Odds and Ends

Oh, it has been so long since I have last been here. SO long. And, what do I have to show for it? Just more of the same: laundry, dishes, vacuuming. Repeat. Oh yeah, and a larger belly. This little girl in here is doing a number to me! As each day passes, more of her gymnastics cause me some winces and "Ooo's!" Seriously, though, that's the best thing, by far, about pregnancy. Feeling the baby move inside. Nothing like it. ;)

The worst thing about pregnancy is the anticipation of sleep deprivation. Ugh. SO not looking forward to that. At all.

I swore I would "school" during the summer as my kids don't even know that most kids don't do school in the summer, and that we took so many breaks during the year for which we need to make up. But let's see, (looking back at my plan book...) we have done "school" maybe THREE times in June. It's June 23. Better get going on it today.

However, not before we get to the library to check out more books (that's kind of like school, right?) and stop by Kohl's. I got a $10 coupon for anything $10 or more. That's like getting $10 worth of free stuff. I could use some things....

Will be back on Friday for Fitness Friday, hosted by guest host JULIEMOM! Woo-hoo! That should be loads of fun!

Blessings to you all!

Fitness Friday: I'm feeling HOT, HOT, HOT!

Edited to add: Mr. Linky is being fickle lately, and while I know the Mr. Linky people know about it, it still comes and goes here. If it's missing, feel free to post your link in the comments section and when it shows up again, I'll put it in the Mr. Linky box.

Isn't that a song? That's what's coming to mind these days as the weather is getting warmer here in my neck of the woods. This is the time of year where I plan my outings during the morning or evening, increase my water intake by tenfold (without any trouble whatsoever because I am so thirsty), and put deodorant in places I never thought I would wear deodorant.

Ahem.

My health and fitness routine endures a few changes during this time as well, simply because it's warranted. (I certainly cannot go out for a walk in the midday desert sun. There is a strong chance of dying if you do that here. Seriously. People try to fry eggs on the sidewalk to prove how hot it really is.) And while these days I am exercising inside on the treadmill, I make sure to do it early in the morning, the coolest part of the day. To do it any other time of the day just heats up the house and makes it more difficult for me to cool off (unless I set the A/C at 70... and then my husband would be HOT because of the electric bill!) Nevertheless, I don't mind exercising in the summer as I am sweating most of the time anyway, I may as well put that sweat to good use. :)

Regarding my food and beverage intake, like I mentioned before, it's much easier to drink more water during the summer. As well, I crave fruits and veggies so much more than the rest of the year, and I am able to escape the lure of comfort casseroles and baked goods (most of the time.) Some of my favorites are strawberries, cantaloupe, and grapes. Popsicles are also a favorite, but I must be careful to choose wisely or else I'm just sucking on frozen sugar. For dinners, I plan things that don't take a lot of time or heat to cook or prepare which satisfies two requirements, keeping the house cool and eating lighter meals (read: less caloric intake.)

As for my progress this week, I am doing okay. Still hopping on the treadmill most days of the week, (yay!) but having a difficult time staying away from the sugar (yes, still.) I had my glucose screening test on Tuesday, and I haven't heard back yet about the results. Since this is a "no news is good news" situation, I am feeling good I "passed." Yahoo!

Also, got a picture of our little girl. Technology never ceases to amaze me! I can't wait to meet her!! Isn't she a doll? :)So, how about all y'all? How do you adapt your health and fitness routine for the changing season? And, this is usually where I point you in Brenda's direction, but since we are having the party HERE this week, post up on your blog and then come back and put your link in the Mr. Linky below. (I feel very important today!)

Fitness Friday HERE? Really?!

Brenda, our gracious hostess-with-the-mostest, will step away from her computer this Friday and has asked me to host the blog-famous event, Fitness Friday! I am honored beyond belief! (Ah! What will I wear? What will I serve? I need to figure out Mr. Linky!!!)

This week's topic is this: What will you need to adjust in your health and fitness plan for the upcoming season? (for most of us: HEAT) What will you do differently this next season as related to your health and fitness goals? You know, because the season is changing (for most of us Spring to H-O-T), the changing weather can be a factor in whether or not one will be successful in her fitness goals. Not ANY of us, mind you, but it could happen. Let's think about it now before we get tripped up and fall off the wagon!

Post up at your place and come back HERE on Friday to post on the Mr. Linky. Looking forward to seeing y'all then!

Fitness Friday: What Am I Up Against?

Brenda has us working hard and serious this week for our Fitness Friday assignment. She said something about how looking good isn't the only reason to exercise and eat right (although admittedly, that is my main reason most of the time!), but wants to know the health issues that might be motivating us to get our rears in gear, whether it be specifically affecting us right now or in our genes with the potential to affect us down the road.

As most of you know, I am pregnant, due 8/18, 26 1/2 weeks along. This is my third pregnancy, and the biggest I have been while pregnant. My first baby was a normal 7 lbs. 5.2 oz, a girl. My second one, a boy, was a whopping 9 lbs. 7.4 oz! I'm only 5'3", and I was HUGE! I began this pregnancy larger than I began the other two-- technically overweight-- so that, plus the fact that I have had a big baby in the past does put me at risk for gestational diabetes.

At about Month 3, I got a bit of a talking to from my doctor regarding the fact that I had gained more weight than I should have. That, with the fact that I knew I wasn't making the best choices in regards to the nourishment I was putting into my body, and that I wasn't exercising, and that I had the chance of getting gestational diabetes, all were kicks in my rear to motivate me to change my habits, if not for me, certainly for my baby girl.

So here I am. I walk on the treadmill most days of the week (woo-hoo, it's fixed!) and I try to watch what I eat (this has proven to be a bit more difficult, but nevertheless a goal.) Next Tuesday, I get to see if my healthier choices have paid off as I get to take the ever-popular glucose screening test. (Nothing like ingesting a whole bunch of sugar in such a sickening way. I would much rather have a piece of chocolate cake.) I'll keep y'all posted on how that goes.

As for my goals, cutting the sugar is still a goal.... but one I haven't started yet. Ugh! So tempting, and to be truthful, it's a spiritual matter of obedience, one that I need to lay at the altar... and leave there. (Can I get a witness?!) Also, I am continuing to drink more water (which isn't hard now that the temps are consistently above 100 here.) However, I don't always choose water when I am thirsty (soda, tea, and yummy coffees from Starbucks often come to mind instead) so once again, something to leave at the Lord's feet. And, finally, I will continue to walk on the treadmill, and this isn't too difficult right now. I don't walk very fast, but I do walk for 30 minutes, just long enough to listen to some great podcasts by Andy Stanley, Voddie Baucham, or from my pastors at my church. I get fed while I workout! How cool is that? :)

So, if you are looking for encouragement as you travel down the road to better health and fitness, hop on over to Brenda's place for some encouragement, compassion, and understanding from the other Fitness Friday gals! All are welcome!!

A funny for Wednesday

I was going to post about what a wonderful time we have had with Daddy G's grandma (the kids' GREAT-Grandma)-- and we really did! That woman, 86 years young on Saturday, is amazing and tells the BEST stories ever, but I don't have time to do that post justice right now (but I will soon!), so I'm gonna leave you with this video clip. Hilarious.... and if it weren't for it being on The Onion, I almost wouldn't put it past the government. :)

Treasury Department Issues Emergency Recall Of All US Dollars

Used Book Sale at HOTM

From May 11-15 (this week only), Heart of the Matter is hosting a Used Book Sale. Stop by and check daily to see many homeschool bloggers post their gently used books to sell at great prices for you and me! Check it out... and if you have any of your own to sell, post up and sign the Mr. Linky located at the Used Book Sale post at Heart of the Matter! Happy shopping!

Fitness Friday: Creative Exercise

This week's topic is a bit convicting as Brenda is asking us how we get in some exercise when our normal exercise routine is shaken up (i.e. treadmill broken.) And, I responded, "Oh. I'm actually supposed to exercise when I can't use the treadmill?" Which means I wasn't exercising.

As I thought about it a bit more, I do realize I did get in some exercise this week thanks to the nesting instinct that just kicked in. For one, we have a lot of tile in our house with a dog and two children. Now, while there aren't many crumbs on the floor (thanks to the dog) there are dog-slobber spots (thanks to the crumbs he licks up) and sticky spills and spots (thanks to the children.) Needless to say, the tile floor needs to be scrubbed (frankly, more often than it is.) I have this handy contraption that helps get the job done,and it requires me to move it in the same way a vacuum does (back and forth, back and forth) but just more (because I don't use it often enough. Don't worry. If you come over for a meal, my table is immaculate, and that's where we would eat.) And I was a bit sore and a bit more tired at the end of the day because of that chore.

Also, we have a lot of carpet, and seeing as though we have a dog (who sheds) and two children (who litter, most of the time not on purpose), I get the pleasure to vacuum at least once a week. That's always a workout for me, and I am wiped out by the end. I even sweat!

However, yesterday while vacuuming, I noticed that the blinds on the window in the bathroom were really dusty. So was the window sill. So, I grabbed a chair, climbed up, and vacuumed (with the hose and an attachment) both sides of the blinds and the sill. Of course, then, I can't just have one set of blinds clean, so while vacuuming, I would do a bit of carpet, move a chair over to a window, climb up, and vacuum some blinds and sills. This back and forth, up and down really gave me a workout. Oh, and I even vacuumed some baseboards (the ones I could see.)

Never mind that all this nesting is way too early for this baby. She's not due for another 15 weeks! But, I feel better. And, why is it that dirt just looks dirtier when one is pregnant? Get me pregnant and suddenly I feel like I am surrounded by filth! I am sure it has nothing to do with my obsessive tendencies. Ahem.

So, how did my week go? Alright. Because I lacked "official exercise" I tried to be more aware of my intake of food and beverages, but I didn't always choose the best choice. For this next week, my goals are to find a way to exercise (besides cleaning), and continue to watch my food and beverage choices (staying away from sugar and, *gasp* soda. I SO know better.

How did you do? Want to know some other ways people sneak in some exercise? Jog over to Brenda's place (I wonder if "jogging" to her blog counts) and take a peek!

P.S. OH, and when I'm not pregnant, I mow the lawns for Daddy G and trust me. That is a killer workout! Another way to sneak in some movement!