Hangin'

Happy Monday! I am saying this because I teach and I have it off. Two of them in a row actually. So today is a reason to rejoice. Guess what I have done today?? Given a sax lesson, and driven for about an hour. Other than that, nothing. And it feels marvelous. Heather and I did not work out (yet) due to some scheduling changes, but we plan on doing it later today. Getting back into that routine is going to be very nice.

That's all I had to write about, because there is nothing to report for once:) Yay!


Sam

School, break, Christmas!

Merry Christmas Break! Heather and I are going to OFFICIALLY be on break tomorrow, but today will work. It has been a long and exhausting few months for us. As first year teachers, we've learned to WANT to walk away from our job to push the reset button. Before we were naive and thought we'd always want to be there to make our students better musicians, make our program stronger, etc. But, we have figured out that this is not realistic. Creating your program takes time, effort, and yes, the ability to refocus (and be ok with taking the time to do so).

This break we plan on taking it easy; sleeping in, eating a lot, working out. We will pepper our break with a little bit of preping for teaching, but that will not be our main focus. Although that will make us effective, simply resting will probably benefit us just as much.

All of our concerts went fantastically well. We have not though about it (I don't think), but they were our VERY FIRST CONCERTS as teachers. Considering that, it did go well. Certainly, there were some downsides and some (a lot of) things we need our students to learn to take the next step, but the concerts were a good place to start.

We hope you all have a great Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season! I intend on trying to really make that a focus of the break. I hope you all do too!

Sam

Stress-Free Fee!

Weddings are stressful. And they shouldn't be. It should be a magical day for the happy couple to share with their friends and family and each other. Therefore, I think paying for a more expensive venue and catering is a good option at this point. We shall call it...the Stress-Free Fee!

Now if only there was that sort of thing for my thesis and oral exams...

Break Time!

I am taking a break from writing my thesis, and decided to update! (Aren't you proud of me, Sam? :) )

Speaking of my thesis...if everything goes well, I will be done writing it this week, will meet with Dr. Ellsworth on Friday to find out what I need to do to fix it, will fix it next week, print, turn the damn thing in, and schedule my oral exams. Oh, and bring Patrick a latte. A really big one! I had a dream last night that I had too much to fix, though, and couldn't get it done in time to turn in this quarter. While that would be entirely my fault as I have procrastinated more than even I would have thought I would, that would be a nightmare to be sure. I hope it isn't the case.

I want to read. For fun. REALLY bad. And organize at home. I have been wanting to reorganize the closets and cupboards and things, and have been too tired, either honestly physically tired, or mentally tired from either writing or thinking about my thesis. It would be nice to have the energy to do something else.

Which means: I need to push through and get it done! Here goes nothin'! Wish me a good week, because it's about to be long!

IT BEGINS!

"My eyes are closed, my muscles are sore, and with this finger, I quit corps. "

A buddy of mine said this a few years ago in response to our drum corps director saying: "The sun is up, the sky is blue, and morning stretches are waiting for you!" It was pretty comical. We had just gotten off a bus after a 9 or 10 our drive the night before and we were all beat. The last thing we wanted to do was get up, stretch and get to practicing. But we did nonetheless.

I was 20 years old, in shape, and felt like I could do anything...except on those mornings. But I did. Because I knew I could. Quite easily too. I was just "mentally" lazy; my body was in prime shape and had no problem making it happen.

Now, more than 6 years later, it is the opposite. I wake up and my mind wants to go, but my body won't let me. BUT! Heather and I have gotten a gym membership with hopes of getting the two seemingly-opposing units to work togethor.

We started on November 1st, and have gone three out of the five days of the month. We are going to go tomorrow night, and then again on Sunday. That will bring us to a total of five out of seven days of the month of November (any way we can put it to make us think that we've succeeded thus far is going to have to work for now). The best thing: it feels good.

If we continue this and work out 20 days of the 30 in the month, then I think we will have done an incredible job at beginning some sort of routine. We are off to a good start. The fact that we felt incredibly guilty about skipping two days is probably a good sign (and that was because we were busy with school conferences...).

So, as I sit and sip my Jack Daniel's (regaining the carbs), I am quite content with the establishing of the routine. Cheers!

Sam

A Happier Update

So, I supposed that I should update with something happier. Here we go:

WE ARE GETTING MARRIED 8 MONTHS FROM TODAY! 8 PEOPLE! That is not a lot! And I am so excited and couldn't be happier about spending the rest of my life with Sam. He is an amazing man, and is everything I have ever dreamed of. He is faithful (in God and me), he is strong (especially when I am freaking out), and he loves me! Thank God we met and had class together!

I love you, Sam, and cannot wait to marry you...IN 8 MONTHS!!!

~Heather

Here is my update:

I hate being poor.
I hate living paycheck to paycheck.

That is all.

Reprioritization

I am going to re-prioritize my life starting now. I have a job and wonderful fiance that I can't wait to spend my life with and a relationship with God. Now...which one should go first? It's obvious to me, and I need to do that. God, Family, THEN Job.

Heather and I have been so busy, I think it has been hard to make this happen, simply because of lack of energy. It is now starting to eat away at the way I live my life. I need to find the energy and make it happen. God will give me strength!

Sam

I think things are going better! *Knock on wood* I have my first concert tomorrow and we are mostly prepared, the fundraiser has been successful so far (although apparently while I found mentioning large donations to be very motivational, it is actually detrimental and overshadows other childrens' efforts?), and I think kids are actually starting to want to be here. Of course, this could all just be my perception of things and me trying to make a positive spin on it all, but, whatever. Hopefully it is true and things will continue to look up!

I was about to post something about having a better week. But, alas, this has come to an end. I had to make my 6th graders put their instruments away and write apology letters for talking and being disrespectful while I was trying to help individuals that were struggling. Then in middle school band, I had to write my first referral. And now a letter from an orchestra parent telling me that I used children for solicitation. Because I want to fundraise so that HER child can sit on a chair that doesn't have a pencil stuck in it, a cushion tearing off, or a back falling apart. The kicker...this mom is the fundraising committee chairperson for the school. And she has the nerve to tell me that I am soliciting her child. I honestly do not know what to think, do, etc.

So, the moral of the story: don't care about peoples kids, because they will accuse you of doing wrong to them. This isn't the sex trade people. This is sponsorship letters.

Bad week.

I need to teach college. Parents aren't allowed. And the students have to do what the teacher says. And I wouldn't have to do fundraising. I want to be a mom. Then, I can support teachers that are trying to do good and show them that they are appreciated. -Heather

The limit? Not quite

Dear Blog fans,

I'm settling in as a teacher. Heather and I have been psycho busy so far, but really, we're loving it. After killing ourselves in the last two to three weeks, we have managed still to make our lives busier: we both joined (we think) a concert band, I've joined a jazz band, RCIA classes will start at the end of this month for Heather (of which I will be attending too) and I think every weekend has some 8-hour activity on at least one of the days, for the next month and a half. This is going to be a huge test for us. We've both been this busy at times before, but not with so much riding on our ability to overcome it all. We are now the sole teachers of our respective programs. Neither of us take that lightly. We've talked about how if we stay busy and involved, as we always have been, ultimately, it will make us better teacher, musicians...and more efficiant as we don't have any time to waste. I love it and I hate it.

We're learning. We'll figure out what we like and what we don't want to do. Right now, we're testing the waters, pushing ourselves, and seeing what we're made of. Bring it on:)

Sam

I have been teaching for about three weeks, and basically, there is only one word to describe how I feel: TIRED.

Actually, there are many more words: happy, excited, frustrated, sad, grateful, pitiful, helpless, smart, funny, dumb, tired.

Anyhow. Thats all I really have time for. I have class in five minutes and I need a break. Because I am tired.

But I updated. Your turn! :)

"Music is what life sounds like."- Eric Olson

Fortunately, I get to teach it, everyday. I am so lucky to do something that I absolutely love.
Tuesday, I start my career, for the rest of my life. I make or break the way it will go on day one, for the rest of the year. It's nerve racking, exciting, and scary all at the same time! Cooooool...

This weekend I have to finish doing everything...syllabus, art curriculum, decorate room, etc. I cannot wait to get it all completed and finally get to what I went to school for, for four (haha) years: music!

Before I know it, the year will be over. I hope it's a good one!

Sam

School

Tomorrow, I begin my OFFICIAL teaching career! Actually, only teachers are there this week, so no actual teaching yet. I am incredibly excited, yet nervous, as expected I am sure. I have taught under other music director's before, a lot actually, but I have never been directly responsible for every detail of the program, even though I may have created it. I don't care if the students like me, but I just want them to RESPECT me. I've been through the training, I've been certified. The government trusts me to do a decent job, and I have that "teacher efficacy," but that doesn't mean I don't have my worries. I know I'll get through and I know I will at the very least, eventually succeed, but I am probably the beginning of the NOW generation; I want it now.

Tonight, I toast to a great year. I really am truely excited. I EXPECT things to fall apart and go horribly wrong, but I also expect that I will overcome it and become what I have always wanted to be: a person and mentor to my students, someone they can look up to, someone to guide them and encourage them to become kind, generous, and successful individuals. I'll get there.

Until next time,
Sam

Well, I guess I am supposed to write something since the last two entries are Sam's and he was disappointed that I haven't written anything significant in awhile.

Everything is going really, really well...we are both getting ready to start our new teaching jobs (I have been getting ready this week because I start Monday - YIKES!), Sam is working at CV doing marching band - tonight I get dinner with him and get to teach a flute sectional, we have moved into the condo and are loving it, and...and...and...the list goes on.

The other night we determined we need to think about/follow/be with God more in our life together. We were doing a pretty good job of it, but then, well...if you have already read the paragraph above, you can understand why God has kind of gone by the wayside. It's hard to balance everything! No excuse, though! We are going to try and make a more concerted effort to go to church on Sundays, even when we don't feel like it, and have even been reading the Bible at night sometimes. We will also be attending the RCIA (basically a Catholic conversion class) together starting in the fall. Sam gets to go because he is my sponsor :). Im really excited for it.

The weight loss thing is going better. I have lost 13 pounds. 50 more by January? HA! I doubt it, but we are working on it. It is a lot easier to eat better when you are the one cooking. And we are walking at night. And this weekend, we are going to try and run. Or rather - I - am going to TRY to run. Someone please say a prayer! As strange as it is for most, this is a scary thought for me, but as Sam reminded me, I can do it! And I will. Slowly, probably, but I will.

Well, I guess that is all I've got for now. Off to CV, then grocery shopping, then making Melt Aways for the potluck tomorrow at work, then Sam will hopefully be home, and then bed. Mmmmm...bed.

Cheers!
Heather

Hi Ya'll,

We have moved into Heather's official new place (and my yet-unofficial new place) yesterday! It's a pretty sweet condo...the fact that we can call it a condo is pretty inspiring in and of itself! We are trying to decide where we want to put everything, and having a tough time of it. I'm thinking when we get new furniture, we'll be able to really turn the place around; now we have old, non-matching furniture (although, some of which is really cool looking and I'd like to keep around).

Today is going to be a work-filled day that includes putting the office together. That will take the day almost by itself. Wine in the evening (for me at least)!

Till next time,
Sam

Random Post!

I am bored so I've decided to blog. For the last few days I have reached deep down and found a way to push myself to work out. Don't know if today is going to be a continuation of that pattern (my body is killing me), but I fully intend on keeping this up (as always...). It's about getting into a routine, I know this.

Semi-getting a new condo and place to chill will certainly help with these endeavors I am sure: eating healthier, working out, reading, educating myself, and starting new hobbies that breath life into my sometimes-staggnant lifestyle.

Heather and I just got back from a nice and needed two-week vacation! We went to California to visit some family and friends, and then drove to Yellowstone National Park. It was BEAUTIFUL! Of note, Teton National Park was amazingly picturesque. I can't wait to go back and hike some of the places. The picture to the right is of some of the smaller mountains around the Grand Teton right at sunset. I was particularly impressed with my photography here (for the first time in my life). I spent a lot of time and batteries learning how to use my camera. I think I succeeded to a certain extent. Better yet, I found a new hobby that I absolutely love!

Till next time,

Sam

Check-up

Stuff done -

Hand surgery one: check
Condo secured: check
6 pounds lost: check

Stuff to do -

too many to list

Hi all of our blogger fans!

I haven't updated for weeks! As Heather has stated, life is certainly in the fast lane and we love it! It really does fit right into our lifestyle, being busy all the time and stressed (which secretly, I think we thrive on).

As far as my diet, the eating portion comes and goes. I tend to starve myself, and then binge. No good I know, but I get busy; I don't intentionally do it. Today, I ran a couple of miles. More to see how my body holds up (ankle, back, etc.). The ole' bod' did pretty well. The ankle...eh. I need new shoes, but that will have to wait (money). BUT, I did go on a run. It felt really good. I'm going to try to make it routine, so long as my ankle doesn't give out (I don't have medical either...).

Welp, there's the update! I miss all of you and can't wait to hear from you!
Sam

Life in the fast lane!

So Sam and I both have new jobs, we found an amazing place to live, and, most importantly, we are engaged and planning our marriage!!! It is all so exciting!!! Makes for very busy days, nights, weekends, etc., and is also stressful (who know that we would still be stressed once we secured jobs!), but we are working through it all and will so hopefully get to slow down a little bit when we go on vacation to California and Yellowstone with my family.

Diet - failure. Not working. SO, Im trying something new, and something I promised myself I would never do. Mom has tried the prescription phentramine, and with great results. So now I am trying it. Day 1: not hungry, more energy (but still oddly tired), and have the shakes because I am not hungry and therefore am not motivated to eat. In fact, food doesn't even sound good. This is a good thing. Shakes = not a good thing, but Mom said that would pass after a few days, along with the drunk feeling for the first three hours after I take it in the morning (this made for an interesting time at work!).

So...there is an update!

~Heather

Drum Major camp is over...finally! I was doing really well with a moderate crash diet right before, and then camp...ugh. Tomorrow, I will start all over. This is fairly depressing. I'm going to be super hungry and crabby again :( Sorry sweetheart.

Now that camp and school stuff (other than writing my thesis, which I am also going to hit hard tomorrow since I am working on my own and will have no one up front to distract me...) is done...it is time to focus on other things. I think? We'll see I guess! ;)

~Heather

Today starts my summer...as I didn't get called for a sub job today...yet, at least. So, as "promised," to my counterpart, I will do a moderate workout today and hopefully get into a routine. This whole not being in shape thing will not look good at a beach:) jk, jk.

In other news, I got a job! (most likely) So, that gives me more incentive to get the other aspects of my life balanced as well. Can't wait!

Progress?

Swimming update:

I have been swimming a couple days a week, with a kick board, 10 laps each day.

TODAY I only did 6 total, but 3 were without the kick board.

Is this progress?

~Heather

Its a fish! No! Its Heather!

Yes, that's right, I am swimming! Well, kind of. I'm using a kick board and kicking my feet. But the point is, I am in a pool and I am trying. Ive been three times in the last six days and I am very proud of myself. Getting into a routine now will definitely help when I try to kick my butt this summer while working on base.

6-7 months do lose, oh...45 pounds? Yikes! But I am in the pool! And and added plus: It makes my hands feel AMAZING! No pain at all! And any other pain is all the good kind! Woohoo! Did I mention that I am proud of myself?

Now I just have to eat better. There was one more piece of cheesecake left and I ate it for lunch. Ouch.

But, we are making progress because I am swimming!!! :)

9 laps today. 1 more than the last time I went.

~Heather

The Physical Part of Our Prowess

Heather and I are constantly coming up with new ways to get out and be active....probably because what we do come up with, we never follow through with. We need money, time and money to make a lot of things work. So, we are going to try to make some more long-term oriented goals. For one, we're going to try to go camping a lot this summer. We figure a campsite, at most, costs around $25-$30, usually less, and we can save up food for those weekend trips. Going on those trips will let us get out and hike, therefore, be more active.

That's the current plan. Wish us luck.

Sam

Update...not about food!

So, since Sam wants me to update AND we talked about this becoming more than just about food, but about our life in general as it progresses, I decided to write about life this morning. Here it goes!

My school career is finally coming to a temporary (meaning Ill get my doctorate eventually...later...) close. Oh how I have waited for this day! I was supposed to get two masters, but, due to an unwritten university rule, I would have to RETAKE over half of my classes to get the second degree, so I have "settled" on an MA in music with my coursework emphasis in Music History (that was an incredibly long sentence...I apologize.). My thesis will be written by June and I will be "walking" at the graduate graduation ceremony, but my oral exam will take place in the fall.

My recital is on June 5. This is a bittersweet moment for me, as it will be my last for quite some time. In fact, I don't know if there will be anymore at all. Strange thought to be sure.

This summer will be busier than normal (is that actually possible???). I will be having two surgeries, one on each hand, to try and fix my tendinitis problems once and for all. I will be working at Outdoor Rec again, as well as at my usual summer camp through EWU. Out of the ordinary will be the two week long family vacation to Eagle Lake, Travis, and Yellowstone. I am SO very much looking forward to it. Same will be going with us, which i am also very excited for. I cannot wait to show him my childhood camping spot and create new memories with him!!!

My biggest endeavor this summer will be to find a job! My main goal is to ultimately teach college and I am in the process of applying for a very part-time, one year position at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene, ED, teaching music history. It is such a great opportunity, but there are also many pitfalls. I still don't know which will take the heavier weight when and if it comes time to make a decision on taking the job. We shall see I guess!

That's all for now. Really a boring life if I might say so myself! But now you know the news!

This has been weather with Heather...

Hi everyone that reads our blog

Hi everyone that reads our blog. Heather and I found a new place to get fat. BUT it's REALLY good food, so it's worth it. I feel like we are continually re-evaluating ourselves and trying. We're not making a ton of headway, but we are really busy. I know that's even more of a reason to make it a lifestyle. I think this summer is going to be really good for us. We can really focus on making that change. The Fall very well might bring both of us great fortune that will allow us to put more resources and mind power to this endeavor.

I'm looking forward to really making this change. I know, I know. I say that a lot, making you ALL think that I'm just spouting words. But, really, our minds and focus is in the right spot. We will get there!!!!

Sam

Easter!

I had a wonderful Easter! And my stomach did too:/ It was good though. Like my sister said, on holidays, the calorie count is reversed, so I probably at -3000 calories or so...I really don't know.

I am going to buy a spinning bike. I think. I found one for $25, but I haven't seen it yet. But really, how good does it have to be? :) Looking forward to that!

Sam

So...Sam says that I need to update so he knows how I am doing...Here it goes!

I have not been updating calorie count. I don't think it was helping. I mean, it showed me nutritional values and things like vitamins, but I don't think I've lost a pound. I was doing really well with my three morning a week exercise regimen, until I subbed this week. I should be able to get back into it with school starting again (that seems contradictory to life doesn't it?!). Hopefully I can keep my three mornings open and go to the gym at school and actually work hard on something that doesn't hurt my joints, like a bike.

I want this. But time and energy just don't exist. So hard without having a partner in crime everyday. And having to eat what is provided for me. Ugh.

~Heather

The other side of things

This next week I will have almost nothing to do, as all the companies I work for are on spring break. So, I am going to make a concerted effort to establish an exercise routine. I've laid out a 20-30 min. exercise plan for each morning of each day. It's not very hard, but I imagine, with my stubbornness, I will probably go a little harder and a little longer. I'm going to log my activities throughout the week as well as my weight at the beginning of the week and at the end of the week.

I realize that this is probably not the best way of going about things (the whole logging of the weight...maybe it is) but I am going to CREATE that carrot that I'm reaching for and make it something that is physically attainable...not just a figment of my imagination. In one week's time, I will see my progress. And this will be good.

Sam

The Wagon

I have fallen off the wagon. I've not been eating THAT well and I need to still work out. I've not eaten HORRIBLY, as I am more aware of what I am eating, but it's not been good.

I need to refocus. I think summer is going to be a very good thing for me. I'll have time and won't be in a rush always!

It's been forever since an update, I'll try to stay up on it:)

Sam

SUGAR and flute playing!

I made an amazing discovery today...gummy bears are not that bad for you.

I have been craving something sweet. That would typically lead me to chocolate, ice cream, or other very bad things, but today I made a new discovery. Gummy bears. They do not have any fat, and while theya re high in sugar content (which of course I am supposed to be avoiding), just a few did the trick. Since I have not been eating very sugary foods (like chocolate), just a few staved off my need for something sweet. And there was no fat! Caloriecount.com did not have a problem with them. I am even at an A average for the day still! This is exciting!

And I also discovered that flute playing burns 181 calories per hour. I think I will burn more than that tonight playing Stravinsky!

~Heather

Hi EVERYONE that reads this blog")

So, tomorrow, I'm going to work out. I know I know. I'm putting it off. But really, I'm going to play some baseball with some guys. For me, that always means a pretty tough work out. I've been eating at a "B" average, like before. I'm thinking that's not the real problem. It's my sedintary lifestyle. I need to get up and move! As for now, I'm going to go read a book. :)

Sam

The best diet:

1. Get blood draw done at 11ish in the morning, so you can't eat even longer.

2. Put invisaline back in after 3 years so that your teeth hurt too much to eat.

This will certainly put a damper on things today. I will update later this afternoon with how it is all going!

~Heather

Comfort with my food: a bad thing?

As stated, Heather and I have started this calorie count thing on caloriecount.about.com. Some people say "blah" to counting calories, but the great thing about this site is that you log the kind of food that you eat throughout the day and based on how healthy that food is, determines the score you get. I usually am at about a "B," which isn't bad, but not a great as I could be doing.

Now, the point of this post. Because a "B" is not that bad (seriously, I could be doing much worse) I am not trying to make it any better. Honestly, I don't think I have changed much since starting our "get in shape/weight loss" journey; I simply figured out where I was "score" wise, and was ok with it, now I'm sitting in that rut. The only real thing I've changed is that I have paid attention to what I eat a little more...but I haven't changed what I eat. Even though I get "B" on a day-to-day basis, I still don't feel like I am eating wonderfully.

Also, I need to work out. I need to take accountability! I haven't done that yet. I'll never improve until I'm willing to put that extra effort in. Sure, I participate in active activities, but for me, that's not working out. And I haven't felt a big change by doing just these activities (riding bikes, walking, hiking...pretty tame stuff).

Until next time,
Sam

Tonight, I am making a big dinner for Sam's family! I am really, really excited about it, and have been saving calories all day...probably not the smartest or healthiest thing, but I think it will be worth it. It honestly wont be THAT bad. Just...kinda bad. And really tasty if everything works right. Will put the recipes on here later!

~Heather

I wanted ice cream and I didn't have it. That MUST be progress.

~Heather

So, I've been doing pretty well. With the whole calorie count and all, I tend to go over everyday by about 100 calories...that dang snack! BUT, my food intake is averaged at about a "B" grade, so I'm putting pretty decent food in my body. My activity has declined a little in the last couple days though. I need to find the energy to work out! Is this one of those things that I just have to do, and in turn, will cause me to have more energy? I suppose I should figure this one out.

I've apparently dropped about 5 pounds in the last week. I don't know how though. I haven't taken that drastic of measures. Maybe my scale is off....hmmm.

Till next time!

Sam

Staying home from school today...been sleeping with a migraine since 7:30 or so. Starting to feel better, but haven't eaten anything, so I decided it would be okay to have a bigger breakfast and then a snack before dinner to equalize my calorie count. Logical?

~Heather

Calorie Count the Game!

Caloriecount.about.com is SO helpful! It is so easy to update what you have been eating throughout the day and see where you are at for your total calories. AND you can add activities, which is a great motivator for me. It is kind of like a game. I am pretty much exhausted, and yet, still want to do something so that I can add it to my log. So fun!

In the meantime, I am still craving sweets. Like the starburst that Kristen is eating next to me in class. Mmmmm. Sugar.

But, alas, none for me. Can't wait to get to Sam's today so that we can figure out something to do activity-wise tonight!

~Heather

I had to update. I'm starving at the moment, but will eat soon! Heather and I found this site, caloriecount.com. It lets us log calorie intake, has activity logs, exercises, etc. I think if we keep connected to this site, it will be a huge help! Being able to see your habits has got to be a wonderful thing for the advancement of our health.

Even now, I'm finding I don't want to eat because then I have to go through the work of logging it...so I won't eat the cookies upstairs. That's a new one: I'm too lazy to eat. Wow.

Welp, until next time....

Sam

Strawberry Smoothie Recipe

In our quest to find healthy foods...we shall try this recipe for lunch today:

1 frozen banana

1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries

1 cup milk

1 cup apple juice

1cup strawberry yogurt.

and cheese and crackers with salami to go with it for protein!

So, update. Went to McDonald's this morning. BUT, Heather and I ate a small portion, so, for me it was less than 400 calories, and less than that for Heather.

AND, we went snowboarding last night, so we got a pretty good work out in. That was a blast! Now, our bodies are sore and hate us right now...it was totally worth it though. So, I guess this is all about give and take. If we do the work, we can have small rewards. That's ok, right? So long as we don't completely veer from our path. We're doing ok so far. We have to change a learned pattern. That's the hardest part about all of this, and it will take some time.

Till next time! Comments/tips welcome if you happen to stumble upon our blog! Danke!

Sam

Cornbread...

I love cornbread (I didn't mention that I love food, right?). Tonight I am going over to Rich and Keesha's so that Rich and I can work on our partner project for Renaissance History, and we are having chili with cornbread for dinner. Chili, is actually very healthy...thank you legumes and tomato stuff!!! However, cornbread is probably one of my favorite carbohydrates ever! Especially warm and dripping with butter. This presents a problem. Limit myself to one piece. Oh boy. Ive done well so far today, but this will be a real challenge!

~Heather

The Accountability Commences

As Heather stated, this is for accountability...especially for me. I've always been pretty physically fit, but have gotten out of the habit between school and several injuries my body has sustained. Now, I need to stop making excuses and "just do it." Like Heather, food would be that one thing that someone could wave in front of my face to make me do just about anything...except exercise apparently.

Things I need to remedy:

• lack of energy
• no motivation (probably because of the lack of energy)
• making of excuses
• horrible eating habits

How to remedy:

• Eat smaller portions of the crappy stuff, and replace my "need" (which is actually my 'want') with healthier food, like apples, or celery.
• work out, however laid back a workout that might be
• ride a bike
• go for a hike
• jog an easy jog
• make my work out "habit" and actual habit
• when I'm bored, avoid eating unhealthy food and instead grab fruit or vegetables

I'm sure there is more that I can add here. But, to celebrate our new journey, I'm gonna go eat some food....just kidding;) But, I'm actually going to go eat food. I'm just gonna try to make it good food.

Cheers,

Sam

Let the competition commence!

So...we are starting a weight loss/healthy lifestyle accountability program. Of our own making, of course and as always! I'm bad at the journaling idea, but we will give this a go.

I will start with listing what will be hard for me:

1. I live at home...when my parents make food, I feel obligated to eat what they make, whether or not it is healthy.

2. I LOVE food. Quite possible, I am a food-aholic.

3. Many exercises I am not physically capable of doing.

4. If I don't see results moderately fast, I always give up.

Now for how I will combat these things:

1. Two words. Portion. Control.

2. I need to find healthy foods that I love jsut as much as pasta and potatoes. Seriously.

3. I need to blow up my exercise ball and get a pilates video. I think that is my ticket. And ride my bike a ton more! That is easier on my ankle, and still gives me a cardio workout.

4. Accountability (the main reason behind this blog), a partner in crime, and encouragement.

So...for lunch today before I go off to teach a sectional...I am having an avocado with ONE serving of tortilla chips. Not the best, but still moderately healthy. And for dinner, chicken with brown rice and mixed veggies.

I can do this...

~Heather