I never realized...

Okay, this is going to maybe sound a little stupid. First, let me say that I know all ages of people can have hemmorhoid problems.

Last week the hubster and I were re-watching "For Keeps", a Molly Ringwald 80s flick about teen pregnancy. And I busted out laughing when she mentioned - at about 7 months preggers - that she had rhoids! I know it happens to a lot of pregnant women, that wasn't what struck me funny. It was that I've watched that movie about 15 times and I NEVER noticed the rhoid cracks before. I wonder what that means? The funniest thing, though, is during the commercial break following that scene, an ad came on for hemorrhoid treatments! I about died...i think her character would've had the same reaction.

I Want This One!!

I think I've waxed philosophical on the subject of bikes before, but I really love them. Brings back memories of childhood - and it really works the glutes, especially around our neighborhood! And don't we all want better glutes? Yeah, I think so, too. So in my quest for sweat, I've been looking at different bikes. My old bike - literally, got it in high school - died a very sad death during the move from there to here so I've been looking for a cool replacement.

The Firmstrong Urban Speed bike (in pink) one is my favorite, mostly because of the color, but couldn't you see me riding this baby along the lake? Yeah, me, too. And really, it isn't much more expensive than the bikes I've seen in stores around here.

When I was doing my research, ads for a new weight loss cream kept popping up. I found that a little, funny, bit ironic...because I'm actually looking for ways to firm up and drop a few pounds...and I very seriously doubt that a weight loss cream is the right way to do it. What, is that like those vitamin scrubs from the 80's that promises to take away vericose veins and scars?!? I ignored the ads and did a little more bike research instead.

Let's all go live the French life, riding our bikes instead of driving our cars in the New Year. Sounds like a plan to me!

I've Attended A Lot Of Shows...

Trade shows, specifically, and one thing I hate is being handed a pen at every booth. I know pens are economical things to hand out, but come on, there are other options out there. And don't get me started on boring pop displays.

One thing I do think is fun is taking those boring displays and creating something a lot more interesting. My mom is a real estate broker and she dumped a display in the trash a couple of years back - I took it and created a really cool collage display to use while writing one of my books. I could hang pictures and other objects from it, add to it as needed and take away as needed. I could also attach character lists for easy reference. It really helped! When I finished with that collage, I dumped it and started on another one. Now a lot of displays are too large for that type of thing, but most are just right - and it sure beats cutting up oversizes cardboard boxes!

I've since taken charge of several other trade show displays to use when I create the character collages. And I love it!

New Skinny Jeans Needed

...and I'm really excited to go shopping for them. For Christmas, the hubster and I decided to get each other one big gift instead of a bunch of little stuff...although we also bought little stuff.. we settled on a treadmill and actually had it up and going about 2 weeks before Christmas. I've been alternating between the treadmill and a dance workout tape I bought last summer...and I'm loving it! About 45 minutes each day is what I'm working out. Just tried on my skinny jeans - and they aren't so skinny any more. There is a nice bit of space in 'em now. While I'm sad about that because they gave me a great butt, I'm excited to go shopping for NEW skinny jeans!

If you're looking for workout gear definitely think about a treadmill or elliptical. I've used both and swear by them...but don't forget to vary the routine so your muscles don't get used to the same thing day in and day out. And if you need a little help - and with a doctor's okay! - check out http://www.fastweightloss.net

Back To School!

Remember that movie from the 80s, about a dad who goes to college to spend more time with his son? And the dad winds up being more popular than his popular kid? I forget who starred in but I loved that movie when it came out. I've been researching different online degree programs online this past week because I've been thinking for a while about getting an advanced degree. Not for job opportunities, just because I've always wanted to go back. I didn't do so well at college the first time around...I was too much of a kid and barely passed. I did. But I'd like to have a "permanent record" with more than Cs on it. But with a family and a full-time career and a kiddo...yeah, don't have time to attend classes on anyone's schedule but my own.

Yeah, I'm that nutty. Anyway, I like how many of the online programs have set up their information, the ability to complete everything online - especially since I already live on the 'Net - and the different courses available. There are also some fully accredited institutions, which is great. We have a college campus about 5 miles from our house, but with my business, it's going to be much simpler to finish everything on my own time without worrying about making it to class. I'm still in the thinking stages, but a decision is definitely on the horizon.

Diet and Exercise...Now What?

I mentioned last month that I've been using a calorie counter in my efforts to shed a few pounds... Well I've also been researching different diets to see which ones might be right for me - so far my diet has been noting my caloric intake and exercising...but I know I'll need to do other things along the way. I found this site that has lots of information about different diet pills.

I've never taken diet pills so I don't know a lot about them but there is a lot of helpful information here regarding diet pill reviews. I'm not an advocate of diet pills because I've seen how people abuse them...but I do think that used correctly and with a doctor's supervision, they can be helpful. If you're interested, go see your doctor and do your research...and don't forget to exercise!

Woo-Hoo!

Checking in after one week doing the Weight Watchers flex plan.... I am at -7 pounds! I'm so excited. I really thought I'd go in today and just have a 2 pound or less loss because I haven't felt deprived...and it's really rewarding to see a nice weight loss like that. The hubster beat me, though. He's down 10...but he has more than I do to lose...and men lose faster, anyhow.

What have I done this week? I've watched my calorie intake, I've stayed with my walking plan, I've cut down on the Coke - used to drink 2-3 cans every day...sometimes more. Now I'm at 1 or 2 every couple of days. What am I drinking instead? Water (of course), iced tea and milk.

I'm also taking a multi-vitamin and a nutritional supplements to make sure I get all the vitamins and minerals my body needs to keep going. Woo-Hoo!!