We've heard this from Nike and from President Kimball but now you're going to hear it from me. I'm itching to a post about my hike in California but I need to go to bed since my ride is coming at 5am. I just wanted to give you all a pep talk as I'm giving myself one.
Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. Not even yourself.
Don't give into excuses, they only lead to regrets.
Say you're going to do something and then do it, even if you may be a little afraid to try something new.
There is nothing you can't do. You just have to put your mind to it.
If you fall, get up and keep going. If you fall again, get up...again.
Never give up. There are unlimited number of retries.
There is no limit to what you can do.
You are amazing. And I know each of you can accomplish something great.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thoughts and Pictures from hiking Pinecrest Lake.
I've been holding on to these pictures to do this post for way to long. I wanted to be able to sit down and do the post justice, capture the beauty, the personal insights I gained in those three trips around the lake.
When my parents were first married they lived in a place call Pinecrest, CA. It's part of the Sierra Nevada's, very close to Yosemite. After they moved slowly down the mountain we still spent many summers there. I have fond memories of my youth. The last time I visited I was in high school.
When I made plans to return to CA for the first time in three years my parents suggested renting their friends cabin and spending a week up there. I was excited to go back and take my boys, I knew there was tons of fun to be had.
Pinecrest Lake is not very big but it's beautiful. The Forest Service has done an amazing job keeping it pure to its original roots. I was busy trying to get my 120 miles in even while I had many vacations planned this summer. The first day I went on a nice run/walk around the cabins and campgrounds.
Then while my dad and I were talking he told me it was about 4 miles around the late and that he and his buddies did it all the time when he was growing up. So the day after our Yosemite trip and killer hike I decided to hit the lake. I wanted to see how fast I cold do it. I did it in 1 hour and 10 minutes. Now that may seem kind of slow but if you check out the terrain it's not an easy walk. There are some serious rocks and inclines to deal with. I loved the fresh air and most importantly I did it sans ipod. I wanted to really observe and enjoy and do some thinking. Day 2 of the lake hike I took my camera. It's hard to capture the beauty on my little point and shoot but if you look close it gives you an idea of what it was like.
Just a little humor. It can get so boring taking pictures of only the scenery, but also just as bad taking pictures of only you and the scenery.
I'm talking big boulders, steps carved out of rocks, and very important markers on the boulders since there is no obvious worn path to follow in some parts.
Did you see the telephone booth? And my awesome self timer action? But in all reality if was being with myself and pushing myself that made me really think and ponder what motivates me. Sometimes it's feeling better, sometimes its looking better, sometimes it's just my commitment to each of you that makes me keep going everyday.
I always find it interesting that people tell you the great things they think of others but never tell you what they think is great about you. I always wonder what people would say about me if they were trying to tell them what kind of person I was and what my interest were. These hikes gave me time to think about what I'd want them to say and also what I should do to make them want to say those things. It's very complex. One of my favorite songs is by Avril Lavigne. In one of her lyrics she say "I'd rather be anything but ordinary, please." Sometimes I feel very ordinary so what am I going to do to make people think otherwise...am I an interesting person? Maybe not.
Ok, enough of the mental stuff. So I took a picture of me running. Isn't that funny. Sometimes I wish my life was filmed so I could see what it looks like form a different perspective.
Last, but NOT least. When I got back to the cabin I started my breakfast with a cup of hot chocolate, monster marshmallows, and Yes, Oreos. A great ending to a beautiful morning.
When my parents were first married they lived in a place call Pinecrest, CA. It's part of the Sierra Nevada's, very close to Yosemite. After they moved slowly down the mountain we still spent many summers there. I have fond memories of my youth. The last time I visited I was in high school.
When I made plans to return to CA for the first time in three years my parents suggested renting their friends cabin and spending a week up there. I was excited to go back and take my boys, I knew there was tons of fun to be had.
Pinecrest Lake is not very big but it's beautiful. The Forest Service has done an amazing job keeping it pure to its original roots. I was busy trying to get my 120 miles in even while I had many vacations planned this summer. The first day I went on a nice run/walk around the cabins and campgrounds.
Then while my dad and I were talking he told me it was about 4 miles around the late and that he and his buddies did it all the time when he was growing up. So the day after our Yosemite trip and killer hike I decided to hit the lake. I wanted to see how fast I cold do it. I did it in 1 hour and 10 minutes. Now that may seem kind of slow but if you check out the terrain it's not an easy walk. There are some serious rocks and inclines to deal with. I loved the fresh air and most importantly I did it sans ipod. I wanted to really observe and enjoy and do some thinking. Day 2 of the lake hike I took my camera. It's hard to capture the beauty on my little point and shoot but if you look close it gives you an idea of what it was like.
Just a little humor. It can get so boring taking pictures of only the scenery, but also just as bad taking pictures of only you and the scenery.
I'm talking big boulders, steps carved out of rocks, and very important markers on the boulders since there is no obvious worn path to follow in some parts.
Did you see the telephone booth? And my awesome self timer action? But in all reality if was being with myself and pushing myself that made me really think and ponder what motivates me. Sometimes it's feeling better, sometimes its looking better, sometimes it's just my commitment to each of you that makes me keep going everyday.I always find it interesting that people tell you the great things they think of others but never tell you what they think is great about you. I always wonder what people would say about me if they were trying to tell them what kind of person I was and what my interest were. These hikes gave me time to think about what I'd want them to say and also what I should do to make them want to say those things. It's very complex. One of my favorite songs is by Avril Lavigne. In one of her lyrics she say "I'd rather be anything but ordinary, please." Sometimes I feel very ordinary so what am I going to do to make people think otherwise...am I an interesting person? Maybe not.
Ok, enough of the mental stuff. So I took a picture of me running. Isn't that funny. Sometimes I wish my life was filmed so I could see what it looks like form a different perspective.
Last, but NOT least. When I got back to the cabin I started my breakfast with a cup of hot chocolate, monster marshmallows, and Yes, Oreos. A great ending to a beautiful morning.
Good luck Audrey!!
Our Audrey is riding in a BIG race tomorrow. I think she said it's a "metric century" ride. I wish you luck, friend!! We want to hear all about it when you're done! :)
Feeling pretty
The fact that I've regained some muscle in my core, am standing tall, am drinking water and the fall air is absolutely intoxicating makes me want to sing the lyrics to this little ditty:
I feel pretty,
Oh, so pretty,
I feel pretty and witty and bright!
And I pity
Any girl who isn't me tonight.
I feel charming,
Oh, so charming
It's alarming how charming I feel!
And so pretty
That I hardly can believe I'm real.
When we feel healthy, we feel pretty, when we feel pretty, we act charming, when we act charming, our families feel the love. Hope you're feeling pretty today!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Who's Gonna Beat Me?!
Well, ladies, I have 365 points, and will probably get at least 460 by the end of Saturday. You better be good the next two days!!
I weighed 200.6 this morning. If you go back and check my battle blog, you can see that I've been stuck in another one of those dumb plateaus for a week, but the scales finally budged, and man, did they budge big!! I can't wait to check the scales in the morning, but I'm scared, too. Wish me luck!!
I weighed 200.6 this morning. If you go back and check my battle blog, you can see that I've been stuck in another one of those dumb plateaus for a week, but the scales finally budged, and man, did they budge big!! I can't wait to check the scales in the morning, but I'm scared, too. Wish me luck!!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Never Give Up
"Fall down seven times, get up eight" - a Japanese proverb
In some ways, this post is almost identical to Jill's, at least in theme. After only posting my quote in the comments section of Challenge #2, I was looking at my weight loss charts over the past three months, and thinking about the spikes and plateaus among the line going steadily downward. It would be so easy to just give up when you work your tail off, but the scales won't budge, and sometimes the weight even goes up. Really frustrating! But the persistant runner wins the race. We must become the runner who will get up EVERY TIME we fall down. Then we will finish the race, just like Jill's daughter, and become triumphant.
A visual representation of my daily weigh-ins that I post on myfooddiary.com. See the spikes and plateaus? But I don't quit, and I just keep on going, and eventually I beat those scales. I'm like Rocky, I can take a hit and keep on fighting. Now I am only 2 pounds from breaking 200. How should I celebrate?
In some ways, this post is almost identical to Jill's, at least in theme. After only posting my quote in the comments section of Challenge #2, I was looking at my weight loss charts over the past three months, and thinking about the spikes and plateaus among the line going steadily downward. It would be so easy to just give up when you work your tail off, but the scales won't budge, and sometimes the weight even goes up. Really frustrating! But the persistant runner wins the race. We must become the runner who will get up EVERY TIME we fall down. Then we will finish the race, just like Jill's daughter, and become triumphant.
A visual representation of my daily weigh-ins that I post on myfooddiary.com. See the spikes and plateaus? But I don't quit, and I just keep on going, and eventually I beat those scales. I'm like Rocky, I can take a hit and keep on fighting. Now I am only 2 pounds from breaking 200. How should I celebrate?
For real?!
Sometimes when I'm strolling down the grocery aisles, I see some new product or produce that just stops me in my tracks. Once it was snail shells with a can of vacuum-packed snails. The shells were so pretty that I bought them. Never made anything with the can of snails. Once it was this weird asian fruit called Buddha's Hand. It was so pretty that I bought three. Never made anything with those either. {Although I did cut them up for their delicious lemony smell}.
Then there are other times. The times when I stop in my tracks and my inner voice says to itself "Is that for real?! No way!!" Here's the product that had that effect on me today: Baconnaise. I believe it's 80 calories a tablespoon. Ugh!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
FINISH THE RACE!
No need to fear, she got up and fought her way from the very back of the group of 300 girls to finish in 14th place! (This is huge since she is a only a freshman, running on the Varsity team)
"Never give up"
is her modo, and it shows in everything she does!
We all have times where we start out strong and unexpectedly end up falling on our faces. The key is to get back up and FINISH THE RACE!
President Boyd K. Packer said, "The Lord is voting FOR you. Satan is voting AGAINST you. YOUR vote is the one that COUNTS."
What's your vote???
Inspiration
Hi Ladies,
Here are a few quotes that inspired me today:
Little by little one walks far. Peruvian
Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that matters. Winston Churchill
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:12-14
Ms. Thunder Bumper's Challenge #2 Quotes
There has been a lot of emphasis on getting back into the routine of eating more healthy and exercising but today I've decided that it's time to focus on the mental side. It's always hard to get started. Last week when at lunch with some friends I received this fortune:
Do not give up; the beginning is always the hardest.
Sometimes something we hear, see, or read helps give us the extra umph to get through life. It's not always about being healthy but just dealing with the challenges that life gives you. But, I promise you, if you're healthy physically and emotionally you can deal whatever comes you're way a little easier! Get sleep, relax, eat well, exercise...they are all coping mechanisms.
For 10 points you can either comment here about your favorite quote or if you want to expound feel free to devote a whole post to it! You have until Wednesday night to complete this.
For 10 points you can either comment here about your favorite quote or if you want to expound feel free to devote a whole post to it! You have until Wednesday night to complete this.
I'm so Excited!
I should be in bed right now, but I am too excited because I just finished something I want to share with you gals. First let me explain and then the reveal.
I found out last week that due to some changes in my children's schedule, I was available to register for the Women's only 10K at Thanksgiving point. I hesitated registering at first because the day is still pretty hectic but the morning is clear so I decided to take a selfish moment and register. That being done, I kept thinking how much I wanted to wear a HWHL shirt for the event. I chuckled when I read in Becky's post that she wanted a HWHL shirt because I was already working on this one. Becky you must have ESP or something.
Okay so this particular shirt is designed specifically for Audrey, after all it's all thanks to her that we are together, but I thought it would be fun to have one specialized for all the great gals on this blog. Swimmers, runners, tennis players, yoga, sleepers etc. Including different hair styles, colors, the works. My daughter even suggested adding freckles, which I thought was darling. So let me know what you think (and don't worry you won't hurt my feelings) I am hoping if nothing else this gets the creative juices flowing. Here she is:
I found out last week that due to some changes in my children's schedule, I was available to register for the Women's only 10K at Thanksgiving point. I hesitated registering at first because the day is still pretty hectic but the morning is clear so I decided to take a selfish moment and register. That being done, I kept thinking how much I wanted to wear a HWHL shirt for the event. I chuckled when I read in Becky's post that she wanted a HWHL shirt because I was already working on this one. Becky you must have ESP or something.
Okay so this particular shirt is designed specifically for Audrey, after all it's all thanks to her that we are together, but I thought it would be fun to have one specialized for all the great gals on this blog. Swimmers, runners, tennis players, yoga, sleepers etc. Including different hair styles, colors, the works. My daughter even suggested adding freckles, which I thought was darling. So let me know what you think (and don't worry you won't hurt my feelings) I am hoping if nothing else this gets the creative juices flowing. Here she is:
Monday, September 13, 2010
Kid coach work-out
My kids usually don't like it when I do a DVD work out because even though I'm in the room I'm not "available" to answer questions, settle fights, make snacks, review homework, read books, etc. So today I thought I'd involve them in my 30 minutes. When the oldest got home from school, he was made head coach to organize my work-out with the sticky notes any way that he saw fit, then time me and encourage me along the way {His version of encouragement: " Come on Mom, pick it up, you're not even half way done!"}
Here was the order my 9 year old lined up for me: plank, side planks, push ups, 5 minutes piggy back rides, 5 minutes kid lifting, BREAK, 5 minutes abs, 5 minutes jump rope, 5 minutes up and down the Franken-basement stairs, kid racing in the field behind our house.
A few observations here.
1) He gave me a break! Wasn't that sweet of him after he stacked all the upper body stuff which included piggy backing and lifting a 40 pounder and a 70 pounder.
2) He accidentally set the timer (iphone) for 22 hours and 5 minutes for the abs, longest 5 minutes ever! =-).
3) Jump roping for 5 minutes was harder than I thought especially when the jump rope is too small.
4) He strategically put the racing at the end, increasing his chance of winning exponentially.
But here's the good news, grand news even: I beat him! I beat him! {a big deal for me as it hasn't happened in a long while and was one of my original HWHL goals!} The first race was a tie, the second I won hands down, the third I lost and collapsed on the ground in a puddle.
Having a huge set back the first week!
So, last week I decided I needed to reevaluate where I am and where I am going. I decided to rejoin the challenge and seriously do it this time. It was going great for the first two days and then on Thursday, the stomach flu!! Now I am not sure if any of you remember, but when I joined this blog the first time I also got the stomach flu, so I am wondering is HLHW causing this sickness?!? Kidding!! But very ironic. So it was a rough week and I didn't even post on the blog, there was too much sickness and then catch up and then a baby sick.
I had been reading about everyones lunches and I must say I am pretty impressed. I am a scrapper and go to crops when I can, but i have never even thought to bring measuring cups or a scale, ingenious! I find my lunches consisting of the same thing every day, usually pbj, because its fast and easy and relatively lo-cal. I need to have a more balanced lunch but I have such a hard time actually making something yummy because of the time. Even reading about Mindy's left overs, too much time. I am already making lunch for 4 kids. Maybe I am just not able to do it. Maybe I just can't do this?!? I don't know. Just venting today!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Lunch With The Scrappers
I had lunch yesterday with a group of scrapbookers:
Here we are, all set up in one of the library meeting rooms. As many of you know, scrapbooking supplies multiply like Tribbles. So, room to spread out at a crop is essential.
Laurie Johnston, who has been hosting the crop for several years and inviting me forever to come to the crop, is in the black t-shirt on the left, and her daughter Kamila is on the right.
They both wore these cool t-shirts - "Scrappers are acid free." Does anyone still want to have a cool HWHL t-shirt? I'd pay for one!!
Everyone brings snacks, that while tasty, are not the healthiest or lowfat. There was a lovely selection of chocolate cheesecake slices, which I resisted after I checked the calories on each slice.
Here I am, all spread out with tons of stuff. This is only about 1/10 of what I own, seriously. It's sad.
Here is what I ate for lunch - I brought carrot sticks as backup, as well as my digital scales and 1-cup incremental measuring cup. Kind of anal, I know, but I hate guessing on calories. I picked grapes and healthy crackers from the snack table, and I splurged (not pictured) on a piece of the coconut nut bread. And of course, I had my trusty 24oz. pink water bottle.
I had so much fun at the crop. In fact, a little too much fun, because I talked, gabbed, surfed the internet looking for stuff for my project (digital cutting files for my electronic Pazzles die-cutting machine), so I basically got nothing done. So, sorry, I have no pictures of projects to post. I'm going to try and work on something the next few days that I can post for you guys. Also, Laurie told me about their yearly Scrappin' It Pink breast cancer fundraiser crop that they host once a year, where they donate part of the entrance fee to the Susan G. Komen foundation. This year it's on Saturday, Sept. 25th, and goes from 10am to 10pm at the college. There are door prizes, scrapping challenges and make-n-takes, and it's a catered lunch and dinner by the college. I think I'll have to make that a "free day" for my calorie points. I'm really looking forward to it, now I just have to figure out what to do with my kids! I need a serious plan for that.
It just goes to show that there can be good surprises around every corner. I was really bummed about not being able to go to Salt Lake, but I found something good, maybe even better in the long run, by staying here in Rock Springs. Laurie has been encouraging me to come for several years, and I always kind of blocked it out, sometimes intending to go but always forgetting. I made a serious commitment to go this time, and I think it will be a great blessing. I got to meet some new people, and I rekindled my enthusiasm for scrapbooking.
P.S. I took these pics with my little point-and-shoot because my digital SLR is in the shop getting the lense fixed after I was stupid enough to take it to the pool, and then wade out in the water with it. I hate point-and-shoots, I really, really do. The lag-time between pushing the button and when the camera actually takes the picture, the lack of control over settings, etc. I miss my camera!
Here we are, all set up in one of the library meeting rooms. As many of you know, scrapbooking supplies multiply like Tribbles. So, room to spread out at a crop is essential.
Laurie Johnston, who has been hosting the crop for several years and inviting me forever to come to the crop, is in the black t-shirt on the left, and her daughter Kamila is on the right.
They both wore these cool t-shirts - "Scrappers are acid free." Does anyone still want to have a cool HWHL t-shirt? I'd pay for one!!
Everyone brings snacks, that while tasty, are not the healthiest or lowfat. There was a lovely selection of chocolate cheesecake slices, which I resisted after I checked the calories on each slice.
Here I am, all spread out with tons of stuff. This is only about 1/10 of what I own, seriously. It's sad.
Here is what I ate for lunch - I brought carrot sticks as backup, as well as my digital scales and 1-cup incremental measuring cup. Kind of anal, I know, but I hate guessing on calories. I picked grapes and healthy crackers from the snack table, and I splurged (not pictured) on a piece of the coconut nut bread. And of course, I had my trusty 24oz. pink water bottle.I had so much fun at the crop. In fact, a little too much fun, because I talked, gabbed, surfed the internet looking for stuff for my project (digital cutting files for my electronic Pazzles die-cutting machine), so I basically got nothing done. So, sorry, I have no pictures of projects to post. I'm going to try and work on something the next few days that I can post for you guys. Also, Laurie told me about their yearly Scrappin' It Pink breast cancer fundraiser crop that they host once a year, where they donate part of the entrance fee to the Susan G. Komen foundation. This year it's on Saturday, Sept. 25th, and goes from 10am to 10pm at the college. There are door prizes, scrapping challenges and make-n-takes, and it's a catered lunch and dinner by the college. I think I'll have to make that a "free day" for my calorie points. I'm really looking forward to it, now I just have to figure out what to do with my kids! I need a serious plan for that.
It just goes to show that there can be good surprises around every corner. I was really bummed about not being able to go to Salt Lake, but I found something good, maybe even better in the long run, by staying here in Rock Springs. Laurie has been encouraging me to come for several years, and I always kind of blocked it out, sometimes intending to go but always forgetting. I made a serious commitment to go this time, and I think it will be a great blessing. I got to meet some new people, and I rekindled my enthusiasm for scrapbooking.
P.S. I took these pics with my little point-and-shoot because my digital SLR is in the shop getting the lense fixed after I was stupid enough to take it to the pool, and then wade out in the water with it. I hate point-and-shoots, I really, really do. The lag-time between pushing the button and when the camera actually takes the picture, the lack of control over settings, etc. I miss my camera!
My Sunday Afternoon Lunch
I've become less and less of a homemade sandwich fan. I could eat a PotBelly Sandwich everyday, something about yummy bread. However who can do that, I surely can't. So hereis my lunch from today. I'm a huge fan of wheat thins at only 100 calories, but I have to toast them. I think I have a soft bread issue when it comes to sandwiches.
This yummy sandwich consisted of a wheat thin, two thick slices of deli turkey, red onion, spinach and cucumbers from my garden. But my new favorite trick is Laughing Cow Wedges at only 35 calories a pop. It serves as cheese and I can also emit mayo because it is creamy and adds the needed wetness to a sandwich.
I finished off my lunch with 100 calories of BBQ Baked Lays, one of my favorites, a peach, dang these peaches are good this year and a Vita Water Zero. This is my trick for not having my Diet Coke everyday.This lunch was very filling, and had a great balance of carbs, protein, fruits and veggies! YeeHaW!
Soup's on!
Easy Cauliflower-Parmesan soup
2.5 c leftover roasted cauliflower (olive oil, sea salt, pepper, cauliflower at 425 for 20 min + 1/4 c grated parm on top at the end)
1 T olive oil in pot
1 Onion
2 Celery stalks
1 and 1/2 c chicken stock
1/3 c parmesan cheese
Brown the onion and soften the celery in the pot first, then add the stock.
Add the leftover cauliflower.
Get out your wand of wonder (or use the blender)
Blend all ingredients until pureed.
Warm on low.
Made enough for 2.5 bowls of soup at about 150 c a bowl. Enjoy!
I made up this recipe, avoiding adding my favorite heavy cream, and it was still delish! For a higher calorie version, check out Pioneer Woman's version. You just know that's gonna knock your socks off!
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