The Blooming Orchid

It's like...DAMNIT!

2011-05-13T21:31:00.001-04:00

Okay, so yeah, I've been away for a long while. Upon review of my blog, it's been nearly exactly a year since I last wrote a posting. A solid year. Lots of things have changed, lots has remained the same, and some of it is just like, well, DAMNIT! I was watching poetry slam tonight and one poem especially spoke to me, entitled, "It's like...DAMNIT!" That short phrase sums up my life pretty well right now.

My Flowers are doing well. Although my little flower, Chrysanthemum, was recently diagnosed with Seizure Disorder. That sucks, in a really bad kinda way. She's on medication and doing quite well, but still. I mean, DAMNIT! Chrysanthemum loves to dance, and she takes two dance classes per week. But she's a bit on the l-a-z-y side, so sometimes I have to literally push her little butt off the couch and turn off the episode of SpongeBob she has already watched a dozen + times. She loves to ride her scooter outside, watch TV, and help me cook in the kitchen. She hates school with a passion, but we're working on that vigorously.

My big flower, Rose, is now wearing the exact same shoe size as me - an 11 to be exact. That's tough for a ten year old. Let me keep it real, wearing a size 11 is often hard for me and I'm grown and I have the resources to find decent shoes in hard-to-reach places. She's a trooper, though. She loves flip-flops, nail polish, and reading good books. She's a bossy little thing, clearly taking after yours truly.

We've got a new family member. His name is Emeril - yeah, like the chef. He's a nearly all-black Morkie (Maltese + Yorkie mix), ten pounds, spoiled rotten, and bad as hell. But SO much fun! He takes my potty training efforts for the biggest joke ever, which is driving Marigold insane. Actually, Emeril's very existence and residence in our home make him sick. Emeril flunked out of puppy obedience training at PetSmart, through no fault of his own; his owner was simply too busy to get him to class every Saturday afternoon at 2:00. That was a stupid idea to begin with - I knew I was too busy to see that through, but as usual, lack of time didn't stop me from trying!
Emeril and Marigold don't get along. Well, actually, that's not exactly true. Marigold refuses to interact with Emeril, choosing to pretend the dog doesn't exist. Morkies are a lot like human people: they want to be talked to and included in the goings-on in a household. Because Marigold refuses to interact with Emeril, and to be totally honest, I think Emeril is picking up on a lot of vibes coming from me directed at Marigold, Emeril barks at Marigold in a low, almost moaning type bark that says, "Why won't you talk to me? Why do you treat me as if I don't exist?" I'm no dog whisperer, if I were, Emeril would've been potty trained long ago, but I still have a solid understanding of animal behavior (human and otherwise), and to be totally honest, I know what it's like to be ignored and how painful it can be. Marigold won't let Emeril sleep in our bed and he doesn't want him sitting on the couch. But, since I paid for two of our three couches, I let it be known that I get to make that decision, and DAMNIT, I enjoy Emeril's company on the couch, so Marigold can take his non-dog loving ass to the bank with that one. Props to Marigold, he DID treat me and paid to have a fence built in our miniature backyard. In typical fashion, Emeril doesn't like to be back there alone. If I'm going to hang out with him, I might as well just walk him. Which is what I do most days and nights, unless I'm really running late to get somewhere. He usually won't go potty in the back yard anyway, he just scratches at the door asking to be let back in the house. The Flowers always fall for it, let him in the house, then proceed to watch him pee and poop in his favorite spot on my carpet. I've purchased a portable carpet cleaner and used it ONCE, but I think I need to use it more than bi-monthly in order for it to be effective. I've resorted to bowls of vinegar in most corners and scrubbing with my homemade concoction made with carpet cleaner, vinegar, and baking soda. It works when I KNOW where the pee has landed. When I don't, it's not quite so effective and I come home to a house that smells like several puppies reside here, instead of just the one.

My marriage with Marigold is going through one hell of a transition. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I can confirm that the man I married fifteen years ago has come and gone, and left in his wake someone whom I'm not sure I can remain living with. Fifteen years DAMNIT! I'm nearly at my wits end and sick to death of praying and crying, crying and praying. I love my family so much. It's an unfortunate fact that both Marigold and I both feel much more sadness and trepidation about dismantling our beautiful family than we do about dissolving our marriage. Because we married so young, I was only 20, he was 23, it's only natural that we have grown and changed a lot. And unfortunately for us, all our growth has not been in the same direction. Of course, we're two individuals, so it's not unusual for us to grow at different rates and change immensely over the course of 15 years. At to the equation an unplanned pregnancy, a shotgun wedding, and a miscarriage less than two weeks later, and it all equals two confused, and slightly over-it 30-somethings who feel totally DONE! Still, it's like...DAMNIT!

Some of the activities that Marigold has been participating in over the last few years has been revealed to me (after hours of interrogation)and I am left shocked, embarrassed, humbled, troubled, saddened, surprised, let-down, angry, and all the other disappointed-sounding adjectives and adverbs. I'm not sure if we will remain together or not, but I do know that my life has been changed forever.

The Blooming Orchid has been irrevocably changed and I'm definitely standing at a cross-road in my life. My life, my children, my work, my education and my desire to make it big in this world are all more important to me than ever before. I feel a sense of urgency to keep pushing, keep striving, keep going and going and going until. Well, until something great happens. And I know that good things are in store for me. My faith in myself and my future is very strong right now. Despite the fact that my legs are shaky, my spirit is pretty sure-footed right now. I know I'm a child of God and I know that I'm doing what He has called me to do.

I'm back in school too. Yup, I'm nearly 3/4 of the way finished a graduate program in Education. In less than nine months, I will give birth to a child I will call Masters Degree in Education with an Emphasis on Adult Education and Development. I imagine that while my back was turned and I chose to focus on raising two small children, working full time and struggling through a Master's degree, my husband and supposed Ride or Die, was struggling with feelings of loneliness and abandonment. I believe that instead of dealing with those same feelings two years prior, I instead chose to dive head first into furthering my self sufficiency by working like a dog and enrolling in school. I can't help but wonder: did I intentionally turn my back on my Marigold, anticipating he would do what he did and thus, initiate the demise of our marriage?

On another sad note, I've regained forty of the fifty pounds I lost two years ago. So much so that many of my beloved size 16s are now snug and sometimes even painful. It's like...DAMNIT! Who works so hard to lose 50 pounds, then proceed to gain nearly all of them back?! A nut, that's who! But I'm trying not to beat myself up. I'm trying to learn to be patient and more supportive of myself. I'm still learning to love myself and I know that all the trials and tribulations I am going through will benefit me in the end. I will learn from all these lessons!

Keep loving yourself. Life's too short not to!

So Glad to Be No Longer Freaking Out

2010-05-21T11:55:00.001-04:00

My Bollywood Flowers

That's right, I'm back to my cool, calm and collected self. I've realized, once again, that I must keep it together, not just for my sake but for my Flowers. Don't you just love their tunics and scarves?! So cute! They picked them out themselves, but I knew they would look amazing on them.

I'm loving my life again. I'm not so much enjoying the weight part of me (the scale is still not my friend), but I've again made peace with my body. Several times during the last week or so, I've caught a glimpse of myself in reflections, and while there are definitely still some areas that need improvement (read: my fluffy mid-section), I see tremendous changes in my hip/thigh/buttocks and for this I am glad. I owe these changes to my beloved Stairmaster, and the hellish workouts she puts me through two or three times each week.

You know what? No one is perfect. I don't know why I should expect that I would be. My body, although beautiful and fully functioning, has it's flaws. I'm okay with those things.

After more careful consideration, I did not join WW online. Unfortunately, I did not start journaling my food either. I'm taking a more lighthearted approach to this, which translates into doing nothing much about it. LOL!

My Flowers and I have a lot of things to deal with in the coming weeks, including SOLs in school, zoo week at dance academy, and finally three recitals (two ballet and one piano). It's about to get nuts around here, so I don't need any added pressure.

Lucky for me, I'm feeling quite levelheaded and I trust that we will survive everything that is coming for us. Life is short, I'm no longer feeling up to stressing about stuff that I may or may not be able to control.

Today I'm going to have my locks retwisted and for that I am so glad. I don't enjoy handing over my hard earned money to other people to do my hair, but every six months or so, it just HAS to be done. I have so much new growth and my feeble attempts at sticking it back into existing locks is no longer working, it's time to call in an expert. I am confident the people at work will be relieved to no longer stare at the fuzzy head that is long overdue for proper maintenance. I know I sure will!

I ran a mile this morning on the dreadmill before my Flowers woke up. I'd very much like to do the remaining two and a half miles before the day is over, but I'm starting to believe it won't happen. I think I'm okay with that. Perhaps I'll do my usual three and a half tomorrow and add the two and a half that I didn't conquer today. I'll stew on that for a while. I'll let you know what I decide later.

In the meantime, keep on runnin' yall!

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Gratitude Journal
1. Family and friends who keep me laughing
2. The enjoyment I have been having framing black and white pictures of my relatives; I never thought I'd get this much pleasure from pictures of my kin from long ago. It's magical to me!
3. Fresh water to drink
4. Seeing my reflection and liking what I see

I'm panicking! Don't panick! I'm freaking out! Don't freak out!

2010-05-17T11:17:00.000-04:00

I had a moment of insanity today after reading a woman's blog about her weight loss success assisted by lap band surgery. To further that, I looked at a male colleague today who admitted to having laser surgery on his eyes recently and realizing that, he's also lost quite a bit of weight. I speculated, in my Monday morning crappy mood, that he's probably had lap band surgery. Can you see me squinting my eyes in suspicion?

What's the point of all this you ask? Who cares?

The point is, everybody around me is dropping weight like it's hot (I hate that song, but it's so dang true!) and I'm stuck at my ~50 pound weight loss (if you want to be specific, it's closer to 40 pounds now, 'cause I'm actively gaining like a mutha). It's time to get this train moving back down the track.

Can I share with you that for a split second, I panicked and considered taking my lazy ass back to the Nutritionist at Kaiser and inquiring about weight loss surgery again. How bad does it have to get before I realize that I can do this on my own? I'm not uneducated, I'm not lazy, I'm not stupid, nor do I hate myself. I *LOVE* me some me! So why then do I insist on making this harder than it needs to be!

I'm starting a graduate degree program next month and in my personal and professional life, I continue to be a full time mommy, wife and employee. Zoo week is coming up (six mandatory dance rehearsals and three recitals) next month and add to that, I'd like to go to Ocean City to chillax for a day or two (the Flowers will be there for a week with Daisy, but I must save my leave for Jamaica in August). The Bottom line is, I have no extra time for ANYTHING. Therefore, Weight Watchers weekly meetings are just not gonna happen. I didn't get much out of the last go-round of WW meetings at work. I love that woman, but she just wasn't speaking my language last time around.

But mercy me, I have to do something quick or the dam is gonna break. I can't afford to let that happen. I WON'T LET THAT HAPPEN. I love the happy, quirky, less-demanding, less stressed, running, Stairmaster-ing chic I've become since I lost the weight. I will not allow myself to succumb to the regain. The buck stops here! It's time to recommit to my fabulosity. Right here and right now.

Weight Watchers online, here I come.

Keep on runnin' yall!

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Gratitude Journal
1. Just for today, I will not complain about anything; I am blessed and highly favored and I know it
2. Seeing my brothers and sisters on TV last night on line at food pantries across the nation have inspired me to eat less and be thankful for more
3. My colleague complimented me this morning and told me that she believes my Flowers will be very successful women because I am so structured and focused on raising them well
4. Daisy treated me to a steamed crab feast yesterday and brought them all the way to my house! Love that woman!

Namaste, Ya'll

2010-05-15T18:26:00.000-04:00

I haven't been faithful to my yoga practice since before my bunionectomy in December. I miss it, I really do. In fact, I miss it so much, when I laid eyes on this cute green guy caught in the middle of his serious yoga practice, I couldn't help but bring him home with me. He makes his home in my kitchen on the window sill right above my sink. I look at him everyday, at least once a day while I wash our never-ending dirty dishes. He makes me want to head back to a Bikram yoga class right away.

Rose is off to her first sleep-over. She has had a sleep-over at our home, but until today, she has not been to stay the night with any of her girlfriends. Marigold took her to her friend's house for a birthday party/sleep-over, as he wants to launch a thorough inspection to make sure the home is up to his requirements. I told her that she should not feel pressure to spend the night, if she decides it doesn't feel right or if she simply gets scared, she should feel comfortable to call, Marigold or I will gladly come get her. I just hope she doesn't wait until I get into my jammies! My baby is growing up so fast! What happened to the six pound bundle I brought home from the hospital, ten short years ago?

Have you been faithful to your yoga/running/biking/walking/Zumba/Jazzercise/Curves practice? If not, today is a great day to get back to it.

Peace & Blessings to you...

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Gratitude Journal
1. Family and friends
2. Daisy's offer to bring me crabs tomorrow
3. A night with only one child
4. Coloring in a new coloring book with Chrysanthemum and having fun

3.5 A Day Keeps the Doctor Away

2010-05-14T11:27:00.002-04:00

Hello, peeps. As you can probably tell by the title of this post, I'm back up to 3.5 miles of running/Stairmastering everyday. I feel so good - so ALIVE again. It's absolutely unbelieveble how much my mood and general outlook on life have improved since I last posted.

I'll be starting a Master's program in Education next month. I'm really excited about it and I'm oddly looking forward to being in a formal education program again. Technically, I'm in school right now, but I'm between classes at my local communicty college, senjoying a much-needed one week break. I will finish my Certificate in Human Resource Management next month, then I'll go straight into the Master's Program. I'm nervous about the demands the studies will place on my family, but I'm convinced that together, the Flowers and Marigold and I can all handle it.

Speaking of the Flowers, they are both doing absolutely fantastic. I'm such a lucky Mommy to have those two little girls to keep me on track. They're the smartest, prettiest, most interesting people I have ever encountered. I love them so much. Chrystanthemum received an award in school for being a much improved student, and Rose continues to make Principal's Honor Roll (straight As!). They both continue to take ballet lessons and we're quickly headed toward hell week - the week before their annual ballet recital. Each girl will have three lessons that week plus a mandatory dress rehearsal. That means eight lessons between two girls in a one week span of time! Does anyone have a wife they can loan me? LOL! I hated life last year during hell week, and I don't imagine this year will be much better, but I'm preparing myself as best I can for it.

My weight you ask? Don't ask, I say. The scale is not my friend right now. A close friend told me it's time to start journaling what I eat again. Bah! I say! I hate journaling! I'm not good at it, I lie and try and cheat the journal and my dishonesty always comes back to bite me in my slightly firm a$$. I know desperate times call for desperate measures. I know! I know! I know! I just don't wanna do it. I will though. Eventually. Soon. Real soon. I hope.

I have a wordle now! I love this thing. It's real easy to make one, you just visit the site here and copy in the text you want to use, or upload your blog or home page into the link and wordle will create your wordle for you. It's pretty cool. You can see mine on my home page. I customized mine to make it purple and pink and changed the font until I found one I like the most.

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Gratitude Journal:
1. My weight problems means that I have (more than) enough food; I am blessed beyond belief
2. Feeling good about my body again makes me happy
3. My Flowers are happy and healthy girls
4. Marigold still loves me after all these years
5. My hectic schedule means I am a productive woman
6. Another woman (Elena Kagan) has been nominated for a seat on our Supreme Court. We might have three female Judges soon!

Keep on runnin' yalll!

Nope, I'm not dead, I've just been hiding

2010-04-20T13:59:00.001-04:00

Here's the thing: I've been on a lazy, eating-whatever-I feel-like, post-surgery binge since the week of Christmas. You see, I had a bunionectomy on Monday, December21st. It was the most long-winded, drawn-out procedure I've ever endured. And to make matters worse, I had the surgery on my right foot. I live in Northern VA - hello, I practically LIVE in my automobile. Not being able to drive, or exercise, or go from point A to point B as I pleased was very hard on me. Marigold was patient and drove me to and fro, but it wasn't the same. I wanted to drive MYSELF! My truck! My music! My heat up as high as I wanted it! All that!

I've always been a very independent girl and this activity-halting surgery was a real slap in the face. I mean, I was informed of how my recovery would go and the things I was prohibited from doing, but still. It was mentally worse than I ever thought it could be. I hated life for about ten weeks. Not to mention, the first two weeks I was forced to wear the ugliest boot known to man, then for the next three weeks, I wore another really ugly shoe-like contraption. I was no fashion statement, I tell you. It was a long, unattractive and painful ten weeks. The pain was not that intense, but it was the kind of pain that would not go away. I'd pop an 800 mg ibuprofen and surf through the next four or six hours pretty painlessly and feel, for the most part, okay. Then, you guessed it! Here the pain would come again. I don't deal very well with pain. I never have, and I probably never will. I'm a complaining, weepy, over-reacting wus, to be more precise. And the scar! Oh the scar! It's awful. I would have endured another few weeks of pain if I could've avoided a scar. It's really ugly. But my bunion is gone and my big toe, despite the swelling that still lingers, looks great.

So, I had my surgery and I sat on my butt through two (or was it three?) blizzards. Chrysanthemum and Rose were out of school for a solid week, plus a day or two here and there, and you know who was home with them. Yup - yours truly. We spent about a week baking cookies, cakes, pies, and I happily hoovered any other sweet things I could get my grubby hands on. I gained eight sloppy pounds. I was miserable. I was very angry with myself, but felt powerless to change things. We were stuck in the house! Literally! The only activity I got for a while was shoveling snow. It's a pretty good workout, in case you hadn't heard. We got so much snow it blanketed everything, including my mood. Don't get me wrong, it was wonderful having the extra time with my Flowers, but it was not joyous to be forced to sit on my rapidly-spreading butt for weeks at a time.

Finally, on February 8th, I got clearance from my Podiatrist to begin slowly exercising again, with strict orders to take it easy. I did the happy dance out of his office, with plans to break a sweat again ASAP!

Sixteen weeks later, I'm running/walking again, I'm back up to three miles at a time, I've been reunited with my beloved Stairmaster, I've lost five of the nearly ten pounds I put on, and I'm so very happy to be active again. I never once in life thought I'd become the kind of girl that becomes miserable from being forced to be inactive. Seriously! Me???!! Who woulda thunk it?

I can't take all the credit, I've started seeing my therapist again last month and I'm working on some of the issues I've been dodging for about thirty years. Better late than never, eh?

I still battle with my weight. I still overeat and occasionally binge on something I know is no good for me. Oh yeah, I dropped out of Weight Watchers the last time around. I'm a WW drop-out again. Like Oprah said, 'I can't believe I'm still talking about my weight!' I'm currently reading Women Food and God by Geneen Roth and I'm actively seeking insight into my quest for self-destruction a la food. Learning to love myself completely, despite my extra body weight and my other miscellaneous shortcomings has been a repeated theme with me. I'm still a work in progress!

The most exciting news of all for me is that I've enrolled in a graduate program. I'll start pursuing my M.Ed (Masters degree in Education) in June. I feel very strongly that this program is going to be a good fit for me and I have high hopes for myself. I want to do well and learn a lot. I miss researching so much! If I could afford to be a professional student, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Anyhoo, I'm alive, life is good. I hope to be back real soon.

In the meantime, keep on runnin', yall!

Cross Training Day

2009-09-30T17:19:00.002-04:00

I feel like my half-marathon training program is coming along quite well. According to my training program, I was to cross train today instead of run, which is exactly what I did. I lifted ten pound free weights for 15 minutes, then fought with my favorite machine for 30 minutes - my beloved stairmaster. Watch out now! She fought back today! Woohoo! It was a blast! Good times! You know how much I freakin' love that machine if you read my post from the other day.

I had a very busy day with clients today at work and I've begun working late hours on Wednesdays to accommodate field employees. Lucky for me, working late also means starting late, allowing me to sleep in until 7:00 a.m. this morning. Yes, sleeping until 7:00 a.m. is considered 'sleeping in' to me as my normal waking time is around 5:15 Monday - Friday. I defnitely needed it today as my allergies kicked up yesterday and I took a Benadryl before bed. Some folks get amped up from taking a Benadryl, but not me, sleep is a must as it makes me sleepy as all get out. I've made the mistake of taking a Benadryl during the day and being forced to head straight to bed, unable to function and do anything except sleep.

I savor my runs so much, but I recognize that cross-training and strengthening my upper body and core are essential to my being able to complete the half marathon. It's just not my favorite activity. I'd rather run!

Today was a good day. It's still not over yet, but I'm confident it will be soon. Time to head to the water fountain for another refill.

Keep on runnin' yall!
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Gratitude Journal
1. Volunteer activities that help me strengthen my skills and network with other professionals
2. Amy's burritos: so filling and low-fat too
3. My Crockpot for cooking my dinner slowly while I work the day away
4. Cross-training for the strength and balance it gives my body

Wonderful Weekend

2009-09-27T20:58:00.000-04:00

There's not much in life that a weekend in Ocean City can't cure. Not in my world, anyway.

Marigold, the Flowers and I, Daisy and our cousins, aunts and uncle spent a weekend laughing and talking the weekend away. We ate too much junk food, shopped 'til we dropped in the outlets in Dover, DE and spent time on the beach playing in the sand (fully dressed).

I took leave on Friday and we left for Ocean City just after lunchtime. It was quite chilly and windy upon our arrival on Friday afternoon and remained windy on Saturday, but we were tough and braved the beach anyway. Here are Daisy, Rose and Chrysanthemum enjoying each other at the beach:

I maintained my momentum and training for my half marathon by waking early on Saturday and hitting Coastal Avenue for a solid three mile run. It was windy as all get-out, but I warmed up quickly once I started my run. I was in good company with several other dedicated souls pounding the pavement. Later Saturday morning, we made our way down to the waterfront to admire the tremendous beach waves. The sand and salty air gave us the emotional boost we all needed. There's something special about sitting on the beach watching the water even when it's too cold to venture into the water.

Marigold treated himself to nine holes of golf while we treated ourselves to great deals in the outlet stores, then we met up for dinner. After dinner, we all drank too much wine and managed to watch a few $0.99 Red Box movie rentals before I called it a night well after Midnight.

I'm still very excited about my decision to prepare myself for a half marathon this December. I feel happy and inspired whenever I think about it and I feel good about my decision to tackle this tremendous goal this year. I revel in telling my friends and family about why I see no point in postponing this until next year. I'm just going to do it!!! I'm continuining to read everything I can about staying healthy and making my training efficient. Today I'm feeling confident and unshakable in my abilities to run this race and do it in a healthy and focused way. I hope I continue to remain confident.

How about you - what are you feeling good about today?

Keep on runnin' yall!

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Gratitude Journal
1. A weekend away with family
2. Feeling rested and knowing that I've successfully reset my zero
3. Commitment to oneself
4. Knowing that God means for me to be where I am and being happy in this place

An Ode to the Stairmaster

2009-09-24T13:35:00.001-04:00

Cough...cough...cough...ahem...clearing throat....testing mic...one...two...three...
I felt compelled to write a poem declaring my love for the stairmaster. Please don't copy my work. It's authentic and written from my heart. Here goes:

Oh Stairmaster!
How I love thee so!
The sweat you cause is so plentiful; I sometimes have a mouthful
Feel the pain!
Love the burn!
Lift the buns!
Sweat and tears mix together to remind me of just how unfit I remain
And yet you love me so - you receive me with open arms whenever I enter the gym's domain.
Your rolling hills bring me to to the brink of collapse -
You revive me with a brief rest when I can go on no longer -
Yet you push me through each workout as if it's my last
Over and over I return for more love and pain
Ever seeking it, never getting enough from you.
Your smooth motor draws me to you -
I long for you. I CRAVE you.
Oh why can't I get enough?
And when will my butt be tough?
Oh Stairmaster! How I love thee so!

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Gratitude Journal
1. A day off tomorrow for a glorious long weekend in Ocean City with the Flowers and family
2. Glute pain that's manageable (and strangely enjoyable!)
3. Remaining injury-free, in spite of attempts to increase speed
4. Sassy red toenail polish on what's probably the last open-toe day of the season
5. A delectably delicious and calorie-friendly Spinach wrap for lunch and side-salad

Another Great Race!

2009-09-19T12:10:00.002-04:00

Today I ran in the 17th Annual Navy Federal 5K Run/Walk. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed the race with many of my colleagues whom I have grown quite fond of. There's something that bonds people together after spending hours and hours in the gym together, sweating and working hard to improve one's physical fitness.

It was a great race, winding through the beautiful strees of Vienna, Virginia. The weather was absolutely beautiful - picture perfect. There were lots of lovely homes to admire (my favorite kind of eye candy) and just enough people to keep it interesting. The Morning Meeting Notes that our VP sends out every morning shared that 400 people had registered for the run, but lucky for me, I don't think there were quite that many people in attendance. Large crowds of runners still make me a bit nervous, but this was manageable! All the runners were very respectful of each other's space and the competitiveness, while still present, was not overwhelming.

And the best news of all is that I shaved two minutes off my last 5K time with a net time of 36:12, an average of 11:39. My first PR! Woo hoo! Now if I can just get a 5K done in 30 minutes, I'll be happy. Actually, I'm quite happy now. I wanted to finish upright and on my feet, with some evidence of time improvement and I'm happy with my two minutes! I'm slowly getting faster!

Today will be a great day, as Daisy is coming down to spend the day with the Flowers and I. A bit of shopping is in order. Marigold is going to cook on the grill so the eating will be good tonight!

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Gratitude Journal
1. Marigold cooking on the grill tonight!
2. Running in the sun, knowing I'm a child of God
3. Finishing a 5K and my first PR!
4. Feeling great in my size 14 jeans!

I Survived! And Enjoyed It!

2009-09-18T20:48:00.006-04:00

My first 10K was a success. It was a very well-organized race put on by the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. You can see the race pictures slideshow here. I'm in slides 16, 17 and 18. In slide 16, you can get a good look at me doing my deep yogi breathing, the way I begin every run.

It was actually a great deal of fun. I think I've turned into one of those nutty runner - a person who enjoys pushing my mind and body to the limit with the competitive sport of running. I'm still not much of a competitor, I've said it before and I'll say it again: I compete against no one but myself. In running my first 10K I made no PR and I certainly broke no records, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. There was a gentleman who ran pretty much the entire race while juggling five red balls. And he lapped me! Gee whiz. Talk about a show off! I guess he was my entertainment.

Lucky for me, the Piedmont School of Massage was one of the sponsors and treated the runners to short massages after the run. That was such a wonderful gift - it was truly priceless. Thanks to my massage, I had no soreness and no joint stiffness.

My final time was 1:18. I'm still a turtle, but a soon to be very fit and trim turtle.

Tomorrow I'll be running in Navy Federal's annual 5K. It should be lots of fun and I'll be in good company as there are 400 registered runners.

Week 1 of the 40 Pounds By Christmas Day, So Whatdoya Say Challenge has come and gone. I've lost one pound toward the effort. I met my weekly goal, so I'm feeling good about that. My total weight loss is now at 51.5 pounds. At least it was before I ate three slices of pepperoni pizza for dinner!

Keep on runnin' yall!

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Gratitude Journal
1. Life and love
2. Running and the mental clarity it brings
3. My Flowers and the joy they bring me
4. Healthy food and clean water

Going For Broke: My First Half-Marathon

2009-09-16T20:57:00.003-04:00

I'm doing it!! I see absolutely no reason to put this goal off until 2010. I readily admit that I'm going to need a lot of emotional support and perhaps I'll even need to pay someone to help get me physically ready, but in spite of all this, I know I want to do it more than just about anything right now.

The official date of my first half-marathon, the VA Runner Blue and Gray will take place on Sunday, December 13 2009.

This gives me 12 weeks to prepare my mind, body and spirit. I've found a training program that I plan to begin on Monday. I can't wait. I'm so excited I could just about burst!

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Gratitude Journal
1. Goals
2. Life and love
3. A job that allow me the flexibility to leave and get my Flowers when illness strikes

Keep on runnin' yall!

New Challenge!

2009-09-11T09:36:00.001-04:00

40 pounds by Christmas Day!! Join the fun! You know you want to!!!
I found this challenge on weight watchers community boards. I believe it's the perfect solution to my desire to bake and eat lots of warm comfort foods as the weather begins to change. Not only is my craving for baked goods spinning out of control, but my weight loss has slowed down some. I did manange to finally rid myself of the six pounds I gained celebrating my birthday last month, and I also lost another half pound bringing me to another decade! While I'm not bold enough to advertise my current weight here, I will reveal that I've lost a total of 50.5 pounds since August 29, 2008.

I need to make a plan for this - this challenge is serious business! The challenge officially began yesterday, September 10 and will end on December 26th. That's 15 weeks away.

Here's the description of the challenge:
With the holidays around the corner, we need to get ourselves ready, emotionaly and physically. I want to shout from the roof top, "Hey Ol' man I've stayed on the Plan. I've lost 40 pounds, how does that sound? I'm not hungry and I'm not fat, so what will you put in MY sack?" Sorry, I couldn't resist. I want to have a weekly check in with weekly challenges to keep us accountable for ourselves, the good and the bad. So what do you say...Are you ready to shout?

Who's with me? Keep on runnin' yall!

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Gratitude Journal
1. Savoring the last juicy red strawberries of the season
2. The excitement I feel about my first 10K race tomorrow
3. It's FRIDAY!
4. My Flowers successfully made it through their first week of 4th and 1st grades, respectively.
5. Making decorating plans and daydreaming in Michael's for the perfect autumn touches for our house

Lawd Help Me!

2009-09-09T10:42:00.000-04:00

I'll be running my first 10K race (6.2 miles) this Saturday, in the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce Sponsors Life Without Limits 10K Run to Benefit United Cerebral Palsy.

I've been working hard in preparing my mind and body for the race. I've discovered what lots of runners already know and it a secret no one tells beginner runners: one of the greatest challenge of running is keeping one's mind occupied during the event. Sure, 3 miles goes by in a bit more than a flash, but anything longer than that, and it really helps to have something solid to think on, i.e., world peace or how to be truly satisfied with only 1250 calories per day. All joking aside, it really boils down to quite the mind game or mind trip, however you prefer to call it.

It is truly harder for me to push myself mentally into that sixth mile than it is to convince my cranky hip flexors that they can handle the pressure. For you experienced road runners out there, what tips can you share with me on keeping my mind occupied during longer runs?

Tonight I will run five miles to further prepare myself. My longest run to date is 5.5 miles, so the 6.2 miles on Saturday will be a nice challenge for me. The weather is supposed to be cooperative (no rain please!!), so that should make it pleasant.

My only goal is to run to finish - I'm not out to set any time records, not that I could even if I wanted to.

Keep on runnin' yall!

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Gratitude Journal
1. Running keeps me healthy and happy

Love, pain, loss and celebration

2009-09-07T09:16:00.001-04:00

Click on the post title to go to the article or visit it here cnn.com. How my heart grieves for this couple. As a long-time married old lady and knowing all too well how difficult it can be to maintain a marriage, I understand the technicalities of staying true to and in love with a partner. Add to this being a good parent at the same time. It is definitely harder at some times than others, but always a challenge.

Today I celebrate their love, unshaken despite their tremendous loss. I embrace their willingness to honor their child's wish that they should become one in marriage.

Their story has me convinced that perhaps love does conquer all. Even death, I suppose. Love and death - that's pretty much what life boils down to.

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Gratitude Journal
1. A decent public education for my Flowers
2. A schedule that's just busy enough to keep me stimulated
3. Going down another pants size (14 now!)
4. Marigold and his love for me
5. Clean water and healthy food choices

Keep on running' yall.

Black Hair, Still Tangled

2009-08-31T08:16:00.003-04:00

Probably as a result of the new film, "Good Hair," the NY Times has written an article exploring the battle lines that is black hair. Article here.

Never knew it could get quite so complicated, didja?

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Gratitude Journal
1. My Flowers are back in town!
2. Sharing a bed with my monkeys, getting little sleep, but enjoying the closeness
3. Love
4. A quiet Sunday that allowed me to clean house from top to bottom. Spick and Span.
5. A job to come back to this morning

Still Water Runs Deep

2009-08-29T15:10:00.005-04:00

No, I didn't fall too far off the deep end, although it has been a while since I last wrote. I fell into a bit of a pity party, although it was a short one. I had to kick my no-fun guest out fairly early (that would've been me!) and ended the party early in the game before the blues set in. I didn't like my down-in-the-dumps attitude, so I had to quickly get back to positive self-talk and remind myself why eating properly and exercise are so important - much more important than the numbers on the scale.

Speaking of the scale, I have not boycotted it. I have made an executive decision that I will not weigh myself weekly, as I did while on Weight Watchers. I weigh myself bi-weekly, or every other Friday. This method works for me, as weekly weigh-ins became a significant source of stress and anxiety. Besides, I'm only interested in long-term weight loss and the weekly weigh-in seemed to show more micro or minute gains or losses that I believe are a normal part of life. Water weight, sodium, and hormonal weight seems to come and go every 2-3 days for me, so weighing every seven days seemed to more dramatically highlight those gains/losses that I may have not been able to avoid.

I weighed myself on yesterday, and while I was somewhat upset to see that I have not lost the entire six pounds I gained while over-celebrating my birthday, I have shed three of those pounds. They've reported to me that they're happy with their new home. I've given them the green light to remain with their new host. I will not need them to return and I don't miss their company.

Today I decided to treat myself to a different workout: water aerobics. Actually, it was unintentional, as I had only planned to swim laps and then sit in the whirlpool and relax my over-taxed muscles, but as I was finishing up my swim, the lovely water aerobics teacher invited me to take part in the class. What a treat it was! When she told me it combined deep- and shallow-water activities, I was worried someone had developed a plot to rub me out by drowning, but when I saw the buoyance belt each participant wore, I realized it wasn't a hit on my life.

The class incorporated water weights and noodles (for resistance) and various activities including swimming and running in place for cardio. It was a great class. I definitely felt I got a great workout and with minimal soreness, as in the water, I'm weightless. The other ladies in the class were lots of fun as well, hooting and hollering to each other and laughing at our frequent confusion over exactly what the instructor was asking us to do: "Legs where?" "Weights or noodles? Neither? Oh, okay."

Yesterday I ran four miles on the dreadmill. I'm still loving the running, but I also understand the importance of participating in other physical activities, i.e. the water aerobics, which will only enhance my running and endurance. I'm committed to running a minimum of 20 miles per week, while also participating in other cardio and strength training in an effort to shed these last 30 pounds. These pounds can't find their way to new owners too soon!

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Gratitude Journal:
1. Water aerobics and the cleansing effects of playing in the water
2. The Flowes will be back home tomorrow after a week with their Grandma and cousins
3. Getting stronger and feeling it
4. My quiet house to myself today and tonight

Holy Crap

2009-08-15T11:27:00.003-04:00

I got on the Tanita scale at work yesterday (as I do every other Friday) and my weight is up six whole pounds. So much for celebrating my birthday responsibly! Holy Schnikey, Bat Man! It's time for some serious reconfiguring and recallibrating.

Time to revisit (seriosuly) journaling my food and beverage intake and counting points.

Well, if only it were that simple. I have to go through the motions of convincing myself I'm worthy of losing those six points and getting my eating back on track. No more Burrito Bowls from Chipotle for me.

In order to make it home yesterday, I had to stop for gas. I stopped at a gas station and loaded up on my "screw it, it's Friday night and I just got fat" cravings: salt and vinegar potato chips and an industrial sized box of Dots. I got home and immediately proceeded to eat the entire $2.19 bag of chips leaving my tongue a raw and irritated oversized worm in my mouth then proceeded to start on the Dots. I could only get through about half the box before the desire to sleep overcame me. I had put myself into a salt-induced coma.

In a mattef of about eight hours, I had transformed myself into a self-defeating, eating all the wrong crap, loser on a self-destructive mission, MESS. I felt fat, unworthy, confrontational, ugly and sleepy.

Today has been better, so far. I woke up and hit the dreadmill with the plans to run five miles. I only made it through four before I decided enough was enough. My tongue still felt raw and swollen, making my run long and uncomfortable.

Still four miles is four miles, right? I didn't make my goal, but there's always tomorrow.

So much for my self-loving, 'I deserve to be thin' mantra and foolishness from Thursday. I feel like a fat fraud today. With a swollen and irritated tongue.

That's what getting on the scale and seeing a HUGE gain will do to your self-esteem: throws it into the trashcan of your self-esteem.

I'm going to eat some more dots. Than take a nap. Blah.

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Gratitude Journal
1. Running four miles even though I felt like crap
2. Knowing that God loves me, despite my shortcomings
3. It's Saturday! No matter how bad my day is, I'm at home
4. Rose's first sleepver tonight with her best girlfriends
5. Breakfast on my deck in our new deck furniture: pure bliss

Keep on runnin' yall.

I Deserve to Be Thin and Healthy

2009-08-13T09:01:00.006-04:00

I squeaked out four and a half miles on the dreadmill yesterday. Again, I made up my mind how far I would run and I ran it. It took me a smidge over an hour, but it was a great investment in my body and my healthy future. My middle and back are sore, despite a good amount of stretching before and after my run, but hey, I'll take it. It means I had a good workout. No pain, no gain, is that still the rule of thumb?

I'll readily admit to struggling with my food intake again recently. As Oprah said about her weight, "I can't believe I'm still talking about this!!" I've been blaming it on my birthday (and over-extended celebration of it), but in reality, I know it stems from a lingering self-defeating need to sabotage my weight loss efforts. As soon as it registered in my thick skull that I had lost a total of 50 pounds, the desire to sabotage kicked in and I've been eating more than I need and craving really stupid, unhealthy things (puffed Cheetos, for example - but so far, I've been able to avoid actually eating them; I just think about them regularly). I've been overindulging in cake and cupcakes and baked goods in general and right now, I'm sucking down a sugary-sweet iced latte from McDonalds. I'm proud to say that I did manage to avoid a breakfast menu item from there, but the coffee called my name and I convinced mytself I deserved it because I had sat on I-495 for over a half an hour with a zillion of my Washington area neighbors as a car wreck inconveniently occupied two lanes of traffic. I never drink crap like this. Well, not never, but very rarely. Most mornings it's fiber cereal with a banana and hot green tea with Spleda and honey. Today I had oatmeal and this coffee drink think loaded with enough sugar to send a diabetic into a coma.

Anyway, I'm struggling right now. The mantra that was in my in-box this morning was exactly what I needed to kick myself back into mental gear and lose the rest of this weight.

I'm going to adopt it as my mantra for the coming days and weeks of struggling with food and consumption. You can read it here (I've modified it some to meet my needs):
• "I deserve to be healthy and thin!"
• "I have a great healthy body!"
• "I've had plenty of food today, my body is healthy!"
• "I love my body and it's important to me that I take good care of it!"
• "I like to diet, I feel in control of my life!"

It's only food! It's just a meal...you are going to have another one in a few hours! Eating is not an event! ...it's not a hobby! ...it's fuel!

I understand you LOVE to eat! BUT, you prefer to look good in your clothes, feel self confident about the way you look and be healthy!

There are NO advantages to being overweight!

Not only do you cause yourself to be a victim and suffer everyday, you shorten your life span considerably!

Being overweight isn't healthy! Obesity is responsible for 325,000 deaths every year!

Starting and staying on a diet that's healthy means having a plan!

You have nothing to lose (except unwanted fat), and everything to benefit!

Diet and get healthy! The world is kinder to you when you are kinder to yourself (this was reinforced through my therapy session recently, I'm slowly starting to realize it's true)!

Diet and get healthy! It's great to be fit! Diet and get healthy! This is not a dress rehearsal!

This is your Life!

I love this. Not only am I posting it here, I've also created a Word document with it and I plan to frame it and keep it somewhere visible.

*Taken from Meditations for Weight Loss - Your Daily Meditation Please stop by, they send regular e-mails that are full of motivating tips and affirmations. It's free!

Keep on running!

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Gratitude Journal
1. Running and knowing it's making me healthy
2. Coffee drinks that insert caffeine in super speed
3. Safe travels
4. Summer camp payments are over!
5. Daisy and her love for me and the Flowers
6. Projects at work that I enjoy

It's my Birthday And I'll RUN If I Want To...

2009-08-10T17:46:00.007-04:00

Yup, but only three miles. I decided that I'd run today, despite (or more like in honor of?) the fact that it's my birthday. You see, running has truly become a passion for me. When I don't do it, I feel cruddy. After I run, I feel elated, but sometimes a bit sore. The soreness is like a drug for me; instead of being repelled by it, I want more of it! Although, I'll admit, this pain in my left butt cheek has become just that: a pain in the ass. When I mentioned it to Daisy, she wondered if it could be sciatic nerve pain, but I don't think so. It feels entirely muscular. And it's only in my left cheek. And it always strikes up after I've been seated for at least 30 minutes. Perhaps more stretching is in order post-runs. I've been dealing with the pain in the cheek for about four weeks now. I'll be honest, when I first felt it, I liked it. It was almost sensual. Now it's just plum irritating. Maybe my butt muscles are building up and I'll have a pretty perky rear-end one day? That'd be quite nice.

Today, when walking back to my cubicle from the gym (obviously, hence my big blue gym bag), a colleague stopped me and asked, "Working out on your BIRTHDAY?" with a look of mock surprise on her face. "Of course!" I replied. I'm with it for LIFE, didn't I tell ya? This lifestyle change takes no notice of the days on the calendar. Last year I squeaked out three miles on Thanksgiving day (while running up and down the sidewalks of a major highway, might I proudly add) so I see no reason to skip my birthday. It is a great day for me, but it is after all, just another day!

Besides, all the adult beverages, fried chicken (Um hum, yes I did), cupcakes (not all that out of character for me), chips and salsa, and assorted other crappy foods I ingested last week and weekend, I kinda needed to run my big ass on the treadmill today!

Today is my birthday. It was a great birthday. Yeah, I was on my grind, but my lovely colleagues made it a nice day for me by decorating my cubicle, and chair and phone, taking me out to lunch at Nordstrom Cafe (I had one of the best salads EVER!), shoving chocolate cake down my throat (as if!), and singing happy birthday to me, it wasn't all that terrible. In addition, I worked on a project that I truly enjoy, so the day went by in a blink.

Along with me, I celebrate my birthday with my youngest Flower, Chrysanthemum. Yup, six years ago today after celebrating my own birthday with a cook-out, I gave birth to my own birthday buddy. Chrysanthemum is six today. Here we are just before we head out to Chuck E. Cheese (why is she crying and refusing to smile? Because she's SIX, remember???)

An ode to Chrysanthemum:

You are cute as the day is long. You can make even the meanest old man smile with your wit and humor. You can throw a look that can kill; you can smile like the best of all flirts. Your sense of style is creative and clever. You know what you want and never settle for less. When I carried you in my womb, I sensed you would be a force to be reckoned with. Never one to disappoint, you are true to your innate self: strong and sassy. Your sense of who you are astounds me, makes me proud and fills me with adoration and admiration. No matter who's around or watching, you are you. Always yourself. Always in bloom. You will always be loved. Happy birthday to my forever birthday buddy.

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Gratitude Journal:
1. Colleagues that make a Monday birthday at work bearable
2. Chocolate birthday cake
3. Chrysanthemum - my forever Birthday Buddy
4. Running and knowing that one day, I'll get faster
5. Salads with strawberries and candied pecans

Keep on runnin' yall.

Don't Bother Me - I'm Crabby

2009-08-09T12:34:00.004-04:00

Not really, actually, I'm crazy-ass happy right now, as I stare into this delectable pile of steamed crabs. I'm a Maryland girl at my core, and I don't know if you know it or not, but crabs and football, that's what Marylander's do best!!

Love me some steamed crabs. One of life's true delectables.

Keep on runnin' yall.

Traaaaaaaaaaaaacyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

2009-08-08T17:23:00.000-04:00

That would be Tracy Chapman.

Marigold lovingly got me tickets to see her tonight at the 9:30 club. I'm very excited. I've been buying and listening to her CDs since I had my first stereo at the ripe old age of 14. I've loved acoustic guitar since my uncle strummed it for me as a small child. How could you not love her haunting voice and quest for peace and change?

Here I am preparing to head out for a night of pre-birthday fun. I got a fast car, wanna come with?

Have a great weekend, everybody. And keep on runnin' yall.

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Gratitude Journal
1. Music - balm for the soul
2. Marigold and his never-ending love for me
3. Chipotle Burrito Bols
4. Kid-free weekends

50

2009-07-30T10:19:00.006-04:00

This is what 50 pounds of sugar looks like. Gone FOREVER!

Today I gleefully announce my 50 pounds weight loss. In honor of my tremendous success, I'm going to buy myself a bouquet of the prettiest flowers I can find tonight. I feel so good right now, like I'm walking on air.

How has blogging influenced or been influenced by my weight loss? Well, I definitely feel an obligation to share with you, my devoted readers, of how I've been doing. I love sharing my tips, techniques and trials with you. I think there's strength in numbers and transparency keeps me more honest. I think there's definitely a connection between the two, but I'm not completely sure of what that connection is.

What I do know for sure is that I while I've created a healthy future for myself and the Flowers, I still have a few pounds I'd like to lose. My desire to see ONEDERLAND and remain there is very strong, stronger than ever. My desire for fattening/processed foods has decreased tremendously and it has become much easier to talk myself out of the foods I once craved and lusted after. However, I do still indulge in my favorites occasionally. My whole family is healthier as a result of my efforts and we all think about the foods we choose before we eat them. Spinach is a constant staple in our diets and we've all grown to adore it. I like to think that I'm creating a healthy future for the Flowers and for Marigold, God forbid if ever there's a time when I'm not around to nudge them in the direction of healthy food and beverage choices.

My running has become a passion for me and just last night I squeaked out five miles on my beloved dreadmill. I made up my mind that I'd run five miles and I did it. Simple as that. No drama, no crying, no weeping and moaning, just blissful running (and a blistered foot, but nobody's too inconvenienced by that, least of all me). I turned off my iPod and decided to jam to the various music channels on cable. That was a nice change and seemed to keep my motivation and perhaps my speed up. I'm still quite the tortoise, but I remain okay with that. Five miles is five miles, KWIM??!

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Gratitude Journal

1. Faith and love
2. My Flowers who keep me inspired
3. Fresh fruit and vegetables
4. Clients who strive for something more
5. Greeting cards that make me happy
6. Seeing the numbers on the scale continue to go down

Wish I Had the Nerve to

2009-07-28T12:26:00.007-04:00

From the Fashion Bomb and Blessed and Highly Textured

...shave my head and sport a lovely short natural like Solange Knowles. She clearly said, "Take it ALL off!" I love celebrities who buck the system. I think it needs to be shaped up, but that's also a sprint after perfection and who has time for all that striving for perfection crap the media keeps shoving down our collective throats?

Ahhh, I'm waiting patiently to grow some quijones and head back to the barber shop and raze mine off again. I did it once before, in preparation for my lockdom. Now Marigold says he doesn't want the short look on me again.

What do you think of her look?

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Gratitude Journal
1. I'm grateful I ran four miles yesterday, it left me energized and feeling good about myself
2. Rainier cherries. So sweet and tasty!
3. A mental health day on Friday
4. Feeling good in my skin

Challenge

2009-07-26T13:27:00.003-04:00

Stay motivated in your weight loss efforts by giving yourself small rewards throughout the process. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Looking at the big picture can be intimidating. If you have a lot of weight to lose, realistically, it could be a long road ahead until your reach your goal weight. It is important to reward yourself throughout your weight loss journey to stay motivated and inspired.

First, set up your long-term and short-term goals for your weight loss efforts. These goals should be personal and focus on the things you need the most improvement on.

Long-Term Goals
Long-term goals are important for the big picture. You should have a vision of your final goals. What is your goal weight or size? What will it feel like when you reach this goal?

Examples of long-term goal rewards include: a weekend vacation or cruise, a new wardrobe in your new, smaller size, an update to your look, a large piece of workout equipment, etc.

Once you have this image of your end result, break it down into smaller chunks.

Short-Term Goals
Short-term goals can be all the bits and pieces that collectively bring you to your long-term goal. They can be related to weigh loss, food, exercise, water intake and other areas of personal improvement.

The key with short-term goals is to set small, achievable goals and reward yourself frequently. Create a simple chart to track your progress and watch as your rewards quickly add up, giving you another reason to stay on track.

You have to break the habit of rewarding yourself with food. It will be easier to adapt if you put something else in its place.

Examples of small rewards include: workout clothes (my personal favorite), running shoes (now a necessity), a massage, a manicure/pedicure, a book, CD or DVD, dumbbells, medicine ball or resistance bands, costume jewelry, heart-rate monitor watch, craft supplies, etc.

Stay motivated in your weight loss efforts by giving yourself small, meaningful rewards throughout the process. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Some examples of short-term goals are:
Reaching a weekly cardio limit, staying within your daily calorie range, drinking 8 or more cups of water per day, reaching a 5-pound weight loss, reaching a 5-inch loss according to a tape measure, and creating and completing challenges.

Using Rewards for Motivation
It can be difficult to stay on track with your weight loss program if you feel deprived. Deprivation often occurs when people cut back on calories and increase their exercise while working on lifestyle changes.

Try using small rewards to stay motivated. The reward should be pre-determined and something you are willing to work for. Rewards should not consist of food.

Examples of small rewards include:
Workout clothes, running shoes, a massage, a manicure/pedicure, a book, CD or DVD, dumbbells, medicine ball or resistance bands, costume jewelry, heart-rate monitor, a watch, craft supplies, etc.

Soon you will work harder and stay on track because you will look forward to treating yourself to these rewards as you work towards your long tem weight loss goal.

Your challenge this week is to make yourself a list of:
Short-term goals and rewards and Long-term goals and reward.

Blog about it, use pictures and leave a comment on this post so that others can see your goals.

Keep on running!

First Day of School Five Years From Now

2009-07-25T11:52:00.001-04:00

Tagged by Katschi

2009-07-24T07:42:00.006-04:00

Fitcetera was tagged by TJ and I've been tagged by Fitcetera.

Here’s how it works: USE ONLY ONE WORD!
It’s not as easy as you might think. Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to use only one-word answers.

I'll let you decide if you want to participate. Otherwise - TAG! You're it!

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your hair? locked
3. Your mother? amazing
4. Your father? greedy
5. Your favorite food? crabs
6. Your dream last night? forgotten
7. Your favorite drink? tea
8. Your dream/goal? onederland
9. What room are you in? office
10. Your hobby? baking
11. Your fear? fat
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? style
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? hater
15. Muffins? yup
16. Wish list item? puppy
17. Where did you grow up? maryland
18. Last thing you did? talked
19. What are you wearing? clothing
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pets? dominic
22. Friends? few
23. Your life? blessed
24. Your mood? happy
25. Missing someone? Nana
26. Vehicle? Endeavor
27. Something you're not wearing? frown
28. Your favorite store? Macy's
29. Your favorite colour? purple
30. When was the last time you laughed? commute
31. Last time you cried? dunno
32. Your best friend? mother
33. One place that I go to over and over? work
34. One person who emails me regularly? Afua
35. Favorite place to eat? Carabba's

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Gratitude Journal
1. It's FRIDAY!
2. I'm alive to see it
3. No commute for the next two days

iPod Full? FULL? NO WAY!!!

2009-07-23T13:02:00.006-04:00

Say it ain't so!!!! Bwaaaaaahhh! My first iPod is full. To the capactiy. At it's maximum. Stuffed. Stick a fork in it - it's done!

I was a bit late to the iPod craze, as I tend to be with most technology. Mostly it's because I have very little extra cash laying around for the fancy new products that hit the market, i.e., the Kindle and a Wii. I always get around to it, but it's normally quite a while behind the masses. And I'm okay with that because it allows me additional time to fully investigate the product, read consumer reports, watch for sales and most of all, decide if I really need the dang thang or not. Case in point: the Kindle. While I think it's a nifty device, I personally adore the library and bookstores and there's something quite satisfying to me about flipping pages in a book - and the savory feeling I get when I come to the last few pages in a book. With the Kindle, I'd lose that delicious feeling. Digital is awesome, but it ain't for everybody.

On the other side of the coin, the iPod is technology that I caught onto late and when I did finally did get one (a mere two years ago) and figured out how to load my favorite iTunes onto it, I wondered how I lived without it for so long. Mind you, I bought the smallest, least expensive model iPod makes, the Shuffle, but I have one damnitit! And now it's full!

If you haven't caught onto the iPod craze, I can't say I blame you. Sometimes it's simpler, easier, and less hectic to pull back from the pack and do your own minimized technology thing - at least until you can figure out how to catch up. Good for you! Stick to your guns! You VHS watching, walkman listening to, stuck in the
'90s person you! I ain't made atcha.

I will also admit that learning how to load my music onto this thing was not easy for me. Now I readily admit that I'm not the best at following directions. But dern! This was like rocket science to me and I still struggle with it. I still don't understand the "can only load music onto your iPod from one computer" concept. I understand the reasoning behind it, it just doesn't make much sense to me. What do I do if my 'puter suddenly dies?

Now that my beloved purple Shuffle is full, I'm seriously considering upgrading to a bigger iPod, one that can show videos and/or webcasts. Right now on the iTunes website, they're selling refurbished 8GB iPod Nanos for only $99.00, or few a few more benjamins, you can get a refurbished 8GB iPod Touch for $179.00. As long as you feel okay about a refurbished piece of equipment, these seem like pretty good deals to me.

I have no immediate plans to replace it. I'll take my time, like I always do, make five or ten trips to Best Buy to look at them over and over again, scour BJs for a better deal then finally make up my mind about which upgraded iPod to buy. I'll keep you posted and let you know when I finally get it.

While listening to the same couple hundred songs over and over today, I managed to squeek out four miles on the dreadmill. It only took me 52 minutes! I'm a ROCKSTAR! And don't you forget it!

Keep on running, ya'll!

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Gratitude Journal
Today I'm grateful for:
1. Good health for me and my Flowers, despite Marigold's hacking cough and fever
2. Feeling positive about my future again
3. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of the expensive as all get-out camp the Flowers are in
4. Looking forward to a babysitter on Saturday night and quality time to re-connect with Marigold
5. Losing 47 pounds and feeling good
6. Knowing I can lose the last 35 pounds and trusting in myself to do it
7. Barack Obama and his desire to help us renovate our health care system

Trouble Staying Motivated?

2009-07-22T12:39:00.002-04:00

I'm going to motivate the holy laziness out of you.

Keep on runnin,' ya'll.

Asics

2009-07-21T14:11:00.004-04:00

My first real running shoes have over 500 miles on them and it's time they make their way to the donation bin. I've made the decision to switch to Asics. While my Brooks Addiction 8 have been good to me, they're just so clunky looking and rigid, I think I want a shoe that's supportive, yet, a bit more flexible. I'm honestly not out for vanity, although I must admit, the berry color of the Asics is attractive to me. I'm a girly girl. Next thing you know, I'll be running in a skirt.

I've downgraded to the Asics. The Asics Gel Foundation 8, to be exact. When I say downgraded, I don't mean as in quality, rather in price. The Asics were about $20.00 less expensive than those clunky Brooks. I'm not hating on the Brooks, just stating the facts.

I'm also treating myself to a pair of inserts that are supposed to be excellent, the Superfeet Berry.

I've run in the Asics three times now and I really, really, really like them. If you're an overpronating, overweight, running chick with flat feet like me, this combination might just work for you too.

Happy running!

The 5 Miler Was Awesome

2009-07-05T13:36:00.005-04:00

So, I did in fact run the Heritage Festival 5 miler yesterday. It was, in a word, life-changing. The Flowers didn't come with me, so I was there all alone, with a zillion other runners and spectators. I didn't know what to expect, as I was not that familiar with Fredericksburg, nor the route, and like I said before, I was going to be there alone. Marigold had me scared silly about how long it would take me to get there, so I left home about half an hour earlier than I really needed to. The good thing about doing that is that it left me plenty of time to find my way to the location, find a place to park, pick up my race bib and t-shirt, walk back to the car with my goodies, move my car, stretch, run some pre-race jitters out, move my car again, and finally settle in with the other runners at the start. Bib #67 - my newest favorite number!

On the way to the race, I munched on a tortilla smothered in peanut butter and filled with sliced banana. It was gross (something about the peanut butter/banana combination didn't appeal to me), but I knew I'd need and appreciate the protein later. It turned out to be a perfect breakfast that didn't leave me too full nor hungry during the race.

Throughout the race, I recited my mantra to myself over and over again (especially when another runner would zip past me if I were not even in motion!) "It's about ME, it's not about them." It was a great reminder that I was running the race to prove a point to myself, and not about anyone else's PR or speed.

The race course was lovely and it was a beautiful summer morning, light on humidity and high on sunshiney-loveliness. It was a great day to be alive - it was a great day to run my first 5 miler!

I ran the entire race, save for about four blocks in the fourth mile. My left hip flexor got a little cranky (as it always tends to do) and I walked for less than .25 mile. After speed walking a short distance, I realized that I was awful close to the finish line. It was time to wrap this puppy up!! And so I did. There was a lovely hill just before the finish line, and I've never run up a hill so fast before in my life! I felt this surge of adrenaline and pure bliss come over me and I just felt so good! It was as if everything in me just opened up and I took off! Not exactly like a rocket, but a bit faster than I had previously been running!

It tickled me that I had moved my car to the location that I had - I had no idea when I parked it for the second time that it was on the race route and I saw it just as I approached the finish line. In my fatigue, I caught a glimpse of my car and for the life of me, I wanted to run up and kiss it! I can't describe the feeling, and I suppose it probably reads a bit weird, but it was a nice sight, seeing something I loved so much, while doing something I loved so much.

I finished the race is 1:01:37. Yup, I'm still a tortoise and I'm still okay with that.

In hindsight, I realized that if I hadn't spent that time walking, there's a possibility that I might've finished in just under an hour. But, I suppose that's water under the bridge. I finished it upright and that was always my single goal. Goal accomplished!

After the race, I gave myself a great big bear hug then chowed down on orange slices and gulped water like a fiend. The race organizers gave away awesome door prizes including a $100 GC to Best Buy, but this time, I wasn't one of the lucky winners. Oh well. I was still a winner 'cause I had finished this bad boy!

Here's a picture of runners passing beneath the CSX railway bridge over Caroline Street at the start of yesterday's Heritage Festival 5-Mile Run in Fredericksburg:

Marigold and the Flowers treated me to a lovely 4th of July cookout that afternoon, then we went to Montclair to watch the fireworks.

It was a wonderful Independence day.

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Gratitude Journal
1. My health
2. The ability to run and participate in the sport I've grown to love
3. My Flowers
4. Cookouts and fresh corn on the cob

B-Day

2009-07-03T09:33:00.008-04:00

On Wednesday I managed a 4.5 mile run. It was not exactly easy, but here's the worst part: I had to run it on the treadmill. My first 8K (5-miler) is tomorrow, and let's keep it real folks: 5 miles will be the farthest distance I've ever run. EVER! It will definitely be a challenge for the Blooming Orchid. I had fully anticipated running outside yesterday after work, but it was raining outside, and I simply don't do the rain. I have a friend who's always telling me I need to get more comfortable running in the rain, after all, what will happen if it should start to rain at my race? Well, I'll run in the rain then. But only because I've paid my entry fee for the experience and I'm not going to flush that down the drain! Outside of my race, if it's raining, I'm on the treadmill. Period. End of story. I did get caught in the rain a few weeks ago and I turned around and headed home. My refusal to push through and turn around to come back home shortened my run by about two miles, but that's too bad.

To say I'm a bundle of nerves is the understatement of the year. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time.

My anticipation is similar to anticipating giving birth, for the second or third time around. You've already done it at least once, and you know it's going to hurt like hell, there will be people around to assist you, but ultimately, it's just you and the event to get through. No, I won't be running alone, actually, there are hundreds of people scheduled to 'give birth' with me, but it's me who's responsible for most of the work (well, all of it actually), but in the end, just like the new Mommy, I'll also get the most joy out of the end result.

My five-mile baby will be born tomorrow. My 'labor' is scheduled to be induced at 7:45 a.m. When it's all over, instead of a bruised bum, I'll have blistered feet and I'll be very tired and drenched in sweat. I'll be expected to get up and move around soon after the race is over and I'll be encouraged to drink lots and lots of fluids. And get this: I'll be sent home immediately afterward. I fully intend to come home and take a nap after the delivery.

We'll celebrate the 4th of July in the Flowers household with a good old fashioned cookout. Nothing fancy, Marigold will marinate some chicken breasts tonight and throw them on the grill with some hamburgers and a few pieces of corn on the cob. Then we'll head out to a local lake to watch fireworks with a few thousand of our neighbors. Good times.

All the while, I'll be celebrating my own independence.

I dedicate my race tomorrow to the chubby little girl (who still resides inside me) who was once too afraid to run, and who now can't seem to stop.

Women's Distance Festival

2009-07-01T11:32:00.002-04:00

Yay! The pictures from my first 5K ever, have been posted. It was a truly, truly awesome introduction into the world of running/racing. I couldn't have asked for a better first time. Here are the pictures I have managed to find of myself.

In the beginning (see how hard I'm concentrating?):

And a few miles later (rapidly approaching the finish line - notice my smile?):

What Fits Your Busy Schedule Better: Exercising 1 Hour a Day or Being Dead 24 Hours a Day?

2009-06-30T10:11:00.001-04:00

Today's query comes from H-Woman's Blog. Thanks, H-Woman. Check out her blog and give her some love.

It's a great thought to ponder on, especially for those of you who claim you can't find the time to work out. Nobody has time to workout. The honest truth is that those of us who do it, make the time. It's a concerted effort, one that we have to renew our dedication to - every.single.day.

Think about it.

Then go take a walk. Or a run. Or hit the elliptical. Or do a DVD/video at home of your choosing. Or go for a swim. Or walk up and down the stairs for a few minutes. Or work out the kinks with a few yoga savasana poses. Or jump rope. Or take a Zumba class. Or put on your favorite Alannis Morissette CD and clean your humble abode until it sparkles and you're glistening with sweat. Whatever gets your heart pumping and makes you sweat will do the trick just fine. Start with ten minutes then work up from there.

Just do it!
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Today I'm Grateful For:
1. Faith
2. My job (when so many have lost theirs)
3. Love
4. Endorphins (they keep me coming back for more)

What Crazy Looks Like on An Ordinary Day

2009-06-29T21:38:00.009-04:00

My friend Katschi over at Fitcetera.com requested a long, long time ago that her readers to post pictures of themselves hot and crazy sweaty immediately after a workout.

At the time, I loved the idea but couldn't bring myself to do it. Well, I suppose I've arrived, 'cause here I am baby, in all my hot, sweaty glory.
I just realized, I ran 3 1/2 miles today without smearing my eye liner. Damn, I'm good!

I have a new favorite food. It's called Attune and it's a probiotic bar. I found it while peruzing the probiotic selection in my local grocery store. I have a passion for all things lemon, so this bar practically jumped out of the refrigerated case right into my cart. It's high in fat (7 grams per bar! Doh!), and 3 Weight Watchers points, but in it's defense, it's also loaded with lots of good-for-your gut probiotics and a bit of protein. Most of all, it's yummy! But, I'm probably biased, because it's lemon. Lemon. Cream. It doesn't get much better than that, folks. Lemon and cream together?! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, God in heaven!! The bar comes in several different flavors, but for now, I can't get past the lemon cream. The package directs you to keep it cold until you're taking it with you. I'm not real clear on what will happen to it if it comes to room temperature. I should write the manufacturer and ask I suppose. I'm in love, I plan to buy these again.

I must admit, despite the fact that I know I'm getting stronger, I'm scared silly about the 5 milers I've signed myself up for. Lord, help me! The 3 1/2 miles I ran today felt like forever. Blisters inconveniently appeared on both feet (as a result of the rubbing where my arches should be, if I had them) and my new Brooks are mysteriously uncomfortable.

If you're the praying type, I'd appreciate any prayers you can send my way.
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Gratitude Journal
1. Good health
2. My job
3. My children
4. Summer camp that's fun for my Flowers
5. Running in the June sun, knowing I'm a child of God
6. Summer strawberries
7. Marigold and his love for me
8. Leftovers for lunch that are even better than the night before

Ocean City and My Second 5K

2009-06-28T12:27:00.007-04:00

My Mother, the ever so lovely Daisy, treated us to a week at Ocean City, MD. As a gift of one less week of summer camp to pay for, she kept Rose and Chrysanthemum for the week. I was only able to manage two days off, but boy were they wonderful! This year we stayed in a fabulous townhouse right on the beach. It. Was. Awesome. We had such a wonderful time. My two days there were delicious. And I don't mean in only the foody way. Those of you who have been reading my blog for a minute know exactly how much I love the beach. Pretty much any beach, but Ocean City is my favorite. Something about the boardwalk and let me be honest, the french fries from Thrasher's don't hurt.

I took my beloved Brooks running shoes and I woke up at 7:00 both mornings and ran up and down Atlantic Highway. Not to worry, I ran mostly on the sidewalk so I wouldn't get pummeled by a bus or hungover vacationer. From the house we stayed at on 35th Street, each morning I ran to 70th Street and back. I clocked it on my car's odomoter, and it's a good two miles in each direction. That's four miles each day! Woohoo!

The beach was as I've always remembered it with nice crashing waves and a good assortment of shells to collect. Here are Tulip, Daisy, Rose and Chrysanthemum enjoying the sand and surf:

And here's Chrysanthemum completely buried in the sand:

And me, on the balcony overlooking the beach:

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My second 5K run
I completed my second 5K yesterday. It was so much fun. It was an all women's run, sponsored by the Reston YMCA. On Friday night before the run, I went there to pick up my runner's packet, including my first bib. Number 70. My new favorite number!! The packet included a free pair of running socks, and a bathrobe. Not bad at all for the $25.00 entry fee.

There were well over 200 runners and it was held on beautiful scenery that included the W&OD and Sugarland trails. We spotted a deer hightailing it out of our path at an amazing breakneck speed. All along our route were posters printed with affirmations and ideas to keep us motivated, such as: "Pain is temporary but quitting is forever."

And get this: the hills? They were my favorite part! I suspect it's because my legs are so long, but there's something very satisfying about running up a hill and making it to the top, lungs on fire and chest heaving. Call me crazy, but I find it exhaustingly fun.

There were lots of supporters cheering us on througout the run, and it was an amazing thing to hear people calling out to me "Go on 70!" And "keep it up" or "Do your thang number 70!"

I broke my PR by 31 seconds, finishing at 38:31 (I finished the 5K Fun Run at the Flower's school in May in 39:00). I'm still quite the tortoise, but I'm enjoying getting stronger. Someone told me that I should enjoy the process, and not just the results, so that's what I'm focusing on doing. I have no pictures at this time, but I'm pretty sure they snapped several pictures of me along the way, so if I manage to get my hands on them, I'll post them here.

I've registered myself to run a 5 Miler on this coming Saturday, 4th of July. That means I must spend much of this week preparing my mind and body. I plan to run outdoors on Monday and Wednesday evenings, while sweating it out on the elliptical on Tuesday and Thursday. Friday I'll reserve as a rest day, perhaps I'll do a bit of light yoga to lengthen my muscles some. Five miles will be a personal record for me, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how I do. I'm positive I'll be able to finish the run, but will I run the entire thing? We shall see.

Keep on running ya'll...

Mr. Jackson Has Left the Building

2009-06-26T13:13:00.000-04:00

Rest in peace Michael Jackson. You will be missed.

Rose's Piano Recital

2009-06-22T10:28:00.004-04:00

In the lovely heat and humidity of the East Coast, I know it appears that I didn't straighten nor curl this child's head. But, I did, I did, I did! For what seemed like hours! Here's my girl Rose, playing her heart out. The piece that she's playing is "Arabesque" by F. Burgmuller. My baby is a musician!!

Yessir, I'm back!!!

2009-06-21T09:04:00.009-04:00

Yes, the Blooming Orchid has been on something of a hiatus. Life got a little complicated with increasing responsibilities at work (a very good thing), major chauffering of the Flowers to mandatory rehearsals and practice sessions, PTSO/school volunteer work, and of course, the running thing continues to be my latest and greatest obsession.

Let's see. How do I describe exactly how crazy (but gratefully full and satisfying)my life has been since I last posted? Allow me to try:

1. I've increased my running to four/five times per week. I'm up to 4 mile runs now. I'm nowhere near marathon ready, but I still think that's pretty impressive for a big girl like myself. When I'm not running, I'm thinking about it, or reading about it, or harassing another runner to pass on their tips. I never thought I'd enjoy a sport so much, so even I'm taken aback by new obsession. I ran my first 5K on 23 May and it was an awesome and amazing experience. I ran the entire 3.1 miles and I felt an exhiliration like never before, probably second only to giving birth to my daughters. I'm registered to run another 5K on 27 June, then get this! I've registered myself to run a 5 miler on 4 July. I figure it's a pretty neat way to celebrate my own personal independence. Independence from fear, from being fat and feeling lazy, I could go on and on.

2. Chrysanthemum and Rose finished Kindergarten and third grades, respectively. I had a major "Phew!" moment of euphoria when we discovered that Chrysanthemum had met all the benchmarks and is ready for first grade. Talk about waiting to exhale! This child of mine has a tendency to save up all her skill and abilities to like -the last month of school. She did it in K4 as well. We had several conferences with her teacher in K4 who reported throughout the year that she seemed to be meeting educational goals very slowly and that promotion to Kindergarten was looking shaky. Well, by March things were starting to improve vastly, and by May, she was in-line academically with her classmates. This year in school was nearly identical. Again, she waited until the end of the school year to show us all what she's got. It's nerve wracking for me, as her Mother. I spend many sleepless nights wondering and waiting and hoping and praying for proof that she's able to keep up.

Rose is, as per usual, kicking down doors and taking names, academically. She's been accepted into the Math & Science program for her 4th grade year, and her final report card was a sea of straight As. She's a rock star. I'm continually in awe of her ability to retain and recall facts and information.

Recitals and rehearsals have kept us very busy for the last few weeks. Here are Rose and Chrysanthemum trying on their costumes for the Spring recital.

Very pretty!

3. I was given another job opportunity at work to hire the Seasonals. Seasonals are young people, either Seniors in high school or college students. They work for eight weeks or a minimum of 40 days at our company in various positions. It was a great opportunity, but often frustrating work as there are many moving parts and lots of changes to keep up with and remain organized simultaneously. I worked many nights late into the evening in an effort to keep up and bring all 70+ Seasonals on board. It's not quite over yet, but we're 95% finished with them. It's been a wonderful opportunity, but loaded with the occasional stressful situation. I'm never one to turn down an opportunity at work and because of my values, I gave it my all. I made a few mistakes along the way, but ultimately, I feel I'm a better employee with increased knowledge of my organization and of this program. All in all, it was all good.

4. My weight has continued to fall, albeit only slightly since I last wrote. I've lost a total of 43.5 pounds. Mostly I'm in a holding patter (I think they call it maintenance), and while I'm still living by and mostly adhering to the Nine Good Health Guidelines of Weight Watchers, I'm not doing much to continue to lose, although I fully intend to do so. How much more? I can't say right now. My current goal is more in terms of clothing: I'd love to be back in a size 14 by my birthday on August 10th. I have battled with the scale pretty much all my life and I'm not sure I want to continue to wage that fight. I just want to look in the mirror and know that I'm healthy. I had a visit with my Primary Care Physician about a month ago and while he complimented me on the weight I had lost (he didn't notice, I had to point it out to him), he also gently reminded me of the BMI chart and where I currently reside on it and exactly where I should be. He recommended a loss of 40 more pounds. Now here's the thing about losing another 40 pounds: I know I can lose it. I KNOW I can. What I'm not confident about is my ability to maintain that much weight loss. I think that I would have to work tremendously hard to keep it off. And that, is where I lose the faith. I don't think I'm willing to work quite so hard for the rest of my life. And, perhaps, I can chunk it and take it 5 pounds at a time, regardless of how long it takes me. Maybe it will take two years in total. Maybe I won't worry about it for now. On another weight-related note, I'm still struggling with good eating habits. I still have a love and passion for junk food. All types of junk. I'm more aware than ever of how dangerous and unhealthy processed foods are, but I'm like a moth to a flame; I have a hard time avoiding them. Those and cakes, the usual suspects. Give me a good piece of cake and I'm one happy girl! I think I'm obessed.

5. Marigold and I had a huge falling out about a month ago and it led to some serious soul-searching. I became so angry at him, which is pretty unlike me, that my disappointment and anger scared even me! After we cooled off, he and I talked for hours about our relationship and each of us, individually as people. He feels that I'm in a place where he found himself about four years ago, filled with discontentment and self-doubt. In essence, I've decided to re-visit the therapy route and I've found a doctor that I think will benefit me. I'm a staunch believer in therapy/psychiatry and I'm actually looking forward to what will be revealed to me. On a happier note, the kissing and making up was very tender and loving. I think this will take our relationship to a new level.

6. A new lady has come into my life. My brother and his wife welcomed my new niece into the world in March. I'll call her Lilac. She's very sweet, and I'm in love all over again. Here's a picture of her in all her sweetness:

Here's a picture of me and my best girls, Rose and Chrysanthemum just goofing around. Notice Chrys won't smile for the camera. That's a five year old at her finest, I tell ya.

Happy Father's Day to Marigold (the world's best Daddy of all time), my Dad, and to all the loving Fathers out there. God bless you!

Well, my blogger friends, if you've made it to the end of this post, it's because you really missed me and all my foolishness. I promise won't stay away so long next time.

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Gratitude Journal
1. Love and life
2. Family and friends
3. Good health
4. Accruing miles and seeing results
5. No longer shopping in the Plus Size section of stores (priceless)

Looking Your Best in 2009

2009-02-03T11:35:00.003-05:00

What I'm going to share with you below is completely slap-stick and should be taken with a grain of salt. It is extremely funny, however. If you have no sense of humor, you should feel free to stop reading right here. It's so funny that I felt the need to rip it off and share it with you, my faithful readers.

I'll follow it up with some tried and true advice I've recently come across that's working for me (and I'm sure some of you will vouch for as working for you). I found it on the Happy-Well Health and Fitness blog and it's writer, Charles Goldman says he found it in the 5 January issue of the New Yorker and it's original author is Amy Ozols.

For my first post in 2009, I am passing along to you a sure-fire 9-step program to help you lose weight and/or accept yourself. It is straight from the January 5 issue of The New Yorker (by Amy Ozols):

People say that obesity is an epidemic in America, but I’m determined not to become part of the problem. That’s why I’ve spent years perfecting the secret to a trim and attractive physique. My foolproof system involves just nine easy steps.

Step 1: Avoid what psychologists refer to as “emotional eating.” This is hard, because many people have a tendency to experience emotions. To solve this problem, consume increasing dosages of psychotropic medications until you cease to feel emotions of any kind.

Step 2: Visualize yourself as a thin person. This is very important, because the body often takes its signals from the brain. Each time you take a bite of food, imagine that you are a thin person taking a bite of food, chewing the food, then spitting the food into a napkin, then tucking the napkin into your backpack or purse. After you’re done visualizing these things, start doing them.

Step 3: Get rid of your “fat clothes.” Keeping your closet stocked with unflattering garments will only distract you from your quest for a slender body. To complete this step, shred or burn everything in your closet, including any hangers or shelving that a fat person may have touched. Refrain from donating anything to charity, as this could cause underprivileged people to become obese, which would be unsavory and possibly even illegal.

Step 4: Refrain from consuming food.

Step 5: Surround yourself with thin people. This will naturally encourage you to emulate their healthy habits. Weigh your friends on a regular basis, then weigh yourself. Do you have a friend who weighs less than you? If so, consider gastric bypass surgery.

Step 6: Drink plenty of water. As you’ve probably heard, water functions as a natural lubricant in the body, flushing toxins and fat cells from the digestive tract. Water is also a delicious replacement for higher-fat liquids, such as milk. Try pouring water on your cereal or in your coffee. If you’re a baby, try pouring water into your mother’s breasts.

Step 7: Buy a pet. Having a pet will force you to take walks, which are a form of exercise. This is true unless you make the mistake that I made, which was buying an iguana. Iguanas walk very slowly and smell strongly of turds. I really cannot dissuade you strongly enough from buying an iguana.

Step 8: Vigorous sexual intercourse burns up to two hundred calories per hour. Therefore, if you are not currently promiscuous, it is essential that you begin “boning” immediately. Start by having sex with every person you know. Then have sex with numerous people you have never met. Continue doing this until you are thin.

Step 9: Self-confidence is the most attractive trait a person can have. For this reason, strive to love yourself and accept yourself exactly as you are. This will be difficult if you are overweight, on account of your loathsome physical appearance and compromised value system, but do your best. And, if the going gets tough, remind yourself: every person is beautiful on the inside, provided that they are also extremely attractive on the outside.

Now, the real deal. I'm sure I'm leaving out some really good stuff here, so please write to me and let me know what's working for you, as I believe in sharing the wealth. We're all in this together!

1. I follow the nine good health guidelines, according to WW. They are:

*Eat at least five servings of veggies and fruits each day.
*Choose whole-grain foods, such as brown rice and oats.
*Include two servings of milk products - low fat or fat free each day.
*Have some healthy oil each day.
*Ensure that you are getting enough protein by choosing at least a serving or two of meat, pultry, fish, eggs, or dried beans each day.
*Limit added sugar and alcohol.
*Drink at least 6 eight ounce cups of water a day.
*Take a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement each day.
*Get some exercise in most days. 10 minutes of an activity x 3 each day lead to results.

2. Get out of the diet mentality and make healthy changes that you can stick with (FOREVER).

3. Don't depend on other people for your success. You know it's up to you, not them.

4. Journal. Write down what you eat, how much and how often. It sucks, but it works. Remember, "If you bite it, write it."

5. Speak gently to yourself. You want other people to be kind to you, so you must start with yourself.

6. Say no to yourself. You don't have to eat everything just becuase you desire it. Sometimes you just have to say no to yourself.

7. Reward yourself periodically. If you meet a weight loss goal or an activity goal, then you should acknowlege it by rewarding yourself. Non-food rewards are best and most long-lasting.

8. Don't avoid whole food groups. This can lead to failure via resentment and food group lust.

And that's what I've got. What did I leave out? What have you tried that works for you? Or, what have you tried that doesn't work that you'd like to share?

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February 2009 Gratitude Journal:
1 February 2009: Today I'm grateful for the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
2 February 2009: Today I’m grateful for God’s grace – just enough for each day.
3 February: Today I’m grateful for the snow – just enough to be pretty, not enough to make a mess of things.

She's Baaaaack and More About Me

2009-02-02T10:31:00.004-05:00

In a good way! Go Jennifer!!! Jennifer made her super return to her adoring fans and the world at large by singing the National Anthem yesterday at Super Bowl LXIII.

And it was a super return indeed. First of all, she looked stunning rocking a sophisticated vision in black cigarette pants, button-studded military jacket, funky doorknocker earrings, glamorous updo, and a pair of stilettos so razor-sharp it's a wonder they didn't sink into the grass during her walk to the center of the football field. And the crowd roar she received when she appeared was an ovation worthy of a true superstar.

Game on, Jennifer. It's nice to have you back.

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This week's give-away can be found at Every Gym's Nighmare's blog here. The book is called Shape Up With the Slow Fat Triathlete. I want it! Do you? Well then, in order to win your copy, here's what you need to do:
*Leave a comment telling me your favorite non-running or gym way to get moving
Link back to this post on your blog.
*Add www.everygymsnightmare.com to your blog roll or reader.
*Tell a non-EGN reader to enter. If they leave your name in their comment, you get an extra entry.
*Giveaway ends Friday February 6th. Good luck!
---------------------------------------------------

And now, in celebration of my 100th post, the stuff you've all been waiting for.
100 Things About Me
1. I gave birth to my youngest daughter, Chrysanthemum, on my birthday.
2. I no longer celebrate my birthday, only hers.
3. I like to take long naps when given the chance.
4. I prefer my drinking water at room temperature.
5. Hot green tea with honey is my favorite beverage.
6. I still suck my 2nd and 3rd fingers on my left hand.
7. I would like to quit but don’t know how I’ll fall asleep without them.
8. I went to Catholic school grades 5 through 12th.
9. I’m not Catholic.
10. I didn’t mind wearing a uniform to school.
11. I suffer from flatulence, no matter what I eat (or avoid eating).
12. I wear my hair in locks.
13. I don’t call them ‘dreadlocks’ because there’s nothing dreadful about them.
14. I love baking cupcakes.
15. I started college as a Nursing major, but changed my major at the end of my
first year to Political Science.
16. I still regret that decision.
17. I went to Weight Watchers camp (AKA the ‘Fat Farm’) as a teenager.
18. I want to travel to a spa in every state and every continent on earth before I
die.
19. I think a part time job at Godiva would be perfect for me.
20. I love Annie Lee’s artwork.
21. I want my daughters to attend Medical school and practice medicine.
22. The color purple makes me feel alive.
23. Shopping at Macy’s makes me very, very happy.
24. I have no arch in my feet and I am an extreme overpronator.
25. I don’t get haters or people who are jealous of other people.
26. I feel no pressure to keep up with the Jones’.
27. I think their lives are not as pretty as they make them out to be.
28. I always thought I’d have a third child, but I have no desire for another child.
29. I want a Ford Expedition.
30. But I think it would be an irresponsible purchase, considering my commute.
31. If I could, I would paint every room in my house a different shade of purple.
32. I drink hot lemon water with honey to treat a head cold.
33. When I get a cold, they always last for at least a week.
34. I believe in angels.
35. Fairies too.
36. I was a teacher for four years.
37. Spring is my favorite season.
38. I enjoy visiting museums, specifically, the gift shops.
39. I am very comfortable in hospitals.
40. I know that my calling in life is to be a Nurse Midwife.
41. I want to retire to a poor country and be the town Midwife.
42. I think Ruby Tuesday makes the best burgers.
43. I was a waitress in college for two nights. That was all I could take.
44. I attended a HBCU for college.
45. I’ve worked for three different Baskin Robbins stores in two states.
46. My MBTI type is ESTJ.
47. If I won the lottery, I would request a monthly payout, not the all-at-once
check.
48. I love to eat steamed crabs on hot summer days.
49. I love to read, but have little time to do so anymore.
50. My favorite get-away spot is at Barnes & Noble with a big stack of books
and ‘zines to read.
51. I can’t read lips.
52. I love bath and body products.
53. I think men with gray in their beards are sexy.
54. I miss my Nana so much sometimes I can hardly breathe.
55. I know she can see me so that brings me comfort.
56. I can’t memorize military time – I have to keep a cheat sheet on my desk.
57. I’ve never been a bridesmaid.
58. I didn’t eat tomatoes until recently.
59. I am able to lose and gain weight very quickly.
60. I think Madonna is overrated.
61. I believe Weight Watchers is the real deal.
62. I occasionally enjoy lemonade and iced tea mixed together.
63. I don’t get nervous before speaking in front of large groups.
64. As a child, I wanted to participate in ballet and gymnastics.
65. But I was always the fattest one there, so I never went back after the first
class.
66. Now I take an Afro Brazilian dance class.
67. I’m still the fattest one in the class, but I no longer care.
68. I make my own wreaths for my front door.
69. I’m notoriously bad at math, and as such, I have a very hard time balancing my
checkbook.
70. I bite the insides of my cheeks when I’m stressed or worried.
71. I can spot a hair weave from 20 paces.
72. I think a life without an occasional steak or burger is not worth living.
73. I tried to be a vegetarian as a teenager.
74. I have a serious dislike for haters.
75. I have watched Madagascar like 100 times and I can enjoy it at least 100 more.
76. I am a firm believe in immunizing children.
77. I think ladybugs really do bring good luck.
78. I am severely lactose intolerant.
79. But I drink milk and eat ice cream anyway.
80. I think people who have gastric bypass surgery should be given some type of
guarantee that they won’t gain the weight back.
81. I have nearly no arch in my feet and I overpronate, these two conditions put a
serious cramp in the options I have for shoes.
82. As a result of above, I don’t fiend for shoes the way a lot of women do; I’m
strictly after comfort.
83. I can sit and read the Sunday paper for hours if uninterrupted.
84. I’m a notorious coupon clipper.
85. If given the choices of a meal consisting of meat, a starch and veggie or a huge salad, I’d almost always go for the salad.
86. I’m an early-to-bed, early-to-rise kinda girl.
87. I pride myself on being a very safe and courteous driver.
88. But I have occasionally flipped the bird to an inconsiderate driver.
89. I don’t wear a watch on most days.
90. I can avoid a food (i.e., chocolate/cake) without much trauma.
91. I have a much harder time limiting my portion sizes.
92. I love Birkenstock sandals.
93. But I’m not a hippy nor have I gone completely green.
94. I keep my toenails polished but only during the summer months.
95. I find Human Resources trends fascinating.
96. I’m a Sociologist and I enjoy studying people/lifestyles, which basically
means I’m very nosey.
97. I used to eat chitterlings (pronounced chitlins) but now I find them repulsive.
98. I’ve been a fan of Tracy Chapman’s music since I was a teenager.
99. I still buy every CD she releases.
100.I sing along to music in my car when driving, but I always turn the volume
up very loud in an effort to drown out the sound of me killing the notes.

----------------------------------------
February Gratitude Journal
February 2009 Gratitude Journal:
1 February 2009: Today I'm grateful for the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
2 February 2009: Today I’m grateful for God’s grace – just enough for each day.

Rose's Nails

2009-02-01T14:33:00.005-05:00

I treated Rose to a professional nail polish complete with designs as a reward for being the Accelerated Reader in her class two weeks in a row. This was her first real manicure and she enjoyed it. Although it won't be something she gets frequently, I do like to reward her on occasion for a job well done.

-------------------------
February's Gratitude Journal
1 February 2009: Today I'm grateful for the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Foliage Makes a House a Home

2009-02-01T14:31:00.002-05:00

Marigold said to the poor plant, "I certianly hope you've had a good life so far, 'cause I think you'll be meeting your demise soon!"

So I don't exactly have a green thumb, I do love having plants around. I'll do my best with this one!

Got New Shoes...Need to Break 'Em In

2009-02-01T13:59:00.007-05:00

Not really. The title of this post is a throwback from the movie Steel Magnolias. Remember the scene at Shelby's wedding where Annelle (played by Daryl Hannah) met the bartender Sammy and he offered her a ride home and she told him, "Can't. I got new shoes - need to break 'em in." Sorry, I just had a flashback. Steel Magnolias is one of my favorite movies of all time. And the shoe reference was too sweet to be ignored.

Marigold gave me a pair of Brooks running shoes for Christmas. Thanks, Honey! I tried them for the first time yesterday, upon reaching the conclusion that the shin splints I had been experiencing may be a result of the New Balance purchased last fall being on the latter end of their life span. After my 2.5 mile jog yesterday on the treadmill with guess what - NO shin pain whatsoever - I'm convinced. The babies need no breakin' in as they are comfort personified for this overpronator with weak ankles. The New Balance are ready for the recycle bin.

The Brooks felt great and despite the fact that I couldn't get my shoelaces just so for the first half mile, I still had a great run. Add to that the 7.5 miles I sweated out on the bike brought my January total to 110.5. I reached and surpassed my January goal!! Go me!

Here are some before pics of my new Brooks running shoes:

January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.
Thursday, 15 January: Today I'm grateful for progress of every kind: physical, emotional and social.
Friday, 16 January: Today I'm grateful for long-weekends. Lord knows I need it!
Saturday, 17 January: Today I'm grateful for long, leisurely breakfasts with my girls.
Sunday, 18 January: Today I'm grateful for cheap at-home date nights with my hubby, Marigold.
Monday, 19 January: Today I'm grateful for Dr. King's dedication and devotion to all Americans.
Tuesday, 20 January: Today I'm grateful that CHANGE HAS COME!
Wednesday, 21 January: Today I'm grateful that although it kinda feels like a Monday, in reality it's Wednesday and the week is half over already.
Thursday, 22 January: Today I’m grateful for my slowly-evolving figure. I saw something that closely resembled a waist line yesterday.
Friday, 23 January: Today I'm grateful for other bloggers who share their private lives, including the joys and sorrows with me, especially including weight loss and running bloggers.
Saturday, 24 January: Today I'm grateful for the Afro Brazilian beating (dance class) Ms. Easter Lily laid on me last night. My glutes are on fire and I'm loving it!
Sunday, 25 January: Today I'm grateful for clearance sales.
Monday, 26 Janury: Today I'm grateful that it wasn't snowing during this morning's rush hour. Monday morning in Washington, D.C. + snow = a hot mess.
Tuesday, 27 January: Today I'm grateful for SHRM and their awesome dinner meetings. Good food and great information make for a happy Blooming Orchid.
Wednesday, 28 January: Today I'm grateful for a snow day to share with my Flowers.
Thursday, 29 January: Today I'm grateful for colleagues that are brave enough to extend compliments on my weight loss.
Friday, 30 January: Today I'm grateful for my Flexible Spending Account. It's a beautiful savings option.
Saturday, 31 January: Today I'm grateful for a fun night out on the town with Marigold.

A Day at the Museum

2009-01-31T14:22:00.005-05:00

The Flowers and I decided to venture downtown today to visit the Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian. We had a great trip, starting and ending on the Metro. The museum was chock full of beautiful exhibits and the cafeteria allowed us to partake in some authentic Native American meals, including the all-American buffalo burger. It was cold as all getout, but we had a great time and learned a lot.

Amish Friendship Bread

2009-01-30T14:47:00.001-05:00

I've decided these will be the last two loaves I bake. At least for a while. I got hit with the Amish Friendship Bread hand-off at Christmas. I've been baking two loaves every ten days for over a month now. It's time to let them go and move on to my next addiction. The picture above is of the last two loaves fresh from the oven. They are delicious, but extremely fattening, as the directions call for a cup of oil to be added to the batter just before baking. The cinnamon in it makes for an extremely tasty treat, but like I said, it's fattening.

Have you had an Amish Friendship Bread lately?

"Now You Are Really Getting Skinny!"

2009-01-29T12:12:00.005-05:00

The six words every girl loves to hear. LIVES FOR. All her life. Every minute, every hour, every day.

Yup, a colleague said it to me today. My mouth fell open and all I could reply was, "really????" Not with disgust in my voice, more of a shocked/hilarious kinda way. Because although I long to hear those words, I'm not quite sure if I belive it, considering the source.

I'm starting to think I have that disease, the one that's the exact opposite of what I used to have. Okay, allow me to clarify.

I used to think I was much thinner than I was. When I'd catch a glimpse of myself, say in a mirrored wall in the mall as I walked by, I'd be utterly disgusted at the reflection and shocked at my appearance. Snort. As if I wasn't as fat as the mirror revealed. Surprise! Wake up girl! Haven't you noticed how the waistband in all your pants cuts into your flesh? Did you think that was happening because you select pants that are too big as opposed to entirely too small?

Now, when I go up the stairwell at work and catch a glimpse of my shadow, it's looking pretty small to me. I think to myself, who's that rather slim person walking up ahead of me? Then there's me looking around like a weirdo. No one else is here girl - that's all you! When I look in the mirror and catch my reflection, I think "Not bad. Getting there. Those hamhock arms still need a lot of work though!"

I've been doing a lot of reading on body dysmorphia and I'm growing concerned that I'll develop it. After being so depressingly overweight for the last ten years of my life, I'm not fully convinced I'll ever look in the mirror and see the healthy, toned woman I'm determined to become. I'm growing afraid that I won't believe how healthy I've become and although I know I'm in no danger of developing anorexia (let's face it, I dig food way too much to allow that to happen), I'm concerned that my inner (former fat) girl won't be able to acknowledge the outer (newly toned and healthy) girl I've become.

Tell me, when you look in the mirror, what do you see?

------------------------------
January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.
Thursday, 15 January: Today I'm grateful for progress of every kind: physical, emotional and social.
Friday, 16 January: Today I'm grateful for long-weekends. Lord knows I need it!
Saturday, 17 January: Today I'm grateful for long, leisurely breakfasts with my girls.
Sunday, 18 January: Today I'm grateful for cheap at-home date nights with my hubby, Marigold.
Monday, 19 January: Today I'm grateful for Dr. King's dedication and devotion to all Americans.
Tuesday, 20 January: Today I'm grateful that CHANGE HAS COME!
Wednesday, 21 January: Today I'm grateful that although it kinda feels like a Monday, in reality it's Wednesday and the week is half over already.
Thursday, 22 January: Today I’m grateful for my slowly-evolving figure. I saw something that closely resembled a waist line yesterday.
Friday, 23 January: Today I'm grateful for other bloggers who share their private lives, including the joys and sorrows with me, especially including weight loss and running bloggers.
Saturday, 24 January: Today I'm grateful for the Afro Brazilian beating (dance class) Ms. Easter Lily laid on me last night. My glutes are on fire and I'm loving it!
Sunday, 25 January: Today I'm grateful for clearance sales.
Monday, 26 Janury: Today I'm grateful that it wasn't snowing during this morning's rush hour. Monday morning in Washington, D.C. + snow = a hot mess.
Tuesday, 27 January: Today I'm grateful for SHRM and their awesome dinner meetings. Good food and great information make for a happy Blooming Orchid.
Wednesday, 28 January: Today I'm grateful for a snow day to share with my Flowers.
Thursday, 29 January: Today I'm grateful for colleagues that are brave enough to extend compliments on my weight loss.

Monday Mania and Other Random Assorted Thoughts

2009-01-26T10:21:00.006-05:00

I didn't exercise at all over the weekend. I wanted to on Sunday, but I couldn't stomach another 5-mile walk with Leslie and Co. So, I ran a few errands instead that included a $100.00 splurge on clearance items at my favorite store. I see a dreadmill purchase in my very near future. I'm just no fun if I can't get my run on most days.

Chrystanthemum has a weird skin rash that kept me up all night with worry. She says it doesn't itch or bother her, but it bothered me. Needless to say, I'm pooped today. I'm taking her to Kaiser tomorrow, but unfortunately we'll be seeing the Nurse Practitioner who's very kind, but a bit of an alarmist. At least I know she'll get good care, and although she might come away with a few referrals that will turn out to be a colossal waste of time, good care, nonetheless.

Molly Ringwald is expecting twins. I've always been a fan of hers, specifically of her role in the Breakfast Club.

Prince Harry and his longtime girlfriend have apparently called it quits.

We're expecting snow here today, tonight and tomorrow. Nothing ruins my attitude fater than anticipated snow. I'm so not in the mood for snow. Nor am I in the mood for people who can't drive in the snow, yet refuse to keep their hiney-pots at home. Please pray for my attitude. It's souring faster than old milk left on the counter.

That's all I got. Keep on running!
---------------------------------------
January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.
Thursday, 15 January: Today I'm grateful for progress of every kind: physical, emotional and social.
Friday, 16 January: Today I'm grateful for long-weekends. Lord knows I need it!
Saturday, 17 January: Today I'm grateful for long, leisurely breakfasts with my girls.
Sunday, 18 January: Today I'm grateful for cheap at-home date nights with my hubby, Marigold.
Monday, 19 January: Today I'm grateful for Dr. King's dedication and devotion to all Americans.
Tuesday, 20 January: Today I'm grateful that CHANGE HAS COME!
Wednesday, 21 January: Today I'm grateful that although it kinda feels like a Monday, in reality it's Wednesday and the week is half over already.
Thursday, 22 January: Today I’m grateful for my slowly-evolving figure. I saw something that closely resembled a waist line yesterday.
Friday, 23 January: Today I'm grateful for other bloggers who share their private lives, including the joys and sorrows with me, especially including weight loss and running bloggers.
Saturday, 24 January: Today I'm grateful for the Afro Brazilian beating (dance class) Ms. Easter Lily laid on me last night. My glutes are on fire and I'm loving it!
Sunday, 25 January: Today I'm grateful for clearance sales.
Monday, 26 January: Today I'm grateful that it wasn't snowing during this morning's rush hour. Monday morning in Washington, D.C. + snow = a hot mess.

Okay, Tag, I'm It

2009-01-23T08:45:00.013-05:00

Carly over at Chubby Chicks Run Too tagged me. Well, she didn't specifically tag me, but said 'if you need something to write about, tag - you're it.' So here we go. The topic 'au de day' is "Five Things You're Addicted To." Please. I could go on and on with this one. I have a slightly addictive personality (hence my weight issue - no?). Thank God I was never introduced to crack, eh?

My Top 5 Addictions in no particular order:

1. Blogging/the Internet. Can't get enough. I wish I could find a full time job that would pay me to find interesting blogs and write about them. I could totally rock that job! I do love my blog and I love reading other people's. See, I'm a Sociologist at my core (Sociology, by definition is the science of society, social institutions, and social relationships), so what other people are doing is a constant source of interest to me. In essence, I'm extremely nosey, and reading people's blogs gives me a glimpse into their lives - the part they choose to share, that is.

2. Rose & Chrsanthemum. I'm one of those weird Moms who spazzes everytime their kids go away for longer than 24 hours. The first night, I'm cool, happy usually, but then after that, I want my chirren back! I've never met anyone like those two nuts and I'm helplessly and hopelessly addicted to and madly in love with them.

3. Green tea with honey. I've learned to be addicted to it with Splenda instead of white sugar. I've got to have my cup every morning.

4. Annie Lee's artwork. I've never encountered another artist who's work stirs my soul the way Annie's does. When I'm a wealthy woman, I'll recruit her to do a portrait just for me. Perhaps even of me? I'd look pretty hot on canvas, methinks. Here's a sample of her work. How could you not enjoy a picture of a woman playing tennis, sneaking a scratch of her booty? It's so real and fun and just - real.

5. House, MD. He's a total nutcase and a drug addict, with a really bad attitude. But, he's a bitchin' doctor (did I just say that?) and it makes me LOL when he yells at people. It's pretty much the only show I'll stay awake to watch. I don't find him extremely attractive the way some women do, but I do like the beard.

Need something to discuss today? Great! TAG - YOU'RE IT!! (I'd like a list of your top 5 addictions by COB today, please!) Enjoy!

------------------------------
January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.
Thursday, 15 January: Today I'm grateful for progress of every kind: physical, emotional and social.
Friday, 16 January: Today I'm grateful for long-weekends. Lord knows I need it!
Saturday, 17 January: Today I'm grateful for long, leisurely breakfasts with my girls.
Sunday, 18 January: Today I'm grateful for cheap at-home date nights with my hubby, Marigold.
Monday, 19 January: Today I'm grateful for Dr. King's dedication and devotion to all Americans.
Tuesday, 20 January: Today I'm grateful that CHANGE HAS COME!
Wednesday, 21 January: Today I'm grateful that although it kinda feels like a Monday, in reality it's Wednesday and the week is half over already.
Thursday, 22 January: Today I’m grateful for my slowly-evolving figure. I saw something that closely resembled a waist line yesterday.
Friday, 23 January: Today I'm grateful for other bloggers who share their private lives, including the joys and sorrows with me, especially including weight loss and running bloggers.

Get 'er Done Thursday

2009-01-22T08:23:00.005-05:00

Nothing much going on my end of the Blogosphere. I'm working, I'll be running later, my locks looks amazing today and the three year-old brown slacks I'm wearing make me look quite thin. Dern, I'd say my self-esteem is pretty high, wouldn't you?

Perhaps it's because I'm completely and totally back OP. WW, that is. I completely and totally fell off the wagon over the weekend and proceeded to be dragged behind it for 72 hours. I stuffed cookies and other random assorted junk-food type items down my pie hole all weekend. Oh and get this. I didn't move a muscle. I didn't WATP with Leslie, I didn't Shred with Jillian, I didn't do a gosh-darned thing. I napped like it was going out of style. In the bed, on the couch, on the floor, screw it, I had no remorse. I slept all over the house for a very long time. And it felt great.

Yesterday, if you read my post, you'll know I was back OP and I ran/biked again. A 2-mile jog and a 3-mile bike ride. It's amazing how 18 hours of no sugar added eating and a little vigorous exercise. can change your point of view. Outlook. Perspective. All of those things. I feel great. I feel amazing. I feel alive again!

-----------------------------------
I'm wondering what you've got planned for today.
Todays QOTD is:
Name 3 things on your TO-DO-LIST.......

1.

2.

3.
------------------------------
January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.
Thursday, 15 January: Today I'm grateful for progress of every kind: physical, emotional and social.
Friday, 16 January: Today I'm grateful for long-weekends. Lord knows I need it!
Saturday, 17 January: Today I'm grateful for long, leisurely breakfasts with my girls.
Sunday, 18 January: Today I'm grateful for cheap at-home date nights with my hubby, Marigold.
Monday, 19 January: Today I'm grateful for Dr. King's dedication and devotion to all Americans.
Tuesday, 20 January: Today I'm grateful that CHANGE HAS COME!
Wednesday, 21 January: Today I'm grateful that although it kinda feels like a Monday, in reality it's Wednesday and the week is half over already.
Thursday, 22 January: Today I’m grateful for my slowly-evolving figure. I saw something that closely resembled a waist line yesterday.

Recipe For A Happy 2009

2009-01-21T12:46:00.004-05:00

Okay, I must admit that I totally ripped this idea off of It's All About Me's blog, though not totally, as someone sent me an identical e-mail this morning. But It's All About Me gets credit, 'cause that's the kinda girl I am (and besides, when I was in undergrad, our professors were constantly threatening us with sudden death - well, not actually sudden death, but with expulsion from the University, if we were caught plagiarizing, hence my strict adherence).

At this juncture in my life, I'm aware of the choices I make and how those choices are likely to have ramifications and/or consequences upon my life and those of my loved ones. I'm constantly seeking out new and better choices and decisions to make. Such as: head to Macy's on yesterday and use that coupon that's scheduled to expire today OR save the money? Another great example: eat the cookie(s) or abstain and enjoy a piece of fruit or?

As It's All About Me said it very eloquently, life's not all about food or exercise. That helps me as I desperately seek some semblence of a balanced life.

At any rate, here's the recipe for a GREAT NEW YEAR:

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God (or a
friend) about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My
purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________.'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, Issues of
the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest
your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like
a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree
to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what
their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this really matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

20. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!

21. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

22. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:
I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished:_________.

23. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

24. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.
Thursday, 15 January: Today I'm grateful for progress of every kind: physical, emotional and social.
Friday, 16 January: Today I'm grateful for long-weekends. Lord knows I need it!
Saturday, 17 January: Today I'm grateful for long, leisurly breakfasts with my girls.
Sunday, 18 January: Today I'm grateful for cheap at-home date nights with my hubby, Marigold.
Monday, 19 January: Today I'm grateful for Dr. King's dedication and devotion to all Americans.
Tuesday, 20 January: Today I'm grateful that CHANGE HAS COME!
Wednesday, 21 January: Today I'm grateful that although it kinda feels like a Monday, in reality it's Wednesday and the week is half over already.

Another Phoenix, Rising From Life's Ashes

2009-01-16T14:39:00.004-05:00

Jennifer Hudson is using pop culture’s grandest stage, the Super Bowl,to make her return to the spotlight following the murders of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew. Jennifer hasn’t made a public appearance since her 57-year-old mother, Darnell Hudson Donerson; 29-year-old brother Jason Hudson; and 7-year-old nephew Julian King were slain in Chicago in October.

Jennifer, who released her self-titled debut album shortly before the murders, is also scheduled to sing at the Grammys’ MusiCares event in Los Angeles. She is nominated for four awards at the February 8 Grammy Awards.

Jennifer already has an Oscar to her credit, a best supporting actress win for her role in "Dreamgirls." Her career was continuing its skyrocketing rise, with featured roles in movies like "Sex and the City" and "The Secret Life of Bees," as well as her new album release, when the murders occurred.

Go 'head, Jennifer! Keep on rising, girl!

January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.
Thursday, 15 January: Today I'm grateful for progress of every kind: physical, emotional and social.
Friday, 16 January: Today I'm grateful for hot soup for lunch on cold blustery days like today.

It Was a Miracle - Please Acknowledge It As So

2009-01-16T14:00:00.000-05:00

A US Airways airplane crashed into the Hudson River on Thursday afternoon after geese apparently entered the engines causing them to malfunction just minutes after takeoff.

Incredibly, every single passenger and crew member was rescued from the frigid waters thanks to an absolutely extraordinary and perfectly executed emergency landing procedure by the pilots. Mayor Michael Bloomberg met with the heroic pilot afterward, 57-year-old Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger.

Can't say you've ever witnessed a miracle? Well, my friends, now you have. Let the skepticism go and admit it. Next time I fly, you think I'll stand a chance of requesting Sully pilot it?

2 Little Girls and 48 Years Later - Progress

2009-01-15T11:12:00.005-05:00

This is a Norman Rockwell painting of Ruby Bridges:

The little black girl who had to be escorted to school by federal marshals. On November 14, 1960, nearly 48 years ago, Bridges faced hostile crowds as the first black child to attend a previously all-white New Orleans school. She was 6 years old and had only been told by her mother that she was going to be attending a new school that day and 'had better behave.' Little did she know that she would be bombarded with jeers and even death threats, and that she would end up being the sole child in her first grade class after other children were kept home by their parents. All because Ruby was Black.

Forty-eight years later, January 12, 2009 here is a picture of Sasha Obama, a little 7 year old Black girl, being escorted to school by her mother, First Lady-elect Michelle Obama, and the Secret Service because Sasha's daddy is now President-elect of the United States, Barack Obama.

January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.
Thursday, 15 January: Today I'm grateful for progress of every kind: physical, emotional and social.

Waistband Stretcher

2009-01-14T12:50:00.002-05:00

For the quitter in all of you

Seriously, yall. Don't do it. It's not worth it. Save yourselves! Keep this item as far away from your homes as you possibly can. Instead, invest in a decent pair of shoes and take a long walk. Repeat.

As someone said it more eloquently than I ever could: "The weight loss battle is simple. Eat less. Move more."

January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.
Tuesday, 13 January: Today I'm grateful for increased clients at work. Can you say job security?
Wednesday, 14 January: Today I'm grateful for my iPod Shuffle. Though small, it has brought me many hours of musical satisfaction.

Shouldn't Have Had That Cheeseburger

2009-01-12T13:03:00.002-05:00

But I made the conscious decision to eat it. I looked online at Ruby Tuesdays nutrition information before we left and was totally blown away by the sheer number of calories and fat grams in each burger. I was not feeling out of control, nor sad, nor depressed. Instead, I was totally celebrating my 30 pound weight loss.

Well, correction, the cheeseburger wasn't really part of my celebration, it was more of, I had a taste for a cheeseburger, and since Marigold and the Flowers wanted Ruby Tuesday for dinner on Saturday evening, the cheeseburger seemed like the perfect dining idea. Well, far from perfect nutritionally, but just what I wanted.

And it was a tasty burger! And I only swiped six french fries off Chrysanthemum's plate.

But, as per usual, when I make poor food choices, I feel it in my hips, knees and shins when I run. (don't you hate it when people say 'as per usual?' me too.)

However, the afterglow from my run is awesome. I'm feeling back on my toes again. I was extra sore all weekend after my beating on Friday night in Afro Brazilian dance class. I could barely make it up the stairs at home. I was hobbling around like a 95 year old man. Marigold convinced me to stretch more once I got home, as I could feel a middle-of-the-night leg cramp coming my way. Ouch! Yowser! With Marigold's gentle stretches and a few Aleve, I was able to dodge that painful bullet. The soreness, nonetheless, stuck around for the entire weekend.

And yes, you heard me right, I have lost an astounding 30 pounds! Only 60 more to go...

January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.
Friday 9 January: Today I'm grateful for my mother and her love for me. Happy Birthday, Ma!
Saturday, 10 January: Today I'm grateful for tasty cheeseburgers from Ruby Tuesday.
Sunday, 11 January: Today I'm grateful for Marigold, and his awesome willingness to be the strong head of our household and father to our Flowers.
Monday, 12 January: Today I'm grateful for my new shiny jewel-colored bracelet off the clearance rack at Macy's. Just looking at it makes me happy.

Random Silliness

2009-01-10T15:19:00.000-05:00

Who is Rose giving a shout out to in that last pic? LOL!

Happy Birthday, Daisy

2009-01-09T15:00:00.001-05:00

Today is my Mother, Daisy's birthday. To celebrate, the Flowers and I took her to dinner to our local Olive Garden (her choice).

Here we all are celebrating another year in the life of a great, amazing, lovely, wise, caring, generous, smart, creative, honest and loving Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend and Best Friend (mine).

Feeling MUCH Better Today

2009-01-08T13:14:00.004-05:00

Praise the Lord, the sun is shining! I thought I was going to have to hurt somebody yesterday! I was one miserable girl!

But, today is a new day and it's all good. I can see the sun (if I stand up in my cubicle), but I haven't actually been out in it, as I arrived at work today before the sun arose. Perhaps a short walk outside would do me some good. Nah, my locks are still wet. Can't risk catching a death of a cold right now - I've got waaay too many miles to plow through this month.

On the mileage topic, I treated myself to a 'long' four-mile treadmill run (well, snort, it was long for me!). It was delicious. Except for the stupid ear buds I bought that wouldn't stay in my ears. They drove me slightly nuts. They're going back to the store tonight. I'm so glad I kept my receipt.

Today I'm struggling with a relationship issue I've had since I was a young girl. I've cried about it countless times and I've been praying about it regularly. I won't get too specific, but I'd appreciate your prayers and good thoughts about it.

My Power of a Praying Woman calendar entry today says: Whenever you are disappointed because your needs are not being met, talk to yourself and say, 'My soul, wait silently for God along, for my expectation is from Him" (Psalm 62:5) Then tell God about all your needs and everything that is in your heart. Don't worry, He won't be surprised or shocked. He already knows. He is just waiting to hear it from you. This brought me a gread deal of comfort - knowing that He already knows and is waiting to hear it from me. Wow. His love for me amazes me over and over again.

The Willow Tree Angel of Good Health

January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.
Thursday 8 January: Today I'm grateful for good health and knowing it will only improve as I continue my weight loss efforts.

Need Sunshine

2009-01-07T08:51:00.010-05:00

Yes, just like any other flower needs water and sunshine to bloom, so too does the Blooming Orchid.

The past few days of minimal sunshine (as a result of the winter solstice and the rain showers going on 48 hours now) have really taken a toll on me. I feel myself growing grumpier by the minute. I'm sluggish and feel non-social. I want to go home and climb under the covers and hide there until Spring comes. I can't, of course, considering my two growing flowers need me and my job fully expects me to show up everyday and be productive.

I feel completely and totally blah. I've tried everything I can think of to make myself feel better, including continuing my healthy eating and exercise regiment. I go to bed at a reasonable hour and arise at a reasonable hour, giving myself enough time to get out of the house without rushing and risking killing myself and another innocent person. I wear brightly colored clothing. I apply makeup to my face each morning. I participate in activities that give me pleasure such as reading books and magazines, playing games with my flowers, going to movies, praying and journaling.

Nonetheless, I feel bleh today. I'm going to try and knock out 10 miles today on the recumbent bike. Perhaps working up a really good sweat and putting a few extra miles to bed will give me the mental boost I need.

This is where I am:

This is where I'd prefer to be:

January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing thats bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.
Sunday 4 January: Today I'm grateful for God's everlasting mercy and grace. Without it, I shudder to think of where I'd be.
Monday 5 January: Today I'm grateful for weight loss and maintenance blogs that give me valuable information.
Tuesday 6 January: Today I'm grateful for good hand lotion. Constant hand washing and harsh soap have done a number on my skin.
Wednesday 7 January: Today I'm grateful for the anticipated arrival of Spring and the longer days and flowers it's sure to bring.

6-Week Shake-Up

2009-01-04T17:37:00.008-05:00

Is just what the Blooming Orchid needs. Honey, I've been dipping and double-dipping, biting, licking and tasting every sweet thing that graced my table the past two weeks. In retrospect, I realized I was lucky to have gained only 0.2 pounds on Saturday.

It's time to get serious and reconnect with my inner diet diva (I know, I know, WW is NOT a diet, but just work with me). It's time to pretend that Jillian is in my house screaming at me to get it together. It's time to recommit to writing down everything I eat and it's time to get serious about my weight loss goals.

I got the 6-Week Challenge (I'm calling it a shake-up 'cause I feel like I could benefit from a good shakin' up right about now) from *FiTCetera.* If you've never been by her blog, do stop be. She's a great, witty writer. Per her blog, these are the directions for the 6-Weeker:
6 Week Challengers ~~ "quit f*cking around & get this sh*t done already" ~~ anonymous: Challenge yourself to 6 very strict weeks of eating & working out. Follow whatever program you wish. You're accountable only to yourself...the person who matters most! You are not to coddle yourself! Pretend you've got Jillian of The Biggest Loser on your ass! She doesn't take any excuses for wanting to cheat or give up and neither should you! If you see me slipping and making excuses set me straight. I DO NOT want to be told it's ok. Kick my butt!

Here is my challenge:
*Follow WW's Momentum plan to the LETTER for 6 weeks.
*Eliminate chocolate for the remaining 27 days in January.
*Exercise 5-6 days/per week for a minimum of 30 minutes 4/5 days for 6 weeks. 1 of each 6 workouts can be a minimum of 20 minutes long (after all, the Shred Workout is only 20 minutes long, but I do consider it to be a complete full-body workout).
*Drink 80 oz water each day (including Saturdays and Sundays).

Wish me much luck! I'll need it!

I Kicked My Own Butt

2009-01-03T20:55:00.005-05:00

Not realistically, but figuratively. After my WI at Weight Watchers (the 0.2 pounds I miraculously lost last week found their way back to me), I hit the gym. After a 3.5 mile walk/jog that felt like it would never end, 5 miles on the recumbant bike that left my thighs feeling like jelly, then 15 minutes of free weights, I enjoyed a warm and cozy 15 minutes in the sauna. I started drinking a boatload of water yesterday (in an effort to flush out the excess sodium I'm sure is coursing through my veins), so I was fully hydrated, but man, I could feel every extra calorie, sugar and sodium gram I have consumed in the last three weeks. Literally. I could feel it. It slowed me down and made me want to quit at every few steps.

Returning home, Marigold and the Flowers were out so I had the house to myself. That was lovely. Exhale. I washed my hands and immediately put on a pot of water to boil for oatmeal. Couldn't wait to have my oatmeal today. Couldn't wait. Oatmeal makes me happy. I enjoyed my bowl of oatmeal then headed upstairs for a steaming bath. I thumbed through my newest Weight Watchers zine then dressed myself. Before I could get dressed, I had this unrelenting desire to get back in the bed. I mean, under the covers and all! It was like I had run a marathon or something! I was whipped! I slept for 30 minutes, then the phone started ringing. Upseedaisies. I headed out to pick up Marigold and the Flowers who had taken Marigold's car to the shop for rear brake work. Back home and a quick lunch and before I could do anything about it, I was sleepy again!

I tried to fight it by reminding myself the christmas tree needed to come down and decorations needed to be put away, so I drug myself to the garage for the storage boxes. The boxes were upstairs awaiting my attention, but did I get to work? Nope. Back on the couch I parked myself. By 3:00, I was asleep again. I woke up at 5:30 to a dark and quiet house. Apparently, all my Flowers felt the need for a nappy-poo.

After a light dinner and quality family time, guess who's yawning again? Yup, it's me. I somehow managed to Kick My Own Butt.

My January Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing that's bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.
Saturday 3 January: Today I'm grateful for the love and laughter of my daughters - they really are my pride and joy.

2009 - The Year of the Blooming Orchid

2009-01-02T10:40:00.007-05:00

It's the year of ME, ya'll! I've decided to dedicate this year to my growth and commitment to being the best ME I can be. I'm going to increase my spirituality, physicality (physical well-being), mental and emotional well-being and just overall become a better girl. I'm already blessed and highly favored (ask me how I know!), but I feel the Lord has placed a desire on my heart to rededicate some time and energy into improving my life, thus, ultimately improving myself.

My family goal is to spend fifteen minutes reading with Chrysanthemum each day/night and spend fifteen minutes just being with/talking to Rose one-on-one each day/night and have a date night with Marigold one weekend night per month.

My mileage goal for January 2009 is 110 miles. This is an increase of 10 miles from December. This means that on average, I'll need to complete 3.5 miles per day (there are 31 days in January). I calculate miles from workouts that include outdoor walking/running, treadmill walking/running, elliptical workouts, and biking distances. I know that some of you prefer to set goals in terms of time or quality of workout, but as a result of my affiliation with the 250 miles group on yahoo.com, I'm acclimated to setting goals in miles. It works for me, so I'm sticking with it.

My journaling goal for January 2009 is 5 hours. I've purposely set this goal low, because I'm new to journaling, so I wanted to move into it slowly. I'm looking to give myself time to spread my journaling wings.

My gratitude goal is to look for at least ONE thing to express gratitude for each day. I'll include these things here on my blog and in my personal journal. Being thankful: what does it really mean? Here's a neat look at this most important activity.

My Weight Watchers goal for January 2009 is to lose six pounds and to write down EVERYTHING I eat (if I bite it, I must write-it). There are five weigh-in opportunities this month, and I'm allowing myself a cushion as I have a sinking suspicion that I may have gained this week (I'm blaming it on the coipous amounts of HoneyBaked Ham I consumed yesterday at our Open House). That leaves four weigh-ins to lose approximately a minumum of one pound per week.

I had a long talk with a family member yesterday about why I've chosen not to add more children to our family. One of the things I shared with her is that I don't feel that each child receives enough one-on-one time as it is, and that by adding a third child, each child would receive even less. I don't think it would be fair to any parties involved to add another human being to the mix as it stands and therefore, I'm closing up the proverbial "shop". In addition to my Mommy duties and responsibilities, I'm also a full time employee of a world-class organization that brings with it an hour-long commute in each direction, and I'm the wife of a great guy. Add to that time I spend working out, attending a weekly Weight Watchers meeting, and enjoying an occasional TV show/read a book, taking the Flowers to their regular dance classes/piano lessons, my schedule is pretty full. Right now, I feel good about my decision to not have more children. In a week or next month, I may be reevaluating my decision (highly unlikely), but for now, I'm content.

2009: The Year of Me. Not a resolution, but a plan to incorporate the goals I have into my life to improve the Blooming Orchid.

January 2009 Gratitude Journal:
Thursday 1 January: Today I'm grateful for family and friends who are willing to make the long trek to my home to celebrate the New Year with us.
Friday 2 January: Today I'm grateful for the pretty light blue sweater I'm wearing that's bringing sunshine to a gloomy January day.

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing today: celebrate yourself. Celebrate life!

New Year's Open House

2009-01-01T14:53:00.000-05:00

Today we hosted a New Year's Open House to allow family and friends who haven't do so (and those who have) to see our new home. It was a small intimate gathering, as Marigold and I are not the type to entertain lots of folks at once.

I decided to break out my chocolate fountain, as it's always a lot of fun and tasty, of course. I laid out pretzel sticks, strawberries and large marshmallows for dipping. Who wouldn't love that?

Our menu was simple, but filling. We had a Honeybaked Ham, a wing platter from Famous Daves, fresh bread and assorted jams, deviled eggs, a small veggie platter, and champagne for toasts.

Out With the Old...

2008-12-31T10:21:00.004-05:00

And in with the NEW YEAR! Happy 2009! It's been a long 365-day filled 2008. Some days were easier to deal with than others, but the fact is, it's just about over. The Blooming Orchid loves new starts, so for me, the New Year is a symbol of hope and renewal. On the other hand, I don't care for odd numbers (it's the only superstition I have, I'm not a total weirdo), but I've lived through 20+ odd numbered years and so far so good.

I'm not in a real reflective mood, but I will say that 2008 was an expensive year for me and my family. A new house and a nused car add a serious deficit to one's checkbook. On the other side of the proverbial coin, Chrysanthemum started Kindergarten, so that eliminated a major financial deficit - Nursery school! I never want to be responsible for another nursery school tuition bill. ever. again.

On the fitness and Weight Watchers apsect of my life, it's been good. I've enjoyed several long workouts over the past week. I'm by no means going to win an award for having an abnormally high activity level, but I've been enjoying my workouts and I'm convinced they've kept me sane during the stressful holiday season. I rediscovered the Firm. OMG! I love those workouts! They're insanely hard, but so much more enjoyable, now that I'm in better shape (notice I didn't say 'good shape'). My favorite is the Cardio Overdrive with Alison Davis. I can't believe how beautiful her body is! It's utterly amazing! I can only hope to look half that good one day. Talk about motivation! Alison, if you're reading this, you GO, girl!

My workout history for the past week is as follows: (HBBC stands for Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge):
Tuesday 12/23 - 30 minutes elliptical + 15 minutes bike (3 HBBC points)
Wednesday 12/24 - 30 minutes treadmill + 15 minutes bike + 15 minutes weights (4.5 HBBC points)
Thursday 12/25 - 65 minutes WATP walk (5 HBBC points)
Friday 12/26 - 45 minutes FIRM DVD (3 HBBC points)
Saturday 12/27 - 30 minutes spin class + 3 miles walk/jog treadmill + 20 minutes elliptical (5 HBBC points)
Sunday 12/28 - 65 minutes WATP walk (5 HBBC points)
Tuesday 12/30 - 3 mile jog (3 HBBC points)
Wednesday 12/31 - 2 mile jog + 4 miles treadmill (3 HBBC points)

In addition, I made my December 100 mile running/biking goal. I crossed off the last six miles this morning. That small victory felt great, BTW.

Now, on the eating front, I haven't been quite as strong-willed as I've been with the workouts. The holiday cookies/candies (and those damned lemon bars! Whomever created those things deserves a big slap in the face from the Blooming Orchid) got me in a big way, but I've been pretty successful at avoiding overeating regular food. My meals, albeit not planned as far in advance as they should've been, have been regular and filled with nutrient rich and fiber-filled choices. Oatmeal with golden raisins and spinach salad with fat free vinaigrette salad spray are my new BFFs, as they're filling and quick. I aim for three meals a day, two snacks and I follow the nine good health guidelines recommended by Weight Watchers. I'm still struggling with getting in two servings of healthy oils each day, but most days I get them in. I just can't remember to pour a teaspoon of olive oil on my salad.

Before I close for the year, I'd like to wish each of a you a fun and healthy New Year's Eve and a happy and prosperous New Year. Please don't drink and drive and be nice to everyone you meet - you never know who's watching!

A New Year Prayer

Holy Father,
God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.
We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.
Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.
Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.
To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.
To teach others to love by loving them.
Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.
So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.
That we could share Love with others.
Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,
in the chriping of sparrows in our backyards,
in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.
Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,
so that we may know You better and better.
We rejoice in the world You loved into being.
Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.

It's our Anniversary

2008-12-28T23:24:00.001-05:00

13 years and still going strong!

Marigold and I enjoyed a lazy day at home and a fun night out.

Life's good.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T10:57:00.004-05:00

May the blessings of Christmas bring you peace and joy throughout the new year

Keep running! I'll be back in a few days with mad miles to share with you!

Seeking Your Help - Have you Seen This Woman?

2008-12-23T08:53:00.003-05:00

Missing: Aretha Maria Fernandez

The Union County Sheriff's Office asked for the public's help Monday in finding a 31-year-old mother who has been missing since September 3.

Aretha Maria Fernandez, 31, was last seen about 2:30 p.m. September 3 when she left work at the Ellen Sagar Nursing Home. Her cell phone is off, and she hasn't reported to her other job at the Spartanburg Regional Heart Center or contacted her family and 5-year-old son, according to the sheriff's office.

At a news conference Monday morning, Sheriff Howard Wells said he has reason to believe she might have "met with some foul play."

"Right now, we're treating this as a missing person," he said. "As with any case like this, we're in a fight against time, and we're appealing for anyone with information to come forward."

Wells said Fernandez's boyfriend is a person of interest, as he is believed to be the last person to have seen her. The boyfriend is supposed to have dropped Fernandez off for work and was expected to pick her up Wednesday afternoon, the sheriff said. Wells would not disclose the boyfriend's identity because the man is only a person of interest and has not been charged with a crime.

According to News Channel 7, investigators acting on a tip descended on a Dumpster at a Li'l Cricket store in Pacolet and took it to a location where Union County deputies and SLED agents searched it. The Sheriff's Office did not say whether investigators had found any evidence in the Dumpster but did confirm the search was related to the Fernandez case.

Susie Fernandez, Maria's mother, said she was concerned when Maria didn't show up Wednesday evening. She said her worry grew when she failed to reach Maria on her cell phone.

"At first it would ring, but after awhile, it just went straight to voice mail," the mother said.

Susie Fernandez filed a missing-person report on Friday. She said her daughter is an attentive, loving mother, and it isn't like her to leave her son, not to call or to be absent from work.

"She would bring (her son) to the emergency room, even if he got a small scratch. That's the kind of mother and caring person that she is," Susie Fernandez said. "We're hoping she is OK and that maybe she's just in a place where she can't call us."

Maria Fernandez went back to school in August to complete her registered nurse's certification.
Her co-workers described her as hardworking and likable. "Ms. Fernandez is well respected among her co-workers and is a reliable and valued member of the Ellen Sagar Nursing Home team," said Nikki Harris, a spokeswoman for the Union County Hospital District.
"She always wears a smile and has a wonderful personality. All employees of the Union Hospital District are concerned and pray for her safe return."

Remember that you are God's daughter and He loves you. As you walk with Him, you will become more like Him every day (1 John 3:1-3). As you look to Him, you will be "transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Make Your Dreams Come True

2008-12-22T10:46:00.003-05:00

So, what's your dream for 2009? Yeah - you! I'm talking to you! You're here, you're alive, you're you. What's your dream for 2009? I know you've got one. YES YOU DO! You may be pushing it back down for fear of failure, but you've got at least one.

What do I do with this dream?, you ask. Simple. Write it down somewhere. No, you don't have to run to Borders and pick up a pretty notebook. Any notebook will do. A piece of your child's loose leaf paper is fine. A yellow sticky note is okay too. Just write it on something. That makes it concrete. Got it? Good. Now, put that piece of paper somewhere you'll be able to see it regularly. The bathroom mirror at home is a good place. You're bound to be there at least twice a day. Or, if you're more the kitchen-type, put it on one of your cubboards in the kitchen. Or, put it on the fridge. Doesn't really matter where it goes, as long as you put it somewhere you'll run across it often.

Spend a few minutes each day focusing on this dream. Imagine yourself living it. Whether it's weight loss, or financial freedom, or existing in a healthy relationship with another person, you have to meditate on it before it can come to fruition.

Revisit your goal often. It's okay if your dream/goal changes - that's a natural part of growing. And remember, as long as you're alive, you'll grow!

My dream for 2009? To drop the rest of this weight like it's hot!! I want to wear a size 14 by Disney in June. Secondly, I'd like to compete (and finish) at least two races. My first will be a 5K, the second, hopefully a half marathon. And yes, my dreams are already posted on the mirror above my dresser at home.

When you finish meditating on your dreams today, please check out Every Gym's Nightmare's Bumblekist Tuna Giveaway! You could be a winner!

Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ~Isaiah 43:18-19

Christmas Bakery Shop

2008-12-15T14:18:00.000-05:00

Where Am I Today?

2008-12-15T09:51:00.004-05:00

So, we all know that on this weight loss journey, our level of dedication to whichever program we're using can swing from one end of the pendulum to the next. Add to that the holiday parties and all the extra temptation we face - it can be very difficult to maintain, let alone lose weight!

Thanks to PiecesofMe, I'm attempting to evaluate where I am early in the day. Is it too early for all this on a ManicMonday? Could be. Nah. I'll jump right in and admit it: right now I'm at an elevated CODE YELLOW.

This is a direct result of scarfind down two slices of Amish Friendship Bread after a normal dinner then inhaling pieces of baked chicken skin while I was allegedly washing dishes and putting leftovers away. Ick. It's almost too gross to write about, but I did it. I'm confessing! It was tasty, to tell the truth. There's something more permeable about chicken skin than the breast meat. It soaks up more seasonings and spices than the meat does. Why is that, oh baked chicken god?

I'll let you know where I end up later today after working all day, then a long commute and wrestling with the Flowers through homework, bath time, reading time, and finally into bed. Seriously. My eating habits can get ugly. Quickly. All it takes these days is one screaming or temper-tantrum having Flower to throw me off kilter.

I did manage to Shred yesterday. Still on Level 1. The good news is that I'm not as sore anymore after completing the workout. I actually felt normal after the workout yesterday. That brings my total number of points to the Boliday Bootie Buster Challenge to a grand 19.5. Probaly won't bring me any grand prizes, but I'm doing it!

Choose for yourselves this whom you will serve...But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. -Joshua 24:15

Gingerbread House

2008-12-14T13:25:00.004-05:00

It's not Christmas in the Flower's household without a gingerbread house. Here's the house Rose and Chrysanthemum did this year with their Grandma. It looks yummy!

Rose, the Pianist

2008-12-14T13:18:00.008-05:00

Rose's third bi-annual piano recital was yesterday. She is becoming an exceptional pianist. We enjoy these recitals so much, not only because they give us the chance to dote on Rose, but also to applaud the other students who are learning and growing in their art.

Here she is hamming it up before the performance:

Here she is with her fellow musicians:

And here she is finishing up her piece:

Christmas in the Flowers' Household

2008-12-14T12:54:00.005-05:00

Here we are in front of our Christmas tree, freshly decorated. This is our 2008 Christmas picture that went out in our christmas cards.

What do I do?

2008-12-12T08:30:00.003-05:00

Do I select a 1/2 marathon first and train for it OR train for the 1/2 marathan and hope there's still time to register for it later?

I've decided that my goal for 2009 will be to complete a 1/2 marathon. I'm aiming for an August or September event. Why August you ask? Well, because it's a little over eight months away and August is the month of my birth. It'll be like a huge birthday present to myself (man, I really am a glutton for punishment!) and kind of a new birth. An August or September event will give me plenty of time to train my body and mentally prepare myself. Plus, anything after September runs the risk of running on a cold or blistery day. The Blooming Orchid does not do the cold.

If I continue to lose 3-4 pounds per month, I'll be down approximately 32 pounds by then. That'll put me at an awesome fighting (running) weight.

The events I'm considering include:
*The Parkersburg News & Sentinel 1/2 Marathon, Parkersburg, WV
*The Rock & Roll 1/2 Marathon, Va Beach, VA
*Parks 1/2 Marathon, Gaithersburg, MD

Yesterday I only managed to eek out three miles on the exercise bike, which gives me only one point for the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge. I'm going to have to double time it today to keep up. I've got Afro Brazilian dance tonight, so that class will boost my cardio points by another four. In addition, my Holiday Hurdles challenge at work requires me to get in another strength building activity so I'll be pumping a little iron again today.

On a Holiday note, we put up our Christmas tree decorated the house. I put candles in each window and plastic poinsettia garland on the light post out front. The wreath on the door has a huge red and green plaid bow and poinsettia's hot glued to it, so the house looks quite festive. I'm pleased with it. I wanted to add a small wreath to each window, but there are seven windows on the front of the house and I dare not ask Marigold to stand on a ladder and install them. I can only imagine the looks he'd throw me!

The Christmas shopping? It's been slow. I found some really amazing deals on amazong.com for the Flowers (love that Super Saver Free Shipping option!). I haven't been as efficient at shopping for Marigold or anybody else. I did buy myself a really cute pair of Birkenstocks Arizona sandals though, so that took care of my gift to myself! They were on sale for $21.99 - how could I just leave them there?

My Christmas cards were mailed yesterday. The Open House planned for New Year's day is still being planned. It's officially on, as the invitiations were emailed on Tuesday, but other than a Honey Baked ham and champagne, not much thought has gone into what we'll serve.

Who are you Christmas shopping for today?

Fresh Re-twist

2008-12-10T11:51:00.000-05:00

Finally, the locks have received the maintenance they so desperately needed and deserved. It's been nearly three months since a professional had their hands in my hair. It's a wonderful feeling.

Ahhhhh - the locks are lovely, once again. Notice the texture? Pretty, huh? How 'bout that gray patch? Dern - right smack dab in the front. I color my locks in the front (with semi-permanent color) but the gray comes right back. Sometimes it's back before I have a chance to shampoo the color out. Wisdom patch my keester!

A 2 pound loss! 25 pounds are history!

2008-12-09T10:49:00.004-05:00

Great WI this past weekend. Two more pounds gone FOREVER! This loss brings my total loss to 25 pounds. Pretty sweet! Weight Watchers presented me with a magnet and a silver charm that both say "25 pound weight loss."

People keep asking me: Do you notice any change in your clothes? And, What is Marigold saying?

Yes, I'm finally starting to notice some small changes in the way my clothes fit, and a dear colleague pointed out to me yesterday that I have newfound crotch and butt bag. That means that my pants are drooping in the crotch and butt areas. Marigold is not saying much. He's complimentary, but I'm sad that he's not taking much interested in turning his own health situation around. He said recently that he wants to cut out carbs from his diet. Cut carbs? That's so 1998. I mean, sure, cutting down on the white stuff is always a good idea, but why doesn't he understand that his body need some carbohydrates in order to function properly?

Time to invest in a belt, I suppose. More than anything, I would love to return to shopping for normal sized clothes (outside of the Women's section).

I hit the treadmill hard yesterday (and yes, it hit me back) for a total of 4.5 miles. Then I lifted light weights (8 pounds) for 15 minutes. This is a great start to my Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge, courtesy of runtothefinish.blogspot.com. I'm so excited.

I can't wait for continued changes in my strength and of course, my appearance. I'm giddy but also nervous. To be honest, I've been down this road several times. Not recently, but in this lifetime. I feel like the difference is this time that I've gained some control over the food - it doesn't control me anymore. I'm cognizant over what I put in my mouth before, during and after eating and I've also gained an appreciation for the power of food. How it tastes, how it smells, how it makes me feel and how it fuels my body.

I'm making Weight Watchers work by making sure I meet the eight good health guidelines everyday, staying on point and documenting what I eat. If I bite it, I write it. Oh yeah, that and lots of water and exercise.

Today I'm most grateful for the ability to run. It makes me feel light(er) on my feet. It's an amazing feeling.

What prayer would you like to boldly pray in faith and see answered? What would you like to see accomplished in your life, or in the life of someone you know, that would take a prayer of great faith? Ask God to take that seed you have and grow it into a giant tree of faith so you can see these things come to pass.

Yawn...More Treadmill Running

2008-12-05T14:46:00.003-05:00

I'm sorry, it's just too blasted cold outside to run. I'm a tropical kinda girl at heart, so 35 degree weather is fine for say standing in line waiting to go into a movie or walking around a tree lot looking for the perfect Christmas tree - but to run in? ....Naaahhh! Not the kid! You could say my running has been winterized.

So, I've retreated indoors until I can get a minimum of a 45 degree day. I purchased a slew of long-sleeve workout shirts (the cool kind that wick the sweat away from the body) for these very types of days. But December in D.C., those days are few and far between. Add to that a long day and a long commute and two Flowers who need me, it leaves very little time to run outdoors.

As a result of my retreat, I'm bored stiff. The treadmill, even with the big-screen TVs overhead and my iPod, is still as boring as dry toast.

But, I'm making it work. For the love of the BURN! Feel it! Feel the burn, baby! I wake up thinking of the runner's high I want and I think about it all day until I can get back on the treadmill.

On Wednesday night I managed to log 3.6 miles. Snort! It only took me 37 minutes. I'm slow: get over it! I had to hop off to do my one-minute push-up test and one-minute sit-up test for our Holiday Hurdles training program at work. I eeked out 28 push-ups and 35 sit-ups in one minute. I look for great improvement as my strength increases and my BMI decreases.

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I did Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred, Level 1 workouts. It's only 25 minutes long, but it's a real butt-kicker (that translates to it's a great workout). I love it already. I plan to do a shred workout at least three times/week through New Year's, alternating with my cardio workouts (treadmill/elliptical/bike).

Today I'm grateful for the Lord's grace. It's refillable and we get more everyday. It's a most amazing gift. What are you grateful for today?

Luscious Locs

2008-12-01T12:22:00.001-05:00

They desperately need a retightening, but I still think they're fabulous. They're growing at a pretty good clip, methinks.

Let Us Give Thanks

2008-11-28T09:54:00.004-05:00

Now pass the turkey and gravy!

Marigold and the Flowers and I traveled to my In-Laws in small town North Carolina for the Thanksgiving Holiday. It's only a five hour drive, but combine crazed holiday travelers with early deal seekers (who's seriously shopping on the day before Thanksgiving? Like, can I trade my schedule for yours?), and it took us closer to seven hours this time. It was a nice ride, however, as the Flowers slept for over an hour and traffic was only horrible for the first hour (I don't *heart* I-95 South), so all in all, it was not a bad ride.

I had made my plan for healthy eating on Thanksgiving day last Saturday at my Weight Watchers meeting. The leader gave us each a dinner sized paper plate and instructed us to draw estimates of what we would eat and how much of eat food. The overall idea was to help us plan, plan, plan, then work that plan. In addition to my eating plan, I had plans to continue my exercise routine by adding a walk/jog into each day I would be in North Carolina.

We arrived in North Carolina just after dinner time on Wednesday night and proceeded to check-in to our hotel (we've learned that visiting with In-Laws is much more pleasant when we have a hotel to retreat to for sleepy time). We called SIL #1 to see what she was up to then headed to MILs home. We said our hellos, checked to see if she needed anything, and left the Flowers with her for a long-awaited visit with their cousins. Marigold and I left MILs house giddy like two teenagers: a babysitter and a hotel in the same night! Hubba hubba hubba!!

On Thanksgiving morning, I drove back to MILs neighborhood for a slow early morning jog through her neighborhood. It was and uneventful and slightly unnerving jog as I had forgotten that people in North Carolina routinely wave to each other. It's nice, but it took me back for a second. I'm used to people who typically choose not to make eye contact with other walkers/runners (for the record: I make a point to smile and wave to other runners - I think we all need the albeit brief encouragement that a smile and wave can give).

I'm not sure how far I ran on Thursday morning as I'm boycotting my pedometers because I'm convinced they don't read accurately.

My midday meal consisted of an apple, a banana, 1/2 box of Campbell's broccolie veggie soup and an orange. And lots and lots of H2O. I knew from cooking in the past that the Thanksgiving dinner would be chock full of salt and sugar and I didn't want any of that stuff hanging around in my veins, causing a weight gain for this week's weigh-in (yes, I'm hitting the scale again on Saturday morning).

The Thanksgiving meal was lovely. The turkey, stuffing, gravy and mac & cheese were awesome. I decided that I wouldn't limit myself to any foods and I didn't. I had small servings of everything, including dessert. I haven't had decent homemade cookies in a while, so my SILs cookies were warmly welcomed!
Here we all are:

This morning I awakened looking forward to my run. I decided not to head back to MILs, but instead walked up and down the highway our hotel is located on. Luckily it had a sidewalk on both sides, so that made it safer. Again, I'm not sure how far I ran, as I had no pedometer, but I'll clock in in the van when we head out. I'm actually looking forward to finding out how far I ran. I'm such a sucker for accountability. That's the J coming out in me (I'm an ESTJ for those of you who understand MBTI typing).

So, my plan for today is to obtain some fruit (banana, apple, orange) for the day and water, water water!! I know I've got a lot of flushing to do and I'm prepared to endure lots of trips to the potty.

Since it was Marigold and his younger's sister's birthday, we decided to celerbrate with cake and ice cream. Seemed like a fine way to close up a joyous Thanksgiving day to us! Here are pics of the Flowers with their cousins, Marigold and his sister and mother, enjoying time together:

We're heading back home later tonight. WI tomorrow at 0700. Wish me luck!

This year I am most thankful for:
*God and His love for me
*Mariold
*The Flowers
*My Job/steady income
*Our home
*My van
*My quest for weight loss and good health and all the things I'm learning along the way about proper nutrition
*Runner's high (endorphins)
*My locks (I love 'em! Love to catch a glimpse of them flying every which way when I run)
*Barack Obama

I am most thankful that:
*My feet no longer ache
*I have lost 22 pounds and people are starting to notice
*I didn't have to go to work today

What are you thankful for today?

I heart Weight Watchers

2008-11-25T11:13:00.002-05:00

So WW @ Work has come to an end. At the end of 12 weeks, I had lost 18.8 pounds. My leader was kind enough to give me an extra two weeks on my card and I went to a local Weight Watchers center on Saturday morning (love those 7:00 a.m. weigh-ins!) and I had lost another 4 pounds for a total loss of 22.8 pounds.

There was a woman there who (drum roll please!) had just returned from a 7 day cruise and she had managed to lose 2 pounds! I'm convinced that's a first for all of man-kind. Losing weight on a cruise? She clearly needs to write a book - that's a feat I don't think the average person can achieve. However, that's Weight Watchers for you! It truly gives you the tools you need to control the food and lose the weight for good.

I'm off my soap box for now. On to something saucy:
I've decided a want a Volvo. An XC90 to be exact. Gray with black leather interior. Anybody got a fully-loaded money tree I can shake?

Happy...Holidays?

2008-11-18T09:51:00.003-05:00

Say what? (craning neck to hear better) Are those Christmas songs I hear? Are those Christmas cards on that rack over that? Is the whole housewares section at Lowes full of Christmas decor already?

Dude, can we live through Thanksgiving without gaining 10 freakin' pounds before we start breaking out the holly?

And yet, I'm a sucker for it. All of it. The flowers and I spent an hour looking at Christmas decorations last night. And I enjoyed every sappy moment of it.

I picked out my Christmas cards this morning, on an early morning jaunt to CVS. No, I didn't purchase them, but I've decided I'm going with a Thomas Kinkade card this year. I love the glittery sprinkly look to his cards.

Just don't play any Christmas music yet. I'm not ready.

It figures

2008-11-17T15:19:00.003-05:00

My quest to break my 5K cherry was not to happen this weekend. It rained all night Friday into Saturday morning. I know it rained through the night because I was awake every hour on the hour, straining to hear. Is it raining now? Nope. Is it raining now? Yup. Is it still raining? Yup. At 5:00 a.m., I turned on the news and sure enough, my weekend meteorologist informed me what I already knew: we were in for rain showers with potential for thunderstorms on Saturday. Kerplooey.

Rose's second grade grade teacher from last year was the one coordinating the event. I had been in conversation with her all week about the 5K and she had promised she would call me by 7:00 a.m. on Saturday if the event were canceled due to the weather. She called at 7:15, but by then, I was already mapping out how I would get my exercise in for the day.

After a 3 mile walk in the basement with Leslie Sansone, I was mildly satisfied and on I went with my day.

Rose had ballet lessons at 10:00, but we didn't make it. Correction: we arrived at the studio, but the clock on my dashboard read 10:12. Now, the dance company's rules say that as long as the students arrive by quarter after the hour, they can participate. But I know when it's me, I seriously dislike arriving to an exercise class late. You've missed most of (if not all of) the warm-up and it seems to take forever to get your footing and get into the routine. I wasn't going to subject my Rose to that. Plus, she was complaining that her leg hurt (isn't that convenient?). She loves her ballet class, she just never wants to go. You go figure.

It seems that Chrysanthemum is slowly getting over her fear of automatic flush toilets. The first few months of school have been hard for her apparently, partly due to this newfound fear. She's wet her clothes a couple of times, which I'm sure led to some embarrasment and confusion for her.

At BINGO at the flower's school on Friday night, Chrysanthemum and several members of her crew were galavanting through the school. I was manning the concession table, so I couldn't keep my eyes on her at every moment. Halfway through BINGO, she cooly shares with me that her male classmates stand up to go pee-pee. ON NO! The horror! She was in the boy's restroom, apparently closely observing their restroom habits. OH sweet LORD help me! Inhale, exhale. I calmly reminded her that boys go to the boy's restroom and girls go the the girl's restroom, there is to be NO intermingling of the two!

However, on a positive note, it seems that after observing and witnessing first hand her classmates lack of fear surrounding the automatic flush toilets at school, hers may as well be relaxing.

Ms. Bouquet, Chrysanthemum's teacher sent me this e-mai today:

Today during a group session Chrysanthemum starting crying. Our assistant pulled her aside to see what was wrong. She said, "I need to go to the bathroom, but I want to use the hallway bathroom." Our assistant took her to the hallway bathroom and stayed close to her side. The rest of the day so far she has had a huge smile on her face. I reminded her of our sneaky bathroom sign and to use her words when she needs to go. YEAH!!! SHE WENT!!! We will continue to encourage her to go, even if she is more comfortable with the hallway bathroom. Hopefully soon she will be able to walk to that bathroom unassisted. I will keep you posted-
Ms. Bouquet

It figures.

Slip slidin' away....

2008-11-07T11:10:00.003-05:00

The weight that is. I managed to lose 6.2 pounds this week! Now that's motivation to lose more at its finest!! I feel energized and inspired. I think the running/biking/elliptical training has finally kicked my metabolism into gear.

Now what's for lunch?

Barack! Barack! President elect OBAMA

2008-11-05T17:42:00.002-05:00

Barack Obama Wins Presidency

In an extraordinary moment in America's history, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has won the 2008 presidential election and will become the 44th president of the United States and the country's first African-American leader.

I'm stoked. Entirely thrilled and elated. I'm floating on air. I haven't been this happy since my children were born.

It's a GREAT day to be an American. I've never been so proud.

Achooo! Achoooo!

2008-11-03T08:46:00.003-05:00

I reached my goal!

And I'm pooped. My hair had a lockversary this past Saturday, on November 1st. My locks are now two years old! Unfortunately for them, I had no energy for a celebration or to even snap a picture of them. So, I'll celebrate later, but for now, I'm trying to recover from some type of upper-respitary thing. No runny nose, but lotsa sneezing, stuffy head and an unrelenting cough from haites. And I'm exhausted to boot. I'll get it together - eventually. Right now, I must rest.

If you're in the United States - please VOTE tomorrow!!! If you need a ride, call someone! If you need assistance - let it be known! Please VOTE!

Witches' Brew

2008-10-31T23:34:00.005-04:00

The flowers are all dressed up for a night out on the town trick-or-treating. Interestingly enough, both girls opted to dress as witches. Scary! Scary!

Feel the BURN...

2008-10-27T17:15:00.001-04:00

Weight loss ain't for sissies. It's wet (guzzling 64+ ounces of water everyday), hot (sweaty after a workout) and tedious. Slow....painfully slow. I hate it. I want nothing more than to drop 65 pounds this week and be done with it, never having to look back. For good.

But I can't. Even if I could lose it that fast, it would probably come right back to enjoy more of my misery. Smch.

I've been tricking myself into enjoying low-fat and fat-free desserts, snacks and meals. I've been exercising like a fiend. I've even grown to enjoy the jogging. I've learned to say no to cakes, cookies, and the occasional brownie. I've guzzled enough water to let me float out of my cubicle and down the hall to the restroom - at least that's the impression my bladder is under. I've invested in Weight Watchers and Hungry-girl.com cookbooks. I've even subscribed to the WW magazine. I buy EVOO by the half gallon and I've learned to appreciate soy. Boca burgers are surprisingly good. Add a low fat sandwich thin by Arnold and some lettuce, fat free mayo, ketchup and mustard and you'd never know it wasn't a real burger. I limit added sugar to my daily mug of green tea, instead relying on Splenda, which I'm slowly (very slowly) learning to enjoy. Splenda recently announced Splenda with added fiber. Have you seen it? Tried it? I'm a newfound fiber freak, by the way. I love fiber! Can't get enough of it in my diet.

And yet, the weight continues to hang around like the drunk who was too stoned to realize the party was over. This is SLOW going, man!

So I continue to trudge on. I walk/run/elliptical train/stationary bike nearly everyday - and enjoy it on most. The days I don't like it so much, I thank the heavens that I'm able to do it faster, harder and with less pain than a month ago.

What's your trick for doing convincing yourself to do something you don't wanna?

NC State Fair

2008-10-26T12:28:00.001-04:00

I suppose I really am a country girl at heart because I absolutely adore the NC state fair.

The rides, the agriculture, the crazy food (where else can you walk around nibbling on a giant turkey drum stick or a giant ear of corn without being scrutinized?), the fresh air and of course, the beautiful country folks. It's a great family time.

Here are some pics of the flowers with their cousins as we entered the fair:

Here are some pics of Chrysanthemum with her cousin, Lily-of-the-Valley:

Where has she been?

2008-10-22T13:26:00.006-04:00

I've gone off and become a running fool. Well, not quite. But I'm getting there! I know, I've been MIA for a while. What have I been doing, I know you want to know. Well, it's simple. I've been learning to eat well (courtesy of Weight Watchers), learning to exercise in a healthful way, walking/jogging/cycling my way through 109 miles to meet my October 250-miles challenge, and oh yeah, let's not forget, working 40 hours a week, raising delicate flowers and being somewhat of a meidocre wife to Marigold.

Rose is doing extremely well in school. Third grade is no big deal to her. She's taken to it like a fish to water. Chrysanthemum, on the other hand is slowly adjusting to Kindergarten. Her adjustment period has taken me by surprise, if I may say so. Rose just blooms where she's planted. Chrysanthemum, as Marigold loves to remind me (as if I didn't already know it) is an entirely different child and a very different person. I'll share one thing with you: Chrysanthemum doesn't like automatic flush toilets. And, well, if you've been out of your house in the past four or five years, you'll know that most pulic restrooms (schools, movie theaters, sporting facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.) have automatic flush toilets. The past few weeks we've spent begging her to just use the bathroom. She's had several days in a row where her lovely teacher couldn't convince her to use the bathroom. At all. Can you say will of steel? I've never met a more stubborn human being in all my life.

If I may be totally transparent for a moment: there were brownied covered in fugde and nuts on Monday in my office. They looked completely and totally amazing. And I managed to refrain from eating one! I didn't eat any! Was it easy? No. I had to pray and then go to the bathroom to brush my teeth to avoid sinking my teeth in one. It was a struggle, but for the first time in my life, I'm learning how to effectively avoid eating food that's no good for me!

It looks like I'm going to make my 250-mile goal and my 109 miles for the month of October. My long Saturday and Sunday morning runs have really helped boost my mileage tremendously. I'm up to four miles on each day. On days when I can't run, I feel badly, as I've grown to enjoy it so much. I haven't taken my body measurements, but I know things are changing! I'll take pics and post them soon. I've lost a total of 13.6 pounds, and I haven't felt this good in a long time. If you've ever lost weight, I'm sure you know what a difference 13 pounds makes.

My first 5K run is coming up in about two weeks. For those runners/walkers out there, I'm interested in new music to put on my Ipod for the run. I love Rhianna and Justin Timberlake's fast songs, but I'm ready for something new. Can I count on your for your favorites? For those of you that can't live without your Ipod, please post your favorite running tunes.

Crazy for Locks

2008-10-14T12:42:00.000-04:00

A few different shots of my locks in various states of doneness.

See Rose over my shoulder in one picture? She's such a camera hog. Love that girl!

So what? I'm still a ROCKSTAR

2008-10-03T11:54:00.002-04:00

I love Pink's newest song, "So what." She rocks. And yes, I can identify with the song. Not the parts about losing the husband/hime never being there, nor the part about starting fights.

I find myself saying the lyrics in my head when I flub up stuff. Bounced a check? "So what, I'm still a rockstar!" Ran a red light and got pulled over by the boys in dress blues? "So what, I'm still a rockstar!" Forgot to pay a bill and got a past-due addition? "So what, I'm still a rockstar!"

It's great for one's self-esteem. You should try it one time; talk positively to yourself and reap the rewards of resetting your zero. It really is okay to make mistakes, and then talk to yourself without beating yourself up about it in the process. Life is often long and hard, and it's not going to make things any easier on anybody if you abuse yourself emotionally.

Rose, my # 1 sweetie, knows I love the song. This morning while getting dressed, she heard the song come on the radio and cranked it up for us. It helped - we were all tired and dragging this Friday morning.

And the song really is addicitive, if you haven't heard it yet. "So what - I'm still a ROCKSTAR! I got my rock moves and I don't need you...."

I've lost another 4.4 pounds. I guess all the jogging, walking, recumbant biking and push-ups paid off this week. But, it ain't ova! I've got a long way to go.

Won't you walk with me? Throw on your jacket and let's go...

5K fun run? You talkin' to me?

2008-10-02T10:08:00.006-04:00

The flowers' fit club is so much fun. During the run/walk portion of the activity, Itry to motivate the children to run as many laps as possible. I chased Rose around the field, taunting her with "You're goin' down, Kid!" trying to keep her laughing and her momentum up. She thought it was hilarious - her Mommy with a competetive streak? No way!

Imagine my surprise when the teacher who coordinates the Fit Club called me to invite me to participate in a 5K fun run coming up. Well, to be totally honest, as the President of the PTSO, she called me because she wanted to know if the PTSO would pony up some funds to help out. Of course we will.

Me in a 5K? I love the idea. I'm totally enjoying the jogging I've been doing - I've never felt healthier or stronger in my life, but I gotta admit, I still have my doubts. I mean, I'm a big girl! But can I do it? That's the question au de day.

And what's with this left hip of mine? It hurts most days. It started aching about two weeks ago, while attempting to jog up a steep hill (never a good idea for a novice). I think it's a ligament that got stretched too far. Time to start downing more Glucosamine Condroitin. While I'm on a roll complaining, I'll also talk about my aching ankles and feet (though what's new?).

I ordered some OTC orthotics last weekend. You can find them here. See the mal-aligned skeleton on the website? That's how I feel. Due to feet that overpronate, my spine and probably my entire skeleton is entirely out of alignment. Pounding on the pavement while walking/running doesn't help, but hey, I can't lose this weight without the exercise.

I kicked my own butt yesterday. I walked two miles at lunch, then after work, went to the gym and knocked out three miles on the elliptical trainer, then another three miles on the stationery bike. Eight mile for the day! Not too shabby!

I treated myself to a new pair of New Balance running shoes. Due to my improperly-balanced feet and ankles, it's important that I replace my shoes every 300 miles or so. I've found, through trial and error, that New Balance are one of the few brands that don't rub my feet the wrong way (no pun intended).

My ticker girl and I run on. How about you - what makes you feel strong today?

Running...for...my...life....

2008-10-01T15:20:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I think I've mentioned this little weight loss crusade I'm on. It's hard. The exercise sucks. The eating correctly sucks. I find myself feeling a bit cross and evil - a lot. But I know it's part of the process. And I don't like it one bit.

The yahoo group that I'm a member of, 250 miles, is wrapping up the current 5-mile challenge. Long story short, I need to walk/jog/bike, etc. 109 miles before the end of October to meet my goal. Sigh.

So here I go. I've got 4 miles in. Ha ha ha ha ha you say. Me too. Classic comedy, as my friend likes to say.

Yesterday at the Flower's new after school fit club, I ran .75 mile. I almost made the whole mile, but I conked out 'cause my throat was burning. I wasn't that tired and I was kinda mad with myself, I should've been able to finish the mile.

So while you're lounging on your couch, munching on full fat snacks, think of me. Know that I'm probably somewhere looking like an exhausted rasta, locks all over mah head and swit dripping. That's me burning fat baby.

Here's my ticker. She'll help me track my miles this month. Who knows? 109 miles in October could morph into 115 in November. Ooh chile, I'm gonna look good next summer!!!

Baker's Dozen

2008-09-25T12:47:00.000-04:00

Nothing wrong with an occasional cuppy-cake. Or two. Somebody STOP ME!

Welcome Fall!

2008-09-22T13:32:00.003-04:00

Today is the first day of Autumn. Are you ready for fall? Well, ready or not, here it comes!

I, myself, have enjoyed the cooler nights and the A/C being turned off. I put a pretty orange mum out on the porch yesterday. My autumn wreath will go up soon, I just have to hot glue more flowers onto it.

Some things I love about Autumn include fresh apples, cooler temperatures, the leaves turning the color of fire, and of course, baking! I'm not looking forward to Winter, however.

What do you love about Autumn?

What color are you?

2008-09-16T14:30:00.006-04:00

No, I'm not asking in that complicated, highly politicized ethnic way. I'm talking in the color-scheme, rainbow/horoscope kinda way. Don't know what I'm talking about? I didn't either until I checked it out here at the colorstrology website.

Apparently Artisan's Gold inspires me with a sense of peace and gratitude.
I found this link on How About Orange's Blog.

Perhaps that's why when I'm getting a massage in the artisan gold colored room I feel so relaxed and inspired when I come out.

I tried to convince Marigold to let me paint our master bedroom in this goldish-yellor color, but he wasn't having it.

And then, since we're on the topic of color, take a little quiz to discover your "color personality." You'll "discover your color preferences based on your five senses, your interests, and your style." Your results are translated into a paint color palette to help you decorate. I found this also at How About Orange's Blog

My responses correspond most with the Al Fresco collection.

Must drink --more--water...

2008-09-12T22:00:00.004-04:00

Today was weigh-in. Not too bad, down another pound for a grand total of just over 5 pounds. Picked up a 5-pound dummbell lately? It's not exactly light. I'm feelling pretty good about it. I've got quite a long way to go, however. No confirmation on what my total weight loss goal should be, but the fact remains that I'm still not sure how I lost 4 pounds the first week. Can you say puzzled???

My plan is to 1) keep up the exercise, somehow figure out a way to increase my time to 45-60 minutes a day, as opposed to the 30 minutes I have been taking advantage of every day. I tell ya, when I fight with that blasted treadmill, it fights back! 2) drink more water, and 3) document everything that goes in my mouth. Weight Watchers is basically a big behavior modification effort. Clearly, my behavior needs a lot of modifying!

My hair seems to have been through a bit of a growth spurt lately. I'm enjoying my locks now more than ever. I sat down tonight and re-latched every single lock. I've been using the crochet hook more recently, as it seems to grab fewer excess hairs than does the latch hook. I feel like I have more control over my stray hairs when I use the crochet hook.

Here are a few pictures of me on the way to work this morning:

So, you think you're hot stuff?

2008-09-11T14:31:00.004-04:00

Think you're pretty cool, huh? Can you top this? The Lord made this, ya know?!