Last night I hit my head going down the stairs. I don't really understand how it happened. I'm not nearly tall enough to knock my mellon with just regular walking, like Dav emight. And I'm certainly not the type that excitedly jumps down the stairs. But somehow I did it. And MAN did it hurt...
I didn't realize what had happened at first. All I remember is grabbing my head and moaning. I collapsed (in a controlled sort of way) on the stairs, and heard Dave say, "What happened?" "I think I hit my head..." I mumbled in respond, staring into the carpet of the stairs, still not able to lift my head up. Like the good husband that he is, Dave was quickly at my side, giving me a hug.
Tears were pouring out of my eyes, and I don't remember when they started. I suppose that happened almost instantly. Is that common with head injuries? Once I became aware of the tears, I also realized that I was crying. "Why am I crying?" I asked Dave. The crying confused me because 1. I am not a crier by nature, and 2. I didn't think that it hurt THAT bad. (Ok, so it did actually hurt that bad, but it wasn't bleeding or anything!)
Dave walked me upstairs and I laid on the bed, trying to get control of myself. I was sobbing in a very pathethic way, which I didn't like, but in retrospect realize that it was probably just because I was caught off guard by this whole "knock-in-the-noggin" event and was still shaken up. It hurt to lay down. Not because I was laying on my injured thinker - since I hit it at the very peak of my head - but because my long hairs that were attached to the egg on my head were under my shoulders and skull and every miniscule pull was torture.
Needless to say, my night was shot. Our plans to celebrate Murphy's birthday in some dramatic and ridiculous way was out of the question, as was exercising. I ate a dinner of soup and then sat on the couch and alternated between reading and walking last weeks episode of "So You Think You Can Dance." I had a headache from the impact, would get an occasional stabbing pang of pain, and that was all the excuse I needed to not do anything the entire night.
Thankfully, sleeping was not a problem, and this morning it's much improved. Washing and brushing my hair was nearly impossible and every time I go to pull my hair back in a tie I stop myself when I wince. But I can say with confidence that I will survive, and that tonight NEEDS to be more productive.
Did you ever use a minor injury as an excuse to just be lazy for a night? I highly recommend it.
Happy Halloween from Murphy
In the spirit of Halloween, on Sunday, Dave and I (ok, I) decided to do a photo shoot of some of the many costumes that Murphy owns to celebrate Halloween.
I already know what you're thinking - "You're ridiculous." BUT, he's SO tolerant of costumes and being bossed around. He's a lady's dream-come-true.
The first set in the "shoot" was the woods, and the costume was "Sgt. K-9." The problem with this setting is that it's just so damn exciting for Murphy! His nose was to the ground the whole time. We're pretty sure that he ate deer poop. And we were constantly in fear that he would find the scent trail of an animal and suddenly take off. And there was a cliff over our closest neighbor's driveway that he was oh-so-interesting in jumping off of. So yeah, it was exciting....
I already know what you're thinking - "You're ridiculous." BUT, he's SO tolerant of costumes and being bossed around. He's a lady's dream-come-true.
The first set in the "shoot" was the woods, and the costume was "Sgt. K-9." The problem with this setting is that it's just so damn exciting for Murphy! His nose was to the ground the whole time. We're pretty sure that he ate deer poop. And we were constantly in fear that he would find the scent trail of an animal and suddenly take off. And there was a cliff over our closest neighbor's driveway that he was oh-so-interesting in jumping off of. So yeah, it was exciting....
Don't mess with this Army dog
Can you find him? He's in the upper middle part of the photo.
I know he's wearing camo, but if you look reeeal hard....
On the hunt for a deer. See what I mean about his nose always being on the ground?
Actually, I'm pretty sure that he ate deer poop during that last one, but at least he was on their trail! We like to call him "deer hunter" sometimes, although his deer hunting abilities are severly impeded by the restrictions of his leash and the fact that the deer know exactly how far he can go on said leash.
And in other Murphy news, yesterday was his 6th (or should I say 42nd?) birthday!!! Happy Birthday Murphy!!!
And in other Murphy news, yesterday was his 6th (or should I say 42nd?) birthday!!! Happy Birthday Murphy!!!
Some Happy, Happy Hour(s)
This weekend was a whirlwind of activity. Our friend from college (and Dave's former roommate), Shannon, and her boyfriend Chris - who will be referred to from now on as Crooney - were in town for a Saturday afternoon wedding. Which meant Friday night happy hour (does happy hour run until 11 p.m.?) was definitely in order!
We started out at Mad Mex for happy hour and dinner but soon navigating to Hemingway's - our favorite bar from our college years that we just can't grow out of. And why should we? The have $1.50 drafts all day every day, and half-priced food from 9 p.m. to midnight. It's an amazing place.
Although I am usually the designated driver (by choice), I asked Dave if he would be DD for the night, and he agreed. (I think he realizes how lucky he is to have a DD 90% of the time.) I had a great time, and although I didn't overdo it, I definitely did enjoy myself. I did have a headache on Saturday morning but some fruit punch and mini-wheats before I went to bed on Friday night really helped.
We watched the Philly's lose and the Panther's win and later in the night some other friends joined us. Believe it or not, the next afternoon at 2 p.m., we went to Station Square to start over again, since the wedding reception that Shannon and Crooney were attending was on the Gateway Clipper. We were home around 5:30 and Dave went out again at 10 p.m. I bowed out on that one, as I was definitely spent.
Then it was on to yard work on Sunday. Which - now that I think about it - were NOT happy hours (but only because I hate yard work.)
Me, Dave, Shannon, and Crooney - definitely my favorite picture from the evening
We started out at Mad Mex for happy hour and dinner but soon navigating to Hemingway's - our favorite bar from our college years that we just can't grow out of. And why should we? The have $1.50 drafts all day every day, and half-priced food from 9 p.m. to midnight. It's an amazing place.
Although I am usually the designated driver (by choice), I asked Dave if he would be DD for the night, and he agreed. (I think he realizes how lucky he is to have a DD 90% of the time.) I had a great time, and although I didn't overdo it, I definitely did enjoy myself. I did have a headache on Saturday morning but some fruit punch and mini-wheats before I went to bed on Friday night really helped.
We watched the Philly's lose and the Panther's win and later in the night some other friends joined us. Believe it or not, the next afternoon at 2 p.m., we went to Station Square to start over again, since the wedding reception that Shannon and Crooney were attending was on the Gateway Clipper. We were home around 5:30 and Dave went out again at 10 p.m. I bowed out on that one, as I was definitely spent.
Then it was on to yard work on Sunday. Which - now that I think about it - were NOT happy hours (but only because I hate yard work.)
Fall is in the air
In case you didn't notice, fall has definitely arrived. In fact, since I took these pictures (on Sunday), winter actually pushed right past fall and is now in the lead. Sorry fall....
I suppose that the nice thing about being a dog is that you don't really care what season it is. You don't have to get all of your winter clothes out of storage, your bathroom habits remain the same, and somehow, even when there's a 50 degree difference, you're still just as happy sitting in the sun in the cold winter air as you are in the humid, summer air.
What's more beautiful - the dog, or the colorful leaves? I can't decide....
I suppose that the nice thing about being a dog is that you don't really care what season it is. You don't have to get all of your winter clothes out of storage, your bathroom habits remain the same, and somehow, even when there's a 50 degree difference, you're still just as happy sitting in the sun in the cold winter air as you are in the humid, summer air.
Lady, PLEASE. Enough!
What is perhaps hardest to believe is that they're calling for snow this weekend. We have BARELY begun the month long process of raking leaves. We raked two weeks ago, but skipped last week (due to tailgating). So we HAVE to rake this weekend before all of the leaves get gross and slimy and packed down and start killing our grass. It might have already happened. But now we're going to have rake in snow and rain, with temperatures in the 30's.
Does anybody else miss Fall already?
Does anybody else miss Fall already?
A bad night at Zumba
Since June, I have taking a Zumba class that meets every Tuesday and Thursday night. Zumba is basically aerobics that focuses it's movement on Latin-style dance steps to make the workout more interesting. If you're not familiar with Zumba, there are plenty of videos on YouTube, click on the link below to see a clip of a Zumba class.
I've been with the same instructor since I started the class in June. Last night, however, she was not there, and there was a sub in her place. She was awful and when I got home, I had to do a demonstration to Dave just to show him how non-aerobic this particular instructor was.
First, a little background information. My main complaints about my regular instructor is that she was a little flighty. She could easily distract herself and sometimes messed up on her routines which then of course messed us up as well, since we follow her to a T. She's the kind of instructor who likes to clap and cheer and she's really overall energetic, even though I'm not like that myself. However, I will NEVER complain about her again.
This new instructor (who, from here on out will be referred to as NI) was older and slightly over-weight - not a great sign for an aerobics instructor. While she had some of the same songs on her iPod as my regular instructor, her routines did not compare in any way. She had one or two moves that she used and then just repeated throughout the entire song, whereas Ember (the regular instructor) had full routines for every song with a lot of variety. In one song that we already knew, there was a portion where Ember would have us do squats. NI just had us stand there and put our arms up and down.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that I didn't break a sweat. And I'm pretty sure that my heart rate never went above my regular resting rate. I was horribly disappointed and tempted to leave in the middle of the class, but didn't want to be rude. Because I calculate my meals for the day knowing that I will burn X number of calories during this class, I had to go home and run for 25 minutes and then bike for another 25 just to burn enough calories to meet my goals.
Tomorrow is my next class, and I'm crossing my fingers that my regular instructor will be there.
I've been with the same instructor since I started the class in June. Last night, however, she was not there, and there was a sub in her place. She was awful and when I got home, I had to do a demonstration to Dave just to show him how non-aerobic this particular instructor was.
First, a little background information. My main complaints about my regular instructor is that she was a little flighty. She could easily distract herself and sometimes messed up on her routines which then of course messed us up as well, since we follow her to a T. She's the kind of instructor who likes to clap and cheer and she's really overall energetic, even though I'm not like that myself. However, I will NEVER complain about her again.
This new instructor (who, from here on out will be referred to as NI) was older and slightly over-weight - not a great sign for an aerobics instructor. While she had some of the same songs on her iPod as my regular instructor, her routines did not compare in any way. She had one or two moves that she used and then just repeated throughout the entire song, whereas Ember (the regular instructor) had full routines for every song with a lot of variety. In one song that we already knew, there was a portion where Ember would have us do squats. NI just had us stand there and put our arms up and down.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that I didn't break a sweat. And I'm pretty sure that my heart rate never went above my regular resting rate. I was horribly disappointed and tempted to leave in the middle of the class, but didn't want to be rude. Because I calculate my meals for the day knowing that I will burn X number of calories during this class, I had to go home and run for 25 minutes and then bike for another 25 just to burn enough calories to meet my goals.
Tomorrow is my next class, and I'm crossing my fingers that my regular instructor will be there.
My Diet Secrets
I don't have much news on the diet front from the past week or so. I have been maintaining rather well although this past weekend my wild fun Saturday and "I'm sleepy, let's eat" Sunday did sort of stall my progress.
So, instead of telling you that I weigh exactly the same as I did last week, I'm going to share some of the things that keep me motivated and happy, instead of lazy and full of cravings. I'm going to share some of my diet secrets. (And ok, so I know that these actually aren't "secrets" at all. They are my "strategies for success," but that title just doesn't sound nearly as interesting as secrets.)
1. Planning ahead
And I mean serious planning. On Sunday mornings I write a list of all of the meals that I'm going to cook that week, Sunday through Friday (Saturday night is usually a free night.) I write out menus, including side dishes, to make sure that the meal averages out to between 500 and 600 calories - the max range that I allow my dinners to be. Then I only buy groceries for those meals.
In addition to the menus, I plan out every calorie that I intend to consume for breakfast, lunch, and snacks that day. I weigh, cut, and measure everything that I eat, and pack it up into little ziploc baggies. I know that I am ONLY allowed to eat those things - nothing more. For dinner, I eat my pre-planned dinner. Then I work out for at least 30 to 60 minutes. If you don't like planning or routine, then this type of dieting is NOT for you. It leaves very little room for spontaneity (what I like to call "Saturday.")
2. Television
Without exercising, dieting is nearly impossible. I can lose weight without exercise, but the results are way slower and much less satisfying. Similarly, without television, exercise is nearly impossible for me, as it is my primary source of motivation to work out.
Dave and I are lucky because we've been able to afford a treadmill and exercise bike for our basement family room. (We justify the cost because it's "for our health" and if we didn't have it, I would pay to join a gym anyway.) Anyway, at 8 p.m. each night, I like to watch a little TV. So instead of just sitting around and watching TV, I've made it a habit to work out while watching. Whether it's sitting on the exercise bike (which is much quieter and overall less mentally taxing) or walking or running on the treadmill (louder but produces greater calories output) I try to not watch TV without moving.
3. Cashews and Mini-Wheats (a.k.a. Protein and Fiber)
What they say about protein and fiber making you feel full for longer is actually true. The unfortunate thing is that protein and fiber aren't in the most flavorful foods (like buffalo chicken, my personal favorite.) But I've found some great ways to get my protein AND satisfy my craving for intense flavors. For me, cashews fill the oil void, where I feel like I'm eating something totally tasty and bad for me, but it's actually not that bad. Black beans doused in cumin and cayenne pepper gives me a similar hot taste a buffalo chicken, but with more protein and less "fried." In fact, I'm starting to not enjoy eating meat much at all anymore, and would much rather have beans or avocado or something similar. We'll see how that progresses...
4. My Clothes
Back in 2008 I had my mom take permanent tucks into all of my pants that were too big for me. That was back in the day when I was at my smallest. Now those pants don't fit anymore, and since it's fall, the elastic wasitband skirts that I love to wear to work in the summer are no longer appropriate.
Anyone who knows me knows that I hate to be wasteful. Some might even call me a pack rat. I like spending money just as much as the next girl, and love shopping - especially by myself when I can linger and try things on for as long as I want - but I have a hard time getting rid of perfectly good items when it's my own damn fault that I got too fat to fit into them anymore. I will NOT spend money on an entirely new wardrobe of bigger clothes when I can lose weight to fit into the ones that I currently have.
So, while I realize that motivation is truly an internal process that differs for each individual, these four things are currently really working for me right now. What are your "secrets?"
So, instead of telling you that I weigh exactly the same as I did last week, I'm going to share some of the things that keep me motivated and happy, instead of lazy and full of cravings. I'm going to share some of my diet secrets. (And ok, so I know that these actually aren't "secrets" at all. They are my "strategies for success," but that title just doesn't sound nearly as interesting as secrets.)
1. Planning ahead
And I mean serious planning. On Sunday mornings I write a list of all of the meals that I'm going to cook that week, Sunday through Friday (Saturday night is usually a free night.) I write out menus, including side dishes, to make sure that the meal averages out to between 500 and 600 calories - the max range that I allow my dinners to be. Then I only buy groceries for those meals.
In addition to the menus, I plan out every calorie that I intend to consume for breakfast, lunch, and snacks that day. I weigh, cut, and measure everything that I eat, and pack it up into little ziploc baggies. I know that I am ONLY allowed to eat those things - nothing more. For dinner, I eat my pre-planned dinner. Then I work out for at least 30 to 60 minutes. If you don't like planning or routine, then this type of dieting is NOT for you. It leaves very little room for spontaneity (what I like to call "Saturday.")
2. Television
Without exercising, dieting is nearly impossible. I can lose weight without exercise, but the results are way slower and much less satisfying. Similarly, without television, exercise is nearly impossible for me, as it is my primary source of motivation to work out.
Dave and I are lucky because we've been able to afford a treadmill and exercise bike for our basement family room. (We justify the cost because it's "for our health" and if we didn't have it, I would pay to join a gym anyway.) Anyway, at 8 p.m. each night, I like to watch a little TV. So instead of just sitting around and watching TV, I've made it a habit to work out while watching. Whether it's sitting on the exercise bike (which is much quieter and overall less mentally taxing) or walking or running on the treadmill (louder but produces greater calories output) I try to not watch TV without moving.
3. Cashews and Mini-Wheats (a.k.a. Protein and Fiber)
What they say about protein and fiber making you feel full for longer is actually true. The unfortunate thing is that protein and fiber aren't in the most flavorful foods (like buffalo chicken, my personal favorite.) But I've found some great ways to get my protein AND satisfy my craving for intense flavors. For me, cashews fill the oil void, where I feel like I'm eating something totally tasty and bad for me, but it's actually not that bad. Black beans doused in cumin and cayenne pepper gives me a similar hot taste a buffalo chicken, but with more protein and less "fried." In fact, I'm starting to not enjoy eating meat much at all anymore, and would much rather have beans or avocado or something similar. We'll see how that progresses...
4. My Clothes
Back in 2008 I had my mom take permanent tucks into all of my pants that were too big for me. That was back in the day when I was at my smallest. Now those pants don't fit anymore, and since it's fall, the elastic wasitband skirts that I love to wear to work in the summer are no longer appropriate.
Anyone who knows me knows that I hate to be wasteful. Some might even call me a pack rat. I like spending money just as much as the next girl, and love shopping - especially by myself when I can linger and try things on for as long as I want - but I have a hard time getting rid of perfectly good items when it's my own damn fault that I got too fat to fit into them anymore. I will NOT spend money on an entirely new wardrobe of bigger clothes when I can lose weight to fit into the ones that I currently have.
So, while I realize that motivation is truly an internal process that differs for each individual, these four things are currently really working for me right now. What are your "secrets?"
Pickle 'Splosion
My office reeks of pickles right now. While I was toasting my bread for my lunch sandwich, I was pulling my pickle jar out of the refrigerator and somehow it just slipped out of my hand. And then it EXPLODED.
Seriously. Our floors are carpeted, and yet the jar must have landed in just the right way to cause it to shatter (also know as mass chaos.) The jar was nearly new - only used on day so far, so there were a LOT of pickles in there. There was pickle juice dripping down the wall. Broken glass and hamburger dills everywhere. I stood in place for a solid minute before saying "shit" and walking to the bathroom to get paper towels. I am often complimented on my ability to remain calm in all sorts of situations at work. Most people think that this is a positive characteristic, but sometimes I find my inability to react downright annoying.
So by now, 32 ounces of pickle juice had slowly seeped into the carpet. I picked up all of the pickles and most of the large glass pieces by hand. I sopped up as much of the juice that I could, but there were so many glass shards that I was afraid to step on the paper towels in my dress sandals (yes, I am still resisting wear socks. It's fall, not winter!) I put up a sign on pink paper - "Please be careful - glass shards below" and a co-worker called the cleaning staff to come up and vaccuum. They came and they vaccuumed up all of the glass shards and much of the juice.
But it still smells like pickles, and no amount of Febreeze seems to be helping. I have a feeling that I'm not going to be favorite colleague of the week...
Seriously. Our floors are carpeted, and yet the jar must have landed in just the right way to cause it to shatter (also know as mass chaos.) The jar was nearly new - only used on day so far, so there were a LOT of pickles in there. There was pickle juice dripping down the wall. Broken glass and hamburger dills everywhere. I stood in place for a solid minute before saying "shit" and walking to the bathroom to get paper towels. I am often complimented on my ability to remain calm in all sorts of situations at work. Most people think that this is a positive characteristic, but sometimes I find my inability to react downright annoying.
So by now, 32 ounces of pickle juice had slowly seeped into the carpet. I picked up all of the pickles and most of the large glass pieces by hand. I sopped up as much of the juice that I could, but there were so many glass shards that I was afraid to step on the paper towels in my dress sandals (yes, I am still resisting wear socks. It's fall, not winter!) I put up a sign on pink paper - "Please be careful - glass shards below" and a co-worker called the cleaning staff to come up and vaccuum. They came and they vaccuumed up all of the glass shards and much of the juice.
But it still smells like pickles, and no amount of Febreeze seems to be helping. I have a feeling that I'm not going to be favorite colleague of the week...
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