Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year!

Well, some of us got closer to "OZ" and . . .



Others of us fell asleep in the poppies!

Or feel like we got hit by apples in the head along the way!
But I for one am happy that I have a brain
And have OZ to thank for it!

OK, not the first one but the second one is "my OZ"  (Dr. Osama Zaidat, who is referred to as Dr. Oz).  Surely, of all of the neurologists, that was not a coincidence?

Stay the course! Goals are good!   It's going to be a great year!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

And the best picture goes to.......

Jessica eating ice cream.  OMG -- you have no idea how relieved I was when I saw that silly picture.  You were hyped up on morphine most likely won't recall it....but I will forever!  I must have looked at it 10 times -- studying your face to make sure you were ok!

I worried all day because there was little info flowing on your condition.  You know how it is....the less you know the more you imagine the worst.  I hope you have a better night tonight than last.

Sweet dreams my friend!

Monday, November 10, 2014

Ethel.......

Not sure where to begin or what to say.  A brain aneurism -- I just can't even wrap my head around it. I've cried, I've denied, I've grieved....for you, for your family and myself.  I've thought of the ironic....like what the hell.......this happened at the gym....really?!   I've thought of how glad I am that you were there and not on the IAT in some remote location, in a tent , sleeping alone.  Or on a plane 35000 ft up and far from the medical care you needed.  I keep thinking 48 yrs old.......  I know sometimes 49 seems old -- but then when it crosses your mind that it might be over for someone at 48 -- it seems crazy young!  I only know bits and pieces today...so maybe it's all under control, but I'm worrying about you.

You know I only have one best friend and you are it!  I've always been more about quality and less about quantity....so all the responsibility is on you!  This is one challenge you must win!

I sent you a text tonight....and I will likely send you more.  I wish you were better about answering them in a timely manner...but I'll give you a little leeway for now.

I don't know what you will think or say when you look back on these posts -- but know that I love and care about you!

Lucy

Friday, October 24, 2014

Well hello........

It's good to see some activity on here!  I admit it made me start thinking a little more about what I should be doing.  I am being relatively healthy -- as amazing as that seems to me.  I recently found a new app that I have a slight addiction to....which has been a new method to track my food/calorie/nutritional intake.  It's called My Fitness Pal or Buddy (something like that) -- its blue with a person jumping on it.....should you feel the need to check it out.

It'a hard to believe nearly a year ago we all sat down together and made this Wizard of Oz Challenge.  And here we are at the end of another year.  A new year ahead and new challenges!  It's a big year for Ethel and I.......50 is upon us!  I don't feel near 50 thats for sure!

Ahhhhh........so much to reflect on!

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

October Challenge

I don't know where we have all been, but hey - new month!  Still three months left in the year to recharge our priorities and make a difference!

SO, I challenge you to go to www.simplegreensmoothies.com and sign up for the free Oct challenge - one green smoothie a day for the month!  You know we all need more fruits and vegetables - let's do it together and we will all feel better by Nov 1st!

Friday, May 2, 2014

May Day! The holiday I mean!

Time to dance and celebrate the beginning of Spring!  Here in Houston we got a jump start.....and started our Spring a while back.   Also this is my Mom & Dad's anniversary....they were married back on May 1st of 1950.

So time to take stock of my progress.  First I have to say I'm in a bit of a routine rut.  All is good....but I feel like my energy level is very low.   Feel like I am going through the motions -- not propelling myself.  And while I'm whining -- I need to say I seriously think I'm hitting menopause.  I have been experiencing hot flashes daily.....many of which are happening at night.  I just started an over the counter remedy to see if I can counteract the symptoms.  I hate taking stuff like this -- I prefer to medicate through exercise....but that doesn't seem to be enough. Enough on that topic!

Back to us and our W.O.O. Challenge......and life in general!  I found this statement and it has been on my mind --

Every morning you have the same two choices:

1.  Continue to sleep with your dreams.

2.  Wake up and do something that brings them to reality.

I also want to report on my progress.

1.  Did Burpees for my 30 day challenge -- thank god it's over.....I'm really sick of burpees.  I had to add up all the days just for fun to see hom many I racked up over the month.  And the answer is...1215!  

2.  I did finally finish another book....."My Husband's Secrets".  

3.  I journaled everyday as promised......keeping myself at goal weight as planned.

4.  I've slacked off on my crocheting...not sure why.


So all in all a successful month.....just no big ah ha moments.

More to come -- but this is a good start!

Love......Lucy

Monday, March 24, 2014

12 Weeks

12 weeks in to the year already . .. it is hard to believe.  It is also hard to believe that I have religiously worked out, kept track of my food, etc and have a whopping 2.8 lbs off to show for it.  Needless to say that has put me in a little bit of a funk - add to that our continued below-freezing temps, a head cold, and it is all a little depressing.

So I am trying to regroup!  I am still working on more fiber (no result last week but I'll keep trying) and I have been out to hike some of my Ice Age Trail miles three times in the last 10 days and that has felt great (27 miles - not counting the 6 that I spent being lost off-trail!).  I signed up for a seminar next week about "the hormone diet" b/c there is clearly something "off" in my body and maybe that will help me to figure it out.  Lastly, I set a new silly goal.  I just feel like I do better when I have something "ahead" of me to think about as I am working hard.

That is KoKo Crater, on Oahu.  As you know, we are headed to Hawaii in June which is about 12 weeks off.  And I am going to climb this crater!  And still be able to walk later in the day. It is only a mile and a half, but as you can see, it ascends 1200 ft pretty rapidly. The views are supposed to be amazing - you can see 3 of the islands from the summit.
And then I am going to send you THIS picture, with MY feet in it!

I am actually a little more worried about descending without wiping out, but I'll worry about that then.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Ahhhh .. . .

First of all, your crochet piece is amazing.  I am in total awe that you have completed that in such a short amount of time.

My March however has not started out so strongly.  I try to keep a positive face, but the fact is that I am discouraged, depressed, pissed off . . . you name it!  To have lost 4 lbs in 9 weeks just seems like a waste of time.  I feel like I work at it so hard and there is no result.  No "A" for effort in this game.  So I cracked over the weekend.  I did not journal ($3 in the pot).  I did not work out.  For the first time, I did not finish the menu plan this week and I had to get take-out for the kids for dinner (my nite to cook).  I am so sick of it being below zero temps.  And I was just ironing a new silk tank top from Ann Taylor and I totally burned a hole through it.

I am off to NY for the day tomorrow, so I hope that change of scenery/routine gets me re-motivated.  Even if I don't have "anything" to wear now!

…..Is there anybody out there?

Greetings to all --

Can you believe it is March 3rd already?  As of March 6th -- I will have been unemployed for 6 months.  I can't quite believe it.

To catch everyone up -- we are still waiting on the lease negotiations for our Sugar Land location.  We are 3 weeks into the negotiation.  Just sent an email today to nudge a bit.  Surely this week we will get some kind of an answer.  I feel like I am holding my breath!


Let me report in on my W.O.O. progress.

Perhaps my proudest moment is this……

I completed my mini-afghan.  Frankly it's not so mini….but that's another story.  Its far from perfect -- but I am proud that I set the goal and accomplished it.  And guess what I really enjoyed it.  I do truly need a craft outlet in my life.  I love scrapbooking….but the space it takes is a bit prohibitive.  And another learning is I most love it when I am with others.  Haven't been able to get Tim into it, so its a bit lonely.  Crochet on the other hand can be done nearly anywhere.  I will say its a misunderstood craft.  While crochet seems to be socially acceptable for the young in Europe -- it is not so popular here.    Of course I am getting a head start on my retirement activity -- so i'll be ready when the time comes.  I thought it was going to be golf….but no -- its crochet!

Next my "30 Day Series" fitness activities.  January was push-ups…..I completed the daily requirements equalling 747 total push-ups.  In February it was daily triceps-dips….I have just finished that with 1300 dips.  Now I am kicking off March with planking.  I committed to doing 8 months of this over the course of the year -- so trying to get it done before the Elements Studio work kicks off.

61 days and counting of food journaling.  And yes -- it is working.  I know this will keep me at goal weight!

Interestingly the hardest goal for me is the reading.  I know Ethel's mouth just dropped open!  I just don't know why.  I do enjoy it -- but it's just the last thing I think of doing  And the crochet isn't helping!  I still will accomplish this goal….but did not think this one would be the hardest.  I am on my 3rd book of 6…..called The Husband's Secret.  I swear its a good book -- in case either of you are looking for a good book.

I hope everyone is doing good -- hitting your goals and most importantly being happy and appreciating every day….even though the weather has not been our friend!  I sending good thoughts and support to both of you!!!!!

love……..Lucy

Monday, February 10, 2014

Progress Report

Granny Square (my first!)
My HOME challenge!

A picture is worth a 1000 words…right?  Here is one of my first crochet projects.  I have completed 3 classes at the Leisure Learning Center.  I can't say I have this mastered by any means -- but I do have some basic knowledge.  I have also been watching some you tube videos. This crochet thing isn't hard -- but certainly not simple either.  

I found this super cool little store called Knit in the Loop near my house.  It is an old home turned into a knitting store and place to hangout and knit/crochet with others.  Its very cozy and lots of elderly ladies (my favorite) to hang with. I signed up for a beginner class there which takes place tomorrow.

I have my pattern now for my actual puppy blanket and have ordered the yarn to do it.  So hopefully once I have mastered a few more skills I can start working on it.  Given my current speed -- it map take me all year to complete it.

Courage & Heart & Brain Challenges

All coming along nicely at this point.  

Brain:  I have finished one partially read book (And the Mountains Echoed) completed another new one (Dr Sleep) and started a 3rd (The Husband's Secret).

Heart:  January was Push Up month -- completed that and have taken on Tri-cep Dips for February.

Courage:  This challenge was to maintain daily food journaling to insure staying at my weight goal.  And I have stuck with that as well.

Elements Progress

I also want to catch you guys up on my latest news.  We officially have a location -- we are now in the process of negotiating and signing a lease.  Not sure how long that will take -- probably a few weeks at least.  Our location is in Sugar Land -- about 25 miles from our house.  It is a bit smaller than we expected -- but should work out fine.  It is in a new center -- so we will be the 1st tenants in the location.  There are a lot of variables but our projected opening date should fall into the July/August time frame.  It is truly hard to believe -- exciting and frightening all at the same time.

Ethel -- can you post the name of your protein bars?  The picture is a bit blurry and I can't read the package.

Be well everyone!!!!

Lucy

Friday, February 7, 2014

Courage!

This wasn't my "committed" activity, but I did sign up for something out of my comfort zone today!

I signed up for "WOMEN ON TARGET" which is a women's only shooting event!  While I know Lil Ricky has a gun, I am not comfortable with them and do not even get the whole obsession.  I don't even like firecrackers or any of that potentially dangerous stuff, especially around the hands for some reason.  Maybe that's why I can't cook.    It's a whole day of training, then rifles, pistols, shotguns and archery (LY my friend told me she shot an AK-47!).  It's not until Sept but it sells out in March! Lots of crazies out there.

Pretty sure this will make it in to the "New to Me" book!

Friday, January 31, 2014

Protein Bar

I have one other thing that I neglected to share!  I have found a wonderful protein bar that is so tasty!  It is like a rice krispie treat.  An instructor at the Y handed them out after class one day as a treat for working out because they are the perfect blend of protein and carbs for after a workout (the little square ones).

They are Elisabeth Hasselbeck's (I know - funny) NO GII (no gluten if you care) high protein bars, peanut butter and chocolate.  The post workout little ones (shown above) are 3 points M, and a full size one is 6 pts.  Not as low as the full Quest bar, but I do enjoy them more!
I think they are at some Walgreen's, but of course I ordered mine on Amazon.  I even get the kids to eat them so it's a win!


One Down, 11 To Go!


How did the month go, peeps?! I am reporting in that I had a pretty good month.  Of course I always want to see more progress, but I am focusing on the positive!  So, I tracked my food every day (I owe $1 . . . there was a day that I wrote it in, but not until the next morning so I am being honest!), made some kind of meal each week and making progress with the meal planning, totally kept up my working out, and signed up for my swim class!

The efforts show in other ways, right?  So I will share an uplifting story that I must remember.  Miranda and I were at a spin class the other night, and I am pretty friendly with the instructor (Jamie, in fact she is the one I did the silly Burrito Biathalon with) and she was giving MK a hard time b/c she had no idea who Barry Manilow was.  So after class she asks me "who is this?  Your niece?"  And I replied, why no, it is my daughter.  And she could not believe that I was old enough to have a 14 yr old daughter (she was being serious - not just polite - I know her enough to know if she was faking it).  So I told her "I have a 17 yr old!"  She inquires (see, we 're friendly enough to ask) "how old are you?" and I stated "Jamie, I am 48!" and she literally almost fell off of her bike.  At this age, when you get an honest reaction from someone like that who sees you working out every week for a long time (i.e, no make up or hair help), it is uplifting!

It must be all of that amazing moisturizer that I have been religiously using!

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to success!
E


Sunday, January 26, 2014

SMASH


This is one crazy, cold winter we are having.  School maybe closed again this week (colder than last time they closed) which means our district will be out of snow days already.  Anyhow, I guess it keeps me inside, and I finally had some time to work on my SMASH project!  Lil Ricky - you can ignore us - I know this may overwehlm you- it's just our form of therapy (and keeps me out of the kitchen! LOL).
For some reason I had an obsession of using fabric for this page, which of course I did not have.  The idea I "lifted" it from was paper, and of course I have plenty of paper, but you know ... I was fixated on fabric.  Which of course meant a special trip to a store, and anguish of selecting it, then finding scissors to cut it, downloading the perfect font .. . on and on.  Clearly NOT in tune with my "SIMPLIFY" mantra.  So what should have taked 15 minutes did indeed languish over two weekends.  But I am awfully happy with it!

This is the next page - kind of boring, but cute bluebird. I will not acknowledge the hours I "wiled away" reading all of the million of cute quotes out there!
Close up:

 
Well, just a little closer.  You know what it says anyway. I still have a little surprise to send you guys for motivation, and the lady swears that it shipped, so hopefully we'll see it this week.  Just in time as we kick off Feb!  One month down almost!
Ethel














INVASION!

I don't know why Doug bought all of these cookies!  I obviously was not around.  At least he didn't get any peanut butter ones (my favorite).
I split them up and put the kids names on them, so hopefully they will keep them out of my sight!
I just think these are all very funny so I wanted to share them.  Now I have to motivate myself to get over to the Y!



Tuesday, January 21, 2014

My Space!

How is everyone's month going?  I feel like I am over my big hurdles (of work, kid stuff, etc) so I can start to really get organized now.  I have TWO things to share:



It is a little hard to see (I should not have done sepia tone) but as you know, I have been infatuated with those letter alphabets (especially outdoor ones).  So I had blocks made for my desk with my mantra for the year.  SIMPLIFY.  I have to quit making things so complicated and overwhelming and just try to be more simple and efficient.  It is right on my desk, and I like it, so I see it every day.


Here is my other new addition - my "standing desk."  I used my B'day money and ordered myself a riser for my desk.  My office is a little out of sorts now (lighting, cords - things to situate) but do you know how much healthier I just might be instead of sitting on my butt all day?  I've been sitting on my butt for 25 yrs.  We'll see how it goes.  It says to take your time getting used to it, and I wonder if I need to upgrade my footwear from my UGG slippers, but I will keep you posted!


I also have this inspirational photo up - it is us headed towards our GOAL!


Gotta take care of our SPACE, right?  One little change at a time.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

I love my new crockpot…….

That's a teaser right…..I bet you stopped everything to read this post, am I right?

I Hilton Honor points that were about to expire and so I spent them on a new modern crockpot.  The one I had must have been from the 80's.  In fact I think it may have been a gift from Ethel when we worked at Venture together.  It was a lovely shade of cream with a beautiful medium blue country cross-stitch pattern on it.  Many meals over the course of the last 25 years were made in that vessel.  But it has now been retired.

I have a new shiny stainless beauty with a black internal pot and a convenient cord keeper.  But enough about that.  I am posting because I have a super easy, super good beef roast recipe I wanted to share with you guys.  No idea if this is an appealing meal for you guys -- but Tim and I love it.  Clearly I love comfort food and this fits the bill!

What you need:
>  a crockpot of course

>  a beef roast:  i normally buy a 2-2.5 lb. pc of meat, that's typically the smallest I see, I would estimate about 8-10 oz. per person.  It shrinks as it cooks so the serving will be smaller than that.  There are lots of types -- I tend to buy which ever one looks the leanest, typically a sirloin roast.

>  1 can of cream of mushroom -- except for Ethel I would suggest cream of celery (I also try to buy the healthy request version….to lower sodium)

> Lipton Recipe Secrets Beefy Onion Packets, it like a dry soup mix that acts a seasoning mix.  I use a half of one packet…you might need more if you make a much bigger roast.

>  Potatoes, Carrots & Onions:  I buy the tiny red or yellow potatoes and baby carrots, this way there is no real prep needed.  If they are not available just cut up veggies into chunks.

>  Red Wine:  I use 5 oz. -- more if you make a bigger roast

Ok -- now the assembly process.  Dump the veggies into the crockpot first, then the roast, then the can of soup.  I mix the dry soup in with the wine and pour over the top……and that's it.  I cook it on low for 4-6 hours, just depends on what's going on.  It makes the house smell super good!  FYI -- you can't fast the wine at all…if you are concerned about the kids.

For fun you can do a few other things -- but totally not necessary.  I will sometimes cut slits in the roast and insert garlic cloves, sprinkle rosemary and/or cayenne pepper on top, etc.  I also typically put ground pepper on top as well.

Hope this sounds good and easy!!!!

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Sunday Funday -- Updated!

I am reposting….cause I don't think my fabulous pictures posted properly!

Lucy is lazy.......

Actually I went out this morning and did a 10000 step walk in what we Houstonians would call the frigid cold!  FYI Ethel we are suppose to get into the 20's tonight and tomorrow night....the coldest since we have moved to TX.

Anyway.....

I started working on my journal (Smash Book) to chronicle the event.  So I thought I would share to let you guys know there is "forward progress". ( a little football humor! )




I wish I could arrange those a little better......but  I don't need that kind of frustration on a relaxing Sunday.   I realize we are only on day 5 -- but hope everyone is in a good place.....WTH -- let's make that a great place!

Keep your feet on the yellow brick road!!!!!

Lucy

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Happy New Year!


We all know what to do, and we all have the power within us! 

Follow The Yellow Brick Road!
 
 
 
Remember you have friends for help!  We're off to a Great 2014!
 
 
E




I'm a World Record Holder!

I know it is hard to believe on a lot of levels, but supposedly it is the truth . .. I am part of the WR for the most people completed a 5K as one.  Personally, I am waiting for the footnote (The most people on 12/31 in 8 degree weather in the state of WI or something) b/c it was "only" 116 people but they claim it broke a record.  They were trying for 500, and hmm .. .do you think the icy pics of the course they sent out the day before, and temps, etc scared a few people off?

 

I'll start at the beginning:  LR, do you know what these are?  This is how one runs in WI! (Yak Trax). 

I went to a spin/boot camp style class on Mon nite, which is not my normal routine (7 pm).  I knew the leader was a tough guy, but I had to go so there I was.  I'm sure I did at least 3000 lunges, 200 push ups, and planks for 10 minutes. Not to mention spinning, rows, and so forth. I signed up long ago with Doug to do a winter run series (not sure what possessed me) and I was determined to do the 5k "Run in the New Year" on Tues.  9 pm Mon nite Doug tells me that they did not have enough people for this World Record attempt (that he signed up for) and would I run with them instead.  I really did not want to, b/c I was sure I would slow everyone down and I was completely self-conscious about not being remotely in shape.  But he roped me (literally - explain below) in. 




(sorry - can't figure out how to rotate the image)


It was all very official - there was a rope and we all clipped in with carabiners. We had to sign stuff. I knew I would probably punch Doug if I ran by him so I found some nice ladies down the line. They had done a half and a full marathon like this (really - you cannot unclip - even to pee).  I'll remind you that it was 8 degrees at start time, icy, slushy, snowy - Doug almost fell on his butt in the parking lot. It truly is a miracle that nobody got hurt. 


I am that short person behind the guy in the red tee on the far right. Yes, we are all clipped to a rope.  And yes, I did make everyone stop once so I could walk for a minute!  The power of controlling over 100 people . . . well, they said you could just flag the captain but I still felt like a loser. At least I did not drop out (I did see one lady on the sideline). I don't think anyone really cared - most were singing Jingle Bells, or Auld Lang Syne (which no one knows the words to, so it was humming).  I am telling you - it was hard.  Not just b/c I'm out of shape, and trying to dodge ice, etc (different muscles, you know) but it was like an interval workout - jogging, then run, then slip, of  course no ones stride is the same.  Remember I did that ridiculous workout the night before so I could already barely walk.


And there is the official book, signing off before unclipping.  I had on an earband, a hat, a buff, a facemask, sunglasses, two pairs of gloves, baselayer, vest, polar flc . . . the run was not bad. It was AFTER, when you are wet with snow and slush and sweat that you freeze.  I could not get in the hot bathtub fast enough.  Skipped the beer party - but I did earn a bottle of champagne!

This was clearly the craziest, silliest, strangest things that I did in 2013!