Some of the thoughts going through my head

Thursday, April 08, 2010

I worked out tonight, about 9:00 this time. Day 5 - straight - L3 of the 30-Day Shred. REALLLY didn't want to go upstairs today and work out. But this dang goal is pushing me!

There is part of the DVD that you cannot skip, cannot fast forward through, cannot ignore...at least not completely. So, today, in my trying to get ready funk, I slumped on the futon while I waited for the workout to begin. DD comes in with the dog's while I am slumped. I told her "Go away, I'm working out." She just laughed and proceeded to tattle on her brother. go figure.

This week, I'm going to have my family decide what we are eating for the next two weeks. DH provided a list of 14+ meals that he would eat without the sound. You know, that noise they make when you tell them what's for dinner and they don't like it, but they've learned not to say anything if they ever want to eat again? Yeah, that sound. Anyway, it's a great list. Except for a couple of small things. One, no chicken. Not one chicken dinner on there. Lots of red meat, pizza, pork and red meat. Two, some of the kids' favorites are missing (i.e. lasagna). Three, when I bought groceries based on his list, I spent between $40 and $50 more at the store. Apparently, we need a compromise. My compromise is that the family will agree on the menus so I won't hear the sound! LOL!

DS might be getting a cell phone. DH told him that if he showed that he was responsible, could clean his room and keep it that way, and could show some maturity, DH would consider getting phone for DS to use so he wouldn't have to share with DD. Since DD is a teen, DS gets to use the phone when DD is asleep, out of the house or grounded from the phone. He REALLY wants his own phone. And, it looks like he'll get it.

A boxer wearing a diaper is a funny sight. She's still in heat, but is handling the diaper much better than she did at first.

When it rains, it pours. Told the boss about a month ago that I had some extra time and could take on more work (politically correct terminology for "bored off my rocker!"). Just had two more things added to my overflowing plate today. Yippee!! In all actuality, I am thankful I have a job, especially one that I like. Plus, I'd rather be busy than bored ANY day!

My name is Brad. No, not really. At a meeting, the organizer called me Brad (we've worked together for about 10 years and I do NOT look like a Brad. Charles, maybe, but not Brad!). The other guys in the meeting have called me Brad ever since. It's been three days...may be here to stay.

There are more thoughts in my head, but it's probably best they stay where they are. Time to shower and pack my lunch for tomorrow. Nite!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RWETHAIRYET 4/8/2010 1:51PM

Aw, heck, Brad, those are much more pleasant thoughts than what are rattling around mine today. funny, I call my youngest daughter Fred (Her name is Rikki) Goes back to when I was helping coach Little League for my son, and would often bring Rikki along with me...one of the little Ricky's on my team objected to me calling her that, lol, so I told him it was short for Fredrica...and she has been Fred ever since. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGELHANS 4/8/2010 12:22PM

Good Job, was a great read. I would of not giving them a choice on what to eat, what is on the tabel is what you eat, I would consider what they would like and go from there but try to make it a healthy way. Good luck I know its not easy, I have a diebetic husband that hates to stop and eat while he is working and loves his red oh well any meat :) Report Inappropriate Comment

STEELERCRAZY 4/8/2010 12:06PM

Hmm. If you're Brad, is DH Angelina? You are a brave woman (?) for letting the fam pick out meals. I had an insurance conference in Virginia once and was gone for a whole two weeks. I came home not only to a trashed house but the kids were bouncing off the walls. In between their daily meals of hot dogs and frozen pizza, they were allowed all of the Oreos and fudgesicles they wanted. And DH had the nerve to look peturbed AT ME? Good for you on L3 of the Shred. It sounds like an awesome title for a horror movie. Report Inappropriate Comment

BKNOCK 4/8/2010 8:00AM

That is pretty scary going from Barbara to Brad! Are you dressing like the guys? Wow, you are doing great on the exercise, I am very impressed! Thanks for the humor, it always helps! Report Inappropriate Comment

LMB100 4/8/2010 7:04AM

LOL... funny! Thanks for the humor to start my day! Oh and good luck with the family "sound." I used to cook every meal at home (that was another lifetime) and if they didn't like it, they didn't eat. They learned! And yet somehow, I was the only one who managed to put on weight. Hmmm.... Report Inappropriate Comment

ELYMWX 4/8/2010 2:33AM

Btw, Brad's not the worst; in my office we had a Scoot and a Rebort there for quite a while. One if the guys is a horrible typer, and for some reason his misspellings for Scott and Robert stuck... Report Inappropriate Comment

ELYMWX 4/8/2010 2:28AM

Here's what we do, Brad: we have a small whiteboard on the fridge with the week's dinner menus on it. My wife and I together fill in 3 or 4 slots, and then the kids get to fill in the rest. We reserve veto rights, and in case of a disagreement, they vote. We also get to cast the tiebreaking vote in case if a three way tie. We do this on the weekend and then that's the guide for the grocery shopping trip at the beginning of the week. We've lots of different tastes and preferences in the family (my wife is vegetarian, I'm not, and the kids are 9, 7, and 4) so we try to make the meals consist of many individual items that everyone can pick and chose. There is always fresh fruit or veggies on the table, and almost always the makings for salads, in addition to proteins, cooked veggies, and starches. The kids know that whenever they put somehing on their plate, they have to have fruit or veggies. Good luck! Comment edited on: 4/8/2010 2:29:33 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

SANDIE4HLTH 4/8/2010 1:09AM

Dear Brad...I mean Charlie...uh...uh... Congrat s on five days straight of Level 3 Shred. I'm sure it's a butt-kicker so I greatly admire your consistent effort. Reminds me to keep on pushin' on. When I still had kids at home, I always found it a challenge, too, to come up with meals that the family wouldn't make "that noise" about (good way of describing it). I hope you're able to come up with a compromise because it doesn't sound like your family's choices match very well with yours. I wasn't surprised, though, to read they'd chosen much red meat and pizza. My ex-hubby and my children would have done the same thing -- plus lots and lots of McDonalds. Good luck on this! Thanks for sharing such a range of entertaining thoughts (...the dog one is particularly amusing -- the visual). I really enjoyed your blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

WORKOUTWITHPAM 4/8/2010 12:47AM

Good luck in reaching all of your goals. Take care, and hang in there. HUGS Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

GEEMAWEST 4/8/2010 12:36AM

Awesome blog, Brad. Even if Dutchie didn't know what you were talking about, I did. Oh My!?! what does that say about me? Never mind, Don't think I want to know. P.S. If you ever get your family to agree on a menu you deserve a medal of some sort. Not sure what sort, but some sort. I'm so glad that you are still showering. Nite, Nite. Comment edited on: 4/8/2010 12:37:58 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

DUTCHIEKIWI 4/8/2010 12:29AM

Great blog, I cracked up about the 'bored off my rocker' Love it, wanted to use it, then rememberred I can not remember when I actually had a chance to BE bored of my rocker... bugger! Bit confusing with all the DD DS DH DF and all, as this was all new to me not long ago ( thank you spark ;0) ) You got me fooled as well as when I read the 'brad' thing, I scrolled to the top if I was on the right persons page LOL... Duh!! Love ya! Dutchie Comment edited on: 4/8/2010 12:35:03 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

USFBULL 4/8/2010 12:24AM

Thanks Brad, lol Report Inappropriate Comment

Every morning, you have to make a decision

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

I'll tell you what that decision is in just a minute. First, I need to explain. (As always! LOL!)

When I read, it is for pure entertainment. If I learn something while reading a book, it is purely on accident. I do NOT seek out great works of art, tomes to make me think, anything remotely educational is out! If I think while reading, it is either an accident or I'm thinking about what's for dinner. Well, Lenny48 recommended the book "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. It is set in the early 60's, has two black maids and one white woman as the main characters and involves something that they do that changes their world.

That right there is enough to keep me from reading it. Sounds way too much like a lesson is going to be taught and I do not want to learn it! LOL! BUT, a friend recommended it and therefore I will read it. Always open to new authors and stories. Always.

Well, not even 100 pages into the book (page 63, to be exact) one of the characters learns a lesson and I listen and learn too. (dang it... )

The decision we each have to make every morning? Are we going to believe what others say about us? Are we going to let the people in our lives, or even the ones on the periphery of our lives, tell us what to believe? We are each our own person and we each have the power to choose what to believe.

I, for one, have decided that I am in charge of what I believe. No one else. I'll listen. I'll consider. And then I'll decide. Just me. Nuff said.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SANDIE4HLTH 4/8/2010 1:20AM

This is SO true! I spent most of my younger years fretting about what others were thinking and saying about me. Slowly, over time, this bad habit became less and less of a habit. I guess to some degree I grew a thicker skin. Now I know a lot of what I was worried about simply didn't matter -- AND (worse) that I'd made a lot of it up in my head. Once I realized that, I learned how to pretty much stop this waste of energy dead in its tracks (a majority of the time). I am much happier for it, too. And I have more room in my head for productive thoughts. Thanks very much for such an insightful blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

RWETHAIRYET 4/7/2010 3:26PM

heehee, one of the songs on my morning run playlist right now is Montgomery Gentry's "What Do You Think About That" "Some people worry bout what other people think, worry bout what they say. Let a little gossip coming from a loose lip ruin their perfect day. Saying blah, blah, blah, just a jackin' their jaw, gonna let it roll off of my back. I don't give a durn what other people think. What do ya think about that" So you're preaching to the choir here, sister!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RWETHAIRYET 4/7/2010 3:19PM

heehee, one of the songs on my morning run playlist right now is Montgomery Gentry's "What Do You Think About That" "Some people worry bout what other people think, worry bout what they say. Let a little gossip coming from a loose lip ruin their perfect day. Saying blah, blah, blah, just a jackin' their jaw, gonna let it roll off of my back. I don't give a durn what other people think. What do ya think about that" So you're preaching to the choir here, sister!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GEEMAWEST 4/7/2010 12:24PM

Well said! Report Inappropriate Comment

AUNTIEANNE22 4/7/2010 8:19AM

I learned it from a job and taught it to my father. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Report Inappropriate Comment

LMB100 4/7/2010 7:19AM

Great blog! And yes, it is wonderful to finally realize you don't HAVE to listen to other people's opinions and "helpful" comments, isn't it? The only question is, why does it take us so darned long to learn the lesson????? Sheesh, I'm gonna be 50 and I'm still learning it! Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

BKNOCK 4/7/2010 6:35AM

Too funny! But good answer! Something happened to me in my early 40's, I woke up one day and stopped caring so much about what other people thought and decided it was time to do what I thought and you know what I am a lot happier now! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNAORLENE 4/7/2010 2:17AM

Didn't even have to read it to know what you'd say! LOL! Two peas in a pod - no bodies gonna' tell me either. That's why I wonder sometimes why people try so hard to make others see things the way they do and they always want to be right. Be a pretty boring world if we all thought and felt the same way, huh? Oh well, I guess that's life! LOL! Donna Report Inappropriate Comment

STEELERCRAZY 4/7/2010 12:57AM

And there it is. That's the ONLY way to be happy with yourself. Great blog! WOOOOooooo! Still haunting you.....LOL! Report Inappropriate Comment

You worked out at what time?

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

I started up the stairs around 9:45...pm. There's a reason for this and I'm gonna tell you! LOL!

Mondays are a long day for me on a regular basis. My group at work deals with companies in Korea, China, Singapore, etc. on a fairly regular basis. Each week, we have a conference call with Korea on Mondays (China is on Wednesday, Singapore is as needed...I skip the Tuesday meeting). Because of Daylight Savings Time and the fact that Korea is on the other side of the world, our meeting doesn't start until 5:15. That means the soonest I leave work on Mondays is 5:30...more often 5:45.

Tonight, I left around 5:35, drove the 35 minutes home and made dinner (leftover ham, who'd a thunk it! ) Grilled the ham with some cheese. Yummy! Anyway, by the time I got everyone's sandwiches made, it was 6:20. DD's first softball game of the season was due to start at 6:30 and I was not dressed for the weather. So, picture this...I take my sandwich and Diet Pepsi with me into the master bedroom. In between bites and sips, I am putting on long johns, two pairs of socks, three layers of shirts and some boots. The sandwich inhaled and me looking like the Michelen man, I run upstairs and grab a couple of blankets. Kiss everyone goodbye and I am out the door!

DD's game goes well (they didn't win, but they played well...mostly). By the time we get home, I can't feel my toes. I guess I needed three pairs of socks! I warm up, eat some popcorn, Spark a little and decide I'm ready to work out...at 9:15. Well, the kids go to bed at 9:30 and I need to tuck them in and make sure they actually get in bed. Can't work out until they are safely tucked. By the time they are, it's 9:45.

Now, other nights, I might have said "To heck with it!" (Literally, I have said that, out loud!) BUT, one of my goals is to do the Shred EVERY day for at least 10 days straight. I'm on a two-day streak. Tonight, I did it! Three days! AND I hit one of my other goals. I was able to do all of the traveling push ups on my toes! Woo Hoo!!!

The point of all this? Apparently, goals can be motivating! Who knew? LOL! Not only did having a very tangible goal get my butt up the stairs and into the wokout, but those same goals kept me from eating everything in the house. Healthy choices and within calorie range again today! Day 3 for that streak too!! I'm on fire!!

Okay, time to put out the fire and get some sleep. Spark y'all later.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GEEMAWEST 4/7/2010 12:26PM

You are definitely On Fire, my friend. Keep up the good work! Report Inappropriate Comment

RWETHAIRYET 4/6/2010 10:34AM

hmmm...I was collapsing into bed just about that time, lol... Good for you for keeping your streak alive! Report Inappropriate Comment

AUNTIEANNE22 4/6/2010 8:46AM

I knew you would keep your streak going. Were you able to get to sleep? I find that if I am too active close to bedtime I can't sleep. Report Inappropriate Comment

PINDOC 4/6/2010 1:54AM

I'm glad I'm not the only Sparker working out at bizarre hours! Sometimes I just get this notion that I will not go to bed till I do my workout duty. Then I'm doomed to do it b4 I get to sleep! then Report Inappropriate Comment

ITTYBITTYYI 4/6/2010 1:35AM

Report Inappropriate Comment

DOOBIE893 4/6/2010 1:27AM

Report Inappropriate Comment

STACIJ40 4/6/2010 1:24AM

Good job! Goals and Streaks do seem to be motivating, don't they?! Report Inappropriate Comment

Easter Sunday and I'm doing just fine!

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Holidays and going out to eat are my downfall. Both are special occasions in my world and special occasions are a reason to celebrate (translation: eat!).

Yesterday, DH and I went out to dinner, just the two of us. He asked me where I would like to go. I hate choosing because he is much more particular about his food than I am. We actually had a discussion once trying to determine if there was a place where we could go eat that he would eat and I wouldn't. We couldn't think of one. He even tried the local gas station, but no dice. They have a hot deli, lunchables and frozen burritos. I'm good!

Anyway, one of the ladies I work with talked about taking her son Goodwood BBQ for his birthday. That sounded really good to me. DH is not a fan of BBQ. I suggested it anyway. He decided that we could go there because they do have steak that is not BBQ. (Yay) I ordered the BBQ pulled pork with a baked potato, sour cream only and on the side, and steamed veggies. AND I only ate half the pork. Stayed in calorie range for the day! Woo Hoo!

Today is Easter (duh!) and we had (for us) the traditional Easter dinner of ham, mashed potatoes, green beans and deviled eggs. Mmmm...deviled eggs. Love them! I only made eight halves and there are four in our family, two each. DD didn't like hers, so I gave her extra to DH. I still have over 200 calories to use, if I want to!

AND, I worked out today and yesterday. Eight more days of L3 to meet that goal!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DUTCHIEKIWI 4/5/2010 9:20PM

You are becoming the person you've always wanted to be! Congrats!! xxx Dutchi e Report Inappropriate Comment

RWETHAIRYET 4/5/2010 1:09PM

You know, a holiday is not the best time to implement a new plan, lol. But sounds like you did great! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEREALLYBIGDOG 4/5/2010 9:33AM

Wow, you really behaved yourself! Not so sure that I did THAT well. Glad you enjoyed that pulled pork too, we have two GREAT BBQ places near our new place and it's hard to tell which one I like the best. They both have some good sauces, but the smokey flavor is what I've learned to LOVE. We had a similar Easter meal. I didn't GIVE any of my deviled eggs to ANYONE! I guess that's why I'm so devilish!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

AUNTIEANNE22 4/5/2010 8:36AM

Great job! Making choices is easier when you have goals. I worked all day yesterday and ate limited food. Walked between clients. We can do this. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNAORLENE 4/5/2010 12:03AM

Congrats! You're doing a great job! I told you you could do it! And of course you knew that I knew! Donna Report Inappropriate Comment

BKNOCK 4/4/2010 10:00PM

Great job! I am glad that you enjoyed your weekend! Mine was too crazy! Report Inappropriate Comment

GEEMAWEST 4/4/2010 9:16PM

Way to go, Barb! I didn't work out today but didn't pig out either. Actually found myself to be full after not eating much. And I had saved calories all day for "The Big Meal". I think I'll use my extra calories on a nice glass of wine. Report Inappropriate Comment

SANDIE4HLTH 4/4/2010 9:13PM

It's great that you met these challenges -- staying within your calorie range while eating out AND working out as you promised yourself. Way to go! Report Inappropriate Comment

MUSIC66 4/4/2010 9:06PM

that was great glad you enjoyed easter. Report Inappropriate Comment

As promised....drum roll please....

Sunday, April 04, 2010

I have developed some of my goals and am now ready to share them with y'all! I can feel my chair buzzing with your excitement now! What? You're not that excited? Hmmmm....wonder what that vibration is then.

On to my goals!

I will attain a weight of 126 pounds. Exactly when isn't completely determined, but I should say in 8 weeks or less.

I will set a weight loss goal for myself each week. This week, my goal is 2 pounds. I'm higher than I want to be and need to bring that number down quickly. Okay, I don't "need" to. Just really, really, really want to!

I am going to do Level 3 of the 30-Day Shred every day for ten days straight like I'm "supposed" to. Today was day one!

In that workout, I have two smaller goals. The first is to be able to do all of the traveling pushups on my toes and not have to go to my knees for any of them. The second is to be able to do jumping lunges for the whole time and not have to revert to normal lunges. Those are HARD!!

After I do those, I'll have a new goal. It might be getting to the gym every day for a week. We'll see.

This week, I will stay in my calorie range every day. Afterthis week, I may be able to give myself one cheat day per week. I may look at three cheat meals instead, but that could be dangerous. Very, very dangerous.

I'm stopping right there. Too many goals and I'll get overwhelmed and unable to focus on any of them.

Quick recap (more for me than for you, but feel free to write them down!)

1. Lose 2 pounds this week.
2. Do my DVD workout 9 more days straight.
3. Stay in calorie range every day this week.

I can totally do this!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RWETHAIRYET 4/5/2010 1:08PM

Short sweet and to the point! My favorite kind of goals! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOM2ACAT 4/4/2010 3:43PM

Report Inappropriate Comment

USFBULL 4/4/2010 1:59AM

Report Inappropriate Comment

DUTCHIEKIWI 4/4/2010 1:43AM

Okay okay... hang on.... First of all, lady Don't you go enjoying any vibrations without me now you hear!!! And second, YOU ARE SO GONNA KICK ASS!!!!!!! You're goals will be done and dusted in NO time at all.... well for the dvd's 9 days and the others a week, but still... you catch my drift! ;0) xxxxx Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNAORLENE 4/4/2010 1:31AM

Piece of cake - at least for you! I know you can do it! And I'll be right here rootin' you on and praying for you. I wish I could be half as organized as you are. So hang in there and before you know it I'll be sending my congratulations to you! Donna R> Report Inappropriate Comment

SANDIE4HLTH 4/4/2010 1:02AM

It's great to have concrete, written goals to reach. I wish you all the best -- you can do it! Report Inappropriate Comment

GEEMAWEST 4/4/2010 12:28AM

You can do this, Barb. I know you can. I have faith in you. Please don't fail me now! LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

SKUEHN01 4/4/2010 12:21AM

Good goals!! Report Inappropriate Comment