Is it really possible to have it all?

Before I had Jack, on my days off of work, I used to sit around bored and lament on how I needed some sort of hobby. Besides "bumping" and being on Facebook all day.
Then I had Jack and suddenly I went from boring, no hobby life to trying to do to much too soon.
After I quit my full time job, I felt like I had all this time to fill. Jack was such a good baby-and still is- that I searched for things to do while he slept. Suddenly, I found myself starting art projects, business ventures, and this blog!!
But then, a few weeks ago, I realized I am spreading myself too thin. I went to bed each night feeling like I couldn't sleep because I had too much to do. I felt guilty and wondered if I was neglecting my relationships with my husband and my son.
I was there, but I wasn't really "there".
So I cut some things out. I put the art projects in the closet-at least for right now. I put some business ventures on hold for the time being. (Note to self-trying to start a business grass roots, with a new baby, not a good idea at all) And this blogging thing- well it's taken a little bit of a hit too.
I love writing, and I love this new found hobby of blogging. But I'm not doing myself, nor my readers justice if I am blogging, just to blog. If my heart isn't truly in the post. So you may see more of me at times and less at others, but I will still be here. If only to check in on my other blogger friends!
And to answer my own question....No, I don't think you can have it all. But if you sit down and look at what's really important in this life you realize you don't need it all. As long as I have the love of my family and friends-that's all I need!

McFatty Monday:The Birthday Edition

When I started this weight loss journey I think I made 2 big mistakes.
1.) I gave myself an unrealistic time frame to lose 15-20 lbs
2.) I put an end date on this whole sha-bang

So right now I find myself torn between patting myself on the back and kicking myself in the ass because while I haven't met my goal of 145, I am closer to it than I have ever been.
Today I weighed in at 157. The birthday fairies must have been smiling down on me because last week was a HORRIBLE week for both my diet and exercise routine. I thought for sure I would step on the scale today and want to cry, but I was pleasantly surprised by the number staring back at me! I think it is part luck and part due to the fact that this weight loss journey has adapted into somewhat of a lifestyle. I am much more conscious of what I am putting into my body on a daily basis and try my best to work out daily, even when that only means parking my car all the way down the block from work and walking or doing "baby curls". (Thanks, Blair!)
So yes, in theory I didn't reach my goal of being at 145 by my 30th birthday but that doesn't mean I am stopping yet! I have to think that I have changed at least partially on this journey because the old me would have thrown the towel in already. But the new 30 year old me isn't giving up so easily! Will I ever hit 145...maybe. Maybe Not. But I can tell you one things for sure...I will not weigh 160+ again. (Except maybe when I have another child) I am going to keep working out as much as I can and I am going to keep eating as best I can. And even if the number on my scale isn't the ideal one I'd imagined the important thing is I feel better about myself. And that's motivation to keep going.
So is the $80 I get to take shopping with me this week!

Holy Free Stuff Batman!

I opened up my email the other day and found that my birthday came early this year.
Take a look at my swag:
A free burger from Red Robin**
A free entree from Houlihans
A free dessert from McCormick and Smicks
A free Blizzard
A free dessert from Buffalo Wild Wings

I didn't even know that I had signed up for anything at half these places!

**Red Robin is one of my favorite places EVER! This certificate is going to go fast!!

Those who are easily offended look away!

This post is not for you.

For those of you who know me in real life you know that I am sarcastic, crude at times, and mostly inappropriate. I don't take myself too seriously and sometimes this results in the classic foot-in-mouth predicaments. I am happy to apologize if I truly offend someone because I am not a mean girl at heart. I just usually speak without thinking.
That being said I need to get something off my chest...

Overly-sensitive people annoy the living shit out of me!!

Today, I put a post on a message board I frequent asking for book recommendations. I'm looking for some good reads in Mexico and the ladies on The Bump are usually good for such advice. I wrote that I planned on taking the new Chelsea Handler book "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" with me but was looking for some other light reading. I got a lot of good suggestions. And then I got this one:

"Can I please talk you into returning the Chelsea Handler book? I am boycotting her after she made fun of preemies on the Ellen show."

This peeked my interest. I know Chelsea isn't the most PC comedian, but she is a COMEDIAN. She isn't meant to be taken seriously. Anywho-I decided to check out the clip myself, wondering what horrible atrocities Chelsea committed on Ellen and well...watch for yourself...




No you didn't miss it...the Cabbage Patch preemie comment was it. Now, in this woman's defense she did have a preemie, so I can appreciate her sensitivity on the subject. But REALLY? Clearly this woman knows nothing of Chelsea Handler because this is tame compared to most of what she says! So you are "boycotting" something you don't even know because of one little harmless comment. I think this falls in the over sensitive category.
I am so sick and tired of people being offended by EVERYTHING! As my husband says, "People need to stop being such pussies about every little thing." (He wanted me to make sure I put this on my blog as he thinks calling people "pussies" is hilarious. Apparently I married a 12 year old boy!)

America it's time for you all to grow a pair...and if you can't "man" up and stop being so easily offended over every stinking thing than at least STFU about it!!

Thank you and Good DAY!

McFatty Monday: Takin it to the streets

Spring has arrived!! And now I can take to the great wide open to get a little fitness in. Taking Jack for walks is quickly becoming my new favorite exercise. On days like last Thursday when the wind was of epic proportions it is also quite effective! I am still "Shredding" with Jillian Michaels, but I am rotating it with a few other programs I have found. One is a Pilates/Ballet infused workout I DVRed on FitTV. I love it, but it's an hour long. So on days I have time to work out for a long time I use that one, if I need a quick work out I pop in Jillian. Weather permitting I also take Jack for a 20-30 min walk too. This combined has helped me drop 2 more lbs this week and more importantly 1 whole size!!
I have began to realize that this is more of a lifestyle change than a diet. I realized this last week when at work I caved in and ordered chicken tenders and onion rings for dinner. I ate them and I can fully admit they tasted good. But after I finished I felt...blah! They tasted good but it didn't really fuel me. And than it dawned on me. I have been doing so good at filling my body with good stuff that it now rejects the bad stuff. So while I still have my cravings and weak moments, I remember that it's not worth feeling like crap after I eat it.
Stats:
Starting Weight:165
Last weeks weight: 160
This weeks: 158

Hoppy Easter Folks!

For the first time in years-minus weddings and funerals- I stepped foot in a church today.

This is a big feat because dispite my Catholic upbringing and years of parochial school as I grew into an adult, I grew away from the church. I think for a lot of people questioning your faith comes at least once in your life and I spent most of my 20's quietly putting my faith on a shelf.

It's hard to explain my views on religion. It's a very grey area for me and I can't really find the words to explain it all. In a nutshell, I have beliefs but I'm not really into practicing them. I haven't gone to a legitimate mass probably since I graduated 8th grade and Kevin and I had no desire to get married in a church. Instead we were married by a lovely pastor in a quick but meaningful outdoor ceremony we put together ourselves. If you really asked me how I described my relationship with religion, I guess I would call myself more spiritual than religious.

Then we had Jack.

Having a child makes you reflect on things you don't normally think about on a daily basis. While Kev and I aren't particularly religious we think it's important to give our children the choice for themselves. When it came time to plan Jack's baptism we settled on a quaint Lutheran/Non-denominational Church right down the street from our house. The Pastor was friendly, welcoming and warm without being preachy-if that makes any sense. So we booked Jackson's baptism and became members of the church.

Today was our first time there and I must say...I enjoyed myself. Going to a church with a child is a whole new experience. Jack's eyes were all over the place and every time we sang the hymns he smiled with delight. The other members of the church were very welcoming. After service several ladies came over and introduced themselves to us. One kind older lady even gave us her Easter Lily. Leaving the service filled me with a sense of peace and love. It kind of caught me off guard...feeling that way. I didn't expect to be moved like that.

It was a wonderful way to start our Easter Sunday. We came home and gave Jack his Easter basket and spent the day relaxing. We even took a midday nap together, which was pure bliss.
I couldn't have asked for a better day.

The final countdown

We are in the final stretch folks. In 10 short days I will be kissing my 20's goodbye and grabbing 30 by the proverbial balls.
I'm ok with 30. I know most people are terrified of their 30's, but I'm excited to see what they have to offer. My 20's were a perfect mix of fun, drama, and suprises...so bring it on 30!
For the past few weeks I've had a lot of people ask me what I want for my birthday and this question always catches me off guard. It's not like I carry a list around with me at all times. And speaking of wish lists, I'm a little on the fence about them. On one hand I am a practical girl, and asking for what you want is the best way to get it. It's also the best way to avoid having to lie when you get something that you don't want. On the other hand, some of the best presents I've ever been given were things I would've never even thought to ask for.
So this year I decided to actually sit down and create a little wish list of sorts. Maybe somewhere my fairy godmother is listening....

*If this were a true dream wish list a weekly cleaning service would be tops on my list but I'll be realistic here. I would really love love love a New Vacuum. Ours is old and heavy and has lost all suction. I'm not particular on brands. Something shiny, new and a little more lightweight would rock my world. Also, if the floor cleaning gods could bestow a Steam Mop on me I would be eternally grateful.


*Anyone who knows me knows I love to entertain. So something I have really been longing for lately is one of these fancy drink dispensers:

I think my Sangria would look lovely in it. I could also use a new martini shaker. And I just went to a friends house and she had a basket shaped like a martini glass. It even had a little bowl in it-the olive-for dip. It was awesome! I looked all over the Internet and can't seem to find it, so if anyone has any leads let me know!!

*Because I like to entertain and I'm somewhat crafty, I have recently become obsessed with Martha Stewart's Paper punches. I love making my own invites and these would really kick them up a notch!


*After years of denying it, I'll admit it....I want a designer purse!! I know there are better things that I could spend my money on but for once I would like a luxurious and totally superficial gift. The COACH Payton and Maggie are 2 of my faves.


*And last but not least...a shopping spree for new clothes that fit my trim new body!!

You all have 10 shopping days left...make it work!! ;-)