His and Hers

So, the first part of this post has nothing to do with His and Hers. But later in the post it will make sense, really. Had to share my crazy dog. This is him lying on the deck wondering why we aren't going for a walk. Notice he won't even look at the camera?

Well, now that I've said the magic words which happen to be really inventive. "Let's go for a walk!" This is what I get. Such a fickle animal...
Now, on to the his and hers. So, we went to the grocery store the other night and when we got home and I was unpacking I couldn't believe the difference in our purchases. See below. The only redeeming thing that he purchased is the Skippy Natural Peanut Butter. I've tried other brands that tend to be a little more healthy and got the well, if I have to eat it, I will line. This is his compromise.

So, he buys this.
I buy these.

He purchases the largest bag of Frosted Flakes that I have ever seen.

I go for the natural granola.

He buys a large box of these. Probably 5 grams of fat per bar. Notice that they are Peanut Butter? The man has a thing with PB.

I throw a few of these in the cart to try.

Truly shocked me once I paid attention. I eat what I like and what I hope is good for me. He really eats things that "taste good" no matter what the calories or fat. Well, they do say opposites attract. Have a good evening.

Up to the Challenge?

Well, here I am sweaty and redfaced after Amy's Challenge Workout Wednesday. I hit the trail for a 3.5 mile run/walk. Got up early as the Hubs had to go to work. We walked into town from the house which is about 1.0 +/- miles and then I walked back, took the long way around the river walking path, ran for about 2 miles, give or take, and walked the rest of the way. I was hot, sweaty and felt great. The dog on the other hand ended up in the river several times and was quite hot by the time we were done. So, bring on Workout Wednesday Week 4. Had some time in the morning after exercising so did some things around the house and then made some of this amazing banana fro yo thanks to Gena. This stuff is the "bomb." Here are some pics of the process. Remember, you need to have patience to make this stuff because it does take awhile. I started with three frozen bananas which needed to be peeled. Very cold, red hand! I put the banans in the food processor with the blade and let it do its thing. You have to continuely move them around or this won't work.

I added a tsp of vanilla which makes it taste even more wonderful. Here is the mixing, adding vanilla and the final product. So, if you are hankering for something to relax with on the couch before bed besides the Hubs, this treat is it. Some fresh strawberries on top aren't too shabby either. Have a good one!

I'm Trying to Get Back Into It

So, as you can see, it's been forever since posting. However, Amy's Challenge has brought me back into it. The challenge so far has made me think about exercise and making the right food choices. Here are some pics of last week's challenge. I hit the trail and worked it out for a little over an hour. I also had some four-legged help from my faithful golden retriever, Dudley. If I had four legs I could go faster too! The trail head for this 3.5 mile hike/run is a few blocks from work (uphill). So it's easy to head up after a long day of sitting at a desk. This is the start and believe me it's straight up for a good while. It then tapers and you get to go for awhile on a somewhat flat trail which is where I do the running. Then we go up again, straight down, flat, down, up, you get the picture.

We have to go down these after going across a very high bridge over a canyon and then through a short cavelike walkway through the mountain. The dog wasn't so hot on the high bridge or the cave. It took some cajoling to get him to do it! All, in all, it was a great workout. I did get eaten by mosquitoes at one point. Yikes. Update ya with this week's challenge later.

Challenge Results So Far

Progress on my goal as stated here. I have actually lost 1.5 pounds and exercised an average of 5 times per week. Not having met my goal, I'm feeling a little irritated with myself. I've also postponed taking the too tight pants pics that I promised. One would think I would take them soon so I can see how tight they really are and jolt me back into eating reality. Pictures will be taken and posted.

So, as you can tell from above, the challenge is underway and we are in week three. I have to say I wanted to be a little farther on the weight loss and exercise front but, alas, I'm not. I'm sure I could come up with some excuses, like I was sick last week, it snowed here all day Monday and Tuesday so I have no need to fit into summer pants, Mother's Day happened, I had elective bypass surgery (slipped that in to see if you were truly listening to my whiny excuses). Yes, some of these things did truly happen in my life but are really no excuse for not being more accountable.

Let's get it in gear, woman. It meaning your flabby derriere moving in some way to counter attack the lack of accountability.... I shall report better results in my next post.

The Challenge Begins

Okay, here's the skinny. Carolyn over at One Pound at a Time is putting together a challenge. I could so kiss you right now, Carolyn. Anyway, it starts tomorrow and lasts for 8 weeks (the true first day of summer - June 21st). Go check it out and sign up. What can it hurt? My goal is to be where I was last summer at this time and fit in ALL my summer pants. I will be taking pics of these too tight pants and we will watch the progress together. I've said I was going to this for about a month now and it's time to commit. In the next 8 weeks I hope to - NO - I will find my resolve, my adamant and unwavering ability to stay in control, my overall food composure and my weight loss mojo will return. I'm not calling Austin Powers. Its time to swing, baby...

Muffin Morning Sunday

I think I'm going to start a tradition. Every Sunday (well maybe not every Sunday) will be declared Muffin Sunday. The last two Sundays I have awakened and made muffins. Last Sunday it was Oooey Gooey Banana Muffins and this Sunday it was Blueberrific Muffins. Thank goodness to Vitamuffin Mixes, so good. Anyway, check them out. They are easy and taste wonderful.

The weekend has been good and crazy. I spent the morning yesterday trying on my spring/summer pants for my "too tight pants" debut. Well, I have to say that I must not be as fat as I thought, most of the pants fit, some more snug than others but overall, not as tight as I had thought. So, why does that not make me feel better? There were at least three pair that I am going to place on my lower half and have my other half take pictures. I will post them up for the world to see. These pants did fit last summer and I wore them many times. Sigh, what happened to my resolve, my adamant and unwavering ability to stay in control, my overall food composure? Have I lost my weight loss mojo? What can I do to get it back? Should I call Austin Powers? Or, I could just sew my mouth shut. That should solve my problem.....

I have been better than usual this weekend and I intend to keep things going during the week. I ran, I walked, I cleaned and I did some cooking. The walking path is almost free of snow and I will soon be out every morning for my two mile walk. Keep your fingers crossed that Mother Nature remains in a good mood or my hopes of walking in about a week will be just hopes and not reality.

Funny Story

Well, my youngest daughter is away at school and she called me the other day and told me the following story.

There is a girl in her class that is from Persia. Well, I wasn't sure about its location. My first thought was in the middle east somewhere. Apparently its in Iran somewhere between Afghanistan and Iraq. I'm no geography major so I looked it up.

This girl and my daughter have a "girl thing" going on as both are very competitive. The Persia card is played often in class to make a point to all that she is superior. Well, my youngest daughter is, how do I say this, a little "spunky," if you know what I mean. She finally had enough of the Persia card the other day and told her this. "You know, I'm from Italy, the country that's shaped like a boot and if you're not careful I'll shove it up your a___!" In front of the entire class mind you. At first I used the pursed mother expression thinking how could I have raised a daughter who would do such a thing. Then I burst out laughing hysterically. Can you just see it, a classroom full of students and she pops up with, "you know, the country shaped like a boot ...." I asked if she was now suspended or asked not to return. She said, "No." The teacher apparently had a hard time not laughing, turned his back to the students and continued with class. The classroom was full of muffled laughs and shaking shoulders as they were all trying to hold in their laughter.

I'm guessing that my daughter has won this round but there will probably be more. What do you think?