Six Flags

Six Flags Magic Mountain had a Mormon Family Fun day this past Saturday. It was announced at church and since the tickets were over half off we decided to go. Sam's sister and her husband went with us. We should have known that on a discount day that was also a Saturday that it would be packed. We were there from 10am to 8pm and rode a total of seven rides! Each ride had about an hour wait. We rode five roller coasters and two water rides.

X2 was five dimensional so we were spinning every directions and at one point went through two huge flames! It was pretty awesome and the scariest coaster I've ever been on!

Then Tatsu...the whole ride was upside down and backwards. Everything was strapped down all the way to our ankles! It was the closest to death I have ever come! In the beginning some thing was wrong so we kept getting lifted upside down then right side up again. Being upside down for that long made me really sick! When we were done everyone was chanting, "One more time" to which I screamed, "Let me off!" I thought I was going to puke!

Terminator Salvation was an old school coaster that didn't have a loop. It was scary because it was made of wood and rickety. Plus, we saw a live mouse in the scenery during the wait so I was concerned about the upkeep.

Riddler's Revenge was one that you are standing. It was ok but it really tossed your head back and forth which made me have a head ache.

Goliath has the biggest hill I have ever seen! It was fast and my favorite! I love a roller coaster that is fast and doesn't make me sick!

Roarin Rapids is one of my fav water rides. I usually don't get too wet and it is totally unpredictable. Some seats get soaked and some only splashed. I picked the wrong seat. Sam and I got so soaked that everyone else was laughing at us. The water in inside the boat was almost up to our knees! My brother in law was laughing so hard that it made me laugh so hard I may have peed a little! :)

Tidal Wave was the big boat that just goes down a big drop. You really don't get wet unless you stand on the bridge after...which I did because I was already wet so why not.

I didn't get many chances to take pictures since we were in line most of the day. I would have bought one of the shots from the rides but I seriously looked like I was in pain for each one of them. Sam and I decided we absolutely have to go on diets before we ever go back. The two of us riding together was so funny. Amusment parks are a great place to people watch. Wow, I felt like I was in the world's largest trailor park! Some of the gems I saw made me laugh and other's embarrassed me. I always get slightly emabarrassed when I see other chumby people wearing stuff they should not. I did laugh at a fat guy wearing a shirt that said "Gordos do it better." The muffin tops were in abundance! I saw a chick in heels that I wanted to punch! I saw pretty feet, ugly feet, and gross feet! I had a lot of fun and it was really nice to spend the day with Sam. If I am being honest though I just wanted the day to be over because I missed Sammy so much it was ridiculous!

Motivation Roller Coaster

I have been on millions of diets. I am one of those, "I'll start again on Monday" people. Back in March I had a break through and I started walking every single day and counting my calories. I was on the top of a huge hill in my motivation roller coaster. I lost ten pounds that month! Since then it has been a steady downhill slide.

I had a dream that I was a runner! I was on a shady path and there was a breeze. It felt amazing! I started doing the couch to 5K plan and I was pumped. Everything was going great and each time I completed a day I felt so proud. Last week, which was week 3, my knees started to be a little sore. Now it hurts to squat or crawl on the floor. I squatted down to get something out of a low cabinet and I could not get back up! Sammy has a play fort and I like to get down there and crawl and play around with him. Now it really hurts to do this.

Today reality smacked me in the face, my weight is keeping me from doing the things I want to do. I hate that! I am not going to be able to continue to run with my knees hurting like this. I am going to go to the doctor and get an exercise plan that will work for me. My motivation roller coaster has come to a complete stop. I am really discouraged!

Blah!

It's just like riding a bike...Fat Girl Triumphs

Two weeks ago I had one of those life changing moments. Those moments that need to happen before you can actually stick to a diet or reach a goal. I set some small goals. I wanted to count my calories and walk at least 3 times a week. Since that day I have walked every day and stayed under the calories I set for myself. I have also been doing The Biggest Loser workout dvds. My scale is driving me nuts. I lost a pound, gained three, lost three, lost two, gained two, and then lost three. There are days I want to hurl it out the window. Today when I put on my belt I comfortably pulled it to the pre-pregnancy notch so that was a highlight!

I really wanted to get a bike because I always loved riding a bike when I was younger. Sam said I should get myself one but we really didn't have a way to get it home. I got sick of waiting and told him to drop me off and I would ride it home. He scoffed at my plan. He didn't think I would make it and if I did it would take me three hours. Still I was determined! He asked how long it had been since I had rode a bike. It has been over ten years but you know the saying, "It's just like riding a bike." You never forget...right?

Sort of...

I got on the bike as Sam drove away and struggled as my legs were trying to remember how to get going. It was because of this awkwardness that I decided to walk it when I had to cross at an intersection. I am sure the drivers were thinking, "Hey fatty, it goes a lot faster if you ride the bike!" I was not about to wobble in front of all of them. Even though I can laugh at myself and love making others laugh. This laugh could also involve an injury so I opted against it.

Five minutes into the ride I was going slightly uphill I thought Sam may have been right. I huffed and I puffed and I kept going. 25 minutes and 7 miles later I knocked on the door. Sam was shocked! He couldn't believe I made it and did it so quickly. I am sure for smaller folks that ride would have been no sweat...for me it was a big deal. I felt so good that I took it for another ride on the bike path at the park. That didn't last long because bicycle seats aren't too friendly to a person with a voluminous tush such as I. I am already sore and I am sure it'll feel worse tomorrow.

When I got home for the second time the Mace I ordered had arrived. I am armed and dangerous! Hell on wheels! Watch out psychos that hang out at the park to scare me the Ragin Cajun in on patrol! Keeping the parks safe for her fellow ladies!

Jeanie Versus Exercise

The last time I got super pumped about exercising I waged a battle with the beast my husband calls "Bowflex." Here's a link to the blog if you'd like to remember when I bravely fought but ultimately lost that battle.

Evil, thy name is Bowflex!

Yesterday I decided I was tired of sitting around waiting for the right time to start exercising. I put the leash on Flojo and turned up my "Get Psyched" mix and was out the door. Sam was home with Sammy so I went to check out the two parks near our complex. Both had walking trails and one had a two lane bike path. Awesome! I was stoked!

Woke up this morning and was still determined to do this so I fed and changed Sammy. I got dressed. Put Sammy in the stroller and Flojo on the leash and headed out. The sun was out but it wasn't hot and the "Get Psyched" mix was helping me walk at a fast pace. I thought to myself that I should text Sam and let him know which park I was going to...to be safe. Then I scolded myself for reading too many abduction stories and making myself paranoid. I text Sam and a friend who is being my diet buddy just to say I was starting my walk. I walked to the park that was next to the Elementary school cause for some reason I thought it might be safer. Maybe I would see other Moms there. Once I got there I located the walking path and pulled one earphone out since I noticed Sammy was no longer asleep. I am walking along and I see a few picnic tables on the left of the trail. There was a man with a bookbag and notebook sitting there. Once I got closer he said, "Hey puppy." I looked at him and said, "Hello." I kept walking when I heard him shout, "HEY!" He said something else but it didn't completely register. I stopped and leaned towards him and pulled out my other earphone. Looking me straight in the eyes he said, "You might die today." I asked, "What?" Again he said but louder, "You might die today!"

I looked ahead to the path...it was sort of woodsy. I voice in my head said, "Turn around immediately and go home." I turned around and walked as fast as I could away from the man. As soon as I was back in the main park area I called Sam at work. I was bawling. It really freaked me out! Now that I am at home and have calmed down I feel better but everytime someone walks past the window I get a little scared. I called the police and they got a description so they could go and check out the park. The dispatcher sounded so serious and wanted to send an officer to meet me but I was already almost home. She said, "If you see him again anywhere or you ever feel uneasy call 911 right away."

That is what I get for trying to exercise. Geez! It may be safer to just stay fat! The plan now is to go get some pepperspray and buy a bike. I really wish I knew self defense or how to fight so if someone tried something I could beat the crap out of him! I am a long way from a healthy weight but if I ever get there I am going to take a kickboxing class or something. LOL

Final Inning!

Well, I never thought November would get here! Here it is the last week of October. I am 36 weeks pregnant and ready for to meet this little guy. I have the car seat installed, the hospital bag packed, and his room is all ready for him to come home. My insurance problems have basically been a nightmare so here I am at nine months switching to a new doctor who cannot see me until November 3rd. I haven't been to the doctor in 3 weeks but I am keeping track of all the times I feel the baby move. According to my book he should be turned by now and in position. I really want to go to the doctor just to make sure that he is ready to come or to figure out what can be done to get him ready. I hope y'all will keep me in your prayers during these last few weeks. I hope all my questions haven't driven you guys too crazy. Hopefully, one day I will have someone asking me so I can return the favor. Sam and I are so excited and nervous. Everyone asks us if we are ready and I guess we are as ready as you can be when you are on your first. Sam is terrified one of the nurses will run in during surgery and tell him I am in labor and he will mess up while he is trying to finish. I am hoping I go into labor while he is home. Anyway, I will keep you posted!

Falling off the wagon

Today I went to the address of a Motherhood store that I located online. I needed to get a few maternity items. When I show up it turned out to be a Babies R Us with a few racks of maternity clothes and no dressing rooms. What a joke! I looked through all the super cute Halloween costumes sort of wishing my little one would come early but at the same time thinking about next year. That led me other places in the store and I started seeing things I had never thought about getting before now. Oh I do need a changing table. Wow, I better make sure I get these safety plugs for the outlets. I have to have one of these mirror things for the car so I can peek at the baby in the back seat. "What to expect: The first year," I need that for sure. Now what was the name of that pillow Elissa said to get? I wish I had my notes from Lacey about dos and don'ts for the crib. What was that thing Meghan said worked good...a sleep sack? My head started to spin! Where are my friends? I miss my sister! I want my Mommy!!!! LOL Ok I was being dramatic on that last one. I sent text to Erica and some of the new mommies I know. Just like the true blue friends that they are they all reassured me. With the panic still in my system I decided to get some comfort food. I stopped at K-Mart and bought four bags of candy. The poor unsuspecting cashier, "Are you stocking up for Halloween?" I cut her my fiercest Ragin Cajun eyes and snapped, "NO! I am pregnant and don't know which candy I want!" Then I headed to the snack bar for nachos and an Icee. I had eaten most of the nachos, drank half of the icee, and ate four small Peppermint Patties before my tummy got mad at me. Then I sent Sam a warning text, "I am having a bad day!" After that I popped in a Disney movie and took a nap. Now I actually feel much better. I just wanted to document my falling off the fat girl wagon.

Follow Up

So these days I am feeling super pregnant. I am seven months along and have 80 days until my due date. Just in the past week things have just changed. I think it is because I took a flight by myself to Utah and then had to basically crawl in and out of Erica's little sports car. Then just the sight of me trying to use the air matress made Erica insist I use her bed. I really haven't gained that much but I feel like I have gained 50lbs. I started getting tired again but maybe that is because I can't seem to sleep through the night. Sam and I are still looking for a new place to live and we are soo running out of time. I am ready to get settled and start setting up the nursery. As for my goals...two out of three is pretty good right? :) I got caught up with my Spanish and have been reading the Book of Mormon. I never made it to the gym...shocker. Well, just a little update. Things are going well. Sam is enjoying his job. We are getting excited about the baby. My Mom and Erica are coming for a visit in October to help me set up the nursery. November the baby will come and family is coming to town for Thanksgiving then Christmas is right around the corner. I think 2010 will be here before I know it.

Goals

I kept thinking that once I stopped working I could finally do the things I wanted to. I would exercise everyday, practice my Spanish, read the Book of Mormon again, and I would set a schedule so I was organized. I have this opportunity to take a month or so off of work and my first week I did none of those things. I packed one day, I did laundry one day, went grocery shopping one day, paid bills, ran errands, and then Erica came for a visit. Don't get me wrong I got a lot done but now it is the middle of week two and I feel bored and lazy. So I am going to write down my goals and then I am going to report to my blog meaning myself and my few readers. Like I said when I was trying to quit drinking Coke, "Don't be surprised if absolutely nothing comes out of this." Actually, I told my friends not to be surprised if they saw me injecting Coke directly into my veins with a syringe but you get what I'm saying.

1. I want to read the entire Book of Mormon out loud (for the baby...well read it for myself but out loud so he can hear) before he is born in November. On the mission we read 5 pages a day and finished in 100 days. I have 94 days, roughly, until the baby is here. I think I can do it!

2. I want to practice my Spanish, at least on the five days Sam works during the week. I have to learn Spanish! I am sick of not being able to fully understand what is being said at my inlaws. Plus, I want little Sammy to be fluent. Today I sat with my Rosetta Stone and did all the reviews for Level One. I didn't forget much but when you don't practice it takes you longer to recall things. So I want to do a lesson a day and practice translating the Spanish children's books that we borrowed from Sam's Mom.

3. Sigh, I want to exercise. I am so not a fan of exercise but I really don't want to gain too much. Even though I am still overweight I am actually very happy with my size. On the hospital paperwork they labelled me as moderately obese and I was happy! LOL So I am going to try to join a gym and take a water aerobics class. The only exercise I ever stuck with was a water aerobics class. I went to two classes a day and I really liked it. Maybe because it was mostly old ladies and super fat ladies so it wasn't like I was trying to keep up with the skinny girl wearing make up on the next treadmill over. I'd love to say I would walk on Sam's treadmill...but I most likely won't. I would like to say I'd take Flojo for a walk...but I won't. I would really love to find some sort of pregnant girls exercise class and take that. We will see. Since this is the goal I am the least excited about it may take longer to get going.

Now next week I will let y'all know how it is going.

Frustrations at the grocery store

Frustration #1: For a few years now I have absolutely loved Dannons carb and sugar control yogurts. I drink at least one of the smoothies a day and usually eat one of the yogurts as well. As y'all know I am pretty picky and so when I find something I like I stick to it. I usually buy two or three of the smoothies and two or three of the yogurts. Unfortunately, the grocery store I shop at puts exactly three of each out every Saturday morning. If I make it to the store after 9:30am I can only buy one...if I am lucky!! It drives me insane to show up and find the spot empty.

Frustration #2: The fresh bread is also gone by 9:30am. So if I don't want bread that expires in 3 days I have to wake up at the crack of dawn and race past the ladies on the motorized carts!

Frustrations #3: Every week the grocery store sends out a flyer claiming it's lowest prices of the summer that will last three days only. There is seriously a sale every weekend but the items on sale change. Great! Sam and I love cereal for a snack. So when the name brand cereal goes on sale I usually get some. Frustration #3-A You usually have to buy four or some insane amount to get the deal. Frustration #3-B some items you need the coupons for and some you don't. Now if you forget your flyer they have stacks by the door. If I forget it bugs me that the cashier makes me walk all the way to the door to get the flyer.

Frustration #4: People that bring their whole herd to the store. I hate trying to maneuver around a woman that has four kids screaming at her to put stuff in the buggy. Maybe some people just have to and I understand when it is a couple little kids. In fact, I think it is precious and I remember going shopping with my dad. However, when one or more of them is old enough to stay home with the younger siblings I think that is best.

I know this may seem silly but I seriously missed Wal-mart today. Wal-mart always has what I want and their prices are always low or at least decent. None of the old ladies at Wal-mart have ever mistaken my cart for theirs while I was getting a frozen pizza and wondered off with my buggy! Ok I realize that could happen at Wal-mart. Still, if an old lady were to ever wander off with my buggy at Wal-mart it would have fresh bread and all my yogurts in it no matter the time of day.

Ok my rant is over but just a quick story. As I was walking back to get the fourth box of cereal I needed in order to get the sale price, I notice the Raisin Bran. Now, I have never...ever in my life liked Raisin Bran or had even the slightest desire to eat it. I found myself drooling and grabbing a box. In conclusion, I will be glad when I do not have to go shopping on Saturdays and when I am not craving things that I normal find disgusting! Please feel free to share your grocery store frustrations or any time you grab something you normally didn't like.

Evil, thy name is Bowflex!

This piece of machinery is my nemesis, the Bowflex Tread Climber! When Sam works out he walks on this and then also uses a weight lifting Bowflex. In recent years I have lost some weight but I am not done by any means. I just got a little distracted by falling in love, getting married, and moving to Cali.

Anyway, my dear sweet husband loves to squish and squeeze my fat and make fat squeezing noises. I'll say it's more of a musical hug on my "loveable" areas. He loves it for some strange reason. To be honest, I have put on a few pounds since getting married, not as many as my fat squishing husband, but a few. So I decided it is time to get back to work.

With my mind made up I put on shorts and sneakers and headed downstairs. The Tread Climber is in the living room. I thought to myself that I would walk while we were watching the Lakers game. Sam walks on it for 20 minutes, no sweat. How is only twenty minutes going to help me lose weight? I'll start at 30 minutes.

Sam shows me how to work it and I begin.

Time 0:05 Got water, got a towel, ready to go!

Time 0:12 Man, this is hard. I say to Sam, "Babe, why do I have to push?"

Time 0:27 Sam says to me, "How's it goin, baby?" I respond, "This is not as easy as it looks."

Time 1:45 Breathing gets harder, in through my nose out through my mouth.

Time 3:37 I say to Sam, "Babe, I am not going to be able to do this for 30 minutes." He says, "No baby, only 20 minutes."

Time 5:06 I cannot focus on the game only the pain in my legs. Breathing getting harder, chest starting to burn.

Time 6:58 Sam says, "How's it goin, baby?" Lungs on fire!! I'll stop at 10 minutes, I can make it to 10 minutes. What's the score? Can't tell vision is also blurred.

Time 8:12 I'm not gonna make it, my lung is going to pop out of my chest! Is this timer slower than normal? My legs feel like jello. Check and make sure the safety key is in so if I fall this devil contraption can't eat me.

Time 9:42 Sam says, "How's it goin, baby?" This is what death must feel like. Lungs burning, legs numb, double vision, inability to hear anything but the screaming inside my head.

I made it to 10 minutes but it took me a good half hour to recover. Then Sam showed me how to set it to just be a Treadmill. I went through 10 minutes of Hell when I could have had a nice 30 minute walk?!?! I did another ten minutes, this time on a setting for a normal person!

I hate exercising, maybe I'll just stay fat!