My dear sister-in-law just graduated with her Master's degree and has been working and going to school for years, without much of a vacation, except for down to our hometown to entertain my children whom adore her and vise-versa. She decided to go to Hawaii for a 10 day vacation by herself. Last week when she was here visiting for my daughter's 5th birthday she asked me if I wanted to Hawaii for a few days. YES!!! After much researching on airline tickets, and with the help of my dear sister who, in her other life, is a vacation planner, found tickets that had previously disappeared, and/or been jacked up $100-200 for the same flights. My parents also contributed by giving me an early birthday present (cashola) and said I should do it. My husband also gave his blessing, so when the ticket price mysteriously came back down to a good price I snatched it up! So, I'm going to Hawaii in 2 weeks.
Thankfully, my dear in-laws prayed over me last week, and since then my headaches have mostly disappeared (Thank you Lord!).
Since we usually plan vacations about a year in advance, it hasn't really set in that I am actually going in just 2 short weeks. I haven't really had the chance to get excited yet because it still feels like forever away. The other day I scoured nearly every store in town looking for a few new things to take with me, but I had no luck. A few days later I did pick up a new cute pair of jeans (not really what I need in Hawaii, but fun nonetheless). I also got a cute top which will be perfect for Hawaii. Otherwise I plan on living in my swimsuit, and a pair of shorts.
So, I have 2 weeks to get myself in the best swimsuit shape possible! Strangely, despite my poor diet and lack of working out for the last 7 weeks due to the headaches, I managed to lose weight, which is unheard of for me, but I'm thankful that I didn't totally blow it!
If you're on facebook, I plan on updating while I'm in Hawaii with real time pictures of my view :)
ALOHA!!!!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Flabby Cat, and the new kitten
We've had our cat Daisy for nearly 10 years. We got her when she was 8 weeks old, and have loved her dearly ever since. She is a fantastic cat! I've always loved cats, and after years of having just 1, I thought it might be fun to have 2 :) . Daisy used to be beside herself whenever we were gone for a weekend. She would follow us around for days, meowing incessantly. Also, if she thought she was alone in the house, she would howl and howl in the most pathetic way...you'd think someone was torturing her by the sounds of it.
My husband is not a cat lover. However, after he agreed to get Daisy, he fell in love with her too. Before agreeing to getting a cat he laid down ground rules saying "okay, you can get a cat, but it has to be an inside cat (as to not get dirty and bring in bugs and stuff from outside), I will NOT feed it, I will NOT change the kitty litter, and it may NOT sleep on the bed". We brought Daisy home, and the first night he is feeding her, changing her kitty litter, AND she slept on the bed. It's pretty much been that way ever since. Daisy is spoiled, and whenever someone comes over they mention how fat she is. We hardly notice because we are used to her fluffiness. However, a recent visit to the vet confirmed that she was overweight. Poor thing.
I've joked several times over the years about how Daisy needs a playmate, to which Steve has laughed and said NO.
Last fall, I mentioned to Steve that I had seen a flier for a really cute kitten, and he asked questions (as if he might not say no). Shortly after this he was going to be leaving for a week long class in Seattle. I heard him telling someone about his trip and how he might come home to a new cat. Hmmmmm.
So, while he was gone and the kids were in school I went down to the local stray cat rescue and perused the kitties. Long story short, I came home with a 6 month black kitty named Gabby. Gabby thoroughly enjoys Daisy, but the feeling is not mutual. For about a month after getting Gabby Daisy was MAD, and I mean completely out of character, totally pissed off kitty. Growling when we picked her up, or petted her too long. She refused to sleep on our bed anymore, and there were none of our nightly cuddles in bed. I felt really bad!!!
Plus the kitten is a night owl, and likes to kneed everything and nuzzle your hands and try to get under the covers...all of this at ungodly hours of the night. We had been locking her in our bathroom, which was working out fine until she starting trying to claw herself out. I really thought I was going to have to return her...it just wasn't working out. Then we decided to lock her in the laundry room, which has worked out so much better.
Anyway, Gabby really enjoys chasing Daisy throughout the house! They tear through the house, sliding around the kitchen like cartoon characters. Usually this ends in Daisy growling and them swatting at eachother. It's actually pretty comical. Then they will lay next to each other by the fire and be just fine. Daisy is back to sleeping with us and nightly cuddles, and in general is back to her old self.
AND, the funny thing is that she has lost 2 pounds!!! All you need is someone to chase you (sprints) several times a day...and someone stealing your food while you are not around, and you too can lose weight. I told Steve that this was a good workout plan, to which he volunteered to chase me around if I wanted. To which I replied that I was pretty sure I could out run him, so maybe it would be a good workout plan for him. I'll keep you updated on how that goes.
My husband is not a cat lover. However, after he agreed to get Daisy, he fell in love with her too. Before agreeing to getting a cat he laid down ground rules saying "okay, you can get a cat, but it has to be an inside cat (as to not get dirty and bring in bugs and stuff from outside), I will NOT feed it, I will NOT change the kitty litter, and it may NOT sleep on the bed". We brought Daisy home, and the first night he is feeding her, changing her kitty litter, AND she slept on the bed. It's pretty much been that way ever since. Daisy is spoiled, and whenever someone comes over they mention how fat she is. We hardly notice because we are used to her fluffiness. However, a recent visit to the vet confirmed that she was overweight. Poor thing.
I've joked several times over the years about how Daisy needs a playmate, to which Steve has laughed and said NO.
Last fall, I mentioned to Steve that I had seen a flier for a really cute kitten, and he asked questions (as if he might not say no). Shortly after this he was going to be leaving for a week long class in Seattle. I heard him telling someone about his trip and how he might come home to a new cat. Hmmmmm.
So, while he was gone and the kids were in school I went down to the local stray cat rescue and perused the kitties. Long story short, I came home with a 6 month black kitty named Gabby. Gabby thoroughly enjoys Daisy, but the feeling is not mutual. For about a month after getting Gabby Daisy was MAD, and I mean completely out of character, totally pissed off kitty. Growling when we picked her up, or petted her too long. She refused to sleep on our bed anymore, and there were none of our nightly cuddles in bed. I felt really bad!!!
Plus the kitten is a night owl, and likes to kneed everything and nuzzle your hands and try to get under the covers...all of this at ungodly hours of the night. We had been locking her in our bathroom, which was working out fine until she starting trying to claw herself out. I really thought I was going to have to return her...it just wasn't working out. Then we decided to lock her in the laundry room, which has worked out so much better.
Anyway, Gabby really enjoys chasing Daisy throughout the house! They tear through the house, sliding around the kitchen like cartoon characters. Usually this ends in Daisy growling and them swatting at eachother. It's actually pretty comical. Then they will lay next to each other by the fire and be just fine. Daisy is back to sleeping with us and nightly cuddles, and in general is back to her old self.
AND, the funny thing is that she has lost 2 pounds!!! All you need is someone to chase you (sprints) several times a day...and someone stealing your food while you are not around, and you too can lose weight. I told Steve that this was a good workout plan, to which he volunteered to chase me around if I wanted. To which I replied that I was pretty sure I could out run him, so maybe it would be a good workout plan for him. I'll keep you updated on how that goes.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
What...I have a blog?!
Long time no see! I can't believe it's been 2 months since my last post. I'm sure I'm pretty much talking to myself now as anyone who was reading my blog has long since given up on me.
To sum up the last 2 months, I was doing great with my workouts and eating for a good 3 weeks, until I starting having pesky daily headaches. This has pretty much derailed all workouts except for the 2 Pilates classes I teach each week. It's no fun to run or do any cardio when you have a headache! Still trying to figure out why I'm having headaches, but so far no luck. Very frustrating!
Also been thinking a lot about how to get everything done in life. How do I work 27 hours a week, keep my house clean, spend time with God, cook healthy meals, read to my children and have quality time with them, workout, be a good wife, get enough sleep, AND keep my sanity? Seriously, it is not possible to do it all!! Every day I think about how I might be able to do better, but then I have a headache and all I want to do is sit...which pretty much cancels out all activities above. I'm still working on the solution, but I think I've narrowed it down to the fact that I just need more energy. I'm working on figuring out where to get it from. More on that later.
I'm just really glad I'm not a type A personality who feels like everything needs to be perfect all the time, because that would be exhausting!
Other than that, I am REALLY looking into forward to warm weather and lots of sunshine! I'm hoping both come soon!
To sum up the last 2 months, I was doing great with my workouts and eating for a good 3 weeks, until I starting having pesky daily headaches. This has pretty much derailed all workouts except for the 2 Pilates classes I teach each week. It's no fun to run or do any cardio when you have a headache! Still trying to figure out why I'm having headaches, but so far no luck. Very frustrating!
Also been thinking a lot about how to get everything done in life. How do I work 27 hours a week, keep my house clean, spend time with God, cook healthy meals, read to my children and have quality time with them, workout, be a good wife, get enough sleep, AND keep my sanity? Seriously, it is not possible to do it all!! Every day I think about how I might be able to do better, but then I have a headache and all I want to do is sit...which pretty much cancels out all activities above. I'm still working on the solution, but I think I've narrowed it down to the fact that I just need more energy. I'm working on figuring out where to get it from. More on that later.
I'm just really glad I'm not a type A personality who feels like everything needs to be perfect all the time, because that would be exhausting!
Other than that, I am REALLY looking into forward to warm weather and lots of sunshine! I'm hoping both come soon!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Brownies...
Brownies with a Difference!
Many parents are hard pressed to explain to their youth why some music, movies, books, and magazines are not acceptable material for them to bring into the home or to listen to or see.
One parent came up with an original idea that is hard to refute. The father listened to all the reasons his children gave for wanting to see a particular PG-13 movie. It had their favorite actors. Everyone else was seeing it. Even church members said it was great. It was only rated PG-13 because of the suggestion of sex--they never really showed it. The language was pretty good--the Lord's name was only used in vain three times in the whole movie.
The teens did admit there was a scene where a building and a bunch of people were blown up, but the violence was just the normal stuff. It wasn't too bad. And, even if there were a few minor things, the special effects were fabulous and the plot was action packed.
However, even with all the justifications the teens made for the PG-13 rating, the father still wouldn't give in. He didn't even give his children a satisfactory explanation for saying, "No." He just said, "No!"
A little later on that evening the father asked his teens if they would like some brownies he had baked. He explained that he'd taken the family's favorite recipe and added a little something new. The children asked what it was.
The father calmly replied that he had added dog poop. However, he quickly assured them, it was only a little bit. All other ingredients were gourmet quality and he had taken great care to bake the brownies at the precise temperature for the exact time. He was sure the brownies would be superb.
Even with their father's promise that the brownies were of almost perfect quality, the teens would not take any. The father acted surprised. After all, it was only one small part that was causing them to be so stubborn. He was certain they would hardly notice it. Still the teens held firm and would not try the brownies.
The father then told his children how the movie they wanted to see was just like the brownies. Our minds lead us into believing that just a little bit of evil won't matter. But, the truth is even a little bit of poop makes the difference between a great treat and something disgusting and totally unacceptable.
The father went on to explain that even though the movie industry would have us believe that most of today's movies are acceptable fare for adults and youth, they are not.
Now, when this father's children want to see something that is of questionable material, the father merely asks them if they would like some of his special dog poop brownies. That closes the subject.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Back in the groove...
I feel so much better when I'm eating right and exercising!! Why is it so hard to do this long term instead of thinking of it as a weight loss only goal, or a "diet". I hate that word by the way. I'm not on a diet. I'm eating healthfully!
So I started out slow yesterday, mostly because I wasn't quite sure what type of weight lifting/strengthening exercises I was going to do, so I just decided to do interval cardio. I did 20 minutes on the stair mill. I am so out of shape!! I have a very strong core, but because I hadn't been doing consistent cardio, I was wiped out! Today I was at the gym at 8am! That might not seem like anything special to you, but that's a near miracle for me! I did a bunch of lunges, push-ups, squats, overhead presses, plank, bird dog, some pilates (which felt a little strange in a corner of a gym), then cardio. Unfortunately my fun watch/heart rate monitor is on the fritz and was only recording my heart rate for about 5 seconds out of every minute. I'm going to have to check the battery.
Also, I am so very excited. This Saturday I am going to my first running class in preparation for a 1/2 marathon and Pear Blossom run ( I think it's a 10k). I have always enjoyed running, but my body seems to not enjoy it as much, as I always end up hurting in one place or another. I figure this is from not having the right shoes and running on crowned roads...and probably starting out to hard (I'm not very patient). Anyway, this class will be great as we are all beginners, and it will be good motivation to be running with others. We'll see if I actually make it to the 1/2 marathon. So far that is not really a goal, as I feel like I have a ton of other things on my plate right now, but we'll see how it goes.
Last night I taught my first Pilates class for the community college. There are 8 students (including my dear Mom). I was SOO nervous as I kind of felt like an imposter pretending to be a Pilates instructor. There is still so much I feel I have to learn. Anyway, I had copious notes that I studied (so I wouldn't have to read them all to the class). Since it is a college course, I felt like a proper introduction to Pilates was needed instead of just jumping into the exercises without any knowledge about the key principles. After all the talking I did, we only had time for 1 exercise, Pelvic Curl, which is one of the warm-up exercises we do at the beginning of almost every class. Tomorrow should be more fun as we delve into more exercises.
So I started out slow yesterday, mostly because I wasn't quite sure what type of weight lifting/strengthening exercises I was going to do, so I just decided to do interval cardio. I did 20 minutes on the stair mill. I am so out of shape!! I have a very strong core, but because I hadn't been doing consistent cardio, I was wiped out! Today I was at the gym at 8am! That might not seem like anything special to you, but that's a near miracle for me! I did a bunch of lunges, push-ups, squats, overhead presses, plank, bird dog, some pilates (which felt a little strange in a corner of a gym), then cardio. Unfortunately my fun watch/heart rate monitor is on the fritz and was only recording my heart rate for about 5 seconds out of every minute. I'm going to have to check the battery.
Also, I am so very excited. This Saturday I am going to my first running class in preparation for a 1/2 marathon and Pear Blossom run ( I think it's a 10k). I have always enjoyed running, but my body seems to not enjoy it as much, as I always end up hurting in one place or another. I figure this is from not having the right shoes and running on crowned roads...and probably starting out to hard (I'm not very patient). Anyway, this class will be great as we are all beginners, and it will be good motivation to be running with others. We'll see if I actually make it to the 1/2 marathon. So far that is not really a goal, as I feel like I have a ton of other things on my plate right now, but we'll see how it goes.
Last night I taught my first Pilates class for the community college. There are 8 students (including my dear Mom). I was SOO nervous as I kind of felt like an imposter pretending to be a Pilates instructor. There is still so much I feel I have to learn. Anyway, I had copious notes that I studied (so I wouldn't have to read them all to the class). Since it is a college course, I felt like a proper introduction to Pilates was needed instead of just jumping into the exercises without any knowledge about the key principles. After all the talking I did, we only had time for 1 exercise, Pelvic Curl, which is one of the warm-up exercises we do at the beginning of almost every class. Tomorrow should be more fun as we delve into more exercises.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Starting tomorrow...
I am such a nut job. My relationship with food is odd. I do not consider myself an emotional eater, but once I am off the proverbial wagon, I am WAY off. As in, let's eat every bad thing that is within reach because I know when the new year starts I'll start eating healthier. I am going to start going back to the gym because this is what I am most consistent at. Working out from home is good in theory, but I just have a hard time implementing it on a daily basis. Plus, I think for me being home most of the day every day, getting out to go somewhere (even the gym) is exciting. I'm actually looking forward to using the Stair Mill again (the machine with the rotating stairs)....it is my favorite cardio machine, and I've missed it these last several (8 or so) months.
Tomorrow I also start teaching a new Pilates class for the community college. I'm trying to look forward to it...right now I'm just nervous and tired just thinking about it.
I've ordered the new book by Tom Venuto "The Body Fat Solution: Five Principles for Burning Fat, Building Lean Muscles, Ending Emotional Eating, and Maintaining Your Perfect Weight". Tom is a very well respected voice in the fitness industry, so I think it's going to be a useful tool. I also ordered a Wii game called My Fitness Coach, which has gotten good reviews on Amazon, so I think it will be fun. Have you noticed that I need a LOT of variety in my workouts. Mostly though I just need to get my head in the game and think of this as life long healthy living, not a diet or a lose weight fast plan. I just need to eat healthy and exercise. How hard is that??? Seriously, for me it's 90% mental, and it takes a lot of focus to keep my head in the right place. I wish I were one of those people who just craved vegetables, and loved drinking spinach smoothies, and loved to get up at o'dark thirty every morning to get a workout in. I guess I just need to remind myself I'm worth it, and it's never going to be easy.
My plan is to eat the way I know I need to, not with any set diet plan or rules, but I did Body for Life long enough that I know what healthy eating consists of. I won't be counting calories, but will attempt to eat 5-6 small meals a day consisting of about 250 calories each. I need to drink WAY more water than I have been lately. I will be having a free day once a week, because this keeps me sane and generally increases the likelihood of my success. I will be doing interval cardio combine with some combination of Turbulence Training style weight lifting, as well as trying to get more Pilates in for myself.
I have a specific weight I would like to get to, but more than that I need to decrease my body fat a LOT! I bought new running shoes, which I hope to use on the days I can't make it to the gym.
Wish me luck!!
Tomorrow I also start teaching a new Pilates class for the community college. I'm trying to look forward to it...right now I'm just nervous and tired just thinking about it.
I've ordered the new book by Tom Venuto "The Body Fat Solution: Five Principles for Burning Fat, Building Lean Muscles, Ending Emotional Eating, and Maintaining Your Perfect Weight". Tom is a very well respected voice in the fitness industry, so I think it's going to be a useful tool. I also ordered a Wii game called My Fitness Coach, which has gotten good reviews on Amazon, so I think it will be fun. Have you noticed that I need a LOT of variety in my workouts. Mostly though I just need to get my head in the game and think of this as life long healthy living, not a diet or a lose weight fast plan. I just need to eat healthy and exercise. How hard is that??? Seriously, for me it's 90% mental, and it takes a lot of focus to keep my head in the right place. I wish I were one of those people who just craved vegetables, and loved drinking spinach smoothies, and loved to get up at o'dark thirty every morning to get a workout in. I guess I just need to remind myself I'm worth it, and it's never going to be easy.
My plan is to eat the way I know I need to, not with any set diet plan or rules, but I did Body for Life long enough that I know what healthy eating consists of. I won't be counting calories, but will attempt to eat 5-6 small meals a day consisting of about 250 calories each. I need to drink WAY more water than I have been lately. I will be having a free day once a week, because this keeps me sane and generally increases the likelihood of my success. I will be doing interval cardio combine with some combination of Turbulence Training style weight lifting, as well as trying to get more Pilates in for myself.
I have a specific weight I would like to get to, but more than that I need to decrease my body fat a LOT! I bought new running shoes, which I hope to use on the days I can't make it to the gym.
Wish me luck!!
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