The Dark Side of the Gym, Oscar Roundup & More

So much to say, so much to say, so much to say. First of all, did anyone see the Jennifer Aniston movie? Was anyone else totally stunned that Dave Matthews played Nicole Kidman's husband? I know it was meant to be a mismatch, but still. I kept squinting at the screen, saying, "Is that Dave Matthews? Do you think it's him?" to my husband, who wouldn't know Dave Matthews if he handed him a bong and smacked him upside the head with a guitar.

My takeaway from the Oscars: The spray tan is on the wane. I didn't spot any Oompa Loompas at the Academy Awards this year. Sure, glamazons are still misting themselves, but it's nothing like it was a few years ago when a tangerine Charlize Theron showed up on the red carpet and I snorted pinot noir through my nose.

Moving right along, I've fallen victim to Gym Syndrome: Start working out and experience a scale stall for a little while (please, let it be just a little while). I've gained a few pounds since going back to regular workouts. My eating hasn't changed; in fact, I think it's not bad.

I know this has happened to a bunch of bandsters in the past (Catherine and Jenny both come to mind), so I'm trying to be all zen about it and just keep plugging away because I know these workouts are making a difference in my body. I'm feeling it every day.

I will have to kick up the cardio and make sure I'm keeping my heart rate up through my workouts to maximize calorie burn. I bought a new heart-rate monitor and that already has been a help in gauging how hard I'm working and how many calories I'm burning.

And now I must bid you a fond farewell, since a 5.30 am wakeup call beckons.