Saturday, November 26, 2011

family

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving.

We spent ours at the lake with hubby's family.

I just love the way the colors look in this picture

My new favorite picture of her

Happy

A picture with the grandparents
It was a nice time spent with family.  The kids got to spend time with their cousins and the weather was nice enough to be outside.

We had many things to be thankful for.

Zizette


Sunday, November 6, 2011

There's No Place Like Home

I am sure you have heard about that crazy storm in the Northeast last week.

Yeah, it got me.

I was home about 20 minutes from my class and I heard a big pop and the power went OUT.

I called my mom (who lives around the corner, 3 blocks over), she had power so me and the kids went there.

Just an hour or so after we lost power


 The storm was absolutely INSANE.


A little later I saw that we would be there overnight, I went back home to collect some essentials and unload my Fridge/Freezer.

My parent's street looked like a war zone obstacle course.


School was closed for 2 whole days.  Halloween was crazy too with all the trees down.  But the kids got out there early so we could see tree branches, electric lines and whatever else may be out there.

I was without power for 7 days.  Yes, 7 days.  We went back everyday to check on things, get things we needed and feed the cat.

This was the freakiest thing ever to happen.  The trees had all their leaves and when the snow built up on them the tree limbs snapped.  Broken trees all over our town.  I live on a beautiful tree lined street as do my parents.  The big old trees on my street lost limbs but on my mom's street the smaller trees were split in half.

Just one of the houses on the block
I have a beautiful Japanese Maple on my front lawn.  I so did not want to lose the tree.  I stood out in the snow knocking the snow off it's limbs so they wouldn't snap.  When I would knock the snow off, I would see the limbs bounce back up.  I am happy to say we didn't lose it.  Only one branch fell on our whole property.  We were very lucky there.
My Japanese Maple

I am happy to finally be back home in my own bed.  We thank my mom and dad but, "there's no place like home."

Sunday, October 23, 2011

{New} Cooking Experience

Well, I haven't been doing the normal kind of cooking I like to do this year because, well, my oven died in  late spring.  It kills me to replace it because it is this awful little wall oven and if it was up to me I would cut our counter and cabinet out where our cook top is an put in a freestanding range.  That would probably be very costly so it's not happening.  I guess I will have to spring for the oven soon but right now I don't have one so I made meatloaf on the grill.

Yeah, you heard me right - Meatloaf ON THE GRILL.

I looked it up to see if it was possible and it is so I took up the task and did in fact try it.  I modified a Rachael Ray Recipe a bit and followed her directions on how to cook it on the grill.  Hubby was home that day and he made his famous Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots.

I assembled all the ingredients, wrapped the meatloaf as directed and cooked it up.  It came out GREAT!  My picky eater asked for seconds to which my husband replied that I will be making this meal at least once a week!

Something new to try and everyone liked it, so I guess it was a hit.  I don't have any pictures because when hubby gets involved in meal prep he sort of takes over and then my meals don't get their pictures.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Italian style panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup half and half
2 Tablespoons grated onions
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
salt and pepper
1 package of the meatloaf trio (beef, veal, pork) Approximately 3 lbs
Cooking Spray

What you do:

Preheat the grill to medium.  Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Stack two 2 foot long sheets of heavy duty foil. Coat the stop sheet with cooking spray.  Place meatloaf on top - shape it into a 5x8 inch loaf. Fold sides up to make a sturdy package, turn the loaf halfway and wrap again sealing the loaf in the package.

I placed the loaf in an aluminum pan just to be sure.  Cook for 35 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 25 minutes (until firm to the touch).  Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, unwrap and let rest 5 minutes more.  Slice and serve.

Enjoy!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

New {Favorite} Product

OK, many of my friends have cleaning ladies who come once a week, once every two weeks and at times even I have had a cleaning lady.  BUT to be budget conscious I have stopped having a cleaning lady.  I do it and a small part of me likes it better when I clean because I know it is done my way.

I live in an old house and it seems that it gets dusty quickly.  My pet peeves are bathrooms and the kitchen. Last week I found this unbelievable product that I love.  I am not into the latest thing just because I need to try stuff for myself.
Scrubbing Bubbles Cleaning Gel




Just hold the wand and slide the button down for gel to apply



The gel stays there even after flushing

Just apply the gel and it stays there for about a week, depending on how often you flush the toilet.  It is so cool and makes my bathroom smell so nice each and every time it is flushed.

I love the way the house smells after it is cleaned.  I like fresh scents and orange scents in the home.

Have you found any great new products that are helpful?

Zizette


Sunday, October 2, 2011

Back In The Saddle

Credit
Oh my,  Sorry for taking off some time.  I did not realize what or where I have been lately.

Trying to get back into the swing of things has been a little trying.

As always I am trying to be the best mom possible, best teacher possible and as of yesterday I have added best student possible.

Yes, you read that right I am back in school.

I have gone back to Grad school for School Building Leadership and at some point I need to decide if I will go for the FULL Masters or just the certificate program.  We shall see.  I am excited.

I NEVER wanted to go into education.  I wanted Business (which I did and hated).  My friends would say teaching and I would say, "No way!"  But here I am 22 years later and I am exactly where I should have been all along.  However, my business background is what gives me the motivation to do more than just teach.  Education is such a mess.  We are teaching our children to the test, making unrealistic goals/expectations for some in special education instead of concentrating on what they really need and the people who have never been in a classroom make the rules or bash us for our jobs.  Sorry for that.  I just want to make a difference and this program will open up that arena for me.

I have been cooking some yummies and will be posting those recipes as they came out really good.  It is so cold here today I am in a soup making mood.  Let's see what I come up with.

Ta-ta for now,

Zizette

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Where Were You?

Credit

Tomorrow is 9/11, a day we will not forget, a day I will not forget.

You see I know exactly where I was that day at the exact time the first plane hit the Twin Towers.  I was going through the toll at the George Washington Bridge listening to KTU radio.  The radio cut out as I passed through the toll.  I switched over to a news station, at first nothing and then it really didn't have info.  After I came through the toll you don't see much as the side of the Mountain/hill is in the way.  I recall turning my head towards the city and seeing the twin towers smoking and then a static radio saying a small plane or something hit the North Tower. It was a beautiful clear day so you could see straight downtown from the bridge.  The traffic was creeping along, almost in disbelief.  A radio reporter called into the station and they were on their way to work and live downtown.  As I was entering the helix to go down to West Side Highway, the reporter is saying, it seems to be a plane that hit and all of a sudden they scream, "OMG another plane is hitting the South Tower."

At that moment I was terrified.  My husband does not answer his phone during work.  I call my dad, who I was working for at the time and asked if he heard what was going on.  He said something hit the towers and I told him they hit both towers, planes! I also said, "this was no mistake it is F***** Terrorism!"

I came down and the police had already closed the WSH, since eventually this road brings you roght down that way.  They were re-routing through Harlem.  I rolled down my window and asked if I could go back over the bridge and he say yes.  I drove as fast as I could and as safe as I could.  Lucky for me people aren't leaving NYC at the time so I made it back home in minutes (I live right across the river in Fort Lee, NJ - The East side of my building faced the City and you could see the Twin Towers from  it).

I called my dad and he was going to leave but I said he couldn't they closed the bridge, I was probably one of last non-emergency people to be able to go over at that point.

I remember once I got to my building seeing a woman rushing to work and telling her what had happened and she was like, "I need to get to work."  I looked at her and said, "everything is closed, turn on the news."  I then walked into my building and told my doorman.  He and the other staff members tried tuning the small radio.  I got upstairs and turned on the TV, sat in disbelief and called my husband.
He did answer and said at that point they were staying there with all the people since there was some big stockholders meeting and most of the people were for out of town and had no where to go.  He was one of the managers in their Corporate Cafeteria and was handling all of the food for those meetings and the rest of their staff. They even had a child care center at his sight so many people had their kids there as well.  The good part was, it was far enough from the city so it wasn't as chaotic as it was in the city.

I sat glued to the TV, watching and crying at what happened. I didn't believe those buildings could collapse. Thinking about the unborn baby in me and what kind of world we (he) live in.  Will there be a place for me to raise my child?

As I watch now, I feel that same sadness for those who were lost and effected by this horrible tragedy.  My prayers are with everyone since we all lost a something that day.

Zizette

Monday, September 5, 2011

MIA {sorry}



I have been MIA lately.  I was spending time with my kids and my visiting nephew.  It was a glorious 3 weeks.  I so enjoyed it.  I am now getting back in the groove.  School starts tomorrow and I am very excited for the coming school year.  I am also *pondering* the thought of making another blog, but it being a teaching blog.  My thoughts are all over and I am excited for this school year but more on that later.

We had lots of fun in the past few weeks.

All he wanted to do at the Jersey Shore was  drive a Go-Kart


My Nephew caught the first fish of our stay at the lake
Sam caught the largest fish at 2 1/2 lbs, he was proud to brag he caught 8 1/2 lbs of fish in one day


Little Miss, she caught her fish with bread, Sunnies and Rock Bass for this little lady

Cousins, great summer!



Jersey Shore House

Really thought he was going to throw up here

We had an awesome summer and we are sad to see it end.  Here's to a great school year.

Ziz

Friday, August 19, 2011

A {new} love


I personally love to have a cup of coffee in the am.  I am not one of those people who feels it gets me through the day and if I have a cup at night I have never felt the ill effects of it and then be up all night.

However, many years ago, when I first got my drivers license and my parents got a brand new car (allowing me to get a car - not a new one but a 1976 Ford Grenada - Hey it was a pair of wheels) my friends and I would meet up for breakfast before school at Bob's Big Boy.

There we would have coffee.  Coffee with Sugar.  Oh boy, my friend Forest, well she loved her coffee with lots of sugar and well, I followed suit.  One day in particular was very bad.  Lots of coffee, lots of sugar and then a trip to 7-11 for some Jolt.  Do you remember Jolt?  I sure do.  That day I could not sit still.  I was jittery, jumpy and even worse, wanting MORE.  I think Forest and I would have killed Jeremy for some more Jolt.  In the end we did not get more, we did not kill Jeremy and we fell asleep early after crashing down hard.

The next day, not so much coffee and sugar.

Since then I enjoy my coffee.  Some days I drink a lot, some not so much.  So, I make a pot based on what I will be drinking and hubby does not drink coffee if it's been there too long.  So my pots in the am are not shared as I get up with the roosters and my pot is made too early.  He has been making his pot and at the end of the day I find that I am throwing full pots of coffee and always running out of coffee since we are making so much.

I made a suggestion, "Let's buy a Keurig."  A few years ago he told me, "Heck NO!"  I explained my rationale this time and he agreed (thankfully we were going to the lake where his parents have one and we have enjoyed using one for about a year now).  He was trying to figure out cost per cup (the food manager in him that is) and I did some research as well.  He agreed.

Yesterday I went and got my machine and as I type I am enjoying my first cup.  Pure Heaven.  One cup, no waste and all is well.

Oh and today I take my coffee with 2 splenda and half and half.

What do you like to drink in the morning?

Zizette


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Gimme some {fried} chicken

Credit
My son is picky.

He does not have much variety in his diet.  However, lately he has been trying more things.  He has eaten ribs, chicken on the bone and steak to name a few.  Thank goodness the tides are changing.

I get being picky, both me and my husband were picky eaters and today we are so far from being picky.  My brother was as picky as my son is now.

He asked me to buy drumsticks, all of sudden.  He likes wings but they are all in sauces and he is not ready or willing to have sauce (Little Miss eats and tries everything).

I decided to make them fried chicken (drumsticks).  They came out really well.  He really enjoyed them. I have to really play around with some recipes as I like them with lots of crisp.  He wants the smaller drumsticks and wings, like the buffalo wings.  He doesn't like sauce so trying to find the smaller ones has been hard for me - unless I just don't know where to look since I have never bought them.

It was a good first try and now I made another batch and have it in the fridge for easy meals.

I got the recipe from Epicurious

Enjoy!

Zizette


  • 1 3-lb. fryer
  • 1 tbsp. salt
  • 1 tbsp. black pepper
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • 1/2 cup Pet milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. ground thyme
  • 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
  • 1 qt. oil for frying
Cut chicken in eight pieces. Season well with salt and pepper. Set aside. Mix eggs, milk, and water. Pour mixture over chicken. Let sit for 5 minutes.
In a heavy paper bag, mix flour, paprika, ground thyme, and granulated garlic. Place chicken in bag with flour mixture. Shake until chicken is well coated.
Heat oil in a Magnalite fryer — oil should reach 350°F. Place chicken in hot oil. Fry, turning as chicken browns. Heavy parts such as breast, thighs, and legs will take 15 to 20 minutes, wings about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain chicken on paper towels.



Sunday, July 31, 2011

{simple} Sundays


I am *trying* to simplify things around here.
I am *trying* to shed the crap stuff around our house.
I am *trying* to do it with the kids not harassing me to keep this or that.

Even though yesterday was Saturday I had to start somewhere but today I will do more and *try* to dedicate time on Sundays to purge and simplify.


I did manage to purge a box from the garage.  It's been there since we lived here (2 years) and if we have not touched that stuff in this time, well it's time to go.  Hubby thinks I am a hoarder, that I am not but I do tend to hold onto some things for "memories" and what I may need.  Eventually I do get rid of stuff.

BUT if he wants to talk about hoarding he should look at himself.  Do you know what he keeps?  The boxes from cell phones, The GPS we got 4 years ago, the iPod he got god knows when - you get what I mean.  It's time to get rid of all this stuff.

I want clean spaces.  Maybe when the kids are gone for the next two days I can get around to cleaning the playroom/guest room.  We shall see.

I really want to do this because every third Thursday the Bulk pick up in our town takes away everything.

What would you like to simplify?

Sunday, July 24, 2011

We {want}, we {need}

Okay, I grew up with a dog.  I love dogs.  My daughter LOVES dogs and so does my son.  My parents have a dog.  We all WANT, no Need a dog.  Notice someone is missing?  Hubby.  No Dog.  No way.  He does not want a dog.  How do we fix that?

We have a cat.  A BIG cat.  A BIG, NASTY cat.  She is mine.  I love her but she doesn't love anyone, well, maybe me from time to time.  Usually only for her long enough to like me then bite me but she sleeps with me.  The kids try to love her but she wants no part of it and Hubby - he does not like her.
Blogging Kitty

We sort of made an agreement years ago.  My hubby always says he needs to have some time without a pet (I had Lola before I met him so she has always been with us).  So, I said to the kids, when Lola dies we will wait 6 months and then we will get a dog.  He doesn't agree but last week when a friend's mom was fostering a puppy and I jokingly said, "meet our new dog."  He said, "we have an agreement."  So I made sure people recognized his commitment to our agreement.

BUT

We can't wait until the cat is gone. We want a dog now.  We need a dog now. Who doesn't want a dog?



from here



I go back and forth between wanting a medium/big dog and a small dog.  I would love to have a small dog to bring with us where we go and truly be a little lap dog.  But I also love the thought of rough housing with a big ole playful dog.

How do we get dad/hubby on board?  I brought the kids to our local pet shop and they played with the puppies Maya loves all dogs and Sam decided he wants a small dog, a Yorkie.  Just like his mom.

Now to work on dad/hubby.

Zizette

Monday, July 18, 2011

New {love}

I have a few new loves.

First, I am in love with a new website that my friend invited me to: RueLaLa

It has discounts on designer duds and such.  I am not super designer shopper but I love a few brands and I am super loyal to the ones I love.  I also love some brands that I really can't afford and this site allows some of that.

Anyhoo, I have wanted a Michele watch for some time.  So expensive, they do have a cheaper line the Tahitian Jelly Line and last week they had them on sale.

I got one for me.  After I lost internet in my classroom (on my prep then lunch). The original one I wanted sold out FAST.  This is the one I got and I am so happy considering my Raymond Weil lost a diamond bezel on the one o'clock and now has to be repaired.  In any case I am happy and I got myself a little treat for working 683 this summer.



I just love it when we can treat ourselves every now and then.
Zizette

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Summertime {fun}

Been real busy around here lately.

The kids are doing different things this summer, I am working at my school and we have been enjoying the sun.

Good Friends

Her first fish of the year

Enjoying the life

Cousins 

Enjoying a Mojito like mom (non-alcohol, of course)
Just a little taste of the goings on around here.  We hope you are doing the same.

Zizette

Summertime Treat

I few weeks back I had seen, I think on Pinterest, a delicious idea so I just had to try it.  I did it and my dad added a little treat to it.

It is a nice twist on the standard Caprese Salad.

1 container grape tomatoes (I used about half)
1 container bocconcini(small mozzarella balls in whey or water)
Basil leaves whole (approximately 25)
Olive oil
salt and pepper
Balsamic Glaze ( My dad had Crema de Balsamico that my brother brought back from Spain)
Toothpicks

Very easy assembly. Take the basil leaves, put one mozzarella ball, one grape tomato and spear together keeping them in the basil "boat".  When all done assembling, drizzle with Balsamic glaze, olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste.  It is so nice and easy for your guests to take one and pop it in their mouths. ENJOY!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Fourth of July

The fourth of July is a big deal in our house, not only is it America's birthday it is my father in law's birthday too! We always go to the lake and have a fun filled weekend with family. This year my husband will not be here as he is working - obviously he is not happy.

My favorites are seeing the kids on the lake, swimming at the pool, lighting sparklers, hanging out with friends and family, sitting around the fire pit and of course, s'mores.

As you can see the kids have a great time. Hopefully I get some good pictures this year of the family fun.

Have a great weekend!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Schools Out for Summer

Yay!

The kids had their last day of school yesterday.  I can't believe it, 2nd and 4th grade FLEW by!  The kids have had some parties, some long play dates  (uh-hem excuse my now 5th grader tells me it's hanging out, NOT play date) and some really short days of school.  Can you believe the kids had a full day on Monday but T-W-TH they went to school for 2 1/2 hours and on Friday a mere hour and a half?  Crazy I tell ya!

They are done and Sam did well on his report card.  So proud and Maya, well she left hers at her friend's house - it fell out of the bag.  No worries I am sure she did well too.

It has been Crazy raining here which caused many a graduation parties to be canceled - bummer.  My County was called into a stat of emergency and I got a major leak.  Now to look for that problem and where it is coming from and where it's going.

But that's for another time.

The kids and I are doing something different this year.  Usually we go to camp.  Sam wasn't too interested and did not want to go and I had an opportunity to work at my school and make some very nice money.  The kids will be doing Gymnastics and I am trying to get her into Brownie camp with all her girlies.  Sam will be doing Lego/Space camp and possibly Boy Scout camp with his buds.  This is something new and we will see how it goes.  Lots of their friends are around so it will be interesting.  Most go to camp but some are around.  I only have to work six weeks so after that we are going to gave fun.  AND big bonus for me, the kids will go to CT for a week.

I love summer.  I LOVE the beach.  We will be going often as much as we can.  We the pool (thank goodness my parent's have one and they live around the corner).  I love the BBQs and we will be setting up our fire pit this weekend.  I am excited, now just stop raining.

Have a great weekend.
Zizette

Monday, June 20, 2011

Running Journal {Week 5}

Okay I know I have not kept you in the loop about my running but being a teacher and a mom at the end of the school year is Brutal.

So this week I will do another condensed version of all three days for ya.

Day 1 - The usual 5 minute warm up, the repetitions of 5 minute jogs, 3 minute walks to complete 20 minutes, then the 5 minute cool down.

Not bad. Easy Peasy.  Pretty good.

Day 2 - 5 Minute warm up then repetitions of 8 minute jogs, 5 minute walk and then the 5 minute cool down.  This one I had to do twice because in one of the runs I went up hill and it killed me. The second time I did it I was on the Treadmill and it was okay.  I almost had thoughts that this would be the end for me.  I felt so discouraged before the second go around but everything I have read is that if the run is hard do it again until you feel comfortable.  So I did just that, did it over.  There is no specific reason that you have to do it one way, this is a guideline.  I like it either way and it's making me feel good.

Day 3 - A 20 minute run!  Holy Cow.  I stressed for days about this one too.  Even told my APE teacher at school that I was nervous and unsure I would be able to complete.  Guess what??  I did it no problem! I was shocked!  So proud of myself and I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE ABLE TO RUN 20 MINUTES.  EVER.

Life shocks you sometimes BUT in these 5 weeks I have not really lost weight.  I have maintained.  We'll see as the weeks go by.  I think I will register for my first 5K this week.

Happy Running.

Zizette

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Running Journal {week 4}

This running thing isn't so bad.

I am getting the hang of it and loving it BUT I have not lost weight. WTH?

True I may snack here and there but in all truth I think I have been doing really well. Some people talk of losing inches (I don't measure myself) and others talk of building muscle. I just wantnto lose that damn c-section belly. No matter what it is still there. The only time I didn't have it was when I did the South Beach diet but kidney stones were not a good alternative to a flat belly. I hope when I am really running that it will subside but then it will be summertime and then the Mojitos contribute to the belly. I'll have to save those for the special occasions ;) if you kaon what I mean.

Still I like it and I am plugging away at it.

Happy running!

Zizette

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

{Misunderstood} Friends

Have you ever had moments that your friends took and twisted it the wrong way?  Normally I would not post about something such as this but I post about my life and we're girlfriends here so, I figured give it a go.

I usually work at a camp for my summers.  My kids go for free and I am able to do crafts all day. Win win, right?  It is really but this year I had an amazing opportunity at my job that would benefit my family, so I took the leap.  I emailed the camp and let them know I needed to take care of some family business.  That was a week ago.

Today a friend emails me that she is last to know.  I said there was no intention there I was keeping it private for numerous reasons. She continued to let me know I embarrassed her by not letting her know and etc.  I apologized and said I was really thinking of my feelings and not her and the intention was not to hurt her.  I also told her of a situation recently where I was left out of a party of hers and never said a word, because those things happen and I don't need to be included in everything she does.  She gets mad, I explain myself and so on.

Where do I go now?  I never meant to hurt her, I wasn't even thinking of her feelings through this whole process.  She tells me she will give me a list of people who know - well I only told 2 people (one of those is my supervisor who emailed me after the director emailed her).  I am too old for this stuff.

Any advice will be appreciated.  I am at a loss of for words (for once).

Zizette

Monday, June 6, 2011

Running Journal {week 3}

Week 3.

I will condense it into one post so it's not three short posts.

This week the three runs were the same: alternating between 90 seconds run/walk, 3 minute runs/walk. Two times each.

Not bad at all. I liked it and I am so pumped. I look forward to running. SICK. So. Not. Me.

But I am feeling good. I cannot believe that I am in this place. I hope I continue. Please give me strength to go on.

Happy running.

Zizette

End of the {school} Year

It is the end of the year for me. Which translates into BUSY. Now I am also down a computer, seems that my beloved son and a DVD got caught in the DVD player of the laptop. Have no fear, Apple fixed it and I have to pick it tomorrow.

I am still running and will be updating you on my progress. I am trying to get it all together for the end of year activities in school.

Ta-ta till later.

Zizette

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Running journal {w2, d3}

Ahh finished week 2, I am so happy. This is not as bad as I thought it would be. I have never wanted to run, in always thought those runners were crazy and look at me. I know that this isn't full running right now but I am motivated to get my arse out there and do something. My friends have been really encouraging me which is super too.

**this post or journal entry comes when I am actually in week 6 and I am Struggling with Day 1. It is so hard for me to do and I have no idea why, I must keep motivated**

Have a wonderful day!

Zizette

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Running Journal {W2, D2}

Credit
April 26th, 2011

Yeah, I ran yesterday and I ran again today.

I had to, tomorrow I cannot run - just too busy.

It was easy.  Hey it's week 2 it should be easy but I did it.

Feeling really good about myself.  I am just nervous for when I get home.  I live in a hilly area there's no freaking way I can run hills.  That's for sure!

I will have to figure this one out.

Later today I go home from the sunshine.

Zizette

Sunday, May 22, 2011

My Running Journal {W2, D1}

April 25th, 2011

Woo Hoo! Week 2, Day 1 down.

This week is a brisk 5 minute walk (warm up) and then alternating between 90 second jogs and 2 minute walks for 20 minutes with a 5 minute cool down walk.

Not so bad.  I made it.

Starting to think I like running.  Even though it says to take a break in between days I am going to run tomorrow because we are flying home tomorrow night and then I would have to run on Wednesday and Maya has dance.  I don't want to push it off until Thursday to keep my momentum going so I will just run two days in a row.

Very excited that I have made this commitment to myself.

Zizette

Thursday, May 19, 2011

My Running Journal {W1, D3}

Credit
Day Three down, Woo Hoo!!

Change of scenery today.  It was nice as where I am staying has a walking/running path all around the center of the development with mile markers.  Cool.

I got up nice and early, hydrated and went about my run.  Not so bad.  I am liking this as it is flat.  I just hope when I get home I am able to keep up with it.  I am motivated and will have a good base on me to do well.

Not so bad, feels good.  My parents and grandma are very encouraging to me.  Keep it up, I am excited.

Next run on Monday.  Should be fun, that will be Week 2, Day 1.

Gotta keep moving.

Zizette

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

My Running Journal {W1, D2}

credit

April 21, 2011
So here I go.  Day 2.  Can I do it?

After: Wasn't so bad. Went out much earlier so it was not so hot.  Did it and have no complaints.  I feel really good and I am super proud of myself for sticking to this plan.

I was running today and at times I was thinking, "can I do this?"  to "what am I thinking?"

I have never been a person who loved exercising.  Why on earth would I start running and 40?  Ahh, it's because it has great benefits, you will look great and you will hopefully like it the little voice in side my head keeps telling me.

Another motivating factor, I got the "Pro" version of C25K and you can post to FB - this way people know I am running so I will shame myself into running.

That was day 2.  I made it.  Let's see what happens next...

Sunday, May 15, 2011

My Running Journal

Back in March I decided to start running. I needed to get in to better shape for myself and for my family. I started off and was motivated to do the C25k running program. I did the first week but the second week brought bad weather and I gave up with the hope that I would start again in a few weeks when the weather made it better for running.

Fast forward to April vacation. I am in Florida and I have grandparents to watch the kids while I run. I start the program. I decided to share my journal that I wrote in to hopefully give inspiration to someone.

April 19, 2011

Ok, today decided to start the c25k program again. I really want to do this. I want to run, I see what it does for all my friends who do run. What am I thinking, I am so not a runner and my chest is big. Am I really going to do this?

I come back from my run and I did it! Now don't get too cocky now, it was only running for 60 seconds. Ahh, it was only short spurts but I did it. I made the whole run. It was 11 am which next time I need to do it earlier in the morning the beginning of the very hot part of the day is BRUTAL. Will rethink my running time.

Very proud of myself. I love this new little app that allows me to listen to PANDORA - Glee station and it tells me when to run/walk.

I did try this last year, a similar programs and forget it, I couldn't keep track of when to run/walk. I love technology!

I just can't believe that I was actually running and not dying. Go me! Here's to running on Tuesday.

I will update as I wrote in my journal. Maybe it will inspire you.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Zizette

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!
I know most of you are mothers out there and make sure you get all the love you deserve today.
Last night we came up to the lake to spend Mother's day morning with my mother in law as we usually do (I can't believe hubby has the day off) and later in the day after lunch we will head down towards home and have dinner with my grandma and step-mom.
How are you spending Mother's Day?
My plan is to head on over to the White Elephant Flea Market in New Milford with my little girl. Hopefully I will have a good post about that one later on.
Xoxo Zizette