Here's to the Weekend ...

Hello Holiday Season and Challenge kick off...  This greeted me this morning at Starbucks.

Yep its official Starbucks has kicked off the Holiday season... Now before I get emails about how I started a weight loss/toning challenge and then posted a Starbucks high calorie holiday drink - that cup contains nothing more than a Soy Latte that I generally just get on Friday's. 

Its no secret its been one of "those" weeks around here.. This morning was just more of the same. My father in laws official diagnosis is Heart Failure. I'm trying to keep mom calm and positive. I have know lots of people to live long lives despite that diagnosis. It does mean lots of life style changes and a new normal, but its not a reason to toss your hands hands up and think might as keep on what I'm doing it makes no difference.. IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE. 

It does reinforce to me the changes I have made over the last year and a reminder to keep them up and keep making new changes. We can always improve and strive to be better. We all have the same 1,440 minutes in a day - how are you using yours?

New Challenge

Sorry this is so late today, its been a busy day so far.. Happy Halloween!!

My Father in law is still in the hospital - he had a filter inserted above the clot today. This allows the blood to flow but stops the clot in case it breaks free. Still saying prayers around here..

The sun is finally out after its rained all day yesterday and most of today.. so not a fan of drizzly, grey days. They are so depressing, I would never want to live in Seattle just for that reason.

Can I just say I can't believe tomorrow is November 1st .. SAY WHAT - already?? Don't blink Thanksgiving is almost here.. and the holiday season. Thing about that holiday season - it generally bites most of us in the ass then adds a few pounds to it!

It doesn't have to - in fact I lost weight last year during the holidays.  In an effort to do it again this year a few friends of mine and I are starting a holiday challenge. Novembers challenge will be Jillian's Ripped in 30 and clean(er) eating for the most part. Thanksgiving is a cheat day if you so desire..

My goal for this November is to lose a few and tone up while I clean up my diet. I started using My Fitness Pal again to just keep track of it all and make sure I am staying on the rails.  I did however put the scale away. When you first change up your workouts you can appear to put on weight because your muscles are holding on to water to protect them from the "damage" you are doing to them. That freaks/discourages people and the stop what they are doing with the thinking "it doesn't matter anyway I now weight MORE and look I was TRYING this time.

KEEP GOING at about the 3 week mark your muscles release the water and the change in number is rapid! It really is just a number folks - your pants tell the true story!!

Hello Monday!!

Second week in September already.. Holidays will be here before we can blink. I have a friend who has already started the count down on Facebook..  Every year I say "This year we are going simple" annnnnnnd it doesn't happen LOL.. Oh sure I attempt it, then when it gets down to brass tacks I think its not enough and start adding.

This year I think I am just going to breathe and truly do simple and low key.  I have somethings in mind for the ladies in the family and some crafting I'd like to do. The guys I think I will hand over to D to deal with. I believe the only person I'll probably go overboard with is my grandbaby - That's allowed LOL.

Every year we do the holiday's at my Sister in Laws- she's got the most space - and that will probably be very low key as well this year, she will have a newborn and I am sure not up to putting on the huge spread. I have already hinted maybe we go to a restaurant.  I'm not sure how well received that will be however.

Now to figure out that whole crafting thing.....

What are your views on the holiday's this year? Traditions you can't/don't want to go without? Ones you would like to 86??

Its Ok Thursday

Its ok

To be glad the holiday's are almost over because then you can start the spring countdown

To be a geek and love your talking R2D2 hub and the Darth Vader dressed as Santa ordainment you got for Christmas and display them on your desk in your office

To be contemplating another Fitness Challenge (operation red bikini post coming soon)

To be in love with your FitBit

To already be registering for the March 5K

To love that the above 5k is the only women only 5k

To schedule blog posts

To play the same cd over and over because its new and you love it

To end this post early because your not sure what else is ok today. :-)

It was the end of the world that wasn't ....

So we are still here the earth is still rotating and the doomsdayers are figuring out a way to spin the latest "Oh wait we did the math wrong".  In all reality it was just the end of an era and the start of a new one.  So I am glad I paid my credit card bills and didn't consume three times my body weight in cheesecake "just in case".

What I am working on is finishing up Christmas shopping on this last weekend before the holiday.  I just had a few gifts and stocking stuffers to pick up - which I got most of done today.  I have to go back to the craft store after price checking to pick up the second to last gift, then head back to the mall (yes I went to the mall on the Saturday before Christmas - I am truly insane) to pick up a last minute OMG its perfect gift that will be ready.

Friday my wonderful grandson turned 7 months old - wow this year is going super fast.  I can't believe he is already 7 months old and growing like a weed.  Unfortunately the lil guy is sick with RSV at the moment so we are playing Christmas by ear and waiting to see if he will be well enough to go to the family dinner at my sister-in-laws.  Fingers are crossed that he feels better soon - if for nothing else the poor guy is miserable.  It amazes me that with as sick as he is, he is still smiling and laughing - he is such a laid back lil dude.

On the fitness front I am just maintaining at the moment and will ramp back up come Jan 2.  I am by no means going crazy and eating everything in sight but I am eating a lil of whatever I want. Then come Jan 2 its balls to the walls at the gym - newest goal is toning.  I am not going to hide come this summer in jeans and oversized shirts - its to freaking hot for that shit.  Plus we are planning another family trip to Hawaii come Spring of 2015 and I WILL like the pictures I am in this time around of the vacation!

I also have plans to start working my knee again and it get back in order so that I can participate in the Diva Dash come March - its one of my favorite 5ks.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!! Happy Holidays

Talk to us Tuesday - Link up

Today is shaping up to be a Kill it - Kill it with FIRE sorta day.. Starting with waking up a half hour late this morning and going from there.  I got my new glam bag last night and was super thrilled to test out its contents - tip of the day, don't try out new products when you are running late. I'm rocking the ":glam fairy emo" smokey eye this morning. 

My new earrings came yesterday as well so I am sporting them.. Love a great deal - I got them on ebay for 47 cents which included shipping! I'm patiently waiting for the rest of my ebay auctions to get here. I am waiting for a few 8 bracelets to show up, a necklace and a ring total for all over it $27 .. 

I finally found a new purse and it arrived over the weekend, hey don't judge, yes it seems like a lot of stuff over the past few weeks, BUT its been over a year since I bought a new purse, and I needed new clothes and accessories to match - none of my old clothes fit .. they are a few sizes to big! WOOT so glad to be able to say that now.

So far since I started with FitCamp (end of July beginning of Aug) I'm down 20 lbs. I did hit goal but I am thinking 5 more lbs need to go and I am working on getting really toned. So far I am just maintaining - which is pretty good for a holiday season.  Right now I am in the middle of the plank/squat challenge which ends Dec 31st.

And now for the pictures 

   

Lordy what a two weeks its been..

Sorry it has been over two weeks - life happened. We have been super busy and now getting in to the Holiday fury.. (Pictures to follow) Its also 4 am and I can't sleep so here is the way late and long winded update..

Week before last family was in town, my Earnie (my ex), Laura (his wife) and my 3 godsons were here to finally meet Lil Man and visit the fam (they have had a lot of stuff come up and this was the first chance they have had to make the 12 hour drive). Its been a few years since we were all together.

We had a good time catching up and just hanging out - I can't believe how much the godson's have grown - yeah yeah I KNEW they were older but having it in your face is totally different!! LOL.  Friday night Laura Peep and I went to the piano bar and we had a blast - I may have rediscovered my love affair with some absolute and cranberry (goes down smooth LOL).  The piano bar is always a good time.  This hot mama also got hit on by a very drunk very lewd guy in a suit that was there for a bachelor party or something - his lines were pitiful but it was an ego boost never the less..

Saturday we all ventured to the WW1 war museum in town and had an equally good time - My oldest godson and his dad are huge military enthusiasts - which has roots in the fact that all the families on all the sides have HUGE military histories - we all have veterans in the family tree.  We came back home and Laura made us a wonderful dinner of Marsala chicken - The Hubs and I promptly ate all the leftovers the next day for lunch! Laura and I may have done some shopping that weekend as well *wink*

Sunday they had to leave early to start the long ass drive home - it was a short visit but jam packed with fun and laughs. Lil Man also turned 5 months old Sunday

Also the my new wedding set came in (we were waiting on the band) and I am loving it - Thank you Hubs your the BEST - true ROCK STAR..

Last weekend was the gangs annual Halloween party hosted by good friends of ours. I may have continued my vodka love affair that night as well (I am not a lush and rarely drink I just happened to do it 2 weekends in a row.. Hell until this past Saturday The Hubs, and my sister and brother in law and all of our friends have NEVER seen me under the influence -  and Hubs and I have been together almost 12 years)

This past Tuesday (10/30/12) was the Madonna concert - it was an experience in one of my long time faves turning her music in to concept art. Over all I enjoyed it but really wished there were a few more of the early hits. I realize its been 25 years and shes grown artistically and has a new album out - but a true rendition of Like a Virgin would have made my night!!!

Yesterday - Friday I had my knee surgery - its going pretty well - swollen and I have a partial beidadine tan on my left leg and a HUGE bandage and wrap - but all that will go away soon enough and I can get back to getting active!! I am missing working out (whoa did I say that?? Who IS this chick??)

This weekend I plan to rest and attempt to vote early tomorrow - we need to a little grocery shopping but my main plan is to be bff's with the couch and the DVR..

Now for the pictures

 5 Months - we have teeth!

 Grandpa and Lil Man

Lil Man and his Uncles (my Godsons)

 Post surgery - be kind to your knees!!

 Lil Man at Papaws birthday dinner 

 Halloween party - Mad Men theme

Closer to goal!!

Size 10 Rock & Republic Jeans!! HOLLA!!  

New Wedding set - The Hubs is a ROCK STAR.. 

Getting ready to start the 31 day Jillian challenge

Fit camp has a new challenge within the 60 day challenge - the Jenn's are calling it 31 days of being Jillian Michael's biotch - I'm gonna make her my bitch LOL!!

This weekend I am picking up my stickers (who doesn't love stickers on a calendar!) and a new knee friendly DVD like 6 week 6 pack or Yoga Meltdown and its on like donkey kong!! I printed out the calendar and am ready!!

How are you spending your October??  What are your goals before the holiday season kicks into high gear?

In other news Kansas City is getting an IKEA!! HOLLA It won't be until 2014 but its in the works - wow Trader Joes and IKEA and nothing for you Gretchen Weiners (sorry yeah I went there :-0)