Weighing In

I am Hopeful

2009-08-11T23:29:00.002-04:00

The feeling of being hopeful has always been extremely important to me. (I think the word "hopeful" itself is so beautiful.) There have been many times in my life where hope alone has kept me going. Some people need happiness, love, and I don't know what else. But what I need is hopefulness. I need to feel like things can get better. Possibly, in the future, there are good things that could happen that I may be involved in. I need to be hopeful. (And I mean this in the most Un-Obama kind of way possible.) I need real hope... like the kind you find at Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I am doing better tonight. I am feeling hopeful. I have been so discouraged by my injury and my setbacks lately. It is so easy when one is down to just focus on sad things and sit in negativity. (My kids are naughty. I miss my Mother. My husband travels. My foot hurts. Please Sarah... Pull it together!) But tonight I am feeling better. I am hopeful. For the first time since my surgery I am noticing a change in my pain level in just one day. Jack made me sit in one place for 5 hours w/ the TENS unit on. When I got up I could notice a difference in the pain level, from when I had sat down. Its not huge news... but enough to put a smile on my face.... enough to make me hopeful. As I hobbled to my bed tonight I thought "This doesn't hurt too terribly bad." When I looked in the mirror I actually was smiling about it. Ahhh. Hopefulness. Think about it... what makes you hopeful?

The Wound

2009-08-06T14:24:00.002-04:00

I took the bandage off my foot today. Look w/ caution. It is gross. I have a close up shot too. But I decided not to put that up. My foot and leg are pretty swollen, as you can see. It is also black and blue around the top. Ugh. I cannot wait for this to all be over.

Upgrade

2009-08-04T20:47:00.003-04:00

Well, it is time for a bigger family vehicle. Check out my new ride!!! Yes- that is a bright, red minivan parked in my driveway!!! Yay!!! I have wanted one forever. Things were getting bad around here w/ my old clunker. I was driving a 13 year old car. She was faithful but I was starting to have some disturbing problems. For instance- it was shuddering really bad when you put it into reverse while running the air conditioner. Also, sometimes it didn't like to start. And it had been making some noises. People had been telling me I needed a new car for a long time. I've been ignoring them. I don't like to spend my money. Then my Dad hinted that I needed a new car. Hmmm? Dad also doesn't like me to spend my money. Then he started calling me about cars that he was finding. So I started paying attention. If my Dad thinks I need a new car... then I really do need a new car. Yesterday, my Mother, the children, and I did a little van shopping. Actually, I shopped online beforehand and knew exactly what I wanted when I went in! I bought it myself and am very proud of that. I actually got a pretty good deal.... well, as good of a deal as you can get when you have to give someone else money for something. I am happy to have done this all w/ barely being able to walk. Thanks Mom for taking care of the kiddos! I LOVE my new van!

Day 3 Post Op

2009-08-03T21:50:00.003-04:00

I had my post-op check up today. My doctor removed my bandage and put on another one that is smaller and less cumbersome. We took some x-rays and he checked my stitches. He said that I am progressing as I should be. My foot is bruised badly and really swollen but he says that is normal for 3 days after the surgery. I can take the bandage off in 3 days and put on a large band-aid. And I can drive then if I am not in need of pain meds. Then, in 10 days, I have to go back and get my stitches out. My foot does hurt more than I expected but I am adjusting to it and everyday it does hurt a little less. Overall I am feeling pretty good. Here is another shot of me keeping my foot up... this is all I am doing lately!

This is the day...

2009-07-31T19:53:00.002-04:00

Well, it is done. The tibial sesamoid in my right foot has been removed. Thank goodness. This is what I am dealing w/...

(The black box is a TENS unit that I need to be hooked up to for the whole weekend.) My doctor says the surgery was definitely necessary. Doc said the bone was in the complete WRONG location in my foot. He said all the tissues, tendons, and ligaments in the area were extremely inflamed b/c of it being misplaced. He said there was also a lot of swelling and broken blood vessels in my joints. Geesh. What a mess. He said there was absolutely no way this would have EVER healed w/o the surgery. I am so thankful to have it over w/. When I woke up in the recovery room I had a funny conversation w/ the nurse. I was really drowsy and don't remember it all but she told me about it afterwards. It went like this.

Me- "I am going for a run."

Nurse- "Not today, you're not."

Me- "Dr. Brown told me I would be able to run in 3 weeks."

Nurse- "Well, okay. You can run in 3 weeks then hon."

Me- "I know I can. I am running on August 21st."

Nurse- "Not that you are counting days or anything."

I am actually in a lot of pain right now and am blogging to try to take my mind off it! My local anesthetic is wearing off now. I am on oral meds but they are not cutting it right now. Thanks to everyone who said prayers and sent texts and called. It has meant a lot to hear from you today. This has been a long road. I am so grateful to everyone who has been supportive of me these last few months. They have been rough to say the least. I am sorry that I've talked about this so much. It is onward and upward from here!

I love ya, tomorrow!

2009-07-30T19:24:00.003-04:00

I am so excited for tomorrow. After my wedding and the births of my children, tomorrow is basically the next best day of my life. Tomorrow my tibial sesamoid bone will be removed from my right foot. Ahhh. I feel better just thinking about it. I am so happy I am almost giddy w/ anticipation. Thank you to all the people who made this possible. Mom for coming down to help me, Anna for watching my children tomorrow, Jack for financing all the medical bills. It takes a lot of great people for an event like this to be pulled off. Say a prayer for me that all goes well. I am sure it will... my surgeon is a genius. I will have to practice a lot of self-control so I do not kiss him. I can't wait for all of this to be over. And that will be tomorrow... after all... tomorrow is another day. Peace.

B is for Bees

2009-07-28T21:00:00.001-04:00

This is my first ABC Wednesday post. When I took this picture I thought- "Wow, I could join that ABC meme!" My nephew has a knack for finding bugs. He found this under my deck! Just in time to be my letter "B" post. (If you enlarge this it is pretty scary!)

To join in the ABC Wednesday fun click the badge to the right.

Welcome to the World Helaire!

2009-07-27T21:09:00.000-04:00

"The happiest days are the ones when babies come." Melanie Wilkes in Gone With the Wind

I have a new nephew! My sister, Ria and her husband Edwin have a son! And is he BEAUTIFUL! (But of course... you should see his mother!) I can't stop looking at his pictures. Ria and baby are both doing great- btw. Helaire Dennis, welcome! You are loved! Please go to Ria's blog to congratulate them and get the stats.

Soon Enough....

2009-07-23T22:22:00.002-04:00

I will be doing this again. Soon enough.

I know I have been totally absent on my blog lately. And to tell the complete truth... I have been really down. My foot has got increasingly worse... like by the day. I am unable to walk w/o pain now. And I don't know if any of you have ever had constant pain but.... it really wears on your spirit. It just drags me down. So I haven't wanted to blog or even talk about this lately. HOWEVER- that is all about to change! A week from tomorrow I am having surgery! My doctor is removing the bone from my foot that is causing the problem and I really can't wait. Some people don't like surgeries and try to avoid them. Here is my rationale... If you have tried other reasonable means to fix a problem, you've done research on the outcomes of a procedure, you trust your doctor, and do you really need this problem fixed- then I am down w/ a surgery. And I am sooooo at the point right now. So it is under the knife I go! I am going to work hard to keep up w/ my blog these days... I think it will be good for my preparation for surgery and my recovery afterwards. Peace.

Exercise Partners

2009-07-04T12:10:00.002-04:00

Baby Jack wanted to do Pilates w/ me yesterday. This was so funny.... Check out the pics.

My BFF Denise

2009-07-01T21:51:00.003-04:00

Something else that is familiar to me is my favorite pilates workout. I love this Denise Austin pilates DVD. I have seriously been doing this workout for years. (I know I had it before I got married and that was in 2002. So it has been at least 7 years.) I had it on VHS until we moved to this house. Previously, I insisted on keeping our old VCR plugged in and running for the sole purpose of doing these workouts. When we moved to this house we tossed the VCR and I bought it on DVD. It needed to be done. She does 2, 20 minute workouts here. They are both good. The second one is a little challenging for me to do on my foot so I just do the first one these days. But it is wonderful. I have her entire monologue memorized- all her directions and pointers. My favorite thing she says is: "Your spine is your lifeline. Keep it healthy. Keep it supple. Keep it strong." Totally cracks me up every time. But I do love this workout!

A return to the familiar

2009-06-29T20:30:00.006-04:00

Ahhhh. There is something so nice about doing the same old thing. After a few hectic weeks here at the Napier house, I've pulled our schedule out of the dustbin! It has been so hard to fit in trips to the pool for lap swimming. (Not that I WANT to lap swim.) And eating healthy? Ha! I actually had a bowl of Lucky Charms for dinner one day last week! So in an effort to reign things in around here I've pulled out my charts. Charts for the children. Charts for me. Charts for our food. Charts for our time. It is really so much simpler when your day is pre-planned. And much easier to fit in a workout! I also went to my center and got a weeks worth of Jenny Craig food. (Read- yummy!) I LOVE getting up in the morning and being told what I am going to eat and when I am going to eat it. No fuss. No guessing. Just delicious, wholesome, easy to make Jenny Craig cuisine! I've gone back to eating JC's food a few times since I reached my goal in April of 2008. But this is the longest I've gone w/o it. I think it has been at least 3 or 4 months. I was due for some good meals! In the workout area- I made it to the pool for 45 minutes of swimming at 8 am this morning. Whew... I am beat. Well, according to my schedule it is almost time for bed. Peace out!

Do You Remember?

2009-06-27T18:59:00.003-04:00

I was so sad to hear that Michael Jackson passed away this week. What a shock! The past few days I have thought a lot about his family... especially his 3 young children. I have also found myself listening to all his music. Wow- what a great artist he was! I am surprised that I know almost every song. I have been a Michael Jackson fan for as long as I can remember. This is no exaggeration. My older sister LOVED him. And you know what younger sisters love... anything their older sisters do. I can honestly remember singing "Beat It" at 5 years old. In second grade I carried an MJ folder to school. I have searched all over the Internet to find a picture of that folder... and here it is.

Yes- that was the photo on my folder! I remember it distinctly. And this is how I think of him really. I listened to his music through grade school, a little in high school, and then a lot more in college. In recent years Michael has not been high on my radar. When I would see a news story on him- like about something weird he had done or the allegations that were brought against him- I would always just feel bad for those involved... including him. He was such a tortured soul. It is really sad. I've spent some time the past few days watching his videos. There is something charismatic about how he sung and performed. Like he really loved what he was doing. (Go watch "Will You Be There" from the movie "Free Willy".)

Anyway- I know there are much bigger MJ fans and fanatics blogging about him these days. I just thought I'd mention him b/c I really have always loved him as an artist. He made an enormous contribution to music that will be reflected throughout history. And I am sad to hear of his passing. His life was full of public controversy and inner battles. I truly hope that he is resting in peace.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T22:08:00.004-04:00

I love this picture of my Dad and me. This was the last race we ran together. It was last November just a few weeks before my family moved out of state. It was so freezing cold that day. We weren't prepared for it and we were really taken by surprise. (That is what happens when you live in Ohio and have to run indoors all winter!) I remember we both felt like we had inhaled icicles. But we both raced well and had a lot of fun. The post-race bagels were great there, remember Dad? Then I think we went to "Half-Priced Books" afterwards. Ahhh, what a great day! Happy Father's Day, Daddy. Everyone says that I am a complete and total carbon-copy of you. I think that is pretty cool! Thanks for teaching me so much about life. I'll never forget- there is no free lunch. I love you so much!

Not much else is going on here today. It was nice to be able to spend a Father's Day w/ Jack at home. The kids loved making the day all about Daddy. Lisa and I made a little treat for him... It is a cupcake golf course!!! And it turned out delicious if I do say so myself! We got the idea from Martha Stewart. Check out the pic below.

Cortisone Injection Today

2009-06-17T10:39:00.001-04:00

OUCH!

I am headed out the door in a few hours for my cortisone shot in my foot. Not the most exciting plans.

And the results are in....

2009-06-11T19:54:00.002-04:00

My MRI came back today. My foot is not broken. No tendons or ligaments are torn. I have swelling of the actual sesamoid bone and surrounding tissue. The doctor says my bone is "bruised" or he also called it a "pre-fracture". This is good news. It doesn't have me running a race next week but I am not in the operating room either. The plan of attack is- a cortisone injection next week and then 2 weeks of either a cast or the boot again. I have to be non weight bearing on the ball of my foot. Right. This basically amounts to a severe case of sesamoiditis... that has gone on for months. A quick Google search will turn up plenty of people who have sesamoid problems that they can't get to heal. I am talking over years sometimes. The sesamoids have poor blood flow and are difficult to immobilize so healing takes a long time. Some people elect to have these bones removed when they don't heal.

I am trying to remain hopeful that this will be better soon. I must admit... I am getting discouraged.

Still waiting....

2009-06-10T19:29:00.003-04:00

No results on my MRI yet. I am trying to be patient. Meanwhile... I just finished day 3 of potty training Baby Jack. He had no accidents today! I am a little skeptical. Like I think tomorrow he may completely regress and be going all over the house. We will see. He is a riot running around in his Cars undies! If he is really trained I will be in shock. Not to mention- extremely happy!

MRI

2009-06-07T18:54:00.002-04:00

I am sorry to be ignoring my blog lately. So much has been going on. But no running has been going on... that is for certain. I miss running so much. I had a bone scan done a few weeks ago and it came back negative for any fractures in my foot. I was pretty surprised. So Tuesday I head back to the hospital for an MRI. My doctor says the best case scenario is I've just pulled a tendon in my foot and we can do some cortisone shots and some PT and I'll be up and running. He also tells me the worse case scenario is I've ripped a tendon and will need surgery to repair. Ugh. I really hope it is not that. I am thinking it is just a little pull that hurts so bad just b/c it is in a bad spot. Hopefully I'll be back to training in a couple weeks and maybe doing a half-marathon in November??? Well, here's to hoping!

Good Housekeeping Video

2009-05-31T13:36:00.003-04:00

Here is an interview I did while on my photo shoot in New York City.

Oh my sweet baby boy....

2009-05-29T23:12:00.004-04:00

My little guy recently got all his beautiful, blond locks cut off. I've been cutting Baby Jack's hair since birth but for the past year have kept it on the longer side. I knew it would have to go for the summer. What I didn't know is that he would appear so grown up! Where is my sweet baby boy? So her are some pics of the hair... before and after.

Two days before it was cut. (We are at a museum.)

The back of it. (He is petting an alligator.)

A picture on Easter Sunday. This is my favorite recent pic of him.

The haircut!!!

Doesn't he look so grown up? And ornery? I know he couldn't have a bowl cut forever.... but. Sniff, sniff. I am dealing.

My Menu

2009-05-25T12:43:00.004-04:00

Jack is home right now and he really wanted me to change up some of my meals. I get into a pattern w/ cooking sometime and forget to look for and add new recipes to my menus. So I started digging around in my recipe box and looking through my new favorite magazine I get... Everyday Food. (Thanks for the recommendation Anna.) In this issue there were lots of spring and summer meals to make. I added some easy ones for Jack to do while I am working. So I put them all together and presto! New meal plan!

Saturday- (Jack's night) Cheeseburgers, chips, and strawberry milkshakes

Sunday- Three-cheese Spaghetti Pie, Quick cheese biscuits, and corn

Monday- (Jack's night) Homemade Pepperoni Pizza w/ peppers

Tuesday- Chopped Chicken Salad w/ Italian Bread

Wednesday- Grilled Steak w/ tomatoes and scallions, and baked potatoes (see pic)

Thursday- Chicken and Rice casserole w/ peas

Friday- My favorite! Steak Fajitas from "A Year of CrockPotting"

We've been making milkshakes and putting strawberries in everything from the bunch we picked late last week. Everyday Food had a great section of strawberry recipes too. I made the Strawberry Icebox Pie and the kids and Jack have been eating a little every night for dessert. They love it!

Baby Jack is Happy!

2009-05-23T17:34:00.002-04:00

I really did need to get that sad picture of Baby Jack moved down. He is doing much better now. Here is a picture from our recent trip to a local strawberry patch. We love doing this! Sorry I've been neglecting my blog lately. I've started working an at home job and learning how to do it has taken up a lot of my time. BUT- never fear! I have a list right here on my desk of several fun and exciting topics to blog about! So more will be coming soon!

More Broken Bones

2009-05-15T22:35:00.003-04:00

As if my broken foot wasn't enough....

If you know my little boy you know that he is ALWAYS smiling so this is a rare picture. Yes. Baby Jack broke his arm. He is only 2 years and 3 months old! This has been a rough week. Baby Jack doesn't understand what happened to him. All he says is "My boo-boo hurts me." Or, "Cast off." Ironically, Lisa broke her leg at 2 1/2. She was a little more mature though and could understand what had happened and why the cast was on. Please keep him in your prayers. He is not handling this well.... and neither am I!

The Secret is Out

2009-05-10T21:21:00.002-04:00

Over the past few months I've been keeping a little secret. I've hinted about it here on my blog but never really said what it was. Well, the cat is out of the bag! If you look in the pages of Good Housekeeping magazine this month you will see a picture of... Me! Yes, that is right. I am representing Jenny Craig in an article that Good Housekeeping did on women who lost weight in a healthy way after trying diet pills before. Check it out.

I could say a million things about this article and my experiences. It would take forever. What I will say is that I am in LOVE w/ Jenny Craig! This company has given me my life back. I am just honored that I was chosen to represent them in this publication. It is always nice to receive recognition for ones hard work. I had an amazing time in New York City on this photo shoot. It is something that I will never forget. Pick up a copy if you get a chance!

Swimming Again??

2009-05-05T21:06:00.003-04:00

I started lap swimming again recently. Ugh. For those of you who don't remember how I feel about lap swimming think about these things.... a funeral and a terrible hangover. Lap swimming falls somewhere in between those two events. BUT- cardio must be achieved! I must go on. So I joined a local gym, which is fabulous, and jumped right on in. As much as I hate my injury- I hate being sedentary even more. So on with the swimming or whatever.

What are you eating?

2009-04-29T19:57:00.002-04:00

The latest yummy thing I've found... or Anna found... is weight watchers ice cream cups! They are delicious. There are 140 calories in the "Cookies and Cream" and "Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough" flavors... and maybe another kind too. There is a decent amount of ice cream in them which is rather important. Try them out!

One year and counting...

2009-04-26T19:28:00.006-04:00

Yay! Today is my maintenance anniversary! That means- I have maintained my weight loss for one year! Whew- that was tough! Maintenance has been the hardest part of this process- BY FAR!! I am learning something new everyday. I have never posted my actual "before" picture on my blog. Well, here it is. In all it's glory. I've also posted a few from throughout my journey. I'll give you a little rundown...

April 1, 2007- I am 6 weeks postpartum in this picture and a size 18. I feel just as bad as I look- trust me. I've had to doctor the pic a little bit b/c I was wearing black against the black carpet at the Jenny Craig Center. I loved that velour maternity sweatsuit from Mimi. Thanks Mom.

May 25, 2007- My sister Ria's wedding. I had lost 13 pounds here and I remember thinking "Good thing I lost weight for the wedding." Dress was an 18, but had to be taken in a little... probably in a 16 here.

November 7, 2007- I am about half way to my goal here. This is where people started telling me I looked fine and didn't need to lose anymore weight. I know they meant well but it got annoying b/c my BMI was still unhealthy and I knew it. Size 12.

January 26, 2008- I am feeling really good here. (This pic is after a run.) I was a size 10 and I was soooo happy. I went shopping for new clothes for the first time just before this w/ my sister Grace. She kept bringing me size 10 jeans and the kept fitting!!! I was in shock. I can remember I was really starting to gain confidence in myself around this time. For the first time, I KNEW I would reach my goal- it was just a matter of when.

February 29, 2008- I LOVED these Levi's jeans!! I got them at Plato's Closet (where I bought most of my clothes while I was losing weight) and I wore them for days on end. I would even sleep in them. Anyway, they were a size 7. Ha! Odd sizes are juniors clothes... haven't worn them since before I had children! I was so happy to be in these.

April 26, 2008- GOAL!!! 70 pounds gone!!! My goal weigh-in was so awesome. It was early in the morning... like 7:15 am or something. My consultant and all the girls at the center were so excited for me. I texted everyone- in all time zones even though it was early. I was so over the moon this day. I hadn't wore a size 4 since freshman year of college!

I am so thankful to my friends, family, and everyone who has supported me during this process. If I had to name names of the people I am forever thankful to it would be: Jack, Mom, Dad, Anna, Tara, Ria, Grace, Holly, Tonya, and my amazing consultant Melissa! W/o all of these people I seriously could not have done this. You are so far above me- I'm like ropes on the Good Year Blimp.

Peace!

Craving...

2009-04-22T21:26:00.002-04:00

Mozzarella Cheese

2009 Boston Marathon

2009-04-20T20:50:00.005-04:00

Today I watched the 113th Boston Marathon. I love watching marathons. I know that sounds silly. Most people think "All they do is run. Nothing happens until the end." I know this but I still can't pull myself away. I watched every second of the elite women and elite men's races. My favorite runner, Kara Goucher, was running. She holds the record for American Women's Fastest Marathon Debut. She ran it in November 2008 at the NYC Marathon in 2:25:53. I was soooooo hoping that she would take first today but it was just not to be..... However, she did get 3rd place and ran a great race. Way to go Kara! I was sad for her to not reach her goal of winning. When she cried today I had to hold back tears.

I have followed Kara's career over the last few years and it has really inspired me. Every time I watch her run I am just amazed at her toughness. I wish I could run like that. I wish I could do what she does. It is really awesome. I would love to run a marathon someday. And of course, after a runner says that the next thing they say is... "I'd love to run The Boston Marathon someday." Realistically, I don't know if that kind of distance is in the cards for me. I get injured so easily it seems. If I ever do get to run a marathon I would have to train very carefully. I could probably take a few tips from Kara's training... she battled injuries for several years after college. But- I seriously don't know that I will ever run that far... and that makes me feel kinda bummed after watching such a beautiful race today.

As for Kara- I am sad for her that she did not win... but happy for her that she has so much talent! I'd love to run like that just one day in my life!

So- it's come to this....

2009-04-16T20:10:00.005-04:00

Here is the latest. My foot is most likely broken. I am going to have a bone scan done next week. I need to have a scan b/c it is probably a small fracture in a small bone. My new podiatrist said he would just have a hard time believing it is not broken b/c it is still so swollen after over a week of not running. The x-rays are inconclusive. They show something but I need more x-rays and the scan. Grrrrr. This is not good. I am in a boot for now. (See pics. I took the second one in a high heel b/c it is the only shoe that is high enough to allow me to walk level. Don't think I can wear this look out.) This damn boot is enormous. But I am really hoping to stay in the boot as opposed to going to a cast. He said he might let me stay in the boot if it is broken... we will have to see how it is healing. The doc said what most likely happened was I sprained it a few months ago and it just never got to heal. I kept taking little periods of time off but never long enough. So I just ran until I broke it. Ahhhh! Are you kidding me? I now need to be off running for 8 to 12 weeks. I really can't think about that now. I'll think about that tomorrow.

My newest endeavor

2009-04-15T19:52:00.003-04:00

Here is my latest purchase. I am not running right now. (I can't even talk about it yet.) So I am looking for other fun workouts to do. I can't bike right now either. The only thing cardio-wise I can do is swim and we don't belong to a gym sooooo.... I am just keeping my eating in check and working on toning and strength. I picked up this box of "Tricords" at my latest weigh in at Jenny Craig. One of my new Jenny friends said she lost 2 inches off her waist in a ridiculously short time period. I am all about that! I am excited to try them out. I have lots of resistance bands but not of varying strengths and I don't have this DVD- which I hear is great. I'll keep you posted.

He is Alive!!

2009-04-12T21:41:00.004-04:00

What a great Easter today was!!! The children were so excited to celebrate. We have really tried to focus on Holy Week this year. Below is a photo of pictures the kiddos colored the events of the week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. We had a lot of fun organizing them and talking about the different stories. The rest are pictures of our day today. (Yes- Lisa has curlers in her hair. And Yes- Baby Jack has a Tony Romo jersey in his Easter basket.) The last picture is our awesome Easter surprise! Jack made it home today! Yay!! He flew home on the red-eye from California last night. Then he caught a cab this morning and surprised us at Mass! We are so blessed to have him home for the holiday. HAPPY EASTER!

A little chocolate anyone???

2009-04-11T20:41:00.003-04:00

This is rather funny and I just had to share it....

When it comes to chocolate I am unmoved. It is just not my thing. Yes- it is good. I do eat it occasionally in small amounts. But if I eat too much of it I get really sick. I'd really rather have pretzels, tortilla chips, salt on cardboard, you get the idea. I have a huge amount of respect for chocolate lovers though. Mainly b/c I am surrounded by them. I have a sister, who shall remain nameless, who consumes something chocolate everyday. I have a brother-in-law who is also a daily chocolate eater. My Mother can really do some damage on a bag of Ghirardeli squares or some Rolos. Then there is my husband. I always say that Jack eats chocolate like a woman. He really loves it. I am sure he could consume more chocolate then the 3 people I just mentioned combined! Lots of chocolate lovers give it up for Lent. I have a huge amount of respect for them as I have NEVER given up salt for Lent.

So anyway.... now that you know I am surrounded by people who are obsessed w/ chocolate... the point of my post is.... Today I was out in the "Tool Area" of our garage. It is a place I generally stay away from b/c I don't know what anything is. But today I needed a tool. I am not sure what I needed and I never found it but I was out there poking around Jack's various tool boxes looking for something handy. On the top tray of one of his tool boxes I found this:

For those of you who cannot tell what that is... It is a half-eaten bag of Nestle Toll House Premiere White Chocolate Chips!!! IN HIS TOOL BOX!!!! How funny is that??? And how disgusting??!! Who has chocolate chips in their garage? In their tools? Like between a wrench and a couple screwdrivers there is a bag of Toll House morsels!!!! I think this is so hilarious!! Somehow I think he is not the only chocolate addict w/ snacks stashed all over.... but I think this is so cute! I had to share! Peace out.

So sweet!

2009-04-07T21:32:00.005-04:00

Here are some engagement photos of my brother and his fiance. Denny and Lindsay are getting married in June of 2010. Aren't they so cute together?

Happy Anniversary!

2009-04-02T23:32:00.004-04:00

Two years ago today I started my new lifestyle w/ Jenny Craig! Wow- time sure flies when you are having fun! It is b/c of this amazing program that I have been able to completely transform my life. I cannot believe it has only been two years.... what a great adventure it has been.

I recently had the privilege of meeting some other Jenny Craig clients. These women were fantastic! Combined we have lost more than 600 pounds! Can you believe it?!! I am humbled and honored to have shared such an amazing time w/ these ladies. They each taught be something important. I hope to see them again someday.

Jenny Craig- Thanks for making all of our lives so much better! Here's to you Jenny- you and many more happy years to come!

P.S. I plan to post my before and after pics later this month on the anniversary of my goal. Just so you know.... it will take me about a month to work up the nerve to do it! Ha.

Riding in Style

2009-04-01T23:56:00.003-04:00

This morning I was driven to the airport by a nice man in this awesome ride! A black Denali w/ tinted windows. HA! I felt like Mariah Carey!

Home Away From Home

2009-03-30T20:24:00.002-04:00

Look Where I am!

2009-03-29T22:30:00.001-04:00

Its a.....

2009-03-27T20:18:00.003-04:00

I forgot to send you all over to my sister's blog for her good news. Check out "Mildly Intelligent" to find out if Ria will be holding a pink or blue bundle in August! Congrats Ria and Edwin! We are all so excited for you guys.

He is at it again

2009-03-26T20:58:00.003-04:00

Yay for my new TV!

2009-03-24T22:43:00.000-04:00

Tonight I got to run while watching "The Biggest Loser"! I was so happy to be doing this again. I always used to run while watching TBL when we lived in Troy. Now that I have my new TV I am back in business! Since the show is so long I usually lift weights too. Tonight I worked out for a solid 2 hours from 8:30 to 10:30. I got in a run, weights, and abdominal work. Good times. I cannot tell you about how wonderful it was to not be staring at the wall while I was running! (BTW- "The Biggest Loser" was awesome tonight! I love the contestant Tara. She is a machine!)

In other new.... Baby Jack was so funny tonight. He stayed up for an hour and a half after I put him to bed. He was jabbering and playing in his crib. I went in a few times b/c I could tell he was up to something. Three times I found him completely naked and jumping up and down on his mattress. His clothes and diaper thrown all over the room. I just went and checked on him now... he fell asleep about 2 hours ago. Before he fell asleep he had taken off his clothes again! Thank goodness he had kept his diaper on this time! These pics are so cute.

Nice Surprise

2009-03-23T20:26:00.003-04:00

Jack was being very secretive today. Sneaking off to the store. Not telling me what he was buying. Hiding receipts. Very fishy behavior. Later in the day I snuck away to take a phone call and when I came back he insisted that I go upstairs to the bonus room. When I did, this beautiful television was waiting for me!!! I couldn't believe it. Some of you may remember that I have been running on my treadmill looking at this. Well, it was driving me absolutely batty! Every time I get up there to run I just want to cry. That is not good. So Jack surprised me w/ this. And he is getting ready to mount it on the wall tonight. Yay! What a doll. Thanks honey!

I May Never Scrub the Floors Again

2009-03-22T20:53:00.004-04:00

I have a confession to make. All of my childhood and most of my adult life so far I have believed a complete and utter falsehood. It was not until the ripe old age of 25 that I realized I was believing in a lie. What is this you may ask? I am embarrassed to say. But-- here it is. I honestly used to think that my Mother never worked when I was growing up. I know, I know. Of course she worked! But it took me becoming a Mother myself, at the age of 25, for me to figure this out. Here is what led to this misconception.

There were 4 girls in my family. Chores were divided up between us. (My brother was supposed to do the outside chores. Just picture a 10 year old boy zipping around on a riding lawn mower at 20 miles per hour, and you KNOW how much work he got done.) Anyway, all inside chores were divided up amongst us girls. I did the laundry for the family. Anna and Ria did the bathrooms and the kitchen. One time they switched and then one wouldn't let the other switch back or something. It was a very touchy situation. Grace did... well... I am not sure what she did. Oh, I think she fed various animals- dogs, cats, sheep, horses, etc. Or did she empty trash cans? I don't know but I am sure she was doing something in between climbing trees. Anyway- I can remember thinking, "My Mom has got it made. She doesn't have to do ANYTHING around here." Or- "Geesh! If Mom would just pitch in we could get this work done in a jiffy." Or- "I hope I have a house full of daughters someday so I don't have to work!" I remember wondering what she did w/ her leisure time. I would picture her sitting in her room reading a magazine and eating chocolate while we girls worked the day away. Ha! As a Mother, I now know this was just not the case.

During Lent, Lisa's Faith Formation class has been raising money for the poor. On the first Sunday of Lent she emptied her piggy bank. She has asked for money every Sunday since. I was not just going to give her money though. I told her she could do some extra hard chores around the house to earn the money. The main thing I have her doing is scrubbing the floors. I just give her warm water and a dish cloth. I taught her how to do it and she does pretty well. She enjoys it actually. She sings and we talk while I am nearby. It dawned on me today as she was mopping- I still had a ton of work to do!!! Sure, it is nice to not have to mop now BUT I can by no means sit down and eat Bon-Bons. I then thought about my Mother. What on Earth was she doing when I thought she was relaxing? Probably one of the million other things she had to do!

I looked at Lisa scrubbing tonight and thought- "Even if I had to re-scrub these floors it is worth it to have her learning this. This is good for her." And then something else dawned on me- My Mother probably thought all those chores were good for us! Gasp! I am still laughing just thinking about it. She probably wanted us to work b/c it was teaching us something of value. It has taken me 30 years to figure all this out!

Wow Mom. You got me. Sorry about thinking you never worked. Sorry if I complained too much. (I am sure I did.) I guess you can say what goes around, comes around! Love you. Peace.

Back on the Wagon

2009-03-21T21:54:00.004-04:00

Well I got back on the treadmill today and it sure felt nice. I did a really slow 2 miles just to test out my foot. I was just so happy to be running again.... I couldn't stop smiling! (See pic. Taken w/ phone, by myself, while running.) So now I am icing my foot and it feels good. I still have to ice it after every run for a few weeks. Hopefully, my latest injury is a thing of the past! I am off to bed now.... Peace.

I have been....

2009-03-20T20:32:00.004-04:00

slacking on my blog. I know. My lack of presence here on the world wide web could only be described as-- exhaustion. And that could only be due to two little people I know.

We have been running ragged this week! The doctor's appointments alone could put someone in the looney bin! Also- added to that-- I have taken 2 weeks off running for my injury. (Which turned out to be sprained sesamoid bones.) So no running leaves me w/ a big void in the motivation department! However- I am due to hop in the treadmill tomorrow! (I am sooo tempted to go tonight but am trying to give myself one more day of rest.) Once I am up and running again I am sure I will have lots of silly and injury-laden updates for you! Until tomorrow! Peace.

What a difference a year makes!

2009-03-15T21:26:00.002-04:00

It was a year ago today that I returned to racing 5Ks. I can't believe how fast time has gone. I remember this race so vividly. I went alone. Jack was out of town. My parents couldn't come. My in-laws watched the kiddos for me. I didn't know a soul there and no one knew me. It was a different race experience. My goal was to finish in 27 minutes. I ran it in 28:40. I remember being overwhelmed w/ emotion when I crossed the finish line. You can read about it here.

What I didn't write about in my blog that day is that I cried as I crossed the finish line and walked to my car. I was so overwhelmed by just being there and not being overweight. (I had not reached my goal weight at this point... but I was w/in 10 pounds.) I kept looking around at all the fit people there and thinking- "This is where I want to be. With these people. Can I stay here with them? Do I fit in?" After the race that day there was no glory. No one knew my name cheering me in. I didn't set a PR. There weren't hugs and pictures. There certainly was no trophy or medal. It was just me and my ipod and my new self.

As I walked to my car crying there WAS a smile on my face. I had a feeling I might belong here and it was just to wonderful to think about. When I got behind the wheel I said a prayer before I left for home. I remember saying- "Thank you Lord. Thank you so much for getting me to today. Please help me to take better care of myself in the future, so I never get to where I can't do this again." A year later... I still say similar prayers all the time. That was such a great day for me. What a difference a year makes!

Beyond Crunches

2009-03-12T21:37:00.007-04:00

While I am unable to run I have decided to concentrate on strengthing my core. I used to do 500 crunches a night but it got repetative and I slacked off. So now I am searching through all my favorite websites and old magazines to get the best core workouts. Tonight's workout was from Runner's World. It only took 15 minutes and was a lot of fun!

Down for the count...

2009-03-11T20:49:00.004-04:00

Well folks... I am injured. We all knew it was coming. And here it is. I went too hard for too long. Sesamoiditis or a sesamoid fracture are the two most likely possibilities. After emailing extensively w/ my running doctor in Ohio he believes one of them to be the problem. It is rather frustrating. He said he thinks my orthotics need modified so I sent them off to him in the mail yesterday. He also said I need to take some time off. This is very upsetting. We originally thought 4 to 6 weeks w/ no running. However, tomorrow I am going into see my chiropractor and I think she will do x-rays to determine if it is broken. If it is not a fracture and, is just sesamoiditis, then I will probably just rest as long as I possibly can w/o losing my mind. The sesamoid bones are small bones in the big toe. And I do not think they are fractured b/c I have not had any bruising. Hopefully I can find out tomorrow for sure. For a completely boring but informational write up on the injury of seasamoiditis see The American Running Association. Peace out!

Recovering from a great weekend!

2009-03-09T17:31:00.003-04:00

I was in good 'ole Steubenville this weekend for my household reunion. It has been 10 years since we began Stella Mariae and it is still going strong-- thanks to many, many awesome young women who are keeping it alive. What an amazing time I had! It was great to be back in my second home w/ my best friends. These women are so dear to my heart. Years can go by but we all pick up right where we left off. I believe this is b/c our friendships are based in Christ and our faith. I could go on and on about this weekend. I really had such a beautiful visit. Love to all the girls. Peace out.

Proceed w/ Caution

2009-03-04T22:01:00.002-05:00

Ahhh. Another great run today. I just hopped off my treadmill. I did 3.25 miles. My workouts have been a little shorter lately. I am trying to run under 5 miles at a time and only a few times a week. I have a nagging little pain in my foot and I am proceeding w/ caution. I am not sure what it is exactly. The pain is on the ball of my right foot and goes up my big toe. (Of course it is my right leg. My right leg is really the bane of my existence. And I looked up the meaning of that phrase... it means something "is a constant irritant or source of misery." Ha!) The past month it only hurt when I ran. However this week it started hurting all.the.time. I am confused b/c I am doing everything I should be. Plenty of stretching, slow runs, days off, strength work... (okay, maybe I could do more strength training but does that really effect the ball of my foot?) If it doesn't get better I will need to find a new runner doctor here in NC. I miss my running doc in Ohio. He knows so much. I emailed him today to ask if he knew of anyone in this area who works w/ runners. I also asked him a little about this pain I am having. I am anxiously awaiting his reply. For now I've dropped my mileage to between 9 and 15 miles a week. And they are SLOW miles. I am not letting this hold me down! Onward!

Snow Day

2009-03-02T22:17:00.004-05:00

It snowed in North Carolina again! That makes the third time it has snowed here since we moved. And people from here say they can have 4 or 5 years w/o snow in a row. The first time it snowed was the day after we moved. People we met kept asking us "Did you bring the snow w/ you?" Today when we woke up and saw the snow Lisa said, "Mom, I think we really DID bring the snow with us!" I took this picture out of our upstairs window this afternoon. It is not the best shot but the colors caught my eye.

As for workout news--- I had the greatest run tonight! I did 4.5 miles on my sister's treadmill. It is in her garage so it was super-cold but so refreshing. It was the best run I've had in a LONG time! Now I am off to bed. Peace out everyone.

A visit w/ Jenny

2009-02-27T20:44:00.002-05:00

You probably can't tell what this picture is... so I'll tell you. It is a freezer full of Jenny Craig food. My freezer, to be exact. I am missing the structure that the Jenny Craig program gives me. I am also REALLY missing the fabulous food!! So I decided to go back on program for a few weeks. It is so nice to have my menu planned for me. As I stood in my JC Center today I was swept over w/ a feeling of familiarity. I love being there. (I miss my former center in Ohio but my new one is still a familiar place. They all have a great atmosphere to them.) I got so excited as the consultant was putting all my favorite meals and snacks into my bag. Beef Chow Mein, Cheesy Enchiladas, Chicken Carbonara, and Bruschetta Veggie Chips!!!! My mouth is watering waiting for tomorrow! I love how, even though I am on maintenance, Jenny Craig is still there for me!

Moving On Up

2009-02-25T20:33:00.004-05:00

Thanks Jillian.

She's been talking to me in my dreams. Today I moved up to the second level on her "30 Day Shred" program. Geesh!! It is so hard. I love doing it- but she doesn't not cut you any slack. What a great work out.

In other "Biggest Loser News"... Dane was voted off tonight. I was so sad to see him go. He broke a "Biggest Loser" record and lost 100 pounds in 8 weeks! Amazing! He then went home and ran a marathon w/ his wife. He finished the 26.2 in under 4 hours!!! I am so inspired. Watching him do cross the finish line makes me think that maybe I could do that someday.

Another Birthday!!!

2009-02-24T20:18:00.003-05:00

February is the month of birthdays in my family. It is kinda crazy. We actually have to budget for February and all the spending that comes along w/ it.

1st- niece Cece

11th- sister Ria

17th- son Baby Jack

23rd- brother-in-law Mike

24th- sister Grace

It is a lot- I know! Today is Grace's birthday!! Happy birthday Gracie!!! Twenty-two years ago Grace entered the world as a very special addition to our family. She brought w/ her blessings, joy, comfort, and hope. All of that and she hadn't even talked yet! Today Grace is all grown up. (As much as I hate to admit it... she is grown up.) She is far away in Texas working on her Masters Degree. And just 3 days ago became ENGAGED to be married!!! Woot woot!

Happy birthday Gracie! I love you and miss you tons!!!

Bye-bye hubby... and Junk food.

2009-02-21T20:14:00.005-05:00

Jack left for work again today. We are all sad and a little out of sorts- like we usually are when he has to go. When he leaves I usually have to sweep the house for any junk food and trash it. This is what I found today:

A bad and a half of marshmallows. A half container of chocolate meringues. A bag of tortilla chips. Half a sleeve of saltines. And ONE Ghirardelli chocolate square. (I don't know how the Ghirardelli square made it past him.) Really- this is not too bad for Jack. The saltines were my brother's... leftover from his visit last weekend. They and the tortilla chips are major weaknesses for me and must go. The meringues are not tempting to me AT ALL and I may just save them for the next time Jack is home. I will put the unopened marshmallows out of my sight and save them for the next time we cook out and make s'mores. And the Ghirardelli square I will give to Anna the next time she is here. So really I am just trashing the saltines, tortilla chips, and the opened bag of marshmallows! Not too bad. Usually when Jack leaves I have to pitch moon pies, Ben & Jerry's, and fudge rounds! But this trip he asked me not to buy him that stuff. Great! There is less going to waste. I do have to admit I am treating myself to some of the tortilla chips tonight.... yummy. But tomorrow they are on their way to the landfill- in all their sodium holding glory! Peace out!

Birthday Boy!

2009-02-17T20:28:00.003-05:00

Today is Baby Jack's second birthday!! I can't believe it.... where does the time go? My baby is 2!!! We had a little party w/ pizza and cake. He was so cute and sweet. I loved watching him open his gifts. Big or small, he was giddy w/ each surprise. He giggled, clapped, and signed "Thank You" to everyone.

In workout news- things are going well. I am still doing "The Shred". I need to step it up to the level 2 workout and I am just scared. I can do the level one- no problem now BUT I am comfortable w/ it now. I guess that is my sign to move on, isn't it? Working out isn't supposed to be comfortable. What I have been doing lately is the 20 minute shred as a warm up and then my run. Today it was the shred and then 5 miles. It is a good workout. I'll probably start level 2 of the shred of tomorrow.... I'll let you know how it goes! Ha!

Here are some of Baby Jack's birthday party pictures.

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-11T23:02:00.005-05:00

Today is my beautiful younger sister's birthday. (One of my several beautiful, younger sisters!) Below are a couple of my favorite pics of Ria. One on her wedding day. And one of her sleeping. She can sleep anywhere... just like me! I love Ria for so many reasons. I miss her a lot now that she is living in Denver. Happy Birthday Ri!! God bless you. And may all your dreams come true! (Doesn't that sound silly?)

Running for Roses

2009-02-10T21:03:00.005-05:00

This past Sunday was the 29th Annual Run for the Roses in Raleigh. It was a bigger race and a lot of fun. I have to admit that I was not as prepared as I should have been and my time reflected that. My chip time was 24:55. But I am not upset about it. I just know I have to work harder next time. I was able to win second place in my age group... and the prize was a $20 gift certificate to a sports store! Cool! Also, all the female runners got red roses! The best part about Sunday was running w/ Lisa. She was in a quarter-mile race and did a great job. It was great to be outside all day and w/ my family.

Me before my race.

Running w/ Lisa. The noise at the finish line scared her.

Getting her medal. All smiles now!

Yay Lisa!

I love this pic.

Fly-By Meeting

2009-02-07T20:42:00.003-05:00

My sister Ria was in North Carolina on business this week. So my sister Anna and I decided to go stay a night w/ her at her hotel. It was a lot of fun! I just wish the visit could have been longer as we don't get to see Ria that much. Here is a pic. Miss you Ri!

The Shred!!!

2009-02-04T21:53:00.002-05:00

My sister Anna, my best friend Tara, and I are doing Jillian Michaels "30 Day Shred". We've committed to doing it 30 days in a row. Why not? It is only 20 minutes long. I love Jillian so much. I wish she would be my personal trainer. This is the closest thing to having her in my home. Today was day 1 and.... WOW! This is going to be great! It was challenging... especially the weight lifting part... which is sooooo what I need. I will be letting you all know how it goes over the next 29 days... if I make it!

Another Cute Do!

2009-02-03T13:55:00.008-05:00

I put Lisa's hair in another cute do from my new favorite blog- "Hairstyles for Girls". We just loved this one and it was pretty easy. I let Lisa pick it out and she was excited to look at all the hairstyles. It is called "Basic Twisty Buns". It was listed as a "Daddy Do" (a style even Dad can do.) But her husband must be WAY more hair savvy than mine! Jack could never do this! Jack's "Daddy Do" is a headband. Anyway- I am loving all these new ideas and styles for Lisa's hair.

As you can tell Baby Jack really wanted to get in on the action. He was showing his back and side views too! Below is a product that is recommended on the hairstyles blog. "got 2b glued" is amazing and I don't know how I ever did hair w/o it!

Hair Today

2009-02-02T19:08:00.004-05:00

Another web site that I have been visiting a lot lately I found just by chance. It is called "Hairstyles for Girls" and I just LOVE it. This blog is all about cute hairstyles for little girls. The girls who writes it has 4 daughters- they are all so cute. And they have super hair. The styles she comes up w/ are amazing. My sister and I have been trying them out on our girls and they look cute. She blogs step by step pictures and after pictures of the front and back. She tells you the length of time each style will take and what products you will need. I am really loving going here. I set up the computer in the morning and pick out a style for Lisa. Then, while I do her hair, I just read the steps and look at the pictures! It is a lot of fun! I can't do the styles as well as the blogger yet- but I will keep trying!

Yummy Blog Find

2009-01-31T11:42:00.003-05:00

So my next blog discovery was not really my discovery at all. I must give credit where credit is due. My sister, Anna, found this delicious site! "A Year of Crockpotting" or "Crock Pot 365" is an amazing site. Basically this woman made a new year's resolution to use her crockpot every day in 2008. What a cool idea! She has so many recipes- as you can imagine. They are all categorized on the sidebar of her blog. Each entry lists ingredients (w/ pics), instructions, and a verdict. She tells you how it came out, if her family liked it, including if her kids liked it, if she will cook it again, and gives you a general idea on how cooking that recipe will go. I trust her advice b/c- really- who knows more about cooking w/ a crockpot than her?? She was even featured on the "Rachel Ray" show. So far I have made Salsa Chicken and the Super Easy Fajiats. (Yes, she has a Mexican food section. Perfect for me!) My Mother just made the Cornish Game Hens and I think I will try that next b/c that is not something I would normally make and it looks easy. Get over there and check it out! Happy Crockpotting!

Busy. Busy.

2009-01-29T20:22:00.006-05:00

There is so much going on these days I just don't know what to blog about. My running is doing much better now that I've been back outside a few times. I ran a tempo run of sorts yesterday and probably over did it. I ran 4 miles like this:

Mile 1- Slow warm up

Mile 2- in 8:20

Mile 3- in 7:20

Mile 4- Slow cool down

My leg is a little sore after this so I am taking the day off. My healthy eating has gone a little by the wayside since I got back from NYC. Not that I've gone crazy binge-eating or anything. I've just let myself eat what I wanted.... not really being strict or cutting out anything. All that will be changing soon enough! It seems I maintain my weight loss the best when I give myself a week or 2 here and there to eat whatever I want.

In the meantime... I have found 4 blogs that I now LOVE!! Yes- 4! I am not going to tell you about all of them today. But here is one--- It is called "Modern Catholic Mom". I just entered a contest over here for a set of "Holy Baby" DVD's. I've seen most of them on EWTN and I love them. Lisa and Baby Jack do too. Check them out. They are great for little ones. This blog I really like. I may be a little bit biased b/c my best friend Tara does write on it.

I'll be posting over the next few days to tell you about the other blogs I have discovered and LOVE! Peace out.

Feeling Better!

2009-01-27T21:07:00.004-05:00

Okay- I am doing much better since my last post! The main reason why is that they next day- Jack came home! It is great to have him back. The whole family is happy and enjoying our time together. And I GOT TO RUN OUTSIDE!! The day Jack got back I did 5 miles around the neighborhood and it felt so good! So no more sad faces. Happy days are here again!

Lack of blogging...

2009-01-24T20:08:00.004-05:00

I must admit I've been avoiding my blog lately b/c I am a little down in the dumps. I've not been running as much between the treadmill situation and now my leg is bothering me.... again. Since we've moved I have not lined up all new doctors to help me w/ my leg. Finding the right doctor is always a challenging task as a lot of people don't understand running injuries or biomechanics. Also, when I am hurting like this I need to spend a lot of time just preparing for a run. Without Jack here to help out I just don't have the time or energy to go through it all. I know there are bigger problems in the world. I just really miss running and am very frustrated. This too shall pass.

Staring at the Walls

2009-01-22T13:14:00.004-05:00

I know. I should just be thankful that I own a treadmill. Some people don't have treadmills. BUT- I have been spoiled. In our last home I could run while watching TV. In this home we don't have that option just yet. I have gone over where to put my treadmill a million times. I have it in the best room. The bonus room. The catch is... there is not a TV in there. (Not a bonus.) We actually have 2 extra TVs in our home that we are going to get rid of. But I can't put either TV in there b/c the bonus room is really the playroom. I couldn't have a TV in there b/c Baby Jack could very easily pull it down on himself if he was left unattended. And that is where I put him when he needs to be unattended! So, you say, mount the TV on the wall! Brilliant idea except both our extra TVs are HUGE and cannot be mounted. We are toying w/ the idea of buying a tiny flat screen to put there but.... I am so cheap I just don't want to spend the cash. So for now I run w/o the TV. Staring at the wall. Want to see my view?

Very Hungry Lady

2009-01-19T20:43:00.003-05:00

I am back from my fabulous trip to NYC! I want to blog all about it but I can't talk about it online for a little while longer. I promise not to bring it up again until I can blog the whole story! Secrets can be so annoying!

For now I will bore you w/ my tales of extreme hunger! The past 4 days I have allowed myself to eat anything I wanted. That is rare for me, as I usually have my guard up. So today I tried to get back on the wagon. HA! Nothing doing. I could not stop eating. I finally decided that I would eat everything good in the house today, so that tomorrow I would have no choices left! That way I will have to stick to the menu! I like having no options. It is how I work best. Ni-night!

NYC People!

2009-01-15T09:03:00.003-05:00

I love being in the city. I haven't been to New York City in a long time. I think my parents brought us here when I was like 13 or something. I am so fascinated by city life. Everyone walks every where they go! People here seem so busy. I was getting my nails done last night and the salon was packed. The door was always opening w/ a new customer. I said to my manicurist- "Are you always this busy here?" She said they were. I guess that happens when there are 8 million people living in one place! I think I would like to live here... but maybe just for a 6 months to a year. This is from a walk I took on West 57th Street.

Room Service

2009-01-14T09:24:00.000-05:00

Ahhh... This is the life.

Better Late, Then Never

2009-01-13T23:23:00.004-05:00

After a very delayed flight I have arrived at my destination! Where would that be? Hmmmm. I'll see if I can post some pics tomorrow. For now... have you checked out my Mom's new blog? You should totally go see it. It is called "Photo Phase". She is into photo-blogging and has a whole group of blogs she visits w/ amazing pictures. Very cool. Here is a pic she took this week while on a plan over North Carolina! That is right... she is in N.C. My Mom and her friend Rose are watching my kiddos for me so I could make my special event. Lots of traveling in our family these days! Now- I need to get some beauty sleep! Peace out!

Tomorrow. Tomorrow. I love you. Tomorrow.

2009-01-12T20:54:00.003-05:00

I am okay really! After reading my last post people probably think I am lying in a gutter somewhere. Well, it is all good now. I went to bed early a couple of nights. I took 2 days off running. I am feeling much better. And guess what??? Tomorrow is the day!!! Yes. Tomorrow I am heading out for a magical destination that I can't blog about yet. Be sure to check in often.... I'll be posting pics and updates!!!

Ni-Night

2009-01-09T20:34:00.003-05:00

I am going to bed. Yes, I know it is 8:30. Yes, I know it is a Friday night. (Not that it has mattered since college.) But I am exhausted. Have you seen me lately? I must be running myself into the ground! I look a hot mess people! Check it out. Here is me during a recent run.

See what I mean?!!! I need some serious sleep. I don't think I've got to bed before midnight one time this past week! I've just finished my antibiotics for my sinus infection. Oddly enough, my throat still hurts. I can't figure out why. I hope I am not still sick. Also, I am PARANOID about getting pink eye- like everyone else around here! That would not be good for my upcoming trip. So, it seems I need an early night. A little R and R if you will. I am turning my phone off so I'll catch you all tomorrow. Peace. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Lentils...

2009-01-08T20:07:00.003-05:00

In an attempt to get more iron in my diet, I cooked lentils tonight.... They are questionable. I think I could eat them w/ a lot of cheese and a lot of salsa. Do people actually like these things? Do they eat them of their own free will? Do they taste good to someone? May I ask, how? I am not eating them. Yet, I am not throwing them out this evening. I am just leaving them there... while I think. Excuse me while I eat soup and ponder.

Biggest Loser is Back!

2009-01-07T13:21:00.004-05:00

Last night was the season premier of season seven of "The Biggest Loser"! I love this show. I am not sure who I am cheering for yet. I love the sassy silver team, the sweet yellow sisters, the tough black team, and the orange team w/ the biggest contestant ever. But the team that really stole the show last night was the white team. Jerry and Estella did an amazing job. First off, at 63 years old, they are the oldest contestants ever. Then, Jerry passed out during his first workout-- before the trainers could even get their hands on them! It was scary. I think this was a BIG wake up call for all of the younger people. I am really inspired by how he came right back and was able to lose 25 pounds the first week! (I believe they had the second highest percentage of weight loss.) Great job white team! I am really looking forward to this season. I'll let you know when I have a favorite.

Running of out time....

2009-01-05T22:22:00.002-05:00

I am just a week away from my special-secret event that I cannot post about! (That is so annoying, isn't it? I can't wait to tell everyone.) I am hard at work eating healthy and exercising to maintain my weight loss so I look good for the event.

In other news- I am terribly sick right now. I have a sinus infection and it is awful! Baby Jack has a cold and pink eye. We are kind of quarantined over here. I am hoping our antibiotics have us both feeling better soon.

Off to nap... have a good day!

New Year. New Plans.

2009-01-01T22:13:00.003-05:00

I've made some goals for myself for 2009. I've been thinking about it for a few days and I wanted to keep my resolutions simple and healthy. As far as fitness goes I would like to get stronger. I think if my muscles were stronger I would be a faster runner w/ less injuries. But I didn't just want to focus on fitness for my goals. I thought about it for a long time. What do I want to be in this new year? Hmmm. You know- I always kind of want the same things. I want to be healthier, holier, and happier. The Three "H's"! Easy. I don't want to make this complicated laundry list of tasks. (I have enough of those!) So here is my resolution. I've made it into a kind of mantra so I can just repeat it to myself throughout my day.

Exercise more. Pray more. Smile more.

Simple. I can do these 3 things. I believe that they will improve my life and my family's life.

Oh, I just love new years. It is a chance to begin again. To dream big. Here is to a healthy, holy, and happy 2009!

Another Sunny Day!

2008-12-30T22:07:00.000-05:00

Is this December?

2008-12-28T22:17:00.003-05:00

What a beautiful day! Contrary to the Christmas carol- The weather outside is definitely NOT frightful here. I can't believe it is really December! Today, when I ran, it was 72 degrees out. The kids and I took a walk. It was just a great day to be outside. Here a couple of pics.

Ab Flatteners!

2008-12-27T21:58:00.002-05:00

I've been working on my abs a lot lately. And my same old routine has gotten a little monotonous. So I found this great article on Yahoo and I printed it out. It has 5 new exercises and instructions. It felt good to change things up. Jack was so kind to help me. He read me the instructions while he was sitting on the couch, watching football, and eating a cake I baked! I was laying on the floor trying to complete the reps for each exercise and he was just calling out instructions like "Feet 2 inches from floor. No, honey. Bring your feet closer to the floor." How sweet of him. Anyway, if you get a chance it is a great workout!

On the running front- I am having a little leg trouble. My same old injury. I don't want to talk about it b/c I don't want to freak myself out BUT- I am headed to a new chiropractor hopefully on Monday. I also hope to get a new massage therapist. I know all the things I need to do to keep myself from getting more hurt and I hope to avoid going back to PT. I am still able to run. I got in 7 miles today. It just takes me a long time to get my leg prepared for a run. Today I stretched, manipulated, and warmed up for 45 minutes! Who has time for that? Not me. I will keep you all posted.

P.S.-- Do the Ab workout!

A King is born!

2008-12-25T15:49:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas! From the Napier Family.

Getting Ready

2008-12-24T20:49:00.003-05:00

New places. New faces.

2008-12-22T23:14:00.003-05:00

I went to my new Jenny Craig Center today. It was my first visit there and I was a little nervous. I don't know why. Everyone I met was super-nice. I did get a little homesick for my old center and the staff there. My new consultant is super-sweet. I will miss Melissa (former consultant) a lot. But my new one is encouraging and cool too. She has lost 60 pounds and kept it off for 7 years! I weighed in a little under my goal weight which is where I like to be. And I picked up some soups and some gingerbread cookies. Yummy!

Somebody Turned 5!

2008-12-21T21:24:00.007-05:00

We had a great big "Hello Kitty" bash to celebrate Lisa's 5th birthday this weekend. Jack and I are both sick and super-tired... but we think it was a good time! I still cannot believe I have a 5 year-old. It seems like she was a baby yesterday. I know that makes me sound old... but that is really how I feel. Here are some pics.

Race Pictures!

2008-12-18T22:14:00.004-05:00

Michelle Wins The Biggest Loser!!

2008-12-17T15:59:00.005-05:00

Yay!! I am so happy w/ the results of last night's finale of

"The Biggest Loser". My favorite contestant, Michelle,

won. She looked fabulous! Michelle lost a total of 110 pounds and 45.45 percent of her body weight!

I was so happy to see her win. Everyone's transformations were amazing. I was especially impressed w/ Jerry, both Amy's, Phil, and Heba. Click here to see everyone's stats. I just love this show. I cried on and off throughout the whole finale. Well, I cried on and off the whole season actually! I am so impressed w/ these people's determination. It hits close to home for me. Way to go everyone! You are all winners!

A day at the Races!

2008-12-13T12:36:00.008-05:00

My family had an active day! We were at one of the local parks bright and early at 7:45 for Lisa and I to run some races today. First up was Lisa in the one mile fun run. I ran w/ her and we had a blast. She ran the whole way- no stopping. We held hands and shuffled a few times but she was a trooper. She told many people as we passed them (or they passed us) "Great job!" It was cute. The race organizers had people on the course to cheer us on and it was neat to see Lisa's reaction. When someone would yell "You are doing great" or "You can do it" she would really pick up the pace. She really booked it across the finish line! Lisa finished in just over 13 minutes and I am so proud of her. At the end of the day Lisa also participated in a race called "The Fastest Kid in Garner". Kids ran a 50 yard dash in their age groups- Kindergarten through 5th grade. Although she is not the winner of the title- we have told her she is the Second Fastest Kid in Garner!

My race took place about 45 minutes after the fun run. I was nice and warmed up from the mile. I did some stretches and a little more jogging and I was ready to go. I started in the third row. I had one goal in mind. To PR (set a Personal Record). My PR is from high school and I desperately wanted to beat it today. It was set my freshman year at 23:24. I've been chasing it all season. From the second the gun went off I felt great. I was not concerned w/ placing or trophies. I just wanted a certain time. (I thought I might place b/c this was the first year for this race and it was small. But that was not my goal.) So the entire run I just chanted to myself.... "23:23. 23:23." While running I decided that, if it was humanly possible, I would pass every woman that I saw. In the first mile I passed 4 women. In the second mile I passed one. But after that I didn't see any more women. Hmmmm? I just kept trucking along saying "23:23. 23:23." to myself. I am sure all the men I was running w/ thought I was crazy! As I neared the finish line I was surprised to hear an MC on a microphone calling out to the crowd. I heard him say, "And here is number 53. Sarah Napier! She is the second woman to finish today! Lets give Sarah a hand folks!" I almost stopped running right there! The second woman! Are you kidding me?! I was so happy- I really almost just started walking over the finish line. BUT- I could see the big clock. And I could see it counting up the time. (I had a timing chip- but I knew I was close to the clock b/c I started near the front.) I don't run w/ my glasses on so by the time I could actually read the clock I could see it said "23:15"!!!!!!!! And I just started hauling it! I don't think I've EVER ran so fast, so tired in my whole life. I really wanted to get my 23:23 or better. My heart was about to jump out of my chest! So- how do you think I did? Click here for the results.

Top 3 females w/ Mayor who handed out awards.

What carb-loading means to me...

2008-12-12T20:54:00.003-05:00

One More Week...

2008-12-10T22:12:00.009-05:00

until the season finale of "The Biggest Loser"! I am so excited about it. Just like last season, America gets to vote on who will be the third finalist. It was hard this time b/c we had to choose between Heba and Ed, who are husband and wife. Both totally deserve to be there. Ed was so sweet in last night's episode. He asked America not to vote for him but to vote for his wife! What a great husband! I voted for Heba. The two other finalists are Michelle and Vicky. Overall- I would like Michelle to win b/c she is just soooo cute. But if not her- then Heba b/c she was the heaviest girl. We will see what happens next Tuesday at 8 pm! I cannot wait!

Out of sight. Out of mind.

2008-12-08T19:33:00.006-05:00

I have decided to put Jack's junk food out of my reach. Literally. I put everything unhealthy that I could find in the cabinet above the microwave. It is so high I need a stool to get up there. I don't think I'll be too tempted to munch on these anymore. I will problem forget they are even there! Hopefully.

Dining Room- getting somewhere

2008-12-07T19:37:00.002-05:00

Here are some pics of my dining room. We have not been using it b/c the table was broke while in storage. Well, my handy-dandy husband has fixed it and I am so happy to be eating at a real table in a real dining room! Next up- I am hanging some sheers my Mother gave me and making some curtains. I keep looking at curtain material and I only like 3 colors- black, white, and red. Hmmmmm. What to do? Also, Jack is going to re-stain the table to match my dark wood cabinets and floor. And look at this mirror! It looks so SMALL! Trust me- it is not that small. Some of you have seen this mirror in person and you know it is not as small as it looks in this picture! Do you think it is that big white wall making it look so tiny? Goodness, I can't believe I have it up there. I am going to have to hang 2 things on either side of it aren't I? What could I hang? I like things that are symmetrical, clean-looking, and black, white, or red.

While I am talking about the mirror I will tell you.... Anna and I had a heck of a time putting it up! Jack suggested that I have her come over b/c he knew that if he hung the mirror w/ just me there that the next day Anna would come over and insist it should be 2 inches lower! So we had Jack stank holding the 50 pound mirror on the wall. Then we had him move it up 2 inches, down 2 inches, up 4 inches, down another 2, down another 2, then up 2, then down 4, etc. Then Anna suggested that her and I go outside and practice walking into the house and looking at the mirror w/ a fresh prospective each time. So we had Jack move it to each of the various places while we walked in and out looking at it. Then we had him hold it vertically. This was all very difficult. But I am happy to say we got it right where I want it!

Have a great night all! I am going to hop in the treadmill! Ta-ta for now.

Temptations

2008-12-06T11:35:00.004-05:00

I've been getting my running in just fine. No problems there. However, I've bee having a difficult time w/ food. It seems like I eat one thing that I shouldn't and then my whole day is shot. In "The Thin Commandments" he says "Cheats should teach you. Not defeat you." Ha! Well, at this point I am being defeated! One of the problems is- when Jack is home there is junk in the house. When he is gone I just don't keep it here. But when he comes home I feel it is his home too and he should be able to have the food he likes here. Well, its here! Its everywhere! Here are some of the temptations lurking in my home.

Hershey Bars in the pantry. I don't eat a ton of chocolate but this will work in a pinch if I haven't ate in like 6 or 7 hours!

Christmas mints. Yes- the kind that become soft as soon as you bite into them. I like the consistency. I put them on this high shelf so they are out of my line of vision. They are 60 calories for 3 pieces. That is 900 calories for 15 pieces in case you are wondering. (That is a math error in case you noticed. I am leaving it there b/c it is rather silly of me.)

Marshmallows. Fig Newtons. Tostitos. Can you guess which on is a problem for me? Yes the Tostitos. They are so salty. This is mainly what I have cheated on. I can feel all the water I am retaining! To be fair- the marshmallows are for Lisa's hot chocolate. And the figs are for the kids. Although Jack has been eating both too.

Oh- and what do we have hear in my dishes cabinet? Mike and Ike's. Now I haven't ate a single one of these but that doesn't mean I won't!

I have got to figure out what to do about all this junk! Yesterday I told Jack he was going to have to get rid of it all. But then I changed my mind. I just don't think that is fair either. I will be thinking on what to do about this and get back to you. Right now I am headed to the treadmill for a quick jog. Have a good day!

Sorry...

2008-12-01T21:52:00.003-05:00

I've been a little distracted here folks. I can't believe it has been a week since I last blogged. Well, has been going on. We are pretty much moved into our new home. We really love it. There is so much more space. I am adjusting to the new amount of time I have to spend cleaning! I've been looking at things like curtains and draperies and such. I've been a little overwhelmed the past day or two.

The Thanksgiving holiday was great! We enjoyed a visit from my parents over the long weekend. It was so much fun to have them here. The kids were soooo happy to see Memere and Pepere.... as were the adults. (Thanksgiving photo.)

In weight news.... my loss is being maintained nicely. However, I am worried about the holidays. Mainly the food. I am committing myself to running 20 miles a week through New Years. No excuses. And I am trying to keep my calories in check so that I can be at the lower end of my weight range.... just for some wiggle room during the next month. Geesh! What's a girl gotta do to look good around here?!

Moving On

2008-11-23T21:32:00.005-05:00

My dining room... the cleanest and most organized room in the house. Notice the absence of a dining room table. Yes- my dear, beautiful, solid wood dining room table was a casualty of the move. (Actually- it was broken in storage- by me. But that is a story for another day.) Jack promises to be fixing it soon so we can put it where it belongs.

The breakfast nook is where we are eating for now. You can see all my beautiful dining room chairs around my.... sewing table!

This is messy. It has become a bit of a catch-all in here. I know... Lets play hidden picture! Can you find- a drill, a foam roller, a bowl of popcorn, a silver vase, a candle on a candlestick, a cell phone charger, a picture frame, a broom handle, some venison, 2 tied Wal-Mart bags, hand soap, and a bar of soap? All of these items are in this picture.

Our bedroom. This place is trashed. Our bed is not made and frankly... that is the least of our problems here. Especially since I am off to bed now. Good night everyone. Hope you've enjoyed a look into our mess. I am so happy w/ my new home that it doesn't bother me at all!

Moving Along

2008-11-22T21:41:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of my living room in North Carolina. Yes- we are here. No- I can't find my sons dress shoes for Mass in the morning. I am so happy to be here. It is beautiful and the neighbors are great! We've been unpacking and organizing for 2 days. I've been a little overwhelmed at times but for the most part it has been fun. I have not run or ate anything but chips and salsa and oatmeal cookies for 24 hours. Geesh! I'm okay w/ it though... I've got a lot to do around here. I am exhausted- more later. Peace.

Lunch in the cold

2008-11-19T19:39:00.003-05:00

Now that winter is almost here and the cold is definitely here I've changed my routine. No, I haven't given up my special salad I eat everyday. But I have added my Progresso soup. Instead of an Enchilada or frozen pizza I eat a low-calorie Progresso soup w/ my salad everyday. They are delish!! There are tons of Progresso soups to choose from but I only get ones w/ 100 calories a serving or less. There are only 2 servings in a can so this makes them no more than 200 calories a soup at the highest. There are some w/ 70 and even 50 calories a serving. I could go on and on about how good they are but you really need to try them for yourself. My favs are French Onion, Minestrone, Southwestern-style Vegetable, and Chicken Noodle. There is also one w/ wild rice. YUM! I could go on. Try them you'll like them! Peace.

What Style am I? What about you?

2008-11-16T21:01:00.005-05:00

Style is not something I am very good at. Dressing stylish, being stylish... these are not things I do well. I have no fashion sense to speak of. I know this b/c my 3 sisters have unbelievable fashion sense- each a little different from the other- but each so stylish. I have complete confidence that they could each get dressed for a major event w/o ever consulting anyone... and they would all look perfect. But alas- I am the one sister who did not get this gene. In the past few years this hasn't mattered much b/c I've been so overweight. When you are heavy you just dress to conceal. Conceal your size, conceal your weight, conceal your personality so you just blend in w/ everyone else. I don't really want to dress like this anymore. I feel like I am not myself dressed in this style. The problem is... I don't know what style I am!

Enter Mom- She gave me "The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style". (Thanks Mom.) I am loving this book! It lists 10 basic styles that pretty much cover all looks. It tells you what clothes and accessories you will need to dress in each style. It shows you how to put them together and how to mix and match. It gives examples of famous people and regular people who wear these styles. And it is not like you have to go out and buy a whole look-- b/c really, you can see parts of your wardrobe w/in the styles. The book does not list costs of clothing or where to find certain items b/c it is not a catalogue and is not really trying to sell anything. I cannot put this book down. It is so good!

I've listed the styles below. With each one I put a picture that captures it as much as possible. I was going to write out explanations for each one but it could get lengthy! I've got a few questions for you-- What style are you? What style do you think I am? I know a lot of us are just dressed in jeans and t-shirts everyday BUT- what style are you naturally drawn too? If you could get out of the clothes you wear everyday- what would you be wearing? Think about it. Goodness knows I'm thinking about it!

Euro Chic

California Casual

Rock and Roll

Posh Eclectic

Mod

American Classic

Bombshell

Bohemian

Arty Slick

Gamine

Update on running status....

2008-11-12T21:09:00.004-05:00

and I ran. I got in 7 miles on the treadmill at the YMCA. (Remember- my treadmill is in a storage facility right now.) Seven miles is such a long time to be on a treadmill! Now it is off to bed! Peace to all.

This is what I am saying to myself....

2008-11-12T12:22:00.003-05:00

as I am trying to pack, move, visit family and friends, hire movers, forward mail, purchase necessary things (like a GPS), return phone calls and emails, fax random things, and take care of children and a husband. "Someone who is busier than me is running right now." Thanks Nike. I am getting in the car to go do that 7 mile run that was supposed to take place on Sunday. It is happening now! I am the person running while others who are less busy are not! (Did that make any sense?) I will check in later to let you know that said run DID take place-- if only for my sanity. P.S. Who is this chick? (Below.) I am glad she is not in any of my races!

Race Report

2008-11-08T21:35:00.003-05:00

What a day! My race really beat me up today. I was not prepared for the cold and the wind. I really had to work hard and it surprised me. It has been 70 degrees here for the last week. Even before that it had not been this cold- and if it had, I certainly had not run in it yet this season! So anyway- it was 42 degrees during the race this morning. I thought I was dying!! The cold was so brutal in my lungs. It was like inhaling icicles. There was also a lot of wind which took me by surprise too. I should know better and be prepared next time. It was still a good race. I placed first in my age group w/ a time of 24:29. I am not too happy about my time but I am getting over it. I can't run faster every single race! (See results here.) It was fun to run w/ Dad. The cold surprised him too, as he always runs inside. I placed 6th female overall and that is cool to me. I could see the lead women on and off throughout the race b/c of some long stretches. They were so fast. Ahhh... one day I hope that will be me. Overall it was a good race. I am looking forward to my next one which is about 5 weeks away and in North Carolina! To hell w/ this cold!

P.S. Lots of people wore Spandex today.... I didn't feel so alone.