It's my husband's fault, I swear! (photo shoot)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

I don't know why my husband doesn't get that giving me a gift card to Marshalls is like giving a drink to an alcoholic. I was doing so well . . . til he gave me that giftcard. Yes, he's a sweetie, even if somtimes a bit misguided (and at the same time a bear to live with!).

And on to the photos that sort of blew me away again . . .

This one is a keeper. I can bring it to Vegas AND Miami. I'd even wear it to my cousin's wedding in November, only I'd freeze my you-know-whats off.



The crappy cell phone pics don't do it justice.



This one I am unsure about. It's a nice dress, it looks good, but . . . what do you think? Again, I could potentially bring it to Vegas & Miami.



I know it looks pretty good from the front, even tho I don't have any control type garment on. You're lucky I put a bra on! TMI, I know. And yes, I'm pretty sure I WAS sucking my stomach in in this photo.



I know it's not that bad, but even with the gift card, even tho these are $100 dresses for $40 each, it did add up pretty quickly. I bought both pair of shoes, too. So not the shoes I set out to look for, I wanted to get some more flats for just around the house.

Love, love, love those platforms, which are gold glitter on the bottom & you probably can't tell from the photo.

I tried on a whole bunch of cute tops and so many looked really cute with my skinny jeans too, but I put them all back. I knew I had to get the shoes & that gold dress (can you even tell it's gold from the photo?).

Shopping is really a dangerous thing for me these days, since most things now fit. It's also probably part of the reason I've been on a plateau for so long . . . cause yes, I realize I look good, and yes, I'm much more comfortable in my own skin. So how do you push past all that to get where you really want to go? Cause you know you still REALLY want to go there?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MONIKAJ2 3/30/2011 3:25PM

You look fabulous in both...and I love, love, love the shoes! I think I agree with others though...in my liking of the first dress better. :-) And I know what you mean about motivation. I'm actually getting a lot more comfortable in my own skin now...and I'm just now hitting that halfway mark! I think that's what I've been struggling with a bit lately - feeling more comfy in your own skin means you don't have as much motivation to keep going! You can do it! We all have faith in you! Keep on going...and you'll get there in no time (and maybe DH will get you another gift card when you hit your goal)! :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

TURTLE_MOM 3/30/2011 7:49AM

I love both - but yeah, I like the first one best! LOVE marshall's - what a great hubby :) Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 3/30/2011 7:48AM

I love the first dress especially paired with those hot shoes. I like the second dress too, but the first one is my fav. Looking mighty hot woman. You do have a knack for bringing home some really hot items. You go girl - shop on !!!!!!!!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 3/30/2011 2:57AM

Both dresses look good on you but the 1st compliments your body better. Report Inappropriate Comment

XFITSTRONG 3/29/2011 6:59PM

You look great in both dresses! The gold one looks really cute and sparkly. I am a shopper too... ROSS is dangerous for me! It doesn't helpe that my co-worker has a PT job there in the evenings and is ALWAYS talking about the stuff they get in, the mark downs, and her good deals! I am glad we don't have a Marshalls here or I'd really be in trouble! Report Inappropriate Comment

HEYRED221 3/29/2011 5:32PM

I like the first dress more. You look fantastic! Report Inappropriate Comment

KANSASROSE67 3/29/2011 4:45PM

Love the first dress! Looks great on you! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 3/29/2011 4:40PM

Love the first dress! You're going to have such a good time on your trip! Report Inappropriate Comment

STIPER23 3/29/2011 3:22PM

The first dress is fun! I am at the same point. I lack motivation a bit cause I fit into the clothes that I want to. But the numbers on the scale are not where I want them to be. And who knows? Maybe even a smaller size. Skinny jeans...those I have not yet tried. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 3/29/2011 3:10PM

I really like the first dress and it goes great with the shoes!! Not feeling the second one as much. Is it leopard print? Report Inappropriate Comment

DRJJ2004 3/29/2011 3:08PM

You look great! I love to shop too! I can't imagine how much more I'll love it when I look like you!!! You are rockin those dresses girlfriend!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BARBARASDIET 3/29/2011 3:07PM

Shopping fun!! I am a terrible shopper, and I have never tried Marshall's. Report Inappropriate Comment

Going with the flow, take 2 & ramblings

Monday, March 28, 2011

I swear it just wouldn't be a blog from me if I didn't ramble.

First off, DH's business trip to Las Vegas has been approved! Woohoo! We used to go quite regularly when we lived in Austin, but it's been 6 yrs since we were last there. And it will have been more than 6 months since our Hawaii vacation, so I'm more than ready!

The good news: sounds like a great resort-style hotel with a spa, fitness classes, & lots of restaurants.

The bad news: far away from the strip. I don't gamble at all, but I love to shop & there's lots of great shopping on the strip.

But you know me, I'm gonna have a great time & am definitely looking forward to it - couple more months to go, tho.

So ST was planned for yesterday, but I bargained with DH & helped with the raking - which meant we went to the park to walk the dogs cause I swear if I had to walk around this neighborhood one more time I was gonna shoot myself.

Only it was really cold & really windy& I had to listen to DH whine the entire time. The dogs had a blast, tho.

I ran at the same park the day before with 2 ladies who are about 10 years older than me - for once I got to be the fast one! We did run/walk intervals at a much slower pace than even I am capable of & did about 5k. And I must say I could've gone on a long time that way. Definitely gives me hope for using that in a HM!

It was 24 when I left to go swimming this morning & still 24 when I came home an hour later. Brrrr! Supposed to get warmer by Wednesday. Finally!

I feel so good when I'm done swimming. My whole body feels pleasantly tired & I just feel so at peace. I've been looking around for other places to swim, but they're all so expensive. Maybe next time I'll sign up for 2 morning swims rather than 1 morning & 1 evening . . . It's actually slightly cheaper that way. I was so hoping to get to the new tunes today bit I didn't!

I do intervals - swim fast one song, easy the next & wouldn't you know it by the luck of the draw about the last 15 minutes I got a slower song every time I needed to push it & a faster one when I was supposed to go slow?

Finally, just a brief word on everyone that suggested volunteering to me yesterday. I did volunteer for many years, but I got burned out on that, too. First with the Humane Society, than a friend's small rescue, & yes, I used to crochet & knit cat blankets to donate too.

I'm actually really content being a housewife - I really should've been an adult in the 50s - but I also know I should be doing something with the gifts I've been given.

And finally, I'm already halfway thru "Born to Run" - so readable; I definitely recommend it.

Whew! Lots of stuff tumbling around in there!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIBBYFITZ 3/28/2011 11:58PM

Well done on the walk/run in the park! Never been to Vegas. Something to look forward to! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 3/28/2011 12:46PM

WOW, a trip to Vegas, I'm envious, never been there, but I don't gamble either, I would just love to see all the lights and do some people watching, and I'm sure you will find plenty to do to occupy yourself. You are so lucky to be able to stay at home, I would love to be a stay-at-home mom, but we need both incomes. Glad you got your swim in this morning and I can totally feel ya on the whining DH part, they certainly don't share our zest for fitness. Hope you have a great day. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 3/28/2011 12:45PM

You are not the only one looking forward to some warmer temps un Wednesday! Stay warm until then! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 3/28/2011 12:30PM

24 F!!! My pool was 24C in the summer and that was borderline cold for me!! :D Well done, having the run/walk and being the fast one - good for the ego Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 3/28/2011 11:32AM

The trip sounds like it's going to be really nice. Something to look forward to. Great job getting in the workouts despite the chilly weather. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 3/28/2011 11:19AM

YAY for Las Vegas!! You'll have fun no matter what. Wow! 24 is pretty damn cold. Hopefully it'll heat up to a more reasonable temp soon. I'm glad you got a good swim in. Some days I wish I was a housewife and some days I'm glad I'm not. Report Inappropriate Comment

MZSLYDE01 3/28/2011 10:16AM

Whew - You are so lucky - You get to take trips with your DH - that is nice. Plus I wish I were a house wife. That would be my dream.. But life is such and I have to work. Ah well I am happy for those that can be. Sounds like you don't need to volunteer anyway because you stay busy enough. Hope you have a great day Report Inappropriate Comment

How can I make this work for me?

Sunday, March 27, 2011

I am always on the lookout for the next big thing. Jack of all trades, master of none. So excited about my latest passion that I can't help rambling on about it to my long-suffering husband, who knows that this passion will only give away to the next big thing.

There's been crocheting/knitting, cookbooks, cooking/baking, kickboxing, painting & now running. Oh, and of course the gadgets, the ecookbooks, the online fitness programs, weight watchers. And at one time my business & design.

Many of these passions have gone dormant for years, to resurface with a vengeance, go dormant again, and then to resurface again . . . eventually.

A long time ago I blogged about this, wondering what hole I am trying to fill. And while there's certainly truth in that, the thought occurred to me today what if instead of trying to repress my nature, I embraced it? How can I make it work for me?

I don't have any great insights yet - input certainly welcome. I do know that I've been blocked creatively for a long, long time. Like maybe as long I've been on this plateau? Like there's a correlation there?

I am that person - you know the one, it might even be you, too - always reading self help books but never doing.

I am a talented person; I know this. No picasso, mind you, but still with many talents. I've been meditating/praying for a while on what to do with those talents. Haven't received any answer there, either.

Just thinking out loud here. Like I said, no answers. Yet.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KANSASROSE67 3/29/2011 4:50PM

I think it's great to have so many talents and interests that you can't decide which to focus on. It makes you an interesting person! This year I'm reading through Sarah Ban Breathnacht's "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy." The whole thing is about finding your authentic self. I think you might find it helpful...I know I am. I agree with TEMPEST, the 40s are turning out to be the best time of my life yet in many ways. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEXASGIDGET 3/27/2011 5:23PM

Sounds like you are indeed of a woman of many talents. Volunteering some of your time to an organization that could use it definitely sounds like a positive step. I will pray with you for some answers! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 3/27/2011 1:51PM

Maybe you can volunteer some of your talents. Report Inappropriate Comment

HYDROQUEEN 3/27/2011 1:25PM

I actually got butterflies in my tummy reading this....it was as if you were telling my story. I am in the process of accepting these very traits myself. I used to get so frustrated with myself for this very thing. I felt unfocused of sorts. I say "of sorts" because when I am in that "passionate" mode I am like a human sponge and absorbing every tiny little tid-bit of information I can about the subject. I don't just want to know how to do it, I want to know EXACTLY how to do it right! ( performing the task perfectly isn't always successful though LOL) I've always been envious of those who have always known what they wanted to do or be "when they grew up". I am just now coming to realize I just simply have a thirst for knowledge! I love to learn new things! Of course it would be fantastic if I could focus all of this into one arena. LOL But we pick up these little nuggets of gold (knowledge) along the way, that we may not use for 20 years.....but I actually get a bit of a "high" when I utilize information acquired from one subject and can apply it to something seemingly unrelated! That alone has proven beneficial several times in my life! So you just keep on learning new thing with zest! Can you imagine being any other way? Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 3/27/2011 12:20PM

I remember, a long time ago, hearing Oprah say that her 40's were the best years of her life because that's when she really started to know and accept herself. It stuck with me because I was in my 20's & couldn't imagine how an "oldie" could say such a thing. Well, surprise, surprise. Here I am in my 40's & having a mid-life growth spurt... and liking & knowing myself more than I ever have. I relate to how you talk about your perspective shifting and wondering what you could do with it. Right now, though, I'm purposely taking a mental step back. I've always been such a cerebal person, with a tendency to overthink things. I want to try being in a new way. A way that is open to letting things unfold instead of trying to push them this direction or that. KWIM? I'm really interested to hear where this thought process takes you. Report Inappropriate Comment

LEONALIONESS 3/27/2011 10:50AM

Praying for guidance is beyond my realm of experience and understanding, so I can't do much but wish you well there. However, what works for me is combining what I like to do with causes I believe in! Examples: I like to bake and I'm passionate about veganism, so I'm helping run the MN Worldwide Vegan Bakesale this year and am contributing goodies! I like to run and I'm passionate about pro-choice and women's rights, so I'm doing a 5K that will benefit NARAL Pro Choice MN later in April. I do design work, so I'm making button designs for our local vegan shop to be sold to help the Animal Rights Coalition. I also volunteer my services to Compassionate Action for Animals and do flyers, etc. for them. :) I like to crochet/knit and I love companion animals, so I donate stuff to our Knits for Neuters/Crochet for Spays sales. I also have donated art, design work, etc. for my friend's rat rescue in Michigan. I designed her logo and some handouts for her. :D I adds a lot of meaning to my hobbies to be able to use what I enjoy doing and also add some GOOD to the world. Even if it's just little bits of good. Even if it's just having an omnivore try a delicious cupcake at our bake sale and realize that vegan food isn't awful. Or maybe it's as simple as having someone buy some of my crochet animals at the sale and funding one neuter at a rescue. Small but big, yanno? That's just what I do. :) I also do puppy mill protests at our local Petland, designed the anti-mill flyer we give out at the events and am doing a counter protest at Planned Parenthood soon. Honestly, part of what is REALLY helping my food issues is doing as much active good as I can. It makes me realize I'm so much more than my weight or what I look like. Also, it makes me feel less selfish about sitting around doing fun hobbies! Hah. You have so many talents and passions. I'd look around for rescues or something in your area that would love some pro bono design work. Or see if there is a Worldwide Vegan Bakesale happening in your neck of the woods and bring some of your super yummy goodies you're always torturing me with. Hah. :D They are ALL OVER this year. YAY. There are lots of groups who take donated handcrafts, too, either to give to cancer patients, the elderly or even shelter animals. Just my two cents! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 3/27/2011 10:40AM

I wish you well in your quest for looking for that something! Report Inappropriate Comment

EDWINA172 3/27/2011 8:26AM

I feel like you wrote this about me! I've done the most of the things you listed. I feel like they were phases of growth. Its a good idea that you embrace them. You are taking a little bit of each phase with you into the next journey. Have a good weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

Going with the flow

Saturday, March 26, 2011

It's so easy to get so stuck in our routines that we fear the least little change to it. But rigid things that don't easily bend DO easily break.

Yesterday was a rest day of exercise, aside from the nice, long walk I gave the dogs. Nut I wouldn't say it was a restful day. I baked the white bean blondes & the vanilla lentil scones from nomeatathlete.com . And I am proud to say that my kitchen doesn't look like a bomb went off in it - I cleaned it this morning as has become my routine.

The monkey wrench in my plans? One of the women I board the dogs with had apparently recently gone on her own vacation - and one of her dogs ran away from the person she was boarding them with. She emailed yesterday to say she was organizing search parties at 6 pm.

My DH & I said we'd come, which made dinner awkward, but ultimately we decided to meet for dinner. Dinner out wasn't planned for yesterday, but you do have to go with the flow sometimes. In fact, one of my spak buddies recently made the comment that if you're not enjoying your life, then you're not on the right lifestyle plan.

Of course, I should have checked my email before I left because the dog was found & we didn't have to search for it, which made me doubly glad cause it was really cold yesterday - and today! Luckily we did check it before going to the meeting place.

Today is hopefully a small group run - that's the plan anyway. It was posted fairly late so there's only a few of us, but most likely I would've not run outside due to the temps so that's a good thing. Maybe I'll tackle the chickpea granola bars from nomeatathlete today. Then tomorrow will just be ST, dog walking, and relaxing.

Oh, wanted to mention that itunes.com has a $9.99 album where part of the profits go to relief for Japan - you get 38 songs for that price! I forget how much goes to Japan, but it seemed well worth the money & I bought it this morning, despite the fact that I actually already own a few of the songs - I don't have most of them & there's lots of good ones. So check it out!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KIMPOSSIBLE82 3/26/2011 1:17PM

Group runs sound fun. Hope you stayed warm! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 3/26/2011 10:27AM

Well done on the cooking and cleaning! Glad the dog was found! Enjoy the run! quote! Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 3/26/2011 9:37AM

It does sound like a busy day. Did the blondies come out as delicious as they look? I always clean as I go when I'm baking. A habit from being in a tiny apartment kitchen. I'm glad the dog was found. Have fun on your run. Chickpea granola bars sound good. I think I'll download that Songs for Japan. It says all proceeds go to the Japanese Red Cross. Do relax on Sunday, you deserve it. Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 3/26/2011 9:08AM

That quote is great! So glad the dog was found safe and sound! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 3/26/2011 8:37AM

So true! Love that quote. Glad the dog was found and enjoy your run today! Report Inappropriate Comment

Nothing but a ramble

Friday, March 25, 2011

Seriously, I have nothing to blog about today. Just a whole lotta little disconnected thoughts.

How I love to wind my day down with a swim. I managed to miss the first 3 weeks of night swims mainly cause I was tired & I can't tell you how much I looked forward to last night's swim. When I swim at night, I just use it as a way to unwind & I'm not working all that hard. I was so happy that the snowstorm mainly bypassed us & I didn't have to miss my meeting or my swim.

Jeff Galloway says swimming isn't a fat burner. Seriously? Has he ever looked at Michael Phelps? It definitely can be & even tho last night's swim wasn't, I can sure still feel it in my arms - in a good way. I push it harder on my morning swims.

I have a waterproof MP3 player that I use on my swims (and when I shovel). It isn't a great one, and its clip already broke, but it still gets the job done. Problem is it doesn't play MPEG4s & that's what iTunes downloads. So I was frustrated that I couldn't load some of my newest music onto it.

Did a little research & figured out how to convert the files right in iTunes. I didn't actually get to those songs last night, but hopefully I'll have some new tunes for Monday's swim. I was getting kind of bored by the same songs!

Yesterday was another busy day full of chores & exercise. Today is a rest day & I'm looking forward to it. A bit tired. Hoping to bake the white bean blondies from
nomeatathlete.com . I find I can control myself with healthy baked goods - it's the high fat/high sugar stuff I still have problems with.

Finally figured out how to download ebooks from the library, so now I have "born to run" on my iPad for the next 3 weeks. I'm already 60 pages into it despite the fact that I'm reading 2 other books currently. Highly readable!

Not sure yet if you can download library ebooks to the kindle, since you need some sort of software to read them. Next research project. But it's really cool! Now I can get library books to take on vacation without having to lug around anything other than my iPad! AND I don't have to physically go to the library to return them! Yes, I am sometimes easily amused.

So there you go. Much ado about nothing. Don't say I didn't warn you. Hope it at least amused you.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PCOH051610 3/26/2011 9:06AM

I'm such a backwoods kind of person it appears. I do have an iPod which I never use and managed to put 16 songs on. Other than that, I have a Blackberry which I'm slowly (okay, VERY SLOWLY) learning how to use. I admire your techno-awareness! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 3/25/2011 10:45AM

Sometimes I get gadget-jealously. I have no gadgets. OK, I have my iphone... but that's it...and it doesn't go in the water! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 3/25/2011 10:06AM

I'm curious about the black bean brownies, I looked up the recipe, I'm gonna try it this weekend, I actually have all the ingredients in my pantry - perfect. Enjoy your weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

NATPLUMMER 3/25/2011 10:00AM

How could swimming not be a fat burner? New tunes are always good for a workout. It makes it feel exciting and new. The white bean blondies sound great. Let me know how they turn out. I think it's great you can get ebooks from the library. Have a great rest day!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRECKS96 3/25/2011 9:06AM

Wow! I was just browsing those recipes and some of them look delish! Definitely some ideas to try next time DH is out of town. Maybe I'll bake a batch of brownies for my next family gathering. BTW, swimming is a total calorie burner! Glad you got your laps in! Report Inappropriate Comment

IFDEEVARUNS2 3/25/2011 9:03AM

I'm still resisting the iPad. I'm sure I'll give in and get one eventually but I'm in no rush. I have enough electronic tethers as it is, not to mention addictions. Report Inappropriate Comment

SHEILA1505 3/25/2011 8:53AM

Judy - I found a site that gives calories burned calculations for swimming - can't say it doesn't burn them now!!! http://www.dietandfit nesstoday.com/caloriesBurnedInf o.php?weight=128.5&unit=pounds& duration=20&id=536 sorry I can't enter it as a proper link - but if you copy and paste into a Word document and then from there back into your internet, you'll get to it - it covers all strokes, all intensities etc 20 minutes of breaststroke for 128.5lbs person = 204 calories Report Inappropriate Comment

DDOORN 3/25/2011 8:26AM

dbpoweramp is my "go to" audio conversion program. It's the swiss-army knife of audio conversion! Don Report Inappropriate Comment

LALAFLOWERS 3/25/2011 8:11AM

I have got to figure out how to download books from the library!!! I so annoys me that I haven't figure it out yet! I don't have an IPad.. (I sortof want one.. I tend to spend most of my 'computer' time online. I also use some spreadsheets, but I think I can run those on the IPad without issues... Maybe one of the first versions, if I can find one cheap.....) But.. I'm about to bring my laptop to the library to figure out how to download with the IT folks there!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBBYFITZ 3/25/2011 8:11AM

I must get more savvy with i tunes and all that! I still read actual books and listen to CD's....lol but we did just get a LCD 3D flat screen! So that is a start! Oh and I can use the Wii! Report Inappropriate Comment