my favorite thing to do...

waterski. I love it. And I really, really miss it right now.

And if you ask me what my favorite vacation is, I would, without hesitation reply, "houseboating at Lake Powell". Especially on Arnold and Martin's houseboat which is the nicest houseboat you'll ever see. Ever. I missed last year's trip because I was too pregnant for the first trip and Ryan was too preemie for the second. In fact, last year was the first year I haven't waterskiied.

I'm hoping this year isn't my second.

We're missing this year's Lake Powell trip - which is THIS WEEK - because Ryan is too hyper to take. We wouldn't have a moment's rest chasing that kid around the boat and making sure he was above the water.

So these are some pictures of past waterskiing trips - I guess the top one of me skiing actually isn't at Powell since there are a bunch of trees - and Arnold and Martin's amazing houseboat.

Because I'm homesick for Lake Powell.

25 pounds and excuse #2

How do you lose 25 pounds since the beginning of the year and still weigh the same?

If you're me, you lose 2-3 pounds, gain back those same pounds on your next business trip, come home and lose the same 2-3 pounds and repeat over and over and over. One of my biggest and best (and most valid) excuses is it's hard to lose weight and stay in shape when you travel as much as I do.

I've gone on about 9 business trips this year and between every trip I lose a few pounds. And then I go on a trip and gain a couple of pounds because I have to eat out everyday.

And yes, it is very discouraging.

But now that I've been home for five weeks (hallelujah), and don't have the travel excuse to fall back on, I thought I'd check in on my 28-day fitness program. I've been at it just over 3 weeks and I've lost 4 pounds thank you very much.

It hasn't been without its ups and downs though. Besides the popcorn debacle, I have Tony losing weight like there's no tomorrow which is a bit depressing at times and if I even look at a potato, I gain a pound.

But I HAVE been exercising. And I have been eating healthy. And I have been doing everything except wearing my bodybugg - too much chafing!

So I'm going to pat myself on the back and keep on keeping on. I love hearing stories like my friend Layne who's lost over 50 pounds (great job!) - talk about inspiring!

But I'm also at my weight wall. I get to a certain point and it's like I hit a wall. I get to that dang number and dance all around it but I just haven't been able to get past it. So I'm determined to bust through that wall if it kills me this week (which it just might).

So I'll check back in a few days when I've blasted through. In the meantime, gotta go work out.

Ryan's girlfriend

We had some friends over for Father's Day Brunch - one of Tony's friends from his college days who has since moved to Seattle. Coincidentally, his wife and I were both pregnant and due within 6 weeks of each other - she on August 4th and I on September 17th. But since Ryan decided to enter this world 6 weeks early, he and Katie were born within 2 days of each other.

So it was really fun to meet baby Katie for the first time. Whenever I told Ryan he was going to meet Katie this weekend and he would light up and smile (although it doesn't take much to get this kid to smile).

So then I started chatting "Ryan has a girlfriend, Ryan has a girlfriend" and I may be imagining it, but I believe he blushed a bit!

Anyway, here are a few pictures of Ryan and his little girlfriend Katie. She's taller and older than him, but I think he digs that in a girl.

daddy

A friend asked us the other day if Ryan was a mommy's boy or a daddy's boy. This is a hard question to answer.

He's probably slightly partial to mommy, but Ryan and Daddy? They're pretty tight.

Tony's been a very involved dad from day 1. He changes diapers - even poopy ones, fed him in the middle of the night and reads books to him all the time. But being a single parent once or twice a month, has certainly given them plenty of opportunities to bond.

When I picked up Ryan the other day from Auntie Patty's at daycare, she said to me, Ryan just lit up when Tony came to get him last time. I've never seen a baby light up as much as Ryan did.

I just smiled and said, yes, he loves his daddy.

the van is gone

When Tony dropped off Tom's sleeping bag, Tom asked Tony what time he woke up in the morning. The only reason I could figure for him asking was he was either planning on calling us first thing in the morning or he was going to sleep in our yard and wanted to vacate before we woke up.


I feel terrible for thinking about this, but Tom has a history of squatting and now that we're attempting an exit strategy, I've been a bit worried about the outcome. We want the best for Tom and hope he lands on his feet soon, but I've been feeling increasingly uncomfortable about this situation.


But when Tom called us mid-morning, he had great news. He had a friend who was a mechanic out in Toelle who owed him a favor and said he'd take a look at the van. Tom just needed to get the van to Toelle. And as it just so happens, we're Premium AAA members which means we have towing services available all the way out there.

So an hour later I picked up Tom and Lucky - again at Beans & Brews. I wonder what they thought of this guy (who looks like Richard Drewfus) and his dog hanging out for a few days. Tom and Lucky got into my car, we went to the back of the parking lot to pick up his bag and sleeping bag that he had stashed behind a cement barrier and we headed towards our house.

A few minutes later the tow truck was at our house and they loaded up the van, Tom and Lucky and headed off toward their next adventure.

We haven't heard from him and we hope that no news is good news. Even if they do get the van running and able to pass inspection, I'm not sure what Tom will do as he doesn't have the money for registration or insurance.

So I expect we'll hear back from him sometime, but for now, I have to admit, it's a big relief.

Tom's story continues...

Our phone started ringing around 8am with a call from the Zittings asking us to have Tom come get his dog Lucky or he was going to the pound. Then another call from another Zitting saying they were bringing over some of Tom's belongings. Then a call from Tom asking for a ride from the jail from which he had been released.

There was a bit of confusion about the dog - some said (not-so) Lucky was going to the pound, some said they were waiting for Tom. We preferred he go to the pound since they said they would hold him until Tom could come get him - this meant Tom could go to the homeless shelter and get some help getting back on his feet.

In the end, Tony went to pick up Tom and then went to the Zittings to get Lucky. Tony said Tom broke down and cried when he was reunited with Lucky - which breaks my heart. Tony dropped Tom off at the Beans & Brew on Fort Union along with a bag of dog food and some cash and told him he couldn't come sleep in our yard. The rest of the day and into the night I kept looking out our front window half expecting to see Tom sleeping in some corner of our yard. It wasn't a comfortable feeling - I kept wondering about his arrest warrant and his violent past that the police alluded to.

In the meantime, I was calling auto storage places and found out that unfortunately we wouldn't be able to store the van anywhere because it wasn't registered or insured. I started fearing we would be stuck with the purple beast on our lawn forever. It was doubly upsetting because Tony spent a fair amount of time and money getting the van to pass inspection last summer, but he couldn't get Tom to go with him to the DMV to get it registered.

So we had to tell Tom that unless he could find a place for the van, we'd have to have it impounded. This van is stuffed completely full of every possession he owns (which I think he should sell and make some money).

Later that day Tom called and asked Tony to bring him a sleeping bag out of the van.

It's a tough situation that we're in. We want to help, but we've already spent a considerable amount of time, money and resources which we're fine with, but Tom is a difficult person to work with. He has a temper, he often gets angry at Tony when Tony tells him he can't do something (like pay $2000 to get his jeep out of impound) and doesn't take advice well.

But he's a human being. And it's hard to walk away from someone in need. It's a pretty tough situation since he really doesn't have anyone else to turn to, but we feel it is time to step back.

But how do you do that without feeling a fair amount of guilt?

why we have a big ugly purple van in our front yard

Last night we received a phone call from Tom around 9:30pm. My first instinct was to not answer it, but Tony's a much better person than I am. But in hindsight, I think my instinct would have been better to follow.

We haven't heard from Tom in several months which we took as a good sign (for Tom's story, click here and here). We knew he had checked out of the motel, but didn't know where he was. We figured he was living on his own or with friends.

It turns out he moved in with his girlfriend but they broke up yesterday so she dropped him off at his van (the same van he's lived in for the past year plus). The Zittings (the family who owns the property the van has been on) saw him come back and they told him he couldn't live there again. I guess the situation escalated and they demanded he move the van last night.

Which is when Tom called us. He wanted us to come help him fix the van so it was driveable and then let him park his van at our house (which we also took to mean he would be living at our house). We didn't feel good about this at all (understatement) and told him that wasn't an option, but Tony said he'd have it towed somewhere else. Tom didn't have a somewhere else.

We were still on the phone with Tom when he said, "they called the cops. they're going to arrest me - I have warrants." Warrants?!

The phone call ends and we're left wondering what happened until one of the Zittings called us back later. They arrested Tom and the Zittings want us to get take the van (which is stuffed FULL of every possession Tom owns) and the dog or they are both going to be taken (impounded) by the police.

The whole reason we got involved with Tom was because one of the Zittings knocked on our door asking for work and then he brought Tom along to work on our yard. And now we're responsible for him?

So Tony goes to pick up the dog but couldn't bring him home because he was so freaked out and viscious. Instead Tony came back at 10pm with a tow truck which deposits this big purple van in our driveway.

So that is why we have a big ugly purple van in our driveway.

Summer and the Farmer's Market

Every year I wait all winter long for the Salt Lake Farmer's Market to open. To me, it means the long Utah winter is over and summer is finally, finally here.

It seems like every winter since I've moved to Utah is an "unusually bad winter". I may not know a "normal Utah winter", but I do know Utah's summers and I LOVE them. It gets pretty hot in California - we have our share of 80 and 90 degree days, but it almost always cools off in the evenings. You just can't beat Utah's hot summer nights.

Last Saturday we bought our favorite Salsa Verde, a loaf of bread from the Crumb Brothers and added two members to our family - a basil plant and a tomato plant. We are not plant people so the best of luck to those two.

If you're a Farmers Marketer, let me know...we can meet up for a yummy mint limeade!

I've been mad at Tony this week (Day 8)

It's just unfair that men lose weight so much easier than women.

The above statement is one of my excuses that I pull out whenever I need it. But it's true in our household. Tony and I started our 28 day health and fitness commitment and he's lost 4 pounds. FOUR.

I've lost 1.5 pounds which I should be really proud of, but I want Biggest Loser results people.

And that 1.5 pounds? It didn't come easily. The first few days I was dropping about a 1/2 pound a day and I was feeling GREAT. And then came the popcorn debacle. The next day I was up TWO pounds. It came off again, but I was discouraged. Really discouraged. And I was mad at Tony because he 1) lost 4 pounds and 2) he bought the popcorn.

But I'm going to celebrate my 1.5 pounds today. And I'm going to brag, so get ready:

Since starting this 28-day adventure, I've...

* burned more calories than I've consumed - everyday including popcorn day.

* exercised everyday except last Sunday which was a planned day of rest.

* consumed trace amounts of sugar - less than 15 grams a day.

* been drinking lots and lots of water.

* been wearing my BodyBugg and food journaling.

So congratulations to me for 1.5 pounds lost. I feel great, my workouts are getting tougher each day and I'm proud of myself.

How are you doing?

Insomnia (Day 5)

It's about 4 am Tuesday morning and I've been awake since about 2. It's the kind of insomnia that I know isn't going away for some time, so I decided to give in, get up and get a few things done.

My cousin Joy offered to babysit so Tony and I went out to see a movie. A rare event for us these days. And on a Monday night!

We saw Rango. And we ate popcorn. OK, there's my confession.

I started out telling myself - just a couple of handfuls. And then who knows how many handfuls later, we were at the bottom of the tub.

I didn't trust myself any longer so I popped a piece of gum in my mouth and that did the trick. But I did drink a Coke Zero which is the culprit of my insomnia.

But other than the popcorn debacle, Day 5 of 28 and still going strong...

the Cheerios series (Day 4)

Yesterday was my day of rest. It really was - it wasn't an excuse. Which reminds me, when I was in New York, I made a list of all the excuses I could think of for not losing the pregnancy weight, not eating healthy, etc. So that post is coming up soon.

In the meantime, I've started a photography series called "The Cheerios Series" starring my own charming 10-month old (yikes!) son.

Note: All of the cheerio stunts were performed solely by Ryan...no tricks or assistance from mommy, daddy or abby.

a bit of indulgence is a good thing (day 3)

Yesterday I treated myself to a massage. I used to treat myself to a massage at least once a month, but it's been months since I've had one.

My cousin's husband is a massage therapist really, like no other I've ever been to. Last year I had a frozen shoulder (very painful!) and he fixed it. Then I decided to have him work on my knees which have given me problems for about 20 years. He did what physical therapy didn't do and I was able to hike without pain.

And then I decided to see what he could do for my back. About 15 years ago I had a bad waterski accident that left me with constant lower back pain. He fixed that too.

But it had been almost a year since I'd been to see him - before Ryan was born. And my shoulder was starting to act up again and my lower back pain was (not to pun) back.

As I lay there during the massage I concentrated on just relaxing. I cleared my mind of worries and my to-do lists. I just focused on breathing and being.

Today I feel like a new woman. It reminded me that I need to take time for myself, that I need to take time to take care of my physical body and health. It reminded me that my physical body deserves time and attention.

So during these 28 days, I will also take time to indulge myself and take time to relax, to stretch and to clear my mind of all things taxing or troubling.

And day 3? Down another pound. cha-ching!

my support system (day 2)

Last night I went to a wedding reception for my sister's sister-in-law, Eliza. It was a very beautiful evening with lots of pretty pink dresses, pretty pink flowers and pretty happy people everywhere I looked.

I don't know Eliza well, but I've always liked her. I do know she is a genuinely nice person who has a lot of varied interests and who really enjoys life. And she looked so, so happy, that it made me happy just to see her happy.

And speaking of happy, I got to see my sister Janelle and her cute family. Sienna was on cloud nine in her pink flowergirl dress. Brixen was patiently hanging out and Jack...Jack was done with wedding stuff (it's a long day from wedding to reception for a 5 year old!).

Janelle and I sat in a corner for a few moments and chatted. Something I don't get enough of with my sister. I told her about my 28 days. And she's in. She said she'd start the very next day.

Tony's been counting calories right along with me and he's been cooking our favorite healthy meals (yes, he does the laundrey AND the cooking). When he headed out for his daily run with Abby, he asked me what my exercise goals were. I quickly made some up on the spot.

With a support system like that, how can I fail?

Oh, and did I mention I'm down a half pound? I'll take it.

28 days

A friend of mine (she's actually kinda famous in Utah) has a great blog where she wrote about her trip to the Biggest Loser Ranch in Southern Utah. It's been awhile since she's been home and she has her good days and bad days like so many of us.

Recently, she made a goal to run a half-marathon in 4 weeks. So she made a commitment for those 4 weeks like giving up ice cream for those 4 weeks, counting her calories, sticking to her training schedule, etc.

At the end of the posting that you can read here, she wrote:

It's just for 28 days.
I can do anything for 28 days.
Right?
Right.
Wish me luck.

What one thing do YOU want to commit to do for 28 days?
Come on.
Do it with me.

So, here is my 28 day commitment....For 28 days, I will:

* journal the food / calories I eat each day (maybe I'll even post it kinda like FatCyclist's weight)
* exercise at least 6 times a week
* consume NO sugar (well 15 grams a day at most)
* drink lots and lots of water
* resurrect the BodyBugg
* lose 8 pounds

I plan on being in town for 28 days so I don't have the travel excuse.

And so I repeat Laurel's words:

It's just for 28 days.
I can do anything for 28 days.
Right?
Right.
Wish me luck.

What one thing do YOU want to commit to do for 28 days?
Come on.
Do it with me.

home

A couple of weeks ago (May 17th to be exact) I arrived home from my 9th trip in 5 months. I had taken a taxi and arrived home around midnight. All was quiet and peaceful. I snuck into Ryan's room to take a peek at my cute little boy. He was scrunched in the corner (somehow his favorite position) and I gently moved him back to center crib. I whispered, "I love you" and tip-toed off to my room.

Tony was fast asleep. I quickly brushed my teeth and crawled into bed. I love my bed. And Tony ALWAYS puts fresh, clean sheets on the bed when I come home. There's nothing like crawling into fresh, clean sheets after a long trip.

Early the next morning I walked into the kitchen and there was Tony holding Ryan. All three of us were a bit groggy having just woken up.

I saw Ryan and said, "hi baby".

He saw me and said "hi mommy!" OK, he didn't really, but I could almost hear him saying it. What I didn't imagine was the pure joy in his face when he saw me. I mean, he just LIT up. He doesn't always do that when I see him for the first time after a trip. Sometimes he smiles, sometimes he doesn't even react much other than suck on that binky. But this time he really got excited.

I really think this time he understood that he hadn't seen me for a week. And an even better thing is that is he gets to see me for several more weeks.

I'm going to take a break from traveling for now. I might have to travel in June, but I should be home for 5 weeks if not longer.

It's long enough to enjoy this...