Nicknames

In our family nicknames are plentiful and it seems that once you have one it sticks. When my cousin was learning to talk, if you asked her what her name was, she answered "Mickey-Girl", she's now 20 and her name in my iPhone is Mickey. At times I wonder what people on the outside think when we are talking. Some of the nicknames are completely made up, others are twists on first names or last names. Others came about because of my monkeys inability to say the name correctly. 

Both of my monkey boys have a few nicknames. Meemo and Bogos or a variation of theses, are the most common.  Grandparents, cousins, adult friends aunts and uncles all address the boys by these nicknames; these are the nicknames that we address their birthday cards too; its what we call them when they aren't in trouble. They also both answer to Monkey, Monkey Boy(s) ect. and both boys also have nicknames close to their given names. I'm sure as they get older their friends will develop nicknames for them. 


The monkeys also have nicknames for most people in the their lives. My sister's nickname is Ti-Ti. When my oldest was young he couldn't say auntie, or my sisters name, and Ti-Ti was all we could understand. Over the years Ti-Ti has stuck and doesn't seem to be going anywhere, anytime soon. 
The grandparents have not been entirely safe from the monkeys nicknames. The grandmothers have been fairly safe, although they will occasionally get called by the odd name. My mom was Grandma Nut for awhile. We have no idea where it came from, her allergy to nuts? that she acts like a nut with them? or my just from imagination? The grandfathers on the other hand... My dad us usually grampy or grumpy-grampy (my fault!), lol. My father-in-law is Boppa or rather The Boppa. Again it started from my oldest not being able to say Grandpa. It stuck because it was a way we could define the grandparents from each other. We have Grandma and The Boppa, Grandma, and Grampy. 

The monkeys call my hubby Da-dudes. They call him the usual dad and Daddy, but more often then not it's Da-dudes. It's not his only nickname, but it's the only one I'll post about...
As for me, I've had plenty of nicknames, throughout my life. As a kid my mom had a lot of nicknames for my sister and I but mostly she called us (and still calls us) Bean and Beaner.  A friends mom called all the neighbuorhood kids Pet, for some reason it's a nickname I will always remember. In highschool, I was Carp, short for my last name, Lisa squared, because my best friend was named Lisa too, and Smilie, self explanatory, to name a few. My hubby has always called me Babes, and they monkey boys have tried calling me Babes as well which greets them with "the look". They call me mom, or mommy if they are whining, But my favourite, by far, is Mummers. It's what I get referred to most often, if anyone in my family is talking to the boys about me it's Mummers. They call me Mummers on occasion, but more often they call me Mummers when they are talking about me. ie "shhh here comes Mummers" Where's Mummers? Moooommmmm!" I've noticed that my mom now refers to me as Mummers when she is talking to the monkeys (Mummers is going to take you...), unless she is warning them I'll be mad (Your mom will be mad if you...) I think out of all the things I've been called I will forever love Mummers.
Da-dudes, Mummers, Meemo and Bogos, for better or worse, that's my family <3 

On My Own

I'm single parenting it for the weekend, 2 dinners, 2 breakfast and two lunches, with just me and the monkey boys.  Dh is gone for a (much deserved) boys weekend. So it's just me and the monkey brothers, and oh what a busy weekend it should be.  We have dinner and a movie night tonight (Cats and Dogs), tomorrow morning is Hockey, thank goodness for my father in law, he's coming over to get the boys all suited up.  Sunday is my favourite day <3Ski day<3  

I love seeing my boys on skis! And I love being back on the hill myself. I have yet to do too much actual skiing, but every time we are out we are one the boys get so much better. Last weekend my sister and her boyfriend came out with my cousin. Between the 3 of them they managed to convince my littlest monkey to let them pull him up the hill, then ski down own his own. He did an awesome job, and listened to them much better then he had listened to mommy or grandma, lol. After kicking but at his ski lesson my little man astonished me by going up the chair lift with my sister, and then down the clubhouse run, not once but twice! not bad for his second day on skis! I was one proud mama last week, and I can't wait to see what the monkeys will accomplish this week!

I finished week 2 of boot camp, and after for the first time felt a little sore after it. I will admit I am very disappointed in it. I can see how it could work, but we have the laziest instructor ever which is NOT motivating when you are trying to get in shape. We have two instructors, and the other one is awesome! unfortunately there are 20 women cramped in a room that would be better suited to 12. Sigh. it's still better then doing nothing I guess. 

Anyways, I'm off to choose between coffee or wine...

Budgeting

When it comes to managing money, I'm the first to admit I suck at it! I actually rock at creating budgets, but I really suck at sticking to them. I'm trying really hard to change that. However before I can even get to that point, I need to get my hubby on board with my plans. Or at least talking to me about our finances. We have made some improvements in the last month with talking about $$$, but again I suck at it. I could blame any number of reasons, money wasn't discussed when I was growing up, I've never had to worry about it before, the money I earned was mine to do as I pleased  (up I've been spoiled).  at the end of the day, I'm a grown up and it;s my responsibility to manage my money, or at least learn how to manage my money!
I've tried a few different ways in the past, but never stuck to them. The truth is that I really don't know how much money we spend,m or on what. I don't even know how often the bills come. I've decided my first step is to learn.  My plan for doing so is fairly simple, I have an agenda that I wasn't using for anything (love my iPhone calendar!)  I'm going to write down the dates the bill comes in (we have issues with our mail), the due date and the date I pay it in the dates on the agenda. I haven't decided how long I'm going to do this for, maybe 3 months will be enough, but I think 6 months might give me a clearer picture of our finances. Maybe it will become habit and I'll continue to do it for a year or more. I've decided to keep the agenda in the car for now. Why? for a few reasons, first, I think it's one place it won't get lost. Second, I think I'll use it in the car - I stop and get the mail everyday on my way home from getting the monkey boys, and considering my hubby is old school we have to drive to the bank to use the bank machine. Third, it will be a constant reminder in my car, to think about what I am spending money on.
Once I understand the wheres of our money, hubby and I will have to decide if we can continue on the way we are or if there are any major changes we should be making.
Or maybe we should just win the lottery...

Boot Camp

Well week one of boot camp is over. I go twice a week for an hour, and it turns out it's inside. I was under the impression it was out side, but the first day we were informed it would be all inside. This would be great if it weren't for the fact that there are 19 of us and 2 instructors, in too small of a space. :S The room the have it in would be much better suited for 12max for most of the activities.

I was slightly late my first day, as I was in the ER with my oldest. While running playing soccer at school there was a collision between a head an the metal handle on the door. I was slightly concerned as it didn't swell up very much so we spent over 3 hours waiting to see a doctor. Now I should add I'm not someone that goes to the ER often, (last time I went was for gall stones and I was taken from one hospital to another because my enzyme levels were too high) but head injuries scare the bejesubs outta me. The doc took a look gave him the all clear and sent him and hubby packing. Hubby was an awesome hubby and came to relive me from the waiting room duties, so I could still make it to class. 

I managed to only miss about 5-10 mins of bootcamp, and joined in when I got there. It wasn't quite what I thought, after the first class I wasn't too sure, but the second class was much closer to what I was looking for, constant movement, being able to push my physical limits. I did push-ups for the first time in ages. I have yet to really feel sore the next day, but I can feel my chest muscles are tender from the push ups. I am currently debating getting a yoga ball, or one of those half ball things, so I can do some stuff at home.
Looking ahead I'm sooo excited about skiing on Sunday, I bought some boots! and will be using my mom's skis (or rather the ones she rented because she thought hers were too long, lol loooong story!)
Anyways, I'm off for now!

Sunday Night

Wellllll It's been a few days, and a busy weekend. Friday night was my Birthday celebration, I had a wonderful group of family and friends join me for dinner at the casino, followed by gambling for those that wished to partake :) Congratulations to those that won! and thank you again to all that came out to help me celebrate! I have the best family and friends!

Needless to say Friday didn't stand a chance diet or exercise wise (although after walking around the casino in my heels all night left me with sore feet!) Sat, was only better because I managed to eat better. My bestest came over for breakfast, yummy soft boiled eggs, and toast, with coffee/tea from the fun Keurig coffee maker. Lunch was a 6" inch veggie sub from subway, with sweet onion dressing. and I had the last of the leftover steak for dinner. it wans't a completely healthy day, nor was it balanced at all, but it was better then what i would have done last month. The boys had hockey in the am, then my mom and I spent the day driving around with two ever tired boys getting stuff ready for skiing the next day. Hubby spent the day (and most of the night) ice fishing, aka drinking beer on a frozen lake.

Today was Skiing!!! I was up early to get ready, and actually had to wake both the boys up to go. it took longer then I expected to get ready, so I ended up with a Tim's Cafe Mocha for breakie. But we made it to the hill early! We had just enough time to get oriented and settled before the class started. Once we got the biggest monkey signed into his class, Mom and I decided to attempt the t-bar with the little monkey. I took him up between my legs, and he made it to the top like a champ! Going down was a little more intimidating for him I think. He started out between my knees, but when we got half way down we stopped and he held hands with my mom and I. He was great as long as we didn't go fast. He did awesome though, I was expecting a him to continually be putting his skis on top of each other, and falling, or tripping me by skiing on my skis, but he made it up and down twice with out a hitch. We stopped in between our two big runs to watch the Big Monkey, and I couldn't be prouder of him! He has mastered coming to a stop by snowplowing (the first time he tired!) and was turning right and left while snowplowing. His class didn't attempt the T-bar, so mommy has promised to take him up next week. Thank goodness my momma was in charge of lunches! Egg salad sandwiches on ww :) and trail mix, and lots of water! I didn't realize how much I missed skiing, and can't wait to go next week! I'm on the hunt for some ski equipment of my own, they rental boots today killed my feet :(

Tomorrow is the start of fitness boot camp :S ack! I'm beginning to wonder what I got myself into! Well if nothing else tomorrow will be an awesome exercise day! Wish me (and my momma) luck!

01/06/2011

AKA My 30th Birthday! All day I've had the saying Thirty and Flirty in my head lol (13 going on 30) It was also the first day back to school for my monkeys :) It sure was quiet around here!
I didn't even attempt to calorie count today. I was good and had a boiled egg for breakfast, and a coffee :S I skipped lunch, unless you count munching on a cookie while my brother in law visited. And diner...My man know how to spoil me! Perfectly done steak, grilled asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, talapia, and shrimp! It was  delish, and I'm still stuffed hours later...which could also be from the ice cream treat :S I'm going to have to do some serious cardio on Sat :S
I am extremely excited for Sunday and the boys first day on skis! It will be interesting to see how they do.

So in my previous post I mentioned an iPhone app. My workout partner tole me about My Fitness Pal, calorie counter and diet tracker. It's like a little diary that adds the calories in the food you eat for you. You can also do a quick add calorie. So when I went to Eastside Mario's I checked their web page when I got home and just quickly added in the calories I had eaten. When you add exercise in it adjusts your calorie count.
The other app I have been using is more of an info app "Diet Foods" is a page by page list of foods that tells you about the food and why it's good for you, it's great for me, as most people that know me, know I always need to know why.
Anyways it's late, and I have an exciting evening planned with family and some of my bestest friends! <3 Wish me luck tomorrow! I could sure use a little extra $$$

Day 2&3

This is going to be a quick update, the monkey boys are currently occupied making ginger bread men (Thanks Aunt Lana!) 

Yesterday I missed Breakfast :( I had the best of intentions to eat it, but after making the boys their stuff I was feeling really sluggish (might have something to do with falling asleep on the couch :( ) Although I missed my first goal, the day wasn't a complete waste. I had lunch at Eastside Mario's with my mom and the monkeys, then went and signed my mom and I up for fitness boot camp!!! 

Hubby made dinner last night, yummy ww spaghetti and meat sauce, and garlic toast. I kept my portion smaller then usual, and was mildly hungry after, so I opted for clementines for "dessert".  Then it was off to the gym for me, 40 mins and 2miles on the treadmill and some arm workouts with my gym buddy!

I've loaded some fitness apps on my iPhone, which I plan to blog about later. 

Today has started out better, but I also know I can't make it to the gym tonight :(  (I'm getting my hair done! woohoo, I love my hair dresser so I can't wait to see what she comes up with for my big 30 hair cut! last year we went short and I had purple under layers!) 

Sooo as I was saying, today has been better. I got up and had a few clemintines with my monkey boys (did you know they have 28cals each???) We had toasted salmon sandwiches for lunch, the boys weren't sure about them at first, but both decided the loved them. 

I've done a little bit of house cleaning (ran the dishwasher twice :S), nothing to get the blood pumping. One commitment I don't think I listed in my original post was the amount of purging I plan to do. My sister is great at it, and can be a big help when it comes to getting stuff outta my house, however I need to learn to do it on my own. So this afternoon we are going to spend some time in each of the boys rooms editing their closets, I want them to learn to get rid of things. If there is time left I would like to start attacking my basement again, they have wayyy too many toys down there that they do not play with and the new toys they received for Christmas needs to make it down stairs. I would love to motivate hubby to put some better lighting in the basement and hook the tv up down there to encourage the boys to play down there more, but I have enough battles on my hands right now! 

I'm looking forward to this busy weekend! My 30 bday party is at the casino Friday night (wish me luck!)  On Sat the boys resume hockey! They both love it soooo much and are improving each week. Sunday is Michaels first Ski lesson! Trevor is still too young for they peewee lessons offered, and the parent and tot lessons were full, so My mom and I will be trying to teach him on our own...should be interesting! 

Well this is longer then I thought it would be, but the boys are done now, so I gotta run! I need to plan an under 500 cal dinner for me, and something for the monkeys and daddy!

2011

In 2011 I turn 30. I've committed to overhauling my life. The past two years has been a challenging time in my life. I don't want to recap it as I'm focused on looking forward, but I will admit that looking back I'm amazed I made it through!

I'm excited to look forward to all the wonderful and exciting changes that 2011 will bring. The first and possibly the biggest change in our household came late in 2010. My hubby was recalled to GM, and although his start date had to be delayed, he's back now, full time, on midnights. The steady paycheck will help us with our first commitment of 2011 which is to get our finances under control. We are hoping to finish 2011 with less debt then we have started with (none would be best!) We are unsure of our strategies as of yet, but I do know that we will continue to live as if we are on a reduced income.

My second commitment somewhat ties in with my first. I am committed to buying less processed/packaged food, by cooking more of my own food. Now some people that know me, and my love of cooking might find this strange. However, I tend to only cook when I feel like it. I sometimes go for weeks with only cooking the usual suspects in my repertoire. I am aiming at trying one new recipe a week. I have an extensive cookbook library, and love browsing allrecipes and cooks.com I started this last week as well, and I made fresh homemade perogies from scratch. This week I am going to try making a cream of broccoli soup. I'll post a link to the soup when I decide on a recipe :)
 Now I know these two recipes aren't the healthiest meal options going, given that my third commitment is to over hall my health, (read: diet and exercise). I did try the perogies, but I limited myself to 4 small plus sour cream. we had it as part of put meal with veggies and roast beef. As part of my get healthy commitment my mom has agreed to join fitness bootcamp with me. I'll admit I'm intimidated, for a number of reasons. My mom is going to kick my butt at it, she is in awesome shape! It's outside in the wonderful Canadian winter...brrr. And I know I am waaaaaaay out of shape to be starting it. Although I have found a walking partner and made it our once with her, and made it back to the gym tonight, I really should have been back at the gym in September! Bootcamp starts next week so I am planning to hit the gym tomorrow and Wednesday.  Tomorrow will be a busy day, but if the weather is as nice as it was today I would like to take the Monkey boys for a walk again.
The next commitment goes hand in hand with the above two. It's something I've struggled with all my life in fact. I need to start eating Breakfast. It's funny, because I love breakfast! I am horrible at eating when I get up though :( I can remember my mom making me Carnation Breakfast shakes so I had something in me before grade school, and having a cookie the size of my head everyday for breakfast in high school. Back in September we started going to the Courtice flea market on the weekends, to buy meat and farm fresh eggs. I love soft boiled eggs so I am going to start by having a soft boiled egg tomorrow and Wednesday. I would love to commit to eating something for breakfast at least 4-5 days a week. And by breakfast I mean within the first two hours of getting up :)
Wish me luck in this KrazeLife!