I have a secret. I've casually mentioned it here a time or two.
I've alluded to the fact that it might be happening. That I might actually really do it.
And I have....
I've become addicted to running.
Not just any running. Early morning, when the neighborhood is quiet, just me and my ipod, running.
I wish I could explain why I love it so much.
I wish I could put into words what it means to me.
However, there is just something about slipping out of the house in the quiet of the morning to pound the pavement.
I'm fortunate enough to live in a mega hood- there's probably 125 homes in my development. This makes for lots of sidewalks, lots of streets, plenty of cars and a few thousand kids. From 8am to 8pm on a good weather day, there is always a kid to be found somewhere.
At 5:30am, my neighborhood is still. All I can see are sleepy houses and the occasional early morning riser, driving out of the neighborhood or taking their dog for an early morning walk.
Aside from the music pumping into my ears, the only sounds I hear are the rhythmic beat of my feet hitting the pavement and the sound of my own breathing.
I relish in being alone with my thoughts. I can think as little or as much as I like. Sometimes I work out the hard problems at work or in my personal life, other times I debate the importance of rice or couscous for dinner or what I should wear to work that morning.
I can feel the heat from my body as it begins to sweat. I feel my lungs expand a little larger as my running picks up. The tension in my joints, muscles and within my soul begins to fade as I run down the road. Before long, despite my increased breathing and sweaty body, I am at peace. Just me, the road and the music that moves me.
I love those thirty minutes. I love that it's just me.
And for that brief stretch of time, it doesn't matter how many things are on my to-do list at work or how much laundry is piled up outside the laundry closet. I don't worry about how I haven't called my best friend back yet or if the boulders hanging over my head are grazing the top of my scalp or not.
I run for my health, for the stress relief and for the fun of it.
I run to hear my favorite songs, I listen to their lyrics and I imprint them on my soul.
I run to remind myself that I am strong and capable and just a little bit scared at times
I run to feel alive, to listen to my own thoughts and to heal my sometimes broken heart.
I run because to me, it has become my church, my spiritually moment, my time alone with myself, with God.
I run to push myself further and work my body hard.
I run.....
Showing posts with label why it's good to be me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label why it's good to be me. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Small Town Follies Volume 1
It is primary election day in my small town.
My voting place just happens to be at the local church down the street from my house. According to my Dad, he went to Kindergarten there as well.
I typically vote first thing in the morning, however, today I had an early breakfast meeting so I stopped in over lunch.
In the parking lot 7 elderly men were waiting to present me with fliers, tablets, pencils and pens all baring the insignia of their candidate.
Inside another little old man handed me a piece of paper to write my name and first letter of party affiliation on.
(He winked at me when I wrote "R")
From there I walked across fellowship hall to present my paper to the registration "girl as instructed." She was probably 70 and her partner was at lest 80. They both complimented me on my red rain coat and the older one said "Oh I remember you, you're the girl with the pretty ring"
(Mr. Berg picks out great engagement rings, honest)
From there another elderly man, with a walker no less, showed me to my voting booth.
I would like to take a moment to tell you, I was the only voter in the whole place.
He told me I was the youngest voter he'd seen that day.
I'm not sure he could see very well but I took his word for it.
It took me 40 seconds to cast my votes. I had my handy cheat sheet ready of all the candidates I wanted to vote for. I did my homework and double checked my answers with my Dad, another political guru.
I spent the next 40 minutes hanging out with my old folk peeps in the snack bar while I had my lunch.
You see, my voting place is awesome. The church ladies sell breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, scrapple, etc for breakfast and for lunch and dinner there's always turkey sandwiches, pork and sauerkraut and sugar cakes.
And damn those sugar cakes are good :)
My voting place just happens to be at the local church down the street from my house. According to my Dad, he went to Kindergarten there as well.
I typically vote first thing in the morning, however, today I had an early breakfast meeting so I stopped in over lunch.
In the parking lot 7 elderly men were waiting to present me with fliers, tablets, pencils and pens all baring the insignia of their candidate.
Inside another little old man handed me a piece of paper to write my name and first letter of party affiliation on.
(He winked at me when I wrote "R")
From there I walked across fellowship hall to present my paper to the registration "girl as instructed." She was probably 70 and her partner was at lest 80. They both complimented me on my red rain coat and the older one said "Oh I remember you, you're the girl with the pretty ring"
(Mr. Berg picks out great engagement rings, honest)
From there another elderly man, with a walker no less, showed me to my voting booth.
I would like to take a moment to tell you, I was the only voter in the whole place.
He told me I was the youngest voter he'd seen that day.
I'm not sure he could see very well but I took his word for it.
It took me 40 seconds to cast my votes. I had my handy cheat sheet ready of all the candidates I wanted to vote for. I did my homework and double checked my answers with my Dad, another political guru.
I spent the next 40 minutes hanging out with my old folk peeps in the snack bar while I had my lunch.
You see, my voting place is awesome. The church ladies sell breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, scrapple, etc for breakfast and for lunch and dinner there's always turkey sandwiches, pork and sauerkraut and sugar cakes.
And damn those sugar cakes are good :)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
My Kids
Have I ever mentioned I run an after school mentoring program? I do.
Tonight is our last night together, the final banquet.
Tonight, my students will get up in front for their parents and peers. They will talk about their experiences and they will show pictures of their events.
And I will be the proudest mama hen you ever did see.
This mentoring program is for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in the construction industry. They students involves are smart, funny and witty. They come from diverse backgrounds, some drive to session in their own cars, some get dropped off my their parents or a friend, one even takes a taxi. Some have nuclear families, others live with their aunt or uncle or foster parent. They are all quick to participate, ready to ask questions and apply the knowledge they've learned.
Not a single one of them is interested in attending a four year college program, very few of them have solid plans after graduation. But with the help of this program, they get a better idea of what's in store for them and how to get involved in their career choices.
When I started this mentoring program, I wanted to teach the students about the opportunities available to them. I wanted them to know that learning doesn't stop at graduation, that success is determined by your drive, your tenacity and your motivations. I wanted to teach them that life is out there waiting for them, it's up to them to determine their own success.
I had no idea how much they would teach me.
In the past year and a half that I've been involved in this program I have learned that patience is a virtue, kids will be kids, and high school is exactly as I remember it: HELL.
I don't have children. But over this school year, I have come to see my students as my own. I challenge them to do better, I praise their accomplishments, I got misty eyed when the shyest of the group finally made some friends.
I also excel in embarrassing the pants off of them:
I had the opportunity to watch one of my students give a speech about his experiences in the mentoring program. When he finished, I have them a standing ovation.
Does it count as an ovation if you're the only one standing?
A few weeks ago I accompanied another student to an award banquet. His Aunt couldn't be there so I stood in. And even though they instructed everyone not to clap until every student received their award. You better believe I hooted, hollered and made a scene when my student walked on stage.
I love my students. I love how much they've grown, changed and matured over the course of a school year. I love watching them apply the knowledge they learned in prior sessions to their current visit. I love when they ask question of their mentors, when they partner up into teams without me asking.
I hate when I catch them smoking in their cars before a session. I hate when they make poor choices or forget to show up.
What I hate the most?
I really hate that some of them don't have families or people who love them. I hate that they'll start their adult lives feeling lost, unsure of how to become an adult.
And for that, I try my hardest to give them every opportunity to learn about future careers. I introduce them to everyone business owner I can get them in front of and I give as much advice as I can to show them how to interview properly, how to write a resume and how to get in front of people.
They taught me how lucky I am. I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and I had the people to back me the whole way.
I hope I can be that backer for them. I hope when they aren't sure, they come to me. I hope that I can help them.
I love my kids.
I'm going to be one sad puppy tomorrow when they're gone.
But fear not, come October I'll have a whole new group to embarrass the pants off of. I can't wait.
Tonight is our last night together, the final banquet.
Tonight, my students will get up in front for their parents and peers. They will talk about their experiences and they will show pictures of their events.
And I will be the proudest mama hen you ever did see.
This mentoring program is for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in the construction industry. They students involves are smart, funny and witty. They come from diverse backgrounds, some drive to session in their own cars, some get dropped off my their parents or a friend, one even takes a taxi. Some have nuclear families, others live with their aunt or uncle or foster parent. They are all quick to participate, ready to ask questions and apply the knowledge they've learned.
Not a single one of them is interested in attending a four year college program, very few of them have solid plans after graduation. But with the help of this program, they get a better idea of what's in store for them and how to get involved in their career choices.
When I started this mentoring program, I wanted to teach the students about the opportunities available to them. I wanted them to know that learning doesn't stop at graduation, that success is determined by your drive, your tenacity and your motivations. I wanted to teach them that life is out there waiting for them, it's up to them to determine their own success.
I had no idea how much they would teach me.
In the past year and a half that I've been involved in this program I have learned that patience is a virtue, kids will be kids, and high school is exactly as I remember it: HELL.
I don't have children. But over this school year, I have come to see my students as my own. I challenge them to do better, I praise their accomplishments, I got misty eyed when the shyest of the group finally made some friends.
I also excel in embarrassing the pants off of them:
I had the opportunity to watch one of my students give a speech about his experiences in the mentoring program. When he finished, I have them a standing ovation.
Does it count as an ovation if you're the only one standing?
A few weeks ago I accompanied another student to an award banquet. His Aunt couldn't be there so I stood in. And even though they instructed everyone not to clap until every student received their award. You better believe I hooted, hollered and made a scene when my student walked on stage.
I love my students. I love how much they've grown, changed and matured over the course of a school year. I love watching them apply the knowledge they learned in prior sessions to their current visit. I love when they ask question of their mentors, when they partner up into teams without me asking.
I hate when I catch them smoking in their cars before a session. I hate when they make poor choices or forget to show up.
What I hate the most?
I really hate that some of them don't have families or people who love them. I hate that they'll start their adult lives feeling lost, unsure of how to become an adult.
And for that, I try my hardest to give them every opportunity to learn about future careers. I introduce them to everyone business owner I can get them in front of and I give as much advice as I can to show them how to interview properly, how to write a resume and how to get in front of people.
They taught me how lucky I am. I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and I had the people to back me the whole way.
I hope I can be that backer for them. I hope when they aren't sure, they come to me. I hope that I can help them.
I love my kids.
I'm going to be one sad puppy tomorrow when they're gone.
But fear not, come October I'll have a whole new group to embarrass the pants off of. I can't wait.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Monday Challenges
I had two challenges to face yesterday. First I had to run and then I had to cook fish.
Guess what?
I was a total success.
Monday night I laced up my running shoes and took to the neighborhood. I didn't amp myself up for the adventure. I just simply laced up and went. I prior to starting my running endevour I knew I wanted to keep things fresh and never take the samae route twice. Thankfully, my neighborhood is really big. I have plenty of options.
The first run of the day wasn't pleasent. My legs felt like lead and every pace felt rusty.
Thankfully, by the second run I was moving right along.
Sure, running makes you sore. By the end of the 30 minutes I was ready to be done but I never felt like I couldn't do it. I never felt like I wanted to give up.
Maybe I'll be a runner some day after all?
Moving right along to the fish.
Last night I had two defrosted talapia filets waiting for me.
(I know, I know, frozen fish. But I'm not 100% sure what I'm doing yet, give me a break.)
I decided to bake them per the package instructions and baste them in a lemon garlic sauce I had on hand.
They were delicious and dinner came together in no time flat. Seriously, bake fish for 10 minutes. In the meantime, steam your broccoli, prepare your cous cous and thow some salad in some blows.
Hello, dinner!
Mr. Berg loved it. I was completely impressed with myself.
All in all, it was a good shake up and we're excited to try it again.
And on top of all of that. I've been eating much for cleanly in the past several days then I have in a good while. I cannot believe the engery I have.
I was wide awake at 5am, ready to rock and roll.
Bring it on!
Guess what?
I was a total success.
Monday night I laced up my running shoes and took to the neighborhood. I didn't amp myself up for the adventure. I just simply laced up and went. I prior to starting my running endevour I knew I wanted to keep things fresh and never take the samae route twice. Thankfully, my neighborhood is really big. I have plenty of options.
The first run of the day wasn't pleasent. My legs felt like lead and every pace felt rusty.
Thankfully, by the second run I was moving right along.
Sure, running makes you sore. By the end of the 30 minutes I was ready to be done but I never felt like I couldn't do it. I never felt like I wanted to give up.
Maybe I'll be a runner some day after all?
Moving right along to the fish.
Last night I had two defrosted talapia filets waiting for me.
(I know, I know, frozen fish. But I'm not 100% sure what I'm doing yet, give me a break.)
I decided to bake them per the package instructions and baste them in a lemon garlic sauce I had on hand.
They were delicious and dinner came together in no time flat. Seriously, bake fish for 10 minutes. In the meantime, steam your broccoli, prepare your cous cous and thow some salad in some blows.
Hello, dinner!
Mr. Berg loved it. I was completely impressed with myself.
All in all, it was a good shake up and we're excited to try it again.
And on top of all of that. I've been eating much for cleanly in the past several days then I have in a good while. I cannot believe the engery I have.
I was wide awake at 5am, ready to rock and roll.
Bring it on!
Monday, May 2, 2011
And so.... The Challenge Begins
Technically, I started my month of challenges a day early.
Saturday was beautiful. It needed to be embraced. So I ran.....
Mid morning on Saturday I laced up my sneakers, queued up my Ipod-complete with Couch to 5K Ap and set out on my newest adventure.
It couldn't have been a worse day to run in my neighborhood. It was community yard sale day. Good Grief, there were people every where. But it didn't stop me I weaved in and out of the people, running, walking and grooving to the music.
It was truly awesome.
When the 30 minutes was up, I was in awe of myself. I survived and it wasn't that hard.
I broke a sweat, my breathing was labored at times but when it all came down to it. I had an awesome time.
I couldn't wait to keep moving. So I went home and did some additional work out videos before hitting the shower.
Tonight, after work, will be my second run. I'm really looking forward to it.
So far, I've enjoyed the challenge.
Tonight, running aside, I will be challenging myself again.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm cooking fish!
This evenings menu includes Parmesan cous cous, steamed broccoli with EVOO and Lemon Garlic Tilapia!!
This will be an adventure. Mr. Berg is really excited.
I'm nervous, although, I'm not sure why.
I doubt fish is hard to cook.
So, welcome May.
I'm excited for the adventure :)
Saturday was beautiful. It needed to be embraced. So I ran.....
Mid morning on Saturday I laced up my sneakers, queued up my Ipod-complete with Couch to 5K Ap and set out on my newest adventure.
It couldn't have been a worse day to run in my neighborhood. It was community yard sale day. Good Grief, there were people every where. But it didn't stop me I weaved in and out of the people, running, walking and grooving to the music.
It was truly awesome.
When the 30 minutes was up, I was in awe of myself. I survived and it wasn't that hard.
I broke a sweat, my breathing was labored at times but when it all came down to it. I had an awesome time.
I couldn't wait to keep moving. So I went home and did some additional work out videos before hitting the shower.
Tonight, after work, will be my second run. I'm really looking forward to it.
So far, I've enjoyed the challenge.
Tonight, running aside, I will be challenging myself again.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm cooking fish!
This evenings menu includes Parmesan cous cous, steamed broccoli with EVOO and Lemon Garlic Tilapia!!
This will be an adventure. Mr. Berg is really excited.
I'm nervous, although, I'm not sure why.
I doubt fish is hard to cook.
So, welcome May.
I'm excited for the adventure :)
Friday, April 22, 2011
A-Z Me
A to Z about me :)
In case you were wondering.....
A. Age: Late 20's
B. Bed size: King.... if you had to sleep with Mr. Berg, you'd want a king too.
C. Chore you hate: Bathroom Cleaning... augghhh
D. Dogs: I wish. Mr. Berg is against owning a dog until Bob dies.... I know, he's nuts.
However, my parents have a wonderful dog that it's their third child. He's my favorite.
E. Essential start to your day: I must wash my face, brush my teeth and put eye drops in before I'm able to communicate like a human-being.
F. Favorite color: Pink and Green.... preppy much?
G. Gold or silver: Silver or platnium
H. Height: 5 Feet, 3 and 3/4 inches tall....
I. Instruments you play: Piano, trumpet, baritone and I can sing.
J. Job title: “Human Resources Director” - I am a glorifed babysitter
K. Kids: 2 with 4 feet. Sophie and Bob
L. Live: Central PA- on a hill
M. Mom’s name: Mama
N. Nicknames: Several plays on my former last name
O. Overnight hospital stays: I aparently spent 2 nights in the hospital when I was born.
P. Pet peeve: Oh lord, I have like a million.
Men not putting the toliet seat down, bad breathe, when people try to shorten my name and end it in IE. Susan- Susie.... I think not.
Q. Quote from a movie: “"Don't you think it's better to be extremely happy for a short while, even if you lose it, than to be just okay for your whole life?"
The Time Traveler's Wife
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: LB- Little Brother in age only.
T. Time you wake up: Between 5:15 and 5:30am
U. Underwear: I have a tendency to always wear it.
V. Vegetables you dislike: Celery, Red Onions
W. What makes you run late: Mr. Berg
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Right Elbow, Right Wrist
Y. Yummy food you make: Almost everything I make is pretty dang good.
Z. Zoo- favorite animal: I'm a lover of all animals
In case you were wondering.....
A. Age: Late 20's
B. Bed size: King.... if you had to sleep with Mr. Berg, you'd want a king too.
C. Chore you hate: Bathroom Cleaning... augghhh
D. Dogs: I wish. Mr. Berg is against owning a dog until Bob dies.... I know, he's nuts.
However, my parents have a wonderful dog that it's their third child. He's my favorite.
E. Essential start to your day: I must wash my face, brush my teeth and put eye drops in before I'm able to communicate like a human-being.
F. Favorite color: Pink and Green.... preppy much?
G. Gold or silver: Silver or platnium
H. Height: 5 Feet, 3 and 3/4 inches tall....
I. Instruments you play: Piano, trumpet, baritone and I can sing.
J. Job title: “Human Resources Director” - I am a glorifed babysitter
K. Kids: 2 with 4 feet. Sophie and Bob
L. Live: Central PA- on a hill
M. Mom’s name: Mama
N. Nicknames: Several plays on my former last name
O. Overnight hospital stays: I aparently spent 2 nights in the hospital when I was born.
P. Pet peeve: Oh lord, I have like a million.
Men not putting the toliet seat down, bad breathe, when people try to shorten my name and end it in IE. Susan- Susie.... I think not.
Q. Quote from a movie: “"Don't you think it's better to be extremely happy for a short while, even if you lose it, than to be just okay for your whole life?"
The Time Traveler's Wife
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: LB- Little Brother in age only.
T. Time you wake up: Between 5:15 and 5:30am
U. Underwear: I have a tendency to always wear it.
V. Vegetables you dislike: Celery, Red Onions
W. What makes you run late: Mr. Berg
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Right Elbow, Right Wrist
Y. Yummy food you make: Almost everything I make is pretty dang good.
Z. Zoo- favorite animal: I'm a lover of all animals
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Thing I Never Thought I Could Do
It happened slowly, over the course of several years. It started with a bad, bad break up and my life crashing down around me.
When all the bad things came to a head, I weighed a very, very unhealthy 123 pounds. I'm a petite girl, but not that tiny. You could see my ribs, my hip bones and my face looked sunken in.
Combine a job that left me with little time to sleep or eat and a relationship that was crashing down around me, and you got one very unhealthy J-Berg.
All through my college years I weighed right around 130 pounds. It was a comfortable weight for me. I liked the way my clothes fit, I had muscle and curves and while I was constantly wishing for a trimer waist line, I was happy.
I started graduate school- I was skin and bones and a depressed mess. I made a point to put some weight back on. By Christmas I was back to 130, I felt and looked healthier. My state of mind had improved and my life was on its way back to normal.
And it continued to get better and since then, it hasn't stopped. It just gets better.
Yes, I get busier, my plate gets fuller but the quality of my life, my relationship with myself, my relationship with my friends, with my husband, with my family, has only gotten better and more fulfilling.
But there's a downside to goodness. By my second semester in graduate school I started putting extra weight on. I was working 50+ hours a week and still going to school full time. My social calender was full between great friends and a wonderful boyfriend.
There was always beer to be drank, pizza to be eaten and ice cream to enjoy.
I got lazy. I made the excuse that I was too busy to work out, so I didn't.
Looking back on those years, I'm positive I could have made time if I wanted to. I just didn't.
When Mr. Berg and I got engaged I made an effort to workout more and watch what I was eating. By our wedidng back I was right around 137 pounds. I was happy with how I looked, but I knew I could do better.
We settled into married life. I made healthy meals, concentrated on healthy lean protien and veggies. But there was still sugar and dessert and not as much exercise as there should have been. I never pushed myself to keep moving. Instead, if I felt tired or lazy I just didn't do it. It never occured to me that if I exercised or ate healthier, it would make me feel better.
When we went on our 1 year anniversary trip, I weighed 142 pounds.
By September, I was 146.
And that's when I cracked. I was convienced I never going to lose weight. I was convenieced I would always be heavy. I had tricked myself into thinking I was doing everything right and still not seeing results.
I knew the only person that could help me, was me. I needed to take control. I needed to hold myself accountable and create structure so that I could succeed.
When I joined WW I knew it would be a long journey. I also knew that it was one that I was doing for myself. I just had to keep going.
And I did.
I've gained, I've lost, I've had great week and terrible weeks. I've survived too much wine, over do it at workouts, a kidney infection, food poisoning, a back injury, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I celebrated victories, beaten myself up over defeat. And through it all I kept at it. One step at a time, one day, one hour, one minute at a time.
And today, all of that paid off.
As of this morning, I have officially lost 10.4 pounds.
I hit the 10 pound mark!
I got a new 5 lb start on my weight chart!
There might have been some happy dancing going on in my office this morning.
I might have did a jig in the bathroom too!!
1.2 pounds to go until I hit goal. I am determined to get there next week. DETERMINED!!
So this morning, I did the thing that I thought I could never do.
I lost the weight.
I'm 10 pounds lighter and I feel AMAZING.
I will celebrate with a work out and a glass of wine.
I can't wait for next Thursday. Bring it on!!
When all the bad things came to a head, I weighed a very, very unhealthy 123 pounds. I'm a petite girl, but not that tiny. You could see my ribs, my hip bones and my face looked sunken in.
Combine a job that left me with little time to sleep or eat and a relationship that was crashing down around me, and you got one very unhealthy J-Berg.
All through my college years I weighed right around 130 pounds. It was a comfortable weight for me. I liked the way my clothes fit, I had muscle and curves and while I was constantly wishing for a trimer waist line, I was happy.
I started graduate school- I was skin and bones and a depressed mess. I made a point to put some weight back on. By Christmas I was back to 130, I felt and looked healthier. My state of mind had improved and my life was on its way back to normal.
And it continued to get better and since then, it hasn't stopped. It just gets better.
Yes, I get busier, my plate gets fuller but the quality of my life, my relationship with myself, my relationship with my friends, with my husband, with my family, has only gotten better and more fulfilling.
But there's a downside to goodness. By my second semester in graduate school I started putting extra weight on. I was working 50+ hours a week and still going to school full time. My social calender was full between great friends and a wonderful boyfriend.
There was always beer to be drank, pizza to be eaten and ice cream to enjoy.
I got lazy. I made the excuse that I was too busy to work out, so I didn't.
Looking back on those years, I'm positive I could have made time if I wanted to. I just didn't.
When Mr. Berg and I got engaged I made an effort to workout more and watch what I was eating. By our wedidng back I was right around 137 pounds. I was happy with how I looked, but I knew I could do better.
We settled into married life. I made healthy meals, concentrated on healthy lean protien and veggies. But there was still sugar and dessert and not as much exercise as there should have been. I never pushed myself to keep moving. Instead, if I felt tired or lazy I just didn't do it. It never occured to me that if I exercised or ate healthier, it would make me feel better.
When we went on our 1 year anniversary trip, I weighed 142 pounds.
By September, I was 146.
And that's when I cracked. I was convienced I never going to lose weight. I was convenieced I would always be heavy. I had tricked myself into thinking I was doing everything right and still not seeing results.
I knew the only person that could help me, was me. I needed to take control. I needed to hold myself accountable and create structure so that I could succeed.
When I joined WW I knew it would be a long journey. I also knew that it was one that I was doing for myself. I just had to keep going.
And I did.
I've gained, I've lost, I've had great week and terrible weeks. I've survived too much wine, over do it at workouts, a kidney infection, food poisoning, a back injury, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I celebrated victories, beaten myself up over defeat. And through it all I kept at it. One step at a time, one day, one hour, one minute at a time.
And today, all of that paid off.
As of this morning, I have officially lost 10.4 pounds.
I hit the 10 pound mark!
I got a new 5 lb start on my weight chart!
There might have been some happy dancing going on in my office this morning.
I might have did a jig in the bathroom too!!
1.2 pounds to go until I hit goal. I am determined to get there next week. DETERMINED!!
So this morning, I did the thing that I thought I could never do.
I lost the weight.
I'm 10 pounds lighter and I feel AMAZING.
I will celebrate with a work out and a glass of wine.
I can't wait for next Thursday. Bring it on!!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
A Good Day (in bullets)
Today is a good day because:
- I will not need to pee in cup again anytime soon
- We got snow!
- Mr. Berg shoveled all of the snow
- Mr. Berg also feels we should be under a state of emergency
- For 4 inches.... southerners are incredible
- J-Berg went and got herself a raise.... it's been a long 3 years
- The bummed kidney is actually doing remarkably well, all things considered
- I am no longer feel like I'm carrying a 5lb weight around, rather just a 2.5lb weight
- The super powerful antibiotics I'm on aren't causing any crazy side effects, so far
- I won't have to spend the majority of today on my back, provided I continue to feel as good as I do right now.
- Did I mention I got a raise?
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wrapping It Up
The new year is almost here. Before we know it we'll be turning the calendar page and welcoming in 2011.
2010 was an amazing year for The Berg Household:
We welcomed in 2010 with our greatest friends while visiting the south.
Mr. Berg began a new job full of challenges, learning opportunities, amazing adventures and travel. This new job has allowed him to feel challenged in an ever changing work enviroment. He now works 50 hours a week rather then 80. Over the past year he's lost 20 pounds, his blood pressure and cholestrol have decreased. His ulcer is gone, he can sleep at night and he can actually enjoy his weekend.
We celebrated the weddings of three sets of our favorite people in May, August and December.
We traveled with our best friends to Jamaica to celebrate the 30th birthdays of our amazing husbands.
We traveled back to Jamaica to celebrate our 1st year of wedded bliss and had just about the most amazing vacation we've ever had.
We spent time with our families, celebrated birthdays, traveled to Boston, South Carolina, and Ohio.
We took in some baseball games. Saw some great movies, ate at amazing restaurants and loved every minute of it.
We faced sad times, had some nasty arguments, went to bed angry a few times and always found a way to make peace and find compromise.
I beat down the great funk of 2010. I lost the weight I hated gaining and have goals to lose some more.
We were able to enjoy our favorite pets for another year and were very thankful they didn't cost us a fortune.
I broke my car, I fixed my car, and will spend the better part of 2011 paying off that broken car.
I successfully mentored 13 students interested in the construction industry. I'm currently mentoring 15 more.
I've spoken at regional meetings about the importance of secodary education, no matter what the type.
I earned my PHR certification. I wrote a new policy manual. Made some really tough decisions both at work and in my personal life. I found some hard battles and will forever have the mental scars to prove it.
I brunt my wrist, sliced open my thumb (twice), learned to hate skin glue (and urgent care doctors for that matter). Suffered from one sinus infection, a double ear infection, three colds and one bummed back.
In the kitchen I cooked some fantastic meals. I made a few crappy ones as well.
I managed to keep all of our plants alive, I didn't kill the cats or my huband either pruposefully or accidentally.
All in all, I had an amazing year. The best yet thus far.
For 24 years I spent the better part of my life not really knowing what to do with it. The past four have been incredible. Finding myself, my passions, my life blood, all of that has done wonders for me.
I truly, truly believe life is just starting to get good. All of these amazing things, all of these amazing experiences and people and challenges.... it is all just the beinging of something even greater.
2011- I cannot wait to see what you have in store for me. Bring it on.
2010 was an amazing year for The Berg Household:
We welcomed in 2010 with our greatest friends while visiting the south.
Mr. Berg began a new job full of challenges, learning opportunities, amazing adventures and travel. This new job has allowed him to feel challenged in an ever changing work enviroment. He now works 50 hours a week rather then 80. Over the past year he's lost 20 pounds, his blood pressure and cholestrol have decreased. His ulcer is gone, he can sleep at night and he can actually enjoy his weekend.
We celebrated the weddings of three sets of our favorite people in May, August and December.
We traveled with our best friends to Jamaica to celebrate the 30th birthdays of our amazing husbands.
We traveled back to Jamaica to celebrate our 1st year of wedded bliss and had just about the most amazing vacation we've ever had.
We spent time with our families, celebrated birthdays, traveled to Boston, South Carolina, and Ohio.
We took in some baseball games. Saw some great movies, ate at amazing restaurants and loved every minute of it.
We faced sad times, had some nasty arguments, went to bed angry a few times and always found a way to make peace and find compromise.
I beat down the great funk of 2010. I lost the weight I hated gaining and have goals to lose some more.
We were able to enjoy our favorite pets for another year and were very thankful they didn't cost us a fortune.
I broke my car, I fixed my car, and will spend the better part of 2011 paying off that broken car.
I successfully mentored 13 students interested in the construction industry. I'm currently mentoring 15 more.
I've spoken at regional meetings about the importance of secodary education, no matter what the type.
I earned my PHR certification. I wrote a new policy manual. Made some really tough decisions both at work and in my personal life. I found some hard battles and will forever have the mental scars to prove it.
I brunt my wrist, sliced open my thumb (twice), learned to hate skin glue (and urgent care doctors for that matter). Suffered from one sinus infection, a double ear infection, three colds and one bummed back.
In the kitchen I cooked some fantastic meals. I made a few crappy ones as well.
I managed to keep all of our plants alive, I didn't kill the cats or my huband either pruposefully or accidentally.
All in all, I had an amazing year. The best yet thus far.
My only real and true goal for 2011 is to make it a great one.
In 2011 I hope to:
- Reach my goal weight and maintain it.
- Cook three new recipes each month
- Create a food bucket list and try some of the things I have yet to eat
- Read a book a month
- Get pregnant (ohmygod I just wrote that down)
- Paint our guest bath, upstairs hallway, master bedroom and master bathroom
- Redo the basement entertainment area
- Get out of debt (aside from the house payment, that will take for-frickin-ever)
- Smile more
- Continue to workout four times a week
For 24 years I spent the better part of my life not really knowing what to do with it. The past four have been incredible. Finding myself, my passions, my life blood, all of that has done wonders for me.
I truly, truly believe life is just starting to get good. All of these amazing things, all of these amazing experiences and people and challenges.... it is all just the beinging of something even greater.
2011- I cannot wait to see what you have in store for me. Bring it on.
Monday, November 15, 2010
The Fat Cat Saga Continues
Did I mention that on Saturday Bob had his ears cleaned while he was at the vet's office?
He did. He hated it.
He spent the rest of the day shaking his head and trying to scratch his ear with his hind leg. This is no easy feat for a cat with surgery scars on his belly that resemble railroad tracks.
Poor buddy....
Anyway, this morning I came downstairs for breakfast to find three yellow eyes staring up at me. Two from Sophie, one from Bob. I looked again.... yes, three eyes and a winker...
Hmm..... I looked closely at Bob's eye and couldn't see any swelling or pinkness or crust. I chalked it up to just waking up. He sleeps with that side of his face pressed to whatever surface he's sleeping against- bed, sofa etc.
After we ate I noticed his eye starting to open. I thought nothing of his winky-like state and went to work.
Thirty minutes later Mr. Berg calls. "Bob won't open his eye"
Great.....
I arrive home for lunch and notice that indeed Bob's eye is more shut then open. Upon further inspection it's now pink, watery and the upper lid is swollen. And to top it off, he's not impressed that I keep trying to touch it.
My guess, he scratched his eye attempting to scratch his ear.
We'll find out one way or another when we visit the vet at 4pm today.
I swear to goodness I need a frequent shopper card for this cat.
He did. He hated it.
He spent the rest of the day shaking his head and trying to scratch his ear with his hind leg. This is no easy feat for a cat with surgery scars on his belly that resemble railroad tracks.
Poor buddy....
Anyway, this morning I came downstairs for breakfast to find three yellow eyes staring up at me. Two from Sophie, one from Bob. I looked again.... yes, three eyes and a winker...
Hmm..... I looked closely at Bob's eye and couldn't see any swelling or pinkness or crust. I chalked it up to just waking up. He sleeps with that side of his face pressed to whatever surface he's sleeping against- bed, sofa etc.
After we ate I noticed his eye starting to open. I thought nothing of his winky-like state and went to work.
Thirty minutes later Mr. Berg calls. "Bob won't open his eye"
Great.....
I arrive home for lunch and notice that indeed Bob's eye is more shut then open. Upon further inspection it's now pink, watery and the upper lid is swollen. And to top it off, he's not impressed that I keep trying to touch it.
My guess, he scratched his eye attempting to scratch his ear.
We'll find out one way or another when we visit the vet at 4pm today.
I swear to goodness I need a frequent shopper card for this cat.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Junk Food is the Enemy
Dear Blog-
I confess I did not work out on Friday or Saturday. Friday I was too excited about all of our recent job success at Family Owned Inc, all I wanted to do was bake and have a glass of wine. So that's what I did.
Saturday I was just too darn busy. There was too much to do between getting ready for the party and the regular household stuff.
Please forgive me for my Halloween sins.
Love,
J-Berg.
Oh well... shit happens....
Other wise, I did exactly what I said I'd do. I ate healthy on Friday night and Saturday up until the party and Sunday I went right back to healthy eating and working out.
But let me tell you this... Sunday was a b with a big ol' itch.
I woke up Sunday and felt like total crap. Could it have anything to do with the following facts:
- I went to bed at 2am, probably fell asleep around 2:45 (My type a extrovert personality requires that I can't sleep easily after hanging out with so many fun people)
- I woke up at 8:30am
- Ate crap from 3pm to 1am
- Drank wine, but only 2 very small glasses, so I doubt that mattered much
- Smelled like a camp fire from the pervious night's fire pit
All in all Sunday was rough. I spent most of the morning trying to get my stomach ache to go away. I got my chores done around the house, had my lunch, got things ready for dinner and finally made my way to the basement to work out.
It was rough, I was rough.
I turned on the DVD player and got to the work out selection screen. I actually surprised myself when I decided to do a harder work out then orginally planned.
The first 10 minutes I felt like dog poop. I was ready to cave, eat a pumpkin cream pie, do anything other then work out.
My audience, fat cat and Sophie, had hidden their heads in the sofa coushins that's how bad it was.
I just kept reminding myself of how far I've come, how much I want to see a loss when I stand on the scale on Thursday. I reminded myself that Saturday was only one day, I still had progress to make.
I kept going, I kept sweating and I kept cursing. But low and behold, by the 30 minute mark I have having a blast.
I finished my work out and it was as if the workout changed my whole mind set. I was no longer feeling the pain. I was thrilled to have taken another step towards a healthier life style.
And the greatest reward? I put on a pair of jeans that Mr. Berg bought me for our first Chirstmas. For a long while they had been tight on me. It would take a wear or two to get them to fit right and actually be comfortable.
Last night I put them on, fresh from the dryer and they fit. By the time dinner rolled around they had stretched alittle bit and were practically falling off.
Woohoo! Happy Dances for everyone!
The even greater part. I put on my skinny jeans. I'm happy to report, we are almost there people. I'm willing to bet that another two weeks and those suckers will fit.
So the morale of the story: Allow youself to have a carefully planned break, but get right back on that horse. Do not stop, do not stretch that break out forever, do not cut yourself more breaks then you deserve. You owe it to yourself to continue making progress.
I'm excited and refreshed and ready to keep moving. The only person driving this vechile is me. I owe it to myself to keep pushing it along.
I confess I did not work out on Friday or Saturday. Friday I was too excited about all of our recent job success at Family Owned Inc, all I wanted to do was bake and have a glass of wine. So that's what I did.
Saturday I was just too darn busy. There was too much to do between getting ready for the party and the regular household stuff.
Please forgive me for my Halloween sins.
Love,
J-Berg.
Oh well... shit happens....
Other wise, I did exactly what I said I'd do. I ate healthy on Friday night and Saturday up until the party and Sunday I went right back to healthy eating and working out.
But let me tell you this... Sunday was a b with a big ol' itch.
I woke up Sunday and felt like total crap. Could it have anything to do with the following facts:
- I went to bed at 2am, probably fell asleep around 2:45 (My type a extrovert personality requires that I can't sleep easily after hanging out with so many fun people)
- I woke up at 8:30am
- Ate crap from 3pm to 1am
- Drank wine, but only 2 very small glasses, so I doubt that mattered much
- Smelled like a camp fire from the pervious night's fire pit
All in all Sunday was rough. I spent most of the morning trying to get my stomach ache to go away. I got my chores done around the house, had my lunch, got things ready for dinner and finally made my way to the basement to work out.
It was rough, I was rough.
I turned on the DVD player and got to the work out selection screen. I actually surprised myself when I decided to do a harder work out then orginally planned.
The first 10 minutes I felt like dog poop. I was ready to cave, eat a pumpkin cream pie, do anything other then work out.
My audience, fat cat and Sophie, had hidden their heads in the sofa coushins that's how bad it was.
I just kept reminding myself of how far I've come, how much I want to see a loss when I stand on the scale on Thursday. I reminded myself that Saturday was only one day, I still had progress to make.
I kept going, I kept sweating and I kept cursing. But low and behold, by the 30 minute mark I have having a blast.
I finished my work out and it was as if the workout changed my whole mind set. I was no longer feeling the pain. I was thrilled to have taken another step towards a healthier life style.
And the greatest reward? I put on a pair of jeans that Mr. Berg bought me for our first Chirstmas. For a long while they had been tight on me. It would take a wear or two to get them to fit right and actually be comfortable.
Last night I put them on, fresh from the dryer and they fit. By the time dinner rolled around they had stretched alittle bit and were practically falling off.
Woohoo! Happy Dances for everyone!
The even greater part. I put on my skinny jeans. I'm happy to report, we are almost there people. I'm willing to bet that another two weeks and those suckers will fit.
So the morale of the story: Allow youself to have a carefully planned break, but get right back on that horse. Do not stop, do not stretch that break out forever, do not cut yourself more breaks then you deserve. You owe it to yourself to continue making progress.
I'm excited and refreshed and ready to keep moving. The only person driving this vechile is me. I owe it to myself to keep pushing it along.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Before the "it" Hits the Fan
It's Monday.
I woke up to a beautiful, crisp early Fall morning. The sun wasn't quite over the trees as I hoped in my truck and took off down the road for work. On the way I dropped off two huge bags in the Goodwill Bin. I'm so satisfied with life this morning, I can't help but smile.
I realized as I was walking into the office that I really wasn't as aware of how badly my back was hurting until today. It doesn't hurt nearly as bad today as it did for the past 14 days. Last week I felt that pain both physically and psychologically. Last week was a dark, hallow and painful. Last week I survived on prescription muscle relaxers and pain medicine. Last week heating pads were my only friend. This week, this week has a lot of promise. Thank goodness.
Today I started the big WW. I'm excited about it. It's not a diet, it's a life style change. It's all about having a better relationship with food. I don't do processed crap (lie: I love cheese that comes in plastic wrapped singles). Okay, I don't live on processed crap. (I utilize it as I see fit).
WW, if used correctly, teaches you how to incorporate fresh food, vegetables, meats, cheeses, etc into your diet in a healthy, balanced sort of way. Sure, if you want to live on processed, oversalted, oversugared crap, it will teach you how to do that too. But I promise you, I won't be living for the moment when I can eat my 2pt snack cake each day. I have better things to do, and better food to look forward to.
I've been re-familiarizing myself with the website for about a week now. I tracked what I was eating last week but didn't look into meeting my points goal or getting the right amount of calcium etc. Instead, I focused on making it routine. That helped me ease back into it. You see, I've had success with the great WW before. Once in college as a way to combat the freshman 15 and once in graduate school to combat the "now that you have a full time job and go to school full time, you're going to grow an ass" issue I had developed.
Both times, success. Both times I slowly backed away from WW. I kept the principles in the back of my mind. I utilized them as I felt necessary. But the weight has slowly crept back on and like I've said before, I less then happy about it. My portions are out of control. I still work out daily, I still eat mostly healthy foods, I just eat a lot of them.
Combine that with birth control that's known to make women gain weight and hello, fatness.
I'm happy to be back on WW. I'm happy to get things back under control.
This morning I logged my point for what I had for breakfast. I also logged what I anticipate to eat today, knowing full well I could change it as I see fit or as life comes along.
I back hasn't bothering me a bit this morning. I'm planning on going on a walk this afternoon to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. Sure, I'd love to be doing a Firm Video or some Jillian Devil Yoga. But I want to ease back into working out slowly, no need to make my back cry.
Monday is full of promise, full of things to do. I'm really looking forward to this week.
Remind of this on Wednesday when I'm ready to shoot someone and lock myself in the closet with a cupcake.
I woke up to a beautiful, crisp early Fall morning. The sun wasn't quite over the trees as I hoped in my truck and took off down the road for work. On the way I dropped off two huge bags in the Goodwill Bin. I'm so satisfied with life this morning, I can't help but smile.
I realized as I was walking into the office that I really wasn't as aware of how badly my back was hurting until today. It doesn't hurt nearly as bad today as it did for the past 14 days. Last week I felt that pain both physically and psychologically. Last week was a dark, hallow and painful. Last week I survived on prescription muscle relaxers and pain medicine. Last week heating pads were my only friend. This week, this week has a lot of promise. Thank goodness.
Today I started the big WW. I'm excited about it. It's not a diet, it's a life style change. It's all about having a better relationship with food. I don't do processed crap (lie: I love cheese that comes in plastic wrapped singles). Okay, I don't live on processed crap. (I utilize it as I see fit).
WW, if used correctly, teaches you how to incorporate fresh food, vegetables, meats, cheeses, etc into your diet in a healthy, balanced sort of way. Sure, if you want to live on processed, oversalted, oversugared crap, it will teach you how to do that too. But I promise you, I won't be living for the moment when I can eat my 2pt snack cake each day. I have better things to do, and better food to look forward to.
I've been re-familiarizing myself with the website for about a week now. I tracked what I was eating last week but didn't look into meeting my points goal or getting the right amount of calcium etc. Instead, I focused on making it routine. That helped me ease back into it. You see, I've had success with the great WW before. Once in college as a way to combat the freshman 15 and once in graduate school to combat the "now that you have a full time job and go to school full time, you're going to grow an ass" issue I had developed.
Both times, success. Both times I slowly backed away from WW. I kept the principles in the back of my mind. I utilized them as I felt necessary. But the weight has slowly crept back on and like I've said before, I less then happy about it. My portions are out of control. I still work out daily, I still eat mostly healthy foods, I just eat a lot of them.
Combine that with birth control that's known to make women gain weight and hello, fatness.
I'm happy to be back on WW. I'm happy to get things back under control.
This morning I logged my point for what I had for breakfast. I also logged what I anticipate to eat today, knowing full well I could change it as I see fit or as life comes along.
I back hasn't bothering me a bit this morning. I'm planning on going on a walk this afternoon to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. Sure, I'd love to be doing a Firm Video or some Jillian Devil Yoga. But I want to ease back into working out slowly, no need to make my back cry.
Monday is full of promise, full of things to do. I'm really looking forward to this week.
Remind of this on Wednesday when I'm ready to shoot someone and lock myself in the closet with a cupcake.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Further Proof Mr. Berg is Helpless
Yesterday one of our garage doors stopped opening. Of course, it happened to be mine.
Mr. Berg tried to fix it. (I wasn't allowed to help.)
Door still wouldn't open.
(Again, I wasn't allowed to help.)
Mr. Berg insisted I call the garage door repair man.
So, today I did.
Garage door repair man came to take a look.
I explained my husband has a boat load of tools and no earthly idea how to use any of them. I also explained I wasn't allowed to help, I have a reputation to defend here, people!
Garage door repair man smiled, looked at the garage door, assessed the situation, push a lever up and ta-freaking-da- problem solved.
5 minutes and $75 later, my garage door worked just fine.
For the record, the emergency stop cord must have been hit by my truck roof. Thus making it impossible for the garage door to go up.
If I was allowed to help, I may or may not have been able to figure this problem out.
Regardless, Mr. Berg is paying that bill.
Mr. Berg tried to fix it. (I wasn't allowed to help.)
Door still wouldn't open.
(Again, I wasn't allowed to help.)
Mr. Berg insisted I call the garage door repair man.
So, today I did.
Garage door repair man came to take a look.
I explained my husband has a boat load of tools and no earthly idea how to use any of them. I also explained I wasn't allowed to help, I have a reputation to defend here, people!
Garage door repair man smiled, looked at the garage door, assessed the situation, push a lever up and ta-freaking-da- problem solved.
5 minutes and $75 later, my garage door worked just fine.
For the record, the emergency stop cord must have been hit by my truck roof. Thus making it impossible for the garage door to go up.
If I was allowed to help, I may or may not have been able to figure this problem out.
Regardless, Mr. Berg is paying that bill.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Back In My Happy Place
I got my truck back today. I was so excited to hear it was finished, I'm tempted to spend the nigt in it. Chances are, I won't. But still, it's nice to be back in one of my favorite places. My relationship with that SUV is remarkable. I named her, I care for her like she has feelings and emotions. I felt terrible when I nailed in her into the concerete ditch. I hope she's happy to be back with me. Hopefully she's not rolling her dip stick thinking "Great, this wack-a-doodle again?"
In other news, today in my last day in my mid-twenties. Tomorrow, I join the late twenties group. Seeing as I've been telling people for almost 4 months now that I'm a year older then I actually am, I don't think I'll have a problem offically being there. However, I do not see myself as an late twenty something, aka, an adult yet.
It's kind of like when I graduated with my MBA. I kept thinking to myself "these people actually think I'm smart. They think I understand all of this stuff! Are they nuts?"
I'm having a hard time considering myself a "grown-up." Grown-ups are serious and responsible and handle their emotions well.
I laugh at everything, if I don't make a list I'll forget to do it and we all know I wear my heart on my selve. I totally lack an edit button when it comes to voicing my opinion. Sad, sad, sad.
Late last week one of my mentoring students asked me if I would write him a letter of recommendation to college. WTF? I'm not old enough to do that. But in reality, I am.
(Nevermind the fact that twenty minutes prior to completing my letter I had no idea how to spell the word recommendation.)
Truth of the matter is this. I am an adult. I am responsble, whether I think I am or not. I own a home, I grocery shop, I make lists and cross items off when I complete them. I have pets, I care for them, I take them to the vet on time, I remember their medications and special foods. I have a husband, I take care of him, I make his favorite meals, stay quiet when he's trying to study and spoil him with love and attention. I make sure he goes to the doctor, I carry extra medicine in my purse for him, I worry about his cholestoral and his fiber intake. I send birthday cards to my friends and family members. I call my friends, I remember anniversarys, land mark moments and over look their faults.
I vote in every election. I try to stay up on the news. I go to church, talk to God almost daily and give back to my community. I do all of this and more without even thinking about it. So yes, whether I want to accept it or not. I, J-Berg, am an adult.
And believe it or not, it's a pretty happy place to be.
In other news, today in my last day in my mid-twenties. Tomorrow, I join the late twenties group. Seeing as I've been telling people for almost 4 months now that I'm a year older then I actually am, I don't think I'll have a problem offically being there. However, I do not see myself as an late twenty something, aka, an adult yet.
It's kind of like when I graduated with my MBA. I kept thinking to myself "these people actually think I'm smart. They think I understand all of this stuff! Are they nuts?"
I'm having a hard time considering myself a "grown-up." Grown-ups are serious and responsible and handle their emotions well.
I laugh at everything, if I don't make a list I'll forget to do it and we all know I wear my heart on my selve. I totally lack an edit button when it comes to voicing my opinion. Sad, sad, sad.
Late last week one of my mentoring students asked me if I would write him a letter of recommendation to college. WTF? I'm not old enough to do that. But in reality, I am.
(Nevermind the fact that twenty minutes prior to completing my letter I had no idea how to spell the word recommendation.)
Truth of the matter is this. I am an adult. I am responsble, whether I think I am or not. I own a home, I grocery shop, I make lists and cross items off when I complete them. I have pets, I care for them, I take them to the vet on time, I remember their medications and special foods. I have a husband, I take care of him, I make his favorite meals, stay quiet when he's trying to study and spoil him with love and attention. I make sure he goes to the doctor, I carry extra medicine in my purse for him, I worry about his cholestoral and his fiber intake. I send birthday cards to my friends and family members. I call my friends, I remember anniversarys, land mark moments and over look their faults.
I vote in every election. I try to stay up on the news. I go to church, talk to God almost daily and give back to my community. I do all of this and more without even thinking about it. So yes, whether I want to accept it or not. I, J-Berg, am an adult.
And believe it or not, it's a pretty happy place to be.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
How To Be Happy, Now or Boot Camp for the Self Entitled Me.
After reading an incredible post by my dear "friend" Blair (and by dear friend, I mean, she has no idea who I am and I'm hopelessly in love with her) I have decided on the theme for my "Fall Goals"
As we've talked about before, I made a list of goals for myself to take me through the end of summer into early fall. I didn't realize it at the time, by my goals almost center around seasons. So, sticking to that "theme" my new goals will be begin September 12th, a week and a few days prior to the first day of Fall.
This season of goals will focus less on the internal me, and more on the external me. So often I find myself focused on what I wish I could have, rather then what I already do.
I can't beging to explain how many hours I've been dreaming of my next vacation. My thoughts are often centered on how happy I could be if I could just go to Sandal's Bahamas or Crusie to Belize. I'm always caught up on how happy I could be if I could have that new Lilly Dress or if I could buy those new pillows from Pottery Barn.
Well, guess what? I've been on some amazing vacations already. I've climbed Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica, I've snorkled beside Bird Island in Antigua. I took a helicopter and hiked on top of a glacier in Alaska for Pete's sake. And I'm unhappy? Girlfriend needs to get some perspective.
I have a closet full of beautiful clothes, I should be happy to have them instead of wishing for Frye boots. I have more handbags then I know what to do with, why do I feel I need another one.
If I'm not careful, I could easily be living beyond my means and in a lot debt trying to live a life I think I need and cannot afford. Americans are in enough trouble as it is, I don't need to add to that lifesyle.
Truth of that matter is this: I have an excellent life. I have an wonderful marriage, incredible parents, an awesome brother and a beautiful home. I am lucky for what I have. I need to hurry up and embrace it. We never know how long we have in life, we never know how long we will get to spend with the people we love. I need to enjoy what I have now.
And so, my goals
I like these goals, I feel comfortable with them. They emcompass a lot of my concerns for myself and my life. Three related to my external life- my husband, my friends, the food that I make for our family and our friends. The fourth ensures I carve out some time for me. Does exercise count as me time? Maybe not. But for now, that will have to do.
As the fall and our season of Thankfullness arrives, it is important for me to recognize what I am thankful for and all of the reasons I have to be thankful.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I have been blessed with both a realitivily functional life and the strength to take on the challenges that it does bring. I need to do a better job of being thankful and embracing all the riches that I have in life.
Look for my new goals check in starting on September 16th.
As we've talked about before, I made a list of goals for myself to take me through the end of summer into early fall. I didn't realize it at the time, by my goals almost center around seasons. So, sticking to that "theme" my new goals will be begin September 12th, a week and a few days prior to the first day of Fall.
This season of goals will focus less on the internal me, and more on the external me. So often I find myself focused on what I wish I could have, rather then what I already do.
I can't beging to explain how many hours I've been dreaming of my next vacation. My thoughts are often centered on how happy I could be if I could just go to Sandal's Bahamas or Crusie to Belize. I'm always caught up on how happy I could be if I could have that new Lilly Dress or if I could buy those new pillows from Pottery Barn.
Well, guess what? I've been on some amazing vacations already. I've climbed Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica, I've snorkled beside Bird Island in Antigua. I took a helicopter and hiked on top of a glacier in Alaska for Pete's sake. And I'm unhappy? Girlfriend needs to get some perspective.
I have a closet full of beautiful clothes, I should be happy to have them instead of wishing for Frye boots. I have more handbags then I know what to do with, why do I feel I need another one.
If I'm not careful, I could easily be living beyond my means and in a lot debt trying to live a life I think I need and cannot afford. Americans are in enough trouble as it is, I don't need to add to that lifesyle.
Truth of that matter is this: I have an excellent life. I have an wonderful marriage, incredible parents, an awesome brother and a beautiful home. I am lucky for what I have. I need to hurry up and embrace it. We never know how long we have in life, we never know how long we will get to spend with the people we love. I need to enjoy what I have now.
And so, my goals
- Do one "out of the ordinary" nice thing for Mr. Berg a week. Out of the ordinary does not mean kiss him good night or pick his underpants off the floor. That's what all good wives do.... atleast that is what I tell myself.
- Cook or Bake one new recipe a week. I have a kitchen full of wonderful new things thanks to my new marriage and my new house. Time to start using them.
- Call or Email a close friend every week. I am a terrible, terrible friend when it comes to making phone calls and keeping in touch. Time to put an emphasis on this!
- Work Out 3 to 4 times a week. I always feel 100% better about myself and my body when I make an effort to move it. Yes, this was a goal last time as well, but until it is enstilled, it needs to stay in the forefront.
I like these goals, I feel comfortable with them. They emcompass a lot of my concerns for myself and my life. Three related to my external life- my husband, my friends, the food that I make for our family and our friends. The fourth ensures I carve out some time for me. Does exercise count as me time? Maybe not. But for now, that will have to do.
As the fall and our season of Thankfullness arrives, it is important for me to recognize what I am thankful for and all of the reasons I have to be thankful.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I have been blessed with both a realitivily functional life and the strength to take on the challenges that it does bring. I need to do a better job of being thankful and embracing all the riches that I have in life.
Look for my new goals check in starting on September 16th.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Secert Single Behavior
Mr. Berg has been out of town for two weeks, and he'll remain out of town for another two weeks....
As a big important salesman, training is essential. So, while it's not uncommon for him to be gone once and a while, it is uncommon for him to be gone for four entire weeks.
Having been married for nearly a year now, it's not often that I'm home alone for a night... let alone three weeks.
Bring on the super secert single behavior.... Sex and City Style.
- Typically I come home from work, change, workout, shower and put on casual clothes to greet Mr. Berg in and prepared dinner in. Since, I've been home alone, I've gone straight to pjs after my shower. I have worn a bra past 6pm since last weekend... heaven!
-Last night while watching my favorite TV show and drinking (too much) wine, I dropped my crackers. Rather then picking them up, I stepped on them to break them into smaller pieces. During a commerical break I used my dust vacuum to clean them up. I was rather impressed with myself.
-Fat Cat and Sophie have slept in the bed with me since Mr. Berg hit the road. A huge no-no in the Berg household.
-Dinner has consisted of sloppy joes every night since Monday. Next week will be Tacos every night until I run out... good deal.
- I sleep in the middle of the bed, like a star fish.
- Wine is a new food group
- I haven't bothered to clean, anything. If I can't be fixed with 409 and paper towels, I'm not interested
Mr.Berg better come home soon before I resort to frosted eye shadow and sweat pants.....
As a big important salesman, training is essential. So, while it's not uncommon for him to be gone once and a while, it is uncommon for him to be gone for four entire weeks.
Having been married for nearly a year now, it's not often that I'm home alone for a night... let alone three weeks.
Bring on the super secert single behavior.... Sex and City Style.
- Typically I come home from work, change, workout, shower and put on casual clothes to greet Mr. Berg in and prepared dinner in. Since, I've been home alone, I've gone straight to pjs after my shower. I have worn a bra past 6pm since last weekend... heaven!
-Last night while watching my favorite TV show and drinking (too much) wine, I dropped my crackers. Rather then picking them up, I stepped on them to break them into smaller pieces. During a commerical break I used my dust vacuum to clean them up. I was rather impressed with myself.
-Fat Cat and Sophie have slept in the bed with me since Mr. Berg hit the road. A huge no-no in the Berg household.
-Dinner has consisted of sloppy joes every night since Monday. Next week will be Tacos every night until I run out... good deal.
- I sleep in the middle of the bed, like a star fish.
- Wine is a new food group
- I haven't bothered to clean, anything. If I can't be fixed with 409 and paper towels, I'm not interested
Mr.Berg better come home soon before I resort to frosted eye shadow and sweat pants.....
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