A Finish Line -- Of Sorts

Saturday marked the "official" final day of my P90-X workouts. For the record -- I liked the program. 

                                  

"P90X is a revolutionary system of 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days...The secret behind the P90X system is an advanced training technique called "Muscle Confusion," which accelerates the results process by constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus, and you never get bored!...All you really need is some 'grit-your-teeth' commitment."

I can't say that my body was transformed from "regular to ripped," but I did feel like there was good variety which kept my muscles confused (translate to sore) on a somewhat regular basis.

When I first made the commitment to this program, I had great visions of being able to say (upon completion) that I worked out faithfully, for a minimum of 1 hour a day, 6 days a week for 90 days. Unfortunately, as the saying goes: Life gets in the way when you are busy making other plans. It turns out I missed 9 total days....two doctors appointments, 2 cleaning days when company was coming to town (and no - these are not the only two days I've cleaned in the past 3+ months!) 3 days of early morning soccer and 2 days I can't account for off the top of my head. 

(A side note about the soccer days: I REALLY tried. I set the alarm for 6:00 on Saturday morning. For anti-morning me....getting up earlier for soccer than we did on school days...something is wrong with that picture! And, knowing that my day, on those 3 particular Saturdays in May, wouldn't end until about 11pm at night...I just couldn't do it. Sleep won out.)

Phase I went relatively well. I really liked most of the workouts, and, since Greg was still a participant at this point, I even embraced the nutrition aspects. I found myself energized...so much so that I did double workouts most of the days -- following the P90-X with a couple of miles on the treadmill. (Therefore, I am not beating myself up too badly for the 9 missed workouts.)

I even started to see some results by way of lost pounds, increased muscle and energy and body fat loss. (I'll spare you my numbers -- suffice it to say that I've found I have to be grateful for small things.)

We quickly moved to Phase II, adjusted the nutrition requirements and continued to "do our best and forget the rest." Unfortunately, it was about this time that Greg left town for SWAT training...and his P90-X experience was put on "indefinite hold."

Aside from the yoga (sorry, hanging upside for extended periods of time really gives me a headache), I continued to enjoy the workouts. Unfortunately though, by the time I would get on the treadmill, my energy seemed to be waning. The manual warned about this...a sort of hitting the wall kind of feeling. So, thinking it was normal, I pushed on.

But, it seemed my "wall" turned into a mountain. After about three days of feeling like my body was giving out on me, I really wondered what was going on. I felt like I couldn't move. It wasn't the sore muscles that made me want to crawl back under the covers...but the EXTREME fatigue...and the nausea. 

And it was about that time that we found out we are expecting child #5.

As for P90-x...I continued on and completed the program. I really did like it. Although, I must say, some days it was hard enough just to get out of bed....working out in between rounds of nausea and unbelievable fatigue added a whole new dimension to the challenge.

And, since I did the entire thing pregnant, my "results" aren't quite what I had hoped for. I guess I'll just have to commit to doing it again -- hopefully next year at this time.

So, although the P90-X finish line was crossed....I feel like we are just starting a whole new -- and even greater challenge.

BRING IT!

Time for a Haircut

Addysen got it in her head (no pun intended) that she really needed her haircut. She begged and begged every day last week. Since I haven't taken the time to schedule my own appointment since January, it was not tops on my list of things to do.

So, on Saturday, we took matters into our own hands. 

Despite the wind, and quickly drying hair...we played "salon."

And I saved at least $20.

IT is here...

I could sense it coming last night as I worked in the office. It was about 9pm and I had the windows open. The dark night was lit up by the occasional bolts of lightening amidst cracks of thunder.

Of course my kids got out of bed claiming they were scared.

IT scares me too...although not in the way you might imagine.

I can't exactly pinpoint when I knew. Was it the small beads of perspiration that I unconsciously wiped from my brow? Was it the smeared eyeliner and mascara that I could sense UNDER my eyes, rather than on them? More likely, it was the weight of "desperately-in-need-of-a-haircut" locks...getting heavier and heavier, straighter and straighter.

It's hard to imagine that hair as straight as mine can actually get straighter. But, it can. Especially when IT comes.

IT would be humidity.

It's always worse after a shower. Turning on the blow-dryer is just like adding salt to a wound. It never fails....I finish a workout, sweating like crazy...and I shower. Then, I attempt to towel off, get dressed and get on with the day. At some point in the process you wonder, "Am I still wet from the shower? Why are my clothes sticking to me? Is it really possible that I am sweating again? Has my hair actually dried....and is now wet because of sweat? Or has my hair-dryer quit functioning properly?"

These are perplexing questions. Questions which surface yearly -- on days like today when the paper reports that due to temperature and humidity, it will feel like 92 degrees by 4pm. It's 3:43 and my thermostat says the relative humidity in the house is 65%.

Hello ponytails...

All in the Name of Education

I try to be a good mom.

I want my kids to be excited about learning.

Today, in an effort to be a good mom, I took my kids to the library to see "Dr. Insecta."

I should have known better.

I mean, given how much I love bugs and insects of every kind.

The cockroach wasn't too bad. I was far enough away to not be up close and personal.

The talking lady bug didn't bother me.

Neither did the freeze-dried grubs that some lucky audience members got to eat.

I thought the scorpion was gross, but again, distance was a factor.

Ahhh...but then he brought out the tarantulas and let them crawl all over eager volunteers. I tried to pretend that I just had to keep a close eye on Kenzie. Of course, the reality was that I was purposely avoiding eye contact -- or any sort of contact with those creepy creatures.

I did learn some fascinating facts, however.

*The tarantulas and scorpion didn't bite Dr. Insecta because he was too big. They knew better than to waste their venom. Removing the fangs on their insects "alters their body make-up" so they let them be.

*If you drop a $400 tarantula (yes, apparently, people actually pay good, hard-earned money for these things,) from 5 feet and it lands on cement and cracks open its abdomen, you can use superglue to fix it. Given enough time, it will completely heal and crawl out of its exo-skeleton. (A true story from the bug man himself. And sorry, I can't remember all the correct terminology.)

*The smaller the scorpion, the more venom they hold. So, if you're going to step on one, make it a nice, giant one.

*And finally, the most memorable and highly useful fact of all: the tree-living tarantula (again, sorry - I forgot it's "official" name) is a "projectile pooper." When it deficates, it can shoot up to 2 feet away. AND...if that isn't enough, it is smart enough NOT to shoot towards the ground, thus alerting predators as to its whereabouts. Nope - it shoots across the trees.

That visual actually reminds me of one of Addysen's first diapers when she was a newborn just home from the hospital. I had NO idea that someone so small was capable of such damage and power. I quickly learned not to leave any body parts exposed while changing her diapers.

And there you have it. Dr. Insecta in a nutshell.

The things we do in the name of education.

********************

PS - All kidding aside, the kids loved the program...even Kenzie. Although, she was mad that she didn't ever get to hold one of the insects.

http://www.amazingmaxwell.com/Library-Web-Page.jpg

Time to Potty Train?

 

Kenzie has no interest in potty-training. I've never been one to force my kids when it comes to this. I've always waited until they were ready and it's been relatively easy.

And yet, she has no interest in keeping her diaper on  -- especially at night. It's not a matter of IF she'll take her diaper off, but WHEN she'll take it off.

This is how I found her the other night when I checked before heading to bed. She was sound asleep - one foot still in her pj's, one cheek hanging out. 

Of course, the bed was soaked.

Perhaps it's time to rethink our philosophies?

Growing Up

Can $36 Buy Peace of Mind?

We have car insurance. And life insurance. And home insurance. And medical insurance.

Now, we have legal insurance.

Ok, so it's not really INsurance....it's more like legal ASSURANCE.

I can't tell you how many times I've said, "If only we had an attorney in the family...someone we could ask questions too...someone who could help us out." (We do have attorneys in the family, but they aren't licensed in Ohio.)

In Greg's line of work, they've told him from day one, "It's not IF you'll get sued, it's WHEN you'll get sued." How's that for a "glass-is-half-empty" kind of attitude? 

And yet, just last year, an officer who was 2 months away from retirement got into a shooting. It was totally legitimate, yet the city settled with the "so-called" victim (he who was driving the stolen vehicle) to avoid the legal hassles. What a way to end your career, huh?

And sadly, that seems to be the state of the world...and not just for police officers (and landlords!)

I resisted as long as I could -- simply because it BUGS me that I would ever need an attorney. (No offense to you who are attorneys.) I like to think of myself as a law-abiding citizen...someone who just does their own thing. But sadly, we find ourselves in need of legal assistance all the time -- for all kinds of things.

As landlords, the issues are endless. If we'd ever had any clue....

Oh, how hindsight is 20/20.

For example, years ago, one of our tenants, who, mind you, we had to evict for nonpayment of rent, sued us for $13,000. You can imagine what a fun letter that was to get in the mail. Her 11-year-old son, ran down the wood stairs with socks on and fell and bumped his head. Apparently, somehow, that was our fault.

Thankfully, we had insurance, but, rather than fight the ridiculous suit, our insurance company settled with her - -it was cheaper that way. So...she lived in our house -- WITHOUT PAYING -- for 3 months (that's how long it took to evict her), only to get $3000 from the insurance company for a bump on the head. We still have an outstanding judgment against her - but we simply can't collect.

And our insurance company dropped us shortly thereafter.

Hmmm...I wonder if I can collect from my mortgage company every time one of my kids slips on the stairs or scrapes their knee on the driveway?

Unfortunately, in the last year alone, we've had a car accident (not our fault, but not without legal headaches to get it resolved) and MANY landlord/tenant issues. I've been in court 3 times  since October. Granted, these tenants were smart enough not to try and sue us. After all - they were the ones that destroyed our property, didn't pay their rent or utilities, made unauthorized changes to the house(s)....the list goes on. We were trying to collect from them. It was an effort in futility.

Sadly, because we can't afford an attorney, (seriously, who can afford $150-$400 an hour - -just to ask a question?)  I posted an ad on Craig's List -- seeking some legal advice. (How is that for desperate?) Amazingly, I actually got someone to respond...and he ended up representing us for a decent price. Unfortunately, because the laws are ludicrous, this same attorney decided he couldn't continue representing us without charging hundreds, if not thousands more....to get another judgment, which, in all reality is totally uncollectible anyway.

Go figure.

The stories could continue...but I'll spare you. Suffice it to say, that I've finally resigned myself to the fact that it may be better to pay a small monthly fee, rather than be blindsided by some of the issues we all face: identity theft, tickets, will preparation, document review, dishonest mechanics, questions that we need answered by a legal professional, discounted attorney fees if and when the time comes...

So, we're trying this out. Pre-paid legal services. Any of you ever tried it? I'm hoping my $36 a month will buy me some peace of mind -- and a few less headaches. 

As it stands right now, I'm sure I spend at least that much on Tylenol and bottled water to wash it down every month.

A Few of My Favorite "Things"

My parents picked up these t-shirts for the kids while visiting  Universal's Islands of Adventure in Florida. Cannon and Addysen remembered the "Things" from the Cat In The Hat and thought it was funny. As I explained the "things" to Brynnley, I said, "They come into the house, wreak havoc, cause all kinds of trouble and make big messes."

Cannon's eyes lit up and he said, "HEY! Does that mean Grandma and Grandpa think that is what we do around here?"

You said it, buddy...not me. 

Do We Eat Too Much?

Just out of curiosity, I'd really like to know what the rest of you spend (on average) on groceries each month. I'm particularly curious if your family size is similar to mine. Seriously. 

I remember as a kid, we had to make a monthly trip to Bag-n-Save...a big warehouse-type grocery store that supposedly cost less. Hence, the name....we had to bag our own groceries. (Any other Omaha fans that have visited this lovely place?) We were old enough to know that by shopping there, it probably meant we were poor. (At least, this was my translation.) I HATED those trips -- mostly because they seemed to last ALL...DAY...LONG. Walking up and down the isles, waiting in line to pay, bagging the groceries, loading the car, unloading the car, putting groceries away. It was childhood torture....not unlike my trip to Walmart for groceries today. 

My memory may be off, but it seems like these trips cost around $300 dollars which was HUGE! But, the supplies lasted for a most of the month, if not beyond. AND...HERE's THE KICKER....it seemed like we had tons of food! (There were 7 in my family -- 5 kids.)

I go shopping now and, not only does it take forever, but I count it as LUCKY if I manage to get out of the store for less than $200. It's a given that Costco is a $200-$300 trip.... Sure, we stock up on many bulk items and only go every 6-8 weeks (give or take)... but it's not like it's the only trip to the store we'll make in that time period.

AND...not only does it cost a ton, and take forever...but it doesn't seem like we even have that much to show for our efforts (or our hard-earned cash!) $20 on milk should buy me a cow, right? $20 on cereal should buy me the manufacturing plant. Diapers. Bread. Cheese. Eggs...notice that there's not much on the list that constitutes "FUN" stuff.

So...how much do you spend on groceries? 

Do we just eat too much?

Should This Make Me Happy?

At least, according to this website, I paid nearly the *B*E*S*T* price for gas in the area. $3.83 per gallon when the most stations are averaging $3.99. Lucky me. (Thanks for the tip Betsy!)

Have I Mentioned How I Feel About Spiders?

Just like the previous post on this topic, pictures will not be included. That is due, in part, to the fact that we didn't have the camera. But mostly it's due to the fact that I hate spiders. I'll take a picture of myself after having been vomited on...but I refuse to take a picture of a spider. I reiterate...I HATE SPIDERS. Ok.

Today was one of those days. Enough said. Suffice it to say, however, that those kind of days often mean a trip to the drive-thru on our way to some other activity. Today, it was Addysen's Activity Day at church.

I was trying to maneuver my way into traffic while pulling out of the Wendy's parking lot when Cannon let out a scream. Quickly, I slammed on my brakes and asked what the problem was. He indicated that there was a large spider in the backseat. GREAT. If that doesn't make for happy driving, I don't know what does. Quick-thinking me tossed back a napkin and told him to kill it. Unfortunately, it had disappeared somewhere into the abyss, otherwise known as our car. (There's a post for another day!)

I informed him to look for it, while lecturing on the dangers of screaming while in the car.

We pulled into the gas station where I eagerly anticipated spending $65 for 16 gallons of gas. 

Suddenly, while pumping away and cursing the economy, the rain, my straighter-than-straight hair as well as my hunger pains, Addysen let out a blood-curdling scream. Cannon burst into tears. Thankfully, the little girls sat strapped in their carseats, happily munching their oh-so-nutritious chicken nuggets and looking at the rest of us like we were nuts. 

Several of the other gas station patrons glanced our way with the same sort of look in their eyes.

Yes, Addysen had seen the spider and I quote, "IT WAS HUGE!"

She quickly informed Cannon that it was going up the back of Brynnley's seat. Cannon grabbed Kenzie's shoe and started whacking away...inches from Brynnley's head. What can I say? A man on a mission doesn't always remember to look out for the ones he loves. (Another post for another day -- when, as newlyweds, Greg jumped out of a ski tram as an out-of-control blazer came careening down the hill ahead of us. No, I don't think it ever crossed his mind to grab me and throw me out of harm's way.It was every man (or woman) for him/herself.) 

At this point, Brynnley burst into tears. From actual physical harm? Maybe. But it's more likely that she was scared of her sandal-wielding, tear-streaked brother who was trying desperately to kill the stupid spider.

Knowing there was no way to continue our trip without resolving the issue, I unbuckled Brynnley and told her to stay by me in the parking lot. The kids inside the car were still yelling -- at each other -- at the spider -- at the economy -- who knows what?!? I hadn't actually seen the intruder, but I certainly trusted that it was in the car. Cannon reported that it had gone behind Brynnley's carseat so... I began tossing children, and chicken and trash and everything else under the sun out of the car (believe me, everything under the sun is IN that car!)

(Sidenote to my family: Do you remember our camping trip when we left the tent windows open while viewing the sites and it rained all day? I have very vivid memories of pillows and sleeping bags and stuffed animals being thrown out of the tent while choice words escaped parental mouths.) 

I informed Cannon that I was going to remove Brynnley's seat and that he was to kill the spider if he saw it. It was a good plan. Unfortunately, when he did see it again, Cannon screamed, which made me scream and caused me to drop the seat. I yelled for the sandal (the only weapon within reach -- who knew the fact that Kenzie refuses to wear shoes would one day come in handy?) By this point, I had seen the spider and it was huge -- and fast! The only thing worse would have been if it was hairy. But we won't go there.

I started hacking away at the seat and the floor and it disappeared. Addysen claimed to have seen it's guts on the back of Brynnley's chair, but I am not so sure. And that is always bad. Not having a body to verify that the assassination was a success always makes one wonder.

By this point, we had caused quite a scene in the Speedway parking lot. Granted, no one came over to ask if we were ok, or if we needed help. But, one nice man said I reminded him of his daughter. I didn't ask whether or not that was a good thing. 

There was nothing left to do. We'd made a scene. A huge scene. We'd all taken turns screaming and tossing items and jumping around. We couldn't have looked like bigger idiots if we'd tried. Addysen was almost late for her activity. I was still hungry and cursing the rain and the economy (I gave up cursing my straighter-than-straight hair). There was nothing to do but laugh. 

And laugh we did. All the way to the church. 

And all the while, I kept looking in the rearview mirror "just to see."