I didn’t think of this until Deb mentioned it to me……
Once upon a time I had a Xanga blog — you can find it here:MCSMS — Sometime last year I decided I wanted to try other waters and I moved my blog to blogspot — which is the one I linked here on the side bar. I was never very comfortable with blogspot — and while I still have that blog — it makes me some money sometimes — Most of my regular blogging is back at Xanga.
Okay - but when I click on that link - I get a page requiring me to sign in. And I don’t have a Xanga acct - and I don’t want one. How can we get to you?! 
Comment by blestwithsons — February 27, 2007 @ 8:02 pm
well that is part of the reason I hadn’t posted that blog — it is Xanga locked — meaning only registered Xangan’s can read it — part of the reason I went back to Xanga because of that lock and I could ’see’ who was reading my stuff.
You can get a Xanga account and use it to only read and comment if you prefer. I see Debs is set up that way. But that is up to you……..
Ohhhhhh.
Comment by blestwithsons — February 27, 2007 @ 9:20 pm
Oh, I’d forgotten that - I set a Xanga account up so I could comment on Kimberley’s blog. And now I have my computer keep me signed in so I can just comment as and when I want!
Ok, after Tami’s comment on my last post I just had to write this post:
What’s your favourite vegetable?
And what’s your worst?
And finally, do you like a vegetable that to you is slightly unusual or uncommon, that you could share with the group for us to expand our vegetable horizons?!?!
Love vegetables… some of my fav’s:
Kohlrabi
Eggplant
Asparagus (shout out to Blest!)
Rutabagas
Brussel’s
Kale
Bok Choy
OKRA!
and the other traditional veggies. Since we are up in the north, it is SO hard to find any of the above veggies unless I head further south to visit family.
Only hated veggie, only one:
beets (gross, disgusting, nasty!)
Comment by Kat — February 27, 2007 @ 1:10 pm
While there are some veggies I have never tried, like rutabaga or kale, or turnip/mustard greens, I never met a veggie I didn’t like. To pick a favorite.. hmmm, today it is broccoli.
Worst.. dunno know.
Unusual? I love brussel’s sprouts (which has been talked about before) and I know some people think that unusual.
Comment by lady laura — February 27, 2007 @ 1:33 pm
Let’s see here…I guess I’m too stinckin’ picky on some things.
Likes: carrots
corn but it really is starchy
brocc.
cukes
green salad
RAW spinach
RAW pea pods
okra
artichoke hearts
My favorite though is green beans!
I detest:
cooked spinach
asparagus
brussel sprouts
cauliflower…it is just bland
I like broccoli, black eyed peas, raw carrots, garden tomatoes, brussels sprouts, and snow peas best. My least favorite veggies are celery (although I can eat it chopped up really fine in things)and beets as well.
Oooohhh…I forgot homegrown butter beans. They have to be homegrown or they are not any good. But if they come directly out of the garden, they are heavenly!
Let me first say that when I was in highschool my parents started a produce farm. We planted about 30,000 tomato plants (by hand)…then staked them (by hand) and picked them (by hand) — yeah I’m a little resentful still. ;o) We also had about 10 acres of sweet corn, lima beans, green beans, peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, asparagus, broccoli, red/black raspberries, you-name-it. I think I spent most of my teen years canning, planting, freezing, picking, shelling, or selling produce. Sooooo all this to say I pretty much love all vegetables. I’d like to brag to Blest that my parents have about 5 acres of asparagus and each spring I get free asparagus by the bushel. My parents aren’t farming anymore but the asparagus comes back each year. My favorites are sugar snap peas (YUM), asparagus, and homegrown sweet corn. I’ve never tried okra, kale, most greens, and the like. I’m obviously not southern. =O) I just read the comments and I have to agree with beets….YUCK!
As far as an unusual veggie….hmmmm….I really like sauteed yellow squash. Actually I pretty much like ANY squash.
Comment by Mandi — February 27, 2007 @ 4:02 pm
Bethany mentioned beets so now I have to change my answer. I detest heated beets. Chilled, they are fine, but hot out of a pan? Disgustamondo.
Comment by lady laura — February 27, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
Yum I eat…
Asparagus
Broccoli
Peppers
Tomatoes
Edamame - probably my most “unusual” choice
Beans of all varieties
Zucchini and other squashes
Radishes
Mushrooms
Brussels Sprouts
Eggplant
Carrots
Corn-on-the-cob with loads of butter and salt (okay - this one is a no no - but it sure is yummy!)
Of course, all of those are dependent on being “properly” cooked. 
I Don’t Eat
Cucumbers
Cauliflower (yet)
Beets
Okra
Peas
Corn not on the cob
Comment by blestwithsons — February 27, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
Oooooh. I forgot about cucumber!! Yum! Love it! I love okra too, but only fried, so, no more for me. 
Corn on the cob definately beats out corn not on the cob. I love cauliflower too!!
I like most vegetables. The ones we eat the most are:
broccoli
asparagus
cauliflower
brussel sprouts
sweet potatoes
swiss chard
zucchini
mushrooms
the usual peas, carrots, corn, etc.
Most vegetables palatability depends on how it is prepared. Even my favorite can be ruined when cooked to a mush or they are old, stale, etc.
My least favorite is celery.
And the newest, most unusual vegetable that we’ve had is celery root. Oddly enough, I don’t like celery (I think it is the texture), but celery root is good.
Gosh, I’m just not a big vegetable eater.
These are my favorite or the ones I’ll eat if I must:
corn
carrots
peas
lettuce
tomatoe
cucumber
cauliflower
broccoli
edamame
beans
zucchini
squash
spinach
celery
I will not eat:
beets
sweet potatoe
green beans
asparagus
eggplant
…and I could go on and on.
Comment by Cristina — February 27, 2007 @ 8:20 pm
The more I read the lists of vegetables the more I realize I just like veggies! I keep seeing veggies I love that I forgot to mention! But I’ll stop….
I’ve never considered myself a big fan of vegetables. But I guess I am. Funny that.
I can’t believe how many people eat okra. It’s gross!
I’m glad Blest agrees with me
I forgot that I DETEST mushrooms. Ugh!! Gag! Choke! I don’t think they should even be classified as a veggie….they are a fungus - plain and simple.
Comment by Mandi — February 28, 2007 @ 4:14 am
Fried okra rocks! What are you talking about. I like mushrooms too! My hubby calls me a fungus eater! 
My LEAST Favorite is: BEETS! I very politely ate them twice a day for 2 weeks while I was staying with a family in France…. BUT I HATE THEM! I would have to be on the brink of starvation to eat them again! (pumpkin runs a close second)
ahem . That being said here are my favorites:
Corn, Brocoli, Spinach, Tomatoes, All sorts of Peppers, All kinds of greens, Yams, Potatoes, Asparagus, Cucs, All squashes, zuccinni, beans (all varieties), beets, turnips, onions, garlic, & peas!
Comment by natasha25461 — February 28, 2007 @ 5:26 am
Hmm, easier to say what I don’t like: cucumber and cauliflower. I’ve never tried okra so I have no opinion. Not fussed on beetroot.
I do like aubergine (eggplant to most of you ladies), mange tout, sweetcorn, aspagarus, fennel, courgette. Mushrooms are growing on me (no, not literally, that would be gross). I used to think of them as horrid grey slimy things, but then I had wild mushrooms at a posh dinner and they actually had some taste. I’m growing rather fond of pearl barley risotto, made with dried porcini mushrooms. Yum!
I love broccoli! It is my favorite. Mushrooms, artichokes, spinach (raw,and the way I cook it), tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers
I hate peas, avocados, cauliflower, okra
Unusual foods I like would be spaghetti squash
My absolute favorite vegetable is FRESH corn on the cob, picked at my uncle’s farm, right at the peak of the season. Oh, yummmmmm. He grows Illini Super sweet and it’s the absolute best.
Thankfully it spoils me for most corn on the cob, so I just don’t eat it unless I’m near there.
My every-day favorite would be broccoli.
I eat most veggies, would try everything with one exception. I will never try brussel sprouts again. I just can not handle the feel of it. I don’t know why. But that’s the way it is.
I’m not fond of a lot of them, and I’ll only eat okra, beets, heart of palm, or mushrooms if I can’t avoid them politely in company.
One food I wonder why I would not eat in childhood was cauliflower. It now ranks second to broccoli. I love making mashed cauliflower or fried cauliflower and onion - it gives me what I am craving with potatoes, but not the big problem that potatoes are for me.
Comment by Tracy — March 1, 2007 @ 9:03 am
This week’s challenge is Fun in the Kitchen! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to try a new healthy recipe. It can be one off this site that you always meant to sample, or from a cookbook, website, magazine… Or just made up in your creative head! But it has to be a recipe you have never had before. Make it, eat it, write about it…and if it’s yummy, share it with us!!
Go forth and cook!
Oh this challenge is right up my street. I’ve been having great fun trawling for new recipes to try. If you’re a south beach-er and haven’t checked out Kalyn’s Kitchen (see our sidebar under resources) go over and check it out. We’ve already found lots of things to try from over there.
Hmm, Blest I think my challenge will be limiting myself! Although I don’t actually have to limit myself to one I guess, just so long as I don’t go on about it too much!
Oh, do we have to write a post about like the exercise challenge? (I plan to write one, but I guess everyone needs to right? Otherwise we won’t know what they tried etc etc).
Ok, gonna stop talking now!
I already know what I am doing!! I have been meaning to try a wheat pizza crust. I found one on allrecipes but if anyone (hint hint Leann) has one (that I could make in my bread machine) I would be very grateful!!! Just email me the recipe jeffsmandi AT yahoo DOT com.
Comment by Mandi — February 27, 2007 @ 9:45 am
Yeah! I’m on it!
I’ve got this one in the bag! I already had 3 meals planned out for this week of stuff we have never tried. I’ve been bored and started searching through cookbooks the other day.
Yay! Right up my street. I love trying out new recipes.
Oh how fun! While making out the menu this week I realized that I have never made “mystery dish” before (trying to keep it a surprise, heh).
Comment by Kat — February 27, 2007 @ 10:28 am
Me and my Dad are cooking a new recipe right now 
You’ll have to wait and see whether this one gets to be THE recipe I report back with
Doh! My menu is made out for the week and nothing “new” is on it. Guess it’s time to do some rearranging, eh?
Comment by lady laura — February 27, 2007 @ 11:35 am
Awesome…I can do this! I guess it’s time to try something new!
Comment by Cristina — February 27, 2007 @ 12:00 pm
Oh, yay, I already had one planned for tonight! Fiesta stuffed peppers! I’ll report back tomorrow
This is awesome!! I have several I was going to try out for a party this weekend!! I might try a new one this week with my family as well. They are getting used to me trying new things out a bit!
Mandi - please let me know what you think of the ww pizza crust. I had a moment of grieving today as I realized I have come to know the end of pizza
Blest this is great! I am gonna try out your oatmeal muffins this week. Yea! Muffins!
mmmm! i might try the lentil tacos
Comment by anne — February 27, 2007 @ 4:46 pm
Mmmmm! I made Blest’s Oatmeal Muffins this week!Let me tell ya, her advice to freeze them has been a life saver! No sooner had they cooled enough for me to pick up, I had scarfed up two of them. I quickly turned on the exhaust fan to try and cool them a little more, shoved them in a douple-ply freezer bag and tossed them in the freezer. Further temptation averted!
Today my workout involved lots and lots of crawling around on my hands and knees, squeezing through and round small spaces, and every so often lifting 30 pounds. Can you guess what I was doing?!
I took the little one to Kid’s Korner, an indoor soft play place, (which I’ve been to once before with a different ‘little one’ and have a picture I took looking down the very steep slide. See here for that picture. It is a very steep slide, but we went down it at least five times today!) And boy, were we both shattered. We were in there climbing up and down and all around for near on two hours. That must have burnt a few calories!
We did one of those when we were home for the holidays! I was too busy having a row with my husband to play much -but when I went through the soft obstacle course a few times, I was shaking! That’s quite a workout!! And the big slide totally rocked!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 27, 2007 @ 9:18 am
Debs - GREAT workout! I have a friend who says when she wants a REALLY good workout she will follow her 4 year old all through the house/outside imitating him for a few hours… I’m sure you burned tons of calories!
Comment by Kat — February 27, 2007 @ 10:27 am
I knew it as soon as I read that description! Little children can give you a great workout. And it’s so much fun too.
I think I am one of the last people to actually post my picture. The only reason I am posting is because I was at a birthday party this weekend and my friend took a bunch of pictures. She emailed them today so I can FINALLY post a picture. I’m sorry that it is not a full body shot. My husband swears that he will load those on the computer soon (like I said earlier I think he finally fixed our computer issues….so I’ll keep my fingers crossed). But here I am…
Hi Mandi!! You’re face just screams at me that you are a fun person!!
Hi Mandi! Good to see you
You are ADORABLE!!!!!!!!
Too stinkin’ cute!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 26, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
I agree with Mandi, you look like the type of person that has a very bubbly attitude!
Comment by Cristina — February 26, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
Great hair! Actually, I don’t think I’ve posted a picture. I hadn’t thought about it. Are we supposed to do that?
Lamentations 3:22-25
The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
”Therefore I have hope in Him.”
The LORD is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
Good Morning Ladies!!! Every day is a new day - isn’t it marvelous?! Let’s praise the Lord in our weigh in today. In addition to leaving your numbers, write something that you are praising Him for in the comments!
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Thought I would pull a sts despite my b-day celebration but AF showed early and I’m up 6.2 this week…nice. Anyway - will get rid of the bloat and hopefully be back under 200 next week.
330/308/150
down 2 lbs this week. I am praising the Lord for strength. Trying new workouts last week, was hard and my body hurt but everyday I prayed for strength and recieved it in abundance.
I am down .5 this week so 151/143/132 for my stats.
I am praising the Lord for sunshine after a rainy, cold weekend, fresh coffee after a night of cat’s bawling in my face, email with which to finalize plans for the women’s retreat, my handsome son, the fellowship of believers, and a church that preaches the Word of God.
Comment by lady laura — February 26, 2007 @ 7:10 am |Edit This
144.4/137.2/124
Down 2.6 pounds!! Granted, I had a 1 pound gain last week. I guess doing some sort of exercise most days of the week actually makes a big difference
147/136/130
Down 1 pound. These last 3 weeks have been a nice trend.
Praising God for a great time skiing on Saturday… and his faithfulness… and this weight loss journey. I never thought I would be able to do this. My husband even told me this weekend that he is proud of me. That felt good.
333.8/325.0/150
Loss… 4.4
210 / 173.2 / 140 - I’m down 1.6 this week. I’m praising the Lord for my sweet husband. He has been going through some really tough stuff lately. This week he went out and bought candles for our bedroom (they were the kind we used to light when we were dating) and we started doing intimacy exercises. Every night we pray together, then we pick 2 feelings and share when we recently felt that feeling….then when was the first time we remember feeling that feeling (you can’t use your spouse when talking about your feeling though). Then finally we share 2 nurturing and praising statements. I tell Jeff something I love about him and then he says “thank you” and then he goes and we repeat.
239.8/237.8/200
Down 2lbs
I’m praising the Lord for giving me strength last week in sticking with the weight loss journey, for my wonderful husband, beautiful daughter and all our family and friends.
Comment by Cristina — February 26, 2007 @ 7:47 am |Edit This
I am praising God today for the gift of life, for being surrounded by supportive, loving friends and family, and for the fact that it’s only barely snowing right now since I have to go out in it.
198/191/140. Down another 2 pounds! I am thankful that I can have a fruit and a carb today! My mom goes back to TX on Wednesday. I am so grateful for having her to myself for 3 weeks, for all her help in my home, for glamming up together to watch the Oscar’s, and especially that she has not had a cigarette in 3 weeks! My mom rocks!
212/189/145…up 1 pound!
I’m not beating myself up about it but am discouraged. I am on some meds though that they said might make loosing weight difficult and I’m in Blair’s company with bloating AND I have been taking cold meds for a few days now. Did you ever see on there that if you are on a low sodium diet then you should consult your doc before taking?
I am so thankful for the Lord’s promise that he is with us always. At times I feel like giving up this journey but I know that God is with me and will help me push through if I allow him too.
200/180/160. Down 2.2lb. Hooray, I’ve reached my first short term goal and I’m halfway to my long term goal, in weight, though not in time.
I’m praising God for all the little things that made me happy this weekend like wholewheat blueberry muffins, trying on pretty dresses and buying new clothes.
My praise:
Looking at the fresh blanket of snow (an extra 15 inches, on top of the foot we already had), it reminded me of God’s redeeming love, covering our sin and yuckiness. Just like the new snow covers the dirty snow. I’m so thankful for God’s love!
210/180.2/160
Down 3.4 pounds this week!
I am praising God for my wonderful family, who took care of me while I was sick last week.
215/210.8/150
Down 1.2 this week.
And I am praising God for His HEALING! I’m finally over my allergic reaction, and on top of that, I think my ankle is finally fully healed and I can start going full-out on exercise again. Yay!
275.5/270.5/up? down? - no clue really!
I’ve been vacationing and without power/internet for 3 days. I’m praising the Lord for supplying all my needs - despite the power outage, we were never cold due to use of our fireplace and we had enough food in the house to keep us fed.
I fear I may be developing diabetes based on glucose readings throughout the day - time to reclaim my health! I will not accept being diabetic! Off to search for what to eat on a diabetic diet….
Comment by Christy L. — February 26, 2007 @ 8:38 am |Edit This
221/205/160
Down 1 pound! Yay!
I praise the Lord for His mercies that are new every morning and my wonderful encouraging husband and 7 healthy children. God is so good.
212.8/155.8/135
Up One. Grrrrrr. I know it has to be fluid. Got that female thing going on and my tummy is “poochy”. Basically, when I look like I’m in my first trimester, I’m retaining fluid. (is that true for you guys too? Does it tend to go on your tummy?) But I’m still annoyed. Ah well. Lots and lots of water today….
I praise God for sunshine - and all kinds of weather. For music. For arms and legs and eyes and ears that work!!! For my friend Heidi who is in His hand and is still alive and seems to know what’s happening around her. For my wonderful church where the Word is preached. For a fabulous unexpected date with my hubby last night!! For laughter! For the urge to exercise! Oh Father in Heaven you are GLORIOUS and we Praise YOU!!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 26, 2007 @ 9:45 am |Edit This
126/127/110
No change from last week - still up a pound. I am thankful for being alive, for Him providing for us, and for my fabulous family.
Comment by natasha25461 — February 26, 2007 @ 9:59 am |Edit This
I was in such a hurry this morning (running behind) that I forgot to post what I’m praising the Lord for….
Erik’s job, slowly crawling out of debt, children, unconditional love…
Also, my great grandfather passed away the day before my birthday (I was unable to attend his funeral yesterday) - please keep my family in your prayers as they process their grief. My great grandmother is still living (now the last of my “greats”).
I am praising God for a sense of humour…
My scales seem to have gone mad. In the past there have been some days when you have to maybe weigh yourself 2 or 3 times and check you get the same numbers each time, and then occasionally you have to step on and off more like 4 or 5 times. Today I stepped on more like 20 times, because there just didn’t seem to be any consistancy!
So I know that I’m down, and I’m going for 264.8 as my reading for today since that was probably the number that came up most, but so did 265.8 and 263.8, so 264.8 seems to me to be a good average! I haven’t weighed myself for a couple of days either, so I can’t go on that. I think it might be getting time for a new battery, and maybe to ban anyone else from using it (I’ll make my Mum get her own!) in the hope that it will be less confused!
Um, so if I take 264.8 that’s
294/264.8/260 (short term goal).
Last week I was 267.4, so that’s 2.6 down (maybe! )
Debs…. mad scale disease? hee hee
Ladies, it was so uplifting reading everyone’s praises… praising along with you!
163/150/140 (or somewhere between 135 and 140 is my goal)
I have been holding at 150 for three whole weeks. I have also been very ill so no exercise. I am not doing the challenge just ’cause I have not been able to shake all this illness since November and I need to just get well and get past allergy season before I feel good enough to really do some damage. I am gardening and doing small things like dance pad and playing with the kiddos. I am thankful for new mercies EVERY SINGLE MORNING!!!!!!!!
220/190.4/175 No change so a little discouraged but hey its not going up. And see Debs comments about the scales. They have seemed a little mad lately giving wildly varying readings. I really can’t see why she should ban me from using them though. Can’t get the logic of that one.
Today I am praising GOd for the weather (beautiful sunshine and I got the washing dry) and for loving me whatever. Actually several things frustrated me today and I could feel myself getting crosser but then I remebered that somtimes we need the challenges to train us how to react. If life was all plain sailing how would God develop our characters.
Well done everyone even if you went up this week. Remember God loves you even though he knows all about you and me. He knows when we cheat but also when everything seems against us despite our best efforts. I am glad that I am loved by a God like that, aren’t you.
About the scales thing - it’s just Debs’ logic. I’m trying to think like the scales so see why they’re going weird. I’ll let you all know how it goes!
Oh, and just a special Woo-Hoo to Kat for being down loads this week. (and lots of others of you, but Kat’s caught my eye!)
And Blair, I’m thinking of and praying for you and your family. And I’m sure you’ll have lost all that weight again by next week
264/253.2/130 (250)
No change whatsoever.
My praise is that I was able to go to Curves 3 times this past week. I am hoping to continue that trend.
Also praising God for the SUN. I am loving the advent of spring here (I live in the South, and it comes a bit earlier than where I used to live upNorth, and it’s so nice to feel some warmth again).
Okay I am a week behind — but that is okay — I WILL catch up!
174/168/125 — I only gained 8 pounds back during my lull — which is great I thought it was more than that. I am back on track with my eating and getting there with my water. Exercise is next on my list!
216/193/145
Down 4 pounds
Talk about wacked out scales….I have you all beat!! On Thursday night I weighed 190. On Friday morning I weighed 188 (boy was I psyched!!) Then Saturday morning I weighed 199!! Then I went down to about 197 Saturday night, 196 Sunday, and today 194. Is that nuts or what? And, for no reason in particular. No AF. No cheating. No starving myself. I don’t get it. But at least I lost some. Finally!
Woo Hoo to all you ladies who lost and exercised hard this week! Weigh to go!
Praising him for great online buddies, beautiful weather, sweet babies, silly kids, and a loving husband!
193/189/155
Ok girls I hope I did this right. Starting weight, weight I am now and goal weight.
So I’m down 4.
So many things I’m thankful for. I’ll just list a few. I have hands down the most beautiful family!! I have a home with the bills paid and food for all those beautiful people running wild in it. Oh My God is sooo good, and yes praise Him, His mercy is new every morning!
Comment by Katherine — February 26, 2007 @ 10:37 pm |Edit This
Well…I don’t know about the “most” beautiful - but I can vouch for her. Her family is awfully good lookin’! 
(It’s cause their mama is so purty, but don’t tell her that!)
Comment by blestwithsons — February 26, 2007 @ 11:25 pm |Edit This
This post is from Katherine - who squeaked it in under the wire at 11:39 last night!
The first challenge … This week I tried Tae-Bo for the first time. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. It was a nice addition to working out. I think I’ll continue with it by doing my Walk Away The Pounds 2-mile and then do the Tae-Bo on Monday,Wednesday and Friday. Then I’ll do just the 3-mile Walk on Tuesday and Thursday. I’ll give that a try this week and see how it goes.
I noticed the link to walk away the pounds on the side bar yesterday and took a look, but was wondering if someone could tell me a bit more about it and what it’s like and stuff like that, so your post came at just the right time!
Welcome by the way - I don’t remember seeing your name around before, but that’s really cool. It’s great to have you join us for this challenge
Yay Katherine! Shake your tae-booty!!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 26, 2007 @ 2:34 pm
I was looking along our video shelves for an exercise video, but apparently neither I nor my housemates own one. Instead, my eye lighted upon a bunch of musicals. Aha! An idea was born. Treat a musical as if it were an exercise video. Fast forward from dance routine to dance routine and try to copy the steps. So I waited until my housemates were out, closed the curtains and put on Singin’ in the Rain. I had a great time! It’s quite hard trying to copy fast tap routines on sight in bare feet, and much of the time I ended up just dancing around the room, making up my own steps. I didn’t get all the way through. By the pas de deux in the Broadway Rhythm ballet section, I was exhausted. It was good fun though, if a little unpredictable.
What a creative solution to get some exercise! Way to go Bekki.
That’s a great idea! Maybe I’ll try it with Fiddler on the Roof! Or Thoroughly Modern Millie - I can learn the Tapioca!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 26, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
I started up with Curves again this week, and managed to get there 3 times. But since I’ve been a member of Curves before, and I had to try something NEW for this week, I thought - a-ha! We have that tape - the one that we got as a gag gift at our 40th birthday party last year…
Big mistake.
I had a few chances to rethink this decision. The first was when I dug it out of the video drawer. It’s an old workout tape, entitled Abs, abs, abs. Given that my abs are among the weakest area in my entire body, I should have run away first.
But no, I thought - I can at least try it.
Then I saw the woman starring in this. Her name is Tamilee - and she was quite in shape and showing every muscle. Not a good idea.
But no, I thought - I can at least try it.
Then we had the warmup. She explained that there would be levels within the workout. A-ha - I’ll do the beginner stuff only and I’ll be fine, I thought.
Right.
I barely survived the warmup. I am in pitiful shape. It did remind me that I do like aerobics. But I need something that isn’t quite as… aggressive.
Then it came time for the first set of abs exercises.
Ouch.
I barely made it through the beginner stuff. And laid there wishing for the workout to end.
During the second round of exercises, I finally wised up and listened to my body. This is too advanced for me, even at the beginner stuff.
I plan to go to the library and get an aerobic tape - something that I have more of a chance with. I enjoyed trying something, and only wish that I could have completed it. But then, if I could do it completely well, and had a body like hers already - well, then I wouldn’t need to lose half my weight, would I?
But now I have written about my inepititude and inability to complete this, so I hope it counts anyway. And if at first you don’t succeed - try try again.
And the moral of this story is to be more careful than I was in choosing what you will try!
Tracy…way to go, I had such a hard time too last week with a new workout and was barley making it trough the “easy” stuff. But you gave it your all and that is what counts. Before you know it you will be breezing through.
Comment by Kellie — February 26, 2007 @ 10:06 am
Tracy, I applaud your efforts!!!! Now be careful! But seriously, be proud of yourself for stepping out and trying that tape!!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 26, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
I have been having jeans, ummm…let’s say, issues. My jeans I bought after Rebekah was born are waaaaaay to big. Like, I can put them on and take them off without undoing the zipper or button. My pre-pregnancy jeans were just a bit too tight…but I knew it wouldn’t be long before I could get into them.
Well, the “fat” jeans were just not working anymore. It was indecent to wear them. My husband was having to adjust my (rather long) shirts constantly when I had them on. So tonight I decided to try on my old blue jeans.
Guess what??? They fit. Fantastically! I can bend over and you can’t even get a teensy peek at my unmentionables. Which, I must say, is a rather good thing for a mother trying to instill modesty in her children. Yep. It’s good.
Plus, hellllllo! My pre-pregnancy jeans! YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!
(FYI…I’m not content in my pre-pregnancy jeans…unless we are talking about my first pre-pregnancy jeans. I still have a long way to go!)
CONGRATS!! now just get ready for many more successes like this
Comment by anne — February 25, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
Hooray! Well done Bethany!
WOOHOOO!!!!!!! Those pre-first-pregnancy jeans won’t be too far off!
Yay Bethany, that’s so cool
I’ve been having jeans issues too. I’d got so used to wearing loose, falling down jeans that putting on the new ones I’d finally managed to find felt really odd. However I wore them to work today, and they felt really nice, so I think I’m over my new clothes phobia (at least till the next thing I buy!)
Go Bethany, Go Bethany! GO GO Go Bethany!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 26, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
I finally got around to doing my new exercise! I was going to do it several times this week but was having technical difficulties with my VHS player. I couldn’t figure out how to unhook the DVD player and get the VHS hooked up. Sheesh. I’m a dingbat.
Anyway, I got my husband to fix it up for me and I did the Tae Bo, Basic Workout today. I’ve actually done Tae Bo before (that’s where the VHS tape came from) but it has been years!!
I really enjoyed it. Punching and kicking really suits me better than aerobics. I’m having a bit of balance issues with some of the kicks…especially when I’m tired at the end of the video. I am pretty sure I’ll be incorporating this into an everyday routine. It’s only 27 minutes long, so I can even do it while dinner cooks or the kids take baths. Or after bedtime.
I’ve also added a bit of ab work to my exercise. Mainly just some crunches (100 per day) and some pelvic thrusts (?). I’m not sure what they are called but they burn and that’s got to be a good thing. Still have to do those for today. But I did jog two laps around our pond and walk eight laps!
I even did 80 stair thingies! (Technical term there, sorry.) I also hope to do these each day. It’s just stepping up and down off the bottom stair x amount of times. I really want to get to where I’m doing 100 of these a day. I used to do them in weight lifting class and they are a great leg work-out. And it doesn’t take long at all!
So, I have done my new exercise! Am I the last?
Hey I might try those stair thingies not today though off to bed now. It is earlyish for me 9.50pm but an early start tomorrow as I teach at 8 am
Well done Bethany, thought I was the last.
Comment by elly — February 25, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
step-ups? I need to get back to doing them - I was alternating them with skipping.
We’re the Tae Babes!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 26, 2007 @ 2:38 pm
Oh yeah. It’s fun. Gotta go do todays!! (Dinner is on!)
Well I have decided that is the problem with me just too lazy. Anyway thanks to Debs’ encouragement I have tackled something new. Its a Latino dance tape with this slim dark lithe dancer called Lola or is it Lila? Debs has all the details.
The warm up was good, nice and slow and I mostly could follow along. Then the salsa bit. Well! Getting the feet in the right place is bad enough but trying to cordinate arms with it is a real challenge. I suppose it might be better next time. Debs did this bit on her own then came back to do it with me. This was hilarious as there isn’t loads of room in our house so if we moved to different sides we collided. And both of us bashed the light shade at times. We are both 6 footers so need space upwards as well as sideways.
Then we went on to cha-cha-cha. I think i can do the basic step but then I get confused by the moving to the side. At the end of this session after much laughter I called it a day. I fell so tired now. Not that anything aches but I could just curl up and go to sleep. Unfortunately I now have to look at a grant application whch has to be in by tomorrow and supply relevant financial details ( I am treasurer for the local dyslexia association).
Any way I did it. Tried something new and I am going to try the little things this week in the hope that they will add up to big things eventually. Thanks for the encouragement Anne.
You can do it!! You could always make a goal to do a workout like this one once a week, too…. (gentle nudge)
I personally am trying to add things like this into my routine, because while I’m starting to work out more, I’m not getting my heart rate up into a “cardiovascular” regime. I’m living in the “fat-burning” regime, which is fine and all, but isn’t doing too much for my heart. And a healthy, happy heart is important
Comment by Anne — February 25, 2007 @ 1:15 pm
Way to go Elly! I’m proud of you…and your title had me laughing my head off! That video sounds fun!!
And laughter is good for the ole abdominals, doncha know. Face muscles too.
Comment by lady laura — February 25, 2007 @ 5:17 pm
Excuse me if any of this doesn’t make sense, but I’ve just finished my new thing workout for this week’s challenge. It’s been a really busy week, which is why I haven’t got round to doing this until now (I have to admit I only bought the DVD today, which is terrible, but it was literally the first moment I could get out to a shop).
I bought this DVD, Latina Size, which is a done by Lilia ’something’ (it doesn’t seem to say on the box) who we in the UK have seen featured in Strictly Come Dancing which had celebrities paired up with professionals battling it out each week, with a couple being eliminated every week. Anyway, I’d decided that it would be fun to do some sort of dance workout as so many of you have been recommending them, and this was pretty much the only one I could find (in fact they only had 2 fitness DVDs in the shop!).
I did the warm up and then the simply salsa workout which focuses on your hips, waist and tum. I had great fun, but I can safely say I wasn’t doing exactly what Lilia was doing about 90% of the time! Ok, so she did have two dancers at the back who were doing a simpler version and I could probably follow them for over the half the time, and when I couldn’t I did a bit of a jog on the spot, or repeated the moves that I had got.
I will try this again, but I’m beginning to wonder if my seeming inability to get my feet to do what I’m trying to tell them to do may be an insolvable problem when it comes to dance workouts! The way I see it is, I was moving my body while the DVD was on (even if not exactly in the right way!) and that’s gotta be a good thing right?
On the plus side, I discovered that the jogging bottoms (think you guys would call them sweats) I got while doing my teacher training course a year and a half ago are now falling down a lot, even when you pull the cord up really tight (I’d got them when I needed some new decent ones for when we were learning to take, and taking PE lessons). Sorry, that sentence had too many brackets, but I’m too worn out to correct them.
Oh, and I did it two times, with my Mum joining in the second time (and with 100 skips inbetween). That’ll be why I feel bathed in sweat!
Lilia Kopylova isher name. looks scary!! I want to try. You’l have to let me when i come home, its sounds mad.
Comment by HP — February 25, 2007 @ 11:26 am
Woo Hoo! Go Debs!
Tee hee! That sounds like fun! Good going Debs!
“Lentils are rich in B vitamins, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus and magnesium….. When paired with whole grains like rice or barley, lentils form a complete protein.”
“For a tasty main dish, mix cooked lentils with cooked rice, and add your favorite spices. This entree should be served alongside cooked vegetables to make a balanced meal.”
From Experience Life magazine
What I particularly like about lentils is how fast they cook for a dried bean. No pre-soaking required, just 20 or so minutes of simmering, and they are ready. And oh, so cheap too. Cheap is good–the more money to be spent on veggies and fruits! They are also a great substitute for meat in tacos and chili.
I just tried lentils for the first time this week!! They are yummy
Blest, maybe that could be another challenge, to try a new fruit/veggie/whole grain/lean meat that we’ve never eaten before?
Comment by Anne — February 24, 2007 @ 4:58 pm
Also, how long are cooked lentils good in the fridge? 2 days? 4? a week?
Thanks! I appreciate it…
Comment by Anne — February 24, 2007 @ 5:01 pm
Have you seen my recipe for lentil tacos? (also known as Leann’s - she got it from me and then adapted it) It’s 3/4 C lentils ; 1/2 cup brown rice ; three cups water; 1 pkg taco seasoning. Mix in covered casserole dish, cover and bake at 300 degrees for 100 minutes. Eat like you would eat tacos.
My fave was always to have it in a bowl topped with cheese, salsa, and sour cream - eaten with tortilla chips.
If I made it now, I would make my own seasoning (packaged has MSG which is actually a sugar) and eat it with a spoon. Or I would put it in a whole wheat tortilla and eat it like a soft taco.
Comment by blestwithsons — February 24, 2007 @ 5:06 pm
That comment was meant for Anne, Laura. I know you know about the lentil tacos!
And Anne - I had thought of that. Patience, young Jedi!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 24, 2007 @ 5:07 pm
Blest, yeah… I have seen your recipe. I haven’t tried it yet but maybe I will this week! That has to cook for such a long time, though…
Comment by Anne — February 24, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
So make it tomorrow and you can munch on it all week!
Comment by blestwithsons — February 24, 2007 @ 5:39 pm
Anne–cooked lentils should be good for 3-4 days in the fridge, and up to six months in the freezer.
Comment by lady laura — February 24, 2007 @ 5:46 pm
LL, thanks!!
Comment by Anne — February 24, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
Have any of you tried the whole grain tortilla chips? It would probably be good with that recipe…that I haven’t tried. Might have to do that!
The lentil taco recipe is great (and easy) made in the crockpot, too! It also freezes pretty well if you have leftovers that you won’t be using right away. I like it over greens to make a taco salad. DD (21 months) loves it, too!
Comment by Lorri — February 25, 2007 @ 1:10 pm
OH YEAH!!!!!
Comment by Kellie — February 28, 2007 @ 4:31 pm
Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Cristina — February 28, 2007 @ 4:58 pm