Things I fancy...

I'm supposed to be updating my gift list today so I was surfing for some ideas.

I like these boots:


Size 9, from Targhay'. Why? Well, we live in Washington State, that's why. And it rains on a frequent basis. And no, Shane, I won't wear them as everyday shoes, just out to get the mail and do yard work....when I have a yard...but I don't have one right now...ok, I guess I'll use them to get the mail when it's raining.

And this movie I watched and cried with last night (thank you Oxygen Channel for showing it) :

I also want the book because (gasp!) I've never actually read it. I know, so sad. How can you NOT have read this?! I don't know. Should I read Sense and Sensibility too?

And I think this bag will go nicely with my new white shorts :

Sensing a trend here? Yep, I like the spring green.

A

Watch Out...

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Well, at least I know I'll survive Jude's 5 yr birthday party if it gets a little out of hand.

A

Freedom & Sleeping Boys

I'm just hanging out at home today having an unexpected reprieve from work. Apparently not enough laboring ladies today. It's always kind of sad how excited I get when the phone rings at 6 AM on the day I am scheduled to work.
I see my hospital unit on the front of my cell phone and my heart starts to pound.

"Hello?"

"Hi Amanda? We don't need you today, do you want to be on call?"

"OK!"

The day stretches ahead of me with possibilities.

Here's what we did: unpacked from being gone for two weeks, did six loads of laundry (washed, dried, folded AND put away!), went through our mail inbox pile (ginormous), cleaned the main living room, did the dishes, fed Bubbalu, caught up on bills, went through receipts and have much more planned.

Bubbalu is currently napping and Lance fell asleep on the couch after a lovely lunch of leftovers.

Mama finished a book during lunch, is catching up on the blog, and will go out for a run soon.

Life is good.

A

Favorite Find Friday : Measuring Tape

WHAT???



I know, it sounds weird, and I WILL explain. Stick with me.

I had a baby almost 15 months ago. Is it an excuse? No. Is is a reason? YES.

My body dramatically morphed in the last 2 years. ( No, I'm not a stick thin person, so lets just call me an average pear shaped woman. ) Pre-pregnancy I was running 10 miles 3 days a week, had great tone and was overall satisfied with my body. By the end of my pre-eclampsia ridden pregnancy, I was NOT thrilled with my body. It looked so different to me that it was almost alien. Who stole my body? Where did THIS one come from?

Colic didn't exactly assist with my postpartum weight loss. I made it a point to get out and walk/run, despite Bubbalu screaming the entire time. People gave me sideways concerned looks on the trail, and I would just smile. I couldn't talk to them because my baby silencing headphones were in. What they must have thought...oh well.

Anyways.

Despite some infant related challenges, I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight at six months. STILL... Who stole my body? Where did THIS one come from? Those of you who have had a baby understand this. Where is my muscle tone? What is with this poochy lower stomach thing? Same weight, NOT the same size. Shifted doesn't even begin to explain it. Granted, I was still breastfeeding, and I know the body holds on to some extra poundage in interesting places because of it.

OK. So measuring tape. Thought I forgot, huh?

I have always built muscle up rather quickly and would be frustrated when the scale refused to budge after weeks of diet and exercise. I started taking my measurements about four years ago and haven't stopped. I keep a notepad (I'm not telling you where) that lists the date, current weight and current measurements.

The reason I love measuring tape? I lost 8 inches in the last month...and the scale stayed the same. Clothes fit better, and I am almost bikini ready.

How to use? Keep a running list of your measurements and check monthly or quarterly.

• Bust
• Under Bust
• Waist (smallest part)
• Belly Bulge (hehehe, that's for postpartum only )
• Hips/Behind (largest part)
• Under Behind
• Upper leg/Thigh (largest part)
• Above Knee
• Calf (largest part)
• Upper arm
• Forearm

No, I don't look the same as I did before pregnancy, but that's ok.

I paid a small price for a huge blessing.

A