Stress, stress, and more stress (AKA the job hunt)

I know, I know....go ahead and yell at me. I've been MIA (again!) for the past week or so. I'm not going to deny it - I've had a rough week. I've managed to stick - for the most part - to my eating/drinking water goals, but working out has gone by the wayside. I'm hoping that tonight I can climb back on that treadmill and get in a good workout. I'd gotten up to 15 minute runs, and I'm anxious to get back at that. Keep your fingers crossed that the kids actually go to sleep when they're supposed to and I can get a workout in. The past two nights, they've really fought bedtime and don't fall asleep until after 9pm, which makes it really hard to get a workout in before I have to head to bed.

Why the difficulties sleeping, you may be wondering? Well, Mike started working nights this week. So, now, from Sunday through Thursday, I'm a single parent from 4:15 pm until about 7 am the next morning. This also means that most days, I'm a single parent trying to keep kids quiet so that he can sleep. I don't know how families that have a regular night-shift worker does it - I find it extremely difficult and trying.

My stress level recently has really been affecting my mood. Do you have that problem? I find that when I'm stressed, I don't have any motivation - and that's also been part of the problem with climbing onto the treadmill to workout. I need to figure out how to de-stress, though, because we're flying out to San Francisco in two weeks, and I HAVE to lose at least 5 pounds by then to be comfortable in my clothes.

Stress is pretty much a normal state of things in my life, but the past couple of weeks have been pretty overwhelming. After eating out with some friends, and a new friend from the Life Teen office in Arizona, our job plans for the future drastically changed. Before that meal, we'd really only been focusing on being able to pay off our debts relatively quickly, and trying to stay either where we are in Maine, or move to an area that's closer to family (either mine or Mike's). It was pretty cut and dry - and Mike had interviews lined up for really good positions, both in Maine and near family.

However, by the end of the meal, everything had changed. We were dining with some friends from within the Catholic Church here in Maine, and a staff member from Life Teen, which is an international program for Catholic youth. No matter how the conversation flowed, it always managed to come back to a few topics that *ironically enough* are main topics of conversation at our household. Mike is an OB/GYN, and to be a Catholic OB/GYN is pretty difficult these days. Most Catholic doctors that find themselves in the OB/GYN world end up living two separate personalities : one as a doctor and then one on the weekends as a practicing Catholic. What Mike decided, during that meal, was to stop living two separate lives. He is planning on truly identifying himself as a Catholic physician, and practicing medicine according to Catholic teachings (for those of you who don't really know what I mean by this, it means things like not performing abortions, or not prescribing birth control and teaching Natural Family Planning only).

We left that meal, incredibly excited for the possibilities, and scared to death as to what this would mean for our family's future. We were both SO excited to get to truly be ourselves at all times (see my earlier post about black and white vs gray), but considering how only 1% of Catholic OB/GYNs actually practice like that, it threw a bunch of "unknowns" into our next few years.

I can honestly say that I have been amazed with what has happened over the past two weeks. Mike has been offered two different interviews in prominent practices, and had the opportunity to talk with someone about starting his own NFP-only practice here in Maine. It seems that instead of a bunch of doors closing - tons more are opening.

The stress level is unbelievable, though, as we try to figure out how to make something work for our family. Trying to find financing for his own practice, or trying to find NFP-only practices who are looking to add another doctor on board has been tough. They're out there - and we have a really good feeling about one of them in particular for many reasons - but they're mostly not ones that meet our requirements of financial security and living near family or staying in Maine.

Trying to reconcile all of the new factors has caused me to fall victim of my normal stress coping mechanism: sleep. While sleep is not necessarily a bad thing, it kind of takes up a lot of valuable working out time. I've been sacrificing the workouts - that I know will make me feel SO much better - to go curl up in bed and sleep.

If you're a praying person and could add us to your prayer list, I'd appreciate it. Prayers for a "de-stressed" household would mean a ton!!

Quick Fit Hip Hop Dance...

Quick Fit and exercise don't seem to go well together, but as many mom's know, 2 hours in the gym is pretty much not something you can do, especially if you stay home. Perhaps if you work outside the home you can skip lunch (not so healthy) and go then...but at home, its almost as if "MORE" is required since that is all you do...stay home :) In any case, with 3 kids not yet of school age (I know we're a little big crazy), finding time to actually work out was something I didn't do. But like I said before, I was putting them, and my husband before myself and becoming more and more unhappy with myself, in turn making life less pleasant for us all. Kindly, my neighbor said to me last night..."you don't need to lose". And perhaps for health purposes I don't NEED to lose, but I am lucky I carry my weight well. In any case, "Quick Fit" was what I needed.

Quick Fit is a brand that gives you 3 work outs in 30 minutes. Some are areas that focus on problems..i.e. hips and thighs, post natal, abs, cardio...etc, but its all about getting in there getting it done and getting it out of there. The great thing is if you devote 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, that is 3 hours...which is a great start. Add a few walks, and a couple of quick crunches and you are set...especially if you are busy and on the run (as ALL Americans seem to be).

The Quick Fit Hip Hop Dance is great. Its easy enough that me and my two left feet can follow along and intense enough I break a sweat. Once the moves are down (which apparently I have them as my oldest suggested I make my own video), you can intensify...how? Some weights. Either hand weights (2,3,5 pounds each) or wrap around weights. My oldest suggested to make it harder I blindfold myself but well, that just isn't an option. For $9.99 at Target, this video has become a staple in my rotation. That is right, my rotation. As my friend Janis can attest, I have always had this "work out video craze" and perhaps I am one of the few people the videos work for because I become obsessed!

If you are feeling you need to add some time, I have found the Wii Fit is a great added bonus. It also allows you go get in 10 minutes of Yoga or Strength when you are waiting for something or just have a couple minutes on your hands. So I suggest that as an added bonus for those really pushing it to look hot for YOURSELVES this summer :)

Tommorow I will be reviewing the "Walk Away the Pounds" videos by Leslie Sansone. Though low impact, I have one that gets me working up a sweat everytime! Check back to see if its on your shelf...or should be!

Another Week another Pound....

or not....I did a fantastic job the week before this dropping 7 pounds. As I said on Facebook, I did stop taking the pill, however I am not so sure all of it is water weight. I am still sitting at 138.1.Literally. No loss on ounces either strangely enough. So at least I did not gain. I have 9.9 pounds to go until my goal weight of a BMI of 19 AND a weight of 127. I have been faithful in my work out and more confident in my body. For the first time in probably 2 years I was able to put on a nightgown in front of my husband instead of sleeping in a t-shirt and sweats. Seems like a small thing but for me it was a huge accomplishment and I feel great about it! In fact, laying in bed last night I told him it felt good to not be covered in sweats :)

I did promise another reivew of a work out video and today is a FAV. If we were rating with stars, this would be 5 out of 5. I first found it through the Holt Library, within the Capital Area District Library. I then purchased it on Amazon, so its still out there folks...its the Quick Fit Post Natal Workout. I know, 14 months after the fact I am still using it but let me tell you about the good points. Its 3 ten minute work outs so if you can't do it all at once, you can spread it out through the day. This is a huge plus for busy families! It also focuses on different areas of the body. Mostly focusing on strength training so you are increasing lean muscle mass to burn more calories through the day. How have I made it tougher???? Increase weight. No, I do not recommend baby wearing during this however adding 5 or 10 pounds weights to the work out seems to have increased my strength and toned up my arms and back a bit. Sure, I still have a ways to go but I still feel this work out when I really push it and increase intensity. So, if you are post partum, or just getting back on the exercise horse, I recommend this work out to you!!!!!

Stay tuned tomorrow...for......my review of the Quick Fit Hip Hop Dance Review...if I can do it, with my "elephant" self, you too can get this one down and have fun!

Video Review

So how many of you have wanted to pick up a work out video at Walmart or Target wondering what it held behind that plastic cover? I think my obsession began with "The Grind" and moved into "Tae Bo" before I became a "workout video crazed" girl of the 90's.

So here I sit, 30 and owning about 20 videos. From "8 Minute Abs" to the "Quick Fit Post Natal" workout, I have it all. I have gone on wild binges making sure I use them daily, weekly, and monthly...but some of them just don't stand up. Some make me so sore I feel as if I've had a personal training session at Bally's (I used to work out there with a hot son of a gun) and others I could walk through with my eyes closed (read: my 3 year old can do it no problem). So I have decided I would share my favs with you!

I am starting with a popular one, shared with me by my friend C. She's a doll and a half in itself and this mom who is 8 months post partum looks awesome and motivates me to continue to work out as she's truly slimmed down and makes me ooh and ahhhh every week or so when I see her. This work out that has whipped her into shape and made me super sore on occassion is "Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred". With an uber intense 20 minute work out, the first time I tried it, I fell over after the 11th minute. Now I have a favorite of the three work outs (Phase 2) and enjoy sweating (big time) as I work away those areas that all women can shape! Personally, I feel if you are not in "semi-good" shape this video could seriously hurt you. So take it slow at first. But truth be told the $15.00 I spent at Target was totally worth it, and heck its about 1/5th of a months membership at the gym :)

Stay tuned for tomorrows review....The Quick Fit Post Natal Workout...and yes, I still use it 14 months later :)

Work Outs Work

So about 2 weeks ago, I got serious again. I figured I give my kids attention. I make sure they eat right, provide balanced meals for them, and I also make sure they get exercise through dance, tumbling, playing, and also ensure they are growing their minds heading to the library, reading, working on activities that help to enhance learning...why then do I ignore myself? When I do, I become sad. I don't want to move forward and be healthy, and I get into a rut. It had to change. With Summer coming I was still disappointed in my body. I was sad about the baby weight I had left to lose and I decided it was high time I ate healthfully and set aside 1/2 hour every day for ME to exercise. If it meant a little bribery, I was for it. Exercise for me, video for you!

With money tight, I had to go back to the good old fashioned videos. Yup. With a double jogger you can run, but with three girls too small to bike on their own, its not really realistic. We do love walking and hiking as a family so we use the double stroller then and sometimes even pop the third kid up front :) In any case, I had alway been skeptical about videos. Could they work? I have tested them and found out...yes, they do.

In the past two weeks I have been rotating through numerous videos. Jillian Michaels, Yoga Booty Ballet, the NYC Ballet Warm Ups, Crunch Series, and some others. I did try one that didn't suit my fancy but passed it along in hopes someone else could be happy with it. I have also included the Wii Fit in my day...and can get some step time in while my kids play around me :)

I began my quest at 140 pounds. I have not weighed that much except when pregnant, so really I had about 15 pounds to lose. I also "liked" Weight Watchers on Facebook looking for tips on how to eat healthfully and get myself feeling good about me. Not just "mom-me" but "ME".

Yesterday I hopped on the Wii Fit. Knowing my clothes were baggier and that I felt more toned, I was elated to see that I have lost 4 pounds in two weeks. YES. That means I am 136. Its not ideal, but its truly where I am right now...I figure with only 11 pounds to go by July, I'll be one HOT MOM :)

How Do You Save?

In this economy, a simple "slip up" can prove detrimental to family finances. That is what we're facing now. Even with my husband working for an amazing company, making amazing pay, we've hit a rock.

We purchased our home last year and though on the high end of our budget, it made sense. Our mortgage payment would only differe $50.00 from the other home available to us in our price range AND the taxes here would be lower. So it seemed like the best idea for our move to the east coast.

The East Coast, where everything is more expensive. Sure, I lived here as a kid however I wasn't in charge of finances. And though I knew my parents were careful, I didn't want for anything. I rode competitively, enjoyed a nice home, private school education and had everything I needed. SURE, I didn't get everything I wanted but such is life.

In October, our home began to leak. It has proved to be disasterous. Long story short, we've hired a company to fix what a well-known "high-end" landscape company messed up. About $16,000 later, we're sitting with mass piles of dirt and I am struggling to cut on food.

When grad school was over, the thing I looked forward to most was fresh food and veggies. I looked forward to being able to grocery shop without a calculator and not continue to eat rice and beans constantly. Its been wonderful. I have loved it.

On to now. We've decided we have to cut. And cut BIG TIME! So, we're taking drastic steps to rebuild our savings again. No more tumbling or art for the big girls. No trips to costly family events (read: hikes here we come), no vacation fund, good bye IRA Savings, good bye "fun money", good bye "dinners out", we're trying to rid ourselves of our phone and cable but we seem to be bound by contract, even though they are raising my rates. YES, we are in talks with the original company and we are hoping to recoup some of the money, but we need to plan how to do it without. So, here we are. Embarrassingly, I had to decline on a first communion party becasue we can't afford a gift. I also had to say "no" to a new mom and meal swap because we can't make extra meals. This has totally drained us. Our last step is to decrease our spending on groceries. So here I am wondering what I can do to scrimp and save. Currently I spend about $100.00 per week on groceries for our famil of 5. This includes produce, dairy, breads, meats and veggies....but how to continue to cut back without cutting health? Any suggestions?

Deadlines....

Do you set them? I'm notorious for setting deadlines and then waiting until the last moment (for most of them, anyways. There are a few things that I do over a time period) to actually accomplish the project. I almost always meet the deadline, but sometimes it requires a day or two of very, very little sleep as I crank it all out at the last moment.

I guess my weight loss goals are no different. I'd been neglecting my workouts, and my Couch to 5K plans for the past couple of weeks, until I realized that my deadline (a 5K about a month from now) was getting REALLY close, and really quickly!

This week, my main goal has been getting my training run/walks in at least every other day. So far, I've met that goal. In fact, two days ago I managed to run for 15 minutes, which is a huge milestone for me. We'll see if I can do it again as I climb onto the treadmill during naptime. Fingers crossed!

I have to admit, I'm a little nervous (okay, A LOT nervous) about running a 5K. It's been a long time since I was able to run that much. Even now, the most (mileage-wise) that I've been able to crank out at a time is a measly 1 mile. I know that's still pretty good, considering I've just recently started training for it, but it's slightly frustrating. I need to add about another 2 miles to that in the next month. I'm hoping that at some point, a switch will be flipped and it'll just come back to me and I'll magically make it from 1 mile to 3 in the next month. I miss running, and I remember that every time I get started on the treadmill. It's kind of like seeing an old friend again. I only just recently (read: 3ish years ago) really started running and enjoying it, and I didn't realize how much I missed it until this last month when I started working out again.

For all of you runners out there, any words of advice? Any words of motivation? I am feeling frustrated that I can't get past the one mile hump that quickly. I know that I'm still overweight and working on getting back into running shape, but it's still mentally frustrating. I guess I sort of expected that I would just fall back into it when I started it up again, and that hasn't happened.

What are your "go-to" motivating phrases for working out? Runners, what are your favourite running songs? (I think I need to mix up the music a little, too!)