Hello, hello!
Yesterday morning started my favorite way””with fresh, green juice! In the mix: spinach, kale, apple, lemon, celery, cucumber, and ginger.
Breakfast
I hung out and drank my juice with Mal while he ate breakfast and got ready for school. A little while later, I started to get hungry, so I made myself some breakfast, which was toast with peanut butter and banana. Love this breakfast always and forever. It never gets old.
Once I ate breakfast, I showered and got ready to meet my mom, so we could go shopping for my sister’s baby shower, which is planned for the end of this month.
On the drive, I stopped by Marylou’s for an iced coffee. I went with decaf White Chocolate Chip with milk and one sugar, which is the perfect amount of sweetness and creaminess in my opinion. It sort of tastes like Kahlua!
Traffic was an absolute nightmare on Route 93””worse than usual. At one point, an electronic sign on the side of the road said: “3 miles, 22 minutes.” Um, yea. I could run just as fast. Needless to say, it was a frustrating drive north (and I had to pee so bad after drinking a medium iced coffee), but I eventually made it”¦ an hour and a half later.
Our first stop: iParty!
At iParty, my mom and I bought all sorts of decorations and paper products for my sister’s shower. We also hit up Michael’s and Target for more goodies.
I can’t show you guys what we bought because my sister reads my blog, but I can tell you we bought lots of cute, blue, boy stuff. I am so excited for my sister’s shower!
While we were out shopping, I also bought some party supplies for a ladies night event that I am hosting with Smirnoff at my CrossFit box next week. We’re going to workout and then try the new Smirnoff Sorbet Light flavors!
Lunch
After shopping for a few hours, my mom and I were both starving (shopping works up quite the appetite!), so we headed to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch.
The Cheesecake Factory has the biggest menu, and I could not decide what I wanted to eat, so I ordered a couple of appetizers: beets with goat cheese.
And chicken and mushrooms lettuce wraps.
The chicken and mushrooms were served in a delicious garlic-ginger sauce. It was so good, I told my mom I wished I had ordered two orders instead of the beet salad, which was just okay. Chicken and mushrooms in garlic-ginger sauce = holy yum.
After lunch, I said goodbye to my mom and then hit the road. Thankfully, I beat the rush hour traffic at the end of the day and got home in no time.
Before heading home, I stopped to do a couple of errands, which included picking up the “stuff” I need to drink in preparation for my colonoscopy tomorrow. I’ve heard horror stories about it (i.e. how awful it tastes), but I wasn’t expecting how much of it I have to drink.
I literally said “Oh my God” out loud when I took the container of the bag. I was not expecting to see such a huge container. It’s 4 liters! Yikes. Oh, boy, today is going to be “fun.” Haha!
When I was out running errands, I also stopped at Kinkos to print some study materials”¦
Yep, that’s right. I finally decided to get my CrossFit Level 1 Certification! You guys knew it was coming at some point, right?
I’ve actually been thinking about registering for awhile now, but I just never got my act together. But, then, about a month ago, one of my CrossFit friends encouraged me to sign up for an upcoming Level 1 class with her. I thought it’d be fun to have a friend to do the course with, so I went online to check it out, only to discover the course was full. Bummer. So I put myself on the waitlist and hoped maybe I’d get in. A couple of weeks passed, and I still didn’t hear anything about the waitlist, so I checked the CrossFit Level 1 Certification website again to see if any additional classes were added for the spring or summer. To my surprise, there was a new, OPEN course nearby! Hooray! I immediately signed up.
So, what am I going to do with this certification?
Well, I’d like to do some coaching. I love CrossFit so much, I want to share my passion for it even more by teaching and motivating others in person. But, as you probably remember, I’m terrible at (and terrified of) public speaking/being the center of attention, so I talked with one of the owners at my box about doing some assistant coaching and private sessions (I’m a lot better with people one-on-one) with the possibility of taking on some classes of my own down the road. She loved the idea and encouraged me to register for the certification course.
In addition to some coaching, I’ll use what I learn at the Level 1 course to better respond to your questions on CNC. I do what can now, drawing from my own personal experience, but I definitely don’t have all of the answers, so, with this new knowledge, I hope to be able to better reply to your CrossFit questions. And, finally, the course will also help me become a better CrossFit athlete, so it’s definitely a great professional and personal development move for me. I am really excited about it!
Dinner
A few hours later, I cooked dinner for Mal and me, which was shrimp stir fry with rice.
Here’s a cute photo of Murphy just because”¦
Dinner was mostly from the freezer, so it came together in a matter of minutes. Ok, the rice took a little while to cook, but it was a super easy meal.
After dinner, I did a little baking. Recipe coming soon! IT’S A GOOD ONE!!!!!
Questions of the Day
What’s your favorite thing about baby showers?
Do you like The Cheesecake Factory? What do you order when you go there?
What do you want to know about CrossFit?
P.S. Check out my spring bucket list over on My Way Home!
111 Comments
I can’t wait to see your cute shower decorations! A little birdy (my sister’s boyfriend) my have told me an engagement is pending and I am SO excited to start planning a shower. 🙂
I hope your prep went as well as it can go!
So happy for you! You will be a great Cross Fit instructor 🙂
I love Cheesecake Factory! I haven’t been in such a long time. The last time I went I indulged in the Red Velvet Cheesecake, yum.
Cookies look interesting – can’t wait to see the recipe!
That is very exciting news!! How long is the certification course? You go girl!!
I hope today isn’t too awful. Just think, tomorrow you can treat yourself to Mary Lou’s and all your favorite things 🙂
Can’t wait for the (almond flour?) cookie recipe!
It’s two full days! 🙂
I love crossfit but have only been doing it for about 3 months, 2 months at my new box and I have learned sooo much. I would love to be certified one day to help train, maybe one on one like you said. I LOVE IT! Congrats by the way.
I recently got my CrossFit certification and have started assistant coaching with our elements program (the beginner class) and running a free beginner class on the weekends. The certification course is SO much fun and you’ll learn a ton. You are going to love it! It helps to study before, but you’ll totally pass the test if you pay attention and take good notes.
Not related to this post…except the Marylou’s…but I’m moving to the Boston area this fall, and CANNOT wait to find a Marylou’s!!! Just wanted to share my happiness 🙂
Oh man…I feel for you. That crap you have to drink so you can crap it all out is AWFUL!!! I remember saying to my parents when I drank it when I was 19, “this is what poison tastes like.” Ha! Dramatic much?
I’d like to know when you should push through fatigue, soreness and when to rest. I get so paranoid about getting injuries but wonder if it limits my fitness progress.
Oh, man, poison, huh? Haha!
Congrats on registering! I hope that you love it.
SO exciting! I think once you get into the teaching aspect and one on one you will be great as an instructor! Just takes time 🙂
I can’t wait to see what you do with the baby shower- my best friend’s is next month, so maybe I will steal some ideas! 😉
Good luck with the colonoscopy. I had one last summer. The actual procedure is easy and totally fine, it is the prep that’s crappy {literally}. The mix is pretty awful. My advice would be to put it in the fridge so it gets really cold and to drink it through a big straw. I put the straw all the way in the back of my tongue and held my nose as I drank it. I just focused on drinking down to the line and then would chug some ginger ale after to try and get the taste out of my mouth. It is weird- I felt like it was really salty! Using the straw and ginger ale definitely helped. It was gross, but bearable. And, stay close to the bathroom, haha. Good luck, girl!
@Heidi: I agree I have crohn’s and have had 9 preps in 5 years, next one next month. drinking from a straw and holding your nose is the best way to get it down. Good Luck!
Thanks for the straw tip!
I think it’s awesome you are getting your Crossfit certification! I really want to give it a try, but right now I don’t live in city with a Crossfit gym. 🙁 Maybe one day!
Looks like such a great day! It’s making me miss planning my sisters bridal shower and everything, it was so much fun to do all the shopping! And eek, good luck with that container of whatever that stuff is..seriously a huge amount of liquid! I’ll be thinking of you today! haha
wow, those chicken and mushroom lettuce wraps look unbelievably good at CCF. Holy Yum is right! Congrats on “future” aunt to be… it’s awesome being an aunt.
That is SO exciting! Congrats! I too love furthering my education in areas I love & am passionate about, so I am sure you’ll love the experience 🙂
I really love the Cheesecake factory because there are SO many options. So depending on my mood, they’ve always got something! Except I hate cheesecake, so it’s kinda weird I like going to a place that’s known for its cheesecake. hah! I LOVE their sweet potato fries by the way.
Congratulations and good luck on your certification, Tina!
My box actually offers crossfit endurance courses… I feel like you would be an excellent trainer for these classes (not sure if it’s at your box yet or not). They work on running form, speed, and endurance. Great program! Here’s their site http://crossfit-springfield.com/endurance/
I would love to do an endurance course!
Congratulations and good luck, with the certification and with the colonoscopy…
I just love your dog!
I haven’t been to a baby shower or Cheesecake factory in a long time, but seeing all the cute clothes is fun. And I love CF vanilla bean cheesecake! Congrats on registering for the course! How long would you suggest actually doing Crossfit on a regular basis before considering/registering for certification?
Cheesecake Factory is my all time favorite restaurant- easily eat there a few times a month. I ONLY order one thing, it is my favorite – BBQ ranch chicken salad (no chicken). AMAZING…and of course, I order dessert- factory mud pie.
ohh yay for getting your certification!! I love the cheesecake factory! The salads are delicious and I always save room for cheesecake 🙂
ohh yay for getting your certification!! I love the cheesecake factory! The salads are delicious and I always save room for cheesecake 🙂
Holy goodness that is a lot of “prep” to drink :O I think its awesome that you’re getting a crossfit certification! I can’t think of anyone better to take on that challenge!
I love being able to celebrate with the expectant mom, especially when its family. Watching the gift opening is always fun, and the food? ALWAYS great. And I’ve never been to The Cheesecake Factory! Should do that the next time in the cities.
I recently injured my foot (a stress reaction), so I had to step away from my box for about a month to let it heal. But I do want to know how to add it in to a workout routine! Like how many days a week, or when to know how to take breaks.
The only thing I know about the Cheesecake Factory is that it’s part of The Big Bang Theory 🙂
I love seeing all the gifts and I must admit that I like the corny games. Best baby shower gift ever right here I promise. http://rxfitnesslady.com/diy-baby-pharmacy-a-medication-storage-tip/ Even if she reading this, she will still love it. It’s the only thing I give now and they are fun to make. I love the Cheesecake factory, but I never order the Cheesecake, mostly get the pizza 🙂
Best of luck on the L1! As long as you do the reading and pay attention during the seminar lectures, you’ll be fine. I just took the class a few weeks ago and, thankfully, passed!
It was an absolute blast on top of learning some really great things. If you’re doing it in MA, more than likely Austin Malleolo will be one of your instructors and he was fantastic. We got lucky and had Chris Spealler there too! 🙂
Mal had Spealler at his cert and said he was great! I’m so curious/excited to see who I’ll get for instructors!
How much studying did you do beforehand?
@Tina: I took that same course! and I studied maybe a week an a half.. This post reminded me you’re also a NASM certified personal trainer, aren’t you?! but I never read about anything PT related…you could become like a cross fit personal trainer 🙂
@Tina: Honestly, I didn’t do much beyond reading through the packet they sent out and following some of the links they provided in the reading. They do a great job at going over everything you’ll need to know during the lecture, so just pay attention & take notes and you’ll be fine…especially since you’ve been Crossfitting awhile now! 🙂
And on the test itself – they do phrase things a bit awkwardly at times so just be sure to read carefully!
Good to know! Thank you!! 🙂
I love iced coffee – it’s almost warm enough for it, almost! (though I bet it’s actually colder up in Boston). Congrats on going for your certification!
Good luck with the studying! I definitely think we all saw it coming but that doesn’t make it any less exciting! 🙂
Haha! Thanks!
I’ve the orange chicken (sooooo not healthy) at Cheesecake Factory 🙂
@Elisabeth:
I love, not I’ve! Ha!
You didn’t do MoviePrep, did you? My roommate is a pharmaceutical sales rep for Salix and sells MoviePrep, which is supposed to be better than other methods, and better for your body since it has electrolytes in it. You should ask your doctor about it if you ever have to do it again!
congrats on your exciting cross fit news. You’ll be great! And, sharing your passion with others is the best feeling in the world!
I’ll definitely ask him about MoviePrep for the next time. Thanks for the tip!
Oh my gosh Tina congratulations!
You seem to be so passionate about cross fit which is why, even though I don’t cross fit I still enjoy your posts. Anyone who has that sort of enthusiasm is inspiring to me!
Aww, thank you! 🙂
Just a tip, I was told that you don’t need to keep drinking the flush you out stuff once everything starts coming out clear. I guess it’s really hard to actually drink the whole thing and ok if you don’t.
Thanks for the tip!
i’m so excited for you! i have to admit, i did expect this at some point. it’s such a natural next step for you.
i do have a crossfit question. i work out regularly with a few trainers who are crossfit certified, though it is not a crossfit box. by doing this, i’ve become familiar with most of the exercises, and i know i love it! i never joined a box because there weren’t any near me. in the last 6 months or so, i injured my shoulder. the doc says there is no tear, just inflammation, so i’m on rest. well guess what, NOW a box opened and i’m so anxious to join. do you think i can or should do this with my shoulder like it is? the things i can do but i know i shouldn’t do – strict pushups, overhead presses of any sort, bench press. i know you aren’t a doctor, but i’m interested in your opinion. the great thing about my trainer is that he tailors my workouts for ME, so i’ve been a very good girl the entire time (since december). but… i’m not out of the woods yet. thanks tina!
Are you still thinking about doing the NASM certification?
The nutrition one? Maybe after the CrossFit Level 1?
I love hitting up the cheesecake factory as a treat place with some girlfriends and we all pick a slice to split.
Congrats on deciding to do your CF certification! I hope you blog about the whole process! I’m always interested in how different fitness certifications are.
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com
I worked in a pharmacy and everyone always had the most horrified looks when they saw what they were going to have to drink before their colonoscopy. I can’t wait to see all the fun goodies you got for your sisters baby shower!
I get the summer rolls at CCF. Shrimp, veggies, rice noodles, basil wrapped in rice paper. Comes with peanut dipping sauce. It’s GF too. Congrats on going for your CrossFit Certification. You will kill it.
My life plan for you – move up to Portland, Maine and start a cross fit gym w/ your hubby
Love Cheesecake Factory!!! I love there french country salad. With a side of the hummus flat bread, it’s the perfect light meal! Of course, some cheesecake is always welcome.
I love all the cheesy shower games that most people hate! 🙂 Congrats on taking the class!! I think it will for sure be something you love, we all know it’s something you’re passionate about…so go for it!! 🙂
Cheesecake Factory is one of those hit or miss places. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes not so much. I’ve eaten there but not in a long time. That’s so great for you taking the CrossFit certification! Might as well teach what you love. I don’t get Cross Fit at all, but at least you’ve exposed me to some of the terminology and now I understand what people are doing with giant tires, etc…at a workout place near where I work-lol! As far as your prep goes, it wasn’t so much the taste as it was the pure volume of liquid. I drink a LOT of water throughout the day, but I barely got that jug down. You just have to power through it. The procedure itself was no big deal because you are out of it and I wasn’t uncomfortable or sore afterwards 🙂
I know almost nothing about Crossfit except that if I tried it, I would probably cry for two days and two nights afterwards…then want to go back again. I heard it’s addicting. I would love to join the Crossfit community, but I don’t think I’m strong enough to make it through even one workout! Eeep!
Every workout at CrossFit is scaleable, so pretty much EVERYONE can do it! 🙂
Best of luck with drinking that stuff. Just think about the reward (MaryLous? a cookie or five?) waiting at the end of it all. 🙂
And congrats on the CrossFit training! That will be so much fun.
Congratulations! What an exciting decision 🙂
I just wanna give you kudos for your reusable bags! I’m a huge environmentalist and it always makes my heart smile when I see people using reusable bags over plastic ones! My favorite thing about baby showers is the food…but that’s my favorite thing about any party! I haven’t been to the cheesecake factory in YEARS..so I guess my answer would just have to be cheesecake. I don’t know what else is on the menu! Good luck with your certification! You’re gonna rock it!
I’m a big proponent of reusable bags! It makes my heart hurt when I see a shopping cart full of plastic ones.
I LOVE the salads at the Cheesecake factory. They are so massive! The dark brown bread they serve in the beginning with the honey butter is delish as well. Only thing I dislike about that place is that there is always an hour+ wait, no matter what time of day I go
I used to work at a Cheesecake Factory in Arlington VA….all the cheesecake is my fave!
Can I do Cross Fit with out a current fitness background. I used to be an athlete, but am out of shape and have lost my running base. Would this be OK? Or do you recommend getting in shape before joining a cross fit class?
Pretty much anyone can do CrossFit since all of the workouts are scaleable. You don’t need to get stronger/in shape before trying a class! 🙂
Good luck with the crossfit training!!!