Need help! lol I need opinions

Should I wait to have surgery or should I go ahead and do it? Here's the story. I went to my dr. today and she said that my tendons aren't healing as they should. She said I could keep my boot on for another 3-4 weeks and see how it's going. If they're still not healing then we can do surgery OR she said she could go ahead and do the surgery. Timewise, I'd be "back on my feet" (haha) faster if I  had surgery now because I'd be in a splint 2 weeks, cast 4 weeks, and boot 4 weeks. If I waited to do the surgery I'd end up in a cast over my birthday and the beginning softball season.

So, what do you think? I have mixed feelings. Jamie thinks wait, mom thinks go ahead, I think go ahead. Wait, don't wait? Give me your answer and logical reason.

Tis' the season' hack, hack, cough, puke, temp of 103

Give me the nyquil, oh my head hurts, I'm so tired. Yes, the flu hit my house with the force of Hurricane Hugo. Every single member of the household has had it in some form or another. The kids more;so than the adults, but it's been an ugly week.

Make up your mind already

Spring, Winter? Okay Mother Nature, make up your mind. Give us a few days in the 60's and 70's and then in the low 30's. Quit messing with us. This is the south, we live for the warm weather, otherwise we wouldn't be here. Okay, some of us in Jacksonville aren't here by choice, but a majority are here because we want to be. I want spring! I want to open my windows and cut off my heat. I want low light bills. I want to wear short sleeve shirts with light jackets.

I may have been born on some rinky dink AFB in MD, but I am a southern girl (SC) at heart and darnit, I want my spring!

Something for my crazy Marine- I love you

The Marine Wife's Prayer
*Oh, Lord, please keep my Marine tonight,
Close by Your guiding hand of might,
Give him the strength to carry on
When all is dark and hope is gone.
Help him to trust and have no fear
For You are watching, ever near.
Let him know he's not alone;
Your light will always lead him home.
He's rough and tough -- no emotions show --
But, God, he's just a boy, you know.
He claims the title and wears it proud;
Says he's the best and says it loud.
And though someday he'll guard Your heights,
Lord, please bring him safely home tonight.

contributed by Anja

How to set yourself up for exercise success

Set yourself up for success by following these tips that will help you maximize your fitness and/or weight loss results:
• Schedule your workouts -- actual days and times- write them in red in your calendar, no excuses
• Get your drinks and food ready the night before- proper prior planning, so you're not eating fast food on the fly.
• Get your workout clothes and/or workout bag ready the night before- so you're not trying to make a mad grab for what you need as you're trying to dash out the door a  half hour before you're supposed to be at work.
Schedule your workouts:
• Pick specific days and times for your workouts and write them in your calendar. 
• Pick a convenient schedule for you. For example: 30 minute (or 10 minutes if you are just getting started) Interval Workouts on M, W and F and 6 to 24 minutes (depending upon where you are in your journey) Cardio T/Thur
Get your drinks and food ready:
• Every night fill up two water bottles (20 ounces each - for the next days' workout) and two 32 ounce bottles of water.  I put them all in a shopping bag along with healthy snacks (examples: banana, granola bar, Clif Bar, pretzels, nuts, etc.) for my mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks.
• Also make your lunch and put that in the fridge.  Making your lunch ensures that you eat something healthy, have a normal portion size (most restaurant portions are 1.5 to 2 times what you need) and it also helps you save money. 
Get your workout clothes and/or workout bag ready:
• Make sure to put your workout clothes, sneakers and heart rate monitor in your workout bag every night. 
• So in the morning, both bags are next to the door and you  just need to put them in the car and are  ready to go.
These routines are especially important if you are a Mom because once your kids are up in the morning and things start getting crazy, getting ready for your workout can seem like a major hassle and can lead to you blowing it off.  I would rather sit and relax at night than make my workout drinks and lunch and put together my workout gear.  But it is now part of my routine and it sets me up for success for the next day.

It's what women do

we ignore ourselves and we overdo it. Case in point. As far as this foot thing goes: It happened in December, when do I find out about torn tendons and get put in an aircast? Mid-January. I'm supposed to be taking it easy, not really doing anything but the minimum, definitely NOT DRIVING, but do I pay attention to what my body is telling me?? Umm no. Business has to be done, doctors have to be seen, prescriptions filled, and food bought and put away. All of this requires driving. Lots of it. Starting at 0830 and not ending until precisely 1557.

Why as women do we overdo ourselves? Is it because we think that if we don't do it then nobody else will do it? Comments?

Just wanna save this smoothie recipe before I forget it and lose the paper!!

‎1 c unsweetened frozen strawberries, partly thawed
1/2c unsweetened frozen blueberries, partly thawed
1 1/2c unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp lime juice
1 no-calorie packet

Blend until smooth and enjoy.
140 cals, 30.5g fat, 192mg sodium, 25.5g carbs, 6.5g fiber, 13.5 sugar, and 3g protein

I have a confession to make.....

I'm a complete purse addict. Yes, whenever I remember who got me addicted to 31 purses and gifts, I might have to threaten their life. I'm hosting a party on Feb 26th @ 6:30pm (you're invited, BTW, just leave me a comment or something- order online www.mythirtyone.com/stanleyh )

I just made my wish list and the total came up to a whopping $260. Yes, I'm the type of girl to change my purse to match the seasons. I like to be organized and have pouches for everything. I'm running out of space for my make-up and need to organize my lipsticks from my eyeshadows, etc.

I'm also getting ready to homeschool so some of it is for organizing records, school supplies, and schedules. So, do I have a problem or am I just uber organized?

Really, here's the list of what I want to get:
For me
a new skirt purse with an extra skirt
wallet
small and regular zipper pouches
mirror compact
organization utility tote

For organization
2 mini  totes
 fold and go organizer
hang up home organizer
littles carry all
all in one organizer

Not so bad, huh?? Okay, somebody save me from the purse lady!

Wow, that looks like it really hurts

"No sh!t Sherlock!" No, I haven't said that yet,but I'm tempted to. Refer back to earlier blog where I said severe ankle sprain and foot sprain. Oh no! It's even better. If you're a FB friend you know that it goes beyond that. Torn tendons all over the place! Yuppers! I've got a partially torn major tendon and 2 fully torn tendons so guess what that means ladies and germs? AIRCAST!!!!!!!!!! Oh yes. Glad it's not "the real thing"

Have I mentioned how much I hate cleaning?

My blog is acting stupid so here is my post!!



Yup, really do. Guess that makes me a bad housewife! I've found a couple of cool books and websites that I have found useful to give me tips if you are JUST as bad as me.

Flylady.net
"Are YOU living in CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) like Franny in the pink sweats? Do you feel overwhelmed, overextended, and overdrawn? Hopeless and you don't know where to start? Don't worry friend, we've been there, too.

1001 Uses for Distilled White Vinegar
"Cleaning- White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You’ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and very economical."

All You Organizing and Cleaning"Clear the clutter disorganization may seem much easier than keeping a tidy home but as anyone who has spent an hour looking for keys or missed a due date on a bill can tell you, piled up clutter causes a lot of work. Here are tips on how to take control of the clutter in your house and banish the stress that comes with it"



and I have on my Kindle: Get It Together Girl!: A 28-Day Guide to Practical NOT Perfect Home Organization by Beach, Karyn L




I guess I should post some easy tips:



but I won't!! haha Just go to the websites I posted! You can get lots of ideas there!

Aging Gracefully

I was watching Oprah yesterday and she had Bo Derek on. I don't remember how old she is, but she's not young and she's gorgeous, that and she's with one of my fave hotties (okay, he's kinda old too, but still hot) John Corbett (think Sex & the City).

I thought I'd share some of my secrets to aging well. I seem to feel like I have either good genes in combination to taking good care of my skin.  So, I'm going to post a pic of me with absolutely with NO make-up, so no laughing everybody!

 I need to lose some weight still, so the double chin is there, and I have moles out the ying-yang, but no pimples, no wrinkles, no age spots yet. What do I do? I wash my face once a day. Why only once? Because your body needs its natural oils, that's what they are there for. Yeah, there's moisterizer, but I always break out when I use that stuff and then I have to wash my face. Of course, when I use make up I do wash my face again. Oh, and I use Bare Escentuals mineral make up. That makes a difference. The cheap stuff is just that. You get what you pay for. You can get it for great deals at ULTA sometimes. Plus they are always having coupon deals if you sign up for their enewsletter. Oh, and exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't express that enough. I use Olays brush one everyday, it's very gentle on the skin. Once a week I use a courser one, but that's it, I don't want to strip my skin.

So, I'm going to post some "real" tips from the "experts". I found this article very interesting: WebMD Aging Gracefully

From:

yummy recipe spinach and chicken manicotti

Spinach and Chicken Manicotti

A wonderful combination of pasta, ricotta and marble cheese, tender chicken breast and leafy spinach covered with a perfect tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup low fat ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup marble cheese
• 2 oz manicotti pasta
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
• 2 tbsps garlic powder
• 2 tsps ground oregano
• 3 tbsps pepper
• 1 1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups spinach

Directions

1. Boil the manicotti pasta in water for about 6 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, mix together the ricotta cheese, spinach, chicken and spices to taste (add chili powder too if you like).
3. Drain the pasta carefully and as soon as you can handle touching them, lay out on the counter to avoid crushing and getting stuck together.
4. Holding the noodles with your finger blocking one end and cupping the rest, gently stuff them with the spinach mixture with a fork.
5. Place them in rows in a greased pan (Pam works great). Cover with spaghetti sauce.
6. Add 1/2 cup water to baking dish and cover with tinfoil (this will let the pasta absorb the additional moisture.)
7. Bake at 350 °F (175 °C ) for 25 minutes and remove the cover.
8. Sprinkle with cheese of your choice and bake until almost all additional moisture is gone and the cheese is nice and gooey. Serve with a side of salad or steamed vegetables

Fat Secret Recipes

This Cracked Me Up

What not to say to, or ask, a military wife..
 
Do you miss him? No. I love being alone. The silence is warming. I enjoy fixing everything that breaks and cuddling with my pillow.
My boyfriend is out of town on business, I know how you feel. Yes I hear there is a huge mortar problem in Michigan.
Aren't you afraid he'll die? No, I had actually forgotten that that was a possibility, but thank you. Thank you for reminding me.
I don't know how you manage, I couldn't do it. Thank god it's not you then. Phew.
At least he's not in Iraq/Afghanistan/Qatar. Hes' not!? Shit, that changes everything.
Do you think he'll come home for Christmas/Birthday/Anniversary?I don't know yet, he just put in his leave request to the Taliban, we're still waiting for a response.
What are you going to do to keep busy while he's gone? I don't know. Since he's been gone the house cleans itself, the bills are magically paid, and the kids are angels.
How many days until he gets out? Depends. How many days until you join?
You'll get used to it. Yeah, the rigorous schedule is something I get used to. I'm actually a robot. I love watching the news, and the surprise missions are like tiny birthday presents from hell. Yes, I'm getting used to it like I get used to a tooth ache.
What is he doing over there? Knitting.
He signed up for it. It's his fault is anything happens to him. Yes, and it's your fault for any teeth you're about to lose.
In my opinion - *look at your phone* Sorry, my grandmother is calling from her grave, I have to get this.
That's awful, I'm sorry! Don't be, he looked hot doing it. He's good. Did your husband fix your sink?
Why don't you just go see him? They frown upon strangers 'round those parts, but by all means, go visit and let me know how it goes.
Don't worry, he'll be home soon. Really? I thought we had 8 months left. Thank goodness you reminded me.
How do you go without sex? Luckily we hold our relationship to a higher standard than simply our physical contact. Oh, and I have self control. Oh, and I only want one man. It's super easy that way.
What if he doesn't come back? Then I will cry until I'm sick to my stomach and I feel like my body is going to break apart. Then I will sleep alone in our bed and have dreams of him being with me only to wake up to him still being gone, knowing he will never come home and that I never got to say goodbye. Oh, too much information? My bad.
Could he not finish college? Nah those Taliban guys don't like to negotiate.
How can you support someone that kills people? It doesn't count if it's in a different zip code.
Don't you worry he'll cheat over there? Yes, I'm super worried that he's going to want to sleep with a woman who isn't allowed to speak or someone he works with and risk losing his job. That's what I'm uber worried about.
How can you marry someone who is gone for so long? At least we don't spend 12 months thinking up new ways to hate each other like....oh...sorry.
You look tired. Yeah unfortunately the middle east is in a different hemisphere and no one will move it.
You know he's going to miss out on the kids' lives. I was banking on them living quite a few years. I think they're good. And we have those crazy telegraph do-dads and boxes that you can talk to people through.
You never know what goes on over there and his buddies aren't going to rat him out. Yeah, because they're all eating and sleeping.
The time will fly. Time will fly, pigs will fly, hell will freeze over....I'm still waiting.
He's going to be completely different when he comes back, ya know.Yeah, so will I but I'm working on my hulk tear.
You're lucky. ....compared to.....?
Fuck the troops. *whisper* Seven days.
Wouldn't you rather be with someone who's home? Convenience < Quality
Did you hear about the soldiers killed in - Awesome, thank you. I was hoping someone would slip that into conversation today.
Can't you text him? Why didn't I think of that!?
That sucks. Well aware.
Aren't you worried he's going to come back and go crazy and kill you in your sleep or something? Oh that's nothing new.
Are you pregnant!? What if you don't get another chance? Do I look pregnant?
Oh he's in the military...the easy way out. Do you take automatic weaponry with you to brush your teeth?
You deserve someone who can be there for you. Well mine has special powers that yours doesn't.
You should spend more time being proud than sad. I tried that and it sucked, so now I'm taking the Ben & Jerry approach. Feel free to ride your butterfly out of here.
The front lines are the most dangerous. Dammit, I thought they aimed for the back.
You're single, it's time to party! I'm what?
If there's anything I can do, let me know. I hope you're a magician with unlimited minutes.
How do you do it? I haven't written down the process yet, but I'll get back to you.

3 of 8

Week 3

Eat some colorful, low-density food at every meal. These are foods that take up a lot of space without a lot of calories. Veggies are the most obvious example. You can eat a salad bowl overflowing with lettuce and veggies and you most likely won't exceed 100 calories. By eating low-density foods like veggies and fruits, you'll keep your portions under control naturally, because they have very few calories for their size. Conversely, high-density foods, like chocolate and butter, are loaded with calories in even the smallest amounts. So beware of salad dressings and other things you add to salads and veggies. Only add enough for flavor; don't fill up on them. When it comes to live foods, the richer the colors, the fresher the products tend to be. Try to eat a variety of colors in your diet. This simple and somewhat random act will help ensure that you're covering your bases, nutrient-wise.

Cheat Days: 1

Weekly focus: Protein at every meal. This becomes even more important as you eat more low-density food, because protein tends to be high-density. Many veggies have a lot of protein, but the quantity you must consume starts to become prohibitive. Try to get some protein—meat, dairy products, nuts, seeds, or legumes—each time you eat, especially when you're working out hard, because you need to repair broken-down muscle tissue. Frequency of protein consumption is even more vital for women, who aren't able to digest as much protein at one time as men are. It's almost impossible to get all your necessary protein at one or two meals, so try to get 10 to 20 grams of protein each time you eat. Reading labels is a simple way to learn how to estimate your protein intake, but if you eat natural foods, most of which don't have labels, you can look at online nutritional information guides to determine the amount of protein each serving contains

Beachbody newsletter

A little bit of me- inspired by my friend CC

{one} how tall are you?5'1 and that's it! {two} besides bills, what do you spend most of your money on?bills, food, purses 

{three} what are your three favorite websites?

facebook, my blog, and hotmail

{four} what brand of tennis shoes do you prefer?

right now, the one sketcher slide in for the left foot that totally doesn't match my air cast

{five} what food can you absolutely not stand to eat?

veggies

{six} How many pairs of jeans do you own?

um, about 5 or 6

 {seven} if you could have any job, what would it be?

lawyer, I wanna work with kids

 {eight} have you ever ridden in an ambulance?

yes, on a backboard with a c-collar, which is not cool when you have a ponytail in

 {nine} how many pillows do you sleep with?

usually 2, but right now 3 b/c of my foot

 {ten} on a scale of 1-5, how organized are you?hahahahahahahahaha