This will most likely be the shortest blog I have posted in some time but I am very busy getting ready for the move which is Wednesday. I did want to post my goals and such for the next month to ensure I stay on track.
Goals for February.....
1. Run/Walk and Bike - 100 miles
2. Complete - 2,000 pushups
3. ST - 3 days a week
No weight loss goals this month, just measuring and running. The way I like it best :)
Short and sweet......there you have it! February is all about RUNNING those hills here in Norway! So excited!
Stay the course.......blessings!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Time to Rise and Shine!!
Good Morning All.....
Time to brush off what happened yesterday and look forward to the goals and dreams we have set for ourselves! It will not be easy but we MUST give this life our all.......
I am warning you, I will probably post this photo about 1,000 times this year as it is SO TRUE! I have lived every word.....love it so much!!
Happy, happy Thursday!! : ) It is another dark morning here in Norway...but all smiles in my heart! I find myself still trying to get used to the dark mornings. It reminds me of when we were living in Russia except with the darkness came unbelievably cold temperatures!! I am trying to figure out the best time for me to get my runs in once we move to the house this next week. I was thinking I could do it in the early mornings but I know my husband needs to head out to work and one of us needs to be with Kayla. During the day if the weather is ok then I could always go outside with her in the BOB. I am thinking more and more that we should get a treadmill here. We did not bring the one we had from the US as we would need a transformer. I guess once we are in the house we will get everything sorted out.
I am also looking at getting back to a few workouts which brought me not only great joy but great results while living in Russia. I just downloaded Cathe Drill Max from her site as my dvd is so scratched up. I used it SO VERY much the 3 years we were living there. I was happy to see you can get the downloads from her site then through the apple TV we can stream them in the house. Thank you once again Apple.....we will not even go there as we are HUGE fans......I digress, I am so excited about getting back to my routine. Somedays I feel like I am going to explode if I do not run soon. I miss it so very much.
In terms of my weight, all is well. At least I think so :) I have not weighed in FOREVER. I am staying away from the scale for now and just measuring until my next challenge. So far I am doing good. I lost a bit more in my hips, though it was not planned. My lower body always leans our far faster than my belly. So for now, I am making sure I get in whatever workouts I can throughout the day to stay on track and that I watch my foods carefully. I am proud that I did not lose control during all of this, it would have been so easy to go nuts and off track, but that is worse thing that could happen, I MUST stay the course. Now, I have allowed myself a few treats :) There is a place here called Wayne's Coffee and I am telling you now, for the record, they have these oatmeal scones that are simply put....AMAZING! I have never had scones quiet like this. Fortunately, they are not served with clotted cream and such as in the UK.......now I say fortunately as in the UK it is so good and that would be so bad for me ;) The scones here are served with raspberry preserves and cream cheese or plain, with honey as I like it! How on earth did this become a scone blog? Can you tell I am hungry :) Anyways, lets get back on track about fitness and such.........
I look forward to my next challenge which I am starting February 1st. I was originally going to make the challenge for 12 weeks but now I think I am going to back to the month by month format as to be honest, it works really well for me. Some may be different but for me, 30 days at a time allows me to stay focused, motivated and excited, then after the 4 weeks is over, a new journey begins! I love it.
So, be looking for my February 1st challenge! I will post all the details in the next few days. I have to think of a clever name first : )
So today's goals are simple....get to feeling better...still stuffy and coughing..... eat well, drink my water and ACV regularly, and complete a light workout....total body pilates, light ST and core work.
I am now off to pack up the suitcases and prepare for our move on Wednesday! I know it is several days away, but I cannot wait :)
REACH HIGH!!! Make it a great day......
Time to brush off what happened yesterday and look forward to the goals and dreams we have set for ourselves! It will not be easy but we MUST give this life our all.......
I am warning you, I will probably post this photo about 1,000 times this year as it is SO TRUE! I have lived every word.....love it so much!!
Happy, happy Thursday!! : ) It is another dark morning here in Norway...but all smiles in my heart! I find myself still trying to get used to the dark mornings. It reminds me of when we were living in Russia except with the darkness came unbelievably cold temperatures!! I am trying to figure out the best time for me to get my runs in once we move to the house this next week. I was thinking I could do it in the early mornings but I know my husband needs to head out to work and one of us needs to be with Kayla. During the day if the weather is ok then I could always go outside with her in the BOB. I am thinking more and more that we should get a treadmill here. We did not bring the one we had from the US as we would need a transformer. I guess once we are in the house we will get everything sorted out.
I am also looking at getting back to a few workouts which brought me not only great joy but great results while living in Russia. I just downloaded Cathe Drill Max from her site as my dvd is so scratched up. I used it SO VERY much the 3 years we were living there. I was happy to see you can get the downloads from her site then through the apple TV we can stream them in the house. Thank you once again Apple.....we will not even go there as we are HUGE fans......I digress, I am so excited about getting back to my routine. Somedays I feel like I am going to explode if I do not run soon. I miss it so very much.
In terms of my weight, all is well. At least I think so :) I have not weighed in FOREVER. I am staying away from the scale for now and just measuring until my next challenge. So far I am doing good. I lost a bit more in my hips, though it was not planned. My lower body always leans our far faster than my belly. So for now, I am making sure I get in whatever workouts I can throughout the day to stay on track and that I watch my foods carefully. I am proud that I did not lose control during all of this, it would have been so easy to go nuts and off track, but that is worse thing that could happen, I MUST stay the course. Now, I have allowed myself a few treats :) There is a place here called Wayne's Coffee and I am telling you now, for the record, they have these oatmeal scones that are simply put....AMAZING! I have never had scones quiet like this. Fortunately, they are not served with clotted cream and such as in the UK.......now I say fortunately as in the UK it is so good and that would be so bad for me ;) The scones here are served with raspberry preserves and cream cheese or plain, with honey as I like it! How on earth did this become a scone blog? Can you tell I am hungry :) Anyways, lets get back on track about fitness and such.........
I look forward to my next challenge which I am starting February 1st. I was originally going to make the challenge for 12 weeks but now I think I am going to back to the month by month format as to be honest, it works really well for me. Some may be different but for me, 30 days at a time allows me to stay focused, motivated and excited, then after the 4 weeks is over, a new journey begins! I love it.
So, be looking for my February 1st challenge! I will post all the details in the next few days. I have to think of a clever name first : )
So today's goals are simple....get to feeling better...still stuffy and coughing..... eat well, drink my water and ACV regularly, and complete a light workout....total body pilates, light ST and core work.
I am now off to pack up the suitcases and prepare for our move on Wednesday! I know it is several days away, but I cannot wait :)
REACH HIGH!!! Make it a great day......
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
My heart felt thanks, workout for today and thoughts regarding it all.......
I posted earlier this week a thank you on Sparkpeople and I wanted to make sure to tell each of you who commented on my before and after blog just how powerful your support it to me. I was overwhelmed by the encouraging words given from you. Thank you for opening your hearts to me and sharing how I have helped you. It is still somewhat hard for me to comprehend how my story can affect others in a positive way, for I guess I still see myself as a Mom who is still reaching and striving for great things. I do not have all the answers. I did not do anything different than so many others who have lost a great deal of weight. I just gave it my all, day in and day out........I kept pressing on. When I was discouraged, I kept pressing on. When the scale was stuck for days....weeks even, I kept pressing on. The core of my story, my journey is really as simple as consistency.
There are times I sit back and read emails from strangers and think that I am scared to have my story out there as it is. What if I fail? What if I let down all of these people writing me for support? What do I say to help them? I am just me, Jen, a very flaued human being who is still trying to figure it all out myself. It is scary at times, but I do feel that if I can be brave, be strong and share my journey....the pitfalls, the high points, the good and the bad, then maybe someone else can relate.
I always want to be sure that I give credit where it belongs, to my Heavenly Father who has guided me through valleys, held my hand through struggles and who is the reason I am here today, standing before you a new creation in Him, for it is my spiritual journey that is the greatest transformation I have made. He has truly blessed my life in such a beautiful way. This past year alone my relationship with Him has grown in ways I never dreamed. I see things.....everything differently. I always want to have an open heart to receive all His plans, whatever they may be. I used to be scared to talk about Christ on my blogs. What if I offend someone? What if they think I am trying to convert all who read my blog? Now, I share my heart, my life and what God has done for me. It is my story, it is the core of who I am and I will never be ashamed of the one who set me free, the one who delivered me, and who holds my life in His hands. I do not know where my journey is going to take me this next year, but I do know who holds my future and it brings me such a peace. I cannot tell you the amazing peace that God provides when we lean on Him and His everlasting word, it truly comforts my heart and spirit like nothing this world can provide.
Thank you for letting me share my life with you.......
Now for today's workout report!!! I am still a bit under the weather so we are staying inside yet again today. My workout was light but effective! My muscles are feeling it :)
Military Pushups - 50 reps
Sumo Squats - 50 reps
T-planks - 50 reps
Dips - 4 sets of 30 reps
Firewalkers using Cathe blue FW band - 2 sets of 50 reps
Squats - 3 sets of 20 reps
Bicep curls with p90x maroon bands - 4 sets of 20 reps
I am going to try and do a few more pushups before it is all said and done, but we will see! I am also going to start posting a link to my nutrition page from Sparkpeople. Here you can see what I am eating and such. I used to type out everything but this is faster. Here is a link to my foods from yesterday........
Jan 24th Nutrition and Fitness Results
I have logged my foods for today, but have not logged dinner so the Jan 25th log is incomplete as of now.....
I pray your day is truly blessed and that you reach ALL your goals! It is hard to believe that Jan is coming to a close. Let's work hard to make the most of it!!!!! Thank you again for ALL your support!
There are times I sit back and read emails from strangers and think that I am scared to have my story out there as it is. What if I fail? What if I let down all of these people writing me for support? What do I say to help them? I am just me, Jen, a very flaued human being who is still trying to figure it all out myself. It is scary at times, but I do feel that if I can be brave, be strong and share my journey....the pitfalls, the high points, the good and the bad, then maybe someone else can relate.
I always want to be sure that I give credit where it belongs, to my Heavenly Father who has guided me through valleys, held my hand through struggles and who is the reason I am here today, standing before you a new creation in Him, for it is my spiritual journey that is the greatest transformation I have made. He has truly blessed my life in such a beautiful way. This past year alone my relationship with Him has grown in ways I never dreamed. I see things.....everything differently. I always want to have an open heart to receive all His plans, whatever they may be. I used to be scared to talk about Christ on my blogs. What if I offend someone? What if they think I am trying to convert all who read my blog? Now, I share my heart, my life and what God has done for me. It is my story, it is the core of who I am and I will never be ashamed of the one who set me free, the one who delivered me, and who holds my life in His hands. I do not know where my journey is going to take me this next year, but I do know who holds my future and it brings me such a peace. I cannot tell you the amazing peace that God provides when we lean on Him and His everlasting word, it truly comforts my heart and spirit like nothing this world can provide.
Thank you for letting me share my life with you.......
Now for today's workout report!!! I am still a bit under the weather so we are staying inside yet again today. My workout was light but effective! My muscles are feeling it :)
Military Pushups - 50 reps
Sumo Squats - 50 reps
T-planks - 50 reps
Dips - 4 sets of 30 reps
Firewalkers using Cathe blue FW band - 2 sets of 50 reps
Squats - 3 sets of 20 reps
Bicep curls with p90x maroon bands - 4 sets of 20 reps
I am going to try and do a few more pushups before it is all said and done, but we will see! I am also going to start posting a link to my nutrition page from Sparkpeople. Here you can see what I am eating and such. I used to type out everything but this is faster. Here is a link to my foods from yesterday........
Jan 24th Nutrition and Fitness Results
I have logged my foods for today, but have not logged dinner so the Jan 25th log is incomplete as of now.....
I pray your day is truly blessed and that you reach ALL your goals! It is hard to believe that Jan is coming to a close. Let's work hard to make the most of it!!!!! Thank you again for ALL your support!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
The hardest blog I have had to post, on a very, very, special day. Happy birthday my love. This is for you.........
I am sitting here as nervous as can be knowing that these photos will soon become public. I have kept private for so many years now these images, just a few that remain of my days when I let myself go and became a person I do not recognize. Most of the photos I deleted. I begged my husband to get rid of them as I hated seeing them. We have years and years of our marriage that was not documented because I did not want photos of me. I regret this more than you know. But now is not the time for regret, but rather rejoicing!!
Today, January 19th is my husband's 36th birthday. I wanted to get him something special to commemorate his first birthday here in Norway but I could not think of anything. I shopped and looked around, yes, I found jackets, sweaters and such over here but he already has so many of these things and it was not want I wanted. So for today, I celebrate you. I celebrate the man you are, the man God has blessed me with. Since we met back in 1998, you have changed my life. I know you feel at times shocked at how you did not see just how far gone I was with my weight. Last night as we viewed my photos, I noticed the look on your face. It was as if you were looking at a stranger, in many ways, you were. It was your love for me that blinded you....blinded us both. I want to thank you for your devotion to me all these years. Your love, your support. Remember all the funny things I used to do trying to lose the weight? Remember the seas weed soap? I must have rubbed my thighs raw thinking that this soap would magically cure of me of my weight problem. Forget the fact that I was stuffing my face with food, the soap would work!!! I tried everything under the sun and it was not until we moved to Russia that for once in my weight loss journey everything CLICKED! You were there beside me through tears of joy seeing the scale going down, you were there helping me measure my body fat with the calipers, counting my pushups in P90X, making charts to help me track my progress, listening to me pour my heart out to you as I felt so lost, so worried I would not be able to lose the weight. You were there when I first posted my before photo on Sparkpeople and the journey began. You were there........you were there........you were there.......every step along the way. I could not have done this without you. Thank you for your support, your commitment to me. Thank you for every green drink you toasted with me, every crazy phase of my weight loss, for every plateau we had to break through.........everything.
So after years and years of hiding, I am posting these before and after photos for you! The journey is not over! I guess you could say, we have only just begun :)
Happy Birthday My Love.
Then and Now.....The journey that has made me who I am today.
This photo was taken December 2005, compared to December 2011.
I think this photo says it all....the after photo I am holding my jar of Vitamineral Green I mix up and drink!
The location where my journey began! Outside of Buckingham Palace May 2006 vs September 2011. I have lost about 11 or so lbs since this after photo......time for another trip! I will always hold a very, very special place in my heart for this fountain for it was seeing the photos taken on that trip which made me take that first step and start what has been the most amazing journey!
I have a few more before and afters I will be posting soon. This has taken a great deal of strength for me to do this, it is hard but if seeing these can help motivate just one person, it is worth it. If you are stuck in a life that you do not recognize and you want more, start today! You CAN do anything you set your mind to. It will be hard, very hard, but with patience, consistency and hard work, anything is possible!! It took me years to reach my goal, but it was worth it. Do not wait for another year to pass by, do not wait for more memories to be lost because you are ashamed at what you have become.
I have this posted on my spark page. I wrote this back in 2007 when I started my weight loss page......
I will leave you with this. Every person who has made a change in their life remembers a specific point in time where something just clicked and they knew this was the moment to change. This is that moment for each of us. Now - today - is the day for change. Forget what happened yesterday and focus on the daily changes you can make that will bring you closer to your goal. If you are thinking, "Well, it is too late, I am too old or too overweight" I want each of you to remember this - post it somewhere you can see it daily -
"It is NEVER too late to become what you might have been!" - George Eliot
You have been given today as a gift - MAKE IT COUNT!!!
Today, January 19th is my husband's 36th birthday. I wanted to get him something special to commemorate his first birthday here in Norway but I could not think of anything. I shopped and looked around, yes, I found jackets, sweaters and such over here but he already has so many of these things and it was not want I wanted. So for today, I celebrate you. I celebrate the man you are, the man God has blessed me with. Since we met back in 1998, you have changed my life. I know you feel at times shocked at how you did not see just how far gone I was with my weight. Last night as we viewed my photos, I noticed the look on your face. It was as if you were looking at a stranger, in many ways, you were. It was your love for me that blinded you....blinded us both. I want to thank you for your devotion to me all these years. Your love, your support. Remember all the funny things I used to do trying to lose the weight? Remember the seas weed soap? I must have rubbed my thighs raw thinking that this soap would magically cure of me of my weight problem. Forget the fact that I was stuffing my face with food, the soap would work!!! I tried everything under the sun and it was not until we moved to Russia that for once in my weight loss journey everything CLICKED! You were there beside me through tears of joy seeing the scale going down, you were there helping me measure my body fat with the calipers, counting my pushups in P90X, making charts to help me track my progress, listening to me pour my heart out to you as I felt so lost, so worried I would not be able to lose the weight. You were there when I first posted my before photo on Sparkpeople and the journey began. You were there........you were there........you were there.......every step along the way. I could not have done this without you. Thank you for your support, your commitment to me. Thank you for every green drink you toasted with me, every crazy phase of my weight loss, for every plateau we had to break through.........everything.
So after years and years of hiding, I am posting these before and after photos for you! The journey is not over! I guess you could say, we have only just begun :)
Happy Birthday My Love.
Then and Now.....The journey that has made me who I am today.
This photo was taken December 2005, compared to December 2011.
This before and after is 2006 vs 2011
Trading in frumpy plus size clothes for new running clothes!!!
I remember in 2006 when we were living in Russia, after seeing my before photos in Paris...and a bad highlight job, I changed my hair color. I think I was trying to mask over the pain and be someone else. It was a struggle to see myself in the mirror each and ever day. 2006 vs 2011
These two jacket before and afters are a comparison of Jan 2006 vs 2011. In the before photo I was wearing a mens jacket. I tried to get a good winter coat for Russia but nothing fit me. We were heading to Canada for a ski trip prior to leaving for Russia and I had nothing to wear. I went to Target as I was able to get a mens coat there which fit. It was embarrassing, especially once we moved to Russia and all the slim Russian girls where wearing fashionable coats. Years later, as we were preparing to leave for the US, I gave this coat away along with several other things. I will NEVER forget seeing this old man put the coat on and smile sitting on the bench in Russia. He gave me a thumbs up and said Thank you! I broke down and it still touches my heart to this day. Now, I am wearing XS and Small coats and it still feels like a dream but the sting of the memory from buying the mens coat is still with me and truth be told, I pray it never leaves.
For me, these two photos speak volumes! Here I am in Paris, May 2006 vs December 2011. What a difference nutrition has made in my life! You ARE what you eat! Treats are fine every now and then.... but day in and day out what you eat WILL have either a positive or negative effect on your health.
I think this photo says it all....the after photo I am holding my jar of Vitamineral Green I mix up and drink!
I hated this before photo so much. It was taken in Paris in 2006. Recently we went back in May of 2011 and I was able to take photos along the same bridge! I thought it would be my after.....little did I know I would lose even more weight from that point. Now, I have to go back and do another one! Do I hear another trip to Paris? I think so! :)
The location where my journey began! Outside of Buckingham Palace May 2006 vs September 2011. I have lost about 11 or so lbs since this after photo......time for another trip! I will always hold a very, very special place in my heart for this fountain for it was seeing the photos taken on that trip which made me take that first step and start what has been the most amazing journey!
I have a few more before and afters I will be posting soon. This has taken a great deal of strength for me to do this, it is hard but if seeing these can help motivate just one person, it is worth it. If you are stuck in a life that you do not recognize and you want more, start today! You CAN do anything you set your mind to. It will be hard, very hard, but with patience, consistency and hard work, anything is possible!! It took me years to reach my goal, but it was worth it. Do not wait for another year to pass by, do not wait for more memories to be lost because you are ashamed at what you have become.
I have this posted on my spark page. I wrote this back in 2007 when I started my weight loss page......
I will leave you with this. Every person who has made a change in their life remembers a specific point in time where something just clicked and they knew this was the moment to change. This is that moment for each of us. Now - today - is the day for change. Forget what happened yesterday and focus on the daily changes you can make that will bring you closer to your goal. If you are thinking, "Well, it is too late, I am too old or too overweight" I want each of you to remember this - post it somewhere you can see it daily -
"It is NEVER too late to become what you might have been!" - George Eliot
You have been given today as a gift - MAKE IT COUNT!!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Just like home...
Even though we are now living in a new country, somehow this evening, I felt right at home!
Garden of Life Perfect Meal, Vega protein powder, Skim Milk, blueberries, raspberries, banana and of course......chia seeds!
Just like home. Happy Jen! Happy Jen!
How do I say thank you?
I have been going through my blogs on this site, Spark and some messages on FB and I am without words.......imagine that!! :) I do not really know how to sit here from a far and thank so many of you for touching my life in the beautiful way that you have. How do I tell you my heart?
I am constantly amazed at how complete strangers can make such an impact in ones life, both good and bad. Fortunately for me, this blog, my spark page and FB have turned into a wonderful way for me to connect with others and the blessings have been huge. I am humbled by your words, your support and your encouragement that you have given me for so many years now. When people say, you inspire me, I do not know how to take it because I receive inspiration from you all. I could not have lost the weight and achieved what I have without friends and family lending their support. I view you as family, my extended online family!!!
The older I get the greater perspective I have on life and what I want to be remembered for. It is because each of you took the time out of your busy lives to write me that I truly feel in some way or another I have helped a few of you see that you CAN reach your goals, you CAN lose the weight, you CAN be the person you always wanted to be, you CAN strive for more in life, and you CAN do all things through Christ!! All I want, all I crave is to be a shinning example of God's love and hopefully do the best I can with this time he has given me. I hope in some way or another that through reading my blog throughout the years you decided to run, you decided to set goals, you decided to pray for strength from God.......whatever it may be. I pray, that my life, my journey brought forth a positive change in your life. Because you see, through your friendship, a positive change has taken place in my life and for that I am forever grateful.
If something should ever happen to me, I want to know in my heart that my time on this earth was not wasted. Did I make a difference? I long to help others see the power we all have within, the power to change our life a ANY moment. YOU can be more!!! If there is one message I hope rings clear, it is that WE....all of us can overcome anything this life can give us through the strength, the peace and the guidance of our God. I could not have done this without Him and I give thanks to God placing YOU ALL in my life to help me through this amazing transformation God has blessed me with.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every comment, every email, and every prayer you have given me. I hope to always be there for each of you and do the same.
Blessings for this year!
I am constantly amazed at how complete strangers can make such an impact in ones life, both good and bad. Fortunately for me, this blog, my spark page and FB have turned into a wonderful way for me to connect with others and the blessings have been huge. I am humbled by your words, your support and your encouragement that you have given me for so many years now. When people say, you inspire me, I do not know how to take it because I receive inspiration from you all. I could not have lost the weight and achieved what I have without friends and family lending their support. I view you as family, my extended online family!!!
The older I get the greater perspective I have on life and what I want to be remembered for. It is because each of you took the time out of your busy lives to write me that I truly feel in some way or another I have helped a few of you see that you CAN reach your goals, you CAN lose the weight, you CAN be the person you always wanted to be, you CAN strive for more in life, and you CAN do all things through Christ!! All I want, all I crave is to be a shinning example of God's love and hopefully do the best I can with this time he has given me. I hope in some way or another that through reading my blog throughout the years you decided to run, you decided to set goals, you decided to pray for strength from God.......whatever it may be. I pray, that my life, my journey brought forth a positive change in your life. Because you see, through your friendship, a positive change has taken place in my life and for that I am forever grateful.
If something should ever happen to me, I want to know in my heart that my time on this earth was not wasted. Did I make a difference? I long to help others see the power we all have within, the power to change our life a ANY moment. YOU can be more!!! If there is one message I hope rings clear, it is that WE....all of us can overcome anything this life can give us through the strength, the peace and the guidance of our God. I could not have done this without Him and I give thanks to God placing YOU ALL in my life to help me through this amazing transformation God has blessed me with.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every comment, every email, and every prayer you have given me. I hope to always be there for each of you and do the same.
Blessings for this year!
Monday, January 16, 2012
The blender hunt!!
What a day!! We are back home now and I am happy to say that after looking and looking and looking I found a fantastic blender! Now the question will be how will it compare to the Vitamix we used back in the US. I think it will be pretty close! It is a 1200 Watt Professional series and it looks great. It has different setting for grains, crushed ice, soups, etc....I plan on testing it out tonight!
I was able to get in a great workout shopping today as once I found the blender I had to carry it around everywhere including in the grocery store! There I was pushing the stroller, carrying this heavy blender and trying to roll this grocery basket everywhere with us. It was challenge and I was wondering what people where thinking as I was banging into things left and right. I then loaded up the diaper bag, stroller and filled the blender bag up with groceries and we headed up. The hills were hard with the load, one time I felt as if I was coming to a stop so for momentum.......and let's face it, more of a calorie burn......I just started running up the hill. So can you see me, the crazy American girl with the loaded down stroller, bag and blender running up a hill. No telling what they are thinking of me!! I was told by 2 people now that I look Norwegian and they had no idea I was not from here! I am going to take that as a HUGE compliment!! I never thought in a million years someone would think this.....although on my Mom's side, the family is from Sweden, so maybe I do blend in here.....well, except for the crazy things I do :)
I was able to find frozen fruit for my shakes though it was hard to find. We did find frozen strawberries at the Helgo store at the base of Bogafjell our new neighborhood though they were VERY and I do mean VERY expensive....about 169 Kr which is about 28.00 USD......yes, you are reading this correctly, that is 28 bucks for frozen strawberries. The bag was about the size you get at Walmart.....not the small bags but not the big Sams or Costco size bags either. I was shocked! Our new home has a large garden in the front, I may end up just growing my own berries and veggies who knows!!We have heard this store is the most expensive but they carry many international items. It is quite nice actually. I am happy there is one at the base of the hill. I went to google maps and it looks to be about a mile down from my house so it will most likely be where I do all my shopping. Great to have such a nice neighborhood store. Anyways, today I found a mix of berries at a store called Rema, looking forward to my first shake over here! I miss my protein shakes so very much!
Tonight's dinner will be a salad with beans and sprouts, along with tuna and other veggies on top and a protein shake. It feels so good knowing I am on track and I can get all the foods I am used to eating here. Nutrition is KEY for this journey. I cannot emphasize this enough. You can spend hours and hours in the gym but sound, clean nutrition is what will determine whether you reach your goals or not this year. Remember this!!!!!!! Treats and splurges are fine, but what is on your plate day in and day out makes a difference!
Have a blessed Monday! Strive for great things this week! Have your goals set, then go for it!
Here we go!! Off for a blender hunt in the city!
Kayla is bundled up and ready to go.
This is one store that is nice here, they have a great deal of things....electronics etc....
Ok, not a store to find a blender I know, I got side tracked! Look at the little doll house!!! I love it so much!! I think I want to get it for Kayla....she is turning 2 in April, wouldn't that be a precious gift! A doll house from Norway. Cannot wait to show my husband. The whole store is amazing! They children's clothes and items here are some of the best I have seen! Who needs a blender anyways when you have a ever so cute pink doll house!
This was a little area in one of the malls where you can change the babies, breastfeed etc...they had these chairs there and she was having a ball playing around.
Just finished the last part of the way home!! FINALLY! SO happy we made it. I really do have to say I love walking and shopping this way although it is making me crazy hungry :)
The loaded stroller which was my ST for today!
The berry mix I bought.....
And last but not least, the hunt was worth it as I now have this awesome blender to use when here or another European country. Who knows where we will be next! :)
I was able to get in a great workout shopping today as once I found the blender I had to carry it around everywhere including in the grocery store! There I was pushing the stroller, carrying this heavy blender and trying to roll this grocery basket everywhere with us. It was challenge and I was wondering what people where thinking as I was banging into things left and right. I then loaded up the diaper bag, stroller and filled the blender bag up with groceries and we headed up. The hills were hard with the load, one time I felt as if I was coming to a stop so for momentum.......and let's face it, more of a calorie burn......I just started running up the hill. So can you see me, the crazy American girl with the loaded down stroller, bag and blender running up a hill. No telling what they are thinking of me!! I was told by 2 people now that I look Norwegian and they had no idea I was not from here! I am going to take that as a HUGE compliment!! I never thought in a million years someone would think this.....although on my Mom's side, the family is from Sweden, so maybe I do blend in here.....well, except for the crazy things I do :)
I was able to find frozen fruit for my shakes though it was hard to find. We did find frozen strawberries at the Helgo store at the base of Bogafjell our new neighborhood though they were VERY and I do mean VERY expensive....about 169 Kr which is about 28.00 USD......yes, you are reading this correctly, that is 28 bucks for frozen strawberries. The bag was about the size you get at Walmart.....not the small bags but not the big Sams or Costco size bags either. I was shocked! Our new home has a large garden in the front, I may end up just growing my own berries and veggies who knows!!We have heard this store is the most expensive but they carry many international items. It is quite nice actually. I am happy there is one at the base of the hill. I went to google maps and it looks to be about a mile down from my house so it will most likely be where I do all my shopping. Great to have such a nice neighborhood store. Anyways, today I found a mix of berries at a store called Rema, looking forward to my first shake over here! I miss my protein shakes so very much!
Tonight's dinner will be a salad with beans and sprouts, along with tuna and other veggies on top and a protein shake. It feels so good knowing I am on track and I can get all the foods I am used to eating here. Nutrition is KEY for this journey. I cannot emphasize this enough. You can spend hours and hours in the gym but sound, clean nutrition is what will determine whether you reach your goals or not this year. Remember this!!!!!!! Treats and splurges are fine, but what is on your plate day in and day out makes a difference!
Have a blessed Monday! Strive for great things this week! Have your goals set, then go for it!
Here we go!! Off for a blender hunt in the city!
Kayla is bundled up and ready to go.
This is one store that is nice here, they have a great deal of things....electronics etc....
Ok, not a store to find a blender I know, I got side tracked! Look at the little doll house!!! I love it so much!! I think I want to get it for Kayla....she is turning 2 in April, wouldn't that be a precious gift! A doll house from Norway. Cannot wait to show my husband. The whole store is amazing! They children's clothes and items here are some of the best I have seen! Who needs a blender anyways when you have a ever so cute pink doll house!
This was a little area in one of the malls where you can change the babies, breastfeed etc...they had these chairs there and she was having a ball playing around.
Just finished the last part of the way home!! FINALLY! SO happy we made it. I really do have to say I love walking and shopping this way although it is making me crazy hungry :)
The loaded stroller which was my ST for today!
The berry mix I bought.....
And last but not least, the hunt was worth it as I now have this awesome blender to use when here or another European country. Who knows where we will be next! :)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
First Run in Norway....
Today was the start of something great! It was my first run in our new home country of Norway!!
We started off walking to the city center. I guess you could say this was my warm up as it was so cold....that is what we will call it! I started running as Micah walked around the town with Kayla. At first I stayed close to the center where there is a lake and it is flat, then I headed to the harbor which is also flat. Then starring at me, almost calling me where the little winding streets with all those glorious hills. I started up and felt on top of the world until it was time to run down. This is where my knees got the best of me. I did not stop as I was having too much fun but I can tell the hills are going to be a challenge for me. Not the journey up, but going down! Another thing which was hard was the cobblestones. I remember hearing about this when I registered for the Rome marathon. They were saying do not expect a PR as there are so many roads throughout the older parts of the city that are hard to run across. You really have to watch where you are going, but I did well.
It was strange. As I was running I could not help but be overwhelmed at one point. You see, I have run here before. Back in January of 2009, when we were moving from Russia to the US, I came here to Stavanger with my husband as he was here on business. I ran around the very lake I did today......granted I was much slower then!! There I was as happy as could be running around. I had lost my weight in Russia and I was headed back to start a new life in the US! Little did I know how my life would change. Fast forward now and I have been blessed with the love of my life, my baby girl and we are now living here!! I am also far thinner than I was at that time. I thought I was towards the end of my fitness journey but little did I know the great things God had in store for me. It just goes to show that we may have a plan, we may have an idea of what we think is perfect or what we want our life to be like, but when we honor the Lord, HIS plan is far greater, brighter and more meaningful than ANYTHING we can imagine!!!
After a strong run I met Micah at a little french cafe for a latte. There were other tempting things there but I resisted :) I did enjoy my latte however, it was so very good...and hot which was perfect as I was getting cold after stopping my run. We then shopped around town and went to a little cafe for brunch. I had a fantastic vegetarian omelet with salad....no cheese or anything crazy....however I did eat the bread. Guilty as charged! It was so good!
We then headed to the grocery store where I bought some things to make a Dahl and Salmon curry tonight!! I have to say the Dahl is cooking as we speak and it smells amazing! It is red lentils with curry spices, onions, garlic, leeks, carrots, tomatoes and celery........SO GOOD!! And I made it super spicy too!
MiMi is napping now and we are enjoying a lovely afternoon here. It is very dark out and damp. Not raining just wet and cold in the air.
Here are some pics from todays run.......my first of many, many, many runs here!! As long as God continues to bless me with health, I will do my best to make the most out of this glorious life He has given me. Thank you Lord for another day to strive for more and to lift up your name and give you praise!
Off I go for my first run!!
Run Jenny Run!!
Post run and super happy........and cold too!
My reward latte! That is foam on the top....just for the record, not whip cream or something crazy. Just milk.......but it was GOOD!
MiMi and Mommy headed to the cafe to eat
Daddy dancing with Mimi at the cafe ........precious!
Our brunch which we split......a vegetarian omelet with salad and this hearty bread. Mercy it was good!
Back home with post run hat hair but proud I got out there and did it!!! Staying on track feels amazing!!
We started off walking to the city center. I guess you could say this was my warm up as it was so cold....that is what we will call it! I started running as Micah walked around the town with Kayla. At first I stayed close to the center where there is a lake and it is flat, then I headed to the harbor which is also flat. Then starring at me, almost calling me where the little winding streets with all those glorious hills. I started up and felt on top of the world until it was time to run down. This is where my knees got the best of me. I did not stop as I was having too much fun but I can tell the hills are going to be a challenge for me. Not the journey up, but going down! Another thing which was hard was the cobblestones. I remember hearing about this when I registered for the Rome marathon. They were saying do not expect a PR as there are so many roads throughout the older parts of the city that are hard to run across. You really have to watch where you are going, but I did well.
It was strange. As I was running I could not help but be overwhelmed at one point. You see, I have run here before. Back in January of 2009, when we were moving from Russia to the US, I came here to Stavanger with my husband as he was here on business. I ran around the very lake I did today......granted I was much slower then!! There I was as happy as could be running around. I had lost my weight in Russia and I was headed back to start a new life in the US! Little did I know how my life would change. Fast forward now and I have been blessed with the love of my life, my baby girl and we are now living here!! I am also far thinner than I was at that time. I thought I was towards the end of my fitness journey but little did I know the great things God had in store for me. It just goes to show that we may have a plan, we may have an idea of what we think is perfect or what we want our life to be like, but when we honor the Lord, HIS plan is far greater, brighter and more meaningful than ANYTHING we can imagine!!!
After a strong run I met Micah at a little french cafe for a latte. There were other tempting things there but I resisted :) I did enjoy my latte however, it was so very good...and hot which was perfect as I was getting cold after stopping my run. We then shopped around town and went to a little cafe for brunch. I had a fantastic vegetarian omelet with salad....no cheese or anything crazy....however I did eat the bread. Guilty as charged! It was so good!
We then headed to the grocery store where I bought some things to make a Dahl and Salmon curry tonight!! I have to say the Dahl is cooking as we speak and it smells amazing! It is red lentils with curry spices, onions, garlic, leeks, carrots, tomatoes and celery........SO GOOD!! And I made it super spicy too!
MiMi is napping now and we are enjoying a lovely afternoon here. It is very dark out and damp. Not raining just wet and cold in the air.
Here are some pics from todays run.......my first of many, many, many runs here!! As long as God continues to bless me with health, I will do my best to make the most out of this glorious life He has given me. Thank you Lord for another day to strive for more and to lift up your name and give you praise!
Post run and super happy........and cold too!
My reward latte! That is foam on the top....just for the record, not whip cream or something crazy. Just milk.......but it was GOOD!
MiMi and Mommy headed to the cafe to eat
Daddy dancing with Mimi at the cafe ........precious!
Our brunch which we split......a vegetarian omelet with salad and this hearty bread. Mercy it was good!
Back home with post run hat hair but proud I got out there and did it!!! Staying on track feels amazing!!
A runner's dream....
We are back home....well our temp home in Stavanger now after a long day touring Sandnes and then taking a bus out to Bogafjell where we will be living. It is an area south of Sandnes and it is LOVELY!
My husband warned me of the hills here and he was right, they are a dream!! Our street starts at the base of Bogafjell and starts up, and then goes up and up.....winding around until you get to the top row of town homes where we will be living. It is truly beautiful. There is a dedicated bike and running path all the way into town, and for that matter it continues all the way to Stavanger which from my house is 12.5 miles!!! So imagine heading out in the morning and running to the harbor in Stavanger 12.5 miles later.....then meeting my husband and baby girl at the train station to take the train back home! For me, this is so exciting as I love to run!! The run is also along the coast and you have a lovely view of the Fjords into Stavanger!
I could not be happier with where we will be for the next several years. Here is a brief look at our new neighborhood! More to come of course as we move in Feb 1st!!!
My husband warned me of the hills here and he was right, they are a dream!! Our street starts at the base of Bogafjell and starts up, and then goes up and up.....winding around until you get to the top row of town homes where we will be living. It is truly beautiful. There is a dedicated bike and running path all the way into town, and for that matter it continues all the way to Stavanger which from my house is 12.5 miles!!! So imagine heading out in the morning and running to the harbor in Stavanger 12.5 miles later.....then meeting my husband and baby girl at the train station to take the train back home! For me, this is so exciting as I love to run!! The run is also along the coast and you have a lovely view of the Fjords into Stavanger!
I could not be happier with where we will be for the next several years. Here is a brief look at our new neighborhood! More to come of course as we move in Feb 1st!!!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday night with my girl.
I am as happy as I can be! I am curled up in the couch watching Little House on the Prairie via the Apple TV and eating a grapefruit with my best little friend.
It is just like home.....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
It is just like home.....
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Tonights dinner....
Baked Salmon and roasted carrots along with a salad made from napa cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes with a homemade dressing....two types of mustard, plain yogurt, a small...very small amount of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, chia seeds and seasonings. We had this along with some of that AMAZING spelt bread....I tell you it is so good!
We are so happy to find healthy foods here! I even ran across a store today called Life! It is a natural foods store that carries Quinoa, flaxseeds, vitamins, natural skin care, etc......I was sad though as they did not have unfiltered ACV or Chia seed.......my two favorite things! I will keep looking!!
Anyways, here was our meal and I have to say it was very good!
We are so happy to find healthy foods here! I even ran across a store today called Life! It is a natural foods store that carries Quinoa, flaxseeds, vitamins, natural skin care, etc......I was sad though as they did not have unfiltered ACV or Chia seed.......my two favorite things! I will keep looking!!
Anyways, here was our meal and I have to say it was very good!
Who needs a gym! Just walk in the city pushing a stroller....
I love it here....I love it here.....I love it here.....
I am zapped. My muscles are burning and I feel so out of shape about right now. After a long day out in the city pushing Michaela up and down the hills of the city center.......I am so tired! I am also so excited in that my fitness level is about increase.......BIG TIME!
We had such a lovely day out. I was geared up for a long walking day so I wore my running clothes. What we did not expect was the sleet, very strong and I do mean very strong winds and the cold. The wind chill was only 27 but the wind gust were so strong it almost tipped over the stroller as I was going up one of the hills. It was a memory to say the least. The weather was dark and dreary but somehow I loved it and was having the best time. I do wish there was snow, there is set to be some this weekend but I have been told the rain here is common.......VERY common, and so I better get used to it.
One of my favorite memories from today came as I entered into a store and found the most beautiful sweater. The clothes here are so beautiful and finally after losing all my weight, I can wear them all unlike when we were in Russia and I was bigger than most sizes available. That was a hard memory for me. I hated going shopping and never bought clothes there. I would instead wait and get everything I needed back in the US where.....let's face the truth......we are bigger here. I can say this with all confidence that after traveling to so many places in the world I am always amazed how much larger the US population is relative to the rest of the world. Anyways, more about that later I am sure....back to my story. I walked into the store to look at the sweater and try it on and the lady said to me...."I am sorry we only have a Medium and a Large, I will have to see if we have a Small down stairs". I about died with excitement!!! Here I am standing there in 2 layers of pants, 3 layers of tops with my running shoes and she looks and me and determines WITHOUT me asking or saying a word......she thought I was a SMALL!!! I literally wanted to cry I was so happy. Gone are the days of embarrassment, gone are the days of me not being able to find a size.........it feels so amazing! The funny thing was that I came out wearing the sweater and it was too big........go figure! It has a bigger loose fit and looked huge on me. After this I was so motivated, I kept walking faster and running up the hills as I pushed the stroller. I was burning some mega calories!
I am just so happy, so proud that I can stand there and say I am from Texas and NOT be the big American that I was just a few years ago. I want to show others that there ARE fit, strong, active Americans who do not mind walking everywhere....etc.....
Now I am off to rest because this American has to get used to this new lifestyle! I was going to do weights today............on second thought, NO.... I am DONE! Who needs a gym? Who needs cross fit........just go out and be active in the city!!!! I cannot wait to see where my new home is located. I was talking with a local here and she said we were VERY lucky to be living where we are and it is beautiful there with a view of the city. She said it is clean, safe and very pretty! Not to mention HILLY!!!!
Here are some pics from our day........
Heading out in my winter running gear!
MiMi is ready for our first big day out in Stavanger! Bundled up and ready to go!!!
Some of the restaurants down at the harbor where the cruise ships, fishing boats and so on are docked.
Part of the harbor....
This was a fish market right at the harbor, they had a fantastic selection and of course it was very fresh!
One of the Fjord cruise boats.
The city is full of little streets going up and down from the town to the harbor, it really does make for a great workout pushing the stroller up and down.....up and down....I loved it!
I shopped here when in Paris and was SO excited there is an Oliviers here! They have great stuff!
Thought this was a cute little baby shop! The city is filled with some very nice stores for children, and I do mean NICE, I was amazed at the quality available.
I am zapped. My muscles are burning and I feel so out of shape about right now. After a long day out in the city pushing Michaela up and down the hills of the city center.......I am so tired! I am also so excited in that my fitness level is about increase.......BIG TIME!
We had such a lovely day out. I was geared up for a long walking day so I wore my running clothes. What we did not expect was the sleet, very strong and I do mean very strong winds and the cold. The wind chill was only 27 but the wind gust were so strong it almost tipped over the stroller as I was going up one of the hills. It was a memory to say the least. The weather was dark and dreary but somehow I loved it and was having the best time. I do wish there was snow, there is set to be some this weekend but I have been told the rain here is common.......VERY common, and so I better get used to it.
One of my favorite memories from today came as I entered into a store and found the most beautiful sweater. The clothes here are so beautiful and finally after losing all my weight, I can wear them all unlike when we were in Russia and I was bigger than most sizes available. That was a hard memory for me. I hated going shopping and never bought clothes there. I would instead wait and get everything I needed back in the US where.....let's face the truth......we are bigger here. I can say this with all confidence that after traveling to so many places in the world I am always amazed how much larger the US population is relative to the rest of the world. Anyways, more about that later I am sure....back to my story. I walked into the store to look at the sweater and try it on and the lady said to me...."I am sorry we only have a Medium and a Large, I will have to see if we have a Small down stairs". I about died with excitement!!! Here I am standing there in 2 layers of pants, 3 layers of tops with my running shoes and she looks and me and determines WITHOUT me asking or saying a word......she thought I was a SMALL!!! I literally wanted to cry I was so happy. Gone are the days of embarrassment, gone are the days of me not being able to find a size.........it feels so amazing! The funny thing was that I came out wearing the sweater and it was too big........go figure! It has a bigger loose fit and looked huge on me. After this I was so motivated, I kept walking faster and running up the hills as I pushed the stroller. I was burning some mega calories!
I am just so happy, so proud that I can stand there and say I am from Texas and NOT be the big American that I was just a few years ago. I want to show others that there ARE fit, strong, active Americans who do not mind walking everywhere....etc.....
Now I am off to rest because this American has to get used to this new lifestyle! I was going to do weights today............on second thought, NO.... I am DONE! Who needs a gym? Who needs cross fit........just go out and be active in the city!!!! I cannot wait to see where my new home is located. I was talking with a local here and she said we were VERY lucky to be living where we are and it is beautiful there with a view of the city. She said it is clean, safe and very pretty! Not to mention HILLY!!!!
Here are some pics from our day........
Heading out in my winter running gear!
Some of the restaurants down at the harbor where the cruise ships, fishing boats and so on are docked.
Part of the harbor....
One of the Fjord cruise boats.
The city is full of little streets going up and down from the town to the harbor, it really does make for a great workout pushing the stroller up and down.....up and down....I loved it!
Thought this was a cute little baby shop! The city is filled with some very nice stores for children, and I do mean NICE, I was amazed at the quality available.
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