Fat-Free Fatty Fatty Fatty

I suck.

I was doing so well this month, and then I was sidelined by the cold that never ends. (Basically as annoying as the "Song that Never Ends", but even worse). I have had absolutely no energy to work out for the last two weeks. My cold was actually almost gone, and then it started all over again. Fun, eh? And I've been eating horrendously. I don't know what's happening, but my brain has completely lost the "lifestyle change" mindset that was working for me. I do not like this. It feels like two steps forward, two steps back. My pants are snug, my belly is bloated, and I feel like garbage. So why oh why can't I stop?

I guess I should share with you the results of my workout challenge, even though I didn't meet my goals. I'll do that next week.

All I can say now is this: Thanks. GOODNESS. It's. FRIDAY!!!

Q&A Time!!!

Here are answers to your lovely questions...

1. How are things going with your depression?

Thanks for asking. That's actually a tough one to answer, because it really depends on the day. I think I'm doing better than I was two months ago. Usually once winter hits, things get tougher for me, but that hasn't started yet. We've had a really sunny November here, and it's helped a lot. Also, my doctor is upping my meds for the upcoming months, so that will help too :P

2. Do you ever argue with your parents or find it hard to live in such close proximity?

It's not nearly as challenging as I thought! I just really wish that we didn't have to share a kitchen. If we did decide to do this for the long-term (and that's a big IF) we would definitely need a house with a REAL inlaw suite!

3. Did you always want children?

Oh yes. Always. Probably creepily so. I can remember watching "Father of the Bride 2" and stuffing a pillow under my shirt, desperate to know what pregnancy felt like. And I think I was about 10 years old!!! When I was older, I tried to imagine what life would be like without kids, and it just never felt right for me. I was born to be a momma!

4. I love how you style your hair. I would like to see more about how you do it...

This actually SHOCKED me to read, because I feel like I'm always fighting with my hair! My hair is naturally wavy. When I straighten it, I simply blow-dry it then use a straightening iron to smooth things down. My hair also holds a curl well, and for that I use a 3/4" curling iron. The key is to not curl all the way to the end - leave about an inch of hair uncurled, or else it will look too fancy and perfect :) Oh yes, and I usually shower at night. My hair needs time to calm down before I can go out in public :)

5. Done any craft projects lately?

Yes, I just finished a Christmas wreath! I am going to post a picture and some basic instructions soon, so stay tuned!

6. Do you want more kids?

Sometimes. We used to want four kids! But we won't be having any more, due to finances and the life we want to be able to provide for our children. Still, sometimes it hurts. Sometimes it feels like someone will always be missing from our family. Sometimes my heart aches just a bit when I see someone else is pregnant with their third or fourth. Other times, though, I see families of 3+ kids and think there is NO WAY I'd be able to handle the chaos! We are lucky to have a niece and nephew in the same city who are the same age as our kids, so when we want our four-kid fix, we can have it :)

7. How is your running going?

I feel like my running is just getting worse and worse! I would love to hear advice from some runners about what I can do. I can usually only manage about two runs each week, so my speed and endurance in struggling. Any tips?

That's all for now! Have a great day!

Reminder...

A special note today to my American friends: I hope that you are all keeping safe with the crazy weather that some of you have been experiencing. I hear that it's pretty bad in some areas, and that it may effect travel (and parades! Oh no!) during your Thanksgiving weekend. I sincerely hope that all of you are able to have the holiday you had planned. These times are so special.

Speaking of holidays...I wanted to re-link you all to a guest post that I posted previously on this blog. You can read it here. It's about keeping healthy and active during the holidays, so I thought it was a perfect timing for a reminder! It's a long read, but worth it. I especially want to bring your attention to this part:

"When it comes to the holidays, I give myself a break. But only a little break. I aim to make at least 80 percent of what I eat very healthy–reasonably low in fat, low-carb, natural, high in nutrients. Then I don’t feel so bad when I indulge in the slice of pie or a piece of Christmas fudge."

And also, even more importantly, this part:

"The holidays should be a time of getting together with family and enjoying winter activities. I stay in shape and indulge moderately, so I can participate fully in both."

Some great advice from a great lady! And please, leave our lady Emily a message - she's new to the blogging world, and I for one think she deserves some encouragement!!!

Have a great week! The Q&A results are coming soon, I promise!

I'm Still Here...

...still sick

...still have no energy

...still working my my Q&A post (it's not too late to send in your Q's!)

...still a lamesauce

I'm also working on a Christmas List-related post. Do you guys still make Christmas lists? Or am I the only one whose parents still demand it? I honesty don't even care about getting gifts for myself. Except for my stocking. I love my stocking. But otherwise, Christmas really has become all about giving to others. I always thought that adults were lying when they said that they could not receive a single gift during the season and still be happy, but now I know that it's true. Which makes coming up with a list for myself even harder! A list for what my kiddos want and need? Now that's easy!!!

What about you? What's on your list this year? What are you buying for others? Started shopping yet?

Sigh...

I swear, every time I come up with a new fitness routine for myself, I end up getting sick. So it should be no surprise that I'm going through it again: I got sent home from work for hacking up a storm, and now I'm at home throwing myself a mini pity party. I don't get sick a lot, but when I do, it's never minor.

Since my brain is too foggy to think much for myself, I thought I'd share with you some thoughts from Tim - he is the husband of the wonderful Jennifer, who, in my opinion, is a huge inspiration. If you haven't checked out her blog before, please do so now!!

Now, a few thoughts from her husband:

Physical appearance aside, what is the biggest change you've noticed in your wife since beginning her new, healthy-living journey?

I would have to say her confidence! She has a new glow about her that she never had before. She is wearing outfits that she always wanted to wear but was afraid to go out in public because she would think people would make fun of her.

Now she proudly wears new things and loves showing them off.

And what is the biggest change you've felt in YOURSELF since jumping on board?

The biggest change for me would have to be just an overall stamina in everyday activities. At 240lbs (my heaviest weight), I would get out of breath at the simplest of things such as bending over to tie my shoe. It sounds crazy, but that's how out of shape I was. Now at 180lbs, I am able to wear skinner fitting clothes and don't have to rely on my belt to hold my pants up. I too now have a stronger confidence that allows me a comfortable lifestyle.

There you have it: just a little reminder that there are benefits to a healthy lifestyle that extend beyond how you look.

Fat-Free Friday: Good News/Bad News Edition

Good News: I weigh 158.4 today. I love still being in the 150s.

Bad News: That means I gained weight this week. I ate like a linebacker last weekend.

Good News: I learned that my gym is open until 10pm during the week. This means that I can pop in, if I choose to, after the kids are in bed. It's win-win: more time with the kids, but still time for myself!

Bad News: I feel a cold coming on...so I may not have the energy yet for nighttime workouts.

Good News: I got up at 6am for an early morning run, and the weather was great!

Bad News: I kept stopping to walk. I totally wussed out on this one.

Good News: I am going shopping with my sister tomorrow - ALL DAY!

Bad News: I will miss going to a My Little Pony show with my daughter. Poor husband has to go instead.

Good News: I am completely on schedule - if not ahead of schedule - with my crafting projects!

Bad News: I've sacrificed sleep to craft. Not a smart idea.

Here's hoping for a good weekend. Keep those Q&A questions coming, too - I've recieved some great ones already that I am excited to answer! But I could use a few more :)

Let's Do a Q&A

I am having trouble coming up with my next blog post, so why not do a little Q&A to get my juices flowing?

Send me your questions - it can be about weight loss, crafting, family life...whatever!!! I do one of these every now and then, and I find that it helps inspire me...so let's hope it does that again!

You can respond with your question as a comment here, or email me at bren.babysteps@yahoo.ca

Thanks in advance!