Frustrated…

So, I did soooo well with exercising in October.  Well, November was the exact opposite.  I only logged in 27 miles, which to some might seem great, but I haven’t done that few since right after Chompy was born when I was recovering from the c-section.  So, I’m a little frustrated and mad at myself for not making it a priority like I should have.  I know, I know.  I’m being hard on myself, but I do have expectations that I want to live up to.  Now, not to make excuses, but we did have several flat tires in a row, and Chompy was on his antibiotics for 10 days, so I didn’t take him out at all those days.  Of course, I could have gone to the gym after Josh got home, but alas, I didn’t. 

I’m committed to making December go better….even if that means that instead of running I do some time with Wii boxing or something (did you know that there are actually calorie counters for Wii games?! :) . 

For the last three years, my department at work has run their own little Biggest Loser competition.  It runs in 8 week increments.  So each individual decides whether she wants to compete for those 8 weeks or not.   Everyone weighs in together on the same scale each week at the same time of day, so that everything is as even as possible.  Each week that you weigh in, you have to pay $2 for each pound you gain, and $1 if you break even.  This year there is the added competition-at the beginning of the competition, each person had to make a goal for how many pounds she wanted to lose, if she doesn’t reach that goal, then she has to pay an additional $10.  You see how this can add up to some big money really fast.  The person who loses the most weight in those 8 weeks gets the pot.  It can be some pretty big cash too--$60 or so.  I competed with the ladies one summer and did fairly well.  It really helped me to focus.  Anyway, I decided to join this round in order to help me get more motivated.  So we are three weeks in….my eating has gotten better (even with the holidays)…even though Chompy needs calories, I figure that he really doesn’t need that extra bowl of ice cream :D.  We’ll see how I do.  I’m not as concerned with the actual weight as I am fitting back into my pants.  I hate to buy bigger clothes, and I only have one pair of maternity jeans  and they don’t fit well anymore since the big belly is gone(I bought quite a few work outfits, but then the rest of the time I was in skirts).  So, seeing as it’s getting colder, I’m stuck.  I realize that I’ve gained tons of muscle too lifting and carrying all 18ish pounds of Chomp.  So, the scale doesn’t matter to me quite as much.   Anyway, if you see me, remind me to work out and go eat something healthy.  

 

Thanks! 

Andre Agassi…

Ok…it is no secret that I heart Andre Agassi!  I mean, he’s been my favorite since 1992 when I was in eighth grade and saw him play at Wimbledon.   I immediately started collecting Andre items.  I taped his matches on VHS.  I kept all newspaper clipping about him.  I had a framed picture of him which was one of my all-time favorite Christmas gifts.  I had a life-size cut-out of his ad for Canon.  My step-mom put a picture of him playing tennis and a picture of me running cross country into a little frame with two hearts.  One of the only times I’ve ever been mad at my sister was because she (at age 5) and her friend ripped one of my posters of him.  My friends got him to autograph a UCLA folder for me when he came to UCLA to practice with the tennis team, and I wasn’t able to see him.  I watched him with mullet, without mullet.  With chest hair, without chest hair ;)  As the #1 player in the world, as the #134 player in the world. With Coach Nick, with Coach Brad.  With Brooke, with Steffi.  I bought a book that his sister, a child psychiatrist, wrote to use with my clients, not because it was an amazing book, but because she wrote it and it donated money towards the school that he started.  

Anyway, I’m very excited to read his book because even though I was just a little fan from Murphys, Ca, I knew that something was wrong in 1997.  And, now that I know what it was, it all makes sense.   

Don’t worry Andre,  Roger Federer may not like you anymore, but who cares about him anyway—I’m still a fan!!!!! 

October 2009…

We Did It!

58 miles in October!

November Goal:  65!

Goals…

Well, my goal for September was to run/walk 50 miles.  I didn’t make it.  3.9 miles short.  Still not too shabby, especially with a week out while Collin and I were both sicky-faces.   But, I like to make goals.  So, I’m going for it again in October.  50 miles, here we go!  (Of course, I’ll tell you a little secret.  I still want to up it for this month, but feel a little weird doing that if I didn’t hit the lower goal.  So, my true inner goal is 57).  But, for purposes of stated goal, 50! 

I love this….

So cute and such an endearing family story :) 

Green Monster Part Deux…

I was brave and tried it again.  I added more strawberries, the needed banana and left out the peach this time.  I’ll also admit that I cheated a bit and put in 1 1/2 cups of spinach instead of 2 cups. 

It was soooo much better!  Not Jamba Juice, but yummy in its own way.

 

I added so many strawberries that it really became a Pink Monster.  :)

Dear TLC…

Those of you who know me know that I am an HUGE fan of the TV show Jon and Kate Plus 8.  It has been on my DVR since it’s pilot episode.  I own 2 seasons on DVD.  And, even though I’ve watched every episode, if a marathon happens to be on, I could be found watching them all again.

For those who have never heard of it, it is a reality tv show about this couple and their twin daughters and sextuplets who live in Pennsylvania.  It started out as a inside view on the lives of Kate, a nurse, and Jon, an IT guy, as they raise their 8 kiddos.   I loved it because it showed their everyday lives and their cute little ones.   There are several of the kids’ statements that have ended up in my everyday language:  “altergater”, “him’s a yiddle guy”, and “Hannah pooped.  In Hannah’s underwears.”  Too cute!!! 

But, all of that has changed.  Now, of course, the Gosselins are famous for being in the tabloids and slamming each other on primetime TV.  As a child of divorce, I have always been so thankful and proud of my parents and how well they spoke of each other around us.  I always felt like they had our best interest at heart and felt so loved by both of them.  It makes me so upset to see Jon and Kate go on film and say the things they have been saying.  Their kiddos may only be in 3rd grade and kindergarten right now, but there is no doubt that at some point one of their friends will tell them about it or they will stumble on the youtube videos all on their own.  If they were using the show to watch a family navigate the waters of the separation, it would be a completely worthwhile show.  But, that’s not what’s happening.  They showcase trips they go on, events they host, and bickering at each other.

A couple of weeks ago, I made the decision to take them off of my DVR.  (You’d think this would be easy to do, but I really love watching the kiddos grow).    It was time.  Since then, Kate appeared on Larry King Live, and Jon appeared on Good Morning America where they blasted each other into little tiny bits.  I started doing some thinking.  I started wondering what their show was doing on TLC, “The Learning Channel”.  What the heck were viewers learning by watching them?  Were they learning anything constructive, beautiful, insightful?   I came back with the answer no.  So, then, why hadn’t TLC taken them off the air?  I’m sure some station touting less quality shows **cough cough** CW, FOX **cough, cough** could have picked them up alongside of Jerry Springer.  

I wondered why Jon and Kate themselves hadn’t decided to stop show production.  So, I started digging around.  (Disclaimer:  All of these numbers were found on random, gossip sites, and probably aren’t completely accurate, but if there is any semblance of truthiness there, then oh goodness).  Apparently,  the Gosselins get paid $65,000 per episode.  They each ask $25,000 per speaking engagement.  They just bought a $1 million dollar house (I do agree that they needed more space, however).  They have some money coming in, so to speak. 

Anyway, I decided that I would write TLC a little note to let them know that, in my opinion, the show had run its course.   Here’s my little note (I ask the two first questions because they said..ask us questions or comment).

Why have you not taken Jon and Kate Plus 8 off of the air?  When are you planning to do so?

I have been a huge fan of them and their family since the show began.  I have several seasons on DVD and until recently would never miss a show.  But, that has changed.  I removed the show from my DVR and now change the channel anytime it comes on.  Please, TLC is not helping the family or its own image by continuing to produce the show.  It has changed from a show about a normal, every day family to one that documents what a family can do with free trips, money, and merchandise.  It's not worth watching at all.  And, it makes me very sad to say that.  (All of this of course is in addition to how poorly the two stars have behaved through their recent separation). 

I hope that you will take this email to heart.  TLC has lost an avid viewer, and while I know I am not a part of a Nielsen family household, I hope that my voice counts. 

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Heather Stewart

Here’s the response that I got back.  Obviously, I am not the first or last person to write them, as they have created a form letter.

Dear Viewer:
Thank you for contacting TLC.  We appreciate your correspondence and for
taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns with us about Jon &
Kate Plus 8.
In an effort to ensure the highest quality programming, comments such as
these are taken very seriously.  Each and every comment is forwarded on to
our programming executives for review and consideration.  Maintaining the
integrity of all of our networks is our primary goal.  It is these types of
comments that contribute to creating change and improving our programming.
Again, thank you for contacting TLC.
Sincerely,
Viewer Relations
TLC

Anyway, I feel bad for the family.  I guess as a total viewer who does not know anything about them in reality, I want for them to move on, and if they won’t do it on their own, I want TLC to pull the show…but since they won’t, then I guess that I will. 

 

 

Green Healthy Shake… Yummy? This is the question.

So, I have read a few blogs lately that talk of adding spinach or kale to a smoothie in order to get added nutrients without sitting down to eat a giant salad. A woman named Angela has dubbed this type of smoothie: Green Monster. (You can also find these kinds of things in Shakeology). Anyway, people keep claiming that you can drink these shakes/smoothies and not taste the spinach, which makes them perfect. Like Jamba Juice with even more added punch. I thought this sounded like a great idea. So, I gave it a shot.

 

I used what I had in the fridge: spinach, soymilk, strawberries, peaches and ice.

 

 

It sure looks sooo pretty.  It has to taste good right??

 

Ok, maybe not quite so pretty.  But, still it has to taste good right??

 

Well, let’s put it this way.  I could definitely still taste the spinach.  I’m not sure what all these people are talking about, but I could taste the spinach.  It wasn’t so horrible that I couldn’t finish it, but it also was not great.  In looking back at the recipes, most of them called for banana.  I’m thinking that the strength of the banana masks the spinach leafy taste.  I think it’s worth trying again with added banana and a lot more berries! 

Two Year Anniversary!!!!

I love you Joshie!!!!
Thank you for the greatest two years ever!

Fantasy Football 2009

Yep, it's that time of the year again. NFL Fantasy Football. How do you like my FF Avatar?  She’s totally hip right?!?  :) The 11 boys and I virtually gathered together to chat and participate in the on-line draft precisely at 7:15pm this evening. I drafted fifth out of our 12 player league: the Mudbowl.

I did okay. Last year, the boys teased me all season because "I auto-drafted". In other words, the computer picked my team. Hubby and I were camping in Morro Bay for our anniversary during the draft. This year however, I was front and center. Little Chomp was asleep and hubby was on alert to get him if he needed something just in case.

I'll admit that by the time we got to around the 6th round, I had run out of players from my wanted player list, and started scrambling. We'll see how I do against these guys.

Check out my players and tell me what you think.

Wish me luck!!!

(I’ll need it, Brandon Marshall is in big trouble with his coach…oops!)

One of those writers…

is Amy Krouse Rosenthal. 

Here’s one of the great reasons why:

I found this link to the video on YouTube from her website:  who is amy. 

She also writes really funny, witty, and cute children’s books.   Little Chomp has one from his Auntie Sarah-Ellen.  She also has a memoir that looks creative and fun that I’m ordering right now from Amazon entitled  Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.   (HKC, I’m expecting you to totally dig this by the way).

A New Obsession….

So, you’ve seen me get obsessed with the BOB, with taking pictures of Little Chomp, and with basically writing a daily catalog of his life.  When I was growing up, I was a dabbler.  I dabbled in soccer, running parallel to the ball but nowhere near it.  I dabbled in piano (making it to the third book twice).  I dabbled in choir-two years and a stint at a very, very random honor choir event.  I dabbled at the performing arts.  Three plays in junior high and one in high school.  Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Tennis, Saxophone, Photography, ASB, Cheerleading, etc. etc. etc.  In fact, my mom and I now have a joke where I say that I could have been good.  In other words, if I had just stuck to something for more than a season, maybe there would have been some talent would have shown up.  For example, I always say that if my little hometown had had girls soccer instead of co-ed, and if more than 2 of us would have played with the boys in junior high, “I could have been good.”  There were very few things that I was actually committed to.  And, truthfully, only by allowing the decades to pass have I understood what childhood extracurricular activities would withstand “The Dabbler”:    Running (for fun, not for competition), and Reading.   

Well, in the last few days, I’ve decided that I want to write a children’s book for Little Chomp.  Actually, a children’s book for Little Chomp featuring Little Chomp as the main character.  (Aside—if any of you starts writing/publishing a book with a character named Little Chomp I will hunt you down.  Look at the bottom of this page.  It is copywrited!!!! By the way, thanks for reading! :)    So, I’ve been looking up articles on planning and brainstorming story ideas.  Hubby came home early today and watched Baby Chomp, so I went to Barnes N Noble where I skimmed picture book after picture book.  One, I wanted to see if there were any books that I could find easily that had similar ideas to mine.  Two, I wanted to get an idea of what type of book I want his to be.   I came back resolute in who my favorite children’s book writers are and why.    Today, I chatted with my mom, and she agreed to read it after I get a little farther than just ideas floating in my head and notations on my computer.  So, there you go.  Obsession #5045550393.  No, I don’t really know how many obsessions I have had, nor do I know if this will be something that I dabble in for a week or if it will break through “The Dabbler”.  Stay tuned!

If I won the lottery….

Ok, first of all, I have never won the lottery.  So that’s out on the table.  Secondly, if I ever do win, know that this post is just me brainstorming.  You cannot hold me to anything that I say here.  These are just thoughts.  Whew.  Legal mumbo-jumbo is ridiculous.

Actually, that’s a good place to start.  How funny is it that if someone suddenly becomes wealthy, s/he feels the need to protect the money.  S/he would have to immediately create legal documents stating what is to happen to the money, who has access, how much access that person has, what organizations have access to it, restrictions etc. etc. etc.  Insanity!  

So, after buying a few tickets for tonight’s Mega Millions (300+ million, I just couldn’t resist), Little Chomp and I continued on our morning walk.  The whole time on our walk, I was thinking about what I could possibly do with 205 million (the after taxes portion).  

My first thoughts of course go to my family:

Paying off the remainder of my parents and in-laws mortgages.

Pay off all the siblings’ student loans.

Buy a piece of land to build a cute little practical house on for our family (complete with our own area for a garden for veggies, fruit, herbs and pretty flowers. MMmm…hmmmm.   Oh, and for Little Chomp, a place for a treehouse.

But, after that, I get a little lost.  I started thinking about what a lot of money does to families, and does to kids.  I wouldn’t want Little Chomp to grow up feeling entitled, and not willing to put himself into a life, family, career etc. because so much has been given to him.   I would truly want our family to grasp that to whom much is given, much is required.   

So, then, my life would probably change into how to put money into those places, people, and organizations that are doing good for the world.  But, how do you find reputable agencies and trustworthy people?  How could you ever know that the money would not be used corruptly?    How do you deal with the friends, family and strangers would have money problems or emergencies and come asking for help?  How do you say no?  How do you say yes?

This all sounds a bit complicated.  I think that I’d have to make a lunch date with Mr. Bill Gates to ask these questions.  Hopefully, he’d have time for a little millionaire like me.

Postpartum Exercise…

Ok.  It’s more difficult than I thought it was going to be.  Again, I underestimated what a lifestyle changing event having a baby truly is.  I really honestly thought that I’d be back to running and be able to run a half-marathon in October.  I really thought that it would be no big deal.  I was wrong.   C-section recovery is no joke my friends, and it sure does not make it easy to exercise, especially when one’s favorite type of exercise includes using the core abdominal muscles  right around the incision, which haven’t been working for at least 6 months.   I also didn’t take into consideration Baby Chomp’s development.  Especially not that an infant under a month old wouldn’t care for walking in the breeze :).   It really has been a learning experiment for both of us. 

Luckily, we are both finding our strides.  Momma has figured out the best time of day to walk/run for Little Chomp (in the early mornings, after eating, and being changed but right before nap time).   Chomp has figured out that walking in the stroller is a pretty cool way to sleep and look at new things.

So, we have gone 30 miles so far this month, and we are in a groove.  In other words, look out half-marathon.  I may not see you until after the new year, but I’m coming for you. 

I Don't Know How that Giant Black Widow Spider fell in the Pool of Raid....

I opened the blinds today to find this attached to the screen.

Yep, that's a giant Black Widow.    The most venomous spider in California.  The one that hurts babies like Little Chomp.  After gasping, "where did you come from?"  I jumped into action, searching for anything sturdy enough to kill it and something where it wouldn't matter if it got covered in venom.  After getting the giant push broom, I remembered Raid.  Truthfully, I wasn't sure what spraying Raid was going to do to a giant menace like this spider.  I kind of thought that it wouldn't do anything.  So, I sprayed and sprayed and sprayed.  Guess what?  It didn't die.  It had to fall into a pool of the stuff that collected below the door before it finally gave in.  Now, I'm pretty much a pacifist, and I believe in not disturbing the delicate eco-system, whether in the woods or in the apartment.  However, when faced with a choice:  leave the poisonous spider alone to hopefully kill off smaller icky creatures and possibly find it in Little Chomp's crib the next day versus killing it and sleeping peacefully, I'll admit that I went with eliminating the possible threat to my child.  Yes, I do understand that it's pretty unlikely that the spider would want to come into our apartment when there are fun things to eat outside.  Yes, I do understand that I just put a bunch more poison into my environment by using the Raid, than that spider had in itself.  And, yes, I understand that I just killed a female, which for some reason makes this story a little more sad.  The poor thing just has venom to protect herself.  It's like attacking a woman just because you know that she took self-defense and if she chose to could possibly hurt you.  And, as a woman, and a mother, I feel for her.  But, some things  just have to be done.  Sorry dear spider, you had to go.