Birthday Brain Dump
July 24, 2008
OMG SO much to tell you!
First of all, I lost my internet connection for like 12 hours yesterday after an evening thunderstorm, Hence post-less Wednesday. I won’t say I was freaking out because it actually gave me some time to get offline work done but I was a little distraught. I’m SO addicted to the internet. Cell phone? not so much. Cable? I can live without but take away the World Wide Web and I’m a lost puppy.
Anyway, even before the interruption of service I felt like I had a bunch of things to tell you so I’m doing a complete brain dump. Stop reading now of it don’t have like 10 minutes to devote to this doozie of a post!
- Today’s my birthday! the big 3-2 or as I like to call it my 4th 29th. :~P All joking aside this getting older thing isn’t too bad. I kind of enjoy it. I mean I don’t like the fine lines and wrinkles that are starting to appear on my face but overall I’m the fittest, happiest I’ve every been. I’m in a good place and I put myself there and that is the greatest feeling in the world.
- While I’m on the birthday topic just look at these…
-
The first picture is what I saw when I got to work this morning. How cute is that?!?! A mango! Don’t you just love it when people think of you and really know what will make you smile? Thank you Sasha and Kathy!
The second is my Birthday VitaCake. Vitalicious was nice enough to ship me one and let me tell you, it was perfect! Especially for a family of 3 or 4 and a quiet celebration at home. The serving size was just perfect! Even if you wanted 2 slices (I had 1.5) your just under 4 points! For cake! The whole family loved it, especially the toddler. If you are interested in ordering be sure to use my coupon code (WRN73108) for 10% off! — Update: While eating cake for breakfast I looked up the ingredients and it’s whole grain too! How cool is that?
- I weighed in today! Squished it in! I’m up a 3 pounds but I don’t care. That’s right you heard me, DON’T CARE! Now don’t get your panties in a twist. I’m not jumping off the wagon. I’m just totally happy with my size and that stupid arbitrary number isn’t going to change that fact. The funny thing, I’m wearing a pair of jeans that I bought at my lowest weight (135) and they fit perfectly. Actually, they fit the same way they did last year and I’m 12 lbs heavier! Numbers are funny, funny things. I also have 3 different sizes in my closet and the higher ones used to bother me, a lot. NO MORE. It really is all about how I feel and not to sound like a broken record, I fell G-R-E-A-T! (yes, Tony the Tiger did pop in there a bit :~P)
- Yesterday I recorded 3 videos! 2 more Ask Roni sessions and, drum roll please, the chocolate kettle corn for next weeks GreenLiteBites video. Now, I’ve been getting a lot of email about the kettle corn and let me tell you, it’s not THAT big of a deal. I mean, I like it, but it’s just a quick idea to make a sweet snack so don’t get too excited. I still have to edit and upload so expect all three videos over the next few days. In the meantime if you didn’t catch this weeks disaster you can watch me struggle through dinner with the most talkative toddler in the WORLD over on GreenLiteBites.
- On the workout front, yesterday I took a Boot Camp class at the gym. Let me tell you, I was all excited to post about it last night (stupid internet connection). It was SO much fun and the variation was just want I needed. However, I’m glad I couldn’t write yesterday because I wouldn’t be able to tell you how friggin’ sore I am. Holy Moly! Maybe it’s because I haven’t worked out that intense in awhile but geesh my legs feel like rubber bands!
- Let’s see, I know there’s more. OH! My inbox is a disaster so bear with me on responses to emails and comments. I’ve noticed a trend in the kinds of questions I’m getting. It’s inspired me to write a series of posts, or maybe emails on my progression during losing weight. Almost like a “Roni’s 10 steps”. To be honest I’m spreading myself to thin and I feel like I have to get out of my head on how I accomplished my goals, how I stayed motivated and how I changed my concept of “diet”. These 3 topics keep reappearing over and over again in email questions. Maybe an ebook? I’m not sure of the format yet but I’m working on it.
- The Surgery. Besides the questions mentioned above this also seems to be a hot topic in my inbox. To be honest, I haven’t talked about it much because I just don’t want to spread the “You need plastic surgery” message to be happy. I really don’t believe that but it’s hard to keep justifying my decision so I decided to make it a bit more low key. That being said, I’m feeling fine, healing well and I’m probably about 85% back to normal. I still have swelling and it’s a little uncomfortable to run, but I’m doing it anyway. The big question, was it worth it? Honestly, I’m not sure. There is a big difference. The skin is totally gone from my sides which is very nice. I no longer feel like I’m “hanging out” when I wear a snug or low cut pair of jeans. I was kind of tucking the skin in before. But over all I’ve been questioning the down time I had to endure. I missed the gym, I couldn’t play with the toddler the way I wanted to for a couple of weeks and I’m tired of wearing compression garrets. I’m sure 6 months from now I’ll be singing a different tune but right now I’m on the fence. I’m not sorry I did it but I’m also not selling it as the best thing I’ve done for myself. I need to stew and heal a bit more I think. Yes, I will post picture at the 2 month mark on the Tummy Tuck page. So look out for that August 17.
- On the working front, this “jobless” thing is kind of funny. Let me tell you a bit of history. I decided to leave my full time faculty position at the Community College to pursue other interests. Namely this site, the cook book, and my own media company. Basically I wanted to do what I wanted to do and I was in a position to take the leap. So I did. Well, now I may possibly be the busiest jobless person ever! I signed a contract with Johns Hopkins so I’m there 2 days a week, I’m still working on this new site, I have 2 active clients, GreenLiteBites, BlogToLose and this cookbook that is hanging over my head. Well, it’s not hanging there, I just really want to DO IT. When will I find the time? I can’t complain I love everything I’m doing and I’m really getting to explore all of my interests, technology, cooking, design, photography, the list goes on and on. I’m just interested in so many darn things!
Ok, what do you think? Was that enough? :~) You know what really cracks me (and my mom) up. My entire life I HATED writing. I mean I LOATHED it. I’m really not that good at it. My spelling and grammar suck and I can’t proof read. But when I sit down to post here or write up a recipe idea or even an email I just love it. I mean, really, I’m totally happy just sitting here in my office, on my computer typing away. I’ll get going on a topic and woops! 2 pages later I’m shocked I wrote so much. It’s very strange position for me to be in. Do you know how long it took me to write a term paper in college? Oh it was bad! Then after I wrote it I wouldn’t let anyone read it, not my mom, not the husband (boyfriend) no one but the teacher. Maybe I found my calling? Who knows.
Until tomorrow!
Oh! Almost forgot, Here are my two food journals from yesterday and today, just to make the post EVEN longer. ;~)
| Day 4 in Week | Target | 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Points | Count |
| Mommy and Me Omelets | -3 | 18 |
| Activity: 1 hour boot camp class – LOVED it | +3 | 21 |
| leftover Experimental Shepherd’s Pie | -4 | 17 |
| Homemade Chocolate Kettle Corn (I had to make it again to film it for GLB! Coming soon!) | -6 | 11 |
| Activity: About a mile "stroll" with the toddler | 0 | 11 |
| Tuna and cous cous made with Vegetable broth | -5 | 6 |
| Breyer’s Free with fresh berries and a squirt of light chocolate syrup | -3 | 3 |
| A REAL chocolate chip cookie. One of those big chewy suckers! | -4 | -1 |
| Total eaten | 22 | |
| Weekly Points Used: 1 • Remaining: 20 • Overall: Great day! Actually perfect day! | ||
Want a food journal like this for your blog? Try the table generator.
| Day 5 in Week | Target | 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Points | Count |
| 1/2 the toddlers shredded Wheat and banana (it was an odd morning) | -4 | 18 |
| leftover Experimental Shepherd’s Pie | -4 | 14 |
| carrots | 0 | 14 |
| chew granola bar | -2 | 12 |
| 1 small slice of veggie pizza – They had it at work and I actually looked for the smallest piece! SO proud of myself. Just one and I was satisfied! | -4 | 8 |
| Big Birthday Dinner! Shared a Hibachi Shrimp meal and Kobe (japanese restaurant) with the toddler and still had leftovers! (total estimate) | 12 | -4 |
| 1 and 1/2 slices of the VitaCake | -3 | -7 |
| Total eaten | 28 | |
| Weekly Points Used: 7 • Remaining: 13 • Overall: Ate a bit too much at dinner (feel stuffed) but it was a great day! | ||
Want a food journal like this for your blog? Try the table generator.
| « « Note to Self… | Be careful what you WORK for… » » |
On July 24th, 2008 at 9:33 pm Susan said:
Roni,
Happy birthday. I have been a lurker here for awhile, and I thought I would actually write something! FYI: I am 32, as well. It’s not so bad. :)
Thanks for the information about the VitaCake. I have wondered about them…what they look like…are they good, etc. I may have to order one now!
Also, thanks for this site! It is such a great motivation for me! Keep it up. :)
Susan
On July 24th, 2008 at 9:39 pm deanna said:
Happy Birthday!! I hope your day is/was GREAT!!!
On July 24th, 2008 at 9:43 pm Kate said:
Happy Birthday, Roni! I’m glad to see you had a great day!
On July 24th, 2008 at 9:49 pm Natalie said:
Happy Birthday! :)
On July 24th, 2008 at 9:54 pm Sassy Marie said:
“You say it’s your birthday. . .
It’s my birthday too. . .”
Happy Birthday to a fellow July 24th-er!
On July 24th, 2008 at 9:55 pm Christine said:
WOO HOO! Happy birthday Roni! I am the same as you…definitely up from the NUMBER on the scale last year, but I work out 1-2 hours per day 6 days a week, a ton of variety- weight lifting,boot camp,cardio combat,running, and the best shape ever, so yes, I AM LEARNING TOO, slowly, that a NUMBER is a NUMBER and a size is a size. VERY HARD LESSON- I dont even weigh AT ALL…I can see the changes and wont let the number bother me. That said, YES, MAINTAINING is the hardest thing ever, but the best accomplishment. Rock on, Roni!
On July 24th, 2008 at 10:02 pm Michele said:
Happy Birthday, Roni! Hope it was great! Wow – I’ve been reading your blog for over a year, I remember when it was your birthday last year! That Vitacake looks really good. I make my own muffins with their mixes, I might try to make a cake with the mix and see how it comes out. I’m thinking I could use some sugar free pudding instead of frosting. Yummm!
On July 24th, 2008 at 10:13 pm Arlene said:
Happy birthday! The Vitacake does look delicious. Turning 32 reminds me of my 32nd birthday, two days before I started the Atkins diet and lost 110 pounds over 2 years. I regained 70 of them once I fell off the low-carb wagon, though, and now I’m losing much more slowly — and hopefully permanently — on WW.
On July 24th, 2008 at 10:19 pm Tricia said:
First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. That Vitacake looks amazing!!! Second, I think it’s amazing that you can feel great about yourself even with the scale number up a bit. Working out and building that muscle changes your body so that even at 12 lbs “heavier” you are probably more fit than you were at your lowest “weight”. I’m still working on coming to grips with the scale number and feeling good based on how I’m feeling, looking, and how my clothes are fitting!! Maybe after 2 more years, I’ll be like you ;-)
On July 24th, 2008 at 10:19 pm Jennie said:
Happy Birthday!!!
On July 24th, 2008 at 10:37 pm Debbie said:
Happy Birthday Roni!
Keep on keepin’ on!
On July 24th, 2008 at 10:58 pm Gina said:
~Happy Birthday~ Roni! You make the world a better place! :)
On July 24th, 2008 at 11:23 pm Dani said:
HAPPY B-DAY!!
On July 24th, 2008 at 11:29 pm Crystal said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you had a great one!!!
On July 25th, 2008 at 12:00 am dd said:
hAppY BirThDAy, rOni!
On July 25th, 2008 at 12:39 am Christie said:
Happy Birthday!
Your b-day is very close to MizFits’ b-day (I think her’s was Friday). Crazy…
On July 25th, 2008 at 1:20 am Christy said:
Happy 4th 29th birthday :-) That is one of the best lines I have heard about age. Good job on sticking to being healthy on a day that most of us would have really splurged!
On July 25th, 2008 at 3:50 am Xenia said:
Happy, happy birthday, Roni!
My 30th is coming up at the end of the year. I can only hope to be as content with myself then as you are now.
On July 25th, 2008 at 4:57 am MizFit said:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SPRING CHICKEN FRIEND!!
On July 25th, 2008 at 6:40 am debby said:
Happy Birthday, Roni! I Really like that you quit your job to follow your passions. I kind of feel like you–there’s just so darn much I like doing. And not enough time. I’m looking forward to retiring early from my job to pursue my passions full time!
On July 25th, 2008 at 6:50 am Tammy said:
Happy Birthday Roni!
Whenever my kids complain about having to write another paper for school, I tell them what one of my college profs told me a million years ago when I felt brain dead over yet another paper! “Write what you know…YOUR life’s experiences, there you will find your passion.” These days you are writing what you know from your heart and experince. Nothing can be more real than that! I always enjoy your candid way of writing Roni. I always check in with my morning coffee and it’s like you are sitting across the table from me.
Tammy
On July 25th, 2008 at 6:58 am Tanya said:
Happy 3rd Anniversary of your 29th Birthday!!!! I hope you had a wonderful day!!! Thanks for everything you do and for being a wonderful internet friend!!!
On July 25th, 2008 at 7:09 am Annette said:
Happy Birthday! Fine lines? I don’t see any! You have such a great attitude about weight. I love reading about your life. You are so busy but such a normal, honest, down to earth mom. As a fellow mommy and one trying to lose a lot of weight, you inspire me ;)
On July 25th, 2008 at 7:40 am vickie said:
A very happy birthday! Loved the picture of the apple with the ribbon – cute idea. We do the “just the right number of servings” sizes too – and it works great. Local bakery sells by the slice or in halves (like half a pie). Love having just enough and not too much.
On July 25th, 2008 at 7:54 am Estellia said:
Happy Birthday Roni! We are almost the same age, actually your a year and a half younger ;). I wouldn’t worry about advocating plastic surgery…if it worked for you and your happy, I would share that! I also am really curious about how it has been going and can’t wait to see your photos posted! Take care.
On July 25th, 2008 at 8:25 am jodi said:
happy belated birthday! what a great mango and cake – so thougtful! :o)
i’m glad you’re enjoying your 30s – i, too, feel it has been a more healthier and happier decade for me… things that used to worry me, aren’t as important and i’ve finally learned how to love myself – regardless of my weight… that, in itself, is a wonderful thing… :o)
On July 25th, 2008 at 8:26 am TB--Milwaukee said:
<<–another www addict
HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!
On July 25th, 2008 at 8:42 am alex said:
Happy Birthday, Roni! Thanks for the tip about the Vita cake…my birthday is coming up in a few weeks and I will need to get one for that!
Hope you have a great one!
On July 25th, 2008 at 8:55 am Tara from Portland said:
Happy birthday!
On July 25th, 2008 at 9:40 am Sweets and Sweats said:
Happy Happy Birthday!
I really need to somehow accept your weight is only a number mantra. It doesn’t define who you are or how you feel. And the number on the scale shouldn’t decide your mood for the day. I just can’t seem to let go of letting the increases effect me. GRR!
sweetsandsweats
On July 25th, 2008 at 9:58 am Michelly said:
Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Roni…happy birthday to you! I was thinking of getting a vita cake mix and whipping up a version of my mom’s chocolate cherries jubilee cake, which uses cherry pie filling in place of oil…the wheels are turning. Your kitchen creativity is rubbing off on me!
It’s so funny that you used to hate writing. You don’t have to have perfect grammar or spelling to be a writer, especaially in the blog world. I’ve actually found that when I write using grammar rules, readers have trouble understanding my message. The writing comes off as overly educated and too cerebral for most people when it is perfect. Your writing connects with people, which is what matters most (even though the former teacher in me wants to proofread it for you!)
Happy birthday! Sounds like you had a fabulous day, even without the internet. I don’t see any fine lines either. You look fabulous!
On July 25th, 2008 at 10:08 am Chris said:
Happy Birthday! Hope the next year brings good health and prosperity through all of your projects!
On July 25th, 2008 at 10:14 am Jeannie said:
Happy Belated Birthday Roni!
On July 25th, 2008 at 10:28 am claire said:
happy birthday!
you are such a busy bee!
On July 25th, 2008 at 10:46 am Kate said:
Happy Birthday. And I love Brain Dump #4, I think it shows a real shift in viewing this as a lifestyle rather than a “diet”. Sometimes it’s not all about that number on the scale, I think alot of the time we get so caught up in it, that we become that number. When so many times we’ve gained muscle, holding onto extra water, or something to that effect. The only pounds that worry me are the ones that I can feel an obvious difference in the way my clothes are fitting.
On July 25th, 2008 at 10:59 am Anne Marie said:
Happy, happy, happy birthday!!
On July 25th, 2008 at 11:46 am Cintia said:
Happy birthday. I thanked God for you today!
On July 25th, 2008 at 1:30 pm Kristi said:
Happy birthday Roni!! I’m SO glad to hear you had such a wonderful day because Lord knows you deserve it! You are doing an amazing job with the community, your website and GLB…so all I can say is THANK YOU and keep up the amazing work, lol. I hope that you take a bit of a birthday weekend and continue to enjoy through the weekend! You’ve earned it!!
On July 25th, 2008 at 2:42 pm Kim said:
My birthday is July 24th too :)
Hope you had a good one!
On July 25th, 2008 at 5:21 pm Fit Bottomed Girls said:
Happy birthday! It’s sounds like you’ve gotten the biggest gift of all — working for yourself! There’s nothing more rewarding than being your own boss.
Also, hooray on #4! You know you’re in a good space when you can look at the scale and go, you know what, I feel fabulous so whatev! And then go workout and enjoy your birthday. :)
On July 25th, 2008 at 5:32 pm Suzan said:
Happy Birthday Roni…I will never forget your special day..as I have a nephew and Bro in Law wth same..So have a GREAT day.You are loved by all of us blog lurchers~
On July 25th, 2008 at 8:54 pm Bonnie said:
Happy Belated Birthday Roni! You are exactly 3 months older than my youngest son (10/24/76)! I could be your Momma! But I have learned SO much from YOU! Of course, I think I’ve learned more from my 2 sons than anyone else in the world, so the elders CAN learn from the youngsters.
I am very excited for you, that you get to work on all the things that you are passionate about. I always wished that for myself….but…because I was a young Mom…and a single one for a good portion of my adult life, it just wasn’t to be.
And don’t worry about long posts…..we LOVE them! And long videos!
On July 30th, 2008 at 2:12 pm Denisse said:
Happy Birthday!! my 21st birthday was July 23rd :)