Christmas Post pics

For more photos, go to:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=5398&l=db03b&id=1583256152

Christmas Linebacker

For a laugh, watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGtrzQx0M8M

(I stole this from your facebook, Hollie :)

Enjoy!

You have to watch this!

www.maniacworld.com/dog-having-a-blast-in-the-snow.html

love this advice!!!

Chicago

Some Chicago pics. For more, go to
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2530&l=f4ab7&id=1583256152

Ode to a deserted campus

O how to begin this ode?
I had to research it
because I've never knowed.
So I chose the structure called Pindaric
and now, here we ... goed?

I love eating downtown as I please,
trekking across campus, going to the health center,
all while parking with ease.
I love having a sign on my door that says "Enter"
and knowing no students are around to slow my productivity.

So, as I've expressed with these words
I find a deserted campus enjoyable and exciting
because I remain in my office, reading and writing.
But next week marks the return of the "Do Not Disturb."

Saint Augustine

"When at last I cling to you with all my being, for me there will be no more sorrow, no more toil. Then at last I shall be alive with true life, for my life will be wholly filled by you."
~Saint Augustine

simply

I'm not usually one to push products on others...but I have to share this with you:
Simply Orange and Simply Apple are the best juices I have had in my life. Ever. It is the closest I have ever come to popping a straw into an orange in drinking, or sucking all the juice off a plump apple.
Go buy some. Today.

anger

"Anger is a tool for change when it challenges us to become more of an expert on the self and less of an expert on others."
-Harriet Goldhor Lerner

love

"We can only learn to love by loving."
-Iris Murdoch

mean

One of my favorite former students approached me in the hall earlier this week as I was "wearing the hat" of clinical supervisor. She asked me if I could please be her supervisor at some point during her clinical rotation. I commented that it was so nice of her to ask and I was honored. I then asked her why.

She said she needed someone to be mean.

What???? I looked at my students who I am currently supervising who were there with us and asked them what they had been telling people...

But my student, who I had previously taught for 3 semesters and who also worked on my research project for me, was very quick to try and explain that she just knew, based upon her history with me, that I would tell her like it is, tell her the bad with the good, and that she wanted that.

So, I was feeling a little better at that point, and less like an evil supervisor. I do make a habit of giving the good and the bad, as my goal is not for my students to like me, but to leave this university as a better clinician because of something they learned from me.

I'm sharing this because most of you have never seen me in this role as a firm and tough instructor/clinical supervisor, and wouldn't believe it if you saw it. A friend from church recently commented that she couldn't imagine me in that role because she couldn't imagine me ever saying anything to hurt someone's feelings or to make them feel bad.

Oh, if only she knew. I'm sure my former students have many stories about me...Yet I am confident that they will look upon those stories later (maybe much much later) and see that though they may not have liked my criticism or comments, that it was truthful, made them a better clinician, and never mean-hearted.

on point

From a new friend:

"Our action, or lack thereof, is the cause of our government. Politicians do no more than give an innovative response to the political system we have molded. By and large, we live for reality TV, fantasy sports, American Idol, and iPods yet, we are surprised when our leaders do not approach us by a higher standard. A government for the people and by the people cannot be adequately changed from the top down; we must work to change it from the bottom up.

Today we will exercise a right that the majority of the world does not know and may never experience. Today let us not retreat to the safety of inaction but take up our blood-stained rights, handed to us by a generation long forgotten. I urge you, my fellow Americans, to vote. Vote because you breathe this air, share this dream, and care for this country.

I am proud to call you my countrymen and look forward to sharing my right with you today as we embark into a new chapter of America. God bless America!"

~Clinton Rice

learning

I think one of the saddest things I have witnessed in the past several years that I have been teaching and supervising at the university, and most recently during the process of homeschooling my brother, is that people just don't want to learn or think for themselves anymore. There seems to be no craving for problem-solving, no infatuation with the mystery of it all, no critical thinking...

I don't know if this is a new thing. It feels like it is, but it could be just that my perspective has shifted as I add the job of "educator" to my lifelong career of learning. But, it seems like there is a utensil-virus spreading, in that students want to be spoon-fed everything. "Just tell me the answer, tell me where to find the information, tell me what you want me to do with this client, tell me what I should do next, tell me where I should look, I looked at this passage for 2 minutes and I don't understand so I give up..."

This is so frustrating! And so sad. When pushed, many of the students have to learn how to ...well, learn. Hopefully they appreciate it and take this skill and apply it to other areas in their lives. Yet others say, "whew, that class is over and I'll never have to do that again!"

Will this get better or worse as I continue along my career path? What can I do to ensure the former?

Hmmm...Something for me to think about and figure out.

conscience

Cowardice asks the question, is it safe?
Expediency asks the question, is it politic?
Vanity asks the question, is it popular?
But conscience asks the question, is it right?

There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor popular,
but he must take it because his conscience tells him that it is right.

~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

the 3 miles

In the previous post, I fantasized about running 3 miles.
It was as wonderful as I thought it would be.
Thanks B for speeding me up a bit, for keeping me under my goal time for all 3 miles.
And thanks Jonathan for not complaining too much :)
Back to work...

you know you're tired of working ...

when it seems every muscle, every joint, every bone aches from sitting for 16 hours straight, working...

when your mouse hand refuses to click anymore...seriously, I'm not in full blown dystonia yet, but I'm close...

when your eyes can't stay still to focus anymore...the muscles required for that activity are too fatigued...

whey you try to measure voice onset time (VOT) for fricatives in a spectrogram...just trust me, they don't exist for fricatives...

when you start dreaming of activities and errands to do that require you to stand...

when you start fantasizing about how wonderful a 3 mile run would be right now...

the first thing to go...

Isn't this the truth!

"Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to think, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better."
~Sarah Ban Breathnach

My Deep Thought

Hey everyone, I haven't been on here in a while, so I thought I would visit to add a quote of my own. I have read all of Jess' quotes (she loves the quotes) and it made me think about the one that I just randomly threw out one day when we were watching something on t.v. Here it is:

"When a difficult decision is presented that could ultimately shape the rest of your life, don't rush to decide...fall on your knees, not on your face."

Brent

perspective

"I am not qualified to comment on what has happened in the last week where this city has changed shape, certainly psychologically, and in terms of some people's wallets. And I'm not qualified to comment on the interventions that have been put forth. I presume these people know what they're doing. But it is extraordinary to me that you can find $700 billion to save Wall Street and the entire G8 can't find $25 billion to save 25,000 children who die every day of preventable, treatable disease and hunger."
~Bono, on the bail out

trust

I'm trying to learn more about trust and forgiveness, and ran across this...

"When we trust others, we reveal that we trust God and that we trust ourselves. We have not placed our hope in others' trustworthiness. We have placed our hope in a Savior who is completely able to come through for us. We do not demand demonstrations of others' ability to be trusted, because our ultimate trust is not in other people. That is not to say that we don't want others to do what they say they will or strive to honor their word, but it is to say we know that, ultimately, there will be times when others will let us down. They wil disappoint us and frustrate us, but we can choose to believe that their hearts toward us are good. We can bring trust to our relationships to enrich them with action and endow them with meaning."
~Nicole Johnson

planets

I am just wrapping up with the work, and am a little too wired to go directly to sleep. Today has been incredibly hectic with doctor's appointments and research, and to add to that, there have truly been some women v. men, Mars v. Venus occurrences over here in the ATH, even more so now that I have two males under my roof. I continue to be amazed at the differences between the genders. The challenge for me is that, though now I can use the word "amazed", that several hours ago it would have been "angered by", "ticked off", "baffled by", etc.

I just pray for the ability to get to that "amazed" perspective much sooner. Staying in those latter states really doesn't do anyone any favors.

snow

"The Eskimo has fifty-two names for snow because it is important to them: there ought to be as many for love."
~Margaret Atwood

my theme song

As I'm working on my prospectus one paragraph, one page, and one table at a time, this Johnny Cash song keeps popping in my head. I guess its my theme song :)

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAxdo5itr0I

brain in the sky

Took a late night walk with Brent and the pup, trying to work out this pinched nerve in my lower back. Walking back down the hill, almost to the house, looking at the night sky and the bright stars. I see in the clouds a nice brain - a good posterior-superior view, with a clear longitudinal fissure, nice convolutions, a brain stem in the back, and unfortunately a lesion in the right hemisphere. I'm describing this to Brent as I'm so excited to see the brain, and I'm free to be the total nerd that I am around him. Lovingly, he did not laugh or roll his eyes. He just listened, and actually, after so many years of marriage, knew most of the words that I was saying.
Finally in the driveway, the clouds have drifted, the brain is no more.

character

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
~Helen Keller

failure and success

"Nothing fails like success because we don't learn from it. We only learn from failure."
~Kenneth Boulding

fear

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves,'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God." ~Nelson Mandela

orange

I never thought I would willingly wear orange to show my support for a sport, but after last night, I'm ready to buy an Oregon State shirt. I was trying to sleep off a headache/migraine on the couch while B was watching the game, but it kept drawing me in...I lasted almost until the 4th quarter, and was happy to see this morning that the Beavers took the Trojans! Both of the Rodgers brothers played amazing games, but don't forget to credit the entire O-line for providing the protection they needed in order to create those opportunities.

The older brother James had some great moments, but Jacquizz was crazy! He was all over that field, and I never saw the little guy go down after the first contact...it took several of the bigger Trojans to contain him each time. And for the record ESPN guys, they didn't stop that play b/c his helmet came off, they stopped it because they thought his knee touched the ground (which it didn't).

It is doubtful USC will be able to get back into the race for the championship game, because even if they go undefeated, none of the teams they play (in what they've been calling the PAC-1 - should we now call it the PAC-none?) are ranked.

Now, we just have to handle our business at home, but that will not be easy. We have 8 games remaining in this regular season, and 5 of those 8 teams are currently ranked in the top 25...and GT might be by the time we play them. So, we just have to stay steady, stay strong, stay injury-free, and take it one weekend at a time...

What an exciting season!

movies that make me cry

I watched a little bit of "I am Sam" this past weekend, and I cried like a baby. Not just once, but several instances during the movie. It was kind of refreshing for me, because I have a hard time crying or dealing with emotions. I rarely cry when its appropriate - you know, funerals and ultra sad moments and such. Most of the time I bottle it up, push it back, deal with the "now" in a fairly emotionless manner, and then it comes back to me later. I remember finally grieving with tears over the loss of my grandfather a full two years after he passed.

The exception is with pets - don't ask me why it is easier to mourn so openly for pets versus people, but that is the way it is with me....I have no answers for ya there.

Anyway, every now and again, when I'm feeling too hard and brittle and cynical, I may pop in a movie that will lead to a few tears, just to remind myself that I am human. "Steel Magnolia's" is a good one, and don't laugh, but "Lilo and Stitch" always gets me when the little girl gets taken away from her sister. Old classics, like "Where the Red Fern Grows" of course, a little "Like Water for Chocolate", "Silence Like Glass", and new classics like "Million Dollar Baby" and "Good Will Hunting", "The Notebook", "A Time to Kill", "My Girl", "Boyz 'N the Hood", and "Stepmom" do it also. And I'm not ashamed to admit that a little Extreme Home Makeover gets me sometimes.

I'm sure I'll think of more later. Oh yeah, "PS I Love You" tore me up. What about you? What movies get the saltwater flowing?

phobia

I was driving the other day up Barber, and there was a train in the way. I took a little shortcut that I know cuts under the train and brings you back up to Barber on the other side. As I crossed under the bridge, the lady in the car coming in the other direction had stopped, and would not go under the bridge. Several cars were behind her, people were shouting at her and honking their horns, trying to get her to go, but she was frozen in fear.
I'm not sure what the name of that phobia is, but my heart went out to her. I said to myself - I can't imagine being so scared of something so seemingly inconsequential. I can't imagine how the thought of crossing under a bridge could be so debilitating.

And then self answered back and said - Oh yes you do.

You see, I have a similar phobia. I am so scared of failing at my dissertation that I feel frozen at times. I can't go forward, I can't go back, and doing neither makes me feel oh so small. And we all know the name of that phobia. It is called cowardice.

Why am I such a coward these days? I don't know. I've always tried new things, persevered...I've succeeded, I've failed...as Mondo Bongo says - "such is life". Why now?

I have no answers. I just have to keep fighting that fear in my gut, that block, and put one foot in front of the other until I reach the finish line.

my anger and my shame

Never have I had negative thoughts about rec leagues or children's sports...until this evening. I was trying to get to the Y for my coveted workout with a close friend and my husband, and I was stuck in the parking lot, endlessly searching for a parking space among the rabid parents trying to get to their child's game on time.

This woman in a miniature blue car cut me off about 5 minutes into my search as we were both trying to go down an aisle to look for a space. No big deal. I keep circling...and circling...and circling. I call my friend and my hub to leave them messages while they are safely ensconced inside enjoying their workout, as I had finally given up after about 20 minutes. Then, alas, I see a space about to open up! I go near the space, turn on my left blinker to signal to the world that I am turning. The individual backs out, I get ready to turn, and guess who swoops into the space from the other direction?...The miniature blue car.

I lost it. I was so angry. She couldn't have heard me, and likely wasn't paying attention, but trust me when I say I was not heaping flattery upon her, and was behaving in a way that I can't remember behaving in over a decade. As I try and exit the parking lot, I pass her again as she is walking to her destination, and I make sure she feels the full force of my evil stink eye.
A space opens up just as I am leaving, I run inside, and catch my friend just as she is finishing up her workout. And I am hot! (as in hot-tempered :). I tell my tale to her and B, and my blood is just pumping.

Then, I get on the treadmill and run and zone out for a bit. And then, I begin to feel ashamed. How silly and small of me to lose it over something so minor. I prayed for forgiveness, for my mean thoughts and words, for exuding so much negativity.

Unfortunately, though such forgiveness is readily granted when we are truly repentant, there are some things that are not easily repaired. I was reminded instantly that what I did, besides acting like a fool, served to mess up my witness as a believer. How many of you know someone who has decided they did not want to have anything to do with Christianity because of one person's misrepresentation of it? How many of you are that someone? I know many. And I am sorrowful that I could be someone's stumbling block.

I'm reminded of the famous quote:
"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians - who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, then walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world finds unbelievable."
And also of Gandhi's quote:
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

But, gratefully, I am also reminded of a song by dcTalk I used to sing that reminds me of grace...: "What if I stumble, what if I fall?
What if I lose my step and I make fools of us all?
Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl?
What if I stumble, and what if I fall?
...
I hear you whispering my name, you say,
My love for you will never change..."

hymn

I've joined a local performance choir, and we are singing some wonderful songs, all of which are poetry put to music.
One of the songs that stays with me throughout the week is:

A Hymn to God the Father
~by John Donne~

Wilt Thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which is my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin through which I run
And still do run, though still I do deplore?
When Thou has done,
Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt Thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallowed in a score?
When Thou hast done,
Thou hast not done,
For I have more.

I have a sin of fear that when I've spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
Swear by Thyself, that at my death Thy Son
Shall shine as He shines now and heretofore;
And, having done that,
Thou hast done,
I fear no more.

love

I love my husband, for many reasons, but here is a great example: He brought me dinner last night at school, worked with me until after 11, and then made me stick to my exercise plan by running/walking with me at midnight at the UGA track. And this isn't the first time he has done such things. This speaks "I love you" more loudly to me than cards, flowers, or words. I think he's finally figured out my love language :)

Try to figure out someone's love language this week - gifts? physical touch? words of affirmation? quality time? acts of service? - and love them accordingly.

The "Sparkplug" Strikes Again

This is about the same view that I saw at the game. We (Jess, Jill, Chuck, myself and 92K+) were all just hanging out semi-disappointed due to the Dawgs' lack of production when a super quiet Sanford Stadium erupted in amazement yet again. Leave it to Knowshon to do something unbelievable to create more excitement by going Vince Carter on that poor Chippewas.

I thought for sure that Knowshon's High-sman- like move would be all over ESPN when we got home from the game. To our disappointment, we stayed up half the night and ESPN managed to pooch us yet again. I tell you what, these cats never give us any respect. USC got more love on the best plays of the week and they were on a Bye week. I'm not kidding, I think I saw Mark Sanchez (USC QB) on an amateur video at McDonald's and the ESPN anchors were giving him props on his ability to eat a Big Mac without getting the secret sauce all over the place - C'mon!!

USC also managed to distance themselves even further in the current polls. How does that happen? Georgia handled their business by blowing out C. Michigan and we lose votes. That is ridiculous! I guess it doesn't matter. I actually like being #2 and having everyone focus on someone else. I think the Dawgs feel slighted just enough to keep them focused and hungry. Being # 1 in the W-O-R-L-D isn't our priority. That comes in January!

Ten Commandments from our Sweet Friends

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose
not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or
my heart might be getting old or weak.
9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.
10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me pl ease. Never say you can't bear to watch.
Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

about Cash

I received an e-mail from an individual about the amount of exercise my dog receives. This person looked at my goals, and saw the 60 minutes per week that I allotted for walking my pup, Mr. Cash, and was concerned.

I thought it was great! I thank you for your concern, I love it when people care about pet care. To reassure, know that the 60 minutes is just my goal for my exercise w/ him, but that he actually gets much more exercise and enrichment than this. He gets regular frisbee and chuck-it sessions, wrestling sessions w/ his dad, occasional visits to the pup park and swimming sessions in the lake, and overall spoiling :)

Now, I will say, my cat does NOT get regular exercise. This fool doesn't like any of the cat toys or houses that we have bought for him. The only thing that gets him excited is a bug in the house, the cheap cardboard catscratchers, and beating up on Cash occasionally. Other than that, he sleeps and snores most hours of the day :) We like to spoil him w/ hairball treats and a bowl of milk every now and again, and we love to annoy him by rubbing his belly or pulling his tail :) You know what really gets him? When he is laying beside you, if you just find one single little hair sticking up and if you just move it around a little, his skin crawls, and he's off like a rocket. Of course, he's back for more in 2 minutes.

Go SPOIL your pet today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Compassion

My own personal ambassador of kwan (you know who you are... :) always reminds me to have compassion for myself, and I need the reminder for sure. Why is it that we are so much more easy and lenient towards others, but hardest on ourselves?

Do something today to be kind to yourself...forgive yourself, cut yourself a little slack, give yourself a compliment...

Love
Jess

I love your suggestions!

"Take the stairs at work. I know you've heard this before, but when you are on such a high floor like we are, it can seem a daunting task. So, take the elevator up to the 2nd or 3rd floor, and then walk the rest of the way up to the 5th floor."

"I will not step on a scale....My goal is not the number of pounds, its the number of sexy looks my husband gives me and how I feel in my clothes..."

Join Weight Watchers.

"Don't worry about pounds - take measurements and concentrate on inches lost."

"Sign up for an event - a 5K, an 8K, etc. You will likely work towards it so your money won't go to waste."

From a 2005 study at the University of Minnesota, researchers examined the self-reported weighing practices of many participants. Weighing at least weekly was linked to a lower body mass index (BMI), and daily weight measurements had the greatest weight-loss results in both groups.
http://www.weightwatchers.com/

"Throw all of that online BMI stuff out the window. It is not accurate."

Quotes

"You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there."
-unknown

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."
-Zig Ziglar

It's that time again

Here is a look at our fantasy football draft for this year. Jess won our league last year and has already started to run her trap. I seek to avenge the beatdown she gave me last year. No girls can come in and dominate the league like she did. I will keep you updated.

To rise above last week's performance

This wonderful advice is from a mentor. I needed to hear it very much, not just in the exercise and nutrition arena, but in other areas as well - work/school, relationships, faith, etc....

"Last week is gone. This week is full of potential. Pick one of those things for this week. Just one. You can do this." ~EP

Maybe this will be helpful to someone else too!
More later
Jess

Week 2 results & Week 3 goals

Week 2 results:
F, or F- or G if those grades exist

Well, I am very disappointed to say that Week 2 was a complete and total failure. It was so bad that I'm not even going to bother reporting on goal progress, because most of them would have a big fat 0% as the entry. I failed on the nutrition side, because, well, "who is watching? who cares? I can get away with anything, right, when I'm busy and have no other choice...I'll do better next time...". Those are things I tell myself anyway. I don't know why I am not successful these days when I'm only accountable to myself, but I just can't seem to pull it off.

In the exercise realm, the only time I achieved success is when I had a workout date - same problem w/ "self-accountability", and I just didn't prioritize it, so that when things came up this week, it quickly fell to the wayside.

I wonder if this is why WeightWatchers is a good choice - isn't it all about accountability?

So, Week 3 goals are a repeat of last week, and I hope for more success.

Nutrition:
~Only 2 soda's allowed
~Eat a healthy breakfast every day
~If drink sweet tea, make it half sweet/half unsweet
~only 1 unhealthy fast food (e.g., burger and fries) meal allowed this week

Exercise:
~Walk dog at least 60 minutes
~Pilates x3
~Walk briskly at least 60 minutes
~Jog 6 miles, b/w 4.8-5.3 mph (at most, 12:40 mile)

Jess

Week 2 goals

Nutrition:
~Only 2 soda's allowed
~Eat a healthy breakfast every day
~If drink sweet tea, make it half sweet/half unsweet
~only 1 unhealthy fast food (e.g., burger and fries) meal allowed this week

Exercise
~Walk dog at least 60 minutes
~Pilates x3
~Walk briskly at least 60 minutes
~Jog 6 miles, b/w 4.8-5.3 mph (at most, 12:40 mile)

Week 1 results

Nutrition: B
Activity: C-/D

Week 1 goals were to:
~Attack my soda consumption. For now, I can drink tea, water, gatorades, etc., but am only allowed 2 soda's this week.
Status: Close but no cigar. I almost made it w/ only 2 soda's, but ruined it on a stressful Sunday evening with my 3rd. Still, it is an improvement. Other healthy behaviors emerged as a result of this goal - for example, my water consumption increased (but so did my sweet tea consumption :)

~Eat a healthy breakfast - I have been skipping this all too important meal for several months now.
Status: 86%; I ate breakfast every morning of the week, which is great, and 6 of those 7 meals involved healthy foods, though likely still not enough calories.

~Walk my dog for at least 60 minutes
Status: 100%, goal met

~Walk briskly (3.5-3.9 mph) for at least 60 minutes
Status: 75%; walked for 45 minutes

~Easy run for at least 40 min (b/w 4.9-5.3 mph)
Status: 63%; ran @ 5.1 mph for 25 minutes, BUT, my knee was bothering me a bit, so I did do the elliptical for 30 additional minutes

~Pilates x3
Status: 33% - only able to do x1

I definitely had more success w/ the nutrition aspect this week, but hope to improve next week in both areas. That is what life is, right, continual improvement...

Other healthy behaviors that emerged as a result of my new view of health and nutrition were: eating a taco instead of a huge burrito at Moe's, not ordering cheese dip all week which is HUGE for me, snacking on pickles at night instead of grabbing a 100 calorie pack, and substituting grilled chicken for fried chicken all week. Also, I only had 1 migraine this week, and it did not last as long as usual, turning quickly into a regular bad headache.

Week 1 goals

Here is my plan for the week. I'll update you on how well I adhered to it next week. Keep in mind that I am saying no to dieting, and saying yes to a lifestyle change, so I'm taking "baby steps".

My plan for this week in terms of nutrition is to:
~Attack my soda consumption. For now, I can drink tea, water, gatorades, etc., but am only allowed 2 soda's this week.
~Eat a healthy breakfast - I have been skipping this all too important meal for several months now.

My plan for this week in terms of exercise is to gear up for my 16 week running training program that was designed by SmartCoach (see the link on the right if you are interested), and I plan to:
~Walk my dog for at least 60 minutes
~Walk briskly (3.5-3.9 mph) for at least 60 minutes
~Easy run for at least 40 min (b/w 4.9-5.3 mph)
~Pilates x3

For now, I can break these time intervals up however I desire. It doesn't matter how many days I work out for now, it just matters that I meet these weekly goals. This way I don't beat myself up for missing one of my workouts, and then end up in that cycle of "well, I missed Tues, I screwed up, this week is shot, I'll just pig out and not exercise the rest of the week and I'll start again next week", as I am prone to do. I'll have no such excuse - I can just make it up because weekly minutes are my goal.

That's all for now - more later!
Jess

Your response

Your responses to my "Accountability" post have been wonderful, and I thank you for that. I thought I'd post on the blog some of the info you guys have shared w/ me via private e-mails, so others could also reap the benefits. And, if anyone reading this has more to share, some tried and true method that has worked for you, leave a "comment" on this entry so everyone can learn and enjoy.

Re: Nutrition
--> Roasted sliced beets and radishes over a bed of shredded carrots, with a raspberry salad dressing
--> Green beans with salt and Italian herbs
--> Green beans with balsamic vinegar
--> Marinaded roasted eggplant
--> Substitute hummus for mayonnaise

Re: Activity
--> Do something at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes
--> Run in place, dance in place, or do crunches while waiting on toaster or microwave
--> Squeeze the old gluteus maximus while waiting in line
--> Invest in a treadmill desk OR make your own

More later
Love
Jess

My boys

Accountability

Well, I guess the best way to ensure accountability is to go public…and since I am in dire need of accountability in this particular area in my life, here is the public announcement…though it is a little embarrassing.

I need to, no, have to, lose weight…again. Many of you remember that a little over 2 years ago, I lost a lot of weight, 38 lbs to be exact. It was a long process, and I was only able to accomplish it by working out about 3 x’s more than the average person. Well, during the process of comps, a little depression, mucho family drama, etc., I’ve gained all but 4 of those lbs back (hey, I’m a comfort eater, what can I say?). It is time to stop playing games with my health (and with my knees), so starting today, I am back in my HARD CORE mode!

I am being so public about it because:
1) I would not mind at all if you to ask me how it is going, if you ask about the progress – I will be honest with my answers, and that will help to keep me on task.

2) I know I am not alone in this situation, of yo-yo weight loss/gain, diets that don’t work, exercise programs that don’t work, etc…., so if my situation, and hopefully, my progress, can be of any help to you, I am willing to be transparent.

So, my end goal is to lose 50 lbs, to go down 6-8 sizes, to run a half-mara (with a respectful time this time), and to complete an olympic distance triathlon.

I’ll keep you updated.
~Jess~

19 Days to go!!

Bout time we got some respect. Only 19 days to go! We don't have our tickets just yet, but they will be in our hands shortly.

Life lessons by Max Lucado

We have started a little Bible study – Josh and I talked about it months ago, as we both realized we were slacking off in our spiritual lives and were subsequently experiencing the negative effects in our lives. I found a series of study guides that I found really inspiring, and we finally made the group study happen.

The study guides are titled “Life lessons with Max Lucado”. I am currently studying the “Book of Philippians” life lessons, which is a “Guide to Joy”. I encourage you to check out this line of study materials. I have been a Lucado fan for a long time – I have most of his books (thanks in part to my mom who is always vigilantly looking for books for me) – and was excited when I saw these new materials. And he did not disappoint.

The questions are great, really make you think, and much of the time, kick my butt in terms of….”Do I really have to answer that question?”…”No, I don’t really want to address that issue in my life right now…”

For example, one question went something like this…”If Paul were to write you a letter about your prayer/spiritual life, what would he say to you? What habits or qualities would he praise?”
Another…
“How much of an encouragement to others is your normal response to difficulty?”
And another…
“If humbling oneself and serving the needs of others requires no special training or gifting, why is it so rare?”

So, check it out when you get the chance.
~Jess~

Let's do this already....

Hey everyone, it is Brent checking in with my first UGA football update. I know, I know... I haven't been very good at staying on top of my blogging commitments. I have good intentions, but I don't ever seem to follow through. I don't understand it... I am managing IT projects with the company that I work for and I do a weekly status like clockwork. I need to incorporate this same energy into my blogging duties. I will try to be better and add at least 1 entry every 2 weeks. Come football season, I will more than likely do a weekly update on the DAWGS.

Now... for a preview:

Man, the spring game was awesome. Georgia looked very good on offense and I am excited about all of the weapons that Stafford will have at his disposal this year. We didn't get to see all of the receivers, but it was pretty exciting to see how accurate his arm has become. He has always had a cannon... he just needed to add some touch. He looked like he had a great feel for the receivers during this scrimmage.

As for our running backs.... man, I can't wait to see KnoMo and Caleb King- CaKi (nah, doesn't work) with that 1-2 punch. I know KnoMo is the man, but wait to you see Caleb run the pill. I know many of you don't want to hear it, but this cat is going to be as good, if not better, than KnoMo. Either way, we are going to be tight in the running department. Richard Samuel and Dontavious Jackson are going to make some noise as well.

On a not so great note, our defense did look a little suspect during the scrimmage. However, in my opinion, how can you really get up for a game when you can't go full speed? Trust me, Cox would have been killed on 3 or more occassions. Overall, I still think the "D" did well considering they had the training wheels on.

Well, I just wanted to take baby steps to get back in the swing of things, so my first blog for 2008 has come to an end. I know this is not very organized, but I knew I had to post this pic of KnoMo. Anyway, I will see you back here in 2 weeks or less.

Brent

13.1

That's the new magnet on my car, since I just completed my first half-marathon on Sunday, March 30. Colby and I signed up for this marathon a long time ago, and before we knew it, it was here!!!! She flew in, we went to the race expo and spent a little too much money, I fell down the stairs at the MARTA station and got cussed out in Spanish, we hung out at my awesome cousin Lisa's house and carb-loaded, we tried to go to sleep, we woke up REALLY early, and just barely got our bags checked in time to start the race.

And then, we were off. With 10, 793 other people, in windy and chilly (44 degrees) weather. It was awesome! I had to stop a few times for the bathroom, and the lines were WAY long, but other than that, I did really well, running the whole way.........until mile 10. Something happened at mile 10. Maybe it was because my longest distance before this event was 7.5 miles. Maybe it was because there was much less cheering after mile 9. Maybe it was because I had a cold. Who knows? All I know is that after mile 10, I ran the flats and the downhills, and walked the hills. But, I crossed the finish line, and that is all that matters, even though I crossed half frozen and unable to feel my fingers. Colby and I finally found each other (she only had 1 bathroom break to slow her down, and ran faster than me anyway), and walked slowly, VERY slowly, back to the MARTA station to go home. I think that was the longest 3 blocks ever - we were tired, we were cold, the wind was blowing, and we had to keep detouring around road construction.

I wore a very cool shirt that I found at the expo - the front said "This seemed like a good idea 3 months ago", and the back said "Race Official - Do Not Pass". I laugh just thinking about it, and some of the laughs I got along the way.

Colby and I were zombies pretty much the rest of the day. Thank you Brent for taking such good care of us.

Next up - the St Jude Half Marathon in Memphis in early December. Wanna come along? Look at the SmartCoach link on the right, play with it a bit, and see what your training would be like if you were to start training right now. I guarantee its do-able, and I believe, the more the merrier :)

Love - Jess

Atlanta Tornado

taken by Shane Durrance

On motivation

I saw this Dutch proverb, and it really describes me right now.

"He who is outside his door already has the hard part of his journey behind him."

That's me - I have such a hard time getting up and going these days, getting motivated to get started on my many projects, getting focused. But once I'm out and working, I'm good. What is up with that?

Jess

Turk makes me smile

Here are links to YouTube videos that bring me joy. These scenes from "Scrubs" are actually on an episode that I watch frequently, especially when I need cheering up. Turk just makes me smile. I hope you enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/v/8pwfO8G5uIo&hl=en

http://www.youtube.com/v/hZAgT8KOLF8&hl=en

Results of voting

Okay, here is the wager after the votes:

If Greeny loses, he has to dye his hair a different color for 5 straight days.

If Golic loses, he has to particiate in a competitive eating contest against professionals.

Stay tuned...I bet no one picked UGA to be in the mix, but since we are the SEC champions, look out!!!!

Jess

Greeny and Golic wager

If you guys have been following Mike & Mike, you know its time for their college basketball bracket wager. Though the fans have already decided what Greeny must do if he loses this year (dyeing his hair a different color every day for one week), the fans can still determine Golic's fate. The options are:
following a vegan diet for an entire week
dressing in drag for an entire show
getting a full body wax
receiving a botox shot to the forehead
participating in a competitive eating contest vs. pros

Vote now!!! I'm going for the vegan diet or the full body wax, especially since he pulled such a mean prank on Greeny when they were shooting commercials down in Florida!

Jess

encouragement and faith

"I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine,
I believe in love, even when it isn't shown,
I believe in God, even when he doesn't speak."

--Carved on the walls of a concentration camp

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

--John 14:27

quote

This quote has always stuck with me, and I ran across it while looking for some new music while Brent is recuperating from his wisdom teeth extraction.

"People always ask us why we signed up for Christian music. We do this not because someone got to us at an early age but because Jesus is the only thing that has ever changed our lives."
---Bart Millard of MercyMe

Together again

CUPS and I have reunited... ("reunited and it feels so good..."). It has been a rocky relationship...I didn't call, I didn't write, and I only infrequently visited. But, I am spending some mornings and afternoons here now and again - it is good for my soul, to actually see sunlight even if it is through a window. I predict that it won't be so good for the waistline - their latte's and frio's are just too good.

A few things have changed about my old friend CUPS. New carpet, more outlets, streamlined self-service areas. It is also busier - I'm convinced I played a role in this, as I have had office hours here for the past 3 years and always invite my students to meet me here for questions. Shouldn't I be receiving some perks for the free advertising? Free coffee? Free caramel cake? A seat saved for me?

The latter comment reminds me of my visit to Germany to visit Charlton - we went to this wonderful restaurant for wienerschnitzel (the best I've ever had - I was only there 4 days, and we dined there x2), and the booths and tables have small (brass?) nameplates on them of old-timers, regulars. The deal is that you are welcome to sit there if the table is not occupied, but if they walk in, you have to let them have their table, no matter where you are in the course of your meal. Awesome.

So, CUPS, I'm waiting for my own table. Just give me a call.