My End of the Year Lists

Just a few silly lists to join in the end of the year fun. We've had a great year here, and hope to have an even better year in 2010!

I'm refocused and definitely ready to get back to my weight goal. Enough of being satisified with a few pounds over my goal.

Five Best TB Events of the Year

5. Trying the P90X program~ I was in an exercise funk for most of the year just going through the motions of riding the elliptical and never really putting 100% behind the effort. When I purchased the P90X program, it allowed me to try something I never would have thought I could do. I completed one cycle and hopefully will try again in 2010. The big thing stopping me is the time. I like 30 minute workouts and all of these are at least 1 hour.

4. Joining the Milwaukee Dads Group~ I've met some neat Dads joining this group and my boys have been able to interact with other kids their same ages. We've gone to the museum, zoo, parks, Fire Stations, restaurants and countless other places with this great group.

3. Staying Home Fulltime~ It can be hard to be home all day and keep from eating all day. I do so much better when we stay busy and away from the house for at least part of the day. Our chores around the house such as dishes, laundry and light cleaning can be done during the day instead of always waiting for the weekend.

2. Working PT at a Nursing Home~ This was an awesome opportunity that happened when I least expected it to. I was minding my own business when along came a phone call from my old supervisor checking to see if I'd be interested in a few hours a week. That's exactly what it is, only a few hours a week, but it keeps my involved with Music Therapy and in touch with the Geriatric population, which I love working with.

1. Going to Disney World~ This was definitely the highlight of our family's year. We loved the ride, the adventure and the way the family got along for the whole week was remarkable. Needless to say, we'll be visiting Mickey and his friends again in a few years.



Five Least Healthy Habits

5. Wii~ Our family just got a Wii system for Christmas. Although some of the games can involve lots of physical activity, most can be done plopped on the couch. If I play too much, I could definitely see myself eating with one hand and wacking a tennis ball with the other.

4. Twitter~ Some people are able to balance Twitter with their lives, but for others, it consumes too much time that could be used doing more productive activities. I've guilty of checking Twitter often, but usually just to be nosey when it comes to celebs and sports figures. I'm lucky if I update a Tweet once every few days.

3. Energy Drinks~ What ever happened to getting enough sleep? Seems to me that people could use these instead of sleeping 8 hours a night, WAY too easily.

2. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)~ The number of PDA's that are available are countless. I purchased a Ipod Touch this year and have loved being able to have access to so many podcasts and so much music at the touch of a finger, but the reality of the countless applications that even I have on mine are laughable. I can toss paper into a garbage can, flick a lighter to join in at a concert, use it as a flashlight, play launch the sheep or launch Santa, check all the social media sites and so much more. It can be an asset when exercising to have the music/podcasts playing, but when there are so many other options available, it becomes somewhat less effective.

1. Facebook~ What an awesome way to connect with many friends and family quickly! It has so many gadgets and applications that can be a total time sucker. Farmville, Mafia Wars, Cafe World, Typing Maniac, Bejeweled, and so many more! Don't get me wrong, I love Facebook, but I can be sucked into playing mindless games for hours and forgetting my healthy habits.

Middle of the Week

It's already Wednesday! Today, the girls went to the new Disney movie while the boys hung out at the Big Backyard. It was a good morning with the boys and the little guy has been out cold since 11:30 and now it's going on 2:30.

Yesterday, I headed out grocery shopping and the rest of the day was pretty much a home day. We did get out to see the Christmas Lights at "Country Christmas" at the Country Springs Inn in the evening. It's a cool light display and they have more fun inside with tons of trains and an awesome Fontanini Manger Scene.

Not sure what the rest of the week has in store, but we're surviving the week.

I'll try to get together a list since EVERYONE does some kind of list at this time of year. Hopefully, I'll get around to it tomorrow.

Leaving the House Monday

One of my goals for the week is to get out of the house daily. Monday, we went to the Milwaukee Public Museum. My wife and I went to the museum some 10 years ago and that was the last time I was there. Needless to say, the kids hadn't been there. It was a wonderful trip and did the trick...got me out of the house, kept the kids busy and from fighting and wore the little 'uns out!

Today, we're waking up slowly, but we'll find something to do. I need to do a little grocery shopping as there are way too many pre-packaged foods and way too little fresh foods in the house.

Tomorrow, my wife has a "girls day planned" and they are headed to the new Disney film about the frog and the princess.

Have a great Tuesday.

Surviving Christmas

Yesterday, was weigh in day once again. I attended a meeting as a member for the first time in over a year and it was definitely a good week to do so. The day after Christmas was smart day to go to a meeting and reflect. I had forgotten how important attending meetings for me was to my success. I really didn't learn anything new, but I was reminded of the importance of "me" time. I used to attend meetings and have that time to myself to think and clear my mind of all the things that happen throughout the week. It was nice to be able to have that once again.

I had a decent week, down 1.2. My plan for the week was to track 5 of 7 days and I did that. I also planned on exercising daily. The only day I missed was Christmas Day and there was no way around that one. Early morning present opening, followed by Christmas Mass, followed by family Christmas at my sister's for the day. Got home around 8:00pm and the wife decided to hook up the new Wii system that Santa brought our family. So it was my first Wii experience and I can see what draws people in.

Plan for this week will be making sure that I leave the house daily. Everyone is home for the week and if I don't have something to do, I'll find myself eating just to do something.

Have a good week and I'll be checking in sometime soon.

Christmas Eve: Virtual Talent??

Mizfit started a Blogger Virtual Talent Show for Christmas Eve. We did it quickly...but the result is kinda cute. Merry Christmas everyone. We're having Christmas Eve brunch with Grandma and Grandpa followed by round one of presents. Home by bedtime so we can get some sleep before being woke up early by the nosey little ones looking for signs of Santa. Christmas Day, it's our traditional lasagna lunch followed by round 3 of presents. I hope we survive.

Here's our rendition of Jingle Bells the Whole Clan. (Hope it works, I've never tried a video before)



Another rendition with a added bonus from the 8 yr old and with cute little guy on the bells.

Make Up Your Mind!

Have you ever answered a question by saying: I don't care?

I do it all the time.

What do you want for supper? I don't care!
What do you want to do today? I don't care!
Do you want to go shopping? I don't care!
Will you fold the laundry, do the dishes, pick up the kids, etc.

I don't care! Is that really a good answer? I've often answered questions with this response. Where has it gotten me?

Do you want a piece of cake?
How bout some dessert?
Do you want to go out to eat?
Do you want ANOTHER Christmas cookie?

I'm actually usually quick to answer these few questions and it is never a two letter word.

The next two weeks, my wife is home everyday and I'll be practicing my answering skills. When we first got married, we would always ask two questions, would you rather do this or that! Now, that I'm home most of the day, these rather questions don't mean so much since I'm home and get to do most of the chores while she's working. Dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, etc. is all done during the day and I don't need to bargain anymore.

I will be making time to exercise and try to limit the sweets.

Last night, I worked and a wonderful co-worker left some home-made goodies and a canister of candy on my desk. I had a heck of a time with the home-made goodies, but the candy didn't bother me. In fact, it made a great gift for a substitute teacher for my 3K student. His regular teacher has been on maternity leave since the 1st of November and we wanted to get the sub something. I know, re-gifting!! But seriously, I did not need the candy and my little guy was so proud to give the gift to his teacher.

Working on the virtual talent show tonight. May or may not get it done since my 8 yr old has a concert and then I have a concert later. There's always tomorrow and everyone will be home to participate.

Weekly Weigh In

I weighed in yesterday and as I kind of expected, I was up. I figured since I was sick the week before and eating more this week still without exercising that I'd be up. I'm alright with it though.

I did get back to the exercising today. 45 minutes on the elliptical today felt good. I would have done more, but a few kids came barging in to try to exercise with me, plus there really wasn't anything good to watch on TV.

This week's plan. Exercise daily as my wife is off school now till the new year.
My plan for the week is to track as much as I can. Thursday and Friday will be tough days with family Christmas'.

I do not have to work another WW meeting to the new year, but still plan to weigh in next Saturday. If I get up early enough, I'll stay for a meeting too.

Big plans for the week will be wrapping presents as my wife does the shopping and I do the wrapping. The shopping's been done for a few weeks and not a present wrapped yet.

Still Not Exercising

I feel like I should be exercising, but every time I think about it, I start coughing up a lung. Still very congested and hope I'll be back to exercising by the weekend.

One thing I have noticed while not exercising though...I'm eating less. I am definitely one of "those" WW who exercises only so I can eat a few extra points. I never leave a point on the table. I have not eaten any of my weekly points and I've done well getting most of my good healthy guidelines in, even though I'm still not feeling 100%.

I knew this would be a difficult week and maybe my body was needing a break. I had a musical gig last night, my concert/rehearsal for tonight was canceled, tomorrow is the Christmas Concert for the kids~one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Thursday is a rest day, and Friday night is another concert for me and the wife is going to a Christmas party so it's another babysitter night for the kids. Saturday is the little guy's 4th birthday~party at noon and family Christmas party for dinner.

I won't worry about the exercise till I feel better and I'll focus on the healthy choices.

Too Cute Not To

Just a quick picture from the babe. We went to get them taken early last week, when I wasn't feeling the best. The day after the pictures, Big Ben got sick and has been feeling rotten since...running nose, cough, fever, etc. He also has a rash that just won't leave his face alone. I know it's because it's so dry in the winter around here.

Weight in the Sidebar

This week, Weight Watchers kicked off their new year. New materials rolled out at the meeting rooms including new weekly bulletins, new pocket guides, new cookbooks, new food guides and restraurant guides, new member kits, etc. I decided that it was a good time to start officially.

I have not had an official WW weigh-in since March. Why? Easy answer, that was the first month ever that I was over my goal. I should have nipped it in the bud then, but I've let it mount. Over the summer, little by little, I've steadily climbed a few pounds higher each month.

Friday, I was in a Christmas Concert. I haven't worn my black pants since May and I definitely noticed a bit of a tug on Friday. Not a pleasant experience!! I felt horrible due to my flu/cold/cough/etc. and I felt even worse due to the tight pants.

So here it is. For some reason, it was much easier to lose weight while I knew I was being accountable even if it was to myself. The sidebar weight will return indefinitely and I will update it weekly. This week's weight, not the best, but it's actually much lower than it was at it's highest in September.

More Sickness

I'm starting to feel better, but will be staying away from work yet as I don't want to risk infecting anyone. This flu bug really messing with your breathing, so I would hate to get anyone else sick.

Yesterday, my 3 yr old went to preschool and when I picked him up, he plopped himself into his carseat, fell asleep and did not wake up again fully till this morning. His temperature was close to 103 as well. 1 yr old has it too and he even got both flu shots, seasonal and H1N1. We all took a 4 hr nap yesterday and plan to do the same today.

For some reason when I am sick, I don't want to eat anything except peanut butter sandwiches. Gone through a loaf a bread and lots of pb. I'm trying to drink some juices too, since I know I'm not eating anywhere close to my daily point total.

Back to the couch, for a nap.

Not Feeling Well

Sunday morning, my 8 yr old woke up with a fever of over 100. She lounged around most of the day and made sure not to touch anyone or even play with anyone. By later afternoon, I was feeling cold and shivery. Sure enough, fever for me too. 102.6 was the highest at 1:00 in the morning. Monday, we both rested and my wife stayed home too to take care of the boys and keep them away from us. I'm still sporting a fever today, but the 8 yr old hasn't been above 98.6 since early yesterday, so she went back to school. She was extremely bored yesterday, but needed the rest too.

So far, it's just the two of us lucky enough to be down.

I didn't move fast enough with the blasted cookie jar. My wife got dark chocolate M&M's from St. Nick. Where are they now? You guessed it. In the cookie jar!

The bright side of being sick is that I have no desire to eat at all. Not feeling up to exercise either, so I'm just lying low this week.

Conspiracy: National Cookie Day!!

Honestly! National Cookie Day?

All week I've been staying away from that blasted cookie jar. Now, National Cookie Day!!

I still haven't done anything with the cookie jar. Call me lazy, but at least I haven't sank to the level of making cookies. We have several mixes around the house, which my 1 yr old loves carrying around. He takes them out of the cabinet and they are found days later in some of the strangest spots...under beds, in the toy box, behind the couch, etc. Glad he takes the time to play hide-and-seek with the cookies mixes because I will be much less likely to search for a mix instead of just opening the baking cabinet to reach for one.

Happy Cookie Day.

Edited: Unbelievable!! Friendly neighbor just came out as I was tossing snow with the 3 yr old. 1 dozen freshly baked cookies!!! Unfortunately, there are no longer 12 cookies left.

Who's on Your Shoulder?

I found out a few weeks back that the leader who led my regular WW meetings while I was losing 80 pounds had given her meetings up. I had often used her as a conscience on my shoulder. You know the devil on one shoulder and the angel on the other shoulder. I had conversations that usually resulted in me asking myself, "What would so and so say if you ate this?" I used her to keep myself honest, to make sure I had someone to stay accountable to.

I have not attended a WW meeting as a member in almost 2 years. I've been to many meetings, but as a staff member and not a WW member. Now, even though I hadn't been to a meeting with my leader in a long time, I've felt like I've lost that little voice on my shoulder asking me if I'm really going to eat that!

Do you have someone that you answer to? A little voice that is keeping you honest. A little voice that is keeping you from embarrassing yourself? A little voice that is keeping you from eating everything in site!

I need a little voice! Any volunteers?

Have a great day. Here in Milwaukee we are expecting our first snow of the season, 2-4 inches.

Cookie Jar Part II

After thinking about it for a short time, I realized that we use a lot of things around the house for tasks they were not intended to be used for. We have a huge vase that we used at our wedding that collects our coins. This past summer we emptied it and cashed in over $150 dollars towards our Disney Trip. We have several Tupperware containers that contain markers, crayons, beads, tiny Barbie parts, etc. In fact, I have had to empty a few on occasion to get leftovers put away. Our laundry baskets would never be used for laundry if it were up to the kids. Toys, stuffed animals, and the sort consume them right away if they are empty. They also make a great makeshift way to transport-your-baby-brother-around-the-house car. I have received several popcorn tins from various fundraisers and you know what? No popcorn in any of them!!

Why do I have to use the cookie jar as a cookie jar? I could stuff it full of something else. Pens, pencils, rubber bands, paper clips or as Mizfit does...tattoos.