Move it Monday 3

Technically- I always post this on Tuesday. Thanks to the big time difference, I am in bed by the time Ashley posts on Monday... so thanks for letting me join the party late!

Ashley has inspired me to use this link up to motivate myself. Knowing that I will be posting what I am doing is a motivator for sure. I signed up for dailymile.com and see that I need to add some major mileage to get near my 250 miles in 2012 goal. I am up to a whopping 13.49. Craziness.

So- when I run outside I definitely feel like I not only go further and run faster but I also feel like the workout is better. Yet I am totally a wimp. Today the high is 17 degrees. 17 people!!! I just cannot make myself go out there. So I have been running on the treadmill (which stinks!). Not only do I not like the treadmill but it requires a 20 minute drive to and from post. The highlight though- I get to run with two of my girlys! It is sooo nice to be there with friends. Even though we are not talking during the workout- somehow it makes it nicer to do it when there is someone you know on the treadmill next to you!

Went to the dr today and I have been having pain on the inside of my right calf the last week or so. I have a varicose vein there and honestly thought that was what was bothering me. When he did the exam, he pressed on area above and below it. He showed me that it is actually the muscle in my calf and where it meets the bone. He asked me what has changed. When I told him I had been running for a year outside- and the last three weeks I have been on the treadmill- ho said that is it! He said that the moving belt on a treadmill causes our legs to compensate differently then when running outside. He is a marathoner and said that he hates to hear of people running on the treadmill. For now- I will continue it though- until it gets a little lighter in the morning. Then I will be back outside.

Ok- on another note friends... I need new shoes. Bad. Like yesterday. I know I have a normal arch and slightly pronate. Any suggestions? I am sure there are running stores here that I could go into. But with the language barrier and Euro exchange rate... I would like to avoid it. Any suggestions you can give me for new shoes??

It's my blog- I can cry if I want to

Honestly, today was the slap in the face I needed. I always hear about people having those "ah-ha" moments. The ones that make them snap to attention and get things straight that they have been ignoring. Today was that day.

A few months ago I took my daughter for a sports physical. During that appointment, the nurse practioner said that my daughter has low iodine because her neck is a little thicker than it should be. Then while she was telling me about it and what to do- she mentioned that she could tell that I do too. So- I finally went in today to get it checked out by my doctor. Sure enough... I have a goiter! For real. It is not truly noticable by people. A doctor would notice it and I definitely notice it now. There is an enlargement on the right side of my trachea, at the bottom of my neck. I've noticed the enlargement since it was mentioned a few months ago. I have also noticed the difficulty swallowing. So- I knew it was coming. I knew he was going to confirm what I already knew. Sure enough- I am now scheduled for some advanced labs and an ultrasound of the area. Those will confirm what we already know and then there will be another test done- I cannot remember the name.

Funny thing is, one of the biggest causes of this is low iodine. Most people get their iodine through salt they add to their food and seafood. In the states- salt is iodized and added to alot. So most people do not even think about it. Here in Europe they do not iodize their salt. Plus- I always thought salt was bad. I equated it to high blood pressure. I figured I was already a risk because of my weight. So I thought by not adding salt to anything I was being healthy! Talk about kicking myself now!

Anyways... it just stinks. I am already dealing with PCOS (and all of its lovely side effects: weight gain, difficulty losing weight, hair growth, acne etc), infertility (thank you PCOS), and now a goiter! Did I mention, once the enlargement starts it is near impossible to shrink. So I can stop the growth with medicine but will always have the enlargement now! Definitely taking Hais in to have her checked out as well.

So... all this time I have worried about things like diabetes and high blood pressure. Or heart attacks. And I was blindsided with a goiter! Either way- as much as I needed a good cry to deal with it and a good "Why is all this happening to me," I am not out of the fight. I know that I control some of this. I cannot control the goiter happening... but I can figure out how to deal with it now. I did not cause the PCOS. But I can figure out how to address it in my life. It means adjustments and a lot of hard work. I can control my weight. I did play a role in that area. While PCOS played a role- I cannot claim that I am eating healthily and working out either. So- I definitely can make some positive changes there.

If you made it this far- I appreciate you listening. I am just trying to figure out what it will take me to finally wake up. What will be that ah-ha moment? I feel like this is it but I worry that it will not last.

I want to end this on a high note... so here are some things that make me happy...

Computer Crash- Cabbage Rolls- Tailbones

Boo. I have never experienced the "dreaded" virus download. Until today. I downloaded what I thought was a safe email. Fooled me. In less than 8 minutes- my entire harddrive was wiped clean. Gone were five months of pictures, files for PTSA, files for Spouses Club and countless other things. Honestly- not to sad about that. I figure all the photos I really love have been downloaded to either FB or Shutterfly. And the files for the clubs can be recreated or recovered from someone else. I am more mad at myself. My hubby is going to try to reformat (no clue?) the computer tonight. Basically start it completely over- like we just got it.

Luckily, like I said, it is only 5 months old. So we still have tons of warranty left from Dell. So if all else fails- we can send it to them to try to fix it.

Onto a good topic. Made the scrummiest cabbage rolls last night! Just had the leftovers for lunch. It takes a lot of my WW points but honestly- SO worth it and so easy to make!! I will have to share the recipe and also take some pictures. But honestly- they were devoured so fast!! My hubby said they were the best thing I have ever made!

Another good note- I am now down three lbs from Monday. Woohoo! Going the totally right direction here! I ran Wednesday. I am taking today off and then running Friday/Sat/Sunday. So glad to be back in the groove!

My tailbone is still killing me from falling last Monday. Cannot believe it has been over a week. It still hurts more than it really should. But there is no way that I am heading into the clinic to have my booty xrayed! No PFC needs to see anything while I am laying on a table with an xray machine! It doesnt hurt at all while I am running or even walking. It kills me to sit or stand up. Rolling from side to side in bed is excruciating. It even hurts when I cough! Craziness!

Oh How Pinteresting 2

Another week of linking up to the Vintage Apple and her Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday! Some of my loves on Pinterest this week!! I run a lot and this motivates me... Look at her legs! I do not want to be skinny- I want my toned legs back!! via Pinterest from imcontent I am a totally visual person- so I loved this next one...

Via Pinterest via HotMessPrincess

Thought this could be used for so many different things- like the kids counting down the next deployment!

Via Pinterest via ForRent

Fantastic table! I would love this!

Via Pinterest Via houzz.com

Via Pinterest via A little Art

Via Pinterest via dollarstorecrafts

Exercise, money, vacations and chores- OH MY!

Felt amazing. Knocked out 2.31 miles on the treadmill this am. The best part is- I was by myself. I knew Kim wasn't able to go this morning. I wasn't sure if Audry was going. I went and when it was clear at 8am that Audry was not coming- I went in. I jumped on that treadmill. I definitely did not set any records but I still did Week 4 Day 1 of C25K.

On to other subjects- I am making awesome Cabbage Rolls tonight. They are my friend Katies recipe. I am excited about them but also excited cause they are Katies... makes me feel a little closer to her. She moved to southern California last Spring. I miss her tons but especially now cause she is about to have her first baby- a sweet little girl!

Lee and I made a HUGE decision. We were real grownups for once! I filed our taxes two days ago and we had been planning a family trip to Ireland before he deploys. We loved Ireland last time and desperately want to go back and bring the kiddos this time.

Yet we have been really thinking about the fact that we could be moving back stateside in just over a year. There are SO many expenses that come with the move and also settling back in to the states. We have to ship 2 animals and a car. We want to travel between duty stations. We will need to get some basics when we arrive back in the states. (i.e. washer/dryer etc) We may also be moving to one location for a short time en route to the next permanent location... so more costs! Plus- we will be stateside and you know we will be spending some money!! lol... So- we decided no big trips before he leaves. We will do some days trips and maybe a few overnights. We still havent been to the Black Forest or to Berlin. Those are some possibilities. We also talked about Belgium and the Netherlands. I need to set up a small office in our room to get some stuff organized- so that is a priority before traveling. The rest is going to bills. We want to leave Europe with little to no bills.

Part of that goal also includes another grownup decision I made. I will not travel home this summer. Even though Lee will be gone and it will be tempting, I want to stay and enjoy my last summer here in Europe. Hard to believe! Last summer here. I hope it is actually a nice one cause last year was not! I am going to go home Nov 22- Dec 8. I am running in the CIM again. So the kids and I will fly home for Thanksgiving and Hais birthday and the run. But I am coming back afterwards cause I want to be here for Christmas. I want to go to Christmas markets!!! Last chance to enjoy those! If you have never been to Christmas Markets- they are a must see in Europe!

Rothenberg ob der tauber Christmas Market

Rothenberg ob der tauber 2010

Edinburgh Scotland Christmas Market- one of the most amazing ones I have been to!

Edinbugh 2010

Anyways- one of my projects today is this awesome little sheet of paper...

source

We have been trying to figure out a better chore chart for Hais. I loved this idea! I found it on Jamies page over at Delightfully Coconuts. I love her blog cause she is honest and has some awesome ideas... it is also cool that she is living in Germany and not that far from us! Hais has a savings account that has a debit card attached to it- with her name on it. She is super anxious to be able to use it. So- this is not only a good way for her to do her chores but also for her to practice some math, learn the importance of managing her finances and also show her how to deal with money properly. Awesome right?? I will let you know how it works out! She has no idea we are doing it but I think she will love it!

Hodge Podge

One of my New Years Resolutions should be linking up regularly with the lovely Ashley over at The Domestic Wannabe and her Move It Monday.

Ever feel like you are shooting yourself in the foot? I am working my batooty off running/workout wise. I have been running three times a week. I have been doing weights 2-3 times a week as well. So- you would think that I would be seeing positive changes right?

Well... the diet has been lacking. I have to say that I am much more aware of what I am putting in my body. Whereas in the past- there was little thought. I had sort of checked out. Now I think more. I may still make bad decisions (which has been my issue lately) but at least I am aware.

I am working on that now. I am on day 2 of tracking again with WW. That really helped me last spring.

Speaking of Spring... I cannot wait for it to arrive. I love love love running outside. I am simply too much of a wimp to run outside here during winter. Our high lately has been 39. There is snow and ice on the ground and it is dark until 8am. So- these are all excuses really. I have instead been trekking the 20 minutes to the gym on post. It has been fun cause I have been running with two girlfriends. So it makes it a lot easier to do! But when spring comes- I will be back outside and adding up the mileage.

I am looking at signing up for a 10k in May here in Ansbach. I am also eagerly awaiting the registration to open for the CIM 2012 on March 1. I cannot wait to sign up! I think we are talking about 2 teams of runners and my BFF Ande and I doing the second half together. It would be my longest run (by 5.5 miles) but it is a lot easier than the section I did this last year. It was 7.7 but ALL hills. Tough. This one is flatter. Plus we could do it together and cross the finish line together at the Capital! That would be awesome.

So- my plan this week- keep up my workouts. Get my diet under control. Track my points for the next week straight. One day at a time.

Confession

How is it already Confession time again? I feel like it was just yesterday!!! Luckily I always have stuff to Confess!!! So, here it goes... I Confess... I have found the runners high that I have been missing! WooHoo! I Confess... I was super excited that one of my workout buddies couldn't go today- so I felt less guilty staying curled up on the couch. I Confess... One of the MANY reasons I love winter is being able to use it as an excuse to not go anywhere. I Confess... I am starting a 10 day cleanse tomorrow morning and I am 50/50. A few days ago I was super excited. I have done it before and had awesome results. Now that I am sick- I am dreading the fiber drinks... the thought makes me feel puke-tastic! I Confess... it is less than three months til the hubby is deployed...AGAIN. I am honestly freaked out. This is our third round of it and the most unsettling. There is something about thinking you have been lucky so far and how long do you keep pushing those boundaries or going into war and coming home safe. Not that we have a choice about him going- lol. I just cannot believe it. Ugh! I Confess... I have been highly unmotivated lately. I have a list of like 10 things I need to get done. I am in the midst of planning a baby shower that is happening in three weeks! I am hosting a Scentsy Party in 2. I haven't sent out invitations for either. I need to get Hais chore chart organized... but days are passing and nada is getting done! I Confess... I am struggling with the betrayal I talked about last week. I am with this person everyday. I feel like we are moving on too easily. Like it is being forgotten when there are some real issues that need to be addressed. Part of me feels like the person is getting off the hook WAY too easy. But how long do you keep it in conversation? How long before it is too long? Just not sure what to do... Ok- until next week friends!

Oh how Pinteresting!

Two posts in one day! Lucky you!

A new link up that totally makes sense. I mean, afterall, I spend a ridiculous amount of time on Pinterest... why not combine it with my blog!! lol First thing that jumped out to me lately is...

Does this need an explanation??

Via

I {heart} organization! This makes me smile! I would love my office area to look like this... not for scrapbooking stuff though...

Via

With another military ball coming up.... this is extra motivation to hit the gym...love!

Via

I am determined to do this in 2012! We are limited on what we have here in Germany. But I think it would be an awesome thing to do! Especially after the boys are deployed!

Via

This would be such a fantastic gift! I know a ton of people who would love it. And how easy is this?

Via

And lastly- this just spoke to me. I know that Lee would totally laugh at me- but still love me. This is perfect cause I just BAILED hard on the stairs this week- in the middle of the night- in a t-shirt and undies. And he jumped up and came running to make sure I was ok and has been so sweet ever since.

Via

Family fun, Sleep, Gym, Repeat

The last week has been full of family fun time and working out. I have been trying to upload pictures all day to make this post a little more interesting but it is NOT working! Boo!
I will do this in bullet format and hope that pictures can come later!

~ This last weekend included a family first... We put little man to bed and pulled out Scrabble. It is so fun to have a kiddo who is old enough to play a grown up game with us. We had such a blast and played three games! Lee and I shared 4 (yes- 4) bottles of wine. We never drink more than a glass every once in awhile... but it was such a relaxed night. All I will say- I ended up putting dice in my wine glass... gosh- wish I could post the picture!

~ I had a fun morning coffee with two great women on Sunday morning. Nicole, Kasey and I have been on the fertility train together for the last year (Nicole and I for three years!)... Even though we are no longer attempting to have a third- I am totally still super excited to be around for their journey. We love to meet and have mornings together and hanging at the Brot Haus is an added plus!

~Little man had a rough few nights on Sunday and Monday. Took him to the clinic on Tuesday and found out he has croup:( Put a humidifier in his room last night and he slept. And more importantly- Lee & I were able to sleep.

~We had a dance party in the living room last night. My lil man sure loves to dance. Put any music on and he is shaking his lil body! Adorable! Daddy and sissy joined in too!

~Tuesday night we had a family dinner that we love. A crab boil. We love to dump it out on the table and go to town. The kids think it is awesome. It is Hais favorite meal.

~Forgot to mention that I restarted the C25K on Monday. I had such success with it last spring that I decided to do it again. Kim is not a fan of running but I convinced her she can do this. And we started Monday. I started at week 3 cause I do not want to restart at the beginning. I know I am capable of more but rather start slower and not risk hurting myself. I havent run since the marathon in December! I also added weight training this week. Like real weight training- free weight training... not machines. It feels SOOOO good.

~To add some more soreness... on Monday night when C woke up in the middle of the night- I went down our stairs from the 3rd to 2nd floor and bailed! Hard. I am pretty sure I bruised my tailbone and also the middle of my back. It hurts to sit and squat or bend over. It kills. I was still able to get my run in today and also my work out- even though my ab routine was not as strong as I would have liked since my butt was hurting!! I also scraped my arm and hand up pretty bad. One scrape on my hand is so bad that it is the most painful thing!

Confessional

Today I am confessing with Mamarazzi!I haven't confessed in awhile- so bear with me! I Confess... there was a BIG betrayal in my life recently with someone I trusted. I Confess... I am torn. I want to forgive and forget and move on with our relationship but know that is not what "should" be done. I Confess... a good thing came out of it though. I have rediscovered my passion--- for ME! I Confess... I did four cardio workouts this week and two weight trainings this week. I am stoked. I Confess... I am setting one goal this year. I figured there are lots of little things I want to accomplish but honestly I need to focus on one. I Confess... my goal is to lose 70 lbs by Dec 2, 2012. I want to run the CIM this year faster and easier than I did last year and 70 lbs lighter! I Confess... I gained a whopping 7 lbs on my 5 week jaunt to the states... whoo! I Confess... I have been drinking too much diet coke. Ok- that is enough for now. The hubbs is flying back in to Germany today... should be landing anytime. He has only been gone for 9 days but it felt like F-O-R-E-V-A! Off to straighten by hair and get ready to get my man! Happy Friday!

Accomplishment

Isn't it funny how some of the littlest things can make you feel accomplished for the day? Or by not doing something on your list- you can feel like you failed. So much pressure we put on ourselves. Today though- I am feeling accomplished.

I decided to skip the gym because I wanted a day home. Yet I went 0.1 mile down the street to my friend Jamis house and to her home gym. She is a rock star. It seems like she was brought into my life at the perfect time. I was super motivated last spring and lost weight. Then I got lost somewhere along the way. I lost my motivation. Then Jami appeared. She is one of those people that makes you smile!

Anyways- we did not concentrate so much on the workout as we did on learning. I wanted to learn the moves and the form. I want to make sure I am doing things the right way. I know I need to add weights to my workouts to get the full effect. Even though we were not trying for a workout- I definitely still got one. I also got a killer ab workout. I almost doubted I had abs honestly!! lol

On another note- Lee is coming home a day early! They were supposed to be home on Saturday but now they will be home tomorrow. I am excited! Plus it is supposed to snow tomorrow- which means a nice cozy day at home with my entire family!!

I found an amazing blog that I have been slowly devouring. I will write more about it later but she lost 125 lbs in 16 months!! She did not start running til she lost 60lbs. One of the things that reading her story really made me think about- was that she had one goal. She had walked a half marathon two years in a row. She decided that the next year she wanted to walk it and not be embarrassed of the pictures. She felt like she had this huge accomplishment and did not show people cause of her weight in the pictures. She did it!!!! Amazing

I had already said after this last marathon relay that I am doing it again next year. My goal is to do it at 165lbs. That is roughly a 55 lb loss. Totally doable in the next 10 months. I think my problem is- I have a whole sheet of "goals." Reading her story made me realize that might be my problem! I need to choose something and focus on it. Some of the other things will come to be naturally through the weight loss...

So I am making it PUBLIC! I am going to run the 2012 California International Marathon Relay at 165lb on Dec 2, 2012.

Through healthy eating, running and weights- I can do this. I am restarting the C25K program next Monday with Kim. I think I will start around week 3. I am adding 2-3 days of weights to my plan too- hopefully 2 with Lee:)

I want these weights too...They are the ones that Jami has and I LOVE them!! Just need to figure out how to justify the nearly $400 pricetag!

Going to head to bed. Awesome wind storm outside that is sure to lull me to sleep! Thinking about the fact that tomorrow night I will be able to cuddle with my man! Night all!

Silhouette versus Cricut?

Anyone have any recommendations on the benefits of one versus the other?? I want to use it for things like cards, stickers etc... Help!

Again

I think I have started three different postings today. For some reason I feel highly motivated when I start them and then get distracted- and lose interest.

One of my goals this year is to link to Ashley over at the Domestic Wannabe and her Move It Monday. I always read her postings and she was actually the one to get me started with the C25K last spring. She has continued to do awesome. I am so inspired by her progress. Not only is she a running machine but she has lost the weight she wanted to lose.

I figure I have roughly 70 lbs I want to lose. I could lose more but that would put me at a happy weight. It is about time I am honest with myself and with me. When I ran the Marathon Relay in Dec...I weighed roughly 221. I am not positive about my weight because I did not weigh myself while I was in the states. But I know I gained some while there (thank you Cracker Barrel and Carls Jr). While I may have finished the run and am really satisfied with my weight loss and increase in exercise... I am still nowhere close to where I need to be. But this is the most progress I have made in the last 7 years! That is a point to celebrate!!

Getting back from the states- was a wake up call. The only exercise I did in the states- was the marathon relay. So, that coupled with the diet of stateside traveling and holiday foods, led to a 7 lb gain! Ugh. My mother in law put it in perspective though- I still started this new year lower than the last 7 new years:)

So- what now? I have been adding exercise back into my days. Monday started good with a morning friend date at the gym and 2 miles on the treadmill. Then half an hour on the elliptical that night. Today I did twenty minutes on the elliptical. Tomorrow is another gym date. I am also going to do some weight work after the treadmill. Thursday I am going to meet up with my friend and neighbor Jami and have her work me out in her home gym with weights. I am definitely adding weights this year. I want killer arms again- like when I played softball.

Here are two things I need to remember...

I have a question for you that run though. I love running outside. It is how I started in April of last year. It is what renewed my love for exercise and showed me how to lose this weight. I would leave the house at 5:30am and be back before the kiddos got up to get ready for school. Well- now it is still dark until like 7:45- 8:00am. Plus- add in the fact that the high in the last month and a half the high has been like high 30's. I am a wimp!! I cannot run in the dark cause I get scared- I know, silly. I do not like running in the cold either. I have an elliptical at home. But this is my question- am I the only runner who does not feel satisfied after working out on the elliptical? I do not get the same "runners high" from it as from the treadmill or being outside. Is that weird??

2012

As I have been reading everyones postings this last week or so- it has made me remember what I love about blogging. I love being inspired. I love seeing what others are doing to fill their time and show me what I could be doing. I have had a gigantic epiphany this last week. I will not go into details. Some things do not belong on a blog. But it made me wake up. It made me realize that some stuff in my life needs to change. I need to make changes. I
1. Make 2012 about me...
2. Have a girls weekend
3. Run 2012 CIM faster than 2011
4. Learn to quilt
5. Send birthday cards/boxes
6. Create a fun birthday tradition for the kids
7. Blog three times a week
8. Learn to take pictures in only manual mode
9. Date night with hubby once a month
10. Figure out a good skin care routine
11. Create a realistic budget
12. Make a list of 101 things that make me happy
13. Be in bed by 10:30pm
14. Not overcommit myself this year
15. Write a real letter once a month
16. Refind myself
17. 200 by April 22, 2012
18. 165 by December 2, 2012
19. Learn to say no
20. Walk/Run 550+ miles this year
21. Cleanse 3X
22. Follow WW 6/7 days a week
23. No texting/talking while driving
24. Sexy PJ’s
25. Financial Improvement
26. Read 2 books a month
27. Be more feminine
28. Do my hair at least 3X/week
29.3 cardio a week
30. 2 weight sessions a week with Lee
31. Let Lee be the man

I am going to do a workout specific post on Monday and link to Ashley over at The Domestic Wannabe. I always read her post and one of the things I am determined to do this year is participate in her Monday link up...

Changes are coming my way. I could not be more excited!!!