‘Tis true and the season I have still not consumed any sugar this week. I’ve lost count of what number of days that is but that’s probably a good thing. That way it’s just a day by day choice that I am going to abstain from that sweet sugary substance that throws all into a tailspin.

But in the vein of sugar, I got one of the best belly laughs this week. A friend/client of mine, who is kind enough to follow our blog, thankfully finds us entertaining on occasion. She shares our (mis)adventures with her husband (who we affectionately call Luigi) and it seems that he’s not quite sure what to make of us. But when Luigi returned from the gym this week after a workout and proclaimed that he needed a “cool-down cookie” we were sure that he’s one of our people. Here’s to the Cool-down Cookie becoming an official phrase, snack and acknowledged need in the world.

Early last week I stumbled upon this exercise on Instagram. Yes, I apparently take exercise tips from random folks on Instagram. So anyway, I shared this with Lowi, Shakira and Speedy. I, as always, got some colorful responses to my suggestion that we try it.

Shakira mentioned something about prison and Lowi said:

“There is nothing about this that makes me want to try these!“

Then I gave it a whirl on Saturday. Let’s just say that it’s pretty difficult after a while. As you can see from my photos and compare it to the link, below, I am not faring as well as the dude in the video.

(L)  Really, where do I begin after hearing about G, the sugarless sumo, squatting her way through the week?  I  would like to get in on that “cool-down cookie” action though!

In fact, after hearing about that genius idea I thought about baking some cookies to put in front of me while I do my squats.  However, my oven is broken, so I will need to rely on Luigi for sending me cookies.  (Luigi, you can private message me on FB for my address!) Seriously, my oven is broken which I think is actually helping me out with what I am referring to as my SRS (sugar restriction strategy). It is not, however, helping me with dinner.

While I am not totally off sugar I am happy to report that I have been able to complete my daily squat schedule without a warm-up or cool-down cookie.  I find joy in the small successes.  My legs are not very happy about all of these new December challenges, but they are doing a little better now that we are half way through the month.

And as far as G and her obnoxious inability to get enough squats so she needs to do additional squat challenges from Instagram let me just say…I like my knees. No, really I like my cartilage and meniscus right where they are thank you so I think I will pass on that “get up” nonsense.  Also, I spoke with Shakira and Speedy and they agreed that you can take your “get up” and go!

I have run 3 miles almost every day.  On the days I haven’t bee able to get it in I have at least walked my dog.  I know, it’s still lacking compared to the sugarless sumo but I am doing my best.  Perhaps if Luigi sends me cookies I will do better.

I do know what will make me run better for sure, NEW SHOES!  Yep, I ordered some the other day for Christmas.  I would normally insert a photo of them here, but they are wrapped and under the tree.

I told my husband, “Hey I just bought running shoes from you to me.”

He said, “oh good, do you want me to get you anything else for Christmas?”

I love when we shop together!