Shred is now a bad word in my dictionary of life...

If you follow me on facebook, you've seen me make a couple of posts about "Shred". It is a workout video by the demon Jilian Michaels of "The Biggest Loser". I'd read about it on the Suburban Turmoil blog some time back and it kept creaping into my psyche. Now, if you all know me well, you know I would rather roll around in broken glass then exercise. But, I feel it's a bad sign when you go to the doctor for an ear infection (which really wasn't, but that's neither here nor there) and he gets on you about your weight. Wasn't aware the two were related, but apparently he felt the need to find the correlation. But, it was also what I needed. When we were living in Olathe, I lost a bunch of weight (nearly 40 pounds). In the year and a half since we've been back, I've put most of that back on. I've been trying to ignore the size of my pants or how I used to look all slim and svelte in certain tops and now they hug me a little more than they should. But, it isn't all about vanity, either. High cholesterol runs in my family and it has invaded my life. My cholesterol is almost 100 points higher than it should be. At 32 that is unacceptable. (OK at any age it is unacceptable.) I have four kids and a husband to think about and I'd like to enjoy grandkids someday. So, that's what kicked my butt down the fitness aisle at the store. There it was, staring me in the face. Jilian was looking at me. Taunting me. I could here her whispering that there was no way I could master her video. So, I grabbed it up, threw it in my cart, added some hand weights and headed for the checkout. For a few days the video sat on my dresser. I looked at it, but wasn't quite ready. After all, I had New Year's Eve and Mariah's birthday lunch that I had to get through first. I made Monday THE day. I took the kids to school, came home, changed clothes and popped Jilian into the DVD player. I was thinking positive that I wasn't in THAT bad of shape. I mean, surely level one wouldn't be that bad. WRONG. I was ready to strangle Jilian and her fabulous-looking sidekicks about 3 minutes into the exercise. (Not counting the warm-up) But, I persevered and finished. I was sweaty and out of breath. But, I'd done it. I was proud of myself. I decided to drink my water and treat myself to some computer time before bed. Big mistake. I could barely get out of my chair because my legs were now made of rubber. I hurt everywhere. By the next morning I didn't feel too bad so I attempted day 2. I did a little better, but am now more sore. But, the funny thing is, I feel good. I am doing something to improve my life. I am setting an example for my kids. When I get brave enough I will post pictures of "before" and then throughout the process. As good as I feel though, I'd still give anything to strangle Jilian!

Scrapbooker's Delight

With the holidays just around the corner, I find myself perusing Etsy a little more than normal. I'm involved in several gift exchanges and always like to find something a little different. I came across Hebeaccessories and found this adorable tape. I have a "thing" for matroyshka dolls, so this is right up my alley. If I scrapbooked I would probably squeal with delight opening this little treasure. So, check them out! Lots of cute stuff and oh so affordable!



http://www.etsy.com/shop/Hebeaccessories

Personalized

Having 3 kids can create quite the quandry when it comes to purchasing items. They all want what each other has, but if you buy identical you can't ever tell them apart! My kids love having things with their names on, especially the younger two since it's difficult to find anything with their name! I found these last year and they were a HUGE hit! I think Santa will possibly purchase the matching bowls this year. So, if you like personalized stuff, check out www.emtannerdesigns.com

Grumpy

I think that is my new name. It seems that is what Nathan and the kids are calling me as of late. But, I can't blame them. I am GRUMPY. I did something stupid. I decided that I would attempt to get off of my Paxil. I'm not sure why I made that decision. It must have been temporary insanity. But, I know it was a mistake. I know that a lot of people look down on other people who take this type of medicine. Or they have some kind of pre-conceived notion of what "kind" of people take it. But let me tell you, I didn't ask for this. Anxiety and depression run in my family. I think almost every female on either side suffer from one or both. For many years I suffered through it; barely being able to go out to dinner or go shopping without feeling like I was going to get sick or hyperventilate, or both. After many heart to hearts with family members, friends and my doctor we all came to the conclusion that the stigma of being medicated was worth it if I could lead a "normal" life. Well, fast forward to a few weeks ago. I thought I was doing OK and for some reason thought I'd be brilliant and attempt to live my life without my Paxil. Bad idea. I often have days where I feel like I can hardly breathe or like I am coming out of my skin. It has been exasterbated by issues going on at work. I've come to the conclusion that I will most likely have to be on this for the rest of my life. But, I am finally growing OK with it. Some people just need "help" and I guess I am one of those people. (And I really can't believe I just shared that with the entire internet world.)

For the Shoe Lover

I am a confessed shoe whore and have apparently passed the trait along to my girls. (I could have passed along worse!) I've been trying to come up with a scheme for girls' room (whenever Hubs decides to finish it) and I think these would look fantastic smattered about the walls.



http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7220533

Look Good Enough To Eat...

Even though they are vegan, I think I will pass. These soaps are so.stinkin'.cute! Made by DirtyAssSoaps on Etsy. I think these will make adorable party favors!



http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5111675

Etsy

It's no big secret that I LOVE to shop. Seriously. Especially when it comes to my kids. It must be something inherited from my mom. (I like to pass blame.) I've been a huge Ebayer for years. Sadly enough, I've bought more than I've sold. Then, along came Etsy. I did my damndest to stay away. I really did. But there is just TOO much cute stuff. And I am a sucker for custom-made items. (Shoot, the kids used to be Ebay models on the custom circuit for a while.) I had been doing really well and hadn't purchased a single item, just coveted them until Mother's Day. I found something I wanted and Nathan ordered one for me and his mom. Now, I am truly hooked. Guess I'd better start selling on Ebay to fund my passion for Etsy. So, every once in a while I'll hook you up with some of my favorite sellers. The first is The Vintage Pearl. Nathan bought me an awesome necklace for Mother's Day that has the kids's names stamped on it. The second is a gal who makes the cutest placemats. What great gifts!

(This is not the necklace that Nathan purchased for me, but similar)



http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5135533



http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6105239

I figure if I'm going to be addicted, I'm NOT doing it alone!