I have been promising myself for a while now that I would just bite the bullet and join the gym as motivation to get in shape and lose weight. I found a gym that said it cost $39.99 a month and it had daycare for the boys so I could exercise and the boys could have a play date. Perfect, right? Well, it turns out that it is another $30.00 a month to have the boys watched while I work out or it is $3 a day, and if I take them twice a week, it ends up being $24.00 which is very close to $30.00. Grand total would be $70.00 a month, plus they make you pay the first and last month up front. OUCH!!.
There are a couple of solutions I have thought of. One is to go without the boys in the early am or late evening after Matt is home. Another is to just start getting up in the am and exercising before the boys get up - either taking a walk, using our home elliptical, or doing a video that I have here. The third choice is to suck it up and pay the exorbitant amount of money (with no guarantee that I will even go to the gym). The final choice is to work out at home and join Weight Watchers. I kind of like the last choice.
You may ask why I don't just go to the YMCA where it is prorated based on income. Great question. Matt and I make too much money to get a deal at the Y or I totally would. I guess it just doesn't pay to a stay at home/working mother.
I really need the motivation the gym has to offer, but maybe I can find some friends around here willing to hold me accountable to exercise. My goal is 50lbs by next March. Time is wasting by my procrastination.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
What I Learned Today
It has been a long time since I blogged, but I thought I would try it again. Every once in a while I have a thought that is too long to share on Facebook so I just sit on it. Maybe I should write about those thoughts instead, just for me (or whoever is silly enough to read my blog).
Today I learned several things:
1. Playing with your kids is much more difficult than ignoring your kids, but much more rewarding. Let me explain: now that I stay at home during the week with my kids, I don't know what to do with them. Lots of the time I lock them in the living room (behind the gate so Blake doesn't destroy everything) and let them play and watch TV. Today I spent time with them and it is much harder to play with two boys than I thought, but much more fun. I think I'm going to have to get some things we can do together at the table like projects or something. Wow, i'm becoming a real mom!
2. I don't think I choose the right cut of meat for dinner. We are having pulled pork sandwiches and the meat is tough. I just hope that the sauce will soften it some.
3. Related to the dinner - I should have just used the crock pot like I wanted to make dinner. I have a gas stove and everything takes less time to cook and less time to burn on the gas. I usually make pulled pork in the crock pot but am trying a new recipe and it called for making it on the stove, so crazy woman made it on the stove. It was done in 1.5 hours rather than 3 hours. Oops.
4. Also related, I just realized I can probably make my grandmother's spaghetti in the crock pot also, instead of burning it on the stove. I will have to try that soon. Spaghetti anyone?
Today I learned several things:
1. Playing with your kids is much more difficult than ignoring your kids, but much more rewarding. Let me explain: now that I stay at home during the week with my kids, I don't know what to do with them. Lots of the time I lock them in the living room (behind the gate so Blake doesn't destroy everything) and let them play and watch TV. Today I spent time with them and it is much harder to play with two boys than I thought, but much more fun. I think I'm going to have to get some things we can do together at the table like projects or something. Wow, i'm becoming a real mom!
2. I don't think I choose the right cut of meat for dinner. We are having pulled pork sandwiches and the meat is tough. I just hope that the sauce will soften it some.
3. Related to the dinner - I should have just used the crock pot like I wanted to make dinner. I have a gas stove and everything takes less time to cook and less time to burn on the gas. I usually make pulled pork in the crock pot but am trying a new recipe and it called for making it on the stove, so crazy woman made it on the stove. It was done in 1.5 hours rather than 3 hours. Oops.
4. Also related, I just realized I can probably make my grandmother's spaghetti in the crock pot also, instead of burning it on the stove. I will have to try that soon. Spaghetti anyone?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Meeting Jim Butcher
I LOVE Jim Butcher's books. He writes The Dresden Files books and there are 8-9 books already out and more to come. The new one called Changes just came out and I was debating whether to buy it because money is tight and I didn't want to spend frivolous money if I didn't have to (not that books are frivolous, but diapers and formula are more important). Matt convinced me to go to Borders in Lee's Summit (a town south of Kansas City with the closest Super Target) and see if they had it on sale. The book was $13 and some change so we got it. When I was at the check out, the lady said "Are you coming on Monday?" I'm thinking, what for crazy lady? I don't have money to blow on books! Apparently Jim Butcher was going to be there Monday night at 7pm for a reading and book signing. I got all the details and was excited. I got up at 0715 Monday morning and got the boys ready to go. We went to the bookstore and got our wristband to get our book signed. Then we did normal stuff and went back around 6pm. It was super cool. Jim Butcher's sister was standing next to me and we chatted for a while. People asked questions and he answered them. One of the things I like about his books is that his character, Harry Dresden is a smart aleck with an awesome, make me laugh out loud, sense of humor. Jim Butcher has the same sense of humor that his character does and I was laughing lots and loudly, because who laughs softly? Anyway, I got my book signed and a picture of my boys and I with Jim Butcher that I will post when I get it uploaded to the computer. It was an awesome time and the most excitement I have had in a while.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
What I Learned from Red Velvet Cake
For my sister-in-law's birthday on Tuesday I made red velvet cake. I had never made it before and I learned several things. Here they are:
1. It takes TWO ounces of red food coloring to make red velvet cake. That is two bottles of red food coloring, and not the bottles you get in the four pack of food coloring either. Two index finger height bottles.
2. Be prepared for your kitchen to look like somebody had their caroited artery opened up in your mixing bowl. It was AWESOME! (but I like that kind of thing). It actually reminded me of a scene from Sweeny Todd.
3. You can make buttermilk from 1tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and almost 1 cup of milk. I never have to buy buttermilk again only to have it go bad before I use it all (or go more bad than it already is).
4. Never wash your red velvet cake dishes in the dishwater first because the water will look like someone's caroited artery was emptied into the sink. It just looks wierd as you try to wash the rest of your dishes.
5. For only this recipe, the cooking time on the recipe was exactly right and I was dumb and overcooked it. I think this is the only time I have cooked something for the exact amount of time and had that be correct.
6. Red velvet cake does not have to have cream cheese icing. As a matter of fact, some of the "authentic" recipes say that cream cheese icing is wrong. It is supposed to have a cooked milk icing that sounds really good but that I didn't use.
7. Neither Better Homes and Garden cookbook nor The Joy of Cooking had a recipe for red velvet cake. I had to go to Google. I think this is the first time I have looked for a cake recipe and not found it in my cookbooks. I was sad.
8. Most importantly, I really like Red Velvet Cake. It looks like the cake is bleeding and it has a good flavor and is very moist. Sweet!!
1. It takes TWO ounces of red food coloring to make red velvet cake. That is two bottles of red food coloring, and not the bottles you get in the four pack of food coloring either. Two index finger height bottles.
2. Be prepared for your kitchen to look like somebody had their caroited artery opened up in your mixing bowl. It was AWESOME! (but I like that kind of thing). It actually reminded me of a scene from Sweeny Todd.
3. You can make buttermilk from 1tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and almost 1 cup of milk. I never have to buy buttermilk again only to have it go bad before I use it all (or go more bad than it already is).
4. Never wash your red velvet cake dishes in the dishwater first because the water will look like someone's caroited artery was emptied into the sink. It just looks wierd as you try to wash the rest of your dishes.
5. For only this recipe, the cooking time on the recipe was exactly right and I was dumb and overcooked it. I think this is the only time I have cooked something for the exact amount of time and had that be correct.
6. Red velvet cake does not have to have cream cheese icing. As a matter of fact, some of the "authentic" recipes say that cream cheese icing is wrong. It is supposed to have a cooked milk icing that sounds really good but that I didn't use.
7. Neither Better Homes and Garden cookbook nor The Joy of Cooking had a recipe for red velvet cake. I had to go to Google. I think this is the first time I have looked for a cake recipe and not found it in my cookbooks. I was sad.
8. Most importantly, I really like Red Velvet Cake. It looks like the cake is bleeding and it has a good flavor and is very moist. Sweet!!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Snow
So, it is Christmas Day and we have lots of snow on the ground with more coming down. I worked last night and am waiting for the day shift nurses to get here so I can give report and go home. The precipitation started yesterday afternoon around three, when the rain turned to sleet and then to snow. I don't normally have to leave my house before 6:15pm to get to work by 6:45pm. However, last night I made sure I was in the shower at 5pm and out of my house by 5:45pm to get to work with plenty of time to navigate the weather.
I would like to think that I am a tolerant and kind person, however this morning has tested my patience. Several nurses have called and said they were stuck in ditches on their way and I feel bad for them - they attempted to come to work. They got up early to get out of their driveways and come to work. Then there are the people who called at 6:15-6:20am to say they were stuck in their driveways. What I want to know is why they are just now getting out of their houses and into their driveways. We had a blizzard advisory before people went to bed last night, so why didn't people get up early to check conditions, get themselves out of their driveways, and get their butts to work. I am trying to be kind and understanding, but really i'm just annoyed that I have to be here until others get here. I want to go home and go to bed. I don't want to get stuck in the snow on the way home. I want to get paid my time and a half for work last night, but since I'm on orientation, I don't get the holiday pay. Sometimes life doesn't work the way you want.
I would like to think that I am a tolerant and kind person, however this morning has tested my patience. Several nurses have called and said they were stuck in ditches on their way and I feel bad for them - they attempted to come to work. They got up early to get out of their driveways and come to work. Then there are the people who called at 6:15-6:20am to say they were stuck in their driveways. What I want to know is why they are just now getting out of their houses and into their driveways. We had a blizzard advisory before people went to bed last night, so why didn't people get up early to check conditions, get themselves out of their driveways, and get their butts to work. I am trying to be kind and understanding, but really i'm just annoyed that I have to be here until others get here. I want to go home and go to bed. I don't want to get stuck in the snow on the way home. I want to get paid my time and a half for work last night, but since I'm on orientation, I don't get the holiday pay. Sometimes life doesn't work the way you want.
Monday, December 14, 2009
New Stuff is Always Exciting
New Stuff is Always Exciting...
For example, getting a new toy/movie/gadget is always a cause for celebration in my house. We get the "new stuff" and play with it right away - maybe all day. When I first got my iPhone I spent lots of time on it fooling around. We usually get a new movie home and open it up right away and watch it. If it's something I have really been waiting for, like the new Star Trek, I will watch the movie, then all the special features, then maybe the movie with commentary. However, after a while new things get less exciting. My iPhone is still way cool but it has lost some of it's inital excitement (however, new apps always make me happy).
A new job is like that in lots of ways. I was soooo excited when I was offered the new job. Boy was I excited. It was the job I wanted and I was so glad that they wanted me too. Then it took two whole weeks to start orientation so I was anxious to start. Once I got to the orientation, I was super excited again because I got my badge that says Emily, RN (Woot) and I could use it to clock in, etc. I even used payroll deduction in the cafeteria and that was exciting (although that is super dangerous).
Today is my first day on the actual floor where I will be working. I was excited to get up and come to work today, even though I had to get up at 0530. I was excited to clock in and start my day. Everyone here is super nice and I feel very welcomed. However, I feel like some of the initial excitement has worn off. I know that sounds bad, but let me explain. My preceptor feels like she doesn't need to show me some things because I will be working nights and everything is so different from days to nights. That is a bit frustrating. I know it's true for some things, but it feels like a cop out so she doesn't have to slow down and show me things. Maybe it's because I am just so tired and our patients are so good today - who knows. I am still excited about my new job, but now I am waiting to go to nights to start my "real" orientation. Maybe the "new stuff" excitement will return my first night. Then again, maybe not. I may be lucky to stay awake the whole night :)
For example, getting a new toy/movie/gadget is always a cause for celebration in my house. We get the "new stuff" and play with it right away - maybe all day. When I first got my iPhone I spent lots of time on it fooling around. We usually get a new movie home and open it up right away and watch it. If it's something I have really been waiting for, like the new Star Trek, I will watch the movie, then all the special features, then maybe the movie with commentary. However, after a while new things get less exciting. My iPhone is still way cool but it has lost some of it's inital excitement (however, new apps always make me happy).
A new job is like that in lots of ways. I was soooo excited when I was offered the new job. Boy was I excited. It was the job I wanted and I was so glad that they wanted me too. Then it took two whole weeks to start orientation so I was anxious to start. Once I got to the orientation, I was super excited again because I got my badge that says Emily, RN (Woot) and I could use it to clock in, etc. I even used payroll deduction in the cafeteria and that was exciting (although that is super dangerous).
Today is my first day on the actual floor where I will be working. I was excited to get up and come to work today, even though I had to get up at 0530. I was excited to clock in and start my day. Everyone here is super nice and I feel very welcomed. However, I feel like some of the initial excitement has worn off. I know that sounds bad, but let me explain. My preceptor feels like she doesn't need to show me some things because I will be working nights and everything is so different from days to nights. That is a bit frustrating. I know it's true for some things, but it feels like a cop out so she doesn't have to slow down and show me things. Maybe it's because I am just so tired and our patients are so good today - who knows. I am still excited about my new job, but now I am waiting to go to nights to start my "real" orientation. Maybe the "new stuff" excitement will return my first night. Then again, maybe not. I may be lucky to stay awake the whole night :)
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Back To The Land of the Living
I have decided that since my life issues have seemed to be resolved right now that I can start to blog again. I took and passed my state boards in October (on Will's birthday) and have started orientation for my new job at a local hospital. I shall be working on the cardiac/pulmonary/telemetry floor. Basically we get patients who are moved from ICU but are still very critical. It is going to be AWESOME! I get to go to heart monitoring class, stroke class, and do advanced cardiac life support, where I learn how to run a code and push medications during a code. I'm super excited. I got my badge a couple of days ago and it said RN and I showed it to anyone who would listen.
Blake is now almost 4 months and weighs about 20lbs. He's HUGE and super cute. Will is three and terrible, but he's cute too. Matt is in school right now and is pursuing a degree in education. GO MATT! Life is good and all is well. I'm going to take this time to enjoy the relative calm that is my life before something bad happens, as it inevitably will.
Blake is now almost 4 months and weighs about 20lbs. He's HUGE and super cute. Will is three and terrible, but he's cute too. Matt is in school right now and is pursuing a degree in education. GO MATT! Life is good and all is well. I'm going to take this time to enjoy the relative calm that is my life before something bad happens, as it inevitably will.
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