Good Bye 200s!

I need to brag for a moment.

I officially weigh 199lbs as of today and hit my goal of being below 200lbs before 2011 started

It took me almost 5 months (Jan 8th will be 5 months) but I have lost 43lbs and TWO pant sizes so far.

I started out by just watching my food and using www.myfitnesspal.com to log EVERYTHING I put into my mouth. No one was forcing me to eat an extra portion or a cupcake only *I* decide what goes into my body. I had just finally reached a point that I was done feeling fat, lazy and unable to do what I want and wear what I want.

I could only do 5 min on the elliptical machine I was so out of shape and a 30 min walk was only a mile walk I was so slow (LOL) BUT I did it. I now spend between 3-40 min on the elliptical machine 4-6 days a week. I FEEL better. It's amazing.

I have about 35lbs more to go to my "ultimate" goal. I'll see when I get there if I want to go another 10-15lbs or not. It will depend on how toned I am.

I just wanted to post to brag but to also let anyone else out there who wants to start and thinks that 5 min of exercise won't make a difference or just cutting out dessert etc won't help. I want to tell you it DOES. One small change can lead to more. I splurged on Christmas Day, and two nights ago friend were over and we had custard (which I HIGHLY regretted the next day and won't do again). So I'm not perfect and I always give myself one freebie day a month to eat something SUPER yummy, special and totally outside my calories.

I will NEVER weigh 200lbs again. I WILL spend 2011 continuing to lose weight and get in shape. And by this time in 2011 I'll have to come up with a new goal for 2012

Christmas and a fish "lava" lamp

So on this wonderful Christmas in the year 2010 Gabe, a newly four year old, told his mom and dad he was really thirsty at bed time.  This is a usual stall tactic and mom and dad know this.  He got one small drink of water and that was it.

An hour later when Mommy wrongly assumed that Gabe was asleep he comes out of his room and tells mom he's STILL thirsty.  After taking him back in his room he divulges that he DRANK the water from the fish "lava" lamp.  Mom didn't even have a mom face to keep and blurted out "Seriously!?"  While thinking WTF mate?!  This lamp has distilled water, yuck!

I mean really? This has to rank up there with the weirdest thing kids have done right?  I'm completely baffled by this.  He'd had plenty to eat and drink.  I explained why this is a bad idea (small bits of fake fish, distilled water, electricity!)

So here is the lamp, half empty of water.  Crazy kid!  

So he promises he's going to sleep now.  I sure hope so because after a whirlwind of birthday parties, potty training and Christmas presents it's been one really long week.

Gabe has been doing really well with the potty training, he won't poop yet but that will come eventually.  He's still hiding in his room and doing it in his underwear. 

He loves all the presents especially having a ton of new Lightning McQueen and Mater trucks! 

Gabriel Michael is four

Today my little guy is FOUR

At 5:15pm on December 23, 2006 our little guy came into the world at 7lbs11oz and 21 1/2 inches long.  We got to come home on Christmas

He's not a very precocious kid who has an opinion about everything.  He's woken up two days in a row dry and had very minimal accidents so far.  (crosses fingers).  He loves Diego, chocolate milk and telling jokes (mostly Why did the chicken cross the road a thousand times ;) ). 

I couldn't be more in love with another little boy in the world.  I'm so happy to have him even when he's driving me crazy. 

Here are LOTS of pics :D

"lava lamp" with fish for his room

                                                      
                                                          Aquadoodle from Papa

                                                           Games for the Leapster

                                 
                                                        More trucks!

                      
                                                                      Cake!

          
                                                        Opening presents

We have a tradition in our family that everyone has a birthday plate.  A plate that you MUST eat off of on your birthday for at least one meal.  As I got older my mom even brought it to restaurants and made me use it, even when we hated it.  So we made Gabe one when he was born.  I didn't get a shot before he had stuff on it but here he is having his breakfast of choice pancakes!

There are walls, sort of.

Some walls at least, and lots more dry wall hanging out ready to be put up. 

Dry wall hanging out against the long living room wall

Bedroom (taken from inside what will be the closet)

Bedroom (wall is to the living room)

Some walls at least, and lots more dry wall hanging out ready to be put up. 

We have some of the best friends and family around, everyone came out on Sunday to help us even though there had been a pretty big snow storm the night before.  Hey this is Wisconsin, if ya can't go out when it snows you'd be stuck inside from December to March.

So the guys (and me some but mostly them) carried down ALL the dry wall that was in our garage, somewhere about 100 pieces.  Let me tell you it is a pain in the butt!  We had to come into the back and sort of make a Y and then go down the stairs.  It works best with a tall person going down backward and the shorter person going down forward from the top. 

After we got it all down there we had to determine what the heck we were doing (LOL).  Randy, Jason and my dad set up in the bathroom and went to work.  Randy and Jason really did a great job measuring (after the first one) and cutting out for the pipes and junk that comes out of the wall. 

From the bedroom closet into bathroom

Sink and toilet (shower is to left)

  

Tub (that heats and circulates water) and shower.

Jerry, Shawn and I got to work in the living room area hanging the outside wall to the bedroom and bathroom.  Of course there were a few snafus but we got it up and drilled on tightly!  Mike helped out tons too, he's more handy than he wants me to think ;)  I think he's been faking to get out of "Honey Do" lists.  Once Jason had to leave it was him and Randy that figured out some issues in the bathroom. 

I love that there is progress but on the other hand I keep thinking that there is still so much more to do and everything is so time consuming.  With only one day a week to work on it, it takes FOREVER.  So I'm hoping we'll get some extra help from a few people now (I think I'm using up all my favors and going to be owing a few more).  We really really need this to be done.  We need the space and privacy.  Did I mention space? 

Looking down towards windows, into bedroom

Straight down to the windows, bedroom can be seen through the door

Living room wall/bed room wall, looking into bathroom.

The end is near!

Insert ominous music here....

The end of the semester is near, just one more week left! PUSH THROUGH!  Then a month off before it starts all over again.

The end of the year is also near.  That means Gabe will be FOUR!!!!! in just 14 days.  I simply can not believe that he's four already.  Where has the time gone? 

The end of the basement is getting near, we're drywalling on Sunday, please don't snow, please don't snow.  Then just floor to put in and we'll be moving stuff downstairs :D

The end of the year is always a little odd for me now.  I think part of it is Gabe's birthday.  I hate that his birthday is so wrapped up with Christmas.  I hate that people will combine gifts for him and they wouldn't for a kid who's birthday was, oh in any other month.  I hate that the kid thinks the whole week is about him.  I hate the cold and the snow.  I'm seriously dreaming of Vegas.  I hear it call to me every time I have to scrape a car, or freeze my fingers driving or walking.  Someday, someday we will go and we will love it.

For now I need to focus on school and finishing up this semester, then I can start looking at the next one, my final pre-requisite semester!  I am dreaming of the day that I finish school and can start working so that Mike can work less.  I dream of being a nurse and helping people and loving my job.  I never dreamed I'd say that either.  I didn't grow up wanting to be a nurse, it just happened.  Sometimes things happen for a reason.  I know now that it is what I'm meant to do and be. 

I am nearing a new year, a new me, skinnier me ;)  I'm already down 37lbs which is my HALF WAY MARK! I'm feeling better than ever and really enjoying working out (most days).  I have some new plans for weight training and some different things as soon as we're in the basement.  I also have somehow agreed to the Warrior Dash which is something I wouldn't have even considered before I started this journey.  Now I think it might be fun.  It will be something to give me a new training reason come spring too. 

I think I've rambled enough and I still have two papers to finish for microbiology so I better get cracking, oh yeah and I MUST install insulation in my basement today whether anyone helps me or not. 

Day 29

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

This picture was taken at the top of the CN Tower in Toronto.  Mike and I had been dating only a short while and my mom thought I was nuts for going to Canada with three guys.  We had an absolute blast and it's still one of my all time favorite trips!

I was about 2 months shy of my 19th birthday here, I can't believe how young we all were. 

Day 28

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of

Why would I post a picture of the scariest thing in the entire world.... a spider.  No way no how not happening!!

Day 27

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member

Gabe and me, an oldie but a goodie!

Day 26

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

This is most of my family at my Grandparents' 60th anniversary.  They might be crazy but their mine :D

Day 25

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Here's us working in the basement again.  The bathroom is getting there!  We have doors now for both bedroom and bathroom.  The electrician will be done Monday.  The plumbers are done, we'll set our own sink (seen in the middle of the room right now) and toilet.   There's our nice new water heater in the background too!  That's my big soaking tub which heats the water so I never have to get out, just to the right of that is the shower.  I took the picture standing in what will be my bedroom closet LOL.

Day 24

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change


My location.  We do dream about the desert someday though so it may happen eventually.

Day 23

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

My favorite book is now my library of books since they fit right inside my Nook.  It really is the best thing I've ever received.   I think I read faster now which is impressive since I read a LOT as it is. 

Day 22

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at  *as for day 21 I just flaked out and really even if there are things I regret I don't want to forget any of them*

 

I like to sing, don't get me wrong but I am NOT good at it.  I know my hubby loves me because he lets me sing in the car when he's with me. 

Day 20

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

Today I couldn't just post one picture, I just couldn't resist more! 

Kyoto Japan is a place I'd like to see.  A place I'd like to walk in the footsteps of so many people who came before me knowing just as many will come after. 

Day 19

Day 19 - A picture and a letter.

A long time ago in a place far far away.... wait that's not quite right.  It does seem like a long time ago though that this happened. 

Mike used to write me letters.  He'd email them or jot down notes for me in books he loaned me.  I never knew when one would show up.  I've come to love this part of him but way at the beginning of our relationship I had no idea that this was a regular thing for him.

So in mid April 2001 I received this letter:

It was written late one night while he sat in a park near his parents' house and froze.  It was also the first time he said I love you to me.  He proposed in a letter even ;)  So today this is my letter AND picture.  I love you honey.  Now and forever and I am so lucky to have found you and to have made it this far together.  I can't wait for the next 41 plus years.

Infinity plus one <3

Day 18

Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity. 

I think this one is hard for me.  I would have said body parts like many of us before now but believe it or not right at my heaviest I FINALLY felt okay with my body, which is part of why I think I'm finally able to work out more, eat better and lose that baby (and then some) weight.

Believe it or not I think at this point my biggest insecurity is my mind.  It's the part of me that tells me I'm not smart enough or organized enough to do this school thing LOOOONG term.  It's the part of me that is afraid of failing so I often don't start things because that's easier.  

Of course I have found ways to over come this.  I KNOW that I'm smart and can do this.  I know that when I do finally decide to do something I don't ever half ass it.  I do it ALL the way.  Just like I clean ALL the things sometimes ;)

Day 17

Ok I admit to skipping yesterday.  Not because I forgot but because I got stumped. 



Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

I'm going boring and stating the obvious that my school has made an impact on my life recently ;)

Day 15

Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die

I'm planning on this for my 30th birthday!

Day 14

Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without (or live without).



This is a funny in joke but Mike and I can NOT live without a Jiggly Puff in our vehicle.  It has traveled with us many a places and from car to car.  So I'm counting Jiggly as a someone :D

Trick or Treat!

Halloween is one of my absolute favorite holidays.  I love the decorations and the kids in the neighborhood trick or treating.  We're pretty conservative on candy and sugar for Gabe but this is the one day I just don't care.  He ate way too much candy and had a blast.

It took us awhile to convince him to actually put on the costume for it.  He didn't want to wear pants (men!) But when we did get him into it he was Adorable!

This costume was made by my Grandma about 20 some years ago for one of my cousins for Halloween and I'm thrilled it was saved and passed down.  Everyone in town thought Gabe made a great little skunk, even after the head piece got "too scratchy!"  and had to be taken off.  He filled TWO buckets with candy and thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing.  He's already asking when we can do it again. 

I can't pass up posting this one of Daddy with Gabe too.

Now it's on to Christmas, where my poor kid gets shafted because his birthday is December 23.  I'm voting to skip the whole thing and have Halloween again.  Christmas just stresses me out anyhow, lol.  He's already asking for a truck cake!

Day 13

Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist


It was a toss up between BNL and Reel Big Fish two of my faves but I'm going old school! 

Reel Big Fish, I have a great memory of going to this concert with Mike, Davey Boom, Peto.  It really was an awesome thing.  We've seen them several times since then.   And I am aware this is an album cover and not really the whole band but I like it anyhow ;)

Day 12

Day 12- A picture of something you love:



I'm hoping to one day have a couple more but for now it is by far my favorite one and I find excuses to show it off!  I've had it just over 3 years now and it's as brilliant and vibrant as the day I got it! 

Day 11

Day 11 - A picture of something you hate

Snow.  I hate snow, and the cold.  Really, even the first one isn't fun and pretty anymore because all I think about is how there are many many more to come.  

Day 10

Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most screwed up things with

 Sarah and I have been known to be a little crazy so I choose her!  :D 

Day 09

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

This one is probably obvious but no one has been there for me like my hubby.  He's my very best friend and knows when to kick me in the ass and when to just give me a hug and tell me it's going to be okay.

Day 08

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

Gabe thinks he's a mechanic, a carpenter and Mr. Fix It most of the time.  This one always makes me giggle.  He told me he was fixing his bike.  He's got a screwdriver out and was laying under it like a mechanic.  I have no idea where he even knew to lay like that since no one around here works on cars. 

Day 07

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.  This one took me awhile.  I knew there would be pictures of our families and loved one but that seemed a little clique for me and they aren't really items.  So I started to wrack my brain.  The bracelet my hubby gave me on our wedding day? Nah too easy.  My cat with 6 toes on each foot who's currently on my lap? hmm could be kind of funny.  Well I settled on it finally.




My most treasured item:

This is my backpack.  In it I carry books and notes and pens and pencils.  What it really carries is my future.  It carries the promise of a degree, of my future of helping people.  It carries for me all those things that I need to become an RN.  So right now this is my most treasured item

Day 06

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

I vote Barbara Walters since she gets to meet and talk to everyone else.  She's lived a pretty interesting life too so there would be all kinds of things you could find out about people that no one else really knows. 

Day 05

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.  This was hard how do you pick just one thing?!  There are so many awesome things that I could post.

 March 20, 2002- the day I married my best friend.  Of course all the great memories that have come since then couldn't have happened without this first one. 

Day 04

A picture of your night!

Day 03

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

We're huge Gleeks here!  I did pick the controversial pic on purpose.  They are ALL plenty old enough to pose how they want in what they want.  The spread was for GQ a MEN'S magazine, not Seventeen or other "teen" magazine.

Plus Lea Michele is HOT!

Day 2

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

I completely conned my brother into this picture taken by Mike.
Blogger is being a pain in the neck so I'll link it for now and try and edit it tomorrow but this way I officially did this on day 2 :D  Of course it doesn't want to link properly anyhow GRRRR