Shape Up » The Adventures of Noah

Starting over….

Jul 182011

My weight has gotten a little out of hand lately and this time I don’t have the excuse of just having a baby…. I’ve been watching it slowly creep up over the last 2-3 months and I’m not happy. I was sooo close to getting back to a reasonable weight for me but now find myself back at square one – the same weight I was 6 weeks post Noah (137lbs for those that want to know). And while I don’t look all that heavy (it distributes pretty well around my mid section), I feel it. I’m exhausted in the evenings and my clothes are tighter. On bloaty day I could pass for 5 months pregnant – sooo not good (and it only makes me feel worse since I’d love to be 5 mo pg at this point)

So…I’m going to buy myself either a monthly pass at the local rec center or a 25 admissions pass and try to go in the evenings. They have child care on MWF until 7:30pm so I can take Noah with me if necessary. Plus, I’ve started counting calories again using my handy dandy calorie counter app on my phone (it has a barcode scanner – that novelty alone should keep me interested for oh say…20 min?). In addition I’m going to trying to pack my lunch every day and refill my coffee mug with water at least 4 times during the day and see what happens.

Anywho…I’m telling you all in hopes of staying on the bandwagon this time. They say it takes something like 28 days to create a new habit…maybe I can keep this up that long and start a new habit. (and maybe I’ll post a before pic to compare against).

We survived!

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May 152011

I’m sitting here with ice on both knees feeling like I’m a hundred years old but we did it! We completed our second half marathon today (hubbys and I)! The goal for this one was just to finish. Our training was minimal this time around so just finishing without hurting ourselves was sufficient. Surprisingly, we did better than that and managed to run all but about 5 min of it (I hit a wall around 7 miles and needed a moment to switch muscle groups and walk). Our pace was just a few seconds slower than the one we trained for two years ago and overall we were just about 5 min slower which to me is amazing all considering.

I’d love to have pics to share with you but I wasn’t willing to add anymore weight or distractions so we got the finish line pic taken and we’ll have to buy it later. I do have a pretty metal and two beautiful blisters to show for it though (wanna see the blisters?? haha? now, aren’t you glad I didn’t take pics:) ).

Noah stayed back with gramma and papa and went to church (where I’m told he attached himself to my moms side and would not let her put him down….heavy as he is, you know she was loving it – ha mamma?:) ). Our drive home was another epic drive but pleasant enough.

I’m off to edit some family pics from the weekend if I can keep my eyes open. Hopefully I’ll update later this week with those. I need it to stop raining so that I can take my new awesome antique chair out to a field and take some Noah pics! Maybe this upcoming weekend. Any whoo…

Awwww….

Noah, photography, Shape Up 1 Response »

Mar 282011

DH let me sleep in this AM! I woke up at 7:45 and everything was silent. I figured they were sleeping again so I took my time getting ready and then decided it was time to get Noah ready for school. I opened the door of the nursery to find DH on the floor under a blanket and a tiny little lump next to him. Upon further inspection, this is what I found:

Catching up….

Noah, photography, Random, Shape Up, Training 1 Response »

Feb 152011

I seem to be doing alot of that lately…catching up. Lots to do, not enough energy or daylight hours to do it in it seems….regardless, we push ahead and do our best:) However, with that thought in mind, todays “catch up” post will be in bullet form:)

- I realize that I really don’t like running…I make myself do it because I know i need the exercise but really I’m sooo bored the whole run. I even try to liven it up by setting up a good playlist and taking the dog but no…still bored. I’m thinking it’s my surroundings…I’d much rather be mountain biking or hiking in California. I think I’m spoiled….

- Had a wonderful weekend in Pittsburgh with the fam! I got to see some old friends and celebrate the impending birth of my friend Mellys baby bean. We had the fam down for some lunch and cake to celebrate Noah’s upcoming birthday (since they can’t make it down here for his actual party). I even got to sing in the choir at church – it was like old times:)

- I had my heart broken on Monday. I found out that a friend of mine from highschool suffered a devastating loss and my heart breaks for her and her husband. I don’t know what to do or say because I know that nothing I try will take away what they’re feeling right now.

- I finally accepted the fact that I’m getting old on Monday too….V-day was rather uneventful…take out dinner, bath/bed for Noah and then DH and I sat down on the couch to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding….only to fall asleep half way thru (at 10:00pm…hahahahah)

- DH is a planner, I’ve said that in the past. We finally have our “plan” together for baby #2! There are a few things we need to do to the house in preparation for another baby but we’re well on our way to being ready to start TTC soon:)

- Lastly, the training plan has already fallen off the rails. Last week was sooooooooo cold! Running in 12 and 13 degrees just hurts so I didn’t (and my weight showed for it!). Coupled with the fact that I just don’t like running (mentioned above), I’m having a hard time keeping motivated. Plus! The numbers on the scale aren’t budging…good eating and working out and yet they stay exactly where they’ve been for the last 3 months….10lbs higher than I want them. Gah…just keep plugging I suppose…

And because I can’t leave you without a picture of Noah, he’s a sneak peek of his cake smash photo session last week…

Training Week 1

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Feb 072011

So I’m a day late on this but I have a good excuse – the Superbowl was yesterday and my beloved Steelers were playing (too bad they didn’t actually show up until the second half…argh…I dont want to talk about it..)

Anywho…I’m genuinely surprised. Not having been very active since about my 7th month with Noah I was anticipating a really rough first week of running. But, I made all three runs with not a ton of pain (and a pretty good pace for me) plus, they’re already starting to get easier. Dodging the snow and ice makes it slow going at times and the dog is still getting into her groove (as in, running and not stopping every 10 feet to sniff) but all in all it was a good first week.

The plan called for a 30 min run on Tuesday, a 25 min run on Thursday and a 3 mile run on Sunday. Tuesdays run was just under 2.5 miles (mainly because I biffed it early in the run and had to slow down to let my poor sore bum recover). Thursdays run was 2.6 miles in 25 min and my three mile run took a little over 32 min. I’m slightly sore today from yesterdays run and was pretty darn sore earlier in the week from the previous runs but that too is getting better.

I need to do some cross training today – weights or something but the plan says not to do anything that uses my calves? I’m sure there’s a reason there but right now it’s not clear to me. However, I will oblige since I need to do some arm work anyways (although, lifting a 24lb one year old is a good workout most days)

The weight is not dropping off like I’d hoped but it’s still early. I’m continuing my calorie counting and this three day a week running plan should have it gone in no time right??:) I really really really want to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight before we start trying for number 2. That way I’m not working of a compounded problem after that pregnancy (plus I’ll be more cognizant of my eating with number two…gallons of apple juice and Panera’s broccoli and cheese soup will not be my main stay!)

So, week 1 down…only 14 more to go until the race.

ETA: I totally spaced…I actually was kickboxing thru the summer (at least until I got laid off…) that’s why this isn’t sooooo bad…wow…mommy brain at it’s finest:)

A running we will go….

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Jan 302011

or we will try to go…

Months ago I signed DH and I up for the Pittsburgh half marathon which is in the middle of May. I figured it would be a good way to kick my arse in to gear at the height of winter at a time when usually when I’m at my heaviest (which is soooo much different than prior to Noah). Well, a girlfriend posted a note on Fbook about her first race of the season in March and it reminded me that it’s probably time to kick that plan into gear (actually, she said I still have time – she forgets, I’m going couch to 21k on a body that holds almost 10lbs more than my previous race…so…start slow:)).

So, I set out to find a plan that I think will work for me. I was looking for something that didn’t run more than 3x a week because based on our training for the last half, my knees were shot if I ran any more than that (plus, my first foray into running post Noah didn’t go well..). Moreover, I needed something I could accomplish during the day while Noah was at daycare (on my “lunch hour”) because bundling him up to take him out in this weather is one of the reasons I’m not doing more. Thanks to the wonder that is Google I found a plan on jeffgalloway.com that I’m going to try.

Annnnnnd….to keep myself accountable I’m going to report in weekly (on Sunday’s hopefully) – aren’t you all excited?!

And just because I can’t go without giving you a Noah picture….:)

Shape up?

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Jan 092011

So there’s a reason the Friday shape up has been MIA – I’ve fallen off the wagon big time. I’ve tried a few times to hop back on but the darn thing just must be uneven or something ’cause I see to always fall off the other side. Miraculously I’ve not gained all that much back, I’ve simply plateaued but I’m not moving the direction I want. So…last week I finally got the bike up on the indoor trainer and got the computer all hooked up (speedometer and cadence counter) and decided to give it a try.

O. M. G

I’m sooo out of shape! 15 min on that thing had me reaching for my inhaler. I guess months without much aerobic activity does that to ya! I’m not deterred though, I’m out of town for work this coming week (although, i’m hoping I can get alot of walking in to and from the office), so starting next week I’ll be on that bike at least 3x a week for at least 15 min. In addition I use the 2 min in the AM and PM while I’m brushing my teeth to do squats, leg raises, and other small but will hopefully impact the main effort.

So..here’s to starting again….130.4 lbs

Shape up…

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Nov 192010

This is going to be a drive by update since DH is sitting here waiting for me to pay attention to the movie:) Weigh in this AM was better but I’m still hovering above 130 still…I really need to get my butt out for walks with the pup while the weather is still nice:

Next, Stats by the month:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 16 – 136.5 – taken on Monday. NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 20 – 134.5
Week 24 – 133.6
Week 28 – 130.1
Week 32 – 133.4
Week 33 – 131.4 – time to change it up, hovering just above 130 is frustrating

Okay, I promise more fun stuff tomorrow! I have some great videos of Noey standing and starting to cruise. We have two more teeth on their way as well!

Friday Update

Everyday life, Noah, Shape Up 1 Response »

Nov 122010

It’s been a long week away from home and I’m super glad to be back with my boyz! DH and Noah survived the week without me here but DH is definitely very tired (and has caught the cold that Noah had before I left). The ironic part is that Noah was an angel. He was the easy one! It was the dog that kept him up (if it’s not one thing it’s the other right??!) She decided that while mommy was away, she’d ingest something to make her sick and with her sensitive digestive system the only way to right it was with meds. So, off to the vet DH tromped yesterday to get her stuff to stop the vomiting and other fun bodily functions. She’s on the mend and DH got to sleep i today which made him happy. I’m happy to be back with my Noey (who greeted me at 5am by standing in his crib yelling mamammamamama and grinning ear to ear – I love it!)

I did weigh in this AM and as expected it was not pretty. Being on travel makes it really hard to eat right. Just about anything you get from a restaurant is loaded with calories. I tried to choose the lowest calorie intake on the menu but even that was 7 or 800 calories for a meal. Argh…oh well, back on track!

This week – 133.4lbs (up 3 from last week).

Next, Stats by the month:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 16 – 136.5 – taken on Monday. NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 20 – 134.5
Week 24 – 133.6
Week 28 – 130.1
Week 32 – 133.4 Long week of traveling and eating like crap has struck! Time to get back on the wagon!

Since I haven’t had time to take many pics of our little man, I’ll share some video. The first one is a shot of him crawling! He went from army crawl/lunge to full on hand and knees crawling in just a few days. Now he’s unstoppable!

This second one was a few weeks ago. We got a bunch of apples from an orchard and they were so cute and little. Perfect for his hands. Since his teeth were just starting to break thru at the time he really couldn’t do anything but gum and play with it.

Anyways, we have a pretty tame weekend ahead of us thankfully. Hopefully we’ll get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather while we can!

Time flys when you’re having fun!

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Nov 072010

Or when you’re super busy….:) Such is the case in our house! This week was a bit crazy and as such I missed my Friday Shape Up post. Well, not much to report there so I guess that’s okay. We’re status quo…no change…neither good nor bad considering all the halloween candy in the house (which is now gone because I’ve eaten it all!). The biggest excitement this week was our refi.

We finally got the approval, all the conditions cleared, and the closer scheduled. However, at the nth hour I found a problem in our HUD-1 (actually a few problems – most of which were corrected pretty easily, some where not and lead to some scrambling in the end). To top it off, I was running around on Friday trying to wire the funds, correct/amend the wire due to a mistake by BoF’s website and make sure everything happened that day because my LO said that they had to be in by Friday at 3pm only to come and find that Monday at 3pm would have been sufficient! Argh…anyways, it’s over! The money is there, it should fund Monday afternoon and our refund should be here a week or so after that. Phew… Anyways, why this long drawn out explanation? Anyone that is choosing to refi make sure you’re comfortable with your LO – a low rate is wonderful (and easy to come by these days) but if you have no one guiding you thru the process it can be a nightmare. Fortunately I had some exposure when I worked at Chase during the last mortgage boom but still it was stressful.

On the Noah front, we’re fighting a cold or something. I can’t decide if it’s teething, a cold, or both. Poor guy has a cough, is all snuffly and just cries like he’s in pain. He’s usually fine if we’re holding him and will sometimes play on his own. But as soon as he starts to get tired things go downhill fast. I’ve been wearing him around today and that seems to help but I can’t do that this coming week when I’m in Cali. We’ve been alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen and you start to see him get upset as it’s nearing the next dose so I’m leaning more towards teething but who knows.

On other fronts he’s a crawling machine! I’m trying to get some video up for you guys – maybe later today when he naps again! For now, I need to jet – he’s awake and screaming!:)

Shape Up and an Update….

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Oct 292010

Alright, now I know why I don’t keep junk food in my house – I HAVE NO WILL POWER (when it comes to snacks and chocolate)! Thanks to that lovely bowl of Halloween candy downstairs, I’m up a little bit. In the scheme of things it’s not horrible but still…I purposefully fill my cabinets with low fat, low calorie snacks and food because I know I can’t resist the sweets. Single handedly polishing off a bag of peanut butter cups over the week is not exactly on the low fat diet plan.

Next, Stats by the month:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 16 – 136.5 – taken on Monday. NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 20 – 134.5
Week 24 – 133.6
Week 28 – 130.1
Week 30 – 130.7 (remember last week I was at 129 even!)

In other news:

- The job is going great! The product is sooo cool and I’m really excited to dive in. I do have to head to Cali in two weeks for a few days leaving DH alone with Noah again but we’ve called in reinforcements – his dad! I think we’ll put him on puppy duty since he and Macie get along so well. That will take some of the pressure off hubs (having a dog that demands exercise twice a day is tricky when it’s just you and Noah. In the AM’s I generally stay back and get started on the morning routine with Noah while DH takes the dog for a spin. If she misses that exercise she’s a nut case all day.)
- A rodent (we think it’s a chipmunk) has decided to take up residence in the wall by or in our bedroom (we haven’t pinpointed it yet). At 3am it decided that it was nest building time and you could hear the scratching and chewing. I just pray it’s not chewing the wires in there (ack!). I’m hoping that we don’t have a repeat performance tonight but if we do, tomorrow is going to be a fun day trying to track it down and get it out of there (how it got i there in the first place is a mystery). I’m a bit skeeved out.
- They’re doing Halloween day at daycare today. Kinda bummed I can’t be there to see Noah in his costume for the first time with all of his little friends but they promised pics! Plus we’ll put him back in it later so I can take lots of pics of him! Our little monkey is going to be a monkey:) (next year I’ll get more clever and do a coordinating costume with the dog).
- We’re carving our pumpkin tomorrow with Noah – avalanche of pics to insure I promise!
- Steelers are actually televised in DC this weekend! Wooohoooooooooooo! DC friends – Chili at my house, be there for kickoff!

Okay, that’s it. Must get to work now – break time is over!

Shape Up…(a little late)

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Oct 252010

Ahhh…time has gotten away from me! I meant to do this over the weekend but we didn’t get back from the grandparents until late so….anyways, I did weigh myself on Friday and we’re down another pound this week somehow. I could have sworn that number was going the other way.

Even though I’m only about 4lbs from my “normal” pre-pregnancy weight, my clothes still fit oddly. I’m starting to get back there but no amt of sit ups is taking care of the little mommy pouch in the front and my skin is rather loose (so, i look good with clothes on but it’s another story when I don a bikini). I’m hoping that it will firm up over time (or else I’m heading for one of those mommy makeovers after we have #2).

Anywho, now that I’m back to a normal schedule (ya for a new job) I’m more conscious of what I eat and how much exercise I get. Hopefully I can knock off those last 4 or 5 lbs before the holiday binge starts:)

Shape Up!

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Oct 152010

I should have known I was on to something when I finally got my e-ring on this week!!:) Another pound down! This past week I ate more junk than I normally do but still managed to keep my calories in check and evened whatever else out with a couple of walks with Noah and Daddy.

I can’t believe it’s Friday again! These weeks are just flying by! The job front is looking up. I’m going to keep mum now for fear of jinxing things! Hopefully this time next week I’ll have some news!

Inspiration…

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Oct 142010

So there are days when I’m just not motivated to eat right or exercise (heck, lately that’s been most days but that’s another topic for another day). Those days I need an extra bit of inspiration to get my tush moving.

Enter the older neighborhood lady that I saw running in the rain this AM!

Not just running to get out of the rain but really running, like she was on mile 6 of her 10 mile loop. I love this lady! When DH and I would walk the dog in the AM (B.N. aka before Noah) we’d see her almost every day – rain, snow, or shine she was out jogging on the path by our house. Some days it looked like more effort than others but never fail you would see her plodding away with a smile on her face! And what do I mean by “older”? Well, my best guess is that she’s in her late 70′s.

How’s that for inspiration to get your tush off the couch and do a little exercise?

Shape Up and Update

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Oct 082010

Okay, no change this week. I’ve been bad about my eating but have been out walking with DH and Noah so I guess it evened out. Not much to say other than that:)

We’re kind of back to the drawing board with the jobs thing. The one that looked uber promising (that had given me a verbal – “you’re it”) fell thru. They decided to take it a different direction and evaluate some internal folks that had what I was missing – healthcare industry background and figured they’d teach them the other skills they need to do the job. The guy said he has two other positions he’s interested in me for so now I get to go interview some more with them:) At least it’s an interview. I have a few others lined up for next week too so we’ll see what works out. I’ve tackled one of the biggest hurdles by just getting in the door at these places, now to just stay on top of them and keep pushing them along:)

I really want to be back in a job before the holiday season hits. Hiring tends to slow during that time and not pick up again until after the new year so…keeps your fingers crossed and I’ll keep mine (and my legs, arms, hairs, and anythign else I can cross:) ).

Shape Up and Check in

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Oct 012010

So things are finally progressing. Not sure what I did but we’re down a little bit more this week. I still have a ways to go (as evidenced by my shopping spree the other day because I had no work clothes:) ) but progress is progress.

On other fronts, I’m still waiting to hear on the job. Hopefully I’ll hear from the company on Tuesday with positive info. They told me everything is great and everyone loved me so I guess we’ll see. I’m continuing to “work my pipeline” just in case this one falls through.

And I finally managed to get a hold of a human at the UI office! I found out that I’d filed wrong to begin with which delayed things. All’s well now apparently so I should see my checks soon but it would have been nice to actually hear from someone when my original file was wrong. I can’t imagine being a single income home where you rely on those checks for food, rent/mortgage, and daily living. We’re lucky enough to have another income and some savings that could hold us up if necessary. These checks just make sure we’re not dipping into savings (and don’t even get me started on COBRA!)

Oh, and for hanging with me…here’s a cute Noah pic:)

Dress Me….

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Sep 272010

Okay, now that it looks like I’ll be going back to an office setting (don’t want to jinx it but I’ve got a good feeling about this week), I need to actually put forth some effort when it comes to getting dressed in the AM. DC is rather formal (so much more so than Cali) and being that I’ve worked at home for the last 4 years, gained 10 lbs, and what not, my wardrobe is just not up to snuff. Coupled with the fact that I’m waaay fashion challenged (seriously, get me on “What not to wear” please…I can take it!), I need help!

At this point in time I have one pair of pants that fit well and maybe two shirts. I’m going to see this one company for the 3rd and 4th times and am really struggling on finding something new to wear. I have a pair of basic pants (grey/black pinstrip), a plain black silk blouse, and cami paired with a pretty sweater that I can build on but not enough to make up even a weeks worth of outfits. Soo…I have two challenges for you guys.

1. From time to time (and probably more frequently in the next few weeks as I build a new wardrobe) I’ll post a specific piece of clothing that I’m struggling with and you can help me figure out what to pair and accessorize it with.
2. Who wants to put together a not super expensive, versatile, cute and stylish outfit (or two) using internet links??:) Think of me as your real live Barbie doll! Just keep in mind I’m short (5’2″ on a good day – 5’5″ in heels).

I don’t want to go too crazy now because I’m still losing weight and have some really cute things in the closet that sans these 10lbs would actually fit. But I do need something for in between. I’m not opposed to dresses or shopping at Target (or Marshalls or Ross:) ). I tend to gravitate to H&M, Gap, Banana Republic, and Express. Just to give you an idea.

So any ways, here’s the first piece of clothing that I’m struggling with. Right now I have it paired with a short sleeved black sweater that I just don’t love but it’ll do for now.

I need to take a pic of the actual skirt but since it’s 11:30pm and I’m dressed for bed, here’s the shape (trumpet or flared take your pick)…

But in kind of a tweedy pattern (black and white, wool). I love it but just can’t figure out what to put on top without it cutting me off totally! I want to look professional but not stuffy. Something cute and stylish. Help!??

I’ll be back in a few days asking for more advice…anything you can do to help in the mean time is appreciated:) Think of me as your real live Barbie and DC friends, anyone who wants to take me shopping I’m totally game for! I’ll try on anything!

Eating right

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Sep 242010

I wrote the first part of this yesterday after weighing myself in the am…things were a little different this AM but it’s still relevant

I’m struggling right now with the whole weight loss thing. I’ve hit a plateau and have not been able to break thru it (hence the lack of friday check ins). Partly because, even though I’m 10lbs heavier then I’d like to be, I seem to be carrying that 10lbs pretty well so on most days I’m okay with how I look. To be honest, even at 125lbs I have had my fair share of feeling frumpy days. At least now, I have a beautiful reason to snap me out of the frumpy zone – Noah. My body is what it is because of him and I’m okay with that. I would and will do it again in a heartbeat for another little gem like him!

Then there’s the other part of me though that nags me about becoming complacent in my new body…that this mentality is sure to add up over the years and before I know it I’m to a point where I’m not happy at all (and have a long way back to a happy weight). It’s just so easy to fall back into old habits. So I’m conflicted. So far complacency is winning….I really need to flip that around…

on to today…

Today’s weigh in was a bit better than the last few, although, up until yesterday it was the same as it’s been the last few weeks (133.6). This morning it was 132.5 – such a big swing is most certainly water weight but..it’s downward trending so I can only complain a little:) Hopefully I can keep with that trend. I dusted off my road bike and pumped up the tires and have every intention of using this time off to get some riding in….we’ll see if that happens….

Both of the jobs that I’m waiting on have gyms at their facility, is it bad that I may base my decision on which to go with on the quality of their gym??:)

PS. i realize that I meant to go on about eating right and healthy snacks and my own thoughts hijacked the post and had it’s own ideas. I guess I’ll talk about that later.

Summer Shape up

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Sep 102010

Okay, now we’re really starting to feel like fall around here and this summer shape up has taken longer than I ever imagined it might – I think it’s time for a name change – Operation bye bye spare tire… the Pittsburgh Half Marathon is 246 days away:)

This week I finally (FINALLY) managed to make some quinona (twice!). It’s actually pretty good. I was making it with chicken stock and paired it with stronger tasting foods like a curry chicken and a pork tenderloin and it worked perfectly. DH even ate it with minimal complaining:) I drank more water than I had before but need to continue to do so. Lastly I went for a run two days in a row and started to feel that lower leg pain again so I need to start out slower and as soon as I’m gainfully employed again I’m going to pay a visit to a runners store to be fitted. I think the relaxation of the ligaments that happened during my pregnancy has affected the mechanics of my feet causing the pain ( i tried both my old shoes that never gave me problems before and my new shoes – no difference).

Getting out for a walk, ride, or run is more important now since I gave up my gym membership. I had them pause it for the time being but depending on where I get a job I may need to cancel it outright (some of the positions i’m looking at are more than 30 min from the gym). Anyways…on to the stats…

Next, Stats by the week:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 15.5 – 136.5 – taken on Monday (hence the .5 in 15.5 weeks) NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 19 – 136.0
Week 22 – 133.6 – thank you comfort eating…
Week 23 – 133.4 – well…a little progress is something:)

and finally, the Goals this week are:
- Stay on the water bandwagon…i have to consciously remind myself
- walk with Noah every other evening

Summer Shape Up and a quick update

Shape Up 2 Responses »

Sep 032010

So, I know I’ve been MIA…I managed to get the pics of the camera from this past weekend so we’re one step closer to a fun post with pics:) As for the shape up related news, this week has been a tough one. I’ve been doing a bit of comfort eating and my numbers reflect that. I’m thinking it’s mostly water weight because it took almost an hour this AM for the indentations on my legs from sitting on the afghan to go away.

I failed on the goals too…but I did get to the gym twice:) Anyways…enough excuses…back on the wagon next week (for as many times as i’ve fallen off you’d think I’d have more bruises…well, I guess the weight is enough of a reminder…)

Next, Stats by the week:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 15.5 – 136.5 – taken on Monday (hence the .5 in 15.5 weeks) NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 19 – 136.0
Week 21 – 132.5 – okay, we’re on a roll here!
Week 22 – 133.6 – thank you comfort eating…

and finally, the Goals this week are:
- Stay on the water bandwagon…i have to consciously remind myself
- Finally try that power house grain Quinona! (yes, this is a repeat….it’s sitting on the counter reminding me every day)
- walk with Noah every other evening, work up to a light jog.

Now, a quick update on the job front. It’s been a busy week! I’ve had a number of phone screens that have led to two in person interviews scheduled for next week! I had a critique of my resume and have alot of work to do on it to improve it so I’ve been working thru that (I can never remember what I did when it comes to those things…ugh). I have been doing a bit of freelance writing for a friend of mine and may have some additional freelance stuff coming up to help fill the time (and the money gap). Aside from all that I’ve been getting my craft on daily! It’s been a nice change to be able to just sit down and sew for a few hours and not worry about work.

So, still excited about the opportunities ahead of me and can’t wait to see what pans out! Until then though, I’m enjoying my time off!

Summer Shape Up Check in and a good morning…

Noah, Shape Up 3 Responses »

Aug 272010

More progress despite some setback and a very busy schedule. I’m encouraged:) We’re refinancing the house so we spent most of our evenings this week cleaning like we’ve never cleaned before. We wanted the house to show perfectly so the appraiser gave it the best marks he could. It worked – sort of – but that’s another story. Due to this cleaning frenzy I didn’t have a ton of time to work out but I think the cleaning in itself was activity enough!

So first, mixed results on the goals:
- Stay on the water bandwagon…i have to consciously remind myself: I did better this week but not perfect. I’ve added coffee into the diet too just to survive!
- Try one new healthy recipe with Quinona in it!….I looked one up yesterday, does that count??
- Stretch every night and try to get my legs back in order…yea,failed at this one. By the time I got to the end of the night I was spent
- walk with Noah every evening, work up to a light jog…we got in one walk and one bike ride.. plus LOTS of cleaning

Next, Stats by the week:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 15.5 – 136.5 – taken on Monday (hence the .5 in 15.5 weeks) NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 19 – 136.0
Week 20 – 134.5
Week 21 – 132.5 – okay, we’re on a roll here!

and finally, the Goals this week are:
- Stay on the water bandwagon…i have to consciously remind myself
- Finally try that power house grain Quinona!
- walk with Noah every evening, work up to a light jog.

I’m finding that my eating habits are changing with all this calorie counting -for the better! I’ve managed to keep the junk out of the house and replace them with lots of fruits and veggies to munch on. When I do slip I can accommodate that slip by eating better later. I don’t deprive myself of snacks, I just find ones that are lower in fat and calories like 100 calorie Skinny Cow Fudge bars or Jello with fat free Cool Whip.

Anyways…I’ll leave you with this little treat – Noah saying good morning.

I was trying to get a little work done before we headed to daycare but his obsession with my keyboard made that impossible so we decided to play with the webcam instead:)

Summer Shape up Check in…

Shape Up No Responses »

Aug 202010

Okay, this is a little late because I had to pay homage to our 5 year anniversary:)

There’s been progress this week despite having some pain in my legs that kept me from being really active (or going to the gym at all). I’ve been SUPER careful with what I’m eating and have been sticking to just fruits and veggies and protein.

I met some of my goals but others suffered because of my legs…
1. continue drinking the water -yup! got that one working! I’ve been putting lemons, limes, or cucumbers in the water to switch it up. I also bought club soda to try somethign different. Sparkling is refreshing!
2. get 1 more serving of fruits and veggies a day into my diet – yup, worked that one too! On some days I even got 2 or 3 more servings thanks to amazing fresh cantaloupe, strawberries, and blueberries!
3. go to boxing twice this week – FAILED:( The pain in my lower legs is really hindering doing anything. I did do a bunch of ab work most nights and some squats but anything else was too painful.
4. run 4 miles for the week (likely in 2 2 mile runs). – FAILED:( But I did get some walking in…and heavy housework which burns calories:)

Stats by the week:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 15.5 – 136.5 – taken on Monday (hence the .5 in 15.5 weeks) NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 19 – 136.0
Week 20 – 134.5

The Goals this week are:
- Stay on the water bandwagon…i have to consciously remind myself
- Try one new healthy recipe with Quinona in it!
- Stretch every night and try to get my legs back in order
- walk with Noah every evening, work up to a light jog.

Let’s see how we can do with this!

Summer Shape Up Quickie

Shape Up 2 Responses »

Aug 132010

I need to get this out quick since I’m running late in packing the car for yet another weekend trip…we’re booked clear thru the end of Sept at this point…:)

There as been progress this week although I was scared, as of last night the scale had still not budged. Never weigh yourself at the end of the day – I swear you’re holding like 2lbs of water weight! Anyways…we’re back on track. Two boxing workouts, a biking and a running work out plus very (I stress VERY because it was unlike me at all…so proud:) ) sensible eating.

Stats by the week:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 2 – 138lbs – woohoo!
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 6 – 139.5 – okay, .5 lbs! I attribute that to the fact that i’m putting on muscle and muscle weighs more than fat right??:)
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 10 – 134 – 1 lb…i’ll take it!
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 14 – 132 – still not believing it but until i get a new scale, we’re going with it:)
Week 15.5 – 136.5 – taken on Monday (hence the .5 in 15.5 weeks) NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 18 – 137.6 – thank you beach…
Week 19 – 136.0

The Goals this week are:
- continue drinking the water
- get 1 more serving of fruits and veggies a day into my diet
- go to boxing twice this week
- run 4 miles for the week (likely in 2 2 mile runs).

Let’s see how we can do with this!

Mini summer shape up check in…

Shape Up 2 Responses »

Aug 102010

So I wasn’t around on Friday to do this for real and honestly I debated on whether to do this at all this week considering my number but alas..that’s why I’m putting this up there…to motivate my butt to keep working on it. I didn’t plan for it to be a struggle but it has been. My motivation is waning and the scale number creeping up doesn’t help at all!

So, without further adieu…137.4

That’s up a few lbs from my last weigh in and despite running on the beach while on vaca, water retention and good food have gotten the best of my progress.

I’m recommitting myself this week and even made it to the gym yesterday (every bone in my body hurts now). Plus, I signed DH and myself up for a half marathon in May. We have some time but at least I have some reason to get my tush out there and lace up my running shoes. This strategy worked well two years ago when we did our first half, let’s hope it works as well this time round – having Noah is an added challenge.

Plus, I stopped by the grocery store for more fruits and veggies and healthy/low cal snack items. I’m enjoying a bowl full of grapes at the moment – a step forward. I’m trying to remind myself that I don’t need chips or even pretzels and that grapes, strawberries and cucumbers are better…..repeat to myself…”125…125…125….” (my goal weigh for those who didn’t catch on)

Crossing my fingers that Friday’s scale reading is better…

Summer Shape Up and Friday Follow

Friday Follow, Shape Up 2 Responses »

Jul 302010

So there’s been no change this week. I have started getting more h20 (about a Brita pitcher full every day) and I’ve been careful with what I eat but that’s only allowed me to maintain. I only managed to work out twice this week and it was just a quick run and a quick bike ride. Work is getting in the way of the gym right now. Hopefully that will stop and I can get back to it…

This coming week we’ll be sunning and funning at the beach and DH has designs on early morning runs with the pup in the sand so we’ll see what happens. We’re cooking at the house rather than eating out every night so that will help in controlling the calories. Being that I won’t be by a scale on Friday though, this post will be late next week (probably Sunday or Monday morning…) However, have no fear – I will post it at some point:)

Stats by the week:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 2 – 138lbs – woohoo!
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 6 – 139.5 – okay, .5 lbs! I attribute that to the fact that i’m putting on muscle and muscle weighs more than fat right??:)
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 10 – 134 – 1 lb…i’ll take it!
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 14 – 132 – still not believing it but until i get a new scale, we’re going with it:)
Week 15.5 – 136.5 – taken on Monday (hence the .5 in 15.5 weeks) NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 16 – 135.8 – if we look at Monday’s weight and today’s weight I’m doing good…almost a whole pound in 5 days
Week 17 – 135.8 – no change…hmph…

The Goal this week is to continue to try for more water and 3 morning runs on the beach.

Okay, on to making friends!

Here’s the regular Friday Follow – Ian’s group!

and a new one I’ve seen around:

Hello to all you new folks! I hope you find something here that you’ll want to come back over and over again for! This blog was started to keep the fam up to date on my first pregnancy and has continued after my little Noah was born. Topics range from smitten momma ramblings to hard hitting pieces about 529 plans and the like (haha…hard hitting..maybe not but it’s fun to dream that I could actually write something that could be considered hard hitting) and has a smattering of photography (of my little man of course) thrown in for fun.

Me? I’m ~~an almost~~ a 30 something (gah!) working mamma who would love to ditch her mortgage in order to stay home with little man but sadly bought when the housing market was at its peak and probably couldn’t even break even in the sale. Some day I dream of leaving the corporate world to do something more creative – like photography or crocheting!:) But for now amuse myself with hobby photography and blogging.

Anywho…glad to e-meet you and I hope you leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

Summer Shape Up and Follow Friday

Friday Follow, Shape Up 4 Responses »

Jul 232010

Okay folks, we’re back in business…well, the fact that I’m home and near a scale that is….motivation and weight loss not so much…Ugh…I’m just having a hard time getting myself motivated to do anything (although I squeezed out a few squats and sit ups at 12:00 last night…but only after DH said my legs have come along way since I was pregnant and that he’d classify them as “hot” again:)). I’m trying to watch my calories but I’m soooo freaking hungry all the time that all I do is graze (no, i’m not pregnant!). I really need to get my butt back to the gym so that this grazing won’t affect me as much. For now I’m trying to sate my hunger with water (at least that’s been the MO the last two days) and just fight fight fight my will to munch.

So, the 132 from two weeks ago was a fluke…bad scale. My new scale (which agrees with the gym’s scale) puts me a bit heaver than I’d originally thought so we’re resetting a bit. I also shortened my stats list a bit and showed every two weeks (it was really getting long:)) In another month or so I’ll probably just show start and now….

Stats by the week:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 2 – 138lbs – woohoo!
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 6 – 139.5 – okay, .5 lbs! I attribute that to the fact that i’m putting on muscle and muscle weighs more than fat right??:)
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 10 – 134 – 1 lb…i’ll take it!
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 14 – 132 – still not believing it but until i get a new scale, we’re going with it:)
Week 15.5 – 136.5 – taken on Monday (hence the .5 in 15.5 weeks) NOTE: this is on a new scale which disagrees with my old scale so we’re kind of resetting a bit.
Week 16 – 135.8 – if we look at Monday’s weight and today’s weight I’m doing good…almost a whole pound in 5 days

The Goal this week is to continue to try for more water and get my butt back to the gym (or at least work in some activity to my day – we’re picking up the new bike trailer for Noah this weekend so maybe that means we can do a few after-work rides with him).

Okay, on to making friends!

Here’s the regular Friday Follow – Ian’s group!

and a new one I’ve seen around:

Anywho…glad to e-meet you and I hope you leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

Summer Shape up and Friday Follow

Friday Follow, Shape Up 4 Responses »

Jul 092010

It’s been a long 4 day week I’ll tell ya. Never thought Friday was going to get here. Work is picking up again (at my request, I was starting to get bored) and Noey’s on a 2am party kick lately. I’m thinking it’s a growth spurt because all that boy does right now is eat! I’ve started him on more solids just because he’s going to bleed us dry with the amt of formula he’s throwing back! Later I’ll post pics of his first tastes of squash (we’ve been doing rice and oatmeal here and there since the doc gave us the go ahead but he just doen’t like it – would you? it tastes like cardboard!). Anywho…the real point of the post is checking in and making friends. I’m stuck at 69 followers and while that’s a fun number and all, I’d like to see it grow just a little bit – we’re family friendly here!

First to the shape up check in – time to buy a new scale! I stepped on this this AM and it read 138! In complete disbelief I tried again – 135…I was shrinking before my very own eyes. I tried again and again 133.5, 132. And that’s where it stuck – 132…not quite believing it but I’ll take it:)

Stats by the week:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 2 – 138lbs – woohoo!
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 6 – 139.5 – okay, .5 lbs! I attribute that to the fact that i’m putting on muscle and muscle weighs more than fat right??:)
Week 7 – 137.5 – woohooo! Now, we fluctuated a bit this week but as of this AM this is where I’m at!!
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 9 – 135 – With no exercise all week I’ll take a steady number over what it could have been
Week 10 – 134 – 1 lb…i’ll take it!
Week 11 – 133.5 which is pretty good since I only made it to the gym once this week
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 13 – 134.5 – Yikes…but it’s bound to happen!
Week 14 – 132 – still not believing it but until i get a new scale, we’re going with it:)

The Goal this week is to continue to try for more water and to also inject some more health veggies and fruits into the diet. I know I don’t get enough on a regular basis.

Okay, on to making friends! As I said above, we need to get past that 69 mark in my friend count please:) I’m trying a different bloggy hop not because they others were back but because I see the same folks over and over on there and I’d like to spread the love:)

Here’s the regular Friday Follow – Ian’s group!

and a new one I’ve seen around:

Anywho…glad to e-meet you and I hope you leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

Summer Shape Up and Follow Friday

Friday Follow, Shape Up, Trendy Treehouse 2 Responses »

Jul 022010

Well…it was bound to happen…I gained:( I could list every excuse in the book but bottom line, I didn’t achieve my goal this week. I only made two workouts and was pretty lazy with the calorie counting. I did drink more water but not as much as I wanted.

Sad part is, I knew all week that a gain was coming – i just wasn’t as motivated or diligent as I’ve been in the past. Chalk it up to being sick, having a sick dog, and a baby who didn’t want to sleep. Even my favorite boxing instructor asked where I’d been…

The goal this coming week is to get back track…the holiday is going to make this challenging. I must control myself at those BBQ’s where soda and chips abound! I need to find ways to work out even when I can’t make the gym…time to break out the Yoga and Pilates DVD’s again.

Stats by the week:
Week 1 – 142lbs (7 weeks postpartum)
Week 2 – 138lbs – woohoo!
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 6 – 139.5 – okay, .5 lbs! I attribute that to the fact that i’m putting on muscle and muscle weighs more than fat right??:)
Week 7 – 137.5 – woohooo! Now, we fluctuated a bit this week but as of this AM this is where I’m at!!
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 9 – 135 – With no exercise all week I’ll take a steady number over what it could have been
Week 10 – 134 – 1 lb…i’ll take it!
Week 11 – 133.5 which is pretty good since I only made it to the gym once this week
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)
Week 13 – 134.5 – Yikes…but it’s bound to happen!

Okay, now to making new friends!!

Anywho…glad to e-meet you and I hope you leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

Summer Shape-up and Friday Follow….

Friday Follow, Shape Up, Trendy Treehouse 2 Responses »

Jun 252010

I know I say this every week but holy cow…I’ll continue to say it. Life with an infant really makes your weeks fly by…

As always, two things on the agenda today! Checking in and making friends!

This week was better workout wise – I managed Monday, Wed, and will go today. Next week I’ll start to put yoga/pilates back in. I’m still a bit sore from overdoing it on MONDAY! My hamstrings just aren’t the same..haha. Eating wise i didn’t do as well. I’ve stopped counting calories figuring I have a decent handle on what is what but I think I need to go back to watching more carefully…weight loss has slowed.

The goal this coming week is to get back on the calorie counting wagon and drink more water – I realized I’m not really drinking a whole lot (although, I’m not drinking much of anything – no soda or anything…odd..).

Stats for this week:
Week 1 – 142lbs
Week 2 – 138lbs – woohoo!
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 6 – 139.5 – okay, .5 lbs! I attribute that to the fact that i’m putting on muscle and muscle weighs more than fat right??:)
Week 7 – 137.5 – woohooo! Now, we fluctuated a bit this week but as of this AM this is where I’m at!!
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 9 – 135 – With no exercise all week I’ll take a steady number over what it could have been
Week 10 – 134 – 1 lb…i’ll take it!
Week 11 – 133.5 which is pretty good since I only made it to the gym once this week
Week 12 – 133 – time to get back to counting calories:)

Okay, now to making new friends!!

Anywho…glad to e-meet you and I hope you leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!

Summer Shape Up and Follow Friday….

Friday Follow, Shape Up, Trendy Treehouse 3 Responses »

Jun 182010

Back in business this Friday with both a summer shape up check-in and a bloggy hop or two in hopes of making new friends!

This week back working out consistently was rough. Between over doing it early in the week and meetings later in the week that overran my work out time it was tough to get it all in! I kinds slacked on the calorie counting too although I didn’t go overboard so I still managed to loose .5lbs…definitely need to step it up next week! Plus I need to get a new scale…when I first stepped on I was 137 and I just couldn’t believe that so I tried again and I was 133.5….i’m not super confident in its abilities any longer so it’s time to find a new one – off to Target I go (oh darn…such torture!)

Stats for this week:
Week 1 – 142lbs
Week 2 – 138lbs – woohoo!
Week 4 – 140lbs – ouch…no excuses, I have a new workout regime and a new resolve for eating healthy…we should start seeing that number drop.
Week 6 – 139.5 – okay, .5 lbs! I attribute that to the fact that i’m putting on muscle and muscle weighs more than fat right??:)
Week 7 – 137.5 – woohooo! Now, we fluctuated a bit this week but as of this AM this is where I’m at!!
Week 8 – 135 – Hallelujah! Real progress now! I don’t expect it will continue at this rate but we’ll see.
Week 9 – 135 – With no exercise all week I’ll take a steady number over what it could have been
Week 10 – 134 – 1 lb…i’ll take it!
Week 11 – 133.5 which is pretty good since I only made it to the gym once this week

Okay, on to making new friends!!!

Two Friday Follows….

I’m also participating in the same Follow Me Friday I did a few weeks ago from from Trendy Tree House.