Pages

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Meal Plan 7/7/14-7/13/14

The first week on my PIYO/Paleo inspired meal plan didn't go super great. I was able to stay near to my "allowances" and I kept track of my calories via My Fitness Pal and while I did go over a few days, it wasn't by too much (on average.)

Here is my next week's meal plan. Hoping to be able to do better to stay on track and maintain accountability. On the PIYO eating plan, I am allowed 5PV, 5LP, 4HF, 2SV, 2FF. See here about my description.

Sunday revised (7/6/14):
L: Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with lettuce, veggies and chopped pecans
1LP, 1HF, 2PV
PMS: Trailmix & 1/2 apple
1HF, 1 FF
D: Paleo Tex Mex Casserole
1LP, 3PV, 1SV, 1HF

Monday: 
B: Baked Banana Blueberry Oatmeal with chopped almonds
1SV, 1FF, 1LP, 1HF
AMS: Shakeology
1LP
L: Leftover Paleo Tex Mex Casserole
1LP, 3PV, 1SV, 1HF
PMS: Trailmix & 1/2 apple
1HF, 1FF
D: Fish with Roasted Cauliflower (with olive oil & parmesan cheese, YUM!!) and asparagus
2PV, 1LP, 1HF

Tuesday:
B: Banana-cocoa oatmeal with nuts
1SV, 1FF, 1LP, 1HF
AMS: Shakeology
1LP
L: Leftover fish, cauliflower and veggie
1LP, 2PV, 1HF
PMS: Yogurt & fruit with nuts
1LP, 1FF, 1HF
D: Grilled Pork Kebabs with Asian Marinade, corn on the cob
1LP, 2PV, 1SV, 2 HF

Wednesday:
B: Kale Bacon Frittata with Sweet Potatoes
1SV, 2LP, 1PV
AMS: Shakeology with fruit
1LP, 1 FF
L: Tossed Salad with tuna and avocado, sunflower seeds and vinaigrette
1LP, 2PV, 2HF
PMS: Protein Balls
1HF, 1FF
D: Paleo Stuffed Peppers w/Rice
1LP, 2PV, 1SV, 1HF

Thursday:
B: Baked Oatmeal with banana and blueberries
1SV, 1FF, 1LP, 1HF
AMS: Shakeology
1LP
L: Leftover stuffed peppers, no rice
1LP, 2PV, 1HF
PMS: Trailmix, yogurt with fruit
1HF, 1FF, 1LP
D: Whole Wheat Penne with Salmon MBs, tomato sauce, spinach and mozz cheese
3PV, 1LP, 1HF, 1SV

Friday:
B: Kale & Bacon Frittata
2LP, 1PV, 1HF
AMS: Shakeology
1LP, 1FF
L: Leftover penne with Salmon meatballs, tomato sauce and mozz cheese
PMS: Trailmix & Fruit
1HF, 1FF
D: No Bean Turkey & Sweet Potato Chili
1LP, 1SV, 2PV, 1HF

Saturday:
B: Low-carb Overnight French Toast
1SV, 1LP, 1HF
AMS: Shakeology w/fruit
1LP, 1FF
L: Leftover chili
1LP, 1SV, 2PV, 1HF
PMS: Yogurt, fruit, nuts
1LP, 1FF, 1HF
D: Best Ever Liver and onions with brussel sprouts
1LP, 1SV, 2PV, 1HF

Sunday:
B: Leftover overnight French Toast
1SV, 1LP, 1HF
AMS: Shakeology
1LP
L: Leftover Liver and onions, side salad and veggie
1LP, 3PV, 1HF
PMS: yogurt, fruit and nuts
1LP, 1FF, 1HF
D: Pineapple Fried Rice (with Ham)
1LP, 1FF, 1SV, 1HF, 2PV

Happy Eating!!

Love and Best Wishes,
Jen

Friday, July 4, 2014

Weekly Planning Recap...Weekend Planning...

Last night, Hubby & I finally watched Lone Survivor. I may be the last person in America to watch this, but I knew it was going to be hard to watch. I knew I would be very emotional. And I was right. It was an amazing film, but I cried most of the way through it. God Bless the men and women who willingly sacrifice and put their lives on the line to fight for freedom, for us and for others.

Tuesday:
Nutrition: Follow meal plan
Workout: PIYO Define Lower
Daily Chores:
  • LDF: Tans/Blues
  • Empty Dishwasher
  • RDF: Kitchen
  • Brush Dogs
  • Vacuum Stairs
  • Scoop Litter Box
  • Walk Dogs/Check mail
  • Check Payments, transfers and bills
  • Clean up dog poo in backyard
  • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
Follow Morning Routine & Bedtime Routine
Place 2nd call to Finance coordinator at Fertility clinic

Wednesday:
Nutrition: Follow meal plan
Workout: PIYO Define Upper
Daily Chores:
  • LDF: Reds
  • Empty Dishwasher
  • RDF: Living Room: Dust furniture, blinds, fan, vacuum furniture, wash windows (in), polish wood furniture
  • Change litter
  • Vacuum Upstairs
  • Walk Dogs/Check mail
  • Balance checkbook
  • Clean up dog poo in backyard (Mowing Day!)
  • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
  • Trash & Recycling
Follow Morning Routine & Bedtime Routine
Set up miter saw to cut trim for projects

Thursday:
Nutrition: Follow meal plan
Workout: PIYO Sweat
Daily Chores:
  • LDF: Whites/Bath Mats (Bleach)
  • Empty Dishwasher
  • RDF: Outside/Garage hose off patio and garage door, spray for bugs, tidy garage
  • Brush Dogs
  • Vacuum SW
  • Scoop Litter Box
  • Walk Dogs/Check mail
  • Clean up dog poo in backyard
  • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
Follow Morning Routine & Bedtime Routine
The beginning of the week went pretty well as far as following my plan. Thursday, Hubby was off work, so we went downtown to the Aquarium and had a late lunch with a friend. After that, we came home and took a nap, then watched a movie and some TV. I have to get better following my daily plan.

This weekend's Weekend Planning.


source
Friday: Happy Independence Day!
Nutrition: Follow meal plan - having dinner with friend before fireworks.
Workout: PIYO Define Lower & Day 3 Squat Challenge
Daily Chores:
  • LDF: Darks
  • Empty Dishwasher
  • RDF: Office/Craft Room: Dust blinds, furniture, fan/light fixture, empty trash, vacuum, file paperwork/bills
  • Vacuum Downstairs
  • Scoop Litter Box
  • Walk Dogs/Check mail
  • Clean up dog poo in backyard
  • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
Follow Morning Routine & Bedtime Routine
Fireworks at a friend's condo downtown.

Saturday:
Nutrition: Follow meal plan
Workout: PIYO Core & Day 4 Squat Challenge
Daily Chores:
  • LDF: Sheets
  • Empty Dishwasher
  • RDF: Master Bedroom: dust: fan, blinds, furniture, strip and remake bed, vacuum, tidy closet
  • Vacuum Upstairs
  • Scoop Litter Box
  • Walk Dogs/Check mail
  • Clean up dog poo in backyard
  • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
  • Meal Plan
  • Follow Morning Routine & Bedtime Routine
    Heading to the zoo today, I think, but I won't feel badly if we skip. We'll be out late Friday night.

    Sunday:
    Nutrition: Follow meal plan
    Workout: PIYO: Define Upper & Day 5 Squat Challenge
    Daily Chores:
  • Write out grocery list: coupons?
  • Empty Dishwasher
  • Scoop Litter Box
  • Walk Dogs
  • Clean up dog poo in backyard
  • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
  • Follow Morning & Bedtime Routine

    Wish me luck! LOL My main goal for July is simply to get this routine down into a habit so I don't have to think about it so much. *sigh* I would have hoped by 31, I'd be better at this.

    Tuesday, July 1, 2014

    July Goals...

    July Goals


    Lots of to-do and goal planning going on up in here. Fail to plan = plan to fail, right?

    A couple things I'd like to get done this month.

    PIYO Challenge (starts July 7): Daily PIYO workouts coupled with meal plans
    30 Day Squat Challenge: Daily squat challenge to help reduce these saddle bags and firm up my booty muscles. Found at PopSugar.com via Pinterest
    Source

    Independence Day Fireworks











    Walk 10,000 steps per day (including walk the dogs)
    Swim 3x per week
    Beach Day at least once this month
    Hit up the historic theater at least once this month
    Disney World?? It's sort a bit hot & humid in July in FL, so maybe this might not be happening.
    Trip to PA?? All dependent on TTC and cycle start dates
    Book Club - read selected book and attend meeting
    Attend infertility support group meeting
    Attend military spouses connect meeting
    Follow Bedtime Routine
    Perform 80% of daily chores 80% of the time (based on weekly/weekend planning & recaps)
    Pallet Herb Garden
    Finish Bar Cart & Shelves
    Finish Antique Sewing Table Base Console Table
    Log meals and exercise in My Fitness Pal
    Follow meal plans

    I think that will do it.

    Do you have anything on your to do list this month?

    Much love and best wishes,
    Jen




    Monday, June 30, 2014

    Weekly Planning 7/1 - 7/4 2014

    My weekly goals and to do lists for this week July 1 - July 4 2014

    Tuesday:
    Nutrition: Follow meal plan
    Workout: PIYO Define Lower
    Daily Chores:
    • LDF: Tans/Blues
    • Empty Dishwasher
    • RDF: Kitchen
    • Brush Dogs
    • Vacuum Stairs
    • Scoop Litter Box
    • Walk Dogs/Check mail
    • Check Payments, transfers and bills
    • Clean up dog poo in backyard
    • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
    Follow Morning Routine & Bedtime Routine
    Place 2nd call to Finance coordinator at Fertility clinic

    Wednesday:
    Nutrition: Follow meal plan
    Workout: PIYO Define Upper
    Daily Chores:
    • LDF: Reds
    • Empty Dishwasher
    • RDF: Living Room: Dust furniture, blinds, fan, vacuum furniture, wash windows (in), polish wood furniture
    • Change litter
    • Vacuum Upstairs
    • Walk Dogs/Check mail
    • Balance checkbook
    • Clean up dog poo in backyard (Mowing Day!)
    • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
    • Trash & Recycling
    Follow Morning Routine & Bedtime Routine
    Set up miter saw to cut trim for projects


    Thursday:
    Nutrition: Follow meal plan
    Workout: PIYO Sweat
    Daily Chores:
    • LDF: Whites/Bath Mats (Bleach)
    • Empty Dishwasher
    • RDF: Outside/Garage hose off patio and garage door, spray for bugs, tidy garage
    • Brush Dogs
    • Vacuum SW
    • Scoop Litter Box
    • Walk Dogs/Check mail
    • Clean up dog poo in backyard
    • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
    Follow Morning Routine & Bedtime Routine

    
    source
    Friday: Happy Independence Day!
    Nutrition: Follow meal plan
    Workout: PIYO Define Lower
    Daily Chores:
    • LDF: Darks
    • Empty Dishwasher
    • RDF: Office/Craft Room: Dust blinds, furniture, fan/light fixture, empty trash, vacuum, file paperwork/bills
    • Vacuum Downstairs
    • Scoop Litter Box
    • Walk Dogs/Check mail
    • Clean up dog poo in backyard
    • Shiny Sink (Kitchen) (Bath)
    Follow Morning Routine & Bedtime Routine
    Fireworks with friends! Can't wait to see what my new city has to offer!

     

     I'll update on Friday and I'll be posting my weekend planning!
                          

    Weekend Planning Recap...

    This past weekend, I attempted to revisit planning my weekend and following up with how I did. I need to become accountable, for myself and maybe this is a great way to do so.

    Here is how I did.
    Red = Fail           Blue = Half credit        Green = Hooray for me!!
    Friday:
    Pathfinder Game Night - This was a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Hubby may turn me toward the nerd yet!
    Dinner: Grilled Chicken legs, butternut squash lasagna, fruit salad --Ended up with baked sweet potatoes.
    Vacuum downstairs
    Workout: PIYO- Define Lower Body

    Saturday:
    Spray outside the house for bugs-- this was a hubby job, instead he was assisting a co-worker with some home entertainment set up.
    Wash the windows - In & Out
    Strip bed, Wash sheets & dust/vacuum bedroom
    Scoop litter box
    Workout: PIYO - Define Upper Body
    Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, fruit
    Lunch: Leftovers
    Dinner: CP Beef Roast, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts -- hubby brought home Mellow Mushroom! Yummo!!
    Sunday:
    Workout: PIYO Rest - run 30 minutes with dogs & hubby -- slept in instead
    Breakfast: eggs, bacon, fruit
    Lunch: Out
    Seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark at the historic theatre in town. Loved the experience!
    Dinner: Leftovers - CP Beef Roast, squash and fruit salad.
    I typically rest from housework on Sundays, but I want to sweep and tidy up the garage a bit.
    Scoop litter box
    Trash night

    Monday:
    Breakfast: Shakeology -- Had Oatmeal with raisins instead
    Lunch: Leftovers
    Dinner: Refrigerator dump-- had pork chops, mac and cheese and corn. not the healthiest
    Workout: PIYO- Sweat
    Scoop litter box
    Pay bills
    Clean bathrooms
    Wash Towels
    Soak hubby's work shirts
    Vacuum downstairs

    Green = I counted 19 accomplished, hooray for me's!  Red: I counted 12 fails.
    I call that a WIN! 

    Meal Plan 7/1/14-7/6/14

    I am shopping on Monday 6/30, so this is a Tuesday through Sunday meal plan.

    Last week, I received my PIYO challenge box. My lovely sister, Becky, is a BeachBody Coach and she encouraged me to try this workout and to join her 60 day challenge group to kickstart my fitness.  I have slacked off immensely since my Half last October and moving in November. I have tried a couple of the workouts already and am liking the program so far. The challenge group starts July 7th and I can not wait!


    If you aren't aware, PIYO is a mixture of pilates and yoga designed to be a great fat-burning and toning workout without all the high-impact pounding or complex dance moves.  I love yoga although I don't keep up with a regular practice and I've loved any pilates that I've tried, plus I just am not in any motivated state to get back into a high-intensity running program.

    I am working on utilizing the PIYO "Eating Lean" meal structure. For my personal calorie target I am "allowed" 5 servings of primary vegetables, 2 servings of secondary vegetables & grains, 2 servings of fresh fruit, 5 servings of lean protein, and 4 servings of healthy fats (including nuts and nut butters). The PIYO workout comes with this Eating Lean plan and lists out for you all the categories to give you ideas. It also gives you the equation to figure out your own calorie target. I am also trying to stick to about an 80% paleo-ish diet. Basically, it's clean eating at it's finest for me right now, I will be staying away from grains, beans/legumes, corn, and white potatoes as much as I can. I am going to allow myself some grace to live life and not be a prisoner of my 'diet.' All meals are served with water (including snacks). My daily water goal is going to be a minimum of 80 oz, but I will strive to hit 120 oz. per day since it is pretty HOT in FL right now.

    So here we go, I'm going to break down my meals into my "allowed" categories for you.
    Tuesday:
    B: Oatmeal with banana & cinnamon, made with milk and milk on the side.
    1SV, 1 FF, 1LP
    AMSnack: Shakeology (post workout snack)
    1LP
    L: Basic salad: lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, 2 hard-boiled eggs, nuts & seeds, oil & vinegar dressing
    2PV, 2 HF, 1LP
    PMSnack: Plain greek yogurt with fruit & chopped nuts
    1LP, 1FF, 1HF
    D: Zesty Lime Shrimp Avocado Salad (Has lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, lime juice)
    1HF, 1LP, 3PV
    Wednesday:
    B: Chia Seed Pudding made with milk and pureed pumpkin
    1PV, 1LP, 1SV (I am counting the chia seeds as SV since they aren't listed in the pamphlet anywhere.)
    AMS: Shakeology with strawberries
    1LP, 1 FF
    L: BLT Salad (Lettuce, tomato, bacon, 1 egg, Dijon mustard vinaigrette and avocado), water
    2PV, 2LP, 2HF
    PMS: Protein Balls
    1LP, 1FF, 1HF
    D: Spaghetti with ground turkey meat sauce (tomatoes, peppers, onions, spinach) topped with mozzarella
    1SV, 1LP, 2PV, 1HF
    Thursday:
    B: 1 Scrambled egg with cottage cheese & spinach
    2LP, 1PV
    AMS: Shakeo w/fruit
    1LP, 1FF
    L: leftover spaghetti with turkey meat sauce & cheese
    1SV, 1LP, 2PV, 1HF
    PMS: Apple with almond butter
    1FF, 1HF
    D: Apple Dijon burger (without the egg) on lettuce with jicama fries (guacamole dip) and roasted brussel sprouts
    2HF, 2LP, 3PV
    Friday:
    B: Eggs with Kale, bacon and sweet potato hash (using this recipe, modified)
    1LP, 1PV, 1SV
    AMS: Shakeology with fruit
    1LP, 1FF
    L: leftover Apple Dijon burger, jicama fries and Brussel sprouts
    1LP, 3PV, 1HF
    PMS: Paleo Snack Mix with 1/2 Apple
    1HF, 1FF
    D: Pecan crusted chicken breast with mac & cheese, broccoli
    2HF, 2LP, 1SV, 1PV
    Saturday:
    B: Kale & Bacon Frittata
    2LP, 1PV
    AMS: Shakeology with fruit
    1LP, 1FF
    L: leftover pecan chicken with mac & cheese and broccoli
    2HF, 1LP, 1SV, 1PV
    PMS: Protein Balls
    1HF, 1FF
    D: Paleo Tex-Mex Casserole
    3PV, 1LP, 1SV, 1HF
    Sunday:
    B: leftover frittata
    2LP, 1PV
    AMS: Plain Greek yogurt with fruit
    1LP, 1FF
    L: leftovers/Salad
    1LP, 1PV, 1HF, 1SV
    PMS: Paleo Snack Mix w/1/2 apple
    1HF, 1 FF
    D: leftovers
    3 PV, 1LP, 1SV, 1HF

    I am trying to use up what's in my pantry, fridge and freezer with this meal plan. So, some things are most definitely NOT paleo approved, and some things may be questionable regarding the "allowable servings" for the PIYO plan. I hope to update throughout the week with pictures of the meals and/or reviews of the recipes.


    Friday, June 27, 2014

    Scary Stuff...TMI related

    For documentation purposes and in case anyone is looking for a first hand accounting. Very descriptive, personal and TMI.

    In February of this year, I went into my new doctor for a yearly exam. Since moving, we have had to change medical insurance from a PPO to basically an HMO. (My hubby is military so we are now covered under Tricare. Since we live close to a base, we must use the base medical teams.)
    You ladies know what exam I'm talking about. That fun (sarcasm), but necessary exam. It had been two years since my last one on the advice of my previous GYN. The test results came back abnormal, L-SIL. Scary. I quickly freaked out, and began researching cervical cancer and anything associated with it. My primary care manager gave me a referral for a private physician to follow up on those abnormal results.

    BTW, referrals are fun (again sarcasm). Navigating Tricare, and military medicine is no joke.

    Anyway, I went in for a consult in April armed with my test results and he scheduled me for a colposcopy.  Basically it's a pap smear, using some acid solution (vinegar usually) to highlight abnormal cells and looking at them through a high-powered microscope. They take a biopsy and send it off to the lab for testing. The results once back are evaluated and the doctor then determines whether additional testing or treatment is required. Often, they will simply advise more frequent pap smears to keep an eye on the area. Sometimes, further treatment is required.

    The office called me and gave me my results from the colpo (as it's affectionately termed) and the results were moderate dysplasia or CIN II, and my GYN wanted to do a LEEP. Again, cue the freak out and internet research. He did make a point to assure me that this does not mean cancer. It may be pre-cancerous, but that treatment now is the best course of action so that it doesn't turn into cancer at a later date.

    Friday June 20, 2014 I had what is called a LEEP procedure done at my new GYN office. Here is a link that will tell you all about the LEEP. I have read stories of easy procedures and horrible experiences. I think that will be determined mostly by your doctor. My doctor, Dr. Z was awesome and his nurse, Bonnie, was even better. The worst part was the local anesthetic. The needle pinched and the medicine burned a little. It didn't help that the syringe wasn't allowing for administration of the drug, so he had to poke a few extra times. After that, I didn't feel much. At times he would hit a spot that was close to an un-numbed spot and I would feel zings, but it never hurt. Afterward, he explained what he did, with a drawing no less. He felt confident he got everything, and was pleased with my calmness on the table (I didn't jump around too much, I guess) and was happy about how the actual excision took place on my cervix. He said there was a wide area, but that it was shallow. He gave me my instructions, a list of potential complications and allowed me to rest for a few minutes.

    He did explain that this is surgery on the cervix, and does allow for some complications during any subsequent pregnancy. Basically, my cervix, while healed may not be able to support the weight of a pregnant uterus and can become incompetent. Knowing that I have had this done is the first step, and since he knows we're are pursuing fertility treatment, he made sure to assure me he would be extra vigilant regarding early pregnancy, measuring the cervix and extra early ultrasounds. My RE has been kept abreast of the procedures and is aware of the potential complications as well.

    Following a LEEP, you may feel cramping, have discharge, spotting or very light bleeding. You may also have some "coffee-grounds" like discharge. Appetizing, right? If you have heavy bleeding, painful cramping and/or a high fever call your office right away. Or, if you just don't feel right and need some assurance, call. I felt very tired following the procedure, crampy and just kind of yucky. Sure, that's a medical term. Very little spotting and no discharge. I rested, and just kind of took it easy. 3 days later I experienced the passing of some tissue, about the size of a quarter. That was interesting and quite gross, but not painful, and not bloody. It just sort of appeared in my underwear. I warned you this was TMI, ha! At that point, I began having the "coffee-grounds" discharge. It is not excessive and I am not experiencing any cramping or fever. I return for a follow up in about a week and a half. The pathology on the removed cells will be back by then as well.

    I was afraid this would greatly affect the timing of any fertility treatments, but after discussing it with both my GYN and my RE, we feel we can proceed after about 6 weeks of healing time. Which puts us right into my expected window anyway. Also, hubby points out, having had to have this done so close to our treatment timeline, puts another point in the IUI pro column (which I talked about here.)

    Silver lining? It was caught early. I am confident in the abilities and knowledge of my medical team and will take it one step at a time. If this turns out to be worse than we think, with the Grace of God and the support of my husband, we will get through it.

    Much love and best wishes,
    Jen

    Weekend Planning...6/27-30/14

    I started weekend planning back when I discovered the blog My Happy House. Her organization style appealed to me. I fell off the wagon as I so usually do, since I haven't quite discovered the full joy of following through with a task. Self-motivation isn't one of my strong suits. Since becoming a housewife, I have struggled with my dislike of cleaning and my laziness (to put it bluntly.) So, I devised schedules, routines and organizational lists for myself that have all failed. The failure isn't on the part of the schedules, lists or routines, but strictly falls into the "user-error" category. haha 

    I thought I'd bring back weekend and weekly planning to try to keep me more on track and accountable. I include Monday so I already have a plan for Monday in my mind over the weekend, I also included Friday this week to get started, even though it is already Friday afternoon.

    So this weekend, we don't have a lot on the schedule.
    Friday:
    Pathfinder Game Night - Hubby convinced me to try out this role playing game, so we are headed to the local game store for the weekly meet-up.
    Dinner: Grilled Chicken legs, butternut squash lasagna, fruit salad --Check out this post regarding our attempt at a Whole30.
    Vacuum downstairs
    Workout: PIYO- Define Lower Body

    Saturday:
    Spray outside the house for bugs (a monthly task in FL)
    Wash the windows - In & Out
    Strip bed, Wash sheets & dust/vacuum bedroom
    Scoop litter box
    Workout: PIYO - Define Upper Body
    Breakfast: Eggs, bacon, fruit
    Lunch: Leftovers
    Dinner: CP Beef Roast, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts

    Sunday:
    Workout: PIYO Rest - run 30 minutes with dogs & hubby
    Breakfast: eggs, bacon, fruit
    Lunch: Out
    Seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark at the historic theatre in town.
    Dinner: Leftovers
    I typically rest from housework on Sundays, but I want to sweep and tidy up the garage a bit.
    Scoop litter box
    Trash night

    Monday:
    Breakfast: Shakeology (My sister is a coach, swears by this, and since I have packets, I'll use them.)
    Lunch: Leftovers
    Dinner: Refrigerator dump
    Workout: PIYO- Sweat
    Scoop litter box
    Pay bills
    Clean bathrooms
    Wash Towels
    Soak hubby's work shirts
    Vacuum downstairs

     I'll check back in on Monday to update you on what happened/didn't happen!


    Update...On the Road to Baby H...New Beginnings

    This may be long and boring. Hey, I'm warning you before hand!

    B & P enjoying the FL sun while scouting for ducks


    In 2012 my hubby and I finally decided to visit a fertility specialist regarding our then 3 year journey through trying to conceive (TTC). We are at 5 years TTC now. We did blood tests, ultrasounds and analyses. We spoke to the doctor and he jumped us right to IVF. Which was (while sort of expected) was shocking, heartbreaking and mind-numbing. Truth be told, we both freaked. The price tag was so high, the hormonal, physical, emotional and scheduling tolls were overwhelming and I know we both weren't ready to face that diagnosis and suggested protocol.

    See, I had been on the TTC journey and was so done with charting, temping, researching all the little tips and tricks blogged about and youtubed about. We had tried just about everything I had heard of to try to boost both his and my fertility naturally to allow conception to happen in the most natural way possible. Sometimes, hubby was on board, sometimes he wasn't. I don't want to get things twisted, he wanted and still does want a baby just as much as me, but I was ready and willing to do what it took then and there to make it happen. He was still sort of in the phase of "if it happens..." So, most of the time I felt more invested than he did, and as a woman, I felt more devastated when month after month we had zero success.

    Compounding that feeling of isolation, I didn't have anyone I could turn to that had been through it. My good friend tried to understand, but she literally gets pregnant when her hubby sneezes on her. Not to say she didn't wish for, plan or try for her beautiful children, but when you get pregnant the first month you try, not once, but three times, you really can not comprehend the devastation it feels to have bfn after bfn times 5 years. She tried and she was there for me whenever I needed to vent, cry, or just talk, but when you can't truly understand the depth of despair someone is experience, sometimes it gets hard to listen to them day after day. She wanted good news for me, and I could tell at times she just wanted to tell me "do something about it...stop complaining."

    We decided to do nothing at that time. Decided to pay off debt (we didn't have much, and none of it credit card debt, but student loans, a car loan and a home equity from improvements we had done on our home) and began saving money and discussing our options. Basically, we took a break from actively TTC. Which means nothing, because we weren't preventing, so we were actively trying. I just wasnt doing all the "work" involved.

    So fast forward from to June 2014. We have moved 1500 miles, bought a new house, hubby has settled into a new job and I have tried to settle into a new role in life. We met with a new RE (reproductive endocrinologist) in May and have undergone repeat testing, ultrasounds and analyses to confirm our previous diagnosis.

    Yesterday, we met with Dr. P again after all the results are in: I have excellent ovarian reserve, my uterus looks ideal to carry to term and I am considered young, 31; I am also a carrier for cystic fibrosis (no shock, since my younger half-brother passed away from complications related to CF at 16 in 2005) but overall in good health. There was a cyst on my left ovary that the Dr. wants to keep an eye on, and in fact mentioned that he feels it may be endometrial in nature. This would make a huge amount of sense, since endometriosis very commonly attributes to infertility. I have not had any of the "normal" symptoms of endometriosis, but that can be common. Since I didn't have common or "normal" symptoms of endo, none of my previous doctors considered it necessary to check for it. And, I was and still am ok with that. I was more upset about the lack of concern given my hubby's SA back in 2011 (with my regular gyn) that we found contributed greatly to our need for IVF 6  months later. 6 months of what felt like wasted opportunity. Hubby's blood work came back just fine, and the results of his most recent SA, while slightly better, still mimicked the previous results.

    Because those results were slightly better, Dr. P has altered his suggested course of action. We can still move forward with IVF (with the $15,000 price tag) or we can attempt 1-3 rounds of IUI at around $300 a pop. We have a much lower potential for success (7%) with the IUI, namely because of count, lack of control and well the possibility of an endometrial cyst on my left ovary. However, it is worth a discussion simply due to the price tag.
    We have been planning for and saving for the IVF for a while. Although, with the move and several other factors, our savings isn't as large as we had hoped. But we both decided we wouldn't put our current lives on hold (i.e. not do things we really wanted to do) simply to save for a baby. We have accepted that we may never have a baby. It may never happen for us. That would be devastating and heart breaking, but we are both attempting (and succeeding to some degree) to be at peace with that. Therefore, we refuse to stop our lives now, when we are young and child-free, and not do some of the fun things we want to do.

    Like go to Disney world!!
     
    So potentially saving $10,000+ and encouraging a more natural conception are big pros on the IUI list.

    Another benefit of the IUI over the IVF is the fact that Dr. P feels we don't need the injectable drugs with the IUI. Meaning, I would have a 'natural' cycle with clomid and a hCG trigger shot to time insemination. That sounds good to this girl who can't even watch as they take blood or give shots. The thought of having to have daily or twice daily shots for weeks on end has given me such anxiety. Thankfully, Hubby has agreed to step up and administer said shots, while being oddly gleeful about it. LOL

    So, that is where we are. Trying to decide between the greater success rate afforded with IVF or the lower price tag of IUI for our first try. We are fully understanding and expecting that we may have to have IVF after IUI, we would just be postponing IVF for the fingerscrossed chance IUI will work.

    If you have gone through fertility treatments, IUI (clomid or injectables) or IVF, please let me know your thoughts. I know everyone's story is different and our success rates are not the same as anyone else, but I would love to hear opinions of those who have been in the trenches. Say a prayer for us that we are able to come to the best decision for us, and maybe also that God sees fit to grant us with that which he envisions for us.

    Much love and best wishes,
    Jen

    Monday, May 26, 2014

    I need to make a change...

    For a long time, I've known that I needed to change my eating habits. Typically, hubby and I eat pretty healthily. We eat balanced meals with the general food pyramid guidelines. However, we also typically overeat. Our portion sizes are way too big. We love food, what can I say?? The yummies call to me, lol

    Back in October 2013, I ran my first half-marathon.

    I had been training for months, since my 10k the previous April. I ran 3-4 times per week and gradually increased my mileage and added speed work during late summer. I was hoping to lose some weight and become healthier, but I was more focused on accomplishing my goal of running the entire half. Right before my half, I weighed myself and I was weighed in at 148. I was ecstatic. Regardless of how much I ran, how much I watched my calories, I was having trouble getting below 150.

    The month following my half, we moved to FL. I stopped working and became a housewife. I also stopped running. I fell into a funk and just stopped caring if I exercised, what I ate. The abrupt cessation of exercise and daily activity and then the freedom to eat whatever and whenever I wanted just was a recipe for disaster. In February I went in for a doctor's visit and was astounded to see the scale at 158. As the months have gone by, even though I am aware of the increased number on the scale, I've been waffling between caring and just not giving a damn. The times when I care, I buckle down and meal plan, stick to it and am motivated to change things. Then I just sort of give up. I haven't found the discipline to follow through. After reaching 164, I knew I had to do something to get my weight under control. We are trying to have a baby, and I know that weight can inhibit fertility. And I don't want to be a fat pregnant lady or a fat mom. I just don't want that to be ok.

    I have some genetic gifts I am blessed with, and have never been happy about my body shape. I grew up "skinny", but then puberty hit. Overnight, my body changed. Now, I have a large chest and wide hips and thighs. These are passed down in my family on my mom's side from her mother's side. Yippi! After hearing all my life, "you can eat whatever you want", "skinny-Minnie" and general other judgments about how I was built differently than my siblings and cousins, I learned to dislike what I have been born with. I have to learn to be ok with the way I am built, but find the motivation to work towards being healthy, even if MY healthy isn't what is considered "beautiful" or "sexy" in today's world.

    I need to make a change. I need to find the will and motivation to persevere even when I don't see results and even if I don't love what I see in the mirror. I am looking into some exercise programs

    and some races in my area that I might like to train for. I am also researching doing a Whole30 or moving towards a paleo type diet. The benefits of this type of plan are that it is really a lifestyle change. Instead of consisting mostly on processed grains (whether whole or refined) you focus on protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Carbs can still be a big part of daily diet, but they come from nutrient rich vegetables instead of grains or beans. People who have found success on a paleo lifestyle have reported the reduction of inflammation in the body, clearer skin, clearer thinking, and some have lost weight. Some have even reported the complete turn around of auto-immune diseases and other health problems. I am not looking for a "magic diet" or a trendy "fad diet." But after discussing things with my hubby, we are interested in trying a Whole30 challenge, with modifications. Neither of us are looking to completely cut out gluten or beans forever. We both just need something to focus on while trying to limit portion sizes and make healthier choices.


    So, we are going do this! I am excited. I am looking up healthy meal ideas and have created a Pinterest board devoted to whole30 and paleo type recipes and meal ideas.

    Much Love and Best wishes,
    Jen

    Thursday, March 6, 2014

    It's March Already...

    Today is Thursday, March 6. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and for Lent (even though I am not Catholic) I have chosen to give up Facebook. Not all of social media, but I am eliminating Facebook from my daily life.

    We moved 1500 miles to Florida back in November. It's amazing how much time as passed, it feels like yesterday and so long ago at the same time. We celebrated our first Thanksgiving in the new house, our first Christmas and our first houseguests in January.

    I tell you, moving is no joke. It is hard, stressful and painful. It feels exciting and new in the moment, but it truly is one big life change. Added to that is my change from worker bee to homemaker. Both hubby and I are still adjusting to this new dynamic in our relationship. I have to be honest, I can't be certain this is the path for me. I am an introvert by nature and not having the avenue of meeting people through work (either in home or outside of the home) has been devastating. It's a mind game I play with myself, but I really don't find myself all that interesting and therefore can't imagine too many others will either, haha. I have never been one to easily make friends, and truth to tell, I don't know where to start. It is rather intimidating and scary at the same time. And yes, as a 31 year old woman, I understand that is probably very silly and childish.

    Some things I have been focused on since moving:
    Setting up the house
    Buying new furniture
    Creating a cleaning and home maintenance routine
    Keeping the newly created routine plan
    Searching my heart regarding work/school/staying at home
    Returning to routine exercise
    Good nutrition
    Opening my heart to the Lord
    Accepting my current place in life and the path God has for me
    Beginning steps in our infertility journey here in Florida
    Finding a purpose
    Meeting new people and making new friends

    I haven't decided fully which, how much, or when yet, but I hope to share some more in depth focus on these items in the near future.

    It has been a lesson for me, this new life. I miss my friends, I miss my house and yard for the dogs, I greatly missed seeing and experiencing all the snow that happened back home. I still feel like I'm on vacation. It's such a disconnect between what is happening to my friends and family and what I experience here.
    I miss my job at the daycare so very much. I miss seeing the little ones grow and learn every day. I miss sharing the daily milestones with my co-teachers and mentors at the center, I miss having an outlet to share my heart, I miss having a daily purpose. Not that keeping a clean and pleasant home for my husband and animals isn't a purpose, but I am not sure it is the only purpose I am called by God to do in my life.