Monday, November 29, 2010

A Bit Stressed...

... okay a lot stressed.  So first the good news:
  • We got the house we wanted and I signed the lease today.
  • Tomorrow I go to accept the keys and do the move in inspection.
  • The last month's rent and electricity is already paid for on our current place so we have until the end of December to move out.
Now the bad news:
  • The landlord wants to show the house ASAP... but it still looks like this in our bedroom because there is no where to store things in the house.
  • and the carpets need to be cleaned because the cat peed on the floor once when his little box was moved. 
Our house is in no condition to be seen and he wants to bring someone else in here to show it off.  It will only take until we can move out (hopefully this week but that is really short notice) to get it in shape to be seen.  What if the movers can't make it until a couple weeks from now?  Then what do I do?  We already got rid of our boxes so we have nothing to move things over ourselves.  I am just at a loss as to what to do in this situation.  The house is a mess and I can't very well hide everything in a closet.  They'll want to open all the closets to look in.  I can't avoid our landlord for more than a few days.  He lives 5ft from our front door in the apartment next to us.  What would you do?

UPDATE:  Thanks for all the advice y'all.  I found a moving company to come tomorrow morning and our landlord isn't having anyone come over until Thursday at 2.  God heard my prayers.  I'll let you all know how it goes.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Motivation In Motion - Planning a Party!

Next Saturday marks one year since Little Bit was born and I have decided to go ahead with his party even if we only have one friend attending.  The theme is Rubber Ducky!  Here are my ideas:
 Okay, imagine this first cake's top...
 With this cake's side...
Made out of twix bars like this cake... to equal a barrel with bubble bath and rubber ducky!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Hot 100 Update Week 9

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs from 225.3lbs to get to 210lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 222.2lbs which is a total 3.1lbs/15lbs lost, 12.2lbs to go! - We are expecting baby number 2 in the Spring.  I am going to be careful not to gain more than 5lbs in the first three months.  My Dr says it is safe for me to lose as long as I am not cutting calories/nutrients.  I need to keep my weight in check so I can lessen my chance of pre-eclampsia this go 'round.
  • 5/15 items listed - Starting to fall behind on this one. Need to get working on my Christmas items.
  • Well, this one is obsolete so I need to re-evaluate it.  We are moving next week so I need to think up something to make our new house a home.  - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?

"Black Friday" Fun

It's time for Friday Fun!  That means it's time for Friday Party Hop! I hope you'll join me this week for some blog, twitter, and facebook hopping fun!








Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Motivation In Motion - Baby Pumpkin!

What could be more motivating to be healthy and active than shaping a human being into the basic structure that will determine their entire lives?!  Yeah... not much huh?  In honor of that feat, here are some pics of little baby Pumpkin to keep me motivated to do my very best for the next 9 months.


I'll be updating this post periodically with new pics.  I'll set the post date each time so hopefully it will alert you when I update.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Free Woman's Day Subscription

I am able to give away two free Woman's Day Subscriptions when I renew mine this month.  If you would like a free 1 year subscription, leave me a comment below.  I'll send an e-mail to the first two to respond and get the address you want me to have them sent to.  I am sure you will get a notification asking if you would like to continue your service for the next year (is it $16 for 12 issues), but your first year is completely free.

I really like their articles.  They have sections such as Live Well, Be Well, and Eat Well with issues on house care, decorating, health care, weight loss and recipes.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Preeclampsia Prevention

Doctors are torn between whether or not you can prevent preeclampsia, but given that there is only one way to say it's inevitable... I'll be focusing on what I can do to prevent it and praying that it works.  Tips for preventing preeclampsia is much like saying have a healthy pregnancy, but with less leniency.  Here are some things that might help prevent it:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get plenty of dietary fiber
  • Get plenty of calcium and vitamin C
  • Limit salt intake
  • Get plenty of daily exercise, especially stretching exercise such as yoga
  • Put feet up and rest often through out the day
  • Practice relaxation methods such as meditation and deep breathing
  • Take time to relax and do nothing

What other things do you do to lower your stress level and blood pressure?

Motivation Monday, November 22

Motivation Monday




Welcome  to Motivation Monday! I will be chronicling my journey back to a  healthy body, mind, and spirit.  Each week I will discuss how the  previous week was and set some goals for the next week. I will also be  listing my progress. If you would like to see past progress you can  click on the Motivation Monday photo above for other Motivation Monday  posts. If you would like to get motivated with me please link up your  post using the link form below. Your post can be in any format you want.  Whether you are trying to get healthier physically, mentally,  emotionally, spiritually or if you just have a task you need some  motivation to complete...please link up so we can help support each  other. I would love to hear about your progress and help keep you  motivated!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

I'm So Scared

Last pregnancy I ended up with gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.  For those who don't know, pre-eclampsia is high blood pressure and water retention in pregnant women.  It can be mild or severe.  Mine was borderline severe by the time I was far enough along to be induced.  I was induced at the very earliest day they are allowed to induce at this hospital.  I also had to have magnesium dripped into me which made LB sleepy and unresponsive his first month of life.  We had a very hard time keeping him awake to feed him and he lost 15% of his birth weight (that is a lot).  The reason I needed it was to make sure my blood pressure didn't skyrocket and make me seize during labor. I have thought long and hard about this and I am pretty sure if they say I have to have the magnesium I will opt for an immediate c-section.  It was very unhealthy for LB to have that in his system and even though I would prefer a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), I want what is best for Pumpkin yet still safe for me.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Hot 100 Update Week 8

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs from 225.3lbs to get to 210lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 222.4lbs which is a total 2.9lbs/15lbs lost, 12.4lbs to go! - I gained this week... but that is to be expected.  I am pregnant again!  I am going to be careful not to gain more than 5lbs in the first three months.  My Dr says it is safe for me to lose as long as I am not cutting calories/nutrients.  I need to keep my weight in check so I can lessen my chance of pre-eclampsia this go 'round.
  • 5/15 items listed - Check. Need to get working on my Christmas items.
  • I worked on the Craft Room some more today!  I am almost finished with it.  It looks a lot better at least. - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?

Friday Fun

It's time for Friday Fun!  That means it's time for Friday Party Hop! I hope you'll join me this week for some blog, twitter, and facebook hopping fun!





Wednesday, November 17, 2010

At a Loss for Words

I just found something out that really pisses me off.  I have been trying so hard to stay relaxed and calm but this trip back to my parent's house is just driving me up a *beeping* wall!

First off, EVERY SINGLE TIME I talk to my mom she asked what LB is eating and why isn't he eating finger foods and table foods yet.  He is not even a year old.  He can't chew yet.  He has only been eating baby food for 4 months now because of allergies.  Any time we give him a soaked, soggy cheerio (because hard ones are worse on him) he gags and throws up.  He is not ready, period, the end.  He will be ready when he is ready.  Apparently that is not soon enough for her... she has a plan to have my brother take us out and leave LB at home so she can force feed him until he learns to chew.  I don't f'in think so!  I was already planning on not leaving the house without him, but now I am not leaving the ROOM without him.  He will be in his daddy's arms if I have to go potty!  (Which is every hour now btw lol... doing good on fluids at least.)

Monday, November 15, 2010

{Rant} Flying with a Baby

We are traveling 13 hours on a plane in a couple months and I just got off the phone with the airline we are using.  My parents bought our tickets and our son is having to ride in our laps.  I was concerned that our car seat might get damaged if there wasn't an empty seat and it had to be stowed below.  First off, they do not cover damage to car seats and strollers because they can be checked for free.  If you put them in a box and check them at the counter, they are.

Secondly, and this is what made me go wtf?!... even though their policy says that if there is an open seat the car seat can be used at no extra cost apparently "the stewardesses don't like car seats on the plane anyways".  Um I am sorry but their job is to make flying more comfortable.  I don't give a flying hoot if they like them or not.  You know what the lady said to me next?  "You can just use a seat belt and it's fine."  My son is 1 year old... do you really think he can sit up correctly and have a normal airplane seat belt strapped across his lap and not come flying out of it (or even crawl out of it)?!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Motivation Monday, November 15

Motivation Monday






Welcome  to Motivation Monday! I will be chronicling my journey back to a  healthy body, mind, and spirit.  Each week I will discuss how the  previous week was and set some goals for the next week. I will also be  listing my progress. If you would like to see past progress you can  click on the Motivation Monday photo above for other Motivation Monday  posts. If you would like to get motivated with me please link up your  post using the link form below. Your post can be in any format you want.  Whether you are trying to get healthier physically, mentally,  emotionally, spiritually or if you just have a task you need some  motivation to complete...please link up so we can help support each  other. I would love to hear about your progress and help keep you  motivated!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Surprise!!!

You may have noticed a new ticker under my weight loss ticker...

Guess I won't be going on the birth control again. lol  If my Dr.s advice is the same as it was for LB's pregnancy, I am still a go for losing weight until month three which would be around January I think.  I'll be making an appointment with my obstetrician next week to go over nutrition and safe weight loss.  Unless their advice has changed dramatically and they want me in bed (which I highly doubt) I will still be competing in the Biggest Loser Competition and working toward my Hot 100 goal of 210lbs.

I'll keep y'all updated!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Friday Fun

It's time for Friday Fun!  That means it's time for Friday Party Hop! I hope you'll join me this week for some blog, twitter, and facebook hopping fun!







Hot 100 Update Week 7

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs from 225.3lbs to get to 210lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 220.6lbs which is a total 4.7lbs/15lbs lost, 10.3lbs to go! - Still on the right track.  I need to work out more.  All my cokes and pizzas are gone.  Just chicken, tuna, and turkey from now on. (With fruits and veggies of course.)  I got my daily recommended amount each day this week.
  • 5/15 items listed - Check.  I have some Christmas items to make and put in the shop still.  I am planning on making some mini top hats, aprons, and cute home decor I saw at Micheal's but I thought was for too expensive.
  • I started on the Craft Room today!  I went through a lot of clothes and papers.  I found schoolwork from elementary school... and this pack rat threw it out!  Go me! - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Motivation in Motion - LB's Birthday Anniversary Party


Yes, I said Birthday Anniversary... You only have one birthday; all the rest are just anniversaries.  We celebrated LB's one and only birthday a couple days after he was born.

It is coming up on his first anniversary and I am having trouble deciding what to do about it.  You can read all about my problem here, on my family blog.

I am making this a Motivation in Motion post because I think I really need to use this party as a motivation to finish (or keep) working on the house.  It looks HORRIBLE all of a sudden.  That one week of LB and I being sick and the house is worse than when I started.  It's depressing and draining my motivation every time I see another pile of crap... which btw is EVERYWHERE!  I am almost done with the house.  That is, if I really dedicated myself to decluttering and decorating, I would be done in a week... as it is I will be lucky to have it done by next Christmas.

I'll keep you updated on my progress, no matter how great or small.  Thanks, as always, for your loving and generous support.  Y'all are amazing readers.  Heck, if I get this done... I bet DH wouldn't mind hosting a Visa gift card giveaway in your honor.  He's already getting his thank you in the form of a massage chair.  We're hoping to bring it home before Christmas.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Motivation Monday, November 6

Motivation Monday




Welcome to Motivation Monday! I will be chronicling my journey back to a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Each week I will discuss how the previous week was and set some goals for the next week. I will also be listing my progress. If you would like to see past progress you can click on the Motivation Monday photo above for other Motivation Monday posts. If you would like to get motivated with me please link up your post using the link form below. Your post can be in any format you want. Whether you are trying to get healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually or if you just have a task you need some motivation to complete...please link up so we can help support each other. I would love to hear about your progress and help keep you motivated!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Who'll Be the Biggest Loser?

Lauren, from A Survival Guide to Healthy Living and Juice Plus+ Consultant is hosting a Biggest Loser competition among some of her blogger friends and I'm entered!  The contest began yesterday with a starting weight of 222.6lbs.

Starting next week, I will be doing my weigh ins on Friday mornings so I can report the most accurate numbers to Lauren.  I will still be waiting to post them until my Motivation Monday meme, but you might notice my weight loss ticker and progress charts changing on Fridays from now on.  I don't want to confuse anyone. :0P

My good friend, Dawn from All About Dawn, is competing too!  Please head over to her blog to give her some words of encouragement along the way.  I know she would be overjoyed to have your comments grace her blog posts.  We all love comments!

So, who will be the biggest loser and win?  I don't know... but stay tuned to Motivation Monday to find out how I'm coming along!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Hot 100 Update Week #6

Here are my goals for a quick reminder:
  • Lose 15 lbs from 225.3lbs
  • List 15 items in my new Etsy shop
  • Completely clean and decorate the Living room, Kitchen, Craft room and Nursery
How did I do last week?
  • Weight: 222lbs which is a total 3.3lbs/15lbs lost, 11.7lbs to go! - I figured I would gain some back from being sick, but I didn't shoot back up to per sick weight. That is good.
  • Still on track. 5/15 items listed, 1 sold, custom order in the works. - Check
  • Unpacked a bunch of boxes today. It just wasn't in any of my planned rooms... but it's progress! - In Progress
How did you do with your goals this week?

Friday Fun

It's time for Friday Fun!  That means it's time for Friday Party Hop! I hope you'll join me this week for some blog, twitter, and facebook hopping fun!








Tuesday, November 2, 2010

I've Been Tagged by Jenn and Rachel

Jenn tagged me in a fun game.  She gave me four questions to answer and then I make up four questions of my own to tag four friends with.  Here we go!

Jenn's Questions for Me:
1.  If you could be anyone besides yourself for an entire day, who would it be and why?
That one is a tie.  I would like to be my husband so I could see what a day in his life is really like.  We could relate to each other and comfort each other better.  Plus, I think it would be fun to be a man for the day (read into that how you want teehee).  The second would be my son when he turns 4.  I would love to be in his playful, young body with my adult mind.  I could experience being a kid again, playing with no worries in the world.
2.  What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

Well, I really like Thursdays I suppose.  That is when I have Bible Study.  I get to dive into the Bible and spend time with like minded women who strengthen and challenge me.
3.  If you could change your name, what would it be, and why?
I've actually been thinking about this one for a few days now... in the event we have a girl one day.  Here are my favorites: Scarlet and Ariana after two of my good childhood friends and my very favorite: Aurora.  I just love that name!  If I write a book I'll likely use it as my pen name.  I prefer to be anonymous while DH is still in the military since I'll likely speak of it on my blogs. A lot of people assume its because I live in Alaska, but really the idea is from Sleeping Beauty.
4.  What is your favorite song?
I have several:  One for DH and I which is Metallica's Nothing Else Matters
and three for just me:  My sexy song: One Hot Mama by Trace Adkins My strength song: Bring on the Rain by Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw  My encouragement song: More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz

My Questions for You,
1.  What is your all time favorite food, and why?
2.  What is your favorite workout or activity, and why?
3.  If you could live anywhere in the world where would that be, and why?
4.  What is your favorite animal, and why?

I got tagged again!  I have a feeling this might happen more than once so I'll just add them to this post.  Rachel from Watch Me Lose It wants to know:
1.How hard has it been to find the moral support that you need while you are working on yourself?
It hasn't been very hard to find external support as my husband has been rooting for me every step of the way.  However, finding support from within has been hard.  I am finally evening out and last night was pretty cool... I put on tops I haven't worn since high school!  I just need to work on loving and supporting myself all the time and not just when something good happens.

2. What movie would you watch over and over again without EVER complaining?
I do watch Under the Tuscan Sun over and over.  I also watch Rudy, Last Holiday, and Chicago over and over.

3. What was the craziest thing you have ever done for/on vacation.
Um, I have no idea.  I've only been on a couple and I was real little.  I think it is time we take a family vacation so I can do something crazy.  I'm not sure its crazy, except for the fact that I live in Alaska... but I would like to go white water rafting again.

4. What's on your homepage?
News?  My homepage is Yahoo! but I almost always open my browser by clicking on the e-mail button so I don't really look at my home page much.

Monday, November 1, 2010

A Very Difficult Decision

I have made a very difficult decision.  I will be going back on my birth control.  It was a choice between gaining weight and being depressed or possibly getting pregnant.  The problem is that if I get pregnant, DH won't be here for the baby's birth and his/her first year of life.  He is deploying next year.  Normally that is just the draw back of his job, but because of how bad my postpartum depression was, I think it would be safer for me to wait until he gets home to become pregnant again (If I'm not already that is).  Who knows, we might end up with an R&R baby, but at least he would be here to help me through my depression when s/he is born.  I figure once he leaves I can go off the birth control again and my depression will clear.  I should also be able to continue losing weight while he is away and possibly hit my goal weight by the time he comes home.

I was looking at my weight chart and I didn't have that big of a problem losing weight on the birth control.  I can see where I plateaued and gained a little, but it could also be attributed to my gallbladder attacks and subsequent surgery.  I guess we'll have to see. 

I will still be doing my Motivation Mondays, Motivation in Motion and Hot 100 posts, and competing in the weight loss competiton with my family and The Biggest Loser contest hosted by Lauren.  By the way, if you would like to participate in her competition you still have until Friday to throw your name in the hat.  It is only a $10 buy in and the winner gets the pot!  At the moment I think we are up to an $80 pot.