Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Swim suit edition


Hi Ladies! Just wanted to come up for air from the Christmas/New Year extravaganza to say "Hi, hope you're doing well."

In about three weeks, Audrey and I have to don our swimsuits to go mid-winter water sliding with our kids. The water sliding part is a blast; the swimsuit part is, uh, well... intimidating. And here's what intimidating really means: PUT DOWN THE COOKIE and work on transforming that doughy stomach area into something else.

Also, if you want an easy-to-read, motivate-me kind of book to start of the new year, check out The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. She organizes the chapters by month. January is called Boost Energy. In it, she explores these five ideas: Go to sleep earlier; Exercise better; Toss, restore, organize; Tackle a nagging project; and Act more energetic. Good stuff.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

We Have A Winner!

Congratulations to Jill! She is our 3 week challenge winner!
Jill has shown all of us this fall that being consistent makes you strong!!!
What a great example to all of us!

And for the rest of you that post points.....
Cammy is the winner of the drawing! Way to go girl!

Thanks to all of you for making this last challenge so fun. This month has flown by.

Can't wait to get started again in January!!!

Monday, December 20, 2010

My Gift to You.

Dear Healthy Women,
I have been crazy busy these past few days just like all of you but I want to give you each a gift. .... a dog. Sounds crazy...yes... but when you wake up in the morning and have those big brown eyes looking at you and the tail wagging so hard it is about to fly off and the body is twisting with excitement.... how can you not go for a nice brisk walk? That is what I wake up to every morning and most mornings he's not disappointed. We walk for about three miles and enjoy the sights. He goes on sensory overload sometimes. We see wild turkeys, deer, squirrels, cats, dogs, even a coyote once. He never tires, unless it is very hot in the summer but we usually walk so early it isn't a problem. He is always ready to go day or night ...long walk or short. .. but always wants to go FAST. This walking has been a main stay for me these past few years, especially since I lost my walking partner when she moved. When I first get up and start to get dressed he's ready to go, even if I'm not. If I should try to sleep in , he comes to check on me and see what is wrong....such loyalty. If you had such a partner, you would also jump out of bed to start the day. Built in motivation. Get you an energetic Boxer and join the fun. Have a Happy Holiday season.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Wishing you all a Joyous Christmas

The hubby and I have arrived in sunny Denver to spend Christmas with our son Matt, his gorgeous wife Mindelicous and their three darling girls. Yesterday Mindy and I made some sinfully delicious cookies and many of us did a little Christmas shopping. Today there will be a special Christmas program at church where Matt will speak and Mindelcious and Matt will sing a duet. Spiritual calories are more important than those from food, they keep me going.

In all the hustle bustle it's a real challenge to remember the reason for the season. As we each run toward the Christmas finish line may we find the time to reflect upon the wee babe born in a manger, the King of Kings, the Messiah.

May we be kinder to all around us, more generous with our time and talents, more willing to forgive and better able to focus on that which is most important.

Audrey thank you for giving us the gift of support, healthy knowledge and friendship. These gifts cannot be purchased but have been given generously by all of you on Healthy Wife.

May you each have a joyful Christmas celebration with family and friends and in the words of Tiny Tim, "God Bless Us Everyone".

Merry Christmas



Saturday, December 18, 2010

Point Posting Time and Christmas Musing

Congratulations for completing another three week challenge. We'll start some two week challenges in the new year.

Please post your points. Even if you only worked on this for a few days. Everyone who post any points at all will be put in the drawing for the second necklace. You have until Monday night to post points.

Healthy Wife Happy Life is in it's 10 months and has evolved as it's gone along. Thank you all for making it so successful. What I love most about this blog is that it's not only about losing weight...although may of us have been doing that or are still trying to do that. Being Healthy is not solely about a number on the scale. I love that we've been able to embrace that it's about being well rounded.

This past session my goal was to put more Christ in Christmas for my family and it's been very successful.

Being Healthy is about spirituality, mental and emotional states of mind and how well our body works. Balance is a vital aspect to life and one that often gets out of whack but we can always work on finding that balance. Finding balance requires constant adjustments, it's not stagnate.

A well rounded person is a person who can take on all sorts of challenges in life and can bounce back from being knocked down a few times.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Thank you, thank you for being such great women and wonderful examples.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Rambling Video Post #2


Merry Christmas, everyone!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Well, Melissa had it right with her post today - we are definitely all affected to one degree or another by the weather and the change in daylight exposure. I think our bodies are programmed to kind of shut down during cold weather and lower levels of daylight exposure. Winter is designed to save our fat! Dang it! No wonder we love carbs so much in the winter.

Thinking about weight loss efforts in years past, I was asking myself, "Why do I have such a hard time losing weight in the winter, in fact I tend to gain weight, but it's much easier in the spring and summer?" Plus, in relation to my battles with anxiety and depression, I knew I had harder times starting in late fall and going until spring. And click! I put the two together, weight loss struggles and depression, and I think it's related to the season. I may want to start using some form of light therapy and see if it makes a difference. Melissa, could you tell us more about the light lamp you have, and where you got it from?

Here's an article about SAD I found on Wikipedia: Seasonal Affective Disorder, if you want to read more about it.

KILLER ABS!




Very literally, my abs are killing me! I've really been trying to focus on good running form this past month and a half. What difference has this made? Well, hopefully the biggest is simply.... better form. I am finding as a side effect of good form, my abs are crying out. They are so sore the rest of the day, sometimes for even a few days, after my runs. I was worried I was doing something wrong, but after doing alot of research and talking to "people" and "professionals" it appears that I am getting a kick butt core workout every run! :) Maybe one day when all my baby belly fat melts away, I will discover a firm, flat belly underneath!

Until then... I will keep pounding away at the workouts!

My gift to everyone, would be killer abs. I wish I could afford a hard core workout instructor who could give us hard core workouts individualized to our own unique weight loss needs. :) Until that day, I (and we) all have running! Hey! At least it's free, right?!

Baby, It's Cold Outside


My number #1 complaint in the winter: I'm cold. Specifically, my feet, my hands and my nose. {Closely followed by complaint #2: not enough mood-enhancing sunlight.} Being cold makes me want to eat sugary treats. It's like my body is saying "You need to pack on some extra pounds to ward off the cold."

But, really, it's not the extra pounds I need. It's exercise. Exercise improves circulation which, in turn, keeps your body warmer, including fingers and toes. My close to congealed blood is forced to perk up and start moving around in a frenzied fashion. That makes me warm. I am quite literally at my warmest in the winter right after I exercise (even warmer than having just stepped out of the shower.)

Of course there are other ways to stay warm too: good socks, hot cocoa, a fire, snuggling, a warm bath. {And if you need some more of those, go to the Dragonfly's December Give away fast!) These are all good too, but, for me, they only provide temporary relief, not the more long term solution I crave. So when the hot cocoa and socks just don't cut it and you feel the cold deep in your bones, time to rev up the circulation the old fashioned way and exercise.

As to the sun light, I received this awesome Happy Light as an early Christmas Gift this year. It brightens my day and lifts my spirits almost instantly. If I close my eyes, I can almost imagine the sand, the sun and the azure blue waves lapping the shore.

Somebody hand me a fruity concoction with a pink flamingo in it, please.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Calling All Slackers!


How can you tell if you are getting a good workout? Wear a heart rate monitor! After my digital scale, it's my favorite workout/healthy-living gadget. Since winter has set in, just about the only exercising I get is on my Gazelle strider machine. It's completely user-driven, which means that if I'm daydreaming I don't get a really good workout, especially when my heart rate falls below 100/min. My heart rate monitor is kind of my drill seargant, telling me when I'm slowing down too much. So go check out those last-weekend-before-Christmas sales online at Overstock, Amazon, Sports Authority, REI etc. and get one for your stocking!

Shred


I finally took the cellophane off of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and popped it in the DVD player. Several of you have written about her rockin' three twenty minute workouts. I only did level one and I was breathing heavilly. The arms, legs and abs were all keeping up nicely, but I have a hard time with intense cardio, even in short bursts. I start wheezing pretty quickly. So I've decided to stick with level one for a week before even attempting level two. All this to say that mixing up your workout routine, even just a little, can be a pretty humbling--and healthy--experience.

Also, there's this: sorry Jillian, but the word "shred" always makes me think of food first.

Monday, December 13, 2010

My gift to you...

I have yet to learn how to pull images off the computer SO after trying for 30 minutes I gave up and am posting a picture of my daughter with SNOWSHOES on :)


My gift would be snowshoes. Why? Because it gives you a great healthy activity to do in the winter time. It gets you above the inversion and into the beautiful sunshine. 
Our family bought them a few years ago and have had some really fun Saturdays up in the mountains. 
On our first trip out,  Emily was SO excited to go snowshoeing with her new pink snowshoes...when we got to the spot she yelled, "HEY, this is just like HIKING! I HATE hiking!" We had to convince her it was an ADVENTURE and she could take pictures of all the little treasures she found.
Even, Emily who "Hates hiking" had a good time!
I have realized I need it for therapy. I NEED sunshine in my life to make me a better mom, wife and person all around.
I wish I could buy them for you and we could somehow get together and go out for a day in the mountains. Now that would be a FUN day!!!


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Small, but mighty


I've thought about this quite a bit, hoping to write about some miracle kitchen gadget that would have you all transfixed. But, fact is, my little kitchen secret is indeed little and unassuming: the humble 1/2 cup prep bowl. It's all about portion control. I can plop anything in there and know that I've got 1/2 a cup and that that's plenty big to satisfy my appetite. Most often these get used for fruit, yogurt, dry cereal, crackers and nuts (I only fill it half way for nuts). By putting the snack item in a little bowl immediately, I avoid reaching in the box for just one more handful.

If you ever come across more stylish half cup prep bowls on the internet, let me know.

MY wish for you

I really love my Wii Fit.


I was definitely a little sceptical when I first learned of this little item. How could a video game help you lose weight? But, my interest was also piqued. Since we already had the Wii, I asked for the Wii Fit for Christmas last year.
It has really, really helped me get in the exercise. I don't have a gym membership. They're always a waste of money for me. Summertime in Las Vegas is HOT HOT HOT, and I barely make it outdoors to water the plants, let alone to get in exercise. This has been the thing to keep me going.
I love the strength training and yoga exercises. When I was doing them four or five days a week (earlier in the year), I could totally feel the difference it was making in my health. I felt better. It was much easier to climb the stairs at work. 
The other games on it are fun too, and certainly help to break things up, keep you from getting bored. The upshot is you're getting in a workout while having lots of fun.
So, that's my wish for all of you, if you don't already own it. 
The Wii Fit.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

You asked for it...can you make it one more week?

Becky...you wanted to see why I think you should be working your best...besides for the benefits of good health this is what's up for grabs.

Chris, the hubby, designed the "I can do hard things" and his Aunt Sylvia made the charms. She thought that the Eiffel Tower was a great thing to put on the other side because it was hard to make. I agree...and it makes the charm versatile.

I know this is a hard time of the year to try to fit in exercise...and food choices are abounding. But we need to make sure these changes we are making are lifestyle changes...not short lived.

Being able to stick to these habits even during the toughest times will only improve our lives in the long run. We can all do hard things. And after a while, they won't seem so hard...but something else will and you can do that too!

Hang in there for another 5 days and then get ready for a break. Will you keep some of these good habits going into the new year? I hope you do.

So, there are two charms up this round. The first one goes to the winner. The second goes to the winner of the drawing of everyone who post points. I mean any points. Only kept track of points for 6 days...what were your points. Keep at it the whole time but it was tough....tell me you points. I want everyone to have a chance to win!!!

YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS! I know you can!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

My Christmas Wish for You


Ms. Thunder Bumper Challenge #2

If I was loaded and could buy you all a great gift this Christmas it would be a digital scale. It serves so many great purposes like knowing exactly how much hamburger you're putting in the bag when separating up the family pack from the grocery store to knowing exactly how much you are eating.

It's vital for a family trying to live healthy since learning portion size at a young age will be vital to helping our next generation.

It's also a vital tool for those of us trying to lose weight. I've been thinking about this post this week because of an experience I had.

I was trying to add a little protein to my breakfast of cheerios and banana. I decided some milk with chocolate protein powder would be a great idea. So I pulled out my shaker, did a 4oz. milk 4 oz. water ratio and then got the protein out. It's been a while since I had used the chocolate so I looked to see how much a serving was. The label said: Serving Size 1 Heaping Scoop (39 g)

Hmmm, this scoop is really big. So I pulled out my scale and stuck it on there. It was closer to 55 g. Wooza. That would be a lot more calories than I wanted. So I adjusted the serving to what I really wanted.

No wonder it's so hard to know exactly how many calories are in things. They are giving an estimate sometimes...ahh, it can be so frustrating. I had this happen with baked chips too.

So, if I could buy one for each of you I would. It serves so many purposes.

Here is the challenge. I want you to tell us about what you'd want to gift to each of us because it makes your life easier. It can be your favorite drinking cup or cooking instrument, your favorite DVD or cook book. It can be whatever you wish we all had because you love it so much....scriptures don't count. I don't think there is a single one of us that doesn't have them :-)

I can't wait to see what you all come up with.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Absent

I know I have been absent for quite sometime. I have a lot of thoughts on my mind lately. As I try to sift through everything, I feel overwhelmed. Unfortunately this blog has not been a priority. I haven't given up, and I will be back. I have to take a moment to sift through everything. My mom was diagnosed with Cancer and is having surgery on Monday. Not only am I sick to my stomach about it, but I am also angry with myself. I know, not a positive thing, but it will pass, and I will use that anger to do positive things in my life. You see, I always thought there would be so much time. There would always be enough time to get in better shape to run with her. I procrastinated, and now, I felt like, overnight my time ran out. So, naturally I was angry. Running with my mom, was never just a run. It was developing a deep relationship. One that can only be created through hours of intimate conversation. One only created by the relationship, and support of running. Accomplishing amazing goals. As I sat with her one day and talked about my frustration, she reminded me that I had promised to run another half marathon with her. That she was going to get better. I've made a promise to myself, I will do whatever it takes, to get to that point, so I can still have those intimate moments with her. I am desperate for her. A temporary setback, but I'll be back stronger after the year comes to a close. After my mind can settle from all my worrying.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Thankful

I know I'm totally late but since Audrey didn't post her Thunder Bumper today, I'm sliding this in at the very last moment possible!! I am thankful for a lot of things, but the thing I am thankful for the most, is my FAMILY.
My Dad is the most calm, loving and positive man I know. Even when things are less than great, things are "GREAT!" He gives the best hugs and always has great advice. He works way harder than any person should at both work and church. He is super passionate about everything he does which is an awesome quality to have. My Mom is a lover. She has 5 crazy (or previously crazy) kids who have taken her through hell and back, but she still loves each and every one of us to death. Having someone love you despite your faults, mistakes, etc is the best thing one could ask for. A lot of parents can't do that, and she is amazing for that.


Being my oldest sister, Audrey has been the person I've looked up to all my life. Since I am 11 years younger than her, I didn't get much time with her before she left for college, but I still wanted to be just like her! Now that I'm "grown up" I admire her even more for her super woman capabilities in being a mom, cleaning, organizing and just being plain awesome. Her (fast) husband Chris is pretty awesome as well. They are also parents to the funniest kids I know.



My sister Heidi definitely keeps things interesting in our family and I love her for her energy and loving personality. She's creative and never gives up on what she wants. My niece Makayla is officially a teenager and that is kind of freaking me out! She's wearing makeup and in middle school and that is just too much for me. I am thankful for how strong of a person she is!!


I am so thankful for my brother Tyson & his 2 (almost 3) sweet girls. They are the best people to hang out with and are always doing something fun. I can always count on my brother to be there for me in anything I do. He definitely has my Dad's positive attitude and is such a hard worker.


I am so thankful for my brother Jared for his super persistence to achieve his goals. He works hard at everything he does from work to sports and is totally in love with his family. I am also thankful for my sister in law for being so funny and putting up with my crazy brother. I don't know how how she manages with 4 kids, but they sure are a cute family!


Sorry for the long post! Without my family, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I am so lucky to be able to call them my family!


The Queen and her sneakers


The Queen is here to visit with us for all of one and half days. My kids are loving all the Queen's attentions. And so am I. But here's a few other little details that make me love and admire her as a healthy wife:

1) She brought a lemon (for fruit tea) and a carton of fresh raspberries.
2) She brought her sneakers, just in case.
3) She brought her own protein drink.
4) She brought 4 bags of freshly baked ginger snaps and hasn't eaten a single one.

Isn't she awesome!?

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Dexter Brian

I don't know what kind of face my daughter is making...but the rest are pretty cute, if I may say so.


Here is a picture Mindelicious requested. He's pretty chunky! Actually, most of his weight is in his cheeks, which have thinned out a little bit.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Gratitude - My First HWHL Rambling Video


This is why I prefer writing to public speaking - editing! Otherwise, I go off into tangents and am a babbling mess, but I thought it would be fun to try something new for the HWHL blog! Let me know what you think!

Husbands Are Evil

Me: Matt, what cookies do you feel like you absolutely HAVE to have for Christmas?

Matt: Peanut butter balls...russian tea cakes...ginger snaps...spritz cookies...truffles.....toffee

Me: Ummmmm, okay. Can you pare it down at all? Do we have to do the tea cakes and the spritz cookies?

Matt: Mindy, Christmas only comes once a year!

Me: Can you pick just one to leave off the list?

Matt: That's like asking me to pick one of my children to hand over to the nazi's.

Mindy: (rolls eyes)

As all good little recovering addicts know, avoidance is key. Alcoholics don't go to bars. Sexaholics don't go to massage parlors. Sugarholics don't bake 16 batches of cookies and store them in tins above the fridge. Dear husband, I love you and all, but STOP ENABLING ME!

Here's to a better week?

I didn't do so well last week.
  • 3~~the number of times I exercised 
  • 1~~the number of times I drank all 64 ounces of water
  • 3~~the number of days I got my veggies all in
  • 2~~the number of days I stayed under my calorie goal
However,
  • 7~~the number of days I read my scriptures!
You know what? That's great improvement!
I'm happy to say I'm still on track for my thirty point bonus.
I think it might be the best thing to come out of this challenge for me right now, getting back into the swing of things spiritually.


Today, I didn't exercise because my hubby came home early from work. It's too embarrassing for me to exercise in front of him. Maybe I'll double up tomorrow. AND I missed my calorie goal by six points! That really bites. Water intake? nah. Didn't make it either. But it's OK. It's still early in the week right.
Hoping tomorrow will be a better day.
How are all of you doing?

Monday, December 6, 2010

Bake sales are evil




The reason we all have issues with sugary sweets is that bake sales were unrestricted and omnipresent when we were young. But all our children's health problems are about to end thanks to a new bill that would give the government power to limit school bake sales and other fundraisers that health advocates say sometimes replace wholesome meals in the lunchroom.

I'm so glad the government has tackled this issue head on because we all know this fundamental truth: bake sales are evil.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Hello Everyone!

I've been gone for a little while. My tonsil and deviated septum surgery went well. I thought last Monday that I was back and ready to jump back into life full force. I think I over did it. I slept and slept and slept the days following my surgery. On day 10, I decided I better stop taking the narcotics because my Mom had to go home to Utah, and Chad had to go back to work, and I was needed in the world of Reality. Once I was off the pain meds, my body felt so much better, and I slowly started easing into exercise.

This week was rough though. I felt like I had the flu every day, and went back into the dr for a follow up. She said my throat was still about 5 days away from being healed, and until that happened, I would feel tired and sick.

So I rested as much as I could on Friday, Saturday and today, and hopefully tomorrow I will feel more like myself.

I've missed you guys! Rebekah, I'm so glad you're back too! Thanks for all the well wishes. I'm so glad to have the surgery behind me. Now I can't wait to get back to running and burning off all my built up energy from the past 3 weeks. There's a lot stored up!

Sorry about the rambling. I'm having a hard time putting my feelings into words...it's been an emotional ride.

Big

I had my baby on Thursday. He weighed 9 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 1/2" long. For my 5'2" frame, that was quite the haul I was carrying around!! We're still in the hospital due to the c-section and some feeding issues with the baby (I can't nurse because of some medicine I have to take...for the rest of my life, and the formula isn't staying down well). But, as soon as I recover, I'm back with the HWHL program. Looking forward to it!!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Random Intervention

I'm in a really funky mood today, kind of sassy and mischievous, so I may regret this post, but I feel like chatting nonetheless. I want to eat everthing in the house today!! I'm up to 1259 calories so far, and I feel like I could eat 5000 more!! It's not helping that I haven't exercised, that I'm sitting on my rear end in bed watching episodes of Lie to Me (love that show!) on my laptop, and just want to stuff food in my face when really I should be working on my eBay business, putting listings together for the gobs of stamps and paper sitting in my craftroom and bedroom. The monkeys are jumping on my bed, literally, and I'm sending them out for food from the kitchen like I'm Jabba the Hut or something. Sigh...

Audrey, can't you give us any hints about this secret big prize? Frankly, I was hoping it was going to be a big motivator for me during this difficult and challenging eating season. I hate to sound defeatist, but I'm just trying to hang on to my current weight and not go over 190 by Christmas. Help bring out the competitor in me!! 'Cause she's gone on vacation and she needs to come back and get her rear in gear. Yeah, I sound kind of whiney, I know. But I do need a kick in the pants. Any takers?

2:55pm MST update - the kids just brought me a bag of mini Snickers. I'm doomed!!!

3:10pm MST update - I only ate one 42-calorie piece. Can you believe that?! Then Jabba the Hut made them go fetch an apple. But I don't know how long that health trend will last...

3:20pm MST update - Now I've got some Laughing Cow wedges and Reduced Fat Triscuits. Plural...

4:20pm MST update - Not only am I going to get my rear out of bed, but I'm going to exercise and drink water. But WHILE I watch more episodes on my laptop. Mwuahahahahahah!!!!

Audrey's Holiday PartyTips


Last night I attended two holiday parties...next week there are more. 'Tis the season right? Well, how do you stay in control? Some of us may think I just enjoy the party because it's the only time I let myself indulge, others of us know if we unleash on the party food there may be no looking back for weeks...

So this morning as I think about my post party diet I've come up with some great ideas. Some that I have learned over the years and some new ones that I think are beneficial.

1. If it's a later party make sure you eat a light dinner before hand including a lot of water. If you can remember that you are full and don't need to eat, maybe you can choose something you really want and stop there. I'm a fan of a protein shake that really fills me up.

2. If you are to bring something to the party make it something healthy that you will want to eat that way you know you have something for sure to nibble on. Build up your healthy appetizer repertoire.

3. Keep a drink in your hand. Preferably water or some other non caloric drink. You're less likely to shove food in your mouth if you're busy drinking.

4. Stay away from things that look like they are store bought and find things that are homemade. Store bought things are going to have more calories and sodium than something someone made at home.

5. Ok, no one is going to like this. Stay away from the cheese. Yep, I said it. High calories, high fat and once you dig in it's hard to stop. If you go for it anyway, limit yourself to one delicious good size bite you can walk away from.

6. Move away from the food. Visit with people away from the food.

7. And last but not least, find a way to exercise earlier in the day so you have a few extra calories to spare. Eat sensibly throughout the day.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Jeggings

There's been some talk on the blog and elsewhere about skinny jeans and jeggings. If you're on Team Coco, you might be interested to see what he has to say on the subject.


If Conan O'Brien can do it, WHY CAN'T I? Even Tim Gunn approves.

On Gratitude

Well, I just finished up a months worth of posts on my blog about things I'm grateful for.
It was a great exercise for me. It helped me think outside the box a little bit, to come up with more than the usual things I normally think of.

I'm so grateful for this body of mine.

Some days I despise it and all it's flaws, but it really is a wonderful miracle. Imagine. Your heart beats 60+ times a minute. What a muscle! Can you imagine clenching and unclenching your fist  sixty times a minute, all day long? I think my hand would get a little tired after the first two or three minutes. But your heart does it every second of every day, for about 70 years! Incredible.
And don't even get me started on the brain. What an impossibly amazing machine is my body!
I am grateful for this temple of mine. And I'm SO grateful for the wonderful Creator who made me.
That's the other thing. When you really look closely at how fantastic we all are, to me it just testifies that there is a supreme being who makes it all possible.

Have a splendid weekend everyone!

Our Thankful door

 My sister reminded me of a great idea... a "Thankful Door" during November. We had a great time writing things down every day. We even let friends write things when they came over. :)
One of my very favorites is "MY HAPPY MOOD" Every time you looked at it you couldn't help but grin!
It is much easier to have a happy mood when you are thinking of things to be grateful for. Thank you Audrey for challenging us to do this. I have been feeling way to stressed out the last few days.

I am grateful for so many things. Today, I am grateful for the lessons I learn when going through hard times. I am grateful for a God who never leaves me alone but does let me struggle along so I can learn. I am grateful for all the angels he sends to help me and... I consider all of you to be some of those angels. THANK YOU!

Exercise...

Are any of you watching this season of The Biggest Loser?? This season is NOT my favorite, but of course I'm still hooked. The 'game' is really getting to me this year! Season 10:Couples starts January 4th. If you don't watch, you should. It's kind of amazing and I would love to get my butt kicked by Bob & Jillian. I'd probably throw up a million times, but it would still be awesome.

P.S. I really want that game!!

Anyway...
I love that exercise puts it all into perspective for me. Those climbing numbers on the treadmill symbolize so many things but for me...it's like a light bulb moment. If I am doing some sort of physical activity, everything else just falls into place. I'm thinking about water, I'm trying to eat early, I'm thinking about my goals....
This sounds horrible, but this week I am really focusing on not stuffing myself. Lately I have been so bad at just eating and eating and eating. If I'm not full, I'm looking for food. It was a bad phase and it's one I have had before.

I've done an hour on the treadmill the last 2 nights which is making me feel pretty good. It's been a while since I've done some good solid working out. I miss how it makes me feel. Still not RUNNING, but walking fast and doing some very short jogs is as far as I can get. The treadmill is new for me. I'm a spin and elliptical kind of girl so I will take all the advice I can get! It's definitely different.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

What goes first?


When I take a week (or two) off of my regular work out routine, my arms and upper back muscles always seem to go first. That is, when I get back into the routine, I can't lift the weights without serious effort and shakiness. Is that normal? Only two weeks out and already the body wants to become jello. Maybe I didn't eat enough protein the day before. Or maybe my body is like my house....it only takes a short while before it loses its sheen and slumps with clutter.

What area of your body is the first to go when you take a break?

Ms. Thunderbumper Challenge #1 Grattitude

I heard a great talk on Sunday about how being grateful and thinking about how grateful we are actually improves our brain capacity...therefore it's healthy. I thought, wow, having gratitude helps us be healthy.

So, this challenge we are going to increase our brain capacity and be grateful.

5 extra points for commenting on this post or 10 points for posting about what you are grateful for.

You have until Sunday to complete this.

I'm grateful for all of you and your participation in this blog!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Becoming Zsa Zsa Gabor

Jill's post about her daughter has inspired me to relate my own story about "losing it." Let me preface this by saying that rationally I know that speeding is my own fault and that I am not usually a loud, irrational, attention-hogging, obnoxious person. In fact, I'm usually the opposite. But Zsa Zsa Gabor is who I became last Saturday night.

A few days before, I got a speeding ticket coming back from picking up my son from school. There's this strip of road where the speed limit is 40 and goes to 55, and where it goes to 55 used to be in a different spot than it is now, so traffic usually goes faster than it should. I was just lolly-gagging along, going with the flow of traffic, not paying attention to my speed, and a cop clocked me going 52 in a 40. Not only that, but he said he pulled me over (i.e. singled me out from the other cars) because my registration was expired. Huh? I KNOW I paid it! I remember waiting in line FOREVER to pay it! Sure enough, the police officer ran my plates, and they were current. I'd just forgotten to put the sticker on. Aarrgh! So, that was my first speeding ticket.

Snap back to Saturday night. There'd been the usual traveling frustrations around Thanksgiving. I was doing all the holiday shopping while were were in Utah with all the post-Thanksgiving sales and Zen stayed back at my Mom's helping to watch the kids, and there were complaints from him and the teenagers that they were stuck watching the babies while I was out running errands. Hello! I watch babies 24/7, what's the big deal?! And besides, I'm out buying your presents and taking care of Christmas for you! But 99% of the time I'm the caboose when it comes to getting out of the door, and they all hate it, even though that's because I'm the one who can remember all the little things we need, and there are always little last-minute things that have to be added to the pile of things to pack in the car. I try hard to delegate, I really do. In fact on this trip, every time I handed Zen an assignment for packing, I said, "See, I'm delegating!" But despite all that, I was still the person holding everyone up late Saturday afternoon as I finished one more errand before we headed back to Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Plus, there's stress from being away from my business and knowing how much work is waiting for me when I get back. It's overwhelming sometimes! Working for yourself can be harder than working for someone else. But that's a topic for another time. Also, it had been probably 2 days since I'd taken my anti-anxiety meds, because I was just frazzled from traveling and I forgot. I don't want to use them as a copout, as if I don't have the ability to make my own choices, but let me tell you, they do make a difference if you've ever had to battle with depression. They just give you an extra edge over your own crazy biochemistry.

Okay, now finally down to the nitty-gritty of my story. Zen and I were traveling in separate vehicles, me in the mini-van and him in the truck, because our 7-person family and all our luggage just don't fit in one car anymore. I was taking it easy, letting him be the pace car, because I do have a lead foot I'll admit, and Zen likes to brag about the functioning cruise control on his truck (mine on the mini-van is broken.) I was falling behind, enjoying the scenery or something, and after falling behind about 1/4 to 1/2 mile Zen called me to ask if I was going to try and stay together in our little caravan. Yes, of course, you slow down, and I'll catch up. I went faster to catch up, and then spent the rest of the trip falling behind and then going faster to keep up. I fell behind again, and was speeding up to catch up just outside of Evanston, and that's when the flashing lights came up behind me for the second time in four days. I'm pretty sure I swore outloud, or was thinking about it. My emotional reaction was to feel anger, anger at Zen for going so darn fast and bugging me to keep up and anger at the cops for "picking on me." I know they are just doing their job, but come on, 2 tickets just days apart?! I just wanted to say, "Leave me alone!!!"

So, he clocked me going 87 in a 75 and he did his license and registration spiel: "Do you know why I pulled you over?" (I'm thinking, that's a stupid question!) "Ummm, probably for my speed." (Zen later told me I should never admit to anything, play dumb or something. Whatever, I was so strung out, just numb from the stress of vacation and having been pulled over twice in four days.) He took all my paperwork back to his car to write me up. I didn't time him, but it felt like forever before he came back. The longer I sat there, the more upset I became, angry at Zen, angry at the universe, angry at the cop, until I started crying and sent an angry text to Zen about what a lousy pace car he was. So, the cop finally came back, and I'm sitting there bawling my eyes out.

I think that's when the cop started treating me like a nuclear bomb about to go off. I'm sitting there crying, with my three youngest children (who I always refer to as "the babies" because they are so much younger than my teenagers. There's Connor who's 5, Emmas who's 2, and Sammy who's 7 months), as the dvd player is running How to Train Your Dragon for the 2nd or 3rd time. Blessedly, none of the children are crying, but I sure am! And these are angry tears. He tried to continue with his script of how to deal with the ticket, and I just blurted out in an angry way, "How much is this going to cost me?!" "Ma'am I know you are upset-" blah, blah, blah. Of course I'm upset, and if you don't want me to cry, take your stupid pink ticket and go away! But I don't say that, I just sit there fuming.

After he handed me the paperwork, he went back to his car. I just sat there, so upset, and not wanting to move. He came back after a few minutes, "Ma'am I know you are upset, but you really can't stay here on the side of the road." That's when I abandoned nearly all grip on good manners and emotional control. "I've got a stack of dvds, a bottle of formula, diapers, and wipes, and I will sit here as long as I want to!!" Yes, I really said that. And regrettably, it still feels good. "Ma'am, no, it's not safe here by the side of the road. Please drive on to the next exit and pull over." He went back to his car. Only now, I'm just angry, so I decide to sit there and play a game of chicken to see who will move their car first. I'm a passive-aggressive psycho now. Sure enough, he came back after a few minutes and asked me to move on.

But I'm in an angry, snotty mood and I decide to move my car, but only 20 feet down the road. Again, he got out of his car, came up and tapped on my window and asked me to move on. I decide to move my car another 20 feet down the road, only now my car is stuck in the snow bank. "Ma'am, let me call a tow truck for you." I quickly retorted, "Are you going to pay the bill?!! Get back there and push!" "No, ma'am I will not push your car." So, I got out of my car to start kicking snow out of the way, so I could move my car. "Ma'am, please don't do that. Get back in your car where it's warm and let me get my shovel." So, he's shoveling snow and I'm kicking snow. The car won't budge. At one point when he was standing back to let me move my car, I got out to kick snow again and grabbed his shovel where he'd left it and started heaving snow out of the way like a demon, thinking "I'm in so much better shape than you! I can do it faster!" He'd had a few too many donuts or chili dogs in his career. "Ma'am, here, let me do that." (Ma'am please quit being an irrational pycho.) And at one point, he did wind up pushing my car. Yes, that was satisfying, even though it didn't budge the car. Eventually I did get my car out with my persistant snow kicking, and I bet he was really, really glad to see me go.

I was still pretty angry, and now that I think about it, probably in need of a really, really long workout (it had been 3 days since I'd had a good workout.) Anyway, I was driving really, really slowly, only about 30 to 40, hoping he'd catch up just so I could be a pain in the butt again, but he must have 180'd just as soon as he could, so he wouldn't have to deal with me anymore. This whole time, Zen and the teenagers, who were in his truck, kept trying to get ahold of me, but we were in some kind of dead zone out there in the middle of nowhere. And this is making me angry, too, that they keep calling me but the call keeps getting dropped. I sent a couple angry texts when the phone calls didn't work, so I decide I will go home slowly, driving only about 50 to 55, taking my sweet time, just so I can be irritating. Irritating to who, I'm not sure, but I was one cranky chick.

I double-dosed myself with my meds Sunday, bawled my eyes out in sacrament meeting, apologized to Zen afterwards & bawled some more, got a lot of sleep, goofed off Monday, and then got back in the saddle yesterday, starting to take care of things I'd been procrastinating. I'm pretty much back to normal, and I think Zsa Zsa Gabor has left, but her perfume still lingers...

Tasty chicken


So I "made up" this chicken breast recipe last night based on a vague memory of something similar I found on a blog once that I failed to bookmark. I didn't even measure the ingredients. Literally just threw them together in unscientific looks-about-right-guesstimation. And the kids ate it (with the initial complaining that disappeared after they ate a bite.) I also had couple leftovers so I cut those up and put them on my salad today with Santa's nose sized cherry tomatoes, avocado, and some Paul Newman light dressing. It was delish!

Pecan chicken
1 package of chicken breasts: pound (meat mallet) and cut up
Pecans - about 1/2 c pecans, blend or pound those out to a crumble
Sea salt - 2 tsp maybe
Paprika (sweet) -1 tbsp maybe

Yum and, with four ingredients, I'm tellin' ya, you can't go wrong.

Having "one of those days"

FRAZZLED!

OK, I have to vent for a minute; you don't mind do you? Of course not!

I just got my kids off to school, it is a huge miracle since I COMPLETELY LOST my head!!! I would like to say I am usually pretty good at letting things roll but my youngest has pushed one too many buttons the last few days and unfortunately I forgot to keep my "I don't care" face that Love and Logic teaches so well. Instead, I took all of her actions PERSONALLY and I LOST it! UGH!!! I feel sooo bad, how could I let an 8 year old get me so worked up??? Now she feels horrible and I get to feel guilty for spanking and screaming and well, throwing my own little huge tantrum! 

Looking back as to WHY I lost it: I was frustrated about the way she was acting last night, (throwing things at me during scripture study and prayer because I wouldn't let her play with her toy; then refusing to go to sleep) I went to bed ornery then when I went to the gym this morning, my heart rate monitor told me I burned a whole 220 calories in an hour and 1/2! (I don't get it!) SO, when I walked through the door finding my daughter had wet the bed (because she drank water I told her NOT to drink last night), then listened to her rant and rave about hating her jeans because they aren't comfortable and that she isn't going to eat or do her hair... I think you get the point... who could blame me right?!

SORRY, I don't know why I am even posting this other then it just feels good to get it off my chest. I guess I will chock it up to a bad day... Oh yea, it's only 8:30 in the morning, let's just hope it doesn't get worse. Wish me luck this afternoon when my sweet little angel comes home as I try to put her self esteem back together and come to grips that I am the mom and I need to act like one!

THANKS FOR LISTENING... I feel much better now :)

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Water

I have a real problem with water consumption.
It just doesn't taste as good to me as Pepsi. I did not drink any Pepsi yesterday though. Yay!
I usually add a Crystal Light packet to my water so I can drink it, not a fan of the lemon slices in water.
But, I feel like I shouldn't always be adding those packets to my water. I also forget to drink it.
If I have a soda handy, I NEVER forget to drink that. But water? It will take me all day to make my way through a 16 ounce bottle of it.
So, give me some suggestions girls. How do you get all your water in?

A reintroduction! :)

Hi. My name is Rebekah (aka Jaded Butterfly) and I have alot of weight to loose. :) I'm actually not new here, but I was one of the quite non-posters. I have actually been here from the beginning, but rarely posted, just read every so often. It's a boring story, but my original email I gave Audrey when I signed up, is from an email account that I rarely use. I didnt want this blog to come up with "Jaded Butterfly" which was my (private for only me) blog. Unfortunately, because I stay logged into this email account all day, it was a pain to log out of that email and into the one I use for this site, so I eventually just asked Audrey to change the email account associated with this blog for me, so I couldnt use that as an excuse to not come here.

So, Jaded Butterfly is actually me, Rebekah, mom of 3 fun little men and a tiny princess and wife to one amazing man. I'm a stay at home mom who enjoys playing with her kids, gardening, decorating, sewing/crafts, home improvement, and dabbles in a little bit of photography, although I dont have the time to devote to becoming good - yet!

I was a swimmer and waterpolo player in highschool, a spinner (as in bikes, hahaha) and yogalaties crazy in early married-hood, and have now taken on running. I have running asthma, so it has takent me a long time to build a base in running. When I first started running last spring/summer, I couldnt even run a half of a mile without going into a full on attack. But with perseverance, smart coaching and learning some new techniques, I have been able to work through some of the side effects and now I have built up my lung muscles so I can run several miles at a time. I ran 5 miles the other day. My chest was tight and on fire and I was having a hard time towards the end, but I did it. I never thought I would be able to do that long of a run.

I'm probably insane for signing up for a half marathon, but it has been a dream of mine for several years. I found the perfect race for my first half marathon and I'm excited to do it. I'm determined to do it.

I wont lie. I really hoped that running would help me loose weight, but so far that hasnt been the case. I've tried working out at home with DVD's and such, but I'm just too comfortable in my own home and too tired at night, so I havent found success in that. In September I signed up for a beautiful new gym down the street from my house, and I have been counting down the days until it opens (and right now it is 3 weeks late). I cant wait to start spinning again. And I look forward to adding in some swimming and Pilate's.

So, this is me. Not some crazie who decided to randomly post one day... ok maybe I am, LOL. (oh and sorry the picture is old. It is actually from last winter. I dont have any recent photo's, so this will have to do :) )

Monday, November 29, 2010

Oh my...


I feel like I should be in one of those anonymous meetings...My name is Chelsea and I've completely fell off the wagon. I'm (way) overweight, I feel disgusting and I'm addicted to food....but I'm back....and I want to win.

My emotional eating is out of control but I'm in the process of changing that!! I broke down and got a treadmill since I've been paying for a monthly gym membership that I haven't walked into for probably more than a year. I really want to RUN, but am far from it right now. I've never felt this horrible when I've exercised which is just another indicator of how bad I've let it go.

Anyway...on with the new! My goal is to lose 10lbs by Christmas.

Good luck ladies!!

The Disney Dining Plan


I've been away far too long. Part of the reason was a trip to see family (including Audrey, the Queen and Dragonfly) and partly because of a week long surprise trip to Disney, our first ever family vacation.



And I just want to say for the record that the Disney Dining plan is way too much food.

A fountain drink and dessert come with lunch and dinner. And the portions were huge. And I felt compelled to eat and drink it because of the price tag. And I don't even drink soda.

A quick glance around Disney World told me that most Americans are on their own version of the Disney Dining Plan 24/7/365. Many parents and grandparents were riding those little motorized carts merely because of their weight. It made me sad to see the obesity epidemic on such a large scale in the happiest place in the world.

So, I'm recommitting to water, exercise and vegetables. Because the magic starts here. With me.

Yes, we had a winner!

Congratulations to Jill!
She won the last challenge before Thanksgiving! She has been a great example of sticking to it this fall! You're the woman!

Now, some of you may have noticed the new blog!
A BIG THANKS TO MY SISTER CHELSEA WHO DID ALL THIS HARD WORK.
When I was home this summer I told her I wanted to change it up but didn't know how do it! She used her amazing talent and put this together. Isn't it awesome?!?!

Thanks Chelsea, I love you!

Make sure you check out the post below. We have recommitted participants and a new one! Welcome Mikki!


I'm on the wagon again....

In august, I signed up for my first half marathon! If you know me at all, I am NOT a runner. when I started running again last June, I couldnt even run a 1/2 of a mile without needing an inhaler for my running asthma. I just ran my longest run ever 2 Saturday's ago... 5 miles!

After running a 5K turkey trot last week, I'm wondering what I am doing!!!!! I was dying after the first mile because I forgot to go to the bathroom that morning. I had a goal of running it in under 31 minutes because I had wanted to qualify to sign up for a second half marathon in March. Despite my asthma flare up and wanting to wet myself on the run, I did qualify, JUST barely! 30 min and 57 sec.

Seriously! Could I have cut it any closer??? LOL
I have decided even though I did qualify, that I am not going to run the March 1/2 marathon I was wanting to. I think running a 2nd half marathon 3 weeks after my very first one, is a little insane and a bit too hard on my body. No worries though, I am looking at one in April to run! :)

So, I have 2 big challenges starting for me this week.

First, even though I've been running, it has been conditioning and building my base. Today is the first day of my official half marathon training program. Running in the cold is going to be a big challenge for me. I actually love to run when it is 45-50 degrees out. But trying to get me out in 30 degree temps is very hard. I have no choice but to run early in the morning at sunrise, because of Jeff's work and school schedule. So freezing cold runs are inevitable. I am NOT a treadmill runner. I hate it. Loathe it. BUT... I did sign up at the new LA Fitness.... if it ever opens! That will be a great way for me to cross train, and give me no excuses to not workout. I am actually looking forward to it and am getting impatient for them to open (they are late by 2 weeks so far).

Second, I am going to really make myself accountable for my intake.... eating, drinking etc. I actually eat extremely healthy, and low calories, but I must be doing something wrong because my weight is not coming down.

Last winter, after I had Eden, I dropped from 185 to 170. Then when I got serious about running, I dropped 2 pounds. That's IT!. Now, before I'm told I'm "loosing fat and gaining muscle" I will agree. I have dropped from a size 16 post baby, to a size 10 (probably an 8 if I didnt have the excess muffin top of stretched skin - thank you pregnancy!) BUT... my weight is not coming down. And I know we arent suppose to be focused on a weight goal, but... I am tired of going into the dr's office and being called obese because all they go off of is my weight and not my overall health. So I do need to loose some actual weight.

I'm excited to get "on a program", but I'm a little nervous to post here. I only really know 2 of you in really life and it is a bit lonely and vulnerable to post to people I dont know. BUT, I think it will be good for me. I need to be accountable to someone other than my husband who loves me too much to be tough on me and keep me in line. And I love that you all focus on the overall health, not just weight loss.

So here I am. Today it starts and today *I* start! :)

Helloooo Ladies!

My name is Mikki, and I'm so excited to be joining the challenge.
I did the Ladies Olympic Challenge earlier this year, and I lost about thirty pounds. I've since gained back between five and ten of those pounds. Not horrible, but not terrific either. And definitely not the way I want to see the scales move.
Ok, here's the nitty gritty.
I'm 5'4" and I currently weigh about 165 (last time I checked, which was last week, before Thanksgiving! So now I'm probably five pounds heavier LOL).
I would really like to lose another twenty to thirty pounds. I know I can do it.
The accountability is really key for me. That's when I lost the weight last time, when I had the LOC to report in to.

My goal for the extra thirty points is to read my scriptures every day.
I've been so bad about it lately, and I can feel the loss of that in my life.
So, I think I'll take an hour in the mornings to dedicate to myself.
A half hour of physical improvement, and a half hour of spiritual improvement.
If I miss a day of scripture reading, then I lose those thirty points.
Seems like pretty good incentive!
I really look forward to getting to "know" all of you.
Here is my personal blog, if you'd like to stop by and get to know me a little better.
Good luck everyone!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving


Tonight my brain has just about shut down along with any eloquence I might have had, never-the-less I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Audrey for creating and maintaining this wonderful blog which has brought us all together.

I also want you to know that I think you are all amazing and extraordinary women!


You've made my life richer and helped to make me a stronger woman both physically and emotionally. I'm grateful and thankful for your support, courage, wisdom, sense of humor, good advice, great recipes, friendship, encouragement, beauty, love and your ability to do hard things.

As you gather with your loved ones and friends, on this great day of Thanksgiving, may it be one filled with safety, good food, gracious hospitality and hearts filled with true gratitude. I don't know about you but I plan on eating a lovely large meal (including the pie and rolls) with some family and close friends and I'm going to enjoy every single bite without any guilt. I suggest that all of you do the same.

In the words of Erma Bombeck, "What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

POINTS AND IMPORTANT INFO

Even I had a really tough last few days, no posting, no commenting....I'm walking out the door in minutes to drive to Florida to see a dear friend for Thanksgiving.

PLEASE POST YOUR POINTS IF YOU HAVE ANY AT ALL! Only did 5 days? How many points did you get?

IMPORTANT NEWS:

We will not start another challenge until the Monday after Thanksgiving!!! BUT, it will last three week.

Consider this a jump start on the new year and a way to not let

I'M PUTTING UP A REALLY REALLY COOL PRIZE! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT! TRUST ME! I'm having something special made that truly epitomizes what we are doing to better ourselves and all aspects of our lives.

So, enjoy your Thanksgiving week with your friends and family!

Best Wishes,
Audrey

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

How to survive Thanksgiving


Hi Girls. Wanna know how I am going to survive the Thanksgiving temptation? I've got the best solution in the world!!!......


I'm getting my tonsils out on Thursday. My deviated septum will be straightened out at the same time.

Ya, it's not really the best solution for getting through the holidays.

Have any of you gotten your tonsils out as an adult? I had my freak out moment Sunday evening. Hopefully it's out of my system and I can think clearly now.

I am usually sick about 4 months out of the year with throat and sinus related problems. In fact, I have had a sore throat every day for the last 6 weeks. My wise mother put everything into perspective during her last pep talk to me yesterday. She reminded me that it was indeed worth it...that in my lifetime if I continue being sick like I have in the past, I will have spent the equivalent of 16 years sick. That was all I needed to hear.

So, my next 10 days will be spent in bed, drinking whatever my throat can tolerate. No Thanksgiving dinner for me.

I don't mind.

The typical Thanksgiving menu is not my most favorite. I'm more of a Christmas dinner kind of gal.

I can do this...I can do hard things that scare me to death!!!


This will also be my first break from HWHL since Audrey started the challenge. I will miss you guys while I sleep a week of my life away. See you all next month!!!

Monday, November 15, 2010

My Nemesis


See these little puppies, they've been my nemesis for the past 6 weeks. I'm sure I've consumed at least 100 of them if not more. I had such discipline till I brought the Halloween candy into the house and then my will power collapsed. Thank goodness they're almost gone.

I read an article last week about chocolate. The hypothesis of the article was that in 20 years there is going to be a huge shortage of chocolate. I hope in 20 years if I'm still alive that maybe I won't care for chocolate anymore. In the mean time I've got to learn to ration it better because now I have to lose weight that I had already lost before I started in on these sweet yummy chocolatie mini treats. As someone said in an earlier post, "50 calories a day starts adding up and before you know it you're up a pound or two." I'm here to tell that is true.