Catch up time.

Posted on June 2, 2013 by the2beths

Man Alive. I have missed blogging. Every day I am thinking of all of these things I want to blog. Then, the day gets away from me.
This past week was the last week of school, and to say it was busy is an understatement. You see, the last day of school was preceded by the death of my grandma. My very dear, very amazing, awesome Grandma Kerrigan. I am going to devote a post to Gramma K this week. She deserves her own post. Truly.
Updates:
School: So, I was out of school on Friday because of the funeral, and it was a 3 day weekend, and then Tuesday I was off because of a doctor’s appointment. So, I came back Wednesday and it was like I came back in the middle of a roller coaster ride, but in the middle of the down part of the biggest hill. I had to get awards, report cards, and the end of the year stuff all finished as soon as possible. But, alas, I got it done. HA HA. And now, I am in the first weekend of summer break. I have to go to school this week to finish things up and for a few meetings, but that is not stressful.

Weight Watchers: I completely jumped off the WW wagon the week I started my first cycle with the specialist. I have gained 4-5 lbs and started back on the wagon yesterday. I feel much better already. I was starting to feel like crap every single day, and the more I felt like crap, the more I fed myself crap. And the more crap I ate and felt like, I didn’t exercise at all. It’s a downward spiral for me, but what I’ve noticed now, is I am able to get back to it after only a few weeks and a few pounds, and not let it turn into a year and 20 lbs. I am hoping to undo that damage by the end of the week or the middle of next week.
I did a meal plan for the week, and went grocery shopping. I always spend way too much money at the grocery store. I need to work on that.
For real.

I am trying to cut down on my carbohydrates, as directed by my doctor and as I know I need to do. I was not cutting down on carbs the last few weeks, in fact, it was as if I was trying to set a world record for most carbs eaten. : )

Infertility: We are in the middle of our first monitored cycle with the specialist. Keep your fingers crossed. Interestingly enough, my blood tests revealed that while my thyroid is normal for regular life – for fertility it was a little lower than the doctor wanted. I am on a low dose of thyroid medicine. Also, he upped my Metformin because of my testing. These were all messages to me that I need to continue my WW journey, and eating lower carb, and healthfully. I know that most of my issues are related to my weight, and rather than just self loathe, I am working on making the necessary changes. Self Loathing does not get you any where, but eating healthy, and exercising gets you in a good place mentally and physically. Plus, clothes look much cuter and feel better. : )
So, keep your fingers crossed that this is the summer that baby Allman is created.

Life: Well, I still miss my brother and his family like crazy. They were here last week for a week, and this visit did not help matters. It just made me miss them more. I feel lucky that I got to spend a lot of time with them. It was really nice to see them. I was supposed to go to Houston for a week at the end of June, but with this whole infertility thing, I am land locked. It is really upsetting to me, but I know it will be worth it in the end. Well, the hopeful part of me knows that.
The good news is that Ava, my niece, is coming to Ohio on June 12th for SIX WEEKS!!! It’s going to be so great to be with her this summer and swim, hang out, go to the zoo, and do other fun things.
My mom is having hip replacement surgery on June 24th. It can not come soon enough. She is absolutely miserable. She can not walk without a walker, and is in constant pain that is only dulled by medication, but not eliminated. She was going to try to put the surgery off until August, but decided ASAP was better. I am so glad, because it is hard to see her so miserable.

And lastly, TODAY IS MY PARENTS’ 40th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!
FORTY.
YEARS.

We are celebrating tonight with a delicious dinner at a restaurant called Thai 9.

I have about 15 loads of laundry to do, so I am off to do that.
Have a good Sunday!!
xoxox,
Beth WA

Just do it.

Posted on May 11, 2013 by the2beths

Just do it.

That is what I have been telling myself lately when it comes to walking on the treadmill. Eventually, I would like to add in other exercises, but I am going to continue walking until I get my first 30 pounds off, then add in other workouts, like videos.
Anyway, after school yesterday, I knew I needed to walk for at least 45 minutes. I needed the activity points to end the week in the positives. Last week I was negative 4 and I stayed the same on the scale. Well, I walked for 66 minutes, and got all my activity points, and ended the week with points to spare!! WOO HOO!! So, even after a day heavy in the points on Friday, my Saturday weigh in bared good news -

**I LOST TWO POUNDS THIS WEEK!!!****

And, I’ve been taking my blood pressure lately, because I notice a correlation between when I am exercising and eating right and my blood pressure going down. Anyway, my bp was 110 over 62!! That is good people!! Very good. My goal has always been to go off my blood pressure medicine and this has given me the hope I needed that this might be possible some day.

This weight loss this week is with a barbecue at my friends house last Saturday, where I indulged in desserts, and a first communion party on Sunday, where I exercised more constraint (because I was eating leftover desserts from said party on Saturday…ha ha ha) But, I tracked everything, and kept working out. I’ve been using all my points, even my activity points, and have still been losing. I always have the intention of not using my activity points, but then, I do. I guess it is ok until I quit using.

Here is a picture from the barbecue at my bff’s house. This is her daughter, Megan, and me. Her daughter was having the best time with the neighborhood kids, so we were cracking up at how dirty she is – because my friend, Liz, is the cleanest person I know.

Some random pictures from my phone over the last few weeks.

Here is the lilac tree in our back yard – it smells SOOO good and is so beautiful.

Here is a picture of a supplement that I have to take to help me get pregnant. My husband and I repeatedly joke about the name of it. Now, you can, too.

And lastly, I will leave you with a picture of my dad in his stylin’ new shades.
We loved them because they were so out of character. (They are actually just try-outs from the optometrist.)

Well, I am going to walk with a dear friend. I was so happy she texted me last night to walk this morning so I can get it out of the way, and actually “just do it” instead of torturing myself all day. HA HA..
Updated to say: I walked 5.1 miles with my friend!!! 100% of activity by 10:30 am. I will take it!
Peace out…xxoxoxoxo
Beth WA

One More Week…

Posted on March 23, 2013 by the2beths

One more week and I get to see this sweet face in person, and smooch all over it.

I can NOT wait.

This has been a busy few weeks, at work, at home, and just all around.

Last weekend was St. Patrick’s Day, and Saturday night I went out locally with my bff’s, and had a great time. Beth FS’s husband is very hilarious, and he was entertaining us all night.
Here is a group pic of the ladies from the night. Darn it for not getting pictures of us with our husbands. That is something I need to work on, taking more pictures of fun times!

And here is a picture of the Jameson shots that Beth FS got us. It’s a tradition on St. Patrick’s Day in honor or her late Uncle Dan.

On Sunday, my dad and I drove up to Cleveland (where we are from) to see his side of the family as they always celebrate St. Patrick’s day in a big way. My cousin was home from the Navy so it was nice to see him. I have lots of cousins, but here is a picture of a few of us from the celebration.

Last night we went to my parents and I brought pizza over from the place across the street from my house that has delicious New York style pizza. We went through some old pictures (because when my dad hung his coat up in the closet, the closet broke, and the bar fell down, and it all came tumbling out….so a box pictures were discovered by me).
Here is a picture of me and my cousin, Cortney. She is my most hilarious cousin.* Truly. And she is gorgeous. She does not age, seriously.
This is us at Niagara Falls in the 70′s.

I just thought it was the sweetest picture.

On the weight front, I have been struggling. Majorly struggling. And by struggling I mean eating like crazy and not exercising. I made the decision last week to join Weight Watchers Online, and utilize their Active Link. It is a device that you wear all the time that measures your activity, and helps you set goal to become a more active person, little by little. So, I have been preparing all week for today, the day I start WW, and I have to say I woke up this morning relieved. Relieved that I am finally doing something.
It’s a vicious cycle. Infertility depresses me. I eat. I gain weight. It increases infertility. So, I need to change my coping mechanism. And that is what I am working on. I will keep you posted.

Here is what the Active Link looks like…

You can wear it clipped in the waist band of your underwear or bra, or in your pocket. You don’t even feel it. I am currently in the 7 day period where it gets a baseline of your activity. I am in day two. I am anxious to get it started when it is over. It will be just in time for my trip to Houston where I am hoping I get to take walks outside in the warmer weather.

Well, I am going to try to clean up my google reader, and do paperwork, then cleaning, laundry, and some work for my online class that I can NOT wait until it is over.
Have a great Saturday.

Beth WA

*Tied with you, Bridget. ; )

Another Snow Day!!

Posted on March 6, 2013 by the2beths

Well, we got a doozie of a snow storm last night. They have been building it up all week, and it delivered. Starting at about 11 last night, the snow started coming straight down. Lots of tiny flakes to make about 6 inches, I would guess. I had mixed feeling about this snow storm because tonight, my girlfriends and I are going to see P!nk in concert at a venue about 50 minutes away. So, the whole time the storm was predicted, I was hoping for enough snow to cancel school, but for it to stop early enough so the main roads would be clear for our drive to the concert. AND, it looks like that’s what happened. It stopped snowing early in the morning, and the treated roads are already looking good.

Here are some pictures from my yard. We have this very scary and VERY large pine tree in the back yard, and the snow has the branches weighed almost down to the ground when they are usually above our heads. I think this has terrified my dog, because she will not go out. She used to love the snow, but not today. The last picture is of her sitting in front of me all anxious-like with a slipper in her mouth.

I am going to do some grading today, read some magazines, and walk on the treadmill, and do my kettlebell work out. I’ll be honest, Monday and Tuesday were not good days with calorie count or exercise. I had a test done at the hospital yesterday that I was nervous about, and I think that contributed to it, but I can only take one day at a time. So, today is a new day.
(I guess I should mention that the test went fine!)

I am so excited to see P!nk tonight!!!

Source

Have a great hump day everybody!!!
(Or my Saturday!! because I took tomorrow off as a personal day – woot woot!!!)

Love,
Beth WA

Friday Night Burn Out

Posted on March 1, 2013 by the2beths

Man, oh, man, am I tired tonight. I am not sure why I am so exhausted, other than life has been a bit heavy lately. I was wishing I came home from work and wanted to do a million things, but that was not the case. I actually had a headache that I couldn’t shake. I walked on the treadmill for a short time – about 35 minutes – then I took a nap.
For dinner, we got pizza from the place across the street from our house. I also got a Greek Salad. I love Greek salads. This one had a bit too much feta for my liking.

And my dog stared at me trying to guilt me into a piece.

Tomorrow I join my friend in a weight loss journey. I’ve been mentally prepping this week. I am ready.
Tired of being tired.

But, for tonight, pizza and vino.

Have a great Friday night, everybody.

xoxox,
Beth WA

I kept a promise.

Posted on February 25, 2013 by the2beths

I did the thing I am worst at today – I kept a promise to myself.
I tracked my food on Fitness Pal, and stayed within my calories.
I exercised!!!! with a good friend.
I did work at work, and didn’t bring any home.
YAY.
It’s amazing how one day back on the wagon makes you feel so much better. Not to mention, when I got on the scale this morning for the first time in weeks, it was 2.1 lbs lower than I thought I was. So, I am already 2.1 lbs into my 30 lb goal. WOO HOO.

Today was a good day.
And, here is why…

* I was caught up with grading when I went into school this morning.
* I had a few kids in my room before school and I was able to help them without feeling rushed.
* My lesson plans were pretty laid back today.
* I tracked my calories.
* I ate fruits and vegetables.
* I went on a walk with my friend, Marianne.
* I am ’bouta make a good dinner.

This weekend we cleaned out my gramma’s assisted living apartment, as she has to move to the side of the home that is full time care. I found this picture of her when she was a baby. She has always been very ornery, or as she will tell you, she was a “brat.” This totally captures her ornery side.

I still have a lot of work to do for my UD class this week, but I am glad that it was a good Monday.

I hope you had a good Monday, too.

UPDATED: I can’t believe I forgot to mention the highlight of my day. My best girl, Ava, face timed me without me begging her to do it!!! It was a complete surprise!!!
I miss that girl!!

xoxo,
Beth WA

Stretch Goal

Posted on February 24, 2013 by the2beths

I am sick of tired of being sick and tired. I am not sure who I can credit that quote to – it was some comedian in the 90′s – but it is so true. While I’ve been going through infertility stuff, I have been paralyzed in all other aspects of my life, and I’ve decided that has to stop. I am doing what I need to do for that, but there is so much more to life, and I need to start living. I realized this after going out to dinner with my friends on Friday, then getting my hair done on Saturday morning. After doing both of those things, I felt better than I had in ages.
I have also scheduled many really fun concerts and trips in the next several months.

In March I am going to see P!nk with some of my girlfriends. At the end of March I am going to Houston, TX with Craig to see my brother and his wife, and more importantly, my niece!!! It’s a surprise to her, and I can NOT wait.

In April, I am going to see Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band with my parents, and their neighbors who are like family to us.

In May I am going to see The Avett Brothers with a group of friends we’ve seen them with the last two years.

In June, I am going with my bff Liz to Charlottesville, VA to go to some good restaurants, and hopefully see Kath or Matt at Great Harvest. We are avid followers, and think it would be really cool to see them in person.

In July, I am going to see Dave Matthews with Liz, also, and some more girlfriends.

In August I am going to see…wait for it…wait for it…. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND JAY Z!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And it gets even better, we have 9th ROW FLOOR SEATS!!!! Thank you, Beth FS for getting us that hook up. I can hardly believe it is even real.

So, the only thing that would make this all better than it is already is if I were more comfortable in my own skin. If I were to be more active, and eating better, and losing some weight. Because, as of right now, I am not doing any of those things, and I can tell it is starting to wear on me.

So, in education we have this thing called a “stretch goal,” that is your long term goal, that sometimes seems unlikely to be achieved until you break it down into smaller SMART goals. So, I am going to take a similar approach. I have a stretch goal of losing 100 lbs, but I am breaking it into 3 phases. First I will set a goal to lose 30 lbs, then I will try to lose 40 lbs, then the last 30. That way, it seems less daunting, and more manageable. I am going to blog about this journey as I go along. I will be using Fitness Pal app for my phone to count my calories, and plan to start my exercise with walking and Kettlebell workouts for weights.
Wish me luck. And join me if you’d like!! I am joining Liz on her journey, as it is so much easier with a friend by your side.

Love to you all, and have a great week.

xoxo,
Beth WA

Sunday, Sunday….

Posted on February 10, 2013 by the2beths

Well, here we are, it’s Sunday, and I didn’t do anything productive yesterday, so I am working most of today. Which is totally fine, and I am not complaining, because, I had a really great Saturday.

First: I got to sleep in, woot! woot!,

Second: My husband went grocery shopping for me, double woot! woot!,

Third: I had lunch with two of my oldest, dearest friends. We picked up Panera and ate it at my house. Then, we sat at my dining room table for 3 *quick* hours and chatted and laughed. I say *quick* hours, because the time flew by. It was 1 then it was almost 4 in a snap.

Fourth: I went on a date with my husband. We went to Columbus, the city we used to live in, that is about 45 minutes away from our house. It has much better restaurant choices than the small town we live in. We went to a place called the “Jury Room.” Dinner was AMAZING. I ordered a brisket and macaroni and cheese sandwich with spicy ketchup. The side dish was truffle fries with aioli. We were SOOO full by the time dinner was over, but it was all SOOOO good. Here is a picture of the sandwich…it was so dark in there, and it is a terrible picture, but I am still posting it.

We had a really nice time, and after dinner we went over to a new brewery. It was so new, they didn’t have their own beer yet, but served only Ohio beers on tap in the mean time. It was an old gas station, so the front is a garage door that is all windows that I imagine they will open in the summer. There was a food truck outside as well. It was really dark inside, and filled with hipsters.

This morning I have been working on the class I am taking at University of Dayton, online. I was having a rough time, but after emailing with the professor, I got it worked out. Phew.

And now I am about to grade for a million hours.

Oh, one more thing. I have been reading about this French Toast Scramble over at Carrots N Cake for a long time now. When I first read about it, I almost gagged. And every time she would make it I would think, “Eww, gross.” But, then, she kept eating it and RAVING about it, and I was slowly becoming convinced. So, today, I tried it.
And it was DELICIOUS. High in protein, sweet, and FILLING. Three of my top characteristics in a breakfast.
Here is a picture. It isn’t that pretty, but it is good. I swear.
Although, I could see the texture sometimes being something I couldn’t eat (like hummus, oatmeal, and yogurt.)

What are your favorite breakfasts that are filling and easy to make??

P.S. My brother just sent me this picture of my niece (she dressed herself today), and I could die from the cuteness.

Well, have a good Sunday everybody!!
xoxoo,
Beth WA

“The Stars At Night…” Part 1

Posted on February 2, 2013 by the2beths

Well, happy February, friends! I am back. The last few weeks have been exciting, emotional, stressful, sad and at times surreal.

It all started the week of January 14th when I was preparing for my brother’s family’s going away party that I was hosting. This is when I did my last blog entry! I was expecting around 80 people and I knew it was going to be a blast if two things happened.
1. If it was warm enough to use our 3 season room.
2. If everybody fit.

Well, despite temperatures in the teens in the preceding days, it was 45 degrees and sunny on the day of the party. So, with a few space heaters, the room was usable, and because of that – EVERYBODY FIT!
So many of my favorite people were there. Here are a few pictures of the night…

We had so much food leftover, and so much wine and beer left. But, I would always much rather have that, than not enough.

After the party, I spent the following week starting a college class I am taking online at University of Dayton, and preparing to drive to Texas with my family to move my brother down there. (Also this week, we found out we weren’t pregnant this month : (….) My brother and my dad were driving in the moving truck, and my mom, my sister in law, my niece and I were following in my sister in law’s car. We were driving all day Saturday and Sunday to arrive early Sunday evening. My awesomer than awesome boss allowed me to take Monday and Tuesday off, so I could spend a little bit of time down there and then fly back on Tuesday afternoon.

It was a LONG two days.

Here is a picture of the truck leaving Ohio:

And, here they are driving into Texas…

It was very nice when we got there. There are three families that we know down there from Springfield, and they all showed up to help unpack the truck. One of them was also bringing furniture for my brother’s family because he was downsizing. So, they got a couch and two chairs, and a bed for my niece, all delivered!! That was SOOO nice.

Here is my brother, Jimmy, my sister in law, Georgi, and my niece, Ava at their new home right when we got there…

Well, this is Part 1 of my last two weeks. Part 2 will come later today, or tomorrow morning.
I have 120 math tests to grade. Fun Saturday!! And grocery shopping…and laundry…
But, I am HAPPY to be back in my routine. Routines are best for me.

Happy weekend to all of you!! I missed blogging.

Love,
Beth WA

‘Tis the Season…

Posted on December 23, 2012 by the2beths

It has been a really good break so far. Just the right mix of social and solitude.
Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are pretty leisurely as we don’t have children. We go to my parents’ house on Christmas Eve and to my husband’s parents late Christmas morning until afternoon. Then we come home and exchange our gifts for each other.

Today was a really nice, relaxing day. I started the day at 10:30 mass, and it was just a great mass. Sometimes I get more out of it than others, and today it was a good one. Good music, good homily, good vibe…and then at 2:00, my husband and I went to watch my niece in her church’s kids’ Christmas play. It was adorable. The kids wrote it and it was a spin on the story of Jesus’ birth with superheroes and a bit of humor.
My niece was “Shephard #1″

Then, we stopped at our local liquor store to get some beer for my husband. They know him there, as it is the local shop that has the best craft beer selection. As luck should have it, they were having a tasting of beer and wine, so my husband was super happy about that. Well, the beer part.

Then we met some family and friends to watch some football, and now we are relaxing at home. ..

Last night I got to hang out with two of my dearest friends. We laughed, and chatted until late in the evening. My friend Tracy’s son is so freakin’ adorable. Here he is loving the gift bag I got him.

It was the best picture I could get of him, as he lives in California, so he doesn’t know me, and wasn’t that into me, ha ha. And I do not like to be “in your face” with kids who are uncomfortable. I was a shy kid, and so I think I am super sensitive to kids who are that way.
He is the most adorable little boy ever. He has such a fun personality, and seriously, he is devastatingly handsome,

So, I saw this thing online that said, “Don’t have any food in your house that you can’t eat responsibly.” Well, that list is rather extensive for me, but as of this week, I have 2 more things I add to the list. I don’t know why I even put them in the cart.

I highly recommend both of these cookies. Especially the ginger ones. Mmmmm…. They are made by Carrs, who make my favorite table water crackers.

I think I am going to rent a movie on demand, as I just finished wrapping all of the presents.
Don’t tell my husband I am renting a movie. He is not a fan of that. Ha ha.

Merry Christmas to all of you!!!

Beth WA

the2beths

Discussing life, point by point…

Category Archives: Friends

Catch up time.

Just do it.

One More Week…

Another Snow Day!!

Friday Night Burn Out

I kept a promise.

Stretch Goal

Sunday, Sunday….

“The Stars At Night…” Part 1

‘Tis the Season…

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