Happy Birthday to Me

Happy birthday to me...happy birthday dear Alex...happy birthday to meeeee!  Okay, got that out of my system, for now.  My day was pretty borning but this evening my family took me out to one of my favorite restaurants, Fujihana, for dinner.  I love watching them cook and the food is fabulous.  I was super excited tonight because we got one of the guys that is entertaining as well.  I never get to go there because Jason doesn't like spending money on so little food.  Which is totally crazy because this has always been one of the places that I could take food home because I was too full to eat it all and I used to be able to eat a LOT.  
On the topic of eating a lot, I gained a lot of weight (about 15-20lbs) between July and November of 2012 and really wanted to lose it.  So I've been on an exercise/weight loss program since November 21, 2012.  That's almost 3 months...possibly the longest I've ever stuck with something that I had a choice in deciding whether to keep going on end it.  The good: I've worked out for 20-60 minutes 4-7 days/week since 11/21.  Usually 6 days and usually longer than 30 minutes.  My workouts vary- Hip Hop Abs, the elliptical machine, swimming, running the treadmill, walking, some Pinterest finds.  When the intensity is low I will do more than one activity, making sure to do something hard that day too.  
When I first started I quickly learned that I wouldn't lose any weight if I didn't start fixing my eating habits too.  So I stopped eating seconds and thirds at every meal, stopped eating crackers and soda and did some small alterations as well like only snacking on chips or cookies at parties.  I've significantly decreased my intake of pasta.  My meals are minimally processed.  I won't do low-fat foods or artifical sweeteners- bad stuff right there.  I'm eating well, working out...so I should be losing weight, right? 
I have been taking weekly pictures, weighing and measuring myself almost daily.  Without a doubt I'm gaining muscle.  But I'm still the same weight, haven't lost many inches and the worst part...I'm still in the exact same size clothing!  Ugh. 

The rest of my birthday celebration will be simlarly laid back and I plan (hope) to get my way for the rest of the weekend.
So today, to say, "screw you" to my sucky progress I skipped the workout AND had dessert.  And I can't win, because now I'd really like to exercise.  But I really want to go to bed also. 

Happy Birthday to...

ME!  Today is my birthday and I am 24 years old.  Haha, just kidding!  I'm 29.  Born in 1982 just a few miles from where I live, at the York Hospital (during a snowstorm, so the idea of snow tomorrow is very exciting for me!).  Same place my bebes were born.  Cool, huh?   
I get a huge kick out of my birthday being 1/11/11.  It will happen one more time, on 11/11/11 and then not again until 2/2/22.  Makes me feel special.  :) 





If anyone wants to know what to get me it's this baby right here:   ;)















They just look so magical! 

So, tomorrow for my birthday I'm going to get a mani-pedi and a massage at the spa, then dinner at my favorite restaurant and a movie (Black Swan is my first choice). 
HAHAHAHAHA!  Just kidding.  My plans are far less glamorous.  I'm getting the older two off to school then probably grocery shopping in the afternoon since we are low again and the snow is supposed to be coming.  I always have to shop right before a snowstorm is forecasted.  I have such bad timing.  I need milk this time too.  Hopefully I don't have to fight an old lady for some.  Then Jason will be heading off with Zachary and Jonas for Zach's piano lesson and I'll be off to ballet with Amara and Henry (just Amara is dancing).  After ballet is girl scouts and then I'll be arriving late to our PTO meeting.  (Yes, I am a PTO mom and yes, I am liking going to a meeting on my birthday.  I'm not one of THOSE PTO moms.  I actually don't feel any of us are.  They are all great ladies and I like spending time with them!  I feel lucky to have great moms who all want what's best for the kids...and we can all act like adults!)

Doesn't it sound like a blast?  I really wouldn't have it any other way.  Unless there's an affordable Mommy & Me spa nearby.  I am actually getting that massage from my mom on Thursday (I can't wait!!!).  Dinner with the family (MY choice) would be nice.  And some ice cream cake.  There needs to be ice cream cake!