Well, it is now August. I thought I'd better do a post about how those New Year's Resolutions are coming along. The short answer is that I am about a month behind but optimistic!
So far this year:
I have biked 642 miles out of goal of 1200.
I have jogged 66 miles and walked 59 miles for a total of 125 miles on my feet out of my goal of 250.
I have done 4 miles on the elliptical machine and 3 miles in the pool that need to be converted to "miles on my feet". I am thinking that should be worth about 20 miles, at least.
So, as for the exercise, I am still in the running to meet my goals. I prefer not to think about the weight goal, but I'll admit that my abs are still hiding and I still weigh exactly what I did on January 1st. The biggest test will be losing 15 pounds before 2011!
Here's to keeping myself accountable. Look for more "will she succeed?" posts nearer to the *ack* holidays!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sometimes I preach - 2 Kings 16:1-19
I thought I might do something different today. Of course, that different thing might be making a blog post considering I have only posted 8 times before today! I have been reading through the Bible devotionally, and sometimes I read something that makes me think a bit more about how it is pertinent to life now. Maybe it happens when I have slept more soundly and am more awake at 6 AM to pay closer attention or maybe it is the Holy Spirit working. All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. I take that to mean that 2 Kings has application for me, even if the times were long ago and the practices somewhat foreign to our culture today. I thought I'd share with you the story and the questions that I began to consider after reading it. I urge you to read the story yourself because this is the condensed version according to Michelle, that admittedly does not have the clout of more established translations!
This is the story of Ahaz, king of Judah. He was an unfaithful king who was the son and grandson of relatively Godly kings. Ahaz sinned in the ways of Israel (who worshiped the golden calves at Bethel and Dan instead of worshiping God in the temple at Jerusalem as God had prescribed - this was in the period of the "divided kingdom" when Israel, the northern kingdom, and Judah, the southern kingdom were ruled separately) and also in sinned in the ways of the nations that the LORD had driven out of the promised land. He basically worshiped everybody, everywhere.
Judah was being attacked by the king of Aram and King Ahaz bought the protection of the king of Assyria by sending him the gold and silver from the temple. The king of Assyria defeated the king of Aram for Ahaz. King Ahaz went to Damascus to see the king of Assyria and while he was there was taken by the altar where the king of Assyria worshiped. Perhaps he thought that worshiping at such an altar would also make him powerful. He had plans drawn up to make an identical altar in Jerusalem. He sent the plans back to Uriah the priest and Uriah built it for the king. Then Ahaz used that altar to offer his sacrifices. He placed it at the LORD's temple and even moved the bronze altar of the LORD so that his Assyrian altar could have center stage. He also made changes around other parts of the temple area based on what he saw in Assyria. Then you have this curious comment in verse 15 "but I will use the bronze altar to ask questions of God." Followed by verse 16 that says that Uriah the priest did everything as king Ahaz commanded him.
So here is what I got to thinking: Do I have two altars? Is the place I go about my life, offering my daily sacrifices, a place that I have made for myself based on what I have seen in the life of a person that I want to emulate or am impressed by or seems to have what I want? Would I go someplace different to ask questions of God? Or do I live life and offer sacrifices based on what God has required of me according to His plan? Do I try to re-arrange what God has prescribed based on my preferences or the preferences of someone I respect? Do I give God a token place of worship off to the side in case I need Him if my plans aren't going as I expected?
Another question is who does the person that serves as a priest in my life take direction from? Is the priest staying true to the LORD or has he decided to serve another king instead? Can I see the difference? One more thing- do I remember to take each person individually instead of relying on what I know about their family? Each person chooses whom he will serve and sometimes they depart from their family, for good or for worse.
That is enough preaching for today. I hope it gives you something to think about too.
This is the story of Ahaz, king of Judah. He was an unfaithful king who was the son and grandson of relatively Godly kings. Ahaz sinned in the ways of Israel (who worshiped the golden calves at Bethel and Dan instead of worshiping God in the temple at Jerusalem as God had prescribed - this was in the period of the "divided kingdom" when Israel, the northern kingdom, and Judah, the southern kingdom were ruled separately) and also in sinned in the ways of the nations that the LORD had driven out of the promised land. He basically worshiped everybody, everywhere.
Judah was being attacked by the king of Aram and King Ahaz bought the protection of the king of Assyria by sending him the gold and silver from the temple. The king of Assyria defeated the king of Aram for Ahaz. King Ahaz went to Damascus to see the king of Assyria and while he was there was taken by the altar where the king of Assyria worshiped. Perhaps he thought that worshiping at such an altar would also make him powerful. He had plans drawn up to make an identical altar in Jerusalem. He sent the plans back to Uriah the priest and Uriah built it for the king. Then Ahaz used that altar to offer his sacrifices. He placed it at the LORD's temple and even moved the bronze altar of the LORD so that his Assyrian altar could have center stage. He also made changes around other parts of the temple area based on what he saw in Assyria. Then you have this curious comment in verse 15 "but I will use the bronze altar to ask questions of God." Followed by verse 16 that says that Uriah the priest did everything as king Ahaz commanded him.
So here is what I got to thinking: Do I have two altars? Is the place I go about my life, offering my daily sacrifices, a place that I have made for myself based on what I have seen in the life of a person that I want to emulate or am impressed by or seems to have what I want? Would I go someplace different to ask questions of God? Or do I live life and offer sacrifices based on what God has required of me according to His plan? Do I try to re-arrange what God has prescribed based on my preferences or the preferences of someone I respect? Do I give God a token place of worship off to the side in case I need Him if my plans aren't going as I expected?
Another question is who does the person that serves as a priest in my life take direction from? Is the priest staying true to the LORD or has he decided to serve another king instead? Can I see the difference? One more thing- do I remember to take each person individually instead of relying on what I know about their family? Each person chooses whom he will serve and sometimes they depart from their family, for good or for worse.
That is enough preaching for today. I hope it gives you something to think about too.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Failed 6 week challenge and next steps!
Well, I have avoided blogging because of the massive failure of my well intentioned 6 week challenge! I did lose a couple of pounds, but my eating quickly deteriorated. I blame stress and lack of self-control! :)
I have licked my wounds and am moving on to the next challenge. I should probably just start all over, because it was a good plan with poor execution, but Krissy enlisted me in a new challenge. We have signed up for a 5K on May 8th. Yes, this is the same 5K goal that I have had for over a year, but this time I have paid the entry fee and am feeling committed. I came close last year and then came a heel spur and the advent of biking weather, and I never quite made it. This time I figure that if Krissy can do it with a new baby, then I can do it.
I have started the training plan and it stinks so far. I have done run 1 minute and walk 2 minutes for a week and I am now on to running 1 minute and walking 1 minute. It used to be that I couldn't run because I ran out of breath, but now my problem seems to be the pounding of the pavement with my quite substantial weight! I think the best way to improve my running would be to lose 40 pounds, of course the best way to lose weight may just be to start running.... That is kinda like what I tell myself at the beginning of biking season each year - in order to look better in the spandex, you have to wear the spandex! :)
As far as the eating goes, I have given up chocolate for lent. This has had unintended negative consequences. I now eat more sweets trying to find the satisfaction that chocolate alone can bring! Admitting the problem is the first step. I also made a wheat and baking supply order so I have no excuse to keep me from at least eating whole grain bread.
So far this year, I have logged 32 miles and 4 elliptical machine workouts. I need to buckle down if I am going to meet my goals for this year. January and February were tough - lots of sickness and lots of very cold weather and snow. Now it is March - let the training begin!!
I have licked my wounds and am moving on to the next challenge. I should probably just start all over, because it was a good plan with poor execution, but Krissy enlisted me in a new challenge. We have signed up for a 5K on May 8th. Yes, this is the same 5K goal that I have had for over a year, but this time I have paid the entry fee and am feeling committed. I came close last year and then came a heel spur and the advent of biking weather, and I never quite made it. This time I figure that if Krissy can do it with a new baby, then I can do it.
I have started the training plan and it stinks so far. I have done run 1 minute and walk 2 minutes for a week and I am now on to running 1 minute and walking 1 minute. It used to be that I couldn't run because I ran out of breath, but now my problem seems to be the pounding of the pavement with my quite substantial weight! I think the best way to improve my running would be to lose 40 pounds, of course the best way to lose weight may just be to start running.... That is kinda like what I tell myself at the beginning of biking season each year - in order to look better in the spandex, you have to wear the spandex! :)
As far as the eating goes, I have given up chocolate for lent. This has had unintended negative consequences. I now eat more sweets trying to find the satisfaction that chocolate alone can bring! Admitting the problem is the first step. I also made a wheat and baking supply order so I have no excuse to keep me from at least eating whole grain bread.
So far this year, I have logged 32 miles and 4 elliptical machine workouts. I need to buckle down if I am going to meet my goals for this year. January and February were tough - lots of sickness and lots of very cold weather and snow. Now it is March - let the training begin!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
The New Year Begins!
I woke up this morning not as optimistic as I was last night! My final treat was a peppermint chip milkshake. Yum. I woke up hungry none-the-less. I started the day with a banana (1 fruit serving complete) and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on homemade whole wheat bread. My first nutritional surprise was that my strawberry preserves have high fructose corn syrup. Is that really necessary? Guess I should buy some fruit spread instead. I think I also learned that breakfast is one of my downfalls. I want to grab the first thing that I see because I am hungry, but often it is not a good choice. A Quaker Oats granola bar is just not a well-balanced breakfast even if it is washed down with coffee and perhaps preceded by a piece of candy.
That is as far as the New Year has come. Last night saw me in bed a half hour before the ball dropped. I was then awakened at 5:30 by Audrey complaining that her stomach hurt (an excuse perhaps to sleep with us?) and brought her to bed with us for some less restful sleep for one hour to be followed by nursing Kyle. I am a little tired. Planning to walk this afternoon when the temperature gets out of the teens. My shins are less sore and I am going to try my new shoes out on the road.
Hopefully I will be motivated enough to keep you updated. Maybe I'll become a blogger in 2010!! May you have a blessed New Year!!
That is as far as the New Year has come. Last night saw me in bed a half hour before the ball dropped. I was then awakened at 5:30 by Audrey complaining that her stomach hurt (an excuse perhaps to sleep with us?) and brought her to bed with us for some less restful sleep for one hour to be followed by nursing Kyle. I am a little tired. Planning to walk this afternoon when the temperature gets out of the teens. My shins are less sore and I am going to try my new shoes out on the road.
Hopefully I will be motivated enough to keep you updated. Maybe I'll become a blogger in 2010!! May you have a blessed New Year!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Plans for 2010
Time to make my new year's resolutions. This year, like half the country, I would like to eat better and lose weight. Specifically, I would like to lose 15 lbs this year and try it again next year! Yes, I realize that 30 lbs in one year is possible, but I don't want to make a daunting goal that I am more likely to give up on.
To jump start my year, I am issuing a 6 week challenge to myself. Until Valentine's day when I treat myself (er, my sweetie treats me to) a big fat steak and some chocolate laden gargantuan dessert - I am making a concerted effort to make these small changes to my diet.
Each day I will eat three servings of veggies, three servings of fruit and three servings of dairy. I will also eat less white flour and a limit of 300 calories of junk. Oh, and 6 glasses of water. More fiber perhaps and less food overall. This should keep me from thinking that I am starving and result in a healthier diet. It is sad to say, but the limit on the sweets will be the biggest change, and 300 calories sounds generous on paper! I have let me sweet tooth run wild with the excuse that I often exercise and am still nursing. Well, the 20 month old is just not drinking away all the extra calories! I am considering a food log - just trying to convince myself!
On the exercise front- I am going to try to walk 2 -3 miles, five days a week. I hope to throw some jogging in too. A couple of days ago I tried a 2 mile walk and jogged about 1/3 of it. My body isn't used to weight bearing exercise (I like to bike) and I now am sore with my shins especially hurting! My heel spur is doing okay though - my shins and hips were actually more sore than my heel. I think I'll start with a week of just walking. I got new shoes too to help with the motivation and perhaps the shin pain!
My overall exercise goals for the year are 1200 miles on the bike and 250 miles on my feet. These may change if I opt to incorporate other exercises. Finding my core muscles (what is left of them after 4 kids) would be nice! I made an account for a training log and am hoping to keep track of my miles on foot. I wish my legs had an odometer like my bike!!
That is all for now. I am hoping to blog about my progress. Wouldn't it be great if I could knock out half my weight goal in the first 6 weeks? Optimism runs great on December 31st!!!!
To jump start my year, I am issuing a 6 week challenge to myself. Until Valentine's day when I treat myself (er, my sweetie treats me to) a big fat steak and some chocolate laden gargantuan dessert - I am making a concerted effort to make these small changes to my diet.
Each day I will eat three servings of veggies, three servings of fruit and three servings of dairy. I will also eat less white flour and a limit of 300 calories of junk. Oh, and 6 glasses of water. More fiber perhaps and less food overall. This should keep me from thinking that I am starving and result in a healthier diet. It is sad to say, but the limit on the sweets will be the biggest change, and 300 calories sounds generous on paper! I have let me sweet tooth run wild with the excuse that I often exercise and am still nursing. Well, the 20 month old is just not drinking away all the extra calories! I am considering a food log - just trying to convince myself!
On the exercise front- I am going to try to walk 2 -3 miles, five days a week. I hope to throw some jogging in too. A couple of days ago I tried a 2 mile walk and jogged about 1/3 of it. My body isn't used to weight bearing exercise (I like to bike) and I now am sore with my shins especially hurting! My heel spur is doing okay though - my shins and hips were actually more sore than my heel. I think I'll start with a week of just walking. I got new shoes too to help with the motivation and perhaps the shin pain!
My overall exercise goals for the year are 1200 miles on the bike and 250 miles on my feet. These may change if I opt to incorporate other exercises. Finding my core muscles (what is left of them after 4 kids) would be nice! I made an account for a training log and am hoping to keep track of my miles on foot. I wish my legs had an odometer like my bike!!
That is all for now. I am hoping to blog about my progress. Wouldn't it be great if I could knock out half my weight goal in the first 6 weeks? Optimism runs great on December 31st!!!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Conversation with Audrey
Walking up the steps this morning to get "clothes on for today," Audrey and I have this conversation.
Sparky (our Sheltie) was coming up the stairs with us and crowded Audrey causing her to stumble just a little. She didn't fall and wasn't hurt, but a little peeved.
Audrey: "Sparky made me fall!"
Mom: Calls Sparky back to the steps near Audrey, with his head hung appropriately down. Looks at Audrey and says (for Sparky): "I'm sorry Audrey - I didn't mean to make you fall. Will you forgive me?"
Audrey: Looks at me and after a few seconds says, "Mom, he doesn't talk."
Um, yeah, I guess she is right.
Sparky (our Sheltie) was coming up the stairs with us and crowded Audrey causing her to stumble just a little. She didn't fall and wasn't hurt, but a little peeved.
Audrey: "Sparky made me fall!"
Mom: Calls Sparky back to the steps near Audrey, with his head hung appropriately down. Looks at Audrey and says (for Sparky): "I'm sorry Audrey - I didn't mean to make you fall. Will you forgive me?"
Audrey: Looks at me and after a few seconds says, "Mom, he doesn't talk."
Um, yeah, I guess she is right.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Adventures in Potty Training, Volume 1
Our 2 1/2 year old daughter, Audrey is currently potty training, which is always good for a few laughs, once the mess is cleaned up! Audrey is a very confident little girl and ready to try about anything - on her own. This has led to a few interesting potty training incidents and the latest happened today.
She was outside playing for a few minutes while I was making myself a sandwich. I walked outside to find her in her little pink hoodie with her pants and underwear around her ankles, walking slowly toward the door. I immediately checked to see if the neighbors were watching, and luckily they were not. I entertained the thought of taking a picture, but thought better of it. She says, "I peed outside like Sparky (the dog) down there by the tree." So I said, "Well, go ahead and pull your pants back up", and she said - "No, I need a bath!" Like a true girl, she had evidently squatted and peed all over her pants! A little embarrassing to admit that I sometimes let them do it, but her brothers do a better job of peeing by a tree! (And the dog too, for that matter!) Things might get interesting this summer if they get away with peeing outside and she doesn't!
So all this gets me thinking about summer camp circa 1982 when I was 8 years old wearing a green shirt with glittery words that read 'Anything Boys Can Do, Girls Can Do Better' that my Grandma Nita had gotten for me. At that time, one of the older boys took the opportunity to remark that anyone who believed that had not tried peeing on the side of a wall. Point well made.
She was outside playing for a few minutes while I was making myself a sandwich. I walked outside to find her in her little pink hoodie with her pants and underwear around her ankles, walking slowly toward the door. I immediately checked to see if the neighbors were watching, and luckily they were not. I entertained the thought of taking a picture, but thought better of it. She says, "I peed outside like Sparky (the dog) down there by the tree." So I said, "Well, go ahead and pull your pants back up", and she said - "No, I need a bath!" Like a true girl, she had evidently squatted and peed all over her pants! A little embarrassing to admit that I sometimes let them do it, but her brothers do a better job of peeing by a tree! (And the dog too, for that matter!) Things might get interesting this summer if they get away with peeing outside and she doesn't!
So all this gets me thinking about summer camp circa 1982 when I was 8 years old wearing a green shirt with glittery words that read 'Anything Boys Can Do, Girls Can Do Better' that my Grandma Nita had gotten for me. At that time, one of the older boys took the opportunity to remark that anyone who believed that had not tried peeing on the side of a wall. Point well made.
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