onward and DOWNward...

Gym update.

2009-02-23T04:31:00.001-08:00

I am determined not to be slowed down by my treadmill snafu, so I have been going to the gym faithfully. Well, as faithfully as I can. While I am trying not to be negative, this gym thing cramps my freakin' style! First of all, because it's a specialized "women's gym," it has fairly limited hours. Also, I am trying to avoid the peak times, because you can't get on a machine very easily. Days like Saturday, I was working the entire time the gym was open, so I didn't even have the option to go. That's what I loved the most about my treadmill--it was there and ready to go whenever I was... didn't matter the time of day or whether or not I had a bra on.

My biggest complaint? I feel kind of small-minded to even bring it up, but it's the damn TV's! They are muted so as not to be a distraction to some, and of course gym noise can be pretty crazy. You have to have your listening device set to FM in order to be tuned into the sound. I thought the whole point of the ipod was to not have to listen to the radio anymore! So I am pretty TV-less, which is a bummer because it's been a big part of how I have gotten through my training so far. My best walk every week was always during "The Biggest Loser." It's 2 hours long and pretty perfect for my long walk day. There are certain shows that just made the treadmill better, easier, faster... Yes, I am lamenting the loss of television. Pathetic!

So, I am figuring out the gym thing without TV. "The Immaculate Collection" by Madonna has been just about perfection--with the exception of about 3 of the songs on the album, it's a completely perfect album for walking at a pretty good clip. I brought a book, and have realized that certain treadmills are better than others for reading.

And I am up to 8 miles!!! Now... if I could just figure out this eating thing...

Seven Miles and a Roadblock...

2009-02-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

So, I am up to about 7 miles now. I could have gone longer, but my frickin' treadmill is acting up. It's actually very upsetting! For the first time in a long time, I actually feel motivated to do this regular exercise on my treadmill, and now I am slowed down by whatever is wrong with it.

We tried servicing it ourselves, but it's still acting screwy. I have an appointment in a week and a half or so to have it serviced, so we'll see what happens. In the meantime, my cousin gave me a 30-day pass to her gym. It's very nice - but not exactly the place to be walking for 2 plus hours at a time, given there are 20-minute limits on the machines.

The solution is simple: It needs to be spring so the damn ice melts! :)

Half Marathon.

2009-02-08T14:40:00.001-08:00

So, I am signed up to walk a half-marathon on May 3rd! I have been walking like crazy and plan to finish it! Jon and I will be doing it together--he may be running, but I'll be walking, and will be grateful just to finish.

So far, my longest walk has been 6 miles. I think I'll give it another week or so before I do 7. I have my plane ticket booked and we even have lodging. I am registered for the race.

http://www.theave.org/

If you click on the 1/2-marathon link, my name is listed! So far I am the only person from ND who will be there!

The best part (besides having a major fitness goal and spending time with my brother) will be seeing more of these:

I cannot wait. I am going to be walking for 13 miles amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. I cannot wait.

Happy New year!

2009-01-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

I had the best time last night with friends...The McGowan family had a sleepover at our house and we had a curry feast followed by some christmas presents, games, champagne, etc.

This morning we had fresh juice (thanks, Jack LaLane!) and crepes. It's hard to see such good friends go.

The best part?

Seeing our kids together.

Hitting the wall.

2008-12-21T12:03:00.000-08:00

3 more shopping days until Christmas.

'Nuff said.

*snore*

A-ha.

2008-12-18T08:26:00.000-08:00

Last night Kev & I played Scene It on his X-box 360. It's great fun for pop culture fantatics like us. We're a damn good match in this game--we have certain categories we excel in, and we're quick on the draw. Honestly, it's anybody's game.

I realized something weird, though. When I was ahead, I got nervous. I actually could feel myself feel nervous about being ahead... the possibility of losing my lead. Now let's get real here--this is just a silly game of scene it! It makes no real difference who wins, right? I actually said the words out loud, "It's easier to be behind--you have nothing to lose."

Huh.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:47:00.000-08:00

I have much to be thankful for...

My brother is on a plane, on his way, as we speak! I get to be with almost all of my favorite people today.

Um. Two years?

2008-11-13T07:30:00.001-08:00

Where did almost three years go?

I can't believe how so much can change and how much can stay the same.

For starters... I have a child in school! When I last wrote, I had a little girl pointing at me yelling, "No Mama tell me!" Now I have a kindergartener who discusses the importance of being a good citizen. Zoe digs school. It's fun to see her flourishing in an environment that's so up her alley.

And then there's this guy.

When last I wrote, he wasn't even a thought in my head! Griffin was born November 7th, 2006, and has been a total joy.

I had a fantastic pregnancy and he was born via c-section. He's super happy, loves his sister, and is truly full of joy each day. Has the most gigantic smile I have ever seen. His latest thing is yelling "BURGER!!!" whenever we drive near a fast-food restaurant, or anything that resembles a fast-food restaurant. Kid loves his burgers.

And so does his Mom. It's hard to come back to this blog after so much time has passed and so much is the same. I look at that picture of me down 54 pounds and it's hard to see it. I was doing so well! Losing that weight made me feel so much more capable. I wanted to be pregnant again because I felt so good. I was able to become pregnant immediately, and once I found out Griffin was coming, I flipped the "healthy" switch and went right back to old habits. I haven't found my way back to healthy ones.

It's something I still devote too much time to (thinking about my habits, my choices, my weight gain). I am having a hard time with action.

Progress

2006-01-14T12:35:00.000-08:00

Well, although my progress is not lightning fast, I am making some!

I am officially down 54 pounds, and am feeling great!

I have found that the holidays were more difficult "on program" than I expected them to be. I have also found that each new "decade milestone" brings with it some strangeness. I always seem to have a difficult time getting there, or once I do, I get a little lazy. The important thing, though, is progress, and moving onward and downward!

The first picture on the left is my first WI.
The second picture is me down 34 pounds.
The third picture is me down 54 pounds.

blogging

2005-09-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

<~~~~~~~Can you believe this kid? Can you believe her?

I cannot. I know it is the ultimate cliche... but I blinked my eyes and she went from being a helpless little dark-haired mewling to this tall, blonde 2 year old who stares me down with her finger pointed, saying, "No Mama tell me!"

Having a child is such a trip... Kevin and I are amazed daily by her antics and her brain. It scares me to think of what negative things I could be teaching her, how things could be going wrong because of my own inadequacies... But the truth is, she is a happy child who is quick to smile and laugh, loves to interact with people, has an amazing vocabulary, and shows concern when others cry...

She also appears to think that the world is her audience. Can you believe this kid?