Something has been bothering me!

I know you're worried the complaints are going to start!  Nothing like that.  In this world of blogs, there are a few that I follow daily, some weekly, and some I just check in on occasionally.  On Tuesday of this week,  MomSwimBikeRun had a blog post about excuses.  I believe it was Excuses are for Dummies.  Don't hold me to the exact title.  Let me say .... it really got under my skin!  That blog post has been lingering in the back of my mind ever since. 

Guess one could say it made me think?  Or I agree with it?  Or maybe it bothered me because I've used some excuses myself.  Oh who am I kidding!  It pissed me off because I've used excuses myself.  Now, I had just come off of four days of doing nothing when I read it.  The first two and a half were justified.  I like to be able to breathe out of my nose.  The rest.  Well yeah.  Um.  I could have done more.  I guess a thank you is in order to MomSwimBikeRun for that post.  It put my a@@ in gear! 

I have this on my motivation wall.  I urge people to not make excuses.  What is your excuse?  Too tired?  Kids have activities?  Too busy?  Not enough time?  And the list goes on.  Trust me, I've used them all.  Really and truly, I do believe in the power of good nutrition and exercise.  It may not cure all but it sure the heck isn't going to hurt.  I'll admit to using it as therapy.  I mean after a craptastic conversation or encounter where you just want to scream.  What is better than a little physical exertion to get the anger out?  I just imagine that my weights are hitting them ever so gently upside the head.  Or maybe, I'm running over them.  During Kenpo, I have to aim for something when punching and kicking.  Right?! 

Do you think I would ever do that?!  So next time you are thinking of using that lame excuse.  You know the one.  The one that even you don't buy.  Just think about how much better you will feel after even 30 minutes of movement.  Really?  Won't it make your day better? 

Because you know what?  It comes down to .......

Pretty much this applies to every single thing in life.  Nothing is going to be handed to you. 

Get up off your a@@ butt and work for it! 

     

   

Let me tell you a story about a man.....

He has been part of my life for over fifteen years, a little over eleven of those have been in marriage.  Over that span of time, I've seen him do many things.  We'll just end that there.  He has his interests.  I have mine.  Of course, we share some.  The one thing that I haven't really seen him do is exercise.  That is right my husband DOES NOT share my passion for movement.  I can count on my two hands the number of times I've seen him workout.  I've never bothered him about it. 

This is John..........just being himself

That is my LOVE acting goofy!  I wouldn't want him to be any other way.  Don't be jealous....JK! 

Over the years, he has supported me in whatever struck my fancy.  He has watched me go out the door for numerous miles.  Listened to me talk about P90X.  Purchased my much loved dreaded hamster wheel.  Listens to me complain about needing heavier weights.  Doesn't care that I purchase heavier weights.  Only questions the date and time when I tell him I've signed up for something.  And told me at the height of my marathon training how great I was doing. 

Along, our journey he has thrown in a 5K or two.  Both with none to very minimal training.  Completed them in under 28 minutes each.  Trust me when I say ... that makes me SICK!  I work daily at it and then he comes along ..... oh, I'm getting off track.  Last October, I ran the Wineglass Marathon in Corning, NY.  Now, no race would be complete without family there.  The day did not go as planned for me.  I struggled.  But when I came across that line ... there was this man.  Big smile and open arms.  And he said "I'm so proud of you.  The only thing that tops this was watching you have our children."  On the ride home, he told me of families out there running together.  Couples crossing the line together.  He looked at me and said "I want to do that with you."  Now, I knew he meant it BUT .....

The following happened this week, not once but twice.......

Yes, he did get a hair cut.  He was on the treadmill!  Now, it is like a car wreck for us.  The kids and I just sit there and stare.  I've taken numerous pictures.  At one point ... no joking ... the dog was sitting there just watching him.  I don't know that our kids have ever seen him workout.  Maybe a couple of push-ups or crunches but nothing else.  I find it nerve racking having him on there.  I worry more about him falling then I do the kids!  And that he is going to break it.....he is a bit accident prone. 

Today, he asked me if I would take official before pictures.  He wants to join me on my "What can a year do" challenge!  I will be including him in my post on the 28th of each month.  After eleven years, I've inspired him to MOVE!  See what persistence can do.  I WISH!  Now not only will he be joining my on my challenge but also in a 1/2 marathon in April and a full marathon in September.  This should be an interesting challenge.  Follow along as John goes from "Couch Potato" to Marathoner in under a year!           

The end of the regular season.....

A little of my LOVE today.....

Today was the last "regular season" wrestling matches.  Now, both Killer and Muscles have enjoyed themselves this season.  That is not saying there haven't been a few tears shed.  It has been a learning experience for both of them.  Going into our first wrestling season, I wanted my kids to learn a few lessons.  For Muscles ....  needed to learn that being physically strong doesn't always insure wins and that you are in charge of the outcome.  See wrestling is different for anything he has done.  With football or baseball, it is a team effort.  This is you and you alone.  Yep, your teammates may be cheering you on but there is no one else in the circle with you.  And for Killer ....  needed to learn that she is capable of  many things and that no matter others opinions if you like something DO IT! 

Pit stops have been made.  Uniforms have been checked.  Can we go already? 

Off they head into the unknown...at least to us it is unknown.  God forbid a parent without proper papers walk close to the officer! 

They are over there.....trust me! 

TRUST ME!  Killer really wants that IPOD touch.....

.

  

Killer was up first!  UGH!  Killer, Killer, Killer.  Where do I begin?  It has been a long season for Killer.  She really loves it.  But we really have had our ups and downs.  She was ready for practice daily and LOVED Sundays.  You couldn't tell either once we got there most times.  BUT, she did.  Her first match of the season was great!  Then after that .... well let's just say she was like a turtle when it flips over on its back.  If you remember a few weeks back, I resorted to bribery.  My deal was if she WON ONE MATCH during the rest of the season .... I would buy her a IPOD Touch.  Now, even my husband said that a snowball had a better chance in ..... You know the phrase.  But secretly we really wanted to pay up on this deal.  It is all she has talked about for the past two weeks. 

Last week there were no matches in her favor.  So, it all came down to today!  The last regular season match!  I told her the night before and this morning...REMEMBER I'M PRETTY STRAIGHT FORWARD....to just go bat-shit crazy today.  Work like she had never worked before.  Push those little boys around.  Don't, don't, don't leave with anything but a win.  I know pretty harsh for a six year old but I REALLY WANTED HER TO WIN ONE MATCH THIS SEASON!  We headed into the first match.  Looked pretty even size wise.  I could tell the coaches were pulling for her.  Apparently, all other girls that have went out for the team in the past have never finished a season.  And there were other fans in the stands!  It was back and forth.  TRUST ME...NO PICTURES WERE TAKEN!  I was on my feet, hiding my face, breathing heavy, and going crazy.  First round....no pin either way.  We made it to the second round....no pin either way.  WTH, she made it to the third round!  No pin either way.  It scored 14 to 6 in her opponents favor.  NOW, we saw this as a win!  She didn't get pinned and made it the entire match. 

So, we waited for the second match.  Amazing how like twenty minutes can seem like hours!  She was up!  First round....no pin either way.  We made it to the second round....no pin either way.  WTH, she made it to the third round again!  Again!  There was so much heavy breathing, panting, and sweating!  You would have thought I was at the end of my marathon.  Pap Grimm was screaming!  Grandma Grimm was screaming!  Dad was screaming!  Her friends family was screaming!  Her coach was on the floor screaming at her.  There were so many OMG's said in the stands.  I heard her name being yelled from another part of the stands.  The time ran out and there was no pin either way.  The scoreboard read 10 to 7.....

In her favor!  Did you hear that?  IN HER FAVOR!  She won!  She won!  She won!  She won!  And I have to purchase and Ipod Touch.  I've never been so happy to part with money.  I can't tell you how happy she is.  And how ready for next year!  Isn't it amazing what one little ribbon can do?

After a long wait!  Long wait!  Long wait!  Muscles was up.  He was ready.  My deals with him were if he won two matches during the rest of the season I would purchase two DS games for him OR if he finished his last two meets with all pins (total of 4) then I would get him a IPOD Touch.  I had to make his deal harder!  He didn't think the IPOD was within his grasp.  And I told him as long as he thought that ... he would never get it.  I explained to him that when we doubt ourselves, we beat ourselves.  Told him of entering many competitions in the past knowing full well I wasn't the best.  But knowing that the best was going to have to beat me.  I wasn't going to give the win away.  He will learn this more as he gets older.  Last week saw one win for Muscles.  So, going into today, he only needed one win.  I told him that the pot would be sweetened if he got two pins today but he doubted himself again.  So, I wasn't worried.

He's over there patiently waiting!  The first match came around.  First round....no pin either way.  Second round....no pin either way.  Muscles was down many times.  Pap Grimm yelled, sometimes under his breath "Stand up!".  Muscles did.  Pap then replied, under his breath, "Damn that boy is strong."  Third round....Muscles was down many times.  Pap Grimm yelled.  Grandma Grimm yelled.  Dad yelled.  Hadley yelled.  I yelled.  Others yelled.  The match was called at 16 to 3 in the opponents favor.  We don't know why it was called.  There was no pin.  But hey, one thing is for sure, the score may look really loopsided but that boy worked for each and every single one of those 16 points.  Muscles watched me from the stands.  I nodded my head and shook my fist.  He nodded his head and smiled.  I knew in my heart of hearts ... Muscles wasn't leaving without some type of a win.  After another wait....we were up again!  First round....no pin either way.  Muscles was getting mad!  Pap Grimm yelled and said, under his breath, "Get mad and take this boy down."  Second round....PIN.  Yeppers, Muscles pinned his opponent!  It was great.  He was so excited!

I mention the comments from my Dad, Pap Grimm, for a few reasons.....1.  I have been really afraid of how Pap would be with Muscles when it came to sports.  Pap was a wonderful athlete and not just in his mind.  And he had a tendency to really push and be annoying with my brother and I.  and 2.  I love to hear the little comments under his breath.  I don't usually sit beside him and love to hear that he is amazed by my child.  So, here we are at the end of the regular season.  We may not have come out with as many wins under our belts as wanted but we learned what it takes.  And that bribery works.  Lord knows my wallet is going to be lighter!.  Now next weekend there might be a small tournament but we aren't sure.  I will be more than happy to report any wins that may come.  As of right now, Muscles and Killer are looking forward to next season.  Can't wait to see what it may bring!     

What do you do when.....

When it FINALLY looks like this outside?

Just for the weekend.  They say high 40's next week!


We do a little of this......

 Kreos ... he quit right after this picture! 


And this.......

 Backpack clips and headbands....YEAH! 



Then this.....

 Tortilla chips and "cheese" dip



While watching....

Gotta love Winter Wipeout! 

Just your typical snow day in the Brereton house!  Well with a special snack.

Snacks were Mission brand tortilla strips and cheese sauce.  We love Mission brand snacks because they are not greasy or salty.  Almost like when I make my own.  I went all out and purchased the fake cheese.  You would have thought it was Christmas morning!  And I had a glass of hot tea.  Wonderful evening!   

Having a hard time.....

With the blogging world lately.  I'm kinda perplexed at what to write at times.  Do you want to hear about P90X Back & Shoulders and my run AGAIN?  Not really.  Right?  Don't get me wrong, I plan to talk about that stuff still but there are only so many ways to say it ... right now.  It is harder than I thought to wrangle my thoughts.  I get ideas for a post but then question if anyone will be interested.

Today a little FUEL conversation is in order.  I came across this "sign" the other day......

It spoke to me.  In the past, I would attend a Weight Watchers meeting.  Go out to eat.  Hit the grocery store for snacks.  Drive home.  Then eat it all because I had lost 3 pounds that week.  Does anyone else see some thing wrong with that?  Needless to say.....things have changed a lot! 

I LOVE GOOD FOOD!  I LOVE TO EAT GOOD FOOD!  I LOVE TO COOK GOOD FOOD! 

That is my reality.  Just told my husband the other day that if I couldn't cook more than likely life would be a lot thinner.  He just chuckled!  Seriously, no one in this house is wasting away.  We like to eat.  We have family meals every day.  I believe in them.  I'm one of those ladies that picks up a cookbook, turns to a page, and makes it!  You see that recipe in a magazine?  Yep, I've more than likely made it.  My kids, ages 6 & 8, are very willing to try every single thing.  Sorry, my son will not eat beets.  Long story that involves my brother ... blah, blah, blah.  He will eat them eventually.

One thing that I don't really buy is frozen foods.  Now, I have food in my freezer but it is meat, butter, bread, or things we have made and froze.  No frozen pizzas, hot pockets, Lean Cuisines, french fries, etc.  About the only thing you will find is ........

Good ole' imitation Chicken Nuggets!  Friends of ours told me about the Chik n' Nuggets a while ago BUT we didn't try them until recently.  I just wasn't a big nugget fan even if there is no chicken involved.  The kids gave them rave reviews.  I was impressed because they were actually crispy!  And as you can see on the box, they were given the Chefs Choice award for taste.  The taste pretty darn yummy!  

    
Now these Spicy Black Bean Burgers are SPECTACULAR!  We all love them.  MorningStar makes other burgers as well.  Tonight we had the Mushroom Lovers' burger for dinner.  My kids actually request bean/meatless burgers.  Not what you expect, huh?  They are quick to prepare, packed with protein, and very yummy!   

I know what you are thinking.....why on gods green earth would I want to try fake chicken nuggets or a bean burger?  Why would I want to step into the meatless section in the freezer aisle?  Really, why would any person want to subject themselves to imitation chicken nuggets?  Do you want to know why ... drum roll ... you can't judge it until you try it. 

Next time you are out grocery shopping just take a look around.  Find that meatless section.  Pick something out and give it a try.  Depending on what you purchase ... beans and/or tofu never hurt anyone!  Let me know what you tried and if you liked it. 

What I've learned today

Is that when you eat sugar, you crave sugar.  At least in my case.  Over the past several years, I've really cut out a lot of things in my life.  And continue to evolve in that way.  I normally drink unsweetened ice tea and water only.  Well, I do have milk in the morning.  When I go all out and splurge on Diet Coke ... it makes me burp something horrible.  I know TMI!  Now this is something that you will never hear me say ever again in life .... I am a huge McDonald's unsweetened ice tea fan.  Did you ever think I would mention McDonalds' and fan in the same sentence.  But who can pass up a large drink for $1.00?  They change that where I go and they are loosing a customer.

Only downfall, one trip they gave me the sweetened kind by mistake.  I seriously spit all over my car.  Gross!  There are a lot of people out there that love it but I'm not one.  I could see being addicted to it.  If I'm not mistaken there is a 5 pound bag per container.  Are you kidding me?!  Today, I wanted some hot tea.  So, I made a cup.  Now what you must understand is I MUST HAVE SUGAR IN MY HOT TEA.  I can handle a lot of things unsweetened but not hot tea.  BLAH!  BLAH!  BLAH!  One cup became two.  No big deal.  As the day progressed,  I literally found myself craving sugary items.  Something that I don't crave.  Salt and crunch, yes!  Sugary, no!  It amazed me how quickly that craving kicked in.  Just from this morning.  Who knows maybe the organic sugar is slightly sweeter?  Just a thought.  Spoke with my Momma and she gave me credit for realizing it so fast.  And stated that I know it now and can revert right back quickly. 

So, if you know of an alternative sweetener please pass it along.  Remember, only natural substances here.  No colored packets! 

Never judge a

There are a lot of people out there that determine the intensity of their workouts by the amount of sweat that is produced.  I remember while attending Weight Watchers, years ago, they had a listing of the ways to determine the intensity of your workout.  It said things like can you hold a conversation, lightly sweating, moderately sweating, out of breath, heavy sweating, etc.  And awarded exercise points by this chart.  Right off the bat to me this listing was NOT CORRECT.  Trust me!  You can't always judge a workout by the amount of sweat that you produce.  Take a look at this picture (graphic)...

This is all sweat....nothing was added for this picture! 

What do you think I did?  Full P90X workout.  Five mile run.  Full P90x workout and a five mile run.  Come on!  Take guess!  Did I bust a move and really push myself this day?  Have any guesses?  Guesses anyone?  Here is your answer .... this was from a three mile jog on my treadmill.  The miles were ran at about a 11:30 pace.  Not busting a move!  No P90x.  Just a short jog.  So, this was a "lolly gagging" day for me.  No pushing my limits.  But I still look like I've been drenched with water.  So, don't ever judge the intensity or level of your workout by sweat alone.  Trust me it can be very wrong! 

I'm thankful for .... Sweet Potato Fries! 

Set oven to 400, slice sweet potatoes into strips, place on cookie sheet (can cover sheet with parchment paper if you choose), spray a light coating of olive oil on the strips (if you don't have a sprayer, coat lightly in a bowl), sprinkle with Kosher salt and paprika, bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.  Time depends on your oven.  We like them with no dipping sauce!  Actually, we haven't found anything that sounds good with them.  Give them a try and let me know what you think!