Five Things Friday

1. Working on getting myself back on track. Last week was national running day...so I ran, for the first time in a while...not pleased to say it was more than a little apparent that it had been awhile. SO, Monday I decided to get serious about my mile a day plan that I had at the beginning of the year. This week went really well. I had to force myself out last night, but I went and felt much better after my two mile walk. Next week I need to really focus on getting all my water...I figure with the Texas summer heat getting stronger every day that won't be a problem.

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 165

Current Weight: 170

Lost This Week: +5

Total Lost: +5

Last Mile Count: 145.59

Miles logged this week: 16.33

Total Miles Logged: 161.92

Not happy with the weight gained, but I AM pleased with the miles logged. I already feel so much better this week. The pounds will follow, right now I'm just focusing on feeling a little better about myself. 

Linking up with Angie!

2. Yesterday I realized that Munch is too old to be put in the class I was planning to put the boys in this summer, which is a pity, because it's a drop off class and that would have been wonderful to have 40 minutes to myself every Friday. Today I'm going to plan our summer. We aren't going anywhere and that's okay...but I refuse to stay at home waiting for something interesting to happen. So, I'll be researching and planning...Marking up their Rupert calendar with fun stuff. 

3. I think there should be a support group for people addicted to Washi Tape....cause man, do I have a problem and I KNOW I'm not the only one. Right? Right. I've been using it a lot in my Project Life album, but have plans to dress up happy mail, make some art projects with the boys...there are an insane amount of good (and easy) ideas on Pinterest. I may put together a collection of my favorites. 

4. I really discovered my silhouette yesterday...I've had it for two years now...and really haven't used it. It's just so much work to pull out and set up and put away again....but yesterday I HAD to use it and the project I was working on had some unused space...so I thought, why not? I made a ton of little cut outs for my Project Life album. Why the heck didn't I do this in the first place??

5. I am insanely behind on reading blogs, but know that I love my readers and I love reading!! 

Five Things on Friday

1. I wanted to start this week by saying hello to all my lovely new readers! Hi and welcome! I hope you'll stay for awhile and introduce yourself. If you have a blog, I would love to come visit!! It's always so much fun to meet new blog friends.

2. Kayla over on Green Mountain Couple very kindly asked me to guest post on for Friends Friday. I'm honored to be sharing the post with Gayle over at A Gayle Force. I wrote about the bluebonnets in Texas. Go check it out HERE.

3. If you haven't already, you REALLY should head over to My So Called Chaos. Angie is having a massive group giveaway.

4. FAF is so much happier this week. I got a couple walks in and did 3 days with Jillian doing 30 day shred. Plus I've gone back to tracking my food. I feel healthier this week than I've felt in a long while...and really that matter more to me than any weight loss. I've been feeling so unhealthy and SO out of shape, but I feel like I really made a turn for the better. I hope this time I can stay on track and get back to where I want to be.

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 165

Current Weight: 165

Lost This Week: 0

Total Lost: 0

2013 miles as of last week: 141.6

Miles logged this week: 3.99

Total Miles Logged: 145.59

5. Have you got any wonderful plans for the holiday weekend? We haven't talked much about it, but I think a lot of our time will be spent knocking stuff off our to do list. I really wish we were going to Galveston again, but we decided to put our trip on hold and get some other things taken care of instead. Being a grown up really has a down side sometimes. So in between chores and catching up on some crafts, I'll be closing my eyes and wishing I were here:

If I don't see ya, have a wonderful long weekend!!

Five Things on Friday

1. Starting off with FAF again. Still not exactly happy, but a little more hopeful.

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 165

Current Weight: 165

Gained This Week: 0

Total Lost: 0

2013 miles as of last week: 137.28

Miles logged this week: 4.32

Total Miles Logged: 141.6

John and I have been helping each other get up in the morning. A walk hasn't happened every day, but we are getting there. 

2. At the BBQ last weekend I was snapping a couple pictures and one of my best friends tried to get out of having her picture taken with her beautiful little girl. I got the picture, but her initial reaction made me sad. I love looking back at pictures of my childhood and seeing my parents AND grandparents in pictures with me.  I don't always remember the day or moment in the picture, but my heart fills up just seeing and knowing that they were there. I was reminded of this article by Allison Tate: The Mom Stays in the Picture and also of Aleida's Challenge (please head over to Plucky Momo to read about it.) The kiddos in your life honestly don't care if you think you are fat or if you aren't dressed to the nines. They don't care if you are all sweaty from working out or if your hair is a disaster. They just know they love you. Please don't shy away from being in pictures with them. If I shied away from pictures I would have none of Munch and I when he was tiny. 

3. I've been potty training (my FOUR year old - SIGH) and weaning my two year old off his binkie today. Two of the least fun things I have encountered in parenting so far. I will be having a glass of wine tonight. 

4. Picture of the week:

That's pose is Munch's current go to. Goofy.

5. Melissa over on A Vegas Girl at Heart gave her readers a heads up on Hobby Lobby's 40% coupon combined with their current shipping special of 1.95....with their new Project Life stock. I totally took advantage. Check out Melissa's post HERE. Just a note, you can only use the same code ONCE per day. I tried a couple different codes on a couple orders...so I'm hoping I'm good. Cross fingers!

Five Things on Friday

My Fat Ass Friday posts have become a little depressing for me to write and I'm sure more than a little sad to read. So until I get my act together, Fridays are going to be a little random. I'll try to still add a little note in keeping with FAF though. 

1. Let's start with a little FAF.

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 165

Current Weight: 165

Gained This Week: 0

Total Lost: 0

2013 miles as of last week: 137.28

Miles logged this week: 0

Total Miles: 137.28

I really just need to focus on one day at a time and stop beating myself up over days past....cause let's be honest, that makes things worse. I'm gonna link this post up with Angie...even though it's not all about my weight and fitness. 

2. I have been a terrible bloggy friend lately. I'm distracted by LOTS of things lately. Hopefully, HOPEFULLY...that will lessen soon...or there is a possibility that it could get worse, BUT I will try to get better. 

3. We are having a BBQ tomorrow. I told the boys it was a party...Munch took that to mean it's a birthday party...for him. His birthday is in October. 

I am super excited to spend time with family and friends. We don't do it near enough and I've been missing them lately. Hopefully we can start getting together a little more frequently. Ice Cream Social maybe?

4. I have no idea what we are doing on Mother's Day. 

5. Nox insists "Munch is my BEST brodder. He wakes up the sun." I think it's the cutest thing EVER. 

Now if they could just get along for five minutes ;o)

FAF: Weeks 15 and 16

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 162

Current Weight: 165

Gained This Week: 3

Total Lost: 0

2013 miles as of last week: 132.78

Miles logged this week: 4.5

Total Miles: 137.28

Well it's official. We are now 5 months in...and all I've managed to do is maintain my starting weight...which I suppose is better than continuously gaining. 

Who is up for a pep talk? I know I am. 

via: Helen Dardik 

via: imgfav

via: Eat & Love

via: Fab

via: Greatist

Alright, I feel better now. I hope we ALL have a happy and very healthy week. 
I'm linking up with Angie!

FAF: Week 14

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 162

Current Weight: 162

Lost This Week: 0

Total Lost: 3

Jeez-a-loo....I haven't blogged all week. No good reason either. Except I was sick. Better now and hoping my next FAF is a lot more interesting than this one!  

2013 miles as of last week: 132.78

Miles logged this week: 0

Total Miles: 132.78

Hope everyone has a happy and healthy week. 

Linking up with Angie!

FAF: Week 14 - The Color Run

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 165

Current Weight: 162

Lost This Week: 3

Total Lost: 3

Thank goodness! Totally got back on the right track this week. We planned our meals and stuck to them....mostly. I got sick and have had trouble eating the past couple days. I'm hoping my hard work at the beginning of the week is why I lost weight and NOT because I was sick, because I would be heart broken if the weight came flooding back when I feel better. 

Last weekend John and I did The Color Run. 

There were SO many more people than last year. It was a little more crowded than I would have liked...in certain spots they definitely narrowed the lanes. We were told over and over runners on the left, walkers on the right. For whatever reason that rarely happened....so we walked more than I wanted to and when we ran there was lots of zigzagging. 

All that said...we still had a BLAST. 

  

  

There were a TON of kids there is year...and while Munch didn't seem too pleased with our appearance this year either...we may drag him and Nox (who didn't have ANY problem with all the color) next year. 

The pink took 2 washes to come out of my hair...and my jacket is now a pretty lavender. 

We don't have another 5k planned YET, but we are looking for our next one. I tested my new running sneaks and I think we'll grow on each other. 

2013 miles as of last week: 120.51

Miles logged this week: 12.27

Total Miles: 132.78

I'm linking up with Angie. Come join in the fun!

FAF 2013: Week 14

Starting Weight: 165

I am trying VERY hard not to be completely furious with myself. It's not working out so well. Just a warning, this post will probably be mostly me venting. 

I should be proud. I have kept 58 pounds off. 

I'm not...cause I've gained 20...and I have been struggling so hard to keep the motivation to get that weight off again. 

What's killing me is I don't have any idea why I can't keep that motivation. 

I was so happy with where I was 20 pounds ago. I loved how I looked in clothes, I loved how much energy I had, I loved how fit I was. There is NO REASON for me not to fight to get back there. 

I haven't run since the Firefly Run two weeks ago. 

I DID get new running shoes! But...haven't tried them...mostly because of the weather and I won't be using them during The Color Run tomorrow, because I don't want my new shoes drowned in the rainbow right after they come out of the box. So yeah...I'm thinking Monday. Monday I will run again and there will be other workouts, yoga, strength training...it WILL happen. 

It seems like we somehow haven't gotten a GOOD grocery trip in two weeks. So we haven't been cooking that many decent meals...which means no left overs...which is NOT good. 

Okay, I need some good stuff in this post:

Got new shoes...YAY!! They are light and comfy and I can't wait to test them out. 

The Color Run is tomorrow and the weather is supposed to be AMAZING. Double YAY!! 

John bought me a white tutu for the run. How awesome is he? 

Meal plan pretty much completely organized for the next two weeks!! 

It's lovely out today, so when John gets home, the pup and I are heading out for a nice walk. 

2013 miles as of last week: 117.59

Miles logged this week: 2.92

Total Miles: 120.51

FAF 2013: Week 13

Yep...not showing my weigh-in this week. Lets just say, I am REALLY not impressed with myself right now, and move on. Here is my mileage instead :o)

2013 miles as of last week: 110.98

Miles logged this week: 6.61

Total Miles: 117.59 

John and I did the Firefly Run 5k last weekend. I really wasn't sure the weather would hold up, but except for a little misting it was fine. 

I had planned on buying more glow stuff, but we had fun dressing up in bright clothes.

 John spotted some "weights" and had to show off. :o)

Here we are waiting for the okay to start!

It was hard to get decent pictures after it got dark. These really don't do it justice. 

My foot didn't let me run the whole time, but my lungs seemed to do alright. We walked when we had to and ran as much as we could. There were a lot of people walking and running. So many people in all different age groups. Munch would have thought the music was too loud, but maybe we'll try bringing the boys next year. It was really so much fun. This was our second 5K together and we haven't worried really about getting chips to keep our times. It's really more about picking runs that are geared towards fun, however I did time it and we finished in just over 47 minutes. Not my best time, but I'm not worried about it. 

We have The Color Run next week and I am REALLY looking forward to it. Last year was a blast. 

Have a Happy and Healthy week!!

I'll be linking up with Angie!!

FAF 2013: Week 12 Confessions

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 158

Current Weight: 161

Lost This Week: 3

Total Lost: 4

::wince:: :o( 

I confess that I've not being doing great since my birthday run. 

I confess that I had to take a week off from any kind of workout because of an injury. 

I confess that this put me in a funk and I started making bad eating choices. I mean just awful choices. 

I confess that I don't always listen to my body. I did run a 5k on Tuesday. During my warm up my right foot started hurting...AGAIN. I ran anyway. The last mile was agony...I did this strange limping run and kinda hobbled the rest of the night. I made one of my best times. :o/ So nope, probably did not learn my lesson. 

I confess that I am slightly terrified of my race tonight, because of my stupid foot. It might rain...there MIGHT be thunderstorms...there is a small part of me that hopes it has to get rescheduled, so that I have some time to get new running shoes that I seem to be over due for. Not thinking this is likely though. So if anyone is at the Firefly Run in Plano tonight and you see a girl limp/running, while singing "I Will Survive"....yeah, probably me. 

Leaving on a decent note, my mileage did go up this week. So yay!

2013 miles as of last week: 105.35

Miles logged this week: 5.63

Total Miles: 110.98

Have a happy and healthy week and hope that I do too!!

FAF 2013: Week 11

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 158

Current Weight: 158

Lost This Week: 0

Total Lost: 7

Blah. Injured my foot during my run last Friday and only yesterday did it really start to feel better...didn't pay a lick of attention to what I ate. Have a race next weekend...and feeling slightly panicked. Need to kick it up several notches. 

I DID get out the past couple days for some serious yard work...YAY!! Spring officially starts next weekend and I am itching to start planting stuff again. I LOVE working in the yard, even love the soreness my muscles feel. 

We also did get to visit the zoo with my dad and sister on Wednesday and judging from the stiffness and soreness, I'm pretty sure I walked 500 miles. Or maybe that was just from holding Nox halfway home in the train. Goofy boy. 

2013 miles as of last week: 105.35

Miles logged this week: 0 

Total Miles: 105.35

(Although, I'm pretty certain I logged at least a few at the zoo...but since I didn't try to track it, we won't count it.)

FAF 2013: Week 10

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 158

Current Weight: 158

Lost This Week: 0

Total Lost: 7

No worries. I got my appetite back, so I'm super happy that didn't cause me to gain. On the flip side, my workout tracker on Spark People had a minor panic attack at me today, because I burned WAY more calories than it had planned for me. 

Today was my birthday. John took the day off...and instead of sleeping in and having a treat filled, chocolate comma day...I decided to run. 

There is a green belt park close to my house and I jogged 7.65 miles of the trail. 

I have never gone that distance before...there was walking involved...but not as much as I thought there would be. I really REALLY have no idea how marathoners or even half marathoners do it. I got home, ate a wonderful breakfast that John made, took a shower...and then passed out in bed. 

I'm feeling MUCH better now. And I am so proud of myself for doing it. I actually was thinking...half way in...that it would be fun to do again, when more flowers are out. There were a lot of wildflower spots, that I bet are gorgeous in the Spring...when I got home, I thought that idea was insane...and now I'm warming up to it again. Yep...fairly certain that I'm losing it. 

2013 miles as of last week: 88.16

Miles logged this week: 17.19 

Total Miles: 105.35

Broke the 100 mile mark!! Woot!!

Have a happy and healthy week!!

FAF 2013: Week 9

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 159

Current Weight: 158

Lost This Week: 1

Total Lost: 7

 I am very happy with my weight loss this week, but I wish I could say it was because I was eating all the right things and working out like I should. 

It's not.

In general I'm an emotional eater. If I'm unhappy or stressed about something I WILL eat. This week, I've been a little distracted and have been thinking a lot...which for some reason has caused me to lose my appetite completely. There have been a couple days that I have completely forgotten to eat meals...others where I just pick at what's in front of me. I haven't been sleeping all that well either, which has translated in more coffee than water. 

Really not sure what's been going on workout wise. Running and working out usually helps to clear my head, but really I only got myself in gear a few short times. 

Hopefully next week will be better! 

2013 miles as of last week: 83.76

Miles logged this week: 4.4

Total Miles: 88.16

Have a happy and healthy week!!

FAF 2013: Week 8

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 160

Current Weight: 159

Lost This Week: 1

Total Lost: 6

Yay!! I'm so happy to be out of the 160's. I was really worried about weigh in this morning, but looking back I actually did fairly well considering, we had a lot of sickness in our house.

John and I had a great day-date on Saturday to FINALLY go see The Hobbit and have a nice child-free meal. When we got back our little man had a fever. 

He spent most of his Sunday curled up on my lap...mostly napping. John took a shift so I could go for a wonderful run....when I got home I didn't even get to stretch before Nox was passed out on my lap again. Poor kid. Munch had a runny nose, but that really seemed to be the worst for him.

Within five minutes of me getting back from my run...

Monday, Nox still wasn't feeling 100%, but the weather was still lovely...so we decided to get out for some fresh air. I think it helped everyone feel better, even if we were tired at the end. I even got in a good upper body workout in.

Munch needed to take a quick walking break in a tree.

Tuesday, the fevers were gone. YAY!! I still had runny noses and grumps to watch over, but John worked from home so I got in a run! We also ate this:

Purple food!! We made Skinny Taste's Creamy Cauliflower Puree. It's silly how excited I was to eat pretty purple food.

Wednesday...I woke up feeling awful. We had to run an errand, but the rest of my day was pretty much spent on the couch watching Sesame Street.

My view from the couch.

Yesterday, was better. It turned into a wonderful day and it would have been great to get out for a run, but I didn't get the chance. It was a little wet to run after the kiddos went to bed, I like my night runs to be completely dry, really don't like the idea of slipping and hurting myself in the dark...even if I do have my phone and stay on well lit streets. I did 2 miles of Walk Away the Pounds instead.  

Tonight my little sister is picking my mother and I up for a night in the city. I'm really looking forward to some time with my favorite girls. Not sure how my eating will be, but I'm not going to stress about it. It's supposed to be another glorious day on Sunday, so I will be sure to get another long run in then. 

2013 miles as of last week: 73.14

Miles logged this week: 10.62

Total Miles: 83.76

Have a happy and healthy week!

FAF 2013: Week 7

Linking up with Angie, go join in!!

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 161

Current Weight: 160

Lost This Week: 1

Total Lost: 5

Progress is slow, but for the most part fairly steady, so that makes me super happy. 

We did really well meal planning this week, which always helps. 

Sunday...was completely a cheat day. We went to our favorite local Chinese Buffet (as requested by Munch) to celebrate the Chinese New Year. 

Tuesday was Mardi Gras...which we don't generally celebrate...(even though I dream of going to New Orleans just to watch the festivities) BUT we decided to work it into our meal plan and made our own little twist on Jambalaya. Yep...with couscous of all things. THIS is the recipe we worked with. 

It was AMAZING. Next time I want to add some shrimp.

Valentine's Day we decided on Chicken and Asparagus pasta. It seemed like maybe we used more pasta than was called for and we added a full chicken breast instead of half, plus some garlic and lemon juice. 

We were a little worried because it looked like it was lacking in sauce, but it was wonderful. In fact we are having the left overs for dinner tonight!

Workouts also went really well this week. Saturday, I did a 3.81 mile run with the pup. Sunday, I decided to give my 30 day shred video a try again....my muscles HATED me. Monday, I took a rest day. Tuesday, I did a 2 mile Walk Away the Pounds. Wednesday. 30 day shred again and then yesterday I did the 3 mile walk. My muscles are feeling great. 

2013 miles as of last week: 64.33

Miles logged this week: 8.81

Total Miles: 73.14

The weather should be good for a run this weekend. I really REALLY need to start up with my morning runs again. There is NO excuse for me not to. On the food front, John and I decided that for Lent we would give up fast food. Basically if it has a drive through or is pizza it's off limits.So far so good. 

Have a Happy and Healthy Week!!

FAF 2013: Week 6

Linking up with Angie! Come join in!!

2013 Starting Weight: 165

Last Weigh In: 162

Current Weight: 161

Lost This Week: 1

Total Lost: 4

Yay! My goal is 2 pounds a week, but I've been pretty bad about staying in my calorie range during the weekends. :o/ Have to get better at that...or pump up the work outs. Probably going to pump up the work outs, since we are celebrating Chinese New Year on Sunday and then Valentine's on Thursday...so I am a little worried about next week. 

We don't actually have any plans for Valentine's Day. I actually haven't even mentioned it. I'm thinking it might be nice to just stay in and plan a nice meal for after the boys go to bed. Maybe do my weigh in Thursday morning instead of Friday as an extra precaution. Probably cheating a little, but whatever. 

I didn't log many miles this week. I didn't seem to have much time to get out for runs and I needed a little break from my Walk Away the Pounds. Instead I some body weight and cardio videos. I've been sore all week, but it's a great soreness. I feel my body toning and getting stronger and I kind of love it. I did a biggest loser workout, that really kicked my butt, but I may try to add that in once a week...and maybe do a day or two of 30 day shred.

I'm NOT going to stop running. Next week I plan on rolling out of bed early enough to get out. I'm also planning on kicking my husband out of bed so we can trade off who takes the pup. For some reason Kaiser and I do NOT make good work out buddies. He drags, gets distracted and trips me...and then has this weird thing where he will just plain refuse to go down certain streets. It's bizarre. I love walking with him though. 

2013 miles as of last week: 59.02

Miles logged this week: 5.31

Total Miles: 64.33

Have a happy and healthy week!!