climb- Ignition 3:09
Run- I want you to want me 3:44
Frozen jog- Crazy in love 4:08
Climb - Benny and the Jets 5:11
Jog- Low 3:53
Climb- All summer long 4:55
Sprints- Aint going down 4:32
Climb- Rag doll 4:25
Jumps- Your mama don’t dance 2:59
Climb- Take it to the limit 4:46
Jog – Run it 2:53
Run- You’re the one that I want 2:50
Cool down- Turn the page 5:06

So TRUE~

I love these Santa sayings (thank you D)... This one ranks right up there with:

Dear Santa, I can explain

and

Dear Santa, do you think I can get a list of the men on the naughty list?

Anyone else seen some cute ones?

Martha Stewart? NOT!

I'm no Martha Stewart NOR am I Puna (for those of you who read Puna's blog you know that she cooks like a chef-- fresh veggies and all)... Nope, that ain't me.

So when it comes to Holiday cookies, I'm all about the break and bake!

Some of the girls only like chocolate chip cookies, so we made half and half and they each took a turn sprinkling them with green and red sprinkles!

Oops! Too much on that one, brush some off... see my mad baking skills?

And they turned out GREAT! OK, so they're not in the shape of trees or stars or snowmen (snow people). I'm guessing they still taste great!

Yep, the girls give me three thumbs up! I'm Mom of the day!

Let's hope Santa gets some homemade cookies at someone elses house, because this is all I got!

The Sweet, Fun, Cute Letter!

I got this letter from "K" who takes my spin class. Now, "K" didn't hand this to me, it was left at the front desk, so I didn't get to give "K" a proper thank you!

Inside my envelope was $15.00 cash and a cute letter that I put below...

"K" knows me so well... here is what "K" wrote....

Tiffiany,

I know it may not seem like much but look at all the things you can do with $15….

Buy one of those great Margarita’s from La Tolteca.

Salad and bread sticks (yummy) at Olive Garden.

1…. Maybe 2 pieces of Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (alittle piece of heaven)

Another fabulous bandana… can never had too many.

Lot’s of Hostess Cupcakes…Chocolate and Golden (I prefer golden!)

Download some new tunes for class. (I want to hear George Thorogood… One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer).

Buy your daughter a scarf or something… you know she loves to layer!

Or a few Corona Lites… always a safe bet!


Thanks for all you do. You make me want to come to the gym which is not my favorite place. You’re good at what you do… keep it up. Have a happy and safe 2009!

"K"-- you shall have your song on our next ride.... I can't wait!

spin idiots!

My T/TH class strikes again! Here are T and C getting ready for the 4pm spin class and they have on matching shirts.

Yep, I"m with the spin idiot (arrow)

I'm with the spin idiot! (arrow)

Yes, you can purchase these shirts-- email me and I'll tell you where to get them: Tiff@thespinchick.com

Now, I know you are wondering HOW you would know if you were a spin idiot-- well here's a list of ideas:

If you listen to music on the radio and you think "this would make a good spin song"

If someone in your office says the word "switch" and you stand up.

If you run down the alter at your wedding and you say "I'm sorry honey, but my spin class ran over".

If the story of you giving birth begins with "well, there was this spin class".

If you schedule work around spin classes

I'm sure you will think of more and I would love to hear them!

I knew it!

I received these cakes at the gym this morning... Yes, at the gym. One of my members gave them to me.. I just know that was caught on the surveillance cameras and I'm going to be on YouTube later... Hey-- it's job security-- eat the cupcakes come to my class!

I knew they came in chocolate, as I posted earlier they don't JUST come in golden-- I love the chocolate on chocolate... goes much better with RED wine!

And my father-- who said hostess NEVER made these in chocolate-- was the FIRST one to have his hand in the box!

Thank you so much! I love 'em!

Thank you R

I received this wonderful gift from "R" that attends my spinning classes.

Inside was a card, a blockbuster gift card, and a bag of microwave popcorn... How wonderfully thoughtful...

"R" knows me so well that the card has a picture of a young kid sitting on Santa's lap and the caption reads "define good". Ha Ha Ha, I love it! Thank you so much "R"-- I'm looking forward to many more spin classes to kick your butt!

Rainy Day at the Doctors

This is how my morning started. A dry, yucky cough, wheezing, whiny child not wanting to open her eyes. Now, she's 4-- she still loves school at this age. She's usually up and getting ready when I want to sleep just alittle longer. This morning she didn't want to get up, she said her throat hurt and she didn't want to go to school..... Hello doctor? I was able to get her in at 1015. Her doctor is in Prince Frederick and after circling the parking lot in the rain about 18 times, I assume so is everyone elses doctor in all of Calvert.

Here she is with the blue gloves on waiting for her throat culture... As I snapped this picture I was listening to the children in the next room sneezing and coughing and blowing their noses-- I started to think I should be wearing gloves too.

Here she is getting a throat culture to check for strep... Her stick is GRAPE flavored... I never had that when I was a kid... we had wood flavored sticks, right?

Well, after waiting around for an hour, her strep culture came back negative and she just has a yucky virus, so we decided to go to Panara for some nice hot soup....

Sure, I'll go!

I took a drive up to Dover New Jersey today. It's about a stones throw from New York City. It's a nice little town along the coast.

I went because I thought I would see several inches of snow along the way and I was looking forward to the sites.

Well, as you can see by my picture there was NO SNOW-- not one drop-- not even enough to make a tiny snow person! I did get a shot of this billboard on the NJ turnpike-- I thought you might enjoy this...

Yes, I had to pull off in order to get this shot-- see how I risk my life for you guys?!? New York and New Jersey drivers are CRAZY!

And the one good thing about traveling north is there is a rest area every 10-20 miles on the turnpike and they all sell CINNABONS! Yes, I know that it is located right next to a TCBY, but I mean really.... It's worth a few extra spin classes next week!

Yes, I ate the entire thing... it took me 3 hours, but I did it!

For Danny

My Friend Danny asked me to post this information for you:

Dear everyone,

I am joining with photographers worldwide in the “Giving is Awesome” call to action to help make a difference for one deserving individual or family this holiday season.

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography --$500 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in the southern Maryland area (Calvert, Charles or St. Mary's counties). Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : danny@studiodouglas.com
The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve (or shortly after that) -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

Please feel free to forward this e-mail to your family and friends.
Love wins,
Danny
+++++++++++++++

Fruits and Vegetables

Ah, Body Pump is done... burned 600 calories, time to put them all back! Olive Garden for lunch with Tara.
...Fruits and vegetables... although we both fought over the croutons!

So remember kids-- eat LOTS of Fruit and Vegetables and have a great weekend.

The Car pool Mom

To my 4pm classes! I must apologize for not being there the last two days as your fearless leader. The carpool mom that usually picks up my middle child has been sick. Now, normally my mom or dad or someone can pick her up in a pinch, but not the last two days-- it had to be me. So, here I am at the rainy bus stop.

Here is the bus, kids running wild. Yep, that ones mine.
Here is the clock, so you know there was no way for me to make it to a 4pm class.

It was POURING on my way home, I could hardly see the road....

The entire time I was thinking about how much I've let you guys down by not being there screaming... go go go! bump it up! don't stop yet!

I'm looking forward to attending ALL my classes next week! See you then.

Golden Cakes?!?

I have a complaint to make... didn't these used to come in chocolate? Who eats hostess cupcakes with "GOLDEN" cake? I like my chocolate cake with chocolate icing and the sugary filling. I looked all over the grocery store for the chocolate cake ones and my dad says they NEVER made these in chocolate.... Is that true? Besides, "golden" cakes don't go well with red wine... someone help!
Is there still a Hostess shop in Waldorf?

Is this helpful?

If I were to set up our World Gym Schedule like this, would it be useful to you?



Fat or Weight Loss goals: 2-3 red classes and 1-2 blue classes per week.
Strength training/toning goals: 1-2 red classes and 2-3 blue classes per week.
Maintenance or beginning to exercise: 1-2 red classes and 1 blue class per week.
**NOTE: Green and black classes can be substituted for any color class. ALL SPIN CLASSES ARE RED CLASSES.

Tuesdays Schedule:
5:30am- LM Body Pump- Craig
7:00am- Yoga- Puna
9:00am- Boot Camp - Tiff
10:00am- Yoga- Cecilia
4:30- 20/20/20- Lisa K
5:30pm – LM Body Pump- Jan
6:30pm – Yoga- Beth
7:30- Zumba- Kendra

Wednesday's schedule
9:00am- LM Body Pump- Niki
10:15am- Yogalaties- Ceclia
4:00pm-LM Body Pump- Tiff
5:30pm- Yoga- Peg
6:30pm- Cardio Pump- Rhiannon

Thursday's schedule
5:30am- LM Body Pump- Craig
7:00am- Yoga- Puna
9:00am- Upper Cut /Rock bottom- Linda
10:00am- Yoga- Beth
4:30- Kick Box- Kristen
5:30pm- LM Body Pump- Niki
6:30pm- Yoga – Beth
7:30- Zumba- Kendra

You get the idea.... feedback?

The Snow...

It snowed JUST enough while we were decorating the tree that the girls were able to go outside and make a snow man. To put the size into perspective, his hat is the top from a soda bottle-- YES, it was diet!

It's Tree Triming-- Spin Chick Style

NO, it's not decorated with empty corona bottles!

It's CANDY! Sugar coated Gummies!
Gum Drops and M&M's!


Hershey Chocolate Bars!

Wrapped Hard Candy!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice (just like the spin chick)

Real Candy Canes, ceramic cakes, pies, and cookies, pretty red and white striped bows.

Chocolate covered strawberries!

And the tree is finished-- EXCEPT-- I have no topper for the tree, they just don't make a giant Hershey's kiss, or candy cane....

Anyone have suggestions for the top of our Christmas tree?