So, after my exciting weekend last weekend, I have to admit that I am super nervous about this weekend.
Usually I am pumped for vacations, which for us, usually mean a road trip to visit family - at their houses. It's familiar.
However, this weekend will be different. On Friday our family will be heading up to a hotel/casino/resort for a family reunion. Honestly, the thought staying in a hotel and eating out for 4 days scares me. Alot! I have worked hard and don't want to go backwards. Even "healthy" choices at restaurants have way more sodium (and even calories) than something comparable from my kitchen. But, I don't want to be a downer either. This is the first time my kids will be at a hotel or have ever enjoyed a weekend like this.
How can I be successful this weekend? Help friends! What do you do to make the most out of your vacations without going backward?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
How Do You Start a Weekend?
Usually, I don't start on the scale (Wednesday is my day), but this week was different. I have been teetering near the 30 lbs. lost mark for a few weeks. It has been taunting me. So, after a very careful week, I jumped on the scale Saturday morning. I was pumped to see 162.0. That, my friends, means that I have lost 30.2 lbs! Needless to say, it was a great start to my HEALTHY WEEKEND!Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Not Ruining Tomorrow
While reading a book this afternoon, a statement by the author really struck me.
"I am amazed by how many individuals mess up every new day with yesterday. They insist on bringing into today the failures of yesterday, and in so doing, they pollute a potentially wonderful day." - Gary Chapman
The book was referring to relationships, however, for me it also seems fitting for my healthiness journey. I have been losing and gaining the same 2 pounds for the past month. Here are two things that I have come to realize that I need to work on:
* What it means to deserve something - working out or being under my calorie goal doesn't mean that I "deserve" a treat, because really that treat is empty calories and soon to be guilt. I deserve to be healthy and happy, even if that means declining a treat.
* No ruining today with yesterday - just because I screwed up yesterday doesn't mean that I need to dwell on it today (or fall off the path). Adversely, just because I may have had a great day previously, that is no reason to stop fighting today.
Each day of this journey is a choice and I need to give it my best effort!
"I am amazed by how many individuals mess up every new day with yesterday. They insist on bringing into today the failures of yesterday, and in so doing, they pollute a potentially wonderful day." - Gary Chapman
The book was referring to relationships, however, for me it also seems fitting for my healthiness journey. I have been losing and gaining the same 2 pounds for the past month. Here are two things that I have come to realize that I need to work on:
* What it means to deserve something - working out or being under my calorie goal doesn't mean that I "deserve" a treat, because really that treat is empty calories and soon to be guilt. I deserve to be healthy and happy, even if that means declining a treat.
* No ruining today with yesterday - just because I screwed up yesterday doesn't mean that I need to dwell on it today (or fall off the path). Adversely, just because I may have had a great day previously, that is no reason to stop fighting today.
Each day of this journey is a choice and I need to give it my best effort!
How are you going to have success today?
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Letting Go...
This has been an emotional week. Disappointment. Anger. Frustration. Sadness. Letting go...
On Friday I received an email from my father stating that he was in town (something about last minute trip to use frequent flyer miles). We haven't had the closest relationship, but he is my father and it is nice to catch up when he is in town.
Through email (yes, so personal, I know...)we set plans for Saturday afternoon. He was going to call when he was on his way over. Well, we had a picture appointment at 10:00. Our appointment finished and I still hadn't heard from him. The kids and I headed to lunch. Still no call. At 1:30 we got home and Soph and I laid down for a rest. Still no phone call...
A little after 2:00 my phone rang. I didn't answer it because my daughter was asleep on my arm. The voicemail icon appeared and I listened to my message. It was my father. He wasn't going to be able to make it over - he had so much fun on Friday night that he was just getting up. And, since they had other dinner plans, we'd have to maybe get together on a different night. "Call me," he said.
I didn't call.
I was disappointed.
Disappointment quickly turned to anger.
"Seriously, he doesn't know how to set an alarm?" was my first thought. And then flashbacks of elementary and middle school where he'd say he'd be somewhere and then not show up. There was always a reason - traffic, working late, another commitment...By high school I stopped inviting him to school events. If he didn't know, then he wouldn't say he'd be there and get my hopes up, and ultimately I wouldn't get hurt because I knew he wasn't going to come.
Sad!
A few years ago something similar happened and he showed up hours late to our house because he was spending time with his wife's children. I laid my feelings out. I explained that grandparents are held in high regard in our house and that my children honestly only think that they have 4 (and he's not one that they count). He needed to step it up, or step out. My words were, "you aren't going to make them feel as unimportant as you make me feel."
He swore he never meant it. Then there were some excuses. But, ultimately he said he would work on it.
Nothing has changed since that conversation.
The kids refer to him as "uncle _______." I don't correct them. This weekend reminded me why.
So, back to my weekend. I tried get over my hurt feelings. To let it go because he's never going to have his family priorities the same as mine - he's never going to get how I feel...
Sunday I received another email. He mentioned that I hadn't called him to set up alternative plans. He even left his phone number...
So, I called.
I needed to have my peace.
Again, I explained that he was right. I didn't call him back the day before because I was mad. I was hurt. I was disappointed. There was no reason that I had to explain to Ty and Soph that he wasn't coming over (leaving out because he slept in....and could blow off our plans, but not any other plans that he made with friends). I reminded him that that 4 and 6 year old are the lights of my life, and he wasn't going to make them feel unimportant. I ended by stating that if he couldn't step up and be a grandparent and make them a priority that there was no need to return my call.
He hasn't called...
Although I feel relieved because I was honest with him, it still hurts. Even a message of "I'm sorry I blew you off", or "your wrong," or anything would have been better than nothing.
But, I guess that's my signal. Once again I am not a priority in my own father's life. So, I am letting go...
Letting go of the frustration.
Letting go of the hurt.
Letting go of my father.
And, hopefully one day letting go of the sadness and disappointment....
On Friday I received an email from my father stating that he was in town (something about last minute trip to use frequent flyer miles). We haven't had the closest relationship, but he is my father and it is nice to catch up when he is in town.
Through email (yes, so personal, I know...)we set plans for Saturday afternoon. He was going to call when he was on his way over. Well, we had a picture appointment at 10:00. Our appointment finished and I still hadn't heard from him. The kids and I headed to lunch. Still no call. At 1:30 we got home and Soph and I laid down for a rest. Still no phone call...
A little after 2:00 my phone rang. I didn't answer it because my daughter was asleep on my arm. The voicemail icon appeared and I listened to my message. It was my father. He wasn't going to be able to make it over - he had so much fun on Friday night that he was just getting up. And, since they had other dinner plans, we'd have to maybe get together on a different night. "Call me," he said.
I didn't call.
I was disappointed.
Disappointment quickly turned to anger.
"Seriously, he doesn't know how to set an alarm?" was my first thought. And then flashbacks of elementary and middle school where he'd say he'd be somewhere and then not show up. There was always a reason - traffic, working late, another commitment...By high school I stopped inviting him to school events. If he didn't know, then he wouldn't say he'd be there and get my hopes up, and ultimately I wouldn't get hurt because I knew he wasn't going to come.
Sad!
A few years ago something similar happened and he showed up hours late to our house because he was spending time with his wife's children. I laid my feelings out. I explained that grandparents are held in high regard in our house and that my children honestly only think that they have 4 (and he's not one that they count). He needed to step it up, or step out. My words were, "you aren't going to make them feel as unimportant as you make me feel."
He swore he never meant it. Then there were some excuses. But, ultimately he said he would work on it.
Nothing has changed since that conversation.
The kids refer to him as "uncle _______." I don't correct them. This weekend reminded me why.
So, back to my weekend. I tried get over my hurt feelings. To let it go because he's never going to have his family priorities the same as mine - he's never going to get how I feel...
Sunday I received another email. He mentioned that I hadn't called him to set up alternative plans. He even left his phone number...
So, I called.
I needed to have my peace.
Again, I explained that he was right. I didn't call him back the day before because I was mad. I was hurt. I was disappointed. There was no reason that I had to explain to Ty and Soph that he wasn't coming over (leaving out because he slept in....and could blow off our plans, but not any other plans that he made with friends). I reminded him that that 4 and 6 year old are the lights of my life, and he wasn't going to make them feel unimportant. I ended by stating that if he couldn't step up and be a grandparent and make them a priority that there was no need to return my call.
He hasn't called...
Although I feel relieved because I was honest with him, it still hurts. Even a message of "I'm sorry I blew you off", or "your wrong," or anything would have been better than nothing.
But, I guess that's my signal. Once again I am not a priority in my own father's life. So, I am letting go...
Letting go of the frustration.
Letting go of the hurt.
Letting go of my father.
And, hopefully one day letting go of the sadness and disappointment....
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Green Thumbs
What would you do on a beautiful, hot, sunny Saturday night?
Maybe go to the pool?
Hang out at the lake?
The Edwards? We planted! I know, I know, not the most glamorous way to spend a summer Saturday night, but the kids, Mommy, Daddy, and Bucca, cousin extraordinaire, did just that.
Sophie and Daddy Planting the Peas
Tyler and Daddy Planting the Cucumbers
Sophie and Bucca planting the pumpkin (this was the only one that I could find without Sophie being a "plumber")
The fully completed garden, post planting. The boxes are laid out as followsLeft Box - Cantaloupe, Tomatoes (Cherry/Salsa/Big Pink), Peppers (Habanero/Jalapeno/Bell), Beans
Small Box - Cucumbers
Middle Box - Watermelon, Carrots, Garlic, Beets (for Greatsie), Beans
Small Box - Spaghetti Squash
Right Box - Pumpkin (Orange/White), Radish (for Grandma Sue), Onion, Lettuce (Leaf/Romaine), Broccoli
The Garbage Can is Garbage Can PotatoesSmall Box - Cucumbers
Middle Box - Watermelon, Carrots, Garlic, Beets (for Greatsie), Beans
Small Box - Spaghetti Squash
Right Box - Pumpkin (Orange/White), Radish (for Grandma Sue), Onion, Lettuce (Leaf/Romaine), Broccoli
http://www.ehow.com/how_5826337_grow-potatoes-barrel-sawdust.html
Jon originally heard this idea from Don Shelby on WCCO... now it is our turn to give it a try!
We (as in Dad) have turned our deck into an herb garden, with three deck rail planters and 4 potted herbs
Our Potted HerbsSage, Rosemary, Mint, and Thyme (left to right)
These are our Walmart deck-rail planters, with Coconut Hair Liner.This photo is of our Cilantro. We also have two more planters with Basil (Sweet and Regular) and oregano.
More posts will follow this summer, either here or on my family blog. Stay tuned for garden growing and harvesting updates!
Monday, May 30, 2011
#PFP5K (Challenge Hearts and Minds)
Do you know that song that gets sung at the end of every Dora episode? The "We did it" song that celebrates the accomplishment of the day? Well, that song has been going through my head repeatedly today - because I DID IT! I completed my first official 5K!A few months ago the idea of walking/running a 5K was mentioned on Twitter and nearly overnight the most incredible and supportive group was created - #PriorFatPack.
Sabrina was the one who blogged about the PFP and mentioned that if others were interested to let her know. I knew if I didn't jump at this opportunity - to join an encouraging and fun group - I'd never do a 5K. So I commented, and she welcomed me into the group. When I first registered for the 5K and joined the PFP, I had no idea how important this group would become to me. It is more than a group completing a 5K. I had no idea how much I would really come to think of them as friends, and how I am rooting for each one of them to accomplish great things!
Right before the start of the race. I was runner 154, and here are two of my most adorable fans.
This was during the first of two laps. Honestly, the first mile was the worst for me today. I knew that I should be able to atleast get to the 1st mile marker without walking. It seemed forever until I saw that little white sign with a bright '1' painted on it. Then I figured that I should keep running past the crowd. Once I did that, I figured I wasn't far from mile marker 2. I kept going, and once I passed the 2, I knew I'd be disappointed if I let myself walk (since I still was capable of jogging). Today I realized how mental running really is. I love it!
Closing in on the finish line...
My official time - 39:13. I jogged the entire race and was so proud of myself, and I came in under 40 minutes. Previously, I'd only run 20 minutes or just about 1.5 miles without walking.
Jen, me, Lindsay and Ann. Serious amount of support in this group.
Jen and Ann - two of the most empathetic and fashionable ladies I know.
The Pack! And as Kris would say, "Rawr!" I can't wait to see what else is instore for this group.
Two of the most selfless people I have ever met! Liz and Kris are so giving of not only support, but also time. I was so glad to be able to get to know each of them a bit more this weekend.
The biggest moment for me today was listening to Elle talk to Jen. Jen asked how Elle she felt about completing the 5K. Elle replied with, "It was great. I can do something that normal people do." At that point a woman leaned over and said, "No, you just did what alot of normal people can't do!"
Two of the most selfless people I have ever met! Liz and Kris are so giving of not only support, but also time. I was so glad to be able to get to know each of them a bit more this weekend. The biggest moment for me today was listening to Elle talk to Jen. Jen asked how Elle she felt about completing the 5K. Elle replied with, "It was great. I can do something that normal people do." At that point a woman leaned over and said, "No, you just did what alot of normal people can't do!"
Thank you, #PriorFatPack for encouraging me and inspiring me! I am so blessed to know each one of you!!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Playing Catch-Up
Darn the wheel of the world! Why must it continually turn over? Where is the reverse gear? ~Jack London
With the end of the school year approaching (only 11 days left), the #PFP5K on the horizon, and children's activities in full swing, I seem to have slipped. Become unbalanced. I neglected blogging. So, I am sorry for my absence, and without further ado, here is what I have been up to:
School: Our year is quickly coming to an end, but last Friday we had an awesome opportunity. I nominated my class to read bonus questions on "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" at the WUCW station, and they were selected. After weeks of memorizing and preparing, our field trip was a success, and my students will be aired during June and July. So proud!
#PFP5K: The 5K is Memorial Day. The past two weeks I had let my exercise slip...as in, I didn't really do anything. This week, with motivation from all the PFPers, I got my groove back. I have now completed week 5 of c25k. I stepped off the comforts of the treadmill and ran outside for the first (and second) time and even ran 20 minutes without stopping. I am feeling strong. I am feeling like a runner! Oh my....did I really just type that? :-)
Family activities: Soccer season is in full swing for my son and husband, and my daughter is gearing up for the upcoming spring recital. These are crazy, busy times that I love...even when it means rushed dinners and missed exercise classes.
Weigh-in: 164.6 (-27.6 lbs.) I have made progress, but it has been slow going recently. Honestly this week has been a bit of a struggle. I have been hungry~I want to eat, but I want to eat things that I don't have self control with. I am working through it. After eating 6 oreos (and going over my calorie goal) the other night, I realized that they were only ok...and they didn't make me feel better. Actually they made me feel worse. Guilty. So, I am trying to remember that "let down" as I trudge through this week. It will get better, and I will learn from my mistakes and challenges.
Lazy Man Triathlon: While at the Y a week or so ago, I signed up for the Lazy Man triathlon. I have 6 weeks to complete 112 biking, 26.2 running, and 2.5 swimming. The part that I like best is that you can take some classes to count towards your completion. I can take a spin class and it counts for 12 miles. BodyStep counts towards running. Also, you can do the activities with or without equipment. I am hoping that stepping out of my comfort zone, and trying new classes, will help me reach my goal weight by the end of summer. Signing up for the PFP5K showed me how much support there is, and how trying new things can prove way beyond beneficial - they can be life changing!
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