CODEMAULER's SparkPeople Blog

More news on the parental fronts (it's a long one!)

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:56:40 EST

You knew it was coming, right? I mean, the fun with family just. never. ends. But let's focus here, shall we? We know that *I* will feel much better putting this out into the Spark universe. With any luck, *you* will also feel better, if only because your family is not this whacked. Let's share this smile, hmmm, and open with something more positive, just because.

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I'm still between assignments and seeing some interesting opportunities posted. I may not be...

Happier Friday!

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:39:27 EST

Hope you are enjoying the day, SparkFriends!

Lest anyone think that there's only bad news a-brewin' in these parts, I've spent some time since the last blog thinking about happier things.

- Writing that blog really helped me to organize my thoughts and feelings. Getting feedback and support from my SparkBuddies helped me to validate my experience. Thank you, Everyone, for helping me get over that hill!!

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- I'm still between assignme...

Catching Up - Vent-y and Lengthy

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:50:46 EST

Hey Gang - TGIF!!

I apologize for what might have looked like a vapor trail where I used to be. The past few weeks have been a sad replay of events from 2011. Some of you might recall that my father-in-law was ailing AND my mother managed to injure herself. Just like the movie "Groundhog Day." I'm stuck in a repeat; grrr!

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My assignment wrapped up in early March and we loaded the car for an unplanned road trip to MI. My father-in-law was given ...

Happiness-Loaded Friday!

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:11:33 EST

TGIF, SparkFriends!!

I have some small updates to share and thought I’d also take the opportunity to wish everyone an awesome weekend!

First – and most importantly – the Hubster is now fully qualified as human (vs. mobile cootie dispenser). He’s feeling pretty close to 100%. I even took him out for not one, but two dates this week. It’s sure nice to have him back. Thank you so much for the well wishes!

And, yes, I managed to dodge the germs myself (so far!). <...

Today's Horoscope - It's a Keeper!

Tue, 8 Jan 2013 17:21:09 EST

Hi SparkFriends -

I don't put a lot into my horoscope, unless it says "don't go to the office" or "make today more fun than you can stand."

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Seriously, it's interesting and kind of neat when the signs align with what *I* think I've got planned. However, today's horoscope caught me by surprise and has stayed with me all day.

Aries - Jan 8 2013
If you haven't yet made any New Year's resolutions, Aries, there is one that you really...

Planning and Reassessing

Sat, 5 Jan 2013 09:23:14 EST

Good Morning, SparkFriends!!

In reading through some career-related articles, I came across something that I thought could be used to examine our health journeys as well.

Here is the source: blog.gainingresults.com/2013/01/busi
ness-leadership-questions-2013/

From the article:
Why not take an hour alone or with someone and answer these questions:

1. What has given you or depleted energy from you this year?
2. How can y...

Happy 2013!

Wed, 2 Jan 2013 16:51:53 EST

Happy 2013, SparkFriends!!

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I’ve had a number of small blog ideas rolling around in my pea-sized brain, but nothing seems to make it to the screen… until now. It’s my goal to de-clutter and simplify where possible, and that means that I need to get these ideas out of my thinking space.

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I really want everyone to know how well my work at the YMCA is going. To be honest, I received the best gift of all by joining the ...

Sharing an Article - Stop Overextending Yourself!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:31:42 EST

Hi SparkFriends -

It's a familiar feeling for some of us, come the holidays. In preparation for the "Busy Season," I thought this article was helpful.

tinybuddha.com/blog/stop-overextendi
ng-yourself-to-please-others-6-simple-
tips/

My favorite passage:
I began to wake up to the idea that I actually do have choices. I can make decisions based on my preferences and needs instead of a sense of obligation.

I have a choice ...

Sharing an Article - Measuring Progress w/o the Scale

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:18:31 EST

Happy Halloween!

Nothing scary, I promise! I just wanted to share a post from Molly Galbraith, an author that was recommended to me by a personal trainer at the YMCA. While you may not be a heavy lifter like Molly is, her guidance and ideas about what constitutes progress is something that most of us can appreciate.

mollygalbraith.com/blog/measuring-pr
ogress-beyond-the-scale-part-2/

Enjoy!

October Wind Up (A Bit Lengthy + a Few Pics)

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:42:19 EST

It's hard to believe that Patrick and I were in Virginia Beach / Norfolk, VA just a week ago. I think we got out just in time!

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Our conference went well. The test preparation course was canceled, and I felt strongly that I wanted/needed the course for success in taking the test. We ended up postponing the test and enjoying the conference much more fully. Next year's conference will be local - hosted in Minnesota - and we're on the hook to help. Being able...

Personal Trainer and Dogtoberfest!

Sat, 6 Oct 2012 20:11:21 EST

Happy Saturday, SparkFriends!

I had my first working session with James, my personal trainer, on Thursday. To be honest, it knocked me out! I had taken a Group Cycle class that morning, and moving the weights around that afternoon proved to be a a lot for me. I sure slept well!

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I took Friday easy and then got busy again today. I had my Mat Pilates class first thing, and then replicated most of the weight training that James had prescribed. Yes...

In a Rut? 4 Ways to Get Unstuck

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 08:57:29 EST

I'm sharing another article snippet. The full article can be found here:
www.nextavenue.org/article/2012-09/r
ut-4-ways-get-unstuck?utm_campaign=Oct
.%204%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&ut
m_source=Eloqua
(It's a free newsletter, in case you are required to register to view it.)

Since we all know what ruts are and what our warning signs are, let's jump to getting out!

From the article:
"Reconnect to Your Passion

The g...

Begin / Continue the Journey to Your Life's Passion

Tue, 2 Oct 2012 14:28:57 EST

Hi SparkFriends -

I found this article when searching for some career-related advice. You know what? It applies to a lot of things in life, so I'm sharing it!

Are you Ready for an Encore Career as an Entrepreneur?
September 3, 2012
Source: thewomensexcelerator.com/site/?p=907

There’s been a lot of “buzz” lately about the Baby Boomer Americans who are changing their paths to retirement. It used to be that this age group (now 48-66) ...

Sept 30 - Already?!

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:06:28 EST

Hey yo, SparkFriends! It's been a great month and I'm almost sorry to see it go. Maybe it's the weekend, maybe it's because I'm not going in the office tomorrow, but I feel better about things than I have in a long time.

I am meeting with my personal trainer tomorrow. I'm looking forward to see what sort of program we can design.

Today's Blog Question: What are you most proud of about your journey towards healthy living during the month of September?

Honestly,...

Sept 29 - A GREAT Day in the making!

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 12:51:53 EST

Good Morning, SparkFriends!

I mentioned the 2500 Calorie Burn Challenge at the Y in an earlier post. Well, I'm not sure that I have every detail worked out, but I may be over-analyzing it (chronic problem of mine). There's a sheet where I track my calorie burn and total it... and I think the goal is 2500 calories per week. It's supposed to be an above-and-beyond sort of thing, so I think that's how the numbers line up?

Anyhow, coming into today I only needed 63 calori...

Sept 27 - A Busy-ish Week So Far

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 08:35:36 EST

Happy Thursday, SparkFriends!!

It's been a week, alright! Monday was a crushing long day, Tuesday I played hooky (I know - I mean, I'll have a month off, so what the heck?), yesterday was long-ish with a nice gathering of work friends afterwards, and today is shaping up. I have an exit interview, of all things. Since when do consultants/contractors get those? So here's your laugh for the day. My project lead told me to go into the interview and "speak my mind" (he's an employe...

Sept 24 - Last Working Monday

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:04:08 EST

Hey there, SparkFriends! It's another chilly and sunny morning in the Twin Cities. I decided that Mat Pilates wasn't what I wanted to do this AM, so I tried another elliptical machine (that's at least three unique machines that I've found) at the Y. With any luck I'll be back there today for a meeting with my Personal Trainer.

Today is the last Monday at my current assignment. I'm counting down the days and looking forward to moving on. There are a lot of great people there, b...

Sept 23 - Fun with Fitness

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 15:11:46 EST

Knowing that the VisionWalk was today, I didn't get to check out any classes at the Y. It's a bummer, but I know I'll get there. That would be a good goal for next weekend? Instead I went and ran on the elliptical for 30 minutes, came home and got The Hubster for the VisionWalk.

With all due respect to those of us in warmer / more temperate climates, it was the perfect day in Minneapolis. Sure, a starting temp of 37 sounds brisk, but climbing up to the 60 degree mark in a clo...

The VisionWalk!

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 15:00:50 EST

Hey there, SparkFriends! The day is SO gorgeous! You know how an unplanned day can be amazing? Well today is rather planned and still amazing, because I had to be outside ALL morning; woohoo!

Here's where you can find more info about the VisionWalk:
www.fightblindness.org/site/TR/VISIO
NWALK/VisionWalktr?pg=entry&fr_id=4692

And here are photos of the team and the amazing day!!

9. How old are you and do you think your thoughts about weight loss, fitness, and wellness have changed over time?

I'm forty-five and this has been a bumpy year. The diagnosis of arthritis has hit me harder than I care to admit, and I'm not very creative at finding ways aro...

Sept 08 Blog - Any Difference?

Sat, 8 Sep 2012 08:19:25 EST

Good Morning, SparkFriends! Today The Hubster and I are going to Greek Fest. Usually we walk all the way there and back, which provides a lot of fitness minutes for both of us. This year, though, a neighbor is coming along with us. She's recovering from peritonitis (had initially thought it was appendicitis) and probably will not be able to take a long walk with us. That's OK, we'll find another way to get around.

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(The duck has nothing to do with the tran...

Sept 07 Blog - A Shorty

Fri, 7 Sep 2012 19:44:05 EST

Hey Gang -

I had the blood drawn today for my tests. I made the decision to walk to my appointment, so that was my workout. It wasn't too far, but it fit in my morning.

I think the results will go to the Dr. that ordered them, and I don't see her until next month. Me thinks that I'll make myself a pest next week to get the results. I'm not worried, but it's always good to know.

Small victory - blood draw was a cinch (not usually the case for me); 'nuff sai...

Sept 06 Blog - The Struggle of Maintenance

Thu, 6 Sep 2012 06:55:19 EST

Good Morning, SparkFriends!

Bowling went fairly well last night, for which I am very happy. I told myself that I wasn't going to get worked up about the score. Like my own healthy goals, I'm about consistency this season. I just want to roll a score that my teammates and I can count on. Last year my opening night was terrific, which gave me an average that was not attainable and one that I struggled to hit for the remainder of the season. Sound familiar?

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Sept 05 Blog - A Two-fer!

Wed, 5 Sep 2012 14:38:03 EST
Let me please start by saying that I am enjoying this challenge. If nothing else, I'm certainly putting more thoughts into my goals and progress!

Yesterday was certainly a virtual Monday. My day ran away from me and I'm kind glad that it's over. Tonight is the season opener for the bowling league. We bowled last week and I felt it for days; must be a better stretcher!!

In other health news, I scheduled a test for cholesterol and glucose (Friday AM), a mammogram (Mond...

Sept 03 Blog - Who Knows?

Mon, 3 Sep 2012 10:45:26 EST
Happy Labor Day to my SparkFriends in the USA and Canada! Really, Canada? That's what my calendar shows, so I'm going with it.

3. Who have you shared your weight loss goals with? What has been good about sharing your goals?

It's you, SparkFriends. You are the only ones - besides Nathan, my BodPod guru - that know what I'm up to. Sure, I talk to my husband, but it's not in concrete terms. And his "brand of encouragement" isn't exactly encouraging, so the less said th...

Sept 02 Blog: My Goal Weight

Sun, 2 Sep 2012 11:56:12 EST
Welcome to the 2nd of September!

2. How did you pick your goal weight? Did you pick an ultimate goal weight at the beginning of your weight loss? Did it change? Did you set smaller goals along the way?

To be honest, I let Weight Watchers dictate my goal weight. And to be more honest, I didn't like the way I looked at that weight. Granted, I hadn't seen some of those bones in a while, but it seemed stark to me. I have always been a big girl and had no idea what goal w...

Sept 01 Blog: My Stats

Sat, 1 Sep 2012 19:37:35 EST
Most of you know that I am a fan of accountability, so here it goes!

SEPT 1: Your stats. Starting stats, current stats, goal stats. Are you currently trying to lose weight, gain weight, or maintain weight or something else? Do you have a goal for the month of September?

Well, the scale said 190 the other day. I really don't want that to move any higher... ever!

My waist is growing some at 34".
My hips are the trouble-seekers at 44"

Am I Ruben...

How about a 30 Day Blog Challenge?!

Sat, 1 Sep 2012 19:28:57 EST
Thanks to DRAFTLOVER, I came across TANYAP71's challenge for September. I'll admit that I'm not the greatest blogger, but I really need to boost my efforts. Maybe this is a good way to turn the page?

With all credit to TANYAP71, here's how she presented the challenge:

"I posted a list of 30 blog inspiring questions from a 30 Days of Weight Loss Challenge a while back. A few people seemed interested in joining me but were concerned that the list didn't really fit them v...

More Discussion Items from the BodPod and Resting Metabolism Tests

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 07:47:02 EST
Howdy, SparkFriends!

Before I dive into some interesting news, I just want to share that the cortisone is not the cure-all that I hoped for. The first few days felt great, but that familiar pain is now a resident in my left knee. The right knee has been super-achy lately, too. That doesn't make me happy, but I'm working on it.

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Anyhow, there were some important take-aways that I wanted to share with everyone. No matter the shape we're in or o...

On a Mission!

Thu, 9 Aug 2012 09:43:38 EST
Hi SparkFriends!
(Ravelry.com buddies have seen some of this post already, FYI)

Well, I’ve hit a small setback. Again. Grrr!!

I fell on Tuesday when I failed to spot a terrain change (no sidewalk, ground cover was… covering). I rolled my right ankle, took a good bounce on my right knee (the most recent surgery) and landed squarely on the left knee. I was wearing my backpack, so I was top-heavy and down before I knew it.

Today, after x-rays and an MRI, I’m...

My Findings via Bod Pod and Resting Metabolism Tests

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:30:41 EST
(Warning: Text-dense blog post in 4... 3... 2... 1!)

Hi All -

As you might recall, I followed in the footsteps of my SparkFriend MNGIRLIE and arranged for some fitness evaluations. Specifically, I had a BodPod and Resting Metabolism test. The whole effort was performed in under an hour. I showed up with some written materials - some goals, a sample of my meals and basic health questions - and had written results in just a few days.

For those that wondered, ...

Keeping it Short (with some bonus kitteh power)

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 11:01:22 EST
Hi SparkFriends!

How's your summer? It's passing quickly here. Looking back, I can see that we've been up to a lot.

In short:

Patrick completed his MBA and is on the job hunt
Work is... well, I'm keeping my eyes open, too.
Mom's visit came and went. We had a great time.
Patrick and I visited Seattle and Portland and ate our weight in seafood.

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(Yes, we even saw the 'fish toss' at the Pike Street Market.)

Overdue and Long-ish

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:13:44 EST
April - Come and nearly gone; whoa. That alone should tell me that I'm not in my rightful place. I've had my bike out exactly once and the weight is creeping in. My clothes hurt and the energy level is in the basement.

Sounds like a real fun party, doesn't it?
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I could provide a list of excuses, but it doesn't matter today. Today is the day that I treat myself like a fit, healthy person. No more pity party; it's time to reclaim my health.

Sweater - DONE (*waves to MRSSCHENCK*)

Sun, 4 Mar 2012 09:30:23 EST
My first sweater is finished. The first photo shows the color more truly (I do not claim to be a photographer). No modeled shots because, sadly, it does not fit well. My tension changed over the course of the project (knitters / crocheters will understand, I can elaborate if necessary). Suffice to say the stitches became a bit bigger, so one side of the project grew. I'm fairly certain that it would have fit perfectly if tension had been maintained.

But it's done. The pattern...

Checking in after a busy weekend

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:36:00 EST
Hello, SparkFriends -

I'm not much of a blogger, admittedly, but I wanted to provide a short update.

Work has been stressful and I've not dealt with it as constructively as I could. That's changing for me and I feel as if I'm closer to "on track," whatever that is. My eating has been fine, but my time and energy for working out has been waning.

Craft-wise I've been busy working on my first sweater. I'll share pictures when it looks more like a sweater and l...

My Walk and a Project

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:50:56 EST
Hi SparkFriends!

Just putting up a little something to let you know how things are going. I'm not working out as much as I'd like. I am trying to be mindful about my eating. Sleep is a bit of a challenge, and I'm blaming work stress for that. Next week will be crazy, so I'm using this holiday weekend to rest up and recharge.

I didn't send holiday cards this year. Once upon a time I'd send out 100+; all hand-addressed and hand-signed with a thought or two. It was a ...

Crafting Pics For MRSSCHENCK and BOVEY63

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:39:48 EST
I was 'crafty' the other day and made an ornament for our neighbor's sister. I made a similar ornament for the neighbor years ago, and she wears it like a pendant at the family holiday party (which I am always invited to attend). The sister asked if she might have one as well, so this is for her.

This image shows the scale, using a lunch plate and toothpicks (my secret weapons, LOL!):

This i...

The Battle Bonnet is Finished (knitting update)

Sat, 3 Dec 2011 15:26:58 EST
Just sharing some photos with those that may be interested:

More photos available here:

www.flickr.com/photos/jdailions/

What a Week Off (from Work)!

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:42:28 EST
Happy Friday, SparkFriends!

As you may recall, I took a week off between assignments. This comes out of my pocket - no paid time off for me - so you KNOW that I was going to make it worthwhile!

Monday:

Started with a walk to the pet food place on a lovely, sunny day (see my previous blog entry for a pretty picture that I took along the way).

I spent the remainder of the day staying quiet, for the benefit of my 'student.' I cleared out the coat c...

A Pretty Picture for BOVEY63

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 17:57:11 EST
Just a little something that I spotted on my Monday Walk to the pet food store:

I have a more detailed blog rattling around in my head, but wanted to share this. It's the garden shed in Loring Park; love the vines that are trying to claim the walls!

I landed the new assignment!

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 17:37:10 EST
Howdy SparkFriends!

I had a quick work day (which is the way the "last days" tend to go), including lunch with a number of co-workers and an interview for the next assignment.

The interview went well. I knew things were looking up when the interviewer and I clicked on being fans of the Detroit Lions.

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I got back to the office, sent a heart-felt 304 to my co-workers and waved good-bye. It's hard, but I tend to find a way to...

"Every new beginning..."

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 11:40:48 EST
Happy Friday, SparkFriends! I hope that you are enjoying the day and making the most of every minute!

Today is my last day on my assignment and it feels great to know that change is coming. I have an interview today and I *just* learned about a new opportunity that would be a great chance for me to use my graduate degree.

Isn't that the way it goes sometimes; feast or famine.

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The workouts are happening and I'm feeling the difference...