My training workshop

Ok- so on Friday I was a bit on the edge. I had only been studying my textbook for the personal fitness trainer workshop for about three weeks and only off and on. (It's a min of 45 day-90 day program). After freaking out a few times and nearly cancelling my seat in the workshop- I went. I am glad I went. After the first 20 min I felt better. The instructor is funny and really good at what he does. I now understand so much more! THANK YOU GOD! I had been praying like crazy that God would help me retain what I needed and understand the info and all that and he went above my expectations and gave me a great instructor who knows how to make sense out of all the joints, muscles, actions etc! Tomorrow is testing day. I'm nervous but not like before- I actually think I have a shot at passing. On that note.....I better start studying-got a LOT to know by then. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

I'm crazy!

It's official folks- I'm crazy. I ordered my personal training text and DVD and paid for my test which is scheduled for Dec 5,6,7. I say I am crazy because I have only allowed myself 2.5 weeks to read 14 chapters! I wanted to be ready for the new years resolutioners but man- it's gonna take a miracle for me to pass this test so soon- I can't even get thru chapter 2 and I've been trying for two days to have time to sit and read with no interruptions. I started my job with the YMCA last Monday and my duties are to be available to people to show them how to use the workout equipment if they need help (Two nights a week, three hrs). Anyway- my job is somewhat boring right now- so much so I can bring my text book with me and study a bit while I stand around as a wall flower smiling at people who are trying like crazy to be fit and healthy. I saw a young girl the other day using one of the weight machines and she was using it ALL wrong but I was too chicken to go tell her- didn't want her to be embarrassed- I decided I better tell her next time I see her-I'm sure she has never had anyone show her and my thought is- if you are going to bother to come in you probably want it to do some good- so, it's my job to keep her from hurting herself, benefit her workout and maybe pick up a future customer. I really am excited about this opportunity. I know it makes me want to start my running again- to get in even better shape- Running is a great calorie burner and it's awesome for the legs- so, I have a new attitude about it- I AM GOING TO LIKE IT! Wish me luck. I decided this after taking a boot camp aerobic class the other day- these ladies were all in better shape than me- better legs, better arms, better lung strength...I was totally frustrated by the time I finished. I was comparing myself to them and thinking- how can I be a trainer if I don't even look as fit as they do and I can barely run around the building two times? After some supportive advice and self chatting- I am all better- I am ME and if I can't turn off EVIL HEAD CHIC when I need to, I won't be an effective trainer to others- so- I am done with EHC- she can go live in the dark- I am who I am- I will do what I can to be healthier and happier at my own pace. So- now I am training my lungs again to withstand a mile, then two, then three and maybe I'll do another 5K or 10K or half marathon! Who knows. Jayme wants me to go with her to San Francisco next October with LLS again- we'll see. Sounds like fun. LOVE TO ALL!

holy big buttoley

I was all set to go to Kansas to visit my folks with all intention to stick to my good eating habits I had developed over the past couple weeks- I even stepped on the scale before I left and saw a magical number there.....122.4!!!! YES~! Finally some change. So- I packed a few road snacks like nuts and my special K snack bars and did pretty good. I even picked salad for lunch when I met up with Bobbi. We ate tacos and chips that night but I managed to avoid pigging out. I felt pretty good. Then- I went to mom and Ray's and the first thing we did was go to dinner. I ate two...2 stupid rolls because they were awesome. Also- I scarfed on the pig rib and corn. I did have a salad first so- that was ok but the big topper was some serious chocolate cake! I am proud of myself for not eating it all- I left about 1/3 of it uneaten. I REALLY wanted to eat it all too. But why couldn't I say no all together? So- that set the stage for my continual munch mania that began as soon as we reached the house- trail mix, cookies, candy, etc etc. It was insane. I couldn't stop myself. I hate that- where was my self control??? Last night I was back home and I made breakfast for dinner- I did okay but could have had less potatoes. Today, I was able to stave the munchies with a cup of Mocha International Coffee. Whew! Well- wish me luck for another day back on track.

The new hair

I cut my hair. I just decided to do it one day. Well, not really. I hem hawed around about it for about two weeks, asking all my friends and my husband if I should and finally, when my roots were so dark I looked like a skunk, I did it. I have had nothing but rave reviews since. What a relief! I do like my new hair and my husband even thinks it looks cute- he calls me "sassy" now. I'm not sure my mom will go for it because, as she said once when I cut it to my shoulders, "It's just not you." Oh well- it's a done deal now huh? Sorry ma! Today I have been completely non-productive. I was planning to hit the gym but had to wait for a repair guy so while waiting I decided to transplant some Canna's to my front yard to hide the electric box (that is so big it could be my daughters playhouse). I dug a bit and found the phone line but thankfully I dig carefully. I just tucked that puppy back into the dirt and moved my mark. Now there are three plants in the ground and one....on the ground. I just noticed it fell over cuz I didn't dig deep enough. Gotta fix that- it's really gonna bug me. Then I came in with all intentions of working out here and poof! The computer genie called me to come...sit with her and talk a while......zzzzzzzzz, So- this was at 9:30 when I started with my genie friend. I logged off long enough to have a bite with my visitor (Don the hotty) whilst still modeling my fashionable grey sweats and t-shirt. Needless to say- he was WAY impressed!

Sarcasm intended here. Anyway- I have managed to finally shower, and such and then completed some housework too. The genie called me back as I was dusting the monitor. I'm easily distracted-especially from housework. Well- better get back to work. Kids are coming home for the day

Hello again...

Ok- so I am not a consistant blogger- in fact I have become quite a flakey blogger based on the gaps in my entries. Oh well- I just blog when I remember. The kids are now into their third week of school. This is my first experience of being home all day without kids. Weird. So far-I go to the gym after around 8:15am for about an hour- then go home, clean up and stare at my list for the day of "things to do". I am trying to get my house work set up to two days a week so I can just knock it out and be done thinking about it. Sometimes my husband suprises me by coming home for lunch or calling me to meet him somewhere. Then that stupid list I have always includes things I DONT WANT TO DO-such as finish staining the stair rail and put on polyurythane(sp?). That stuff all smells terrible and it's messy -I really HATE cleaning the brushes so- here I am another day putting it off. I know I need to just DO IT and I will feel better. Maybe later.....
I got hired at the YMCA starting in October. Now I can get my certification there and it's paid for- in fact I get paid while I take the classes! I won't be certified until November except on CPR- so, if you are choking- just come to me, I will do the Heimlich on ya! After that- I hope to start the holiday season with some serious clients. I am still working on my own lack of control when it comes to portion sizes and the ol' walking away theory when desserts are around. I do great at working out- it's just the eating that's tough but- I think it's because I only need to lose about 10 lbs and since it's not a huge amount I play stupid head games with myself and give myself permission to "eat that extra cookie"etc. If I can get that issue whipped- I will be well on my way to looking the way I would expect a personal trainer to look. Fit and Feelin' Fabulous!

long time no blogging

It's been about a month since I blogged. I guess my life didn't have much to blog about. No- actually it's because I was hosting company and getting kids ready for school and sports. Blake is playing football this year with his school. So far he loves it! He is the kicker for varsity and he managed to get asked to play running back on JV as well. He's feeling pretty good since he's finally bigger than a lot of class mates. Brandon started high school with a great attitude and seems to be doing well. Things are still in the introductory stages but- good none the less. He started running with his Cross Country group a month ago and tomorrow he'll find out what his time is in order to compete in a meet. Alex is officially an orange belt in TaeKwonDo and thinks she is pretty tough-well, with two brothers to beat on, she's doing pretty good. I had my first two full days with kids in school and WOW! Yesterday I felt like dancing and singing,"I'm FREE!" but thought it might appear as tho I didn't like being home with Alex so, I just whispered it.
I have cleaned some, run errands, worked out and thru it all I have been fighting a sore throat so- I haven't been much fun. Next week will be when all those things I signed up to volunteer for-will come a calling! I plan to spend some time at each school a few days a week. I feel like I am playing catch up for the years I worked FT with the boys in school. It's all good. I have begun a personal challenge. I signed up on Sparkpeople.com which is a free weight loss and fitness site. It calculates calories, gives you meal plans, fitness plans, a TON of home workout choices, a bunch of support blogs and chats and a lot of other great health info. So- on there they have groups you can join online to challenge and make each other accountable- I am doing the one where you work out more and count calories- I am working out more but the calorie thing isn't so hot- so, then I make myself push a little harder hoping to burn off those extra snacks I had the day before. I just want to achieve my goal weight and look by my birthday- we'll see- even if I am only half there I will be happy. I have been stuck for more than 2 years. Wish me luck.

Full

I have been pondering - watching my kids and trying to imagine what they will be when they grow up. I'm betting on Brandon following thru with Vet school or at least something with animals but Blake has me stumped- he just about has his hands in everything. I definately see him as a person who works for himself because he hates people to "tell him what to do". He'd much rather do it his way. And he'll probably be putting something together whether it's a house, an electronic item, a motorcycle...something. Alex might be a little of the same with regards to independence. However, she'll figure out how to get what she wants, being a female and a cute one at that so- she'd probably be happy as an employee but only if she's making enough to support her expensive habits like her daddys...the "gotta have it cuz I want it habit." Brought me back to myself- what in the world did I want to be when I grew up??? I can't even remember. Maybe my mom knows what my ambitions were back then. Either way- I wouldn't change a thing. I couldn't be happier in my life. I have the best kids ever! A husband who loves me and makes me laugh all the time and lots of really great friends and family. I'd say my life is full. That's a good thing!

Family

Well- we have had a busy couple of weeks. Went to the Pond family reunion held at Greystone- the funny farm ;-)' It was pretty cool to see everyone and while we were there- we put together a family tree and passed it on to Sean to upload and eventually get a copy for each of us to hold on to. My mind gets ahead of me sometimes- always have lots of ideas but not ones that get done so bear with me- I was thinking- all those great stories you hear about your parents or grandparents that are so funny or interesting would be really neat to have in a family book. I remember shocking my boys when I told them my mom played the snare drum- I heard a bit more to that story this weekend from my Grandparents- a good laugh. I remember finding out one time that my mom could draw??? You get the idea-so- I thought it would be fun to send out a questionnaire or something to allow anyone who wanted to, to jot down some info about themselves or maybe a sibling or parent or whatever- that would be good to put in our family treasure book. ( Ooh this might be a good place to permanently place a family tree too) I might even be so kind as to compile the info into the book (and enlist others who are good with artwork or computers in general to help)- then we could let everyone buy a copy(since I am not a rich woman) and it would forever be something we could pass down from generation to generation. Mam Ma is always telling me to "write it down before you forget it" and this sounded like a great way to do it. Let me know your thoughts.
On another note- I am still toying with the idea of becoming a personal trainer-wish me luck- send comments

What's your passion?

As I watched my daughter dance around my bedroom mimmicking the ice skater on the movie we were watching, I suddenly wondered, "What will be your passion Alex? What will you do in your life that you LOVE and that you will work to the best of your ability to accomplish?"
What an exciting thought. I imagine it with all three of the kids. I honestly can not wait to watch them give every bit of themselves into something they feel passionate about. It will be a cool and exciting journey. What is my passion I wonder? I think it's a lot of things. I am passionate about being a good mom. It's the most rewarding thing I do. Well- that and being a wife- that's full of good stuff too! My passion outside of family has got to be fitness. I really want to help others change their bodies and become comfortable in their own skin- maybe it's a passion because I haven't been able to be satisfied with my own skin. It's coming tho- I can tell the older I get the easier it is to look in the mirror and be happy with my reflection. I mean- who would have EVER expected me to go out in public without makeup= even to the gym? I learned that new way of life when I was training for the marathon- it was so stupid since all the makeup I bothered to put on was melted off by the time I finished running( yes, I did in fact apply makeup the first few times)- not to mention that my face was usually beat red anyway- so, I no longer care if I am ugly while I am working out- it's more about how I feel later anyway. I am considering becoming a personal trainer so I can help folks out and maybe make some money too. If I am really good- it will be a rewarding job and very flexible! And I look forward to the challenge of using my brains to learn new things along the way. My brains have been resting a bit too long....what's your name again? By the way....what's your passion?(leave a comment if you want-just click on the comments below this blog entry)

Holy moly will I get it done?

Well-here I am only a week away from leaving town to visit family in Kansas and I have barely even begun to get Blake's bedroom painted. I was blocked for awhile and now the block is gone and I am pumped up about it. Ideas are pouring into my head and hopefully it turns out in real life as cool as I see it in my head. So far I am painting 3 of the walls a grey color and the 4th wall will have a variety of squares that are connecting and painted three different colors in the blue /grey family. It looks pretty stinking cool right now- I am quite pleased with my work so far. Took me forever to tape the squares but now it is moving along. Finished Brandons room over a week and a half ago- his is more tranquil- more his laid back personality there. Got the room feeling bigger and more mature. Just waiting on a wolf border to hang. I think he will like it. I HOPe. Blake is trickier because he is all over the place with his interests. All in one day he wanted to learn the guitar, the harmonica and the drums. The next day he wants to be a skater then the next a football player etc etc. Anyway- we are going with a rock-n-roll theme with some rustic stuff- such as one of those lights you use to work under the hood of a car- it's the kind that hangs from the hood- anyway- that will hang over the head of his bed for reading-instead of a lamp. I have three hubcaps to hang somewhere and a chrome shelving unit for his books and stuff. I am also going to make shelves out of old skate boards from his tall Uncle Matt's retired collection. In one corner he will have his sax and guitar set up on stands and his keyboard too- He's gonna be a one man band. Anyone want to trade houses with me? Might be a bit noisy here in my future! On another subject-Alex is having a dance performance tomorrow and is very excited. She still has all of July to prepare to graduate to an orange belt in Tai Kwon Do so we are both learning since I am working with her at home. Watch your back my friends- Alex and I could do some damage! ha ha Time to hit the sack- today was a GREAT day!

Alex lost a tooth

Today was so exciting! Alex has been showing me several times a day how cool it is that her tooth could lay out completely flat. She would giggle wildly when she would gross me out and go on to show me again. At dinner, as she, Lauren and I were preparing to eat our oh so bad for us, Taco Mayo quesadilla's, Alex pulled out her bag with the toy inside to rip it open. You know how important it is to get the toy out immediately. The food just doesn't taste as good looking at the toy thru the bag. Anyway, she decides to use her teeth to hold the bag as she pulled hoping to create a hole to pull the toy thru. Instead, as she put it, "the tooth just popped out right onto the table!" Let me tell you how yummy my quesadilla was looking about then. :-(
The very best part of it was the look on her face. It was a combination of shock, fear and excitement rolled into one. I couldn't tell if she was going to cry or laugh! Took me back to the time I tied a string to my tooth and then to the door knob and chased the door as it closed. Yeah- that method never worked for me. Alex was so excited she called her daddy and then her brothers. She couldn't wait to get home and put the tooth in the bag that came with her special tooth fairy book from her Gramma and Papa. I am off to read that book to her now!

challenged

At church on Sunday our pastor asked us to challenge ourselves to give more to God in terms of prayer and time and fasting. He asked us to fast from "something" and come face to face with our true feelings and realities. I have been trying to come up with something to give up during this series. I did promise myself and God that I would read from the bible daily(Still haven't read the whole book-far from it) and pray for family and friends and my own improvement as a mother and wife. So far I think one of my biggest things to get better at is parenting. I stink at being consistant. I constantly say one thing and forget what I said and fall face first. Then I wonder why my kids behave the way they do. For example, Alex thinks every time we go to the store...ANY store, that I should buy her something and if I agree, she then keeps asking for more during the same shopping trip! It's exhausting and it sure is waking me up. I know we have created this monster behavior. We ourselves are impulse buyers and come home with things we want but don't need.When I had very little money it was easy to say no. Now- because I can buy things, I do. I am praying God will help me to go back to the sensible behavior of saying "no" simply because it isn't a need. Of course, from time to time you say "yes" and that's what makes those moments more special. I remember as a kid asking for stuff and my mom would say, I don't have any extra money. We would say, "yes you do!" and point to the coins in her purse. We had no idea what things cost. We just wanted "something". Then we would have a trip to the store one day and mom would get us some candy and we'd think we were the luckiest kids on earth. We appreciated it so much more. So- my job as a mom is to teach my kids to have what you need and only occassionally get something you want as a treat so that you truly appreciate it. I have decided to give up 'yelling" at the kids as my main thing. I am so bad about letting them get me riled up and yelling to be heard. I know I can effectively scare my children to death by reacting calmly and just executing the punishment. Sounds fun....ha ha. Pray for me!

Happy Birthday Blake

Today is my 2nd born son's 13th birthday. Happy Birthday to u! It's another reminder of how fast time goes by. Blake is and always has been adventurous and funny. He's been exploring his surroundings since he was able to walk and to this day he still wanders off in search of cool stuff to do. I remember the day when Brandon and his friend Shawn said they wish Blake were there because he comes up with all the best games to play. It's fun to watch his brain work. He and I like to "make things" together and I truly love when he builds something. One day he used parts of one of his building kits and with string and key rings, he made a pully to turn on or off his lights from his bed so he wouldn't have to get up. It was really cool and I was impressed. I wasn't even upset that he had screwed stuff into the wall without asking. It lasted a while until the strings broke so I might just get some heavier string and reconnect it for him. Thanks Blake for putting all the "needs assembly" stuff together for us. You know how much Pappy LOVES screwing stuff together...NOT! I love being a mom and being Blakes mom is a blast! Love you Blake! Have a great birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRANDON

Today is Brandon's 15th Birthday. Happy birthday Mr. B. I can't believe it's this far in my life for my oldest son to be so old! What happened? Time REALLY took off once he came into my life- it was all about his first's. The first roll over, the first steps, the first words, the first time he drew on the wall and proudly displayed his work to me with a huge grin as he exclaimed, " Wook MOMMY- I made it!" Should have seen my face as I put on my best smile and said, "Wow, that is beautiful baby! But next time please do it on paper so I can keep it for a long time in a special place. We don't want to color on the walls, just on paper ok?" That, thank goodness was the last time the walls were decorated by crayons. I guess our next "first" to aim for is getting a driver's license or maybe it's getting an offical J.O.B.- like at the Braums down the street where you can work as early as age 14 and start saving for the insurance and gas money you'll need when you get that first drivers license......hint hint. By the way Brandon, you have an interview scheduled when you get back home....just kidding. CALL HANNAH.....
I hope today is a magical day with visions of ponies (or wolves in B's case) dancing thru your head.......HAppy days come to those who let them. Don't block the good stuff by letting all the yucky stuff dirty up your thoughts. Love to all!

Brandon- poor wittle boy misses his mommy

Well- I hear through the grapevine that my son is feeling "diss'd" because I don't blog about him or his brother. I only have three entries so far- geez! He's so impatient! I don't ever get calls from him while he visits his grandparents or dad- he just ignores me....snif.
Yet- he wants to see his name on my entry. Funny huh? Well- I am sitting here wondering if he ever got Hannah's number so he could visit her- I'm betting he has continued to be a chicken and NOT try to get her number by other means-(such as his friends who go to school with her who might have a school directory). Time is too short bud- you gotta take your chances while you have them-you are a great looking kid(I know cuz you have my genes...ha ha) and Hannah would be lucky to have you as her .... whatever. Friend, Boyfriend, admirer.. you are truly Hannah worthy- now that you have made it past the dorky, lanky pre-puberty stage. Now you look way older and I just think you need to go see her. If you don't do it on your own...I will sick Aunt Kimmie on you and you KNOW she will find Hannah for you and embarrass you to death along the way! Right Aunt Kimmie?
Man- I LOVE being a mom! Love you Brand-o!

OW!

After my killer work out with my trainer Gina on Monday, I began feeling it before I went to bed that night but mostly the next day when just trying to sit on the toilet was a challenge without letting out a small yelp! Yes- she officially kicked my butt... and thighs and whatever other muscles run from my neck to my toes! Holy cow! I have been working out pretty consistently for years but rarely do I hurt like this. I LOVE IT! Crazy huh? A good hurt just means I am burning fat and building muscle. Today we worked my arms, back and shoulders- probably won't be able to hug my kid for a few days but....it's all good! I have challenged myself to eat 1200 calories a day til next Friday when we will check my body fat and weight again. Wish me luck. On another note- I have been doing a lot of digging up and replanting of shrubs in my back yard. Thanks to my friend Jo, I gained 6 new bushes to hide the ugly gas meter and phone box that is clearly visible from my breakfast room. So- that done, I received a ton of dianthus in the mail that needed a home , they now live right outside my breakfast room windows and I can't wait til they bloom. I LOVE COLOR!!! One of these days the front beds will be in full bloom and I will post some pix for all to enjoy. Especially my mom who has come down this road of landscaping right along with me. It's fun to have one more thing in common to rattle on about during our visits. Love ya mom!

kicked my bootie

Today was the first day I met with my personal trainer. She is a very fit 40 something woman with 5 kids! Great lady. I was thrilled to hear she thought I looked great. That's like having Cher or Fergie tell you, you have a great voice! Anyway- after I came back to earth- we discussed what I wanted to change- so, today she started me off on my legs. We did squats til I thought I was going to stick that way and walk out looking like I had just climbed off a really BIG horse. Then she had me do calf raises til the backs of my legs were on FIRE!!! And then we finished with Abs. I always like doing ab crunches but today- I wasn't too fond of them after doing 45+ and I'm not so sure I liked her much either by then. Once she finally told me we were done- I decided we could still be friends-especially since for some insane reason I was paying her to hurt me. That sounds sort of sadistic doesn't it? What a great way to start my 7th Anniversary right? At least tonight I will feel like a hot mama in my new summer dress while I am being treated to steak and maybe a movie. Funny how my hubby will open doors on special occasions for me as if we are still dating. Just wish he'd pretend we were still dating when it comes to "the Gas".........ha ha

Life lesson

Today my youngest wild animal had to learn a hard lesson. We were planning to go see "Kung Fu Panda" in honor of her recent enrollment to Tae Kwon Do and we had only 30 min. to get home, shower, dress and get out the door to make the show. Seeing Miss Alex playing in the tub, a brief reminder of our schedule was mentioned with the additional statement from Dad that, "If she doesn't get ready and we can't be there before it starts, we just won't go today." For some reason (probably our own fault of past examples) she thought we were bluffing. So when she finally found shoes and for whatever reason, a cute backpack, she came strolling down the stairs as if we had all day. ( I remember hearing that exact example coming from my mother once...or 400 thousand times) "Oops! It's too late to leave now Miss Alex, you took too long getting ready." her dad said.

You should have seen the look. Kind of like- "yeah right, ha ha jokes over folks,lets go." I was proud of her daddy for sticking to his guns even though I was hugely disappointed at missing the show. I was really looking forward to seeing that panda kick some booty!