exercise

It's official. I'm a gym addict. At first I thought I liked to go because of the cute guys on the weights. But he hasn't been there in 2 weeks and I actually look forward to going even more. 

I'm self motivated!!

How did that happen?

At first, it was all treadmill, treadmill, treadmill with an occasional bike thrown in there. Then I found the rower. I love the rower. Feeling my back, shoulders and stomach get worked encouraged me to move out onto the weight floor. Because of the nasty crunching sounds in my knees (doctor says 50 straight leg lifts per day to strengthen my quads - no weights), I only work out my arms, shoulders and back. I love that I can feel my arms getting stronger.


The weight loss is slow, but I'm building a strong heart and a healthy habit. I'm instilling in my kids that the exercise is for my sanity and health. I want them to grow up enjoying exercise. 

On June 4th I participated in Relay for Life. It was a last minute decision from a last minute invite by my friend. Her friend had just finished chemo for Breast Cancer. I have always wanted to so something and here was my opportunity. I joined her team, arrived at noon and walked for the next 18 hours. Instead of taking turns, we all walked together. Talking and enjoying the rare day of Seattle sunshine. We averaged 1 mile per hour (not sure how that happened). My hip was displaced, I got a blister on my heel and under my 2nd toe. I walked for 4 hours in just flip flops. But I knew my whining was nothing compared to all the cancer survivors that were out there walking. 

Making it through the night with the luminaries lit around the track. Finding the luminary for my Mom and watching the sunrise turned a corner for exercise for me. It was time to get serious and make some progress. I started the Couch to 5K program last week. I'm doing it on the elliptical to strengthen my quads and not get discouraged. I'll finish the 9 weeks and then try it on the treadmill. Today was Week 1, Day 3. Even though I only had 45 minutes to get to the gym, exercise and get home, I was determined to get it done. I'm so glad I did because I feel FANTASTIC. And really, isn't that the point of exercise?

Our camp name

My baby turns 11

For her annual birthday dinner (our kids get to pick where they want to eat), Miss M chose Sichuanese in Redmond. How many 11 year old choose spicy food? She loves to eat the pea vine and drink hot tea. I love how my kids are willing to try most foods. We enjoyed a wonderful day with our eldest. Hard to believe that she has turned 11 already.

She spent the majority of her birthday at school. But, she had a wonderful day. Marc took her to breakfast where they shared some doughnuts at Frost. I brought her cookies for her teacher to pass out at lunch. We took her to Sichuanese Cuisine for dinner. We all came home for her to open her presents (books, of course, some Bayala figurines, more Harumika dolls, a littlest pet and 2 Harry Potter Lego sets). We finished the night with some cake and ice cream.

I think our kids are a little spoiled when it comes to birthdays. The have a friend party, their actual birthday with just us and a family birthday. Because I have 2 kids in June, I am so partied out by the end!! 

pea vine

Hot Chicken (Sichuan style)

Sliced Fish Delight (aka fuzzy fish)

Miss M telling me how much she loves the hot chicken

Pineapple Chiffon cake (her choice of dessert)