Hepburn and Houndstooth

1. Tomorrow, my stepson will be here for a week, and I am not mentally ready for another preschooler to be under my care!  That’s today’s mission… get prepared!

2. First thing in the mornings, before I can open both eyes, before I’ve had coffee or coke, before I know where I am, who my parents are, and what my name is… Nick is ON ME.  In my face, loud, asking for things and forcing games on me.  WHY?!?!

3. I had a friend suddenly, without explanation, unfollow me on Twitter and block me from following him.  Could be an accident, right?!  Wrong.  He also removed me from his FB friends.  What?!  I’d love to just let it go, but that’s not my style.  I’m hurt and confused, so I sent a message asking why.  I am the type who really needs answers.

4. I am still failing at Bobbi’s Healthy Train.  I know I can do this, but I just feel so… lazy.  Laziness is a sickness that not only keeps you from working out, but also from taking the time and energy to plan healthy meals.  I’m back on 100% today, committed to one soda a day, lots of water, and smaller portions.

5. Harper has learned to point at things and yesterday added a new word to his vocabulary – SEE!  While pointing!  So cute.  The best part of being a parent is definitely watching the children learn!

6. I had an at-home hair coloring incident last week that resulted in reddish brown roots (with my black hair).  There’s not much I can do at this point but just live with it until the black fades some.  I keep hoping I’ll start a fad!

7. I am at a weird point in my life where I feel content, but am experiencing regret for the first time in my life.  It’s as if overnight, someone flicked on the realist switch.  I miss my enthusiastic idealism.

8. I signed Harper up for a cute baby contest sponsored by a local radio station.  I mean, I know I’m biased, but hardly any of these babies are as cute as him!  Help us out and rate him a 10!

9. I’m so excited about something I’m making for a friend.  It’s a surprise, but he’s going to love it!!  Once I give it to him, I will do a blog post on it, complete with pictures about the DIY project!

10. I alternate between experimenting in the kitchen and cooking old favorites.  Last night I made one of my best spaghetti sauces ever (old favorite).  Tonight is creamy chicken taquitos (experiment), with a few modifications to prevent me from buying a bunch of ingredients that I can instead substitute from my pantry.

Since having my oldest son in 2006, I have been battling the bulge.  Actually, let’s not blame it on the kid, because I have been struggling with my weight for probably nine years (hi, Freshman Fifteen).  Everyone knows that the older you get and the more kids you have, the harder it is to get rid of those extra pounds.  I really should have started whipping myself into shape before I had kids.  Coulda, woulda, shoulda.  Anyway, I used to run and stay so active that I could eat whatever I want, drink as much as I want, and gain only a minimal amount of weight.  Now, I need a complete lifestyle overhaul to get anywhere in my quest for a healthier and lighter me.  Sunday, I started (again) to eat right.  I used an app on my HTC Hero called “Calorie Counter” to help track what I’m eating.  It’s really convenient, as it lets you search for items and even scan barcodes for nutritional content.  I am doing really well so far, not going over my recommended calories.  I have lost 2 pounds, and I’m sure that’s water weight, but you have to start somewhere!  I haven’t worked in much exercise yet, but am trying to stay active when I can.  I took a walk with Nick yesterday and have tried to get a lot of housework done.  Today, I hope to go for a run.  I need to start over on Couch to 5k, because I keep getting off track.

It is part of my 30 Things To Do Before 30 list to lose 30 pounds.  I think I can do it, but it is NOT going to be easy!  I now have 9 months to lose that weight, and that’s 3.33 lbs a month.  That sounds easy, and it probably would be if I went on a crash diet, but I want a lifestyle change that will make me healthier and keep the weight off long-term.

I took some “before” pictures, with plans to post those here.  I just can’t do it.  They are really, really terrible.  My midsection is jiggly and shapeless and I have serious muffin top.  I will probably post the “before” pictures once I lose the 30 pounds I have planned.  As a way to hold myself accountable and as a motivator, I’m going to post my progress here.  The only thing worse than failing at weight loss is failing publicly.  I’m not shy about my personal details, and so I share this with you.

Weight on Saturday, March 20: 150 lbs.

Weight on Wednesday, March 23: 148 lbs.

I will take any advice and tips on how to work exercise into your routine and for quick, easy, healthy meal ideas!  Let me hear from you.  I could use the support (and a cupcake).