June 22, 2010

Whoa! My Poor Neglected Blog

I can't believe how much I let this blog go without writing. Since I am going to yet again try to keep up, I thought I would change it up a little with a new format. :)

How far along? 16 weeks (this Thursday)
Total weight gain: 4 pounds
Symptoms: Hot - all.the.time. and a few leg cramps
Stretch marks: just a few
Sleep: once I am down for the count - I am OUT.
Food cravings: After barfing for about a month and a half, plus feeling green, I am happy to report that I am back to eating - mostly fruit like cherries and watermelon.
Maternity clothes: I have a Bellyband I wear most of the time but still fitting into my clothes thanks to the 10 pound weight lose from barfing.
Best moment of the week: Hoping it will be good results from my blood test - but hearing the heartbeat last week was awesome too.
Movement: None - but I had a dream I felt the baby moving. Strange.
Gender: We'll have to wait until December - not finding out. :)
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button: in (but shallow)
What I miss: beer. It's summer and it isn't the same without one cold beer.
What I am looking forward to: an ultrasound in a few weeks to see the little bean again.

So if you haven't heard yet, I am pregnant and expecting in December. I'm finding it all hard to believe. We found out in March and not soon after the good news, I had a really tough time with morning sickness. I ended up in the ER twice and also got nursed back to health after a week long stay with my in-laws. They were so awesome to take me in for a whole week and get me eating again. So that's the big news for now. We are not really going to announce it on any social networks for now, but if you are reading this - - please join us in the good news. :)

April 5, 2010

Checking In

Bored and thinking it might be time for a quarterly check-in.

Mind:
One-word description of the work week: Quiet (lots of people on vaca this week; wish I was one of them)
Books I've finished/Movies I've seen: Finally saw New Moon. Mostly read magazines last week.
News story that stuck with me: Dog getting killed at local dog park. Stupid owner to blame.
Ear Worm: (Otherwise known as the song stuck in my head this week): the theme song to Being Erica. It's stuck on repeat in my head.

Body:
Workouts this week: Lots of walking. To work, home and around the hood. LOVE it and so do the pups. Our Boxer is getting so skinny. Happy dogs=happy owners!

Spirit:
What I did for myself: When to bed early. Lately I've been super tired and instead of trying to stay up late, I'm putting myself to bed a decent hour.

Looking forward:
Upcoming weekend visit with my brother and his family. Can't wait to see the nephews and show them around the city. Should be busy and fun!

March 10, 2010

Just checking in

Hard to believe it is already March. This year is flying by and I can't seem to hold on tight enough to the moments. Here's my check in. Sorry for the space between the posts. Life keeps getting in the way.

Mind:
One-word description of the workweek: Awesome (it's busy, but it's good)
Books I've finished: I suck at reading - I might change this question and opt for one about what blog to check out - that seems to be the only reading I get to these days.
News story that stuck with me: Mostly young movie/tv stars dying young - sad.
*NEW* Ear Worm: (Otherwise known as the song stuck in my head this week): Since I started walking to work, I haven't really had the chance to listen to a lot of music. But thanks to TV, Soul Sister is stuck for now.

Body:
Workouts this week: Walking - and lots of it. Everyday morning and afternoon with the pups.

Spirit:
What I did for myself: Spent time with a friend I don't get to see often and just chat openly about our dreams and hopes. It just felt great to have someone support me.

Looking forward:
Dinner with the neighbors tonight. They always make me laugh. :)

January 28, 2010

2010 - The Year of Change

So far this year has been uneventful until this week. My boss pulled me into her office to let me know that I would be moving into a bigger role on her team. It all came as a shock and its been a secret since the rest of the team won't find out until Monday. In other news our townhome SOLD. Well, we got a contract and now need to pass inspection. Once we complete that and a few other steps, we'll be closing (finger and paws crossed) on March 15. I can't believe we'll be packing (again) and actually moving. We are so excited to get out of our neighborhood and closer to town. The hubs has a job with a crazy commute so this should help with all the miles we have already put on his car. We have no idea where to move or if we want to rent or buy. Lots of unanswered questions and for the first time in a long time, I am not stressed and letting things unfold. Ask me in a couple of weeks how I feel! :)

I really want this year to also be the year of paying off all debt. We don't have much to cut, but what we do have, I want paid and crossed off the list. It might sounds silly, but I hate bills and even more, I hate paying bills. To solve this issue, we will do whatever we can to cut down or cut out expenses for things we don't need or can do without. This means really saving and really living on what we have while being creative on spending. I've often said I would start coupons and I think that is just the tip of the iceberg. I am open to any suggestions and will be surfing the internet to find other cost cutting tips.

Hard to believe it, but this year will be different and in a good way for sure. Can't wait to see what's next.

January 14, 2010

How did it come to this?

Getting back on the wagon isn't as fun as falling off in my opinion. I remember about three-ish years ago when according to doctor's orders, my eating habits had to change. So I worked out three-plus times a week and I watched what I ate. I ran 5K races like it was my business to do so. It was a completely new lifestyle. I lost about 40 pounds total and to this day have only gained about half of it back.

I am not here to complain or even say why me, but I am here to say that it started with falling back into bad habits and it ends with knowing I have to make the change back. Dieting isn't in my blood. It takes an overhaul to make things work for me.

So here I am, twenty pounds heavier, thanks to one and a half years of marriage comfort. I plan on taking my time warp back of less carbs/less sugar, food journals, exercising on a consistent basis back to the 2006 version of me. Yes, it have been week one on this roller coaster ride (or hell week as I refer to it), but I would really love this time of struggle to remind me not put weight back on. And owning up to it on this blog is the best way I can think of to keep myself on the wagon this time around. Here's to a healthier me. Happy 2010.

December 18, 2009

So this is Christmas...

Looking back at this past year, I am thankful for another chance to get caught up and back on track. Ringing in 2009 was tough, but I was hopeful for the unknown. My husband was unemployed, our home on the market, we were not moving to California and I would be starting a new job in a new department outside of my comfort zone. I didn't know what to expect. I was very heartbroken but I reminded myself it would be a chance to start over.

This year had its bumps along the way, but it became a turning point. We finally got a GOOD real estate agent who would do anything to sell our home or just listen to me vent about our home not selling. He has been patient, kind and a believer that our home will sell in 2010. Let's hope that is the case. The hubs finally got a job! WOOHOO! Yippee! It also could not have come at a better time since his unemployment was about to run out and panic was about to set in. I have said this before, but I will say it again - I don't wish for anyone to lose a job. I have seen what it can do to a person or a family and no one, I mean NO ONE should have to go through it ever. Ever. We decided to stay in Charlotte and make some new friends. They have come in many ages and locations, but we are grateful to have them to lean on as well as our pals who are far away. I found my lost passion for photography this past year as well. It has been refreshing to find something I loved and lost, to come back. I can't wait to see what 2010 will look like as I continue to set my goals and follow my dreams. And with my current job in a sweet spot, I am lucky to have new responsibilities to carry me into 2010. It will be challenging, but I am happy to have the opportunity to learn new skills.

With all that said, I am welcoming in this new year in a better place. We might not be on the coast we planned on, but we are happy to have a place to call home. We are a drive away from most of our family and a phone call away from the rest. We might not know what this year will bring, but I do hope for more travel, a new home and make a few less pounds on the scale. That isn't asking for too much is it? Happy Holidays and here's to 2010. :)

Weekly catch-up? More like Yearly.

Another blog to follow. But for now - -

Mind:
One-word description of the workweek: FULL
Books I've finished: Julia Child's life story (with Full Moon in the wing)
News story that stuck with me: If I hear another story about Tiger Woods or Health Care I might yell. Enough all ready!
*NEW* Ear Worm: (Otherwise known as the song stuck in my head this week): Talking Heads mostly and the thought of a blog from a widow who uses the lyrics from their music. My heart goes out to her. I can't imagine how she feels right now and how strong she is to share such a piece of her heart via her blog. Try not to cry or be thankful when reading this: http://sumstarles.blogspot.com/

Body:
Workouts this week: Walking the dogs when I get home has been all I seem to get done. I'll be back at the gym for sure after the holidays.

Spirit:
What I did for myself: I am trying to start to take vitamins along with my super dose of D. I found out that I am lacking and have to get back up to normal. Here's to finally figuring out what the heck was wrong with me being sleepy and run down all.the.time.

Looking forward:
As cheesy as it sounds, I am looking forward to the holidays and seeing everyone near and dear to me. This is the first time in seven years that I actually get to see my brother before the holidays. I also won't have to run to the mall unless I plan to shop sales after x-mas comes and goes. I really love having a talent I can spend my time doing instead of greeting shoppers. Thank goodness I found a calling I love.