Busy, busy, busy

I've been so busy. So much has been happening. I hope to have more time this evening or this weekend to fill in the blanks.

Today's weight: 164 lbs.

Addiction

I've neglected quite a bit since someone introduced me to two games on FB. Two applications I can't seem to miss for a day. It's terrible. I try to squeeze time in just for these two games. One is FarmTown and the other is Cafe World. Hahaha... Cafe World is a little juvenile, but my daughter is into it also and it's fun to interact on there. I need counseling. Just kidding! It's just fun and I can't seem to keep off of it every chance I get. I have to go there now to check on my Farm. :P

How the heck...???

I had a meal plan saved on my computer that I was going to post to share. Of course, I can't locate it. Laugh if you'd like, but I can't find it because I don't remember what I saved it as. I know that's bad. I'll keep searching, and if I don't find it tonight (with the help of my kids) I'll just type it up right into the blog!! Be back soon!

Nope... still here

--- It's been quite eventful around here. I tipped a little off the exercise routine, but I'm right back to it. I had a lot going on with the kids' soccer games and appointments at the other Navy base. Our clinic is small and doesn't have specialists so anything requiring attention outside of the everyday cough and cold gets sent to Yokosuka. On a decent day, the trip to Yokosuka can take about 40 minutes. On a busy day, it can take 2 1/2 hours. That was our luck this past Monday. No one sent us the memo of the local holiday. I was sure we were being video taped for laughs. We were barely moving and my blood pressure was rising pretty steadily. I didn't want to be late because they mark you as a "no show" if you aren't there at the exact appointment time. They say that's why they tell you to be 20 minutes early. 20 minutes is a ridiculous amount of time to be sitting there so that you are waiting around for them to be late calling you back to see the doctor. That's a whole separate blog I can get into to. I wasn't going to pay 2200 yen (US $25) for them to mark me as a "no show" and then ask me if I'd like to reschedule. NO WAY! --- Okay, so back to the exercise thing. I'm maintaining my weight, but not losing any. I'm still feeling good in my jeans, so that means I need to work harder. I want those big girl jeans to fall. That would mean that I'm losing inches or weight or something... anything!! I feel pretty good, and I still feel the motivation I need to get to my goal. I need to measure again so that I can see if anything changed. I have changed some of my eating habits. I think I'm eating less at each sitting and I've even made healthier choices when I went shopping recently. I bought whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and I haven't used mayonnaise on my sandwiches. That's a big step for me. Mayo was a necessity before. Who eats a turkey sandwich without mayonnaise or miracle whip??? Well, now me, but I'd asked that question many times before. --- I'll be back tomorrow with the details of my support team and my meal planning. Also, I have a new outlook on how this may or may not work out. I'll give you those details. I also have some financial information that may be interesting to you... or maybe not. I'm going to share it anyway. Right now, I have to catch up on some household duties. I got pushed back by cooking all morning for the celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Month. DH voluntold me I was making something. Love that! ut uh...

Promised photos

--- Sorry for not having photos to post today. I went looking for a new camera with high hopes of finding one worth purchasing. I didn't find one I liked. I was hoping to purchase one today, jump on the train with the family and take photos of our day out in Japan. It didn't quite turn out the way I expected. Maybe tomorrow. We'll check out the cameras at the Army post located just 5 miles from our base. Wish me luck on finding a good camera. --- Tonight is the very first night since July 28th that I'm going to take a break. It was a hard decision to make, but after a day full of walking in the heat, I figured I could take a break. I'll be back on the track tomorrow. No doubt!

Today's weight: 173 lbs. (up a lb from yesterday... agh!)

Confused?

Don't be confused, folks. I've imported my first blog to be combined with this one. I didn't want my old blog to be forgotten. Okay, actually I just wanted to combine the two because I feel like I left the other one hangin'. Okay, tonight's workout was pretty awesome. I did the Trikke. I feel great. It has the same motion of roller blading or skiing. I'll probably change up my workouts so that I don't get tired of one or the other. Now that I have the workouts down and know what I'm capable of, I need to step up my game. I need to take it to the next level. *** Oh, I almost forgot. Today was a great day. I had a brand new pair of jeans that I purchased a few months ago, in hopes of fitting into one day. Guess what, folks. I fit into them today. I tried to squeeze into them about a month ago and couldn't even button them. My belly bulge was just too big. Guess who fit into them without sucking in the gut... ME!! It felt so dern good to get into those jeans. Not only because I now know that I'm losing inches, but because they are some cute jeans. I'm so happy to be in them. Unfortunately, I'll have to give those jeans up soon. I'm going to keep losing weight and/or inches and then the jeans will be too big. I don't know how accurate these measurements are, only because I don't know if the placement of the measuring tape was correct. Here they are. No laughing! Oh... and just so you know... I am not a normal shape. I have a weird shaped body. I'll post photos tomorrow, I PROMISE!! Okay, so here are the numbers. Right thigh: 25 1/4" Left thigh: 25 1/2" Hips: 43 3/4" -- whoa!! Waist: 37 1/2" -- ugh!! Chest: 35 1/4" -- taken under the breast (is that where you take it??) Right bicep: 12" Left bicep: 12" I don't know why they say to measure the biceps, but mine are all flab... lol. I think! So there you have it, folks. My fatness measurements. I'll be updating every other week. I was going to do it every week, but I get so busy and I like surprises anyway. ;P

Today's weight: still 172 lbs

Model: T8 Sport

Photo from http://www.trikke.com/

This is my newest interest. The Trikke T8 Sport. I gave it a test yesterday and I love it. I know I'm going to have awesome results. I took my measurements this morning and will post them here within the week. I'd post them right now, but they're written down on my desk in the room where little #5 of 5 is napping.

So anyhoot... I'm excited to get on the Trikke and get moving. It has a natural feel to it and it's easy on the joints. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience on it. I'm sure there will be pros and cons of it, and I'll be sure to note all.

I have been doing my walking, trotting, jogging daily, and although the weight isn't coming off, the inches are. I fit my clothes differently and I feel so much better these days. I'm certain there's been some number changes.

Today's weight: still 172 lbs.

Bright ideas... or not!

--- With our Permanent Change of Station (PCS) coming soon, I've had a lot of money matters on my mind. We'll be dealing with about $1700 LESS pay per month when we get back to U.S. soil. OMG! We'll have quite a few adjustments to make in our way of living. No more lazy take-out nights. I won't be able to tell the DH to pick up dinner on the way home. Back to budgets and meal planning. [*sigh] --- This evening, #2 of 5 rode her bike while I did a brisk walk of the base's 5K route. I made mental notes of money making ideas. We were trying to come up with ways to make money. Recipe books, children's books illustrated by my children, sewing projects to sell at flea markets or craft fairs, party planning & decorating, and my daughter suggested cake decorating. I shot down the cake decorating idea because of all that's involved with it. Health and food inspectors and such. Don't want to deal with all that. I know that everything comes with legal matters, but anything that has to do with food is just too much for me to deal with. I ran some of these ideas by DH and he shot them down without a second thought. He's always a joy kill. One day, the tables will turn and he'll actually support something I do. I'm almost convinced he thinks very little of me and my ideas. --- DH is more of a stocks and bonds kinda guy. CD's and money markets interest him. I was thinking more along the line of turning my hobbies into money. I know you have to spend money to make money in most situations, and DH doesn't want to drop a dime for dollar. That's okay. I understand that he thinks the risk is too great. He has no faith in me. Sometimes I don't either. I tend to start projects and never finish. Oh well. It was worth thinking about and may even be worth moving forward with one of my ideas. I'll pray about it and hope to find myself succeeding at one of my bright ideas. I won't jump into anything without waiting for confirmation from God. Pray, pray, pray.

Entries without photos... JUNK!

--- I know, I know. Entries without photos are BORING!! I need to replace my camera. It works, but has voids. The voids ruin the photos. I dropped it a few months back and well, I haven't had the funds to replace it. =( Anyway, I could borrow my daughter's camera or I could use my 35mm camera, get the film developed, scan the photos and post them. Yah, right! That's just too much work. --- I won't elaborate on the weight issue today, but just know that yesterday's 10K is definitely effecting me today. OUCH! --- Subjects that I would like to hit in the next few entries.

1. Money Matters - financial instabilities, penny pinching, etc.
2. Weight Issues - of course, my updates
3. Family Drama - misunderstandings between parents and/or siblings
4. Prayer and devotion
5. Sea duty vs. Shore duty
6. From Japan to Virginia

I'm sure more will come to mind. I had to make note of these so I don't forget.

--- Oh yes, and I will work on the photos. I think blogs without photos are BORING!! Don't give up on me. I'll have some photos soon.

Who's the fat girl?

--- Not me! Well, I'm still fat, but not for long folks. I've walked my butt off every single day since my first actual weigh in at the base clinic. July 28th, 2009 was my official start date. I started with the track. I walked a lap, ran a lap, walked a lap, ran a lap. It hurt a little, but I wasn't going give into the pain. After the track, I came home to be tortured by my trainer. Yes, my trainer. Free of charge, but definitely not free. My husband is my trainer. NEVER ask your spouse to be your trainer, most especially if he's in the military. He's made me do donkey kicks, monkey somethings, dirty dogs... wth? What ever happened to push ups and sit ups? I thought he was making fun out of it all. He was very serious and so I had to get serious. I asked for the help and he wasn't going to let me give up on the first day, nor the first week, or month. --- I changed up the walking routine. I did the 1 1/2 mile route, then the 3 miles. My two oldest daughters started walking with me and we did the 10K twice and the 5K about 5-6 times. We're on a roll. We haven't skipped a day yet. I'm very dedicated and devoted to the walking, turkey trotting and jogging, but I'm lacking discipline with my eating habits. I'm doing pretty good, but I have an occasional cholesterol buster every now and again. I am very pleased and proud that I've been drinking lots of water and I've not been drinking coffee. YAY!! I've never been a fan of water, and surely had to have coffee daily, but not anymore!! I'm so excited about all these changes. It feels great! --- Next Tuesday, I plan to do a weigh in and note measurements. I haven't lost too much weight, but I have definitely lost inches. I can feel it and see it. My clothes fit differently and there's no more rubbing of the thighs and my "ham hocks" (hips) are shrinking. Oh, I love it. Stay tuned for updates and details.

Today's weight: 172 lbs

Typical Navy Wife? NO!

--- Back in 2000, when my DH (bf then), joined the NAVY, someone told me not to become a "typical Navy wife". Have you ever heard of a typical Navy wife? No, not the same as a typical military wife, that is unselfish in support and holds down the fort during deployments. I mean the mean definition of it. I had to ask a neighbor at our first duty location (Patuxent River, MD). She said a typical Navy wife is defined as an overweight, lazy and not a very supporting spouse of a Navy Sailor. They are the wives that are left home for 6-9 months of the year for deployments that can't handle the home front. They turn lazy, gain weight, and blame the navy for everything wrong in their lives. She (a Navy wife, also) said that if you put four wives in a line up, from different branches of the military, you can pick out the "typical Navy wife" without hesitation or second thought. I wasn't nervous at all. At least, not then. But NOW... -- Three kids later (after the two I already had at the time), I'm overweight and don't want to be considered or labeled a typical Navy wife. I'm definitely not lazy, and I surely handle deployments like a champ! They might even be easier than 3 years of shore duty WITH my DH home every single day. I'd just like to be a proud Navy wife and mother of my five children without labels, please. Thank you! I can't use the 'I just had a baby' excuse anymore. My baby is 6 months old, and that folks, is half of a year!!

This picture was taken 07/09/2009

This photo made me sick. UGH!!!

- What am I waiting for? Why is this time around so hard? I'm pretty good at bouncing back into some kind of routine. I can't even get motivated to walk around the block. I don't feel like I'm making excuses, because I usually am busy with my Mama duties, but I feel so guilty. I feel like I am supposed to be working out and getting fit. Not just for myself, but for my family. What is holding me back? I can't seem to answer that question. I want to do it. I need to do it. Why am I not doing it? Looking at these photos saddens me. Look at my arms! I'm so disgusted with myself. I'm going to pray and push. I am going to change my physical appearance to match the wonderful ME that I am. Oh, I'm not conceited, I'm truly convinced that I'm wonderful.

Follow my blog and watch my results.

Don't let that FAT girl photo fool ya!

TODAY's WEIGHT: 179 lbs

Summer Soccer

--- Summer Soccer has started and the kids are staying pretty busy with practices, scrimmages and games. My #1 & #2 play on the same team in the 12-15 yr. old division. My #2 isn't quite 12 years old, but not enough children were registered to make more than the one team. Our MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation) Youth Sports is lacking the personnel it needs to make things great for the youth of our base. We have the least there is to offer. It's unfortunate, but the funding and support just isn't available. My kids are satisfied, but I've heard MANY complaints around the fields and courts throughout the sports seasons. We're just happy to have the practices to keep the kids busy and fit, and the games for the family to enjoy.

#4 of 5

--- My #4 of 5 will be celebrating her 3rd birthday this Tuesday. It amazes me how time goes by so fast. We'll just be sharing the day with a few friends. Pizza, cake, ice cream and a few games. We've decided to pass on the big birthday bash. She's turning three and will only play with familiar kids. Why invite a bunch of kids she doesn't know? We've done that for so many birthdays. We have gone through MANY birthday parties with the 4 of 5 kids and only now realize that the celebration is just as special with fewer folks. We've been through rentals and reservations, hiring and firing, auditions and agonizing party detailing. DUH!! Decorate, order some pizzas, have cake and ice cream, a pinata, pass out bags full of goodies and let the kids run off the sugar. Simplicity! Who would have ever thought it? I sure hope it goes that simply.

Let's get it started

--- Today, I started this blog to share my experiences of being a mother of five, a long distance friend, an absent daughter- sister- aunt, all while proudly serving our country as a United States Navy Wife. Though, I would love to be a local friend, share the role in raising my nieces and nephews, being the bratty daughter and nagging sister, I am currently supporting my husband's decision to be a defender of freedom from abroad.

--- We are currently stationed at the Naval Air Facility Atsugi, located on the mainland of Japan. We've been serving here since 2002 and will be heading back to the United States in just 8 months. Our time here in Japan is winding down and as much as we enjoy the kind locals, delicious foods, and the safety of our children, we are ready to head back. We are ready to drive on the right side of the roads again. We've grown to live simply and may have many differences to overcome as we adjust to the lifestyles we left back in 2002.

--- This is my second attempt at blogging. I didn't find much time to upkeep the first one. I can think of hundreds of excuses, but it wouldn't change the fact that I simply neglected it. I'm hoping to make this one a daily, or at least weekly, spot for me to vent, rant, rave, and/or share the joys of my Navy Wife Life.

End of SY 2008-2009

Joseph's EOY field trip.

--- Joseph ---

This is my son at his end of the year field trip to the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama.

His Kindergarten year sure flew right by. I can't believe that he's heading into the First grade.

We've been truly blessed having Ms. Gilbert as his teacher this year.

He's learned so much and is going to do so well in the years to come because of her firm push.

He is well prepared for what's ahead. We're grateful.

Host Nation - Basketball

--- Last Friday, Joniece's basketball team (Atsugi, Bulldogs) played a Japanese team. It was one of those host nation friendship type games. It was fun to watch. The Japanese team was very disciplined and didn't let their mistakes get to them. Our girls got very frustrated and lost focus. It was a great lesson for our girls. They needed a little butt kickin'. I thought it was a great experience for all of the girls. I don't know what the score was, because after a 20 point lead they turned the score board off. It came back on whenever our girls would catch up to at least the 20 point difference, but then it was off at the end of the game. That means our girls lost by at least 20. Haha... everyone had fun and that's all that matters. They will be playing them again on March 27th. I guess they have a chance to redeem themselves. Hahaha... we'll see. --- We play Zama (Army Post) this weekend. I'm looking forward to it. It will be interesting since they all go to the same school. This game will mean more than any of the others just because they all attend the same middle and high school. I'm sure there's a bunch of trash talking going on in the halls already. There will be a buzz around the school on the Monday following the big game.

---------------------- On a different note. My daughter, Jasmine, has a job. Her first J-O-B!!! She's now a news carrier for the Stars and Stripes. YAY! Joniece used to have a paper route for the Stars and Stripes, but couldn't continue because of all her extracurricular activities. Jasmine is more into this kind of stuff so she's going to LOVE her job. She'll probably even do stuff to make it fun. Like draw out a map of her route, buy a basket for her bike, etc. She's such a kid. I love that about her. She's not trying to grow up too fast. I know exactly what she'll do with her pay. She'll buy a couple of pens and pencils and save the rest. She's pretty good with money, but such a sucker for stationery. She loves paper, pens, pencils, erasers.... UGH...

Weaning from Breast to Bottle

--- Well... here I am again. Funny how I find my way back every so often. Not as often as I'd like, but here I am. I'm currently in the process of weaning from breast to bottle. I'll still be using breastmilk, but I thought I'd start pumping and storing my milk so that the rest of the family can share in the joy of feeding. The bonding during feeding is an experience I don't want to be greedy with. It's a beautiful time that I know the family will appreciate. I'll definitely keep you all posted. It will be quite interesting. I didn't do this with the other four of my children. I hope it goes as smoothly as I am imagining.

Butter

--- Butter. Japan seems to have some of the most amazing things. I think so anyway. Look at this butter. It's packaged for ease and convenience. Already cut in tablespoons. There's so many things in Japan you just wouldn't see in the United States. I appreciate so much here and I know for certain that I will miss it like crazy when we return stateside. It's not just the butter. I truly respect that they take time for the little details. They appreciate so much and don't take things for granted like we do. We, meaning almost everyone I know, that's for sure. Would we ever think of half the things they do? Nope. We complain about everything while they sit and figure out how to make things right or how to fix it, not just for themselves personally, but for everyone. Amazing. Again... I think so, anyway.

Baby #5 has arrived

Baby #5 has arrived!!

Joaquin Thomas

December 30th, 2008 @ 0741

US Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan

Updates soon. BTW... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!