Homework, excuses and Shredding - oh my!

Well, unless you live in the dark you'll notice that I haven't posted any exercise postings. That's because....wait for it....I haven't been exercising! I know -- what a shock! Here's my list of reasons why:

• too much homework, not enough time to do it, and house work, and be a mom/wife/daycare lady and exercise. Just can't do it.
• haven't been feeling well -- couldn't figure it out. Exhausted like I'm running on empty or something. Doc thinks it may be my thyroid needing adjusting.
• Spring Break -- yup, my kids are here for the whole day every day for a week. You homeschooling parents, I don't know how you do it. I'm nearly certifiable by the end of the night.

Anyhow -- I have decided that at this point, my homework HAS to come first...at least until I can get ahead (again) if I can. I have this retarded critical analysis to do of an essay that's about as exciting as watching paint dry...and once again, I'm putting it off and blogging instead.

I will let you know where life takes me -- and hopefully it's back on the exercise train soon!

Oh -- and by the way -- where's the love people? Do you not realize that your comments are what keep me going? Know how many comments I got on my last post (asking about whether or not I should move up a level)? ZERO people...come one...placate me!!

The Shred - Day 27

So - Level 2 once again, and it was pretty easy. I still struggled to make it through the whole thing following the Amazon, but I did it. I'm getting bored with it -- and wonder if I should move to level 3 already or stay on level 2 successfully for a few days. What do you all think? Leave a comment and let me know!

Sorry Fans...

I've been MIA the last few days -- it was that dreaded, "Holy Crap! I have so much stuff to do and no time to do it" moment that I had on the Friday before I went down to school.

Friday's Exercise Recap - Did the Shred, Level 2 as promised. Not all my kids were napping, so one toddled along and tried to do it with me. I was once again able to get through the whole thing, so that's a good sign.

Friday in my life recap - my Mother In Law was in the hospital. She'd had a bloody nose that just wouldn't quit, by the time I saw her, she was pale and weak and shaking and cold. The doctors don't know why or how and for whatever hair-brained reason, they decided NOT to do an X-ray or CAT scan. Stupid. The woman is complaining about stabbing pains in her skull and says she can feel her heartbeat in the nerves of her nose. That is not normal! So -- prayers are asked for and will be much appreciated.

Friday night - had to make some Tabouleh for school. I was to choose a simple, healthy, unique recipe which children would eat. Since we were visiting with the Inlaws, I didn't get home until about 1030 before I started sending the kids to bed and getting everything ready for school. By the time I started making the salad, it was closer to eleven, finished everything by 1130, then washing up -- yeah, it was about midnight when I finally got to bed.

For the people in my class that had asked, the book that I used, I'd bought in Saudi Arabia, but I was able to find a newer version of it at Amazon. I highly recommend this book, it is absolutely filled with delicious recipes from all over the Middle East/Mediterranean. There hasn't been one recipe that I've tried that I haven't enjoyed.




Then, my alarm rang at 530. I voted to sleep over exercise -- becuase I had a long drive ahead of me. 6 am I got up, got my stuff together and printed off as much stuff as I could before class. Left for school and had a fun ride down with my school-mate (and I didn't even miss the turnoff! Yay!!)

School went fabulous. I had a monster of an instructor last round, so I'm so glad to be back to a great instructor who makes learning a fun and enjoyable experience, rather than just brow beating you.

During class we were to share our recipes. 40 of us. 40 snacks to go around. I was SO FULL by the end of the day that I had to unbutton my slacks! I got home, hubby had dinner made and I couldn't even look at the food, let alone eat. It's now noon the next day, and I'm just starting to feel that I can eat again!

Because I was so full yesterday, i ended up not exercising at all. I kinda feel bad, but in another way, I'm just tired. Tired of it all...the exercise, the school, the kids...I just need a little break, and I'm using that day off of exercise as one. I'm currently waiting for my toddler to wind down enough to take a nap and then I'll be doing my Yoga Meltdown.

Anyhow -- no wit and humor for today....yet...I need to keep my mind on track to finish my readings and exam, need to keep on the straight course so that I can decided whether do to a Power Point or a Brochure for homework (and choose a topic)...perhaps after dinner tonight, I'll be in the mood. We'll have to see.

That's it, that's all folks!

A Secret Wish

So, I am a bit of a Dr. Seuss freak. I loved his books as a child, and I'm lucky enough to be able to read his books as an adult every single day. I have The Cat in the Hat memorized, and have since I would read it to my little brother years ago. Same with Green Eggs and Ham. I have many of his other books but that's neither here nor there.

In surfing the web a while ago, I found the most amazing and interesting website that I've every come across, it's called The Art of Dr.Seuss and it is filled with some of the beloved characters that I knew and loved growing up. However, there's also a section on there called The Secret Art collection. Some of it is fairly typical of what you'd expect to see from Seuss, a little tiny yellow bird with feathers about 100 times longer than his body flying across a blue sea. But some of the art is a little disturbing. "Myopic Woman" is .... er... interesting and a little graphic.

I am addicted to this site. Absolutely addicted. I look, I dream, I wish. The art is priced as art, and I know that I'd never be able to buy it (unless I win the lottery or something), but last night I was looking through Amazon, and look what I found!


I think it's so cool! I can't wait to buy it (well, yes, I can becuase if I was to get this before I'm done school, I'd never open another text book again!)

The Shred - the REAL Day 26

It took a while, but I was able to get the kids down for a nap. I changed into my workout clothes (because I can't imagine doing this in jeans and a long sleeved shirt!) - and went crazy.

Yes, I said crazy, folks. Crazy like my pal Erin there. Yup, I think that's what I needed; a challenge. A challenge from Erin who said that Level 2 of The Shred is easy, and a challenge that my stepmom gave me on facebook. She said, "I'm guessing this is going to be a good Shred today, based on the Rant!!"

That's what I needed to get me going.


I popped in the video - and I went. I followed along with Amazon woman and did it all. Sure, I stopped for a 3 count on the plank squats (those are some hard core ab/cardio work!), I also stopped for another 3 count during that last ab session -- those are torture! But I did it. I did the entire thing on level 2 (-6 seconds). Success.

I didn't feel like I was going to die. I hurt, sure, but death was not a thought. I was sweaty, I was a little sore (those v lifts at the end are a killer!) but man, do I ever feel good about myself for doing it! I need that challenge and motivation!!! Thanks Erin and Karen, you gave me something that I didn't even realize was lacking!

Don't you hate it when....

There are a few things that right p*ss me off. Maybe it's because I like to think that I've got a brain, or maybe (and most likely) it's just becuase I'm a witch with a capital B. Here's my list of tick-offs.

• in online forums when people start a topic with something like "Does anyone know...." and so you have to click on the message to finish reading the question which is usually something as stupid as "...why we blink?" I. Can't. Stand. It.
• When people confuse simple spelling (yeah, mom, me; complaining about spelling). My biggest pet peeve is the there/their/they're thing. But there are more. For example, a friend on Facebook once put "I hate it when people mow there lawns late at night. Don't they know that their are people trying to get they're sleep?" Another person wrote "So nice to here from you." Grrr!
• Excpecially or Congradulations
• and I really, really, REALLY hate it when people say to me "It must be so nice to sit at home all day long. I wish I had such a relaxing job." F*CK YOU! My job is far from relaxing -- and if you happen to see me sitting when you drop your kid off and sitting when you pick same kid up - you have witnessed a minor miracle.

That's it, that's the end of my rant - my kids are all nearly asleep and I have a shred to get to.

The Shred - Day 26

Today's Shred was amazingly easy. I hopped up out of bed, before I knew it my workout clothes were on and I was in front of the TV pluggin' away to the video. The weights were like feathers, the cardio was easy - and I was following the Amazon! It was amazing to be so strong and so powerful. I wasn't even breathing all that heavy...

Suddenly, I started to sweat -- on one side of my face...I reached up my hand to wipe it away only to realize that it was drool. I'd been sleeping for the last half hour and my workout was a dream.

Oh -- how disappointing...I now have to shred while the kids nap, and I'm guessing it won't be as easy as it was this morning.

The Shred - Day 25

So, it's been almost a full week since I did The Shred. Why? Good question...I put off things, I"m good at that. I also had excuses - and they seemed pretty valid to me. Yard work...hours and hours of yard work. I did the yoga yesterday (I don't think that I blogged it) but I did it...and it was hard...I'm feeling muscles, especially around my core, that I never felt before. But it's not The Shred - not even close. I learned something today -- when you put off The Shred, it's like starting all over again.

Yes, my alarm went off this morning, I changed into my workout clothes and laced up my shoes, all happy and ready to continue where I'd last been (remember, I'd been following the Amazon woman for a few days). Not even 3 minutes into it, and Amazon woman was smiling and mocking me. Meanwhile - Easy Anita does her moves like a little fairy, and I feel like she's sending me a vibe. It says, "ha ha ha! You wimpy fool, now you have to follow me. Look and the pathetic moves that I do, and now you do because you can't keep up with Amazon. Ha...ha..ha."

I don't like it. My friend Erin was inspired (apparently by me) to go out and buy The Shred and start her own blog...she moved to level 2 a few days ago, and do you know what she said??

Today was day #1, Level 2 of the Shred. I was really dreading it. I've heard the horror stories, how it's so much harder than level 1, that I'd feel like puking.

I'm happy to report that it really wasn't that bad!

She's crazy, I know. Either that, or I'm pathetic, and I refuse to believe that...so I'm sticking with the crazy thing.

Oh, one other thing -- after sweating up a storm at quarter after 5 this morning, I shakily made my way to my shower. I'm quiet, the rest of the house is sleeping...I turn on the shower, and pull back the curtain, and nearly die of a heart attack - there in my shower is what looks to be a dead rat. Turns out, my lovely toddler tossed a teddy bear (or teddy puppy, more accurately) into the bath tub last night. I didn't know, and turned on the water while I peeled out of my clothes and got my towels ready. By the time I was ready to step into the shower, poor puppy was an eerie looking drowned rat. Ew.

Urban Islamic Fashion

I just read this fabulous blog at Hijab Style -- love this. I've looked at the Styleislam website many times and wished and hoped, but never bought. I really like their messages.

Styleislam is a German-based fashion brand which has been receiving a lot of media attention lately. Their products include slogan hoodies, t-shirts, bags and even keyrings. Below is a short feature with English subtitles, and you can read more about the company in an article over at The Associated Press. What do you think about the company's ethos?

The original post can be read by clicking here: Urban Islamic Fashion

Yoga again

I debated doing the shred today, but my aching back and shoulders from all that raking just wouldn't allow it. Instead, I did yoga. God, I love how Yoga limbers you up. The pain in my back has melted away, and I now feel "good".

I really can't wait until I can do this workout without trembling like a little kitten in front of a bull dog. I know that this isn't necessarily about muscular strength, but more about a state of calmness. Now that I've finished my class with the psycho teacher from hell (who's up for teaching me come the fall it looks like) - I see that I can certainly do these poses much better, still not well - but I also have a 2 year old. Nearly impossible to have mental calmness when there's a two year old around - especially when said 2 year old manages to find a bingo dabber...I have never played bingo other than in elementary...but the child is now the color of a smurf. Blue nose, blue ears, a blue belly button, blue fingers, blue knees, blue thighs and blue toes. No -- calm was a state I was attempting to get to -- not one that I was already in.

Anyhow - I'm going to do my best to get to my Shreds this week -- I've got a pile of assignments that I've successfully put off (which it now sounds like I'm doing for the shred)...hmm...

No Shred this weekend

And this is why.

This is a picture of my backyard - this picture is taken about 1/3 of the way in. It is large enough that (at the time of this picture) I had 4 apple trees, and 2 birch trees -- all about 30 years old AND still enough room to fit an outdoor table set, a back yard climber, a sand box and still have a garden (that's about 20' x 30'). Since we took this picture, we've taken down both birch (which had died for some strange reason along with every other birch tree in the neighbourhood) and 1 of the apple trees (which had been taken over by a nasty ant colony -- killed it from the roots!).

So - every fall, I rake. Not only do I still have 3 apple trees left to clean up from, but it seems like every tree's leaves in the neighbourhood fall into my back yard. I rake and I rake and I rake. Then we go through what seems like an eternity of snow and cold - and suddenly there's spring - warm and beautiful and green. But it's hiding. It's hiding under dead grass and yet more leaves that need to be raked up.

Yesterday, I spent 4 hours out there raking. I only got a little over 1/2 of the back yard. I still need to do the front (which is about 2/3 the size of the back). That will be done today. I truly feel that this is the equivalent of doing a shred workout. Maybe two.

Oh, I also rearranged my daycare room. Moved the furniture around, added some new toys, put away some old toys into storage. Lifted couches, vacuumed everything possible...mopped floors, cleaned bathrooms...sanitized and disinfected -- yeah. There's another Shred workout.

On the schedule today is yet more raking (hopefully getting it all done), running around the city for some last minute groceries, stopping by my accountant's office to drop off my tax info, then coming back home to teach my 6 year old how to ride a bike. Okay, so the stuff between the bike riding and the raking isn't much, but still...I'm counting that as a shred or two as well.

Oh yeah -- I also bought a couple of new trikes for daycare. Can't wait to see their faces....soon, we'll be doing another fundraiser to raise money to buy a new climbing set for them! YAHOO~ I may even set up a paypal donation thing on here -- wonder if strangers will donate??

A quick note from my dad

An email response that I got from my dad...this could come in handy in SO many ways. I think I may take it to word to the wall and have them make it for me.

Hi Sweetie,
I read your email and thought I' d send you this quote I have posted in my office downstairs:

If you think you're beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don't.
If you'd like to win, but think you can't, it's almost certain you wont.
Life's battles don't always go to the strongest or the fastest, but sooner or later, the one who wins, is the one who thinks they can.

Love always,
Dad

I love you too, Dad, and thanks for the Karmic Kick!

Failure...

Another one that Tina had sent through -- again, very close to what I was feeling this morning -- a big failure...love the last part of the sentence; it's so very, very true.

Reasons..

So, I started off today with yet another whining post and asked for a Karmic boot to the butt -- guess I got it. Thanks to Tina on my weight loss group for giving me what I needed! (I hope this picture shows up!)

Excuses and The Shred - Day 24

After whining and moaning all day long yesterday about all the pathetic things I could find to complain about (an earache, a migraine, my pulled stomach muscle, my bratty toddler) I ended up not doing any workout at all and it just made me feel worse.

So -- when my alarm woke me up this morning, I hopped out of bed and got right to it. Level two of The Shred and it was not kind to me. I hate, hate, hate that I feel like I'm falling backwards. I don't feel as though I'm getting stronger, I don't feel as though I'm improving -- I just feel like a big old Fail.

But this is me and my freakish drive for perfection. So - logically looking at it, I can see that I'm improving. Today, for the first time, I did both sets of the plank squats - I was never able to do that before. But then, I look at things like the skater jump or the twisty-hop thing she does -- I couldn't make it through...I have since the second or third day, but today, I was huffing and puffing and yes...giving up. Why?

I need a good kick in the karmic ass...I'm in a rut -- in school, in my homelife, with work -- and with my workouts. Boo. :(

The Jehovah's Came A-Knocking

I'd like to start this off by stating that I have many friends of many faiths. Christians, Muslims, Hindus...uh...I don't know if I've got a Jewish friend (and if I do and forgot you, I'm sorry) and even a few friends who are Jehovah Witnesses. I love my friends for their friendship and religion, race, or any other factor does not come into play.

BUT...

There was this lovely Jehovah woman who would come to my block every week and knock on doors and pass out literature. This is great, not my thing, but whatever rocks your boat. We would chat and she would leave and it was all good. Then, she started bringing literature geared towards ME. Stuff about how the teachings of Mohammed are in the Jehovah's book and so on. I told her "Look, I've chosen my faith, please let me be." She seemed fine with that. THEN, she started coming with coloring books for my kids.

Lady - you have just crossed a line.

I, quite obviously, am of a different faith than any of the children that I've ever cared for - and not once, not EVER did I try to convert them. Sure, we talk about faith, as it's a fact of life that they see every day with me - my head scarf (called a hijab), and occasionally they see me pray - but I don't teach them anything. For this lady to come and give MY children (not daycare) books on how Jesus will save their lives -- I was infuriated. And she knew I would be too -- becuase she came up to the the fence and gave it to them while I had gone inside to get some lemonade or something (this happened in the middle of summer).

Anyway -- Suddenly there's this new guy coming around. He seems to hassle my neighbour quite a bit -- one day they were outside talking, and I asked him to tell the woman to not come to my place any more. He agreed. I believe that was August some time.

For 7 months, my door bell and mail box have been free of Jehovah solicitation. Today -- my door bell rang - it was the guy that I'd spoken to in the summer.

"Hello." he says cheerfully.
"Hi." I reply.
"I just wanted to let you know that I remembered when you had asked
me not to come and bring you literature."
"Yes, I did." I replied.
"Okay, I just wanted to let you know that I remembered." and he nods and leaves.

Odd, I thought...and watch him walk down his merry way spreading the word of his faith. Then, I see it...an "Invitation to Discover Jesus" peeking out of my mail box.

And it looks like it's starting all over again.

Day 23 (late) and Yoga today...

Well - I was so excited with my new blog layout and laughing at that crazy woman's bugged eyes, that I forgot to post about my Shred yesterday. (by the way -- I noticed that you can now get The Shred for just $8.99!! Sweet!)

Once again, I did my best to follow Natalie (or as my friend Erin calls her, the "Amazon Woman" -- which is so very apt!) -- And I'd like to know what's up with this mid-way point of the levels. I get going, I get going well, and then suddenly I falter. What I could do the day before, I can no longer do. WHY??

I wasn't able to make it through the cardio sections, I wasn't able to do the push-ups, I was barely able to do those dreaded chair squats with the V fly. Also -- I pulled a muscle in my abs. Seriously, I was laying there on the floor sweating and panting and desperately trying to lift up my legs like Jillian and her Amazon friend, when suddenly, I felt a pop on the right side (like over my ovary)...Yowza!! It hurts if I try to do that move again, but it also randomly hurts depending on the position I'm in and the pressure on it.

I ended up a little defeated yesterday.

Today, however, I got up, got dressed and headed down for Yoga Meltdown. Remember, I'm trying 3 days of shredding and 1 day of Yoga. Since I enjoy Yoga so much, this video is pretty easy for me, relatively speaking. I get a good workout and relaxation at the same time. I know -- a bit of an oxymoron, but it is what it is. Today, however, that pulled muscle in my stomach screamed at me. EVERYTHING in this yoga video irritated it! The Sun Salutation (where you lift your arms up and tilt your upper body back ever so slightly) -- Pain. Plank poses - Pain. Camel pose - Pain. Dolphin pose - Pain. Ouch, ouch, ouch.

2 more days to the doctor, and I'm going to have a list of complaints as long as my arm! This is my first ever visit with him, and he's going to think I'm nuts!

I need to make another order from Amazon (my favourite store ever!) - I need some Yoga for kids (both mine and my chosen children). My girlfriend was kind enough to drop off a video for me, which will do until my new ones arrive -- I'm planning on buying Gaiam Kids: Yogakids Fun Collection...anyone have any opinions on it?? The way I see it, you get two videos (full length) for less than the price of one!

New Template

I think this is more "me" what do you all think??

The Joy of Toddlers

I will shortly be suffering from a breakdown of some sort. It is now 8:29am, Adam has been awake since shortly after 7…just an hour and a half. In that time he has managed to:

• Spill oatmeal all over the counter top and cupboard faces as he “helped” to put his bowl away.
• Put my tooth brush into the toilet.
• Sneak into the bathroom after said toilet incident and brush his own teeth with apparently an entire tube of toothpaste.
• “clean” my cat box (ie, spread litter all over the floor)
• “feed” my cats (ie, spread their food/water dishes all over the floor)
• Put some more cat food into my dryer.
• Put some dirty cat litter into my dryer (this happened as I was cleaning up my toothpaste mess)
• Peel a mandarin orange and spread its juice all over the table
• Push my desk chair over to my fish tank and “play” getting the seat of the chair wet and stinky with fish water.
• Start not one, but two fights with the daycare kids.
• Remove the cushions from my couch to jump

*sigh* - it’s going to be a very long day.

The Shred - Day 22

I slept in this morning. I was at a wedding reception last night --- wearing a dress that rocked...when everyone else was covered. I felt a little nude. It was ladies only, the last wedding reception that I went to the ladies were dressed to the NINES and I felt frumpy...Huh...I think it's a conspiracy and that I'll never fit in. Whatever. Thanks to God and Jillian, I fit that dress and looked good (but would have looked so much better with Haniya's shoes, right Asma?!?!)

So -- Like I said - I slept in. I was so intent on doing my Shred this morning that I even dreamed about it. Yup, my alarm beepity-beep-beeped me awake, I sleepily turned it off and then went back into dream land doing power squats and V-raises and plank jacks. Yes, I am strange. When hubby's alarm went off next (45 minutes later, and much too late for me to exercise, I cursed and went on with my day).

But -- strange things; the weather here is beautiful. Warm, sunny and refreshing after a long, cold and dreary winter. The kids must have spent the weekend outside in this new spring and by the time we'd finished lunch, it was all they could do to make it to their nap stations! I took the initiative and did my quick 20 minute Shred while they power napped.

Once again, I did my best to follow Natalie. She's tough...I'm not quite at her level yet, but the other one (who's name continually slips my mind) is much too easy for me. I did it all until that last cardio section -- which for some reason I just can't make through. Plank jacks followed by double jump skipping. Repeat. It's just too much for me. But - I did as much of it as I could.

By the way - I also learned that doing a Shred workout after eating a bowl of vegetable soup isn't the best idea. Yuck.

Woot Woot, I'm Famous!

Yup...Yes sir...I'm now officially a Blogger. I have made it past the leap of friends who read my blog becuase I post a link on Facebook and basically beg them to look at it, to an actual all out special appearance in another blogger's blog. (say that 10 times fast!!)

Check it out...she took out my pics of my Jillian vids (which I thought were artistic, but hey, it's her blog!)

I'm quite honestly still surprised that I would get a mention in a blog such as this -- as I said, my...er... sarcastic say-it-as-I-see-it sense of humor doesn't usually go over well in the Muslim crowd...

Thanks, Amber Misk, for the mention!

The Shred - Day 21

*sigh*

I'm tired. I'm worn out...my arms are jelly. My legs are shaky.

Today, I did level 2 following (as best as I could) Natalie -- the "tough" one. I was able to do it all -- except for those plank lunges -- impossible in my opinion. I also had to take breaks in the cardio cause that woman just doesn't quit. It was either take a breather or die. I chose life.

Good news:
*no more pain in my knees. It's as if it wasn't there.
* even though I'm complaining now, I know I'm getting stronger.

Bad news:
* I still have to get through this and find it easy before i move on to level 3.
* My obliques hurt...tremendously.

Really Bad News:
* I had to buy my 9 year old daughter a bra. :( I am SO not ready for her to grow up!

Yoga

Today I did yoga. I have always done yoga as a relaxation of sorts. I enjoyed going to it after an aquacise class, or a spin class, or after training for when I used to do the Weekend to End Breast Cancer walks. It was my down time. I relaxed my mind and my body.

With Jillian's Yoga -- there is no relaxing of the body. Oh, I can still get all zen-like and mellow - but my thighs are far from relaxed...and that dolphin pose (though, that link doesn't really do what's done in the video) does a real number on your core! I love it...I love that I am able to work out, work out hard, and still come out refreshed and relaxed.

You will notice, now, that I'm starting a bit of a new schedule. From now on, I'll be doing 3 days of The Shred, and then 1 day of The Yoga Meltdown. 3 days of Shredding is pretty hard, and I don't want to lose that by "wimping out" so to speak. But I do feel that my muscles need a break from the same movements over and over. Doing the Meltdown will still allow me to work on those muscles, but in a whole new way -- and yet, I get the little mini break from the shred.

As it stands, I'm have completed about 6 days of The Shred level 2. I plan on doing roughly 15 days each (basically, when it gets too easy, I'm moving up...if it will take me more than 15 or less, so be it). Either way, I'm alternating with The Meltdown which I'm currently doing at level 1. I'm really, really enjoying this - and am almost able to do the entire video following the tough woman. Yoga has come very naturally to me, and though this video is a challenge it is also a release. I love having to look forward to this every 4 days!

The Shred - Day 20

I forgot to mention that I did my measurements on Wednesday -- what a phenomenal day that was. Down 1.2 lbs (not a big deal) but get these numbers:

* biceps up 1/2 inch
* Chest up 3/4 inch
* Waist down 1/2 inch
* Hips down 1 1/2 inches!!!
* Thighs down 1 1/4 inches!!!

This was not a change from Day 1 to Day ...uh what day was Wednesday... Day 18 -- Nope, this was a change from the week prior -- from Day 11 - 18! Same measuring tape, and same measuring method (as in, I'm not pulling that tape super tight to get these numbers!!) Can I hear a HELL YEAH?!?!

Anyhow -- today, nearly three weeks in - and I've had another very minor success. Not nearly as fabulous as those numbers BUT....I got through all of the cardio on level two...okay, I wimped out took a break for a bit on the very last one, but I did it.

And -- not only did I do it, I did the dreaded plank jumping jacks - and not the wimpy way!! Can I year another HELL YEAH?!?

Jillian -- the woman that I love to hate. I'm loving my new body -- I bought a dress for my sister-in-law's wedding reception that I wouldn't have even dreamed of wearing a month ago. I'm so proud of my self and thank God for the strength and conviction He's blessed me with.

Go Me!!

Dear Heather ********,

Congratulations!

You have been nominated for recognition by your instructor as part of the Red Deer College (RDC) Student Recognition program. To celebrate your achievements, you are invited to a celebration where you will be honoured by your instructors, the event sponsors, and members of the Board of Governors and other RDC staff.

[skipping the date, time and place stuff]

The Student Recognition program rewards excellence in its many forms: commitment, innovation, creativity, and leadership. The intention is to acknowledge the many contributions made by students to the College and the community and to those who may have faced extraordinary challenges in achieving their academic goals.

[skipping more info about where to pick up the certificates and who to contact for questions]

Sincerely,

Joel Ward
President

All I can say is, thank you!

Great thoughts

Got this in an email today...it's my new mantra:

Being fat is hard.
Losing weight is hard.
Maintaining is hard.
Choose your hard.

The Shred - Day 19

I officially hate level 2.

It seems like every exercise that I do works my abs. They are screaming. My obliques...ouch. That sit-up with the leg lift added in is excruciating.

Oh -- then there's all that shoulder stuff...I'm in pain!!

On the plus side, my knees aren't hurting as much today. Another thing that makes me smile during these things is that Natalie, the woman that I love to hate, is sorta...uh...lippy with Jillian. Jillian comes up and says "I want your knees coming to here" and this Natalie pushes her hands down lower. I like it...makes me feel good for some reason. Kinda like when I was doing level one and there was that boxing session -- No lies, I imagined that I was punching Jillian in the face. It helped get me through.

I'm wondering though, if anyone else noticed that while Jillian is doing the knee lift things -- she's also nearly falling out of her top. I get worried every time I see it. I feel like running to her and saying, "stop, you're gonna pull a Janet!" But...it never does. Just another thing that gets me through.

Aching thighs, horrendously painful upper arms/shoulders, and screaming abs. That's me.

The Shred - Day 18

Wow, first of all, I can hardly believe that I've been doing this for 18 days. That, in itself is a minor miracle.

On to today's workout. Tough. Yup...really, really tough. I'm glad that Level 2 doesn't have as many jumping jacks...cause my knees really do hurt. I have a doctor's appointment next week and that's just one more thing on my list to ask him about.

Here's what I like about level 2
*Walk Out Push-Ups. For whatever reason, I can do these, and I enjoy it (but it's hard)
*The sit-ups with one leg countering. I swear, I can feel my flab melting when I do this!
*The end. Cause it's over.

Here's what I don't like about level 2.
*Plank jumping jacks. You have got to be kidding me!
*Plank side curls...oh - the agony!
*Anything else in a plank position.
*Double jump skipping in place....enough said.
*Oh...those stupid V lifts. My shoulders can't do it!
*Then...right after those, she does a "military press"....it's a workout term for "torture".
*Anything else on the video.

Yup, my body hurts and my mind is bitter. I hope that I'll be able to like Jillian again, becuase right now, she's on my naughty list. Do you know what she says in this video?? "When your done, I want you to be gargling your heart because you've worked so hard." gargling your heart...do you need more clarification for how hard this is??

The Shred - Day 17

So, just in case you haven't noticed, I've been sacking in The Shred department.

Today I was not going to do it and see if I was able to go by unnoticed, but then, I would know...and I couldn't give up. However, after 3 days of doing the Yoga Meltdown (which, by the way, is no slice of cake, may I say), I decided that I would ease myself into Shredding and just do Level 1.

It seems though, that I've come to a bump in the road. I've noticed that my knees hurt when I'm doing the jumping jacks. I thought it was just the fact that I've been a lazy ass not done any exercise and that my body would get used to it. Then, I did the 3 days of Yoga, and now again The Shred, and I could NOT do those jumping jacks (or the skipping). The pain on the outsides of my knees is unbearable...I can do maybe three or four, then I have to stop. I'm able to do the kick yourself in the butt one, but I cannot do the jumping. It HURTS. Any of you smart, wonderful people out there in internet land happen to know why??

But -- here's a small miracle...it seems that all those chaturanga pushups that I did in The Meltdown have paid off. Today, I did the entire (first) set of push-ups (girly style) the REAL way. The next set I had to do as wall push-ups, but that alone is a HUGE success!

Sit-ups are really easy for me now too. (and I shudder at that thought, becuase I know the torturous sit-ups that are in for me tomorrow!)

Yes -- tomorrow morning, I'll be doing level 2. And I may even try to do the Yoga at night (should I be able to get enough reading for school in during the day.)

Hmmm....there was something else....but can I remember before I give up and publish this??? Oh yes! The weigh in. That's tomorrow (on my yahoo group)...I've been sneaking in peeks at my weight -- and it's looking like I'm down 2 pounds -- but then for lunch today, I had 2 huge bowls of home-made mac'n'cheese. It was SO fantastic...so I've likely gained it all back. We'll have to see tomorrow then!

Childish questions -- and Grown-Up answers...

It’s looking like it’s going to be one of “those” days…So, I’m gonna have a little let loose on here. These are all answers to questions that I've had today .... just today...and it's not even noon.

No – it is not okay for you to use 50 tissues when you’ve only been here 5 minutes and have an “imaginary” runny nose.
No – it is not okay for you to stand with a toy in your hand and wander around the room so that I’ll think you’re helping to clean up.
No – it is not okay for you to spoon your dinner over onto another child’s plate.
No – it is not okay for you to jump on my furniture, nor run inside my house.
PICKING YOUR NOSE AND WIPING IT ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SOCK IS NOT ALLOWED!!
I’m not stupid and I know when you haven’t washed your hands…all this will accomplish is me getting mad and making you do it anyhow.
Well, I'm not sure if people with big ears can see better.
No, I don't believe that earrings can help you to hear prettier sounds, even if the earrings are pretty.
Yes, water is healthier than beer.
Flopping like a dead fish on your nap cot will infuriate me.
No, you cannot drink my tea.
No, I do not need you to wipe my bum, and please leave the bathroom when I’m in it with my pants around my ankles. (does a closed door mean nothing?!?)
No, I cannot speak “Cat”, I cannot speak “Dog”, nor can I speak “fish”
No, I cannot speak “brown people”(what???)
No, I cannot speak "yellow people" either (do I even want to know??)
Yes, please sleep, because Heather needs a break!

Now -- who says that having a home daycare isn't fun??

Lost things....

How is it that my children continually loose the television remote??

It’s GONE…Zappo…transported to another dimension (I can only assume it's the same place that socks and toy components go).

It’s not for a lack of looking. Under the couches, inside the couches, in the toy bins, the garbage and even in the diaper pail. It is GONE. I need a remote that beeps or something…like hitting the lock button twice on the car remote so you can be directed by the honking…I need a remote remote finder.

Yoga & kids, in lieu of day 17!

Well what an experience.

I was up very late last night helping out a friend in much need. (and my thoughts and prayers are still sent out and wrapping her with love and hope - I hope that she knows and feels it!). Anyhow, I was up much to late to get up this morning and do The Shred. Instead, I opted to do the Yoga Meltdown DVD after lunch with the daycare kids.

You see, with the things we're doing in school, the opportunity of the Sisters Blog and my own new healthy lifestyle; it's something that I am impressing onto the children around me. We eat healthy, sure -- we have a few snacks now and then, but I always ensure that we have whole wheat breads, fruits and veggies, etc. There are few "processed/packaged" foods around my home and even less of those things I'll allow into my childrens' mouths.

So -- today, after a healthy pizza of whole wheat crust topped with Soy pepperoni, soy sausage, and some veggies (sneaky, sneaky, huh?), I came down with them all (except the babies, who were napping) to do some Yoga.

My problem is, I don't have a children's Yoga DVD (yet) so it was either pop in The Shred, or The Meltdown. Something tells me that The Shred would be a bit much for them. Turns out that the Meltdown was pretty hard for them too. They did the first 10 minutes or so, and then they slowly dropped off, one by one, to sit and watch me and compare me to the women in the videos. What a little troop of cheerleaders I have here!

Go Heather!

You can do it!

Good Job!

Way to go! You're doing great!

They kept me going, they kept that smile on my face...oh how I love these little people!

Finally, it came down to the final stretching at the end of the workout (and a work out it is folks!) - then they are suddenly interested again. They start sitting next to me and stretching their little hamstrings and saying "oh yeah...I can feel that pull, can you feel it, Heather?" And I smile and nod.

Next up for my little Yogis -- we'll be making a fantastic digestive water! Ginger, cucumber, lemon and mint. Yum!

Opportunities are everywhere

Well, what a wondrous way that the world works. I've suddenly been turned into a fitness freak. I look forward to my workouts, and do my best to eat healthy (the chocolate bar and Pepsi that I had on Saturday really did a number on my used-to-healthy-stuff stomach). I went down to school on Saturday, and what is the topic? Healthy eating in Childhood. sweet!

When I came back from school on Saturday, I read my friend's blog - Old Muslim Woman, and she was talking about another blog called "Sisters Who Blog"...a blog that is dedicated to Muslim Women Bloggers -- just like me!

"I'm way to lippy and sassy to be on something like that," I thought. You see, there are some out there who think that to be a Muslim Woman means that you are ever sweet and ever pure and have banished wit and sarcasm in their lives. I am not saying by any stretch of the imagination that this is what being a Muslim woman is about, but it is something that...er...causes rifts, shall we say? But -- I figured, why not? So I applied my blog to it.

I've now been given the task of writing a blog post about children, learning and health. My passions (aside from sarcasm, that is!).

Hmmm...the opportunities.....

The Shred - Day 16 + Yoga Meltdown!

Okay, I didn't post yesterday because I went down to school.

I did do Day 16...and struggled again. I realized that I have to begin all over again, and can't just continue to follow Natalie (the tough chick)...so I followed...uh...the other one, and still wasn't able to do it all. All those plank poses...ouch!

Speaking of Plank Poses -- I got my newest workout video in the mail yesterday - and just finished doing it. I think that between this and my Shred - I'm set to rock a wicked body!

The video? Well -- Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown. At first, I thought that this was a Bikram style yoga where you need a 50* room. But no, it's just Yoga with a Jillian Michaels twist. I love yoga, and am a bit of a yoga snob, so I was leery about this, but I feel great. She does a kind of fast-flowing yoga with emphasis on the poses. You get into, say, Warrior pose and then you work it...with your legs flexing and straightening and bending (for about 10 or so reps) and then you hold it for 15 seconds (which, depending on your strength and the pose can seem like a LONG time).

There were some things that I was NOT able to do. THe Chaturanga Push-ups (by now, you all know my weakness in the push-up area) and one of the other ones (that I can't remember now) but all in all, I feel as though I have worked every muscle in my body very well.

I think that I may end up doing the Shred during the week, and leaving the Yoga Meltdown for the weekends. It'll be a nice break from the Shred without 'wimping out'.

Unhappy Moms, Vent here!

So, I've gotten more hits for unhappy moms. Some of you were brave enough to comment on the blog. I have to say, that I got many emails (from friends and strangers) and quite a few phone calls thanking me for the original post. But those few brave souls who commented on the blog (where everyone can see and judge) -- I'm proud of you.

So...here's my new thing. My kids have been driving me NUTS lately. Don't get me wrong...I love my kids, but sometimes -- I tell you, I get so frustrated, so mad...so annoyed that I just want to stand here and scream. Last week -- I literally told my husband that I needed a "time out". I went to get groceries. I was gone for an hour and a half -- with a good 45 minutes of that spent just sitting in my car holding back tears of frustration.

So -- These are a few of the things that my kids have done to right tick me off this week.

* toddler has a fascination with dumping. God forbid I should leave a water bottle or coffee cup within his reach, becuase it will be dumped on the table, into the sugar bowl, or on the floor.
* Daughter is a slob. I have tried teaching her to clean. I have tried breaking things down for her so she can clean one bit at a time. Nothing works. Her room ... it literally makes me shudder. I have given up.
* Middle son - You would hardly know that this child is alive - he's always got his face in that damn Nintendo...he's also developed a potty mouth...boy, am I proud.
* Toddler has a thing with dumping toys from their bins. THis isn't so much a problem, except that he dumps EVERY toy from EVERY bin. Makes me want to scream.

Ugh...I'm sure that there are more -- But I'm tired and need to now go and wake my little angels for a new day...

The Shred - Day 15

Oh dear God -- what was I thinking?

First of all, I got up at 4:45 in the morning. Is that dedication or what? I came down to my exercise area with enthusiasm...which quickly waned...

Just when I was beginning to think Jillian wasn't so bad...I upped my level. I now hurt in all new places. She has a completely different torture session going on all of it seems like it involves the shoulders for some reason.

My one, tiny success is that I was able to do the push-ups in this workout. She called them "walk out push-ups" which apparently are a strong point for me, becuase I did them ALL in BOTH series. However, everything else seems to involve some sort of plank move -- talk about needing core muscles. Her sit-ups are brutal and the static lunges in Level 2 make you want to scream.

I will admit that I laid down on the floor and cried. Seriously, people. After the plank jumping jacks and lunges, I quite literally cried.

My thighs are screaming, my shoulders are screaming -- and remember when I was excited because I had no more permajiggle -- it's back. Her new fangled cardio sections have found yet more flab to flop.

That stupid wench, Natalie -- she continues to go on with her power moves and smiles the whole bloody time! What is wrong with her??

Ouch. I hurt. Thank GOD it's Friday!

The Shred - Day 14

So, I shredded after supper. Can I make "The Shred" become a verb? Shred itself, is a verb...but whatever....

I've come to the conclusion that yes -- this is simply too easy for me now. I must move on to level 2.

However, tonight was fun. I did my work out with my two boys. The older one -- well, he had more fun playing, but the little guy is only 2 and totally took this on. He's laying on the floor doing sit ups. He's doing his crazy-man jumping-jacks. He's grunting and groaning right along with me. He got so hot that he had to strip down....and I mean STRIP!

What a kid!

Anyhow -- I think I'll be attempting Level 2 tomorrow -- one day early....please...please pray!

Things that make me laugh

So, my littlest guy has been absolutely traumatized by haircuts. Don't know why, as he was good for them right up until about 18 months. Then, all hell broke loose.

This last hair cut was topped off by the screams of "Help me!", "Stop it", and "Daddy!!" (who wasn't even there, by the way. Oh...and don't forget the snot streamer from his nose to his knee....

Anyhow, that was about 3 weeks ago. Ever since then, and I mean any single time he get's hurt, he comes to me and cries about "hair cut."

Just now, he fell off the couch and he's screaming "hair cut, hair cut!" And for the life of me, I can't figure out what's wrong...finally, he calms down, points to his forehead and says "fall down, hurt...hair cut."

And I try my best not to laugh.

Kids...so frustrating, and yet, so much fun!

The Shred - Day 13

Yup, it's sad but true, this is getting easy for me.

I went through the whole thing this morning - and I even did (1 set) push-ups on the floor! I still struggle with those anterior raises, but it's a good struggle.

Interesting things are happening with me though

* My scale is going up. I think that this is because I'm gaining muscle - because the tightness in my pants that made me start this whole thing is no longer an issue.
* My biceps gained 1/2 inch each while my waist went down by 1/2 inch.
* Here's the biggest thing - those of you who know me in real life know that I pretty much refuse to drink water. Well -- not any more. I drink it, and I enjoy it. Go figure.
* I'm no longer mentally foggy and haven't slipped up on my kids' names nearly as much!
* I no longer drag my a$$ all day long...I'm happy and energetic all day long, even though I'm waking up at the crack of dawn to do this!

Two more days of doing this on Level 1 -- then I'm boosting it up. Pray for me.

The Shred - Day 12

Eww -- hot and sweaty at night, not liking this.

Today was a little more difficult - I think because I really didn't want to do this today. Honestly, if it hadn't been for the few of you who pointed out my missing post today, I would have tired to skip it.

Anyhow -- Did it. Had trouble with those static lunges. I hurt my right leg, and wasn't able to do most of them on that side...

Get this though -- when I do the jumping jack/skipping/jumping jack/skipping section -- I no longer feel a permajiggle! Did I already mention this? I don't know...But I feel a change in me! I'm excited for tomorrow morning which is my weigh-in/measure day! Hurray!

Everything else though is going really well. If things continue on this trend, I may be bumping myself up for level two on day 15!!

No Shred today -- yet

Normally I wake up at quarter after five every morning and stumble down stairs to do my Shred. Not today.

Nope, today I was snuggled in bed with the sweetest little guy in the world who was trembling and shaking from nightmares. I feel justified in putting off the exercise.

However, I'll be back and do it later tonight...so there will be a Shred post, just not likely until after 10 pm.

Food Challenge Day 6

Supper last night was WONDERFUL....and would you believe...I forgot to take pictures.

I'm going to troll the net and look for as similar as I can find....Ahh...found one! Courtesy of The Confined Nomad (which looks to be an interesting website! Note to self...look it over)

Machbous is a dish that is made with either goat or chicken (in my case last night, Chicken). You fry up some onions, add some Turmeric and a concoction of spices called Bahrat (just a wonderful mixture of all kinds of things), add your chicken and fry it for a few minutes. Then you add chopped, peeled tomatoes, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods and salt (and I'm sure there's more, but I'm going off of memory right now). Add a couple cups of water and simmer it for an hour or so. Then you add Basmati rice (if you've never had this rice, buy it...you'll never eat Uncle Ben's again!) and simmer it for about 40 minutes. A one pot dish that looks like you worked for hours. Yum!!

I also had fattouch, which is a Lebanese (or Arabic, if you want to call it that) salad. Think a tossed salad with an olive oil/lemon juice dressing and add some toasted flat bread chunks. Another fabulous YUM. This picture is courtesy of a restaurant that looks like it may be in Germany...not sure. It's called Amier Restaurant...if you're ever in Germany and have a hankering for Arabic food...go on over there!

Dessert was a cake that was bought and brought over by my brother in law.