I lost 2 pounds this week!
So, I've lost 18 since this deployment started and I have 7 more to meet my 2nd weight-loss goal of 25 pounds. I feel really good about this week - I ate well, and tried to sneak-in workouts around taking care of my girls. I don't know how it is for you, but I find it difficult to schedule 20-30 minutes for myself to workout when I have the girls to take care of. So, I started working out randomly throughout the day. I'll do squats while I'm waiting for dinner to finish on the stove, push-ups during commercials on TV and ab/back exercises while I'm holding the baby on the floor. Oh, and I count an hour walk at the mall as exercise!
I saw my doctor yesterday for something non-weight related, but asked her what she felt my ideal weight would be. So, we looked at the BMI chart together and talked some about it and she told me what she thought my healthiest weight would be. Right now, I'm 4 pounds from that. She told me to keep nursing, and it'll just fall off. She's right, it's hard to give up nursing when you know 1) how healthy it is for your baby and 2) that you're burning approximately 500 calories a day doing it without much effort. So, yes, nursing is part of my weight-loss strategy. I'm not too proud to admit that.
Thanks so much for your encouragement in all of this. It helps to know how many of you are cheering me on and how many of you look forward to my weekly weight updates.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Pre-Kids
Here's my third post about our marriage. If you're interested, here are the first two posts:
State of Our Union and The Very Beginning.
So, after I decided to finally get in the picture and actually join our marriage, it was great! We had a lot of fun and without a doubt, became best friends during this time. We were both working - Joel was working full-time for the Guard and I was in sales for a health care network. We both enjoyed our careers, had great friends and were really enjoying our marriage.
Much of that enjoyment may be because we had very little conflict during this few year period. Our jobs had us working opposite shifts - I worked typical office hours and Joel worked from mid-afternoon until after midnight. We rarely saw each other. Seriously. We say each other Saturday and Sunday mornings and Monday night after I came home from work. Other than that it was just a quick kiss before I left for work in the morning.
When we did get to spend time together, it was usually dinner out, watching movies at home and spending time with our friends and families. We loved to take a long weekend here and there and get away. Usually we'd go out to some nice restaurants, stay in great hotels and just relax. Joel and I were still learning a lot about each other and working to figure out what are roles were as husband and wife.
So, this time was pretty drama-free. It was also pretty stress free. We both loved our jobs, lived a simple life, didn't own a home and didn't have much responsibility outside of work. It was peaceful. But you know what the say about the quietness before the storm... More to come soon.
State of Our Union and The Very Beginning.
So, after I decided to finally get in the picture and actually join our marriage, it was great! We had a lot of fun and without a doubt, became best friends during this time. We were both working - Joel was working full-time for the Guard and I was in sales for a health care network. We both enjoyed our careers, had great friends and were really enjoying our marriage.
Much of that enjoyment may be because we had very little conflict during this few year period. Our jobs had us working opposite shifts - I worked typical office hours and Joel worked from mid-afternoon until after midnight. We rarely saw each other. Seriously. We say each other Saturday and Sunday mornings and Monday night after I came home from work. Other than that it was just a quick kiss before I left for work in the morning.
When we did get to spend time together, it was usually dinner out, watching movies at home and spending time with our friends and families. We loved to take a long weekend here and there and get away. Usually we'd go out to some nice restaurants, stay in great hotels and just relax. Joel and I were still learning a lot about each other and working to figure out what are roles were as husband and wife.
So, this time was pretty drama-free. It was also pretty stress free. We both loved our jobs, lived a simple life, didn't own a home and didn't have much responsibility outside of work. It was peaceful. But you know what the say about the quietness before the storm... More to come soon.
Friday, September 24, 2010
MilSpouse Friday Fill-In
Thanks Wife of a Sailor!
1.What characteristic about yourself has either been strengthened or weakened due to your experience as a Military Spouse? (from The Albrecht Squad)
I think I'm a lot more confident. I'm confident in my abilities to take care of my kids, to handle all the chores around the house and to make decisions about finances. The military life has made me more confident to be honest with others and stand-up for myself, even when I'm judged for doing so.
2.What is your favorite vacation spot and why? (from ‘Tis the Life of the Army Wife)
I went to Alaska with my family in high school and it was the most amazing vacation. I would love to go back some day, and hope to be able to go with Joel and our girls.
3.If you could have any fast-food restaurant in the food court on base/post what would you pick? (from The Only Pink in a House of Blue)
I love a good 'ol crappy cheeseburger from McDonald's!
4.Where did you go on your honeymoon? (from Pennies from Heaven)
Joel and I went to North & South Carolina. We just rented a car and went wherever sounded fun that day. It was so unorganized (which is so unlike me), but it was incredible.
5.If you could have any job in the world regardless of money, degree or experience, which job would you have and why? (from Proud to Be a Navy Family and The Calm Before The Storm)
I would love to do marketing again! I think I would still choose to be in health care marketing, but more on the development side of things. Marketing is so creative and there's a certain amount of risk, which keeps it exciting.
1.What characteristic about yourself has either been strengthened or weakened due to your experience as a Military Spouse? (from The Albrecht Squad)
I think I'm a lot more confident. I'm confident in my abilities to take care of my kids, to handle all the chores around the house and to make decisions about finances. The military life has made me more confident to be honest with others and stand-up for myself, even when I'm judged for doing so.
2.What is your favorite vacation spot and why? (from ‘Tis the Life of the Army Wife)
I went to Alaska with my family in high school and it was the most amazing vacation. I would love to go back some day, and hope to be able to go with Joel and our girls.
3.If you could have any fast-food restaurant in the food court on base/post what would you pick? (from The Only Pink in a House of Blue)
I love a good 'ol crappy cheeseburger from McDonald's!
4.Where did you go on your honeymoon? (from Pennies from Heaven)
Joel and I went to North & South Carolina. We just rented a car and went wherever sounded fun that day. It was so unorganized (which is so unlike me), but it was incredible.
5.If you could have any job in the world regardless of money, degree or experience, which job would you have and why? (from Proud to Be a Navy Family and The Calm Before The Storm)
I would love to do marketing again! I think I would still choose to be in health care marketing, but more on the development side of things. Marketing is so creative and there's a certain amount of risk, which keeps it exciting.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Wednesday Weigh-In
Well, I'm a little disappointed. I didn't lose any weight today.
I guess I'm not all that surprised. I didn't eat great this week and skipped out on two work-outs. I had pizza this weekend and Burger King and Wendy's this week. Now granted, I had chicken sandwiches at Burger King and Wendy's - but who am I kidding thinking the chicken sandwich makes up for the fries?
It's a fresh week and I get to make good choices this week. I'll go grocery shopping later today, so hopefully I'll avoid temptation...
We'll see.
I've lost 16 pounds so far during this deployment, so I'll try not to beat up myself too badly.
I guess I'm not all that surprised. I didn't eat great this week and skipped out on two work-outs. I had pizza this weekend and Burger King and Wendy's this week. Now granted, I had chicken sandwiches at Burger King and Wendy's - but who am I kidding thinking the chicken sandwich makes up for the fries?
It's a fresh week and I get to make good choices this week. I'll go grocery shopping later today, so hopefully I'll avoid temptation...
We'll see.
I've lost 16 pounds so far during this deployment, so I'll try not to beat up myself too badly.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
5 Months Old!
My baby girl is 5 months old! I can't believe it and I don't want to believe it.
I love the baby stage. I love all the cuddling that goes with it and the constant smooches. I love the fact that I can get away with baby talk in public. I love Autumn's chubby cheeks and all her rolls and dimples. I don't want to let go of the itty-bitty baby stage.
To celebrate Autumn's 5 month birthday, I gave her what any good baby would want: rice cereal. It's kinda gray and smells like dirt. What's not to love?
Autumn had no idea (obviously) what was going on. She did great getting all strapped into the high chair. (Is a 5-point harness really necessary?) She didn't love the first bite, but did well with the rest of her cereal. Success.
Hey, Cutie - please stay small a little while longer!
I love the baby stage. I love all the cuddling that goes with it and the constant smooches. I love the fact that I can get away with baby talk in public. I love Autumn's chubby cheeks and all her rolls and dimples. I don't want to let go of the itty-bitty baby stage.
To celebrate Autumn's 5 month birthday, I gave her what any good baby would want: rice cereal. It's kinda gray and smells like dirt. What's not to love?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Care Packages 101
A friend of mine emailed me this weekend asking me for tips on care packages. She knows someone who's about to be deployed and wanted practical tips on care packages. So, here are my tips...
WHAT TO SEND
Each deployment location is so different, so the needs of the soldier will be different depending on where they're going. They may not be able to tell you exactly where they're going before they leave, but they should be able to at least tell you what they would enjoy when they're there. For example, Joel always requests that people not send him bulky things that he'll just have to carry home or have to pay to get sent back. Some bulky things just get left there for the next unit coming in.
Here are some things that Joel loves to get:
Keep in mind that most likely, your care package is going to the Middle East. It's hot there. Things melt. There's nothing like being teased with homemade treats that are inedible because they're all melted. That being said:
WHAT TO SEND
Each deployment location is so different, so the needs of the soldier will be different depending on where they're going. They may not be able to tell you exactly where they're going before they leave, but they should be able to at least tell you what they would enjoy when they're there. For example, Joel always requests that people not send him bulky things that he'll just have to carry home or have to pay to get sent back. Some bulky things just get left there for the next unit coming in.
Here are some things that Joel loves to get:
- Flushable wipes
- Deodorant
- Aleve
- Gold Bond
- Pictures/Drawings from home
- Letters/Cards
- Magnets for his locker
- Batteries for his camera
- Crossword puzzles
- Magazines
- Homemade goodies
- One-serving drink mixes (he loves the KoolAid mixes)
- Trail Mix
- Oreos
- Tea bags
- Coffee
Keep in mind that most likely, your care package is going to the Middle East. It's hot there. Things melt. There's nothing like being teased with homemade treats that are inedible because they're all melted. That being said:
- Don't send chocolate. Chocolate trail mix, chocolate chip cookies, chocolates bars... they will not survive.
- Aerosol cans
- Alcohol - It can be done, but don't risk it.
- Letters/notes from home about problems at home. Keep letters fun, encouraging and light. They have enough on their mind, wherever they are, and they need to keep focused on their mission. They'll have plenty of time to get caught-up on all the drama they missed when they get home.
- Your care package will go via USPS. You will drop it off at a branch and they will ship it to a military base. From there, it will go on a military plane and fly to your soldier's destination. Packages can take up to 10 days to get there. This deployment, packages take 6-7 days.
- You package will need a Customs Form. On the form you will need: your address, your soldier's address, a list of the items in the box including the quantity of each item and the approximate value of all the items in your care package. (I always bring a list with me of all these things, so I'm not stuck there wondering what I have in the box.)
- The custom form only has 4 lines to list the items in the box - so if you're sending more than 4 different kinds of items, you may need to fill-out 2 forms. I've gotten creative with this. For example, if I'm sending 6 different kinds of snacks, I will list it as "snacks" and write 6 as the quantity.
- When in doubt, ask. I've found the Post Office employees to be so helpful! They are always willing to take the time to answer my questions and they have always been very patient with me.
- Pack the box well. I always keep brown packing paper around to fill in open spaces in the box. Remember, both the USPS and the military are handling your box. Just saying.
- Double and triple tape the seams and edges of the box.
Friday, September 17, 2010
MilSpouse Friday Fill-In
Hop on over to Wife of a Sailor and join in on the fun!
1.How do you spend your deployment money, do you save, pay off bills or enjoy the extra money while it is there to buy the things you do not normally have? (from Troop Petrie)
We do a little bit of everything. Joel and I have a goal to become debt-free, so I'm working to get some debts paid off, including my student loan. (See ya Sallie Mae). I have a few to-do's on my list that are not in our normal budget, including getting our trees trimmed (done) and getting some rooms painted professionally. And then there's some fun trips to the mall to get this somewhat skinnier body some new clothes. The extra money during deployment is definitely nice, but I'd much rather have my hubby home.
2.If you could relive one occasion or moment, what would it be? (from Currently On Land)
My wedding day. It was just amazing - from beginning to end.
3.What’s the worst job you ever had and if it was so bad why did you take it? (from Faith and Deploying)
I was a grocery store check-out girl for about 6 months in high school. It was a new store that eventually had plans to have a Starbuck's inside. I was hired on for Starbuck's, but worked up front while Starbuck's was being built. I hated it. I have so much respect for people who do this job!
4.If you could play any character on TV, who would you be? (from Many Waters)
I'd be Pam on The Office. That show is hilarious and that particular kind of dysfunction seems like too much fun.
5.If you could become the world’s expert in something, what would it be? (from Army of Two)
I'd be the world's expert landscaper. Crazy, right? I love landscaping and have a stack of landscaping books that I could seriously read over and over again. I watch all the landscaping shows on PBS and love to pop in to Lowe's and other greenhouses just to look at plants and read tags. I know I'm making myself sound totally lame here. Don't judge me.
1.How do you spend your deployment money, do you save, pay off bills or enjoy the extra money while it is there to buy the things you do not normally have? (from Troop Petrie)
We do a little bit of everything. Joel and I have a goal to become debt-free, so I'm working to get some debts paid off, including my student loan. (See ya Sallie Mae). I have a few to-do's on my list that are not in our normal budget, including getting our trees trimmed (done) and getting some rooms painted professionally. And then there's some fun trips to the mall to get this somewhat skinnier body some new clothes. The extra money during deployment is definitely nice, but I'd much rather have my hubby home.
2.If you could relive one occasion or moment, what would it be? (from Currently On Land)
My wedding day. It was just amazing - from beginning to end.
3.What’s the worst job you ever had and if it was so bad why did you take it? (from Faith and Deploying)
I was a grocery store check-out girl for about 6 months in high school. It was a new store that eventually had plans to have a Starbuck's inside. I was hired on for Starbuck's, but worked up front while Starbuck's was being built. I hated it. I have so much respect for people who do this job!
4.If you could play any character on TV, who would you be? (from Many Waters)
I'd be Pam on The Office. That show is hilarious and that particular kind of dysfunction seems like too much fun.
5.If you could become the world’s expert in something, what would it be? (from Army of Two)
I'd be the world's expert landscaper. Crazy, right? I love landscaping and have a stack of landscaping books that I could seriously read over and over again. I watch all the landscaping shows on PBS and love to pop in to Lowe's and other greenhouses just to look at plants and read tags. I know I'm making myself sound totally lame here. Don't judge me.
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