I am trying to lose weight. 35lbs to be exact. The first month I shed 7 lbs. It wasn't too difficult. Now in my second month, I have lost nothing. In fact, if the scale was correct this morning, I am up two pounds. Now granted, I'm pretty sure it is water weight and the fact that I was camping without proper toilet facilities with a bunch of other people. Unfortunately, I am someone who is very regular while at home, but not so much when I am sleeping somewhere else especially with people who are not part of my family.
I am frustrated. I want this weight to be gone. I want to wake up and be thin again. I HATE LOATHE and DESPISE exercise. Some days I tell myself that I only have to walk on the treadmill just to get my arse on the stupid thing. Most days I end up running anyway. I push myself harder and harder because I am competitive. I want to break my old "record". I also know that my calories burned is higher while running...and the more distance I can get in the shortest amount of time is what I aim for. Distance * (body weight * .63) = net calories burned is what I go by for running. Walking is just a measly half of that. I want it NOW.
On the plus side, I have gone down a pants size. Things that didn't fit are fitting again. There are still quite a few things that are waiting on me to get even smaller though. I am holding out. I am going to keep on keeping on. Even now when I am tired and frustrated. I guess I just need to amp up my exercise and really eat clean. EVERY day. EVERY day is a new day to start again.
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Monday, November 29, 2010
Oh P90X, Please help me!
I am bored with running/walking. What used to be fun and a great escape has turned into the dreaded. Not exercising is not an option for me. I hate it, but I know it needs to be done. For the last couple of weeks, I've done little to none. NOT healthy. I've had quite a few headaches and while some may be chalked up to sinus issues, some have been most definitely blood pressure related.
So because I am out of shape, I've decided to try P90X. I likely will do the "Lean" version which incorporates more cardio which is heart healthy (and likely to make my blood pressure get back to normal levels.) I "tried" disc one today. Chest & back. Yeah, right. Try kicking the ass out of my arms is more like it. Lots of push ups and pull ups. No, I can't do a pull up...I used resistance bands and still couldn't even do what they wanted me to because I don't have anything to anchor my bands to in the ceiling. At any rate, I'm sure by tomorrow my arms will have fallen off or be in super massive pain. Good thing I'll be doing something "different" then.
So I am hoping my 90 day journey results in a leaner, stronger me. At least that is what I'm shooting for. Oh and a healthy blood pressure....that would be good.
So because I am out of shape, I've decided to try P90X. I likely will do the "Lean" version which incorporates more cardio which is heart healthy (and likely to make my blood pressure get back to normal levels.) I "tried" disc one today. Chest & back. Yeah, right. Try kicking the ass out of my arms is more like it. Lots of push ups and pull ups. No, I can't do a pull up...I used resistance bands and still couldn't even do what they wanted me to because I don't have anything to anchor my bands to in the ceiling. At any rate, I'm sure by tomorrow my arms will have fallen off or be in super massive pain. Good thing I'll be doing something "different" then.
So I am hoping my 90 day journey results in a leaner, stronger me. At least that is what I'm shooting for. Oh and a healthy blood pressure....that would be good.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Today is the day.
How I dread this day each year. In fact, I don't know any woman that actually wants to go to her annual gyn exam. I did a major "grooming overhaul" the other day, but will still have to tidy up in the shower today. Thankfully the hubster said that he would do his best to make it home for E & D. E is too young to leave alone in a waiting room and the thought of having a child with me while I am in the "pose" is horrifying. D is at school and I'm not sure I'll make it home on time for his bus. Oddly enough, I also had a dentist appointment scheduled. I decided that I would change that. It means I have to take an extra trip back into civilization next week, but it may be a child free visit.
My stomach has been in knots all morning. The scale is forever where it seems it will stay despite the continuing exercise efforts. I hope beyond hope that my blood pressure will be better. March. I've been exercising almost daily since mid-March. I started exercising after being so sick for what seemed like months. Once I saw the GP and my BP was a bit high, it hit me that things weren't just going to get better. Once I felt like myself (once the meds kicked the left over bronchitis & rotten sinus infection in the pants), I decided to dust off the treadmill and the beginner's pilates DVD. I rotated between the two each day and then one day I decided to do both. I did that for over a month and also added in hand weights for arm exercises during my cool down on the treadmill. 3 months of exercise. No huge improvements that I can see except I know I'm better even if just a tiny bit.
What the heck else can I do? I guess I could cut all sweets out of my diet, but I know I can't. Why? I don't want to. I like food. I like good food. I cook as healthy as possible, but I'm not going to give up sweets. Last night I logged another 2+ miles on the treadmill because I was so cranky and stressed with misbehaving children. I wasn't going to push myself - said I was just going to do a leisurely stroll. Hahahaha I am competitive even with myself. While I didn't come even near my all time best, I didn't slack off either. Truth be told, I felt better after. I think maybe doing a couple miles each night couldn't hurt. I mean, that means I'll be burning about 700 calories with exercise per day. Maybe that will make the scale move....?
Off to tread for this morning. Important to making sure my BP is ok. Although I think that my case of nerves are going to spike it up anyway. Gah. Well, at least I might get a prescription for the UTI that I've seemed to come down with, right?! Gotta stay positive....
UPDATE! My exam went well. The scale was not nice, but my NP said that the fact that I've lost some inches and that my BP is perfect is reason to be happy. She said to just keep doing what I'm doing (and to fuel my body better during the daytime hours to help my metabolism keep spinning). I'm beyond happy. No seriously. I could do a freakin' jig!
As a side note, I also am a candidate for a sling for my bladder and when I'm able to have 6-8 weeks of no lifting (read that as Emma is better at pottying herself), I can make the appt. to discuss the procedure & get it in the works! WOOOHOOO!
My stomach has been in knots all morning. The scale is forever where it seems it will stay despite the continuing exercise efforts. I hope beyond hope that my blood pressure will be better. March. I've been exercising almost daily since mid-March. I started exercising after being so sick for what seemed like months. Once I saw the GP and my BP was a bit high, it hit me that things weren't just going to get better. Once I felt like myself (once the meds kicked the left over bronchitis & rotten sinus infection in the pants), I decided to dust off the treadmill and the beginner's pilates DVD. I rotated between the two each day and then one day I decided to do both. I did that for over a month and also added in hand weights for arm exercises during my cool down on the treadmill. 3 months of exercise. No huge improvements that I can see except I know I'm better even if just a tiny bit.
What the heck else can I do? I guess I could cut all sweets out of my diet, but I know I can't. Why? I don't want to. I like food. I like good food. I cook as healthy as possible, but I'm not going to give up sweets. Last night I logged another 2+ miles on the treadmill because I was so cranky and stressed with misbehaving children. I wasn't going to push myself - said I was just going to do a leisurely stroll. Hahahaha I am competitive even with myself. While I didn't come even near my all time best, I didn't slack off either. Truth be told, I felt better after. I think maybe doing a couple miles each night couldn't hurt. I mean, that means I'll be burning about 700 calories with exercise per day. Maybe that will make the scale move....?
Off to tread for this morning. Important to making sure my BP is ok. Although I think that my case of nerves are going to spike it up anyway. Gah. Well, at least I might get a prescription for the UTI that I've seemed to come down with, right?! Gotta stay positive....
UPDATE! My exam went well. The scale was not nice, but my NP said that the fact that I've lost some inches and that my BP is perfect is reason to be happy. She said to just keep doing what I'm doing (and to fuel my body better during the daytime hours to help my metabolism keep spinning). I'm beyond happy. No seriously. I could do a freakin' jig!
As a side note, I also am a candidate for a sling for my bladder and when I'm able to have 6-8 weeks of no lifting (read that as Emma is better at pottying herself), I can make the appt. to discuss the procedure & get it in the works! WOOOHOOO!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Exercise, the weekend and prom pics, oh my!
This weather is sucking the life right out of me. Going on day 3 of rain. Blech. I wanna crawl back into bed and pull the covers over my head.
This weekend will be super busy with recital, but I am hoping that I can exercise at least Saturday. For those readers not connected with my Facebook page, I did indeed make 2.013 miles in 30 minutes the day after my last blog. I did, however, wheeze like the dickens after I was done and I am considering making an appt. with my GP. I seriously think I have some sort of exercise induced asthma. After 2.5 months of almost daily exercising, I would like to think that my lungs would be better conditioned than they are. Slow & steady on the exercising though. I'm proud of myself for keeping it up even when I let it go for a few days. It's funny because I find that I get the urge to exercise now even sometimes after I've already exercised. Perhaps it won't always feel like work?! One can only hope.
On other fronts, my eldest attended Jr. prom last weekend. He looked very handsome in his tux and he said he had an awesome time. He surprised me by dancing the night away. I'm SO glad because he can be so shy and reserved. He then went camping with his girlfriend and her family for the weekend in Rhode Island. He had a good time until the very end when he found out that his girlfriend's parents think he doesn't "help her" enough. Apparently they felt the need to discuss this among their friends as well. One friend works for a neighboring town and does business with my husband. NICE. As my hubby's sister said, "Have they met their daughter?"
A. is so independent. She has even gone as far as telling J. that if she says she can do something to let her do it. So he does. And then gets slammed because he's not "helping her". Grrrrrr. To say that I wanted to give them a piece of my mind was an understatement. I told him that he wasn't going ANYWHERE with them again. Nowhere. I know my son is not perfect and I'd be the first one to get on his case for being rude, but he is nothing if not totally polite and helpful. If someone asked him to help out, he'd do it willingly. They assumed that he didn't want to help his girlfriend and ended up making asses out of themselves and hurting his feelings. He then fought w/A. the rest of the afternoon because she was angry he talked to his father and I about it. He told her just because she had a crappy relationship with her parents didn't mean he couldn't have a good one with his. I have to admit I was happy he said that and I am even more pleased that he feels comfortable enough to talk to us when he doesn't quite know what to do. Isn't that what parents are for? To help guide when asked (or even not asked sometimes....)?
Well, better get going and get my exercising in before the little boy comes home from school. Poor boy has a field trip to the dairy barns up at UCONN this morning and the rain is pouring down. He was so cute though. He told us he had to wear his rain boots in case there was poop there. Hopefully they will be inside and not out in the rain and I also hope that they might get to visit the dairy bar and get some homemade UCONN ice cream. It's some of the best CT has to offer.
A quick hug when we got to A.'s parents' house.
Pretending to know how to pin a boutonniere on. I ended up pinning it on his lapel after!
A.'s mom had a bunch of poses she wanted them in. I just stayed in the background and snapped a few. Personally, I like the ones I took near the garage because they are candid (and they looked happier...lol)
This weekend will be super busy with recital, but I am hoping that I can exercise at least Saturday. For those readers not connected with my Facebook page, I did indeed make 2.013 miles in 30 minutes the day after my last blog. I did, however, wheeze like the dickens after I was done and I am considering making an appt. with my GP. I seriously think I have some sort of exercise induced asthma. After 2.5 months of almost daily exercising, I would like to think that my lungs would be better conditioned than they are. Slow & steady on the exercising though. I'm proud of myself for keeping it up even when I let it go for a few days. It's funny because I find that I get the urge to exercise now even sometimes after I've already exercised. Perhaps it won't always feel like work?! One can only hope.
On other fronts, my eldest attended Jr. prom last weekend. He looked very handsome in his tux and he said he had an awesome time. He surprised me by dancing the night away. I'm SO glad because he can be so shy and reserved. He then went camping with his girlfriend and her family for the weekend in Rhode Island. He had a good time until the very end when he found out that his girlfriend's parents think he doesn't "help her" enough. Apparently they felt the need to discuss this among their friends as well. One friend works for a neighboring town and does business with my husband. NICE. As my hubby's sister said, "Have they met their daughter?"
A. is so independent. She has even gone as far as telling J. that if she says she can do something to let her do it. So he does. And then gets slammed because he's not "helping her". Grrrrrr. To say that I wanted to give them a piece of my mind was an understatement. I told him that he wasn't going ANYWHERE with them again. Nowhere. I know my son is not perfect and I'd be the first one to get on his case for being rude, but he is nothing if not totally polite and helpful. If someone asked him to help out, he'd do it willingly. They assumed that he didn't want to help his girlfriend and ended up making asses out of themselves and hurting his feelings. He then fought w/A. the rest of the afternoon because she was angry he talked to his father and I about it. He told her just because she had a crappy relationship with her parents didn't mean he couldn't have a good one with his. I have to admit I was happy he said that and I am even more pleased that he feels comfortable enough to talk to us when he doesn't quite know what to do. Isn't that what parents are for? To help guide when asked (or even not asked sometimes....)?
Well, better get going and get my exercising in before the little boy comes home from school. Poor boy has a field trip to the dairy barns up at UCONN this morning and the rain is pouring down. He was so cute though. He told us he had to wear his rain boots in case there was poop there. Hopefully they will be inside and not out in the rain and I also hope that they might get to visit the dairy bar and get some homemade UCONN ice cream. It's some of the best CT has to offer.
A quick hug when we got to A.'s parents' house.
Pretending to know how to pin a boutonniere on. I ended up pinning it on his lapel after!
A.'s mom had a bunch of poses she wanted them in. I just stayed in the background and snapped a few. Personally, I like the ones I took near the garage because they are candid (and they looked happier...lol)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Good measure?
Nah, not really.
I took the advice of a dear friend and measured myself last month. Yesterday was the day that I brought the measuring tape out again. I managed to lose 1.5" except not where I really wanted to. D'oh!
I lost 1/2" on each thigh and just over an inch on my bust line. I gained in my waist, but AF hasn't arrived yet so when she does, I'll re-measure. I'm hoping that's bloat. Yep. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. As far as the scale, I have not been able to get lower than 158 and fluctuate as high as 163 (although that was after this weekend which included LOTS of food and very little exercise). I am hoping that this next month shows better progress with the measuring.
On another front, I planted most of the garden yesterday. I have 42 tomato plants left. Um, I think I over did it? lol We have some topsoil left from a tri-axle dump a month or so ago, so I am going to plant some in pots and leave them in the garden area (within the deer fence). I hope we have armloads of tomatoes. Nothing at all beats a homegrown garden tomato. I also will have to plant the herbs in buckets as there will be no room left once I'm done with the veggies. I still have more radishes, more sunflowers (I may plant the sunflowers up near the house or along the circular drive in a bed or two), turnips, peppers, 2 kinds of cukes and zucchini.
Obviously from the pain I feel this morning, I worked some muscles I didn't even know I had! I am moving like a snail and if I don't start to get the kinks out soon, I think a couple of Advil liquigels will be advisable. Sigh. Did I mention that today is dance class? And that I will have to stretch. And dance. Gotta love "Mommy & Me" classes. If Chris wasn't so busy, I'd ask him to be the Mommy for the day. There have been lots of Daddies in class over the course of the the past 9 months. Perhaps I'll go easy on the tread this morning since I have to face the garden again today after lunch. I will say that being busy certainly cuts down on the stuffing your face phenomenon. I ate 3 square meals and had just two pieces of German chocolate w/hazelnuts after dinner last night.
Off to coffee, breakfast & tread although the way this morning is going, I see a nap in Em's near future so dance may be off....
I took the advice of a dear friend and measured myself last month. Yesterday was the day that I brought the measuring tape out again. I managed to lose 1.5" except not where I really wanted to. D'oh!
I lost 1/2" on each thigh and just over an inch on my bust line. I gained in my waist, but AF hasn't arrived yet so when she does, I'll re-measure. I'm hoping that's bloat. Yep. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. As far as the scale, I have not been able to get lower than 158 and fluctuate as high as 163 (although that was after this weekend which included LOTS of food and very little exercise). I am hoping that this next month shows better progress with the measuring.
On another front, I planted most of the garden yesterday. I have 42 tomato plants left. Um, I think I over did it? lol We have some topsoil left from a tri-axle dump a month or so ago, so I am going to plant some in pots and leave them in the garden area (within the deer fence). I hope we have armloads of tomatoes. Nothing at all beats a homegrown garden tomato. I also will have to plant the herbs in buckets as there will be no room left once I'm done with the veggies. I still have more radishes, more sunflowers (I may plant the sunflowers up near the house or along the circular drive in a bed or two), turnips, peppers, 2 kinds of cukes and zucchini.
Obviously from the pain I feel this morning, I worked some muscles I didn't even know I had! I am moving like a snail and if I don't start to get the kinks out soon, I think a couple of Advil liquigels will be advisable. Sigh. Did I mention that today is dance class? And that I will have to stretch. And dance. Gotta love "Mommy & Me" classes. If Chris wasn't so busy, I'd ask him to be the Mommy for the day. There have been lots of Daddies in class over the course of the the past 9 months. Perhaps I'll go easy on the tread this morning since I have to face the garden again today after lunch. I will say that being busy certainly cuts down on the stuffing your face phenomenon. I ate 3 square meals and had just two pieces of German chocolate w/hazelnuts after dinner last night.
Off to coffee, breakfast & tread although the way this morning is going, I see a nap in Em's near future so dance may be off....
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Weekend fun - past & future
Not much going on here...or rather too much going on here? I never know which. The days all seem to blur together this time of year.
Mother's Day weekend was really nice. We were at the Cape staying with the hubster's brother in Chatham. My SILs, B & I enjoyed a nice visit to P-Town on Saturday. We browsed the shops and had a late lunch. Ended up buying my niece a birthday gift (she turned 19 that day) and bought myself some half price Merrells. I also bought the hubster a new wallet while I was there. Made my purchase of shoes feel better. :) There was lots of laughter and fun and great people watching!
Sunday we did some last minute shopping at the greenhouse in Harwich and then my SIL and I hit downtown Chatham so I could pick up a thank you gift for our German neighbors who had nicely offered to take care of the dogs for the weekend. The guys bought & made dinner for the girls and then cleaned up. It was a good day. My kiddos ended up getting me some iTunes cards which was a nice treat. The littlest boys also brought me home potted flowers in hand decorated pots on Friday along with cards and other little notes & treats they made me at school. I know when they are all grown up, I will miss those the most.
This time of year is busy for all of us. The hubster has been working crazy hours, we're in the last stretch of dance (recital is in 3 weeks) and we have J's first prom coming up. I also am looking forward to my first 39th birthday this weekend. The hubster and I are going away over night and leaving the kiddos. The two drama queens (T & Em) will be at the ILs and the other 4 will be home. I know J & B will be fine with the two littlest boys and now that J has his license, we have a bit more freedom. Our neighbors will also be home keeping an eye out for us. I'm really looking forward to staying in a nice hotel and not sharing my bed with anyone but my hubby! I am also looking forward to eating good food that I didn't have to make. Simple pleasures....
Exercise front - not so good. I've been moving every day, but my shins are getting progressively worse. I'm not sure if I need better sneakers or if I've actually hurt myself. Yesterday I barely made it through 30 minutes of my usual workout. Once I took all incline off and slowed my speed way down it wasn't so bad. Today I've decided not to push myself so hard on the treadmill. Maybe keep the incline at 5 and the speed around 3mph. Some movement is better than none, right? I also will do my ab & arm work. Almost time to measure myself again. I hope I see some change. Seriously. If I don't, I may make an appointment with my doctor to discuss what I can do differently. I also have a feeling I have undiagnosed asthma, but that is another story all together. Oh well...slow and steady wins the race - that's my story & I'm sticking to it!
Mother's Day weekend was really nice. We were at the Cape staying with the hubster's brother in Chatham. My SILs, B & I enjoyed a nice visit to P-Town on Saturday. We browsed the shops and had a late lunch. Ended up buying my niece a birthday gift (she turned 19 that day) and bought myself some half price Merrells. I also bought the hubster a new wallet while I was there. Made my purchase of shoes feel better. :) There was lots of laughter and fun and great people watching!
Sunday we did some last minute shopping at the greenhouse in Harwich and then my SIL and I hit downtown Chatham so I could pick up a thank you gift for our German neighbors who had nicely offered to take care of the dogs for the weekend. The guys bought & made dinner for the girls and then cleaned up. It was a good day. My kiddos ended up getting me some iTunes cards which was a nice treat. The littlest boys also brought me home potted flowers in hand decorated pots on Friday along with cards and other little notes & treats they made me at school. I know when they are all grown up, I will miss those the most.
This time of year is busy for all of us. The hubster has been working crazy hours, we're in the last stretch of dance (recital is in 3 weeks) and we have J's first prom coming up. I also am looking forward to my first 39th birthday this weekend. The hubster and I are going away over night and leaving the kiddos. The two drama queens (T & Em) will be at the ILs and the other 4 will be home. I know J & B will be fine with the two littlest boys and now that J has his license, we have a bit more freedom. Our neighbors will also be home keeping an eye out for us. I'm really looking forward to staying in a nice hotel and not sharing my bed with anyone but my hubby! I am also looking forward to eating good food that I didn't have to make. Simple pleasures....
Exercise front - not so good. I've been moving every day, but my shins are getting progressively worse. I'm not sure if I need better sneakers or if I've actually hurt myself. Yesterday I barely made it through 30 minutes of my usual workout. Once I took all incline off and slowed my speed way down it wasn't so bad. Today I've decided not to push myself so hard on the treadmill. Maybe keep the incline at 5 and the speed around 3mph. Some movement is better than none, right? I also will do my ab & arm work. Almost time to measure myself again. I hope I see some change. Seriously. If I don't, I may make an appointment with my doctor to discuss what I can do differently. I also have a feeling I have undiagnosed asthma, but that is another story all together. Oh well...slow and steady wins the race - that's my story & I'm sticking to it!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Saturday - Glorious Saturday
I did not have to bring J to the park so he could coach t-ball today. No, I did not! My big boy got his license and brought himself in his own car, thankyouverymuch. I did however have to say good bye to the hubster who is working all day. And also told me that he likely has to work tomorrow too. Gah. He has been SOOO busy lately and I'm not complaining really since work is a good thing and will pay our many, many bills, but I still miss having him around.
Last night I picked up a good friend and hit a flip flop party at my SILs house. (www.toegoz.com) It wasn't like a typical "in home" party for the fact that there wasn't any sales pitch. The product was out, she had catalogs and you could try on what was there and buy or not. It was rather nice, actually. I ended up buying two pairs, but only for the fact that my feet are small enough to buy the youth sizes (which were $11 cheaper than the adult sizes). Unfortunately the youth sizes didn't have the best selection, but they did have one style that I really, REALLY liked and the adult sizes didn't offer it. Here are the ones I chose:
http://www.toegoz.com/popup.aspx?productId=2312&category=tweens
http://www.toegoz.com/popup.aspx?productId=2309&category=tweens
Tonight we have plans to head to another one of hubby's high school friends' get togethers. These are so much fun and I look forward to them almost more than hubby does! I have really hit it off with so many of the women that graduated with him and count them among some of my best friends. I'm torn on whether I will want wine, beer or if I want to pick up some tequila and have margaritas. I had a nice Shiraz last night so maybe I'll drink Corona tonight. Before the day gets much later I will also need to make some empanadas. They have become my "signature dish" among these get togethers and I would hate to disappoint my loyal eaters of said cookies.
Tomorrow is church (unless of course hubby needs to work in the morning) and I've been told that the congregation voted and we will be going back to having sunday school during the sermon instead of after church is over. I'm relieved. I may even stay beyond this summer. Again, change is so often tortuous for me. And the thing is that when I am put on the spot about change without having some time to mull things over, I more often than not do not speak my displeasure. I need to work on that. Either I need to learn to digest things faster in my brain or I need to start telling people that I will have to think it over. I'm guessing the latter is likely the right choice.
On the exercise front, I've been averaging about 15 miles per week on the treadmill and am still doing pilates and stretching after. I haven't lost more than a couple of pounds, but I keep going. J did show me a P90X exercise for my abs yesterday that is so simple yet burns the hell out of my abs. I am supposed to get up to a count of 25. I barely got to 8 or 9 today. I love to change the pilates/ab stuff up so I was thankful for that. Someday I hope to be able to start P90X and follow the program, but for now I am proud of myself for making exercise part of my daily routine...especially those days that I want nothing more than to skip it. Baby steps & every day is a new day have become my motto. I may even start leaving myself love notes around the house telling myself that I am worth it! hahaha I also got a great email from a friend the other day telling me about a great new diet plan. It's the Dawn Keye diet...it shoes a picture of a donkey in the 'fridge with a caption that reads: "Dawn Keye Diet - Keep your ass out of the 'fridge!" Uh, yeah....I need to remember that one!
And on that note I bid you all adieu for another few days. I'm off to make my cookies, shower and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful weather (all while using proper sunscreen...this peeling stuff sucks!)
Last night I picked up a good friend and hit a flip flop party at my SILs house. (www.toegoz.com) It wasn't like a typical "in home" party for the fact that there wasn't any sales pitch. The product was out, she had catalogs and you could try on what was there and buy or not. It was rather nice, actually. I ended up buying two pairs, but only for the fact that my feet are small enough to buy the youth sizes (which were $11 cheaper than the adult sizes). Unfortunately the youth sizes didn't have the best selection, but they did have one style that I really, REALLY liked and the adult sizes didn't offer it. Here are the ones I chose:
http://www.toegoz.com/popup.aspx?productId=2312&category=tweens
http://www.toegoz.com/popup.aspx?productId=2309&category=tweens
Tonight we have plans to head to another one of hubby's high school friends' get togethers. These are so much fun and I look forward to them almost more than hubby does! I have really hit it off with so many of the women that graduated with him and count them among some of my best friends. I'm torn on whether I will want wine, beer or if I want to pick up some tequila and have margaritas. I had a nice Shiraz last night so maybe I'll drink Corona tonight. Before the day gets much later I will also need to make some empanadas. They have become my "signature dish" among these get togethers and I would hate to disappoint my loyal eaters of said cookies.
Tomorrow is church (unless of course hubby needs to work in the morning) and I've been told that the congregation voted and we will be going back to having sunday school during the sermon instead of after church is over. I'm relieved. I may even stay beyond this summer. Again, change is so often tortuous for me. And the thing is that when I am put on the spot about change without having some time to mull things over, I more often than not do not speak my displeasure. I need to work on that. Either I need to learn to digest things faster in my brain or I need to start telling people that I will have to think it over. I'm guessing the latter is likely the right choice.
On the exercise front, I've been averaging about 15 miles per week on the treadmill and am still doing pilates and stretching after. I haven't lost more than a couple of pounds, but I keep going. J did show me a P90X exercise for my abs yesterday that is so simple yet burns the hell out of my abs. I am supposed to get up to a count of 25. I barely got to 8 or 9 today. I love to change the pilates/ab stuff up so I was thankful for that. Someday I hope to be able to start P90X and follow the program, but for now I am proud of myself for making exercise part of my daily routine...especially those days that I want nothing more than to skip it. Baby steps & every day is a new day have become my motto. I may even start leaving myself love notes around the house telling myself that I am worth it! hahaha I also got a great email from a friend the other day telling me about a great new diet plan. It's the Dawn Keye diet...it shoes a picture of a donkey in the 'fridge with a caption that reads: "Dawn Keye Diet - Keep your ass out of the 'fridge!" Uh, yeah....I need to remember that one!
And on that note I bid you all adieu for another few days. I'm off to make my cookies, shower and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful weather (all while using proper sunscreen...this peeling stuff sucks!)
Monday, April 13, 2009
Sick as dogs - guess it wasn't something he ate
Had a lovely Easter. The food was divine. Lovely spiral ham, rotisserie style roasted chickens, a kick arse potato gratin recipe courtesy of Tyler Florence, roasted fresh asparagus, mixed greens salad, jello salad and for dessert, lovely strawberry lemon trifle and banana pudding w/Nilla wafers with a nice hot pot of tea. We also had an egg hunt for all 6 kiddos with over 100 eggs hidden by the hubby and myself.
Of course, that was until about 4pm or so when Dv. and T started complaining about belly aches. Considering that T was up at 3am (into his Easter basket and watching TV) and that the younger three were up just a bit after 6am, I figured it was a combination of being up early and eating too much candy. Needless to say, by 7pm we had a couple of pukers. By 10-11pm we had 3 pukers (Bec) and by 1am we had 4 pukers (Em). At one point Bec was in the bathroom washing up and T busted in because he needed to puke. Not much sleeping went on last night. Thankfully, Em just tossed her cookies once, Dv. was asleep by 1-2am w/no more puking and T was done by 2 or 3am. Poor Bec. She got the worst of it by getting sick every single hour until about 5 or 6 this morning. When she came downstairs this morning her whole face was a mess of broken capillaries (petikieye). Not a very nice way to start your spring break, I'm afraid. I guess Dn. did indeed have a stomach bug and it wasn't something he ate. One can only hope that the hubster, J and I escape its evil grip.
Today has been a terribly lazy, blah day although it was brightened by a phone call from my favorite Auburnite. To top things off, I didn't use the treadmill or exercise yesterday and what I found is that it was harder to get back on it today. Although, I am learning that it's ok not to push myself to the limits every day. That it's ok to go easier as long as I am exercising. So, I ended up with 40 mins. on the treadmill with the last 10 minutes or so at a slower pace on the lowest incline while I did arm exercises with some hand weights. I actually have been doing the arm exercises every day during my "cool down". The only thing I didn't do today that I usually do is some pilates. Maybe later, maybe not. The best part of exercise has not been the fabulous weight loss (hahaha - I wish), but the fact that I'm starting to like myself again - starting to feel like that even if I am still as heavy as I was when I delivered J. and 15lbs heavier than after I delivered Em, my determination to be healthy and strong is probably better now than it ever was. That's something, right?! And I know that when I need a lift or a pep talk, I've got the BEST cheerleaders in the world rooting for me.
Some days, just knowing you have people watching & cheering you on is enough to spur you into action. It's so much harder doing it by yourself because you sometimes can lose sight of how important you really are and basically, that is what exercise comes down to. Yeah, it is a total pain in the arse (literally sometimes!), but it is about putting yourself first and by doing so you can continue to take care of everyone else. I wish more Moms would embrace that thought...the putting yourself first one. So many times I see or hear things that really make me sad. While our children should be one of the most important things in our lives, we have to stop forgetting about ourselves. Most of us would never let our children sit around, eat bad food, etc., but we allow ourselves that. It's a vicious, vicious cycle. One that I'm determined to ditch - not just for my sake, but so that I can finally be a decent role model for my kids.
Of course, that was until about 4pm or so when Dv. and T started complaining about belly aches. Considering that T was up at 3am (into his Easter basket and watching TV) and that the younger three were up just a bit after 6am, I figured it was a combination of being up early and eating too much candy. Needless to say, by 7pm we had a couple of pukers. By 10-11pm we had 3 pukers (Bec) and by 1am we had 4 pukers (Em). At one point Bec was in the bathroom washing up and T busted in because he needed to puke. Not much sleeping went on last night. Thankfully, Em just tossed her cookies once, Dv. was asleep by 1-2am w/no more puking and T was done by 2 or 3am. Poor Bec. She got the worst of it by getting sick every single hour until about 5 or 6 this morning. When she came downstairs this morning her whole face was a mess of broken capillaries (petikieye). Not a very nice way to start your spring break, I'm afraid. I guess Dn. did indeed have a stomach bug and it wasn't something he ate. One can only hope that the hubster, J and I escape its evil grip.
Today has been a terribly lazy, blah day although it was brightened by a phone call from my favorite Auburnite. To top things off, I didn't use the treadmill or exercise yesterday and what I found is that it was harder to get back on it today. Although, I am learning that it's ok not to push myself to the limits every day. That it's ok to go easier as long as I am exercising. So, I ended up with 40 mins. on the treadmill with the last 10 minutes or so at a slower pace on the lowest incline while I did arm exercises with some hand weights. I actually have been doing the arm exercises every day during my "cool down". The only thing I didn't do today that I usually do is some pilates. Maybe later, maybe not. The best part of exercise has not been the fabulous weight loss (hahaha - I wish), but the fact that I'm starting to like myself again - starting to feel like that even if I am still as heavy as I was when I delivered J. and 15lbs heavier than after I delivered Em, my determination to be healthy and strong is probably better now than it ever was. That's something, right?! And I know that when I need a lift or a pep talk, I've got the BEST cheerleaders in the world rooting for me.
Some days, just knowing you have people watching & cheering you on is enough to spur you into action. It's so much harder doing it by yourself because you sometimes can lose sight of how important you really are and basically, that is what exercise comes down to. Yeah, it is a total pain in the arse (literally sometimes!), but it is about putting yourself first and by doing so you can continue to take care of everyone else. I wish more Moms would embrace that thought...the putting yourself first one. So many times I see or hear things that really make me sad. While our children should be one of the most important things in our lives, we have to stop forgetting about ourselves. Most of us would never let our children sit around, eat bad food, etc., but we allow ourselves that. It's a vicious, vicious cycle. One that I'm determined to ditch - not just for my sake, but so that I can finally be a decent role model for my kids.
Friday, March 27, 2009
TGIF
It's been a long week.
Today is day 5 of exercising for the week. I've been doing ok. I think I likely need to step up my exercise time to see any difference in body weight. Not so sure I'm ready to step it up quite yet. I'm just going to keep going as is for a bit I think. As I commented on my friend Julie's blog, slow and steady wins the race. The pilates is doing some good though. I highly recommend Gaiam's Beginner Mat Workout. It is only about 25 minutes long and has modified versions of all the exercises for people like me who have let their stomach/core muscles go to hell in a hand basket. I also have some exercises with my large exercise ball that I use as a desk chair. The ball is also really handy for stretching out my back & extra ab work.
I also was in conflict with hubby most of the week. I tried to blog about it yesterday, but nothing made sense. I just cried and cried. I'm not cut out for hurt & anger lasting anymore than a couple of hours. This went on for like 3 days. When he didn't even say good bye to me yesterday morning, I about burst a gasket. I teetered in between grumpy & basket case all day. Thankfully he came home early, we talked and sorted things out. Making up is super awesome, but the conflict part really took its toll on my whole body/mind. I am just plain tired today.
Looking forward to a good weekend. Today's high temp is supposed to hit 60 degrees. I'm so ready for spring. If D didn't have a dentist appointment this morning, I would SO be walking outside, but since I can't, I have to make this short & sweet and head to the treadmill.
Today is day 5 of exercising for the week. I've been doing ok. I think I likely need to step up my exercise time to see any difference in body weight. Not so sure I'm ready to step it up quite yet. I'm just going to keep going as is for a bit I think. As I commented on my friend Julie's blog, slow and steady wins the race. The pilates is doing some good though. I highly recommend Gaiam's Beginner Mat Workout. It is only about 25 minutes long and has modified versions of all the exercises for people like me who have let their stomach/core muscles go to hell in a hand basket. I also have some exercises with my large exercise ball that I use as a desk chair. The ball is also really handy for stretching out my back & extra ab work.
I also was in conflict with hubby most of the week. I tried to blog about it yesterday, but nothing made sense. I just cried and cried. I'm not cut out for hurt & anger lasting anymore than a couple of hours. This went on for like 3 days. When he didn't even say good bye to me yesterday morning, I about burst a gasket. I teetered in between grumpy & basket case all day. Thankfully he came home early, we talked and sorted things out. Making up is super awesome, but the conflict part really took its toll on my whole body/mind. I am just plain tired today.
Looking forward to a good weekend. Today's high temp is supposed to hit 60 degrees. I'm so ready for spring. If D didn't have a dentist appointment this morning, I would SO be walking outside, but since I can't, I have to make this short & sweet and head to the treadmill.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Kicking my own arse
I decided to do some "fitness walking" through the town rec department this morning. The route starts from the school, heads right down the main road, left onto a paved & then dirt road, up near my house take left and back down my road which leads back to main road & school (one big 4+ mile loop) Here's the account:
Walking stroller? check. Well, wait...it is a wet, leafy mess because the kids have left it in the middle of the yard. Damn...ok, run to the washer to at least get the pad washed. Clean leaves, dry out best as I could. Ok, now I can put it in the back of the truck and drive to the school (1.9 miles away). Oh shoot...10 minutes late...no one there...ah, ok, drive home via the walking route. Aha! There they are! Park along side of road, get stroller, get Em into stroller. We're off!
Road turns to dirt/gravel after crossing Mt. Hope River. BIG HILLLLLLLLLL. Did I mention that the hill is big? Huffing and puffing. Other two walkers WAY ahead. Hyperventililating due to heavy breathing. Stop. Breathe into my cupped hands to try and control breathing. Decide pushing 50 extra pounds in front of myself will definitely be the death of me if I continue this route. No one there to call 911 when I pass out. Decide to take the blue path trail through woods thinking it was a short cut. Big rocks, a stream and some logs & tree roots later, we emerge onto my road where my calves are filthy, my head is sweaty and no other walkers to be seen. Oh well. Not going backtracking through the wooded path. Start down road. Wishing I had my iPod. Get to Mt. Hope River on other side of loop and one of the other walkers drives up in her car. By this time, breathing is normal, Em is happy, body is still sweaty, but ok. No more big hills. Asks if I need a ride. Nope. Ok now. Finally hit main road, pass school and take a left where my beautiful, sight for sore eyes truck is parked. Even Em is happy to see it.
Drive home, take shower...debate whether I'll be doing this again...but now I know why I lost weight so fast before when I was walking with David in this stroller before I got pregnant with Emma. It's uphill both ways....
Walking stroller? check. Well, wait...it is a wet, leafy mess because the kids have left it in the middle of the yard. Damn...ok, run to the washer to at least get the pad washed. Clean leaves, dry out best as I could. Ok, now I can put it in the back of the truck and drive to the school (1.9 miles away). Oh shoot...10 minutes late...no one there...ah, ok, drive home via the walking route. Aha! There they are! Park along side of road, get stroller, get Em into stroller. We're off!
Road turns to dirt/gravel after crossing Mt. Hope River. BIG HILLLLLLLLLL. Did I mention that the hill is big? Huffing and puffing. Other two walkers WAY ahead. Hyperventililating due to heavy breathing. Stop. Breathe into my cupped hands to try and control breathing. Decide pushing 50 extra pounds in front of myself will definitely be the death of me if I continue this route. No one there to call 911 when I pass out. Decide to take the blue path trail through woods thinking it was a short cut. Big rocks, a stream and some logs & tree roots later, we emerge onto my road where my calves are filthy, my head is sweaty and no other walkers to be seen. Oh well. Not going backtracking through the wooded path. Start down road. Wishing I had my iPod. Get to Mt. Hope River on other side of loop and one of the other walkers drives up in her car. By this time, breathing is normal, Em is happy, body is still sweaty, but ok. No more big hills. Asks if I need a ride. Nope. Ok now. Finally hit main road, pass school and take a left where my beautiful, sight for sore eyes truck is parked. Even Em is happy to see it.
Drive home, take shower...debate whether I'll be doing this again...but now I know why I lost weight so fast before when I was walking with David in this stroller before I got pregnant with Emma. It's uphill both ways....
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
I think I overdid it and other ramblings
I woke up with a pretty sore shin this morning. I had been so excited that my periods of jogging were getting longer (the cardio is so easy to see progress) and faster (was up to 4.5 mph) that I didn't pay much attention to my shins when they were tightening up. If you run harder, they feel better...
I know I get shin splints from walking and I definitely get them from running. Doesn't matter if I am on the road or the treadmill, but I pushed myself anyway. You know why? Because it burns more calories than the "easier on my body", much preferred, elliptical machine. :( While my main concern is/was my blood pressure, I wanted to magically lose 10lbs in my first week. I know, I know....so ridiculously unattainable. I'm trying really hard not to set those unattainable goals because I really think that is what sets me up for failure each time I've tried to do this before. I am trying to focus on overall health and let that weight issue fall where it may, but it sucks. It really sucks. I want my clothes to fit. I want to put away those clothes that I've had to buy in the last 4 years and wear the clothes that I wore before I got pregnant with David.
While my body was not as thin & lithe before I had David as it was after having Jeremy & Rebecca, it was within a healthy weight for my age and I felt good about it. That is a pretty magical feeling...being comfortable in your own skin. I think that was probably one of the only times in my life that I felt confident in myself. It showed on the inside & the outside. I was so happy. Chris and I had discussed being done having kids and I was ok with it. I had AFs that came every 28 days and I knew when I ovulated every month. Everything was organized & spot on in life. And then...then one month my AF was late. I took a test and sure enough, David was on his way. Funny how life changes so quickly.
So anyway, I'm trying hard not to put ridiculously unattainable goals on myself. Slow and steady...slow and steady. That must become my new mantra. It is easy to say, but oh so hard to follow.
I know I get shin splints from walking and I definitely get them from running. Doesn't matter if I am on the road or the treadmill, but I pushed myself anyway. You know why? Because it burns more calories than the "easier on my body", much preferred, elliptical machine. :( While my main concern is/was my blood pressure, I wanted to magically lose 10lbs in my first week. I know, I know....so ridiculously unattainable. I'm trying really hard not to set those unattainable goals because I really think that is what sets me up for failure each time I've tried to do this before. I am trying to focus on overall health and let that weight issue fall where it may, but it sucks. It really sucks. I want my clothes to fit. I want to put away those clothes that I've had to buy in the last 4 years and wear the clothes that I wore before I got pregnant with David.
While my body was not as thin & lithe before I had David as it was after having Jeremy & Rebecca, it was within a healthy weight for my age and I felt good about it. That is a pretty magical feeling...being comfortable in your own skin. I think that was probably one of the only times in my life that I felt confident in myself. It showed on the inside & the outside. I was so happy. Chris and I had discussed being done having kids and I was ok with it. I had AFs that came every 28 days and I knew when I ovulated every month. Everything was organized & spot on in life. And then...then one month my AF was late. I took a test and sure enough, David was on his way. Funny how life changes so quickly.
So anyway, I'm trying hard not to put ridiculously unattainable goals on myself. Slow and steady...slow and steady. That must become my new mantra. It is easy to say, but oh so hard to follow.
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