Finishing up a 4 day weekend...

Hi all...a belated Happy Mother's Day to everyone. I was going to post something yesterday, but well...I didn't want to end up being a Debbie Downer, especially since all and all, I've been pretty gosh darn good.

So, what did I do with my LLLLLOOOOONNNNGGGGG weekend? Well...here is a quick recap.

Friday: I went for a long bike ride. I biked from my apartment to the local video store...and then over to my dad's. I went through a bunch of stuff in my brother's room (which we are using for storage right now and are going to turn it into a workout room when I move back in). I found such weird things in there....a couple of checks people wrote me back in 2000. I am not going to cash them now because well, I've seen that episode of Seinfeld, so I just shredded them. I also found so much stuff I could have been using: blank notebooks, crayons, tape, a stapler, boxes of Papermate pens, rolls of unused film, etc. I just threw stuff in a box and never looked at it again. After sorting for a while, I rode my bike home...and then started to pack some stuff.

Saturday: I took a long, long, long bike ride...I rode over to the Post Office in town...then I headed to the video store again...and rode beyond and went on the bike trail for about 4 miles and then headed back to my dad's house. I am LOVING riding my bike around town. Dad and I went shopping...and bought lotsa stuff. I came home and continued packing things I didn't need. I filled my car...and worked up a nice sweat. Oh...and I had a nice, hour long conversation with a friend on the phone. We haven't hung out in about a year...but, it was SO nice talking to her. It didn't feel like so much time had passed. We are going to make plans to hang out next weekend and actually *see* one another. I am glad I am not being such a hermit...slowly, but surely. I also watched 2 movies...Juno and Superbad. Both very funny.

Sunday: I went to church. I almost biked there because my bike and I are in love. I was running a little late, so I drove instead...plus, I don't know how long it would take me to get there, so I played it safe. Church was really nice...and was glad I spent Mother's Day there since my mom always loved going to church. I had the nicest conversation with my Pastor...and she asked me to get involved in a service project I am really excited about (more about that at another time). I headed to dad's...unpacked all the stuff from my car and started to pile it in my dad's house. My dad and I headed to my mom's grave marker and brought some fresh lilacs from the house. My mom LOVED lilacs, so I love the idea of the smell of lilacs surrounding her marker. We came home...puttered around the house a little and then I headed home. I watched some crap tv and was in bed early. It was a sad, but more than that...a really good Mother's Day.

Monday: Ah, my last day off. I could get really used to not having to work...if only that paid the bills. I woke up, puttered around the apartment and then headed out (yes, on my bike)...and yep...went to the video store. Then, I headed over to my dad's and this time went through a lot of the stuff in my old bedroom. It's kind of cluttered now and since I am moving myself and all my stuff in...I have to declutter it. I threw away 2+ garbage bins full and found bags of clothes to donate. I also found...and this is hilarious, some alcohol I had stashed and hidden from college. So, I've had wine coolers stashed in my closet since probably 1998. If that's not funny and pathetic at the same time, I don't know what is. Anyways....I finished what I could, had lunch at my dad's...and headed back out towards my apartment. I decided to take the long way since I wanted to know how long it would take to bike all the way from dad's to work. Well, I got about halfway...and went over a rusty metal hanger and it plunged right into my tire....splat...flat tire. So, I got off my bike and walked her home. It was a little less than 2 miles...and so I got some walking workout in. I came home...watched some crap tv...continued to pack and now dad is coming over and we are going to get a patch kit and hopefully fix my bike.

So...that's my weekend...which basically is packing, decluttering and my constant love affair with my new bike.

Hugs all....

a year....comes and it goes.

This weekend...today actually...is the one year anniversary of my mom's death. Sometimes it seems like a million years have passed since my mom died and sometimes it seems like it was yesterday.

The anniversary is today, but it felt like it was on Friday. My mom passed away on the first Friday in May last year. I was in a huge funk on Friday. I wanted to call in "sick" to work on Friday...since I just didn't want to deal. I didn't...because there was work that needed to be done, but I wanted to. It was a hard day to sit in my office and go through the motions...and it kind of felt like I was living the day over again since many things were similar. I had a class I was preparing for the next day last year...just like this year. I had to leave during my lunchtime...this year, to run errands...last year, to go check on my mom. I would often think of that wonderful, naive sense I had last year until my dad called and asked if I had heard from mom and if I could call and see if she was home. My whole world changed...once I left and hoped to just go home, check on her and chastise her for not answering the phone.

So...on Friday, I just kind of went through the day and did everything to get my work done and get home. I spent both Friday and Saturday continuing my funk...I ended up bring snarky and trying to pick a fight with my dad on Saturday while we were shopping because I am just THAT mature. I basically hung up on him on the phone (which I think is just the rudest thing a person can do)...when I was calling him from one side of Target while he was on the other. I went home...ate WAY too much for dinner and then watched a movie and went to bed.

Today, I woke up...and felt better. I felt renewed is the best way I can describe it. I got up before my alarm...and got ready to go to church. I considered not going, but I always feel close and connected to my mom at church, so I knew it was where I needed to be. I spent two days being a grump...and missing my mom and I felt this morning, that she was telling me to get over it and honor her by being that positive being that my was always was. So, today...I have that spirit about me again.

I miss my mom. I can't believe she's been gone for a year. Dad and I went to visit her grave marker...and spend a little time with her. I'm gonna do the best I can to honor her and make her proud. I can dwell in the pain of missing her...but I am not going to do that because it isn't what she would want. She's more important to me and the world than that.

Hugs to all....

Weekend Recap...

Hey there internet....I had some busy and exciting times this weekend, so I thought I'd share it with you. So, here goes...

Friday: I got home from work...and since I hadn't bought my final weight loss reward yet, even though I "earned" it weeks ago, I decided it was TIME. So, my dear ol' daddio and I went to Devil-Mart and bought me a nice, new bike. I got a great deal. It is a Schwinn Jet Star Women's Bike. It was with the clearance bikes. I think someone bought it and returned it, so I got it for over 50% off. Sweet!!! I am so excited to have a new, swanky bike. I am going to ride it to work everyday that it isn't raining (like it is this Monday morning). I am going to love the instant exercise added to my day...and with gas prices, it'll be a great thing for the environment and my pocketbook. Whoo hoo!

Saturday: I worked on Saturday...we had a big huge community service project. We were cleaning up a local park and re-doing the trail that goes to it. And guess what...I rode my bike to work. It felt great. It takes me 10 minutes to drive to work and only 15 minutes to bike it. It's awesome. The day was great for community service. It was sunny, but not too hot...and there was a nice breeze. What we did for most of the day...is clear brush and what not from the trail above the park. So, I spent hours...dragging brush, twigs and rocks onto tarps and dragging up a pretty steep hill. Let's just say...I got a nice workout. It was nice to feel physically fit enough to do it. We started right around 9am...and finished up about 3pm. I helped clean up the site...and headed home around 4pm. I was beat by the time my bike and I got home. Phew. TIRED! I made dinner...and then felt ready for bed at about 7pm. I didn't head to bed that early...but I wanted to. I think I fell asleep sometime in the 9pm hour. My body needed the rest...let me tell you.

Sunday: Ah...lovely Sunday. I didn't go to church this week. It's the annual giving drive...where they feed people a nice lunch and talk about each person's weekly giving to the Church. I know it's how the church survives, but I didn't want to be made to feel guilty about my level of giving...or feel obligated to give more than I already do. I don't give a lot each and every week in the plate, but I do always give money or goods to the dinners we have...and I have given large sums of money to special projects...like funding the summer camp program, etc. So, I feel good about my level of giving. I know that the church is also a business and it has to be...but I figured I would skip a week that reminds me of that.

I did go over and hang out with my dad instead. We've been trying to declutter the house. I think it's going to be an ongoing project FOREVER. My brother's old room is just chuck full of junk we've acquired over the years. I have boxes and boxes of stuff from college....that I just packed up, brought up and never thought of again. Mind you...I graduated in 1999. So, I spent the morning going through it and throwing away 90% of everything there. I was surprised how emotional I was going through some of the stuff. I found a lot of old pictures...and a bunch of old clothes from college. I had forgotten how overweight I was in college...denial has a way of doing that. I was probably the biggest I ever was during my college years. It was really heartbreaking looking at those old pictures. And the clothes...same thing...I would hold up the physical reminder of how big I was and it was definitely eye opening. Of course, everything in me wanted to shred those pictures and throw away all those clothes...but I didn't. I kept the pictures. I am going to put them away in a little box...and keep them as a reminder of how much change I have accomplished. I'm also going to keep them as a reminder...that I don't want to gain this weight again...that this change is permanent. It's easy to let denial take over again...and let the weight creep back on. I also put the clothes in a pile. I'm going to wash the nice ones and donate them. Hopefully someone else who needs them...will put them to good use.

And the rest of my Sunday. I had a lunch with my roomie and another friend. We went to Panera for lunch. I love that place...they have really yummy food and if you make the right choices...a lot are really healthy for you. I had a garden salad with fat free raspberry dressing. And after eating, we went back to our apartment and watched a movie...August Rush. It was completely unrealistic, but I liked it. It was great to hang out with the girls...since we haven't done that in a long time. Since I hadn't seen my one friend is almost a year, it did take a little bit to kind of get to know each other again. Now that her schedule has changed, I am hoping we are going to be able to get together more often.

I think that's about it for my weekend report...and because it's Monday, I'll report that I weighed in and lost a pound this week. That didn't surprise me at all...especially given the cardio marathon I did on Saturday with working out on the elliptical, riding my bike to and from work and all the work done on the trails, etc. I probably burned close to 2000 calories that day...

Hugs all...I hope everyone has a great Monday, even if it is a rainy one like it is here.

TGIF

Hi all...happy Friday! Today is a day that I really wanted to call in "fake sick" because it is so beautiful outside. Today it is going to top out in the high 70s...maybe even 80 degrees. And no rain, no clouds...just beautiful sunshine. But I came to work like a good girl. But unlike a good girl, I am using my time at work to blog. Here's an update on my life so far this week....

I'm going bowling tonight. I am going with the girl I am matched with in the mentoring program. I'm excited since I haven't been bowling in a long time...probably 2 years. I really like bowling too. It's one of the leisure activities that it doesn't matter how bad you are at it, it's still fun.

And, congrats to the Boston Red Sox for beating the Yankees last night in NY. The Red Sox started off the season a little shakey, but they've bounced back well..and are in first place right now in their division. There is still a lot of baseball ahead of them, but still...congrats! I have a co-worker who is a die hard Yankee fan and he went down to the city to see the game yesterday. I guess if I was a better person I'd hope the Yankees could win for him, but well...I'm not. *snickers* Go Sox!

I watched the debate on Wednesday between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. At first I wasn't going to watch it and just catch up on what was said by watching the news the next day, but I changed my mind. I wanted to see what they actually said and not all the spin. The debate was ok, but not great. The questions focused so much on the drama and politics and not enough time on the actual issues...but then again, what do you expect? It's no secret that I am a democrat...and that my politics usually side with Hillary Clinton. I just want to have a candidate and then be able to support that person. I like Hillary...she's my girl, but I could also support Barack, especially against John McCain. I have nothing against McCain...he's a heck of a nice guy, but I don't think he should be the next President. I don't agree with his policy on the war...and he has openly said he doesn't know much about the economy and given the downturn we are in...and the recession we are heading into, that is not something I think is acceptable of the POTUS.

I saw on the news this morning that while the Pope is in town...he met secretly with some victims of sexual abuse. The people he met with...they all said the meeting was very positive and the Pope was very apologetic about the sex abuse that has happened in the Catholic church. Hmm...well, that's all well and nice...but I want to see less talk...more action. I want to see the Catholic Church actually make steps to stop this from happening...and not protecting the priests who are doing it. I want to see the church defend the victims instead of the priests. If and when that happens...I might have a moment of respect for the Pope. Maybe I'm distrustful and jaded, but well...can you blame me?

Alright that's it for now...on the rambling updates. If you can...enjoy the weather and enjoy your weekend!

Happy Sunday y'all....

Guess what, I'm being bad...and playing hokey from church today. I've gone without missing for about the last 3 months. It's not like I think I should get a pat on the back for that....I am just happy that I feel more committed and connected to church. So, then why am I not going? Well...it's feeling like spring outside and I really feel the need to do some spring cleaning, so I am going to spend the morning cleaning the apartment...before heading over to my dad's and helping him clean a little bit there.

I have a lot of stuff here that needs a good cleaning. I have said this a million times over and I mean it each and every time...but I wish roomie and I were better at cleaning on a day to day basis than we are. We clean once and then let it get pretty dusty and dirty again...and then do another day of cleaning. It's frustrating that I can't seem to break that cycle. I'm trying...

Today, I am going to clean the kitchen...mop the floor, clean the counter, take out the garbage, get rid of stuff in the cupboards I don't use, etc. And of course, cleaning the bathroom...since it is pretty grungy in there. I am going to mop the floor, clean the bathroom vanities, the toilet, the sink, the shower, clean the mirror (you know so it isn't covered in little toothpaste dots!) And then I gotta clean the living room...that's the easiest room....wiping down the tables and woodwork...and then a quick vacuum. I have a bunch of clothes in there I need to bring to Salvation Army to donate, so I need to actually do that. And finally...my room could definitely use a clean. I need to put away clothes...and I need to just get rid of a lot of stuff that I don't need and don't use.

So...I plan on opening the windows and getting my cleaning groove on. I think God would give me the thumbs up about that. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

It's a beautiful day...

I'm so happy Spring seems to be turning the corner...the weather has been so nice recently. I had to work on Saturday morning and by the time I left the office at noon...it was so nice outside. It was still a little bit chilly...with a nice breeze, but the sun was out and it felt great to be outside. I decided to run on over to my dad's house...and enjoy the time outside. I warmed up with a mile walk...ran the 2 miles in the middle...and cooled down with another almost mile (It's 3.8 miles from my house to my dad's).

I had two really nice weight/diet related things that had nothing to do with the scale (and then I'll get to the scale report). This Sunday, I helped with the communion breakfast at church. We have a sit down breakfast in between the first and second services...as a time of fellowship and celebration. It's really nice since the first service and the second service...we often don't see each other much. I said I would help...so I made a huge fresh fruit salad and headed to church at 8am to help. Since many of the people in the second service hadn't seen me in a while...many months at least...a lot of them came up and said how great I looked. It was a nice reminder...since I have kind of gotten out of that period of people seeing the weight loss as a new thing. One woman, who was also my 6th grade teacher...came up and asked me what I've been doing and said I've never looked this healthy. So, it was good to see people...and help with the breakfast...and to make a healthy option (fruit)...and have people say that I looked fit and healthy. whoo hoo.

My second good thing...I went shopping on Sunday afternoon. I am in desperate need of work pants. I used to have a million bajillion pairs of pants, but now barely any of them fit. I had a bunch of size 12 pants and now basically they all are unwearable. I tried to wear a pair to work last week and it was embarrassing how they looked. So, I am basically down to 2 pair of pants that fit...and only one of them is work appropriate. I headed over to Old Navy in hopes of finding some nice pants on their clearance racks. I basically got one of every style of clearance pants they had in a size 8...and went to try them on. Most of them either fit or were a smidge loose. One of the pairs that was loose I really liked...they were a pair of khakis that kind of looked like cords, but not quite. Hard to describe...but I liked them. So, I hunted through the clearance stacks and found them in a size 6...and tried them on and low and behold, they FIT and fit well. I bought them and another pair of dress pants (size 8)...and was on my way. I can't believe I own a pair of size 6 pants...it makes my head hurt, but in a good way. whoo hoo...hoo!

Monday is my weigh-in day...as per usual. I have been working out hard this week...and doing 3 days of weight training and 3 days of light cardio. I hoped to see the scale blip up...which means I might be starting to build muscle. I had a trail mix attack on Thursday night...which means that I started eating it...and ATE way too much. I filled my belly with salty, yummy trail mix. So, on Friday and Saturday mornings...during my daily weigh-ins, the weight was up...sometimes as much as 4 lbs. Does that mean I gained 4 lbs overnight? Nope, not bloody likely. That stuff was mighty salty...and my body isn't used to it. So, I imagine I was retaining water like a mofo...especially since I was sucking down water on Saturday like no tomorrow. So, I stepped on the scale this morning...and I was up one lb. I don't think it's salt...or water weight...or a lb of gained fat from sucking down too much trail mix. I think it's an actual lb gained from working out and increasing my weights. I have muscles I haven't seen for a while on my arms...and my legs feel stronger. So...I can actually say for the first time in my natural life, I am HAPPY I gained a pound. I would like to gain 4 or 5 more...the smart and healthy way...gaining muscle, etc.

Alright...enough blabbering on about my scale and my weight and what not. If the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is here...get out there and enjoy it.

Happy Thursday

Hey all...I hope everyone is finding their Thursday treating them well. It's been cold the last few days...just to remind us that Spring is coming, but that Winter isn't done with us just yet. The weather guy did say that winter should be behind us now...but you never know, we've consistently known it to snow here or there in April. I remember it snowed last year in early April because I was in Florida at the time and my friends were cursing me from there.

My poor roomie is having a stressful week. Her mom is in the hospital and probably is having gallbladder surgery. She called and told me that her mom had a gallbladder attack on Monday and now they are just awaiting having the surgery. It's a tough time for everyone involved. My roomie's mom hates being in the hospital since the last time she was there...was when her husband was battling a terminal illness. And it's tough for my roomie because those times are always stressful...and she is taking over the parenting role for her little sister. She has so much on her plate already, that this just seems to be overwhelming her. The last time I spoke to her...she just seemed to be on the brink. I wish I could take some of the burden off of her...I would if I could. So, send some internet hugs her way...if you are so inclined.

And to switch gears...I had an exciting end of the day yesterday. I scooted out of work early and went over to meet the girl I am being matched with in our office's mentoring program. It's a lot like Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I've been considering doing it for years, but it just always wasn't the time. Now...it's officially the time. The girl I will be spending time with...she is just adorable. She has the best smile...from ear to ear...and she's still got that innocence about her. I think I might enjoy the time we are spending together more than she will...since I never had a little brother or sister, etc. Our first outing...is going to be going to the mall for a few hours...and window shopping. We're going to hit both of our favorite stores...and probably get some yummy food from the food court. Of course, we plan on getting lots of clothes to try on...and having our own version of a fashion show in the dressing room. It sounds like a blast to me.

And for this weekend...I don't have a lot of plans. I have to work on Saturday morning...which I keep almost forgetting. lol I have to teach a class at work. And then the usual weekend plans. My dad and I plan on going shopping on Saturday. He has a lot of around the house projects he wants to start buying things for. He wants to re-do the walls in mine and my brother's old room...and he wants to re-do the bathroom. Initially, we are going to re-do the whole shower with one of the walk in tubs when my mom was alive...since it would have been so much easier for her to use, but now I think he just wants to replace it with a new, nice, swanky one. He also wants to re-do the pipes and make it so he can use the water system outside again. I am always SO supportive of him making repairs of the house since selfishly, I will be taking the house over someday down the line. He said the house needs to be painted as well...and some windows need to be replaced. It's definitely spring time...so it's projects, projects everywhere!

And for Sunday...I am going to church. This Sunday is Communion Sunday. Some churches have communion every week, but we only do it monthly. I am helping two other women at church...serving the communion breakfast following the service. They are bringing bacon and eggs...and I am bringing a huge ol' fruit salad and maybe some granola. Mmmm.... That's about it for my weekend plans....oh...and cleaning...so my mentee can come over and I can not be completely embarassed, know what I mean?

Hugs all around...and enjoy the nice weather.

WHOO HOO!!!!!!!

Hi all! I've been blathering on and on for the last couple of months about how I have been running/jogging in preparation of running our local Shamrock Shuffle. I've never been a runner...no matter how fit I have been. I came home from Florida in January...and thought, "Hey, I wonder if I could get myself in shape to run/jog the Shamrock Shuffle?" It was a fleeting thought...seriously. I didn't think it could happen. I didn't think I could start training in the cold winter. I didn't have access to a treadmill. And plus, I was a horrible, sucky runner.

So, I thought...I can rock the elliptical for 45 minutes to an hour...I'll give it a shot. I went out for my first run in January...and sucked. I couldn't run for a 1/4 of a mile without having to stop and walk. I basically felt the shuffle was out of touch for this year, but I kept trucking along. I added some running time each time out...and in a few weeks, I headed from my house to my dad's. I jogged the whole way...it was about 2.5 miles. I was shocked...for the first time, I had hope.

Over the next 5 weeks...I added more and more mileage until I was running 5 miles without stopping. Now, when I say running...I mean jogging. I was running between 13-15 minute miles. I didn't care though...I was running.

Well...today was the shuffle. I went to church this morning (I needed the big guy on my side). I headed over to register at 10am...and the race started at 11am. My dad came with me...and my roomie came too to support me. I am so grateful for them coming to support me...it was very nice and I felt very loved.



My goal was...to run/jog the whole time...and to finish the race. And that is just what I did. The race was 5 miles...and my final time was 1:01:43. I was one of the last people to finish...about 6 people came in behind me. But, I don't care...I ran about a 12 minute mile...and I jogged the whole time...no walking...and I finished. I couldn't be happier. I didn't sign up to win...I signed up to run it and accomplish it.

I've said before...I don't know why this race was so important to me. I felt the need to run it...almost as if it is the physical representation of all the work I have done in the last 6 months.

I still say...if I can do this, anyone can! Hugs to all who were cheering me afar.

Mmm.......

Hey y'all....one thing I have learned in the last year, is that I actually am pretty good at baking. I never knew that. My mom...was fabulous in the kitchen. She was always making pies and cookies and candy and what not...and they were scrumdiddlyumptious! So, if I needed to bring something into work...or I wanted to bake a cake for a friend's bday...I would tell me mom, she would bake it up and voila! I made fudge with her once, but usually...I would just place the order and pick up the goods. One of the regrets I have now...is that I didn't spend more time with her in the kitchen and learn some of her tricks of the trade.

One thing my mom always did...is make cookies and cake and pie for the church when they were having dinners and what not. The church is having a pork dinner tonight, so I signed up to bring some supplies and I also signed up to bring a cake and/or a pie. I decided on AND instead of OR. So, here is what I made:



This is a grasshopper fudge cake. It smells divine. It is mint flavored white and green marbled cake...covered in a layer of fudge and then topped with mint flavored whipped topping and andes candies. If only the internet was scratch and sniff...and you could smell just how great this cake well...smells. I've haven't tasted it yet, but I am going to assume it is yummy.

And #2:



This is a No Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Pie. It's super easy to make and it is so rich and creamy. And of course, it is topped with drizzled dark chocolate fudge and some reese's PB cups. Mmmm...mmm....good!

I hope the church enjoys them...and I really did like making them. I have found I feel connected to my mom when I bake. I hope the church enjoys them even 10% as much as they LOVED my mom's baking. They used to ooh and ahh about the goodies she brought.

If anyone wants the recipes...email me and I would be more than happy to share. Enjoy your weekend y'all!

Happy Easter Everyone! I'll be heading to church in a few. In reality, I don't really know what to expect since I haven't been to church on Easter in maybe years, probably more. Then, I am going to hang out with my dad a little bit...and then come back to the apartment to get some much needed cleaning done. The Easter Bunny isn't bringing me candy this year...since I have banished it, but I heard he was bringing some to my daddy!

Enjoy the day!

Happy Tuesday y'all....

Since I had yesterday off work...and of course an extra day off should make you more rested and a better worker, but in reality...it just makes me wanna stay home another day and then another one. It's not that my job sucks or anything, but well...you know what I mean.

There are just so many other more important things I could be doing right now...like working out...or doing laundry...or watching TV...or playing on the internet (but aren't you playing on the internet right now??? Shhhh!), etc. Just kidding...but yeah, it is real easy to get real used to just doing nothing all day long.

Oh, I meant to update about my Sunday too, but I never did...that holiday all about Shelley being Irish got me distracted. lol For Lent, I gave up candy, pizza and soda...which were no-brainers since I am not eating candy or pizza anyways...and haven't had a soda in a long time. There were a few instances when I wanted a soda, but saying NO was super easy. Lent isn't over until Sunday...but right now, I am fully confident that I will make my goal.

The other thing I did for Lent was not quite giving up...but increasing my dedication. I pledged to put more money in the offertory for 6 weeks...to attend church for every one of the 6 weeks of Lent (I am notorious for missing once a month, etc)...and to find new ways to get involved in things at church.

Well...the 6 church services of Lent have come and gone...and I went all six times. I am so glad I dedicated myself to this...because I do feel more connected to the church and the community. It's much easier to fade into the woodwork when you don't show up each and every week. I have a "spot" in church why I sit...and one week, I showed up late and someone else was in "my spot" and the people who sit down from me...noticed. So, that reminded me that when you are in church...you are noticed and when you aren't...you are missed.

I also found new ways to get involved. I have been brining supplies for the dinners we've been having. We are having the weekend after next...and I am bringing lots of stuff and baking a cake...and maybe also a pie. And, I decided to join one of our fellowship committees. The committees are the church members who serve in different ways...we have about 10 different committees...and I signed up to be on the Outreach committee. I have never joined one before...so I am not sure what to expect, but I am happy I took the opportunity and initiative to sign up. I like the idea of the outreach one...because I want to see our church continue to be active globally and locally.

Now...my last church decision...is if I am going next week. I know...most people say, "It's Easter...everyone goes to church on Easter." Well, my mom and I used to always NOT go on Easter. My mom just didn't like that it wasn't about what it was supposed to be about. It oftens end up being about the cute little dresses your kid wears or who looks nicest...not about well...Easter and Jesus and all that jazz. I am thinking I am going to go. I go to the early service, so I think it'll be less of the kid parade...and well, I've gotten in the habit of going. But we'll see...

Alright...enough about church, it's lunch time and I am hungry!

It's Sunday already.....

Happy Sunday y'all....

This weekend has been active and also lazy. How does that work??? Well, I will tell you. On Saturday, I got up at 7am...my muscles were a little tired and checked the weather report. Saturdays are my days when I jog from my apartment to my dad's place. I heard snow was coming, so I wanted to make sure it wasn't happening in the morning. Well, the weather said that the snow wasn't coming until noon or so. I had breakfast and drank lots of water...and got my winter workout clothes on...and headed out the door.

I started jogging and still felt a little tired, so I decided I could cut the run short if I wanted to, but well...it's just not my style. So, I got to the 2.5 mile marker...and kept going. I got to the 3.5 mile marker, which is where I stopped last time...and decided to keep going. I ended up going 4.25 miles or so. I ran straight for 60 minutes...and I have never done that before. Next time, 5 miles is the goal. I felt great this week...that I kept going and pushed myself to add more distance.

My dad and I went shopping as usual...and I found an electric blanket on sale for 50% off. I wanted one a few months earlier, but they were so expensive...at least 70 dollars. That seems nuts to me. So, since it was so cheap...I threw it in the cart. I planned on paying for it, but when it came time to checkout...my dad bought it for me. He really is a kind and wonderful person...and of course, not just because he bought me a blanket. I'm a lucky girl. I also bought rechargeable batteries for my new mp3 player and so it is all juiced up again. Hopefully next week I will have a run with tunes. Oh, I plugged my blanket in last night...and turned it on low...it was nice sleeping with a blanket of warmth all around me.

It snowed off and on all day yesterday and today. The snow this morning when I went to church was light and fluffy. It is so pretty outside...I'd go take a pic of it to show you, but well...I'm too lazy. I was going to workout today, but since my bones were so tired yesterday pre-run, I decided to skip it and give myself a break. All I have done today other than church and hanging with my dad for a while...is watch TV and lounge on the couch.

I hope everyone had a great weekend...and let's hope it was more exciting than mine. Hugs all.

P.S. On schedule for the upcoming week...I am going to do my taxes and see how much I am getting back...and hopefully I won't have to pay anything.

TGIF

Thank God It Is Friday....this week has just dragged for me. I had this Monday off work and I have next Friday off work, so each day in between...has just taken FOREVER.

Plus, we got a pretty nasty ice storm Wednesday night into Thursday. It was pouring rain and then freezing rain and then snow on top of that. When I got up on Thursday, I looked outside...and it didn't look too bad. Well...until I got out to my car to warm it up before cleaning it off. My car was covered with at least a 1/2 inch of ice, if not more. I pulled and pulled on the door and COULD NOT get it open. I wondered if my lack of door opening abilities was going to keep me home from work. Well, I refuse to let the ice win...so I got the key to my dad's van out from my keychain...and started stabbing it along the seam of the door. (I used my dad's key because with my luck...the key would break and if it was the key to either my car or the apartment...umm, that would be bad). The key didn't break and after about 10 minutes of hacking away...and then pulling like mad on the door...rinse and repeat, etc. I FINALLY got the door open...and crawled inside and turned the car on. I cleaned off some of the car...and then went inside to wait for it to warm up and start to de-ice.

With all of that ice related drama...I was only 15 minutes late for work. Go me! We all know I love snow...but this ice business, I could do without it.

Oh...and last night, I was doing weight lifting instead of cardio, so my muscles are just a tad sore and tired this morning. I woke up...was getting ready and went down to warm up my car and my door was frozen shut again. I pulled on the door...and felt every single muscle in my arm. lol. Luckily, the door opened with only a little nudging because if it was going to take strength...my arms didn't have it in them today.

Oooh...again. I forgot to mention. They opened up the registration this week, so I officially signed up for the 5 mile race in March. I sent in the money...and ah, it feels so good to be official. I am really looking forward to it. I planning on running again to my dad's tomorrow morning...as long as the roads aren't still covered in ice. I jogged 3.5 miles last Saturday, so I am aiming for a full 4.5 or 5 miles this Saturday. I have it measured all out, so as long as my legs stay with me...it should be doable.

I hope everyone enjoys their Friday...and has a fabulous weekend. I don't have a lot planned. Jogging to dad's on Saturday...running errands...grocery shopping. Church on Sunday...and sometime this week a quick clean of the apartment.

Hugs all...

Lent commitments....

I mentioned in a post a while back...that I was unsure what I was going to do for Lent. Was I going to give up pizza and candy like I always do? Was I going to do something different since my diet is taking care of that anyways??

Today Lent officially starts. I'm not Catholic, so it's not a requirement that I give up anything, but I usually always do. I can remember being a little kid and telling my mom I was giving up homework for Lent...and just being impressed with how cute I was.

For 2008, here are my commitments for the Lenten period:

1. Giving up Pizza...as I always do. It should be easy enough. I haven't had a slice since mid-September, so 6 more weeks should be no big deal.

2. Giving up candy...as I always do. Once again, should be easy enough to do since simple sugars are not on my plan.

3. Giving up soda. I haven't had soda in the longest time, but I want to commit to not having any for the next 6 weeks. I doubt it will be a problem since I have had the same 2 bottles of diet Pepsi in my fridge since before Christmas.

4. Instead of giving up, I am giving back. I am committing to going to church for the next 6 weeks of Lent, no exceptions. Plus, I am going to increase the amount of money I put in the offertory plate each week. I am also going to look for ways to continue to get involved with church activities during this 6 weeks, etc.

I know my friend Heather (hey Hottie!) is doing the same church commitment...in hopes of finding a new church home.

Anyone else giving up something for Lent???

Check-In on my 2008 Goals!

Alright...it's already February, so I thought I would do a status check on how I am doing on my 2008 goals. I copied a bunch of what I wrote in that entry here...and then I will put how I am doing so far in bold under it, mkay?

2008 Goals
1. Fitness
*I would like to ramp up my exercise even one more notch. I want to keep doing the cardio (with my rusty trusty elliptical) and also do a lot of circuit training to tone and shape what I've got.
*I want to run a 5K. I put that as a goal last year...and I walked a 5K, so I thought...good enough. Not good enough. I want to run one. We have a local runners club here and they have 5Ks throughout the year...so, I want to sign up for one. There is one in March...and I might sign up for that one to push myself to be ready by then. I won't like training and working up to it in the cold, but I'll survive!
*A fitness goal I have...is to figure out how to maintain my weight. I have had success at losing weight and gaining weight, but staying the same weight...that is such a mystery to me. So, I want to maintain my weight...and plan on giving myself a reward for each month I maintain my loss...once I am done losing.
So far, so good. I am still working out on my elliptical...doing strength training more than I was in 2007 and I set the goal for running not a 5K, but a 5 mile race in March. I still need to figure out how to maintain my weight...and that will start mid-February when I transition from the weight loss phase to the transition and maintenance phase of my diet/lifestyle program.

2. I want to be more organized in all areas of my life. I want to be more organized at home. I want to constantly keep the apartment clean. Instead of letting it get gross and disgusting...and then doing a mass cleaning, I want to keep on top of it every single day. I also want to be more organized at work...I want to not let things pile up. So, I am looking for 2008 to be the year of organization.
Things are getting to where they need to be. I spent a lot of time on my bedroom at home. I cleaned it...I organized my closet and actually put things away. Also, my roomie and I did a cleaning of the whole apartment. Now, what we NEED to do is keep doing it. We tend to get into the pattern of cleaning and then not doing it again for weeks until it desperately looks like it needs to be done again. Not good enough. I think I am going to make a cleaning schedule and hopefully roomie and I can figure out who is going to do what...on a more often basis. Work...still needs organizing, but I am getting there. I figure...organize home first, then work.

3. I want to be more active with my church this year. They have been really wonderful this year. My mom loved church and so being there is a really nice way to be close to her. I want to get involved in more things...and become more connected to the church, other than through my mom.
I have committed to going to church every week for the next 6 weeks of Lent. Plus, I have been bringing things in for the dinners and what not. And, I signed up to help two other people in church with the communion breakfast in April. So, I am slowly looking to become more involved. I think I might also find a way to help with the Sunday School events...even if it is just watching the little ones in the daycare section. I am going to look for opportunities to get involved...and say yes when asked.

4. I want to expand my wardrobe. I want to buy some more clothes...but within a budget. I plan on buying a new item or so every time I get paid. It would be nice to not be still wearing clothes I was wearing in high school.
I have done much better at this than I expected. I am horrible at spending money on myself. I went out and bought a BUNCH of stuff from Old Navy and Target during their after Christmas sales. I got a bunch of clothes for very little money. It's one of the benefits of losing weight...and feeling good about your appearance...because I am now more willing to spend money on myself and something that will make me look good.

5. I want to continue saving money. I want to start a Christmas savings account so that the holiday spending doesn't always seem like such a pinch. I also want to save for another trip to Florida...possibly going with some friends, etc. And, I also want to take another look at my monthly budget...making sure I am saving all the $$$ I can.
I did start a Xmas savings fund and I am putting at least $25 a month in it. I don't want to spend all of January paying off Xmas debt like I did this year. I am still putting money into my car insurance savings acct, my car savings acct and my general savings acct. I am also thinking of starting a dental savings acct since I always need some work done...yadda yadda yadda. I do pretty well at saving money...I just want to make sure it is a constant, automatic thing each and every month.

So...there are my goals for 2008...so far...and an update on how I am doing. Honestly, I think I am doing pretty well. I need to think if there are other goals I would like to accomplish this year as well.

Super Fat Tuesday....

*giggles* That's right...today is not only Super Tuesday, but it is also Fat Tuesday.

So, if you live in one of the 22 states that is having a primary today....don't forget to get out and vote. NY is one of those states, so I will be heading to the polls once I get out of my dentist appt this afternoon. There have never been this many states on Super Tuesday before...it's as close to a national primary as we have ever had. I have never hidden who I am going to vote for....I'm a democrat, so I will be voting in that primary and casting my vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton. I am not voting against Obama, but I just feel that Hillary is the most qualified candidate to lead the country.

I guess I should rant about one of my pet peeves....not voting. I don't know how many people I have come across in the last few weeks who have no intention of voting in the primary...and some more who aren't registered to vote, etc. I consider it an honor to be able to vote...and have a voice in our system. For decades...women before me championed and sacrificed so that I could have the simple right to vote...so, in many ways...I consider not voting a slap in their faces. With freedom and democracy...comes responsibility. When most people tell me they aren't voting...here are the main reasons: 1) The system is so corrupt...I don't want to be a part of it. 2) My vote doesn't really count anyways. 3) I don't like any of the candidates, so why bother. And...some of that argument is right on the money, but I don't think it is reason not to vote. Right now...our system says it is a democracy, but I am not sure it actually is. I do agree...that in many ways...it is bought and paid for. And, I have felt at times that my vote doesn't really count because of the way the electoral college works. But...there that just confirms my need to vote. I know the system will never change if only those who support the corruption vote in it...if only those who champion the status quo. I have often said that if everyone voted...our political system would be vastly different. In terms of statistics...people in poverty don't vote...so, why should a politician pay attention to their issues...when they don't come out to the polls. Let's say for example...Person #1 votes and Person #2 does not. There is a particular issue that is important to both people....Issue A. Person #1 is against issue A...and Person #2 is for issue A. Who is the politician more likely to listen to??? Person #1...because they vote. Yes, that's simplistic...and with lobbyist...things get more and more murky, but I still say...if we ALL voted, we'd be more powerful than the biggest, wealthiest lobby...because our votes ELECT people.

Alright...off my "You should vote" soapbox. At least for now.

And let's not forget Fat Tuesday is today too. Today is the day before Lent...when people are supposed to indulge in whatever they are going to give up for the next 6 weeks. My church is having its annual Pancake Supper tonight. And...for me...I am proud that this is the first Fat Tuesday where I am not actually fat. whoo hoo. I usually always order pizza for dinner tonight...because I give it up for Lent. Not this year though. I am still giving it up for Lent...candy too...but, not going to be eating it tonight. Instead, I like the idea of being in the healthy BMI range for Fat Tuesday.

I also decided to commit to church for the next 6 weeks. I am going to put more in the offertory...and go to church each week for the Lent period. It is sad how little I give each week...even though I make it up by making one or two big donations throughout the year...and bringing in items for dinners and church events, but still....I realized last week that I put more money in each week for our Lotto Club at work than I give to the church. Not right, not at all. So, I am giving a little more in the plate each week. It's still not a lot...but it's a step in the right direction. And going each and every week is something I need to do. I like going, but I usually end up taking at least one week off a month...and it's amazing how that one week can snowball into two...or three and then suddenly, I haven't been in a month. So...I will be at church for the Lent period...no ifs ands or butts about it.

Enjoy your Tuesday all...and if you are have a primary today....VOTE!!!!! *smirks*

lent sment...

Happy Tuesday all!!

I went for another run yesterday. I get out of work an hour early on Mondays and Fridays, so I got home...strapped on my shoes...got my workout clothes...and headed out for a quick run. I did a warm up walk for about a mile...then ran...jogged rather for 2.5 miles and then did a cool down walk for about 3/4 of a mile. It was a nice day to go out for a run because the weather was a little warmer....it was in the mid-30s. I am hoping to get another run out of the way during the week...and then run to dad's again on Saturday...and increase the distance to at least 4 miles. The 5 mile race I want to run is at the end of March, so from today...I have 60 days until it's go time. I am pretty sure if I keep on pace, I'll be ready. I have to accomplish two things...I have to increase the distance I am running...and increase the speed of which I run. I'll work on the distance first...then the speed.

Let's see...what else is going on??? Oh, Lent is coming up. I have to decide what I am going to do for Lent. Lent starts on 2/5 and goes until 3/23. Now, I am not Catholic, so Lent isn't a requirement for me, but I usually do participate. I like the idea of giving something up for 6 weeks with a higher purpose.

Now, I usually always give up candy and pizza for Lent. One, it usually helps me say no to eating them...and two, it's a great health conscious thing to do. One of my favorite candies in the world is the Cadbury Mini Eggs, so if I give up candy for Lent...I am not tempted to eat my body weight with those little suckers. And pizza...is always something I love. If it was at all healthy, I could eat pizza for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert and never grow sick of it.

I have been thinking if I want to give those things up again...because in essence, I have given them up since mid-September already. I haven't had a slice of pizza or a piece of candy since mid-September. So, do I really need to give it up completely for another 6 weeks? Well...I guess I don't, but why not? It's not going to hurt me to be without pizza and candy for another 6 weeks. Plus, it might help since I am starting to transition out of the weight loss phase into the maintenance phase.

But...I think I might do something else for Lent too. It's not giving something up, but increasing my commitment. I think I might put more $$$ in the offertory plate at church for those 6 weeks...and commit to going to church each week. That might be a nice addition to giving up the pizza and sweets.

I don't know...I have a week until I have to decide...but that is what I am thinking.

Mmm....peanut butter frosting!

I signed up to bring a bunch of things to church dinner next month...they need fixin's for a ham dinner and also a bunch of pies and cakes. My mom used to make those things all the time. She was great at them. I can make a cake, but don't have the flare that my mom did. One of the many things she taught me to make was a scrummdiddlyumptious peanut butter frosting to put on top of a cake. I always find it surprising that you can't buy peanut butter frosting in the store. I wonder why that is...you can buy almost any other type of frosting. Hmm...anyone have an answer for that? I am learning how to make lots of different things that my mom used to make and peanut butter frosting is just one of them.

Oh well, doesn't matter because I can make a killer, sweet, fluffy peanut butter frosting because well, my mommy taught me. And it's easy too! So easy, that I know you can make it too.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons milk, or as needed
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Items You Will Need:
Measuring Cups,
Hamilton Beach® Mixer


Directions:

Place the butter and peanut butter into a medium bowl, and beat with an electric mixer. Add the milk and mix again. Now add the sugar in slowly and continue to beat it with a hand mixer until all of the sugar is mixed in and the frosting is thick and spreadable. Beat for at least 3 minutes for it to get good and fluffy.

My mom bought me a hand mixer years ago and I never used it. Something like an Eclectrics® Mixer. They are so nice because it doesn't make a huge mess and you have a lot more control. My mom had a huge mixer contraption, but I like the hand held ones better. Plus, with a Hamilton Beach® Mixer, you don't have to find all this space on your kitchen counter. I can remember my mom lugging her mixer in and out of the kitchen when she went to make something, but not with this. I am so glad I have one...and plan on using it this winter to make mom's famous fudge too.

It's so simple...and some of the best frosting I have ever had. I made it last year and put it on top of a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting. It's the first cake I made by myself since my mom died....and let me tell you, it was a huge success. My mom would have been proud.

drive-in report and other mumbo jumbo...

Tech Report

I am logged onto the computer using my new wireless mouse. whoo hoo. It's awesome. I needed a new mouse because my old one was catching and just plain ol' crappy. I decided to get a wireless one so I wouldn't have to worry about the cords, etc. It's pretty cool. I also installed a new USB port on my computer because I only had 2 ports before...and well, that's not nearly enough.

I like getting new toys...no matter how small.

Drive-In Report

This weekend was really wuite nice...all around. I had friday off work...so that felt like part of my weekend and then last night I went to the dinner and the drive-in with 2 friends. And today, I had a nice day at church and then just lazed around the apartment.

The movies was fun. We saw the new Harry Potter movie...which in all honesty, I could care less about. I haven't seen any of the HP movies, so I didn't really know what was going on. But, my 2 friends really wanted to see it...and sometimes, the whole world isn't solely about me. LOL. It was a good movie...just not my style. The second movie was Live Free or Die Hard. I LOVE Die Hard movies...I would see Die Hard 17 if they made it. I just think they are awesome. I like how John McClain is this conflicted, every man kind of guy. And...I love that in every movie he gets the absolute tar beaten out of him, but still finds some way to save this day. And this movie...also stars Justin Long and Kevin Smith. How can one not love this movie?

My only real complaint about the drive-in is how late you end up being there. The first movie doesn't start until 9pm and then the second movie doesn't start until about 11:30pm. We didn't leave until about 2am...which is WAY WAY WAY past my bedtime. In fact, when the second movie started it was past my bedtime. *yawns*

It was a good time though...good times!

VBS Report

And speaking of good times, I wanted to say again how much fun I had at VBS. It really was a blast. I am so glad that people asked me to help out. I have always loved my church...but in the last couple of months, I am more connected that I ever have been. The little kids were so cute...every day at work, I would tell another story of something adorably cute that the kids did. It was exhausting and a lot of really hard work, but well worth it.

I did miss my mom terribly this week. Church was always our place...where we went together, so being at church every night...made me happy and sad. I know that if she were alive, she would have been there too....helping with registration and snack time, etc. She would have made oodles of cookies for the closing ceremony. She would have helped me cut out paper crowns for the kids to color. I really felt her presence with me this week...which felt wonderful, but also really sad too because she should be here. I have a million questions I never asked her. I have a million stories I know I am going to want to tell her.

Love ya mom...each and every moment.

Phase 1 Weigh-In: Friday wasn't so unlucky for me!

I have today off work...yawns...which I desperately need. I have been going to VBS all week long, so it has been work, then home to snag something for dinner, then VBS until 9pm, home by 9:30pm...and back to bed. Plus, the church isn't air conditioned...and on Monday and Tuesday...it was SO HOT! That just makes you more tired.

So yes...today I have off work. No plans...just hanging out and resting.

Yesterday was the last day of Phase 1 of the Fat Smash Plan for me. It is supposed to last for 9 days, but I did it for 18 since I was really liking what I was eating. Now I am in Phase 2...the only real difference is that I can eat a little bit of cheese if I want...and some cold cereal if I want...and can use a little bit of sugar in my cooking, etc. I could also have diet soda too...and coffee, but I don't plan on doing that. I never do well at dieting if I drink caffeine. And...other people can add a little meat into their diet, but obviously I am not doing that.

So, what were the results? Well...I lost 6 lbs. during Phase 1. WHOO HOO for me! I am excited because that means that I have lost a total of 10 lbs since I rededicated myself to losing some of this weight I am carrying around.

I am so glad I am doing the Fat Smash program. I ended up getting really inspired while watching Celebrity Fit Club. I bought the book and once I got my hands on it, it seemed like something I could totally do.

6 freakin' pounds people! 6 lbs!!!