I have to say that I am loving this Myfitnesspal App. Some of my favorite functions are the ability to scan barcodes of food for easy logging, calorie counting and storage of favorite foods/recipes.
I'm on a 1200 calorie a day diet and did not go over my goal yesterday. I think the tracker helps to keep me in line but time will tell. My biggest challenges will be impulse eating and making sure I get on a steady exercise routine. My plan is to get to Bikram once a week and run/walk another two days a week. My overall weight loss goal is to lose 26 pounds.
Yesterday ended up being a lovely little Saturday. I had some quality time with Adele and we tried some stage one green beans. She still sticks her tongue out with the food in her mouth, yet she seems to be excited to get the food. I'm sure she'll be a pro before you know it. In the evening, my parents stopped by and James & I headed out to Naperville for dinner at Blackfinn. I had the Ahi Tuna Salad with a Skinny Girl Margarita.. The salad was great and the Margarita was excellent! I've never had a skinny girl drink but the name didn't set high expectations.. I'm sold on skinny girl drinks. After dinner, we walked along the riverwalk for an hour. Home by 8:30 and in bed by 9:00. Fine by me!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Third Time's a Charm
Weight Loss..... UGHHH!!!! I'm entering into another psychological an physical warfare with my body in hopes of being around for my grandchildren and having energy for my children (both at home and at school). I've been here before and it is just a god-awful emotional battle ground for me...
I've done this before, two times. Once after college when my time could be COMPLETELY devoted to working out and eating right (along with the fact that I was 22 years old) and then after having Jade. The second time around life had changed dramatically so I had to "reinvent" how I was going to approach weight loss. Low and behold, 6 months later I reached my goal weight..... Then we got pregnant with Adele......
I've gone kicking and screaming into it this time, but I've got a train I need to catch with about 10 of my mommy friends and I'm not going to get left behind.
In case your interested, I'm using my fitness pal app for my iphone do to calorie tracking and fitness tracking.. A few of my co-workers have used this app with much success so I'm willing to give it a try!
Speaking of Adele.. Nap time is over!
I've done this before, two times. Once after college when my time could be COMPLETELY devoted to working out and eating right (along with the fact that I was 22 years old) and then after having Jade. The second time around life had changed dramatically so I had to "reinvent" how I was going to approach weight loss. Low and behold, 6 months later I reached my goal weight..... Then we got pregnant with Adele......
I've gone kicking and screaming into it this time, but I've got a train I need to catch with about 10 of my mommy friends and I'm not going to get left behind.
In case your interested, I'm using my fitness pal app for my iphone do to calorie tracking and fitness tracking.. A few of my co-workers have used this app with much success so I'm willing to give it a try!
Speaking of Adele.. Nap time is over!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
I still think 1990 was ten years ago...
My buddy George Takei posted this fun one yesterday and thought it was very fitting with the kind of weekend I had. Glad to be up and blogging again!
On Friday my students were asked to have the youngest person in each row collect erase boards.. I heard one of the students say "1997" and just about threw-up in my mouth... I informed them that I was a senior in high school that year and if they'd like to figure out my age they should do the math; they did and of course the smart ones low-balled my age.
That evening, I attended an EPCHS Band Reunion with my good friend and was pleasantly surprised with the number of people I knew. We shared some good laughs about band and choir back in the day but thought it was a little sad that I didn't remember which show I conducted as Senior Drum Major.... My friend and I scoped out the room after that conversation and determined we had spoke to everyone we felt like speaking to and proceeded to do a little people watching to top of the night.
On Sunday we happened to go to an Apple Orchard that was just minutes away from NIU. Coincidentally, college spirit day at LHS was Monday so I figured what other excuse would I need to visit my Alma Mater? As I was driving up Annie Glidden Road, the memories flooded back: Amnesia Night Club, Starbusters Otto's, Neptune East 4th floor, Graham Hall and my night classes (on a side note, I loved that the High Incidence Disabilities Professors never scheduled classes before noon). Unfortunately, all the bookstores and the Alumni Center were closed so I was out of luck in terms of buying another sweatshirt. I was startled out of memory lane when Adele suddenly started screaming in our car and we got to pull over only to discover that she had a massive poopy diaper (sorry but this our lives these days). Just a reminder that low and behold, it is NOT the year 2000, but that's also okay by me.
Book Club reading time! Until next time.
On Friday my students were asked to have the youngest person in each row collect erase boards.. I heard one of the students say "1997" and just about threw-up in my mouth... I informed them that I was a senior in high school that year and if they'd like to figure out my age they should do the math; they did and of course the smart ones low-balled my age.
That evening, I attended an EPCHS Band Reunion with my good friend and was pleasantly surprised with the number of people I knew. We shared some good laughs about band and choir back in the day but thought it was a little sad that I didn't remember which show I conducted as Senior Drum Major.... My friend and I scoped out the room after that conversation and determined we had spoke to everyone we felt like speaking to and proceeded to do a little people watching to top of the night.
On Sunday we happened to go to an Apple Orchard that was just minutes away from NIU. Coincidentally, college spirit day at LHS was Monday so I figured what other excuse would I need to visit my Alma Mater? As I was driving up Annie Glidden Road, the memories flooded back: Amnesia Night Club, Starbusters Otto's, Neptune East 4th floor, Graham Hall and my night classes (on a side note, I loved that the High Incidence Disabilities Professors never scheduled classes before noon). Unfortunately, all the bookstores and the Alumni Center were closed so I was out of luck in terms of buying another sweatshirt. I was startled out of memory lane when Adele suddenly started screaming in our car and we got to pull over only to discover that she had a massive poopy diaper (sorry but this our lives these days). Just a reminder that low and behold, it is NOT the year 2000, but that's also okay by me.
Book Club reading time! Until next time.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
People first, then money, then things
I like to spend money, make it rain, burn a hole through my pocket etc.... This has been a constant source of anxiety in my life. In college I went on a 2 year spending spree that led to a decision to file for bankruptcy.
After college, I sobered up from money lightning fast after realizing that my long-term goals would surely be put on hold due to my bleak credit record. I was angry at the choice I made but vowed never to make that mistake again. Part of keeping that vow was educating myself on how money works.... Enter financial guru Suze Orman. "The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke" saved my financial future and set me to a path of redemption for several years ahead. Orman preaches the line "People first, then money, then things". That's simple right?? WELL sort of....
What I came to realize back then is that anytime major stress and/or life changes hit, my outlet is to shop. I have several vices including shiny sparkly things, perfumes and purses. It's a simple equation: stress + $$ = shop.
Well yeah major life change here we are! Low and behold I'm shopping more than usual....... OH WELL! I've come to the conclusion that as long as people are first, things can move up to second for awhile.
After college, I sobered up from money lightning fast after realizing that my long-term goals would surely be put on hold due to my bleak credit record. I was angry at the choice I made but vowed never to make that mistake again. Part of keeping that vow was educating myself on how money works.... Enter financial guru Suze Orman. "The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke" saved my financial future and set me to a path of redemption for several years ahead. Orman preaches the line "People first, then money, then things". That's simple right?? WELL sort of....
What I came to realize back then is that anytime major stress and/or life changes hit, my outlet is to shop. I have several vices including shiny sparkly things, perfumes and purses. It's a simple equation: stress + $$ = shop.
Well yeah major life change here we are! Low and behold I'm shopping more than usual....... OH WELL! I've come to the conclusion that as long as people are first, things can move up to second for awhile.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Shenanigans
Since we became a family of four, our weekends have been absolutely insane and entirely too fast.. This weekend was certainly no exception.
Friday night entailed mommy time for me with my gals in one of my mom's groups. These evenings typically turn into some type of mommy shenanigans with a slice of therapy. The beautiful thing about this group of ladies is that we have now been friends for nearly a year and so every one's guard has come down and we've really begun to understand what makes each of us tic. It's a mixed bag of mom's with many other titles than mom including but not limited to: artists, photographers, teachers, cooks, IT pro's, waitresses, wives, mad skills shoppers and last but not least women who are just trying to make a good life for their families.
Saturday morning Jade and I attended a morning birthday party for a friend. I really loved the concept of a morning birthday party because it was PJ's for everyone and who doesn't love breakfast food? Laid back & cozy always works for us these days.
In the afternoon, I was able to sneak away with Adele for awhile for an impromptu shoe shopping trip with one of my very good pals. I realized that out of the MANY material addictions I tend toward, shoes are not one of them. The last time I shopped for fall/winter work shoes was three years ago. I am the type of girl who likes to buy the "perfect" pair of shoes and wear them down to the ground.
I've been looking forward to Sunday all week because it was triple celebration at my "sis's" place. The weather was flawless and it had been too long since I'd seen my EP second family. I felt inspired to dust off our Nikon D5000 for the occasion. Here's a few of my favorites:
Til next time! Goodnight all!
Friday night entailed mommy time for me with my gals in one of my mom's groups. These evenings typically turn into some type of mommy shenanigans with a slice of therapy. The beautiful thing about this group of ladies is that we have now been friends for nearly a year and so every one's guard has come down and we've really begun to understand what makes each of us tic. It's a mixed bag of mom's with many other titles than mom including but not limited to: artists, photographers, teachers, cooks, IT pro's, waitresses, wives, mad skills shoppers and last but not least women who are just trying to make a good life for their families.
Saturday morning Jade and I attended a morning birthday party for a friend. I really loved the concept of a morning birthday party because it was PJ's for everyone and who doesn't love breakfast food? Laid back & cozy always works for us these days.
In the afternoon, I was able to sneak away with Adele for awhile for an impromptu shoe shopping trip with one of my very good pals. I realized that out of the MANY material addictions I tend toward, shoes are not one of them. The last time I shopped for fall/winter work shoes was three years ago. I am the type of girl who likes to buy the "perfect" pair of shoes and wear them down to the ground.
I've been looking forward to Sunday all week because it was triple celebration at my "sis's" place. The weather was flawless and it had been too long since I'd seen my EP second family. I felt inspired to dust off our Nikon D5000 for the occasion. Here's a few of my favorites:
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| Our Tiger |
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| Smiley baby with daddy who doesn't like to smile for pictures |
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| Auntie & Adele |
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| Three musketeers for the evening! |
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| Love this! |
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| My goddaughter :-) Go on with your bad self! |
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| Taking care of business! |
Friday, September 14, 2012
Sometimes I get a good feeling
Heard this song in the car today on the way home from work and decided it was the perfect title for today's post. I'm not sure if it was because it's Friday and sunny, but today was a high energy positive vibe kind of day. My students vibe off of my moods a lot and I know that positive energy is contagious, which may help to explain why it was such a great day at school. Also, I received a compliment on my teaching style from a "challenging" student today! Moments like those are what help fuel me for future inevitable rough patches.
Time to pick up my babies and head then head out for dinner with my mommy pals!
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
Time to pick up my babies and head then head out for dinner with my mommy pals!
HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Necessity is the mother of invention
This blog is no exception to the above! It's born out of a craving to share our family's triumphs, tribulations and just plain everyday doings. Before I had children, I always thought of blogs as selfish endeavor's for attention. After having children and exploring friend's and writer's blogs, I've determined that blogging just may be right up my alley; time will tell.
I was giddy in the car this afternoon on my way home from picking up the girls when I saw an email from a member of my 18q- group. Turns out this member is very local which is EXTREMELY exciting when you've got a 1 in 40,000 kind of child. I'm hoping to build a connection with this family and I've been welcomed with open arms by everyone in the group.. I've said that having a child with a disability like Adele's is similar to winning the lotto... You become part of an "elite group" that understands just what your going through and depending on how old their children are, can provide a glimpse into the future.
Jade's newest and cutest is singing.... The child sings about everyone and everything "daddddyyyyyy aaaand mommmmmmyyyyy aannnndddd sisssssyyyyy gooooo to Ellleeonorrraaa's callllll grandmaaaa". I am smitten when she does this and can't help but to do a total "my kid's gonna be the next American Idol" mommy thing... The other plus to her love of singing is that I've already found one of her preferred learning styles (insert OMG she's such a teacher eye roll).
On that note, it's time for mommy to enjoy a Zombie Dust and call it a night!
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