National Women’s Health Week!

Hi Ya’ll,

Sorry  I have been absent–I admit I have had some issues with my scale, WE aren’t friends! And trying to ‘get my act together’ has been a struggle! I am FINALLY back on track, getting my head together and what not. I will discuss all THAT in my next post.

I though ya’ll find this interesting, thanks Michelle (the below if from her) for getting me off my tail and helping me motivate

 

xoxoxo

Traci

Smart Ways To Stay Healthy and Fit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Women seem to have natural tendency to focus on their bodies, appearance, health and fitness. National Women’s Health Week, May 12th to 18th, gives women another opportunity to learn new information on the best ways to maintain fitness levels and improve health. Researchers have learned that there are three basic ways woman can keep their nutritional levels and exercise levels in healthy balance.

 

Balanced Nutrition

Healthy eating should being early in life with an emphasis on nutritious foods and avoidance of fast foods and processed foods that are high in calories, fat and sodium. Lean meats, whole grain carbohydrates, lots of vegetables and plenty of fruits will help to maintain healthy nutrition and will promote weight loss naturally. Low-fat or fat-free versions of dairy products will help to keep calcium levels up and calories down. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, seeds and olive oil help to maintain heart health and normal cholesterol levels. If you stick to healthy foods, you will find that you have less need to snack on sugary foods to curb hunger. Your skin, hair and complexion will have a natural glow from the vitamin and minerals contained in these foods.

 

Regular Exercise

All women should incorporate regular exercise into their week to improve health, maintain weight and regulate mood. Exercise has benefits throughout women’s lives, regardless of the type you choose. Combining exercise types can often produce the maximum effect on fitness. Aerobic exercise like running, walking, tennis and bicycling works out the large muscles of the body and burns calories. It also improves cardiovascular health. Stretching exercises such as yoga and Pilates help to keep muscles and joints flexible to avoid injury. Strength training such as free weights, resistance bands and weight machines help to increase endurance, prevent fatigue and strengthen bones.

Special Situations

Women should also ensure that they make the proper adjustments during those special times in their lives when nutritional and exercise needs change. Pregnancy requires women to double the efforts to eat right and choose foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and protein to help nourish the growing fetus. Though exercise is still important during pregnancy, you may have to revise your routine to prevent back problems or joint injuries as the baby grows. As women mature, the hormones that protect them from heart disease and stroke diminish, so they must compensate by taking additional care with nutrition and exercise. Eat more calcium-containing foods to help keep bones strong and protect your joints when exercising to avoid long-term damage from osteoarthritis

 

I have just joined Planet Fitness and going three to four times a week and REALLY enjoying it! They have given me activities, weights, machines to build up my thigh as well.  If not at the gym, I will be walking outside, my favorite!

 

Another easy way to boost your motivation is by music or inspirational quotes.  Take this water bottle from Lululemon for example; a humorous quote to look at when I exercise or to keep on my desk.  But the change that makes the most difference in how people feel is in their improved diet.  Now I’m older and I need to protect my skin from the sun.  Like most people I have sensitive skin, so I need a special sunscreen that is made for sensitive skin from natural ingredients.  Hat and sunglasses are also important!

Green smoothies make for an easy on-the-go breakfast for those hectic mornings.  Smoothies are great because you can customize the ingredients you use in your smoothie.   It’s important to improve your diet when looking to improve your overall health.  Your body needs nutritious foods as fuel for when you exercise.

 
http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/physical-activity.cfm#d 

 

 

Three heads and hachu, hachu, hachuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been a tad under the weather and just not feelin’ up to snuff…

Between me, and the hubby and people at work, it’s just goin’ around–so that is where I have been!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tryin’ to kick it and hoping this sneezing will stop soon!!!

xoxoxox

Traci

Mexican Town with the Ladies, Tosca’s Cleanse and an Awesome blog AND Margs!

Hya Everyone,

We had Ladies Night with my co-workers and it was SO much fun! As some of you know I am from Texas–grew up in San Antonio and ADORE mexican food! Since coming to Michigan I have found a few places but everyone says if I want to find ANYTHING even remotely similar, I need to go to Mexican Town in Detroit.

Now first off let me say I am an hour from Detroit and don’t get down there very often for if you don’t know your way around, it can be kinda crazy…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is where we were, it was YUM! 🙂

 

 

 

These are the wonderful Ladies of my work!! We have decided to do something every two months…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My co-worker Linda and I have decided to do Tosca’s Cleanse which you can find here…

 

 

http://toscareno.blogspot.com/2011/06/detox-defined.html#.URatcY5D38s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda and I….

I have gained a little weight ( about 12 pounds). This is from dealing with my knee, trying to figure out my lifestyle ( this will be one of my next posts and plain just being lazy so I am trying to get back on track and Linda and I (below) have decided to do this, isn’t she gorgeous? She doesn’t really need to, she is very healthy and actually ‘starting to eat clean’ with me, not that she didn’t really before, but we are helping each other. This is a horrible pic of me, but great one of her…I look at this and say, wow, I have gained tons of weight, when I haven’t really but it sure looks like it??

 

I also want to tell you about this amazing blog, once I’m done with my Cleanse I am going to try this, I did buy what I needed…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I won these from her site, please check out Jess, she has an amazing site, with lots of fun things, great eats and it’s just packed with good fun things and great advice… ( Jess I am going to be drinking these this coming weekend, I can’t thank you enough!!!

http://alotonyourplate.wordpress.com/

 

This is a reduced calorie margarita mixer from Powell and Mahoney ( that is actually OK for you!!) Imagine that!!

Please check out their site here…

http://powellandmahoney.com/

I can’t wait for next weekend to actually partake, WHOOT!

 

Still trying to get back on track with working out, I struggle, it hurts my knee and then I falter, but this week I will have three days so I am getting there!

 

Off to watch the Red Wings with the boys, hope everyone has a great weekend!!

 

xoxoxoxo

Traci

Babykins, Happy 19th Birthday, still blowing kisses to your heart Courtney

I can’t believe you are 19, I still think of being terrified of being a new Mama at 24!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had NO idea what to do, what I WAS doing, what YOU were supposed to be doing! 🙂

You were amazing–still are…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I stil recall you asking me, since you were outdrawing me by the time you were about 6 ( hey I could at least color in the lines with you!!) if you could sleep with you pencils, no dolls for Courtney, always artistic, like the rest of the fam. I miss getting those, still have all the ones you have given me, even looking at my computer desk right now, I have a clay pot, a heart that says ‘ Happy Mother’s Day’ and and a another heart you made me–I even have your first drawing, what you were like 2? So many memories, so even though I shed a tear for we are so far apart, know you are never more than a ‘ blowing kisses to your heart’! I love you more than you will ever know!

Enduring pain and fear, these tangles caught
in strokes of brush to tame unruly curls;
and brave a smile for you, a hug is sought.

The precious moments spent as eve now swirls
with mother, daughter, laughter- bonds are deep.
As reading starts this thread, the words will twirl…

While painting sky with hues in peaceful sleep,
a teddy she enjoys is pad and ink.
as rainbow streaks arise, the pastels leap.

When morning breaks, the dawn begins to link
a day with pals and swimming pools-her smile.
Then walking past she looks, your eyes now wink

As sun begins its fade, returning her,
With grins and hugs for mom, a child will stir.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Courtney!  I can’t wait to see the woman you become — I really think you are on your way…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love,

Mama

Reviews of the Paleo Diet

Like before, I don’t tell you what they say, I want YOU to figure them out….

 

I got some good information, so I think you have a basic idea of how this idea works.

 

The next few diet plans I do, I WILL have more knowledge of ( personally).

 

I am going to do Weight Watchers ( now I haven’t done the new version they have out, I am going to do something on being a Vegan and Vegetarian and  I also may do Jenny Craig which I don’t know much about but jI know it’s big.

 

I will end this series with Eat Clean…

 

So that is what is coming up!

 

http://www.jonbarron.org/article/paleo-diet

 

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=154824&start=1

 

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/diet-review-the-caveman-paleo-diet

 

xoxoxoxoox

Traci

Sometimes you feel like a nut, Paleo you don’t…

‘People all over the world were becoming weight-conscious. Way back in 1919, the Continental Scale Company saw a market being created and introduced the first bathroom scale, called the “Health-O-Meter”. Then in 1942, the Metropolitan Insurance Company started using weight tables in their calculations of premiums – the closer your were to the “ideal weight”, the lower your premiums. Industry was cashing in on the weight-loss consciousness.’

The Paleo Dietis based upon eating wholesome, contemporary foods from the food groups our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have thrived on during the Paleolithic era, the time period from about 2.6 million years ago to the beginning of the agricultural revolution, about 10,000 years ago. These foods include fresh meats (preferably grass-produced or free-ranging beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and game meat, if you can get it), fish, seafood, fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and healthful oils (olive, coconut, avocado, macadamia, walnut and flaxseed). Dairy products, cereal grains, legumes, refined sugars and processed foods were not part of our ancestral menu.

Decades of research by Dr. Loren Cordain and his scientific colleagues demonstrate that hunter-gatherers typically were free from the chronic illnesses and diseases that are epidemic in Western populations, including:

• Obesity
• Cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancer
• Autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.)
• Osteoporosis
• Acne
• Myopia (nearsightedness), macular degeneration, glaucoma
• Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, gastric reflux
• Gout

http://thepaleodiet.com/getting-started-with-the-paleo-diet

While our books on The Paleo Diet provide much more detail on the foods you should and shouldn’t eat, here is a basic scheme of things:

EAT:

• Grass-produced meats
• Fish/seafood
• Fresh fruits and veggies
• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Healthful oils (Olive, walnut, flaxseed, macadamia, avocado, coconut)

DON’T EAT:

• Cereal grains
• Legumes (including peanuts)
• Dairy
• Refined sugar
• Potatoes
• Processed foods
• Salt
• Refined vegetable oils (listed in The Paleo Diet Cookbook and The Paleo Diet for Athletes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I guess for me I have an issue with anything that tells me DON’T EAT SOMETHING, especially things that are important like dairy! Granted, I don’t eat much dairy personally, but still, and legumes–really? I need to read more…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘To summarize, the Paleo Diet’s based on what we “think” cavemen ate, based on some historical data and studies of modern-day hunter-gatherers, as well as trace evidence found in archeological digs and a whole lot of guess-work and theory.’

I guess what I’m not getting is, haven’t we evolved? So, wouldn’t our bodies and diets have changed? Wouldn’t this diet have changed to fit that, or doesn’t that matter?

This is the basis for the diet from what I can gather– I am generalizing. The thing is this– I just don’t believe in something that makes you give up something.

I know, I know, there are vegans and vegetarians, but  I do believe that is different since I can speak from that experience, at least mine–it’s for moral reasons and because I don’t want to get cancer ( but this we will get into later.)

I guess I am just confused about this diet for I know it’s popular. But I also know, anytime you sacrifice food groups you will lose weight.

Like before, I will come back with reviews in a few days and see what others think, if anyone else has done this– please let me know. I am curious– maybe I’m  just not understanding enough about it??

That is all for now….

xoxooxox

Traci

PS, haven’t worked out, I tweaked my knee so  I need to figure out things to do that don’t hurt it, sigh. I do have a few ideas I’m going to try.

What, Where and Holy Fiddlesticks!

When I said I wasn’t going to be another ‘January Statistic’, I meant it and do mean it, let me explain…

I do have a tendency to start and stop and ponder and start again! How many ‘weight losers’ can relate to this?

What happened me to me in the last two weeks was not on my radar, I guess it should have been but I was thinking I got lucky!

I have what some women may know of as ( just give me a bottle of Jack and I will see you in a week) pain…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have Endometriosis..

‘ a gynecological medical condition in which cells from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) appear and flourish outside the uterine cavity, most commonly on the peritoneum which lines the abdominal cavity. The uterine cavity is lined with endometrial cells, which are under the influence of female hormones. Endometrial-like cells in areas outside the uterus (endometriosis) are influenced by hormonal changes and respond in a way that is similar to the cells found inside the uterus. Symptoms often worsen with the menstrual cycle.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So,  the point of this was, I hadn’t had ‘one’ since August and all of a sudden I had ‘one’ this month, I felt like a chainsaw was ripping through me and I was going to die!

I didn’t work out, blog, barely went to work and just came home and went to bed, Traci was NOT  a happy camper-8 days later I started feeling human!

I am calling my gynecologist next week to find out what is going on, sigh. I am only 43 but still, thought I got lucky!

I was going to diets though January but since I am behind I am going to do a few more…

Here is the reviews I promised. I am not going to go into them, I decided that is not really fair. I told you in my earlier post pretty much where I stood. I found all I could on the ‘ Beyond Diet’ and I am going to let you make your own choice.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/diet-review-the-diet-solution

http://consumerscompare.org/beyond-diet-review/

http://www.dietspotlight.com/beyond-diet-review/

http://www.beyond-dietreviews.com/

 

I have a few ‘non diet’ posts coming up I am really excited about but I will do my next diet review by Monday. 🙂 Thanks for hanging in there with me…

I am actually going to clean house, it’s a crazy mess, do some baking this weekend and work out! 🙂

 

xoxoxoxoxo

Traci

And so it begins–fad, flab and slip of the lip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It may surprise you that dieting is a relatively new idea. The first “diet” wasn’t developed until 1898. And an unusual diet it was! A man named Horace Fletcher, weighing in at 205 pounds, lost 42 of those pounds by chewing his food 100 times per minute. He said this technique aided digestion, leading to his being named “The Great Masticator”. A much more reasonable plan was created in 1918 by Dr. Lulu Peters. Dr. Peters was the first to introduce the idea of “counting calories”.

Well, here is my first ‘diet review’. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not here to tell anyone what they are doing is wrong, or how to  eat  or what ‘diet’ plan to follow. The main reason I am doing this is because where I work  we watch CNN, the news after we watch Ellen (hey we have to have SOME FUN, I work at a Law Firm.)

Anyway, once January 2^nd hit, I kept seeing all these ‘ new diets’ and these ‘ wonderful new ways to eat’ and I have all these questions so I decided to review some and get more answers because quite frankly some have just scared me!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If anyone has more information than me, has tried them, follows them or agrees or disagrees with me, PLEASE let me know, for it’s not my intent to ‘ bash’ any of these diets but just try to get information! Sometimes, I may come across harsh or passionate but please don’t take offense– we may not all agree all the time.

Also, on a side note, I am a little burned out on my workout music so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Favorites….

Halestorm—Miss the Misery

Halestorm-Bad Romance

Firelight—All I need to be

Taylor Swift -I knew you were trouble

Christina Aguilera (featuring Blake Shelton)-Just a Fool

 

 

Beyond Diet

http://www.beyonddiet.com/

The below is all taken from the Beyond Diet intro video…

 

Food Choices:

Not calories

Not over eating

Or even lack of activity

An understanding of methods you can use to burn fat immediately and what you need to do to continue losing weight after that.

If you watch this video and follow what we teach, you will have the information you need to help burn off unwanted fat, flatten your belly and find the body you’ve always wanted.

3 principles:

Know the foods that cause accelerated fat burning in your body

Know the particular foods that are preventing you from burning fat

Put the right foods together in a certain way to create the fat burning effect.

 

*** Hmm, ‘no breads’ (wheat breads), unless they are millet or rice flours but you can have BUTTER??? So eating butter will help me burn fat? Umm, I was listening till here…

She talks about ‘eliminating processed foods’ because healthy foods have ‘high fructose corn syrup.  A main point in being healthy is taking an ACTIVE role; learning to read labels, think of all the wonderful things you’d miss? Here are some examples of ‘ processed foods’ I eat which are “clean”–just a few. I do agree, if you are new to this– you need to be careful, ask questions, but to ‘ CUT OUT ALL PROCESSED FOODS’? Sorry, I don’t agree unless that is your personal preference….

Kashi Simply Maze

Ingredients

‘Organic whole grain corn, organic, organic evaporated cane juice, salt, organic molasses”

Please read about their cereals and products here…

http://www.kashi.com/products/organic_cereal_simply_maize

Amy’s Margherita Pizza

Ingredients: 0g Trans Fat/No Added MSG/No Preservatives Organic unbleached wheat flour with organic wheat germ and organic wheat bran, filtered water, organic tomatoes, whole milk mozzarella cheese (pasteurized whole milk, vinegar, salt, enzymes [without animal enzymes or rennet]), organic extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese (pasteurized part-skim milk, culture, salt, enzymes [without animal enzymes or rennet]), organic honey, organic basil, sea salt, expeller pressed high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil, organic garlic, organic evaporated cane juice, yeast, spices*. Contains milk and wheat.<*100% pure herbs & spices (no hidden ingredients)

http://www.amys.com/products/product-detail/pizzas/000199

CLIF® BAR (12 bars/box) Coconut Chocolate Chip

Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Syrup, ClifPro® (Soy Rice Crisps [Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Barley Malt Extract], Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soy Flour), Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Toasted Oats (Organic Oats, Organic Dried Cane Syrup), Organic Cane Syrup, Chocolate Chips (Dried Cane Syrup, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract), ClifCrunch® (Organic Oat Fiber, Insulin [Chicory Extract], Organic Milled Flaxseed, Psyllium), Organic Coconut, Organic Date Paste, Organic Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt.

http://clifbarstore.com/detail/CLF+160130

***I am sure there are plenty out there that people can find. The only issue I have is when someone tells me I CAN’T have something all together? I understand changing my lifestyle, I get that? But cutting things out –like breads and adding butters & bacon, well, that bothers me; it reminds me of the Atkins diet with some tweaks…

She also says not to eat Soy? I need to read further and see why not?? I am a vegetarian– I eat a lot of soy and so do a lot of others, what is wrong with that? I thinking this may be a two parter??  Well, since I am not a member I can’t read the entire site, but in my next part I am going to do is ‘ reviews of this diet by others’.

Ok, she says we want to eat foods that only contain one ingredient, now don’t get me wrong, I am all for ‘ eating as close to the ground as possible’ so I agree,  also  she mentions not counting calories, I agree here too.

I don’t get it, before it was ‘not over eating’ and then later it was ‘ you have to be somewhat reasonable about the amount you eat’? And starts talking about calories later but not really talking about them ( see above??)

Yep nixing sugar I agree with and having all fruits and veggies I agree with but I don’t agree with no wheat bread, if you read the labels and you are careful with what kind you have, I think it’s acceptable reasonably.

‘Eat the right kind of fat-burn fat’, yep I agree with this too. So many people are afraid of fats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, it’s starting to look a bit more like Atkins It seems to be a cross between Atkins

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkins_diet

with the bacon and butter, steak and eggs, the ‘ right bread’, no whole wheat bread or orange juice, not ALL are bad for you; the only tweak is the fruits and veggies…

How is this good for your heart, your cholesterol? And yeah, cutting out wheat can flatten your stomach that is common knowledge?

OM MY GOD, I have to pay? Really? When I don’t even know if it works? $ 60.00, are you kidding? When I can’t see your statistics? I don’t know who you are? That is crazy….I am sorry, 30 pounds– granted that is wonderful, but I just thought she was going to say I have lost 80, 90 pounds? The whole ‘ she has lost a ton’ didn’t sit well with me… oh and you have to pay to be on the site? Oh Lord, but if you get the program you don’t?

This was my wedding picture-245.5 pounds…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion:

So, over the next few days to be FAIR, I am going to do some reviews to see what others think and see what I can find out!

Over all, I have some concerns about long term, it seems too much like a quick fix—anyone can lose weight by restricting foods but generally you gain it back and then some? So, this is what I think so far, I am curious to see what others think…

xoxoxoox,

Traci

Not another January Stastic

It’s the beginning of year and what do so many of us do??

We come back from a week (or two) of debauchery and say ‘ I am going to start the New Year right, going to work out, eat better, lose 5-10-20 pounds and start the year off with a fresh start!

Um, how long does it last really? Long enough for the shine to wear off our new gym shoes? Do I sound cynical? Am I doing the same thing?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Well, this is the FIRST time I have posted in a bit huh, I say sheepishly!) I know, I know!

When I started this blog –the sole purpose was to ‘help people with my story’ and then it turned into the ‘re-creating of my story. I have found that very difficult to do.  I wish I had started it a few years ago but I didn’t so I did the best I could.

I still think I can help and I have a lot to say…though right now I am a bit lost and trying to figure out what I am doing so trying to tell others what to do is a bit of a stretch—I am hoping we can figure out things together!!

This is what I am doing with my blog going forward, at least for now, lol.

As so many know I have lost my weight doing the Eat Clean diet, after trying so many others. I still believe this is the best way to go, no matter how many ‘diets’ are out there. But isn’t it crazy once January hits how many new ways we are encouraged to eat (or not eat)?

Apple, brown sugar, walnut muffins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same for me, I have changed over this last year starting as a Vegan, going to a Vegetarian, to a Pescatarian to a Lacto-Ovo-Vegeterian, which is basically what I am now. I started doing this by watching ‘ forks over knives’ http://www.forksoverknives.com/ if you are wanting to know more about this please feel free…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But the problem is, I am just not sure what I am feeling or believing anymore.

When my husband and I wanted me to be ‘ tested’ we found that my b-12 and vitamin D were low and I was tired and feeling run down. So, we decided to have Friday date night where we would have one meal with whatever we wanted. I no longer have guilt with this. My husband still follows his vegan values and still believes in them, where I feel I do it mostly out of guilt.

My hubby and I this Fall in Tenn!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, there are so many changes I have seen, Tosca no longer eating wheat? Isn’t this what I read? And the now popular ‘Paleo diet.’ People are starting to eat less meat I have been reading and veggies are making a come back? My husband jokes I am the worst vegan for I just don’t like veggies, it is true.

What I want to do is look around at some of these ‘diets’, look at my own, try and figure out what I am doing. Read other blogs; see how Helen, Marilyn, Farrah and some of my friendly vegans are doing? Get back to my Eat clean site.

AND own up that I have slipped a bit-that I feel a little lost. I need to see what works for me, not for Michael or Erik or out of fear, I lost the 90 pounds on my own—I need to get back to that.

On the other hand, we also got some bad news about my knee. We found out that I have what is called ‘Patella Baja’. This happened after my surgery, basically the tendon shortened and pulled my kneecap down which is causing my knee not to ‘bend’. They are not able to fix it, EVER! This is a permanent condition and one I will have to live with. I also have bursitis in my hip and still have frozen shoulder in both shoulders; we don’t know why it hasn’t gone away?

Traci’s knee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I do have a new job I love, so for that I am very grateful, full time, but I love it!

I will also admit that I went from 153-168. I am working on it, I have started back on the treadmill and eating differently, I am trying to find what works for me, what workouts I can do and waiting to get back into PT!

Gautlet-If I could do it then I can do it now danmit! 🙂 I miss you Beth!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, this is where I am  and what I am going to go with my blog, still going to do some fun stuff and do all I can to help others, but lets see what is out there and let’s talk truth!!!!

Happy New Year ya’ll, it’s going to be a great one!

xoxoxooxoxox

Traci

 

 

 

Vegan-is a type of vegetarian diet that excludes meat, eggs, dairy products and all other animal-derived ingredients

Pescatarian-Occasionally used to describe those who abstain from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish.

Lacto-Ovo-Vegeterian-Lacto-vegetarian is used to describe a vegetarian who does not eat eggs, but does eat dairy

How precious Life is…

Last night I called my Mama and Courtney and wanted to reach through the phone and just hug them both! THIS is the week I have had!

Have you had one of those weeks? One where, you’re stressed  at work, worked too many hours, started your period early, had your cramps and moodiness all at the same time AND screwed up at a new job all in the same week, WHILE working 10 hour days? Then, had to stop your workouts, while still holding on to that 7 pounds because you have tweaked you knee? Yeah, this was MY week!

BUT ALL this does not compare to a phone call I got a few nights ago and this goes back to my first line.  I just can’t get this senselessness out of my head of the last few days. First, let me say that I believe in God and have faith and that I believe that this is the closest to Hell we will ever be and with what just happened in Colorado and what happened to a friend of mine in Detroit, I truly believe that!

We have all heard about the horrific crime that happened at the premier of the Dark Knight in Colorado. As we often hear of these things, it’s sad and horrible  but it’s so often ‘ over there’ or ‘someone else’. Well, that ‘ someone else’ was my best friend’s step sister Jessie. We had been playing phone tag and I couldn’t understand why she’d been trying so hard to reach me. She is in Texas and I am in Michigan. We don’t talk all the time, we have been best friends now for 25+ years…

Kat and Traci—way long ago

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She was calling to tell me her Step Sister Jessie was a victim in the Colorado Shooting.  I just couldn’t believe it, I was like what? Are you sure? She has only been there a month and sadly, she had just avoided a shooting a month ago in Toronto by three minutes because she had an ‘ funny feeling’ and left the food court right before a gun man open fired.

http://jessicaredfield.wordpress.com/

Jessie was studying to be a sportscaster and her a close friend was injured in the  shooting –he is hoping to recover to attend her service today in San Antonio, Tx.

Jessie Redfield

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please say a prayer for their family today! They have also started a fund, you can read about here….

http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/07/aurora_theater_shooting_jessica_ghawi_scholarship_fund.php

 

 

But as I said, TWO tragedies…

A friend of mine at work, has waited on news about two boys ( 17 and 18) who went missing in Detroit a week ago…

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/19130101/bodies-of-2-white-males-discovered-in-detroit

They were found yesterday in an field, kneeling, shot in the head….what is this world coming too? I don’t understand? Granted, as Courtney will tell you, there are certain areas you NEED to have care in, and even in this article they mention, be careful here…but still. They were KIDS! MY KID is this age!

After Colorado I called her, after yesterday I called her, she is SOOOOOOOO far away, I just want her near-I KNOW she is 18, I KNOW I have to let her live her life and let her be ok, but last night, I went to bed at 9:30 just so upset, like  right now as I cry, I just want to crawl into bed with her and watch her sleep! It’s a parent moment, not a husband moment, not a friend moment, I want a Mama moment and I can’t have it, so I am going to send this out to all the parents out there and say hug your kids today, tell them you love them and pray for these parents and families, these brothers and sisters today–for life is just so precious!

Cort and Traci

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plus today is my Sister’s birthday! She is the most amazing, beautiful, wonderful woman of Faith I could know…I am TRULY blessed to have her in my life! I am so thankful, so I want to take a moment and say I love you Lisa and truly, truly, you are just so gracious! Amid all this –you are a shining light!

The Girls Traci, Lisa, Cort and Mama

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘When we are hurting, confused, and emotionally distraught or even panic-stricken, we desperately seek someone who loves us to listen attentively and sympathetically to our dilemma and give us sound advice. We have this Someone in Jesus Christ. He has told us,” I don’t want you to go through this by yourself. Let’s sit down and talk it over. Let’s decide what the problem is and then you give it to Me and let Me handle it for you. I will do that for you because I love you.” [3] So we let Him talk to us through His Word and we find solace and peace and strength. In His Word we find all that we need!

Thank you for letting me grieve, not sure why I am so upset about this, I just am, I will get back to my normal blog next time! Thank you for listening!

xooxoxoxox

Traci