Happy Friday!
Cory and I are so in love with this song that I just had to share the lyrics. So fitting for new parents :) Listen to the song on YouTube, it's awesome! It's called Anything Like Me by Brad Paisley.
I remember sayin' I don't care either way
Just as long as he or she is healthy, I'm okay
And then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen
And said, "You see that thing right there? Well, you know what that means"
I started wondering who he was going to be
And I thought heaven help us if he's anything like me
He'll probably climb a tree too tall and ride his bike too fast
End up every summer wearin' something in a cast
He's gonna throw a ball and break some glass
In a window down the street
He's gonna get in trouble, oh, he's gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback
If he's anything like me
I can see him right now, knees all skinned up
With a magnifying glass tryin' to melt a Tonka truck
Won't he be a sight with his football helmet on?
That'll be his first love 'til his first love comes along
He'll get his heart broke by the time he's in his teens
And heaven help him if he's anything like me
He'll probably stay out too late and drive his car too fast
Get a speeding ticket, he'll pay for mowing grass
He's gonna get caught skippin' class
And be grounded for a week
He's gonna get into trouble, we're gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback
If he's anything like me
He's gonna love me
And hate me along the way
The years are gonna fly by
And I already dread the day
He's gonna hug his mama, he's gonna shake my hand
He's gonna act like he can't wait to leave
But as he drives out he'll cry his eyes out
If he's anything like me
There's worst folks to be like, oh, he'll be alright
If he's anything like me
You love it, right?
Friday, January 21, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Handle With Care
Hello!
WARNING: Stop reading right now if you plan to read Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult or don't want to know the ending!!
I just finished this book. It was the first Jodi Picoult book I had read in a long time. I first started reading her books when I started working at the QEH in early '08. Anytime you were in the hallways or eating up front by the Pantry you would see someone holding one of her books. You'd be waiting in line in the cafeteria and someone would see you holding her book and strike up a conversation about which books you had read and which ones you loved. It was like a cult or something.
My friend Lynn recommended her to me and lent me her copy of The Pact. I found it really interesting and off I went on a string of her books. I read one after the other after the other. After probably five or six of them I needed a break. The subject matter is so intense and heavy. There is usually death involved. It was too much. Once I went back to "chick lit" I never returned to the sometimes depressing, sorrowful stories she wrote. Until recently.
During pregnancy all I read were pregnancy or baby related books. After I had Harrison I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to read a paragraph, let alone an entire novel. Now that he has a nighttime schedule that is working out well I have found more of a desire to read at night before I turn in. I read the few books I had kicking around - a Nicholas Sparks, a Jennifer Weiner. One night I really wanted to read but all I could find was this Jodi Picoult novel that I had been given from someone at work and hadn't mustered up the strength to read. I figured I'd read a chapter or two and that would satisfy me until I could get to the bookstore and pick up something more uplifting.
I found that I got into it fairly quickly though. I mean, I wasn't staying up hours later than normal just to find out what happened or anything, but it kept my interest each night for a few chapters. Once I was three quarters of the way through I started spending much more time reading, trying to figure out what was going to come of it all. I had seen the book on my friend Jill's table when I first started reading it and asked her if she liked it. She said she didn't like the ending. This didn't surprise me as the endings of her Ms. Picoult's books are often depressing. Often a surprise death or something of the like. I was prepared for that when I started reading it.
The story is about Charlotte, a mother whose second daughter has a very serious condition called osteogenesis imperfecta which causes her bones to be extremely brittle. She suffered 7 breaks in utero and 63 by the time she was 6 and a half. Her name is Willow. Charlotte is married to Sean and Charlotte has an older daughter from before she met Sean named Amelia. Amelia is 13 in the story. Piper is Charlotte's best friend, and for the first half of Charlotte's pregnancy with Willow, her ob-gyn. Essentially it's about Charlotte deciding to sue Piper for wrongful birth - basically saying that Piper should have recognized fetal abnormalities on her 18 week ultrasound and given her the option to abort the pregnancy. Charlotte wouldn't have aborted the pregnancy in the first place (she thinks) but she wants so much to give Willow a better life that she is willing to say this in order to get the money it takes to cover all Willow's medical expenses and give her the best treatment options available.
Each chapter is told from one of the main characters points of view: Charlotte, Sean, Piper, Amelia, Marin (the attorney who is representing Charlotte), and finally, in the last chapter, Willow. There is a lot that happens throughout the course of the book, from flashbacks of how Charlotte met Piper, Charlotte and Sean's relationship, Amelia's difficulty being a sister to a disabled child, Charlotte's pregnancy, Willow's birth and life up to this point and how it affects everyone around her. This was all fine, if a bit depressing.
The ending though, like Jill, drove me nuts. We find that Charlotte and Sean's relationship repairs itself, Amelia finally tells her parents how difficult it is being Willow's sister and how she feels invisible, and gets help for her multiple problems that have stemmed from this. Charlotte wins the lawsuit and is awarded the hefty sum of eight million dollars.
In the final chapter we are first introduced to Willow's point of view. She explains that Amelia got help and is painting a lot and happier. Charlotte and Sean are doing well. Willow is, for the first time, fracture free and loving it. They have the cheque for the eight million stuck to the fridge, never having cashed it, and getting along just fine knowing they have it for backup should an emergency come up. Then, just like that Willow heads outside to find Amelia and falls through some ice and drowns. Boom.
I just don't understand why someone always has to die in her books. The subject matter is heavy enough and lots of lessons are learned without always having to kill someone off in the final pages. Can't you just for once have a happy ending after a book full of misery? Grrrrrr.
I don't think I will be reading anymore of her books for a while. A long while.
WARNING: Stop reading right now if you plan to read Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult or don't want to know the ending!!
I just finished this book. It was the first Jodi Picoult book I had read in a long time. I first started reading her books when I started working at the QEH in early '08. Anytime you were in the hallways or eating up front by the Pantry you would see someone holding one of her books. You'd be waiting in line in the cafeteria and someone would see you holding her book and strike up a conversation about which books you had read and which ones you loved. It was like a cult or something.
My friend Lynn recommended her to me and lent me her copy of The Pact. I found it really interesting and off I went on a string of her books. I read one after the other after the other. After probably five or six of them I needed a break. The subject matter is so intense and heavy. There is usually death involved. It was too much. Once I went back to "chick lit" I never returned to the sometimes depressing, sorrowful stories she wrote. Until recently.
During pregnancy all I read were pregnancy or baby related books. After I had Harrison I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to read a paragraph, let alone an entire novel. Now that he has a nighttime schedule that is working out well I have found more of a desire to read at night before I turn in. I read the few books I had kicking around - a Nicholas Sparks, a Jennifer Weiner. One night I really wanted to read but all I could find was this Jodi Picoult novel that I had been given from someone at work and hadn't mustered up the strength to read. I figured I'd read a chapter or two and that would satisfy me until I could get to the bookstore and pick up something more uplifting.
I found that I got into it fairly quickly though. I mean, I wasn't staying up hours later than normal just to find out what happened or anything, but it kept my interest each night for a few chapters. Once I was three quarters of the way through I started spending much more time reading, trying to figure out what was going to come of it all. I had seen the book on my friend Jill's table when I first started reading it and asked her if she liked it. She said she didn't like the ending. This didn't surprise me as the endings of her Ms. Picoult's books are often depressing. Often a surprise death or something of the like. I was prepared for that when I started reading it.
The story is about Charlotte, a mother whose second daughter has a very serious condition called osteogenesis imperfecta which causes her bones to be extremely brittle. She suffered 7 breaks in utero and 63 by the time she was 6 and a half. Her name is Willow. Charlotte is married to Sean and Charlotte has an older daughter from before she met Sean named Amelia. Amelia is 13 in the story. Piper is Charlotte's best friend, and for the first half of Charlotte's pregnancy with Willow, her ob-gyn. Essentially it's about Charlotte deciding to sue Piper for wrongful birth - basically saying that Piper should have recognized fetal abnormalities on her 18 week ultrasound and given her the option to abort the pregnancy. Charlotte wouldn't have aborted the pregnancy in the first place (she thinks) but she wants so much to give Willow a better life that she is willing to say this in order to get the money it takes to cover all Willow's medical expenses and give her the best treatment options available.
Each chapter is told from one of the main characters points of view: Charlotte, Sean, Piper, Amelia, Marin (the attorney who is representing Charlotte), and finally, in the last chapter, Willow. There is a lot that happens throughout the course of the book, from flashbacks of how Charlotte met Piper, Charlotte and Sean's relationship, Amelia's difficulty being a sister to a disabled child, Charlotte's pregnancy, Willow's birth and life up to this point and how it affects everyone around her. This was all fine, if a bit depressing.
The ending though, like Jill, drove me nuts. We find that Charlotte and Sean's relationship repairs itself, Amelia finally tells her parents how difficult it is being Willow's sister and how she feels invisible, and gets help for her multiple problems that have stemmed from this. Charlotte wins the lawsuit and is awarded the hefty sum of eight million dollars.
In the final chapter we are first introduced to Willow's point of view. She explains that Amelia got help and is painting a lot and happier. Charlotte and Sean are doing well. Willow is, for the first time, fracture free and loving it. They have the cheque for the eight million stuck to the fridge, never having cashed it, and getting along just fine knowing they have it for backup should an emergency come up. Then, just like that Willow heads outside to find Amelia and falls through some ice and drowns. Boom.
I just don't understand why someone always has to die in her books. The subject matter is heavy enough and lots of lessons are learned without always having to kill someone off in the final pages. Can't you just for once have a happy ending after a book full of misery? Grrrrrr.
I don't think I will be reading anymore of her books for a while. A long while.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Golden Globes Recap
Hey guys!
So, the Golden Globes have come and gone. It was good. Not great, but good. I have re-watched one speech and the opening monologue so that tells me that there weren't all that many "great" moments.
Ricky Gervais was hilarious. He definitley took it farther than last year. He has said countless times in interviews that he was going to push the boundaries to the point of guaranteeing he would not be asked back for a third time. I think he probably succeeded. Although, based on the ratings and feedback from the audience, they should ask him back. I read that some celebrities' reps made complaints about some of his jabs so I'm guessing celebs trump actual viewers. Robert Downey Jr. apparently felt that some of his jokes were mean-spirited. I don't agree. Some of them were probably inappopriate given the environment, maybe distasteful (which you could also call Robert Downey's Jr's jokes when he was presenting), but I don't think the guy would intentionally hurt anyone. It's his job to poke fun at the headlines, movies, TV shows, and actors of the year. Plus, the guy did the same thing last year, so the HFPA knew what they were getting into. I say job well done.
Movie Awards: Boring. There were not any real surprises here. The Social Network did quite well which I was glad for as I really enjoyed the movie. Best Actor and Best Actress were Colin Firth and Natalie Portman respectively which is exactly what everyone said would happen.
TV Awards: Better. Chris Colfer (Kurt) from Glee won and he had the best reaction and speech. It was awesome. He was clearly shocked and overwhelmed and the sheer "glee" on the faces of his fellow cast members was moving. He made some adorable comment about dropping his heart somewhere between Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, and he stood up for the Kurts of the world. Lovely.
I have to admit I was surprised when Glee won Best Comedy Series over Modern Family. I have to say I don't really agree. I love Glee, don't get me wrong. Modern Family is more of a comedy, though. It's spot on in every episode. I would have been happy with either one winning, but I have to say I sort of felt like Modern Family got screwed a bit on that one. I think they'll get the SAG award over Glee, though.
Fashion: The ladies did well with their dress choices. I didn't see too many horrendous ones. I thought Olivia Wilde looked like she was wearing a prom dress. Scarlett Johanson looked like she might have been wearing a nightgown. There was a lot of green. Mila Kunis wore it best, I thought. Others that stood out to me for looking great were Eva Longoria, Mandy Moore, and Sandra Bullock (loved her bangs too!). Others that stood out to me as having made some odd fashion choices were Michelle Williams, Christina Aguilera, Emma Stone, and Leighton Meester.
All in all it was enjoyable but I've seen better. I'm looking forward to the Screen Actor's Guild awards in two weeks.
Did anyone else watch? Thoughts?
So, the Golden Globes have come and gone. It was good. Not great, but good. I have re-watched one speech and the opening monologue so that tells me that there weren't all that many "great" moments.
Ricky Gervais was hilarious. He definitley took it farther than last year. He has said countless times in interviews that he was going to push the boundaries to the point of guaranteeing he would not be asked back for a third time. I think he probably succeeded. Although, based on the ratings and feedback from the audience, they should ask him back. I read that some celebrities' reps made complaints about some of his jabs so I'm guessing celebs trump actual viewers. Robert Downey Jr. apparently felt that some of his jokes were mean-spirited. I don't agree. Some of them were probably inappopriate given the environment, maybe distasteful (which you could also call Robert Downey's Jr's jokes when he was presenting), but I don't think the guy would intentionally hurt anyone. It's his job to poke fun at the headlines, movies, TV shows, and actors of the year. Plus, the guy did the same thing last year, so the HFPA knew what they were getting into. I say job well done.
Movie Awards: Boring. There were not any real surprises here. The Social Network did quite well which I was glad for as I really enjoyed the movie. Best Actor and Best Actress were Colin Firth and Natalie Portman respectively which is exactly what everyone said would happen.
TV Awards: Better. Chris Colfer (Kurt) from Glee won and he had the best reaction and speech. It was awesome. He was clearly shocked and overwhelmed and the sheer "glee" on the faces of his fellow cast members was moving. He made some adorable comment about dropping his heart somewhere between Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore, and he stood up for the Kurts of the world. Lovely.
I have to admit I was surprised when Glee won Best Comedy Series over Modern Family. I have to say I don't really agree. I love Glee, don't get me wrong. Modern Family is more of a comedy, though. It's spot on in every episode. I would have been happy with either one winning, but I have to say I sort of felt like Modern Family got screwed a bit on that one. I think they'll get the SAG award over Glee, though.
Fashion: The ladies did well with their dress choices. I didn't see too many horrendous ones. I thought Olivia Wilde looked like she was wearing a prom dress. Scarlett Johanson looked like she might have been wearing a nightgown. There was a lot of green. Mila Kunis wore it best, I thought. Others that stood out to me for looking great were Eva Longoria, Mandy Moore, and Sandra Bullock (loved her bangs too!). Others that stood out to me as having made some odd fashion choices were Michelle Williams, Christina Aguilera, Emma Stone, and Leighton Meester.
All in all it was enjoyable but I've seen better. I'm looking forward to the Screen Actor's Guild awards in two weeks.
Did anyone else watch? Thoughts?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Golden Globe Sunday!
Whoop Whoop it's Golden Globe Sunday!! Jeff and Sherri's annual viewing party of two starts at 9 sharp. I didn't watch the five movies nominated for Best Picture like I wanted to but I have seen a few of the movies that will be showcased tonight.
Black Swan - Didn't like it. Didn't get it. Ick. Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis were both great, though! I think Natalie Portman will probably win for Best Actress.
The Social Network - I LOVED this. It was so fascinating to me. I think this movie will win for Best Picture. I wouldn't mind seeing Jesse Eisenberg or Andrew Garfield win for their performances but I don't think it will go their way.
127 Hours - I LOVED this movie. It isn't nominated for Best Picture (but it should be). I hope that James Franco wins for Best Actor - his performance was excellent. Unfortunately, it seems that honour will go to Colin Firth for The King's Speech. I haven't seen it but I do like Colin Firth and I'm sure he deserves it.
Love and Other Drugs - I think both Jake Gyllenhaul and Anne Hathaway were excellent, but neither will take home the acting honours. The movie itself was pretty good - not as good as I thought it would be, but enjoyable all the same.
As far as TV goes, I am hoping for wins for Glee and Modern Family!
I shall update tomorrow with my opinion on the show, and my ratio of winners! I am having some well deserved treats tonight and I will enjoy them!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, friends!
Black Swan - Didn't like it. Didn't get it. Ick. Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis were both great, though! I think Natalie Portman will probably win for Best Actress.
The Social Network - I LOVED this. It was so fascinating to me. I think this movie will win for Best Picture. I wouldn't mind seeing Jesse Eisenberg or Andrew Garfield win for their performances but I don't think it will go their way.
127 Hours - I LOVED this movie. It isn't nominated for Best Picture (but it should be). I hope that James Franco wins for Best Actor - his performance was excellent. Unfortunately, it seems that honour will go to Colin Firth for The King's Speech. I haven't seen it but I do like Colin Firth and I'm sure he deserves it.
Love and Other Drugs - I think both Jake Gyllenhaul and Anne Hathaway were excellent, but neither will take home the acting honours. The movie itself was pretty good - not as good as I thought it would be, but enjoyable all the same.
As far as TV goes, I am hoping for wins for Glee and Modern Family!
I shall update tomorrow with my opinion on the show, and my ratio of winners! I am having some well deserved treats tonight and I will enjoy them!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, friends!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
We have a tooth!
Hey guys!
I am proud to announce that my precious 5 1/2 month old baby boy has his first tooth!! It came so quickly and was so tiny that I didn't even notice it! We had been feeling his gums and knew that it would happen soon as you could feel the little hard nubs on his gums. It wasn't until I got home from bootcamp Thursday night that Cory told me our little one had his first tooth. When I felt around, there it was, a little sharper than normal and a tiny white thing sticking above his gum. Very hard to see. The next morning it was a little more noticeable and today even more so.
I feel so proud! Isn't that strange? I always feel proud when people say anything about him. "Wow, he sure is a big boy!" - I get this a lot and for some reason I feel overcome with pride and joy, like I must be doing something right when in reality he was just a big boy to begin with and has grown accordingly. "Look at those big blue eyes!" - again I feel about 10 feet tall when someone says this.
You know how people say that parents always think their baby is the cutest one there ever was? This is so true. I honestly think that Harrison is the cutest little fella around and has been since the day he was born. His constant smiles light up the room, his laughter warms my heart. He isn't too big, he isn't too small. He is, in a word, perfect. Cory said to me once when we were basically congratulating ourselves on the beautiful child we made, "do you think we just think he's this perfect because we're his parents? Do you think other people think he's not so cute?" This hadn't even occurred to me. We think he's this cute because he really is this cute! How could anyone think any differently? I can't even fathom it. Think about it though, you know you have all at one point or another seen a picture of a newborn and thought to yourself "oh all newborns look the same", or "he'll grow into his ears/nose/chin before long". Is this what people think/thought about my child? No. I still believe he is the cutest baby boy and everyone else must think so too.
I find myself constantly wishing for time to slow down and speed up when it comes to motherhood. I keep waiting for the next milestone. First smile, first laugh, first sleep through the night, first tooth, and now I can't wait for him to be able to sit up on his own so he can play with his new toys he got for Christmas, and say Mama and Dada. At the same time I can't believe my tiny baby is about 20 lbs!! He has doubled his birth weight! He will be changing into the bigger car seat soon. He will soon be ready to start solids. How can all these things be happening so fast?? SLOW DOWN TIME!! It's a constant battle between wanting him to grow and develop and discover everything and everyone around him, and wanting him to say my little boy forever. I see this battle continuing for, oh I don't know, the rest of his life.
I am proud to announce that my precious 5 1/2 month old baby boy has his first tooth!! It came so quickly and was so tiny that I didn't even notice it! We had been feeling his gums and knew that it would happen soon as you could feel the little hard nubs on his gums. It wasn't until I got home from bootcamp Thursday night that Cory told me our little one had his first tooth. When I felt around, there it was, a little sharper than normal and a tiny white thing sticking above his gum. Very hard to see. The next morning it was a little more noticeable and today even more so.
I feel so proud! Isn't that strange? I always feel proud when people say anything about him. "Wow, he sure is a big boy!" - I get this a lot and for some reason I feel overcome with pride and joy, like I must be doing something right when in reality he was just a big boy to begin with and has grown accordingly. "Look at those big blue eyes!" - again I feel about 10 feet tall when someone says this.
You know how people say that parents always think their baby is the cutest one there ever was? This is so true. I honestly think that Harrison is the cutest little fella around and has been since the day he was born. His constant smiles light up the room, his laughter warms my heart. He isn't too big, he isn't too small. He is, in a word, perfect. Cory said to me once when we were basically congratulating ourselves on the beautiful child we made, "do you think we just think he's this perfect because we're his parents? Do you think other people think he's not so cute?" This hadn't even occurred to me. We think he's this cute because he really is this cute! How could anyone think any differently? I can't even fathom it. Think about it though, you know you have all at one point or another seen a picture of a newborn and thought to yourself "oh all newborns look the same", or "he'll grow into his ears/nose/chin before long". Is this what people think/thought about my child? No. I still believe he is the cutest baby boy and everyone else must think so too.
I find myself constantly wishing for time to slow down and speed up when it comes to motherhood. I keep waiting for the next milestone. First smile, first laugh, first sleep through the night, first tooth, and now I can't wait for him to be able to sit up on his own so he can play with his new toys he got for Christmas, and say Mama and Dada. At the same time I can't believe my tiny baby is about 20 lbs!! He has doubled his birth weight! He will be changing into the bigger car seat soon. He will soon be ready to start solids. How can all these things be happening so fast?? SLOW DOWN TIME!! It's a constant battle between wanting him to grow and develop and discover everything and everyone around him, and wanting him to say my little boy forever. I see this battle continuing for, oh I don't know, the rest of his life.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Boston Rob is back! Thank you, Survivor!
Hi everyone!
Oh what a glorious day! I found out from my Entertainment Weekly addiction that Boston Rob and Russell will be back to compete on the next season of Survivor: Redemption Island. You may or may not know that I LOVE Boston Rob. I mean love. Let me explain.
I have been a fan of Survivor since the first season (though I missed a few in recent times). So, I first came across Boston Rob on the fourth edition of the show, Survivor Marquesas. I didn't care for him all that much. I didn't understand why his luxury item would be oils to oil himself up. Then came Survivor All-Stars.
I had seen an interview with host Jeff Probst before this season aired and he said that for the first time there was a real love affair on the show. I am a hopeless romantic, so this made me even more excited for the All-Star edition. It became apparent from the very first episode that the romance would be between Rob and Amber. It ultimately became the Rob and Amber show. Rob was deliciously charming and he seemed to really care for Amber: "She's sweet. She's beautiful. Her ass is smokin too." All said in that famous Boston accent. Later, "It would be nice to win the million and take the girl away too." Swoon. Yes, I know all these by heart because I own the season on DVD and may have watched it a few times.
The survivors dwindle down to five. The famous "car" reward challenge comes along. Rob wins (Amber was a close second). He won a brand new Chevy truck. He was stoked. He is then told he can pick one other contestant to come along with him on a second part of the reward which includes a drive in his truck to the "Survivor Drive-In Movie Theatre" where there will be all you can eat hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. Like a true gentleman he picks Amber. They get to the drive-in only to learn from Jeff that Amber gets a car too! They freak out excitedly and then head for the movie where the two cuddle in the bed of his truck. Swoon.
The survivors are down to the final three. Rob, powerhouse that he is, wins immunity and is left with the decision of who to oust (and therefore who he brings with him to the final two). The answer is obvious if he wants to win: take Jenna. She is incredibly annoying and no one can stand her. Instead, he brings the most deserving person, his love, Amber. Fastforward to the reunion show. Before the votes are read he gets down on one knee and proposes. She accepts. Swoon. Amber wins. She played a great game but Rob was, well, robbed. As Jeff said at the beginning of the reunion show, he dominated physically and he dominated strategically. The bitter jury was just unable to look past their elimination to see the insanely strategic and physically dominating game played by Rob.
I couldn't watch enough interviews with them following that show. I couldn't read enough articles. I was "Romber" crazy. I was thrilled to find out they would be on the Amazing Race. I had never seen the show but became a regular viewer that season tuning in to watch Rob and Amber in action. Rob pissed people off and he won people over. He was smart. Really smart. They made it all the way to the end and came in second after a questionable decision of a pilot to unlock the plane doors to let the winners, Uchenna and Joyce on the plane. Had the pilot not made that decision Rob and Amber would be another million dollars richer. Oh well. They took it in stride.
Next, their wedding was a two hour special. Cory had his own apartment then with a DVR. Let's just say I watched it more than a few times. It only made me love him more to see what a sweet man he is in "real life."
Then there was their short lived stint on Amazing Race All-Stars. They came in first place in the first episode and were eliminated in the second episode. I was heartbroken. haha. Oh well.
They slowly faded from the spotlight until recently when it was announced that Boston Rob would return for Season 20 of Survivor entitled Heroes Vs. Villains. Yes, Rob would be a villain. I was ecstatic! I watched pregame interviews and found out that Rob and Amber had only weeks before welcomed their first child, a daughter. Swoon.
I made the mistake of reading spoilers on this season because I just had to know if Rob made it to the end. Unfortunately, he did not. He didn't even make the jury (by one tribal council). I wished I had not read the spoilers. There was lots of Rob to see on this show, though. He emerged from that season as a hero instead of a villain. My favourite part of that whole season was during the reunion show when he and Russell were exchanging words and he said to Russell "given the opportunity I'd gladly go back and kick your ass all over the island." Swoon! Jeff laughed and mentioned that perhaps that would be another season.
Enter Survivor: Redemption Island. Recently, at the Survivor: Nicaragua reunion show it was announced that there was going to be a big twist for the next season. Cory was on the laptop while I was watching and he said he read on the internet that the twist would be Rob Vs. Russell. I hoped against hope that the internet was right. My excitement grew as Jeff introduced Rob in the audience and, after finding out that he and Amber had just welcomed their second daughter, asked him to read the intro to the piece on the next season. No dice. The twist was Redemption Island.
Redemption Island is a twist that involves the ousted contestant living alone on Redemption Island until the next person is voted out. Then the two compete in a duel and whoever wins gets to stay on Redemption Island. The last person standing on Redemption Island will be allowed to reenter the game. All the contestants will know about this new aspect of the game before it begins.
So, today I was on the EW website and scrolled down to the bottom of the page. I was going to check on the status of the gift subscription I got my brother for Christmas. I was about to click on the appropriate link when I saw a picture of Rob and Russell on the bottom of the screen with a title that said "They're Baaaaaaack!". I clicked on the link and read the first few lines. I am embarrassed by how excited I was. I jumped up to call my husband and tell him the news. No, he wouldn't give a crap, but he would understand how excited this made me. No answer. No answer. No answer. I called my brother instead.
Oh, it shall be a glorious season!!
You know all about my love affair with Rob now. I haven't said much about Russell. The truth is, I loved Russell in Survivor Samoa. He was crazy, but he was brave with his strategy and hilarious to watch. He made what would have been a very boring season, a very exciting season. I didn't like him as much in Heroes Vs. Villains. Mainly because he was against Rob from the start (because he was threatened by him...which he admitted to in preshow interviews), but also because he came off way to cocky and arrogant this time around and wasn't funny anymore. He was responsible for Rob's demise. Obviously, now I dislike him completely. I really hope Boston Rob can "kick his ass all over the Island"!!
Any Survivor fans out there? What are your thoughts on these two players and the new Redemption Island twist?
Oh what a glorious day! I found out from my Entertainment Weekly addiction that Boston Rob and Russell will be back to compete on the next season of Survivor: Redemption Island. You may or may not know that I LOVE Boston Rob. I mean love. Let me explain.
I have been a fan of Survivor since the first season (though I missed a few in recent times). So, I first came across Boston Rob on the fourth edition of the show, Survivor Marquesas. I didn't care for him all that much. I didn't understand why his luxury item would be oils to oil himself up. Then came Survivor All-Stars.
I had seen an interview with host Jeff Probst before this season aired and he said that for the first time there was a real love affair on the show. I am a hopeless romantic, so this made me even more excited for the All-Star edition. It became apparent from the very first episode that the romance would be between Rob and Amber. It ultimately became the Rob and Amber show. Rob was deliciously charming and he seemed to really care for Amber: "She's sweet. She's beautiful. Her ass is smokin too." All said in that famous Boston accent. Later, "It would be nice to win the million and take the girl away too." Swoon. Yes, I know all these by heart because I own the season on DVD and may have watched it a few times.
The survivors dwindle down to five. The famous "car" reward challenge comes along. Rob wins (Amber was a close second). He won a brand new Chevy truck. He was stoked. He is then told he can pick one other contestant to come along with him on a second part of the reward which includes a drive in his truck to the "Survivor Drive-In Movie Theatre" where there will be all you can eat hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. Like a true gentleman he picks Amber. They get to the drive-in only to learn from Jeff that Amber gets a car too! They freak out excitedly and then head for the movie where the two cuddle in the bed of his truck. Swoon.
The survivors are down to the final three. Rob, powerhouse that he is, wins immunity and is left with the decision of who to oust (and therefore who he brings with him to the final two). The answer is obvious if he wants to win: take Jenna. She is incredibly annoying and no one can stand her. Instead, he brings the most deserving person, his love, Amber. Fastforward to the reunion show. Before the votes are read he gets down on one knee and proposes. She accepts. Swoon. Amber wins. She played a great game but Rob was, well, robbed. As Jeff said at the beginning of the reunion show, he dominated physically and he dominated strategically. The bitter jury was just unable to look past their elimination to see the insanely strategic and physically dominating game played by Rob.
I couldn't watch enough interviews with them following that show. I couldn't read enough articles. I was "Romber" crazy. I was thrilled to find out they would be on the Amazing Race. I had never seen the show but became a regular viewer that season tuning in to watch Rob and Amber in action. Rob pissed people off and he won people over. He was smart. Really smart. They made it all the way to the end and came in second after a questionable decision of a pilot to unlock the plane doors to let the winners, Uchenna and Joyce on the plane. Had the pilot not made that decision Rob and Amber would be another million dollars richer. Oh well. They took it in stride.
Next, their wedding was a two hour special. Cory had his own apartment then with a DVR. Let's just say I watched it more than a few times. It only made me love him more to see what a sweet man he is in "real life."
Then there was their short lived stint on Amazing Race All-Stars. They came in first place in the first episode and were eliminated in the second episode. I was heartbroken. haha. Oh well.
They slowly faded from the spotlight until recently when it was announced that Boston Rob would return for Season 20 of Survivor entitled Heroes Vs. Villains. Yes, Rob would be a villain. I was ecstatic! I watched pregame interviews and found out that Rob and Amber had only weeks before welcomed their first child, a daughter. Swoon.
I made the mistake of reading spoilers on this season because I just had to know if Rob made it to the end. Unfortunately, he did not. He didn't even make the jury (by one tribal council). I wished I had not read the spoilers. There was lots of Rob to see on this show, though. He emerged from that season as a hero instead of a villain. My favourite part of that whole season was during the reunion show when he and Russell were exchanging words and he said to Russell "given the opportunity I'd gladly go back and kick your ass all over the island." Swoon! Jeff laughed and mentioned that perhaps that would be another season.
Enter Survivor: Redemption Island. Recently, at the Survivor: Nicaragua reunion show it was announced that there was going to be a big twist for the next season. Cory was on the laptop while I was watching and he said he read on the internet that the twist would be Rob Vs. Russell. I hoped against hope that the internet was right. My excitement grew as Jeff introduced Rob in the audience and, after finding out that he and Amber had just welcomed their second daughter, asked him to read the intro to the piece on the next season. No dice. The twist was Redemption Island.
Redemption Island is a twist that involves the ousted contestant living alone on Redemption Island until the next person is voted out. Then the two compete in a duel and whoever wins gets to stay on Redemption Island. The last person standing on Redemption Island will be allowed to reenter the game. All the contestants will know about this new aspect of the game before it begins.
So, today I was on the EW website and scrolled down to the bottom of the page. I was going to check on the status of the gift subscription I got my brother for Christmas. I was about to click on the appropriate link when I saw a picture of Rob and Russell on the bottom of the screen with a title that said "They're Baaaaaaack!". I clicked on the link and read the first few lines. I am embarrassed by how excited I was. I jumped up to call my husband and tell him the news. No, he wouldn't give a crap, but he would understand how excited this made me. No answer. No answer. No answer. I called my brother instead.
Oh, it shall be a glorious season!!
You know all about my love affair with Rob now. I haven't said much about Russell. The truth is, I loved Russell in Survivor Samoa. He was crazy, but he was brave with his strategy and hilarious to watch. He made what would have been a very boring season, a very exciting season. I didn't like him as much in Heroes Vs. Villains. Mainly because he was against Rob from the start (because he was threatened by him...which he admitted to in preshow interviews), but also because he came off way to cocky and arrogant this time around and wasn't funny anymore. He was responsible for Rob's demise. Obviously, now I dislike him completely. I really hope Boston Rob can "kick his ass all over the Island"!!
Any Survivor fans out there? What are your thoughts on these two players and the new Redemption Island twist?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Aaah sleep, how I have missed you!
Hello friends!
I started this day off in such a great place. I awoke sometime past four o'clock this morning to find that Harrison had yet to wake up. Not unheard of...sometimes he doesn't need to feed until five or so. I listened to make sure I heard breathing and then went back to dreamland (which by the way included a very real dream of the Leafs winning the Cup and me waking up my Dad to tell him....a sign of things to come perhaps?). I awoke again to Cory's alarm at 6, certain that he would be up within minutes. Cory was off to work and he still wasn't awake. Back to sleep I went until I woke up to his babbling at 8. That's right my friends. Harrison went to bed last night at 7:45 pm and slept until 8 am. It was delicious. I actually felt rested when I got up and jumped up as soon as I heard this talking. Normally I lay there hoping he'll go back to sleep as I struggle to wake myself up. You see his nights are usually like this: I put him down sometime between 7 or 8 depending on when his last nap was and how tired he is, and he usually gets up three or four times needing me to re-swaddle him (his arms find their way out sometimes), put his sleep giraffe sounds back on, or put the soother in his mouth. He always gets up once to feed as well. It's a lot of me groaning as I get out of bed and stumbling my way into his room, doing whatever it is he needs me to do, stumbling back to bed, and trying to fall back asleep. So, needless to say, this was a welcome change of pace. He has slept through the night two other times before. I really hope he'll continue with this pattern.
However, the happy baby who woke me up slowly turned into a not so happy baby as the day went on. Usually Harrison is very good and pretty easy to figure out. He eats every four hours, and he usually naps every two hours daily. I think his nap schedule is changing, though. He doesn't seem to need as much sleep during the day now. I think he is almost ready for a two nap a day routine, but I guess right now he usually naps about three times. The time between naps and feedings is spent playing on his mat, in his vibrating chair, on my lap, in his exersaucer, and occasionally in his Bumbo or playing with toys in his high chair. We also get out to his friends' houses and to fitness class twice a week. Anyway, today he was not happy doing any of these things for more than five minutes. He was full out, red-in-the-face crying a couple of times which is very rare. I knew he was tired this afternoon and put him down in his crib for a nap. He woke up crying after maybe half an hour and I knew he couldn't have had enough sleep. I went down and soothed him and put him back down. He slept for over three hours! I couldn't believe it, especially since he had slept 12 hours straight last night and his morning nap was about an hour. He must have been really tired. I had to get Cory to go wake him up as he hadn't eat in over five hours. He was not a happy camper to have been woken up either, but I didn't want his routine to get too messed up.
Once he woke up and saw his Daddy (his favourite person), he was very happy. He spent the rest of the evening yelling and squealing which is his new thing. I hate it when Cory comes home and asks me how he was today, I say "not so good" or pretty cranky", and then he is an angel for the rest of the night. I look like a liar! Oh well. There could be worse things. Like if he continued to be cranky for the entire evening!
He is most definitely teething as I can feel two raised nubs on his bottom gums. I know teething can account for the crankiness but does it ever make them sleep more? That really long nap this afternoon has me stumped. He'll be six months on the 27th...perhaps an early growth spurt?
I managed to snap a couple happy pics during the five minutes he was happy. Cute as a button!
I started this day off in such a great place. I awoke sometime past four o'clock this morning to find that Harrison had yet to wake up. Not unheard of...sometimes he doesn't need to feed until five or so. I listened to make sure I heard breathing and then went back to dreamland (which by the way included a very real dream of the Leafs winning the Cup and me waking up my Dad to tell him....a sign of things to come perhaps?). I awoke again to Cory's alarm at 6, certain that he would be up within minutes. Cory was off to work and he still wasn't awake. Back to sleep I went until I woke up to his babbling at 8. That's right my friends. Harrison went to bed last night at 7:45 pm and slept until 8 am. It was delicious. I actually felt rested when I got up and jumped up as soon as I heard this talking. Normally I lay there hoping he'll go back to sleep as I struggle to wake myself up. You see his nights are usually like this: I put him down sometime between 7 or 8 depending on when his last nap was and how tired he is, and he usually gets up three or four times needing me to re-swaddle him (his arms find their way out sometimes), put his sleep giraffe sounds back on, or put the soother in his mouth. He always gets up once to feed as well. It's a lot of me groaning as I get out of bed and stumbling my way into his room, doing whatever it is he needs me to do, stumbling back to bed, and trying to fall back asleep. So, needless to say, this was a welcome change of pace. He has slept through the night two other times before. I really hope he'll continue with this pattern.
However, the happy baby who woke me up slowly turned into a not so happy baby as the day went on. Usually Harrison is very good and pretty easy to figure out. He eats every four hours, and he usually naps every two hours daily. I think his nap schedule is changing, though. He doesn't seem to need as much sleep during the day now. I think he is almost ready for a two nap a day routine, but I guess right now he usually naps about three times. The time between naps and feedings is spent playing on his mat, in his vibrating chair, on my lap, in his exersaucer, and occasionally in his Bumbo or playing with toys in his high chair. We also get out to his friends' houses and to fitness class twice a week. Anyway, today he was not happy doing any of these things for more than five minutes. He was full out, red-in-the-face crying a couple of times which is very rare. I knew he was tired this afternoon and put him down in his crib for a nap. He woke up crying after maybe half an hour and I knew he couldn't have had enough sleep. I went down and soothed him and put him back down. He slept for over three hours! I couldn't believe it, especially since he had slept 12 hours straight last night and his morning nap was about an hour. He must have been really tired. I had to get Cory to go wake him up as he hadn't eat in over five hours. He was not a happy camper to have been woken up either, but I didn't want his routine to get too messed up.
Once he woke up and saw his Daddy (his favourite person), he was very happy. He spent the rest of the evening yelling and squealing which is his new thing. I hate it when Cory comes home and asks me how he was today, I say "not so good" or pretty cranky", and then he is an angel for the rest of the night. I look like a liar! Oh well. There could be worse things. Like if he continued to be cranky for the entire evening!
He is most definitely teething as I can feel two raised nubs on his bottom gums. I know teething can account for the crankiness but does it ever make them sleep more? That really long nap this afternoon has me stumped. He'll be six months on the 27th...perhaps an early growth spurt?
I managed to snap a couple happy pics during the five minutes he was happy. Cute as a button!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Can't I just eat some treats?
Ok, so yesterday I was all cheery and positive about the healthier eating strategy. I bragged about what I ate and how healthy it was. I felt great. Satisfied. So today not feeling so cheery and positive. I had a banana for breakfast, salad and chicken sandwich for lunch, roast beef, corn, and potatos for supper (at my parents' house). I got home and I was hungry. I ate carrots. I'm still hungry. This sucks.
I am watching vintage Grey's Anatomy (delicious) and Izzie is baking away. Chocolate cake, cupcakes, and it's making my mouth water. I normally never eat chocolate cake or cupcakes. I'm not even really much of a dessert person but right now it's all I can think about. It's not fair. Why can't they make this stuff so that it is healthy? What yummy snacks can I eat when I have a treat craving that won't ruin all my progress?
I'm telling you all right now that next Sunday I am eating treats. It's a free evening. Jeffrey is coming over for the Golden Globes and I will be eating goodies and drinking Pepsi. He drank three glasses of Pepsi in front of me today. Brutal. I was really proud of myself, though, for continuing to hold out. When I started this whole thing I had actually given myself permission to drink it when I'm not at home. I just wasn't buying any to keep in the house. Cory asked me on the way if I was going to really enjoy my glass of Pepsi and I told him that I wasn't really craving it so I would just have water and save the Pepsi for a day when I really, really wanted it. Now all I can think about is a cold glass of it with cake and caramilk bars and McDonald's french fries.
Eating healthy is so hard. I will keep going though! This is major progress for me and I really want to change, so I'm sticking with it. Thinking about next Sunday's treats will get me through. I wonder what I'll end up choosing....
Does anyone have any ideas of really good healthy foods to satisfy a snack craving? Are there any sweets that are good for me? haha. I'm guessing not.
At least Izzie has left home and is back at Seattle Grace where there is no chocolate cake or cupcakes for me to stare at longingly.
I am watching vintage Grey's Anatomy (delicious) and Izzie is baking away. Chocolate cake, cupcakes, and it's making my mouth water. I normally never eat chocolate cake or cupcakes. I'm not even really much of a dessert person but right now it's all I can think about. It's not fair. Why can't they make this stuff so that it is healthy? What yummy snacks can I eat when I have a treat craving that won't ruin all my progress?
I'm telling you all right now that next Sunday I am eating treats. It's a free evening. Jeffrey is coming over for the Golden Globes and I will be eating goodies and drinking Pepsi. He drank three glasses of Pepsi in front of me today. Brutal. I was really proud of myself, though, for continuing to hold out. When I started this whole thing I had actually given myself permission to drink it when I'm not at home. I just wasn't buying any to keep in the house. Cory asked me on the way if I was going to really enjoy my glass of Pepsi and I told him that I wasn't really craving it so I would just have water and save the Pepsi for a day when I really, really wanted it. Now all I can think about is a cold glass of it with cake and caramilk bars and McDonald's french fries.
Eating healthy is so hard. I will keep going though! This is major progress for me and I really want to change, so I'm sticking with it. Thinking about next Sunday's treats will get me through. I wonder what I'll end up choosing....
Does anyone have any ideas of really good healthy foods to satisfy a snack craving? Are there any sweets that are good for me? haha. I'm guessing not.
At least Izzie has left home and is back at Seattle Grace where there is no chocolate cake or cupcakes for me to stare at longingly.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
It's Saturday!
Hi everyone! Happy Weekend!
I love the weekends because it means my hubby is home for a whole two days. It's a lot easier to care for a teething baby when you have two adults to pass him between! Poor Harrison is really bothered by his teeth today. I gave him Tylenol for the first time last night before bed as he seemed to be in quite a bit of pain. He isn't screaming but he is kind of half crying and is constantly chewing on anything he can. I felt his gums for the first time today (the thought of this really grossed me out so I deferred before today) and you can feel two raised nubs, so they are bound to come through any day. From what I understand though, many babies can be hysterical during this time, so I know I am lucky. He doesn't seem able to sleep as long during his naps and feeding him a bottle is a challenge because he just keeps wanting to chew on the nipple. Poor little guy. We are so proud of him for being a trooper. I wish they would just come through already. If anyone has any really good tips on how to soothe a teething baby, I would love to hear them!
Cory went grocery shopping today as we were pretty much out of everything. More importantly I needed food here quickly before I made a trip to McDonald's or something. As you probably read, I am trying to eat better this year. I am probably the worst eater out there. I eat like a five year old. Always have. I don't like vegetables. I don't like a lot of things, actually. Fast food is my weakness. I love it. I love it. I love it. Some people crave chocolate. Others crave salt. I crave a cheeseburger combo. I've been that way forever. I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted and not exercise at all and still be a stick. Those days have long since passed and despite upping my exercise routine (see yesterday's post), this baby weight doesn't appear to be going anywhere yet. So I'm forced to make some changes. I'll never be a really healthy eater. I am trying to improve though.
I'm not eliminating any particular foods from my diet. That's just trouble. If I said I would never eat fast food again I'd last maybe a week and then I would eat nothing else but for another week. I just have to limit myself to these "treats" once in a while. My other real weakness is Pepsi. Cory and I made a deal that we won't buy Pepsi to have in the house anymore. If I'm out somewhere I'll get a glass but it's keeping it in the house that really caused me to drink it like it was water. So the Pepsi ran out a few days ago and I've done great so far. I'm trying to drink water all the time but it's tough to get into that routine too. I know for sure I don't drink enough water because I often feel dehydrated after working out.
I'm lucky to have a husband who really wants to make these changes with me. He has always told me I drink too much pop, eat too much fast food, and I knew he was right. It just took time for me to want to change it. I am at that place now. I hope I stay in that place. So we will buy healthier foods (that trip to the grocery store included no treats at all - no chips, cookies, cakes, or pop) and work together to become healthier in 2011. I'm proud to say that so far today I had high fibre cereal, fruit, salad, and a chicken sandwich to eat and it was all delicious. I just have to take it one day at a time.
What are your food weaknesses and how are you working to stay away from them?
I love the weekends because it means my hubby is home for a whole two days. It's a lot easier to care for a teething baby when you have two adults to pass him between! Poor Harrison is really bothered by his teeth today. I gave him Tylenol for the first time last night before bed as he seemed to be in quite a bit of pain. He isn't screaming but he is kind of half crying and is constantly chewing on anything he can. I felt his gums for the first time today (the thought of this really grossed me out so I deferred before today) and you can feel two raised nubs, so they are bound to come through any day. From what I understand though, many babies can be hysterical during this time, so I know I am lucky. He doesn't seem able to sleep as long during his naps and feeding him a bottle is a challenge because he just keeps wanting to chew on the nipple. Poor little guy. We are so proud of him for being a trooper. I wish they would just come through already. If anyone has any really good tips on how to soothe a teething baby, I would love to hear them!
Cory went grocery shopping today as we were pretty much out of everything. More importantly I needed food here quickly before I made a trip to McDonald's or something. As you probably read, I am trying to eat better this year. I am probably the worst eater out there. I eat like a five year old. Always have. I don't like vegetables. I don't like a lot of things, actually. Fast food is my weakness. I love it. I love it. I love it. Some people crave chocolate. Others crave salt. I crave a cheeseburger combo. I've been that way forever. I used to be able to eat whatever I wanted and not exercise at all and still be a stick. Those days have long since passed and despite upping my exercise routine (see yesterday's post), this baby weight doesn't appear to be going anywhere yet. So I'm forced to make some changes. I'll never be a really healthy eater. I am trying to improve though.
I'm not eliminating any particular foods from my diet. That's just trouble. If I said I would never eat fast food again I'd last maybe a week and then I would eat nothing else but for another week. I just have to limit myself to these "treats" once in a while. My other real weakness is Pepsi. Cory and I made a deal that we won't buy Pepsi to have in the house anymore. If I'm out somewhere I'll get a glass but it's keeping it in the house that really caused me to drink it like it was water. So the Pepsi ran out a few days ago and I've done great so far. I'm trying to drink water all the time but it's tough to get into that routine too. I know for sure I don't drink enough water because I often feel dehydrated after working out.
I'm lucky to have a husband who really wants to make these changes with me. He has always told me I drink too much pop, eat too much fast food, and I knew he was right. It just took time for me to want to change it. I am at that place now. I hope I stay in that place. So we will buy healthier foods (that trip to the grocery store included no treats at all - no chips, cookies, cakes, or pop) and work together to become healthier in 2011. I'm proud to say that so far today I had high fibre cereal, fruit, salad, and a chicken sandwich to eat and it was all delicious. I just have to take it one day at a time.
What are your food weaknesses and how are you working to stay away from them?
Friday, January 7, 2011
Exercise is good for the soul
Happy Friday everyone!
Exercise has become an important part of my life in the past couple of months. I am determined to get back to a healthier, in-shape me. I have only been "fit" once in my life, several years ago when I was going to a women's gym. My bestie and I were working out for an hour and a half to two hours a day, six days a week. We loved it. Eventually boredom and life got in the way and after eight months or so I stopped going. I've never found anything that kept me interested and motivated since then.
I gained a lot of weight during pregnancy. About 40 pounds. I have about 15 pounds left to go. That is, I have 15 pounds to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. That isn't my goal weight though. My goal weight would be about another 10 pounds less than that. It seems like a staggering amount. I know I can do it, though.
It's a lot easier to feel confident about losing the weight when I have found an exercise routine that I love and that I know I can stick with. Two days a week my Mom friends and our babies get together and workout. The workout is 30 seconds of a particular exercise followed by about a minute or so of cardio. Our fearless leader Cheryl makes up the workouts and keeps us going. We encourage each other and help each other. It's awesome. It's a tough workout too! Two other days a week Cheryl and I go to UFIT bootcamp. She convinced me to do this in November. I didn't want to try it at all. I thought I would be too out of shape, an outcast, and just not good enough, to be frank. Was I ever wrong! It's the best thing I could have done for myself. Gord, the instructor, is amazing. The other bootcampers are amazing. There are people of all different shapes, sizes, and ages. Everyone feels welcome and everyone helps keep each other going. It is the hardest thing I have ever done in terms of exercise but I CAN DO IT!
Last night was the first workout of the second session of bootcamp (they are five weeks long). We were joined by our good friend Jill who is a fellow Mom and the three of us kicked butt. I was amazed at how much more I was able to do in comparison to my first session in November. I have come such a long way and it is the best feeling.
When I got home last night my face was purple. I was soaked with sweat. I was stinky. I was sore. I was out of breath. I felt FANTASTIC! I started thinking about how everytime I get through one of these workouts, whether it be bootcamp or the Momma fitness group, I feel soooo good. I can't even explain it. I'm happier. I feel like I can do anything!
I really encourage any of you who feel like you could use some exercise in your life to really get yourself moving. Believe me, I was terrified to start bootcamp. I was sooo nervous that first day. I felt like I was going to throw up before I left and told Cory that I felt like I was off to my first day of school or at a new job. As soon as I started though, all my fears were gone. There are lots of different exercise programs and groups out there and I'm sure a lot of them are great. I can speak from experience that UFIT is an awesome environment and you definitely feel safe there. The UFIT classes that they have are much easier than bootcamp if you want to start off slower. You can work at your own pace and you don't have to pay a large sum of money up front - it's just $5 a class and you just drop in to the class, no sign up required. Give it a try and if want a harder challenge, think about signing up for bootcamp February!! Also, the group of Moms and I that workout would love to see some new faces! You don't have to be a Mom to go - anyone is welcome! Look up the group New Mommas Fitness on Facebook if you are interested. We usually work out Mondays and Fridays around 11 or 11:30 at the Stratford Town Hall. It's really fun! And it's free!
What exercise programs make you feel like you could do anything? Share with me!
Exercise has become an important part of my life in the past couple of months. I am determined to get back to a healthier, in-shape me. I have only been "fit" once in my life, several years ago when I was going to a women's gym. My bestie and I were working out for an hour and a half to two hours a day, six days a week. We loved it. Eventually boredom and life got in the way and after eight months or so I stopped going. I've never found anything that kept me interested and motivated since then.
I gained a lot of weight during pregnancy. About 40 pounds. I have about 15 pounds left to go. That is, I have 15 pounds to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. That isn't my goal weight though. My goal weight would be about another 10 pounds less than that. It seems like a staggering amount. I know I can do it, though.
It's a lot easier to feel confident about losing the weight when I have found an exercise routine that I love and that I know I can stick with. Two days a week my Mom friends and our babies get together and workout. The workout is 30 seconds of a particular exercise followed by about a minute or so of cardio. Our fearless leader Cheryl makes up the workouts and keeps us going. We encourage each other and help each other. It's awesome. It's a tough workout too! Two other days a week Cheryl and I go to UFIT bootcamp. She convinced me to do this in November. I didn't want to try it at all. I thought I would be too out of shape, an outcast, and just not good enough, to be frank. Was I ever wrong! It's the best thing I could have done for myself. Gord, the instructor, is amazing. The other bootcampers are amazing. There are people of all different shapes, sizes, and ages. Everyone feels welcome and everyone helps keep each other going. It is the hardest thing I have ever done in terms of exercise but I CAN DO IT!
Last night was the first workout of the second session of bootcamp (they are five weeks long). We were joined by our good friend Jill who is a fellow Mom and the three of us kicked butt. I was amazed at how much more I was able to do in comparison to my first session in November. I have come such a long way and it is the best feeling.
When I got home last night my face was purple. I was soaked with sweat. I was stinky. I was sore. I was out of breath. I felt FANTASTIC! I started thinking about how everytime I get through one of these workouts, whether it be bootcamp or the Momma fitness group, I feel soooo good. I can't even explain it. I'm happier. I feel like I can do anything!
I really encourage any of you who feel like you could use some exercise in your life to really get yourself moving. Believe me, I was terrified to start bootcamp. I was sooo nervous that first day. I felt like I was going to throw up before I left and told Cory that I felt like I was off to my first day of school or at a new job. As soon as I started though, all my fears were gone. There are lots of different exercise programs and groups out there and I'm sure a lot of them are great. I can speak from experience that UFIT is an awesome environment and you definitely feel safe there. The UFIT classes that they have are much easier than bootcamp if you want to start off slower. You can work at your own pace and you don't have to pay a large sum of money up front - it's just $5 a class and you just drop in to the class, no sign up required. Give it a try and if want a harder challenge, think about signing up for bootcamp February!! Also, the group of Moms and I that workout would love to see some new faces! You don't have to be a Mom to go - anyone is welcome! Look up the group New Mommas Fitness on Facebook if you are interested. We usually work out Mondays and Fridays around 11 or 11:30 at the Stratford Town Hall. It's really fun! And it's free!
What exercise programs make you feel like you could do anything? Share with me!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Quick Thoughts on The Bachelor
I finally watched the season premiere of The Bachelor. I am never a big fan of the first episode. I just find it more awkward than anything. Oh well, I got through it. I like Brad. I think he's handsome and I LOVE his accent. I never watched his first season on The Bachelor so I didn't have any negative feelings about him to start. I was disappointed that it wasn't Chris from Ali's season, though!
One thing that got to me from this episode is how mad these women are at him. Can someone explain to me what exactly he did that was so terrible? He got slapped and tore down from these women because he didn't propose to someone for the sake of TV? Because he didn't fall in love? Because he didn't pretend to be in the best relationship of his life only to break up weeks later and hash it out on a TV special (Jake and Vienna anyone?)? I don't get it. I understand why the audience would be disappointed but the guy doesn't deserve
all the bullsh** he is taking in my opinion.
Like I said, though, I understand why the audience would feel cheated after watching every week only to have him not choose anyone. That is why I always read Reality Steve's column before each season starts. There is no way I am going to watch every episode and think he is perfect for one or two girls only to have him choose the worst girl at the end. I just won't do that to myself. I won't ever comment on what will happen at the end though, so don't worry.
What do you guys think of Brad?
One thing that got to me from this episode is how mad these women are at him. Can someone explain to me what exactly he did that was so terrible? He got slapped and tore down from these women because he didn't propose to someone for the sake of TV? Because he didn't fall in love? Because he didn't pretend to be in the best relationship of his life only to break up weeks later and hash it out on a TV special (Jake and Vienna anyone?)? I don't get it. I understand why the audience would be disappointed but the guy doesn't deserve
all the bullsh** he is taking in my opinion.
Like I said, though, I understand why the audience would feel cheated after watching every week only to have him not choose anyone. That is why I always read Reality Steve's column before each season starts. There is no way I am going to watch every episode and think he is perfect for one or two girls only to have him choose the worst girl at the end. I just won't do that to myself. I won't ever comment on what will happen at the end though, so don't worry.
What do you guys think of Brad?
It's Award Show Season - Hooray!
The new year brings with it a slew of award shows and I LOVE IT!! I know, I know - I am a complete geek. My brother and I have loved the award shows since we were kids. We would get treats and stay up late and cheer on our favourite singers, actors, and movies.
The Golden Globes are my favourite because they include movies and television - the best of both worlds. Plus, this year they are being hosted by Ricky Gervais who I find delightfully hilarious. The best part about the nominations this year is that the movies that are up for the big awards are ones I have actually heard of. I have yet to see any of them but my plan is to watch all five before the show next Sunday. They are Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, The King's Speech, and The Social Network. I haven't seen any of them yet! I have Black Swan and The Social Network downloaded and ready to go. Have you guys seen any of them? What did you think? Fill me in!
It's always fun when your very favourite shows are nominated as well. Lucky for me, I am a huge fan of Modern Family and Glee which are highly regarded in the awards world. If only my favourite dramatic shows were as well received. Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice unfortunately don't get recognized much anymore.
I watched the first awards show of the season last night - the People's Choice Awards. I am never a big watcher of this one because it always seems like they give the awards to whoever accepted the invitation to the show and is sitting in the audience. It was a very awkward broadcast. Queen Latifah was the host and she made a lot of jokes that nobody laughed at, and I found myself closing my eyes and wanting them to just get on with the next award. Even then, though, when they brought out the celebrities to present the award it was even more awkward. They would read from the teleprompter something that was undoubtedly supposed to be funny and cute but it more often than not came off flat and embarrassing. I had to do a lot of fast-forwarding on my DVR.
Anyway, I am embarrassed to say that I am incredibly excited for the Golden Globes and I hope that I can convince my hubby to watch with me and indulge me as I cheer on my favourites. Anyone else an awards show junkie like me?
The Golden Globes are my favourite because they include movies and television - the best of both worlds. Plus, this year they are being hosted by Ricky Gervais who I find delightfully hilarious. The best part about the nominations this year is that the movies that are up for the big awards are ones I have actually heard of. I have yet to see any of them but my plan is to watch all five before the show next Sunday. They are Black Swan, The Fighter, Inception, The King's Speech, and The Social Network. I haven't seen any of them yet! I have Black Swan and The Social Network downloaded and ready to go. Have you guys seen any of them? What did you think? Fill me in!
It's always fun when your very favourite shows are nominated as well. Lucky for me, I am a huge fan of Modern Family and Glee which are highly regarded in the awards world. If only my favourite dramatic shows were as well received. Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice unfortunately don't get recognized much anymore.
I watched the first awards show of the season last night - the People's Choice Awards. I am never a big watcher of this one because it always seems like they give the awards to whoever accepted the invitation to the show and is sitting in the audience. It was a very awkward broadcast. Queen Latifah was the host and she made a lot of jokes that nobody laughed at, and I found myself closing my eyes and wanting them to just get on with the next award. Even then, though, when they brought out the celebrities to present the award it was even more awkward. They would read from the teleprompter something that was undoubtedly supposed to be funny and cute but it more often than not came off flat and embarrassing. I had to do a lot of fast-forwarding on my DVR.
Anyway, I am embarrassed to say that I am incredibly excited for the Golden Globes and I hope that I can convince my hubby to watch with me and indulge me as I cheer on my favourites. Anyone else an awards show junkie like me?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
More of my 2011 plans!
Hey everyone! Look at me, it's day two of my blog and I am working on my second post. Yes!! I have already made more progress than the last time I tried to do this.
So, yesterday I shared with you a few of my goals for this new year. They all pertained to the same thing - getting healthy and back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Actually, let's make that back to my wedding weight.
Today I have a few more goals to share with you. They may seem small and pointless to all of you but I want to remember every single moment of Harrison's first year. I find myself already forgetting the details of his birth. I am always asking my husband to "tell me the story of when I went into labour." haha.
So some more of my goals include to print off all the pictures I take of him regularly. If you have me on facebook - which I'm guessing you do if you are reading this - you know I take a lot of pics of our little Harrison. Kind of a proud Momma! I need to print these pictures off and put them in photo albums, so I have hard evidence of all the fun we had and all the cuteness that was his first year. You may be aware that I have few photos of me as a baby. My brother has an entire album of just his first few days! Kinda bitter about that! Just kidding, Mom. It's the classic first child thing. I'm sure I'll be the same. Who will have time to take pictures, print them off, and put them in albums when you have a new baby and a young child running around? Anyway - so I have all his pictures up to November printed off but only up until September or so are in the album. I have a lot of work ahead of me. It may seem like a such a simple task, but let me tell you I am good at procrastinating.
Next, I have yet to write a single thing in his baby book. I really want to work on this. I don't have a baby book, but I love to look back on sentimental things like photos and journals and all that good stuff from my childhood. So, I want Harrison to have that too. I want him to have a record of all his important milestones. I want to be able to one day share with him the details of my pregnancy, his birth, his first few days, and his first few months (when he is old enough to care). I want to be able to show it to his girlfriend and have him be all embarrassed about it. It will be so fun! So yeah, I need to work on that.
Finally, I want to do up a scrapbook of his first year. Yes, I know, this is some first year overload. I told you I was a proud Mom, didn't I? I got this really cute, colourful animal scrapbook. It's really adorable. We love animals in this family, so it's very appropriate. Anyway, it is just sitting in the plastic wrap filled with pretty paper and fun stickers just waiting for me to be creative! Creativity is important. I am not a creative person, though. I want to be! I will be.
There are still a few more goals to go - I guess I am being ambitious this year. I'll talk about those tomorrow! Thanks for reading. I would love to hear any of your goals for 2011 if you want to share :)
PS - I wanted to say I'm not an expert on grammar. I'm sure I'll make lots of mistakes so just ignore them if you can!
So, yesterday I shared with you a few of my goals for this new year. They all pertained to the same thing - getting healthy and back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Actually, let's make that back to my wedding weight.
Today I have a few more goals to share with you. They may seem small and pointless to all of you but I want to remember every single moment of Harrison's first year. I find myself already forgetting the details of his birth. I am always asking my husband to "tell me the story of when I went into labour." haha.
So some more of my goals include to print off all the pictures I take of him regularly. If you have me on facebook - which I'm guessing you do if you are reading this - you know I take a lot of pics of our little Harrison. Kind of a proud Momma! I need to print these pictures off and put them in photo albums, so I have hard evidence of all the fun we had and all the cuteness that was his first year. You may be aware that I have few photos of me as a baby. My brother has an entire album of just his first few days! Kinda bitter about that! Just kidding, Mom. It's the classic first child thing. I'm sure I'll be the same. Who will have time to take pictures, print them off, and put them in albums when you have a new baby and a young child running around? Anyway - so I have all his pictures up to November printed off but only up until September or so are in the album. I have a lot of work ahead of me. It may seem like a such a simple task, but let me tell you I am good at procrastinating.
Next, I have yet to write a single thing in his baby book. I really want to work on this. I don't have a baby book, but I love to look back on sentimental things like photos and journals and all that good stuff from my childhood. So, I want Harrison to have that too. I want him to have a record of all his important milestones. I want to be able to one day share with him the details of my pregnancy, his birth, his first few days, and his first few months (when he is old enough to care). I want to be able to show it to his girlfriend and have him be all embarrassed about it. It will be so fun! So yeah, I need to work on that.
Finally, I want to do up a scrapbook of his first year. Yes, I know, this is some first year overload. I told you I was a proud Mom, didn't I? I got this really cute, colourful animal scrapbook. It's really adorable. We love animals in this family, so it's very appropriate. Anyway, it is just sitting in the plastic wrap filled with pretty paper and fun stickers just waiting for me to be creative! Creativity is important. I am not a creative person, though. I want to be! I will be.
There are still a few more goals to go - I guess I am being ambitious this year. I'll talk about those tomorrow! Thanks for reading. I would love to hear any of your goals for 2011 if you want to share :)
PS - I wanted to say I'm not an expert on grammar. I'm sure I'll make lots of mistakes so just ignore them if you can!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to my new blog! This is my second attempt at one and this time I am determined to keep up with it. I created Lady Jewell (a really dumb name) a few years ago and made exactly one post. Times have changed since I created that one and I have no sweet clue how to sign into it anymore. So I am starting fresh for 2011!
I always thought I wouldn't have enough to say to keep a blog. I still think that, actually. I'll do my best though. It probably won't be interesting enough for some of you, but it's just for fun!
One of my (many) goals for 2011 is to keep a blog. Other goals that I made include:
The second one will be hard too but easier in the winter when I don't get out as much because of the weather and the bad roads.
The third one is probably the easiest for me right now which is so hard to believe. This time last year I would never have guessed I would be back to exercising four times a week. It's all thanks to people who keep me motivated and hold me accountable (thanks Cheryl!). Oh, and the $100 per 5 weeks I have to shell out for bootcamp.
I have more goals (notice I choose to say goals rather than resolutions - I think it's because I feel less pressure when I say goals) for this new year but I will leave those for another day, and another post.
Thanks for reading everyone - I hope you'll stick with me as I try to make 2011 my second best year yet (I don't think I will ever top 2010 thanks to the cutie pie in my picture :)
PS - I encourage all of you to start blogs and send me along the links. I love reading them!
I always thought I wouldn't have enough to say to keep a blog. I still think that, actually. I'll do my best though. It probably won't be interesting enough for some of you, but it's just for fun!
One of my (many) goals for 2011 is to keep a blog. Other goals that I made include:
- Drink less Pepsi
- Eat out less
- Keep up UFIT bootcamp and twice a week workouts with my Mom friends
The second one will be hard too but easier in the winter when I don't get out as much because of the weather and the bad roads.
The third one is probably the easiest for me right now which is so hard to believe. This time last year I would never have guessed I would be back to exercising four times a week. It's all thanks to people who keep me motivated and hold me accountable (thanks Cheryl!). Oh, and the $100 per 5 weeks I have to shell out for bootcamp.
I have more goals (notice I choose to say goals rather than resolutions - I think it's because I feel less pressure when I say goals) for this new year but I will leave those for another day, and another post.
Thanks for reading everyone - I hope you'll stick with me as I try to make 2011 my second best year yet (I don't think I will ever top 2010 thanks to the cutie pie in my picture :)
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