Keeping Up with Each Other

One step at a time

2010-08-12T22:04:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to start wearing a pedometer daily again. I had been trying to start a walking regime in the mornings again, and have been hit or miss. A friend of mine wears a pedometer every day which I had forgotten till Matt found it on her belt and wanted to play with it one day. I remember hearing that those who wear pedometers are more active because it makes them more aware of it, which is definitely the case for me. When the "step" programs were popular a while back I know they said 10k steps a day to maintain your weight, so I was curious how I do with that, while chasing my toddler. I don't hit 10k every day but I do pretty well as long as I get at least a 15 min. walk in. If I don't get the walk in I get just over halfway there. Since I'm back up to the heaviest weight I've ever been before, I need to get serious about losing it as I don't want to trend higher. So far I've been down a few pounds, but not consistently on the scale. So, I really like the routine it helps to wear the pedometer with, and it definitely makes me think more about being active.

candy almost gone

2010-02-10T22:32:00.000-08:00

The bacon caramels are gone. We have a little bit of peanut brittle around. And the the See's Candy also got finished off.

I have not gone running. I have not gone swimming. or biking. or hiking. or even for a walk (just for the sake of going for a walk).

Hmmm... maybe I need to get some exercise.

how not to lose weight

2010-02-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

bacon caramels & peanut brittle -- those are my excuses for not going swimming this morning.

my friend Mir came over last night and made peanut brittle. since she brought her handy dandy thermometer gun with laser sighting (which T loved, of course), we decided to re-cook the failed bacon caramel. we had to wait until this morning to see if worked!

lo and behold, it did. so before T's carpool showed up this morning, we were manically wrapping bacon caramels. he did most of the half with lots of bacon, and I segregated out the bit that had substantially less bacon and wrapped those after he left.

but, with all that fun, I would have been too late to work if I went swimming.

of course, I also have about a pound of bacon caramel and two pounds of peanut brittle that isn't helping my attempt to lose weight. *sigh*

BUT, I can say that we managed to weasel in a fair amount of chemistry. nucleation sites, Fahrenheit vs Celsius, boiling point, heat capacity, black body radiation, crystalization... enough to make your head spin and your teeth ache.

Late New Year's Resolution...

2010-02-01T10:51:00.001-08:00

Since about Xmas I've been trying to put exercise back in my life. Although it feels like a lost cause, I'm not giving up. I was doing okay until work and life didn't get better in the middle of January.

So this morning instead of going to work, I emailed in sick with a head cold, took some sudafed, and went for a run. Maybe it's counter-intuitive, but I've found a short run (isn't that the only kind?) makes me feel better. I figure it's because I tend to hack out all the crud in the process. Then a steamy shower to clean out the rest. And I always sleep better nights when I've done some exercise.

Also, I'm going to plan to go swimming at lunch later this week. I'd been avoiding it because I hate the sense that I'm just stripping all the color I just put in it. But I've decided that I need to swim. My knees and feet aren't happy with this extra weight and running just exacerbates it.

Maternal Worries

2009-10-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

I guess I worried too soon yesterday. Turns out they did very well, and the directors told them so even before the results were announced. I'll blame it on an early morning that did not start out well and still thinking of my 14 year old as a sensitive preschooler.

I can already see that it will continue to be hard to see my children face adversity as they grow older. When they're small, I can wipe the tears and counsel about friendships and give constructive help. As they get older, I can listen, and facilitate activities, and nag about responsibility. And I'm sure as they leave the nest we'll be torn by the need to support financially versus the character building of making it on your own. I can only hope that we find the right balance. I don't want my children to come back and live in the basement, but on the other hand, I want them to know they will always be loved and we'll catch them if they fall.

I don't think it gets easier as they get older, just different.

The Danger of Baking, or "Self-Control? What's That?"

2009-10-10T13:20:00.001-07:00

I have to figure out how to make just enough baked goods for band events with a little leftover for the family and not enough for me. Of couse, that doesn't seem to be helping me stop sampling while I'm baking. Making only enough for the band doesn't help, because then I get the huge guilt trip from Rachel and William.

I made blondies for the football game on Friday night, and have eaten an embarrassing amount since then (both baked and unbaked, I'm afraid). John refused to take them to Maryland with him, but every time I walk by the kitchen they are calling to me.

I suppose I need William to hide them, because if I hide them? I still know where they are.

Biggest Loser

2009-09-14T11:19:00.001-07:00

I feel like I should preface this with "I'm not dead yet!" because it's been so long since I posted. It's been a mixed summer - I've gained back some weight, not as much as I had thought, but more than I hoped. I'm getting back into going to the gym regularly, which should help. Routine helps - I'm very bad about mindless eating when we're just hanging out around the house. Although given how badly I've binged and the crap that I've eaten, I don't feel too bad about the weight gain. Not like it was a surprise.

I've signed up for the Biggest Loser competition at the gym again. Based on last years experience, I could win this time. But I did it in the spring and didn't take it seriously. Feeling more motivated now. If I can really focus on the eating plan, I know the weight will come off - I just have to maintain focus. And I'm going to try to add in some other exercise as well. Last time was only Curves, now I hope to add some aerobic something on other days as well.

Anybody else feeling motivated with the new school year?

Stretch

2009-08-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted...mostly because I have been busy and I have not been doing so well with the exercise thing (or even just the drinking enough water thing).\

So I have been cleaning and sorting and decreasing our amount of stuff around the house.

I have gained back some of the weight that I have lost but not all of it. Part of this is due to Jim looking for a job so that they end up dropping me off on campus and not me parking and walking. I am hoping that with the kids starting back to preschool next week that it will establish more of a routine for us which should help.

I also have realized that I have been feeling stiff lately. Some of this is due to my children's amazing knack for sliding across my knee cap (ow) but I realized that I miss stretching and that having to sit in front of a computer a lot this summer has not helped that.
So....I decided to DVR a yoga show and at least do some of the stretching in it.
Since Jim accidentally erased my first two recordings (he didn't realize I wanted it recorded) today I did my first one.
It felt good but I realized:

I can't do it with children around. Whenever I sit on the floor the kids want to sit on me. Perhaps I can work on getting them to do it with me.
I like the stretching because it feels good
I'll have to work on the transitions between poses.
I'll have to work on my breathing. Most of my breathing was exactly opposite from what they were telling you to do during movement.

Anyway, hoping to get back on track.

One down, one to go...

2009-07-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did the Littleton Appleman Triathlon. I wasn't really well-trained, but it was a fun race and I finished. With a better time than I expected, really. I though it was very well run, it wasn't too competitive, there were lots of women, the water was warm, the bike ride was hilly but very do-able, and the run was... well... interesting. The run actually went partly through a field and then through the woods. This trail portion was about 1/3 of the run. Kind of fun! I didn't do much (read: almost none) training with the swimming or biking. So my swim was incredibly slow, but I was expecting that. I did better than I expected on the bike because I only had last year's tri to estimate. Last year my brake was rubbing and apparently it slowed me down a lot because now I'm riding much quicker.

Next week I'm doing the Danskin in Webster, MA. I'm looking forward to it, I guess, but I'm dreading having to go for an overnight just to do the Tri. It should be really fun because there's 5 of us going together. The swim won't be too bad because, if it's the same as last year, it's way less than the 12 mile it claims to be. The bike should be easier because, well, I just explained that, and I'm running much better than I was last year.

Now let's hope there's not too much rain this week so I can go out and swim and bike and run. And let's hope that there's not thunderstorms, as predicted, on the day of the race.

Checking In

2009-06-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Hi! It's been a while since I've checked in here.

For a while I was trying to go to 3 classes per week at the gym. That was working fairly well for a while, and then some other stuff came up. One of the things that came up was my trip to the Grand Canyon!

Yes! I did it! Starting on the north rim, we did a loop down to the Colorado River, along the river a way, and then back up to the north rim. It was challenging but doable. It was strenuous, yet relaxing. Pushing myself to go, go, go, (slow and steady) every day was not so hard without the mental burdens of kids, house, phone, computer, etc. I could just let my mind go, enjoy the scenery, and will my feet to keep moving! I will be posting some pics and/or a video on my other blog shortly.

Next up are the 2 sprint triathlons that I've signed up for this summer. Today I went to the pool for the first time. I'll never be a strong swimmer, but hopefully I'll get into a swimming groove that will get me through the 1/2 mile in a reasonable time. I need to do a little maintenance on the bike, but hopefully my spinning classes will have paid off once I do get on the bike. (I need to keep going to those classes.) I have some training routes planned out for the bike -- I just need to put some dates on my calendar to do them. I've been running. Not enough, but some. I still maintain my 11+ min mile, but that's just my pace. I'm able to keep going for a whole 3 miles. My next step with the running is to do some slightly longer distances so that 3 miles seems like cake. Next Monday I'm going with one of my Tri buddies to do the run route from one of the races. It has a large section off-road that is rumored to be challenging because of rocks and roots. We'd like to have done it once.

If I could just watch my eating more, perhaps I would lose weight. Even though I'm definitely stronger, I'm really not losing my big bowl-of-jello belly. Sigh. Will-power. I need some.

Finally, I've got to start thinking about a goal to put on the schedule after my races. Historically, once my event is over, I give myself permission to relax a bit, and then I never get back to the workouts. I will be a member at the gym until next January, so I at least need to keep the classes on my schedule. If you have any ideas for goals, let me know!

Official

2009-05-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official. I had my post-partum appointment yesterday. And while I've lost an amazing amount of the weight (only about 8 pounds to go) thanks to Breastfeeding, I'd like to lose the additional 10-20 lbs I wanted to lose before I got pregnant. I'm counting on nursing to make it easier since I've always struggled to lose weight normally unless I got sick. Since I'd rather not get sick anyway, I'm back to walking to start with. I started walking about two weeks after Matt was born, but it's been very irregular since I've been tired (imagine that!) and his schedule adds one more thing to work around. But, hopefully that will all get easier sooner and we can get out and a about as things get more predictable. I need to get work scheduled in all this (I've unofficially started working again, but am a little lazy about it since I'm so tired).
At least the weather has been better and that should help us get out as lon gas it doesn't get too hot. Wish me luck!

One Week!

2009-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

In a week, I'm headed off on a 5-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon!! I'm a bit nervous about it, but mostly just excited.

Yesterday, as a sort of warm-up, I went by myself to hike up Mt. Monadnock in NH. The interesting thing about trails in NH is that you can always find one that goes straight up from the parking lot to the top. So it was 2 miles in each direction, steep, and rocky. My heels were getting pretty hot, threatening to blister up, so I need to figure out how to best lace my boots. I appear to not have blisters, so that's good.

Anyway, I felt pretty good about the hike. I was slow and steady. I never got so tired or winded that I couldn't keep going. My knees feel it this morning, but not too badly. In all, I'm feeling ok about the trip next week. I know I could be (should be!) in better shape, but I'm fairly confident that I can get through the whole trip. I'm really excited about my week away and seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time!!

dragged kicking and screaming

2009-03-31T21:55:00.000-07:00

So, my awesome office mate has been dragging me (not really kicking and screaming) running at lunch on Tuesdays. We ran a 5K both last Tuesday and today. Last week the run kicked my butt. This week, I managed to make it to the end without keeling, but didn't have enough oomph to run run at the end. I'm hoping that soon, I'll be able to not only complete the run, but also have enough to sprint a bit at the end. Am I asking for too much? We'll see if my knees and feet hold out.

But, I've managed to lose NO weight. blah.

Committed

2009-03-31T07:25:00.001-07:00

Well, not only am I signed up for two triathlons in July, but I'm also signed up for a 5-day guided backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon in May. That's less than two months away! Talk about motivation! I've never been to the Grand Canyon, and I'm really looking forward to it. It will prove to be very challenging, I'm sure, but I'm certain that I can make it through the trip in one piece. I wish I could have found a friend to join me, but it will be a fun adventure on my own. Right now there's a father-daughter pair also signed up for the trip (I believe a college-aged girl) and there's two openings left. The guide is apparently a long, long time veteran of the Canyon, so I'm confident it will be a good group and well-run. I'm particularly looking forward to the food, as they bring all fresh, (as fresh as you can get backpacking, I guess) and not the freeze-dried stuff that I'm used to.

If you're interested in reading about the trip, look here: Wildland Trekking, Wonders of the Grand Canyon Hike

Wish me luck! (Or, perhaps just have me committed!)

Update

2009-03-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Hey...it's been awhile. I haven't specifically been losing weight....at least off my body. I did today work hard and get pretty much all of the stuff that had been sitting around waiting to be donated out of the house. I have a couple of items that I need to find parts for and then at some point I need to go through books from my classroom, but we took a huge carload today and I have already loaded the car for what can go to the church rummage sale. It does make me "feel lighter" even if, as I told Jim, it feels sort of anti-climatic after all the work in cataloging what is going and getting it together and loading it that it only takes a couple of minutes to get it out of the car.

In the process of working in the workroom I spotted my jewelry box in a box and found my promise ring that my husband gave me the first year we dated. It looks a little tight but I can actually get it on.

Moving Forward

2009-02-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

So, we had the baby shower yesterday. Now it's time to find out what we're missing and start filling things in. I'm feeling better then I have off and on since we've actually been sleeping. John's sick unfortunately so I keep hoping he'll feel better. I'm a little overwhelmed with some of my commitments. I keep having customers that want me to have quilts done and I'm more then booked till baby gets here in 5 weeks. It's frustrating that some people don't seem to care that I have a schedule and am planning to have a baby. Of course, I have the same problem with the quilt guild I'll be chair of next month (long story and bad timing). I can't seem to get volunteers to help with the raffle quilt. Yet, even if I don't end up on bed rest I can't be the only one working booths and selling tickets for multiple days on end at different venues. Let alone I'm due in the middle of the last month of ticket sales...
Here's hoping that I can guilt some people into helping at Tuesdays guild meeting... I think I'll have to play the bed rest card even if I don't want to share that much personal info with the entire guild.
I am getting excited to meet the little one though. And really, I'm not going to worry in the long run about this extra stuff because baby comes first and I've more then given the guild the chance to step up and help out.

A Good Day

2009-02-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I took the kids into New York, and did reasonably well at making good choices, and came home and pigged out WHILE I was making dinner. Because I was tired.

But today has been a good day - while I didn't completely follow the Curves "Phase I" which is only 1200 cal/day (only for a week), I actually mostly followed it and was probably around 1600 calories. Which is still pretty low and where I was for most of the weight loss last fall. And I didn't have the late afternoon pigout that's been my biggest problem.

Yes, I know I'm aiming for 1-2 lbs/week, but I've been creeping up again and need a kick in the pants to get myself back on track. I'm planning 3 days on 1200ish cal, then back to the more realistic 1600ish. And I'm trying to be very mindful of changing habits as a way of planning for the future - if I always revert back to the 4pm pigout, I'll gain all of this weight back. And I don't want that.

Progress I think

2009-02-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

Besides the fact that my father-in-law noticed that I looked like I had lost some weight, we went to a Mardi Gras Parade and Jim caught and adult size large shirt that I can actually wear and it looks good. It's a little tight around the hips but the rest looks good so that made me feel pretty good.

I'm hoping that the "weight" that I gained while we were there is actually water retention and will go away quickly.

Keep Hanging On!

2009-02-11T10:45:00.001-08:00

Everyone still hanging in there? I'm doing better this week - weather is helping (somehow it's easier to have salad for lunch when it's 50-60 outside than when it's 20). And I went back to the original Curves diet that I followed in the fall. The new one is not hard, but it has too many choices for me, too easy to cheat. Or something. Or at least have everything BUT fruit and veggies, and I really think the emphasis on those during the last plan helped me a lot.

Of course, I bought Valentine's m&m's "for the kids" on the theory that I don't like them that much, and would rather have peanut.

Guess I like them enough.

Checking in

2009-02-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

How are the workouts going Jill? Wanted to see if you were holding yourself to your plan and that you are feeling better!

Ann, are you still hitting curves like you want to each week?

Susan how are the kids and how's your sanity with school right now?

Julia, haven't heard from you in a while! Hope you are doing well. How are things going with the work/life balance?

Just thought I'd check and see how everyone is doing and see if we're reaching our goals or not. I'm trying to start walking again in the evenings as much as possible since John took over the morning walks. Been nice to have more time to get work done and get an early start, but it means I've gotten lazy since our bad weather. However, birthing classes start tomorrow night so we're getting closer to delivery.

Follow up

2009-01-27T17:54:00.001-08:00

Well, after I joined and went to the gym last week, I proceeded to catch Sierra's cold. So I didn't work out again until yesterday. But yesterday I did a 1/2 hour spinning class (I'm easing into the spinning) and today I did the Muscle Conditioning on the Ball class again. I love this class. She works on muscles through the whole body, including a lot of work on the back and abs, which I really, really need. Because Steve and I both are making the working out a priority, we are helping each other make time and encouraging each other to go. I'm still optimistic, despite the 6 days off due to sickness.

Oh, and I signed up for a mini triathlon in July called the Appleman and plan to sign up for the Danskin (the week following the Appleman) as soon as registration opens.

Optimism

2009-01-21T14:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I joined the gym. I took a class last night. (I expect to be very sore tomorrow....) The class was great, the instructor was funny, and I think I'll really enjoy going on a regular basis. I shouldn't need to join a gym -- I've got most of a gym in my basement -- but there's something about a membership and classes and friends that take classes that's more motivating than the equipment in my basement.
Steve and I have been talking about setting a real schedule for getting in shape. We're making it a priority to not only work out, but help each other work out. (He actually worked out 12 days in a row. Of course, it helped that he was on a cruise with his company for 5 of those days!) We're realizing that being lazy, not only about being physically fit, but also about our making time for ourselves and one another, is not helping us maintain our happiness. So we're working on it all.
I'm committed to doing at least one triathlon this year and go on one backpacking trip. And the workouts start... yesterday.

Minor Moral Victory

2009-01-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

The kids are off of school today, and I went to the gym anyway. Woo Hoo! And I got weighed - 2.5lbs lost this week. And that includes a week that had a lot of struggling both with food choices and portion control. Yeah, I would have lost more if I'd done better, but my goal was 2-3 lbs. So woo hoo!

The bad news is, because I lost weight while still cheating left and right, that feels like license to cheat. If I can keep it under control, that's ok. If I get too lax, that's a bad thing.

New Year's Goals, East Coast version

2009-01-08T19:35:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I really have "goals", I suppose I should make an attempt to come up with something measurable.

I did attend the new session of the weight management class at Curves today. They have a new plan out, so we watched a video about it. It's basically similar to the old plan, you do a week of 1200 calories, and then bump up to 4 weeks of 1500 calories, then take two weeks "off" at 2000-2500 calories, all in an effort to keep your metabolism revved up and burn fat rather than muscle. It again emphasizes lean protein and whole grains, the difference this time is they've set up an exchange system. They have suggested menus for each meal and snack, but they're not specific, and they have more info on how to substitute equivalent foods to meet your tastes. For example, breakfast might be 1 starch + 1 protein, and then you check the list of foods to see what starch and protein you want. They do tell you calorie and nutrion guidelines, so you figure out portions and add favorite foods that might not be on the list. There's also a list of "free" vegetables, drinks, and condiments.

I was trying to go back to the original 1200 cal week from the original plan, but I've not been succeeding this week. I'm a little concerned that I've lost my mojo, but on the other hand, the more mindful I am about eating, the more I've been loosing, even if I don't diet strictly. And that's overall good - they made a big deal about patience and the time it will take to loose a substantial amount of weight. And how it's a lifestyle change. Definitely still working on that part of it.

Other goals? Keep the house cleaner, knit more, stamp more. Basically trying to keep up with life and not feel like I'm dropping so many balls.

New Year's Goals

2009-01-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am going to keep it simple with what I want this year...
1) Keep losing weight (I'm not going to specify an amount just that I keep going down even if gradual and that I at least don't go up).
2) Strike some sort of balance between work and home needs (rather than feeling guilty all around or disappointed that I am not on top of any of it)
3) Doug & Andy be potty trained (I am really hoping much earlier than next December...but lately I am feeling like it is somewhat my fault because it feels like we don't have time to work on it because we are always so busy and the times that I am planning to concentrate on it we either get sick or end up traveling)
So three goals. They are probably not as specific as the "experts" would recommend, but those are my goals.

Falling off the wagon

2009-01-03T14:42:00.000-08:00

I don't know about everyone else, but I've not exactly been watching what I eat this holiday season. Or rather, I've watched myself eat a whole lot of stuff.

I did really well for the first week, than the last week has gone downhill. Too many yummy leftovers. Too many lunches that weren't really planned and became an afternoon of bits and rests - a bit of this and the rest of that.

Monday, I'm planning on going to the gym, and climbing back on the diet horse. I don't want to have to get out the bigger clothes again! Anybody with me?

Snow bound

2008-12-22T11:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's been more then a week since we've had "normal" weather. We had 9" of snow yesterday before it started snowing, and we're supposed to get another 4-5" today (its' been snowing off and on all morning so far. I'm starting to feel a little trapped, but at the same time I kind of don't want it to clear up till Friday so that Christmas really feels more cozy. I have a friend that was supposed to get a flight out from the airport today, but I don't know if she even made it there let alone had the flight. Most flights have been cancelled because of not enough de-icer. I'm hoping that if she doesn't make it out that we can pick her up on Thurs. for Christmas at least (she lives 3 blocks from here). It's her first Christmas alone since her husband died in June. However, I think we'll be boring and she'd enjoy seeing her friend she was going to visit more.

So far we've had power and been doing ok. I have work to do this week, and John's home on vacation anyway. We spent yesterday at the neighbor's for quite a while which helped break up my beginning stir-craziness. :)

Twisted Sister

2008-12-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I found out that I am certifiably the "twisted sister." I went to the orthopedic place to find out about my scoliosis. They took a whole torso x-ray this time. Apparently my spine looks a little like a snake (twists to the left, then the right, then the left) so that my curves balance each other out. Since my head is squarely above my hips (good to know) and apparently scoliosis doesn't usually progress in adults I don't have to return unless I start having problems.
So at least that is one thing I can cross off my list.

Lack of sleep -:> coughing

2008-12-02T11:22:00.001-08:00

just a little reminder that I'm still alive, and I've finally succumbed to the first chest cold of the year. I figure it's inevitable with young children, but it still sucks. I'm not helping by staying up late and getting up almost early (aka early enough to get us out the door and to school on time, but not early enough to get much else accomplished).

The worst part is there isn't much that can be done. I'm not really coughing much, but there's that tightness in the chest and the nasty taste that comes up when you do cough.

Finally, there's the semi-friendly but mostly complaining reminder that some of my co-workers (mostly my dept mgr) who would really rather I be at home and not coughing anywhere in his vicinity. Like I wouldn't rather be home in bed! But by the time I've dropped off the kids and figured how to pick them all up again and factored in the dogs and whether or not M will be at home, I'm really better of staying at work and drinking enough tea that I'm constantly running down the hall to the bathroom.

Winning while Loosing

2008-12-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

Hey, I won $185 for coming in second in the contest! The winner won the pot that all the entrants contributed too, and the owner matched the pot, so that amount was split 2/3, 1/3 between the next two winners.

Woo Hoo!

I'm a big loser, but not the biggest

2008-11-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

The manager at the gym told me Wednesday that I wasn't going to win the contest. She was very apologetic - I lost by 1/2 a percentage point. See, since everyone is starting out at different weights, they do it by who looses the highest percentage overall - weight, measurements, body fat. So I think this other woman lost more body fat or measurements, even though I lost more actual weight.

I'm not upset, and I'm not upset that the manager kept saying she thought I would win. It certainly kept me motivated the last week! And it turns out I was in my PMS week, which wreaks havoc with my appetite and willpower, not to mention I probably retain water then. So if the weigh-in had fallen at a different time of month, I might have won... but who knows?

Regardless, I lost 22 lbs for the contest and 31.5 overall. Pretty damn good if I say so myself! And while I'm certainly being a little more relaxed this week, I haven't gone hog-wild (even yesterday!) so I'm hoping to continue this downward trend. And I certainly don't want to gain any back!

So, all positive with only the slightest amount of disappointment. It would have been nice to offset some of the yarn I've been buying!

Happy Holidays

2008-11-28T11:38:00.000-08:00

I think I can officially say Happy Holidays to everyone now, no matter what you practice. I hope everyone had a good Turkey day and felt good about what they ate. We had the neighbors over for Turkey and a potluck style meal. Had a good time and taught them a new card game (hand and foot). We had a nice walk both today and yesterday, but got rained on last night. Not too bad overall though.
It's interesting, I've never figured out why men have an easier time walking (at least my husband does) then I do. This doesn't matter whether I'm pregnant or not, it's been bothering me for years. I walk 6 days a week with the dog in the morning, and the last year and a half or so we've added in walking in the evening every night. John only joins me on Sat. when we do a longer walk of 4 miles, and in the evenings. Evening walks are slower and more stops because we're with a group. So, supposedly I should be more in shape then he is right? But I always have trouble keeping up when we walk together. When he takes vacation time and walks everyday with me, his feet hurt and previously his back has bothered him, but he can still out pace me without getting winded. What's up with that? Just seems weird to me, and sometimes rather annoying.

Counting Down

2008-11-21T13:58:00.001-08:00

The weigh-in for the Biggest Looser contest at the gym is on Monday. I've decided that I'm going to stop dieting at that point, although I hope to be able to incorporate the new eating habits. Basically, keep eating right (mostly) but not be quite so disciplined about it. And then, after Christmas, I'll probably do another round of 6 weeks or so.

I'm just having a hard time following the plan at this point. I'm doing ok (not great, but ok) with snacks and portion sizes, but a little tired of the plan - even with 6 weeks of menus, it's feeling repetitive. It's time for a break.

It has been fun buying some new clothes. I can almost shop in the Misses department now (pretty much a size 18 now), but I would like to get down to a 16 and have more choices! I actually bought a new coat at Costco - an XL, which was not an option before. Now, granted, there was only one style where the XL actually FIT, but still!

So Monday I'll get weighed and measured, and then they'll probably post the contest results on either Friday or the following Monday. I hope. I'm kind of excited!

As if I needed something else...

2008-11-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

So add this to the list of people who went to the doctor for one thing and came out with another (I recently had a professor who went in for a routine check-up...everything came out abnormal and then on recheck normal and then they found a benign tumor in her stomach). Anyway, Jim encouraged me to go back in last week because I had finished my antibiotic but was still coughing and runny nose (though MUCH improved from before).
She decided I had bronchitis and did an X-ray to make sure there was not pneumonia. I did not have pneumonia but she did mention scoliosis....I didn't know I had that. So today I got the official reading on the x-ray and now I get a referral to an orthopedic specialist.
Oh, and if I still have cough and nose issues after this round of antibiotics and steroids (and inhaler...which tastes terrible...) then we get to treat it as allergies.
On the more positive side I am actually still losing weight even without going to the rec center. Somehow walking on campus and getting distracted so that I forget to have desert seems to be working for me. A slow but steady decline in weight is not a bad thing as long as I can survive next week with the in-laws for Thanksgiving.

Survivormom

2008-11-11T17:45:00.000-08:00

Whew! I survived the camping weekend (complete with buffet) and still lost 4 lbs. this week. Even though I'm a little burned out on dieting, it is easier in the sense that I have a much better handle on portions, and if I eat too much, I feel too full much faster.

So since August (early September, really), I've lost... (drumroll, please) almost 30 lbs. I'm 10lbs away from what I weighed when I first got pregnant with JC, so I'm finally loosing the baby weight, I guess!

It's all about portion control and quality foods. For example, I used to eat pretzels, because they are low fat, but it's all white flour and no protein. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, it really is making a difference for me. Combining protein with quality carbs is working - I always knew WHAT to do, it's doing it that's hard.

Ok, enough preaching. I'm not trying to boast but to inspire. Anyone who wants the book from Curves, just let me know. It's really just a regular diet, but it does have a nice emphasis on keeping your metabolism stoked.

Ugh

2008-11-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

I hate being sick. Good news is I'm already starting to feel better then I was yesterday, but boy it makes me feel like a slug. I've done some work today but not a lot. Hopefully I'll be over this soon and up and moving and not feel like I've had such an energy drain.

Slogging along

2008-11-04T14:05:00.001-08:00

You would think this dieting thing would get easier, not harder, over time. Perhaps it's the time of year, but this last week has been really challenging. Halloween temptation hasn't helped! I've been limiting myself to small size candies, and no more than one (ok, maybe two) in a day. And PMS on top of that.

I'm still losing, but feeling a both a little burned out and also a little scared of going back to "regular" eating. I will clearly have to continue really watching portion sizes and food choices, because I really don't want to regain the weight I've lost. We're going camping in Lancaster County PA this Thursday, and I'm a little worried. Biggest challenge will be an all-you-care-to-eat buffet that everyone else wants to go to. Ok, I'll eat more than the plan but I think I can control myself. But if we eat some lunches out too, it starts to get a little harder - overdoing it at one meal, I can make up for it at others, or the next day. 3.5 days of extra challenges is mostly just depressing.

But I feel like I'm struggling at home, too. Grey weather doesn't help. But I'm committed to doing it until November 26th - the end of the "Biggest Looser" contest at the gym. I have an actual shot at winning. How motivating would THAT be?!?

It's amazing

2008-10-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

How quickly you can lose momentum from not exercising. I didn't walk for a few days at the end of last week as Lucy, our dog, had a boil/cyst between her toes and it was painful. This happened almost exactly a year ago too. So, we didn't walk on Thurs. and Friday and then I had to work on Sat. morning and Sunday we don't walk. Wow what a difference that made in my stamina. I had to challenge myself to push myself a bit more at the beginning of this week since I was feeling it more then usual.
I guess this is a good reminder that it's easier to keep up the habit then come in and out of using those muscles! I seem to be mostly back to my walking stamina/speed minus some adjustments for pregnancy. But it's good to feel I'm doing positive things for my body overall. Now I just have to get my eating back to less sugar levels as we've made it through the birthday business of the last two weeks (both John (hubby) and I have birthdays in Oct.).

Reality Check

2008-10-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

I gained a pound last week. John did point out that a pound is probably within the error for the scale.

It's a little depressing, although not unexpected. I took the kids out to Perkins for dinner, and while I had scrambled eggs and wheat toast (not too bad) I also ate most of the hash browns even though I was trying to resist. The next night was my birthday and I took the kids to a hibachi steak house, and while I didn't clean my plate like I usually do, I ate over half, and of course it's a lot of white rice and noodles. And I had ice cream. Oh, and JC and I split a California roll and tuna sashimi. So LOTS of white rice. And I had Chipotele for lunch on Friday, although I had NO rice, just their salad but it was probably too much meat. Then on Saturday, I was at the church garage sale until about 1pm and came home starving. Ate the rest of the Sushi House leftovers (more rice and noodles), then we ended up having pasta for dinner. High protein pasta, which I did measure out only 1 cup of, and meatballs for more protein but probably lots of fat. And a small slice of birthday cake at church on Sunday.

So I was both way off course but still more controlled than pre-diet. I was kind of hoping I would at least maintain, but it's proving to me I still have to be really conscious about what I eat, which is a little depressing just because that probably applies to the rest of my life.

Oy. Makes me tired just thinking about it.

Hanging in there

2008-10-15T10:12:00.001-07:00

I had a MAJOR cheat this morning - iced coffee and a glazed donut from Dunkin' Donuts. Rachel had an orthodontist appt. and requested a snack as I took her back to school. She had to have three attempts at making the impression for her palate expander, so I was feeling sympathetic. And hungry myself. Yes, I know it wasn't the best choice, but I feel like I am choosing better - less rationalization. I can rationalize anything, you know.

So still feeling very positive about this diet thing - but it helps that I am seeing big results. Nothing like instant gratification! And I actually think it is healthy (in a way) that I feel that I can "cheat" and still get back on track. I lost another 4 lbs last week, so that makes, like, 16 since the beginning of September? SO motivating!

I'm hoping I'm being inspirational rather than gloating. It is a HUGE help that I am at a point where all three kids are in school full time (and on the bus!) and I happen to have a number of local friends that also go to this Curves. It's that accountability thing, you know? I think there is an activation energy (the energy needed to start a process) and then a snowball effect (once you're started, it's easier to keep going). You have to be realistic about what you're capable of concentrating on at any given moment. I'm spending a lot of time thinking about and planning meals, which would have been really hard a few years ago. Not to mention the time at the gym.

But it is very exciting, and I want that to rub off on all of you too!

I'm hungry...

2008-10-08T12:30:00.000-07:00

okay, so it is lunch time out here on the west coast. I just ate my leftover chicken enchiladas and I should wait at least 5 minutes before I decide that I'm starving enough to wander across the street to the nasty school cafeteria to pick up another lunch. :)

yeah, well, I'm posting here hoping that I'll think about all the willpower you all have shown recently and I'll pass on second lunch so that I can keep off some of the weight I've lost and continue to want to lose.

especially since I choose to sleep in this morning instead of going for a walk with the dog. I justified it because C is home from school with a cold (his eyes get goopy until his nose starts to run, so they want him out of school even though I'm positive it's just viral and not bacterial, but oh well), and I haven't been getting enough sleep since I got over strep.

I'm still hungry. maybe I'll eat the applesauce cup I have in the fridge, but I really want a burger and fries.

Woo Hoo!

2008-10-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Had my official weekly weigh-in at Curves on Monday - I've lost 9.5 lbs. since the beginning of September. And of course, 90% of that was probably last week.

So this week I'm doing 200-400 calories more than last week, depending on if I opt for a protein shake. Day 1, I was stuffed. Day 2, I forgot to eat my snack in the morning, got caught out of the house and at the mall in the afternoon - our mall food court is under construction, so I had a choice of Aunt Annie's Pretzels or Nathan's Hot Dogs. Hmmm...I opted for the hot dog, and was not far off on calories and protein, but WAY over on fat, of course. And because it was lousy quality food, I was hungery after dinner and opted for the shake. But, and this is where I'm actually proud of myself, I didn't eat anything else extra.

I thought about it.

I thought about it REALLY HARD.

But the thing that is working for me is the "eat exactly this" instructions (easier than I thought it would be) and writing everything down. I'm eating way more fruits and vegetables than I usually do, and having good quality protein sources, and when I do that, I'm not hungry.

The only thing I'm sad about is that I made homemade salsa for my burrito on Monday - and I really really want to eat more of it. But chips do not qualify as a quality protein or carbohydrate source. Guess I'll freeze it for later in the winter, when I'm done with the 6 week program and taking a break. Sighhhhhh...

Swimming with asthma

2008-09-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

Since I was having such a sucky week, I decided I really needed to go swim on Wed. I decided that I wasn't being productive at work anyways, so swimming was a good idea.

To be honest, I decided I needed exercise earlier in the week and tried to go at lunch time unsuccessfully, so I went after work with a friend. The pool was way too crowded, and we didn't swim very far. But it was enough to make me feel better.

The worst part was I had a mini-asthma attack (couldn't get enough air) while swimming and came up short one lap. I think I freaked out my friend a bit, but a few minutes later I caught my breath and continued, albeit much slower.

I'd been avoiding my asthma medication since I didn't notice any wheezing, and I wasn't feeling like getting a refill. So much for being lazy. I guess I need to take care of myself more often. And now I'm using my inhaler every night. I'm not so good about remembering in the morning, but I've been doing it every night since Wed.

Makin Progress!

2008-09-26T11:13:00.001-07:00

Ok, I started the Curves Weight Management thing on Monday. Their program is very metabolism focussed. You do a week at 1200-1400 calories, ~6 weeks at 1400-1600 calories, and when you stop loosing weight or need a break, they have a 2000-2500 calorie program. The whole idea is to keep from switching your body into starvation mode where you stop loosing weight. And you have a choice of high protein (60/40 protein/carbs) or high carb (40/60 protein/carbs).

I'm doing 1400 cal on the high carb plan, and I haven't killed anybody yet.

Actually, I'm doing ok. Monday was REALLY hard. Hungry all day, thinking, I can't do this. Tuesday was better, and it's been better every day since. In fact, I just realized I didn't eat the 60 calories of fruit allowed with lunch (that's like a cup of raspberries, so pretty filling!). But I'll eat it with my snack, or maybe dinner. Mostly this diet is portion control, and balancing protein and carbs. I'm not sure I completely believe their whole metabolism theory, but so far it appears nutritionally sound and safe. Although 1400 cal (let alone 1200!) is WAY less than I've been eating.

But I've lost 5 lbs. already. I'm telling myself I shouldn't weigh every day because that will be misleading/demotivating. But MAN, it is tempting! Monday I kick up a couple of hundred calories, so we'll see what happens.

Makin

2008-09-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in a while

2008-09-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, ready for an update here as I haven't posted in a while. I think you all saw in the forward from Ann that I'm pregnant. I'm HOPING that I can find a way to motivate myself to continue my walking after baby comes in March/April. A friend had a good point that the timing for weather will really help in being able to get out with both baby and dog and make me get moving again.

We had a good ultrasound yesterday so that was a lot of fun and I'll be out of my first trimester the end of next week. I'm still walking every morning with the dog though we've slowed down a bit. I just know like Jill said, my default is lazy and the only reason I walk is because John goes to work earlier so I feel it's my job to get the dog out and she's a good motivator. So... I need to keep it up as much as I can.

Not as many steps back as I thought...

2008-09-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

I went for a run today (when my MIL was here -- I hope to do that every week.) I did over 2.5 miles and I managed to do it without slowing to a walk!! It was just under a 12 minute/mile pace, which was typical for me when I was training for the Tri. While I give a lot of credit to my iPod shuffle and tons of credit to you guys for keeping me moving instead of slowing down (I kept thinking, "If I keep going I can write a blog entry that I ran the whole way!"), I am very impressed that I have maintained some endurance from the training I did 2 months ago.

How's everyone doing?

2008-09-16T12:26:00.001-07:00

I must admit, I've really stopped all real physical activity since I finished the triathlon. (I was hoping it would give me some momentum, but, alas, laziness seems to always prevail for me.) Anyway, now that it's the fall and the school and activity schedules begin to rule my life again, I was thinking now is an opportunity to fit the exercising into the schedule. Like on Thursday when my mother-in-law plays with the kids, and Tuesdays when they're both in school, I could go for a run! Maybe I should schedule a Saturday morning run before my shower and an evening workout a couple of nights a week. The important thing is to put it in the schedule. What about you all?

Back to the gym

2008-09-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

The kids start school tomorrow. So I have made plans to meet a friend for coffee - after I go to Curves. I'm setting a goal of three times a week - and I'm going to try to walk (or something) on the in-between days.

Of course, I came back from camping with huge itchy bug bites on my legs, including one that sits right under or at the edge of most of my socks. Here's hoping it's not too bad!

Bicycling

2008-09-02T18:00:00.001-07:00

T learned to ride his bike this summer so when we went to Portland last week, we hauled all 3 bikes and the trailer. We actually went on a few bike rides, too. The first one was a meander through the neighborhood M grew up in. It made me appreciate how flat neighborhoods are much more bicycle friendly.

The next day, we put the trailer on M's bike checked out a new bike trail along the river. Since we let T set the pace both days, I can't say I got much of a workout on either day, but it was fun.

I wish it was less hilly in our neighborhood. I'd almost forgotten how much fun it is to ride your bike.

Not One Size Fits All

2008-08-27T06:55:00.000-07:00

We only got two workouts in last week, but we went yesterday so I feel good that Jim and I are continuing to go. Childcare is a bit of an issue because right now Ben is helping his family while his grandfather is on Hospice. Hopefully I can tag some of the college kids at church tonight so that we can go tomorrow.
I also wanted to share that I have had at least two people ask me if I have been working out and that they have "noticed" on my upper torso. Now do I really think that just two workouts have made that much of a difference?
No
I did have ever buy new bras. When I discarded my nursing bras I was wearing bras that were pre-children bras. They probably fit ok at some point but they were pretty stretched out. So last month, when they were having before school sales and a "tax free" day here Jim and I went and did some clothes shopping. I made sure that I got bras that not only fit but also had the proper amount of support. So I am here to attest that if you need a "quick" body image improvement think about what your clothes are doing for you.

We went!

2008-08-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

Over the summer we joined the student rec center but really only made it to the pool with the kids.
Today, things finally came together so that Jim and I went and worked out. So now we have paid for the rec center for Jim this semester and other then having some transportation issues that should be worked out when I go buy a parking pass tomorrow (long story...) we should be in line to actually workout regularly this semester.

I was thin once....

2008-08-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have been unpacking more boxes and I did a box with photo albums in it. I, of course, had to look through all of the pictures in the albums. I saw pictures of myself as a teenager and realized that I was actually thin. In my mind I have always been overweight, but in reality I was maybe 10 pounds overweight as a teen and it wasn't until I hit college that I really put on weight. My big issue was that I didn't gain the Freshman 15....I gained the Freshman 50. So I was thinking that it was inspiring to realize that I actually COULD be thin. Now I just actually work on getting back to that place.

My New Hero

2008-08-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

My new hero is...Dara Torres!

She's 21 days older than me, and just look at her! (Oops, did I just give away my age?) I can't wait to see how well she performs at the Olympics. She's already got one medal (this time -- she's got tons of others from her previous four times!)

In case you're living under a rock, and don't know who she is, google her or check out her wikipedia page.

I just thought I'd provide a little inspiration here!

Finished!

2008-07-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

I finished the race today! To get my results, go to the Danskin results web page and click the link. Scroll to the bottom and select "2008 NEW ENGLAND RESULTS" under "Search Results Data." You can look me up by name or number, 1211.

I'll post a description of the race shortly on my other Blog, Midlife Motherhood.

The day before...

2008-07-25T07:06:00.001-07:00

How goes the Triathlon preparation? Are you excited for tomorrow? Just here cheering you on.

Still on Track

2008-07-21T13:14:00.000-07:00

I've been updating in the comments of the last post, but I thought I'd put in a post to let everyone know I'm still on track with the final 2-week training I outlined. The only thing I'm missing is the practice race, where I do the whole swim/bike/run. At this point, I don't think I'll do that because I don't want to overwork myself within a week of the race. But today at the pool I swam 1/4 mile (1/2 the race distance) and then rode for 20 minutes on a stationary bike. That felt pretty good (although a stationary bike doesn't feel much like a real bike.) I'm scheduled for a rest tomorrow and then I've booked childcare at the gym to swim on Wednesday. (Perhaps I'll do another transition to bike and maybe even transition to a 5 minute run, as well.) Then a couple of bike rides Thursday and Friday, and I'm off to the race expo on Saturday!! I'm not really nervous (yet). It will be a fun weekend away from home with my friends.

If you are interested to check out the race: www.danskin.com/triathon and look up the info for the New England race.

More updates later!

From here to triathlon...

2008-07-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's 11 days to race day. Here's my training plan for the next 10 days and my race goals. I figured I write them for all of you to see, so I can be held accountable.

Thurs (7/17) Race practice run: Swim 1/2 mile at pool, drive home (5 min), bike 11 miles, run 3 miles (last run before race)
Fri. Rest day (Need to make a birthday cake.)
Sat. Bike ride
Sun Early morning open water swim at Walden Pond with training comrades
Mon Swim at pool with Sara
Tues Rest day
Wed Swim at pool with Sara
Thurs Bike ride
Fri Bike ride
Sat Rest day and race check-in day
Sun RACE DAY!!

Race goals:
Swim - Under 30 minutes
Bike - 1 hour
Run - Hard to predict, without the preceding swim & bike, I think I can do 35 min or less. I definitely don't want it to take longer than 45 min, no matter how badly I'm hurting. Maybe I'll update my goal after my practice run tomorrow.
Transitions - I'll keep these as short as possible -- no dilly-dallying perhaps 5-6 min. on the 1st and 2-3 on the second.

Overall time: I'd love to beat 2:10.

Sporadic training

2008-07-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

I've been having a hard time keeping up with the training on a frequent enough basis. I did those 2 runs in a row, then a week later, I did an 11 mile bike ride (in 55min - ugh!), and then today I ran 4 miles. I really had to push to get in all 4 miles and it took me 50 minutes, but I did it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could keep running even when I'm really tired. (It was hot, too.) I did more walking than I would have liked, but I did run (at my slow and steady pace) for most of it. Sometime in the next week I want to do a swim/bike/run combo and use the parking lot at the gym(pool) as my transition area. I've got a route planned from there with an 11 mile bike and 3 mile run. Wish me luck. (The race is in 2 weeks.)

Quick update

2008-07-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

So camping and hiking on a long road trip resulted in weight gain (only 2 lbs). I'm not entirely surprised, but disappointed. We had lots of long driving days and veggies were hard to find. We ate lots of hamburgers, chicken strips, and french fries. The hikes weren't very long, but both M and I were hauling over 20 lbs between kid, water, and other supplies.

I'm trying to eat better (I've been craving vegetables), and started swimming at lunch again. If I can get to bed at a reasonable hour (ha ha ha), I hope to walk the puppy in the morning again.

It's been awhile

2008-07-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I actually posted more than a comment. Mostly this has been because there hasn't been much to tell. I haven't really gained weight but I definitely haven't lost any either. I am getting a bit more sleep mostly because Jo usually sleeps through the night these days. My house is moderately clean as always (though we have weeded out a whole bunch of toys) and I am slightly less stressed than normal (partly due to not taking classes this summer even though I haven't really done as much work on the paper I am supposed to be doing). I have been unpacking more things so hopefully I can get most of it done so that I am not torn between unpacking, normal household things, and working on coursework during the school year.
Anyway, we did make the move today to go and join the student rec center. During the school year I will automatically have a membership but Jim is also pushing for him to join so I will have a workout buddy. Hopefully we can work out babysitting and then get on a schedule.

Two in a row!

2008-06-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

I was sore today from running yesterday. It didn't even occur to me to work out. (duh!) But Steve offered to put the kids to bed so I could go running and work through the soreness. A storm had just passed through and the weather was perfect for a run. You just don't turn down an offer like that! I went 2 miles in just under 23 min. I'm happy with that.

Positive day

2008-06-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

I went running this morning. The sad part is that I haven't actually gone running outside in a long time (I can't remember how long -- perhaps not since the road race.) However, the other sporadic exercise I've been doing seems to be having some effect because I really actually ran most of it! I went a mile before I slowed to a walk. (Usually I just go down the block before I want to slow to a walk.) The iPod shuffle was a major contributor to being able to continue running. I really like it. And I went 3 miles in 36 min. Not too bad. If I can do that in the Tri (after swimming and running) I'll be more than pleased.
Then I spent the afternoon on landscaping -- lots of physical work. I'm exhausted.

Not so inspiring

2008-06-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, i can't resist. Maybe inspiring in a different way.

more cat pictures

Inspiring story

2008-06-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

This is an inspiring story about a woman who lost 83 lbs in less than 10 months and trained for a triathlon. She used hard work and lots of support from family and friends to do it.

Pool etiquette, or lack thereof

2008-06-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

I need to vent. My girlfriend and I, who are trying to train for a triathlon in 5 weeks (eek!) went to the pool today for a workout. We have to call no more than 2 days in advance to reserve a 1 hour block in the childcare room. The room books up on Fridays, so you've got to call first thing in the morning. Ok, so we got a slot. I was running a little bit late (kids) and my friend, even later because her 6 mo. old was actually taking a long nap and she didn't want to wake him too soon. So by the time I got to the pool, the time was ticking on our workout because we only get the time reserved, even if we're late. The pool was having family time, which meant that only 2 of the 4 lanes were available for lap swimming. Anyhoo... I got there right after 2 older women (who were together) entered the pool and each took a lane. I proceeded to enter the pool and waited at one end for the woman to swim back and asked her if she had a preferred side for splitting the lane. She just said, "Oh, I can't share a lane." She outright refused to share a lane because it would interfere with her workout. Are you kidding me? I've never heard of someone refusing to share a lane. I stormed off to the front desk to ask what the gym's policy is on lane sharing. "You can share a lane..." Of course I CAN share a lane, but what do I do if someone won't share a lane? Basically, she said, they won't make anyone do anything -- a totally non committal answer. When my friend arrived, seeing that I was fuming, decided to try to talk to the women and to appeal to their common courtesy by telling them that our kids were in the childcare room and we had very limited time. You won't believe what the response was to that. "I don't have kids." No kidding. I gotta say, the word that kept entering my mind over and over and over was b****. Anyway, luckily for us, shortly thereafter, the 2-lane area where the families were swimming cleared out and we were able to swim there (sharing it with another swimmer and offering it to a 4th who opted to wait for an open lane,) and luckily no other families came to swim until we were done. I looked up "pool etiquette" on the web and I could only find rules for how to actually share, but nothing on what to do if someone won't share and nothing that said you could refuse! Why are people so inconsiderate? And I can say, that after my 3 month membership is up, I won't ever re-join that health club because they did nothing to facilitate my time time there! (Perhaps if they come out with a pool etiquette policy, I'd be willing to consider it.)

Plugging away

2008-06-10T06:16:00.001-07:00

Weighed in at Curves yesterday, and lost a miniscule (but measurable) amount of weight. I keep having to tell myself I feel better when I go - I've lost all momentum since Memorial Day. And this week and next will be a little wierd. William is out of school sooner than JC and Rachel, so I'll have two regular Curves days that he'll be home and they won't, which makes it hard to go. And I scheduled all the doctor and dentist appoinments for the next two weeks, so it'll be a little wierd.

I still haven't figured out the 3 weeks that JC will be a camp. I may try to hook up with Curves friends who also need babysitters and we'll alternate days or something. But if I can keep any sort of momentum over the summer that will be good.

Doesn't help that it's SO DARN HOT here. They actually sent the kids home from school early yesterday, and will again today because of the heat. Snow days I understand, but these are my first heat days! But it's brutal. Betting the front tonight will have wicked thunderstorms, given our heat and humidity!

June Flu

2008-06-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

Honestly, it started at the end of May, but I still feel like crap and it's JUNE! I can't believe I really got the flu, but I got the aches and pains and total exhaustion and conjunctivitis (pink eye) and sore throat to prove it. I've been fighting it since last Friday, but two days in bed (not consecutive, I am a MOM after all) and lots of cat naps later, I'm still tired. The sore throat is getting better, and so is the pink eye (or at least I'm optimistic).

I just want to get better before we go on vacation. Partially because it'll be more fun if I don't feel like crap, but mostly because I need some energy to get us packed to go!

Sometimes I feel like I can't catch a break.

Confessions

2008-06-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Well, since my post last week about swimming a 1/2 mile I've gotten NO exercise. And I've been eating poorly, to say the least. I think I've put back on about 2 or so lbs. Help! Steve was away most of the week and I'm so tired at night that I pass out in front of the TV so quickly, I never get to the workout or any of the other tasks on the to do list, for that matter. I'm feeling pretty unhappy with myself. Ugh!

Swimming update

2008-05-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

The pool membership is turning out great! Actually, it's a gym located in a local hotel. So there's more to the membership to just the pool. Here's some highlights of my gym/pool use so far:
- The first time we used the childcare room for our kids (my 2 and my friend's 2) they claimed that there was nothing to do and were bored the whole time. The next time we walked them in and pointed out a handful of things that would be fun, and they did have a good time. Phew! We were afraid the childcare thing wasn't going to work out!
- Friday night I swam at the pool with both of the women that are training with me. I actually did an entire 1/2 mile. I was so tired at the beginning, I didn't think I could go that far, but at the end when I started to get close, I just said, "I'm going to bang out these last 4 laps to get to a half mile," and I did. Those were probably my best 4 laps of the evening. (Then we went our for martinis!)
- Tuesday night I went in for a 1/2 hour cycling class to get myself started on the biking part. It was a great class and a great alternative to going out on the road to get the legs doing the right thing.
- I may also look into taking some other classes, like a strength training on the ball, so I can get some good routines under my belt that I can work on at home.

Still Curving

2008-05-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've been really faithful going to Curves three times a week. I've lost maybe 5 lbs. since January, but gained back a couple in the last month BUT at my last weigh-in I was down a couple percent on body fat and a couple of inches here and there.

Not a lot, I know, but combined with generally feeling better, it's incentive! And I haven't tackled diet yet. I find that VERY hard.

Of course, the bad news is that the neurologist decided I don't have a hereditary neroupathy, so we don't know what it is. But the MRI, while not showing any issues with my brain, did show that I have "sinus disease" so she recommended going to an ENT. I've been feeling like there was something going on, so I guess it's good to know it actually IS all in my head!

I have to keep reminding myself that I can't wait for all the health issues to be resolved before I work on the rest of my life. It's the "I'll start on Monday" syndrome. Gotta start NOW, even if it is Thursday!

These shoes....

2008-05-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

were made for walking... So I made the realization the other night when John and I were doing a longer evening walk then usual, that I've walked over 3100 miles in the last 5 years. That was really staggering to me. That's not counting when we walked 7 days a week versus just 6 days a week in the morning now, or when we walk longer then our average 2 miles a day in the morning (the dog and I do the walking). Plus now we walk in the evenings with the neighbors but not as far, it's more for social time then exercise.

Hmmm... how long till I could have walked from one coast to the other. Guess I should figure that out!

Somehow it just boggled my mind.

Sore feet

2008-05-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

I'm too old to go running as much as I have been. I've been running 3-4 days a week for about 15-20 minutes, and my feet are sore. The sore legs have gone, but my feet are killing me.

It's harder to get out of the office and go to the pool. To go swimming, it takes at least 90 minutes from the middle of the day whereas I can go for a run by only adding about 30 minutes to my morning before the kids wake up. Sigh.

Maybe I should get new running shoes, but these are fairly new with very low mileage on them. I'm sure if I lost some weight it would help (it always helps my plantar facsitis when I lose weight), but it'd be easier if I could run without my feet hurting for the next 2 days.

It's always the chicken or the egg problem. I'd have more energy if I worked out, but it'd be easier to make time to work out if I had more energy.

Splish splash

2008-05-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I joined the pool. It's a 3 month membership, just to get me to the Tri. My friend, Sara, joined with me yesterday, and we swam a bit and hung out, just to get familiar with the routine. We're hoping to go on Friday and put all of the kids (her two and my two) in their childcare room (we figure it won't be that boring if they're all together entertaining each other) and put in a real workout. The pool is small, but it will do.

WOOHOO

2008-05-07T12:13:00.001-07:00

SO I survived the semester. I don't think I gained too much weight (I have been slowly losing on the "distracted" diet...so it may be a wash in the end). Last night (way too late) I got my stats final turned in and now I have nothing else course related from this semester. Now I just need to survive my grad assistant duties which are on going....

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious! Enjoy!

Things Mom says in a day.

Road Race Results

2008-05-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

I did it! I ran a 5K today. I wasn't sure how I would do -- my training has been slow (in more ways than one.) I've been running about a 15 min. mile. (Yes, I know that doesn't sound like running, but my jogging and walking seems to average out to a fast walk.) And I've probably only been running about 2 miles at a time. Here are my results as posted:
Place No. Name Ag S Div/Tot Div Town St Fin5k Pace
190 2572 JILL ATKINS 40 F 26/29 F4049 WESTFORD MA 38:05 12:17

That's 190th place out of 204 (26th of 29 in my division). I did a 12:17min mile. Awesome! Way better than I expected. Now my friend and I are going to go join the pool and start biking, too. The Danskin's less than 3 months away!

Pigging out

2008-04-29T19:18:00.001-07:00

I was starvingly hungry all day, and looked at the calendar tonight. Yup, I'm in that PMS time. So now I have to come up with a strategy. I can't deal with being hungry all day, but I can't stuff my face with carbs all day.

Maybe spreading little protein-based snacks throughout the day so I'm never starving.

My excuse

2008-04-29T14:53:00.001-07:00

So I've been blathering on to everyone that I've been getting up to go running before I walk the dog and wake the kids. Partially it's because I can't keep my mouth shut, but also I realized it's so I'll be embarrassed when I don't get my butt out the door for a run in the morning.

So, K at C's preschool volunteered to ask me how my run went each day I go to pick him up. It worked. I was awake, but not motivated to running this morning, and I thought about how I would answer K when I picked up C this afternoon. It was too much effort to think of an answer, so I got dressed and went for a run. I'm glad I did, because it was another glorious morning and I ran almost halfway before I had to stop. And I wasn't as out of breath as I had been.

I'm putting little stickers on my calendar each day I get exercise, and I'm letting myself eat more than I think I should. I figure if I can make it to month of more or less daily exercise, I'll be on my way to a habit. I might have even motivated M (or at least he's talking about it again).

Ya gotta ASK

2008-04-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

So, I've been moaning and groaning to myself that I don't have a workout buddy. My occasionally swim buddy had a baby about 7 months ago, and hasn't had reliable child care, and when she has, she'd rather be finishing her PhD thesis (who can blame her), than scheduling swimming with me. So, it's been months (like since before turkey day) since I've been to the pool.

So, I told one of my lunch buddies, that I've been running, but I would love to go swim at the pool. Well, ask and you shall receive! She'd love to go swimming sometime. She's even excited by it. So, we're going swimming at lunch on Wed.

I'm getting into the swing of things, especially since I went running on Sunday and this morning. (Mostly, it was because I was so sore I could barely walk down the stairs by Saturday evening.)

If I could just slow down the eating (I've been starving and hence, wolfing down everything in sight, since Friday.), I might actually lose some of the 10 pounds I've gained since September.

Go ME!!!

2008-04-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about it for weeks now, but I finally did it this morning. I went for a run before I had to wake the kids up. It's a little harder with a puppy in the house, but I decided to stop using him as an excuse. I took R out for a quick piddle and had to suffer his big sad brown eyes when I put him back into his crate.

I didn't go very far, and I didn't go very fast. At this point, I'm just happy I got out of bed and into my running shoes. It felt great. It didn't hurt that the weather was beautiful. The lake was glassy and you could mostly make out Mt Rainier. I even managed to do a few crunches and stretches before taking a shower. I'm just hoping I can keep this up.

I love this weather!

2008-04-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

Today, for the first time since I started training for this Tri (and I use the word "started" loosely,) I ran outside! How awesome is that? And I have to say that it was very encouraging.

Running on the treadmill in the basement is hard. There's not a lot of motivation -- you're in one spot just looking at how much time is left and how little "distance" you've gone. And you have to pick a speed and set it rather than just letting your body set its own speed. I haven't really been able to stay motivated on the treadmill long enough to get in much of a run and I've been worried that I won't be able to finish the 5K in a couple of weeks.

Once outside, I could set small goals: "I won't slow to a walk until I reach that driveway/tree/intersection." I won't say it wasn't painful, but once I got home and was done with the run, I felt great! I felt like I could do it again and I'm looking forward to it. I also rode my newly tuned up bike up the block and back just to feel how the tuneup turned out. That felt great, too, and I'm looking forward to some riding (although my butt isn't!)

Argh...

2008-04-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to be positive. I've been trying not to be negative. I've been making happy lists. I've been trying to shake it off. I've been smiling when I don't feel like it.

Truth be told, I just want to bite someone's head off. I don't really care who's head it is at this point. Anyone's will do. Screwy thing is I don't even know what I'm so pissy about anymore.

Sigh.

Hmmmm....

2008-04-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm feeling better today, in a way. I haven't sat down and done my "10 favorite things" list, because I was cranky enough that it seemed hard. I'm still eating poorly, but trying to be at least aware of the choices I'm making (even if they're bad). And physically, I'm having a bad day, achy and my back hurts.

But you know what? It's all better, because I know WHY. It's that time (you know, THAT time), and I am much more hormonal in the past few years than I ever remember before. It isn't necessarily an excuse, but I know WHY I feel like I have to shove everything in my mouth, and I'm cranky and tired and depressed. And knowing why makes it feel better already. And hopefully, as I work on strategies, it gets a little easier to handle.

And because it's cyclic, in a couple of days I'll feel much better, and can work on strategies to prepare for next time. I have to remember that I don't have to feel ambushed, I should anticipate and prepare. As best I can, at least!

Chiming in

2008-04-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

I just had a friend change how she does her "to do's" lists. Instead of listing things she has to do (which I still do since sometimes I need the visual), she lists her things as "things done". It's a way to look at the positive things you've done in a day, and not get hung up on the things you haven't gotten to. If you think about each of our days it's a busy time, and we could fill every moment with work and things but it'd be exhausting! Kids and family are probably a huge part of the "done" list since getting them to school, making lunches/dinners/etc. are a big part of everyday energy.

On another positive note I heard someone saying how important it was to rework our thinking. So instead of beating ourselves up over negative things in the day, have you and/or spouse/kids etc. list 3 positive things that happened to you for the day. John finds that more challenging then I do because I'm the optimist and he's the realist in our relationship, but that makes it interesting too.

So far this morning (and it's just aver 7am here), I have 1. slept better then I did last night (no headache) and 2. got to snuggle under the covers and hit snooze which I love and 3. Looking forward to working from home today which will hopefully mean more progress here.

=)
Lisa

10 things ooolia's like

2008-04-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

To borrow from Susan's last post:

Ten things I like (that don't involve food) :

1. Silliness with my boys.
2. Fresh flowers in the garden.
3. Getting mail from a friend.
4. New blog postings.
5. Waking up before the alarm clock.
6. Playing with Willapa (especially since she's old and often grumpy).
7. Hugs and kisses from M, T, and/or C.
8. Doing stuff outside.
9. Finishing a knitting/crochet/sewing project (although these days I'm happy to get to work on it).
10. Talking with friends.

10 things I like

2008-04-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

My inspiration after Ann's last post was to think about things that I enjoy doing (that do not involve food...though I like eating stuff too....)
Ten things I like (That don’t involve food):
Listed in no particular order…
10. Having a DVR to watch my favorite shows whenever I want (Whose Line is it Anyway, Ace of Cakes, Good Eats, etc.)
9. Playing Everquest
8. Being able to cross something off my to-do list (even if it is that I have made a to-do list)
7. Hugs from Doug, Andy, & Jo
6. Kisses and being close to Jim
5. Doing neat things with my kids (going to the park, having a picnic, going to the library, etc.)
4. Music I can sing with (I need to listen more than I do)
3. Blogging (yes I am addicted enough that I sometimes think in blog entries)
2. Learning something new and interesting
1. Reading something for entertainment

I challenge each of you to list the things you enjoy doing...the things that you do to perk up your day and make you happy.

Two Steps Backward

2008-04-05T18:37:00.000-07:00

I am keeping up with my commitment to get to Curves three times a week (keep trying, Julia!). But I am eating horribly. Too much and mostly poor snack choices. Yes, I know I should have a little protein and a little carbs for snacks, and space them out through the day so I don't get too hungry, and watch portion control, and all that.

But at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, when I'm TIRED, I'm shoving whatever junk I can find in my mouth. It starts with being hungry, and then it's like I just can't stop. I have actually gained weight since I joined Curves (just a little), but not lost inches anywhere either.

I know that part of the problem is that I'm tired. I'm not getting to bed early enough, and getting up at 6 to see JC off to school. I have no willpower when I'm tired, and sometimes it feels like I'm eating to stay awake. Part of the problem is that I'm stressing over the consignment sale - and one of my (not good) reactions is to freeze. I'm not doing the things that need to be done, because, well, I don't really know why. It's this procrastination response where I feel like I'm bored, even though I have things that I really need to do, but I can't get started. And then I eat.

I know I can do this sale, I've done 3 or 4 as the lead coordinator, and numerous others as a helper. But I'm REALLY short on consignors and I just feel... unmotivated. I'll get it together, but not in a terribly graceful way, and we'll make money, but probably not as much as we could have, and... I don't know. Sometimes I wonder if I am depressed, in the clinical sense. I'm pretty high functioning, but I could do much more if I could just get moving!

Wanted: Exercise Buddy

2008-04-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

It's become abundantly clear to me in the last month that I really really need an exercise buddy. I really want to get off my duff and get moving again. I'm motivated. My body is motivated (also known as cranky and stiff and sore). Sitting at my computer for 40 hours a week is driving me NUTS.

But, I can't seem to just do it. In the morning I just want to get out of the house, to the office, and get my day started (and the gym is the wrong direction in terms of traffic). At lunch, I want some company and FOOD. By the end of the day, I just want to get my kids home and fed and in bed so I might have a little bit of time before I collapse. I know that if I had an exercise buddy in the morning or at lunch, I'd be much more likely to get moving.

Maybe after Spring break, I'll just get up early enough to go for a walk or run before waking the kids. Here's to dreaming.

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

So I just called the local Curves. They're TWO blocks from my house, but they don't open until 6:30 in the morning. Sounds early enough except that I absolutely positively NEED to get T up by 7 AM in order for him to be ready for carpool at 7:35 AM and there's NO WAY for me to squeeze in a workout and get back up the hill (even w/ a CAR) in time for that to happen.

Oh, I'm just SO frustrated.

Looking for veggies

2008-03-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

I don't have it often, but I've been craving veggies today, and a salad in particular. Maybe I just haven't been getting enough servings of fruit and vegetables so far this week, but I'm finding it irritatingly difficult to find a salad. Not just any salad, but preferably a not too expensive salad bar like place where I can get lots of veggies and not much lettuce or cheese or meat or other sources of protein (that's what hamburgers are for).

Usually I'd pop across the street to the dining hall of the dorm for my usual little bit of spinach, lots of beets and peas, maybe some broccoli or shredded carrots and whatever else looked appetizing (can be difficult at times), but it being spring break around here, they're closed.

So, I went down the street and started perusing menus and peeking at tables. Most places has a caesar salad which is almost entirely romaine lettuce, and house salad which is mostly lettuce, a pale slice of tomato, a few shreds of carrot and/or red cabbage, and maybe some onion. You might find an entree salad which is guaranteed to have some sort of cheese (usually blue or feta) and grilled chicken. I found a pea salad that had bright orange cubes of cheese and enough white fattening dressing that I found it downright scary. Oh, did I mention that being lactose intolerant lack of dairy in my salad is a BIG plus? Lastly, none of the above mentioned salads would have cost me less than $5 after tax and tip; that includes the caesar and house salads without chicken.

So, I'm stuck at my desk eating old baby carrots and a squished green banana. I might go back down to the corner store to grab a bag of Terra chips since that's the closest to veggies not in a salad I could find. Plus, I'm hoping that I remembered to ask M to pick up some veggies, any veggies, on the grocery list I left him last night. Otherwise, I might have to drag a toddler to the co-op for an early evening veggie run.

Reaching a plateau

2008-03-21T22:55:00.001-07:00

A note on reaching a plateau in your weight loss.
One is to make sure that you are still drinking enough water. A health instructor I had for a health class said that most diets advertise losing 5-10 pounds in the first two weeks. Most people do it successfully because... before that they are not drinking enough water, and once they do they lose the water they were retaining which sheds somewhere in the neighborhood of...5-10 pounds.

A second thing to do is when your body hits a plateau in weight loss a physical therapist told me once to "eat a big meal." It kicks your body back in to losing mode.

I've also heard varying your routine because your body gets efficient at doing what it does normally.

Silver Lining

2008-03-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

So I'm probably in the worst shape of my whole life. I can barely walk up a few stairs without being winded. But (as I posted before) I've signed up for a Danskin mini-triathlon in July. I also plan to go on a backpacking trip this summer. (I'll save details of that for a future post.) We have a great gym setup in our basement. It includes a nice new TV and Tivo (which we don't have anywhere else in the house.) And yet I haven't worked out down there in... well.. I don't know how long it's been.
However, I did start with an easy 30 min. workout last night on the eliptical machine. (yea!!) I pressed the User 2 button (that's me) and the machine proeceded to step me through some settings to confirm. (Here comes the silver lining part.) Despite the fact that I haven't worked out in ages, my current weight is 7 lbs. less than when I set my weight on the machine! Cool! (Trust me, there's still a long way to go!)

Epiphany

2008-03-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

I finally came to a realization about at least a good part of the reason I have such a problem going to bed on time.
Despite the fact that I go to work and spend time away from the kids, while I am at work I am running around like a crazy woman trying to get things done. When I am at home I am with the kids and running around like a crazy woman trying to take care of children and get things done.

The evenings are my only real time that things might be quiet. Usually I try to get whatever chores done and I then can have maybe some quiet time. However I also don't necessarily want the last thing I do during the day to be that I have cleaned the kitchen (or whatever the chore happens to be). I don't mind ending with the feeling I have accomplished a job but somehow doing the kitchen over and over and over again is not the same as say...I unpacked a box, or I sorted out all of my clothes to be donated, or I did something creative.

So therefore I find myself doing little stupid things and staying up really late. It probably doesn't hurt that pre-children my natural preference was for late night (not late late night...just late night....)

So now that I have come to realization that I am fighting my natural preference, craving some quiet time, and generally looking to end the day on something more meaningful or fun...I have to figure out how I am going to address this issue.

Menu planning

2008-03-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to help Michael help me out around the house, and this week I discovered that if I make a menu and post it on the fridge, it helps make the grocery list easier to figure out (which means its easier for M to go to the store for me), and it's easier for him to start dinner when I'm running late in the evening (which is almost always).

While I was ~~procrastinating~~ surfing the web, I found Menu Plan Monday. Okay, so it's Thursday, but I didn't do the whole week on Monday. I don't know if I'll post my menu plan, but it meant that there was yummy crockpot corned beef for dinner tonight.

A serious goal!!

2008-03-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for the Danskin Triathlon in MA that takes place at the end of July. I have a LONG way to go to get in shape, but a goal will help a lot. PLUS, my local friend, Sara, wants to do it with me. So I'll have a training partner. Yea!! I'd better get on that treadmill tonight!

BTW, I was thinking of also signing up for the NY metro area race (which takes place in Sandy Hook, NJ) since I have friends ;-) to stay with nearby, but that one's already full!!! Danskin runs a very popular race.

Daylight Savings Time

2008-03-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

I want to call it "taking my daylight away from me time" because I really really miss having the sun up when I have to get out of bed in the morning. The winter days are too short here in Seattle, and I feel so much better when there is sun in the morning. It was only about a month ago when the sun was starting to show when I have to get up in the morning, and now it's gone again.

I can't say that I appreciate the extra light in the evening much since I spent it trying to wrangle the kids to bed and extra sunshine doesn't help.

I was good and moved my SAD lamp into the bathroom so I can sleep as long as I can manage and then turn on all the lights in the bathroom AND the SAD lamp so it's super duper bright in there while I take my shower and get ready in the morning. It seemed to help a bit this morning.

Of course, unless I go to bed soon, it won't be enough tomorrow.

We are here, we are here, we are here!

2008-03-07T07:40:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted here in forever, sorry! I have been being good about going to the gym, 3 days a week since the beginning of January. I did miss one session when William had a day off from school and the other two didn't and one session when we had a snow day - but I used the snowblower and cleared the whole driveway, so that counts.

However, I am eating JUNK and too much of it. I lost no weight or inches for the month of February. I am very much an emotional eater and struggling with it. I make decent choices at mealtimes and then spend the afternoon shoving junk in my mouth. Somehow I have to get that under control or I will make very little progress.

Monday I go to the neurologist, finally. I will admit to a mild amount of underlying stress about that, which probably doesn't help the eating, and I really have no idea what she's going to say. I don't even know what I'm hoping to hear. But we'll find out!

Good Trend?

2008-03-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have had two days where I got outside with the kids. My back hurts a little bit from having Jo on my back for so long (one day we were outside for about 2 hours), but I think I got at least some exercise because I tried to get some of the leaves up. I want to keep up the trend...although it is predicted to get cold again.

Sleep glorious sleep

2008-03-02T22:44:00.000-08:00

I must be sleep deprived because my body tells me so. I've fallen asleep in Timothy's bed for the last several nights (um... 3?) before the boys fell asleep. After I spent most of 2 nights sleeping in their room, last night Michael woke me up at around midnight to come up to bed. Oh, did I mention that I took a 90 minute nap on Sat?

I can't blame not enough sleep since I'd been getting at least 8 hours a night the whole week before. I think it's just my body telling me that if I want to get healthy I need to get more sleep. The cough is getting better, but spring is in the air. No really, both Timothy and I have had the mild itchy red eyes since late last week.

Getting better, maybe

2008-02-28T22:09:00.000-08:00

So I've been pretending I feel better so far this week. I've still got congestion in my upper chest and stuffed up sinuses, but I can get away with feeling almost normal with Sudafed and Robitussin. At a friend's suggestion, I've been trying to walk at lunchtime (or at some point during the day). I've only been successful 2 of the 4 days this week.

My goal is to feel well enough to make it to the gym next week. I don't know about swimming yet, but I can at least pretend and use some of the machines. I hope.

That probably means I should go to bed since I need to get up early to drive carpool tomorrow. Besides, by the time I get home from work, I'm tired enough to skip dinner if I didn't have to feed the boys.