Somehow I got an issue of Budget Traveller in the mail this week. I thought I had let my subscription expire but that is a whole other blog post.
So I am leafing through it on the couch and Spy is playing next to me. He comes up to me, points to the cover and says "Farful Tower." I looked at the cover and lo and behold it is the Eiffel Tower. For a minute I thought, "Wait, how does he know this is the Eiffel Tower?" Then I realized the answer. Ratatouille.
Ah, Disney. Thank you for making a world traveller of my 2 year old without having to leave the house.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Come on take me away...
Shocking that I have not posted a new entry since May...and here we are a new year ahead of us. I find myself mostly in the same place as I was this time last year. A few things are different. Instead of student teaching I have a job as a preschool teacher. I also work part-time at Restoration Hardware. My little Spy is not so little any more. He is embracing his 2-year oldness with a ferocity that is pleasing and yet shocking at the same time.
I also have a new kitchen (yay!).
So today, as I tried to tidy up the dishes in my wonderfully deep sink with my fantastically modern faucet, Spy safely tucked away in his crib for a much needed nap, I was whisked back to a time and place I have not thought about in a long time. The trigger: The Unforgettable Fire by U2. The random shuffle on my impossibly small iPod Nano playing at mommy volume from my shiny red iHome landed on this song and poof! I was transported back to the summer of 1985. I am 12 years old and I am sweating my ass off trying to manually clean our pool with what was then the "top of the line" pool cleaner. The songs from this cassette tape were playing on my beat up old radio/tape player which I had received for my 9th birthday.
This flicker of a memory lead me to a train of thought about my thoroughly modern kitchen and my beautiful son, who on most days stands next to me on his little stool playing with the fancy new faucet while I wash dishes. What will the world be like when he is 37 years old? Will he wistfully think back to the "old fashion" gadgets of his youth and laugh at how terribly difficult things were for him then? I think about that dreaded pool cleaner. I had to drag it up and down the sides of the pool repeatedly to get the dirt off the sides and the bottom. And I had to do it at least twice a week or else the pool walls started to turn green. I also remember thinking to myself, "There has to be a better way to do this!!!" Who does this job now? A little love bug of a gadget known in the pool world as a Polaris whom my family has affectionately nicknamed Herbie.
So I wrap up this first post of the new year with a reminder of how far we have come not just in one year but in the many that have passed. I hope that this year brings all of us further along on our journey in this life, sometimes strange but mostly wonderful. And I hope that Spy will be able to look back on this time - well what he may remember of it - and see how far he has come on his own personal journey.
I also have a new kitchen (yay!).
So today, as I tried to tidy up the dishes in my wonderfully deep sink with my fantastically modern faucet, Spy safely tucked away in his crib for a much needed nap, I was whisked back to a time and place I have not thought about in a long time. The trigger: The Unforgettable Fire by U2. The random shuffle on my impossibly small iPod Nano playing at mommy volume from my shiny red iHome landed on this song and poof! I was transported back to the summer of 1985. I am 12 years old and I am sweating my ass off trying to manually clean our pool with what was then the "top of the line" pool cleaner. The songs from this cassette tape were playing on my beat up old radio/tape player which I had received for my 9th birthday.
This flicker of a memory lead me to a train of thought about my thoroughly modern kitchen and my beautiful son, who on most days stands next to me on his little stool playing with the fancy new faucet while I wash dishes. What will the world be like when he is 37 years old? Will he wistfully think back to the "old fashion" gadgets of his youth and laugh at how terribly difficult things were for him then? I think about that dreaded pool cleaner. I had to drag it up and down the sides of the pool repeatedly to get the dirt off the sides and the bottom. And I had to do it at least twice a week or else the pool walls started to turn green. I also remember thinking to myself, "There has to be a better way to do this!!!" Who does this job now? A little love bug of a gadget known in the pool world as a Polaris whom my family has affectionately nicknamed Herbie.
So I wrap up this first post of the new year with a reminder of how far we have come not just in one year but in the many that have passed. I hope that this year brings all of us further along on our journey in this life, sometimes strange but mostly wonderful. And I hope that Spy will be able to look back on this time - well what he may remember of it - and see how far he has come on his own personal journey.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Quick Update
As of this Saturday I am down 30lbs exactly! I need to get D to take pictures so I can compare them to my first "Biggest Loser" post so as soon as I do this I will write a longer more detailed review of my weight loss journey so far.
Hope everyone is well!
Hope everyone is well!
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
The Biggest Gainer
I had a revelation tonight. D and I went to dinner with Spy to a local place here in KOP. It is a bar mainly but there are about 9 tables for those who want to eat in. Almost all the tables were full and every single person sitting at each table, with the exception of D, was overweight. I include myself in this scenario as I still have a long way to get my BMI into a healthy range. Most of the patrons were women and more than half of these women were clearly obese. We are talking Biggest Loser size. Of course at this point I had already ordered my chicken quesedilla so by the time it came I had 2 pieces and was so disgusted with myself (for not ordering salad) that I had the rest wrapped up for D to eat for lunch tomorrow.
I have never been in a restaurant before where all of the patrons were overweight. What a huge eye opener...is this wear we are heading as a nation? I mean I know that there are TV shows and news reports in abundance telling us how we are on the fast track to being the fattest nation in the world but until tonight it really did not sink in.
And so now I am beating myself up because I have been having a rough couple of weeks with staying on track with what I am eating. Last night I had popcorn and a Russel Stoffer Milk Chocolate Easter Bunny for dinner. I mean really, what the eff? We have no food as I need to go grocery shopping - on my to do list for tomorrow if Spy is not acting like a mad man - so it is inevitable that I will eat poorly. The kicker...I enjoyed this dinner of champions while sacked out on the couch watching The Biggest Loser...I just might pitch my own show, The Biggest Gainer, but then after what I witnessed tonight we would have to include all of America.
I know that I need to look at this difficult week in a positive light. I have lost over 25 lbs and am healthier now than I was this time last year. I had a Dr appt yesterday to get my foot checked out (I think I have nerve damage) and when I asked the Dr how much I weight at my last visit (June 2009) she said 186! Yesterday I was 160! So I need to keep my achievements in the forefront of my thoughts so I do not slide back into old habits and throw away all of my hard earned success. Yes, I ate poorly today (and yesterday and most of this week) but tomorrow is a new day and I will have restocked my fridge and pantry with healthy good for me foods. By this summer I want to join my husband at a healthy weight and be the other thin person in the restaurant when we go out to eat.
I have never been in a restaurant before where all of the patrons were overweight. What a huge eye opener...is this wear we are heading as a nation? I mean I know that there are TV shows and news reports in abundance telling us how we are on the fast track to being the fattest nation in the world but until tonight it really did not sink in.
And so now I am beating myself up because I have been having a rough couple of weeks with staying on track with what I am eating. Last night I had popcorn and a Russel Stoffer Milk Chocolate Easter Bunny for dinner. I mean really, what the eff? We have no food as I need to go grocery shopping - on my to do list for tomorrow if Spy is not acting like a mad man - so it is inevitable that I will eat poorly. The kicker...I enjoyed this dinner of champions while sacked out on the couch watching The Biggest Loser...I just might pitch my own show, The Biggest Gainer, but then after what I witnessed tonight we would have to include all of America.
I know that I need to look at this difficult week in a positive light. I have lost over 25 lbs and am healthier now than I was this time last year. I had a Dr appt yesterday to get my foot checked out (I think I have nerve damage) and when I asked the Dr how much I weight at my last visit (June 2009) she said 186! Yesterday I was 160! So I need to keep my achievements in the forefront of my thoughts so I do not slide back into old habits and throw away all of my hard earned success. Yes, I ate poorly today (and yesterday and most of this week) but tomorrow is a new day and I will have restocked my fridge and pantry with healthy good for me foods. By this summer I want to join my husband at a healthy weight and be the other thin person in the restaurant when we go out to eat.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Home Stretch
I am taking a mini-break from finishing my student teaching binder. I am really thinking I will be able to turn it in on Monday - miracle!!!
I had a good week weight loss wise - I am officially 27.2 lbs lighter than I was in August. It feels great but what is even better is that I pulled a pair of jeans out of the "jean graveyard" in my guest room, jeans that I have not worn since summer 2005 and they fit!!! Hooray!!!! The fact that I spent Thursday night barfing my guts up probably contributed to the weight loss but I am not complaining.
I got the job at LOFT and start Tuesday. Was supposed to start yesterday but was so weak from puking - and not sleeping due to Spy waking up exactly 15 minutes after I stopped puking at 4am and then staying awake until 7:30am - that I had to cancel. I was so bummed because I could not wait to get started...sigh...I hope they don't write me off as some irresponsible person because I bailed on the first day of work. Although I am sure they would not have wanted me potentially vomiting on LOFT customers so I guess in the end it worked out.
Despite my fantastic weight loss I am not doing a good job of exercising so I went out and got an exercise mat to try and squeeze some ab work in on those days when Spy wakes up so gosh darn early that I want to scream...I might as well try to wake up with some ab work while Spy runs around like a mad man in the AM. I swear this kid is the earliest riser ever...where the heck did he get it from? Clearly not Dan nor I.
OK, kiddies, back to my Diagnostic Profile. Until next time.
I had a good week weight loss wise - I am officially 27.2 lbs lighter than I was in August. It feels great but what is even better is that I pulled a pair of jeans out of the "jean graveyard" in my guest room, jeans that I have not worn since summer 2005 and they fit!!! Hooray!!!! The fact that I spent Thursday night barfing my guts up probably contributed to the weight loss but I am not complaining.
I got the job at LOFT and start Tuesday. Was supposed to start yesterday but was so weak from puking - and not sleeping due to Spy waking up exactly 15 minutes after I stopped puking at 4am and then staying awake until 7:30am - that I had to cancel. I was so bummed because I could not wait to get started...sigh...I hope they don't write me off as some irresponsible person because I bailed on the first day of work. Although I am sure they would not have wanted me potentially vomiting on LOFT customers so I guess in the end it worked out.
Despite my fantastic weight loss I am not doing a good job of exercising so I went out and got an exercise mat to try and squeeze some ab work in on those days when Spy wakes up so gosh darn early that I want to scream...I might as well try to wake up with some ab work while Spy runs around like a mad man in the AM. I swear this kid is the earliest riser ever...where the heck did he get it from? Clearly not Dan nor I.
OK, kiddies, back to my Diagnostic Profile. Until next time.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Destinazione Paradiso
In February, my family and I traveled to the Dominican Republic for a week. We stayed at the Coconut Palms Resort in Cabarete which is on the North Shore of the DR. It was a fantastic week...my parents got to spend some quality time with their grandson and Dan and I got to relax and drink frozen drinks and soak up some sun. The resort is no frills but family friendly and the apartments were large and clean. The best part about the whole trip was how nice everyone was. By the end of our stay Simon had quite a fan club.
The view of the beach from the balcony of our room.
The pool at the resort.
With Dan in Puerto Plata at the San Felipe Fort
Simon demanding his Happy Hour pineapple slices.
The view at the beach.
The real way to drink a Pina Colada.
Simon buckles up for the ride home.
Until next year Cabarete...we will miss you!
Monday, March 15, 2010
You have a brown tooth...
So my weigh in on Sat went really well. I was down 4.2 lbs (yikes!) so my total weight loss is 26.2 lbs. I am very pleased with myself even if I am still not able to run more than 3 minutes at a time.
I subbed today at my old pre-school in the 3 year old classroom. It was so much fun...I really miss being a teacher at this school. The woman that I worked with when I was there is retiring so I am hoping and praying that they will hire me in September to replace her. In the meantime I have an interview tomorrow afternoon at Ann Taylor LOFT...totally random, I know but we could use the extra income and my wardrobe could definitely use the discount.
I think my favorite part about today was one of my little monsters telling me that my "tooth was really brown and I should brush more often." Hummmm, I was kneeling down and looking at him right up close trying to explain to him why he needs to keep his hands to himself. Way to change the subject and disarm me, three year old sociopath. Just kidding, he is not a sociopath but he is a bit of a terror. And yet I had a blast today jumping back in, breaking up the "fights" and reading stories and playing with Playdoh (sp?). I want to do it all the time!!! Oh and for the record I asked around and I DO NOT have a brown tooth.
I am on my laptop or else I would post some pictures of the Dominican. I will promise to do this soon...one of the times I post from our desktop. In the meantime the weather is supposed to be getting nicer this week so I am looking forward to many walks and some playground time with Spy.
Speaking of Spy...it hit me the other day that my baby is no longer a baby but a little boy. I cried as I watched him try to walk down the two stairs in our family room without turning around and crawling down. He made his way over to the wall, held onto the gate, and walk down the stairs...sniff, sniff. Where did the last 15 months go?
I subbed today at my old pre-school in the 3 year old classroom. It was so much fun...I really miss being a teacher at this school. The woman that I worked with when I was there is retiring so I am hoping and praying that they will hire me in September to replace her. In the meantime I have an interview tomorrow afternoon at Ann Taylor LOFT...totally random, I know but we could use the extra income and my wardrobe could definitely use the discount.
I think my favorite part about today was one of my little monsters telling me that my "tooth was really brown and I should brush more often." Hummmm, I was kneeling down and looking at him right up close trying to explain to him why he needs to keep his hands to himself. Way to change the subject and disarm me, three year old sociopath. Just kidding, he is not a sociopath but he is a bit of a terror. And yet I had a blast today jumping back in, breaking up the "fights" and reading stories and playing with Playdoh (sp?). I want to do it all the time!!! Oh and for the record I asked around and I DO NOT have a brown tooth.
I am on my laptop or else I would post some pictures of the Dominican. I will promise to do this soon...one of the times I post from our desktop. In the meantime the weather is supposed to be getting nicer this week so I am looking forward to many walks and some playground time with Spy.
Speaking of Spy...it hit me the other day that my baby is no longer a baby but a little boy. I cried as I watched him try to walk down the two stairs in our family room without turning around and crawling down. He made his way over to the wall, held onto the gate, and walk down the stairs...sniff, sniff. Where did the last 15 months go?
Monday, March 08, 2010
Catching Up
What a crazy night. We went to La Locanda for my Dad's dinner party and I ended up having to leave because I felt like crap. Mom took Simon home with her so I could sleep, lest I ended up vomiting all night, which thankfully I did not.
I went for a run outside yesterday and I almost barfed up a lung. That should have been my first clue that I was not feeling well but I chalked it up to not having been able to work out since before my trip to the Dominican (will post pictures next). I definitely gained at least 5lbs during my vacation...many many Pina Coladas at happy hour will do that to you. When I weighed in on Sat I was up 3.2lbs so I was able to lose some before the meeting. I tried out a new meeting with my friend Dawn and I really liked it. Sometimes it is good to shake things up and it is nice to have Dawn there to bounce ideas off of. I really miss my old leader, Jess, but she switched to a different meeting too far away from KOP. The person that replaced her was ok. So I decided to try the Collegeville meeting and it was good.
I am not sure if I am going to be able to run a full 5k on April 17. I am still going to sign up for it and try but I am still only running about 3 minutes at a time and no more than that. But that is 3 min more than I could run in Jan so I am happy with that. There are others walking this particular race so worst case I run and then walk the rest of the way.
I have to start doing some core training - the running is not going to be enough to help me reach my final weight goal by the end of the year. I think I have a new incentive - if I reach my goal and maintain my weight for 6 weeks and make it to life time I am going to get one of my tattoos redesigned. I have 2 that are old and fading that need to be touched up but I think that I might have one redesigned in honor of my son. I have been thinking about it for a while so hopefully by the time I reach my goals I will have figured out what design I want and they will be able to do something over the existing tat I have.
OK, I have to get dressed and pic up Simon. Pics of the Dominican to follow in the next post. Ciao!
I went for a run outside yesterday and I almost barfed up a lung. That should have been my first clue that I was not feeling well but I chalked it up to not having been able to work out since before my trip to the Dominican (will post pictures next). I definitely gained at least 5lbs during my vacation...many many Pina Coladas at happy hour will do that to you. When I weighed in on Sat I was up 3.2lbs so I was able to lose some before the meeting. I tried out a new meeting with my friend Dawn and I really liked it. Sometimes it is good to shake things up and it is nice to have Dawn there to bounce ideas off of. I really miss my old leader, Jess, but she switched to a different meeting too far away from KOP. The person that replaced her was ok. So I decided to try the Collegeville meeting and it was good.
I am not sure if I am going to be able to run a full 5k on April 17. I am still going to sign up for it and try but I am still only running about 3 minutes at a time and no more than that. But that is 3 min more than I could run in Jan so I am happy with that. There are others walking this particular race so worst case I run and then walk the rest of the way.
I have to start doing some core training - the running is not going to be enough to help me reach my final weight goal by the end of the year. I think I have a new incentive - if I reach my goal and maintain my weight for 6 weeks and make it to life time I am going to get one of my tattoos redesigned. I have 2 that are old and fading that need to be touched up but I think that I might have one redesigned in honor of my son. I have been thinking about it for a while so hopefully by the time I reach my goals I will have figured out what design I want and they will be able to do something over the existing tat I have.
OK, I have to get dressed and pic up Simon. Pics of the Dominican to follow in the next post. Ciao!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Mother Nature is a hater.
Snow, snow and more snow. I am really tired of looking out the window and seeing white. And we are supposed to get more on Monday. Really? Is Mother Nature that much of a hater? I guess so.
Due to the lovely weather I was unable to weigh in last week. I was also unable to run outside. I ran a few times inside but for some reason the treadmill makes it seem so much harder so I was unable to run any longer than 90 second intervals. Oh yeah and I had a death cold this week as well. Being stuck in the house meant having no where to go when I felt a feeding frenzy come along so needless to say I gained 1lb this week. Which honestly is not bad since I really thought it would be more.
My cousin still has not e-mailed me her workout program or answered my e-mails so I am just going to go ahead and assume that I will have to find a way to work out my core on my own. Which is fine really because I found some really great circuit routines in Fitness Magazine which may suit my needs. Now the issue is finding the time to squeeze them in. Now that Simon is no longer in daycare and I am at home I will have to do the workouts when he naps which also means less house work gets done. This then becomes an issue with my hubby...sigh...it never ends. But today's WW meeting was about making yourself a priority so if the only time I can work out is when I am supposed to be doing chores then so be it. At least for now, getting in shape and being able to run a 5k is my priority.
I realize I have not posted pictures of Spy in a while. I apologize and promise to remedy this ASAP. I am also recently obsessed with moving into a new house to be closer to my parents. Yes, I know this is crazy in this market but my continuous watching of HGTV has made me house crazy. We are just checking out what is available closer to them now and see what is out there. It may never happen but I wanted to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later in case we find something we love. There is no way we can have a second child unless I have more support and that translates into being closer to Mom and Dad. And I was the one who swore she would never move back home...never say never...
Due to the lovely weather I was unable to weigh in last week. I was also unable to run outside. I ran a few times inside but for some reason the treadmill makes it seem so much harder so I was unable to run any longer than 90 second intervals. Oh yeah and I had a death cold this week as well. Being stuck in the house meant having no where to go when I felt a feeding frenzy come along so needless to say I gained 1lb this week. Which honestly is not bad since I really thought it would be more.
My cousin still has not e-mailed me her workout program or answered my e-mails so I am just going to go ahead and assume that I will have to find a way to work out my core on my own. Which is fine really because I found some really great circuit routines in Fitness Magazine which may suit my needs. Now the issue is finding the time to squeeze them in. Now that Simon is no longer in daycare and I am at home I will have to do the workouts when he naps which also means less house work gets done. This then becomes an issue with my hubby...sigh...it never ends. But today's WW meeting was about making yourself a priority so if the only time I can work out is when I am supposed to be doing chores then so be it. At least for now, getting in shape and being able to run a 5k is my priority.
I realize I have not posted pictures of Spy in a while. I apologize and promise to remedy this ASAP. I am also recently obsessed with moving into a new house to be closer to my parents. Yes, I know this is crazy in this market but my continuous watching of HGTV has made me house crazy. We are just checking out what is available closer to them now and see what is out there. It may never happen but I wanted to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later in case we find something we love. There is no way we can have a second child unless I have more support and that translates into being closer to Mom and Dad. And I was the one who swore she would never move back home...never say never...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The Cold Is My Least Favorite Thing About Winter
Uggg, more snow last night. And it is frigid and icy out today. I had to use the treadmill to get my run in which meant I had to dust and vacuum my attic lest I get an allergy attack from the dust.
I am down 2.2lbs this week making my grand total 25lbs since August. Yesterday I put on a pair of jeans and they were loose - these used to be my tight party jeans - I would wear them out because they were a bit tight and they would remind me not to over eat. Luckily I am a jean hoarder so I just have to go into my stash of smaller jeans to find a new pair of "party jeans." So even though daycare is sucking every last penny out of us I can still "shop" in the closet in my spare room for clothes that fit. I will take what I can get.
Still waiting on my cousin to send me my first 3 minute crush routine. Next week will be my last week of student teaching so I am going to have to figure out how to fit my runs/exercise in...I guess I will just have to use the treadmill while Simon naps or else wait until Dan gets home to run outside. Once the days get longer this should not be a problem. What is important is that I do not use this change in schedule as an excuse to not exercise. I have come to far to let this happen...also I am a bit addicted to it now I have to say which I guess is good.
OK, I have to finish up my lesson plans for this week...one last batch before I am on "vacation." Until I find a new job that is.
I am down 2.2lbs this week making my grand total 25lbs since August. Yesterday I put on a pair of jeans and they were loose - these used to be my tight party jeans - I would wear them out because they were a bit tight and they would remind me not to over eat. Luckily I am a jean hoarder so I just have to go into my stash of smaller jeans to find a new pair of "party jeans." So even though daycare is sucking every last penny out of us I can still "shop" in the closet in my spare room for clothes that fit. I will take what I can get.
Still waiting on my cousin to send me my first 3 minute crush routine. Next week will be my last week of student teaching so I am going to have to figure out how to fit my runs/exercise in...I guess I will just have to use the treadmill while Simon naps or else wait until Dan gets home to run outside. Once the days get longer this should not be a problem. What is important is that I do not use this change in schedule as an excuse to not exercise. I have come to far to let this happen...also I am a bit addicted to it now I have to say which I guess is good.
OK, I have to finish up my lesson plans for this week...one last batch before I am on "vacation." Until I find a new job that is.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Lazy Sunday
Hello all. Just an update. Down 2 lbs this week - yay!!!
I went on my run today and have to admit it is getting so much easier. I am running now for 2 minute intervals something I never thought I could do. I think I am starting to get addicted - the feeling I get when I finish my run is amazing. Almost like I am taking a drug. I know people say that exercise is the best medicine for the blues...jeeze they were not kidding!
In other news...I have 2 full weeks left of student teaching. I am torn - in a way I am glad to be finishing...I need the time to finish my student teaching binder and my exit portfolio. At the same time I am really going to miss my students. They are my shining stars and I am sad that I will not be able to see them through to the end of the year. It has been exciting to celebrate their successes and help them through their difficulties. I will probably cry like a baby on my last day.
I am also confused about my job search. At this point I go between wanting to start a job right away to waiting until summer to look for a position in September. The issue is daycare. If I didn't have Simon I would start right away but daycare is so expensive I kind of really need to choose my next job carefully. I won't be certified until at least April so that is an issue as well...sigh...what to do, what to do...
OK, Simon is going to wake up soon. Must run. Have a great week everyone!
I went on my run today and have to admit it is getting so much easier. I am running now for 2 minute intervals something I never thought I could do. I think I am starting to get addicted - the feeling I get when I finish my run is amazing. Almost like I am taking a drug. I know people say that exercise is the best medicine for the blues...jeeze they were not kidding!
In other news...I have 2 full weeks left of student teaching. I am torn - in a way I am glad to be finishing...I need the time to finish my student teaching binder and my exit portfolio. At the same time I am really going to miss my students. They are my shining stars and I am sad that I will not be able to see them through to the end of the year. It has been exciting to celebrate their successes and help them through their difficulties. I will probably cry like a baby on my last day.
I am also confused about my job search. At this point I go between wanting to start a job right away to waiting until summer to look for a position in September. The issue is daycare. If I didn't have Simon I would start right away but daycare is so expensive I kind of really need to choose my next job carefully. I won't be certified until at least April so that is an issue as well...sigh...what to do, what to do...
OK, Simon is going to wake up soon. Must run. Have a great week everyone!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Proceed at Your Own Risk
OK people. I apologize in advance for the temporary blindness that may occur from viewing this post. You see, the thing is, my fabulous cousin Toni, who happens to be a personal trainer, has inspired me to take on another challenge on my road to being healthy and strong. As some of you already know I joined Weight Watchers in August 2009 and as of this morning am 20.8lbs thinner and a whole heck of a lot more healthy for it. Up to now, I have been able to accomplish this weight loss based solely on eating better and making smarter choices about how much and what I eat. The problem is I have reached a bit of a plateau. I have been lucky. Until now I have not "exercised" in the true sense of the word. That is all about to change.
In April I will participate in the 3rd Annual Sunflower Run, a 5K held in memory of Aime Willard, a former schoolmate of mine who was brutally murdered in 1996. I have never run before in my life...I mean never ever.... so this will truly be a personal victory for me. I have started the Couch-to-5K program and and gone on two "runs." I am happy to report I did not die or even barf up a lung which I was sure I would do at the very least.
In addition to training for the 5K, Toni put out a challenge to her family and friends which you can read about on her blog here. I have decided that in order to be fully prepared to successfully run this 5K I will need to be strong. I will need to work my core and Toni has provided me with the perfect motivation. So as per her request I am posting my "before" photos here, Biggest Loser style as well as my current weight which as of this morning is 166.2lbs.
My husband asked me why on earth I would want to post these photos on my blog for my friends, family and random internet lurkers to see. The answer is simple. I have come a long way since August and while I am not perfect I am very proud of everything I have accomplished up to now. If the people on the Biggest Loser, people with far greater weight issues, can bare all on national TV then I certainly can post pictures of myself during my weight loss journey. Like the 5K this is just another way of making me accountable for my actions. And if I can inspire someone else to make healthy changes along the way then even better.
I will do my best to post about my progress in the next 6 weeks. I will also promise to try and post on a more regular basis about Italy, teaching, Spy and the other things that occupy my life these days. I will post my "after" pictures 6 weeks from now so you can see how Toni's program has worked for me.
A presto, ragazzi!!!
In April I will participate in the 3rd Annual Sunflower Run, a 5K held in memory of Aime Willard, a former schoolmate of mine who was brutally murdered in 1996. I have never run before in my life...I mean never ever.... so this will truly be a personal victory for me. I have started the Couch-to-5K program and and gone on two "runs." I am happy to report I did not die or even barf up a lung which I was sure I would do at the very least.
In addition to training for the 5K, Toni put out a challenge to her family and friends which you can read about on her blog here. I have decided that in order to be fully prepared to successfully run this 5K I will need to be strong. I will need to work my core and Toni has provided me with the perfect motivation. So as per her request I am posting my "before" photos here, Biggest Loser style as well as my current weight which as of this morning is 166.2lbs.
My husband asked me why on earth I would want to post these photos on my blog for my friends, family and random internet lurkers to see. The answer is simple. I have come a long way since August and while I am not perfect I am very proud of everything I have accomplished up to now. If the people on the Biggest Loser, people with far greater weight issues, can bare all on national TV then I certainly can post pictures of myself during my weight loss journey. Like the 5K this is just another way of making me accountable for my actions. And if I can inspire someone else to make healthy changes along the way then even better.
I will do my best to post about my progress in the next 6 weeks. I will also promise to try and post on a more regular basis about Italy, teaching, Spy and the other things that occupy my life these days. I will post my "after" pictures 6 weeks from now so you can see how Toni's program has worked for me.
A presto, ragazzi!!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
2009 Meme
I swiped this from the fabulous Michelle at Bleeding Espresso. I did not do this in 2008 (for obvious reasons) so I am happy to revisit this meme and reflect on what has been an exciting and eventful year. To see what I did in 2007 click here.
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? Participate in the Kids Lit Klub at Cabrini where I worked with 3 amazing women to create a reading camp from start to finish. Work in an elementary school as a reading specialist. Be a mom.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I think the only "resolution" I made was to be the best mom possible to my son - hopefully I have done this but you never know.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? So many babies so little time...the short list of new babies...Mackenzie, Isabella, Booker, Jack, Olivia (beautiful niece #1), Naomi (beautiful niece #2), Taylor (beautiful niece #3), Ethan (beautiful nephew)...I am sure there are more but who can keep track!
4. Did anyone close to you die? Not this year, but my friend Dave passed away in Sept of 2008 after a 9 m0nth battle with Melanoma. I think of him and his family often.
5. What countries did you visit? Italy
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? My teaching certification and a job!
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Jan 4 - my friend Suzie went into labor while watching the Eagles game at her parents house. April 17 - had to take Simon to the Emergency Room in the middle of the night because he fell out of his carseat. he had to have a cat scan and it was awful. May 15 - my niece Olivia was born. Oct 12 - my first day student teaching!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Passing all my Praxis tests on the first try!
9. What was your biggest failure? I wish I had been able to breast feed Simon longer - but 5 months is great.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Not that I can recall. Had surgery on my gums which was heinous but I am lucky to have been healthy. Still have high blood pressure, despite my weight loss.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Well my mom bought it for me but my Snuggie. There, I said it.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My beautiful son who has learned to walk at 12 months!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? JD our cat...bad bad bad kitty likes to poop and pee in our basement but not in his litter box which is in the basement.
14. Where did most of your money go? Our mortgage, our bills, the last of my grad school classes. Oh yeah, and formula, diapers, etc.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Taking Simon to Italy to meet Nonna Linda!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? I Gotta Feelin by the Black Eyed Peas....Simon loves this song and dances to it all the time.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer? Happier (getting more sleep!), thinner (like by 65lbs!), the same...still need to find a job.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? At the beginning of the year...sleep!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Second guessing my parenting skills.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Dad, Uncle, Dan, Simon and I had dinner at our house. Mom was in Italy and we missed her.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? Yes, with Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips...I am eating some right now!
22. What was your favorite TV program? Glee!!! Makes me so happy!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I try not to be a hater.
24. What was the best book you read? The Things They Carried by Tom O'Brien. Not my usual cup of tea but a really moving book.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? The Laurie Berkner Band - Simon loves her and so do I!
27. What did you want and not get? A paying job.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Duh, New Moon :)
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 36 and I was in class that night so I didn't do anything. Dan took me to dinner later that week. (this was the same thing as 2007...weird)
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Getting paid for my student teaching - but I love it so I cannot complain.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? It fits? I'll wear it!
32. What kept you sane? My son's smile and giggles.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? My favorite vampire - Robert Pattinson
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Clean water is a basic human right.
35. Who did you miss? All my DC ladies...I still miss you greatly!
36. Who was the best new person you met? Karen, my cooperating teacher
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. No matter how bleak life seems, there is always someone who is worse off than you - so get over it!
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Still the same as 2007. "In dreams begin responsibilities" - U2, Acrobat My dream was to have a family of my own...and with that came all my responsibilities.
How did you all fair in 2009? Post a comment if you decided to do a year end review so I can read it as well.
I have high hopes for 2010 so bring it on peeps!
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? Participate in the Kids Lit Klub at Cabrini where I worked with 3 amazing women to create a reading camp from start to finish. Work in an elementary school as a reading specialist. Be a mom.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I think the only "resolution" I made was to be the best mom possible to my son - hopefully I have done this but you never know.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? So many babies so little time...the short list of new babies...Mackenzie, Isabella, Booker, Jack, Olivia (beautiful niece #1), Naomi (beautiful niece #2), Taylor (beautiful niece #3), Ethan (beautiful nephew)...I am sure there are more but who can keep track!
4. Did anyone close to you die? Not this year, but my friend Dave passed away in Sept of 2008 after a 9 m0nth battle with Melanoma. I think of him and his family often.
5. What countries did you visit? Italy
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? My teaching certification and a job!
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Jan 4 - my friend Suzie went into labor while watching the Eagles game at her parents house. April 17 - had to take Simon to the Emergency Room in the middle of the night because he fell out of his carseat. he had to have a cat scan and it was awful. May 15 - my niece Olivia was born. Oct 12 - my first day student teaching!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Passing all my Praxis tests on the first try!
9. What was your biggest failure? I wish I had been able to breast feed Simon longer - but 5 months is great.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Not that I can recall. Had surgery on my gums which was heinous but I am lucky to have been healthy. Still have high blood pressure, despite my weight loss.
11. What was the best thing you bought? Well my mom bought it for me but my Snuggie. There, I said it.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My beautiful son who has learned to walk at 12 months!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? JD our cat...bad bad bad kitty likes to poop and pee in our basement but not in his litter box which is in the basement.
14. Where did most of your money go? Our mortgage, our bills, the last of my grad school classes. Oh yeah, and formula, diapers, etc.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Taking Simon to Italy to meet Nonna Linda!
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? I Gotta Feelin by the Black Eyed Peas....Simon loves this song and dances to it all the time.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer? Happier (getting more sleep!), thinner (like by 65lbs!), the same...still need to find a job.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? At the beginning of the year...sleep!
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Second guessing my parenting skills.
20. How did you spend Christmas? Dad, Uncle, Dan, Simon and I had dinner at our house. Mom was in Italy and we missed her.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? Yes, with Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips...I am eating some right now!
22. What was your favorite TV program? Glee!!! Makes me so happy!
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I try not to be a hater.
24. What was the best book you read? The Things They Carried by Tom O'Brien. Not my usual cup of tea but a really moving book.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? The Laurie Berkner Band - Simon loves her and so do I!
27. What did you want and not get? A paying job.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Duh, New Moon :)
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 36 and I was in class that night so I didn't do anything. Dan took me to dinner later that week. (this was the same thing as 2007...weird)
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Getting paid for my student teaching - but I love it so I cannot complain.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? It fits? I'll wear it!
32. What kept you sane? My son's smile and giggles.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? My favorite vampire - Robert Pattinson
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Clean water is a basic human right.
35. Who did you miss? All my DC ladies...I still miss you greatly!
36. Who was the best new person you met? Karen, my cooperating teacher
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. No matter how bleak life seems, there is always someone who is worse off than you - so get over it!
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Still the same as 2007. "In dreams begin responsibilities" - U2, Acrobat My dream was to have a family of my own...and with that came all my responsibilities.
How did you all fair in 2009? Post a comment if you decided to do a year end review so I can read it as well.
I have high hopes for 2010 so bring it on peeps!
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Happy (Belated) B-day Spy!
On December1, my beautiful baby boy turned 1. I cannot believe that a year has passed since we checked into the hospital and our son arrived. What an incredible year it has been. Watching our son grow from a helpless little bundle to a free spirited, lovable, snugly little boy has been amazing. We are so excited for all the fun things he has in store for us. We love you baby! Happy Birthday!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
What do you do when you are thirsty?
Run to your sink to grab a glass of water? Go to the water cooler at work and refill your water bottle? There are so many people in our world, specifically Africa, that do not have such a simple but important luxury.
During this time of giving thanks, I am asking my readers to become a fan of Chase Community Giving on Facebook. Once you do this you can vote for the African Well Fund - the winner receives $25,000 towards their charity. With this money the AWF can fund an entire water and sanitation project, which depending on the country, can service thousands of people in villages that have no access to clean water.
Click on the link above to become a fan and vote. It will only take a few seconds...and in doing do you can change the lives of thousands of men, women and children who lack basic yet life saving access to clean water.
During this time of giving thanks, I am asking my readers to become a fan of Chase Community Giving on Facebook. Once you do this you can vote for the African Well Fund - the winner receives $25,000 towards their charity. With this money the AWF can fund an entire water and sanitation project, which depending on the country, can service thousands of people in villages that have no access to clean water.
Click on the link above to become a fan and vote. It will only take a few seconds...and in doing do you can change the lives of thousands of men, women and children who lack basic yet life saving access to clean water.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
11 months young
Oh where o where has the time gone? My little man was 11 months old on Sunday. In a few short weeks we will be celebrating his 1st birthday...unbelievable. I love you peeper!
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Lil' Pumpkin - 10 months
Spy was 10 months old this week. Here we are at Linvilla Orchards with cousins Sofia and Olivia, Zia Lisa, Nonna Maria and Nonno Mario and our good friend Leandro. Simon was wary at first and then really had fun feeling all the pumpkin stems...what can I say...he is very tactile!I cannot believe that in a few short months we will be celebrating his first birthday! Crazy!!! He is a super fast crawler and loves to pull himself up and then let go...soon he will be walking and then all the fun will begin. He has 3 teeth and 3 more breaking through...so it has been a rough past couple of nights but we love him to pieces anyway!
With Nonno/a
The awesome Halloween display.
Very tactile my son.
Sofia has fun on the playground.Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A lil' bit o' this n a lil' bit o' that
Since I have lost my ability to focus on any one thing for more than a period of 5 minutes, I have decided to post a bunch of blurbs about what is going on with me. You know for the 2 of you who still tune in to read this blog.
Whet to Fogo de Chao Sunday night and had a very un-Weight Watchers friendly dinner. Seriously, it was a crazy meat-a-licious meal. If you like meat I highly recommend the experience.
Speaking of Weight Watchers, I joined when I got back from Italy and have lost 11.2lbs in 6 weeks. I feel pretty awesome, better than I have in months. Now if only I can convince Spy to sleep through the night and I would feel 100%.
I took the Praxis II on Sept. 12. I need to pass it in order to student teach. I find out the results on Oct. 9 and I am supposed to start student teaching on Oct. 12. Talk about cutting it close and waiting until the last minute. Yeah, that is how I roll. If I fail...well I have to take it again in Nov and I student teach in Jan. Sigh.
Simon is crawling now, Lord help us all. He also has 3 teeth with at least 2 more on the way. He is still not sleeping through the night and hence I am not sleeping through the night either. If I do end up student teaching there are going to have to be some changes in our household with regards to who gets up to get Simon in the middle of the night. Yes, I am talking to you, D.
I need a mani/pedi in the worst way. My feet look like hooves. As usual, I have no time for this.
I am crazily looking forward to the next movie in the Twilight Saga: New Moon. Yes, I know it is a movie for teenagers. No, I do not care. The trailer made me squeal like a school girl at a Hot Topic meet and greet which by the way I have never been too in case you were wondering.
Finally, today is our 2 year anniversary. I cannot believe 2 years have gone by so quickly.
Happy Anniversary Baby!
Whet to Fogo de Chao Sunday night and had a very un-Weight Watchers friendly dinner. Seriously, it was a crazy meat-a-licious meal. If you like meat I highly recommend the experience.
Speaking of Weight Watchers, I joined when I got back from Italy and have lost 11.2lbs in 6 weeks. I feel pretty awesome, better than I have in months. Now if only I can convince Spy to sleep through the night and I would feel 100%.
I took the Praxis II on Sept. 12. I need to pass it in order to student teach. I find out the results on Oct. 9 and I am supposed to start student teaching on Oct. 12. Talk about cutting it close and waiting until the last minute. Yeah, that is how I roll. If I fail...well I have to take it again in Nov and I student teach in Jan. Sigh.
Simon is crawling now, Lord help us all. He also has 3 teeth with at least 2 more on the way. He is still not sleeping through the night and hence I am not sleeping through the night either. If I do end up student teaching there are going to have to be some changes in our household with regards to who gets up to get Simon in the middle of the night. Yes, I am talking to you, D.
I need a mani/pedi in the worst way. My feet look like hooves. As usual, I have no time for this.
I am crazily looking forward to the next movie in the Twilight Saga: New Moon. Yes, I know it is a movie for teenagers. No, I do not care. The trailer made me squeal like a school girl at a Hot Topic meet and greet which by the way I have never been too in case you were wondering.
Finally, today is our 2 year anniversary. I cannot believe 2 years have gone by so quickly.
Happy Anniversary Baby!Monday, September 14, 2009
Friday, September 04, 2009
9 months old
They say time flies when you are having fun...where have the last 9 months gone? Our little monkey is growing like a weed. He has two perfect teeth in this perfect mouth. He is almost crawling forward...definitely crawling backwards and can pull himself up in his crib. Sigh. Soon he will be asking for the keys to the car...what on earth will I do then?
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