2 5k's - Check

Well, I did it.  2 5k's in one day...and I'm feeling it.  Here we go in pictures and then lessons learned at the bottom.  

Bright and early at Girls on the Run - little one was a little clingy.

She got over it.  She's center pink and her sister's to the far left.  They did the 100 yard Kid Dash during the 5k.

After - almost as pink as my shirt.  It was hot.

Getting ready for the next run...

Whole family for the Glow Run - the girls did the 1 mile with Hubby...I did the 5k.

Just me...Size medium shirt and my new armband for my new phone so I could have tunes.

She's READY!

Hubby rarin' to go.

Let's get the show on the road.

So there ya go.  The "after" pic of the second run is too awful to post so I won't.  So how'd I do?  I finished the first 5k in 42:32, placing 109th overall out of 157.  Not great but pretty good considering I didn't train AT ALL for this.  It was also a little rough as I've been fighting this cold so I felt like I couldn't breathe through most of it.  Also, the build up of mucous and the band made it really tough to get the water to go down at the water stations so I was dehydrated.  It was also first thing in the morning so I hadn't eaten anything.  So lessons learned here...Get up early enough to prehydrate and eat a little something.  I think I would've done better.

The second one was even more pitiful.  I finished in 47:30, placing 195 overall out of 267.  Not terrible considering I had already done one earlier in the day.

Am I proud of how I did?  Yes and No.  One the one hand, I'm extremely proud that I did 2 5k's in one day.  Two years ago, that certainly never would've entered my mind.  I'm also proud that when I did my first 5k last year, I trained for over 3 months and finished in 40:35.  Only 2 minutes longer and no training at all.

What I'm not happy about.  These events were supposed to be a motivator to exercise, work out and train.  It obviously did not work.  Second, I finished 2 minutes SLOWER than when I was significantly heavier.  Third, I am HURTING today.  I was miserable yesterday and still ridiculously sore today.  I may have overextended my knee a bit as well which is making this a little extra miserable to walk around.

As far as Ron and the girls, they finished their mile in about 25 minutes which for little 4 year old legs is pretty awesome.  They were really excited to get to participate and Hubby was great about keeping them happy, occupied and motivated.

This is my last event for Spring.  The weather's getting too hot to continue for this part of the year.  The bright side is I've completed 4 out 5 of my goal of 5 5k's this year!  So I'll only HAVE to do 1 in the Fall and of course, the Warrior Dash.  Thinking of getting a personal trainer for the warrior dash training...try to get me into some kind of work out groove.  If this weekend showed me anything, it's I have a LONG way to go.  NSV: Both race shirts were a size Medium.

How about some Monday DEMotivation?

Craptastic Day

Yesterday sucked.  I had my first quarterly review in this new role and it sucked big fat donkey balls.  Luckily, the "official record" says I'm meeting expectations, it was just the chat about it that sucked.  So I have 6 months to maintain a "meets" and then I can post out of this hell hole.  The money is good but so not worth feeling like crap.  That happened around noon.  I had meetings from 9 a.m. all the way through until I left and midway through this, I'm told that I'm not "delivering."  WTF?  So then I get off work and pick up my children only to find that my youngest has been throwing MAJOR fits 2-3 times a week at daycare.  Why am I hearing about it NOW instead of 2 weeks ago?  Then we get home, they're fighting, hubby walks in and the girls are being brats so we have to have a "come to Jesus" moment with them.

So what do you do when you have a really terrible day?  EAT!  Ugh.  That's right...we went to our favorite pizza joint and ate our feelings.  Well done Panda.

So that was yesterday and today is today.  I am not going to dwell.  I still feel like poop warmed over but I'll survive.  I usually pick up race packets the day before but I don't feel like messing with all that after work so I'll pick them up at the events themselves.  No worries...we're always super early.

So I haven't trained at all for these.  Isn't that weird.  I trained for like 4 months for my first 5k and this time...nada.  I guess it's because I know I can finish...I can always walk it.  The drive to RUN and beat previous times is what's missing.  Need to work on that kind of motivation.  Believe me, the NSV in that sentence is not lost on me.  "I know I can finish...I can always walk it."  It wasn't THAT long ago that I couldn't say that.  I didn't know I could finish.  I didn't think I could walk that far and I couldn't without really dreading it or hurting after it.  Need to work on motivation AND remembering how far I've come.

So that's where we're at.  I'm sorry this isn't a positive ready-to-face-the-challenges-of-life kind of post.  I know I should address the recent death of fellow lapbander that's going around Blogland but I don't have the energy.  I hope to post over the weekend or Monday with a fresh perspective and race pics!

Happy Friday to all!

Ten Thing Thursday 4-26-12

Ten Thing Thursday - here we go.

1.  I have caught a cold...I was convincing myself it was allergies until a friend of mine answered "How are you?" with "I think I'm getting a cold," and listed all the same symptoms I have.

2.  It really sucks that I have a cold as I'm doing 2 5k's on Saturday.  Must be over this by then.

3.  Hoping it's not strep throat.  My youngest daughter's daycare had a sign posted last week about a child reporting strep throat.

4.  I've gotten the bills from my little medical issues from back in March.  I haven't opened them.  I'm too scared.

5.  My desk at work is filthy.  There's nothing on it, mind you but it's so DUSTY!  I bought some cleaner and keep meaning to bring it in and I keep forgetting.  Maybe I'll remember tomorrow.

6.  My sugar ban is not going well.  I had a milkshake last night.  I was feeling sorry for myself because of my throat hurting and wanted a milkshake to make it feel better.  Must learn not to comfort myself with food.

7.  Hubby handles all morning related stuff with my girls.  He gets them up, feeds them breakfast, gets them dressed, makes my oldest' lunch, and gets them off to school.  I usually try to make this as easy as possible by having outfits out and ready to go and anything going BACK to school (homework folder, etc.) is in the backpack.  I have been HORRIBLE this week.  I've done nothing to help.  I feel bad.  Will get back to doing this for Hubby as I do not envy having to deal with my girls in the morning.  My oldest is the slowest moving kid you'll find in the a.m. and my youngest is probably the grumpiest.  She gets that from me.

8.  I was so tired this morning that I walked out to the back parking lot to leave for work and panicked when I didn't see the van in its usual spot.  It's then that I remembered that I'm parking in the garage now.

9.  This post should've been titled Ten Whiny Things Thursday as that's all I've done.

10.  I'm really excited about this weekend and getting these 5k's done!  I don't want to give anyone the idea that I'm a real runner.  I'm not.  I probably won't be able to run the whole thing.  I have the same goal of finishing in 45 minutes as I did with the first 5k I ran.  The second 5k will most likely be powerwalked but if I can finish BOTH in under 45 minutes (each, obviously) then I will be seriously stoked!

2 5k's in 1 day

First, thanks for the amazing feedback on my last post!  There are so many of us in the same boat but I know we can all be successful.  On to other things....

It's official.  I signed up for 2 events for this Saturday.  That's right...a 5k in the morning and a 5k at night.  Am I crazy?  Methinks yes, definitely!  So here they are.

The one in the morning is Girls on the Run 5k. 100% of the race proceeds go directly to Girls on the Run whose mission is to "inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running." They nourish girls' bodies and minds.  What a great cause! 

The second one is the one I've been going on about for months...The Glow Run.  It benefits Sharing Downs Syndrome.  One of my oldest friend's has a little boy with downs and he's just so adorable!  Anyway, I'm running/walking in his honor.  The best part about this one is Hubby and the girls are doing the 1 mile luminary walk there while I do the 5k.  It's my girls' first "race" and they are super excited.  I explained where the money goes and they're psyched they can help families like my friend.  I also like that I'm teaching them to get involved, do good things for other people and be healthy all at the same time.  I'll be honest...I'm not so sure I'm going to be able to run this one, especially after the 5k in the morning, but I'll finish it come hell or high water.  

A couple fun things going on in Blogland too.  Jenn has given up sugar for 9 days!!  She's inspired me to do the same.  I'm going to allow myself sugar in my coffee but that's it.  No more Starbucks (because I can't just get a regular coffee there...it's gotta be sugar laden yummy goodness), no ice cream, no cookies, no chocolate.  None of it.  Ridding my body of the sugar demon.  To clarify...I'm not going low carb.  Just getting rid of the crap.  I'll still have fruit, bread, rice, etc.  Thanks for the inspiration Jenn!

Also Kristin's grandson, Cole, is doing a trikeathon.  If you can, go lend some support (financially or otherwise) here.  

So that's what I got for this fine Wednesday morning.  How about a Hump Day Happy Thought?

Tuesday & Lapband Timeline

Yep...it's Tuesday.  So the weekend was good.  Saturday morning was spent cleaning the house as is most Saturday mornings in my house.  Saturday afternoon, we dropped the girls off at my mom's and headed to Hubby's boss' house for a barbecue and fight night.  I admit I was a little nervous...not just because I'm shy but because it's Hubby's boss, meeting him for the first time and we really want Hubby to get hired on permanently at this job so we want to make a good impression.  I was also nervous because Hubby's friend works there too and had already may have said some things to the affect of how I'm uptight until you get a few drinks in me...ahem...so I felt they already had some preconceived notions.  Anyway, we went, we ate, we watched the fight and yes, drank...and I feel all went well.  Sunday morning, we were up bright and early to get the bulky stuff out of the garage - we finally got rid of the couch, chair and bunkbed and I can now park the minivan in the garage!  So freakin' excited about that!  We picked up the girls, did some grocery shopping and hung out at home.  Must've eaten something spoiled as stomach started protesting Sunday night and spent most of the night going back and forth to the bathroom.  Called in sick yesterday to let the stomach settle down and here we are.

So where is HERE?  Here is a new day, a new week, a new chance to start over on the healthy train, no matter how far we may have fallen.  I have a theory...I don't think it's new...pretty sure I read it on someone else's blog and I'm just expounding but I'm sorry I can't remember where it was to link back.  But I do believe that all bandsters kinda hit a timeline obstacle with the battle of the bulge.  The first year is great.   You're frustrated the first few months because you don't have great restriction yet and then the weight seems to naturally fall off.  Notice I didn't say FLY off...I said fall off.  For some of us, it falls off slower than others.  But it comes off with fairly little effort for most of us. This is when you MUST work your ass off to get to goal.  The most successful bandsters have hit their goal the first year.  They incorporate exercise and fitness along with great food choices and get it done.  And lucky for them that they do because if you go into Year 2 of banding NOT at goal...it's a long, lonely road.

Year 2 when you're not at goal sucks.  The newness has worn off.  The motivation has waned and, chances are, so has the support you got at the beginning.  Everything you HAVE been doing isn't working anymore because you really haven't been doing enough to begin with.  If the 13 months of exercise didn't become a habit (and trust me, for some people, it just DOESN'T), chances are it's going to be a struggle to get that activity in.  A certain amount of contentment with your new body sinks in...you can shop at regular stores, fit in booths, not worry about airline seat belts...and a certain part of you thinks "this is enough."  Everyone's used to seeing you "thinner", so the compliments slow down.  The newer, thinner you is now the fat you.  Discontentment grows but so does the fact that you FEEL you should be done by now.  You feel you should be at goal.  You realize that it's going to take a lot more effort on your part to get there and if you're like me, the thought of that is exhausting.  You've been obsessing about losing weight your whole life and now that you're "acceptable," a break may sound like a pretty good idea. It is my opinion that THIS is why lapband statistics cites people lose 50-65% of their excess body weight with the band.  Generally, they track 2 years out from surgery.  Well, folks...I've lost 70 lbs.  That's 70%.  I'm right in line with the statistics.

Now, don't get all hopeless.  I'm not saying EVERYONE'S story is like this but looking around Blogland and the view here in Candyland, this is norm.  It's time for the good news.  All is not lost.  Do you know why?  Because we've got this tool.  Unlike gastric bypass where if you stretch your pouch, you stretch your pouch...with the band, it's sitting there...just waiting for you to use it.  Waiting for you to recommit (REALLY recommit - not just say it, not just use words like "back on track" or "on the wagon" but REALLY ready to make that commitment that prompted us to get surgery or get healthy in the first place).  If you KNOW you're not at optimum restriction (let's review:  Does 1-1 1/2 cups of food keep you satisfied for 3-4 hours) go get a fill.  Are you worried your doctor will be mad at you because you haven't lost weight?  Oh well.  Suck it up and take your medicine.  Your doctor WANTS to see you if you're struggling.  If you're a self pay and think it's too expensive, I want you to put aside a jar...and every time you go to eat something you KNOW isn't going to help you get to goal, put a dollar in it.  Every time you think negative thoughts about where you are (even though you've already been a lapband success), put a dollar in the jar.  Every time you think an unkind thought about your body, put a dollar in the jar.  You'll see that for all the time you spend thinking about this weight and agonizing over it, you can afford your fill within a month.  You EARNED it.  If you're at good restriction but eat until you're "full" instead of "satisfied," start listening to your body again (raising my hand). We all listen very carefully in the beginning because we're terrified of breaking our band.  As time wears on, you see there's no rhyme or reason to why some people must lose their bands (there are a few of you floating around here in Blogland that have had the band removed through no fault of your own and others who abuse the hell out of it and face no repercussions).  If you're eating fast food and crapfood (again, raising hand)...just less of it than you used to, it's just not good enough. If you know you're too tight but think you can starve yourself thinner, think again.  Go get that unfill.  Slider foods do not help us lose weight.  Period.

My 2nd Bandiversary is in August.  That gives me the whole summer to make my second year a better year than it's been so far.  I know I can do this.  I know what I want.  I want that healthier lifestyle.  I WANT to be that annoyingly active family that goes bike riding together, kayaking, camping, hiking, rock climbing and all that stuff that most families don't do.

So if you're like me and not at goal...here's what we're going to do:
If you're in your first year, take full advantage.  You CAN shock your body into losing weight.  Throw yourself into that new lifestyle.  Look to the superstar bandsters for inspiration and see how they did it.  Almost all of them exercise (there are exceptions).  ALL of them eat right MOST of the time (no, not all of the time).  This first year is really your best chance to get to goal because trust me...after that...it gets A LOT harder.  No excuses.  "But I'm still so big to exercise..."  No, you're not.  You're too big to run a marathon.  You can go for a walk, go for a swim, sit on your couch doing leg lefts, walk around Target.  Get up and MOVE.

If you're in your second or even third year (I don't mean to ignore you, I just don't have experience in that area yet) and still struggling with making goal, reevaluate.  Do you need to adjust your goal?  Is your goal still realistic?  Once you decide, make it happen.  Get your fill, adjust the diet, adjust the activity level just do it.  I know I made that sound simple but let's face it.  It IS simple.  From a physical perspective, it's as easy as pie.  It's the mental one that's tough.

We can do this.  I have no doubt.  Will I reach my goal weight by August 15th?  No.  I won't.  Could I have?  Yes, absolutely but what's done is done and I can't go back and right those wrongs.  What I can do is move forward from them and start doing the absolute best by myself.  I've earned that.  So I'm starting with a modest weight goal...I'm going to lose 12 lbs by August.  I'm putting up a ticker and we're going to do this.  I challenge anyone who's been stalled like I have...playing with the same 3 lbs for MONTHS...to set a goal of 12 lbs by August.  It's do-able.  It really is.  That's less than a lb a week.  Just because we didn't make it in a year doesn't mean we can't make it in 2 or even 3.  WE CAN DO THIS.

BYOC and No Gym For Me

I'll start with why Gold's Gym (and yes, I'm using the name in full so if someone googles it, they'll find my thoughts about them) is never getting any of my business.  This was the gym I was checking out and had decided to join.  I go in yesterday and the guy I had been talking to wasn't there so I just said, "well, give me whoever will sign me up."  So Zack comes up and he's an ass from the get go.  We go over to the computer, and he asks if John went over everything with me.  I said yes and he asked which plan we decided on and I said the one for $19.95.  He said, "OK.  I just need your driver's license and the card you want it billed to each month and we'll get you set up."  Great.. I hand him my stuff and as he's getting the computer geared up, I decide I better make sure we're all on the same page, so I say, "So no contract, no enrollment fee..."  He says yes.  And I say, "And it includes all the classes.." and he says (get ready for it) "Yep...well, except for the extreme classes."  I say, "Hold on.  What do you mean?"  He says, "Extreme classes...like kettle bells, Gladiator, bootcamps...those are an extra $20 a month."  I gesture him to give me back my license and card and say "That's not what I was told."  And he's just staring at me, saying nothing.  Thank God my oldest daughter was with me or they may have had to call the police.  I was livid!!!  I say, "Not happening.  We're leaving."  All he said?  "Goodbye."  That's it...no apology for a "miscommunication," no "hold on...let's work something out."  NOTHING.  Just "Goodbye."  As I walked away, Maddie asked "Why aren't we signing up?" and I said (loud enough for him to hear) "Because, baby, we don't do business with liars."  Don't worry...I'm almost done with my rant.  Here's the thing...everyone knows the $9.95 deal is a teaser and you expect to get the bait and switch.  But to get the bait and switch and switch again is just too shady!  So pissed!  So now I'm gymless and kind of turned off of the whole thing altogether.  Ugh.  This did NOT help my motivation.  Moving on to BYOC...Courtesy of Draz, button to the right.


1. Do you have any siblings? What is your relationship with them? Good, bad, ugly?

I have an older brother and sister.  My brother and I do not get along, at all.  I blame his wife but that can only go so far.  He lives 30 minutes away and I see him 3 times a year.  My sister lives 2000 miles away and I see her twice a year.  You do the math.  I'm very close to her and talk to her at least once or twice a week.  And now I play "Words with Friends" with her on my new phone which I'm absolutely in love with.  

2. Let’s talk pizza. Do you prefer homemade or restaurant? What toppings are your fave?

This may sound weird but I don't think I've EVER had homemade pizza.  Not made from scratch, homemade.  I've had frozen or like the prepared crust with pizza making fixins.  I prefer restaurant.  There's a couple really good places around me now (just opened in the last year) that I love, love, love even more than my new phone (I'm going to see if I can work it into every question...let's see).

3. When is the last time you cried – in sadness and in joy?

I don't cry in joy although I almost did when I bought my new phone (aha!  I did it again!)  I didn't cry when I had my daughters (at least not in joy) or my wedding or anything like that.  It's just not how I express that I'm happy.


In sadness - my grandmother's funeral last month.  I cried a lot.  

4. Do you own a gun – one that is specifically yours? Do you know how to use it?

Do I personally own a gun?  No.  Hubby does...a couple I think.  I don't know where they are...I don't want to know where they are.  I want to try shooting and see if I like it and I like the idea of being able to defend myself and my daughters in my home if I have to.  It'd be nice to be empowered with something other than my new phone to dial 911 (hehe) and actually be able to keep someone from hurting us.  

5. Repeat question. Summarize your week!

Real life - So incredibly busy (see last post).  I had the conference at work, the emergency at work, doctor's appointment for me, last minute doc appointment for daughter, gym fiasco...and (you guessed it)...I bought my NEW PHONE!


Blogland - Awesome as always.  Some newbies are getting extremely frustrated with Bandster Hell and I encourage them to stay the course, not be too hard on themselves and remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint.

This weekend is rather hohum.  I'm cleaning my house tomorrow morning and then we have a bbq/fight night with Hubby's boss that afternoon/evening.  Sunday should be a day of rest.  I sure hope so.  I need some good, happy family time.  My girls have been acting up and I think it may be a result of how busy this past week has been.  I have a blogpost coming next week about my thoughts on the banded timeline.  This post is already ridiculously long so I don't want to do it today.  I'm sure you're all on the edge of your seats.

OK...Friday Funny...

SO Busy

Great googly moogly!  OK...So I've been absolutely slammed this week but I've been trying to keep up as much as I can and commenting on my phone.  Finally have a couple minutes here this morning to post.  So what's been going on?  Well, stuff BLEW UP at work on Monday.  I was in at 5:30 a.m. (usual time) but didn't leave until after 4 pm.  That SUCKED.  My boss was at the conference I was supposed to be at and I was her backup so when things blew up, it was up to me.  Happy to report that I fixed it but it was quite the day.  Tuesday I spent all day at the conference from 7 a.m. to 9 pm.  The conference was interesting but the food was fantastic!  They feed you well and they feed you often and while I certainly did better than the last time I went, it was still pretty ugly...not to mention the open bar that started at 5.  Ahem...  moving on.  I did log on to work from the conference in the afternoon just to address some more urgent issues.  Yesterday was SUPPOSED to be a half day at the conference and then working from home.  Well, I made it about 3/4 of he way through the conference when my daughter's daycare called and said she was crying about her ear hurting.  Now, my oldest is a bit of a whiner...something ALWAYS hurts but this is my youngest who barely cried when they had to put a staple in her head so I knew we were off to the doc.  Ear infection and possible strep throat later, we were home.  I did manage to log in for a little bit yesterday evening to get yet more work done.  Today, I'm here and then have an ultrasound at 3:30 and then off to join my gym.  I won't be working out today  but I'm making the financial commitment today.  Whew.  I'm already exhausted and it's only Thursday.  So I promised some pics.   Remember that high school graduation dress I told you about?  Here it is.

Please excuse the mess and bad lighting.  Best we could do.  So... I wanted to make a collage with these to make it easier but question...my favorite collage website has shut down...What do y'all use to make them now?  Also, I wish I had my high school picture to scan and put on here for comparison...maybe I'll try to dig it up and do that.  Undoubtedly, the image has changed a bit, dress fitting or not.  LOL.

I also snapped a quick pic of my ultra cute new lunch box.  It was only $11 at Target.

So there ya go.  That's been my week.  Little tidbit, I'm wearing a DRESS to work today.  Yeppers...a dress.  I had decided last night that since it's supposed to be like 95 today, I'd wear a dress.  I put on said dress this morning and it's WAY too big.  So I chose a second one and it looks pretty good albeit a little shorter than I would normally wear but not inappropriate.  I would say that I'm SO ready for the weekend but it's going to be busy too.  I'm cleaning my house (because it is an absolute wreck...I don't know how it got so bad) Saturday morning and then we're going to a bbq and fight night at my husband's boss' house that afternoon/evening.  Hubby still isn't permanent in his job so we need to shmooze a bit.

I've also made a decision about this job that I'm not digging at all.  I've been trying to do things the way my boss does them but that just isn't me and never has been me.  I'm known for getting stuff done even if I've gotta stomp on some reluctant toes to get there.  I am NOT known for being a people-pleaser or ultra friendly or any of that crap.  For God's sakes, "diplomatic skills" has been listed as something to work in my development plan for the last 3 years.  So I don't know WHY I would think they'd hire me for that.  I was either a) hired BECAUSE I'm like that and my boss isn't so she needed someone who is or b) my boss didn't do her homework on me (even though I know she talked to my old boss and several other contacts before hiring me) and didn't realize what she was getting.  Either way, I'm through playing the little game.  I'm going to start doing things MY way and if they don't like it...oh well...It'll take them at least 6 months to figure out that I'm not going to change and by then, I can post out to something else.  Either they'll be glad to be rid of me or I will have changed this job into something that's a better fit for me.  So there.

So this isn't an official "10 Thing Thursday" but I'm sure I've got ten things in here.  Have a great day!

Weekend & NSV's

This weekend saw a few NSV's that I'm especially happy about.  They're listed throughout.  Can you find them all?  Hehe...manipulative ploy to get you to read the entire blog.  Kinda like a "Where's Waldo?"

I made it to the gym again on Friday and it felt awesome.  I did 15 minutes on the crosstrainer and made it 1.3 miles, burning 150 calories (per the machine).  Then I did 15 minutes on the evil stairmaster (I think that's what it's called?  The escalator thing?).  Anyway, this machine always kicks my ass and I'm scared I'm going to fall off of it.  I chose an interval type workout on it where it speeds up and slows down throughout the workout.  I wanted to quit after 9 minutes but saw that the slower pace was the next interval so told myself I'd work through at least that and then it was 9 1/2 minutes and I said "I can get to 10."  And so on and so on until I had my 15 minutes.  Workout summary:  43 Floors!!!  Any idea how many "real" floors that would be?  Like...is that true?  So then I went on to do my assisted pull up, chin up and dips, chest press, leg presses, sit ups, etc.  So this was me 43 floors and weight training later:

NSV #1:  43 floors and I didn't die.  Progress!

So then I picked up my girls and we went to get our hair cut.  My oldest went super short but it's really cute.  My youngest and I just got a trim and our bangs cut.  We're cute too.  :)  Then we went to my parents' house to say hi.  My daughters had been asking to go since Wednesday.  My mom had started going through the spare bedroom's closet and she found my high school graduation dress.  For kicks, I tried it on.  NSV #2:  IT FIT!!!  Yes, ladies and gents...a dress I owned at age 17, not only zipped up but I could breathe and didn't look half bad.  Spanx preferred?  Yes.  Needed?  No.  I forgot to have Hubby take a picture but I took the dress home and will have him snap one tonight.  I can't tell you how it felt to get in that dress.  NSV #3:  That I actually tried it on.  I know 70 lbs ago, I never would've even attempted that and seeing that dress would've just made me feel completely depressed.  I'm embracing things like this now.

Saturday, we got up, went to breakfast where Hubby and I split a skillet thing.  We split everything these days.  Then we tackled that garage.  We worked steadily for 4 hours but got it done.  I wish I had a before and after shot but alas...I forgot to take one.  Seriously though...it looks awesome.  NSV #4: I never took a break.  I walked, carried, hauled, cleaned, and rearranged for 4 hours without stopping.  And when I was all done, I didn't feel completely wiped out.  I could've gone all day if I had to.  70 lbs ago, this would've taken all day with the breaks I would've needed.  I felt especially good about that.

Sunday was spent kinda lazing around.  NSV #5:  After the workout Friday and cleaning out the garage Saturday, I was expecting to wake up really SORE.  But surprisingly, I was OK.  I woke up a little stiff but it quickly wore off as I got up and moving.  Previously, I would've been barely able to move following two days like that.  We took the girls to get their pictures taken.  They are too cute!  Once I pick them up, I'll scan some and get them on here...as soon as I figure out how to use our scanner.  Hmmm....  Then we went and bought NEW PHONES!!!  I have been needing and wanting a new phone for ages but just couldn't bring myself to spend the money on it.  Well, this weekend...we sucked it up and bought new iphones.  I'm so flippin' excited!  Then we went to Target and bought new lunch boxes as I made the mistake of leaving mine in the work fridge on the last weekend of the month when they clean it out.  Oops!  I'll take a picture of that too as it's super cute!

So that was the weekend.  This week is going to be pretty busy.  I've got a conference at work today, tomorrow and Wednesday.  Tonight, we have an early kindergarten information session for my youngest.  Public schools recommend your child be 5 by August 31st for kindergarten.  But they have "early kindergarten" for kids turning 5 between September 1st and December 31st.  Lori's birthday falls in that timeline.  So they'll have to assess her and all that to see if she's ready.  If she's not, she's not but we're looking into it anyway.  Tomorrow, that conference has a dinner/reception thing which is great for networking so I won't be home until late.  Thursday, I have an ultrasound.  Before I can get the ablation in May, they have to do an ultrasound and biopsy just to make sure everything is A-OK.  So ultrasound on Thursday and biopsy on May 2nd.  So busy stuff this week.

I've also decided I'm going to join that gym I've been trying out.  My old gym is nice but just not what I'm looking for right now and since this gym has no contract, if I do want to go back to my old one, I can just cancel.  The other 2 places I checked out were just way too pricey for how often I'd be using it.  And here's where I should clarify.  I am NOT looking to work out at a gym 5 days a week right now.  That's unrealistic for my schedule.  So paying $40 or $50 per month just isn't worth it for only 2 days a week.  So anyway...going to swing by the gym at some point this week (maybe Thursday) and get signed up.  Speaking of exercise...let's check in with the tracker (I'm sorry this post is so long).

OK...So only 4 times so far this month but that's 4 times more than LAST month so I'm takin' it!  And since this is going to be a very busy week...we need a DEMotivator...

So did you find all the NSV's?  Here's hoping to a great week folks!

Friday Maintenance

Which Basically means BYOC and other stuff.

So I'm going to the gym again today.  All my bags are packed..I'm ready to go...(I hate to wake you up to say goodbyyyyyyeeee).  Anywhoozle...excited to hit the gym again.  During my last workout, I was able to do assisted pull ups and dips which I'm still feeling in my arms today.  Awesome soreness!

My workout tomorrow is going to be cleaning out my garage.  It is a crazy disaster in there.  When we moved last May (yes, I said LAST May), everything just got thrown in there like it was a storage unit.  And as we've gotten rid of chairs and couches, they've gotten thrown in there too...along with our extra fridge, washer, dryer and bunk beds.  The plan is to haul it all OUT of the garage and put it back in all organized and pretty and throw everything else in the dumpster or put it to the side for the bulk garbage pick up happening at the end of May.  Anyway, I think that's going to be a very good workout.  Sunday we're taking the girls to get their pictures taken.  It's been forever since we've done professional portraits for them and JCPenney has a good deal for April.  Excited about that.  I'm also trying to talk Hubby into getting me a new phone over the weekend.  We'll see.

So BYOC - Bring Your Own Crazy! courtesy of Drazil.  Please see link on the right to her blog ---->
It’s Friday, my Skittles! That means it’s time for BYOC. Bring Your Own Crazy! We answer 5 questions in an effort to get to know each other better and to give our blogging brains a break! Copy to your own blog and enjoy!

1. Whether you’re a parent or not….what do you think the appropriate age is to talk to a child about “the birds and the bees”?
OMG!  I'm scared to death of this conversation.  It's not the sex one...I think I can handle that.  It's the period one.  As a woman, I hate mine so I'm going to find it very difficult to put a positive spin on it.  On top of that, it's just so...icky.  I have no idea what the appropriate age is nowadays.  Kids seems to mature so much more quickly than when I was younger.  I may take my cue from the school or when kids seem to have questions...I don't have a good answer here as every kid and parent is different.  

2. What’s the color scheme in your bedroom?
Scheme?  I have no scheme.  We rent so decor is at a minimum.

3. What kind of shampoo and conditioner do you use on your hair?
Dove has a damage repair formula that I like a lot and I can buy loads of it at Sam's Club.  I used to use an expensive one from a salon and found that this actually works better for me.  

4. And since it’s nearly summer time…do you paint your own toes, go some place for pedicures or not paint your toes at all? What’s your fave toe color?
I do nothing.  And I admit it's nasty.  I always vow to do better but I never do.  As a reward for working out 15 times a month, I'm going to reward myself with a pedicure but I've yet to hit it.  *sigh*

5. Repeat question: Summarize your week!
Real life - Eh.  Work blows.  TOM came this week and I freakin' hate it.  Now that I'm off birth control, I FEEL it more...bloating, grumpiness, emotional mess...
Blogosphere - Pretty good.  Seeing a lot of great motivation here and some long lost bloggers are making reappearances.

And I'll finish off with a Friday Funny:

Fat vs Skinny Trip to Gym

Now I'm not skinny but I'm don't think I'm really FAT anymore either, hence the comparative title.  So I've joined a lot of gyms in the last 15 years or so.  I know what to expect on a first visit.  I expect the "hard sell."  I expect the tour, the push for personal training, etc.  I know how to handle all that.  What I wasn't prepared for was the different attitude I would receive from the sales guy this time.  But first, let's back up.

I joined an awesome gym in 2010 and weighing in at 230 lbs.  I went for my visit and the guy asked me "Why are you here?"  Not like in a mean way, but in a way to find out what made me come in there that day.  And I told him, "I'm sick of feeling like crap and I'm ready to commit to losing weight."  And that began the "We understand where you're coming from.  We're here to help you fulfill your dreams and reach for the stars, blah, blah, blah."  The tone was sympathetic, almost pitying in a way.  He proceeded to show me all the different kinds of people who work out there.  You know...basically he was saying "Look!  Lots of fat people come here.  You won't be left out!"  I left with the message that if I didn't join that gym, I'd die.  I'd never lose weight, eventually I would just keep getting bigger and bigger and I would die.  I NEEDED the gym.

Yesterday, it was such a different tune, I almost didn't know how to handle it.  This guy looked at my little informational sheet where I checked off what I wanted to work on and it was pretty much everything - Lose Weight?  Check.  Tone?  Check.  Build strength and muscle?  Check.  Train for an event?  Check.  His first question to me, "So what are your goals?"  Goals?  Fat people can have goals?  I explained that I have lost about 70 lbs in the last 18 months and need a good push to get the last 30 off and I've got a Warrior Dash in October that I must prepare for.  He was floored.  "You've lost 70 lbs??  That's awesome!"  He gave me the tour, talking me through the equipment and classes, sharing his own story of running his first 5k in January and how while he's in great shape, running is especially difficult for him.  He gave me a rundown of the gladiator class and all the "props" they use and how great he think it'd be for Warrior Dash training.  He asked what I've done so far and I told him I've been trying to walk and run for cardio and the Zumba and Step at my old gym.  I told him about my kettle bells at home.  He told me they have a great kettle bell class with a certified trainer that he thinks I'd like.  He also said they still have Zumba and Yoga and stuff for a less intense workout.

I guess the difference is that instead of feeding me "We'll help you not be fat anymore," I got a tailored, personalized tour focusing on what I told him I like to do.  Is it due to preconceived notions or is it due to me actually being able to vocalize what I'm looking for this time?  I think it's a combination of both.  I think when you go into a gym fat, they think you need help.  You obviously can't help yourself so you need guidance and be told what to do and how to do it.  You need to be given hope because you're obviously hopeLESS.  And for me, at least, I bought into it.  They must be right.  If I could've done it without the gym, I would've done it already.

This time, I walked in with more confidence.  A "Been there, done that" attitude.  I know what my goals are this time.  The last time, I didn't know where I wanted to go...I just knew I didn't want to be where I was anymore.  This time, I told them I abhor treadmills but like weight machines and want to focus on upper body strength  Last time, I'd work on whatever they told me to work on because I knew it ALL needed work.  I got no hard sell.  I got just a sales pitch that told me how that gym can help me reach my goals...as I've already been doing for 2 years.  Then after the pitch, I went and worked out.  Wednesday Work out - 30 minutes on the elliptical and then 20 minutes of strength training.  The gym is OK...I don't LOVE it but I think I can handle it.

So my checklist:

• Does the equipment look easy to use?  It's typical. It's all a little older.  The cardio equipment doesn't have their own air blowers, for instance.  But I didn't see any "Out of Order" signs on ANYTHING and it all looked pretty clean.
• Are there TV's?  haha!  Yes and No.  They have one long line of them which are tuned to CNN, Fox News, HLN, ESPN and Gold's Gym TV.  From my elliptical, I can't read the captions without my glasses so the answer to this may as well be no.  This could be a deal breaker.
• Do they have any group classes I'm interested in?  Yes!  Several actually.  Definitely hardcore kind of work outs too...equivalent to bootcamps and stuff.  I've followed several bloggers (Catherine and Fluffy come to mind immediately) who have gotten whipped into shape with bootcamp.  I can't afford bootcamp (they're expensive around here) so this would be the next best thing I think. They also have many classes after 5 pm.  They definitely sound more hardcore than anything I've done previously and it looks like most of the instructors are men but I kind of like the idea of really kickin' some a$$.  
• Is there a Kids' Club?  Yes but I won't use it.  It doesn't look that great and my kids didn't like the one at the other gym either.  They're in school and daycare all day so I think it just loses it novelty pretty quickly.
• Is there a pool? Didn't ask and didn't see one so I'm thinking no...
• Does shower/locker room look like it's cleaned and kept up regularly?  Outside of being out of paper towels, yes.  I didn't see any clumps of hair near the drains of the showers or odd colored tiles that would indicate mold.  No mildewy smell and as a bonus, there's a dry sauna in there too.  The gym also has tanning rooms...not my thing but thought I'd throw it in there.
• Does it feel comfortable? It doesn't feel UNcomfortable.  All the machines are lined up facing the same direction so no worries about people staring at my butt but on the other hand, it's also just kind of so-so.  It reminded me of Average Joe's Gymnasium in the movie Dodgeball...anybody see that?  It's definitely a no frills kind of gym but do I really need frills at this point?  The type of frills I want, I can't afford so I need a place where I can get it together once or twice a week.   It wasn't all men at the gym but mostly men.  There was actually hardly anyone at the gym at all...but that could be because I was there at 2:30 pm on a Wednesday afternoon.  Don't these people have jobs???  LOL. That's about the time of day I'll be going on Wednesdays since both girls are in an after school program.
• Price? $19.95/month - no enrollment fee or contract.  Also, unlimited daily guess passes and I've already asked about the fine print on that.  Anybody, anytime as long as they're with you can come in free...even for the classes.  Now if Hubby and I had any kind of the same schedule, it'd be a no brainer because we'd basically be getting 2 for 1.  Alas, that is not to be but this is VERY reasonable and doesn't lock me in so if I don't like it, I can just cancel it.  Also, by going with a no-frills gym for a reasonable price, I can save my money and add in some outside things like a rock gym once or twice a month and stuff like that.  

So that's my gym review.  I haven't decided if I'm going to do it yet.  I might try the Gladiator class Saturday morning and see how I like it.  But at the same time, I'm really scared to go do it.  It's 2 hours long!!  I think I might die.  Hmmm....decisions, decisions.  I won't be doing 10 Thing Thursday as this post was ridiculously long as it is.  Have a great Thursday everybody!

Revisiting the Gym

I've decided to join a gym again.  I belonged to my last gym for 15 months.  I went religiously for 13 months of that.  That was by far my most successful gym run in history.  Then, for whatever reason, I stopped going.  My schedule changed up and just couldn't make it work anymore.  I apparently lost my exercise mojo.  Well, now for whatever reason, it's back and I'm itching to get back to a gym and back to a workout routine.  I don't want to spend more than $30/month to go as I still may only be able to go once or twice a week. I'm going into one gym today to check it out.  They have a deal going for $9.95/month BUT that's only for the equipment, not classes.  It's $19.95/month for unlimited classes and use of equipment.  Still not bad.  The online reviews of the gym are iffy so we'll see how it goes.  I'm also thinking about going back to my old gym.  I really liked it and liked how the equipment was mostly new but the group classes offered at this other gym sound far more interesting.  They both have Zumba and yoga but the other gym has Body Pump and this:

GLADIATOR TRAINING

A combination of ropes, chains, sandbags, kettle bells, heavy bags, tractor tires, sledgehammers and anything else we can use to create an intense cardio/strength workout.  This training will tax all the energy systems along the metabolic chain.

Sounds perfect for preparing me for the warrior dash.  Now this place isn't known for being altogether "women friendly."  I don't think it's UNfriendly but that's just not what it's known for but it can't hurt to check the place out.  I'm prepared for the hard sell.  I've joined enough gyms in my life to know what to expect and I'm way past sticker shock on pricing.  It's really about the amenities and what I actually need to get out of it.  So what am I looking for in a gym and what can I do without?  Everyone is different but here's my list (in no particular order):

• Does the equipment look easy to use?  I admit that I was intimidated by weight machines several years ago so I actually did one of those "free training sessions" gyms always offer when you sign up and made them show me how to use everything.  Now it's my favorite part of the workout.  But there are SOME machines that still look confusing or that you need to be a contortionist to use.  Newer machines are usually more user friendly than older ones.
• Are there TV's?  I know most of you rock out to some tunes on your ipod, iphone or whatever.  I enjoy TV on cardio machines.  Makes the time go by faster for me.  I'm just not that into music and my ipod is broken and I don't even own a smartphone or iphone.
• If there are TV's.  Is it just one for a whole row of cardio equipment and is it on ESPN?  If there's one thing that WON'T get me through a workout, it's ESPN.
• Do they have any group classes I'm interested in?  I like Zumba and wanted to try kickboxing at my old gym but that's kind of it as far as interest goes there.  This other gym has more variety and more "kick ass" classes than my old one.  
• If I am interested, are there any held at a time I can get to?  It's great if they offer power yoga 3x a week but if it's always at 9 a.m. then that doesn't help me much.
• Is there a Kids' Club?  This was VERY important to me at my old gym but I'm not as bothered by it now.  My kids didn't like it that much and there wasn't much for them to do.  It's nice to have the option but it's not a "must have" anymore
• Is there a pool?  I don't care.  I never use them.
• Does shower/locker room look like it's cleaned and kept up regularly?  Nothing grosser than a moldy shower in a gym.  Again, not a deal breaker as I don't plan on working out before work or anything to where I can't take a shower at home.  The locker room at my old gym was REALLY nice so it would be kinda tough to get used to but not impossible.  It makes me think though...if they aren't cleaning the showers, are they cleaning the equipment?  Just a thought.  
• Does it feel comfortable?  This is the biggest one for me.  For a long, long time...I didn't feel comfortable in a gym...period.  If there were too few people, I felt like everyone was staring at the fat girl on the treadmill.  I couldn't blend in.  If there were too many people, I felt that I didn't have the right to take up time on a machine when it's obvious people in better shape needed it more than me (I know this is stupid, but it's the truth).  I got over all this and even started standing in the FRONT of group classes so I could see the instructor better.  I didn't care who was there as long as the machines I wanted were available.  I started trying new classes and new machines that I hadn't been instructed on.  I felt I BELONGED.  But there some gyms just have better layouts than others.  I don't want to be on a treadmill that's out in front of a bunch of meatheads lifting weights so these guys can stare at my ass the whole time.  
• Also, are there other women there?  Now, it's true.  I don't get along with women as well as men but there's something creepy about being the only woman (or at least the only woman with the body of a woman and not one that's been steroided up) in a gym.  
• Even if there are other women there...what type of women are there?  Is it a meat market gym?  Y'all know what I'm talking about on this one.  Are they about my age?  No offense to anyone who does Curves but that didn't work well for me at all.  I was in a room with a bunch of 50 and 60 something olds and the intensity just wasn't there to get me to where I needed to be.  
• Price.  It's still a factor.  I've set a price limit for myself.  While I really want to go back to the gym, I can't break the bank doing it.  There are some seriously NICE gyms in my area with HUGE pools and water slides and massage services, juice bars...the works.  I can't afford them.  And really, I don't NEED them. All I need is what I listed up there above.  Nice cardio equipment with entertainment value and group classes at a convenient time.  That's it.  Those other things would be great but until I have the cash for that kind of thing, I'm not even going to take a tour.

So I printed my 7 day free pass to this other gym.  I'm going today to try it out.  Packed my gym bag for the first time in about 9 months.  I can't remember my lock combination...will have to ponder that today.  I'll definitely let you know how it goes.  So question to those of you who choose gyms over home fitness...

What's important to you in a gym?

In The News

It's fascinating how much "fat" or "obese" issues pop in the news.  In today's edition of "In the News With Panda,"  we're talking about the hospital in Texas that refuses to hire people with a BMI over 35.  Full article is here.  Here are some excerpts with my comments in blue.  (Disclaimer:  My comments may upset some people but my intention is not to offend...just my own personal opinion and if you want to flame me in the comments, that's no problem.)


… an employee’s physique “should fit with a representational image or specific mental projection of the job of a healthcare professional,” including an appearance “free from distraction” for hospital patients.  Unless the patient is there for a weight related concern and is about to get lectured on their own weight, this should not matter.  How about people tattooed out the wazoo (I don't really care about this one as both Hubby and I have a tattoo but I know my mom or dad would rush to judgment) or have greasy hair?  My father was recently in a burn unit of a hospital for several weeks and some of the nurses and assistants and orderlies (not sure if that's what they're called anymore) appeared greasy, dirty, unkempt.  In my opinion, that's more important in appearance than if someone is overweight.  Also, some of these people could barely speak English to where if my father needed something, he had to repeat himself regularly.  But thank God they weren't fat! Really???  


A 5-foot-10 man who weighs 245 pounds would have a BMI of over 35, the hospital's cutoff.  A 5-foot-2 woman would be over the cutoff at 195 pounds.  I think I could've been a great worker at a hospital at 230 lbs.  I could move easily, could lift probably more than I can lift now (I've lost some muscle mass - that's what I get for not working out).  Am I in better shape now?  Of course, but would I be a better worker?  Probably not.  Little NSV here though - I could totally get a job here now!  LOL.


You’re costing employers too much money for medical coverage, and increasingly firms are imposing penalties on workers who don’t get with the healthy program.  OK.  I'm torn on this one.  On the one hand, I don't have issues with people who make poor health choices paying more for insurance premiums...smokers have had to do this for years.  On the other hand, I have cost my insurance company MORE with surgery and follow up care than I ever did when I was fat.  Now...in the long run, I'm sure they're saving money.  But I was a "healthy" fat person.  Other than birth control, I was on NO meds (this is why I had to fight to get my WLS).  So the fact that you cost more is a generalization.  

For anyone who lives outside Michigan, the only recourse is going to the federal  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and seeking help under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Don’t expect a lot. Simply being overweight generally does not qualify as a disability.  And here's where I'm going to get flamed.  Being fat is not, I repeat is NOT, a disability.  I cannot stand it when I see people in motorized scooters or wheelchairs whose only issue is they're fat.  This CAN be fixed.  Get in the pool and move.  Start walking, even if it's just to the end of your driveway.  I think it's wrong to discriminate based on weight but you are NOT disabled if you are fat.  We want "fat acceptance."  Well, don't ask for preferential treatment because you're fat.  Now, the best example I can find with this is Holly (I'm sorry to call you out but you REALLY inspire me).  She couldn't walk to her mailbox...couldn't make it all the way around WalMart... so she started...one mailbox at a time until she could walk up to 5 miles!  Was she/is she disabled?!?!  NO!  Now...she has arthritis in her knee, so what is she doing?  Swimming!  She's not making excuses.  She's making the difference in her own life.  Does this sound like someone who is disabled?!?!  Absolutely not!

The Texas example may seem over the top, but heavier workers have been hit in the wallet before.

In a study by John Cawley, an associate professor at Cornell University, he found that obese white women had worse labor market outcomes than any other overweight workers.  I think we all know this is a reality.  We are discriminated based on being fat.  People believe fat people are dumb and lazy.  I'm sure we all have examples of being passed over for promotions or not hired in the first place based on our obese status.  Or in other cases, it's just an uncomfortable work environment, such as I am experiencing now with Skinny Bitch #1.  

So there you have it.  I believe an employer has the right not to hire someone they think can't perform a job.  For instance, a mail carrier or meter maid who has to walk a route every day...probably not ideal to be 50 lbs overweight (although what a great way to lose weight!) but basing it on appearance and an "image" is just ridiculous.  I've laid out my opinions here...interested in hearing what you think. 

So Hard After A Holiday

To come back to work.  Ugh.  Weekend was good.  Saturday was spent doing family stuff...coloring eggs, making a bunny cake, doing some shopping.  The girls were up at 5:45 Sunday morning ready to hunt for eggs.   They found them all plus their baskets.  They ate candy and cake all day long and barely touched dinner.  Oh well...I think it's alright every once in awhile.  Otherwise, Hubby and I indulged in ham, potato salad, arancini, deviled eggs and bunny cake.  Mmmmmm...the sodium alone is reason enough not to weigh in this morning.   I also overindulged in chocolate.  My bad.  Easter pics coming soon.

So now it's Monday.  For some odd reason, the girls were up at 3 a.m. and did not want to go back to sleep.  Maybe all that sugar?  So I'm pretty tired but oh well.  I'll get through today.  So I have dinners and breakfasts planned for the whole week and most of my lunches.  I worked out twice last week and I'm aiming for 3 times this week.  Baby steps, people!

So I've come to the conclusion that I do not like my new job.  I've given it almost 5 months and it's just not a good fit for me.  I don't jive well with my boss, I'm given virtually no direction and this just isn't the role for me. On the one hand, I'm still happy that I'm not in my old role.  I have friends still in that area who have told me how it's changed and getting out of there was definitely the right decision.  I'm going to muscle through this position for a year and then will post out to something else.  I have no idea what that something else may be but hopefully it'll work itself out by then.  It does make Mondays a touch more miserable, however.

I had decided I would be weighing in on pay days...15th and last day of each month.  Twice a month seems logical.  I'm sure my weigh in on Sunday will not be pretty but I'm starting to feel more on track and that's the most important thing.

Interesting news bit - obese pregnant women more likely to have autistic children.  Not sure how I feel about the study.  I don't think any one single factor causes autism.  I think it's a combination of genetics and environmental factors.  Article is here.

So our Monday DEMotivation:

Good Friday

So it's Good Friday but is it a GOOD Friday?  Eh...not too bad, I guess.  I've got my annual ladies' appointment today so that's never real fun.  I'm also having the consultation today for No.va.s.ure.  Andrea had asked what that is and basically it's a mesh they put up into the uterus to get rid of the lining to help minimize or eliminate your monthly flow.

Anywoozle...I'm working today so I get to leave work, go to my appointment and then go BACK to work after so that kinda sucks.  May just work from home after the appointment.

Proud of me...check it out!

I did 30 minutes of cardio yesterday, alternating power walking and running.  I actually used the treadmill that we own that I haven't touched in at least a year.  To be fair, we did not buy the treadmill for me...bought it for Hubby so I don't feel too guilty that I don't use it regularly.  I know it's only 2 days of exercise so far this week but to be fair...it's 2 MORE days of exercise than I did last week.  Here's my after workout "glow."

Weekend will be nice.  My mom's watching my girls today since they're out of school. I'm sure she's got some fun Easter themed activities for them.  Saturday, we're working on my daughter's animal habitat diorama that's due Monday.  Fun stuff.  Sunday, of course, is Easter.  Not sure what's going on there yet but Easter Egg hunt and church will most likely be on the agenda.  Exciting stuff.

So a Friday Funny...

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter and whether you embrace the religious aspect, the secular aspect, the celebration of Spring or anything in between...

Ten Thing Thursday Again

I'm sorry I never credit Laura Belle for these...I'm not sure I'm following her so I'm sorry I've been neglectful!  10 things is gonna be tough but I always say that and then make it there anyway so here we go...

1. I didn't work out yesterday.  *SIGH*
2. T.u.r.b.o T.a.x sucks big fat donkey balls.
3. Hubby took our taxes to be done yesterday.  It's the first time since we've met we've had someone do our taxes for us.  Prior to that, I did them by hand and then once we had actual finances, I did them via T.u.r.b.o T.a.x.  Every year I've done them via that program, I got a small refund from federal and then owed state.  This year we're getting a decent refund from federal (number still pending) and a tiny refund from state.  WTF???  Never using that stupid software again!
4. Do any of you get frustrated when an overweight person complains about being overweight but they're doing NOTHING to change that?  My overweight coworker (think I called her Peggy in a previous post) is like this and is in complete denial.  She think she's got a biological issue...I think it's the fact that she gets Sbux twice a day, eats out practically every meal and buys full size potato chip bags for snacks.  
5. Then I remember that I used to be her and who am I to judge?   In a way, I still AM her.  I've 30 lbs to go until I get to goal and I'm eating like I'm in maintenance.  Ugh.  
6. So I think I'm going to have the No.va.su.re procedure in May.  Have any of you done this?  If so, what was your experience?
7. I'm back to having 2 fingers wrapped.  Argh!  Index finger was hurting pretty badly still and in case it's broken, I don't want a deformed hand.  I've only got a day or two of this in me before I say a deformed finger isn't so bad.
8. Carnie Wilson - AJ at Pet My Port prompted me to add this today.  I want her to know that not ALL of us are thrilled that Carnie got the lapband.  I'm all for people doing whatever they can to lose weight.  Duh...I'm not against WLS for anybody.  However, Carnie has serious addiction and emotional issues she's gotta deal with in order to be successful.  I hope she does but I'm not holding my breath.
9. So yesterday both my boss' boss and HIS boss asked how I was liking the new job.  Seemed odd since I barely talk to either one of them.  
10. Hubby and I will officially be out of credit card debt tomorrow!  I'm not going to provide the total as it's utterly humiliating but we've been working for several years to pay this off and it's finally happening.  So happy!!!!

What do you know?  10 things...amazing all the random stuff we can come up with, huh?

Exercise

So THAT'S what that feels like.  Check it out Candyland players....

I'm back baby!  I did a 30 minutes powerwalk with my girls...alternating jogging with jumping jacks or bouncing around or whatever I needed to do to keep my heart rate up until they caught up.  I sweated folks! And you know what?  It felt GOOD.  

Got me thinking...I really do MISS exercise.  What a revelation...forgot how good it felt to sweat and feel yourself get stronger.  So I'm contemplating going back to the gym.  One of the nearby ones has a $10/month deal with no contract...I'm sure there's a catch in there somewhere but it can't hurt to check it out.  Today is strength training.  I'm a little limited due to the finger thing but I'm going to do my best.  Speaking of fingers...

Down to just one finger wrapped...the discoloration is from my phone - the hand doesn't look that bad.

So I'm feeling pretty good about stuff.  Hubby is taking our taxes to be done today...nothing like waiting until the last minute.  I already know we'll get a refund from federal and owe the state.  Somehow it works out that way every year.  

Let's leave with a Hump Day Happy Thought, yes?