Weight Loss Update

A while back, I talked about wanting to lose weight (don't we all?) and what I was going to do to make that happen. So, here's the update:

1) I started the Couch to 5k running program four weeks ago. I slacked off when we went to San Antonio, so I started over again. Now I'm on week 2. During the program, you start as a non-runner and gradually work your way up until you can run a full 5k (about 3 miles). After I finish this program, I'm going to train for a 10k, and I hope to run a half-marathon (13.1 miles) for my birthday in September.

2) I've also been weight training with a couple of friends. I'm doing a lot of reps at a lower weight so I build tone instead of bulk. I can already see more definition in my arms, although I have a long way to go. Also, my thighs, which I get from my mother, are shrinking!

3) Of course, none of this would make any difference if I didn't change my diet. Working in a restaurant, I have plenty of unhealthy, albeit tasty, food options. I've tried to stick to our low-carb lunch option, steak, or salads. The hardest part is not drenching everything in Ranch dressing! I have a MAJOR sweet tooth, so when I eat at home, I do allow myself a mini Reese's peanut butter cup (yes, just ONE) after each meal. I think it's important not to deprive yourself too much when making changes. I know it just causes me to get frustrated and give up easier. I also try to start each day with a smoothie or a bowl of fruit.

For another take on losing weight quickly, check out this blog article, here, by Stephanie Klein. She's one of my guilty pleasures. Fair warning, though, some of her thoughts are quite provocative.

What goals are you working on? Feel free to share your progress!

*SJ*

Feel Good Moment of the Week!!

Let the Countdown Begin!

In approximately 96 hours, I will be with my sister, Steph, my niece, Zoe, and my mom in San Antonio. I can hardly wait! It's been a really long time since I've seen my mom, and I miss her terribly.

I'm also excited to spend some time with my sister and my niece. When Zoe was first born, I spent a lot of time with her baby-sitting, playing, teaching her to shop... In the last couple of years, though, things have changed, we've all gotten busier, and I haven't been able to spend as much time with my family as I would like.

We're going to see the Alamo, ride a boat down the river, and be tourists. I plan to take a ton of pictures and will try to upload some when we get back. I'm so ready for a vacation, and ready to see my family.

What are you looking forward to? Any special summer plans?

*SJ*

Happy Earth Day 2010!

Today is Earth Day, the day where we are supposed to take stock of our carbon footprint and do things that reduce our impact on the Earth. By now, many of use recycle, drive hybrid vehicles, and buy less in general.

For my contribution, we have switched our business to use 100% soy wax as our candle base. The soy we use is locally grown, helping support a local farmer and reducing gas use to transport. It is also cleaner burning than "regular" paraffin wax, reducing its environmental impact. (More on the business later.)

I'm also searching for the *perfect* reusable water bottle. I'm taking suggestions. I have found several different types, including plastic, metal, and glass, but I'm still not sure which is the best.

So what are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint? Any suggestions for the perfect water bottle? Please share!

*SJ*

I May Be Overthinking This, But...

Here's the thing: I'm a Broadcasting student. I've spent much of my adult life studying, writing for, analyzing and critiquing TV and film. There's not a lot that really WOWs me, and I'm a pretty tough critic in my head.

Here's another thing about me: I *love* Sex and the City. Not so much for the sex (a nice bonus), but because I have an unending love affair with New York City. I visited once in college, but it really started long before that, when I was a child. My dad worked out of NYC and flew there often. He always came back with fascinating tales of the city, the food, the people; I couldn't wait to experience it for myself.

So what do these two things have to do with each other? And what's my problem, you ask? Well I just watched the trailer for Sex & the City 2 which hits theaters May 27. I was a little skeptical when the movie was first announced, because really, what else is there that we haven't seen in 6 seasons and 1 movie? Judge for yourself:

Is anyone else a little annoyed that the movie does not actually take plan IN the city?? As previously mentioned, that was my main draw to the show. I assume I will probably be in the minority on this one, because the costumes, the scenery, the movie itself, after all does look pretty fabulous. Call me a purist, but I'll still miss seeing so much of *my city* this time around.

What do you think? Do you plan on watching the movie? Any thoughts on the change of venue? Am I completely off my rocker? Let me know!

*SJ*

Usborne Books Giveaway on 'Life as Lou' Blog!

Hey fellow readers and book lovers! One of my fellow Peas is giving away a HUGE gift certificate on her blog, Life as Lou. She has a great blog, filled with stories of military life and mommyhood, always with great pictures illustrating her adventures.

Be sure to check her out, and leave a comment for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Usborne Books.

*SJ*

Confession #4

I'm a craft-a-holic. You name it, I've tried it. From latch-hook in the fourth grade to my recent obsession with stamping (ok, what I really mean here is collecting stamps), I have a serious problem. Some other crafts that I've tried include:

Papier-mache
Ceramics
Painting
Scrapbooking
Candlemaking
Jewelry making
Photography

What crafts have you tried and loved? What would you like to try? Please share!

*SJ*