Closing the door on 2006
I for one am glad this year is over – here’s hoping 2007 is kinder. Not that we had any huge disasters in 2006 – we came through it with our health and homes, and I am thankful for that. But it was the year that MIL lived most of the year with my mom, putting a great deal of strain on family relations. It was the year we lost a lot of friends – between switching to a different recreation group and then our “close” friends stabbing us in the back, and dragging along a few others into the mudhole they created. It was also the first year since 2000 that I ended the year with a weight gain instead of loss. Overall, I’d say my fitness declined in 2006. That’s never a good thing.
OTOH, I started a new job – with more money. Hub worked steadily. The boy got his black belt. My mom enjoyed her retirement. And I am resolved to lose weight this year. Thirty pounds is a lot, but its certainly doable.
So, here’s wishing you & me a fitter, slimmer new year, with plenty of love & laughter.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Soup, soup, soup, and maybe some hot tea
Yeah, the cold is still hanging tough. I’m doing the old soup & hot tea thing, getting plenty of rest, and using salt water to keep the sinuses cleaned out. I’m a bit less miserable – just bone tired.
Not much else to report. I’m reading the 6th Harry Potter book, which is keeping me busy. We’re watching the final season of Deep Space 9 – I’m gonna miss it when we’re done.
No exercise – are you kidding? I expect to post a gain tomorrow – but its all downhill after that! :-)
Yeah, the cold is still hanging tough. I’m doing the old soup & hot tea thing, getting plenty of rest, and using salt water to keep the sinuses cleaned out. I’m a bit less miserable – just bone tired.
Not much else to report. I’m reading the 6th Harry Potter book, which is keeping me busy. We’re watching the final season of Deep Space 9 – I’m gonna miss it when we’re done.
No exercise – are you kidding? I expect to post a gain tomorrow – but its all downhill after that! :-)
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
It’s not what happens between Christmas and New Years, it’s what you do between New Year’s & Christmas!
My point being that a couple of days of overindulging aren’t what will do you in, its doing that consistently. Or throwing in the towel and giving up. Consistency is key in fitness.
Besides eating a lot of wonderful stuff over the long holiday weekend, I was home sick yesterday! I have a lousy cold and feel like poo. So naturally I spent the day searching in vain for that one food that would make me feel good. So I kept eating and eating and feeling yucky. Sigh. I do regret yesterday.
I hope you had a terrific holiday! Ours was very nice. You know that you (and your child) are getting older when you have to wake him up. I was up at 4:30 – baked a pie, made the dressing. Finally woke the boy at 7:15. He said “You’re as bad a as a 4 year old!” hee hee hee! I think he liked his gifts – he mostly got paintball stuff, and an iPod from his grandpa. The iPod made my husband especially happy because that meant hub inherited the boy’s old MP3 player.
Wonderful gifts were given and received, the neighbors came over for a wonderful meal & a nice visit, and we lazed about and watched the Harry Potter movies. Good times.
Unfortunately I woke up sick with a miserable cold yesterday. I sat on my butt & felt sorry for myself (very helpful, I know). I had to be at work today – ugh. At least it is very quiet so I can take it easy. I feel a little better. I am consuming juice & soup in an effort to chase the nasties away.
I have very much enjoyed the down time, but I am looking forward to things ramping up in January.
We are very uncertain about the trip to Hawaii – we want to go, but a lot depends on our friend over there. Basically, his dad is terminally ill, so now isn’t a good time. I am going to try & set aside the money and vacation time so we can be flexible. It would be a shame not to seize the opportunity. But, who knows what the new year will bring? Right now we are entering the phase where hub’s work slows down dramatically, so we have to be really tight with our money. The next couple of months may be a bumpy ride. Or not. But we’ll be okay.
Part of me is really wiggy thinking about getting on the scale on Friday – I know I will have gained this week. And yet.. I have this odd sense of calm. Doing that juice fast last week made me realize that I can do this. Food only has power over me if I allow it to. And I’d rather be in control of it. Feeling good felt good. I’ve enjoyed the holidays, but I think I’m ready for things to get back to normal!
My point being that a couple of days of overindulging aren’t what will do you in, its doing that consistently. Or throwing in the towel and giving up. Consistency is key in fitness.
Besides eating a lot of wonderful stuff over the long holiday weekend, I was home sick yesterday! I have a lousy cold and feel like poo. So naturally I spent the day searching in vain for that one food that would make me feel good. So I kept eating and eating and feeling yucky. Sigh. I do regret yesterday.
I hope you had a terrific holiday! Ours was very nice. You know that you (and your child) are getting older when you have to wake him up. I was up at 4:30 – baked a pie, made the dressing. Finally woke the boy at 7:15. He said “You’re as bad a as a 4 year old!” hee hee hee! I think he liked his gifts – he mostly got paintball stuff, and an iPod from his grandpa. The iPod made my husband especially happy because that meant hub inherited the boy’s old MP3 player.
Wonderful gifts were given and received, the neighbors came over for a wonderful meal & a nice visit, and we lazed about and watched the Harry Potter movies. Good times.
Unfortunately I woke up sick with a miserable cold yesterday. I sat on my butt & felt sorry for myself (very helpful, I know). I had to be at work today – ugh. At least it is very quiet so I can take it easy. I feel a little better. I am consuming juice & soup in an effort to chase the nasties away.
I have very much enjoyed the down time, but I am looking forward to things ramping up in January.
We are very uncertain about the trip to Hawaii – we want to go, but a lot depends on our friend over there. Basically, his dad is terminally ill, so now isn’t a good time. I am going to try & set aside the money and vacation time so we can be flexible. It would be a shame not to seize the opportunity. But, who knows what the new year will bring? Right now we are entering the phase where hub’s work slows down dramatically, so we have to be really tight with our money. The next couple of months may be a bumpy ride. Or not. But we’ll be okay.
Part of me is really wiggy thinking about getting on the scale on Friday – I know I will have gained this week. And yet.. I have this odd sense of calm. Doing that juice fast last week made me realize that I can do this. Food only has power over me if I allow it to. And I’d rather be in control of it. Feeling good felt good. I’ve enjoyed the holidays, but I think I’m ready for things to get back to normal!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Happy Holidays!
Well, this is my last day at work until next Wednesday! Woo hoo! I am leaving promptly at 3 (thank you, flex time) and doing my grocery shopping for the Christmas dinner and for next week.
If you look at the newly re-installed weight chart, you’ll notice I lost 4.5 pounds this week. “Lucy, you got some splaining to do!” (Can you name the tv show?) So here goes: I was feeling really crappy. Big, run down, tired, and just not good. After doing some research and giving it some thought, I opted to do a 3 day detox diet – essentially a juice diet. I did this for 3 reasons. So, in order of importance: 1) my food choices weren’t good and I felt the need to get the sludge out. I feel so much better after doing it! 2) I wanted to clean up my diet and prove to myself that I could do it and 3) to jump start my weight loss. I have to say I feel like I accomplished all these goals.
I consumed 40 ounces of juice per day – 20 of fruit which contained spurilia (green algae) and 20 of carrot. These were organic, whole juices. I brought 2 clementines with me to work and at the end of the day I had a small bowl of rice. This is not a long term diet, and I didn’t do it mainly for weight loss. I believe it gave my whole body a healthy boost. I can definitely tell that my workouts – both cardio and weights – have been negatively impacted by this. I have less stamina and energy, that’s for sure!
Today I am moving back to food – starting with soup! I had a protein shake for breakfast, I have my clementines and juice, but I also plan to have soup and salad for lunch & dinner. The next couple of days will be re-introducing foods, up to Christmas day. I have a really good meal planned, but then after that I’m onto the Fat Flush plan until New Year. In the vein of the detox, the purpose is to eat a diet of whole, unprocessed foods.
This experience has been interesting. I have never done anything this close to a fast before. I was less hungry than I thought I’d be (for which I am grateful). I need to stop the emotional eating, and this was a very forceful & dramatic way of disconnecting food & emotions. The last days food had served the purpose of fuel. I’ve made the point of “eating” mindfully – enjoying the taste and textures, but not eating to feel better emotionally or for entertainment. I know 3 days doesn’t unbreak years of habit, but I hope it’s the beginning of moving in the right direction.
Well, this is my last day at work until next Wednesday! Woo hoo! I am leaving promptly at 3 (thank you, flex time) and doing my grocery shopping for the Christmas dinner and for next week.
If you look at the newly re-installed weight chart, you’ll notice I lost 4.5 pounds this week. “Lucy, you got some splaining to do!” (Can you name the tv show?) So here goes: I was feeling really crappy. Big, run down, tired, and just not good. After doing some research and giving it some thought, I opted to do a 3 day detox diet – essentially a juice diet. I did this for 3 reasons. So, in order of importance: 1) my food choices weren’t good and I felt the need to get the sludge out. I feel so much better after doing it! 2) I wanted to clean up my diet and prove to myself that I could do it and 3) to jump start my weight loss. I have to say I feel like I accomplished all these goals.
I consumed 40 ounces of juice per day – 20 of fruit which contained spurilia (green algae) and 20 of carrot. These were organic, whole juices. I brought 2 clementines with me to work and at the end of the day I had a small bowl of rice. This is not a long term diet, and I didn’t do it mainly for weight loss. I believe it gave my whole body a healthy boost. I can definitely tell that my workouts – both cardio and weights – have been negatively impacted by this. I have less stamina and energy, that’s for sure!
Today I am moving back to food – starting with soup! I had a protein shake for breakfast, I have my clementines and juice, but I also plan to have soup and salad for lunch & dinner. The next couple of days will be re-introducing foods, up to Christmas day. I have a really good meal planned, but then after that I’m onto the Fat Flush plan until New Year. In the vein of the detox, the purpose is to eat a diet of whole, unprocessed foods.
This experience has been interesting. I have never done anything this close to a fast before. I was less hungry than I thought I’d be (for which I am grateful). I need to stop the emotional eating, and this was a very forceful & dramatic way of disconnecting food & emotions. The last days food had served the purpose of fuel. I’ve made the point of “eating” mindfully – enjoying the taste and textures, but not eating to feel better emotionally or for entertainment. I know 3 days doesn’t unbreak years of habit, but I hope it’s the beginning of moving in the right direction.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Free time overload!!!
I don’t know if I mentioned it or not, but my son got out of school Tuesday. He has been staying in luxurious accommodations over at “camp grandma” – his exclusive getaway home one town over. Party at my place!!! I haven’t cooked a meal in 2 days – I made a pot of chili & a pot of chicken soup and told the hub to heat up whatever he wanted. The next meal I cook will be Christmas Eve. Heh!
Last night we had some shows Tivo-ed, a couple of dvds from Netflix, and season 7 of Star Trek: DS9. We also had a bit of housework to do. We worked on the house (did quite a bit actually) and watched TV, but I have to admit, I was sitting in my chair feeling bored. No homework to help with, no meal to prep/clean up from, no mindless snacking. I couldn’t believe how much time I had! I thought (briefly) about starting on some craft project, but ultimately decided against it. I may pick up a cross stitch after the holiday, but right now I’m just enjoying the novelty of boredom. Normally this would mean after dinner snacking, but that hasn’t been happening.
We gave the Chihuahua a stern lecture about sucking our life force in the morning, making it impossible for us to get out of bed. (She is evil that way!) She must’ve listened because getting up was a bit easier this morning. We were out of the bed by 5 and hit the gym for a good workout. We’ve been hitting our target of 2 weight lifting sessions per week (which will be going up to 3), although we’ve had to be a bit flexible with the days. Consistency has been the key. Now that we’re managing the 2, I’m hoping we can make that 3. I will admit, hitting the gym 3 times a week has always been difficult for me.
I will say I am really enjoying going in the morning with the hub. No, we do not work out together! We don’t even work out near each other. We have diametrically opposing views about lifting weights, and I have a difficult time keeping my opinion (my opinion is that his is wrong) to myself. This is easy because he generally uses the machines and I generally use the free weights. Every once in a while he’ll wander back and I’ll show him something. What is really nice about it though is 1) having another person to hold you accountable. If I don’t get out of bed, we both miss our workout and 2) we get to talk in the car. Granted, we’re both a bit fuzzy about the edges, but still, its nice.
This isn’t exactly related to fitness, but whatever. I have become obsessed with face creams. I think hitting 40 has warped my brain. I’ve tried all kinds. Any good recommendations?
I know I haven’t been publishing my weight for a while – I’ve made vague statements “down a pound” or “I gained”, but nothing more than that. I am thinking about adding the weight chart back – if I can figure out how. As of last Friday’s weigh in, I have gained 9.5 pounds this year. Not cool! Up 15 pounds from the low I got down to. Even less cool! I decided to start doing something about it right then. Not the first of the year, not after Christmas, RIGHT THEN. And so I have been.
I don’t know if I mentioned it or not, but my son got out of school Tuesday. He has been staying in luxurious accommodations over at “camp grandma” – his exclusive getaway home one town over. Party at my place!!! I haven’t cooked a meal in 2 days – I made a pot of chili & a pot of chicken soup and told the hub to heat up whatever he wanted. The next meal I cook will be Christmas Eve. Heh!
Last night we had some shows Tivo-ed, a couple of dvds from Netflix, and season 7 of Star Trek: DS9. We also had a bit of housework to do. We worked on the house (did quite a bit actually) and watched TV, but I have to admit, I was sitting in my chair feeling bored. No homework to help with, no meal to prep/clean up from, no mindless snacking. I couldn’t believe how much time I had! I thought (briefly) about starting on some craft project, but ultimately decided against it. I may pick up a cross stitch after the holiday, but right now I’m just enjoying the novelty of boredom. Normally this would mean after dinner snacking, but that hasn’t been happening.
We gave the Chihuahua a stern lecture about sucking our life force in the morning, making it impossible for us to get out of bed. (She is evil that way!) She must’ve listened because getting up was a bit easier this morning. We were out of the bed by 5 and hit the gym for a good workout. We’ve been hitting our target of 2 weight lifting sessions per week (which will be going up to 3), although we’ve had to be a bit flexible with the days. Consistency has been the key. Now that we’re managing the 2, I’m hoping we can make that 3. I will admit, hitting the gym 3 times a week has always been difficult for me.
I will say I am really enjoying going in the morning with the hub. No, we do not work out together! We don’t even work out near each other. We have diametrically opposing views about lifting weights, and I have a difficult time keeping my opinion (my opinion is that his is wrong) to myself. This is easy because he generally uses the machines and I generally use the free weights. Every once in a while he’ll wander back and I’ll show him something. What is really nice about it though is 1) having another person to hold you accountable. If I don’t get out of bed, we both miss our workout and 2) we get to talk in the car. Granted, we’re both a bit fuzzy about the edges, but still, its nice.
This isn’t exactly related to fitness, but whatever. I have become obsessed with face creams. I think hitting 40 has warped my brain. I’ve tried all kinds. Any good recommendations?
I know I haven’t been publishing my weight for a while – I’ve made vague statements “down a pound” or “I gained”, but nothing more than that. I am thinking about adding the weight chart back – if I can figure out how. As of last Friday’s weigh in, I have gained 9.5 pounds this year. Not cool! Up 15 pounds from the low I got down to. Even less cool! I decided to start doing something about it right then. Not the first of the year, not after Christmas, RIGHT THEN. And so I have been.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Cruising the lake, listening to Christmas carols
That was the activity yesterday afternoon. It has (temporarily) cooled down a bit here – it was a mere 29 when I went for my walk this morning. The temps are going back up (a bit) – I think our high of 73 on Monday was a record.
I am back to having a tough time getting out of bed. I slept in yesterday, but did get up today. There’s a bit more leeway in the morning routine with the boy over at camp grandma. Yesterday was his last day of school – it was a party filled half day. He went, but I don’t think he’s still feeling all that hot.
Work is dead. There is practically no one here, so yeah, I’m a little bored. But I have gotten desk & files organized for next year. So that’s nice.
I still haven’t done my cards! Argh! I will do them tomorrow. Last night we sat on our butts and watched some “Battlestar Galactica”, so tonight is more housework. Fun times. No big plans for the weekend – a bit of food prep for the holiday meal, but that’s about it. I admit it feels good not to have some project hanging over my head. I want to make my Chihuahua a coat, so I may work on that. Otherwise, just chilling out. Hitting a couple of movies sans boy and grabbing a pizza Saturday night. The overwhelming urge to paint the dining room has passed – for now at least.
I haven’t been writing a lot about the whole “diet” thing, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking. I know myself well enough to know I need a structured plan, but one that will allow me to have some not so healthy foods in there as well. I’ve been figuring that all out, and have begun to move my eating habits in that direction. I don’t want to make some big New Years commitment, because those don’t last. But last week’s foray onto the scale put a scare into me. I’ve gained back a painful chunk of the weight I’ve lost, so I have to turn the ship around. I decided not to wait until January – I need to start now. And I already have. There’s no time like the present.
Hope you all have a great day!
That was the activity yesterday afternoon. It has (temporarily) cooled down a bit here – it was a mere 29 when I went for my walk this morning. The temps are going back up (a bit) – I think our high of 73 on Monday was a record.
I am back to having a tough time getting out of bed. I slept in yesterday, but did get up today. There’s a bit more leeway in the morning routine with the boy over at camp grandma. Yesterday was his last day of school – it was a party filled half day. He went, but I don’t think he’s still feeling all that hot.
Work is dead. There is practically no one here, so yeah, I’m a little bored. But I have gotten desk & files organized for next year. So that’s nice.
I still haven’t done my cards! Argh! I will do them tomorrow. Last night we sat on our butts and watched some “Battlestar Galactica”, so tonight is more housework. Fun times. No big plans for the weekend – a bit of food prep for the holiday meal, but that’s about it. I admit it feels good not to have some project hanging over my head. I want to make my Chihuahua a coat, so I may work on that. Otherwise, just chilling out. Hitting a couple of movies sans boy and grabbing a pizza Saturday night. The overwhelming urge to paint the dining room has passed – for now at least.
I haven’t been writing a lot about the whole “diet” thing, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been thinking. I know myself well enough to know I need a structured plan, but one that will allow me to have some not so healthy foods in there as well. I’ve been figuring that all out, and have begun to move my eating habits in that direction. I don’t want to make some big New Years commitment, because those don’t last. But last week’s foray onto the scale put a scare into me. I’ve gained back a painful chunk of the weight I’ve lost, so I have to turn the ship around. I decided not to wait until January – I need to start now. And I already have. There’s no time like the present.
Hope you all have a great day!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Nothing to see here. Move along.
Um, same stuff, different day. Son is home sick today (thank goodness for grandma!), house is a disaster (oh, you mean we were supposed to clean it yesterday? I thought we were supposed to sit around on our butts!), but the shopping is done. Tomorrow is a half day at school, then the boy is going to stay with grandma for a couple of days, then grandpa. You know what that means – no cooking! Woo hoo!!! Don’t get me wrong – I really enjoy cooking. But day in & day out gets to be a drag. A couple of “big pots of stuff’ and we’re set for the week.
It is supposed to be 75 degrees here today. I hope the boy is feeling better tomorrow, because I want to take the boat out!
Shopping is done, one gift left to wrap, no more homemade soap needs to be created. Menu planned (neighbors are coming & bringing a couple of things) and I still haven’t sent out cards, but I’ll get it done.
I can’t say it was the best weekend I’ve ever had (more silly drama from the crazy peeps, who we saw at a medieval thing Saturday) – gah. But other than that, pretty nice. I can’t believe Christmas is only a week away. Amazing. It totally doesn’t feel like it at all.
I did a really great job kicking my own butt in the gym Friday morning. I didn’t increase my weights on anything, but I increased my reps on everything. Yikes! I spent Saturday on my feet helping in the kitchen and boy was I sore at the end of the day! I am loving going to the gym (insert evil grin). I dragged out my “Fat Flush” book and read it in the car Saturday. I really enjoyed that when I did it. I’m kicking a couple of ideas around in my head around fitness goals – more on that when I know more myself.
Oh, and we have an opportunity to go to Hawaii on the (relatively) cheap. So: hall bath, hardwood floors, having actual money in savings, or white sandy beach??? I sure wish I knew what kind of income tax return/bonus situation I am looking at for 2007…..
Um, same stuff, different day. Son is home sick today (thank goodness for grandma!), house is a disaster (oh, you mean we were supposed to clean it yesterday? I thought we were supposed to sit around on our butts!), but the shopping is done. Tomorrow is a half day at school, then the boy is going to stay with grandma for a couple of days, then grandpa. You know what that means – no cooking! Woo hoo!!! Don’t get me wrong – I really enjoy cooking. But day in & day out gets to be a drag. A couple of “big pots of stuff’ and we’re set for the week.
It is supposed to be 75 degrees here today. I hope the boy is feeling better tomorrow, because I want to take the boat out!
Shopping is done, one gift left to wrap, no more homemade soap needs to be created. Menu planned (neighbors are coming & bringing a couple of things) and I still haven’t sent out cards, but I’ll get it done.
I can’t say it was the best weekend I’ve ever had (more silly drama from the crazy peeps, who we saw at a medieval thing Saturday) – gah. But other than that, pretty nice. I can’t believe Christmas is only a week away. Amazing. It totally doesn’t feel like it at all.
I did a really great job kicking my own butt in the gym Friday morning. I didn’t increase my weights on anything, but I increased my reps on everything. Yikes! I spent Saturday on my feet helping in the kitchen and boy was I sore at the end of the day! I am loving going to the gym (insert evil grin). I dragged out my “Fat Flush” book and read it in the car Saturday. I really enjoyed that when I did it. I’m kicking a couple of ideas around in my head around fitness goals – more on that when I know more myself.
Oh, and we have an opportunity to go to Hawaii on the (relatively) cheap. So: hall bath, hardwood floors, having actual money in savings, or white sandy beach??? I sure wish I knew what kind of income tax return/bonus situation I am looking at for 2007…..
Friday, December 15, 2006
Choose your hard.
I read this on a blog yesterday, and it really struck me. "Being fat is hard. Losing weight is hard. You just have to choose your hard." That feels so true to me. Getting on the scale this morning was hard. But getting up early every day this week was easier. I feel like I’m trying to turn the Titanic on a dime, but I am slowly moving the ship in the right direction.
Have a good weekend. And no, there was no snacking after dinner last night.
I read this on a blog yesterday, and it really struck me. "Being fat is hard. Losing weight is hard. You just have to choose your hard." That feels so true to me. Getting on the scale this morning was hard. But getting up early every day this week was easier. I feel like I’m trying to turn the Titanic on a dime, but I am slowly moving the ship in the right direction.
Have a good weekend. And no, there was no snacking after dinner last night.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Such a sad feeling
Deleting a friend off your Christmas card list, because they died. This is the second year in a row, and it sucks.
Empty your cup
A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "It's overfull! No more will go in!" the professor blurted. "You are like this cup," the master replied, "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
I just can’t seem to get all the pieces in place. I’m busy with errands & extra stuff at the boy’s school, and when I get home I’m just so tired. I wish I had an off switch. So I sit in my chair, watching “Red Dwarf” and enjoying a little snack and a cold beer. It’s the only time all day I don’t feel tired, or overtaxed, or just plain too big. But I think it’s a contributing factor to all 3 of those things.
On the plus side, getting up and getting to the gym is easier, I am walking, and I only ate a third of that snowman donut! I’m hanging in there, except for an hour a day. Unfortunately, I am managing to do a fair bit of damage in that hour. Oops. No huge promises, but this is the first year in 5 that I have gained rather than lost weight. That’s gotta get undone. I will make one small promise – I will not snack after dinner tonight. Be sure and ask me tomorrow!!!!!
Deleting a friend off your Christmas card list, because they died. This is the second year in a row, and it sucks.
Empty your cup
A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor's cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. "It's overfull! No more will go in!" the professor blurted. "You are like this cup," the master replied, "How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"
I just can’t seem to get all the pieces in place. I’m busy with errands & extra stuff at the boy’s school, and when I get home I’m just so tired. I wish I had an off switch. So I sit in my chair, watching “Red Dwarf” and enjoying a little snack and a cold beer. It’s the only time all day I don’t feel tired, or overtaxed, or just plain too big. But I think it’s a contributing factor to all 3 of those things.
On the plus side, getting up and getting to the gym is easier, I am walking, and I only ate a third of that snowman donut! I’m hanging in there, except for an hour a day. Unfortunately, I am managing to do a fair bit of damage in that hour. Oops. No huge promises, but this is the first year in 5 that I have gained rather than lost weight. That’s gotta get undone. I will make one small promise – I will not snack after dinner tonight. Be sure and ask me tomorrow!!!!!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Miscellaneous Ramblings
I walked a total of 4 miles yesterday – 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. I lifted weights this morning. It actually felt good. Maybe this warm spell will be what I need to get on track.
Halls are decked, list is checked, gifts are wrapped. One stocking stuffer for my mom and I am done. Woo! Since it’s just the 4 of us, there isn’t a whole lot to plan. A nice meal for Christmas Eve, the usual for Xmas Day, and then our party on New Years will be a snap thanks to the wonderful appetizers for sale at Costc0. I’m thinking seafood for Xmas Eve….
I think I have talked myself out of attempting to paint the dining room until after the holiday. I have a couple of closets that really need cleaning. Given the balmy weather this weekend, I hope I can talk hub into a bit of organizing in the garage. I still haven’t sent out cards yet, but I don’t do a whole bunch. I’ll work on that this weekend.
I am going to a holiday party Saturday night – I need a food thing and a gift for the (infamous) dirty gift exchange. I lucked out at the office one and got a Starbucks gift card. Nice! I may just take a bottle of wine – who needs stuff laying about their house? And Costc0 frozen food section will come to my rescue…
We are going out of town for the day Saturday to a medieval thing – hub is running the kid’s fighting and I am helping cook. We plan to bail about 4 or so since we have the party back home. I need to get our stuff organized Thursday night – I’m taking hub out for a surprise date Friday night.
Well, that’s about all I know. Have a good one!
I walked a total of 4 miles yesterday – 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. I lifted weights this morning. It actually felt good. Maybe this warm spell will be what I need to get on track.
Halls are decked, list is checked, gifts are wrapped. One stocking stuffer for my mom and I am done. Woo! Since it’s just the 4 of us, there isn’t a whole lot to plan. A nice meal for Christmas Eve, the usual for Xmas Day, and then our party on New Years will be a snap thanks to the wonderful appetizers for sale at Costc0. I’m thinking seafood for Xmas Eve….
I think I have talked myself out of attempting to paint the dining room until after the holiday. I have a couple of closets that really need cleaning. Given the balmy weather this weekend, I hope I can talk hub into a bit of organizing in the garage. I still haven’t sent out cards yet, but I don’t do a whole bunch. I’ll work on that this weekend.
I am going to a holiday party Saturday night – I need a food thing and a gift for the (infamous) dirty gift exchange. I lucked out at the office one and got a Starbucks gift card. Nice! I may just take a bottle of wine – who needs stuff laying about their house? And Costc0 frozen food section will come to my rescue…
We are going out of town for the day Saturday to a medieval thing – hub is running the kid’s fighting and I am helping cook. We plan to bail about 4 or so since we have the party back home. I need to get our stuff organized Thursday night – I’m taking hub out for a surprise date Friday night.
Well, that’s about all I know. Have a good one!
Monday, December 11, 2006
A brief respite from winter
It was a balmy 30 when I woke up this morning – so I was able to get out of bed & walk! Yay me!
Still struggling. Still feeling huge. Still not giving up.
I am hoping that this break in the unseasonably cold weather will let me get acclimatized, so that walking in the am doesn’t feel so impossible. I like walking in the evening, but lately there just hasn’t been the time.
On the plus side, my decorations are up, my house is clean, and I think I’ve convinced myself that January would be better for painting my dining room. We are hosting a New Years Eve party at our place. Cleaning is good, starting a major project? Not so much!
It was a balmy 30 when I woke up this morning – so I was able to get out of bed & walk! Yay me!
Still struggling. Still feeling huge. Still not giving up.
I am hoping that this break in the unseasonably cold weather will let me get acclimatized, so that walking in the am doesn’t feel so impossible. I like walking in the evening, but lately there just hasn’t been the time.
On the plus side, my decorations are up, my house is clean, and I think I’ve convinced myself that January would be better for painting my dining room. We are hosting a New Years Eve party at our place. Cleaning is good, starting a major project? Not so much!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Define Christmas Spirit???
I realized something this morning – I’m not sure I know what this says about me, but here it is. The boy and I shopped yesterday for 1) a child in foster care we’d “adopted” for the holiday and 2) the food drive currently running here at work. Guessing, I spent roughly $75 on the little boy and $60 on groceries. I spent $10 on my MIL. I’m sorry, I’m still bitter about the birthday gift. Why should I spend money on someone who won’t appreciate it and will likely badmouth whatever I give her, when I can give to people genuinely in need? I try to be generous, but it’s hard to feel that way for her. I guess the lesson here is never treat my mom badly – that’s a hole you’ll never dig yourself out of with me.
People I need help! I can get up to go to the gym, but it is freaking freezing and I CANNOT get up to walk outside. I have to get a workout area set up. Right now afternoons are so busy that doing it in the afternoon doesn’t seem very possible. I got home at 6 yesterday after the boy & I did all our shopping. Crazy.
I realized something this morning – I’m not sure I know what this says about me, but here it is. The boy and I shopped yesterday for 1) a child in foster care we’d “adopted” for the holiday and 2) the food drive currently running here at work. Guessing, I spent roughly $75 on the little boy and $60 on groceries. I spent $10 on my MIL. I’m sorry, I’m still bitter about the birthday gift. Why should I spend money on someone who won’t appreciate it and will likely badmouth whatever I give her, when I can give to people genuinely in need? I try to be generous, but it’s hard to feel that way for her. I guess the lesson here is never treat my mom badly – that’s a hole you’ll never dig yourself out of with me.
People I need help! I can get up to go to the gym, but it is freaking freezing and I CANNOT get up to walk outside. I have to get a workout area set up. Right now afternoons are so busy that doing it in the afternoon doesn’t seem very possible. I got home at 6 yesterday after the boy & I did all our shopping. Crazy.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
I got the lunchtime blues
The good news is that I got up and went to the gym! There isn’t really any bad news, just that I am tired of my lunches. Sigh. I need something a bit more exciting! My beef soup this week is dullsville.
I wish I had something exciting to write, but I don’t. Things are going okay. I’m plugging along – walking at lunch, hitting the gym, blah blah blah. The weather just got a good bit colder here, so getting out of bed is more difficult!
I can’t remember if I mentioned it here, but for a long time I was unhappy with the wall color underneath the chair rail in my kitchen. I repainted a couple of weekends ago, and I love it! I am going paint happy, and plan to do my dining room next. I think I may do that this Sunday. Saturday I am going to an all-day calligraphy and illumination class. That’ll be fun!
I hope you are doing well and have a great week!
The good news is that I got up and went to the gym! There isn’t really any bad news, just that I am tired of my lunches. Sigh. I need something a bit more exciting! My beef soup this week is dullsville.
I wish I had something exciting to write, but I don’t. Things are going okay. I’m plugging along – walking at lunch, hitting the gym, blah blah blah. The weather just got a good bit colder here, so getting out of bed is more difficult!
I can’t remember if I mentioned it here, but for a long time I was unhappy with the wall color underneath the chair rail in my kitchen. I repainted a couple of weekends ago, and I love it! I am going paint happy, and plan to do my dining room next. I think I may do that this Sunday. Saturday I am going to an all-day calligraphy and illumination class. That’ll be fun!
I hope you are doing well and have a great week!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Insert cute title here
Just can’t think of anything creative. Not a lot new around here. We got the tree up this weekend – but not the decorations. All the outside lights spontaneously expired over the summer, so new ones are in order. I was at a business meeting (4 hours away) all day Saturday. That sounds awfully dry, but we got a good bit accomplished.
My first snack of the day (as well as my breakfast) is a high quality protein shake. Lunch is a beef soup with spinach, chick peas, and some couscous – and a salad. Afternoon snack is string cheese and a clementine. Dinners are planned, so as long as I stay away from the kitchen after supper I’ll be safe. I have tons of homework from my meetings, so that will keep me hopping this week! (Business meeting was for our medieval recreation group).
I’m here. Things are okay. I want to see the 150s before year end. I can do that.
Just can’t think of anything creative. Not a lot new around here. We got the tree up this weekend – but not the decorations. All the outside lights spontaneously expired over the summer, so new ones are in order. I was at a business meeting (4 hours away) all day Saturday. That sounds awfully dry, but we got a good bit accomplished.
My first snack of the day (as well as my breakfast) is a high quality protein shake. Lunch is a beef soup with spinach, chick peas, and some couscous – and a salad. Afternoon snack is string cheese and a clementine. Dinners are planned, so as long as I stay away from the kitchen after supper I’ll be safe. I have tons of homework from my meetings, so that will keep me hopping this week! (Business meeting was for our medieval recreation group).
I’m here. Things are okay. I want to see the 150s before year end. I can do that.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Just a mish-mash
First off, I have to say what a class act my mom is. Yesterday was my mom's birthday - I felt bad because after she was up half the night Monday taking her best friend to the emergency room for a broken arm and then staying with her & helping out until her son could drive down from the mountains & get home after picking her husband up from the hospital where he had surgery Monday morning (get all that?) - then mom came over to our place to look out for the boy who was sick - because I felt crappy. UGH! Despite all that, she & the boy went out on the boat while I cleaned up a bit & prepped dinner. She said she rode around listening to Christmas music while he slept. Hub grilled us an excellent meal (mixed veggies and shrimp – with a side of rice) and he came home with flowers and a nice card for her, and then we went out for ice cream. She said she had a nice day because she was grateful she had good friends and family she could care for.
In contrast: Last night I asked hub if we should get dirt for his mom for Christmas (I am thankful I can kvetch about her with him.) He said yeah and let's get a bag to go with it. I looked puzzled and he said "you know - dirt bag. get it?" Ha! In short, NO IDEA what to get her for Christmas. I spent more on her than I did my own mother for their birthdays (their birthdays are a week apart and we gave them their gifts at Thanksgiving) and no thank you. And did I mention that for hub’s birthday she had bought a new book in her favorite series, and brought the book (after she read it) unwrapped, and gave it to him for his birthday present. Class act? Not so much. Oh well, at least we can laugh about it.
So many things in my life are going well right now – the boy is doing well in school, the attitude comes and goes – but it goes pretty regularly. Financially things are going smoothly (knock wood) – we’re just going along pretty well. So why am I eating out of control????? I don’t really know. I do know that its pretty frustrating and I also know I can’t afford a new wardrobe! I have no huge “plan”, but I am trying to make some gradual changes.
We're all feeling a bit oogy - weather, allergies, I dunno. Not terrible, just sniffly & run down. Other than that, okay. Well, except I feel like a cow. We got up at 4:45 this morning and went to the gym. I had a super yummy protein shake for breakfast (no lie - it was awesome). I very good start to the day
First off, I have to say what a class act my mom is. Yesterday was my mom's birthday - I felt bad because after she was up half the night Monday taking her best friend to the emergency room for a broken arm and then staying with her & helping out until her son could drive down from the mountains & get home after picking her husband up from the hospital where he had surgery Monday morning (get all that?) - then mom came over to our place to look out for the boy who was sick - because I felt crappy. UGH! Despite all that, she & the boy went out on the boat while I cleaned up a bit & prepped dinner. She said she rode around listening to Christmas music while he slept. Hub grilled us an excellent meal (mixed veggies and shrimp – with a side of rice) and he came home with flowers and a nice card for her, and then we went out for ice cream. She said she had a nice day because she was grateful she had good friends and family she could care for.
In contrast: Last night I asked hub if we should get dirt for his mom for Christmas (I am thankful I can kvetch about her with him.) He said yeah and let's get a bag to go with it. I looked puzzled and he said "you know - dirt bag. get it?" Ha! In short, NO IDEA what to get her for Christmas. I spent more on her than I did my own mother for their birthdays (their birthdays are a week apart and we gave them their gifts at Thanksgiving) and no thank you. And did I mention that for hub’s birthday she had bought a new book in her favorite series, and brought the book (after she read it) unwrapped, and gave it to him for his birthday present. Class act? Not so much. Oh well, at least we can laugh about it.
So many things in my life are going well right now – the boy is doing well in school, the attitude comes and goes – but it goes pretty regularly. Financially things are going smoothly (knock wood) – we’re just going along pretty well. So why am I eating out of control????? I don’t really know. I do know that its pretty frustrating and I also know I can’t afford a new wardrobe! I have no huge “plan”, but I am trying to make some gradual changes.
We're all feeling a bit oogy - weather, allergies, I dunno. Not terrible, just sniffly & run down. Other than that, okay. Well, except I feel like a cow. We got up at 4:45 this morning and went to the gym. I had a super yummy protein shake for breakfast (no lie - it was awesome). I very good start to the day
Monday, November 27, 2006
Lovely Day
Hello! I hope that everyone that celebrated it had a terrific Thanksgiving. Mine was really nice. My plans went off pretty well – house was clean and Wednesday night I was pooped – so we picked up a pizza and watched a movie. Thursday I got up early and began cooking. The meal was ready at noon and after a lovely visit with our neighbors, we were pulling out of the driveway at 2:30. MIL was there, but I refuse to discuss this because her behavior was so .. her.
The trip was uneventful – no traffic! The hotel was nice – my only regret was that we were right in Chinatown and I never got Chinese! This will definitely be remedied next year when we go back. Friday we were up & out early – popped by the castle for a cold drink before starting. Friday was a long day – we hit the Natural History museum and ate lunch there. The food was expensive, but tasty, and it helps out the museum. After that we split up – the hub headed for Georgetown to a pipe shop (thankfully, he uses it exactly once a year) and mom, the boy, and I went to the Holocaust museum. They have a section designed for children and school groups. My son had really wanted to go, but I don’t think that he was prepared. I tried, but he found it very disturbing. I told him that I thought we should be disturbed and that was a perfectly acceptable reaction. After that, we met back up with hub and walked around the various memorials – from the Washington to the Lincoln and everything in between. The weather was amazing – upper 60s and sunny. I really enjoyed just walking around.
After that we met Hub’s best high school chum & his family for dinner. We met halfway in a suburb and ate at what must be the lousiest Mexican restaurant ever. I hate eating bad food. But the company was good and he was glad I finally got to meet them.
Day 2 was the Native American Museum in the morning. Hub was really overwhelmed by that one. We spent a long time there – and a long time in the gift shop. We also ate lunch there – they had various stations (it was cafeteria style) for various regions. So there was a northwest Indian area, a South American, plains, etc etc. The food was good again – and even pricier! But we agreed it was worth it – we really wanted to try it. After that we once again split up – the boy & hub headed for Air & Space and mom and I did the 2 Asian art museums. We hit the road at 3:30 – ran into some traffic but had an uneventful trip home.
Yesterday was shopping. I also re-painted the area under the chair rail in the breakfast nook – I did a ragging technique. I am ready to make some changes around the house – I’m all about painting & re-arranging furniture – you know, cheap changes. And hey – what better time than the holiday rush?
Its sunny & 70s here this week. Exercise outside – with no mittens! Woo hoo!!!!
Hello! I hope that everyone that celebrated it had a terrific Thanksgiving. Mine was really nice. My plans went off pretty well – house was clean and Wednesday night I was pooped – so we picked up a pizza and watched a movie. Thursday I got up early and began cooking. The meal was ready at noon and after a lovely visit with our neighbors, we were pulling out of the driveway at 2:30. MIL was there, but I refuse to discuss this because her behavior was so .. her.
The trip was uneventful – no traffic! The hotel was nice – my only regret was that we were right in Chinatown and I never got Chinese! This will definitely be remedied next year when we go back. Friday we were up & out early – popped by the castle for a cold drink before starting. Friday was a long day – we hit the Natural History museum and ate lunch there. The food was expensive, but tasty, and it helps out the museum. After that we split up – the hub headed for Georgetown to a pipe shop (thankfully, he uses it exactly once a year) and mom, the boy, and I went to the Holocaust museum. They have a section designed for children and school groups. My son had really wanted to go, but I don’t think that he was prepared. I tried, but he found it very disturbing. I told him that I thought we should be disturbed and that was a perfectly acceptable reaction. After that, we met back up with hub and walked around the various memorials – from the Washington to the Lincoln and everything in between. The weather was amazing – upper 60s and sunny. I really enjoyed just walking around.
After that we met Hub’s best high school chum & his family for dinner. We met halfway in a suburb and ate at what must be the lousiest Mexican restaurant ever. I hate eating bad food. But the company was good and he was glad I finally got to meet them.
Day 2 was the Native American Museum in the morning. Hub was really overwhelmed by that one. We spent a long time there – and a long time in the gift shop. We also ate lunch there – they had various stations (it was cafeteria style) for various regions. So there was a northwest Indian area, a South American, plains, etc etc. The food was good again – and even pricier! But we agreed it was worth it – we really wanted to try it. After that we once again split up – the boy & hub headed for Air & Space and mom and I did the 2 Asian art museums. We hit the road at 3:30 – ran into some traffic but had an uneventful trip home.
Yesterday was shopping. I also re-painted the area under the chair rail in the breakfast nook – I did a ragging technique. I am ready to make some changes around the house – I’m all about painting & re-arranging furniture – you know, cheap changes. And hey – what better time than the holiday rush?
Its sunny & 70s here this week. Exercise outside – with no mittens! Woo hoo!!!!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
It’s hard to work in a tiara
The department I work in is charged with re-engineering efforts. This year, if you booked more than $1M in saves, you got butler service from the leader of your choice. Yesterday was my day! I came in to a desk laden with lowfat Laughing Cow cheese, low sugar granola, sweet tarts (darn him!), and a lovely fruit salad. And an ice bucket full of diet Pepsi. I had a pillow, confetti, and a tiara and scepter (they light up!). Oh, and a (plastic toy) shield and hammer in case anyone gave me any trouble. And of course the bell to summon my boss if I needed anything. It was a fun day, but I gotta admit, I got very little done! Oh well, I guess this time of year motivation tanks – at least I’m not alone!
Things here are crazy. My little holiday meal isn’t so little after all – my MIL had no where else to go, so she’s coming. I invited the neighbors (hey, maybe they’ll talk to my MIL!), so there’s 7 of us for the holiday. I have to work tomorrow and hub is working overtime this week. I was up at 5 am this morning, but instead of walking I was busy baking a pumpkin (for the pie), finishing laundry, and getting dinner in the crockpot. We got back home so late Sunday that I did my grocery shopping yesterday after work! By the time I got gas, went by CostCo, went to the Farmer’s market (for the pumpkin), and did the shopping, I was wiped out. Then I went home and fixed dinner, worked on laundry, and helped the boy with homework. I fell into bed at 9, just beat.
I guess that’s a rather roundabout way of saying that exercise doesn’t even seem to be making the back burner this week. Sigh. Good news is I leave today at 3 (yay for coming in early!) and I should be done with errands and home by 5. That should give me time to have supper, do some housework & cooking, and not be quite so exhausted when I go to bed.
I plan to seriously use that hot tub in the hotel! ;-)
The department I work in is charged with re-engineering efforts. This year, if you booked more than $1M in saves, you got butler service from the leader of your choice. Yesterday was my day! I came in to a desk laden with lowfat Laughing Cow cheese, low sugar granola, sweet tarts (darn him!), and a lovely fruit salad. And an ice bucket full of diet Pepsi. I had a pillow, confetti, and a tiara and scepter (they light up!). Oh, and a (plastic toy) shield and hammer in case anyone gave me any trouble. And of course the bell to summon my boss if I needed anything. It was a fun day, but I gotta admit, I got very little done! Oh well, I guess this time of year motivation tanks – at least I’m not alone!
Things here are crazy. My little holiday meal isn’t so little after all – my MIL had no where else to go, so she’s coming. I invited the neighbors (hey, maybe they’ll talk to my MIL!), so there’s 7 of us for the holiday. I have to work tomorrow and hub is working overtime this week. I was up at 5 am this morning, but instead of walking I was busy baking a pumpkin (for the pie), finishing laundry, and getting dinner in the crockpot. We got back home so late Sunday that I did my grocery shopping yesterday after work! By the time I got gas, went by CostCo, went to the Farmer’s market (for the pumpkin), and did the shopping, I was wiped out. Then I went home and fixed dinner, worked on laundry, and helped the boy with homework. I fell into bed at 9, just beat.
I guess that’s a rather roundabout way of saying that exercise doesn’t even seem to be making the back burner this week. Sigh. Good news is I leave today at 3 (yay for coming in early!) and I should be done with errands and home by 5. That should give me time to have supper, do some housework & cooking, and not be quite so exhausted when I go to bed.
I plan to seriously use that hot tub in the hotel! ;-)
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Paradigm shift
One thing I like/dislike about myself is the fact that in 48 hours, my mood can turn around entirely. In other words, I am feeling much better! :-)
Within the last week 2 co-workers have had heart attacks. One is only 41 years old. As a result, I sat down and had a heart to heart (again) with my husband about exercise. I told him that like many people, we lead busy lives. But that we had to make time for exercise now, because a heart attack can happen. And with my husband’s high blood pressure, he can’t afford to be lax. He agreed, and asked me to keep nagging him. We also decided that 12 (well, in 4 months) is old enough for the boy to be left in the house for an hour while we go to the gym. We got up at 4:45 this morning and went to the gym and lifted weights. We did it! Now to keep it going.
I took a candlelit tub last night while my mom helped the boy with homework. I don’t know what I’d do without that woman!!! I hope I never have to find out.
Eating has been on track, which makes me feel so much better physically.
We offered the boy a carrot yesterday morning – his boom box. The attitude has improved.
I moved my blog to the beta, and now I’m having a hard time posting comments on other blogs. If you can’t post a note, will you drop me an email and let me know? It’s supposed to be easier to edit the look of your blog, and god knows mine needs an update – badly!
I made a yum-o breakfast!
Apple crumble
3 apples, sliced into pyrex dish.
Mix ¼ c flour, ¼ c vanilla protein powder, ½ c oats, ½ c granola, ¼ c brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. You can mix it together the night before in a baggie, so its ready to go. Then add ¼ oil (I used olive), ¼ c apple sauce, 1 tsp. vanilla and smoosh together. Put over apples & bake at 375 for 45 minutes. I topped it with vanilla yogurt.
It’s like dessert for breakfast!
That’s it – have a good one.
One thing I like/dislike about myself is the fact that in 48 hours, my mood can turn around entirely. In other words, I am feeling much better! :-)
Within the last week 2 co-workers have had heart attacks. One is only 41 years old. As a result, I sat down and had a heart to heart (again) with my husband about exercise. I told him that like many people, we lead busy lives. But that we had to make time for exercise now, because a heart attack can happen. And with my husband’s high blood pressure, he can’t afford to be lax. He agreed, and asked me to keep nagging him. We also decided that 12 (well, in 4 months) is old enough for the boy to be left in the house for an hour while we go to the gym. We got up at 4:45 this morning and went to the gym and lifted weights. We did it! Now to keep it going.
I took a candlelit tub last night while my mom helped the boy with homework. I don’t know what I’d do without that woman!!! I hope I never have to find out.
Eating has been on track, which makes me feel so much better physically.
We offered the boy a carrot yesterday morning – his boom box. The attitude has improved.
I moved my blog to the beta, and now I’m having a hard time posting comments on other blogs. If you can’t post a note, will you drop me an email and let me know? It’s supposed to be easier to edit the look of your blog, and god knows mine needs an update – badly!
I made a yum-o breakfast!
Apple crumble
3 apples, sliced into pyrex dish.
Mix ¼ c flour, ¼ c vanilla protein powder, ½ c oats, ½ c granola, ¼ c brown sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. You can mix it together the night before in a baggie, so its ready to go. Then add ¼ oil (I used olive), ¼ c apple sauce, 1 tsp. vanilla and smoosh together. Put over apples & bake at 375 for 45 minutes. I topped it with vanilla yogurt.
It’s like dessert for breakfast!
That’s it – have a good one.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
The oldies station my mom listens to is playing holiday music on the weekend. So there we are last Saturday, driving up to the lake. It’s 78 degrees and on comes Willie Nelson or somebody singing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” We looked at each other, and then she reached over and turned it off. Christmas? Not so much. Today is going to be 75 and she is taking the boy & one of his friends out in the boat this afternoon. I hope the beautiful weather holds while we’re at the Smithsonian next week. Not this warm, just this pleasant.
I am feeling better today. Sometimes you just gotta rant it out! I ate healthy foods, I walked yesterday and today (with a bit of the old jogging even!), and my gym bag is in the car. I went to bed at 9. Physically I feel better. I hope the attitude will follow. My son seems to be a bit better. I think we’re getting pretty tired of each other right now.
I picked up a class schedule from the gym, and printed out the pool schedule. There is very little opportunity for lap swimming at my son’s school – but free is a nice price to pay for a pool membership!
I don’t want to make the mistake of getting disgusted and signing myself up for too much, and then do none of it, only to get frustrated. My goal for this week is to walk 4 times and lift twice. That’s it. Next week I’d like to make one class at the gym. The hotel has a pool, so I plan to take my bathing suit with us to DC.
The food frenzy has officially commenced around here. Friday we are doing a team building, which involves going to a local pizzeria and building pizzas, eating pizza, and taking home “plenty of leftovers.” Thursday is the holiday meal for our department. Co-workers are bringing in homebaked goods. Luckily I don’t sit near the treat table, nor must I walk by it. The meal and the pizza are going to be tougher. At least I can make my own – which means loads of veggies and light on the cheese.
I just want to not be so darn cranky.
The oldies station my mom listens to is playing holiday music on the weekend. So there we are last Saturday, driving up to the lake. It’s 78 degrees and on comes Willie Nelson or somebody singing “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” We looked at each other, and then she reached over and turned it off. Christmas? Not so much. Today is going to be 75 and she is taking the boy & one of his friends out in the boat this afternoon. I hope the beautiful weather holds while we’re at the Smithsonian next week. Not this warm, just this pleasant.
I am feeling better today. Sometimes you just gotta rant it out! I ate healthy foods, I walked yesterday and today (with a bit of the old jogging even!), and my gym bag is in the car. I went to bed at 9. Physically I feel better. I hope the attitude will follow. My son seems to be a bit better. I think we’re getting pretty tired of each other right now.
I picked up a class schedule from the gym, and printed out the pool schedule. There is very little opportunity for lap swimming at my son’s school – but free is a nice price to pay for a pool membership!
I don’t want to make the mistake of getting disgusted and signing myself up for too much, and then do none of it, only to get frustrated. My goal for this week is to walk 4 times and lift twice. That’s it. Next week I’d like to make one class at the gym. The hotel has a pool, so I plan to take my bathing suit with us to DC.
The food frenzy has officially commenced around here. Friday we are doing a team building, which involves going to a local pizzeria and building pizzas, eating pizza, and taking home “plenty of leftovers.” Thursday is the holiday meal for our department. Co-workers are bringing in homebaked goods. Luckily I don’t sit near the treat table, nor must I walk by it. The meal and the pizza are going to be tougher. At least I can make my own – which means loads of veggies and light on the cheese.
I just want to not be so darn cranky.
Monday, November 13, 2006
I’m every woman
We go through life thinking that we are each unique – unlike any other human that has ever lived on this planet, confident that there will never again be another person quite like us. And I believe that this is true, and yet I was reminded this weekend that sometimes we are more alike than perhaps we care to admit.
I was having a conversation with my mom Friday afternoon. I was talking to her about how I’ve been feeling lately. Last winter I asked my doctor to put me on Welbutrin. It helped for a while, but now I’m not sure that’s the right thing for me. I don’t feel sad or depressed. Mostly I’m just pissed off. I spend a fair amount of time feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, unappreciated…. You get the idea. I hate feeling this way. And I have no idea how much of it is genuine, how much is circumstance, how much is hormonal… I don’t know where these feelings are coming from. Mom was talking about deciding to go back on her Celexa because she felt so irritable when she went off it. Yeah, irritable – there’s an understatement.
I have some legitimate gripes – my son has decided he wants to dress like some sort of hooligan – sporting 3 or 4 inches of boxers sprouting out over his jeans – jeans that seemed to be held up by a wing & a prayer. He looks like he has a load in his diapers. I might not object if his attitude weren’t so lousy, but really. There are times I just want to duct tape his mouth shut. I never thought I’d be a parent who felt this way – my son is very much loved and wanted. But I confess I don’t like him much these days.
I am working hard at work – I’m still in the first year of a new job so it is very demanding. I really enjoy my work, I have a great team, and I work for a company that I am proud to work for. Not only are we well respected, but I truly believe we try very hard to provide extraordinary service to our customers. But it still can be the source of some frustration.
Stuff at home is very busy – hub is working extra and I am picking up some of the slack. That means I don’t have time to work out or do for myself the way I’d like to.
So, like many women in my position, I’m tired & cranky, feel overworked and underappreciated, and the only place I can seem to find any solace is in a bowl of cheese. There has to be more to it than this, but I’m not sure what that would be, or how to find it.
Anybody got the buddha’s phone number??????
We go through life thinking that we are each unique – unlike any other human that has ever lived on this planet, confident that there will never again be another person quite like us. And I believe that this is true, and yet I was reminded this weekend that sometimes we are more alike than perhaps we care to admit.
I was having a conversation with my mom Friday afternoon. I was talking to her about how I’ve been feeling lately. Last winter I asked my doctor to put me on Welbutrin. It helped for a while, but now I’m not sure that’s the right thing for me. I don’t feel sad or depressed. Mostly I’m just pissed off. I spend a fair amount of time feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, unappreciated…. You get the idea. I hate feeling this way. And I have no idea how much of it is genuine, how much is circumstance, how much is hormonal… I don’t know where these feelings are coming from. Mom was talking about deciding to go back on her Celexa because she felt so irritable when she went off it. Yeah, irritable – there’s an understatement.
I have some legitimate gripes – my son has decided he wants to dress like some sort of hooligan – sporting 3 or 4 inches of boxers sprouting out over his jeans – jeans that seemed to be held up by a wing & a prayer. He looks like he has a load in his diapers. I might not object if his attitude weren’t so lousy, but really. There are times I just want to duct tape his mouth shut. I never thought I’d be a parent who felt this way – my son is very much loved and wanted. But I confess I don’t like him much these days.
I am working hard at work – I’m still in the first year of a new job so it is very demanding. I really enjoy my work, I have a great team, and I work for a company that I am proud to work for. Not only are we well respected, but I truly believe we try very hard to provide extraordinary service to our customers. But it still can be the source of some frustration.
Stuff at home is very busy – hub is working extra and I am picking up some of the slack. That means I don’t have time to work out or do for myself the way I’d like to.
So, like many women in my position, I’m tired & cranky, feel overworked and underappreciated, and the only place I can seem to find any solace is in a bowl of cheese. There has to be more to it than this, but I’m not sure what that would be, or how to find it.
Anybody got the buddha’s phone number??????
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Just super
My knee is feeling MUCH better - just a bit sore, but I managed to walk this morning and at lunch with no trouble. Whew!
My lunch seemed so not interesting... I bought a slice of pizza from the caf for lunch. If I skip afternoon snack, that's not too terrible a trade in calories, although not nearly as healthy....
Blah blah blah is it Friday??? I am very excited about my quiet weekend at home.
I live in fear of having to wash my jeans - what if I can't get back in them?? What an awful feeling. But I am workign on it - really.
It is beautiful here and we are going out in the boat. Woot!
My knee is feeling MUCH better - just a bit sore, but I managed to walk this morning and at lunch with no trouble. Whew!
My lunch seemed so not interesting... I bought a slice of pizza from the caf for lunch. If I skip afternoon snack, that's not too terrible a trade in calories, although not nearly as healthy....
Blah blah blah is it Friday??? I am very excited about my quiet weekend at home.
I live in fear of having to wash my jeans - what if I can't get back in them?? What an awful feeling. But I am workign on it - really.
It is beautiful here and we are going out in the boat. Woot!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Now is the winter of our discontent
I slept on my knee funny and it is killing me! As in, limping, skipped my lunchtime walk… pain! Getting old ain’t for sissies….
My son has apparently gone from adorable youngster to surly teen at record breaking speed. He is grounded after getting into a tiff with my mom last night and marching out of the house. ARGH! This is doubly frustrating, because it is his fall break and he was supposed to be with grandma & grandpa, and now he’s skulking about at home. I swear, there are times I have no idea what that child is thinking…. Oh that’s right, he’s 11 – he’s not! Most of the time he’s fine, but then he gets into one of these moods and it nearly always ends in tears.
I am so not interested in exercising – watching a movie sounds like sooo much more fun. I know, I enjoy the exercise when I do it, but getting my butt in gear is feeling tough right now.
It’s fall – this means beautiful trees, cooler weather, and an insatiable craving for cheese! Saints preserve us!
The up side to rainy weather (other than the fact that I enjoy a nice rain) is that the clouds keep the heat in – this morning it was 48 when I got up to walk. Woo hoo!
I bet the folks at the gym have put my picture on a milk carton.
Baked cottage cheese (with a bit of mozzarella & egg white mixed in) over broccoli and topped with tomato sauce and a dash of parm isn’t a terrible way to eat cottage cheese. Lasagna its not, but its pretty good. Never let it be said I’m not stubborn! The stuff is so cheap and convenient that I am determined to find ways to eat it.
I am so excited about going to the Smithsonian next month. Some friends are meeting us for a museum & lunch, and then Friday night we are meeting up with a high school friend of the hub’s & his family. They haven’t seen each other in a while and I’ve never met them, so that’ll be nice.
I slept on my knee funny and it is killing me! As in, limping, skipped my lunchtime walk… pain! Getting old ain’t for sissies….
My son has apparently gone from adorable youngster to surly teen at record breaking speed. He is grounded after getting into a tiff with my mom last night and marching out of the house. ARGH! This is doubly frustrating, because it is his fall break and he was supposed to be with grandma & grandpa, and now he’s skulking about at home. I swear, there are times I have no idea what that child is thinking…. Oh that’s right, he’s 11 – he’s not! Most of the time he’s fine, but then he gets into one of these moods and it nearly always ends in tears.
I am so not interested in exercising – watching a movie sounds like sooo much more fun. I know, I enjoy the exercise when I do it, but getting my butt in gear is feeling tough right now.
It’s fall – this means beautiful trees, cooler weather, and an insatiable craving for cheese! Saints preserve us!
The up side to rainy weather (other than the fact that I enjoy a nice rain) is that the clouds keep the heat in – this morning it was 48 when I got up to walk. Woo hoo!
I bet the folks at the gym have put my picture on a milk carton.
Baked cottage cheese (with a bit of mozzarella & egg white mixed in) over broccoli and topped with tomato sauce and a dash of parm isn’t a terrible way to eat cottage cheese. Lasagna its not, but its pretty good. Never let it be said I’m not stubborn! The stuff is so cheap and convenient that I am determined to find ways to eat it.
I am so excited about going to the Smithsonian next month. Some friends are meeting us for a museum & lunch, and then Friday night we are meeting up with a high school friend of the hub’s & his family. They haven’t seen each other in a while and I’ve never met them, so that’ll be nice.
Friday, November 03, 2006
600 Posts later…..
I blew past 500 posts, completely missed my 2 year “blogoversary” back in April, so I guess I’ll try to take a look back here at the 600 mark.
Weight: Up about 7 pounds. Ouch. My feelings of frustration with this area of my life continue unabated. In that regard, I can’t say I’ve achieved my goals.
Exercise: Still exercising regularly. The intensity, like my excitement, waxes and wanes. But this is a constant in my life.
Other stuff: I’m happier. I’m enjoying the things I do outside work more, I’m enjoying work more, and overall I feel like I’ve used my time well.
I still wanna get in those jeans though!
I blew past 500 posts, completely missed my 2 year “blogoversary” back in April, so I guess I’ll try to take a look back here at the 600 mark.
Weight: Up about 7 pounds. Ouch. My feelings of frustration with this area of my life continue unabated. In that regard, I can’t say I’ve achieved my goals.
Exercise: Still exercising regularly. The intensity, like my excitement, waxes and wanes. But this is a constant in my life.
Other stuff: I’m happier. I’m enjoying the things I do outside work more, I’m enjoying work more, and overall I feel like I’ve used my time well.
I still wanna get in those jeans though!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Hellewwww
I am feeling much better! I even got up and walked yesterday morning. I slept in this morning – I stayed up a wee bit late watching a scary movie. It was Halloween – I had to watch at least one! My girlfriend that was over this past weekend doesn’t like scary movies, so I didn’t get to see any – so I haven’t gotten my fill.
It is going to be 75 here today – I plan to enjoy it by taking a nice walk this afternoon! It will be cooling down to the mid 50s over the next few days – I think this is the last hoorah of the spring weather.
Hub was feeling cruddy yesterday – I left him my kim chi soup to eat, and he is feeling a little better today. I swear by the stuff. Just to make sure, we’re having chicken soup with matzo balls for dinner!
Things are going well. I am happy. Tomorrow I am going to the gym – I’m sure it won’t be much, but it’ll be something.
p.s. this is my 599th post. Can you believe that???
I am feeling much better! I even got up and walked yesterday morning. I slept in this morning – I stayed up a wee bit late watching a scary movie. It was Halloween – I had to watch at least one! My girlfriend that was over this past weekend doesn’t like scary movies, so I didn’t get to see any – so I haven’t gotten my fill.
It is going to be 75 here today – I plan to enjoy it by taking a nice walk this afternoon! It will be cooling down to the mid 50s over the next few days – I think this is the last hoorah of the spring weather.
Hub was feeling cruddy yesterday – I left him my kim chi soup to eat, and he is feeling a little better today. I swear by the stuff. Just to make sure, we’re having chicken soup with matzo balls for dinner!
Things are going well. I am happy. Tomorrow I am going to the gym – I’m sure it won’t be much, but it’ll be something.
p.s. this is my 599th post. Can you believe that???
Sunday, October 29, 2006
A pleasant nothingness
Well, my cold is doing quite well. I am feeling crappy. I had kim chi ji gae (a Korean stew) for lunch, which is better than chicken soup. I had chicken soup for dinner. My head is so stuffed up – ugh. I have done very little this weekend, which has been very nice. I had to drive up to Raleigh Saturday for a class – I have taken over as the NC regional treasurer for our medieval group. Then I drove home and a friend came over and stayed until this afternoon. We did some sewing – I didn’t get a whole lot done, but the weather was very nice and we had the back door open. Unfortunately, I have to go to work tomorrow since I have no sick time. Blech.
It wasn’t a bad weekend, I just hope I feel better soon.
Well, my cold is doing quite well. I am feeling crappy. I had kim chi ji gae (a Korean stew) for lunch, which is better than chicken soup. I had chicken soup for dinner. My head is so stuffed up – ugh. I have done very little this weekend, which has been very nice. I had to drive up to Raleigh Saturday for a class – I have taken over as the NC regional treasurer for our medieval group. Then I drove home and a friend came over and stayed until this afternoon. We did some sewing – I didn’t get a whole lot done, but the weather was very nice and we had the back door open. Unfortunately, I have to go to work tomorrow since I have no sick time. Blech.
It wasn’t a bad weekend, I just hope I feel better soon.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Kerflooey
Here is a recipe I made last night, which I found on a blog (but I don’t remember which – scale & perspective maybe?)
Smoked Sausage with Cabbage & Sweet Potatoes
1 can (13 3/4 oz) fat free chicken broth
6 oz dark beer
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp mustard seed
1 lb sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 medium onion, diced
6 cups (firmly packed) cabbage, shredded (1 10 oz package of the pre-shredded stuff was perfect)
8 ounces turkey kielbasa (or other precooked smoked sausage), sliced and quartered
1 large apple, cored and diced
Add chicken broth and beer to a deep 12" covered skillet (I just used my dutch oven...) Stir in Dijon mustard
Add mustard seed and bring to a boil.
Add sweet potato and onion, reduce heat to medium
Cover and cook until potatoes are almost done (~5-7 minutes), stir occasionally
Add cabbage, cover and cook until potatoes are done and cabbage is tender-crisp (~10-15 minutes,) stir occasionally
Add sausage and apple, cook another 3 minutes.
I didn’t have a large apple, so I used 2 small ones – I thought that was a bit much. Actually, I might substitute carrots for the apple – the apple was a bit too sweet for my taste. But it was fast and very good.
I got up and walked this morning – it was 34. It is unseasonably cold here. I had a difficult time convincing myself to get out of bed!
Do you enjoy your evenings? I think part of the reason I go so nuts on the weekend is that my evenings aren’t very relaxing during the week. Cook, clean. Laundry, homework detail (which takes up loads of time) – maybe I get a bath & a few minutes to read. I can barely get out of bed now, so I don’t want to stay up later. I just think I’m not really winding down. Unfortunately, the hub can’t help with homework. Hmm. Must think about this one.
Work is busy – that’s mostly good but I am starting to get a bit frustrated. I am looking forward to my trip next month.
Here is a recipe I made last night, which I found on a blog (but I don’t remember which – scale & perspective maybe?)
Smoked Sausage with Cabbage & Sweet Potatoes
1 can (13 3/4 oz) fat free chicken broth
6 oz dark beer
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp mustard seed
1 lb sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 medium onion, diced
6 cups (firmly packed) cabbage, shredded (1 10 oz package of the pre-shredded stuff was perfect)
8 ounces turkey kielbasa (or other precooked smoked sausage), sliced and quartered
1 large apple, cored and diced
Add chicken broth and beer to a deep 12" covered skillet (I just used my dutch oven...) Stir in Dijon mustard
Add mustard seed and bring to a boil.
Add sweet potato and onion, reduce heat to medium
Cover and cook until potatoes are almost done (~5-7 minutes), stir occasionally
Add cabbage, cover and cook until potatoes are done and cabbage is tender-crisp (~10-15 minutes,) stir occasionally
Add sausage and apple, cook another 3 minutes.
I didn’t have a large apple, so I used 2 small ones – I thought that was a bit much. Actually, I might substitute carrots for the apple – the apple was a bit too sweet for my taste. But it was fast and very good.
I got up and walked this morning – it was 34. It is unseasonably cold here. I had a difficult time convincing myself to get out of bed!
Do you enjoy your evenings? I think part of the reason I go so nuts on the weekend is that my evenings aren’t very relaxing during the week. Cook, clean. Laundry, homework detail (which takes up loads of time) – maybe I get a bath & a few minutes to read. I can barely get out of bed now, so I don’t want to stay up later. I just think I’m not really winding down. Unfortunately, the hub can’t help with homework. Hmm. Must think about this one.
Work is busy – that’s mostly good but I am starting to get a bit frustrated. I am looking forward to my trip next month.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
No shocking revelations today
My computer was DOA all day Friday, I was busy all weekend, and I was home with a sick child yesterday. Excuses, excuses.
I’m okay – I had a nice loss last week – all that weird blip up plus half a pound, so headed in the right direction. We had a lovely weekend and I used yesterday as an opportunity to give my house a thorough cleaning. A clean house makes me a happy woman.
Food is planned, exercise is planned, and this week promises to be far less hectic than last. Fall is just gorgeous around here right now – Saturday was sunny and comfortable – the kind of fall day when you want to spend the whole day outside. While we have several projects we want to accomplish this winter, I don’t feel frantic. While finances are tighter than I’d like (as if that’s new!), I’m not frantic about that either. I am using my Hilton rewards points to get one night (of 2) free next month up in DC. I’m looking forward to that.
Nothing earth shattering, just a relatively happy woman, trying to fit back into her old pants. :-)
My computer was DOA all day Friday, I was busy all weekend, and I was home with a sick child yesterday. Excuses, excuses.
I’m okay – I had a nice loss last week – all that weird blip up plus half a pound, so headed in the right direction. We had a lovely weekend and I used yesterday as an opportunity to give my house a thorough cleaning. A clean house makes me a happy woman.
Food is planned, exercise is planned, and this week promises to be far less hectic than last. Fall is just gorgeous around here right now – Saturday was sunny and comfortable – the kind of fall day when you want to spend the whole day outside. While we have several projects we want to accomplish this winter, I don’t feel frantic. While finances are tighter than I’d like (as if that’s new!), I’m not frantic about that either. I am using my Hilton rewards points to get one night (of 2) free next month up in DC. I’m looking forward to that.
Nothing earth shattering, just a relatively happy woman, trying to fit back into her old pants. :-)
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
What day is it????
I gotta say, this week is flying by! I've been working on pulling some info together in a sort of ad hoc way at the office, and it has been fun. I really enjoy "discovering" an issue, and digging around to find out about it. Maybe I'm nosy??? :-)
Food is going fine, but exercise has been lacking this week. Rain plus a bunch of stuff to do in the evenings has meant that I haven't been doing what I should. :-( Not so good. But I did exercise on Monday, so I've only skipped one day. Still, I need to combat the fluff from both avenues!
I'm going to keep this short - I need my afternoon snakc, then its off to the fabric store for fabric to make both my guys fighting tabards for this weekend. Fun! I plan to at least make it out for a walk this evening.
Have a good one!
I gotta say, this week is flying by! I've been working on pulling some info together in a sort of ad hoc way at the office, and it has been fun. I really enjoy "discovering" an issue, and digging around to find out about it. Maybe I'm nosy??? :-)
Food is going fine, but exercise has been lacking this week. Rain plus a bunch of stuff to do in the evenings has meant that I haven't been doing what I should. :-( Not so good. But I did exercise on Monday, so I've only skipped one day. Still, I need to combat the fluff from both avenues!
I'm going to keep this short - I need my afternoon snakc, then its off to the fabric store for fabric to make both my guys fighting tabards for this weekend. Fun! I plan to at least make it out for a walk this evening.
Have a good one!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Full of myself
I am wearing new jeans. I’m glad I got mad at my husband a couple of weeks ago and decided to go shopping and bought a pair of jeans. I hate these jeans because they are the not-so-new-now style where the waist is actually halfway down to my hips, which makes my flubber pooch out the top. I am glad to be wearing these pants because they are now officially the only pair of jeans I have that fit. This cannot go on, says the woman who sat around drinking beer and eating mini egg rolls with her hub while watching Star Trek last night.
I am a dork. A dork who is going to the gym this afternoon. A dork who ran this weekend. A dork who at least didn’t have dinner AND beer and egg rolls last night. They were lowfat baked egg rolls from my freezer and not deep fried. So maybe it wasn’t a huge disaster – just a regular sized disaster. Time for her royal dorkiness to eat her berries and cottage cheese. Caio!
I am wearing new jeans. I’m glad I got mad at my husband a couple of weeks ago and decided to go shopping and bought a pair of jeans. I hate these jeans because they are the not-so-new-now style where the waist is actually halfway down to my hips, which makes my flubber pooch out the top. I am glad to be wearing these pants because they are now officially the only pair of jeans I have that fit. This cannot go on, says the woman who sat around drinking beer and eating mini egg rolls with her hub while watching Star Trek last night.
I am a dork. A dork who is going to the gym this afternoon. A dork who ran this weekend. A dork who at least didn’t have dinner AND beer and egg rolls last night. They were lowfat baked egg rolls from my freezer and not deep fried. So maybe it wasn’t a huge disaster – just a regular sized disaster. Time for her royal dorkiness to eat her berries and cottage cheese. Caio!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Everybody's working for the weekend
Another busy week at the office - which isn't bad IMO because it makes the time go quickly and even though what I've been working on is a bit tedious, once I get it set up I get to pass maintenance off to someone else. :-)
I don't think I mentioned it, but the boy is grounded for a good chunk of the weekend. We're trying not to be too strict, but set a firm example now. It's easier to discipline an almost 12 year old than a 16 year old - at least that's my thought. So, we're trying to establish the boundaries now. Puberty is grand!
We were looking at cancelling our date night, but we agreed to let the boy spend last night over at my mom's (his school is closed a couple of days) so he could do some yard work for her. SO, we had date night last night! We made homemade pizza (much healthier than store bought and very yummy!) and watched some sci-fi shoes we had tivo-ed. I did get on the scale, but given that my rings weren't fitting this morning (gee, do anchovies make you retain water????), I think the number isn't a 'real' one. Not trying to make excuses - I did record it, but I'm taking it with a grain of salt. Maybe I should pass on the salt... ha!
I am taking a calligraphy and illumination class tomorrow - I'm excited about that. It's something I've wanted to learn for a while, and I'm finally finding the time. Other than that, just a little sewing and the usual triumvirate of cooking, cleaning, & shopping. The boy and I are getting new costume pants for a medieval thing next weekend, and I am going to try my hand at an apron. I have a beautiful piece of fabric - it's a leaf pattern. Its fairly large and I have no idea what to do with it. But I have an apron that belonged to my great grandmother which I also love. So I'm going to try & make a fabric pattern using the apron, and then make a copy out of my leaf fabric.
I don't have a load of house projects on the books for the winter - I am considering painting a border under the crown moulding in my living room. Maybe I'll post pics and get your opinions. But no rush on that.
The weather looks to be very pleasant this weekend, so I'll be sure to hit the road! :-) Have a great weekend!
Another busy week at the office - which isn't bad IMO because it makes the time go quickly and even though what I've been working on is a bit tedious, once I get it set up I get to pass maintenance off to someone else. :-)
I don't think I mentioned it, but the boy is grounded for a good chunk of the weekend. We're trying not to be too strict, but set a firm example now. It's easier to discipline an almost 12 year old than a 16 year old - at least that's my thought. So, we're trying to establish the boundaries now. Puberty is grand!
We were looking at cancelling our date night, but we agreed to let the boy spend last night over at my mom's (his school is closed a couple of days) so he could do some yard work for her. SO, we had date night last night! We made homemade pizza (much healthier than store bought and very yummy!) and watched some sci-fi shoes we had tivo-ed. I did get on the scale, but given that my rings weren't fitting this morning (gee, do anchovies make you retain water????), I think the number isn't a 'real' one. Not trying to make excuses - I did record it, but I'm taking it with a grain of salt. Maybe I should pass on the salt... ha!
I am taking a calligraphy and illumination class tomorrow - I'm excited about that. It's something I've wanted to learn for a while, and I'm finally finding the time. Other than that, just a little sewing and the usual triumvirate of cooking, cleaning, & shopping. The boy and I are getting new costume pants for a medieval thing next weekend, and I am going to try my hand at an apron. I have a beautiful piece of fabric - it's a leaf pattern. Its fairly large and I have no idea what to do with it. But I have an apron that belonged to my great grandmother which I also love. So I'm going to try & make a fabric pattern using the apron, and then make a copy out of my leaf fabric.
I don't have a load of house projects on the books for the winter - I am considering painting a border under the crown moulding in my living room. Maybe I'll post pics and get your opinions. But no rush on that.
The weather looks to be very pleasant this weekend, so I'll be sure to hit the road! :-) Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Still yet another quick post
Well hello!!!! Are you still here???? This week has been busy everywhere, so my posting has not been as regular as I would like. I have had a startling revelation this week: life never stops happening. I mean, I know this. I’ve said it a bunch of times, but somehow this week that felt true for me. There is always a celebration, or a need to stay late at the office, or to go by W-M, or rain… life is always happening. I have to adapt my plans to those occurrences if I want to be successful.
I’m feeling deprived, but doing okay - I hate the mind games my mind can come up with! Well, back to it!
Well hello!!!! Are you still here???? This week has been busy everywhere, so my posting has not been as regular as I would like. I have had a startling revelation this week: life never stops happening. I mean, I know this. I’ve said it a bunch of times, but somehow this week that felt true for me. There is always a celebration, or a need to stay late at the office, or to go by W-M, or rain… life is always happening. I have to adapt my plans to those occurrences if I want to be successful.
I’m feeling deprived, but doing okay - I hate the mind games my mind can come up with! Well, back to it!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Back to reality
I’m back at work today after my long weekend. It’s a busy day but I wanted to put out a quick post to let everyone know that the boy did a great job at his black belt test Saturday. We were so proud!
The weather Sunday was cloudy & a bit cool, so it was perfect for walking around an amusement park! We thoroughly enjoyed Busch Gardens, and go home safely.
I spent yesterday shopping, cooking, cleaning, & doing laundry. A productive day – and it was nice being home alone. So peaceful. ;-)
Tonight we are taking the boy out for a surprise celebration dinner. He’s asked a couple of time to go to the MeltingPot – a local fondue restaurant. How many 11 year olds ask for fondue??? My son is weird… So, that’s where we’re going for dinner tonight. Somehow I doubt I’ll post a loss this week…..
I’m back at work today after my long weekend. It’s a busy day but I wanted to put out a quick post to let everyone know that the boy did a great job at his black belt test Saturday. We were so proud!
The weather Sunday was cloudy & a bit cool, so it was perfect for walking around an amusement park! We thoroughly enjoyed Busch Gardens, and go home safely.
I spent yesterday shopping, cooking, cleaning, & doing laundry. A productive day – and it was nice being home alone. So peaceful. ;-)
Tonight we are taking the boy out for a surprise celebration dinner. He’s asked a couple of time to go to the MeltingPot – a local fondue restaurant. How many 11 year olds ask for fondue??? My son is weird… So, that’s where we’re going for dinner tonight. Somehow I doubt I’ll post a loss this week…..
Friday, October 06, 2006
Here
Just a quick note to say I am alive & doing pretty well. I’ve been busy at work and busy at home getting ready to go out of town. Tomorrow the weather is going to be yucky, but hopefully Sunday will be nice for us.
I posted a 1.5 pound loss this week. I’m not sure why, but it has encouraged me! I haven’t made exercise a high priority given the trip this weekend and the hub’s birthday.
I am taking Monday off so I have time to get the food situation in order for the week. We cleaned the house some last night, so I won’t be coming home to a mess, thank goodness!
This week feels like it has been very long and I feel very tired. I hope this is a relaxing weekend. For tomorrow I am taking a couple of books – I am reading a history of the TdF “Le Tour” and I just got “A world lit only by fire” in the mail. It’s a book about the medieval period. I used to have it but apparently lost it/lent it/who knows. So I scored a used copy off amazon. So I’ve got a couple of good books for traveling, waiting in the hotel room, at the test, etc.
I have to go home & pack. I have supper in the crockpot, so all I have to do is load the dirty dishes and leave the neighbor a note about Carmen’s medicine schedule. I’d love to soak in a tub, but alas, I don’t think I’ll have time. Maybe I’ll make the time!
The boy has a short school week next week, so his grandpa is picking him up Wednesday after tae kwon do. Practically no cooking! Woo hoo! I’ll make a pot of chili & the hub and I can eat that a couple of nights.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Just a quick note to say I am alive & doing pretty well. I’ve been busy at work and busy at home getting ready to go out of town. Tomorrow the weather is going to be yucky, but hopefully Sunday will be nice for us.
I posted a 1.5 pound loss this week. I’m not sure why, but it has encouraged me! I haven’t made exercise a high priority given the trip this weekend and the hub’s birthday.
I am taking Monday off so I have time to get the food situation in order for the week. We cleaned the house some last night, so I won’t be coming home to a mess, thank goodness!
This week feels like it has been very long and I feel very tired. I hope this is a relaxing weekend. For tomorrow I am taking a couple of books – I am reading a history of the TdF “Le Tour” and I just got “A world lit only by fire” in the mail. It’s a book about the medieval period. I used to have it but apparently lost it/lent it/who knows. So I scored a used copy off amazon. So I’ve got a couple of good books for traveling, waiting in the hotel room, at the test, etc.
I have to go home & pack. I have supper in the crockpot, so all I have to do is load the dirty dishes and leave the neighbor a note about Carmen’s medicine schedule. I’d love to soak in a tub, but alas, I don’t think I’ll have time. Maybe I’ll make the time!
The boy has a short school week next week, so his grandpa is picking him up Wednesday after tae kwon do. Practically no cooking! Woo hoo! I’ll make a pot of chili & the hub and I can eat that a couple of nights.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Teeming with Life
I went out to the car a few minutes ago and it sounded like a rainforest outside!!! Birds everywhere, each trying to chirp over the others. The day today is incredibly bright – the air is comfortable, and the leaves have barely begun to change. The air feels like fall but the look tells you that every living thing is wide awake. Its odd how in just a few days that will all begin to change as fall begins to seriously set in.
This morning was funny – I woke up with a headache, the boy had a sore throat, and the hub is plagued by allergies. Sitting around the breakfast table this morning, we probably looked like a scene from “Leave it to Beaver”, if the Cleavers had spent the prior night partying at Graceland! :-O
Today is the hub’s birthday. I have to confess that both my mom and I forgot! Luckily, she has an AmEx gift card in her purse, so she just had to buy a card. She dropped it off at the house this morning as she dropped her dogs on the way to Georgia. I skipped kickboxing last night to do a little last minute shopping. I was in luck! I found season 6 of “Star Trek: Deep Space 9” (we only have 1 episode left to watch in season 5) AND a boxed set of fans’ favorite top “Klingon” episodes (the hub loves Klingons). It has 2 or 3 shows from each of the 4 Star Treks (nothing from Enterprise). I got 5 cards, one from me, one from the boy, and one from each of the dogs. Each card is perfect for each dog. I made season 6 from people and the K collection from the dogs! We are going out to Sagebru$h for dinner – I checked out their menu online and have a game plan.
I’ve also bought single servings things of flavored salmon & tuna for the weekend, I have some string cheese, mom is getting grapes & bananas, and we’re taking sandwich fixings for Saturday. Sunday will be dicey, but I think Saturday will be fine.
I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned it here, but I work in a call center (not on the phone). Its kind of interesting as there is a sort of “chicken or the egg” principle at work here: the phone staff is disproportionately overweight. I mean, really overweight. I know that NC is a “fatter” than average state, but this is even more so. I wonder if the job is the cause, or it’s a job overweight people gravitate to because it is so sedentary? Maybe both.
I bring this up because the truth is, my work environment is part of what keeps me on the fitness path. I’ve seen co-workers have WLS and lose weight, but I’ve also seen co-workers become more overweight with time. One lady I used to work with now comes into the building pushing her oxygen tank. That’s an extreme example, but it’s an “in your face” reminder that being overweight has medical consequences. Yeah, we all know that, but seeing it up close brings it home. She’s a nice lady, but she’s killing herself with food. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I realize that I must sound like a broken recode here at time – struggle, get up, fall, struggle, get up…. and on and on. But really, what options do we have? I don’t know that I’ll ever have it all figured out, but I can’t stop working on it. I guess I am my own ultimate “do it yourself project! ha ha ha
Have a good one!
I went out to the car a few minutes ago and it sounded like a rainforest outside!!! Birds everywhere, each trying to chirp over the others. The day today is incredibly bright – the air is comfortable, and the leaves have barely begun to change. The air feels like fall but the look tells you that every living thing is wide awake. Its odd how in just a few days that will all begin to change as fall begins to seriously set in.
This morning was funny – I woke up with a headache, the boy had a sore throat, and the hub is plagued by allergies. Sitting around the breakfast table this morning, we probably looked like a scene from “Leave it to Beaver”, if the Cleavers had spent the prior night partying at Graceland! :-O
Today is the hub’s birthday. I have to confess that both my mom and I forgot! Luckily, she has an AmEx gift card in her purse, so she just had to buy a card. She dropped it off at the house this morning as she dropped her dogs on the way to Georgia. I skipped kickboxing last night to do a little last minute shopping. I was in luck! I found season 6 of “Star Trek: Deep Space 9” (we only have 1 episode left to watch in season 5) AND a boxed set of fans’ favorite top “Klingon” episodes (the hub loves Klingons). It has 2 or 3 shows from each of the 4 Star Treks (nothing from Enterprise). I got 5 cards, one from me, one from the boy, and one from each of the dogs. Each card is perfect for each dog. I made season 6 from people and the K collection from the dogs! We are going out to Sagebru$h for dinner – I checked out their menu online and have a game plan.
I’ve also bought single servings things of flavored salmon & tuna for the weekend, I have some string cheese, mom is getting grapes & bananas, and we’re taking sandwich fixings for Saturday. Sunday will be dicey, but I think Saturday will be fine.
I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned it here, but I work in a call center (not on the phone). Its kind of interesting as there is a sort of “chicken or the egg” principle at work here: the phone staff is disproportionately overweight. I mean, really overweight. I know that NC is a “fatter” than average state, but this is even more so. I wonder if the job is the cause, or it’s a job overweight people gravitate to because it is so sedentary? Maybe both.
I bring this up because the truth is, my work environment is part of what keeps me on the fitness path. I’ve seen co-workers have WLS and lose weight, but I’ve also seen co-workers become more overweight with time. One lady I used to work with now comes into the building pushing her oxygen tank. That’s an extreme example, but it’s an “in your face” reminder that being overweight has medical consequences. Yeah, we all know that, but seeing it up close brings it home. She’s a nice lady, but she’s killing herself with food. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I realize that I must sound like a broken recode here at time – struggle, get up, fall, struggle, get up…. and on and on. But really, what options do we have? I don’t know that I’ll ever have it all figured out, but I can’t stop working on it. I guess I am my own ultimate “do it yourself project! ha ha ha
Have a good one!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
This day, every day
Yesterday I didn’t want to go to the gym. It’s not that I didn’t know that I’d have a good time once I got there (which I did) or that I didn’t realize that I’d feel great driving home (which I did), it was knowing that as often as I go to the gym, as often as I get up and walk, I still feel like a cow. Mooo.
You know how people sometimes talk about how other folks sabotage their efforts to lose weight? Well, I sabotage my own efforts. (Like that’s news!) I didn’t want to go because I felt like I’d put the effort in, and then I’d undo it at some point in the week by overeating. In short, I felt defeated by flab.
But I wasn’t defeated yesterday. I got up and did my 2 miles, I had an awesome session at the gym, and I didn’t put too much food into my mouth. And I felt very good. And I won’t be defeated today either. I guess I’m nervous because we are going to be out of town all weekend, which means 6 meals eaten on the road, in restaurants. Scary. I am trying to plan ahead. I know there will be one “free” meal, eaten at our favorite Italian restaurant - which just happens to be located in Williamsburg, across the road from Busch Gardens. I also know lunch Sunday will be tough because it will be eaten in the park, and it’s all but impossible to find healthy, reasonably portioned fare inside the amusement park. I can pack a lunch for Saturday, breakfast isn’t too difficult – that just leaves dinner Sunday (maybe we can hit a Cracker Barrel) and the dreaded ”S” word – snacks. Send me strength!
My great aunt & mom came over for dinner last night. It was her last visit before heading back to Georgia tomorrow. It’s a bit like having my grandma back – I’ll miss her.
Because the boy was on restriction all weekend he didn’t get to watch any tv unless it was something we just happened to be watching, which is how he got hooked on season 5 of “Star Trek: Deep Space 9”. Something our whole family can agree on – amazing!
Well, I have nothing profound to say – my husband got down my fall decorations yesterday, but I was too lazy to put them up. But today is another day. :-)
Yesterday I didn’t want to go to the gym. It’s not that I didn’t know that I’d have a good time once I got there (which I did) or that I didn’t realize that I’d feel great driving home (which I did), it was knowing that as often as I go to the gym, as often as I get up and walk, I still feel like a cow. Mooo.
You know how people sometimes talk about how other folks sabotage their efforts to lose weight? Well, I sabotage my own efforts. (Like that’s news!) I didn’t want to go because I felt like I’d put the effort in, and then I’d undo it at some point in the week by overeating. In short, I felt defeated by flab.
But I wasn’t defeated yesterday. I got up and did my 2 miles, I had an awesome session at the gym, and I didn’t put too much food into my mouth. And I felt very good. And I won’t be defeated today either. I guess I’m nervous because we are going to be out of town all weekend, which means 6 meals eaten on the road, in restaurants. Scary. I am trying to plan ahead. I know there will be one “free” meal, eaten at our favorite Italian restaurant - which just happens to be located in Williamsburg, across the road from Busch Gardens. I also know lunch Sunday will be tough because it will be eaten in the park, and it’s all but impossible to find healthy, reasonably portioned fare inside the amusement park. I can pack a lunch for Saturday, breakfast isn’t too difficult – that just leaves dinner Sunday (maybe we can hit a Cracker Barrel) and the dreaded ”S” word – snacks. Send me strength!
My great aunt & mom came over for dinner last night. It was her last visit before heading back to Georgia tomorrow. It’s a bit like having my grandma back – I’ll miss her.
Because the boy was on restriction all weekend he didn’t get to watch any tv unless it was something we just happened to be watching, which is how he got hooked on season 5 of “Star Trek: Deep Space 9”. Something our whole family can agree on – amazing!
Well, I have nothing profound to say – my husband got down my fall decorations yesterday, but I was too lazy to put them up. But today is another day. :-)
Friday, September 29, 2006
End of the week – Party!!!!
Gotta say I’m glad this week is over. It’s been a doosy!
Hub and I had a situation earlier in the week where another couple (well, the wife) basically picked a fight with hub bad enough to end the friendship. The root cause is jealousy. It really stinks and we’re both angry & upset – this totally came out of left field. We have a lot of mutual friends, who have made it plain (to them) they need to resolve the issue themselves. This could make things a bit awkward at some of our medieval stuff. It makes me sad – I hate to see grown people act so immature.
I did pretty well despite the stressful situations, and managed to post a half pound loss. Yay!!! Now I am really fired up. I’d like to go to kickboxing tomorrow morning, but am torn between that & lifting weights. Of course, I could always go to kickboxing and then lift later in the day. Or lift this afternoon. Hmmm…. I have a long (4 mile) run scheduled for Sunday. Good times!
I get a very good (free) motivational e-newsletter from Tom Venuto. I really recommend it – even though his focus is on the weights, it has a lot to offer even for folks that aren’t so into the lifting. If you google his name, you’ll get to his site.
On another note, things calmed down on my yahoo group. It’s a great group of ladies – small, so not a lot of traffic, but very supportive. If you are looking for a small, low volume group to you to provide some support in your fitness journey, I would recommend it. Drop me an email, and I’ll put you in touch with the moderator.
Hub is doing yard work and working on his (and the boy’s) armor this weekend. I will be happily puttering about my house. I have so much to do I know I won’t be able to squeeze it all in. But I plan to enjoy every minute of it!
I will leave you with this thought, courtesy of Tom V.:
“Successful people TAKE ACTION! They are testing things, they are doing things, they are in almost perpetual motion! Unsuccessful people are always “thinking about it” creating plans, preparing, getting things ready, or god forbid, waiting until “the time is right” such as “until new years,” “when finals are over,” "after vacation" or “after the kids go back to school.”
Gotta say I’m glad this week is over. It’s been a doosy!
Hub and I had a situation earlier in the week where another couple (well, the wife) basically picked a fight with hub bad enough to end the friendship. The root cause is jealousy. It really stinks and we’re both angry & upset – this totally came out of left field. We have a lot of mutual friends, who have made it plain (to them) they need to resolve the issue themselves. This could make things a bit awkward at some of our medieval stuff. It makes me sad – I hate to see grown people act so immature.
I did pretty well despite the stressful situations, and managed to post a half pound loss. Yay!!! Now I am really fired up. I’d like to go to kickboxing tomorrow morning, but am torn between that & lifting weights. Of course, I could always go to kickboxing and then lift later in the day. Or lift this afternoon. Hmmm…. I have a long (4 mile) run scheduled for Sunday. Good times!
I get a very good (free) motivational e-newsletter from Tom Venuto. I really recommend it – even though his focus is on the weights, it has a lot to offer even for folks that aren’t so into the lifting. If you google his name, you’ll get to his site.
On another note, things calmed down on my yahoo group. It’s a great group of ladies – small, so not a lot of traffic, but very supportive. If you are looking for a small, low volume group to you to provide some support in your fitness journey, I would recommend it. Drop me an email, and I’ll put you in touch with the moderator.
Hub is doing yard work and working on his (and the boy’s) armor this weekend. I will be happily puttering about my house. I have so much to do I know I won’t be able to squeeze it all in. But I plan to enjoy every minute of it!
I will leave you with this thought, courtesy of Tom V.:
“Successful people TAKE ACTION! They are testing things, they are doing things, they are in almost perpetual motion! Unsuccessful people are always “thinking about it” creating plans, preparing, getting things ready, or god forbid, waiting until “the time is right” such as “until new years,” “when finals are over,” "after vacation" or “after the kids go back to school.”
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
14 focused on 14
It was kind of ironic – when I got on the scale last Friday I realized that there were 14 weeks left in the year and I had 14 pounds to get back to where I was. Pretty sad. I’d like to say my goal is to get back there by year end, but I don’t think that’s possible. My goal is to focus on behaviors that will move the scale, and achieve the best results I can while staying sane. I’m hoping that if I can focus & see some real results for those 14 weeks, I’ll be excited enough to keep it up. Hey, I was in basic training nearly that long, right??? Actually, now it’s only 13 and a half. Ha!
So, here’s the plan:
1. Plan my food and stick to it. Give myself a small snack after dinner, but don’t turn it into “license to munch.”
2. Limit my free meals. These are slipping again. I’ve decided to limit my free meals and dole them out for each half pound lost, with a cap of 3 in a week. I know, food as a reward for losing weight. Maybe cheese dip can provide incentive. I’m willing to try.
3. I’ve buddied up with a friend and have promised to report my food & exercise, and how close I stuck to my plan. Even if all she does is delete it, I’ve shared it.
In the interest of full disclosure, here is a recap of yesterday and the plan for today:
Yesterday:
am: 2 mile walk/run
b: spinach/crab quiche
s: cottage cheese & berries
l: boca burger on a slice of white wheat, homemade veggie soup, salad
s: 2 slices ff bologna, orange
pm: 25 minutes on the treadmill (200 cal burned according to the machine)
d: lentil soup
s: ff sf chocolate pudding
So, I stuck to my plan. One day down, 6 months to go! Woo hoo! (Ugh :-)
Here's today:
am: 2 mile walk/run
b: spinach/crab quiche
s: cottage cheese & berries
l: boca burger on a slice of white wheat, homemade veggie soup, salad
s: 2 slices ff bologna, orange
pm: lift weights
d: beef noodle casserole
s: ff sf chocolate pudding
Yesterday was not a good day. For one, I really hate waking up to a sink full of dirty dishes when the hub has agreed to wash them. And its happening more frequently. We talked yesterday afternoon, and he didn’t realize how much he was slacking. So hopefully that will get better. Then we had system issues at work. I left a yahoo group I’ve been in for over 4 years (I was a founding member) because a woman on the list sent an email intended to be personal where she pretty much slammed a couple of us. “You do have to watch what you say there-- we have a few-- that do not believe in extra marital affairs-- etc. So sometimes watch what you say.” There was more, but you get the idea. Nice, huh? And the topper was that hub had taken the day off to move his mom (yes, she got a full time job at a storage unit place – apartment included – about an hour away) and after spending the day moving her, he got to fill up the moving van before he turned it in. You know we paid for it. Is she a winner or what?
But, you know what? I feel a heck of a lot better today. I have fresh music on the MP3 player. The boy was in a good mood this morning. Things with the hubster are on an upswing (always nice!), and I just feel like I’m getting a handle on life, the universe, .. everything. Ha! But you know what I mean. I was in a total funk last night, I think I used it all up. I hope so!
Have a good one!
It was kind of ironic – when I got on the scale last Friday I realized that there were 14 weeks left in the year and I had 14 pounds to get back to where I was. Pretty sad. I’d like to say my goal is to get back there by year end, but I don’t think that’s possible. My goal is to focus on behaviors that will move the scale, and achieve the best results I can while staying sane. I’m hoping that if I can focus & see some real results for those 14 weeks, I’ll be excited enough to keep it up. Hey, I was in basic training nearly that long, right??? Actually, now it’s only 13 and a half. Ha!
So, here’s the plan:
1. Plan my food and stick to it. Give myself a small snack after dinner, but don’t turn it into “license to munch.”
2. Limit my free meals. These are slipping again. I’ve decided to limit my free meals and dole them out for each half pound lost, with a cap of 3 in a week. I know, food as a reward for losing weight. Maybe cheese dip can provide incentive. I’m willing to try.
3. I’ve buddied up with a friend and have promised to report my food & exercise, and how close I stuck to my plan. Even if all she does is delete it, I’ve shared it.
In the interest of full disclosure, here is a recap of yesterday and the plan for today:
Yesterday:
am: 2 mile walk/run
b: spinach/crab quiche
s: cottage cheese & berries
l: boca burger on a slice of white wheat, homemade veggie soup, salad
s: 2 slices ff bologna, orange
pm: 25 minutes on the treadmill (200 cal burned according to the machine)
d: lentil soup
s: ff sf chocolate pudding
So, I stuck to my plan. One day down, 6 months to go! Woo hoo! (Ugh :-)
Here's today:
am: 2 mile walk/run
b: spinach/crab quiche
s: cottage cheese & berries
l: boca burger on a slice of white wheat, homemade veggie soup, salad
s: 2 slices ff bologna, orange
pm: lift weights
d: beef noodle casserole
s: ff sf chocolate pudding
Yesterday was not a good day. For one, I really hate waking up to a sink full of dirty dishes when the hub has agreed to wash them. And its happening more frequently. We talked yesterday afternoon, and he didn’t realize how much he was slacking. So hopefully that will get better. Then we had system issues at work. I left a yahoo group I’ve been in for over 4 years (I was a founding member) because a woman on the list sent an email intended to be personal where she pretty much slammed a couple of us. “You do have to watch what you say there-- we have a few-- that do not believe in extra marital affairs-- etc. So sometimes watch what you say.” There was more, but you get the idea. Nice, huh? And the topper was that hub had taken the day off to move his mom (yes, she got a full time job at a storage unit place – apartment included – about an hour away) and after spending the day moving her, he got to fill up the moving van before he turned it in. You know we paid for it. Is she a winner or what?
But, you know what? I feel a heck of a lot better today. I have fresh music on the MP3 player. The boy was in a good mood this morning. Things with the hubster are on an upswing (always nice!), and I just feel like I’m getting a handle on life, the universe, .. everything. Ha! But you know what I mean. I was in a total funk last night, I think I used it all up. I hope so!
Have a good one!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Starting fresh
Things are looking much better today, for a few reasons.
Hub and I sat down and talked. Like a lot of couples, we sometimes get so caught up in the day to day, we fail to take the time to sit down and really talk. Even though we let things go longer than we should, we do make time and really talk about things honestly. That's not easy for either of us though. :-)
So, things are looking much better. We're having some issues with the boy putting the effort into school that he should be, so we've had to tighten up the screws a little bit and get more strict about how much time he needs to spend studying. He's not happy, but he didn't freak out either when we set down the new rules.
I spent the weekend going way overboard foodwise. I've also sat down some stricter rules for myself about my diet and exercise. I think part of my unhappiness is that I have not been really taking care of myself the way I should so I feel guilty and not up to par physically either. But I have a plan to work on that.
I guess this weekend was about mapping out strategies for dealing with issues on many fronts. That's not always easy, but its necessary.
Just wanted everyone to know that I'm okay. I come here to vent & let off steam, and then I pick myself up & keep going. Anyway, feeling a lot more positive today.
Take care you guys!
Things are looking much better today, for a few reasons.
Hub and I sat down and talked. Like a lot of couples, we sometimes get so caught up in the day to day, we fail to take the time to sit down and really talk. Even though we let things go longer than we should, we do make time and really talk about things honestly. That's not easy for either of us though. :-)
So, things are looking much better. We're having some issues with the boy putting the effort into school that he should be, so we've had to tighten up the screws a little bit and get more strict about how much time he needs to spend studying. He's not happy, but he didn't freak out either when we set down the new rules.
I spent the weekend going way overboard foodwise. I've also sat down some stricter rules for myself about my diet and exercise. I think part of my unhappiness is that I have not been really taking care of myself the way I should so I feel guilty and not up to par physically either. But I have a plan to work on that.
I guess this weekend was about mapping out strategies for dealing with issues on many fronts. That's not always easy, but its necessary.
Just wanted everyone to know that I'm okay. I come here to vent & let off steam, and then I pick myself up & keep going. Anyway, feeling a lot more positive today.
Take care you guys!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
How to diet, yet remain fat
Today’s title is ripped off from fatcyclist’s blog, where I found a pretty interesting post with that title.
Fat C. wrote a post about various diets he had tried, how much weight he’d lost, and how much weight he regained when he went off the diet (hence the name of his blog I guess).
That’s very different than my experience of the past 3 years or so. Convinced that diets don’t work, I’ve tried instead to “change my lifestyle.” This has been partly successful – I’ve been able to make exercise (cardio and weights) a regular part of my life. We may part ways for a bit – but I know we are forever linked together. I cook at home on a regular basis, and we all eat a homemade lunch and breakfast. Sure, there are weeks where we may go out twice (gasp!), but that’s now the exception. I eat more fruits and vegetables, and overall I believe my diet is healthier.
BUT. But I do not eat few enough calories to lose weight consistently – or even to maintain the loss I’d achieved. I was thinking on the drive in this morning how much I hope that I haven’t gained weight this week because the number on the scale last week hurt my heart. I remember how frustrated I felt when I was stuck at 150.5, and how badly I wanted to see the 140s. And now I’d be happy if I could see 150.5 by the end of the year. But I go home and eat chips & salsa & beer because it’s the only thing I can do to make myself feel better right now. And I just want to sooth myself because my heart hurts and I can’t really talk to anyone (except here) and I’m thinking how tomorrow night I have to sit down and talk about this stuff with my husband. Stuff we’ve been avoiding all week and how I really don’t want to, but I’m a grown-up and we can’t ignore things that won’t just magically go away – they’ll eat at our relationship. But who enjoys cleaning infection out of a wound? It happens in relationships – its normal and you have issues and you deal with them and move on and that’s life but it sure isn’t the fun part of life. And it’ll feel so much better if I think about it with an order of jalepeno poppers from Sonic.
So my lifestyle is much healthier, but it isn’t a lifestyle that leads to weight loss and if I really want to lose weight maybe I need to think about the dreaded ‘d’ word.
Today’s title is ripped off from fatcyclist’s blog, where I found a pretty interesting post with that title.
Fat C. wrote a post about various diets he had tried, how much weight he’d lost, and how much weight he regained when he went off the diet (hence the name of his blog I guess).
That’s very different than my experience of the past 3 years or so. Convinced that diets don’t work, I’ve tried instead to “change my lifestyle.” This has been partly successful – I’ve been able to make exercise (cardio and weights) a regular part of my life. We may part ways for a bit – but I know we are forever linked together. I cook at home on a regular basis, and we all eat a homemade lunch and breakfast. Sure, there are weeks where we may go out twice (gasp!), but that’s now the exception. I eat more fruits and vegetables, and overall I believe my diet is healthier.
BUT. But I do not eat few enough calories to lose weight consistently – or even to maintain the loss I’d achieved. I was thinking on the drive in this morning how much I hope that I haven’t gained weight this week because the number on the scale last week hurt my heart. I remember how frustrated I felt when I was stuck at 150.5, and how badly I wanted to see the 140s. And now I’d be happy if I could see 150.5 by the end of the year. But I go home and eat chips & salsa & beer because it’s the only thing I can do to make myself feel better right now. And I just want to sooth myself because my heart hurts and I can’t really talk to anyone (except here) and I’m thinking how tomorrow night I have to sit down and talk about this stuff with my husband. Stuff we’ve been avoiding all week and how I really don’t want to, but I’m a grown-up and we can’t ignore things that won’t just magically go away – they’ll eat at our relationship. But who enjoys cleaning infection out of a wound? It happens in relationships – its normal and you have issues and you deal with them and move on and that’s life but it sure isn’t the fun part of life. And it’ll feel so much better if I think about it with an order of jalepeno poppers from Sonic.
So my lifestyle is much healthier, but it isn’t a lifestyle that leads to weight loss and if I really want to lose weight maybe I need to think about the dreaded ‘d’ word.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Time to move some metal
First off, thanks for the kind words – as always. This isn’t the kind of blog that gets a lot of traffic or a lot of comments, but I find a lot of support here. I appreciate it very much.
Right now my feelings are very raw and all in a jumble. The only way I feel like I can handle them is to hide behind some cheese dip and a frosty cold beverage. Sigh. I know that isn’t the best way, but right now I feel like I need a little time to create a little distance before I can get on with the work of dealing with the things we obviously need to address. It always comes down to my husband’s inability to communicate his feelings. I don’t know how to change that. I may not be able to. But we can’t keep having the same problems over and over. The cycle has to be broken – he agrees, but it doesn’t happen.
After work yesterday I just couldn’t stand the thought of going home right away, so I went shopping. This was probably a mistake. I bought a pair of jeans – size 14. Gross. I’m down to one pair of jeans that fit, and I can’t get through the winter with one pair of jeans. I also bought a shirt (on clearance) – a nice white one to wear to work, 3 pair of shoes (for Pennsic – they were like $7 apiece!), and a dozen washcloths. Those were $3.40! I have a thing for white washcloths – my theory is how do I know my face is clean if I’m using a colored washcloth? Hey – I used to only be able to use white towels also. I blame the Army for my towel weirdness.
I went home & ate Mexican for dinner. I feel like poo – I didn’t exercise at all yesterday, and I slept in this morning. The boy & I have a dermatologist appointment this afternoon – I’m hoping that after that I can squeeze in a trip to the gym at some point this evening. I feel like I’ve totally derailed even though its only been 1 day and Monday dinner. And I worked out Monday. I’ve got to baby step my way back to my good habits. They are like a rock. So why do I let go when I get stressed?
First off, thanks for the kind words – as always. This isn’t the kind of blog that gets a lot of traffic or a lot of comments, but I find a lot of support here. I appreciate it very much.
Right now my feelings are very raw and all in a jumble. The only way I feel like I can handle them is to hide behind some cheese dip and a frosty cold beverage. Sigh. I know that isn’t the best way, but right now I feel like I need a little time to create a little distance before I can get on with the work of dealing with the things we obviously need to address. It always comes down to my husband’s inability to communicate his feelings. I don’t know how to change that. I may not be able to. But we can’t keep having the same problems over and over. The cycle has to be broken – he agrees, but it doesn’t happen.
After work yesterday I just couldn’t stand the thought of going home right away, so I went shopping. This was probably a mistake. I bought a pair of jeans – size 14. Gross. I’m down to one pair of jeans that fit, and I can’t get through the winter with one pair of jeans. I also bought a shirt (on clearance) – a nice white one to wear to work, 3 pair of shoes (for Pennsic – they were like $7 apiece!), and a dozen washcloths. Those were $3.40! I have a thing for white washcloths – my theory is how do I know my face is clean if I’m using a colored washcloth? Hey – I used to only be able to use white towels also. I blame the Army for my towel weirdness.
I went home & ate Mexican for dinner. I feel like poo – I didn’t exercise at all yesterday, and I slept in this morning. The boy & I have a dermatologist appointment this afternoon – I’m hoping that after that I can squeeze in a trip to the gym at some point this evening. I feel like I’ve totally derailed even though its only been 1 day and Monday dinner. And I worked out Monday. I’ve got to baby step my way back to my good habits. They are like a rock. So why do I let go when I get stressed?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Inadvertent hiatus
I didn’t mean to not post for days on end, it just happened. I was dead tired Friday, plus busy at work then busy at home. I was gone from 6 am to 10 pm Saturday, then went to a friend’s house Sunday. So it was very busy. Food wasn’t too bad – until yesterday.
I went to the gym after work & had a really great lifting session. I went home all happy & pumped up, with a great dinner planned. Hub and I had a really bad fight. Really bad. One of those where there isn’t a lot of shouting, but you feel like the foundation of your marriage has just experienced an earthquake. First I couldn’t eat, then I couldn’t stop. I had a small pizza for dinner. Light cheese, not all the crust, but an entire small pizza. And 2 beers. It tasted like crap, and I ate every bit of it just so I could stop feeling for just a few minutes.
Right now I feel tired (needless to say, I didn’t sleep so hot) and thoroughly defeated.
I didn’t mean to not post for days on end, it just happened. I was dead tired Friday, plus busy at work then busy at home. I was gone from 6 am to 10 pm Saturday, then went to a friend’s house Sunday. So it was very busy. Food wasn’t too bad – until yesterday.
I went to the gym after work & had a really great lifting session. I went home all happy & pumped up, with a great dinner planned. Hub and I had a really bad fight. Really bad. One of those where there isn’t a lot of shouting, but you feel like the foundation of your marriage has just experienced an earthquake. First I couldn’t eat, then I couldn’t stop. I had a small pizza for dinner. Light cheese, not all the crust, but an entire small pizza. And 2 beers. It tasted like crap, and I ate every bit of it just so I could stop feeling for just a few minutes.
Right now I feel tired (needless to say, I didn’t sleep so hot) and thoroughly defeated.
Friday, September 15, 2006
It’s my blog and I’ll whine if I want to!
While singing the praises of creatine, I snuck the down side in and no one even noticed. Creatine works its magic (in part) by drawing water into the muscles. Extra water = extra???. Yup, the scale was up 2 pounds. Ouch! I know its just water, and that water is helping me feel better and lift better, but as paranoid as I am about the freaking scale right now, that hurt.
I was all ready to finish the week out on a high note, but no. Hub wanted a beer last night, which meant he wanted company drinking a beer. When I said no, he badgered. I told him straight up that I was tired and one would be too many and 12 wouldn’t be enough. I warned him. Remember that T-shirt “Instant a$$hole. Just add alcohol.”? Yeah, that was me last night. There went my free night. Jinkies. I ate a bunch of crap, and woke up this morning feeling defeated. Like I’ll never be able to lose weight, I’ll always be a slave to food, and I had a headache to boot.
I am only working a half day today – I have loads to do this afternoon since I’ll be out of town both days this weekend (on 2 different road trips). It’s gonna be a busy one. At least I won’t have a lot of time to lay around and eat crap.
While singing the praises of creatine, I snuck the down side in and no one even noticed. Creatine works its magic (in part) by drawing water into the muscles. Extra water = extra???. Yup, the scale was up 2 pounds. Ouch! I know its just water, and that water is helping me feel better and lift better, but as paranoid as I am about the freaking scale right now, that hurt.
I was all ready to finish the week out on a high note, but no. Hub wanted a beer last night, which meant he wanted company drinking a beer. When I said no, he badgered. I told him straight up that I was tired and one would be too many and 12 wouldn’t be enough. I warned him. Remember that T-shirt “Instant a$$hole. Just add alcohol.”? Yeah, that was me last night. There went my free night. Jinkies. I ate a bunch of crap, and woke up this morning feeling defeated. Like I’ll never be able to lose weight, I’ll always be a slave to food, and I had a headache to boot.
I am only working a half day today – I have loads to do this afternoon since I’ll be out of town both days this weekend (on 2 different road trips). It’s gonna be a busy one. At least I won’t have a lot of time to lay around and eat crap.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Fall?
The past couple of days have been overcast & rainy – giving us a brief hint of fall. Tomorrow we’re back to sunny & 80, but for yesterday & today its low 70s & cloudy. I had the perfect dinner planned for yesterday – baked pork chops, sweet potatoes, and creamed spinach. Even my son said “This is the perfect dinner for today.” Some days it’s the little things that make me happy.
I went to the gym yesterday afternoon. My legs were still pretty sore from kickboxing, so I left my leg exercises off and did the rest. I was shocked at how much stronger my upper body was! I upped weights and/or reps on everything. Was it because I left off the leg exercises? I dunno, but I was pleased. It felt awesome. Then I went home, had a hot bath, & fixed supper.
I must’ve been tired last night because I totally slept through my run time this morning. Not I “decided not to get up”, I mean I never even noticed I was supposed to wake up – I just slept. Well, I guess that means I needed it. I had planned to take this afternoon off anyway, so I guess maybe I’ll walk 2 miles. It’s going to be cool enough.
Things are still going well with exercise & food. My only gripe is that I wish this felt normal. It feels good, but I keep waiting for the shoe to drop. I want to throw the shoe away!
The past couple of days have been overcast & rainy – giving us a brief hint of fall. Tomorrow we’re back to sunny & 80, but for yesterday & today its low 70s & cloudy. I had the perfect dinner planned for yesterday – baked pork chops, sweet potatoes, and creamed spinach. Even my son said “This is the perfect dinner for today.” Some days it’s the little things that make me happy.
I went to the gym yesterday afternoon. My legs were still pretty sore from kickboxing, so I left my leg exercises off and did the rest. I was shocked at how much stronger my upper body was! I upped weights and/or reps on everything. Was it because I left off the leg exercises? I dunno, but I was pleased. It felt awesome. Then I went home, had a hot bath, & fixed supper.
I must’ve been tired last night because I totally slept through my run time this morning. Not I “decided not to get up”, I mean I never even noticed I was supposed to wake up – I just slept. Well, I guess that means I needed it. I had planned to take this afternoon off anyway, so I guess maybe I’ll walk 2 miles. It’s going to be cool enough.
Things are still going well with exercise & food. My only gripe is that I wish this felt normal. It feels good, but I keep waiting for the shoe to drop. I want to throw the shoe away!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Promise made, promise kept
Can I just take a moment to say how much I didn’t want to go to kickboxing yesterday? (Of course I can – it’s my blog. Ha!) I mean really. Did. Not. Want. To. Go. But I got in my car, called a friend, called hub. He was sympathetic “Yeah, I know how you feel. But go.” So I drove past my first exit, then my second, and that’s all the exits there are for our town – I was committed! It was hard, and I was tired, but I was truly glad I went. I had a light supper and that was plenty. It’s like I told myself in the car, if I had gone home, what would I have done? Eat? Yeah, probably. Going was the better option for sure.
This morning’s mantra was “feet on floor.” I was tired, but I got in a good 2 mile run. It’s been super busy here today (I got here early. Not only my boss already here, but he was already on the phone with HIS boss!). So the day has flown by. In short, things are going well.
Do I want to lift weights this afternoon? Heck no! What would make a good bribe? The promise of a nice long tub? Getting tomorrow afternoon off? Must. Go. To. The. Gym.
The weird thing is I have fun when I get there, so why don’t I ever want to go? Mystery of the ages people.
Can I just take a moment to say how much I didn’t want to go to kickboxing yesterday? (Of course I can – it’s my blog. Ha!) I mean really. Did. Not. Want. To. Go. But I got in my car, called a friend, called hub. He was sympathetic “Yeah, I know how you feel. But go.” So I drove past my first exit, then my second, and that’s all the exits there are for our town – I was committed! It was hard, and I was tired, but I was truly glad I went. I had a light supper and that was plenty. It’s like I told myself in the car, if I had gone home, what would I have done? Eat? Yeah, probably. Going was the better option for sure.
This morning’s mantra was “feet on floor.” I was tired, but I got in a good 2 mile run. It’s been super busy here today (I got here early. Not only my boss already here, but he was already on the phone with HIS boss!). So the day has flown by. In short, things are going well.
Do I want to lift weights this afternoon? Heck no! What would make a good bribe? The promise of a nice long tub? Getting tomorrow afternoon off? Must. Go. To. The. Gym.
The weird thing is I have fun when I get there, so why don’t I ever want to go? Mystery of the ages people.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Be in the now
I was thinking as I was running this morning about how often when I am exercising, my mind is on the 43 things I will be doing after I work out. On the weekend I'm thinking about when I'll finish my run, what time I'll get out to the grocery, how long the shopping will take, etc etc. Weekday weight lifting sessions are filled with what time I need to finish to pick up th eboy to get dinner done... you get the idea.
I feel like I'm cheating myself in my workouts - instead of putting the most into my workout, my brain has already moved on to the next thing. I know that during the week I need to set limits so that I'm back by 6, but when I leave the house I generally have a good idea of how far I can go and get home on time.
Today I lifted weights after work. I only looked at my watch once. I didn't promise to pick up the boy - as a matter of fact I was so tired after my workout that I called hub and asked him to take care of that. To get the most out of my workout, my brain needs to be there as well as my body. I don't promise that I will always be this mindful, but I'm trying.
My workout was awesome - I really pushed myself and it felt great. I ran 2 miles this morning - mostly running, and that was good too. I had a beer both Saturday and Sunday nights, but other than that, my food was pretty decent this weekend. I'm working on it. :-)
Well, that's about it.
I was thinking as I was running this morning about how often when I am exercising, my mind is on the 43 things I will be doing after I work out. On the weekend I'm thinking about when I'll finish my run, what time I'll get out to the grocery, how long the shopping will take, etc etc. Weekday weight lifting sessions are filled with what time I need to finish to pick up th eboy to get dinner done... you get the idea.
I feel like I'm cheating myself in my workouts - instead of putting the most into my workout, my brain has already moved on to the next thing. I know that during the week I need to set limits so that I'm back by 6, but when I leave the house I generally have a good idea of how far I can go and get home on time.
Today I lifted weights after work. I only looked at my watch once. I didn't promise to pick up the boy - as a matter of fact I was so tired after my workout that I called hub and asked him to take care of that. To get the most out of my workout, my brain needs to be there as well as my body. I don't promise that I will always be this mindful, but I'm trying.
My workout was awesome - I really pushed myself and it felt great. I ran 2 miles this morning - mostly running, and that was good too. I had a beer both Saturday and Sunday nights, but other than that, my food was pretty decent this weekend. I'm working on it. :-)
Well, that's about it.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Hello
Hmmm... I am in the mood to munch, so I am posting here instead. So far this has been a nice weekend. Friday we cleaned up the house some, so that we could go out of town for the day Saturday. We got up yesterday morning, went to the gym and lifted weights, then came home, packed the car, & headed out. We had a nice day, although it was very hot. As much as I love spring & summer, I'm looking forward to cooler weather.
My workout yesterday morning was excellent! I'm not sore, and I really pushed it hard. My 2 free meals were Thursday and Friday evenings, both of which I overdid a bit. But yesterday was fine, and today has been okay so far. I was scheduled for a 5 mile run this morning, but the heat really took it out of me yesterday. I walked 2 miles instead - I will either do my run tonight or in the morning - it depends on how I feel.
We did teambuilding at work Friday, although our boss had a couple of meetings at the office. I have the feeling that we are going to have a very busy week! This presentation is turning in to a 2-headed hydra. I am looking forward to it being over I must admit, although it has been a great opportunity and challenge.
Well, I am going to go. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Hmmm... I am in the mood to munch, so I am posting here instead. So far this has been a nice weekend. Friday we cleaned up the house some, so that we could go out of town for the day Saturday. We got up yesterday morning, went to the gym and lifted weights, then came home, packed the car, & headed out. We had a nice day, although it was very hot. As much as I love spring & summer, I'm looking forward to cooler weather.
My workout yesterday morning was excellent! I'm not sore, and I really pushed it hard. My 2 free meals were Thursday and Friday evenings, both of which I overdid a bit. But yesterday was fine, and today has been okay so far. I was scheduled for a 5 mile run this morning, but the heat really took it out of me yesterday. I walked 2 miles instead - I will either do my run tonight or in the morning - it depends on how I feel.
We did teambuilding at work Friday, although our boss had a couple of meetings at the office. I have the feeling that we are going to have a very busy week! This presentation is turning in to a 2-headed hydra. I am looking forward to it being over I must admit, although it has been a great opportunity and challenge.
Well, I am going to go. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
“Anger is a gift.” – graffiti by the side of Pla-de-Beret.
Rant on.
I was so pissed off this morning! Here’s the deal: my neck is still hurting and my PMS is killing me and I’m working hard and I feel like poo…. I go home last night and while hub is taking the boy to tkd I make a nice supper. They get home and immediately get into a big fight – the boy is upset that hub has set out mouse traps (we have a mouse that is getting from the garage into the kitchen.) He asks me to pick up some of those “humane” traps with the one way door, which I do since I had to stop by W-M on the way home anyway. They had one, so I bought it. The hub refuses to put it out or take down the spring traps. The boy gets all upset (he loves all animals) and goes to his room, crying. So dinner is ruined, I feel like crap. I eat and head for the tub, after which I had a beer (just one – I went to the store and bought just one) and finished off the pint of lowfat Haagan-Daz coffee ice cream. Hub meanwhile spends the evening watching tv, talking to friends on the phone, and emailing. What do I wake up to this morning? If you guessed a filthy kitchen you’d be right. I totally lost it. I cook, and he’s supposed to clean, but “he didn’t feel like it.” I packed my lunch & left – no breakfast made for anyone, no lunches packed. The boy can buy it and hub can pack his own damn lunch. Oh yeah – and the mouse? He’d avoided the spring traps for days, but was in the humane trap in under an hour.
Rant off.
I had an awesome (anger fueled) run this morning. I flirted with the idea of sleeping in, then told myself I could “just walk”. By the time I left the house I needed to run harder than a race horse. Two miles later, I was sweaty, panting, and my calves were cramping up. Good times.
Other than last night, food is going fine. I won’t be in the office tomorrow, so I weighed today – I was down half a pound. I would’ve liked more, but it’s a start.
From bodybuilding.com: “So, what is creatine? Our bodies naturally make the compound, which is used to supply energy to our muscles. It is produced in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys, and is transported to the body's muscles through the bloodstream. Once it reaches the muscles, it is converted into phosphocreatine (creatine phosphate). This high-powered metabolite is used to regenerate the muscles' ultimate energy source, ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Creatine's ability to enhance energy reserves in muscles comes from its muscle protein synthesizing action, while minimizing protein breakdown. This occurs because creatine has the awesome effect of super-hydrating muscle cells with water. It enhances muscles' growth too-making muscle fibers bigger and stronger.” That says it better than I could.
Well, back to the salt mine. Have a good one.
Rant on.
I was so pissed off this morning! Here’s the deal: my neck is still hurting and my PMS is killing me and I’m working hard and I feel like poo…. I go home last night and while hub is taking the boy to tkd I make a nice supper. They get home and immediately get into a big fight – the boy is upset that hub has set out mouse traps (we have a mouse that is getting from the garage into the kitchen.) He asks me to pick up some of those “humane” traps with the one way door, which I do since I had to stop by W-M on the way home anyway. They had one, so I bought it. The hub refuses to put it out or take down the spring traps. The boy gets all upset (he loves all animals) and goes to his room, crying. So dinner is ruined, I feel like crap. I eat and head for the tub, after which I had a beer (just one – I went to the store and bought just one) and finished off the pint of lowfat Haagan-Daz coffee ice cream. Hub meanwhile spends the evening watching tv, talking to friends on the phone, and emailing. What do I wake up to this morning? If you guessed a filthy kitchen you’d be right. I totally lost it. I cook, and he’s supposed to clean, but “he didn’t feel like it.” I packed my lunch & left – no breakfast made for anyone, no lunches packed. The boy can buy it and hub can pack his own damn lunch. Oh yeah – and the mouse? He’d avoided the spring traps for days, but was in the humane trap in under an hour.
Rant off.
I had an awesome (anger fueled) run this morning. I flirted with the idea of sleeping in, then told myself I could “just walk”. By the time I left the house I needed to run harder than a race horse. Two miles later, I was sweaty, panting, and my calves were cramping up. Good times.
Other than last night, food is going fine. I won’t be in the office tomorrow, so I weighed today – I was down half a pound. I would’ve liked more, but it’s a start.
From bodybuilding.com: “So, what is creatine? Our bodies naturally make the compound, which is used to supply energy to our muscles. It is produced in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys, and is transported to the body's muscles through the bloodstream. Once it reaches the muscles, it is converted into phosphocreatine (creatine phosphate). This high-powered metabolite is used to regenerate the muscles' ultimate energy source, ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Creatine's ability to enhance energy reserves in muscles comes from its muscle protein synthesizing action, while minimizing protein breakdown. This occurs because creatine has the awesome effect of super-hydrating muscle cells with water. It enhances muscles' growth too-making muscle fibers bigger and stronger.” That says it better than I could.
Well, back to the salt mine. Have a good one.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Ahhhh, the magic of creatine
I don’t take a huge number of supplements, but I am willing to try something new. Several folks have recommended creatine to me, so I ponied up the cash and ordered a bottle off bodybuilding.com. I have to say I’m impressed. I went to the gym yesterday and lifted pretty hard – I did my best to kick my own a$$. But I’m not sore today. I slept pretty hard, which is typical after a good weight session, but no soreness. Hurray!
I got up this morning and walked for 2 miles. I ran pretty hard yesterday plus lifted, so I decided to keep it light today. So that’s the workout. Tonight is more sewing.
Food is about the same as yesterday, except dinner tonight is baked fish, salad and ??. Rice, maybe.
I hate to even write about it and potentially jinx it, but I’m in a good place right now. Instead of making a bunch of charts and checking them, I’m trying to slowly change my habits. Getting up is easier this week, and I did a lot more at the gym. Food is much better. I’m still planning out my meals, but I’m pretty much just taking everything one day at a time. I’m afraid if I start setting up a bunch of fancy charts for myself, I’ll set some impossible goal & then freak out when I don’t achieve it. I have a ramp-up plan, but no hard timeline around it – just ramping up a bit more each week until I’m at my exercise target. I am adding a mile a week to my long run – I did 4 miles this past weekend. Baby steps, right?
I don’t take a huge number of supplements, but I am willing to try something new. Several folks have recommended creatine to me, so I ponied up the cash and ordered a bottle off bodybuilding.com. I have to say I’m impressed. I went to the gym yesterday and lifted pretty hard – I did my best to kick my own a$$. But I’m not sore today. I slept pretty hard, which is typical after a good weight session, but no soreness. Hurray!
I got up this morning and walked for 2 miles. I ran pretty hard yesterday plus lifted, so I decided to keep it light today. So that’s the workout. Tonight is more sewing.
Food is about the same as yesterday, except dinner tonight is baked fish, salad and ??. Rice, maybe.
I hate to even write about it and potentially jinx it, but I’m in a good place right now. Instead of making a bunch of charts and checking them, I’m trying to slowly change my habits. Getting up is easier this week, and I did a lot more at the gym. Food is much better. I’m still planning out my meals, but I’m pretty much just taking everything one day at a time. I’m afraid if I start setting up a bunch of fancy charts for myself, I’ll set some impossible goal & then freak out when I don’t achieve it. I have a ramp-up plan, but no hard timeline around it – just ramping up a bit more each week until I’m at my exercise target. I am adding a mile a week to my long run – I did 4 miles this past weekend. Baby steps, right?
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
It’s in the rain (my run that is)
I previewed my first workout DVD from Netflix – “Crunch Bootcamp”. It was pretty decent and would make a good sub for a trip to the gym. Not sure it would be a good sub for a run IMO. Anyhow, I still don’t have the tv set up, nor do I have a good cardio DVD. Yesterday morning I skipped my run due to rain, opting to do it in the afternoon. It wasn’t raining and it was cooler, but it was pretty muggy. I did for 4 miles, mostly walking. This morning I was kinda cranky when I realized it was raining again, but I opted to run in the rain. I did 2 miles, mostly running. It wasn’t too bad – I had on a hat. My shoes got pretty squishy, but only on the top. The bottoms of my socks were dry, so I wasn’t worried about blisters. This morning felt like a really good run. I took my MP3 player, and as I came into the final cool down stretch, what song came on? Enya’s “It’s in the rain” from her new CD. Who says god doesn’t have a sense of humor? ;-)
Eats are going pretty good – although I really wanted to nosh last night while sewing. I wonder if the urge to snack after supper will ever go away? Here’s today’s food for the curious:
B: 1 egg, 1 egg white, ½ c oats with a bit of whey protein and mixed berries
S: cottage cheese and mixed berries
L: part of a steak, vegetable soup, salad
S: shredded chicken with bbq sauce, grapes
D: Family is having chicken casserole and green beans. I think I’ll make the casserole a side, and have chicken, a small serving of casserole, and green beans.
Here’s wishing you all runs as fun as mine was today!
I previewed my first workout DVD from Netflix – “Crunch Bootcamp”. It was pretty decent and would make a good sub for a trip to the gym. Not sure it would be a good sub for a run IMO. Anyhow, I still don’t have the tv set up, nor do I have a good cardio DVD. Yesterday morning I skipped my run due to rain, opting to do it in the afternoon. It wasn’t raining and it was cooler, but it was pretty muggy. I did for 4 miles, mostly walking. This morning I was kinda cranky when I realized it was raining again, but I opted to run in the rain. I did 2 miles, mostly running. It wasn’t too bad – I had on a hat. My shoes got pretty squishy, but only on the top. The bottoms of my socks were dry, so I wasn’t worried about blisters. This morning felt like a really good run. I took my MP3 player, and as I came into the final cool down stretch, what song came on? Enya’s “It’s in the rain” from her new CD. Who says god doesn’t have a sense of humor? ;-)
Eats are going pretty good – although I really wanted to nosh last night while sewing. I wonder if the urge to snack after supper will ever go away? Here’s today’s food for the curious:
B: 1 egg, 1 egg white, ½ c oats with a bit of whey protein and mixed berries
S: cottage cheese and mixed berries
L: part of a steak, vegetable soup, salad
S: shredded chicken with bbq sauce, grapes
D: Family is having chicken casserole and green beans. I think I’ll make the casserole a side, and have chicken, a small serving of casserole, and green beans.
Here’s wishing you all runs as fun as mine was today!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Mixed bag
Food was better this weekend, exercise wasn’t. We were out of town all day Saturday, and had guests all weekend. I woke up to run this morning, but it was pouring. Must get hub to set up tv for workouts.
I am either going to run or go to the gym & do some cardio this afternoon. I have done something wonky to my back/neck, so no lifting today. Food is planned for the week – I’ve just go to stick to it.
Food was better this weekend, exercise wasn’t. We were out of town all day Saturday, and had guests all weekend. I woke up to run this morning, but it was pouring. Must get hub to set up tv for workouts.
I am either going to run or go to the gym & do some cardio this afternoon. I have done something wonky to my back/neck, so no lifting today. Food is planned for the week – I’ve just go to stick to it.
Friday, September 01, 2006
October 17, 2003
Why is that date important? That's the last time I weighed as much as I did when I stepped on the scale this morning. 162 pounds. Ouch. I very much want to beat myself up right now, but that won't help I guess. I made a promise to myself I'd never get above 160 again, but I blew right by it. I'm very, very upset.
At least I got on the scale this morning. At least now I know where I am. I want to lose 13 pounds in 17 weeks. I can do this. I WILL do this. I don't want to keep ignoring my body. I don't know whether I should be comforted or discouraged by the fact that there is no end to this thing called keeping healthy. I admit, right now I'm leaning toward discouraged.
I will not use this as an excuse to pig out this weekend. I will not!!!!!!!
Why is that date important? That's the last time I weighed as much as I did when I stepped on the scale this morning. 162 pounds. Ouch. I very much want to beat myself up right now, but that won't help I guess. I made a promise to myself I'd never get above 160 again, but I blew right by it. I'm very, very upset.
At least I got on the scale this morning. At least now I know where I am. I want to lose 13 pounds in 17 weeks. I can do this. I WILL do this. I don't want to keep ignoring my body. I don't know whether I should be comforted or discouraged by the fact that there is no end to this thing called keeping healthy. I admit, right now I'm leaning toward discouraged.
I will not use this as an excuse to pig out this weekend. I will not!!!!!!!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Rainy day.
We are getting thunderstorms here. Which I totally love, except they make me want to sleep! I was pathetically tired last night – I went to bed at 9:30, and slept until after 6! :-O I woke up so stiff and sore – even though I did so little, I overdid it at the gym. I’m going back this afternoon – all I can do is work through it.
So I’m feeling a little discouraged on the exercise front, but I keep telling myself that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and jumping back into my routine isn’t going to happen. Oh well, still slugging along.
I have a ton of stuff to do at the office today – 2 meetings plus a lot of stuff for my boss. Yesterday we found out our weekend company is coming Friday night rather than Saturday morning. That’s great, but it means less time to get everything in order, you know? Luckily, hub will have the day off tomorrow so he can clean, then all I have to do is pick up here and there when I get home. Tonight I need to finish up some sewing for our medieval thing this weekend so I can get my sewing toys all picked up.
Well, that’s about all I know today.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Wireless baby!!!
I am sitting in my easy chair in my living room, watching the last half of alame sci-fi movie on the tv, plugged into nothing in the world, typing on my thinkpad. How freaking cool is that??? technology rocks.
Done nothing but sewing this evening, so I'm feeling pretty relaxed. Don't worry - I promise to wash my face with my new super good for my skin face wash and brush my fangs before turning in early. I'm still stiff, and 5 comes mighty early.
I am sitting in my easy chair in my living room, watching the last half of alame sci-fi movie on the tv, plugged into nothing in the world, typing on my thinkpad. How freaking cool is that??? technology rocks.
Done nothing but sewing this evening, so I'm feeling pretty relaxed. Don't worry - I promise to wash my face with my new super good for my skin face wash and brush my fangs before turning in early. I'm still stiff, and 5 comes mighty early.
Um yeah, it’s like that
Oh. My. God. I went to the gym yesterday afternoon. The nice thing about not keeping track of your workouts or food is that you are able to delude yourself into a false sense of complacency. I have no idea when I last went to the gym - I quit writing the date at the top of the page. According to the way my muscles feel today after that wimpy workout yesterday, it’s been at least 6 or 7 years! I decided to do one circuit of my total body routine. I take small breaks between exercises, but run through the whole thing once, and then back through again. Not so much yesterday. I’ve lost a lot of ground. :-( SO, my weight lifting plan is this: Do a total body circuit twice a week. Do the circuit one time through this week and next, then for 2 weeks go through the circuit twice. After that, I should be ready to split my routine into upper and lower body. Right now I need to work everything lightly a couple of times per week to build back up.
Hub went to the gym this morning and did basically the same thing. He was shocked at how inflexible he was. So we both clearly have a lot of work to do.
This morning I just walked. I ran yesterday plus lifted, and I stayed up a little too late. So I went ahead & got up (I have to get back on schedule!) and walked for 2 miles. I’ll get there – it’s just gonna take a while.
I feel a lot like the Goodyear blimp shoved into a pair of brown capris today. Eating yesterday was on track, so what’s up with that??? Oh well, stay the course.
I think I have a tentative workout schedule planned:
M-F a.m. run and/or walk
Sat or Sun a.m. long run
M & Thu afternoon lift weights
T afternoon kickboxing
I’d like to add one more kickboxing in there, but that’s my goal for the next couple of weeks. That adds up to 9 workouts and I will give myself one “pass” per week. So my goal is 8 of those 9. Yes, I require a lot of exercise. And I’d rather work out twice a day rather than one really long time.
I am so freaking sick of tuna – I’ve had to absolutely choke down my afternoon snack the past couple of days. Maybe if I cover it in bbq sauce??? Tuna is a mainstay of my diet. I eat 5 or 6 times per day with three of those here at work, so I rely heavily on cheap & convenient sources of protein like tuna and cottage cheese. Maybe deviled eggs? But those are only good fresh – sounds like a lot of work. Hmm. I know some folks do protein shakes, but I much prefer not to drink my food. I wind up feeling deprived. Need to think about this one.
I hate the spots on my face. The wrinkles on my forehead don’t bother me too much, but I really hate the spots. I’m considering going to the doctor for a peel. Thoughts?
Well, that’s all I got. Have a good one!
p.s. I’ve posted my pennsic photos on my yahoo photo site – they are under “Pennsic 35.” I haven’t posted my cool craft projects yet though.
Oh. My. God. I went to the gym yesterday afternoon. The nice thing about not keeping track of your workouts or food is that you are able to delude yourself into a false sense of complacency. I have no idea when I last went to the gym - I quit writing the date at the top of the page. According to the way my muscles feel today after that wimpy workout yesterday, it’s been at least 6 or 7 years! I decided to do one circuit of my total body routine. I take small breaks between exercises, but run through the whole thing once, and then back through again. Not so much yesterday. I’ve lost a lot of ground. :-( SO, my weight lifting plan is this: Do a total body circuit twice a week. Do the circuit one time through this week and next, then for 2 weeks go through the circuit twice. After that, I should be ready to split my routine into upper and lower body. Right now I need to work everything lightly a couple of times per week to build back up.
Hub went to the gym this morning and did basically the same thing. He was shocked at how inflexible he was. So we both clearly have a lot of work to do.
This morning I just walked. I ran yesterday plus lifted, and I stayed up a little too late. So I went ahead & got up (I have to get back on schedule!) and walked for 2 miles. I’ll get there – it’s just gonna take a while.
I feel a lot like the Goodyear blimp shoved into a pair of brown capris today. Eating yesterday was on track, so what’s up with that??? Oh well, stay the course.
I think I have a tentative workout schedule planned:
M-F a.m. run and/or walk
Sat or Sun a.m. long run
M & Thu afternoon lift weights
T afternoon kickboxing
I’d like to add one more kickboxing in there, but that’s my goal for the next couple of weeks. That adds up to 9 workouts and I will give myself one “pass” per week. So my goal is 8 of those 9. Yes, I require a lot of exercise. And I’d rather work out twice a day rather than one really long time.
I am so freaking sick of tuna – I’ve had to absolutely choke down my afternoon snack the past couple of days. Maybe if I cover it in bbq sauce??? Tuna is a mainstay of my diet. I eat 5 or 6 times per day with three of those here at work, so I rely heavily on cheap & convenient sources of protein like tuna and cottage cheese. Maybe deviled eggs? But those are only good fresh – sounds like a lot of work. Hmm. I know some folks do protein shakes, but I much prefer not to drink my food. I wind up feeling deprived. Need to think about this one.
I hate the spots on my face. The wrinkles on my forehead don’t bother me too much, but I really hate the spots. I’m considering going to the doctor for a peel. Thoughts?
Well, that’s all I got. Have a good one!
p.s. I’ve posted my pennsic photos on my yahoo photo site – they are under “Pennsic 35.” I haven’t posted my cool craft projects yet though.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
This house is clean!!
No, not of poltergeists – I got rid of the cheese dip and 2 beers that were lurking in the fridge. Okay, it wasn’t a healthy dinner exactly… In any case, the crap is out of the house – I threw the taco chips in the trash this morning. I got up and ran, and I have my weight training log so I can write out what I’m doing at the gym this afternoon. This is very much going to be a baby step, one day at a time process for me until I get back into my routines. Food during the day is under control, I’m back waking up at 5 am, and I have healthy dinners planned for the week.
I stayed up until nearly 10 last night doing cross stitch! It’s so much fun to be doing something like that again – I’m glad I dragged it out. Tonight I have some sewing I want to work on.
It is amazingly muggy here right now – I was a fright when I got back to the house this morning!! Hair all matted to my head, face beet red…. Lots of room for improvement! But I had a good time. I added a bunch of songs to my MP3 player so we could use it in the car – time to get the driving tunes off so I don’t have to skip over them when I run.
I bought a book on the history of the Tour de France to take with me on vacation. I haven’t touched it. I glance at cyclingnews.com and just get sad. I feel a little like a kid who no longer believes in Santa. I don’t know how I’ll feel when the season starts back up next year, but right now I feel like pro cycling has been ruined for me. Which is really sad.
I've updated my weight chart in Excel. Sometimes it gets a little sad to see how long I've been at this, but then sometimes it just reminds me that this is a lifetime commitment and there is no rush.
No, not of poltergeists – I got rid of the cheese dip and 2 beers that were lurking in the fridge. Okay, it wasn’t a healthy dinner exactly… In any case, the crap is out of the house – I threw the taco chips in the trash this morning. I got up and ran, and I have my weight training log so I can write out what I’m doing at the gym this afternoon. This is very much going to be a baby step, one day at a time process for me until I get back into my routines. Food during the day is under control, I’m back waking up at 5 am, and I have healthy dinners planned for the week.
I stayed up until nearly 10 last night doing cross stitch! It’s so much fun to be doing something like that again – I’m glad I dragged it out. Tonight I have some sewing I want to work on.
It is amazingly muggy here right now – I was a fright when I got back to the house this morning!! Hair all matted to my head, face beet red…. Lots of room for improvement! But I had a good time. I added a bunch of songs to my MP3 player so we could use it in the car – time to get the driving tunes off so I don’t have to skip over them when I run.
I bought a book on the history of the Tour de France to take with me on vacation. I haven’t touched it. I glance at cyclingnews.com and just get sad. I feel a little like a kid who no longer believes in Santa. I don’t know how I’ll feel when the season starts back up next year, but right now I feel like pro cycling has been ruined for me. Which is really sad.
I've updated my weight chart in Excel. Sometimes it gets a little sad to see how long I've been at this, but then sometimes it just reminds me that this is a lifetime commitment and there is no rush.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Goals
I’m back from vacation, the house and garage are cleaned up, and its time to start setting some goals for myself. I haven’t gotten on the scale yet, so I dunno what that will bring, but here are my current thoughts:
1. Weight. There are 17 weeks left in the year. I’d love to finally break the 150 point. That’s a loss of around 10 pounds by year end. That should be doable. More than any specific number, I want to be consistent. To that end, food goals:
2. My big thing at first is to start writing down my food. My planned meals are fine – it’s the extras that kill me – especially in the evenings and weekends. Writing would add a level of accountability. Another big help would be
3. Cut out the beer. Totally for a bit. Vacation saw too much beer – which is fine on vacation but its over!
4. Gym – lift weights twice per week. I can never seem to break into that magic 3 times per week, so I’m gonna quit trying. Instead I plan to focus of 2 good workouts, and maybe a good calisthenics workout on another day to supplement.
5. Running. I’m back at it! I’m slow and still doing mostly walking, but that’s okay. I did 3 miles Sunday and my plan is to build up until I’m doing a long run of 10 miles every weekend. At that point I’ll stop adding distance and start working on speed. No specific run in mind, but I need some structure around my program. That will keep me busy for a bit.
That’s it. Nothing spectacular, but a good start.
I had a very nice weekend. I did a bit of sewing, and I got my cross stitch back out. I haven’t worked on that in years, and it felt really nice. I want to find a good balance between my 2 hobbies of exercise and craft stuff. I tend to do one or the other, but I enjoy both, so I need to balance my time.
Work is very demanding and very busy, but it is also very exciting! I’m feeling more fulfilled in my work than I have in years. I’m tired at the end of the day, but also invigorated, if that makes any sense.
All in all, I give life right now a B+. It would get an A, but (as usual) money is a little tight. A friend invited us out to visit her in Seattle – I wish I could afford it. Oh well, a B+ is mighty darn good!
I’m back from vacation, the house and garage are cleaned up, and its time to start setting some goals for myself. I haven’t gotten on the scale yet, so I dunno what that will bring, but here are my current thoughts:
1. Weight. There are 17 weeks left in the year. I’d love to finally break the 150 point. That’s a loss of around 10 pounds by year end. That should be doable. More than any specific number, I want to be consistent. To that end, food goals:
2. My big thing at first is to start writing down my food. My planned meals are fine – it’s the extras that kill me – especially in the evenings and weekends. Writing would add a level of accountability. Another big help would be
3. Cut out the beer. Totally for a bit. Vacation saw too much beer – which is fine on vacation but its over!
4. Gym – lift weights twice per week. I can never seem to break into that magic 3 times per week, so I’m gonna quit trying. Instead I plan to focus of 2 good workouts, and maybe a good calisthenics workout on another day to supplement.
5. Running. I’m back at it! I’m slow and still doing mostly walking, but that’s okay. I did 3 miles Sunday and my plan is to build up until I’m doing a long run of 10 miles every weekend. At that point I’ll stop adding distance and start working on speed. No specific run in mind, but I need some structure around my program. That will keep me busy for a bit.
That’s it. Nothing spectacular, but a good start.
I had a very nice weekend. I did a bit of sewing, and I got my cross stitch back out. I haven’t worked on that in years, and it felt really nice. I want to find a good balance between my 2 hobbies of exercise and craft stuff. I tend to do one or the other, but I enjoy both, so I need to balance my time.
Work is very demanding and very busy, but it is also very exciting! I’m feeling more fulfilled in my work than I have in years. I’m tired at the end of the day, but also invigorated, if that makes any sense.
All in all, I give life right now a B+. It would get an A, but (as usual) money is a little tight. A friend invited us out to visit her in Seattle – I wish I could afford it. Oh well, a B+ is mighty darn good!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Change is afoot
I am slowly getting back into a routine. I am waking up at 5 (as opposed to going to bed at 5), and I am walking in the mornings. I am thinking about putting together a calisthenics routine (push-ups, mountain climbers, sit-ups, etc) to compliment going to the gym. We are going back to the gym next week. Unpacking is about halfway done, and we’ll finish this weekend. In short, life is slowly getting back to normal.
And yet… there are some big changes. As I said, we elected to begin doing our medieval recreation stuff with a larger, more mainstream group that has folks closer to home. As a result of that, we’ll be able to be more active. And because we have completed most of our house projects, we have time again to play. So our social/hobby life which has been lacking will be picking back up.
Based on my efforts prior to vacation, my job has morphed into something quite different. I’m at a place I was hoping to be 2 years from now. Instead of just managing small projects, I’ll be running a project office, coordinating efforts & reporting around a large group of projects which will fall under one large strategic umbrella. This is very exciting! And I feel confident that I can handle it.
I still miss the friends I made on vacation. My friend Misha called last night – it was so nice to hear his voice again. After vacation, life seems a bit blah. So I am glad I have some stuff to look forward to at work and at home to help stave off the post vacation blahs.
I am still catching up on blogs and I can’t wait to read about your adventures! So forgive me if I’m not commenting with my usual regularity. And I am putting a structured running program in place in the next couple of weeks – I’ll keep you posted!
I am slowly getting back into a routine. I am waking up at 5 (as opposed to going to bed at 5), and I am walking in the mornings. I am thinking about putting together a calisthenics routine (push-ups, mountain climbers, sit-ups, etc) to compliment going to the gym. We are going back to the gym next week. Unpacking is about halfway done, and we’ll finish this weekend. In short, life is slowly getting back to normal.
And yet… there are some big changes. As I said, we elected to begin doing our medieval recreation stuff with a larger, more mainstream group that has folks closer to home. As a result of that, we’ll be able to be more active. And because we have completed most of our house projects, we have time again to play. So our social/hobby life which has been lacking will be picking back up.
Based on my efforts prior to vacation, my job has morphed into something quite different. I’m at a place I was hoping to be 2 years from now. Instead of just managing small projects, I’ll be running a project office, coordinating efforts & reporting around a large group of projects which will fall under one large strategic umbrella. This is very exciting! And I feel confident that I can handle it.
I still miss the friends I made on vacation. My friend Misha called last night – it was so nice to hear his voice again. After vacation, life seems a bit blah. So I am glad I have some stuff to look forward to at work and at home to help stave off the post vacation blahs.
I am still catching up on blogs and I can’t wait to read about your adventures! So forgive me if I’m not commenting with my usual regularity. And I am putting a structured running program in place in the next couple of weeks – I’ll keep you posted!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
With a song in my heart
I returned to the office to find that I had met my annual goal for re-engineering saves in my absence (my boss fought for me on my big project). I now have the luxury of working on a much larger, more strategic project. Pretty impressive for 8 months on the job. So, work is good. Make that great.
Hub and I have decided to drop out of the group we had been doing combat recreation with, and go with the more mainstream group most of our friends were already in. That allows us to jettison a lot of stress & baggage – there was a lot of drama in that group. But hub had been a member for 5 years when we met, and I didn’t want to ask him to give it up.
That frees us up to pursue some stuff locally. And our best couple friends decided to leave the belly dance troupe they’d been heavily involved with for the past 2 years as well – which frees them up too. So, we’ll be seeing a lot more of our friends, doing more fun stuff close to home, and don’t have the huge travel commitment of participating in a group based out of Pittsburgh.
We got up and walked a mile this morning (with a couple of stints of jogging for me). That’s not a lot, but the main thing this week IMO is getting back into the routine. The alarm went off at 5 – pretty drastic when you consider last week I was getting home from parties at 3 or 3:30. And food is back to normal which is also good. I introduced the Aussies to marinated mozzarella balls and to cream puffs (both from Costco). I eat lousy at Pennsic – my schedule is whacked, I’m eating out of cans, the food court, whatever folks toss out of their coolers…. But hey, I have 50 weeks to recover.
I was feeling stressed on many fronts when we left for this vacation, I’m feeling so much better – happier & looking forward to fun times with friends. And to running - exercise doesn't seem so much like a chore or punishment any more.
Life is good.
I returned to the office to find that I had met my annual goal for re-engineering saves in my absence (my boss fought for me on my big project). I now have the luxury of working on a much larger, more strategic project. Pretty impressive for 8 months on the job. So, work is good. Make that great.
Hub and I have decided to drop out of the group we had been doing combat recreation with, and go with the more mainstream group most of our friends were already in. That allows us to jettison a lot of stress & baggage – there was a lot of drama in that group. But hub had been a member for 5 years when we met, and I didn’t want to ask him to give it up.
That frees us up to pursue some stuff locally. And our best couple friends decided to leave the belly dance troupe they’d been heavily involved with for the past 2 years as well – which frees them up too. So, we’ll be seeing a lot more of our friends, doing more fun stuff close to home, and don’t have the huge travel commitment of participating in a group based out of Pittsburgh.
We got up and walked a mile this morning (with a couple of stints of jogging for me). That’s not a lot, but the main thing this week IMO is getting back into the routine. The alarm went off at 5 – pretty drastic when you consider last week I was getting home from parties at 3 or 3:30. And food is back to normal which is also good. I introduced the Aussies to marinated mozzarella balls and to cream puffs (both from Costco). I eat lousy at Pennsic – my schedule is whacked, I’m eating out of cans, the food court, whatever folks toss out of their coolers…. But hey, I have 50 weeks to recover.
I was feeling stressed on many fronts when we left for this vacation, I’m feeling so much better – happier & looking forward to fun times with friends. And to running - exercise doesn't seem so much like a chore or punishment any more.
Life is good.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
The Pennsic Beer Garden will live forever in my heart
Warning: this is going to be a long post. If you aren't interested in the detail: I had a terrific time, I'm home safe and sound, and I feel more relaxed, focused, and energized than I have in over a year.
Details follow.
First, I have to give some background on pennsic for this to make any sense, so here goes: A group that does medieval recreation started this "war" 35 years ago (the sca). It has been held in the same place for the past 30 of those years. During that time, it has grown into much much more than this group ever imagined, not to mention the group has grown as well. Now, folks come from all over the world. And not just from this one group, but from numerous other groups that do battle recreation of a similar style. and also just folks that just want to come and party with 12,000 or so other folks. It a cross between a ren faire and woodstock, but better organized than either.
Hub was on staff this year, so we stayed with the head of security & his group, over from Australia. They were terrific! We had a total blast camping with them. They were a fun bunch who fought hard and played harder. It was the most relaxed, fun-loving group of folks I could hope to spend 2 weeks with. We set our chairs up in a circle out under a tree, and every afternoon after battle we sat around in the "beer garden", snacking, having a cold beer, & visiting. It was the most fun, relaxed, vacation I've ever had.
The thing I hated most of all in the military was spending 2 years or so sharing all of your life - work, home, and play, with your close friends, only to move away. We don't generally share that much of ourselves with anyone other than our spouse, so those relationships are extremely tight. That was the way I felt leaving this past weekend. We are already going to start tightening our budget to get our finances to where we can pay our new found friends a visit in a couple of years.
I can't wait until next year. It will be a new group of folks, but I know we've fallen in with a great bunch.
Warning: this is going to be a long post. If you aren't interested in the detail: I had a terrific time, I'm home safe and sound, and I feel more relaxed, focused, and energized than I have in over a year.
Details follow.
First, I have to give some background on pennsic for this to make any sense, so here goes: A group that does medieval recreation started this "war" 35 years ago (the sca). It has been held in the same place for the past 30 of those years. During that time, it has grown into much much more than this group ever imagined, not to mention the group has grown as well. Now, folks come from all over the world. And not just from this one group, but from numerous other groups that do battle recreation of a similar style. and also just folks that just want to come and party with 12,000 or so other folks. It a cross between a ren faire and woodstock, but better organized than either.
Hub was on staff this year, so we stayed with the head of security & his group, over from Australia. They were terrific! We had a total blast camping with them. They were a fun bunch who fought hard and played harder. It was the most relaxed, fun-loving group of folks I could hope to spend 2 weeks with. We set our chairs up in a circle out under a tree, and every afternoon after battle we sat around in the "beer garden", snacking, having a cold beer, & visiting. It was the most fun, relaxed, vacation I've ever had.
The thing I hated most of all in the military was spending 2 years or so sharing all of your life - work, home, and play, with your close friends, only to move away. We don't generally share that much of ourselves with anyone other than our spouse, so those relationships are extremely tight. That was the way I felt leaving this past weekend. We are already going to start tightening our budget to get our finances to where we can pay our new found friends a visit in a couple of years.
I can't wait until next year. It will be a new group of folks, but I know we've fallen in with a great bunch.
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