Wow, documenting life is tough to do when you never sit down. Between full-time job, 3 kids, a man, and just plain life stuff...I just haven't had time to type, write, or even send a note via carrier pigeon.
Updates or just a brief account for my slackness:
Weight Loss Journey: Have been doing extremely well implementing the 17 day diet into my life. I am not at my goal weight yet, so I have continued to stay in the first cycle in between the weekend activities (and the beer/wine/date nights/road trips). But I am about 5 pounds from my first goal. Then we will go into the second cycle adding in whole brown grains and getting back into the half-marathon training.
Half-Marathon Training you say:
Running long distances is not an option when you aren't eating any real carbs, so I will pretty much be starting over. I have still been doing strength training, pilates, and cardio...but with the hectic kid schedule, not as much as I would like. But I did get a Free Half-Marathon Training program through ActiveTrainer, so am excited to get out on the trails now that the weather is finally starting to, and I say this with all-do-respect Mother Nature, cooperate!
Life Happens:
PITA is playing on a rec softball league and a traveling softball team. She is doing really well and really loving pitching. Scares me to death, especially with the arm pain I have now, but hey, she's really good and loves it!!
The Teenager is playing Babe Ruth baseball and now just went out for the JV Summer team. So he will also be playing on 2 teams. He is struggling a little with where he fits into all of this as the baseball program in the county has really gone to shit since everything got split up. It doesn't seem like the best interest of the kids is in mind....it's more of a who ya blow game...and apparently I don't blow enough!
The 2 yo has been battling with allergies, asthma, and then the flu. It's been a crazy roller coaster and I feel so bad for the little dude! I wish there was something I could give him that didn't ravage his body with steroids....AHHHHH!! But on a good note, he is really get into the potty training thing! So hopefully, we will be out of diapers soon!
Ok...there you have it!
Talk soon....at least when i have a moment to breathe...just sayin'
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
17 days and 15 pounds later...Day 1
Have you seen this book???
So a coworker has been losing some major inches with this diet. She finally brought in the book so that I can see what it was all about and it of course told me what I already knew. Eat right, no white breads, rice, sugar....blah, blah, blah! I have been doing weight watchers for a while and although it does hold me accountable for what I eat, I am still sabotaging myself. So the idea of losing 10-15 pounds within 17 days appeals to my need for instant gratification and well the Doctor is frickin' gorgeous....so why not! I am normally not a fad diet person, but with reading this book I felt he was genuine and he wrote with that "no nonsense, stop shoving bad food into your mouth and this is why" reasoning!! One of the reason's I loved reading Skinny Bitch...except they use way to much soy products and are complete vegetarians...not happening in my household! Sorry, but the cows I see going to work every day...we call that steak...not Freddy or some other cute pet name!
There are 4 cycles and what I loved the most was that by cycle 4 when you are maintaining the weight loss you do have the option of still having the "naughty" foods, with moderation of course. He doesn't say NEVER eat the scrumptious garlic sourdough bread that you love so much never again...he just says to do it on your off days.
Cycle 1: Lean Proteins and Cleansing Veggies, Green tea x3 a day, water, 2 servings of certain fruit and 2 servings of a certain probiotic to help with digestion....that pretty much covers it! Oh, and don't eat any carbs after 2pm.
So here is what Day 1 looks like to me...
Breakfast:
2 hard boiled eggs - just ate the egg whites, not the yolk...that's normal for me
1 apple
coffee with sugar free creamer and cinnamon (not giving that up)
Lunch:
Organic Baby Spring Mix, Carrots, Tomato, Bell Pepper, Broccoli, and cauliflower all thrown together with some chicken breast meat and oil and vinegar....this is my normal lunch so no skin off my back
Dinner:
Fish
Veggies
Snack:
Low Fat Greek Yogurt with berries
I have to say I might be a little hungry but that's the point of not stuffing your face!!
He also recommends 17 mins. of activity. The one thing I can say that concerned me is with the first 17 days there won't be any extreme cross training or running. He says that in the book, since carbs are very limited in the first cycle. Well, since my training has been sucking anyways...no biggie. I can definitely do more than 17 minutes....so wish me luck
PS>> Dang it...why can't gummy bears be on the list of good stuff....just sayin'
Monday, March 28, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Scary movies and my "TA DA" list
Let's start with the TA DA list...you know like when you made something awesome as a kid and wanted to present it and went TAAA DAAAAHHHH! So instead of my to do list...it's my ta da list. A co-worker recommended checking out this guys blog because it had an awesome article about being a gamer nerd and comparing that to real life. I work with gamers and because I have no time for them, they like to poke fun at my lack of game nerdiness, which I in turn tell them they have no life! It's all in good fun so don't get your panties in a wad. A couple things I love is that he uses little Lego men to tell his stories **awesome** and that he is traveling around the world on what he calls the Epic Quest. It's absolutely fascinating to me that someone can literally travel with a backpack and 1 pair of shoes....WHAT??? That's not possible you say! Well as I was overlooking his blog and all the craziness of his daily adventures, he mentions his bucket list and the goals he has completed and that totally made me think that should definitely be apart of my blog. But I don't like the phrase "bucket list". I am not sure it's because they made it a movie about 2 old guys getting ready to die or what, but I don't want to wait until I am going to die to actually accomplish stuff...ergo...the "TA DA" list. It's definitely more fashionable and definitely girly!!
The other thing we were talking about today was horror flicks. The kind that are so gruesome you can barely stand to look at the tv without your hands over your eyes, peeking out, as if that would actually make it all better. When yummee and I first started dating, we watched The Hills Have Eyes....yowsers...I was practically climbing the wall trying to get away from the bad guys in this movie.
Yes, I am a total freakazoid...and yes, he still laughs at me to this day about this movie. Other horror flicks of note:
Wolf Creek - loosely based on true events
Wrong Turn - yucky inbred rednecks
Hostel - never want to travel to a foreign country
Tourista - another one that makes me just go....yep, can't leave my house
Strangeland - so now the crazy person is my neighbor
We also had discussions yesterday about The Ring and The Grudge. Whenever I have to work late, I always think of the scene in The Grudge with the elevator. So I think the stairs are safer...uh no, there is also a scene with stairs. So I run like a crazy schyzophrenic to my car, jump in, and lock the doors....um, keep in mind I am in a secured parking garage. Oh wait, there's a movie about that too...
So what horror flicks make you want to hide your fingers under your butt so no one can snip them off? ...yep, that is in several movies.
PS> I am immediately going home to snuggle with yummee and put on some really horrific stuff on Netflix....of course, that's after the youngin's go to sleep. It just wouldn't be cool to give a 2 year old nightmares to early in life...just sayin'
I wanna be a ROCKSTAR!!!
So Tuesday night I had track training...which I did on the treadmill. It's intervals to help to increase speed. I had to stop by the local grocery store for some items before I hit the gym. I tried looking for FRS...per a recommendation from this girl...but no luck, instead I found this little gem of an energy drink!
Yep, it's the most awesome can ever! It's pinkaliscious and not bad tasting! It has zero carbs and zero sugar, a small amount of caffeine and some good ol' fashioned vitamins...and did you notice?? It comes with a small girly straw! For us high maintenance kinda girls...
Here is the nutritional data I got directly from the Rockstar website:
At first sip, I was like "hmmm, that's a littler blander than I thought it would be". I guess I was expecting the heavy sugarfied (is that a word), lots of different tastes, can't tell what it is, kinda Rockstar drink. But as I drank on, I noticed it wasn't overly carbonated and overpowering...it was the best of both "rocket fuel" worlds. The bonus part was that even though I drank it right before my work out, there was no upset gargling or need to vomit feeling! I did have to go pee pee about 30 mins. in, but that's my fault for drinking right before I run....big dummy!
So it's officially my new pre-workout drink! It's cute and sassy, has an awesome "I am better than you" girly straw, and aids in kicking some running booty!!
PS>Do you ever pick a drink just because of how it looks?? All cans should be super hot pink so I am turning my page into pink goodness. I am on way to being a Rockstar...just sayin'
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Just call me....busy bee!! I will try and catch you up!
I can't say why and I have no excuse other than I have been mentally busy. Huh?? Mentally busy....what is that?
Well, there has definitely been lots going on in my life but nothing that truly and honestly has kept me from actually sitting down and blogging. Just like there is no excuse for not fitting exercise into the daily schedule, there really isn't a reason other than....I have been thinking a lot....just not blogging about it. Yes, I have a full time job, a man and 3 kids and just last week had to put our oldest dog down, it's really not an excuse...it's just life. Things happen, and every day we have to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. So I hope you to get caught up with some short rants about every week I have missed...just to catch myself up! Here goes...
Holy freeholies batman...it's been since really Jan. 12...oh, I am a busy bee.
Went to Miami in January with a co-worker for some work stuff. I had only been to Florida one other time and that was to Tampa Bay. Miami wins! I loved the beach, the food, and all the awesome shopping! But the people...wow, they seem very depressed....almost ho-hum. I have never been to a place where there were so many people, yet it seemed everyone ignored each other. The only time someone was actually nice was if it was our waiter or waitress and I am assuming because they love their tip money. From the airport, to the shuttle, to the hotel, to shopping...it was really weird. Maybe, I just live in a small town where you are greeted when you walk into an establishment or up to a counter to pay for something....well not here, the only 3 words that came out was "cash or credit". Not, "hi, did you find everything ok today" or "did you want to get another pair of earrings, they are 2 for $10"....just "cash or credit". My co-worker noticed the same thing so it became the running joke for the week. It was especially shocking because we were in a heavy Latino community and Spanish is the default language...EVERYWHERE...even the dressing room at Forever 21. No biggie, I can hang. So, although they were beautifully tan, gorgeous from head to toe, and had flawless bodies....they seemed, just very...cold. It was definitely odd! I can say going to Miami Beach was awesome though. We got to see 2 girls, that I swear, could have been off of the Jersey Shore show, totally hamming it up for guys and their camera phones. We went to a place called Mango's Tropical Cafe and that place was off the hook entertaining. Driving in Miami is an adventure all in itself. I think the cars in Miami have all malfunctioning turn signals, because it really doesn't matter how fast or slow a person is going, they just don't seem to work. I am an avid blinker user, and I think they were in shock whenever they saw one, because they did actually slow down and yield to allow me to merge. Where I am from, people see it as a sign to speed up and block you in...it's a fun game I guess. The funniest thing was everyone has to back into parking lot spaces, because appartently no one feels as though they need to yield when you are backing out. They just honk at you...as if, "how dare you back up", even if you were backing up before they came upon you at 45 mph. I can also say I have never heard so much honking while driving or being in a parking lot in my entire life. And they weren't honking at my perfectly, round, hot booty!! HA HA I had some fantastic food in Miami though, and I am thankful I don't live there, otherwise I would be 250 lbs. easy! Sushi is definitely different but fantastic, and lots of Japanese Steakhouses....one of my fav's. I was really good about working out while I was there even with the crappy hotel gym. 1 elliptical, 1 bike, and 1 treadmill. No weights, and it was hot as Hades in there because apparently no one actually uses the gym, so they don't keep the air on. I can say overall Miami is definitely a place I would like to visit more. Maybe the people are a little hum-drum in their lives, but maybe they just need a vacation from all the awesomeness of Miami!! It bores them apparently!
So I returned to my regularly scheduled life and here comes February...
Love Can Be Cold 5K - Feb 12
Valentine's Day - Feb 14
Hook-up Anniversary - Feb 19
President's Day - Feb 21
I have a new running partner. A co-worker of mine is single and trying to pick up chics and apparently thinks joining a running club is the way to go. I don't really talk much when I run, since the air I am desperately needing is being utilized...but hey, he doesn't really do the club scene, so I think it's great. Apparently there is some website where you can join different groups in your area depending on what you like to do. So if you like to go to movies, but don't really have anyone to go with, you join the local movie club...and bam, instant friends. At first I was like...seriously?? Well after looking at it, I kinda like it, because I found a group that Paddleboards and they provide them and show you how to do it! Yep, I AM IN!!! So I joined this running group with him as his "airbag"*. And out of obligation, Iguilted asked him to run with me the morning of the 12th and it was great having someone there and not feeling like the odd girl out. So we ran and it was great.
*airbag - the equivalent to a wingman, but since I am a girl, it's called an airbag...learned this from an episode of Sex and the City.
Valentine's day was a Monday this year. I got flowers and a card, but I have to say this day isn't as big of a deal to us as maybe for other people. We are an extremely affectionate couple who shows are love for each other every day. So I think out of default he knows he has to at least do something...just because it's required. Duh, I don't want to be the girl that everybody looks at and goes...ah, she didn't get anything!! Well five days after this is our Anniversary. We call it the Hook-up anniversary because we aren't married. We were both parting ways with failed marriages, dealing with the emotions of that, and really didn't expect to fall in love like we did. I won't go into all the lovey dovey stuff, but it's been 5 absolutely awesome years and we have a 2 1/2 year old little boy to boot!! Woo hoo for love...So for the HU Anniversary we went to the Peppermill and got their awesome Tuscan Suite with 2 giant king size beds and a luxurious bathroom with a European Spa tub...or so I thought! Well, it's the holiday weekend so they were booked up and apparently they reserve the right to change what room you reserve so we didn't exactly get the room I hoped for! That was a little depressing but nothing can go wrong when I am with my yummee and we still had a great time. The next day, we got moved to the actual room we wanted and my mom brought the kiddos up and we all got to go and have some awesome family time at the heated pool. They got to run rampid around the casino and check out the awesome arcade and we made plans to go back for their birthdays...spoiled kids! Cut to...coming home....the "ol man" dog not doing so well. My mom had to carry him into the house the night before and he wasn't able to get up to go outside when we got home. His hips had given out. He was in pain and miserable and as much as I would have loved for him to just go peacefully at home, his body gave out before his heart. He was my first baby, before I had babies. Almost 15 years old and probably one of the best dogs I have ever known....and I had to put him down....let him go!! It took 2 1/2 days for the tears to dry up and I went back to work and pretty much pulled double shifts to catch up on some project work. We went to a friend's house over the weekend to have dinner and watch the UFC Penn vs. Fitch fight. It felt like forever since I had seen one, and there were some really good cards. I love to watch guys beat the crap out of each other in a caged setting, where I know at the end they will be getting paid vs. getting arrested!
So now we are at March 3rd, I have still been doing the Weight Watcher online thing. I love it and have gotten some really good ideas, tips, recipes, and I like how it tracks everything...but it only tracks what I put into it. Where is the auto-tracking gnome when you need one?? That's my equivalent to the Biggest Loser Bug thingamajig!! Speaking of Biggest Loser...I think that will be my next post...I am just not happy!
I have been running, cross-training, and pilate"ing"...although I definitely need to learn how to get my ass up in the morning and do it on the days yummee gets gym time in the evening. But I think I have discovered my legs just really don't want to perform at 4:45am....I know, excuses, excuses. I did join Anytime Fitness as we just had a brand new one open up in my lil' ol' town with the cool tv screens on the treadmills...I love the smell of a new gym!! That will have to be another post...gotta run...not literally...not until later tonight!
PS> Thoughts before I go....been baking more so need to cite sources and post foods. Let me tell you, the world of dairy free baking is AWEEESOOOMMMEE!!
more pics...get out of the shell, people are visual...just sayin'!
Well, there has definitely been lots going on in my life but nothing that truly and honestly has kept me from actually sitting down and blogging. Just like there is no excuse for not fitting exercise into the daily schedule, there really isn't a reason other than....I have been thinking a lot....just not blogging about it. Yes, I have a full time job, a man and 3 kids and just last week had to put our oldest dog down, it's really not an excuse...it's just life. Things happen, and every day we have to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. So I hope you to get caught up with some short rants about every week I have missed...just to catch myself up! Here goes...
Holy freeholies batman...it's been since really Jan. 12...oh, I am a busy bee.
So I returned to my regularly scheduled life and here comes February...
Love Can Be Cold 5K - Feb 12
Valentine's Day - Feb 14
Hook-up Anniversary - Feb 19
President's Day - Feb 21
I have a new running partner. A co-worker of mine is single and trying to pick up chics and apparently thinks joining a running club is the way to go. I don't really talk much when I run, since the air I am desperately needing is being utilized...but hey, he doesn't really do the club scene, so I think it's great. Apparently there is some website where you can join different groups in your area depending on what you like to do. So if you like to go to movies, but don't really have anyone to go with, you join the local movie club...and bam, instant friends. At first I was like...seriously?? Well after looking at it, I kinda like it, because I found a group that Paddleboards and they provide them and show you how to do it! Yep, I AM IN!!! So I joined this running group with him as his "airbag"*. And out of obligation, I
*airbag - the equivalent to a wingman, but since I am a girl, it's called an airbag...learned this from an episode of Sex and the City.
Valentine's day was a Monday this year. I got flowers and a card, but I have to say this day isn't as big of a deal to us as maybe for other people. We are an extremely affectionate couple who shows are love for each other every day. So I think out of default he knows he has to at least do something...just because it's required. Duh, I don't want to be the girl that everybody looks at and goes...ah, she didn't get anything!! Well five days after this is our Anniversary. We call it the Hook-up anniversary because we aren't married. We were both parting ways with failed marriages, dealing with the emotions of that, and really didn't expect to fall in love like we did. I won't go into all the lovey dovey stuff, but it's been 5 absolutely awesome years and we have a 2 1/2 year old little boy to boot!! Woo hoo for love...So for the HU Anniversary we went to the Peppermill and got their awesome Tuscan Suite with 2 giant king size beds and a luxurious bathroom with a European Spa tub...or so I thought! Well, it's the holiday weekend so they were booked up and apparently they reserve the right to change what room you reserve so we didn't exactly get the room I hoped for! That was a little depressing but nothing can go wrong when I am with my yummee and we still had a great time. The next day, we got moved to the actual room we wanted and my mom brought the kiddos up and we all got to go and have some awesome family time at the heated pool. They got to run rampid around the casino and check out the awesome arcade and we made plans to go back for their birthdays...spoiled kids! Cut to...coming home....the "ol man" dog not doing so well. My mom had to carry him into the house the night before and he wasn't able to get up to go outside when we got home. His hips had given out. He was in pain and miserable and as much as I would have loved for him to just go peacefully at home, his body gave out before his heart. He was my first baby, before I had babies. Almost 15 years old and probably one of the best dogs I have ever known....and I had to put him down....let him go!! It took 2 1/2 days for the tears to dry up and I went back to work and pretty much pulled double shifts to catch up on some project work. We went to a friend's house over the weekend to have dinner and watch the UFC Penn vs. Fitch fight. It felt like forever since I had seen one, and there were some really good cards. I love to watch guys beat the crap out of each other in a caged setting, where I know at the end they will be getting paid vs. getting arrested!
So now we are at March 3rd, I have still been doing the Weight Watcher online thing. I love it and have gotten some really good ideas, tips, recipes, and I like how it tracks everything...but it only tracks what I put into it. Where is the auto-tracking gnome when you need one?? That's my equivalent to the Biggest Loser Bug thingamajig!! Speaking of Biggest Loser...I think that will be my next post...I am just not happy!
I have been running, cross-training, and pilate"ing"...although I definitely need to learn how to get my ass up in the morning and do it on the days yummee gets gym time in the evening. But I think I have discovered my legs just really don't want to perform at 4:45am....I know, excuses, excuses. I did join Anytime Fitness as we just had a brand new one open up in my lil' ol' town with the cool tv screens on the treadmills...I love the smell of a new gym!! That will have to be another post...gotta run...not literally...not until later tonight!
PS> Thoughts before I go....been baking more so need to cite sources and post foods. Let me tell you, the world of dairy free baking is AWEEESOOOMMMEE!!
more pics...get out of the shell, people are visual...just sayin'!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Holy Shmolees...I didn't realize I had been away this long!!
Wow, it's been almost a month. I am so bad! Lots to say, but unfortunately don't have time right now. But up and coming....
Miami trip - all I can say is....depressed but good looking people with weird driving skills and the most amazing food!!
Sick kids - no fun and it makes for awesome derailment of WW goals and exercise!
Upcoming Valentines and HU(hook-up) Anniversary Adult time! WAHOOOO!!
See ya in a few...although nobody reads it but me and the committee members!
Miami trip - all I can say is....depressed but good looking people with weird driving skills and the most amazing food!!
Sick kids - no fun and it makes for awesome derailment of WW goals and exercise!
Upcoming Valentines and HU(hook-up) Anniversary Adult time! WAHOOOO!!
See ya in a few...although nobody reads it but me and the committee members!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
7 MGD 64's or 1 Giant Cookie...the dilemma!
I have joined Weight Watchers! Not because I eat horrible foods and one large pizza in a sitting, but because I really want to lose another 15 lbs. and I have the most success when I am aware of how much food I am putting in my pie hole.
For instance, a vendor I work with sent us a gazillion cookies from a company called Selma's. White chocolate chip, chocolate chip crunch, peanut butter, raspberry white chocolate...you name it, it was there! They are 4 oz and 2 servings in 1 cookie. How many points for WW you ask??? 14!! In one cookie...when I thought about it, I could have 7 MGD 64's for that 1 cookie. So I could pretty much get drunk! Yes, I know I am a cheap date. It's logic like that and the fact that I can do it all online, that I said "yes" to Weight Watchers. I am now on day 2 and I really like the online program tracker. I input the food I eat, exercise, and get information by being able to look up food choices ahead of time. I get to weight myself at home which is way better then paying someone to weight me and then not staying for the meeting because I don't have the time in my lunch hour.
So this week...week 1...I am told to get my weight, take a picture of myself, and record my measurements. Fun times!!
Week 2...I will be in Miami, FL for work. Maybe I should have started this after the trip!
For instance, a vendor I work with sent us a gazillion cookies from a company called Selma's. White chocolate chip, chocolate chip crunch, peanut butter, raspberry white chocolate...you name it, it was there! They are 4 oz and 2 servings in 1 cookie. How many points for WW you ask??? 14!! In one cookie...when I thought about it, I could have 7 MGD 64's for that 1 cookie. So I could pretty much get drunk! Yes, I know I am a cheap date. It's logic like that and the fact that I can do it all online, that I said "yes" to Weight Watchers. I am now on day 2 and I really like the online program tracker. I input the food I eat, exercise, and get information by being able to look up food choices ahead of time. I get to weight myself at home which is way better then paying someone to weight me and then not staying for the meeting because I don't have the time in my lunch hour.
So this week...week 1...I am told to get my weight, take a picture of myself, and record my measurements. Fun times!!
Week 2...I will be in Miami, FL for work. Maybe I should have started this after the trip!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Coupons, Food, and Health....sometimes I just want a pizza!!!
So I don't really talk family all that much. I mean this Blog is supposed to be about me...duh! But last night, the yummee and I watched this show called Extreme Couponing. There were these crazy coupon people that would do everything from dumpster diving, to stalking the neighbors and other store patrons, to organizing their entire garage to accommodate a lifetime supply of deodorant. The coupon crazies considered this a game, a challenge, an OCD "we will beat the grocery store" life commitment. The "Coupon Master" went into a grocery store, racked up $5400 in groceries, and with coupons only spent a total of $240 dollars. He donates goods to his local church...thank goodness, because any man that would use 300 toothbrushes needs serious dental help! The one thing I noticed though is all this food and the household items were prepackaged, jarred, canned, frozen, boxed, and mostly name brand. So yes, you made have 50 jars of Ragu spaghetti sauce and 100 frozen entrees, but that doesn't work in my household.
A little background - my oldest son was a puker as a baby and toddler. And at around age 7, possibly earlier, he would get these stomach pains and get terribly sick. We had him X-Rayed, #1 and #2 sampled, scanned, checked, poked, and it wasn't until a few years later we found out he has an immune disorder. A very rare disorder that causes his body to attack food....why, you ask?? No clue!! But this causes his body to pretty much attack the lining of his esophagus, stomach, and intestines. So we took him to an allergist and along with keeping a food diary and closely monitoring what he ingested, discovered there were foods that he just couldn't have. Dairy, eggs, beef, cabbage were the main no-no's. But not only did we cut those things out, we discovered after reading label upon label upon label, that what we were all putting in our bodies was....C.R.A.P!! High fructose corn syrup, dyes, pesticides, and ingredients that were just down right unnecessary were being packed into foods. There is also what is called GMO's, genetically modified organisms...what?? what?? Yeah, doesn't even sound appealing. So, began our journey of organic, all natural, no preservatives, no prepackaged high sodium and fat containing atrocities. Keep in mind, this is not an OCD kind of thing. I don't have a melt down if my kids want Pop-Tarts. Everything in moderation fueled with real food and a healthy active lifestyle keeps everyone pretty happy. Of course, having these allergies is not easy, as we just learned, the foods his body reacts to can change. Now he is no longer allergic to beef, eggs, and cabbage but mustard, onions, and strawberries. So just when you think you have the menu of life down, nope, nature comes in and slaps you around. I actually thought it would be easier with the new allergies. Boy was I wrong. Do you realize how many foods have these 3 ingredients in them?? Here's a short list: Salsa, spaghetti sauce, BBQ sauce, ketchup, baked beans (canned), and prepackaged seasonings such as Lipton soup mix, soups, broths...oh yeah, fun! Try telling a teenager they can't have mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or A1 sauce. However, we tried to look on the bright side! He can now have a full breakfast with eggs instead of just the bacon and sausage. He can have baked goods with eggs as long as it doesn't have milk in it (still allergic to dairy). I have gotten really good at changing ingredients and making things so that my teenager doesn't feel deprived or left out. THANK GOODNESS for my yummee. He is truly the chef in the house and he now makes his own pasta sauces, spices, salsas, and BBQ sauce....all onion and mustard free!! The other thing I think about is...what if this happened to me as a child?? Food companies hardly ever put ingredients on items. Grocery stores didn't cater to diabetics, allergy sensitive, gluten terrified people back then...and I am not THAT old!! Now, there are stores and restaurants that cater to people with allergies or intolerances, but you still have to be aware of what and how much you put in your mouth!
We are truly lucky to be able to go back to the heart of cooking with vegetables, fruits and herbs, and make foods that are just more flavorful and natural! And...I know almost every ingredient in any product in the store. We shop at Trader Joe's, Costco, and the all natural aisle at our local grocery store and rarely go down the middle aisles where all the crap is!
So to the Extreme Coupon crazy people...I may clip more coupons and stalk deals on razors, toilet paper, and deodorant, I won't be stocking up on your unhealthy, packaged, name brand "whatever will make this product sit on the shelf" longer foods!
Disclaimer: Unless, we are talking about Pop-Tarts!!
A little background - my oldest son was a puker as a baby and toddler. And at around age 7, possibly earlier, he would get these stomach pains and get terribly sick. We had him X-Rayed, #1 and #2 sampled, scanned, checked, poked, and it wasn't until a few years later we found out he has an immune disorder. A very rare disorder that causes his body to attack food....why, you ask?? No clue!! But this causes his body to pretty much attack the lining of his esophagus, stomach, and intestines. So we took him to an allergist and along with keeping a food diary and closely monitoring what he ingested, discovered there were foods that he just couldn't have. Dairy, eggs, beef, cabbage were the main no-no's. But not only did we cut those things out, we discovered after reading label upon label upon label, that what we were all putting in our bodies was....C.R.A.P!! High fructose corn syrup, dyes, pesticides, and ingredients that were just down right unnecessary were being packed into foods. There is also what is called GMO's, genetically modified organisms...what?? what?? Yeah, doesn't even sound appealing. So, began our journey of organic, all natural, no preservatives, no prepackaged high sodium and fat containing atrocities. Keep in mind, this is not an OCD kind of thing. I don't have a melt down if my kids want Pop-Tarts. Everything in moderation fueled with real food and a healthy active lifestyle keeps everyone pretty happy. Of course, having these allergies is not easy, as we just learned, the foods his body reacts to can change. Now he is no longer allergic to beef, eggs, and cabbage but mustard, onions, and strawberries. So just when you think you have the menu of life down, nope, nature comes in and slaps you around. I actually thought it would be easier with the new allergies. Boy was I wrong. Do you realize how many foods have these 3 ingredients in them?? Here's a short list: Salsa, spaghetti sauce, BBQ sauce, ketchup, baked beans (canned), and prepackaged seasonings such as Lipton soup mix, soups, broths...oh yeah, fun! Try telling a teenager they can't have mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or A1 sauce. However, we tried to look on the bright side! He can now have a full breakfast with eggs instead of just the bacon and sausage. He can have baked goods with eggs as long as it doesn't have milk in it (still allergic to dairy). I have gotten really good at changing ingredients and making things so that my teenager doesn't feel deprived or left out. THANK GOODNESS for my yummee. He is truly the chef in the house and he now makes his own pasta sauces, spices, salsas, and BBQ sauce....all onion and mustard free!! The other thing I think about is...what if this happened to me as a child?? Food companies hardly ever put ingredients on items. Grocery stores didn't cater to diabetics, allergy sensitive, gluten terrified people back then...and I am not THAT old!! Now, there are stores and restaurants that cater to people with allergies or intolerances, but you still have to be aware of what and how much you put in your mouth!
We are truly lucky to be able to go back to the heart of cooking with vegetables, fruits and herbs, and make foods that are just more flavorful and natural! And...I know almost every ingredient in any product in the store. We shop at Trader Joe's, Costco, and the all natural aisle at our local grocery store and rarely go down the middle aisles where all the crap is!
So to the Extreme Coupon crazy people...I may clip more coupons and stalk deals on razors, toilet paper, and deodorant, I won't be stocking up on your unhealthy, packaged, name brand "whatever will make this product sit on the shelf" longer foods!
Disclaimer: Unless, we are talking about Pop-Tarts!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
It's a..........NEW YEAR!!! Hi, nice to meet ya!
New year, new goals, new checks for the to-do lists....
What I did in 2010:
Laughlin River Run - no not actual running, but a "run" on a motorcycle
My first 10K and Half Marathon - since I am not a large crowd kinda person, this is huge!
Coast Run - again this would be a "run" on the motorcycle
Lost 15 lbs. and kept it off
Remodeled the living room (although this is still in progress)
Other meaningless to you but YAHOO to me stuff
What I want to do in 2010:
Run more races - whatever the amount
Spring Break trip with the kids and yummee -
Remodel the hallway bathroom
Lay the hardwood floors
Finish other small incomplete projects around the "never ending" house
Lose 15 more lbs. and keep it off
Motorcycle trips with the yummee - not sure where yet
Trip to Yosemite
Other meaningless to you, but YAHOO to me stuff
I have short and long term goals and intentions. I don't have resolutions! Resolutions by definition are (according to freedictionary.com):
There are more definitons that have to do with laws or Congress...but that's what creeps me out. This sounds like you resolve to do something and you have to know exactly the steps on how to get there and you are not able to deviate from that plan. That's just not me. For instance, the LV RnR 1/2 Marathon...my goal was to run the whole thing; But, because of an unforseen knee blow-out issue, my plan had to change to allow some speed walking and a medical station stop. I could have let the knee issue totally deter me, keep me from finishing, blow my whole experience. I could have let that "pessimistic" committee member ruin the whole shabang...but I didn't. I said OK, let's see what we have to work with and still crossed the finish line. Things don't always go as planned...you get off track, life happens, new experiences cause new goals. I don't resolve once a year to do things that I am not sure are attainable or lead me down a path that will result in failure that makes me feel guilt ridden....I have enough voices in my head, that would just add to them. So I have goals...personal, work-related, family, fitness. I make them all year long! I make goals within goals and that is what let's me know I am on the right track. If I have to revisit the goal and alter it, then it's not a mind blowing, "you are such a failure", type of thing...but more of a "life happens, so how are we going to get back on track and achieve this goal" kind of thing.
The other thing I think about resolutions...it seems to me people think "hey, I am going to be more patient, or nice, or play well with others"...as if it's that easy. Every day you should resolve to be a better person...not every year! It's kind of like Catholics....they sin all week and then can go to Church on Sunday and ask for foregiveness as if the sin never happened! Nope, sorry... doesn't work for me! I am a mother, a semi-wife (I don't really have the official title), an animal owner, a runner, a computer nerd, a landscaper, a maid, a chef...I am so many things how can I resolve to concentrate on one. Every day I try and raise children in hopes that they don't become axe murderers. I mean seriously...at one point did Charles Manson's mom look down at him and say "now go kill honey, and be really good at it"!! Every day I try and be a better communicator with my yummee, because nothing says I love you honey like ignoring your partner in life. I am spritual, not religious. I don't have to go to Church every Sunday to have faith or foregiveness or have someone stand up there and tell me if I don't give them my pocket change I will go to hell. I am not perfect (don't tell my kids). I make mistakes (don't tell my yummee)....but I try every day not to make the same mistakes twice. Little things....I believe it's the little things we do every day, not the big things we just hope we will do every year.
OK, that's enough about that...now we get on to the good stuff!
Garmin 405cx....Yep, that's right!!! Got one from my yummee for Christmas. I was finally able to charge it, read up on how to use it and take it for a spin. I LOVE IT!! It's more like a watch and was less...sparticus-like-armor around my wrist. I signed up with GarminConnect and used the ANT wireless and it synced without me having to plug anything in....it's A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! Well not really, as there are a lot of wireless devices these days. But I sure was impressed with the training stats and how well the software told me what a slow runner I was. Hey, I was going up a really steep hill and I have the map to prove it!
I ran for the first time since the knee injury and it was one of the best "feeling" runs. It was 26, but beautifully sunny. I had on my winter gear and my new trail shoes, and although I only did 2 miles, I felt fantastic. So I have decided I am in a love/hate relationship with running. Right now it's all about the love, but tonight I am going into the gym (without the knee support brace) and hopping on a treadmill to see if I can get in a 6-7 miler without the dreaded knee pain. Well wishes from all is appreciated!!
Happy New Year to everyone! I hope your life is everything you want it to be and if it's not...make sure you have a lot of people around you that suck even more.
What I did in 2010:
Laughlin River Run - no not actual running, but a "run" on a motorcycle
My first 10K and Half Marathon - since I am not a large crowd kinda person, this is huge!
Coast Run - again this would be a "run" on the motorcycle
Lost 15 lbs. and kept it off
Remodeled the living room (although this is still in progress)
Other meaningless to you but YAHOO to me stuff
What I want to do in 2010:
Run more races - whatever the amount
Spring Break trip with the kids and yummee -
Remodel the hallway bathroom
Lay the hardwood floors
Finish other small incomplete projects around the "never ending" house
Lose 15 more lbs. and keep it off
Motorcycle trips with the yummee - not sure where yet
Trip to Yosemite
Other meaningless to you, but YAHOO to me stuff
I have short and long term goals and intentions. I don't have resolutions! Resolutions by definition are (according to freedictionary.com):
1. The state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.
2. A resolving to do something.
3. A course of action determined or decided on.
There are more definitons that have to do with laws or Congress...but that's what creeps me out. This sounds like you resolve to do something and you have to know exactly the steps on how to get there and you are not able to deviate from that plan. That's just not me. For instance, the LV RnR 1/2 Marathon...my goal was to run the whole thing; But, because of an unforseen knee blow-out issue, my plan had to change to allow some speed walking and a medical station stop. I could have let the knee issue totally deter me, keep me from finishing, blow my whole experience. I could have let that "pessimistic" committee member ruin the whole shabang...but I didn't. I said OK, let's see what we have to work with and still crossed the finish line. Things don't always go as planned...you get off track, life happens, new experiences cause new goals. I don't resolve once a year to do things that I am not sure are attainable or lead me down a path that will result in failure that makes me feel guilt ridden....I have enough voices in my head, that would just add to them. So I have goals...personal, work-related, family, fitness. I make them all year long! I make goals within goals and that is what let's me know I am on the right track. If I have to revisit the goal and alter it, then it's not a mind blowing, "you are such a failure", type of thing...but more of a "life happens, so how are we going to get back on track and achieve this goal" kind of thing.
The other thing I think about resolutions...it seems to me people think "hey, I am going to be more patient, or nice, or play well with others"...as if it's that easy. Every day you should resolve to be a better person...not every year! It's kind of like Catholics....they sin all week and then can go to Church on Sunday and ask for foregiveness as if the sin never happened! Nope, sorry... doesn't work for me! I am a mother, a semi-wife (I don't really have the official title), an animal owner, a runner, a computer nerd, a landscaper, a maid, a chef...I am so many things how can I resolve to concentrate on one. Every day I try and raise children in hopes that they don't become axe murderers. I mean seriously...at one point did Charles Manson's mom look down at him and say "now go kill honey, and be really good at it"!! Every day I try and be a better communicator with my yummee, because nothing says I love you honey like ignoring your partner in life. I am spritual, not religious. I don't have to go to Church every Sunday to have faith or foregiveness or have someone stand up there and tell me if I don't give them my pocket change I will go to hell. I am not perfect (don't tell my kids). I make mistakes (don't tell my yummee)....but I try every day not to make the same mistakes twice. Little things....I believe it's the little things we do every day, not the big things we just hope we will do every year.
OK, that's enough about that...now we get on to the good stuff!
Garmin 405cx....Yep, that's right!!! Got one from my yummee for Christmas. I was finally able to charge it, read up on how to use it and take it for a spin. I LOVE IT!! It's more like a watch and was less...sparticus-like-armor around my wrist. I signed up with GarminConnect and used the ANT wireless and it synced without me having to plug anything in....it's A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! Well not really, as there are a lot of wireless devices these days. But I sure was impressed with the training stats and how well the software told me what a slow runner I was. Hey, I was going up a really steep hill and I have the map to prove it!
I ran for the first time since the knee injury and it was one of the best "feeling" runs. It was 26, but beautifully sunny. I had on my winter gear and my new trail shoes, and although I only did 2 miles, I felt fantastic. So I have decided I am in a love/hate relationship with running. Right now it's all about the love, but tonight I am going into the gym (without the knee support brace) and hopping on a treadmill to see if I can get in a 6-7 miler without the dreaded knee pain. Well wishes from all is appreciated!!
Happy New Year to everyone! I hope your life is everything you want it to be and if it's not...make sure you have a lot of people around you that suck even more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)