Life in HD

It's A...

2012-01-12T20:05:00.001-05:00

Well, we still don't know. But we'll know (hopefully) on Monday! I will be very good. I'll drink all my water and even some OJ to boot. I'm hoping the baby will cooperate and maybe be a little extra squirmy (o:

I'm 19 weeks today and still feeling really good. I know I've gained weight. I've been eating like it's going out of style. Okay, so not that badly but having an appetite back after 3 months of gagging at food is sure nice.

I've gotten back into my baking stride again. Made a pudding cake thing the other night and tonight made some funfetti cake blondies--yum!

Here's a more recent photos. I think I was 18 weeks here.

Oh, and the looking-down-my-belly shot:

I'm trying to think of something cute to reveal the gender with at work/school. I didn't want to do the cake with frosting in the middle thing but I honestly can't think of a better way. I may tweak that idea and just do cake balls and only have ONE have the colored frosting inside. Heehee.

It's starting to snow here. It's January 12 and we've had no snow since November. In Michigan. Crazy.

When You're 16 Going on 17...

2011-12-28T14:34:00.000-05:00

It really has been a while since I've posted, over a month. Let's catch up.

I've entered the second trimester.
I've stopped spotting.
I've discovered Pinterest (hence the lack of blogging).
I had a lovely family Christmas.
I'm taking full advantage of being on winter break; vegging in front of the tv, in comfy clothes, with my pups.

I'm somewhere near 17 weeks, like 16wks 6 days.

I finally have an appetite back...which could be a bad thing. I had another check up, this one with my wonderful NP, last Wednesday and I have now gained.....THREE pounds. I'm loving that. It may sound terrible on the other end but I worked my butt off (literally) before I got pregnant to lose weight and I'm still overweight, so I really don't need to gain like most ladies.

I've been taking photos weekly but haven't really organized them yet--I will though. I have taken a couple shots with normal clothes on...lemme see if I can locate them...

Or one of them. This is 15 weeks.

I've been in a few times to hear the heart beat, usually per regular appointment, but one extra time in the midst of spotting.

November 25- 162 beats per minute

November 28- 180 beats per minute (much later in the day appointment)

December 21- 165 beats per minute

Next appointment, January 16...the gender ultrasound! I've been told this appointment will take up to 2 hours. What on earth will take this long?

Anyhow, I'm feeling much better in general. While the fatigue has passed the hubs and I are still going to bed in the 8 o'clock hour; I love it!

I didn't exercise the entire month of November (oh, did I tell you, I got the flu a few weeks ago...way to suck away a weekend) and finally made it outside to walk today with the doggies. I'm hoping to keep that up (either walk outside, walk at the local high school, or do a video-Walk Away the Pounds).

That's what's new with this chickadee. I hope to update a bit more often. Maybe I'll even get those belly shots organized.

Happy New Year. May 2012 be the best yet!

12 Weeks 5 Days

2011-11-29T19:18:00.001-05:00

Wow. Those days in the beginning, where I was feeling especially tired or nauseated, seemed to consume me. I thought I'd never see the light at the end of the first trimester tunnel. I've been luckier than most, but it hasn't been a cakewalk.

I had my first real appointment on Friday, Black Friday. This was one of the weight, blood pressure, heart beat checks. Weight, up 2 pounds. The only pounds I've gained so far--whew. A lady I work with today scared the crap out of me by saying she gained 75 pounds with both of her pregnancies. IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER. Oh my weeerd.

Blood pressure also good, well the second time. I really don't like those darn automatic BP checkers. They hurt! So done manually my BP was totally normal.

Heart beat also good. 162 bpm.

Then came Sunday night and more spotting. Not spotting like it had been before. So of course the worry set in again.

Sent a message to the nurses Monday morning and heard back around noon. Went in for another heartbeat check after work. Yes, another one...three days from the first one. I totally felt like a heel. But I know I need to get over that. I'm doing what's best for me and for baby.

Heartbeat on Monday was 180. Active little bugga. So things are going well here. I totally don't feel pregnant. There's a big disconnect between what I see/hear at the doctor's office and what I feel in my body. I suppose I should enjoy this now, the peace and normal feeling.

Next appointment is with my NP. I don't know what to expect. I wish I knew more what to expect. It's not until just before Christmas though, lots of time to do some research.

Come January we find out the gender. Let's hope bugga cooperates. I've been told to make some of my liquid orange juice so they'll hopefully be a bit more active.

Second trimester is close. So close. I know it does not eliminate any real problems but when my risk of miscarriage falls by a huge percentage, I can't help but get excited.

How It's Going

2011-11-20T14:56:00.001-05:00

I really have nothing to complain about. I had one really rough week where the nausea almost won. I'm simply tired, a lot. And I sleep. Like, I can take a nap and still sleep 9+ hours a night. My hubby is being a supportive trooper. I'm ready for bed nightly at 7:55 and more times than not, he'll come with me. I haven't been able to cook much thanks to the aversions and he's been great about fixing himself something.

Speaking of aversions, I really thought I'd have a lot of things I could no longer stand--true--but also find things I used to hate and all of a sudden have a liking for--false. Some of my previously favorite things top off the NOs right now: string cheese, peanut butter, coffee. Those make me sad.

I'm kind of hoping I'll develop a taste for beans/legumes. I know they're good for me but the taste and texture do me in each time.

Around the end of week eight I developed some spotting issues. No cramping and no bleeding so I felt that things were essentially fine. But on the Saturday that led us to week 9, this had been 4 days now, I figured I should say something. So I wrote a note to a nurse (my OB's office has this online patient portal thing) and didn't hear back until Monday--something I've now learned in standard--no one tends the patient portal on the weekends.

Anyhow, when someone finally called on Monday there was a slight panic being that I'm rh- and the need for me to get to the hospital stat. Sigh. So I went back to the hospital (the day of Michael Jackson's Dr's verdict...great viewing pleasure) and had to first be tested to make sure I was rh- (um, does that change?), wait for the Rhogam to be ordered and arrive and then finally another beta test to make sure my numbers were still okay.

Finally heard back from the office on Thursday morning (nothing like the waiting game) that the numbers were great, 112,000+. Whew.

And then the spotting continued. And the following Monday turned red. Enough was enough. I called in to work and then waited by the phone to call my OB's office at 8:00. They were able to get me in at 11:30 that morning for an ultrasound.

Talk about nerve-wracking though. The three and a half hour wait...

I picked up the hubs from work on the wait to the appointment and he did his best to distract me. When we finally got into the room I could feel my heart beating through my chest. The nurse doing the ultrasound found the baby right away. And there it was, a little shape, just laying there. I worried some more...it wasn't moving. And all of a sudden it was, and I could see the heart flickering. It was amazing. Then the tears came. What a relief.

The Dr. said the baby looked perfect. Even measuring a little bit ahead. The spotting is apparently my cervix being irritated. And it's still happening. I'm not sure if it's something that will continue to happen or if it will eventually go away. I have my next appointment the day after Thanksgiving. I'll be sure to ask then. For now we're just so thankful.

Catch Up

2011-10-28T20:03:00.001-04:00

Not mustard. But I do love mustard.

What's new? Still down lots 'o pounds and loving it. I am about 180 now which still sounds yucky but considering I came down from 204, I'm perty happy with that.

Speaking of happy, we're pregnant. And feeling pregnant. I've been enjoying the smorgasbord of pregnancy symptoms but thankfully without actually vomiting. Tomorrow I start my eighth week. So still really early. But further than I made it last time. I'm taking that as a good sign.

I'll eventually get back to blogging, if I can keep my eyes open for long enough. Speaking of which, nighty night.

Blogging

2011-10-07T08:23:00.001-04:00

I can't quite seem to find the time or energy to really blog. But I'm still here. This weekend is my yoga retreat; I'm so looking forward to it.

I lost 2 more pounds this week. 12 more to go.
I'm using an app, My Fitness Pal, that tracks my calorie intake. Today it told me that if everyday was like today, I'd be down to 165 by November 5. That's 5 less than my goal weight. Not sure if I can swing that but man, that number sounds amazing!

Happy weekend!

And Then Some

2011-10-04T18:18:00.000-04:00

Today my post is brought to you by Haiku:

To lose weight I must
Do no plateau, that's a shame
Two point five more down.

Goal One

2011-10-01T23:09:00.000-04:00

I met my first goal this week. I have now lost 20 pounds. Seems strange considering even though clothing fits way differently, I often still see my +20 pound self.

Goal two is -10 more pounds. Final goal, for now, is -14 pounds.

Tomorrow I run my first solo 5k. I'm worried for a couple of reasons. I got sick last week and took the entire week off (except for walking the dogs). AF is in town, which always makes my runs harder. Darn hormones. And finally, my running partner is not doing this race. We make a good team. She pushes me at the beginning and I push her at the end. I want to be able to push myself the entire time. I can do it. I just have to.

Still Going Strong

2011-09-16T22:04:00.001-04:00

School's back in session. I'm swamped with life--in all good ways. But I'm still running strong. My friend and I ran 3 miles in 30 minutes today. That's huge for me. I'm down 16 pounds. That's 64 sticks of butter. That's two gallons of milk. That's two balls I would bowl with. I'm now half way to my goal. I can do this!

Update

2011-08-24T08:14:00.002-04:00

Just thought I'd share a quick update. I'm now 5 weeks into my workout program and I'm down 12 pounds! The weight is coming off more quickly and steadily than with The Shred program. However, I think that's actually attributed to my eating habits now. Little to no refined sugar. Why little to no? I'm not about to go all sugar nazi on anyone and refuse to eat food that's given to me (with the exception of desserts). I told my husband the other day this is the best "diet" I've ever been on. We can go out to eat and I can have what I want and I'm still losing weight. It's those darn desserts that were getting me. And, the best part, I don't even miss those sweets. I'm addicted to my fruits now. And so is the mister! Today's lunch features kiwi and peach slices and raspberries. Oh my yummy!

Need some inspiration on kicking the sugar habit?

Have a GREAT Wednesday everyone.

It's a New Dawn, A New Day

2011-08-17T07:52:00.002-04:00

That, that right there. It IS a new day. I've come out of my hole. I have to. I have a presentation to give tomorrow and work to finish today.

Despite all the heartache and frustrations I've still been working out. Actually I worked out sans partner for over a week.

It was weigh-in Wednesday today. I've now lost 10 pounds. It's been just over a month...like a month and two days. Awesome. Twenty more to go. I can do this.

It Makes My...

2011-08-15T14:17:00.002-04:00

heart hurt.

We've been TTC since June of 2008.

We've had one pregnancy and one subsequent miscarriage.

I've had a very painful (my opinion and experience) hsg.

The mister had his semen analyzed.

Guess what?

We're normal. Everything is "normal". Oh, except for the fact we can't seem to get pregnant.

I was told today by the nurse relaying messages from my OBGYN, that my next step is to go see a fertility specialist--that we can't afford and that my insurance doesn't cover. But that they, "Have a free seminar every so often."

Yes, thanks, a free SEMINAR will definitely help.

When asked about the option of possibly clomid or something along those lines, "No, that's not a possibility. You'll have to see the specialist."

I'm almost 33, we've been ttc for 3 years and now I need to start from square one and hope a seminar will do the trick. How can there be no other options? Because I've gotten pregnant once it's assumed I always ovulate? How do they know?

Awesome, except it's not and my heart hurts today and I feel like I want to crawl in a hole and never come out.

Unplanned Visit to the ER

2011-08-11T18:56:00.005-04:00

Today started out like any day. Up at 5:30 to workout with E. Home by 6:45 to make the mister his coffee and pack his lunch. Breakfast for me-two scrambled eggs covered in El Yucateco, a slice of Food For Life 7 Sprouted Grains bread with roasted pecan almond nut butter, and a cup of coffee. Then shower, to school to retrieve two files from my work computer-for my Masters' portfolio that was due at 4:30 today-, to the Teacher's Store, and finally to Office Max where I needed to buy sheet protectors for that same Masters' work.

And that's where it started. I figured I had looked at the light outside too directly. You know how you get those spots on your eyes after looking at the sun or something bright? It was kind of like that...well...except it was on both eyes. And it was in motion.

I paid for my items and made my way to my car--blinking repeatedly. Am I just being silly? Is this just a sun spot?

I drove towards the direction to go home when I realized this spottiness in my eyes was getting worse-more all-encompassing. I flipped through a parking lot and headed to the mister's work (which happened to be about a mile away, thank goodness).

These were not just sun spots. These were clear-ish. Like puddles on my eyes. Dancing puddles. Dancing puddles that refracted around the edges of this shape, on both eyes, open and shut.

And it seemed as if they were growing. I couldn't see clearly. Signs were blurred, cars were blurred. I shouldn't have been driving.

When I got inside the building the mister was working on I didn't really know what to say. "Something's not right." That's the first thing that came out. As I explained to him what was going on, in between my tears, he tore off his tool belt and told the two guys he was working with that he had to go.

We made it to the Emergency Room a little after 11. After explaining to the admissions nurse what was happening I was taken for a blood pressure check by a very snotty 'nurse' or whatever. She made me feel even worse for being there. I was in the ER, I wasn't having an emergency, just a very scary situation for me. I had to explain the story again and after each question I seemed to exhaust her with my answers. And by this time, the spot was gone from my right eye and only in the corner of my left eye. Great. I'm wasting precious time for other people.

Thank goodness for the first nurse in my room, Jen. She was as sweet as could be, concerned, and funny--that helped. I explained what happened for a third time, with the caveat, "I know this is going to sound crazy," but she assured me it wasn't and said she had seen what I saw--it had happened to her before.

The PA came in next with her laptop full of questions, to which I explained the story a fourth time. She checked my ears, throat, and eyes. She dilated each eye separately, made me squeeze her fingers, and made me follow her finger around with my eyes and then my finger.

She gave me the same diagnosis as Nurse Jen.

Next came the doctor. She did all the same grab-the-fingers-dilate-the-eyes things that the PA did. She even shared that I have really good eyes, great nerves. Thankfully she'd heard the story and around 3:00 basically said it was most likely an "Ocular Migraine" (which I found out later is actually called an Ophthalmic Migraine).

But I had no headache. I had no pain whatsoever.

An ocular migraine doesn't work like a regular migraine. I did some reading up on them tonight and found one very helpful site.

Basically, "Ophthalmic (eye) migraines are quite common and often painless, although the solo term "migraine" usually brings to mind a severe type of headache.But with eye-related migraines, visual disturbances with or without headache pain also can accompany migraine processes thought to be related to changes in blood flow in the brain."

And this is how the author Marilyn Haddrill described it, "People with ocular migraines can have a variety of visual symptoms. Typically you will see a small, enlarging blind spot (scotoma) in your central vision with bright, flickering lights (scintillations) or a shimmering zig-zag line (metamorphopsia) inside the blind spot. The blind spot usually enlarges and may move across your field of vision. This entire migraine phenomenon may end in only a few minutes, but usually lasts as long as about 20-30 minutes."

Exactly.

I thought about what might have caused this...ahem, Aunt Flo (hormone changes)...but it could have easily been triggered by the fact I sat at the computer for at least 10 hours yesterday working on my portfolio.

I'm so thankful it was harmless. I feel very lucky to be healthy. It was very scary to lose my vision. My head swirled with what could happen if this was something permanent. I feel lucky and blessed. I'm glad to be home.

Did I Mention...

2011-08-08T21:49:00.002-04:00

That I've now lost seven pounds.

In two weeks.

That rocks.

I've seen two more cranes.

One more possibly today-but I couldn't tell for sure, so I'm not counting it.

My running buddy is on vacation but I got up anyway and ran by myself.

Dear 'ol Aunt Flo arrived today and this was the first time I haven't cried about it in months, years.

Seven pounds. That means 23 more to go.

Impulse Buying

2011-08-04T07:17:00.003-04:00

This typically isn't a problem for me. After working in retail and learning about product placement and the like, I'm usually able to walk right past all those little goodies.

Today was not that kind of day.

I started out wanting to replace this:

It may look ripe, but don't let it fool you!

On Sunday I did my usual grocery shopping and on the list was avocado. However, all the avocados in the bin were nowhere near ripe so I purchased one anyway and pushed turkey tacos to Wednesday.

On Tuesday afternoon that darn avocado hadn't even budged. Still green and rock hard. I shoved it in a brown paper bag in the hopes it would help it along.

Wednesday morning I opened that bag excited to find a ripe avocado. Not.

I headed to the farm market store only to find a bin of very green avocados. I decided I'd try the original store I bought the un-ripening avocado from--nope. Then off to another store in town (across the street). I finally found this:

So what am I talking about, impulse buying...I went for one ripe avocado and came home with this:

17 Days In

2011-08-03T07:54:00.003-04:00

We've now weighed in three times. FIrst week was the initial weigh in. Last week I was bummed when E lost 5 pounds and I only lost about 2 1/2. Don't get me wrong, I know that it's "healthy" to lose one pound a week and that losing 2 1/2 pounds is great! So I kept my chin up knowing I'm doing great things for my body, such as:

Lots of fiber
No refined sugar
No eating 2 hours before bed time
Lots of water
And generally making smart decisions

This week...I'm now down 7 pounds overall! So 4 1/2 this week. Woo Woo!

I also like to think of it this way--only 23 pounds until my goal!

If I follow the pound per week guideline from here on out, that's only 5 1/2 months until the goal. If I lose two per week, that's about three months. I think I'm getting ahead of myself. But I'm keeping it up!

A Joke

2011-07-30T23:02:00.004-04:00

I do not claim this one as my own...however, I have changed some of the words along the way.

It's sad that even though I've heard the joke several times, have written it out, and even shared it with other, I still laugh. I'm not a good in-person joke teller.

There are three women sitting in a sauna. Two of them are in their early 20s and the other one, well, let's just say she's been a member of AARP longer than she'd like to admit.

Anyway, they're all just sitting there relaxing when there's this, "beep beep beep" sound. The one 20 year old says as she grabs hold of her forearm, "Oh, I'm so sorry, please excuse me, that's my beeper. I had that new microchip installed in my arm for my beeper, it's so convenient."

The other 20 year old smiled and agreed, "Absolutely." While the older woman just stared wide eyed and smiled.

A short while later there was a ringing. The other 20 year old held the palm of her hand up to her ear and started talking! When she was done she also explained about having the microchip embedded, but in her hand, and how much she loved it.

The younger girl with the beeper responded, "Oh, you're so lucky. I'm hoping to upgrade to that one soon!"

Meanwhile, the older lady's mind is just swirling, "How did I lose touch so quickly? I haven't even heard of these things."

Being slightly embarrassed the older woman excused herself to go to the bathroom and returned a short time later. The two 20 year olds' eyes bulged, they exchanged glances...the old woman had toilet paper stuck between her cheeks running down to the floor.

"Do we tell her?", one whispered to the other.

"Um, ma-am, I'm so sorry but you have something stuck to you."

"Oh goodness!", the older lady replied. "Looks like I'm getting a fax."

Five Question Friday-July 29

2011-07-29T07:50:00.002-04:00

Welcome back to the 5QF series courtesy of Mama M at My Little Life.

1. Vow renewal ceremonies - yay or nay?

I say yay. But it would have to be after something monumental-many years together or maybe even after some relationship troubles and you're both wanting to reaffirm your commitment.

2. What sound/s annoy you the most?

When people SNAP their gum. Oh you know what I'm talking about. Not the normal "pop" here and there. But that *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap* *snap*....Oh my word, you're rude.

There's a woman who chews gum in my yoga class. Seriously? Of all places to be chewing on gum...yoga?!?!

3. If you had to pick, would you have only all boys, or only all girls for kids?

Well, again I'd be happy either way but I suppose I'd like both parties to be represented.

4. Do you believe in alternative medicine?

Sho nuff. I believe in alternate ways of healing and treating things. I'm not a big medicine person so whatever I can do, I'm usually willing to try.

5. Would you take a family members children and raise them if they needed it?

Yup. I was recently telling someone else about our situation. We could very well be needing to take care of a little guy related to us. We've already discussed it and are prepared if it needs to happen.

Now it's your turn. Copy and paste the questions, answer them all, and link up with Mama M.

In Which I Talk About Numbers

2011-07-27T08:18:00.007-04:00

E and I ran to and through on of our local parks today. On the other side of the park is a trail that leads back to town, but along the river on a small dirt trail.

(Photo Courtesy of Google Images)

Not too shabby on the eye. This last photo is actually the other side of the trail, if you walk under the bridge, to where the hubs and I were married. Quaint.

Before we headed out this morning we hopped on the scale. I'm down 2 1/2 pounds. Not really as drastic as I thought it may have been...but there seemed to be some scale error. The first

time I got on the scale it told me I was down eight pounds (E too). Then we moved the scale to a more level part of the sidewalk, then I was down 4. We finally propped it up on her porch where I was down 2 1/2.

So I suppose if there was a lot of error, next week might be really good.

After our run then hike through the trail we headed over to the island for a moment.

(Photo Courtesy of Google Images)

Also very quaint and beautiful. Off to the right side of the bridge all the ducks and geese were preening on the water's edge, getting ready for their day. On the other side of the bridge,

I found my number 12.

Progress

2011-07-26T08:44:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm now officially a week and a day into my new routine. How's it going? Great! Better than expected actually. Although, we're weighing in tomorrow so we'll see. I typically either stay the same or even gain for the first couple of weeks but this time, I've done things differently so I have more hope.

So, what's different?

No refined sugar added to anything. And really, so far I haven't eaten much that even is made with it. I've eaten one slice of whole wheat bread, taken one bite of cinnamon bread, oh-and there was that half a donut (there's a whole guilted-into-eating-it story that I should share here). But that's about it. A DRASTIC reduction from what I used to be eating.
More fruits and vegetables. I'm eating fruits and veggies all the time.
Raw, not processed. I've really veered us away from pre-prepared foods. This also means no preservatives.
Lots of water.
No eating after 7:00 pm.
Think about what I'm putting in my mouth-energy giver or taker?
No guilt. If I really want something, have it. This alone I think has been a game changer. It's not NO, it's sure go ahead, but will it make your body feel good?

I had a thought yesterday. What if I went all "Biggest Loser" style and worked out a couple of times a day until I went back to school? It would help me take off extra pounds a bit quicker and then I could work on maintaining. Even though I don't look like it-my body could easily lose 30 pounds and I'd still be considered overweight, I'm sure. I'm tinkering with the idea...

Happy Tuesday!

One More

2011-07-24T20:56:00.001-04:00

One more makes eleven. I went to see the hubs at an outdoor gig last night. I happened to look up into the sky to see one crane/heron flying overhead.

At this rate, I'll collect all 1,000 in 3-4 years. (o;

5QF-July 22

2011-07-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

Going for round two of Five Question Friday, courtesy of Mama M at My Little Life

Care to join? Copy and paste the questions and link up.

1. If your husband had the BIG V and you got pregnant what would your first reaction be? For the dudes, what would your first reaction be if your wife told you she was pregnant after the Big V?

This one is difficult to answer but I would probably guess I'd be ecstatic. I'm sure it would be meant to be.

2. Best memory about this summer so far.

Spending quality time with my mom and aunt in New York. Very lucky.

3. How often do you change your sheets? Your kids sheets?

Once to twice a week. I'm sure it's supposed to be more often than that, and sometimes it is. We use a very scientific method for deciding when the sheets need to be changed. We examine them to see if they still look clean.

4. Having just gone through TSA, would you rather have a full-body scan or a pat-down?

Either. I suppose it doesn't really bother me. It's not like anyone wants to really look at this on a scan.

5. Since it is fair time...what's your favorite fair (county or state) memory?

I'm not a big fair person. Growing up we always went to the Berrien County Youth Fair whose coin phrase is "The Midwest's Largest Youth Fair".

That Makes...Ten?

2011-07-21T08:46:00.002-04:00

This morning my running buddy (E) and I decided it was time to get on the scale so we can start tracking our progress (you like that optimism?) so we didn't get started until about 6:05. We had just passed my house when I heard something flying above. A goose? A duck?

You guessed it. But it wasn't just one...there were four cranes flying together. Four. All together. I've never ever seen that many.

Then I let (E) in on my little crane secret complete with excuses of, "I know this sounds funny...I'm not sure why I think this...it's just silly."

And you know what she said? When she was pregnant, she found herself 'protected' by hawks. She'd never seen them much before she was pregnant with her first and now hasn't seen one since she gave birth to her twins.

Then she proceeded to tell me there is a crane festival that happens annually not far from here. That would definitely get me closer to 1,000.

So I'm not crazy.

But according to the math I can concretely remember, that's seven cranes. I know I've seen more but that would be a very loose estimate. Maybe I'll bump it up to ten. Ten's a good number.

Werkin' Out

2011-07-20T08:57:00.004-04:00

It finally came back around. I went through a phase, about a month, where I couldn't get myself excited about working out or eating well. Then last week, it hit me. Enough.

I phoned a friend, literally using a life line, and made a plan:

6:00 AM Monday, Wednesday, and Friday-First Day to 5K workout

6:00 AM Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday-Extended walk or bike ride

We decided today that everyone needs a break so Sunday is our rest day.

But every day, I am making sure that what I'm putting in my mouth is good for my body. But how twisted is this? If I want a treat, I'll eat a treat. Except there will be no guilt about treats (which will be few and far between).

And with food, I'm no longer adding sugar or butter to things. This means no brown sugar in oatmeal, no butter on my broccoli...

So what have I been eating?

Oatmeal with cinnamon, a little milk, fresh raspberries, golden raisins, dates

Hard boiled eggs

2% milk cheese (although I feel I should mention, I only drink Vit D milk-IF suggestion)

Carrots

Broccoli

Sliced chicken (lunch meat-I know I know...) with a stripe of mustard rolled up

Raspberries

Blueberries

Cherries

Bananas

Peaches-well, if they ever ripen!

In the afternoon I'll drink a smoothie-Greek yogurt, any of the above fruit, honey, a splash of milk, ice)

Lots of water

Black coffee

For dinner we've had:

Baked lemon pepper Pollock, steamed broccoli, rice, and cherries for dessert

Coconut curry vegetables and chicken with brown rice

Tonight, turkey burgers with avocado, green beens, and I haven't decided on one other thing

I'll be weighing myself tomorrow morning and I'll keep up with progress on here.

When I thought today about what I really wanted to get out of all of this, I decided that not only do I want to be healthy but I'd really like to be able to go shopping and look good in the clothes I wear-maybe even wear things I've never been able to before. Vain? Maybe. But it's my life and I know it's all a part of making me happy and confident.

Now That's Funny

2011-07-19T00:01:00.001-04:00

In school I teach my kids about homophones-two words that sound alike but have different meanings and are usually spelled differently. We talk about noticing the spellings and also using the context clues around the word to help decipher the meaning. We also study homonyms-words that are spelled alike and sound alike but have different meanings. These eight and nine year olds quite get it.

I thought most adults did too. I didn't realize I needed a homonym disclaimer on my last post.

I got a comment on that theory post that baffled me at first and then sent me rolling with laughter, imagining the sight. (Although, it's very possibly spam...)

Now picture this, me talking about the symbolism of seeing these:

(Courtesy of Google Images)

Yep these, flying by me on the highway. Swimming in the river near the ducks.

Really?

So to the 'person' who sent me this comment,

This is a very helpful post, i hope this really helps me to complete my project. There are many different varieties of cranes on the market today, both in terms of size and type. Each type and size serves a different function. In essence, a crane is a machine, which lifts materials up and down as well as horizontally. They are most often used in the construction, manufacturing and transport industries.

I would just like to clarify that I meant these:

(Courtesy of Google Images)

I Have a Theory

2011-07-18T00:01:00.004-04:00

I have a theory. It's quite strange and based solely on this idea in my mind. You know how you sometimes don't notice things, even though they're right there? And then someone points it out and all of a sudden it's everywhere? Recently we thought about getting a new car. I saw a Kia I thought was really neat and then, all of a sudden, they were everywhere. (side note, no new car, same 'ol little zippy car I love).

When my brother and sister-in-law (B & Y) got married they had a lot of cranes to symbolize making a wish come true. This is according to Wikipedia: "An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years. In Japan, it is commonly said that folding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and family." (She is Japanese)

B & Y had one of those amazing thousand crane things hanging at the reception. Since then, I've become hyper aware of them. So much so that I feel they symbolize good luck, or *hope*, for me.

I'm quite sure, too, that before their wedding, there were not a lot of cranes, or heron, flying around our area. I remember seeing one as a child, standing in a ditch near an intersection, and hearing my parents make a big deal out of it.

So when I started seeing them more frequently, I took it as a sign. A good luck sign for our family. Even more powerful for me was the fact that I didn't start noticing them until we really decided to start our family. This was two years after B & Y's marriage...

So let's fast forward a bit and add in another quick tidbit-I hope I don't confuse. I see these cranes every so often; usually they are flying across an interstate as I drive. They give me hope. For the Fourth of July weekend we went to the hubs' buddy's cabin. While we were pontoon-ing down a river we had two cranes fly right in front of us. They were still a distance away but the closest I had actually come to them.

They are beautiful and graceful creatures. Quite stunning to watch. They gave me butterflies as I was in the midst of the two week wait.

This past week I was working at a local university teaching at a writing camp. One of our activities is to go feed the ducks along the river (sounds strange, but you get some great duck stories!). Just as I was tucking the bread wrapper back in my bag I noticed something that seemed out of place. There in front of me, about 20 feet was a crane. Never before had I seen one this closely.

I quickly and carefully grabbed my camera and slowly walked nearer to snap a shot. I looked down to turn the camera on, and in that instant, it flew further away.
The only thing I could think was it was telling me we were close, so close, but not yet.
When I got home that night, I learned that we were not pregnant. I did a little begging and pleading but in the end, I knew.

But I really think there's something to this whole crane theory for me. It's probably just a bunch of malarky to anyone else. But I may be secretly starting my own collection. If you see one around, think of me-I bet it counts too.
One down, nine hundred ninety nine to go.

Little Heartbreaks

2011-07-17T09:15:00.000-04:00

Thought for sure, for suuuure, I was pregnant this cycle. Sigh. Three years, 2 months, but who's counting?

Went to buy some baby things for a friend who just became a first time mom. I cried in the store. I stared at a rack of clothing until it went away. I had an awful thought, "What if I never get to buy things for our baby?".

See, these are things you just aren't prepared for. When you're young you dream about what life will be like in 10 years. I remember my senior year of high school saying I'd be married with at least two kids by the time I was 28. Well, at least I was close to the whole marriage thing at 28.

And every cycle when I think things will get easier, they seem to get harder. And while my husband doesn't quite seem to understand the heartbreak I feel every month, I know it's hard on him too.

Nothing really prepares you for this.

And then I remembered. I was being a schmuck. Feeling like I had nothing to be thankful for. Seriously? You brat.

*husband

*loving and supportive family

*a home

*wonderful dogs

*friends

*health

*car

*clothing

*food

*ability to walk

*use of all limbs actually

*not taking medications

*generally good disposition

So what on earth am I crabbing about? A baby isn't owed to me. I need to stop being so short-sighted and look at the big picture.

I know things will work out. I have hope for a family. But I know I have many things to be thankful for.

Monday

2011-07-16T23:05:00.003-04:00

It's gotten to that point again. Where things have gotten out of control. When summertime hits I find I have the best of intentions. And you know where that paves a road to.

So I hitched up my britches and called a friend, two doors down, and we made a plan. Starting this Monday we will meet on the street at 6:00 am (with a leeway window until 6:15) and work our butts out. It will be an every-other-day pattern.

Day A will be running. We will be doing the First Day to 5k series. I used this back in January to train for my May 5K. And while I should be able to do more now than I could then, I'm hoping to up my pace.

Day B will be flexible-walking or biking or whatever suits our fancy. But we're meeting EVERY day, at that awful hour.

I may even have an addition challenge for myself--weight lifting. Lord knows I need it!

More than that, I'm going to stop putting bad things into my body. (Eew, okay, that sounds gross). What I mean is, I'm going to eat good things. It's not like I don't have the time now to make healthy things. But, NO guilt trips just goodness.

Care to join us? I'm weighing my arse on Monday and keeping track. I'm sticking to the thought Jillian Michaels has shared on The Biggest Loser-if you're burning more than you're taking in, you should be losing. I can do that.

Five Question Friday

2011-07-14T22:12:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Mama M over at http://fivecrookedhalos.blogspot.com/ I'm remembering that yes indeed, I do have a blog. So here's my grand return with a quick Five Question Friday.

If you'd like to play along, copy/paste the questions on to your blog and then link up with Mama M's blog.

1. If you knew your best friend's spouse was cheating on her or him, would you tell her (him)?

Yes. But I would have to have actual saw-it-myself proof. And none of this let/make him tell her...that's BS. You cheat, you lose.

2. Soda in a can or a bottle?

Neither. Not a soda gal any more. If we're traveling I do enjoy Vernor's in the fountain form. (ps, that's Ginger Ale for you non-Michiganders.

3. What do you wash first, hair or body?

Hair. I wash my bod when my conditioner is working its magic.

4. What advice would you give to any new mama?

No idea. I wish I could contribute to this question. Maybe for mama-to-bes...be thankful.

5. What is your best hangover remedy?

Again, not a situation I often find myself in but back in the day I'd say greasy food and sleep!

Happy Friday all!

The Mole Trap Part 2

2011-06-16T07:02:00.002-04:00

A bucket? Seriously. You're going to trap a mole with a bucket?

Well, it turns out he wanted the neighbors and dog walkers to know that there was a trap UNDER the bucket and therefore labeled it. And he didn't quite understand that if someone hadn't been told there was an actual trap underneath that it looked as though the bucket was said trap.

Well, the bucket didn't seem to help trapping a mole anyway. He took it down a few days ago but yesterday actually caught himself a little yard diggin' mole. Those things are not cute. Those paddle-like paws that seem to come out of their neck. Yuck.

Let's hope our yard doesn't invite any more vermin over.

The Mole Trap Part 1

2011-06-14T20:30:00.003-04:00

My husband...He's a funny guy. He's a hard working guy. He's a determined guy.

It's that time of year again where the moles are taking up residence in our lawn to eat the little grubby grubs that also live there. Seems like a good situation except for all those holes and mounds the moles create. One thing the hubs is insane about is the lawn. He owns three lawnmowers, and edger, and a weed wacker.

The other night the hubs came inside and told me he had set a mole trap-heads up.

The next morning I took the dog for a walk.

Out of the Loop

2011-05-17T20:41:00.003-04:00

During my six years of teaching, I've worked really hard to stay in-the-know. I watch news clips of American Idol. I hop into conversations about Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. I even nod along when my kids tell me about their favorite tv show/movie/band.

But I had to put my foot down somewhere. And that somewhere was Justin Bieber. Not my style, not my taste, not my kind of music. But what does Justin Bieber have to do with me being out of the loop? I obviously know who he is. Well...

Each week I send home a weekly newsletter on Fridays. This helps my families stay organized and to know what's coming up the next week. However, a couple years in I noticed the newsletters weren't being read a lot so I decided to do something to get more readership. I found myself a package of Mad Gabs and scoured through them trying to find a nice easy one to start. Fast forward four years...

Well, it turns out those Mad Gabs are the hot ticket. They look forward to them each week and now I've even been told they're getting too easy. And this past week's was no exception. So when I handed the newsletter out at the end of the day and all the kids were in the hallway saying, "It's so easy." "Bieber..." "It's Justin Bieber."

To which I confidently responded, "No, it's NOT Justin Bieber."

"Yes it is."

"No it's not, read it to me."

"Never say never."

"Right, that doesn't say Justin Bieber!"

"No, Mrs. D, it's a song BY Justin Bieber!"

Sigh.

Research and Reviews

2011-04-14T22:15:00.003-04:00

Because I am a procrastinator I had to work my little tail off this week. I had to get 15 hours of research on an Action Research project (happens to be small group work-guided reading) and then write a Literature Review on the same subject. But guess what? I turned it in today. All done. Let's hope I don't need to revise it. I really don't ever want to see it again.

I officially graduate May 21. It's reeeeeally close.

And now...I'm on vacation. It's my yoga retreat weekend. Last October we went to The Leaven Center. We were set to go back there again and there was some sort of scheduling conflict so now we're headed to a new place, one of which I don't remember the name. I'm so looking forward to it though, it's a good, good time.

I'll be blogging more. I'm sure of it. I think.

Ha.

A Short Story, in Pictures

2011-04-11T21:47:00.008-04:00

This is me...procrastinating. I have three hours of research left and a Literature Review to write...before Thursday. And here I sit, frustrated about it all. So I thought I'd let you know what that all looks like.

Be forewarned, I'm a dork.

And someone's going to give ME a Master's Degree! Watch out. Hide ya kids, hide ya wife, and hide ya husbands!

MLK Day

2011-01-17T21:20:00.003-05:00

What did I do with my MLK day...or Records Day as my district announces it? I slept until 8:20 and that was nice. Once up I did my 6 Week 6 Pack and then decided it was best to do my 5k training right then. So I took to the frigid streets (24 degrees with a windchill that made it feel like 10) for training day three. One major problem of running outside, in Michigan, in winter was the snow-covered roads. Shortly after my warm up walk began I realized this wasn't going to be easy. It was literally like walking/running on sand. So today was snow-resistance training.

I found one block in our neighborhood that was fairly clear and ended up doing circles after a while. Even without the extra resistance, today was tough. I'm chalking it up to the cold temperatures...and the little icicles that formed on my lashes from the cold, which made my eyes water like mad.

Last week at school we read another book about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, had the opportunity to watch some great interviews with Rosa Parks, watch Dr. MLK, Jr's I Have A Dream Speech, and then followed it up with an art project.

A few years ago I drew a picture of Dr. MLK Jr and wrote, "I have a dream..." across it. The kids traced their hand and wrote one dream they had for the future. Most of them came up with great ideas! But of course there was one, "A million dollars," and one even more bizarre, "To play every winter sport,". Sigh.

Today I came across a quote that was Tweeted and ReTweeted on Twitter that I'm quite a fan of. If there is school tomorrow ("Ice Day, Ice Day, Ice Day") I'm going to put it up for the kids to think about: "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." -MLK, Jr. "

And that's all she wrote, folks.

Waiting

2011-01-15T19:30:00.002-05:00

It's Saturday, a snowy Saturday. The hubs and I made our way to a local shoe store for their Sidewalk Sale--a momentous event. After trying on what seemed like 15 pairs of shoes...oh wait, it felt like 15 because it was!--I finally settled on a new pair of Sauconys at a very reasonable price. They were $45 dollars off their normal price, the price they will be again on Monday. Thanks to a Visa giftcard for Christmas I spent nothing out-of-pocket. One of the perks of this store is their 30 guarantee. You can wear them inside and out and if they don't work for you, you can take them back for an exchange.

I had my eyes on a very cute pink and paisley (on the tongue) pair of Sauconys but they did not fit me. The ankle was too high and the arch the same. I was this close to sacrificing comfort for looks. Instead, I purchased what I consider to be a very unattractive pair. Ho hum. They have a white mesh thing on top that almost made me say no. But they're comfy and very light.

Now on to the waiting. I'm waiting for all of this hard work to start showing itself. Granted, my pants a fitting less snugly but there is nothing drastic. I should probably take some time this evening to reread my own blog posts from last year at this time, I know I should be more grateful but gosh, I'm working my tail off to stay pudgy!

I've now completed 15 days of Jillian Michael's Six Week Six Pack, still going strong with my Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday yoga, and have only just begun my 5k training with Podrunner-successfully completed 2 days.

But when will it start paying off? Last year I just had so much excess fat that it took forever to turn to muscle and begin to tone. I'm 20+ pounds lighter and smaller but it doesn't look like I've done a darn thing.

I know there is a big phase of frustration but I don't like it. I am, of course, going to keep going. But I just wish I had more--or less!--to show for my work. Stupid thighs and still pudgy belly, c'mon!

I'm done complaining now. I should be thankful I'm able to do all of this and I am doing it. I know it's only a matter of time before things catch up. Persistence.

5K

2011-01-12T19:50:00.004-05:00

And so it begins. I met at our local high school with a coworker and did my first, full-length, run with Podrunner. And I made it-I didn't collapse, I didn't die, and I feel great. Because of my Master's schedule I will be on my own on Mondays to do the run but we'll run together on Wednesdays and Fridays. I'm excited. She's more advanced in the running department than I am but she's willing to put up with me.

Can I just say, I love being able to touch my toes. With straight legs. With my hands flat on the floor. Thank you exercise.

That's all for now. Thanks for reading.

Gone Since November

2011-01-11T20:30:00.003-05:00

What's changed? New chiropractor is out of network so buh-bye good chiropractor. Still not pregnant, no biggie. I started a new Jillian workout. This time I'm doing her Six Week Six Pack.

Today was day 11. I do want it to be clear, I began last year...December 31, to be exact. I don't like the New Year vibe. Anyway, the workout is rough but good. There are a few moves that I struggle with, two that I really struggle with being able to actually do (Spider and what she refers to as herkies, sp?) and one that really pushes me to the max-side plank knee lifts. And it's not so much that the move is difficult, my wrists start to really hurt. And then Jillian has to go and stack the wrist moves together, ouch.

I'm still going to yoga. My Thursday night Master's class has moved to Monday for a couple of months which allows me to go to Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday yoga. I had a recent epiphany while stretching. Never before in my life has stretching felt so good. Before it's just been something I tolerate for 8 counts. Now, it feels soooo good.

I'm beginning another adventure this week. Well, I tried to start on Sunday evening and there was a snafu. Some friends from my favorite online community recommended Podcaster Intervals. If you're not familiar it's basically a podcast of a running system--a way to get you running. It starts at week one and alternates walking and running, set to music with a particular beat, to get you to a 5K (there are others, but I'm doing the 5K).

So I downloaded, what I thought was, week 1 and set to the frozen streets. When I looked down at the time it said 47 minutes, instead of the 29 I was expecting. Turns out I snagged the week one challenge instead of the basic week one. So I walked for five minutes to warm up, yogged for 10, and then cooled back down for two minutes.

Tomorrow I'm taking my workout gear to work and I might head to the middle or high school to try this run inside. My lungs were not too happy after I got back in the other night (and I won't get into all the neighbors who have NOT shoveled their walk in days), lots of coughing.

Anyhow, if it all works out I will 6W6P 6 days a week, yog on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays, and yoga Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I will be fit. I refuse to be fat.

Did I tell you, I'm no longer shopping at my fat lady store? All done. There's only one shirt remaining that I can actually wear from my fatter days...and it has a tie in the back so I can make it fitted. I'm excited to see what this new workout brings me. I can already feel myself getting stronger. The 6W6P is, obviously, a 6 week program. I'm into my second week. I can do this.

I'll try to write me. It helps keep me on track too.

Happy *snow* everyone!

The Chiropractor

2010-11-06T21:58:00.002-04:00

I recently changed chiropractic offices when I began feeling a pain in my side awfully reminiscent of last year's rib-out-of-place debacle. I woke up on a Sunday morning with what felt like a stitch in my side (do you know what that is? My hubs claims it doesn't exist!), or a bad cramp, and it just wouldn't quit.

Monday morning I called my yoga instructor/new chiropractor and made an appointment for that afternoon. I, unfortunately--I felt at the time, couldn't meet with my yoga instructor but her husband, who instructs Tai Chi classes instead.

While I've gotten to be rather close with my new yoga friends, they really don't know too much about my personal life, namely my current inability to bear a child.

So, you can imagine my surprise when, as I lay belly-down on the red vinyl table, Dr. Tai Chi spoke of my misalignments in my back-namely, some that represent my menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Perk. Those were my ears clamoring for more information. I had never mentioned to Drs. Tai Chi or Yoga that I had irregular cycles or issues with ovulation.

Dr. Tai Chi asked if I ever had issues with one cycle being very heavy and painful compared with the previous month. Yes.

Then he talked about my ovaries and something about them getting tired or whatever. I don't exactly remember because I was trying to digest the million things he was saying in his South African accent while being adjusted this way and that.

Regardless, the main point of this is on Wednesday Aunt Flo arrived. Or so I thought. No, she did. It was just that the usual pain I have when she's here, wasn't. And the usual Flo wasn't usual...she packed light for this visit.

I feel I glossed over this too much...um, I couldn't even feel her presence.

Did Dr. Tai Chi have something to do with this? Can I be fixed from the outside? Is there hope for me? I seem to be seeing a lot of "hope" lately. We shall hope and see.

Ahimsa

2010-10-14T20:52:00.005-04:00

In yoga, we've started to delve into the Yamas beginning with Ahimsa. Basically it's non-violence. And this includes no self-violence. No, I'm not a cutter nor am I physically mean in any other way (unless you count the things that Jillian Michaels makes me do...) but I am very guilty of self-deprecation. And so through the study of Ahimsa, I'm trying to live the life and be more loving of me.

I was in a discussion recently about signs. I believe in signs, I see little ones all the time. For example, my lucky number is eight. Basically, my birth date, time, and weight are all eights. Really. So I took that as a sign and eight's been my number, forever.

In the previously mentioned discussion there was a talk about 11. A person had many occurrences with eleven. So 11 became their sign. But it doesn't always have to be numbers. Sometimes when things don't go right--trying to make something turn out just so to only to have that certain something no longer needed. Sigh.

There's even the off-chance that I'll take extra work home in the midst of winter and voila, a snow day the next morning. It's like the universe is sending you little signs. It's her way of showing she cares.

So this morning, as I was working on the no self-deprecation, I was consciously thinking nice thoughts about myself ("My butt looks fine." "Those hairs that stick up on my head are probably overshadowing the 3 1/2 inches I got cut off last night." And so on.). And as I was in the main office of my work I was sitting in the chair, known as the therapy chair. It was there in the therapy chair I saw my first Ahimsa sign.

On the front desk of my friend and co-worker sits an apple-clothes pin contraption that holds the out-going mail upright. And as is very common in an elementary school setting, there was a Scholastic Books envelope waiting to be shipped off to the land of not-so-cheap books. Sitting next to the mail holder is a cup of pens. Where am I going with this whole Ahimsa-signs-of-the-universe thing?

Well, the exact position of the cup of pens combined with how I normally sit in the therapy chair--pushing myself to think kind things--partially blocked the view of the Scholastic envelope. The envelope that always has the same saying on the back, "Thanks for your buying our books at really unreasonable price..." oh wait, it doesn't say that. And it doesn't really matter. Except the first part. Today, the envelope, or the universe, said "Thanks for you."

Don't Give Up

2010-10-03T09:39:00.003-04:00

Did you give up on me yet? I cannot believe it's been more than a month since I've written anything! I will get back into it. Surely.

Long story short--in regards to working out. Once the school year started I changed my ways a little. I am getting up earlier in the morning and working out, walking the dogs, and then getting ready for the day. Despite not liking the early rising time, it's actually working out quite well. I love being able to come home and just make dinner--not change, work out, then getting dinner ready. And most days, the pups get a walk after my workout. Too bad it's super dark that early in the morning.

Other than that, we're still on the budget. We're at $60 a week which I sometimes find hard to meet. I need to spend more time with my coupons but they're so overwhelming to me. Anyone have a good way to keep them helpful instead of drowning me?

I'm still not drinking coffee (I know!!!) but have started drinking chai lattes in the morning. I really like the warm morning beverage.

I still love my yoga class. This upcoming weekend we have a yoga retreat. I can't wait!

Okay, to make my grocery list. Happy Sunday. Happy October. Remember, share those couponing ideas!

Ramadan

2010-08-11T21:43:00.002-04:00

No, I'm not suddenly Muslim. But I am, however, joining the outskirts of this holiday. With the encouragement of the community and my friend Nadia I've decided to do some fasting of my own. During these thirty days, not just sun up to sun down, I will be fasting from these four things:

Coffee--caffeine technically
Deep fried foods
Procrastination
Swearing

So far so good. I actually gave up coffee on Monday so I'm a day or so ahead and it's no fun. I am on day two of head and neck aches. However the procrastination is getting better. I'm getting things done that need to be done.

Unfortunately I've had FIVE slip ups in the swearing department. This one will definitely take more brain power for me. Four of the slips were last night and one today. I'm making progress.

I'm also on day four of working out. Feeling so much better already and liking the way my clothes are fitting better. Yay!

What Was I Thinking?

2010-08-08T19:10:00.003-04:00

I totally wasn't in the right frame of mind to begin another 30 Day Shred. But now I am. And it's even Sunday today! I may switch things up a bit to not get too bored. I have the P90X Cardio disc and the Biggest Loser Last Chance Workout. I like having options.

Today was officially day one for me. Which means, the day before the first day of school, I will have completed 30 days. Sounds good to me, except the going back to work part. Where's my vacation gone?

This is week two of the grocery budget and planning. We're on a $60.00 a week budget and I am making myself make a weekly menu so that when I go grocery shopping I'm not aimlessly throwing things in the cart.

This week's menu: Chicken nachos, buffalo chicken salad, turkey burgers, ribs, homemade pizza.

Tomorrow I begin my slow return to work also. I'll only be putting my room in order and getting in cleaned up. And then I'll start thinking about what I'm teaching this year.

Happy second week of August!

Glorified Grahams

2010-07-31T15:16:00.010-04:00

This is not my recipe. Or at least it didn't begin as mine. I have a friend who has the most amazing recipes and they're always out of simple ingredients. I don't have to scour several stores for this spice or that it's usually things I already have in the pantry. And I bet, with this recipe, you will too.

Interested?

First, you will need these ingredients:

2 sleeves of graham crackers
1/2 C. of butter (1 stick)
1/2 C. of brown sugar
2 oz. (about 1/4 C.) chopped pecans

That's it...for all this....

Here you go-

Melt the butter in and mix in the brown sugar until smooth and well-combined.

Get your grahams ready...

Lay them out on a baking sheet.

Spread the butter & brown sugar mixture over the grahams.

In retrospect, I should have allowed for the mixture to seep under the grahams more...trust me.
Then top with pecans.

While resisting the temptation to eat this concoction set the baking dish in the oven.

When you take them out, let them set for about 10 minutes to cool.

Go ahead and drool, it's okay. Just not over the grahams.

So, as you're enjoying these, make sure you tell Paula thank you.

Squidgy, Again

2010-07-29T08:59:00.003-04:00

I'm not full on squidgy but I'm definitely getting soft around the edges. I started going to yoga class back in June and I love it. Problem is, it's not super workout yoga. Compound that with the fact that I've cut waaaay back on doing the Shred and I'm bound to gain a few back.

So, I'm back here again--ready to face 30 intense days of the Shred again. This is now the second cycle since the miscarriage that I have not conceived so what better to do than to get my body svelte? Okay, so it won't really get svelte, but it may get more toned.

I think I'm going to drag myself upstairs to the scale right now. I may or may not share the number I see. I'm guessing it's back over 200, sadly. But at the same time, if I've gained 5-10 pounds, it's my own fault.

So, wish me luck. And happy Shredding--if you do that sort of thing.

**Post Edit**
Okay, scratch that. I'm not in the 200s (whew) and I haven't even gained weight. Technically, since the last time I weighed, I've lost. I'm now at -31.2.
HOWEVER, knowing that I'm softer around the edges, I realize I have lost some muscle and since muscle weighs more than fat, I think I haven't really lost weight. So, time to get back on the wagon!

Pandora, It's Not Just For People

2010-07-28T17:51:00.000-04:00

DIY

2010-07-27T16:04:00.007-04:00

I'm coming back around to this blogging thing. I've been trying to get my life in order first. So, after a trip to Ikea with friends, here's project number one with a little confused dialogue.

Start with a blank and boring wall inside a cluttered office.

Oh, I have one of those.

Next, shop at Ikea for some organization things. But keep an open mind. You never know what you'll find in the kitchen area.

Hrm, okay if you say so.

My, are those heat pads made of cork?

Why yes they are.

Why would you buy cork trivets for an office?

Oh, you'll see...

Now you have velcro fasteners and trivets. You feeling okay?

Yup.

Hrm, putting the velcro fasteners on the cork? With both sides of the velcro on there?

Uh huh.

Oh, I get it! It's a build-your-own cork board!

Sho' nuff. The best part?

It's removable! Enjoy!

Back to Reality

2010-07-08T17:54:00.007-04:00

I have lots to share but not enough time right now. I did want to share this with you all. Do you find it as funny as I do?

This was a cute little shop on the Upper West Side...

(The writing says, "In case it's difficult to read: West Side Cheese Company. Antiques Too)

What on earth does that little sign say? We'll be closed for the 4th of July holiday? We're out to lunch?

Small World

2010-06-30T23:14:00.002-04:00

Here's the quick version of how I know Heather.

When we moved to the small town we live in we went exploring. It is a quaint town afterall. In this town there is a lovely antique shop. We got to talking with the proprietor one day and eventually became friends--a woman in her mid to late 50s. Subsequently, this woman's parents had moved from Vegas to our little town to be near their daughter and family because they were getting older. My hubby started doing handy man work for both families. We adore the older couple too.

A few months later, around Christmas, my brother was headed home for the holidays from NYC when he was chatting with a NY friend of his. He happened to mention that he was to be visiting his sister in their small little town outside of Lansing. When his friend inquired into the name of the town, her eyes grew big at his response. "That's the town my family lives in."

Turns out Heather my brother's friend, is the daughter of the antique store proprietor, the grand-daughter of the older couple.

Now, how small world is that?

A Bite of Irony

2010-06-30T16:50:00.009-04:00

I was fortunate enough to meet up with an old friend yesterday. We went to high school together--he moved in our junior year, he reminded me--and even the same community college. We acted in the same shows and worked on the same sets in our theatre department. Yes, I'm a 'theatre' snob. You won't see me spelling it 'theater' unless I'm referring to the movie type.

We grabbed some lunch in Chelsea and then did a little walking around. Okay, I admit it, we were trying to find a cool, and by cool I mean cold!, spot for a nice drink. It was definitely a sweaty day here in the city. In our quest we happened upon a designer dog store. Did you know those existed? Me either. I believe somewhere I have mentioned that I'm a sucker all things small and furry so I couldn't pass up this display of cuteness. In the window were five or so puppies milling about playing with one another; chewing ears, kicking bellies, tail-wagging pounces. When we realized this store was air conditioned we hopped inside. Along the far wall of the building was a line of crates. In those crates were more puppies. And were they ever cute. I really could have rescued them all and taken them home. That is until I overheard the salesman (um, are you really called that when you work in a puppy mill???) tell another customer that the dog he had his eye on was, minus the $300 discount, now at a stunning $12,000 price point!

Bring your jaws back up to closed-mouth position, I have more to say.

All these dogs were miniature versions of their breed. The ones that caught my eye were the Australian Shepherds. And were they ever adorable. Like, stick one in your over-sized purse and run cute.

I will say, I did not take the best photos but I was seriously worried that the salesman was going to thwart me upside my head and confiscate my camera.

Really, did you not just contemplate finding this place and opening your purse and running?

On the way out of the store we looked at the window display pups from the inside. Here's where I think it's funny. There was this miniature dachshund playing with a cardboard/paper tray...you know, the ones you might get food from a ballgame or a fair in? One you might transport french fries, or a burger, or a hot dog?

By the time I fished my camera back out of my bag the little guy had moved a bit. The picture I intended was of the pup completely laying inside the tray. Like, "Order up!".
Clearly though this dog knew what was going on and he was telling the tray we he thought of that idea!

Completely changing gears here, remember me mentioning how my room view was going to change? It certainly did...and I love it. I'm guessing not many people would request a Broadway view with all the sights and sounds of NY...but I love it. My entire life living at my parents' house was street noisy. We lived next to a major interstate, not to mention one that is the main artery between Chicago and Detroit, and the hum of the cars lulls me to sleep at night. Here's the view from where I am now.

Tonight I'm off to dinner with another friend. Maybe when I get back I'll tell you the very small world story about how I know her. Au revoir!

Sunset

2010-06-28T20:44:00.006-04:00

Bumpy Ride

2010-06-28T17:43:00.008-04:00

I'm on the road again. I'm back in my favorite big city (in the US) and am currently holed up in my room avoiding raindrops.

My first flight this morning was on a teeny tiny airplane that went bumpity-bump-bump all the way across Lake Michigan. Once I arrived in the Windy City I had to hike from the F gates to the B gates. After, what seemed like forever, 45 minutes of waiting for a seat at the gate I finally managed to secure one facing a TV that was reporting about the storm outside Detroit last night. I only caught the tail end of the story when I heard, "...the gate for flight 689 with service to LaGuardia has now changed to gate B10". Which I should have known. The flight to Orlando, that was sharing our gate, had not begun to board because their plane had still not arrived from wherever.

I shuffled myself over to the next gate and sat down to enjoy my coffee and cinnamon scone. Across from me were two ladies enjoying apples and a view of the TV. Now, I'm a scone dipper. I like to break off pieces of my bakery treat and dip them into my hot cuppa joe. I was nearing the end of my breakfast when I happened to look up and realize that one of the ladies was still eating her apple a good five minutes after she started.

As I studied her, while trying not to stare, it looked as though she was just very slow and thorough in her apple eating. She even had a napkin tucked closely to catch any juicy apple drips.

Um, no. Not even close. She was taking a bite at a time, chewing the apple, and spitting back out the skin! I literally almost yacked my scone back up.

And then there was the cast of the traveling Wizard of Oz. How do I know they were the cast? They made sure to let everyone know. One gentleman (oh, excuse me, his sign clearly said he was a munchkin) was sporting a bright pink shirt and a gold lame fanny pack and was rather 'boisterous'.

Guess who sat behind me on the flight?

On this not-so-small plane the ride wasn't any smoother. We went bumpity-bump-bump over Lake Erie and all the way into the Big Apple. And then came the herky-jerky cab ride from LGA to the Upper West Side; I am certainly glad to be in a stationary position now.

In my short while here I've checked into the hotel--and checked out my view:

Which looked like this for about an hour. I could tell a storm was a'brewin' so I went for a quick bite to eat and some groceries (bottled water, grapes, Wasa crackers).

This is a Gray's Papaya...It was tasty...but not tasty enough to try again.

And when I got back my view looked like this:

Tomorrow my view should be completely different. Despite thinking this view is lovely, the size of room I have to endure to enjoy the scenery is not worth it. This girl packed her yoga mat and two workout dvds...I can't even spread the mat out in here. The oh so lovely and sweet ladies at the desk are going to move me into a bigger room tomorrow. Very very kind of them.

Now, what to do this evening...

A Regular Saturday Night

2010-06-26T23:22:00.007-04:00

Right? Well, mostly.

Today was a normal day--yoga, breakfast, hanging out with the family, dinner, watching tv while the hubs plays a show, trying on my wedding dress...What?

Due to a combination of factors (really over the past two days) I got the bug to go revisit my wedding dress. I really started to worry that three years later I no longer loved my dress. In my head it looked dated and cheesy. There was really a moment that I was scared to look.

In between episodes of Say Yes to the Dress (yes, yes, okay--this show was my breaking point!) I tip-toed upstairs and snuck up on the oversized garment bag hanging in our spare room's closet.

A good 20 minutes later I had wrangled myself into my dress again (it's a lace-up-the-back kinda dress) and scooped up my camera for this momentous return-to-the-day photo op.

Although the pictures are cheesy and in terrible lighting I didn't think it would be very nice of me not to share.

Oh yeah, check out those hot tan lines!

So...Did I purchase a dress that could stand the test of time?

Did I still love it?

Absolutely!

Funk That

2010-06-25T11:31:00.001-04:00

Remember that terrible song? I thought of it today as I got ready to take the dog for a walk. And it's my new proclamation. Funk That!

I am so sick and tired (and flippin' hot!) of hiding a body that I think is not attractive. I've been wearing long pants and jeans for YEARS hiding my legs and all the while I'm completely suffering.

When I was working out two days ago in our living room no one else was home yet there I was in my long black stretchy pants about to pass out from heat stroke. Are you kidding me? Why do I torture myself? Oh, because I might offend someone with my cankles and chunky legs.

So, it's time to get over it.

Yesterday I went to Wal-Mart (good, cheap workout clothes!) and purchased two new tanks and a pair of--get this--capri leggings. Not only do they not go to the floor, they're also skin tight. And I love them. I wore them to yoga last night (um, I did, however, wear my other black pants over them for the walk to the studio and back; baby steps people) and then today I wore them to workout. It was so much more comfortable and practical.

And after my workout (which is now the P90X Cardio, super good!) I took the dog for a walk--in my leggings. And it felt great.

I might not look so hot but I don't care. Why have I been worrying about everyone else in life and not my own comfort?

Funk that!

A Shirt

2010-06-21T20:28:00.003-04:00

I have this shirt...

Since losing some weight I've been able to shop at "normal" clothing stores. And it's great. Well, mostly great. One store I shop at often tends to be snobbish and cold but what's a gal to do? (Yep, I know there are many things I could do...but I haven't)

This one shirt I really, really liked. I liked it on the hanger. I liked it on me more. But I did not like the price. And so I played the waiting game. You know, I'm getting good at that game. This time it paid off. A week later this shirt was 40% off. Nice.

Of course this shirt is blue tones...lovely blues that I don't often wear. So this presented the first set of problems, pants and shoes. What do I wear with this shirt?

After I got home I dug through my shoe cabinet. This literally is a cabinet that I shove my shoes into on a daily basis. I happened to have a lovely pair of bronze heels to rock with this shirt. But which pants? I found myself at a point where all my pants were either black or super big.

But, ah ha! I could wait until Friday. On Fridays we can wear jeans to work. That would be fantastic.

And so Friday finally came. Unfortunately for the record books, it happened to be this Friday. A Friday I'm sure I won't forget for a very long time. I remember thinking as I dressed that morning that this shirt was going to help me cope with the day. I'd look fantastic and feel the same despite what was happening inside me.

And all Friday long this shirt stuck with me. It kept me cool in the warm, humid, sun. It made me feel put together as I watched many a people walk past me in pajamas and other lounging clothes. Every once in a while I remembered the great deal I got on that shirt. And that was my problem...I put too much emphasis on this damn shirt.

Even now, one month past the whole ordeal, whenever I see this shirt that's all I can think of. The poor shirt is ruined to me. No matter what I try to pair it with, no matter how many times I try to convince myself it's just a part of my wardrobe, I only ever think of that Friday full of tears, red-stained cotton gauzed elbows, and a small, very small, loss (emphasis on the actual size...).

I really am passed all the emotional baggage of the event, but why am I still stuck on this stupid shirt?

New Beginnings

2010-06-19T11:58:00.002-04:00

This post will be short and sweet. I know it's been forever since I've posted--egad, so out of a routine. Summer break has officially begun for me but I'm still finding myself busy.

This morning I woke up to the return of Aunt Flo. Perfectly on schedule. I was amazed. So, here I am, at the beginning of thinking about pregnancy again. It's exciting. Too bad there will be a very small window of opportunity for this right now. When I'm finally ovulating, I will be leaving for NY. Can I bottle that stuff up and bring it with me? Only kidding.

This morning I also started attending a yoga class. It was nothing like I expected and it was completely delightful. The others in the class were so kind and helpful. A friend of mine and I went together and my friend had never done yoga before. After class we all walked to breakfast together and continued having a great time. I'm looking forward to continuing this on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday basis.

Now I must get ready for a wedding today. I'm going to be hostess/bartender extraordinaire. Let's hope the weather holds out.

Happy Saturday!

Walk

2010-05-30T21:45:00.008-04:00

The pups and I went for a walk through downtown tonight. I took my camera along to snag some photos to be able to post in a thread that highlights your hometown. After some thinking, I decided to post the photos here seeming as though I have nothing better to say and the fact that I've been really lax in the photo posting department.

Welcome to my town. Enjoy!

Testing, Testing

2010-05-27T21:40:00.004-04:00

I went back in for my beta hcg test on Wednesday. The way my doctor's office is set up involves me bypassing the regular waiting room and finding my way to a tiny sitting area just outside the lab. Unlike my previous blood draws, the door to the lab was closed and the note upon it prompted me to patiently wait in a seat and I would be helped soon.

As I sat there, I kid you not, three different pregnant women--all with husbands/boyfriends in tow--came bounding back for their ultrasounds. Without expecting it (but why would I?) I found myself sad. I think there was one quick moment where I could have cried. Was this my first test of strength? But then I remembered, someday that WILL be me too. I will drag my hubby along with me to the OB to share in the excitement of hearing baby's first heartbeat. Ahhhhh.

Then the door to the lab opened and there stood the tech who I had seen the other day. You know, the one who had no comment when I said, "I sure hope this one's better than the last".
But unlike last time with her, this poke was painful...and I think she nearly missed the vein because she said, "Uh oh", (yeah, thanks by the way...so comforting!) and when I looked over I saw my blood all spluttered in a tube and a very small amount in the vial. She literally had to look up how much blood was needed for this test to make sure she had enough. I was sweating bullets for a moment. Luckily, half a whatever (I can't remember how much it was) was enough. It literally took up half an inch at the bottom of the vial.

Then I had to wait. I'm not a big fan of the waiting game. However, waiting for this wasn't too bad. If my hormone levels were too high, I guess I'd be back in the same chair next week. If they were normal I'm off the hook.

I got the call this afternoon and then sat on hold for 14 minutes to hear, "Everything looks good. Your level came back at 3. We consider 5 normal".

So now I'm back to the waiting game. Waiting for Aunt Flo to show back up. Then waiting for her to go away and then show back up again and then back into the baby making frame of mind.

Of course it's not that simple. Remember those two little things that can put my monthly schedule into a tizzy? Well, I'm planning on one of those in exactly one month from tomorrow. And trust me, I don't plan when I'm going to be sick. It's back to New York for me for a week. Have I ever mentioned that I Heart NY? I really do. But having it put my schedule outta whack is going to suck. This year, however, I'm going to be in shape and maybe having that regular-ness will help out in other areas too.

But, either way-depending on when AF shows up for the first time (um, on my normal cycle or following the MC cycle plus the travel delay) I'm hopefully looking into a mid to late July try. I have my fingers and toes crossed. I know it won't be easy, it never is. I just wonder how much testing I can stand up to?

Hot Minute

2010-05-24T21:38:00.003-04:00

Well, ("It's a deep subject", as my mom would say) it's been a long weekend. Maybe it's been more of a long month. For a hot minute I was pregnant. Really. One year and eleven months of trying to conceive and we finally did. It was exciting, scary, and unbelievable all at the same time. But alas, it was short lived.

I'm mainly writing about this to help myself digest everything but I suppose someone, somewhere, may learn a thing or two from our experience.

First off, I could hardly contain the fact that I was late. I'm rarely ever late. The only things that make me late are travel and sickness...neither of which I had experienced this month. I, amazingly, controlled myself enough to wait five days past my missed period before testing.

After a series of very faint positives on a Monday night, I resolved to retest the next morning. The digital stick said, "PREGNANT" and the Dollar Store (um, those things really do work well!) one clearly showed a blue plus sign.

Finally. Almost two years of trying, hoping, peeing on sticks to finally see pregnant. Me, I was pregnant. And when that actually sank in, it scared the shit out of me.

Tuesday morning I called my OB to schedule a blood test which I did late Tuesday afternoon. The hubs said he'd believe I was pregnant when it came from the doctor. So, I had to get the blood drawn. I hate needles and furthermore hate getting blood drawn from my body. But heck, if I were going to get a phone call in return telling me I was pregnant, it was worth it.

Wednesday afternoon, while in the computer lab with all 26 of my students and my dear friend the computer lab aide, I got the phone call. I answered the phone, smiling, anticipating the great news. When her tone didn't match mine, I immediately worried. From what I remember, this is what she said, "Your beta results show you're between one to two weeks pregnant."

Now, I'm no doctor, but I can do some math--and with the greatness of the Internet I'd already calculated a due date and all. "One to two weeks?"

"Yes."

"That can't be right (you know, because you can argue with a nurse and medical results), I'm at least five weeks along."

"Well, let's schedule you another blood test. If the levels rise, you're in good shape."

I don't remember much else of that conversation other than trying to excuse myself into the hallway to continue this awkward phone call only to find a colleague of mine standing there grading posters on the wall. How do you talk about this sensitive subject in front of others, especially when no one knows?!

Wednesday into Thursday were full of worry. I'm a realist. I'm definitely positive but when I'm given actual medical data, I can't help but think of what might be.

Thursday afternoon I returned for the blood test. On my way out, I made a comment like, "I sure hope this one's better than the last."

The lab tech said nothing. Not a good sign.

Thursday evening I cried all night long. I could feel it in my bones or rather, I couldn't feel it in my bones. I just knew.

Friday morning I woke up to spotting. In retrospect, I'm so glad I found out myself first, instead of having anyone else tell me. I snuggled in bed with the hubs before I left for work and told him the news. I cried a little bit more but pulled myself together for the commute to work.

When I got to work, I started bleeding. After walking my kids to their Special first thing in the morning, I noticed I had a voice mail. Again, not a good sign when the OB's calling you at 8 am.

I braced myself for the phone call and tried to talk myself out of crying. Worked like a charm, NOT.

Turns out this whole process is more complicated than just miscarrying. This included the doctor and also, and this was the hardest, telling my mom not only was I pregnant, but I was now miscarrying. Both my mom and dad were headed up for the weekend and by the time this all happened, they had already arrived. After getting through the initial news, it worked out well. My mom came with me the whole afternoon and we even had the chance to go grab some lunch.

I had to go see my Dr. first to go over some information, set up repeat blood tests (watching hormone levels drop), receive an exam--which never happened-thank goodness, and get the schedule of when we could try again. Since I didn't know my blood type I had to also head to our hospital for more blood work (have I mentioned how much I hate needles and blood work?!?) to find out if I was RH negative.

I left my Dr's office with a form for the blood test that read at the bottom, "STAT". Now, I know I'm okay, uncomfortable, but okay, so why stat? Turns out, long story short, if I happened to be RH negative I would have to receive a shot called "Rhogam" to further prevent my body from fighting off and rejecting any future pregnancies. But don't you think I'd know if I were negative?

Turns out, not so much. After two very painful pokes (a MISS on the first attempt, that was no fun) I returned to the waiting room, eyes full of tears, to my mom. I don't do well with needles, ahem, and with the additional pain of a student phlebotomist I could hold no more.

We waited in the lab for another hour and a half only to have a nurse call my name again as she held a small package. Sure enough, RH negative. Which meant, another needle.

And that was the last time I cried during this whole situation. Am I sad? Sure. Is it the end of the world? Nope. Am I getting right back up and back on the family planning wagon again? You betcha.

I'm a firm believer in things happening for a reason. This has been proven to me time and time again. I'm waiting for this one to be completely clear. I now know about the RH negative issue but I feel there may be something greater than that. Only time will tell.

But for one hot minute, I was pregnant.

Love

2010-05-15T21:21:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I forgot to write about this before. I've seen many kinds of love in my life but I recently witnessed a new one.

I know the hubs loves our pup. I love our pup. But when Codie got home after her surgery recently, the hubs was very gentle and thoughtful of her needs.

After she woke up from her anesthesia-induced nap he decided to get dinner for her. He grilled her her own chicken breast.

This may not sound like much but knowing that the hubs won't cook unless he's begged, for him to open a package of chicken for her one piece, and to stand in the cool rain outside on the deck to make his puppy dinner...that was a new kind of love.

Five Months In

2010-05-10T08:23:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm five months in and 28 pounds lighter..errrrr, scratch that, as of Monday morning I'm now 30 pounds lighter! I'm not at my final goal. Actually I'm about half way to my final goal. If I could, I would love to lose another 20-30 pounds. Summer is right around the corner too...will I be more energized to work harder? Will I fall to the free time I will have? Please don't let that happen, I beg of myself!
I'm now officially down one pant size and on my way to being down two. Some of my pants, after a few minutes of wearing them, slide down and are a bit uncomfortable. My shirts I'm wearing mostly larges and some mediums. That definitely feels nice.

I think soon I will need to evaluate my summer vacation workout plan. I would love to find a yoga class to go to. I can only do so many videos, sorry Bob and Jillian.
That's all for now. Have a great week!

Sentimental

2010-05-08T21:02:00.003-04:00

The hubs and I went out to dinner this evening before his gig. As we pulled into East Lansing we thought we had made a mistake-it's Michigan State University graduation day. Yikes!

But we got fairly lucky when we number one, found a parking spot in downtown, number two got into the restaurant we were headed for just before the crowd, and number three really enjoyed our dinner.

On our first official date we went for Indian, Bombay Cuisine in Grand Rapids (pre remodel). I'm still quite sentimental about the images I have tucked in my memory from that night.
And when we moved to the Capital, we tried another Indian cuisine restaurant and about had a come-apart. Everything about that night was awful! But tonight we tried a new place, Mumbai, and it was delicious!

As we were sitting there, among the hoards of new graduates, our table was just behind a family of five. Very proud parents and two siblings all there congratulating the oldest girl. There was one moment, just before they ordered, where her parents asked her what her plan was now. From what I recall she said she was, "returning back to Dubai," and something to the effect of, "great booming economy," etc. After the girl stated her intentions the parents presented her with a gift. I'm not sure of the amount but it must have been quite nice, but she was given a check for all her hard work while she was here at school. I got the feeling they kept tucking money away as if she was being paid for doing a job while in school. The whole moment was amazing though. The parents explained how this was to get her on her feet and to start fresh in a new place.

I literally had to lower my head and concentrate on my Chicken Tikka to avoid crying. I'm not doing the moment any justice but to be a part of it all was lovely. Her parents were so proud of her and in return the girl was so grateful. Very touching.

On top of having a wonderful meal with my husband, I left that restaurant with an even better feeling. I'm excited to return but strangely, I'm more excited for that girl's family and their future.

Squidgy

2010-05-03T09:27:00.003-04:00

That's my word. Squidgy. To me it means soft and pudgy around the edges. Like my body.

It seems no matter how much weight I lose, I still feel squidgy.

I was SURE today as I got on the scale there was going to be a 2 pound uppage in weight. I was SHOCKED when the scale was down three more pounds. That's right-I'm now officially 195.6 which is down 28.2 pounds. That's really close to thirty. So close I can almost taste it.

It seems as though I'm a long-term gal. The more I keep going the better it gets. I definitely think the yogging is helping. And tonight, despite my miserable allergies, I will be yogging again.

I will take pictures soon because I'm having a hard time believing it too.

Hey Baby (errr Babies!)

2010-05-02T21:50:00.002-04:00

So our friends welcomed their twin boys on Friday morning. There are many amazing things about this birth. One of them happens to be that the mother-to-be went 39 weeks carrying twins. I'm convinced she could have made it 40 weeks but they had (by doctor's orders) scheduled the c-section at that time.

Secondly, the boys came out weighing 6 lbs 6 oz and...wait for it...8 lbs! Unreal. She was literally carrying two fully grown single pregnancy babies in there.

The hubs and I went to the hospital today to visit. And boy, they are perfect. Right now, they look nothing alike. They were both ultra sweet and fell asleep in my arms-such a lovely feeling.

So, that's one friend pregnant with twin boys down, one more to go. This week this second set of friends will find out how much longer they are supposed to go. I think full term she'd deliver in June. Not far off at all.

Our weekend was full of family and babies. What about yours?

Post Surgery

2010-04-29T20:21:00.002-04:00

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for my pupper. She did famously well. Although, she's still groggy and a bit wobbly from the anesthesia-but I'm super glad to have her back.

Turns out she has a fungal infection in a couple of her nails too which was making the situation worse. So, this poor dog is literally going to be on six different medicines for a few weeks.

When I picked her up she had water lines streaming from the corners of each eye. To me it looked as though she were crying. Which made me cry. Yep, I've officially cried three times this evening. Two involving the dog and one involving a talk with the hubs about my desire to be a mother. Yeah, that was pretty.

I'm off to drown my sorrows in a bowl of edamame. And to find some good Thursday night television. Ciao all.

Surgery

2010-04-28T22:14:00.003-04:00

When I came home from work tonight I held my usual routine. Codie and I headed outside to toss the ball around and then I noticed, she was limping. And not just limping a little bit, she was certainly nursing her front paw and when standing, was keeping it elevated.

Off to the local vet we went. By the time we got there her paw began bleeding. Turns out she has extra long Quicks-the fleshy stuff under her nails-which does a combination of things. But the end result is that her nails split, bleed, and get infected.

Thursday she will go back to the vet for surgery. Anesthesia, breathing tube, the whole shebang. I'm slightly nervous about the whole process. She is my baby after all.

So, say a couple of puppy prayers for her if you will. Let's hope I can make it through the day without tears.

Quarter

2010-04-26T19:17:00.002-04:00

Quarter of one hundred, that is. Yes, today the scale was in my favor. I'm officially down 25 1/2 pounds. That's one quarter of one hundred. That's a toddler. That's disgusting. I'm so happy to see it go and I look forward to keeping this up.

I've been yogging every other day for at least twenty minutes, ahem, I think I've yogged five times. But still! I'm getting incredibly painful shin splints-but this only happens right near the twenty minutes and for about a half hour after I stretch. Ouch! I'm hoping this fades with repetition.

There are so many other things to write about-
How I feel about the days being light later
Hubby's recent epiphany
Ice cream
The fricassee incident
Dancing with the Stars
(no, not really)
House paint
The new comforter that died
Michigan's smoking ban in 5 days
(woot woot)

Just to name a few. But I'm exhausted and my comfy, dead comforter, bed is calling me.

From 7 to Amazing...to me!

2010-04-22T21:39:00.005-04:00

Today was one of those Thursdays. For me that consists of being to school by 7:30 (had a project to organize and a few other odds and ends-school starts at 8:45), an early release day which means the kids are dismissed early but we have a meeting from 2:45-5:00, and then my master's class in which I was to be presenting my final project for this class, it began at 4:30.

So, I slipped out a little early from my school meeting (shhhh, don't tell anyone!) and hopped over to class. Shoulda known it would go awry somehow. The whole class was doing presentations and were encouraged to stick around the 20 minute mark. When I arrived at 4:40 I realized a group was in the midst of their preso. So, I stood in the hallway out of courtesy. For 35 more minutes!

Anyhow, my group's presentation went well and then I just got to sit back and listen...until 7:35. And by George, there was an impromptu meeting for my next class that is getting underway in May. Seeeewwww ("Buttons on your underwear," as my mom always says), I finally left class at 8:00.

Now, I'm still on the good fitness regime so this means I had yet to work out. By the time I changed my clothes and got myself together it was 8:30. Then the hubs came home the moment I was to walk out the door. Of course I said hello and chatted for a few. Speaking of that...

The hubs took my hand and said, "Did you see what I did today?" This usually involves some sort of purchase I may not have originally approved (wood pellet stove, large blue dumpster in the driveway, beat up old truck, I could go on) because that's the way he rolls. Instead, he had cleaned out the huge brush pile from our backyard and filled in a gaping hole from a tree stump removal last year. Sweet. My back yard is no longer a huge embarrassment!

By now it's 8:50 but the iPod and I took to the streets. At approximately 8:55 I picked up my feet and began my yog. And that's when it happened, the amazing thing. Through a cramp on my right side and the first sign of shin splints (don't worry, I stretched them really well when I got back) I kept up my pace until 9:15.

That's right, a whole 20 minute yog for me! I mean, to me that's huge. I more than doubled my time. I'm so excited at the prospect of becoming a jogger. I love the break from the workout videos it offers me.

And with that, and the fuse I just blew cooking, I'm off to eat my dinner. Yes, it's 9:50 now but what's worse? Eating a well-rounded meal at 10 pm or starving myself?

I'm going for the food-especially since it involves asparagus from our garden.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Yogging

2010-04-20T22:10:00.002-04:00

Yes, I said yogging. Because you certainly cannot qualify what I do as running, let alone jogging...so I yog. And yog I did tonight. I put in the Last Chance Workout tonight. I got through the warm up and the first circuit and the dvd froze. So I turned it off, turned the tunes up, and took it outside. Again it was only a 7 or 8 minute yog but I have to think that's not too shabby for the second time out.

I'm learning to pay attention to my heart rate and I'm hoping this pays off. Also, I'm hoping to start yogging every other day. This will keep my workout more varied and hopefully keep my body guessing.

In other news, I co-led my final after school professional development session today. I'm certainly glad to cross this off my to-do list. Surveys were handed out, which always worries me. You know there are always some people who are never happy, no matter what you do. But I'm pleased to report the feedback was very encouraging and mostly positive. Doesn't make me want to rush into doing it again but it was a nice end to the sessions.

That's really all I had to say. How was your Tuesday?

Doubley Good

2010-04-19T08:06:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure if that's even a word, doubley, but I'm using it anyway. I dragged myself onto the scale this morning knowing it was not going to be pretty. While on vacation the food choices were very limited (really, I'm not even exaggerating). So upon returning from vacation, I didn't even get near the scale. And really, it's not that big of a deal to me. I'm not trying to be a certain number by a certain date. I think I just didn't want the disappointment.

But today I went into it knowing it would be okay if I had gained 4 or 5 pounds from vacation. But heck! I had to weigh myself twice just to believe the number I was seeing. I'm guessing to most people this may seems waaaay heavy still but to me (and that's what matters ya know) it was amazing.

199.8

Yes, that's right. I no longer weigh 200 pounds. Yes, I do realize how close to 200 that number is but I don't care. I'm in the 100s again! That's a huge happy feeling for me. And seeing as though the last time I weighed, before vacation, I was down 19 pounds--to now be down 24 is amazing! AMAZING! One more pound and I'm at a quarter of a hundred. That's a toddler! That seems unreal.

Anyway, thanks for reading and have a happy week everyone!

From Three to Five In...

2010-04-18T21:34:00.004-04:00

One of my friends is about ready to pop. Literally. The poor girl has 11 days left of a full term pregnancy, with twins!

Number one, that's amazing. Number two, I can't imagine what she's going through.

Anyway, I was out shopping for the big sister of the twin situation today. I really wanted to get her a cute "Big Sis" t-shirt but I found nothing. So, instead I found some iron on transfers (have I ever mentioned I cannot sew?!), some patches (which I did not use), and some cute white t-shirts.

Here are my creations. I'm not 100% excited about them. If only I could get the ideas in my mind out how I see them.

Getting To Know...

2010-04-11T11:50:00.003-04:00

Woohooo! It's Sunday!!

To play..copy the questions..answer them..post them..then come back here and get your link on.

The questions..

1. What color do you wear the most?

2. Would you rather have $10,000 dollars or a dream vacation?

3. Do you have a weird, quirky or unusual habit?

4. I really need to start..........?

5. What was the first blog you ever read?

6. Do you collect anything?

7. How old were you when you had your first kiss?

8. Do you text/twitter while driving?

1. What color do you wear the most?
Probably black because I usually wear black pants.  Habit, convenience, ya know...

2. Would you rather have $10,000 dollars or a dream vacation?
$10,000.  Do you know how many things I could pay off?  We'd love to be on top of our debt.

3. Do you have a weird, quirky or unusual habit?
This is a tough one.  Um, I bite the insides of my cheeks.  I only leave the TV volume on an even number.  I better stop now before I sound like a freak.

4. I really need to start..........?
Getting more organized.  I'd love to be a super-organized neat freak.  Unfortunately, I don't think it's in the cards for me.

5. What was the first blog you ever read?
My sister-in-laws.  Right after she had my nephew.

6. Do you collect anything?
Nope, not a collector. Which is probably a good thing since I'm so disorganized.

7. How old were you when you had your first kiss?
12 or 13.  It's a little fuzzy.

8. Do you text/twitter while driving?
Nope.  Only while at a stop or parked.

Vacation

2010-04-10T18:21:00.003-04:00

Does it get more amazing than this? There was a storm approaching which turned out to be snow. But man oh man.

Temptation and a Long Car Ride

2010-04-02T23:23:00.004-04:00

Meet the temptation. We dined at the Cheesecake Factory today. I haven't been to one since I lived in Florida--at least 6 years ago. I was de-lish! Luckily I wasn't able to finish the cheesecake otherwise I may have felt really guilty.

But, I've decided to not make myself feel guilty while I'm on vacation. I'm going to enjoy what I want, in moderation. I brought Bob with me. Well, at least I brought his yoga dvd with me. However, the hotel we're staying at tonight has a fitness room. I marched myself down there and set the treadmill for 40 minutes. And the nice surprise of the experience for me, at 33 minutes I turned up the pace and jogged. For seven minutes. That's huge for me. I'm not a runner nor a jogger. So this was a big accomplishment. I know our vacation spot does not have a gym so yoga it will be.

The hubs and I were in a car today for about 7 hours. Around hour 6 my one knee started to ache. I needed to stretch. Tomorrow I'll have the ability to stand up while traveling, if need be. It's early to rise for us to get to the airport.

Happy Spring Break!

How Cool is That?!

2010-03-30T21:33:00.003-04:00

I just had to share a little conversation. Well, a Tweet or two...

That's me sharing my excitement with Bob and Jillian. Or into the great void that is the Internet.

But what? What's that???

Aww, Bob. I heart you.

So Close...

2010-03-29T08:02:00.004-04:00

Yet not to the goal. I just had to share that this week I weighed in 2 pounds less than last week. This puts me 4.6 away from my initial goal but sitting at a 19 pound loss. How can I be upset with that?
We're headed on vacation soon and I was going to not work out during that time (lots of walking anyway) but I think I may bring the yoga video anyway.

Happy Monday everyone!

A Day at the Dog Park

2010-03-27T17:24:00.002-04:00

Finally having some nice weather on a weekend combined with free time I decided it was high time I took the pooch back to the dog park. It has been since late last summer but oh boy, if I could speak dog I'm sure she'd tell me it's her favorite place ever.

When we exit from the highway on our way there she starts to whine. She's rather smart. She also knows when you're taking her to the groomer or the vet. In those cases, she tucks her tail and lays low.

But not today, there was to be no tail tucking. Amazingly, when she's at the dog park, she's a super well-behaved dog. She'll run off and then come back and check in with me. If I call her name she comes running.

These things don't always happen at home. But at least in a public place like this, I'm glad.

Codie found a little friend today. And I really mean little. It was so stinkin' cute I had to snap a quick video. Enjoy!

Picture Page Picture Page

2010-03-25T21:13:00.003-04:00

Ever watch that show? I believe Bill Cosby was the host...that magic pen...
Anyway, on to the results!

As of now I'm down 17 pounds. I seriously think it all came off from the top so the bottom is next. Right?

I'm always apprehensive of the pictures...good thing I took them on the first day otherwise I may not believe the changes.

Okay, enough talking already. Here ya go. The long-awaited pictures!

Around the World in 80 Days

2010-03-25T20:01:00.002-04:00

Or at least around my front room on my mat, all over the floor, and up in the air a bit working out for 80 days. Yes, I'm at day 80. Un-be-liev-able.
And really, I shouldn't post this just yet as I haven't worked out yet but I'm planning to. I stayed home from work today because of the stomach crud. I'll spare you details but I'd have spent more time running to and being in the bathroom than actually teaching today. Blech.

In the midst of this all-me lying on the couch, running to the toilet, the poor dog ripped off part of her nail on her front paw. So, guess who got to take her to the vet today?! That even became a fiasco. They glued it off so it wouldn't get infected and she's on a pain killer and an antibiotic but I think they're making her feel not well. She's not acting like her normal self. )o:

At some point during the day today I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and almost didn't believe it was really me. This is paying off. I just have to keep at it. I know I said I'd post pictures and I haven't yet...but I will!

Something's Just Not Right

2010-03-24T19:54:00.002-04:00

Ever get that feeling? You can't put your finger on it exactly but you feel "off". Yesterday I started out really tired. Like, burning eye tired. Then in the afternoon I started feeling 'just not right'. My muscles/joints felt sore or achy but I wasn't sure if that was just from yoga so I pushed through my evening workout--despite not getting home until 7:30ish. And that's where I really noticed the sore/achy feeling. But I didn't really feel sick. Just not right.

Then all last night I kept thinking, "This must be the flu, dangit." So I slept like crud and when it came time to get up I could barely muster the energy.

The entire day was almost a bust as I spent it mostly doubled over with stomach pains (ebbing and flowing) and trying to keep my eyes open. Why didn't I just go home? Because it would have been way more work than it's worth. Teachers can't just go home. Unfortunately.

This afternoon I figured I'd have to throw in the towel. There would be no workout today. I even consulted a coworker--someone I look up to. She's kind of like my work mom. And I was expecting her to say, "Yes, you need to rest. Take it easy one day." And instead she said, "Noooo, you can't stop now!"

Um, crud.

I had an after school coffee-planning meeting with a friend that I was not going to cancel so I went and tried to be chipper and feeling good. And really, around 4 I did start to feel better, not good, but better.

So, when I got home this evening I had to face the demon. Meet Jillian for a shredding rendezvous or take a nap?

Heck, I've come this far...25 minutes isn't going to do me in. So Shred I did.

Is it bedtime now?

No Takers

2010-03-22T07:59:00.004-04:00

Surprisingly, no one felt like taking some pounds from me. Hmph. And well, the scale read at about what I would have guessed. I knew after starting a new program I may not lose weight but instead gain that muscle tone and I surmise that's what happened today. However, I am happy to report that I did lose 1 pound. So, I'm only 6.4 away from that goal now. If I keep all of this up, maybe next Monday will bring me more of a loss.

During my shopping extravaganza this weekend I did manage to purchase some new shirts. There's nothing like new clothing (even new-to-you) that helps with your self-confidence. I'm sporting a new shirt/blouse from Banana Republic that's navy. Before my penny-pinching naysayers get their panties in a tizzy you must know what a deal I got! Not only were all the clothes I bought on sale but I also got an extra 30% off thanks to a coupon I snagged from Coupon Mommie on Friday afternoon. Awesome! So, each shirt I bought averaged around $15.
But the bum deal is the pants! Now, even right from the dryer they're too loose.

Why am I complaining? Because I'm in between sizes and nothing is fitting! I hate looking frumpy! So c'mon next size down-get here already!

I will take some pictures soon, I promise, and post them for a results showing. I'm always nervous that the pictures will look like they did the first day. Yikes! Hopefully never again!

Have a great week everyone.

Is It Enough?

2010-03-21T21:50:00.002-04:00

Since last Monday I have done the Shred (alternating Levels 1 & 3) and The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga. Every day. I've been watching what I eat like normal. Well, until this weekend...or more specifically today--I think I may have eaten too much at lunch. So I made some adjustments today/tonight.

First, I purchased 1/2% milk for myself instead of the normal 2%. That's saving me fat and calories every serving. For dinner I enjoyed some Honey Nut Cheerios and that milk instead of the pot roast my dad and hubby ate.

As with most weekends, I did the Last Chance Workout today. After I finished that I took it outside. Granted, I didn't do anything amazing but I did something new. I jogged (or, as I like to call my version of jogging--yogging) around our block once. Yes, only once...I'm not sure how big our block is--a city block. Does that make sense?

When I came back in I took off my shoes and socks and headed back to the front room for yoga. Literally at 8 minutes in I almost gave up. I was < > this close. But I finished and I'm so glad I did. There are some parts that are really a challenge for me, like all the plank things...holding plank (hello shake), lowering halfway down (shake shake), lowering all the way down (shaaaaake). But it's a good thing. I'm looking forward to getting more comfortable with level one and then progressing to level 2.

I have about 2 weeks before spring break. I really (REALLY) want to be under 200 by vacation but I'm not sure if it will happen. Tomorrow I get on the scale to see how this past week went. I know I worked harder but I don't know if I burned enough. We shall see.

Oh, I'm having a massive attack of baby itch. It's not good. We're conception-ally challenged (going on about 2 years) and we both recently decided we would not try for a little while. A combination of factors--a lot to do with me losing weight--but darn, why all the urge now?!

So, wish me luck tomorrow morning. I have 7.4 pounds to lose to get to that first goal. Anyone care to take a few pounds from me? (o:

Shopping Blues

2010-03-21T16:09:00.002-04:00

This weekend I was stoked to go shopping with my mom for smaller clothes. Yes, I know I have a lot to lose still but my clothes had become a joke. One of those things about weight loss that get me down is how unevenly the changes take place. Apparently I'm a top-down loser. The majority of the weight has shred itself from my upper body. So when I tried on pants this weekend I became quickly frustrated and sad. The same freakin' sized pants that I was wearing before.

What doesn't make sense is how big my other clothes have gotten. I won't even go into the completely unsuccessful bra shopping experience. Who knew you could be someone that didn't fit into ANY bras?!

I came close to tears a few times but I have to look at the bigger picture. I have plenty of time to take off more weight and to shop again. Maybe next time I'll find things that fit. I just have to keep working. Oh, and my new yoga mat should help out. My old one was starting to disintegrate. Yuck.

Happy weekend!

Shake Shake Shake Senora

2010-03-17T21:33:00.003-04:00

Yes, I love you Bob. I still love you Jillian and your level 3 Shred. But crud, it's day two of my new yoga routine and I was shaking unbelievably. This is to be expected, of course. I have to get my mind right and remember that this too shall pass.

I am really liking doing the yoga still, um on day two. Ha. I can't wait until I am able to do all the moves by really extending myself. I can't wait for the flexibility. I'm even more excited for the toned muscles-that's the one that really got me last time.

I'm wondering in my head though...do we think I'll gain this week? I'm being very good calorie wise but since I'm awakening new muscles (or neglected muscles anyway) they could add some poundage. I don't want to gain but if it means I will be leaner in the long run and stronger then I'll take it.

Tomorrow I won't be teaching. Instead I have a full day in-service which means I'll be sitting all day. Crud. And then there will either be lunch brought in or we'll all go out. Double crud. I can make good choices and I will follow through.

On the news this morning they showed a line outside of a local bar around 6:30. Are you kidding me? Even the Irish don't get up to drink that early!

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Pictureless Posts

2010-03-16T22:09:00.004-04:00

I've been neglecting my camera lately. I apologize. If I were to take a picture for this post it would be of my new hand weights. I finally located some 8 lb weights in a nice shade of green. And while I was about to pass out, oh I mean working out yesterday I realized--the weights I'm now lifting are what I've lost. I know those 16 pounds are from all over my body (um, or were my boobs) but lifting those weights in my hands is incredible. I can't believe how heavy they feel.

I have 17 days until spring break and 7.4 pounds to lose. I'm not so sure I can make this happen. If it doesn't, no big deal. I'm still working hard and it will come off soon enough. But in an effort to make this closer to reality I picked up another video. I was in search of Jillian Michael's new yoga dvd but after 5 stores of no luck I gave up today and picked up Bob's instead. While I was deciding on this purchase I realized it's probably a good move for me to take a break from Jillian anyway.

So I Shredded this afternoon (yes it was around 6 but it was super light out so that's afternoon!) and then did yoga. It literally felt like I was home. As hokey as that sounds yoga is me. When I was into it a long while ago--it pains me to think of how long ago it's been--it was the most fit I had ever been in my life. And it literally fit the bicycle analogy. I got on that mat and yoga-ed like I used to. And it felt good. So thanks Bob!

My plan now includes me doing two videos a day and subtracting a few more calories here and there. As lame as it sounds I've eaten Special K for dinner two nights in a row. But I LOVE cereal. Love it. So it really doesn't feel like I'm sacrificing.

Okay, it's time for bed. Have a wonderful St. Patty's Day everyone!

Closer To...

2010-03-15T07:01:00.003-04:00

Lots of things. One being my first goal weight. Two being able to wear clothes purchased from the average-sized person store. Three being more comfortable with myself. I could go on but I'll spare you.

This morning I got on the scale for a surprise -2 1/2 pounds. Bringing it to a total of -16.2 pounds. Wow. That's great. But I have so much more to go.

It's Monday and it's pitch black outside right now. But I'm so going to love the light out tonight!

Sixty Seven Days and Counting

2010-03-11T21:26:00.002-05:00

Even with two nights of conferences I was still able to fit my workout in. I even made it home in time today to workout and go out for dinner with my hubs and my dad.

I saw a glimpse of my butt in a video I took in my classroom. It wasn't pretty. And darn, is that ever disheartening. I know I'm working hard and I know I have a lot still to do but c'mon it sure would be nice if I was noticing more physical differences.

I'm at 13 1/2 pounds right now. 10 more pounds until my first goal. I'm not sure how long it's going to take to get there. I was hoping it would happen before Spring Break, but I'm not so sure that's going to happen.

This week was quite the week. PD, conferences, conferences, and a million other things. I'm glad Friday is just a sunrise away. I'm so looking forward to relaxing with my family tomorrow.

Subtracting

2010-03-08T06:55:00.001-05:00

Yes, I can do all four operations in math. I'm just better at one or two of them. And the one I'm getting better at is subtracting pounds from my body.

This week brought me another 2 1/2 pound loss. Yay! I'm getting oh so much closer to my first goal.

After work tonight (and then after some more work) I'm stopping by a sporting goods store for 8 lb weights, hopefully Jillian Michael's Yoga video (I've been to two places, both out), and maybe even a new sports bra.

Happy Monday everyone!

Layout

2010-03-06T22:59:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I took a really long time tonight trying to get a new background. And while I like this background it wasn't my original pick. Why oh why couldn't I get the other one to work? Poo.

Anyway, just wanted to say I'm on day 61 of working out. Tomorrow I'm hoping to pick up some eight pound weights and the new Jillian Michael's yoga video. I need to start doing more minutes and giving myself some options.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. The sun was shining the entire day today. This week's forecast is looking good too.

Adding

2010-03-04T21:34:00.004-05:00

30+5+24=59

Yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen. Not only can I add but I can also work out for two months straight! Well, tomorrow anyway. I'm still in shock.
Speaking of which, I totally did a rockstar job in level three today. It's not perfect but it's more ode de Natalie and hard core.

This is one of those weeks. Meeting, meeting, plan a PD for teachers, present said PD, report cards, conferences, master's class, meeting...All while remember to eat, drink, workout, and sleep. Oh, and not forget about my hubby and the pup. Please help me stay sane.

What would I do without Pandora on night's like this?

I can do this.

I can do this?

The Shred Part Two-Day 19, 20, 21, 22, 23

2010-03-02T20:29:00.003-05:00

Whoa slacker. But not in the workout department. I still am staying strong and working out every day.

Today I felt a cold or something coming on. Sore throat...tired eyes...and generally tired all over. I got home and definitely didn't feel like working out. The hubs mentioned dinner...and I knew what I had to do. So, I met Jillian for Level 3, finally.

I even did better tonight than I think I've ever done on Level 3. So, despite not wanting to get moving it worked out really well.

This Monday was disappointing as I gained a pound and a half )o: However, I sat down almost all Saturday long and the same thing on Sunday with the baby shower I went to. Then there was cake. Didn't I write a post about not eating out of politeness? Oh, yeah...I totally did. And I totally did eat a piece of cake this weekend. I can only imagine how many calories were packed into that cake. Sigh. Moving on.

I have another meeting after work tomorrow (just like today) which means I won't get home until later. And now conferences are on the horizon. Literally next week. Guess what I'll be doing this weekend? Writing report cards. Oh another fun weekend.

There's no way I'm going to recount all the meals I've missed posting but here's today's:
Green Tea with mixed berry
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and Honey Bunches of Oats

Banana

Grilled chicken sandwich-baby greens and mustard
Whipped orange cream yogurt
Pineapples and mandarin oranges

Banana

Leftover chili turned into chili mac-regular and whole wheat spaghetti noodles
Two bites of a homemade cupcake. (o:

Getting To Know...

2010-02-28T09:24:00.003-05:00

New Sunday Questions from Keely.

The questions..

1. Would you rather bungee jump or sky dive?

2. When using a public restroom to you squat over the seat or sit?

3. Favorite flower?

4. Pedicure or manicure?

5. How many siblings do you have?

6. Do you pee in the shower? (gasp!)

7. Bikini, tankini, or one piece?

8. Where do you hate to shop at, but go there anyway?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Would you rather bungee jump or sky dive?

I agree with Keely, neither. But I guess if I had to choose, sky dive. That view would be amazing.

2. When using a public restroom to you squat over the seat or sit?

I sit, but that's after wiping it off. I've also been known to squirt anti-bacterial hand stuff on the seat to "clean" it off before sitting.

3. Favorite flower?

Peonies (o:

Of course this picture shows them cut (I just like the pic) but I don't like cut flowers. I despise them actually. I can't stand that they die so quickly and then when they do die, the smell of the water in the vase makes me gag.

4. Pedicure or manicure?

I love them both but having your feet massaged is amazing...

5. How many siblings do you have?

Just one older brother.

6. Do you pee in the shower? (gasp!)

This is Keely's answer:
Is this question a little TMI..yeah..I think so too, but I thought it was funny..I hope I'm not offending anyone..sorry if I do..feel free to plead the 5th..
My answer..
Yes!

Hahaha...
Um, well, I have been known to do this...but not recently (o:

7. Bikini, tankini, or one piece?

None of the above....but I do own a tankini.

8. Where do you hate to shop at, but go there anyway?

The Home Depot. The one on our side of town is awful. I won't dwell on all that. It's gotten to the point where I won't even go in that store anymore, I'll sit in the car/truck.

All right, there you have it. Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

Frumpy

2010-02-27T23:05:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling frumpy lately. Between my newly baggy clothes and how I spend my nights and weekends I'm not feeling like a million bucks.

I had a meeting/collaboration thing to attend today. I was seeing some people I hadn't seen in quite a while and I was excited at the prospect of looking differently to them. I'm not an overly casual dresser so I had on khakis and a black button up shirt. Normally this is an outfit I feel nice in-I like the color combination, it seems fairly forgiving of any excess bumps and bulges.

But then it happened. I was walking down a hallway from one room to another when I passed a rather long series of glass panes protecting bulletins and posters of some sort and *gasp*. What in the world? What the? Blech! I look like THAT?!

Somehow overnight I had gone from lazy and chubby to someone a size or two smaller-but still walking the chubby girl's life--and wearing the chubby girl's clothes. It's that really uncomfortable point though where I don't want to buy new clothes. My word, it's not pretty but I'm not done changing.

Which brings me to my second point of frumpiness. What are you doing with your Friday or Saturday night? Hot date? Fun plans? Me? Oh, you know...it's just too exciting to talk about. It will probably make you jealous.

Awwwww yeah. Workin' out, doing dog tricks. What more could a girl ask for?

Small Obsession

2010-02-26T21:39:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I may have more than one. What's your obsession? Mine is yellow. Although, my favorite color is peach...peach like a Push-Up Pop. Isn't that such a delicious color?

Speaking of food, tonight I made veggie burgers. They were okay but that's entirely my own fault. I added way too much ginger.
"Mmm, I love ginger."
Scrape, scrape, scrape. (That's my microplaner)
Scrape, scrape, scrape.
Scrape, scrape, scrape.
Scrape, scrape, scrape.

Yeah, they're ginger-y.

In retrospect, I think I'd also smooth out the patty mixture more thoroughly next time. These were rather chunky and while I appreciate a good chunk, tonight wasn't the night.

I liked having the english muffin to cushion the burger, baby greens, and my yellow obsession.

These probably would have been much better grilled but well, it's been snowing the ENTIRE day, all day long. I'm not about to stand outside and grill in the snow. I'm fine with my lovely pan for frying.

My obsession? This isn't the half of it.

After a couple of bites, I flipped it over and covered the bottom side with mustard too. I've always loved mustard. Always.

Now onto the non-food talk. I Shredded tonight. I tried doing some of the lunges but very gently...um, bad idea. My poor knees. I will remember this.

Today I had-
Green tea with mixed berry-only a little
Small black coffee
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and HBoOs (see the rest of the week)

Leftover turkey quinoa burger
Pineapple, mandarin oranges, whipped strawberry yogurt

Veggie burger
English muffin
Baby greens

All right, I'm tired, the pup has already gone to bed, and I have to get up early in the morning. Ciao!

P.S. I think I may have a small crush on Apolo Ohno. It may be that facial hair...or his composure. He's about to race right now...it's hard to concentrate!
But shhh, don't tell my husband.

I'll Be Eatin' Dinner Tonight

2010-02-26T19:21:00.003-05:00

In the long and short of it, sometimes things suck. I don't often use that word, suck, but yesterday it was appropriate. Mainly, sometimes what my husband does/says/whatever sucks. And suck it did.

It's over and done with. Moving on.

Tonight I'm making veggie burgers! I'm totally excited. The hubs has a gig so I won't be force-feeding him anything that's not meat. I'm using another one of Shannon's recipes. I still have to work out and I'm starving...but you know, the things we do.

If I can remember to I'll try to post some pictures of my veggie burger extravaganza!

The Shred Part Two-Day 17 & 18

2010-02-25T21:33:00.001-05:00

I'm in an awful mood. I'm not blogging about it because I don't want it to come back and haunt me.

I shredded last night and tonight.

I ate some things.

I'm not eating dinner tonight. That's how ticked I am.

I promise to come back more positive later. But tonight, I just can't muster it.

The Shred Part Two-Day 16

2010-02-23T21:34:00.002-05:00

Level 2 Shred tonight. I was way not as motivated as normal. Long day...had an after school meeting until 6 which of course wasn't really 6 when I left but 6:30. Got home, spent a bit of time with the hubs and pup and by the time I Shredded it was 7:30. Oh well.

Today I ate:
Green tea with mixed berry
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecan Clusters

Banana

Quinoa burger with mustard
Steamed spinach

3 Strawberries
1 apple

Chili (made by the hubs-so nice!)
2 bites of a brownie
1 bite of a square cookie

Both the sweets were from the Market my students held today. I really wanted to try them so I did. And I took little bites. The brownie was de-lish and the cookie was okay...but I ate that bite after the brownie so it didn't seem so spectacular.

I'm typing in bed because my day was that late. The hubs is waiting for me to stop typing. It surely is noisy when that's the only noise in the room.
Good night!

The Shred Part Two-Day 15

2010-02-22T21:30:00.002-05:00

Level 1 tonight. Rocked it. I'm watching the Bachelor right now. I'm distracted.

I ate:
Green Tea with mixed berry
Breakfast burrito-spicy turkey sausage, egg, cheese, Red Hot, avocado

Shredded Wheat with Vanilla and Almond

Turkey and Quinoa burger
Steamed Spinach

Post Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecan Bunches
Fat free vanilla honey Greek yogurt

And that's all she wrote.

Turkey Quinoa Burgers

2010-02-22T20:54:00.005-05:00

Okay, thanks again to Shannon for the recipe. Unbelievably, the hubs liked them! They were hearty, had a good texture, and they tasted good.

I felt they were easy to prepare too. And it got us back to quinoa which we had neglected from last summer (I think hubs thought I was trying to make it too often).

This pan is one of the pans I got for Christmas. I love this pan. Love it.

I didn't do a very good job of keeping track of how long I cooked them. That's the one things hubs said about them, maybe slightly overcooked. I thought they were fine though.

Okay, so Shannon recommended the mayo mustard mix on top. And hey, that's something I used to make all the time...especially when I'd make chicken with either a cornflake coating or the French's Fried Onions.

But if you will recall, I'm not eating mayo these days ("It's eeee-veeilll. Like the fru-ittts of the dev-eeeel"- Mike Myers in So I Married An Axe Murderer). Instead I had planned to drown mine in mustard. I ♥ mustard.

But amazingly even though the hubs loves the aioli mix he recognized he should have eaten ketchup or even stuck with the white balsamic vinegar as a sauce. However, there was an incident with the mustard (and the mayo).

I had mixed it on one small bowl and was transferring to a ramekin for hubs' plate. Somewhere along the lines one thing slipped which then propelled the ramekin off the counter and screaming towards the floor. I'm sure I swore, I felt me legs tug back, the crack! Aioli everywhere. On the floor, cupboards, drawers, stove, trash can, my pants, etc etc. Thank goodness for our house cleaner, Codie. She had the whole mess cleaned up in two minutes...then I just went behind her and disinfected. If you don't own a dog, I understand you being grossed out. If you do own a dog, you know why I let it happen.

I was going to take a picture of the mess but she started her clean up so quickly I didn't have a chance. Good girl.

Anyway, make them, they were yummy and good for you!