Happy Thanksgiving

This year, as always, I am most Thankful for my little mini-me Cooper.  He is my rock and my whole world.  I've told him since he was born that he is my everything and it couldn't be more accurate.  My whole world exists and is because of him!  I really don't know what I would do or who I would be without my baby!  At six years, ten months and 20 days I am sure he will argue that he's not my "baby" but that, he will always be!  I love you, baby!  

Days of December

Can you believe December is almost upon us?  This year has literally flown by!  With the holidays right around the corner, I was starting to get a little anxiety about our plans for Christmas.  We have been in New Jersey for a year now.  Last year we spent Christmas Eve with my sister and brother-in-law and his family.  On Christmas day we spent the whole day just having fun with Cooper's new toys and each other. I made a nice dinner and we both had a very relaxing, nice day.  But something was missing.

It was the first year in my thirty years that I had not spent with my parents on Christmas day.  We called and spoke to everyone over the phone, but it wasn't the same.  When we lived in Florida, my parents and grandparents would all brave the early hour and come to our house (coffee in hand) to see Cooper open his presents.  We would have breakfast there and then all gather at my parents for dinner later in the day. Even the presence of their crazy neighbor Kate became a Christmas tradition.

So spending the day alone - or just the two of us I should say - was somewhat sobering to me.  And after speaking to my mom and hearing the tears in her voice, I knew she didn't particularly like it either!  When I thought about the impending holidays this year, I became a little depressed.  I did not want a repeat of last season's air of sadness on a day that, in my childhood, was always one of the best days of the year!   (Insert "mom guilt" here!)

After speaking to my mom and grandma this week it was unanimously decided that we would fly "home" for Christmas this year.  The irony of that sentence is amazing.  I moved back to the Northeast to be closer to home, only to discover that home really is where your heart (family) is!

December is going to be a busy but fun month for us this year!   The first weekend we will be venturing back to Coudersport for our annual family Christmas celebration that just happens to revolve around the opening days of hunting season!  The second weekend we will be traveling to the Boston area to meet and cuddle the newest, cutest and most miraculous little Lucas!  And finally, from the 22nd through the 29th will be back in Sebastian, FL for a wonderful Christmas with our family!

Like I said, we will be busy, but it will be fun!  Did I mention I will be in Seattle November 29 - 31st?  Lots of traveling in my near future!


*In other news: Cooper is reading the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book and can get through most of it without even asking me what the words mean.  He just showed me a page of his self-assigned homework where he wrote out a summary of what he had read so far.  He then asked me if he could do his "homework" in YzKidz instead of playing on Monday.  I'm still trying to pick my jaw up off the floor.  He continues to impress and amaze me on a daily basis!  

Happy Fall

On Saturday Cooper and I took a little drive down to Parvin State Park in Pittsgrove, NJ to shoot our annual photo session.  Last year we chose an abandoned farm for our photo shoot which provided a very unique and almost dark backdrop to our holiday cards.  This year, I decided we would shoot a picturesque "Fall" photo shoot.  Truth be told, I had an appointment with a local photographer last week that we ended up canceling.  I knew I had made an expensive choice in photographers but I love her work and wanted to see our portraits through her vision.  In the end, the cost overruled the potential art and we were back to square one.

So, off we went, on yet another road trip!  Complete with tripod, lenses, ideas for poses and the most handsome subject ever I set out to "capture the moment".  The leaves at Parvin were perfect!  They have been gorgeous the last two weeks and lucky for us they have not completely fallen yet!

I knew I wanted some candid shots, some posed pictures and just some cute Cooper shots too.  Mission - accomplished.  After downloading the 140+ pictures we took, I was more than pleased with the "raw" pictures.  I have been indulging in editing them ever since and hope to have some to share soon.  And I know our Christmas cards will be amazing this year.  I may even replace the large portrait in the living room of Cooper and I from our photo session when he was two!!!!

The unfortunate part of the day was that, at the end of it, I was unable to walk!  I have been battling a hip, leg, thigh, muscle, pain for over three months now.  It started in July and hasn't let up yet!  So after standing, walking and exploring for more than six hours Saturday, I was disabled!  It was very upsetting because we wanted to go for a hike Sunday and I could barely stand!  Luckily, I had come to the conclusion last week that it was time to get this issue resolved and finally scheduled an appointment with the Orthopedic surgeon for today.

Long story short, the doctor thinks I have "internal snapping hip" syndrome.  A dynamic ultrasound should confirm his theory and physical therapy has been set up to begin next week.  Let's hope this is the solution I'm so desperately needing right now!  Please!

In other news: Cooper has made his Christmas list on Amazon.com!   I cannot believe we are already planning for Christmas!   November is going fast and December is going to be BUSY.  The first weekend we are in Coudersport for a family Christmas celebration.  The next weekend we are going to Boston to meet baby Lucas and visit Allison and Ruyter!   I can't wait!  

Holiday traditions

One of our family traditions growing up involved baking.  We made tons of cookies for Christmas of course but we also made sugar cookies for every other holiday that isn't necessarily associated with cookies.  Whether it was St. Patrick's Day or Halloween, we were baking and decorating sugar cookies.  They were always made from scratch - no cookie "rolls" of dough here!  The frosting was also homemade which made it even better for licking off of  your sticky fingers!

The fun started with rolling out the dough and using some of Mom's hundreds of cookie cutters to pierce the dough in fun shapes and sizes.  Every once in awhile, if you were lucky, you could sneak a yummy taste of the raw dough from the scraps left behind.  With spatula in one hand and cookie sheet in the other, either Kelly or I would scoop the dough to the sheet inevitably getting flour all over the floor.  Once they were cooled properly on the wire rack, the real fun began.

Most decorating days involved friends or neighborhood kids.  I can honestly say I every single time I decorate a cookie now I think of our neighborhood friend "Nega". If I remember correctly "Nega" means "little niece" in Brazilian.  Her real name is Luciana.  Nega's family was not as country or home-grown as ours and we always felt Nega longed for the family life we provided.  I think that's why, more often than not, she was at our house!    And you could bet, if we were making cookies, Nega was right there in the middle of all the craziness!

Complete with homemade frosting, sprinkles, chocolate chips and usually some other random supplies we would begin!  The frosting was always divided up into different bowls with various shades of that holiday's colors.  Mixing the frosting into interesting shades of purple or blue was always a challenge!  Usually Kelly, Nega, Mom and I would sit around our round wooden kitchen table and start decorating. For week's later, frosting and sprinkles could be found in the crack of that table!  Sweet little reminders of the fun we had around that table!

As the years passed the tradition began to lose ground some as we grew "too old" to be decorating cookies in high school.  We would still make cookies for Christmas and school parties but the smaller holidays began to pass by cookie-less.  Once Kelly went off to college and Tyler remained home with us, the tradition was revived.  Tyler's decorating skills so closely resembled Nega's - the more sprinkles, the better!  And oh boy the mess a two year old can make while decorating cookies!  Whew!

As I went off to college, I would occassionally introduce various roommates to our holiday tradition.  One year I had a little helper from the four year old girl I was babysitting in college.  Even as I graduated and moved on to start my career, I would still make cookies for some holidays.  I figured out really fast that my colleagues and friends had not grown up with the same tradition and absolutely marveled over the detail of the cookies!

Cooper and I have continued the tradition (as has my sister and her kids).  We don't bake sugar cookies for every holiday but we certainly don't miss many.  And this weekend was no exception.  With Halloween tomorrow and cookies needed for school, I reverted back to my roots.  Out came the flour and rolling pin, cookie sheets and sprinkles.  Coop is usually willing to help for the first 5-10 minutes and then he abandons me with the 80+ undecorated cookies.  Today though, he was my "sprinkle master".  He probably helped for a good 25 minutes before getting bored this time.

The end result - a sea of beautiful and some overly sprinkled Halloween cookies.  Perfect for little fingers to devour at the Halloween party tomorrow.  Also good for my colleagues who are trying so desperately to lose weight!  (hehe!  I'm trying to sabotage their weight loss efforts so I can win the contest!)

Here are a few pictures of our Halloween cookies:

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Weight Watchers.......again

Yep, you heard me.  I'm back on Weight Watchers.  Ironically it took a weekend of complete binging to push me over the top (of the scale).  So let me just start with this.........

STARTING WEIGHT:  137.6

Urgh!  My ideal weight would be 124-125 so as you can see I have a lot of work to do!  To add insult to fat injury - literally - I have a pulled/torn muscle to contend with while exercising too.  So it's not going to be easy!

Why Weight Watchers?  I'll tell you why!  My mom and grandma both lost enough to become lifetime members using Weight Watchers about 10-12 years ago.  Throughout the years I have tried almost every single diet fad that is out there.  Just to name a few: Flat Belly Diet, Atkins, Durkan Diet, Low Calorie, tracking everything on Livestrong and I'm sure many others I cannot remember!  Not one of these diets can compare to the easy and obvious results that Weight Watchers provides.

In 2003, my girfriend {D} and I joined the meetings in New Jersey and we loved it!  I lost 12lbs in 7 weeks and I was so happy with the results and the flexibility.  Then after having Cooper in 2005, I re-joined the new online Weight Watchers program.  The online tools and tracking were ideal for me since I couldn't really get to meetings with an infant in tow.  With the help of Weight Watchers (and to be honest a heaping pile of new mommy stress), I lost the 25lbs I gained during pregnancy AND 27lbs of pure fat!

For those of you who aren't familiar with the program, it is very simplistic.  You track every bite that goes into your mouth.  Each food has a "point" value.  The program has recently changed from calculating points based on calories, fat and fiber to using the fat, carbs, fiber and protein amounts in any given food.  This new plan encourages followers to eat more "clean" foods - fruits, vegetables, lean protein, etc - rather than 100 calorie snacks!

The main factor that I LOVE about Weight Watchers is the flexibility.  Since I began the program I have always been allowed "flex points" or bonus points for the week.  I think the flexibility allows me to know I can have a cheat night if I need to or enjoy a business dinner out when necessary.  You simply have to track what you eat and account for every single bite.

In addition, you can earn more points by exercising.  So a 45 minute workout can earn you enough points for a cupcake for example.  I try not to use the activity points, but let's be honest, I love chocolate!

So I am back on the weight loss band wagon.  Again!   It is frustrating and it is difficult but as Kate Moss said (and I repeat daily) "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"

Please encourage me on my journey to find the skinny Casey within!  I need all the support I can get!

____________________________________________
Update 10-13-11
Week #1 Weigh In:
134.8
Net loss: 2.8lbs

Coudy girls in Boston

As I write this post I am sitting at Logan International airport about to return from a weekend trip to Boston. My friend Allison move to Boston two years ago to start anew in a great city close to her favorite vacation spot of Nantucket. In March she called me out of the blue and announced with extreme excitement that she was pregnant!! A new baby was coming and another dear friend was about to experience this wonderful world of motherhood!

Allison and I have known each other since Kindergarten. In our small hometown, we all have known most of our friends since we were 4 or 5!! In high school Allison was one of my closest friends and as we graduated and headed off to college at Penn State, we only grew closer! For one semester in our junior year we actually lived together at her college house. When I say I've known her my whole life, I mean my WHOLE life!

So of course I knew I would be planning a visit to Boston after Allison had told me the good news! I had no idea at that time that the visit to Boston would be this amazing!

Shortly after finding out she was pregnant, Allison also learned she had a cyst on her right ovary that would need to be removed somewhere around week 15. This was alright in her mind which surprised me at how calm she was with this news of a surgery while pregnant. Again, little did I know at that time!

The cyst was removed and against all odds and all predictions of her doctors, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer! I was in my hometown with many of our childhood friends when I first learned of my dear friend's diagnosis. I remember struggling to be excited for the wedding that had brought me back to my hometown. All I could think about was Allison and her baby!

Fast forward five months and six chemotherapy treatments and here we are in Boston. Allison is two weeks away from delivering a full term baby boy. She has finished her chemotherapy and all signs are pointing to positive ending for all!  I could not be happier for her and more excited for this little one's arrival!

(Finishing this post a week later......so bear with me as I catch up)

The morale of the story, in short, is that Coudy girls (and guys too) will always be there for one another. We may have drifted apart, moved away or even had a minor spat over the years but in the end, we always come together!

I have so much more I could reflect on from the weekend in Boston with my old friends.  We sat up late at night talking, we rode with Allison (the token driver of the class of '98), we laughed, we (I) cried, and we reminisced!  And now looking back and reflecting on the weekend, I am so grateful to have a wonderful group of childhood friends!  I know they will always be there for me and vice versa.

To my girlfriends!

Where were you.....

When the world stopped turning?   Where were you on 9-11-01?

I'm sure every single person in America and many throughout the world can remember every detail about where they were on 9-11.  Ten years has gone by since that terrible morning when the world stopped breathing and watched the second plane crash into the Twin Towers.  As I spent the morning watching the news coverage and trying to explain to Cooper why this day is so important, I began to wonder.  What if!

What if the terrorists plan was thwarted?  What if the two planes that crashed in New York and the one in Washington DC were diverted from their final destination?  What if the suicide bombers got nervous or decided it wasn't worth it?  What if those planes had air marshalls on them?  What if the passengers chose to storm the cockpit on each of those flights?  What if?

On the morning of September 11th 2001, I awoke in my junior year of college in State College, PA.  As was my morning routine, I checked my computer for any evening IM's before even leaving my bedroom.  My roommate Abbey had a message saying something about sending prayers to the people of NYC.  I remember thinking to myself "what happened in New York City"?  So I turned on the TV in my bedroom and saw the coverage of the first plane going into the Twin Tower.  As I watched, the second plane hit!  My stomach dropped.  I knew at that very moment that this was not an accident.  Immediately my thoughts went to my mom and grandma who were set to fly home from Florida that day.

Our apartment had a common area in the middle of the four bedrooms and I remember going out there and watching the coverage with my roommates.  I wondered why classes hadn't been cancelled and was immediately annoyed, as any college student is, that I had to get myself ready for class when all of this was going on!  I wanted to stay home and watch the news with the rest of the world!

Off I went to my logistics class that morning.  As I got off the bus and walked onto campus I recall thinking how quiet it was.  The hoards or students had all been quieted by the events of the morning.  And to my dismay, a sign was posted on my Blog class door stating classes were cancelled for the day.  I was so frustrated.  Here I was, stuck on campus and the world was realizing we were under attack.  As I stood at the bus stop I was able to get through to my mom in Florida.  Their flight was cancelled - all flights were grounded.  They weren't sure how they were going to get home yet.

Like the rest of America, I spent the rest of the day watching the terrible events unfold.  I spent weeks watching the news until finally, one day in October, I had had enough!  I made a conscience decision to avoid any more 9-11 news!  I couldn't stand to see another cloud of "dust".  I couldn't cry anymore.  I just wanted to pretend it was all over.  And I wasn't alone.  Eventually the media made a decision to take the news off of the air.  America had to get back to "normal".

For whatever reason, I kept the newspaper and magazines from that day/week:

Please comment and share with me your 9-11-01 story.  Where were you........?

Hurricane Irene

This is what I'm dealing with at the moment!

It's 10:30pm and we are getting pounded with heavy rains and winds as part of the early feeder bands from Hurricane Irene.  She is expected to be over South Jersey around midnight tonight.  So far, it hasn't been too bad because the power is still on!  Hopefully it stays on but I highly doubt it!

After living in Florida for six years, I had my fair share of hurricane experience.  It all started with two storms named Frances and Jeanne in 2004!  I was pregnant at the time and the storms came back to back with a large impact to our area each time!  I was living with my parents at the time of the storms.  For the first one, since we were all hurricane-virgins, we decided to evacuate and go across the state to Tampa!  Bad idea!  The storm came right across the state and knocked out the power in Tampa too.  So my storm-chasing father decided we would drive THROUGH the hurricane back to the house because he was convinced that if something would happen to the house, people would be out there looting our stuff!

Fast forward two very uncomfortable weeks with NO power and quite a mess to deal with and we were prepping for hurricane #2 - Jeanne!  Of course this time, we did not evacuate!  We stuck out the storm with mom and I huddled in the walk-in closet while dad slept soundly in the bedroom next to us.  At one point he went outside "for a walk" and had pine needles sticking in his eyes!  Not the smartest move!

So when I saw that Miss Irene was heading our way with a potential of a Cat 1 or 2 when she reached South Jersey I thought to myself "I got this!"  I feel like I have enough experience to get through a hurricane on my own now.  At the same time, it is nerve wracking!

We just went through a tornado warning!  I had about 10 texts from friends in the area telling me to go to the basement because of the tornado warning.  I went down there and filled an air mattress 'just in case'.  I'm typing this from the couch because it is too loud and scary on the third floor where my bedroom is located.  I think I'll camp on the couch tonight.  I'll update again later or tomorrow after the storm.

Stay safe and keep dry!

UPDATE: 9:15AM Sunday the 28th
Right after I put up this post I decided it was time to get some sleep.  I was camped out on the couch uncomfortably but luckily, I was able to sleep alright last night.  I woke up a few times to the sound of wind and rain hitting the house but nothing frightening.  Around 6am I heard the power flash back on so I decided it was time to sleep in my bed for a few hours.  Around 8am I got  up and turned on the news.  We didn't get any damage at the house at all.  No water in the basement, no tree limbs in the yard, nothing!  I might venture out in a bit to see how the town made out.   All in all, not a bad storm at all!  

HOT Yoga

Awhile back during a wonderful massage in Florida, the masseuse recommended to me that I should try Bikram Yoga.  What is Bikram yoga I asked?  The girl explained it as a yoga class in a very hot room.  Hmm....let me think?  No thanks!  I'm not a yogi at all and actually have never even taken one yoga class!

Fast forward two or three years to my friend Shannon and I sitting at the local pub talking about yoga.  Shannon is a yogi!  She practices 3-5 times per week at local studios and at home!  So I thought, who better to ask about "hot yoga" than Shannon.  Turns out, she had done it once and loved it!  She explained it to me as a series of 26 poses each done twice in a very warm studio.  Ok, a HOT studio!  Right there at the bar we decided to go to a class together.  I think I may have also committed to coming to a regular yoga class with her.  Maybe the alcohol was talking some?

Our plan was to jump right in and go to the studio near us that only does hot yoga.  It's called Laughing Buddha Hot Yoga studio.  I should have known from the ominous title that this was going to be 'no joke'.  I did a little research before we went so that I wouldn't look like a complete fool.  I actually found a few very helpful posters like this one below that show each of the 26 poses:

It made me feel a little better prepared but I was still nervous that the instructor would be calling out positions like "Downward dog" and "pigeon pose" and I would be standing there clueless.

Our class was at 7:45pm on Tuesday night so we arrived early as instructed to get "adjusted" to the temperature in the room.  As we walked into the studio I kind of wondered what the hell I had gotten myself into!  But in I went!  The room wasn't as hot as I had imagined it - at least not while the door was open.  Shannon and I stood there chatting a bit before class started.  Once the instructor came in I immediately told her that not only was I new to hot yoga, I was new to yoga in general!  She was very excited to have a newbie on her hands.

We did a few warm up breaths and then we got started.  The first pose involves linking your fingers under your chin, breathing in and out and trying to fold your elbows up to the top of your head.  HA!  My elbows were parallel to the floor as opposed to the desired perpendicular position.  Shannon of course was able to bend and contort herself into this odd position.  In the back of my mind I was reminding myself of my inability to flex or be flexible!

As we moved on to the second pose, I became more confident.  The instructor was extremely helpful and would correct me when needed.  I was thinking how Shannon had said when she had done hot yoga before she didn't remember sweating in the class but she was soaked with sweat when she left.  As we went into the end of the second pose where you fold yourself forward and hug your forehead to your CANKLES, I realized I was dripping with sweat!  Literally, sweat was dripping off of my head and onto the mat!  At first I was a little embarrassed until we rolled into the next pose and I realized every one of of the other 6 ladies in the class was just as sweaty as me.

We continued on through the first 13 poses without too much difficulty.  There was one pose (#7 above) where I was able to get fully into position and my taller, leaner friend had a little struggle.  (I quietly patted myself on the very sweaty back!)  As we transitioned to the seated poses I realized we were half way or 45 minutes through the class.  At that point I started to feel a little fatigued and light headed.  I sat out one pose to just compose myself and catch my breath.  I didn't feel nauseous but I also didn't want to get to that point.

As the class finished, the instructor graciously opened the door and windows and a rush of COLD air came flowing in!  I wanted to get off my sweat soaked mat and make out with this woman!  I've never been so hot or so sweaty in my whole life!  Oddly enough, half way through the class I thought to myself "this is how sweaty I would be if I had sex all night long without a single break!"  I don't know why that is what I was thinking about as I was drenched in sweat - but I like where my head was at!

We left class in relief and both agreed to do this again!  We loved it.  I loved it!  I was shocked.  I expected to tolerate it enough for the class and I hoped that I would like it but I was surprised with how much I really, truly loved it.  Maybe it was the "high" from being so dehydrated after sweating profusely for 90 minutes.

I expected to be a little sore after hot yoga and I was.  Yesterday I felt sore in my neck and back but I'm used to those areas being sore after almost any physical activity.  I was more exhausted than anything!  I couldn't believe how physically exhausted I was!  And I still am wiped out from the class.  Today I felt a few more muscles become sore.  Muscles I was sure didn't even exist in my pudgy little body!  It's not a painful sore but a "I got a good workout" kind of sore!

Overall score for Hot Yoga - B+!   I could do without the exhaustion that follows (and I hope it goes away after a good night's rest tonight) but all in all, I can't wait to do it again!   So if you get a chance, go try it for yourself and let me know what you think!  

Week One

Without Cooper went a little something like this:

Monday - Gym (2hrs)
Tuesday - Sushi date
Wednesday - Gym (2hrs)
Thursday - Shopping at Target (and being SAD)
Friday - Hair appt. and Bar tour
Saturday - Gym (2 hrs), hair appt again, work (1hr), dinner and a movie
Sunday - Gym (1hr), weeded flower garden, cleaned 3rd floor and 3 bathrooms top to bottom, shopping, made a yummy dinner and cookies for the office and now maybe a movie

Can you tell I am trying to fill my schedule so I don't have time to worry about Coop or miss him too much.  I have to say it was nice to have a day to myself today from start to finish.  I slept in and did just what I wanted and when I wanted to!  But I'm pretty sure I would trade it to have my little man here with me.  I've called him once and checked in a few times during the week.  I tried to call tonight but my grandma didn't answer her phone!  My sister and her family were up there this weekend so I know that he is having fun!  I just miss him!

I'm also learning a lot about myself this week.  I've been on a few dates with a boy and I'm realizing that I am VERY used to being alone.  It's very hard for me to give up this time alone to be with someone else who wants my time.  It's almost ironic that all I've wanted for and asked for is to find someone (anyone) to be with.  Now that I have the chance, I'm a little less interested than I thought I would be!  I honestly thought I would jump all over the very next live body that came along.  And here I am with a nice guy who is VERY interested in me - but it's not enough.  If he's not the one and I know it - why should I settle?  I am so independent and so strong in my own right that I almost need someone who is equally strong and independent!  I'm noticing that it's not just anyone who will sweep me off my feet.  My feet are pretty well planted and very grounded in who I am and who I expect in a partner.  Maybe too much so!

On to week #2 ........  24 more days without my baby boy!  The love of my life!   I miss you baby!

Dear Cankles

I have not forgotten about you and NO, (unfortunately) you have not been replaced by skinny ankles!  It's just that after I spent a week with you on the beach hobbling around with a pulled inner thigh muscle, I feel the need for a little "me" time.  Cooper has left me for his month in the mountains and I'm a little sad.  But don't worry - I will be back with you shortly!

Much Love
Mama Cankles

Random Recap

It seems like there is so much going on lately!  So here is a random recap on all things "Casey":

WORK is finally busy, busy, busy which I love!  The days have been flying by which is a nice change from the days when I would be bored, look at the clock and it was 9:32AM!  If you don't know what I do for a living, I sell oranges to Walmart.  Literally!  So please, this is a shameless plug for my job: GO BUY ORANGES (or Clementines or Minneolas) at Walmart.  Don't worry, I won't blame you if you hate shopping at Walmart - so do I!  In fact, the only time I do shop at Wally World is when I am doing "store checks" for work.  A "store check" is a fancy term for "I'm bored and going to drive 30 minutes to the nearest Walmart so I can wander aimlessly and maybe while I'm there I will wander into the produce department and scope out the competition"  But if you can, please go buy lots and lots of Clementines this summer at your local Walmart and report back to me on the brand (name on the bag), flavor and price.  I don't really care but you can tell me anyway!  haha

RUNNING has been going really well!  I have been running 4-5 times a week which has been really refreshing.  I'm actually desperate to get running every other day.  I am so excited to be able to run outside more when Coop is away!   Unfortunately though on Sunday after my run at Kelly's I came back and had a very sore inner-thigh muscle.  It wasn't bad but it was uncomfortable.  On Monday it was still sore so instead of running I did the "Climb the Hills" thing on the treadmill.  Then yesterday I ran a very nice, fast (for me), fluid 2.25 miles!  When I was done I actually had time to do a proper cool down walk and then I left the gym to get Coop from Summer Camp.  In the 9 minute drive from the gym to summer camp something bad happened because when I opened the door to get out of the car I could barely move my left leg.  Then, trying to stand on said leg, was nearly impossible!  I was in tears by the time we got home!   So, needless to say, I am going to let that heal a bit before running again.  But I can't wait to RUN!  It is such a refreshing change from my usual lazy attitude!  

VACATION is only two days away!  Somehow this year my sister quickly and quietly convinced me to pay an astronomical amount to go in on a "shore house" with her.  Someone needs to please explain to me why the beach is the "shore" in Jersey.  It's a beach house anywhere else in the world and it's a beach vacation and it's called "going to the beach".  But here in the lovely Garden State it's all about "going down the shore"!  Anyway, we have a "shore" house from Saturday to Saturday and I am a 50/50 mix of excited and anxious.  I'm excited to get a week long vacation on the beach!  I'm anxious because my brother-in-law's entire extended, gi-normous family is also going to be "down the shore" for that week.  They are big, they are loud, they love to drink and more than anything - there are SO many of them.  I can't even tell you how many people will be there.  In Kevin's immediate family alone there is 11 adults and 5-6 kids.  I'll try to do a head count at one point during the week so I can report back on just how ridiculously over populated this family is!  In addition to the obvious anxiety that many people would cause, I am also getting very nervous about letting Coop leave me for a month.  Immediately upon our return he is going to head north and leave me in his dust!  So I'm going to try to suck up every single second of his time while we're on vacation.  I think my niece will be competing with me for his time but I'm bigger and I will take her down!  He's MY baby!  

COOPER is such an amazing little bundle of perfectness!  I am shocked each and every day to realize that it IS possible to love him more!  I look back over the last 6 1/2 years with him in my life and I just cannot believe it!  It sounds so cliche (and gay!) but he makes me ME!  I love it!  I see so much of myself in  him!  From his insanely annoying sense of worry and hypochondria to his overly generous and loving inherent nature.  He is so kind and gentle with the kids at school or at camp whom he views as scared or less privileged or sad.  I've seen him take a kid under his wing and try to distract him while their mom slips out the door quietly to avoid a crying scene.  He is very aware of other people's emotions - almost to a fault!  He is also extremely dramatic!  If he gets the tiniest scrape on his finger he will go on and on about how his finger hurts and he needs to be "extra careful" because he doesn't want to hurt his injury!  It cracks me up!  Coop is also a born performer!  He has been a sucker for an audience since he was an infant!  If he has even one witness he will start a "routine".  I often find myself saying "stop performing" or "don't talk to strangers" because he has no shame!  I hope that isn't a subliminal sign that he is desperate for my attention and that, as a single parent, he is acting out in hopes of being the focus of my attention!  I'm sure a psychologist would have a similar perspective but in reality, I think he just likes to be the center of attention!  Probably because he is - and always will be - the center of my whole world!  What am I going to do without him for a MONTH?  Have I asked that yet?  

There is a short recap on what's been going on with me.  I will try to get back to more interesting posts soon!  Until then...........

A month of without......

My Cooper!

My grandparents have graciously offered to take Cooper to Coudersport with them for a month!   For the entire month of August.  A whole month.  As in 31 days - maybe more if I were to look at the calendar which I am not going to do because I'm already freaking out about A MONTH!

Last summer Cooper came up to Coudy with them for a week and even that was difficult.  Don't get me wrong, I am excited and so, so grateful that they offered to take him!  I know he will have a great time and I think it is good for him to experience the Coudy way of life!  I'm more worried about what I will do for a month by myself.  Cooper and I have been together for 6 1/2 years now.  Even when he's away for a night I don't sleep well or like the feeling of an empty house.  We have our little schedule and routines and when he's gone, half of me is missing.

I am a mix of anxiety and excitement right now!  I'm worried about what to pack for Cooper and I'm worried about what to do with 30+ days to myself!  I'm also a little worried that it will be a lot for my grandparents to have him for so long.  They have him "farmed out" to a few relatives for different events though so I'm sure they will get some breaks when they need to.

So, I'm asking for input on what to do with my time?  Here's what I've come up with so far:

- I can run outside in the morning or after work
- I can go to the gym after work instead of at lunch
- I want to visit a few friends who are in the city
- A night out in the city!  I haven't done that yet since moving back here!
- I could go to the beach for a day and just lay in the sun by myself!
- Sleep in on weekends
- Eat sushi without someone complaining that they don't like it!
- I WILL save almost $700 by not paying for summer camp (it's all going to credit card debt!)

What else?   Help me fill my time please!  I'm taking any and all suggestions.  And I am sure I will be counting down the days until my little baby gets back to me!

Blueberry fields forever

One of the best parts, I'm finding, about living in South Jersey is the ample fresh produce!  From Jersey tomatoes to Jersey blueberries, I am literally surrounded by fields as far as the eye can see.  On one side I can see the city skyline and on the other three it's a bounty of yummy fruits and veggies!

Today we ventured to Mood's Farm Market in Mullica Hill - just down the road.

They were having their annual Blueberry Festival so we thought we'd check it out.  What a great find!  This cute little roadside stand boasts fresh produce, homemade donuts and jarred goodies like blueberry jam and peach honey!  We scoped out the festival part complete with a blueberry bake-off:

We didn't stick around for the contest or better yet - the taste-testing portion of the day.  We had to move on to pick our own blueberries.........

Cooper ate about as many as he picked but he had a blast doing it!  He kept saying it was the "best day ever" which is nice to hear!   It took us about 20 minutes to fill up our containers and about 2 seconds to wish we had brought bigger ones or even 10 more!  All these berries for only $4.50!   When a pint is $1.99 at the store it was well worth our time and so much fun to get our very own berries!

I've already put some to good use by making this recipe from Skinny Taste!  I can't wait to try it!

As a member of the produce industry and an avid supporter of local produce, I encourage you to explore your own neighborhood and surrounding area for what's fresh and in season!  And if you're in South Jersey - be sure to check out Mood's Farm Market and their Blueberry Festival!

Generations of love

The 4th of July has always been a time for family, food, fireworks and fun for me.  Growing up, we would pack up the cars with picnic supplies, sleeping bags, bathing suits and S'mores and head to Jack's - our family farm for the long weekend.  Jack was the name of the man who had owned the house prior to my grandparents purchasing the property after his death.  It was our getaway "camp" that fostered more memories than any other home or place from my childhood.  Our whole family would head to Jack's and camp in the old, run down house.  As the years progressed, we added ponds (3 to be exact), a barn, horses, cows, a carriage house and eventually a complete remodel of the house was done.  Whether we were 6 or 16, all the kids enjoyed the traditional sparklers and S'mores around the fire!  And if we were lucky, Poppy would make us breakfast on the fire the next day! 

Over the years, as we grew older and thought we were "too cool" to hang out with our family for the 4th of July we would scatter from Jack's to meet with friends, head to the fireworks or go to parties.  A few years we missed the family gathering all together to attend our own important plans.  As the third generations started to scatter up and down the east coast we started a new tradition of watching the fireworks on "Grandma Betty's" front lawn in Austin.  I've seen fireworks in New York City, State College set to music played on the radio, Florida with the boat parade in the river and of course, the Galeton fireworks.  None of these compare with the show you will see at the Austin fireworks!

The times have changed and the family has grown but the traditions remain.  This year we gathered with (almost) all 19 of us at my sister's house in Quakertown, PA to celebrate the 4th of July!  There were S'mores and sparklers still and even a breakfast on the fire!   But what was even more amazing was the realization that my son, my child can experience the same heart warming effects of a weekend spent with family!

I watched as my grandparents spent time with each grandchild and great-grandchild.  I watched as my parents snuggled Cooper and his cousins during the fireworks.  I watched my mom, sister and Aunt spend time in the kitchen together.  It was memorable!  It just goes to show that it doesn't matter WHERE we are as long as we're together!  That is very cliche, but it's true!  Family is the most important thing in life!

Some things continue throughout the years.......like Kelly learning how to "burl"

and a family volleyball game

And some traditions are new like Family Olympics with a winning team

and Cake Pops

I hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July with family, friends and loved ones.

4th of July Cake Pops

This is my second attempt at cake pops and they turned out much better this time thanks to a few 'lessons learned' during my first attempt!

For those of you who aren't familiar with Cake Pops - go check out Cakerella and her book Cake Pops!  They are so cute for birthday parties and any gathering!  

Supplies you will need: box cake mix of any flavor, can of cake frosting, lollipop (or even better - cookie) sticks, two bags of chocolate candies to melt and any decorations you want to use (sprinkles, extra candies to melt and color for decorating, M&Ms - whatever you would like)

Bake a cake mix to the instructions on the back and cool almost completely. When it has cooled about 15-20 minutes, break the cake apart into thirds or quarters and start with one piece in a large bowl.  **Lesson #1 I learned - use a bowl that actually fits in the freezer!  

Using two forks - break apart the cake into crumbs.  (Think of the motion of the guys at Pat's or Geno's who cut the steak up combined with the motion of using chopsticks to add wasabi to soy sauce)

Continue adding cake pieces and crumbling with the forks until all cake is crumbled in the big bowl.  **Lesson #2: Add 1/2 to 3/4 of the cake frosting of your choice to the bowl and continue "forking" the crumbs until all frosting is combined and blended into the cake.  The first round I added the whole can and the texture of the cake pops was too gooey!  The mixture should be a sticky mess but not gooey.

**Lesson #3: Once you have the frosting and cake combined - FREEZE the mix in the bowl for at least 20 minutes!  This will make forming the balls much, much easier!  I skipped this step the first round and it was difficult to form the balls into nice shapes.

Freeze the cake balls (I love that term and will continue to use it as frequently and immaturely as possible!) for at least 6 hours.  I left them in the freezer overnight.  One box of cake mix makes about 30-40 CAKE BALLS hehehe

Later, or the next day, when  you are ready to decorate your cake balls make sure you have all of your supplies out and ready because the next process needs to be speedy!

I melted the chocolate candies in a double-boiler (aka a glass bowl over simmering water) 

To thin the candies down you can add Crisco as some other blogs mentioned but I didn't have any so I didn't do this step!  

Remove 5-10 cake balls from the freezer at a time to keep the rest frozen!  Dip the cookie/lollipop stick in a bit of chocolate and then stick it into the cake ball.  Continue with the rest and let them set before you dip the cake ball into the candy coating.  

Using the lollipop stick and a spoon, completely coat the cake pop and swirl it around to get an even coating.  

NOTE:  if you are going to stand your cake pops up in styrofoam you will want to put the stick in the flat part of the cake ball.  Otherwise, if you are going to use cupcake papers stick the stick (haha) into the top, rounded part of the cake ball so it will still sit on the flat part in the paper.  

Immediately after coating, sprinkle with decorations of your choice or stick M&Ms onto the cake pops.  The candy will dry fast so you won't have a chance later - DO IT NOW!  

Continue until all cake pops are done!

I love the presentation you can make with cake pops!  For this one I used a piece of styrofoam inside a popcorn container, covered with M&Ms and I added the American flags for extra effect!  

Regardless of the holiday or occasion, I encourage you to make a great display!  It just makes all the work to make these cake pops that much more worth while!  

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!!!!

Ready..........Set............Run

I am once again on a quest to "become a runner".   I have never, ever, EVER, in my life been a runner.  The farthest I ran in high school was the state-mandated mile run and do you know where I placed?  Second!   (to last)  For those of you who were fortunate enough to go to high school with me in Nowheresville, you may remember a Miss Crawford in our class?   She was last.  I was just steps in front of her!  I kid you not!  It was a pathetic display of my lack of athletic ability that I am not proud of! 

A few years ago I found the program Couch-to-5K and began following it on my treadmill at home.  Within a few weeks I was up to running 20 minutes at a time.  Not a small feat for someone who finished second to last!  For whatever reason, I don't remember, I never completed the nine week program.  I did run a 5K after starting though and finished with a time of just under 40 minutes.  I would have finished sooner but it was a work thing and I walked with some of the ladies.  The rest of the group finished in 48 minutes! 

Since November, I have been going to the local gym 3-4 times a week during my lunch hour.  My coworker Greg and I started going together before the holidays and it was great motivation to have a buddy to push me to go.  Some days it's harder than others.  Especially because our office likes to go eat sushi frequently for lunch and it's hard to turn down.  Forunately my work schedule is very flexible though so if I want I can leave at 4pm and hit the gym or go at lunch or when Coop was in school I'd go after work.  Now that he is in summer camp I try to go at lunch so he doesn't have to be there any longer than absolutely necessary.  They also have child care so Saturday mornings I usually go for an hour while Coop entertains the kids in the child care room.  (He's such a performer......but that's another post!)

When we first started going, Greg and I would just walk on the treadmill.  In his words he is "a bisquit away from 300lbs" even though I would guess a good 150lbs of that is muscle because he's a big muscle man!  So we would walk and I would do the incline/hill for all it was worth.  At the end of 30 minutes I would have burned 300 calories while Greg was burning 150-170 without the incline changes.  I was pretty happy with that calorie burn and the fact that it was low impact and minimal sweat-factor during lunch. 

A few weeks ago Greg stopped going to the gym at lunch for various reasons (injury, work lunches, etc) so I was going on my own.  Around the same time I had decided to start running again.  I think I actually started the C25K plan to some extent while he was still going with me.  But now that I was on my own so it was easier for me to dig my heels in and start running more. 

I'm proud to say that this next-to-last-place finisher is now busting out two miles a day at the gym with ease.  I'm still working toward the full 3.1 miles or 5K but I can certainly see myself finishing this time.  For someone who has never, ever, EVER run - this is a big accomplishment for me.  I'm determined and dedicated to running now for the first time.  It feels different this time if that makes any sense.  It feels as if this time it will stick with me and I'll continue on my journey to becoming a runner. 

My goal is to start with 5K's and be able to finish in a competitive time.  I have no desire (at this point) to aim any higher or farther than a 5K.  Ok, maybe five miles but that would be the max.  I'm not looking to run marathons or even half marathons.  My ultimate goal - in all honesty - is to be able to go to the gym at lunch or otherwise and be able to run for 35 minutes with ease!   Just to run. 

I'm reading a book called The Courage to Start and would recommend it to anyone who wants to start running.  His story and his demeanor throughout the book are encouraging. 

So come run with me and follow my steps as I post via iMapMyRun to Facebook. 

I love to bake, I love to bake, I LOVE TO BAKE!!!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE to bake?

I know this doesn't sounds like a "problem" for normal people but it is when you are trying to diet and you absolutely LOVE to bake and eat the food you bake!   So when I find a good "diet" recipe to bake, I am in heaven!

This recipe comes to you from Skinny Taste blog and it is delish!  I changed the recipe slightly to be Raspberry Squares instead of strawberry because I couldn't find strawberry pie filling that the recipe called for.  Why do they only make apple, cherry, light cherry, dark cherry and some more cherry pie filling?  I found some little jars of raspberry "dessert filling" that is really just jam I think but whatever, I was sold!

So tonight, I baked!  I have to say, this is one very yummy "diet" baked good!

It is especially fun when you are baking and it just looks pretty!!

I took the picture before I dusted with powdered sugar because I am not a very good duster and it sometimes covers up what I am trying to dust!  

The final product!  It was so good for only 134 calories.  I will be having quite a few of these over the next few days.  

What's funny about my baking habit is that I equally love to share my baked goods!  My colleagues have always been the lucky outlet for my baking habits.  Some of them thoroughly enjoy and appreciate it and some of them curse me for bringing in tasty treats that they cannot stay away from!   

Next up - cake pops for the 4th of July.  That will be my task for Wednesday and Thursday night!  

Mommy Night Out..........or not

Coop is at his friend Landon's for a sleepover tonight.  He left around 3pm and will be home tomorrow around 9am.  So I had the whole night to myself.  Did I go drinking?  No!  Did I go out dancing?  No!  Did I have a date?  No!  Am I pathetic - yes!

I have known about this night out for a few weeks now.  I didn't want to plan a night in the city because I was a little worried about being away from home if Coop wanted to come home or something happened.  Unfortunately, I don't really have any girlfriends here yet that I could go out with around home (other than Shannon who is the lucky keeper of the Coop tonight with her son Landon and family!)  So I decided to take some "me" time and get a pedicure, go shopping and catch a chick flick.  By myself :(

One of the hardest aspects of being a single mom is the irony of the fact that you are never alone but always lonely.  I miss having a social life and to be honest, having friends.  I miss being able to go out and meet new people without having to explain that I'm a mom and can't go out more than once a year!  I miss being "me".

Don't get me wrong, I love this new me.  I didn't know who I was until I became a mother!!  And I love being Cooper's mom!  He is my whole world.  Just sometimes, on nights like tonight, even that can be a little lonely.

So, on my one night a year (or two) that I don't have Coop I am sitting here by myself, feeling quite sorry for myself to be honest.  

Mommy of the Year Award!

The Mommy of the Year Award goes to…………….

Cooper has been testing my patience lately with throwing little tantrums over anything he doesn’t agree with like the fact that he has to have dinner, has to have milk with dinner, how much milk he has to drink (a kiddy cup full), the fact that he has to get ready for school/camp in the morning, etc.  For some reason it’s the everyday tasks that he is debating with me.  On Wednesday I sat him down and had a long talk with him about how “life’s not fair” and sometimes you have to do things you don’t necessarily want to do.  I felt like I was reiterating the very same words my Dad used to always tell us!   His go-to line was “Sorry, life’s not always fair” and it still is! 

After our little heart to heart I thought Coop’s attitude would improve – even if just for a day or two.  It didn’t last long!  In the morning we have a little schedule we follow every day for years now.  I get up and get ready, wake Cooper up and he has about 20 minutes to watch TV and really wake up before he has to come downstairs and have breakfast, get dressed, etc.  When I tell him breakfast is ready that is his cue to come down and get his little toosh moving!    When I tell you we have being completing this ritual for years, I mean YEARS.  Coop is a creature of habit and 9 out of 10 times will ask for waffles for breakfast.  So the fact that I asked him to come down for breakfast this morning is nothing new.  Or so I thought. 

After asking him to come down I hear him start to move and then stop.  He asked if he could just finish that show.  I replied “No,  it’s time for breakfast and to get ready for camp”.  Stomp Stomp Stomp down the stairs he comes sulking.  He then proceeds to tell me that he  doesn’t want to be here with me and he wants to be in Florida.  GASP!!!!  I asked him why he would say that and he just replied “I don’t want to be here”.   (Picture a big balloon deflating quickly – that is how I felt!)   I slowly explained to Cooper that it hurts my feelings when he says things like that and I know he doesn’t mean it.  He sits and sulks!  I ask him to apologize.  He says “sorry” quietly and under his breath.  Urgh – nothing frustrates me more.

Here is where my MOTY award comes into play.  Instead of just letting it go for what it was – a spur of the moment comment because he was upset that he couldn’t finish his TV show – I proceed to give Coop the silent treatment while we continue to get ready.  He apologizes again, more sincerely this time, and I say “I’m glad you’re sorry Cooper but that really hurt my feelings”.  We get out the house and get to camp in silence.  All the while I am a little hurt but more just standing my ground to try to drive home my point that he needs to be nicer to Mommy and not say hurtful things to anyone. 

Well after I say goodbye to him quickly and he goes into camp I was standing there talking to the director.  Coop comes back out and he looks like he is about to burst into tears.  He says “Mommy,  I REALLY am sorry!”   I was still talking to the director so at the time I just said “ok” and then when I was done talking I told him I’m not mad at him and that it’s okay.  He still looks like he is going to cry so I give him a little more attention on his level and a big hug and say goodbye.  As I’m walking out the door I turn back to see him trying his hardest not to cry and really feeling bad!   It absolutely broke my heart.  I could have burst into tears right there on the front patio of the summer camp! 

I have a very bad habit of playing the ‘guilt card’ with Cooper and I recognize when I’m doing it and yet I still cannot get myself to stop!   Why do I do that?   Moms out there – do you do this with your kids?   Is it just an act of desperate parenting gone wrong?    

I feel so bad for him now.  I don’t want him thinking that he is a “bad kid” because I go overboard with the guilt trips!  When I got to work I thought seriously about calling there so I could talk to him and tell him again that it’s okay and that I’M sorry!   So my guilt trip turned around on me!   Damn karma!    

To Detox or Not to Detox.......

That is the question!

I have been an occasional believer/follower of the Eat Clean diet plan and cookbooks.  This week, while attempting to eat "clean" I started to again follow Tosca Reno and her Eat Clean plans.  Ironically, I get her blog posts and updates in my emails whether or not I am following her so when I decided to, again, follow her - there they were!  MAGIC!

Yesterday Tosca posted about a Detox Defined so I browsed on over to read about this new discovery.  While I don't always agree with her blogs and posts, for the most part the overall theory of eating clean and filtering what goes into your body seems logical to me.  I can attest to feeling better when I am eating "clean" foods and since the Eat Clean Diet doesn't "count" anything (i.e. calories or points) it is a nice break from my usual strict diets.  So I read on with skepticism because this did not seem to follow Tosca's usual tyrants.

The detox she described is simple - two days of liquids only (water, green teas, veggie juices, bone broth?, etc) and then days 3-7 you add 1 cup of brown rice and vegetables and fruits back into your diet for 6 meals per day.  Only one cup of brown rice?  Why even bother?  I don't know the answer to those questions.....I'm really asking you!

I've pondered the idea of detoxing again for the past 24 hours.  Again, I read the "rules" of this detox.  Sounds easy enough in the sense that the food is accessible,  you don't have to purchase $200 worth of "special food" and it's only 7 days.  The idea of only drinking liquids for two days doesn't scare me anymore since I just recently did a 2 1/2 day juice fast.  I'll post more on that at a later date but the Cliff Notes version is the juice fast produced great results and I was energized while fasting!  Not dizzy or starving either.

My motivation for this fast is simple: in 7 days my entire family will gather at my sisters for a weekend of food, fun, food, family, food, fireworks and more food!  We like to cook, bake, grill, make, take, bring, and DEVOUR food in my family.  Example: breakfast will be served straight from the camp fire grill in a heart-stopping combination of bacon, eggs fried in the bacon grease, toast and homemade jelly.  There might be some venison sausage thrown in there too.  And probably any leftover meat from grilling the night before.  In addition to that round of fat consumption - my Aunt is the most amazing baker in the world and will undoubtedly bring a slew of cookies to the weekend picnic!  They are IRRESISTIBLE!  I'm talking, I would chew my own arm off and Cooper's to get to her cookies!  I'm salivating now - look what you've done!

So my thought process was "detox now, there'll be no way detox later".  Or do I detox after the food festival?  Good question!

In all honesty, I am very proud of myself this week.  Despite the daily indulgence on a small York Peppermint Patty and a very accidental trip to sushi Wednesday for work (I had a tuna roll and a veggie roll - not bad) I have been very good at eating "clean".  Wait, I lie!  I was so tired this morning that I stopped at Dunkin for my Vanilla Chai.  That concoction cannot possibly be "clean"!  It's all sugar.  White, refined, bad for me sugar.  Oops.

But back to my thought process - I'm proud of myself.  I ran two miles today at a consistent pace.  I've been working out daily since Sunday!   I have done an ab routine three nights of the four this week.  And I'm eating {almost}clean.  Any ONE of those points would be an accomplishment for me on a normal week.

My dilemma is now - continue what is working or detox pre-party weekend?  I could easily start the detox tomorrow and continue until I go to my sister's next Friday afternoon.  Or, I could stick with my slow but steady wins the race plan of eating clean!  Decisions, decisions.

I may sleep on it and see how I feel in the morning.  Right now I'm 70/30 for eating clean vs detox.  Maybe 60/40.  But it would save on groceries this week if all I ate was veggies and brown rice!  hmmm......

{to be continued}

Summer Camp Blues

Cooper started summer camp yesterday at a local preschool/dance school.  They offer a summer camp program for kids in K-6th grade and it's close to home and the office so I checked into it.  For some reason, I was ignorant to the fact that summer camp costs an absolute fortune!  Coop has always been in pre-school or day care type facilities that run  year round and therefore the costs during the summer always dropped!  When I first started looking around here I was shocked at how expensive some of the camps were.  One was $400/week plus lunch and snacks, plus activity fees of $350 and craft fees!  Who can afford over $1200/month in summer camp?  Don't answer - I know who can afford it and it's not me! 

This camp seemed to be pretty basic but they do offer water activities and a few extras for the kids.  Most importantly, it was affordable in the relation to the other options in this area.  I took Cooper for a tour there before we ever paid the registration fee and he was really looking forward to the start of "camp".  They allow the kids to play their DS or DSI early in the morning and after 5pm so I bribed Cooper with good behavior during his last two weeks of school in order to justify the purchase of an expensive gift that wasn't for Christmas or his birthday. 

I dropped him off yesterday and found the kids who were already there to be between the ages of 8-12.  They were all sitting in what I will refer to as a "waiting room" complete with bare walls and very uncomfortable looking chairs!  But they were all chatting and playing their DS' and seemed to be content with their isolated stay.  The director informed me once they get 10 or more kids they move back into the rooms.  Okay, I thought, no big deal! 

When I picked him up yesterday at 5:15 he had metamorphosed into the Grumpy dwarf!  He said they did "baby stuff" all day and didn't do any water activities or karate like I had mentioned.  I explained that it was the first day and I'm sure it would get better but he was determined to be in a bad mood.  We sat through dinner barely talking because he was such a grump.  He may have just been hungry though because after dinner his mood turned around.  I really feel bad if he doesn't like it and won't have a fun summer.  And this morning he mentioned they had to take off their shoes and lie down to watch the movie.  To me, that is very immature for a group of 5-13 year old's.  But I can understand a need for time to "chill" for both the campers and counselors! 

Hopefully today will be a better day.  I really don't have another option for him so if it doesn't improve I'm afraid my little man is going to have a very long summer.  Luckily he will be on vacation two weeks of the summer so he will only be there a total of 30 days or so.  All in all, I'd rather be at summer camp than sitting at work! 

Au Natural

It's that time of year again to get myself in bathing-suit-ready shape.  Unfortunately, I haven't been in true "bikini-ready" shape for many years!  Each spring comes along and brings the challenge of a new diet, new exercise plan and new motto of being "healthy".  This Spring was no different.  We were actually competing in a weight loss competition at work and I came in 2nd at the finale before Memorial Day.

I have chronicled my weight loss journey on another blog - haphazardly I might add.  It has helped but it has never quite worked.  Who knows if this time will be different!  I don't pretend to think I've found the secret to what will make me skinny or healthy or athletic.  But again, I try.  So this is my game plan:

Start date:
June 20, 2011

Start weight: (gasp!)
138.0

Mini Goal weight:
130.0
Mini Goal target date:
July 23rd (start of our week at the shore)

THE PLAN: Eat clean - little to no processed foods.  All natural foods.  If it doesn't come from the ground or have a mother I'm not eating it.

Exercise goal:
Run a 5K with ease

Exercise goal timeline:
July 23rd (I want to be able to run with my sister on the boardwalk)

Exercise plan:
Run three times per week building up to 3 miles
Strength train three times per week
Abs five times per week

LONG TERM GOAL WEIGHT: 125lbs!

I know I cannot eat clean 100% of the time or even 100% of the day.  After all, chocolate doesn't come from the ground or have a mother does it?  But my goal is to spend 95% of my caloric intake on healthy, clean food choices!  That leaves little room for cheating but just enough for a "treat" each day.

Today was Day 1:
B - Steel oats w/ strawberry rhubarb
S - Almonds (4)
L - Sweet potato w/ apples and walnuts (leftovers from the grill last night)
S - Mini York peppermint patty and almonds (4)
D - Egg white omelet and venison sausage
S - Frozen blueberries

Exercise - Ran 20 minutes, walked 15.

**I track my calories and calorie burn at this website.  "Friend" me on Livestrong and you can follow my daily diet, exercise and even weight entries!

Now, I know what you're thinking!  Why would she be honest with her blog audience?  Doesn't everyone lie about their weight?  I figure if I am honest with myself, it won't matter who else knows.  It's when I start fooling myself that I lose myself.  So, yes, it is embarrassing to publish my weight and my struggles.  I hope it will help me to achieve my goal.  And I also hope it will help you to get to know me.  Good, bad and cellulite!