Posts by gretamarie

Holiday Exchange--Let's get this out there once and for all....Are we all opening together?  Wasn't the date Dec. 7th put out there?  I need to know for freshness purposes :)  I can mail this week, but my girl would need to open it as soon as she gets it.  Or, I can mail Nov 30th, she should get it in time to open as a group. 

Carrie-Cotton is the devil :)  Ha ha. Everything should be breathable...and layers.  Like I said, you may have to invest in a peice here and there...pants, a long sleeved shirt, some gloves.  One at a time--look for sales. 

Danni--Yay your back!  I bet you had so much fun!  I tried to look at your pics on FB, but they wouldn't load for some reason.  I will try again tomorrow :)  I'm sure you didn't gain 5 lbs...but I bet it was worth it if you did!

Stacy--It's fun to guess...so I'm going to guess that Rennai pulled your name.  She probably mailed your gift before she left for Oregon....you don't have to say yes or no...it just adds to the fun :)

Where's Ali? 

Sarah-Have a great Thanksgiving with your family! 

Carrie-Always listen to your body :)  Another day of rest might do you good.  And, I promise you if you dress yourself appropriately, running in the "cool" weather (anything over 35!) is better than running in the heat.  You have to invest in a few peices, but they last forever!  And, I wanted to tell you I had a dizzy, blurred vision spell on the treadmill this morning!  So, I guess it does happen to me sometimes and I just forgot.  It was at about mile 7.  I just focused for a minute and rested my hand on the console to balance myself, and it went away.  It must be an exhertion thing--I was running on an empty stomach.  You can also take brownie mix and mix it with a can of pumpkin--most low cal brownies!  Oh...and here's a pecan pie with rave reviews from people who don't normally like pecan pie...it doesn't have any corn syrup in it.  I guess that's what makes it different.  I'm making it tomorrow!  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pecan-Pie-V/Deta il.aspx  What are you guys doing for Thanksgiving?

Holiday Exchange--I thought we were mailing by Dec 1st in order to arrive by Dec 7th...right?  Because I'm planning on mailing Nov 30th.  Hope that's okay! I will need next weekend to finish up. 

It's been quiet in here lately.  Rennai is on her trip to Oregon (with David!)....Danni is just back from her cruise. Rebekkah is still on sabatical.  Ingrid just got back from New Orleans.

I had a morning with a positive and a negative.  Positive--Luke had the best morning every playing while I run on the treadmill.  I ran 8 miles without stopping.  Oh wait, I changed a diaper at mile 5, but that's it :) He played the whole time and didn't fuss or cry once.  It felt amazing.  Negative--I stopped nursing one week ago, ran a ton (for me) last week, and gained 1/2 lb.  Hmmmm.  Exactly what I thought would happen is happening.

Sarah-When I went to NYC I packed running clothes just to live the dream of running in Central Park.  I would die if I lived there and could run there all the time.  So lucky.  And, SO awesome that you had such a great run and felt good.

Carrie-You have to remind us when Dec. 18th gets closer.  I really really want to see it!  I'm super excited too :)  Have fun at New Moon.  I think I've decided not to see the movies because I like the story in my head :) 

Stacy-It's kindof a good thing to have to exercise "a lot" per the Dr, but then I was thinking you might feel pressured to do it and not have as much fun with it.  Hopefully that doesn' happen!  And no one wants to be told they have a touchy metabolism.  That sounds like it would make me cry. 

I don't know what to do today.  A storm is blowing in and it's depressing--like 60-70 mph winds.  I hate the wind.  It makes me not want to do anything.  And I would usually rest today, but if I run 3 miles today and 6 tomorrow, I would have a 30 mile week--and I've eaten so bad this week, I probably should run an extra day.  But my body hurts so bad in the morning when I get out of bed, I feel like maybe I should rest.   I don't know!

Carrie-I really hope you're feeling better today.  Obviously you need to rest and recover this week.  And, I said "we" had a house...but really he had a house :)  He bought his 1st house right when the housing market was skyrocketing in 2003, so he got in before prices got too out of control.  Then we sold that house and bought our house at the peak in 2006, so now everything has crashed and our house is worth $5 and we will be living here forever :)  And, I totally don't think there is anything wrong with having a baby before a house.  I just know Margo is in the situation where they are going to be trying to pay for a house and a wedding, and no one will judge them if they cut back on some of the wedding extravaganza to save for the house.

Stacy-I have also never done the P90X yoga for that reason.  90 minutes is outta control!  My brother in law is doing it right now and he complains about how long it is too.  I think your dinner sounds very healthy!  Tell your husband tonight he can go to the neighbor's for dinner :P  I try very hard to find the balance between cooking healthy, and cooking stuff my husband will want to eat, so I totally understand.  Good luck at the Dr. today!  Sounds like it could be interesting, although I'm sure it's something he's used to :)

Ali-Get out with the pine mouth!  That is nuts (ha ha, pun intended). I have eaten my share of pine nuts and never had that happen.  I guess the bright side is you won't be overeating because nothing tastes good...but I do hope for your sake it's gone by next Thursday!

Ingrid....Yes, Yes, and Yes!  New Orleans is dirty and depressing...but with the right amount of alcohol it can also be fun :)  Ha ha. One of my friends was there and her friend was totally robbed on the street by gun point.  Traveling with baby is a tremendous amount of work.  I hope it's going okay and you're not too stressed out. 

Stacy-I've never done the plyometrics DVD because I already have knee problems too.  I think it's smart to know your body and respond appropriately :)  And, thanks for sharing your dinner.  That doesn't sound bad at all.  And birthday parties and stuff happen, no worries!

Carrie-Hope you're feeling better!

Margo-Don't get me wrong, I loved my wedding and thought it was the most fun and special day...but we had a house.  To me that is the #1 priority.  I would have totally had a smaller wedding budget if I was trying to buy a house. 

I am so not going to weigh myself this morning.  I stopped nursing the baby on Sunday and today I am feeling it!  I probably have at least one lb of stored up milk in my boobs!  In fact, I am a little worried to get on the treadmill, hoping it doesn't hurt.  Sorry if TMI :)  But, around here, I feel like that's not a taboo topic :) 

Because the weather is crappy and I'm running on the treadmill this week, I'm trying to decide if total mileage or making sure I get in at least one long run is more important.  Long runs are hard with the little guy, and I will probably have to run twice today to get in my "long run" mileage.  Or I could just run everyday and probably get more mileage.  I don't know!

Hi guys!  I only have a minute to post--me and Luke are off to the Dr. for his one year appt :)

Carrie-I was literally going to post the EXACT same thing as Ali--about the co-worker and the sinus infection.  Green stuff=infection=anitbiotics. 

Rennai-Love all the stuff you posted.  It makes me excited for you.  And you are far from a watermelon.  More like a banana.

Ali-Totally hear you on the balance thing.  When I was in grad school if I got in two workouts a week it was a successful week.  I have never been so consistent as I am now....and hello...it's because I don't have a job (outside of the house, that is :)

I read everyone's stuff but don't have time to respond to all.  Will check in later!

Hi Sarah and Stacy and Margo and Ingrid!  And Danni is still on her cruise, right?  And anyone else I may have forgotten :) 

Thanks guys! And, Ingrid-I've never thought of it that way.  No wonder I'm celebrating today!

Happy Birthday Margo!

Carrie!  So not fair.

Have you seen the friends episode where Phoebe wants to find a selfless act?  Then she determines there is no such thing, because in the end, you can always find something selfish about it.  I think the breakfast thing is a perfect example of that. I think it was very selfless of you, Rennai, to get up extra early and make David breakfast.  And it wasn't really selfish, you were just showing him how much you care and how awesome you are ;)

Carrie!  I love it.  Love it!  I am serious when I say (and have said in the past) that you need to tell your husband how awesome you are, and that people like me, and Stacy ;) would not be that spontaneous in the parking lot. Not only send me productivity pills, but your sexy mojo too :) Oh ya, and the workout sounds great.  Soreness is good! Oh, and please, what is the point of sugar free chocolate chips? 

Stacy-Yay for date night!  We seriously need to do that more.  Not to be prying, and feel free to ignore my question, but are you guys going to have more kids?  You are a good little wifey to go see a disaster flick for your man :)  And, keep us posted about the P90X.  I'd also love to hear about what you're eating (and feeding your family too?) while you're doing it.

Margo-I embraced 30 full on.  Stacy? What about you?  30's are all about loving the woman you've become and letting go of being young and insecure in your 20's....right? (Not that you ladies here are young and insecure :)  Hey--the 30's are the new 20's anyway!

Carrie-What kind did you have?

I read everything today, but have been too busy to post.  Taking a quick sec to say "hi."  My house is nowhere near ready to host my whole family on Sunday--and my kid is screaming at me for "nana" (banana).  I even forgot to eat lunch!  That almost never happens!  Hopefully I can be more present here tomorrow :)

Happy Thursday night...ooh...a great night for TV :)

I'm so sad for WCW :(  I miss Rebekkah.  I hope she is doing okay and comes back soon.

Ingrid!  I didn't know who you were at first since you changed your name.  I love the new name :)  And, thank you for the running vibes.  I was feeling them this morning.  I was able to get out this morning before the storm blew in.  I don't know what it's like in Michigan, but I live up against a very large mountain range and the wind is NASTY when a storm blows in.  I got in a very easy 7 miles.  It was so easy, I probably should have done more.  Tomorrow is supposed to be very yucky, and possibly snowy, so I'm hoping for 5 on the treadmill.  I am so excited for you and your 126.  I hope you are feeling good about it.  I know you said that you're still feeling a little lost with running and weight, etc.  But, I want you to also celebrate your accomplishments.

Danni-I'm so excited for you to go on vacation.  I'm living vicariously through you.  Where is your cruise going?  I know you've said...but now I can't remember.  Bahamas?  Way to get the workouts in before you leave!

Rennai-I'm so sad to hear you depressed.  I feel like that is not like you (ya know, cause I know you so well.  ha ha)  Whenever I played with my BC and skpped my period it was the worst.  Way bloated and yucky.  So that's probably all it is. And, you are tall and beautiful! (exlamation point!) and not fat at all!  I'm so glad things are going good with David.  You deserve it.

Margo-Very good weigh in! I love reading your posts.  It's like things are back to normal around here :)  I love the support you offer.  It's so genuine.

Carrie, I was totally thinking of you when Ida came ashore!  And loved your story about the rain.  It just doesn't rain like that here, so I can hardly imagine.  But, I could totoally see you laughing and not letting it get to you...right?  I'm glad your back to 129 :)  And can't wait to celebrate with you when you see 128.5 :)  It will come!  I am so not looking forward to the tampon days again....they are approaching though.  You can only be so lucky for so long :)

Heather!  Glad to see you pop in!  I hope Carrie can work it out for you.  Isn't she the best for managing all of this?

I don't have much to add about me.  Looks like there is some treadmill running in my future this week, and weekend, and I'm not sure how I'm going to get a long run in on Saturday on the treadmill.  Ugh.  And, my baby usually loves the stroller.  He has never cried once in it.  This morning he was so sad, and it made it so hard to keep going. I think he was mourning the loss of his "boob time" this morning.  I cut out his morning feeding today....planning on weaning completely in about 5 days.  Hello some weight gain, I'm sure. Anyway, finally when I decided I had to turn back towards home because he wasn't going to calm down, he fell asleep.  So then of course my whole plan was thrown and I had to run more hills than I had anticipated.  Plus, I was running so fast the first 4 miles because he was crying---I thought I would have no energy left, but I did fine. 

I was looking at FB and I just had to tell you ladies that this is one seriously good looking group of girls.  That's all.

Stacy-Happy 30th!!!  Hope you had a great weekend celebrating!

Ali-That is the worst!  I'm sorry the whole trip was a let down.  I know EXACTLY what you are talking about.  My very best friend from middle school all the way through college and beyond--just a couple of years ago she totally changed.  It's actually very difficult to completely accept, so depending on what happens with your friend, it will be a long journey either to overcome her changes, or to mourn the loss of a close friend.

Carrie-I think I will have to try those cookies over the holidays.  I'm not big on peppermint, but they might be quite festive.

Margo-You've been addressing everyone else--but not saying much about what you've been up to lately...  And we haven't heard from Amanda in a long time..she should be back in the States now....

Rennai?????

I'm gearing up to go get on the treadmill.  I'll hopefully be back later to say how great it was.  Ha ha.  Happy Monday.

Stacy-I hear you on the stitches girl.  I would never guess you smoked.  Do you ever feel it in your lungs when working out?  If I were you, I would not even think about quitting right now with everything going on in your life.  I'd probably be smoking three cigarettes at once if I was you right now.  Can't wait to hear about your party!!!  And, I'm sure you probably know that I stay at home with  my baby...but in my "old" life :)  I was a social worker (well, I still am a social worker) and I worked for Child Protective Services as a supervisor.  I love, love, loved my job.  Of course it's  easy to say now how much I loved it because I don't do it anymore :)

Margo!  Sterlite?  I have Sterlite stuff.  I never knew...  You're birthday is right around the corner!  Have you made it known what kind of birthday you are expecting?  It helps not to be subtle with men :) 

Carrie-Glad you can cross your legs now :)  I'm such a baby with stuff like that I probably would have needed a tranquilizer.  I've heard it's absolutely no fun.  And that's an understatement. You're so cute to "babysit" the girls.  What kind of cookies?  I just made some sugar cookies shaped as the number 2 for my nephew's birthday this weekend.  I found the best and easiest sugar cookie recipe on Allrecipes.com.  It's called something like "The best rolled sugar cookies".  Hope your poor little baby starts feeling better after you visit the vet!

I'm feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I need to do this weekend to get my house back to normal.  We aren't technically supposed to put furniture back until next Tuesday, but I'm pretty sure we will on Sunday.  I also would like to get a long run in tomorrow, but the low tomorrow morning is supposed to be 27 degrees, so I don't know what I'm gonna do. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Stacy-Keep us posted on the P90X.  I own it...and use it periodically, but I've never followed the program and can't wait to hear from you as you go through it. 

Ali-Have fun in New York!  I'm sure you will :)

Carrie-Don't read my PM that I responded to you if you don't know who all of us had!  I just responded Thanks so much for doing this!