Checking in ... and check out this giveaway!

So much for my attempt at staying accountable by blogging.  That hasn't happened!

I have finished up my personal training sessions and am now working out on my own.  Actually, I am not working out so much on my own, but keep thinking that I will.  I want to take classes at the gym, but I am just not a morning person.  And I am becoming a homebody.  I need to stop that.  I have also wanted to bike ride with the kids, especially since this is "bike to school" month, but this is also teacher appreciation week and we have been driving our teacher gifts to the school.  Hopefully tomorrow will be better!

I have also decided that I need to eat better.  I think that we eat fairly well.  We don't eat out that much.  I don't buy too many processed foods.  But I love sugar!  I keep hearing about people who go off sugar and how much better they feel, but I love sugar!  I can't imagine giving it up.  Thinking about giving it up makes me want it even more.  I do need to cut back on my sugar intake.  (Even writing it makes me sad and want to eat something sweet right now.)

But, eating good food does make me feel good, too.  One of the good things I love is eggs.  I usually buy organic brown eggs and love them!  I was excited to come across a fun egg giveaway from Land O' Lakes on this blog.  Check it out if you are interested in "all natural" eggs!

The Biking Family

Is that what we are becoming?  Maybe ... at least we all have bikes now, thanks to Craigslist.  And we went for a bike ride together tonight.  I was still the quickest to give out.  I know, I have been working out for over a year, and I am still out of shape!  Aaargh!  I am just getting back into regular cardio.  And I did an intense leg workout yesterday.  But I was still disappointed.  But I do like riding the bike!  I think it will be a good investment and for our family.

Being a tough chik

So, I found out about this cool giveaway on a blog that I follow, Slow is the New Fast.  The giveaway is a baseball cap from a company called Tough Chik, and it is pretty cute.  One of the ways to get entries is to post a comment about what makes you a touch chik.  That one made me stop and think.

I often feel soft and fluffy and not tough.  But, when I do make it to the gym and get in a good workout, I do feel tough.  I am often proud of the physical things that I can accomplish when I am working with a trainer.  I can push myself and do more than I thought was possible on my own.  A lot of this is because of the strength that I draw from the trainer.

But more importantly in my life, when I am mothering my children and I handle a difficult situation with patience, calm, and wisdom I feel tough.  But I have to admit that I also feel completely dependent on God during those times, too.  I know that I am not patient, calm, and wise on my own strength.  Just like I draw strength from the trainer (and friends) when I am working out, I rely on God for strength during the tough times of life.  Immediately I think about parenting, but marriage, friendships, extended family, church, etc. all have rough times as well.  When I try to push through those tough times on my own, I feel weak and often depressed.  When I turn to God and the support system He has provided for me, I feel His strength.  I think that is probably what makes me feel the most like a tough chik.

How about you?  And don't forget about the giveaway if you would like a chance to share your toughness with the world.

Hike-ho, hike-ho

A hiking we did go!  We hiked up the Twin Falls trail today as a family.  It was our first hiking outing since we moved here, and we all enjoyed it!

I am sad to say that I realized that I am more out of shape than I thought I was.  I can make it through Zumba, but this family-friendly trail kicked my booty!  I have decided that I need to get serious about doing cardio so that I can keep up with Steve and the boys.  I hope that this is the first of many family hikes to come!

Giveaway opportunity!

I am not doing giveaways now, but Slow is the New Fast has a great product giveaway right now that you could win!  I hope that I win, because I would really like to try this product myself.  I have tried so many headbands that promise not to move, but they do.  There are a lot of great reviews on Sweaty Bands, from people who wear them for all sorts of different activities.  I hope that I win, but I also want to pass along the information and opportunity to you (whoever reads this blog).  And hopefully I can get back to Zumba soon and try the sweaty bands out for myself!  But again, go here for the review and how to enter for yourself!

Murphy's law ...

apparently should be renamed "Melissa's law".  It has struck me again.  Shortly after I wrote that I was settling into a good routine, I managed to slice a chunk out of my index finger with a rotary cutter.  It took a while to stop the bleeding, but thanks to my ER nurse friend who talked to me on the phone, I was able to get it stopped.  I am supposed to work out with a trainer in the morning.  I am hoping that she will be able to train me without making it start bleeding again.  Hoping and praying ...

Getting into rhythm

I am glad to be able to report that my working out has settled into something of a routine.  I have been able to get at least 3 good workouts in each of these last few weeks.  I would like to get in 4-5, and am working to that.  So far the routine looks like this:
Monday - Zumba class
Tuesday - 1 hour of personal training
Wednesday - Zumba class
Thursday - 1 hour of personal training
Friday - spin class
Weekends - playing with the family

Of course, there will be days when I can't make one of those things.  For example, tonight Joel has a program at his school and I can't miss that, of course.  But there's plenty of opportunities that should get some good workouts in each week.

Eating is ... okay.  I am trying to find some new, healthy meals to shake things up.  The whole family is not on board, but they will join us or be really hungry.  I am trying to get some healthier snacks going, too.  Coffee is still a "staple" in my daily diet.  I am trying to cut down on the amount of sugar in each cup, though.

We seem to be getting more settled each day, and I am glad that I am settling back into a healthy routine.  I just need to remember to not feel too settled, or complacent, in this journey.

Long time, no see ... (and a giveaway!)

So, I haven't been on this blog in quite a while.  Things got busy with the move last fall and winter.  I was trying to get in a lot of work-outs while dealing with a few sicknesses, too.  We survived that time and are enjoying living in Seattle now. 

While we lived in the apartment, I was pretty good about walking around the city.  I didn't do as much once we moved into the house, but I tried to walk to the bus stop a few times each week.  I finally started back at the gym last week, and that was actually nice.  I have done a couple of Zumba classes and worked out with 3 different trainers.  I now have 1 regular trainer and 2 appointments each week.  Since I have my workouts in something of a schedule, I suppose I should get better about my eating habits.  They have been up and down since the move, and I would like to be more regular with eating healthier.

One exciting bit of news is that I got a bike today!  It has only been used 3 times, but the previous owner is moving across the country.  Sad for her, but it was a great deal for me.  Since the boys are so excited about biking these days, it will be nice to be able to bike with them!  They can bike much faster than I can walk.  Hopefully I will be able to keep up with them a little better now.  They wanted to have a race when we got home tonight from picking up the bike, but I was only able to test it out briefly before I cooked dinner.

Through a friend on facebook, I found out today about this cool giveaway for a SPIBand.  I had never heard of these before, but they look really cool!  I can totally see using these at the gym (since I am currently having issues toting my keys to every station when I do personal training) and for walks and for bike rides.  They are reasonably priced, too, in case I don't win one.  You can check out the giveaway at the blog of Slow is the New Fast.  Good luck and hope to be better about writing on here this year!

Moving on down the road!

A long time away from this post doesn't mean I am not doing anything to be healthy - thankfully!

I have been working out pretty consistently since we joined the gym at the end of last August.  This summer I have been able to increase my workouts to 4-5 times a week.  I am looking forward to the end of the summer and hope to see lots of improvements by then!

But I have seen some improvement already!  Last Sunday night we went to our downtown fireworks show.  I realized at the end of the night that we walked a great deal, and I never got winded or tired.  When Steve was leading the way I didn't have to ask him to slow down, either.  I felt younger and more like my "old" self!  The improvement has been gradual, I think, and it took something like this for me to realize it. 

I may not have a slim body, but I do have a healthier body and I am thankful!  It is a journey, and there is still improvement that I would like to make but I am glad that I can say I am farther down the road and that my work has paid off!

Seriously?!?

So, I have once again injured myself.  This time it was from (accidentally) kicking a shopping cart wheel.  I cut my pinkie toe and removed about 1/3 of the nail.  It was mostly numb when it happened, but it did start throbbing later.  It doesn't hurt for the most part, but I am not looking forward to putting on tennis shoes.  But I am going to try it and try to work out today! 

So, this brings my current injury count to 3: tailbone (still sore and healing); shin stress (still resting from high-impact activities); and pinkie toe.  I almost feel like a "wounded warrior" ... but not so much the warrior part.  ;-)

Where to begin?

It seems it has been a while since I blogged on here.  You might think that means I have been very unproductive.  Or you might think that I have been so productive that I haven't had time to blog about it.  But the truth is somewhere in between.

I have been exercising, but not as much as I would like still.  I haven't been doing much cardio either.  It seems that every time I think my leg is better I re-injure it.  It has been going on for about 3 weeks (or more) so I am going to the doctor next Tuesday to get it checked out.  After talking to lots of people (including my Bible study group and my trainer), I decided it was better to be safe than sorry.  So, I am still doing weights and strength training but would really like to be doing more cardio, too.

As for the food aspect, I have good days and bad days.  I am having trouble cutting soda out of my diet again.  I can't remember now why I started it up again, but I think it was when I was sick and the soda burn just felt so good in my throat.  Then it was a matter of convenience some days (when I was running lots of errands and would eat out).  I have been making some progress in better food choices in the last week or so, but the soda craving is still there.  I am also craving greasy hamburgers, chili, and french fries.  What's up with that?!?  I am not pregnant, so that's not it.  I have fought that craving so far, but it is still there.

So, I guess I am back in the middle of day-to-day struggles.  I am not feeling super-good about how I am doing, but I am not feeling super-beat down either.  I would appreciate prayers for my leg and that I can get on a cardio program that will work.

Peanut Butter Balls

I have been talking about this recipe a lot, so I wanted to share it with everyone.  I decided this might be the easiest way.  I love this recipe and it is great for after school, lunch, or an after-workout snack.  Everybody in my family loves them, too!

Today I made a couple of changes.  First, I used agave nectar instead of honey.  If you do this, I would recommend using less than the recipe calls for.  Secondly, I put in a liberal splash of milk and decreased the amount of the powdered milk slightly.  I thought they were a little dry last time and you definitely had to let them thaw to eat them.  I was trying to alleviate those issues.

So, without further adieu - the recipe:

Peanut Butter Balls

for approx. 100	for approx. 50	for approx. 25
2 c. honey or agave	1 c. honey or agave	½ c. honey or agave
3 c. creamy peanut butter	1 ½ c. creamy peanut butter	¾ c. creamy peanut butter
5 c. dry milk powder	2 ½ c. dry milk powder	1 ¼ c. dry milk powder
6 c. quick oats	3 c. quick oats	1 ½ c. quick oats

Mix all together with hand mixer. Form into balls with hands and freeze on waxed paper lined cookie sheets until hardened. Store in freezer in ziploc bags.

Injuries ... aaaaaaaarrrrrggggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!

So, when I said that last week's "test" would not be the last one I would face, I didn't know how quickly my next test would be coming.

I was feeling bad on Sunday, it seems, because I was getting a sinus/upper respiratory/bronchial infection. As it moved into my chest (on Tuesday), I realized that I would need to take some time off from exercising. So, I went to the doctor on Tuesday to get loaded up on medicine and try to cut my "off time". Unfortunately it took longer for the medicine to kick in than I thought it would and I was not able to go back to the gym until Friday. I tried running, but for some reason (maybe not stretching) I messed up my lower leg and the back of my knee - on what is supposed to be my good leg. Saturday I tried doing water aerobics, and while I finished the class and got a good workout, my leg hurt again. By last night it was hurting quite badly. Yesterday and today I loaded up on ibuprofen, and today I started using "menthol patches" (which are a lot like Icy Hot patches). They seem to be helping. I had hoped to get in another workout today but decided in the end that rest was best. Tomorrow I might try an elliptical and/or the bike. I want to get something in, but I don't want to injure my leg any more!

So, that is this week's update. I basically had to take a week off of the Couch to 5K, but am really hoping that I can pick it back up this week.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get going so that I can hear my husband and 4-year-old son's concert ...

UPDATE ... the concert has ended and you can read about it here

A test

So today was a test of sorts for me. I was sore from painting, my head is stuffed (from paint fumes, allergies, weather changes, or some combo), and I really just wanted to take a nap and stay home. Since we were working on the house yesterday, though, I didn't get in my last day of Couch to 5K training for the week. So, today was a test for me. Do I skip it or suck it up and do it anyway. I am glad to be able to say that today I passed the test. (I wouldn't normally go to the gym on a Sunday, but this was an unusual week.)

I also noticed this week that working out inspires me to make better food choices. I kind of thought it would be the opposite - that since I worked out I could "justify" a few more slips. Instead, I think about how I don't want to undo all that hard work.

Now, I would like to say that this will be the last such test, but I know in my heart that it will not be. I just hope that I can keep persevering - to make it through the 5K and to make it to a healthier me.

It's good to be sore!

And for the right reasons!

My first two weeks at the gym have been very effective for me. I have almost finished my first two weeks of Couch to 5K! I was supposed to finish today, but painting and moving furniture got in the way of my plans. Now I am planning to go tomorrow.

I also had two personal training sessions. The first one was a beating that I didn't even finish. I threw in the towel (or would have if I had remembered to bring it). That appointment was cardio with the head trainer. I couldn't believe that all of the stuff he had me doing was supposed to be for beginners! I had eaten about an hour before I went, which was apparently not enough because I thought I was going to throw up - for real. I also thought I might pass out a time or two. According to the heart rate monitor I was wearing I burned over 300 calories in about 30 minutes, though.

My second session was with a girl who might end up being my regular trainer. We did 30 minutes of strength training after I finished my c25k for that day. I did much better with her! I actually finished the exercises - 3 sets of each. I have been feeling all of those muscles that I am not sure I had ever worked out before, too.

Then we painted two bedrooms Friday. I am not sure if that helped me to be less sore from the workout or made me more sore. It did make me more tired! Steve finished the trim today and then we put the rooms back together. This included hanging new blinds, a new curtain rod, and a new mirror in our room. We still have the bathroom to re-paper and re-decorate (lights and mirrors) but that and the third bedroom will wait for another weekend. We are officially done and now we are going to get some much-needed rest! Right after I take some more ibuprofen ...

Back on track ... or the treadmill, actually

This week Steve and I joined a gym. I am so excited!!!

I have been two times so far and gotten good workouts both times. I started the Couch to 5K program and it is going well. Tomorrow I will finish the first day of it and then spend some time in the pool and hot tub (at least that is my plan). I have heard great things from everyone who has completed this program and since I started this week I should finish the program in time to run in Will's Run in November.

I have been cooking healthier this week, too, I think. I have made some goodies from The Sneaky Chef for after-school snacks that have been well-received. I made some more purees this morning to re-stock my freezer, too.

So, I am feeling some positive momentum, and am looking forward to continuing down this road!

A Summer break

I would like to think that the summer break I have taken in my "get healthy" program is about to end. The kids are getting back in school (one today and one next week), so I have more time on my hands. I even have a fitness program picked out (Couch to 5K) and a goal of running a 5K in November (Will's Run). Unfortunately, it is still SO HOT outside here, that I can't realistically run during the day. (Before you try to tell me how it can be done, I realize others can do it but I am starting from my couch and I know myself.) I think I am just going to have to do another program for now. I may not be able to do the 5K in November, but there is a Fun Run 1K that I should be able to do at the least.

In good news, I haven't really put on any weight over the summer, but I do think I have lost some muscle mass. I have been somewhat moderate with my eating, too. I have been eating out a little more and indulging in sodas, but that is about to end. (If I write it will it happen?) We have been eating healthier at home and not keeping the "bad" foods in the house. In fact, we had some leftover cake from an event Saturday night. After eating some yesterday, I made the rest into cake balls and put them in the freezer - in the garage. I was proud of myself for getting them out of the house! I also used the extra peanut butter frosting to make peanut butter balls (with oats), that have some redeeming value, instead of using it for another dessert.

So, my goal for this week and next is to get back on track with the exercising. Of course, this week I will have Joel with me every day so I will be easing into it and spending lots of time with him. We may do some special things together before he starts back to school, too.

In the words of Major Seth Adams. "Wagons, HO!"

A new picture ...

Unfortunately, the latest picture of me is not very flattering, so I will not be adding it here. Instead, I am referring to a new picture for this blog. The message is still mostly the same - traveling a road. This pic doesn't show the mountains and valleys that are in the distance. In fact, it doesn't show a destination at all. Does that mean something? Hmmm ... I am still not sure about that. I am trying a different template to see if the updates will show up on my blog list on my family blog now. But I do like this picture.

Unlike the beautiful blue skies in this picture, I have had a stormy few days. I found a new thyroid doctor, and overall I am very pleased with him. He tested more things in my blood than I think I have had tested at one time - ever. He said everything looked good (even though I feel l like something is wrong somewhere in my body), except for my T3. There is a drug that is a synthetic T3, which I have never been prescribed before. (Apparently it is very "controversial" in endocrinology circles. Some people love it and others say it is unnecessary.) He put me on the lowest dose. Instead of giving me instant energy it made me sleep! And I was more irritable. And my heart rhythms seemed faster. And it made me itchy. And I couldn't sleep at night. And it made my brain fog worse. Basically, it made everything worse. Not what I was cheerily anticipating on Thursday. After consulting the doctor/nurses yesterday I am taking the med every other day now. I feel so much better today! Granted, not better than before I started taking this med, but better since I began taking it. I also did some research online yesterday, and some people reported worsening of symptoms for a week, and then improvement. I hope that is what happens with me!

I heard about a workout program from some friends at church last Thursday. I was wanting to start it this week, but since I have been so sleepy that hasn't happened. This is a program that works you up to running gradually. I have always been a walker, not a runner. Even walking I sometimes get shin splints. I am interested in trying this program since it builds up your bones and muscles to be able to run. As Steve reminds me, running burns more calories. And it seems to have given Kate Gosselin beautiful abs.

I am not sure how the diet is going. I seem to be doing okay during the day, but then (with this new med) I get really hungry right before bed. The first couple of nights I ate way too much. I have gotten a little better at putting some food in a bowl and eating just that amount, but it is still too much, I think. I am trying to eat a little to take off the hunger edge so that I can sleep, but I need to get better at portion control.

I tried to cut back on my iced coffees, but that didn't go so well, either. The past few days I have been drinking hot coffee, because it is quicker. I do think that I have consumed less coffee over the past week or so, but I have not gotten down to the level that I would like to be at. (Being tired makes me want to drink more coffee, too.)

So, not such a great week or two, but there is still time for this week to get better. I really hope that it does!

Moving in the right direction

When it comes to getting healthy any movement is in the right direction ... right?!?

I have been getting more movement (and exercise) in this week, although it has been in unique ways. One day I took the kids to the water park. One day I cleaned house (vigorously so that it was a workout). One day I picked blueberries. (Scoff at that if you will, but one of my arms is really sore from that). Today I took a walk with the family, but I am not sure how long it lasted. That is definitely an improvement over the last few weeks!

I realized that after a little trip out of town I had broken my soda fast way too many times. I managed to resist the sodas better this week. Unfortunately, I have also been drinking too many iced coffees in a day (homemade, but still not so good for the body). By the end of this week, I can say that I am doing better in that regard, too.

I am glad to say that I was able to recognize my destructive behaviors, and take steps to stop them. Unfortunately those iced coffees are still calling my name. I think I need more self-discipline, more prayers, more water ... but probably not more coffee. Until the morning. ;-)

I may be eating at this hour, but at least it's almonds

That does make it better, right? Please say yes!

Well, last week was the much-anticipated wedding weekend! We all traveled to Tyler where the boys and I got be in a wedding for our good friend. I was a little scared to put the dress on the day of the wedding, because it was a little tight when I got it back form the alterations. I hadn't really worked out a lot in the meantime, like I had planned, so I was nervous. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the dress fit really well! I didn't have bulges sticking out of the dress, and it didn't come down (since it was strapless). I actually felt very comfortable in it.

Of course, being out of town for the weekend - and for a celebration - meant that I didn't stick to my diet. I had gotten better about the number of iced coffees I drank in a day and I hadn't had soda in a while. That changed after last weekend. By the end of this week I was getting some better about my eating choices, though.

I am looking forward to playing in the pool with the boys this week more, too. That was about the only exercise I had really gotten before the wedding - and beating the stores to find new clothes, too. ;-) Anyway, last week we started swim lessons and the boys just weren't behaving that well. This week we already have plans for 2 playdates at the pool, so I am looking forward to getting more activity in at those playdates.

I also have found a new endocrinologist that I will be visiting for the first time this week. I think that my levels are quite off again, and that might be contributing to some of the weight loss. I am hoping that this doctor will be better, and that I can get my thyroid levels back on track. I am looking forward to a promising week!