29 Years Old hmmmm.

So I made it to 29 yesterday. 1 year short of 30. Are these big milestones?
Last year for my birthday I came to terms with having a baby. Before that birthday I was not ready at all. But sometime around then I changed my opinion and got on board. And this year.
Who knows what will happen this year. 29. Almost 30.

This year I want to work on my follow through. I want to actually do the things I commit to for more than a week.

1. Take the workouts. They are a perfect example. I have completed the first week. Now I am starting the second week. And I am going to follow through and maintain it. 
2. I am going to follow through with putting my things away to help make my husband happier. I like him and making him happy so this is something I can follow through for him. 
3. At work too. I say I am going to work on things and I ignore them completely. It is only somewhat intentional. So I am going to work on having a better attitude about doing things that make other people happy. And being helpful.

 So I made it to 29 and I am going to do this. I am an adult. I can do this. I can take care of myself and the people I can about, and the other people who are nearby on a regular basis.

So first step right now! I am going to get up, walk away from this computer, change my clothing, and workout. Happy Birthday to me!

UPDATE - Thank you to Sarah, my favorite sister. She went looking for a birthday present and wanted to get me something I actually wanted. So she went to Pinterest. Don't know what that is? It is a website that helps you organize everything you love on the internet. Simple as that. I have 37 "bulletin boards" that organize over 1200 "pins" of items I like. Sarah found a beautiful necklace that I pinned. Thank you! I love it!

Body Rock - Week 1 - Days 4-7 (8)

W1D4 - Tuesday, January 10 - Body Rock Day 2
4 days until I turn 29. 
Today's workout is a 12 minute program. 50 seconds on 10 seconds rest. I watched the video last night explaining how to do it and I broke out in a cold sweat from fear... but I will do this first thing in the morning (CRAZY) anyway. I just have to remember how happy I was yesterday. It looks so intimidating! RIGHT! HELP! It's okay, she showed us ways to do each exercise and at a slower pace it looks manageable.

So here is what I was able to do: 
Jillian Michaels stretching
2 sets - 10 x High Knees & 10 x Mountain Climbers
3 sets - 2 x Squat Jumps & 2 x Push-ups & 1 x Tuck Jumps
4 sets - Center to Elbow Jump (L&R) & 2 x leg jumps
4 sets - Press Up &  2 Squat jumps
2 sets - Tuck Jumps x 5 & ½ Burpee & squat hold x 5 - BREATHING HARD NOW
20 - Push up - FOR REAL!
25 - Switch Lunge
7 sets - Side Lunge x 2 & L & R Side Punch  & 2 Tuck Jumps
1 set - 10 x Squat & 10 x Squat Jumps
2 sets - Elbow to Knee jumps 10 x each side
20 - Wide leg jumps & Push up
 - Speed run

Oh sh*t that was so hard. It took me close to 20 minutes to complete this because I kept looking at the video to understand what I was doing.  Maybe I will write it out in words I understand for tomorrow.
Moment of honesty - I had every intention of working out with Jillian today out of fear for Body Rock. But I didn't. I Body Rocked instead. I am more capable than I give myself credit. Also, and I thought this was interesting, I woke up before my alarm - kind of like I was excited to work out!!! NICE!

And then I have been hungry all day long. I noticed this yesterday too. After working out first thing in the morning I get very hungry earlier in the day. I was never starving like this before. I don't entirely understand it. It shouldn't have that much to do with it. Right? Am I losing it? Whatever. I bought a 5 lb. bag of clementines and brought them to work for free snacks. Shame they don't fill me up like carbs. Oh wells.

AND I tracked my food today.

W1D5 - Wednesday, January 11 - Body Rock Day 3
Oh this is going to be hard. I can't decide if I am upset because I don't have all the equipment required or disappointed because I kind of want all the stuff. But do I really? Who knows. And we both know that if I buy the equipment I will probably end up quitting. So I am going to keep doing the modified movements and I am happy as long as I keep going.

Lisa (my online trainer) wants me to work out with Sean (the other trainer) afterwards. I think it is a bad plan. So I will get to the end of the workout with Lisa and then decide if I am going to add 2 circuits from Jillian's workout.


So here is what I was able to do: (these are with my modifications)
Jillian Michaels stretching
10 - Superman Push-ups (lift opposite arm and leg between each push-up)
10 - Push-up’s & L&R knee to elbow touch(my arms are already killing me from yesterday)
20 - Squat & Press
3 sets - Clean & Press + Jump Forward + 3 x Squat Jumps
15 - Push-ups (seriously again?)
8 - Side Jump Burpee + 2 knee to elbow Oblique Abs + Tuck Jump Centre (Alternate Sides)
8 sets - Forward Lunge + Side Lunge + Knee Lift. (Alternate Legs)
6 sets - Push-up (arms close to body) & Burpee up to ceiling press + Sumo L&R Knee Touch.
18 - Tricep Dip + knee lifts
12 - Sit-ups

18 - Squats
Speed Run

HOLY COW. I made it. The beginning was rough. My arms cannot take any more push ups at all. I don't think I will be able to do more tomorrow. My arms are just killing me. And that sprint at the end? The longest 50 second interval. But I have time and I am not exhausted. So some more Jillian please.

20 - Squat & pres with 3lb weight. (As if I haven't done enough of these)
18 - Dumbbell Rows with 3lb
20 - Forward Lunges with bicep curls with 3lb
20 - Dumbbell Rows with 5lb
2 minutes cardio - butt kicks, punches
20 each side - oblique situps 
18 - chest flys with 5lb
12 - chest flys with 5lb (then I was attacked by dogs :)
2 minutes cardio - jumping jacks, butt kicks, punches, jumping jacks
30 - bicycle crunches
stretch

So this morning I learned something very valuable. I can do level 1 no problem. Monday night I was talking to Colleen about how level 1 still made me winded (it has always been my go to workout during my not working out regularly routine). But today it felt more like a cooldown (because I didn't do all the intervals but I still did most of the exercises). So it is time to move up to LEVEL 2!!!! But maybe not after a Body Rock morning...

I have to stop cheating on food. It is the one part of this that desperately needs help. Today a student bought pizza for his lunch (not from the cafeteria I do have standards) and offered me a piece. Instead of saying "no thank you" I took the smallest piece. But then I ate it all! Why didn't I give it to another student? Or just eat a bite - as in ONE BITE! - and then get rid of it? Who knows. The lunch I had packed for myself was super healthy since I know Matt & I are going out for dinner tonight. But NOOOOO I ate the slice of pizza. 8 points. down the drain. That I can't get back. And this week is a hard week too! We are eating out tonight and Friday night. And Saturday is my birthday and people are coming over. OH GEEZ. I knew I wouldn't lose that much weight this week, but seriously. WHAT WAS I THINKING?>>!@#>@#$?#?#$%

W1D6 - Thursday, January 12 - Body Rock Day 4 Jillian Michaels Level 2

I am actually looking forward to this workout - crazy talk this is. And then I remembered that the push-ups were so hard yesterday. So I will be doing Jillian Michaels Level 2 instead. I hope there are not a ton of push-ups. Fingers crossed for me. And today - only smart food decisions.


So here is what I was able to do: #1st set - exercise - #2nd set
stretching
1st circuit 
5 - walking planks - 5
15 (3lbs) - static squat & dumbbell rows (open) - 17 (3lbs)
high knees/mountain climbers
crunch alternating leg lift
2nd circuit
16 (3lbs) - lunge & dumbbell row (closed) - 15 (5lbs)
16 (3lbs) - pendulum lunge & hammer curl - 13 (5lbs)
oblique twist / skaters
8 - leg lifts
10 - double crunch
3rd circuit
15 (5lbs) - military press & leg extension - 14 (3lbs)
18 (5lbs) - squat & V raise - 19 (3lbs)
plank jacks/ double jump rope
10 plank twists

Somewhere between the 1st & 2nd circuits Bones had really bad diarrhea. I had to stop for 5 minutes and clean it up. The smell permeated the entire house. I couldn't get rid of it. Gross.
Then I loved this moment at the beginning of circuit three when sweat dripped into my eye. I could breathe the whole time, but sweating so much more than any other day. WIN!!

I was really good today. I ate only my healthy lunch! A student gave me candy and I didn't eat it! HUZZAH! I AM AWESOME! I made cupcakes tonight for someone's daughter's birthday party this weekend. I didn't eat any cupcakes. I did taste the batter.

BEASTLY INTERNET! - I just wrote so much & it didn't save.
ROAR!

W1D7 - Friday, January 13 - Body Rock Day 4 Jillian Michaels Level 2
Did you notice that? That's right. I didn't work out today... it's Friday. And my body hurts. Specifically my back is very sore - not in the I might have hurt myself way, but in my muscles feel like they are getting a beating way. In a good way. If only I had thought about this information last night/this morning when I made this decision. Because the rest of the day was filled with less than great decisions.

We celebrated a birthday (someone else's) at work with ice cream. I only ate 1/2 a cup. I threw away the rest!! HIGH FIVE! Then I went to the bar with friends to celebrate:
1 - Friday
2 - final exams
3 - pay day
4 - 3 day weekend
5 - oh yea, that tomorrow is my BIRTHDAY!!!

I was really good too! I ate chicken and spinach before I left work (healthy lunch CHECK!) so at the bar I didn't eat that much. I had a beer, a little spinach dip, & a handful of french fries. Not bad. And I didn't feel bad about it.
For dinner my Moms took Matt & I out for dinner. It was one of the nicest gifts I received. I love my Moms. So we went to Gordon Biersch - its a brewery. I was good again. We shared fried calamari, and then Matt and I split dinner. We had a spinach salad (dressing on the side - saved a lot of calories) & then lobster mac'n'cheese.  I didn't eat the bread or finish the bowl! Nice work me! HIGH FIVE!


W1D8 - Saturday, January 14 - MY 29th BIRTHDAY!!!
It's my BIRTHDAY!!!! I am 29 today! I am a big fan of birthdays. I think the only reason that my department celebrates birthdays at all is because I love them sooo much. And I am okay with that!
So today I woke up BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY! And then I made a very healthy breakfast of scramble eggs with onion, mushrooms, spinach, and chicken (only 4 WW points!).
Then Mom & I went out for errands and boy were we successful! Let's see, in order we went and tried on glasses for Mom (found some we liked), bought a tie for Matt, visited my school to wash my contacts, went to a bird center (for Mom), bought fancy bread (with spinach and onion), bought fat quarters (for quilting), went home for grilled cheese sandwiches on fancy bread with Matt, went back out for Dunkin Donuts, and a yarn store. All by 1:30. It was a wonderful birthday morning!

This was the part of the day that I thought I was going to both workout and shower. I didn't do either. (Sorry to the people who were at my house.) I found the TV and internet. Aren't those my normal excuses? Yes. So my free time disappeared and it was time to make chicken pot pies. Which I did. and then when I was cleaning up, my friends started showing up! For my birthday, we had friends over to play games. We play every few months, boys v. girls. Last night we were 3 v. 6. And amazingly I think the boys might have won more games than the ladies. I don't get it, but we weren't keeping that much track.


So this was my week. It was wonderful. I worked out 4 days out of 7. That's very good for week 1. Matt is worried about me. He thinks I might overdo it (which I might). He wanted me to take it more slowly this week. So I did (by accident). This week I want to workout 5 days and not take my days off together. And to keep tracking my food - it makes me more aware of what I am eating!

Body Rock - Week 1 - Days 1-3

Week 1 Day 1 (W1D1)
Saturday, January 7 - Body Rock Day 1 - Fitness Test
Do the following moves for 50 seconds and keep track of how many you did. Follow with a 10 second rest. Then start the next move. Total 7 minutes. Perfect because that is how long I have until I need to shower and get going. Even though I still haven't put away my clothing from vacation last week. Eeks.

So here is what I was able to do:
29 Squat Jump
16 Push Ups (and I am out of breath)

10 Burpees (man I hate these)

64 High Knees

25 Switch Lunges (so out of breath)

12 Tuck Jumps

15 Straight Abs (I thought I would be able to do more. But seeing as I couldn't breath, I am still impressed).

I am so sweaty after 7 minutes. I think I read that sweat is fat crying. So take that! Umm, and I might be nauseous.

So Day 1 - check!

And I tracked my food today.

I count today as a win!

W1D2 - Sunday, January 8 - exercise - or not

I have a long list of excuses for why I didn't work out today. None of which are worth sharing. They are kind of legit? I organized my desk and put away all the clothing in the basket. And then there was football. And the Steelers lost! Lovely!
So my alarm is set and I am working out tomorrow morning with Jillian and then after school I will do Body Rock before my meeting.
And I tracked my food today.

W1D3 - Monday, January 9 - Jillian Michaels - Level 1
OMG. I was soooo successful this morning! I woke up at 4:45 and worked out with Jillian. My body still hurts like hell from the fitness test on Saturday. But I woke up and thought about resetting my alarm clock, and then told myself to shut up and get moving. So I did. I worked out! And everyone is right, the rest of the day is better if you work out. And I am a morning exercise kind of person.
We will have one problem with this system - Matt and the dogs. But Matt said it would be okay if they climbed in bed with him while I worked out and showered - so crisis averted!

Also, I thought I would have time to work out before my meeting tonight, but the principal will be there so I don't want to go in smelling like the gym.  So I will work out when I get home.

UPDATE - Matt makes more sense than I give him credit for EVER. I haven't worked out consistently in a long time. So working out twice in one day is a BAD PLAN! I will hurt myself. A lot. So I will be doing Day 2 tomorrow morning. And I am happy about this plan.

And I made smart decisions about my snacks and tracked my food today.

FIRST SNOW 2012!!

I walked out of my staff meeting today and found snow quietly drifting to the ground!  HURRAH! I love snow!!! I had errands to run, but I came out of my errands and it was STILL SNOWING! And starting to stick to the grass! And now I am home and loving the snow on my porch and my sleeping boys on the couch. That's right, I said BOYS PLURAL - can you see Bones sticking out at the bottom? This is the perfect weather for a great nap!

In case you were wondering, tomorrow the weather will be back in the 50s.

Challenge Accepted!

I have said it before and I will say it again. I need something to be help accountable for. In the past I have done a good job for a few months, and then something happens and I stop.  I am very good January to April, and then I stop.  For instance:
2009 - I had a wonderful trainer at the gym. I worked out with Kristin twice a week, until I realized I could cancel appointments and then I stopped. 4 months on, 1 month off. Then she switched to another gym and I never saw her again.
2010 - I was a gym rat from January to April. I went a few times a week. I loved it. Then Gerry died. I am not blaming him. It is the only event I can remember from that spring. Maybe I got sick. Who knows.
2011 - Weight Watchers. I lost 15 pounds. I was so happy. I hit my target weight. I thought "why not 5 more?" I put all the weight back on. And I am still paying for the service in the hopes that I start tracking my food and activity again. Also that spring, I took a cupcake decorating class. And then I took a cupcake tour of America last summer too.

Seriously, what was I thinking!

So I know that I have no long term follow through. I can do something for 4 months, but then I fall off the wagon. I love working out. I hate making time for it. Take this morning for instance. I woke up at 10 (hallelujah for sleeping in!!! Matt took care of the dogs before going to the gym. He even set the alarm to get up and go - why can't I do that?). So I woke up at 10. Read in bed for an hour. Got up when Matt got back from the gym. And I have been sitting at my computer reading crap on the internet for the last hour and a half. All the while thinking I have time to go to the gym today before I leave. And now I don't. I always find something else I would rather do. Or I am too tired. Or I don't want to leave the house because I am already home. I know I won't leave and go to the gym.

So what to do? I am going to punish myself the only way I know how. My alarm clock is in the bathroom. That way I have to get up to turn it off. I am sneaky like that. So I am going to set my alarm for an hour before I normally get up. PUNISHMENT! And I am going to work out. I have two plans. Three plans.

1. Option 1. Body Rock TV. Oh it is soooo intimidating! In fact it is the reason for this post! I am going to do their 30 day challenge. I am already 5 days late. So I am right on time.

2. Option 2. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. I already know I love it. I have gotten up to level 3 before. And then I stopped. Shocker there. So my plan is to work out with this 3 days a week and in the afternoon. Because I know I will feel successful and that is important to keeping me going!

3. Option 3. Gym time. Let's be honest, it is only an option because I am paying for it. But seriously. On days when I have to stay late at school for sports, it will be a requirement to go to the gym (across the street) and run for 30 minutes. And it is really just my back up plan.

So that is my plan. I have one. That should count for something. But "close only counts when it is a grenade" (Thank you Colleen) so I will be keeping track (weekly) here. So I can hold myself accountable. In the past I have only said I was going to do it. Here I have to check in with myself also!

Body Rock Day 1 - Fitness Test
Do the following moves for 50 seconds and keep track of how many you did. Follow with a 10 second rest. Then start the next move. Total 7 minutes. Perfect because that is how long I have until I need to shower and get going. Even though I still haven't put away my clothing from vacation last week. Eeks.

So here is what I was able to do:
29 Squat Jump

16 Push Ups (and I am out of breath)

10 Burpees (man I hate these)

64 High Knees

25 Switch Lunges (so out of breath)

12 Tuck Jumps

15 Straight Abs (I thought I would be able to do more. But seeing as I couldn't breath, I am still impressed).

I am so sweaty after 7 minutes. I think I read that sweat is fat crying. So take that!

So Day 1 - check!

And I tracked my food today. 

I count today as a win!

Merry Holidays & Happy New YEAR!

Another year has come and gone and with it means WINTER VACATION! We are a mixed religion family.  I am Jewish and my hubs is Lutheran. So we go back and forth between families. We have spent the last two years home. So this year, we went big.  Dominican Republic big.

We spent Christmas Eve Eve with Matt's family.  It was perfect.  We had a big dinner and hung out with all the cousins. I couldn't have asked for a better or more loving in-law family.  I feel truly spoiled by their love and warmth. 

Then we were up bright and early for an early flight. The flight was uneventful and then we were there.  In the sun. In the warmth. And it was heavenly. There was some miscommunication about waiting at the airport for the rest of the family, but it doesn't matter.  In the end, we met them at the hotel and had a drink.  

The hotel was amazing.  It was gorgeous.  The pools were the most beautiful shade of blue.  The air was hot and the pools were cool. It was perfect.  Every morning, Mom woke up early (as she does) and did amazing things for the rest of us. She managed to get us a cabana (or two, I mean there are six of us) and some chairs in the pool. Then I would meet her and we would go to breakfast.  Later in the day, we went to water aerobics with Sarah (& Elias wooo). At some point the boys would show up and there was lunch.  We spent the days reading, drinking in the pool, playing bingo at 4, playing chess after that.  And being a family.   

On Wednesday we went snorkeling and Sarah & Dan finished their scuba certification. We had a great time.  We played in the water all day. 

We come back for New Year's Day every year. The Reeses have a luncheon New Year's Day Afternoon.  Matt's great Aunt Ann Louise hosts a wonderful party. This year we surprised her with an 80th birthday party. She had no idea! Donna & Gail organized and put together the party and collage of photos that we sent in. It was a good time. Then, as is tradition, we took the big family photos on the stairs.

Every year I am aware of how lucky I am.  I have a fabulous family with a great sense of humor and love. We don't always get along, but we love each other beyond words. Even when we fight (which we did at least 4 times), we have a sense of supporting each other through our differences. So for the holidays, I am grateful for them, all of them.  Mine and his. 

My Little Kitchen

I used to be so good!  I used to share tons of recipes.  And then I stopped. It wasn't on purpose.  I just forgot to keep going.  I started all of this because I have an awful memory.  And I am no good with papers.  I have a desk full of papers that I never look at.  So I started this. 

So I am trying to start again.  With Mac N Cheese. I made it in my new(ish) pressure cooker!  But of course, it needed more crunch. So I baked it.  My goal is to post at least once a week, if not twice or thrice.  I'm looking forward to this follow through, following through.

As Fall turns into Winter

I took today off.  Well, I went to work, but I also left very early.  About 6 hours early.  It was lovely.  I had a wonderful day.  My alarm clock went off.  I took a shower.  I made my husband's lunch.  I went to work and made sub plans.  And then I left.  I finished grading my tests.  And I ran errands.  I mailed packages to soldiers that I know and love, and some that I don't know but still love. 

There was a purpose.  I was going to see the doctor today, but I got what I needed today without my doctor's help.  So long story short, I was very, very late this cycle.  We thought I was pregnant. But 10 tests (slight exaggeration, but only by 4) and blood work confirmed that I was very not pregnant.  And today my body confirmed all those tests.  After the first test (13 days ago) I was sad.  But each test just kept confirming that first answer.  So, while I should be sad because I don't have a baby right now, I am not.  I am excited to try again this month.  In fact, the thing that makes me the happiest is the love I feel from my hubby.  Matt is amazing.  We are in the best place we have ever been.  And this not baby has helped us get here. So while I am sad about the baby that wasn't, I am so much happier in the marriage that is. 

And so, while I should have been sad all day today, it has also rained all day.  I have been listening to the rain since I woke up this morning.  And instead of being sad, it has been so relaxing. Because in order for Spring to bloom, Autumn needs to turn in to Winter. So I hope this rain turns into snow soon. 

I hope that I can always see the flowers through the rainstorm.  

Happy Anniversary to my FAVORITE-EST person in the WHOLE WORLD

It is amazing that Matt and I have been together for 6 years and have been married for 2.  He has become by best friend in the world.  I can tell him anything, and I do. And we have had our share of problems in the last 6 years, and I know that no matter what we are fighting about, I love that man with all my heart.  He is the person I want to talk to first thing in the morning, kiss all day long, and cook for at the end of the day.  I love that he loves my cooking and forgives the mess I make every day.

Friends-giving

Happy Friends-giving 2011!  As some of you know, Matt's favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.  I mean it's not that hard to figure out.  The man is an eating machine.  And turkey, puh-lease, it is his favorite (except for bacon).  So when we moved in together (4 years ago) we decided to celebrate with an open house (not everyone had made excuses to see the house) and turkey.  And this is how Friends-giving was born!

Year 2 was skipped.  We got married the first week in November.  It is my favorite time of the year, not too cold, not hot at all.  And beautiful in CT with the fall leaves.  Then we went on our honeymoon over Thanksgiving so we didn't have to use all our leave at work.  We came home on Sunday, and on Monday Matt was upset that there wasn't any turkey for Thanksgiving (because we were out of the country).  So I made crock-pot Thanksgiving for the two of us. 

So to celebrate our anniversary with all our friends, we have Friends-giving.  This is the event we both look forward to every year.  I start thinking about it as soon as school starts in August! I cook the turkey, dressing, and gravy and our loved ones bring the rest.  and I don't want to brag, but my turkey is pretty awesome! I will admit that yesterday's turkey, George, was a little dry.  We had an issue with the thermometer that I melted and couldn't check the temp.  So I did overcook it by about 30 minutes.  My bad.  But George was still delicious.  And the recipe I have is so easy!  Check it out in the Reese Kitchen.  Don't know what that is?  Oh it's just where I put my most favorite-est recipes.  It is a work in progress, so check back and see if there is a recipe you want. 

So yesterday.  I was up early but not to cook George yet.  I was just up because I was excited!  I prepped all the veggies Friday night with Emily, so in the morning all I needed to do was a rub.    Last year carving started at 2, but Matt had a graduate class during the day, so carving was at 4 this year.  And the special surprise, Matt carved the turkey!  Gotta love that electric knife! Friends started arriving around 4 and stayed until morning.  (Thank goodness for daylight savings!) 

On the road again...

I cannot remember the last time I was this excited!! I am siting on the bus on the way to the airport, with one of my favorite girlfriends, and getting very exited about the next 5 days!
Okay. We landed in Orlando tonight. Leela picked us up at the airport.  And then the trip happened and I didn't come back to this post at all.

So now I have been home for 3 days and I realized that you didn't get to hear about any part of it.  So sad for you!  I apologize - can you forgive me?  Well you don't have a choice!

I guess this story starts way back in May when Sugarland was playing at Merriweather Pavilion.  But I couldn't go because my baby brother was graduating from Yale, and well I was proud of him!  So Colleen & I went looking for another place & time to go and see them.  We thought about Allentown, PA, but it would have been after school and a pain to get to and then there wouldn't be anywhere to sleep, etc.  So pass on that one.  Then there was Las Vegas, but it was the weekend before school started.  And that was a bad plan.  So then Orlando!  And Colleen has friends & family there, so it won even more!

So Wednesday I went to work and all I could think about was making it through the day.  Just 3 more classes.  Just a few more hours.  And then we were in the airport!  A beer & dinner and then on the plane!  Leela picked us up at the airport and we and hung out.

Thursday, we woke up and went to Universal Studios and to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!  Oh it was wonderful!  Butterbeer!  And a roller coaster.  And lunch at the 3 Broomsticks.  A great morning all together.  We wandered around for the rest of the day. 
We went back to Leela's condo and hung out at the pool for an hour.  Then got ready for Sugarland.  We went out for Tapas and had delicious sangria for dinner!  Then CONCERT!!!!  Sugarland was all I hoped for and more!  It was love at first sight!

Friday.  Did we sleep in?  I don't think so.  Maybe a little.  Not important.  We went shopping.  I needed a dress for a wedding in November that is black tie preferred, and well I didn't have anything.  So I tried on all sorts of ugly dresses before trying on a pretty red dress.  The other issue was it couldn't be too short (ruling out half the dresses in my closet) and needing some sort of straps (ruling out the other half of the dresses).  I like the new one a lot.
Then we went out for lunch.  We went to the Ravenous Pig - a gastropub.  Yum. I had a delicious chicken sandwich with truffle fries.  LOVE!  I thought I had a picture, but I seem to have eaten it... hehehe

Friday afternoon we headed to Colleen's cousin house to sit by the pool.  LOVE THE SUN!  So MUCH!  Out for dinner.  Watched a movie. Went to bed.

Saturday.  We woke up so very early to accompany Kelly to work.  She works at Animal Kingdom.  She went to work and her opening meeting, then met us at the gate and got us in for free!  One of the perks of working there.  We spent the morning walking around the Animal Kingdom.  It was chilly in the morning before the sun came up.  And when we rode the Mount Everest roller coaster, it was freezing in the mountain air.  But it warmed up on the safari.  We saw all sorts of animals, elephants, lions, giraffes, gazelles, warthogs.  All sorts of animals from the Lion King - and we saw the show they put on.

Then we were off to Epcot and the Food & Wine Festival!  We ate our way around the world.  We ate:

• Australia - Grilled lamb chops with potato-goat cheese salad and Shiraz reduction
• Brazil - Seared Mahi Mahi with steam rice, hearts of palm and coconut-lime sauce.  & a Caipirinha cocktail (yum)
• Mexico - grilled ribeye taco. Crispy shrimp taco.  & a strawberry lime margarita
• Cheese (I know, not a country, but it counted apparently) - artisan cheeses & a cheese fondue
• Italy - ravioli (cheese with creamy beef bolognese). & a Moretti (we had them on our honeymoon)
• American Hops & Barley - Lobster roll, & a Sam Adams
• Japan - California roll, Tuna & Salmon sensation
• Ireland - lobster & scallop fisherman's pie (3 times), warm chocolate lava cake with Bailey's ganache (Colleen has these recipes). & a Meade Honey Wine

Do you think we ate enough?  We were there for 8 hours and ate our way around the world and back.  There was a lot more eating than drinking - THANK GOODNESS.  Except for Leela.  She had more drinking than eating at the beginning... I don't want to tell you anything about that.  It didn't end in the prettiest way.

While we were there we witnessed a number of groups that travel to the festival every year and they had the most wonderful T-shirts.

This was such a wonderful trip.  I loved every minute of it!  I can't believe it started with a need to see a concert and then just got better and better.  There is talk of a repeat trip next year!!!!!!

Happy New Year!

One of my favorite holidays just came and went.  And it feels weird to talk about Yom Kippur as being a favorite, or even positive holiday, but it is true.  For those who don't know (because maybe you live under a rock... sorry that was harsh because I am Jewish and therefore know these holidays, but I digress). For those who don't know there are two major Jewish holidays that take place in September/October (because they use a lunar calendar so the date changes slightly every year).  The first is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  We welcome in the New Year and wish everyone a sweet new year, by eating apples & honey. 

Then there are 10 days.  10 days of atonement.  10 days of saying you are sorry.  For asking for forgiveness for the things we have done wrong, thought badly, and for hurting others whether intentionally or unintentionally.  And this is the part I enjoy.  There is something about this part of the holiday which is freeing and uplifting (not the wrong words at all).  So it is just a matter of calling the people who mean something to you and apologizing for anything you might have done in the last year that hurt them.  (DISCLAIMER - this year I failed at this and didn't make the phone calls, and for that I am sorry.)

Yom Kippur is on day 10.  This is the day when after having asked forgiveness from the people we care about, we ask God for forgiveness as well.  One of my favorite parts of the service says:

"For transgressions against God, the Day of Atonement atones; but for transgressions of one human being against another, the Day of Atonement does not atone until they have made peace with one another."

The more well known part of this holiday is the fact that we fast on this holiday.  We refrain from engaging in activities that give us pleasure so that we can focus on asking for forgiveness and forgiving others.  We refrain from eating, bathing, and sex.  In doing so, we can focus on the task at hand and not be distracted from all the day-to-day nonsense. 

There was something about this Yom Kippur that was very different for me.  It felt more profound.  Which is strange because I was away from home and looking for a local synagogue (which I might have found after a non-holiday visit) and I did not truly fast (because of a medication I am taking - no worries, nothing serious). I missed my family.  I missed being with the community I know.  But I enjoyed not having the distractions of those same people.  I was able to focus on my apologies and hopes for the New Year. 

So after all this there are just two things I want to say.
If I have done anything to offend you, I am sorry.  Whether it was by my actions or by my words, I did not mean to harm you or hurt you in any way.  I know words can feel harmless and change after they sit awhile.  I am sorry for any misunderstandings. 
Also, have a wonderful and happy New Year.  May it be a sweet and wonderful New Year. 

---PS--- and no that apology does not count for the people I still need to call, but I dropped my phone in the toilet and I am waiting for the replacement to arrive in the mail.  True story.

Love you, D

A healthy update

I did it!  I followed through.  TWICE!

So I posted on Thursday.  Then I worked out!  And I made it all the way through!  Granted, during the 3rd circuit, I was exhausted and didn't make it through all of the repetitions.  I had to breathe!  But I finished!

Friday - I had every intention of working out again with Jillian.  But I fell asleep, and woke up 2 hours later to find my husband home.  I don't remember him coming home.  I was asleep on the couch.  But it was date night (because our responsibilities were canceled due to rain!!).

Saturday morning - I watched TV while I cleaned the house (to make the husband happy) and then I worked out again!  Hello follow through! PS - AND I MADE IT THROUGH ALL OF THE LUNGES!! I hate lunges!  I don't ever feel like I have the spacing right.  But I stuck with it and felt the pain!  Hurrah!

I noticed how much more of my body aches after 2 attempts at this.  Way more than any amount of time I put in at the gym, even when I was going regularly.  Jillian really does have a way with brutally attacking you.  Love it.  And I am going to do this again tomorrow!

A moment of honesty

Two summers ago we went to the beach with a group of our friends.  It was wonderful!  During that week, a picture was taken of me in my bikini that was... how do you say it... well I thought it was less than flattering.  In fact it made me self-conscious of how I looked.  Since getting married (almost two years ago!!!!) actually since before then, well maybe not.  I didn't feel like this getting ready for the wedding, but afterwards it started... Wait, I might be rambling.  For a while now I have felt uncomfortable with how I look.  And it's not a lot of un-comfort, it is just I wish I was less lazy.

Then last Christmas, two family members made a decision & I jumped right on their bandwagon.  I joined Weight Watchers as my only New Year's resolution.  I joined.  I drank the kool-aid.  And it worked for me.  I lost 15 pounds.  But the problem is that once I reached my imaginary target, I fell right off that wagon.  Hard.  And then I ate my way through the summer in a cupcake tasting.  So I am back where I started.

So in response to yesterday's announcement I have made a decision.  In this next cycle I want to exercise (almost) every day.  And starting tonight.  I have two things I will do.  On lazy days, I can devote 20 minutes to Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.  I have loved that DVD in the past.  In 20 minutes I am completely out of breath and really sweaty.  And the first few times I do it, I can't even complete 20 minutes.  My other option I want to do specifically on Saturdays & Sundays.  I used to be able to wake up and go straight to the gym.  And I loved it.  So I am going to start again.  And on some weekdays too.  I can run on the elliptical for an hour and then lift weights.  And an hour & a half passes. 

So I figure that this is a start.  And if I can do this for a "cycle," you know, about 30 days, then I can make this work for real, you know, as a lifestyle.  And I figure that if I am healthy before my big news becomes more than a fantasy, that I can get back to it faster after it is a reality.

Big News

I have been struggling with whether or not to write this.  I go back and forth on whether or not this is public knowledge and information.  And then I thought about the conversations that I have with my friends and family.  Most of them already know about this, some of them don't.  Maybe if I write in a really small font it will be easier to type... no probably not. 

The truth is that Matt & I have been talking about this for almost a year now.  And for the past 9 months we have agreed and been on board.  And now we are trying.  We are trying to turn this foursome into a fivesome. (That's not a real word)  We are two crazy people and two neurotic dogs.  And we are hoping to add to this list.  And what we add will only be a four-legged creature for a little while. 

So we should have big news to announce in the future, maybe soon, maybe not.  When it happens, it happens.  We are as ready as we can be for that moment.  And we are looking forward to it!