So, since I've joined the 20/20 challenge, I was placed in a buddy group with 4 other amazing women (Hi Misha, Joy, Nicole and Anna!!!) We're calling ourselves "Becoming Hot Mama's" because we all have the same common goal of wanting to be a healthy weight and living a healthy lifestyle before TTC.
We all decided to start the C25K program....and we're all going to be running 5k's in our respective hometowns this spring!
I'm not a runner. I never have been, not even when I was active and in-shape in my high school years. Sure, I'd run the 1-mile "warm-up" before cheerleading practice with no problem, but I never enjoyed it. And here I am, with a TON of weight to lose and I'm committing to run a 5k in a few months....am I nuts?!
I think I'm nuts, but I've gotta do it. The girls in our buddy group are super supportive and way motivational. Now, I just need to find a local 5k! The only two I've found are either 1) while I'm on my cruise or 2) not until July 27th! I don't want to wait that long, but I'll run that one if I have to. It's at our local zoo, so that might make for some fun scenery!
Now it's time to lace up my running shoes, grab the dog's leash and hit the pavement!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
RIP "Stinky" Zekey
Today my parents had to put their 11 year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Zeke, to sleep. We got him when I was 13 years old, and he affectionately became known to me as "Stinky Zekey" because he always smelled like a dog that gotten into something bad and rolled in it.
Zeke lived a happy life running around my parents 60 acres, swimming in the ponds, laying in the sunshine on the front porch and being my dad's best bud.
Over the last year, Zeke had progressively gotten worse. He started coughing on a regular basis, and while the vet said he had some fluid in his lungs, it wasn't enough to worry about. Over the last two weeks Zeke had begun to fall down while just walking, lose control over his bladder and proceed to have a small seizure. He had seizures once in a while when he was younger as well. In the last few days my dad noticed Zeke had stopped having "movements" all together and that his abdomen was very abnormal looking and feeling. At the vet appointment this morning the X-ray revealed that Zeke not only had fluid in his lungs and abdomen, but also an enlarged heart and a tumor on his spleen. Even though it was difficult, my dad made the right decision.
I wish I hadn't gotten the news while I was at work, because I've shut myself into a small, private conference room so I can let the tears flow and not have my co-workers in my business. I know it will pass with time, but it doesn't make it any easier.
All I know is that when I get home, I'm going to hug my two young, healthy pooches!
(I'd post a picture of Zeke but I don't have any on Shutterfly and I still haven't gotten all of my picture off my old computer yet)
Zeke lived a happy life running around my parents 60 acres, swimming in the ponds, laying in the sunshine on the front porch and being my dad's best bud.
Over the last year, Zeke had progressively gotten worse. He started coughing on a regular basis, and while the vet said he had some fluid in his lungs, it wasn't enough to worry about. Over the last two weeks Zeke had begun to fall down while just walking, lose control over his bladder and proceed to have a small seizure. He had seizures once in a while when he was younger as well. In the last few days my dad noticed Zeke had stopped having "movements" all together and that his abdomen was very abnormal looking and feeling. At the vet appointment this morning the X-ray revealed that Zeke not only had fluid in his lungs and abdomen, but also an enlarged heart and a tumor on his spleen. Even though it was difficult, my dad made the right decision.
I wish I hadn't gotten the news while I was at work, because I've shut myself into a small, private conference room so I can let the tears flow and not have my co-workers in my business. I know it will pass with time, but it doesn't make it any easier.
All I know is that when I get home, I'm going to hug my two young, healthy pooches!
(I'd post a picture of Zeke but I don't have any on Shutterfly and I still haven't gotten all of my picture off my old computer yet)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
20 in 20 Challenge
It's obviously no secret I've been trying to lose weight for a while now. About 3 years to be exact. I lost about 25lbs right before I met Keith, and then the "love chub" found me...and then some. I lost about 10lbs before the wedding, but that's come back too...and then some.
I've been focusing on developing better eating habits, and while I've faltered here and there, overall it's been decent. I've been experimenting more in the kitchen, which has been fun. The results haven't always been the great, but it's been an interesting learning process! With spring nipping at my heels, I'm 100% re-committed and I'm hoping that by "going public", it will help to keep me motivated and hold myself accountable.
With that said, I've decided to join the 20 in 20 challenge. The steps are pretty basic and it's nothing that I haven't already heard of before. I'm just hoping that by having a "community" to share the journey with, it will help keep me motivated.
Step 1: Make a Plan
Well, that should be easy enough, right? I'm going to be more strict with the "plan" I'm already doing. I'll bring my lunch every day, make a dinner menu for the week and go shopping for those ingredients. If I plan ahead, I should be ok. Right now I have a list on our fridge at home with meal selections for the week. It makes it much easier to decide what's for dinner after a long day at the office.
I've GOT to start working out again. I've been on my treadmill maybe 4 times in the past 3 weeks. That's not even close to cutting it! I really want to do the Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred again, but I'm scared....I'm scared I'll do Level 1-Day-1 and quit because I'm sore for 4 days after. The last time I did it, I would yell out in pain just trying to sit on the toilet, that's how sore I was. I can tolerate a little muscle ache here and there, but this was BAD. I'm just going to have to suck it up and work through the pain. Losing weight doesn't come easy.
Now that the weather is getting nicer, I want to take Harley for walks/runs a few times a week too. We'll let the dogs run around the yard for exercise, but Harley wouldn't hurt to have a long walk a few times a week.
Either way, whatever I decide to do, I'm GOING to stick with it. I don't have any other choice!
Step 2: Set Rewards
My first reward will be at the -10lb mark. I'm going to get a new spring haircut and color. My stylist gave me a coupon for a free service as a wedding gift, and I've been saving it to get a fun new color for spring. However, I want to do something new and fun to my hair too. I'm not sure yet, but that will be my -10lb reward.
I'm hoping I can hit the -20lb mark before we go on our cruise on June 12th, but that's definitely pushing it. I know I'll be needing a few new outfits for the cruise regardless, but if I'm 20lbs lighter I'm going to reward myself with an outfit that makes me feel fabulous, regardless of the price tag.
Step 3: Plan
I kind of already covered this in Step 1, but I just need to make sure I take the time every Friday night to plan meals for the entire week and make our grocery list.
I also need to plan to get up earlier in the AM, so I can get in a 20 minute 30-Day Shred workout in before work. That way I have NO excuses.
Step 4: Measuring and Nutritional Information
In all of my yo-yo dieting experience, I've gotten pretty good at reading labels and measuring food....it's just a matter of sticking to it. I'll have to make it a point to measure EVERYTHING I put into recipes, instead of just eye-balling it.
I'm also going to try to wean myself away from artificial sweeteners and eventually work towards eating all-natural products.
Step 5: Before Pictures:
I'll do these soon, even though I HATE seeing myself in pictures. I think I'll find a "before" picture from when I was thin back in my HS days too...for inspiration.
Step 6: Pound for Pound Challenge
Sign up to donate to the Pound for Pound Challenge that The Biggest Loser is sponsoring. (DONE!!)
I've been focusing on developing better eating habits, and while I've faltered here and there, overall it's been decent. I've been experimenting more in the kitchen, which has been fun. The results haven't always been the great, but it's been an interesting learning process! With spring nipping at my heels, I'm 100% re-committed and I'm hoping that by "going public", it will help to keep me motivated and hold myself accountable.
With that said, I've decided to join the 20 in 20 challenge. The steps are pretty basic and it's nothing that I haven't already heard of before. I'm just hoping that by having a "community" to share the journey with, it will help keep me motivated.
Step 1: Make a Plan
Well, that should be easy enough, right? I'm going to be more strict with the "plan" I'm already doing. I'll bring my lunch every day, make a dinner menu for the week and go shopping for those ingredients. If I plan ahead, I should be ok. Right now I have a list on our fridge at home with meal selections for the week. It makes it much easier to decide what's for dinner after a long day at the office.
I've GOT to start working out again. I've been on my treadmill maybe 4 times in the past 3 weeks. That's not even close to cutting it! I really want to do the Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred again, but I'm scared....I'm scared I'll do Level 1-Day-1 and quit because I'm sore for 4 days after. The last time I did it, I would yell out in pain just trying to sit on the toilet, that's how sore I was. I can tolerate a little muscle ache here and there, but this was BAD. I'm just going to have to suck it up and work through the pain. Losing weight doesn't come easy.
Now that the weather is getting nicer, I want to take Harley for walks/runs a few times a week too. We'll let the dogs run around the yard for exercise, but Harley wouldn't hurt to have a long walk a few times a week.
Either way, whatever I decide to do, I'm GOING to stick with it. I don't have any other choice!
Step 2: Set Rewards
My first reward will be at the -10lb mark. I'm going to get a new spring haircut and color. My stylist gave me a coupon for a free service as a wedding gift, and I've been saving it to get a fun new color for spring. However, I want to do something new and fun to my hair too. I'm not sure yet, but that will be my -10lb reward.
I'm hoping I can hit the -20lb mark before we go on our cruise on June 12th, but that's definitely pushing it. I know I'll be needing a few new outfits for the cruise regardless, but if I'm 20lbs lighter I'm going to reward myself with an outfit that makes me feel fabulous, regardless of the price tag.
Step 3: Plan
I kind of already covered this in Step 1, but I just need to make sure I take the time every Friday night to plan meals for the entire week and make our grocery list.
I also need to plan to get up earlier in the AM, so I can get in a 20 minute 30-Day Shred workout in before work. That way I have NO excuses.
Step 4: Measuring and Nutritional Information
In all of my yo-yo dieting experience, I've gotten pretty good at reading labels and measuring food....it's just a matter of sticking to it. I'll have to make it a point to measure EVERYTHING I put into recipes, instead of just eye-balling it.
I'm also going to try to wean myself away from artificial sweeteners and eventually work towards eating all-natural products.
Step 5: Before Pictures:
I'll do these soon, even though I HATE seeing myself in pictures. I think I'll find a "before" picture from when I was thin back in my HS days too...for inspiration.
Step 6: Pound for Pound Challenge
Sign up to donate to the Pound for Pound Challenge that The Biggest Loser is sponsoring. (DONE!!)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Tiramisu Layer Cake
I thought I'd be brave and try my hand at making a cake from scratch. Not just any cake, but a 3-layer cake. What was I thinking?!
I got the original recipe from allrecipes, but below is my modified version (thanks to the reviews on the website).
Ingredients:
CAKE
1 package moist white cake mix
4 teaspoons instant coffee power
1/4 cup coffee
2 tablespoons coffee flavored liquor (I used Kahula)
FILLLING
2 packages cream cheese (softened)
5 Tablespoons sour cream
3 Tablespoons coffee flavored liquor
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
FROSTING
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
4 tablespoons coffee flavored liquor
GARNISH
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate (use a veggie peeler to create chocolate curls)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350*, grease three 9" cake pans.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Pour 1/3 of the batter into one of the pans. Add coffee liquor to the remaining mixture (it helped to dissolve the instant coffee in a bit of water) and pour into the remaining two pans.
3. Bake the cake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. In a measuring cup, combine the coffee and 2 tablespoons of the coffee liquor. Set aside.
4. To make the filling: In a small bowl, using an electric mixer set on low, combine all of the filling ingredients, fold until stiff. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge.
5. To make the frosting: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer set on med-high, beat the cream, confectioners suger and coffee liquor until stiff (I added more sugar until I got the consitencey I wanted). Fold 1/2 cup of the frosting mixture into the filling mixture.
6. To assemble the cake (This is where I had trouble). Place one layer of the coffee filled cake on a serving plate. Using a thin skewer, poke hole about an inch apart into the cake. Pour 1/3 of the coffee mixture onto the cake. Repeat with the other two layers (I let the layers freeze in the freezer so they'd be easier to handle since the coffee mixture makes them soggy).
9. Spread the sides and top of the cake with frosting -- and feel free to use the frosting to fill in all of the gaps and holes like I did! :)
10. Top with chocolate curls and refrigerate for at LEAST an hour before serving. I left it in the fridge overnight so the frosting could really "set".
I got the original recipe from allrecipes, but below is my modified version (thanks to the reviews on the website).
Ingredients:
CAKE
1 package moist white cake mix
4 teaspoons instant coffee power
1/4 cup coffee
2 tablespoons coffee flavored liquor (I used Kahula)
FILLLING
2 packages cream cheese (softened)
5 Tablespoons sour cream
3 Tablespoons coffee flavored liquor
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
FROSTING
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
4 tablespoons coffee flavored liquor
GARNISH
1 ounce semi-sweet chocolate (use a veggie peeler to create chocolate curls)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350*, grease three 9" cake pans.
2. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Pour 1/3 of the batter into one of the pans. Add coffee liquor to the remaining mixture (it helped to dissolve the instant coffee in a bit of water) and pour into the remaining two pans.
3. Bake the cake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. In a measuring cup, combine the coffee and 2 tablespoons of the coffee liquor. Set aside.
4. To make the filling: In a small bowl, using an electric mixer set on low, combine all of the filling ingredients, fold until stiff. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge.
5. To make the frosting: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer set on med-high, beat the cream, confectioners suger and coffee liquor until stiff (I added more sugar until I got the consitencey I wanted). Fold 1/2 cup of the frosting mixture into the filling mixture.
6. To assemble the cake (This is where I had trouble). Place one layer of the coffee filled cake on a serving plate. Using a thin skewer, poke hole about an inch apart into the cake. Pour 1/3 of the coffee mixture onto the cake. Repeat with the other two layers (I let the layers freeze in the freezer so they'd be easier to handle since the coffee mixture makes them soggy).
7. Top the bottom layer with the filling mixture and carefully place the plain layer on top.
8. Repeat and add the top coffee layer (Now I know why professional bakers have knives to cut the cake layers so they're flat...go ahead and laugh, I did!!)
9. Spread the sides and top of the cake with frosting -- and feel free to use the frosting to fill in all of the gaps and holes like I did! :)
10. Top with chocolate curls and refrigerate for at LEAST an hour before serving. I left it in the fridge overnight so the frosting could really "set".
11. Enjoy!!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Dear Nadya Suleman: I Don't Like You. At All.
Is it just me, or does the Octo-mom look more like Michael Jackson then Angelina Jolie?
That being said, I don't think I've ever been as disgusted with a human being than I am with this person who calls herself a mother.
The following are just a few examples of how not to be a good parent:
- Bringing 14 children into the world without a husband/father/partner
- Making your parents raise your own children
- Living off SS and disability payments, when you should've gone out and gotten another job after you "healed" instead of turning yourself into a baby-making factory
- Spending money on fake nails and lips when you can't even provide for your kids
- Living in your parents 3 bedroom house with your 14 children
- Saying "God will provide" when asked how you're going to manage. (Last time I checked, God wasn't the one who brought in a paycheck or put food on the table)
- Going straight to a media interview when released from the hospital instead of going home to see the rest of your children.
Shit, I'm a happily married 25 year old with a very good job and even I know better than to start popping out kids!
I want to bitch slap her. Hard.Sunday, February 8, 2009
Meet our nephew!
Nia loves her little brother!
Nia was 'reading' me the Curious George book we brought her!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
It's Magestic!
Aunt Lynn emailed us our flight numbers today, including where we'll be staying in Barcelona. We arrive around 8:30am local time, after flying all night. We're planning on staying up when we get there -- no point wasting a day in a foreign country -- and doing a bus tour to see all the big spots. Then we'll find somewhere to have a relaxing dinner before we begin our adventures the next day. Luckily, this is where we get to rest our head that night:
The next morning we'll wake up early and do another tour of Barcelona -- this time on Segway's! I think it'll be a blast -- and probably slightly entertaining. Aunt Lynn is already worried about having "helmet hair" and I'm pretty sure my mom won't go faster than 2mph on it. We'll look like complete tourists, but I think it'll be well worth it to look like idiots.
After our Segway experience we'll head over to board the cruise ship and wait to set sail! Only 4 months and 8 days -- not like I'm counting...
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