Mommy & Daddy Wear Glasses

This morning on the way to school, Ella wanted to read a book. When she picked up her book, she also picked up her sunglasses, and told me repeatedly that she needed to put them on (even though it was cloudy and rainy). She then proceeded to wear her glasses all the way to school, reading her "horse book". When we got to school, I asked her if she was ready to take them off and she said, "I'm done reading my book now," and handed me the glasses. I asked her why she needed her glasses to read the book and she said, "Mommy and Daddy wear glasses to read stories." It is amazing how much they pick up without us ever knowing.

Environmental Tip for the Day

On the radio today, I heard that if your washer has a "2nd spin" cycle, it's most energy efficient to use that cycle each time you wash. Although it seems that it would use more energy, it actually takes more moisture out of the clothes so that the dryer can run for a shorter time to dry the clothes. Ella's winter coat is in the washer, and I put it on the 2nd spin cycle for the first time. Whatever we can do to conserve energy is important, hope that if you have a 2nd spin cycle, you try it, too.

The Downside of a Good Thing

So, I posted recently about my weightloss, and I have finally found a downside. I have weighed the same thing basically since I was a senior in high school (so like, for 12 years), with the exception of gaining 28 lbs when I had Ella. So, I have been able to aquire my wardrobe and several pieces over the last 12 years. There aren't a ton of things that I've saved for a long time, but good pieces, like suits, have lasted a long time. Well, going from a size 12 to a size 8 or even a 6 means that I can't waer any of those clothes anymore. Today, I went to a tailor to talk about altering my suits (thinking that it would be less expensive that way). What I found out is that losing so much weight basically means that he would have to take my clothes apart and basically remake them! This is expensive (over $100/suit!), and he said that some of them would be incredibly difficult to do, like my pants (since I lost over 7 inches in my waist!). Buying a wardrobe over 12 years makes it not too painful, but buying a lot at once can be a little painful. The only questions now are where do I find the best deals, and would I rather have new suits, or a fence in my backyard?

A Game for the Ages

"We don't really conversate.''
--The real words of New England wideout Randy Moss, on his relationship with coach Bill Belichick.

From Peter King: I think Roger Goodell got off a good line this morning at the MVP press conference. "We're grateful to Archie and Olivia and hope they'll have at least one more child," he said. Probably not going to happen.

What a great game! It was one of the best that I've seen, I loved it.

P.S. I hope that Cooper Manning is really successful at whatever he does. It has to be rather intimidating to have two younger brothers who are Superbowl MVP's

The End of a Long Journey...or is it just the beginning

This morning, I made it to the workout room at Trevecca for a weigh-in, which I hadn't been able to do before Christmas. I was a little hesitant when I went to step on the scale, but today, I made it to my goal weight!

When I began this journey on June 6, 2007, I didn't know if I would be able to make it. Could I really lose 31 lbs? I have been the same weight for the majority of my adult life, and my goal would have me weighing less than I did at my 9th grade physical. But, I knew that I was unhappy with the way that I looked and felt about myself and I wanted to change.

So, Brad and I began a long journey. We began to radically change the foods that we ate, the way that we cooked, and I began to work out 5-6 days a week. And now, 8 months later, I weigh 31 lbs less (if I count what I weighed when Ella was born, I've lost 60 lbs!) and we eat a great, healthy diet. It wasn't easy, but looking back now, it was worth it. Though let me tell you, I want to eat some Chinese food (the one single food group that I have avoided for 8 months!). I have to give a good deal credit to Sparkpeople.com, the best diet plan ever. It helped me to track my food, my exercise, and give me accountability for my weight loss. If you have struggled with diets in the past, I encourage you to check it out.

Today is a great day, and I am excited. But this doesn't mean that I can stop exercising and eat what ever I want. I think that we have successfuly made a life change. I look forward to Ella (and her someday siblings) growing up in a healthy household that will help to give her a great start in life. I hope that our lives will continue to be different!

At least someone with the last name Manning....

is in the Superbowl. Peyton didn't make it, but Eli did. I had hoped that the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre would win, as they probably have the best chance of beating the hated Patriots. But perhaps Eli and the New York Football Giants will surprise me and kick their butts. Maybe Eli can do it for Peyton!

Some Random Thoughts for the New Year

After a long and enjoyable trip to Florida for the Christmas holidays, we have returned to freezing Nashvegas (although it's supposed to climb into the 50's tomorrow). Several thoughts to share as we begin the new year:

1. Christmas is so much more fun with a toddler. Ella loved every present that she opened, even the socks and underwear! We also enjoyed the fruits of reading her a new book "The Fruits of the Spirit" in which she learned that patience means waiting your turn. She patiently waited while other family members opened pictures. What an angel. While at my aunt's house, there were 17 members of our extended family. Before going to bed each night, Ella gave a kiss and a hug to every person in the house. She is a very loving child!

2. Brad and I made it to see a movie, without paying a babysitter (which then makes a 2 hour movie a $40 event). We saw Juno, which neither of us were sure about. But, it was incredible. All of the reviews say that it had quick and witty dialogue and it really did. It is a little racy, but we thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

3. The 2008 elections have started! Tonight, Brad and I have the T.V. tuned to C-Span as we watch the interesting event that is the Iowa Caucus. How cool would it be to live in Iowa and get to participate in this awesome portrait of a democratic America. If you haven't taken the time to watch it before, you're missing out. In precinct 53, it looks like Obama is going to win. The only question is what will happen in the rest of the night and the next few weeks.

4. It's one of my favorite times of year, NFL playoffs. The Colts, having earned a bye, will sit out this week, but there's still plenty of excitement to be had. It would be even better had the Giants pulled it out on Saturday night and kicked the Patriots butt. I hate the Patriots and if they make it to the Superbowl, I might just puke.

I head to California next week for a Pastor's conference, and I'm excited to support my pastors, spend some quality time with some of my closest friends, and enjoy the California sunshine :) Until then...