WISH Away The Pounds - Marvelous March Challenge ~~ All are WELCOME!

[pix13dust]

Thanks a bunch Rose!!!! You give me hope I walk 60 minutes a day Mon - Fri, yoga twice a week and a Pinterest workout twice a week ( jumping jacks, lunges, squats, crunches, side lunges, high kicks and 10 minutes jog in place ).
For some reason I still don't feel " in shape ". Although I'm leaps and bounds above where I was last year.

I ran once outside on 3/9, it hit 60 degrees, still to cold for me, my lungs burned all night. I will try using a scarf around my mouth. Thanks for the suggestion.

On a side note, when we ran outside on 3/9 I took the kids with me. We did 2.25 miles. I used my C25K app. The kids used the Zombie run app- so funny! My daughter screamed while running every time the zombies " chased " her!

Thanks Rose, I really feel more hopeful. I plan on using the Galloway training for a half marathon.

Melinda

 

[Rose&Mike]

Thanks a bunch Rose!!!! You give me hope I walk 60 minutes a day Mon - Fri, yoga twice a week and a Pinterest workout twice a week ( jumping jacks, lunges, squats, crunches, side lunges, high kicks and 10 minutes jog in place ).
For some reason I still don't feel " in shape ". Although I'm leaps and bounds above where I was last year.

I ran once outside on 3/9, it hit 60 degrees, still to cold for me, my lungs burned all night. I will try using a scarf around my mouth. Thanks for the suggestion.

On a side note, when we ran outside on 3/9 I took the kids with me. We did 2.25 miles. I used my C25K app. The kids used the Zombie run app- so funny! My daughter screamed while running every time the zombies " chased " her!

Thanks Rose, I really feel more hopeful. I plan on using the Galloway training for a half marathon.

Melinda

If you are coughing/lungs burning even at 60 degrees you might want to talk to your doctor about an inhaler. I wheeze/cough if I workout in cold temps, sometimes for hours afterwards. I don't have an inhaler anymore, because I just either avoid it, or breathe through something to warm the air. But if even 60 degree temps are bothering you, I would at least mention it to the doctor. Absolutely no reason to be miserable if it is something that can be corrected.

And you are definitely off to a good start.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Where in CT are you? I grew up in Plainville.

Out by the casinos.

 

[pjlla]

QOTD Wednesday March 20, 2013
We have talked about this before, but I think it is really important (at least for me) so I am going to throw it out there again.
Are you organized? Are your days full of chaos (can't find stuff, not sure where you are supposed to be, have no idea what you are going to eat or when)? How do you think your organization/clutter or lack there of effects your weight loss?

For the most part I am a very organized person....especially with stuff that is strictly MINE (my clothes, my make-up, my scrapping supplies). I like stuff neat in labeled drawers and bins, etc. and if I am the only one handling the stuff, it stays neat and organized. But the rest of the stuff that the family uses... that is another story!! It is all I can do to keep my head above water keeping the family organized enough to avoid total CHAOS!!

Clutter and chaos definitely effects me.... causes me STRESS, etc. Stress isn't healthy. And disorganization in the KITCHEN definitely effects my weight! If I haven't shopped, planned meals, etc, I can DEFINITELY overeat or just eat the WRONG things.

Disorganization makes everything take LONGER and means I might not have time to fit in the workouts that I really need! GREAT question!!



Welcome! We have a few more weigh-ins left in March so you are welcome to pm pjlla your weight and get started or you can just jump in and introduce yourself and start chatting. If you haven't had a chance yet, read the first page to get an idea of how the challenge works.

Ugh! First day of spring and there is snow on the ground. I'm so frustrated. I really want to sign up for the wine & dine half marathon but I need a lot of training. The most I have ever run is a 5K. I was really hoping for a mild March so I could start training this week but its not going to happen. According to the weathermen we have a few more weeks of freezing temps. For now I guess I will hold off on signing up .
On the bright side I've been working out more and actually building some muscle. I ordered the Engine 2 cookbook and hope to start eating even healthier! This thread is so inspiring, I love reading along everyday!
Xo
Melinda

Rose gave some GREAT advise and I have NOTHING to add to this.... but I'd love to hear more about the new cookbook!

**************

Lunch was tasty and now there is a reading specialist doing something with the class, so I will take a deep breath and be ready for the afternoon craziness!! TTYL..............P

 

[pix13dust]

Thanks Rose! I actually have nasty asthma, I was on 7 Meds daily, but since I started exercising and yoga I'm down to 5 and soon only 4!!! It just the cold is horrible painful for my poor old lungs...

Pamela, if you want some sample recipes check out their website engine2diet.com. I there is only a sampling on the website but I thought it looked fabulous so I ordered the book. It's a plant based diet. It was featured on the documentary Forks over Knives. I told the family we are doing it for one week ( 3/31 - 4/6 ). Funny, no one seemed thrilled but me! Lol. Since its practiced by firemen in Texas I thought I could persuade my firemen husband to try it.... I'll let you know how our week goes!

 

[pjlla]

Thanks Rose! I actually have nasty asthma, I was on 7 Meds daily, but since I started exercising and yoga I'm down to 5 and soon only 4!!! It just the cold is horrible painful for my poor old lungs...

Pamela, if you want some sample recipes check out their website engine2diet.com. I there is only a sampling on the website but I thought it looked fabulous so I ordered the book. It's a plant based diet. It was featured on the documentary Forks over Knives. I told the family we are doing it for one week ( 3/31 - 4/6 ). Funny, no one seemed thrilled but me! Lol. Since its practiced by firemen in Texas I thought I could persuade my firemen husband to try it.... I'll let you know how our week goes!

I have watched the documentary twice, but I don't remember that particular book. Maybe I'll have to pay better attention next time!

Anxious to hear how your family likes the recipes. Anything in particular that you are anxious to try? I stick with things like soups when I am trying to stick to plant-based meals. Kids aren't big on salads (other than just a small side salad). Meatless Monday didn't even happen this week and my meal planning has been sketchy lately, so maybe we will end up with "meatless Thursday" this week! (Although we had veggie and egg pie last night.... meatless but not vegetarian.)

**************

OH MYLANTA!! Math lesson was a TRUE disaster! I am beyond myself with this class! I actually have a STRESS PAIN in the middle of my back right now!! SO GLAD they are the responsibility of the art teacher for the next 30 minutes!!

Well.... nothing new to share here. Evening will be busy, of course, with gym/pool time etc. but DH is away, so no big meal to cook. Kids and I will be content with leftover and/or sandwiches and/or yogurt and fruit.

Just a reminder to my friends (who saw their PM from me earlier this week) to VOTE for DD again today!! ........................P

 

[Rose&Mike]

QOTD Wednesday March 20, 2013
We have talked about this before, but I think it is really important (at least for me) so I am going to throw it out there again.
Are you organized? Are your days full of chaos (can't find stuff, not sure where you are supposed to be, have no idea what you are going to eat or when)? How do you think your organization/clutter or lack there of effects your weight loss?

I absolutely think if my environment is cluttered and chaotic it totally effects my eating and weight loss. I also think though, that I need to learn to go with the flow a little bit more and not let silly stuff get me so stressed out. I think the biggest thing I could do to feel more organized and less chaotic is to plan my day the night before. If I find my running clothes for the gym the night before when I have time to look for them it doesn't matter if it takes a few more minutes...as opposed to the morning when I am running late and can't find anything and then get more stressed out and feel more frazzled.


Sorry you had such a crazy class today Pamela! Thanks for the voting reminder.

Thanks Rose! I actually have nasty asthma, I was on 7 Meds daily, but since I started exercising and yoga I'm down to 5 and soon only 4!!! It just the cold is horrible painful for my poor old lungs...

I am so sorry! I am glad you are cutting back on the meds. DS had asthma as a kid and it was unfun. Definitely try warming the air you breathe and see if it helps.

***
I hope everyone is having a good Wednesday and my questions aren't boring everyone to death! It is very quiet around here today.

I ran today on the tm. My calf is a bit unhappy, so I am going to have to back off the next couple of days, but the good news--my back is feeling pretty good! Hopefully this improving trend keeps up!

 

[myweegirls]

Hi, all!

Gradually feeling better...I skipped my short training run on Monday but went ahead and got out today for *9 miles.* I was slower than usual, but overall it went pretty well, so yay!

Good thing, too, as yesterday was my WORST FOOD DAY IN AGES. (insert various disaster sound effects here) I ate and ate and ate and made virtually no good choices. And this morning? I was up all of .4 of a pound. ?!?!?! Maybe I was down from being sick? Or maybe the running regularly is giving me an occasional pass on days like this? I'm going to try to forget that, though, and not have a totally crazy food day like that again anytime soon...

QOTD - I am SO organized! My sister and I used to talk about opening a home organization business. We're on opposite coasts now, and I have two jobs + kiddos, but she's done it! And I'm jealous. I *love* sorting things, setting up organizational systems, and generally making things work better. I suppose I'm borderline OCD (minor stuff - have to set my alarm clock twice before I go to sleep, one dollar bills have to be in my wallet in alphabetical order (you know, by the reserve letter)), so I try to channel that tendency into productive outlets and take deep breaths when I can't.

Along those lines, we are all but entirely packed! For Friday afternoon! The girls' suitcases just need their snuggle buddy of choice and a couple more books, and DH and I just need to add our last-minutes (Rx, etc.). My work inboxes are down to almost nothing (love that pre-vacation clean-up!), and I am beyond ready to hit the road. Friday afternoon at 1:30 we have a meeting with the school psychologist (she's been seeing DD6 to assess some adjustment issues she's been having), and then at 2pm we grab the girls and go. Woo! Now if I could just shake the last of this sinus infection...

I hope everyone has a great week - I may not be online much at all from Saturday until Easter!

XO
Liz

 

[pjlla]

I absolutely think if my environment is cluttered and chaotic it totally effects my eating and weight loss. I also think though, that I need to learn to go with the flow a little bit more and not let silly stuff get me so stressed out. I think the biggest thing I could do to feel more organized and less chaotic is to plan my day the night before. If I find my running clothes for the gym the night before when I have time to look for them it doesn't matter if it takes a few more minutes...as opposed to the morning when I am running late and can't find anything and then get more stressed out and feel more frazzled.


Days are often better if I organize myself the night before....so why don't I do it all the time?

Sorry you had such a crazy class today Pamela! Thanks for the voting reminder.

Just glad the day is DONE!

I am so sorry! I am glad you are cutting back on the meds. DS had asthma as a kid and it was unfun. Definitely try warming the air you breathe and see if it helps.

***
I hope everyone is having a good Wednesday and my questions aren't boring everyone to death! It is very quiet around here today.

I ran today on the tm. My calf is a bit unhappy, so I am going to have to back off the next couple of days, but the good news--my back is feeling pretty good! Hopefully this improving trend keeps up!

So glad the your back is feeling good! Maybe some time with a foam roller for the calf?

****************

Evening all! It was one of those days when I could have talked myself out of a workout SO EASILY.....but I'm proud to say that I didn't. It was NOT a killer crazy workout, but I got my blood pumping and worked up a sweat for a solid 35+ minutes plus a cool down. I'm calling that good enough for today. so glad my friend Rose taught me to at least get started with a workout!

Dinner was a yummy stir fry from the grill at the grocery store with tofu for protein....so I achieved a meatless Wednesday for myself at least. DD had eggs and DS had fish, so at least we avoided red meat, pork, and poultry.

DD will be out of the locker room any minute, so I will say g'night ! TTY tomorrow! ...............P

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Liz bring the kiddos and come organize my mess!!!
I'm so over living in a sty but no one seems to care and they undo everything I've done in 3 seconds flat.
I can't keep up. And yes it takes a toll on my weight loss efforts. I tend to go out more which leads up less exercise and more eating out.

**************************************

Today was an ok day. Ended up not doing much besides hiding from the cold under a blanket and catching up on the shows I don't get to watch when the kids are around.
Had a pretty boring meal plan for the day, I really need more variety. We had pizza for dinner, blech.
But I decided to burn it off on the treadmill. I did 5.5 miles in 83 minutes, pretty pleased with myself. That's the furthest I've gone since I started running again. And I this time around my speed is much faster.
Still having issues with my knee. DH thinks it could be a tendon issue which would completely bite. I'll probably call the dr soon. I'm putting it off only because I'd like to see the scale move a smidge more before seeing him again. I know, I know, bad idea!!
I'm actually looking forward to weigh in this week, I think I might actually have a pretty decent number.

Ok, gotta check my new scrapbook page forum, then I'm headed to bed.

Night all!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISboards

 

[araes2102]

Melinda, you have lots of time to get ready for w&d, though I totally understand the stress.

In Dec 09 I was a couch potato.
In Jan 10 I started working out again.
In April (end of the month) I started seriously running. Ran 3.6. I had been seriously working out since January, but not taking the running seriously. But I would do 60+ min workouts on the elliptical.
In July I ran a 10k.
Labor Day weekend I ran my first half.
The end of Sept ran the W&D. (It was earlier the first year.

If you are already working out and have completed a 5k you are off to a good start.

If you can't get outside and don't have access to a treadmill or elliptical get some Walk Away the Pounds and get moving in the house. Work on 30-45 min of cardio at least 4-5 days a week.
If you get any break in the weather at all get outside and move. If you have trouble breathing in the cold air, put a scarf or something similar over your face to warm up the air you are breathing. I have to do this if the temps are below 40 and I go outside.

Write up a training plan backwards. In other words start from the race and move backwards and figure out when you have to start hitting distances.

A lot of training plans are 3-4 months, but I think the more you move this spring the better. Get those legs and lungs used to moving.

The important thing is to move now so that when you can start running outside it is not like staring from zero.

ETA--I just saw you did a 60 min walk. You really are off to a good start. You have time! You can do this!

Rose, you inspire me to believe I might actually become a runner someday!

QOTD Wednesday March 20, 2013
We have talked about this before, but I think it is really important (at least for me) so I am going to throw it out there again.
Are you organized? Are your days full of chaos (can't find stuff, not sure where you are supposed to be, have no idea what you are going to eat or when)? How do you think your organization/clutter or lack there of effects your weight loss?

This also got me inspired! To get off my duff and get some cleaning done Not exactly organizing but still I used to be so organized, OCD tendencies really. But since DF came into the picture He is the OPPOSITE of organized and his mess and clutter seems to slowly creep all over the house. Makes me stressed and anxious. Plus with how crazy my work life is, I always seem to be overwhelmed with trying to get a handle on things! I definitely do better with my weight loss goals when I am organized... A set time to go workout, with everything put together and ready to go, and having meals planned so I am not starving and eating whatever is there... But I only achieve this about 70% of the time. However tonight my planned dinner did not work out (rotisserie chicken from Costco) so instead I quick thawed some lean ground beef and I remembered a recipe from a low carb website with ground beef and pumpkin... I didn't use pumpkin because I needed to finish off our St. Patty's day veggies (potatoes and carrots for the kiddos and cabbage for me). Called for cooking the ground beef with a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg, it was delicious! Anyhow, just a small victory over my disorganization

 

[Flossbolna]

Thanks Rose! I actually have nasty asthma, I was on 7 Meds daily, but since I started exercising and yoga I'm down to 5 and soon only 4!!! It just the cold is horrible painful for my poor old lungs...

I do have allergy induced asthma - luckily it does not give me too much trouble. But my lung doctor, who is also a runner, recommended to me very much to try to run with only breathing through my nose. She said better run a little slower, but make sure that the air I get in my lungs is warmed up and moisturised by going through the nose. That's what the nose is for.

I don't always follow her advise, but especially when it is cold outside, I do feel a difference and try to follow her advise.

 

[Lindaland]

Good morning all!! Hope everyone is enjoying the spring so far, no matter what it looks like where you are!

Finally done with my work week & managed to get in 15 hours of overtime! A few more shifts & our trip will be paid for.

For the QOTD, I do find that being organized really helps my diet. On weeks I work I plan for snacks, meals, workouts etc.. But on my week off I do tend to slack off a bit and I find it much harder to stick with the program. I am certainly not a "type A" person so sticking to a rigid routine all the time is the hardest part, especially when I have a week off!!

Have a great day all!!

 

[PlutoBaby]

Good morning everyone. Getting beyond nervous about this upcoming race on the 30th. Can you believe I had IT pain on a lousy, slow, 30 minute walk at lunch yesterday?!? All I can do is pray to the run gods that by resting, stretching, icing, and doing my PT exercises for the next 9 days, that it will have enough time to recover so I can at least finish. I think it's going to come down to a game time decision next Thursday or Friday. I'm trying to prepare myself for the worst and expect the best. At this point I don't really care that much if I end up having to walk half of it, I just don't want that big old ugly DNF next to my name.

Trying not to get too uptight about it as the stress shows up in my food choices (extra sweets, snacks, etc.) C'mon ladies, give me a whack up side the head to help me keep things in perspective!!

Also picked up the K-T tape last night and hoping that will help. Not expecting any miracles but I can always keep my fingers crossed! Hope everyone has a low-stress (or as the DH calls it, low-drag) kind of day!

 

[Rose&Mike]

QOTD March 21, 2013
Give yourself a compliment. It has to be completely positive. None of this, "well, I did awful at the beginning of the week, but I managed to turn it around" kind of compliments.

After you have come up with your completely positive compliment, what is one thing you would like to work on for next week. Again try to phrase it positively.

Pluto-so very sorry for your continued itband problems. It is the pits. Just a couple things that helped me, though you may have already tried all this stuff--do you do the pigeon stretch (yoga pose)? Can you touch your toes? How about a crossed leg toe touch. My itband problems start in my back, so if my back is tight I know to watch out for my itband flaring up. Last year when I went to pt they did this thing that is similar to accupuncture, but different. They stuck these little tiny needles in the muscles around my itband which caused them to flex and then release. It did not feel great, but I think it helped. I am wondering if other than a little bit of stretching if resting would be better before the race. I think the go to therapy for itband problems is to strengthen the piriformis. But honestly, the more I did those exercises the worse my back hurt and the worse my itband felt. Nicole has had a lot of itband problems as well, so if she is checking in maybe she will have some ideas. It is so frustrating when the therapy just isn't seeming to help.

Ok, off to work. I am off on Wednesdays which was great this week because I had an extremely frustrating Tuesday. I am going to try to go with the flow today, because I don't think that things are going to be much improved. But that's ok. Thinking positive.

 

[pix13dust]

QOTD: one positive about me ...... There are so many to chose from, I'll go with DETERMINED! When I started my road to health and fitness almost a year ago I never thought I would be still on it ! I figured I would have double backed to couchandpotatochipville by now but I am determined to get healthy ( and skinny ) What can I work on for next week??? I think I need to really try and suppress the negative commentary in my head, the ones that say " you will never be fit enough to run 13.1 " damn voices! Floss- thanks for the advice! However, if I go slower, they will call it walking, lol!! I will try breathing thru my nose more Pluto - sorry about your knee. I think it's time to start looking for virgins to sacrifice to the running gods. Hope the tape works for you! Have a great day! Melinda

 

[jillbur]

Hello everyone

I wanted to check in and let everyone know I am reading along at the moment, but I am finding little time to post

I have a lot of stuff going on with work (stressful stuff) and I seem to be so busy at home. This weekend is no exception. We have a birthday party tomorrow evening, an Easter party at church Saturday, and more church things on Sunday. Throw in laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning, and I run out of time! I cannot wait until our break next week to get some "me time."

So, I wanted to pop on and let you know I am supporting everyone even though I am not posting as much right now. I'm off to a stupid work meeting (sorry, I am VERY frustrated with my employer right now ). I am planning on hitting the gym after work, then we are going to a local hockey game tonight (Youngstown, Ohio). The kids are looking forward to it and so are me & DH!

Hopefully, I will be able to jump on and post some this weekend, but forgive me if I can't. Keep up all the good work & happy Thursday!

Jill

 

[pjlla]

Liz bring the kiddos and come organize my mess!!!
I'm so over living in a sty but no one seems to care and they undo everything I've done in 3 seconds flat.
I can't keep up. And yes it takes a toll on my weight loss efforts. I tend to go out more which leads up less exercise and more eating out.

You are singing to the choir here honey!! I SWEAR.... I clean a room.... I walk out to put something away... I come back and.... INSTANT MESS!! It frustrating, annoying, and aggravating!!

**************************************

Today was an ok day. Ended up not doing much besides hiding from the cold under a blanket and catching up on the shows I don't get to watch when the kids are around.
Had a pretty boring meal plan for the day, I really need more variety. We had pizza for dinner, blech.
But I decided to burn it off on the treadmill. I did 5.5 miles in 83 minutes, pretty pleased with myself. That's the furthest I've gone since I started running again. And I this time around my speed is much faster.
Still having issues with my knee. DH thinks it could be a tendon issue which would completely bite. I'll probably call the dr soon. I'm putting it off only because I'd like to see the scale move a smidge more before seeing him again. I know, I know, bad idea!!
I'm actually looking forward to weigh in this week, I think I might actually have a pretty decent number.

Ok, gotta check my new scrapbook page forum, then I'm headed to bed.

Night all!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISboards

Hope the scale moves so you can get that knee checked out!

Saw the new forum! Getting excited to see it fill up!

R
This also got me inspired! To get off my duff and get some cleaning done Not exactly organizing but still I used to be so organized, OCD tendencies really. But since DF came into the picture He is the OPPOSITE of organized and his mess and clutter seems to slowly creep all over the house. Makes me stressed and anxious. Plus with how crazy my work life is, I always seem to be overwhelmed with trying to get a handle on things! I definitely do better with my weight loss goals when I am organized... A set time to go workout, with everything put together and ready to go, and having meals planned so I am not starving and eating whatever is there... But I only achieve this about 70% of the time. However tonight my planned dinner did not work out (rotisserie chicken from Costco) so instead I quick thawed some lean ground beef and I remembered a recipe from a low carb website with ground beef and pumpkin... I didn't use pumpkin because I needed to finish off our St. Patty's day veggies (potatoes and carrots for the kiddos and cabbage for me). Called for cooking the ground beef with a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg, it was delicious! Anyhow, just a small victory over my disorganization

Yah for small steps!!! And isn't it amazing how delicious nutmeg can be in ground beef? My DMIL's shepard's pie recipe calls for nutmeg in the meat and I was so skeptical until I tried it!!

Good morning all!! Hope everyone is enjoying the spring so far, no matter what it looks like where you are!

Finally done with my work week & managed to get in 15 hours of overtime! A few more shifts & our trip will be paid for.

Envious that you have an overtime option!!

For the QOTD, I do find that being organized really helps my diet. On weeks I work I plan for snacks, meals, workouts etc.. But on my week off I do tend to slack off a bit and I find it much harder to stick with the program. I am certainly not a "type A" person so sticking to a rigid routine all the time is the hardest part, especially when I have a week off!!

Have a great day all!!

Time off is tough for me too... but I try to think of it as a BIGGER opportunity to get more exercise and spend more time trying new recipes!!

QOTD March 21, 2013
Give yourself a compliment. It has to be completely positive. None of this, "well, I did awful at the beginning of the week, but I managed to turn it around" kind of compliments.

After you have come up with your completely positive compliment, what is one thing you would like to work on for next week. Again try to phrase it positively.

I made an EXCELLENT choice for dinner last night (fresh veggie stir-fry with tofu) even though it would have been easy to grab something not-so-healthy, since I was eating on the run.... and I continued it and made another GREAT choice for an evening snack (toasted low carb sandwich thin with TB of organic natural peanut butter and a cup of green tea), even though it was late and I was starving and that is a PRIME MOMENT for me to make a bad choice!

I will CONTINUE to work on making SMART choices in HARD situations!

Ok, off to work. I am off on Wednesdays which was great this week because I had an extremely frustrating Tuesday. I am going to try to go with the flow today, because I don't think that things are going to be much improved. But that's ok. Thinking positive.

Hope your day goes well!!

QOTD: one positive about me ...... There are so many to chose from, I'll go with DETERMINED! When I started my road to health and fitness almost a year ago I never thought I would be still on it ! I figured I would have double backed to couchandpotatochipville by now but I am determined to get healthy ( and skinny ) What can I work on for next week??? I think I need to really try and suppress the negative commentary in my head, the ones that say " you will never be fit enough to run 13.1 " damn voices! Floss- thanks for the advice! However, if I go slower, they will call it walking, lol!! I will try breathing thru my nose more Pluto - sorry about your knee. I think it's time to start looking for virgins to sacrifice to the running gods. Hope the tape works for you! Have a great day! Melinda

What great positive things!!

*****************

Morning all (although it is nearly heading to lunch time here!!) Busy busy morning and busy day all around. Glad I said NO to work!!

I decided at the last minute to make some goodies for winter sports awards night. After they recognize all of the sports together and name the scholar athletes, etc, the teams break off individually to have other awards etc. I decided to make this year's a bit extra special, since it is DD's senior year and I am doing some baking to make it a PARTY!! So far this morning I've made 3 dozen sugar cookies decorated with red sugar (school colors are red and blue), a double batch of mini pumpkin spice cupcakes/muffins topped with a bit of cinnamon frosting (if you eat them for breakfast without frosting we call them muffins.... for dessert with frosting we call them cupcakes! ), and I am working on 2 dozen chocolate chip cookies. I'll be the FIRST to admit that they are mostly from box mixes, etc, but still better than nothing! And.... round of applause for me... I did NOT eat any batter or dough! I did lick one finger as I walked to the sink, but I stopped short of licking the spoons and bowl! Hopefully this will all be enough for just 9 swimmers and their parents. I contemplated going out and buying a big cake at the grocery store, but decided to save myself the 45 minute round trip drive and the $25 it would have cost me. I used just whatever I had in the house. I had a big bucket of frozen Nestle choc. chip cookie dough, a sugar cookie mix (plus the butter and egg needed) and spice cake mix and pumpkin plus a can of white frosting and cinnamon.... so I was all set!! I bought blue cocktail napkins and small red appetizer plate while I was out last night, so we should be all set. I am skipping drinks.... there are water fountains and drink machines at the school.... plus sometimes the school provides lemonade and such at these events.

Breakfast was a quick warm up of leftover veggie egg pie between batches of muffins! I put my exercise gear on when I got up this morning, so I WILL hit the TM at some point in time!!

Got some other paperwork, etc that MUST be tended to this morning, so I will dash for now! Email keeps locking up and I need to find an email to get a form filled out for DS... so hopefully if I shutdown the computer things will fix themselves!

TTYL............................P

 

[pjlla]

Hello everyone

I wanted to check in and let everyone know I am reading along at the moment, but I am finding little time to post

I have a lot of stuff going on with work (stressful stuff) and I seem to be so busy at home. This weekend is no exception. We have a birthday party tomorrow evening, an Easter party at church Saturday, and more church things on Sunday. Throw in laundry, grocery shopping, and cleaning, and I run out of time! I cannot wait until our break next week to get some "me time."

So, I wanted to pop on and let you know I am supporting everyone even though I am not posting as much right now. I'm off to a stupid work meeting (sorry, I am VERY frustrated with my employer right now ). I am planning on hitting the gym after work, then we are going to a local hockey game tonight (Youngstown, Ohio). The kids are looking forward to it and so are me & DH!

Hopefully, I will be able to jump on and post some this weekend, but forgive me if I can't. Keep up all the good work & happy Thursday!

Jill

We miss hearing from you but I think we ALL understand! Take care of yourself and maybe you can find some time to visit during your "me time" next week! Have fun at the hockey game!! .................P

 

[pjlla]

Sorry I missed this on the first go-round!

Hi, all!

Gradually feeling better...I skipped my short training run on Monday but went ahead and got out today for *9 miles.* I was slower than usual, but overall it went pretty well, so yay!

WOW! 9 miles is great!

Good thing, too, as yesterday was my WORST FOOD DAY IN AGES. (insert various disaster sound effects here) I ate and ate and ate and made virtually no good choices. And this morning? I was up all of .4 of a pound. ?!?!?! Maybe I was down from being sick? Or maybe the running regularly is giving me an occasional pass on days like this? I'm going to try to forget that, though, and not have a totally crazy food day like that again anytime soon...

I have had moments like that (overeating and not gaining or even LOSING).... I think your metabolism is burning STRONG when that happens and that is great. But it is easy to get lulled into think you can eat like that more often. I think once in a great while is okay.... but like you said not anytime soon again!

QOTD - I am SO organized! My sister and I used to talk about opening a home organization business. We're on opposite coasts now, and I have two jobs + kiddos, but she's done it! And I'm jealous. I *love* sorting things, setting up organizational systems, and generally making things work better. I suppose I'm borderline OCD (minor stuff - have to set my alarm clock twice before I go to sleep, one dollar bills have to be in my wallet in alphabetical order (you know, by the reserve letter)), so I try to channel that tendency into productive outlets and take deep breaths when I can't.

I would love to open an organization business as well! But I'm afraid they would think me a FRAUD if they saw my house! I just CANNOT get the three that I live with under control!!

I can understand the OCD issues.... have a touch of them myself !


Along those lines, we are all but entirely packed! For Friday afternoon! The girls' suitcases just need their snuggle buddy of choice and a couple more books, and DH and I just need to add our last-minutes (Rx, etc.). My work inboxes are down to almost nothing (love that pre-vacation clean-up!), and I am beyond ready to hit the road. Friday afternoon at 1:30 we have a meeting with the school psychologist (she's been seeing DD6 to assess some adjustment issues she's been having), and then at 2pm we grab the girls and go. Woo! Now if I could just shake the last of this sinus infection...

I hope everyone has a great week - I may not be online much at all from Saturday until Easter!

XO
Liz

Take care of yourself, get enough rest, push the fluids and hopefully you will feel ready to roll by tomorrow afternoon!!! Have a WONDERFUL time if we don't hear from you again before you leave!! Relax and enjoy your couples time!! ....................P