Titles are hard!

Okay, I have to admit that some days the titles are hard to come up with.  Heck, coming up with things to talk about is hard some days.  More wrangling collecting my thoughts.  But for some reason the titles don't just roll out!  So, last time I left with the "whys".  Some days are just filled with those!  I'm really trying to put my all in for the year. I'm aware we are still in January.  My diet, I HATE THAT WORD,  is where I struggle the most.  Back in the day, while attending Weight Watchers, I was told more than once that I don't consume enough especially for the amount of exercise that is done.  The last leader told me to stop exercising as much and eat more.  WHAT!?  Honestly, who has ever been told that at a Weight Watchers meeting?

I was not even close to my points for the day.  And that didn't include those bonus exercise points.  Many times, I was eating until I literally felt sick.  I don't know about you but that really isn't an enjoyable feeling for me.  So, I struck out on my own.  Now don't get me wrong.  I eat a lot!  A lot!  But apparently not enough.  Myfitnesspal.com is telling me the same thing.  I'm really liking how I feel on this mostly vegetarian thing.  I do eat meat on occasion but I'm picky.  This is turning out to be harder than I ever thought.  Should be interesting to see how this year goes!  I'll figure it out sooner or later!  Let us all hope that it is on the sooner side.......

Yesterday, I had to make up some miles from Tuesday.  I VOW TO NEVER EVER PUT OFF MY RUN UNTIL THE EVENING!  IT NEVER WORKS FOR ME!  I've been going into daily workouts with the mindset of all in or nothing.  I had just 2 miles on schedule and had 2 make up.  I decided to push it.  Push it hard!  I completed my 4 miles, including a 1/4 miles walking warm-up in 40 min. and some odd seconds.  OMG!  Did you hear that!  40 minutes and some odd seconds.  Not bad for a "chubby weight girl"!  I figure the only way I'm going to get faster is to push myself on occasion.  I give props to any and all that run below a 10 minute mile.  That is amazing and I am in awe of you!  Hit my P90x shoulder and arm tape also!  Gotta love the "glamour" muscles! 

Today, just a short 3 miles around 11:3? a mile.  My legs were tired.  Heck, I was tired!  Then Ab Ripper.  I hate dislike ab work!  Ironic because it is the one area, other than my double chin, that I have always had issues with.  I passed on Yoga X today.  I'll regret it later.  Well, the kids are heading off to bed ... a little late tonight.  They are not so secretly wishing for a snow day or delay tomorrow.  I'm not telling my wish.  Well, 5:15 am rolls around quickly.  I'll be up with Tony and hitting the legs and back tomorrow!

Hope all of you had an active and event filled day!  With the weekend rolling in, WHAT ARE YOU BIG PLANS FOR IT?  Do you have any fun activities planned?  I'm thinking about taking the kids ice skating.  They will love it.  John will hate it! 

I'm thankful for Morningstar Spicy Black Bean burgers ..... YUMMY!  Toasted bread, little mayo, thinly sliced red onion, and lettuce.  Can't get better!  Well, actually if you are lucky to eat them with in season tomato ... even better!  We love Morningstar products.  Give them try if you haven't already!     

A good case of the WHYS?!

As a parent you quickly realize that children seem to love the word why.  I understand.  Truthfully, you don't learn if you don't question.  That is part of how we grow.  I suffer from a good case of the WHYS' today. 

Why did I not do my run this morning? 

Why did I think it could be done in the evening?

Why does food tracking suck so much? 

Why can't there be an easier way to count calories other than weighing & measuring food? 

Why can't I just loose fat (not weight) eating what I do? 

Why am I one of the oddballs that eats too little calories??!?!?!

Why do the things I want to do in life not correspond with the amount of money I have to spend?

Why are there not any events closer?

Why can't there be exercise/workout classes around here I'm interested in attending?   

Why are running events so pricey? 

Why would I want to follow my desire for a career when I don't know if I would make a dime at it around here?  

If you can provide any insight, I would really appreciate it! 

I'm thankful that my kids are happy, healthy, ornery, and irritating at times.  It makes life interesting! 

And we have a WIN!

This is my LOVE for the day!  I love me Muscles and Killer! 

Short and sweet!  Today we watched Muscles and Killer.  What fun!  What fun!  Just touching on Killer....she is really missing that killer instinct.  I'm not to proud to admit to bribery.  I told her today, after her matches, if she wins ONE match.  JUST ONE MATCH during the rest of the season, I'll buy her an Ipod Touch.  Sadly, the phrase "a snowball has a better chance in ...... " comes into play.  Let's hope she proves me wrong!  She tells us she loves it and is having a good time.  Guess that is what matters at her age. 

Oh Muscles, my Muscles.....  First match was hard fought.  With about 5 seconds to go in the final period of the first match, he was up by the score of 4 to 3.  Talk about a grudge match.  Then at the last second, he let his opponent stand up!  Score two for the other guy.  He was beat by the score of 5 to 4.  UGH!  Second one rolled around and it was another push and shove type of match.  We screamed.  We screamed.  Then Grandma Grimm screamed.  Which almost scared the crap out of me!  I'm 38 years old and have never heard my Momma yell that loud.  He fought.  He got angry.  And then.  And then.  And then.  At the end of all periods...I don't remember what the score was but he had more! 

 It was nearly impossible for me to take pics.  This dang huge family in front of us.  I mean Grandma & Pap, their 4 kids and spouses, and their 13 to 15 grandchildren used match time to hug, stand up, take family pictures with their Ipads, play, pass the babies around, look at 31 catalogs and just be generally annoying.  And then during actual match time, truthfully, John and I were up on our feet screaming.  The "family" didn't like it.  Which made it even better!  He is liking it better each time.  Which I knew would happen!  He was happy and tired afterwards. 

WAY TO GO MUSCLES!     

I had planned to do a running "Thankful for" item but it seems to have fallen by the wayside.  Here is my newest installment. 

I'm thankful for my in-laws, Denny and Karen Brereton.  I have to be!  If it wasn't for them I would not have the love of my life, John.  And would have never gotten to have, meet, and LOVE Muscles and Killer!  

"Kidsday"

The entire week I've said .... "on Saturday, I'm going to make it all about the kids".  So, I dedicated this day entirely to them.  Well, not entirely!  I jumped right up at 5:15 to "hit it" with my morning date.  If you believe that full heartily, I'm pretty good at lying.  My throat has been hurting for the past couple of days, especially in the morning and at night.  Explain that?!  So when I actually rumbled out of bed at 5:45 .... I headed for my side of the playroom.  Legs and Back ... P90X style today.  As I decided a little while ago ... all or nothing!  I must have done it up right because my buttocks, hamstrings, and calves are hurting! 

The kids got up.  Had some breakfast.  Got dressed.  And out the door we headed!  Today was the first day of basketball for first - third grade boys at United.  Payne was ready!  It is coached by the father of one of his best buddies.  The whole lot of them was there...for a second I thought it was football practice!  More than half of the football team was there.  He was happy to see his buddies...especially out of school.  Hadley sat in the stand with me.  We talked to each other.  I talked to a few of the fathers...not to many mothers at a 9 am basketball practice.  She watched movies.  Colored pictures.  And made buddies with a few little, little guys that were there to watch their brother.  They enjoyed her movies and coloring books. 

Afterwards, we headed home.  The were nice enough to make me lunch.  DID YOU CATCH THAT?!  Yep, they made me lunch.  I'm not telling what it was because you can't turn down lunch made by your 6 and 8 year old.  We did a little cleaning and maintenance around the house.  Then we headed outside.  I moved the vehicles.  And then.....the electric scooters came out.  Grandma and Pap Breretons' Christmas gift has been christened! 

Thumbs up to Grandma & Pap Brereton!

How fast can I go?  JK She doesn't like the motor! 

Another thumbs up for Grandma & Pap Brereton! 

I read the box.  I know how fast it will go! 

Dang that Pap Grimm for leaving his truck in the way!  The best jump is under it! 

Not good!  He is contemplating something.....

You had to go outside today!  When is it 50 degrees in January in OHIO?!  Kinda scares me.... The boy had on shorts for goodness sakes.  While they enjoyed their little ride around.  I got the pleasure of doing this.......

Someone has to read them!

Next on tap, a trip to Calcutta.  Now for us that doesn't sound like fun BUT for kids with gift cards burning holes in their pockets.  It sounds SPECTACULAR!  John did join the picture at this point.  He came home from hunting.  We headed out to dinner at their favorite Chinese restaurant.  If one particular friend is reading...thank you for taking me to Szchuaen Garden oh so many years ago.  Now the adults did stop and get some new running shoes.  Yes, I said adults.  John purchased some Sauconys'....I told him they are the best!  Dessert at Brusters' tonight.  Hadley wanted ice cream.  How do you tell her no on the newly named "kidsday"?!  You don't. 

Off to Game Stop.  Now, normally it isn't my favorite place but tonight was different.  Our young man showed how thoughtful he is tonight.  Hadley had her American Express gift card earmarked for something BUT she changed her mind.  She made her first ever Game Stop purchase.  She bought a Nintendo DSI!  Now that used all of her card plus a little from Dad.  There wasn't enough for even a game.  Before either parent could step in Payne said and I quote "Hadley, since you don't have any money left, I will buy this game for you with my gift card."  We looked at him and said "What?"  Of course, he repeated the same thing.  He told me "Mom, she can't get a game system without picking out a game.  So, I will use my money to get one for her."  Can you imagine that?  Seriously?  John shook his hand and told him how nice that was.  I hugged him and told him that was very nice.  NOW, I will admit that I ended up purchasing the game.  Sometimes it is the thought that counts the most.  I didn't want him to use his Christmas gift on someone else.  Hadley thinks he bought it and that is all that matters. 

She returned the favor in the next store!  Gotta love my kiddos!  Well, I better get off of here.  Saturday is "scary" movie night here.  And I hear them getting ready!  This is the one night they get to stay up this late.  And trust me ... there is NOTHING even remotely "scary" about these movies!  Hope everyone has a great and wonderful evening!  Off to watch Killer and Muscles tomorrow! 



 

This little girl.....

Earlier in the week this picture came across my screen.......

Now, I know there are more than likely many thoughts and opinions about this picture and the use of it.  Truthfully, it doesnt' bother me.  The truth hurts.  I know it is hard to be a little girl when you're not.  This picture has brought up many feelings for me.  I was this little girl.  Now, I may not necessarily have been shaped like her but I was a "big" little girl. 

My son is built just like me.  Imagine this as a 6 year old girl.... 

 
Mind you he is 8 years old in these pictures.  (I in no way shape or form think there is anything wrong with my son!  This just isn't the optimal little girl figure.)  When I look at her eyes......I go back to being her.  The feelings.  The questionable self-esteem.  The doubt.  The list could go on and on.  There are many reasons this could happen.  Inactivity.  Food choices.  Genetics.  Even finances.  Unfortunately, we have become a nation of excess.  A nation of laziness.  A nation of excuses.  No matter your feeling, one thing is for certain, people need to take some responsibility in our own lives.  Even at a young age, we are capable of making good choices. 

Now don't get me wrong, our "food system" needs work.  Most of the stuff out there contains questionable nutritional value.  Along with a slew of preservatives, additives, and chemicals that we DON'T know the long term ramifications of.  But that isn't what I'm talking about today.  Nothing pains me more than to see any child, regardless of size, walking by a cart at the store packed with cookies, chips, frozen pizzas, and pop.

What I want for you to take from this is a few things........1.  If you are the parent of this child, regardless of sex, please think.  You set the example they will follow.  I know change can be hard but it can be and will be worthwhile.  2.  No matter your size (2 or 32) don't involve your child in your constant battle with food or weight.  They pay attention to EVERYTHING.  To how you view yourself.  How you speak about yourself.  How you cope with things.  All of that will be emulated by them.  3.  Regardless of your relationship with this child ... don't judge her or him.  You haven't walked in their shoes.  And most of important of all 4.  Ingrain in this child......

We all have a light.  And we need to let it shine.  Support her or him.  Stand by her or him.  Regardless of your relationship with this child, let them know they are worthwhile.  Guide them in this world.  Take a minute and share something with them.  Even the smallest of gestures may turn out to be momentous.  I don't really know if I accomplished what the goal of this post was.  But this picture just brings back so many feeling and thoughts.  Some that I could never explain.  I grew up with loving and supportive parents.  Who tried to instill a good sense of self.  BUT little kids do know how to act.  I worked out my issues to a great extent.  Some may never leave.

Please just think before you judge!         

Cheating again!

Today was the day!  I started my "affair" all over again.  Yes, as I've stated before, I cheat on my husband regularly.  He is aware of it.  Actually, he really likes the fringe benefits from my cheating. 

Here is my morning date.....

Yes, it is a bad picture.  What can I say?  Tony is back and in full force in my life.  Been a couple of bad weeks without him.  I know some of you find him a little irritating.  I can agree with that.  He does talk an awful lot!  But when I'm with him....

I break a pretty good sweat.  Actually, not much in this picture but the others you could really tell.  Even for me ... they were a little up close and personal.  I really don't take the best pics.  And as you can tell, I'm a real "fashionista" in general.  If you are worried about how you look when working out ... you aren't really working out for the right reasons.  No one should look good!  I purchased my "desk calender" for my wall.  It is now filled out with pre-set daily workouts.  My plan is to follow them as directly as I can until April.  I know there has to be some give-n-take. 

I came across the following ....

This really spoke to me.  Can't wait to see what their February promise is!  Today, the kiddos wanted Potato Soup for dinner.  I know it isn't every ones thing BUT my kids eat just about everything.  So, I came up with my Loaded Potato Soup.......   

We have potatoes, celery, carrots, white corn, lima beans, natural ground chicken, garlic salt, onion powder, and a little chicken bouillon.  No dairy!  I added no milk or cream.  Trying a little healthier version of Potato Soup.  Who said you can't get a serving of veggies or a little protein in Potato Soup?  It was a hit.  Well, John thought the chicken was cheese curds.  IDK why!  I've never purchased cheese curds in my entire life and don't plan to anytime soon.  The kids don't understand that when I make most things, I don't follow recipes.  I just pick, choose, and add things until it tastes good.  So, it will never taste the same twice.  Most of our favorite meals have come about that way. 

Plyometrics and a short run on tap for tomorrow.  Hope everyone has a great and wonderful evening! 

January 1, 2012

Here we are JANUARY 1, 2012.  Does time fly!  Tis' the season for this and that but mainly it is resolution time.  A resolution is defined as .... the act or process of resolving; act of answering, solving, or determining.  I'm not a resolution kinda gal.  I'm more of a goal type.  A goal is defined as .... the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.  Which would you rather be? 

As most of you are aware my main goal for 2012 is to be "EXTRAORDINARY"!  Truthfully, I've spent a good portion of my life being "average" and I'm pretty over it.  Now, I'm more than aware that I may only be "EXTRAORDINARY" in my own mind, or those of my families, but that is okay with me. 

One could say that I'm pretty hard on myself.  And I'm never 100% pleased with my results.  And that I can set pretty lofty goals for myself.  Yep, all three technically would be correct.  

I like to work and have been known to get bored easily.  So, I sat down with my trusty notebook and made a list of goals for 2012.  Of course, these are my own personal goals.  We have ones for the family and others that are for John and I.  This is my 2012 goal list .....

1.  Log all my daily workouts.  I do pretty well.  But have been known to go a few weeks without logging on.  Watch me light up dailymile.com!

2.  LOFTY GOAL ALERT .... Run 750+ miles in 2012. 

3.  Complete my first 1/2 marathon. 

4.  Compete in the Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon ... either the Full Marathon Relay or the 1/2 Marathon. 

5.  Complete my second full marathon.

6.  Really get a hold on my nutrition.  I've been told numerous times that I don't consume enough. 

7.  Investigate the two programs that I'm interested in.  YES, I finally know what I want to be when I grow up! 

8.  Amaze myself! 

So what are your goals for 2012?  Write them down.  Then let the work begin.  My work began today.  Only 747 miles to go!  Come on!  Get your pen and paper out.  We can work on them together!   

Don't be afraid to go after what you want! 

Remember, the only thing holding you back ... is YOU!