Posturizing on Posture

As  I have been getting “back on the wagon” I  have become keenly aware of something…my posture.  I sit at a desk all day working on a computer.  I have been noticing more and more how poor my posture is, and know that I need  to do something about it.  What better way to find the thing that works best for me then by hitting Pinterest and experimenting a little right?!?!

I have to be honest too, part of  my noticing this  was out of pure vanity.  I get  to work early every day so I can walk a little but before hitting the office.  The other day I was walking past the hospital and scoped out my reflection in the window…it was shocking how I was  standing/walking.  I straightened myself up and instantly saw how much better I looked.  Now, I had to do all this while still moving so as not to look like a complete freakazoid…so  what did I do when I  got home?  Stood in front of my mirror in profile checking myself out some more.  (the kids were laughing their butts off)

By the end of  the day, I felt like my profile was more cave woman then business woman.  I mean, wow!  And the difference it made when I took the time (and mental energy) to stand up straight and tall…BAZINGA!   I looked taller (duh), but also my tummy looked flatter, just an overall leaner version of me!  And I’ve got  to say, Momma likey!!

 

So, as I continue to  gear up for vacation (1 more week), I  am going to experiment with some of  the pins I’ve gotten to see how II can improve my posture.  I mean, the image in my head that I have of how awesome I am going to look walking the beach in SC, tall and lean…well, as tall and lean as my 5’2″ self can :)

Did you know that your little tummy “pouch” could be a result of poor posture?  I didn’t.

I also found out some new things about what kind of negative effects poor posture  can have  on other areas  of your life.  Did  you know  it can deepen depression, cause career problems, even  increase risk of death!  Check out this article  I found on 7 Weird Ways Your Posture Messes With You.  Talk about scary!!

So this week I will be trying a few of these pins out:

3 Simple Stretches  for better posture
The Perfect Posture Workout
Physical Therapy Exercises to Prevent Poor Posture and Neck Pain while Working on the Computer

I know that the best thing I can probably do for this is to just be more aware, but strengthening the right muscles has got  to help  too, right!

How do you stand tall?

Live Laugh Love

I feel amazing today!  I mean, seriously, AH-MAY-ZING!!   I have mentioned before how the hubs and I started up with The Biggest Loser workouts.  They are great!  There is something about watching actual people (not trainers and the elite super fit) doing the same workouts as you and seeing them struggle along with you that inspires you to try harder.  When I do something like P90X or Insanity, as awesome as the workouts are, I always feel inferior to the peeps in the videos.  I know I shouldn't but when you are struggling to get through...it's hard to see them do it with ease.  You know what I'm saying. 

Anyways, last night we decided to try The Biggest Loser Cardio Max workout, and I have to admit, I said I hated it.  My arms and legs were feeling like jell-o about halfway through, I had to stop for water breaks, I was feeling like a bum.  It was great!  By the end though, I felt good.  Was I sore?  Yes.  Was I tired?  Yes.  Was I sweaty nasty mess?  Heck yeah!  But my heart was pumping and I KNEW I had gotten in a great workout.  Afterwards I drained  a glass of water, took a shower, read and tucked in my mini and by the time that was all done and I snuggled up on the couch with the hubs for our nightly Netflix fix of Breaking Bad (my newest obsession) I was so sore I didn't know how I was going to make it to work today.

Fast forward to this morning.  I.  FEEL.  GREAT!  I can't believe it.  Sore?  Yes, but also so energized and strong.  I feel ALIVE!  There have been lots of pages that I follow through bloglovin and Facebook talking about a word for the year...and that is mine.  Without a doubt!  ALIVE!  I am going to live, laugh and love my way through 2014.  I am going to try and carry that positive note with me everywhere.  No doubting, no excuses.  I even agreed to my first 5K (something I've been wanting to don for a long time).  ALIVE!!!

What is your word?

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.



 

Revamping those Resolutions!

I admit, that every year I do try and make a set of resolutions.  I do try and stuck with them as best as I can too.  But like so many others, they seem to fall to the wayside.  That is why this year I am excited that the hubs and I decided to start making some serious changes for our health and well-being BEFORE the craziness (and let's be honest-pressure) of New Years is upon us.  As I have mentioned, the hubs and I have decided to try going gluten free. So far, its been amazing!  I am seeing an actual difference in my body.  I know some of it is getting my lazy butt back into an actual work out regimen, but the bloated look (and feel) I have been carrying in my mid-section is all but gone.  It's allowing me to see the sad out of shape ab muscles that have been crying for attention and love. 

With the "success" of the gluten cut back, we have been discussing more things we can change in our diets.  With all of THAT talk, and after a great post by Ashley over at Coffee Cake and Cardio about thinking ahead for 2014 I thought, why not start to draft up some resolutions that we KNOW we want to do. 

1. Continue on the gluten free lifestyle.  It seems to be helping both of us and I am feeling better then I have in a long time.
2. Continue working out and making it a priority!  This is where I have ups and downs a LOT.  The kids and their schedules always get pushed to the top of my priority list and I need to remember that I am a priority too. 
3. Slowly try to change the girls diets over to less gluten (especially my big girl).  The more research I do, the more I think we could help a lot of the issues she has with an eliminating diet. 
4. Start to kick high fructose corn syrup out of our home.  This is one the hubs and I feel VERY strongly about.  There are just so many downfalls and ill effects that are caused by this sneaky little filler, and we want nothing more to do with it.  Sorry HFCS, the road stops here.
5. Run that 5K. No more excuses.

I know there will be more things to add on, but I think this is a pretty good start, right?!?! 

Have you started thinking about your resolutions?  What will they be?

Feeling Alive!!

Over the past several weeks I have felt sluggish!  Actually more like a sleep deprived lump!  I now my sleep patterns are erratic (thank you fitbit), but even with that, with 7+ hours of "not so great" sleep, I was feeling just blah.  Cutting back on the gluten has helped some...but it wasn't quite the surge I had hoped for.  So, as we sat enjoying Thanksgiving dinner I announced that we would begin exercising again the following day.  No more excuses! 

Everyone at the table agreed.  So we enjoyed out delish dinner (my husband does an ah-may-zing job with the turkey), and this year it was a more "shared responsibility" turkey day which I loved!  usually the hubs takes on the brunt of the cooking, but we spent the better part of the early day enjoying the kids laughter as we worked side by side in the kitchen!  My fav turkey day to date!

While others were battling the crowds to shop deals on Black Friday, we went to the library and got some workout DVD's to try, some more gluten free books and a juicing book (our next possible morning adventure).  I have to say, I am excited about these videos.  We opted for a few of The Biggest Loser workouts.  There is something inspiring about seeing others who are fighting the same good fight as you as opposed to a group of trainers working out.  We have done three days in a row, and I feel GREAT!  My energy is back up where it used to be, I don't feel like I am going to nod off at 6 or 7pm anymore.  It's great!  And because you can customize the workouts we can go anywhere from 25 minutes-an hour!  Loving them so far.

We have done:

LOVE them all so far...the boot camp kicked my butt some, but its great!  My hubs put it the very best way I could think of the other night when he said, "I'm sore, but my muscles feel alive!"

So true!  Alive!!

Setting Goals

In reading through other blogs, it seems that September is full of challenges and goal setting!  I LOVE THIS!  Brooke over at Brooke: Not on a Diet, Kelly over at No Thanks to Cake, and Mariana over at Project Unfluff have some great ones going on, some personal some to join in with!  My favorite challenge though that I have read seen though I think is from Ashley over at Coffee Cake and Cardio. 

Basically Ashley lays it out there, just live it!  We all worry and stress over everything (some things  more then others), but in the end we need to be happy.  Take last night for instance.  As I posted on the W&M facebook page it was my big girls birthday yesterday.  I am still in shock at the fact that she is twelve.  I just, wow.  Twelve.  Anywho, I digress...I knew going into the birthday that we would be indulging.  Some things are just worth it though!

My sweet girl chose to go to The B Spot.  This is the yummiest burger place ever!  It's owned by Chef Michael Symon (yep, THAT Michael Symon) and it is the reason I hesitate to consider going vegetarian even though I know it would be a better health choice for me.  I knew going in that it would be bad for me...but in that mind-blowingly tasty, juicy, lick my fingers clean kind of bad. :)  I ordered the Lola Burger, my fav there.  The Lola burger is a burger with a sunny side up egg, bacon, pickled red onions, cheddar & mayo.  My mouth is watering just remembering.  We shared an order of his delish rosemary fries and an order of onion rings as a family.  I actually told my fam that I wanted to take a pic of my plate for you all, but once that burger was in front of me, I had to delve in. 

So as we sat eating, my hubby and I said that we needed to get serious.  We knew we had birthday fun, and there is still a LOT more of that to be had this month (both the mini and me have them coming up), but when you are 12, you want a good meal out for your birthday.  It was a nice way to send off our bad eating habits and start to embrace change. 

I can do this!  We can do this, but we need to enjoy life too and not feel guilty if we indulge every once and a while or miss a workout.  Life is too short to not enjoy it, so the challenge I am going to work on for September is Ashley's JUST LIVE IT!!

Do YOU believe in miracles?!?!

This movie ALWAYS makes me cry.  Not in a sad weepy way, but in that "Oh my sweet word the inspiration and awesomeness of it all" way.  I get to the end and as the boys tie up the big game I can feel my nerves get tense (even though I know the outcome) and just wait to see the big finish and then I realize there are tears streaming down my face.  I love this story of the underdog, the groups that finally pulls it together and unifies as one to accomplish their goal.  In today's trying times, I wish there were more inspirational stories to rally America.  But regardless of the country as a whole, I took this as another nudge from the universe.

This weekend had  a lot of "a ha" moments in it for me.  Friday I took my girls to get their pictures taken and was able to slide in on a few and for the first time in a long time, when I saw a few of the proofs I was happy.  I even looked at one and thought "Not too shabby."  Then on Saturday I took Baby bear to a birthday party.  Later I saw a pic where I was in the background and had to double take because as I was looking at the kids on the bench, I noticed myself in the background and actually thought "those legs are starting to reshape nicely" (thanks again Pop Pilates)!!  At the beach yesterday (a place I am starting to really love going with the fam but always dread the actually wearing of the bathing suit) I caught myself checking out the other beach goers and realized I am actually6 looking pretty OK for 35.  Add all these little things up and then ice them with Miracle being on TV and it felt like another  sign from the Universe.  Any of you who have been following me for a while know that I have had these epiphanies and pushes before, and always try and take them to heart.  I can reach my goals!  I DO believe in  miracles, and lets be honest making workouts and healthy eating a priority REALLY isn't a miracle, it should be a give in, am I right or am I right?!?!

So now an action plan...time to get back in the saddle.  Where to start.  The pop pilates is good for workouts when crunched for time, I REALLY want to get back into my Ellen Barrett DVD's too, and I think it may be time to really try and hit the running trails.  There is a 5K I was invited to do in October...I should be able to get ready by then, right?

Any workouts you rec?

GET ACTIVE!!

I am so excited!  Next week is one of my favorite weeks at work...and its only partially because of work.  Next week is Get Active America Week!  Some of you may remember how excited I was for this last year, get Active America week means FREE CLASSES AT THE FANCY GYM!!  Hooray for classes!  This is the 10th anniversary for IHRSA's Get Active America campaign, and it coincides with May's celebration of National Physical Activity month. 

I have been good about doing my home workouts, but it is always nice to do a class and feel the energy of the other participants and the instructor...its even NICER when your lace of employment embraces the idea of health and fitness and offers you access to those classes FREE!!!!!

Now the dilemma...what classes to take this year!  I now I have said it before that I should know better then to plan this out and get set on certain classes, but it gives me something to look forward to!  I mean, look at the options here.  I KNOW I want to do Zumba on Wednesday....Alice rocks!  What else though...I am able to take anything that falls between 6am-3pm most days. 

 

Take a look at the calendar...what do YOU recommend I take this year?!?!

Put my face on the milk carton!

Where have I been?  I know, I have been asking myself that same question.  Everyday I sit down to write and something comes up.  There is a soccer practice that I need to run to, or a meeting at work, or a "very important" Polly Pocket date with my wee one, and then the blog gets pushed to the side.  I am sorry!  That's not fair to you right?  Heck, its not fair to me.  This is something I do for me, and I haven't allowed enough time to do it.  Of course, I have been taking time to get my workout on...so I haven't been completely neglecting myself...just you guys.  Wow, writing it makes me realize I super suck!  SORRY!!

I have to admit, I am feeling good now that I am getting back into a regular workout schedule.  I have incorporated some weight routines into the mix and they are challenging in a great way, I just think that maybe I need to follow the advice on the instructions of only using 2-4 pound weights...problem is I only have 5 and 8 pound weights currently.  Not sure.

I am still trying to slice out enough time to start running again.  I am hoping that once summer gets here I can do more.  I have also been trying to find some 5Ks in my area that have fun runs for kids.  I think my little mini me would LOVE it!  My oldest has asked about running again too...so she and I are already set to start hitting the trails again once its warm enough on a weekend.  80 yesterday, 72 today, 35 tomorrow.  YUCK!  Every weekend of course!!!!!

 

How are you springing into the new season with your workouts?

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!

 

Motivated Momma

My husband is the best!  Have I mentioned that?  Only 50 million zillion times, well it is worth saying at least 1 more time.  He is the absolute bestest hubby in the world.  He has been working his butt off bouncing back and forth between P90X and Insanity, 2 uber hard work out programs.  He gets up early, gets out girls dressed, fed and off to school, works all day, has had rehearsals at night, does chores around the house and still has energy to workout for and hour+ each night!  He has been both an inspiration and a source of jealousy for me. :) 

Going into this weekend and Easter I was worried.  I have been such a slug lately and haven't worked out, have been snacking like its my job, just off my game completely.  So Friday night we got the little one to sleep early, the big one was locked in her room with her iPod and TV, so he was ready to workout.  He asked if I was going to workout too?  I looked at him and he was so genuine.  I had a few excuses, but he just kept saying..."You know you'll feel better afterwards"  and "Just start out slow."  After a few minutes it hit me...he was right!  I knew I would feel good after, and so I went up got dressed in my workout gear and set to it. 

Now, if you have been with me from the start you know I have a love for the Crunch Gym videos, 2 in particular Crunch Fat Burning Pilates with Ellen Barrett and Belly, Butt and Thighs Bootcamp with Teri Ann Krefting.  I own these two and they have been my "go to" workouts for a while now.  I love that I can feel them right away, they giver me cardio and strength and they focus on toning muscles, not "building" them per se.  So this weekend, I did the Fat Burning Pilates twice and Boot camp once.  I felt GREAT!  I think his gentle encouragement was just what I needed, and am SO thankful!  Can't wait to workout again tonight!!!!!

And now, better late then never...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!

 

Childhood Flashbacks

1. Did you have a set bedtime as a child?  If so, what was it? I had to be in bed by 9:00 except on Monday nights when I was allowed to stay up and watch Kate and Allie with my mom (at leat while it was still on).

2. Were you taught to be a member of the "Clean Plate Club?" Did it have affect your eating habits as an adult?  Not so much clean plate club, my dad did sometimes tell stories about when he was in Vietnam and the starving children there, but we were basically allowed to have “leftovers” though its seems we rarely did.

3. Share one thing that you were not allowed to do as a child. I was not allowed to ride my bike to the Dairy Queen until I was older and even then it was not really something my parents wanted me doing.  In order to get there we had to ride down the busiest street in town.

4. What is the cheapest gas price you can remember?   The summer I got my license I only paid 88 cents/gallon.  Oh to go back to a simpler time.

5. What was your favorite thing on the playground?  Swings for sure.  I get to enjoy them all over again with my kids too.  There is something magical and soothing about the swings.

6. Share one thing that your parents always made you do that you didn't like doing.  Church was always the hard one by high school.  It was the weekend and it was SO early HA (10am).  It must have been foreshadowing as I never attend church now.  Not for lack of religion, but rather I find it hard to conform to one set of religious doctrines.  I am teaching my children about faith rather than religion.

7. Do you remember your first kiss?  If so, share the details!  I do, but I don’t kiss and tell. J

8. Did you prefer to play inside or outside?  Outside!  Bicycles, flashlight tag, swimming, running…anything to be outdoors.

9. What was your favorite TV show growing up?  Hmmmm hard one.  I too loved Saved by the Bell Kenlie (and that was one of the best episodes….Jessie Spano), I also watched Who’s the Boss, Growing Pains, 90210, but I would say Friends or ER became my absolute MUST SEES!

10. Share one awesome childhood memory.  I feel like I had a really blessed childhood and its hard to pick out one thing.  I am very close with my mom and she and I have traveled together a lot (we would take girl trips as my dad and brother went fishing with their buddies every year in Canada)…which is probably why a spring break youth group trip to Virginia stands out as an awesome memory because it was a trip I took with my dad.  Granted, a bunch of my friends were there too…but it was awesome getting to spend that time with my dad.  We even left the group on Easter and went out to dinner just the 2 of us at the Black Angus Steakhouse.  It was awesome!

Bonus: Share a picture of yourself as a child.   I don't have any on my PC. :(
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, my friends!

Keep Going and a little Friend Making Monday



 



I was at my daughters soccer game yesterday and had the nicest most satisfying compliment ever!  One of my dear friends came in, took a look at me and said "Damn girl, you are looking skinny."    Now, truth be told, the numbers on the scale have not really changed all that much but I do feel that I am making a dent (a very small one, but still a dent).  What was so great about her words were that it made me feel like the small little changes I thought I was starting to see in the mirror (a little toning here, and little tighten there) aren't just wishful figments of my imagination.  It also made me feel good about not letting the scale get me down. This is a topic that my hubby and I go back and forth on CONSTANTLY when we are working out.  I have been doing a lot of muscle conditioning classes lately.  They are great (I'm actually doing one today).  A little cardio, a little strength training...the benefits are amazing.  Did you know that exercising (including the ever important strength/weight training) can help prevent osteoporosis?!?!

 

So the hubs has done all sorts of crazy intense workouts (P90X, Insanity), I actually really like the P90X workout, but anywho...he does these workouts and doesn't see his weight drop and he gets SO frustrated.  I understand...its maddening right?!?!  But I see the difference in his overall appearance.  I see the toning, and I can feel when I hug him how much more overlap there is with my arms.  So to have someone else validate what I was hoping was an accurate look in the mirror...to notice, say something and for me to BELIVE it is HUGE!!  Luckily I'm not feeling HUGE right now :)

 

And now...a little Friend Making Monday!



 

 

Now it's that time...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!

Getting To Know Each Other

1. What is your favorite color? I stay close to black and dark gray mostly, but do love red and purple.

2. Share one or more of your talents.  I am craftier then even I give myself credit for.  I am currently working on setting up my Etsy site....so stay tuned for details!

3. If you were spending the day getting to know someone new, where would you want to go?  Good question, probably a coffee shop, coffee relaxes me and makes me happy...but not Starbucks.  I have issues with Starbucks, the coffee always tastes burnt to me. 

4. What is your favorite meal? My hubby makes so many great things, but I'd have to say his bruschetta.  I LOVE IT!!!

5.  Do you prefer to text or talk?  Depends on the person.

6. Share something about yourself that might surprise someone that you're getting to know.  I have been on an episode of Unsolved Mysteries (and no, I did not get to meet Robert Stack).

7. Do you color your hair? When I have time and energy....if you saw me right now you'd know I was lacking in both as my silver "sparkles" are showing through. :)

8. Do you wear glasses or contacts?  Both, of course not at the same time...that would be overkill :)

9. What is your favorite breakfast food?  I have oatmeal most days during the week because I can make it quickly at work, but I love eggs!!!

10. Would your friends say that you're sarcastic?  Without a doubt, yes!

11. Do you prefer salty or sweet?  I am a salty girl (this seems to crossover to my personality as well most of the time).

12. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?  The first thing I notice about ANYONE is their teeth.  I wore braces and appreciate all the time and money that people put into a nice smile (I am also spending that $$ right now on my oldest).  As for the opposite sex...after teeth, eyes...most definitely.  My hubby has the most gorgeous caramel mocha eyes. <swoon>

13. What is the last movie you watched?  Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure, we watched it (again) yesterday.

14.  Are you religious?  I believe in God and have my own sense of faith, but don't feel that I can be boxed into one sect, nor do I think we should be.

15. Are you a neat freak, a slob, or somewhere in between? I used to be a complete freak...like Monica styled from Friends about cleaning...now its more clean as we go and power clean when company is coming.  The kids make it hard sometimes.

16. Share something from your bucket list that you hope to do someday.  I really want to go to Europe.

17. Are you a risk taker, or do you prefer to play it safe?  Hmmmm I'd like to think that I'm a risk taker, but am in reality more close to the cuff.  I would do ANYTHING for family regardless of the risk if they were in need...but that's a different story. 

18. Have you ever worn braces?  Yes.  Two years, 1 month and 17 days...not that I was counting.

19. Would you rather spend an evening at a theater or at a club?  Hard one...I used to work in theatre, and the hubs still does....so at times it can be overload.

20. If you could have three wishes, what would one of them be?  Not sure I could narrow it down...too many things I want for my kiddos and family.

 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!

Feel Good Friday, so many good things

 It has been quite a while since I did a Feel Good Friday post, and this week I feel like there are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO many things to feel good about!  I don't even know where to start. 

Okay, so first I guess I'll start with the actual FGF icon I use.  I had accidentally deleted the cute little Feel Good Friday logo that I found on Google so this morning I was like, "duh, you need to try and find it again."  I enter it into Google and the first pic that comes up is the one above, and when I clicked on it..it linked back to MY BLOG!!!  How cool is that?!?!?!  I have been trying to read up on how to better promote this sweet little blog-o-mine, and was just so excited when I saw it connected to my blog. 

This amazing discovery was after a killer workout!  Today is a half day at work, so I did in fact get to sleep in and snuggle with my baby bear (which was the very best possible way to start my day), then I got to head over to the gym and get in a nice workout on my own.  Do you ever have those days where you just want to clear your head and workout alone?  Not to negate how fun the classes I have been talking with my boss are, but I needed a day to just be me.  I did 30 minutes on the elliptical

and sliced through 412 calories!  Then to cool down and stretch some, I did an additional 10 on the treadmill and burned another 55 or so.  I'm hoping to get a little Just Dance 4 in tonight with the girls...so despite thinking yesterday that I may get an hour to an hour and a half in the gym today...it was MUCH better snuggling a little longer and then playing later with the kiddos.  I was so happy with my workout that I even did the unprecedented and took a post work out pic.

All sweaty and gross and high on endorphins getting ready to hit the shower.  note I'm sporting my sweet workout top I got from Kelly G over at No Thanks to Cake.  I definitely did sweat like a pig today too.  Felt ah-may-zing!!!

The coolest part of the past 24 hours was when I checked my mail last night.  I have a friend who is just one of the most awesome people you could ever have the privilege to meet and she works for the DNC in Washington DC.  She added my husband and myself to a very elite list, and look what we got in the mail

That's right, and invite to the INAUGURATION!!!  What?!?!?!  Now granted, its only a commemorative invite and not an actual ticket to the event, but how cool to have that arrive in my mail yesterday.  I was feeling pretty important.

So you see how a Feel Good Friday post wasn't just a passing thought today, it was a must.  I feel good about dear friends, mind clearing workouts, building my "ePresence" and snuggling.

What are you Feeling Good about this Friday?

Take a sec and tell us your Feel Good Friday story on your blog and link it back up here in the comments section! Invite your readers to share as well.

Best laid plans

As I said in my post on Monday, my boss and I came up with a plan of attack for workouts over the course of the next  month.  We selected classes and were ready to go.  Then yesterday happened, my boss came into work late and injured from working out the night before.  WTH?!?!?!  She went 2 weeks without working out and thought she should jumpstart the night before our first class?!?!  Oh well, I was not going to let that stop me.  I was actually a little relieved because spinning was not REALLY my top choice for a class.  Not when there was a Yoga Flow offered at the same time.  So, okay slight adjustment...no biggie.  I mean, I got up at 515 and got to work an hour early, so I was still going to go.  No yoga mat, no yoga socks, no "quiet" yoga pants (I brought warm up pants instead), but devil be damned I was going to work out.

CRISIS!!  Of course, things STILL cannot go as planned.  We had several small crises arise during the course of the two programs we had running that morning...ok, deep breath.  Programs end at 1150, Yoga not until 12.  Breathe.  Breathe.  1215 still at my desk sorting through the mess.  Yuck!  Last class available before I leave for the day. 

Here is where it gets good.  I got everything squared away by 1230ish, grabbed my bag and went to the gym.  I don't' need a class to get in a work out right?  I am woman hear me roar HA!  I walked over to the gym, changed into my fab warm up pants and tennis shoes and hit the elliptical machine for a good 30 minute workout.  I would have gone longer but then thought to myself...maybe all of these "distractions" happened for a reason.  It's been a while since I really worked out and maybe the universe is reminding me to ease back in. 

not too shabby for the first day really back into it!

Thirty minutes later I had a nice sweat going on and felt some burn in the old leg muscles.  Mission Accomplished.  With all the other craziness, why should plans workout ever...so today instead of Zumba, I am going to do a Pilates mat class.  I heart Pilates, always have, and wanted to do this class in the first place...but my boss really likes the Zumba class so I conceded to her since she is the reason I am able to go to the fancy gym at all.  She had a meeting get scheduled though in the same time slot as Zumba, so Pilates...here I come.  That's right, here I come...because now she has bailed on me for Pilates too. :(

I am pretty excited about Pilates today.  I brought my mat, and my cool new yoga socks my Momma gave me as a stocking stuffer for Christmas. Should be a good time. 

 

What is your favorite activity/class at the gym?

Before/After

I thought I would try an experiment of sorts today.  I have noticed lately that when I am in the middle of a work out, or halfway done with a preparing a meal that I plan what I want to write about it in my blog.  Some days the time just gets away from me after a workout and I don't get it down...then the endorphins go away and I'm back to where I started, or I get halfway there and think "well, who wants to see pics of the half way point of this meal prep?"  So today I thought why not go ahead and START my post for today now, and finish it after my workout?  I am trying a new class today, its called Synergy.  The description of this class on the gym's website is the following:

Synergy: A non-impact, choreographed workout incorporating the best of Pilates, Tai Chi, dance, and yoga. The body awareness exercises in class focus on the development and enhancement of muscular strength, core stability, balance, and flexibility.
    
I am VERY excited to try this class.  I love Pilates, dance and yoga and my brief jaunt into the world of Tai Chi left me wishing I was able to do more but without actual instruction is was difficult (I did a tape).  So I am eager to see what I take away from this class.

I have done three muscle conditioning classes in the past week and a half, with two different instructors and feel like I have some great workout techniques I can do at home with my own weights now.  It's just a matter of doing them at home.  My hubby is actually pretty good on technique too when it comes to weight work so I now I could always ask him for help...he has been down on the workout circuit for over two weeks now due to his stitches in his arm.  YUCK! 

I am hoping that through all these new classes I get some new things to try at home.  Oh, how am I still doing classes you ask?  GOOD QUESTION!!  I had the free open house week at the "fancy" gym, that was followed by two free classes offered as part of our Wellness Initiative at work, and now my boss joined the "fancy" gym and got two three-day free passes for a friend and has graciously given one of the three day passes to me!!  If our other friend from work doesn't want to try some of these classes, then winner winner chicken dinner I get the OTHER three day pass as well. 

So..with that, it is time to refill my water bottle and head out.  More to come...

Ok, so I am back from my Synergy class.  It was good.  Not great, but ok.  There was a substitute teacher which may have been part of the problem.  We didn't really do any dance or Tai Chi...but my core can feel the workout I put in.  She really worked our arms, legs and core muscles...which I appreciate...I just think that the description needs to be a little more accurate.  At least I got out and got in another workout this week already.  Two for two!  I have a feeling I will be paying for all the ab work tomorrow too.  I am one step closer to braving the skinny jean. :)

Monday Madness

My sweet 3 year old
 

Well, for starters this fine Monday morning...I can officially say I am the mom of a 3 year old.  She had the best weekend ever!  It was a busy one, but an amazing one!  We started off with a soccer game Friday night for my oldest and a thrown together party at the coach's house after with all the kids!  SO fun!  Saturday morning the birthday baby woke up singing "today is my party day" and helped me start on the decorations before dance class.  We had a Tinkerbell fairy extravaganza.

the cake...yummo!
 

some of the festive decor

Daddo and big sister did the table decor, made and hung some fabulous fairy posters, and had banners hung all around.  Birthday girl and I did balloons.  She has been talking about balloons since her sister's party a few weeks ago.  Did you know that there is a national helium shortage and you can't get helium right now?  We have our own tank and couldn't get it topped off due to the shortage.  We had just enough to make her happy.  Sad to think that this may be the last birthday with floating balloons.  I also made some balloon flowers (thank you Pinterest).   Had ANOTHER soccer game Saturday before the party too.  Crazy, busy day.

Sunday was the actual birthday and we celebrated by doing one of my most favorite fall activities...APPLE PICKING!  I love going to the orchard and picking fresh apples.  We even got a few raspberries this year as well.  What made the timing of this so perfect as well is that I have a friend who I have known for many years, and thanks to the world wide web, we have been able to re-connect over the past few years.  I have mentioned hr here many times before, it's my dear friend Kelly from No Thanks To Cake.  Kelly is having a wonderful family vacation right now before heading off to Fitbloggin 2012 and she asked me a few weeks ago to write a guest blog on her site.  I was THRILLED!  It is my first "guest blogger" experience and I certainly hope it won't be my last.  Anyways, I digress.  When I sat down to write my post for NTTC, I automatically went to my fav fall thing...the apples and birthdays!  I had a blast watching the kids climb and pick yesterday, and if you have an extra minute...check out my post, Seasons Change, To Cake today...and check out the whole site if you haven't yet.  It is Fabulous with a capital FAB! 

my wonderful family at the orchard...by far the best "pick" of the day

 



So that brings us to Monday!  Woke up feeling great after a great weekend with the fam...and started it with a 7am Zumba class.  This class was awesome!  I have taken Zumba classes before and they have left me feeling good, but not always like I had gotten the most from the workout.  Maybe because the classes were so large?  not really sure, but today there was only 6 of us and the instructor was the best one I've had yet.  After and hour I was feeling the burn and dripping with sweat.  I loved it!  It's been a while since I felt that challenged.  I am so excited to see what the other classes I'm scheduled to take are like.  I may mix it up a little more and take this instructors other Zumba class later in the week instead of Tai Chi...but haven't decided yet.  I'll keep you posted though for sure. 

So to recap, successful birthday weekend, apple picking, guest blogging, and great workout...what's missing this crazy Monday, well of course my Friend Making Monday update.  Here you go...and here's to an amazing week for all of us!  Can't wait to see what kind of updates I get on Friday for Feel Good Friday...I am already making my list. 

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!

Blog Stuff

1. Have you ever met anyone through your blog that led to an in-person friendship/relationship? Haven’t met anyone through the blog, but started mine off of the inspiration of someone I already knew.

2. Most bloggers have a specific niche. What would you discuss if it didn’t seem inappropriate on your blog? Certain family dynamics (in-laws and ex’s).

3. If you could meet three bloggers, who would they be? Not sure…I read a few daily…In have already met Kelly from No Thanks To Cake (have known her for MANY years), but would love a reunion!  I think it would be great to meet you Kenlie!  I love reading your blog!  I also wouldn’t mind a face to face with Gina at SkinnyTaste!

4. If you had to choose between Facebook or Twitter which one would you choose? Facebook…hands down.  I haven’t really delved into Twitter yet, so it’s still a foreign concept to me.

5. Do you vlog (video blog?) Not yet J

6. How many blogs do you read on an average day? Most days probably 2-3, sometimes more, sometimes less.  Depends on what is happening during the day.

7. What is the coolest thing that you’ve seen online recently? Another soccer mom I am friends with has a blog Joan Satow where she showcases her artwork, and recently she has posted some BEAUTIFUL pieces of our town.  I just love it!

8. If you gave your blog a new name what would it be? I’m not sure…that will take some pondering.

9. Have you ever attended a blog conference like Fitbloggin? If not, would you? I haven’t, but I think it would be fun to get out and connect IRL with other bloggers, and meet some of my faves!

10. In the past I have asked why you blog. Now I want to know why you read blogs? What do you take from it? Advice, support, ideas.  It’s a safe space where you can interact with people with common goals and not worry about distance or time zones. 

Have a great week everyone!!

 



Jump Start

I got an email this week that made me VERY happy.  Once again, thank you Universe for interceding.  Both my husband and I work in the wonderful world of academia.  This has many perks; college tuition for the kids...CHECK, flexible work hours...CHECK, fancy college gym facilities at our disposal...CHECK.  At first, I was intimated at the idea of going to the gym where I work...imaging throngs of hard bodied, young college kids everywhere reminding me that age keeps marching over me, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

The university I work at has a free college rec center (my normal workout location of choice) but also has a fancy gym you can buy a membership to.  The fancy-pants members only gym offers a wide range of classes, has a smoothie bar, and has excellent equipment (proof that they USE those memberships fees wisely).  It's super nice, but spending that kind of money each month when I have access to two free gyms is silly to me.  A few times a year though, it's like Christmas for the workout community.  A few times a year, the fancy gym offers a week long open house with access to all of the classes, facilities for the entire week for FREE!!  I have mentioned the fab freebie before, and was SO excited to see that email! 

I tend to take the free classes when they are offered, then I can try things I may not normally try...and also squeeze in a few tried and true classics.  So, without further delay...here is my class lien up for next week:

Monday: Zumba! (bright and early at 7am)

 

Tuesday: Yoga (a personal fav)

 

Wednesday: Qigong/Tai Chi (what?!?!  Not sure, but it sounds interesting)

 

Thursday: Barre Fitness (showing off my Mom and Me dance skills :)

 

Friday: Cardio Muscle   (ending the week with a bang)

I am psyched!  Has anyone tried some of these?  I am very intrigued by the Qigong.  Never even heard of it...I have done Tai Chi before, so I am hoping for the best.

What are some of your favorite workout classes?

 

Hoping to not be "tutu" much

     As a child, dance was a HUGE part of my life.  Tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical...you name it, I danced it.  I started out at 4 and kept going right through college.  There is something about dancing that is very natural for me.  In college, as a theatre major, I took lots of dance classes and performed, but never felt quite as comfortable on the stage as an actor as I did as a dancer.  At the same time, I knew I wasn't ever going to be a professional dancer.  I didn't have the discipline.  It was in the two year hiatus that I took from dancing between my senior year of high school and my sophomore year of college that I reached my highest weight.  Pictures from that "era" are the ones I used to motivate myself to lose the original weight I gained (far more than the "Freshman 15" people joke about). 

     Fast forward to my oldest daughter.  The pride and joy I felt when she asked at 5 to take dance lessons.  I was more excited than she was.  We got her tights and leotard and little ballet slippers and signed her up.  She did a year of ballet, then 2 years of tap and ballet, then a year of tap and hip hop and she knew (we all knew) that dancing was not for her.  It killed me that she didn't want to stick with it, but I refused to be that parent that forces an activity on their child just because it was one that I had done.



     Fast forward again to my wee one.  We had her signed up for "gymnastics" from the time she was 18 months until this past May.  One day we went to a make-up class and she saw the tiny dancers in the other room.  That was it.  She wanted NOTHING to with gymnastics, she wanted to dance.  This was different then when her sister wanted to dance.  This was serious.  This was "putting my foot down despite only being 2.5 I will NOT do gymnastics anymore I want to dance" serious.  I immediately asked at the place where we were taking gym classes if she could use some of her make-up lessons to try out their dance class.  Sadly, I was rebuffed as they wanted to wait until children were at least 3.5 to start dancing there. 

     So, my hubs and I resolved to pull her out of the very expensive gym classes she refused to go to let alone participate in any more, take the summer off and try dance in the fall.  So, last week she and I went to the studio open house.  So many smiles and such joy, yes from both of us.  I hadn't realized how much I missed the studio until we walked in and saw all of my oldest's previous teachers.  My little one met her teacher, tried on shoes, got to dance around.  We are both happy at this point.  When it is time to sign up they ask "Are you doing the pre-school combo or Mom and Child?"  Her little ears perk up and she says "Mom?"  I explain the 2 classes and she states she wants to dance with me.  We decide to go home and talk to Daddy.  Four days in a  row, "Which class do you want to take honey, just you and your fiends?"  "No thanks, me and Mommy."  So last night we signed up for Mom and Child.

     I now this pre-story is a bit lengthy but the whole point of it (other then the sheer joy of seeing another one of my babies want to dance) is  NOW I HAVE TO BE ON A STAGE AGAIN!!!!  WHAT!  Wait, how did this happen?!?!  I have been saying of late how bad I have been about my workouts, how inconsistent.  With friends and former friends being involved in the same studio, being present at recitals and such...can you think of a better motivator to get off my butt and moving?  I can't.  Especially when I think of the former friends.  I have that deep, dark "I know we aren't friends anymore so it's really important when I see you again that I look better and more pulled together than you" feeling that is present in so many movies about people going back to their high school reunions. 

     I mean, this studio does a Christmas Show.  CHRISTMAS!  That is only 4 short months away.  I know that for the most part, no one will be paying any attention to me on that stage...not when surrounding by adorable 2-3 year olds...but for those few...I need to be at my best.  Look out world, this girl has got a fire under her butt. I just hope we (the parents) don't end up like this:

Thank you Lifetime, television for women...for highlighting just how caddy and bitchy we can be. HAHA  Now, off to plan my gym schedule.  My little princess and I are going to ROCK our dance wear!!