Busy day, kids were off school today.
Prayers appreciated for FIL, Grandpa Joe who postponed a Disney trip next week in favor of a trip to the hospital for an emergency total hip replacement. Stressful day for the family.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Happiness
The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. ~Allan K. Chalmers
I was watching "Men of a Certain Age" the other day and Ray Romano's character mentioned that he Googled the word "happy." This quote is one of the first ones that appear.
Even though Happiness month isn't until August, I googled it :) I'm going to focus on happiness in March. I haven't been blogging much lately and need something to get me refocused. I'll be posting something that makes me happy, hopefully each day, during the month of March.
I'm sure I should be able to at least come up with thirty, right? Why not start today!
One thing that makes me happy is snuggling with my baby in the morning. The rest of the day, I can't devote all my attention to the little guy, but from 8:00-11:00 it's just me and Ben. We usually make "our" coffee and oatmeal together before settling down in the La-z-boy to watch something we can clap along with, like Let's Make a Deal or The Price is Right. The snuggled don't last long, but he always comes back for "seconds."
Have a Happy Day and enjoy a snuggle!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Eating Out
Saturday, I worked a Weight Watcher open house. I knew my wife was gone for dinner and my car would not allow me to go home. It was like it had a mind of it's own and automatically took control and drove me to the nearest fastfood restaurant. Luckily, it's a Subway and I had plenty 'o points for the day since I had been at WW all afternoon.
The topic of the meeting I attended Sat was on going out to eat. I did make a conscious decision to go and am happy I worked it into my day, but it got me thinking once again about the reasons to go out to eat.
Do you go out to eat for convenience or to celebrate something? And do you eat differently in either case? We do go out for convenience most Tuesdays as my daughter has choir right at our dinnertime, 4:30. I know, call us old farts, but we eat early because I make dinner before leaving for work on Mon/Wed at 4:30 so my wife doesn't have to and we just carry that schedule throughout the week.
I never order anything, but it does allow the kids to eat quick, clear their own trash and be done fast. Saturday, I went out for convenience as well. I had worked all day and didn't want to deal with dinner, I know the points of a sub quick and it was easy.
We do go out to celebrate to. Birthdays are usually are most common celebration. I don't find myself eating any differently then either. I try to make the better choice.
So what about the quick coffees I grab at Starbucks either on the run or while shopping at Target?I wouldn't put those in either category. Is there a third category? Just because I like it! That will go for the one Shamock Shake I'll be treating myself to as well.
The topic of the meeting I attended Sat was on going out to eat. I did make a conscious decision to go and am happy I worked it into my day, but it got me thinking once again about the reasons to go out to eat.
Do you go out to eat for convenience or to celebrate something? And do you eat differently in either case? We do go out for convenience most Tuesdays as my daughter has choir right at our dinnertime, 4:30. I know, call us old farts, but we eat early because I make dinner before leaving for work on Mon/Wed at 4:30 so my wife doesn't have to and we just carry that schedule throughout the week.
I never order anything, but it does allow the kids to eat quick, clear their own trash and be done fast. Saturday, I went out for convenience as well. I had worked all day and didn't want to deal with dinner, I know the points of a sub quick and it was easy.
We do go out to celebrate to. Birthdays are usually are most common celebration. I don't find myself eating any differently then either. I try to make the better choice.
So what about the quick coffees I grab at Starbucks either on the run or while shopping at Target?I wouldn't put those in either category. Is there a third category? Just because I like it! That will go for the one Shamock Shake I'll be treating myself to as well.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Which Came First?
Does mood affect your eating? or Does eating affect your mood?
I've had a great week this week. I jokingly told my kids that I was giving up "yelling" for lent. Surprisingly, I really have had to nag them to get ready in the morning, scold them for not throwing wrappers away or putting their dirty clothes in the hamper, or mumbling under my breath as I carry a 1 yr old, three school bags, two lunch bags and an assortment of school projects because they have carried it all.
Seems that my eating has been a benefactor of my mood. Or is my mood affecting the eating? Still can't figure some things out even after living a fairly healthy lifestyle for over 4 years now. Maybe it has nothing to do with either and all to do with my exercise. I have made a point to walk more this week and have ridden the elliptical everyday. I've gotten back to trying to stay active during nap time, which I had done when I first started staying home, but somewhere along the line resting sounded good to me too.
It does seem that I am usually in a better mood when I eat well and I'm always "grumpy" after I've eaten something I really didn't want and racked up the points. This week, I focused on eating filling foods and enjoyed them. I did snack on fruits and my evening snack has been all but eliminated. I may have a snack on the weekend, but I think I'll try my wife's trick of dessert only on the weekend with my snacks. Our kids don't even ask for dessert on the weekend anymore.
Getting ready for a Weight Watcher Open House. The center that I'm working at today has had 2 people and 4 people walk through on the two previous weekends. Could be a long afternoon. I'll wear comfortable shoes so I can wear a path in the carpet all afternoon.
I've had a great week this week. I jokingly told my kids that I was giving up "yelling" for lent. Surprisingly, I really have had to nag them to get ready in the morning, scold them for not throwing wrappers away or putting their dirty clothes in the hamper, or mumbling under my breath as I carry a 1 yr old, three school bags, two lunch bags and an assortment of school projects because they have carried it all.
Seems that my eating has been a benefactor of my mood. Or is my mood affecting the eating? Still can't figure some things out even after living a fairly healthy lifestyle for over 4 years now. Maybe it has nothing to do with either and all to do with my exercise. I have made a point to walk more this week and have ridden the elliptical everyday. I've gotten back to trying to stay active during nap time, which I had done when I first started staying home, but somewhere along the line resting sounded good to me too.
It does seem that I am usually in a better mood when I eat well and I'm always "grumpy" after I've eaten something I really didn't want and racked up the points. This week, I focused on eating filling foods and enjoyed them. I did snack on fruits and my evening snack has been all but eliminated. I may have a snack on the weekend, but I think I'll try my wife's trick of dessert only on the weekend with my snacks. Our kids don't even ask for dessert on the weekend anymore.
Getting ready for a Weight Watcher Open House. The center that I'm working at today has had 2 people and 4 people walk through on the two previous weekends. Could be a long afternoon. I'll wear comfortable shoes so I can wear a path in the carpet all afternoon.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Having a Routine Week
I guess no news is good news. I've just been hanging out with the boys. Alex has discovered "Chuggington" as his new favorite show. It's on Disney and since it's fairly new, I think we've watched every episode five times.
I've stayed away from snacks all week and haven't had a soda either. Monday, I bought a new Omron pedometer. I wasn't surprised to see 3,000 as a step total and have tried to increase that total daily. I have succeeded, but still only got up to 7,000 today. Can't wait for the warmer weather. Today, I bundled the little guy up and hauled out stroller for a good walk. Unfortunately, not everyone shovels out their sidewalks well enough to get around in a stroller yet, but it was nice to get out.
Having fun watching the Olympics, seems Milwaukee is one of the top Olympic watching cities. Have a good weekend, I'll be working another Weight Watcher open house. Could be a long afternoon as the center has only had a few people show up each week so far.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Fat Monday
Ash Wednesday is this week and I have got to set a healthy goal to reach by Easter. For some crazy reason, I've just not been motivated to lose weight. I have gained 20 pounds from my lowest weight of 186. Even though my pants still fit, I feel big. It sucks!
Tomorrow, is Fat Tuesday and the Paczkis' will be out in full force.
I'll be safe from the Paczkis since I'll be home all day, but there are plenty of other foods that could do me in at home.
My goal for the next 40 days will be to walk at least 8000 steps daily, I haven't worn a pedometer in a year and I know that made a huge difference in getting me to my goal. After I started being a SAHD, I haven't walked nearly enough. I still ride the elliptical at least 4-6 times weekly, but my walking is pretty much gone. It will be a challenge and I'll have to find a pedometer too.
I also want to give up my evening snacks and sodas. It's just a habit and I know I can do without it. The only time I will allow myself a snack is if I am sincerely hungry and I do know how that feels even though I haven't felt that "hungry" feeling for a long time. If I need something to drink, I'll reach for the water or a cup of tea.
My weigh in Saturday was just ridiculous. I'm actually embarrassed to post it, but I need the accountability and focus to get back where I need to be.
Tomorrow, is Fat Tuesday and the Paczkis' will be out in full force.
I'll be safe from the Paczkis since I'll be home all day, but there are plenty of other foods that could do me in at home.
My goal for the next 40 days will be to walk at least 8000 steps daily, I haven't worn a pedometer in a year and I know that made a huge difference in getting me to my goal. After I started being a SAHD, I haven't walked nearly enough. I still ride the elliptical at least 4-6 times weekly, but my walking is pretty much gone. It will be a challenge and I'll have to find a pedometer too.
I also want to give up my evening snacks and sodas. It's just a habit and I know I can do without it. The only time I will allow myself a snack is if I am sincerely hungry and I do know how that feels even though I haven't felt that "hungry" feeling for a long time. If I need something to drink, I'll reach for the water or a cup of tea.
My weigh in Saturday was just ridiculous. I'm actually embarrassed to post it, but I need the accountability and focus to get back where I need to be.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Coffee Creamer
I was never a coffee drinker before starting Weight Watchers, but once I found out coffee was a 0 point beverage that had flavor, I grew to like it. I have discovered myself making a lot more as of late. Why? No reason, just because it's something to drink and I like the taste.
I will be trying to cut down on my coffee consumption, 1-2 cups daily. If I feel the need to drink something, I'll be reaching for the water cup.
It's not so much the coffee that worries me, it's the added calries from the creamer. I'm not one to drink black coffee. I dump enough creamer to turn it white.
Today, I drank one cup and reached for the water afterwards. It's a good thing I have two water cups as my 1 yr old also needs his own cup with a splash of water because if I put anymore in the cup, it makes it's way all over the floor.
Now if I can stay away from the candybars we're selling.
I will be trying to cut down on my coffee consumption, 1-2 cups daily. If I feel the need to drink something, I'll be reaching for the water cup.
It's not so much the coffee that worries me, it's the added calries from the creamer. I'm not one to drink black coffee. I dump enough creamer to turn it white.
Today, I drank one cup and reached for the water afterwards. It's a good thing I have two water cups as my 1 yr old also needs his own cup with a splash of water because if I put anymore in the cup, it makes it's way all over the floor.
Now if I can stay away from the candybars we're selling.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Olympic Games
I was discussing last night with my wife about which Olympic event we would be willing to train for and compete in. On this week's Biggest Loser, the contestants trained with several of the top US atheletes.
I don't think my wife answered my question yet, but I'm sure she'll blurt it out someday and I'll wonder what the heck she's talking about.
I've thought about it for a while and the amount of training that goes into competing in any any event is outrageous.
We've been playing Wii Winter Olympics and about the only one I could come close to being in shape for would be Curling, only problem is I stink at it. There is a cool dream event: snowball fight that would be intriguing. I'll stick to watching them.
We're battling snow and sicknesses around here. 8 yr old was home with a fever today. Monday, I did my big grocery day with my 1 yr old. We always stop by the donuts to get our weekly alotment of food porn. Apparently, he didn't like the looks of the sprinkled donuts cause he lost his breakfast right there in the bakery section.
Oh well, he felt much better afterwards and I don't think I'll be able to walk through the bakery section again for a while and that's a good thing since Tuesday is Paszcki Day.
I don't think my wife answered my question yet, but I'm sure she'll blurt it out someday and I'll wonder what the heck she's talking about.
I've thought about it for a while and the amount of training that goes into competing in any any event is outrageous.
We've been playing Wii Winter Olympics and about the only one I could come close to being in shape for would be Curling, only problem is I stink at it. There is a cool dream event: snowball fight that would be intriguing. I'll stick to watching them.
We're battling snow and sicknesses around here. 8 yr old was home with a fever today. Monday, I did my big grocery day with my 1 yr old. We always stop by the donuts to get our weekly alotment of food porn. Apparently, he didn't like the looks of the sprinkled donuts cause he lost his breakfast right there in the bakery section.
Oh well, he felt much better afterwards and I don't think I'll be able to walk through the bakery section again for a while and that's a good thing since Tuesday is Paszcki Day.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Day After
Yesterday was my birthday. I haven't had a birthday cake on my birthday for a few years, but now that my kids are getting to an age that it's fun to celebrate most anything, I thought having a cake would be fun.
My sons, Alex and Benjamin did most of the work. We made an angel food cake from a mix and Alex ran the mixer. Surprisingly, we didn't make a mess.
I had to work last night, so we actually had dessert first. The kids sang their "look like a monkey" version and we put 4 candles on the cake so each kid could blow a candle out.
My 5 yr old, Caryn asked, "What flavor is it?"
My response, "Angel food."
Again she asks, "But what flavor...you know lemon, strawberry, chocolate."
How do you explain that angel food is the flavor? She wasn't buying it.
The kids and my wife made a good dent in the cake, but I still left with a half a cake in the kitchen that I keep going into just to make sure the cake is still there.
Off to the water park tomorrow for a school fundraiser and the end of Catholic Schools Week. Have a great weekend.
My sons, Alex and Benjamin did most of the work. We made an angel food cake from a mix and Alex ran the mixer. Surprisingly, we didn't make a mess.
I had to work last night, so we actually had dessert first. The kids sang their "look like a monkey" version and we put 4 candles on the cake so each kid could blow a candle out.
My 5 yr old, Caryn asked, "What flavor is it?"
My response, "Angel food."
Again she asks, "But what flavor...you know lemon, strawberry, chocolate."
How do you explain that angel food is the flavor? She wasn't buying it.
The kids and my wife made a good dent in the cake, but I still left with a half a cake in the kitchen that I keep going into just to make sure the cake is still there.
Off to the water park tomorrow for a school fundraiser and the end of Catholic Schools Week. Have a great weekend.
Monday, February 1, 2010
February
Lengthwise the shortest month, winterwise the longest month. The cold days seem colder, the light snows seem heavier and we long for any sign of Spring: grass showing, birds chirping, temperatures above freezing!
It is the longest month psychologically! We have a few weekend family birthdays this month, which give us something to look forward to.
This week is Catholic School Week. Our kids have something special planned for each day. Today is Hawaiian Day and the kids have their hula skirts and lays on. I drew the line when my 4 yr old boy wanted to wear a skirt too.
Hoping for healthy choices this week.
It is the longest month psychologically! We have a few weekend family birthdays this month, which give us something to look forward to.
This week is Catholic School Week. Our kids have something special planned for each day. Today is Hawaiian Day and the kids have their hula skirts and lays on. I drew the line when my 4 yr old boy wanted to wear a skirt too.
Hoping for healthy choices this week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)