Creating a new future!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

This last Month has been all about re-creating myself and my lifestyle, but really I think I have accomplished so much more. Lately my kids have been asking me about nutritional values, portion sizes, and exercising. For snacks the prefer fruits and veggies!!! I feel the last tiny bits of depression lifting off of my household and it truly feels like spring. New beginnings and second chances.

I started a new Job on Monday. This is a job I was born to do. One I can see myself doing for the next 30 years. I am an Instructional Assistant for the Medically Fragile. I only work during the school year I get summers and Holidays off. I am also so happy to be contributing financially to our household.

I cannot wait to see what the future has in-store for my little family. Right now it's looking so bright I gotta wear shades (LOL)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SNUZSUZ 4/14/2012 1:48PM

wow! You got it going on girl! ( as the kids would say, haha) Congratulations on your new job, your kids new interest in nutrition, and your new lifestyle! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEEDEE74 4/11/2012 11:00AM

Way to go Cass!!! Congrats on the new job! Report Inappropriate Comment

GSNM2012 4/11/2012 9:39AM

Congratulations!!!!! I am so happy for you things are looking up Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGIEJAY77 4/11/2012 8:44AM

I am so excited for you and happy for you! You always brighten my day with your posts. And good job for influencing your kiddies...that's a BIG accomplishment! Report Inappropriate Comment

LOSINGITNOW11 4/11/2012 5:58AM

Congratulations! That is so awesome. It's wonderful that your kids are starting to take such an interest and active role in their nutrition. Also, congratulations on starting your new job! Report Inappropriate Comment

Carving out time

Sunday, April 08, 2012

Last week I found it difficult to carve out gym time towards the end of the week. By Friday I was slipping back into my old couch potato ways. I guess I just needed a rest. I start my new job on Monday so Friday I had to get my hair cut take my Daughter to the Dr. and get a mani/pedi.

Ok so the mani/pedi wasn't necessary but it was oh so nice.

I am still managing to stay smoke free. :) I will soon be hitting the two week mark. I have struggled a few times this week but I am really proud of myself for now caving in to temptation.

This week some of my biggest challenges will be making time for the gym while still getting dinner on the table by 6pm. I think I am really going to have to put my crock pot to work for me.

~Cass

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SNUZSUZ 4/9/2012 10:29AM

Congratulations on being smoke free for 2 weeks-awesome!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HALLOWBABY 4/9/2012 12:14AM

I understand! It is difficult when dealing with work and family to squeeze in time for exercise. Once you adjust to your work schedule, it will become easier to figure out the timing. I wish you luck on the start of your new job. That crock pot is a great tool to use for busy schedules! Report Inappropriate Comment

Feeling accomplished

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Before I started this journey I was a stay at home Mom who couldn't manage to get off the couch to clean her house. Meals were an after thought and not much planning went into them. My children rarely ate breakfast before school and I was depressed and tired.

What a difference Three weeks makes! I have loads of energy! I am productive during the day. I even take the time to set the table for breakfast before I go to bed every night. My kids have had breakfast every morning, it's only cereal and a piece of fruit but it's better than nothing. My middle son commented last night that he was able to get all of his morning work done. Every meal is well thought out and balanced. I pack lunches for my Husband and kids before bed and I make sure the kitchen is clean also.

These are all incredible changes but I think the most incredible is how I feel. I am happy. No grey clouds no anxiety. I know now that I was very depressed. I had no idea I could feel this good.

One more thing. Last week my Father in Law fixed all of my dining room chairs. When they were all done I went and found some candles and candle stick holders. Every night we sit at the table for dinner and we light our candles. Every night feels special and I learn more and more about my kids as we chat around the table.

I pray that it just keeps getting better. :) Thanx Sparkpeople for helping me find and share my spark!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AHAPPYLIFE 4/5/2012 4:11PM

This is truly a great blog!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MCLAFLIN 4/3/2012 4:43PM

What a turnaround! I'm sure that the positive changes are not only good for you, but also your entire family! Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUE42DOWN 4/3/2012 2:14PM

What wonderful changes in just three weeks! Report Inappropriate Comment

The dreaded weigh in Monday!!!!

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

This Morning I hopped on that scale not really expecting much. I got a +2 :( That sucks but I am actually ok with it. I measured myself and I have lost 17 inches over all!!!!!! That's cool right????

I figured it wouldn't be good cause quitting smoking has slowed a few things down but today it feels like we are getting back to normal so there is hope.

I am in fact still a non-smoker. (feels good to say that) I am one puff away from a pack a day so today I pledge my N.O.P.E not one puff EVER.

I know I have some HLC catching up to do but my nieces are visiting during their spring break so I have been preoccupied LOL.

Hoping for some better news next week.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AMY_1217 4/4/2012 4:30PM

You're doing great Cass! A weight gain is usually expected when you stop smoking. It messes with your metabolism. But like you said, 2 pounds is nothing when compared to those 17 inches! Great job!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Weekends

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Weekends are pretty tricky for me. Saturday mornings my Husband and I hit the gym. This is the only time we get to workout together and I love working out with him. After that we usually run some errands, watch movies and play with the kids. Doing all of these things smoke free feels weird. Like I am forgetting to do something. It's irritating me today.

My nutrition and fitness tracking is going great in the past three weeks I have only not tracked one day (last Friday). I am really hoping for an eight pound loss for the month. Weighing in on Monday.

I started something new with the kids today. When they are watching a movie I set a timer for 60 minutes. When the timer goes off the kids have to get up and do 20 burpies or mountain climbers or sit ups. We spend about 10 minutes doing different exercises. Then everyone drinks a glass of water and we continue the movie. The kids complain a bit but I think they are just giving me a hard time cause by the time they are done they are giggling.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AHAPPYLIFE 4/1/2012 1:27AM

Sounds wonderful! You're creating a healthy life for your children & yourself!! I know my grandkids love to follow me around the house when I do my steps. It's become a game to them. I do know what you mean by being irritated. I felt much better after removing nicotine. Also, at the same time, I found an about.com article that explained some of the things I was going through. It did make me feel more at ease knowing that it was normal & would soon pass. Reading the information available on-line has really helped me fight through all the cravings, dreams, & emotions. You will make it, I know you will!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JEN_BACK2BASICS 3/31/2012 10:23PM

That's a great idea, and I think I may steal it for myself! Good luck on the quitting smoking front - it is hard but so amazingly worth it in the end (I'm sure you've heard that before). I quit smoking over 7 years ago after having a 1/2 or 1 pack a day for 21 years (minus the first time I quit). I never think about it anymore...the smell makes me ill. Think of all the wonderful benefits, like: - great smelling hair - normal colored fingernails - more money!! - not having to go outside in crappy weather - clothes that don't stink - no more burn holes in your favorite shirts And that's all before you even start talking about health stuff. Report Inappropriate Comment

JUST-DUCKY 3/31/2012 10:13PM

Great idea for the kids (and you too) I love it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ANGIEJAY77 3/31/2012 7:22PM

I think that's an awesome idea for the kiddies. Report Inappropriate Comment