True Story Tuesday - Blech Edition

Yesterday I strayed from my healthy eating plan, back to my old ways.  Zoe and I had to return something at the mall and she was hungry so we shared a personal size cheese pizza and breadsticks at Target.  I barely made it home, I was suddenly SOOOO sleepy while driving.  I came home, crashed on the bed and zonked out. 

True story.

For dinner, I made shredded chicken tacos and only had two.  And I felt like I'd eaten a horse.  I ached like a bloated cow.

True story.

I decided a beer sounded good with dinner so I indulged in one.  It tasted wonderful but I was left with a headache and feeling mildly queasy.

True story.

I don't think I'll be eating two meals like that again in the same day.  I felt horrible!  Even though I didn't eat a large quantity, it was the quality of the stuff that really did me in.  Ugh.  I don't think I'll be doing that again anytime soon.

True story.

Chasing Pavements

I'm happy to report that I've been pretty consistent with my workouts the last few weeks.  With the weather being nasty and cold, I go to the gym on the mornings that Zoe has preschool (which is Tues/Thurs).  Then I try to sneak a workout in on the weekend.  With the addition of modifying my eating and really keeping track of what I put in my mouth, I am feeling GOOD.  The scale has remained steady at a number that makes me happy and yet I don't feel like I'm heading into "scary thin" territory.  With the workouts I've been doing, I've been consciously making an effort to eat enough protein, cut my carb intake down a little, increase the fiber and calcium and keep taking my vitamins.  I've recently added fish oil to my vitamin repertoire after doing a bunch of reading on the benefits of it.  And considering we aren't big seafood eaters, and the fact that I don't care for salmon, I need to get my Omega 3s somehow.  I've even started giving it to the kids in liquid form. But that's another post.

The last week or so the weather has been surprisingly spring-like.  While California is getting hammered with storms and tornado warnings, those of us in the Seattle area have had lovely days with temperatures in the 50's.  I'm not sure it's going to last much longer, but I've sure been enjoying it.  I even caught myself starting to think about my flowerbeds and garden and thinking "I need to get started figuring those out!" and then I caught myself and remembered it's still January.  Duh.

Craving a little fresh air and wanting to test myself a bit, I headed out for a walk/run on Thursday.  I've been doing some intervals on the treadmill at the gym but wanted to see how actually pounding the pavement felt.  So I headed out, warmed up by walking the first 3/4 mile then actually managed to run the next mile!  Without stopping!  And there weren't even any rabid dogs chasing me!!  Go me!  (And by "run" I mean that geriatric amputees could have passed me.) Even more impressive was that I managed to make it up a decent hill I encountered without having to stop to hork up a lung.  After that, there were two baby hills that I showed who was boss then it was flat to the mile marker.  I walked the mile back, then ran the 3/4 mile home.  And then I collapsed and died and my 4 year old did CPR and revived me. 

Then on Saturday my friend Paula came out to run with me.  She has been a great encouragement and motivator in my desire and attempt to become a runner.  I took her on the same route that I went on Thursday but we went even further.  I was able to run that same mile, up the hills and everything, even though Paula did kind of smoke me on the uphills.  It's okay.  I know I'm just starting out and it's not a race.  Yet.  :)   She gave me all kinds of pointers and tips, although I'm not sure I really was able to put any of them into practice mid-run, what with not being able to feel my legs and all.  We completed about 5 miles, running probably at least half of that.  I came home tired (and ravenous), but feeling proud of my effort.  I have to confess, it was my first time running with someone.  EVER.  I probably didn't give Paula much of a workout, but her company was certainly appreciated and enjoyed.  I hope she'll run with me again. 

It feels good to be challenging myself this way.  I like focusing on my health and my fitness.  I've always loved physical challenges and pushing myself to see what I'm capable of.  I grew up being very active, played sports all through high school and played softball and soccer in my early to mid-20's.  Now that my kids are a bit older & independent, I'm hungry for those challenges again and the sheer fun of it.  And I'm trying to set a good example for them by living healthily and taking care of myself.  They and their daddy are, afterall, my main reason for living.

Monday Hodgepodge

It's Monday again.  This week, it's a good thing as it means a couple days off after working all weekend.   But a day off after working the last three means lots of catching up, laundry, cooking, cleaning and doing all the things that didn't get done.  So forgive me, but I'm resorting to a bulleted post because otherwise this post would be very random.

~When the calendar turned over to a new year, I renewed my dedication to better eating.  I figured if I'm going to be busting my behind trying to get in shape, the least I could do was not sabotage my efforts by rewarding myself with french fries every time I walked further than the bathroom.   So I've revamped my diet and have been keeping track of what I'm eating with this cool site.  For me, journaling what goes in my mouth keeps me aware of where I need to improve and helps me track important nutrients, like fiber and calcium.   I'm happy to report that in the last 10 days or so of doing this, my scale tells me I'm down 6 lbs.  My goal isn't to lose weight per se, just to make better choices and give my body better, healthier stuff in order to get the most out of my workouts.  Apparently, my body likes this and is rewarding me, which is okay with me.

~One of my goals for the year was to find a babysitter and I'm happy to report that I think I can cross that one of my list.  One of the mom's in Zoe's preschool class has a teenage daughter, and it occurred to me that maybe she would be interested in babysitting. So I talked to the mom who said that J, the daughter, had been asking her if she knew anyone who needed a babysitter.  I think it'll work out perfect: J has two little sisters of her own so is used to dealing with younger kids, she only lives about 6-7 minutes away, she's technically still in high school but is doing Running Start and has lots of free time.  She's going to come over this week to meet the kids, see where we live and get the lowdown and hopefully we can put her to work soon.  Date nights, coming up!

~Last Wednesday my puppy, Tessa, ran off to the neighbor's cow pasture and didn't come home.  I last saw her at about 3pm and both Hubby and I spent the evening looking for her, calling her, asking the neighbor's if they'd seen her, driving up and down the road, but to no avail.  To say I was upset, well...that would be an understatement.  I woke up at 5am with a crying hangover after a fitful attempt at sleep.  When Josh and my dad headed out to work that morning, he spotted Tess over in the same pasture where I'd last seen her and went over and got her.  I think she was actually stuck in the pasture and couldn't figure out how to get back to where she got in.  I was SO thankful to have her home again. Even though we've only had her about 6 months, I've gotten very attached to her and not having her underfoot felt like a member of the family was missing. 

~ I had a lovely day with my friend Paula last week and I think she's going to help me with my running.  Having done several marathons herself, and striving to do a 50k (which, uh, is like 31 miles), she assured me I could easily run a half.  Well, I'm not sure it'll be easy but it helps to have someone who's "been there, done that" on my team, who can help me train the right way.  I think she's going to be a bit of a taskmaster if/when I run with her, but it's probably what I need. 

And with that, it's time to work on another one of my goals:  less computer time. 

Bye!

At A Loss

I just learned that a childhood friend who has been battling cancer for the second time in her short life has lost her battle. 

Please, if you have any prayers or positive thoughts, could you send them to Trina's family?? 

I'm at a loss for words.

A Cold & Frosty Mornin'

It's Wordless Wednesday!

Futurama

Wow.  2010.

In decades past, that futuristic year evoked fantasies of flying cars and teleporting and vacationing on Mars.  But, here we are.  Pretty much plodding along the same as we were in 1979.  In fact, I think the two years have many of the same fashions and hairstyles in common, now that I think about it.  Ewwww!  Ok, ok, we have this here internet which has gone practically VIRAL.  And we do have an African-American President in office for the first time.  And Lady Gaga does resemble something weirdly futuristic or, at the very least, of another planet.  But really, life is pretty much the same.

Where are my flying cars?  Or my meals in pill form?  Come on!

Regardless of those gigantic disappointments, I think 2010 is going to be an incredible year.  I dunno why...I just feel like great things are in store for me and my family.  We don't have any big plans for a fancy vacation, or making some big purchase, but the whole year is stretched out before me like a giant blank canvas and I just picture really good things ending up on it.  I pray that I'm right.

So in this happy-go-lucky, rainbows and unicorns, Pollyanna mood I've been in, I've been thinking about what I want to accomplish in this new year.  I want it to be a year of improvement, a year of getting stronger, of accomplishing goals.  I want to look back and think "Man!  I kicked that year's ass." 

Without further ado, I now share with you my....

Plans & Goals for 2010

1. First and foremost, this is the year some time and effort gets put into my marriage. Things aren't bad but they could be so much better.  I have focused so much on the my kids for the last 7 years that I've let things slide with my husband.  And I want my family together. I want us happily together.  The best gift I can give my kids is to love their Daddy and to keep our marriage strong.  So I'm going to do what's necessary to make things better and stronger.  I do not want to be a statistic.  More date nights, more "random acts of kindness" towards my husband, more communication, more connecting.  I want it all. And I'm lucky enough to have a spouse who feels the same.

2. Even though I grimaced, whined and cried far more during  my two half marathons than while giving birth, I want to do more.  My goal for this year is 2-4 races and I'd like to actually completely RUN at least one of them.  I have three races picked out so far, all within driving distance:  April 11th, June 26th and September 26th.  I don't know if it's possible, if I'm capable of it, but damn if I'm not inspired to at least try. 

3.  In order to help facilitate Item #1 on this list, another goal of mine is to find a non-family babysitter.  We need someone that we pay, whose availability isn't dictated by how they feel, how tired they are, or how many hours they've worked.  Granted, it will be an additional cost on a night out, but it will be worth it.  I'll admit to being a bit of a protective momma, but I have confidence that I'll find someone that I'll be comfortable leaving my kiddos with.

4.  I was a bit sad to realize I've only read slightly more than 20 books this year.  Even with building a house in 2008, I still managed to read 32 books.  A few years ago, I told myself "I'm gonna read 100 books this year!"  and then I smacked myself in the head and realized I was being a bit overzealous. That would be almost 2 books per week, which I suppose I could accomplish if they were children's stories.  I'm being more realistic and aiming to read 35 books this year.  Lord knows I've already got the first 16 sitting right on by my bed!

5.  I know I've only been in my house for a year, but I already want to repaint the kids' bathroom.  I'm just not a big fan of the color, even though I picked it.  And there are a couple walls in the master bathroom that I need to repaint too.  Maybe if I get into a painting zone, I'll spruce up my laundry room, the bonus room and the guest room!

6.  I really am ready to start decorating my house a bit.  I'd like to get more plants, hang some pictures, buy/sew some shades and window coverings...you know, generally home-ify our place a bit.   Of course, all these things are dependent on $$$, so this "goal" ranks lower on the priority list than, say, FOOD.

7.  Probably all of the previous items on this list would be aided by another goal:  less computer time.  Good gravy, but Facebook is a timesuck.  It's one thing to browse everyone's updates to see what's going on, but the games really are mindless.  And I'm still a good person if I'm not on top of the scoreboard.  (Except Bejeweled Blitz.)

So there you have it.  A list of things I hope to accomplish in 2010.  It's the last year of my 30's and I'd really like to wrap up this decade of my life with a big fat bow of accomplishment and self-satisfaction.

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I have to confess that even as I write this and share with you my positive and optimistic mood for the year, there is a black cloud of worry hovering. I pray that this year will bring no tradgedy or death in my family.  I just feel like by being so excited and optimistic for the year, that I'm tempting fate.  Please Lord, no.

2009

One of my blogosphere heroes has done this quiz multiple years and because I am a copycat, I'm doing it too.  So here goes...

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

The thing that stands out the most are the two half marathons I trained for and completed.  Heather and I decided that it was time we did something for ourselves, that challenged us, and somehow we decided on doing a half marathon.  I have to confess, I was (and still am) hugely inspired by Linda's own personal challenges and athletic aspirations.
 
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I actually don't make new year's resolutions and haven't for a long time.  However, I do try to set some goals.  That being said, I'm not sure at the end of last year I was capable of much goal-setting, having just completed building a house and moving in betwixt snow storms.  So I can't tell you if I achieved last year's goals because I didn't really set any. 

This year, I will set some, which I will outline soon.  So stay tuned.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, my friend Laura.  Her naughty baby boy decided to make his entrance at 33 weeks and scare us all.  Thankfully, after a few weeks in the hospital learning how to eat, he went home and is doing great, for which I'm so thankful.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully, no.

5. What countries did you visit?

I think I went up to Canada last January to go to IKEA, which *totally* counts.  Even if it IS practically in my backyard.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

More time alone with my husband, a bit more financial stability, more adventure.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

January 20th - seeing President Obama take office.
June 27th and September 27th - the dates of my half marathons.  I committed myself to the challenge of doing these races and pushed myself harder than I ever had before and I did it.  I did them faster than I hoped and learned alot about what I'm capable of.  Crossing those finish lines and the feelings of pride and accomplishment I felt are something I'll never forget.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Honestly, paying my damn mortgage every month. It's higher than we anticipated and to us, an ungodly amount, but somehow we keep managing to scrape together the money every month.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Not being a better wife.  And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

I really tweaked my ankle during the half marathon in June and spent several weeks hobbling around.  Thankfully, it was nothing more than a sprain.  And I've had a few various minor bugs here and there.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Aside from my house, my puppy. 

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

My husband.  Without going into too much detail, he did something he's needed to do for years, which wasn't easy for him, but was definitely a good thing.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

The Jon & Kate disaster and the media.

14. Where did most of your money go?

See #8 - the mortgage.

15. What did you get really excited about?

I was really excited about doing my first half marathon in June.  The sense of anticipation, not knowing what to expect on race day, and the chance for an overnight get-away with a girlfriend sans children was something I really looked forward to.  Also, after we officially adopted Tessa the puppy, we had to wait a few days to bring her home and we all couldn't wait for that.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

Probably something by Lady Gaga, since I started listening to her music this year.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder?  Happier.
– thinner or fatter? The same, but a bit more muscle & tone.
– richer or poorer? Financially poorer, for sure.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Date nights with my husband. 

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Playing stupid Facebook games on the computer.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Christmas Eve with hubby's family, Christmas Day at home.

21. Did you fall in love in 2009?

Just more so with my family and my life.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

I can't help it - I love So You Think You Can Dance.  And I couldn't be happier that they are doing more than one season per year now.

24. What was the best book you read?

Considering I am a huge book nerd and actually keep a spreadsheet of all the books I read every year (which you can see a list over on the right), let me take a moment to peruse them.  {elevator music playing...}  Man, I really didn't read that many books this year!  I'm just now starting my 23rd book, whereas in the last several years I've read over 30.  And in looking at the list, no one book stands out as my favorite of the year.   I'll say that I really enjoyed the Daughters of Blessings series by Lauraine Snelling, and With You and Without You was a good story.  But I don't think I read a book this year that would qualify for my All-time Favorite Books list.  Even Shanghai Girls by Lisa See was only just good and she's one of my favorite authors.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

I recently learned about Rodrigo y Gabriella when Linda shared her running playlist. I don't actually own any of their music yet but am anxious to do so.  Love it.  Also, after attending their concert, both Josh and I really starting digging Death Cab for Cutie. 

26. What did you want and get?

A puppy.

27. What did you want and not get?

A raise.  And this camera lens.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

I didn't really see many non G-rated movies this year but Josh & I did see The Hangover.  And I almost wet my pants laughing. 
 
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 38 this year, which is getting awfully close to 40.  On my birthday, I went and picked up my puppy from the Humane Society and then my family came over and we barbecued steaks.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Maybe a bit more financial comfort?  I would have liked to gotten more work done around the house and yard but we were limited by lack of funds.  And it would have been nice to actually put a little money into savings instead of just making withdrawals.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

In need of help.  Jeans and t-shirts, workout clothes or hospital scrubs make up the majority of my wardrobe.

32. What kept you sane?
 
My girlfriends.  I have such a great group of gals to lean on when necessary.
 
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
 
Considering I don't watch much TV and haven't seen any many recent blockbusters, I have to go with my ol' standby:  Will Smith.
 
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
 
I'm not really up on politics and current issues, but I have to say I was really moved by the election and actually sat and watched the returns come in.  Regardless of your political preference, it was a big day for America having both an African-American AND a woman running for office.  We watched history being made that day. 
 
35. Who did you miss?
 
My Uncle Tom, who passed away in June 2006.
 
36. Who was the best new person you met?
 
I have to say my co-worker, Paula.  We hit it off and are in the beginings of our friendship, but I just think she's cool.  I was secretly wishing to get to know her better but wasn't sure how to make that happen and then she said to me "We should hang out sometime" and I knew we were on the same page.
 
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
 
I learned that I'm even tougher than I thought, both physically and mentally.  And I learned that prayer works. 
 
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

I'm again copying Linda and using a quote instead of a song lyric:
 

"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success." ~ Norman Vincent Peale

Happy 2010 everyone!