A number of weeks ago, I wrote a blog about the weight loss and fitness goals I had for myself moving forward. That was six weeks ago and I thought it was time for a check in.
The past six weeks have been a lesson in patience, endurance, commitment and strength, but I am happy to report that I am feeling great and seeing results. I have lost 7 pounds in the last six weeks but more importantly, feel like myself again. It is amazing how even just starting and sticking with something for this short a time has made me come alive and has motivated me to keep going.
I cannot say enough about the "Back to run" program that I have followed thus far. My neighbour and friend got it from a athletic therapist and it is basically a slow and steady introduction back into running by combining walking and running at intervals. As the runs and weeks progress, you slowly decrease the amount you're walking and increase the amount you're running. It took me 4 weeks to go from walking for 4 minutes, running for 1 minute (for 30 minutes total), to now running for 30 minutes with no walking plus interval speed training. There is absolutely no way I would have stuck with things and increased my endurance to what it is today had I not started slowly and gradually increased my runs. I was able to complete every workout without pain in my joints, something I have never been able to do before as nagging past injuries usually surface very quickly. I now feel like I can play around with my runs, completing quick speed interval training and also gradually increase my long runs. I am going to continue with this plan until January when I will start following a specific half marathon training schedule as I plan to complete at least one race this spring.
The kids have really been great through this new routine of getting up and getting to the gym. Colin has enjoyed multiple swims with his grandparents as well as loves the day care room. Addy has been great as well and really does put her needs on hold for mine tolerating being awake for much longer than normal. I also know that it will only get easier as she grows and is able to stay awake for longer periods of time.
Like I said before, starting working out again has really been a fantastic and much needed addition to my routine. I really do feel like myself again. My clothes fit better and I actually enjoy getting dressed in things other than yoga pants. I feel like I have more energy for the kids and for life in general.
Ironically while at the Y one day, I saw this commercial for the Good Life Fitness Centre. Although it is a man in the commercial and shocker, I am not a man, the message really resonated with me. Clearly I am not going to the Olympics anytime soon and will most likely not compete in sports ever again except for the odd senior women's basketball game. For so long, the desire to be the best and to compete was my motivation to workout and push myself physically. Now that that is gone and in the past, I need to find new reasons to stay motivated and to keep on top of things. This commercial, I think, does a great job of naming some perfect reasons. For lack of a better term, it's about living the good life.
I'm so glad to be back.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
The Bug.
I have got the bug again. The crafting bug.
It surprises me just how much I love crafting and making decor for our home. It really isn't something I anticipated being any good at since I do not think I am particularly creative. That being said, I think when I felt this way I was forgetting about a little friend called the internet. The web is full of ideas, tutorials, step by step guides and blogs that have offered me a ton of inspiration and the confidence that I too can have a house filled of one of a kind items. Here are a few I have completed over the past month or so...
These are yarn letters that I made for the kids doors. I cup the shape out of styrofoam we had that came in the packaging for Colin's train set. I then simply wrapped the yarn around and around until I was happy with the coverage. Some hot glue was necessary at the end and to affix the end of the yarn but other than there were very few materials that went into this project. All in all, it took me about an hour to do both letters. I really like the way they turned out. I also discovered 3M velcro circles and used those to hang them on their doors. That way they can be moved if we ever have any room swapping and it also satisfies Jason's desire to leave our walls and doors hole free.
A few months ago or so, my sister commented that she was heading over to our Aunt and Uncle's house to get acorns. They live on South Dr in Fort Garry and their promise rang true with my sister leaving with a gigantic bowl. When she made herself a wreath, I knew I wanted to as well. I chose to make a smaller wreath so that it would hang fully in the window on our door. I used a styrofoam wreath I had left over from another project and after wrapping it with felt so that the green colour of the wreath didn't show through, I started gluing. And then I glued some more, and more, and more. And then I thought I was done and hung it only to have it fall down a few hours later and have 50% of the acorns falls off. So then I glued some more. And bought a stronger 3M hook to hang it from. And then I hung it again, and that is where it has been ever since. In total, I used 2 full packages of hot glue for this project as every acorn needed to be glued not only to one other acorn, but to any acorn it touched as well. It made for a lot of gluing. The burlap I used is actually meant to be a garland, however I loved how wide and ribbon-like it became when I used it here.
This piece of art was created after my friend Larissa did the same. She used this tutorial and modified it to suit her needs so I did the same. I purchased the canvas at my neighbours garage sale for $1 and after it was primed, I drew the shapes I wanted with a pencil and then filled them in on top with puff paint. After it was very dry, I peeled off a few leaves that I didn't care for and re-did things until I liked how it all looked and came together. Then, I painted the entire thing over with paint we had downstairs (it's actually the same colour we painted the mudroom). So far, this picture is living on top of the built in on one side of our fireplace but it may move depending on what happens with that area in the next few months as it is slated to have cupboard doors, wood counters, and stone and a mantel installed soon-ish. I am super happy with the way it turned out and think it will have a place in our home for many years to come.
Lastly, I made this framed piece for Addy's room. I have been wanting to buy a heart punch for a long time and was just waiting for the right Micheal's coupon to do so. It finally came and I finally got one! These hearts were affixed to the craft paper using ZOTS that I had left over from another project and then framed in a IKEA white frame. The frame has no glass due to an accident a few years ago, but I kind of like exposing this anyways. It definitely works in Addy's room and now I am brainstorming more ways of how I can use my new punch.
Now that Christmas is approaching, I am busy dreaming of all the new decorations and crafts I can make to decorate our home for the holidays. A few years ago I tried my hand at making us all stockings, but they were a definite flop. I am thinking they might be do for a redo, especially since we have another family member who needs one.
As much as I look forward to working again sometime next year, I do very much enjoy the fact that on maternity leave I have the time to complete projects such as these. I love the way each of these things look in the house and add interest and colour to our walls and doors. I have many more on my mind and am excited to tackle them all including a very exciting crafty endeavour where I plan to document our lives every step of the way.
It surprises me just how much I love crafting and making decor for our home. It really isn't something I anticipated being any good at since I do not think I am particularly creative. That being said, I think when I felt this way I was forgetting about a little friend called the internet. The web is full of ideas, tutorials, step by step guides and blogs that have offered me a ton of inspiration and the confidence that I too can have a house filled of one of a kind items. Here are a few I have completed over the past month or so...
These are yarn letters that I made for the kids doors. I cup the shape out of styrofoam we had that came in the packaging for Colin's train set. I then simply wrapped the yarn around and around until I was happy with the coverage. Some hot glue was necessary at the end and to affix the end of the yarn but other than there were very few materials that went into this project. All in all, it took me about an hour to do both letters. I really like the way they turned out. I also discovered 3M velcro circles and used those to hang them on their doors. That way they can be moved if we ever have any room swapping and it also satisfies Jason's desire to leave our walls and doors hole free.
A few months ago or so, my sister commented that she was heading over to our Aunt and Uncle's house to get acorns. They live on South Dr in Fort Garry and their promise rang true with my sister leaving with a gigantic bowl. When she made herself a wreath, I knew I wanted to as well. I chose to make a smaller wreath so that it would hang fully in the window on our door. I used a styrofoam wreath I had left over from another project and after wrapping it with felt so that the green colour of the wreath didn't show through, I started gluing. And then I glued some more, and more, and more. And then I thought I was done and hung it only to have it fall down a few hours later and have 50% of the acorns falls off. So then I glued some more. And bought a stronger 3M hook to hang it from. And then I hung it again, and that is where it has been ever since. In total, I used 2 full packages of hot glue for this project as every acorn needed to be glued not only to one other acorn, but to any acorn it touched as well. It made for a lot of gluing. The burlap I used is actually meant to be a garland, however I loved how wide and ribbon-like it became when I used it here.
This piece of art was created after my friend Larissa did the same. She used this tutorial and modified it to suit her needs so I did the same. I purchased the canvas at my neighbours garage sale for $1 and after it was primed, I drew the shapes I wanted with a pencil and then filled them in on top with puff paint. After it was very dry, I peeled off a few leaves that I didn't care for and re-did things until I liked how it all looked and came together. Then, I painted the entire thing over with paint we had downstairs (it's actually the same colour we painted the mudroom). So far, this picture is living on top of the built in on one side of our fireplace but it may move depending on what happens with that area in the next few months as it is slated to have cupboard doors, wood counters, and stone and a mantel installed soon-ish. I am super happy with the way it turned out and think it will have a place in our home for many years to come.
Lastly, I made this framed piece for Addy's room. I have been wanting to buy a heart punch for a long time and was just waiting for the right Micheal's coupon to do so. It finally came and I finally got one! These hearts were affixed to the craft paper using ZOTS that I had left over from another project and then framed in a IKEA white frame. The frame has no glass due to an accident a few years ago, but I kind of like exposing this anyways. It definitely works in Addy's room and now I am brainstorming more ways of how I can use my new punch.
Now that Christmas is approaching, I am busy dreaming of all the new decorations and crafts I can make to decorate our home for the holidays. A few years ago I tried my hand at making us all stockings, but they were a definite flop. I am thinking they might be do for a redo, especially since we have another family member who needs one.
As much as I look forward to working again sometime next year, I do very much enjoy the fact that on maternity leave I have the time to complete projects such as these. I love the way each of these things look in the house and add interest and colour to our walls and doors. I have many more on my mind and am excited to tackle them all including a very exciting crafty endeavour where I plan to document our lives every step of the way.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
5 Months.
Deer Addy,
Today, you turn 5 months old. This past month, the leaves have fallen, temperatures have dropped and you got your first taste of snow and winter. You are as happy as ever, and are definitely no longer a newborn. You smile and talk and laugh and play. You grab at everything and zero in on anything you might be able to get into your mouth.
The saga of your hair is a continual mess. This month, it pretty much all fell out, except for one strip at the very bottom above your neck. Your cradle cap was also in full force, however I think I have tamed it now. We were definitely looking a little rough for a few days. Your skin has also transformed into one big eczema mess, similar to what your brother went through. Thankfully after a quick trip to the doctor we are armed with creams now and things seem to be clearing up.
We still haven't rolled over yet, although you are so very close. There were quite a few babies born to friends of ours over the past few months and I continually see people posting on facebook about how their 3 month old rolled over. I suppose you are just not ready. Your brother was a slow roller too and didn't make the flip until at least 6 months so I am not at all surprised or disappointed that you haven't either. You will in time. Big babies take longer to move and my girl, you are big. You go ahead and take your time. I am smart enough to realize that a moving baby loses its novelty very quickly as all of a sudden anything 3 feet and below off the ground becomes fair game for little fingers to grasp and pull. Thankfully this time, unlike when your brother was this age, we have all our cupboard doors on and therefore that will decrease your temptation to get into them all like he did.
You had your first taste of food this month and so far have loved every second of it. After figuring out that you couldn't eat AND have your hand in your month the entire time, you have really mastered it. When you are full, you don't cry or yell, you simply clamp your mouth shut and turn your head to the side. You very politely and very clearly let me know that you are done. We will continue to try new things and see how it goes. I am determined that you will be a good eater. Your brother really struggles with trying new foods and I can't help but think that I must have encouraged that somehow. Everything I read says that picky eaters are made and not born therefore this time around I am reading everything I can find and even going to a picky eaters workshop in a few weeks.
This month, I found myself reaching for the fast forward button a few times. Compared to this same stage with your brother, you are by far easier. That being said, you have lulled me into your ease and your happiness and the therefore when we have rough days, I find it extra difficult because I am simply not used to it. That being said, you continually adjust to our schedule and adapt to sleeping when we are home or in the car. At the Y, you do very well and the daycare workers have commented numerous times about how happy you are. There are times though where it all becomes too much and you have your struggles. 99% of the time it is because I have pushed you too far and you are reminding me that you are in fact only 5 months old. I try my best to remember this and not to rush you past this stage where sleep is a non negotiable and home days mean a lot to you. As the temperature continues to drop and the snow falls, I am sure we will have many more days at home than we have had lately so you can look forward to that.
Birth order is something that I have done a decent amount of reading on as it very much interests me. Your brother, is already very much an oldest child. From what I hear, he is very much like your Dad was at that age and there is no more stereotypical oldest child than your Dad, trust me. You, my sweet girl, seem to be more of a middle child so far. The question of whether or not you will be a youngest or a middle is still undetermined, but so far, you scream middle to me. You love to be paid attention to, but never demand attention. You are so quiet and so easy that I sometimes forget you are even here :). You go with the flow and wait your turn with patience and ease.
I love you sweet girl, be sure of that. With each month and each day that pass, my love for you grows and my heart multiplies for YOU. I marvel at how you have grown and all your have learned already and look so forward to each and every day. You are so very, very sweet and you have an joy that is truly contagious. You are my lovely girl.
Love you to forever and always,
Mama
xoxo
Today, you turn 5 months old. This past month, the leaves have fallen, temperatures have dropped and you got your first taste of snow and winter. You are as happy as ever, and are definitely no longer a newborn. You smile and talk and laugh and play. You grab at everything and zero in on anything you might be able to get into your mouth.
The saga of your hair is a continual mess. This month, it pretty much all fell out, except for one strip at the very bottom above your neck. Your cradle cap was also in full force, however I think I have tamed it now. We were definitely looking a little rough for a few days. Your skin has also transformed into one big eczema mess, similar to what your brother went through. Thankfully after a quick trip to the doctor we are armed with creams now and things seem to be clearing up.
We still haven't rolled over yet, although you are so very close. There were quite a few babies born to friends of ours over the past few months and I continually see people posting on facebook about how their 3 month old rolled over. I suppose you are just not ready. Your brother was a slow roller too and didn't make the flip until at least 6 months so I am not at all surprised or disappointed that you haven't either. You will in time. Big babies take longer to move and my girl, you are big. You go ahead and take your time. I am smart enough to realize that a moving baby loses its novelty very quickly as all of a sudden anything 3 feet and below off the ground becomes fair game for little fingers to grasp and pull. Thankfully this time, unlike when your brother was this age, we have all our cupboard doors on and therefore that will decrease your temptation to get into them all like he did.
You had your first taste of food this month and so far have loved every second of it. After figuring out that you couldn't eat AND have your hand in your month the entire time, you have really mastered it. When you are full, you don't cry or yell, you simply clamp your mouth shut and turn your head to the side. You very politely and very clearly let me know that you are done. We will continue to try new things and see how it goes. I am determined that you will be a good eater. Your brother really struggles with trying new foods and I can't help but think that I must have encouraged that somehow. Everything I read says that picky eaters are made and not born therefore this time around I am reading everything I can find and even going to a picky eaters workshop in a few weeks.
Birth order is something that I have done a decent amount of reading on as it very much interests me. Your brother, is already very much an oldest child. From what I hear, he is very much like your Dad was at that age and there is no more stereotypical oldest child than your Dad, trust me. You, my sweet girl, seem to be more of a middle child so far. The question of whether or not you will be a youngest or a middle is still undetermined, but so far, you scream middle to me. You love to be paid attention to, but never demand attention. You are so quiet and so easy that I sometimes forget you are even here :). You go with the flow and wait your turn with patience and ease.
I love you sweet girl, be sure of that. With each month and each day that pass, my love for you grows and my heart multiplies for YOU. I marvel at how you have grown and all your have learned already and look so forward to each and every day. You are so very, very sweet and you have an joy that is truly contagious. You are my lovely girl.
Love you to forever and always,
Mama
xoxo
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