Ready for some time to myself!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

It's Tuesday afternoon and I have the next five days off, YAY! (AND we have a teacher-only day on Monday the 30th and a teacher-only afternoon on Tuesday, Dec. 1...these kids have it so good!!)

Even though I stuck to a somewhat normal sleeping schedule all weekend, for some reason I have been so exhausted the past two mornings when my alarm went off. I retired my snooze button as a New Years resolution (in 2008, I think), and unbelievably, it stuck - I now get up on a school day at 6 a.m. no matter what. What a gift to myself that was too...the lack of stress from having plenty of time to get ready in the mornings and never being late to work is totally worth it, and my snooze sleep was never very restful anyway.

So, even though it's been dark and I've been in no mood to get up when the alarm has gone off, I've been suffering through, knowing that a) I'll feel more awake once I get going with my day and b) I can sleep in for the next five days!!

Today has been good, Spark-wise. First, my weight was down a bit this morning. Then, my eating routine really helped me. I've had really weird eating habits in the past, so for me, it's an accomplishment simply to eat normal-sized meals and snacks at normal times. The routine is this: green tea in the morning while getting ready for school, coffee with soymilk during my commute, breakfast (smoothie) when I get to work. I have two mid-morning snacks - walnuts (50g) and an apple. I usually sneak these in between classes in the morning. Lunch this year is at 12:20, which I thought I was going to dread because I was used to having earlier lunch, but I actually love it because of how it naturally delays my afternoon snack (another apple). Lunch is one serving of one of my homemade recipes (like Mexican lasagna today), plus extra veggies (I use Trader Joe's Hodgepodge). I usually have my afternoon apple toward the end of the school day or in the car on my way home, and then dinner is one serving of some other homemade recipe (like pasta bake today). Anyway, just having a routine that works really keeps me on track, and I'm getting pretty comfortable with it.

After school today I went for an outdoor run that was just over 3 miles, and I did it in a little over a half hour, including cool-down walk. I am looking forward to running on a full night's sleep the next few days because it's so much easier then and I can go faster. Last night I was so exhausted by the time I was finally able to do my cardio (after some evening parent-teacher conferences) that all I did was the recumbant bike on an easy setting and I didn't really even break a sweat. My exercise rule though is that I do something every day, so when I need a break a very easy workout is okay, and when I have more energy I can push! Strength training yesterday was back and shoulders, and tonight when Jess goes to the gym with me I'll do chest and abs.

On Sunday, my mom and I never got to work on the wedding invitations... I asked her to meet me at Wellesley College to walk around the pond there. I got there first and had time to jog around the entire pond plus an extra loop around the campus - that was well over a half hour. Then my mom and the dog and I went for a walk around the pond together and it took almost TWO hours!! My mom has arthritis and isn't athletic, but I had no idea it'd take THAT long. Anyway, by the time that was done and we did a couple errands together, we were beat, so we saved the invitations for another day. We did go to a huge shoe store and I didn't see a single pair of shoes I can wear at my wedding, not that I really know what I want... my feet won't really show much, and it's winter, and Jess is only four inches taller than I am, so I'd like something flat and comfortable, and I'm toying with the idea of something totally out of the box like cute white sneakers or even boot, since boots are SO trendy right now that half of the huge shoe store was filled with them - although only three pairs were white! None were appropriate though. One pair was too outdoorsy, one pair was made of a knit material and they were too casual and too off-white, and the third had a ridiculous heel that'd make me twist an ankle. :) I probably need to look in bridal shops.

Then we went to Barnes & Noble for a short time and I started to look at a book on designing your own wedding ceremony, for couples who are having a non-traditional wedding. Since we are leaving religion out of it and my brother is the officiant, we're really going to have to plan it all ourselves. I want to get back and take another look at that book, and a coworker is going to lend me some books with poetry and other readings that might be appropriate.

I really need to make a wedding to-do list and start crossing off some items! I've been stuck so long on music decisions, but I'm too indecisive, ugh. And there's lots of other things that need to get done! I did learn a really useful trick from a magazine last night - to prevent a cry from coming on, clear your throat and then swallow. I had no idea how I was going to make it through my ceremony without crying, so I am so grateful that I found that trick when I did. I'm so sappy that I can practically bring on the tears on demand just by thinking about my wedding, so I tried it and it seemed to work!

Thanksgiving will be an interesting challenge for me because I have TWO Thanksgiving dinners to go to, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. I have motivation on my side though - I am so focused on fitting well into that wedding dress that no Thanksgiving meal is going to deter me. Food-wise, I'll just treat those two dinners as just regular meals, and make small healthful choices. These events will be special in a non-food, family-connecting way instead. This will NOT be easy for me to do, but once I do it I'll be really proud of myself.

Sorry for all the rambling and happy Thanksgiving in advance!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TERRIANGEL 12/3/2009 8:51AM

So, how was Thanksgiving? It's funny, I was picturing exactly where you were (Natick, rigth?) with all those stores. :) LOVE Barnes & Nobel. Sounds like you are really "on track". You've got such a great attitude, Susan. So excited for you!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEEHOLZ 11/25/2009 1:34PM

You are so on track to look stunning in that dress! I know you'll be strong this Thanksgiving, because you'll be talking about your wedding planning and that'll keep you focused on the price... It sounds to me that your planning is coming along-- as excited as you are, you'll have everything together, as the deadline will make you choose ( I am so undecisive, too btw!) Happy Thanksgiving! Report Inappropriate Comment

FITGIRL15 11/25/2009 8:33AM

You are so on track, it's great to read! ... a 5 day weeked is awesome, I know you'll get lots of time to catch up on that lacking sleep! Have a nice Thanksgiving holiday! Enjoy the time with your family, not with food but great conversation and laughter!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARATHONER340 11/25/2009 7:13AM

Enjoy your long weekend! I have confidence in you that you WILL be able to stick to small healthy choices at your thanksgiving dinners. Sounds like you are doing awesome lately and nothing's going to get in your way! You will look amazing in that wedding dress! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEGHOUSE 11/24/2009 7:58PM

I love love LOVE your snooze button resolution - I need to commit to that right NOW! Happy Thanksgiving! And keep up the great work - only 82 days! I'm also getting married on 2/14/10 :) Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSHAZZER 11/24/2009 5:28PM

I like to eat the same thing at the same time everyday also... it just keeps me on track! Sometimes my boss orders us in lunch, but it's always from the same places and there is always something healthy. Enjoy the wedding planning! Sounds like you are having fun with it and involving your friends and family - that's the best way (in my uneducated opinion) to keep the planning fun and everyone involved! Enjoy your Thanksgiving! Report Inappropriate Comment

Good Mood :)

Sunday, November 22, 2009

The weather is gorgeous, I got a great night's sleep, and I am just feeling fantastic today. At noon, which is in just over two hours, there's going to be an open house at my condo, so I got up early and I've been cleaning and it smells great in here. :) I still have lots to do, but there's enough time.

I've been eating and exercising totally on track for just over two weeks now, and my wedding is exactly 12 weeks from today!! I've been jogging outside lately and loving the way the crisp air feels once I've started to get a bit sweaty from the exercise. :) Then I go to the gym and don't have to stay nearly as long because I've already done most of my exercise outside, so it feels like a nice treat. My weight went down about a pound and a half this week, but with the daily fluctuations it's really more of looking at an overall downward trend than measuring my weight loss to the tenth of a pound!! I know from past experience, for example, that I always weigh a little more the morning after I've had a really big veggie salad, so I am not in the least bit alarmed that all the weight loss I saw yesterday is gone today. I know I didn't gain any fat.

I listened to all the music several of you suggested for my wedding on YouTube last night - thanks so much for the suggestions!! I feel like I am starting to get a bit of a clue finally, ha! I found a really beautiful guitar version of Here Comes the Bride, but I'm not allowed to use any Wagner music according to my parents because he was supposedly anti-Semetic. Oh well, that just forces me to be more creative. I am considering Bach's Praeludium for me to walk down the aisle to - it's a very (relatively) easy piano piece to play though, and we're having a string trio, so maybe they can come up with a string trio version of it.????? I think it sounds very beautiful and I always used to love playing it on the piano myself growing up.

Today I'm going to my parents' house and we're going to start to plan the invitation design - wheeee. :) It's so insane to me how soon I will be MARRIED... like when we're doing planning at school and there's something coming up after February vacation - I'll have a whole different NAME then! My NAME is going to change, how weird is that? I guess it's not weird at all to those of you who are married, but wow, it's surreal to me. Oh, and my mom and I also might go for a walk in the woods with her dog, too. :)

My fiance has been just beyond sweet lately. I feel happiness running through my whole body every time he refers to me as his future wife, or calls me "Mrs. H*** to be," or introduces me to someone by saying, "This is my fiance, Susan," etc. Yesterday he spent the majority of the day painting my kitchen and dining room for me because my real estate agent thought it needed to be a more neutral color...and he didn't even ask me to help him! He is so gorgeous too and I don't think I've ever mentioned this to you guys but when we're alone he has such a funny, silly side that he shows only me and he makes me laugh so much. My gift to him is going to be a strong, healthy, fit wife for life - he deserves that.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VIDABELA 11/24/2009 1:14PM

Have fun designing the wedding invitations! It'd be great to see how they turn out if you're willing to show us! Sounds like a great gift to your future husband...I know you'll be able to give it to him! =) Report Inappropriate Comment

SEEHOLZ 11/23/2009 9:52AM

I love your gift to him! It's great to see someone in love, not taking their partner for granted! Have a great week! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRIZGIRL 11/23/2009 7:51AM

I can't wait to see a picture of you in your dress! You are goign to be so beautiful! Keep up the good work! 12 weeks WOW!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SCOLLY 11/22/2009 8:52PM

Awesome!! Just love how excited you are about life....your blog made me smile :) Report Inappropriate Comment

FITGIRL15 11/22/2009 1:26PM

12 weeks to go! How exciting!!! Enjoy the preparations! Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMELA984 11/22/2009 12:54PM

Sounds so excitin Report Inappropriate Comment

DRAGONFLY180 11/22/2009 11:31AM

it sweet to see how excited you are. i, too, remember how weird it was to be taking someone else's last name. you'll get used to it, though. ;o) Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSHAZZER 11/22/2009 11:05AM

So glad to hear things are going well!! Good luck with the open house! I love to run outside and finish up at the gym, too... makes it seem less like work! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIEDAWNPAM 11/22/2009 10:38AM

Love looks good on you! Report Inappropriate Comment

Great Workout

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

My weight loss has totally stalled, way too early. After losing about five pounds last week, I gained a couple back and haven't lost any more. Plus, the first couple of pounds I lost had been from a temporary gain anyway, so I sort of haven't really lost anything yet. But please, no comments to try to cheer me up about that or anything - I don't need 'em. I am feeling great and I think I'm looking better, and I still have enough time to hit my goal in time (89 days to go til wedding day!).

I had a great workout this evening - I went early and the timing was perfect so Jess and I could leave at the same time despite his shorter workout. I did strength training for arms, and then I got on the elliptical and went as fast as I could, and in an hour I went 6.6 miles. It felt great, but I'll admit it also felt great for it to be over. :)

Oh man, I just realized Biggest Loser started - different time than normal - chat later! :)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LILTROUBLE 11/21/2009 8:39PM

EEK - 89 days! how exciting! i love weddings. you are going to look so beautiful. glad you had a good workout. Report Inappropriate Comment

TERRIANGEL 11/21/2009 6:13PM

Why,that IS a nice workout! I read that strength training is best done before cardio, but I'm always an after-cardio girl. Don't know why. Do you always do it before? I think they said it was better because ST requires balance and coordination, whereas cardio mostly is mindless. Hey, whatever - as long as we DO it,right?! Nice job! Report Inappropriate Comment

CRYSBROWN1 11/19/2009 8:41PM

Well it sounds like you are taking the right steps to take those lbs off! You have a little while to go & as long as you keep at it the lbs will melt off. I always find that weight loss is a delayed reaction too so maybe you shall see the results shortly. Glad that you are feeling good though because that's what is most important!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEATONCEADAY 11/19/2009 1:20AM

3-5 lbs in a week is a ton. your body is probably just readjusting. you are doing a great job. stop being so hard on yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

FITGIRL15 11/18/2009 1:15PM

Slow and steady, Susan! This is a LIFESTYLE change... so you don't want to go out of the gates too quick! Take your time, impliment small changes daily and you will totally look GORGEOUS on your big day! Keep up the great attitude! Report Inappropriate Comment

RA4945 11/18/2009 1:07PM

Hey Susan, I have decided to quit paying so much attention to the scale and take measurements instead. The scale is so deceiving. Make some time to take your measurements and do that weekly. You can step on the scale too if you want but your measurements will give you the most accurate reading. You are really doing great! Such a natural runner! I'm so impressed that you accomplished 6.6 miles in 60 minutes. I really hope I can build myself back up to that soon! Keep up the great work! Did I say measurements enough for you? Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMELA984 11/18/2009 10:53AM

Don't concentrate so much on your weight - but on how you feel and look. BTW - I know you have done zumba and I'm going to a zumba class tonight - any ideas on how to put into the SP fitness tracker? Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSHAZZER 11/18/2009 9:55AM

I find sometimes the scale doesn't move until you stop thinking about it. So I think you're doing great! :D Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYFYRE 11/18/2009 1:06AM

You are doing great! Commitment pays! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZIRCADIA 11/17/2009 9:55PM

Glad you are still in that positive mindset even if the scale isn't moving as quickly. :) Keep rocking! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEEHOLZ 11/17/2009 9:06PM

Yeh, some workouts are like that-- first love, then hate and overall love!!! Way to go Susan-- I'm so glad that you feel great! Report Inappropriate Comment

Flower Power

Sunday, November 15, 2009

This afternoon Jess' mom came over with some flower arrangements for us to check out...

We are thinking about something like this for our centerpieces, only more cranberries, more flowers, and more votives around the outside. Also maybe white orchids or lillies instead of these roses and freesia:


We're going to have tons of cylindrical vases of all different heights and widths with flowers and floating candles inside, like this:


Jess' mom is just amazing for doing this!!

My parents were over too, we were talking about ceremony music, we're having a string trio. So far all we've decided for sure is Canon in D for the procession, but I want them to switch and play something different when I come in, just not sure what. The trio will also play through the cocktail hour, then we'll have a DC for the reception. And you already know we have lots of music decisions to make there.

My parents stayed for dinner, but Jess' mom had to go. We served a mixed vegetable salad with Asian sesame dressing, salmon, and whole-wheat couscous with sauteed mushrooms. My mom brought another salad, we had cabernet to drink, and fresh pineapple slices sprinkled with cinnamon for dessert. :) Oh, and appetizers were mini rye toasts with cheese and shrimp cocktail. Pretty healthy, but I still guesstimated it was all 1,000 calories to be on the safe side.

Exercise has been going well. I finally bought some of those black workout pants that are tight and stop just below the knee like the Biggest Loser women wear. I figured if they looked flattering on them, they'd do something for me too...:) Today Jess did 45 minutes of cardio with me - a first! - including 25 minutes on the elliptical right next to mine, woohoo. :) To get my full hour in, though, I also jogged home from the grocery store. It was ridiculously warm out for mid-November.

91 days to the wedding, and exactly three months from yesterday! I am so lucky, I'm going to have the best (and hottest) husband in the whole world. :)

Oh, there were also two showings of my condo today - first showings in two weeks. I know better than to have my hopes up, but at least showings are better than nothing.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SWEATONCEADAY 11/19/2009 1:21AM

i love the cranberries in the arrangements. so great. you know what? your husband is going to have the bestest looking hot wife ever. Report Inappropriate Comment

FITGIRL15 11/17/2009 1:00PM

Your centerpieces are very nice! They are going to look amazing on your tables! Sounds like you are doing great, Susan! When exactly is the wedding again? Report Inappropriate Comment

ROGUE_1 11/16/2009 8:01PM

Everything looks and sounds amazing! How wonderful that you have such a supportive family. Enjoy this crazy time!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

STEFANIE822 11/16/2009 6:57PM

Love the arrangements!!!! And that veggie salad sounds delish! You sound like you are having so much fun planning your wedding...cant wait to see pics!! Report Inappropriate Comment

RA4945 11/16/2009 2:37PM

Hi Susan! I just caught up on your last few blogs. You're doing great! You certainly do have some amazing sprinting abilities. If you remember, you are the one who inspired me to take the treadmill up to 9.0 for a couple sprints. I have never attempted 10! Holy cow!! My husband and I danced to "When the stars go blue" by the Corrs. It's not necessarily "wedding-ish" but it was special to us during our dating time. I LOVE the flower arrangements! Your wedding day is going to be so beautiful!! Do we get a sneak peak at the dress? Report Inappropriate Comment

MBSHAZZER 11/16/2009 12:52PM

I love those arrangements!! Very nice! I think a winter wedding allows you (forces you??) to be more creative! Sounds like an AWESOME dinner, too! Have a wonderful week! Report Inappropriate Comment

1972ROSES 11/16/2009 10:48AM

I like the arrangements. My cousin did a different arrangement at each table (similar but different) and it really looked nice. The cranberries will look great up against the white flowers. I walked down the aisle to Louis Armstrong's "What a wonderful world" Good Luck. Glad to see your still working out that stress! Report Inappropriate Comment

KJNE8O 11/16/2009 10:27AM

Beautiful arrangements! Gorgeous. And yay on the condo showing! I hope it sells! Report Inappropriate Comment

ELFITZPA 11/16/2009 10:23AM

I love the idea of different heights and widths with the floating candles - so pretty and interesting to the eye. It sounds like your planning is going so well!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BRUIN2 11/16/2009 10:19AM

We did cranberries with our centre pieces! We had these shallow bowls filled with water, cranberries, and floating candles. Then surrounding the bowls we had these fake fruit viney things that were sparkly. Check out my wedding album on FB - I think there's a picture... Anyways. Love cranberries! Report Inappropriate Comment

SEEHOLZ 11/16/2009 9:36AM

I love the title of your blog and the flower idea rocks! My SIL had sothing similar, except she used pepples/rocks instead of cranberries... it looked beautiful and people got to take them home then... plus, with the floating candles, I know it'll set such a romantic tone! Your dinner is making me hungry.. but unfortunately not for my cottage cheese-LOL... that I'm going to have to snack today. Good luck with the condo Susan-- just keep plugging away and try not to stress and it'll come together! Report Inappropriate Comment

VIVA_VICTORIES 11/16/2009 9:34AM

I love the cranberries in the arrangement. I've always thought that was CLASSIC! Selling a place sucks, we JUST sold ours and it was a nightmare with the buyers. I actually preferred the time it was just on the market to dealing with those losers! Bitter, party of one on this side of the computer! I'll keep my fingers crossed for a sale and nice, reasonable buyers (if those even exist)! Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMELA984 11/16/2009 9:04AM

Sounds like you are enjoying all the wedding planning - love the vases - keep it simple! Remember, your guests are there to see the beautiful bride and her groom - not flowers! Report Inappropriate Comment

RUN_LIFT_EAT 11/16/2009 8:38AM

I love the floating flowers and candles gorgeous! I cannot believe how close your wedding is! WOW! Good luck on the condo, selling is so stressful :P! Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYFYRE 11/16/2009 4:52AM

LOVE teh cranberry idea! Sounds like you are joining a great family! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIEDAWNPAM 11/15/2009 10:33PM

How about coming down the aisle to "Here Comes the Bride"? No one uses that anymore, so old is new again. I love the flowers. ...Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

One week done, 13 to go

Saturday, November 14, 2009

I lost five pounds this week...even though I lost a lot of ground these past few months, I am on track to be at my best for my wedding (and honeymoon). I am not ignoring the fact that yo-yo dieting is unhealthy and that I need to find a way to be consistent, but for now I need to use my wedding as my primary motivation.

Did you know that if you skip the second leg of your flight after a layover, they'll cancel your return flight? On Dec. 26 we're flying to London for an overnight layover, then the next morning we're flying to Amsterdam. We called to see about changing the second flight to give us more time in London, or ideally to cancel it (with or without airline credit) so we could stay in London as long as we want and just take a train to Paris when we're done. We were going to just not show up for the second flight, but my brother warned me they might cancel our return flights. Turns out he was right - we're stuck with the flight from London to Amsterdam if we want to keep our flights home. So we get just 12 hours in London, but the plus side I guess is that gives us more time in Amsterdam and Paris.

Okay, gotta go...we're off to look for new snowboarding pants for Jess. Oh, and thanks for the song recommendations - I'm going to try to listen to them on YouTube or something later. :)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KENSINGTONC 11/15/2009 1:32PM

5#??? Wowza, girl! Good for you. My husband and I also went to London for our honeymoon - soooo wonderful! How exciting for you. Hope the planning's going well! Liz Report Inappropriate Comment

SEEHOLZ 11/15/2009 1:30PM

See, you are totally amazing- no matter what I'd do, I just wouldn't loose 5 lbs in one week... so at least you know that if you get off track, you can pretty much get back on - with hard work, of course. It will never seize to amaze me, so big congrats! I didn't know that about the flight either, but I would prefer to stay in Amsterdam over London personally. There is lots to see in Paris and Amsterdam and it's easier to fly to London on a separate trip some day. My point is that while you might miss out in London, there is so much to see, the time will fly by way too fast! Report Inappropriate Comment

FITGIRL15 11/14/2009 10:41PM

Great first week results! I didn't know that about the flights... good to know, not that I fly very often, but still... THANKS for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRAIRIEDAWNPAM 11/14/2009 7:15PM

Congrats on 5lbs! Don't expect those results every week, ok? Be good to yourself. ...Pam Report Inappropriate Comment

PAMELA984 11/14/2009 7:11PM

You will just have to make London your next vacation. Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEATONCEADAY 11/14/2009 5:39PM

5lbs! way to go. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKYFYRE 11/14/2009 5:17PM

You taught me something new today, thanks for that! Report Inappropriate Comment