Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Stepping back a bit
Please excuse me if I seem a bit absent from Mamavation lately. All the talk about fit pregnancies and cravings and symptoms and so forth in the hashtag has really become my own personal Circle Of Hell. It's not anyone's fault, it's just where I am right now in my grieving process. Carry on.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Timeout for Labor Day Weekend
Sorry girls, just stopping in briefly to post (I don't want to get called out! ;) We're out spending the weekend with the family. I will continue the journey next week, until then, have a wonderful short week! I'll be enjoying the wonderfully cooler weather and trying to stay out of the path of the raging wildfires.
Monday, August 22, 2011
My Journey Through Infertility So Far: Part 1 of Whoknowshowmany
The facts of the case:
I have always wanted to be a mother. I expected to be a mother. I was one of those girls that had baby dolls into my preteen years. I have always looked forward to having children, and to being pregnant in particular.
When my husband and I got married, we were 30 years old. Plenty of time, we told ourselves, and we were in no hurry. About 2 years ago we decided it was time for me to get my IUD removed. We were 33 at the time. We weren't "actively" trying to the point where I was tracking ovulation, scheduling sex, blah blah blah, we just weren't using any birth control anymore. I honestly expected to be pregnant within months.
I wasn't. About a year went by, and I started to research infertility issues. The more I read, the more I was certain that I had PCOS. And my doctors had never mentioned it over the years, the bitches. The only symptom I *don't* have is irregular periods. So with the tentative diagnosis, I've started making changes to hopefully boost our chances of conceiving.
The diet was the first to change, for both myself and my husband. We cut way back on the sugars, processed foods, and 'white' foods. I have blood work scheduled to see how bad the insulin resistance is, as well as what other hormone imbalances there may be, so I don't have any medications yet.
So, here I am now, 35 years old, officially 'advanced maternal age'. And still not pregnant. The clock is ticking louder and louder, and every month that goes by is more painful than the last. We have not had the big 'what do we do now' conversation, so we haven't seriously discussed any medical interventions like IVF, or other options like surrogacy or adoption yet. When the blood work and ultrasounds are in, then we'll know more what we're dealing with.
In the meantime, I have tried very hard to keep our intimate relationship healthy. I don't ever want my husband to feel like he's just a means to an end. We have sex because we love each other, and because we want to, not for the sole purpose of baby making. Exploring intimacy is a healthy part of any relationship, if only to keep things new and fresh. For me personally, I have always been rather shy about sex, and so my husband recognizes that when I am open and free with him in bed, it is really a demonstration of the trust I have in him.
This post is sponsored by Eden Fantasys and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation.
I have always wanted to be a mother. I expected to be a mother. I was one of those girls that had baby dolls into my preteen years. I have always looked forward to having children, and to being pregnant in particular.
When my husband and I got married, we were 30 years old. Plenty of time, we told ourselves, and we were in no hurry. About 2 years ago we decided it was time for me to get my IUD removed. We were 33 at the time. We weren't "actively" trying to the point where I was tracking ovulation, scheduling sex, blah blah blah, we just weren't using any birth control anymore. I honestly expected to be pregnant within months.
I wasn't. About a year went by, and I started to research infertility issues. The more I read, the more I was certain that I had PCOS. And my doctors had never mentioned it over the years, the bitches. The only symptom I *don't* have is irregular periods. So with the tentative diagnosis, I've started making changes to hopefully boost our chances of conceiving.
The diet was the first to change, for both myself and my husband. We cut way back on the sugars, processed foods, and 'white' foods. I have blood work scheduled to see how bad the insulin resistance is, as well as what other hormone imbalances there may be, so I don't have any medications yet.
So, here I am now, 35 years old, officially 'advanced maternal age'. And still not pregnant. The clock is ticking louder and louder, and every month that goes by is more painful than the last. We have not had the big 'what do we do now' conversation, so we haven't seriously discussed any medical interventions like IVF, or other options like surrogacy or adoption yet. When the blood work and ultrasounds are in, then we'll know more what we're dealing with.
In the meantime, I have tried very hard to keep our intimate relationship healthy. I don't ever want my husband to feel like he's just a means to an end. We have sex because we love each other, and because we want to, not for the sole purpose of baby making. Exploring intimacy is a healthy part of any relationship, if only to keep things new and fresh. For me personally, I have always been rather shy about sex, and so my husband recognizes that when I am open and free with him in bed, it is really a demonstration of the trust I have in him.
This post is sponsored by Eden Fantasys and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
In which I cry and curse and share TMI
The first week of the month has become a dreaded one for me. Because for the past 2+ years that I've been off birth control, the first week of the month has brought the news that I am, once again, not pregnant. (I have a 31 day cycle instead of a 28 day one, so my period stays pretty much in the same place on the calendar every month)
It seems like literally everyone surrounding me is pregnant or just had a baby. I've been to so many baby showers in the last 6 months it's ridiculous. So many babies. WHERE THE HELL IS MINE?!??
I turned 35 in May. I know I'm running out of time. The metaphorical clock is ticking.
I've always wanted to be a mother. I (humbly) think I'd be pretty good at it. I know Anthony would be a good dad. Plus, he's an only child (and a III, so EVEN MORE pressure to carry on the name). And I'm letting him down every month. He would never say so, and he's been more than supportive, but I know....
I guess it's time to start looking at possible fertility treatments and/or adoption.
It seems like literally everyone surrounding me is pregnant or just had a baby. I've been to so many baby showers in the last 6 months it's ridiculous. So many babies. WHERE THE HELL IS MINE?!??
I turned 35 in May. I know I'm running out of time. The metaphorical clock is ticking.
I've always wanted to be a mother. I (humbly) think I'd be pretty good at it. I know Anthony would be a good dad. Plus, he's an only child (and a III, so EVEN MORE pressure to carry on the name). And I'm letting him down every month. He would never say so, and he's been more than supportive, but I know....
I guess it's time to start looking at possible fertility treatments and/or adoption.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
What I'm Working on This Week
Taken from The Still Space -
"You do so very much for everyone else. Here, give yourself the gift of a moment in time just for you. What do you want from your life? What do you long for?
For as you answer these questions you find your center—the core of who you are and how you live your life as an expression of the things you hold dear. Your own secret garden.
When you find your center your life becomes simpler. Once you discover the values that rest in the still space within you, your choices, your actions become clearer because they are aligned with who we are at our core, who we were created to be.
We feel pulled in so many directions—We should have a cleaner house. We should be feeding our kids organic everything all the time. We should be able to juggle family, the home, a career, and our own personal fulfillment—that it can be damn near impossible to figure out what it is that we really want—what desires come from deep within us, and which have been planed there like weeds by someone else.
But it’s your garden. You get to decide what you find meaningful, what hopes and dreams you’ve planted there. And you get to decide how to build the foundation of your life from within this garden.
When you know what’s most important to you, what it is that you hold most dear to your heart, not only will you be able to recognize when you’re veering off course away from your center, you’ll also be able to find your way back.
There is a still space within each of us. A small, silent place where we feel grounded and sure. A place that we can return to again and again, at any time, that will comfort and hold us. And as we grow to trust the guidance that comes to us strong and clear from this place, we begin to build a life that is a reflection of who we truly are and what we most cherish.
***
Before we can nurture the seeds you find most meaningful, we first need to take a look at the weeds. But we don’t want to rip them out blindly, they have lessons to teach us before they go. Looking at the places in our lives where we feel frustrated and out of alignment can give us great insight in to what we long for. If we’re frustrated by it, we must care about it—and the greater our frustration, the greater our desire.
So get yourself a pen and paper (Yup, a pen. The computer feels too much like school. A pen will allow you to discover things you didn’t know you knew.) and answer these questions. Try not to censor yourself. Write whatever comes. You’re not being graded. No one will judge you. You don’t have to show this to anyone. Allow yourself time for your voice to flow freely.
-Where in your life do you feel out of alignment—that things aren’t quite right and you’re not showing up as the mother/creator/spirit you want to be? What’s not working for you?
-What does this feel like in your body? Where do you feel these sensations? How do you know you’re not on the right track?
-What are you really trying to accomplish? What’s the underlying positive yearning? Those things that we resist are often the things that are the most important to us."
I've lost the still space inside myself. I need to find it again.
"You do so very much for everyone else. Here, give yourself the gift of a moment in time just for you. What do you want from your life? What do you long for?
For as you answer these questions you find your center—the core of who you are and how you live your life as an expression of the things you hold dear. Your own secret garden.
When you find your center your life becomes simpler. Once you discover the values that rest in the still space within you, your choices, your actions become clearer because they are aligned with who we are at our core, who we were created to be.
We feel pulled in so many directions—We should have a cleaner house. We should be feeding our kids organic everything all the time. We should be able to juggle family, the home, a career, and our own personal fulfillment—that it can be damn near impossible to figure out what it is that we really want—what desires come from deep within us, and which have been planed there like weeds by someone else.
But it’s your garden. You get to decide what you find meaningful, what hopes and dreams you’ve planted there. And you get to decide how to build the foundation of your life from within this garden.
When you know what’s most important to you, what it is that you hold most dear to your heart, not only will you be able to recognize when you’re veering off course away from your center, you’ll also be able to find your way back.
There is a still space within each of us. A small, silent place where we feel grounded and sure. A place that we can return to again and again, at any time, that will comfort and hold us. And as we grow to trust the guidance that comes to us strong and clear from this place, we begin to build a life that is a reflection of who we truly are and what we most cherish.
***
Before we can nurture the seeds you find most meaningful, we first need to take a look at the weeds. But we don’t want to rip them out blindly, they have lessons to teach us before they go. Looking at the places in our lives where we feel frustrated and out of alignment can give us great insight in to what we long for. If we’re frustrated by it, we must care about it—and the greater our frustration, the greater our desire.
So get yourself a pen and paper (Yup, a pen. The computer feels too much like school. A pen will allow you to discover things you didn’t know you knew.) and answer these questions. Try not to censor yourself. Write whatever comes. You’re not being graded. No one will judge you. You don’t have to show this to anyone. Allow yourself time for your voice to flow freely.
-Where in your life do you feel out of alignment—that things aren’t quite right and you’re not showing up as the mother/creator/spirit you want to be? What’s not working for you?
-What does this feel like in your body? Where do you feel these sensations? How do you know you’re not on the right track?
-What are you really trying to accomplish? What’s the underlying positive yearning? Those things that we resist are often the things that are the most important to us."
I've lost the still space inside myself. I need to find it again.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
In which I mourn a loss and rebel against losing
So this spring has been brutally busy. Going back to school was a far bigger challenge than I was expecting. I'm nearly finished with the spring semester, but summer session starts a week later, so no rest for the wicked. I'm really looking forward to Fitcation at the beginning of June, if only for a few days off of schoolwork.
As some of you may have seen on twitter, I also lost a very good friend last month. I've known her since I was 15 years old, we went to high school and college together and were in each others weddings. She had been ill for the last couple of years, but never let on to anyone how serious the situation was. Her death was completely unexpected to everyone (except her husband and family).
No one knows for certain since her family chose to not do an autopsy, but it's pretty likely that my friend died as a direct result of weight loss surgery. She had the stomach stapling surgery about 8 years ago or so, and then had the more drastic form where they remove most of your stomach about 5 years ago (she never told anyone other than her family about the second surgery). Because she lost most of her ability to absorb nutrients as a result, she basically slowly starved until her organs shut down. The part that makes me furious is that she did not need the second surgery AT ALL. She was down to about a size 12 after the first surgery, was healthy, and looked great.
I can only surmise that weight issues and insecurity killed my friend. I've been really rebelling against my diet and fitness since then. I've got to find the happy medium in my mind between just eating whatever the hell I want and the forced starvation that she endured. I will find it again soon I hope.
As some of you may have seen on twitter, I also lost a very good friend last month. I've known her since I was 15 years old, we went to high school and college together and were in each others weddings. She had been ill for the last couple of years, but never let on to anyone how serious the situation was. Her death was completely unexpected to everyone (except her husband and family).
No one knows for certain since her family chose to not do an autopsy, but it's pretty likely that my friend died as a direct result of weight loss surgery. She had the stomach stapling surgery about 8 years ago or so, and then had the more drastic form where they remove most of your stomach about 5 years ago (she never told anyone other than her family about the second surgery). Because she lost most of her ability to absorb nutrients as a result, she basically slowly starved until her organs shut down. The part that makes me furious is that she did not need the second surgery AT ALL. She was down to about a size 12 after the first surgery, was healthy, and looked great.
Monday, March 7, 2011
In Which I Begin a Dreaded Conversation - March 7, 2011
So I'm about to be 35. And I'm still childless. My husband and I have not been actively trying to conceive yet, meaning we haven't been scheduling when to have sex, etc, but I had my IUD out nearly 2 years ago, and still nothing. So in the last few weeks, I've begun to have the dreaded conversation with myself. Infertility.
So, my next steps are pretty clear. I've got an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist for a full workup to see what the issues might be, and what can be done about them. NOT excited about this.
But, I'll do it, and I'll get through it. Even though it sucks.
So, my next steps are pretty clear. I've got an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist for a full workup to see what the issues might be, and what can be done about them. NOT excited about this.
But, I'll do it, and I'll get through it. Even though it sucks.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
This will be a very short post this week, as I've been at a seminar all weekend and won't be finished until Wednesday.
Here's the summary of my feelings this week: I am thoroughly frustrated, angry, sad, and depressed. Mostly sad.
Don't worry though, this is an ongoing cycle that happens once a month for the past almost 2 years. I'll be back to being hopeful, excited, motivated and cheerful next week.
Here's the summary of my feelings this week: I am thoroughly frustrated, angry, sad, and depressed. Mostly sad.
Don't worry though, this is an ongoing cycle that happens once a month for the past almost 2 years. I'll be back to being hopeful, excited, motivated and cheerful next week.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Ten on Tuesday - February 15, 2011
Since I ended up going to the hospital last night (will explain in a sec) instead of writing my Mamavation Monday post, I thought I'd just go ahead and do a Ten on Tuesday post instead.
1. Classes started yesterday, and although I did give myself a head start by beginning my reading early, I'm already feeling the pressure of trying to take 3 classes in 12 weeks. I really want to finish up this degree in December though.
2. The weather outside has been gorgeous for the past few days. I am excited to get out of the house and back to my regular walking routine. Even though we have pretty mild winters here in Texas, all things considered, I am a puss, and don't like to brave the elements if it's less than 55 degrees or so.
3. Phoebe has been feeling the effects of less walking too. We switched her over to a new food last month to try and help her itchy skin (it has no wheat, corn, soy, or other grains) and she ballooned up 11 pounds in 6 weeks! She was petite to begin with, so it's not a huge deal, but the higher protein and fat content of this new food will make it more important for her to get her exercise too.
4. My brother called last night and said he was taking my 4 year old nephew Vinny Paul to the ER thinking he may have appendicitis. The hospital here ambulanced him to Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, and after many many hours (really only 6 or so, but it seemed like forever) of testing and observation, they diagnosed him with a nasty stomach virus combined with gas, so thankfully no surgery needed.
5. Ben (the aforementioned brother) had appendicitis when he was 18, only the hospital here diagnosed him with a prostate infection, so he laid in his hospital bed for 3 days with a ruptured appendix, poisoning himself. He was very close to dying, and so it's understandable for us to freak out a little bit when appendicitis is suspected.
6. I have been mulling over beginning a new degree after this one is finished. I've been doing a lot of reading about midwifery, and I know I would be excellent at it. There are two options, direct entry, which is mostly hands on training, apprenticeship, etc, or Certified Nurse Midwife, which requires an RN degree. I'm looking for education and training options, and hunting down local midwives to talk to about it.
7. I totally slacked off on P90X last week. No particular reason, just being lazy I suppose. Back on track this week!
8. I can't wait for the Mamavation Meetup in June! It will be here in Austin, so that is even more awesomer. Yes, awesomer. Deal with it.
9. Back to the studying! I'll probably be a little scarce on Twitter until I get back into a rhythm with school.
10.
1. Classes started yesterday, and although I did give myself a head start by beginning my reading early, I'm already feeling the pressure of trying to take 3 classes in 12 weeks. I really want to finish up this degree in December though.
2. The weather outside has been gorgeous for the past few days. I am excited to get out of the house and back to my regular walking routine. Even though we have pretty mild winters here in Texas, all things considered, I am a puss, and don't like to brave the elements if it's less than 55 degrees or so.
3. Phoebe has been feeling the effects of less walking too. We switched her over to a new food last month to try and help her itchy skin (it has no wheat, corn, soy, or other grains) and she ballooned up 11 pounds in 6 weeks! She was petite to begin with, so it's not a huge deal, but the higher protein and fat content of this new food will make it more important for her to get her exercise too.
4. My brother called last night and said he was taking my 4 year old nephew Vinny Paul to the ER thinking he may have appendicitis. The hospital here ambulanced him to Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, and after many many hours (really only 6 or so, but it seemed like forever) of testing and observation, they diagnosed him with a nasty stomach virus combined with gas, so thankfully no surgery needed.
5. Ben (the aforementioned brother) had appendicitis when he was 18, only the hospital here diagnosed him with a prostate infection, so he laid in his hospital bed for 3 days with a ruptured appendix, poisoning himself. He was very close to dying, and so it's understandable for us to freak out a little bit when appendicitis is suspected.
6. I have been mulling over beginning a new degree after this one is finished. I've been doing a lot of reading about midwifery, and I know I would be excellent at it. There are two options, direct entry, which is mostly hands on training, apprenticeship, etc, or Certified Nurse Midwife, which requires an RN degree. I'm looking for education and training options, and hunting down local midwives to talk to about it.
7. I totally slacked off on P90X last week. No particular reason, just being lazy I suppose. Back on track this week!
8. I can't wait for the Mamavation Meetup in June! It will be here in Austin, so that is even more awesomer. Yes, awesomer. Deal with it.
9. Back to the studying! I'll probably be a little scarce on Twitter until I get back into a rhythm with school.
10.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Mamavation Monday, February 7, 2011
So many things to talk about this week! A new year always brings new motivations and new ideas, and so I've added lots of projects to my plate.
@Mizfitonline hosted a #FitStudio chat the other day about making vision boards and gratitude boards. I LOVE this idea. I've started planning my boards already, and as soon as I have some pocket money, I'm hitting Hobby Lobby to get some supplies. Here's a great page that explains them more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Make-a-Vision-Board-Find-Your-Life-Ambition-Martha-Beck
I've also started to participate in two challenges this month, other than the ongoing P90X challenge (which I'll talk more about in a minute). Healthy Loser Gal has posted a Love Yourself For Who You Are NOW challenge, and I think this is an awesome idea. I get so caught up in who I want to be, what I want to look like, goals, dreams, perfect future me, and I lose sight of who I am RIGHT NOW and reasons that I like who I am RIGHT NOW. This will be a difficult challenge for me, but a necessary one I think. I hope that you will take some time and participate with me, or at least take some time to tell yourself why you love yourself, especially this time of the year when Valentine's Day is shoved down your throats at every opportunity.
I'm also doing Brad Gansberg's 7 Day Chip challenge. It basically follows the same idea as a 7 day sobriety chip that you get at Alcoholic's Anonymous. If you successfully go 7 days with controlled eating (no binges, no cheating, etc), then you can claim a #7daychip badge for your blog. I've come so far with my nutrition and eating, but I still find myself falling back in to old eating habits occasionally, including binge eating and secret eating. By taking it a week at a time, it makes it easier for me to plan and then execute that plan.
Oh, and did I mention that I've gone back to school?!? Classes start next week, and I'm hoping to finish up my degree (my second one) in December, and then start on the next level next year. Keep your fingers crossed!
Talk to you next week!!!!
Edited to add: Wait, I forgot to talk about the P90X challenge! Things are going well for me, better than I expected honestly. I think it's safe to say that I was terrified at the beginning of this challenge, but I've managed to stick to the program pretty well, modifying where I need to. I definitely feel stronger, and I just moved in to phase 2, so I'm looking forward to a couple of new workouts. I love the Stretch X that I do on Sundays, I feel so great afterwards. I can't wait to do new measurements, hopefully there will be a noticeable difference for me.
@Mizfitonline hosted a #FitStudio chat the other day about making vision boards and gratitude boards. I LOVE this idea. I've started planning my boards already, and as soon as I have some pocket money, I'm hitting Hobby Lobby to get some supplies. Here's a great page that explains them more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/How-to-Make-a-Vision-Board-Find-Your-Life-Ambition-Martha-Beck
I've also started to participate in two challenges this month, other than the ongoing P90X challenge (which I'll talk more about in a minute). Healthy Loser Gal has posted a Love Yourself For Who You Are NOW challenge, and I think this is an awesome idea. I get so caught up in who I want to be, what I want to look like, goals, dreams, perfect future me, and I lose sight of who I am RIGHT NOW and reasons that I like who I am RIGHT NOW. This will be a difficult challenge for me, but a necessary one I think. I hope that you will take some time and participate with me, or at least take some time to tell yourself why you love yourself, especially this time of the year when Valentine's Day is shoved down your throats at every opportunity.
I'm also doing Brad Gansberg's 7 Day Chip challenge. It basically follows the same idea as a 7 day sobriety chip that you get at Alcoholic's Anonymous. If you successfully go 7 days with controlled eating (no binges, no cheating, etc), then you can claim a #7daychip badge for your blog. I've come so far with my nutrition and eating, but I still find myself falling back in to old eating habits occasionally, including binge eating and secret eating. By taking it a week at a time, it makes it easier for me to plan and then execute that plan.
Oh, and did I mention that I've gone back to school?!? Classes start next week, and I'm hoping to finish up my degree (my second one) in December, and then start on the next level next year. Keep your fingers crossed!
Talk to you next week!!!!
Edited to add: Wait, I forgot to talk about the P90X challenge! Things are going well for me, better than I expected honestly. I think it's safe to say that I was terrified at the beginning of this challenge, but I've managed to stick to the program pretty well, modifying where I need to. I definitely feel stronger, and I just moved in to phase 2, so I'm looking forward to a couple of new workouts. I love the Stretch X that I do on Sundays, I feel so great afterwards. I can't wait to do new measurements, hopefully there will be a noticeable difference for me.
Monday, January 17, 2011
mamavation Monday, January 17, 2011
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS to the two new Mamavation Moms, Kimberley and Amanda! I am so excited to witness your journey for the next 7 weeks.
I have decided that I need more accountability in my eating plan, so I'm going to start a visual food diary. I got this idea from Timothy Ferriss's book, The 4-Hour Body. He recommends taking a photo of each meal with your camera phone and uploading them to Flickr or some other photo site, so that you can really see what you're eating. Hopefully I'll be able to create some sort of link back to my blog so you can see my weekly meal diary. (Edit: I figured it out! Woohoo!)
P90X is going well. I'm still modifying quite a bit, but I feel like I'm getting stronger. I'm finding I don't really have an hour and a half for the yoga routine, so I'm thinking of switching it out for another yoga dvd. I haven't weighed myself since starting, so I don't know if I'm losing any weight yet, but my clothes are starting to feel better, so I'm pretty sure I'm losing some inches. :)
Now for what has become a weekly habit, your Moment of Phoebe:
I have decided that I need more accountability in my eating plan, so I'm going to start a visual food diary. I got this idea from Timothy Ferriss's book, The 4-Hour Body. He recommends taking a photo of each meal with your camera phone and uploading them to Flickr or some other photo site, so that you can really see what you're eating. Hopefully I'll be able to create some sort of link back to my blog so you can see my weekly meal diary. (Edit: I figured it out! Woohoo!)
P90X is going well. I'm still modifying quite a bit, but I feel like I'm getting stronger. I'm finding I don't really have an hour and a half for the yoga routine, so I'm thinking of switching it out for another yoga dvd. I haven't weighed myself since starting, so I don't know if I'm losing any weight yet, but my clothes are starting to feel better, so I'm pretty sure I'm losing some inches. :)
Now for what has become a weekly habit, your Moment of Phoebe:
Her dad tucked her in under the comforter, and she decided that was plenty good for her. Yes, that is a pillow under her head. What? Spoiled dog? Noooooooooooooo. *shifty eyes*
Monday, January 10, 2011
Mamavation Monday, January 10, 2011
So week one of the P90X challenge is in the books. I'm doing the lean track, so my schedule is a bit different than the classic track. It focuses more on cardio in the beginning and then moves more into strength later on in the program. I was terrified each time I pushed play on the DVD player. But, I got through it, with a lot of modifications. I am certainly not strong enough yet for most of the exercises as they're done by Tony and friends, but I feel stronger already after one week, so maybe someday I'll be able to "bring it" as it was intended. :)
Shelley (@Momma_Oz) and I started a new water aerobics class this week. It's a deep water class this time (I took a shallow water class last time), and it's at 6am (!!!) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am really enjoying it so far, and it's a great workout. I'm trying to pay close attention to my posture and use my core muscles to keep myself upright, and I can definitely feel it the next day. I particularly enjoy it because I'm spending time with Shelley (even though it is, as she would say, at the butt crack of dawn), and there's no better support than exercising with a buddy.
On a non-fitness note, I submitted my video for Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir this past week. I am really proud of myself that I did it, I LOVE this project. My voice is so out of shape, so I did the soprano II part instead of my usual soprano I, but I still completed it and submitted it. I can't wait until April when the final video will be released! For those of you that don't know me, this is what I went to college for, what I love to do, and a good choral performance will make me cry every time. To get an idea of what the project is, here's the last one:
This week's Mamavation TV is sponsored by Salonpas, and they want to know "Have you ever been injured starting a new exercise routine? Tell us about it…If not, do you get any aches and pains? Where?" I've never been injured outright, but I do get aches and pains. My muscles are not strong enough yet to fully support my body for some exercises, and so my joints end up carrying more of the load. This means my knees and elbows hurt after most routines. I try to modify as much as I can to avoid injury, but I keep plugging along, because the only thing that will help is for my muscles to continue to get stronger.
See you all tonight for Mamavation TV, and congratulations again to the 12 finalists!
Shelley (@Momma_Oz) and I started a new water aerobics class this week. It's a deep water class this time (I took a shallow water class last time), and it's at 6am (!!!) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am really enjoying it so far, and it's a great workout. I'm trying to pay close attention to my posture and use my core muscles to keep myself upright, and I can definitely feel it the next day. I particularly enjoy it because I'm spending time with Shelley (even though it is, as she would say, at the butt crack of dawn), and there's no better support than exercising with a buddy.
On a non-fitness note, I submitted my video for Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir this past week. I am really proud of myself that I did it, I LOVE this project. My voice is so out of shape, so I did the soprano II part instead of my usual soprano I, but I still completed it and submitted it. I can't wait until April when the final video will be released! For those of you that don't know me, this is what I went to college for, what I love to do, and a good choral performance will make me cry every time. To get an idea of what the project is, here's the last one:
This week's Mamavation TV is sponsored by Salonpas, and they want to know "Have you ever been injured starting a new exercise routine? Tell us about it…If not, do you get any aches and pains? Where?" I've never been injured outright, but I do get aches and pains. My muscles are not strong enough yet to fully support my body for some exercises, and so my joints end up carrying more of the load. This means my knees and elbows hurt after most routines. I try to modify as much as I can to avoid injury, but I keep plugging along, because the only thing that will help is for my muscles to continue to get stronger.
See you all tonight for Mamavation TV, and congratulations again to the 12 finalists!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Mamavation Monday, January 3, 2011
Well, the holidays are officially over. I admit, I totally slacked off, both in nutrition and exercise. On the plus side though, I did not gain any weight. I don't quite feel right claiming a victory, since I didn't really try, I just got lucky.
It's a new day, a new week, a new year
This week starts a lot of new adventures for me. I'm starting the P90X challenge with some other Sistas, I'm starting a new water aerobics class with Shelley (@Momma_Oz), and I'm continuing (restarting?) with my C25K training. My goal for today is to outline IN WRITING my exercise schedule and get it programmed into my calendar so I am accountable for it.
Since the weather has been colder, I've been walking less, but working out inside more. My favorite inside workout is, hands down, EA Sports Active 2. It is a great mix of cardio and strength exercises, and it keeps it varied enough to not get boring. I LOVE this game. And you can get one of your own at Game Stop, who just happens to be the sponsor of this week's blogging carnival!
As you may know, we're right in the middle of nominations for the next Mamavation Mom campaign. I can't wait to meet the applicants tomorrow on Mamavation TV. Watching Shelley go through the bootcamp firsthand really impressed me. It's a wonderful opportunity, and I hope that the two winners take as much advantage of it as Shelley and Rachel did. I wish I could apply myself.
For the P90X challenge, I've decided to do the Lean program. It focuses a bit more on cardio and a bit less on weight training and strength, so it's more designed for fat loss. What I like about P90X is that it is easily modifiable. I know I won't be able to do some of the exercises when I start. I know my endurance won't be as high as it should. But it will get easier as I continue, and I'll be able to do more and more as I get stronger.
Here are my BEFORE photos and measurements:
And now to distract you from the above, a cute picture of Phoebe sacked out next to her dad:
See you all tonight for Mamavation TV!
It's a new day, a new week, a new year
This week starts a lot of new adventures for me. I'm starting the P90X challenge with some other Sistas, I'm starting a new water aerobics class with Shelley (@Momma_Oz), and I'm continuing (restarting?) with my C25K training. My goal for today is to outline IN WRITING my exercise schedule and get it programmed into my calendar so I am accountable for it.
Since the weather has been colder, I've been walking less, but working out inside more. My favorite inside workout is, hands down, EA Sports Active 2. It is a great mix of cardio and strength exercises, and it keeps it varied enough to not get boring. I LOVE this game. And you can get one of your own at Game Stop, who just happens to be the sponsor of this week's blogging carnival!
As you may know, we're right in the middle of nominations for the next Mamavation Mom campaign. I can't wait to meet the applicants tomorrow on Mamavation TV. Watching Shelley go through the bootcamp firsthand really impressed me. It's a wonderful opportunity, and I hope that the two winners take as much advantage of it as Shelley and Rachel did. I wish I could apply myself.
For the P90X challenge, I've decided to do the Lean program. It focuses a bit more on cardio and a bit less on weight training and strength, so it's more designed for fat loss. What I like about P90X is that it is easily modifiable. I know I won't be able to do some of the exercises when I start. I know my endurance won't be as high as it should. But it will get easier as I continue, and I'll be able to do more and more as I get stronger.
Here are my BEFORE photos and measurements:
| BEFORE MEASUREMENTS | |||||
| Weight | 248 | LBS | |||
| Chest | 46 | IN | |||
| Waist | 39.5 | IN | |||
| Hips | 54 | IN | |||
| Right Thigh | 31 | IN | |||
| Left Thigh | 31 | IN | |||
| Right Arm | 17 | IN | |||
| Left Arm | 17 | IN | |||
And now to distract you from the above, a cute picture of Phoebe sacked out next to her dad:
See you all tonight for Mamavation TV!
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