Bikini Body

Tonight I am cooking salmon. I've never cooked salmon before. I have no idea if I even like it but I'll let you know tomorrow how it turned out. I guess it's the care taker in me. I want to make heart healthy foods for my honey now that he's had his heart scare. But truthfully, I think this is probably great for my diet too:)

As for the diet fore front, I only made it to the gym 2 times this week. Of course I could go out for a "last chance workout" tonight after dinner. Weigh in is tomorrow! Okay I'll keep that in the back of my mind for now. Two weeks into a new me and I've lost 3.5 pounds. Not too bad but I am hoping to add to that figure tomorrow. I have scheduled my facial for 2/10 so if I have not met my 10 pound goal before then I will have to cancel. I need to hit the gym.......this week I gave myself a reprieve since J was in the hospital.

My reprieve included candy bars, my favorite white cheddar popcorn, 2 burritos, 3 slices of pizza and NON-DIET Dr. Pepper. Holy Cow! LOL! No wonder I weigh what I do, and I am hoping for a weight loss this week.......man I need to do more than hope.  I need to work. That "last chance workout" is sounding more appealing after typing out that list of diet killers.

I am going to leave you with a quote from my little man, "Mommy next year I want you to be straight (translation thin) so you can wear a bikini at the Great Wolf Lodge and people can see your tummy."  LMAO! As if that will ever happen.

Happily Home From the Hospital

Well, my husband decided to get in on the health kick too. He challenged a co-worker to a one mile race exactly one month from now. He hasn't run in a while, but his competitor runs daily. Nevertheless, my honey is sure he will win the race. So Monday night he heads out in the cold weather to begin his training.  Training to him means go out and try to kill yourself apparently.  He tears out the front door at high speed, rounds the corner and all of a sudden his heart starts beating wildly. He decides he hasn't run far enough to be having this kind of feeling so he picks up the pace. But his heart also picks up the thudding. Feeling dejected he ends up walking home.

He sprawls himself on the sofa, announcing, "I don't feel so well." Well......being married to a man who ALWAYS overdoes exercise, I just didn't pay that much attention. After about 2 hours he say, "I'm not recovering from my run very well, I have a sinking feeling in my chest."  We decide to go to bed. Then he asks me to feel his pulse. It is WILDLY out of rhythm. So off to the ER we go.

After several hours at the ER they transfer him via EMS to another hospital and admit him....about 4:30 a.m.  The cardiologist comes in, checks him out and says, "He is in no danger, but tomorrow morning I will sedate you and SHOCK your heart back into a regular rhythm."  With the paddles? "Yes, like you see on the TV show ER but at a much lower voltage." GREAT!!!

Luckily for us his heart converted to a regular rhythm on it's own and we are home now without any volts.

Daisy Disco

Well our puppy Daisy has a new game. Daisy is our 5 month old black lab puppy. She reminds me of Marley. If you read the book Marley and Me you may remember that Marley would do the Marley Mambo whenever she had something she wasn't supposed to have and thought that it was great fun to play keep away. Well Daisy has a version of this game too. I like to call it the Daisy Disco. Today when I returned from the gym I found she had pulled the cover off the sprinkler.  She managed to get in there and eat some wires. When I walked out saying Daisy "NO! NO!" She takes off at a full sprint with the cover in her mouth. Chasing her at this point is useless. I just got back from the gym and my legs are exhausted!

I pretended to not have any interest in what she was doing and she finally stopped dancing around but every time I try to get the cover she takes off with it again. I can tell she wants to play. Luckily the kids will be home soon! I just hope I can make it to the bus stop without the crazy black blur running out the door.

Going to Gym SLOWLY

I am so lowly motivated today. I almost don't want to go to the gym, but I keep reading back over all of your comments and it is giving me strength.  Thank you so much for all your support. Some days the laziness just kicks in and all I want to do is hang out and watch TV on the sofa with the dogs.

But I am getting moving. Just writing this down makes me see how ridiculous it would be to waste my day. It's just sometimes the mountain looks so big.....I lost 3 pounds. 97 to go........NINETY SEVEN! That is so huge. I guess you don't climb a mountain in one leap though, it's a lot of little steps. Hopefully, Monday will show some progress to the summit.

I must go.......I must go.......I must go....JUST DO IT!!!

I did it! I must say I feel much better than earlier. Now the kids are home and when they asked, "Did you go to the gym today?" I could say "YES!" A minor triumph. Now what's for dinner?

For Better or Worse

My husband loves to open things. He opens the cabinets, the pantry, the bath room door but for some reason he never CLOSES them. I have, after 12 years, come to accept that EVERY cabinet door in the kitchen is open after he goes to work. I don't mind really since he is the one who puts away the dishes. I really prefer the help and I can always go behind him and close them all once he leaves.

But now he has gotten into the habit of leaving the toilet seat up! Now this is just UNACCEPTABLE.  He never did this before but for the last month he just "forgets" to put the seat down. He even went as far as to say "Well you're in there just put it down." AYI ya YAI! Is this some kind of passive agressive act? I mean if it is what would he be secretly trying to say......."Fall in honey, Fall in". That is just absurd.

I worked out today and joined the gym. If I could have walked my 3 miles with a butt cheek in each hand I would have, they hurt.  I actually wonder what people would have thought. "Look that woman is just barely holding it together" Well they would probably have been right.  I swear I looked at that clock counting down my work out minutes at 12:56 then 12:32 then 12: 25.........HOLY CRAMOLY........I can't believe I still have 12 minutes left......12:13, 12:07 then I just watched it tick down to make sure it wasn't just starting over at 12 every minute. It finally ended 1 hour on the treadmill and not one grab for my cheeks. A successful day if I do say so myself. I hit the weights, spilled my water and called it a day. WOO-HOO! 

Number 3

I lost 3 pounds last week. YAY! I wish it were more but I'll take it. Let me ruminate on the number 3. 

3 Miles. The number of miles I will walk per day this week.

13 Pounds. The amount of weight I have to lose to get back to the weight I was when I swore I would never gain another pound.

30 Days. The length of time it takes to form a habit.

33 Weeks. The amount of time it will take for me to get to my goal weight at 3 pound per week.

$37 The amount of money I will pay a month for my gym membership.

A Day of Reward

All the hard work during the week has paid off.  My muscles are no longer screaming. I worked through it,despite my sometimes negative attitude. I ate right and today I am rewarding myself. Even the weather is rejoicing in my accomplishments. It's sunny and fabulous!

I went to my mini facial this morning. I thoroughly enjoyed it along with a morning mimosa. I scheduled a full facial (this morning was a free one offered at a local spa) for a month from now. So now I have a reward to look forward to as I continue my work out regiment.

My aunt sent my a qoute today which really lifted me up and helped me realize that I am moving in the right direction. Here it is:

'May today there be peace within.

May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.

May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.'

Today I have peace within, I am moving in a positive direction. The results will show in time. My weigh in is tomorrow and I have no fear.

Let the Circus Begin!

In ring one we have Cynthia. An overweight mom trying to get the first week of workouts completed so she can take part in a self appointed reward for finishing 5 days of exercise.

In ring two we have Mom. A schedule challenged mother running 4 kids to multiple sporting events, sleep overs, and let's not forget the Science Fair........ oh please, don't forget the Science Fair.

In ring three we have Honey. The wife to a wonderful man who helps out with the circus when he's not hard at work. Honey needs to clean the house today and make a great dinner with desert and plan entertainment.

And this week we are adding a fourth ring. That one occupied by the compassionate, animal loving Furry Godmother.  She needs to take care of clients pets while they are out of town this weekend.

It's FRIDAY and the 4 ring circus is gearing up!  There is no rest for the Ring Master. With plenty of rings in play I have to remember not to let MINE drop. First order of business today.....the workout. So tomorrow I can reward myself with a mini facial. That facial will cause me to miss a kids basketball game (anxiety...sigh) but I must find time for ME in this crazy big top circus. I'm undertaking a reinvention and I am WORTH IT!

Finding my Inner Masochist

I have a thought. How about we change everything? How about the skinny people all get fat and the artists start painting beautiful portraits of women with rolls again? Hell I could be a super-model. It would be so much more fun and less painful. Is everyone on the planet masochistic?

I guess I am going to have to find my inner masochist. Beat myself into shape. Can you tell how the gym went today? For some reason it's getting harder! Day 3: muscles aching, Aunt Flo in for a visit, busy day. I guess this was a true test of if I have the mental strength to follow through, and I did! I pushed it harder today than any day before.  YAY ME!  But I'm kind of bitter and pissed off about it. Maybe that's Aunt Flo's fault.

As for the rest of the self improvements. I have made a new and startling discovery about myself. I am interested in art.  I guess I never really thought about it before, but as I search myself I realized the soothing effect some painting have on me. So yesterday I bought a new piece of art for my house. We are moving from  traditional to an eclectic modern not retro.  I love the shape of traditional furniture but I am finding modern designed fabrics to be very soothing. So I see furniture recovering in the future for some key pieces in the house.  I am going to blend the modern fabrics with the traditional furniture and I think I will get a unique look that I will LOVE. I guess the house will be mismatched for a while, but what the heck, it is what it is.

Tonight is date night. We are going to a work function but I'll take it! A night out without the rug rats:) I have to cook chili.......it's a competition of some sort? Anyway, I'm getting ready to throw down some awesome Red Raider Chili. I hope these Europeans can handle the heat because I'm bringing it Baby! Downside of this.....I probably need to eat before we go and only taste the chili's. Not to mention the big boss is in town and he always buys a case of the most fabulous red wine for everyone to enjoy.......1 4 oz. glass= all my time on the elliptical trainer today. I guess I'll cross that chicken when I get to it.

Leaving Insanity Behind

Why was the second day harder than the first? It has a lot to do with the fact that my rear end feels like it is going to detach itself from my hips and legs. Oh.....SOARNESS!  But I did it! I already went to the gym, did my workout, then went to the grocery store and bought good stuff. Stir fry veggies with grilled chicken for dinner.  Sorry kids........mama's gotta loose the junk in the trunk.

Did I mention I went to the grocery store directly from the gym? That's because, although I may have been stinky, I figured shopping for groceries while your muscles are screaming might reduce the amount of crap I put in the cart. And guess what......it did? Nothing even looked good.  The thought of jamming some M&M's in my mouth two steps away from the register just seemed INSANE!  Maybe that's where I've been for the last few years...in insanity:) I have to admit it was fun while it lasted, but I am Reinventing Me now so I must leave insanity behind.

High Anxiety

Today I joined a group on facebook led by another mom from the area. The group started today. It's the biggest loser online. We had to post our weight and goals on Facebook. I am by far the heaviest to weigh in today by at least 50 pounds. I am so embarrassed!

I did it though! You can't change what you don't admit, right? Being held accountable for weigh in every Monday on Facebook is torturous but not being held accountable let me gain 40 pounds last year. I swore I would never buy a larger pair of pants than the ones I bought last winter. But last week I went out and got some new jeans. One size larger than the last! I know I have to do something. I know it's unhealthy. I know my kids want me to lose weight. I know I will feel better.

Here's to just doing it! I'm going right NOW to the closest gym, 24 Hour Fitness and getting a free 7 day membership.  I will make those 7 day! Baby steps right now! Get to the gym, get good groceries, eat in moderation, drink water, have a support system.

Please support me! Mom that means you too!

Secrets Revealed

   Today I am excited about the Post Secret Exhibit which will take place in Denton.  I love reading the post secret books and the website every Sunday.  I am going to make a post card and send it in today. 

    Does anyone want to join me?

Me, The Ring Master

   So, there are two types of mom's of multiples. There is the mini-van mom and the SUV mom. The mini-van mom is likely to be seen in her sweats and sneakers at noon; whereas, the SUV mom is likely wearing her svelte designer jeans and toting a latte. Neither mom is inherently better, but they are different.
   For instance, I am a minivan mom. This morning the temperature in Murphy was in the teens. So I ran out to turn the van on and warm it up for the kiddos and myself before we made the half mile drive to school. A drive to school almost always involves 2 dogs and 4 kids in my Honda Odyssey. I feel the Odyssey is aptly named because it reminds me that driving around with this crowd is an adventure, not a chore.

   Back to our morning drive. With temps this low, it is not uncommon for the automatic sliding doors on the van to freeze shut. But one would think if you warm up the van that ice would melt...at least before we get to school. WELL.....one would be wrong! Upon pulling up to the school, with SUV moms in line behind us, I realize that yes the doors are still frozen shut. I grab the over sized puppy, open the passenger side door to the front seat and the 4 kids file out one by one, jumping out of the car to the tune of the woeful dog howling and screaming her goodbyes. This event immediately brought to my mind the clowns at the circus climbing out of the tiny car.

   Upon exiting the parking lot my chic SUV mom friend pulls in, latte in hand, make up perfect and waves with a huge grin. Glad I could amuse you today! It's my life as the ring master.

Well at least today I have the date right, 1-06-10, a step in the right direction. It's cold outside with promises of more to come in the dark hours. Temperature in the teens tomorrow...I'm gonna freeze my chilly willers off.

Ok, so about ME. Is this narcissism at it's best or what? To make improvements means to engage. I need to engage my mind in something new....

Today I will check the community college catalog for courses that might interest me, and look into volunteer opportunities around here. I have a high interest in the homeless. If anyone out there knows of something let me know.

I spoke with a new friend yesterday about crocheting. She volunteered to re-teach me....my Maw-Maw taught me originally. Watch out, you may be on my future afghan list.

The 4th Day of the New Year but the 1st for ME

Today is the first day of the new year for me, 2010. I know that in reality it's the 4th but I rarely deal in reality, so why start now. I guess that is a part of me I don't need to reinvent. As for the other parts that I would like to open up and shake the dust off of I am starting today.

Is it a resolution? I guess, in a way. Then maybe I should have started this with the very clever, "I resolve to" but as I am not exactly sure what it is I am resolving to do I will just start with the feeling. I feel like I need to get moving. Like I need to explore more avenues, beyond just weight loss which is HIGH on my list. But which does not speak to my inner desire to just get out there and do something.

No I am not a shut in........thanks for asking. But I am a mom dominated by over-scheduled kids and a overly stuffed house. This feeling I have is much more than a feeling to just organize closets. Although if you have neat closets....KUDOS to you. I doubt I'll ever be there. Another part I should reinvent but I just don't care enough about to target right now.

So what am I trying to reinvent? ME! What does that mean.........well that will be the adventure of this blog. I'm not sure where I'm going right now but I'm headed out!