Friday, December 3, 2010

Fat-Free Friday!!

Welcome to the first REAL Fat Free Friday!! Myself, along with Many Sleepless Nights & I was a fat bride, are so very excited to bring to you, FAT FREE FRIDAYS!! The Weekly Weight, Health & Fitness blog hop happening every Friday!I am so glad ya'll decided to check in and I look forward to reading about everyone's adventures in weight loss, fitness, overall health etc etc!

You can read more about this program HERE and HERE, and get a brief, agonizing recap of my journey HERE! I have been on my weight loss adventure since May and have lost a total of 21.2lbs. Ideally, I have 38.6lbs to go, for a goal weight of 155lbs. I have a lot to work on!! Here is a breakdown of my goals and accomplishments I have mentioned around these parts before!!

Beginning Weight- 214.8

First Weight Goal- Under 200 by vacation (7/17/10).--DONE! 7/16 199.8

Fitness Goal- First 5k 10/9/10 --DONE!! PR 40:58:59

Fitness Goal- Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving (11/25/10)--DONE!! 43:00:00

Second Weight Goal- 180's by Christmas

Fitness goal- 10k May 2011 Finish time sub 1:30

Third Goal- 160 by my birthday (June 6, 2011)

Ultimate Weight Goal- In the 150's by August 2011.We have a very important event in our family that month, that we have all been looking forward to and I want to look good! It is a wedding and both my Hubby and Son are in it, and I would love to be able to have our picture taken and for once, NOT HATE IT!!

Ultimate Fitness Goal- Half Marathon Sept 2011 with a finish time of under 3 hours.

So as you can see, I set very specific goals for myself and I feel that they are all attainable.

With that said, I have been looking forward to FFF (Fat-Free Friday) Kickoff for 2 weeks and guess what?! I gained .8 lbs. Oh shoot. Oh well, Onward and Upward and this is a new week!

This week, I would really like to talk produce! This week a co-worker referred me to doortodoororganics.com and I am scheduled to get my first delivery next week! I am so excited. What it is, is a produce delivery service that is all locally grown organic produce. You can pick your own box size and delivery frequency and Viola! It just shows up on your porch one day by the time you get home from work. I ordered the small box and this week I am getting;
  • 5 Roma Tomatoes
  • 3 Baker Russet Pototoes
  • 1 bunch Red Leaf Lettuce
  • 3 Cucumbers
  • 1 Fennel Bulb (this is new to me, but I got a yummy recipe to try...)
  • 1 lb Carrots
  • 2 Zucchini Squash (squashs? Squashes?)
  • 2 Pomegranates
  • 2 Pears
  • 2 Kiwis
  • 4 Apples 
  • 1 Avocado
  • 4 Oranges
  • 2 Yams (which I don't like. Any good recipes out there? Otherwise I will be making these for D!) 
One, I love produce, and two, I love a bargain!! All of that, fresh, locally grown and organic for 30 bucks! WAHOO! I picked the small size box (there is a smaller size, the Bitty) and I get delivery service every 2 weeks. My first delivery is Tuesday and I am so excited! We shall see how it all looks and tastes next week!
*I was not paid nor provided free items to endorse this site. It was of my own finding and purchased with my own cold-hard cash.

Thanks again for stopping by for the first edition of Fat-Free Friday, and please remember to check out my co-hosts Tara and Allie. Leave a little love for my girls, and don't forget to link up!! We want to share the love with you too!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Let's talk turkey (Fat- Free FRIDAY)

Welcome to the BLACK FRIDAY edition of Fat-Free Friday. Again, our official launch is NEXT Friday, but since I weighed in, you are getting a bonus! True Black Friday right here at Here Comes the Sun!
Yesterday morning I got up at 7:15 7:30 and raced around to get ready. Ready for what? I ran my very first TURKEY TROT yesterday morning. This is our capital's 10th Turkey Trot and the turnout was AMAZING!! It was so packed, and so fun! I did not have high-hopes for this race since our whole house has been sick for the last week, and I have not run longer than 5 minutes since before daylight-saving time. I got out there, and it was spritzing, which has yet to improve my run time. But you know what? I HAD FUN! The crowd was awesome, packed, and in great spirits. There were costumes, puppies, stroller, kids cheering on their parents, patrolmen cheerleaders and just a TON of people. I was determined to run for the first mile and a half, and then walk half and then just get through it as I could. And I forgot to walk. For real, my legs just felt great and I was pacing myself and enjoying the music and crowd and I never walked!! I RAN MY FIRST FULL 5k, THANKSGIVING DAY 2010. WAHOOOO!!!
  • Chip Time: 43:00 on the dot. 
  • Gun Time: 43:55
So this certainly was not my fastest 5k, but I don't even care. I finished [along with 2,307 others!!!!!], and I finished running. What an amazing accomplishment! I LOVE IT!

We then went to family's to enjoy the festivities. I am so Thankful for all I have been blessed with. I have TWO amazing families, An amazing miracle boy and great husband, my job, my health that is on the mend and so many material things. I ate, enjoyed, giggled, and just had a GREAT day. D was a total ham and took it all in, showed off and ate up! He loved all of the different kinds of potatoes, squash soup, and green beans. Turkey was still a little to hard for him this year, but he tried it anyway.
Last night my Bestie Joy surprised her family by coming home for Thanksgiving, and surprised us after. It was a GREAT surprise. We were up until midnight just talking and laughing. I miss that girl!

I chose to pass on Black Friday this year, but still got up in time to grab bagels for my team at work today. Then, I had to weigh in. Dum Dum Dum. I wasn't sure if I was even going to today, but I felt good about my choices this week and my activities, so I figured, gain or loss, I was going to own it. 
192.8
I lost .6lbs the week of Thanksgiving [total loss 22lbs], and I am PROUD of that. Whoop Whoop! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and if you so choose, I hope you score some amazing deals this Black Friday. Shop on!!  

Oh and HEY! Don't be stingy, my FFF Girls need love too! Hop on over and share the love with Tara and Allie

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Shutterfly plug-in

So, in case you have been living under a rock or I just happen to be the one and only blog you read, let me fill you in on this ahh-mazing offer Shutterfly is doing this Holiday season.

They are giving away 50 FREE Holiday cards for bloggers! 50 FREE cards. How awesome is that?! Wahoo, I love saving some big bucks, especially on essentials, and even more so during the Holiday season!!

So let me tell you why this excites me so much, other than the free part. Last year I went to the store, and I bought the cutest Christmas cards. They were aqua with little cartoon snowmen on the front. White snowflakes falling and it just said a simple "Let It Snow". Nice, cheerful greeting on the inside and I got them on clearance for 75% off in a doorbuster the day after Thanksgiving. I know, not exciting right. Hang in there, it's coming.

Those cards, are still in the box, in my office. Untouched. Unsigned. Unsent. Boo!

Why you ask. Well, last year in November we called in advance and set up our appointment with Portrait Innovations. We went in, and we were all cute and dressed up and had all these great poses thought up where our boy would be so.cute. Only, he didn't care. They stuffed him in a present box, and not a peep. Not a smile, smidge, cry. Nada. He looked like a [rein]deer in headlights. And then the family pose came around...and he wouldn't even look at the lady. I of course, spent way to much money on poses of my son squished in a box with a terrified look on his face, and none of our family. By the time I got all of my poses I didn't want to spend the money on postage to mail out mediocre photos. Haha. FAIL.

This year, I already got my poses back. But I'm not sharing until my cards are done. What can I say, I am a photo-tease. [Important word there, PHOTO] I am all ready for shutterfly to take their plug and send me my coupon code. I will show you what cards I am digging this year though...


I have 2 horizontal pictures that I really like and want to work with, and they have a blue, red and black base about them. Choosing is going to be TOUGH!!!





And I really like this last one, but my photos are not really compatible with this one.

You can see all of their other greeting cards right HERE, and their Christmas Card selection HERE! [They have a huge selection, click when you have some time to let your imagination wander!]

I am super excited about my Christmas cards this year, I think this means I am growing up...YIPES! Do you do Christmas cards, and do they include photos? Do you do the annual newsletter?!

Are you a blogger who is also interested in getting free cards? Register HERE!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Fat Free FRI-DAYYYYY! (sneak peek edition)



Welcome to the [sneak peek] of Fat-Free Friday! Myself, along with  Many Sleepless Nights and I Was A Fat Bride have teamed up to bring you a weight-loss inspired blog hop!  Starting Friday, December 3rd, the 3 of us are planning on bringing you some amazing motivation to stand up, put down the chocolate and get happy! Ahh who are we kidding, we really just want you to read our blogs and give us the kick in the pants we need every few days, no weeks, months!

We all have had very different journeys with weight-loss and we hope to inspire and motivate you each week.  We want to hear your stories!  Your loss, your gain, your goals, your rewards, everything!  We want this to be a place where any other blogger that is sharing our journey can share their story! It doesn't have to be weight loss, it can be fitness goals, lifetime goals, personal goals, vanity goals, whatever just share them with us!

[Now wait a second, Isn't this similar to another weight loss blog hop out there?!]

Why yes, yes it is. BUT I don't know about you, but I cannot weigh in on Monday. Nope. Can't do it. And while I LOVE that it is working for SO MANY people (Wahoo, go McFattys!) It doesn't work for me, and a few others that I know and LOVE (ahem, see above) so we wanted to offer another means of support for those of us that cave to the weekend temptations!

For our first week, we are all three "hosting" the hop and then we will alternate who is in the host spot.  While we don't want you to feel like there are rigid rules that you have to follow in order to participate, we would like for you come, stop-in and join us, while following as many of the other participants that fits your fancy.  If you could, pop in and leave a meaningful comment to their weight-loss post of the week.  Being supportive is so important in any journey but it is especially true when we are trying to lose weight.  We would also love it if you would include our button on your weekly weight-loss post & be sure to add your blog to the linky!

I am so EXCITED [did you get that? I am excited!] to say that as of today's weigh in [193.4] I have lost 21.4lbs and had my first normal BP reading 2 weeks ago. I would love for that to become consistent, and have every BP reading be normal from here. In addition to my BP, they are now working on getting my Thyroid levels normal as I have hypothyroidism. Fun fun!

Please feel free to leave me a comment and ask any questions you have, either about me, my journey, Alli, or about Fat Free Friday. I hope to see you at the kickoff, but for now go leave some of my favorites, Allie and Tara some love!!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Wahoo! Date night!

Tonight, I am going on a date. Yes, with the husband. Hey, he asked too.

Me [via text]: Hey, so you've been lookin pretty fine and I was wondering if I could take you out on a date Saturday night? My treat! [what can I say, I'm a classy girl!]

Husband [via text]: Was that supposed to be sent to me?!

That husband, he is so silly. I told him he could pick any place that he wanted to go and I would take him out for dinner. The only catch was that I get to pick the movie. He is so excited, and it already made 4 suggestions for dinner. What he doesn't know, is that we are seeing Harry Potter! Heh heh heh...

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

National Prematurity Awareness Day

2 years ago my boy flipped our lives upside down and inside out in the matter of 3 hours and 16 minutes. At a mere 24w and 3d, he decided his time was up and he was ready, now. Only, we weren't ready for him.

To see the beginning of our story, please visit here.

-Dawson was born weighing less than a sack of sugar.
-He took his first helicopter ride before he even took his first snuggle.
-He went under the knife for the first time at 3 weeks old, and has done so again over SEVEN times.
-Dawson was 35 days old when I held him FOR THE FIRST TIME.
-Dawson not only had to learn how to sit-up and crawl, but he had to learn to brethe, suck, swallow and even cry.
-When Dawson was born, his eyes were still fused shut. 
-Dawson spent the first 127 days of this life, in a NICU.
-Because he was born early, he will forever be special needs. His visual impaired-ness is irreversible, for now!
-Our Dr. appts take HOURS because of all of the things we have to re-address, every 2 months. Reflux, BPD, PDA, ROP and his development.
-He has at least one appointment every week, sometimes more.
-Dawson is 19 months old, and still drinks from a bottle, crawls every where he goes. He has yet to eat a full meal of Table foods. Last week, His Day-care provider, Grandmother, and I collectively taught him to wave Bye-Bye.

Now? Now my boy is UNSTOPPABLE. He is energetic, stubborn, and SILLY. He is an honest-to-goodness real life Miracle story. 


Unfortunately, all stories do not end the same as mine. I have mentioned some of them before, but I have watched too many mothers suffer the loss of a child due to prematurity. I started this blog because I wanted NO OTHER MOTHER to have to write a story like mine.

Today, like every day, I blog for Dawson.
But today I also blog for those preemies that I have had the pleasure of "meeting";
Aaron, Wren, Marino, Ruby, Andrew, Jayden, Alex, Paige, Isabella, Giovanni, Avery, And Jack
And so many others [I apologize if I have missed anyone that I shouldn't have.]


Unfortunately, Today I also blog for those that could not win the fight, and for those that we will FOREVER love and miss!
Logan & Brody, Wyatt, Jillian, Katie Jane, Matthew Finley, Nolan, Aidan, Annaleigh, Gabriel, and Heather.
Rest in Peace sweet Angels, for you will forever be loved.

Every story is different, but every preemie is the driving force behind a wonderful organization called the March of Dimes.  Preemies are amazing, strong and courageous people, but they are people born into suffering, and a fight they didn't ask for. Every preemie is special, and they are special to so, so many people. Parent, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Siblings, and the amazing Drs and Nurses that dedicate their life's work to helping these babies fight. They cannot do it alone. We need you to come forward and be a champion for babies!! Please visit the link above to see how you can help the March of Dimes. FIGHT FOR BABIES!!

You know you are a mom when...

Your leftovers come to work with you in a Bob the Builder tupperware bowl!

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

It looks like Bronners threw up on my blog!

"Oh Christmas tree, OHH Christmas tree..."

Yeah, yeah I definitely did NOT respect the turkey. But I cannot help it, I am so excited for D's second Christmas that I am already in a festive spirit. I thought it looked cute.

Also, please tell me what you think of the new layout. Too busy? Too wordy? Too perfect?! I have some amazing changes coming up here on the blog and cannot wait to see if you like them or not. Friday me and two other amazing bloggers have a new link up going on, and I would really love if you came back to check it out. Plus, I am trying as hard as I can to keep the posts coming!

On another note, I couldn't wait to come home and work on my blog tonight, because my workout stunk. Um, boo. 30 minutes of Tabata [Have you googled Tabata yet? You should. Or check it out HERE] and then 15 on the dreadmill. Yep, only 15 because I was tired and bored and stinkin it up.

On a good note I did learn a little about foam rolling tonight. Ahh, it hurts so good!

P.S If you don't know what Bronner's is, Click here!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Because some days are just a hat kinda day!

Every Monday Dawson gets to spend the day with his grandparents after a meeting with Early on in the mornings, and I am fortunate enough to have a Mother in Law who LOVES to take pictures. Each week is something new, a new toy, a new treasure found from the discard pile in his Uncle's bedroom, a new story or snuggle. I love Mondays, for I love my pictures, and I love that my son is fortunate enough to spend at least one day a week in his grandparents house being snuggled & spoiled.

Grapes!!

I have never really been a grape fan, because they usually go bad before I can eat them all and I think they require to much work. (I know right?!)

What grapes I do like have always been green. Before now I have been a strict green grape girl!

In an effort to become more of a clean eater I have been trying more fruits and veggies, and with that both Black and Purple grapes. Where have you been all my life? I love how juicy they are, and they are HUGE!! (That"s what she said!) Seriously we have having a great Grape season right now, and we have gone through 2 bags in a week and a half. Yumm!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Mama, I love breakfast!!

Does this look like an "I'm up to somethin" face to anyone else?!
Boy oh Boy!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Weight Loss Wednesday

196.4. (Total loss 18.4). Needless to say I think I am hitting a plateau or I really stink at eating. I'm thinking it's the latter. Either way my total weight loss for October was...drum roll please... 1.2 lbs. Umm, Wha?!

So, I like food. And I usually like all of the foods I shouldn't. Halloween Candy? Yes please. Chocolate? Yes Please. Pizza? YEP! I like all the greasy, fatty, crap food goodness and sometimes it is so hard for me to say no. I am trying to take a breather and just get back to the basics. Trying to remember that even if I am eating granola in the morning, too much granola can still be counter-productive. I think a lot of people, especially Women need that reminder, or refresher rather to get back to what works for them. At least I do. I really would like to stay on goal and get to 180 by Christmas, but more importantly just stay on track.

I am still working out anywhere from 4-6 days a week, sticking with running and adding in some strength training. I really like BodyPump, which is a Les Mills program that is weights/strength training that is set to music. We have a great instructor at the gym and she really gets it moving. I also started Tabata training this week, which is a very high intensity cardio workout, with weights. I recruited 3 girls, and have even got 2 of them to join the gym with me. Having a workout buddy is always a plus!

I had a check up with my Dr. this morning, and much to my surprise, I have hypothyroidism. Basically, my thyroid is a slacker! What the heck Thyroid!!! So I will be trying out some medication to find a balance for me, and trying to get it going again. I will re-check in again in 3 months. Fingers crossed this might help with my journey as well! But, guess who had a "normal" Blood pressure reading today?! THIS GIRL! That's right, for the first time in almost 2 years, my BP was back down to normal! YAY! While I am frustrated that my weight is not moving as quickly as I would like it too, this makes all the exercise worth it.

I am heading into November with some new goals for myself, head held high and knowing that I CAN do it!!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The race re-cap I didn't want to write..

Now this post, I have been putting off, for oh 2 weeks or so.

October 23rd was my second 5k, it was a fundraiser for our Junior Achievement program here in MI. This is a cause that has been around for quite some time, is heavily involved with my place of work, and really tries to do a GREAT job for the community and kids. My dad used to be a JA teacher back in the day, and really used to a do a lot for the cause. The events were always so fun. So when I started working with a business that was community partners with them, I jumped at the chance to participate. I have done their different bowling adventures for the past 3 winters, but this was my first 5k.

The day started out bleak and dreary, with a side of sprinkles and rain. Fun. It was windy and cold and there were about a bazillion people crammed in one pavilion to try and stay out of the cold/wet. They had costume characters, food, face painting and Zumba Warm-ups!! Their flier also said something about massages but all I seen was one dude with a funny looking chair. Um No thanks!

I was really excited for the warm-ups but they were crammed inside and the costume characters were really getting into it, doing the dance moves and keeping up. One was dressed up as a gigantic cup from Quiznos, and he [she?!] did a great job!! But it didn't make for great participation so we sat that one out. Next they had the kids mile which was really only about a quarter of a mile. It was cute and all the kids tried so hard. But after my two little cousins signed up and lined up to start, we started noticing other kids just jumping in. Now, I know the event was about the kids, and we always want to encourage participation, but the bottom line is to generate funds for a great cause. And it is so frustrating to see people taking advantage because they know no one is going to say anything. The kids already got free food and free take home pumpkins, so that totally rubbed me the wrong way.

Next up was the adults. I was just repeating in my head, over and over, pace yourself. pace yourself. pace yourself. Next thiing I know I hear "Ready, set..." And I reached for my Ipod to get it started and turn on my Garmin (My new toy! LOVE!) Well, as I turned on my Garmin, I knocked into my ipod and paused it (only I didnt know that I paused it) . "GO!" So I try to start running, get out of the way and figure out what is going on with my jams. They are supposed to be motivating me! Encouraging me! Enlightening me! Nada.

So remember that part where I mentioned the crappy weather?! I had gloves on. Which means the Ipod wasn't recognizing my urgent pressing fingers. So while I am getting passed by runners, walkers, kids and strollers I have no tunes and am totally flustered. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, and I should of just let it go, but it totally changed my focus. I finally took my gloves off and got my ipod going, but while I was getting back around my arm, I swung my other arm forward and caught the cord and ripped the headphones off my head causing them to swing between my legs. I'm telling you, I can't make this stuff up. Oh my goodness!

I [FINALLY] finally get all my ducks in a row and realize I am already at the water station. Only I didn't need any because I was carrying a water bottle [got that now?! Gloves, water bottle, Ipod and Garmin. I was a mess] but it helped me get back on track. Only I was out of breath. And cold. and rained on. I just proceeded to run/ walk the entire rest of the race and came in at 42:18. Over 2 minutes worse than last time, but I finished. I will take that as a success in itself, because I really, REALLY wanted to quit. I knew it was going to be a wash so I just figured I might as well go get warm, but I figured I paid for it I might as well finish it.

I guess you win some, you lose some and it really just gives me something to work on and look forward to in the next race. Next time I know, maybe to wait until after the bottleneck to get my music going and just take in the crowd. Pace myself. Enjoy the event. BIG PICTURE, which is that I am running races, and loving it. I am exercising, and 3 months ago I couldn't say either fact about myself.

Next Race; 23 days!!

Monday, November 1, 2010

18 months & 111

This is my post number 111, and I have been thinking about it for WEEKS. I wanted it to be moving, and Epic. Why is 111 important, because Dawson was 1lb 11 when he was born. 1year and 6 months ago. How can it have been that long?! So naturally, post 111 is all about him!!

Our little D-man is getting so big, and so Handsome! He is 19.6lbs and 29 1/2 inches tall. Our tall and skinny string bean boy. But man, he eats and eats and eats. He is still on mostly purees since he has some texture issues (just like his mama) but we are getting there. He is really trying to chew and eat table foods, but sometimes its just to hard to chew and get gets impatient. Then he gags and will refuse table food for that meal. It is something OT will be working with him on over the next few months.  He hasn't really gained any these past few months, but the Dr. is not concerned. He is a mover and a shaker and they really want to continue forward with his developmental progress, so we are focusing on that.

Dawson is still getting physical and Visual Therapy services. Just trying to get that boy the confidence to walk, but it is just around the corner...I can feel it! Speaking of VT, his last appointment went well. The left eye remains unchanged and they are going to continue to monitor over the next 6 months. We will be seeing a Dr. every 3 months, but it will rotate. We are scheduled to see the Optho around Christmas. They are playing with the idea of doing a Cornea Transplant with the right eye because the scarring is so bad. The success rate is not very high in infants, so it will be something to discuss over time, but the pressures in the right eye are unstable, so it might be something we discuss sooner rather than later. We shall see.
He really is developing a personality each and every day, and he is so silly. He loves laughing and has learned how to "fake laugh" which usually makes him laugh for real. He can say MaMa, Dada, Gaga, Baba etc etc. He loves climbing and looking out any window he can, and cruises along the furniture. He has also learned how to bang and slap things to get a noise out and he loves it!

He is just learning how to ride on things and even tries walking behind some of them. First he could only go backwards, but he is getting the hang of it now, and loves zooming all around!! This was a gift from our friend Turo, and we love it! Thanks Turo!!

Halloween was a little dramatic in our house! Dawson was a...
 PENGUIN!!! And a little grouchy one at that... Oh well, he would rather play with his toys, and thats okay with us!
Mama dressed up this year to pass out candy, and I went as Alphaba [a glammed up version] from Wicked.
And my whole family on Halloween. Neither boy is enthused. I have a feeling I am always going to have to beg to get them to humor me into decorating and dressing up. I can't help it. I love all things Holidays!!

[even my hat was sick of Halloween LOL]
So, thats whats going on with our boy. Every day feels like it is speeding past, faster than the one before. He is becoming such a toddler and getting a little mind of his own. I cannot wait to see what he has in store for us, Bring on the Holiday Season!!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Ode to the Monster

The Green Monster that is! I have been whipping these up in my Magic Bullet after my workouts, and I cannot get enough!

1 full banana - I like mine frozen
1 large handful [2 cups-ish] Spinach. Yep. I even buy the bag kind.
1 1/4 c. Vanilla Almond Milk
Splash of Flax Oil [Omega 3s, optional]
1 Scoop Vanilla Protein powder. [optional]

Blend well. Add Ice. Blend well, again.
I swear, you cannot taste the spinach. All you can taste is Vanilla Bananas. And it is so, so good.
Would I ever lead you wrong?! NO!

Need a name...REVISED

I would really like to re-name my blog...something easier to repeat and type that is catchy and well....me! Any suggestions?!

ETA: What do you think of Gimme3miles.blogspot.com? It is a play on Gimme 3 Steps and also since I started with 3 miles as my first race...Its all I came up with so far =P

Also---hang tight, I have Dawson's eye appt results drafted up and ready to go, we are just waiting on the pics!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Race Recap-10/09/10

 Friday night I spent all night puttering around, keeping myself busy, and trying not to think about the fact of needing to get up in the morning and bust out 3 miles. I went grocery shopping and tail-gated for my high schools homecoming game. I even walked Dawson down to the parade, that he slept through. That kid, I swear! I finally fell out about 11p.

My alarm went off at 6:30 and I swear to God I jumped 5 feet in the air and was across my room and down the stairs in 5 seconds flat. I already had the adrenaline kick in at 6a. What was I going to do until race time. R and I got up and around and were out the door by 7. A personal record, not to be shadowed by the fact that I had laid all my stuff out the night before like I used to do before the first day of school. (True story, I used to LOVE school)

I went and picked up my packet and then took D to the in-laws for breakfast. R and D were going to stay with FIL, while I ran and then meet me at the finish line. Finally at 8:15a, I left to walk to the starting line.
So excited! Whoop! "Whoa! I have a bib!"

Bib# 572 baby!

Cousin was kind enough to come down and take pics and just be there for overall support, and she was with me no more than 30 seconds and knew I was just nervous. I had energy running though every limb and ounce of my body, and I just was antsy. She was great about keeping my spirits up, reminding me of my goals and why I was out there. Of course the committee was running about 10 mins behind so we did a lot of waiting.

Finally, the airhorn went off and I burst in to tears. Haha. I had planned it so my ipod was ready to start the minute the horn went off. I just was so filled with accomplishment already that I over-flowed. Seeing her there cheering for me, and taking my picture and hearing my song playing was just to much. I started out way to fast (which I was warned about) and was struggling so hard to keep a straight face and go forward, I knew I was wasting energy. I had to work on keeping myself on pace.

This is blurry, but the back of my shirt says "We Need a Cure"
About 3 minutes into it, we were coming up to the backside of my in-laws street and there is this dude standing there. He had on jeans and a hoodie, hat and sunglasses and had a camera. All he was doing was standing, watching the runners and waiting it out. I seriously remember thinking "dude, creeper!!" And then he picked up his camera and took my picture. It was R! HAH! Somehow I not only forgot what he was wearing, but I was so into what I was doing, I didn't even realize it was my husband. Whoopsie daisy!

I could already feel my lungs burning not even half a mile into it, and I knew I was pushing to hard. I wasn't going to make it, so I spent the rest of the race gambling with myself. Okay make it to that sign and you can walk. Okay at that drive-way we are running again. I was bummed at having to walk some, I was hoping I would be able to get through the whole thing and I felt like I walked more than I usually have to in practice. And then I got to the 1 mile mark and looked at my watch; 12.33. WHAT?! Trust me when I say I am usually a 15:00 pluser here people. I think I have blogged before that my best time was 47 minutes and change, so my goal for the race was 45 mins. Mile 2 I was still only at 27 minutes. That last mile was work though, my legs were burning and it was heating up, I knew I should have ditched my under-armor when the guys told me too. Ah well. The next thing I know, there is the 3 mile sign and I picked up pace a little bit.

I loved how they had the race set up, it was scenic and beautiful and I knew the WHOLE route like the back of my hand. Cake. But they had us turning a corner at like 3.02 miles or something, so seeing that finish line and those flags was so moving. And then I heard my FIL yelling and the clapping and my cousin whoop-whooping and I took off like a bat outta H-E-double hockey sticks. I wanted to be done but I could see that clock at it was only at 39 and change. Granted a very late change. but still 39!!

There was this lady in front of me that passed me about the 3rd mile and she was doing so well. But I felt so bad for her because as soon as I seen that clock I TOOK off and ran around her, just wanting to beat her. Whoops. Competitive much?! LOL I might as well just elbowed her out of the way for as fast as I was moving around her.
You can see the lady I blazed by on the right here.

So happy, with myself and to be done!

I crossed at somewhere between 40:55 and 41 mins. I took 6 minutes off of my personal best and over 4 minutes off my goal. Like, I said I was bummed I had to walk but that just gives me something to work on and for know I am just enjoying my time. 41 WHOOP WHOOP!

Next Race....13 days!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

2 more days!

I had a rough run today, followed by a lackluster night of Zumba. Oh goody, way to go out with a bang.

On my lunch I wanted to get in 25 mins of straight run time, and I just could not get there. I couldn't catch my breath and my whole body was sore. It just is really getting me down on the whole running thing. I feel like I am not getting any better and am going to totally flop this race this weekend. My lovely attitude carried over to Zumba tonight and while I was able to get some great stretching in, thats about it. I just could.not.get.there. GRR I hate those days.

Thankfully, I am a blogger. I am really getting into some Health & Fitness blogs, as well as dabbling in some clean eating blogs. Like always, my H&F (as well as an amazing peptalk from a co-worker) was able to lift my spirits a little tonight.

Stephanie heard this at spin tonight...

"It doesn't matter who has higher resistance. It doesn't matter who spins the fastest. It doesn't matter who has the fanciest gear. What matters is who has the heart to keep doing it."

Steph followed with "SO TRUE! SO VERY TRUE. Outside of spin, it just relates to everything, particularly fitness related goals. It doesn't matter if it takes you 2 years to lose 20 pounds when your friend lost it in a month. It doesn't matter if it takes you two hours to run a 5k when that speed-demon neighbor did it in 20 minutes. What matters is if we each keep going and tugging along at our own pace."

But for real, is that not a great kick in the pants or what? In the end, we will have all ran 3.1 miles, and who cares if I took 45 minutes to do it, other than me.

I am running Saturday FOR ME. And well, because Cancer Sucks!

Off to make my playlist!

**PS. I would like to add, that since June 24th I have ran 80.74 miles. Oh-Flippen-YEAH! That in itself, is making me a little pumped. I love it!!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Weight Loss Wednesday

197.6. (Total Loss 17.2lbs)

Race day is 3 days away. We start at 9am, and I am really hoping to run it in less than 45mins. My best time in practice was 47mins, so I just need my adrenaline to help me shave off 2 measly minutes. I of course, am also hoping to be able to run the whole thing. I have decided that if I can do that, Sunday I am getting a mani & pedi =) That is great motivation. You know, on top of the whole running a 5k thing.

I am taking a rest night tonight, and have a mini run tomorrow. Rest/Tail gate party for my High School's Homecoming on Friday and then off to the race on Saturday!! I have got to get my play list all ready to go, and it will definitely include this;


Maybe I'm a dreamer
Maybe I'm misunderstood
Maybe you're not seeing the side of me you should
Maybe I'm crazy
(Maybe I'm crazy)
Maybe I'm the only one
(Maybe I'm the only one)
Maybe I'm just out of touch
Maybe I've just had enough

Maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life
What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change


Maybe it's hopeless
(Maybe it's hopeless)
Maybe I should just give up
(Maybe I should just give up)
What if I can't trust myself?
What if I just need some help?

Maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life
What am I waiting for?
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change


And maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try

And maybe it's time to change
And leave it all behind
I've never been one to walk alone
I've always been scared to try
So why does it feel so wrong
To reach for something more
To wanna live a better life

What am I waiting for?

'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change
'Cause nothing stays the same
Maybe it's time to change


Maybe-By the Sick Puppies. I am loving it, to me it is encouraging and motivating and has a good beat. It reminds me of the Biggest Loser theme song a little bit, and what better to keep my butt moving than Jillian Michaels?! My Health and Fitness forum was discussing motivation yesterday (This is a VERY big weekend for a lot of runners) and some great quotes came out;

"Faint, puke, die or Keep Walking" -Jillian, season 10. A great reminder that your BODY will do what it can, and will tell you when it can't. Other than that, it is all mental.

"Why CHOOSE Failure, when SUCCESS is an option? -Jillian, Losing it with Jillian season 1. Quitting is always a choice. You never regret the exercises/runs that you do, you almost always regret the ones that you don't!!

I am all about the motivation this week, so give it to me Readers!! And a huge Whoop Whoop and GOOD LUCK to all of the 10-10-10 Marathon Runners! You got this!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Slide time!






Peek-a-boo! I see you!!

I think he likes it!!

Monday, September 27, 2010

I cried this morning

Dawson had his 6 month review meeting with out early on teacher today. And short of walking, standing independently and eating table food he has met all of his goals for the last year!! In the last 6 months our boy has;
-Started eating baby food (goal was 1/2 jar at each meal, he now eats 2 jars+ cereal or grains)
-Will pick up finger foods and put to mouth (and chews them, but no swallowing)
-Learned to army crawl and then even on to hands/knees crawling
-Crusing the furniture
-Pushing to sit from belly
-Pulling to stand
-Started babbling, and is now "talking". No "real" worlds yet, but lots of naa nah, lalas etc etc. I even got a La-ma this morning, while looking at me. We are so close to mama I can feel it!!
-Blows raspberries, plays with tongue and goes "num num" while moving mouth like chewing.

So this is all great news right?! So why did I cry?! Because his PT had a few recommendations for Dawson as far as purging his baby toys and getting big boy toys. WAHHH! Including trucks or big cars he can push while moving.


An Art easel, because they will work on coloring in the next "school" year.

and KIDS TABLE AND CHAIRS. Oh.Mah.Gah. that was when the tears started, and she hugged me. I think I took her by surprise, but I couldn't help it!
From this;


To this!!



And now these!!

I think Santa will be getting this set for Dawson this Christmas from Ikea. Didn't you know Santa shops Ikea?!

Dawson did already get one present this year, one like this from Grandma. Its not as bright and doesnt have the basketball part, just the stairs slide and tunnel. Either way he loves it and is starting to get the hang of the climbing, but watch out because he flies down that slide! No fear in that boy!


One more. This is my big boys "ham face". It seems that he now knows then he is the center of attention, (and when he isn't which is rare...)and he has taken to throwing his head back and cheesing it up!!


We have an eye check on Wednesday. Prayers for a good exam, with full pictures of whats going on in there. And as always, Prayers for healing!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Oh hi! Good to see you again, listen I gotta run, but we will chat later ok?!

It's like junior year all over again, and my blog is the freshman pizza face in my Biology class. I have been avoiding you. Well not you, persae, but my blog. I don't want to post because I don't want to admit that I fell. Hard.

Looking back, the 3 month mark is pretty typical for me. I have my old WW journals, and the closer I get to the end of the session, the honeymoon period wears off, the weight budges harder and I fall of the wagon. What ends up being a one night Burger King binge turns into a week(s) long free for all. And that has been what I have been dealing with.

I suddenly am struggling saying no to the drive-thrus, chocolate and soda. I haven't weighed in since AUGUST 27th, and have been hiding ever since. My bestie being home for the last month hasn't helped with all of the rum, girl's nights, rum and pizza. Oh and rum. I felt like my time with her was so limited I had to live it up while I could. Sadly, she is leaving for post on Wednesday. And while this breaks my heart, at least my waistline will be happy.

But here is what's different, I am owning it! I FELL! I FELL! And now, I am getting back up. I am sticking with my goal of 180 by Christmas, and now I may have to work a little bit harder, but I am going to get there. I need to diary again, and my BB is letting me know. Oh and my first 5k is in a little over 2 weeks. YIKES! Thankfully I have been running still, and while not well, I am still doing it at least.

Stephanie said it best this week. Life happened, and for me Life in terms of my weight is still a struggle, so it's learning to change the negative into a positive. a very healthy positive. I will weigh in on Wednesday, when I am not wearing Jeans to work. =P

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

What?! I got an award!!

My very first blogger award ever! I am tickled! My girl Tara over at Many Sleepless Nights thinks that my blog has substance other than just some random crap! Can you believe it? And here I was thinking all I was writing about was the stuff rattling around in my noggin in-between the cob-webs.

Like all bloggie awards, this one has rules.
1-Thank the giver!
**Tara- Thank you so much! First and foremost, a huge thank you for being a long-time reader (she has been with me from the get-go!!) and having faith in my little dude, and always motivating me forward!! You are always positive and your journey has helped in my own! Second, thanks for my first award ::blushes::

2-Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation & experience using 5 words..
Yikes, this one is hard! I am throwing the 5 word rule out the window.
**Honesty
**I blog because I know how important the blogs I follow are to me! Especially the weight loss blogs, seeing some of these girls press on every week is such a HUGE motivator! We are never alone!
**Prematurity and the life that comes with it. I am trying to debunk that 24week safety net, spread hope and educate. Differences are never a problem, something wrong, or something to be scared of!
**Random things that make me smile, mostly my boy

3-Pass it on to 10 other blogs that you know have real substance!
**Every Day Matters
**Jenny
**Tear and Mend
**When Hello Means Goodbye
**The Andersons
**Journey 2 Baby Peek
**Ruby Family
**Mama Laughlin
**Jen's little space
**And as always, I love me some Blair

Thanks again for reading, and for all the positive vibes whether they were prematurity or weight related. I LOVE and APPRECIATE my readers and all of the awesome support I have seen from the beginning. You guys are awesome!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Mcfatty Monday-8/30

I have changed my weigh-in days from Monday to Friday. It is just what works for me, I guess I indulge a little to much over the weekend and Sunday's are our typical "family dinner days". Call me vain, but I need to see the numbers!! I will still try and remember to post on Mondays though.

(Friday, 8/27/10 196.3lbs ~ Total loss 17.7lbs)

This bloggie-friends, is my bestie. my bff. my homeslice. my girl. LOL
We have been friends for 16 years (oh.mah.gah.) and been through the mud and back. This girl, this girl knows me better than most (short of dh and the parentals...and maybe even more than them) and loves me anyway. She did a very selfless thing and enlisted last November and has been gone for 5 MONTHS! I haven't been away from her that long since I was 9. For serious. Last week she came home for a month long visit between basic/AIT and reporting to her actual post. One month of crazy, giggly, gilmore-girls filled evenings. I love this girl to pieces!!

Whoops, this is Mcfatty Monday, not pour-your-heart-out-to-the-internets Monday. This was Friday night, for her coming-home party. I am not to sure why I chose this picture, but I feel like I can see so much change in myself here. My jaw and cheeks are defined, I don't look puffy. For the first time in a long time, I like this picture of me.

Last week, I also completed 2 5ks. Granted, they were just practice and both took me over 45mins, but I still finished. There is a park near my house that is trails that are all mapped out and such, and my cousin and I have been running the 5k trail. We hit the woods again tomorrow.I also got on the dreadmill yesterday and ran over 6mins before I looked down and realized that I had gone over the time limit on my run interval and was able to walk now...thats quite an accomplishment for me. Usually I am counting down the entire last minute in my head...45...44...43...

Still struggling a bit with the calorie counting, but again it is still only on days that I am working out, so I am taking it that my body is trying to tell me something and trying not to beat myself up over it.

Anyone out there still reading this? Why quotes help move you? What keeps you going? Or who?

Friday, August 20, 2010

Yum corn!

Dawson still isn't so crazy about expanding his palette to table foods just yet (he has texture issues, which he gets from his mama whoops!) But he is getting more curious about the crazy things we are eating. He can't wait to gwt his hands on everything and check it out!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

IMG00066-20100819-1105.jpg

ABR hearing test! This measures your brain stem's response to tones through the ears, in different pitches and volumes. 100% PASS! Wahoo!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Mcfatty Monday 8/16/10

Sorry guys, I goofed! I saved yesterdays post as a draft instead of publishing it! Whoopsies! This on top of last week's MIA post, man I am on a roll downhill aren't I?!

Things are going well here in the mitten, I still struggle with keepig in my calorie range for the day ( I LOVE to snack) but I have been keeping up with the work outs about 5 days a week. This is really helping.

I also ordered a Heart-Rate monitor (Polar FT4) online and have been wearing it to the gym. I have been under-estimating myself! Which is always nice to see, turns out I burn about 500calories per workout. YES! Anyway, to the photo's- Please excuse my horrible hair, it has been in the 90's with two-thousand percent humidity here the last few weeks.

Dawson and I at a family reunion on Sunday.



And the 3 of us...Not a great picture of me, but I love Dawson's smile!

Weigh in 8/16- 199.6!! (Total loss to date-15.2)
I'm really starting to be able to see the difference in my face, chin and neck! I have a neck! YAY! I also had to dig out my 14's this weekend =D

I have also committed to some new goals. I would like to be in the 180's by Christmas. 19lbs to go!

I have also signed up for 2 5k's in October, the first is Cruisin for a Cure (benefit's the Relay for Life/ACS in my hometown) and is on October 9th. The second is Junior Acheivement's Halloween 5K on October 23rd. I don't think I will run in costume but have toyed with the idea of running in a TuTu to match one of the thousand pairs of funky socks I have!

Keep moving forward...

Monday, August 2, 2010

McFatty Monday- 08/02/10


August 2nd- 201.8 with clothes [work scale] 198 without (which I did at home, not at work)but the work one with clothes is the one that matters. A little pat on my own back though? That dress is a size 12 and I bought it for a wedding in 2006. My fake-Spanx are WORKING it today. I got the new Assets knockoffs (made by the creator of Spanx, without the $40 price tag) from Target for $18. I love them! I also need to find a better photo system that works for me. This one is 100% frightening. Boo.

I am so happy with my progress thus far. I am proud of myself for sticking with it! I went running on Saturday after our family golf outing, and it was my first time on the track and playing around with speed intervals. Usually I try to pay mind to my pace so that I can last through my whole C25k program, but with the track it is a little easier to track I thought. I did lots of, what I call Balls out-classy, I know- running Saturday night. I would get to a certain line and run as fast and hard as I could. I did a few of those intervals and I tried some stadiums on the smaller set of bleachers. Man am I uncoordinated. The entire time I was afraid of biffing it, this does not make for a great stadium session. Oh well, I will try it again.

I also tried Spinning again for the first time in about 3-4 years on Sunday. Man, my ass is killing me. Who decided those seats were a good idea? but it was a good workout, the instructor was nice, motivating and strong. She was a great leader. I will be trying that one again as well.

Zumba tonight!! YAY!

I am still counting all of my calories using my Crackberry, I use the FatSecret app. for the most part I make good decisions, but I still slip sometimes. I also struggle getting in all of my fruits and veggies in a day. Gotta work on that one. Thats my goal for August. MORE FRUITS. MORE VEGGIES. MORE FRUITS! MORE VEGGIES!

Friday, July 30, 2010

McFatty...Friday! Whoops!

So this week, I was naughty. Except, I have done it more than once. If I weigh in on a Monday and do not like the number, I will always weigh in again on Friday. Vain I know, and I know it is not about the number, but when my work pays by the % each quarter and today is quarter end...you better believe I weighed again.

First Weigh-in Post Vacation....

7/26/10 205.0. I will do the math for you. I gained 5.2lbs on vacation. WHOOPS! I did run...twice, which was short of my goal (4 times). But I think the rum did me in. Either that or the smores. Or maybe the fudge. Oh well we had a great time, with beautiful weather. More pictures to come!

And 4 days, 2 hard core workouts and 4 days of intense calorie tracking later...

202.6 (a loss of 2.4) Now if only I could keep that pace all week long. I hope to be back under 200 again by next week's weigh in, but today is a celebration day at work and we have a family golf outing tomorrow, so it will definitely be a challenge. Let's do this!