I was a GS once (AKA Girl Scout) and would find myself knee deep in the snow selling cookies around my Sunhaven neighborhood. Door to door was the old school way; face to face and personal was the only way to pass off those thin mints. Now every time you walk into the grocery store you are bombarded by delightful little ladies pleading for you to purchase a Tagalong (my favorite)! I was recently suckered into buying 4 boxes by my very sweet coworkers daughter Helen. Helen is now 9 years old and her GS troop is great...I know because I was a personal helper one day and planted ferns. Unfortunately I am on a super strict no sugar plan until Easter so my cookies will have to rest under my desk at work. I can not have them at my house, or even in the freezer, as I know I will have an attack one night and go crazy. My other coworkers have had their cookies open since Monday and I am hearing stories of eating an entire sleeve of thin mints in one sitting. I know those stories; I am the authentic author of one too many GS cookie tastings.
So for all you little "scouts" don't think I am unsupportive of your desire to get as many patches as possible---this past GS lady needs to be able to fit into her pants again! 6 1/2 weeks until Easter (or the cookie feed!)
My favorite shade of blue...
Last night while Kent was sitting at the computer he was sort of mumbling to himself. He started talking to me about my blog, but I was in another room and couldn't hear what he was saying. When I walked into his little computer area he was scrolling through my Valentine's post and mentioning that something was missing. I smiled because I knew what it was...I didn't mention that while I was making the dinner course he had placed a small tote of my favorite shade of blue...Tiffany Blue to be matter of fact. We were eating and talking and I truly did not see the bag sitting there for quite some time. Of course I was terribly excited when I saw it; in fact I squealed.
Earlier in the morning while Kent was opening his gift I was being a woman and trying not to be selfish and told him I hoped he hadn't bought me anything. He did present me with a beautiful card that listed 25 things he loved about me. So sweet...secretly though I wondered if there wasn't a little something for me. Yet, he went into the shower and we moved on with the day I had planned. Frankly I forgot about it, except when we went shopping and I secretly left him in the men's department to purchase a necklace super fast that I would disguise as my valentines gift from him. Tricky and rude..yes..but sometimes a girl had to do what a girl has to do.
Fast forward a few hours and after my squeal I ripped into the bag and box and found a fabulous bracelet to match the necklace Kent had given me for our first Valentine's Day together. He is so sweet..I love him. I didn't mention it in the previous post because 1)I was rude and bought my own gift 2) I love that he was so excited and snuck it on the table---it was my own little fun secret into how amazing my husband is.
So honey...let the world know that you have in fact remembered again my favorite shade of blue. Along with also knowing how great BIG diamonds are on an above average sized woman---the little diamonds just get lost!
I love how the bracelet closes...
Earlier in the morning while Kent was opening his gift I was being a woman and trying not to be selfish and told him I hoped he hadn't bought me anything. He did present me with a beautiful card that listed 25 things he loved about me. So sweet...secretly though I wondered if there wasn't a little something for me. Yet, he went into the shower and we moved on with the day I had planned. Frankly I forgot about it, except when we went shopping and I secretly left him in the men's department to purchase a necklace super fast that I would disguise as my valentines gift from him. Tricky and rude..yes..but sometimes a girl had to do what a girl has to do.
Fast forward a few hours and after my squeal I ripped into the bag and box and found a fabulous bracelet to match the necklace Kent had given me for our first Valentine's Day together. He is so sweet..I love him. I didn't mention it in the previous post because 1)I was rude and bought my own gift 2) I love that he was so excited and snuck it on the table---it was my own little fun secret into how amazing my husband is.
So honey...let the world know that you have in fact remembered again my favorite shade of blue. Along with also knowing how great BIG diamonds are on an above average sized woman---the little diamonds just get lost!
I love how the bracelet closes...
1st Valentine's Day
I am a little late in posting this week, but I wanted to share the super fun Valentine's Week-end I had with Kent. It wasn't about extravagant gifts, it was more about spending time with one another and our friends.
On Friday night we went to Sushi with Monika and Miles, who are 2 of my favorite people. Miles recently moved here from the London area so I love to just listen to him; his accent is so fabulous I could listen to him read the dictionary. He is so funny and I love his perspectives on American culture, specifically "Americana". I am a tad worry as so far, his greatest experience of this "Americana," was his recent viewing of the Monster Truck Pulls that were in the Tacoma Dome. He thought it was bloody fantastic and I can only think we have a mere crisis on our hands..this can not be his ideal vision of being an American. His multitude of photos are hands down hilarious and to listen to him speak of the dirt, the trucks, the people; it is really priceless.
Saturday morning I woke up early and made Kent heart shaped toast and picked us up a latte. The toast was cute, but I must have picked up the largest heart shaped cookie cutter possible as the bottom of the heart just didn't make it. I spent the next hour preparing our dining room for the dinner I was making Kent. I decided I didn't want to go out for dinner, I was going to make it. I had a really fun menu planned:
Appetizer
Buffalo Mozzarella with Fresh Basil and Balsamic
Toasted Baguette
Salad Course
Endive and Frisee Salad with Oranges
Parmesan, Basil and Lemon Wafers
Main Course
Fettuccine with Chicken, Pesto, Sun-dried Tomatoes
and Pine Nuts
Dessert
Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake with
Raspberry Chocolate Ganache Filling
Limoncello Liqueur
The gifts I gave Kent were then centered around our dinner. I bought these beautiful green glasses that I served wine in, new linens, candle holders and plates. I love that Kent enjoys a beautiful table setting. We have so many wonderful items from our wedding and it was so much fun to see the crystal goblets, the beautiful butter dish Lucy bought us but was embarrassed about it (seriously..it is so pretty) and all of the other components come together. Here is a few photos,but it was so much prettier while sitting there.
Once the table was set we went to Woodinville to a winery and did a Wine and Chocolate tasting. The place was so busy and chaotic...here I thought this was going to be a romantic fun thing- well apparently hundreds of other people thought the same thing. We braved it and managed though.
Once we finished with the tasting we stopped by the Bellevue Square Mall and picked up the artwork we bought our non-existant, but future offspring. Of course I felt the need to window shop as we never go to the Eastside. Let's just say we helped stimulate the economy a little.
Dinner turned out really great and it was very fun and romantic. The romance didn't stop that evening though as the following day we found ourselves at an engagement party for two of our friends, Trever and Colleen. It brought me back to my own engagement with Kent and our surprise party. It was just a fun, fun week-end and one that I am very grateful for. My love and admiration for Kent grows stronger each day. Thank you honey! Love your muffin
On Friday night we went to Sushi with Monika and Miles, who are 2 of my favorite people. Miles recently moved here from the London area so I love to just listen to him; his accent is so fabulous I could listen to him read the dictionary. He is so funny and I love his perspectives on American culture, specifically "Americana". I am a tad worry as so far, his greatest experience of this "Americana," was his recent viewing of the Monster Truck Pulls that were in the Tacoma Dome. He thought it was bloody fantastic and I can only think we have a mere crisis on our hands..this can not be his ideal vision of being an American. His multitude of photos are hands down hilarious and to listen to him speak of the dirt, the trucks, the people; it is really priceless.
Saturday morning I woke up early and made Kent heart shaped toast and picked us up a latte. The toast was cute, but I must have picked up the largest heart shaped cookie cutter possible as the bottom of the heart just didn't make it. I spent the next hour preparing our dining room for the dinner I was making Kent. I decided I didn't want to go out for dinner, I was going to make it. I had a really fun menu planned:
Appetizer
Buffalo Mozzarella with Fresh Basil and Balsamic
Toasted Baguette
Salad Course
Endive and Frisee Salad with Oranges
Parmesan, Basil and Lemon Wafers
Main Course
Fettuccine with Chicken, Pesto, Sun-dried Tomatoes
and Pine Nuts
Dessert
Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake with
Raspberry Chocolate Ganache Filling
Limoncello Liqueur
The gifts I gave Kent were then centered around our dinner. I bought these beautiful green glasses that I served wine in, new linens, candle holders and plates. I love that Kent enjoys a beautiful table setting. We have so many wonderful items from our wedding and it was so much fun to see the crystal goblets, the beautiful butter dish Lucy bought us but was embarrassed about it (seriously..it is so pretty) and all of the other components come together. Here is a few photos,but it was so much prettier while sitting there.
Once the table was set we went to Woodinville to a winery and did a Wine and Chocolate tasting. The place was so busy and chaotic...here I thought this was going to be a romantic fun thing- well apparently hundreds of other people thought the same thing. We braved it and managed though.
Once we finished with the tasting we stopped by the Bellevue Square Mall and picked up the artwork we bought our non-existant, but future offspring. Of course I felt the need to window shop as we never go to the Eastside. Let's just say we helped stimulate the economy a little.
Dinner turned out really great and it was very fun and romantic. The romance didn't stop that evening though as the following day we found ourselves at an engagement party for two of our friends, Trever and Colleen. It brought me back to my own engagement with Kent and our surprise party. It was just a fun, fun week-end and one that I am very grateful for. My love and admiration for Kent grows stronger each day. Thank you honey! Love your muffin
Enough is enough....
My brain and heart are singing this song as I am done with being upset and pissy about my body and ready to just move on and take things as they come. My tears were flowing for a long time last night and Kent was very sweet and sensitive and didn't push me to stop. Sometimes my tears are like a flood that just needs to flow. For many years I held my emotions in to only have a major emotional breakdown later down the road.
I've been thinking today about how I will need to really limit my carbs again and all I really need to think about is what I want in life. Do I want a big yummy piece of baguette...or a baby. Bread is good...but I would rather have a family with Kent. Last night when I was telling Kent that it just does not seem fair; that I am constantly in a struggle with my weight. He is so great at listening and reminding me that we all have things in our lives that seem unfair. I really am so fortunate to be able to walk, think, talk, hear and I am really funny. So my disco song is going to resonate in me for a tad longer as I prepare to try and move on.
I've been thinking today about how I will need to really limit my carbs again and all I really need to think about is what I want in life. Do I want a big yummy piece of baguette...or a baby. Bread is good...but I would rather have a family with Kent. Last night when I was telling Kent that it just does not seem fair; that I am constantly in a struggle with my weight. He is so great at listening and reminding me that we all have things in our lives that seem unfair. I really am so fortunate to be able to walk, think, talk, hear and I am really funny. So my disco song is going to resonate in me for a tad longer as I prepare to try and move on.
TMI
Yesterday I was really looking forward to going to my Dr. appointment. Crazy, yes, but it was exciting for me. I was meeting with a new Gynecologist for a pre-pregnancy appointment to discuss what steps I should be taking. I have been reading some items on the Internet and I am officially off of birth control, but we are using condoms, as we don't want to get pregnant prior to going to Italy.
While I was in the exam room talking to her she brought up something that I had honestly forgot about. In 2001 I was about 65-70 pounds heavier than I am now. At that point I was needing to see an Endocrinologist to work on my blood sugars etc. It was at these appointments that I was told I had PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. When I read the brochures and scoured the Internet I was more annoyed at the fact that this is a cause of acne, thinning hair, hair in weird places (I call them goat hairs--those nasty weird facial hairs), weight gain and difficulty in losing weight etc. The other huge thing is difficulty with pregnancy or becoming pregnant. I remember being sad about that, but I was also living my usual single life and I truthfully never thought I would get married and have children. Well fast forward 8 years and I am now married and wanting children. So when the Dr. brought up the fact that I had PCOS I was not upset as I figured everything would be back to normal due to my weight loss.
It was during this appointment that she looked at me and started discussing medications we would probably use to help me get pregnant. She is fine with my weight and knows that I am working on it. I left feeling sad, but OK. Then I went back on the Internet and I remembered everything I was sad about years ago....45% chance of miscarriage compared to 15% chance for a woman without PCOS. There were multiple risks and complications that can occur. The severity of PCOS varies and I can help reduce these symptoms through fitness and nutrition. It also reminded me again why I should be on a fairly low-carb diet (not Atkins filled with Bacon) but the fact that my body doesn't process insulin correctly and carbs/sugars just flood the bloodstream and cause problems.
I have a little anger right now as I am thinking that I did all of that hard work on my own. I didn't take prescriptions or have surgery---I worked out. I worked out so hard that it hurt to use the bathroom because my legs were so sore I could barely bend to sit. My abs use to be so sore that I couldn't sit up in bed--I had to just roll out. I did all this hard work so that I wouldn't become diabetic and that I could find a little more peace with my body. I am keeping my chin up and not thinking that everything was done in vain.
Last week Kent and I went to an art gallery that was hosting Robert Deyber and his new book and works. Kent and I fell in love with his work in New Orleans and he gave me one of his prints for a wedding gift. While we were at the gallery I found this...and I wanted it.
The work is titled Party Animal II and I love it. The first thing that came to my mind was that this should be in a baby's room. So we did it, we bought our future baby their first piece of art. We had the artist sign the back "To the future little Davis". I am not hanging this piece anywhere else, except in a baby's room. I am going to practice my belief in myself and that all things happen for a reason. I will learn what my body's limits are and what I am capable of changing. I am sad right now that once again I am feeling anger for this body that has caused me grief since I was 5. Age 5 was when I was told by the school nurse that I was overweight and my life long grief over my weight and body has continued through the present time. I'm not feeling like I need to be pitied. I'm just feeling a bit of sadness, but I am still encouraged by my amazing husband who is my true support. Everything will be OK, one way or another.
While I was in the exam room talking to her she brought up something that I had honestly forgot about. In 2001 I was about 65-70 pounds heavier than I am now. At that point I was needing to see an Endocrinologist to work on my blood sugars etc. It was at these appointments that I was told I had PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. When I read the brochures and scoured the Internet I was more annoyed at the fact that this is a cause of acne, thinning hair, hair in weird places (I call them goat hairs--those nasty weird facial hairs), weight gain and difficulty in losing weight etc. The other huge thing is difficulty with pregnancy or becoming pregnant. I remember being sad about that, but I was also living my usual single life and I truthfully never thought I would get married and have children. Well fast forward 8 years and I am now married and wanting children. So when the Dr. brought up the fact that I had PCOS I was not upset as I figured everything would be back to normal due to my weight loss.
It was during this appointment that she looked at me and started discussing medications we would probably use to help me get pregnant. She is fine with my weight and knows that I am working on it. I left feeling sad, but OK. Then I went back on the Internet and I remembered everything I was sad about years ago....45% chance of miscarriage compared to 15% chance for a woman without PCOS. There were multiple risks and complications that can occur. The severity of PCOS varies and I can help reduce these symptoms through fitness and nutrition. It also reminded me again why I should be on a fairly low-carb diet (not Atkins filled with Bacon) but the fact that my body doesn't process insulin correctly and carbs/sugars just flood the bloodstream and cause problems.
I have a little anger right now as I am thinking that I did all of that hard work on my own. I didn't take prescriptions or have surgery---I worked out. I worked out so hard that it hurt to use the bathroom because my legs were so sore I could barely bend to sit. My abs use to be so sore that I couldn't sit up in bed--I had to just roll out. I did all this hard work so that I wouldn't become diabetic and that I could find a little more peace with my body. I am keeping my chin up and not thinking that everything was done in vain.
Last week Kent and I went to an art gallery that was hosting Robert Deyber and his new book and works. Kent and I fell in love with his work in New Orleans and he gave me one of his prints for a wedding gift. While we were at the gallery I found this...and I wanted it.
The work is titled Party Animal II and I love it. The first thing that came to my mind was that this should be in a baby's room. So we did it, we bought our future baby their first piece of art. We had the artist sign the back "To the future little Davis". I am not hanging this piece anywhere else, except in a baby's room. I am going to practice my belief in myself and that all things happen for a reason. I will learn what my body's limits are and what I am capable of changing. I am sad right now that once again I am feeling anger for this body that has caused me grief since I was 5. Age 5 was when I was told by the school nurse that I was overweight and my life long grief over my weight and body has continued through the present time. I'm not feeling like I need to be pitied. I'm just feeling a bit of sadness, but I am still encouraged by my amazing husband who is my true support. Everything will be OK, one way or another.
TGIF
Today's TGIF seems like an impossible task. I have about a million things to be grateful for, yet my mind is pretty full of pissy-ness right now. I don't even know how to spell it, that's how annoyed I am. It could be a lack of sugar; I'm serious that I have been doing great on my food intake and fitness. I'm feeling like I just want to get crap done, check it off my list, and move on to the next. I'm in a serious take charge mode, but I'm not the only one in charge. I've been feeling very slighted lately and I know it is nobody's intentions or fault. I'm even feeling like my thoughts are opinions are not of equal measure. I don't even know why I am writing this down. I vowed that my blog would be my life, and here it is. I do try to be a relaxed person and take things as they come. I know though that preparation and organization are just the key to my ability to relax. I spend my entire work week quickly analyzing a situation and then coming up with 3 possible ways to solve the situation and move on to the next. I easily can take multiple things coming at me at once, yet this week, I'm not moving with such grace in my personal life. I suppose we all have off-week's once in awhile, I am ready for this one to end.
Looks like a pump....feels like a sneaker
This ad for Easy Spirit shoes makes me laugh my butt off. Those ladies in their bad 80's business suits, complete with shoulder pads and white nylons, wearing high heels and playing basketball.
Kent and I have officially begun month number 2 of our health/weightloss journey and I couldn't be more pleased. We have been working out religiously and our food options have been great. I am back in the kitchen again and almost surprising myself. It was a little ridiculous to start a rosemary crusted pork tenderloin and homemade low-fat risotto at 7pm last night, but it was quite tasty when we were finally able to eat.
This morning while I was getting dressed I felt a little excitement as I started picking out what I was going to wear. For the first time in several months I wasn't afraid to try on a pair of pants. Now there are many pairs that are still too tight, but I have a few new pairs to add to my "current selection." I'm not really in the mood anymore to beat myself up about my constant yo-yoing. What is really more important is to focus on how to not find myself in this situation of gaining and then struggling to lose. The reason of why I over eat is the trouble. Food has always been my comfort, even at the smallest of age. Now that I am married I am finding myself feeling trapped by my food portions as I think the plates I dish up should be equal portions. I am a big girl, but I don't need to eat the same that Kent is, particularly since he is a man and is not sitting at a desk all day long. I am also that type of person who eats because other people are eating, not because I am hungry. It is such a struggle, but the more I stay in the moment, and ask myself why I am about to eat something, it helps. I think classifying myself as a food addict is tough, but in many ways it is the truth. I will always struggle with my weight. Struggling is not always a negative thing though. Maybe I can think of myself as focusing on my health.
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Before I met Kent I was pretty active with my fitness and set out many goals. Here is a picture of me finishing a sprint triathlon. My trainer Chris and I usually do these competitions together and she will run me in to the finish line. What I love it that at the end of the race I am usually so tired that I don't think I will be able to make it, and then I see her waiting for me. She motivates me to push it to the very end. We all need motivators in our life, and right now that motivator is me. Last night while I was on the treadmill I was feeling tired, but those last few minutes I just went for it. It felt great and I am looking forward to more of these great feelings of accomplishments.
Kent and I have officially begun month number 2 of our health/weightloss journey and I couldn't be more pleased. We have been working out religiously and our food options have been great. I am back in the kitchen again and almost surprising myself. It was a little ridiculous to start a rosemary crusted pork tenderloin and homemade low-fat risotto at 7pm last night, but it was quite tasty when we were finally able to eat.
This morning while I was getting dressed I felt a little excitement as I started picking out what I was going to wear. For the first time in several months I wasn't afraid to try on a pair of pants. Now there are many pairs that are still too tight, but I have a few new pairs to add to my "current selection." I'm not really in the mood anymore to beat myself up about my constant yo-yoing. What is really more important is to focus on how to not find myself in this situation of gaining and then struggling to lose. The reason of why I over eat is the trouble. Food has always been my comfort, even at the smallest of age. Now that I am married I am finding myself feeling trapped by my food portions as I think the plates I dish up should be equal portions. I am a big girl, but I don't need to eat the same that Kent is, particularly since he is a man and is not sitting at a desk all day long. I am also that type of person who eats because other people are eating, not because I am hungry. It is such a struggle, but the more I stay in the moment, and ask myself why I am about to eat something, it helps. I think classifying myself as a food addict is tough, but in many ways it is the truth. I will always struggle with my weight. Struggling is not always a negative thing though. Maybe I can think of myself as focusing on my health.
.jpg)
Before I met Kent I was pretty active with my fitness and set out many goals. Here is a picture of me finishing a sprint triathlon. My trainer Chris and I usually do these competitions together and she will run me in to the finish line. What I love it that at the end of the race I am usually so tired that I don't think I will be able to make it, and then I see her waiting for me. She motivates me to push it to the very end. We all need motivators in our life, and right now that motivator is me. Last night while I was on the treadmill I was feeling tired, but those last few minutes I just went for it. It felt great and I am looking forward to more of these great feelings of accomplishments.
