Just Heather
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Mamavation Monday: Courageous Beginnings Edition
Mar 14, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40, Living Large

One of the things on my list I’ve decided to tackle this year is losing weight. Number 4 on the 40×40 list is to get down to my “ideal” weight, which basically means a healthy BMI. I’ve got 40 pounds to go—look, another 40×40! But, that’s down 6 already from the last time I actually stepped on a scale.

Last year, I made an effort to eat healthier meals—less frying, (slightly) more veggies—but I still ate a lot of crap. Part of it was/is addiction—those Reese’s eggs are just so dang yummy—but part of it was fear. I’ve always joked that if I gave up my [number redacted] calorie-a-day Sunkist habit, I’d waste away to practically nothing. But, what if it’s not true?

What if it’s even harder than the incredibly difficult journey I already imagine?

This year, I made a tough decision on the soda issue—though I didn’t cut it out completely. I no longer keep it on hand around the house, which means the steady stream is gone. As is the addiction. I do allow myself to order soda when we’re out to dinner, and I occasionally buy myself the coveted Sunkist when I’m out & about. But, it’s no longer a daily habit.

The Sunkist bottle is no longer an accessory I carry around with me from morning to bedtime. (And, that doesn’t even touch the one I keep on my bedside table.) Now, I carry a glass of water everywhere I go. Upstairs, there’s a plastic cup on my nightstand. Downstairs, a drinking glass filled with water. In the car? A water bottle I can barely keep full.

It’s working—last week, I passed up an available Sunkist for water because that sounded more appealing—but I know I have to take it a step further, if I want to reach my goals. The ultimate goal will have me down several sizes—which is another fear. I’m half scared, half excited about this part. Where will I get the money to replace my clothes once I’ve lost even more? And, yet…shopping!! It means I’ll get to officially finish #25 too—an all new wardrobe definitely qualifies as an overhaul.

So, bravery it is—I’m doing this. But, I’ve decided I can’t do it alone if I want to get serious about it. I need the support of my family & friends. And, if I’m going to ask for your help, it means being completely open & honest. The numbers shall be revealed. The daily Sunkist habit? Totaled over 1000 calories. Yes, I meant to type all 3 zeros. And, yes, that was my daily intake.

Now, even when I do allow myself to indulge, it stops around 200 calories. I think. I just haven’t been counting. I so often eat, drink, indulge without a thought to what it means. I don’t exercise—not since my dance classed moved. I don’t run—it’s just never been an interest. And, I don’t reach the weight loss goals I set for myself.

Because I don’t really work for them. This time, it’s official—I’m going to step up, work hard and actually work out. Yes, I said that. I’ve been working out with Fit Mom Training for a week now—it’s amazing what those little bursts of time can do for your body. I’m down around a pound so far and feeling better than ever. But, I’m not spending hours at the gym or a ton of money on fitness equipment.

My workouts so far have consisted of jumping jacks, pushups, crunches, squats and a host of other at home (and free!) exercises. The circuits she has assigned each day work for me because I can throw in 15-20 minutes when I get home from school dropoff, before my shower. I can add in 15-20 minutes in the evening, before my nightly bubble bath. According to my Wii Fit, I’m getting in 45-60 minutes each day, in short bursts when I have the time.

Plus, I’m turning to my friends & family (and Bookie Boo!) to help motivate me & keep me accountable. I’m going to post the numbers (and fatty Mii) each week. I’m hoping we can all watch both of us shrink as we go along. The girls love watching me on the Wii Fit, and I’m so thrilled to provide that example for them.

They’re the how and why I’m going to be successful this time. Because, I can’t tell my girls to eat healthy and go outside & play, when I’m stuffing my face with junk & sitting on my rear all day long. I can’t teach them that the sacrifices we have to make for our gluten free lifestyle will keep us healthy, when I’m not otherwise healthy myself.

What I can do is make real, positive changes in my life.

I can workout. I can run. I can play Just Dance without getting winded! I just can’t do it all alone. Luckily, I won’t have to. The hubby has committed to doing this all with me. Whatever Mamavation throws at me? It’s his assignment too. That’s both parents in this family pushing hard for change. We can show our girls what it means to really work for something.

I can show my online network that the support we provide to one another—through one-liners, emails, Skype chats—has real, powerful meaning. I can show my friends that if I can do this, they can too. Because we’ll be in it together—each tweet, each friend, each family member will be right there with me. I’m applying to be the next Mamavation Mom and joining the Sistahood.

Can I count on your support?

How to nominate me for Mamavation:

Tweet (early & often!): Hey @bookieboo! I want @JustHeather to be the next #Mamavation Mom. She has my support! http://bit.ly/aorv3Y

Facebook: Share why you think I would be a good Mamavation Mom on their Facebook wall.

Starting Weigh-In: 195 pounds
Today’s Weigh-In: 194 pounds
Total Weight Loss: 1 pound

Today’s Mamavation Monday Topic: What time of day works best for you to be active? How do you make sure you stick to those planned workouts?

This post is sponsored by SEARS FitStudio and by writing this I’m entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Sears.

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11 Things to Do in 2011
Mar 08, 2011 | Filed Under: 40x40

I enjoyed last year’s 10 things to do in 2010, over traditional New Year’s resolutions. So, I wanted to come up with 11 this year. Duh. But I got so bogged down with a 13th birthday party, school stuff, work things and general busyness that everything else got shoved aside. Which is exactly why I need this list in the first place.

One thing we are doing this year is a monthly family fun day—we’re only a couple months in, but it’s a pretty big success! The girls are loving it, and I’m utilizing freebies & Groupon to keep it within budget. But, that’s not about me—and this is all about me.

Over my birthday weekend, I took a look at my 40×40 list—I’ve crossed off 15 items so far, blogged about 13 and made progress on 2-3 more. Next year, I turn 35. That puts me “halfway” to 40, since I started this list around age 30. I want to be halfway through my list, too. Which means I need to finish 5 items in the next 11 months and 26 days.

And, that puts me halfway to 10, so I’ll just round it out for 2011, even if we are a few months into the year already.

  1. Plan a monthly family fun activity—it doesn’t matter if the house is clean or the girls are good all week. Once each month? We do something together. Just the 5 of us.
  2. Get a tattoo. Kahuna plans to film this one, I believe, so it should provide some quality entertainment for everyone, while crossing off #3 on my list.
  3. Start roller blading again. This should go along nicely with my Mamavation efforts, cross off #6 on my list and help me work towards my weight loss goals for #4. Three birds, one stone. Or, something like that.
  4. Replace my VHS movies with DVD. I’ve got some Amazon certificates & birthday money to finally get #13 knocked off.
  5. Go to the Harvest Moon Festival. Every year, I say we should go to this festival in the next town. Every year, I say maybe next year. This marks year #10 for us living here and it’s #17 on my list, so I think it will be our October Family Fun event.
  6. Officially launch The Cosmo Moms. This project was an idea the hubby & I had over a year ago, and it’s a fun project for MFJ and me to work on together.
  7. Attend an Indians game. This might work as a Family Fun event, plus it helps me get a little closer to #27 on the big list.
  8. Plant flowers. Every year I buy a package of wildflower seeds for the girls to plant in the backyard. Every year the big patch under our living room windows remains barren. This year, it’s written down on an official list. Now, I have to do it.
  9. Start scrapbooking again. That’s a little too vague, but tackling my wedding album (#2) & baby albums (#11) would be a little too much for someone who hasn’t cropped in years. I think I’ll start with finishing the mostly done vacation album and/or holiday traditions book. At the very least, I want to do the old/new wedding page I’ve had in mind since our renewal ceremony last year.
  10. Build a snowman with my girls. I can’t control the weather, though, so I’m giving myself a pass if I can’t get #24 finished in 2011. First big snow next winter, though? My butt is out in the cold.
  11. Go to a drive-in theater. It didn’t make my 40×40, but it probably should have! There’s one near the in-laws’ lake house, so it will be another motivator to get us up there more often.
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On High Heels and Kisses
Feb 14, 2011 | Filed Under: Love Him

A couple weeks ago, I was standing behind Spencer and leaned forward to kiss the back of his neck—as I always do when I find myself in that position. Except, I couldn’t reach. I had to stand on my toes to kiss my favorite spot.

Confused, I realized it’s because I’ve always worn heels when I do this. Weird, since I’ve been wearing heels for less than 2 years.

In my head, this is something I’ve always done. In reality, there were huge chunks of time when I wasn’t interested in kissing him at all.

As we headed down the path of reconciliation & rebuilt our marriage, date night was a major part of the plan. We concocted the alphabet dating scheme as a way to make dating fun again—and to be sure we kept it on the priority list. We’ve reconnected, learned to communicate better in between dates and fallen in love all over again.

That part was kind of an accident. I just wanted to be able to live together, without the constant bickering. But, being in love with your husband? Is pretty much awesome.

And, it’s not just the date nights keeping us going anymore. Last week, we went out for the first time since June—that’s almost 9 whole months, if you’re counting. A few years ago, a span like that would have found us bickering nonstop and ready to call it quits (again). Now, it’s just a welcome break from our everyday lives.

Between dates, we’re talking instead of arguing and sharing our lives instead of isolating one another. I’m almost willing to say we’re starting to figure this marriage thing out—it only took us 13 years. Except, I know we’ll have rough patches again. The difference is, next time, we’ll be ready for it. And, we’ll confront it head on together.

And, that is our happily ever after.

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L is for Chicago (Again)
Nov 24, 2010 | Filed Under: Alphabet Dating, Road Trip

When we first started planning our alphabet dating ideas, L was one of the first things we decided on—laser tag. But, when the time came and the opportunity to go to Chicago came up, it didn’t take much to get me to change my mind. There’s always T…

And, I love Chicago.

I also love the hubby, despite his oddities. Or, maybe because of them. I don’t know. Anyway, that kind of became the theme of the weekend—Love Me Anyway. I drug him along to a blogging conference, introduced him to strangers and forced him to be—gasp!—social. He made me sit through a 5 hour geek-a-thon.

Okay, so Paul and Storm were heavily featured, but it was called W00tstock and included serious geekery I didn’t understand in the slightest. I just keep telling him I’m not a real geek. I only speak it, on occasion. But, I did enjoy my weekend.

It’s nice to take a peek at what he’s into now & then. I worried it would reinforce our differences, but we were pretty relaxed about it and just let one another be. That’s truly been our saving grace all along.

He’s always been fabulous about letting me be who I am and do what I need to figure it all out. I need a way to unwind after a long day? He’ll handle a load of laundry while I take a bubble bath. I need to vent with a girlfriend? He’ll put the kids in bed while I have a cosmo with MFJ.

I don’t always get him. I don’t always agree with him. I don’t always want to do the things he does. But, I do always love him and recognize that it’s important to him do these things anyway—with or without me.

We just need to find more ways to be who we are together.

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Lucky 13
Aug 30, 2010 | Filed Under: Behind the Mask, Love Him

Thirteen years ago today, I said, “I do.” Earlier this year, I did it again. Each wedding meant something big to me, but anniversaries? I’m not really the type.

I’m not the girl who remembers the day of our first kiss. I couldn’t tell you the night of our first date. I can’t recall the date he proposed. What I remember are the feelings—the giddy, butterflies-in-your-stomach, never going to forget this moment feelings.

The dates are fleeting in my memory, but, the wedding date? Well, I wrote it down. And, so we celebrate year after year—it’s nice to mark the time and know we’re still making it. He’s still the one. We’re beating the odds. And, we’d do it all over again.

Usually, though, we celebrate on a weekend surrounding our wedding. This year, we’re booked until October. So, when I realized how much free time I was going to have now that Lorelai is in preschool, I suggested a morning date after dropping the girls at school.

I thought we could turn it in to our Letter M alphabet date, originally slated to be an afternoon at museums, but with 3 kids we’re nothing, if not flexible. I pictured a leisurely morning in bed, content just to snuggle in the peace & quiet, a walk through our small town & an early lunch at a quiet cafe before preschool pickup.

He pictured something else entirely. I think the biggest problem, there, is I didn’t let him know what I had in mind. So, when he rushed me to get ready, brushed past me without commentary on the care I took to get ready and told me we had to hurry so he could get to work, he didn’t understand why I was upset.

We parked in front of a local diner and tried to talk it out, but a whole mess of other stuff managed to come up. I’m sure to passersby, we just looked like we were waiting for something. And, I think we usually are. We’re waiting for life to get easier. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for our thoughts & goals to just mesh.

Without a lot of thought or conversation about how we’re going to make that happen. So, our morning date was canceled in favor of talking. And tears. And more talking. We’ve still got a mess of stuff to figure out, but who doesn’t? We’ll just have to keep talking and figure it out.

Because we’ve still got half the alphabet to get through. Not to mention the rest of our lives. And, I’ll marry him again if I have to. Next time, I want the princess gown & a castle. Not that I’ve put a lot of thought into it or anything.

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34. Picnic at the ocean.
Aug 28, 2010 | Filed Under: 40x40

I added this one to my 40×40 list on a bit of a whim—it just sounded so idyllic. The sun setting on a gorgeous day at the beach. The waves lapping at your feet. The children enjoying our picnic lunch before building a sandcastle, flying kites or hunting for seashells…

I sort of didn’t think about the sand all over your picnic blanket. I didn’t consider the seagulls swarming nearby. And, I was clearly picturing someone else’s children—3 adorable blonds who didn’t fight, whine or sulk through every meal.

We did enjoy building a sandcastle, flying kites & hunting for seashells throughout our week at Myrtle Beach, but those are stories for another day. As for picnicking at the ocean? I’ve pretty much decided it’s no picnic—and I’m never doing it again.

But, at least I get to cross it off the list!

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Chasing #27: Attend a Fever Game.
Aug 12, 2010 | Filed Under: 40x40, Go Team!

The Pacers.

The Colts.

Supercross.

The Brickyard.

I’ve done it (almost) all. And, when One2One Network offered to send my family and I to a Fever game, I got a step closer to attending every major sporting event in the Indianapolis area. (#27 on the list, if you’re counting.) It was the girls’ first experience at a game, in their memory anyway and all 3 loved it.

Yes, even Stacia who is usually way too cool for family night. Brenia was obsessed with the score—she didn’t just want to win; she wanted to see the Fever cross 100. I tried to tell her WNBA games tend to score lower than men’s, but she didn’t give up.

And, neither did the Fever. “The girls” just seem to play with more intensity. I wonder if it’s because they have more to prove…? I have been to no less than a dozen Pacer games over the years, but this was a completely different experience. Their final score was, indeed, 100. Brenia was beyond excited!

Even Lorelai did well at this event. She’s not really one to sit still, and I think taking her to a venue filled with excitement & noise was perfect. I thought she’d be over it once the cotton candy was gone, but we were in luck—in celebration of Freddy’s birthday, mascots from across Indiana showed up for fun & games.

We enjoyed the game, the mascot shows and our autograph session at the end. Tully Bevilaqua and Tamika Catchings were truly gracious. They spent time chatting with my girls, signed all of our shirts and I can’t wait to see them play again. There’s only a couple more weeks left in this season, but if you want to see them in action, One2One Network has a coupon code for you!

Buy one Fever ticket, get one free when you use coupon code WNBABLOG. The coupon code is also good for discounts with teams across the league—have fun!

I received a family pack of tickets through One2One Network to facilitate this review.

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Stick a Needle in My Eye
Jul 21, 2010 | Filed Under: Sick & Tired

On Monday, I visited a retinal specialist to see what could be done about my eye problem. I knew I had macular degeneration, caused by retinal bleeding. What I didn’t know was what they were going to do about it.

Turns out? They wanted to stick a needle in my eye. In. My. Eye. A needle—did I mention that? Maybe praying I wouldn’t need surgery wasn’t such a good idea.

(Dear God, Very funny. Love, Me.)

Surgery is an option, but he wanted to try medication first. It’s actually a cancer medication called Avastin but has been used successfully for years in this off-label use. The problem? They have to inject it directly into my eyeball every 6 weeks until the blood vessels shrink and the swelling goes down.

After that, “maybe” I’ll get my vision back. They “hope” to see improvement over the next year. But, hey—I’m young! And, he’s “always surprised” by how well we “young people” do. While none of that is at all encouraging, it did help to know my right eye is fine(ish).

The retinal bleed is caused by ocular histoplasmosis. And, before you ask, no. I didn’t grow up on a chicken farm! This is an adult complication from a fungal infection in childhood, typically associated with chicken coupes.

I had never even seen a chicken coupe until a school field trip just a few months ago. Apparently? After my eye issues started. My doctor believes this has been going on for months, but I didn’t notice because I am right eye dominant.

My right eye also has a few “histo spots” but shows no signs of complications since they aren’t near my central vision. While my chances of regaining the vision in my left eye are up in the air, my fears of going completely blind have been alleviated.

My fear of needles? Out in full force.

And, they expect me to come back to their torture chamber in 6 weeks. To once again ply me full of a dozen eye drops, pry open my eye and stick a needle in it! You might think with all the numbing agents, I wouldn’t really feel it. Oh, how I wish!

It didn’t hurt all that much, at the time, but the sensation of having something inside your eyeball is a bit creepy. It also hurt a lot after the meds wore off. I’m doing much better today, but I’m still sensitive to light and the computer screen hurts my eyes.

My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades…

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