TTT 7-18-13

I can't remember the last time I did a Ten Things Thursday.  Not sure if I have 10 things to write about today.  Let's give it a shot.

1.  I didn't work out yesterday.  It was a conscious decision with no excuse other than I was cramping so bad that I could barely sit upright so I didn't wanna.

2.  We went to the pool and floated around instead.  That was nice.  My food was also spot on so I'm good with it.

No...not our dogs...or pool for that matter

3.  The kids were butts to the babysitter yesterday so today is a day of punishment...cleaning, writing lines and generally having to do whatever I tell them to do.  SIGH.  I am so over the summer break thing.

4.  I haven't heard anything about the job I posted for.  It's been a week today.  Hmmmm...

Would kids today even know what he's staring at???

5.  I'm tired of hearing about Zimmerman and race relations in the U.S.  Seriously done with all of it.  This is why I give up news for months on end.  It's the same story rehashed over and over.

From now on, this is the only place I'll get my news.

6.  I have a trip to Phoenix planned for 8/7-8/14!  So excited to see everybody.  Any Phoenix ladies want to get together for a happy hour or something?  Who goes to Phoenix in August???  Crazy people who want cheap flights.

And apparently those who travel by camel...

7.  I think we may take the girls to see "Turbo" this weekend.  My oldest really wants to see it and it does look kind of cute.  I love that my kids are finally old enough for family movies and not just the animated ones.  Hubby and I used to be big movie people back in the day...just something we've always enjoyed.  It's nice that we can do it as a family now.

8.  Yes I will eat popcorn at the movie theater.  I just love movie theater popcorn!  I've wanted popcorn for the last two weeks and haven't made any at home because I know I'd rather save it up and have it at the theater instead.  I will, however, forgo the Coke Icee.

9.  I made a fill appointment for when I'm in Phoenix in August!  I haven't seen my lapband doc since November.  I don't have one out here yet and honestly don't know that I want to mess with finding one.  Hubby's working on it for him though.  I know I need a fill but I always feel so weird about asking for one.  Three years - still feel weird.

10.  Ten things.  It's that easy folks.  Hope y'all have an awesome Thursday!  Only one more day to go....

TTT 1-10-13

I have no idea if I'll hit 10 things today...let's give it a try.

1.  I'm feeling good about my food.  I'm holding off on starting up the gym or treadmill time until I can figure out a good work/family routine and work around it.  I'm not saying there's no time for it but right now I need to focus on one thing at a time.

2.  Still loving Pandora...I think most people would HATE what she picks for me but that's what I heart it so.

3.  New Year = All or Nothing?  Absolutely not.  Reading a lot of posts about people "falling off the wagon" or "already failing at their new year's resolutions or goals."  You can't fail unless you stop trying.

4.  I'm finally biting the bullet and getting my docs together to get my passport.  I've been putting it off for years (I'm just lazy and it seemed like a waste of money since I never go anywhere).  Now I'm missing out on a business trip to Toronto because I don't have one.  I'll be rectifying this ASAP.

5.  Here was the big news in my new neck of the woods yesterday - Shark found in breakers in Jacksonville Beach.  See the video here. Because...ya know...snakes and gators just aren't enough around here.

6.  The flu is sweeping the nation with 41 states reporting widespread cases of influenza.  Remember...get all your vitamins and wash your hands often!

7.  Since I'm on a news kick (easy way to kill a few items), let's talk about this one - the year's best overall diet! The winner was the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet.  This isn't for weight loss, merely for health.  Weight Watchers topped the weight loss list.  I like how both of these don't sweepingly eliminate whole food groups and instead focus on moderation.  Visit the link for more information.

8.  Hubby and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary in August.  I want to take a full week off and have a second (actually first) honeymoon.  We only took a couple days when we first got married.  I'm thinking maybe a Caribbean vacation or the keys even...Hawaii maybe?  Any suggestions?

9.  Working from home is tougher than I thought.  I don't like people that much but I kind of miss the interaction.

10.  I just found out someone tried to break into my coworker's house this morning.  She saw his hand coming through her bedroom window.  She screamed and he ran off.  So scary!  Very thankful she's OK.

Happy Thursday everyone!  One more day til Friday...we can make it!

TTT 12-13-12

Ten Thing Thursday a la Laura Belle...

1.  I haven't weighed myself in over a month and I have no plans to before the New Year.  Denial and avoidance?  Absolutely.

2.  I found a cleaning service!  Many thanks to Jennx for the offer but managed to find a place to come out and do it for less than half the price of the less-than-merry maids.  Wahoo!

3.  I really need to make an actual to-do list.  I have started it four times and then get distracted.  I know I have way too many things to get done and I'll forget something if I don't make a list.

4.  We haven't started Christmas shopping yet.  I've always been bad about procrastinating with Christmas shopping...I'm one of the crazy ones out at at 5:30 pm Christmas Eve still trying to find gifts.  With Hubby being in charge of this year, I've really slacked off...and I need to get my parents gifts this weekend, finish off Hubby and provide Hubby with ideas for the girls because I'm pretty sure he hasn't started yet either.

5.  I should be working or doing #3 and #4 as I write this but I'm putting it off.  I don't know why.

6.  Bummed I'm missing Jen's Cookie Exchange tonight.  Just too many other commitments right now to have made it but I'm excited that I get to see her and the other AZ Bloggers on Sunday!

7.  I've watched a Christmas movie every night since the 25 Days of Christmas started on ABC Family.  I've also seen Miracle on 34th Street twice, Christmas Vacation twice and The Santa Clause twice.  I'm staying up far too late at night watching these movies as I fold laundry, go through the kitchen, etc.  Must get more sleep.

8.  We're working on our year end reviews at work and we have to reach out to everyone and their brother for feedback about us.  Ugh.  This is not a good idea.  I'm not necessarily worried about the feedback I'll receive but it's a pain and no one really wants to do it.  And you can't be completely honest because it's not anonymous and you don't want to offend anybody.  What a waste of everyone's time.

9.  I have a Going Away dinner this evening.  It's a girls' night so should be fun...will NOT be overindulging tonight though...have to get up for work tomorrow morning.

10.  On the 3rd of Christmas my inner ego gave to me....a very loyal friend.

Once you're my friend, you're pretty much my friend forever and I'll do anything I can for you.  That's just how I roll.

Happy Thursday!

TTT A Day Early 11-14-12

ETA:  I did this whole post before realizing it's Wednesday.  Ha!  Yes, I could've just waited to post it tomorrow but what would be the fun in that?  Now I'm disappointed that tomorrow isn't Friday...

It's been quite awhile since I've done  Ten Thing Thursday, courtesy of Laura Belle, but I don't think I've forgotten how...

1.  We have an official move date...at least our stuff does.  The packers are coming 12/20 and the truck leaves 12/21.  I forgot I would have to take a day off for the packers.  Darn!  Then the girls and I are flying out 12/23 or 12/24 depending on how much flights are.  We'll be in an empty house but at least we'll all be together and I'm hoping my parents don't make me feel too guilty about not staying until after Christmas.

2.  I have my moving to-do list done.  I don't think I've forgotten anything but I'm sure I did.  At least all the big stuff is on there.  I even made into a schedule, breaking it down into chunks as not to be too overwhelming.  Now to just not procrastinate.

3.  Despite this to-do list, I have also decided to host Thanksgiving again this year.  I've been doing this since I've been married pretty much and I love it.  My oldest daughter even highlighted it when her class was talking about traditions and I don't want to break that one for her.  It'll be at my mom's house but I'll do all the cooking.

4.  My youngest daughter is OBSESSED with Monster High.  She wants Monster High EVERYTHING for her birthday, including the cake.  Luckily, I'm finding a lot of inspiration on the internet so this could be interesting.

5.  I had my monthly meeting with Boss' Boss yesterday and my homework assignment (I get one every time...they're interesting) is to take 5 important people for coffee.  He helped me make the list of the 5.  The idea is that at some point once I'm in Jacksonville, I'm going to have to call on these 5 people at some point to help me with something so we want to solidify that relationship while I'm still here.  It's a brilliant idea but for a socially awkward introvert, it's maddening.  How do you just up and grab coffee or lunch with people that you "know" but don't really talk to on a day to day basis?  Hmmm....

6.  So I talk a lot of smack about my company, my boss and my job in general but as we're working through this move and the accommodations they're making, I really am so lucky.  I know it's not all luck.  I know my company isn't just warm and cuddly.  They're being so gracious because of my hard work and contributions to my company over the last almost-9 years.  I think there was a time where I wouldn't recognize the role I play in all this...chalking it up to an overly understanding manager or something but not this time.  This time, I'm giving credit where credit's due.

7.  Am I the only one that thinks this pumpkin pie vodka sounds delicious?  I just have no idea what you would mix it with...

8.  I woke up with a headache this morning.  Don't you hate that?  I'm hoping it goes away by 8 as I have back to back meetings all day and a headache just isn't going to help me there.

9.  So I'm not a fan of big banks...they're the devil or at least an agent of the devil.  So Hubby and I went to a credit union last year and have been very satisfied.  Of course, this credit union is local so we must close our account.  To make money movement easier in the coming month, we're opening accounts with a national bank.  Ugh.  The bright side of closing some accounts and opening others is that we get to drag our kids to banks this afternoon.  It seems that the most tortuous form of abuse for kids is taking them to a bank...at least that's how my kids see it.  Should be fun.

10.  We gave our notice to our landlord that we'll be out by January 1st.  He said he'd right us a recommendation letter if we need one.  I hope we can rent directly from a private owner in FL as opposed to a property management company...we've had really good luck with that in the past.

So there's my TTT a day early...I swear...I should just go home and go back to sleep until it actually is Thursday...
 

TTT on Friday

So I started Ten Thing Thursday yesterday but didn't get it finished up...so here we go.  The part is blue is what I've added today.

1.  I worked out TWICE yesterday (Wednesday).  I did the cardio kickboxing class and a Zumba class.  I had a protein smoothie in between.  I felt so good about this.

2.  I realized last night that Zumba just isn't enough anymore.  When I first started back at the gym at 230 lbs, I tried Zumba and loved it and it kicked my butt.  I still like it, I think it's tons of fun and is a decent work out.  But it's not the BEST workout for me anymore.  It's not enough.  I need to add weights or something to do before or after in order to really challenge myself.

3.  I also realized how HUGE that is!

4.  A friend of mine has been trying to get back to the gym so she's been hitting a few classes with me.  Again, thin does not equal fit.  She struggles through the classes and is sore the next day and all those terrible things that come with working out at first.  When I told her I had done the kickboxing class before Zumba, she was somewhat astounded and then asked, "Could you do that when you first started?"  The question cracked me up.  Of course I couldn't!  I remember starting out with my BFF who had just lost a bunch of weight and how I felt very uncoordinated, clumsy, slow and out of shape next to her.  Now I'M that friend.  Crazy switcheroo in my mind!

5.  I'm going to Bodyworks tonight.  I'm hoping Yolanda takes it a bit easy as I'm a little tired.  She didn't.  :)

6.  5 Days to Disney!!!  Wahoo!  I think we're telling the girls tonight.  So excited!  All kinds of drama with this last night but over it now and all is well.  :)

7.  They moved my desk at work and my new location sucks big fat donkey balls.  *SIGH*

8.  I took notice of my recovery time last night.  I thought I'd struggle with Yolanda's class because of the two workouts the night before but I was good.  It used to take me days to recover from workouts like that.  Now I wake up a little sore and stiff but by mid morning, I'm not sore at all...leaving me fine for my next work out.

9.  In my search for a hobby, I realized that I don't really have time for one so I'm taking a cop out.  I'm claiming working out as my new hobby.  I enjoy it, it takes up at least an hour of my day a few times a week and I'm enjoying the benefits.  It distracts me from day to day stress.  Hobby - Check.

10.  NSV - So I had an NSV I had never thought of before yesterday.  Now, no matter how close to my car the douche canoe next to me parks, I can squeeze out of it.  I don't have to crawl across the front seat to get out on the passenger's side.  Now I may still bang the car door into that other car to teach them a lesson but overcoming urges to do things like that requires additional personal growth.  

11.  Friday Funny:

Ten Thing Thursday 9-6-12

It's been awhile since I've done TTT and I'm not sure that I have 10 things in me today but let's give it a shot anyway.  Thanks Laurabelle!

1.  I'm going rock climbing today!!  It's taken me 2 years to actually do it but BFF and I are heading over once she gets off work today.  I'm excited!  I've heard it's a great workout for your arms..is this true?  If so, I'm totally counting it as a work out this week.

2.  CNN posted this little gem yesterday.  You can be fat AND fit, researchers say.  Basically, it goes into this study they did with a bunch of obese people who work out regularly and came to the conclusion that fat doesn't necessarily equal unhealthy and that exercise can benefit everyone.  Nothing groundbreaking here folks except for the glaring missing link.  They did not include diabetes or prediabetes has a health factor.  Mmmmkay.  Great study.

3.  One thing I did think about this is that it proves my point that exercise also doesn't equal weight loss.  There are those who say they WILL NOT lose weight if they don't exercise.  I don't think that's true.  I think you'll feel better and be more motivated if you exercise so you're more committed and make better choices when you're exercising.  It all still comes down to FOOD.  Just my 2 cents.

4.  I have 5 meetings on my calendar today starting at 7:30 a.m.  Ugh.

5.  Here's another CNN tidbit -  The #NYFW diet: Part of the job?  It's got all your normal "models, bloggers, editor, etc. are all starving themselves for fashion and how this is terrible for you" parts (I'm sorry - one week of fasting or whatever isn't going to kill you...Overreact much?) but my favorite was this part about one fashion editor's tweets:  
She followed up with "#PRGirlDiet" regulations: "No non-purpose bread (ie bread baskets, pretzels, croutons) or candy/sugar. Basically anything fun. EXCEPT: frozen yogurt is ok."

The tweet prompted conversation over froyo toppings ("just sprinkles. One layer. No middle/ bottom") and how cutting out bread makes a huge difference ("Soon you'll realize your body hates it").

Bahahahaha!  Froyo with sprinkles is OK??  LOL!  Very random.  But also...what the heck is "non purpose" bread.  Does any bread really serve a purpose???  Fashion people...they make me laugh.

6.  I didn't work out last night.  I was feeling run down and needed some family time.  I don't feel at all guilty about it.  Rock climbing today, gym tomorrow and/or Saturday.  I'm still confident I'll get in at least 3 days this week.

7.  Special HUGE thank you to A.J. over at Wanna Pet My Port? for showing me how to unfollow blogs again.  I did some major housekeeping the last couple days and I can finally start following some new bloggers out there.

8.  This one's going to serve as my check in for yesterday.  It's lookin' good!

List of NO's:
No fast food. Check
No carbonation. Check
No Starbucks.  Check
No pasta, rice or bread. Check
No chocolate, candy or sweets.  Check
No juice, milk or sugary drinks.  Check - I did try unsweetened coconut milk yesterday.  Not a big fan.

List of WILL's:
I will work out at least 4 times this week.  1/4 - Nothing yesterday...but I'll make it.
I will limit the amount of processed foods I eat.  Check
I will go to sleep at a decent hour.  Check
I will be kind to myself.  Check
I WILL stay on plan.  Check!

9.  The AZ bloggers are meeting up on Sunday.  Not sure I can make it this time but I'm gonna try!
10.  Who knew I had 10 things in me today?  Thanks for the comments on my hair yesterday.  I won't be cutting it any time soon, mostly out of laziness and cheapness but I appreciate the suggestion of a long bob and will keep it in mind next time I hit the salon.  

Big Ol' Thank You - TTT Style

1.  A great big thank you to everyone who commented on my last post.  It does help to know that I'm not necessarily alone in my lunacy.

2.  Yesterday was a better.  I hit the gym right after work and did 9 miles on the bike and 1 mile on the treadmill.  Today is a rest day for me as my arms are tight as heck from that Body Works class (yes...from MONDAY!  WTH?) and just needing some family time tonight.

3.  I got my daycare situation figured out, at least temporarily.  My mom is going to pick them up on Wednesdays.  I hate inconveniencing her like that but she offered and I do like the idea of my girls being able to spend a little more time with her.

4.  I was worried the kids would be a little upset when I told them yesterday was their last day at the center but when they found out they'd get to go to Grandma's house every Wednesday for awhile, they were excited.  So that's a load off off the shoulders there.

5.  Remember all those medical bills I had been putting off paying?  They are all paid now except for one.  And that particular one shows how screwed up insurance companies are.  I got a bill for $7 to a radiology place (from my stint in the ER in March). I called to pay it and they show us owing $143.  Say what?  The very nice lady on the phone looked into it more and said that although they bill the insurance all in one statement, the insurance pays out by individual code and they haven't made their way through all the codes yet but each time the radiology place gets a payment, they generate a statement.  So since the insurance hasn't made their way through all the codes yet, there's no point in paying it yet.  She said she'd note my account so that it doesn't show me late or anything and we'll wait another couple months until the insurance is done processing everything.  Seriously?  I thought I was terrible because I went to the ER in March and hadn't paid yet only to find out the damn insurance hasn't finished paying yet.  What a mess!  And I got individual bills for everything!!  One bill for the ER itself, one bill for the doc, one bill for the scan they did at the ER...it's absurd!  *sigh*  But it's a small bill left even if insurance doesn't pay anything else so another weight is lifted.

6.  It's not a secret that I hate protein bars.  I've never found one I liked...same with shakes.  The issue with the bars is more textural.  I hate astronaut food.  I found one that I absolutely LOVE!  Zone Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.  It, LITERALLY, has the consistency of cookie dough and it's delish.  It's not a meal replacement and the carbs are a LITTLE high but there are 10 grams of protein and since I'm not real hungry in the morning, they work perfectly.  They should rename all protein bars into some kind of cookie dough because that apparently allows me to overcome the mental texture thing.

On my desk - I've been having one every morning this week

7.  Yesterday's Check In:

There's my list of No's:
NO Starbucks - Check
NO carbonation (easy one but I still list it because it will always be a temptation) - Check
NO fast food - No Check (mall food)
NO eating lunch out during the workweek. - Check

Then my list of DO's:
DO work out at least 4 times this week. - 2 down/2 to go
DO drink at least 64 oz's of water every day - Check
DO go to bed at a decent hour - Check
DO resist urges for sweet treats - No Check

8.  I had dinner with BFF last night...did alright with the dinner part...actually went to the mall and ate at the food court but I had a smashed potato with chicken, peppers, onions, mushrooms and cheese.  YUM!  But then we had a drink and cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory.  Oops!  But it was delicious!

9.  Hubby and I were thinking of driving north this weekend to do some hiking and escape the heat.  I'm thinking this is a great idea.

10.  So my boss' boss is starting to mentor me and he gave me 3 tasks, one of which was to tell him what I want to be when I grow up.  I considered this for over a week before providing him an answer.  I really struggled because, honestly, I haven't had a "career path" at my company because I never considered it a career, so much as a job.  I think it's official though.  I have a career.  That's very grown up!

Happy Thursday everyone!  And thank you again for the amazing support.  I sometimes forget what an phenomenal group of people are in this blogosphere and how much you can get out of blogging when you really open up.  :)

TTT 8-9-12

Time For Ten Thing Thursday...courtesy of Laura Belle.

1.  It was 95 this morning...at 5 a.m.  Ugh.

2.  So I've complained about my boss here before...outside of being incompetent, she's like a fitness nazi who has terrible nutrition advice.  You may have read the first incident here.  That was February and while I've come to deal with her little barbs, it's just as bad as it ever was.  Yesterday she goes off on this tangent about an aerobic strip tease class she went to and went into more detail than I needed to know and put a nasty image in my head.  Seriously...I could've reported her to HR for this convo.  How does she know I'm not easily offended???  But to top it off, she ends this conversation by saying, "You should try it!  It's very un-intimidating (ummm..that's not a word biatch!) and there are people there of all shapes and sizes."  Umm...thanks.  She might as well have said, "You should try it.  There are a bunch of other fat people there too."  Oh How I loath her.

3.  My coworkers and I have started referring to our boss as The Dark Lord a la Harry Potter.  I also might have referred to my mother in law as a dementor a couple times too.  Oops..."it's as if all the happiness were sucked from the world."  Just sayin'.

4.  So my boss' boss asked me to come up with a quick little paragraph about what I want to be when I grow up.  Am I too old to go with "Firefighter Princess Gymnast Ballerina?"

5.  I picked up 3 new followers this week!  So excited to see y'all and welcome!

6.  So I have an afterschool care nightmare.  The place we used doubled the price on us this year which is ridiculous so now I have to figure out something else to do with my girls on Wednesdays.  Stupid school district has a half day every Wednesday where the kids get out at 12:30.  I can't get off until 2.  Bah!  I'm leaning towards a private sitter but it's a tough time to find one.

7.  Ever since I've gotten back from SC, I've had a pain in my left arm.  I can't be sure if it's my shoulder or my elbow as the pain is right between the two.  Could it be muscular or a tendon or something?  No idea what I did to it but I'm ready for it to be better now.

8.  OK...so we've got an extreme heat advisory here for the next few days and I swear my office is turning the air conditioning off at night.  I am absolutely sweltering when I get in at 5:30.

9.  I think I'm tired of AZ.  It's funny...I go through this every summer.  But when I was in SC, my kids were playing out front and I didn't feel the need to keep the door open or be out there with them the whole time like I do out here.  It may be because I grew up in that same town and know all the neighbors and the neighbors keep an eye out on all the kids and stuff.  But it was just so much nicer to give the kids the freedom to play without me watching like a hawk.  *sigh*  Maybe someday we'll make our way back east.

10.  I'm getting excited about meeting the other AZ bandsters later this month!  It was one thing meeting the Jenns...but 9 of us??  I'm not sure of AZ can handle it!

Hope y'all are having a good week and just keeping telling yourself that tomorrow is Friday...tomorrow is Friday...

TTT 7-12-12

Time for a Ten Thing Thursday, courtesy of Laura Belle (I think).

1. I hit the gym yesterday...surprisingly hard.  I walked for 60 minutes and worked my way up to a 5% incline.  I burned almost 300 calories.  That's pretty sweet.  I also did 20 minutes of my weight training.
2. I HAD to hit it hard at the gym because I did waver from my sugar detox yesterday.  I had an ice cream sandwich.  Ugh.  Must get better at resisting temptation when people bring stuff to work.  I was all set to resist cake but the ice cream sandwich got me.  I haven't had one of those in YEARS and it was so worth it.  I still ended the day 100 calories below the goal and that was my only stray on the sugar in the first 3 days.
3. Blogger is being a butt and won't let me unfollow people.  Everytime I click on "manage blogs" it tells me it can't pull the information for me.  Anyone else having this problem?  No offense to anyone I stop following, but it's time to do some housekeeping...if Blogger will let me, that is.  
4. I'm feeling pretty good about how I'm doing this week.  I've gotten a couple questions about paleo and my work out regimen so I may do a post about that tomorrow or next week.  
5. I have to do my midyear review before I leave for vacay.  I'm getting all my ducks in a row for when my boss does something really crappy.  I gotta tell ya...if I get anything lower than a "meets expectations," the fit is going to hit the shan....big time.
6. One annoying thing about flying with kids is booster seats.  It's cheaper to take ours than rent them with the car (so annoying) so I've got to fly with them.  Now according to the airlines' website, it doesn't count as one of your 2 carry ons so you can do that or you can check it for free.  That's nice but now I'm stuck trying to figure out what to do. We're not checking any other luggage so it's kind of a pain to check this and have to wait around for it when we get it.  On the other hand, I don't like the idea of hauling around these 2 booster seats on top of all of our other carry on luggage through airports and we have a stop along the way...sounds exhausting.  I'll probably end up checking them unless any of you have a better suggestion???
7. So the inlaw drama isn't over.  Now my mother in law is coming to visit.  To recap, my father in law came 2 weeks ago without her (they are not divorced) and for some unknown reason, even though they're both retired and have nothing better to do, my mother in law is coming August 2nd.  I have no idea why she couldn't just come with her husband 2 weeks ago.  They're so annoying.  Beyond annoying...they seriously stress me out.  Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.  I told my husband we should have a rule that they must visit together so we don't get double the time of stress.
8. 6 Days until vacay and it can't come soon enough.  (Part of me wanted my mother in law to say she was coming the week before she is so we wouldn't be here.  It would serve her right after everything she's done.  Yep...I'm mean.  What can I say?)
9. This one's going to serve as my political/current event rant for the day, no need to get all offended by it as I usually don't say much around here but there are a few things bugging me:  I don't think Daniel Tosh should've apologized for sparring with a heckler (and let's face it, that's all she was).  The two party system is destroying America.  Why is the Treyvon Martin (sp?) makeshift memorial being moved to a freakin' museum?!?!  Regardless of what side of the issue you're on, surely this seems like overkill.  And again, no matter what side you're on, how can someone get a fair trial in a city that is now housing a memorial for the victim in one of its museums?!?!  The Supreme Court ticks me off.  In my opinion, the Supreme Court should be immune to politics since the justices are appointed for life.  It's not like they have to run for re-election or anything so why must they bring the politics into every decision they make?  Interpreting the constitutionality of a law should not come down to party lines.
10. I'm not sure if I'm going to the gym today.  I brought my gym stuff but I honestly don't really feel like it.  I'm hoping that motivation strikes me before I leave work so that I drive to the gym and get it done.  It could just be that I'm extra tired this morning (for no apparent reason) so the gym doesn't sound inviting RIGHT NOW but will later.  Let's hope that's the case.

So I'm rockin' this week (at least in my humble opinion)!  What about you?  Have you taken the bull by the horns and taken him for a spin?  Have you tried a new class or new exercise or found a way to burn some calories around the house that you'd like to share?  Ronnie started a new blog all about her Keto lifestyle.  Head on over and see what it's all about.  I've looked into Keto a bit and overall, I like the premise.  So what's on your plate this Thursday??

Ten Thing Thursday 6-6-12

1.  Jillian Michaels is the devil.  OK..Maybe not the ACTUAL devil.  But I'm pretty sure she's trying to kill me.  Day 2 of the "Work out after work" plan was a success.  I went home and did the 30 Day Shred, Level 2.  That's right...I said Level 2.  It hurt and I'm super sore today.  I can actually FEEL my abs...like there are actual muscles to be sore there.  Go figure.  

2.  I have entered a motivational agreement with Jennxaz.  I'm texting her every afternoon to tell her to get her butt to the gym.  In doing so, it guilts me into working out as not to be a hypocrite.  So far, so good.

3.  Today is a challenge..more of a mental one than anything else.  I'm working a half hour late today and then going to a friend's house to get the 411 on taking care of her cat for the weekend and pick up the key.  I'm guessing it's going to be 3:30 or so by the time I get home.  So I'm faced with the scheduling crunch.  I won't finish working out until 4, meaning I'm not picking my girls up until quarter after...gotta make dinner, clean up, etc.  But I'm not letting a busy day interfere with my plan.  So my girls will stay at daycare a little longer today.  It's not going to kill them.

4.  I bought my airline tickets to SC today.  My mom is coming with me to help with flying with the girls and, of course, visit her long distance grandkids.  We'll be gone July 18-25.

5.  I'm sure we'll have a good time (I grew up in SC so probably won't be doing much of the touristy stuff - I'm guessing more beach and boat) but I'm a little nervous about flying with the girls.  It's a long flight and then we have a 2 hour drive once we reach the state.  Getting there and coming back is NOT going to be fun.

6.  Interesting stuff happening at work.  Lots of movement, org changes, rumors.  It makes me a little nervous.

7.  My house is a wreck...seriously...deep cleaning required.  I'd like to say it's getting done this weekend but with Hubby out of town, it's probably not going to happen.  We'll see.

8.  So new insurance plan at work this year = a stack of bills sitting in my desk.  I'm afraid to open them.  I really dislike getting billed later for the medical services.  Every single trip to the pediatrician, minute clinic, lapband doc...everything gets billed later and by the time I get it, I've forgotten what it's for.  I'm not organized enough for this.

9.  Next Monday I'm opening all of them and getting them paid (or on a payment plan, depending on the amount).  It's time to bite the bullet but I can't bring myself to do it this week.

10.  Stephanie posted this article on her blog about Chris the "650 lb virgin" who regained 300 lbs after losing 400.  Sobering reminder of how hard this battle is, even with seemingly endless resources.  This guy had a free personal trainer, supportive girlfriend, and free plastic surgery to take care of the skin.  It's still a struggle.  I hope he's able to lose it again.

TTT - Warning - Downer Post

1.  I'm losing motivation to blog.  I don't know if it's because I don't seem to be getting much out of it anymore or if it's because I'm sick of repeating myself (back on track, etc.) or if it's because my weight loss has been stalled for so long.

2.  I'm trying to push through this because blogging has led me to have many awesome people in my life for inspiration and support that I never would've found otherwise and blogging has been great therapy for me.

3.  I haven't eaten primal all week.  I have yet to exercise.  My Warrior Dash is in 155 days.  Eek!

4.  My BFF has decided to come to Vegas with Hubby and me to cheer me on and celebrate my success.  Her hubby is coming too.  It will be great fun but I hope this pushes me to make sure I'm good and ready for it as there will actually be someone other than Hubby watching.

5.  I'm going to spend the rest of the week looking over old posts.  I may just read my blog from start to finish and hope that I can capture 2 things.  1) The inspiration to continue documenting my journey and realize that this journey will never be over and 2) rekindle that motivation I had in the beginning before everything just kind of fizzled out.

6.  My oldest daughter is now sick.  She woke up vomiting last night.  I still came to work today and we're trying to figure out how to deal with the whole daycare situation today.  I may end up leaving early.  Sometimes it really sucks being a working mom.  ETA:  My mom was able to watch her today.  We're now home and she's resting on the couch with the TV off (per her request).  You know she must not be feeling well.

7.  I hate my job.

8.  Hubby's contract with the big company has been extended to the end of September.  On the one hand, it's nice to have the additional 4 months of income.  On the other hand, we were really hoping for a permanent position to be offered.

9.  We couldn't go out to celebrate Mother's Day because the kid was sick and now we can't celebrate the extension of Hubby's contract because the other kid's sick.  Ugh.

10.  I'm shocked I thought of 10 things today.  I know they weren't the most uplifting and that's another reason blogland is less appealing to me these days as I'm sure it is to any followers still making it over on a semi daily basis.  Hoping the oulook brightens soon.

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!

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?

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...

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.