Changing bad habits

I have decided recently to try to change some bad habits. I drink entirely too much pop and juice. Actually, I pretty much only drink pop or juice. It is nothing for me to drink a 2 liter of pop in a day. Starting early in the morning. I have been wanting to look better for a while but have not done a thing about it. I eat for no other reason than to eat. Not hungry a lot of the time, but if it sounds good, I have a hard time saying no. I hate exercise, but need to do it. I would rather lay on the couch and watch tv.

So, starting this morning, I am not drinking pop or juice for 60 days. I have also started an exercise program. Jillian Michaels has two dvd's, one is Shape-up Backside and the other is Shape-up Front. They are both hard, but doable. While I do not love these changes, it is time for something. I am going to watch what I eat, but not deny myself since I am already denying myself pop and juice. If I try to do too much too fast, I know I will lose heart and quit it all together. So, I am only doing the workouts 3 times a week. I am setting my goal for 10 lbs. You might say this is a small goal, but I would rather set a smaller goal and surpass it, than to not reach it.

Wish me luck and your encouragement will be greatly appreciated!

Mini Vacation

On Friday, we went on a little mini-vacation. Dad and Mom left their car here and we all drove up to Mishawaka to pick up Jared from work. After picking up Jared, we got on the road to Saginaw, Michigan. We took a somewhat different route since we were leaving from South Bend. We wanted to avoid the toll road so we didn't have to pay the tolls. Jared and I had some difficulties navigating the route. I seemed that we were doing alright until it came time to turn or take an exit. Inevitably when these times would come, I was not paying attention and neither was Jared. I think we ended up missing almost every exit we were suppose to take. Eventually,

we got to the hotel. We stayed at a Super 8 in Saginaw. My Grandma, Uncle John, Aunt Janet, and Cousin Lindsay and her kids were all staying there too.

We went to my cousin Kaleb's wedding while we were there. It was at my Uncle Ken's house. The wedding was on the porch of their home and the reception was in the side yard. It was a very nice, quaint wedding. Kelly, my sister was unable to attend since she is now living in Minnesota, so she joined us by video chat at the reception. The connection was not great, but at

least she got to see some of the family that we do not get to see very often. The food was really good too. Aunt Judy made all the food, it was wonderful.

Kaleb waiting for his Bride. Kaleb and Heidi on Uncle Ken's porch

Lilee dancing with her "Bubby Boy".

Lilee and Connor on Uncle Ken and Aunt Judy's porch

Connor and his new Buddy, Aaron.

Lilee getting her groove on with the Bride Heidi.

I got to spend some time that night back at the hotel catching up with my cousin Lindsay. She has two little boys that are adorable. We sat and chatted for about an hour after everyone else was in bed.

Saturday we all got up and ready for the day. Then we all carpooled to Frankenmuth. My other cousin Aaron went along too. While we were in Frankenmuth, we visited Bronner's Christmas Store. This is a huge store that is filled with an enormous amount of christmas lights, tree ornaments and other christmas decorations and things. There are tons of different santa claus' set up everywhere, along with snowmen and nativity scenes. The store is absolutely huge and it can be sort of like a maze. After spending quite a while in the store, we all carpooled back to the center of town and went to eat at The Bavarian Inn. It was a really neat inside. They had several different rooms to seat people in. We were in the "Family Crest" room. They served several German dishes. Jared, the kids and I all dined on a fried chicken dinner. It came with mashed potatoes and dressing. It was very good. We were stuffed afterwards.

Connor looking into the telescope at Bronner's

Lilee and Connor in front of Bronner's

Lilee in front of the Bavarian Inn

We did a little shopping around Frankenmuth after lunch. It was hot and sunny so we went into several stores just to cool off. We went into a store called The Funky Skunk. We got the kids slap bracelets. They thought they were really cool. It brought back memories of elementary school in the 80's. Cheap gift, but they didn't care. Shortly after that

we decided it was time to head home.

We drove home the same route as on the way there, but with no hiccups. We didn't miss a single turn or exit. We stopped for dinner at Wendy's and made it home around 9:30. It was a nice little get away. I am all unpacked and ready for the next little adventure.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

I went to the doctor today to get her opinion on a couple of moles. She decided to take 3 off, one on my tummy, and two on my back. I have to go back in a week to get the stitches out and get the pathology report. I asked her how worried she was about them. She said on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being very worried, she was a 3. This makes me feel better, but still will be glad to get to next Thursday and know for sure. I am a worry wart and it will bother me all week.

Tonight is girls night with my very best friend Maggie. We have a lot of episodes to watch of Hell's Kitchen, so I am hoping her computer is working and the website is running smoothly. Last week we were suppose to watch 3 episodes and we were only able to watch one because something was wrong with the internet connection. So now this week we are 5 episodes behind.

It is my turn to bring food, so this afternoon, I am getting everything ready to go. We will be dining on, cucumber and avocado tea sandwiches, warm, layered bruschetta, pesto dip with triscuit crackers, and blueberry soup. I am every excited to try all these recipes.

We got Lilee a nintendo DS and a Littlest Pet Shop game for her birthday. We decided to give it to her early since we will be traveling this weekend. That way her and Connor can both play with their DS's on the trip. She will be excited, although, I think she already knows she is getting one. She caught me looking at them on ebay a couple weeks ago. Oh well, that is what she wants anyways.

I have lots to do yet today, so I better get working on it. I need to finish preparing the food for tonight, work on the church newsletter so I can print it this afternoon. I also need to finish packing. I guess I should get off the computer so I can get it all done. I hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day Weekend.