I have much more of a belly today then I did yesterday. I'm waddling. I can't squeeze through small spaces and don't realize it until I try. I can eat 17 meals a day and never feel full. I could fall asleep at the drop of a hat and easily nap for 3 hours. Every boy name I hear I wonder if it's a name we could name our son. Then I think how difficult it is to choose boy names compared to girl names. Sometimes we share the name with others and most of them don't like it but most don't have a better name to offer. I look forward to maternity leave not only to welcome our son but to have 3 paid months off of work to spend time with our newborn. The sudden obvious shift of my belly from the little jalapeno switching positions is always surprising and always makes me smile. Being able to feel him punch or kick me, even if it is on the ribs. I have never loved yoga more. And french fries. People treat pregnant women much kinder then non-pregnant women. There is no guilt for not cleaning the house. I can't wait to have raw fish and a glass of Chardonnay again. I can't wait to sleep on my back again. My boobs are bigger then the Rockies but so is my ass. Jason finally got to feel "Lorenzo" kick. I can't wait to stop sneezing daily and stop tinkling every time I sneeze when I don't cross my legs. I am starting to fear delivery and pray that nothing will happen at work or while in traffic. I am very pleased to have had such a great pregnancy so far. The body pillow that so many pregnant women recommend is 6 feet long and does not work well for someone who is 5 feet tall. I eat things I wouldn't normally and I'm sure I'll regret it once I try and lose the baby weight. I am grateful for not having any complications and that we are both healthy. No swelling, yet. I look forward to reading the weekly developments that the little guy is going through. The baby is starting to get heavy. I am thankful that family and friends are excited for us. And excited to babysit. I am grateful for my husband and his kindness.
Best of all, less then 90 days until our little guy will be here and we finally get to meet him. :)
And please pass the goddamn cookies.
Ethan @ 20 months
Ethan @ 20 months
Monday, November 28, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
I Want To Share!
The following posts are posted out of order because I realized it too late to fix. Please bear with me...I'm doing this from the iPad.
Friday August 12, 2011
I want to share the news with the world! But only a select few (ok, many) know of our pregnancy. I'm 11 weeks and 2 days and can't share with everyone until we tell Jason's mom when she comes to town the first week in September. My parents know now by a way in which was not by choice but I couldn't hold it in any longer. And they never did notice that I didn't drink their wine and I dog sat their house 2 weeks in a row! Their original gift to tell them will be here today but I saw them 2 days ago and told them then. BUT, Deb's gift will be here on time and we presume she will be VERY excited. And that's putting it mildly.
I still feel very well. One day I felt dizzy when I got up too quickly or turned my head too fast but that has since subsided. The feeling of needing to take a nap at 2pm at work has also subsided, in fact, I can't remember the last time I took a nap! I will have to take care of that tonight or tomorrow. Sleep is VERY important and that is one thing I try to not let slip by.
Next Wednesday is my 12 week appointment. We get to hear the heartbeat. :) I'm super excited.
Another thing I'm SUPER excited about is to buy new pants. Right now, instead of using the button to close the top of my jeans I'm using a handy rubber band! Staying classy.
Friday August 12, 2011
I want to share the news with the world! But only a select few (ok, many) know of our pregnancy. I'm 11 weeks and 2 days and can't share with everyone until we tell Jason's mom when she comes to town the first week in September. My parents know now by a way in which was not by choice but I couldn't hold it in any longer. And they never did notice that I didn't drink their wine and I dog sat their house 2 weeks in a row! Their original gift to tell them will be here today but I saw them 2 days ago and told them then. BUT, Deb's gift will be here on time and we presume she will be VERY excited. And that's putting it mildly.
I still feel very well. One day I felt dizzy when I got up too quickly or turned my head too fast but that has since subsided. The feeling of needing to take a nap at 2pm at work has also subsided, in fact, I can't remember the last time I took a nap! I will have to take care of that tonight or tomorrow. Sleep is VERY important and that is one thing I try to not let slip by.
Next Wednesday is my 12 week appointment. We get to hear the heartbeat. :) I'm super excited.
Another thing I'm SUPER excited about is to buy new pants. Right now, instead of using the button to close the top of my jeans I'm using a handy rubber band! Staying classy.
7 weeks
July 7, 2011
I've been doing pretty well, very well actually. I have had no nausea. You read that right, I've had ZERO nausea! I could jump for joy but then I'd jinx myself and I'll be praying to the porcelain god tomorrow. I pray that I don't get it but there's still a chance I could.
I crave orange juice. AND I might add, it's delicious!
Still so sleepyyyyy......
I only go to Starbucks once or twice a week for two reasons:
1. Coffee and orange juice do NOT taste well together for any of you that don't know that. I recommend not trying it.
2. I've changed my drink over the past year from a triple venti caramel macchiato --> triple grande caramel macchiato --> grande skinny caramel macchiato --> grande decaf skinny caramel macchiato. You should have seen the girls confusion at Starbucks when I asked for decaf. Hopefully they have figured it out by now. In other words, I haven't given up coffee completely and minus the little amount of caffeine in decaf, I have given up caffeine all together.
A week from today is my first prenatal appointment and I'm super excited to get an ultrasound. It will make it feel more real, I think.
I've been doing pretty well, very well actually. I have had no nausea. You read that right, I've had ZERO nausea! I could jump for joy but then I'd jinx myself and I'll be praying to the porcelain god tomorrow. I pray that I don't get it but there's still a chance I could.
I crave orange juice. AND I might add, it's delicious!
Still so sleepyyyyy......
I only go to Starbucks once or twice a week for two reasons:
1. Coffee and orange juice do NOT taste well together for any of you that don't know that. I recommend not trying it.
2. I've changed my drink over the past year from a triple venti caramel macchiato --> triple grande caramel macchiato --> grande skinny caramel macchiato --> grande decaf skinny caramel macchiato. You should have seen the girls confusion at Starbucks when I asked for decaf. Hopefully they have figured it out by now. In other words, I haven't given up coffee completely and minus the little amount of caffeine in decaf, I have given up caffeine all together.
A week from today is my first prenatal appointment and I'm super excited to get an ultrasound. It will make it feel more real, I think.
Fatigue, Moods, and Sneezing, OH MY!
June 24, 2011
4 weeks and 5 days- The fatigue. Oh the fatigue! I can take a nap at any time, and I do, at home. Although every day I feel like I could take one at work. A two hour nap here, an hour there, and I still go to bed before 11.
Shortness of breath. Every time I go up or down the stairs. I walk anywhere at work. I remember the day before we found out I was pregnant, I was in spin class and realized I was short of breath. After class I told Jason and his response was "me too!" I paused and told him this wasn't normal, I'm usually ok and giggled a bit at his response. I struggled through TRX after spin and took a nap that afternoon. I didn't know where my energy had gone and thought I had just gotten weaker over time instead of stronger. I didn't know shortness of breath was a sign until I looked it up a few days ago. I have been using my yoga breaths to control it and it seems to be working so far.
4 weeks and 5 days- The fatigue. Oh the fatigue! I can take a nap at any time, and I do, at home. Although every day I feel like I could take one at work. A two hour nap here, an hour there, and I still go to bed before 11.
Shortness of breath. Every time I go up or down the stairs. I walk anywhere at work. I remember the day before we found out I was pregnant, I was in spin class and realized I was short of breath. After class I told Jason and his response was "me too!" I paused and told him this wasn't normal, I'm usually ok and giggled a bit at his response. I struggled through TRX after spin and took a nap that afternoon. I didn't know where my energy had gone and thought I had just gotten weaker over time instead of stronger. I didn't know shortness of breath was a sign until I looked it up a few days ago. I have been using my yoga breaths to control it and it seems to be working so far.
The sneezing. I can't stop sneezing!!! There's an actual name for pregnant women and postnasal drip. It's called Pregnancy Rhinitis and I have it. At home it's the cats (I'm sure of it) and at work it's the dust. I can't get away from it. I'd just like to clarify that until this last spring, I rarely had allergies. This must have recently developed and between the hormones and the allergens, I'm back to sneezing like I was in the spring.
Mood swings are coming and going, coming and going. Ok?! (hehe) They (the experts) aren't kidding. I apologize in advance.
It really is crazy how quickly your body changes when you become pregnant. This whole being pregnant thing is still so surreal.
Phew! Here it is...
Now that the news is out... I can finally share what I've blogged over the past few months. Phew... I don't have to feel like I'm lying anymore.
Happy Father's Day
June 20, 2011
This is a little late but there's good reason for that!
It was the day we found out I was pregnant.
2 tests that didn't work at all, 1 that showed the cross very (and I emphasize very) vaguely, and 2 positive digital tests later...Happy 1st Father's Day to my beloved husband Jason! If we had known I would have gotten him something besides pee on a stick to celebrate this memorable day. His brother (who was the 1st person we told about 10 minutes after confirming the digital tests) was nice enough to call Jason to congratulate him from the backseat of our car on our way to a bbq with my family and close family friends. Walking into the bbq, we discussed having Jason drop the news randomly but there was never the right moment. Being only 4 weeks pregnant, not saying anything turned out to be the right thing to do and we decided to wait a bit before telling anyone.
Week 4: Pretty basic so far. Constant headache and backache, little nibbles of cramps. I get little waves of nausea which I'm hoping is all I get of that (Ha!-I'm sure this is highly unlikely). It's only the second day of us knowing. I can't believe the little peanut is growing rapidly. I read what the baby's development over the next few weeks is going to be like and I am shocked! That's awesome!
So I have a few challenges at this immediate moment.
1. Caffeine. 2nd day, I drank half a coke in 4 hours. Going to have to cut that out.
2. What in the world do pregnant women eat? Hopefully by the next post I write, I am able to figure this out.
3. I have to keep this a secret for another 8 weeks?! Oy vey.
Since I can't post this for another 8 weeks, I'll just save it in my back pocket for later.
This, my friends, is why I haven't been drinking wine. Mom, if you read this...you should have caught this one pretty quickly!
Happy Father's Day
June 20, 2011
This is a little late but there's good reason for that!
It was the day we found out I was pregnant.
2 tests that didn't work at all, 1 that showed the cross very (and I emphasize very) vaguely, and 2 positive digital tests later...Happy 1st Father's Day to my beloved husband Jason! If we had known I would have gotten him something besides pee on a stick to celebrate this memorable day. His brother (who was the 1st person we told about 10 minutes after confirming the digital tests) was nice enough to call Jason to congratulate him from the backseat of our car on our way to a bbq with my family and close family friends. Walking into the bbq, we discussed having Jason drop the news randomly but there was never the right moment. Being only 4 weeks pregnant, not saying anything turned out to be the right thing to do and we decided to wait a bit before telling anyone.
Week 4: Pretty basic so far. Constant headache and backache, little nibbles of cramps. I get little waves of nausea which I'm hoping is all I get of that (Ha!-I'm sure this is highly unlikely). It's only the second day of us knowing. I can't believe the little peanut is growing rapidly. I read what the baby's development over the next few weeks is going to be like and I am shocked! That's awesome!
So I have a few challenges at this immediate moment.
1. Caffeine. 2nd day, I drank half a coke in 4 hours. Going to have to cut that out.
2. What in the world do pregnant women eat? Hopefully by the next post I write, I am able to figure this out.
3. I have to keep this a secret for another 8 weeks?! Oy vey.
Since I can't post this for another 8 weeks, I'll just save it in my back pocket for later.
This, my friends, is why I haven't been drinking wine. Mom, if you read this...you should have caught this one pretty quickly!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
10 Biggest Money Wasters
Some I'm guilty of, some I'm not. Are you?
According to CNN Money...top ten money wasters:
1. ATM Fees
* ATM! ATM! (Scream that in Dorothy's voice from The Wizard of OZ)
* I am not guilty of this simply because I don't carry cash. My bank locations are few and far between so when I do go to an ATM it costs a gazillion dollars. Just say no...to ATMs.
2. Lottery tickets
* Seriously people?! You have a better chance of being struck by lightning.
* Only play when a gazillion dollars is on the line and whatever you do, DON'T go in with coworkers.
* I did hear once that the money from VA Lottery goes into the school system. Confirm? Deny?
3. Gourmet coffee
* GUILTY! I could (and should) cut back, I know. But what is going to keep me awake for my 1 1/2- 2 hour morning commute? Crack?! That's even more expensive.
4. Cigarettes
* "Americans spend $80 BILLION on cigarettes per year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." <---Holy Jesus! Pretty soon that's how much a tank of gas is going to cost.
5. Infomercial impulse buys
* From Snuggies to the Magic Bullet Blender, it's all crap. What have you bought?
6. Brand-name groceries
* I try to be conscious about this one. Family doesn't even notice (or care) if I buy generic and I try to as much as possible. Every time I go to the grocery store, I always think about product placement and how they try to reel you in. They're watching you.
7. Eating out
* GUILTY! Not only do restaurants serve you portions for a giant (which contributes to our country's overweight issue), it's mighty expensive. It adds up, and so do the calories. I'm trying to get better about cooking at home...trying.
8. Unused gym memberships
* I'm guilty of this in the past, but not anymore!
9. Daily internet deals
* Oh good, I bought a $50 carpet cleaning deal today actually...oh wait, these are bad.
* I read on...they are bad if you don't use them. Good. I use them.
10. Bundled cable or phone services
* With Netflix and Hulu, who needs 500 cable channels? Not us! We haven't had cable in almost 3 years and the only channels I miss are E!, Bravo, and Comedy Central. I don't miss them enough to pay a lot of money to have the ability to watch them but then not watch them.
Do you think CNN Money left anything off the top ten list?
According to CNN Money...top ten money wasters:
1. ATM Fees
* ATM! ATM! (Scream that in Dorothy's voice from The Wizard of OZ)
* I am not guilty of this simply because I don't carry cash. My bank locations are few and far between so when I do go to an ATM it costs a gazillion dollars. Just say no...to ATMs.
2. Lottery tickets
* Seriously people?! You have a better chance of being struck by lightning.
* Only play when a gazillion dollars is on the line and whatever you do, DON'T go in with coworkers.
* I did hear once that the money from VA Lottery goes into the school system. Confirm? Deny?
3. Gourmet coffee
* GUILTY! I could (and should) cut back, I know. But what is going to keep me awake for my 1 1/2- 2 hour morning commute? Crack?! That's even more expensive.
4. Cigarettes
* "Americans spend $80 BILLION on cigarettes per year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." <---Holy Jesus! Pretty soon that's how much a tank of gas is going to cost.
5. Infomercial impulse buys
* From Snuggies to the Magic Bullet Blender, it's all crap. What have you bought?
6. Brand-name groceries
* I try to be conscious about this one. Family doesn't even notice (or care) if I buy generic and I try to as much as possible. Every time I go to the grocery store, I always think about product placement and how they try to reel you in. They're watching you.7. Eating out
* GUILTY! Not only do restaurants serve you portions for a giant (which contributes to our country's overweight issue), it's mighty expensive. It adds up, and so do the calories. I'm trying to get better about cooking at home...trying.
8. Unused gym memberships
* I'm guilty of this in the past, but not anymore!
9. Daily internet deals
* Oh good, I bought a $50 carpet cleaning deal today actually...oh wait, these are bad.
* I read on...they are bad if you don't use them. Good. I use them.
10. Bundled cable or phone services
* With Netflix and Hulu, who needs 500 cable channels? Not us! We haven't had cable in almost 3 years and the only channels I miss are E!, Bravo, and Comedy Central. I don't miss them enough to pay a lot of money to have the ability to watch them but then not watch them.
Do you think CNN Money left anything off the top ten list?
Happy Birthday to Me!
Ok, so it was on the 3rd and not today. My birthday was on a Tuesday this year so of course I did nothing special. Went to work, sat in traffic, worked out, went to bed.
BUT...on Friday the 13th, my lovely husband surprised me with a new iPad!!! I'm not sure if the gift was for me or both of us, but I'll take it.
Thank you honey!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Fore!
Yesterday was a beautiful Sunday with 70 degree weather, sunny, windows open, laundry was getting done, watched the Masters, gave myself a pedicure, listed out the meals for the week, and realized I'm turning into my parents. And I like it. I even called them to see if they too were watching the Masters. I would have called you too to see if you were watching it because it was so intense. Lucy was REALLY into it.
Golf season is back and so far I have a few charity tournaments on my schedule. Maybe I'll even get a hole in one this year.
This cute little video sums it up well: Golf Quotes
Golf season is back and so far I have a few charity tournaments on my schedule. Maybe I'll even get a hole in one this year.
This cute little video sums it up well: Golf Quotes
Thursday, March 24, 2011
311 - All Mixed Up
Just bought tickets to see 311 and Sublime with Rome in July! Now if I only still had my Doc Martins, overalls, and flannel shirt.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Super Moon
This past Saturday there was a Super Moon. AKA- "perigee" moon-the closest approach to Earth. The moon was 14% larger and 30% brighter then an "apogee" moon-the furthest from the Earth. Biggest moon in more then 20 years.
My favorite shots found on the web from DC...
Just wanted to share. Happy "moon"ing!
Spring Is On It's Way!
This past weekend the house windows were open, the sunroof was open, car windows down, flip flops on and unstoppable sneezing. Spring is almost here!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I have just a wee bit o' Irish in my blood. It's true. Does the red hair, freckles, and hazel eyes give it away? (I'm not Amy Adams-below)
Fun facts about redheads:
Fun facts about St. Patrick's Day:
Fun facts about redheads:
- Redheads account for 1-2% of the world population and 40-46% of the world population carry the recessive gene. 13% of the Scottish population and 10% of the Irish population have red hair. The US has the most redheads due to the large population (6-18 million).
- The most rare hair color in humans is red.
- Red hair doesn't gray as much as other hair colors. Red hair initially tends to turn blond and then white.
- People with red hair are often referred to as redheads, gingers, leprechauns, carrot top (which never made sense to me because carrot tops are green), and a few others that I'm not going to put on here since this is a family oriented blog.
- According to Wikipedia, redheads are often "fiery tempered and have sharp tongues."
- The pigment pheomelanin gives red hair its color.
- 80% of redheads have freckles.
- There is such an event called Redheadday that is a 2 day festival in September in the city of Breda, the Netherlands.
- People with red hair have twice the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease. (AHHHH!!!)
- "While the rest of the species is descended from apes, redheads derive from cats." -Mark Twain
- Some scholars postulate that the same gene mutation that causes red hair also affects the way redheads respond to pain and anesthetics.
- "Gingerphopia" is a fear of redheads. "Gingerism" is the bullying or prejudice of redheads.
Fun facts about St. Patrick's Day:
- St. Patrick wasn't Irish...he was born in Scotland or Wales and brought to Ireland as a slave. His given name was Maewyn.
- In 1903, St. Patrick's Day was named a national holiday in Ireland and until 1970, Irish bars closed on St. Patrick's Day.
- There are more than 35 million Americans with Irish ancestry. The population of Ireland is 4.2 million.
- 4 out of 5 Americans wear green today and 1 out 13 go to bar.
- 40 pounds of green vegetable dye is added to the Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day.
- The 4 leaves of a shamrock represent faith, love, hope, and luck.
There is an actual place called Mt. Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia.
Go eat your bangers and mash and enjoy your green beer. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
I Miss Buster
If you don't know who Buster is from Arrested Development (TV Show), well then...I can't help you. He's only one of the best characters in one of the best TV Comedies of all time. All time.
This isn't Buster but it is Tony Hale who played Buster.
Word on the street (from a random source on the internet) is that the script is currently being written for the Arrested Development movie which is supposed to come to theaters in 2012. Fingers crossed!
This isn't Buster but it is Tony Hale who played Buster.
Word on the street (from a random source on the internet) is that the script is currently being written for the Arrested Development movie which is supposed to come to theaters in 2012. Fingers crossed!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
A Complimenting Attacker?
Yup, they exist.
I was just telling a coworker last week how safe I felt living in Gainesville. For the most part everyone is generally polite, kind, and easy to talk to. I have never felt threatened by someone's politeness...until yesterday morning.
Like millions of people, I am a contestant in the daily rat race. I get up in the morning, shower, get dressed, feed the kitties, put my shoes on, get my Starbucks, get startled by a stranger approaching my car from the back and knocking on my driver's side window, wait...that doesn't happen daily. Or ever for that matter.
I rolled my window down probably a little further then I should have but not enough that he could stick his hand in the car. Not a bad looking man. Not a homeless looking man. Had all of his teeth. Dressed nicely but not in a suit or tie. Didn't smell (that I know of).
Stranger: "Ma'am. Are you married?" He's bent over a little bit in order to see my face. He was about 5'10 and I was in the Altima. I later realized that he was probably checking my door handle to see if it would open.
Me: "Yes." What the hell would he say if I said no?
When he realized it was a failed attempt, he had to come up with something, so he came up with...
Stranger: "Well, I just wanted to tell you that you are
very pretty."
Me: "Thanks." Then he turned and walked away. Harmless but I got out of the parking lot as soon as possible and went on with my morning as usual.
Posted the story on Facebook...like you do.
Before lunch I mentioned it to co-worker. She said it was super creepy and I should report it since there was an attempted robbery last week at the nearby Target by a man with the same description (even though the description was probably 50% of the population). But I'll tell you what, I'm not as observant as I should be. When it comes to noticing the details (besides words), I only remember 4. The guy's nose (because it was big), lips (because they were gigantic), the car he was possibly driving (it was bigger then his lips), and the colors of the license plate (normal sized license plate). It wasn't a VA, MD, NC or any other license plate that tend to be local and the 1 time I should have read the plate, I didn't.
I called the non-emergency number for PWC police. Of course the lady asked for the plate number and my report was a little late (4 hours) to send a cop there. I filed my "suspicious activity" by a man who complimented my looks and did absolutely nothing to harm me, my car, or anyone in the immediate vicinity.
This would happen to me.
I was just telling a coworker last week how safe I felt living in Gainesville. For the most part everyone is generally polite, kind, and easy to talk to. I have never felt threatened by someone's politeness...until yesterday morning.
Like millions of people, I am a contestant in the daily rat race. I get up in the morning, shower, get dressed, feed the kitties, put my shoes on, get my Starbucks, get startled by a stranger approaching my car from the back and knocking on my driver's side window, wait...that doesn't happen daily. Or ever for that matter.
I rolled my window down probably a little further then I should have but not enough that he could stick his hand in the car. Not a bad looking man. Not a homeless looking man. Had all of his teeth. Dressed nicely but not in a suit or tie. Didn't smell (that I know of).
Stranger: "Ma'am. Are you married?" He's bent over a little bit in order to see my face. He was about 5'10 and I was in the Altima. I later realized that he was probably checking my door handle to see if it would open.
Me: "Yes." What the hell would he say if I said no?
When he realized it was a failed attempt, he had to come up with something, so he came up with...
Stranger: "Well, I just wanted to tell you that you are
very pretty."
Me: "Thanks." Then he turned and walked away. Harmless but I got out of the parking lot as soon as possible and went on with my morning as usual.
Posted the story on Facebook...like you do.
Before lunch I mentioned it to co-worker. She said it was super creepy and I should report it since there was an attempted robbery last week at the nearby Target by a man with the same description (even though the description was probably 50% of the population). But I'll tell you what, I'm not as observant as I should be. When it comes to noticing the details (besides words), I only remember 4. The guy's nose (because it was big), lips (because they were gigantic), the car he was possibly driving (it was bigger then his lips), and the colors of the license plate (normal sized license plate). It wasn't a VA, MD, NC or any other license plate that tend to be local and the 1 time I should have read the plate, I didn't.
I called the non-emergency number for PWC police. Of course the lady asked for the plate number and my report was a little late (4 hours) to send a cop there. I filed my "suspicious activity" by a man who complimented my looks and did absolutely nothing to harm me, my car, or anyone in the immediate vicinity.
This would happen to me.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Marlboro Woman- No More
It's crazy to think that I smoked for so long. What a waste of money. Sometimes it's hard to be near it and I can smell it from a mile away. I don't frown upon anyone that smokes because I know how addictive it is and what it does to your mind and body. Nicotine is such a powerful drug in so many ways. After having quit for about 6 months I was standing in a circle with a few co-workers in the hallway. One of the coworkers had just come inside from smoking and I could smell it. Within a few minutes I got a sharp headache and my vision went into tunnel vision. I almost passed out right there in the middle of a conversation. I had to get out of the situation. I made up an excuse and walked away. When I couldn't smell it anymore my brain went back to normal and I was fine. My brain wanted the nicotine so badly it freaked out on me. That moment really showed me how controlling nicotine and smoking is.
Benefits for quitting up to a year:
· Risk of heart disease is decreased to half that of a smoker
· I am one of 7% that are actually smoke free at the end of their first year
· Any smoking related sinus congestions, fatigue or shortness of breath have decreased
· Cilia have re-grown in my lungs thereby increasing their ability to handle mucus, keep my lungs clean, and reduce infections
· Overall energy has increased
· Blood circulation has substantially improved
If packs were $3.50 the entire time I smoked, I spent roughly $8,000 on cigarettes. I just threw up in my mouth a little.
I have been actively attending Zumba, TRX, and Yoga classes at Balans, a local studio. I did make myself present at the vending machine at work for a few months which caused me to gain a few pounds. Ok, 15. I haven't weighed this much since I put on the Freshman 15 in college. I've gotten Jason on board and we've been watching our consumption of calories (etc) taken in and burned through an app on our phones and online, MyFitnessPal. It's pretty cool. I recommend it, even if you are trying to gain weight. We've gotten the sessions of P90X and are going to start that once we get our basement back. So for now we are walking (we got new shoes at The Running Store) loop of Virginia Oaks which is 2 miles.
I am giving us a pat on the back, a high five, a standing ovation, and a beer. Cheers to our accomplishment!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Take the Tahoe
It's been awhile since I've posted anything...a long while. I haven't posted because I haven't felt the need to share anything since there hasn't been much to share. Work is the same for both of us but that's always a "typical" conversation people have so I think that is a "boring" topic to discuss. The house is the same because we have discussed a lot about upcoming projects but haven't even started any of them.
Our zoo:
Fluffy got a brand new filter yesterday which she LOVES when she gets a new one. She climbs to the top of her log and jumps(?)/falls(?) into the "deep end" of the tank. She does this about a dozen times before she finally settles and sunbathes. Somehow, we still haven't figured out the survival chances, there are now 10 fish in the turtle tank! These fishy were supposed to be snacks for Fluffy but with survival of the fittest the original 4 must be fit to live and have babies too!
The kitties are good. Cute and busy as ever. They are still enjoying every box or bag they can get. One of Lucy's favorite things to do is to find a box or a bag and just sit in it. No Show waits for me to sit down and he is immediately in my lap either on top or under the blanket. Bella also enjoys a good lap or one of the cat beds at the top of the stairs. They are very friendly cats and enjoy being petted, fed, or just watching TV with us. Last week Bella fell from the second floor into the foyer and noticed that I saw her fall. She did land on her feet but when she saw me she ran immediately to the cabinet where her treats are. The cats are smarter then we give them credit for.
Christmas:
Deb and David came into town from their respective cities. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning at the Lowe house in Oakton. We spent Christmas afternoon and evening at my parents house and the LeGrows. It seems so long ago now but it was great to have family in town and we are lucky enough to celebrate Christmas with so many people!
Snow:
Ugh. At least we aren't having a repeat of last year! Almost every storm is going north of us, south of us, or literally completely around us! Except for last Wednesdays storm. The evening commute from hell...for everyone! I left work at 3:30 pm thinking it would take probably about 2 hours to get home, maybe 3 if it was really bad. When I left work the rain had just turned over to sleet. Within 10 minutes the sleet had turned to a white out! I was still 28 miles from home! It took me 6 hours to go 12 miles into Fairfax City! It normally should take about 30 minutes to get to that point. I had given up getting to my house (still 18 miles away) and had turned my car onto 123 to go to the Lowe's house in Oakton which was about 4 miles away. I sat on the same stretch of 123 North for 3 hours and needed to use the restroom and eat dinner! I was going to run out of gas eventually if I sat in that traffic for another 3 hours so I turned my car around and parked at Red, Hot, and Blue for dinner. They were closed due to weather. Umph.
At this point I realized we all looked like we were from a zombie movie. There were abandoned cars everywhere and people just wandering around aimlessly. Some guy had said he just came from Hard Times Cafe and they were open until 2am. I bundled myself up with the extra scarf, hat, and mittens I had and walked the block to the restaurant. My phone was dying so I made a few calls to Jason and the Lowes.
My phone is dead. Traffic is still at a standstill. I couldn't keep down my dinner because of the anxiety of not having a clue what I was going to do, where I was going to go, or how long it would take me to get there. It was 7 hours after I left work and I was still only in Fairfax City. I asked for the check with not really knowing what I was going to do. If traffic was moving and I got stuck in the snow I could run out of gas and freeze with no way to call anyone! As I asked for the check the manager said my husband was on the phone. Jason (who was stuck in SC because flights had been canceled that day) said that friends of ours (who have an SUV) were coming to get me since they were out and about anyway. At 1230 am (9 hours after I left work) they came to the rescue and took me to the Lowe's house! Ahhh....someone's house! A glass of wine! A warm bed!
The scary things were not knowing if I was going to run out of gas, I had no phone, and no company to talk to. After I got home at noon on Thursday and I was SO happy to see the kitties and our house and I realized that I had it pretty good throughout the entire ordeal. People on the news said that they spent 12 hours on the GW Parkway, people had children in their car with them for 8+ hours with no where to go, and people had to walk 5 miles to get home! I was lucky, and I'd like to consider myself smart, for parking (not having to abandon) my car in a safe place and get myself to a safe public place. If I had continued on Braddock Rd West and my car ran out of gas, I would have had to walk many many miles just to get to anything!
I did learn a valuable lesson though. Take the Tahoe. That Wednesday morning I got into the Tahoe and it only had 50 miles of gas left but my car had a half a tank. I decided I would make it home in time so I'll just take my car. I should have taken the Tahoe to the gas station and filled it up. The car charger works in the Tahoe. I would have been able to brave the storm and get home that night. Although sitting in traffic for 6 hours, I would have still had to go to the bathroom. THAT may have been a problem.
Our zoo:
Fluffy got a brand new filter yesterday which she LOVES when she gets a new one. She climbs to the top of her log and jumps(?)/falls(?) into the "deep end" of the tank. She does this about a dozen times before she finally settles and sunbathes. Somehow, we still haven't figured out the survival chances, there are now 10 fish in the turtle tank! These fishy were supposed to be snacks for Fluffy but with survival of the fittest the original 4 must be fit to live and have babies too!
The kitties are good. Cute and busy as ever. They are still enjoying every box or bag they can get. One of Lucy's favorite things to do is to find a box or a bag and just sit in it. No Show waits for me to sit down and he is immediately in my lap either on top or under the blanket. Bella also enjoys a good lap or one of the cat beds at the top of the stairs. They are very friendly cats and enjoy being petted, fed, or just watching TV with us. Last week Bella fell from the second floor into the foyer and noticed that I saw her fall. She did land on her feet but when she saw me she ran immediately to the cabinet where her treats are. The cats are smarter then we give them credit for.
Christmas:
Deb and David came into town from their respective cities. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas morning at the Lowe house in Oakton. We spent Christmas afternoon and evening at my parents house and the LeGrows. It seems so long ago now but it was great to have family in town and we are lucky enough to celebrate Christmas with so many people!
Snow:
Ugh. At least we aren't having a repeat of last year! Almost every storm is going north of us, south of us, or literally completely around us! Except for last Wednesdays storm. The evening commute from hell...for everyone! I left work at 3:30 pm thinking it would take probably about 2 hours to get home, maybe 3 if it was really bad. When I left work the rain had just turned over to sleet. Within 10 minutes the sleet had turned to a white out! I was still 28 miles from home! It took me 6 hours to go 12 miles into Fairfax City! It normally should take about 30 minutes to get to that point. I had given up getting to my house (still 18 miles away) and had turned my car onto 123 to go to the Lowe's house in Oakton which was about 4 miles away. I sat on the same stretch of 123 North for 3 hours and needed to use the restroom and eat dinner! I was going to run out of gas eventually if I sat in that traffic for another 3 hours so I turned my car around and parked at Red, Hot, and Blue for dinner. They were closed due to weather. Umph.
At this point I realized we all looked like we were from a zombie movie. There were abandoned cars everywhere and people just wandering around aimlessly. Some guy had said he just came from Hard Times Cafe and they were open until 2am. I bundled myself up with the extra scarf, hat, and mittens I had and walked the block to the restaurant. My phone was dying so I made a few calls to Jason and the Lowes.
My phone is dead. Traffic is still at a standstill. I couldn't keep down my dinner because of the anxiety of not having a clue what I was going to do, where I was going to go, or how long it would take me to get there. It was 7 hours after I left work and I was still only in Fairfax City. I asked for the check with not really knowing what I was going to do. If traffic was moving and I got stuck in the snow I could run out of gas and freeze with no way to call anyone! As I asked for the check the manager said my husband was on the phone. Jason (who was stuck in SC because flights had been canceled that day) said that friends of ours (who have an SUV) were coming to get me since they were out and about anyway. At 1230 am (9 hours after I left work) they came to the rescue and took me to the Lowe's house! Ahhh....someone's house! A glass of wine! A warm bed!
The scary things were not knowing if I was going to run out of gas, I had no phone, and no company to talk to. After I got home at noon on Thursday and I was SO happy to see the kitties and our house and I realized that I had it pretty good throughout the entire ordeal. People on the news said that they spent 12 hours on the GW Parkway, people had children in their car with them for 8+ hours with no where to go, and people had to walk 5 miles to get home! I was lucky, and I'd like to consider myself smart, for parking (not having to abandon) my car in a safe place and get myself to a safe public place. If I had continued on Braddock Rd West and my car ran out of gas, I would have had to walk many many miles just to get to anything!
I did learn a valuable lesson though. Take the Tahoe. That Wednesday morning I got into the Tahoe and it only had 50 miles of gas left but my car had a half a tank. I decided I would make it home in time so I'll just take my car. I should have taken the Tahoe to the gas station and filled it up. The car charger works in the Tahoe. I would have been able to brave the storm and get home that night. Although sitting in traffic for 6 hours, I would have still had to go to the bathroom. THAT may have been a problem.
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