*whew* I did it. I finally exercised. It wasn't much, but it was something. I have a daily check off that I've been working off of to keep up with the kitchen and boys' homework. (Aaron loves being able to mark off his assignments :) And frankly, so do I.) One of the of the things on my list is to exercise 3 times a week. At the beginning of the week I focused more on getting back into reading scriptures so I would do that while I ate my breakfast. By Wed I was thinking I should read scriptures while I go on the treadmill, but I like to do it while I eat since I am sitting there anyway. Well, today and yesterday I finished off Aaron's cereal while Jared ate his breakfast, so no excuse there!
I decided to bite the bullet and get on the treadmill. I pulled out the board I'd used last year to rest my computer on while treadmilling and instead placed my Old Testament Institute manual and scriptures on it. Petty excuse, but I was already showered and dressed for the day so I didn't want to do exert myself too much so I just walked. I have also had a headache since yesterday so I didn't want to exacerbate it either. (And yes, I took some tylenol for it but it is still around just duller.) I read three chapters of Leviticus and corresponding insights from the manual before I decided I couldn't concentrate much longer. In all, I walked a little over 20 minutes, maxed at 3.0 mph and .90 miles. I debated completing a full mile but wanted to be done at 20 min so I didn't. As I said, not much, but it is more than the nothing I've been doing :)
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
"there shall not be room enough to receive it"
10 Bring ye all theLast night Matthew came to bed and tossed an envelope at me and asked if I'd paid tithing. Inside was a Christmas card from his company with $100 cash. Because he was gone, they had forgotten to give it to him. Yet another witness to me of the blessings of tithing.a tithes into the storehouse, that there may beb meat in mine house, andc prove me now herewith, saith the Lordof hosts, if I will notd open you thee windows of heaven, and pour you out af blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. ~ Malachi 3:10
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Blessings
Like most of my spiritual habits, tithing is something I have a testimony of and has always been a top priority for me. Unfortunately since moving into our place which doubled our rent, it hasn't been as easy to pay tithing. We would put it off because bills tend to collect interest or have dire consequences when gone unpaid. As things money got tighter, I realized we needed to pay tithing in order to have things work out. When we were newly married and money was scarce, sometimes it was even scarcer than other times but we always paid our tithing. In just about every instance where we were down to our last dollars, we would discover a paycheck that had been tucked away somewhere and needed deposited.
So after this summer when money was getting tight again due to poor money management, Matthew and I talked about making tithing a higher priority. I am the one who generally pays the bills and at the beginning of December I paid tithing despite what the bank account looked like. In fact, the amount of tithing we had to pay was the same amount that Matthew's school tuition was. I realized it would be better to pay tithing and let the credit card gain interest because we needed the blessings. And the blessings came. Within days of writing the check (and I hadn't even turned it in yet) Matthew got word that the Army was offering re-enlistment bonuses again and he was eligible in January. The amount of the bonus is enough to replenish our savings that will be completed depleted when we pay Feb's rent. Not only the news came of the bonus, but Matthew got a call from his mom about money that his grandmother had invested for each of her children and grandchildren. Next time his mom comes to visit, she will bring it. Is it in our hands? No. But it is money coming our way that we had no way of knowing would come.
Tithing settlement was looming for us the last Sunday of December and neither of us felt that we were full tithe payers until we paid the remaining tithing due for the month of December. There was enough money to pay tithing but not the bills that would be due at the beginning of the month. Basically paying that tithing was our widow's mite. I wasn't sure how it would all work out with the bills. Thanks to our savings account we were able to pay rent and our credit card that carries some of our bills. Matthew gets paid on the 10th for his pest control job and I am never sure when a check will come through for his Army work. We had a bill for student loans we have set to pay yesterday but I forgot to do it so I logged on this morning to check what our situation was to pay it. Lo and behold, money had come through from the Army. I was able to pay that bill, but another bill is set for the 9th. I logged into that account to figure out if we'd have enough left after the student loan was paid. Normally our auto and property insurance runs about $150 a month. It was $55 and not due until the 13th!!! (well after the pest control pays us). It will all work out! I know this is because we paid our tithing. We offered our faith and trust and the Lord has blessed us. I am so grateful and humbled by His constant love and mercy, especially when I am weak.
So after this summer when money was getting tight again due to poor money management, Matthew and I talked about making tithing a higher priority. I am the one who generally pays the bills and at the beginning of December I paid tithing despite what the bank account looked like. In fact, the amount of tithing we had to pay was the same amount that Matthew's school tuition was. I realized it would be better to pay tithing and let the credit card gain interest because we needed the blessings. And the blessings came. Within days of writing the check (and I hadn't even turned it in yet) Matthew got word that the Army was offering re-enlistment bonuses again and he was eligible in January. The amount of the bonus is enough to replenish our savings that will be completed depleted when we pay Feb's rent. Not only the news came of the bonus, but Matthew got a call from his mom about money that his grandmother had invested for each of her children and grandchildren. Next time his mom comes to visit, she will bring it. Is it in our hands? No. But it is money coming our way that we had no way of knowing would come.
Tithing settlement was looming for us the last Sunday of December and neither of us felt that we were full tithe payers until we paid the remaining tithing due for the month of December. There was enough money to pay tithing but not the bills that would be due at the beginning of the month. Basically paying that tithing was our widow's mite. I wasn't sure how it would all work out with the bills. Thanks to our savings account we were able to pay rent and our credit card that carries some of our bills. Matthew gets paid on the 10th for his pest control job and I am never sure when a check will come through for his Army work. We had a bill for student loans we have set to pay yesterday but I forgot to do it so I logged on this morning to check what our situation was to pay it. Lo and behold, money had come through from the Army. I was able to pay that bill, but another bill is set for the 9th. I logged into that account to figure out if we'd have enough left after the student loan was paid. Normally our auto and property insurance runs about $150 a month. It was $55 and not due until the 13th!!! (well after the pest control pays us). It will all work out! I know this is because we paid our tithing. We offered our faith and trust and the Lord has blessed us. I am so grateful and humbled by His constant love and mercy, especially when I am weak.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Work it, girlfriend!!
I am so proud of myself. I updated and printed off the weekly and daily checklists I created last year. I posted the daily on the fridge and finally got started on it today. I feel like whatever I had this weekend was kicked to the curb and I had the energy and desire to get my to-do list checked off. Maybe it helped Aaron prayed that I could work hard today ;)
It is a sad commentary that today was the first time since we moved into our house in May that I mopped the kitchen floor. It was pretty nasty - and honestly I didn't even do that great a job, but it is cleaner than it was before the boys left for school :) Saturday's - to-do list was my top priority today along with the other daily tasks. It really helped to have the visual. I even put away all the laundry! Well, I take that back. I haven't done Aaron's basket yet and Jared's is folded though not put away. Usually they sit in a basket and slowly dwindle until it is laundry time again. I am really hoping to get out of that habit and have the baskets available for the clean clothes as they get done in the dryer.
Because it makes me feel good, here is what I did today:
read scripture
read from Institute manual for class tomorrow
emptied/load dishwasher
wiped down counters (still need to tackle THE counter where all the paper piles up)
wiped down table
swept/mopped kitchen and downstairs bath
cleaned downstairs bath
washed towels
put away whites, dress clothes
folded blankets, Jared's clothes
helped in Aaron's class
put dinner in a crockpot (yay for thinking ahead)
played Careers with Aaron after HW was done
And Jared had a great day too. I love this 20 mg of Focalin :) He came home in a really good mood and dropped all his stuff in the kitchen. Without a word from me, he said "I know. Hang up your jacket. Put your shoes away. Take care of your lunch box (and he actually ate all his lunch!!)" Plus his Word Study was already done, so I gave him 15 min on the computer. Then he did his math in less than 10 minutes, typing, practiced his trumpet, read his 30 min, has his backpack ready for tomorrow.
It is a sad commentary that today was the first time since we moved into our house in May that I mopped the kitchen floor. It was pretty nasty - and honestly I didn't even do that great a job, but it is cleaner than it was before the boys left for school :) Saturday's - to-do list was my top priority today along with the other daily tasks. It really helped to have the visual. I even put away all the laundry! Well, I take that back. I haven't done Aaron's basket yet and Jared's is folded though not put away. Usually they sit in a basket and slowly dwindle until it is laundry time again. I am really hoping to get out of that habit and have the baskets available for the clean clothes as they get done in the dryer.
Because it makes me feel good, here is what I did today:
And Jared had a great day too. I love this 20 mg of Focalin :) He came home in a really good mood and dropped all his stuff in the kitchen. Without a word from me, he said "I know. Hang up your jacket. Put your shoes away. Take care of your lunch box (and he actually ate all his lunch!!)" Plus his Word Study was already done, so I gave him 15 min on the computer. Then he did his math in less than 10 minutes, typing, practiced his trumpet, read his 30 min, has his backpack ready for tomorrow.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Slippery Sabbath
Oh what a day! Thursday night we had somewhere between 6-10 inches of snow fall so school and work was cancelled. Yesterday was clear but the temps were low so this morning all the snow and water still on the road turned to ice. I was supposed to be at the church at 7:45 am for Ward Council. I was running a little behind anyway, and then I had to scrape ice off the truck. Matthew came out and helped which was nice. But it was starting to rain too. When I finally got on my way it was slow going. We'd had snow plows going through the neighborhood every night since Thurs except for yesterday. As people had shoveled their driveways and then drove out, the snow crept back into the streets and iced over. This was my first experience driving on really icy roads and it was nerve wracking - especially since I was in Matthew's truck which tends to make me nervous anyway. I was grateful the roads were pretty empty as I left my neighborhood because I slid right through the stop sign. I wasn't sure I'd be able to make the turn on to the next street, but I did. Once I got on the main highway the roads were just fine though it took me half the trip to feel secure in believing it.
I was concerned about all the curvy roads that I'd have to take when I exited to get to the church so I drove another way thinking it would be straighter and thereby safer. Well, it was a nice thought. Sure it was straighter, but it was less traveled so the tendency was more snow and ice. It was pretty slick and slid a few times, but eventually I pulled into the church parking lot. Then I had to make it from the truck to the door without slipping on ice which was worrisome too. I made it though without falling. Just as I entered the doors my phone started ringing. It was the Bishop. His first comment was 'I hope you are at home.' Nope, I just walked through the door. Since alerts had started coming in from the townships of the dangerous road conditions, they decided to cancel church. I decided to get back in the truck and head home while the truck was still warm.
Coming home was easier than the going until I got to our neighborhood. It seemed even more slippery than before!! I was afraid I was going to slide into the cars parked along the curbs even though I was only going 10 - 15 mph if that. I was grateful to pull into the driveway and be home for the day.
I came home to boys who were ready to walk out the door for church and a slightly frazzled Matthew. I suggested we have our own church service and after some discussion, we set up a time for church to start and a program. The only problem was that our house was a mess and needed to be transformed to a suitable worship center. All the stuff I had on my to-do list yesterday that didn't get done.... I was so impressed with the boys because they willingly and cheerfully helped clean up the living room. It was a much better experience than I could have had yesterday. I think the fact it was Sunday and the computer is not a variable in the day made the requests easier. Anyway, a little bit before everything was done Matthew checked his phone msgs and realized that homes with a Priesthood holder could administer the Sacrament - that would be us! So Matthew prepared a Sacrament table and set up the bread and water. It was kind of cool. Different, but cool :)
Matthew conducted the meeting, Jared conducted the music, and I played the piano. We had an opening hymn (Our Saviour's Love), a prayer, brief announcements, then a Sacrament hymn (God Loved Us so He Sent His Son) and the administration of the Sacrament. Following the Sacrament Aaron shared a scripture story he read and liked: the Passover and the children of Israel fleeing Egypt. After Aaron, Matthew gave a talk on the Savior, the Passover and the Sacrament. How the Passover was symbolic of the sacrifice Jesus would make on our behalf to save us, and now we take the Sacrament for the same reason. The Jews had the Passover feast once a year, but we have our "Passover feast" every week. Then we sang Redeemer of Israel for a closing song and had a prayer. All the topics flowed really nicely together though it wasn't planned that way.
Following Sacrament mtg we had Primary and I gave the lesson I was supposed to do today on how we are a child of God and can be like him someday. I started with showing pictures of baby animals and asking what they will look like when they grow up. Of course, they'd look like the adult version of themselves. A pony will be a horse, a cub is a bear, an elephant is an elephant, etc. Then I showed them a picture of babies and we talked about how although babies grow up to be adult humans, they are different because they are a child of God. We have earthly parents that we look like and traits and characteristics that are passed on to us, but we also have Heavenly parents that we can be like. We read Psalm 82:6
Then we talked about how our earthly parents love us and asked the boys what ways they feel their parents' love. Jared talked about making sure our needs were met with food and shelter. Aaron mentioned hugs and kisses. Matthew talked about how parents show their love by helping us make good choices and saying no to things that aren't good for us. Then we talked about how we can feel Heavenly Father's love for us and when I asked if anyone had any ideas or experiences, Jared shared about a time his prayer was answered (his eyes got all teary as he mentioned it), and Aaron shared a story of a time his prayer was answered too. We sang I Know my Father Lives and I testified that the Holy Ghost helps us feel Heavenly Father's love and that we really are a child of God and that He loves us.
After my lesson, we prayed and kind of stuck around the living room and talked. Matthew mentioned a discussion he had with the boys yesterday about the word 'damn'. He explained how cursing someone is passing a judgment on someone but that it is Jesus' place to judge not ours. I offered the explanation that just like a dam keeps water from moving to its final destination, when someone is 'damned' they can not progress to return to live with Heavenly Father. And to not be able to return to Father is hell. Since we are all children of God, this is the opposite of what we want. We want all of our brothers and sisters to make it back home.
Last night they started reading Jacob 5 while I was gone to a mtg. This chapter is the allegory of the olive tree and I was impressed with how much Aaron remembered from the 6 verses they read. We watched the seminary video about the allegory and the boys seemed to really understand the concepts that were being taught because later as we read the next set of verses tonight Jared kept asking about grafting and they were quite responsive to the questions and points brought up.
By this point it was almost noon so we took a lunch break. I was feeling really tired and not all that great, so I went to lay down. I told Matthew I'd come help clear the table when everyone was done, but I fell asleep and he did it without me. I ended up taking a 3 hour nap. Matthew told me later that I looked really sick when I woke up though by the end of the night I was looking much better. While I was asleep Matthew made butter mints with the boys. The process is pretty easy and the boys really enjoy helping shape and cut the dough. When I finally woke up (though I could have slept longer) we played some board games. Jared chose the Missionary game and Aaron chose Careers. We were only supposed to play the Missionary game for 45 minutes but ended up enjoying it enough we played for an hour and a half!! By the time we were finished with our games it was 7:30 pm! Bedtime.
We finished the night off with scriptures and family prayer. It really was an amazing day. I loved the spirit we had in our home and the time together. In some ways I think it was more of a Sabbath and full of worship than when we actually attend church. The only thing I wish we would have done different is have a testimony meeting as part of our service since it is Fast & Testimony Sunday.
I was concerned about all the curvy roads that I'd have to take when I exited to get to the church so I drove another way thinking it would be straighter and thereby safer. Well, it was a nice thought. Sure it was straighter, but it was less traveled so the tendency was more snow and ice. It was pretty slick and slid a few times, but eventually I pulled into the church parking lot. Then I had to make it from the truck to the door without slipping on ice which was worrisome too. I made it though without falling. Just as I entered the doors my phone started ringing. It was the Bishop. His first comment was 'I hope you are at home.' Nope, I just walked through the door. Since alerts had started coming in from the townships of the dangerous road conditions, they decided to cancel church. I decided to get back in the truck and head home while the truck was still warm.
Coming home was easier than the going until I got to our neighborhood. It seemed even more slippery than before!! I was afraid I was going to slide into the cars parked along the curbs even though I was only going 10 - 15 mph if that. I was grateful to pull into the driveway and be home for the day.
I came home to boys who were ready to walk out the door for church and a slightly frazzled Matthew. I suggested we have our own church service and after some discussion, we set up a time for church to start and a program. The only problem was that our house was a mess and needed to be transformed to a suitable worship center. All the stuff I had on my to-do list yesterday that didn't get done.... I was so impressed with the boys because they willingly and cheerfully helped clean up the living room. It was a much better experience than I could have had yesterday. I think the fact it was Sunday and the computer is not a variable in the day made the requests easier. Anyway, a little bit before everything was done Matthew checked his phone msgs and realized that homes with a Priesthood holder could administer the Sacrament - that would be us! So Matthew prepared a Sacrament table and set up the bread and water. It was kind of cool. Different, but cool :)
Matthew conducted the meeting, Jared conducted the music, and I played the piano. We had an opening hymn (Our Saviour's Love), a prayer, brief announcements, then a Sacrament hymn (God Loved Us so He Sent His Son) and the administration of the Sacrament. Following the Sacrament Aaron shared a scripture story he read and liked: the Passover and the children of Israel fleeing Egypt. After Aaron, Matthew gave a talk on the Savior, the Passover and the Sacrament. How the Passover was symbolic of the sacrifice Jesus would make on our behalf to save us, and now we take the Sacrament for the same reason. The Jews had the Passover feast once a year, but we have our "Passover feast" every week. Then we sang Redeemer of Israel for a closing song and had a prayer. All the topics flowed really nicely together though it wasn't planned that way.
Following Sacrament mtg we had Primary and I gave the lesson I was supposed to do today on how we are a child of God and can be like him someday. I started with showing pictures of baby animals and asking what they will look like when they grow up. Of course, they'd look like the adult version of themselves. A pony will be a horse, a cub is a bear, an elephant is an elephant, etc. Then I showed them a picture of babies and we talked about how although babies grow up to be adult humans, they are different because they are a child of God. We have earthly parents that we look like and traits and characteristics that are passed on to us, but we also have Heavenly parents that we can be like. We read Psalm 82:6
6 I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you area children of the most High.
Then we talked about how our earthly parents love us and asked the boys what ways they feel their parents' love. Jared talked about making sure our needs were met with food and shelter. Aaron mentioned hugs and kisses. Matthew talked about how parents show their love by helping us make good choices and saying no to things that aren't good for us. Then we talked about how we can feel Heavenly Father's love for us and when I asked if anyone had any ideas or experiences, Jared shared about a time his prayer was answered (his eyes got all teary as he mentioned it), and Aaron shared a story of a time his prayer was answered too. We sang I Know my Father Lives and I testified that the Holy Ghost helps us feel Heavenly Father's love and that we really are a child of God and that He loves us.
After my lesson, we prayed and kind of stuck around the living room and talked. Matthew mentioned a discussion he had with the boys yesterday about the word 'damn'. He explained how cursing someone is passing a judgment on someone but that it is Jesus' place to judge not ours. I offered the explanation that just like a dam keeps water from moving to its final destination, when someone is 'damned' they can not progress to return to live with Heavenly Father. And to not be able to return to Father is hell. Since we are all children of God, this is the opposite of what we want. We want all of our brothers and sisters to make it back home.
Last night they started reading Jacob 5 while I was gone to a mtg. This chapter is the allegory of the olive tree and I was impressed with how much Aaron remembered from the 6 verses they read. We watched the seminary video about the allegory and the boys seemed to really understand the concepts that were being taught because later as we read the next set of verses tonight Jared kept asking about grafting and they were quite responsive to the questions and points brought up.
By this point it was almost noon so we took a lunch break. I was feeling really tired and not all that great, so I went to lay down. I told Matthew I'd come help clear the table when everyone was done, but I fell asleep and he did it without me. I ended up taking a 3 hour nap. Matthew told me later that I looked really sick when I woke up though by the end of the night I was looking much better. While I was asleep Matthew made butter mints with the boys. The process is pretty easy and the boys really enjoy helping shape and cut the dough. When I finally woke up (though I could have slept longer) we played some board games. Jared chose the Missionary game and Aaron chose Careers. We were only supposed to play the Missionary game for 45 minutes but ended up enjoying it enough we played for an hour and a half!! By the time we were finished with our games it was 7:30 pm! Bedtime.
We finished the night off with scriptures and family prayer. It really was an amazing day. I loved the spirit we had in our home and the time together. In some ways I think it was more of a Sabbath and full of worship than when we actually attend church. The only thing I wish we would have done different is have a testimony meeting as part of our service since it is Fast & Testimony Sunday.
Friday, January 3, 2014
2013 in Review
So it's a new year and since I actually made goals for 2013, I thought I should evaluate how I did. Honestly I didn't look at my goal sheet much once we moved into our new place in May/June but overall I think I did ok most of the year considering the lack of focus.
Physical
Find exercise partner - Well, I suppose I did. I asked my neighbor across the street to walk with me but we never did end up doing it. However, the asking made me commit to exercising and I did it anyway. Then when summer came the boys became my partner, and while in TX I ran with a friend.
Use a menu - eh. I think I did for awhile but certainly not once we moved. This is one I should make a priority again.
Exercise at least 3 times a week - Yes. Mostly. I had some really good stints and some really not good stints like the last two months of the year. Health was an issue in March and April. Funny considering the exercising is meant to help health....
Be in bed by 11 pm - I did really well in the beginning of the year and then I forgot about this one.
Prepare an exercise space - This is the only one I marked off my goal sheet as completed. It really helped with my goal to exercise once I had a spot. In our new house I've used my room, the basement, and the neighborhood.
FHE weekly - well, we did really well once we moved into the new house for awhile, but we need to get back into it.
read from BOM 10 minutes every day - um, not so much. I used to never miss a day of scripture reading but for whatever excuses, I am out of the habit. I actually had been better once school started up. I began with D&C and even put a copy in the bathroom, but then as my scripture class got into swing I switched to Old Testament. I was doing better about daily reading but I'm out of habit again with the Christmas break. I did start us reading the BOM as a family again which we do just about every night with very few exceptions.
use Sunday to begin preparing next week's lesson - nope. This applied more for when I was a Primary teacher and now it isn't as much of an issue since I only teach one month at a time every quarter.
read Daughters of my Kingdom - I started it and then didn't finish it.
have boys help read scriptures during family scripture study - yes! YAY for accomplishing something on my spiritual goal list!! I began having them help me read this summer while Matthew was gone and I was in charge. At first Aaron really struggled with his turn for reading. He only got the smallest verses and even then with lots of help and encouragement. At this point, he'll volunteer for the longest verses and doesn't stumble over too many words. I have been amazed at his how his reading abilities have improved in such a short time.
attend the temple 4 times - YAY! Another goal checked off. Ironically, two of those times were in TX. I thought it funny that I'd have to go all the way to TX to go to the temple when there is one 'only' an hour away. The third time I traveled all by myself to NY just to go. It took longer to travel than to actually be in the temple, but it was worth it. The fourth time Matthew and I were able to go together after making 3 attempts to get there. We just barely missed the start time for the session but they waited for us and we got to go in. It was precious time together and I had a thought there that has stuck with me and seems to be coming to fruition though at the time I chalked it up to 'just a thought' but wrote it down just in case it was really revelation.
Mental
buy a new tablecloth
re-introduce chore chart - I did put something together and it worked fairly well until we moved.
try Flylady again*
sew Aaron's shoe
Emotional
go on a date at least once a month - um, not really though we do spend time together in the evenings watching TV or playing games. We have made an effort go on some dates though and it's been really nice when we've gotten to do it.
make family rules prominent in the home - My goal with this was to make some sort of nice display with the rules. It didn't ever happen. However, they are posted on the fridge and they were the focus of our FHE for awhile. We also had the boys earn a ball each time they exercised a family value. The goal was to fill a tall pickle jar with the balls and then do a family activity. We went to see Frozen this week :)
make discipline based on rules broken - When I remembered to do this it actually really helped - especially with Aaron.
100% VT - definite improvement though not 100% yet.
Physical
Find exercise partner - Well, I suppose I did. I asked my neighbor across the street to walk with me but we never did end up doing it. However, the asking made me commit to exercising and I did it anyway. Then when summer came the boys became my partner, and while in TX I ran with a friend.
Use a menu - eh. I think I did for awhile but certainly not once we moved. This is one I should make a priority again.
Exercise at least 3 times a week - Yes. Mostly. I had some really good stints and some really not good stints like the last two months of the year. Health was an issue in March and April. Funny considering the exercising is meant to help health....
Be in bed by 11 pm - I did really well in the beginning of the year and then I forgot about this one.
Buy a food scale - Nope. Still don't have one.
| Spiritual |
FHE weekly - well, we did really well once we moved into the new house for awhile, but we need to get back into it.
read from BOM 10 minutes every day - um, not so much. I used to never miss a day of scripture reading but for whatever excuses, I am out of the habit. I actually had been better once school started up. I began with D&C and even put a copy in the bathroom, but then as my scripture class got into swing I switched to Old Testament. I was doing better about daily reading but I'm out of habit again with the Christmas break. I did start us reading the BOM as a family again which we do just about every night with very few exceptions.
use Sunday to begin preparing next week's lesson - nope. This applied more for when I was a Primary teacher and now it isn't as much of an issue since I only teach one month at a time every quarter.
read Daughters of my Kingdom - I started it and then didn't finish it.
re-introduce chore chart - I did put something together and it worked fairly well until we moved.
try Flylady again*
sew Jared's scout shirt - needs done again. He's earned too many awards ;)
go on a date at least once a month - um, not really though we do spend time together in the evenings watching TV or playing games. We have made an effort go on some dates though and it's been really nice when we've gotten to do it.
make family rules prominent in the home - My goal with this was to make some sort of nice display with the rules. It didn't ever happen. However, they are posted on the fridge and they were the focus of our FHE for awhile. We also had the boys earn a ball each time they exercised a family value. The goal was to fill a tall pickle jar with the balls and then do a family activity. We went to see Frozen this week :)
make discipline based on rules broken - When I remembered to do this it actually really helped - especially with Aaron.
100% VT - definite improvement though not 100% yet.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Getting there
I am still trying to get back into the exercise habit, but little by little I am getting there. Two or three times this week I got on the Wii and did some of the Wii Fit games. Yesterday I did the advanced step three times - one of those with a raised step. Wooh I was breathing hard at the end of it! Today I spent most of the day shopping so I wasn't munching on junk food (til the evening. boo) and was doing a lot of walking (yay). I am getting closer and closer to being ready to a video. I think I will start with my 20 min exercise video b/c I want to do plyo jumps but not have to do the 45 min CardioX to get them.
Another positive note, when I weighed myself the first time I got on the Wii this week I'd gained two pounds, but it was also late at night and right after we had dinner. The following morning I weighed again and I'd lost the two pounds. So, my weight isn't changing much even if my physique is. Hopefully as I get back into exercising though I can shape that excess easy enough.
Another positive note, when I weighed myself the first time I got on the Wii this week I'd gained two pounds, but it was also late at night and right after we had dinner. The following morning I weighed again and I'd lost the two pounds. So, my weight isn't changing much even if my physique is. Hopefully as I get back into exercising though I can shape that excess easy enough.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Motivation
There's nothing so motivating as trying on clothes.
I have been drifting in the land of apathy. It has been a good two months since I've maintained an exercise routine or a sense of control over my appetite. In fact, I've been the complete opposite and my body is paying for it.
Though I have felt like exercising, at this point the hurdle is the fact that I am out of the habit. I really like getting up in the morning and showering first thing so that I am ready to walk out the door with the boys. I do not want to get up early and exercise though.
I've slowly been pulling things out of our storage unit and the most recent 'treasure' is a tote of clothes. I pulled out a few to try on the other night and discovered that either the clothes were too big or too small. How frustrating. Interestingly, I immediately found my motivation for returning to activity! I want to fit into something!!
Today I found that my craving for junk food had been curbed and I even had the desire to go to the park with the boys and chase them around the playground. The New Year has always been a good time for me to re-boot my health and I think I am mentally ready to do it again this year. Now to decide how and what I'm going to do.....
I have been drifting in the land of apathy. It has been a good two months since I've maintained an exercise routine or a sense of control over my appetite. In fact, I've been the complete opposite and my body is paying for it.
Though I have felt like exercising, at this point the hurdle is the fact that I am out of the habit. I really like getting up in the morning and showering first thing so that I am ready to walk out the door with the boys. I do not want to get up early and exercise though.
I've slowly been pulling things out of our storage unit and the most recent 'treasure' is a tote of clothes. I pulled out a few to try on the other night and discovered that either the clothes were too big or too small. How frustrating. Interestingly, I immediately found my motivation for returning to activity! I want to fit into something!!
Today I found that my craving for junk food had been curbed and I even had the desire to go to the park with the boys and chase them around the playground. The New Year has always been a good time for me to re-boot my health and I think I am mentally ready to do it again this year. Now to decide how and what I'm going to do.....
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Weigh-in
It's been a long time since I've done a weigh-in since our bathroom scale quit working at the same time our Wii decided it didn't want to play anymore. The Wii must have gotten over it though b/c the remotes are working again (whew). So, according to the Wii I am 181.7. For not having really exercised in a month, I think that is pretty darn awesome. My clothes say it is more like 183-184 but I like the scales' reading ;)
And since I had the Wii out anyway, I decide to actually do some exercise! woohoo!! I racked up 32 minutes of Wii exercise playing the balance and aerobic games. I forgot how much fun they are - especially the Wii step. I think I could manage to do that regularly.....shhh Don't tell the boys... I also ordered Just Dance 2014 for Christmas!
Even if I am no longer working on my 5K goals, I still need to stay active!! I have hopped on the treadmill a couple of times and done one of the timed programs. Anyway, this was just meant as a quickie. I'm trying to be productive today but I keep getting sucked into computer land.
And since I had the Wii out anyway, I decide to actually do some exercise! woohoo!! I racked up 32 minutes of Wii exercise playing the balance and aerobic games. I forgot how much fun they are - especially the Wii step. I think I could manage to do that regularly.....shhh Don't tell the boys... I also ordered Just Dance 2014 for Christmas!
Even if I am no longer working on my 5K goals, I still need to stay active!! I have hopped on the treadmill a couple of times and done one of the timed programs. Anyway, this was just meant as a quickie. I'm trying to be productive today but I keep getting sucked into computer land.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Be Still My Soul
Be Still, My Soul
1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Text: Katharina von Schlegel, b. 1697; trans. by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Surprise
I don't like to cry though I can be moved to tears easily. Funerals generally don't produce much of a response. But tonight, when I received word that one of my dearest friends is moving from San Antonio this week, tears came quickly. Though I knew that moving was in their future and that this summer was probably their last in TX, it is hard to see it come to fruition. There will be a huge gaping whole when we return for visits. She was my rock and advocate during that hard last year when we left TX. Her kids are my kids best friends. She is my soul sister.
But maybe it will be motivation for visiting UT again. It's been awhile and Mark and his family moved there this last summer too.
But maybe it will be motivation for visiting UT again. It's been awhile and Mark and his family moved there this last summer too.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Look Again
Today I was looking for something that had at one point been on my dresser, but when I wanted it today it wasn't there. After looking in a few spots around the house, I asked the boys if they had seen it. Aaron promptly asked me where I thought it was and told me to look again. "Mom," he said, "you always tell us to look again so you need to do that too." He led me upstairs to the dresser and told me to look all around and under things. He even helped and gave suggestions along the way. Finally I moved to Matthew's dresser and found it under a box. Aaron proudly told me, "See! You always have to just look again."
Monday, November 4, 2013
Couch to 5K2 Week 6 day 1
Week 6 day 1 5 min warm-up/cool down, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 8 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run
2.44 mi 34:20 total
1.88 mi 24 min, 4.7 mph
I was supposed to do my 20 min run on Saturday but I ended up being so wiped out that I slept most of the day. I finally felt better at 11 pm but at that point it was too late to run. Today I debated doing the 20 min or moving on to the next week. I finally decided to do the 20 min and then Matthew decided he'd run outside with me. He is so prone to shin splints that he is really wary of running on concrete, but for whatever reason, he decided he would try it. However, with his input we decided to do the walk/run intervals instead. It's been awhile since he's run so that would help him ease back into running. As suspected, he lapped me. I felt like I was going really slowly, but looking at the final product I am still doing better than before. I had to go to week 7 to find the same distance covered. So overall I am happy with my progress, I just need to stay motivated to get out the door and do it.
2.44 mi 34:20 total
1.88 mi 24 min, 4.7 mph
I was supposed to do my 20 min run on Saturday but I ended up being so wiped out that I slept most of the day. I finally felt better at 11 pm but at that point it was too late to run. Today I debated doing the 20 min or moving on to the next week. I finally decided to do the 20 min and then Matthew decided he'd run outside with me. He is so prone to shin splints that he is really wary of running on concrete, but for whatever reason, he decided he would try it. However, with his input we decided to do the walk/run intervals instead. It's been awhile since he's run so that would help him ease back into running. As suspected, he lapped me. I felt like I was going really slowly, but looking at the final product I am still doing better than before. I had to go to week 7 to find the same distance covered. So overall I am happy with my progress, I just need to stay motivated to get out the door and do it.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Couch to 5K2 Week 5 days 1 & 2
Week 5 day 1 5 min warm-up/cool down, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run
day 2 5 min warm-up/cool down, 8 min run, 5 min walk, 8 min run
2.33 miles 33 min (total)
1.70 miles 26 min (run interval)
Monday I ran around the neighborhood. I have pretty much maintained my distance/speed - 2.25 mi in 31 minutes (with warm-up and cool down).
Tues I did my SELF video for the first time in a couple of weeks which felt good.
Wed I was a bum. Jared pulled his first 'all-nighter' (went to bed at midnight and was up again at 5) so we were all really tired. Plus we had to chase the bus to the next stop for him to catch it. I was actually kind of impressed at how easy that was and how good it felt... The weather was just right for running, but in the end I curled up on the couch and fell asleep. It's amazing how much better I felt after a nap though at that point I only had 2 hours til the boys got home so I took care of some projects instead of exercising.
Thurs the brain fog wanted me to give in to being a bum, but I forced myself to get dressed in my exercise clothes and then half the battle had already been won. I did opt to use the treadmill though it was great running weather once again. It's silly, but the landscapers were here and I didn't want them to see me run (though they probably saw me on the treadmill anyway so it wouldn't make a lot of difference). I almost hit the pavement as soon as my warm-up was over because I wanted to watch the houses pass as I move, but didn't. This interval was 8 min running with a 5 min walk in between. The first 8 minutes went pretty quickly and I even turned up my speed to hit 6.0 mph though I quickly dropped it back down. Ideally I would have followed the same incremental reduction as I did increase, but oh well. The second 8 minutes weren't quite as easy and I ended up spending most of it at a slower pace (4.5) though I did work up to 5.5 and back down.
I was pretty pleased with how 'easy' it was. I did my warm-up all the way up to 4.0 mph and then started my jog at 4.5 though I found 4.8 - 5.0 my comfortable spot. Kind of cool :)
Last night was a rough night and I am choosing to be a bum again. My legs are actually sore and I am not feeling great either. Tomorrow I will need to run though. It is the first 20 minutes run of the program. I am kind of looking forward to it and comparing it to my first 20 minute run where I was dying!! Part of the fun of this journey is to see the progress b/c it is tangible! :)
day 2 5 min warm-up/cool down, 8 min run, 5 min walk, 8 min run
2.33 miles 33 min (total)
1.70 miles 26 min (run interval)
Monday I ran around the neighborhood. I have pretty much maintained my distance/speed - 2.25 mi in 31 minutes (with warm-up and cool down).
Tues I did my SELF video for the first time in a couple of weeks which felt good.
Wed I was a bum. Jared pulled his first 'all-nighter' (went to bed at midnight and was up again at 5) so we were all really tired. Plus we had to chase the bus to the next stop for him to catch it. I was actually kind of impressed at how easy that was and how good it felt... The weather was just right for running, but in the end I curled up on the couch and fell asleep. It's amazing how much better I felt after a nap though at that point I only had 2 hours til the boys got home so I took care of some projects instead of exercising.
Thurs the brain fog wanted me to give in to being a bum, but I forced myself to get dressed in my exercise clothes and then half the battle had already been won. I did opt to use the treadmill though it was great running weather once again. It's silly, but the landscapers were here and I didn't want them to see me run (though they probably saw me on the treadmill anyway so it wouldn't make a lot of difference). I almost hit the pavement as soon as my warm-up was over because I wanted to watch the houses pass as I move, but didn't. This interval was 8 min running with a 5 min walk in between. The first 8 minutes went pretty quickly and I even turned up my speed to hit 6.0 mph though I quickly dropped it back down. Ideally I would have followed the same incremental reduction as I did increase, but oh well. The second 8 minutes weren't quite as easy and I ended up spending most of it at a slower pace (4.5) though I did work up to 5.5 and back down.
I was pretty pleased with how 'easy' it was. I did my warm-up all the way up to 4.0 mph and then started my jog at 4.5 though I found 4.8 - 5.0 my comfortable spot. Kind of cool :)
Last night was a rough night and I am choosing to be a bum again. My legs are actually sore and I am not feeling great either. Tomorrow I will need to run though. It is the first 20 minutes run of the program. I am kind of looking forward to it and comparing it to my first 20 minute run where I was dying!! Part of the fun of this journey is to see the progress b/c it is tangible! :)
Sunday, October 27, 2013
I'd Vote for You
Saturday night was our ward Trunk r Treat and chili cook off. I made white chicken chili for the competition. I don't think anyone touched it - except Matthew. I had a spoonful of it just to taste. Yikes. Serious lacking in the sodium department!! I was supposed to use chicken broth but just used water and didn't compensate in the flavoring. I did find a ramen chicken flavoring packet in the cupboard but opted not to add it. I should have. Oh well. Needless to say, at the end of the night there were plenty of leftovers for us tonight.
After church today I added the ramen packet and warmed it up. Oh wowsers! All of a sudden the chili was amazing. I could taste the flavors of the spices I had put it in yesterday. Turns out it really needed a day to soak up the flavor. I might have had a chance at winning. Jared was surprised to discover that I had taken the chili last night. Seems he knew last night at some point though bc I think he made this same comment then, but he told me that he wished he'd known I had a chili in the contest. He would have voted for me :) He was surprised that I didn't win.
Such a sweet boy :)
Last night when we were talking about the breads and chilies we each picked, he told me that his cornbread was so good and that it tasted really sweet. I thought he'd gotten the same one as Aaron, but later when we went back up the food table he pointed to the pan of cornbread that I had brought :)
After church today I added the ramen packet and warmed it up. Oh wowsers! All of a sudden the chili was amazing. I could taste the flavors of the spices I had put it in yesterday. Turns out it really needed a day to soak up the flavor. I might have had a chance at winning. Jared was surprised to discover that I had taken the chili last night. Seems he knew last night at some point though bc I think he made this same comment then, but he told me that he wished he'd known I had a chili in the contest. He would have voted for me :) He was surprised that I didn't win.
Such a sweet boy :)
Last night when we were talking about the breads and chilies we each picked, he told me that his cornbread was so good and that it tasted really sweet. I thought he'd gotten the same one as Aaron, but later when we went back up the food table he pointed to the pan of cornbread that I had brought :)
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Couch to 5K2 Week 4 day 2/3
Week 4 - 5 min warm-up/cool down 3 min run, 90 sec walk, 5 min run, 2 1/2 min walk, repeat
Day 1 1.75 mi/21.5 min/4.8 mph = 12:17 min pace!!!!! (according to a pace calc & assuming all info is correct)
2.23 mi/30:26 min/14:06 min pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
Day 2/3 pretty much the same (maybe 5 sec slower pace)
The mornings have greeted us with frosty grass and iced windows since Thursday. I turned the heat on then, but even still I could not stay feeling warm as the day progressed and the room temp met the heater's standards. Apparently the heater wants to run the same way the a/c did - all night and not during the day. I even felt cold air through the vents at one point through the day!! No wonder I get cold :/
Today was no different outside - frosty grass, iced windows, but on the inside - I was warm. And feeling awake. It has been a tired kind of week, but today I felt more energetic and WANTED to go run and did :) I was a little slower than Monday, but not by much (maybe 5-10 sec delay).
Day 1 1.75 mi/21.5 min/4.8 mph = 12:17 min pace!!!!! (according to a pace calc & assuming all info is correct)
2.23 mi/30:26 min/14:06 min pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
Day 2/3 pretty much the same (maybe 5 sec slower pace)
The mornings have greeted us with frosty grass and iced windows since Thursday. I turned the heat on then, but even still I could not stay feeling warm as the day progressed and the room temp met the heater's standards. Apparently the heater wants to run the same way the a/c did - all night and not during the day. I even felt cold air through the vents at one point through the day!! No wonder I get cold :/
Today was no different outside - frosty grass, iced windows, but on the inside - I was warm. And feeling awake. It has been a tired kind of week, but today I felt more energetic and WANTED to go run and did :) I was a little slower than Monday, but not by much (maybe 5-10 sec delay).
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Mid-week running blues
It is amazing how the middle of the week seems to be such a downer for my exercise lately - especially after having such great runs on Mondays. hmm
Yesterday the boys were out of school so I opted not to exercise though I really could have - even if it were on the treadmill or a 20 min video. Nope. Didn't happen. A cold front came through and by 9:30 this morning it was really just right to go run. Did I do it? Nope. Even though my legs were begging to be stretched out.
Ok, well, I finally listened to my legs opted to put out the treadmill and did the 20 min 6 mph program - just enough to watch episode one of season one of Duck Dynasty (22 min). Perfecto. As for the actual program, I decided not to do anything with the incline and just see how it went. I decided I'd rather focus on the speed aspect of it than mimicking the outdoors. The program has you walk for 3 min at 2.0 mph and then jumps to 3.0 for another 6-8 min or so and then jumps up .5 mph ever minute until you reach 6.0 then drops to 3.0 to cool down. In the past I start jogging at 4.0. I tried this time. I couldn't do it. It was too slow, so I walked it!! Wow, I never thought that would happen. I remember eons ago when 4.0 was too fast! Man how far I have come! I did end up cutting out on the 6.0 before the time was up and took it down to 5.5 for the last 30 seconds or so, but overall I am pleased with how it went. It was a nice fairly easy jaunt that got my heart rate up and has allowed me to not be a total exercise bum today :)
Yesterday the boys were out of school so I opted not to exercise though I really could have - even if it were on the treadmill or a 20 min video. Nope. Didn't happen. A cold front came through and by 9:30 this morning it was really just right to go run. Did I do it? Nope. Even though my legs were begging to be stretched out.
Ok, well, I finally listened to my legs opted to put out the treadmill and did the 20 min 6 mph program - just enough to watch episode one of season one of Duck Dynasty (22 min). Perfecto. As for the actual program, I decided not to do anything with the incline and just see how it went. I decided I'd rather focus on the speed aspect of it than mimicking the outdoors. The program has you walk for 3 min at 2.0 mph and then jumps to 3.0 for another 6-8 min or so and then jumps up .5 mph ever minute until you reach 6.0 then drops to 3.0 to cool down. In the past I start jogging at 4.0. I tried this time. I couldn't do it. It was too slow, so I walked it!! Wow, I never thought that would happen. I remember eons ago when 4.0 was too fast! Man how far I have come! I did end up cutting out on the 6.0 before the time was up and took it down to 5.5 for the last 30 seconds or so, but overall I am pleased with how it went. It was a nice fairly easy jaunt that got my heart rate up and has allowed me to not be a total exercise bum today :)
Monday, October 21, 2013
Couch to 5K2 Week 4 day 1 - oh yeah baby!!
Week 3 - 5 min warm-u/cool down 90 sec run, 90 sec walk, 3 min run, 3 min walk, repeat
Day 1 1.36 mi/18 min/13:13 pace
1.86 mi/ 28 min/15:00 pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
Day 2/3 1.38 mi/18 min/13:00 pace
1.91 mi/28 min/14:36 pace (w/ warm-up and cool down
Week 4 - 5 min warm-up/cool down 3 min run, 90 sec walk, 5 min run, 2 1/2 min walk, repeat
Day 1 1.75 mi/21.5 min/4.8 mph = 12:17 min pace!!!!! (according to a pace calc & assuming all info is correct)
2.23 mi/30:26 min/14:06 min pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
vs week 4 in July day 1: 1.85 mi total, day 3 1.95 miles/31:32 min/ 17 min mile.
vs week 6 day 1 2.25 miles in 34 min (both warm-up and cool down included)
I didn't run with my buddy today so I don't have the cool table. I ran around my neighborhood and checked against my last session's maps and it wasn't until week 6 that I accomplished what I did today. woot! woot! I went 2.23 mi total and maintaining the pace that I did last week when I didn't go as far. yeehaw!!
I could tell that I am running at a faster pace than I did the first go round. However, I think the walking path we are using when I run with my buddy is too easy. It is pretty much all flat surfaced where my neighborhood has a variety of inclines making the run more challenging and building better muscles. So today's run definitely felt challenging due to the inclines, but I did it rather well I think :)
Matthew has 3 weeks until his PT test. I was surprised/impressed when he verified the program I have been doing and told me he'd been looking for something like this to help him prepare for his great nemesis - the 2 mi run. He figures he could pick up at week 4 and be just fine b/c he is not a beginning runner. I think it is pretty cool that we'd be on the same week. Though his pace is so much faster than mine that even if we could run at the same time, we wouldn't be running together.
I have been curious about my weight b/c I haven't been able to weigh myself the last couple of weeks. The scale decided it didn't want work, even with a change of batteries, and neither do the Wii remotes, again, even with a change of batteries. I think I am losing inches but I am afraid to tape myself b/c the last time I did, there wasn't improvement. My jeans are certainly fitting better though which is nice.
Day 1 1.36 mi/18 min/13:13 pace
1.86 mi/ 28 min/15:00 pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
Day 2/3 1.38 mi/18 min/13:00 pace
1.91 mi/28 min/14:36 pace (w/ warm-up and cool down
Week 4 - 5 min warm-up/cool down 3 min run, 90 sec walk, 5 min run, 2 1/2 min walk, repeat
Day 1 1.75 mi/21.5 min/4.8 mph = 12:17 min pace!!!!! (according to a pace calc & assuming all info is correct)
2.23 mi/30:26 min/14:06 min pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
vs week 4 in July day 1: 1.85 mi total, day 3 1.95 miles/31:32 min/ 17 min mile.
vs week 6 day 1 2.25 miles in 34 min (both warm-up and cool down included)
I didn't run with my buddy today so I don't have the cool table. I ran around my neighborhood and checked against my last session's maps and it wasn't until week 6 that I accomplished what I did today. woot! woot! I went 2.23 mi total and maintaining the pace that I did last week when I didn't go as far. yeehaw!!
I could tell that I am running at a faster pace than I did the first go round. However, I think the walking path we are using when I run with my buddy is too easy. It is pretty much all flat surfaced where my neighborhood has a variety of inclines making the run more challenging and building better muscles. So today's run definitely felt challenging due to the inclines, but I did it rather well I think :)
Matthew has 3 weeks until his PT test. I was surprised/impressed when he verified the program I have been doing and told me he'd been looking for something like this to help him prepare for his great nemesis - the 2 mi run. He figures he could pick up at week 4 and be just fine b/c he is not a beginning runner. I think it is pretty cool that we'd be on the same week. Though his pace is so much faster than mine that even if we could run at the same time, we wouldn't be running together.
I have been curious about my weight b/c I haven't been able to weigh myself the last couple of weeks. The scale decided it didn't want work, even with a change of batteries, and neither do the Wii remotes, again, even with a change of batteries. I think I am losing inches but I am afraid to tape myself b/c the last time I did, there wasn't improvement. My jeans are certainly fitting better though which is nice.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Couch to 5k2 Week 3 day 2/3
Week 1 - 5 min warm-up/cool down 60 sec run, 90 min walk for 20 minutes/8 intervals
Week 2 - 5 min warm-up/cool down 90 sec run, 2 min walk for 20 minutes
Week 3 - 5 min warm-u/cool down 90 sec run, 90 sec walk, 3 min run, 3 min walk, repeat
Day 1 1.36 mi/18 min/13:13 pace
Day 1 1.86 mi/ 28 min/15:00 pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
Day 2/3 1.38 mi/18 min/13:00 pace
1.91 mi/28 min/14:36 pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
Well, I didn't feel faster, but apparently we were. Running buddy didn't run with her stroller so we were pretty evenly matched today. I think she ran a tad faster than me but we were pretty close. Here's the stats:
Week 2 - 5 min warm-up/cool down 90 sec run, 2 min walk for 20 minutes
Week 3 - 5 min warm-u/cool down 90 sec run, 90 sec walk, 3 min run, 3 min walk, repeat
Day 1 1.36 mi/18 min/13:13 pace
Day 1 1.86 mi/ 28 min/15:00 pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
Day 2/3 1.38 mi/18 min/13:00 pace
1.91 mi/28 min/14:36 pace (w/ warm-up and cool down)
Well, I didn't feel faster, but apparently we were. Running buddy didn't run with her stroller so we were pretty evenly matched today. I think she ran a tad faster than me but we were pretty close. Here's the stats:
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Thursday, October 17, 2013
Haters
Someone posted on Facebook the most recent link on the Matt Walsh blog called: An inspirational message to the Haters of America and read it. I have enjoyed a lot of his posts, besides being intrigued by the picture linked with the article. It is a picture of a toned Maria Kang posing with her three children ages 3 and under with the caption, "What's Your excuse?" Read both their articles. Man, it brought back memories from my weigh loss journey. I just spent probably an hour (yep, not really good use my of time) searching through my blog for my posts where I talk about some of the negative feedback I received regarding my weight loss and how it affected me:
From June 2010 when I finally reached my weight loss goal (150 lbs):
"I mentioned to someone that I had a hard time finding something to wear this morning because my clothes are too big, and the response was sarcasm about having such a problem. I have come to realize that there comes a point where people stop rooting for you quite so much and feel more jealousy instead. I feel uncomfortable sharing excitement or milestones about my weight loss efforts (outside of my blog which was purposed for this journey) because I don't want to draw too much attention to it. When I had my big weight loss effort a few years ago, it seemed like all the ladies in the ward were on the same kick and it was a group effort. There was one person who began the trend and was like a beacon to us. If she can do it - and she looks great - we can too. I am grateful for her example and contagious enthusiasm. As someone who looked up to her for her accomplishments, I didn't really pay attention to anything other than her inspiration."
The same day I wrote that post, I also wrote this in my journal:
"Alright, I admit it. Today I am not ok with having lost a baby. In December I thought the new body coming would be a baby, not a new one for me. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that I've been able to accomplish such an amazing feat - and it really is. I am so proud of myself for reaching my weight loss goal. But as the time draws near for when I'd be delivering, I feel a remorse. Whenever **** comments about my weight loss, this trade-off is always my first thought."
Six months later I wrote this post when I'd started to gain it back (155 lbs):
"It still throws me off when I hear people - strangers, or people not in my closer circle of friends - call me or refer to me as thin or skinny. One night with one such reference, in jest a person said, 'You're thin so that means we don't like you.' I realized how awful the prejudice is that overweight people can have against thinner people. I have felt those same feelings of jealousy and intimidation that can come from being around thinner people, but I realized they are unfair. Thin people are people with feelings too. It was a little bit shocking and hurt my feelings to be told that someone wouldn't like me because of my stature.
Now that I'm writing this, I can't remember the specifics of another chink to my motivation. I know it has to do with jokes/comments that are made regarding my weight loss from people closer to me. The end result is that I feel like I have to eat more to feel accepted.
I am a people pleaser. I want others to be happy, so I will do what it takes to make sure that happens - even at my own expense (or even my family's). Helping ensure the happiness of others is not a bad thing. However, I think in this case I need to not worry so much about what others think and just be happy myself. This is a very hard thing for me to do."
Here's a couple of quotes from Matt Walsh's article that I want to shout out:
"And this is where I must stop you, Haters. Be as thin-skinned, jealous, and spiteful as you like, but you have no right to take someone else’s successes away from them. You have no right to invalidate their achievements. You have no place. You have no standing. You have not the single, slightest damned clue as to what you’re babbling about. She had it easier than you? What genie from what bottle gave you the power to peer inside a stranger’s conscience and confirm that wild speculation? Are you sure she didn’t just work harder? Why have you ruled that possibility out entirely?
From June 2010 when I finally reached my weight loss goal (150 lbs):
"I mentioned to someone that I had a hard time finding something to wear this morning because my clothes are too big, and the response was sarcasm about having such a problem. I have come to realize that there comes a point where people stop rooting for you quite so much and feel more jealousy instead. I feel uncomfortable sharing excitement or milestones about my weight loss efforts (outside of my blog which was purposed for this journey) because I don't want to draw too much attention to it. When I had my big weight loss effort a few years ago, it seemed like all the ladies in the ward were on the same kick and it was a group effort. There was one person who began the trend and was like a beacon to us. If she can do it - and she looks great - we can too. I am grateful for her example and contagious enthusiasm. As someone who looked up to her for her accomplishments, I didn't really pay attention to anything other than her inspiration."
The same day I wrote that post, I also wrote this in my journal:
"Alright, I admit it. Today I am not ok with having lost a baby. In December I thought the new body coming would be a baby, not a new one for me. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful that I've been able to accomplish such an amazing feat - and it really is. I am so proud of myself for reaching my weight loss goal. But as the time draws near for when I'd be delivering, I feel a remorse. Whenever **** comments about my weight loss, this trade-off is always my first thought."
Six months later I wrote this post when I'd started to gain it back (155 lbs):
"It still throws me off when I hear people - strangers, or people not in my closer circle of friends - call me or refer to me as thin or skinny. One night with one such reference, in jest a person said, 'You're thin so that means we don't like you.' I realized how awful the prejudice is that overweight people can have against thinner people. I have felt those same feelings of jealousy and intimidation that can come from being around thinner people, but I realized they are unfair. Thin people are people with feelings too. It was a little bit shocking and hurt my feelings to be told that someone wouldn't like me because of my stature.
Now that I'm writing this, I can't remember the specifics of another chink to my motivation. I know it has to do with jokes/comments that are made regarding my weight loss from people closer to me. The end result is that I feel like I have to eat more to feel accepted.
I am a people pleaser. I want others to be happy, so I will do what it takes to make sure that happens - even at my own expense (or even my family's). Helping ensure the happiness of others is not a bad thing. However, I think in this case I need to not worry so much about what others think and just be happy myself. This is a very hard thing for me to do."
Here's a couple of quotes from Matt Walsh's article that I want to shout out:
"And this is where I must stop you, Haters. Be as thin-skinned, jealous, and spiteful as you like, but you have no right to take someone else’s successes away from them. You have no right to invalidate their achievements. You have no place. You have no standing. You have not the single, slightest damned clue as to what you’re babbling about. She had it easier than you? What genie from what bottle gave you the power to peer inside a stranger’s conscience and confirm that wild speculation? Are you sure she didn’t just work harder? Why have you ruled that possibility out entirely?
Success ... can’t be accomplished passively. These are the fruits of labor that you don’t see, and maybe can’t even fathom. You aren’t inside their minds to hear that voice telling them to give up, to give in, to stop trying. You can’t hear them fight with that voice every minute of the day.
Nothing is easy, Haters. Everything is earned. They have it because they earned it. You don’t because you didn’t. Deal with it.
So here’s the good news: you don’t have to be like this. I’m not saying you should be a bodybuilder, or a millionaire, or anything else; I’m just saying you don’t have to hate success. When you see someone smiling proudly after hitting their target, you don’t have to respond with childish mockery and derision. You don’t have to feel attacked or insulted just because your neighbor is finding happiness and fulfillment in his chosen pursuits. You think your only recourse in the face of greatness is to try to discredit it, but you’re wrong. Your efforts are futile anyway, and they’re also wholly unnecessary. You only carry on like this because you’ve given up on yourselves. You’re running around knocking down sandcastles because you think you aren’t capable of building your own. But you can, my friends. You’re exploding with potential. It would leak out of your pores if only you’d uncross your arms and break a sweat. You can be great at something, I know it. Leave your Hating ways behind and take a step or two down the path to success. It won’t be easy, but the best parts of life are never the easiest parts."
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