Sick, sick, sick

Oh, I'm sorry I've been away...we have all been sick sick sick. I'm hoping that we'll all be better soon. My son was sick, then my husband, then me, then my daughter...and it's been lingering. None of us has been getting much sleep. So, the blog just slipped to the end of a long list of things to do, and I didn't get to it. So, I hope that I'll have a chance within the next day or two to write.
I'm very sorry!

An Argument for New York Pizza

There's an ongoing debate about which is better...New York Pizza or Chicago Pizza. Well, if you've ever eaten at Uno's Pizzeria, you know that Chicago style pizza is deep dish pizza. It's delicious, but do you KNOW how many calories and how much fat is in one of those "individual" pizzas??????

If you get Pizza Skins, which is a pizza dough stuffed with mashed potatoes and onions, and topped with cheddar cheese and bacon, it's got 60 points, which is three days worth of food!!! For those of you not familiar with points, that's 2400 calories and 155 grams of fat. And that's BEFORE you put on any of the sour cream they give you, AND they consider this an appetizer.

For a plain, ordinary, "individual" pizza, you'll be getting 1740 calories and 36 grams of fat, or 37 points...before you put on any of the three toppings they allow. Eek.

One slice of New York pizza is six points. One wedge of an "individual" Chicago style pizza is 1/2 of a serving, and it's also 6 points per wedge, but it's so much smaller!!!!!!!! Two wedges of that pizza can fit into a teacup.

I can't believe how much of this pizza I've eaten in my life. Uno's discloses all this information on its website and in a book at its locations, but I think it's still surprising. No wonder it tastes so good.

Trip of a Lifetime

Last night, my brother, uncle, and nephew embarked upon a trip of a lifetime. My father was also supposed to be on this trip, but he died suddenly last July. The trip was in danger of being cancelled, but thankfully, everyone decided to go anyway, knowing my father would have wanted them to go, and knowing that he will be with them in spirit.

My father's father's family was born in Hungary, even though my grandfather was born here. My grandfather wasn't a very friendly person, so as far as I know, nobody knows a lot about that part of the family tree. So, we're reconnecting with family we have over in Hungary, and this morning, they met with my family from the US to begin a grand tour of Budapest and family landmarks and homesteads. Additionally, family from my father's mother's side in Germany is going to drive over to join and visit. One of the Hungarian family members is on facebook, and I've had some contact with him, and everyone is so excited about this family reunion.

So, I wish them the most wonderful of experiences, and I can't wait to hear about all of their adventures. This truly is a trip of a lifetime for all of them.

Stress

My son (pretending to be a fireman in this picture from the children's museum) is so cute and so sweet, and I love him so much, but oh, he is a bundle of energy!

I'm venting, so if you're not interested, don't read any further.
My daughter does not want to sleep. She screams and screams and screams and screams. There is not a thing wrong with her; she just wants to be held. However, although some people may be able to get everything done that they need to while holding a baby, I have not been blessed with that ability. She cries when she has to take a nap. She cries most of the night. She's up by 6:30 in the morning. I get up at 5 to go to the gym, come home, take a shower, make breakfast for my husband and myself, make my son his bottle, and then she's up. I have no time to do anything else. It is very stressful to listen to her cry...absolutely paralyzing. I hate it.

I got a tetanus/diptheria shot the other day, and I have been in pain and tired as heck from it...I'll be glad when that's over.

My son is on Spring Break this week, and the weather has been miserable. So, I've been stuck in the house with a hyperactive kid and a screaming baby all week, not getting much sleep and not having any time to clean this wreck of a home. In addition to the usual mess, my son is going through some destructive stage where he is tearing apart all his books, taking everything out of all the drawers, everything off the bookcase, out of the toy chest, emptying out the wipes box, emptying out the tissue box, knocking over chairs, breaking the slats on our blinds, and emptying out the laundry baskets. There are always dishes in the sink, and he likes to push over a chair, climb up and dump any cups or bowls full of water on the floor. He empties out the cat food bowls. He takes the clean dishes out of the dishwasher and licks them. He puts the dirty dishes in the dishwasher in the drawers. He climbs on the tables and the chairs and leaps from one to the next. He can get past almost any child "proof" device. He can climb and reach anything. It's much too much for me to keep up with. As soon as I tidy up, he empties it all out again. I try to keep up with him, and believe me, he gets disciplined. He's not a bad kid, and he's very sweet,but he's so quick, and if I'm trying to nurse, he takes that opportunity to go to town. I know he's seeking attention because I'm with his sister, and I'm sure some of it is part of his disability, but it gets downright depressing when no matter how hard you try, your home is always a disaster. It's also dangerous to always have things all over the floor to trip over.
Today is a little nicer out, and I hired a mother's helper today. I brought my children to the children's museum, which I normally would not be able to do on my own, because my son is too difficult to keep up with, and then I can pay no attention to my daughter. He would need to be put into a high chair or carriage and strapped in in order for me to play with her at all, or to feed her. So, a friend of my husband's recommended a nice high school senior she knows, and she met me at the museum. She ran after my son so I could just enjoy him and also play with my daughter and feed her without worrying about my son. He had his freedom, and the mother's helper made a little money. Everyone was happy. I am planning on having her or someone come maybe once a week just to watch the kids while I'm here so that I can get some work done. I don't trust anyone I don't know well with my son because he is so difficult to watch, and nobody in my family particularly enjoys watching him because he's so difficult to watch. Nobody offers, and I don't ask. Yesterday I was at the end of my rope when my husband's friend mentioned hiring a mother's helper. The only mother's helper I had heard of before that was the one the Rolling Stones sing about, and I'm not about to start taking drugs! Anyway, it was a fantastic idea, because I can see how someone is with my son, teach them about him and what he needs, and maybe even let them watch him while I'm not around. My husband and I have not been out alone together for well over a year, so it would be nice to be able to get away, even for just a few hours.
On top of all this, my sister has been acting strange with me. She doesn't want to see my family. I don't know why. I don't know what happened. I asked her, but she hasn't answered. So, I won't be seeing her for Easter, because she doesn't want to see me. How heartbreaking is that?
Sorry to complain, but I needed to vent a little. This way, if you don't want to know about it, you just have to stop reading.

Tuesday Weigh-In

Well, I gained 4/10 of a pound, so I consider that staying the same...it could be that I was wearing a sweater instead of a t-shirt because it was cold today. That's fine. I had my annual physical today, and I'm fit as a fiddle. The doctor is very happy with my 1 pound per week weight loss. I guess I went to see him right when I joined Weight Watchers because according to both scales, I've lost 12 pounds since the end of December.
I also got a tetanus shot, so my arm is hurting...it will be worse tomorrow, I'm sure. Nothing Motrin can't handle.
Tonight there's an Easter Egg decorating party at our complex, so we're having a quick dinner so we can run out and do Easter crafts and egg coloring...fun!
Also, 14 years ago today, my husband and I kissed for the first time. He told me I was the missing piece to his puzzle and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. Nice day!

Exercise, Weight Loss, and My iPod

I have made a commitment to myself to wake up every day at 5 am and go to the gym. After only seven days of doing this almost every day (I missed this Sunday), I actually have already noticed benefits. Yesterday, I carried more than fifty pounds of groceries up three flights of stairs without even getting out of breath, and today I was able to stay on the treadmill with my heart rate at 80% for twenty minutes. This time last week, to use the melodramatic phrase my husband uses, I was begging for death after only five minutes on the treadmill, with my heart rate at only 60%. So, that made me really happy. I did the treadmill and the free weights this morning, and when I left the gym, I felt really good instead of like I was dragging myself across the floor. I finally remembered to bring my iPod, too. My husband bought my an iPod Shuffle for our tenth wedding anniversary, and I LOVE IT. I don't use it often, because I need to be able to listen for my kids...but gym time is MY TIME, and I can use my iPod to my heart's delight, and I do. A little Rammstein, Radiohead, White Zombie, and Chrystal Method goes a long way.

My only problem is that my husband brought home Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies yesterday. I had more than I should have (although not as many as I used to), so I sent them into work with my husband. I know that I can not be trusted in a room alone with a box of Thin Mints.

Anyway, it's my week to gain, anyway. Without fail, since I have started, I gain one week, lose one week. So, it's my week to gain, so I won't be surprised or even disappointed, because I know next week is my week to lose. If it's a lifetime thing anyway, what difference does it make how long it takes? I'd love to wake up thin, but getting there is half the fun, right?

Egg Hunt Today!

Today, our complex had an egg hunt for the kids as well as face painting, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and games. The person who coordinates all the events isn't the most organized person, and the egg hunt was supposed to start at 1, but it didn't start until 2. It was very difficult keeping the kids away from the eggs all that time! But, it was still nice, and the kids had a great time.

The hunt was held in the huge grassy and wooded area right behind our apartment, so we didn't need to go far. The eggs for the very young children were all hidden on the little playground. Of course, the little kids all wanted to play there, and they were all picking up the eggs. Oh well. It couldn't be helped. All the parents just kept putting back the eggs the best we could.

When it was finally time for the hunt, off everyone ran, hunting those eggs. My son was no longer interested in hunting eggs by this time, and was content to just play on the playground. I helped my daughter find an egg and dig it out of the mulch.

It's always interesting to see other parents, and how they are with their kids. One man was picking up eggs like crazy in the baby area, dragging his little girl along. He didn't let her pick up a single egg, and took all those eggs away from all the other little kids hunting eggs. Another little girl's mother left her alone there to hunt eggs, and went off with her older kids way across the field, so the little girl was left calling her mom who was so far away, we couldn't even see her. I brought the little girl over to the main table, and her mom finally came back. The girl couldn't' have been more than 2 or 3. Another couple let their 18 month old do whatever he wanted, as they were too busy talking with friends. I saw him put a round piece of rubber in his mouth, and brought his parents' attention to it, and they said, "Oh, he's always eating stuff...nickels, dimes, quarters..." as if to say that it's okay, and that there's no risk of him choking. Otherwise, the parents and kids were very nice.

Overall, it was a great day, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. We couldn't have asked for a nicer day.

Egg Hunt and Spring Break ADHD Style

Tomorrow the complex we live in is having an egg hunt! I'm so excited. There's just something about finding an egg peeking out of a hiding spot. It's like secrets everywhere winking at you.

It's so wonderful to see the holidays through children's eyes, and I hope my son really enjoys himself! I'm just glad that the hunt is tomorrow, and not today, because today was cold and windy.

My son is off from school all next week, and of course, it's going to be cold and rainy. There's nothing like being stuck in the house with an ADHD kid for a whole week with an infant to take care of besides. Even if I took him to a museum or something, I don't know if he'd really enjoy it because I wouldn't be able to let him run around because I'd be all by myself with him and a six month old. Any suggestions?

25 Random Things About Me

My very first concert was Menudo. My second A-Ha. My Third Pink Floyd. What a progression.

I can play the flute, the piano, and the guitar...but none very well.

I have been a stock person, a bank teller, a teacher, a secretary, a Mary Kay Lady, an audiologist, and a stay at home mom.

I achieved the Gold Award in Girl Scouts, which is the equivalent to the Eagle Scout Award in Boy Scouts.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in English with a minor in Philosophy, a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences, and a Doctorate in Audiology.

I have attended 18 years of Catholic School.

I taught Sunday School for ten years.

I taught English as a Second Language at the college level when I was a college freshman...the teacher I was teaching with tragically lost both her parents, and I had the teach the class myself.

I love to watch the same movies over and over again.

My favorite bands are Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

I love bugs, especially mantids and spiders.

I love bats.

My first car was a white, stick shift, Toyota Corolla Tercel named Tony.

My favorite flavor of ice cream is Haagen Dasz Creme brulee.

My favorite dessert is creme brulee.

I first kissed a boy when I was 3. I kissed him on the head, declared my love, and he ran crying to his mother.

I love live opera. I didn't know until I went to a performance...with a book, convinced that I would be bored, and sobbed through the whole thing.

I can no longer listen to "Don't Fear the Reaper" by Blue Oyster Cult without thinking about having a fever for which the only cure is more cowbell.

No matter how many times I see "This is Spinal Tap", I laugh until I can't breathe. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

I love to play games...board games, card games, any kind of game.

I make crafts. I can knit, crochet, sew, do cross stitch, and latch hook (not very well). The only one I really enjoy is crochet. I have one cross stitch framed in our living room.

I like to write and have had some of my poetry published...in my college newspaper.

I like to read the same books over and over again.

My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family.

I don't have many friends, but the friends I have are very good friends. My husband is my best friend.

Bath and Body Works Soap

I just love Bath and Body Works, but I very rarely shop there, because I know I can get everything they sell there cheaper somewhere else. However, I will buy soap when they have a sale. Even though $3 is still a lot to spend on hand soap, they just smell sooooooo good. I love the scrubbies they put in the soap because they make your hands feel so good when you're washing, and the scent is just heavenly. Moonlit Path is my favorite, but I have Kitchen Lemon in my kitchen right now, and it's just so refreshing. I only buy these once a year or so, and they're a real treat. Usually I just get the dollar store soap or the store brand soap, so this really is a total indulgence. I also wash my hands a LOT with two kids, so I get to savor the experience over and over. It's nice that such a simple thing can brighten the day.

Free Weights...and My Kids WERE on a Schedule...

Here is a picture of what free weights are...they aren't liberated, they aren't cost-free, they're just not attached to a weight machine. :) This makes your muscles work a little different because you have to guide the movement of the weights yourself, and this is a good way to sculpt muscles. I know I have muscles somewhere under all my fat...so hopefully, if I sculpt them, when the fat is gone, they will look pretty. :) They have a great, big, full-length mirror so that you can make sure that your form is correct, but I don't generally care to look at myself. However, I didn't mind so much today for two reasons. I look much better than I did 35 pounds ago, and I know I'm doing something healthy. So, it was okay.

I was so happy for a couple of days to have my kids on a schedule...both in bed by 8...8:30 at the latest. That lasted for 2 days, and then they both got sick, yet again. This has been the very worst season for colds and sinus infections and bronchitis. Sheesh. Thank goodness winter is over, and I hope that means that cold season will be ending too.

Happy April Fools!

This is not an April Fools joke, although it will sound like one!

I got up at 5:30 this morning and went to the gym. The gym is really nice. It's a shame I didn't haul my rear end then earlier, but the very early morning is the only time I can go, and I am NOT a morning person. So, I'm going to try to go every day...that way I'll get there at least most days. Although I've been walking with running jaunts, it's not enough. So, I did the treadmill, weight machines, and free weights. It was a good feeling to come home at 6:15 am and know that I don't have to worry about exercising for the rest of the day...I'm all done. When I came home, my husband went to the gym too. I really have to get up at 5 so that he can go earlier and leave early for work.

Yesterday I walked two miles pushing my monstrosity of a double stroller with both kids (including an infant car seat) in it. We have a huge...HUGE hill that goes up to our building, and I pushed that carriage up that hill...and it was really HARD. So, I figured since it was so hard, it must be good exercise.

So, no April Fools! Better health, here I come!