Week 1

Today was the end of my first week of Weight Watchers. It was pretty difficult, but easier than I expected. I did well learning the plan, staying within my points (I even had a few of the weekly points left at the end of the week), choosing wisely when eating out, and cutting out unhealthy snacks (luckily I really like fruits and veggies). I was hungry fairly often, but not starving. My weaknesses were not enough daily activity (cramming it all into two sessions isn't ideal), happy hour last Friday (empty calories) and I can't for the life of me drink as much water as I'm supposed to. I weighed in tonight at 4.4 pounds lighter than last Tuesday. I was shooting for 5 pounds, but I'm happy with my progress. Next week I'm going to keep up with the things I did well and focus on portions, attempt to get more frequent and consistent activity, no happy hour, and increase my water intake. My goal is 4-5 more pounds. They say it is easiest in the first three weeks, so it should be attainable. I'll post another update on Monday Nov. 5th because I'll be out of town on Tuesday and Wednesday evening...so I'm hoping one less day in my "week" won't really show.

Weekend Update

It's been a fun weekend! On Friday night, we had some drinks with Sandi and Shawn and some of their friends in Old Town. We started the evening at Chadwicks with a light dinner and met everyone at Union Street Tavern. From there, the group was hungry so Ryan and I had a drink while everyone had dinner at Bugsy's. Our last stop was Murphy's where we listened to some Irish music for a while before heading home pretty early.

Yesterday, Ryan went to Rob's to watch some football and the Penn State game, and I joined some friends from work at Nightmare Manor in Leesburg. It was really fun, not nearly as scary as I expected. They had a few "haunted" buildings and a hay ride. Nothing too exciting happended, but Shira's feet were such a mess as she didn't expect to get messy and wore cute shoes. We stopped at TGI Friday's on the way home. Ryan and I got home within 2 minutes of each other and we watched SNL and fell asleep pretty early again, for a Saturday.

Today we were up early. After breakfast, we decided to go for a bike ride. We rode a total of 16 miles, to Ashburn and back. It is a gorgeous day, and it was relaxing until the end when I was exhausted. I did pretty well though, and Ryan always rides effortlessly. We're hanging out, watching the Steeler game and plan to do some chores later this afternoon. I love relaxing weekends!

Weight Watchers

Five years ago if you asked me if I'd ever be fat, I'd have said I would never let it happen, but I have let it happen. According to my research, I'm obese actually. So, tonight I attended my first Weight Watchers meeting. I'm finally sick of being overweight and have realized that I need to do something about it for my health, not just because of what I look like. I feel fine now, but how will I feel in five or ten years? I can't blame my thyroid issue completely, but I'm glad I know it is there because I know now that it won't be easy to lose weight. I need to take responsibility to change patterns before they really become habits. But, hard core exercise isn't my thing (I can't stick to it) and it doesn't work alone even when I do for a short period of time. I decided I need something that is a healthy response rather than the fad diets and quick fix pills that I've spent most of my life trying. I need to learn how to eat healthy and establish a reasonable exercise plan that I'll follow in order to achieve the overall health I really do want.

Today was really hard. I have to think about what I'm eating rather than just eating whatever I want. I looked up things before I ate them and I was shocked. I'm surprised I'm not heavier than I am. I did well though I think, a couple of points over my goal, but not terrible for my first day. I am pretty hungry right now, but that's probably a good thing and I'm counting on a cup of Green Tea to tide me over until morning. I am excited about this and I'm ready for a change. So why am I making this public? Because I need to be reminded and held accountable. I want people to ask how I'm doing with it, and I want to be embarrassed if I fall off the wagon. Maybe if I stop ignoring it and everyone else does too, it'll force me to start paying attention to what I'm doing. Nothing comes easy in this world...and I don't expect this to.

Happy Halloween!

On Saturday night, we had a Halloween Party. Ryan and Sandi did a phenomenal job designing a Murder Mystery to entertain our 30 or so guests. It was a lot of work for both of them to create the story line, character bios and a scavenger hunt to locate the murder weapon, but it sure was worth it. The story was pretty in depth. Two characters were 'murdered' at separate times and that left five as suspects. As it turned out, Sissy was the murderer. Her motive for 'shooting' Bunny Luce, Sissy discovered that Bunny Luce was a previously unknown heir to her uncle's fortune. Sissy's motive for 'poisoning' her uncle, Richie Bucks, was a need for his fortune to pay her gambling debts and fund her drug habit with the inheritance her uncle Richie willed to "his only living heir." The characters were Rob as Senator Richie Bucks, Justin as host and gun lover Marty Lesser, Shira as flirtatious new hill staffer Bunny Luce, Connie as secret love interest of the senator Foxy Harmony, Jelani as Foxy's jealous husband Sly Harmony, Sandi as spoiled, foofie niece of the senator Sissy Jones, and Shawn as Sissy's bumbling dufus of a husband Dudley Jones.

It was a long two hours of questions for the characters, but they were fantastic! The remainder of the guests were the detectives, and they really got into it. In fact, it got pretty heated when the solution and winners were revealed, as Ben and Gareth thought their teams should have won the game. Ryan and Sandi thought Andrew, Jessie and Erika had beaten them to the punch so they won the first bottle of ice wine. All was well in the end, no hard feelings, just some a good competitive spirits. Erika also won the contest for best costume, with the most votes for her outstanding Cruella Deville costume. It was great - no one debated she deserved that bottle of ice wine.

Thanks to everyone for contributing food, drinks, time and energy. We had a lot of fun and hope everyone else did too! We'll do it again sometime, perhaps a little less ambiguous and a little easier clues (except for Gareth, we'll spend the next year making his cryptogram, since he seemed to be a whiz at cracking that code).

Happy Halloween to all!

Check out the pictures here: shared pictures:
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BZM2zlq3csSm

Pre-party Pix

Here are a few pix of the house before the Halloween Party/Murder Mystery on Saturday:

Annual Pumpkin Carving Party

This is the third year we have carved pumpkins with our friends (we actually missed it last year). Each year, we bring our own pumpkins and one of us hosts a night of food and games along with the carving of the pumpkins.

This year we went to Connie and Jelani's for the annual event. Sandi and Shawn and Jennifer and Chu also came for the fun. Connie made a yummy pumpkin punch, pumpkin bars, and had pitas, hummus, chips, salsa, and guacamole. The ladies had a chance to hang out a little while the guys finished watching some football. Then we all gathered in the dining room and carved our pumpkins, roasted pumpkin seeds, and played Taboo. Sandi and Shawn headed home, Jennifer and Chu headed to bed, and Ryan and I played a friendly game of Spades with Connie and Jenali before heading home.

It was a relaxing, fun night. I can't wait to do it again next year!

Ryan's Monster Pumpkin

Erin's Pirate Ship Pumpkin

Here are the pictures of the evening: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BZM2zlq3csSE&notag=1

A sneak peak...

Ryan and I took the day off and headed to West Virginia to see if we could catch a glimpse of what is hopefully to come to Northern Virginia sometime soon...the changing of the leaves. It was a relaxing 12 hour day and we found a few patches of colorful trees - lots of brights reds this year.

We stopped at a pumpkin patch near Romney, WV. It was the highlight of the day for sure. We picked our own pumpkins off the vines. The first pumpkin I picked up looked beautiful on the top, but it was already taken - by a rat! I tried to pick up the pumpkin and the rat scurried around my foot. I was apparently stealing his dinner. I tried, but I couldn't scream...I must have reacted though because Ryan asked "what?!?" as it ran almost over his foot. We proceeded a little more carefully and found two perfect pumpkins. We left the place with 2 bails of hay, two large pumpkins (total of 34 lbs.), 20 gourds, nine pieces of Indian Corn and two cans of pop for $27. It was great! We couldn't even buy one pumpkin around here for that. The farmer and his wife were so nice - the wife took our picture as Ryan stuffed two bails of hay in the trunk of my Accord - guess they aren't too used to the city folk around there. It reminded me of how much I miss home (PA) and the the simple life there...and of course the friendly farmers who provide a days worth of fun for next to nothing, even though they've worked like dogs every day for the past year just to provide us with the experience.

I haven't quite had my fill of the foliage this year, so we plan to take a shorter trip once the leaves change around us. But it was so nice to drive around with no destination in mind, have time to just talk about everything and nothing, and stop to eat whenever we got hungry. I love days like today!!!

I love our neighborhood...

Over the past few months that we've lived here, I've learned just how great it is to be a part of a neighborhood where people actually care about one another and take time out of their busy lives to chat and even hang out. They are willing to let you borrow anything and just pop in whenever. I love this neighborhood...

Ryan and I were just sitting in the living room watching football at about 8:15pm and the doorbell rang. Ryan answered the door and this is what he found:

Greetings

The air is cool, the season is fall
Soon the Halloween Spirit will come to all
The ghosts are looking for things to do
In fact, a ghost has brought this to you
BOO is a shield from the witching hour
Just hang it up and watch its power
At your house is where it works
It wards off the creepy and scary who lurk
The treats that come with this note tonight
Are yours to enjoy with delight
Make two copies of this note for your friends
So they will have fuzzies that will not end
We'll all have a smile upon our face
No one will know who boo'd your place
Just one short day to work your spell
Quickly and quietly so know one can tell
Don't forget a nifty treat
Hide something cute or something sweet
Please join the fun, let's really hear it
Spread some fun and Halloween spirit

Directions:
1. Enjoy treats
2. Leave BOO on front door until Halloween
3. You have 24 hours to copy this poem twice and BOO two other people that don't already have a BOO sign

A plate full of cookies arrived with the poem - and I think I know by how good the cookies are, just who pulled this fun little trick. Guess I'll have to start baking and pass it on...

Check this out!

Gareth posted this site on his blog, and it is pretty cool so I had to steal it and post it here. It calculates how closely you relate to the 2008 Presidential candidates. I've never even heard of the guy I identify most with: Mike Gravel. But I guess I'll look him up!

http://www.vajoe.com/candidate_calculator.html

My #2 was Chris Dodd and #3 was a tie between Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton.

Ryan: #1 Mike Gravel, #2 Barak Obama and #3 Joe Biden.

How about you?

Trashy TV - My Favorite!

I don't like to get too involved in television. Ryan and I usually have one show that we watch together, and I find one other he's not so interested in. It seems, however, that every show we like gets cancelled. A few years ago it was the Apprentice (just too repetitive now), two years ago it was Joey and last season it was Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Our absolute favorite show is Rescue Me, but it is only on in the summer.

I'm now without a show to watch faithfully. I hesitate to search for one because it'll likely get cancelled when I decide it is a favorite. I'm not too set on reality TV, but there are not many choices available. I'm not imaginative enough to stomach sci-fi stuff and game shows are only fun for a week or two. Whatever happened to all the great sitcoms?

Last night I watched The Bachelor. I always enjoy it in the beginning and then I get bored with the girlie drama. But I do like this season's leading man, Brad Womack. He's 34, a successful entrepreneur from Austin, and determined to find a "soul mate," which is doubtful, but you never know (I do like DeAnna so I have someone to route for, until she turns into the back stabber on the show). He's a cutie and a half, and is as genuine as one who chooses to participate in a reality dating show could be on TV. I'm sure it'll get too ridiculous and trashy in a few weeks and I'll lose interest.

Here's my pathetic potential line up of shows I'll likely catch every now and again (all of them are on ABC):

The Nanny - Monday @ 9 - don't make fun, this is a great show!
The Bachelor - Monday @ 10
According to Jim - Wednesday @ 8
Big Shots - Thursday @ 10 - only new one I'm remotely interested in so far

So, I'm asking for your advice...any great shows that you know of? I want a favorite, one I can watch every week - you know, something to look forward to vegging out to. Be careful sharing, because it is likely if I start watching it, it won't last!

Mr. & Mrs. Nick Pollock

This weekend Ryan and I traveled to Mercer PA for my cousin Tanya's wedding. I'm sure you all know by now how close I am even to so many of my extended family members. But this particular cousin (and of course her twin sister, Terah) is very special to me (and to my brother, Evan). The four of us grew up together just like brothers and sisters (poor Evan, always out numbered). We went to the same Elementary school, played together and fought with each other pretty much every single day, nearly every vacation we went on, was with the whole Rice family (and for many years we were the only four kids), etc. Even though Tanya and I don't talk every day anymore, we still share absolutely everything as often as possible. She is one of my closest friends/relatives. It was one of those events that you knew would once day take place, a much anticipated one for sure. Tanya and Nick have been dating for over 7 years...and we couldn't be more excited to officially welcome Nick into our family. It was so nice to spend time with my family. I really miss them and cherish those times we spend together! It was also nice to meet the rest of Nick's awesome family and their friends were great too. It was a really fun wedding, and I'm glad we got to hang out with everyone both nights after all the official events had ended. Congratulations Tanya and Nick - you threw a fantastic party!!! May you have many happy years ahead and make lots of babies to take on vacation with the family :-)

Link to the pictures: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BZM2zlq3csRq

Tanya and Nick on Friday Night

Uncle Terry and Aunt Robin

Terah, Tristan, TJ and Tanya

Tanya and I

The Ceremony

Cutting the Cake

Ahhh...Vacation!

Last week, Ryan and I ventured out on a much needed vacation to New England. We had a great time, despite some rain. We started our trip with a visit with our great friends, Tommy and Amy (near Philly) and attended Little Tommy's Baptism on Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon, we headed north to New Hampshire for a night. On Monday, we took the scenic route and stoppped at some shops on the way to Bar Harbor, ME. We had a few amazing meals, stayed at a wonderful B&B, rode on a lobster boat and climbed some mountains - can you believe I actually love that stuff? As long as I don't have to sleep in it, I'm up for the adventure (but no heights...)!

We also took a very dangerous trip to the top of Mt. Washington, NH - yes, of course I freaked out and closed my eyes all the way to the top...but I got used to it and was fine on the way down. We also stayed for two days in Burlington, VT. On Saturday, we headed back to SW PA and stayed in Altoona so we could then continue the drive to Kristy and Jason's wedding yesterday in Somerset. Nearly 1200 miles in all.

The only mishap was that I nearly knocked myself out while preparing for a bike ride. Ironically, I was trying to get the bike helmets out of the trunk and slammed the trunk after retrieving them, but forgot about the bike rack that was still attached. Ouch! The bump on my head swelled up like something from a Bugs Bunny cartoon, and I cried like a baby. At least Ryan took pity on me for that bike ride and I didn't have to ride so fast or so hard.

We did get lost trying to "Cycle the City" of Burlington (there was no way that path actually went near the city), but 15 miles later we found our way back and found the Ethan Allen Homestead along the way...an interesting man Mr. Allen was (and they had clean bathrooms).

Oh yeah, and I figured out that all these years that I've been conservative with spaghetti sauce because it gives me hives in my mouth (sometimes) was likely for nothing. We were eating at an Italian restaurant and there was a very pleasant smelling fresh herb on the plate...we smelled it then tasted it - Ryan loved it, so I bit right into it and it instantly ate a hole in the roof of my mouth and left a burning sensation on my tongue :-) Yep! I'm allergic to Oregano! At least I know I can likely eat lots of sauce from now on, as long as we leave out the poisonous ingredient.

Here are some pictures from our trip:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8BZM2zlq3csQu&emid=sharshar&linkid=link5

I think I can...I think I can...

Tonight, for the first time on our routine bike ride, I didn't have to push my bike up any hills. Small and insignificant as it may seem, I'm very proud of that accomplishment. It took lots of work to get to this point. Next goal...getting out of lowest gear and doing that (ha-ha). I've only shed an ounce or two so far, but I've gained confidence that it is possible to do something positive to change my overall health. Now, can I ever rid my life of the sweets? hmm...baby steps!

Congratulations Kristy and Jason!

Killer Bike Ride

Ryan and I set out today for a bike ride at about 2:00pm, intending to ride a little further than before since we had most of the day to enjoy. We initially went toward Reston Town Center to the bike store to get a few supplies. From there, we set out for the W&OD Trail and rode toward Vienna, where we stopped to get my gears adjusted at the place we bought the bikes, because the gears weren't quite right. We then continued on and made it all the way the I-495 before we turned around and came back. It was a long day...we rode about 18-20 miles round trip. We decided to stopped at Safeway on the way home to get a yummy dinner of steaks, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob as a reward. I've noticed that I'm not as hungry after a strenuous ride, but it was so good! We're exhausted tonight and will pay tomorrow I'm sure...but it is even more fun than I ever expected to get out there and ride my tail off.

"Keck! I ate a bug," she said

We finally got bikes yesterday. We've been wanting them for years, and finally bought them just in time to take them to New England on vacation with us. Now the training begins...I'm sure you've all noticed I seem to have misplaced my in-shape over the past few years and I do want to get it back, so I'm trying and hoping the bike will help. Ryan is always in shape and on a bad day has ten times more energy than I ever do. This evening we set out for our first real bike ride and he almost killed me. Not really, it was very fun, but talk about pushing it...holy cow! No breaking them in, no leisurely rides. We set out on the local trails for over an hour, but it felt like eight! We ventured through neighborhoods, woods, bushes (literally), up hills and even steps, across a stream...all over south Reston. It was fun and I can't wait to go again, but my legs will barely hold me up now.

New Honda Accord

After all the car trouble we had recently, we decided to buy a Honda Accord. Apparently, the dealer either lost the paperwork or it was stolen. My debit card was fraudulently used the next day (not sure if they are connected)...but after all is said and done, I really like the car.

We lucked out and got a great deal. It has it all...and plenty of head and leg room. I wanted a more family-friendly car, and I got one. Here are some pix:

I never knew...

I never knew California was really so different from everything I'm used to. This is the first time I've ever been here and I've only had a few hours to explore. I'm in southern CA for work, and since I have nothing else to do and everyone I know is asleep following Eastern Standard Time, I thought I'd blog about my amazement at how different it is here as compared to anywhere on the east coast. I'll try to keep this short...

• On my way here, I learned that until you literally reach San Diego, everything is a desert
• There are so many more hills (some very big hills) than I expected...and no grass or other green stuff
• People generally don't care if they are annoying you
• People are more polite than I expected (I'm not sure why, but I expected something very different)
• Everything I've seen thus far is about as clean as an amusement park (no trash around, but I just have the feeling I need a shower after each stroll)
• Pigeons are not scared of people (while having lunch, one tried to munch on my toe - and they were in the shops I was visiting...no one really cared)
• They charge you $.50 most places to use a credit/debit card
• Things are generally slightly more expensive (guessing: about $2 more)
• Air conditioning is optional (I still haven't figured this one out)
• Restrooms are public, you know, on the streets, and not in many establishments (I haven't figured this one out either...but I've had to pee most of the day)
• Traffic is nothing compared to DC (at least not what I've seen)
• People do whatever they feel like doing, generally they don't obey street signs or laws
• Everyone pours their beer from a bottle into a glass
• Speaking of alcohol, they sell it all in Rite Aid (wine, beer, coolers and liquor)
• The ocean is the same temperature as my body
• There are floaty things in the water that I couldn't identify, but I'm quite sure they belong there...I just don't know what family they belong to
• People really surf (but only after 5pm) rather than using body boards (pretty cool to watch)
• I've yet to see a cop
• When they say "historic" they mean from the 50's...the 1950s
• Sunset over the ocean is better than sunrise

While I would really like to spend more time here exploring, I quickly realized I belong on the east coast...I wouldn't fit in here naturally. I love the history, traditions, and even the conservativeness of the east coast. I know I found more differences, so when I think of them again, I'll add them just for fun. I've taken quite a few pictures to post as well, but I didn't bring the cord - will do, hopefully by the weekend.

Ryan's 30th Birthday Bash

This weekend, I (with the help of many others) threw Ryan a surprise party for his 30th birthday. It was a great time, and a huge success. Throughout the day, many of our friends and family members shared in the Caribbean themed celebration of food, drinks and games. I'll post some pictures for all to see as soon as I finish cleaning up the mess. I just wanted to thank everyone again for all your help and support. Ryan was surprised, and glad so many people made the long trip (from every direction) to celebrate with us. We can't wait to see you all again soon...and we always have room for guests.

Bye-bye RSX!

I just sold my first ever, completely paid-for-on-my-own car! I don't even have another car right now. I know had to do it...but I am a little sad. We've put several thousand dollars into it over the past few months and not only is it stupid to continue to do that, but we can't afford it. Our savings is quickly dwindling. There comes a time when you can no longer justify spending the money on "emergencies."

So, just two weeks after spending another thousand dollars, I knew it was over when more problems arose the other night. Ryan took it to Midas today. They cleaned something out for free and reset the check engine light and made no promises that it would help...and I knew what I had to do. Ryan drove it to Carmax and we sold it on the spot. :-( Wish I could have driven it one last time. I did love that car!

Now I'm without a car until we find a new one, hopefully not too long though. I haven't been without my own car since I was 18.