Product Review: alli at First Glance

alli Starter Pack - 90 Capsules

My frustration with my weight has gone far enough.

I did some research on the diet product, alli, and decided to pick up the starter pack. Since I haven’t officially started the diet yet this is just a brief intro on what I’ve noticed so far. (I will post about my progress with this product as well.)

Upon opening this package at home, I found six little booklets, pills, an easy pill box and a handy keychain with quick facts on it. My first thought was I liked the portable guides and pill box. The very next thought was the amount of wasted packaging – obviously they were going for something appealing but the environmentalist in me didn’t like the big plastic container for just a few items.

I really like the free online features this offers. It pretty much repeats what’s already in the books but interacting online with other members and tracking my progress online seems like it would be very beneficial. Especially, when I need some motivation.

This product boosts its ability to help you lose 50% more weight than on dieting alone. So (and you’ll see it everywhere), if you would normally lose 10lbs. on a regular diet, you’ll lose 15lbs. partnered with alli. It does so by not allowing some fat to be absorbed in the body. Following a low-calorie, low-fat diet, it’ll help aid in digestion… called “treatment effects”.

I won’t go into all the gross detail about treatment effects but believe me, from what I’ve been reading it’s best to stay near home when starting the pills. Something I will be sure to do.

The only thing I can see as a potential problem is to maintain the weight loss already accomplished it will be necessary to continue taking the pills. I personally don’t want to be taking a pill for the duration of my life to maintain my weight. alli does state that by going off the pills, some weight gain is possible. I intend to use this product until I feel comfortable with my weight, kitchen skills, and exercise routine. Then I will wean myself off and see what happens.

Up to this point, it seems like it could work. It’ll be a long hard road but with some determination and support it will be do-able. If others have tried it, I would love to hear what you have to say.

BIW: Book in a Week

BIC HOK TAM!

I am in the midst of BIW. Maybe you’ve heard of it? This fabulous writing group sets a weekly goal, once a month, and writes their hearts out. 

I have found the group to be super supportive and I love the challenge of trying to hit my goal (page total) at the end of the week. It really forces to me to write.

It doesn’t matter what you write either. Like this entry. It’s working toward my word count for the day and I’m loving it.

For me, the key is to set a goal that is obtainable but isn’t too easy to reach. It has to be challenging but not so absurd that I get discouraged. Every month -so far- I have hit my goals and I’m damn proud of it.

If you have time, check out the site. It’s full of helpful info to get started. The deadline has passed for this month but mark your calendars. Next month always shows up quickly!

BIC-HOK-TAM!

(Butt in Chair – Hands on Keyboard – Typing Away Madly!)

Book Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

by Sherman Alexie

“I was born with water on the brain.”

What a great first line. I was immediately drawn into this story about a teenage boy struggling with who he is as an Indian living on a reservation. Ultimately, he decides to attend an all white school a few towns over and it changes his life forever.

Arnold (Junior) Spirit’s journey was one filled with the (fear and) courage it takes to go to a new school, having his tribe label him as a “traitor”, and losing a best friend. Junior really has to look inside himself to see what he’s made of and who he really is. In the book, most Indians on the rez are alcoholics and the author really gives us a sample of what it might be like growing up in an environment that is run with booze and completely tribal at the same time.

I found this book to be a quick read and even through the emotional moments there was still touches of humor that kept the story from getting too depressing.

Pow Wow Weekend II

What a difference one day makes.

Sunday we went back to the Pow Wow. The sun was out, the humidity gone, and there was record breaking attendance. Baby T napped on the way there so he was refreshed and out to explore. What a welcoming atmosphere. Even though everyone was quite tired (me: from babysitting; my hubby: from working crazy hours; my friend: from keeping watch over the fire that night) everyone was in great spirits.

Again, I went barefoot – it just didn’t feel right otherwise – and managed to get lots dancing in.  I’ve been so self conscious lately that it felt good to dance and not care what anyone thought. I feel like I’m learning a lot and (in a way) am coming out of the dark.

Each day confirms that I’m heading in the right direction. I really think I’ve found my path.

Pow Wow Weekend

My weekend is just about half over.

And where exactly did my time go? Although I’ve lost many minutes (well, hours really) in driving, feeding and caring for children, it can be summed up in just a few words: Pow Wow* and Babysitting.

That’s right, folks. I attended my first Pow Wow. I’m pretty impressed with the turnout considering we are being threatened with hurrican weather. I was among many people I didn’t know but for some reason I felt at home there. Everyone was so nice and welcoming… and the music has a way of sucking you in. Even now. Many hours later, I can feel the rhythms in my heart. I will fall asleep to my ear’s memory of the drum. Very cool.

Baby T felt very comfortable there too. It was the cutest sight. He was walking around with a single leaf in his hand and some of the elders commented on his “Leaf Dance” and his discovery of nature.

Immediately following the festivities I rushed to my sister-in-law’s house to babysit her four kids. Add Baby T to the mix and that makes five. Since Hubby will be working due to the storm I recruited my cousin – bless her – and then I wasn’t so outnumbered.  The night went smoothly… with out too much trouble. For that I am thankful.

Upcoming events: Dancing barefoot at the Pow Wow tomorrow and bringing home more thoughts of drumming.

 

*If you have never been to a Pow Wow I strongly suggest you try it. Public is usually welcome and it really gives insight into their culture… and who couldn’t use burning a few extra calories from dancing?

Purgatory Hike

Purgatory Hike - Sony Cybershot

Last week we took a hike through Purgatory – that would be Purgatory Chasm not the real Purgatory.    I took so many pictures that day but this would have to be my favorite.

Right before I snapped this picture we had heard a strange sound. It was a bird sound but we have no idea what kind. We were being as quiet as one can be with a small child and it seemed Baby T was listening for it too.

There were many noisy happy families there that day and when we heard that bird the world went quiet.  The woods came alive with breath and I could hear a heartbeat in the trees.

It’s moments like that that make me feel grounded and happy. No words can compete with the magic in that moment.

Lovin’ Text Lovin’

i love you

 

It’s amazing how a text message can brighten my day. My hubby and I use to text each other all the time – well not obsessively but enough to keep connected. Lately, things have been a little strained since we are still adjusting to having a baby around. Yes. It’s been almost 13 months but our focus has been (for the most part) on Baby T instead of our relationship. We had a strong relationship Before Baby (BB) but we still need to stay connected in some form After Baby (AB).

BB everything was about us and our relationship. It was work but we managed to get through it. Luckily, we handled most of the “hard stuff” in the first year of dating. AB is a whole new story. I’d say it’s one of the hardest things for our relationship to endure because there are so many factors involved.

First would be (duh) the baby. Only thing about this one is he’s always there. When this baby needs go home – he IS home. There is another human being living in our house. That’s an adjustment in itself. Caring and being responsible for said baby’s survival is something completely different. So it’s only natural that your every waking moment is spent on the bundle of joy that has come into your life.

Now, we haven’t been completely neglectful of our relationship. We still talk (and we’re married!) and do things together as a family but I’m feeling the need to have more dates with my hubby. There’s been this disconnect going on lately and I know some of the tension is caused by me and my insecurities (weight issues and coping with being a sahm).

Even though we say we love each other daily (multiple times), this little text shows that even when he’s away from me I am in his thoughts. It makes me happy to the core.

It also makes me wonder how many other people need a sign like this and how it would change their world if someone they cared about sent them a little note like this…

Peace

Peace.

It does not mean to be in a place

where there is no noise,

trouble,

or hard work.

It means to be in the midst of those things

and still be calm in your heart.

-Anonymous

 

I put this quote on my fridge the other day. It is my visual reminder that everything doesn’t always go as planned. No matter what type of effort, preparation, or wishing. In fact, you can be certain it’ll go exactly opposite of what you hope.

Finding peace has been my biggest challenge since I’ve decided to stay home. It becomes so easy to calculate how well you are doing based on your job, your pay, and all the things that go with a career. I’ve come really close to breaking since I’ve been home. Since I am not an emotional person – and I can assess how I’m feeling and act accordingly – it’s been really hard not to think of myself as crazy.

Lately I’ve been feeling isolated and sad. My self-worth has gone right down the toilet. What bothers me most is it seems my sense of humor has escaped me. I use to be so outgoing. What happened to me? How do I get that back?

Who knew that being a stay-at-home-mom would be so hard…

It’s depressing to think I get so frustrated with myself and situation when I have such a cute, lovable baby. He means the world to me. How could I possibly feel anything but joy? This is where my thoughts usually spiral downward. I feel so guilty sometimes.

So I’ve been trying to correct my behavior – when I feel the frustration/sadness/irritation/depression/anger/emptiness set in I read this quote and remind myself that I need to find the calm within to be happy and let everything else just fall where it must.

Book Review: From High Heels to Bunny Slippers

From High Heels to Bunny Slippers - Christine Conners

 

I just finished this wonderful book. I was surprised at how much of it pertained to me. Since I have been out of work just over a year in caring for my son I figured the transition from work to home was complete. I took this book out of the library on a whim and I am so glad I did.

For the past few months, I have been struggling with being a stay-at-home-mom. It really bothers me that I am “one of those women”. I never wanted to be mindless, lazy, scatter-brained, and a freeloader. What I’ve realized is there are a lot of other women dealing with the same issues. These women are (and were) professionals but they chose to be mothers first. They are not mindless and lazy at all. They struggle with the same day-to-day issues that I do. Just knowing this helps me come to terms with my position a little more.

This book also helped me view my job in a whole new light.  Being at home for my family is not something that tragically happened to me: I made the decision. Don’t get me wrong, I still need to learn other things outside of the home and maintain who I am but with all the struggles comes an enormous reward. There might not be much acknowledgement but there are true benefits to guiding and watching my family grow.

There is a woman I know that mentioned putting her six week old daughter in childcare because it would “be best for everyone all around.” When she mentioned this (a little less than a year ago), I could relate. I have never really been a kid person. I have my moments but for the most part I am pretty happy to see the children I’m watching go home.

Having my son shook me to the core. How in the world could a stranger know what’s best for my child more than me? How dare I even toy with the idea that a situation involving changing staff, competing between children for attention, and always wondering if the place I’ve chosen is safe enough would be better than what I could provide.

Those that choose to place their children in childcare is solely their decision. I don’t place judgement. I can only speak for myself. If you read this book (and are a parent with a child in someone else’s care), you might change your tune after reading this book.

This book also covers other aspects of parenting that, I believe, even working parents can benefit from. From changes within the marriage to depression – it covers it all.

I highly recommend this book to parents and “preparents”.

Maybe Next Time

NH Fireworks - Sony Cybershot

 

My Dearest New Hampshire,

This coming weekend is Labor Day.  I know we normally spend the weekend together but due to a number of reasons I cannot make the trip.  For this, I am deeply sorry.  We had so many wonderful things planned; hiking, sight-seeing, sleeping in, ATVing, fireworks (see above) and campfires (see below). As much as I wanted to enjoy these things with you, I must be realistic about my financial situation. Do you know how long it takes to get there?  That equals a lot of moolah in gas.

When I was in college, everything translated into beer. “20 bucks?! That’s like a case of beer…”

Ok. That’s probably a bad example since a case of beer probably doesn’t cost $20. That shows how my priorities have changed. I haven’t bought a case of beer in so long. I don’t even know how much it would cost if I did buy one. It’s so sad.

Now, everything translates to gas. “70 bucks?! That’s like 3/4ths of a tank of gas!”

Anyway, I hope you understand my predicament. I do care for you and find you necessary for my survival. October and November is right around the corner and you can rest easy. I always visit during those months.

I promise. No more empty promises.

Love,

Amber

 

NH Fire - Sony Cybershot

 Yes. That is a picnic table.