Chuchi Chaechschtli.... What?

2011Here I come...

2011-01-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

So after all this time, I gained some weight back. Which I think has also a lot to do with my depression. So as of tomorrow, I am going back to eating healthy, working out and just try to be healthier again. I will put all my food intake in to Fitday, cause that was what helped me last time around loosing the weight.

I am also going to work on my daily to do's and split housework up in between the 5 weekdays. When I did that I was successful at keeping my house somewhat in check.
I also found a great web-site, called Coupon Mom which I hope will help me with the grocery bill.
And it's Freeeeeeeee.

Menu for the upcoming week:
Sunday:
Rump Roast
roasted potatos & Carrots

Monday:
Grilled Tilapia
Green Beans
Rice

Tuesday:
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Salad

Wednesday:
Hoernli & Ghacktes
Salad

Thursday:
Bratwurst & Roesti
(it's Anika's birthday, she wants this for her Birthday meal)

Friday:
We might go out to Red Robin

Saturday:
Fajitas

That's what we'll be eating this week.

End of 2010

2010-12-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

Well 2010, we have only 3 days left until I can say goodbye for you. You were interesting, to say the least. There was some drama, joy and other things.

Other things:

I think the Trip to NY was one of my favorites. The show Powerballadz totally rocked!!!!
And to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island was very cool, especially since I am an immigrant.
And we went and saw the "Ghost Busters" Firehouse.
Here are some pictures:

What else happened this year? Lots of traveling with the Charity.

The kids are growing up way to fast. Anika is almost 11, (only 2 more weeks to go) and Lars is almost 8. Where has time only gone? My sister got married and is expecting her 3rd baby, it's a baby girl. I hope the new addition will calm those boys a bit.

We also got a new Cat, her name is Zelda, we got her cause our dear Missy, disappeared last summer.

In other very exciting news, my best friend is getting married and I am the matron of honor.
I never been a bridesmaid before, just to let you know, the dress she picked is gorgeous.

So what's up for the new year?
Family, Charity work and a trip home. I am looking forward to that.

So all in all 2010 I wish you a farewell.

Another good week start

2010-06-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

This week started great again, I really love summer. We got an ice Cream maker the other day and we love it. Tomorrow it's Lars' turn and he wants to make Rocky Road. So that's what we'll do.
My workouts are doing great, I am actually about to head to the gym again. I missed working out and I am so thankful for my best friend that she kicked my butt back into gear.
Now I just need to get my finances straightened out, with me not working anymore, things got a bit tight.
Things I am doing to work on this:
Meal Plan
Use Coupons
Try to use up things in the freezer and the pantry.

Other things I need to work on, is getting my house back in order, work more on charity stuff. I am getting slowly, the last year has really been rough on me. But things are getting better.

second week of summer vacation

2010-06-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a great day, both kids are grounded from TV and guess what? They did not miss it, they build a fort in the game room, we went to the library and they got to play with their friends. So the rule now is: 1hr of TV per day. I enjoyed seeing them play with each other instead just sitting on the couch. Anika and her friend decided to read the same book and have a book club.
I also borrowed a classic, in Switzerland we did not have to read Shakespear, Dickens or Homer, so I got David Copperfield. I hope to get started on it today.
Today: I am doing laundry, gotta do some work and then at 6pm I am heading up north to the Gym and take a Aqua Athletic class.
For Dinner tonight we are having a favorite of mine: Steamed Cabbage with ground Beef and Farfalle. It's a dish my mom used to make and I really like it and so do the kids. I am blessed with non picky eater kids. :)
Yesterday I made Spaghetti Carbonara, but a healthier version and it was a success as well.
I am really enjoying cooking again, for a while I did not cook, but we have now at least one new recipe a week.

Live has been insane

2010-06-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been 2yrs since I wrote my last blog, so this has to change. Here we go.
It's summer vacation and the kids already are driving me batty. How is that possible? Well they are fighting and annoy each other. It's been raining for the past 2 days, so no swimming either. *sigh
Tomorrow afternoon, we are headed to the library, I wanna read some classics, can you believe that I have never read Shakespeare? That is one of the goals for this summer.
Also major decluttering has to happen here, it is getting pretty embarrassing in my house.

Oh and lots of cooking will happen, I will try new recipes and hope to loose weight again.
So this is my life in a nutshell right now.

February is almost over

2008-02-24T21:22:00.001-08:00

Well Girlscout cookies are finally over and I am happy to say it all adds up.

Work is busy, I am training between 21-25hrs a week and that's as much as I can take. I love my job, it's so great to see people, and I think it is also therapy for them that hour I make them sweat.
Steve is still busy with his eternity puzzle, we'll see how that goes.
Tomorrow we are going to a student led confernce at Anika's school, I am excite and we are also nominating her for the GT program at her school, we'll see if she can get in. She is quiet smart, if I do say so myself.
Lars, well he is a little boy and does what boys do. LOL I love him to pieces.
I am still stuggling with weightloss, yes I have lost a lot of weight, but I am not where I want to be, my biggest struggle is the weekend, I finally have the weekdays figured out, now I have issues with the weekends, I know it all will workout.
Oh I am having surgery on the 7th of March, my septum in my nose needs straightening and apparently my nasal wall need to have some adjusments too. The bad thing is, I am not allowed to workout for 2weeks and no weight lifting for 6weeks, Oh and no nose blowing for 3 weeks, how am I to survive. We'll see.
That's the update from her. Oh wait, I forgot, to say that Guitar Hero for the Wii rocks. LOL

Happy Holidays...

2007-12-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

We made it to Switzerland, but of course we had something happen at the Airport, because of security, Steve missed the plane and caught up with us in Zurich 4hrs after we got there. It's a long story and I might write it down some other time.
Christmas was very nice, except I caught some kind of bug and was sick all afternoon yesterday and my sister had it the two days before.
Tomorrow, we are going to the Verkehrshaus in Lucerne. We are also still trying to go see some snow and maybe ski a day. We'll see.
I'll post some pictures later.

2 weeks from today...

2007-12-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

I'll be frantically packing and getting things ready for our Trip to Switzerland. Hopefully, I will have most of the clothes washed and ready. I know that I have 3 Clients that night, that I will train, but I did not sign up for any other clients.

We are going to spend Christmas in Zurich, and there is the Bahnhofstrasse, which had this great lighting at Christmas time. A few years ago they changed it. I think it's ok, but not as gorgeous and Christmassy as the old one.

November is almost over...

2007-11-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

I really need to start blogging more again.
Well I have a part time job at the gym and I love it. I have 10clients so far and I really enjoy working with them.
I also am working with a trainer again, so get rid of those pesky last 30lb. That I want to get rid of. I am being good and working hard, since I proved to myself that I now can maintain the weight I lost, I have kept off the 70lb I lost for over a year now, so it is time to change and get the rest off as well.

There is also knitting news, I started a pair of socks for Lars, with sock yarn my brought me last December from Switzerland. It's a nice soft yarn and the book the knitting is sitting on is actually my knitting book from my school Days. In Switzerland you learn to knit in school and that was the book I used, it has a great sock pattern in it. So there, is a small update.

Crazy October...

2007-10-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

What a month,
I passed my test on September 28th as a certified personal trainer, and got a job the same Day. I am now working part time at my gym as a trainer. So this has been a bit of a hectic month. Lars started preschool the full week now and he loves it. Also Anika's school had their school carnival and as a room parent we had some prep stuff to do. Then our Church has a pumpkin patch and being the story telling coordinator did not help with keeping my stress levels down.
On a good note, we are going home to Zurich for the holidays which makes me a very happy gal. It's been 10yrs since I have been home for Christmas.

I do love my job as a trainer, I like that I can change peoples lives, and help them become healthier.

Oh for those asking about knitting with wire. The bracelets were finger knitted and it was pretty easy. I used 28gage wire, which is very plyable.

It's been so long...

2007-09-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

I found a new endeavor it's knitting with wire, I made a bunch of bracelets yesterday and plan on making some more and some necklaces as well.

I hope to be doing more knitting in the near future.

Summer so far...

2007-06-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

we've been really busy, Anika did Annie for two weeks at her school, she was an orphan and love it, I just want to say I can't stand to hear the song "Tomorrow" anymore. LOL

During the first week of Annie, we also went to Twilight Camp, for Girl Scouts, what fun we had. The Theme was you are a Star. The first Day was a bit Chaotic, but then it went pretty smoothly.
After "Annie" we had VBS last week, can I say we had so much fun. I had a great Team this year and was not nearly as stressed as I was last year. The theme was "Lift off" Hot air balloons. The kids loved and I think so did all the teachers.
This week I got to relax for a bit and now I am in the midst of laundry and packing, we are going to Houston and Galveston for the Weekend. I am looking forward to NASA and the beach.
I hope the weather will be nice, right now it is thundering and raining, like we need more rain right now. So far it's been a bit of a rainy summer.

Mother's Day

2007-05-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

I had an early Mother's Day present, I got to go to Houston to Fitness Fest with two of my instructors. I got to meet Dan and Rachel the choreographers for Body Combat, and they were super nice, I am still kind of on cloud nine. I tried Body Attack, man it is hard, but it will whoop ya into shape. Also tried Step and Pump. Step not so much my thing, but Pump I will definetly try.
My leggs are sore today, quadriceps are killer. So I will foam roll them in a bit and then head to be.

I had a great Mother's Day today. Anika made me breakfast and I got nailpolish and tons of things the kids made at school, I took a long nap, made Tuna Curry for dinner and that's about it. It was very relaxing.

Finally, long awaited knitting news...

2007-04-26T18:46:00.000-07:00

Well we are trying to save money to pay off our debt, I was checking into how to refill my swiffer wet jet, and discovered, that someone made a pad with their knitting loom. Well I had some cotton yarn in my stash and sure enough I cast on and now I am working on one. If it works out great I will post the pattern.

Retrospect...

2007-04-10T15:41:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful easter. On Thursday I went to our churches service. (since I am in the choir now, I kind of had to be there). It was such a powerful service, We celebrated the first Communion, and also the stations of Jesus' death, and which each one, the church got darker as they turned off lights. Very Powerful.

Then Friday and Saturday I had to go out of town, for Girl Scout Training. That was a lot of fun, except for the sleeping on the floor, other wise I learned quiet a bit about outdoor cooking and I now can make an over out of a cardboard box.

Saturday night we just stayed home and watched Akeelah and the Bee, what a great movie, enjoyed it very much.

Sunday we went to church, and I loved every song that we sang on Sunday, it is so much fun on easter sunday.
We went home, took a nap and I made porkchops, Asparagus, with a light hollondaise and pasta. For Dessert I mada a triffle.

then yesterday and today, I am batteling a headache and haven't worked at all. I hope to feel better. All I want to do is sleep.

Wednesday....

2007-04-04T07:06:00.000-07:00

It's a bit chilly here today, after we had 90's yesterday. I am about to head to the gym. I am still amazed at myself to see that I am going faithfully to the gym. I am still working on those pesky last 30-40lb. If you wanna read my progress, I have a Workout Blog now. I am planning on getting daily updates on there and weekly weigh ins.
My studies are going, I've studied more this week than I have in a long time. So this afternoon after the gym I will hit the book again. And watch the video. I think I finally found a method that will work.
I also set a date when I have to take my test -> May 25th, that is also the last day of school. If I don't pass I still have 3weeks left to take it again.
That's my life for right now.

Misc. on Saturday

2007-03-31T12:13:00.001-07:00

Well we went to the easter egg hunt at our church, I did some face painting, no much but the kids loved it. Then we went to Images of Austin to get the print of the 360 bridge. Neighbors of ours decided to up and move and we are having their good bye party tonight. They are going back to NY. I am somewhat sad, cause I watched their son for 3 Months. So I am making scones for the Dad, cause they are a favorite of his.
Well on the way home from the picture place, Anika got sick in the car. So needless to say, Steve is outside, cleaning the car and trying to get the smell out. Anika is feeling just great now. LOL Glad we have the shampoo attachment for our Kirby.
I am waiting for my Lemon squares to get done, so I can make the scones, then I am hoping to get at least some studying done. Maybe an hour, that would help.
Other than that we are doing good. Steve is excited, cause he might get to go to Jave One which he went to the very first one, and after that he did not get to go again. So this is a good sign. Then his boss also said something about getting certifications in Java, which is also a very very good sign.
Anyways, better get cooking.

It's been a long while...

2007-03-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Things finally have calmed down here in the heart of Texas. We went to Alabama for Spring break to visit Steve's family. We had a fantastic time. Even our Dog Zoe came with us and she had a grand time as well. Mom and Dad have a wonderful big backyard.
The kids got to play in the sand at the beach, but it was way to cold to go swimming. I got to relax and finish some projects I haven't had time for. It was really nice.
Now things are back to normal it seems. I still have a heck of a time to potty train Lars. He does so well some days and then not at all on other days. No fun.
I am still working on my trainer Certificate, and I am getting back into the study thing slowly.
I really want to do this, I am also back working on my fitness, I've been slacking a bit. So I am now back to working out 3x week with weights and cardio 5x week. We'll see how that goes.
I also made a blocg just for the weight loss journey.
That's it for now.

my valentine

2007-02-15T13:14:00.000-08:00

Anika came into the room, and stuck her homemade card under my nose at 6:40am. Very sweet, then Lars gave me one as well and they both gave the small boxes of Chocolate to their Dad. Then I gave them their Valentines.
Anika went off to school and I made breakfast for Steve, Lars and I. I then went grocery shopping, and afterwards to the gym, worked out. Then my friend brought her son, so she could go and have lunch with her hubby. I went home, made lunch, and Steve came home as well. Then we argued about something stupid and silly which ruined my whole mood for Valentines.
Steve took off most of the afternoon, and right as I got ready to get Anika, a delievery truck brought me a beautiful bouquet of Tulips. I love tulips, they are my favorties. Big points for hubby there. So I spend the afternoon sitting in front of a gas station selling Girl Scout Cookies. By five Anika and I were frozen solid so we went home. I had Choir practice at 6:30 so I left again. Then after Choir I called Chili's to pick up dinner, and while waiting I went to Central Market to get a bottle of wine and dessert. Then home and Steve had set the table with Candles and everything, we enjoyed a very nice evening together, with no kids. It was so romantic.

Study woes

2007-02-08T11:30:00.001-08:00

So I am working on getting certified as a trainer. Long story short the Biology part of this is Killing me. I sat down yesterday and figured out that I need to do two study chapters a day to get done by the deadline in March. So if you have any mojo left send it my way please.

I skimmed thru the program design part and that looks pretty easy, cause I've been working with a trainer that has this certification and I did the workshop in September.
But learning how and why a muscle contracts and which muscle is where that is the hard part for me.

Well I guess the only thing I can do, is bite the bullet and jump in with both feet.

Other than that things are well here. The kids are not sick, both are great. Anika sang the school song this morning at assembly. And Lars is hooked on playing STar Wars lego on the Cube. It's not much fun to play with him, cause he never goes where you wanna go. LOL

I am almost back into my old workout routine. I am doing cardio 5x week and I am slowly adding my weight training back in. I am really sore from all the squats I've been doing. I also cleaned up my diet again. So hopefully by June I am going to be at Goal weight.

Normality???

2007-01-21T20:03:00.000-08:00

Well, it now a couple of Days since my family left, I do miss them dearly. My last couple of Days have been filled with watching my friends baby and cleaning the house. I spent most of Saturday organizing Lars' and Anika's rooms. We went thru toys and decided what needs to go to make room for the loot from Christmas. The rooms, look pretty nice now.
I also went with Anika to sell girlscout cookies, she is doing a great job, we are at Day two and she already sold most of the cookies we orderes. And Steve hasn't taken any to work yet. So we'll be ordering more cookies.
I am also cookie mom for the first time, I did not realize how much work it is, but it is fun.

Also as Tomorrow, I am hitting the gym again, at least 5x week and watch what I eat, I need to drink my water. I also need to study again, cause I have only till March to finish the Exam for my Certification.
So here we go off to a great 2007.

Tired, very tired....

2007-01-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

I am so sleepy it's 9:30pm and I am about to hit the sack. Today at 9am Anika and I ventured out in the cold rain to sell Girl Scout Cookies. We did pretty decent.
Then we came back and I started on getting the kids rooms cleaned. They haven't had a decent cleaning in 9wks, cause of the company that was here, we sorted thru toys, tossed, put away for donations. The rooms look great now, just wondering for how long.
Then just a bit ago I made Spaetzli, healthy with eggbeaters and low fat milk, so I can make healthy Chicken and Dumplings tomorrow.
I am going to bed now.

9 weeks...

2007-01-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

has it been since my younger sister came to visit. Her, her two kids and my mom left this morning. We had a wonderful visit. The kids played, they fought and they played again. My sis and I got along as well for the most part. But that's why we are sisters.
Austin was hit by a ICE Storm this week, so yesterday they flight back home was cancelled. I felt so bad for them. They spent another day here and Noah, Anika and Lars played nicely together. Then we watched "Pirates of the Carribean 2" and went to bed. This morning Steve took them to the airport again. And they flew with one hour of dely. Now I am praying that everything will go well in Atlanta and that tomorrow, they are safe back home in Zurich.
Even though we had a great time, we both decided that 5wks will be the max from now on. It is just such a darn long time. So I am actually looking forward to my vacation in Switzerland this summer. Lars wants to go swimming in an indoor pool and Anika wants to hike in the mountains.

Well what is going to happen until then? I want to loose the last 30lb. and get my certification as personal trainer. I am already also thinking about VBS, but the first thing now is selling Girlscout Cookies as of Saturday 9am.

Here are some pictures of the Ice Storm

I can tell...

2006-12-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

The holidays are closing in...

Yesterday I made "All Day Applebutter" and today we made some Cookie Dough, I usually don't make the cookies for myself, I usually make them for friends and neighbors as little presents for Christmas.

I love to bake and I am looking forward to the kids, decorating the cookies.

Then I have just a bit of shopping left and on Saturday we are braving the mall, the kids are going to Build a Bear as an early christmas present.
On the 21st is the last Day of school and I am helping Anika's class with Winter Centers. Then on the 22nd my mom is flying in. Woohoo, we are planning on going to the Trail of lights on that Saturday. Cause it is just so beautiful.

Then Sunday we do Lessons and Carols at 11am at church and Candlelight Service at 7pm. I am actually excited, cause I haven't celebrated with my mom or my sister in many years.

we have knitting news...

2006-12-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday evening, I actually knitted a whole 4 repeats of the decrease of Erin Cardigan. Can you believe it. I hope to do the same again tonight. And maybe finish that thing by Christmas, I really want to get into knitting again. I have really neclected the yarns and everything that goes with it.

I also have a pair of blue fuzzy clogs on the needles for my nephew. I hope thos will be done before he goes home in January.

There is supposedly a cold front coming in, so maybe that gives me a chance after this crazy weekend to get some knits done.

Tomorrow I have a pampered Chef party and on Saturday I am Run/Walking my first 5K, I am excited.

It looks like Christmas...

2006-12-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

For the first time in 3yrs, I have a Christmas Tree in my house, and I am loving it. We do have our little tree up since after Thanksgiving, it has all of our freaky Hallmark ornaments on it, like Dart Vader telling Luke that he is, his father, and Mr. Spock wishing you happy holidays. But I haven't had a real tree in so long, cause we spend the last 2 Christmas' in Alabama with Steve's Family.

So on Saturday we decided to head out to the Tree farm and pick a tree, first we could not find the tree farm, but the good thing, there was another one. So off we went. We got there and they put us on a trailer and tractored us out into the field. The kids had a blast, but in the end I had the say which tree came with us. Here are my sister, Steve and the kids in front of our glorious find.

Then we hauled the thing home and on the way home we followed one of our favorite traditions: Christmas lights watching we found some cool ones, but nothing really outragous.

Then on Sunday, Steve put in the lights and the kids helped putting up the lights on our beautiful 7' Virginia Pine. I am happy to say, that I really like my tree and I am happy that we decided to go an cut our own tree this year, cause it will become another lovely family tradition.

A merry Christmas Party...

2006-12-02T07:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday evening we went to Steve's Company Party. It was held at the beautiful Caswell House. We had Horse D'Heuvres, and lots to drink, well I had 2 glasses of wine. The entertainment was a fabulous band right here from Austin called "the Lucky Strikes".
One Part I enjoyed very much was, that this year we got to really dress up and I got to go and buy a dress size 16, which is regular size, that was so exciting. Steve looked smashing in his suit as well. I had a very nice evening.

Today, we are heading to the gym in a bit and then maybe go out and get a tree, don't know yet, and not quiet sure.

Tomorrow is Monday...

2006-11-26T21:17:00.001-08:00

And I am actually looking forward to it. What a weekend, well almost week. Steve's parents came into town on Wednesday and his cousin came as well. So all in all, we had 6 adults and 4kids at my house during the day since Thursday. I am worn out.
Tomorrow, I'll have the baby for the last week and I need to clean my house and go grocery shopping, cause our visitors ate pretty much everything in the pantry. I need to remember to hide treats when Mom is coming. Don't get me wrong, I love the woman, but man she eats all the good stuff, and most of the time without asking. Like the one time I was pregnant and she ate the last of the IceCream, can you say I had to swallow twice and then just go to my room. LOL
Then in the evening the Gym is on the plate, I feel the need for real serious workout, with weights and Cardio, the whole nine yards.

Oki doki, it's school night and I should go to bed, cause I gotta get up at 6:15am, to get the little one ready and on the bus.

It's a week now..

2006-11-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

That my sis is here. We are having a great time, we have fun together and arguments also, not as bad as we used to, but we do. We dissagree on certain things, so we agree to disagree.
I do enjoy having her, I haven't seen her in almost a year and a half, and this will be her first thanksgiving ever (we don't do thankgiving in Switzerland). I got a 22lb. Turkey, we have mashed potatos, buttermilk dressing, rosmary carrots, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, apple pie and pecan pie. Pretty Traditional.
I am looking forward to it.

Busy, Busy, Busy....

2006-11-13T11:52:00.001-08:00

I have two more days to get the house ready for my sis to arrive. I am so happy, that I get to see her again. And she has not seen me since I lost so much weight, it's going to be fun.
They are arriving on Wednesday evening. So if y'all out there could spare some good traveling vibes, I would appreciate it.
I am doing laundry today, and getting bed sheets washed an all the good stuff, and of course Lars in the midst of this is not feeling well today. Does not make me happy, nor him, he is napping on the couch right now. Poor baby.

In other news, I had a really great dream about our Dear Captain, Mr. Nathan Fillion. Of all places he came to Wurstfest in New Braunsfels with his friends and they had a firefly booth. And I ended up getting kissed goodbye. Was very sweet and innocent. Cause apparently in my dream our Captn' met my hubby as well.
Maybe I spent to much time in the BC chat yesterday. LOL

Well I am still working out, just not as much as I would like to, but better than nothing, I am maintaining my weight, which is better than gaining it all back.
And in the back of my head, I have this ongoing discussion, about should I or should I not, try to train for a figure competition after I lose the last 30lb.
I am torn, We will see, once I get to goal, which I did set a Date 3/11/07 I want to weigh 150lb. So you read it here and y'all know it.

A great Weekend

2006-11-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

To me there is nothing better, than pack up all your scrap booking stuff, get in a car with my best friends and then stay at a bed and breakfast to scrapbook and have a good time.
That's exactly what I did this weekend. We stayed at a adorable place in Smithville called Katyhouse. I got a ton of stuff done. My Christmas Cards are finished and a album for Anika's Kindergarten Teacher.
I really enjoyed, not to have to chase kids all day, see that food is on the table, or worry if something gets spilled. Every Once in a while, we have to do that for our sanity.

recommitment...

2006-10-30T06:17:00.000-08:00

Well this past month has been crazy, with me watching the baby and all the other fun stuff going on, I haven't had time to study or workout on a regular basis.
I realized yesterday, if I want to make this work, I do have to get up early and go hit the gym. I do need to make time to Study 2hrs a day. I also realized that I need to say no, every once in a while, that I can't help, and maybe my house will suffer a bit, that the vacuum cleaner won't be used for a few days. *sorry Kirby*
I have come this f****n far, I don't want to go back to my old ways. I am in a size 14 now, compared to the 24 I was last summer, I still want to loose another 35lb. and I know I can do it. But I do have to make the commitment again. So here it is written out and all.
I give myself till Lars' birthday 3/11 to get to goal, that is 5Months, which is reasonable.
In other news, the switch of the rooms went great, the office looks great in its new location, and the game room, needs to be picked up and curtains need to be sewn and roman shades made and then we are happy. The office is great, I have all my yarn in a cabinet, I did not realize how much yarn I actually own. My next project is a shrug that I want to knit. Then all my scrap book stuff is in shelf, easy to find. I am glad we did this.

Something fun...

2006-10-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Jamies' Journey and couldn't resist. Laughter is the best medicine for anyone. Therefore I challenge anyone who reads this to join me in being silly :-)

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: ( pet and current street name) Zoe Ramies

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandmother/grandfather on your mom's side and favorite Candy) Margaret Snickers

3. YOUR "FLY Guy/Girl" NAME: (first initial of last name, first three letters of your middle name) D. Mar

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Green Cat

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Margaret Zurich

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom's maiden name and first 3 letters of the town you grew up in.) Driclwazur

7. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, favorite drink) The Green Dr. Pepper Light

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first name of both your grandfathers) Hans Johannes

9. FUTURISTIC NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne and the name of your favorite shoes) Beautiful Sneakers

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother/father's middle name ) Eulalia Wilhelm

I must have jinxed myself...

2006-10-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

With my post on Monday, cause yesterday seemed a day from H E double hockey sticks.

My friends son came over to play with Lars, that way my friend was able to go on the field trip with the girls. I get to go later in the school year. Well anyways, I am working on the office and the game room (we are playing switch the rooms again) when I see Lars coming at me with a bottle of cleaner and wet hair, I am going in his room and it is like Toys R' Us exploed in there and I smell cleaner, so come to find out he wanted to help me clean. Oh I was not happy.
Then I did not get to go to the gym, cause Steve and I put the office together, it looks really nice and I can start filling the shelves and the cabinet now.
Well comes bed time, Steve put the kids to bed, then gets the computer running, I am watching TV, suddenly I ask him, why the light in the bedroom is on. Well all I hear is Steve yelling at Lars, and usually Steve is a very calm person, so I go in there.
Not a pretty picture. There is Lars, with my Bare Minerals Makeup all over himself, it's all over the floor or so we thought, come to find out he tried to clean the cabinet with Tilex. My bathroom rug had bleach stains on it now, so had to trow that out, with the makeup, cause there was tilex in that too. I really did not know what to say.
I am wondering, if he is doing this, cause I am watching the baby, or why he comes up with these Ideas. So today he is helping me putting the office and the gameroom together. While the little guys is sleeping.
I am just a tad stressed lately, with taking care of the baby, not working out as much as I want to, no time to study and getting ready for my family to come.
I know next month will be better.

a calm day...

2006-10-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

We had some friends stay the night, and they left around noon. Then I took a nap with the baby and Lars, which I needed cause usually I dont' stay up till midnight anymore.
I also managed to get to the gym today and got a workout in, I really need to work on that more often these days.

Well going to bed now.

Wonderful Evening

2006-10-21T20:56:00.000-07:00

We had a great evening at our church, it was a Gala. We got served a 5 course meal, which was just deliscous. Horse d'Euvres were Shrimp Scampi, Tomatoes with Mozarella and tiny Quiches, then I had shrimp bisque, Steve went for the Fall Medley soup, Ceasar Salad, and main course was either Stuffed Pork Loin or Chicken Gordon Bleu, which I choese and Dessert was a choclate cake. Anything that ends in Chocolate cake is great in my book. Needless to say the Calories today were not counted.

Then entertainment was Margaret Wright, a wonderful Jazz musician from Austin, Jaston Williams from the Greater Tuna and our very own Choir Director and Organist as Gracie Allen and George Burns. I have not laughed so much in a long time.

The best part of it Childcare was provided, so Anika and Lars had a great time too.
Now I am tired. Tomorrow is another busy day, we are moving furniture, have girlscouts her at the house and a bunch of firends over for Chili.

Cooler Weather...

2006-10-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

We had a Coldfront come thru, which in Texas could mean anything, but it actually got cooler. We had 95 degrees yesterday and today it's only 70 and windy. It is gorgeous outside. I am loving it.
Needless to say, my menu for the next week is filled with family favorites that we eat in the fall and winter, like Chili and Beef Stew.
This makes me also look at my yarn, and I think I need to pick some easy projects that knit up very quickly.
I am also still trying to loose more weight, since I already have lost 70lb. since my Journey started last summer. I am down from 255lb. to 185lb. I am so excited. I have 34more to go. Still going to the gym mostly 5days a week, and watch what I eat. Sadly I don't have my trainer anymore. But I am in the midst of becoming one.

Knitting news...

2006-10-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

After a very long while, I picked up Eris the cardigan I am knitting. You wanna know how long? It's been almost a year since I picked up any knitting.
Anika and I had a girls night, she decided that she wants to learn how to knit, so off I went in search for a suitable yarn and needles. I cast on 20 stitches and knitted a couple of rows, thats exactly what my Handworking teacher in Switzerland did. The first project we knitted was a Kitten. So I showed Anika a picture of it, in my Handworking book, that my mom actually managed to get for me. Aniks was excited, so this is the plan, we are going to try and knit each night for 30mins. I told her that the more she practices the better she will get.
This is so exciting, I am so thankful that my mom, taught us how to knit. She even taught herself to knit backwards, cause she thought it would make things easier for me as a lefty. But comes out, I knit the regular way. Now I can teach my daughter to knit and hopefully one day she will teach her children.
On Eris I had to frog the sleeve cause I missed a stitch and after such long time, well I was not in the mood to find it. So I undid the sleeve and started a new. I hope to knit a bit more tonight.

The Pumpkins are here...

2006-10-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spend a good 3hrs at our church helping to unload 1800 Pumpkins, yes, you read right 1800. Each year it seems that our Pumpkin Patch becomes more popular, which is great, now if just the parent's would come and visit the church too. But that's another story.
Anika and Lars had a great time, it's their favorite time each year to help with the pumpkins, (well maybe Christmas is a close second). Anika was working relentlessly, she hauled pumpkins in a wagon, counted them, wrangled children and had a great time. Lars was just all over the pumpkins and had fun playing in them.
Fall is my favorite time, it used to be winter, but since there is no snow here, it's got to be fall. The temps get cooler, and just a good time to be had.

Insane October already...

2006-10-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, October is the one month, where everybody plans all their festivities. It does not matter where you are, in October you can find something to do.
This Weekend, is the red river rivalrly we sure hope the Longhorns win. I am also going to CPR and first Aid classes, for Girls scouts and my trainer Certification. Then next week, Anika's School has their Carnival, the weekend after that we have a Gala at our church and the last weekend in October, on Friday we have our Halloween party, Saturday is our Fall Fair at our church. Oh I forgot to mention that thru the whole month of October we also have a pumpkin patch at the church.
Now that does not seem like a lot, but, since I started taking care of an infant, I get not much done around the house. My studying has suffered too, and the working out part is slowly but surely coming back into oder.
I am excited that my sister is arriving on November 15th, to spend the Holidays with us and my mom is coming on December the 22nd, so I have lots of things to do around the house to get ready.

Saturday once more...

2006-08-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

I am taking a mommy day today. First I am going to the gym and work out and then meet friends for lunch. Just me, no kids, no hubby, haven't done this in ages.
Things are going well, my studies are going, I am actually ahead of schedule, cause I can devote more than one hour to studies each day.
I have to remember a lot of muscles and know when they are tight, what it does to the posture.
Posture is very important to a personal trainer, it prevents injuries.
Still wreckin, my brain, where I wanna go if I pass. I got an offer from the gym I work out as, but they had a lot of changes lately, and I know another gym would pay me more. So we'll see. I am hoping to be done and certified by November, to be ready for everybody that wants loose or get in shape after christmas.

a great Saturday

2006-08-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

First off I got to sleep in. Yeah, 8:00am is sleeping in for me. Then we ate breakfast, grabbed the pup and the kids and off we went to drop the puppy of at playschool. The trainer recommended for her to go to Doggy Day care. Very nice and very clean place. I was impressed.
Then we went to Target to pick up mine and Anika's meds. And some other things, mainly from the Dollar Spot. Then we went to the gym, I did a 30min run/walk. I really want to run the 5K in October for the Lance Armstrong foundation.
Home for lunch and then I took a nap. I really needed it, I was so tired. When I got up our puppy was laying in the living room, and for the next 3hrs she did not move. LOL I think I like playschool. Steve said that apparently she did really well.
Then I made yummy Chicken Stir Fry for dinner, and we went to the pool for a swim after that. Now I figured our my study materials, so I can start the studying. I hope to be certified in November. Scare the pants off of me, but I am trying.
I got to sleep early last night, now I am up before 8am on sunday it's a quiet morning which I love.
not much going on today.

Let the games begin...

2006-08-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

I got my package today, with all the study material for my certification. I am excited but also very nervous. I haven't worked since Anika was born. Do poeple want a trainer that still has a few lb. to many on her ribs? These are some things that shoot thru my head.
But then I know I can do this, I am having so much fun working out, I had gym memberships before and just never stuck to it. Now I see the success. I went from being 256lb. Down to 197lb. It was hard freaking work, but I also had fun doing it. I wanna show others like myself, that if you set your mind to it, you can do it.
What is the secret? Well the wonderpill = Diet & Exercise... There is no easy way to loose weight, you have to be ready to do it. You have to know, that you need to work out at least 5x a week, that you can only eat certain amounts of food. It also helps if you eat the right foods. Yeah you can eat 1400 Calories in Ice Cream and Pizza, but that is not what your body needs or deserves. 1400 Calories, of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and good proteins, that's is what you body wants and deserves. You are worth it.
These past 8 months have been a life change for me. And I have to thank my husband, for all the support he has given me on this journey. I love you hon.
Anika has been such a sweetheart, the other day she gave me a hug, and said:"Mom I can get all the way around!!!" That was the best compliment.
These are the things I want to share with my clients, I wanna be there for them, to support them, to reach their goals.

what was the heck was I thinking???

2006-08-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

Of all weekends I pick this one, to switch the kids room and paint them too. I am an Idiot.
Anika's room is painted, and she is able to sleep in there tonight. Her old room (now Lars'room)whole different story. I have furniture everywhere in the house and it looks like all He** broke loose. Tomorrow, we are going to a friends to pick up a dest for her room, and we also need to get the paint for Lars' room. Then I have to work like a madwomen, (with Steve's help) to get it all done.
It is cool, Anika picked a nice light lime green and a very light lilac for wall paint, and I will free hand some fairies soon. Lars is getting light blue walls and we bought Cars wall Stickers to put up. Not sure, I'll sew him a checkerflag Duvet Cover or not, we'll see, cause I kind of like the Star Wars Comforter.
Other than that we are getting ready for school, on Monday we have meet the teacher, I am excited, so is Anika. Then Tuesday it's the real deal. I am exhausted, so I will clear a patch from the kids rooms to our room and then go to bed.
Yawn.

Where did summer go???

2006-07-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Well, we have like 3 more weeks and then summer is over, wow.
This week the kids are going to have swim lessons, which they need, Lars more so than Anika.
What did we do this summer? Let's see, well Anika started Horseback Riding, she goes once a week and loves it, and it looks like we'll be doing that during school year too. We spend a lot of time at the pool and also got to see some free movies.
Lars, is still potty training, but he is doing actually pretty good. He is so darn cute too.
I am still fighting the battle of the bulge, it is pretty success full, cause since January 2005 I have lost 50lb. now.
I haven't knitted in months, but hope to get into it again. I really wanna finish that cardigan for my friend.
I will also sign up for my Certification, to become a personal trainer, next month, I am excited but also scared to death, to join the working world again. I have not had a paid job in 6yrs. But I do have the support of my loving husband and friends.
We still got some plans for the rest of summer, on the 7th we are going to Fiesta Texas and on the 5th we are having our summer blowout bbq, which is a huge party. Wonder if we should get the margarita machine this time. I need to make invitations for it this week.
Anyways, I hope to update a bit more often.

Wikipedia

2006-05-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

Got this from Jamie , just put in your birthday, list 3 events, 3 births and 3 deaaths.

Events:
1786 - Mont Blanc in Switzerland is climbed for the first time by Jacques Balmat and Dr. Michel-Gabriel Paccard.
1876 - Thomas Edison receives a patent for his mimeograph.
1930 - Betty Boop Premieres in the animated film Dizzy Dishes.

Births:
1921 - Esther Williams, American actress and swimmer
1937 - Dustin Hoffman, American actor
1981 - Roger Federer, Swiss tennis player

Deaths:
1940 - Johnny Dodds, American musician
1975 - Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, American jazz saxophonist
2005 - Ilse Werner, German actress

Chocolate, fat and Vitamins

2006-05-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

Is the title of the show my kids just put on for us. It consisted of made up songs and Lars playing air guitar on a play sword. What better way to start the day!!!!
So much fun to be had this summer.
I am actually looking forward to it.

good Day...

2006-05-28T20:11:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Day today. At 10am we had a parade thru the neighborhood, which was great. The turnout was fantastic. Even Zoe our puppy decided to behave. She usually doesn't like not being first, but she got used to it.

Then we went home for lunch, Lars laid down for a nap and I had to go to Michael's to pick up some things for facepainting today.
Then at 2;30pm we had a fun run. Steve got 3rd. Anika ran it too. I am so proud of her, it was a 1.1mile run.
After that Steve came and picked me up. I set up my face painting booth, I painted lots of faces, listened to good live music, had some good bbq, talked to friends, met neighbors.
This was a great Day for a blockparty.
Next time I wanna do the run too.

Here are the dolphin and Lizard I painted on my kids faces.

Anyways that's it for tonight.

Long awaited update...

2006-05-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is graduating Kindergarten tomorrow and will be a 1st grader, can you believe it? I can't makes me a bit sad. As of tomorrow 3pm we have summer vacation here, and to kick it off, I am taking them to the pool.
Friday we are following our Tradition and see your Friend for a nice visit, the kids can play and the mommies have wine. LOL

I need to find a baby sitter more often, I noticed S and I have more miss communications lately. So I decided we need to go out twice a month. Just the two of us. No kids.

Last weekend I went to a bed and breakfast with my friend. I really had a great time and got a lot done. I am almost finished with my wedding album. Which only took me 8yrs to put together. The next project is a baby book for the little ones and a school book for Anika, oh and Birthday books.

Now if I could find that second CD of pictures I saved I would be really happy.

I am still working out hard, I fell off the bandwagon this last week with Eating good, but I am getting back on. I was not very happy with myself, when I got on the scale today, but it's a new day and I can eat right today and tomorrow and so on.

Zoe is doing great too, well except for chewing a hole into the couch. but other than that she is great, she loves the kids and is very protective of them. We hope to get her into obedience training next month.

On the knitting front, not much going on there, I haven't knitted in a long time, but I really need to, I am hoping to get some done this summer. I am still not finished with Eris. I hope soon.

I think I am a bit crazy...

2006-04-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

but I decided to go back to school, get an associates in Kinesiology and then go ahead and get certified as a personal trainer. I am having so much fun working out, and I love the interaction between my trainer and I. I think I finally found something that I would enjoy, and it has very flexible hours, which is perfect with the kids.
So this coming week I am going to ACC and enroll. I have to get my records changed from '97, cause since then I have become a resident, cause I so can't afford International tuition.
I think for the summer I am taking College Algebra and American History 1. We'll see how that goes.

Laters.

tired, but good tired...

2006-04-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well Anika is feeling better. Junior finally got a haircut yesterday, I think I got the hint that he needed a haircut, when his Daddy put a barrett into his hair to keep the bangs out of his face. And yesterday he came with a ponytail on top of his head from preschool. Arrrgh peer pressure. But he is happy with his new dew. So am I, cause Daddy took him, I think he was afraid, cause I mentioned, getting him a Mohawk. What's bad about that?
Anyways, lots of stuff to do, had a really hard workout with Torturess this morning, my abs are on fire. (what do you expect after 3 sets of 120 crunches, (it's 4x15 different cruches), ouch. But I made it thru. Now I am working on boring house stuff. Tonight, I am hitting the gym again for Body Combat and then we have a sitter coming, so Steve and I can go out to eat, and kind of celebrate his birthday.

Looking forward to that.

I am excited...

2006-04-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

I just made reservations, for a weekend away from the kids and hubby. My best friend had her birthday, so my gift to her, is a weekend away, so we can scrapbook, just the two of us. I am so excited. Cause I have never been away from the kids for more then a few hours, but 2 1/2 days?

I might bring some knitting with me too.

ear infection again...

2006-04-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

So apprarently Anika got a characteristic from her Dad that we didn't want. Earinfections.

We are batteling number 4 since September last year. This really sucks. She came home on Wednesday from school went straight to bed and slept for two hours. Then woke up with 101.7 fever. Those are the Symptoms that set off alarm bells in my mommy brain. So I called the Dr. the next day and we got to see her. And sure enough my instincts were right. Ear infection. So because they seem to reoccur we are now talking about the possibility of seeing an ENT and her maybe have the adnoids taken out. I am not happy with this.
We are going back for another checkup in 3 weeks and then go from there.

update from me...

2006-04-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

So what has been going on? Well for the first time in my whole driving career I got a speeding ticket. So I am working on the defensive driving class now, so it will get removed from my record. I could not believe it.

I also started to work out again, took a week off with knee pain, comes out I have "runners knee" which is also called PFS . I am really happy that it is nothing major, cause I already had 3, yep you read right 3 arthroscopic surgeries on that knee. There has to be a ton of scar tissue in there, now that I think about it. LOL

Other than that we are going good, I just wish I would knit more, I am in a bit of a funk. HOpefully that will go by too.

2006-04-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

My pirate name is:

Mad Charity Rackham

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. You have the good fortune of having a good name, since Rackham (pronounced RACKem, not rack-ham) is one of the coolest sounding surnames for a pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from fidius.org.

It is wet here...

2006-03-28T09:45:00.000-08:00

Well this morning just looked like it will be a bit misty, well big mistake on my part of thinking. We had a big down poor and we needed it. Well my backyard flooded, which doesn't happen often. So here are some pictures.

Hello Blogland....

2006-03-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

Not much going on here in TX, it is really cold for March the high today is in the mid 50's, that's just wrong. I am making chili for Dinner tonight. It's already in the crockpot. I can't wait.
Today I went to volunteer at the school and had quiet fun making paper cows/longhorns with the Kindergarten class. It's always fun with them. This afternoon I might get a "greatest Mommy" award, cause Anika has been asking for 3days if her friend can come over today. Well I thought we are going to another friends today, so I told her no. Well that friends cancelled, so now the friend she is bugging me about is coming over and she doesn't know it yet. I hope she will be surprised.

On the get healthy front. Well I did not do so good in Feburary, I tried, I did work out, but the eating part was not so good, and the first half of March wasn't any better either. So last week I made the decision to join e-diets again. and this week I lost 4lb. I had been doing their plan before and always was happy with the weightloss, but Life always got in between, so this time around I wanna do it right. 3rd time is a charm, right???

OTN: Still plucking away on Eris, but there is an end in sight, I promise. Oh and I got a bookshelf for the office so I can stash my craft stuff, now I only need some more containers to put stuff away more neatly. Here is a picture of it.

October, March

2006-03-19T08:09:00.000-08:00

Well I usually don't like my pictures taken, but I figured this is kind of worth it. Here is a picture of me in October and then a picture of me taken today. I think you can see the difference in weight.

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

2006-03-17T07:55:00.001-08:00

Well I just wanna wish every one the luck of the irish.

I am not sure that we are going to do much today, like going somewhere to party. I didn't even know up until a week ago, that I am supposed to cook cabbage and corned beef. Ooops. Well I am not Irish, I am Swiss.
So we are having turkey Burgers for dinner instead. That's what's on my meal plan today. I joined E-Diets again. And hope this will be the last time.

I am still working on the sleeves for Eris. Hope to get some knitting done today. I think we might scrap book a bit tomorrow. We'll see.

The Joys of Motherhood

2006-03-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time of the year again to have our neighborhood Garage Sale on the 25th. So I decided to clean and reorganize Anika's room.
I am pooped, I just spend the better part of 4hrs, going thru ton's of girl toys, which all have a gazillion Pieces for some reason. I ended up trowing away a full trash bag of broken toys and trash. And we have a box filled with Toys and books to be put up on the Garage Sale.
Later I am attacking Juniors room, not looking forward to weed thru all his cars and such and trying to figure out where they could have a home.
But oh well. Good thing, tomorrow, we are going to the Rodeo and Fair and Thursday we are off to the Alamo, no we are not looking for the basement. Anika learned about Texas in school, and since it is Spring Break and Steve took off 3 Days, that's what we will do. We might also go and visit the Zoo. We'll see.

not so smart...

2006-03-07T05:01:00.000-08:00

Apparently I forogot to put the picture of the clogs on the previous post and now it won't let me add them. So here it is.

Kind of productive...

2006-03-06T18:01:00.000-08:00

So I didn't knit today and I won't cause I am way to tired, I am about to draw a hot bath and then to bed. But instead of taking a nap, I decided I need to get some work done, so I actually finished a TissueBox Cover, I am not sure yet, if it is cute or hideous. Why don't y'all let me know.
Oh and I did knit a few things, between Christmas and now, they are the felted Clogs from Fiber Trends. So here is a picture of them too, I knitted them with Lambs Pride Bulky and they were felted in my frontloaded Washer.

A new week...

2006-03-05T20:47:00.000-08:00

Well I am feeling much better, so the new week hopefully starts that way.
Working out again tomorrow, I am still sore from friday, did I mention I do not like 2 sec. pushups? Well then carry on, Tuesday I gotta take the boy to the dentist, so they can check the tooth he hurt 4weeks ago again. Then Steve is leaving Thursday evening for Arizona to go to his Grandma's Funeral, but he is coming back friday, cause Saturday our little boy is turning 3 and we have a preschooler party here at the house.
What was I thinking???
He picked Race Cars.
I also need to get some sewing going, I am making fancy Tissue Box covers.
I did get to knit some today, and the cardigan is actually coming along very nicely. I have the hem and the sleeves left to knit. So I am hoping to get quiet along with it this week.

Woohoo, we have knittage...

2006-03-01T16:55:00.000-08:00

I actually got Eris out and worked 10rows on it. I am hoping to knit some more on it. All I needed was to kick myself in the behind and get going. LOL, I am hoping work on it for the rest of the week and make some more progress. I am still a bit under the weather, but much better than yesterday, thanks to my caring hubby. He actually let me sleep in this morning and took Anika to the bus. And I slept till 9am which I haven't done in Ion's and I probably could have slept longer, cause I woke Lars up after I took a shower.
Tomorrow, I am going to help at school. Then I have to go to the store for groceries, and hopefully get the house somewhat cleaned and straightened.

Not so good...

2006-02-28T06:19:00.000-08:00

That's what my head tells me I am feeling like. It hit me like a brickwall yesterday. Either it is a cold or I am allergic to whatever blew in yesterday. My little Viking, is also sniffely, and still sleeping, which is unusual for the little guy.
So needless to say, today will be a day, where there shall be no housework getting done, much sitting on the couch watching tv and snuggle with the little guy. Since he is not going to school today.
Maybe watching firefly??? Cause I can't watch Serenity, since my friend has my copy for 3weeks now. I hope she actually watched it.
Maybe I can finish another pair of felted clogs. That would be great.

Oh and I got the yummies Yarn yesterday from my secret Pal, it is a silk, cotton, wool blend in Tangerine, and it screams at me to become a nice tank top. So we will see. But I also need to finish Erin, for my friend.

what a day I had

2006-02-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

First take the kids to school, then back home to get showered and dressed, then back to school to help with Dinosaur school projects, Kindergarterners are cute, but not today. LOL
Then I wanted to go to the Grocery store, well that didn't happen, cause hubby talked me into coming to lunch with him. Big mistake, good thing the place had a salad bar, or I would have left starving. My food was not at the table 20mins after we ordered, and the guys were already done. Finally I told them to pack it up and give me a discount. Sure enough got it half off, I had to leave to pick up the little monster from Preschool. So after that we went to the grocers, and came home with new StarWars Figures. ( how did that happen? )
Then I just had time to put away the food and run thru the house with the Vacuum, before the big monster came home with the bus, and we had a play date. They all had fun, destroying the house.
Then at Hubby comes home, we go to Gym. Worked out, Cardio for 40mins. Then home eating Dinner, get kids bathed and tucked in. Now I have a bit time, before I have to tie ribbons on Frames for the PTA. Then I am going to draw a bath and soak for a bit, and then sleepies.

Oh Switzerland got 2 Gold Medals today for a total of 13 Medals. Not bad for a country with 7.5 Million People. HOPP SCHWYZ!!!!!!!

well...

2006-02-08T09:34:00.000-08:00

Superbowl was not as healthy as I thought. I really tried, but the Queso was just too good.

Today is Wednesday and I need to clean the house. It is not dirty, but it needs to be vacuumed and mopped and such.

This afternoon, I am hoping to sit down and get to watch some of the shows I DVR and knit, I am going to try and get going on Eris again.

That's it for now.

a healthy Superbowl????

2006-02-05T11:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, so we are having a superbowl party and I am not so sure I can stay on my meal plan. I am trying really hard. I promised myself. I know I am not going to have a drink since I had a drink on friday and yesterday. So I am having a veggie Tray, corn, Steve is grilling Chicken for me, since I am not going to eat the Ribs. I am making German Potato Salad, which is mostly broth, vinegar and such, but it has bacon in it. So I am going to try and avoid that. I am also having a green Salad and Cucumber Salad Ready and hope to eat some of that. Anyways, I'll let you guys know later how it goes.

Tallies for January...

2006-02-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

Well January gone by and I made a lot of changes in my life. I am trying to eat better, I am working out 5 days a week, I try to play more with the kids and just be a better person all around.

For the month of January, I have knitted two pairs of felted slippers and that's it. LOL not much there.

On the weight loss front.

I wasn't to happy with this result at first but then we measured this morning. And I have lost 12" all over. I lost 1/4" on my neck, 1" on my chest, 2.5" on my waist, 3" on my hips, 4" on my thigh and 1/2" on my calf. I could not believe that when I was told. So this is what is going to keep me going for February.

Update inlcudes knitting...

2006-01-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

Well knitting news first, I actually have been knitting, nope not on Eris, but on a new pair of felted Slippers. They are for my friends son. I love knitting them. I figured, I needed a quick project to get me back into the groove.

Now the weightloss and fitness news:
got on the scale today, I have lost 3lb., but it's all water no fat. Uggh, so now we are trying to cut out 200 calories and see how it goes. I have been working out almost every Day, it did get frustrating. But I actually enjoy working out. So monday I have to get on the scale again and then friday again, if it doesn't change I have to see a Nutritionist. So I am working on being really good about what I eat. So far I am doing good, we'll see.

4 things about me

2006-01-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

Four Jobs You’ve Had In Your Life
1. Architectural drafter
2. Flower Delivery lady
3. Cleaning schools (yucky scraping gum from under desks)
4. Telemarketer

Four Movies You Could Watch Over And Over
1. Serenity
2. Pirates of the Caribbian
3. Star War Trilogy (original one)
4. Bugs' life

Four Places You’ve Lived
1. Zurich Switzerland
2. Lake Travis, Texas
3. Downtown Austin, Texas
4. South Austin, Texas

Four TV Shows You Love To Watch
1. CSI
2. Grey's Anatomy
3. House
4. What Not to Wear

Four Places You’ve Been On Vacation
1. Vancouver
2. Seattle
3. Lenzerheide, Switzerland
4. Barcelona, Spain

Four Blogs You Visit Daily
1. Jaime's Journey
2. Our Home on the Hill
3. Just one more row...
4. Knitting Novice

Four Of Your Favourite Foods
1. Home made Bread
2. Spaghetti
3. Steamed Rice with Salad Dressing
4. Filet Mignon

Four Places You’d Rather Be
1. The Alps in Switzerland
2. The Beach somewhere
3. My mom's kitchen
4. in bed sleeping

Four Albums You Can’t Live Without
1. Die Toten Hosen (anything from them)
2. Rent - Broadway sountrack
3. Bravo Hits '94
4. Vallejo (anything)

Four Vehicles You’ve Owned
1. Caravan Sport
2. Ford Explorer
3. Volkswagen Jetta ( was my parents but I drove it) I did not own a car until I moved here
4. A monthly bus pass to get arround town in zurich

still no knitting...

2006-01-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

for some reason, I can't get into the mood to knit. I hope maybe this afternoon, to watch a stupid movie and knit. I am annoyed with myself to be in such a funk.
Oh and today I also have to get my teeth cleaned, don't like that either, they always hurt afterwards.
Have been working out everyday so far this week. Steve came with me yesterday and did a workout with me, we did corework, let's put it gently, he did not like to do the Woodchops, and we didn't even do them on the coreboard. Afterwards we did Cardio on the elyptical, that was interessting, cause for some reason I couldn't find the rythm. But probably the more I use it the better.
Zoe is becoming an expensive Dog. On Tuesday she Chewed up my Cell Phone. Good thing my contract had expired and we renewed it and I got a free phone. I like it. Then yesterday, she grabbed my heart rate monitor belt from the counters and chewed that up. Ugggh, now I need to find out how to get a new one, or buy another monitor.
Hope to go and do Cardio again tonight with Steve, it is fun working out with him. I am really excited about all of this.
This week I am also trying some new healthy recipes, cause the same things over and over again are getting old.

need to get back on track...

2006-01-16T05:10:00.000-08:00

with the knitting. While I enjoy going to the gym everyday, my knitting has taken a back seat. I really need to pick it up and get going again. I also have to sew some things that a friend and mine want to sell at craft shows. So I will be busy.
Today is Martin Luther King Day so the kids are home, I need to clean the house and go to the gym. So we will see where I can fit some knitting into this.

I got on the scales on friday, at the gym, did not loose anyweight, but I gained 3lb. in muscle mass and lost 3lb. in Fat. yuck.

Better get going.

Another Day....

2006-01-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

Well what did I do today? Let's see? I took Zoe for a walk, she has gotten so big, she is 7 months old now and weighs 41lb. Playful as ever and a sweet dog. She gets excited easy, which we need to work on. We are planning on going back to doggie school in February.

Today is also our 8th wedding anniversary. I snuck a letter into Steve's lunch. And he sent me 8 red roses, how sweet is that. We got to go out on a date on Saturday which was very nice.

I did work out this morning, but for some reason I am really sleepy, don't know why but I am. Also my heart rate monitor came in the mail today. I played a bit with it, and it seems worth the $15 I paid for it, while other go for $50. I am actually enjoying working out, it's 2hrs I have to myself. nobody but me and I am doing something for me.

Also my friend Tracy and I decided to do craftfairs together this year, so we decided what we wanna make and which ones we wanna go to. This gotta be interessting.

Tonight Anika is starting back gymnastics, she took a break cause she wanted to play soccer, but decided that she likes gymnastics better. Which is fine with me as long as she is doing something.

Tonight also I am hoping to work on Eris some more, after I undid a bunch of rows, cause I didn't like the look of it. Oh and I need to alter a top for one of my neighbors, but that is a whole different story.

week 1

2006-01-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Wow, I joined the gym a week ago and Steve the love of my life got me 24 sessions with a personal trainer. I had two of them last week. I have been working out everyday, except Sunday, that is rest Day.
I am watching what I am eating, usint Fitday.com for it, it's a great little online program and it helps me to actually get to the amount of food I need to eat. Apparently I haven't been eating enough so my body is hanging on to the fat. Isn't that sad. I am also drinking at least 120oz of water a day. Today during my workout I drank 40oz. My goal is to loose 85lb. this year, I hope I can do it, that's less than 2lb. a week. I sure hope I can do it. I will post when I weigh in at the gym every two weeks.

On the knitting front, not much going on, I undid a bunch of Rows on Erin today, cause I didn't like the way it turned out, so I am going to redo it. But I have to wait to get a new printer cartridge, to print out one page of the pattern I seem to have missplaced again. I sure hope to finish it sooner, than later.

recommitment...

2006-01-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

I am commiting myself this year

to get healthy again this year. I managed to loose 15lb. last year, but that is not nearly enough, so I will be working harder this time arround and I allready took some steps towards that.
I wanna get better at getting my house organized.
make more time for my husband, it seems our lives are getting more busy and we see less of each other each day.
spend more time playing with the kids

I think these are reasonable goals.

so sleepy, can I go bed now????

2005-12-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

we made it to Alabama. Zoe did great on the trip, but once we got here didn't wanna got to sleep. So I ended up taking her for a walk and did not get to sleep till 2am. Then at 6am she was ready for the Day. So I got up again and now it is noon and I am really, really tired. I just wanna go have a nap, I thing I'll be doing that in a bit.
The kids are so happy to be with Grandma and papa. Lars is still running around in his pj's. Well I am going to have lunch and then hope to take a nap.

I am ready....

2005-12-21T07:28:00.000-08:00

Is what I have been hearing for two days now. Yep my daughter is ready to go to grandma's. We are leaving in about 3hrs, but she has been ready for Days now.
Not looking forward to a 10hrs car Trip that usually takes 12 with eating and potty brakes. But thank goodness for Books on Tape and of course portable DVD players for the kids.
So I wanted to wish all the bloggers out there :

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

a little bit of chaos...

2005-12-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

so yes we are leaving in 2 Days to go visit Steve's parents. And guess what, yes you guessed right, I am nowhere near ready. So the game plan is...
Today cleaning the house, going to see Santa (we havent done that either) have lunch with Daddy, getting last minute things into the mail. And more cleaning house.
Tomorrow laundry and packing and finishing cleaning the house. Does that sound like a game plan? I sure hope so, cause all I wanna have left to do on Wednesday, is packing toiletries, snacks, taking Zoe for a long walk and that is it. We are wanting to leave no later than 1pm. It will be a long drive, 10hrs at least, but we have Zoe with us, so it might take a bit longer. It will be interessting to travel with a pet for the first time. The kids are going to be great, I know it.
So just cross your fingers for me, that I won't loose my santity (if there is any left) and actually get things done.

Christmas is coming...

2005-12-15T05:52:00.000-08:00

Well the crazyness has started. I got the package to my family in the mail on Tuesday, at first the person at the post office didn't wanna mail it, cause he thought the box was to big, well he meassured, and guess what, it was just fine.
We have a little tree up, I got it last year on sale and decided that will be our Sci-Fi Kitsch Tree. Steve and I started collecting Star Trek and Star Wars ornaments, but only the ones we really liked, so they are on the little tree. I am looking forward to having a bit formal Tree next year in the living room.
Today is last day of school here, so I am helping out with WinterCenters at Anika's school and then head over to Lars' school for his school programm at noon.
I am done baking for a while now, I made over 500 cookies 7 different kinds. And you know what there are not many left. I usually give them away. I also made Fantasy fudge, cause I can't get real fudge to settle, don't know why.
So this week, my house looks like heck, tomorrow, I'll be attacking Mount Washmore, and pick up a bit, and then on the weekend I'll be knitting. Monday and Tuesday I am doing Laundry, cleaning and packing and then on Wednesday we are heading out to Alabama for the Holidays.
Zoe is going with us, and that will be an interessting drive.
I am looking forward to this holiday season.

goody boxes...

2005-12-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the boxes I decorated to put goodies in. I usually give cookies, fudge and caramelized Almonds to friends, neighbors and teachers.

SP 6 Reveal...

2005-12-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

I got and e-mail from my Pal last night and it was Cheryl she was such a great pal. I really enjoyed this exchange. She spoiled me rotten, THANK YOU again for being such a great pal.

I gave my Pal Amy clues to who I am and she found me out. I had tons of fun shopping for her and I hope that she like what she got.

I am not sure that I'll be doing the next round, cause the Knitting Mothers list is doing an SP and I am doing that one for sure.

Ice Day...

2005-12-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

School is out, yes, they could not just delay school for a couple of hours, no they cancelled school. It is Icy on the roads, but by ten they should be fine. Current Temp here right now, is FREEZING COLD!!!! (25f) So what am I going to do today? Well bake more cookies, do laundry, hopefully get some knitting done, I am still working on Eris, and I made a quick scarf for Lars' Teacher. If I get most of my stuff done today, I need to go to Michaels and shop for a couple of things. I also need to get a certifcate for an exchange we are doing. I also need to take Anika to the Dentist today, but that's in the late afternoon so no worries about Ice. Oh and I am making fudge.

Well I took a small break, went to my neighbor to get a pan to make fudge, (I don't have a small one) and man it was cold. The grass is still frozen, and it seems not to get better, since it is overcast. Anyways, I am going to go now and do some stuff.

look what's blocking...

2005-12-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

Finally this morning I decided to block Pie are square Shawl, and it looks so pretty.

Today, I am going to bake Cookies, I usually give Christmas cookies to neighbors and friends and teachers. So I need to get going. Today I'll be making sugar cookies, and Spritz cookies.

Not so good...

2005-11-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

well I need to work hard till christmas, cause thanksgiving wasn't a good thing for me on the scale. I decided to include riding the bike, when Lars naps 3xweek, and really watch better what I eat. I am so mad to let myself just go and eat way to much food and pie.
So now that things are back to normal, Anika back to school, Steve back to work, mom and dad back in Alabama. We can work on Routines again. But I allready failed this morning. I should have walked Zoe, but nope, I stayed in bed and Steve got Anika ready for the bus and took Zoe for a walk. So I need to show a bit more will power than that.

Goals for this week:
Drink 64oz of water (i have not been doing this)
walk Zoe every day
ride the bike 3xweek

Next week I will try to work on the food issues and make goals for those.

being thankful...

2005-11-26T14:53:00.000-08:00

Had a lovely thanksgiving. My husbands parents are visiting, they came on the 18th and are leaving in the morning. Anika is enjoying her time with grandma and is allready asking about when we are going to visit them during Christmas break. I am being thankful that they are here, my husband and I got to do thing together without the kids and we really needed it. I am thankful to have them here so our kids can enjoy their grandparents.
We had a wonderful dinner, I cooked a turkey, mashed potatos, buttermilk cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, glazed rosemary carrots, a 24hrs layer salad, rolls and of course Pie. Cherry, Pecan and Pumpkin to be exact. Thanksgiving is growing on me, especially since we have kids, it's not a holiday we celebrate in Switzerland. We do have some traditions too, Anika helps set the table, and she gets the turkey leg. It is funny when she bites into it. Celebrating thanksgiving to me, is also that I am thankful to have a wonderful family and great friends here in the US, I do miss my family in Switzerland, but I am thankful for what I have here.
It's a good thing.

Thank you....

2005-11-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

I got the mail yesterday and found a really big box. And iside the box was a ton of stuff from my secret pal. She sent me, 4 Skeins of Pitter Patter Eyelash yarn by Baby Bee in Teddy Bear Ombre. Then I got a ceramic Snow man, the coolest Knitting bag, a pad with scapbooking paper, a christmas ornament and the coolest knitting book. It is called Reader's Digest Knitters Handbook. I I went thru it last night and it has some very helpful information.
Here is a picture of all the goodies I got.

Just in time...

2005-11-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

I finished my mom's Pie Are Square Shawl Tuesday night. I need to still block and weave in the ends, but the knitting is done. Which is a good thing, cause it needs to be mailed to Switzerland beginning of December. I hope she likes it. After I finally figured out how to do the edges it was a breeze, thanks to Bonnie on the mom's knitlist. I am so glad I am part of that group cause the help I get there is awesome.

I also knitted to chemo Caps, one is for Lars' Teacher, her best friend got diagnosed with breastcancer and so his teacher is cutting her hair off to support her friend. So I made them matching caps. They were red with a pink stripe in the middle, which had a ribbon pattern all the way arround. I thought it was really cool.
So today, I started on Eris for my friend. She picked Wool Ease in a cranberry color which the foto doesn't do justice. She picked that yarn, cause it is easier care than wool, which can be very important for a mom. So far it looks really good.

almost sleepy time....

2005-11-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

You Are Warm Nights by the Fire

Peaceful and romantic. The best part of fall.

What Part of Fall Are You?

I saw this over at Cathy's Blog and thought I should do this. Man I am sleepy, getting up at 6am everyday is taking it's toll, I will go to bed in just a minute.
I finished the outside edge of Pie Are square Shawl and am now working on the selvage edges. I hope to finish the knitting tomorrow. I also need to work on two Chemo Hats, and start on Eris.
Anyways, I am about to fall asleep, good night.

Weigh in... again

2005-11-04T06:46:00.000-08:00

Well as you can see no change, but I have to say I am pretty happy with this, cause we had a party on Saturday and did have a few drinks. Also Halloween, do I need to say more?
I am going to work harder this week and next week and I will try to be good during thankgiving. I also realized lately that I really stop eating when I am full. I think that is a huge step for me.

On the Knitting front:
Still working on Pie are square shawl, I am about to start the lace border, can't wait to finish it.
Also working on two Chemo hats.

Weekend, not much going on, tonight I have friends over for Raclette it's a swiss thing, and allways a lot of fun. You cook meats and veggies on top and melt the Raclette cheese on the bottom. Tomorrow I am going to a friends house to make my Christmas Cards, I have allready cut them and such, now I need to stamp and Emboss them. There is also a Chili Cookoff in the neighborhood, so we are going to have Chili for Dinner probably. Otherwise I have Pizza planned.
Well better get going.

2005-10-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

Here we are our Halloween family. We had a blast at the party. Pretty much everybody dressed up. We had the Spartan Cheerleaders, the red Pijama lady, a Monarch butterfly, the reaper, Reese Witherspoon in Legally blonde, and my favorite, my neighbor dressed up as a little old lady (he is a guy). He won the costume contest. It was a lot of fun.

Tomorrow, I am volunteering at the school.

OTN: I have 11 rows left on PAS and then I will be starting the lace border. Hopefully it will be done by the end of the week.

weith in... and plans for the weekend...

2005-10-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

So got on the scale today and I am down another lb. It is crepping off slowly. But I will get there.

This week I wanna make even better food choices.

Plans for the weekend...
Well today, I need to clean, go grocery shopping, find a coverall for my costume, bake two loafs of Onion bread, make frankenstein cup cakes and go to a carving party. I think that's it for today. Tomorrow, I need to make a big pot of chili in the morning and then keep it warm in the crockpot for the night, decorate the house for the hallweenparty, then go for a stamping event, come back home dress up, finish misc. stuff and the party starts at 5pm.
Sunday is church and nothing else.

I need to find coveralls, for my Kaylee (serenity) costume. I like the Idea of a girl Mechanic on a space ship. Steve is going as Jayne. Last year we had a blast at the party. This year we are having a costume contest for Adults and kids. I just need to remember to buy ribbons and get the gift certificates.

Anyways, better get cleaning now.

Branching out....

2005-10-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

Well I realized this morning that I was supposed to send money friday for a birthday present for Anika's teacher and totally forgot. Well good thing "Branching out" was finished except for weaving in the ends and blocking. Well I did that this morning and here is the finished product. I was making it for the Teacher's Christmas present. But this works out fine. I also made her a card to go with it, green is her favorite color.

I am plagued with Allergies not feeling well. I hope to feel better tomorrow, cause a friend of mine and I are trying to fix and old afghan for the librarian at her sons school. Lars will be staying home, cause he has gross stuff coming out of his nose. I am hoping to work on "Pies are Square" Some more tonight. Thank goodness for Steven taking Zoe to Puppy School tonight.

Weigh in...

2005-10-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here we go again, I got on the scale this morning, another 1.5 lb. gone, makes me happy.

Goals for the week.

Drink my water
walking
and watching what I eat, but I had a doughnut today.

Garage sale today was a success, I got quiet a bit of money, which means more stash enhancment for me. Woohoo.

Halloween is just around the corner...

2005-10-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Here are our Frontyard decorations for Halloween. We put them up last week and I just havent' gotten arround to post them.
Anika is going to be Raven from Teen Titans and Lars is Buzz Lightyear, they both look so cute in their costumes. We are also having a party on the 29th and I am dressing up as Kaylee from Serenity and Steve will be Jayne.

OTN: still working on Pies are square shawl, I have 22 Ribs left but with over 500 stitches that will take a while.

Wow, has it been 2 weeks...

2005-10-15T14:19:00.000-07:00

My bad, I didn't mean to wait this long to update. Ok I got pictures, I am still knitting on Pies are Square shawl and finally got it right after starting 4 times.

This bunched up thing is it.
I also knitted up a "very warm hat" by Elizabeth Zimmerman in her book "knitting around" and I think it came out fine, especially since I never knitted Fair Isle before. I also made up a pattern to use on Anika's hat that she want, she picked the colors. I made up a swatch and you can see it.

Today was crazy, we had two soccergames and also the school carneval. Now hubby is at the football game and I am looking forward to sit down and get some knitting done.
On the weightloss front, I didnt' weigh in last week but here is this weeks result. And a friend of mine and I are working together on loosing weight.

Rogue is finished...

2005-10-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Lo and behold, while Anika was at soccer today and Lars took a nap, I actually sat down and finished Rogue. It is so pretty, I sure hope my sister will like it. Eventually by next year, if my weight loss goes as planned I will knit one for myself.
Here is a picture of it.

Weigh in...

2005-10-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. I lost one lb. this week. I am happy but I could be happier.

Goals I achieved this week:
I walked everyday this week.

Goals for next week:
drinking water (I really need to work on this one)
Make better food choices
add some sort of muscle toning exercise 3x week

We will see how it goes.

OTN: I did block Rogue this week, now I hope to seam it together this weekend. I was working on my mom's shawl, but Zoe ate the needles again, I need to remember to put my knitting up. I found another pair of needles, that is close in size, but I decided to start all over again.
Branching out, the knitting is all finished, now I need to weave in the ends and then block it.

my secret Pal rocks

2005-09-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

After Stamping yesterday I came home and went to the mail box and there was a box, and it said Secret Pal on it. I opened it and look what I got.

Inside it had, #13 Bamboo knitting needles, notecards, two snowman soaps, sock shaped needle protectors, a melon scented candle and 3 balls of Andean Silk in the color Lettuce. I think I allready know what it's going to be, I think I'll make a nice shrug out of it. It is so soft.
THANK YOU SECRET PAL!!!!!!

Other things:
I went for a walk with Zoe, so far everyday, we are working on "sit" now, and puppy classes are fun.
OTN: Pie square shawl is stalled for the moment, I had to knit two "Cunning Hats" and Zoe ate my needles again, I need to remember to put my knitting up.
Branching out, I got two repeats done last night.

Weigh in...

2005-09-24T06:59:00.000-07:00

It is Saturday and I weighed in. I haven't lost any, but also haven't gained any. I am ok with that.
As for my last weeks goals. I walked everyday since monday, twice on Mo, Tue & Fri. Zoe is good for me, I take her with me and I feel guilty if I would not take her. Steve took her Wed & Thur night, cause I wasn't feeling well.
I have been drinking water just not enough. And I have been eating breakfast allmost everyday.
Goals for the coming week:

Keep walking
drinking my water
eat one fruit a day

As for Rita, we are good, it is windy here but nothing else. Thanks for everybodys concern and good thoughts.