Friday, September 30, 2005

Feeling Determined Today

After a pretty cool day at the granite place (we decided on granite for the kitchen, because Silestone would have had too many seams, and when I saw how gorgeous it can be, I went nuts and chose granite for all the bathrooms) and a rare lunch with adults, I went home, determined to work on those evil numbers.
I worked for 20 minutes, like a demon, backwards on my Stairmaster. I would have gone longer, but my nanny had to leave very early this afternoon.

I have discovered that Jeff Beck is the perfect accompaniment for this activity. Jeff Beck has a cult following among guitar players, and deservedly: his technique equals or surpasses that of any other rock player.

I never read or watch TV when I work out. I like to focus everything I have on what I'm doing, on form, on intensity, and on exertion level, which I strive to keep high. I like to focus on which muscles I am working, and to make sure I don't tax my joints too much. Music, the right music, is invaluable to me. I use different sound track every time, because variety makes me happy.

So does this framed poster of Arnold Schwarzenegger.


I seek help from it whenever I feel like quitting, 'cause it inspires me and makes me smile. He is a real, live Steinbach nutcracker. And he never would feel sorry for himself while working out.

Hmmmm... wonder what *his* body fat percentage is, these days.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Cold, Hard Stats

OK, here is what my brutally honest friend, Tanita, told me this evening, after I had to remove Curly Fries (aka Stefan, LOL, happy 10 months, little guy!) several times from batting his little fists on the shiny, irresistible new "toy."

Rose's Stats:

143.6 pounds (average)
33.2% body fat (healthy, but I barely squeaked by) 23 to 34 is OK for my age range
Visceral fat, 6 LOW RISK: 1-12 HIGH RISK: 13-59
91 pounds of muscle
4.8 pounds of bone
Physique rating: 6 Standard muscular. This is a person who has an average body fat%, and higher than normal muscle mass level.
Calories needed to maintain current weight: 2394
Metabolic age rating: 43 (uh-oh!)

It is both good and bad news. My husband got on it and said it was a "rude scale."
We are both determined to improve our numbers.
This thing says we are older than we are. Sheesh. So much for being 32!
Oh, well, at least I'm a Physique Rating 6. Here are the parameters:

Physique Rating Guide

1 Seriously obese
2 Obese
3 Solidly built
4 Under exercised
5 Standard
6 Standard muscular
7 Thin
8 Thin and muscular
9 Highly muscular

I have a lot of work to do.
I think today is my 2-month anniversary. Wish I had had this Tanita two months ago, so I could maybe see some progress today.
Oh, well, at least my new jeans are now loose.
I've gotta start counting calories to make sure I eat less than 2394.
Crap.
I hate counting calories.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

32, and Neon Blue

How did you honor your body today?

Maybe it was on Dr. Phil's show that I heard some words of wisdom about people needing to honor their bodies. I like that show; I like how Dr. Phil doesn't sugarcoat anything, and tells people what they might not like to hear, but need to hear. In today's stifling world full of fear of words, denial of the truth, and lack of accountability, Dr. Phil is like a breath of fresh air.

So, every day, I ask myself, "How did you honor your body today?"

I gained new respect for my body after having two children. Instead of hating, and being disgusted with, the changes, as I feared I would be, I actually am proud of them. Because, incredibly, amazingly, I made two human beings, grew them with my own flesh and blood, and that, to me, is a miracle.

I look at, and touch, my boys, and even now, I can't believe I did this. I kiss their little necks, and feel their heartbeats, fast as a baby bird's, under my lips, clasp their little hands, touch their tiny elbows, and am in awe. Real people-- I *made* real people! My friend Jacqueline once said of her daughter, Taylor, "I even adore her poops," and I can relate to that. When I have to change a diaper, I secretly rejoice, because it means they are eating and drinking enough, and that their little bodies are getting the proper nourishment.

Because Boomer only has one good kidney, I am thrilled with each pee he makes. I am grateful, given what could have happened if both his kidneys had been multicystic and dysplastic . So, I smile and empty the potty, and tell him he made a "Nice peepee." Then, we both grin and clap.
With Stefan, I am happy to see poops, because for the longest time I worried about him, given that he vomited so very much, and he still does, albeit more rarely these days.

What was my initial point? Oh, yes: I am proud of what my body has done, and therefore, I think my body should be respected, and treated well. It still has years of child care to do, and my children deserve the healthiest, most energetic, most able-bodied mother they can possibly have. My medical files said, "Advanced Maternal Age." Hell, I am not afraid of words, let's call a spade a spade: I'm older than your average mom of an infant and a toddler.

But I can do something about that. I can't stop the sand in the hourglass, but I sure as hell can make it a bright, vibrant color! I am going to be electric blue, or hot pink, or, heck, give me the whole darned rainbow. They say that people who work out, especially with weights, take 10 years off their chronological age.

So, I am 32, and ...Neon Blue! He, he.

PS -- Today I did a kickass Backwards on the Stairmaster session, right after I set dinner on the stove, and before it was ready.
Time to exercise can be found. I should know, because I've used up all of my excuses.

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Almost Didn't Do It





Thank you, Wynonna Judd, for having the guts to appear on Oprah today, even though you haven't lost much weight after your very public declaration, in February, that you had "made the commitment to get fit, take back control, and stay on track!"


I didn't feel like working out, but when I saw you, I was inspired to get off the bed, where I was taking a half hour off while the boys slept, change into my exercise gear, and do something.

It ended up being a really fun workout. Lots of mini-trampoline with a laughing Boomer, and even Stefan was jumping in his exersaucer. We had a grand ol' time, and I did lots of abs.

Today was Stefan's checkup: 17 pounds, 8 oz, 30 inches, 18 inch head, healthy, muscular, and, according to the ped, 4 stars in the temperament department. He smiled and responded to everything he was supposed to. Poor little guy then got the pneumococcal vaccine. No more shots until December, thank goodness.

I feel good, and I am happy.

Monday, September 26, 2005

I Didn't Buy a Scale


I bought a fitness analyzer! The Tanita BC 533 is comin' to my house soon!






When I was 13, my parents would terrorize me with the scale. Every morning, I had to get on the blasted thing, and if I gained a pound, the consequences were severe. I grew to loathe scales, and never had one on my house as a married adult.

But technology has changed since 1976. Now, they have something that makes much more sense than a darned machine that gives you a number. This will give you body fat, body water, muscle mass, even visceral fat. Now, that is what I want to monitor-- not a random figure that, to me, means nothing.

Hope it arrives soon! Wish I had it when I started this process!

Sunday, September 25, 2005

Well, maybe I don't look fat!


Here is a pic Amy's husband took. Thank you, Amy, for sending it!

Whoooa! My cheekbones are emerging!







For comparison, I present to you The Pic, the one that horrified me, the one I mentioned in this entry. Let's face it, people: I was fat. The camera doesn't lie.

Kicked My Ass, Hard

Ahhhh, there is nothing like a super killer workout to make you feel so accomplished!

I spent an hour and 10 minutes, working myself to the max. It did help that Boomer and my husband were there, Boomer applauding both of us and clapping, and giving us high fives. Both of us jumped on the mini-tramp with him, holding his little hands, between sets with *very* heavy weights. I worked until I could literally lift no more.

Then, I did abs.

After a super hot shower, my wonderful husband brought me 3 Advil, LOL.

This afternoon, I felt like a hot mama in new jeans, with sequins on the pockets, and a brand new floral blouse. Until Stefan vomited on said new blouse. :/

Oh, and another benefit to being lighter: you can wear high heels and your feet don't hurt.

My Excuse is, I Have None

Where has the week gone? Moreover, where has it gone without a serious workout?

You know, I thought of writing about the boys needing me, about Boomer being extremely upset 100 times a day lately, me needing to cook, and the new house getting down to the wire. Thought of writing about having to find countertop colors in 3 hours (don't ask about Boomer's meltdown in Expo because the woman there took away "his" bag of 15 Corian samples. I ended up having to leave a $25 deposit, but I wanted to strangle her for traumatizing my son to that degree -- not to mention the kick I received to my c-section scar.) Also, about having to find lighting fixtures in one afternoon, when the nanny was not here (that didn't get done, obviously, but I did manage to order everything by 2 AM yesterday.)

Also, Company picnic yesterday, on 4 hours of sleep. We did have a good time, except for Boomer throwing the biggest tantrum of his life when I tried to get him in the car with some milk at 4 PM, after he played on the slide and moon bounce all afternoon with only 1 pickle spear and 2 bites of watermelon to fuel him. There were ribs, burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, potato salad, beans, but he would have nothing, nothing, nothing.

But, you know what? These are all excuses. I could have found 30 minutes to lift some weights on Thursday and Friday. I have no excuse, because I have a nanny. So I will own up to it: I have not worked out since Wednesday. The half-hour brisk walk with Stefan in the stroller, to get him to take his nap, doesn't count, at least, to me.

Which means I owe my body a really tough session today. No excuses.

After I pump, groom myself and the boys, get everyone dressed, make breakfast and smoothies for everyone, feed the boys, and take Boom to the potty several times.

Boy, is a nice, wonderful cup of Cofee Fool coffee sounding really good right now. I used to only buy from Peet's, but I found Coffee Fool and really love their Tanzanian Peaberry!

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Still Going!

I have been plugging right along, as far as exercise goes.

Don't ask about the rest of my life. It's unbelievably hectic.

For now, I'm going to focus on the workouts, because those, and this blog, are the only me time I have.

Thursday, on the plane toward Vegas, I did triceps dips and lots of isometrics. You'd be surprised at just how much you can do, even sitting, if you have the work-out-or-bust mindset.
On Friday, I went to the fitness center and really ripped it up in there. I warmed up on the elliptical, and then went around the gym, using the heaviest weights I could. It was the first time ever when I did biceps curls with a 20-pound dumbbell. It was also the first time I bench pressed 70 pounds. I then used that 70-lb barbell to do some serious squats. I did French presses with 25 pounders. Yeah, me!

It was definitely nice to be in a gym again, with other sweaty, grunting humans. Interesting that I was one of three women, and the rest of the people in there were men. The women didn't touch one weight, just walked endlessly on the treadmill (I detest the treadmill) and did a few abs on the exercise balls. A few of the men stayed on the elliptical on and on, and one was throwing and swinging free weights so badly that I felt guilty for not telling him that he could really hurt himself like that.

Because I've read that slowing down can make your weight training more effective, I did all my reps very verrrry sloooowlyyyyy. I focused on form, made every move count. It was great.
After about an hour, I really felt that I had earned my long, hot shower, plus some time in the steam room and then the sauna.

Later that day, I took a deep breath and attempted to pull on my smaller-size swimsuit. I bought it years ago from Lands'End (before they became the evil Sears) but had never managed to get into it. I grabbed it for this trip, telling myself that if I can't fit into it, I won't show my porky self at the pool.

Lo and behold, I fit into it. And what's more, I was pretty happy with the way I looked in a swimsuit, something that has not happened in a very long time.


Saturday, AF showed up, so I decided to let shopping be my exercise. We walked quite a bit, and it was a good thing, too, because I discovered a Teuscher chocolate store at the Aladdin Mall. Holy mackerel-- truffles flown in straight from Switzerland. Chocolate nirvana, people!

Sunday we returned home, and I did more exercises on the plane.

Monday I was out and about all day, getting Boomer out of the house.

Tuesday, I did nothing.

Today, at 10:30 AM, I marched myself to the basement and did The Firm, Volume 4- 1994.

I modified some sections to fit in more abs. Because I was rested, I could really push it, and by the end of it, I was seriously wiped. The only problem was, I was tired for the rest of the day. I really should not exercise in the morning; it just doesn't turn out well for me. Because I work out like a demon and exhaust myself, I need to do it a few hours before I can crash.

Which is exactly what I'm going to do after I publish this entry: crash.

I never knew the meaning of the word tired until I had kids.

I now know why I have constant back pain.

I never sit down.

I get up at 6:30 (7, if I'm lucky) and am constantly doing something, but I rarely stop and just take the load of my feet and back. The result: constantly taxed muscles that don't get a chance to rest. That's what I realized when I got back from Las Vegas, during which time, the pain went away. Now, it's back.

I am trying to write as one son is downstairs, taking a nap, and the other is running around in circles in the family room, saying, "Mama, mama ah-doing? Mama, look!" This, after I set up a water play set on the deck, and both boys played out there for ...phone.

I never get to sit down.

Monday, September 19, 2005

Oh, crap

I had been writing about our trip to Vegas for over half an hour, when I tried to upload a pic and managed to lose the entire post.

I so hate it when that happens. Next time, before I add a thing, I'll be sure to save the post as a draft.

Anyway... we're very happy to be back, and the trip was wonderful.

I guess I'll have to write about it at another time, because it's time for me to go to bed.

I did work out while I was away.

Also, to my utter shock, AF showed herself on Saturday morning, after last visiting on March 6 of *last year*!

This will have to be it, for now. I have an early riser already sleeping in the next room!

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

I don' wanna

What do you do on a day when you really, really, reeealeee don't feel like exercising?

So far, everything you can, to avoid it. Play with the kids, fix meals, feed the kids, do laundry, sort mountains of mail, wash and slice peaches, cut into chunks, insert into freezer bags, for future smoothies...

Sigh.

All I really wanna do is take a nap.

And eat.

Update, 4PM

The answer is, you suck it up and go downstairs, put in Gilad's Step and Tone workout, and do as much as you can.
I will be in Vegas for the next few days. I was going to take Boomer, but now I am happy to be going only with my husband. Today I got no break, not even in the shower. Bless his little heart, he followed me in there, and stomped and stomped in the water. He is like a duckling; follows me everywhere. "Mama, MAMA, MAAAMAAA!" Talks up a storm, wants constant attention, is full of energy, challenges me hourly, and refuses to nap. Mama needs to recharge her emotional batteries.

I am determined to use the gym at the hotel. We are staying at the Paris Hilton. I'm sure they have some sort of exercise room there. Time to pack, and my workout gear is going into the luggage first.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Dancing to My Own Drummer

Today I did my own thing, because I'm sore from yesterday and wanted to give my muscles a break. I did 20 minutes of elliptical, slow/fast/slower/superfast, and then Boomer wanted me to jump on the mini-tramp with him, so we did that, and my son got good exercise, too!

I had yesterday's The Firm tape playing. I find that people exercising on video and the instructor saying, "Lift...lower...lift...lower...four more...three more" is good background and gets me into the groove.

Boomer is providing genuine encouragement. After I got off the machine, he clapped and said, "Bravo, Mama!" I love that he tries to do leg lifts with me. Setting a good example for him is a powerful motivator.

I finished with lots of abs on my Resist-a-Ball. That thing is the most innocent-looking piece of equipment I own, but don't let its blue good looks fool you. Abs on it are a killer, because you can't cheat. Being on the ball does not let you use any other muscles to sit up and lean back.

Today I put on a Size Medium (!) San Diego T-shirt that I got in 1997, on a visit to California. I am so stoked to fit into that again! Slowly, slowly, I'm getting there!

Snap, Crackle, Drop




So now they are saying you *can* lose wight by eating carbs...

AOL Diet and Fitness -- Newest Trends

Everyone knows breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But when you're watching your weight, that mantra doesn't give you license to gorge on pancakes, bagels and muffins. When it comes to staying slim, cold cereal eaters have the edge.

Not All Created Equal
Two new studies support the notion that a regular morning meal of cereal and milk wards off weight problems. But even though the studies were funded by two major cereal manufacturers, leading nutritionists agree with their findings. "Cereal with milk is quick and easy, and if you chose the right cereal you get calcium, fiber, and plenty of nutrients," says American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD.

Of course, eating a sugar-laden cereal straight from the box can create a diet disaster. Taub-Dix recommends a cereal with no more than 3 grams of sugar per serving and roughly 5 grams of fiber, topped with skimmed milk and berries. If you can't live without your Cocoa Puffs, which has 13 grams of sugar per serving, try cutting the sugar by mixing it with a low-sugar option like Cheerios or Kix.

Smart Snacking
Cereal is also often touted as a healthy snack. The best choice would be a whole-grain variety that's high in fiber and protein. Again, portion and sugar control are key if you choose this as your between-meals treat. Here are some more tips for smart snacking.

Monday, September 12, 2005

Sweating with Old Tapes

Yesterday, I finished what I started on Saturday, The Firm Total Body, Abs, Hips and Thigh Sculpting (1996), because it just makes me feel better to complete a tape I had to abandon. My husband worked out with me, with Boomer clapping and cheering us on, and Stefan saying, "augh..augh..." in his exersaucer. It was great to be a family again.

Then, I worked out with weights, and toward the end I bench pressed 50 pounds, to failure, with my husband helping me a bit when I was on the last few reps. Boomer and I held his feet and ankles and yelled encouragement while he did lots of situps. We were in there for a good 45 minutes, and were wiped by the end.

Today, I did The Firm Cross Trainers, Cardio Sculpt, 1997

I was groaning by the end and muttering, "Oh, my God." I thought of quitting, several times, but I told myself I'd just get through this segment, then the next, and somehow, I made it to the stretch, and did that, too. The only part where I deviated from the cueing was when, instead of floor jogging with weights, Boomer wanted me to jump on the mini-trampoline with him :)

Oh, and tell me this: why, oh, why, does no one ever suffer on those tapes? Why does no one turn red, pant, strain, or sweat? They make those videos with cyborgs, I tell you. They seem as shower-fresh at the end of the workout as they were when they first walked into the exercise room.

As for me, I'm a real woman.
After the stretch, I was kneeling on my mat, slumped over, cheek on my step box, just panting and wondering how on earth something that is so uncomfortable can be so good for you.

Thank goodness for hot showers, with my post-workout-only reward, my 4711 Shower Gel, brought from Germany.

The things we women will wear... good grief!


I saw a TV commercial for this circulation-restricting torture device :


Slim ‘n’ Lift™

California Beauty®’s Slim ‘n Lift™ Silouette is a revolutionary slimming and lifting undergarment than can give you a sexy, curvy hour glass figure in and instant!

Made from a super comfortable miracle micro fiber, it is the most effective solution for quickly smoothing out unsightly bulges and getting your figure back. Just slip on a pair and watch as the elastic ribbed support flattens and lifts for an instant tummy tuck, how the side panels firm-up thighs, and how the double U band ribbing lifts and shapes for a sexy butt!

With the Slim ‘n Lift™ Silhouette, you go from bulging and bumpy to tight and trim!

"I’ve been dieting off and on for about 8 years and I just can’t seem to lose the weight. But with Slim ‘n’ Lift™ it’s gone instantly!

Diana Hilgard

All of your problem areas are targeted at once!



OK, so according to these people, all I need to do is to slip on a stretchy fat compression device and I will no longer be bulging and bumpy. Gee, how stupid am I, for trying to use exercise and a healthy diet to get rid of my "problem areas"?

Dana put on the Slim ‘n’ Lift™ and *lost* the weight instantly! Bring on the chocolate cake, I'll just throw away my dumbbells and pull a Dana!

My question: why the hell does it also come in size 2?

Sunday, September 11, 2005

NEVER FORGET.























Saturday, September 10, 2005

More The Firm


Today, I did The Firm: Total Body - Abs, Hips, and Thighs Sculpting, from 1996.











I didn't finish it. I could have, but I was already feeling too tired,and didn't want to push it. This will have to be it for today-- I have to go to the airport to pick up my husband!

Breakfast of Champions


Many of you have asked me for my recipe for the smoothie.

I do not have one.

I throw a banana and a carrot in the blender, then a few handfuls of whatever frozen fruit I have, plus 1 tablespoon of this raw wheat germ, and a sprinkle of this ground flax seed.
Fill to the top of fruit level with orange juice, and blend.

That's what I do.
Every morning.

Great time yesterday!

Guess what I did yesterday? Had a late lunch with Amy and her family!
Those of you who "know" Amy -- she is the same as she is online, guys :)
These are all the decent pics I managed to get on my camera. Hope she has the group shot, or shots with both babies, 'cause I sure didn't get as many as I would have liked.

Amy-- if you are reading this, please do *not* post pics in which I look fat or I have a double chin! (Please, God, don't let her say, "But, Rose, they *all* are like that!")


Boomer and Myleigh hit it off right away,and had a blast coloring and playing with wooden lions! Thank you for the gift!


"But it's a restaurant!" you say. Did they eat? Ummm...no. Toddlers don't need food.



Amy, Boomer, and Myleigh.



Stefan and my wonderful nanny, Maria. Think she's fond of him? :)



Amy's husband and Merrick, who is one day older than Stefan.


Um... at one point, we lost them.

They both took off running through the mall, with me after them. Doesn't it look as if they are doing some sort of a dance? LOL!






Boomer gives Myleigh a good-bye hug.

Friday, September 09, 2005

Beef!

Today I did The Firm-- Firm Abs. It was still in cellophane, so I broke it in this morning, but to be honest, unlike with every other The Firm workout I own, I was disappointed. Firm Abs has a crappy warmup, and the rest of it is boring and didn't feel very effective, despite their guarantee of "visible results in 10 workouts". Maybe I have the abs of a rhinoceros-- have to *really* work them out to feel a thing.

During this, Boomer was beside me on the exercise mat, and at one point, while I was crunching away, he was actually patting my head, as I do to him. How sweet was that? I have the best personal trainer in the entire world!

Today I had the pleasure of getting together with a family I have wanted to meet for a while. We got to talking about food, and I mentioned that I wished I could be a vegetarian because I am not thrilled to eat "dead things." The mama replied, laughing, "Aw, 'c'mon, you love steak!"

Well, that's just it. I never preferred beef, and actually stopped eating it for ...let me think... yes, 10 years, after I read a brutally honest account of what goes on at a slaughterhouse. I was so sickened by it that I didn't touch the stuff for a very, very long time. The mere sight of it made my stomach turn. Plus, to me, it had always had a funny smell.

That all changed with my first pregnancy. My husband was stunned when I first suggested we order it at a restaurant, but didn't say a thing as he watched me devour every bite. Over the next 8 months, all I wanted was beef, beef, beef. While I was nursing, the same thing. Soon, I got pregnant again, and all I wanted was beef fajitas! And burgers, God, with avocado. I was horrified, but couldn't help myself, and I figured that if my body was asking for it, then the baby must need it, and I decided that I should have what the baby needs.

There must have been something to this, because my late-pregnancy iron test showed no variation from my non-pregnant blood count. My OB could not believe it. "Incredible-- everyone I've seen, until you, had had some variation! You must really have a very good diet."

Oh, I did. In my third tri with Boomer, I ate lots of fish, spinach, and beef.

Currently, nursing is making me voracious, especially since I started working out. And, yes, I am still craving the steak.

But just as the taste for sweets went out the window while I was pregnant, I suspect that when I stop nursing, beef will smell funny to me again. And, yes, I really wish I could steer clear of meat altogether. Some years ago, I tried, but after a few months, my hair started to fall out in clumps. Another time, I ate a lot of soy for protein, but then chickened out (no pun intended) when I read disturbing research about soy.
I was so bummed, but gave it up, and stopped feeding it to Boomer (then, an infant) too.

Oh, what a complicated relationship I have with food. I could go on and on about food. But right now, I have a little boy here, who is sleepy and needs a cuddle :)

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Ow, ow, ow. This is so hard!

The Firm, Volume 6-- the whole darned thing. Boy, was I hurting today. I need some Advil. Going to bed early-- hope I can sleep better tonight. Why, oh, why, did I let myself go this far. It's going to be such a long, tough road back to where I used to be. Today, I am thinking that all that food and lounging around were *not* worth it.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Tired and Hungry

I haven't been able to sleep well at all since my husband left.

So, during the day, I am draggin' butt. Yesterday I was so tired that I could not bring myself to work out, although I wore my leggings and top until 6 PM. At that time, I just switched to pajamas, thought about doing pushups, and then decided I need to give myself a break.

Today I was determined to get myself in the basement, because if I let go for more than a day, it's a very slippery slope.

So, I took both boys, put one in his exersaucer (still using that thing for now, thank goodness) and one next to me, and went, you guessed it, backwards on the Stairmaster, at level 4 (!) for 15 minutes. Then I did bench presses to failure, and abs until I could do no more. Finished with pelvic tilts using the barbell as extra weight.

I always feel as if I should do more, so I left reluctantly, but I don't want to overdo it, either. On only 6 hours of poor sleep, that amount of effort was enough. In the past, when I've pushed it, I have gotten very sick and had to stop exercising for the duration. Don't want that.

Dinner was turkey on multigrain bread with mustard and one slice of Muenster cheese, and 3 squares of dark chocolate for dessert. I will have yogurt and fruit after Boomer goes to bed. I am so hungry. I've been hungry all day long. I've been avoiding the kitchen altogether, because every time I turn around, I want to eat.

Tomorrow I will work harder. I will also eat more. I'll earn a steak, and eat it, too :)

Monday, September 05, 2005

Surprise! We're Coming Over!

I was dressed in my exercise clothes (I put them on every morning, just to make myself get into the groove) when I got a call from a realtor who said he wanted to bring people to see the house in two hours.

Don't'cha just love short notice when your home needs to look like a showpiece? For the next two hours, I did what they call "staging" -- ie, strategically place towels in an inviting spot next to the tub, make a nice fruit bowl for the kitchen, polish everything, get rid of the sink full of dishes and the bottles stored in full view on the counters, tidy up the play room and Boomer's room, open the blinds just so, de-clutter both offices, bathrooms... on and on.

Ugh. You think your house is nice until you know someone will come inspect it, looking for flaws. Looking at it with a critical eye, you see that it's actually a mess. I got so stressed that I got a monster headache.

So, exercise was a quick warmup and some abs. That's all for today. I am too sleepy (didn't sleep well last night) to do anything this evening.

Oh, and today I discovered Green & Black's Organic chocolate -- the espresso one.

Oh. My. God.

They make ice cream, people. I hope I never, ever find it.

Sunday, September 04, 2005

New jeans, 4 sizes smaller


I kinda like 'em :)

Today I did a short warmup, lots of abs, and some killer weight training. Bring on the DOMS. I don't care. I like the changes I am seeing! Check me out in the same shirt and my Fat Pants!

Ooh... look what I found!

Women's Weight Training Site

Saturday, September 03, 2005

A Perfect Saturday

Exercise today consisted of walking all day long, and being out and about with my family.

We went to a mall, had an excellent vegetarian lunch at a place I wanted to try, did a little shopping, stopped at Godiva for Grand Marnier truffles (Boomer loved Godiva ganache. It was his first ever taste) and after a brief rest at home, went to a shopping center where there is a pet store that has geckos, snakes, ferrets, chinchillas, fish, birds, and cats.

It also had a mouse.

I am not kidding, I was standing in the aisle when a mouse scooted not 5 feet from me. Guess some escape and have an all-you-can-eat of the stock of food bags. I am proud to say I didn't scream.

I am also extremely proud that Boomer only had a small meltdown when we left Marshall's without a toy he loved. I have to teach him that we do not get toys at every outing, and, boy, did it break my heart to have to do that. I might get it for him some other time. It crushed me to see that little face scrunch up in sadness and disappointment over having to leave the popup chicks and rabbits at the store. I love him so much that I would go to pieces if I loved him any more.

Dinner was McDonald's fries and a sugar-free iced latte, eaten outside at Starbucks, and lemon cake for dessert. Stefan had his first taste of French fries and lemon cake.

I love the cooler weather. I love introducing my sons to firsts. I love it when we are all together.

What a perfect day.

Friday, September 02, 2005

Still on Track

I did well today.

Backwards on the Stairmaster for 15 minutes, then rewound The Firm, Volume 3, and did the middle and the end. Did not do the stretching, although I would have liked to, but Stefan was upstairs, and I wanted to be with my baby. Boomer (yup, he told me to go uh-size again today, I think it's becoming a ritual for him) played quietly with his little buses and found The Foot Book, which he perused by himself.

At the end, after I did my abs and was lying there, sticky and yucky and panting and feeling about 60 years old, he came over, plunked himself beside me on the mat (you've just gotta get yourself this Everlast mat!) and put his head on my shoulder. It made every rep worth it. I am determined to become lean, mean mama machine, and I will do it by Christmas, so help me! Yes, I will!

I almost, almost, raided the freezer for ice cream this evening, but opted for plain yogurt instead, with a few pecans and some dried cherries. I also, finally, de-gunked my espresso machine, and have been thoroughly enjoying cups of decaf in the afternoon, as the French have it, in a pretty cup, with one tiny square of dark chocolate to eat during and after. The espresso machine, a Valentine's Day gift from the best husband on earth, has been sitting unused, because during pregnancy I lost the taste for my favorite things: espresso, chocolate, caramel anything, and most sweets. Go figure. I began having coffee in the morning with no sugar, and I still do, to this day. The taste for espresso has finally returned, which means I'm back to normal and need to be extremely careful.

Doctor Mehmet Oz, on Oprah said, "Food is a medicine for you." Never thought of it that way, I always did view it as fuel, but medicine... hmmm. I need a chocolate pill, but I'll wait until coffee time tomorrow :)

Time for me to spend the rest of the evening with my husband. He is going overseas for a whole week, starting Sunday, and I am sick to my stomach already at the thought of being without him. I kind of...well, just exist when he's not around. I guess I'll have to sleep on his pillow for the week. When the scent fades, I will know he'll be due to come home.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Firmin' it Up

I love how a bad day is followed by a good one, most of the time.

Today I got through most of The Firm, Volume 3.

Don't ask how, with two little ones underfoot, but I got through everything but the last segment. By the end of the evil dumbbell-behind-the knee segment, Stefan was hungry and beginning to yell, while Boomer (with him in the crib, jumping up and down as high as he could, LOL) finally wanted out, so I decided to end it there and go take a shower.

Correction: a frantic, 60-second scrub with lukewarm water, while Stefan, on all fours in front of the glass door, screamed at the top of his lungs, despite his older brother's heartwarming and adorable attempts to play peek-a-boo with him.

Stefan will scream and get really wound up, but shuts off like a switch when he gets what he wants. I picked him up off the bathroom floor, and he stopped screaming, but then I went into the bedroom to get dressed, put him down on a nice, soft area rug, and the screaming commenced again, full-force.

Uh-oh. Not only does he resemble my sister-in-law, it looks as if he might have her feisty personality, too. I hope not, LOL!

Anyway... I will be sore tomorrow, but I am feeling so darned victorious. And, no, I didn't touch the ice cream in the freezer. Had myself a nice, juicy apple instead, and only hit The Cabinet once, for one square of dark chocolate. Don't laugh, dark chocolate is healthful chocolate!

In Color Again

Dear Person Who Invented Hair Dye,

Thank you.