So, it's 2010. A new year. A new decade.
A clean slate? Perhaps.
All morning long, I've had the chorus of "Man in the Mirror" running through my head. Now, I'm not a Michael Jackson fan; never have been, but that song has a good message. Maybe someone's trying to tell me something by planting those lyrics in my brain, and playing them on an endless loop.
I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror,
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
(If You Wanna Make The
World A Better Place)
(Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make The Change)
(You Gotta Get It Right, While
You Got The Time)
I've fallen off the wagon. The health wagon. And it shows. Since the end of September, I've packed back on 14.5 pounds. I can no longer squeeze myself into the size 14 jeans that were so comfy in November. I haven't so much as taken a walk in three months, and food... well... let's just say my diet leaves much to be desired once again.
I've also let the household spending spin out of control again. Which goes hand in and with the diet issues, since much of that spending has been in the form of fast-food stops, pizza delivery and take-out. And I went overboard on Christmas for the kids. Nice for them, but the credit cards took a hit.
Then there's the house. All the rooms I had cleared of clutter, are once again covered in crap. I'd like to say it's not dirt, just clutter, but the fact of the matter is that no one can clean around all this stuff. No one. Ironically, the cleanest room in my house right now is probably the master bathroom... only because we managed to acquire two new kittens, who have been living primarily in that bathroom to keep them separated from the other animals as they are gradually integrated into the family. And because they constantly spray litter everywhere, that room has been swept and wiped down on an almost daily basis for the last three months.
So, it's time for change. I can't control anyone else in this house, but I can control me, and my actions. Starting next week (because I need some time to get my shit together and plan) I'm back on South Beach and starting over on the Couch to 5K program. My sister has agreed to do C25K with me, so at least I'll have an exercise partner.
Starting TODAY, it's time to conquer the clutter. The living room is first. The remainder of the Christmas decorations will be put away, and taken back up to the attic. Then, the mountains of laundry which have been waiting for me in a chair for the last week will be folded and put away. If I do nothing else today, that will be a vast improvement on the primary living area of my home. Tomorrow, the kitchen. Again. And during the course of the rest of this week, I plan on eliminating the boxes and bags of out-grown children's clothes which I finally pulled out of my closet and dragged down from the bonus room; some will go to a friend with a new baby, some to a second-hand store, and the rest to Goodwill.
That's my plan for the start of this new decade. One day at a time, one task at a time, one meal at a time, I will get back on track. Starting with me.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Friday, October 9, 2009
Breakfast Blog
I love breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day! I never miss it, although I used to regularly (hmm, no wonder I had a weight problem). While it's never been scientifically proven, I do believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And something is better than nothing. However, exactly what you put in your body for breakfast can set the tone for the rest of your day.
I'm a big believer in PROTEIN. Not necessarily the easiest thing to work into breakfast without eating eggs every day, but it can be done. Quick and easy, my personal favorites are either Kashi Go Lean Crunch (love, love, LOVE it... could eat it every day!) or a protien bar (I really like Special K, but the South Beach ones are good too, and about half as expensive). The Go Lean Crunch is perfect for me because it has 9 g of protein, 8 g of fiber, and only 13 g of sugar. The bars are good for on the go, but not as good.
Of course, there is the perfect protein: eggs. Any way you cook them (just don't drown them in bacon grease or anything), eggs are awesome food. My favorite breakfast to cook is still bacon and eggs. And because I so rarely have it any more, I still buy REAL center cut bacon, and fry it in a pan. I tried the turkey bacon; it's ok... it's improved over the years. But it's not the same. And if I only have bacon once every 2-3 months, then damn it, I want REAL bacon!
Other great sources of protein in the morning are yogurt, cottage cheese, milk or low-fat cheese. Those are just my preferences... I can eat breakfast food for dinner, but I can't eat dinner food (such as beans or steak) for breakfast.
Which brings me to the point of this seemingly random and pointless blog... how breakfast can trick you. Everyone knows the obvious ones: those sugar-laden kid cereals (which they are now adding fiber to, and calling it healthy... what a crock), those cinnamon rolls dripping with icing (which I do love by the way), and of course, the ever popular drive thru breakfast biscuit, steaming hot and slathered in grease.
I tried a new cereal today: Bear Naked Cranberry Raisin. It's "100% pure & natural cereal". It sounds really healthy looking at the front, and looking at the ingredient list... heck, the very first ingredient is Wheat bran. Most of all the other ingredients are organic, there is nothing hydrogenated, preserved, and does not contain any Red Dye #5. Sounds great, right?
Then I looked at the Nutrition label: Only 1g of protein and 2g of fiber. Granted, it is low in sugar (only 8g), low in carbs compared to other cereals and only 110 calories and 2.5g of fat. So, while it's certainly not the worst cereal out there, it's also not the best. Which is too bad, because it really tastes good!
Also, the serving size is pretty small: 3/4 cup. At least with my Kashi, I get 1 cup, and that's PLENTY! So, while this new cereal tastes good, and definitely gets points for being minimally processed, I know without the protein and fiber, I'm going to be hungry again in an hour.
I'm a big believer in PROTEIN. Not necessarily the easiest thing to work into breakfast without eating eggs every day, but it can be done. Quick and easy, my personal favorites are either Kashi Go Lean Crunch (love, love, LOVE it... could eat it every day!) or a protien bar (I really like Special K, but the South Beach ones are good too, and about half as expensive). The Go Lean Crunch is perfect for me because it has 9 g of protein, 8 g of fiber, and only 13 g of sugar. The bars are good for on the go, but not as good.
Of course, there is the perfect protein: eggs. Any way you cook them (just don't drown them in bacon grease or anything), eggs are awesome food. My favorite breakfast to cook is still bacon and eggs. And because I so rarely have it any more, I still buy REAL center cut bacon, and fry it in a pan. I tried the turkey bacon; it's ok... it's improved over the years. But it's not the same. And if I only have bacon once every 2-3 months, then damn it, I want REAL bacon!
Other great sources of protein in the morning are yogurt, cottage cheese, milk or low-fat cheese. Those are just my preferences... I can eat breakfast food for dinner, but I can't eat dinner food (such as beans or steak) for breakfast.
Which brings me to the point of this seemingly random and pointless blog... how breakfast can trick you. Everyone knows the obvious ones: those sugar-laden kid cereals (which they are now adding fiber to, and calling it healthy... what a crock), those cinnamon rolls dripping with icing (which I do love by the way), and of course, the ever popular drive thru breakfast biscuit, steaming hot and slathered in grease.
I tried a new cereal today: Bear Naked Cranberry Raisin. It's "100% pure & natural cereal". It sounds really healthy looking at the front, and looking at the ingredient list... heck, the very first ingredient is Wheat bran. Most of all the other ingredients are organic, there is nothing hydrogenated, preserved, and does not contain any Red Dye #5. Sounds great, right?
Then I looked at the Nutrition label: Only 1g of protein and 2g of fiber. Granted, it is low in sugar (only 8g), low in carbs compared to other cereals and only 110 calories and 2.5g of fat. So, while it's certainly not the worst cereal out there, it's also not the best. Which is too bad, because it really tastes good!
Also, the serving size is pretty small: 3/4 cup. At least with my Kashi, I get 1 cup, and that's PLENTY! So, while this new cereal tastes good, and definitely gets points for being minimally processed, I know without the protein and fiber, I'm going to be hungry again in an hour.
Monday, October 5, 2009
I've been gone a while...
It's been a roller-coaster week.
I made it through week seven of my 5K training, but the day after, when I would usually update, my grandmother took a turn for the worse. I spend Sunday the 27th waiting for word on how she was, and when it finally came, the news wasn't good. My mom didn't think she'd make it through that night. And when I got there, I didn't think so either.
My sister and I spent that night at Mom's. Grandmother pulled through that night, but it was clear that there wasn't much time left. She died on Wednesday morning, around 5:45 am with me, my mom and my sister at her side. After all the pain she's had to suffer through this past year, she is finally at peace.
I missed my race on Saturday, although not deliberately. I set my alarm and planned to go, even though I had not finished my training. However, the week's events and lack of sleep resulted in my sleeping through the alarm, and by the time I woke, it was too late to get downtown in time.
I'm considering registering for a 5K in December, just so I have a goal to work toward. Right now though, as I'm sitting here watching the cold rain come down, I'm just not interested in running. I know I will get back to it... I know I need to. But there is just so much to do now, and I want to be there for my mom as she goes through everything.
I made it through week seven of my 5K training, but the day after, when I would usually update, my grandmother took a turn for the worse. I spend Sunday the 27th waiting for word on how she was, and when it finally came, the news wasn't good. My mom didn't think she'd make it through that night. And when I got there, I didn't think so either.
My sister and I spent that night at Mom's. Grandmother pulled through that night, but it was clear that there wasn't much time left. She died on Wednesday morning, around 5:45 am with me, my mom and my sister at her side. After all the pain she's had to suffer through this past year, she is finally at peace.
I missed my race on Saturday, although not deliberately. I set my alarm and planned to go, even though I had not finished my training. However, the week's events and lack of sleep resulted in my sleeping through the alarm, and by the time I woke, it was too late to get downtown in time.
I'm considering registering for a 5K in December, just so I have a goal to work toward. Right now though, as I'm sitting here watching the cold rain come down, I'm just not interested in running. I know I will get back to it... I know I need to. But there is just so much to do now, and I want to be there for my mom as she goes through everything.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Amusing Things Seen on My Runs
Today was W6D3 of my 5k training. 25 minutes straight running, no walking... and I did it! 
I felt tired but good. My breathing was good, but my legs were getting close to Jello by the time it was over. All in all though, it felt really good. I'm convinced; I do better running, and for the rest of the day, if I can get my run in early. Must find a way to work that out!
Now, for the amusing part. I look around as I jog. It's one of the reasons I refuse to join a gym or buy a treadmill (aside from not having the money for such things). Generally, I enjoy looking at the scenery, waving to my neighbors, checking out others landscaping, watching kids play. There's also a house in the neighborhood behind mine which has two domesticated bunnies roaming around the front yard from time to time! Of course, there is the occasional unpleasantness; the dog incident for one, as well as the inevitable squished frogs, bugs and worms. I just try not to run through any of that... YUCK!
Today however, I saw two things that were puzzling, amusing, and rather funny! The first was during the last half of my 25 minute run. I saw something in the road. From a distance I thought it might be a small pile of leaves or grass; it just rained. Then I feared it might be yet another squished thing, only bigger. As I got closer, I realized it was moving... slowly. I had to get right next to it before I recognized what it was... A CRAWDAD! Now, there's a small pond in this area, but it's pretty murky, and this was still a good ways away from it. There it was, in the middle of the road, just goin' for a stroll! It was still there when I made my return trip. By far, strangest thing I've ever seen out on my runs.
The other thing that tickled me happened as I was cooling down, walking back down my street. I heard a Mockingbird warbling... and getting quite carried away with his song too (showing off for a female, I'm sure
)! I looked around, and sure enough, there he was, on top of one of the Bradford Pear trees which adorn the front yard of all the homes in this development. The funny thing was, he wasn't just sitting there. He was literally dancing and flitting from the tippy-top of one branch to another! It struck me as so funny, that I had to laugh out loud! 
Even though I depend on the weather to be nice (or at least not pouring down rain) and I have to wait around for childcare sometimes, I really love running outdoors. You never know what you'll see next!
I felt tired but good. My breathing was good, but my legs were getting close to Jello by the time it was over. All in all though, it felt really good. I'm convinced; I do better running, and for the rest of the day, if I can get my run in early. Must find a way to work that out!
Now, for the amusing part. I look around as I jog. It's one of the reasons I refuse to join a gym or buy a treadmill (aside from not having the money for such things). Generally, I enjoy looking at the scenery, waving to my neighbors, checking out others landscaping, watching kids play. There's also a house in the neighborhood behind mine which has two domesticated bunnies roaming around the front yard from time to time! Of course, there is the occasional unpleasantness; the dog incident for one, as well as the inevitable squished frogs, bugs and worms. I just try not to run through any of that... YUCK!
Today however, I saw two things that were puzzling, amusing, and rather funny! The first was during the last half of my 25 minute run. I saw something in the road. From a distance I thought it might be a small pile of leaves or grass; it just rained. Then I feared it might be yet another squished thing, only bigger. As I got closer, I realized it was moving... slowly. I had to get right next to it before I recognized what it was... A CRAWDAD! Now, there's a small pond in this area, but it's pretty murky, and this was still a good ways away from it. There it was, in the middle of the road, just goin' for a stroll! It was still there when I made my return trip. By far, strangest thing I've ever seen out on my runs.
The other thing that tickled me happened as I was cooling down, walking back down my street. I heard a Mockingbird warbling... and getting quite carried away with his song too (showing off for a female, I'm sure
)! I looked around, and sure enough, there he was, on top of one of the Bradford Pear trees which adorn the front yard of all the homes in this development. The funny thing was, he wasn't just sitting there. He was literally dancing and flitting from the tippy-top of one branch to another! It struck me as so funny, that I had to laugh out loud! Even though I depend on the weather to be nice (or at least not pouring down rain) and I have to wait around for childcare sometimes, I really love running outdoors. You never know what you'll see next!
Friday, September 18, 2009
5K Training - Week 6
Yes, it's Friday. Which means I should be on Day Three, but events conspired against me getting out and running on Wednesday, so here we are!
Monday was Day One. And it kicked my butt. I don't know if it's because I had to run in the evening instead of morning, or if I just didn't eat right during the day, but it was HARD.
I was feeling really winded by the end of the 8 minute segment in the middle. And I actually thought about stopping. But then I feared if I stopped, I might not be able to start again, so I pushed on.
The last five minute run was agony. I don't know why, but I didn't like it one little bit. I felt like total crap, as bad as I felt at the end of the 20 minute run last week! But I am proud of myself for not giving up.
Today was Day Two and it was actually better than Monday. I figured it would be worse, what with my slacking in the exercise department this week, but it was good. Hard, but good.
Adjusting to this new schedule, and not being able to run in the mornings is difficult. When I could go out first thing in the morning, it started my day off RIGHT. I felt good all day, ate better all day, and was far less crabby during the day.
Now, having to wait until my husband gets home from work (and don't get me wrong, after three months of unemployment, I'm glad he's working!) puts a crimp in my style and I'm not nuts about it.
One of my neighbors, who homeschools her girls, offered to have them come play with the kids while I go run. Hopefully, I can take her up on that this week, and / or find the money to buy a used jogging stroller!
Since I'm now a day behind in my normal training schedule (which was already a week behind when I needed to finish it) it's time to step it up. I'll do day three on Sunday - one long 25 minute run with no walks! Wish me luck!!
Race for the Cure is just TWO WEEKS from tomorrow! Please, if you haven't already, visit my page, and consider supporting me as I run for a really, really great cause!
Monday was Day One. And it kicked my butt. I don't know if it's because I had to run in the evening instead of morning, or if I just didn't eat right during the day, but it was HARD.
I was feeling really winded by the end of the 8 minute segment in the middle. And I actually thought about stopping. But then I feared if I stopped, I might not be able to start again, so I pushed on.
The last five minute run was agony. I don't know why, but I didn't like it one little bit. I felt like total crap, as bad as I felt at the end of the 20 minute run last week! But I am proud of myself for not giving up.
Today was Day Two and it was actually better than Monday. I figured it would be worse, what with my slacking in the exercise department this week, but it was good. Hard, but good.
Adjusting to this new schedule, and not being able to run in the mornings is difficult. When I could go out first thing in the morning, it started my day off RIGHT. I felt good all day, ate better all day, and was far less crabby during the day.
Now, having to wait until my husband gets home from work (and don't get me wrong, after three months of unemployment, I'm glad he's working!) puts a crimp in my style and I'm not nuts about it.
One of my neighbors, who homeschools her girls, offered to have them come play with the kids while I go run. Hopefully, I can take her up on that this week, and / or find the money to buy a used jogging stroller!
Since I'm now a day behind in my normal training schedule (which was already a week behind when I needed to finish it) it's time to step it up. I'll do day three on Sunday - one long 25 minute run with no walks! Wish me luck!!
Race for the Cure is just TWO WEEKS from tomorrow! Please, if you haven't already, visit my page, and consider supporting me as I run for a really, really great cause!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
5K Training - Week 5, Days 2 & 3
Day two was Wednesday. Since Rob was back to work, and it was raining in the morning, I had to wait until he got home, so I didn't jog until about 6 pm.
I actually felt pretty good. The 8 minutes stretches were not as hard as I thought they'd be. I don't know if I just psyched myself up for it better, was so anxious to get out there, or if it was because I wasn't running on an empty stomach, like first thing in the morning. At any rate, it was good.
Day three was yesterday. And it kicked my butt. Seriously.
I ran over by Mom's house, since Rob had an appointment, and I was over there anyway. So she watched the kids (or rather the kids watched Noggin over there for 30 minutes) and I set out for my first straight 2 mile jog.
It was TOUGH. Actually, the first 10 minutes weren't so bad, but I was ready to walk by then. But I didn't. I kept on pushing. I didn't get too winded, which is good, but I really felt the tiredness in my legs, and by the time my podcast told me my 20 minutes was up, I felt like puking. I was definitely feeling my legs, and ever so grateful that I took some detours down dead end streets when I hit the Great Big Hill going back up to Mom's house... it was hard enough to walk up it at that point, and I knew I wasn't going to be up for tackling that hill at the end of my run.
The route I took was a bit more hilly than the one I run here, so that could account for some of the tiredness I feel today. But it was the first time I've ever jogged a whole two miles in my entire life (I think the most I ever ran when I was in school was one mile... and I was in way better shape, and a good deal younger then! )
All in all, a good week. I'm trying to think of a way to safely step up my program a little, so I'll be ready for my 5K on time. I have 4 more weeks of training on this program, and the Race for the Cure is in 3 weeks! I really want to try to run the whole thing, so I think maybe if I cut out my day of rest on Sunday, and truly run every other day, I can probably accomplish my goal of finishing this program before the race, and still give my legs the rest they need.
So, tomorrow, I'll start Week 6, Day 1!
I actually felt pretty good. The 8 minutes stretches were not as hard as I thought they'd be. I don't know if I just psyched myself up for it better, was so anxious to get out there, or if it was because I wasn't running on an empty stomach, like first thing in the morning. At any rate, it was good.
Day three was yesterday. And it kicked my butt. Seriously.
I ran over by Mom's house, since Rob had an appointment, and I was over there anyway. So she watched the kids (or rather the kids watched Noggin over there for 30 minutes) and I set out for my first straight 2 mile jog.
It was TOUGH. Actually, the first 10 minutes weren't so bad, but I was ready to walk by then. But I didn't. I kept on pushing. I didn't get too winded, which is good, but I really felt the tiredness in my legs, and by the time my podcast told me my 20 minutes was up, I felt like puking. I was definitely feeling my legs, and ever so grateful that I took some detours down dead end streets when I hit the Great Big Hill going back up to Mom's house... it was hard enough to walk up it at that point, and I knew I wasn't going to be up for tackling that hill at the end of my run.
The route I took was a bit more hilly than the one I run here, so that could account for some of the tiredness I feel today. But it was the first time I've ever jogged a whole two miles in my entire life (I think the most I ever ran when I was in school was one mile... and I was in way better shape, and a good deal younger then!
) All in all, a good week. I'm trying to think of a way to safely step up my program a little, so I'll be ready for my 5K on time. I have 4 more weeks of training on this program, and the Race for the Cure is in 3 weeks! I really want to try to run the whole thing, so I think maybe if I cut out my day of rest on Sunday, and truly run every other day, I can probably accomplish my goal of finishing this program before the race, and still give my legs the rest they need.
So, tomorrow, I'll start Week 6, Day 1!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Princess of Destruction
She'd be the Queen of Destruction, but for her age.
She's not even three years old, and she has wrought more havoc on our household than any 3 other children I know.
In the last six months she has:
- Colored on nearly every surface in her room, Charlie's room, and even my hardwood floors with crayon (thank goodness for Mr. Clean Magic Eraser!).
- Spilled nail polish on my couch.
- Colored on my couch, and my mother's ottoman with a Sharpie marker.
- Continually decorated my mother's stone coasters with pencil.
- Torn every flap from almost every lift-the-flap book she has.
- Torn pages and dust covers from books.
- Completely destroyed one of my foam toe separators (used on the rare occasions I have to do my toe nails).
- Torn little bits from one of my make-up sponges, accidentally left out on my bathroom counter.
- Completely emptied a vial of Afterbite (again, accidentally left within her reach).
- Broken every single crayon in our possession, assisted by her brother, but undoubtedly instigated by her.
- Completely destroyed several bead necklaces, bracelets, and a darling little purse that she loved, but tore up anyway.
And that's just what I can think of at this moment in time. There has been much more destruction and chaos, including scattering clean clothes all over the floor (and we have 2 dogs that shed constantly, so the idea that our floors will EVER be totally clean again is completely foreign at the moment), taking every diaper from a new box and strewing them about the room, unraveling a brand new, jumbo roll of toilet paper all over the bathroom, scattering puzzle pieces and other parts of toys and games to all four corners of our home, rendering them virtually useless.
No amount of stern talking-to's, yelling, time-outs, or any other discipline measures seem to have any affect at all. She keeps finding new things to destroy, and with lightning speed, and pinpoint accuracy I might add. All of these incidents have occurred in the time it takes to transfer a load of laundry, unload and reload the dishwasher, take a quick shower, or some other such quick chore during which I left the children to their own devices, usually with Noggin as a reward / distraction / hopeful deterrent.
I'm thinking of scrapping my idea of making her ladybug costume for Halloween, in favor of dressing her up more aptly as the tornado she is!
*sigh*
She's not even three years old, and she has wrought more havoc on our household than any 3 other children I know.
In the last six months she has:
- Colored on nearly every surface in her room, Charlie's room, and even my hardwood floors with crayon (thank goodness for Mr. Clean Magic Eraser!).
- Spilled nail polish on my couch.
- Colored on my couch, and my mother's ottoman with a Sharpie marker.
- Continually decorated my mother's stone coasters with pencil.
- Torn every flap from almost every lift-the-flap book she has.
- Torn pages and dust covers from books.
- Completely destroyed one of my foam toe separators (used on the rare occasions I have to do my toe nails).
- Torn little bits from one of my make-up sponges, accidentally left out on my bathroom counter.
- Completely emptied a vial of Afterbite (again, accidentally left within her reach).
- Broken every single crayon in our possession, assisted by her brother, but undoubtedly instigated by her.
- Completely destroyed several bead necklaces, bracelets, and a darling little purse that she loved, but tore up anyway.
And that's just what I can think of at this moment in time. There has been much more destruction and chaos, including scattering clean clothes all over the floor (and we have 2 dogs that shed constantly, so the idea that our floors will EVER be totally clean again is completely foreign at the moment), taking every diaper from a new box and strewing them about the room, unraveling a brand new, jumbo roll of toilet paper all over the bathroom, scattering puzzle pieces and other parts of toys and games to all four corners of our home, rendering them virtually useless.
No amount of stern talking-to's, yelling, time-outs, or any other discipline measures seem to have any affect at all. She keeps finding new things to destroy, and with lightning speed, and pinpoint accuracy I might add. All of these incidents have occurred in the time it takes to transfer a load of laundry, unload and reload the dishwasher, take a quick shower, or some other such quick chore during which I left the children to their own devices, usually with Noggin as a reward / distraction / hopeful deterrent.
I'm thinking of scrapping my idea of making her ladybug costume for Halloween, in favor of dressing her up more aptly as the tornado she is!
*sigh*
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