Trying to do better

We live out of our car. We run all over Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula every day, all day long. We spend an average of at least 4 1/2 hours in the car every weekday. Really, we do! That being said, we are frequent visitors of just about every fast food establishment in a 50 mile radius. Not proud about that, just stating a fact.

I have been teaching classes at the college on Tuesday nights. This means my kids have to fend for themselves (frozen food, leftovers, etc.). Last week, I finished my class for the semester and posted that on Facebook. My 14 year-old daughter commented, "Yaay! No more having to look at packages that say 1:30 if thawed 2:00 if frozen :D ". How sad!

Since then I have been trying very hard to cook for her. Tonight, I made a yummy dinner and everyone loved it. I have posted the recipe on my cookbook blog for those that want to try it. I love cooking, I just don't have time to do it most days. I am trying to do better and hopefully, it will become the norm and not the exception.

Puppies

For the second time in two weeks, we just got back from the Tyler mall. There is a store in the mall that sells puppies. The dogs are absolutely adorable and you want to take everyone home with you before you leave. We asked to see a couple of dogs (of course, at my kids' request). They take you into a room and let you play with the puppy before purchasing it. My problem is this: The average dog in the store costs $1600! Yes, that is right, $1600! Some dogs that have papers cost significantly more. While the "clearance puppies" without papers start at $999. This honestly makes me ill.

There are currently 144,987 dogs waiting to be adopted at petfinder.com. These dogs run about $200-$300 which includes all shots. All dogs are spayed or neutered and most are house trained. These dogs were either abandoned or rescued from shelters before their lives were terminated.

I was pretty vocal at the pet store and am surprised I was not asked to leave. It just break my heart that so many dogs are dying every day because no one wants them yet people are willing to pay big bucks to buy a dog from a pet store. So please, before you decide to get a pet, check out the local shelters. There are some pretty amazing dogs there that would love a good home. Thumper was one of those dogs and we could not have asked for a better addition to our family.

Week I Don't Know

I have been very bad about posting and going to the gym. Life has been crazy. I wonder how I got so much done when I was working. I went to school full time, worked over 50 hours a week, volunteered at church, took care of the kids, the house and the dog and still found time to read. Whew! When I asked the question to my kids, their quick reply was, "We never saw you." How sad.

I must admit that not working has been great. I LOVE spending time with my kids. They are amazing and always find a way to make my heart smile. I have been substitute teaching a few days a week and cannot seem to get anything else done, like to going to the gym. The good news - I am down 11 pounds. The bad news - I am only down 11 pounds.

I am making the commitment to do better at the gym and with getting things done.

Week 5 February 8, 2009

Week 5 is done! I am down 9 pounds. It may not sound like much but I noticed that I had some trouble keeping my jeans up the other day. That makes the hard work worth it. I keep telling myself that I didn't get this big overnight and I will not be skinny again overnight. In my head I am still the skinny 20 year old with big boobs. Then, I accidentally see myself in a mirror or something and want to faint. That can't be me!

The water classes tend to work well for me. I love them and can work harder in the water than on dry land. I really like Zumba. It is fast, fun and crazy. I am really happy with the gym and the nice people there. Everyone seems to be so encouraging which really helps. The lady I talked to in the first Zumba class still stops me when she sees me and gives me her progress. She is doing fantastic! I am glad she keeps me up to date. It proves my point (again) that you never know how you affect others. Just by encouraging her, she has become a friend and she is still at the gym!

I need to get a new swimsuit. Only having one makes things tough. I sometime forget to dry it and the next day I end up wearing a wet suit to the gym. Gross.

Off to week 6 and more inches lost!

I LOVE MY DOG!!!!

We waited a long time for another dog. I am so glad we did because we have the perfect puppy. She is crazy and adorable. Here are some pictures of her trying to help Becca feel better today. When Thumper is content, she puts your hand or her paw in her mouth and sucks on it. Crazy mut!

Hot Cheetos

Some foods should never exist. Flaming Hot Cheetos are the perfect example. If they are to be consumed, they should come with a warning label that kids under the age of 18 should not eat them unless they are in the bathtub. Christian (9) ate some and of course, forgot to wash his hands. It is important to understand that he doesn't just pop them in his mouth, he holds onto one at a time and licks that one cheeto until the flavor is gone THEN puts it in his mouth to chew it.

Today, he was eating hot cheetos in his unique way. When he went out to get Thumper, it was raining. After he brought the dog in, it took a few minutes to discover that her now red hair came from the cheeto stains on his hands! Nasty! The photo, taken after scrubbing, does not do justice to her new tye-dyed look.

Week 4

Week 4 is done and I am down 6 pounds. Not bad for skipping a week although I had hoped for quicker progress. I know, muscle weighs more than fat....whatever!

I only skipped 2 days this week and Monday was extra duty with 2 water classes and Zumba. I really like that class although I still feel stupid trying to move my hips that way. Someday.

There is a woman in our Zumba class that has physical handicaps but she does great. She hangs in there with everyone else and gives her all. I love her! As we were leaving the gym on Thursday, I had Christian with me and I stopped to talk to this lady outside as she was waiting for her ride. I told her she was doing a good job and to keep it up. I was just being me. We chatted for a couple of minutes and then left. As we were walking to the car, Christian took my hand and said, "I love you mommy. You are so funny, you always expire people!" I hid my giggle and said, "I think you have the wrong word." He replied, "well, I know the word is not experience."

Just another reminder how the little things can mean so much to someone else. You should always take the few seconds to be kind and uplifting to someone. It never hurts and you will probably be blessed for it. I know the other person will be.

Off to week 5!