My title would suggest that my life is captivating, interesting and maybe even something that one could be influenced by.
I can say with all truthfulness, none of that is true. I am an ordinary mom, wife, and woman. But I am OK with being ordinary. This means that I do not often have things to share on this blog, but I feel like I just haven't found the right things to blog about.
I am excited to say that even though I am ordinary, I find that there are ways in which I am learning to be a little more than ordinary. This year I have been working on having peace and security. At first I thought that having security within our financial situation, our home life, and with our friendships and with family would bring about a sense of peace. I thought that having a "back up" plan would help be feel secure and at peace with where life takes us. You want to know something....I was only kind of right. I started to feel a sense of peace, but that feeling went away gradually and I was back to feeling insecure and unsettled.
What was missing? Jesus. I did not involve Jesus in my plans for peace and security. BIG mistake! How foolish of me to plan for peace and security without considering His plan for us and His promises!
I started to attend church, no matter how much I did not think I would like it. I started to take notes during Mass. Yeah yeah, I know what you are thinking. There is no written test to get into heaven. And I also know that I can look up online and get the readings from mass for any given Sunday. But there is something about putting pen to paper that activates my mind and makes tangible connections with what is being spoken about during Mass. By taking notes I can also jot down my own thoughts or personal connections to what is being read and spoken about in church. I find that by doing this I am actively listening for His whispers to guide me and show me what He wants me to know.
This has lead me to starting a Women's ministry at my church. I am so excited for what this ministry will bring to the woman I worship with, but barely know. I follow a couple of other Catholic woman who are authors and CatholicMom.com is having a give-away of THIS prize pack.
I would love to win the Mark Hart prize pack so that I can add another tool to my tool box for my Women's Ministry.
More to come on the Ministry.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Monday, August 5, 2013
Bedtime Blunders=Mommy Madness
I am not gonna lie, I struggle with putting my handsome prince to bed. It was so much easier when he was between the ages of newborn to three and now that he is three and counting I have way more trouble with getting him to bed.
Are your kids like my prince? Picture this: You are ready for adult time and/or quiet time. You are counting the minutes until you can legitimately put your kiddo(s) bed. Then you finally get them wrestled into their jammies, teeth all brushed and clean and all the kisses have been given. You have given them all the "cuddles" or "lovies" they should need and the covers have been pulled up. You walk downstairs or to whatever non-kid room you have and attempt to start your adult time. Little foot steps begin coming down the stairs and tracking you to where ever you have tried to take refuge. You put them back, and they keep getting out of bed.
Well I wanted to stop this pattern, but not deny my prince what he needs, whether it be a drink of water or an extra cuddle. I wanted him to feel like he was in charge while I was still getting what I so desperately need at the end of the night.
Thus the Get out of Bed Free Ticket system. "What is that?" you say...
It is a ticket that I created that allows the munchkin to get out of bed for free, without the struggle or frustration. Now I am sure that there are others out there who have done something similar, so I don't want anyone to think that I stole the idea. I did think of it one day while arguing with my little one about getting to bed.
First I decided how many times his getting out of bed is desirable each night. I thought about the reasons for his getting out of bed (aside from going to the bathroom) and what he was attempting to accomplish by doing so. I decided that 2 times, again not including bathroom uses, is more then enough for him to come and get me or get out of bed.
Second, I talked with him like a big kid. I explained that mommys and daddys need time to talk with one another and spend time with one another and that it was also important for him to get good sleep so that his body grows and has enough energy for all the playing that he likes to do. I explained that he was going to get tickets to come downstairs at nap time and bed time and he gets to choose when he uses them during both sleep times. He got to pick out their color and size. He knows that when he comes down after being tucked in that he had to bring one of his tickets. Once the tickets are gone he has to stay in bed, again unless he has to use the bathroom.
I have to say, that he has really embraced this idea and technique and bedtime has become much less stressful already.
Tonight, he come down a third time, but could not tell me why he needed to get out of bed. I reminded him that he used all of his tickets and that unless he needs to use the bathroom, he has to stay in bed. He responded to this very well.
You might be wondering what I will do if he comes down asking to use the bathroom multiple times. Well, I will walk him to the bathroom, not engaging in conversation. I will help him sit on the potty and use the bathroom. Even if he doesn't void, I will still put him on there so that he knows that I mean business.
Here's to hoping this continues to work. If you would like to use my ticket template...you are welcome to it. Here is form I created....Get out of Bed Free Ticket
Are your kids like my prince? Picture this: You are ready for adult time and/or quiet time. You are counting the minutes until you can legitimately put your kiddo(s) bed. Then you finally get them wrestled into their jammies, teeth all brushed and clean and all the kisses have been given. You have given them all the "cuddles" or "lovies" they should need and the covers have been pulled up. You walk downstairs or to whatever non-kid room you have and attempt to start your adult time. Little foot steps begin coming down the stairs and tracking you to where ever you have tried to take refuge. You put them back, and they keep getting out of bed.
Well I wanted to stop this pattern, but not deny my prince what he needs, whether it be a drink of water or an extra cuddle. I wanted him to feel like he was in charge while I was still getting what I so desperately need at the end of the night.
Thus the Get out of Bed Free Ticket system. "What is that?" you say...
It is a ticket that I created that allows the munchkin to get out of bed for free, without the struggle or frustration. Now I am sure that there are others out there who have done something similar, so I don't want anyone to think that I stole the idea. I did think of it one day while arguing with my little one about getting to bed.
First I decided how many times his getting out of bed is desirable each night. I thought about the reasons for his getting out of bed (aside from going to the bathroom) and what he was attempting to accomplish by doing so. I decided that 2 times, again not including bathroom uses, is more then enough for him to come and get me or get out of bed.
Second, I talked with him like a big kid. I explained that mommys and daddys need time to talk with one another and spend time with one another and that it was also important for him to get good sleep so that his body grows and has enough energy for all the playing that he likes to do. I explained that he was going to get tickets to come downstairs at nap time and bed time and he gets to choose when he uses them during both sleep times. He got to pick out their color and size. He knows that when he comes down after being tucked in that he had to bring one of his tickets. Once the tickets are gone he has to stay in bed, again unless he has to use the bathroom.
I have to say, that he has really embraced this idea and technique and bedtime has become much less stressful already.
Tonight, he come down a third time, but could not tell me why he needed to get out of bed. I reminded him that he used all of his tickets and that unless he needs to use the bathroom, he has to stay in bed. He responded to this very well.
You might be wondering what I will do if he comes down asking to use the bathroom multiple times. Well, I will walk him to the bathroom, not engaging in conversation. I will help him sit on the potty and use the bathroom. Even if he doesn't void, I will still put him on there so that he knows that I mean business.
Here's to hoping this continues to work. If you would like to use my ticket template...you are welcome to it. Here is form I created....Get out of Bed Free Ticket
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Sunday Struggles
Once again I find myself struggling with Sunday.
I am thinking of all the things I wanted to do over the weekend and all the things that I did not get done.
I am thinking about all the things the I have to get done at work this week. The pressure of getting my billing done, the pressure of getting reassessments entered and then...tie up ALL loose ends. Don't forget to answer the phone, be compassionate, file the paperwork and the list goes on.
Once again I feel the struggle between the need to work for income and the ingrained, deep in my heart need to be home and taking caring of all the household things that get neglected while I am at work.
I am sitting here, goofing around on the internet when I should be doing something "work" related or "home" related and I can't help but feel like it doesn't matter because at the end of the day, I am not going to get any of it done.
I took some time yesterday to enjoy the day. I spent the day in one of my favorite cities with a young lady getting ready to move to that city. The whole time I was down there I felt amazing. I felt so renewed. I felt like a young lady myself getting excited about starting my life as a college student. Now I cannot harness any of that excitement, energy and newness into what I need/must do to get things accomplished.
This makes me think that I am working to hard to accomplish the things that I am not really supposed to be working to accomplish.
But how I make a change? What change do I make? If I stop working, are we going to be financially stable? These are all questions that I am not sure how to answer or even if there is an answer.
For now, each day I feel a struggle. I feel myself being pulled. But I have to wonder when will my breaking point come and at what cost?
I am thinking of all the things I wanted to do over the weekend and all the things that I did not get done.
I am thinking about all the things the I have to get done at work this week. The pressure of getting my billing done, the pressure of getting reassessments entered and then...tie up ALL loose ends. Don't forget to answer the phone, be compassionate, file the paperwork and the list goes on.
Once again I feel the struggle between the need to work for income and the ingrained, deep in my heart need to be home and taking caring of all the household things that get neglected while I am at work.
I am sitting here, goofing around on the internet when I should be doing something "work" related or "home" related and I can't help but feel like it doesn't matter because at the end of the day, I am not going to get any of it done.
I took some time yesterday to enjoy the day. I spent the day in one of my favorite cities with a young lady getting ready to move to that city. The whole time I was down there I felt amazing. I felt so renewed. I felt like a young lady myself getting excited about starting my life as a college student. Now I cannot harness any of that excitement, energy and newness into what I need/must do to get things accomplished.
This makes me think that I am working to hard to accomplish the things that I am not really supposed to be working to accomplish.
But how I make a change? What change do I make? If I stop working, are we going to be financially stable? These are all questions that I am not sure how to answer or even if there is an answer.
For now, each day I feel a struggle. I feel myself being pulled. But I have to wonder when will my breaking point come and at what cost?
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Dream a little dream...
What do you dream of? Where do you dream of being?
Do you think your dreams are attainable?
For me, I dream of so many things I sometimes worry that I might have ADD or something.
I dream of travel, I dream of having a farm, I dream of going back to school. Sometimes I just dream to escape.
Other dreams I have are of being a better person. Being a morning person; a more dedicated person; a thinner, healthier person; a smarter and more creative person. I dream of being a stay at home mom, having a couple more kids, being financially stable and the list could go on and on.
Bottom line, I never share my dreams with anyone. I don't because I mainly feel that they wont ever be attainable.
I don't know how to do it, but it might be a good idea to identify the barriers to reaching those dreams so that you can start knocking them down.
If you feel inclined, share a dream you have and a barrier to reaching that dream. Then, this is the hard part, what are you going to do to know that barrier down. I would be more than happy to focus on knocking down all of your barriers, that would keep my distracted from mine.
Until next time...
Do you think your dreams are attainable?
For me, I dream of so many things I sometimes worry that I might have ADD or something.
I dream of travel, I dream of having a farm, I dream of going back to school. Sometimes I just dream to escape.
Other dreams I have are of being a better person. Being a morning person; a more dedicated person; a thinner, healthier person; a smarter and more creative person. I dream of being a stay at home mom, having a couple more kids, being financially stable and the list could go on and on.
Bottom line, I never share my dreams with anyone. I don't because I mainly feel that they wont ever be attainable.
I don't know how to do it, but it might be a good idea to identify the barriers to reaching those dreams so that you can start knocking them down.
If you feel inclined, share a dream you have and a barrier to reaching that dream. Then, this is the hard part, what are you going to do to know that barrier down. I would be more than happy to focus on knocking down all of your barriers, that would keep my distracted from mine.
Until next time...
Friday, May 10, 2013
Something clever about absence and fondness
I have been absent for a while. A long while.
I stopped blogging for a time as I felt like I was "failing at it".
What does that even mean? Well, I will tell you!
Firstly, I didn't want my blog to be some place that I just dump my feelings and air my dirty laundry. I go to people's blogs and read them and follow them and I find them clever and inspiring and purposeful to me, not just the writer. So I wanted my blog to be just like that...and that one and that one and oh yeah, that one {imagine me pointing a each of the blogs I love}.
Every time I tried to sit down and write, I ended up with either some cheap knock-off of a another blog I love. I don't want to do that...I don't want to be the cheap imitation of a blog I love. I want my blog to be purposeful and inspiring.
Secondly, back to the purposeful and inspiring...I have so much on my mind that I feel I could share and help people to get through things or serve a purpose.
Thirdly, I am all over the place all the time. I do so many different things, I have so many interests that I don't really specialize in any one thing. So I fear that I am left with an imitation blog that is all over the place crazy....
Maybe I am ok with that! I have some things to share and could use some blog-o-sphere advice on things.
See you again soon!
I stopped blogging for a time as I felt like I was "failing at it".
What does that even mean? Well, I will tell you!
Firstly, I didn't want my blog to be some place that I just dump my feelings and air my dirty laundry. I go to people's blogs and read them and follow them and I find them clever and inspiring and purposeful to me, not just the writer. So I wanted my blog to be just like that...and that one and that one and oh yeah, that one {imagine me pointing a each of the blogs I love}.
Every time I tried to sit down and write, I ended up with either some cheap knock-off of a another blog I love. I don't want to do that...I don't want to be the cheap imitation of a blog I love. I want my blog to be purposeful and inspiring.
Secondly, back to the purposeful and inspiring...I have so much on my mind that I feel I could share and help people to get through things or serve a purpose.
Thirdly, I am all over the place all the time. I do so many different things, I have so many interests that I don't really specialize in any one thing. So I fear that I am left with an imitation blog that is all over the place crazy....
Maybe I am ok with that! I have some things to share and could use some blog-o-sphere advice on things.
See you again soon!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Weight Med: Week One Menu
As promised I have created a cleaned up version (without all my scribbles) of the menu I used for week one of the weight med program.
I want for you all to be able to view and print for your own use if you so desire, so I am trying this Box.com program. Lets hope it worked!
Click HERE for the menu download!
I want for you all to be able to view and print for your own use if you so desire, so I am trying this Box.com program. Lets hope it worked!
Click HERE for the menu download!
Weight Med: Friday Update
Happy Friday! Today I am down one pound. That makes my total weight 217.8. When I started on Sunday I was 220.8...so I was up a little yesterday and back down a bit today.
Where am I going wrong? Well, I succumb to break room temptations of pumpkin bars and cheese.
I hope to do better at not being tempted by those foods next week.
There is one other thing slowing my progress: I am not exercising enough. I have been so tired and sluggish that I have not had the energy to do anything remotely close to exercise.
I will have to do something about this.
Yet to come: menus for the first and second week.
TTFN
Amy
Where am I going wrong? Well, I succumb to break room temptations of pumpkin bars and cheese.
I hope to do better at not being tempted by those foods next week.
There is one other thing slowing my progress: I am not exercising enough. I have been so tired and sluggish that I have not had the energy to do anything remotely close to exercise.
I will have to do something about this.
Yet to come: menus for the first and second week.
TTFN
Amy
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Comfort Food Discomfort
And here I am doing this weight med program and finding myself fixated on all the delicious treats that are all over the place. Hot cocoa, cappuccino, pumpkin bars and delish crock pot stew, soups and chili!
I am stuck! I really want to lose weight, but I am also finding myself annoyed that I can't just live a "normal" life and eat those delicious foods without gaining three pounds back. You see, Sunday was the start of the program and I was steadily going down about 2 lbs a day. I had detoxed my body from all the caffeine and sugar and dairy that had been stored inside. Then the break room happened....I am surrounded by yummy comfort food all over the place.
Today I started thinking about Christmas cookies...if I can't eat them I ask myself, " the why bake them". I know me, and if I bake them, I will eat most of them myself. I think that I am coming to the conclusion that I am a compulsive eater.
I am also a working mom, as most of us are. It is really difficult to make good, sugar free, whole food meals when you are short on time and just need to get dinner on the table. I know this is an issue that seems to plague many of us working moms. So I succumb to using bottled marinades and sauces, which are filled with sugar and any other sugar substance with various names. I am finding how these are preventing my weight loss from happening.
So today I am annoyed and discouraged and feel, frankly, pissed that I have to do this to lose weight, be healthy and like the way that I look.
Oh yeah, and real kicker...the hubby eats just as bad as I do and ends up losing 2 lbs a day no matter what!
Thanks for letting me gripe, and I promise to put those menus and shopping lists up for you before the end of the week.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Weight Med- Update
I wanted to share with anyone reading the success that I have been having with the weight med program. Not only is it weight loss, but it is also a system detox which has flushed my body of sugar and caffeine and all the Excedrin I eat like tic tacs.
I will soon share with you the menu for the week and how I have been doing and what was tough, but for now I want to share that I am down 4 lbs. Yesterday was a set back because I gave in to break room temptations, but altogether, down 4 lbs.
I really only had a headache on the first and second days. By the third day I was feeling better.
Today is day 4 and I am hoping for an even easier day today.
This program is really forcing me to take a look at when and more importantly WHY I eat. I can find myself wanting something, even though I am not hungry. So really looking into those feelings will help in the long run.
I have also found that I have had no pain in my pelvis...that's right NONE! Pelvis pain for me is related to my PCOS and the oversized ovaries I sport...but I have not had any of the debilitating pain. Before I started this program, my chin was full of really gross acne, and painful. By the third day, my acne was disappearing. This might be the secret to controlling my PCOS. (I emphasize MY PCOS-since this might not work for everyone)!
I will post more soon!
TTFN
I will soon share with you the menu for the week and how I have been doing and what was tough, but for now I want to share that I am down 4 lbs. Yesterday was a set back because I gave in to break room temptations, but altogether, down 4 lbs.
I really only had a headache on the first and second days. By the third day I was feeling better.
Today is day 4 and I am hoping for an even easier day today.
This program is really forcing me to take a look at when and more importantly WHY I eat. I can find myself wanting something, even though I am not hungry. So really looking into those feelings will help in the long run.
I have also found that I have had no pain in my pelvis...that's right NONE! Pelvis pain for me is related to my PCOS and the oversized ovaries I sport...but I have not had any of the debilitating pain. Before I started this program, my chin was full of really gross acne, and painful. By the third day, my acne was disappearing. This might be the secret to controlling my PCOS. (I emphasize MY PCOS-since this might not work for everyone)!
I will post more soon!
TTFN
Monday, October 15, 2012
Weight Med Program
Here is how I hope to lose 30 pounds:
Name of the game: Weight Med Program
Duration: 60 days
Weight Loss Goal: 0.5 lb per day.
I purchased Weight Med Homeopathic Solution from www.evitaminmarket.com. Click here and see to what product I am referring. I have the support of my chiropractor, who endorsed this product. Disclaimer: It is important to get the support of a medical professional before starting any diet.
Here is the list of foods I will eat over the next 60 days:
Fruits: Apples, apricots (fresh), Bananas, Blackberries, Cherries, Cranberries, Grapefruit, Guava, Kiwis, Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Papayas, Peaches, Plums, Raspberries, Strawberries, & Tangerines
Veggies: Asparagus, Bean Sprouts, Beet Greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Lettuce, Radishes, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Onion, Peas, Green Beans, & Tomatoes.
Protien: Chicken (organic), Fish (cod, tilapia, walleye, halibut, flounder, shrimp, crab), Beef (organic grass fed), Turkey, Cottage Cheese, Eggs, Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios.
Beverages: Water (filtered), Coffee (black), Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Yerba Mate Tea, Chamomile Tea
Sweeteners: Stevia.
The nice things is, there is NO limit to the number of calories for intake so long as I eat only what is on this list.
The plan: 1/2 dropper of solution (under tongue) 30 mins before Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Aside from those three main meals, I will eat an afternoon snack, and a evening snack. If need be, I will add a morning snack between breakfast and lunch.
The Meal Plan: Breakfast- Fruit and tea and water plus vitamins.
Lunch: Protein, Veggie, and Water or tea. I also added a fruit to balance out my carb intake.
Dinner: Protein, Veggie, Water
Afternoon snack: Nuts and Fruit and LOTS of water
Evening snack: Protein (Egg or nuts), Veggie and water or Chamomile Tea.
You should drink half your body weight in ounces of water! This will help tremendously.
Exercise Plan: 15 mins of yoga (lite) in the morning, and 30 min walk daily. I will add in more when and where I can.
I will also take a multi vitamin, Omega 3, Vitamin D, and a B-12.
Be watching, as I will share my menu plan and shopping list!
READY. SET. GO!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Malfunction Junction...How do I fix what's not working?
As I have shared many times, I have PCOS. Polycycstic Ovarian Syndrome. If you don't know what it means or what it does to a woman's body, just ask me. You can google it too. I have spent a lot of time researching the ways that my body doesn't work like that of a "normal" functioning female.
You can also search how to treat PCOS. A doctor will give you medications that combat or cover up the symptoms. I have been given oral contraceptives, Metformin, and Levothyroxin (thyroid med). The Metformin never worked for me and neither did the thyroid medication I was still gaining weight and loosing my hair (on my head), while growing thicker and more masculine hair on the rest of my body.
After having "M", the pill stopped working for me. I experienced nothing but chronic pelvic pain every day of every week of every month I was on the pill. Plus, I was afraid of getting cancer from the pill...so I took myself off of it.
Since the time I have taken myself off I have done very little to try to combat my PCOS. It is recommended that women with PCOS maintain a healthy weight and BMI. The irony, a lot of us with PCOS can't loose weight worth a darn.
I have a great friend who has introduced me to different holistic medications and supplements. I completed a couple of liver cleanses and found that after each one I had less cravings, less stomach trouble and that combined with chiropractics and supplements, I was menstruating.
In May, I tried the HCG diet through the Chiropractor so that it was done with good guidelines and support. It did not work. If you look back at this post, you will see that this diet was not the way to loosing weight for me.
So now I share with you that I am embarking on a new attempt to take off some weight so that I am comfortable with more vigorous exercise and increasing the health and wellness of my "girl" parts.
This new plan is called Weight Med. It is done using a homeopathic solution three times a day and eating fruits, veggies, and lean meats/seafood for 60 days. There are no calorie limits like that HCG diet. I can use good oils, like Omegas, and eat nuts. Just like the HCG, there can be no sugar, except the fruit and Stevia, and no starches like bread & pasta. I will also have to cut out my dairy except fate free cottage cheese. I don't expect this to be easy, but I am willing to try so that I can regain control over my health and wellness.
I would like to share with you my progress and my experience so that if you find yourself facing "last resort" times with your weight and wellness, you may find support in what I have to say. Not to mention, if I am sharing with all of you, I am more accountable to the plan.
Please feel free to use the comment section for questions or words of support. No need to comment about being careful with my body or making a harmful choice, as all risks have been considered and accounted for.
Thank you for taking this journey with me.
You can also search how to treat PCOS. A doctor will give you medications that combat or cover up the symptoms. I have been given oral contraceptives, Metformin, and Levothyroxin (thyroid med). The Metformin never worked for me and neither did the thyroid medication I was still gaining weight and loosing my hair (on my head), while growing thicker and more masculine hair on the rest of my body.
After having "M", the pill stopped working for me. I experienced nothing but chronic pelvic pain every day of every week of every month I was on the pill. Plus, I was afraid of getting cancer from the pill...so I took myself off of it.
Since the time I have taken myself off I have done very little to try to combat my PCOS. It is recommended that women with PCOS maintain a healthy weight and BMI. The irony, a lot of us with PCOS can't loose weight worth a darn.
I have a great friend who has introduced me to different holistic medications and supplements. I completed a couple of liver cleanses and found that after each one I had less cravings, less stomach trouble and that combined with chiropractics and supplements, I was menstruating.
In May, I tried the HCG diet through the Chiropractor so that it was done with good guidelines and support. It did not work. If you look back at this post, you will see that this diet was not the way to loosing weight for me.
So now I share with you that I am embarking on a new attempt to take off some weight so that I am comfortable with more vigorous exercise and increasing the health and wellness of my "girl" parts.
This new plan is called Weight Med. It is done using a homeopathic solution three times a day and eating fruits, veggies, and lean meats/seafood for 60 days. There are no calorie limits like that HCG diet. I can use good oils, like Omegas, and eat nuts. Just like the HCG, there can be no sugar, except the fruit and Stevia, and no starches like bread & pasta. I will also have to cut out my dairy except fate free cottage cheese. I don't expect this to be easy, but I am willing to try so that I can regain control over my health and wellness.
I would like to share with you my progress and my experience so that if you find yourself facing "last resort" times with your weight and wellness, you may find support in what I have to say. Not to mention, if I am sharing with all of you, I am more accountable to the plan.
Please feel free to use the comment section for questions or words of support. No need to comment about being careful with my body or making a harmful choice, as all risks have been considered and accounted for.
Thank you for taking this journey with me.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Confessions of a Shopaholic...
Welcome to a new subcategory of my captivating life.
I. am. a. shopaholic.
Be it clothes, shoes, kids stuff, organizational stuff, and yes even groceries (this leads to another new subcategory ..more on that later).
Seems I can get make it through a Friday a.k.a payday without over spending on any of the above listed items. I think about it all day. What can I buy? What do we need at home? What project do I want to do? What can I get to give to someone else? Yes, in my brain, if I buy it as a gift for someone else or because I want to do something nice for someone, it is justifiable to spend money. The "H" and I do not have credit cards. We discovered early into our marriage that we were not properly taught how to use credit, therefore we never used our credit the "right" way. Which leads up to debt and financial demise. Well, we are not destitute, but we are in the process of cleaning up our credit and changing our habits.
Before I get into that whole journey, I wanted to share with you a little about my shopping experience. What you need to know about me is that I am frugal and hate to spend money on myself. I like purses because they are one size fits all basically, which leads me to the last thing you need to know about me, I am plus size with short stubby legs. Anything I buy I have to almost always have tailored to fit my legs. This means I always have to factor in the cost of that with the items I am purchasing.
Fast forward: I like to shop consignment for me and for "M". The "H" not so much because it is harder to shop second hand for men.
Today I went to my favorite place to shop for myself. Clothes Mentor in Burnsville. I always find great and amazing items to make great outfits. Plus it doesn't break the bank. It's not supposed to, anyway.
If you have never been before, you should go. It is awesome! Accessories to shoes, you will not be disappointed. Plus, the staff there are super! Helpful, kind, and willing to give you their opinion when you ask. All in all, this is a totally classy joint. I am never disappointed.
I have been to Clothes Mentor over a dozen times since I discovered it about a year ago. I always notice that Plato's Closet right down the side walk from CM. I have never gone in, until today. Boy was the a letdown. The place is so disorganized I could not where some things ended and others began. It was super loud from the "clubbing" music they were playing. I stood in line for 15 mins, while there was NO ONE ahead of me, before I got checked out. The quality of the items was poor. The place smelled like a locker room. I found one scarf that I liked and decided to purchase, I am a shopaholic after all, but I am sure I wont be going back there. Lastly, they had nothing plus size.
So if my vote counts for anything, I am stand behind Clothes Mentor all the way. Spend the extra 2 bucks per item and go to a classier spot to shop for adult women's clothing.
And that is my confession for the day!
I. am. a. shopaholic.
Be it clothes, shoes, kids stuff, organizational stuff, and yes even groceries (this leads to another new subcategory ..more on that later).
Seems I can get make it through a Friday a.k.a payday without over spending on any of the above listed items. I think about it all day. What can I buy? What do we need at home? What project do I want to do? What can I get to give to someone else? Yes, in my brain, if I buy it as a gift for someone else or because I want to do something nice for someone, it is justifiable to spend money. The "H" and I do not have credit cards. We discovered early into our marriage that we were not properly taught how to use credit, therefore we never used our credit the "right" way. Which leads up to debt and financial demise. Well, we are not destitute, but we are in the process of cleaning up our credit and changing our habits.
Before I get into that whole journey, I wanted to share with you a little about my shopping experience. What you need to know about me is that I am frugal and hate to spend money on myself. I like purses because they are one size fits all basically, which leads me to the last thing you need to know about me, I am plus size with short stubby legs. Anything I buy I have to almost always have tailored to fit my legs. This means I always have to factor in the cost of that with the items I am purchasing.
Fast forward: I like to shop consignment for me and for "M". The "H" not so much because it is harder to shop second hand for men.
Today I went to my favorite place to shop for myself. Clothes Mentor in Burnsville. I always find great and amazing items to make great outfits. Plus it doesn't break the bank. It's not supposed to, anyway.
If you have never been before, you should go. It is awesome! Accessories to shoes, you will not be disappointed. Plus, the staff there are super! Helpful, kind, and willing to give you their opinion when you ask. All in all, this is a totally classy joint. I am never disappointed.
I have been to Clothes Mentor over a dozen times since I discovered it about a year ago. I always notice that Plato's Closet right down the side walk from CM. I have never gone in, until today. Boy was the a letdown. The place is so disorganized I could not where some things ended and others began. It was super loud from the "clubbing" music they were playing. I stood in line for 15 mins, while there was NO ONE ahead of me, before I got checked out. The quality of the items was poor. The place smelled like a locker room. I found one scarf that I liked and decided to purchase, I am a shopaholic after all, but I am sure I wont be going back there. Lastly, they had nothing plus size.
So if my vote counts for anything, I am stand behind Clothes Mentor all the way. Spend the extra 2 bucks per item and go to a classier spot to shop for adult women's clothing.
And that is my confession for the day!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Momma Madness
I have not been blogging as of late. Not for a long time actually.
So many things have happened since I lost blogged. I got a new job, which I love, summer has come and gone, and I became an LSW. That is something that I have been working towards for some time now.
As a mom I struggle with alone time, as any mother does. We all want it, but we all feel guilty for wanting it or taking it. As a working mom, I feel even more guilty about wanting it and needing it.
I know that if I do not take it, I will not be the best version of me for my little guy and my big guy. I struggle with finding the time to actually take that alone time. Between a part time job and a full time job plus my mom/wife duties, I am left with little time. And throughout the days and/or weeks between alone time periods I find that the condition of the space in which I use my alone time looks a little something like this:
The minor cleaning jobs or mere attempts to eat dinner at the table, leave me with piles of items on top of my "alone time" space. To actually engage in some relaxing activities for myself, I would have to engage in some serious cleaning and organization just to get to the bottom of the misc. pile on my desk.
So many things have happened since I lost blogged. I got a new job, which I love, summer has come and gone, and I became an LSW. That is something that I have been working towards for some time now.
As a mom I struggle with alone time, as any mother does. We all want it, but we all feel guilty for wanting it or taking it. As a working mom, I feel even more guilty about wanting it and needing it.
I know that if I do not take it, I will not be the best version of me for my little guy and my big guy. I struggle with finding the time to actually take that alone time. Between a part time job and a full time job plus my mom/wife duties, I am left with little time. And throughout the days and/or weeks between alone time periods I find that the condition of the space in which I use my alone time looks a little something like this:
 |
| Underneath it all is my neglected scrap booking stuff. |
Is this "mess and disorganization" a symptom of a severe lack of space, you bet! But we have to make that work as we are here for a while yet.
This leads to a much bigger question: How do working mom's handle the different directions they are being pulled in. I feel that I have certain duties and obligations to my family, but cannot live up to them since I am working not one, but two jobs. Forget about even making time for friends, the few precious hours a week that I am not working or helping someone else out I end up just sitting with my little guy and enjoying him. I suppose this is the dilemma that faces many of us working women.
How do you find time for yourself or your friends?
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Delayed
Sorry for the lack of updates. It has been long and difficult couple of days.
First, the 500 calories a day has made me very tired and very hungry and very crabby!
Second, I was not able to keep my blood sugar high enough to feel well through this process. My blood sugar got as low as 55 and only as high at 87. It was dropping after I would eat, which is the wrong direction!
I knew there was a chance that my PCOS and insulin resistance would complicate this process, but I didn't know how much. I also did not loose any weight. On the up side, I did however, successfully cleanse myself of soda and caffeine. Until I can decide what I am going to do now, I will remain caffeine free!
My apologies for those of you who might have been looking for a great result, I know that I am bummed!
Amy
First, the 500 calories a day has made me very tired and very hungry and very crabby!
Second, I was not able to keep my blood sugar high enough to feel well through this process. My blood sugar got as low as 55 and only as high at 87. It was dropping after I would eat, which is the wrong direction!
I knew there was a chance that my PCOS and insulin resistance would complicate this process, but I didn't know how much. I also did not loose any weight. On the up side, I did however, successfully cleanse myself of soda and caffeine. Until I can decide what I am going to do now, I will remain caffeine free!
My apologies for those of you who might have been looking for a great result, I know that I am bummed!
Amy
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Here Comes the Hard Days
Today was day 2 of Gorging and HCG drops. It was tough for me to gorge today as I was not as planned as I should have been. Hubby and I spent a lot of money on fast food for these 2 gorge days as we knew these items had a high fat content. I am just hoping that we did enough to prevent us from struggling tomorrow.
Start weight today for me was 215. Might be a fluke, but it was down 2 lbs. Hubby's weight was a mistake yesterday. His initial weigh in was 252. He weighed in today at 250, also down 2 lbs. We shall see is this trend keeps up.
So the rest of this week's meals are as follows:
Wednesday: Breakfast-none & drops. Lunch: 100grams Chicken breast (cooked on forman grill), Sliced cucumbers, strawberries. Homemade dressing for the cucumbers. Drops & lots of water. Dinner-Taco salad a la HCG regulations. Drops & lots of water.
Thursday: Breakfast-none & drops and water. Lunch: Asian Salad (with chicken and orange), drops & water. Dinner: Bunless burgers, cucumbers, & Apple Salad. Drops & water.
Friday: Breakfast-none & drops. Lunch- Apple Cobbler, Celery Sticks & 100 grams steak. Drops & water. Dinner- Chicken fajitas with celery and grapefruit. Drops & water.
I will post my recipes when I have more time. Right now I need to prep for tomorrow's meals. I am pre-cooking the chicken breasts and pre-measuring out the beef so that it all matches the regulations.
Thanks for the support!
Amy
Start weight today for me was 215. Might be a fluke, but it was down 2 lbs. Hubby's weight was a mistake yesterday. His initial weigh in was 252. He weighed in today at 250, also down 2 lbs. We shall see is this trend keeps up.
So the rest of this week's meals are as follows:
Wednesday: Breakfast-none & drops. Lunch: 100grams Chicken breast (cooked on forman grill), Sliced cucumbers, strawberries. Homemade dressing for the cucumbers. Drops & lots of water. Dinner-Taco salad a la HCG regulations. Drops & lots of water.
Thursday: Breakfast-none & drops and water. Lunch: Asian Salad (with chicken and orange), drops & water. Dinner: Bunless burgers, cucumbers, & Apple Salad. Drops & water.
Friday: Breakfast-none & drops. Lunch- Apple Cobbler, Celery Sticks & 100 grams steak. Drops & water. Dinner- Chicken fajitas with celery and grapefruit. Drops & water.
I will post my recipes when I have more time. Right now I need to prep for tomorrow's meals. I am pre-cooking the chicken breasts and pre-measuring out the beef so that it all matches the regulations.
Thanks for the support!
Amy
Monday, May 21, 2012
Day 1 (Gorge Day)
Today was day 1 of the HCG diet. Stats: Me: 217 lbs, Bust: 49 '', Belly/Waistline 45 3/4'', Hips 45''. Hubby: Wt 257#, Neck 18'', Chest 48 1/4'', Belly/mid-section 49 1/4 inches, Waist 46 1/2''.
Gorge day is the first day of HCG drops and we are supposed to gorge ourselves until we are full. The more we gorge on, the less hungry and cranky we will likely be the rest of the week after the gorge days. It was actually tough to gorge for me, because as a result of the drops, I had no appetite. Here's what we ate: Fried egg and cheese sandwich, cereal bar, almonds and walnuts, popcorn, choc. chip cookies, Chipotle for lunch with lots of sour cream and guacamole, hot dogs, mac and cheese, doritos, red velvet cup cakes and peanut better toast. YIKES!! Not to mention, I almost drank half my weight in ounces of water today. OY!
Tomorrow is more of the same, as it is the last gorge day until we start the VLCD (very low caloric diet) portion of the HCG plan. Now that I don't feel like I am hungry or have an appetite, I think I can manage this for 30 days. Check back with me and forgive me if I have changed my mind at the end of the week.
I will be posting our beginning photos and our menus plus shopping experiences, so stay tuned....
Amy
Gorge day is the first day of HCG drops and we are supposed to gorge ourselves until we are full. The more we gorge on, the less hungry and cranky we will likely be the rest of the week after the gorge days. It was actually tough to gorge for me, because as a result of the drops, I had no appetite. Here's what we ate: Fried egg and cheese sandwich, cereal bar, almonds and walnuts, popcorn, choc. chip cookies, Chipotle for lunch with lots of sour cream and guacamole, hot dogs, mac and cheese, doritos, red velvet cup cakes and peanut better toast. YIKES!! Not to mention, I almost drank half my weight in ounces of water today. OY!
Tomorrow is more of the same, as it is the last gorge day until we start the VLCD (very low caloric diet) portion of the HCG plan. Now that I don't feel like I am hungry or have an appetite, I think I can manage this for 30 days. Check back with me and forgive me if I have changed my mind at the end of the week.
I will be posting our beginning photos and our menus plus shopping experiences, so stay tuned....
Amy
Sunday, May 20, 2012
What it is
In my last post I explained that the hubby and I were beginning the HCG diet/cleanse very soon. Well, it struck me that there might be people who do not know what the HCG diet is.
Basically, it is taking natural Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and eating a 500 calorie diet for 26 days. There are no refined sugars, no sugars, and no cheating. We are supposed to stick to a very strict menu of food items and cannot eat anything processed {hence the cleanse portion}. There is no working out during this 26 days as we will be burning far too many calories to eat only 500 calories and exercise on top of it.
After the 500 cal 26 days with the drops, for 26 more days we eat an increased diet, without the drops. We should only increase our intake by a tiny bit, but still keeping processed foods and sugars out of our diets. It has been found that through this process the Hypothalamus {which is in the brain} resets what it thinks is your base weight. The hypothalamus also helps regulate other stuff too. I can actually reset my Thyroid through this process and get it to work properly again too. When those two things are working properly for me, guess what, so will my reproductive organs. I might for the first time since high school, have a normal/regular menstrual cycle. As a result, when the time is right, Hubby and I may not have to use fertility treatments in order to conceive. While the thought of getting pregnant is both thrilling and scary, that is NOT the driving force behind starting this diet/cleanse. I know that I am not healthy enough at this time to even support and growing fetus.
For anyone out there who is thinking that I am insane for doing this and that I am making a big mistake, you should know that I have done so many other things to try to get my weight back to a normal weight and normal BMI. I have been 220 lbs since I stopped nursing is 2010. I was 220 lbs when I conceived Little Man through infertility treatments. I lost weight while I was pregnant {how does that happen} even though I was not sick one minute of my pregnancy.
I have done my research and I have tried many many other things. My endocrinologist suggested I have Gastric Bypass. NO THANK YOU!! So I am doing this instead!
I will share my progress and my experience through this 26 days.
Amy
Basically, it is taking natural Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and eating a 500 calorie diet for 26 days. There are no refined sugars, no sugars, and no cheating. We are supposed to stick to a very strict menu of food items and cannot eat anything processed {hence the cleanse portion}. There is no working out during this 26 days as we will be burning far too many calories to eat only 500 calories and exercise on top of it.
After the 500 cal 26 days with the drops, for 26 more days we eat an increased diet, without the drops. We should only increase our intake by a tiny bit, but still keeping processed foods and sugars out of our diets. It has been found that through this process the Hypothalamus {which is in the brain} resets what it thinks is your base weight. The hypothalamus also helps regulate other stuff too. I can actually reset my Thyroid through this process and get it to work properly again too. When those two things are working properly for me, guess what, so will my reproductive organs. I might for the first time since high school, have a normal/regular menstrual cycle. As a result, when the time is right, Hubby and I may not have to use fertility treatments in order to conceive. While the thought of getting pregnant is both thrilling and scary, that is NOT the driving force behind starting this diet/cleanse. I know that I am not healthy enough at this time to even support and growing fetus.
For anyone out there who is thinking that I am insane for doing this and that I am making a big mistake, you should know that I have done so many other things to try to get my weight back to a normal weight and normal BMI. I have been 220 lbs since I stopped nursing is 2010. I was 220 lbs when I conceived Little Man through infertility treatments. I lost weight while I was pregnant {how does that happen} even though I was not sick one minute of my pregnancy.
I have done my research and I have tried many many other things. My endocrinologist suggested I have Gastric Bypass. NO THANK YOU!! So I am doing this instead!
I will share my progress and my experience through this 26 days.
Amy
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
It's GO time...
That's right, it's go time! In my last post I talked about making changes to my lifestyle and the ruler for change and all that. Well, I did a lot of thinking and praying and talking with the good ol' hubby about making these changes and he surprised me by saying that he would like to join in on making these changes.
Yes folks, I did fall over in shock, as the changes that I am referring to have to do with our eating habits and making D.R.A.S.T.I.C changes to what and how we are eating.
In just a few short days, Hubby and I will begin the HCG diet. We did not go out and buy the store HCG. We are doing through the support of our wonderful chiropractor and are real HCG drops. These drops will NOT make me pregnant nor will they make Hubby experience feminization (I think I just made this word up) of his body.
Over the next 30 days, you will hear me say "I can do anything for 30 days, right?" Please do me the kindness of responding, "Yes, you can. You are strong enough and have the courage to make it through." I would really appreciate the support. What we are starting is more of a life long commitment to eating and living healthier. This is scary, but results will outweigh the struggle that we will most likely feel.
I hope to have the heart and time to blog daily through this process with how things are going and what results we are seeing. My goal would be to help provide some support and guidance to anyone else who might be contemplating this diet and lifestyle change. I will share how Hubby and I make this work for us and any tools that we use to make these changes.
{That's it universe. I put this out there, now bring back good results}
Amy
Yes folks, I did fall over in shock, as the changes that I am referring to have to do with our eating habits and making D.R.A.S.T.I.C changes to what and how we are eating.
In just a few short days, Hubby and I will begin the HCG diet. We did not go out and buy the store HCG. We are doing through the support of our wonderful chiropractor and are real HCG drops. These drops will NOT make me pregnant nor will they make Hubby experience feminization (I think I just made this word up) of his body.
Over the next 30 days, you will hear me say "I can do anything for 30 days, right?" Please do me the kindness of responding, "Yes, you can. You are strong enough and have the courage to make it through." I would really appreciate the support. What we are starting is more of a life long commitment to eating and living healthier. This is scary, but results will outweigh the struggle that we will most likely feel.
I hope to have the heart and time to blog daily through this process with how things are going and what results we are seeing. My goal would be to help provide some support and guidance to anyone else who might be contemplating this diet and lifestyle change. I will share how Hubby and I make this work for us and any tools that we use to make these changes.
{That's it universe. I put this out there, now bring back good results}
Amy
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Ch-Ch-Changes
Change comes in many forms. We all have ideas of what we would change and the reasons behind those changes. When change isn't successful or we don't see it through all the way, we can get discouraged and give up. This is a pattern with which I am quite familiar. Learning how to break this pattern can be quite difficult and I feel like I am on the path to breaking it, so I wanted to share with others what I have learned.
For a while now I have been at the contemplation stage of [big fancy psychology word] change. I have been essentially deciding whether or not I want to make permanent changes to my life. Ironically, my journey through the stages of change parallels that of the clients I serve through adult mental health services. This month I have been working with clients that are not really progressing on to the next stages of change (aka...managing their mental health symptoms enough to overcome barriers to adaptable life). So the 5 stages of this model of change are pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. I think that I smash together the contemplation and action stages and skip the preparation stage...guess what, this sets me up for failure and disappointment.
When deciding to make changes in ones life, we should look at the 3 elements of motivational interviewing to really determine the level of commitment to making said changes. The 3 elements can be measured on the Ruler of change (1 through 10, 1 least 10 most).
When making plans for a change in your life here are the elements to ask yourself about.
1. Importance: How important is this to me on a scale of 1-10?
2. Confidence: How confident am I that I will be successful on a scale of 1-10?
3. Readiness: How ready am I for this change to happen on a scale of 1-10?
If importance his high and confidence is high, but readiness is low, then changes are there will be no progression towards reaching whatever the goal may be.
This might explain why I am stuck in the contemplation stage. Not all of the scores of my Ruler for change are high. In fact, I am not sure that any of my scores on those 3 elements are high enough to move to another stage. Importance is the highest ranking element, because intellectually I KNOW and FEEL that the changes I want to make are important to me and my family, but I hold no confidence that I can make it.
A little bit of me isn't necessarily ready to let my old life go and start new. So what will push me over the edge and make it to the next stage?
Give this a try and let me know what you think...did it work and did it provide you would more successful outcomes. I sure hope it does for me.
-Amy
For a while now I have been at the contemplation stage of [big fancy psychology word] change. I have been essentially deciding whether or not I want to make permanent changes to my life. Ironically, my journey through the stages of change parallels that of the clients I serve through adult mental health services. This month I have been working with clients that are not really progressing on to the next stages of change (aka...managing their mental health symptoms enough to overcome barriers to adaptable life). So the 5 stages of this model of change are pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. I think that I smash together the contemplation and action stages and skip the preparation stage...guess what, this sets me up for failure and disappointment.
When deciding to make changes in ones life, we should look at the 3 elements of motivational interviewing to really determine the level of commitment to making said changes. The 3 elements can be measured on the Ruler of change (1 through 10, 1 least 10 most).
When making plans for a change in your life here are the elements to ask yourself about.
1. Importance: How important is this to me on a scale of 1-10?
2. Confidence: How confident am I that I will be successful on a scale of 1-10?
3. Readiness: How ready am I for this change to happen on a scale of 1-10?
If importance his high and confidence is high, but readiness is low, then changes are there will be no progression towards reaching whatever the goal may be.
This might explain why I am stuck in the contemplation stage. Not all of the scores of my Ruler for change are high. In fact, I am not sure that any of my scores on those 3 elements are high enough to move to another stage. Importance is the highest ranking element, because intellectually I KNOW and FEEL that the changes I want to make are important to me and my family, but I hold no confidence that I can make it.
A little bit of me isn't necessarily ready to let my old life go and start new. So what will push me over the edge and make it to the next stage?
Give this a try and let me know what you think...did it work and did it provide you would more successful outcomes. I sure hope it does for me.
-Amy
Monday, April 30, 2012
Hugs
How many hugs do you get each day? Maybe you start your day with a hug, maybe a smooch or two.
In the 5 Languages of Love, it says that "It is rumored a person needs 7 hugs a day to stay healthy."
Personally, I don't think we hug enough and when we do, it seems awkward.
I am a toucher...just ask my hubby. I am always reaching out for him and holding his hand, rubbing the back of his head, scratching his back. Seriously, it's like I just can't keep my hands off! I think because I feel loved by the amount and kind of touch I receive, I also express my love and care for another person by touching them.
In what ways do you express your love and care and in what ways do you feel someone's love and care for you?
How many of you think we could all use more hugs?!
In the 5 Languages of Love, it says that "It is rumored a person needs 7 hugs a day to stay healthy."
Personally, I don't think we hug enough and when we do, it seems awkward.
I am a toucher...just ask my hubby. I am always reaching out for him and holding his hand, rubbing the back of his head, scratching his back. Seriously, it's like I just can't keep my hands off! I think because I feel loved by the amount and kind of touch I receive, I also express my love and care for another person by touching them.
In what ways do you express your love and care and in what ways do you feel someone's love and care for you?
How many of you think we could all use more hugs?!
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