A Small Confession

 Posted by on March 23, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Mar 232012
 

*ahem* There will be no FO Friday post today, unfortunately. You see, since I got home I’ve spend a LOT of hours playing Mass Effect 3. And the galaxy is still nowhere near ready to fight the Reapers. Which means, I’ve been doing the bare minimum of chores and zero crafting. Also, my sewing machine is busted, again.

Hopefully, I’ll finish the game this weekend but I really do need to buckle down and finish my Featherweight cardigan while it’s still spring and chilly enough to wear.

My name is Vanessa, and I’m an RPG-aholic.

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Work Out Review: UFC Personal Trainer

 Posted by on January 30, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Jan 302012
 

I’ve been neglecting the “martial arts” part of the site in favor for the arts and crafts. There’s more to blog about with knitting (and better photos!) but I have been doing my best to keep my ninja¹ skills sharp. For Christmas, the Sargent gave me UFC Personal Trainer for the XboX. (Note: This was in my stocking along with a pound of chocolates. I told him that it was quite the mixed message he was sending. His thought was that I could use the chocolates as a reward.)

I started on one of their built in 30 day programs and I just finished one of them. There are three types of programs: weight loss, endurance and strength. I finished their 30 day cut weight program and while the scale hasn’t budged (which is fine) my speed and endurance has gone through the roof. The work outs were mostly cardio based like jumping jacks, cardio kickboxing, and a ton of crunches.

Last week I started on the 30 day endurance challenge and it has been more intense than the cardio program. I like that the system knows that I’ve been working out now so the work outs are a little harder and a little longer. This program has me lifting weights more often and doing things like tire flips, squat and holds, and lunges.

Some pros. I like that the routines vary day by day, they did a good job of mixing things up. That’s something that leaves me really bored with work out DVDs. What has kept me motivated is seeing the different achievements I’ve earned. It’s so silly but I’m really proud of the fact that I’ve worked out in game for 5 hours. I also really enjoy unlocking the quick mini games.

The cons I have with the game are because I’m working out using the Kinect and not a person. While it does do a good job of monitoring my form, especially when lifting weights, it won’t adjust the work out if you fee like your shoulder is hurting a bit too much. The other is that sometimes, particularly when I’m doing push ups, the Kinect loses sight of me so the game is paused.

I think this has been one of the best fitness purchases I’ve made in a while. If you have back/shoulder/knee problems I would not recommend this. The work outs really focus on presses, squats and lunges. I don’t have any problems like that so it’s been fine for me. This isn’t the same as working out in a real MMA gym but in the mean time, it’s fine. I’ve seen fast results in my strength and over all ability which has made it worth ever dollar husband spent on it.

 

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WIP Wednesday: Mummy’s Wrapping

 Posted by on November 16, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Nov 162011
 

I’m so darn punny. I’m half way through with Mom’s shawl! I’ve done two of the three back increases. Then it’s just decreasing to make the right half.

Work has halted for the moment because I’ve run out of yarn. Hopefully this weekend I can get to the yarn store and buy some more. I wasn’t too crazy about the customer service there but I’m willing to shop again before forming a hard and fast opinion. On the plus side, they had a GREAT selection of Malabrigo and Tilli Tomas, among other brands that I love.

I have been keeping busy in the mean time since my favorite video game series, Elder Scrolls, just released their newest game, Skyrim on Friday. Husband went out to pick up at midnight and we’ve been taking turns playing ever since. The comfort pads for directional controls on our wireless controller have been worn away in some spots. I wish I could take a screen capture of the character I created because he’s a very dreamy Nord.

While I go put on my robe and wizard hat to play more Skyrim, check out some other blogs.

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My life is a WIP!

 Posted by on June 22, 2011 at 5:15 pm
Jun 222011
 

WIP Wednesday

Full disclosure: this entry is a cop out. To see other people’s crafty works in project, click the banner above!

I’m not really working on anything in earnest this week. I’m sort of working on that Elegant Lady embroidery but I’m starting to loose interest and eyesight! I did work on something yesterday but I ended up finishing it so I’ll blog about that on Friday.

I should probably take my measurements and start swatching for the sweater (or maybe a cardigan?) I want to make. I have some of the same type of yarn I want to use on hand (just not in the colors I want) so I can just knit and do the math.

Boxes have been cleared out of the living room and put in the second room. We are currently bookcase-less so unpacking has come to a halt for now. Our bookshelves in NJ were flimsy particle board that we bought at Wal-Mart so we knew that they would not make the journey here. So we’re just saving up our pennies and waiting for the back to school sales to start so we can buy furniture.

Hopefully this weekend I’ll get my sewing machine fixed and returned quickly. I have a bunch of ideas that involve sewing. Namely, a few tote/project bags, some funky pillows and maybe an apron. But there’s no way that I’m hand sewing any of that, though. Sewing machines were invented for a reason! ;)

So I’ve been mostly just keeping house and playing Oblivion on the XboX 360. I can’t wait for the next game in the Elder Scrolls saga to come out in November. I love expansive role playing games like this! Currently, my character is a very sneaky thief and deadly with a bow and arrow. We’re also saving up for a Kinect. I would love to pick up a copy of UFC Personal Trainer. Which reminds me, I should get a pair of sneakers this weekend so I can start hitting my complex’s gym.

I’m hoping that I’m out of this crafting funk by next week!

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