Work it out

Got this neat lil' icon from fellow blogger Emily and thought the premise was a good one. Since I, and many people I know, am on a constant quest for fitness, well-being, weight lose blah blah blah...I thought this might be an added motivation to keep at it, and stay accountable.

The idea is, you first steal this cute little icon and post once per week, or weekend, your fitness goals, successes, failures etc...

So here I go...

Successes:

a) I worked out 5 times this week for a minimum of 40 minutes

b) I ran a 1/2 mile at 6.0mph twice this week

c) I stayed within my calorie limit 5 out of 7 days this week

In need of progress:

a) I still had a bit of chocolate every day this week, even if it was a small amount I just seemed to need it...

b) I am still horribly dependant caffeine in the form of a coffee, diet pop, or an energy drink daily

c) While I increased my cardio this week I was a bit lax on my strength training, which I know is equally important

Survey Time !

Survey Fun- apparently I can't seem to get off the computer tonight : )
1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:30am and then fell back asleep till the damn cats woke me up 5 mins later.
2. Diamonds or pearls: DIAMONDS!!!
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? the cinema? lol! Underworld-Rise of the Lycans (see my movie review!!)
4. What is your favorite TV show? House and Biggest Loser are a tie
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? a gluten free rice crisp bar, an apple or a yogurt, sometimes both
6. What is your middle name?Ann
7. What food do you dislike? Brocolli and Spinach, but I know they're good for me so I try to eat them...
8. What is your favorite CD at moment? I dont really listen to CDs
9. What kind of car do you drive? the old Contour, baby is still kickin' knock on wood!
10. Favorite sandwich? can't eat bread so no sandwichs for this chick!
11. What characteristic do you most despise? lying
12. Favorite item of clothing? hmm...probably one of my many pairs of shoes
13. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? I've been dying to go to that Health Spa in St. George, Utah but I'd really like to go to Mexico too.
14. Favorite brand of clothing? oh god, no certain brand, whatever fits, looks good and I can afford!
15. Where would you retire to? hmmm...probably somewhere up north like Higgins Lake
16. What was your most recent memorable birthday? 26th was pretty good, dinner at my favorite place and drinks with friends
17. Favorite sport to watch? none really, but if I have to watch- basketball
18. When is your birthday? 11-15
19. Are you a morning person or a night person? middle of the day...
20. What is your shoe size? 7 or 7.5
21. Pets? Two adorable kitties, Sugar and Spice
22. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with us? I have an interview Friday, that's about as exciting as it gets right now lol!
23. What did you want to be when you were little? a mail lady believe it or not LOL!
24. How are you today? rather chipper considering...
25. What is your favorite candy? oh, Fred has me on a Three Musketeers kick lately!

A Chronic Dose

I have found the most wonderfully supportive blog, through Gluten Free blogs that were sent to me by Rachel; and reading it has been wonderful for me.
I just wanted to share it in case it may help someone else, or someone you know.
A Chronic Dose: http://achronicdose.blogspot.com/
A recent entry about "Can vs. Should" for pregnancy and child raising with Chronic Illness describes the very struggles Fred and I are having now. Its nice to know we are not the only ones. Although it seems most of these readers have chosen adoption, the jury is still out on us for; if, when and how- but either way the decision is not an easy one.
The link to that post is below.
http://achronicdose.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-of-most-complicated-chapters-to.html

These boots were made for...

Very excited about my shoe steals this weekend, so I thought I'd share. Before heading to the movies to see Return of the Lycans, Fred and I had some time to spare so we popped into sketchers and saw these (above)- I of course fell in love because not only were they super cute but 60% off. Fred purchased them and we got him a new pair of work shoes for 50% off- awesome.
Then after lunch today we drove by Payless and, being in a shoe-whoring mood yet again, we popped in there and saw these for $10 !!!

Since I haven't bought myself anything in months I figured we could swing these. That's three pairs of shoes (including Freds) for under $60- good deals!

My husband, my everything

I was just thinking today what a lucky girl I really am. I have, in my opinion of course, the most wonderful husband a girl would hope for. He's perfact for me! I know, I know (gag me right?) But seriously sometimes I sit back and I wonder, out of all the men in the world, and all the men in this area- what are the chances of me meeting someone who just clicks with me and fits so perfectly...like a glove. He gives me weekly foot rubs, does all the cooking, all the grocery shopping, does his own laundry, works 16 hour days most weeks and hardly ever complains. And the topper...he is rarely in a bad mood. He texts me almost everyday "good morning" and I don't think a day has gone by that he hasn't told me I was beautiful.
Sure he is not perfect and there have been many times were I've wanted to clobber him- but in reality he is my perfect match.
The day I can pinpoint where I began to truly fall in love with Fred, he had taken me out on his boat and told me that, 'I make him want to be a better man.' Well, he makes me want to be a better woman...and I just want to thank him for saving me, in all the ways a person can be saved.
I love him with all my heart and of all the things that have gone wrong in my life I am so grateful that in the love department I have been so lucky.
I am most grateful for him this month, on the 27th anniversary of his father's death. I hear often how similar Fred is to his father, so much in fact that I feel as if I knew him-even though that's not possible.
Fred's father died of Cancer at 43 years old and as Fred nears his 37th year I can't help but feel apprehensive and think what life would be like without him. I can only imagine what his mother went through- losing someone so wonderful. I hope I never have to find out.
I also can't help but see Fred with his nieces and nephews and hope that one day I will be able to give him a child he can have a bond with, like he had with his father. A son or daughter that will think the world of him and be able to have that bond with him that was so prematurely taken from his father.

R.I.P. Carl Edward Lathrop ~January 8th 1982~

Movie Review 3- Underworld-Rise of the Lycans

Underworld- Rise of the Lycans
Ok, so I love Vampire flicks- there is just something so sexy about the whole thing. I haven't quite jumped on the Twilight bandwagon yet, but I'm thinking about it. So, back to the review... A good movie- not great, but decent. Good action and nice eye candy. The plot however leaves some holes that anyone can spot a mile away. But, please please make sure you've seen at least the first Underworld movie before watching this one. Otherwise you will be stuck, like the tools sitting behind us in the theater, asking your neighbor tons of questions about why this is happening or when did that happen? Annoying to say the least, for yourself and everyone else that can hear you!
Three and a half out of five stars.

Honesty

Ok, Ok- so my good friend Lori tagged me with this one, but I'm not gonna "tag" anybody else because it would be simply repeating, for the most part, Lori's tags LOL!

But- I'll do my list....so here we go...are we supposed to tell things people don't already know? We'll here goes it...

#1. I have always been an athlete. I was a cheerleader and softball player. I took dance, gymnastics, and for 6 years, karate- I actually obtained my black belt at age 10 making me the youngest black belt in the state of Michigan at the time (1993).

#2. I don't really like to shop for clothes. I know, I hear the collective *gasp* already- but I've always had trouble with clothes fitting my shape properly, so most of the time (even when I've been thinner and especially when I was bigger) I find it an extremely frustrating experience. And I usually never want to pay the price that's on the tag. I always second guess if I really, really need it. Don't get me wrong, I love it when I find something that fits great and is in my price range, but that's rare. (This excludes shoes, which I LOVE to shop for, because- yup you guessed it-they always fit !!!)

#3. I am afraid of having children. I'm not afraid of being a parent. Sure, I don't look forward to my freedom being sacrificed, not to mention my sleep. But I am afraid of carrying a child to full term and delivering without any serious consequences because of my clotting disorder. And, I'm not gonna lie, the idea of labor terrifies me. My grandma, who has the same disorder, had a clot shoot to her heart after giving birth to my Dad (he was compressing the vein with the clot in it, so when he was born he came off the vein, the clot moved, and it almost killed her).

#4. I hate broccoli and spinach, but love green beans, peas and brussel sprouts.

#5. I have an extreme sweet tooth, but only when it comes to chocolate. Other forms of candy or deserts can be in my house for days and if it does not have chocolate in it, on it, or around it- I don't really want it.

#6. I wish I had gone to school to be a nurse or doctor.

#7. I always wanted to write a novel, and still might try.

#8. I suffer from depression and was hospitalized for it at one time in my life.

#9. I actually like working out, although I guess this goes hand in hand with #1. I feel good doing it and I like feeling what my body can do instead of being hung up on all the things it can't do. Plus its a natural anti-depressant for me. Even with a blood clot in my leg I can still run 1/2 a mile and walk two miles- I'm proud of that!

#10. I talk to myself...a lot! LOL!

Back to the hospital

My father is back in the hospital- acute renal failure, some heart damage and possibly a couple broken ribs. We don't know how bad all of this really is yet, we have to see if the kidneys recover or if he goes into chronic renal failure (meaning dialysis and a short life expectancy).
He's had so many problems in the past but his organs have remained strong...until now.
I feel so bad for him. He's in pain, he's in and out of it mentally. He smiles one minute and screams the next. He looks ashen and sunken and sick.
He is sick, but now he looks sick.
I don't know what will happen, I've learned there is no guessing with him or his body- but I do know he's only human.
I look at him and I am so sad. I'm sad for the life he should have had, the life I should have had.
Eventhough he's more than a pain in my neck, I still love him- he's my Dad and a part of me.
I can't look in the mirror without seeing him in myself. I feel like part of me is laying in that bed with him.
I just wish I could take it all away.

Obama Inauguration

Stole this from Danielle's blog- couldn't resist...great inauguration post!!!

Holy Tax Time !!!

Just getting together all of our junk for the yearly tax rape-I mean return, and am now realizing exactly how expensive this year has been! We have spent, drum roll please......
almost 10% of our income this year on medical bills, expenses, presecriptions, co-pays etc... ALMOST 10% OF OUR TOTAL INCOME !!! That is insane, and we have decent health insurance too, luckily. Can you imagine if we didn't?!?!
I guess thats what a blood clot, partial hearing loss, Celiac, a Colonoscopy and a handful of UTIs costs you- amazing!

Chicago and the Angel

I just returned from Chicago were my mother and I went to visit my cousins Tony, Ann and their new adorable son, Samuel. We had a wonderful visit and got to bond with the new member of the family. I adore my cousin Tony and his family, they are so gracious, cool, funny and down to earth despite their wealth. My new cousin Samuel is an absolute doll! He is laid back, loves to smile and is a joy. He still likes to wake his parents up every couple hours at night but they dont seem to mind much anymore. Its wonderful to see my cousin so happy, you can tell Samuel is the light of his life. I have never seen a more involved, educated father than my cousin. He does as much of the caregiving for Samuel as his wife and I think that is so wonderful. Below are some pictures I took of Samuel, what a beautiful boy!

Metallica

Ah, Seek and Destroy, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Master of Puppets, Nothing Else Matters and much more...what a great show!!! Metallica brought down Joe Louis Arena last night in Detroit and the hubby and I, and some friends and family, were there to see it !!! The opening bands were nothing special, but as usual Metallica delivered a great show for this leg of their Death Magnetic tour.

Fred and I awaiting Metallica in our nosebleed seats lol!

Metallica !!!

Lori and I before the show

Happy Birthday Craig !!!

This past weekend we celebrated my step-father's 39th birthday. My Mom had some friends over and we had a blast! We played games, got silly, drank a little (although I sat that out), and caught up. Good times.

The birthday boy having a slow dance with Denny (the Jenga party prop)

Nicole and I- CHEESE!!!

LOL!! Julie riding Denny (again, the party prop...)

My beautiful Mother and I

Movie Review 1 and 2- Seven Pounds and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

After reading the blog of a favorite metro-Detroit photographer of mine, Amanda Williams, I realized movie reviews would be something cool to add to my blog. My husband and I love to go to the movies and lately we've been saving some cash and going to the Twilight shows, from 4pm-6pm- only $4 !!!

I hate, absolutely hate, spending money on a bad movie. Its a lot of money to sit, bored or uninterested for two hours of your life watching some story about some characters you care nothing about. Soooooo, in an attempt to prevent others from suffering the "this movie sucks" blues....

Seven Pounds

This movie stars Will Smith and Rosario Dawson, two of my favorite actors. It is a pseudo-mystery that will leave everyone, and yes I mean EVERYONE, in the audience crying by the end. The best movie I have seen in a very, very long time.

Five out of five stars.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

This movie stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, another two actors I like. The movie has an interesting premise and I am not upset that I saw it. Can again be a tear-jerker at times. Raves; good acting, original premise and interesting historical information. Rants; too long, extremely medically inaccurate, the plot becomes somewhat dull at times.
Note to movie goers: DO NOT see Seven Pounds prior to this movie, it will render this movie almost emotionless in comparison. Best to see this movie first, then Seven Pounds.

Four out of five stars.

I love Oprah

"I recognize I was created healthy, strong and vital so making myself healthy is the fulfillment of my creation because health is the foundation for all other good things" ~Oprah

Oprah's entire line up this week is about making yourself healthier mentally, emotionally and physically. She, like myself, has fallen off the weight loss wagon and me and my good ole' girl Oprah have found ourselves 40 and 30 pounds overweight...again. The first show was about being honest with yourself about why your overweight and the things that you have done or not done that contributed to this.
#1-I realize that for myself food equals pleasure. I have gained a minimum of 20 pounds directly after entering into any serious relationship. When I'm 'in love' I want to experience all things pleasureful which includes indulging in my favorite, often fattening foods.
#2- I eat when I am bored, I always seem to lose weight when I am working more, because I am able to control the quantity, type and time I eat- and I just simply don't have as much time to wonder what tasty dish I can pull out of the fridge.
#3- I seriously have an addiction to chocolate. I realize once I have a small piece I often can not control the impulse to have more...much more.
#4- Lastly, I am a binger and I have an all or nothing mentality when it comes to food. I feel like if I take a tiny step off the wagon I might as well have a weekend binge because I've screwed up anyway...why not go all out!

These are the reasons I am overweight. It is not because of lack of exercise or I am trying to eat my feelings, anyone who knows me knows I let my feelings out rather freely. I simply have an addictive personality and my drug of choice has been food. It might sound cliche or silly, but its true.
This year I have made the decision to put myself first. I am putting my health above all else, I am making time for myself to exercise- even if it means turning down time with friends and family. I am guarding my heart and sticking up for myself, I will work to reduce the amount of negative energy I am taking in and giving out. Third, I will work to obtain my career goals if at all possible.
I want to be of the mindset this year that I am worthy. I am worthy of a healthy body, mind and soul. I am worthy of being treated kindly, with respect and with consideration. I am worthy and capable of achieving success- and success that is not measured by wealth and material goods but by being significant.
I really need to believe this year will be better than last, and I am going to do what I can to make sure it is.

The Curse Continues...

For Christ Sake!!! I have so had it with the fucking health problems! I do every damn thing I am supposed to do 95% of the time!!!
I have been having throbbing, soreness, tenderness and swelling in both of my legs recently. So I go to the Vascular Surgeon to get a Doppler done to rule out a DVT, while there the doctor tells me, "Good news is we see no new clots, bad news is your experiencing Venous Reflux- a common side effect among those who have suffered a DVT." Great. Perfect. Fan-fucking-tastic.

So, here I am laid up in bed, again. Here I am not getting to go out and enjoy my weekend because of my legs, again. Sure I could go out anyway, dope myself on pain meds and then risk being in so much pain I have to call into work on Monday morning, again.
But I'm not going to do that.
Bed Rest. Get in bed, and stay there. Sounds like it might be relaxing, huh? Try it. You'll see its not as glamorous as it sounds, its boring, its uncomfortable, its watching other people do things while your stuck there. Best Rest. Get in bed, and stay there.

I know my partying, high heels and dancing on NYE are probably partially to blame for the pain, and with as much alcohol and IB profen I had in me at the time I hardly noticed my legs, until I awoke the next morning, limping....but ya know I just wanted to be young and have fun and forget my legs for a night.
Sometimes I get really fucking angry about the whole deal. Sometimes I wanna scream at healthy people who don't appreciate it, "Do you even know how fucking lucky you are?!?!"
Sometimes I want to blame my father, sometimes I want to wallow in it and most of the time I just want to forget about it all. But, it reminds me with a tinge of pain and throb that its there and it always will be. My genetic gift to carry around for the rest of my life.

In addition I just had to take my father back into the ER this morning for Acute Would Healing Failure in his right leg. The poor man has been through so much! When is enough ever enough! Is there some reason for all of it? Why do some people have to experience so much anguish in their lives? I look at him and I am so sad for him, I want to make everything OK for him. He may be a pain in the ass but he's the only father I have and I love him, I hate to see him suffer.

And deep down inside of me, in that selfish part we all can have, I look at him in horror and wonder if one day that will be me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR- 2009 !!!

I am so glad 2008 is over- it was seriously the worst year I've had yet! Sure, there were some highlights, namely the new additions to the family and friends and engagements to celebrate but as far as my personal well-being goes...2008 blew!
I am looking forward to 2009 bringing better health, luck and financial stability.
We were very happy to bring in the New Year with some wonderful friends. Brittani and Raymond had us over to their beautiful new home in the historical district of Boston Edison in Detroit. They're home was originally built for the Segals, a famous textile family from early in the 19th century. There home is amazing ! Built in 1915 and 7,500 square feet their home is a nostalgic and historical dream! Everywhere you look are remnants of the 1920's; ceramic ceiling decor, foot high crown moldings, 12 foot ceilings and marble fireplaces. It was truly the perfect setting for a New Years party!
The front of the home

The huge Christmas tree in the parlor in the front of the home

The festivities began with a Mexican Fiesta dinner; fajitas, enchiladas, nachos, Mexican rice, margaritas and more...everything was delish ! Brittani and Raymond took great care in making sure I had gluten-free options available, which I greatly appreciated! Then Raymond took us all on a tour of the home, the home is pretty large so this took awhile...but learning all about how "the rich" lived back in the early 1900's was fascinating. Then of course, Brandon broke out the guitar hero and Lori showed us her skills. The night continued with champagne, festive shots, dancing in the foyer and some card games. A wonderful and memorable New Years!

The girls and I having a laugh before the ball drops...and before the drinking continues....
(Brittani, Me and Lori)