It is the middle of August and the weather is crazy here on the mountain. There was actually a winter storm watch out of the area north of where I live. It literally rained all night last night and is now only in the mid 40s....the mid 40s in the middle of August. I've seen it happen, not often, but I have seen it before. I feel a bit spoiled. While the rest of the country bakes, we have had very temperate weather and periods of rain all summer long. A blessing, and I'll take it!

I am glad I went out for my run last night while it was still just lightly sprinkling because there is no way I could be out right now. The mud would be ankle deep where I run and it is still raining. So, that brings me to one thing I don't want to do or even think about doing.....buying a treadmill.

My doctor advised me that buying a treadmill would be a wise thing for me to do. The running was made necessary by the PCOS diagnosis - which is never going away. I have to admit, I feel 100% better when I exercise like that and running in the snow during winter simply will not be possible, so buying a treadmill is the only answer I am afraid. If anyone out there has suggestions about what - or what not - to buy, please share. I am delving into territory that I have zero experience with and starting from scratch!

Since the weather is so yucky, I think today is the perfect day to curl up on the couch with a good book. I recently finished both of Lisa Kleypas' new novels - both were good but one was better than the other. I'll share my thoughts in a book review soon. I also read my first Teresa Medeiros novel, The Bride and the Beast. I liked it. An easy and fun read. Today, I am going to restart Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I was a few pages in to it the other day but got busy with other things and stopped. Today would be the perfect day to start all over again and read a good bit of it.

Happy Friday all! Have a great weekend!

One of the things I have been doing in my (very long) absence from my blog is to start running. Yes, really! Those of you who know me in real life know that I hate running and am not overly fond of regimented sorts of exercise as a whole. However, having PCOS and being in pain and misery has a way of changing your perspective on such things - and fast!

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a very common disorder among women and can affect anyone with ovaries from a shockingly young age. In retrospect, I believe I have had this condition for a very long time, thus my fertility issues. If you have never heard of this disease or would like to learn more about it, please visit the PCOS support page.

So, why running? That's pretty easy. Simple economics and geography! I live 50 miles from a gym and I don't have the room or funds to set up a serious home gym so it's down to running. All I needed was a pair of running shoes, a good bra and a plan. My cousin was trying out the Couch to 5K program for herself and I decided to do the same. I started in April and was very faithful to the program for the first six weeks - then, I contracted H1N1 and could not continue. I was not fully recovered from the flu when I went on a trip and it has taken me another full 5 weeks to get myself back on the wagon.

I DID get myself back in action last week. I started completely over again - which was much easier this time than last - LOL. It still isn't my favorite thing to do, but running makes me feel better without question and that alone is worth it!

Dieting Update

After about 6 months and a loss of 7 pounds, I am temporarily hanging up my diet. I am totally stalled. As a result of that, I am completely out of proper motivation. You all know the cycle - a plateau stalls your diet, you get frustrated and then discouraged and finally, you quit.

I am not quitting. I am not giving myself permission to live on high calorie stuff at all. I am simply taking a step back and not making weight loss a focus right now. Maintenance, yes. My goal is not gain anything - especially on my trip to North Carolina. If I am not careful, I will eat my way across North Carolina and Virginia. That would not be a good thing!

There have been many stresses in my life lately. My sister's pregnancy and this building project are the two biggest. Sophie is born now and my sister is fine. Sophie seems to have suffered no ill effects from my sister's Lupus and for that I am very relieved! The building project is well under way, but my part of it has not even started yet. I am excited, but I know it will be a lot of work. Trying to get that project done along with trying to diet, getting ready for a very busy summer and preparing for my Mother in Law's arrival is just too much. Dieting takes focus. I find myself in a position where other things must take precedence for a while.

I will also be continuing my exercise regimen the best I can. I have been using The Bean. You may have seen an info-mercial about it. It really works great - much better than an exercise ball. This device was about $50. I ordered mine, but the next day, I saw them at my local WalGreen's Pharmacy. Visit www.bean.com for more information about The Bean.

I have also been using another thing called Fluidity. I have to say I really like it. Nice workout and the kids do it with me. It is aimed at elongating and toning muscle. Very nice. The really great thing about the Fluidity program is that it works everything and you feel very relaxed at the end. Visit www.fluidity.com for more information regarding this product as well. This is an actual machine - looks kind of like a ballerina's beam - and was quite a bit more than the bean. It is a well crafted piece of equipment though. Very sturdy and the video is great - fast paced with three levels of expertise.

Other than that, I have been wondering what in the world my problem is. I have cried no less than three times since Sophie was born. I suddenly find myself sad that I cannot have another baby. The entire idea of Bill and I having another baby is insanity. Bill has made it clear that he is finished having kids and I am as well. I do not even think I could handle another child - personally, socially, financially or otherwise. Physically, I am not able to bear any more children. Therefore, I cannot understand where this very strong desire to have another baby comes from. My logical, rational mind does not even want another baby - but my emotional heart yearns for one. Such a strange thing. Hopefully, this temporary insanity will pass soon! Only 12 more days until the kids and I leave for North Carolina. I am looking forward to this trip a great deal!

Dieting Update

Alright, so I have been dieting for a while now. Not a huge success, but I am holding my own. I have been stuck at a plateau for about 2 months or so now. That is a long time to plateau, so I decided to do something that I hate and do not really have a huge amount of time for -- exercise. Yuck.

Exercise is important for your health. Duh. We all know that. It is not like I live on the couch - I have two children under the age of 5. There is not a lot of sitting around here. I have never been a exerciser but have found out that my metabolism has changed and exercise is needed to precipitate weight loss. I am not thrilled with that - but, none the less, that is the way it is.

So, I have been hauling myself out of bed an extra 45 minutes early for the past week to exercise. I have an elliptical machine and a couple of other torture.....er, exercise machines in my room that I have in the basement. Yes - I have my own room in the basement - and so does Bill. I allow the kids in my room when I am in there with them. Bill does not allow the kids in his room *at all*. They have already taken over the rest of the house - that room is his sanctuary!

As a result of getting up and extra 45 minutes early, I am tired and grouchy. I know this will ease over time, but for now my family is steering clear of grouchy and sore Mom! I have been working especially on the elliptical machine and then doing so toning exercises for my mid-section. Right now, my attitude is bad and I have not seen a single benefit so far - but I am determined to hang in there until I break this plateau. It has become personal and I am angry that I have not been able to push through this so far. I am hoping for a better week diet and exercise wise next week!

On a lighter note - I have discovered a new TV show that I love. It is Robin Hood on BBC America. I love this show! If you have not watched it yet, check it out.

I have always had a thing for Robin Hood - as well as Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice and Superman. I think that is why I have such a thing for Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books. Jamie is Robin Hood, Superman and Fitzwilliam Darcy all rolled into one. Only Outlander fans would understand that statement. Another random thought from my sleep deprived brain!!

Have a great weekend all!! Many Blessings to all who visit here :)