In Search of My Body....Not the One I ATE! Vol. 5: Goddesses are Always on Top!

[3DisneyKids]

Hi! I am actually CAUGHT UP! Read everything. No thread bankruptcy for me!

You cannot pick up a 14YO girl from practice all smelly, sweaty and in your running clothes. It is a cardinal rule of some sort. Maybe it is one of the 7 deadly sins, I am not sure on that. Have to consult the mommy rule book. Dinner in and early night for us. Figuring trip snackage and setting out clothes to pack. Oh yeah, and working too...

Rock on...

I love this! Because I am always going everywhere in my exercise clothes! And guess what?!?! I started a trend! Today was Kelly's first grade band and choir concert. And there were 3 moms there in their workout gear! Woo Hoo! Look at me, a trend setter! Of course, my kids aren't teens yet, so I am not sure how long I can get away with this.

FYI--Kelly did a FAB job. She plays xylophone in the band. But she had an extra job this year as well. They have a kid come out to center stage before each song and introduce the song or say some little anecdote or whatever. Just extra public speaking experience type of stuff. And after a kid said the one or two lines, Kelly repeated it in Spanish. So it was super cute! (Her Spanish teacher chose her. And I had no idea. I was like, "What is she doing up there???")

Vocal and instrumental music are compulsory in our district through grade 9. So that means the entire GRADE is in band. In since that means a ton of kids, it means that each grade has its own full band. Today was Kelly's band and choir concert AND Riley's. Tomorrow is Cam's.

To be quite honest, the reason I'm considering looking into it is not for me (however I would hope that I would use it too) but for Becca. She is 13 1/2, and done growing. She is the only one in our house who doesn't get regular exercise. Stephen & I both work out religiously. Nate is a 3-season runner. Seth belongs to the weight-lifting club & is on the "field" portion of the track team. Becca? She used to play softball (which I hardly count as exercise most of the time because they are idle so much) but she is now into her singing and drama stuff so deeply that there isn't time for softball anymore. She's very busy. Just not very active. And we don't live in an area where it is easy (or even safe) for her to just jump on her bike, or go rollerblading - it requires that we "go" somewhere for that.

She is due for a physical soon, and I have a feeling they are not going to be thrilled with her weight. She's not "fat" but she definitely has the potential. she's built just like me after all. the poor kid. She's going to fight this her whole life. Better to start now and be ahead of the game!

Nancy, I hear you on this. Cam is my kid who has my genetic make-up and will *always* battle weight. That is why I have her running. Anyway you can get Becca to run with you? Just C25k stuff? It will only take half an hour a day and you can get in some extra miles. Just a thought because I know how crazy all of your schedules are, and of course running is the best for that since you can fit it in so much easier than a class or things like that. Keep us posted.

Another thought--since she is into theater, what about having her take some dance classes? Wonderful exercise and it will benefit her love of theater.


Kelly--Cyprus! Can't wait to hear all! Also, you said something to Lyz a few days ago that I wanted to echo. One of the many things I love about Lyz is that she DOES always get it. Always.

LisaV--I am with you right now. Everything is a struggle. Everything. I can't get out of my own way. I can't focus on my food. All of it. We'll get through it.

Kat--I LOVE your comment about feeling stronger! Yes, I get that way, too! You really CAN feel it! SO proud of you!

Ronda--WOO HOO on C25K! WAY TO GO! Goddess crown for you, totally!

Paula--I hope you finally kicked that bug's a$$! But hell, I'll take a 10-pound loss anyway I can!

Other random comments--

I never give up alcohol because I am training for a race. I don't get bombed. But I will still have a glass or two of wine on the week-ends.

Gardening--my mother loves it. So it is perfect. She does all of the work and I get baskets full of lovely fresh veggies. And she has taught the kids and set up a mini garden for them. And if you ever want your kids to eat vegetables and be excited about it, have them grow their own! OMG, it is awesome. My kids grew SO MANY tomatoes last year that they set up a little stand (kind of like a lemonade stand, but produce instead) in front of my mom's house (she lives in town) and sold them. They made $52!

LOTS and LOTS to say about my own life, but this is long enough for now.

Watching the Mary Kay Letourneau Story. Lifetime Movie Network. Because I might as well continue the pedophile theme for today, eh? This is actually a very good movie. Or maybe I'm just weak headed from the shooting back pain I have going on, suddenly.

Ok, I had to comment on this. I do not understand that woman and that situation AT ALL. It has bothered me for years. And those poor children!

Tonight is my super late night. I have to work until 10pm (11pm for all you East Coasters). Yuck! I hope I don't have to take any supervisor calls after 9pm. I'm not looking forward to it at all.

EE--had to comment on this, too. 10pm as the "super late night." Cute. Just goofing with you. I don't even START work till 10!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Ok, so I know that I keep commenting that I am super busy and that is why I haven't been here and all of that. So I figured it was only fair to let you all know what is going on. None of it is awful or dramatic or anything. It is just a lot to have on my plate (and LisaV, no you didn't miss it, I just haven't talked about it yet, so I am going to now).

My daily life without anything extra in it is really busy as it is. So when other stuff gets mixed in, well, I am so far into the weeds that it gets scary.

Kids--all 3 kids have their concerts, etc. this week. So that is a lot of work right there. Plus Baseball/Softball season just started. This year is going to be hell. 3 kids, 3 different leagues, which means 3 different fields, each in a different corner of town, yet all with games and practices on the same days.

Kelly (my Kelly, not "our" Kelly here )--fully out of remission and back in the active stage of her disease. Sucks. Major suckfest. Lots of diagnostics being done right now, so all of that is time consuming.

Camp--well, we are doing *major* construction now at the lake house. Tore it all apart and now we are putting things back together. So that is, of course, a huge project. And one I definitely don't have time or energy for. But at least it has to be done by June, so it is somewhat short term. Oh, and YES, high speed internet access is being hooked up on Thursday. Eventually I will get some pics posted.

Injuries--I have been rehabbing the hip flexor, and I am scared to say anything and jinx myself, but I think I am at the tail end of this. Only minimal pain! Tomorrow I am going to get a solid run in and see how it goes. Wish me luck!

Cruise--3.5 weeks away. Still have lots of vacation planning to do.

Job--end of the semester is 3 weeks away, which means this is a massive crunch time at work.

Jeff and his job changes--I so appreciate all of the well wishes you have all given me over the past month. Jeff is finally done laying off people, so that is good. It was beyond brutal, though. Just heartbreaking. His company (which is a sizeable worldwide company with operations in 30 some odd countries) completely eliminated the entire worldwide division that Jeff was working in. And almost everyone in that division was laid off. Fortunately, Jeff was NOT and they moved him to a different branch within the company. That is the good news.

The not-so-good news is that he is now in charge of the company's operations in Korea and Taiwan. So that means he will be spending a ton of time in Asia. We don't have all of the details yet, but it is looking like at least 50% of this time will be there, if not 2/3 of his time. So the company will be buying us a residence over there. Probably Taiwan. So I have been house hunting (virtually, of course) in TAIWAN! Crazy, eh? Now we have no clue at all yet as to whether or not the kids and I will go over for an extended stay (as in several months) or what. Just not enough information yet. But if we DO go over, there are lots of perks. Like I would have a whole STAFF. A driver, a nanny, and a housekeeper/cook. I could learn to like it!

Seriously though, no matter what, it means huge changes for our family.

So, like I said, A LOT on my plate and just not enough time and not enough emotional energy to deal with it all at the same time. I have good days and not so good days. Today was good because I got to see the kids' concerts and it was SO fun to see them perform. But it also means that I got absolutely nothing done in terms of my actual job. So that is what I have to get to right now.

Thanks again, though, for asking and thinking of me.

 

[lisaviolet]

Holy crapamoli!!!!! Was that worth the wait or what.

I read so quickly I don't know if you are excited Erika but I am. And that's all that matters, eh?

How exciting.

I have a good friend in Taiwan right now. Been there for about five years. And her partner has been there for about 10 or 12. So I'm sure you're okay. But if you need anything. They are just on the outskirts of Taipei.

Holy crapamoli. Not even my vivid imagination could come up with that.

Now to go back and read and see what your feelings are.

Kelly -

 

[lisaviolet]

Gosh I love your outlook Erika.

Come on. I can clean. (I really can't). I want to be a member of the staff.

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Like I would have a whole STAFF. A driver, a nanny, and a housekeeper/cook. I could learn to like it!

(yes, I'm throwing my shoes at you)

BL sure was inspiring tonight.

 

[lisaviolet]

Edited for Erika's sanity.

 

[lisaviolet]

I simply won't be able to sleep tonight. Visions of questions and questions dancing in my head.

So get on it Cutie Lyz. It's on.

What does Jeff think?

Bolded to be seen and answered.

And you mean the Chinese Republic of Taipei, don't you? Or Chinese Taipei or whatever crap they're pushing these days.

 

[lisaviolet]

I have good days and not so good days.

Will Kelly's operation be soon Erika? Or they simply don't know yet?

 

[lisaviolet]

Step away from the computer Lisa. Step away.

Sorry Erika - simply couldn't help myself.

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Come on. I can clean. (I really can't). I want to be a member of the staff.

oh, I *can* clean. I just don't LIKE to.




Roddy, Sunny, Ronda, Dawn, LisaZ. Where are you guys?

Kelly - on vaca. that I know. Wonder how that MIL is behaving...

 

[3DisneyKids]

Lisa, honestly, I don't know how I feel yet. If we didn't have kids, I would be all over it. In a heart beat. But 3 school-age kids. Yikes. And of course my dad's failing health. So there are a lot of things to consider. Plus with everything else going on, I just haven't really been able to give it my full attention. So, I just don't know.

Jeff's feelings. All over the board. He jumped like, seriously, 8 levels or something crazy. This job puts him at a vice presidential level. And that scares the hell out of him. He isn't sure he is ready. Or qualified. And you have to realize that I have *never* seen him lack confidence when it comes to his work. So it is weird to see. But he is also excited. It is an amazing opportunity. We are guessing that it is going to be a sink or swim type of situation for him. He either won't cut it and/or isn't prepared and thus he'll get laid off. Or he will rise to the challenge and really make a name for himself in the company and end up on the executive fast track, so to speak. And even though sink or swim is a scary place to be, it is a good place for Jeff. Cause he will never sink. Never.

 

[lisaviolet]

Lisa, honestly, I don't know how I feel yet. If we didn't have kids, I would be all over it. In a heart beat. But 3 school-age kids. Yikes. And of course my dad's failing health. So there are a lot of things to consider. Plus with everything else going on, I just haven't really been able to give it my full attention. So, I just don't know.

Jeff's feelings. All over the board. He jumped like, seriously, 8 levels or something crazy. This job puts him at a vice presidential level. And that scares the hell out of him. He isn't sure he is ready. Or qualified. And you have to realize that I have *never* seen him lack confidence when it comes to his work. So it is weird to see. But he is also excited. It is an amazing opportunity. We are guessing that it is going to be a sink or swim type of situation for him. He either won't cut it and/or isn't prepared and thus he'll get laid off. Or he will rise to the challenge and really make a name for himself in the company and end up on the executive fast track, so to speak. And even though sink or swim is a scary place to be, it is a good place for Jeff. Cause he will never sink. Never.

Yeah lots. Lots to look at. I know. I've calmed myself down.

Do let me know, at any point, about my close friend. She works at an international school. But I'm sure that you'll be taking the kids outside of their school year. Or I assume.

You're a great wife Erika. He's very lucky.

 

[lisaviolet]

Your dad. Is he back to work?

 

[lisaviolet]

.And she has taught the kids and set up a mini garden for them.
]

 

[lisaviolet]

Doing well Lisa. Hope you are too!


Off to go crash for the night.

Amiee - how are your relatives? Everything okay there?

Hey there! Just got back from my SIL'S stephen called me when I got home from work and told me to come down, they had a camp fire and smirinoff(spelling) and SMORES! YUMMY!.

ERika~ have a great time planning your trip!

Paula~ hope all turned out well with your dad & you feel better.

Kat hope the hot tube over flow didn't cause to much damage!

AMIEE~ hows it going?

HI to everyone else!
Need to go to bed mocha whining to go upstairs to sleep and so isn't stephen. The boys are out and the girls just went up! Hopefully everyone will sleep past 630!

Hi Steph.

I took a rest day yesterday. Well, I should clarify that by saying I took a non-cardio day yesterday. I did lift but I don't count that I guess.
:

So I had to kick my own a$$. Which I did.

Why how flexible you are!

Good for you Nancy.

He is grumpy and arguing with the nurses. Basically, he is right on track.

Funny lines Paula. Did you mean them that way?

Hi Lisa!!

I am hanging in there. Back on track but been a little afraid to talk about it. Even through all of the bad eating and such of March and parts of April, I managed to maintain weight so I am pretty happy about that.

I am up to 60 real pushups now (I think, it was somewhere between 50 and 60 but I lost count just trying to get through them), and 20 on knees. Been doing my kickboxing class carrying 2 lb weights through much of it, which is easier said than done.

I also just *feel* stronger, if that makes sense. It seems like I can get through the jumping jacks and kicking and punching sequences without as much effort as I used to have to expend, and the abs for sure. I can do most of what she wants us to do, still feel like dying, but not as bad, and sometimes I even power up on my own.

Fantastic Kat.

Really sneaks up on you, eh? Well, for me it's like "oh that's easier".

Or maybe I'm just weak headed from the shooting back pain I have going on, suddenly.

Oh Liz. I'm sorry.

Roddy? Lisa? Ronda?

Geez I have spent the entire day procrastinating from packing.

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Wow. Has no one posted on this thread since last night? Or is my computer broken?

 

[DisneyWorld Delight]

Wow. Has no one posted on this thread since last night? Or is my computer broken?

Word.

 

[HockeyKat]

E, I would think it would be wonderful experience for the kids. How cool to say I spent part of my childhood in <insert country here>? Not just that, teaching them first-hand how to be culturally aware, wow. I have no doubt that you and J will be the best parents no matter where you are located.

Now, Kel's health problems, are another issue... I can see how you would be worried there.

Lisa, thanks. Today I just feel like jelly arms, but I am wiped from 3 days straight. Because, in my mind anyhow, mowing my far-from-level yard with a non-self-propelled mower for 2 hours counts as exercise.

I think today is a rest day.

 

[Ronda93]

Wow. Erika what a scary opportunity for your family! Congratulations to Jeff - someone thinks he has the ability.

The kids would gain so much from time abroad, but, dang, to MOVE? Tough decisions for you guys to make. It sounds like LisaV has someone on the ground already ; )

DGF and I ran last night. We made some big squares in our neighborhood. We are both using Polar HRMs with the footpod. She tried mine and liked the feedback. We are now able to run together and, of course, need two. While the chest strap is synched to the watch, the foot thingys are not and we look down to find ourselves running 9 miles an hour. DOUBLE TIME PEOPLE!

Work is busier than usual this week. My sidekick is on vacation and I'm fairly new in this role. I'm taking things very slowly and reading a lot of notes before acting on anything.

Ronda

 

[goofyfan-12]

Funny lines Paula. Did you mean them that way? :

Yup - I did mean them to be that way. When dad gets grumpy and argumentative it means he is healing. He hates pain so his being frumpy is normal. The next stage for him is to start joking with everyone, but he has to get through the pain first. I spent a few hours with him last night and he is getting there. It is just going to take a while.

Erika - Wowza is right. That is a lot to deal with in short period of time. No wonder you have been a little 'in your head' lately. Jeff will be awesome in his new job. The guy simply doesn't know how to fail right? Kelly - sending prayers to that little angel. Hopefully, the diagnostics will go quickly. Mind that hip flexor! No reinjuring yourself - mkay? And I so want camp photos...

I have to keep this short since it has been a crazy day so far. In a nut shell, made it to the gym and Jesse was merciful given my physical state. The workout felt good, but definitely not one of his killer workouts. I was totally sweating my butt off, but that is probably more from the remnants of this bug than anything else. I am looking forward to tomorrow's workout though. Didn't make it to JC since I spent most of the night with my dad. I am not stressing about it though. I weighed in at home and am up a pound or so from Monday, but that was to be expected once you start eating and hydrating again. Again, not stressing about it until I start creeping towards the five pound mark then I will stress.

We did get some upsetting news about my gram yesterday. I guess she is starting to shut down a bit (doesn't want to eat, etc.). My mom is taking this really hard (it is her mom) and that is really hard for me to watch because I don't know what to do to help. I can't even go to the nursing home right now for fear that I'll pass whatever I just got over to someone there so I can't even go visit. Ugh... Sorry to dump this on you guys, but I am not sure what else to do with it at this point...

So that is what is going on here. Who knew that building a computer room would be the diversion and not the focus? Need to get back to my diversion for a few hours and get caught up.

Hope you all are well!
Paula