Recapturing the weekend

I got off a little early on Friday - well only 15 mins early - but I was able to stop at the Take N Bake pizza and rent a few DVD's before the crowds hit the stores. It was all too smooth. Wish I could get off early every day. I haven't had pizza in so long that it really sounded good, especially since it was Friday night. I used to have the habit when I was single to get a pizza and movies EVERY Friday...that and beer. Got home, baked the pizza and we all watched Benchwarmers (not good as we thought it would be) and Final Destination 3 while we ate our pizza. Something I also haven't done in since the start of my diet - eating while watching TV. So I splurged. Hey, I only had one piece of pizza and one bread stick and the rest was salad, so I was still good!

Saturday was nice too. It seems like since I've started walking on my treadmill that I am more ambitious to clean up and do chores around the house. So I got the house spotless just in time for Charlie to get home from work, got all my grocery shopping done, and when I came home, it felt like a good to come home and be able to relax. He finally got the rotisserie attachment for his grill that were back-ordered from Father's Day so we made rotisserie chicken with my basil rub recipe. It was so f-ing good! I can't even tell you! (And I meant to take a pic - sorry) Next we are going to try his lemon dill recipe for salmon.

Sunday we went with my mom to my sister's in Tremonton but made a quick stop to swim at the Hot Springs. The boys got to ride with her in her new van and watch DVD's the way up so they thought that was pretty cool. I've been dying to do more swimming this year but not in a crowded pool, so Sunday at the hot springs was a much better fare. This is only the second time we've taken Savannah in a big pool this year and last time she kind of floated and clung to me not knowing what to do or trusting her floaties but yesterday she learned how to kick and get around a little, so we've made some progress.

She was so funny in the warm water, tasting it on purpose. She loved the salty flavor and we had to encourage her to stop so she wouldn't get sick. I think she liked it much better than the chlorinated pool we went to last time. As Charlie and I were bathing her last night, I asked her if she liked going swimming, she replied with a big long, "YYyyyyy-aaaaaa-hhh!" It was so cute! We had so much fun, I forgot to take pics! :(

That was my weekend in a nutshell and back to reality Monday. Ugh. Looks like work is getting back to normal. No more hecticness or deadlines. It's a nice feeling, but also can get pretty drab too. I'll have more time for blogging at least!

Keeping focused...

So I didn't lose much weight this week. Heh, not even a pound - not even half a pound. This is where some of what I've learned this past month needs to be put to use with positive thinking by reminding myself that my diet is not about the weight but about feeling better, healthier, and alive. It's about being more knowledgeable and conscientious of my eating and activity habits. I think my self esteem could do better without that scale! I didn't start this change of lifestyle to look better or fit into a smaller size, I did it to improve my health so when I grow older it will not be sooner than expected.

Speaking of improvement, notice how you never realize how much junk you have collected until you are trying to find something that is lost? I really need to take a day off and de-junkify my house! I think I will schedule a day before the boys go back to school. I never realized how much crap I have! Of course unfinished basements seem to be a popular place for storing things in dark places that you forget about.

Forget candy, where's the sour cream and butter?

Around my house after dinner if you leave the table and dishes for a quick TV break you know you are in for a treat if the atmosphere becomes suddenly quiet. At first I thought it was baby rash ointment or lotion from how white it was and the way on Savannah rubbed it on her belly, but turns out the girl loves sour cream as well as butter!!! The other day I found the chair pulled up to the cabinet where my butter dish is and little bite marks all around it. Anytime we are cooking she tries to take bites out of it too. I guess we need to start calling her baked tator that little stinker!

Ahh, the relentless veiwpiont of a husband...

Note From a Thoughtful Husband (Humor)

It is important for men to remember that, as women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this, try not to yell at them. Some are oversensitive, and there's nothing worse than an oversensitive woman.

My name is Ron. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Julie. When I took "early retirement" last year, it became necessary for Julie to get a full-time job, both for the extra income and for the health benefits that we needed.

Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age. I usually get home from the golf course about the same time she gets home from work. Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before she starts dinner. I don't yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch in the Men's Grill at the club so eating out is not reasonable. I'm ready for some home cooked grub when I hit that door.

She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating. But now it's not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won't clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed.

Another symptom of aging is complaining, I think. For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. But, boys, we take 'em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days. That way she won't have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn't hurt her any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one of my strong points.

When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She had to take a break when she was only half finished mowing the yard. I try not to make a scene. I'm a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade and just sit for a while. And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.
I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Julie. I'm not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible!
Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older. However, guys, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your aging wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other... Ron

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ron died suddenly Thursday May 26. He was found with a Calloway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver rammed up his backside with only 2 inches of grip showing... His wife Julie was arrested, but the all-woman Grand Jury accepted her defense, that he accidentally sat down on it.

3 years

Our 3rd anniversary is tomorrow. Funny, it's felt like a lot longer than that. Probably because we've accomplished so much in such a small time, as well as going through a lot with my grandparents and dad's funerals. Three years ago we got married in a little court house, then went to a nice dinner at Mimi's Cafe with my parents. After that we went to see the Pirates of the Caribbean. I remember it had just come out to theaters. This year we contemplated about going to Nevada or somewhere to spend the night, but I am happy enough to go to dinner and a movie. So I chose Mimi's and Pirates! What a de ja vous it will be. Besides, our 5th will be something we will plan for a big to do and by that time Savannah will be 4 1/2 and not as hard for me to leave over night. (Yes that is the main reason I don't want to go anywhere overnight, or at least not without her.)

So if you get a chance to read this, Happy Anniversary Charlie! I know we've been through a lot already and if you're patient enought we will be able to get through the rest. I know sometimes it feels easier to run away from problems, but if we conquer them together, we will make it through a lot stronger. When we are old and gray we will look back on what we went through and the good times will out weigh the bad. I love you, happy 3rd anniversary.

This week's weigh in...

Add another 2.6 lbs of my loss to date for a total of 9.4! The key is being more thoughtful of what you eat and your activity more than anything. I've really had to be constantly aware and proactive in making choices all the time, where before I would just eat whatever was there to offer. And eating isn't bad I have found out. I have learned you can be overweight for not eating enough. It's all about metabolism. Many of you are probably thinking ahead of me; that I may not use my treadmill as much as I intend or always eat right. Yes I may even gain weight back, but it's better that I think of small victories one at a time, one week at a time to keep moving forward and reaching my goal.

Who's making more money here?

So I went in to the dentist's office yesterday to get the crack in my tooth filled. I even got there early. My appointment was at 4 and I didn't get in until 5! I was not happy about waiting. I could have stayed at work and still made the appointment alright but instead I had asked to take off early and use my sick leave. Oh sure they apologized over and over about the wait and then the dentist added humorously that it was the secretary's fault for putting down a chipped tooth instead of a root canal on the appointment before me, but come on guys, that's tacky to play the blame game. Just fess up that as usual you over-booked and fit in too many emergency appointments, don't give me an excuse. Usually I would say, "That's okay, no big deal," but not this time. I didn't accept their apology and if patients have to wait that long the dentists office should charge them half the amount of the co-pay. The least they could have done was call me, then I wouldn't have wasted an hour of my time. And to add to that, when all was said and done, I ended up stuck in rush hour traffic trying to get home. That's my two cents. Really. Who's making more money here anyway?

Kids, kids, kids.

Michael gets his senior pictures taken today...I can't believe it. Even the sound of the word senior sounds so prestigious and I never thought it would be so soon to hear it. I can't wait to see them. I've been waiting for the day to come to see him wearing a cap and gown. If all goes well, I will see it in person next May too! As you know, and those of you that don't, Michael's been driving a little over 3 months now. I think the thrill of having his own car has gotten to his head though. At least up until last Friday. He officially had his first speeding ticket and now is realizing that driving fast isn't as fun as he thought. Oh well, you live, you learn.

Jacob just signed up for the fall tackle football league through the local recreation center along with his best friend. Their first practice is tonight. They have also been weight training three days a week with a professional weight trainer who lives in the neighborhood. I hope the lifting he's done so far will help him get ready for what lies ahead of him!

Savannah has recently decided that there isn't such a thing as potty training. Nope, not even a little. Of course this is after I decided to no longer buy diapers and have bought what I thought would be a few weeks worth of Pull Ups. She has also mastered the words "chocolate milk," "band aid," and "honey." Yep, caught her drinking from the honey bottle yesterday. Time to move it to a different cupboard. We took her swimming Saturday and she was so excited that as we pulled in the parking lot, she shouted, "Wimming! Wimming! Swimsuit!" The kiddie pools were cool, but it's like being in a shower and she hates anything that gets in her eyes so we didn't spend too much time there. I've been really bad about taking photos lately. I don't know what the deal is. I usually can't get enough picture taking. I don't think I've picked up my camera since the baby bird pic. That's pretty sad.

Speaking of our baby birds, Savannah doesn't understand why they aren't in their nest any longer. She doesn't know what "all grown up" means and keeps asking us to take down the planter to let her see them. So we just have to tell her they went bye bye. Kids, you gotta love 'em.

Bummer Sunday

It's kind of been a melancholy bummer Sunday...don't know why, but at least we found the treadmill we like and it's on sale until the 15th. My brother and his wife offered to let me borrow theirs and when I told them I would rather buy it , they declined. I guess I just want to have something of my own it's part of a gift to myself to getting better and healthier. I like the idea I don't have to go out in the heat to walk or in the snow, and I can go whenever I want even when it's dark out.

TGIF

But even more so, TG for hair straighteners. Any of you out there with semi-long hair and natural curl will know what I'm talking about! Ever go to bed with your hair wet and wake up the next morning looking like an old time country star? You know, the big curly hair? I did today, and it was like watching a scene from Coal Miner's Daughter.

Another weird thing that happened this morning was that we had fog outside! Can you believe that? I had to take another quick look out my window before I believed it myself. Weird. Fog in the summer. Who knew?

Ever shoot olive oil? Ugh, it reminds me of taking castor oil all over again when I was trying to get my labor to start with Michael. Anyway, my diet requires me to have at least 2 teaspoons of healthy oil per day in order to help me lose weight. Kind of weird that your body actually needs oil. Guess it just has to be the right kind and not too much. When I can't use it for cooking, guess I'll have to take shots of it!

Tomorrow is packed...we have a wedding luncheon, swimming, and I want to go look at treadmills. I need your advice on that. I don't want to buy something that I will regret. So please help!

This hostess doesn't have the most!

This week has been a killer for my diet. I haven't weighed in yet, but I can tell I'm not doing as good as I was last week. I haven't gone over my points or anything, I'm just not as hungry. Maybe my body has adjusted somewhat or maybe I'm not eating as well as I suspect. I need to learn how to hold back during holidays and this is a good practice for me. I know I'm just starting my diet and that this could be a disaster so I'm going to have to learn to throw food away that is left on my and Savannah's plates if it kills me!

We are planning to have a BBQ with my babysitter and her family. They are also a mixed family with a teenager from a previous marraige and little ones of their own and since she's been babysitting for nearly a year, our kids have become good friends and we also get along with them well. After the BBQ our plan is to go see the local firework show and do a few of our own. Utah fireworks suck, so hopefully the show will be good. I need to find out how we can get Charlie's license for Class B fireworks renewed so we could put on one of our own!

I was just thinking this morning as I was buying some supplies for the BBQ, "What is my problem with company? Why do I feel so insecure that they are not having a good time and that my paper cups or my food will not be good enough? Why do I feel most comfortable being invited to someone else's house than inviting company to ours?" I have always been that way. I worry too much, I know, but when it comes to this, what is wrong with me? I get afraid that they are bored, too hot, uncomfortable, etc. I don't get it and maybe that is why I never liked having company over. It's terrible.

All in a week...

A lot has happened this week. To recap, I've been featured on MSN Spaces, lost 5 lbs, and got a raise at work. The bad stuff? Well the car started acting up, our budget is tight this week, I found out I have a cracked tooth (this is why I hate going to the dentist), and things have surfaced as a result of being a mixed family. Let's just say skeletons are out of the closet as we speak. I won't go in details but some if it involves the case of the estranged "so called father" that has been out of my boys' lives almost their whole lives and all of a sudden now that he's out of prison, certain children of mine think he's God and are back to idolizing him all the while concocting a very cocky attitude around the house.

Is it bad that in these times of stress I often entertain the idea of what my life would be like had I never got in a relationship that wouldn't work out? That all this extra stress of having an ex haunt my life through my children wouldn't be happening right now? And the same for getting into another relationship and the stresses of mixed family issues that step relationships bring because of the first relationship I had? Yes, life would be easier, but I'd be alone.

Sometimes when stress occurs I just want to run away and be alone thinking it will make things simpler. It doesn't. The problems won 't really go away, they'll be back to haunt me again. So I have learned to take life one day at a time and not overwhelm myself with the stress. This way it is easier to bear and I will be over the hump before I know it. This too shall pass.

Must be a Utah thing...

So I've noticed recently people around me say, "Mun-dee" and "Whens-dee" for Monday and Wednesday. What's up with that?