I know, every blogger out there is doing this. But I am having writers block, so I am doing it too.
A. Age: 30
B. Bed size: Queen, but I would seriously give anything to have a king= not in the budget, even though there are times where I share a bed with 3 other humans.
C. Chore you hate: Laundry...it is never ending.
D. Dogs: Cowboy, a black lab who is THE most laid back dog ever.
E. Essential start to your day:Gym, coffee, smoothie (in that order)
F. Favorite color: blue
G. Gold or silver: Silver
H. Height: 5’7
I. Instruments: Took piano for a few years, wish I didn't quit.
J. Job title: Junior High English Teacher
K. Kids: Liam, age 3 Charlotte, age 11 months
L. Live: Cape Cod, Ma
M. Mom’s name: Cheryl
N. Nicknames: I have one related to my last name..but I don't want my last name on internet world. It is what all the male teachers call me.
O. Overnight hospital stays: Having the babies. I think that is it
P. Pet peeve: People being late or cancelling at the last second
Q. Quote from a movie: "If I have no teeth, I will gum you" -There will be Blood (weirdest movie ever)
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: one little sister
T. Time you wake up: 4:30 a.m (yikes)
U. Underwear: whatever is clean
V. Vegetables you dislike: I think I might like them all if cooked right. I do not really like raw onions.
W. What makes you run late: My husband. He takes longer to get ready than me.
X. X-Rays you’ve had: teeth, foot, tail bone
Y. Yummy food you make: my husbands fave is spicy shrimp bowls. I like my chicken parm
Z. Zoo- favorite animal: Elephants
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Motivation is overrated
I have decided I am buying a shirt with one of my favorite sayings:
Motivation is overrated, JUST DO IT.
I love this saying because it is so true. These have been the words I live by since December. I think WAY too many Americans make too many excuses. I know I did, and at times still do.
How many times have you said things to yourself like:
I had a long hard work week, I should be allowed to eat this pizza,
or I have to get up super early this week and have 2 meetings, I don't have enough energy to workout.
?
The thing is, if you are always waiting for some motivation to show up, chances are you will never reach your goals. Of course there are days where I have motivation. The sun is shining, I'm feeling good, I could take on the world. Sometimes this comes from an unusually good mood or from being over-caffienated.
But most days I am ridiculously tired. I have a million things to do. I have two kids who take all my energy and the last thing I have is motivation to do anything.
I have come to realize I cannot always wait for motivation...I just need to DO IT. If I get my gym clothes on and force myself to go to the gym, somehow I find the energy to workout. If I pull the healthy food out of the fridge, I will cook it, even if I really want to be lazy and get takeout.
Motivation is usually missing, I just have to do it anyway.
/;
Motivation is overrated, JUST DO IT.
I love this saying because it is so true. These have been the words I live by since December. I think WAY too many Americans make too many excuses. I know I did, and at times still do.
How many times have you said things to yourself like:
I had a long hard work week, I should be allowed to eat this pizza,
or I have to get up super early this week and have 2 meetings, I don't have enough energy to workout.
?
The thing is, if you are always waiting for some motivation to show up, chances are you will never reach your goals. Of course there are days where I have motivation. The sun is shining, I'm feeling good, I could take on the world. Sometimes this comes from an unusually good mood or from being over-caffienated.
But most days I am ridiculously tired. I have a million things to do. I have two kids who take all my energy and the last thing I have is motivation to do anything.
I have come to realize I cannot always wait for motivation...I just need to DO IT. If I get my gym clothes on and force myself to go to the gym, somehow I find the energy to workout. If I pull the healthy food out of the fridge, I will cook it, even if I really want to be lazy and get takeout.
Motivation is usually missing, I just have to do it anyway.
/;
Monday, May 23, 2011
Clean Eats
I just haven't felt like talking food in a while, but I do still work pretty hard at clean eating. I still follow a weekly meal plan and am getting very excited for fresh veggie season. We will be planting our garden in the next week or so.
Here are some things I have been diggin' on lately-
Whole wheat cous-cous from Trader Joes. I love cous-cous, but hadn't found a whole wheat version. This one is good. What I like about cous-cous is that it picks up the flavor of all the veggies you put in it.
Natural Chunk Peanut Butter, the 365 brand from Whole foods
This is the best natural peanut butter yet. It only contains peanuts and salt. I love it melted on a mini-wheat bagel. I also melt it and dip frozen fruit in it.
Fresh Basil
I really could eat basil every day. I love it with tomatoes and mozerella, in any pasta dish and especially in pesto. Good thing I have some growing so I can eat it right off the plant
Speaking of pesto
If you take a head of broccoli, put it in the food processor, add some pine nuts and a few cloves of garlic, some basil and a little bit of olive oil..you have an ever better for you version of pesto that is fabulous as a pasta sauce.
Cranberries
I eat dried cranberries with a handful of raw almonds almost everyday. They are like grown-up fruit snacks.
-C
Here are some things I have been diggin' on lately-
Whole wheat cous-cous from Trader Joes. I love cous-cous, but hadn't found a whole wheat version. This one is good. What I like about cous-cous is that it picks up the flavor of all the veggies you put in it.
Natural Chunk Peanut Butter, the 365 brand from Whole foods
This is the best natural peanut butter yet. It only contains peanuts and salt. I love it melted on a mini-wheat bagel. I also melt it and dip frozen fruit in it.
Fresh Basil
I really could eat basil every day. I love it with tomatoes and mozerella, in any pasta dish and especially in pesto. Good thing I have some growing so I can eat it right off the plant
Speaking of pesto
If you take a head of broccoli, put it in the food processor, add some pine nuts and a few cloves of garlic, some basil and a little bit of olive oil..you have an ever better for you version of pesto that is fabulous as a pasta sauce.
Cranberries
I eat dried cranberries with a handful of raw almonds almost everyday. They are like grown-up fruit snacks.
-C
Sunday, May 15, 2011
BEFORE and after
I thought long and hard about this one. First of all, I do not have all that many fat before photos. But since a lot of people have remarked about my weightloss lately, I thought I probably could share.
So today I will start with some before photos. The Hubby and I in July at a friends wedding.
Me (left) at the beach...and luckily not standing up (though you can see my large legs). Doesn't help that I am sitting next to my brother-in-laws girlfriend who is smokin' hot (love ya K).
Bridesmaids at a friends wedding in July. This is a good body shot. I am to the left in purple.
Okay, the afters will be next. I have to have the husband take one of me. But I will give you an after shot of him:
Friday, May 13, 2011
Random Health Related Thoughts
I am pretty excited about my new running shoes. They are so comfy and I really needed them. I am not all that thrilled that having kids made my feet grow 1.5 sizes. Seriously, like it isn't bad enough that being prego makes everything else on your body grow...but your feet, really? It's true. My running shoes pre-kid were size 8. Now I have 9.5's
I am weighing about 132 lbs the last 2 weeks. When I started this blog I think I was 153. 21 lbs, not bad.
I am worried about gaining weight back when I stop nursing. I gained 10 lbs within 3 months of stopping with my son. It burns extra calories. I know I will need to cut back on the eating if I want to keep at this weight. My habits are much better this time around.
I think I have stopped drinking alcohol. I haven't had a drink since New Years (which was about a quarter glass of wine) and before that I think it was at a friends wedding in July. It is sort of strange, because I drank a lot in college and my early 20's and my husband and I drank pretty frequently before kids. But I also know it is why I was 10 lbs heavier. Soemtimes I am not sure if I can function socially without a drink, but I just don't have a taste for it anymore. It is a little socially isolating not to drink, so much revolves around alcohol with people my age. But my husband doesn't drink anymore, and I think it is only right for me to support him in this by not drinking as well. I guess I got my fill from age 17-24.
I eat clean a lot, but there are some things I am struggling with and am not sure I can give up. One is sweetner in my coffee. Two is frozen yogurt (in fact I had a peanut butter cup frozen yogurt tonight..yum) and three, chips and salsa. I guess it could be worse.
When we are out and about and I have to get "fast food" I always get the same thing. Subway chicken breast sub on honey oat bread with provolone, spinach, tomatoes, pickles, and banana peppers with sweet onion sauce (which is also not 'clean'). I figure this is about as good as it gets as far as take out goes.
Since I started my clean eating adventure I now hate to feel overly full. I think about our old habits and it makes me cringe. We used to use Friday as an excuse to celebrate..and sometimes Saturday and Sunday too. This usually meant way too much pizza or Chinese, or whatever. That makes my skin crawl thinking of it.
I can lift more weight at the gym then I ever could. However, I am still weak. Especially my arms. I am thinking of buying New Rules of Lifting for Women. It is a program that gets great reviews. I hate lifting in front of all the guys at the gym. I wish my gym was just for women.
I am weighing about 132 lbs the last 2 weeks. When I started this blog I think I was 153. 21 lbs, not bad.
I am worried about gaining weight back when I stop nursing. I gained 10 lbs within 3 months of stopping with my son. It burns extra calories. I know I will need to cut back on the eating if I want to keep at this weight. My habits are much better this time around.
I think I have stopped drinking alcohol. I haven't had a drink since New Years (which was about a quarter glass of wine) and before that I think it was at a friends wedding in July. It is sort of strange, because I drank a lot in college and my early 20's and my husband and I drank pretty frequently before kids. But I also know it is why I was 10 lbs heavier. Soemtimes I am not sure if I can function socially without a drink, but I just don't have a taste for it anymore. It is a little socially isolating not to drink, so much revolves around alcohol with people my age. But my husband doesn't drink anymore, and I think it is only right for me to support him in this by not drinking as well. I guess I got my fill from age 17-24.
I eat clean a lot, but there are some things I am struggling with and am not sure I can give up. One is sweetner in my coffee. Two is frozen yogurt (in fact I had a peanut butter cup frozen yogurt tonight..yum) and three, chips and salsa. I guess it could be worse.
When we are out and about and I have to get "fast food" I always get the same thing. Subway chicken breast sub on honey oat bread with provolone, spinach, tomatoes, pickles, and banana peppers with sweet onion sauce (which is also not 'clean'). I figure this is about as good as it gets as far as take out goes.
Since I started my clean eating adventure I now hate to feel overly full. I think about our old habits and it makes me cringe. We used to use Friday as an excuse to celebrate..and sometimes Saturday and Sunday too. This usually meant way too much pizza or Chinese, or whatever. That makes my skin crawl thinking of it.
I can lift more weight at the gym then I ever could. However, I am still weak. Especially my arms. I am thinking of buying New Rules of Lifting for Women. It is a program that gets great reviews. I hate lifting in front of all the guys at the gym. I wish my gym was just for women.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Happy Mother's Day
I think this is my fourth Mother's Day. I know that I usually ask to sleep in, which I didn't ask for this year..being that I have tried to reinvent myself into a healthier mama, I opted for going to the gym with my husband. My own mama was down and watched the kids. This year I got new running shoes!
It has been a laid back day. Nothing too exciting or unusual. I have just enjoyed my family, some good food and did some reflecting on my life as a mommy.
Being a mama has taught me......
That there is no preparing for parenthood. There is no perfect time and somehow you just figure it all out as you go.
That there really will be a lot less sleep and that just because they are no longer babies doesn't guarantee that they will always sleep. But you learn how to survive on much less.
That you should never, EVER allow any crayons, markers or paints into your home unless they are washable.
That every stage will pass. They won't walk down the aisle needing to be rocked and you shouldn't waste any time worrying that they will never get past a certain stage..because they will.
That it is okay to let the house go, because you only get so much time with your kiddos and you shouldn't waste it.
That your friendships will not be the same, especially with your non-childbearing friends because you are in very different places in your lives. You can still love them, but while they get dressed to go to bars you are scrubbing gunk out of the top of sippie cups...
That soooo many things become fun again. Like going to the zoo, or kicking a soccer ball or singing in the car. My kids allow me to be a kid again.
That if you even think you may some day have a son you should never put a heating duct cover anywhere near the toilet.
That you have tremendous worry ALL of the time and that you are somehow able to see an accident before it ever could happen. Like seeing a dangerous step at a playground before you even get out of the car and knowing your kid isn't going near it.
That at first you will swear that you could never, ever handle or want to be pregnant, be in labor, have a newborn, have a toddler again, but then all of a sudden you want more than anything to have another one.
That kids pick up on everything you say and do and so you better be the person you would like your child to be.
That boys are born to think poop, fart and penis jokes are funny, as are making songs up about said things.
That when they hurt, you hurt.
That everyone and their mother wants to tell you how to raise your kid and you shouldn't listen to any of them.
That each child is so different and that it can be easy to compare them when you shouldn't.
That being healthy and in shape is key if you want to be able to keep up with your kids because those little buggers are fast.
That if someone dare hurt your child it is human nature to consider killing them.
That girls are the calmer sex.
That humans have really hard heads because kids hit their damn heads A LOT.
That your relationship changes and it isn't always easy..but you need each other so much more.
That when all else fails and you haven't slept and someone poops on you and you look like hell...it is okay just to start laughing until you cry because it is funny and devastating all at the same time.
That life as you know it changes in an instant and changes dramatically again when you have more children because you are no longer who you were, but now a mother to a child who needs you and will continue to need you for the rest of your life.
I love my two children more than anything in this world. I always imagined having children, but there is no doubt that you cannot ever comprehend what it is like until you live it. Motherhood is hard and wonderful and fun and I know I am a better person because of what my little ones have done for my life.
Happy Mothers Day.
It has been a laid back day. Nothing too exciting or unusual. I have just enjoyed my family, some good food and did some reflecting on my life as a mommy.
Being a mama has taught me......
That there is no preparing for parenthood. There is no perfect time and somehow you just figure it all out as you go.
That there really will be a lot less sleep and that just because they are no longer babies doesn't guarantee that they will always sleep. But you learn how to survive on much less.
That you should never, EVER allow any crayons, markers or paints into your home unless they are washable.
That every stage will pass. They won't walk down the aisle needing to be rocked and you shouldn't waste any time worrying that they will never get past a certain stage..because they will.
That it is okay to let the house go, because you only get so much time with your kiddos and you shouldn't waste it.
That your friendships will not be the same, especially with your non-childbearing friends because you are in very different places in your lives. You can still love them, but while they get dressed to go to bars you are scrubbing gunk out of the top of sippie cups...
That soooo many things become fun again. Like going to the zoo, or kicking a soccer ball or singing in the car. My kids allow me to be a kid again.
That if you even think you may some day have a son you should never put a heating duct cover anywhere near the toilet.
That you have tremendous worry ALL of the time and that you are somehow able to see an accident before it ever could happen. Like seeing a dangerous step at a playground before you even get out of the car and knowing your kid isn't going near it.
That at first you will swear that you could never, ever handle or want to be pregnant, be in labor, have a newborn, have a toddler again, but then all of a sudden you want more than anything to have another one.
That kids pick up on everything you say and do and so you better be the person you would like your child to be.
That boys are born to think poop, fart and penis jokes are funny, as are making songs up about said things.
That when they hurt, you hurt.
That everyone and their mother wants to tell you how to raise your kid and you shouldn't listen to any of them.
That each child is so different and that it can be easy to compare them when you shouldn't.
That being healthy and in shape is key if you want to be able to keep up with your kids because those little buggers are fast.
That if someone dare hurt your child it is human nature to consider killing them.
That girls are the calmer sex.
That humans have really hard heads because kids hit their damn heads A LOT.
That your relationship changes and it isn't always easy..but you need each other so much more.
That when all else fails and you haven't slept and someone poops on you and you look like hell...it is okay just to start laughing until you cry because it is funny and devastating all at the same time.
That life as you know it changes in an instant and changes dramatically again when you have more children because you are no longer who you were, but now a mother to a child who needs you and will continue to need you for the rest of your life.
I love my two children more than anything in this world. I always imagined having children, but there is no doubt that you cannot ever comprehend what it is like until you live it. Motherhood is hard and wonderful and fun and I know I am a better person because of what my little ones have done for my life.
Happy Mothers Day.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Summer, Summer, Summer Tiiiime
I am looonging for summer time! I know most people are. I think it is UnAmerican not to like summer. The infatuation begins in school when we start counting down to summer on the first day of school.
When you are a teacher you are stuck in a permanent state of counting down.
This summer I am looking forward to not being pregnant, or nursing, or fat from just having a baby. Last summer I had my daughter on June 23 and needless to say I was less than thrilled to be in a bathing suit that summer.
I am also looking forward to bringing the kids to the beach every day. They will both be able to play. Bringing a newborn to the beach is just not fun...but a three year old and one year old will enjoy it. Going to the beach is good for me too. When you go to the beach with toddlers you are not sitting AT ALL...ever. This means exercise and fresh air...a very healthy combo.
I am looking forward to food on the grill, especially fresh fish and vegetables from our garden. I am actually looking forward to planting in the next few weeks and caring for the garden. Last year I was so huge by then I wasn't that into it.
I am looking forward to long walks and hikes, lots of iced coffees, ice cream cones (well, frozen yogurt for me), and watching my kids play in the kiddy pool and of course our two week vacation out to one of my favorite places on earth, Montana.
But most of all I am looking forward to my short two month stint as a stay at home mom. I love my job, but I love my kids more. Plus, who doesn't love two months off during the summer.?!
June 21 cannot come soon enough. If you teach you know that no human being could continue working with children for long if not for summer break...a person would lose their mind.
When you are a teacher you are stuck in a permanent state of counting down.
This summer I am looking forward to not being pregnant, or nursing, or fat from just having a baby. Last summer I had my daughter on June 23 and needless to say I was less than thrilled to be in a bathing suit that summer.
I am also looking forward to bringing the kids to the beach every day. They will both be able to play. Bringing a newborn to the beach is just not fun...but a three year old and one year old will enjoy it. Going to the beach is good for me too. When you go to the beach with toddlers you are not sitting AT ALL...ever. This means exercise and fresh air...a very healthy combo.
I am looking forward to food on the grill, especially fresh fish and vegetables from our garden. I am actually looking forward to planting in the next few weeks and caring for the garden. Last year I was so huge by then I wasn't that into it.
I am looking forward to long walks and hikes, lots of iced coffees, ice cream cones (well, frozen yogurt for me), and watching my kids play in the kiddy pool and of course our two week vacation out to one of my favorite places on earth, Montana.
But most of all I am looking forward to my short two month stint as a stay at home mom. I love my job, but I love my kids more. Plus, who doesn't love two months off during the summer.?!
June 21 cannot come soon enough. If you teach you know that no human being could continue working with children for long if not for summer break...a person would lose their mind.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Annoying gym rats
Okay, I know I have only been back at the gym for like 3 weeks...but I do feel qualified to comment on this due to the fact that despite a 3 year hiatus, I did use and work at a gym for about 5 years of my life and I do feel I know a lot about gym etiquette.
There are MANY things that annoy me about certain people at the gym. But the annoying, time-wasting gym rat is the WORST of all offenders.
This is the person who spends hours and hours a week at the gym when really they do very little exercising.
There is a guy at the gym every morning that I go. He is taking up space and really just annoys the crap out of me. He strikes up a conversation with any poor soul who looks his way or makes the mistake of walking anywhere in the gym without head phones.
Sometimes when I do circuit training I don't feel like listening to music. Yet I keep those headphones plugged tight into my ears because it is not worth getting trapped in a conversation by creepy gym rat guy.
He wanders around the machines. Sometimes he sits down and does a few reps of something. He never breaks a sweat EVER. He occasionally does cardio by walking on the treadmill. (People who pay hundreds of dollars to casually walk on a treadmill for 20 minutes are also among the people who annoy me at the gym). He often takes up a machine that I want to use but he is just sitting on it watching the TV or talking to someone. I mean yes, you should rest between sets...but 4 minutes of rest is unnecessary.
This guy happens to have a huge gut hanging over his gym shorts. Now normally I don't judge someone's body. Not everyone is thin and I totally get that. But this guy should be thin. He spends hours at the gym BUT he doesn't really do anything there. What the hell is the point??
I can be pretty dang lazy, but when I go to the gym I am going their to workout. I prefer that no one talks to me. I have exactly 1 hour of precious time to tone up and burn calories and I am pretty sure that I am good at this.
Now granted I am a little bit spoiled. First of all I had training as a personal trainer and I have the knowledge base to create workouts for myself that I like to do and that I know work for me. Secondly, after working for a gym for so long I have had access to all kind of equipment and over the years I learned how to use just about everything. I think a lot of people should invest in a trainer just so they gain confidence in how to use all the things a gym has to offer. And lastly I do not believe in wasting time. I hate wasting time and people like the annoying gym rat guy seem to have WAY too much time to waste.
I won't even get into the girls who do their makeup before going to the gym. Or the guys who grunt ridiculously loud when they throw weights around and do their lifting in ways that are super dangerous to their bodies.
The profiles are the same at every gym. I wonder what my profile is? Uptight, sweaty mom who rushes around like a crazy lady? Yup, sounds about right.
There are MANY things that annoy me about certain people at the gym. But the annoying, time-wasting gym rat is the WORST of all offenders.
This is the person who spends hours and hours a week at the gym when really they do very little exercising.
There is a guy at the gym every morning that I go. He is taking up space and really just annoys the crap out of me. He strikes up a conversation with any poor soul who looks his way or makes the mistake of walking anywhere in the gym without head phones.
Sometimes when I do circuit training I don't feel like listening to music. Yet I keep those headphones plugged tight into my ears because it is not worth getting trapped in a conversation by creepy gym rat guy.
He wanders around the machines. Sometimes he sits down and does a few reps of something. He never breaks a sweat EVER. He occasionally does cardio by walking on the treadmill. (People who pay hundreds of dollars to casually walk on a treadmill for 20 minutes are also among the people who annoy me at the gym). He often takes up a machine that I want to use but he is just sitting on it watching the TV or talking to someone. I mean yes, you should rest between sets...but 4 minutes of rest is unnecessary.
This guy happens to have a huge gut hanging over his gym shorts. Now normally I don't judge someone's body. Not everyone is thin and I totally get that. But this guy should be thin. He spends hours at the gym BUT he doesn't really do anything there. What the hell is the point??
I can be pretty dang lazy, but when I go to the gym I am going their to workout. I prefer that no one talks to me. I have exactly 1 hour of precious time to tone up and burn calories and I am pretty sure that I am good at this.
Now granted I am a little bit spoiled. First of all I had training as a personal trainer and I have the knowledge base to create workouts for myself that I like to do and that I know work for me. Secondly, after working for a gym for so long I have had access to all kind of equipment and over the years I learned how to use just about everything. I think a lot of people should invest in a trainer just so they gain confidence in how to use all the things a gym has to offer. And lastly I do not believe in wasting time. I hate wasting time and people like the annoying gym rat guy seem to have WAY too much time to waste.
I won't even get into the girls who do their makeup before going to the gym. Or the guys who grunt ridiculously loud when they throw weights around and do their lifting in ways that are super dangerous to their bodies.
The profiles are the same at every gym. I wonder what my profile is? Uptight, sweaty mom who rushes around like a crazy lady? Yup, sounds about right.
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