Progress

Friday, March 30, 2012

BYOC and Stuff

Sooooo...let's start with BYOC, courtesy of Draz.  I've added her button to the right...and I think I did it correctly.  Moving on..


1.  If you believe in a God - who or what form does it take?  Person or thing?  He or she?  None of the above?
Yes and No.  There are times I don't understand how a God could exist and still let the evils of the world continue.  Other times, I look at my girls or a beautiful sunset and can totally buy into it.  I was raised catholic and haven't really moved on from that so I guess I still picture God as a man.  Only a man would make women get a "time of the month," have to endure childbirth and invent Spanx.  Just sayin'.

2.  If it were considered socially acceptable - would you stop shaving or waxing?
It would have to be beyond socially acceptable as in it would have to be the norm.  I'd LOVE to stop shaving altogether as I hate it and the maintenance of it all is blech.  But it would have to be everyone in the world just stopping shaving all at once.  I'm a follower, not a trend setter.

3.  How often do you weigh yourself?  Why?
I used to weigh every Monday morning, in my jammies after the loo.  Now I've gone to about once a month and have decided that I will weigh on paydays (easy to remember).  So now the 15th and 30th.  I was getting too frustrated at not seeing movement so now I'll only be frustrated twice a month.


4.  When was the last time you admitted you were wrong? (Thank you to Joey for this question)
Does not apply to me - I'm never wrong.

5.  Repeat question.  How was your week?
Eh.  This week was OK.  I'm exhausted and I don't know why.  Overall I feel really good about my eating which I'll expound upon in excruciating detail below.  Blogland is awesome as I've read some great blogs and have seen some great progress.  JRD lost almost 5 lbs this week!  Holly has written some incredibly inspirational, tear jerking posts.  Ms. M did her big climb!  Leslie posted pics of the absolutely adorable Baby Violet.

So a quick week in review.  I stuck to plan MOST of the week.  I had Starbucks on Tuesday and ice cream last night.  Those were the only 2 things outside of my plan and it's still LOADS better than the week before.  I've gotten all my water in but haven't exercised at all.  I have a deal with Ronnie to get in 30 minutes this weekend.  Next week, being the first week of April and all, seems ideal for really getting my exercising butt in gear.  I'm also thinking of doing this at the end of April (Why is EVERYTHING on the same day as the Glow Run?).  I think it would be good practice for the Warrior Dash but I need a costume.  Any ideas?

So this is where my head's at.  I've been blogging just about every day.  I think just to keep track of how I'm doing so now that I'm getting remotivated and feeling pretty gung-ho about things.  Hope you all have a great weekend!  And in honor of April Fool's Day on Sunday...a Friday Funny:

Thursday, March 29, 2012

10 Thing Thursday

I don't have 10 things for today so #10 is going to pics from the Renaissance Festival a couple weeks ago.  We'll see if I can come up with another 9.
  1. I stuck to my meal plan yesterday.  Just to clarify a question I've gotten a couple times.  I do not track my food.  When I say "meal plan," I'm not referring to a specific calorie or protein count or WW points or anything like that.  All I mean by that is I ate what I planned to eat and nothing else.  A big part of my problem is eating on the fly...deciding for a quick bite at lunch, a bag of chips because I feel "snacky" and not wanting to cook by the end of the day so we end up eating out and I end up making not so great choices.  So when I say meal plan, I mean just that...I ate what I planned to eat.  I may not lose any weight this way because it may still not be the healthiest choices but it makes me feel more in control.  There you go...my disclaimer.
  2. So a friend hit me up with this little gem first thing this morning - Starbucks Strawberry Frappuccinos dyed with crushed up Cochineal Bugs.  Seriously????  I'm deferring to JRD on this one....please tell me this isn't true.  I've got serious issues with drinking bug parts.  All natural...yeah but...
  3. So Hubby called the Debt Management people we've been using to help get us out of credit card debt for the last 2 years (make no mistake...we've been in debt A LOT longer than that...we just finally decided to get help 2 years ago).  He's got them working on a payoff amount.  I've got a bottle champagne at home (bubbles be damned on this one) waiting for the day we are credit card debt free.  
  4. Also saw how much the ER charged my insurance for my little stint a couple weeks ago.  Seriously...I sat in a CHAIR in a room with 3 other people from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  They did a blood test, urine test and ct scan and charged my insurance over $9000 for this!  The Urgent Care charged $350 and all they did was tell me to go to the ER.  Bastards!
  5. Hubby booked the hotel in Vegas for the October Warrior Dash.  Getting excited...at some point, MUST START TRAINING.  Ugh.  
  6. Ronnie and I have a deal.  We're both going to exercise at least 30 minutes this weekend.  Maybe it'll help having a virtual workout buddy.  We can do this!
  7. My girls went to the dentist on Tuesday and they are both cavity free.  Yay!  My oldest had 2 cavities last time we had went so I was a little worried.
  8. I'm about ready to kill somebody for chocolate.  I would've thought that giving that up for 40 days would make me not want it...kinda like sugar cravings.  Once you get rid of the sugar, the cravings stop.  Apparently, chocolate has something else in it (perhaps little beads of happiness that get into your bloodstream and makes the whole world seem like a better place) that makes it so craveable.
  9. I can't believe I made it to 9. Hubby still likes the new job and I'm super happy for him for that.  Also, got his first pay statement for his first week there and that's definitely welcome.  It's nice to not have to worry about money again until June.  
  10. Here we go...Pics.

     


Maddie is the one to the right of the guy

Red hat

First time my youngest got to the do the big trampoline...She was terrified but ended up liking it.

Who else thinks little girls in viking hats are freakin' adorable?

And Hubbies too

Maddie preferred a more animal eared look

Yep - a turkey leg in one hand, steak on a stake in the other.  Good times. (but low carb, yes?)

I had help eating them.

This is not a great picture but wanted to share as I don't have that many full body shots

Also wanted to share this one...this is a little ride...where 2 guys swing it back and forth.  It's not a big ride.  But I fit with both of my girls on the same side.  NSV much?

Me and a friend at Hubby's birthday celebration.  Just realized I have a HUGE head...

So that's what I got for this Thursday.  Friday is almost here...can't wait.  No big plans this weekend but just ready to get some more sleep.  Until then...

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Best Laid Plans


I swear someday I'm going to work out.  It WILL happen.  Some day I'm going to go home and just do it like I'm supposed to do it and like I've planned to do it.  Yesterday was not that day.  My mom finally made it back to town.  She's been up north for about a month, dealing with my grandmother's health, then the funeral, then getting things in order for my grandpa.  So I took the girls over there to see her because they've missed her so much.  I'm sure she's happy to be home and to see them too.  Then I had dinner with the BFF.  I knew I was going out to dinner so it was within my plan.  No worries.  We went to Starbucks after dinner because it was "Kids Eat Free" night at the restaurant and we'd had about enough of that and Starbucks was right next door.  So I did have coffee house coffee that was not really in plan but that's alright too.  Got home around 9 which is about a half hour before my bedtime.  Was not working out at that point.  Don't know what my deal is...just can't seem to make it happen.  But in an attempt to be kinder to myself (See 2012 goals to the right), I'm going to list what I did well yesterday and how I'm feeling this morning.

  1. I stuck to my breakfast, lunch and little handful of nuts.
  2. I said no to the tagalongs at my mom's house and remain chocolate free.
  3. I have been carbonation free for a couple months now (at times it's been difficult to say no to the Coke or beer but I'm doing it) and I've had NONE of that shoulder pain I was experiencing before.
  4. I brought my lunch today and am not going to be persuaded to go anywhere.
  5. I can walk sexy again.  I don't recall ever walking sexy before but I'm sure I did at one point.  I'm wearing an outfit today that makes me feel really good about me and makes me feel thin and attractive and something about the way the skirt clings in some places makes me swivel my hips when I walk.  That's right...I said "swivel."
  6. While I haven't started working out, I feel really good about how I'm eating this week.  Feels good to be somewhat "on plan."
  7. I've had quite a bit thrown at me at work this week and feel that I'm handling it all pretty well and that maybe my boss doesn't think I'm completely incompetent.  That'd be a good thing.
So over all things are pretty good.  Hubby is liking this job he's got.  Hopefully it turns into a permanent position.  If it does, we're thinking of taking the girls to Disneyland this summer.  I'm doing some research in preparation just in case and I'm an analyst (well, I used to be...guess I need to change my profile) and researching is in my wheelhouse. Not sure if the finances will work out, but if they do, I'm all about it. 

So that's my Wednesday so far.  Feeling good.  I have meetings starting at 9 up until I leave.  Going to be a long day.  So how about a Hump Day Happy Thought to keep up the good vibes?

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Darn!

I didn't work out yesterday.  There.  I fessed up.  Get off my case about it!  Just kidding.  So my motivation held throughout the day.  My eating was right on target.  I did have a very small handful (It was more like fingersful...like 10) of nuts that I had brought to work just in case.  But I made meatballs and a salad last night for dinner...and didn't even have a snack after that in the evening.  We got home, I did homework with my oldest, folded all the laundry and then made dinner.  My intention was to work out after dinner.  Well, that didn't happen.  The girls ran into a neighbor and her kids outside so I visited with her for awhile and had a cup of coffee chatting.  Then once they had left, I ran into my next door neighbor and stood and chatted with her for awhile.  By the time I made it back inside, it was time to put the kids to bed.  Needless to say, it wasn't happening after that.  I know this sounds like excuses and I guess in a way it is but it just didn't happen.

I am proud of myself for a couple of other things though.  1)  I stuck to my meal plan for the day.  2) I woke up late this morning, forgetting that I wanted to take a shower in the morning (I usually do it at night) and get gas before work.  But I still made my lunch to take to work today instead of chalking it up to having no time.  I was 6 minutes late to work but worth it.  3) I had another NSV last night.  I have an apron.  No...I'm not Martha Stewart but I found myself slopping all over my work clothes when I make dinner so my mom bought me an apron.  I could barely tie it around my back when I got it.  Last night...not only did it tie but it wrapped around to where I could tie it in the FRONT.  Like so...
Not me or my apron, just an example
Today's work out is supposed to be 30 minutes of cardio.  I'm thinking the treadmill at home.  I have a salad and deviled eggs with me for lunch and am meeting my BFF for dinner tonight.  So obviously going out for dinner but that makes me even happier that I brought my lunch.

Hope y'all are having a good Tuesday.  :)

Monday, March 26, 2012

Monday Stuff

And so Monday is upon us once more.  Ugh.  Weekend went by way too quickly.  I bought my girls roller skates so that's been an adventure.  We were out for about an hour on Saturday and made it about 20 yards away from the house.  Yesterday we made it around the block.


Getting bills from Hubby's surgery in December.  Insurance was supposed to be covering this 100% but for some reason, they aren't.  I have to call and argue with the doc's office about this and maybe the insurance company too.  Not looking forward to that.  Forgot the bill at home so will call tomorrow.  I hate insurance companies.  It's just one headache after another with them.  I'm going to be getting my urgent care and ER bills in the mail soon too.  That won't be pretty.


Yesterday, I woke up with a newfound motivation.  I'm hoping it sticks around today.  Yesterday, Hubby and I planned our meals for the week and did the grocery shopping.  This morning, I packed my breakfast and lunch (no snacks.  I'm going to muscle through feigned hunger pains).  I've printed my training schedule to start this afternoon.  I feel more motivated than I've felt in MONTHS!  I don't know what change took place in me over the past week or so but I feel that I'm finally ready to make it to goal.  So back to some basics...no fast food.  I don't know why I'm struggling so much with this one.  Eating at home during the week, whether I feel like cooking or not, whether what I have planned sounds good or not.  This is a "must."  Now I'm not going to become a recluse.  If I'm invited out to dinner, so be it.  I'll go and enjoy myself and not worry about it but the "I don't feel like cooking so let's go out," deal has got to stop.  The nightly sweet tooth has got to go.  Starbucks has got to go.  Eating out at lunch 3 days a week has got to go.  I'm throwing these bad habits out the window.  I need more control.  Eat out at lunch once a week (but not this week because I'm making a deal with myself to stick to this part at least one full week).

So today's workout plan:
Pull Ups, Sit Ups, Lunges and Burpees.  Wish me luck.

So it's Make a List Monday, courtesy of Robyn.

We all have this secret dream……. What are the first ten things I would do if I WON THE LOTTERY?  Admit it, you think about it, even if you don’t play.  Let’s make it a fun amount too since this is all make believe anyway.


List the first ten things you would do if you cashed in a winning lottery ticket for $200,000,000.00 (after taxes).



1.  Set up trusts for girls so they don't have to worry about money EVER but I wouldn't tell them about it until they've gone through college.  They still need to learn how to work for stuff they want.
2.  Buy a house by the ocean and closer to my sister.
3.  Buy my parents a farm in Missouri and build whatever house my mom wants on it.
4.  Buy 2 new cars.  They don't have to be fancy but I want them new in the colors I     want with the options I want and they need to have a warranty.
5.  Create a college fund for my niece and nephew.
6.  Take a year off and do one of those travel around the world trips.  There are so many places I want to see and I've never been ANYWHERE so I don't want to narrow it down.  I want to see it all.
7.  Take the girls to Disney World and do all that extra stuff that seems so cool - tea party with the princesses, dinner with the pirates...the whole shebang.
8.  Quit my job and open a little tax shelter called a used bookstore & cafe.  I'd love spending my days talking books and selling baked goods.  And I wouldn't have to make money off of it.  It could be my little tax deduction.
9.  Buy new cell phones.  No, I don't need to win the lottery to do this but mine suck and I need new ones badly.
10. I'd find some good causes that need some backing...maybe even start my own nonprofit.


So that's my list.  Thanks for the topic Robyn!  And of course, our Monday DEMotivation:



Friday, March 23, 2012

One Size Fit All

Everyone has tried something on that said "One Size Fits All."  And most of us here in this weight loss blogosphere has been more than disappointed when we found that we were not part of the elite "all."  They've even had to change this moniker to "One Size Fits MOST" since it was clear that "all" wasn't true.  I'm sure we've all tried those on too, only to find much to our dismay that we aren't part of the "most" club either.  I think the biggest offender is Halloween costumes, but also shawls and ponchos, certain sweaters and undergarments as well.  Well, ladies and gents.  I happened to check the size of an item I'm wearing this morning to see if it was a Medium or Large and it's neither.  The tag says "One Size."  I made it!  I'm in the "all" and the "most" club!  I did a little happy dance this morning.

This got me thinking about the phrase "one size fits all" and it seems that doctors, nutritionists, personal trainers and the general population seem to think that all of us that need to lose weight can use a "one size fits all" solution to do it.  I think if these blogs are a testament to anything, it's that this just isn't true.  I suppose in the most general of terms, we can go with "eat less and exercise more and you'll lose weight."  But how much less?  How much exercise?  Cardio vs Strength Training.  Low Carb vs Low Fat vs Low Cal.  Paleo diet vs "diet" food sold in stores.  Running good for cardiovascular health but bad for knees?  WLS vs The "Natural" Way.  There are so many different ways to lose weight.  We all need to find what works for us and go with it.  I love reading about other people's methods, experiences and advice but I can't get too upset if those methods don't work for me.  My lifestyle isn't conducive to working out at 4 a.m.  It just isn't.  And if this is going to be a long term, true lifestyle change then I need to come up with a system that works for me alone.

Also, I did not mention this but I did have a NSV on the plane.  Seat belt fit just fine with room to spare, my thighs did not even touch the sides of the seat and I was between my dad and another kinda big guy and wasn't completely squished in like sardines.  I could even cross my legs during the flight.  Good stuff.

Not sure if I had mentioned previously (was trying not to jinx it) but Hubby has a 3 month contract with a big company here in Phoenix.  He started Monday and aside from adjusting to a corporate culture and still not having a computer at his desk, he likes it.  He's learning a lot and it's good experience.  We're hoping it turns into a more permanent position but for right now, we're happy for this opportunity.

No big plans this weekend.  Taking the kiddos out to breakfast and letting them try out roller skates tomorrow morning and that's the extent of the planned activities.  This is, of course, dependent on me getting my house clean today.  I started cleaning on Wednesday and am still working on it.  I came home from my trip and it looked like a tornado had rolled through my living room.  I've managed to get the downstairs pretty good but the upstairs is still a wreck.

And a Friday Funny:



Thursday, March 22, 2012

I'm Back

So I made it back.  The funeral went well.  Very good turnout. My grandmother was very well liked and related to just about everyone within 3 towns of where she lived.  I must've met at least 20 8th cousins twice removed kind of people that I never knew.  I got in Thursday night.  Funeral was Friday morning.  Then we had the required lunch for everyone after the funeral.  Being a catholic funeral on a Friday during Lent meant the church required we serve fish.  I've never had fish at a funeral but we got some of that for the catholics and some lunch meat and cheese for the noncatholics.  The church ladies provided everything else which meant TONS of desserts and salads and casseroles...all of which were absolutely delicious.  One such dessert was a ho-ho cake.  That's right...a ho-ho cake.  This looked fantastic but I'm proud to say I didn't even try 1 bite and stuck to my no chocolate rule.  It was tough...seriously.  I stayed with my parents and grandfather so for the last 5 days I've eaten nothing but fish and sandwiches and cake (there was carrot cake and white cake there too) and cookies and banana bread.  Monday was spent going through my grandmother's clothes and jewelry with my mom and her sister.  Not fun.  We tried to pick out pieces we thought the women of the family would like to have and then they're having the rest of the jewelry appraised and sold or whatever.  I picked what I liked out of the bunch for my sister and I but I have no idea if I got the "valuable" stuff.  I don't really care.  It's nice to have something that was hers.  I did pick out two rosaries that I'll give to my daughters for their confirmations.  Thought that would be nice.  I realized while I was up there that my cousins have very different memories of my grandmother than I do.  My brother and sister too, I suppose.  We moved from up north when I was 5 weeks old so my grandmother was always a long distance grandma, seen once or twice a year and cards and gifts on holidays.  The rest of the grandkids remember Grandma's cookie jar always having a little treat in it and this little plastic kid cups in the shape of cowboy boots.  Those memories are empty to me.  I felt a bit cheated while I was up there in that I missed out knowing my grandmother the way they did...the way my girls know my mother...cookies and all.  To be fair, I didn't go out of my way as an adult to get to know her much better.  I visited every few years if I could.  I need to make more of an effort to visit my grandfather more often. I was supposed to leave Monday night but the flight got cancelled so I didn't get in until 3 pm Tuesday afternoon.  Check another day off of work for that.  I came back to work yesterday, absolutely exhausted and deflated.  I'm starting to feel human again today.

In other news, I weighed myself this morning.  155.  That's 2.5 lbs down from the last time and a new low!  I'm shocked given how I ate over the weekend but I'll take it.  I did get out on Saturday and Sunday for long walks so that must've helped.  I also had an NSV just before I left.  I was trying to decide what to wear to this thing and I have the perfect dress hanging in my closet.  I don't remember when I bought it but I recall it didn't fit for long.  I looked at the size...size 9.  Yeah right.  I tried it on and I could zip it all the way up.  It looked way too tight and I won't be wearing it in public yet but it zipped.  And I didn't even need to call Hubby in to do it.  I zipped it up myself...all the way up.  A size 9 people!  I'm getting there.  I can't wait to be in single digits.  I honestly can't remember the last time I was.  I think I was 18 or 19...maybe.

My pain was gone by about Friday.  At least that's when I stopped taking the pain meds.  I finished my antibiotic on Sunday.  I have been pain free since.  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers this last week.  I'm feeling better now and am looking forward to things getting back to normal.

At some point, I'll post pics of the Renaissance Festival.  I completely forgot to do that.  Also, I have no prayer of catching up on all the blogs so if something exciting happened while I was gone - a milestone, death, marriage, engagement, childbirth, surgery, etc - please leave me a quick comment so I can check it out.  Otherwise, I'll just be starting over with the current stuff.

Happy Thursday everybody!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Leaving Tomorrow

I did my best to catch up on blogs before I left but no such luck.  I'm leaving tomorrow morning for IL.  I'll be there until Monday.  *sigh*  Not a fun weekend.  I'm doing OK.  I'm still having pain but 1 pain pill knocks it out pretty good and I think the antibiotic is starting to work.  Either the antibiotic or the pain pill or the infection is making me nauseous.  Not sure which one is the culprit.  No vomiting...just not feeling good.  I need to eat with both meds so I do.  And I try to eat a little something when I'm supposed to but I don't have much of an appetite.  This could be a good thing.  Anyway...See you all on Tuesday.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Great Weekend - Crappy Monday

So this weekend was oodles of fun and I hope to have pictures posted soon.  Friday night, we took my dad to a local wing place for his birthday.  With my mom out of town, I think he appreciated the company and I know my girls had been missing Grandpa.  Saturday, we hit up the Ren Fest as planned.  The girls loved it and I admit I had a better time there than I usually do.  I ate about 1/5 of a turkey leg, half a steak on a stake and a caramel apple.  It was all delicious.  Maddie (my oldest) even got pulled up on stage for one of the shows to participate in plate spinning.  She was very excited.  We also went out Hubby's friends Saturday night to celebrate his birthday.  A good number of people showed up and we partied like we were in our 20's again.

Sunday was pretty laid back.  Picked up breakfast for everyone and then dropped my niece off at home.  We spent a good hour at a nearby park, letting the girls burn off some energy.  Nothing too exciting that day until later that night...

When I started having sharp, shooting pains on my left side.  It hurt when I tried to take a deep breath, when I laughed or sneezed.  By 2 a.m., I felt nauseous and just couldn't handle the pain...thought about going to the ER but finally found a pain free position and decided to stick it out until morning.  Morning came and the pain was worse so off to Urgent Care I went.  The Urgent Care doc thought it was a kidney stone but couldn't be sure so he sent me to the ER.  8 hours in the ER and no kidney stone.  They did a CT scan and found some inflammation around my band and think it's an infection.  They called my lapband doc to see how to proceed.  I'm now on antibiotics and pain killers.  While I'm sitting in the ER, I got the call from my dad that my Grandma had passed away.  Not sure when the services will be but I'm planning on leaving Wednesday or Thursday.  Hoping to be able to finalize that today.  Tickets are expensive but you do what you gotta do.  Overall, it was one of the worst Mondays ever.

This morning is not off to a great start.  I woke up feeling weak and nauseous.  I got to work and threw up.  Well...sorta.  There really wasn't anything to come up and that's when it hit me that I took my pain pills last night on an empty stomach.  In fact, the only thing I ate ALL DAY yesterday was 3 mini chimi's (and not even all 3) and 1/3 serving of fried ice cream.  Can't imagine why I'm feeling weak.  So I grabbed some breakfast on my way in and am hoping I feel better as the day goes on.  I have my essure confirmation test this morning as well to make sure I am no longer Ms. Fertile Myrtle.  That's going to be icky but must be done.  So I get to leave work, go get my test and then come back to work and then make sure I make it home pronto when I get off so Hubby can make it to his interview on time.  Not sure I'm up for all this running around today but we'll see.  I called in yesterday but couldn't call in again today since I'll be out of the office later this week.  Ugh.

So that was my unplanned "long" weekend.  Started off good...just wishing yesterday would've been better.  Overall, this isn't going to be a great week.  Hope y'all are having a good week so far.  I don't know how much reading I'll be getting in as work is going to be hectic but I'll comment where I can.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Friday Stuff

So today is "Crazy Hair Day" at my youngest daughter's preschool.  So I put her hair in a bunch of braids last night so it'd be all kinky and crazy and she could leave in the braids if she wanted for today.  Hubby snapped a quick pic.  I'm not sure what this look on her face is...maybe just because it was early but it made me laugh.


This weekend is somewhat of a food fest but I'll try my best to keep it under control.  Tonight, we're taking my dad out to dinner for his birthday.  He's turning 65 on Monday but weekdays are tough to change routine for my girls so tonight it is.  Not sure where we're going but I'll most likely get seafood or pasta as it's Friday during Lent so no meat for Panda.  Tomorrow morning we're heading out to the Renaissance Festival.  Huzzah!  What's that?  You don't know about the Renaissance Festival?  Basically it's a little medieval village out in the middle of nowhere that opens for a month every spring where you can get steak on a stake, turkey legs, roasted corn, chocolate confections, beer and so on.  Along with a bunch of medieval performances mixed in - Irish dancing, birds of prey show, death defying feats and of course, jousting.  We go about every other year and it's great fun for the kids.  I'll probably just have some steak on a stake and roasted corn and call it good.  Tomorrow night, we're celebrating Hubby's birthday with his friends.  We're having dinner with another couple and then meeting a larger group out at a bar.  My niece is babysitting so we have no curfew.  Should be fun.  Sunday should be pretty laid back.  Probably breakfast out and then home to help Hubby start his container garden.  The girls are very excited about planting seeds and seeing if they'll grow.  Hopefully they will.

My girls have made friends with our next door neighbor.  They have a son who is probably 4 or 5 and an older boy who's probably closer to 13 (they may have a daughter who's a little baby but I'm not sure about that - I'm a terrible neighbor).  They come out and play soccer quite a bit and my girls LOVE that. Funny...we have a soccer ball and my girls couldn't care less.  Throw a couple boys into the mix and voila!  We're going for the World Cup.  *rolling eyes*  Anyway, the weather's been so nice they've been out every evening before dinner running around and burning off the energy.  I came home from work yesterday and found my oldest on her pogo stick and my youngest on her scooter.  I like that they're being active and playing outside after school as opposed to sitting in front of the TV or playing video games or something.

So I'm gearing up for training starting Monday.  Outside of my online tracking, I've decided to print my calendar up and put it on my fridge.  I'm going to use my daughters' reward stickers for each day I work out.  I'll let them put the stickers on and maybe even bring them along for a pedicure when I go.  I bet they'd love that.  I'm definitely ready to start this.  I'm finding myself VERY inspired by all the bloggers out there, getting their exercise groove on.  I miss working out.  I really do.  I still don't like to do it but I LOVE the way I feel after I'm done.  I need to find a way to capture that feeling...bottle it or something as a way to keep me motivated.

I may do a quick 5k (Did I just say that? When did 5k's become "quick"?) next Sunday.  The National Brain Tumor Society is doing a walk in downtown Phoenix.  I'd like to do it for my brother-in-law.  I emailed my sister asking if she's heard of this group because I wasn't aware they existed.  If she says they're on the up and up then I'll probably do it.  I don't have anything else going on next Sunday morning anyway.  We'll see if Hubby and the girls want to join in.  They have a discounted youth rate so it may be the first 5k I let the girls do with me.  We shall see.

So I read yet another article this morning...very news focused, aren't I?  Article is here.  Anyway, it's more like a little testimonial from an ex-smoker who talks about how he traded one addiction for another .  He basically traded smoking for exercise.  There's no scientific facts presented here...merely anecdotal evidence based on this and all the comments in response to it.  Now food addiction has been discussed at length on these blogs and whether or not people think it's real and if they have it.  The recommendation here is that you give up an unhealthy addiction for a healthier one - a hobby, exercise, whatever.  If you truly have an addictive personality, this should work for you.  It got me thinking that a lot of the stuff this guy used to address symptoms of smoking withdrawal, we do in the dieting world.  Chew gum to keep your mouth busy, journal our feelings, find a way to deal with stress, etc.  Obviously, in some aspects, kicking a chemical addiction is easier than food because you can't quit food cold turkey or stay away from your "dealer' (aka girl scouts) but a lot of the same components come into play.  This part really hit home to me: "Obviously, I had placed the enjoyment of smoking above all else. No regard for my personal health. No regard for my family's health. No regard for anything detrimental from smoking."  I think those of us who have let our weight get in the way of life - playing with our kids, travelling, suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure or cholesterol, being the best "us" we can be - have placed food and living a lazy lifestyle (yes, I said lazy) above all else.  And that's just wrong.  And those days are over for me.  Having fried stuff or oreos or Starbucks or fast food or whatever should NEVER be placed above my health, my happiness, my LIFE, my kids or my Hubby again. It's OK once in awhile...as a one off treat that occurs as a part of LIVING.  


OK...enough Tony Robbins for one day.  How 'bout a Friday Funny?  Y'all have a great weekend!


Thursday, March 8, 2012

More "In The News" With Panda


Exercise changes DNA

Article is here.  And my thoughts are in blue.

Basically, someone did a study where they studied RNA and other genetic type stuff before and after exercise.  
Using the biopsied samples, researchers compared the activity in a series of muscle-related genes before and after exercise. More genes were turned on in the cells taken after the exercise and the participants’ DNA showed less methylation, a molecular process in which chemicals called methyl groups settle on the DNA and limit the cell’s ability to access, or switch on, certain genes. By controlling how much methylation goes on in certain cells at specific times, the body regulates which genes in the DNA are activated — that’s what differentiates the development of an an eye cell, for example, from that of a liver cell. I just found this incredibly interesting but I'm kinda a geek like that.

Methylation also helps to prime muscle cells for a bout of exercise, getting them to pump out the right enzymes and nutrients the muscle needs to get energy and burn calories while you’re pounding the pavement during that mile-long jog.  I wonder if there's a genetic predisposition to jogging.  Why can some people run and some people just can't?  And could this also explain why some people are just naturally faster than other people or why people from certain parts of the world seem to be faster than others (like why Kenyans always win the NY marathon?)?

To confirm the role of exercise on gene expression in muscle, the scientists then studied how calcium affected the entire system. When muscle cells start to gear up for intense activity like exercise, they release calcium, which fuels the contraction process. When the scientists blocked calcium production, the effect disappeared, and the muscles didn’t contract as much.  This also explains why I've heard that you should drink milk right after workout and it helps with muscle recovery.  It's all comin' together.

That’s when Zierath threw in some coffee — or more specifically, caffeine. Caffeine triggers the release of calcium, and can enhance the way methyl groups move aside to turn on the genes that help muscles contract. When she added caffeine to a lab dish containing cells from the leg muscles of rats, the muscle cells showed lower concentrations of methyl groups and more mRNA — a similar effect as seen after exercise — as she expected.  And this explains the energy drinks at the gym...besides just needing it to get through your work out, it actually HELPS your workout.  

But, says Zierath, that doesn’t mean you can skip the workout for a cup of coffee instead. “Most of the physiological effect of the caffeine we drink is on the central nervous system, and not dispersed to all the muscles,” she says. “In order to get the same kind of effect we saw in the cells, you would have to drink 50 cups of coffee a day.  For anyone like me who figured maybe we could just drink coffee and get in shape.  Alas...it doesn't work that way.  


There was another article I stumbled across yesterday and the title alone was enough to draw my attention.

Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin

Article is here but it's more like a blog where they dig into different studies explaining why even if people exercise regularly, they won't necessarily lose weight.


Church's team randomly assigned into four groups 464 overweight women who didn't regularly exercise. Women in three of the groups were asked to work out with a personal trainer for 72 min., 136 min., and 194 min. per week, respectively, for six months. Women in the fourth cluster, the control group, were told to maintain their usual physical-activity routines. All the women were asked not to change their dietary habits and to fill out monthly medical-symptom questionnaires.

The findings were surprising. On average, the women in all the groups, even the control group, lost weight, but the women who exercised — sweating it out with a trainer several days a week for six months — did not lose significantly more weight than the control subjects did. (The control-group women may have lost weight because they were filling out those regular health forms, which may have prompted them to consume fewer doughnuts.) Some of the women in each of the four groups actually gained weight, some more than 10 lb. each. I think this is a testament to tracking.  While I don't do it because it drives me insane, many of us are proof that merely writing down what we eat or being held accountable for weigh ins is enough to keep us doing what we're supposed to be doing or avoiding those extra little calories.

It's true that after six months of working out, most of the exercisers in Church's study were able to trim their waistlines slightly — by about an inch. Even so, they lost no more overall body fat than the control group did. Why not?  The article goes into quite a bit of detail about how people tend to eat more after they exercise or justify little "treats" because they worked out.  And there's something in the genetic make up that makes you want carbs over protein after you exercise.  
According to calculations published in the journal Obesity Research by a Columbia University team in 2001, a pound of muscle burns approximately six calories a day in a resting body, compared with the two calories that a pound of fat burns. Which means that after you work out hard enough to convert, say, 10 lb. of fat to muscle — a major achievement — you would be able to eat only an extra 40 calories per day, about the amount in a teaspoon of butter, before beginning to gain weight. Good luck with that.  How many of us use working out as an excuse or reason to quite a bit more later?

So does exercise suck?  No.  There are benefits of course.  
In addition to enhancing heart health and helping prevent disease, exercise improves your mental health and cognitive ability. A study published in June in the journal Neurology found that older people who exercise at least once a week are 30% more likely to maintain cognitive function than those who exercise less. Another study, released by the University of Alberta a few weeks ago, found that people with chronic back pain who exercise four days a week have 36% less disability than those who exercise only two or three days a week.

For his part, Berthoud rises at 5 a.m. to walk around his neighborhood several times. He also takes the stairs when possible. "Even if people can get out of their offices, out from in front of their computers, they go someplace like the mall and then take the elevator," he says. "This is the real problem, not that we don't go to the gym enough."  The article is like 4 pages long but I wanted to point this part out.  Part of Mark Sisson's whole paleo theory is that caveman walked A LOT.  They didn't do one hour a day of intense cardio.  I think this is kind of what this guy is saying too.  America used to be a lot more active without even trying.  This country was built on manufacturing where people stood all day long.  Farmers working in their field.  No TV or internet for entertainment so you had to get out and DO something.  My grandparents used to rollerdance (ballroom dancing on roller skates) and this is in the 50's after they had children.  How many of you married folks with kids go out dancing?  Do any of you even know WHERE you can go dancing that's not a club?  I don't.  And I've looked.  


Anyway, I just found it kind of interesting.  I think I'm definitely guilty of the second article, eating more when I work out.  I think the band helped a little bit at the beginning when I was working out like a fiend because 1) I didn't get as hungry after a workout but 2) I didn't have to take in many fewer calories to lose weight.  So there ya go.  A little science lesson in the first one just to get you thinking with the left side of your brain.  So my question to you:
Are you guilty of eating more or rewarding yourself with extra calories after you work out?



Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Irritated

My band, that is.  After my lunchtime fiasco, my band slammed shut for the rest of the day.  I managed only a couple bites of dinner before it all came back up.  Hate when that happens.  I could actually feel liquids slide down last night so will be taking it easy on the food front today.

Random Fun Fact - Oreo celebrated its 100th birthday yesterday!  You can read about this fun cookie here but I think we can all agree that Oreos are the best thing EVER.  I think we should change the old expression of "the best thing since sliced bread" to the "best thing since oreos."  We should start a movement.  Who's with me?  My question for you all is "What's your favorite way to eat an oreo?"  Personally, I'm a dunker.

Not a whole lot going on in my little world.  No update about my grandmother since Friday.  I need to give my mom a call sometime today to see what's up and when she might be coming back to town.  The girls are on spring break next week.  We're not doing anything particularly special. Hubby is staying home with them the first 3 days and I'm working from home the last 2 days so we don't have to pay double daycare for the week.  I need to think of some things to occupy their time.  I think I may take them to get some portraits done.  It's been awhile and I love having pics of both of them dressed up and cute.

Otherwise I'm just trying to get through this workweek.  It seems long.  Last night, my youngest woke me up at 12:30 with a nightmare, than an owl start hooting right outside my window at 2 and then my next door neighbor (we share walls) had to get up and get his kid ready at 4.  It's like the world was conspiring against me sleeping for some reason.  I feel like pulling a Dawnya and catching a power nap in my car during my lunch break.  Ahhhh...we'll see.

How about a Hump Day Happy Thought to get us through until Friday?


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Thank God For High Walls

So I brought fish for lunch today and halfway through my little fillet, I got horribly, horribly stuck.  Did I stop shoving fish into my mouth during that first slow bite?  Of course not.  Quickly, the slime started rising.  I ran to the bathroom, got out what I could as quietly as possible but at least I was in a stall.  I could tell I didn't quite get it but hoped against hope that it would go down as the afternoon progressed.  I got back to my desk at 12:27 and by 12:28 realized that the saliva wasn't going to stay down and was just about to bolt to the restroom again when my boss asks if I'm available at 12:30.  "Available for what?" I asked.  "A call with ____."  "Ummmm....Sure."  What do I do?  I know I can't make it through a half hour call without this coming up but I can't very well leave the call where I actually have to contribute to go to the restroom to PB.  So I get on the call, can barely squeak out my name and they ask if I or the other one from my team wants to give a quick overview.  Teammate wants me to take it but I just can't....I know I can't talk with yakking so I defer to him frantically look around my ridiculous neat desk (I'm uberorganized at work) for something to PB in. Queue the starbucks cup from our staff meeting earlier in the morning (about once a month my team goes to Starbucks to chat and yes, I know, I know...Coffee House coffee).  Yes, ladies and gents, right there in my Starbucks cup in the middle of my cubicle, I PB'd as quietly as I possibly could while muted on a call.  Then got interrupted mid-PB with a question which I answered and then back to PB'ing I went.  I finally found relief about halfway through the call.  Ugh.  All I can say is thank God I got that promotion and I now have high cube walls or that would've been VERY ugly.

Warrior Dash Training Plan


So I had to change my plan.  The Warrior Dash here in Phoenix is set for April 28th.  I went online to register for it yesterday and discovered all the waves before 3:30 pm are sold out (they start at 9 with 500 people in each wave).  Obviously, this posed some concern.  First, it's the end of April in Phoenix and this is actually held just outside Phoenix in the desert so it's at least 90 degrees but at 3:30...we're talking heat of the day, sun beatin' on you.  Second, I'd be thinking about this thing all day leading up to it, just waiting around.  Third, I would never make it to the Glow Run in time.  But I didn't want to use all these things as excuses to not reach one of my goals for the year.  So I talked it over with Hubby and we found a solution.  The Warrior Dash isn't JUST in Phoenix and the group that organizes this doesn't just do warrior dashes so surely I can find a similar event here in Phoenix or the same event somewhere semi-close.  So I am officially registered for the Warrior Dash in Las Vegas on October 20, 2012 for the 9:00 a.m. wave.  There's a couple benefits to this.  Obviously, it gives me a lot more time to train.  It also gives me a hell of a celebration once I'm done.  If any of you are in Vegas that weekend, come on out and cheer me on and we'll have some fun after!

So what does training for a Warrior Dash look like?  Well, for virgin warriors (that would be me), they have a 7 week training plan that looks like this (from their website).  2 days a week of cardio (walking/running) and 3 days a week of strength training for 7 weeks.  Simple enough.  They include videos of all the strength training stuff they recommend.  Well, that's all well and good if you're in good shape to begin with.  But I'm not...really.  AND this isn't just about the Warrior Dash, it's about being motivated and losing the rest of this weight.  AND since I'm putting this off until October, this isn't just about limping through it anymore either.  I want to nail it.  I want to finish in a respectable time.  I'm not delusional.  I'm not looking to win.  But I want to be someone who no one would think twice about being there...who no one's going to be checking on me a mile in and asking if I'm OK.  I want to hit a home run with this one.  So...I'm starting Monday and my goal is to work out EVERY DAY Monday-Friday following the training plan.  These workouts aren't more than 30 minutes long.  That's VERY doable and I see many of you hitting the gym almost every day and getting it done.  Now, will I miss days?  Absolutely, I'm realistic.  But it's important to have a goal and a plan.  So here it is ladies and gents.  My Mon-Fri plan.

Monday:  Pull ups, Sit ups, Lunges, Burpees
Tuesday: 30 Minutes Running
Wednesday:  Push ups, Planks, Jump Rope, Kettle Bells Swings
Thursday: 30 Minutes Running
Friday: Chair Dips, Super Man, Squats, Wall Climb

So a few notes...you'll notice there are some exercises on here that I can't do yet.  Heck, one of my goals for this year is to do 1 freakin' pull up!  I'm working towards it though and on days that have something I can't really do yet, I'm going to spend the time trying like hell to do it (such as the Wall Climb).  The original training plan was set up to do 1 minutes exercise, 1 minute rest, 1 minute exercise, 1 minute rest, etc.  Then you gradually work up to 2 minutes exercise, 30 seconds rest.  Once I actually make it to that, I'll look at what types of workout plans the "casual warrior" and "ultimate warrior" consist of and progress accordingly. And to keep myself accountable and award myself as I go...I'm bringing back the tracker (insert trumpet music here)!
I know it's hard to read but that's Monday-Friday and a little panda that's going to get added every time I complete a day.  Some of you have stickers, I have clip art.  So what am I doing on weekends?  So glad you asked.  Weekends will be spent getting in any "non workout" activity I can.  Hiking, rock climbing, bleachers, running up and down a hill, attempting monkey bars, walking around the zoo.  Basically, something outside of the "gym" type workout and getting out and doing stuff.  Also, if I get at least 15 pandas a month, I'm treating myself to a pedicure.  That's the reward.  So there ya go.  I'm going to do the 10k at the end of April for the Glow Run and this is in October.  Those are the only 2 events I have planned right now. I'll have to add another 2 5k type events by the end of the year to hit my goal but I think that'll be doable.  

That's what I got for this fine Tuesday.  Off to work I go.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Hubby Birthday Weekend WrapUp

Good morning.  Thank you all for your supportive comments on the last post.  Just a point of clarification...when I say this is the new "fat panda."  I simply meant to illustrate how the perspective can change over time.  While 160 seemed like a great feat a few months ago, it simply is not good enough anymore.  Now on to the weekend.

This was Hubby's birthday weekend and in true family man style, it was spent with me and the girls just doing family stuff.  I know, I know...not exactly "epic."  Anywhoo...On Saturday we went to see The Lorax.  Pretty good film.  I'm not real sure why it's rated PG instead of G as there wasn't anything inappropriate in it for my girls (6 and 4), although I know some of the undertones about capitalism was missed on them.  Anyway...I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a good kids' flick.  My girls liked it and there was lots of singing and music which always helps move kids' movies along.  

Sunday, we spent the morning at the Phoenix Botanical Garden.  They have a butterfly exhibit there that's pretty cool.  We all had at least one land on us and my oldest had 3 at one time!  We found out later it was because she was wearing white. Apparently, white and yellow are the colors to attract butterflies.  We'll probably see this exhibit once more (we have season passes to the Garden) before Butterfly Season ends, so we'll know what colors to wear for next time.  Here are some pics:
I think these were my favorite - love the blue on the ends

Hubby with a Butterfly

Close Up

She was good and held very still for them. Youngest is a little mad that she hadn't had one land on her yet. LOL


Just getting acquainted

My hand on my youngest' belly...it tickled.

Finally!  Lori got one on her leg...we waited a LONG time for one to land on her.


Maddie as a caterpillar

Lori as a butterfly
The rest of the day was spent just hanging out at home.  Exciting stuff.  I made a decision about the Warrior Dash.  I'm going to do it.  I have a 7 week training plan figured out (recommended by their website) and I start today.  I'll do a more detailed post about what that looks like later.  I'm also doing the Glow Run...only I'll be walking it.  The two events are the same day.  I'm pushing myself to do both because 1) I REALLY wanted to do the Glow Run and 2) I think I can handle it.

And to get us all up and motivated this morning, our Monday DEMotivator:


Friday, March 2, 2012

BYOC

Yes, I've already posted today but what the heck...I don't feel like working.  Courtesy of Drazil, here is the BYOC for this week.


1.  Since I talked about psychics this week - I'm curious....if you could see one for free and you could only ask one question - what would it be?

*  Will we EVER be financially stable?  It seems we've struggled for so long and we just can't seem to catch a break.  It's like "make a financial mistake in your early twenties and then pay for it for the rest of your life" around my house.

2.  What's your favorite ice cream flavor and topping?

* Mint chocolate chip with chocolate syrup on top.  NOT chocolate fudge...chocolate syrup.  I don't like the way chocolate fudge slides off the top and then pools at the bottom.

3.  What's your preferred method of working out?  DVDs, an external gym, gym inside your home, classes?

* External gym for sure.  If left to my own devices, it just doesn't get done.

4.  If you work outside the home or if you ever did or will in the future - do you think it's better/easier to work with men or woman?  Who do you work mostly with now?

Men, hands down. The timing of this question is impeccable as I've had several conversation about this subject this week.  I don't want to be a traitor to my sex but I hate working for women.  My last boss was fantastic so it lulled me into a false sense of security about women in the workplace.  Women are generally (and obviously I am one so I like to think I'm objective. lol) kind of bitchy, hormonal, catty and unfair.  So much of what they think of you is wrapped up in first impressions.  And they're slaves to their hormones.  It seems every woman boss I've had (even the last fantastic one) had grumpy tendencies once a freakin' month where you knew not to ask for anything.  They also play favorites more, in my opinion.  Men are jerks.  It's true.  And they all think women are inferior on some level (doesn't matter what your hubby, boyfriend, brother, etc say...they're thinking it at first).  But once you prove yourself to a man, you're fine.  No more issues (unless he's a REAL jerk and you start dealing with sexual harassment stuff). Earning the male boss respect is just about proving yourself.  You have to work a little harder than others at first but then it's smooth sailing.  With women, it's too emotionally charged.  Right now, I work with ALL women.  And no, I'm not enjoying it much.

5.  Repeat question.  Summarize your week in real life and in blog land.

Real life sucks.  I've been pretty open about that this week.  Hoping next week is better.

Blogland is alright.  Picked up a few new followers and finding some banding newbies or preop ladies to follow which is kind of fun.  Been worried about Kristin and what's going on with her band and health and sending good pain-free thoughts her way.  People are getting riled up about BOOBS 3.0 which is fine and good if you get to go but I always kind of dread the Chicago posts since I never get to join in.  Enough whining about that.

Have a good weekend!


Next Challenge?

notice that I would always have a PB or two the week before I was supposed to take the sugar pills and that was easy to track.  Well, I went off BC last month and I'm PMS'ing a bit and sure enough, that band has tightened up.  Couple that with the stress and I've got PERFECT restriction!  I'm not getting "stuck" really...things are just moving very slowly down and I can still eat but can't eat very much AT ALL before I just can't eat anymore.  Makes me think I've never quite been in the green zone before now.

Anyway, ladies and gents...I'm scared to death to do this but it listed as a goal on my 2012 list.  The Warrior Dash.  The link is here.  Seriously...this thing is INTENSE.  I don't think I have the upper body strength to do it, but it's only 3.28 miles and then 12 freakin' obstacles throughout...like jumping over fires, climbing a water wall, mesh netting, military crawl, etc.  This thing is CUH-RAZY!  Proceeds benefit St. Jude's but I'm really intimidated about this thing.  I would need to start training NOW for it.  I'm also thinking I need this shirt.  I don't know ladies...freaks me out.  It's also like $70 but you get a free beer and tshirt at the end.  LOL.  What do you think?  Do I go for it?

Another issue is it's the same day as the Glow Run which I wanted to do.  Obviously way less intense but I like the idea of this event.  Then I had this crazy idea of doing the Warrior Dash in the morning and just walking the 5k that night.  I know that sounds absolutely insane and unrealistic but it's an idea bopping around my head.  That's only 6 miles in a day...with crazy obstacles in the first one.  Hmmmm....decisions, decisions.

In other news, the parent/teacher conference went really well.  We discussed some of the concerns we've had since the beginning of this substitute fiasco with Maddie's teacher and she completely understood and was very honest about the environment she came into.  It was about as big a mess as we thought.  We also found out that Maddie is one of the top in the class on reading comprehension and math, which is awesome. We're having her tested for the gifted program either this year or next just to see if she needs to be challenged a little bit more.  No big behavioral issues, she's just kind of a control freak which we already knew and have been working on basically since birth.

I also realized this week that I've got an image problem again.  For the last few months, I didn't mind looking at pictures of myself.  However, after the hike last weekend, I hated the pictures of me.  I look fat again.  Obviously, I don't look any fatter than I have in other photos (since I lost 2 lbs since the last photo, duh) and that bright yellow isn't very flattering on ANYONE, but my perspective has changed.  This is the new fat panda.  I am no longer content and I think that's going to make a big difference in my motivation (or lack thereof recently).  It's a little disappointing to feel this way after coming so far but not altogether surprising as I'm not at goal.  I'm 30 lbs from the goal I set for myself at the beginning of all this so why did I think I'd stay content 30 lbs away?  So the motivation's coming back...I can feel it...I want it.  And it feels good.

Now, for a Friday Funny -



Thursday, March 1, 2012

10 Things & Weigh In

Ten Thing Thursday...let's jump in.

  1. Not sure if you noticed because I certainly haven't looked at in a long time but my ticker has been changed.  For the first time in a little over a month, I weighed myself this morning.  157.5.  That's a NEW LOW!  -1.5 from the last time I weighed of which I do not remember the date.  For the lack of effort, this is a welcome sight.
  2. Got another update from my mom last night.  Up until yesterday, Grandma has adamantly resisted going into a home.  It really is the only option at this point since it takes 3 people to move her and Grandpa just isn't strong enough for that.  But yesterday, she told the family and doctor that she's ready and she wants hospice.  This is a good thing because it'll alleviate some of that guilt that I'm sure my grandfather has been feeling about the whole thing.  This does mean, of course, finding a different nursing facility, which they did and should be moving in today.
  3. My big work issue has finally been resolved.  This is a big deal as it was my first real challenge in this job.  I think I've finally figured out that I am the person who deals with the annoyances in my area so that'll just be part of the job description.  Not sure how I feel about that.
  4. Davy Jones died yesterday.  The Monkees were way before my time but I remember seeing Davy Jones on the Brady Bunch and I thought that was funny.  I also like some of their songs.  Anyone else see some similarities between the young Davy Jones and Justin Beiber?  Just sayin'.
  5. Anyone else scared for children today?  In the past 2 weeks, I've read about 2 shootings at schools (I'm sure there have been more).  The big one is the one in Ohio where 3 kids were killed and no one knows why.  The other was where a 9 year old brought a gun to school, had in his backpack, dropped is backpack on a desk and it accidentally discharged, hitting a schoolmate.  It looks like the child will be OK but what a terrible accident.  It makes me want to keep my kids at home and not let them leave the house!
  6. Hubby's birthday is this weekend.  He's turning 38...gifts have been bought but not sure what we're doing yet.  Thinking the Desert Botanical Garden or a farmer's market or maybe even heading way up north and seeing if there's still snow on the ground.  We shall see.
  7. So awhile back...I did a post about a ring my grandmother had given me.  Post is here.  I'm wearing it today and it makes me feel a little closer to her which is nice.  My grandmother has a lot of kids, a good number of grandkids and a few great grandkids added to the mix.  I'm not sure if she's given a little something to everyone but being somewhere in the middle of those grandkids, it's easy to feel overlooked...especially since we've always been long distance.  It's nice to have something that was hers, even if it wasn't one of her most prized possessions.
  8. In looking for that old post about the ring, I got read over some of my older posts which I always find fun.  I see how motivated I was training for my first 5k then and it makes me want to get out there and get motivated again.
  9. Hubby and I have talked about it once or twice but I'm not sure if he realizes we've made a decision.  Once he has some steady income coming in, we're getting a cleaning service and I'm rejoining my gym.  I don't mind picking up and laundry and stuff but dusting, mopping, toilets and vacuuming...I HATE.  I also realize how much I miss my gym.  It was so much easier for me to stay on track there.
  10. This ones going to be my daily check in.


  • No cookies - Check
  • No chocolate - Check
  • No fast food (Mon-Fri) - Check
  • No coffee house coffee (Mon-Fri) - No Check
  • No eating out (Mon-Fri) - Semi-Check
  • Get all my water in - Check
  • Work out at least 3 days - No Check
  • Minimal snacking - Check


  • I had Sbux yesterday but it was a skinny and not a mocha.  I needed the extra caffeine and I admit it just made me feel better.  I know, I know...need to find another way to deal with feelings.  The eating out...I'm totally OK with this one.  After the parent teacher conference, Hubby and I went to a bar near us and had a drink and appetizers.  We're making this a weekly thing I think as it was so nice to feel like we were "stealing" an hour.  Still no working out.  I've got to find something that's really going to motivate me.  Hmmm....


    So that's Thursday.  Good stuff.