*I started to workout, for real. I'm talking about the real workout that yields sweat and smells sometimes..okay, too much information, right? But I lost 5 pounds. Woo Who!
*I hung out with my family and friends. I reconnected with high school friends, college friends and mommy friends. It was AWESOME!
*I started to eat healthy...we're talking salads, yogurt and on good days, foods that weren't processed. Yeah..it was hard! Really hard! So hard that I'm eating some Whoppers right now. I thought I read somewhere that chocolate was good for you.
*I decided that summer should be forever. Stress free days, no alarm clocks and bonding with my kids through games and lots of activities. We didn't crack a single workbook and it was fun! Thank goodness none of my kids' teachers read my blog, otherwise, I would be in trouble.
*I decided to enjoy the summer for a little bit longer and start blogging again when the kids go back to school. Since I have 2 people reading this blog and they are my super cool awesome friends, I think not blogging will be okay. Thanks ladies..you guys rock. Oxymoron, right?
Have a great summer and if there's a 3rd person reading this blog, I'll be back for Fall. Meanwhile, it's all about being a super cool mom right now. After all, my kids did tell me that I was the best mom ever today. Nevermind that I was at Target buying them Whoppers when they all said it.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Day 44 - Officially, the last day!
I wanted to end Day 44 with a bang, but it turns out God had other great plans for me. I drove for 2 hours and 30 minutes to see my best friend from High School and to help her celebrate her son's, my Godson's, First Communion. It was an awesome celebration and I had a blast seeing old friends and her family too.
After celebrating, I was off to visit my mom for an early Mother's Day. Another 2 hours in traffic. It was sad not to have the kiddies or hubby with me, but they were all sick and trying to get better for school and work on Monday. Believe it or not, my kids would much rather be at school than to hang out with me. I make it as boring as possible for them if they stay home from school. I remember all the fun stuff I did when I was home "sick" from school. No way were they going to do that to me. Sorry mom and dad, if you're reading this blog.
After spending time with mom and dad, I was on my way back home. Another one hour and 30 minutes in the car. So..I drove a lot and my right foot was on the pedal for most of that drive. I think I earned 40 exercise minutes, right? Tomorrow, I'll have to check to make sure that my legs aren't lopsided from all that driving. Pushing the petal has to have earned me some muscle. I'm pretty sure of it.
So...officially done here and on to my next 40 days. I have a couple of ideas of what I would like to do and like any good plan, I'll start tomorrow ;-). Meanwhile, continue to find fitness in everything you do. I plan to keep exercising well over my 40 days.
Have a "fit"tastic day!
After celebrating, I was off to visit my mom for an early Mother's Day. Another 2 hours in traffic. It was sad not to have the kiddies or hubby with me, but they were all sick and trying to get better for school and work on Monday. Believe it or not, my kids would much rather be at school than to hang out with me. I make it as boring as possible for them if they stay home from school. I remember all the fun stuff I did when I was home "sick" from school. No way were they going to do that to me. Sorry mom and dad, if you're reading this blog.
After spending time with mom and dad, I was on my way back home. Another one hour and 30 minutes in the car. So..I drove a lot and my right foot was on the pedal for most of that drive. I think I earned 40 exercise minutes, right? Tomorrow, I'll have to check to make sure that my legs aren't lopsided from all that driving. Pushing the petal has to have earned me some muscle. I'm pretty sure of it.
So...officially done here and on to my next 40 days. I have a couple of ideas of what I would like to do and like any good plan, I'll start tomorrow ;-). Meanwhile, continue to find fitness in everything you do. I plan to keep exercising well over my 40 days.
Have a "fit"tastic day!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Day 43 - A Try-It Patch for Me
Like any good Girl Scout Leader, I always try and plan our girl scout meetings in advance so there are few surprises. You want the girls to feel confident, successful and learn something new from each meeting.
For today's workout, I decided to "try-out" the exercises listed on the Girl Sports and Dancercize try-it section. I have to admit, I got a little creative as I modified some of the partner activities, but in the end, it was a fun workout.
Too bad, I don't qualify for a Try-It Badge, they're only made for Girl Scouts. And I'm not sure how my pre-teen would feel if he saw me walking around with a vest full of patches as I pick him up from school.
Until tomorrow, find fitness in everything you do! Even the volunteer stuff.
One more day to go. Wooo Hooo!
For today's workout, I decided to "try-out" the exercises listed on the Girl Sports and Dancercize try-it section. I have to admit, I got a little creative as I modified some of the partner activities, but in the end, it was a fun workout.
Too bad, I don't qualify for a Try-It Badge, they're only made for Girl Scouts. And I'm not sure how my pre-teen would feel if he saw me walking around with a vest full of patches as I pick him up from school.
Until tomorrow, find fitness in everything you do! Even the volunteer stuff.
One more day to go. Wooo Hooo!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Day 41 & 42 - Don't judge a magazine by it's cover.
Seriously. The March FITNESS magazine that I bought reassured me that I would have a much better looking body if I tried their Fitness regimen for 2 days.
I tried it for 2 days and I still look the same.
Then I read the fine print this evening which read, repeat entire segment one more time. I guess that was it, I didn't repeat it. ;-)
2 more days to go to make up for the 4 days I didn't exercise during my 40 days. Hope that makes sense...I'm in need of some serious zzzzzz's.
I tried it for 2 days and I still look the same.
Then I read the fine print this evening which read, repeat entire segment one more time. I guess that was it, I didn't repeat it. ;-)
2 more days to go to make up for the 4 days I didn't exercise during my 40 days. Hope that makes sense...I'm in need of some serious zzzzzz's.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Day 40 - The best bad idea!
I got caught up in my old life yesterday with my big bad to do list. So at 8:45 p.m., defeated, I decided to go to bed. Until I remembered I was on Day 40! I can't do a do-over on day 40! So as tired as hubby and I were, we worked out last night. Him on the bike and me with my 5 pound weights...that's a big improvement from the 1 pound weights I was using a couple of weeks ago. Can I get a Woo Who?
So after working out for 40 minutes, it was time for a shower and then off to bed. Right? Wrong! There was lots of yummy cheese left over from the MOPS party a couple of nights ago, so we raided the fridge and had a little date with lots of conversation. We talked about the kids, our future, their future, bullies, worries, my youngest son starting to use the word puberty, and all the apps he keeps getting me for my itouch so that he can play with my gift.
We went to bed around 2:30 a.m. and I have to say, it was the best bad idea we ever had. Although I feel really tired today, I'm so thankful to have spent some time with hubby talking about all the things that keep me up at night. I slept well last night, even though it was only for a couple of hours.
Until tomorrow, make it a great day! And if you have something on your mind that's bothering you, talk about it with someone you trust, pray on it or write it down in a journal. You'll feel a whole lot better after you get it all out.
So after working out for 40 minutes, it was time for a shower and then off to bed. Right? Wrong! There was lots of yummy cheese left over from the MOPS party a couple of nights ago, so we raided the fridge and had a little date with lots of conversation. We talked about the kids, our future, their future, bullies, worries, my youngest son starting to use the word puberty, and all the apps he keeps getting me for my itouch so that he can play with my gift.
We went to bed around 2:30 a.m. and I have to say, it was the best bad idea we ever had. Although I feel really tired today, I'm so thankful to have spent some time with hubby talking about all the things that keep me up at night. I slept well last night, even though it was only for a couple of hours.
Until tomorrow, make it a great day! And if you have something on your mind that's bothering you, talk about it with someone you trust, pray on it or write it down in a journal. You'll feel a whole lot better after you get it all out.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Day 39 - It's okay to be boring.
Yup, I'm boring and I love it. No drama here! Just a desire to make a difference in lives and do something useful while I'm living on this Earth.
So for yesterday's boring workout..it was just me, the bike, the remote and Project Runway! Even though my fashion is a pair of super comfy sweatpants, sneakers, and a t-shirt, I still like to see all the super cool stuff that comes out on the runway. And yes, I like to watch the drama on t.v. too :-) as long as I am no part of it.
Until tomorrow, choose to workout and leave the drama to all the reality t.v. show contestants. And if you must be part of the drama, make sure you're at least working out. One more day to go...well, sort of.
So for yesterday's boring workout..it was just me, the bike, the remote and Project Runway! Even though my fashion is a pair of super comfy sweatpants, sneakers, and a t-shirt, I still like to see all the super cool stuff that comes out on the runway. And yes, I like to watch the drama on t.v. too :-) as long as I am no part of it.
Until tomorrow, choose to workout and leave the drama to all the reality t.v. show contestants. And if you must be part of the drama, make sure you're at least working out. One more day to go...well, sort of.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Day 38 - Being a Mom + Sleep Deprivation = Forgetfulness
Being a mom, you tend to forget a lot of things. At first, I thought it was just me getting old, but I've come to believe that being a mom and being sleep deprived will make you forget a lot. Like when you go upstairs and forget why you went up there in the first place. Or, you go downstairs to get something when you forget that the item was already upstairs to begin with...if you're a mom and sleep deprived, I think you understand where I'm coming from, right?
So on Sunday, I counted all of the times I went up and down the stairs. Sit down for this one..this one is a shocker. I go up and down the stairs at least 52 times in one day. Can you believe it 52 times? For my 40 minutes, I decided to run up the stairs each time I had to go up the stairs and walk down the stairs each time I had to go down the stairs. I don't think it was worth 40 minutes, so I also did abdominal work, arm work, leg lifts and stretching too.
Going up and down the stairs so many times did make me realize a few things. 1. Why the carpet on the stairs is dark and dirty. 2. How this 40 day workout program has given me energy to run up the stairs, 38 days ago, I would have been winded and too tired after going up the stairs. 3. I must have too much time on my hands to count the time I go up and down the stairs.
Until tomorrow, have a great workout, even if you have to run up the stairs to do it. And don't forget to hold on to the handrails, if you need to. Nobody is watching.
So on Sunday, I counted all of the times I went up and down the stairs. Sit down for this one..this one is a shocker. I go up and down the stairs at least 52 times in one day. Can you believe it 52 times? For my 40 minutes, I decided to run up the stairs each time I had to go up the stairs and walk down the stairs each time I had to go down the stairs. I don't think it was worth 40 minutes, so I also did abdominal work, arm work, leg lifts and stretching too.
Going up and down the stairs so many times did make me realize a few things. 1. Why the carpet on the stairs is dark and dirty. 2. How this 40 day workout program has given me energy to run up the stairs, 38 days ago, I would have been winded and too tired after going up the stairs. 3. I must have too much time on my hands to count the time I go up and down the stairs.
Until tomorrow, have a great workout, even if you have to run up the stairs to do it. And don't forget to hold on to the handrails, if you need to. Nobody is watching.
Day 37 - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly To-Do List
I got this great idea on Saturday to write one big to do list. Well, at the time, I thought the to do list was going to be about five lines long.....but as I kept putting my list together, it was evident that I was going to need another page. Uh-oh! And another page. Yikes!
I got so caught up with everything I had to do on my to-do list that I almost forgot to work out! Can you imagine forgetting to work out? I know..that happens to A LOT of us on a daily basis huh. We forget to work out ;-). Unfortunately, I remembered and did 4o minutes of the U.S. News and World Report comprehensive workout developed by sports medicine expert Vonda Wright.
It's actually kind of cool. There are 4 principals: flexibility (stretching before working out), aerobic exercise (making that heart work by walking, hiking, bicycling..doing something active), strength training (to build and maintain muscle) and balance (like standing on one foot, yoga, tai chi, etc.). Check out www.usnews.com/10weekfitnessplan for more info.
So, while hubby was working out on the bike, I did 10 minutes of each and it was kind of fun too. Until tomorrow, make it a great day, even if you have a big bad ugly to do list.
I got so caught up with everything I had to do on my to-do list that I almost forgot to work out! Can you imagine forgetting to work out? I know..that happens to A LOT of us on a daily basis huh. We forget to work out ;-). Unfortunately, I remembered and did 4o minutes of the U.S. News and World Report comprehensive workout developed by sports medicine expert Vonda Wright.
It's actually kind of cool. There are 4 principals: flexibility (stretching before working out), aerobic exercise (making that heart work by walking, hiking, bicycling..doing something active), strength training (to build and maintain muscle) and balance (like standing on one foot, yoga, tai chi, etc.). Check out www.usnews.com/10weekfitnessplan for more info.
So, while hubby was working out on the bike, I did 10 minutes of each and it was kind of fun too. Until tomorrow, make it a great day, even if you have a big bad ugly to do list.
Day 36 - Oh...the shame
I never tried out for the basketball team, but always took pride in making baskets everywhere I would go. I would finish a piece of gum and earn two points for making a basket into the trashcan. I would pick up someone else's trash, ahem, and I earn another two points for making a basket into the trash bin. I would finish drinking a can of soda and earn another 2 points for making a basket into the recycling bin.
So on Friday, when I missed 2 points by trying to throw a pair of jeans into the laundry bin, I felt the shame. Well, the first time, I just didn't think about it..but the 2nd, 3rd and 4rth time I missed the laundry bin, I felt the shame. I had to literally stand right over the laundry basket to get my jeans in the bin. So, I slammed dunked it and that was pretty cool, but it did get me thinking about getting more sleep and performing basketball drills for today's 40 minutes.
I warmed up my muscles (10 minutes, nice long warm-up) and took a couple of cones out from hubby's soccer stash. I ran to one cone and then back to the start area, making sure my fingertips touched the cone. Then, I ran to the second cone which was further away than the first cone and then back to the starting area. I did this until I got to the last cone and realized, I'm not 20 anymore. I'm going to be a bit slow..and that is okay. Plus, I ate more gummy worms yesterday and really needed to work them out. Note to self: stop shopping for junk food at Costco, its like a never ending bag.
After that, I took out my jump rope and jumped for 5, took a break, jump for 10, took a break, jumped for 15 and took a break while my daughter jumped the entire time singing a song about having a boyfriend and whether the baby would be a boy or a girl. I quickly had to stop that, she's only 6 and where is she learning songs like that?....that's the real reason why I took all those breaks ;-) not because I was tired.
My daughter got bored so it was just me and my Reebok step. I did a lot of repeaters and basketball jumps on the step. And finished off with some squats and lunges until I saw all of the dirty laundry around me. Didn't I just do the laundry two days ago? What happened?
So, I wrapped up my 40 minute workout by making baskets with the socks, the underwear, the shirts, the gym shorts and every time I missed, I did 5 jumping jacks. I did a lot of jumping jacks on Friday, but I'm pretty sure I got my 40 minutes in for the day.
Until tomorrow, get your 40 minutes in and make each chore fun. Is that an oxymoron?
1 - Quote taken from the following website: http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/plyometrics.html
So on Friday, when I missed 2 points by trying to throw a pair of jeans into the laundry bin, I felt the shame. Well, the first time, I just didn't think about it..but the 2nd, 3rd and 4rth time I missed the laundry bin, I felt the shame. I had to literally stand right over the laundry basket to get my jeans in the bin. So, I slammed dunked it and that was pretty cool, but it did get me thinking about getting more sleep and performing basketball drills for today's 40 minutes.
I warmed up my muscles (10 minutes, nice long warm-up) and took a couple of cones out from hubby's soccer stash. I ran to one cone and then back to the start area, making sure my fingertips touched the cone. Then, I ran to the second cone which was further away than the first cone and then back to the starting area. I did this until I got to the last cone and realized, I'm not 20 anymore. I'm going to be a bit slow..and that is okay. Plus, I ate more gummy worms yesterday and really needed to work them out. Note to self: stop shopping for junk food at Costco, its like a never ending bag.
After that, I took out my jump rope and jumped for 5, took a break, jump for 10, took a break, jumped for 15 and took a break while my daughter jumped the entire time singing a song about having a boyfriend and whether the baby would be a boy or a girl. I quickly had to stop that, she's only 6 and where is she learning songs like that?....that's the real reason why I took all those breaks ;-) not because I was tired.
My daughter got bored so it was just me and my Reebok step. I did a lot of repeaters and basketball jumps on the step. And finished off with some squats and lunges until I saw all of the dirty laundry around me. Didn't I just do the laundry two days ago? What happened?
So, I wrapped up my 40 minute workout by making baskets with the socks, the underwear, the shirts, the gym shorts and every time I missed, I did 5 jumping jacks. I did a lot of jumping jacks on Friday, but I'm pretty sure I got my 40 minutes in for the day.
Until tomorrow, get your 40 minutes in and make each chore fun. Is that an oxymoron?
1 - Quote taken from the following website: http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/plyometrics.html
Friday, April 30, 2010
Day 35 - Leg lifts and other tales
Okay..gotta admit, yesterday was a very busy day. I was planning a party for my MOPS friends and between shopping, cleaning the house and writing about the MOPS Sisterhood, I didn't have much time to work out.
Did I get my 40 minutes in? You bet..as long as you count leg lifts while typing on a computer. Go ahead, give it a try for a couple of minutes. You're probably sitting down anyway, reading my blog...so go ahead. Sit straight up. Yes, do it now. Nobody is watching and I can't see what you're doing either. Really...not watching. So, sit straight up. Shoulders back and relaxed. Tummy tight. Both feet on the floor. Now, lift one knee up, extend that leg without locking the knee. Now slowly lift up and lower down. And tell me what you feel. Pain, yes. Good pain...try 40 minutes of that and then pick up your kids from school. You might get a couple of stares, but that's okay, because you worked out for 40 minutes today.
So, no excuses. Especially if you're on the computer reading my blog or googling information. You can do it!
Until tomorrow...only 5 more days to go. Yippee! And I feel great!
Did I get my 40 minutes in? You bet..as long as you count leg lifts while typing on a computer. Go ahead, give it a try for a couple of minutes. You're probably sitting down anyway, reading my blog...so go ahead. Sit straight up. Yes, do it now. Nobody is watching and I can't see what you're doing either. Really...not watching. So, sit straight up. Shoulders back and relaxed. Tummy tight. Both feet on the floor. Now, lift one knee up, extend that leg without locking the knee. Now slowly lift up and lower down. And tell me what you feel. Pain, yes. Good pain...try 40 minutes of that and then pick up your kids from school. You might get a couple of stares, but that's okay, because you worked out for 40 minutes today.
So, no excuses. Especially if you're on the computer reading my blog or googling information. You can do it!
Until tomorrow...only 5 more days to go. Yippee! And I feel great!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 34 - Yea, I ate the 4 gummy worms
and they tasted so good. Not sure what Dr. Oz would say about that, but I don't really have to worry too much because I'm almost 100% sure that he's not reading my blog.
For today's workout, I thought it would be cool to workout while playing catch-up with my friends on the phone. Usually, I'm washing dishes, folding laundry, or cleaning floors when we talk on the phone. So, why not try something different today, like working out while I'm on the phone with my buddy. Great idea, right?
Well...if your friends could get through the huffing and panting or the sound of your squeaky bike, I say you got some really AWESOME friends, the keeper kind of friends. So...yesterday, I called up a couple of friends and worked out for a whopping 1 hour and 15 minutes. I was so sore at the end of the day, but wow..what an awesome workout!
I probably shouldn't publish the amount of time I spent on the phone yesterday, just in case hubby is reading my blog, hmmm.
Until tomorrow, get your 40 minutes in...and if you need to call a friend while you're working out, make sure they are the keeper kind of friends, just in case.
For today's workout, I thought it would be cool to workout while playing catch-up with my friends on the phone. Usually, I'm washing dishes, folding laundry, or cleaning floors when we talk on the phone. So, why not try something different today, like working out while I'm on the phone with my buddy. Great idea, right?
Well...if your friends could get through the huffing and panting or the sound of your squeaky bike, I say you got some really AWESOME friends, the keeper kind of friends. So...yesterday, I called up a couple of friends and worked out for a whopping 1 hour and 15 minutes. I was so sore at the end of the day, but wow..what an awesome workout!
I probably shouldn't publish the amount of time I spent on the phone yesterday, just in case hubby is reading my blog, hmmm.
Until tomorrow, get your 40 minutes in...and if you need to call a friend while you're working out, make sure they are the keeper kind of friends, just in case.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 33 - A Donut of Inspiration
Before I begin writing about Day 33...just want to remind everyone NOT TO TRY THIS AT HOME!
I did a little experiment today. It all started out with a donut. Did you know that one donut has 240 calories, 300 mg of sodium and 19 grams of fat? I know this because I ate a donut for breakfast this morning. Rather than feeling guilty about eating the donut, I decided to get on the bike and work out until the bike read I had worked off 240 calories.
As I was eating the donut, I thought nothing of my workout, just the yummy taste of the DONUT. After I ate the donut, I got to working out. It took me 70 minutes on the bike to work off the DONUT. 70 minutes..can you believe it?
To make matters worse, I ate Cranberry/Orange Bread for an afternoon snack. That's another 210 calories my body probably didn't need. So I got on the bike and worked out for another 60 minutes.
Right now...I feel like eating some gummy worms that hubby bought for Movie Night on Saturday night, but I won't because I would have to get on the bike for another 40 minutes to work off 4 gummy worms. Yes, they would be 4 delicious gummy worms, but my legs are already sore from working out way too much today. I think I'll pass...until tomorrow ;-).
I think there's a lot of truth to portion control and empty calories, maybe I need to look into this a little further before I start my next set of 40 days.
I only have 7 more days to go, but I have a feeling that exercising is one thing I'm going to keep doing every day even after my 40 days are over. What about you?
I did a little experiment today. It all started out with a donut. Did you know that one donut has 240 calories, 300 mg of sodium and 19 grams of fat? I know this because I ate a donut for breakfast this morning. Rather than feeling guilty about eating the donut, I decided to get on the bike and work out until the bike read I had worked off 240 calories.
As I was eating the donut, I thought nothing of my workout, just the yummy taste of the DONUT. After I ate the donut, I got to working out. It took me 70 minutes on the bike to work off the DONUT. 70 minutes..can you believe it?
To make matters worse, I ate Cranberry/Orange Bread for an afternoon snack. That's another 210 calories my body probably didn't need. So I got on the bike and worked out for another 60 minutes.
Right now...I feel like eating some gummy worms that hubby bought for Movie Night on Saturday night, but I won't because I would have to get on the bike for another 40 minutes to work off 4 gummy worms. Yes, they would be 4 delicious gummy worms, but my legs are already sore from working out way too much today. I think I'll pass...until tomorrow ;-).
I think there's a lot of truth to portion control and empty calories, maybe I need to look into this a little further before I start my next set of 40 days.
I only have 7 more days to go, but I have a feeling that exercising is one thing I'm going to keep doing every day even after my 40 days are over. What about you?
Day 32 - Workout and a Movie
Why not? On Sunday, I watched a movie on STARZ that I have been wanting to watch for quite sometime now. It was awesome! Okay..so there were some parts where I stopped doing abs, leg work or arm work because I had to pay attention to the dialogue, but other than that, I'm pretty sure I got my 40 minutes in for the day.
At this rate, I'm going to finally catch-up on all those movies I haven't seen for the last 12 years. Until tomorrow, have a great day. Only 8 more days to go.
At this rate, I'm going to finally catch-up on all those movies I haven't seen for the last 12 years. Until tomorrow, have a great day. Only 8 more days to go.
Day 31 - Permission to rest
Saturday saw the old me coming back. I was tired from the party on Friday night and too tired from the Great MOPS Walk Fun and Celebration on Saturday morning that I didn't work out. Sure I moved tables for set-up and clean-up, but probably didn't work out for 40 minutes. I was tired so I gave myself permission to rest. I did a couple of sit-ups and leg lifts, but just needed to rest...so I spent time with family in front of the t.v. eating way too much junk food for Family Movie Night. Gotta work on this junk food thing!
Until tomorrow...give yourself permission to rest if you're really, really, really, really, really tired because your body might be telling you it needs time to recuperate.
Until tomorrow...give yourself permission to rest if you're really, really, really, really, really tired because your body might be telling you it needs time to recuperate.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Day 30 - The weight on my shoulders.
For three weeks now, I've been procrastinating cleaning my bathroom shower. I know...too much information, but every time I scheduled it in my planner, I always had something else to do. Each day, it would be the same thing, I would tell myself that this is the day that I'm going to clean my bathroom shower and I would end up doing something else...like laundry, cleaning the grout, shining shoes, you name it..ANYTHING to get out of cleaning the shower. After a while, it felt like my shoulders were getting heavier and the heavier my shoulders got, the more I procrastinated cleaning that shower.
On Friday, I finally did it! I went in there armed with my favorite sweatpants...big mistake by the way (bleach and black sweat pants don't go together), favorite scrub brush and a bucket for water. I don't want to tell you how long it took me to clean my shower, but all I can say is that I did get a really great 40 minute workout.
Afterward, I felt great and a whole lot less weight on my shoulders. Next time, instead of procrastinating, I'm just going to do it so I don't have to keep thinking about it everyday. Meanwhile, I'm on cloud nine knowing I have 1 week and 6 days until I have to clean my shower again.
Until tomorrow, don't put off what you can do today. And if you're going to procrastinate, you might as well work out, right?
On Friday, I finally did it! I went in there armed with my favorite sweatpants...big mistake by the way (bleach and black sweat pants don't go together), favorite scrub brush and a bucket for water. I don't want to tell you how long it took me to clean my shower, but all I can say is that I did get a really great 40 minute workout.
Afterward, I felt great and a whole lot less weight on my shoulders. Next time, instead of procrastinating, I'm just going to do it so I don't have to keep thinking about it everyday. Meanwhile, I'm on cloud nine knowing I have 1 week and 6 days until I have to clean my shower again.
Until tomorrow, don't put off what you can do today. And if you're going to procrastinate, you might as well work out, right?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Day 29 - My friend Brigette
used to tell me to start taking Calcium tablets when I was 29. She was on the up and up when it came to health and every time Brigette spoke, I took notes. Well, I took the notes, but never followed through...so flash forward 10 years later, one bone density scan and a call from the doctor. And guess what? You guess it! I have a lower than normal reading and I better get with the program when it comes to taking care of my bone health or I'm going to end up with osteoporosis when I'm 50.
So, I got the lecture from my doctor over the phone and unfortunately, she remembered telling me the same thing last year. Uh-oh!
So...for yesterday's workout: Resistance training, weight training and Calcium tablets (samples from the doctor's office). I found some gummy ones at Target today. Is this like the best day ever or what? Gummy vitamins, just doesn't get better than that.
Until tomorrow, eat green veggies loaded with calcium, take your Calcium and Vitamin D supplements as prescribed by your doctor and engage in weight bearing/resistance training exercises. It's good for you, even though it might be boring.
So, I got the lecture from my doctor over the phone and unfortunately, she remembered telling me the same thing last year. Uh-oh!
So...for yesterday's workout: Resistance training, weight training and Calcium tablets (samples from the doctor's office). I found some gummy ones at Target today. Is this like the best day ever or what? Gummy vitamins, just doesn't get better than that.
Until tomorrow, eat green veggies loaded with calcium, take your Calcium and Vitamin D supplements as prescribed by your doctor and engage in weight bearing/resistance training exercises. It's good for you, even though it might be boring.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Day 28 - Go ahead and laugh
..it's good for you and you can lose some calories too. I was watching Dr. Oz a couple of days ago and someone asked if laughing burns calories. Well guess what, the answer to that is Yes! So today, I spent the whole day laughing and my side, my mouth and abs are a little bit sore.
I'm sure some people probably thought I was weird laughing a lot during Brownie Girl Scout Training Class or laughing in the car (I did stop laughing when a cop was right next to me), laughing at Target with my kids, laughing as I folded the laundry (well, all kids think their parents are weird, right?). I read my old Calvin and Hobbes book, watched funny you tube videos (our favorite is still the Charlie bit me video) and read funny Facebook postings from my super cool friends. I don't think I laughed as much as 10 minutes today, so between that and the Governor's Challenge, I got a great 40 minute workout.
So, go ahead and bring a little laughter into your life. Give yourself permission to go out with friends who make you laugh and make you feel good. The extra time is worth it, plus you'll lose a couple of extra calories too. Until tomorrow, make it a great and funny day!
I'm sure some people probably thought I was weird laughing a lot during Brownie Girl Scout Training Class or laughing in the car (I did stop laughing when a cop was right next to me), laughing at Target with my kids, laughing as I folded the laundry (well, all kids think their parents are weird, right?). I read my old Calvin and Hobbes book, watched funny you tube videos (our favorite is still the Charlie bit me video) and read funny Facebook postings from my super cool friends. I don't think I laughed as much as 10 minutes today, so between that and the Governor's Challenge, I got a great 40 minute workout.
So, go ahead and bring a little laughter into your life. Give yourself permission to go out with friends who make you laugh and make you feel good. The extra time is worth it, plus you'll lose a couple of extra calories too. Until tomorrow, make it a great and funny day!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Day 27 - "I'm going to pump you up!"
Remember the SNL skit with Hans and Franz? They parody Arnold Schwarzenegger's body building techniques and repeatedly say "I'm going to pump you up!" Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hans and Franz were certainly up to something...a great idea!
Fast forward a couple of decades and Arnold Schwarzenegger becomes Governor Schwarzenegger. He creates a program that challenges all Californians to get active for 30 - 60 minutes a day for at least three days a week for a month. He calls it the Governor's Challenge. (Check it out www.CalGovCouncil.org/Challenge they have lots of great activities to get you moving and pumped up.) I call it the "I'm going to pump you up so you and your kids can get fit" Challenge.
So for 30 minutes, the kids and I worked out. We pumped up by doing bicep curls, tricep curls, lunges, squats, arm circles, sit ups, push ups, planks, random dancing, cardio and stretching (not necessarily in that order). In the process of working out, only 2 of 3 kids got hurt. Not bad, eh? But we did it, we worked out for 30 minutes and believe it or not, we kind of bonded over working out...until I realized that none of my kids had finished their homework.
Well, at least we got our 30 minutes in for the Governor's Challenge and I got my 40 minute work out for the day. Until tomorrow, get moving and force your kids to move with you. Remember, you are the boss! And you can "pump them up" to get healthy and fit. I'm still working on the healthy part :-). Maybe that will be my next 40 days.
Fast forward a couple of decades and Arnold Schwarzenegger becomes Governor Schwarzenegger. He creates a program that challenges all Californians to get active for 30 - 60 minutes a day for at least three days a week for a month. He calls it the Governor's Challenge. (Check it out www.CalGovCouncil.org/Challenge they have lots of great activities to get you moving and pumped up.) I call it the "I'm going to pump you up so you and your kids can get fit" Challenge.
So for 30 minutes, the kids and I worked out. We pumped up by doing bicep curls, tricep curls, lunges, squats, arm circles, sit ups, push ups, planks, random dancing, cardio and stretching (not necessarily in that order). In the process of working out, only 2 of 3 kids got hurt. Not bad, eh? But we did it, we worked out for 30 minutes and believe it or not, we kind of bonded over working out...until I realized that none of my kids had finished their homework.
Well, at least we got our 30 minutes in for the Governor's Challenge and I got my 40 minute work out for the day. Until tomorrow, get moving and force your kids to move with you. Remember, you are the boss! And you can "pump them up" to get healthy and fit. I'm still working on the healthy part :-). Maybe that will be my next 40 days.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Day 26 - Christina and "the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"
No Comment.
Worked out for 40 minutes on the bike watching Dr. Oz.
Worked out for 40 minutes on the bike watching Dr. Oz.
Day 25 - Toilets, Sinks and More
So, I've been pretty bad these last few days, weeks and months :-( about cleaning my house, so yesterday, I decided to clean my house while working out. Don't believe this is possible, check out the following websites: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/103995/get_a_good_workout_while_housecleaning.html?cat=7
http://www.howtobefit.com/spring-cleaning-workouts.htm and http://www.ehow.com/how_2121265_get-fit-cleaning-house.html.
In between rooms, I did lunges and got lots of "mom, whatcha doing?" all day long. I wasn't sure if they had forgotten what I looked like cleaning the house or if they were wondering why I was doing all these lunges as I went though the house. I'm not asking..sometimes it's just best not to know.
http://www.howtobefit.com/spring-cleaning-workouts.htm and http://www.ehow.com/how_2121265_get-fit-cleaning-house.html.
In between rooms, I did lunges and got lots of "mom, whatcha doing?" all day long. I wasn't sure if they had forgotten what I looked like cleaning the house or if they were wondering why I was doing all these lunges as I went though the house. I'm not asking..sometimes it's just best not to know.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Day 24 - Polka Dots
I think I have to stop eating out. Last time I ate out, I got sick from eating a Fish Sandwich. Last night, we ate Sushi and I woke up feeling itchy and sporting fashionable red polka dots all over my skin. Being paranoid when it comes to health issues (we all have flaws), I automatically googled red rash and came up with even more stuff to be paranoid about.
I went to Urgent Care and by the time I got there, I had even more polka dots from my legs to my arms and my super muscular abs (okay, that's a lie - I don't have muscular abs, yet, but I'm working on it - it's my wait until the kids go to college so I have lots of time to workout plan).
Anyway, I saw the Nurse Practitioner and by the time I got my diagnosis, I had a prescription for steroids, cortisone cream and Claritin. Apparently I ate something that my body didn't agree with and I broke out in hives during the middle of the night. I'm still itchy, but the Polka Dots are gone...phew. As for working out, I am counting my 12 hour scratch fest as my 40 minute requirement. I'm pretty sure I'm working on stretching, biceps, triceps and some other foreign muscle with all the time I am spending moving my arms from my legs, to my arms, to my ab-less stomach and neck.
Well...better go find the back scratcher I bought at the $1 store. Until then, watch what you eat or you might be sporting fashionable Polka Dots on the What Not To Wear pages of Glamour Magazine.
I went to Urgent Care and by the time I got there, I had even more polka dots from my legs to my arms and my super muscular abs (okay, that's a lie - I don't have muscular abs, yet, but I'm working on it - it's my wait until the kids go to college so I have lots of time to workout plan).
Anyway, I saw the Nurse Practitioner and by the time I got my diagnosis, I had a prescription for steroids, cortisone cream and Claritin. Apparently I ate something that my body didn't agree with and I broke out in hives during the middle of the night. I'm still itchy, but the Polka Dots are gone...phew. As for working out, I am counting my 12 hour scratch fest as my 40 minute requirement. I'm pretty sure I'm working on stretching, biceps, triceps and some other foreign muscle with all the time I am spending moving my arms from my legs, to my arms, to my ab-less stomach and neck.
Well...better go find the back scratcher I bought at the $1 store. Until then, watch what you eat or you might be sporting fashionable Polka Dots on the What Not To Wear pages of Glamour Magazine.
Day 23 - Chopped Liver doesn't taste good
Friday was kind of weird, no sun, partly cloudy and light rain in Southern California? Granted April Showers bring May flowers, but we usually don't expect rain in April..that's called Winter in California....well, at least for me.
Either way, my daughter was on a mission. She wanted to run a certain amount of laps at school to get a prize and she asked me to walk around the track with her. All was well until she saw her BFF. After that, I was chopped liver. And I can say that because my mom used to force me to eat liver and onions...gross. Every time I ask my mom about it, she can't seem to remember feeding me liver, but eating liver is something you never forget unless you get amnesia. Torture like that is unforgettable.
Well, enough about chopped liver. I still walked a couple of laps around the track with her BFF's mom and that was good. I went home and got on the bike for 20 minutes. Life was good until I made birthday cake and ice cream for hubby.
Until tomorrow, get out there and walk, it's good for you and a whole lot better than chopped liver. Ugh.
Either way, my daughter was on a mission. She wanted to run a certain amount of laps at school to get a prize and she asked me to walk around the track with her. All was well until she saw her BFF. After that, I was chopped liver. And I can say that because my mom used to force me to eat liver and onions...gross. Every time I ask my mom about it, she can't seem to remember feeding me liver, but eating liver is something you never forget unless you get amnesia. Torture like that is unforgettable.
Well, enough about chopped liver. I still walked a couple of laps around the track with her BFF's mom and that was good. I went home and got on the bike for 20 minutes. Life was good until I made birthday cake and ice cream for hubby.
Until tomorrow, get out there and walk, it's good for you and a whole lot better than chopped liver. Ugh.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Day 22 - Friends bring out the best in us!
Friends rock! Seriously! Today, I had a blast playing catch-up and walking with my friend. The last time we walked together, we kept to flat areas, but today, we challenged ourselves, we got dangerous and included a hill to our walk. Yeah! We did it...it took us an extra 30 minutes to walk up the hill, but we did it!
Friends bring out the best in us, they challenge us and encourage us to do our best. Find a buddy and get outside for a walk. You would be surprised how a 40 minute walk easily becomes an hour and 15 minute workout session that goes by way too fast.
Until tomorrow, find a buddy, get outside and walk, jog or run. You can do it!
Friends bring out the best in us, they challenge us and encourage us to do our best. Find a buddy and get outside for a walk. You would be surprised how a 40 minute walk easily becomes an hour and 15 minute workout session that goes by way too fast.
Until tomorrow, find a buddy, get outside and walk, jog or run. You can do it!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Day 21 - http://www.joyfulonline.net/fiction.htm
I got some great news a couple of months ago. One of the stories I worked on for my Creative Writing class was going to get published online: http://www.joyfulonline.net/fiction.htm. I kept the news to myself because I didn't want to jinx it. But it's April and guess what...if you click on the link and scroll way, way, way, way, way down, you'll see it, my story. YEAH! I keep checking to make sure it's still there, and guess what..it's still there.
So what does this have to do with working out? Well, I thought I would write about it in my blog and exercise my fingers for 40 minutes at the same time. So far, my thumbs are not doing too much work, but the rest of my fingers are getting a great workout. What do you think? Let me call one of my friends just to confirm.
Well, looks like typing for 40 minutes doesn't count.
Better go get my workout in before the kiddies get home. Did you get your 40 minutes in today?
So what does this have to do with working out? Well, I thought I would write about it in my blog and exercise my fingers for 40 minutes at the same time. So far, my thumbs are not doing too much work, but the rest of my fingers are getting a great workout. What do you think? Let me call one of my friends just to confirm.
Well, looks like typing for 40 minutes doesn't count.
Better go get my workout in before the kiddies get home. Did you get your 40 minutes in today?
Day 20 - Me, the Rocket Scientist
Yesterday, I was at a Leader Meeting when I discovered why my jeans weren't fitting. I was sitting right across from Tiffany's Chocolate Chip Cookies, Walnut Brownies, Oatmeal/Carrot Cookies sandwiched by yummy cream cheese frosting and fruit. During the 2 hour meeting, I ate 1 brownie, 4 Chocolate Chip Cookies and 2 Oatmeal/Carrot Cookies...oh yeah, I also at some fruit, that was good, right? So, it dawns on me that I am eating way more than I am exercising. I know...it doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to figure that one out. But it finally hit me I gotta watch what I eat and like any good plan...I promised myself that I would start tomorrow.
So..one hour on the bike! At Level 12. I think I worked off the brownie. Small victories are good!
So..one hour on the bike! At Level 12. I think I worked off the brownie. Small victories are good!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Day 19 - It really is a 10 minute workout
Have you ever heard the phrase..too good to be true? That's what I thought after reading Terri Hatcher's 10 min. workout in an old Prevention Magazine. No way did a whole workout take 10 minutes! It's just the hook that gets you to buy the magazine at the store. I confess, that's what does it for me. I read the hook and then I'm hooked and buy the magazine. It's either that or the stress of going grocery shopping with the kids. If I read something, I'm able to tune my kids out and just hear birds chirping to the sweet sound of elevator music.
So, this morning I thought I would give Teri Hatcher's 10 minute workout a try. And guess what...it really did take 10 minutes. I felt really good after doing the first 10 minutes that I did another 10 minutes after the kids went to school. The workout felt so easy that I even added weights the 3rd time around....not so luck the 4th time around as I got pretty tired from using weights on the 3rd round. 40 minutes...so easy and guess what, the back pain I got from trying to breakdance two nights ago, even went away. Go figure.
Here's the link to the website if you would like to give the workout a try:
http://www.prevention.com/health/fitness/strength-training/teri-hatcher-s-10-minute-workout/article/b172faad1de06210VgnVCM10000030281eac____
So, this morning I thought I would give Teri Hatcher's 10 minute workout a try. And guess what...it really did take 10 minutes. I felt really good after doing the first 10 minutes that I did another 10 minutes after the kids went to school. The workout felt so easy that I even added weights the 3rd time around....not so luck the 4th time around as I got pretty tired from using weights on the 3rd round. 40 minutes...so easy and guess what, the back pain I got from trying to breakdance two nights ago, even went away. Go figure.
Here's the link to the website if you would like to give the workout a try:
http://www.prevention.com/health/fitness/strength-training/teri-hatcher-s-10-minute-workout/article/b172faad1de06210VgnVCM10000030281eac____
Day 18 - Beware of Tiffany's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sunday was a lovely day for a 40 minute outdoor walk. Ask me if I went on a walk? No, I didn't. I would like to say it was my fault for that, but this time, I will blame it all on Tiffany's Chocolate Chip Cookies. With Lenten season over, I was free to eat Chocolate without guilt. So instead of walking, I ate a Chocolate Chip Cookie. Once you eat one, you just can't stop. Does anyone else have this problem? I googled Chocolate Chip Cookie anonymous so I could get help and all I got were tons of websites with Chocolate Chip Cookie recipes.
Did I get my 40 minutes in? You bet! 5 minutes of arm work, 5 minutes of leg work, 5 minutes of ab work, 5 minutes of stretching, 5 minutes of mini-cardio, 5 minutes of more arm work after seeing myself in a short sleeve shirt, 5 minutes of leg work after seeing myself in shorts and another 5 minutes of ab work after trying on last year's swimsuit. Now, if only I could stop eating those chocolate chip cookies, I might actually get out of sweatpants and right back into jeans.
Until tomorrow, get those 40 minutes in and beware of Tiffany's Chocolate Chip cookies.
Did I get my 40 minutes in? You bet! 5 minutes of arm work, 5 minutes of leg work, 5 minutes of ab work, 5 minutes of stretching, 5 minutes of mini-cardio, 5 minutes of more arm work after seeing myself in a short sleeve shirt, 5 minutes of leg work after seeing myself in shorts and another 5 minutes of ab work after trying on last year's swimsuit. Now, if only I could stop eating those chocolate chip cookies, I might actually get out of sweatpants and right back into jeans.
Until tomorrow, get those 40 minutes in and beware of Tiffany's Chocolate Chip cookies.
Day 17 - 1000 Fireflies
After three months, I finally got it together to celebrate my youngest son's birthday. We took him and several of his school buddies to see the movie "How to Train Your Dragon". The movie was awesome, the movie tour, super awesome (is there a better word for awesome, I didn't think so), the staff was great and the kids were so well behaved. It was a great way to spend the day, with the exception of the 40 minute workout.
By the time we got back from the movie theatre, we were all exhausted and since I spent most of the morning putting together the goody bags and trying to find the house phone, I didn't get my "before the kids wake up in the morning" work out.
Luckily, my daughter has this song that she sings in the car about 1,000 fireflies by Owl City. When I drive, it's the first song and the last song that gets played in the car for the entire 45 minute car trip to school. Each time I play the song, she makes up hand movements to go along with the song.
So...while hubby was working out, I asked my daughter to teach me the hand movements to her favorite song. She taught them to me and we ended up making some dance moves too. It was okay...no one was watching. Eventually we both got tired of listening to the song, but I got my 40 minutes of very, very, very, very low impact exercise for the day.
Motto for the day: Just fit exercise in..even if you're rubberstamping.
By the time we got back from the movie theatre, we were all exhausted and since I spent most of the morning putting together the goody bags and trying to find the house phone, I didn't get my "before the kids wake up in the morning" work out.
Luckily, my daughter has this song that she sings in the car about 1,000 fireflies by Owl City. When I drive, it's the first song and the last song that gets played in the car for the entire 45 minute car trip to school. Each time I play the song, she makes up hand movements to go along with the song.
So...while hubby was working out, I asked my daughter to teach me the hand movements to her favorite song. She taught them to me and we ended up making some dance moves too. It was okay...no one was watching. Eventually we both got tired of listening to the song, but I got my 40 minutes of very, very, very, very low impact exercise for the day.
Motto for the day: Just fit exercise in..even if you're rubberstamping.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Day 16 - Rolling with the homies
I thought I would take it easy today and stretch for 40 minutes, but it got really boring. Our DVR didn't record my favorite MUST SEE T.V. show, so I needed some big motivation to keep going. I took out my exercise ball, the big one that is pretty impossible to hide in my closet, and tried to work on some "core" (fancy word for stomach) muscles. I probably spent most of my 40 minutes trying to balance on the ball. And I had to ask myself, why did I buy the ball workout out over the PX90 set at Costco? Oh yeah...I thought the ball workout would be easier.
Luckily, my daughter came into my room and rescued me from the ball. We started playing stretching games, hold the ball so mommy doesn't fall off games and sit ups too. It wasn't long before my boys came over to see what the commotion was and started playing dodge ball with the ball.
It was a great workout (before the dodge ball incident) and I got to spend some quality time with my kids before they go back to school. Well, better stop writing and pick up a few items that fell during the dodge ball tournament before hubby comes home. I wonder if Target sells Super Glue.
Until tomorrow, make it a great 40 minutes. Because 40 minutes is better than 30 minutes. And 30 minutes.
Luckily, my daughter came into my room and rescued me from the ball. We started playing stretching games, hold the ball so mommy doesn't fall off games and sit ups too. It wasn't long before my boys came over to see what the commotion was and started playing dodge ball with the ball.
It was a great workout (before the dodge ball incident) and I got to spend some quality time with my kids before they go back to school. Well, better stop writing and pick up a few items that fell during the dodge ball tournament before hubby comes home. I wonder if Target sells Super Glue.
Until tomorrow, make it a great 40 minutes. Because 40 minutes is better than 30 minutes. And 30 minutes.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Day 15 - Sweet Revenge
I felt so bad about making fun of Gilad's Express Workout a few posts back that I decided to exercise to Gilad this morning. Gilad is getting his sweet revenge as I am feeling sore all over.
Thanks Gilad for a great workout. I don't know if I'll be able to walk tomorrow, so maybe, LOTS of stretching for Day 16.
Tip of day...be nice to everyone, even Gilad.
Thanks Gilad for a great workout. I don't know if I'll be able to walk tomorrow, so maybe, LOTS of stretching for Day 16.
Tip of day...be nice to everyone, even Gilad.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Day 14 - A No-Go
Well, they say if you don't ask or try, you just never know. So this morning, I asked hubby what he thought about shopping for the next 26 days to fulfill my 40 min. 40 day workout. He said it wasn't a good idea because of the whole spending money thing that would go along with the shopping work out. I suppose he has a point, this time :-).
So, had to find something else to do for exercise. I checked through my old videos and found a...don't laugh please, an old Hip Hop Abs DVD. Everyone who knows me knows just how much I love to dance, so I bought the videos with the hope that it was going to get me moving in the right direction. It didn't work out that way. I used the video for a whopping 3 days and then moved it to the place where I would see it the least, my closet in it's original box.
I have to admit, it was kind of fun to work on those Hip Hop moves, but I really don't see much improvement in my abs. I guess 14 days isn't going to cut it...but, it is a step in the right direction.
Day 15 - I'm tired, but here I come.
So, had to find something else to do for exercise. I checked through my old videos and found a...don't laugh please, an old Hip Hop Abs DVD. Everyone who knows me knows just how much I love to dance, so I bought the videos with the hope that it was going to get me moving in the right direction. It didn't work out that way. I used the video for a whopping 3 days and then moved it to the place where I would see it the least, my closet in it's original box.
I have to admit, it was kind of fun to work on those Hip Hop moves, but I really don't see much improvement in my abs. I guess 14 days isn't going to cut it...but, it is a step in the right direction.
Day 15 - I'm tired, but here I come.
Day 13 - Fit TV
I know this is going to sound like a big shocker, but I've been working out while watching my favorite T.V. shows so much that I actually ran out of recorded shows to watch.
So yesterday morning, I tuned into Fit TV and worked out for 43 minutes. It was awesome. Yes, I'm in pain right now, but it was worth it. Instructor Kendall Hogan taught Boot Camp and rarely missed a cue. His workout was pretty easy and the best part, you could really go at your own pace. If you fast forward through the commercials, his workout is about 43 minutes long. Yeah...he tells you to keep doing the routine during the commercials, but I fast forward through them anyway. I mean how many times can you watch commercials about Gilad's new Express Workouts.
Check it out..Fit TV.
So yesterday morning, I tuned into Fit TV and worked out for 43 minutes. It was awesome. Yes, I'm in pain right now, but it was worth it. Instructor Kendall Hogan taught Boot Camp and rarely missed a cue. His workout was pretty easy and the best part, you could really go at your own pace. If you fast forward through the commercials, his workout is about 43 minutes long. Yeah...he tells you to keep doing the routine during the commercials, but I fast forward through them anyway. I mean how many times can you watch commercials about Gilad's new Express Workouts.
Check it out..Fit TV.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Day 12 - The RECAP
Day 1 - Thursday, March 25th - Started Great...Wooo! T.V. and bike, what a great beginning.
Day 2 - Friday, March 26th - More T.V. (Can I get a great paying job just for watching T.V., if so, I am sooo in) and bike. Great 2nd day and I'm not even bored yet thanks to Media.
Day 3 - Saturday, March 27th - Got sick Friday night eating a Fish Sandwich from a popular fast food place.
Day 4 - Sunday, March 28th - Still Sick.
Day 5 - Monday, March 29th - T.V., bike, sit-ups and stretching. I'm a firm believer in sticking with what fits..and I have lots of shows to catch-up on, so why not. Heroes...here I come, don't anybody tell me what happened to Claire's roommate. I haven't gotten there yet.
Day 6 - Tuesday, March 30th - Great idea, 200 squats, NOT! Walking w/favorite teacher around the track, AWESOME!
Day 7 - Wednesday, March 31st - 10, 10, 10 and 10 = 40 minutes. I can still do Math. YEAH!
Day 8 - Thursday, April 1st - Didn't work out! April Fools. Another 200 squats and T.V. and Bike, gotta catch up with Kell on Earth (it's the Season Finale, so that's pretty important).
Day 9 - Friday, April 2nd - iCarly workout.
Day 10 - Saturday, April 3rd - The Costco/Walmart/U-Haul Workout.
Day 11 - Sunday, April 4th - Sit-ups, Abs, Arms, dancing w/daughter, dancing w/son, trying to dance w/oldest son and stretching workout. The bribing stakes get higher as the kids get older. My daughter will dance for a sticker, my youngest son will dance just to spend time with his mom, my oldest..I would have had to throw in 1 hour computer time, 1 hour Nintendo DS time, 1 hour of Chowder and Invader Zim. I had to draw the line at the T.V. shows, sorry. However, he did give me a hug instead..that was worth it, but probably not a workout, huh. I stretched a lot today! Still counts. Oops..I guess this wasn't really a recap, was it. That's okay, my blog, right:-)?
Day 12 - Monday, April 5th - Ballet and the Internet.
Hot Chocolate at Starbucks $2.50 + tax.
Sweet and Spicy Tea at the grocery store $3.99 + tax.
Finally getting Blog organized: PRICELESS
Day 2 - Friday, March 26th - More T.V. (Can I get a great paying job just for watching T.V., if so, I am sooo in) and bike. Great 2nd day and I'm not even bored yet thanks to Media.
Day 3 - Saturday, March 27th - Got sick Friday night eating a Fish Sandwich from a popular fast food place.
Day 4 - Sunday, March 28th - Still Sick.
Day 5 - Monday, March 29th - T.V., bike, sit-ups and stretching. I'm a firm believer in sticking with what fits..and I have lots of shows to catch-up on, so why not. Heroes...here I come, don't anybody tell me what happened to Claire's roommate. I haven't gotten there yet.
Day 6 - Tuesday, March 30th - Great idea, 200 squats, NOT! Walking w/favorite teacher around the track, AWESOME!
Day 7 - Wednesday, March 31st - 10, 10, 10 and 10 = 40 minutes. I can still do Math. YEAH!
Day 8 - Thursday, April 1st - Didn't work out! April Fools. Another 200 squats and T.V. and Bike, gotta catch up with Kell on Earth (it's the Season Finale, so that's pretty important).
Day 9 - Friday, April 2nd - iCarly workout.
Day 10 - Saturday, April 3rd - The Costco/Walmart/U-Haul Workout.
Day 11 - Sunday, April 4th - Sit-ups, Abs, Arms, dancing w/daughter, dancing w/son, trying to dance w/oldest son and stretching workout. The bribing stakes get higher as the kids get older. My daughter will dance for a sticker, my youngest son will dance just to spend time with his mom, my oldest..I would have had to throw in 1 hour computer time, 1 hour Nintendo DS time, 1 hour of Chowder and Invader Zim. I had to draw the line at the T.V. shows, sorry. However, he did give me a hug instead..that was worth it, but probably not a workout, huh. I stretched a lot today! Still counts. Oops..I guess this wasn't really a recap, was it. That's okay, my blog, right:-)?
Day 12 - Monday, April 5th - Ballet and the Internet.
Hot Chocolate at Starbucks $2.50 + tax.
Sweet and Spicy Tea at the grocery store $3.99 + tax.
Finally getting Blog organized: PRICELESS
Day 11 - I messed up
Leave it to me to mess up the record keeping on this blog. That's what happens when you don't blog on the same day as your workouts, huh.
I found my handy dandy (yes, I used to watch Blues Clues too) calendar, the same one that I used to keep track of my volunteer activities and started writing down the dates of my workouts on to the 40 days calendar.
Try keeping track of post it notes, torn out binder sheets, recycled papers and you have a great learning lesson on why it's so important to be organized. Although I heard you can be messy and organized at the same time. Seriously, that is what I heard.
So..for a quick recap version of 40 minutes/40 days, take a look at Day 12.
I found my handy dandy (yes, I used to watch Blues Clues too) calendar, the same one that I used to keep track of my volunteer activities and started writing down the dates of my workouts on to the 40 days calendar.
Try keeping track of post it notes, torn out binder sheets, recycled papers and you have a great learning lesson on why it's so important to be organized. Although I heard you can be messy and organized at the same time. Seriously, that is what I heard.
So..for a quick recap version of 40 minutes/40 days, take a look at Day 12.
Day 10 - Ballet and Google
Did you know that you can perform basic ballet moves while googling on the Internet? Or writing a blog? For the morning workout, I decided to set up the lap top on a counter and use the laptop/counter as my ballet barre. I performed exercises in 1st position and 2nd position while keeping my glutes tight, tummy tight and shoulders back, being very, very careful not to arch the back. I worked lots of areas that have been on vacation for quite a long time and felt really good about the 30 minute workout.
If you haven't taken a ballet class before, I recommend googling basic ballet workout. Here are a few of my favorites:
http://dance.about.com/od/stepsandmoves/tp/Barre-Exercises.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2278267_do-ballet-work-out.html
or check out some basic ballet videos on youtube:
http://www.livestrong.com/video/3603-use-barre/
Sometimes, you just HAVE to mesh your workouts with your life's to-do list. You know, my calves and butt are starting to really hurt, so I better wrap up writing about Day 10. (I'm getting my last 10 minutes of my 40 minute workout in right now.)
As always, don't forget to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. I probably wouldn't mention that you want to start a new ballet while googling program. He might end up giving you a prescription to see a psychologist. Or better yet, refer me to see a specialist. But getting checked out before starting any exercise program is always a good thing.
Keep on going...only 30 more days to go. Wow..that sounds like a lot, but it will go by really fast.
If you haven't taken a ballet class before, I recommend googling basic ballet workout. Here are a few of my favorites:
http://dance.about.com/od/stepsandmoves/tp/Barre-Exercises.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2278267_do-ballet-work-out.html
or check out some basic ballet videos on youtube:
http://www.livestrong.com/video/3603-use-barre/
Sometimes, you just HAVE to mesh your workouts with your life's to-do list. You know, my calves and butt are starting to really hurt, so I better wrap up writing about Day 10. (I'm getting my last 10 minutes of my 40 minute workout in right now.)
As always, don't forget to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. I probably wouldn't mention that you want to start a new ballet while googling program. He might end up giving you a prescription to see a psychologist. Or better yet, refer me to see a specialist. But getting checked out before starting any exercise program is always a good thing.
Keep on going...only 30 more days to go. Wow..that sounds like a lot, but it will go by really fast.
Day 9 - Walk and Shop
It's better than doing nothing, right? As long as you don't buy a Starbucks before or after your shopping trip.
Day 9 was spent shopping at Costco for food, Walmart for party supplies and UHaul for propane gas. So..the UHaul thing didn't do much since all I did was sit in the car, but at Costco and Walmart, I pushed the cart and as you know anytime you go shopping at Costco and Walmart, the cart is always HEAVY by the time the shopping trip ends.
It was a struggle to push the cart at times, so I guess I need to do some more shopping to get fit. Do you think hubby will buy it if I go shopping for the remaining 31 days to get my 40 minutes in?
Until tomorrow...get your 40 minutes in, even if you HAVE to go shopping to do it.
Day 9 was spent shopping at Costco for food, Walmart for party supplies and UHaul for propane gas. So..the UHaul thing didn't do much since all I did was sit in the car, but at Costco and Walmart, I pushed the cart and as you know anytime you go shopping at Costco and Walmart, the cart is always HEAVY by the time the shopping trip ends.
It was a struggle to push the cart at times, so I guess I need to do some more shopping to get fit. Do you think hubby will buy it if I go shopping for the remaining 31 days to get my 40 minutes in?
Until tomorrow...get your 40 minutes in, even if you HAVE to go shopping to do it.
Day 8 - iCarly
Before I write about exercising for 40 minutes, I want to say, just for the record, that I watched this show (iCarly) for research purposes only ;-).
Day 8 presented quite a few challenges. One, we were visiting my parents for Easter weekend and two, my bike, the easiest thing to get on an exercise with, was not at my parent's house. How do I get my 40 minutes in? Hubby suggested I walk around the neighborhood for 40 minutes, but it was cold and my muscles just weren't budging.
Instead, I thought about an episode of iCarly (Nickelodeon Channel) that I saw a couple of months ago. Remember, strictly research. Carly's brother, Spencer, was trying out a new exercise program. Every 30 minutes, his cell phone would ring and he would have to put in 5 minutes of exercising. He would do sit-ups for 5 minutes on one sitting. On another, it was push ups, etc. The theory: Spencer would get a full day work out by working out just 5 minutes at a time.
So guess what I decided to do. I decided to work out 5 minutes for 8 hours straight...that's 40 minutes. These are the exercises I did for the next 8 hours: grabbed the luggage and put it in the guest bedroom (because once you leave the house, your room becomes either the exercise room or the guest bedroom), 200 squats from the squat program, sit ups, Pilates leg work, dancing in front of the mirror (my daughter got bored after 30 seconds), hopscotch on the carpet, stretching (that counts) and arm circles...yup, arm circles, because after doing biceps with 2 uneven books and injuring myself, I remembered doing arm circles in Jr. high for warm up..and boy were those arm circles a work out.
There you go..give it a try. I call it the iCarly work out. It was fun and I didn't sweat too much and I got my 40 minutes in...YEAH!
Day 8 presented quite a few challenges. One, we were visiting my parents for Easter weekend and two, my bike, the easiest thing to get on an exercise with, was not at my parent's house. How do I get my 40 minutes in? Hubby suggested I walk around the neighborhood for 40 minutes, but it was cold and my muscles just weren't budging.
Instead, I thought about an episode of iCarly (Nickelodeon Channel) that I saw a couple of months ago. Remember, strictly research. Carly's brother, Spencer, was trying out a new exercise program. Every 30 minutes, his cell phone would ring and he would have to put in 5 minutes of exercising. He would do sit-ups for 5 minutes on one sitting. On another, it was push ups, etc. The theory: Spencer would get a full day work out by working out just 5 minutes at a time.
So guess what I decided to do. I decided to work out 5 minutes for 8 hours straight...that's 40 minutes. These are the exercises I did for the next 8 hours: grabbed the luggage and put it in the guest bedroom (because once you leave the house, your room becomes either the exercise room or the guest bedroom), 200 squats from the squat program, sit ups, Pilates leg work, dancing in front of the mirror (my daughter got bored after 30 seconds), hopscotch on the carpet, stretching (that counts) and arm circles...yup, arm circles, because after doing biceps with 2 uneven books and injuring myself, I remembered doing arm circles in Jr. high for warm up..and boy were those arm circles a work out.
There you go..give it a try. I call it the iCarly work out. It was fun and I didn't sweat too much and I got my 40 minutes in...YEAH!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Day 7 - Going through the motions
This morning, I didn't want to work out. I was thinking about a conversation I had the day before and got to bed late. I didn't get a good night's sleep and didn't want to wake up at 5:30 a.m. to work out. Lucky for me, we had a power outage and my alarm didn't go off.
Unfortunately, my husband's alarm has a back-up battery so 10 minutes later...guess who woke me up? Any time my husband tries to wake me up, I usually go back to bed and pretend to be awake by putting a book near me or sitting up (with the lights off). But this time, he made sure I was awake before he left for work.
Ugh...I did another 200 squats, even though I haven't fully recovered from the squats I did two days ago and got on the bike for 40 minutes. I didn't put 100% in, but I did put 50% into the workout. (You have to move the pedals or bike will shut off.) Even though I didn't want to work out, I did it anyway, and I got my 40 minutes in for the day.
Sometimes, we let our emotions get the best of us. We have a bad day and prefer to wallow in our misery rather than to make the best of what we can with that "bad' moment. We let our entire day be run by the "thing" that happened instead of making a change and doing something that will help us enjoy the rest of our day. Of course this is all good in theory right? Until it actually happens again.
I was so thankful for my workout buddy, my hubby, for his support. He didn't give up on me and pestered me to get my workout done.
Day 8..here I come! Hope you get your 40 minutes in today...there's lots of hours in a day.
Unfortunately, my husband's alarm has a back-up battery so 10 minutes later...guess who woke me up? Any time my husband tries to wake me up, I usually go back to bed and pretend to be awake by putting a book near me or sitting up (with the lights off). But this time, he made sure I was awake before he left for work.
Ugh...I did another 200 squats, even though I haven't fully recovered from the squats I did two days ago and got on the bike for 40 minutes. I didn't put 100% in, but I did put 50% into the workout. (You have to move the pedals or bike will shut off.) Even though I didn't want to work out, I did it anyway, and I got my 40 minutes in for the day.
Sometimes, we let our emotions get the best of us. We have a bad day and prefer to wallow in our misery rather than to make the best of what we can with that "bad' moment. We let our entire day be run by the "thing" that happened instead of making a change and doing something that will help us enjoy the rest of our day. Of course this is all good in theory right? Until it actually happens again.
I was so thankful for my workout buddy, my hubby, for his support. He didn't give up on me and pestered me to get my workout done.
Day 8..here I come! Hope you get your 40 minutes in today...there's lots of hours in a day.
Day 6 - The funky chicken walk
Well, I knew those 200 squats would come back to haunt me today, but I was trooper, got up early and put in my 40 minutes. 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the afternoon, 10 minutes in the evening and another 10 minutes while procrastinating. Working out has got to be the best excuse for not cleaning the house. Clean house or live longer? Which would you choose? If you chose clean the house, let's talk, okay.
All in all, it was a good day even though I walked like I was dancing the funky chicken for most of it.
Until tomorrow..get up and work out, even if it's only for 10 minutes.
Christina
All in all, it was a good day even though I walked like I was dancing the funky chicken for most of it.
Until tomorrow..get up and work out, even if it's only for 10 minutes.
Christina
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Day 5 - The two hundred squat program
This morning, I woke up early, got out of bed and got to working out! I wanted to torture myself so I thought about the Two Hundred Squat program that my friend Donna had shared with me back in the days when we were walking a mile a day. The program is designed to get you to complete 200 squats by the end of week 6. Yeah...right! I think I can do 30 some squats without passing out. So there I went, doing squats and with a couple of breaks, I did 100. Wow! 100 Squats! I don't know if I'll be able to walk tomorrow, but at least I did 100 squats this morning. It feels good, for now. I'll get back to you tomorrow when I get out of bed and say "Why!"
Here is there website: http://www.twohundredsquats.com/
I know what you're thinking...that doesn't equal to 40 minutes of working out and you're right. So, I decided to join my daughter on the running track at school this morning. After 10 seconds, she was off running and talking to one of her friends while I was left walking alone..and a lot slower than everyone else. I was so excited when I saw one of my favorite teachers walking the track. I had a friend to talk to...but she was walking fast. Really fast. I did my best to keep up with her, but boy was I glad when some of the kids she taught from previous years wanted to say hello or give her a hug. It was my opportunity to breathe while they slowed her down. All in all, if it weren't for her, I probably would have left the track and sat on a bench, but she inspired me to walk fast. And for doing that..I got some of my 40 minutes in for the day.
20 minutes on the bike at home and we're done. Yeah!
Hang in there...Day 3 is next. I can do this so can you!
Christina
Here is there website: http://www.twohundredsquats.com/
I know what you're thinking...that doesn't equal to 40 minutes of working out and you're right. So, I decided to join my daughter on the running track at school this morning. After 10 seconds, she was off running and talking to one of her friends while I was left walking alone..and a lot slower than everyone else. I was so excited when I saw one of my favorite teachers walking the track. I had a friend to talk to...but she was walking fast. Really fast. I did my best to keep up with her, but boy was I glad when some of the kids she taught from previous years wanted to say hello or give her a hug. It was my opportunity to breathe while they slowed her down. All in all, if it weren't for her, I probably would have left the track and sat on a bench, but she inspired me to walk fast. And for doing that..I got some of my 40 minutes in for the day.
20 minutes on the bike at home and we're done. Yeah!
Hang in there...Day 3 is next. I can do this so can you!
Christina
Monday, March 29, 2010
Day 4 - Day 1
Feeling good today! Woooo! So, I woke up early and got on the bike at Level 10 for 40 minutes. I was feeling so good, I even did sit-ups and stretching for 10 minutes (2 min. sit-ups and 8 minutes of stretching). Hey, they say stretching is really good for you!
So...I did figure out one big thing to working out today. If I don't get to workout in the morning before the kids wake up, I'm not going to work out at all. Funny, it only took me three years and an extra 10 pounds to figure this one out. Sometimes...my brain goes on S-L-O-W-M-O when it's sleep deprived. For the next few days, I'm going to put this theory in action by working out in the morning, before the kids wake up.
Everyday except Thursday...because Thursday is must see t.v. day: The Office, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. I need my sleep after staying up so late on Thursday night. Yup, I'm a morning person and for me, 11 p.m. is pretty late. Thank goodness I'm not famous or anything because I would have to master the art of sleeping with my eyes open.
Oh and guess what...hubby is going to join me on this 40 day journey. Thank goodness he's a night time exerciser because when he gets off of the bike, he's pretty sweaty.
Have a great day!
Christina
So...I did figure out one big thing to working out today. If I don't get to workout in the morning before the kids wake up, I'm not going to work out at all. Funny, it only took me three years and an extra 10 pounds to figure this one out. Sometimes...my brain goes on S-L-O-W-M-O when it's sleep deprived. For the next few days, I'm going to put this theory in action by working out in the morning, before the kids wake up.
Everyday except Thursday...because Thursday is must see t.v. day: The Office, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. I need my sleep after staying up so late on Thursday night. Yup, I'm a morning person and for me, 11 p.m. is pretty late. Thank goodness I'm not famous or anything because I would have to master the art of sleeping with my eyes open.
Oh and guess what...hubby is going to join me on this 40 day journey. Thank goodness he's a night time exerciser because when he gets off of the bike, he's pretty sweaty.
Have a great day!
Christina
Day 3 - Not quite there yet.
Feeling better, but not 100%. I tried getting on the treadmill, but my body was telling me don't you dare do it! Body wins. Uh-oh. Maybe I should just hit the restart button and start all over again..tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.
P.S. Hope you're not reading this blog for encouragement because so far, the score is 2 and 1.
P.S. Hope you're not reading this blog for encouragement because so far, the score is 2 and 1.
Day 2 - The toilet is my best friend.
I know what you're thinking, so I just want you to get that image out of your head. Friday night, I had the amazing opportunity to eat at a famous fast food restaurant. Since we're still in the Lenten season, I ordered a Fish Sandwich (Catholics between the ages of 14 + abstain from eating meat every Friday during the Lenten Season).
All was good until I didn't feel so good and then..well, you don't want to know the rest, but between sleeping and many trips to the bathroom, let's just say I didn't get my 40 minutes in for Saturday :-(. I suppose I could have counted all those trips from the bathroom back to bed, but it probably would not have added up to 40 minutes. So..looks like I will have to start tomorrow after all.
P.S. Hope you're reading this after breakfast, lunch or dinner. At least I wasn't graphic, right?
All was good until I didn't feel so good and then..well, you don't want to know the rest, but between sleeping and many trips to the bathroom, let's just say I didn't get my 40 minutes in for Saturday :-(. I suppose I could have counted all those trips from the bathroom back to bed, but it probably would not have added up to 40 minutes. So..looks like I will have to start tomorrow after all.
P.S. Hope you're reading this after breakfast, lunch or dinner. At least I wasn't graphic, right?
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Day 1 - Day 1 is always easy
Day 1 is always easy. That's what I used to tell my aerobic students as they were lifting weights and giving me some pretty mean looks. Every two weeks or so, we would get "a newbie" to our 5 a.m. Step Class and share ways to get past Day 1 of working out.
We talked about getting work out buddies...one's that actually encourage you to work out, not the other kind...that tell you to start tomorrow. I don't know anyone like that ;-). We talked about just getting up, just getting dressed and just driving out of the garage. Since you were already up and the car was already set to go, why not work out and get fit, right? We talked about setting goals, like running a 5k or fitting into those pre-baby jeans and often...it worked, until Day 3.
Day 3 seems to be my "Achilles heel". But for right now, I'm on Day 1, excited and thrilled about working out for 40 minutes today. Even though I didn't go anywhere, I had a blast watching Grey's Anatomy on T.V. while riding the stationary bike at Level 10. Hey...atleast it's better than Level 9.
Until Day 2....have a fit fabulous day! You still have time to get in 40 minutes of exercise.
Christina
We talked about getting work out buddies...one's that actually encourage you to work out, not the other kind...that tell you to start tomorrow. I don't know anyone like that ;-). We talked about just getting up, just getting dressed and just driving out of the garage. Since you were already up and the car was already set to go, why not work out and get fit, right? We talked about setting goals, like running a 5k or fitting into those pre-baby jeans and often...it worked, until Day 3.
Day 3 seems to be my "Achilles heel". But for right now, I'm on Day 1, excited and thrilled about working out for 40 minutes today. Even though I didn't go anywhere, I had a blast watching Grey's Anatomy on T.V. while riding the stationary bike at Level 10. Hey...atleast it's better than Level 9.
Until Day 2....have a fit fabulous day! You still have time to get in 40 minutes of exercise.
Christina
Project #2 - 40 minutes, 40 days!
Ever since I ended my 40 day volunteer project, I've been trying to start a new one: the 40 day, 40 minute workout project. I mean how hard can it be to work out for 40 minutes each day. I could work out for 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the afternoon, 10 minutes in the evening and another 10 minutes when I put myself in a time out, away from the kids. Piece of cake, right? Nooooo.
Who would have thought that it's a whole lot easier to volunteer than it is to exercise? Well, atleast for me! It wasn't always this way you know. There was a time when I spent most of my day in the gym...teaching Step Aerobics, Pilates, Kid Aerobics or Low Impact Disco. Yup...low impact Disco. Don't make that funny face, you know you love Earth, Wind and Fire! Well, that was then, this is now. And right now, I am staring tomorrow! Seriously, starting tomorrow.
Starting tomorrow until I heard myself say, “life happens” to my middle schooler. Life happens! I thought about what I said and realized, what if I'm not around long enough to see life happen? I can't keep saying life happens to get out of exercising when newspapers, magazines, t.v. news..even OPRAH, is telling us about the alarming rates of Diabetes 2. I decided to get off of my butt (I know that it's physically impossible to do this) and start blogging today with the hope that I could keep the exercise thing going for 40 days, 40 minutes. I figured if atleast one person was holding me accountable, I could do it!
So here goes...40 days, 40 minutes. Wish me luck!
Who would have thought that it's a whole lot easier to volunteer than it is to exercise? Well, atleast for me! It wasn't always this way you know. There was a time when I spent most of my day in the gym...teaching Step Aerobics, Pilates, Kid Aerobics or Low Impact Disco. Yup...low impact Disco. Don't make that funny face, you know you love Earth, Wind and Fire! Well, that was then, this is now. And right now, I am staring tomorrow! Seriously, starting tomorrow.
Starting tomorrow until I heard myself say, “life happens” to my middle schooler. Life happens! I thought about what I said and realized, what if I'm not around long enough to see life happen? I can't keep saying life happens to get out of exercising when newspapers, magazines, t.v. news..even OPRAH, is telling us about the alarming rates of Diabetes 2. I decided to get off of my butt (I know that it's physically impossible to do this) and start blogging today with the hope that I could keep the exercise thing going for 40 days, 40 minutes. I figured if atleast one person was holding me accountable, I could do it!
So here goes...40 days, 40 minutes. Wish me luck!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day 40 - The End of the Journey
Day 40! Wow...can you believe it? Let me say it again...Day 40! Wooooo! Day 40! Day 40! Okay, just needed to get that out of my system. Day 40! Wooooo! Okay, really, that was it! Wooo! I'm really going to stop now. Really. Yes, really.
Yesterday, I had lots of ideas going around in my head about how I wanted to spend Day 40. I thought about making 40 gifts and giving them to each volunteer I saw for the day. But, my daughter was home, sick from school, and that would limit the amount of gifts I could give out during the day.
I thought about 40 Random Acts of Kindness, but they would have been limited to just my family, since we're staying indoors and making sure not to pass cooties/germs around until we get better.
I spoke to hubby and he gave me a great idea. He suggested I donate one month's salary (my salary, since it's my 40 day b-day project ;-) to organizations that mean a lot to me. Wow, what a great idea! I spent most of my day googling organizations and homeschooling my daughter.
I donated to the March of Dimes, The American Diabetes Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, MOPS International, San Diego Rescue Mission and the San Diego Zoo, for their Animal Adoption program. My daughter chose to adopt a Polar Bear because she learned about them at school.
Well, I did it and I am sooo proud of myself. I have to admit, there were several volunteer activities I had planned that I had to cancel due to house repairs/construction and illness, but in the end, my goal was to show that no matter how busy your life is, you always have time to volunteer one way or another...even if that volunteer opportunity is a small one. You can make a difference in the life of someone, all it takes is 1 minute...okay, maybe you need more than 1 minute, but I think you get the idea.
To the 2 people who are reading my blog, thank you for keeping me accountable. There have been times that I briefly thought about quitting, especially when my volunteer plans weren't working out (Meals On Wheels, Blood Drive, Crossing Guard at the Middle School, Beach Clean-Up, Pet Walk, Birth Choice Volunteer), but I'm glad I hung in there and stayed on this Journey. I learned a lot from volunteering in different ministries and realized why I can never stay on top of cleaning my house.
So, what's next? Recess. Yup...recess. My kids tell me it's always important to go to recess so you can get a break from school. So, I'm going to recess right now until Sunday. After volunteering for so many days in a row, my sweatpants are starting to feel just a little snug. I think I might start a 40 days Exercise Project. Anyone want to be a part of it with me?
Thank you for reading this blog and being a part of my 40day b-day project. Have a wonderful day, stay happy, stay healthy and when you get a little bit of free time, choose to volunteer, it really does make a difference.
Christina Williams
Yesterday, I had lots of ideas going around in my head about how I wanted to spend Day 40. I thought about making 40 gifts and giving them to each volunteer I saw for the day. But, my daughter was home, sick from school, and that would limit the amount of gifts I could give out during the day.
I thought about 40 Random Acts of Kindness, but they would have been limited to just my family, since we're staying indoors and making sure not to pass cooties/germs around until we get better.
I spoke to hubby and he gave me a great idea. He suggested I donate one month's salary (my salary, since it's my 40 day b-day project ;-) to organizations that mean a lot to me. Wow, what a great idea! I spent most of my day googling organizations and homeschooling my daughter.
I donated to the March of Dimes, The American Diabetes Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, MOPS International, San Diego Rescue Mission and the San Diego Zoo, for their Animal Adoption program. My daughter chose to adopt a Polar Bear because she learned about them at school.
Well, I did it and I am sooo proud of myself. I have to admit, there were several volunteer activities I had planned that I had to cancel due to house repairs/construction and illness, but in the end, my goal was to show that no matter how busy your life is, you always have time to volunteer one way or another...even if that volunteer opportunity is a small one. You can make a difference in the life of someone, all it takes is 1 minute...okay, maybe you need more than 1 minute, but I think you get the idea.
To the 2 people who are reading my blog, thank you for keeping me accountable. There have been times that I briefly thought about quitting, especially when my volunteer plans weren't working out (Meals On Wheels, Blood Drive, Crossing Guard at the Middle School, Beach Clean-Up, Pet Walk, Birth Choice Volunteer), but I'm glad I hung in there and stayed on this Journey. I learned a lot from volunteering in different ministries and realized why I can never stay on top of cleaning my house.
So, what's next? Recess. Yup...recess. My kids tell me it's always important to go to recess so you can get a break from school. So, I'm going to recess right now until Sunday. After volunteering for so many days in a row, my sweatpants are starting to feel just a little snug. I think I might start a 40 days Exercise Project. Anyone want to be a part of it with me?
Thank you for reading this blog and being a part of my 40day b-day project. Have a wonderful day, stay happy, stay healthy and when you get a little bit of free time, choose to volunteer, it really does make a difference.
Christina Williams
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Day 39 - The push, shove, shove dance.
After many years of asking, pleading and bribing, hubby finally went through his closet and found lots of clothes to donate to the Amvets Service Foundation, "one of the largest member organizations in the USA devoted to resolving the ongoing problems resulting from World War II, Korea and Vietnam".
Hubby came down with a box full of clothes and a big smile before telling me that this was all I was going to get. So, I couldn't convince him to donate his Batman pants or a couple of shirts he calls his "Hawaiian shirts", or the big tan wool sweater that no matter what I do, keeps falling off of the hanger...but that's okay, I'll get them when he's not looking.
I'm just happy that I won't have to do the push, shove, shove dance when putting his clothes away and that the donated clothes will help support American Veterans too. For more information on the Amvets Service Foundation, check out their website http://www.amvetsnsf.org/.
Until tomorrow..have a fantastic day,
Christina
P.S. One more day to go! Woo Who!
Hubby came down with a box full of clothes and a big smile before telling me that this was all I was going to get. So, I couldn't convince him to donate his Batman pants or a couple of shirts he calls his "Hawaiian shirts", or the big tan wool sweater that no matter what I do, keeps falling off of the hanger...but that's okay, I'll get them when he's not looking.
I'm just happy that I won't have to do the push, shove, shove dance when putting his clothes away and that the donated clothes will help support American Veterans too. For more information on the Amvets Service Foundation, check out their website http://www.amvetsnsf.org/.
Until tomorrow..have a fantastic day,
Christina
P.S. One more day to go! Woo Who!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Day 38 - Two more days to go
Day 38...we're back at the doctor's office and my son has an ear infection and my daughter still has fluid in her lungs. A few more days at home...a few more days of this homeschooling thing. I can do it, just one day at a time. Never mind that my house is looking like a tornado is permanently stationed here...I have to take care of my kids, at the same time, they have to continue with their studies. Mean mom syndrome, what can I say. If I park them right in front of the t.v. or let them play with their DS or our home computer, they're just going to want to stay home from school, right?
So..day 38 presents some challenges. One, I have to get ready for next week's Girl Scout Meeting, two, I have to plan out curriculum for 2 CCD classes and three, it's laundry day because without it, no one would have clean underwear. So, I spent most of my day prepping for my volunteer activities, washing laundry..I didn't say folding it and putting it away..thank goodness for all those laundry baskets on sale at Target, and looking into a CPR class. Unfortunately, I'm starting to get sick, so I had to choose a day outside of my 40 days. Who wants to sit next to someone who has cooties and coughing for 3 hours?
I talked to my friend and she said it still counts :-).
Until tomorrow, make each day count!
Christina
So..day 38 presents some challenges. One, I have to get ready for next week's Girl Scout Meeting, two, I have to plan out curriculum for 2 CCD classes and three, it's laundry day because without it, no one would have clean underwear. So, I spent most of my day prepping for my volunteer activities, washing laundry..I didn't say folding it and putting it away..thank goodness for all those laundry baskets on sale at Target, and looking into a CPR class. Unfortunately, I'm starting to get sick, so I had to choose a day outside of my 40 days. Who wants to sit next to someone who has cooties and coughing for 3 hours?
I talked to my friend and she said it still counts :-).
Until tomorrow, make each day count!
Christina
Day 37 - Homeschooling and You Tube
Can you believe it? Me, homeschooling, never! I never thought I could do it with such a busy schedule, but that's exactly what I felt I did on Monday. My son was complaining of ear pain, vomiting, a runny nose and just looked exhausted. Poor little dude, he looked just like my daughter did last week. I saw a surge of energy from him when I told him I was going to keep him home, but that didn't last too long when he saw all the homework I had for him to do.
His response..."but, mom, I'm sick, cough, cough." My response..."I don't want you to think that staying home from school is fun. Your sister works with me for 5 hours a day on school work when she is home sick, so can you."
So...we started with the Math, learning prime numbers, reinforcing long division and multiple digit multiplication, we studied for his STAR test coming up and realized he's going to need LOTS OF HELP on the Language Arts section. Anyone know where I can find a good tutor? We learned about appositives, contractions, underlining vs quotes for books, magazine articles, poems, etc. I had no idea YOU TUBE had a wealth of information out there!!!! I bet you can even learn how to change a flat tire on YOU TUBE. Guess what, I just checked and you totally can.....how awesome is that?
My kids reminded me that they got recess, lunch and free reading time during school, so during the breaks, I stamped several cards for Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. Check out their website http://www.chla.org/site/c.ipINKTOAJsG/b.4952897/.
I found them on Google! I love Google, sorry Bing.
Have a great day!
Christina
His response..."but, mom, I'm sick, cough, cough." My response..."I don't want you to think that staying home from school is fun. Your sister works with me for 5 hours a day on school work when she is home sick, so can you."
So...we started with the Math, learning prime numbers, reinforcing long division and multiple digit multiplication, we studied for his STAR test coming up and realized he's going to need LOTS OF HELP on the Language Arts section. Anyone know where I can find a good tutor? We learned about appositives, contractions, underlining vs quotes for books, magazine articles, poems, etc. I had no idea YOU TUBE had a wealth of information out there!!!! I bet you can even learn how to change a flat tire on YOU TUBE. Guess what, I just checked and you totally can.....how awesome is that?
My kids reminded me that they got recess, lunch and free reading time during school, so during the breaks, I stamped several cards for Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. Check out their website http://www.chla.org/site/c.ipINKTOAJsG/b.4952897/.
I found them on Google! I love Google, sorry Bing.
Have a great day!
Christina
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day 36 - Operation Rice Bowl
Operation Rice Bowl. It comes once a year, during Lent, at our church. After having a bad night of sleep, yup, Caitlyn was back in our bed after being diagnosed with walking pneumonia, I was looking for something easy as my act of service for the day.
Operation Rice Bowl is a great opportunity "to pray and fast, to learn about the poverty overseas and give to those in need. Through Operation Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services, provides assistance to more than 100 countries in need. Our contributions go to farmers for training and to help them improve their crops, to children in Afghanistan so that they may have more opportunities for a quality education, to communities in Ethiopia, so that they may access reliable water sources even during times of drought. 25% goes to to support local hunger and poverty too. Operation Rice Bowl is a great opportunity to teach your own kids about world hunger"...especially when they aren't eating their broccoli or brussels sprouts.
So, I taught my 2 CCD classes in the morning, picked up more Coooookies for our Girl Scout Troop and looked for loose change for our Operation Rice Bowl box. We were going to go on a Scavenger Hunt to look for the loose change, but we were all tired so we spent the rest of the day just sleeping.
Have a great day..stay healthy, get happy and get some sleep!
Christina
P.S. For more information on Operation Rice Bowl, check out their website: http://orb.crs.org/.
Operation Rice Bowl is a great opportunity "to pray and fast, to learn about the poverty overseas and give to those in need. Through Operation Rice Bowl, Catholic Relief Services, provides assistance to more than 100 countries in need. Our contributions go to farmers for training and to help them improve their crops, to children in Afghanistan so that they may have more opportunities for a quality education, to communities in Ethiopia, so that they may access reliable water sources even during times of drought. 25% goes to to support local hunger and poverty too. Operation Rice Bowl is a great opportunity to teach your own kids about world hunger"...especially when they aren't eating their broccoli or brussels sprouts.
So, I taught my 2 CCD classes in the morning, picked up more Coooookies for our Girl Scout Troop and looked for loose change for our Operation Rice Bowl box. We were going to go on a Scavenger Hunt to look for the loose change, but we were all tired so we spent the rest of the day just sleeping.
Have a great day..stay healthy, get happy and get some sleep!
Christina
P.S. For more information on Operation Rice Bowl, check out their website: http://orb.crs.org/.
Day 35 - Camp Winacka
Oh yeah...talk about your basic driving up a mountain with silver railings, don't look down, try really hard not to get car sick, on a rainy day sort of adventure. On Saturday, our Girl Scout Troop went to Camp Winacka to celebrate World Thinking Day and get a little, a very little, but big enough for me taste of the camping life.
We started the day with a nice drive up to Julian. It was pleasant until we got to those really tiny roads to get to the campsite. I had to act really cool since I was the passenger, but inside I was thinking, jeez, what happens when 2 cars try to use this road built large enough for one of those mini cars. Thank goodness our driver was confident and cool about driving the very, very tiny roads with a long way down. Hmm...maybe she couldn't see out of my window and that was a good thing :-). Note to self: don't look out the window when driving up or down a mountain.
While we were there, we learned a lot about other countries. We got to see other Girl Scout Troops perform dances and skits from around the world. Each table was decorated with special items from the represented country and there were even some crafts at the tables too. I was amazed to see how well the older girls worked together to put on this event and thankful for the Girl Scout moms in our troop who worked together to make this a memorable experience for our Girl Scout Troop. Our daisies had so much fun performing their Indian dance and the girls did a totally awesome job of dancing too!
On the way I home, I decided not to look out the window and had a great time talking with the Girl Scout mommies in the car.
Until tomorrow, have a cookie delicious day!
Christina
We started the day with a nice drive up to Julian. It was pleasant until we got to those really tiny roads to get to the campsite. I had to act really cool since I was the passenger, but inside I was thinking, jeez, what happens when 2 cars try to use this road built large enough for one of those mini cars. Thank goodness our driver was confident and cool about driving the very, very tiny roads with a long way down. Hmm...maybe she couldn't see out of my window and that was a good thing :-). Note to self: don't look out the window when driving up or down a mountain.
While we were there, we learned a lot about other countries. We got to see other Girl Scout Troops perform dances and skits from around the world. Each table was decorated with special items from the represented country and there were even some crafts at the tables too. I was amazed to see how well the older girls worked together to put on this event and thankful for the Girl Scout moms in our troop who worked together to make this a memorable experience for our Girl Scout Troop. Our daisies had so much fun performing their Indian dance and the girls did a totally awesome job of dancing too!
On the way I home, I decided not to look out the window and had a great time talking with the Girl Scout mommies in the car.
Until tomorrow, have a cookie delicious day!
Christina
Friday, February 26, 2010
Day 34 - Free Kibble
Wow..encampment is one day away. With so much to do for Girl Scouts, I was able to find this website on Google: http://www.freekibble.com. I just donated 20 pieces of free kibble by answering a trivia question.
Here's information taken directly from the freekibble.com website:
Mimi Ausland, a 12 year old girl from Bend, Oregon, wanted to help feed the hungry animals at her local animal shelter. “There are 10’s of thousands of dogs and cats in animal shelters across the country, all needing to be fed a good meal.” Say hello to freekibble.com and freekibblekat.com!.
Freekibble.com's primary mission is to provide good, healthy food to dogs and cats to those shelters who are working so hard to see that none of them go hungry - they need our help. In addition to providing free kibble to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, we've added 13 new shelters to the program (from Oregon to Florida!) and plan to expand the program to many more! Thanks to everyone for supporting freekibble by playing the trivia game - every piece of kibble counts!
We're very happy to say that we're partnering with our Founding Sponsor Castor & Pollux, as well asCanidae Dog Food to feed these hungry dogs and cats a very high quality, all natural kibble - a very decent dinner! Thank you Castor & Pollux and Canidae Dog Food!
We also want to make it easy and fun for you to help provide free kibble by playing Bow-Wow Trivia - and we hope you learn a few interesting things about dogs and cats along the way. Thanks and enjoy!
I love it when young kids take action and make positive contributions to help mankind and animal kind too.
Until tomorrow, have a te"ruff"ic day!
Christina
Here's information taken directly from the freekibble.com website:
Mimi Ausland, a 12 year old girl from Bend, Oregon, wanted to help feed the hungry animals at her local animal shelter. “There are 10’s of thousands of dogs and cats in animal shelters across the country, all needing to be fed a good meal.” Say hello to freekibble.com and freekibblekat.com!.
Freekibble.com's primary mission is to provide good, healthy food to dogs and cats to those shelters who are working so hard to see that none of them go hungry - they need our help. In addition to providing free kibble to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, we've added 13 new shelters to the program (from Oregon to Florida!) and plan to expand the program to many more! Thanks to everyone for supporting freekibble by playing the trivia game - every piece of kibble counts!
We're very happy to say that we're partnering with our Founding Sponsor Castor & Pollux, as well asCanidae Dog Food to feed these hungry dogs and cats a very high quality, all natural kibble - a very decent dinner! Thank you Castor & Pollux and Canidae Dog Food!
We also want to make it easy and fun for you to help provide free kibble by playing Bow-Wow Trivia - and we hope you learn a few interesting things about dogs and cats along the way. Thanks and enjoy!
I love it when young kids take action and make positive contributions to help mankind and animal kind too.
Until tomorrow, have a te"ruff"ic day!
Christina
Day 33 - Slowing down
There comes a time in our lives when we just need to slow down. Our life could be full of too many commitments, or possibly a very ambitious project (ahem), or maybe you just said yes to helping someone, even though you have way too many plates spinning over your head. Either way, life has a way of telling you to SLOW DOWN and just take it easy.
As a MOPS Leader, I've given devotionals on these SLOW DOWN days..the days that God tells you he has other plans for you...and maybe that means it's time to rest. I've been trying really hard all week to slow down and found out yesterday, that I'll be seeing a couple more slow down days for the rest of the week and possibly the next.
So yesterday, I took out my rubberstamps and ink pads and made a couple of Thank you, Birthday and Thinking of You cards for the local Hospice Center. I had lots of fun stamping and hopefully, created a card that will bring a smile to the person who receives it. I had so much fun, I'm thinking of stamping another set of cards, but this time for young cancer patients.
Until tomorrow, make it a great day!
Christina
As a MOPS Leader, I've given devotionals on these SLOW DOWN days..the days that God tells you he has other plans for you...and maybe that means it's time to rest. I've been trying really hard all week to slow down and found out yesterday, that I'll be seeing a couple more slow down days for the rest of the week and possibly the next.
So yesterday, I took out my rubberstamps and ink pads and made a couple of Thank you, Birthday and Thinking of You cards for the local Hospice Center. I had lots of fun stamping and hopefully, created a card that will bring a smile to the person who receives it. I had so much fun, I'm thinking of stamping another set of cards, but this time for young cancer patients.
Until tomorrow, make it a great day!
Christina
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Day 32 - Tunnel Vision
Tunnel vision...sometimes I have it, sometimes I don't. Yesterday, I had it. All day I took care of my daughter and cut, sorted, printed and put together 184 SWAPS for World Thinking Day. It was fun and my daughter got to help too. Hopefully, 184 girls will learn a little bit more about India and all of it's great wonders.
Have a fantastic day!
Christina
(8 more days to go)
Have a fantastic day!
Christina
(8 more days to go)
Day 31 - The dump all room
I picked up my daughter from school on Monday to find her complaining about her legs, tummy and the chatters...that's what she calls it when she gets the chills. I took her temperature and it was a whopping 103.8. I say...what happened? This morning we were walking the track, giggling, trying to jump rope (well, I was trying, she was the one doing all the jumping) and now, she's sick.
So...I had to change my volunteer plans yet again and come up with something different for Tuesday. Something that both of us could do together while she's recovering and I'm trying to figure out the whole Motrin/Tylenol schedule...was it every 4 hours or 3 hours ?
We sat in her room figuring out the game plan for the dump all room. That's what I call her room. Because every time we have a guest come over, miscellaneous toys go to the dump all room. Every time I clean, I pick-up and more toys go in the dump all room. If we have a playdate, the dump all room becomes the "Adventure room" full of surprises with each step you take.
Our plan was to donate tons of toys to AmVets. We got through one bag and that was all that she could do. She wanted to rest, take a bath, read a book and go to sleep. When she's better, we'll go through the rest of her room with the hope that the toys that get donated will bring a happy smile to kids in need.
Until tomorrow, have a healthy and happy day!
Christina
So...I had to change my volunteer plans yet again and come up with something different for Tuesday. Something that both of us could do together while she's recovering and I'm trying to figure out the whole Motrin/Tylenol schedule...was it every 4 hours or 3 hours ?
We sat in her room figuring out the game plan for the dump all room. That's what I call her room. Because every time we have a guest come over, miscellaneous toys go to the dump all room. Every time I clean, I pick-up and more toys go in the dump all room. If we have a playdate, the dump all room becomes the "Adventure room" full of surprises with each step you take.
Our plan was to donate tons of toys to AmVets. We got through one bag and that was all that she could do. She wanted to rest, take a bath, read a book and go to sleep. When she's better, we'll go through the rest of her room with the hope that the toys that get donated will bring a happy smile to kids in need.
Until tomorrow, have a healthy and happy day!
Christina
Monday, February 22, 2010
Day 30 - 10 more days to go
With 10 more days to go and a love for books, I thought it would be fitting to donate books to my local library. I have this bad habit of collecting books. I'll go to the local bookstore, buy a book and gently place it on my bookshelf. I repeat this process about once a month, knowing fully well that the last time I read a book that wasn't an instruction manual, assigned reading for class or a children's book was back in 1997. Wow..that was a long time ago.
So today, I spent most of the day pulling books out of the bookcase to donate to the local library. I hope these books will bring joy to those that read them. If you're looking for a book on sewing curtains, creating sock puppets or the Dummies Guide To Cooking With Children, let me know. I am sending many books to my local library tomorrow.
In just a few minutes, it will be tomorrow, so let me just write...have an awesome day!
Christina
So today, I spent most of the day pulling books out of the bookcase to donate to the local library. I hope these books will bring joy to those that read them. If you're looking for a book on sewing curtains, creating sock puppets or the Dummies Guide To Cooking With Children, let me know. I am sending many books to my local library tomorrow.
In just a few minutes, it will be tomorrow, so let me just write...have an awesome day!
Christina
Day 29 - More Cooookies
If sweatpants could talk, I'm sure mine would tell me to stop eating all those yummy Girl Scout cookies stored in my house. What can I say, I am my daughter's biggest fan, so I buy to support her, our Girl Scout Troop and our Girl Scout Council too.
Yesterday, we set up shop for our first ever booth sale at the local grocery store. We sold 76 boxes of cookies...how awesome is that! It was great to see the girls together, being polite and kind to each person that left the grocery store. They had big smiles and would tell everyone to have a nice day regardless of whether they bought cookies from us. It was a great learning experience for the girls and I was so happy to have so many wonderful mom volunteers to be helping out at the event. Hubby even helped out too by providing his expert advice from his Cub Scout popcorn selling days.
My son thought he could get Community Service Hours for helping out, but I didn't think playing with his Nintendo DS counted as community service.
Until tomorrow..have a great day!
Christina
Yesterday, we set up shop for our first ever booth sale at the local grocery store. We sold 76 boxes of cookies...how awesome is that! It was great to see the girls together, being polite and kind to each person that left the grocery store. They had big smiles and would tell everyone to have a nice day regardless of whether they bought cookies from us. It was a great learning experience for the girls and I was so happy to have so many wonderful mom volunteers to be helping out at the event. Hubby even helped out too by providing his expert advice from his Cub Scout popcorn selling days.
My son thought he could get Community Service Hours for helping out, but I didn't think playing with his Nintendo DS counted as community service.
Until tomorrow..have a great day!
Christina
Day 28 - The Super Secret Surprise Baby Shower
Saturday was a crazy day! I was on a mission. My mission was to bring my friend, Jonette, to her super secret surprise baby shower. I secretly trained for this mission by watching old spy movies like The Bourne Ultimatum, Fletch (wait..that's not a spy movie, but it was funny), Spy Kids 3D and my favorite t.v. show, Chuck. It all came crashing down when my friend decided she was going to drive instead of me. All that training and I was about to blow my cover. Luckily, she picked me up late enough (my goal was to stall her until they were ready for her at the party) that we arrived at the party on time. Woo Who!
On our way to the party, she tells me how wonderful it is that I have done so much for MOPS since the time I started the group. (Jonette is an original, she was one of our first MOPS mommies to join. She's seen me grow into my Leadership role and our MOPS Steering Team too. She's seen MOPS go from being this great idea to what it's become now, a great place for moms to come and share and encourage each other.) Her words were kind and generous, but what stood out the most, were the words that came next. She spoke about my husband...how wonderful it is that he supports me in all of the volunteer work that I do. Even though he has a job that keeps him really busy, he still makes time for me, the kids and my volunteer responsibilities. He's always there for us and for that, I am very grateful.
So, Saturday, I just spent time helping hubby with things that needed to get done for his work and volunteer role in Cub Scouts...and I also gave him lots of free time to play his PSP while I took care of the kids.
Just incase you're wondering about the super secret surprise baby shower....I did manage to pull it off but what amazed me was that my friend, Emily, along with my CACE and MOPS friends managed to pull the biggest spy job ever...a super secret surprise 40th b-day party for me. They sure pulled a fast one on me. I guess I need to keep watching more spy flicks. I can't wait until The Spy Next Door comes out on DVD, anyone want to come over and see the movie with me?
Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
On our way to the party, she tells me how wonderful it is that I have done so much for MOPS since the time I started the group. (Jonette is an original, she was one of our first MOPS mommies to join. She's seen me grow into my Leadership role and our MOPS Steering Team too. She's seen MOPS go from being this great idea to what it's become now, a great place for moms to come and share and encourage each other.) Her words were kind and generous, but what stood out the most, were the words that came next. She spoke about my husband...how wonderful it is that he supports me in all of the volunteer work that I do. Even though he has a job that keeps him really busy, he still makes time for me, the kids and my volunteer responsibilities. He's always there for us and for that, I am very grateful.
So, Saturday, I just spent time helping hubby with things that needed to get done for his work and volunteer role in Cub Scouts...and I also gave him lots of free time to play his PSP while I took care of the kids.
Just incase you're wondering about the super secret surprise baby shower....I did manage to pull it off but what amazed me was that my friend, Emily, along with my CACE and MOPS friends managed to pull the biggest spy job ever...a super secret surprise 40th b-day party for me. They sure pulled a fast one on me. I guess I need to keep watching more spy flicks. I can't wait until The Spy Next Door comes out on DVD, anyone want to come over and see the movie with me?
Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Day 27 - The first ones there and one of the last ones to leave.
Friday night...time to P-A-R-T-Y! Okay..so the party was really the Cub Scout Blue and Gold Dinner with three kids in tow, speakers, speaker stands, a dolly, markers, crayons...well, you can imagine what's involved in putting an event together for cub scouts and their families.
We had one dedicated Cubmaster plan the event and we were there to help bring extra supplies, to set-up the tables, put the table cloths on and sprinkle the star confetti too. Caitlyn had a real blast sprinkling the star confetti. I found some this morning as I folded her jeans..they were in her jeans and some bits in my dryer...I have yet to check the washing machine. I think I'm too afraid, so I am updating my blog instead.
Okay...back to the event. Although the Cubmaster didn't ask for our help, we helped him anyway. Because many hands makes all jobs easier. And no one can do the job alone, we all need help. We were happy to be the first ones there and one of the last ones to leave after clean-up.
Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
We had one dedicated Cubmaster plan the event and we were there to help bring extra supplies, to set-up the tables, put the table cloths on and sprinkle the star confetti too. Caitlyn had a real blast sprinkling the star confetti. I found some this morning as I folded her jeans..they were in her jeans and some bits in my dryer...I have yet to check the washing machine. I think I'm too afraid, so I am updating my blog instead.
Okay...back to the event. Although the Cubmaster didn't ask for our help, we helped him anyway. Because many hands makes all jobs easier. And no one can do the job alone, we all need help. We were happy to be the first ones there and one of the last ones to leave after clean-up.
Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 26 - "Be the change you wish to see in the world."
Last year, we got some bad news at our school. We found out that Budget Cuts were going to affect our school programs, increase child/teacher ratios in our classrooms, lay off teachers and Kindergarten Aides. It was a sad announcement for our school and the PTO and parents got involved and fought for funds. We lost the big battle, but we were able to keep the class sizes down to a reasonable level.
So last year, I decided that I was going to make a difference...even if it was just a little dent. I offered to volunteer in the Kindergarten classroom (since we lost our Kindergarten Aides) for the following school year, even though my daughter was heading to first grade. One of my friends thought I was crazy...why volunteer for a classroom where your child doesn't benefit from you volunteering. I could see her point of view, I was already volunteering at capacity, but then I could see mine too.
We're in this world together...going through the bad and the good. Our children really are our future and the more we help them, the more we help ourselves and generations to come. I believe that children can make positive changes in this world. They are dreamers..they want people to be nice (World Peace), they want their mommies, daddies, family members or friends to get better (to develop a cure for Cancer or any other disease), they want their family members to make time for them and have fun playing with them (make technological advances that increase productivity in a short amount of time), they want their families and friends to get better after having a boo boo (to make advances in the medical communities so recovery time is shorter), they want to make changes for the benefit of mankind because they know it's a good thing to dance, have fun and get along.
I believe it's our job as parents, teachers, staff and volunteers to encourage all kids to succeed, not just our own. To let all kids know that they can make a difference in the world, if they just work hard and believe in themselves. It's our job to build up their confidence and self esteem. Every little bit of encouragement helps. Teachers can't do it by themselves, they need volunteers. They need us!
So today, I volunteered to help with the Math Club. I had a blast working with kids as they practiced reading and writing their numbers. And of course, I got to see one of my favorite teachers too.
Until tomorrow...where I have absolutely nothing lined up for volunteering....have a great day!
Christina
P.S. I thought I would leave you with one quote today. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
So last year, I decided that I was going to make a difference...even if it was just a little dent. I offered to volunteer in the Kindergarten classroom (since we lost our Kindergarten Aides) for the following school year, even though my daughter was heading to first grade. One of my friends thought I was crazy...why volunteer for a classroom where your child doesn't benefit from you volunteering. I could see her point of view, I was already volunteering at capacity, but then I could see mine too.
We're in this world together...going through the bad and the good. Our children really are our future and the more we help them, the more we help ourselves and generations to come. I believe that children can make positive changes in this world. They are dreamers..they want people to be nice (World Peace), they want their mommies, daddies, family members or friends to get better (to develop a cure for Cancer or any other disease), they want their family members to make time for them and have fun playing with them (make technological advances that increase productivity in a short amount of time), they want their families and friends to get better after having a boo boo (to make advances in the medical communities so recovery time is shorter), they want to make changes for the benefit of mankind because they know it's a good thing to dance, have fun and get along.
I believe it's our job as parents, teachers, staff and volunteers to encourage all kids to succeed, not just our own. To let all kids know that they can make a difference in the world, if they just work hard and believe in themselves. It's our job to build up their confidence and self esteem. Every little bit of encouragement helps. Teachers can't do it by themselves, they need volunteers. They need us!
So today, I volunteered to help with the Math Club. I had a blast working with kids as they practiced reading and writing their numbers. And of course, I got to see one of my favorite teachers too.
Until tomorrow...where I have absolutely nothing lined up for volunteering....have a great day!
Christina
P.S. I thought I would leave you with one quote today. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Day 25 - The Step Stool
Last year, I promised my son's third grade teacher that I would help her and her students decorate envelopes for the school's Post Office. Life got in the way (mostly my schedule) and the envelopes never got decorated. Since that time, the box with 300 + envelopes has gone through many changes...it's been placed in the to-do pile, it's seen the right and left side of my office, it's been a bed for my daughter's stuffed animals and quiet recently, saved from being a step stool.
So today, I grabbed a couple of rubber stamps, ink pads and the "step stool". I got so busy stamping that I nearly covered myself in Brilliant Blue ink. I was minutes away from looking like one of the guys in the Blue Man Group. Luckily, I found a strong cleanser from my rubberstamping days and it took most of the ink off. Phew!
Tomorrow, I'll slip the "step stool" in her teacher's cubby and surprise her with decorated envelopes for the school Post Office. Random Acts of Kindness rule!
Until tomorrow, have a happy stamping day!
Christina
So today, I grabbed a couple of rubber stamps, ink pads and the "step stool". I got so busy stamping that I nearly covered myself in Brilliant Blue ink. I was minutes away from looking like one of the guys in the Blue Man Group. Luckily, I found a strong cleanser from my rubberstamping days and it took most of the ink off. Phew!
Tomorrow, I'll slip the "step stool" in her teacher's cubby and surprise her with decorated envelopes for the school Post Office. Random Acts of Kindness rule!
Until tomorrow, have a happy stamping day!
Christina
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day 24 - The Fly
Today, I volunteered as a MOPS Mentor for an organization called Mothers of Preschoolers. It's an organization created to meet the needs of every mom. Yup, every mom..that means working moms, military moms, stay-at-home moms, teen moms, single moms, pregnant moms. MOPS is for moms that want to be the best moms they can be to their kids and family.
It's a group that provides a caring atmosphere where moms can encourage each other and provide support. Where a mom can feel safe without the risk of being judged and build strong relationships with other moms. We work on crafts, we have playdates, we have mom's night out, we get involved in community service projects, we have meaningful discussions and inspiring speakers.
Today's speaker talked about depression in kids and women and I talked about a fly and bad habits. I didn't get a standing ovation ;-), but I did get several moms come up to me after the meeting to thank me for the 5 minute devotional.
If you're a mom of a preschooler (birth-Kindergarten age), I encourage you to check out your local MOPS group at http://www.mops.org/. If your kids are older, check out a group called Moms Next (A Community for Mothers of School Aged Kids).
Well, I'm off to watch American Idol. Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
It's a group that provides a caring atmosphere where moms can encourage each other and provide support. Where a mom can feel safe without the risk of being judged and build strong relationships with other moms. We work on crafts, we have playdates, we have mom's night out, we get involved in community service projects, we have meaningful discussions and inspiring speakers.
Today's speaker talked about depression in kids and women and I talked about a fly and bad habits. I didn't get a standing ovation ;-), but I did get several moms come up to me after the meeting to thank me for the 5 minute devotional.
If you're a mom of a preschooler (birth-Kindergarten age), I encourage you to check out your local MOPS group at http://www.mops.org/. If your kids are older, check out a group called Moms Next (A Community for Mothers of School Aged Kids).
Well, I'm off to watch American Idol. Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
Day 23 - Riding in my car like a big movie star
My daughter likes to sing this song she learned in preschool. It goes something like this...riding in my car, I am a big movie star. I am riding in my car, like a big movie star. I have my sunglasses on...I have my big hat on....I have my big scarf on....I am riding in my car like a big movie star. She sings it for about 10 minutes and during that time, my back seat boys are yelling to please turn the radio on, to open the windows...to do anything that would get my daughter to stop singing the song. I kinda like the fact that she's singing, and even if she's totally off key, she's having so much fun with her song that she just doesn't care what anyone else has to say about it.
So Monday, I decided to go riding in my car with my kids like a big movie star with my big hat, big scarf and big sunglasses on. We ran errands all day long and stopped at places like Goodwill and the Dry Cleaning place that accepted our Dress for Success donations. The kids were real troopers during the entire ride and of course, my daughter was singing...I am riding in my car, like a big movie star.
Until tomorrow, have a great day and don't forget to "sing like nobody is listening".
Christina
So Monday, I decided to go riding in my car with my kids like a big movie star with my big hat, big scarf and big sunglasses on. We ran errands all day long and stopped at places like Goodwill and the Dry Cleaning place that accepted our Dress for Success donations. The kids were real troopers during the entire ride and of course, my daughter was singing...I am riding in my car, like a big movie star.
Until tomorrow, have a great day and don't forget to "sing like nobody is listening".
Christina
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Day 22 - The one good thing about Diet Coke
Lent is just around the corner and soon, I'll have to give up something for 40 days (excluding Sunday's). I know that something is Diet Coke. Diet Coke and I go way back. We've been friends since high school, had some great times during college and an on and off relationship during the parenting years. For the last two years, we've had a love/hate relationship. I hate that I love to drink Diet Coke.
So today, I decided to cash in my coke rewards to make a clean slate of Diet Coke. As my youngest son and I went through the Coke awards (you can use your rewards to enter sweepstakes, get prizes and make donations), he kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to donate my points to the Boys and Girls Club. If I donated now, Coke rewards would double my points. It was a win-win situation, how could I refuse. Even though he didn't want me to press the enter button, I did it anyway. He walked away saying "Oh noooooo", but later gave me two thumbs up and a big smile.
I wonder if Diet Pepsi is okay to drink now that I've given up Diet Coke :-).
Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
So today, I decided to cash in my coke rewards to make a clean slate of Diet Coke. As my youngest son and I went through the Coke awards (you can use your rewards to enter sweepstakes, get prizes and make donations), he kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to donate my points to the Boys and Girls Club. If I donated now, Coke rewards would double my points. It was a win-win situation, how could I refuse. Even though he didn't want me to press the enter button, I did it anyway. He walked away saying "Oh noooooo", but later gave me two thumbs up and a big smile.
I wonder if Diet Pepsi is okay to drink now that I've given up Diet Coke :-).
Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
Day 21 - Letting go of the past
I have a big space in my closet full of size 0, 2 and 4 clothes. It's been a couple of years (seriously...a couple of years) since I've been able to fit into anything that small, so I decided to pack it all up and donate it to Goodwill. I thought it would be hard to let go of these items, but it wasn't. My dreams of once again fitting into my Guess Size 2 jeans was trumped by the thought of $ going to Goodwill and my jeans going to a good home.
I had the boys and my daughter clear out their closets too. Hubby's closet is next, I just have to find him. I think he's hiding from me.
For more information about Goodwill and/or where to donate your items, please check out their website http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/.
I had the boys and my daughter clear out their closets too. Hubby's closet is next, I just have to find him. I think he's hiding from me.
For more information about Goodwill and/or where to donate your items, please check out their website http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Day 20 - Hey, what kind of a playdate is this?
That's what my son said as I packed several plastic gloves and a trashbag for our playdate at the local park. I explained to him that we were going to meet another family at the park and pick up trash for 15 minutes before playing. I told my kids that it was going to be lots of fun and that we would be helping our community at the same time. Afterward, they could run around like crazy kids as long as no one found out I was their mother. They were happy with that answer, so we got out of the car and waited for our friends.
Our friends showed up and before we knew it, we were going down a steep trail searching for trash. My friend, Emily, showed up with her 2 inch heels :-) and was a trooper, she even went over the wooden rail just to pick up a few pieces of trash. After 15 minutes of walking and not finding much trash, we decided to hit the playground area of the park...where we found juice boxes, straws, cigarette butts (is butt one of those blooper words), plastic wrappers, candy wrappers, band-aids, something totally gross looking, wads of paper and lots of gum.
The kids started playing together and then it was time to go home for lunch. On the way home, I asked my kids what they thought of our playdate. The boys said it was boring to pick-up trash, but that they had fun playing tag. (I do teach them to be honest about things...maybe a little too much.) The good news is that a couple of seconds later, my son shared that even though picking up trash was boring, he was glad he did it because there were lots of little kids at the park today and eating cigarettes causes lung cancer. That was good enough for me.
Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
Our friends showed up and before we knew it, we were going down a steep trail searching for trash. My friend, Emily, showed up with her 2 inch heels :-) and was a trooper, she even went over the wooden rail just to pick up a few pieces of trash. After 15 minutes of walking and not finding much trash, we decided to hit the playground area of the park...where we found juice boxes, straws, cigarette butts (is butt one of those blooper words), plastic wrappers, candy wrappers, band-aids, something totally gross looking, wads of paper and lots of gum.
The kids started playing together and then it was time to go home for lunch. On the way home, I asked my kids what they thought of our playdate. The boys said it was boring to pick-up trash, but that they had fun playing tag. (I do teach them to be honest about things...maybe a little too much.) The good news is that a couple of seconds later, my son shared that even though picking up trash was boring, he was glad he did it because there were lots of little kids at the park today and eating cigarettes causes lung cancer. That was good enough for me.
Until tomorrow, have a great day!
Christina
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Day 19 - YEAY vs YEAH!
Totally unexpected, I dropped by my son's classroom and volunteered for about an hour. It was fun helping kids create valentine gift sacks and some even learned how to make glasses out of die cuts to make some pretty cool looking paper glasses. I guess sometimes I can get pretty crafty. Too bad the teacher didn't have a hot glue gun and a Dremel...imagine what we could have made with those tools.
Have a great president's day weekend! Four days off of school...YEAH! I would have written YEAY, but the kids told me YEAY was "so out" for 2010.
Christina
Have a great president's day weekend! Four days off of school...YEAH! I would have written YEAY, but the kids told me YEAY was "so out" for 2010.
Christina
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Day 18 - Save the Sack Lunch, Save the World
Today, I woke up super early to make sandwiches for the Sack Lunch Ministry in Vista. I was excited about the volunteer opportunity for several reasons. 1.) I didn't have to worry about the possibility of a kitchen fire in my home. 2.) I can do sandwiches...I really can. I can't cook, but I can make sandwiches (as long as I don't have to cook anything that goes in them). 3.) Considering our resources, no one should have to go without food, not even for one day.
Thanks to my friend Anna for offering this volunteer opportunity. It felt good to give back to the community and to know that 12 people (that's how many sandwiches I made) will have a healthy ham sandwich to eat today.
If you're interested in making sandwiches or donating essential food items/supplies, please contact St. Francis - Sack Lunch Ministry at 760-945-8000 or stfrancis-sacklunch@cox.net.
Until tomorrow, make it a great day!
Christina
P.S. Can you tell what my favorite TV show is from the title?
Thanks to my friend Anna for offering this volunteer opportunity. It felt good to give back to the community and to know that 12 people (that's how many sandwiches I made) will have a healthy ham sandwich to eat today.
If you're interested in making sandwiches or donating essential food items/supplies, please contact St. Francis - Sack Lunch Ministry at 760-945-8000 or stfrancis-sacklunch@cox.net.
Until tomorrow, make it a great day!
Christina
P.S. Can you tell what my favorite TV show is from the title?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day 17 - Girl Scouts
Wow...I can't believe it's Day 17 and I'm still here trying to find things to volunteer for...anyone have any ideas? I'm counting my Girl Scout day as a volunteer day :-) since I didn't have time to research other options. Today, we learned an Indian dance from one of the mom's in our troop and we talked about Stranger Danger and how to keep safe while selling Girl Scout Cookies in front of grocery stores. We decorated mini chalkboards for our craft (all of the girls put a special message on their boards for their mommies) and closed the day with a Friendship Circle. It was a great day...no one squeezed too hard and only 2 girls fell after completing the Friendship Circle. Someday, no one will fall and that will be a good day too.
Until tomorrow, have a great day! And if you need any Girl Scout cookies, just let me know. We have 157 more boxes to sell until we earn the Panda ;-).
Christina
Until tomorrow, have a great day! And if you need any Girl Scout cookies, just let me know. We have 157 more boxes to sell until we earn the Panda ;-).
Christina
Day 16 - More Cooookies
By the time we're done with selling Girl Scout Cookies, I'm either going to have to start a 40 day shopping journey for new clothes (that fit) or a 40 day workout journey. Anyone interested in working out for 40 straight days in a row? I'm seriously thinking about it!
On Monday, I volunteered our house to be the Cookie Cupboard for our troop. It's been a blast having the cookies here...I get to practice self-control. So far, I'm 0-1, but tomorrow is another day. I'm optimistic and if I fail, I won't post...sounds good to me.
Until tomorrow, I'll be working with my son on his Mission Project. Even though we didn't wait until the last minute...it always feels like we're never done with a project until it's due.
Make it a great day!
Christina
On Monday, I volunteered our house to be the Cookie Cupboard for our troop. It's been a blast having the cookies here...I get to practice self-control. So far, I'm 0-1, but tomorrow is another day. I'm optimistic and if I fail, I won't post...sounds good to me.
Until tomorrow, I'll be working with my son on his Mission Project. Even though we didn't wait until the last minute...it always feels like we're never done with a project until it's due.
Make it a great day!
Christina
Monday, February 8, 2010
Day 15 - Super gross!
Yesterday, the kids from one of my CCD classes and I spent 15 minutes walking around church grounds picking up trash. It was part of our Community Service project for January. The lesson for the day was a great one. God calls us to lead and to share our gifts during our time on Earth. Sometimes, we're afraid to share our gifts for being made fun of and sometimes, we're afraid to lead because we don't think we have the skills or confidence to be a leader. We forget to put faith into God's plan and sometimes, we rely on the negative comments other people make instead. We forget that God wouldn't give us something we couldn't handle and we end up being scared to share something that could make our world so great!
Each of us has a unique set of skills and when we share our skills, we accomplish something wonderful! So yesterday, we put on plastic gloves, grabbed a trash bag and searched for trash in the most unlikely places. We found plastic wrappers in the lawn, a Cars hat, pencils, swirly crayons, a rice krispie treat wrapper, a Ziploc bag full of goldfish crumbs and other items too. We even found pink, blue and white gum in the shrubs to which I just said, super gross! I mean how hard could it be to keep on chewing your gum until you get to a trash can.
I was super proud of my CCD kids. They used their intuitive skills and found trash in the most unlikely places. They weren't afraid of anything, they just knew they were doing something good to make our church beautiful and to thank God too.
Until my next post, have a wonderful day!
Christina
Each of us has a unique set of skills and when we share our skills, we accomplish something wonderful! So yesterday, we put on plastic gloves, grabbed a trash bag and searched for trash in the most unlikely places. We found plastic wrappers in the lawn, a Cars hat, pencils, swirly crayons, a rice krispie treat wrapper, a Ziploc bag full of goldfish crumbs and other items too. We even found pink, blue and white gum in the shrubs to which I just said, super gross! I mean how hard could it be to keep on chewing your gum until you get to a trash can.
I was super proud of my CCD kids. They used their intuitive skills and found trash in the most unlikely places. They weren't afraid of anything, they just knew they were doing something good to make our church beautiful and to thank God too.
Until my next post, have a wonderful day!
Christina
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