In need of a challenge.........

Short and sweet!  I'm in need of a challenge.  Don't know why but right now I feel like I'm "floundering".  Really!  Back on the run thing.....just 3 miles this week.  I printed out my half-marathon information and set up my schedule.  Thinking about busting out P90X Doubles.  Then I looked at the program and pretty much that is what I was doing.  Just adding running instead of the a dvd.  Getting some new shoes this week.  Taking the hubby to get his also. 

I don't know.  I JUST FEEL LOST RIGHT NOW!  I feel like a plane circling.  Not really having any direction.  That is a weird thing for me.  UGH!  Maybe it is time for a change.  It might just be time to order INSANITY!  Why not I'm already crazy?       

Goodness ..........

My goodness, who would have thought that counting calories was such a big deal?  Not me!  A couple of days ago, I mentioned that I would be using mycaloriecounter.com.  That won't be happening.  After three days of trying to log my "food" .... I'M FRUSTRATED!  More than 1/2 of the brands that I consume are not in their database.  And apparently, in order to add them it must go through their systems administrator.  RUN AROUND!  So starting tomorrow, I will be using myfitnesspal.com.  Here is hoping that works better! 

With the craptastic wonderful weather today and the kids not having school, we dug out a few Christmas decorations.  Really, we don't have that many.  And I like it that way.  To my dismay they found the singing Reindeer.  I hate that thing.  John heard it twice and was ready to take the batteries out of it.  Only twice!!  PLEASE!  Try around twenty-five times and then we'll talk.  He glared at me and said "Let me guess where that thing came from.  That has to be a purchase by Grandma Brereton."  Good guess!  The kids like it.  So, for one month, it has found a home in the playroom.  Now the batteries are a different story.  They may not make it a month. 

The kids were in charge of dinner.  Paynes' choice .... drum roll please .... 15 bean soup.  That made Momma happy!  Threw in a ham hock for some flavor.  And let that pot simmer to perfection.  Hadley and I whipped up some beer bread.....trust me it isn't natural.  Good ole' box mix and a can of Busch Light.  Nothing natural about that.  Just a good ole' day with the kids!     



I'm thankful for the time I have with my kids.  My husband has given me over 8 years at home with them.  That is a reason to be thankful! 

Muscles and Killer I

Today the Breretons' attended their first wrestling match.  Muscles and Killer were nervous.  I know that from the countless "my belly hurts" or "don't think I should go today I'm feeling yucky".  Nothing short of vomit or a high fever was keeping them at home.  We headed out.  After a lovely conversation with a Police Officer after arriving, apparently people from "our neck o' the woods" don't know how to read, we dropped our children off at the end of the hallway.  See at no point is a parent allowed in the hallway.  We have deemed it the "wrestling sanctuary".  There wasn't a chance in this world you were getting by "the man".  Which was fine with us.  We bid them farewell and headed off to get a seat. 

Here are Muscles and Killer

Don't try to tell me you aren't afraid!  Seriously, don't they strike fear in your heart?! 

After a few minutes of figuring out who, what, where, and when things are going on....things finally started.  Six "rings" with two different weight classes in each "ring" can get a little confusing! 

Killer was up first!  We could see her down there.  Just waiting patiently.  One thing that we learned today is that when the whistle is blown ..... KILLER POUNCES!  Which is good.  I mean pounces.  She is on the attack immediately.  She took a pretty good shot to the head and a few tears were shed.  Her opponent and his coach felt bad.  But she brushed it off and went back at it.  After three one minute rounds the first match scored 10 to 4 in her opponents favor.  But we were happy!  She never stopped.  Kept moving the whole time!  Did some moves we didn't know she could do.  Her next opponent was a little stronger.  She kept moving.  She fought off being pinned twice BUT in the third round he pinned her. 

I'm done and had fun! 

When we arrived home Killer started to cry.  She told me that she really wanted to win today.  I explained to her that she will just have to try harder and work at it.  Her response was "Mom, I want to win.  I'm going to try my hardest and get better!" I know she will.  She really like seeing other girls there today.  They may have been older but it was a big boost to her that there are other girl wrestlers. 

We thought muscles was up, then he was pushed back, then up, then pushed back.  After several attempts to get his group on the mat it finally happened.  Muscles was nervous.  If there is one thing a Mom can tell from across the gym, it is that your child is NERVOUS! 

Can't you tell!  No you can't because my camera apparently stinks! 

One thing that we learned today about Muscles is that when the whistle is blown.....MUSCLES DOESN'T POUNCE!  Not at all.  And that isn't really good.  Who wants to be on the defensive from the get go?  He lost his first match by the score of 13 to 5.  When his second match rolled around there was a little more "pep in his step".  He put up a good fight for the first round and in the second committed the ultimate NO NO....he landed on his back and was pinned.  Instantly, I knew Muscles was upset. 

Trust me that blurry fella back there is upset! 

 And he has the right to be.  It is hard for me to ask Muscles about his day ... you see I'm just the annoying parent.  The parent that drives him crazy.  I know he was upset and wanted to do better.  We'll just have to see how the rest of the season goes! 

We learned a lot today.  I need a new camera.  Why should I have to put it on "night" to take a picture?  And the kids will know next time what to expect.  Have to admit that I really expected more parents to be yelling.  But there wasn't.  And it is really hard to take pics while your kids are wrestling.  You aren't thinking about it.  And I didnt' even take pictures of their ever faithful fans....... Grandma and Pap Grimm.  Grandma purchased her season pass.  Pap must miss two matches because of prior commitments.  Hugs and kisses were given on the way out!  And we look forward to next week! 

Happy Saturday!

Happy Saturday!  It is Saturday and my eyes opened this morning.  That makes today a great and wonderful day.  The Thanksgiving decorations are down and the Christmas decorations are going up slowly.  I can't remember a Christmas that I've had decorations out already, let alone up! 

I have to stop and mention one Christmas item, our Elf on the Shelf, Ralphie.  He was purchased last year by Grandma Brereton.  She thought the kids would love him.  That couldn't be farther from the truth.  My children have an irrational fear of him.  There have been tears shed.  He arrived for this Christmas season today.  He is perched in my antique glass mailbox over our leather recliner.  It was about 3 pm before either of the kids would sit in the chair.  Hadley looked at me and said "Mom, I'm afraid he is going to bite me."  WHAT!  They each have Christmas trees in their rooms.  And were excited to get them.  Now they are worried that Ralphie may venture in.  There is no way I will let that happen.  I can hear the screams now if they wake up and he is in either room! 

With the holiday season HERE, I have to be truthful and admit that my running has taken a backseat.  I feel guilty!  I've continued my dates with Tony but no running.  So here and now, I MAKE THE PROMISE TO MYSELF THAT RUNNING STARTS AGAIN THIS WEEK!  Hopefully tomorrow!  I'm a person that thinks why wait until the New Year.  Resolutions, aka changes, can be made at anytime.  I've set myself some lofty goals for the end of 2011 and throughout 2012.  I'm probably not even aware of how much work I've got to put in.  Because of the goals I've adopted the personal motto of .....

Going as far as to order a wall cling made of it.  I'm going to place it in my exercise area.  One of my goals is to TRY and lose about 25 lbs.  I will be tracking my calories, food, etc. on mycaloriecounter.com at Everyday Health.  Don't get me wrong!  I'm pretty darn happy where I am at.  But I'm thinking "getting rid of"* some excess baggage would help out my running.  Hopefully my time.  And remember I have a pretty lofty goal for my 2012 marathon time.  I've been told numerous times that I don't eat enough.  IMAGINE THAT!  Who gets told that?!  So we'll see.

* I use the term " getting rid of" because when one says I lost something it usually implies they want it back.  At no point do I want to find any of the weight I've gotten rid of. 

I'm going to try hard to track but getting on the computer all the time does get a little old.  If your interested check out mycaloriecounter.com at Everyday Health.  You can join me.  I'm under LoveLaughSweatFuel.  They also have a free app for your phone.  Should be an interesting experiment!  And lords knows, if I put it out there I'll give it my best shot!      

Thanksgiving and Black Friday.......all wrapped in one!

Two days for the price of one!  Thanksgiving....I attempted a day in pictures.  Attempted!  I handed off camera duties for a little while which means that no pics were taken for several hours!  Learned that I must man my own camera. 

Payne, Mum the cow, and I about 5 minutes after we woke up!  What was I thinking?

John and I around 7:30 am.  We miss him! 

Do I get turkey also? 

Don't bother me and my milk! 

There is Tim!  The kids didn't want to name him Tom!  He's gonna be tasty! 

We eventually clean up! 

The two cheeseballs! 

Not ready yet!  We know the table cloth doesn't go but it was my Grandma Grimms' and it gets used at Thanksgiving and Easter.  It means something to me.  The kids made everyone feathers or hats! 

Doesn't Daddy looked thrilled to be wearing his? 

I don't think these are indian feathers.  I think they are turkey feathers! 

Chief Princess Grandma wearing her Turkey Trot 2011 shirt.  She placed 1st in her age group! 

Pap rocking the hat! 

So a Pilgrim hat isn't my thing.  What does one have to do to get rid of a double chin?  I'm pretty sure there are no exercises for that! 

It was a long and fun day! 

No more pictures! 

We said "NO MORE!" 

Well after those two pictures you can see that the Brereton children will be seeing an orthodontist in their future.  Can you tell when I passed off the camera duties?  Who doesn't get pics of hat making, the turkey done, the table all ready, and everyone at the table?  What am I going to do with that camera man?  Didn't get to attend our Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.  Hadley was up until 1 am coughing.  I didn't want to take her out.  We passed this year.  Grandma Grimm/Mom did run and placed first in her age group.  She doesn't know the time.  YEAH RIGHT!  That is what she keeps telling me. 

Black Friday does not bring bargain shopping for us.  Well, not really!  We headed out around 9:30 to get Hadley a haircut.  In the process, we did purchase a wreath for the front door, a purple Christmas tree for Hadleys' bedroom, and a huge dog bed for $20.00.  So, Dozer is happy as all get out.  He has laid on that thing almost all day.  I hope you all had a wonderful and spectacular Thanksgiving.  And if you went out today that you were able to collect some "bargains" and were safe.  No one got pepper sprayed did they? 










 

Must haves and more..........

Here we are officially the start of the holiday season!  Crazy is what that is!  Wasn't Thanksgiving 2010 just last month?  No, it just seems that way.  Those crazy Pilgrims and Indians, what were they thinking all the time ago?  Wonder if they had any idea what they were starting.  We all have family traditions and must haves.  Without them the Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving.   

This is my THANKSGIVING MUST HAVE.......

That's right!  Thanksgiving isn't complete without CHEESECAKE.  Fabulous, wonderful, spectacular CHEESECAKE.  What a wonderful creation!  This is one item that I NEVER scrimp on.  I do not like boxes, mixes, store bought, or the pudding crap stuff.  I take my cheesecake seriously!  Only the best ingredients allowed here!  John was upset that I didn't make more of them.  I think one is sufficient, don't you? 

This year we added the kiddos new favorite dessert....................

 

Homemade Apple Pie!  Don't judge the crust....I'm getting better.  I can make a tasty crust but the "crimping" needs some work.  Remember, I just started making pies about 4 weeks ago.  What are your must haves? 

Even though I haven't been posting about it, trust me, Tony and I have not missed a morning date!  My day isn't complete without hearing his annoying voice.  I love him!  I feel the same way about Johns' voice on occasion.  JUST KIDDING!  I have slacked on the running a little.  My shoes are killing me so I broke out a "second" pair that has been hanging out in the closest.  I remember why I put them in the closest.  Tomorrow, we may be doing a Turkey Trot 5k.  That is a MAY do.  John has to work this evening and didn't get home until 7:30 am this morning.  And my son has been coughing pretty much all day.  With both kids, 8 am on-site registration, a 40 minute drive there, and possibly no husband I may have to forgo the race.  We could still get in a morning run.  

Wishing you and yours a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving! 



Day 8 - I'm thankful for my son, Payne.  All I ever wanted was a son...well 4 to be exact.  I love the young man more than anything in this world.  We fight, bicker, and pick at one another because we are so much alike.  He is a wonderful, sweet, smart, and caring young man.  Can't wait to see what the future brings. 

Cleaning ... my way!

Okay, we all have to admit that some days NOTHING exciting happens.  Really!  I spent my day cleaning.  Action packed adventure around here!  Just me and my homemade cleaning products.  You heard me right ... I make my own cleaning products.  And it isn't because we're broke!  We all can admit that cleaning products are not cheap.  And no matter how much you spend .... the dirt is right back there in a couple of days! 

Also, I started to really think about the amount of chemicals that we inhale.  The chemicals that are absorbed through our skin.  Think about that furniture polish, spray cleaner, etc.  What the heck is in that crap?  It can't be good for you.  And with laundry, I have a hard time with "something".  Yes, I'm one of those lucky few that get welts, hives, and general irritation from certain brands and fragrances.  If I just smell one particular brand I start to itch.  No lie.  So, as my friend Alison said, I jumped on over to the dark side. 

Thought I would share my "recipes".............

Liquid Laundry Detergent

Ingredients
3.1 oz bar of Ivory soap,  1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax,  1/2 cup Arm & Hammer Washing Soda,  and Water 
Tools
5 gallon container, knife, pot large enough to hold 5 cups of water, long stirring stick/spoon
Instructions
Shave soap into small pieces and place in pot with 5 cups water.  Bring to just shy of boil and stir until soap is melted.  When soap is almost melted, pour 3 gallons of hot water in to the 5 gallon container and let sit until the soap in the pot is melted.  Once all melted, pour mixture into container and stir.  Add washing soda and stir until dissolved. Add borax and stir again until dissolved.  You can add essential oils if you want it to smell.  Place lid on container and let sit over night.  Stir before using. 
For about $10.50 at WalMart, I can get three 5 gallon containers.  Use about 1/2 cup per load.  If really dirty, I will use more.  Takes about 10 minutes.   

Fabric Softener

3 cups vinegar, 2 cups conditioner, 6 cups water

Mix together and there you have it.  I do purchase the cheap heavy conditioner and add 3 cups instead of 2.  Seems to work better for us.  Cost is dependent on how much you spend on the conditioner.  How fast can you measure?     

Furniture Polish

1 cp olive oil, 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 1/2 cup vinegar

Mix in spray bottle, shake, and use.  We'll just go with cheaper than in the store!  

I have others for another day............................................................. 


Day 7 - I'm thankful for my health.  I do have pains and problems just like everyone else BUT it could be so much worse.  And compared to last year at this time.....life is GRAND! 

Some homemade things we like.......

Brown Sugar

1 tbsp. Blackstrap Molasses + 1 cup Sugar


Makes

 Homemade Brown Sugar!  How easy! 

Chewy Granola Bars

These items plus FLOUR!  I forgot to put it in the picture.....

Makes

Yummy!  Not the healthiest....Hadley was in charge of add-ins!


Chewy Granola Bars

Bake at 350 

3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups oats
1 1/4 cups cornflakes/cheerios'

Cream butter and sugars, add honey, vanilla, and egg.  Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.  Add remaining ingredients.  At this time you can add basically what ever you may want....chocolate chips, coconut, dried fruit, peanut butter, nuts, preserves, basically to your taste....from a handful to a cup.  Press into a greased 9x13pan. 
MAKE SURE IT IS GREASED!  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. 

The picture shown is doubled.  This is a very versatile recipe.  Above is how it is written but not how I make them.  I use less of both sugars, omit the honey, omit the cinnamon unless using raisins, use wheat flour, fresh eggs, just a dash of salt, and all oats.  I have used various types of cereals and it always turns out.  Basically, I try to make it healthier Next week, I'll share my "Hard" Granola Bar recipe!


Day 7 -  I'm thankful for my daughter, Hadley. 

Somedays ... nothing!

Yep, that is right!  Somedays just nothing really exciting happens.  Friday evening the kiddos had wrestling practice.  Trust me!  I plan to share photos but the lighting in there sucks stinks and I can't get any that really show up.  But I'm trying!  For those that don't know my 8 year old son and my 6 year old daughter are wrestling for United Youth Wrestling.  I'll refer to them as Muscles and Killer when talking about wrestling until the end of the season.    

Muscles likes it because, as of right now, he can muscle his way trough a match.  He has his set partner at practice.  I feel sorry for the partner but they have a good time.  You can be the same basic size and weight but be on different ends of the spectrum.  Muscles is solid!  Muscles is HEAVY!  He is like a lead weight.  I've said if one thing comes out of this season, his partner will be stronger.  And covered with bruises!  I know there will come a time when Muscles goes against someone with skills that will kick his butt .... I can't wait for it to happen.  Muscles doesn't like to loose.  I don't know where he gets that from.  That will make him take it seriously and do more of the moves that he has been shown.      

Now onto Killer!  Well, Killer is having fun.  There have been a few tears shed at practices but not for the reasons you may think.  She loves it.  She gets up every morning asking about practice and wanting to do her workouts.  She does her exercises and moves with improvement each time.  Gets high fives from the coaches because she does can do killer Buddy pull-ups and can bust out some 6-inches .... can you say "Thanks Mommy!".  BUT she has a problem.  She is paired with two little fellas .... aka Good Boy and Bad Boy.  Killer and Good Boy do well with each other.  They both are slowly improving.  We've noticed Bad Boy has a problem with Killer.  Mainly that she is a she.  GET OVER IT BOY!  For about 5 practices, every time she has to work with him tears are shed and nothing is accomplished.  I don't know why she doesn't like this boy, nor his Dad, but trust me SHE DOESN'T!  On Wednesday, of this week, Bad Boy shoved her.  Yes, I witnessed it along with Good Boy and Bad Boys parents.  He physically put his hands on her shoulders, shoved her out of the ring, and said "No! Get out of here!"  Of course, I was the only one that said anything and maybe it wasn't the right thing to say.  She started to tear-up came over and I looked at her and said "Get back out there.  That boy does it again throw his butt on the ground and say I'm not going anywhere!" 

Well, at Fridays practice, we had more of the same for the first half.  Then I did something that surprised some people.  I swiped my daughter off that mat without breaking stride, carried her out of there like a sack of potatoes on my hip, and had a talk with her in the entryway.  Don't know what part of it worked but something did!  We went back in with me collecting many stares.  I promise there was no yelling what so ever.  She was face to face with Bad Boy in her wrestling stance.  The whistle was blown, she pounced across that square, and wrangled Bad Boy to the ground.  Have you ever seen the look of shock on a 6 year olds face?  Well, let me tell you Bad Boy had it and so did his Dad!  And it happened over and over again.  Yes, she got poked and stuck a few times.  It hurt and we had to tell her that he isn't doing it on purpose...not sure about that!  BUT WE FINALLY HAD A BREAKTHROUGH!

Payne, Grandma, and I went to Grove City outlets on Saturday.  I was so ready to hit the Nike store for my running pants.  I really want the Nike Women Pro Combat Hyperwarm Just. Do. It. pants in Solar Red.  It is more of a melon color when you see it in person.  NO LUCK!  They don't carry them.  So, I will be headed off to Dicks' Sporting Goods to purchase a pair.  I've had a rough couple of days and I'm looking to rebound today.  Stealing a line from MomSwimBikeRuns' blog ... yesterday, I was in a food coma.  My husband laughed when I said it last night.  And I laughed when I read her blog this morning!  After a day of shopping, who really wants to cook dinner?  NOT ME!  And apparently my husband was not in the mood.  We hit Bob Evans with Grandma & Pap.  I went way back, way back when ordering.  I used to order their Country Fried Steak on a regular basis.  And the picture looked AWESOME!  When the words came out of my mouth, the look from my husband and Momma were priceless. 

Unfortunately, when that plate came and it was placed in front of me.....  While eating I could feel the life and energy being pulled out of me.  UGH!  I felt horrible.  I didn't eat it all and will not be eating it again.  How could I have done that to myself?  How could I have ordered that all the time?  I felt BLAH and I remember feeling that way a lot in the past .... it sucks!  We hit the store and then my husband wanted ice cream from Brusters.  Ice cream after what I ate?  Are you kidding me?  But, I looked at him and said "I'm going to do it.  I'm going to dive in and have an evening like I always used too.  I'll take a Reeses Peanut Butter cup blizzard."  He looked shocked and amazed, "Small?"  To which I replied, "Yes, I already feel sick."  I fell asleep in the car on the way home.  I felt HORRIBLE!  How did I live my life like that?  Really?  What was I thinking?  What a great reminder of how far I've come and that I never plan to go back.  I never want to experience that feeling again.  I've come a long ways and don't plan to revisit the past anytime soon!           

Little of this, little of that......

Well, I went and did it!  I finally ordered Runners' World magazine.  I've been wanting it for some time now but my husband has a complete aversion to magazines.  HE HATES THEM!  He looks at them as money wasted.  So even though I enjoy reading a magazine here and there .... I've not had any for years!  You know the give and take of marriage.  He puts up with a lot of my crap so I can deal with no magazines.  Well at least I did...........

Yesterday, I accidentally did Yoga with Tony.  Normally that is a Thursday date but I grabbed the wrong DVD.  I know it would have taken just seconds to change it but I didn't.  Today, I can honestly say I enjoyed doing a whole lot of nothing.  Yes, I said NOTHING!  I haven't slept good the past few nights...that is a story for another day.  I planned to pick up Chest & Arms today but I ordered a few Christmas gifts early this morning.  And then, believe it or not, I spent the day with my husband.  He has today and tomorrow off.  We went and dropped some things off, had lunch, and did a little shopping.  I enjoyed a hot chocolate from McD's .... trust me, I'm well aware it is far from natural, organic, or real.  Then I watched as John ate a Reeses' Peanut Butter Cup "blizzard" from Brusters' Ice Cream.  And it didn't bother me at all!  VICTORY! 

Tomorrow I will pick up Chest & Arms along with Legs & Back.  What can I say...sometimes two dates in one day with Tony works for me.  Of course, I may feel like dying late Friday.  OH WELL! 
As the holidays approach I am usually called upon to donate items for my kids class parties/feasts.  Tomorrow is the 2nd grade classes Thanksgiving feast.  Hadleys' isn't until next week so I get a little break.  I really need to quite volunteering for things!  Follow me through my exciting evening.......


Take 1...........

Trusty air popper ..... dont' judge!  I didn't clean before taking the picture! 


Add

5 3/4 pounds of popping corn



You get

You get 100 brown paper lunch bags filled with 3 cups of popcorn!
I didn't think about the pictures until I had bagged them.....



and you also get

One very tired Mommy!  Help anyone? 
Give me some credit ... have you ever taken a closeup with no makeup and posted it? 

This was made all worth it when one nice young man, who just happens to be in the 2nd grade, come up to me and says "Thanks Mom for the popcorn.  All of the 2nd graders will really like it tomorrow after our feast." and then plants a big ole' kiss on my cheek and gives me a big squezzy hug!  

Day 6 ..... I'm thankful for Aunt Linda, aka Nena.  She has been there for me my entire life.  I love her more than she will ever know.  I plan to spend more time with her in the coming year.

 



"WHY THE FOOD?"

While sitting today writing out my shopping grocery list, I rubbed my head in thought.  Why do we have to think about whether the food being purchased is actually food?  Why is quality food so hard to find?  Why is the store filled with so few REAL foods?  What happened to the nutrition in food?  I could go on forever! 

Anytime I mention that my family eats naturally, organically, or as real as we can it seems to strike FEAR in those that I'm speaking with.  I know this from the eye rolls, tensing shoulders, forced smile, and the "OOHH, okay" said in a shaky voice.  Why?  We don't eat leaves, twigs, and salads all the time.  If you've seen any of us, trust me, not one of us is wasting away.  We eat almost just like everyone else. 

Do you eat this? 



Banana Bread......YUMMY! 

I just use slightly different ingredients:





Our FAVORITE Banana Bread .... gotta love The Fannie Farmer Cookbook.

Recipe.......3 ripe bananas (I use 4), 2 FRESH eggs, 2 cps. wheat flour, 3/4 cp organic sugar, sprinkle of salt, 1 tsp. baking soda, and 1/2 cup of nuts (optional).  Mix together, add to greased loaf pan, and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.  Remove from pan to rack.  Serve warm or cold, what ever you like! 

You would think living in Ohio, where I can jump in the "family truckster" and find at least 20 farms within 1 hour, getting good quality real food would be easy.  NOT SO MUCH!  WHY THE FOOD will be an ongoing series.  Stay tuned to see what is next. 

Another great date with Tony today!  Plyometrics can be a "killer".  But the feeling afterwards is priceless.  Hit the treadmill for a few sprints 6 x 800 at 4:20 with 4 min in between. 


Day 5 - I'm thankful that my eyes opened this morning.  I realized some time ago that alone makes it a great day! 

TWO YEARS!! WHAT??

My date with Tony was GREAT today!  My goal for this round of P90X is BRING IT!  I have been pushing, pulling, jumping, and lifting harder than in any other round.  Today was Chest & Back.  Push, pull, push, pull, push, pull ......  I was whipped after today's workout!  FELT GREAT!  I've been doing this round for three weeks now and, honestly, I can tell a difference.  Now it may just be that I haven't seriously followed the routine for a little while.  NO, it will make me feel better to think that I can actually see a difference. 

Headed off on a shopping trip with my Momma today.  SECOND SOLE in Boardman!  I'M IN LOVE!  She decided to get a new pair of running shoes.  And wanted them to be the right ones for her.  When we arrived the clerk inspected her old ones and asked how long she had worn them.  After some serious thought she came to the conclusion of almost 2 years.  WHO WEARS RUNNING SHOES FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS!  REALLY!  OMG!  I gasped!  I replace mine about every 6 months.  The clerk told me that most people replace theirs roughly every 6 months BUT there are some that can extend the life of their shoes.  Nice try!  My Momma is just CHEAP!  After several other questions and watching her gate he brought out some shoes.  She settled on a pair of New Balance.  Not a brand she normally wears.  She said they felt great and worked wonderfully with her orthotics.   

Only window shopping for me.  I need new shoes BUT I placed them on my Christmas list and also asked for a Second Sole gift card.  I will be a good girl and wait to see what Santa brings.  PLEASE TELL HIM I'VE BEEN A NICE GIRL!  MY KNEES REALLY NEED TO SEE A NEW PAIR OF SHOES!  They didn't have the BRIGHT MELON ORANGE Nike running pants that I want.  Was just going to compare prices.  I figure with those pants there will be no need for my reflective vest!  Trust me, I only wear it when necessary.  Can you say "Dork"? 

 
Had a nice lunch, walked around the mall a little, then headed home.  Put the shoes on for 5 miles.  My feet were screaming.....not really!  Just bummed that I waited on the shoes.  Finished in 55:32.  I'm happy with that.  Doing a little switching up of the schedule this week.  I need to start running on T, Th, Sat, & Sun.  With the kids wrestling practice on M, W, & F ... it is a little hard sometimes to fit in. 


Day 4 -  I'm thankful for my Father.  He drives me completely crazy and irritates the crap out of me BUT I love him.  I know we get along so smashingly well because we are alike in SSSOOO many ways.  He doesn't like to admit that.  I thank him for always being there.  ALWAYS!  He drove home from a fishing trip in Kentucky on a Friday afternoon to see me off to my Junior Prom.  Jumped back in his truck right afterwards.  He never missed a track meet or softball game.  EVER!  He headed out on the marathon path to find me ... I know there may have been many reasons for this but I also know I saw worry in his eye.  He is ALWAYS there for my children.  The gift that he has given them, for which they are unaware, is beyond compare.  I need to tell him more often that I love him.       

Feels like a long weekend.......

Saturday morning my alarm went off at 4:15 am!  4:15 am!!  Who in their right mind gets up at 4:15 am to workout?!  The verdict is out on whether I'm "in my right mind" but I DO!  Normally, it is 5:15 and that works.  The extra hour was a little hard for me.  But I bitched & moaned jumped up at the sound of my alarm.  Dressed and was ready for my date with Tony at 4:30.  My plan was to do Kenpo X and run 4 miles on the treadmill.  I didn't want to go out on the road that early.  My husband, John, fell asleep on the couch and I didn't want the treadmill to wake him.  So, I opted to add another dvd from P90X.  I added the CardioX.  I was so tired after the two of them.  I could barely do a Dreya Roll at the end of CardioX.  Sad!  Off to the shower, breakfast, packed my purse with some healthy snacks and hit the road about 7:45. 

Arrived a few minutes early at my MIL house ready to hit the road shopping.  We were headed to Robinson Town Centre ... the mall and surronding plazas.  I couldn't get over how BUSY the entire place was already.  It is always busy but it seemed like it a whole lot closer to Christmas.  We ate lunch at Holihans ... IDK that sounds like the name.  Lets' just say if your looking for a good salad the Roasted Asparagus Salad with Pecans and Gorganzola is excellent.  If you looking for salad to eat as a meal the Roasted Asparagus Salad with Pecans and Gorganzola is terrible.  If I knew it was that small, trust me, I would have order something additional. 

I spent a lot of time on the benches at the Mall.  People watching is very intersting.  The reason for sitting is that I learned a lot about shopping style.  Shared a few laughs with my MIL & SILs'.  I do wish we were not missing one but certain situations definately take precidense over others.  My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.  Arrived home around 8:30 pm.  Hadley and John had already done the manis' and pedis' that I had planned for the evening.....Payne was at a buddies.  I was a little bummed that we didn't get to do each others nails.  She bought ice cream for us to share.  And waited until I arrived home to eat any.  I felt obligated to share.  Then fell asleep in the chair and missed our "Scary" movie night.  There is nothing scary about the movies!  But my kiddos love em'. 

Today was beautiful!  Little windy but beautiful.  All I accomplished was StretchX, laundry, dishes, watching football, and relaxing.  Payne slept ... that sleep-over must have been rough because the boy NEVER, NEVER falls asleep during the day.  John helped a friend.  And my girl gave me a hand with everything.  I love help with dinner and dishes!  I had planned to have photos for todays post but I forgot my camera at home!  I really need to check into this memory thing.............

Things I'm thankful for .... #3 My Mother.  I can't even put into words why.  I love her...........              

Another one today!

     Two posts in one day?!  WHAT?!  You see the earlier post was technically yesterdays.....I feel asleep again.  That is definitely a sign that I'm getting old.  You don't have to agree with that!  Today, my workout was pushed back a little due to a little "accident" in my workout area.  Yes, I have a designated area.  But after some "dry time", Tony and I did Legs & Back.  Along with Ab Ripper.  I'm still waiting for my abs to be ripped.  I know they are under there but ...  I think that has more to do with "diet" than working out for me.  Also, had a nice 3 mile walk.  Which reminds me....I need to log those. 

     Today my mind is on other things.  I'm a woman with a goal.  And if there is one thing that I know it's that you can't stop a woman driving to her goal.  With the right mindset anything is possible!  So because of that goal, I'm trying to put together a "loose" race schedule for 2012.  The problem is living in the "middle of nowhere" Ohio!  Everything requires travel.  Along with a night or two stay in a hotel.  So, I have to be selective.  With registration fees, I don't want to start racking up a ton of additional costs.  And everything in this state seems to be around the same times....Spring & Fall.  5ks are very sporadic around here any more.  10Ks are even farther and few between.  I know you don't have to race but I like it.  It's comforting knowing that there are other "crazy" people out there.

     My ultimate goal for 2012 is to do the Wineglass Marathon in 4:20 to 4:30.  Yes, I know that is ambitious.  But a goal is a goal.  And I believe with hard work you can do anything.  I feel my first Wineglass was left "open".  Even though I missed my goal then .... what can it hurt to try and improve?  If you live in this area, get ready to see me out there putting one foot in front of the other. 

     Well as I contemplate 2012 ..... I think about tomorrow and my 4:30 am wake-up call.  Going shopping with the ladies.  In order to meet the 8:30 departure time, I need the extra 45 minutes to get in my normal workout.  Why not start now at being out of my comfort zone????




Day 2 1/2 ..... I am thankful for all of the veterans and current service men/women who have given there all to this country!   

Choices....UGH!

     I pay for the choices the I make.  I started following a Hal Higdon 1/2 Marathon training plan on Halloween.  This plan has me running Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with a longer run on Saturdays.  Resting on Sunday, Monday, and Friday.  I knew going in this would be hard for me.  Well, hard on my knees to be exact. 

     The 1/2 that I signed up for isn't until April.  My thought was to keep the miles low and run a slow steady pace.  Just to get used to the daily running.  And instead of running the schedule for one week slots, I would double them.  Two weeks of week one, two weeks of week two, and on.  Of course, as usual, I decided to go "that extra mile".  Why not throw in some speed work on Monday?  What could it possibly hurt?!  What could four 800's do?  I knew the possibilities.  Wednesday was brought to a walk.  Knees were sore and swollen.  Thursday morning was bad.  Looked like a 90 year old trying to get out of bed.  So, no walking or running.  But as usual, the pain went away as Thursday trudged along.  Now there may have been no running for a few days BUT, trust me, I still held my date with Tony every day!   

     Knee pain affects everything!  And damn it, sometimes the tendonitis and arthritis just decide to act up together!  I know the game well.  I've played it for years!  With all that being said.....I'm "back in the saddle" today!  So, I've made the choice that the every other day routine is 100% for me.  Occasionally, I can allow myself to run daily.  But for my body it can not happen regularly.  NO BIGGIE!  If I let this get me down, my goodness, I would have stopped years ago.  There is no excuse to stop.  One of my favorite sayings is "The only limitations holding us back are self-imposed."  You always can find ways to work around your true limitations.  But you will never work around the self-imposed ones.

     So, I've spent my "free time" looking into races for 2012.  Yes, even while in pain from running, I'm looking at races.  There is something comforting about racing.  The feeling that you get from the other runners is unmatched.  No matter what the length of the race.  What races for 2012?  You'll have to tune in tomorrow to see what choices I'm looking at! 



Day 2 - I'm thankful for Ice Bags and Tylenol.  You are my trusted friends.  We've had many long nights on the couch together.  REALLY, how would I get through the past couple of days without them?  ..............  I take the Tylenol VERY sparingly.      


      

    

Choices

"Pain is inevitable, misery is a choice." 

We make choices daily.    

This 



or This? 

Our life is affected and formed by the choices that we make.

  

Do you choose to go through life with a huge smile on your face? 

Or do you choose to trudge your way through life unhappy?




Yes, I know that is the happiest unhappy person ever but neither one of them could manage a unhappy face! 

Every day you must take responsibility for your choices. 

Are you happy with your choices?     

I have chosen to not necessarily have daily entries in my blog.  There may be times where I write every day.  And others every couple of days.  Over the next couple of days I will be starting a weekly installment on REAL FOOD.  Why do people shudder when I say REAL FOOD?  Trust me, we don't eat twigs and salads all the time!  I plan to share some really tasty and healthy recipes along the way.  Along with information on where to find items in our local area.  I'm also going to steal the daily "thankful" post idea that goes around this time of year.  My goal is to continue it on a weekly basis.  Some of them will make you laugh!  If you have anything to share on any of the things I may talk about ..... PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EITHER POST OR MESSAGE ME AND THEN I CAN ADD IT IN. 

DAY 1 ..... I am thankful for my husband, John.  Without him life would be so mundane.  He shows me everyday what unconditional love is.  Reassures me whenever self-doubt creeps in.  100% makes me laugh daily!  I am thankful for every day that I have had with him since our first date on September 14, 1996.  Never once during that time has my love for him ever wained.     

 





Motivation? Inspiration? Honesty......

Everyone talks about MOTIVATION.  Why do some have more than others?  Why do some seem to flourish and others flounder?  Answer is ..... I DON'T KNOW!  My heart tells me that each and every one of us has the ability to reach our dreams!  Rise above the challenges and overcome!  To achieve anthying our hearts desire! 

We all get motivation from different things.  Almost six years ago this picture appearred on my computer.........

CHRISTMAS EVE 2005



Now you see, I've always prided myself that exercise had always been in my life.  Honestly, it was clear from the picture, I needed more.  I can't express my emotions when I viewed this picture for the first time.  I cried.  I cried a long, hard, deep cry.  I vowed and said outloud "Oh hell no!  This stops here and now!"  That night, that exact night, I joined Weight Watchers.  I remember that weigh in .... 256.3 pounds.  I gained inpsiration from my Momma.  She had/has been a Lifetime member for years.  She was able to get honest with herself and find motivation.  And over the years, the tide has shifted for she finds inspiration in me. 

Over time pounds melted away.  But only after I got honest with myself and dealt with why "I ate what I ate."  I left Weight Watchers to go it on my own.  I've dealt/deal with pain issues daily.  Arthritis (L & R knee, R ankle, R shoulder), tendonitis (R knee & R shoulder), bursistis (R shoulder), nerve damage and sensitivty to sound from Bells Palsy.  Then the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia entered my life.  WOW, NEVER ACTUALLY SAID IT BEFORE TO ANYONE.  I laughed!  Just as I laugh now.  I think it is a "crappy catch all" diagnosis and an easy way of saying "I don't know."  Then came the medications along with a list of can't, won't, don't, shouldn't, wouldn't, and never wills.  Laughter!  I don't take medications for anything.  The prescriptions never even came home that day.  I do everything the hard way.  Always have, always will! 

I read EVERYTHING!  I started to examine each and everything that passed my lips.  Not because it would end up on my hips but because everything we take in affects our bodies and how they work.  Honestly, I changed everything.  I MEAN EVERYTHING!  Yoga, relaxation techniques, stretching, meditatoin all found their way into my life.  I now find inspiration in myself.  Every day I do the can't, won't, don't, shouldn't, wouldn't, and never wills.  Honestly, I've revealed a little more about myself than I normally share.  I do hold A LOT of secrets information to myself.  But if one bit of it can help someone else ...... it makes sharing worthwhile. 

Here is me now.  Doing a can't, won't, don't, shouldn't, wouldn't, and never will................

  October 2, 2011 ..... 183 lbs.

I owe a big THANK YOU to my Sister-in-law Patty.  She is responsible for the "before" picture....which has hung on my refrigerator for almost 4 years now.  And honestly without it I don't know that I would have found the motivation to get honest with myself and inspire others.  THANK YOU!  

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? 

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? 

AND HAVE YOU GOTTEN HONEST WITH YOURSELF? 

I plan to continue on this path of LOVING, LAUGHING, SWEATING, AND FUELING! 



My "Little Eagle"

This is my "Little Eagle".  Tonight we attended the United Little Eagles Football Banquet.  Our "Eagle" played on the Bantam squad this season.  He was an anchor on the strong side of the Offensive line and a lineman on Defense. 

This fall the squad had a rough season.  New coach, new staff, new system, and a lot of new "Little Eagles".  Trust me, when I say "Little Eagles".  There are some little ones out there.  But, as in life, you take the good with the bad. 

This banquet marked a changing point in our household.  You see next year our "Little Eagle" graduates from the Bantam squad.  Next year he will play on the Junior Varsity team.  For a group of 9 to 11 year olds that sounds impressive doesn't it? 

I watched and listened as people filed past our table in line for dinner.  About 18 out of 20 would speak to my son.  Athletes, parents, siblings, and even grandparents.  I will quote myself ... "Honey, I think people really like our young man.  Everywhere we go people yell out "Payne" or "Hey Payne".  That makes me feel really good as parent.  My son would blush if he read this.  In public he can be quiet and shy.  His freckled cheeks turn bright red.  Which only makes his "baby blues" stand out more! 

After the presentation of trophies, we were ushered off to the cafeteria for dinner.  I don't know how banquets go in your neck of the woods but the Little Eagle banquets are catered.  They ask that parents bring a dessert to share.  I was looking forward to a nice meal.  I remember liking last years.  I knew going in that this would not fly on my REAL food challenge.  Most of the time I plan and take some "backup".  Tonight was different.  I decided to just go and see what was "on the table".  At the request of our "Little Eagle", I made brownies.  Yes, it can be done naturally and organically. 

As I approached the buffet dread set in.  At first sight, I was presented with oven roasted chicken LOADED with herbs, rigatoni, some type of cheesy stuff, bread, and a small salad.  The "sigh" let my family know that Momma was not a happy camper.  WHY DIDN'T I PLAN AHEAD?  I passed on the chicken.  It just screamed "heartburn".  And I DETEST eating boned chicken with plastic silverware.  I decided on a small spoonful of rigatoni.  At the next chafing dish the server asked me if I wanted some potatoes.  POTATOES?!  CHEESY POTATOES?!  Until then I thought it was some type of Macaroni & Cheese.  I tried to make her feel good and said "Sure just a little."  She tried to reassure me by telling me that they were really good.  I finished off my plate with a slice of bread and a small salad. 

Two bites into my "meal" I pushed the plate away and said "That is enough!  Can't do it!"  I, personally, think that you should have to chew potatoes and rigatoni not have it so mushy it just slides down.  Payne and I traded.  He gave me his small salad.  You see it had more dressing in those little bowls than we normally eat in a year!  But I was hungry and I had to chew it!

Now this is where FUEL comes in play.  We are what we eat!  Anytime you have an outing all it takes is a little pre-planning.  I knew a salad would be involved.  Had I planned ahead a little tuna or chicken would have topped that salad off.  Maybe a handful of cranberries and sunflower seeds.  Even a small cheese wedge!  All of that could have been easily packed into a bag and placed into my purse. 

But none of that matters!  This night was about ..............................  



I'm so proud of my "Little Eagle"! 



This blog is amazing, right?!

Boy, I'm doing well!  Slept through my first day, made one post, then my phone and internet are out for two days!  Welcome to my world! 

Thought that I would start with being straight forward about something in my life.  Yes, I am married.  Yes, I do cheat on my husband.  WHAT!  Who admits that?!  I can't tell a lie.  My husband knows.  Trust me he enjoys the benefits results.  Every morning at 5:30 am, I have a date.  A date with Tony and my DVD player.  I cheat with Tony Horton.  Yep, that's right!  I'm a P90X "devotee".  I know he can be annoying.  I know he talks a lot.  I know he can be annoying.  I know he talks a lot.  You get the idea!  You know what....it works for me! 

Some love it.  Some hate it.  I love it!  I love it because it involves weights.  I have a "love" for weight lifting.  I have a "love" of muscle.  I have always carried a lot of it.  I have always been the "strong" one.  For years, almost 25 actually, I have went back and forth with lifting weights.  Not "girly" weights.  I've never been a 5, 10, or 15 pounder.  Never understood benching 40 pounds.  Never understood "girl" push-ups.  I could go on.  I'm one of those girls/ladies that seriously used my families weights.  But for a long time, I actually let other peoples perceptions and thoughts about women and weights "skew" my own perception.  THAT STOPPED! 

I love P90X!  I love what it has done for me, my body, and my health.  I love that I can adjust my weights/workout to what ever I want.  I don't have to feel "weird" for not using "girly" weights.  As long as I press play and continue to bring it....I'm good!  Because of P90X and my daily dose of Tony, I have thought about getting out my "Weider Principles" again.  For those that don't know, that is for bodybuilding.  No!  I just let a little secret out.  Yes, I followed the Weider Principles for a good number of years.  Yes, under this "chubby" facade there is a good bit of muscle.  And I am very proud of each and every ounce of it. 

Luckily, I married the right man.  He is very supportive and loves me.  He doesn't care that I cheat on him daily.  And I have come to realize that he is proud of each and every ounce of muscle that I have.  Truth be told....it wouldn't bother me if he cheated on me with Tony!  Don't think that will ever happen!  The love of working out is not a shared passion.  That is okay!  I don't know if I could handle him and Tony.  I might get jealous that Tony had another date.  I am the only one in his life,  right?

Promise, stick with me.  This blog will get better!  I'm going to get a little better organized! 

I SWEAR!   

My kiddos have started wrestling!  What fun.  Can't wait to talk about it.  I actually have some pics to post. 

90 mile for November ..... 10 down and 80 to go!