Being positive when the weather is negative!

It...is....cold!  I know, I know, winter is supposed to be cold.  But right now, at work, it is only 5 degrees, and that doesn't include the wind chill.  Tomorrow is supposed to hit -30 or -40 with the wind chill.  YIKES!!!  Glad that tomorrow is going to be a work from home day.

When I'm all bundled up like I am right now, quite literally, it makes it hard to get inspired to work out.  I mean, I am in my office wearing wool socks, winter boots, lined pants, 2 shirts, and Under Armour jacket and a scarf and am STILL freezing!  Do I really want or need a 3rd cup-o-joe today...no, but I'm so cold I just might.

I keep telling myself that once I'm home and can snuggle with my kiddos and fur babies, I can warm up, and I can workout.  I know it will be chilly when I get that workout gear on, but I also know that it will be the very best way to warm up on so many different levels.  PLUS, it will keep me motivated for my Fit Pursuit Challenge through EveryMove.org.  My goal is to get in at LEAST 50K steps every week.  Want to join the challenge...you can pick from a variety of challenges.  Sign up and join me (Waits&Measurements).

As I wait for warmth...I thought I'd share some Friend Making Monday from Kenlie at All The Weigh.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Friend Makin’ Mondays

 

1.  What has been your happiest moment in 2014 so far?  Waking up over the break to my sweet mini me and the first words out of her mouth being "I love you Mommy."

2. Share the last compliment you received. I was told I had "mad skillz" with my knitting loom for mastering a new stitch!

3.  What is one thing that you plan to accomplish in the next week? I plan to get in at least 3 strength workouts this week.

4.  What is your favorite TV show currently on air? The Blacklist, hand downs the best show on TV right now.

5.  If you could go anywhere in the world free for the next two weeks, where you go? DISNEY!!!  I would pack up the fam and be gone in minutes if we could.

6.  Describe a significant event in your life that caused you to change your values system.  I had my daughter.  It changed EVERYTHING.

7.  What made you decide to live where you currently live?  I came for work, and stayed for love.

8.  What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about GOD?  Faith.  I have a hard time with the concept of religion.  How do you pick and choose...I am teaching my kids to have faith.  faith in God, faith in humanity, faith in doing good.

9.  If you could have a long conversation with someone famous (and alive now) who would you choose?  President Obama.

10.  List three things that you’re thankful for today.  

• My family
• Our health
• that we have a roof over our heads and food on the table

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions on your blog.  Don’t forget to link up in the comments.



 

Friend Making Monday

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 

Holidays

1.  What are you plans for Thanksgiving this year?  We have been keeping Thanksgiving more low key the past few years just staying at home the 4 of us and cooking together throughout the day.  Then we head over to our friends (more like family) to enjoy dessert, drinks and the laughter of all the kids together.

2.  At what point do you being celebrating the Christmas season?  I take the day after Thanksgiving to start getting out all the holiday décor and set up the tree.  I refuse to do it before turkey day and as someone with a burgeoning small business, I refuse to partake in the shopping frenzy.  I’d rather support small businesses and spend the long weekend with friends and family.

3.  Do you celebrate Christmas, or do you celebrate another holiday? We actually celebrate Christmakkuh as much as we can as my husband’s family is Jewish…it’s important for the girls to see and celebrate both sides.

4.  If you could have one present (you know, a material good, not love or world peace) what would you want?  Hmmmm, that’s a good question.  I have been thinking of a pre-paid WW intro or maybe a fancy new pair of boots.  I know, completely opposite sides of the spectrum right?!?!

5.  Share an idea or two that you can plan to do for someone who may need to feel loved throughout the holiday season.  I have decided to hand make as many of the gifts that I give this year as I can.  I come from a family of mandatory Christmas lists (extended family that is) and I’d like to make sure that the people I give gifts to know that I not only thought about what they might want but took the time to make it as well.

6.  Would you rather spend the holiday season on the beach or in the snow?  Christmas is a snow holiday.  Snow, cocoa, sweaters, fires, family.

7. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?  I love pecan pie even though I’m still pissed that one tiny slice contains 390 calories.  Dessert counts as food, right?  I also like ham more than turkey.

8.  Will you participate in Black Friday shopping?  No, see #2.

9.  Will you travel for the holidays or stay at home?  If you’re traveling, are you flying or driving or making alternate plans?  We start at home then drive an hour south to my parents.

10.  List at least 5 things for which you are currently thankful.

1. My children.  They are the lights of my life.
2. My husband.  Is unfailing patience, support and love means everything to me.
3. My family and friends…they lift me up when I need it, and make sure I know that I am never alone.
4. My little business with my family.  It’s wonderful working and collaborating together and then seeing smiles on the faces of those who buy or stuff. J
5. Waking up every day and being healthy and vibrant!  There are so many that can’t say that, I am very lucky.

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions!  Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments, and take a moment to share it on Facebook and twitter too!  Why not spread the friend makin’ love?!  Happy Monday, friends

Friend Making Monday

It's been awhile since I have participated in a Friend Making Monday from Kenlie over at All the Weigh. 

Hope you enjoy!!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

All about the Blog

1.  How long have you been blogging?  I am still a bit of a newbie in the blogosphere…not quite two years yet.

2.  What is the overwhelming theme of your blog? I began my blog as as way to be accountable to myself for my weight loss/fitness goals…now it is still focused on that idea (as my hubs and I are obsessed with finding what works best for us)…but there is a lot of family fun added.  After all, I am nothing without them.

3.  Have you connected with people in person after meeting them through blogging?  Not yet…unless you count those that I knew personally before the blog.

4.  What do you enjoy most about blogging?  I love sharing my triumphs and struggles with others in the same boat.  Sometimes it seems like those that I only know virtually are the ones that get me the most on this topic!

5.  How often do you blog? I got through spurts based on my schedule.  I try to do 2-3/week but would love to do more.

6.  Share one thing that you don't like about blogging.  My complete and utter lack of web savviness.

7.  Do you talk about your blog in everyday life?  Sometimes, I still haven’t shared it with all my family and friends…see #4.

8.  What is the coolest and most unexpected thing that has happened to you as a result of blogging?  I am meeting so many incredible people! 

9.  Are there topics that are off-limits on your blog?  If so, name a few...I try to veer away from in-depth political discussions.  Everyone is entitled to their own views and opinions…there are times when I flare up out of passion, but I try to maintain my lack of political tone whenever possible.

10.  If you could accomplish one thing through your blog before the end of this year, what would you want to accomplish?  Just to continue to reach out and be reached out to.

 

Now it's your turn to answer this week's questions!  Don't forget to come back and link up in the comments, and say hello to someone new!  Happy Monday, my friends.....xoxo

Short and Sweet

Today's post is going to be short and sweet.  I've been thinking a lot over the past few days about what goes into my mouth and my families, and I have been reading and watching documentaries.  I need a little more time to "digest" what I am taking in.  Not wanting to break too long between posts though, I'm sending you a Friend Making Monday post!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Questions and Answers

 

1.  What is a typical weekday like for you?  Generally I am up and at them by 6, shower, dressed, dog walked, breakfast eaten, lunch packed and out the door by 7am.  Work 730-3, then pick up the kiddos, home for snacks, homework, any and all after school activities (depending o the day), bath time, workout, stories and bedtime.

2.  Name one song that never fails to make you happy and one song that you always listen to when you’re sad.  You're Just too Good to be True (Jersey Boys edition) always makes me happy. it's my song with my mini!  When I am sad, it depends on why the sadness honestly.

3.  Did you watch the VMA’s last night? Nope, opted for a Bernstein Bears read-a-thon and Forks Over Knives with the hubs!

4.  Share at least two that you possess. Hmmm..not sure where this one is going?!?!

5.  Share one thing that you wish you had the confidence to do.  Go back to school and get my MFA in dance.  It had been a plan at one point, but slipped away with time (and years).

6. Tell us about one insecurity that people might be surprised that you have. Despite being very outgoing (once I get to know people) I am very insecure about meeting new people.

7.  If you could be the CEO of any company, which one would you choose to lead? I already am of my sweet little home based business I do with my hubs and the girls. (check us out on FB at Ardeline Arts & Crafts).

8. List at least three hobbies that make you happy.  Reading, knitting (once I FINALLY figure out what I am doing), and crafting.

9.  Is there someone in your life that you wish you could say “I love you” to?  Yes.  I wish my aunt was still alive so I could tell her, at last one more time!

10.  Share one cool thing that happened over the weekend.  I watched Forks Over Knives and started reading Crazy Sexy Diet and am having a lifestyle epiphany!

Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions.  Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments!  Happy Monday, friends!

Food and Fitness Fun (+ a lil FMM)

Okay, so I have been talking a lot lately about how I want to and have been trying to change how I eat and get back on track with my workouts. If you have been reading my blog for a while now (thanks) you also know that I feel like there are many times that the universe sends me signals, many more since crossing the "mid thirties" line and the great metabolic slow down.  So I started this weekend of with some worry.  Despite all the miles I have been tracking with the old pedometer, I knew it was going to be tough.  We had Friday night cocktail festivities for the hub's bday with some of our closest BFF's, then we had the cake and yumminess festivities with just the girls Saturday which ends with leftover cake goodness Sunday, Monday...you get the picture.

So I basically hid like a coward from MFP and the scale all weekend.  It was cowardly I know, but at the same time ok.  I enjoyed not thinking about the scale at least.  So, last night my big kid was out playing with friends and the little one was stir crazy, so I asked her if she wanted to hit the playground.  OF COURSE!!  Duh mom, right?!?!  So I asked the hubs to go with but he actually made us some homemade (aka YUMMY with a capital YUM) bread and needed to let it finish baking and then do a cooling process.  So I went to get the mini me ready and he says that he wants to work out.  Awesome!  Whenever her gets motivated and started he is SO good about staying on track and he tends to motivate me.  SO, good wife that I am, I say well I will take mini to the playground and she can ride her bike there and back (she needs to practice her pedaling) and that will take some time then I can give her a half an hour at the playground so he should all in all that should take about 45-60 so he should be able to work out while we are gone.  And like that, it's a plan!

So mini me and I grabber her shoes and helmet and were off.  now this may not seem like a big deal, but my sweet little bear generally pedals up and down the drive way and then calls it quits, so the fact that she agreed to ride all the way to the playground is pretty fantastic...the fact that she DID it was off the charts awesome!  She did great by the way!  She was so proud of herself for doing it.  I'm so proud of her too!  She did about a .75 mile ride in her own sweet time (and I got the benefit of the walk since I was beside her in case she fell or needing help steering-which she hardly needed). 

When I got home hubby had worked out and showered all ready (guess we were gone longer then I realized) then he quickly took mini me for a bath and started dinner with the prompt "You're turn."  So, feeling motivated already by his good example, I got in a GREAT workout!  It was painful, sweaty and gross...but felt SO good!

I also took this weekend as an opportunity to try something new and good for me food wise.  While at Earthfare on Saturday, I saw almond milk on the shelf in the dairy case.  I have been reading a lot about the health benefits of choosing almond milk over cow milk and have been wanting to try it, but didn't want to get a full sized carton for fear of it been "yucky."  So while at the store the hubs and the big girl found me this:

How cute is this little single serving sized almond milk!  It was perfect for a taste test...and guess what...Momma likey!  My hubs tasted it and was not as impressed, he will stick with the very vanilla soy milk that we buy for him and the big kid...the big kid refused to try therefore the little kid refused to try.  I have a feeling though that I can get the little one to try it with me when we are alone!  :)  Baby steps to better health!

What are some foods that you have switched to on the quest to better health?

 

 

A few more DC pics to enjoy:

and now some Friend Making Monday!!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

School Days

1.  What was your favorite subject in school?  I always loved English, although history was a very close second.

2. Did you attend elementary school and high school in the same town? No, I did K-2 in a bigger city and then we moved the summer between 2-3, but from grade 3-12 I was in the same town.

3.  Are you still friends with anyone that you met during school?  I still have a few people from grade school that I am close to.

4. What activities were you involved in as a student? I was in wind ensemble, was a majorette, soccer, track and dance.

5. Did you bring your lunch, or did you get it at school?  I bought my lunch every day.  We actually had a cute little salad bar and I hit that most of the time.

6. Did you enjoy shopping for clothing and school supplies?  I loved it…still do, it’s a whole new experience doing it as the parent.

7. Name a song or a band that reminds you of high school.  Toad the Wet Sprocket. <3

8. Did you like school?  I loved school, I work for a university now and love that!  I plan to go back and get my Masters at some point! 

9. How long have you been out of school?  Do I have to admit this????

10.  What did you like most about school?  What did you dislike most about school?  My high school was very small so I guess at times I disliked that…everyone knows you and knows your business…at the same time I loved going to a small school and have a hard time wrapping my head around how big the district is that we live in now for my own kids experiences.

 

 



Summer Sneak Ins

There comes a point every summer when I go to button a pair of shorts and laugh sadly as they pull a bit.  I have to laugh because what else can I do.  Since we were young girls we had the idea of summer perfection drilled into our heads right?!?!  I mean, think about all of the magazines on the stands around March promising to get you that "Beach Ready Body" by summer.  All those tag lines "it's not too late," "8 weeks to go," "6 week crunch," etc.  I laugh because I find more motivation to workout when I am buried in my comfy flannel pj pants and hoodies in the dead of winter then I do in the summer.  Now don't get me wrong, I do what I can when I can...but summer is hard for us.

We are blessed with the fact that my husband's schedules allows for him to be home during the day with the girls in the summer, and he goes in and works basically afternoon shift once I get home.  We both get lots of QT with the kids, we save on no daycare or camp costs, but it makes it hard to find that "me" time for working out.  I try to sneak things in when I can...like little bear has been my assistant dog walker and when I have the pup on the leash I can't pick her up and carry her...she has to walk the whole thing.  It's just over half a mile, not too much...but for a 3 year old I think it is pretty good.  The pup and I have been doing it every morning for the past two weeks...and have been going for  2nd walk in the evenings a few times too.  I also talked them into doing the Call Me Maybe squat challenge, but I want to finds more things that we can do together.  I don't worry as much about my big girl because she does horse back riding once a week and plays soccer on two teams.  She also swims a TON in the summer (which helps make up for the month off from soccer).  Little Bear is moving up to a new dance class this year...a full hour once a week of ballet and tap combined.  I'm SO excited, and she says she is going to try soccer again...we shall see.  Dadoo and I are also planning to put her in swim lessons this year, and all of these things are great but I want to find something, some sort of physical activity that we can do together...or all 4 of us as a family once our schedules go back to school times. 

 

What are some things that you do as a family or couple or in a group that you recommend?

 

Introducing....a few new things at W&M

I am excited to write today's post.  I have been working on some ideas of new things that I want to incorporate into my blog.  The response to last weeks blog of my friend Suzanne's story has been so overwhelming, that it got me thinking (dangerous I know).  One of the goal's I have for myself is to grow this little blog into a NOT so little blog.  I jump started this idea with the introduction of the Waits and Measurements facebook page, but how can I keep building....think, think, think!  Well there is Friend Making Monday over at All the Weigh that gives us bloggers a chance to share and reach a bigger audience (thanks Kenlie)...what else can I do?  That is when the idea struck!  I have found some great blogs out there, some on my own and some on the recommendation of others...so why not start showcasing some of the great finds?  So without further ado.....<insert drumroll> I bring you...

 

For my first installment of Blog of the Week I have chosen Project Unfluff!  I love reading PU postings and the facebook updates are awesome too!  You know how sometimes you read or hear something and you think...wait did I say that because its something SO right up your alley?  Hello Project Unfluff...its like reading the musings that I think in my own crazy head sometimes.  I laugh, I empathize...it's one of my newest fav finds and I hope you take a sec to go over and check it out!  Also, when I talked to PU about featuring her on W&M, she was AWESOME and offered some great advice to help jumpstart W&M!

 

So as if BOTW wasn't enough...how about a little Friend Making Monday too...

 

 

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Let's Talk About TV

1.  Share your current "Must-See" TV shows.  Drop Dead Diva  and Pretty Little Liars (I now, how old am I with the PLL) are the two I am recording and making sure to watch right bow.  SO happy DDD came back…I was getting antsy.

2.  Do you prefer reality shows or sitcoms?  With the exception of Food Network/Cooking I prefer sitcoms and drama to reality TV. 

3. Who is your favorite talk show host?  Hmmmm…we watch a lot of Fallon and Coco, I should give my vote to Fallon though since one of our dear friends works for him.  Although I do like Jim Cantore…

4. Which network(s) do you turn to for news?  The Weather Channel…anything else on the news is to sad or horrific.  See also #3 JC

5. Do you have Tivo or DVR?  If so, which programs do you have set to record?  I record Drop Dead Diva, PLL, and Grey’s Anatomy and I have recently come back to Criminal Minds.

6. Have you ever started watching a show simply because you heard so much about it on social media?  If so, which one did you watch?  We did just DVR the TV movie Sharknado after hearing so much about it on FB.  J

7. List any TV series that you own on DVD.  None.

8.  Do you have a subscription to Netflix, Hulu, etc?  We used to have Netflix but canceled it.  We are thinking of getting it again since they have worked out some sort of deal where they are showing lots of Disney movies.  Not sure…may have to try Verizon streaming first with Red Box…

9.  If you could star in a TV show that already exists, which one would you choose? Hmmmm maybe Criminal Minds, how cool would it be to work for the BAU?!?!

10.  If you could bring back one TV show that is no longer on the air, which one would you choose?  Friends.  I <3 Friends. 

Now it's your turn to answer this week's questions!  Don't forget to come back and link up in the comments, and don't forget to take a little time to welcome some of our new FMM friends!  Happy Monday everyone!

 

My new obsession

So for any of you that have read my blog before you know that I am kind of a Pinterest junkie.  What I like best is thew idea of sharing ideas with others...see new things to try (like this current project I am doing for my lil bear's new big girl room...thanks to Beth at Freestylingbeth.com.

Well, I have found another amazing set of "pins" which is helping me to get my butt back in action after seeing the numbers go up a bit on the old scale.  They are on YouTube and are called POP Pilates.  These are ah-may-zing!  The ones I have tried so far are the Saddle Bag Shaver, the Call me Maybe Squat Challenge and the Slimmer Inner Thighs & Runners Calves Workouts.   LOVE THIS SITE!!  I can squeeze these workouts in pretty much anywhere.  I have even done them at work (twice now)n before anyone else gets in in the morning.  It makes me feel good knowing that I am getting myself back on track to working out...little by little.

What are some of your favorite workouts?  Do you have any quick tips to share?

And now...a little Friend Making Monday!


If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 Easy Answers

1.  Are you a planner, or do you prefer to see where the moment takes you?  I am generally a planner, always have been.  I wish I could be more spontaneous though.

2.  How often do you blog?  For a long time I was doing really well and blogging 3-5 times a week, I have been neglectful in the past 2 months though, but am hoping to get myself back on track.

3.  Do you color your hair?  Yes, as much as I like to sparkle…I’d rather it was with my personality and wit then gray hair J

4. If you had to choose between running or riding a bike, which one would you choose?  Running, it’s my de-stressor.

5.  Have you ever traveled outside of your home country?  Yes…I have boldly gone to both Canada and Mexico…Europe is on my bucket list though.  One day.

6.  Do you like weddings?  I do (like how I did that)!  Before I was married I was less of a fan, especially when the “when are you getting hitched” question rolled around (my hubby and I dated 7 years before getting married).  Now they are a nice reminder to put a focus on us, not just the kiddos.

7.  What is your favorite guilty pleasure on TV?  Well, while I love Bones, Criminal Minds and Grey’s Anatomy…my guilty pleasure hands down has got to be Pretty Little Liars.  Speaking of fav TV shows…does anyone know what ever happened to Drop Dead Diva????

8.  Are you good at math?  I always hated math and when letters (which clearly only belong in English classes) got involved we had a real war…but sadly I am good with finance type stuff so get to be in charge of budget things at work. 

9.  What is the last movie you watched?  (*excluding kid flicks) Hubby and I finally watched The Hangover 2, it was ok.

10.  Share five adjectives that your friends would use to describe you.  Fun, outgoing, smart, witty and loving

Bonus:  Did you celebrate Independence Day?  If so, what did you do?  We have a tradition with 2 other families of getting together with the kids so we did that…BBQ, swim and this year all the kids felt brave enough to see the fireworks J

Story time

My three year old and I have a pretty set bedtime routine.  Every once and a while she mixes it up and has Dadoo take her to bed, but for the most part it is her and I.  It's my favorite time of the day.  We get all snuggled under her covers and hug, she giggles as I tell her to move her tiny tush over so there is room for me, and then we read.  "Going to bed time" ranges from 830-9pm.  It used to be if we went up at 830, she got 3 stories, 840 meant 2, 850 meant 1, and 900 meant straight to sleep.  Now that she is getting older she is starting to enjoy slightly longer books, so we have had to adjust this time frame a bit.  Now 830 gets us 2 stores and 845 is 1.  She has become a HUGE fan of the Berenstain Bears, and has inherited the collection that my brother and I so lovingly put together as kids.  She has about 30 of them to chose from I would guess. We have even gotten ones from the library that we don already have, as well as Mimi and Papa finding new ones for her Easter basket. 

I always loved the Berenstain Bears books when I was a kid, and like all top quality children's book, I never realized the lessons I was learning from them because they were just plain old good stories.  Little Bear of course has a favorite that we read each night and then she chooses some other one to read as her 2nd.  How fitting that she would want to read The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food as I try and impart to her the importance of healthy eating and exercise. 

I LOVE THIS BOOK!  Thanks to this fun story, we have had a complete turn around in snacking and grocery shopping!  At the store last week, I ask mini me what snacks she wants for the weekend (we were out of town all weekend for a soccer tournament)...her response, carrot sticks and apples!  As we passed by the candy aisle, I hear a little voice saying Mama Bear would NOT like those snacks!  Love it!

It made my heart so happy to see how she has latched onto THAT particular story.  I'm sure part of it is Mommy and Dadoo's insistence on our workout time, but whatever the impetus I'll take it.  She is even asking for water with her meals instead of juice.  Sometimes she'll ask for milk, but she has been asking for the agua, so I am a happy Mommy.

And now for a little Friend Making Monday!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: http://www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: ABC’s of Me

 Here’s how it works…you’ll choose topics about yourself, your likes, dislikes, etc.  according to each letter in the alphabet, and share a little with us. Oh shhh…you know you love it. 

A) Arden, Latin for Fireball.  When I was preggers my hubby found this name in the baby name book, and the little miss in my belly was a fierce kicker and mover so it was a no brainer, Arden Marie…and let me say she lives up to the name! J

B) Blessed.  I don’t always see it, but I am truly blessed.

C) Coffee.  Truly my last great vice, and honestly its coffee!  It’s not going anywhere.

D) Dylan.  My amazing husband.  We have been through our fair share of ups and downs, but we always manage to come out on the other side together and stronger for it. 

E) Exercise.  I am getting better about making that “me” time.  It has taken on a new role in our house too since my youngest heard the Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food.  Those cubs are told to eat healthy and exercise…LOVE hearing those words come out of my 3 year olds mouth!

F) Family.  My family is everything to me.

G) Guy Fieri.  Yep, Guy Fieri from the Food Network.  Pretty sure he is my 3 year olds first crush.  She LOVES him, so much so that her fav Easter present is the autographed head shot of him she found in her basket. 

H) Hibiscus Hula.  It’s one of our fav Minnie Mouse tunes right now, and apparently the mini me was teaching it at pre-school.  How fun would that have been to see?

I) Ice.  I take a lot of my drinks without ice (soda, water) when at home even out sometimes.  My husband likes to tease me about it.  Since my dad does the same thing, it’s got to be something in our Canadian jeans, since my Dad was born in Quebec!  AT least that is the reason mu hubby gives. 

J) Jamie.  My bestie.  She has been with me for 25+ years.  Don’t know where I’d be with out her!

K) Kiddos.  Mine are the lights of my life.  I talk about them all the time, I know…but they just make my heart sing.

L) Little Brother.  I have given him so much grief over the years, but I love my little brother with my whole heart!  He has grown into such an amazing, caring, compassionate man and I hope he finds someone who sees that and realizes how lucky she is!

M) Maddy.  My oldest.  She is my tenderhearted baby, she tries to be strong and brave for the world all the time, but I know her heart!

N) Negative people.  I have been slowly eliminating negative and toxic people from my life.  It’s a difficult and sad process, but when all they do is upset you and bring you down…it’s not good to keep them around.

O) OCD.  There are certain things in my life I am very OCD about, and at a time that is good…at times it is not so good.  I think I am finding a balance though.

P) Parents.  My parents are my example in life.  I hope my marriage is as strong as theirs after 40 years, and that my children love and respect me as much as I do my parents.  I know that even when I doubt myself as a parent that I am doing a good job when my parents see what I am doing and smile.  The support me no matter what, and I can feel their unconditional love!

Q) Quit.  I am not a quitter…except for smoking and I am proud to have achieved that (been almost 7 years).

R) Religion.  This is a constant conversation with my Dad.  I was brought up Presbyterian and my husband is Jewish, neither of us agree with any one religious practice though.  Where my Dad was brought up in a generation of “go to church” mentality I have decided that faith is what is important, not religion.  I have faith, and I am teaching my kiddos to have faith.  It is an any day of the week, any place you want to stop and think/pray/contemplate/question kind of thing. 

S) Slaughter.  I am addicted to Karin Slaughter books right now!  LOVE THEM!!!!

T) Time.  I wish I could make it stop sometimes, or at least slow down. 

U) Useless.  I never want to be useless.  It’s a fear of mine.

V) Viral.  I’m hoping both my blog and my little family business eventually go viral!

W) Wrinkles.  I think I am getting them and I must admit I don’t like it.  If you know where to send them back to, please let me know as the little stinkers did NOT have a return address when they arrived around my eyes.

X) X –ray.  As a kid who was WAT active in sports, I think my poor mom has an x-ray collection of all my knee and ankle injuries 

Y) Yarn.  I have started buying lots of yarn over the past6-9 months with the hopes of teaching myself how to properly crochet and/or knit.  It’s a slow process, but I am enjoying my successes (when I actually get them).

Z) Zoo.  My hubby and I LOVE taking our kids to zoos.  We have made them a part of our vacations, we have memberships.  LOVE THE ZOO! 

Now it’s your turn! Don’t forget to come back and link up in the comments!! Happy Monday friends!!!!!!!!

Thankful

I feel like I have a lot to say this Monday, but I am actually going to scale it back a bit and let Melanie from The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog say most of it today.  I had a nice message from Melanie a few weeks ago about the importance of exercise and cancer.  This hits close to home for me as I have been affected by cancer on both sides of my family.  I lost an aunt to lung cancer, a grandmother to colon cancer, and uncle to Hodgkin's Lymphoma and have had an aunt and cousin both beat non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  When reading through what Melanie had to say, I must admit I thought about my cousin Eric a lot.  When he found a lump under his arm, he knew what the diagnosis was going to be...his mom had been through it.  So when it was time to see the oncologist his sister (another cousin-Deanna who happens to be a nurse), met him and his wife at the appointment.  She came with a bright yellow binder full of research she had done, treatments, etc. and it was organized already for him.  He called it his happy cancer file.  It was a joke, but it worked.  Eric remained positive ands active throughout his treatment, and today is cancer free. 

Here is what Melanie has to share:

Limitations That May Affect Your Cancer Exercise Regimen

Exercise is an important part of any cancer recovery program. There are some precautions that people with certain conditions must take while exercising. Common groups that deserve special attention include patients with anemia and patients who were sedentary prior to cancer. Here are a few exercise tips for people who are in special groups:

Exercise Tips for People Who Were Previously Sedentary
People who were sedentary before their diagnosis may have complications when they begin an exercise program. These people should begin their exercise program slowly and gradually increase the time they exercise. Walking is a great way to begin treatment. Start out light and increase the amount weekly, as you feel more energetic. When exercising, cancer patients should pay attention to signs of overexertion.

Exercise Tips for People With Anemia
Exercise can be helpful for cancer patients with anemia but only in moderation. More than likely, cancer patients who exercise every day with anemia will have syncope or fainting episodes. Red blood cells are not produced at optimal levels in anemic patients. This can decrease the amount of oxygen circulating in the body, which may result in the syncope or fainting episodes. People with anemia should be aware of how their bodies feel and should cease exercise if they show signs of over-exertion.

Anemia can inhibit the exercise program of people with cancer. Cancer patients who follow a strict vegetarian diet with vegetables, fruits, and vegetable-based proteins, such as beans, may help to keep their cancer from spreading, but some people do not feel energetic if they are not getting enough iron.

Remember to have enough iron in your system from a source that is easily absorbed into the blood stream. Some fruits and vegetables have high levels of iron but do not allow iron to absorb into the system. This can also affect exercise. People with irritable bowel syndrome who eat foods that they should not eat may prevent absorption of iron into their systems. Speak with your physician about potential problems that may affect your fitness programs.

People With Limitations Can Still Exercise
People with physical limitations such as those with mesothelioma, can still exercise and reap the benefits of exercise. Studies have shown that people who exercise before and after surgery will improve their prognosis and recovery. Many patients feel better and more energized after exercising. Fatigue in cancer patients may cause sleep disturbances and emotional distress. When cancer patients exercise, they often can reduce the medications prescribed and the fatigue experienced. Talk to your doctor and start exercising today!


If you have any questions, comments, etc on this post...you can reach Melanie through her blog.

And since no Monday would be the same without it...here's my Friend Making Monday!

taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

TV, Movies and Me

1. If you could be a recurring star on a show that is currently on TV, which show would you choose?  Maybe Bones or Criminal Minds.  I haven’t’ watched a new episode of CM in a while because it got a little too scary for a bit there, but I love that they make you think.  Or Pretty Little Liars just because it is my guilty pleasure.

2. Name the movie that you are most embarrassed to admit that you love.  Not really embarrassed by any.  Steel Magnolias is one that I reflexively recite…and I always watch An Affair to Remember when I can. 

3. Name one show that you've never seen and would love to watch.  Going with Kenlie;’s response I will chose an actually Broadway show and say I would LOVE to see Wicked. 

4. Do you ever go to movies alone?  I have only done it once, and that was to see The Sweetest Thing.  I was just bored and there was no one around to go with me.  I would do it again though.

5. If you could only watch one TV show for the next year, which show would you choose and why?  Friends.  I love it.  It has a special place in my heart from high school, and let’s be honest.  I watch it every night on Nick at Nite.  J

6. If you could star in one reality show, which one would it be and why?  Other than cooking shows, I’m not really a reality TV fan, so I think I’d pass.

7. If someone rented a billboard for you, what would it say?  Supermom!

8. Who is the most famous person with whom you have been in the same room?  This is tricky as I have worked with some cool/famous people in my former career in theatre/concert management.  Brian Wilson was SUPER cool, and I walked to lunch with Rue McClanahan once. 

9. If you were chosen to be a contestant on a TV game show, which show would you want to be on?  Jeopardy, I love it.

10. If there was a movie being made about you, which actor would you choose to play you? Hmmm, maybe Sandra Bullock.  I love her.

Now it's your turn to answer this week's questions!  Don't forget to come back and link up in the comments!  Happy Monday, lovely humans!