Thursday, October 28, 2010

Reflections on Secret Admirers

Yesterday I received quite a treat...The most amazing Chocolate Covered Strawberries were delivered to my office. This came as quite a shocker especially since my admin brought them to me stating your order has arrived. I looked quizzically at the box and then at her and stated, "but I didn't order anything." Now this was an extraordinarily odd occurrence, things like this generally do not happen to me. So I took out a pair and scissors and cautiously opened the box. Nestled inside were, and I repeat, the most amazing chocolate covered strawberries I had ever seen. Along with the strawberries came a note that simply stated, "Jessica, I thought you could use a treat to brighten your day." That is sweet I thought and then I randomly scanned my memory of anyone I thought might have been forward and creative enough to send such an interesting gift. I had my suspicions...

Let me go ahead and point out to the general masses the following fact... Yes as children we've heard and seen all of the secret admirer fantasties from friends and even in the movies. Sweet, we all think, I wish that would happen to me! Let me set the record straight. Sweet in theory, Creepy in real life!

I went through the remainder of my day wondering who could have sent the gift. No one was forthcoming. During my Organization Theory class later that evening I get the strangest text..."Did you enjoy your 12 little rays of sunshine." This was very strange...the number appeared to be one of those random computer generated numbers that you hear about in all of the pyscho horror novels. Still in class I forward this number to one of my girl friends and ask her to call it for me. Nothing...Apparently you can't call a computer generated number that is NOT ASSIGNED! Yeah, I'm slightly freaked.

The suspense was killing me...After class I decided to go back to my office, I try to call! Nothing...so its true you can't call COMPUTER GENERATED PHONE NUMBERS! I finally cave and respond. "Yes, they were lovely. Thank you very much! When are you going to present yourself." What do you know you can't call the freaking number but it apparently is great for TEXTING!!! I get back within the minute "Depends." At this point I want to pull my hair out..depends on what. Am I gonna survive this situation that is turning weirder by the moment. 30 minutes later I text back..."Hmm...I'll play your came. Depends on what?" The pyscho text me back "depends on when you have time, I know you are busy and for good reason." Really, I mean really! I know who this is at this point! Yeah, I actually do and I want no part of it for a variety of reasons.

I post on my FB page...slightly freaked out by today's turn of events and leave it at that. 2 hours later I get a text from the same freaking number. "I don't mean to freak you out, I'm not a physco or weirdo just someone who cares." Just a personal suggestion, if you're not a pyscho don't say your NOT a pyscho! Text message is offically ignored! But it doesn't stop...oh no...it doesn't stop! An hour later I get another message. "Ok, now I feel bad, I didn't mean to freak you out. If you want to know who this is call...256-xxxx. Hmm...I forward the text to one of my guy friends and ask him to call. Yeah, slightly devious!

He calls back a minute later, So and so answered the phone, I told him my girlfriend got a text telling her to call this number and that she wasn't interested in anymore games. God bless that man! So yeah, I'm just gonna put it out there...Chocolate Strawberries good...random generated phone numbers...not good! Questions...Nah! I didn't think so!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Gluten Sensitivity and the Whole 30

Well, I cheated! Yep...I had bread this weekend. Glorious marvelous bread! However I paid for it. My throat contricted slightly! Just enough to become an irritant in my life and just enough to realize that I haven't lived with this contriction during the time period I was following the Whole 30...so what have I learned...or rather what lesson have I chosen to hear at this point:

a. Doctor states limit my bread
b. The whole 30 states NO BREAD
c. Eat right for your type...Type A Blood...states NO bread
d. All of the Above

Hmmm...do you get the picture...I guess I'm really going to have to reconsider all of the advise. Heck, I might actually loose weight now knowing that I really can't eat bread...

So on with my experiment. No bread for a whole week...I'll let my throat loosen up...yes, its still tight. Sunday I believe I'll have some bread...if it happens again...Adios bread, cakes, muffins, cookies, pasta...WHEAT BEER!!!! WHAT?!?!?! I guess I'm just gonna be a wino from here on out...

Friday, August 13, 2010

The Whole 30 - Day Four & House Hunting

It's Friday!!! Yay! This also means its Day Four of my little experiment! I would like to state for the record that there should be paleo diet guidelines for busy single moms on the go!!! Yesterday did not go so well. I had Chinese...before you scream...I got the steamed veggies and the broccoli and beef...but, let's just say I'm sure that there was something in the sauce I should not have eaten. Almost immediately afterwards I felt sick and sluggish. I felt my mucus glands begin to swell it really wasn't a pleasant feeling. I really believe there is something to this thing. So Chinese is out! DEFINATELY out!

Anywho, today is DAY Four! I have lost 1/2 a pound since Monday and I feel much better about the whole deal especially after experiencing the effects of what this junk actually does to our bodies. I am still becoming accustomed to black coffee. Not sure if I will continue this diet to the strictest level once my two weeks are up. I really do miss dairy and some bread.

The house hunt may be at a close soon. I placed a bid on a short sale in High Falls last month and it appears it may go through. Everyone is upbeat and positive. If all goes to plan I should be closing around September 10th! My fingers are crossed. I am really excited and am dreaming of a place that is solely mine. A place where I may find some peace and tranquility in my life once more.

I am really looking forward to this location. While the drive may be long to work I will be closer to family and friends. Plus we will be within walking distance of the State Park this means hiking and bike riding with the girls. I simply can't wait!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The Whole 30 - Day One

I have taken up the challenge of a dear friend of mine and am test driving the Whole 30 a strict paleo diet. I have decided to do this to change things up. My Summer eating has not been good at all. Too much crap in my diet and too many liquid calories have lead to a 4 to 5 lb weight gain. This is going to end. I will NEVER go back to the lazy unhealthy individual I was over two years ago.

Enough Ranting - You can read up more on the philosphy here http://whole9life.com/2010/05/whole-30-v2/ . For those who just want the details my personal goals are below:


I CAN have meat, veggies, fruit, & nuts

No grains of any kind - including corn - PANIC
No dairy - BIG PANIC
No Alcohol
No Sugar - including artificial
Calories 1700 or below

Today is the first day. Last night I spent in preparation of the trial to come. I went the grocery store purchased veggies, cut them up and packaged them so I could have them ready for meals or snacking in the hopes I wouldn't cave and fall victim to the crackers in the vending machine. I must also be brutally honest in the fact that I also spent last night saying goodbye to bread. I love bread in all its glorious forms so for me this is truly going to be a test of willpower and committment. Last night I drank 1/4 of a 2 liter of Gingerale and ate a HotDog with a steamed bun. I felt rather sick afterwards. I must admit I ate it just to eat it as I wasn't even hungry but I knew I wouldn't be able to taste a Hot, Steamed bun for at least 2 weeks longer if I decide to continue this crazy scheme.

As previously stated last night was spent in preparation and a little embibing but I did get my game plan in order. This morning was a huge personal challenge - I drank my coffee black - I know, I know please keep your comments to yourself this was HUGE for me. I NEVER drink my coffee black, EVER!!! I almost had a moment of weakness, my internal demons were telling me you can just have cream with your coffee. I had to whip them into shape rather quickly before I gave into those. I decided if I made the exception for coffee where would it end...not to mention the disappointment my friend and myself would fill that I didn't give this my 100%. Day one is going to start off right!!! So I drank it and you know what? It wasn't THAT bad! It had the taste of coffee that is made way too strong and must then attempt to tame it with creamer but no matter how much creamer you put in the cup its just not gonna work. I think I can get used to this. I actually had two cups!!!

Today's breakfast consisted of a huge omelet with green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and chicken...topped with salsa...sliced strawberries on the side. I didn't even look twice at the pancakes I made for my kids. I think I may like this afterall.

I have a whole host of chopped veggies and fruit options laid out before me. I'm not really hungry yet although I did give into the frozen blueberries...I believe my teeth and my fingertips will give me away for that one...but it was a very good early morning treat!

I will be teaching the noon class as well as Kickboxing tonight so we will see if I have any results to share later this week.

Afternoon Update:
I am not hungry but I'm not satisfied either...I did not plan well for lunch. I was so caught up in having snacks that I did not actually pack lunch! Go Figure! So I've had cucumber and tomato salad, celery, sliced bell pepper strips, and an apple with peanut butter. Yes, it was filling but I'm not sure if it will sustain me through Kickboxing.

To be continued....

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Updates

Wow! I realized I haven't posted anything recently and yet so much has been going on in my life. Nothing on a Grand Scale mind you just the continuation of the journey.

School is almost out for the Summer. For those of you who have that phrase embedded into your brain along with the guitar refrain I must remind you, YOU ARE OLD! Yes, that does include me. Anyway, the school year is drawing to a close. My girls have done a fantastic job in their studies. Madalyn got a trophy for all A's this year. Taylor has remained in the gifted program with A's and B's. I am really proud of both of them.

My adventures have been scaled back some due to my crazy schedule these last few months. I did actually pass my fitness certification for those of you who are interested or haven't kept up with me on Facebook. I have taught Kickboxing, Step Aerobics, Sculpting and now have had some experience with a Kettlebell. As an aside: The kettlebell and I currently have a love hate relationship. I love what it does for me it hates me enough to turn me black and blue....its something we're working on.

I am finally beginning to loose some additional weight. Not much mind you but I can definately tell a difference as my body is toning up again! FINALLY! After 6 months! For those of you out there who continue to fight the good fight. Do not give up, you will prevail!!!

I finished up this semester's MBA classes and have decided to take the Summer off. Between fiscal year end at work, attempting to find a house and actually move prior to the end of July, teaching classes, being a full time Mom, and oh my gosh I do have a full TIME job!!!! Anyway, enough is enough this Summer. I'll pick it back up in the Fall even though it sets me behind.

As always I struggle to find some alone time and have taken time lately during my lunch breaks, at least the ones I'm not teaching to sit under a huge oak on campus and mediate...it does wonders for the soul.

I am excited about visiting my brother, Melissa, and Poppy at Aunt Poppy's in Flordia at the end of this month. I can't wait to see everyone and catch up.

That's all I've got at the moment. I'm not feeling particularly inspired at the moment and as this is a public forum of some sort I think I will keep my most private thoughts under lock and key.

Adios!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Teachings from The Secret Scrolls

Today I received an email from a dear friend of mine. She forwarded me a message from The Secret Scrolls. It is listed below:

From the Secret Daily Teachings

If you make time to list all the things you are grateful for, and you feel the feelings of gratitude, you will feel amazing every day. Your frequency will be high and you will move through your days in love with being alive, bringing joy wherever you go, positively affecting one person after another.

When you live a life like this, everything you want will come before you ask.

May the Joy be with You!

I absolutely loved the message and I decided to do exactly that!

I am grateful for:
  • Waking up to a day full of sunshine
  • My two beautiful girls
  • Hugs from Madalyn
  • Smiles from Taylor
  • Conversations about their hopes and dreams
  • My job
  • My comfortable bed
  • My amazing Father
  • Two wonderfully adventorous brothers and their amazing wives
  • My neice Poppy
  • My other neice Abby and nephew Caleb
  • A great and uplifting sis-in-love Amanda
  • God's promise to prosper me
  • My Faith
  • My Apartment
  • My God
  • My car
  • Money in the bank
  • Money on the night stand
  • Food in my tummy
  • Food in my children's tummy
  • Food in the pantry
  • My Health
  • My Fitness Certification
  • My ability to motivate others with my weight loss
  • My degree
  • My progress towards my MBA
  • New Friends and Old
  • The ability to walk, dance, and sing
  • My Office!
  • Hot Water
  • Showers
  • Clothes in my closet
  • A washing machine and dryer
  • The dishwasher
  • Taylor's willingness to help me out with her sister while I go to class
  • An occasional girls night out
  • The ability to expand my mind through my MBA classes
  • My Cell Phone
  • The ability to pick up the phone and call my brother in Texas
  • A future house God will provide
  • Bedtime stories with Madalyn
  • Hiking
  • Kickboxing
  • Wino Wednesday

Wow! I think I could go on forever. It is true that we are blessed in so many ways. I challenge you to list out as many blessings as you can today. Then let us reflect on those things instead of our unhappiness about things that do not really matter.

Peace be with you Today!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Is Certified or is that Certifiable?

Wow,

I am still reeling from the exhaustion of this weekend. After studing and preparing for my Group Fitness Certification it is all finally over. I have stressed over this thing for weeks, attempting to study while still working on my MBA classes, full time job, and full time motherhood. It's enough to drive anyone a little overboard. My poor kids have been great!

Saturday I spent the night with a good friend of mine who graciously agreed to keep my girls while I went to certification workshop and took my test. Who was I kidding when I thought I would get some sleep however. I was wide awake at 2:00 a.m. and could not go to sleep for anything. After tossing and turning for 3 hours I decided to get up get dressed and go in search of some breakfast. by 6 a.m. my body was telling me it was time go back to sleep. So I consumed copious amounts of coffee and redbull in an attempt to fool my body into thinking I could get through this day without feeling like I've been hit by a mac truck. No success!

The day dragged on, the test came and went and then it was my time for the practical. My success hinged on my ability that I could fake perky for 15 minutes. By this time I could have cared less if I passed or failed. Tired but feeling triumphant I headed to the car. I'll find out for sure in a few weeks but I am thrilled that it is over and behind me.

The fatigue is still with me today and I'm taking it easy. I am feeling a little certifiable at the present moment but am sure it will pass. It feels good to have accomplished this.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Insanity

I have managed to maintain my weight loss for over 6 months at this point. While this is an extraordinary accomplishment for me there is a problem. I STILL need to lose weight. I am no longer satisfied with myself…it is time to raise the bar once again. As I was staring into the dryer looking for a pair of work pants this morning my motivation/mantra for the next part of my fitness journey hit me. I was no longer getting results doing the same things. Yeah, I’m getting up and working out in the mornings 5 days a week. I also manage to workout most days at lunch. Apparently, I need MORE!!! Herein lies the problem. There is NO MORE TIME in my schedule for MORE!!! My schedule is loaded.

Here is a sample of what my day looks like Monday through Friday:
4:45 AM – Workout for 45 to 60 minutes 5:45 AM – Shower/Dress for Work – squats while I blow dry my hair, ab work while I brush my teeth.
6:30 AM – Get kids up and dressed and feed them breakfast
7:30 AM – Drop Kids off and Head to work!
8:00 AM – Earn My Paycheck
12:00 PM – Workout for 45 Minutes
1:00 PM – Earn the rest of my paycheck
5:30 PM – Begin my second job as MOMMY! Unless I’m in my MBA classes or teaching KICKBOXING (ooh, another workout, almost forgot about that one)
6:30 PM – MULTIPLE CHOICE (choose ALL that Apply) (a) in MBA Class (b) fix Dinner for the Kidos (c) do MBA HOMEWORK (d) spend time with the Kidos.
8:00 PM – Threaten Children if they do not get a bath!
9:00 PM – Put little one to bed, not an easy task but a worthwhile one, lots of hugs and kisses.
10:00 PM – CRASH, unless I still have MBA homework

Okay, no more time to exercise. I only have two options. (a) STARVE, something I’m not really fond of or (b) Intensify my workouts, Hey, who doesn’t like to work out in a pool of their own sweat? This is where boot camp would come in really handy except cold weather and I DO NOT get along AT ALL. So until March when I can actually pay someone to kill me I must find another alternative. I am thinking about the new Shaun T Insanity workout. This workout even tells you upfront it’s not for the lazy or weak hearted. I’ll keep you updated with my decision.

I do have one other trick up my sleeve. I’ve started my food journal again. Yeah, I know - THE DREADED FOOD JOURNAL. Will I ever get rid of this thing? I have piddled with it off and on for a day or two over the last few months but haven’t stuck with it. I have severely lacked motivation in this division. Today is the first of a thousand steps as I find the motivation to journal and INTENSIFY! That has a ring to it!

My calorie goal for this week is 1500/day. I’ll keep you updated on my progress. I have done very well today - after breakfast, lunch, and a snack my total is 860 calories. Plenty left for a light snack and dinner this evening.

I have also thrown around the idea of getting a Wii Fit for the girls. This way we can spend time together playing and staying active.

How do you stay fit with your busy schedule?

I’ll keep you posted on my decisions.