2012 – What do you have in store?

So – I recently started doing Pinterest, and it’s a little addictive. It’s great though, because it really inspires me to do something. Whether that’s clean my house, plan for my future or get crafty again, it inspires.

I’ve decided that I’m going to do Project Life by Becky Higgins. This is in the scrapbooking genre. It’s whatever you want it to be, on whatever level. For me personally, it will be a smashing way to document 52 weeks of life in a non-overwhelming way. It will be a project to encourage me to take photos, and actually savor the moments in life happening all around me. Most importantly, it will let me know focus on work when I’m not supposed to be.

2012 is starting off well so far. We done a couple of major things.

1. We got iPads for Christmas and downloaded two awesome apps. Menu Planner and Mint.com
2. Menu Planner will really ease my weekly menu planning and creating my shopping lists. All about being healthier.
3. Mint.com is all about staying on budget and not spending money on stupid stuff that won’t amount to a more enjoyable life.

Personally, we had a pretty stellar NYE dinner with friends at 35th Street Bistro.

Finish off 2011

This is just a finalized post from my diet, that at some point I stopped updating people on. I actually ended up losing 31 lbs in 2011. I’ve gained about 4 lbs back over the holidays. I blame it on the last two days that I’ve done a little bit of excercise. So – back on to 2012 challenges, a new role at work, and the year of enjoyable experiences!!

Two Week Mark

 

It’s been two weeks since my first weigh in, which means I completed my third weigh in today. The first week, while we were detoxing in, seemed to go pretty well. I lost 2.4 pounds that week and completed 5 days of detox. We would have kept going, but we ran out of the shake and my Dr. didn’t have any more.  Detox wasn’t terrible, but I did start to feel larthargic as the day went on. After dinner, the only time I would actually chew protein, I would feel fine.

Week 2: 207.4 (-2.4)

Saturday we headed to the Methow Valley and camped in in the town of Winthrop. It was my first time there and we were celebrating my brother’s girlfriend’s birthday. It’s actually a pretty cool little town. A bit of a trek compared to the short 2.5 hours to Leavenworth, this is 3.5 hours. However, it’s like a western version of Leavenworth, and somewhere that I definitely think I’ll return to so that I can explore to my hearts content.  We got back on Monday.

Wednesday I had a charity golf tournament at Washington National Golfcourse, down in Auburn. Even though it’s an hour away, I couldn’t turn down free golf at Washington National. It was a great golf course, rather short, but good. I’ve been preparing for my work travels to Europe. I am sad that I’ll be going on this adventure without Adam. He just makes new experiences so much more fun when we’re together. However, it is my first trip to Europe so I really hope that I can just take it for what it is, and enjoy the experience. Today, I’m finishing preparing for the trip, picking up a few last minute items, and doing some laundry. I haven’t exactly been healthy this last week, but I still lost 0.2 pounds! And that, my friends, is better than gaining.

Week 3: 207.2 (-2.6)

Detox – a la cleanse

I abandom my blog for long periods of time. Life happens and I start focusing on living it, and forget about making sure I keep those memories. I can’t say that I’m upset with myself for doing it, just acknowleging that it happens.

My company is doing some pretty creative things to encourage people to be healthier, and I have to say, that I’m impressed they are trying. We all complete these confidential wellness exams every year, they get a report that says what the top priorities should be (smoking and weight loss this year). Based on that feedback, they pick programs designed to help people combat the issues. Obviously, it’s no surprise that I have issue with the weight myself. One of the their weightloss incentives (I say one of, because there are several) is a Biggest Loser competition. The winner will get an all expense paid trip to the Domincan Republic. So, I say to myself, Self, what better time than now?

I went to my homeopathic Dr. and he’s going to set me up on a special diet. I don’t really want to talk about the details of the special diet until I’ve seen how it works out. It’s kinda personal. I’m going to Europe for work from July 17-29 and he suggested I start that diet after the trip. In the mean time, he recommended that I complete this detox cleanse. Basically cleans out all the chemicals, etc that have been building up in my system for years. In an effort to keep me on track, DH has graciously agreed to also participate in the cleanse.

Today is day one. I do not feel hungry, but I have been going to the bathroom like crazy. I have consumed 5 glasses of water, which is 5 more glasses than I would have normally consumed at this point in the day.

In another effort to keep me on track. I will be doing weekly weigh-ins at Weight Watchers. I don’t intend to stay for the meetings, but I intend to weigh myself.

When I get back from Europe, I will get weighed and thoroughly measured by my Dr.’s office and will report back.

By the way, Europe is the chance of a lifetime. I have to go for work, but I get to go to Europe! Dublin, London, Prague and Luxembourg are on the agenda and I am PUMPED!

Current Weight: 209.8

Confessions

1. I put monosodium glutamate on my grilled cheese sandwiches. That’s right, I do add MSG to things. It’s amazing!

2. I feed my cats every morning, while I’m on the toilet. Otherwise, Wicket claws my legs until I feed him.

3. I shower quickly, because I hate being wet. There is nothing cool about being covered in water unless your a) at a water park  b) dehydrated or c) really sweaty

4. I, apparently, pick my nose in my sleep. I have yet to witness said event, so I am highly disinclined to believe my husbands stories about this.

5. I’m somewhat anal when it comes to certain things. I hate loose hairs on my pillow, or on Adam when he sheds. I clean my ears way too often. I also clean my nails a lot. I have to pick a scab. Eyeboogers must be removed even if it makes your eyes hurt.

6. I love dresses and girly things.

What are your six fun confessions?

Review: Robin Hood & Water For Elephants

It’s been a while. Like I’ve said before, work is busy. I just finished up traveling to Houston and Denver, and am now settling back into life at home.

I am probably behind the curve on this, but I finally got a chance to see Robin Hood with Russell Crowe.

I have to say that I really loved it. It was a great movie. Right off the bat I realized one person looked familiar, the guy who played all the songs. I turned to Adam and said, “He really looks like that guy from Great Big Sea”. They are a folkish group from Newfoundland that the hubs and I had the pleasure of seeing perform. Quick imdb search and confirmed that it is, indeed, Alan from Great Big Sea. So, that was a cool little connection right away. Technically, I’m two degrees of separation from both Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. I’m just saying…

Secondly, I finished reading Water For Elephants, by Sara Gruen.

I have to say that I was in love withing the first few pages. The main characters sense of humor, and him being an old man really hit me. I love old men and have a soft endearing spot in my heart for them (especially if they wear old man hats). They remind me of my grandpa adn that just feels good. The story line was constantly entertaining and to take a glimpse at the old work of train circus was really fascinating. Did you know they were making it into a movie? It’s going to star Robert Pattinson, which I have mixed feelings about. I really wish they had gone with Ryan Gosling instead. But hey, that’s just personal preference I guess. All I have to say is that Team Edward better knock it out of the park or he’s going to be susceptible to some snarky comments and a place on my mental dart board.

That’s all I got for now.

Overheard While Thrifting

Man 1: I don’t have TV
Man 2: Really? You always seem to know what is really going on in the news.
Man 1: That is because I listen, and not to that CNN garbage.

Book Review – My Kindle Has Arrived!!

I know, another Kindle post. DEAL WITH IT!

Now that I have my uber awesome Kindle in hand, I find it hard to select a book digitally, and not by physically holding it and reading the witty jacket flap or back of the book. So, I thought I would start with some freebies: Here is what I downloaded:

Sounded decent, but hey, it’s free, so whatever.

I have never actually read this book, but figured, hey, why not. It never hurts to read a classic.

I’ve never read this one either, but it will kinda be something to refer back to when I’m boared.

Amazon Kindle Covers

I ordered a Kindle. I’ve wanted one forever, I just couldn’t push myself to spend the money. BUT, new job, more money and more traveling has made me believe that it is a very necessary gadget that I need.

Now, I am in the process of trying to figure out what case I want. This is a pretty tough decision. Do I want a stand? Do I want an integrated light? Do I want a sleeve vs. a case? I thought I would post some of the cases I like, but probably won’t buy.

JavoEdge

Kate Spade

DodoCase

Honestly, I’m a little disappointed in the selection and I may just need to fasion my own damn case…

I was hoping that Vaja Cases made something, but alas they don’t. Not that I could afford it anyway.

Merry Christmas Eve! – and Product Recommendation

A very Merry Christmas Eve to everyone. Can I tell you a secret? I have not baked a single thing this holiday season. This is very odd for me. I typically bake and gift up a storm, but I have not done a single thing….

Anyway, with winter in full swing, I thought it best to recommend one of my very favorite products to help deal with the cold weather.

Aveda Hand Relief  (and Foot Relief for that matter). It leaves your hands with the best supple, non greasy feeling. Goes on like butter, but give it a second to seep in and ugh, it’s fabulous.

In other news, I can’t wait for Christmas! Today is going to be a flurry of wrapping, cleaning, and watching movies He sees you when you’re sleeping….