Posting this so that you guys can hold me accountable. Financial notes this week:
*Made an extra payment on our 5.55 acres of land. The payment reduced the loan amount by 1/3!!
*Called to get a life insurance quote from the company who I have car insurance with. No huge surprise, the company Dave Ramsey recommends is cheaper for the exact same product.
*Went birthday shopping for my nephew and we over budget - the dino pjs were calling my name!!
*Jay volunteered to drive the trusty toyota two days this week - he knew he'd be driving a lot and wanted to save on gas.
*We decided to wait a month or two on opening the Roth Iras. Jay's pretty good about watching the stock market and said that this month it had its yearly high this month. Rather than a sign of market recover, he thinks it'll go back down and we'll buy then.
*I was doing really well on my "no household shopping" week until I took a 2nd look at the Kroger paper last night, so I'm grocery shopping on a Friday. I hope they aren't out of everything.
May 29, 2009
May 28, 2009
Makes My Heart Smile
RR Mama was given a "Makes My Heart Smile" award and was kind enough to pass it on to me!
Since my biological clock hasn't started ticking yet, the stories of the fun she has with her kids typically remind my of my childhood instead of making me long for children of my own to play with...hopefully that doesn't get me into trouble!
I'm suppose to pass this along to bloggers who make my heart smile.
Tammi - Becoming a Woman of Moderation
One of my Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans friends who helps me keep my weight loss journey in the perspective of how it positively benefits my Christian walk.
Lois Lane - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
You know that friend who's a lot of fun, but also has her serious and deep moments? Yeah that's Lois.
Hellolost & Saz - Geocashing Adventure
I know both of these ladies beyond the bloggy world. These ladies need a reality sitcom.
April - My Life at Thirty
She's a shrinking jeans guru, who makes my heart smile because she believes in me! And is more than willing to help me tweak my game plan if its not working - quitting isn't an option.
Mari - My Little Corner of the World
Today's her bloggiversary! Head over and congratulate her if you get a chance. She's the sweet, carrying, thoughtful lady that you want to be, if only you were sweet enough to care...
Kim - Nothing but Chatter
Another of my Shrinking Jeans Sisters, who keeps it real and is always there with an encouraging comment.
Jen - Our Daily Big Top
We've got to see her gorgeous smile through her weekly participation in a "Where's Mom" carnival that encourage mothers to get in the shot for a change. You want to be represented in your daughter's wedding slide show don't you???
Laureen - Selectively Frugal
Laureen and I actually know each other beyond the bloggy world. She is a super cool lady and I'm lucky to call her a friend.
Lora - Take Me the Way I Am
She has a good variety on her blog: tempting recipes, adventures, and spiritual thoughts.
Amy - A to Z Twins
Mystery spice chef and mom extraordinaire. Her twins are gorgeous and their pictures are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
May 27, 2009
Weigh in Wednesday
I didn't realize that even though we were in between challenges we were still weighing in over at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans! Thankfully I got on the scales this morning any way.
End of challenge weight: 132.0
This week: 130.8*
*Okay if I'm honest I don't remember if it was 0.8 or 0.6, but I'll go with the higher number to be on the save side. I was just so excited to be so close to the 120s!!
I started level 2 of the shred yesterday and it was much harder than level 1. Maybe because I took two days off after my big hike. Maybe because it was 82 degrees in my house**. Or maybe its just harder (duh - I did go up a level after all). Although I wasn't sore again today, I did have problems with some of the moves.
**Jay & I are the cheapest people on the planet. We're pushing ourselves as far as we can go before turning on the a/c. Our electric bill has thanked us - last month was only $28 and this month was $37.
I don't think I'm doing that plank/ab move right though, because it felt easy peasy. I'm not vain enough to think that it was easy because I'm that good, so I must be off on form or something.
Just a weird self perception thing: as I was doing the plank moves, I got so disgusted with my body. I hated looking down at my fat, orange peel legs. HOWEVER after the workout was over, I took off my t-shirt because it was drenched in sweat and caught a glimpse of myself in just my sports bra and shorts. I thought I was pretty hot! :) Hot enough that I walked around that way till Jay got home.
How crazy is it that I went from one extreme to another in less than 30 minutes?
End of challenge weight: 132.0
This week: 130.8*
*Okay if I'm honest I don't remember if it was 0.8 or 0.6, but I'll go with the higher number to be on the save side. I was just so excited to be so close to the 120s!!
I started level 2 of the shred yesterday and it was much harder than level 1. Maybe because I took two days off after my big hike. Maybe because it was 82 degrees in my house**. Or maybe its just harder (duh - I did go up a level after all). Although I wasn't sore again today, I did have problems with some of the moves.
**Jay & I are the cheapest people on the planet. We're pushing ourselves as far as we can go before turning on the a/c. Our electric bill has thanked us - last month was only $28 and this month was $37.
I don't think I'm doing that plank/ab move right though, because it felt easy peasy. I'm not vain enough to think that it was easy because I'm that good, so I must be off on form or something.
Just a weird self perception thing: as I was doing the plank moves, I got so disgusted with my body. I hated looking down at my fat, orange peel legs. HOWEVER after the workout was over, I took off my t-shirt because it was drenched in sweat and caught a glimpse of myself in just my sports bra and shorts. I thought I was pretty hot! :) Hot enough that I walked around that way till Jay got home.
How crazy is it that I went from one extreme to another in less than 30 minutes?
May 26, 2009
Gregory's Bald
On Saturday, Jay and I (he thinks its silly that I call him Mr. Right, oh well) went on our first hike as a married couple. He had to meet clients earlier in the day, so we got a late start.
As previously established, even though he never works out (and I do all the time) Jay is in better shape than I am. For most of the hike up, my pace wasn't fast enough to suit him, so he ran off and left me. I threatened to bring my MP3 player on the next hike which made him slow down for a little bit then he was right back like Speedy Gonzales.
The hike up was pretty boring. Except for a few flowers near the beginning of the trail, the scenery was pretty bland. We could hear a creek, but couldn't see it. Closer to the top we heard a rustling sound, and Jay swore he saw a bear running away. I didn't catch a glimpse, but I wasn't sticking around to find out either!
About 0.5 miles from the top, we came across our first trail marker letting us know how far to the top. It was also a camp site and Jay asked if I would be willing to go camping there with him. I said only for his birthday, and thankfully October is too cold for camping!
I'd never been to a bald before. Jay had read in his trail research that before the park took over the land, settlers would drive their cattle up to the top of the bald to graze on the grass. Since grass doesn't typically grow on the tops of mountains around here I was amazed at the view.
When we got to the top, we saw the elevation marker. According to Jay, it was a 3,000 foot elevation change from the trail head to the top. No wonder I was struggling on the way up!
He stacked up our backpacks and set the timer on his camera (and the camera on the backpacks) to get these shots.
I respect the art of photography and what he was going for in this one. That's the only reason I'm posting it. Please ignore my large behind. Thanks in advance.
The hike down was easy breezy so Jay didn't run off and leave me...too much.
By the time we got back to the trail head I was exhausted, but had the energy for one final picture.
On the drive out, there were 20-30 places that the creek crossed the road and several gorgeous waterfalls. I think Jay had found his new favorite place to go out riding in his Jeep.
As previously established, even though he never works out (and I do all the time) Jay is in better shape than I am. For most of the hike up, my pace wasn't fast enough to suit him, so he ran off and left me. I threatened to bring my MP3 player on the next hike which made him slow down for a little bit then he was right back like Speedy Gonzales.
The hike up was pretty boring. Except for a few flowers near the beginning of the trail, the scenery was pretty bland. We could hear a creek, but couldn't see it. Closer to the top we heard a rustling sound, and Jay swore he saw a bear running away. I didn't catch a glimpse, but I wasn't sticking around to find out either!
About 0.5 miles from the top, we came across our first trail marker letting us know how far to the top. It was also a camp site and Jay asked if I would be willing to go camping there with him. I said only for his birthday, and thankfully October is too cold for camping!
I'd never been to a bald before. Jay had read in his trail research that before the park took over the land, settlers would drive their cattle up to the top of the bald to graze on the grass. Since grass doesn't typically grow on the tops of mountains around here I was amazed at the view.
When we got to the top, we saw the elevation marker. According to Jay, it was a 3,000 foot elevation change from the trail head to the top. No wonder I was struggling on the way up!
He stacked up our backpacks and set the timer on his camera (and the camera on the backpacks) to get these shots.
I respect the art of photography and what he was going for in this one. That's the only reason I'm posting it. Please ignore my large behind. Thanks in advance.
The hike down was easy breezy so Jay didn't run off and leave me...too much.
By the time we got back to the trail head I was exhausted, but had the energy for one final picture.
On the drive out, there were 20-30 places that the creek crossed the road and several gorgeous waterfalls. I think Jay had found his new favorite place to go out riding in his Jeep.
May 25, 2009
True Confessions Monday
Just a quick check in because I forgot to set something up. Like any good government employee, I'm sleeping in today. The shrinking jeans gals do true confessions Mondays, so I thought that'd be something fun to do.
*Hiked 9 miles on Saturday - hard work but definitely worth it.
*I didn't count calories while on the hike. surely the peanut butter crackers, apple, and pretzels were all burned off right?
*I confess I left the chimichangas I had for dinner off that list on purpose.
*I didn't shred yesterday - seriously people 9 miles of hiking and a 3K foot elevation change is hard work!
*Took my dad out for his birthday to O'Charley's Sunday.
*Had 3 rolls, potato soup, and buffalo tenders.
*Then I went to the mall and bought a pair of new pants - Gap size 6 thank you!
*Since I had leftovers that were my dinner, I still came in just a hair over for calories for the day.
*I had a moment Sunday where I wanted to just give up and eat everything in the house and never exercise again.
*I wonder if I'll ever look good enough.
*I confess that right now its Sunday night and I'm still feeling that way.
*Crying like a big, fat baby. With an emphasis on fat.
*I also confess that every time I have a breakdown like this I feel guilty, because their are people in this world hurting with real problems.
Sorry guys to end on a bad note. Guess that's what I get for trying to multitask...
*Hiked 9 miles on Saturday - hard work but definitely worth it.
*I didn't count calories while on the hike. surely the peanut butter crackers, apple, and pretzels were all burned off right?
*I confess I left the chimichangas I had for dinner off that list on purpose.
*I didn't shred yesterday - seriously people 9 miles of hiking and a 3K foot elevation change is hard work!
*Took my dad out for his birthday to O'Charley's Sunday.
*Had 3 rolls, potato soup, and buffalo tenders.
*Then I went to the mall and bought a pair of new pants - Gap size 6 thank you!
*Since I had leftovers that were my dinner, I still came in just a hair over for calories for the day.
*I had a moment Sunday where I wanted to just give up and eat everything in the house and never exercise again.
*I wonder if I'll ever look good enough.
*I confess that right now its Sunday night and I'm still feeling that way.
*Crying like a big, fat baby. With an emphasis on fat.
*I also confess that every time I have a breakdown like this I feel guilty, because their are people in this world hurting with real problems.
Sorry guys to end on a bad note. Guess that's what I get for trying to multitask...
May 22, 2009
Wahoooooo!
When we first arrived and got suited up in our harness, I was just a tiny bit nervous. I wondered if the harness was snug enough. Actually that’s not true, I was convinced that the guy didn’t know how to do his job and didn’t have me in the harness tightly enough. I noticed that the other group members were strapped in just as loosely, so the plan was to let them go first. If they slipped out and fell to their deaths, I’d turn around and go home.
Our group consisted of 8 people plus our guides. California Barbie and her boyfriend were here visiting her brother and his fiancé, Tennessee Barbie. As the guide instructed us on proper form and technique, I tried to ease my fears by being the obnoxious person in the group that can’t quit cracking jokes.
The guide told us that we would you use very little, if any, strength stopping ourselves – that was the job of the guide at the other end. “So its okay that I exhausted my muscles lifting at lunch today?” “Let’s see the guns.” Then he pretended to be impressed when I showed him. The Barbie group stepped up to go first. When it was California Barbie’s turn, I turned to Tennessee Barbie “She’s lifted a weight or two in her day.” Finally, Mr. Right and I were the only two left. I told him that he would need to go last or else I might just get back in the van and wait in the car for him. I stepped up to the platform and got hooked in.
Then I started to get really nervous. I knew the longer I stood there the more likely I was to talk myself out of it. Finally, I decided to just pretend to be as strong as you guys think that I am. I want to be a strong woman. I am a strong woman. So then I was off.
For the next line, they gave me a quicker carrier. I suppose its something they do for the women in the group, since we don’t have as much body weight as the men to carry us across. After the first line, I was in it for the long haul. It was too fun to turn back, so I let Mr. Right go first.
For this one, we didn’t have to worry about holding on to the line to slow us down. We were free.
By the third line, we were old pros. They decided to mix it up a little. The line isn’t as tight, so the guides shake it a bit to make you bounce.
The second to last line they offered to let us go tandem. Being the sappy sweet couple that we are, of course we jumped at the chance. The way we were hooked in (our feet facing opposite directions), we couldn’t get the signature arms-length photo. He did however, get a close up of my gloves.
And the scenery when we landed.
The final line is a duel line race to the finish. I won, of course. As usual when I beat him, Mr. Right said “Did you like how I slowed myself down at the end to let you win?” Ha! I swear, the man doesn’t know how to lose graciously.
Our group consisted of 8 people plus our guides. California Barbie and her boyfriend were here visiting her brother and his fiancé, Tennessee Barbie. As the guide instructed us on proper form and technique, I tried to ease my fears by being the obnoxious person in the group that can’t quit cracking jokes.
The guide told us that we would you use very little, if any, strength stopping ourselves – that was the job of the guide at the other end. “So its okay that I exhausted my muscles lifting at lunch today?” “Let’s see the guns.” Then he pretended to be impressed when I showed him. The Barbie group stepped up to go first. When it was California Barbie’s turn, I turned to Tennessee Barbie “She’s lifted a weight or two in her day.” Finally, Mr. Right and I were the only two left. I told him that he would need to go last or else I might just get back in the van and wait in the car for him. I stepped up to the platform and got hooked in.
Then I started to get really nervous. I knew the longer I stood there the more likely I was to talk myself out of it. Finally, I decided to just pretend to be as strong as you guys think that I am. I want to be a strong woman. I am a strong woman. So then I was off.
For the next line, they gave me a quicker carrier. I suppose its something they do for the women in the group, since we don’t have as much body weight as the men to carry us across. After the first line, I was in it for the long haul. It was too fun to turn back, so I let Mr. Right go first.
For this one, we didn’t have to worry about holding on to the line to slow us down. We were free.
By the third line, we were old pros. They decided to mix it up a little. The line isn’t as tight, so the guides shake it a bit to make you bounce.
The second to last line they offered to let us go tandem. Being the sappy sweet couple that we are, of course we jumped at the chance. The way we were hooked in (our feet facing opposite directions), we couldn’t get the signature arms-length photo. He did however, get a close up of my gloves.
And the scenery when we landed.
The final line is a duel line race to the finish. I won, of course. As usual when I beat him, Mr. Right said “Did you like how I slowed myself down at the end to let you win?” Ha! I swear, the man doesn’t know how to lose graciously.
May 21, 2009
The Right Family's big adventure
I'm sure I've mentioned before that Mr. Right is in the real estate business. He deals mostly with clients looking for vacation homes or rental properties. On several occasions his clients have been so impressed with his work that they want to give him an extra "thank you."
He and I have received gift cards to several different restaurants around town, as well as being taken out to dinner by clients. I especially enjoy this because I get to meet the person behind the last name. Over the course of the cabin search I hear the name several times: from the initial contact, to the property showing, to making an offer, and the moment we all enjoy - the closing.
One of his closings this month was for a client he'd been working with awhile. Before I met either of them, the wife called Mr. Right's cell phone and asked to speak with me. Apparently she'd noticed him squinting and I was instructed to work glasses into our budget. Later I got to meet this couple and they were just as nice as he had portrayed them.
This week, Mr. Right was contacted by them with a very unique "thank you" offer. The resort they purchased a cabin in has a zip line attraction, and they wanted to know if we would like to try it out. My daredevil husband (who's been sky diving multiple times) immediately said yes.
If you get a chance go here and check out what I'll be doing this afternoon. Then at about 5 o'clock, say a prayer for me. I like living and I don't want to stop any time soon. I also enjoy clean underpants.
I'll bring back a full report tomorrow. And sometime I need to tell yall about the Dino-epiphany I had last night. One of the first things I want to ask Jesus in heaven is how did the dinosaurs live and die out before man...
Also head over to the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans and check out April's "I am hot..." post. Even if you're not in the sisterhood, I'd encourage you to finish that sentence for yourselves.
He and I have received gift cards to several different restaurants around town, as well as being taken out to dinner by clients. I especially enjoy this because I get to meet the person behind the last name. Over the course of the cabin search I hear the name several times: from the initial contact, to the property showing, to making an offer, and the moment we all enjoy - the closing.
One of his closings this month was for a client he'd been working with awhile. Before I met either of them, the wife called Mr. Right's cell phone and asked to speak with me. Apparently she'd noticed him squinting and I was instructed to work glasses into our budget. Later I got to meet this couple and they were just as nice as he had portrayed them.
This week, Mr. Right was contacted by them with a very unique "thank you" offer. The resort they purchased a cabin in has a zip line attraction, and they wanted to know if we would like to try it out. My daredevil husband (who's been sky diving multiple times) immediately said yes.
If you get a chance go here and check out what I'll be doing this afternoon. Then at about 5 o'clock, say a prayer for me. I like living and I don't want to stop any time soon. I also enjoy clean underpants.
I'll bring back a full report tomorrow. And sometime I need to tell yall about the Dino-epiphany I had last night. One of the first things I want to ask Jesus in heaven is how did the dinosaurs live and die out before man...
Also head over to the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans and check out April's "I am hot..." post. Even if you're not in the sisterhood, I'd encourage you to finish that sentence for yourselves.
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