It’s all up to me

What a day!  If I ever think about cooking w/kids again somebody bring me to my senses.  One group couldn’t get their chocolate to melt and when I came over to help I found out that they turned on the wrong burner.  Their burner was cool and the one behind their pot was bright red.  Multiply that by 6 class periods, yikes!  But the important part was the kids had fun and in general did well AND I didn’t eat a single piece of chocolate.  To make it even better, the kids called my “skinny” today.  I drink a protein shake during 2nd period every day and one of the kids asked what it was.  I showed it to her and she asked why I was drinking it b/c I’m not fat (yay, she gets extra credit!!).  I said “well, I’m not skinny” and about 4 kids said “Yes you are.”  That was enough to get me through the rest of the day w/o chocolate.

The scale this morning also made me happy.  I wasn’t sure if I should check it b/c I was afraid that a higher number would weaken my resolve but then I remembered the SlumpBusters challenge and that giving in to the chocolate would require me to sing NKOTB on Utube.  I don’t know any NKOTB and I don’t want to take the time to learn any songs!!!  So gingerly I stepped on the scale and it said 231.  This is a big milestone b/c it’s 58 pounds gone which is 20% of my starting body weight.  Pretty soon I’ll be at the halfway point and then it’s all downhill from there.  Just kidding, I know it won’t be easy but I will have made it further than ever before.

Days on plan this month: 7
Progress toward workout goal: 220/250
SB update: water = good
OP food days this week: 3
No caffeine: so far, so good
Minutes working out: 270/275

BTW, I’m as worried as everyone else about sterling and I saw a link where you could contact the webmaster.  I hope I’m not overstepping my bounds but I just emailed them that we’re all concerned about her and that they may want to check w/her to make sure everything is ok.  When I first started blogging I never would have thought that I would grow to care so much for people who I have never met.

For part of the Slumpbusters Challenge I gave up caffeine for the week. Normally it wouldn’t really be that big of a deal b/c I have 1 CokeZero in the afternoon but half the time I don’t even really care if I have the caffeine or not, it’s more the sweet taste of the soda. This week it’s killing me. I haven’t been sleeping well lately due to all of the stress of the possible housebuilding and other life stress, plus I got up at 4:00 this morning to workout. I considered just adding an extra 30 minutes of exercise so I could have a pop this morning but I reminded myself that I made a pledge and that I would follow through. Hopefully it will have the added benefit of deep sleep tonight.

As I said, I got up at 4:00 to workout b/c I had a meeting after school. I did the weighted TJ workout and then played w/the WiiFit. Last night I set it up and it gave me my Wii Age of 48 (I’m 35). I was very disappointed. For some reason, though, it didn’t save and so this morning I had to go through it again and today it said 38, much better. I think what happened was I didn’t realize what you were supposed to do during the 1st balance test so I didn’t do very well.

After school my son wanted to play on it so we have been doing a few of the balance games. The soccer one is a hoot! He’s calling for me right now to play some more so I’m going to go. If there’s time I’ll hop on later to see what you all are up to.

Days on plan this month: 6
Progress toward workout goal: 219/250
SB update: water = good
OP food days this week: 2
No caffeine: so far, so good
Minutes working out: 210/275

PS–Tomorrow is going to be a true test of strength. We’re making poisson d’avril (French fish) in class which is basically fish-shaped chocolate candies. When I planned this activity I figured it would be something fun and easy to do the day before Easter break but I guess I didn’t realize I would be making chocolate candy for 6 class periods in a row. As they say on TBL, “Wrigley’s Extra helps to control cravings.” We’ll see, we’ll definitely see.

It’s amazing how much I could accomplish if I didn’t have a job. It’s too complicated to explain but we’re getting free, essentially brand-new carpet but we have to go pick it up on Friday which will involve renting a UHaul. We have also possibly found a lot to build on so we need to investigate it w/the realtor, talk to the bank about financing and finalize things w/our builder. He did email us today and give us a more-definite ballpark figure for building and it’s right about where we thought it would be so I’m cautiously saying that we’re going to build this year. Yikes! Now we have to get our house ready to sell, hopefully by July 1st. I would like it to be sooner but w/both of us in school until June 9th I know it won’t be any earlier than that. We’re also having companies coming to give estimates for new windows and oh yeah, I have Open House at school tonight. Where are those snowdays when you need them. Actually, if we hadn’t had so many snow days I would be off next Mon-Weds for spring break but those are now make-up days. Oh well, maybe running around like a chicken w/my head cut off will burn a few extra calories.

Even though we have open house tonight I worked out. I teach 8th grade and it’s for incoming 6th graders so not too many parents talk to me. Plus, I figure if I’m a bit stinky those that do talk to me won’t talk for long

Days on plan this month: 5
Progress toward workout goal: 218/250
SB update: water = good
OP food days this week: 1
No caffeine: so far, so good
Minutes working out: 150/275

It’s a long story as to how this conversation happened but basically my mom mentioned to me yesterday that she and my dad aren’t having sex as often as she would like. Eewww!!! We’re close but I don’t think there are any mothers and daughters who should be THAT close. I’m trying to respect her privacy but I had to call 1 of my sisters to share the horror of the conversation.

Exercise was great today, 90 minutes in total. I lifted upper body weights, did my 30 minutes on the treadclimber and then when I went to finish on the elliptical my friend showed up. Usually I don’t like to talk while I’m working out b/c it’s my quiet time but it was fun, the 45 minutes flew by!

I’m in the Slumpbusters challenge this week and although I don’t remember all of the details I know that I need to think of something to give up this week and it’s going to be caffeine. I don’t really rely on it all that much but I do have a pop every afternoon so I will be omitting that. It’s perfect timing b/c I drank the last one out of my 12 pack today so I’ll be out. Also, for the “trying something new” part of the challenge I’m going to make sure I use my new WiiFit and not let it sit in the box another week. I’ll let you know when I have had a chance to do this.

I think we have it narrowed down where we’re going to build but I’m nervous b/c we can’t really move on buying a lot until we get hard figures from our builder. We also need to get to the bank and get preapproved. Our credit is excellent and I think we’ll qualify on my income alone but w/my hubby still unemployed since he won’t graduate until May I wonder if we’ll have trouble getting a loan. Too much to do and not enough time to do it, the story of my life.

Days on plan this month: 4
Progress toward workout goal: 217/250

Slumpbusters–water will be ok as long as I drink my normal amount.
Food: on track so far but I won’t count it as a day until tomorrow
Workout minutes: 90/275
Caffeine: I had one today but it was before I knew about the challenge so I’m not going to hold it against myself.

For those of you who have been on this website for a while you might remember the drama that we had about a year ago when my SIL was going through her divorce. Her ex-hubby’s family is horrid and a member of his family contacted DHS about our kids, saying my SIL was abusing them. It was completely unfounded, of course, but we had to sit through interviews, have our kids interviewed and deal w/the worry. Yesterday I ran into the wife of the guy who called in the report at the grocery store. My initial reaction was to let it go, not cause a scene but I did that about 10 months ago when I saw them and I have regretted it ever since. So I quietly walked up to her and said “So, have you called in any false reports lately?” At first she didn’t know what I meant so I explained that I meant child abuse reports. To which she responded “That wasn’t me, that was my husband.” I can’t believe she was stupid enough to admit that he did it. Anyway, I told her that she must be really proud to have such an upstanding husband and then just stared at her for about 30-45 seconds. She wouldn’t even make eye contact w/me. Finally I just told her that I didn’t know how they could sleep at night knowing that they drug MY children into their family drama. My voice never raised but a few of the people shopping around us appeared to be quite curious. My heart was racing for a while afterward but I feel so good that I said something.
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I potentially have a new source of inspiration. The Make a Wish group stopped by yesterday because Kyle is old enough to make a wish. Since he can’t talk we brainstormed things that he likes and he needs calmness. They suggested a beach vacation where we would have a beach house instead of staying at a hotel. We told them that this summer is going to be too busy for a trip but that we could do it next summer. If they decide to make this Kyle’s wish (we had a few other ideas) then I have a little over a year to get my body looking awesome in a bathing suit!
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This morning my weigh-in was 232, making 230 or lower by next week a possibility. I’m excited for the challenge. Today is my highest calorie day and so far things are good. I have also gotten in an hour or a new pilates DVD that I got through blockbuster.com and hopefully we’re going to hook up the WiiFit later today. If we get this done I’ll let you know how I like it.

I hope to have time to read a few blogs today and find the new slumpbusters challenge. I wasn’t able to upload the winning picture this time but I know that I won which is all that matters. If anyone knows who’s hosting the challenge this week could you let me know?

Days on plan this month: 4
Progress toward workout goal: 216/250

Normally I sleep like a rock but lately I have been having trouble at night.  I think it’s just b/c there is so much going on right now that I can’t shut off my brain.  I am honestly dreaming about house building nearly every night.  Last night was a bit better but I woke up a little before 6:00 and couldn’t get back to sleep.  The house was quiet and I considered burrowing back under the covers but we have a busy day today so I decided to get up.  It’s now 7:30 and the house is still quiet!!  My older son is at grandma’s and Kyle is sleeping.  I did a much-needed, relaxing yoga workout and upper body weights for my hour.  I am obsessed w/accumulating stars!!

Has anyone seen the infomercial for Workout180?  Jerry Rice is the celebrity who is pitching it but it looks interesting to me.  I probably won’t get it, at least not now, but it has definitely piqued my interest.  I like it b/c it’s quite small yet seems to be able to do a lot.  If you’re curious I think the website is workout180.com

Speaking of workout equipment I’m embarrassed to say that my WiiFit is still in the box.  Justin got a Wii for his birthday last weekend and I haven’t taken the time to figure out how to use my toy.  For those of you who are regular users, is it easy to set up?  Does it really give a good workout? 

I’m proud to say that I earned my SlumpBusters badge.  I knew the exercise and water would be no problem but the food is always my weakness.  I didn’t want to have to rely on the option to add extra workout time if I slipped in my eating, that is what has gotten me into trouble.  I can’t wait to learn what the next challenge is going to be!!!!

Days on plan this month:  3

Progress toward workout goal:  215/250

It’s days like this that I wonder why I teach.  It wasn’t awful but it wasn’t a day that makes me love my job.  Oh well, it’s Friday night and we have a short week next week.

Weighed in this morning and saw 232.5.  Two weeks ago I was at 234 but w/conferences and the birthday party last weekend I didn’t even bother checking.  It wouldn’t have surprised me if I got back up to 238 but all I know is it’s headed back in the right direction.  I would love it if I saw the 220’s before Easter.  A girl can dream.

Got up at 4:00 to fit in my workout b/c after school my hubby and I talked w/a student group about Kyle.  They do fundraising for the Children’s Miracle Network and like to talk w/families who have benefitted from their actions.  It was nice to end the day w/kids who are volunteering their time instead of ones that drove me crazy all day!

After that my hubby and I drove all over town looking at lots.  I think we have a few picked out that we like but it’s all going to come down to $.  We should know more in a couple of weeks when we meet again w/our builder and he has had a chance to come up w/some figures.  Plus, there’s a job my hubby is going to apply for and the deadline is April 10th.  In a couple of weeks he could have a job (YAY!!!) which could increase our budget.  We have been a single-income household for 3 1/2 years, I can’t even remember what it was like to have 2 incomes.  Part of me wishes we could stay in our current house just to pad our savings acct. but I know that we need to have a wheelchair accessible house, Kyle is just getting too big to carry everywhere.

SlumpBusters Update:  Water–good

On Plan food days  4/5 (as of Thursday)

Exercise 360/250

Days on plan this month:  2

Progress toward workout goal:  214/250

Today has been an awesome day, I wish they were all like this.  It started out w/my principal explaining how our department is going to change next year.  He told me a few weeks ago that I would be happy w/the change but that it wasn’t official so he couldn’t say anything.  He’s right, I do like the change.  Things still aren’t 100% official so I can’t say more than that but it will be good.  Plus, I still have my job when others are losing theirs so that right there is something to be thankful for.

Food has been good, hit the gym after school.  I actually did 15 minutes of pilates before school (couldn’t sleep, figured I might as well use my time wisely) for a total of 90 minutes.  If you ramp up the intensity on the elliptical does it help your leg muscles???

After the workout my hubby and I met w/our builder.  I’m finally excited about building a house instead of being nervous.  Tonight was our 1st meeting so we don’t have an official price quote but all of the numbers he was throwing around are ones that we can afford.  If everything goes according to plan we’ll be in our new house by early fall.  I still don’t think I realize that this is going to happen.

We also found out that we’re going to get free carpet!  Long story short, my parents bought new carpet last summer and the installation was poor, you could easily see the seams.  The company agreed to redo the carpet and my mom asked what they were going to do with the stuff that had been in their house.  He said that they generally donate it to a charity so she explained about our situation and how we have to build a new house to accommodate Kyle’s wheelchair so we’re fixing up our house to sell.  It took about 4 months but we heard today that we can have the carpet!  All we have to pay for is the pad and installation.  Hooray!!!

Gee, I think I should go buy a lottery ticket and see if my luck holds

Slumpbusters:  Water–good

On plan days:  3/5

Exercise:  300/250 (done!!!)

Days on plan this month:  1

Progress toward workout goal:  213/250

I was watching Oprah again today and it was about weight loss.  Valerie Bertinelli, Marie Osmond and Star Jones were on talking about their public weight loss and Marie Osmond said something that struck me like a lightning bolt.  She was talking about when she was on her variety show and standing next to the guest stars who were models, actresses, etc. and that she was comparing her awkward, 14 year-old body to theirs.  She said that as women, we compare the worst parts of our bodies to the best parts of everyone else’s.  How true!!!  I am probably always going to have a bit of a poochy belly b/c the skin has been stretched out for years.  But I am also going to have shapely, round shoulders, muscular legs and long eyelashes that others would kill for.  I am going to strive to remember this comment when I begin to berate myself compared to others.

I’m curious to see how my arms feel tomorrow b/c I did a lot of lifting for upper body this morning.  I got up at 4:00 and did about 30 minutes of pilates and 30 minutes of upper body weights.  That’s a lot of tricep work!

Still doing well w/the slumpbusters challenge.  I have been on plan for 2 days on am on track for 3.  Water is good and so far I’m at 210/250 minutes for exercise.  I can’t wait to add the prize to my blog.

Days on plan this month:  0

Progress toward workout goal:  212/250