Archive for May, 2011

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E.o.t.T.: Sidelined

May 31, 2011

I really dislike not having definitive answers. The x-ray showed nothing noticeable with the bones of my foot so they are ruling out dislocation and major fracture. I am assuming because they did not mention arthritis, etc., they are also ruling out gout and arthritis. At this point they are calling it a “soft tissue” problem.

I am not allowed to do impact exercises for 2-4 weeks. This includes the running, pushing the prowler sled, and lunges. If I don’t take it easy and let the foot heal, I could end up in a cast for 4-6 weeks to force me to let it heal.

I am supposed to continue with ibuprofen, ice it for 20 minutes several times a day, and of course avoid the impact exercises.

I am not going to be allowed to cheat on the Torturer’s diet at all over the next few weeks. This had to come at a time where I just put back on the 4 pounds I lost. Great.

And on another note… this personally worries me. I had a doctor who developed soft tissue cancer while I was pregnant with T2. I was told if the pain doesn’t get better in two weeks to call a orthopedist to get an evaluation and possibly an MRI to look for a hidden stress fracture.

As much as I complain about torture and the running… I’d really rather be doing it than sidelined and stressed. 😦

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Memorial Day

May 29, 2011

I am thankful to all those who gave their lives in service to our country to preserve our freedoms. Let us never make their sacrifices be in vain.

I had the pleasure of being at the World War II Memorial on its opening day, with my mother, T1 & T2. To be surrounded by veterans of that great struggle was very moving. T1 & T2 were too young to understand. My mother just wanted to hug all those men, to thank them for their service because her father is no longer with us for us to thank him.

I had the chance to meet the man responsible for ensuring the Merchant Marine emblem was placed on the monument. I had my picture taken with him but I do not know his name. At the opening ceremonies the Merchant Marine was included.

The following is a link to an organization attempting to get all living veterans of the war to the Memorial–to see how their nation honors them. Time is running out. http://media.causes.com/1060527?p_id=17

Enjoy your Memorial Day festivities safely! And don’t forget the sunscreen!

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Writer’s Workshop: Summer Don’ts

May 26, 2011

5. Your Top 10 Summer Don’ts. I really would like to vlog but that’s not happening any time soon. So here goes. This is a very weird list and very random.

1. Don’t go without sunscreen! T1 is abnormally fair and last summer she got 2nd degree burns on her face, shoulders, and back the first time out. In fact, wear those UV rated swim shirts too!

2. Don’t walk around amusement parks wearing inappropriate swimsuits. Seriously, I do not want to see that much cellulite or cleavage (on both ends). Why on earth do you think the rest of us do? Cover up, please! And this goes for guys too. I really do not want to see your six-month pregnant belly hanging over your shorts without a shirt on. Or if a man looks like he is more endowed than a teenage girl, he needs a shirt too. It’s just not right. I can’t comment on hair. I just can’t go there.

3. Don’t let your daughters dress like prostatots at amusement parks. What is especially sad is letting your slightly heavyset daughter run around in a bikini looking like she’s 3-4 months pregnant and proud of that little baby bump. And then you look at the face and realize she is only 9 years old. Look, I realize we need to teach our daughters to love their bodies and the shape they were born with, but seriously, is this appropriate? Is it any healthier than glorifying the anorexic look of supermodels? Then again, if you’re the woman I’m talking about in #2, is it any wonder? And what about the heavier set young men that look like they need bras running around without shirts on? Same thing, see #2.

4. Don’t let the children get out of habits, or starting back to school in the fall will be an unnecessary challenge. I encourage getting summer workbooks for the next grade level and summer reading programs. And start the school bedtime and wake-up routine at least a full week prior to the start of school.

5. Don’t miss too many torture sessions. It is not fun having to start all over and build up endurance and strength. When on vacation find ways to add in extra walks or quick exercise routines.

6. Don’t forget to take long family walks in the evening.

7. Don’t forget to spend at least one entire day in your pajamas.

8. Don’t underestimate the value of a good pet-sitter. And tip generously!

9. Don’t make your summer plans so full that you forget to stop and smell the roses. And make sure those activities include seeing and doing something you’ve never done before.

10. Don’t miss the chance to tell your loved ones how much you love them each and every day.

Writing Prompts:

1.) Write about a time you got in BIG trouble as a kid.
2.) Not your mother’s daughter…how do you parent differently than your mother did? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
3.) Photo Story: Share photos of your most recent trip to the beach (maybe an excuse to go!).
4.) Write a poem about starting over.
5.) Your top 10 Summer Don’ts.

Bonus Vlog Option!
Sometimes it’s hard to put yourself out there on video, but it’s a fun and different option for a post and a great way for your readers to get to know you better. The problem is many of us don’t know what to vlog about…this bonus prompt option will give you the inspiration you need to create a short video for your blog. Now to drum up the courage…

6.) Most bloggers have an About Me page…create an About Me video that will give viewers a quick glimpse into who you are and what makes you tick. Consider adding it to your About Me page!

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E.o.t.T.: Wednesday 5/24 Circuit

May 25, 2011

See my E.o.t.T. page for disclaimers.

Eat at least an hour before this workout, with good carbs (oatmeal) and some protein. Bring plenty of water.

Warm-up #1

This work-out only lasts 10 minutes. Yup, only 10 minutes. You can survive anything for 10 minutes. The catch is that you have to try to get as many sets in as possible during that 10 minutes. You can rest and get water but that choice is up to you. My first day trying this I officially only got 5 sets in because I finished the 6th set at 10 minutes, 9 seconds. Today I got all 6 sets in at 9 minutes, 45 seconds.

The set includes:

12 bodyweight squats

push Prowler sled for 50 feet (this is a triangle sled with two upright poles to grab); no extra weight

12 push-ups (Torturer graciously let me do “girlie” push-ups for this)

push Prowler sled for 50 feet

12 jumping jacks

Repeat as many times as you can in 10 minutes; resting only after jumping jacks.

Cool down (and try not to barf or pass out).