Apparently I just move in slow motion. I'm sorry to say that Day 1 of my 30 day challenge has taken me exactly 3 days to complete. Well, actually, I completed it on Day 1. It's just taken 2 more days for me to get to Day 2. And since it's 10pm, I'll call tomorrow Day 2. Not much more than Day 1. I still make a list of things I need/want to get done that day, then I add a 20 minute walk somewhere in my day. Walk 10 minutes away from your house, then turn around and walk back. Then each day you add 1 minute to your walk.
Okay, then....I can do this. Are you joining me?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
My 30 day challenge
Today's Monday.... You know what Mondays are famous for: starting over. You know what everyone says when they screw up on their diets. "I'm going to start over on Monday" Ok, so it's cliche, but today is Monday. And I'm going to challenge myself for the next 30 days. I found a 30 day challenge on www.gotogabby.com called the "30 days to change your ways" challenge.
Day 1 (today) - I've got to make a list of my goals, and then make a "to-do" list of things I need to get done today. That's easy enough...it's the end of the day. My to-do list includes washing bottles, getting ready for bed, and going to sleep. Check, check, and check.
My goals for the end of this 30-day challenge: 1)Eat green vegetables every day. 2) Get back into my old pants (don't think for a minute I'm going to write down the size!) And I don't mean the size 4 pants I wore when I got married...just the ones i was wearing a year ago before I got pregnant with Meg. 3) Drink 70 oz of water every day...without fail. 4) Weigh 10 pounds less. 5) Workout at least 30 mins a day, 5 days a week.
Here goes nothing!
Day 1 (today) - I've got to make a list of my goals, and then make a "to-do" list of things I need to get done today. That's easy enough...it's the end of the day. My to-do list includes washing bottles, getting ready for bed, and going to sleep. Check, check, and check.
My goals for the end of this 30-day challenge: 1)Eat green vegetables every day. 2) Get back into my old pants (don't think for a minute I'm going to write down the size!) And I don't mean the size 4 pants I wore when I got married...just the ones i was wearing a year ago before I got pregnant with Meg. 3) Drink 70 oz of water every day...without fail. 4) Weigh 10 pounds less. 5) Workout at least 30 mins a day, 5 days a week.
Here goes nothing!
Monday, October 19, 2009
God's sense of humor
It happened in Tupelo. I was waiting to pull out onto Eason Blvd, desperately needing to find a bathroom. I was dying!!! There was a car in front of me waiting for traffic to clear so he could turn left. The gas station I was trying to get to was just a block to the right. If the car in front of me would JUST GO ALREADY!!!! I mean really, how clear does traffic have to be?! The gas station is RIGHT THERE!!! I just had a baby a few months ago......there's no such thing as "HOLDING IT"!!!! COME ON!!!!! JUST TURN!!!!! MUST....GO....NOW!!!!
That's when I looked down at the license plate on the car in front of me. It read: GOT2PEE......Seriously! Who puts that on their car tag?!?! I could almost hear the voice of God, just laughing at me!!! hahahahahahahahahahaha
That's when I looked down at the license plate on the car in front of me. It read: GOT2PEE......Seriously! Who puts that on their car tag?!?! I could almost hear the voice of God, just laughing at me!!! hahahahahahahahahahaha
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Blue's clues
Husband outside mowing the grass, baby girl quietly sitting in her bouncy seat (best money ever spent on her), 3 y.o. son upstairs w/ our dog playing happily, momma finally gets a few moments to stretch out on the couch and watch TV (a rare luxury these days). Aaaahhhhh.....the sweet sound of silence. I can literally feel my blood pressure and stress levels coming down.......
And then it hits me: Silence is not a good thing when you live with a three-year-old! "Benjamin! What are you doing?" "WHAT, MOMMA?!!!" "What are you doing?" (run, run, run...footsteps overhead.....Benjamin appears at the top of the stairs with a smudge on his shirt) "What's that on your shirt Benjamin?" "TOOTHPASTE" "Benjamin, have you been playing with your toothpaste?" (big toothy grin....nodding) (Momma rolls eyes....thinking 'I bet it's all over the bathroom')
WRONG!!! I spent the next hour cleaning blue toothpaste off his bed, his mattress, his comforter, his bedside table, his wall, his ceiling (HOW???), and his light-colored carpet (at least 2 dozen large spots). Fortunately, the toothpaste came off everything, except the carpet. He'll probably have blue spotted carpet until he's a teenager when I get around to replacing it. I desperately wanted to take a picture, but he would totally think it was cool that mommy was taking a picture of his masterpiece. After cleaning it all up, I finally got him to bed, leaned over to kiss him goodnight, and that's when I noticed he had it in his hair too. Oh well, no bath that night. He went to school the next day with toothpaste in his hair.
Lesson learned: 15 minutes of silence=1.5 hours of clean-up=15 years of blue carpet
And then it hits me: Silence is not a good thing when you live with a three-year-old! "Benjamin! What are you doing?" "WHAT, MOMMA?!!!" "What are you doing?" (run, run, run...footsteps overhead.....Benjamin appears at the top of the stairs with a smudge on his shirt) "What's that on your shirt Benjamin?" "TOOTHPASTE" "Benjamin, have you been playing with your toothpaste?" (big toothy grin....nodding) (Momma rolls eyes....thinking 'I bet it's all over the bathroom')
WRONG!!! I spent the next hour cleaning blue toothpaste off his bed, his mattress, his comforter, his bedside table, his wall, his ceiling (HOW???), and his light-colored carpet (at least 2 dozen large spots). Fortunately, the toothpaste came off everything, except the carpet. He'll probably have blue spotted carpet until he's a teenager when I get around to replacing it. I desperately wanted to take a picture, but he would totally think it was cool that mommy was taking a picture of his masterpiece. After cleaning it all up, I finally got him to bed, leaned over to kiss him goodnight, and that's when I noticed he had it in his hair too. Oh well, no bath that night. He went to school the next day with toothpaste in his hair.
Lesson learned: 15 minutes of silence=1.5 hours of clean-up=15 years of blue carpet
Okay, this is totally not mine....But I'm claiming it as my wake-up call. I found it on Gabrielle Reece's website (www.gotogabby.com) I don't know much about Gabby, but when it comes to being a real woman who just wants to encourage other women to live a healthier lifestyle, SHE ROCKS!!! This is one of her blogs. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
It's Not Easy
By Gabby Reece
It's just easier not to do the work, but will you get what you want? OK, I've been reading the comments, and I realize that at the end of the day, it's just easier to eat tasty crappy-for-you food, and "not have the time" to exercise. I get it!
So what do you think is going to make the change? What cattle prodding or provocative article is going to change your priorities with respect to eating healthy? Will it take a doctor telling you that you're about to have a heart attack? How about when you realize that you are 25, 50, 75 lbs heavier than when you were in high school? Maybe it will be that day you go to the store to try on clothes and get a real 3D shocking look at yourself in the mirror. Or when one of your kids comes crying to you concerned about your health? Do you need to get depressed to make the lifestyle change?
We're all here on this planet making all these plans and not taking care of one of the most important gifts and assets we have in this life -- our health and our bodies. I love our American culture just grinding away working and going for the mighty dollar. You know, because we all need more stuff to be happy.Would it be possible to make the change right now? To do it before we hit some huge wall? To decide once and for all to stick with a regular exercise schedule and healthy eating program?
It's just science. Yes, there are people who have weird genetics that don't get fat when they eat Krispy Kreme, but they are more the exception than the norm. You were not singled out to be fat via your genetics. Of course, you grew up in a certain household to particular parents, and that does influence the way your body looks today, but you still can fight that and control your here and now.Is it fun? Grow up. What single thing in life worth having is easy? I think it's so strange because for the most part, we're taught that if we just work hard, we can make anything happen. Yet, we can't seem to buy into that when it comes to our own health and bodies.
Get a friend right now and make a plan. Start three days a week walking or biking. Do something active three days a week for 30 minutes. Get your heart rate up. Once you get going, start taking a class together once a week. Split the fees on a trainer once a month. Mix it up and try to get creative.
Get away from the TV and computer and use that time for YOU. Here, I'll make it easy -- treat it like work. Don't flake, just show up and get it done. I know the food is the most challenging part, but it's key in this equation. Watch your portions, don't skip meals, monitor snacking, drink only water, eat real food, don't microwave stuff, avoid the drive-thru, and if you're questioning whether or not something is "OK to eat," chances are you already know the answer.
When I say it doesn't come easy, that doesn't mean it has to be total hell either. Get involved with your health and fitness life, and you'll begin to see that there are a lot of ways to cheat, have fun, and still be successful. Last nagging point, find ways to not let the stress get to you, and sleep, babies. Let's go, people. This is it. You can do it.
I'm motivated now. How about you?
It's Not Easy
By Gabby Reece
It's just easier not to do the work, but will you get what you want? OK, I've been reading the comments, and I realize that at the end of the day, it's just easier to eat tasty crappy-for-you food, and "not have the time" to exercise. I get it!
So what do you think is going to make the change? What cattle prodding or provocative article is going to change your priorities with respect to eating healthy? Will it take a doctor telling you that you're about to have a heart attack? How about when you realize that you are 25, 50, 75 lbs heavier than when you were in high school? Maybe it will be that day you go to the store to try on clothes and get a real 3D shocking look at yourself in the mirror. Or when one of your kids comes crying to you concerned about your health? Do you need to get depressed to make the lifestyle change?
We're all here on this planet making all these plans and not taking care of one of the most important gifts and assets we have in this life -- our health and our bodies. I love our American culture just grinding away working and going for the mighty dollar. You know, because we all need more stuff to be happy.Would it be possible to make the change right now? To do it before we hit some huge wall? To decide once and for all to stick with a regular exercise schedule and healthy eating program?
It's just science. Yes, there are people who have weird genetics that don't get fat when they eat Krispy Kreme, but they are more the exception than the norm. You were not singled out to be fat via your genetics. Of course, you grew up in a certain household to particular parents, and that does influence the way your body looks today, but you still can fight that and control your here and now.Is it fun? Grow up. What single thing in life worth having is easy? I think it's so strange because for the most part, we're taught that if we just work hard, we can make anything happen. Yet, we can't seem to buy into that when it comes to our own health and bodies.
Get a friend right now and make a plan. Start three days a week walking or biking. Do something active three days a week for 30 minutes. Get your heart rate up. Once you get going, start taking a class together once a week. Split the fees on a trainer once a month. Mix it up and try to get creative.
Get away from the TV and computer and use that time for YOU. Here, I'll make it easy -- treat it like work. Don't flake, just show up and get it done. I know the food is the most challenging part, but it's key in this equation. Watch your portions, don't skip meals, monitor snacking, drink only water, eat real food, don't microwave stuff, avoid the drive-thru, and if you're questioning whether or not something is "OK to eat," chances are you already know the answer.
When I say it doesn't come easy, that doesn't mean it has to be total hell either. Get involved with your health and fitness life, and you'll begin to see that there are a lot of ways to cheat, have fun, and still be successful. Last nagging point, find ways to not let the stress get to you, and sleep, babies. Let's go, people. This is it. You can do it.
I'm motivated now. How about you?
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Richard's Nickname
My son Benji has always been very verbal, able to repeat most of the words he hears, putting together complete sentences at a very young age. I've always been quite proud of his 3-yr-old vocabulary. For the past 2-3 months, however, he's begun to experiment with sounds and words. I think he makes up new words just to see how they sound. For example, instead of "Yes, ma'am" he'll say "Yes, Tonk!". Instead of asking for a cup of milk, "Mommy I want a cup of Choonk!" Maybe he's reverting to "baby talk" in order to compete with his little sister for attention from Mom and Dad. Whatever his reasons may be, this is the background that leads us to today's post.
Benji and I were driving down the road a few weeks ago when he "discovered" a new word. Fortunately he chose this moment rather than trying it in a crowded store. He found a towel in the back seat, pulled it across his car seat, and yelled "Mommy I got my (Richard's nickname)!!!" And if you need me to explain what he actually said (what Richard's nickname is), don't bother reading the rest of this post. I simply cannot write it! Just use your imagination, it'll come to you. Anyway, he's steadily yelling out "Mommy, I got my (Richard's nickname)!!! I GOTTA RICHARD'S NICKNAME, MOMMY!!! RICHARD'S NICKNAME!!! RICHARD'S NICKNAME!!!! NICKETY-NICK-NICK-NICKNAME!!!!"
Can I tell you again how GRATEFUL I am that he did this in the safety of our car and NOT IN PUBLIC. And you know, if you laugh, he'll just keep on doing it. So I nearly choked on my laughter that day. For those of you who have kids, I'm sure you've been there. For those of you who may someday have kids.....be prepared. You're time is coming too!
Benji and I were driving down the road a few weeks ago when he "discovered" a new word. Fortunately he chose this moment rather than trying it in a crowded store. He found a towel in the back seat, pulled it across his car seat, and yelled "Mommy I got my (Richard's nickname)!!!" And if you need me to explain what he actually said (what Richard's nickname is), don't bother reading the rest of this post. I simply cannot write it! Just use your imagination, it'll come to you. Anyway, he's steadily yelling out "Mommy, I got my (Richard's nickname)!!! I GOTTA RICHARD'S NICKNAME, MOMMY!!! RICHARD'S NICKNAME!!! RICHARD'S NICKNAME!!!! NICKETY-NICK-NICK-NICKNAME!!!!"
Can I tell you again how GRATEFUL I am that he did this in the safety of our car and NOT IN PUBLIC. And you know, if you laugh, he'll just keep on doing it. So I nearly choked on my laughter that day. For those of you who have kids, I'm sure you've been there. For those of you who may someday have kids.....be prepared. You're time is coming too!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Comic Relief
I needed a little comic relief after yesterday's events (see previous post). So when I found this lighthearted article in Real Simple, it hit the spot. I thought I'd share it with you. The first time I read it (several months ago), I considered it funny enough to hang on to....one of those morsels of comedy that I'm glad I still have. But when I read it again this morning, I noticed that it was written by a man. Read it, and you'll understand why I was a little surprised. It sounds completely like a woman's thoughts:
SEEKING: Impersonal Trainer
Look, I know. I could stand to lose a few pounds, and I need your help getting there. But I'll be honest: I've felt smothered by other trainers I've been with. I want to know that you're there, sure, but counting every rep? I need my space!! That is why, at every session, I'll happily provide you with reading material and a folding chair. Feel free to monitor my exercise from afar - just try to do so without direct eye contact.
Oh, and I'm acknowledging my fitness intentions just by taking out this ad, right? We'll both know why we're meeting. So we don't have to talk about goal weight or body-mass index. Let's keep the chitchat to celebrity breakups, shall we?
I'd also prefer a hands-off approach. Literally. Not that I think physical contact is inappropriate. It's just that if the weight is heavy enough for me to need a spotter, I'm probably not going to want to lift it in the first place.
That should about cover it. I'd rather not give you my phone number, in case someday I sleep in and miss an appointment. So how about this: I'll be at Rosedale Gym next Wednesday at 7 a.m., ready to get fit. Meet me if you'd like the job, but please don't try to talk to me - I'm not really a morning person.
SEEKING: Impersonal Trainer
Look, I know. I could stand to lose a few pounds, and I need your help getting there. But I'll be honest: I've felt smothered by other trainers I've been with. I want to know that you're there, sure, but counting every rep? I need my space!! That is why, at every session, I'll happily provide you with reading material and a folding chair. Feel free to monitor my exercise from afar - just try to do so without direct eye contact.
Oh, and I'm acknowledging my fitness intentions just by taking out this ad, right? We'll both know why we're meeting. So we don't have to talk about goal weight or body-mass index. Let's keep the chitchat to celebrity breakups, shall we?
I'd also prefer a hands-off approach. Literally. Not that I think physical contact is inappropriate. It's just that if the weight is heavy enough for me to need a spotter, I'm probably not going to want to lift it in the first place.
That should about cover it. I'd rather not give you my phone number, in case someday I sleep in and miss an appointment. So how about this: I'll be at Rosedale Gym next Wednesday at 7 a.m., ready to get fit. Meet me if you'd like the job, but please don't try to talk to me - I'm not really a morning person.
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