10 Is The Goal!!!

Finally, it's happened... I'm loosing weight. Woooo hoooo!!!

I'm down five pounds! I've worked my butt off to get there, and it has taken what seems like forever! I started classes at the gym in November, and later added walking. I was doing something six days a week. All of November and December I lost NO WEIGHT AT ALL!

Do I really have to say I was more than a little discouraged. But I stuck it out, with the motivation of my friends, and support of BGR!LR. I can't tell you how much having a support system has meant. I don't think I would have continued with out them.

Last Saturday, I added RPM (Spin) class to the mix. I had be contemplating, and watching the others in the class for a while. Finally, I bit the bullet and went. It wasn't that bad ... shoot, I survived!

This morning before getting on the scale, the Body Pump instructor suggested that I not weigh myself so often, instead set a goal and weigh-in maybe every three weeks. I HAD to get on that scale this morning, it was a must! But, I am aiming for three pounds for the month of February, and I won't weigh again until February 28... March 1, if I can make it an additional day.

When I started working out in November, my size 12's had turned to a snug 14. Today my 12's are "fitting." My goal is to get back into the 10's I left behind summer of 2011, BEFORE this summer 2013!

It's February again... and each February I try to blog every day. Actually, it works out well... I posted only a few times during January, and need a kick start to get me back in the groove of things.

Do you have any goals you're working toward?

Pampering For Progress

Last week's training left my feet tender, and sore. With the help of my walking buddy "D," I completed 16 miles. In preparation of this week, I pulled out my foot spa, and got my pamper on. My feet and I have a very special relationship, and if I don't take care of them, they won't take care of me!

I've walked before, but this time it's different. Walking with a partner who has run marathons is great. She really pushes me, and gives me the confidence to go a little further. We're walking 4 miles in an hour, and on Friday, running helped us finish in less than an hour.

I've always said, I'm NOT a runner, and meant it with every fiber of my being. But last week, I ran further than I ever thought I could, and more than I have in years. That doesn't mean I ran far, it just means I ran. I'm not even saying I'm a "runner," or that I even enjoy running, but there are definitely possibilities.

This week, I plan to do the same distance, and run a little more. I've even set a goal for myself... I will run at least one full mile during the 10K.

Follow along with my progress weekly on Twitter #onmywayto10K.

Got Social Media?

For me, social media has mostly been about making connections, with people I've never met, and wouldn't have met without social media. I've also had opportunities, that wouldn't come knocking on my door had it not been for blogging, Twitter, Facebook ...

With Facebook, I've reconnected with friends from high school, I haven't seen since we've graduated almost 25 years ago. I'm also able to stay connected with cousins I don't see very often.

Several years ago, I tried to find one of my former students. I called the number that was still in her file. Of course the number was no longer working. I asked sorority sisters of hers if they'd heard from her. Again, I came up empty handed. No one had heard from her in years.

A few months ago, I had this great idea... find her on Facebook. But I couldn't remember her married name. One night while in bed, it hit me. I remembered her husband's last name. The next day I started looking for her. And didn't find her.

About a month later, I tried again, using her maiden name. Several women with the same name came up. None of the pictures looked like her. I clicked on a picture, that was a little foggy, and difficult to see. It was a vague picture, and initially thought that wasn't her either, and moved on.

A few minutes later I went back, searched her name again, clicking on that picture, one more time. I looked really good. It was her. Calling Mr. Husband in the room, I wanted him to confirm it was actually her. He agreed. I friend requested her, and left her a message with my phone number, and asked her to call.

The next day, a week, a month came and went without a response. Why hadn't she responded? Finally, I had waited long enough. I went to her Facebook account, and because she had not accepted me as a friend, I couldn't see her wall. But I could see who she was friends with. I left four of her friends messages, explaining who I was, and if they were personal friends of hers, ask her to check her inbox.

One of those friends I in-boxed, is her sister-in-law. A couple of hours later, I received a text message from her. That weekend we talked for more than two hours, catching up. We agreed to get together in the near future.

Many people think social media is the devil, and used only to start trouble. But the social media I know, is an awesome tool!

Do you have a feel good, or great opportunity gained social media story?

She Liked It, She Really Liked It!

Today's almost Wordless Wednesday, is last night's Project What's For Dinner, Chicken Martini. I found this recipe shortly after I became a member of The Pioneer Woman's, Tasty-Kitchen. My very picky daughter who would rather eat cereal gave it 4 Forks = Delicious, cook it again!

This recipe is quick and simple, but taste like it took a lot of effort. It's a keeper!

Side note: I purposely left out the Vodka, and artichokes, and forgot about the tomatoes. My kind of recipe, when it still taste great without a few ingredients.

Hitting The Ground Running

Yesterday, my new walking partner "D" and I hit the pavement. I was so excited! She's done several marathons, and other races, and walks/runs with a running club. She's just the person to get me ready for my come back 10K.

We started at my house, and took a four mile route. Initially I was thinking, should I be walking four miles my first day out. But I went along. We were walking and talking, she doing more of the talking, I was trying my best to keep breathing. Man her legs can go, she's in great shape!

Almost to mile marker one, "D" makes a shocking announcement, "You're in pretty good shape, you'll be ready to run the race."

What you talking bout "D" in my best Gary Coleman voice (in my head), while giving her the side eye. She must not have heard me well, I planned on WALKING! I AM NOT a runner. Then I started thinking, I can be a runner, she said I'm in pretty good shape. And I'm willing to be MADE into a runner.

A little after mile marker 2, "D" suggested we run a little. I smiled, and agreed. And was thinking what in the world am I about to get myself into. The last quarter of the second mile we ran. I actually ran, okay jogged, but the very slow, heavy footed jogging I was doing, is still considered running.

When we reached the end of mile 2, I was out of breath, next door to panting, and wanting to sit down. Oh, no, "D" turned around so quick, and I kept up with her. I was hanging tough, and proud of myself. What I really wanted to do was text my husband, and tell him this woman was trying her best to kill me.

It started to rain slightly, and we ran a little more, and I do mean a little more. I had no more run in me, and was praying a down poor wouldn't come, cause I was about to be drenched. Before I knew it, my first training session was coming to an end. We finished 4 miles, in a few minutes shy of an hour. I was pooped, I would have felt good about myself, but I was too tired.

A little sore this morning, we got out and did it again. This time, there was no running involved, and it was cold. Having someone to share the walk, and motivate me is just what I need. Did I mention "D" is 62 years old?! She's 20 years older than I am, and she's in GREAT shape!

Capital City Classic 10K, I'm coming for you!

And It's On

Today, I'm officially starting a 10K training program. Doing a little research, I found three different programs that can work for me, surely I should be ready! Stretch and Strength, are today's task. I must say, I am excited, and very anxious.

Mr. Husband doesn't like the idea of me walking by myself. This morning I stopped a woman who walks in our neighborhood as she passed my house, and asked if she'd mind some company. Tomorrow morning I will join her, and her running club. Like me there will be other walkers. Six weeks from today is the 10K, I'm on the right path to a great race.

Of course, I'll be blogging/Vlogging, Tweeting, Facebooking, and Cinchcasting about my progress leading up to the race, during the race, and after. If you'd like to sponsor this journey, I'd love to have your brand along for the walk/run.

This will be an experience you I want forget! Game on!

Nobody Told Me NOTHING!

There's been talk about reviving Wonder Woman for a while now. This morning while doing my usual browse through Yahoo, I learned the lead role of Wonder Woman has been cast. It would be a good thing, but there is a problem. Nobody called to tell me NOTHING! I wasn't even considered for the part. I wasn't hurt, just a little disappointed!

I called Mr. Husband to tell him the news, and came to a realization, they were looking for someone tall, "5'11" Palicki also has the physical stature necessary to play the athletic descendant of Amazons" the article said. 

I am not that tall, actually, I'm not tall at all. And I'm not as young as I used to be, but I am young at heart! (Don't laugh.) In a discussion about Wonder Woman, @RockAKelly Tweeted me a link of an old Wonder Woman clip, it took me way back. Take a look.

Better Left In The 80's

The 80s were some of the best years of my life! It was the decade of my Jr. High, High School, and College years. Prince's "Little Red Corvette," was my jam, and "The Cosby Show," was my show. Run DMC had everybody wearing A.D.I.D.A.S. gym shoes, and the Swatch Watch was all the rave.

Even though there were great times, and fashion in the 80s, there are still a few things that are better off being left behind in the 80s!

Stirrup pants: I had several pair, and I thought they were great. But I wouldn't be caught dead in a pair now!

Leg Warmers: We wore leg warmers of every color! A few years ago, my mother gave me a box of things from Jr. High years, and several pair of leg warmers made it beyond the year 2000. The days of "Flashdance" and "Fame", had everyone wanting to be a dancer, or at least dress like one.

Jumpsuit/Clown suit: OMG the really roomy jumpsuit with the great big collar, and in order to use the bathroom you'd have to undress! Why in the world did I think that crap was cute?! They always had BUSY patterns. That was such a bad idea!!!

Shoulder pads: Every suit, dress and jacket had shoulder pads, HUGE, wide shoulder pads. Looking back at pictures we look like we were wearing costumes. They crack me up!

Parachute pants: The pants with all the zippers. Everyone I knew had those pants, or it seemed like.

Big Hair: In the 80s, I wore a feather haircut, and I loved it. The bigger it was... the better. My daughter's saw a picture of me, with my big hair, and thought it was an afro. My big hair is not the biggest I've seen!

What do you remember about 80s, and how much of it can stay in the 80s?

Wordless Wednesday

From my family's Spring Break 2010,  during our The best staycation ever, The Old Mill. I love picnik.com!

Things I Like Very Much

I didn't want to write about the topic scheduled on my editorial calendar, and started going through my Google Reader, I came across Tobi Fairley's "Things She Loves." I thought that was a great idea. So today's post is a list of Things I Like very much.

I made a conscious effort a couple years ago, not to say I "love," things/stuff, just like it very much. So here goes...

1. Social  Media: Twitter, YouTube, Foursquare, Facebook and not necessarily in that order. I'm fascinated with social media, and the power and influence it has. I also like the fact that it has opened up opportunities like never before.

My students laugh when I tell them I'm into social media, and how they can reach me. The truth is I'm more social media savvy than most of them... put together!

2. The sound of crickets and frogs after a summer rain: Mr. husband says I'm a country girl at heart. My grand parents had a farm, with acres and acres of land. At night in the summer, the crickets and frogs singing was THE BEST!

3. Coca-Cola: My family teases, and say that I'm addicted, but I don't care! I don't drink a six pack a day, or even close. I have a 20 oz., or two at the most! I don't drink liquor, smoke... I'm entitled to my Coke!

4. Chessmen Cookies: If you've never had Chessmen cookies, you're missing out! I'm not a huge cookie, and cake kind of person, but I like these cookies VERY MUCH!

5. Notebooks, stationary, paper: I had to get to a place where I was comfortable with composing anything straight to the computer. I used to always have to write it down in a cute little notebook first. When I find a notebook with a different design, and really cute... I have to have a few! I always keep an extra two, or three tucked away in a drawer.

6. Cooking: I always liked to be in the kitchen watching my grandmothers sprinkle a little of this, or add a pinch of that. I enjoy taking ingredients and making it into something my family likes, or not.

7. My Blackberry: Finally, after wanting a Blackberry cell phone for YEARS, I got one last May. It was my birthday gift to myself. I am #TeamBlackberry all the way! I have social media in the palm of my hands, and access to all of my email accounts. It's like a little brain. And I like it VERY much.

8. Flip Video Camera: My flip, runs a close second to my Blackberry. I visited it at Wal-Mart, several times. Okay, more than several, but I'm NOT saying! Mr. husband surprised me with it as a birthday gift last year. I danced around like I had just won the lottery. Initially I told him that's what I wanted. He put on a good show... "I don't know anything about a Flip. What about another brand, Kodak, Sony..." He fooled, and I was so happy.

I record and make videos of the kids sporting events, and school programs. I also use my Flip to vlog, and make other videos for my blog. It's in my purse at all times, I never know what I'll need to record!

What things do you like very much?

Three of My Favorites

I fell in love with reading, and books as a kid. When I think back on my favorite childhood book many come to mind. But today, these three stick out, because I liked them enough to buy and share with my children.

  The Five Chinese Brothers - by Claire Huchet Bishop, was originally published in 1938, is a retelling of a Chinese Folktale. When one brother was in trouble they others stood in for him, one at a time. They had different abilities, one had an iron neck, another that could stretch...

If my memory is correct, I first heard this story in kindergarten. It's a very long story, but worth every page.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears - A West African Tale, retold by Verna Aardema. A story about a lieing mosquitoe, and an iguana who some how are responsible for the death of one mother owl's babies. And for this reason she's unable to wake the sun.

I've read this story to my children many times, and is one of my favorites to share when I make school visits. In the fourth grad we did a play of this story, and I was the python.

 Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, by Judy Blume. I was introduced to this book in the 6th grade. Our teacher read to us every day after our lunch recess, and this book was on that list. Since then I've read it several times.

My favorite part of the book is Margaret doing the bust enhancing exercises and chanting, "I must, I must, I must encrease my bust." And yes, I did the exercised too!

Yes, I have other childhood favorites, and since having children I've added more to that list. What books do you love sharing with your children?

The Snow Is Gone

Just four days ago, we had snow, and lots of it! Today, the snow is just about all gone, with temperatures well into the 60s. My daughters had a great time playing in the white powdery stuff. They'll probably remember this snowstorm for a very long time.

Below are few of my favorite snow day pictures.

Let's Dance

It's Friday, and I feel like dancing! Let's get our dance on, like nobody's looking, Beyonce style. I love this song, enjoy.

Something To Prove

In 2009, I walked in a The Capital City Classic 10k, and came in dead last! For a good laugh read Finishing The Race for yourself. Last year, I wanted to take on that race again, and do what I couldn't the year before. But a little tailbone injury stood in my way. This year, I so have something to prove!

Although, I am not a real runner like Wifey, I do want to conquer this particular race. I've had dreams about kicking it in the butt.

The race is April 2, which is a little more than seven weeks. I'm STILL not a runner, but I will be walking, again. I don't have a plan of action, it's really cold right now, and we have snow on the ground *hugh sigh.* It's time that I get it in gear, come up with a plan and Just Do It!

I guess what I'm really saying is... I want to be made. If you have any suggestions, I can use the help! And of course I'll keep you updated on my progress. This should be a fun.

A Snow Storm & Live Blogging



The last post of the day, my family knows how to enjoy a snowday!

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3:30 p.m. - Snow still falling, and we now have about 5 inches. My daughters had to finally get out and enjoy the winter wonderland! They made snow angels, raced and rolled around in it like little pigs. No they're not five. The older they are, it seems the more they really enjoy. It's so fine and powdery it's a little difficult to make a snowman. Maybe a snowman tomorrow.

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1:00 p.m.  - It's not snowing hard, but it's been snowing steady! We're now at 1 1/2 inches, and the snow hasn't let up at all! Baby girl went out to measure the snow, and dance around in it as well.

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Picture taken at 10:45 a.m.


11:30 a.m. - I've always wanted to live blog! And today's weather presented that the perfect opportunity to live blog, and be a weather girl.

We're having a snow storm, with the expectations of 8 - 10 inches. Throughout the day, I'll update with cinchcast, blog and vlog post of the snow storm's progress. I'll also share a glimpse into how my family survives snowmageddon.

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8:35 a.m. 

Cinchcast "It's Snowing."

Chicken Pai - Who?

Chicken is a staple in my house! My family thinks I've cooked it every way possible, but there are still tons of chicken recipes to try.

Last week while menu planning, I came across Grilled Chicken Paillard with Lemon and Black Pepper , from Food Network's Bobby Flay. Just a few days before, I watched Worst Cooks In America, prepare Pork Paillard. I had to try it.

Paillard: pronounced (pa yar); A slice of veal, chicken, or beef that is pounded until very thin, and cooked quickly. 

I was all for pounding that chicken! The kids thought I was losing my mind, maybe I was having a little too much fun. The recipe was super simple, quick, and very tasty. I made one adjustment... instead of grilling, I cooked it in a pan.

When my girls came in from basketball practice, I was in full swing, and aromas were swirling all over the house. They were tasting dinner before it hit the table.

My rating for this meal: 4 Forks, of course!

Super Bowl Favorites

For me, Super Bowl XLV was all about the game!

Yeah right!

I watched the Super Bowl last night for two things only, the commercials and the Black Eyed Peas halftime performance! It's true, I do have a small crush on Troy Polamalu, and the Steelers are "my team," but the commercials and halftime trumphed them this time.

I saw many of the commercials, and of course I like the Snickers commercial. But, it was the same concept as the last years. My favorite was the Volkswagen commercial, where the little boy was desperately trying to use his Jedi mind powers.

What can I say, the Black Eyed Peas delivered! I LOVE, *singing* "I've got a feeling, tonight's gonna be a good night. Tonight's gonna be a good, good night..." Enough. Check them out!

What was your favorite part of Super Bowl XLV?

My Favorite Picture

If you don't know, I've embarked on a self inflicted 28 Day Blogging Challenge. In an effort to find things to write about I visited NaBloPoMo, where I found this prompt: Post a photograph that means something to you, and why you chose it.

My grandparents farm has always been my most favorite place in the world. This tractor sat on their property for years. When it was working, my grandfather parked it in that spot. When it stopped working, it stayed in that spot. As a kid, my cousins and I have spent many hours pretending to drive and ride that tractor. We've shared secrets, as well as lies and other tales, while "riding" our trusty - rusty friend.

A few years ago, a tornado swept through my grandparents property, and in its way was the house, and the tractor. Like something from a movie, neither has been seen since. They were just gone.

At our very first family reunion I took that picture. I'm so glad I did!

Do you have a picture that means something to you?

My Re-reading List

I used to read all the time. Emphasis placed on "used to."

When I'd finish one book, I HAD to have another. It was like I was addicted to reading. I'd read and watch TV, and go to bed with a book, to read myself to sleep. There have been a few times, I actually read all night. Needing to read the next chapter would turn into the next chapter, and the next... Before I'd know it, it would be the next morning.

I'm embarrassed to say, I have driven with a book in my lap. When I stopped at a light, I'd read. The kids would tell me when the light turned green.

Recently, I learned Toni Morrison will be turning 80 this month. That's a great reason to read "Sula," again. Searching through my bookshelf, "A Lesson Before Dying," by Ernest Gaines, actually jump off the shelf at me. Before finding "Sula," I spotted the first Eric Jerome Dickey book I ever read, "Cheaters." I loved that book, and I fell in love with his writing after the first chapter!

I had to stop myself, three is about all I can handle for now. I was quickly on my way to books in my bag, on my night stand, and who knows where else waiting to be read.

One of my favorite question in magazine Q & A's: "What book(s) are you reading? Today I have an answer. A month ago, I could only be asked what blogs, or magazines I'm reading.

What's on your reading list?

Go Red For Women

Today, is the National Heart Association's, Go Red For Women, WEAR READ DAY!

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of 1 in 3 women each year. This means women just like you – mothers, sisters, friends – are dying at the rate of one per minute because they don’t know what you know: heart disease kills.

Like many other diseases, and health issues, heart disease doesn't have "a look." You can "look" just fine, and not know your heart is in trouble. Your fatigue and indigestion may be neither. It could very well be warning signs of stress, or an attack. It's important to be heart healthy at any age.

How can you start taking better care of yourself? Its easy as starting with the Better You Program, where you have access to healthy recipes, and tips to becoming a healthier you. Don't forget to share, tell a few friends, you want them to live.

You can go even further, and give.

Lets make it our mission to save lives. Today, let's show our support and wear red!