Back from a Summer Break!

Wow, I can't believe it's been almost an entire month since I've posted!  I wish I could say that I've been away on a tropical island for the past month but this is reality.  I've been to church camp, doctor's appointments, dentist appointments, guitar lessons, searching 2 counties for a dog, plus everyday work and home life.  I register the kids for school next Friday and their first day is August 7, which is 2 weeks from today.  Where has the summer gone? 

We didn't make it to the beach like we planned to do over the July 4th holiday.  After really thinking about it, I knew my son & I would be wore out from camp plus the thousands of people that would have the same idea as us would only make for a very crowded beach and tons of traffic and a bad time.  I'm so glad we didn't go.  Our plan now is to take our RV down for the month of August.  So now this girl gets 5 weekends of beach time!  And with the exception of gas driving back & forth each weekend, it's actually costing us less money than the 3 nights in a hotel would have. 

My weight loss and working out has not existed over the last 3 weeks.  While at camp, we walked and walked and walked.  We also ate 3 full meals.  When I got back home, my weight was the same.  However, I have gained a few pounds since then.  I haven't worked out at all and I've pretty much been eating whatever.  I know I keep taking two steps forward and one step back and I keep saying I'm starting over and this is my last time and I'm going to do this.  This is how I've gotten to where I am now, by going through this yo-yo cycle.  I honestly can't say that I'm motivated to get back on track but that's my goal.  I know with everything we have coming up in the next few months that it will be hard, but I also know that nothing worth doing or having comes easy.  I hope by next week I can commit to getting back in a routine and at least have a plan to getting my eating back under control.

And to end this update I have to tell the story of Dan's journey through 2 counties if for no other reason than for me to look back on later!  While my son & I were gone to camp, my daughter stayed with her grandmother and my husband was working in New Orleans.  My parents live next door so they were 'dog sitting'.  Between both of us, we have 4 labs plus Dan, the hound.  They love to chase various varmits and wander through the woods.  So when they were gone that Tuesday, my mom really didn't think much about it.  But when all the labs came home later and Dan didn't she started to worry.  She rode around and called him and looked for him with no luck.  We got home late Wednesday night and he still wasn't home.  We rode through the woods Thursday morning thinking maybe he had gotten snake bit and had died.  We had no luck.  We continued to ride around and look on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.  Sunday night I posted his picture on our town's Facebook page.  I got a message back that there was a dog that looked just like him that appeared at the nursing home the past Wednesday and one of the nurses took him home.  I got so excited and first thing Monday morning I called the nursing home to find out if she had Dan.  Well, after she took him home and fed him, he ran off in the woods and she hadn't seen him since.  And, she lived about 30 minutes away in another county in a completely rural area!  Not giving up hope, I googled her address and took an early lunch break and went to look for him.  I made flyers with his picture to hand out.  One elderly lady was working in her garden and told us that her husband had seen a dog that looked similar to him a few roads over but couldn't really explain how to get there.  We continued to the next few houses.  While we were leaving the last house in that area, that lady's husband drove up and told us to follow him and he would take us to where he saw the dog.  I'm glad he did because after the 2nd turn I knew I would have never gotten there.  After about half a mile down this road he stopped and said this was the area he had seen the dog.  We called for Dan with no luck.  I decided to ride a few miles to the end of this road and put up flyers just in case someone else had seen him.  The road ended at the highway.  I stuck a flyer on the stop sign and turned around.  There was pretty much only 1 house down towards the end of the road.  In front of this house we met a guy in a golf cart and stopped and gave him a flyer.  There were dogs in the yard barking and we assumed this was his house so we didn't stop at the house.  We came back home empty handed and mostly broken hearted.  I ended up working late since I took a 2 hour lunch break.  About 6:00 I started packing up to go home and I had a voicemail from a guy that said he had my dog.  I immediately called him back and he told me he had my dog but he had to run to town and would call me when he got back.  We waited for his call and about 7:30 he called to say he was headed home from town.  The directions he gave me put me right at the house we stopped in front of earlier that day and met the guy on the golf cart.  Sure enough, when we drove up, I heard Dan howling.  I can't describe the pure joy I had just seeing Dan and seeing the excitement on my son's face after being reunited with his dog.  I know for a fact that this was a 'God thing' because if we never would have went looking and never would have met this lady who's husband tracked us down and drove us to this area and never had driven to the end of the road and put up a flyer, I don't think Dan would be home today.  Knowing that we live in the middle of the national forest and knowing that Dan is a hunting dog and likes to track and refuses to stay in his pen, I ordered a Tagg tracking collar and it has been great.  I have an app on my phone that can show me his location any time I want.  It also alerts me when he gets out of his designated area.  We also put a tag on his collar with our phone number.

Sorry that was such a long story, but telling a story without details is a huge weakness I have!  Have a great Wednesday!!

Weigh-In Wednesday and Vacation & Wedding Talk

I didn't weigh this morning.  I completely forgot.  Last time I weighed was last Friday and I was 213.0.  I'm down just a smidge but I'm still 3-4 pounds more than I was back in February-March.  I'm once again at a place where I have no motivation.  My first 2 weeks on my macros plan was great.  Last week should have been week 3 but we had Vacation Bible School at church and I was going straight from work to pick up kids and then to church until almost 9 each night.  Being a single mom during the week, I still had dishes, laundry, bath time, etc. after I got home.  The last thing I thought of was working out and meal planning for the next day.  I know I'm making excuses but I just.can't.get.it.together.  On a good note, there has been some sort of bug going through both kids and it seemed to have made it to me.  I have absolutely no appetite and I'm afraid anything I do eat will be right back up. 

I'm taking the children's group (3rd-6th grade) from church to camp next week, Sunday - Wednesday.  I have never been and have no idea what to expect.  I'm sure I will get in some walking and I know we will have 3 meals each day.  Then on Thursday we are headed to LA, also known as Lower Alabama.  I can't wait!  Gulf Shores/Orange Beach is one of my most favorite vacation spots ever.  Imagine my heart break when just a few weeks ago my husband informs me that he hates the beach.  Like, would rather stay at home than go.  We have been taking a beach vacation almost every one of the 12 years that we have been married and now he decides to tell me that! 

I guess now is a great time to link up with Holly and Amy and talk vacations.

My favorite vacation spot is the beach.  It's just so relaxing to me.  We went to Disney World a few years back and it was anything but relaxing.  That's not to say we didn't have a great time, but we were on constant go.  Not to mention the 16 hour drive and the kidney I had to sell to pay for the trip.  Gulf Shores is about a 4 hour drive for us.  Depending on where we stay, it's a trip I don't have to save all year to pay for.  Last year was our first year to splurge and get a condo, not a hotel.  It was amazing!  We stayed at the Caribe.  The amenities - pools, waterslides, lazy river, shuttle to the beach, covered parking, bay side docks for boating/fishing - was what drew me in.  The inside of our condo was great - stainless appliances, granite countertops, great furniture, plenty of room and amazing views.  Next week's trip is pretty much a last minute decision and since we are only going to be there 4 days, we are staying in a hotel.  My ultimate dream vacation would be Bora Bora. 

How beautiful is this?  Being that my husband doesn't fly, I'm sure if I ever go it will be by myself or a girls trip.  Of course I would also love to go to Hawaii and the Bahamas.  My husband's dream vacation is a cabin in the woods in the mountains.  Since we got married at the end of October, we did that for our honeymoon.  Sure, it was pretty and quiet and relaxing, but I'm such a sun and water kinda girl. 

Speaking of wedding, I'm such a slacker on blogging that I didn't post and link up with Melanie & Holly last week.  My wedding was pretty low key - small church wedding, my mom did the decorations and flowers, no caterer, grandmother made the cake, and a basic reception with no music or dancing.  Of course, if I could do it over there is so much I would change.  The 6 months leading up to my wedding was pretty much a disaster.  Lots of arguing, stress and opinions from everyone.  I would love a do-over and have a small beach wedding in March or April.  Decorations would be little to none.  Maybe one bridesmaid and groomsman.  Nice dinner reception.  Cruise to the Bahamas for the honeymoon.  Maybe in a few years we can do a vow renewal on the beach.

Tardy for the Parties - Weigh-In Wednesday & Letter to 21 Year Old Mandy

I have seriously considered deleting my blog because I don't like to do anything half way.  I have been so swamped this week that I haven't had a chance to blog (or put up the mound of clean laundry on my bed).  So, here's 2 posts in 1 just 2 days and 1 day late!!

I can't tell you how much I love Weigh-In Wednesday.  It has been such a huge source of encouragement.  Since starting my Macro plan, I have been weighing in on Mondays instead of Wedesndays.  My eating plan has pretty much been a clean diet with no junk food.  So far it has worked very well.  I actually don't have the cravings for the junk food like I once did and I don't get hungry.  This is a win in my book!  I have slacked off with my workouts this week.  I just haven't made the time.  I am not a morning person but I eventually want to be.  I think I'm going to make that one of my goals before summer is over.  I want to be able to get up early and workout.  Sorry this was a short & sweet Weigh-In Wednesday.  My only advice for anyone reading this and looking for it - You have to seriously make up your mind to do it.  You can't do it for your husband or your kids, you have to want it for you.  It has taken me a long time to realize that and to make my mind up to do it.  You will have 'off' days and it's getting back on track that counts.  Always remember that one bad meal or even one bad day doesn't make you a failure.

And now for my letter to my 21 year old self.

I just love Holly (who doesn't?) and Jake seems to be the good, southern, boy next door.  So, here's my letter.  I also want to say that 21 was over 10 years ago for me and it was kinda hard to remember back to those times!

Dear 21 year old Mandy,

Even though you just got married 2 weeks ago, you should seriously consider going back to finish your last 2 years of college.  I know you love your job at the bank and don't want to do anything else but there will come a day when banking isn't fun anymore.  If you decide not to be a teacher, go into accounting.

Be wise with your money.  Think about everything you buy and don't buy things just because you want it and have the money.  There will be days when times are tight and you will regret not being frugal and saving more.

Get back in touch your former best friend.  No matter what happened the first year of college, she was your best friend for so many years.  Don't worry about who did what.  Suck it up and call her.  You will begin talking again over the years but you will be more like acquaintances, and won't be as close as you once were.  

Take care of yourself.  This includes eating right and exercise.  Clean out your drawer of Little Debbie's in the kitchen and do some research on eating clean.  You don't have kids and since your husband works out of town, you have plenty of time to workout.  You have no excuse!  You will have kids and being healthy and fit before then will be a great thing. 

Learn to love the house you bought.  It was a 'fixer upper' so don't expect a mansion.  You will both put in lots of sweat and tears but it will be yours.  Also, there is a family of bats living in the space above the second floor bathroom.  While renovating, they will fly through the ceiling into your bedroom at night.  Cover this hole up before going to bed.

Lastly, let loose and enjoy life!  Mellow out some and don't let things get to you.

Love,

A much older and wiser Mandy

Week 1 of Macros Plan

Well, it's been over a week since my last post.  Blogger fail right here!  I wanted to do a quick update on my macros plan that I started last Monday.  The first week went very well.  I had a few small slip ups here and there, but I did lose 4 pounds so I must have done something right!  I stuck to the plan Ashley created for me and the only problem I had was trying to eat all the food each day.  There were a few days that I didn't.  I haven't had the craving for 'junk' food like I normally have.  We went to a baseball game Saturday and I bypassed the Dippin' Dots and hot dogs.  I did share some nachos with my daughter for lunch.  I asked them to put the cheese on the side and I sparingly dipped my chips!  Again this week I chose to stick to the plan Ashley gave me but I plan to try and create my own meals next week.  Anybody else experimenting with macros? 

The End of Operation Red Bikini = Another Beginning for Me

Well, the Operation Red Bikini challenge officially ended Friday.  I was no where near my original goals I set back on January 4.  I was so motivated and determined in January and February.  Then I let life get in the way and March came and brought a super stressful month at work, there was Easter, birthday parties, weekend road trips, and lots of fast food.  I am more conscious about what I eat and how much exercise I am or am not getting.  I definitely credit this challenge and the amazing ladies I've met along the way for that.  I just have a huge problem with commitment.  I get bored and have lots of off days where I lose sight of my goals. 

Knowing the end of this challenge was near and I wasn't even close to where I wanted to be, I felt like a total failure.  So last week I made my mind up to ask for help and I reached out to Ashley Leahy.  I originally began following her on Instagram.  Then I saw her post a few before/after pictures of her clients and I read a few posts from some ladies they were on her macro plan and what a difference they saw.  I knew I needed some structure and I also knew that I could do it if I tried.  Plus there will be someone to really hold me accountable.  I started my plan today and my weight this morning was 217.4.  That's a 5+ pound gain in 3 weeks!!  I honestly can't believe I let myself get here again.  So today is my new beginning of what I hope will be a successful attempt at changing my lifestyle to healthier eating, being fit and feeling good and I will never have to 'start' again!

Kid Funnies

I've pretty much kept this blog for my weight loss/getting in shape journey with a few doses of my family here and there.  Today I want to share some funny things my kids have said in the last few years.  I've been keeping up with them on my phone notepad but I know it will all get wiped away one day so I want to put them here so I can have a back up.

(A little backstory: Hunter is almost 10 now, very laid back, can keep to himself or talk to anyone who will listen.  Abigail is now 7, very high strung, talks way too much, and thinks she's a princess.  This will help explain why I have way more Abigail stories than Hunter stories.  I'm not showing favoritism.  This also explains why I have 736 pictures on my phone and Hunter may be in 30 of them!)

Thanksgiving 2010

• One day while riding somewhere, the kids were in the back seat arguing when Matt says in true parent form "If y'all don't stop, I'm pulling this car over and somebody's getting a spanking."  He slows the car down but doesn't actually stop.  Of course the kids get quiet and a little later we hear Abigail whisper to Hunter, "Whew that was close."
• Hunter decided one day that all of a sudden he could speak Spanish.  Then he proceeds to say, "Hola, I can speak espanol." 
• Abigail dropped something on the floor and when I asked her to pick it up, she walks behind the door and says "I'm sorry, Abigail's not in right now, please leave a message after the beep.  BEEEEEEP!"

Dr. Seuss Dress Up Day at school

• Abigail loves going with me to get her nails and toes painted and she always gets so tickled listening to the ladies talk.  One day, she tells me, "I wouldn't want to be a finger nailer because I don't want to learn how to speak Chinese!"
• During the Super Bowl the New England Patriots were leading when Hunter says, "They can barely speak English but they're winning a football game?!?!"  He thought the team was from England.
• We were getting ready to go to town one day and Abigail was insisting on wearing her princess Halloween costume.  It wasn't even close to Halloween and I told her no, because nobody wears a princess outfit to town.  She then tried to convince me by saying "I can wear it and people may think I'm a real princess and we can just pretend that I am and they won't really know."

She has her own fashion sense.

• When Matt & I got new iPhones, we gave our old ones to the kids.  They have no cell service and basically operate as an iPod.  Abigail loves taking photos and videos.  One night we were installing an update on hers when we look through the photos and videos.  There was a video of her 'teaching karate lessons'.  She started by saying "Here's the first karate lesson." and began kicking and karate chopping Hunter.  The video of course goes all over the place and he's laughing uncontrollably.  She turns the camera back on herself and says, "Sorry you had to see that."  Then she continues karate chopping Hunter.  When she's done, she turns the camera back to her and says "Yeah, that's how it's done."  I tried to email the video to my phone to keep but she got away from wifi before it sent and then deleted the video.  It was so funny!
• After school one day I asked Abigail what her test was on (meaning what was it about) and she replied, "Um, paper."

 

Disney - November 2010

• One day the kids were laughing about something and Abigail snorted while laughing.  Hunter tried his best to convince her that she had the 'pig flu' because snorting is the first symptom you get.  He really had her going for a bit until I could no longer hold it in and began laughing so hard.
• I was having a Tastefully Simple party one night and Hunter made a sign to put on the door that said "Parking $1.00".  He thought he could make a little money!

Orange Beach, AL - May 2012

Birthday Memories Linkup



Today I'm linking up with Chrissy, Lindsey & Holly to share my most memorable birthday story.  My memory is terrible but I do have a few vague memories of some of my birthdays. 

The first birthday party I can remember must have been when I was turning 5 or 6.  My mom worked at a rental place that had the inflatable bouncy houses.  For some reason I remember calling it a spacewalk.  I was told that I had to clean my room before everyone came over and I couldn't even come out of my room or my party would be cancelled.  So, I stayed in my room shoving all my toys under my bed.  When it came time for the party I went outside and there was this huge inflatable bouncy house.  I was pretty scared of it at first because it was so hard to walk and keep my balance.  Once I got the hang of it, I loved it.

Another birthday I remember was when I was 14.  I actually have some pictures of this one in storage somewhere.  I was a Freshman in high school and at the time I had way more guy friends than girl friends.  I had probably 6-8 people show up one Saturday night, with only myself and one other girl.  My plan was to just hang out around a bonfire but it must have been raining because I don't remember having a fire.  Well, I had a dirt bike that I had gotten for Christmas the year before and we thought it was a good idea to ride.  The night quickly turned into a mud riding event.  I have pictures of some of us covered in mud as I was blowing out the candles on my cake that featured a confederate flag.  Yes, I was redneck girl of the year back then.  I sometimes get an uneasy feeling of embarassment thinking back to those years that I thought it was cool to 'be one of the guys'.

Sorry I don't have any super awesome birthday stories.  I do remember having a Batman cake one year.  I remember having several birthday parties at the skating rink.  There was one year that I had a New Kids on the Block cake and thought it was the most awesome thing that they could put a picture on a cake.  I must have been 9 or 10 that year.  I don't really have any memories of my birthdays between 14 and 21.  I remember getting my first car, a 1996 Ford Bronco, right before my Sweet 16.  When I turned 21 I had been married for only 2 weeks.  Then I remember being bummed when I turned 22 because I was no longer 21 and really felt like I was getting old.  I turned 30 at Disney World and last year I spent my 32nd birthday eating pizza and playing games at Gatti Town with the kids.  Who knows what 33 will bring!

Weigh-In Wednesday

I am seriously about to take a break from the scale!  I have actually been working out and eating healthy for the most part over the last week and I gained 3 LBs!  I went the entire month of March not working out AT ALL and eating crap and I only gained 1 pound over 5 weeks. 

I can't figure out how to rotate this picture but it says

the same upside down as it does right side up - 212.

I'm blaming this gain on water weight and all those squats and dumbbell exercises that are building muscle!  My clothes don't fit any tighter.  I think the scale is just having an off day.  I just can't get over 3 LBs in 1 week! 

I do know that I am much better off than I was 6 months ago.  At Christmas time I was pushing 230.  I had no concern about what I ate and exercise, what is that?  I actually think I'm starting to rub off on my husband too!  It was his idea to go for a walk around town after church Sunday night and he has said he wants to start doing something regularly to get in shape.  I just wish he didn't work out of state & we could go to the gym together.  Working out by myself is the only complaint I have so far about working out.

Anyway, I will be back under 210 next week. 

That's my goal and I'm sticking to it!

Happy Wednesday!!

Top Ten Tuesday - Favorite Recipes

Today, I'm linking up with Trista for Top Ten Tuesday and we're talking food recipes.  Most of these are more meal ideas and not specific recipes, but here's 10 5 of my 'go to' meals:

1.  Taco Soup - This is definitely one of my 'go to' meals during the   
     fall/winter.  It's so versatile and easy to make.  I actually had to google
     the recipe because I usually just dump it all in a pot and don't follow a
     recipe.  I sometimes make this less 'soupy' and use it as a filling for
     burritos or use it like chili and put it over Doritos or Fritos or even lettuce
     for a Taco Salad. 
      Ingredients:
     2 pounds ground meat - beef, chicken, or turkey

     1 large onion, chopped

     1 can (15 ounces) beans - pinto, kidney, or chili

     1 can (11 to 15 ounces) whole kernel corn ,drained

     1 can (10 to 15 ounces) Rotel tomatoes

     1 pkg. (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning mix

     1 pkg. original hidden valley ranch dressing(dry)

     2 1/2 cups water or more, to make soup broth

      Preparation:

     Brown meat and onions in a large pan with olive oil if needed; drain off  

     fat.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer for an hour or so.

2.  Chicken & Dumplins - We love some Chicken & Dumplins at my house.  I

     again don't have a specific recipe I follow, but here's what I do.

      Ingredients:

     Chicken - boiled and cubed or shredded, in a pinch, I have even used
        canned chicken
     Chicken Broth - 1-2 cans, depending on how much I make
     Bisquick - prepared per box instructions to make biscuits
     Butter - maybe a couple tablespoons
     Salt & Pepper - just to taste
      Preparation:
      Place chicken, broth, butter, salt and pepper in large pot and bring to a
     boil.  You may have to add some water or another can of broth.  Once
     this starts boiling, begin dropping the bisquick by teaspoons into the
     pot.  After you have added all the bisquick, turn the heat down and let
     simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly.  Serve by itself, over rice
     or with cornbread.

3.  Crescent Roll _____ - Another pretty quick and easy recipe that I don't
     have a specific recipe or even a name for.
     Ingredients:
     Can of Crescent Rolls
     Cheese - I use mozarella or cheddar
     Meat - I use Pepperoni or ham or turkey or chicken
      Preparation:
     Unroll the crescent rolls so they are flat.  You can separate into triangles
     or leave as rectangles or even one big sheet.  I then put my cheese and
     meat on top and fold the crescent roll over or roll it up.  Bake according
     to the instructions on the can.  Some variations I've done are mozarella
     cheese sticks with pepperoni rolled up like a pig in a blanket, ham or
     turkey with cheddar cheese folded over like a hot pocket, taco meat with
     cheddar cheese or shredded chicken cheddar cheese all rolled up and
     sliced into pinwheels.  The possibilities are endless!

4.  Crockpot Chicken - Super easy and time saving!
     Ingredients:
     Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
     Chicken Broth or Water 
     Crock-Pot/Slow Cooker
     Preparation:
     Place chicken in crock-pot/slow cooker.  Add enough broth or water to
     cover.  May add salt, pepper or other seasonings as desired.  Cook on low
     for 6-8 hours.  Once the chicken is done, it will literally fall apart.  I do
     this on a Monday morning and we have chicken for almost the entire
     week.  We will use this for chicken spaghetti, BBQ chicken sandwiches,
     chicken tacos, chicken salad, etc.  I have also done this and froze part of
     it to use later.

5.  Oreo Balls - These aren't as easy and can be time consuming but they
     are so good.  (And I don't like the word balls, but I don't know what else
     to call them!)
     Ingredients:
     Package of Oreo Cookies
     Block of Cream Cheese (room temperature) OR Tub of Cream Cheese Icing
     White Chocolate - Almond Bark, Candy Melts or Bag of Chips
     Preparation:
     Crush the package of cookies.  If I'm in a hurry, I put them in a ziploc bag
     and hammer on them with a meat mallet.  If I'm not in a hurry, I put
     them in a food processor and get them really crushed!  Once all of your
     cookies are crushed, put them in a bowl and add the cream cheese or tub
     of frosting and mix well.  Now you will roll out balls (like you're making
     meatballs or playing with Play Doh) and set them on a baking sheet. 
     After you're done rolling them all out, I put the baking sheet in the fridge
     or freezer to cool and get hard.  Now you will melt the chocolate.  I do
     this in the microwave or on the stove top.  Either way, be very careful
     not to burn the chocolate and whatever you do, don't add water to it!  If
     it's clumpy and you need it to smooth out, add very little (a drop or two)
     of vegetable oil.  Once it's melted good, begin dipping your cookie balls
     in the chocolate and coating them well.  I use a fork, but you can get
     some lollipop sticks and do it too.  After they're coated well, let cool and
     they're done!  I've used this same recipe/technique with cake too - Red
     Velvet, Strawberry, Lemon.

Well, I only came up with 5 instead of 10!  I don't have any super secret recipes that I make often.  Since it's just me and the kids at home 90% of the time, we usually have breakfast (eggs, bacon, grits, biscuits), pizza, chicken tenders, tacos, cereal or sandwiches for supper if I don't cook.  When I do cook, it's chicken or pork chops on the grill with veggies or something super simple like spaghetti. 

  Go check out some other yummy recipes!

Weigh-In Wednesday

Well, I'm a day late and a dollar short.  I weighed in this morning at 209.0.  I finally broke the 210 mark.  Sure, it took getting off my arse and not shoving sugary carbs in my mouth, but I did it.  My next goal is to be under 200 by May 31.  This was one of my original Operation Red Bikini goals and I'm determined to give it all I've got for the next 29 days.  I will drop these 9 LBs!  I said Monday I was going to do the May Meltdown with Ms. Michaels but I totally failed on day 1!  I just didn't have it in me to do it last night.  Plus, I signed back up at the gym and I'm not ready for two-a-days yet so I may or may not be doing Jillian workouts this month.

I have yet to schedule our beach vacay.  I just can't make up my mind if I want to go now and be far from my beach body goal or wait and go later in the summer when I will (hopefully) feel better in a swimsuit.  How lame is it that I'm planning a vacation around how I feel about my body?  A coworker and I were talking at lunch today.  She too is trying to lose some weight.  She said what her goal was and I told her mine was to be under 200 by May 31.  She was in complete shock at what I weigh.  Our conversation then turned to plastic surgery and what we would get done if money were no object.  It made me realize just how critical I am of myself and the lengths I would go to change things.  The way I view myself is one huge thing I want to change during this whole journey.

Happy Friday-eve!!

Monday Motivation, May Meltdown & a Day in My Life

I'm so done with my attitude lately. I have to snap out of this, whatever it is. I know most of my problem is not eating right & lack of exercise so I took extra time last night to plan out my food for today and to pack my workout clothes. Today, I will be walking down the block to pay my $40 gym dues for the next 30 days. During January & February when I went to the gym, I had so much eneregy and motivation to eat better and I felt so good.  I want that back!  I'm also jumping on board with some awesome ladies - Kyra, Kara, Kristie, Kate, and LeighAnn to do the May Meltdown with Ms. Michaels challenge. 

I tried to do the 30 Day Shred earlier this year and I let life get in the way and just didn't finish it.  With the end of Operation Red Bikini right around the corner I have to do something or I will not be anywhere close to any of my goals. 

I have never done a Day in the Life post and Holly did one today and I'm going to play copy cat!  These are my days right now.  I hope to look back years from now and see that my mornings are much smoother.

My day starts around 5:30 - 6:00 with a wake up call from my hubby who is just getting off of work.  I have been know to end up with my phone under my pillow and not hear it ring until after he has called me 27 times. {True story.}  I also have 5 alarms set on my phone that I also may or may not hear.  To say that I'm not a morning person is an understatement.  I am not one to hop right out of bed either.  I have to 'wake up' first and I usually lay in bed for a little while reading blogs or checking Instagram or Facebook from the previous day.  By 6:15 - 6:30 I get up, let the dog out and begin waking up 2 kids who obviously take after their mother.  After about 10 minutes they make their way to the living room and proceed to fall back asleep while I take a shower.  By the time I get out of the shower and get dressed it's almost 7:00 and I have to again wake up the kids to eat breakfast.  I dry my hair and pack lunches and backpacks while they eat.  By 7:30 I almost always have to go bat shit crazy nag them to go brush their teeth and get dressed.  We have to leave home no later than 7:50 to make it to school by 8:00 and I'm usually 8:05 getting to work.  I put my makeup on in the car after I get to work.  I've tried doing it before I leave home but I end up a hot sweaty mess by the time I get out the door.  I work for a small community bank and I'm so thankful I have a great boss that doesn't complain about us being a few minutes late, even if it is almost every day.  So I work until lunch time, which is usually around 11:00 for me.  I only take half of my lunch hour at this time and eat.  I use the other half to pick up the kids from school around 3:00.  I will either take them to my parents or to my father-in-law and come back to work until 4:30 (or 5:30 on Fridays).  After work I have been going straight to get the kids and then home.  {Starting today, I will be going to work out for about an hour after work.}  Normally the kids have already done homework by this time and we just hang out for a bit.  They jump on the trampoline or play outside while I straighten the house or do laundry and start cooking supper.  I get them inside to get a shower and then we eat supper.  We go over any left over homework or studying they may have then it's bed time.  I try to have them in bed by 8:30 on school nights.  This normally gets stretched out to 9:00 or even 9:30 some nights because they.just.won't.go.to.bed.  With my husband working out of state, I'm pretty much a 'single mama' while he's gone.  {Not complaining, I know lots of single mama's that make it work and I'm thankful for my husband and his job.}  I'm such a Type-A person and want everything to run smoothly and structured and have it all together and most of our days couldn't be further from that.  I find it hard for me to balance everything.  It may not be pretty but we do manage to get it done.  And that's my day!  Hope y'all have a great Monday!

Weigh-In Wednesday

I have taken a little hiatus from the scale lately so I have no idea what I weigh.  I do know that my clothes don't fit any differently.  In the last week, I have had 4 people comment that I've lost weight even though my weight hasn't really changed for about the last month.  I will confess that my eating hasn't been what it should.  Not to make an excuse, but we had my daughter's birthday party this weekend and there were a dozen cupcakes left and I may have eaten 4 of them.  I have issues with wasted food and I would rather eat it than throw it away.  So I mentioned last week that I was going to meal plan and get back on track this week.  Well, due to said birthday party and all that entails, I completely didn't make time for it.  I also forgot that Monday was April 15 and I had not even started on our taxes.  I got them finished, but may have had 2 of those cupcakes in process.  I usually do pretty well eating during the day, it's when I get home in the evenings that's a problem for me. 

I so wish I could be one of those people that are hard core, super motivated, nothing stands in the way attitude, but I'm just so laid back, go with the flow type person that I lose my steam so early on and think ehh, it'll be okay.  Thinking back 2 months ago, I was determined.  I went to the gym because I enjoyed it.  I didn't crave the not-so-healthy foods.  Then I lost it.  I have to find it again.  I need my moment.  I'm planning on a beach trip in about 6 weeks and I want to be ready.  Not just to look good in a swim suit, but to feel good and have tons of energy to go all day.  I know I've said it so many times, but I will do better.  

I did want to say that I so appreciate all the comments I have gotten.  I apologize that I haven't taken the time to write back.  I'm still trying to learn the ropes of blogging and how to email you back. 

And one more thing because I feel like it's been at the fore front of our minds the last few days - Pray for Boston and those that were affected by that tragedy.  I have never ran a race, only walked a few 5k's but running a marathon is on my bucket list.  I can't imagine what those people are going through.  Who would have ever thought that something like that would happen during a marathon.  On the other hand, it's very comforting to see the tons of people that ran to help those in need.  #prayforboston

Hope y'all have a great Wednesday!

Weigh-In Wednesday

I finally (mentally) feel like I'm getting over this slump I've been in for the last 6 weeks.  Work was rough the entire month of March and it's taken this first part of April to get over it.  I did weigh in this morning but was too lazy to go get my phone to provide photographic evidence.  And the result is that I weighed 211.  That's a slight gain, but hey, I'll take it after going through the rough month that March was and not working out at all or eating as clean as I should have.  My current plan is to get back to the gym on Monday.  It will only be a waste of money if I sign back up today because my schedule is booked for the next 5 days and I won't be able to go.  I do eat semi-good, but not totally clean like I need to.  The next 5 days I will be planning and grocery shopping and cooking.  I'm going to weigh in next week without a gain!

Random Non-Weight Loss/Getting in Shape Related Stuff

I realize I've been a terrible blogger.  I honestly wouldn't even consider myself a blogger.  I originally began this blog to document my journey of weight loss & getting in shape.  Then I wanted to include some family stuff to preserve memories.  Then I went back and changed my mind to keep it strictly weight loss/getting in shape.  Now, I'm back on the everyday life train.  So, here's what we've been up to lately.

 

On March 27, my little princess cut her hair to donate.  We were originally going to donate to Locks of Love but a dear friend who has struggled with cancer numerous times told me that they actually charge for their wigs and we should donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths instead.  This is her 2nd hair donation and the first time she didn't have quite enough to donate to Locks of Love so we did donate to Pantene.  After some research we are donating this cut to Pantene as well. 

The kids and I traveled north about an hour and a half last Thursday for a Third Day concert.  The hubby was working and couldn't go but he worries about keeps up with us.  Since I was driving when he texted to see where we were, I used the voice text and this is what I got.  The kids got such a laugh out of the hammer dying alone!  It should have said we are south bound with the hammer down (a little trucker talk for you today).  The bottom one was from when I went with my daughter to the Baton Rouge Zoo.  Apparently my iPhone is not familiar with Baton Rouge or it doesn't understand my southern twang.  (Yes, I realize this is probably worthless information, but I happen to get a kick out of these type things.)

Pictures from our night at the Third Day concert.  They were awesome!  When we changed churches a few years back, our 'new' church had contemporary type music instead of the old gospel hymns.  I began listening to K-Love on the radio and Third Day was the very first group I remember listening to.  They have been one of my very favorites ever since.  They were very interactive with the crowd.  One of the guitar players, Mark Lee, gave my little miss a guitar pick and stopped for a picture with me.  It was a great night of worship music and worth being out late on a school night!

This is just a pic of the kids riding in the car.  Since the hubs/daddy was working this past weekend (and the previous weekend, which also happened to be Easter) we decided to visit him in New Orleans last Saturday.  It's a rare moment that they aren't fussing and will both smile for a picture!  

Just a cute hippo we saw at the zoo!

We have a sno/snow cone stand right on Main Street in our little town.  They just opened and yesterday we stopped for our first of many this season.  (Yes, I realize it's pure sugar and empty calories and totally works against my weight loss/getting in shape plan.  I have no excuse except it tastes really good.)

Me and my kids on Easter morning.  I really hate my hubby/baby daddy had to work, but I'm so thankful for his job.  He tends to miss out on some things but we make up for lost time when he's home.

His role model!  Who doesn't love Duck Commander/Duck Dynasty?  He did try to talk me into buying the $38 sunglasses but ain't nobody got money for that I'm cheap and know that they will get broke/lost within a week. (And I just realized the lady on the right photobombing my picture!)

Ridin' dirty, literally!  They love mud riding in their go-carts and now my brother's dog has realized he can hop in and ride too!

And just to prove that I am married and my kids do have a dad, here we are taking a ride in the Jeep a few weeks back on a beautiful day!

Little Debbie - No Good for Weigh-In Wednesday

I will go ahead an apologize to all of you reading today because today's post is pretty much have the same post I have had for the last several Wednesdays plus a little rambling.
 

I'm still at 210.4 and honestly have no idea how I haven't gained.  Not even an ounce!  In my past yo-yo dieting life, I don't remember the scale ever saying the exact same thing back to back, especially 2 weeks in a row.  It was always at least an ounce or two off.  I'm still blaming work for my lack of working out and for the fact that all I want to do when I get home is snuggle with a box of Little Debbie's.  Seriously, does the chick make anything that doesn't taste good?  I know, most people say don't buy it and you won't have that problem.  Well, I have 2 little people in my house full time and a man on the weekends that have to have snacks, specifically Little Debbie's.  If I don't buy them, they get hangry because there's no snacks in the house and I don't deal with hangry people very well.  I am trying to enhance their palate to include more healthy options like fruit, but it's a work in progress.  I have a husband who is pretty much meat and potatoes.  He eats a salad without the lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, just the toppings drenched in ranch.  He will eat chittlings but not carrots or cabbage or green peas.  Then there's his miniature version that doesn't eat cheese except on pizza, loves steak and a baked potato and lima beans are about the only veggies he will eat.  And lastly, is my mini me who loves veggies but won't hardly touch meat.  I once thought I may have a vegetarian in the making but she is starting to come around.  I guess my point to all that is that we all have different tastes and I'm having a hard time meal planning without spending hours in the kitchen each night cooking several different meals for everyone.  For example, spaghetti made with spaghetti squash would be great for me.  The boys wouldn't even look at it so I would fix regular pasta for them.  Then, I would end up fixing vegetables for my daughter.  Even though she eats spaghetti, she would also want corn, peas and butter beans with it.  Plus the hubs always wants cornbread but the kids prefer rolls.  So I've basically made a full spread in one meal.  I know some people say just make something and they could eat it or do without.  Well, they would do without and end up eating Lucky Charms with chocolate milk for supper every night and some Little Debbie's for dessert!  We are a work in progress to say the least!  Hopefully my work schedule will get back on track soon so I can put my workout time back on my schedule!  Once that happens I will have something to take up my time in the evenings instead of Little Debbie!  Hope y'all have an awesome Wednesday!

Friday Favorites with Lora

Rage Against the Minivan - I saw it passed around on Facebook several times & thought it must be worth reading if everyone is sharing it.  I loved it! 

Erin's post - This post that had so much truth.  I totally feel the same way Erin, thank you for posting this!

Lora's post - Lora was right on the money with my thoughts/feelings over the past few weeks.  Now I know exactly what's wrong with me thanks to Web MD Dr. Lora!!

Yeah, that's about all I've got today.  I have big plans to sleep & do laundry this weekend!  Yoohoo!!

Weigh-In Wednesday

This will be quick.  I have been super busy at work for the last several weeks.  This has been my main reason excuse for not keeping up my blog and not eating right and not working out.  Honestly, I've not been the best mom or wife either.  I've been exhausted.  Last Saturday, the weather was perfect and while my family was out enjoying it, I was napping.  For almost 4 hours.  I wish I could be one of those people that are determined not to let anything get them down.  They set out to prove the world wrong, but I usually give in and admit defeat and over indulge in sugary carbs.  So, that's where I'm at.  I've been headed here for the last few weeks and the scale shows it.  I weighed in at 210.4 this morning.  (Just imagine a picture of my feet on a scale here.  I was in a huge rush this morning to get out the door.)  It's surely not a huge gain and I'm honestly surprised it's not more.  Hopefully work will calm down after next week and I can get on a better schedule.  This will make for a much happier me! 

Be sure to vist Erin & Alex to read more Weigh-In Wednesday stories!

Weigh-In Wednesday

This week I'm weighing in at 209.6, barely under 210.

This is my 9th week to participate in Weigh-In Wednesday.  It's been 9 weeks of watching what I eat and trying to move more.  In that 9 weeks I've lost a total of 14 pounds.  I know that's better than it could have been had I not tried, but I'm so not where I wanted to be by now.  I've been in such a rut for about the last month and I can't pinpoint exactly what my problem is.  I know what I need to do but I can't find the motivation to actually do it.  I once felt on fire to workout, now it's the last thing I want to do after I get done with work.  I just need to follow the advice of this shirt:

Hope eveyone has a happy Wednesday!

Link Parties - Friday Favorites & Finish the Sentence

I have a great love for blogging.  I love meeting new people and no matter what you're dealing with, there's such a great support system to be found in the blogging world.  Too often I find myself being able to identify with someone and their posts could have easily been my words.  So today I am linking up with Lora to share my favorite posts of the week, in no particular order:

• Erin's post about getting back to the basics.  The last week was such a struggle for me and this post was exactly what I needed to read when I read it.

• This post from Alex.  This post is so true - there's no secret and I get so tired of people asking what it is and wanting a quick fix.  And I loved the sweet pics of Alex and her Addy.

• A post from Kristen that reminded me to cherish this time with my kids even when the days seem to last forever.  And to not take them for granted because there's no guarantee that every woman will easily have a baby.

• Hubby Jack's guest post on Skinny Meg's blog.  This was hands down the funniest thing I read this week. 

 

1. People always tell me that my daughter looks and acts exactly like me.

2. In the movie based on my life I would want it to be a comedy.

3. Typically, I end up regretting eating too much.

4. I always ask to leave off the mushrooms.  It's about the only thing I don't eat. 

5. Kim and Kanye really need to move to the middle of nowhere and out of the public eye.

6. My parents always reminded me what goes around comes around.
7. Every single day I always hit the snooze button multiple times before I will get out of bed.

8. This one time in college, I embarrassingly tried out for mascot.  I had no experience and my roommates were cheerleaders and talked me into it.

9. My grossest habit is I chew the skin on my lips, especially when they're chapped.

10. My latest white lie was telling the kids that they I would leave them at home by themselves if they didn't hurry up and get ready.

11. I know all of the words to tons of songs from my younger days.

12. When I grow up I want to be financially stable and super fit and healthy.

13. Sexy time is something that I never talk about publicly.

14. I will never ever get tired of visiting the beach.

15. I think it's hilarious when my kids say things they shouldn't.

Go visit these lovely ladies and Jake and join the parties!