TGIF

I have come to the conclusion that Mother Nature is a terrible tease. Last weak we were outside everyday enjoying the 75-80 degree weather.. and today it is a true winter storm. Now, it is supposed to be warming up (or at least that is what the weather man said) yesterday and today ... but snow? Oh well..

I bought a ton of fruit yesterday so I have something good to snack on during the day that wont make me feel guilty. I also got some fat free whipped cream so that I can fool myself into thinking its a high calorie parfait! LOL

Not alot to talk about today. My oldest has a fever and I am praying that it does not turn into the flu that hubby and I had. I have to run back to the hospital to get my TB test read. After that its sit and wait until they call me and give me my first start date! Yeah.. I am so excited.

I am back on my 'First Cleanse'. I stopped taking them while I was sick.. .so I still have another week to do. For those of you that asked me what kind of cleanse it was.....The box contains two bottles. Cleanse I : you start out by taking 1 pill in the morning for 3 days.. then go to two pills for the rest of the cleanse. Cleanse II is a night cleanse. You take the same amount at night that you did with the morning pills. I really like this. It is really easy going on your stomach. No gas pains, no cramping. You have the choice of taking extra Fiber and Omega 3 pills with it.. I do...to help with the cleansing.

Well, time to go. I am going to try and get a workout in today... Its about time!!

Have a Blessed Day

April Challenge

It is that time again. Another month has flown by and a new month is waiting to begin. This year is going to go by fast... and my fear is that I will end it not looking much different then I do now. I guess I could look at it in a positive light and say "well, at least I wont be heavier then when it started"... and that would make me feel better, for a second. In truth, I need to quit kidding myself and start really focusing on how I can make this year end the way I want it to. I know my weakness... food. So I need to focus on that. My exorcising I have no problem with. In fact I think I am becoming a Tae Bo expert.. but it will not do a damn thing unless I start eating healthy and watching my portions. That is my April challenge.. to focus everyday on everything that I can do to make this happen. My 29th birthday is on the 25th of April. That also happens to be my weigh in day. So my goal is to see a weight loss on that day. In all reality it should at least be a 4 lb loss. So my goal for April is to weigh in at 202 at the end of the month. If I don't, then I am seriously lacking in my ways.

Yesterday went well. I dropped the girls off at my moms where my oldest girl got lost in her world of animals... and my youngest ran around in Granny's high heals and a princess dress. too cute!

I got pricked and prodded. I did learn that I need to get my eyes checked one day soon. When they were checking my eye sight, I covered my right eye and looked at that chart... only to see the BIG E at the top. That's it.. good grief. Everything else went fine. I have to go back tomorrow to have my TB test read, and we have to wait for the drug test to come back. I don't know if anyone else does this.. but even though I have never done any drugs, other then those given by prescription.. a drug test always makes me nervous. Mostly because I've heard that alot of foods can give off a false positive. Huh. I have no doubt that the test will come back fine.... I think I'm just paranoid.

Yesterdays snow melted within hours of it falling. So it wasn't too bad. But it was alot colder then the 80 degrees of last week. Today is just as cold, so nothing fun to do outside. hmph. I think I will workout. I am a little hesitant because I am still feeling the affects of my cold.. but, its time I quit slacking.

Have a wonderful day..

What The ??? Wednesday.

Ok, so I am up extremely early this morning. Between both kids waking up in the middle of the night and taking over my side of the bed and pillow, and my restless mind, I finally just had to get up. I grabbed a cup of tea and sat down at the computer. As I was waiting for the computer to do its morning thing and try to wake up, I glanced out the window. It was still dark, but I could see the street light down at the corner and saw a strange but familiar site. It is SNOWING. WTF?? It was 80 degrees yesterday... and this morning there is already an inch of snow on the ground. Hmmmmm global freezing? This is so weird. Not so much that its snowing in March. Last year we got 4 feet in MAY... but because it has been so warm that even the fruit trees were in full blossom. hmph.. guess that means no fruit this summer. So anyway, I am not only feeling sleep deprived, but also cranky because I have to drive into town today in the snow.

Speaking of, I am heading to town for my physical for the job at the hospital! Yeah. I am very excited about it because not only does that mean money to catch up on bills with, but HEALTH INSURANCE. yes!!! We will finally all be covered to go to the doctor. Between my weird little occurrences with cysts and tumors, and my kids ear infections.. that alone will save us millions! I am also excited to get back into the medical field. Especially if it means helping bring babies into the world. How amazing will it be to see God's miracles happen every day I'm at work?

I am feeling a little bit better every day. I feel a little bit of the cold still lurking about my sinuses and in my chest, but at least I have my energy back. As for exorcise, I am taking a break until the weekend. I want to make sure I shake this thing before I go full strength again. In the mean time, I am still watching what I am eating and have become pretty comfortable with 3 meals a day and small portions. I guess I should be thinking about what kind of food I can start taking work.

I better get going... the fam is waking up and it looks like I've got a lot of things to get done today. Have a Blessed Day!

OH YEAH!!!

And in case you where wandering.....


I GOT THE JOB!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOO

****Warning...Pictures Ahead****

Ok... so I am feeling a little bit better today. At least I am able to lift my head without having a dizzy spell. So I took a shower and figured since I was up I might as well take THE pictures. ugh. So here they are:


January 3, 2007

February, 25, 2007


March 27, 2007


I dont know if its the different color shirts.. but I see a big difference in my belly. My arms.. a little. .... Here is the rest :






Weight = 206 (0 lbs lost)



Measurements = Arms 13.5 / 13.25
A. Navel 37.5 / 38
At Navel 39 / 38.5
B. Navel 44 / 43
HIPS 43.5 / 43.5
Thighs 26.5 / 26.5

Total = - 1.25 inches

Total Inches Lost Since January = -7.75 inches


So I did not lose pounds, but I am losing inches.. and my body seems to be re-organizing itself. I have learned alot this month that I will carry with me into April and hopefully I will see a major weight loss this month. My next Weigh In day is on my 29th birthday... so it would make for a fantastic birthday present!

Well.. back to the couch for me! Have a Blessed Day!

Weigh In Day Has Been Postponed...

Saturday morning I woke up with the worst cold in history. My head felt like it weighed 100lbs.. my neck was stiff, my nose was stopped up, my throat was swollen and so sore I could not swallow. So, needless to say , I stayed in bed all day Saturday and all day Sunday. Today I would have loved to stay in bed but hubby had to go to work. I am barely able to keep my head up as I write this... so I don't think this will be much longer. This is my weigh in day, pictures, measurements..etc. But I am in no mood to do any of it. I am going to continue laying on the couch with my feather pillow, comforter and dried cranberries while my children torment me and fight amongst themselves. I have hours before hubby comes home.. so I must try and stay strong until then. Cant let the girls see I am weak! LOL

I don't know if I will feel better tomorrow... but until the next time.. I hope you all have a blessed day... and whatever you do , don't get sick!

Wedding Woes

Ok, so while searching thru my closet for something to wear to the interview, I came across an outfit that I haven't worn in 8 years. It would be perfect for my Father In Laws wedding in June. It is a white lace western shirt with tight fitting Rocky jeans.(yes... I will wear jeans to his wedding. This is an old time western family.. even I got married in jeans!) So, of course, the first thing I want to do is try it on. Oh - My - God. I don't think I thought I had gained THAT much weight.. but apparently I did.. and it teamed up around my midsection! the shirt fit... except for the 3 inch gap between the buttons in the front. The jeans came all the way up.. but the 8 inch gap in the front kept me from buttoning them. I looked like a cartoon.. you know, the ones that look gorgeous from behind but when they turn around its a woman from your nightmares! (that or she's 10 months pregnant!) LOL ... So my goal for JUNE... is to fit in that outfit. The wedding is the beginning of June. So I have only 2 months to do so.. which means I better buckle up and get serious.

By the way... I was going to take a picture, but there is no way anyone is EVER going to see me like that again!

When Pants Fall Down!!!

Yesterday was a great day! It started when I went into my bedroom to get dressed and grabbed an old pair of khakis. I pulled them on and realized ... the zipper and button where done already! I had pulled them up over my hips without undoing them!! That made me feel great! Granted, the are my 'fat pants'. But the last time I wore them they were still a little snug... and I definitely had to undo the button and zipper to get them over my hips. Anyway, I wore them all day.. and spent most of the day pulling them up. It was a pain in the butt... but it made me smile every time I had to do it.

On another great note.. I got a call from the hospital yesterday and have my second interview tomorrow!! YEAH!! I am going to raid my closet today and find an outfit that is worthy for the job.

I have been feeling wonderful lately... and I'll share my secret. I am on day 5 of my 'First Cleanse'. It is the first step in many in cleansing the body. It is all natural. I was skeptical at first.. but everyday I have a little more energy and feel so much better. I'm sure part of that is having to do with the fact that I have been eating better and exercising every day... but I think getting all the toxins out of my system will help too. I really recommend it.. you can find it at any natural food store! This is what it says on the box:

Our bodies were designed with 7 channels of elimination (Lungs, Liver, Skin, Kidneys, Colon, Lymph, and Blood). Providing nutritional formulas that support our cleansing channels just makes sense. The Complete Cleansing Program is designed to nutritionally assist your body. Each step in the program is designed to provide additional total and targeted support.

First Cleanse™ is formulated for people who have never taken a cleansing supplement or who have not cleansed in a few years. It was formulated using whole herbs, which are more gentle than deep cleansing herbal extracts‡. Both formulas in First Cleanse contain Phytosorb™.

Its a rainy day today so I don't plan on doing much outside. Today is a cardio day and I am hoping to find something besides Tae Bo. I feel a little burnt out on it. Maybe if it clears up I'll take the girls for a bike ride!

Have A Blessed Day!

Wednesday

It is always hard when one of us is sick. Hubby came home Monday sick, stayed in bed all day yesterday with a high fever and this morning was called in to work..whether he was sick or not. I know.. what a mean boss.. but its a family business and the boss is his dad. When they need to get something done, there is no one else to call. So hubby left this morning still feverish and not feeling all that great. Poor guy.

I am still suffering from my allergies. Not too bad, I think I have gotten used to constantly squinting my eyes. I haven't worn makeup in a week (which is pretty amazing for me) but just the thought of mascara makes me cringe.

Yesterday I did my tae bo cardio and worked up a great sweat. Today is day two of LL's workout. I am looking forward to it. As for my diet.. .eh... not so great yesterday. I snacked alot on my kids cereal.. and ate big portions for dinner. I swear, its too easy to fall into old habits when you dont watch yourself. So , once again I am going to focus on making this a great diet day.

hope everyone is having a great week... its almost the weekend!!!

First Day Of LL

Yesterday workout was wonderful. By the end of the workout I was drenched in sweat and every muscle was pounding. Sounds terrible, but it felt great! I didn't get to workout with hubby. He came home with a case of the flu.. so he slept on the couch the rest of the afternoon and I dove right into the LL Cool J workout. This morning I am sore.. but not hurting.. just aching. Today is a cardio day, and since I don't have any cardio machines here at home, I am going to do a Tae Bo Cardio workout.

My diet could have been better ... so today I am going to focus on that again. I have to stay away from the girls snack food... crackers mostly.. carbs I really don't need.

Sorry this has to be so short, but I have a million things to do around the house this morning and I just don't have the patience to sit at the computer this morning. Ha... that's a first!

Have a Blessed Day!!

Monday Morning

We had a great weekend! And I took a ton of pictures.. but like the Blondie I am not, I erased them! ACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCHHHHH... I almost cried. There were some great pictures... oh well..

Anyway, we went to my Father In Laws house on Saturday and played Poker and ate steak. I got to meet my soon to be mother in law and I love her! She is so much fun. Very outgoing and nice. I am glad that she and I get along. I don't think I could handle having TWO mother in laws that hate me.

Sunday I invited my FIL and his wife and my mom to lunch. I made my yearly corned beef and cabbage. It was delicious. It was great company to. We all sat around the table laughing and sharing pictures.

As for my diet.. I did great this weekend. I drank a TON of water and kept my portions small. I went to the gym Saturday morning and made my 40 minutes on the elliptical machine. When I got off of it, my shirt was drenched with sweat... I mean completely.. dripping even! Next Saturday I am definitely looking forward to 45 minutes!

OH!!! My hubby is doing the LL Cool J workout.. and is in week 3 now. He is looking amazing. So I was reading the book... and enjoying the pictures... when I got to the end and saw that there was a WOMANS workout!!! YES!!! So today I am totally stopping the tae bo for a month and doing the LLCJ workout instead. I need the switch anyway! I am so excited to get started today, but hubby made me promise to wait until tonight to workout with him. Kinda cool huh?

I have 6 days until my next weigh in. I'm hoping to have lost weight.. but to be honest, I don't care... as long as the inches keep falling off. Can you be 200 lbs and in a size 7??? LOL

I have to leave you with the lyrics of my favorite song... whenever I hear this song it motivates me to keep going....

Suddenly I See
K.T. Tunstall

Her face is a map of the world
Is a map of the world
You can see she's a beautiful girl
She's a beautiful girl
And everything around her is a silver pool of light
The people who surround her feel the benefit of it
It makes you calm
She holds you captivated in her palm

Suddenly I see (Suddenly I see)
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see (Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me

I feel like walking the world
Like walking the world
You can hear she's a beautiful girl
She's a beautiful girl
She fills up every corner like she's born in black and white
Makes you feel warmer when you're trying to remember
What you heard
She likes to leave you hanging on her word

Suddenly I see (Suddenly I see)
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see (Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me

And she's taller than most
And she's looking at me
I can see her eyes looking from a page in a magazine
Oh she makes me feel like I could be a tower
A big strong tower
She got the power to be
The power to give
The power to see

Suddenly I see (Suddenly I see)
This is what I wanna be
Suddenly I see (Suddenly I see)
Why the hell it means so much to me
Have a Blessed Day!

Happy St. Patricks Day!!!

I woke up this morning to a pinch on the butt. Ahhhhh, the joy of being married to an Irish man on St. Patricks Day. LOL. We are getting ready to head to my Father In Laws house for today's yearly party. Last year it was at our house. I cooked pounds of corned beef and cabbage. This year I just didn't feel up to it, so my FIL offered up his house. The party usually entails LOTS of food , a 10 hour poker game and beer. It will also be where my FIL announces his engagement to a woman named Sandy, who we have yet to meet. She will be there... and I am just praying that she is nicer then my MIL.

Yesterdays food went fantastic.. and I'll tell you, I found a great secret to eating slow and eating less. WATER. I filled a glass of water every time I served myself a plate. Every couple of bites I made myself slow down and drink some water. It allowed me to feel full before I had inhaled all the food on my plate. It was fantastic. I feel great today... like I already lost 2 lbs! I am going to take a big bottle to the party today and hopefully it will keep me from inhaling the food!

This morning is my gym day... I am aiming for 40 minutes on the elliptical machine, 35 minutes on the bicycle and 40 laps. I am praying that the sauna is working today, because I really enjoy the peace and quiet of the sealed in steam room! It will be a great start to a very hectic day.

Hope you have a Blessed Day... and not too much green beer!

Finishing Friday

OK, so normally I don't buy those womens magazines that line the shelves at the checkouts. But for some reason this one caught my eye. On the cover of Good Housekeeping were big red letters saying "I LOST 102 LBS!" So I grabbed the magazine and plopped it on top of the pile of diapers and canned tomatoes. Not so much to find out what diet she was on... because I am already confused enough on whether I should eat 5 times a day.. or 3. Eat 900 calories or 2000 calories. Carbs... no carbs. Good grief. Every time I turn the corner there is another diet that conflicts the diet I had just read about. And I know that I am not trying to DIET. I am trying to change my lifestyle, but how do I change my lifestyle if there is no set lifestyle to change to? I mean, I am in this predicament because I don't know how to eat normally... but what is normal these days?

So, anyway, I bought the magazine because seeing the before and after pics of 5 women who have succeeded in losing fat gives me motivation.. in a way. Its sometimes nice to see that ... yes, it is possible. Now being that it is only March, I figure that I can find my lifestyle by the end of the year... and whether I lose all the weight I want to by then, or just stay the same that I am now.. at least I wont be bigger then I was when the year started! I am determined to finish this thing I have started... which for me, finishing in itself will be a success. I am one to start a project and never see the finished result. So, sticking to this lifestyle change, whatever it may be, will be one thing I will be very proud to see to the end.

Today I have a little more 'umph' in my step. I am going to focus everything on my eating. Exercise will come second. I sometimes think that I exercise too much, and that my body cant figure out whether to hold on to food to gain muscle, or to go ahead and let it go to lose fat. So, I am changing my exercise routine to 4 days a week with cardio, 6 days a week for abs (they always need to be worked), and 3 days a week for weight lifting. I think that is better then doing it all everyday of the week!

I am starting the weekend with fresh eyes... maybe you should too? Change can be a motivator to.. it brings a little excitement into the mix.

Have A Blessed Day

**********************************************************************************

TODAY WAS ALSO MY 10 WK MEASUREMENT DAY... I LOST 1.75 INCHES!!!

check out the side bar to see where!

Interview Day

This morning went by fast. The first two hours after waking up were of me trying on shirt after shirt. The first one was nice... a little too nice. It looked like I was going to a wedding, or a funeral! The second shirt was a black sweater with 3/4 sleeves and a funky collar... but it was too short and rose just above the belly bulge whenever I moved about. The third shirt was a black silky baby doll shirt that I loved... until I went to put my hair up and realized that it completely showed my tattoo on my shoulder blade... probably not what you want your soon-to-be-employer looking at as you walk away. So I finally settled on a brown cashmere sweater that was form fitting, but not tight. I matched it with some fancy brown slacks that matched perfectly. To make myself feel a little bit dressier, I topped it all off with my high heel brown suede boots. I looked pretty damn good! Thank God the only thing I have wear if I get this job are scrubs!!

Dropping the girls off at my grandmother and aunts house went smoothly. I was long gone before either one noticed I was missing! I got to the hospital and walked straight to the Human Resources Department. I felt pretty good... a little jittery.. but good. They asked me to wait... so I sat in the ICU waiting room and waited for them to call me. The interviewer was very nice.. and reminded me a bit of Snow White. She had jet black hair and green eyes.. with a very pretty complexion. She said that the interview was going to be a little bit different then most others.... and it was... questions like... "Give me an example of the last time you had to work with other employers as a team to accomplish something"...."When was the last time you bent the rules to help a patient" ... "Tell me about the last person you worked with that you did not get along with, and how you handled it"

The answers sometimes came easy... but I had to really stop and think sometimes. After all, its been 4 years since I've been doing anything but changing diapers! So.... she said the interview went really well, but that she had to pass my answers on to the director who would look them over and then call me sometime next week for ANOTHER interview. Great... what am I going to wear to THAT one!?! So.. lets keep our fingers crossed that I get another call back! I am REALLY hoping to.

So today is another beautiful day... but my eyes are killing me so we are staying inside again. The rest of the day will consist of me cleaning.. .and cleaning... and cleaning!

I hope you all are having a wonderful Thursday... thank you for all the well wishes!!I am so blessed to have so many great friends!

A Hump In The Park Day

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. My allergies are causing me to rub my eyes raw. I just want to take them out and dunk them in ice water! If only that was possible. I have taken some 'kids Claritin' in hopes that it will knock it out of me so that we can go to the park today.

Yesterday was gorgeous! The sun was shining.. there was only a slight breeze.. which saved me from allergy attacks. Today it is supposed to be warmer (72F) so I have decided to skip my 10 a.m. workout and take the girls to the park.. but only after taking them on a 2 miles trail walk! It doesn't sound hard, but I have a double stroller that the girls sit in side by side.. and pushing 50 lbs up hill is the best butt workout I can think of! I am thinking of packing a little picnic too so we can just relax out there and eat lunch.

Yesterday went well. I stuck to eating fruit for breakfast and veggies for lunch. Dinner was delicious with shredded beef, veggies and sweet potatoes. When I logged it into Fitday though it came out to only 1100 calories for the day... yikes.. So today I am going to stick to the fruit and veggies, but maybe add some cottage cheese to breakfast and some more of the meat for lunch. Eh... we'll see.. I'm just going to roll with it for now.

My interview is tomorrow morning.. yeah! Thanks for all the well wishes. I will wait and post my blog tomorrow after I get back so I can make ya'll sweat it out a little! LOL I also just got a letter in the mail yesterday ... I was called for JURY DUTY.. WHAT???? ... What am I supposed to do with my girls for a full day while I sit in the courthouse?? My hubby said I should just take the girls with me and then see what they recommend! Ha... I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. The courthouse here is so screwed up... they called my mom and my aunt for jury duty and neither one of them is an American citizen!!! It was funny when they showed up with their green cards in hand.

Anyway.. it is time to start the day. I wish you all a Blessed and Beautiful Day!

Back In The Game...

So yesterday turned out to be a not so bad day after all.. as far as working out goes. I did my 1 hour tae bo extreme and then went straight into doing all the cleaning. My food choices could have been better... but I don't think they were terrible. Today I have 1 hour and 25 minutes of Tae Bo Abs and weight training... I actually look forward to this workout because it hits every muscle in my body and I feel great when its done. The weather is warming up again today.. so we will definitely be doing some gardening.

On a sad note... my mom called last night and told me that my Great Uncle Ken had died yesterday morning. He had cancer, but had refused any kind of treatment since the day he was diagnosed. I can only imagine how much pain he was in... and how hard it was on my Aunt and cousins. This is probably the 50th person I have lost to cancer... I am so tired of it. Why cant they find a cure? It is so frustrating.

I am thinking of doing "The 3 Day" here in Arizona. It is a 60 mile walk. You have to raise something like $1200 that is given to the Susan G. Komen center to fight breast cancer.The walk here is not until November... so it is possible. Go check it out and see if it is in your state... we all need to start making a difference... in our life and in others.

I am frustrated today... I don't feel like I am losing weight and I have been trying so damn hard. I'm not going to stop trying... but I think I may go crazy if the weight doesn't start falling off soon. I think I am going to eat just fruit and veggies for the next month. Maybe my body just needs to re-stock on all the good stuff for awhile. You cant go wrong eating what nature makes.. right?

When I start feeling down about things.. I think of my Dad's favorite poem.


The Road Not Taken
-Robert Frost

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.


Ok.. so I have to get moving... have a blessed day!

Monday

I feel icky today. Not so much because my allergies are still kicking my butt, but because I just lack energy. I am fighting the "I don't care if I lose weight or not" mentality right now. Which can be draining in itself. I have a workout planned for 10 a.m. and I am hoping that it will get me back in the game. At least give me some more energy. Because we worked outside all weekend, I neglected the inside chores.. which means my house is a disaster. I have a million loads of laundry to get done and all the floors need to be mopped and vacuumed, the kitchen needs cleaning and the girls bedroom needs picked up again... ha, doesn't sound like so much when you right it down like that. I'm hoping it will all get done after my workout...

I am still excited for my job interview. A little nervous too. I've been out of the work field for 4 years and am trying to remember all the ins and outs of interviewing. I think it will be good for me to do something that gets me out of the house and on my own for awhile... even if it does mean losing sleep two nights a week. I will just have to manage my time better... especially since I am also doing my nursing degree classes. ACH... am I crazy or what?

So, today I need to watch my carb intake.. my portion sizes.. and my water intake. I have a 1 hour Tae Bo Extreme workout this morning.. and weight lifting tonight with hubby. A ton of house cleaning and some errands to run... so... I guess I should peel myself off the computer chair and get my butt moving!

Have a Blessed Day... and thanks for all the support!

Spring Has Sprung

This weekend has been beautiful... too beautiful for me to stay inside. This, of course, has caused havoc with my allergies.. but I found that if I wrap my face up in a bandanna.. looking like an old time bank bandit... it keeps alot of the pollen from getting up my nose and causing me to sneeze uncontrollably. So we all enjoyed working outside. We have many projects listed for this summer... and it is so much fun finally getting started on them.

Yesterday I did go to the gym and did fantastic. I reached 35 minutes on the Elliptical machine... nearly killing my butt! I managed 30 minutes on the bicycle before becoming to antsy to get in the pool. I did 40 lapse.. double last weekends! It was wonderful. I am not even sore... but I feel great. I have fallen behind on my water this weekend.. so will have to double up the next couple of days. I have also eaten WAY TOO MANY carbs.. So this week I will have to keep a strict eye on what I eat.

I got a call on Friday from the hospital! I have an interview on Thursday morning. The job is in the OB. Yeah... babies!!! It is part time.. which in hospital lingo means two 12 hour shifts.. .and best of all, I am going to be working over night. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I get this job... it will mean more money that we desperately need right now.... besides that, it will be nice to do what I love again. I will leave you with a picture of our dog.. he likes to rest his chin on the gate and watch the girls... this time he is smiling! LOL

Have a Blessed Day

TGIF

Ick.... yesterday was just wasn't all that great. First I woke up sneezing with my eye swollen shut. It must be spring... my allergies have arrived. Then I got a call in the morning saying that a job had opened up at the hospital and that I should fax in my application. So I spent most of the morning filling out paperwork and driving around town trying to find a fax machine. When we got home, the weather was so nice that the girls did not want to go inside. I figured I had a million things that still had to get done outside, so we ran around the yard for a while. BIG MISTAKE. I was sneezing so much I couldn't catch my breath.. and my eyes were starting to swell up again.. one didn't want to open at all... damn cedar trees. So we came back inside and had lunch. I put the girls down for a nap and then laid on the couch trying to keep from itching my eyes. I tried to get myself to do a workout.. but couldn't. Hubby came home a couple of hours later and I got up and did my Tae Bo Abs.. but that was all I could manage. I ate terrible, having a bowl of cereal (there goes my 40 day challenge), popcorn, a pb&j sandwich.. and between my regular meals. grrrrrrr. So today I am determined to make it a great day. I am going to the store first thing this morning and getting some eye drops and antihistamine.. I am going to get lots of veggies and fruit and fill myself up on everything natural today. Hubby is home today, so we will most likely be doing alot more yard and field work... so exercise is definitely in the forecast. I'm looking forward to tomorrow mornings gym workout... especially the swimming!

Have a Blessed Day!!

Bread And Salt

Do you ever have a problem finding a way to start your blog?? LOL.. guess this will have to do!

Yesterday was another good day for me. I did not want to workout, but made myself do it anyway...and of course I felt better the minute I started it. I ate well... but I think too much.. I need to keep my portions in check. Just because I can eat more calories does not mean I can eat bigger portions. I totally need to drink more water...

Today's plan is to work OUTSIDE ... its in the 60's today!! .... I have to do my Tae Bo Abs and one of my Biggest Loser workouts dvd's. I figure I need to mix it up a little so I don't get to bored with the tae bo stuff everyday.

Today is devotional day.. so here you go!

Bread And Salt

He said to his daughters, "Where is he? Why did you leave the man? Invite him to break bread." - Exodus 2:20

Bread is a staple of every diet in every culture: flatbrod, tortilla, injera, baba, pita, and chapalas are among the many ethnic breads of the world. And salt is a basic necessity to human electrolyte balance.

In Arab tradition, you eat bread and salt with another person to establish friendship. Bread and salt are part of a traditional Russian ceremony of welcome. At a Polish wedding reception, the parents of the bride and groom greet the newly married couple with bread lightly sprinkled with salt. Guests in Ukraine are offered a circular bread (klib) and a mold of salt (sil) on an embroidered ceremonial cloth, and accompanied with the words, "With this bread and salt we greet you." Jewish tradition urges bringing bread and salt to people who move into a new home. In so doing, tradition says, the people can sustain themselves.

Although I don't want a dull diet, I could forgo cannelloni, pecan-crusted chicken, and black bottom pie. After all, what I asked God for was daily bread.

For Further Reflection

1. Are you skipping the ceremonial part of your meals?
2. Does your dinner hour contain elements of tradition and sharing?
3. Would considering the basic components of your meals simplify them?

Prayer

Thank you , God, for bread and salt and milk and honey. Help me to eat simply. Amen


Have a Blessed Day

Hump Day

Had another great day yesterday. Did my workouts, and food was great. The sun was shining and the weather had warmed up a bit. Hubby got home early and we all headed outside to start getting the gardens ready for the spring planting. I cleaned up trash that had blown in all winter long.. hubby built fence.. the girls chased the dog... ahhhhhhhh I love spring. I worked up a great sweat and was excited that I felt so good and achieved so much.. yet again!

Yesterday hubby told me that my SIL fessed up and admitted that she did not weigh 160 (like her drivers license stated), but in fact weighed 190. Hubby says he thinks she is still fudging it.. but whatever. In a quick panic I asked him if he was telling his brother how much I weighed... he said "NO.. of course not. I just told him how much you've been working out and that you've lost alot of weight already". That made me feel great... Hubby's brother asked why I wasn't doing *Curves* like his wife was doing (my SIL). Hubby said "Everyone is different, and my wife like to work out harder." Now, I don't have anything against *Curves*. I think it is awesome that someone finally opened a gym to get woman out of the house and into a place where they are comfortable working out. I went to the one in town and tried it out. I didn't even break a sweat... and if you read my last entry you know that there is no way that would cut it for me!! So.. SIL is doing it.. and I'm doing it my way... we'll see who looks better in June! LOL I'm so competitive!

Hubby asked me to start teaching him Tae Kwon Do , so last night was his first lesson. It went better then I expected. If he keeps it up he could be really good. It was kinda fun being his teacher.... but I was also his target and I got my fill of kicks to the thigh while he was practicing. Oh well... wait till its my turn!!

As every day goes by, it sinks in a little more that this is going to be a looooooong trip. That I'm not going to suddenly wake up a size 7, perfectly shaped model. That I'm never going to be able to eat whatever I want to. That this is going to be something I have to do every day of my life.... and believe it or not... I am comforted by that. This change is something that will be around for the rest of my life. This body that is slowly (sometimes VERY slowly) changing for the better, the better eating habits , the daily exercise, the daily feel good vibe.... is going to be around for a long time. I may fall once in a while.. I'm only human.. but I will always get back up. My mind is where it should be... now if I can only keep it there!

Today is Tae Bo Extreme w/step again...

Have a Blessed Day

Tuesday

Yesterday kicked my butt... in a good way! My diet was awesome. No sweets, no unnecessary 'protein treats'. I did my Tae Bo Extreme with the step added in and it worked my legs like crazy. I didn't think I was going to get much else done afterwards but all of a sudden I felt a rush of energy and managed to clean my entire house, all the laundry AND clean the girls room. I worked so much yesterday that before I knew it hubby was home and it was time to make dinner. It felt great to get so much done and still feel good at the end of the day. I wish I could say I slept well, and I probably would have, but the girls had a rough night. So this morning I am really hoping that I get that same rush... although I'm not sure what I'll be able to do since I did most of it yesterday!!!

Once again, I am going to really focus on my diet. I did really well yesterday and want to keep that going. Today's exercise is Tae Bo Abs and Maximum Power which is mostly upper body weight training with the bands. If the weather warms up a little this afternoon I really want to start cleaning up the yard and get it ready for spring.

Most of you commented on how I set high standards for myself when I work out. For me, its not a good workout unless I am red in the face and out of breath when I walk away from the machine. Although I did break a sweat, I didn't push myself.. and that is what I believe makes the change. When you have to push yourself to go that extra 5 minutes on the bike, or finish that last lap of the mile. If you don't push yourself to do better, you'll stay the same. So, yes, my workouts get harder and harder. I never push too hard... but just over the edge... so that the next time I know I can do it and go even farther!

Thanks for all the support. I think it is awesome that so many of you care and take the time to read my daily spill of words. It is the best motivation I could have ever asked for. I hope I can do the same in return!

Have a Blessed Day

Monday Morning

Hi ya'll. What a weekend! Saturday morning I passed up the Kempo and headed to the gym. It became my 3 hour attempt at being a triathlon!! I started on the Elliptical machine but after 15 minutes my butt was burning and my knees where hurting, so I traded it in for the sit down stationary bike. There I lasted 35 minutes and felt pretty good afterwards. Then I headed downstairs to the weights. Because we have a Bowflex and dumbbells here at home I decided to focus on my legs. I squatted, flexed, extended and stretched until every muscle in my legs were shaking. I then headed back upstairs and walked on the treadmill for a sad 10 minutes. Next I headed BACK downstairs where I changed into a bathing suit and hit the lap pool where I succeeded in doing 20 laps before melting into the steam sauna.... where I met a really nice woman who had successfully lost 30 lbs and was determined to lose the next 70... I am hoping to see her again next weekend.

So, I may not have done as well as I hoped but being that it was my first day back in that gym in 5 years.. I kinda felt like a kid in a candy store! I wanted to try everything. Next weekend I am going to focus on staying on the bike a little bit longer... hit at least 20 min on the elliptical machine.. walk a good mile before hitting the swimming pool... and then doubling up on the laps.

Sunday... went to church...came home... laid on the couch with hubby and snoozed. It was a great rest day.

Today I have my Tae Bo Extreme.. but I am adding 'THE STEP'.. I'm not sure how I am going to do.. but I'm determined!

As for my diet.. I am doing well.. but am still eating things that are not all that great for me. Like the Snickers Protein Bar... no kidding, they make a protein bar... 300 calories, 28 g of protein... as much as I tried to tell myself that I was eating a protein bar.. I think it was actually hurting me more. Its hard to remember that you can eat 1800 calories worth of chocolate, chips, soda and other crap.. but its not doing you any good. So today's menu is 1800 calories worth of fruits , veggies, tuna, salad, eggs, toast.... the GOOD stuff. THAT is what I need to focus on...

So, hope everyone is having a great Monday... Have a blessedly passionate day!

TGIF

Thank goodness the weekend is almost here. Not that a stay home mom really GETS a weekend.. but at least the hubby will be home to help with the kids. Today I am hoping that the girls will behave because I have my first nursing exam tonight and I still have one whole chapter to memorize.. literally. The first book is 'medical terminology'... meaning LOTS and LOTS of memorizing.

Yesterdays diet was crappy yet again.. but that's ok because I ate all the cookies and ice cream that was left over from the day before.. so today I have no choice but to stick to my diet. I did work out yesterday.. and am actually really sore. I need to concentrate on drinking alot of water today. I am feeling a little dehydrated. Today's workout is Tae Bo Cardio... and tonight I need to add some weight training.

This Saturday I am supposed to be testing for my Purple belt in Kempo, but I am just so overwhelmed with everything else that I am not prepared for it. I am actually thinking of dropping the class and just getting a daily pass to the gym every Saturday. I think that I will get a better workout from it, and the stress of having to memorize more forms and take downs will not be there. As much as I love the art, I don't seem to have the passion for it that I did when I was younger.

I will leave you with this picture of my Pre-Madonna... get it.. underwear on the outside!! LOL

The Fifth Circle Of Hell

What a title right? Well, its actually the title of today's devotional.. but it describes my day yesterday very well. The fifth circle in hell, according to Dante, is where the people lay that were guilty of Sloth. Too lazy to do anything, to lazy to change.. You'll read more in the devotional later. Anyway, yesterday was one of those days when I just didn't feel all that great. I didn't feel pretty, I didn't feel skinny, I didn't feel motivated or had any energy. I could have laid on the couch all day stuffing my face... OH WAIT... I DID! I'm not going to beat myself over the head about it. I just had a bad day... that's it. ONE bad day. Today I woke up ready to get back on track. I have my two glasses of water and my vitamins.. I have my workout ready in the DVD player.. and even a whole day of fruits and veggies planned out for my meals and snacks! Maybe I just needed yesterday to remind me of how sh&$*% I feel when I do nothing. The funny thing is... I stayed under 2000 calories... only it was ALL candy, ice cream, chocolate.. chips... marshmallows... amazing...

So.. on to today's devotional

The Fifth Circle Of Hell

All things are wearisome; more than one can express; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, or the ear filled with hearing. - Ecclesiastes 1:8

In Dante's Inferno, written in the early 1300's, his guide takes him to the Fifth Circle OF Hell, to see those who were guilty of the deadly sin of sloth. There, people lay in cold black mire, longing for another chance on earth. No fires, no pitchforks, no red-suited underdevils, hurling coal or wood into the mammoth furnace. This part of hell is a cold place where nothing will ever happen.

Sloth isn't the kind of laziness that keeps you from cleaning out the garage or taking a two mile run. Sloth , or indolence, is a spiritual apathy, torpor, hopelessness - a failure to care or act. An Anglican bishop described it as something that would make you cynical about everything- if you had the energy.

I think my nibbling rises out of sloth, out of thinking "OH, what's the use?" or " I don't care". But if the body is the temple of God, am I chipping away at the temple's marble column with my eating? And do I care enough to stop it?

For Further Reflection

1. Do you ever fall into the deadly sin of sloth?
2. Do you lack passion in your life?
3. Can you, with God's help, get out of this fifth circle?

Prayer

O God, save me from the cold mud of slothfulness. When I am apathetic, teach me joy. Amen


Have a PASSIONATE Day!!