Ireland Or Bust

Have you ever wanted to go somewhere your whole life, but didn't really know why? Ironically, my husband and I both have always wanted to go to Ireland. We don't really have a good reason. We just decided that Ireland is the place we're going to take our celebratory (us turning 30 and 10th wedding anniversary) trip. People have asked me, "Why Ireland?" and I've discovered that I'm not really sure why.

We aren't travellers by nature. The farthest I've ever been away from home was Washington D.C. I've only ever been out of the country once and it was to Victoria, Canada on a choir trip in high school. And that was before you needed a passport to go to Canada! We like our little corner of the world, and while we would like to see other parts of this planet, it's just never been a huge priority.

There are plenty of things that scare me to death about travelling too. For one, not knowing the language. Imagine having to go to the bathroom and not being able to ask for directions to the nearest toilet! The money thing is confusing as well. I'd hate to pay way too much for something just because I don't understand the exchange rate properly.

The thing that frightens me the most is leaving the boys. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind spending time away from them, but Ireland is a long way away. The thought that keeps me up late at night is "What if something should happen to us and we don't make it home to them?". I shudder to think...

I'm not about to let these fears keep me from seeing things I've always wanted to see though. Therefore, I continue to read my travel books about Ireland and London (cuz we're going to stop there for a couple days. You know, since we're there). I'm learning all I can about what we should expect when we get there. Talking to people who have been there has turned out to be a fabulous way to learn too!

The more we save, plan and talk about our trip the more excited I get. I've learned about several places I want to see when we get to Ireland. Our little spending money jar has become quite heavy. I'm planning to bring back an Irish Flute. *grin* I'm sure Eric is looking for ways to get beer home!

We chose to not take a big tour. We're going to rent a car and drive ourselves where ever we want. The freedom is extremely enticing to me. I can't wait to see Ireland through my camera lens! Imagine the possibilities! I'm all giddy just thinking about it! Not only do I get to shoot Ireland, but I get to road trip in a foreign country for TWO WEEKS with my amazing hubby as company. How cool is that?

So, if you've been to Ireland or London and have suggestions about what we should or shouldn't see, I'll gladly listen. In the mean time, I'm going to bury my nose in a book about Ireland.

Feelin' Great!

This time a week ago I was feeling pretty down. Even though I had been going to the gym, it wasn't consistent and I wasn't pushing myself very hard. I was having a hard time sleeping and I was just down mentally and spiritually.

After only one week of working out everyday (sometimes twice in a day), eating healthy food (with the exception of a bag of M&M's and a stiff drink one night) and doing my bible study I feel like a completely different person! I'm sleeping better and I have way more energy to do what needs to be done.

We weighed in tonight and I lost two whole pounds! I have to admit I'm a little disappointed because I worked SO hard and only lost two pounds, but I'll take what I can get. I have to keep reminding myself that it's the INCHES that matter, NOT the pounds.

I've gotten several comments over the last few days about how I look like I'm losing weight. That is WAY encouraging! People who didn't even know that I'm doing this Biggest Loser thing are noticing the changes. My clothes are getting loose enough that I will have to go shopping very soon for new pants. (Oh darn!)

I'm way more encouraged this time around than I was last time. It's so much fun to be doing this with my husband and sister! They keep me really accountable and add a really fun level of competition. I really appreciate everyone else's comments too, so thanks for your support y'all!

Here's this week's picture.

M.T.S.

Do you want to know what M.T.S. stands for? Muffin Top Syndrome. Do you know what M.T.S. is? I'm sure you've seen it around. It's usually the result of people wearing a smaller size pant than they should. Perhaps you've seen it at the mall, your place of work or maybe even your own bedroom mirror. I know I have.

It's called a "muffin top" for obvious reasons. There are plenty of names for that lovely shape around so many of our middle sections. "Spare Tire", "Love Handles" and my personal favorite "Dunlap". (Because your belly done lapped over your belt!)

Regardless of what we call it, the lovely middle section that so many of us carry is unsightly and most definately unhealthy. I've been told by many different friends and doctors that being shaped like an apple is more unlealthy than being shaped like a pear. (At least for women.) This makes sense to me because if you're shaped like an apple, you carry your fat around your vital organs. Where as if you're shaped like a pear, you carry your fat mostly around the big muscles in your body. However, both are not desirable. The question is, what do we do about it?


I discovered the answer yesterday in a class I took at the gym. The key is twisting and leaning from the waist. We did several different movements that worked those particular muscles and I knew by the end of the class that I would be paying for it today. My sides and middle have never been this sore! I can barely bend over to get the clothes out of the dryer.


I will continue to go to the class even though it wasn't my favorite because someday I want to be cured of my Muffin Top Syndrome. How about you?

Zumba!

Have you heard of Zumba? Do you see ads for it and wonder what it is? I did. Then I noticed that my gym had Zumba classes. I thought, "Okay, fine. I'll try it."

One evening I talked my sister into going to a class. As soon as the music started we regreted our decision. We felt SO clumsy and uncoordinated! After the first song, my sister looked at me and said, "Jessica, what have you gotten me into!?"

We laughed our way thruogh the whole class and on the drive home we both said we had several moments where we felt like Baby on "Dirty Dancing".

You see, Zumba is advertised as an easy (*snort*) to follow, Latin based aerobic class. Perfect for all generations and fitness levels.

You have to go at least three times before you feel like you're starting to get it. I do have to admit that I'm starting to have fun with it though. We took a beginners class that explained all of the steps and how you can make it as easy or as hard as you want. Since then, we both feel like we're learning the dances and can anticipate the next steps.

We have been going to all the classes that our gym offers and we got to experience a new teacher on Monday. WHEW! Picture this...

A teeny-tiny woman (probably 5' and a size 0.) walks into the room and greets us with an extremely perky attitude. My sister and I just look at each other and roll our eyes. Then she turns on the music. It's different than the other teacher uses and it's WAY different steps! OH NO!!!

After an hour of jumping around to very upbeat music we were covered in sweat. We left the class feeling like it was our first one, but we continued to go and actually like both teachers a lot.

When we're done with the Biggest Loser Challenge, we'll be able to take a Zumba class nearly every day of the week!

If you've never tried it, you should. Step out of your comfort zone and take an opportunity to feel silly! Remember, you have to go at least three times before you completely give up.

Biggest Loser: Round Two

Today marked the start of the Biggest Loser Challenge. I wasn't going to do it again, but my husband and sister wanted to do it too.

So I hope you're all not tired of hearing me talk about working out. Or complain about how much I hurt from working out. Cuz we all know there will be more of that!

The goals I wrote down on my weight tracking paper were as follows:
1. Lose 15 more lbs
2. Shamrock Run
3. 1/2 marathon

I didn't take a picture tonight, I'll do that on Thursday. And I'm still not telling you what I weigh, but I am proud to say that I didn't gain it all back through the holidays! WOO HOO!!

Since I have other family members to keep me more accountable, I'm hoping to be better at eating right. Unfortunately, I can talk my husband into almost anything... well, most of the time. Hopefully he'll be able to resist my batting eyelashes when I say I just want a cheeseburger! ; )

The Settlers of Catan

I think I've mentioned before that we love playing games. Board games, that is. We play video games too, but our true love is real strategy board games. Games like Sequence, Mancala and Clue. Our most favorite is The Settlers of Catan though.

Catan is a special kind of game. You can't find it just anywhere. You have to either order it online or know what stores sell it. I got lucky and found it at our local Barnes and Noble. It came with a set of Catan coasters! ; )

Our friends introduced us to it and even though it's a very complicated game that can take hours to play, it's so much fun!

There are many versions of it too. You can buy expantion sets to mix it up and play with new adventures. The company also makes other games like Puerto Rico which is completely addicting.

Last night our friends came over and we spent a good 3 hours playing the Sea Farers version of Catan. It would take me a long time to explain how you play, but I will tell you that you get to collect resources, build settlements, cities, roads and set sail on the "open sea" to explore new islands.

As the game was being set up we were marvelling at the enormity of the board set-up. My friend said simply, "It's gonna be awesome!" And it was!

Of course, as usual, I got completely hosed in last night's game, but I laughed so hard I cried during the process. If you're ever in need of a new game to play, come on over and we'll teach you to play Catan. You'll thank us!

Un-decorating

Every year I look forward to putting up the Christmas decorations. I love lights, ribbon, holly and ornaments! I pretty much just love Christmas! It's sparkly and pretty and it smells nice and there's just no other season quite like it.

The part I don't look forward to is the un-decorating. It seems so sad. I have to pack away all the twinkle lights and sparkly things that sit out around my house all month.


As I was un-decorating the tree, I came across an ornament a friend gave me this year. It's a high heeled, sling back shoe covered in glitter. TOTALLY ME!!! I had to take a picture of it and post it.

I love all things sparkly and shiny so this was the perfect ornament for me. Thank you Susan Penner for knowing me SO well!

The View

We're not really party animals around here. New Year's Eve isn't an exception. We were invited to spend the weekend in Salem, OR with some family. They love games and movies so it was a quiet weekend sitting at the game table watching football and movies.


When I think about Salem, I don't usually think about amazing mountain views and fabulous houses. That's what we got though!

I love older houses that have lots of quirks and character. The house we stayed at was one of those kinds of places. It also sits atop a hill on the west side of Salem.

From the living room (which has floor to ceiling windows all along one wall) you can see four mountains! From the kitchen you can see the state capitol building. On the evening we arrived, we were treated with an amazing sunset reflecting off of Mt. Hood.

All in all it was a fabulously relaxing weekend and we can't wait to do it again.

"Until Death Do Us Part"

A couple days ago my husband, Eric and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. I know that compared to some of you, that's not very long, but compared to most couples today, it's a big deal. We worked really hard to get through the last ten years and quite frankly, I'm proud of us for still being together!

I'd like to take a moment to share a couple things I've learned over the last ten years...

Before we got married, we had a lot of people tell us we shouldn't go through with it. Including family members and very close friends. I'm glad we were secure enough in our relationship to know at such a young age (19) that what we had was for real. I've learned that even though they may mean well, family and friends don't always give the best advise.

Upon waking up on the third day after our wedding, I remember watching my new husband go through the same EXACT routine for the third day in a row. You should know that we were in a different place all three mornings, and the routine stayed the same, despite the change in location. I vividly remember sitting on the end of the bed in our hotel room in Florida and thinking "What have I done?" I've learned not to interrupt Eric in his morning routine... it's better for everyone if he's left alone to complete those morning tasks.

This is us on our honeymoon in Disneyworld.

My body doesn't handle pregnancy well. Being pregnant with twins was really difficult for both Eric and I. There was a day that I had a really bad migraine and didn't quite make it to the bathroom in time. After getting myself cleaned up, I returned to the bathroom to clean up the mess and Eric made me go lay down and insisted on cleaning it up. I learned that once someone has cleaned up after you, you love them a LOT more! (Thanks honey!) This is me just before the twins were born.

When our sons were born, Eric was by my side on pins and needles. We knew he doesn't like the sight of blood, but he couldn't resist jumping up to cut the cord when our twins were born. He didn't make it to see the second twin born... he passed out and was wheeled out of the operating room in a wheel chair. My mother was sent in to be with me until he regained consciousness. (He will never hear the end of that either!) I've learned that he isn't the one that should go to the ER with the boys. ; )

In ten years of marriage, I can count the number of times I've had to wash the dishes on my fingers. I've learned that sometimes it's okay that your husband doesn't know how to cook... because he'll clean if you cook!

We've been through some pretty tough times in the last several years. It's a miracle we're still together, but through it all, I've never once doubted Eric's complete devotion to me and our boys. If either of us faltered and wanted to leave it was me. He's an amazing father and a more amazing husband than I could have ever hoped for. We truly are blessed and I'm very glad we didn't listen to those people when they told us not to get married.

Happy 10th Anniversary Eric! Here's to many more wonderful years together! I love you dearly!