After my Note To Self last week, I decided that I need little reminders about many things. We all need a little help remembering things from time to time. Like how you shouldn't play softball like you're 12 when you're 25 because that dumb move to slide into 3rd will almost break your rib.
Dear Erin,
Please take care of yourself. I know its hard when you have an almost 10 month old, a husband who is still on the mend from his shattered foot and a high maintenance mutt. Let's also not forget the insurance agency you run and the properties that you're trying to sell. No wonder you're tired all the time. At this point though, there really isn't anything you can do about being tired or getting more sleep. You already cram what seems like 24 hours worth of work into 18 hours and you need every minute of all 18 hours.
There are things that you can fit into those 18 hours to make sure you are taken care of too.
- If you are sick or tired, don't push yourself. Rest and relax so you can get over it quicker. There is a little life that depends on you.
- Take that extra couple minutes in the shower to use that exfoliating body scrub you like so much. Winter is coming and you always seem to forget how much you hate dry skin until you have dry skin. Let's try preventing it this year!
- Curl your hair more. It takes approximately 5 more minutes to curl it than it does to straighten. Plus you always feel like you can conquer the world when you're having a good hair day.
- Don't feel guilty about those runs you go on that leaves you picking Tucker up later. They lift your mood and help you feel better about yourself. Happy mama = Happy baby.
- And don't feel bad about the glass of wine you have every night. There are worse things.
- You have a $100 spa certificate. You've had it for almost 2 months. GO USE IT!
- And for the love of all things holy, schedule the massage your mother-in-law bought for you... last November!
- Read a magazine. You don't have the attention span for a book at the moment.
- Get crafty. Those wine bottles have been soaking by the sink for about 5 months. It's time to do something with them. You've also got a scrapbook and some canvases to make and order.
- Squeeze in more time with your friends. A quick lunch is better than nothing!
- You don't have to dress 100% casual to work everyday just because no one sees you but the 2 guys you work with. Wear that shirt you've been looking for a reason to wear or break out some of those necklaces that you have. There are 8 hours a day where your boobs don't have to be easily accessible or a necklace isn't being yanked off your neck. Take advantage of them!
- When Danny goes back to work, don't feel bad if you take on night each rotation to veg out and get lost in your tv shows while eating a frozen pizza.
If you can squeeze a few of those things into those busy 18 hours, you'll be fine. You'll be better than fine. Just because you spend most of your awake hours thinking about everything you need to do for everyone else doesn't mean you don't deserve some of that time for yourself. Because you do deserve it!
Sep 30, 2014
Sep 29, 2014
A (Busy) Weekend Recap
This weekend was kind of nuts.
Friday I left work early. It was a bad day and Danny's mom needed to be somewhere at the time I normally leave, so I cut out a couple hours early. I really don't think we did anything Friday night. Although, Danny was successful at getting Tucker to bed so there's that!
Saturday was the last swim lesson. At this session, parents dropped their kiddos off the diving board. This parent of a 9 month old did it too. Twice. Tucker was not pleased and let everyone at the YMCA know about it.
After swim lessons, we headed home and I took a quick nap while Danny and I waited on my mom to get to our house to watch Tucker while we went on a Day Date. We were going for festival food, but got to the festival right as the parade was starting, meaning there were WAYYY to many people for our liking. Off to Buffalo Wild Wings we went. I ordered a tall Blue Moon which made walking around Big R so much more enjoyable! After we got home we got ready for party #1 of the weekend which was our friends' engagement party. They had all of the wedding party over for dinner, drinks and corn hole.
About 2 hours into the party the babysitter called and said Tucker had been screaming since we left. We couldn't pinpoint why. I didn't suspect his teeth because the kid has gotten 2 sets in the last month and he wasn't interested in the gel thing in the fridge. So, we ran and got him then went back to the party like the good parents we are. He was fine once we got there and could snuggle with his mama. Once we got home we all went to bed until about 3am. Tucker woke up and would not go back to sleep. About an hour and 45 minutes in, Danny suggested Tylenol. About 15 minutes later he fell asleep. We are f'ing teething. Again. For the 3rd time this month.
We all slept til at least 8am Sunday which was nice given the party in the middle of the night. We had a few hours until we had to head to parties #2 and #3. We headed to Danny's grandpa's 90th birthday party where Tucker ate some cake and then to a friend's little girl's 1st birthday party, where Tucker had more cake. All the cake resulted in a 45 minute nap which Tucker refused to wake up from... at 5:45pm. This left him ready to party until 9:30. Oh well, it doesn't happen all the time.
That was our weekend. Next weekend should allow for some more relaxation and hopefully some housecleaning. We're living in a pig-sty!
Friday I left work early. It was a bad day and Danny's mom needed to be somewhere at the time I normally leave, so I cut out a couple hours early. I really don't think we did anything Friday night. Although, Danny was successful at getting Tucker to bed so there's that!
Saturday was the last swim lesson. At this session, parents dropped their kiddos off the diving board. This parent of a 9 month old did it too. Twice. Tucker was not pleased and let everyone at the YMCA know about it.
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| Still pissed 10 minutes later |
After swim lessons, we headed home and I took a quick nap while Danny and I waited on my mom to get to our house to watch Tucker while we went on a Day Date. We were going for festival food, but got to the festival right as the parade was starting, meaning there were WAYYY to many people for our liking. Off to Buffalo Wild Wings we went. I ordered a tall Blue Moon which made walking around Big R so much more enjoyable! After we got home we got ready for party #1 of the weekend which was our friends' engagement party. They had all of the wedding party over for dinner, drinks and corn hole.
About 2 hours into the party the babysitter called and said Tucker had been screaming since we left. We couldn't pinpoint why. I didn't suspect his teeth because the kid has gotten 2 sets in the last month and he wasn't interested in the gel thing in the fridge. So, we ran and got him then went back to the party like the good parents we are. He was fine once we got there and could snuggle with his mama. Once we got home we all went to bed until about 3am. Tucker woke up and would not go back to sleep. About an hour and 45 minutes in, Danny suggested Tylenol. About 15 minutes later he fell asleep. We are f'ing teething. Again. For the 3rd time this month.
We all slept til at least 8am Sunday which was nice given the party in the middle of the night. We had a few hours until we had to head to parties #2 and #3. We headed to Danny's grandpa's 90th birthday party where Tucker ate some cake and then to a friend's little girl's 1st birthday party, where Tucker had more cake. All the cake resulted in a 45 minute nap which Tucker refused to wake up from... at 5:45pm. This left him ready to party until 9:30. Oh well, it doesn't happen all the time.
That was our weekend. Next weekend should allow for some more relaxation and hopefully some housecleaning. We're living in a pig-sty!
Sep 24, 2014
Weigh In Wednesday
I've kind of been dreading this Weigh In Wednesday, but it is what it is.
I've said all along throughout my attempt at losing the baby weight that I didn't want it to mess up breastfeeding. When you're breastfeeding, you need to maintain a certain number of calories in order to keep producing milk. Drastic changes in diet and exercise can lead to changes in supply. Well, I almost messed things up last week. I signed up for 3 months worth of ItWorks wraps a couple months ago and decided to give them a try. I had hit a plateau and I was tired of looking like I was 5 months pregnant at 9 months post partum. Not a fun place to be when you have issues with your weight. I felt like Thursday would be a good time to try since I didn't run that day.
Friday morning I woke up and pumped 4.5 ounces. I normally get 6ish. I chalked it up as a flook and decided to see what the rest of the day would bring. I got less than 2 ounces at each of my next 2 pumps. At that point I declared the weekend a "Fat Weekend" to try to undo what I had done. From Friday at lunch until Sunday night, I ate things I would normally stray from (breaded tenderloins, cheeseburgers, fries, etc) while trying to lose weight. I never went overboard or stuffed myself until I was uncomfortable, but I ate fat stuff. And I will say, it has helped. I'm keeping up with Tucker's needs for the most part.
That is why there isn't a change this week. I'm shocked there isn't a gain to be quite honest. I'm getting back into healthy eating this week though! Which will be challenging since I don't really have time to go to the grocery. I'm getting back into running mode after the beating my body took on Saturday. Now that the dust has settled, meaning not every muscle in my body is aching, I've discovered that I may have bruised a rib. Which would explain the bruise on my right boob. Anyways, I powered through sore legs yesterday and got 2 miles in. And dare I say it helped to get my muscles moving again?
The plan for now is to hold off on finishing the wraps until after Tucker and I are done breastfeeding, which will hopefully be shortly after his first birthday. Mama is tired and wants her life and body back! I honestly can't wait to try the wraps again. Even Friday morning before I started stuffing my face, I could tell a difference. I didn't take true before and after photos because it wouldn't have been a fair comparison.
If you're interested in purchasing wraps, contact my fellow Hoosier blogger Shelby from Simply Shelby. She was very helpful in answering my questions about how long the wraps are good for (which is a year as long as they are sealed in their packages).
Friday morning I woke up and pumped 4.5 ounces. I normally get 6ish. I chalked it up as a flook and decided to see what the rest of the day would bring. I got less than 2 ounces at each of my next 2 pumps. At that point I declared the weekend a "Fat Weekend" to try to undo what I had done. From Friday at lunch until Sunday night, I ate things I would normally stray from (breaded tenderloins, cheeseburgers, fries, etc) while trying to lose weight. I never went overboard or stuffed myself until I was uncomfortable, but I ate fat stuff. And I will say, it has helped. I'm keeping up with Tucker's needs for the most part.
That is why there isn't a change this week. I'm shocked there isn't a gain to be quite honest. I'm getting back into healthy eating this week though! Which will be challenging since I don't really have time to go to the grocery. I'm getting back into running mode after the beating my body took on Saturday. Now that the dust has settled, meaning not every muscle in my body is aching, I've discovered that I may have bruised a rib. Which would explain the bruise on my right boob. Anyways, I powered through sore legs yesterday and got 2 miles in. And dare I say it helped to get my muscles moving again?
The plan for now is to hold off on finishing the wraps until after Tucker and I are done breastfeeding, which will hopefully be shortly after his first birthday. Mama is tired and wants her life and body back! I honestly can't wait to try the wraps again. Even Friday morning before I started stuffing my face, I could tell a difference. I didn't take true before and after photos because it wouldn't have been a fair comparison.
If you're interested in purchasing wraps, contact my fellow Hoosier blogger Shelby from Simply Shelby. She was very helpful in answering my questions about how long the wraps are good for (which is a year as long as they are sealed in their packages).
Sep 23, 2014
Note To Self
Dear Erin,
In case you have forgotten, you are no longer 13 years old and used to playing multiple softball games in one day. I mean, you struggled to make it through 5 games while in your prime, so why would you expect to make it through 6 at your age? Here are a couple things to keep in mind should you decide to do this again. And you probably will because you had a freaking blast out there on Saturday.
- It is 110%-absolutely-no ifs ands or buts about it-required that you stretch before any sporting event now. Softball or volleyball. 1 game or 5 games. Stretch every single muscle possible. And when you think you've stretched enough, give everything another quick round. Don't forget that muscle between your thumb and the rest of your hand. Those are pretty sore still from having to catch softballs flying at you.
- Please don't slide anymore. Especially if you're wearing shorts, a t-shirt and ankle socks. You got up with minimal scratches and a bruise on your boob, which is really impressive given your gracefulness. And when I say gracefulness, I mean you practically fell on top of the bag. Your husband even made fun of you. Again, you couldn't slide when you actually played softball so why would you now at 25?
- Pack a cooler and fill it with twice as much water as you do beer. You were the only one on your team that pee'd more than one time between 11am-8pm. Don't forget snacks too. You were borderline hangry at one point and that's no fun for anybody.
- If you happen to be breastfeeding at the time, for God's sake wear breast pads. You almost had embarrassing leakage problems and you were wearing a red shirt that was very worn and milk would have been very noticeable. And try to time your pumps a little better.
- Finally, the next time an opportunity like this arises, you will absolutely participate and don't even try to talk yourself out of it!
In case you have forgotten, you are no longer 13 years old and used to playing multiple softball games in one day. I mean, you struggled to make it through 5 games while in your prime, so why would you expect to make it through 6 at your age? Here are a couple things to keep in mind should you decide to do this again. And you probably will because you had a freaking blast out there on Saturday.
- It is 110%-absolutely-no ifs ands or buts about it-required that you stretch before any sporting event now. Softball or volleyball. 1 game or 5 games. Stretch every single muscle possible. And when you think you've stretched enough, give everything another quick round. Don't forget that muscle between your thumb and the rest of your hand. Those are pretty sore still from having to catch softballs flying at you.
- Please don't slide anymore. Especially if you're wearing shorts, a t-shirt and ankle socks. You got up with minimal scratches and a bruise on your boob, which is really impressive given your gracefulness. And when I say gracefulness, I mean you practically fell on top of the bag. Your husband even made fun of you. Again, you couldn't slide when you actually played softball so why would you now at 25?
- Pack a cooler and fill it with twice as much water as you do beer. You were the only one on your team that pee'd more than one time between 11am-8pm. Don't forget snacks too. You were borderline hangry at one point and that's no fun for anybody.
- If you happen to be breastfeeding at the time, for God's sake wear breast pads. You almost had embarrassing leakage problems and you were wearing a red shirt that was very worn and milk would have been very noticeable. And try to time your pumps a little better.
- Finally, the next time an opportunity like this arises, you will absolutely participate and don't even try to talk yourself out of it!
Sep 22, 2014
Weekend Recap
We had a GORGEOUS September weekend here in Indiana. Well, other than Saturday night but the torrential downpour held out until I was safely back in my vehicle.
Friday was homecoming for our high school. Danny and I both graduated from there and Danny played football there so we like to attend at least that game. Along with the parade. We headed to the fire station around 5 on Friday to get a good spot for the parade. Tucker enjoyed it. Not the floats so much as the candy. The kid LOVED the sucker his daddy gave him.
After the game we got dinner to go from the bar around the corner then headed to the game. We stayed until right before half time because the little man was getting tired.
Saturday I got slapped in the face with a reminder that I have now reached my mid-20s. I played in a co-ed slow pitch softball tournament. A cross fit gym here in town hosted to raise money for their gym. I jumped at the chance to play softball again. It was a double elimination tournament and we lost the very first game, landing us in the loser's bracket. We won our next 4 games yep at that point we were at 5 games played then forfeited the 6th game because one of our players had to leave to take his daughter to Columbus OH for some showcase. Oh, and also because there was lightning and the rain was picking up. I had SO much fun though. It hurts like hell still, but I'd do it again in a second. Even if I did pull my right ass muscle the first at bat of the first game.
Sunday we went to church and then breakfast with my friend Andrea and her boyfriend Tom. Their treat! Now, picture this. Tucker is handed a piece of toast and then proceeds to wipe it all over his head. Butter side down of course. Which looked so nice as the day went on and we met my mom and brother for a late lunch to celebrate my mom's 49th birthday.
After celebrating, we headed home to lounge and get caught up on some housework and laundry. Well, kind of. Moving was a monumental challenge yesterday so when I say housework I mean only housework that can be done without bending over too many times.
Now Monday is here and I woke up with a headache. I've taken 2 Tylenol and have had 2 cups of coffee. If it doesn't go away soon, this day isn't looking good for anybody!
Friday was homecoming for our high school. Danny and I both graduated from there and Danny played football there so we like to attend at least that game. Along with the parade. We headed to the fire station around 5 on Friday to get a good spot for the parade. Tucker enjoyed it. Not the floats so much as the candy. The kid LOVED the sucker his daddy gave him.
After the game we got dinner to go from the bar around the corner then headed to the game. We stayed until right before half time because the little man was getting tired.
Saturday I got slapped in the face with a reminder that I have now reached my mid-20s. I played in a co-ed slow pitch softball tournament. A cross fit gym here in town hosted to raise money for their gym. I jumped at the chance to play softball again. It was a double elimination tournament and we lost the very first game, landing us in the loser's bracket. We won our next 4 games yep at that point we were at 5 games played then forfeited the 6th game because one of our players had to leave to take his daughter to Columbus OH for some showcase. Oh, and also because there was lightning and the rain was picking up. I had SO much fun though. It hurts like hell still, but I'd do it again in a second. Even if I did pull my right ass muscle the first at bat of the first game.
Sunday we went to church and then breakfast with my friend Andrea and her boyfriend Tom. Their treat! Now, picture this. Tucker is handed a piece of toast and then proceeds to wipe it all over his head. Butter side down of course. Which looked so nice as the day went on and we met my mom and brother for a late lunch to celebrate my mom's 49th birthday.
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| Tucker was lovin Uncle Drew yesterday! |
After celebrating, we headed home to lounge and get caught up on some housework and laundry. Well, kind of. Moving was a monumental challenge yesterday so when I say housework I mean only housework that can be done without bending over too many times.
Now Monday is here and I woke up with a headache. I've taken 2 Tylenol and have had 2 cups of coffee. If it doesn't go away soon, this day isn't looking good for anybody!
Sep 19, 2014
Friday Randoms
I was seriously worried this day would never get here. That long ass Monday that I had seems like ages ago. Anyways, I'm very glad its here. It should be a fun weekend. My brother and I are playing in a co-ed softball tournament on Saturday. It's single elimination so we could be done at noon or we could be done at 6. Either way, I'm super excited about it.
1. I haven't talked about the Guns, Buns and Abs challenge in a while.
It's going really well! I've only skipped Sundays so far and that's because I have Zumba on those nights and we do a lot of Guns, Buns and Ab work anyways. I seriously think we do like 200 squats/lunges and 2 arm specific songs. It's rough! So, I feel okay skipping the Sundays. The numbers are getting pretty high now that I'm on Day 19. I've been spacing my squats throughout the day. My solution to this: 25 squats while I pump and 10 or 15 every time I go to the bathroom during the work day. Yesterday I did 180 squats by doing this and didn't even realize until I counted at the end of the day. My only question for myself? Why the hell haven't I been squatting while pumping for the last 8 months?!
2. I haven't really talked about this since it happened, but maybe you've noticed. I cut my hair at the end of July. I was ready for a change, a different style, and an "easier" time doing my hair. Something that wouldn't take as long and I'd feel good about. I decided to go with a long bob.
I like the haircut, I really do. But I don't think it's for me and I miss my long hair. My problem with short hair is that there is more room for error. Like today, I didn't straighten the back very well and it's very noticeable. With my long hair it didn't bother me as much. So, I'm officially growing my hair back out and going back to the layers with side bangs look that I rocked at different lengths over the last decade.
3. Tucker has found a new favorite place to play: in the coffee table. He will climb in on one side and out on the other. And he will do this for as long as I let him. He'll normally take a toy with him. He'll set it in the table, climb up and get it, drop it on the other side, and repeat. I hope he's always this creative with his playtime!
That's all I have for today. I think I've already checked out for the week, which isn't good considering I have to actually get some work done today. I hope you all have a good weekend!
1. I haven't talked about the Guns, Buns and Abs challenge in a while.
2. I haven't really talked about this since it happened, but maybe you've noticed. I cut my hair at the end of July. I was ready for a change, a different style, and an "easier" time doing my hair. Something that wouldn't take as long and I'd feel good about. I decided to go with a long bob.
I like the haircut, I really do. But I don't think it's for me and I miss my long hair. My problem with short hair is that there is more room for error. Like today, I didn't straighten the back very well and it's very noticeable. With my long hair it didn't bother me as much. So, I'm officially growing my hair back out and going back to the layers with side bangs look that I rocked at different lengths over the last decade.
3. Tucker has found a new favorite place to play: in the coffee table. He will climb in on one side and out on the other. And he will do this for as long as I let him. He'll normally take a toy with him. He'll set it in the table, climb up and get it, drop it on the other side, and repeat. I hope he's always this creative with his playtime!
That's all I have for today. I think I've already checked out for the week, which isn't good considering I have to actually get some work done today. I hope you all have a good weekend!
Sep 17, 2014
Weigh In Wednesday
There are a couple things about this past week that are at the front of my mind regarding my weight loss and exercise. First, lets look at the numbers.
Last weigh-in: 163
This week: 163.6
Change: +.6
Those numbers bring me to my first thought: the dreaded plateau. That point you reach when you're losing weight and the damn scale just won't budge. Your pants don't fit any better. Your rolls aren't any smaller. And you're just so frustrated that you wonder why on Earth you keep torturing yourself with salads and running when you really just want pizza, an apple pie blizzard because you've only been waiting years literally years for some ice cream shop to come out with one. All while sitting on the couch watching the weeks worth of General Hospital.
My answer is one I never thought I would have. And didn't even realize it until just 2 days ago.
I've never believed this was possible. I didn't believe in a runner's high. I didn't think a good run would help my mood. I didn't think running would change my whole day, or week, for the better. Zumba has always done this for me, but I never thought running could. Running has always been hard. I played softball growing up, so I just had to run bases unless we were in conditioning season, which lasted like 2 months and it was laps around the halls in the school or field. That was it. I would huff and puff and bitch the whole time.
We're in a whole different ball game now. Friday's run started out kind of difficult. It was pretty chilly and my legs have been used to the heat. As I finished that first mile, things got easier. When I realized that, I almost had to stop and make sure I was okay. Never in my life did I imagine I would start a sentence with "after the first mile..." I still don't believe it said it. And there is nothing that makes you feel happier than doing something you never thought you'd do. Or doing something you never thought you even wanted to do. I'm pretty sure I've uttered the words "I'll never be a runner"
What I noticed on Monday was my mood when I knew I wasn't going to get a run or some kind of workout in aside from the Guns, Buns and Abs challenge. Something to get my heart rate up. I was in a sour mood Monday and it carried into yesterday. Just feeling sorry for myself on the verge of tears all day kind of mood. Last night around 6pm after a 2 mile run? I was a whole different person. A happier, more relaxed person.
I wouldn't say I'm addicted to running, or exercise just yet. But I can see me heading that way. I just need to remember that picture above the next time I have the don't wants and come up with a list of excuses a mile long. I'm pretty good at that.
Sep 16, 2014
Happy Things
There has been a lovely little thing floating around Instagram that has you list 10 things that make you happy. I got tagged by Erin @ She's a Big Star last night and it came at a perfect time. Mondays just suck, especially when you have to drive 3.5 hours for a meeting and when you're 2 hours into your trip, the person you're going to meet calls to cancel. My brother and I were in the car for 5 hours yesterday. While it was nice having quality time with him, it was pouring down rain, my boobs hurt from not pumping, and even though the rain had cleared up at home we wouldn't be home in time for me to go run. Danny was busy with loading pigs to take to the butcher and didn't get done pissing with that until almost 7, Tucker needed a bath, we needed dinner and blah blah blah blah blah. I was over yesterday.
I'm going to share with you the 10 things that I posted on my Instagram(erinshell10) that make me happy. I didn't want to stop at 10 though. So, the first 10 are what I shared originally and the rest is just me rambling about happy things.
1. My amazing, hard working husband.
2. That sweet little boy of ours with his gap-tooth smile.
3. Our four legged baby and his need to snuggle as close as possible every night.
4. A glass of wine.
5. Laughing so hard my stomach hurts.
6. When a song comes on the radio that reminds me of my dad.
7. The fact that in a month from right now we will be driving to Orange Beach. Still true this morning
8. Softball. I didn't realize until yesterday (Sunday actually) just how much I miss it.
9. The feeling after a good workout. Even if it means it hurts to move a single muscle.
10. A clean house. I think it makes me so happy because its rare.
11. Pumpkin Spice coffee, not to be confused with a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Those are delicious too, but the coffee comes out to about $.50/cup instead of $4ish.
12. A good deal. I love walking out of CVS feeling like I practically stole from them. I mean my bill is more then $1.62, but I can generally save enough money that I didn't "really pay" for one pack of diapers, or make up wipes. Or it saved me enough money to pay for the wine that was also in the cart.
13. Our entire, crazy family and spending time with them. We are seriously some of the luckiest people on the planet.
14. Close friends who you can just pick up where you left off.
15. Baking or cooking something that comes out so delicious there aren't any leftovers.
16. Leftovers do make me happy though.
17. A kickass day at work. One where I get to be an insurance agent and not someone who just deals with problems that come with owning a business.
18. Wrapping/rolling change. Its weird I know.
19. Grey's Anatomy on Netflix.
20. Running. So weird that I am saying running makes me happy. More on that tomorrow.
21. Old pictures.
22. A good hair day.
23. Pinterest. I don't think I would know how to cook, dress myself or lose weight if it weren't for that gold mine.
24. A pair of skinnies, a cute sweater and a pair of boots.
25. Trying on a pair of "skinny" jeans and them fitting.
26. Ecards. Some of them are so mean and rude, but you can't help but laugh.
27. Giving gifts. I especially enjoy it when the receiver cries. My mother-in-law thinks I'm sick.
I could probably keep going. But, I have to leave for Danny's foot appointment soon. Hopefully this is the last one. Or at least second to last one.
I'm going to share with you the 10 things that I posted on my Instagram(erinshell10) that make me happy. I didn't want to stop at 10 though. So, the first 10 are what I shared originally and the rest is just me rambling about happy things.
1. My amazing, hard working husband.
2. That sweet little boy of ours with his gap-tooth smile.
3. Our four legged baby and his need to snuggle as close as possible every night.
4. A glass of wine.
5. Laughing so hard my stomach hurts.
6. When a song comes on the radio that reminds me of my dad.
7. The fact that in a month from right now we will be driving to Orange Beach. Still true this morning
8. Softball. I didn't realize until yesterday (Sunday actually) just how much I miss it.
9. The feeling after a good workout. Even if it means it hurts to move a single muscle.
10. A clean house. I think it makes me so happy because its rare.
11. Pumpkin Spice coffee, not to be confused with a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Those are delicious too, but the coffee comes out to about $.50/cup instead of $4ish.
12. A good deal. I love walking out of CVS feeling like I practically stole from them. I mean my bill is more then $1.62, but I can generally save enough money that I didn't "really pay" for one pack of diapers, or make up wipes. Or it saved me enough money to pay for the wine that was also in the cart.
13. Our entire, crazy family and spending time with them. We are seriously some of the luckiest people on the planet.
14. Close friends who you can just pick up where you left off.
15. Baking or cooking something that comes out so delicious there aren't any leftovers.
16. Leftovers do make me happy though.
17. A kickass day at work. One where I get to be an insurance agent and not someone who just deals with problems that come with owning a business.
18. Wrapping/rolling change. Its weird I know.
19. Grey's Anatomy on Netflix.
20. Running. So weird that I am saying running makes me happy. More on that tomorrow.
21. Old pictures.
22. A good hair day.
23. Pinterest. I don't think I would know how to cook, dress myself or lose weight if it weren't for that gold mine.
24. A pair of skinnies, a cute sweater and a pair of boots.
25. Trying on a pair of "skinny" jeans and them fitting.
26. Ecards. Some of them are so mean and rude, but you can't help but laugh.
27. Giving gifts. I especially enjoy it when the receiver cries. My mother-in-law thinks I'm sick.
I could probably keep going. But, I have to leave for Danny's foot appointment soon. Hopefully this is the last one. Or at least second to last one.
Sep 11, 2014
Weigh-In Wednesday Thursday
I took the morning off work yesterday to go spend the morning with my mother-in-law and 2 sister-in-laws. We went to breakfast at IHOP (where I successfully ate healthy and for under 400 calories... winning!) and then we BOOKED OUR CRUISE TO ALASKA! Danny's mom has been planning this cruise since 2010 and the time has arrived to actually make the plans. We are going next June and we are excited. This cruise will be the definition of organized chaos trying to get 13 people from ages 1.5 all the way up to 90 everywhere at the exact same time. I told Danny's mom we need to bring someone along just to film this adventure.
Anyways, that's why I wasn't able to participate in WIW yesterday. So, here I am today to share what I was going to share. Which isn't the number on the scale since that stayed the exact damn same. I have a feeling I'll be out $20 come October 2nd or 3rd.
There are a few challenges that I face when I am trying to lose weight. Going to lunch or dinner with family and friends, parties/social functions, lack of time to meal plan and go to the grocery store, and sometimes I reward myself food like I'm a dog.
One of the mental challenges I have is I have a "finish your plate" mentality towards food. If it is in front of me, I will eat whether I'm really hungry to stuffed so full I'm uncomfortable. For example, if I am at a Mexican restaurant and I've made my way through more chips and salsa than necessary and I've eaten my meal, if there are chips and salsa left on the table still, I will go right back to them. I can't blame my parents for raising me this way because they didn't. They never forced my brother and I to finish our plates or eat anything we didn't want too. They would encourage us to try new things, but if we didn't like something or want to finish our plates then that was okay too.
A few years ago I read an article about how to trick yourself into eating less. This particular trick works perfectly for someone like me who eats whatever is put in front of her. The trick? Using smaller dishes. I do this whenever humanly possible whether I am trying to lose weight or not. Using a smaller plate or bowl makes you feel like you're eating more when really you're likely eating the same amount or less. Want some photo evidence?
Anyways, that's why I wasn't able to participate in WIW yesterday. So, here I am today to share what I was going to share. Which isn't the number on the scale since that stayed the exact damn same. I have a feeling I'll be out $20 come October 2nd or 3rd.
There are a few challenges that I face when I am trying to lose weight. Going to lunch or dinner with family and friends, parties/social functions, lack of time to meal plan and go to the grocery store, and sometimes I reward myself food like I'm a dog.
One of the mental challenges I have is I have a "finish your plate" mentality towards food. If it is in front of me, I will eat whether I'm really hungry to stuffed so full I'm uncomfortable. For example, if I am at a Mexican restaurant and I've made my way through more chips and salsa than necessary and I've eaten my meal, if there are chips and salsa left on the table still, I will go right back to them. I can't blame my parents for raising me this way because they didn't. They never forced my brother and I to finish our plates or eat anything we didn't want too. They would encourage us to try new things, but if we didn't like something or want to finish our plates then that was okay too.
A few years ago I read an article about how to trick yourself into eating less. This particular trick works perfectly for someone like me who eats whatever is put in front of her. The trick? Using smaller dishes. I do this whenever humanly possible whether I am trying to lose weight or not. Using a smaller plate or bowl makes you feel like you're eating more when really you're likely eating the same amount or less. Want some photo evidence?
The teacup on the left is holding the same amount of ice cream as the bowl on the right. My inner fat girl wanted to put at least 2 more scoops in the bowl on the right simply because there was room even though 2 scoops is plenty for a treat.
Each bowl contains the same amount of oatmeal and oatmeal fixings (apple & pb.. you should try it). I cook my oatmeal in the red salad bowl on the bottom to prevent an overflowing mess in the microwave. Sometimes it is worth dirtying and extra dish to make me feel like I'm eating more.
A couple of other ways to make this trick work for you:
1. I buy paper plates to use for snacks after dinner dishes have been done or to eat my lunch on. I always buy the smaller ones. Not the smallest, like what you would serve cake on, but the size below that.
2. At parties or family functions, if there are 2 size options for plates, go with the smaller option. This will prevent you from filling your plate up too much and if you really want more, you have to get back up and get it. And at that point, what you wanted more of but shouldn't have more of, might be gone.
3. If I want a bedtime snack of cereal, which is my dessert sometimes, I use a coffee mug. They are half the size of our bowls.
You can also use this trick in the opposite direction in terms of consuming enough water or eating enough veggies. I have a 33 oz water bottle and a 24 oz water bottle. I aim to drink at least 3 full bottles (in addition to the water I drink at lunch and dinner) per day. If I use the 33 oz bottle, I get nearly 100 oz of water as opposed to 72. Are you making a veggie to go with your dinner? Fill your plate or bowl up with the veggies first.
I hope these tricks work for you like they do me. They don't work every single meal of every single day, but a little bit of help is better than nothing I think!
Do you have to finish your plate too? What weight loss tricks have you found to be helpful?
Sep 8, 2014
Weekend Recap
We had a pretty standard weekend. Well, Tucker and I did anyways. Danny had a pretty fun and rare weekend.
Friday night Tucker and I hung out while Danny hosted the fire dept's fantasy football draft out in the garage. I made the guys that super easy spinach and artichoke dip I made last weekend. Danny said it was a big hit. The garage is the perfect place for something like that. Which is good since our house is the size of a shoebox. I went to bed around 10, which was lovely.
Saturday morning we had swimming again. The instructor is so impressed with how much Tucker loves the water. However, this week he started getting pretty bored "swimming" after the ball while she was working with the other kids (we are in the toddler class since we were the only ones in the baby class) and he started fighting me a little. Either way, he still did pretty well. After swimming, him and I got cleaned up and headed to my mom's apartment. My good friend Shelby moved back home from Texas and lives in the same complex as my mom. I went down to help her unpack and my mom watched Tucker. While Tuck and I were doing our thing, Danny went out with a few friends to help one of the part time firefighters celebrate his 21st birthday. Danny doesn't do bars. He just doesn't go out. I can count on one hand (I think) the number of times Danny and I have gone out. We are more of a chill at home on the porch/by the fire/in the barn or garage type of people. Not downtown Indy bar-hopping people. He had a blast though! Which I am very happy about. He ended up staying down there in a hotel with the other guys and made it home by noon yesterday. Like I said, he doesn't go outmuch ever so I actually encouraged him to go. Plus, about 4 other guys bailed on celebrating with this kid so I felt bad for him.
Sunday was a very lazy day for me. I didn't change out of my pj's until it was time to go to Zumba, which was at 7:30. I lounged with Tucker, did some laundry, some dishes, and washed pump parts and other random things. Danny even made dinner so I didn't even have to do that. It was glorious. I even got to take a nap! Zumba was tough. Last night was the start of the 6 week toning session. I'm not too sore today, but I thought my arms were going to fall off last night.
Friday night Tucker and I hung out while Danny hosted the fire dept's fantasy football draft out in the garage. I made the guys that super easy spinach and artichoke dip I made last weekend. Danny said it was a big hit. The garage is the perfect place for something like that. Which is good since our house is the size of a shoebox. I went to bed around 10, which was lovely.
Saturday morning we had swimming again. The instructor is so impressed with how much Tucker loves the water. However, this week he started getting pretty bored "swimming" after the ball while she was working with the other kids (we are in the toddler class since we were the only ones in the baby class) and he started fighting me a little. Either way, he still did pretty well. After swimming, him and I got cleaned up and headed to my mom's apartment. My good friend Shelby moved back home from Texas and lives in the same complex as my mom. I went down to help her unpack and my mom watched Tucker. While Tuck and I were doing our thing, Danny went out with a few friends to help one of the part time firefighters celebrate his 21st birthday. Danny doesn't do bars. He just doesn't go out. I can count on one hand (I think) the number of times Danny and I have gone out. We are more of a chill at home on the porch/by the fire/in the barn or garage type of people. Not downtown Indy bar-hopping people. He had a blast though! Which I am very happy about. He ended up staying down there in a hotel with the other guys and made it home by noon yesterday. Like I said, he doesn't go out
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| A new tractor for Gigi's house! Can someone say spoiled? |
Sunday was a very lazy day for me. I didn't change out of my pj's until it was time to go to Zumba, which was at 7:30. I lounged with Tucker, did some laundry, some dishes, and washed pump parts and other random things. Danny even made dinner so I didn't even have to do that. It was glorious. I even got to take a nap! Zumba was tough. Last night was the start of the 6 week toning session. I'm not too sore today, but I thought my arms were going to fall off last night.
Well, I wasn't too lazy all day. And no worries, he landed safely on the other side with no bumps, bruises or tears. Just an ornery grin.
Finally, today is a special day. It's my dad's birthday!
My dad would have been 49 years old today. If he were still here, I'd be working on planning on a big surprise 50th birthday party that he would have been extra pissed about. Instead, my brother and I are going to lunch to get a Dan Overman favorite, a turkey bacon club. We used to take a shot of Crown at midnight, but ain't no new mama got time for that. Happy birthday, Daddy!
Sep 3, 2014
Weigh In Wednesday
I looooove that it is already Hump Day. And I love Weigh-In Wednesday, even when there are gains. Which there is not this week by some divine miracle.
Starting weight: 175
Last week: 164
This Week: 163
Change: -1
Total Change: -12
Not much of a loss, but a pound is a pound people and I'll take it. Especially since I ate my weight in oatmeal cream whoopie pies and spinach artichoke dip on Sunday and Monday. I got my eating cleaned up a little last week and stayed on track for the most part. We got Tillie's take out on Saturday and like I said, I ate like it was my job on Sunday. Monday I mostly grazed. That's what happens when I'm home all day. I eat all day. But, chasing after a 9 month old on his way to the dog's bowls requires energy, which comes from food.
So here is my game plan that I've been following and hope to continue and build on. I've talked about how I like easing into things and healthy eating and exercise is no different.
Last week I started running again. I ran on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I also vowed to make changes to my eating habits for millionth time. All week I told myself that last week of August was a trial run for September. I'm a month and a half out from our beach vacation and its time to get serious, or as Ash says, Get My Shit Together.
Here are my goals for getting my shit together:
1. Run 3 times a week.
2. Eat in a way that I don't feel guilty. Basically, I want to earn the "bad" foods. For example, last night after I got home from my run and picking up Tucker, I had 933 calories left for dinner. I had no problems finishing off the leftover cheesy potatoes from Sunday and ended up being 35 calories under budget.
3. Zumba toning session. I've told you guys how my zumba instructor is super woman right? She is in her mid-late 30s, just had a baby in April (she was still doing Zumba in March) and you'd never know that it was her 6th baby. She's the kind of woman you want to hate, but she's just so sweet and nice that you can't. I haven't been going to Zumba like I would like too. Tucker has been super clingy and a teething grumpy mess so I have to find other cardio options. Well, the toning sessions are on Sundays and Danny can stay home with him now. Plus we are using these nights as bedtime practice for Daddy and Tucker for when I'm gone in November. All that being said, I would really really like to go to the toning session.
4. Stick to the Guns, Buns and Ab Challenge. I'm 2/2 on completing it. I was looking at this last night to see what was in store towards the end. Um, 240 squats? I can tell you right now those will probably be done throughout the day. My buns hurt just thinking about it.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with where I'm at and how things are going. Hopefully the next weigh-in is just has positive. Especially since I signed up for a DietBet yesterday. I lost one before and it made me grumpy. Kind of like this headache that I woke up with.
How did Weigh-In Wednesday go for you?
Sep 2, 2014
Labor Day Weekend
3 day weekends are the bee's knees! I could use one at least once a month. Maybe I'll start doing that?
I skipped out of work early on Friday because I could. I wanted to go get a run in before I got Tucker and with any luck I was trying for a cat nap too. The run was successful, the nap was not. About 5 minutes in, Danny got home and Diesel went NUTS! Every time Danny comes home, Diesel acts like he's been gone for a month. So, I went to get Tucker and we attempted to go to the high school football game but it was past Tucker's bedtime by the time we got there after dinner.
Saturday was another swimming lesson followed by a trip to Target and Kohl's in search of some cheap 12 month summer clothes for vacation. Vacation shopping for a baby is so frustrating. Tucker fits almost perfectly in his 9 month stuff, but who knows what he'll be like in October. Well, all the summer clearance is pretty well picked through. Danny's mom found a couple pair of shorts and I have enough shirts so we might be able to make it work. After we shopped, we headed home and we both took a nap. After our nap we showered/bathed and went to visit some friends after we ate dinner. Tucker was out like a light as soon as we got home and it was nice.
Sunday he was up pretty early... like 4 am early. He was up until 6am, which left me an hour to sleep before getting up for church. Unfortunately, Danny's alarm was still set for work and went off at 6:30. I couldn't win on Sunday. After church, something huge happened.... wait for it... I went to Target AND the grocery ALONE! Danny can walk again, so he took Tucker for a bit and I shopped in peace. It. Was. Glorious! Once I got home, another big thing happened. I made this extremely easy spinach and artichoke dip and these oatmeal cream whoopie pies. Are you following Mix and Match Mama? If you aren't, do yourself a favor and go do it now. She posts the easiest, most delicious recipes. I haven't found one that we don't like. Her whooopie pies are my favorite thing to make and her bars are simple too. It's all too easy not to love. Anyways... we went to my brother's for a cookout on Sunday. He made our dad's chicken on the grill (he's almost got it mastered) and we all had a good time. Danny and I haven't moved everything out of the house yet, so Tucker got to play with some of Danny's toys while we waited on dinner to get done.
Monday was another early morning for Tucker. Lucky for me, Danny took over from 5a-6a so I could get some extra sleep. He's teething still and I think he's going through a growth spurt. Kid nursed practically all day yesterday. But, between all the feedings, I managed to clean the kitchen, clear off my desk, do some laundry and sweep the living room. We also had a visit from our friends who got engaged last Sunday. They asked Danny and I to be in the wedding! We are so excited for them and can't wait to be part of their very special day that we've all been waiting on and talking about for over 6 years.
I skipped out of work early on Friday because I could. I wanted to go get a run in before I got Tucker and with any luck I was trying for a cat nap too. The run was successful, the nap was not. About 5 minutes in, Danny got home and Diesel went NUTS! Every time Danny comes home, Diesel acts like he's been gone for a month. So, I went to get Tucker and we attempted to go to the high school football game but it was past Tucker's bedtime by the time we got there after dinner.
Saturday was another swimming lesson followed by a trip to Target and Kohl's in search of some cheap 12 month summer clothes for vacation. Vacation shopping for a baby is so frustrating. Tucker fits almost perfectly in his 9 month stuff, but who knows what he'll be like in October. Well, all the summer clearance is pretty well picked through. Danny's mom found a couple pair of shorts and I have enough shirts so we might be able to make it work. After we shopped, we headed home and we both took a nap. After our nap we showered/bathed and went to visit some friends after we ate dinner. Tucker was out like a light as soon as we got home and it was nice.
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| Watching some Grey's Anatomy before swimming |
Sunday he was up pretty early... like 4 am early. He was up until 6am, which left me an hour to sleep before getting up for church. Unfortunately, Danny's alarm was still set for work and went off at 6:30. I couldn't win on Sunday. After church, something huge happened.... wait for it... I went to Target AND the grocery ALONE! Danny can walk again, so he took Tucker for a bit and I shopped in peace. It. Was. Glorious! Once I got home, another big thing happened. I made this extremely easy spinach and artichoke dip and these oatmeal cream whoopie pies. Are you following Mix and Match Mama? If you aren't, do yourself a favor and go do it now. She posts the easiest, most delicious recipes. I haven't found one that we don't like. Her whooopie pies are my favorite thing to make and her bars are simple too. It's all too easy not to love. Anyways... we went to my brother's for a cookout on Sunday. He made our dad's chicken on the grill (he's almost got it mastered) and we all had a good time. Danny and I haven't moved everything out of the house yet, so Tucker got to play with some of Danny's toys while we waited on dinner to get done.
Monday was another early morning for Tucker. Lucky for me, Danny took over from 5a-6a so I could get some extra sleep. He's teething still and I think he's going through a growth spurt. Kid nursed practically all day yesterday. But, between all the feedings, I managed to clean the kitchen, clear off my desk, do some laundry and sweep the living room. We also had a visit from our friends who got engaged last Sunday. They asked Danny and I to be in the wedding! We are so excited for them and can't wait to be part of their very special day that we've all been waiting on and talking about for over 6 years.
Whew, what a weekend we had! It was a pretty good one, but I'm exhausted!
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