Happy New Year
Hello. I am at home today, sick. Yes, still sick. I finally broke down and went to the doctor, who told me I have a vial infection. In short, not much can be done except wait for it to be over. Ugh. Stuffy nose, sore throat, the works. I plan to be back at the office tomorrow, but I figured I could use one more day of rest. And I wanted to make sure I don't have strep throat or anything.
A few things to report:
The party was very nice. I think everyone had a good time. It was largely a new crowd for us - many of whom live local. So, here's to making some new friends in 2007 - closer to home. I think I'm headed in the right direction.
Exercise has been of course non-existent. If you can believe it, I slept for 12 hours last night. Food has been dicey also, but I am feeling well enough to do a bit more than scrounge for whatever junk food might have been left laying about. I got up and made myself a pot of soup in the crockpot. I think nutritious food will help me kick this junk.
We went to see the new "Rocky" movie - it is awesome! I know, I can't believe I am writing that either, but it was! The best one since the first one. It is well worth watching.
My poor mom did not have a good new year's day. We went over there to eat. She pulled me aside to tell me her best friend is in the hospital with pneumonia. A has a number of health problems and was seriously underweight to begin with, so this is serious. They have been best friends since grade school, so this is a blow for my mom. To make matters worse, she discovered some things had been stolen from her house - 2 antique depression ware glasses (from a set of 6) and 8 dessert plates from my great grandmother's china.
Given the 3 people that have had access to my mom's house when she isn't there, the prime (only, really) suspect is my MIL. The other 2 people mom has known for a long time. Ludmilla has house sat any number of times (she's the next door neighbor). The guy that house sat while we went to Busch Gardens is the roomie of one of mom's good friends. She's known this woman for many yesrs, and her friend has known the house mate for 20 years. And who has a long history of stealing antiques and depression ware from her parents when they were alive? She loves them, can't afford them, and was at mom's house to drop off and pick up her dog right around the holidays.
We are all just sick about it. Hub is going to scope out her house when he goes up for a visit. I just can't believe this, but I can. She is a mentally messed up woman, who is angry with my mom, who has a track recored of doing stuff like this. My mom is upset over the stuff, the betrayal, and with her friend in the hospital, its just a lot to handle. Hub is convinced MIL's the one who took the stuff.
Not too much to add. I don't know when exercise will resume, I'll keep you posted.
Happy New Year my internet friends!
Friday, December 29, 2006
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.
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!!!!
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