Great workouts....

What a fabulous few days...the weather has been beautiful! It has been nice and warm so going outdoors and doing some yard work has been great! I am preparing to transplant my little veggie plants to an outside bed. So I have gotten the top soil, steer compost, potting soil and all I need know is mulch. I also have to move the rocks off the ridge down to the bed area to line the bed, I have given up trying to make the bed with all the rocks in the ground here so I am making a raised bed. I also have to get some tall fencing to try to keep the veggie stealer and her baby out of my veggies. I am going to take some veggie plants up on the ridge for the two of them along with their salt/mineral block.

Meanwhile, Hubby and I have been having great workouts. Our eating is clean and on par with our schedule. The new contest in the Rally Room with the BuffMothers began yesterday..so for the next 10 weeks the word is "Consistency" ... that is the challenge. With consistency we can all make major changes and get closer to our goals. I have been very fired up about this challenge and this new workout cycle for me. I am aiming for the cup next April and will make it.

We have had a major mountain lion problem and are in desperate need to find it and kill it. It has killed goats, cornered and elderly woman at her patio, attacked and killer a little doggie and it is just too brazen and dangerous to take chances with it around our kids and older people. This thing is huge too and has become too comfortable with walking right up onto some one's patio. So the game warden has had so many calls about cats on our road that he cannot keep up with them all or track them all. He knows of three nuisance cats and suspects there is more. So, I keep a loaded 30-30 with me whenever I am outside doing yard & garden work, I make sure Cheyenne is in the house by 5:30 pm in the evening and not outside alone before 9:00 am.

So we go on and keep focused on daily life, our fitness goals and our family time. Hubby is taking me to the Oregon Ironman this weekend for a little Mother's Day getaway and he has arranged for a sitter so we can have an evening out together. Plus, we will get to visit with friends in Portland. So it should be a fun weekend and we will be able to workout while we are there to.

A Conservative Celebrity Comment...how odd

While not agreeing with everything about this war, I am very supportive of our troops and wise enough to realize that one man does not hold the blame...we have a government and individuals who relay information to the head of the government who then must make decisions based on the information he has...but celebrities have been asses about their ridicule of our President for the most part...so seeing these comments from Jay Leno surprised me but made me feel better about celebrities. While being a conservative in many ways, I am not a fanatic about it..but this made so much sense.

By Jay Leno:

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?'' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings.

Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes , an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have , and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled u ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?

The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me? Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells , and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another.

Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane! Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage.

Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative." "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

Jay Leno

I Love Derby Day!

Today was the 133rd Kentucky Derby...and what a Derby it was! Even with the loss of the fabulous Barbaro, last year's Derby winner, the atmosphere was electric as always. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were in attendance which was a first and also added the air of excitement.

I had chosen my horses as always and settled in to watch. I picked Curlin, Street Sense, Hard Spun and Imawildandcrazyguy. Well it ended up being a fabulous win by Street Sense followed by Hard Spun who led the entire race until the last 1/4 mile, followed by Curlin who got slowed up and crowded at the start from the 2 slot and the long shot Imawildandcrazyguy blazing into fourth. It was a thrilling race!

Street Sense dropped back into 19th place at the start of the race and he headed for the rail. From there he just slowly moved up to about 17th. As the hit the pole marking only a 1/2 mile left, Street Sense kicked on the afterburners and ran the rail so close that Jockey Borel's silks were touching the rail. He ran up to take over fourth place and seemed trapped behind Hard Spun and Curlin...a slight opening opened up and instinctively, Street Sense charged through the opening and around Hard Spun ... he won it by about 2 lengths. The only horse that did not run that I was so hoping to see was "From Rags To Riches"...the big red filly. They pulled her from the Derby and ran her in the Kentucky Oaks at the Downs yesterday...which she won with ease and no one near. I will be looking for her on the field at the Preakness in two weeks.

I called my daddy and we chatted about the race...just as we have done since I was 3 years old watching my first Kentucky Derby with him. It was a fun jabbing conversation as always...he telling me that he had the winner picked the whole time...knowing full well he did not. LOL. It is days like this that I really miss being a little girl with my daddy. :)

Meanwhile, I am gearing up for the new contest and challenge issued by BuffMother ... 10 weeks of consistency. I took my measurements and "before" pics this morning and completed my first Consistency POA...so now I am ready to begin first thing Monday.

More later....

Deer and Veggies

Well the mama and baby deer spent the entire day outside the house today. Mama comes up on the deck and looks in the sliding glass door and baby is coming real close now too. My poor baby veggie plants will not stand a chance if I do not figure out a way to keep them away from them. I am going to plant some of the veggies on the hillside and put their mineral/salt block out for them and hopefully that will buy them off and keep them away from the veggie plants. Meanwhile, I have the beds all designed and will be picking up the top soil, potting soil and compost to make the beds and prepare them for transplanting the babies to it.

Workouts and eats are going great, although I am battling getting in the calories I need each day. I just have no desire for food or an appetite during the warm weather. But I am forcing it down as much as possible.

Well time for bed, another appointment for hubby tomorrow courtesy of the VA so we are going to hit the gym on our way home from the appointment.

More later....

Excited and Setting Goals

I am totally fired up about my workouts, meals and the Emerald Cup next year. I can do it and I KNOW IT! I was searching for more motivational things and I came across this beautiful one-piece posing suit. Oh I just love it and I want it...so, this is one of my new motivational items. I will own that suit and make it look good!

Workouts are going fabulous, eating is clean just not as much as I want, and life is looking great! Husband is excited about this new goal also and he is fired up over it. He has been hitting the weights heavier and hard also. We just sorta feed off each other's excitement and it works fabulously.

I am in the midst of planning our path to this event. Husband wants to take classical dance lessons, I want to attend a posing clinic and a good butt busting boot camp of sorts, I want to get my surgery scheduled for as soon as possibly practical so I have time to heal without affecting my progress. Cheyenne is even getting excited about this...she was looking at posing suits online and sending me pics of them. Too Cute.

So for now, all is flowing along and the plans are being worked out and our plan laid out. It will be great to see it written and start the countdown to the 2008 Emerald.

The Plan

Now is the beginning and big changes are in order. We have 1 year to get ready to compete together in mixed pairs...we are aiming for the Emerald Cup in Seattle in April of 2008. I have much mass to gain. I have currently cut down to 115 lbs. This is just not big enough! So, enter the new lean bulk time!

I am revamping my meal plan and my workout schedule, increasing my caloric intake, cutting the fat level and lifting like a total beast! The heavier the better. Hubby's back injuries and so forth mean that he is working on stengthening and I am working on mass gaining. I have to catch up with him to keep the symetrics in line if we hope to stand a chance. His injuries and disabilities will not stop us, we will work with them and reach our goal of competing together. It is good therapy for him to have this to focus on.

I am also preparing to start a new BuffMother challenge...the 10 week consistency challenge. I cannot wait to start this one. Consistency is a killer to many but I will be consistent and I will reach my goals. Now I am setting new goals based on this 10 week challenge. One bite at a time as they say.

Life is good and we will meet the obstacles and conquer them...together.

The new plan...

The Emerald Cup has just taken place in Seattle and the results are posted. I looked long and hard at the winners in each division, especially mixed pairs as that is what hubby and I are shooting for next April. The winners are from Oregon also, which was encouraging. It made me feel better to know that it was not a 'local' couple who won...that hometown advantage thing did not apply. So our goal is set and eyes are on April of 2008.

The next plan to be worked out is our new workout schedule, my meal plans for the next month and my new goals for the month written out and hung up for me to see constantly. BuffMother is beginning her newest challenge ... a consistency challenge for 10 weeks and I am all over it. She has weekly mini-challenges which are a great help also. So, the time is now to get a move on. I have a lot of progress that I personally want to make and hubby has his own set of goals for himself so it will start getting intense around here as far as our workouts and home life goes...but that is what it is all about. This is our chosen lifestyle and so therefore, let's rock it!

Time to get busy on the written plan. Later

I think I have kicked the cold...Yay!

I feel lucky and I think I have finally beaten this cold. The only remaining symptoms is a little sinus trouble. That I can deal with as long as can breathe well enough to workout effectively.

My little veggie plants are growing up a storm, I now have spinach, squash, 4 types of tomatoes and broccoli. With everything going on with my best friend and my ex-husband regarding Cheyenne, a little life, growth and greenery is a welcome addition. Plus, now it gives me direction on planning my beds to start on them next weekend.

I am also working on the deck area for the hot tub, I cannot wait to get it finished, get the tubby up and get in a good soak. I have two pair of boot mocs to get cut out and made. This means a trip to Fire Mountain Gems to get some special beads and adornments for the pair for Phoenix. I do so love planning out unique projects.

Well more later...rest now.

I have a cold and new tomatoes

I have new little tomato plants sprouting along with my broccoli means the makings for a great salad are in progress. I cannot wait for spinach to come up and then the peppers and I will only need chicken for that salad. LOL.

I woke up this morning with a sore throat and running nose...I am now runnig a low grade fever and feeling yucky. DH decided to share his cold with me. I was shocked that I caught it, I have not had a cold in years aside from my sinus infection last year I have been good. Oh well I guess I was due. I just want it to be gone soon.

More later...on Cheyenne, shaving and workouts. Time for a hot bath.

A nice day and evening

So my legs are getting a little big for that skirt...oh well. We had a nice day and evening, very quiet. We just did what we wanted ... if we wanted to. We went for a coffee, watched a movie, I did some housework, Hubby worked on some deer hides he is tanning.

Miss Cheyenne had her TV scheduled back to back for most of the day so she rarely came out of her room. LOL. She schedules the movies and stuff she wants to see for Saturday and Sunday. During the week, she does her homework and catches a little of TV but mainly just listens to her music channels on the dish. She really loves the dish music channels because she can listen to just about anything she wants to.

Hubby and I spent some time today talking about future plans and upcoming events. We have a VA appointment on Monday which shoots our day and then sometime in July, I have to take him back up to Fort Lewis for a 2 day nightmare. Why they think it is necessary to re-evaluate him less than a year since he retired from the Army is beyond me. It is not like they can call him back to active duty but they feel the need to torment him anyway. It really makes me angry because he will go through their stupid dog n pony show and then be in bed with migraines and back pain for 2 or 3 days. Gawd the stupidity never ceases to amaze me. We also have to make arrangements for Cheyenne to fly to Florida for her visitation with family which will be for about 6 weeks. So we will have some alone time. It is good for her but we always miss her when she is gone. Well more later...