Virtual Turkey Trot Update

Happy Thanksgiving!

I had the BEST day. Ever!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because we get to just… be. I don’t mind cooking all day if it means I get to enjoy a great meal with my family. It’s just a fun, relaxing holiday.

I was hoping to get everyone out for my first ever Virtual Turkey Trot but with a temperature reading of 19 we decided it wasn’t a good idea for the kids. Instead I strapped on my shoes and got in a relaxing 5 miles. Sounds funny, I know,  but it’s true. With a house full of family it was nice to have a few minutes to myself. Plus I actually enjoy running in the cold. I bundle up with my hat, gloves and scarf and after a few minutes I’m comfortable.

Here I am afterwards all sweaty.

When I got back I put out the veggie tray and cheese and crackers and we snacked and cooked. I don’t want to pat myself on the back but I will… my turkey came out AWESOME!

This is the sixth time I’ve hosted Thanksgiving and I think I finally have it down pat. Thankfully my mom and mother-in-law help clean up after me as I go because I am a MESSY cook.

I did add a new side dish this year AND my very own cranberry sauce!

Anyway, I’m sneaking a moment after dessert, movie watching and game time to announce the winners of Judy’s 4 Paws for Ability fundraising Turkey Trot campaign. Everyone who donated $50 or more was automatically entered. Note: I used random number generator to pick the winners.

5 Vitalicious cases with your choice of their top-seller VitaTops or VitaCakes. Donated by Vitalicious!
- Megan B.
- Shannon M.
- Jeremy L.
- Christina S.
- Shannon S. 3 prize packs that will include NEW Mini Babybel Mozzarella style, Light, Original and White Cheddar. Donated by The Laughing Cow
- Rene C F.
- Susan S.
- Jennifer R.2 Kindle Fire HDX 7?, HDX Display, Wi-Fi, 16 GB. Donated by me.
- Brenda K. S.
- Hannah C.

I’ll be in direct contact with the winners next week. I can’t thank them and everyone enough. We were able to raise $4,660 toward our goal of $13,000 for my niece’s service dog. Even though we held the Turkey Trot fundraiser specifically to raise funds for the campaign we will be collecting donations until our goal is reached – click here to help!

Thanks again and from my family to yours…

Happy Thanksgiving!

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MizFit RE-exposed (four year update).

When Michelle reached out and asked if Id do an EXPOSED! update I couldn’t believe it had been four years.

Not so much in the “Good gosh time flies! Can you believe it has been four years already?!” sense, but in the “That feels like a lifetime ago.  I feel like a different person.” way.

I went back and reread my initial post. 

I recognized much of that woman.

I remembered the moment the picture was taken (crack of dawn, rushing around, thrust husband’s phone at him and instructed SNAP ONE! FAST!!).

I still owned the bathing suit (something which amazed me. Im a swim-in-running-shorts-and-sports-bra misfit, hadnt worn it since the photo, and we’d moved).

I still immediately flashed back to college-aged women Id worked with & how they’d had no concept what their bodies looked like because they weren’t living fully *inside* them. (something which made me want to gather new Oakland girlfriends and do the butcher paper experiment).

And yet–at the same time–the post read as though it were an entirely different individual.

I look much the same.

I feel worlds different (partial photo credit above a VERY PROUD seven year old.  Left side four years ago.  Right side last week.).

Gone is the prideful:

I am thankful for my health, my strength & for making it to 40 without any major aches, pains or injuries.

Replaced at 44 with:

I am thankful Ive learned sitting IS the new smoking.  My piriformis seizes when I sit too much.  Im grateful Ive learned to move more.

Gone is the simplistic:

What Ive learned is when I give my body what it seeks it repays me ten-fold by being able to do pretty much anything I ask of it in return.

Replaced at 44 with:

At times my body hesitates before doing what I ask (hello back bend on command!) but it flat out refuses to comply when bombarded with old talk/thoughts.

Revisiting the EXPOSED! movement has been a painful experience for me.

As I blather about ad nauseam:

Healthy living and fitness for me is *not* about the vessel.  It’s about striving to live a longer more vibrant life.

I may not appear all that different from four years ago (insert awkward yet candid joke about wrinkles on my countenance) —yet I feel utterly changed.

Ive learned more.

Ive lost more.

Im wiser.

Im older in every sense of the word.

In the initial post I expressed gratitude for my eyes/ability to see.  Four years (& aging eyesight) later Ive learned seeing is much more than viewing whats before us.

As I created the wonky side-by-side photo above I pondered the definition of the word EXPOSED.

It occurred to me, at 44, I feel less EXPOSED “displayed for viewing” when posting a bathing suit picture than when I ‘display’ things more sacred than my vessel.

For me being EXPOSED! is sharing my words.

Sharing Im feeling off. 

Sharing Im stepping back, re-evaluating & trying to recover the joy Ive shed since that photo was taken four years ago.

For me EXPOSE!-ing through my words is far more revealing than a photo could ever be.

Did you participate in the EXPOSED! project?  How do you feel four years later?Are words & thoughts more EXPOSE’ing for you than the physical?

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2013 Birthday Bucket List Update

Tomorrow I turn 37.

Wow.

I’m sure everyone who has ever turned 37 feels the way I do right now.

When did this happen?

Not only am I not in my 20s anymore, I’m pretty darn close to 40!

Is this really happening?

Yes it is, and I’m totally over the whole age thing.

Comparing 27 to 37, I’d take 37 in a heartbeat. I’m happier, more confident, and content. I’m thinner, which is a total byproduct of my lifestyle. I’m more fit and energetic. I do more despite having more responsibilities. And I have two amazing kids!

Last year I wrote a Birthday Bucket List so I thought it would be fun to revisit it, give some updates and possible add to it as well.  So here goes …

Write a Bucket List.Live at the beach (at least part time), AKA buy a beach house.Become a World Traveler. I don’t even own a passport at the moment.
Update: Passport obtained!! Click here to read the post.Hike in the Grand Canyon.As cheesy as it sounds, skydive preferably with one/all of my boys but I won’t force them to do it.Visit the Redwood Forest.Publish a book (note: I’ve self published but I want to traditionally publish)Launch a Travel Blog.
Update: Launched The UnWordly Travelers last August!Be financially independent (My goal is to support my family doing only things I love and want to do, like this!)Start some type of non-profit to help people in some way. Not sure what that “way” is yet but I know it will come to me.Take the ultimate American road trip with my boys coast to coast.Take a cooking class just because.
Update: I did it AND brought The Husband along. It was great! Click here to read about it. Train for and run another marathon. This time completing it in under 5 hours. Preferably the NY Marathon but it’s not a necessity.Sing karaoke, alone and OWN IT. This scares the CRAP out of me. I can’t carry a tune to save my life.
Update: I DID IT!!! At FitBloggin’ this year. I’m sure there is a video but I don’t want to see it. lol Honestly, it was really fun even though I suck. I may even do it again. OH! and I chose “One Way or Another” by Blondie. :)Write a children’s book.
Update: In Progress! Working on the illustrations with David!Take my Mom to Italy.
Update: This was the highlight of the year for me. Click to see how I surprised her on Christmas. Take a rock-wall climbing class and get certified to belay.See the Northern Lights.Throw a big reunion party for all my college friends. I miss them dearly.Host a double elimination Beer Pong tournament in my garage. Note: May be combined with item above.Spend a week on a guilt-free spa vacation.Go scuba diving NOT snorkeling but SCUBA diving. I want to see a coral reef!See an iceberg.Take martial arts lessons.Host FitBloggin’ on the West Coast.
Update: DONE! FitBloggin’13 was in Portland this year!Be on or work with the Food Network in some way .Be present with my kids while they are kids and do my best to raise them to be responsible, happy adults.
Update: In progress. Always.Take a creative writing class.Take a class at Penland School of Crafts. See the stars and milky way in the night sky uninterrupted by city lights.Do 2 pull ups in a row. Note: I did one once and it took me months of training. WHY are they so friggin’ hard?!Visit Australia alone. I can’t explain why, I just want to.Hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.Audition for a Reality Show. Oh wait, I did that already! Surprise my neighbors with New Year’s gifts.Master my camera and take a breathtaking photograph that people want to hang on their wall.Make a video that goes viral on YouTube.Plan a romantic transatlantic cruise with The Husband.Take The Boys to Legoland.Plan an official 5k event.See as many of these movies as possible.Go to Comic-Con International.Take the boys to see the Statue of Liberty.Spend a FULL day in bed watching movies with the Husband.Teach/Inspire as many people to cook as I can.
Update: In progress on GreenLiteBites. :)Build something useful with my hands.Have a conversation in another language.Get another tattoo.Collaborate on a project with the husband. We have tons of ideas.Never stop living consciously and continually add to this list.
…
New for 2013…Run 2 Tough Mudders back to back
Update: Mission accomplished! Click here to see the video. Now I’m considering putting The World’s Toughest on my list but I’m not sure I’m ready to commit yet.Compete in an unscaled CrossFit competitionRun at least one adventure marathon. The Great Wall Marathon is at the top of my list.

I’m only adding three things this year, one of which I already completed. I want to  make more progress on my original list before I go really crazy. ;) I’m super excited about the progress I made on this list so far! There are a few more in my sights for this year, too.

Making and checking in on a bucket list really helps keep things in perspective. I know I accomplished a lot of these things because I committed to them on paper. I’m tired of talking, I’m in “do” mode now.

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A Quick Update and 4 Inspiring Women!

I’m in Chicago and I have so much I want to tell you but I’m literally falling asleep as I type. So I’ve got to make this one of my quick bullet point posts. Here goes…

1. I started my day with Sara Rosso doing a CrossFit workout at River North and it was INSANE! I loved every minute of it but injured my hand a little doing kettle bell swings. :(

2. I got a Fitbit!! I’m so excited. I’m going to try to wear it and track everything the next few days just to really see how it works. I’m such a dork about these things. I find them really fun.

3. I spoke at HealthMinder on the Panel Fad to Foundation. It was fun but I’m not sure how it went. There were only a few people in the room and I wasn’t sure they were all that interested.

4. Jen and I had quite the adventure on the way to the expo this evening…

Let’s just way we’re not big fans of conferences offsite from the hotel.

5. My favorite panel of the day was called Weight vs. Health. I knew most of the panelists from their sites but hearing them speak was VERY inspiring. If you have a minute you should really check them out…

OK, must go. Tomorrow morning is the BlogHer 5k!

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The second wave: UPDATE.

This feels like yesterday.

I didnt plan to post today.

It’s the last day of school & Ren Man and I are spending the day sweating frolicking outside with the kinder-crowd.

Im pretty excited as last I heard there will be hula-hoops, Skip Its, jump ropes and dancing involved.

Ive been tasked with procuring, slicing & bringing watermelon.

After an entire school year with me the Room Mother is highly aware my skills lie NOT in baking or crafting.

And this is a great thing.

This is more my skillset:

It's on my resume, too.

But Im digressing.

Which around here is so common place I long to call it gressing.

Which I realize makes no sense.

I had no plan to post today — until yesterday morning at the bus stop.

As usual the Tornado kissed Ren Man and me goodbye, asked if we would stay for the second wave, & climbed happily on the school bus.

She loves her some school bus.

We made idle chit chat with the other parents (all of whom I think now feel compelled to stay & wave after reading my post.  oops and *thats* a blog post for another day, too.) and waited as the bus did its loop and drove back past us.

We watched as the bus drove toward us & laughed about the wave & the fact we were never really sure our kids were even paying attention.

This time, however, we knew immediately our kids were watching & for certain they saw us.

This time the *entire* bus had moved to the side where we stood and every.single.kid.waved back at us.

Hands flailing. Out the windows. Major waving action.

For reasons I cant even entirely put into works this touched my heart.

Heck, even as I type this I’m getting a little misty eyed.

It has been one hundred and sixty two days since I vowed to spend 2012 living my priorities.

Some days Ive succeeded.

Many days Ive fallen short.

Yesterday, in that one brief moment with all the kids waving, I felt as though Id succeeded.

As if we’d all succeeded.

Those kids on the bus knew we’d stayed, we’d waited, & they were our priorities.

I dont yet know what form my ‘second wave’ will take over the summer.

I do know, however,  I will stop, wait, & make the time for it.

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Tough Mudder Training Update

REAL Quick tonight. I’m tired and I have an early morning scheduled. Working at home with a 1 year old is proving quite the challenge!

I don’t have a big write up for this weeks Tough Mudder training. We did a lot of kettle bell work and, umm, some unconventional moves with a heavy bag…

LOL I’m sorry but that video cracks me up. We are insane.

Anyway, I did update the training schedule. Click here to check it out.

I shifted a few things around this week. I’ll be running the Ocean City Half Marathon this weekend and yes, the GoPro will be coming with me! :)

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Hannah’s Tummy Tuck Update and Day 41 Pics

Let’s get to the pics first! Scroll through to see how far she’s come.

Lookin’ good, girl!

Hannah recently returned from frolicking in MEXICO in that two-piece! Here’s what she shared about her progress before she left for her trip…

Monday, Dec 26th 2011: The front view is my favorite! I gaze at it each morning while I’m getting ready. It is just what I wanted. The side view shows the swelling I’ve been telling you about. You can see how it protrudes. I can “suck it in” a little. I know that getting back to running, Shaun T, and ab exercises will help to fix that. I’ll be whining to the doctor about the swelling on Wednesday. My tummy is hard! When I make people touch it, I’ve had comments like “that feels like a pregnant belly”. I’m sure I wasn’t mentally prepared for this swelling. I will report later on the doctor’s observations. I’m wearing one of the swimsuits I bought for my upcoming trip to Mexico. I’m very, very pleased with how it fits and looks.

Monday, Jan 2nd 2012 (Day 41): I’m already packed (for Mexico)! I went to the doctor Wednesday. She released me for all exercise. Then I said, “Abs too?” And she said, “Not yet… Listen to your body. You won’t want to do abs.” She’s right. Ab exercises don’t hurt but it feels like there’s a blank spot there and I have no strength. For instance, if I’m laying flat on my back (like in the bad, bad tanning bed) it is hard to get up! So I’ll ease into that. Then I showed her some Insanity exercises and she said “Listen to your body. Do what feels comfortable”. But I can run on the treadmill!!! The day before my surgery I did 3.5 miles in 40:07. Today I walked 2 and jogged 2 minutes. I did 2.96 miles in 40:00. I feel good about that. I should quit complaining about the swelling. It is getting better every day. Plus I am so pleased to gaze upon my tummy every day. I stand there in my bra and panties fixing my hair and just admire and smile. Oh and one more thing. I still weigh 138. With reduced activity and the holidays, I feel like that is an accomplishment, too.

I can’t tell you how happy I am for Hannah. We can expect at least one more update on her progress at around 12 weeks post-surgery (the official finish line for healing). If you’re new to Hannah’s journey, catch up on her pre-surgery and day 5 and day 18 updates.

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Hannah’s Tummy Tuck Update & Day 18 Pictures

But first, here are Hannah’s previous pics: pre-surgery and 5 days post-surgery…

And more recently, Hannah’s day 18 pictures…

Her swelling is reduced and the scar is healing nicely. Get it, girl!

From Hannah:

December 3rd (day 18): My swelling is indeed getting better slowly. At less than 3 weeks, I am pleased with the look of my scar. I thought it would be worse. I have a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday. My main question is exercise. I will not do anything she does not endorse. I’m not gonna screw anything up.

December 7th: Yesterday’s appointment was great. She said I’m healing like a 12-year-old. I can increase my exercise (walking) time, speed and incline. No running, sit-ups, twisting, lifting, etc. We talked about my swelling (which is getting better slowly). She said I could have a lymphatic massage to aid in reducing the swelling… I got a Reiki which is a healing touch sort of massage. Not sure it helped but I am sure I didn’t hurt. My surgeon said “you were meant to have this surgery” and I believe that, too. I have on a skirt today that I couldn’t zip a week ago and it fits better than before surgery. The measurement right above my belly button is 1-inch smaller than before surgery!

I asked Hannah if her hew tummy made her feel any sexier. This is what she said:

“I’ve never been the kind of girl to spend much time feeling “sexy”, but I think this may push me in that direction. I am so glad I had it done and I feel so lucky, fortunate and blessed to have had the ability to do it!”

Also read read Hannah’s pre-surgery and day 5 updates. More progress pics to come!

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Hannah’s Tummy Tuck Update & Day 5 Pictures

(If you need to start from the beginning, here’s Post #1: Pre-Surgery)

You remember our friend, Hannah, before surgery (above). Now this is her 5 days later….

I can see that Hannah’s waste is slimmer and she has a cute, new belly button (can I get one of those??). Hannah pointed out a concern about her waist. “My waist measurement is not smaller than pre-surgery. I will interrogate the doctor about when to expect shrinkage,” she said. Although the numbers say no current shrinkage yet, my eyeballs see major differences all the way around. Don’t you agree?

Hannah’s Thoughts and Insights (things take a slight turn at the end):

Tuesday, November 15th: Surgery started at 9, I was home by 2. The doctor said she took 1 pound of skin off. I mentioned that I’d hoped for more and she said skin doesn’t weigh much. Surprise! I was not in pain. My stomach was numb from local anesthesia. I took Percocet when I got home. Any “pain” was only when I got up or down. I had on a binding garment filled with gauze and stuff so I wasn’t able to feel smaller. I could have undone that whole mess to see the wound, but I didn’t. My husband is home to wait on me and keep me on my pill schedule. Sleeping was easy but I had to wake him for help to the restroom. We were both amazed at the lack of agony or intense pain. I also texted with several friends much to their amazement.

Wednesday, November 16th: Discomfort or pain was only noticed when I got up and down. It felt like a burning sensation. I think the Percocet may have an energizing affect, because I couldn’t even take a nap. I thought I might quit taking it but I gave in at noon and took it every 5 hours for the rest of the day. The dosage was 1-2 pills every 4-6 hours. I took one every five. The nurse had recommended that I stay ahead of the pain so I did. I’m trying to drink a lot of fluids which means many trips to the bathroom. Wednesday night I slept in the recliner, but my husband had to sleep on the couch because I could not get the chair down on my own.

Thursday, November 17th: My friend came to hang out with me and she was amazed at my condition. We visited until it was time for my 3:00 doctor appointment. She went to the doctor with me and was amazed when the doctor unveiled my tummy. My stomach does have less skin but it is not smaller. In fact, I measured it when I got home and it is actually bigger. I know that will go away but it is a little un-nerving. The doctor said my muscles were very separated (her visual was about 1.5 inches) and she repaired that. She said I could shower and work on standing up straight. I went home exhausted, a little depressed and sort of nauseated. I just slept it off (recliner again).

Friday, November 18th: My son came to stay with me for a few hours today (how sweet). I feel better every day. Now my focus is to practice standing straighter. My back aches a little from being hunched over but when I stand up my front side feels tight but not sore. I have napped today and I’m just taking it easy while I’m awake. I’m a little irrationally paranoid about the swelling in my tummy. I mean, what if that never goes away? I’ll just worry about that tomorrow (or the next day).

Sunday, November 20th (day 5): All is going well. I take Advil a couple of times a day. I sleep in the recliner because it is easier to get out of than bed. My only discomfort is at the drain sites which burn from time to time. I hope to get those removed when I go back Wednesday. My belly button is cute but it is a little “off center”. One side at the hip area is a little funny looking at the incision site. I am still swollen. In fact, by the tape measure now I am still the same size as before. So it has gotten smaller than the first day or two. I am not concerned about any of this yet. When I go back I’ll talk to the surgeon and get her feedback. I am working on standing up straight and that feels funny but not uncomfortable. I walked on the treadmill for 10 min today at 1.5 mph. (surgeon approved). That felt good. I am a little bored. In fact, I am going to work for 2-3 hours tomorrow just cause. Nothing I’ve been through yet would cause me to discourage anyone who is considering this procedure.

Tuesday, November 22nd (day 7): I had an incident this morning that I wanted to report. So far, I have made this seem like a piece of cake and overall it has been. The hip to hip scar that I have looks like it should hurt but it absolutely does not. In addition to that incision, I have two rubber tubes (approx. 1/4?) hanging out of my abdomen real low down. They hang out about 2 inches. These drains allow the ooze and gunk to escape. Some surgeons put a catch bulb at the end of these that requires emptying. My surgeon just has me wear a mini pad on the front of my underwear to catch the output. The only pain I have experienced has come from these drain areas. One hurts more than the other. If I move wrong, I feel a burning pain. This is the reason I sleep in the recliner. Trying to lay down causes more “wrong” movements. Even sleeping in the recliner, first thing in the morning the drains hurt. I just hurry to get some Advil in me and soon it is all better. This morning was the worst ever. Walking was painful, hell even breathing was painful. I had dogs to feed, etc. I was sweating and cold all at once. I thought I might get sick. It passed in about 20 minutes but it was a looong 20 minutes. I go back to the doctor tomorrow and I might get the drains removed. It depends on output. If they are still producing, they’ll stay. My future strategy is to have my husband feed me Advil first thing in the morning before I need to move. I am working on standing straighter. It doesn’t hurt but I can feel stretching in my belly. My back aches a little because it has to work harder. I went to work yesterday just to say hi and I stopped by the store to pick up a few things, and I came home exhausted.

What do you think of her progress? I wanna give a hand clap to Hannah’s family and friends for giving her the support and care she needs. If you have any questions for Hannah to address in her next update, please post it in the comments below or send me an email.

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Guest Post: An Update From My Brother

My brother discovered a love of writing about five years ago and has written more than 200 essays. However, Marty's "voice" has been silent since June when a series of seizures left him with substantial memory loss (click here to read more about this). Since then, many of you have asked how he's doing, and I'm thrilled to let him tell you himself. The following is Marty's first essay since his brain injury. I couldn't be more proud of the progress he's made.

“I have no yesterdays – only today”
By Marty Haraldson

A person reading the title of this short essay might say that I have written that incorrectly. It should read, “I have no ‘tomorrow’ – only today.” We are never guaranteed tomorrow. But on the morning of June 23, a Thursday morning, things for me went from normal and everyday to extraordinary and life changing. It was on that morning that I lost my yesterdays and started struggling to recall the events of each “today.” Now, if I do not record the events of each day, those events fail to become memories.

It was a Thursday morning. It was trash day in our neighborhood. That meant taking the garbage can and the recycling container down to the curb early in the morning before going to work. I did just that. That’s the last thing I remember doing for the next three weeks. After walking back into the house, I apparently suffered a “rapid succession of un-witnessed seizures,” according to the medical report. These seizures caused a neurological memory loss and a psychological memory loss. I spent the next two weeks in the hospital and a third week in a care center.

This event makes it difficult for me to learn new things and remember new things, even simple things. As far as remembering what I did yesterday or the days preceding, I cannot remember unless I have a written record of what happened. If I fail to write down what I did yesterday, where I went yesterday, or whom I saw yesterday, I’ll most likely not be able to remember it. I’m embarrassed when I walk into the offices where I once worked for 30 years and not remember everyone’s name. It bothers me, too, that I cannot remember all of my neighbor’s names. Even more embarrassing is when I cannot remember my own phone number or my home address that I’ve had for 20 years. It’s then that I realize and accept that something is really wrong with me.

When the doctors and therapists say my “possible” recovery may take a very long time or that my recovery may not be “full” or “complete,” I must prepare myself for that possibility both physically and mentally. I cannot live with blinders on. I’ve always taken on life and responsibilities with both eyes wide open and given it my all. There’s no reason for me not to do the same in my present situation.

I realize that this is not what I asked for. I’ll now be living on disability income. My life now moves at a considerably slower pace. I’ve been accepted as a volunteer at the S.T.E.P. program in my city where I’ll be helping with their food shelf program. My truck and I will be put to good use to help those in need. I hope to get back to my former self, but much has to happen before that is possible. Until then, I’ll make the best of what God has allowed to happen in my life. I hope you, too, allow Him to make the best of your life!

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Chatty Post: Race Plan, Funk Update, and More.

Oh my word. I just enjoyed the most amazing Banana Soft-Serve! I used a frozen banana, almond milk, dark chocolate cocoa powder, a bit of protein powder, and frozen blueberries. It was creamy and DELICIOUS! I wish I had better light, I would have snapped a picture for you.

OMG I’m becoming such a food blog photo snob! lol

Anyway, just a chatty post today. I’m not sure how long Runner’s High lasts, but I think I’m still basking in the post-race glow. And THAT is why I run events. They make me happy. There’s the goal accomplishment, of course, but there’s also the re-energizing that happens being around happy, active people.

It’s really, REALLY inspiring.

I have 2 events lined up in October I’m super excited about.

The Atlantic City Marathon – No I’m not running the WHOLE marathon but the half. If you guys remember the Husband and I are big AC people, but we haven’t gone since before I got pregnant. So when Jen told me about the AC half I hopped on the opportunity to make it a weekend away with hubby. Little Bean will be 7 months and it’s time the Husband and I get away. I’m just using the event as a fun excuse to do so. ;)The Run for Your Lives Zombie Run! – If you’ve been reading for any period of time, you may know I’m a bit of a Horror Movie freak. So when Carrie told me about the Zombie run I had to hop on it. Plus it’s an obstacle course run. Something I’ve been wanting to try for awhile now.

How fun is my October going to be?!?

The running is helping pull me out of the funk I’ve been fighting. It’s an outlet for me. A sport. I get to work at it and see progression. I set goals and build confidence as I reach them. Not to mention it just makes me FEEL good. It makes me take time for myself and as some of your know, nothing beats that post-run feeling!

OMG. I’m a RUNNER! lol Still hard for me to believe.

STILL.

Anyway, I had a great day. How could I not hanging out with this guy all day?

Us this afternoon.

There are times I feel like the luckiest woman on the planet yet I miss working outside of the home. I feel like a walking contradiction. For some reason I struggle with feelings of guilt that I work for myself and I’m constantly second guessing myself and my choices. Wrap all that up with adjusting to life with a baby and the stress it adds to a marriage and there you have it… Funkville.

I’m getting over it. Just like the half, I think to myself… forward progression.

On Friday I recorded a video for GreenLiteBites and that felt great!

I miss recording and I hope to get more consistent again. Tomorrow I have a call about FitBloggin’12 as I’m trying to assemble a team to help. There’s no way I can do it without more help next year.

I think I could keep going with this post. It’s therapeutic but I have to go to bed! My goals this week are more sleep and less snacks. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?

Oh and before I go I want to share a pic of my dinner because it’s just so stinking pretty!

Ok, signing off. ‘Night!

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Vacation Update: Annual Kite Pics

Last year we flew our first kite at the shore. We headed out again today. I so love that we DO things instead of talking about doing them. That is my lifetime goal.

Little Bean didn’t quite know what to make of it. :)

Click here for last years kite photos and a bit about what the kite represents to me.

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Fit Stanley UPDATE! (pls. read if you want a visit)

(The little FitMan’s first foray into adventure with the Austin Holy Rollers)

Please to know I initially wrote this as a traditional blog post.

Nary a bullet in sight and filled with rambling stories (why I named Fit Stella what I did), musings of love (so so excited you are all on board with this) and stunned admissions of how expensive this has all gotten (color copies, laminating, mailing–who knew?).

I plopped the post away, yanked out, reread and nearly fell asleep when doing do.

Indeed.

It was that FIT’citing.

As a result I give you the short version.   Bulleted for her pleasure:

So many of us wanted a Fit Stanley I’ve created/laminated a bunch.  In addition, I had myriad requests for a female version, so Fit Stella was created by the Tornado born:

Right now we have 20 Stanleys and 20 Stellas  & own FitStanleyProject, FitStanley & FitStella dot com (I told you I was nuts).For now while Ren Man my team of high-powered lawyers double check we arent breaking any Flat Stanley trademarks with our homage we will be using this blog.I will be picking 40 names at random (from todays comments/ the comments on this post), tapping into the Child’s college fund (we dont need no stinkin’ education!) & mailing Stanley & Stella out this weekend.On each laminated figure is an email address.  Please snap one picture, write an 100 word post about your FIT’venture**, send to the email  and mail your FIT BUDDY onward.Yes (obviously) it’s up to YOU what you do with Stella & Stanley and how you pass him/her onward.  All I ask is you dont let them languish in your home like review items on a busy bloggers desk (ohnoshediint.  ohyesshedid.).Yes. Someday I shall be compelled to bore you with the Stella story.  Sadly it’s my blog and that’s the forced audience (until you clickclick) way I roll.  It’s an important one to me.

That’s it!

Comment here if you didnt before and would like a Fit Friend visit.

Comment here if you’re completely perplexed and long for clarification.

Comment here if you commented before and just wanna reiterate your desire.

Comment here if you wanna volunteer to pretty up the wordpress site for this misfit who’s more words than aesthetics.

I shall meet up with you in the comments below.

**Want a longer post to go with your FIT’venture? More pics to illustrate the excursion?  Feel free to link to your blog & continue the FIT’musings there!

View the original article here

my #fitafterfitbloggin update

(was this pic really taken a month ago?!)

Again with the thumbs

Im Phoneblogger McGee.

Id planned me no post

on this Monday you see.

I got up in the dark

FICTIONthoughts in my head.

Stories to write.

Could NOT stay in bed.

Now Tornado’s awake.

It’s still crack of dawn.

Im plopped on the couch.

The TV is on.

It’s tempting indeed.

To think: Man I wiped.

I’ve accomplished some stuff!

Lottsa PAGES I typed!

So I turn to all YOU.

With a check-in of sorts.

Tell me what yer up to

be it solo or sports.

Im committing today.

To hang with the Yee!

(Rodney I mean

It’s YOGA for me.)

Please hit me up

In the comments below.

You still keeping fit?

HOW? LET US KNOW!!

View the original article here

Fit Stanley UPDATE! (pls. read if you want a visit)

(The little FitMan’s first foray into adventure with the Austin Holy Rollers)

Please to know I initially wrote this as a traditional blog post.

Nary a bullet in sight and filled with rambling stories (why I named Fit Stella what I did), musings of love (so so excited you are all on board with this) and stunned admissions of how expensive this has all gotten (color copies, laminating, mailing–who knew?).

I plopped the post away, yanked out, reread and nearly fell asleep when doing do.

Indeed.

It was that FIT’citing.

As a result I give you the short version.   Bulleted for her pleasure:

So many of us wanted a Fit Stanley I’ve created/laminated a bunch.  In addition, I had myriad requests for a female version, so Fit Stella was created by the Tornado born:

Right now we have 20 Stanleys and 20 Stellas  & own FitStanleyProject, FitStanley & FitStella dot com (I told you I was nuts).For now while Ren Man my team of high-powered lawyers double check we arent breaking any Flat Stanley trademarks with our homage we will be using this blog.I will be picking 40 names at random (from todays comments/ the comments on this post), tapping into the Child’s college fund (we dont need no stinkin’ education!) & mailing Stanley & Stella out this weekend.On each laminated figure is an email address.  Please snap one picture, write an 100 word post about your FIT’venture**, send to the email  and mail your FIT BUDDY onward.Yes (obviously) it’s up to YOU what you do with Stella & Stanley and how you pass him/her onward.  All I ask is you dont let them languish in your home like review items on a busy bloggers desk (ohnoshediint.  ohyesshedid.).Yes. Someday I shall be compelled to bore you with the Stella story.  Sadly it’s my blog and that’s the forced audience (until you clickclick) way I roll.  It’s an important one to me.

That’s it!

Comment here if you didnt before and would like a Fit Friend visit.

Comment here if you’re completely perplexed and long for clarification.

Comment here if you commented before and just wanna reiterate your desire.

Comment here if you wanna volunteer to pretty up the wordpress site for this misfit who’s more words than aesthetics.

I shall meet up with you in the comments below.

**Want a longer post to go with your FIT’venture? More pics to illustrate the excursion?  Feel free to link to your blog & continue the FIT’musings there!

View the original article here

Video Update, a Weigh In and a Small "Only" Rant

I hope to get back to regular videos after the conference. Especially the podcasts. They will start back up in June. I promise! In the meantime I recorded this real quick…

So weigh in, yeah… it went ok. I updated my progress page.

Down .6.

Wait.. let me say that again….

Weigh in was FANTASTIC! I’m down .6!!

Do I wish it was a little more? sure. Of course. But I’m OWNING that .6.

I’m all about owning all my accomplishments anymore. I try to never, ever use the word "only."

I ONLY lost .4.
I ONLY walked for 10 minutes today.
I ONLY have… whatever.

"Only" is my least favorite word in the dictionary. It allows people to sell themselves short–completely undermining what they actually have accomplished.

I say… OWN it don’t ONLY it.

Ok, that was a little cheesy. lol

Anyway, I got to go. TONS of FitBloggin stuff to attend to.

Oh! and the post I mentioned in the video was this one about how I’m a sap and cry when my kids smile. I also added the feed to my babble posts in the right side bar under my short about. I love that I have that outlet to blab about baby and parenting stuff. It’s totally fun.

View the original article here

QuickFast&InAHurry update.

Ive got my itinerary and looks like a meet-up may be out of the question?

Or not.

Hard to know yet.

(oh. this isnt too much of an update then huh? I just received emails from some of you who arent on twitter or facebook asking…oh WAIT. I do know that THIS GUY is one of the photographers.  That’s kind of an update isnt it? I feel as though I should have heard of him.  I have not.  You?)

Ill definitely be updating as I know (perhaps a wednesday morning meet-up? That looks like my only chance for possible free time) most likely, however, twitter or facebook.

Im so excited.

Thanks to all of YOU for voting and giving me this opportunity.

Now.

That said.

Whos coming over to lend Ren Man a hand with the Tornado?

Methinks she’s scheming:

View the original article here

Word-Less Wednesday: Baby Update!!

If you’ve been following my pregnancy updates you may know I had an OB appointment yesterday. Doc said everything is looking good BUT he was worried I was on the small side even though I’ve gained 40lbs. So he ordered an ultrasound…

I’m happy to say all is well! My Little Bean is measuring EXACTLY 33 weeks and 3 days and I’m…. yup you guessed it, 33 weeks and 3 days. He’s about 4lbs 11oz already and measuring tall. The technician said his femur was sizing at almost 35 weeks!

This has made me one very happy Mommy indeed.

Oh! and it’s DEFINITELY a boy. ;)

View the original article here

Blue Bunny Ice Cream Giveaway and VitaTop Recipe Contest Update!

ICE CREAM! I love ice cream and you know what I’m not picky.. I call everything "ice cream" from frozen yogurt to Italian Ice. Sometimes I like creamy and sometimes I like refreshing but if it’s cold and soft it’s "ice cream" to me.

That’s why I was excited when Blue Bunny asked me to host a giveaway for American Diabetes Month. I get to try some more of their low sugar ice cream products again (I’ve reviewed their products before) plus give some away to you!

Here are the products I tried this time around…

1/2 cup is 110 calories, 5g of fat, 3g of fiber, 6g of sugar, 2 WWP

Creamy and dense is how’d I describe this product. Little man and I have been enjoying it a few nights a week. I top it with some frozen wild blueberries, light chocolate syrup and of course… sprinkles (his contribution.) It’s totally satisfying and cures that ice cream craving with only 6g of sugar for those that have to watch.

1 bar is 35 calories, 0g of fat, 2.5g of fiber, 2.5g of sugar, 0 WWP

OMG these are my favorite of the bunch! They are that perfect night time, I want something, snack and for only 35 calories each completely "guilt free." One lasts forever and the texture is fudgy and smooth.

1 bar is 100 calories, 7g of fat, 1g of fiber, 2g of sugar, 2 WWP

These are a classic ice cream bar with chocolate crisp coating. I’d rather a bowl of ice cream or the "free" fudge bar but these are a great low sugar snack when you want something cool and refreshing.

Now… to the giveaway part! Leave a comment for your chance to win these three products! They’ll come delivered cold on ice so unfortunately the contest is only open to U.S. readers. Sorry my international friends. :(

On to The Top Your VitaTop Recipe Contest update…. It seems my schedule was slightly too aggressive as the winners of the giveaway will not received their products until this week. SO.. we will be updating contest dates. The schedule is…

Final Deadline for Recipe Entries: Wednesday Dec 1Recipe Contest Voting Opens: Monday Nov 6Voting Closes: Saturday Dec 11 at 11:59PMWinners Announced: Monday Dec 13

That means you still have time to submit your ideas to win a 6 month supply of VitaTops!! Click here for all the details but first.. leave a comment for your chance to win the ice cream! :)

View the original article here

Video Pregnancy Update Week 20 – NAMES!

Love them all, well not Finegan, but Finn yes. Finley maybe? I figured you guys would continue the “r” theme… Roni, Ryan, Riley, Rudy, Rudy, Rudy LOL

View the original article here