Here starts day one. I've been up for about 30 minutes. And I've been at this for about 15 minutes. My plan was to be up and motivated earlier (and go for a walk with a friend of mine), but thanks to my lovely body, that didn't happen. I get migraines quite regularly and this morning I started getting a mild one. So instead of doing a 6am walk like I planned, I slept in until 7:00.
But the extra sleep helped and I was too excited to sleep any more this morning. So here's the latest on my new a.m. routine:
Took 3 capsules of something in a bottle (don't ask me to describe it...it's just part of the routine. I think it helps keep and build muscles), had an energy drink (pink lemonade flavor was awesome, can't wait to try the citrus), and then....dum, dum, dum...on to the...gulp...fiber drink. I would love to rant and rave about how wonderful and good it was, but to be perfectly honest I almost threw part of it up in my sink. Thank goodness I kept it down and just gagged a little.
I'm so sorry, Pastor (my pastor started me on this), that I can't give you good reports on the taste and texture of this product. Will I continue? Of course. Will I enjoy it? Probably not. But so far it's the only product that I didn't like. And I only have 5 more days of it (two right now and then the last three days of the 10-day cleanse). I can do this...I can do this.
I am about to drink the breakfast shake thing in about 10-15 minutes. I am praying that it takes really good. I have two flavors: berry and chocolate. I think this morning I'm trying the chocolate. Maybe after drinking that sawdust....I mean citrus flavor fiber stuff, something chocolate might motivate me a little more. And then on to being water-logged all day.
Ok, I sound like I'm whining and complaining already, right? So what if I am? Isn't this what my blog is for? No, I'm not really whining and I am still really excited to see what this does for me.
Now for the big question of the day....Jogging on the wii or "Sweatin'" with Richard Simmons?
**update**
Ok, I am drinking my chocolate breakfast. Not bad, really not bad. After tasting this, I am excited about the berry flavor for tomorrow morning. Go liquid breakfast!!!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
New Diet
I know this blog is about our family (the Musical Soodsmas), but I'm gonna change the topic for just a few short weeks. I figure I can use the blog to track my progress, and vent at the same time. I started a new diet. Ok, so I've tried a zillion different things and so far I have lost 43 pounds...and I have like 20 more to go. So I'm gonna try to get this done once and for all.
The diet starts as a 10-day cleanse. I'm limited on what I should and shouldn't have. I'm supposed to stay away from fried foods, corn or white starches, bread, crackers, any wheat products, dairy (cheese, yogurt, milk, etc), alcohol (not a big sacrifice there), and coffee and soda. I'm supposed to eat lots of veggies, fruit, and lean meats (for protien). Oh, I can have what they call clean carbs which is rice, hummus, or oatmeal.
I take a ton of pills, some special fiber drinks, energy drinks, and a meal replacement shake for breakfast everyday. I know it sounds like a lot, but I'm very dedicated to getting this weight off.
All of this is natural stuff, full of fiber, and lots of vitamins and stuff. Oh, and by the end of all of this I should have floated away from my water intake...lol.
Anyway, after the cleanse I start the weight loss program which starts out as a 2 week program (I can continue with weight loss maintenence if needed). I keep doing the energy drink, the meal replacement shake and tons of pills (vitamins and stuff).
Since I'll be giving up bread, sugars, dairy, crackers, and stuff that I really enjoy (at least for now), I know I'll need a place to vent. So that's what you will be here for. My plan is that when I have a food craving I will come down to my lovely friendly computer and spill all my frustrations about not eating my food. Wow, it sounds so dramatic when I say it like that.
I'm also going to go out on a limb and share my progress. Do you mind if I get a little personal? I guess I'm not like a normal woman, because I am about to share deep dark womanly secrets....yes...my weight. AAAHHHHH!!!! It's not that bad. It's just numbers. So here goes:
Start weight: 165 lbs
Inches lost: 0 in.
Happy 24 days!
The diet starts as a 10-day cleanse. I'm limited on what I should and shouldn't have. I'm supposed to stay away from fried foods, corn or white starches, bread, crackers, any wheat products, dairy (cheese, yogurt, milk, etc), alcohol (not a big sacrifice there), and coffee and soda. I'm supposed to eat lots of veggies, fruit, and lean meats (for protien). Oh, I can have what they call clean carbs which is rice, hummus, or oatmeal.
I take a ton of pills, some special fiber drinks, energy drinks, and a meal replacement shake for breakfast everyday. I know it sounds like a lot, but I'm very dedicated to getting this weight off.
All of this is natural stuff, full of fiber, and lots of vitamins and stuff. Oh, and by the end of all of this I should have floated away from my water intake...lol.
Anyway, after the cleanse I start the weight loss program which starts out as a 2 week program (I can continue with weight loss maintenence if needed). I keep doing the energy drink, the meal replacement shake and tons of pills (vitamins and stuff).
Since I'll be giving up bread, sugars, dairy, crackers, and stuff that I really enjoy (at least for now), I know I'll need a place to vent. So that's what you will be here for. My plan is that when I have a food craving I will come down to my lovely friendly computer and spill all my frustrations about not eating my food. Wow, it sounds so dramatic when I say it like that.
I'm also going to go out on a limb and share my progress. Do you mind if I get a little personal? I guess I'm not like a normal woman, because I am about to share deep dark womanly secrets....yes...my weight. AAAHHHHH!!!! It's not that bad. It's just numbers. So here goes:
Start weight: 165 lbs
Inches lost: 0 in.
Happy 24 days!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Bragging
I have to brag a little. I have achieved something that I never thought I would actually achieve. And I'm going to share some info that maybe I shouldn't share, but I'm not ashamed to share it.
Below, I have two pictures. I just have to share the difference. The first picture is 2 1/2 years ago. Yes, it is me:
The next picture was just taken Friday night at the Leoti fair. It's of my daughter and myself. I'm the one on the left...obviously. I just have to share the difference that 40 pounds makes.
Yes, in 2 1/2 years I have lost 40 pounds. I was just looking at pictures of me earlier tonight and I almost didn't believe myself that it was the same person. That and I'm so proud of myself for staying dedicated to losing weight and getting healthy.
Scott keeps telling me that even though he has loved me the whole time we have been married, he does like to see me taking care of myself like this a little better than I used to.
I know it's not easy, but I've done it. I still have a little ways to go...and obviously these pictures are just of my face, but I'm shocked by the difference in just the shape of my face.
I hope this might inspire someone to be motivated to do that something in your life that you want to do but haven't done. It doesn't have to be losing weight (that's a personal choice). But maybe there's something you've always dreamed of doing, and something else always stands in your way and you back down from your dream.
I want you to know right here and now, that you need to stand up, dream your dream some more, and then make it happen. Stick with it until you've conquered it.
Now that you've had your motivational speech for today, I challenge you to share what your dream is...and I'll support you 150% in whatever you want to do. Come on....you can do it!!!!!
Below, I have two pictures. I just have to share the difference. The first picture is 2 1/2 years ago. Yes, it is me:
The next picture was just taken Friday night at the Leoti fair. It's of my daughter and myself. I'm the one on the left...obviously. I just have to share the difference that 40 pounds makes.
Yes, in 2 1/2 years I have lost 40 pounds. I was just looking at pictures of me earlier tonight and I almost didn't believe myself that it was the same person. That and I'm so proud of myself for staying dedicated to losing weight and getting healthy.
Scott keeps telling me that even though he has loved me the whole time we have been married, he does like to see me taking care of myself like this a little better than I used to.
I know it's not easy, but I've done it. I still have a little ways to go...and obviously these pictures are just of my face, but I'm shocked by the difference in just the shape of my face.
I hope this might inspire someone to be motivated to do that something in your life that you want to do but haven't done. It doesn't have to be losing weight (that's a personal choice). But maybe there's something you've always dreamed of doing, and something else always stands in your way and you back down from your dream.
I want you to know right here and now, that you need to stand up, dream your dream some more, and then make it happen. Stick with it until you've conquered it.
Now that you've had your motivational speech for today, I challenge you to share what your dream is...and I'll support you 150% in whatever you want to do. Come on....you can do it!!!!!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
More life changes
So, it's been awhile. Summer gets busy and especially now when it's close to school starting up again. Can you believe it's just a couple more weeks?
We have something new possibly happening in our lives. We kept saying we wouldn't do this if we had Martie in the house...and look at us now. We are working on getting it done. What am I talking about? Getting a foreign exchange student.
It's not for sure yet. In fact we should find out by tomorrow if the girl wants to come to our small town. Martie is so excited. She's ready to have a "sister" in the house with her.
The girl we picked is from Norway. So it will be interesting to learn about her culture. And I hope she enjoys learning about our way of life. I think it will be a great learning experience for all of us. And of course Scott and I vowed we would not have another teenager in our house....I guess that's what happens when you say "never".
So, I'll keep you all posted on the possible new member of the "Musical Soodsmas".
What's another life change? Well, this one isn't for certain. It depends on how gutsy I get. I want to, but sometimes I get a little scared of failing. But I guess the only certain way of failing is not trying at all.
I love scrapbooking. It's my release from life and it gets my creative juices flowing. I love to watch the pages turn from nothing to something beautiful.
I want to create pages or even books to sell on e-bay or locally or wherever. But more than that I would like to offer a service for those people who have boxes of photos that are not even sorted. I would like to charge a fee for helping them sort thru their photos, and if they would like me to, I can scrapbook them personally. That is if they don't like to or have the time to scrapbook themselves, and don't want just a generic pre-made scrapbook.
This is something I have done for my mom. She likes to have scrapbooks of her photos, but she's not really into (and doesn't have the time to) scrapbook them herself. We have sat down and organized the photos. She tells me what they are (if I'm not certain) and then I get the supplies and scrapbook it all for her.
Now, of course for her I do it for free because I never thought of doing it as a business. And maybe it won't even work to do that as a business. I mean, maybe people won't want someone else scrapbooking their stuff. But boy would it be the perfect job for me. I can stay at home, and set aside certain times of the day and just scrapbook my heart away.
I guess if there's anyone out there that reads this that has a comment about whether or not this business would work, let me know. I will at least try to sell pre-made books and pages on e-bay and stuff if nothing else.
Who knows, maybe this is the start to a great booming business.....or maybe it's just me dreaming a dream. I guess we'll see.
So now that I've updated you all on how the "Musical Soodsmas" are doing and what's happening...I guess I'm done here for now. I hope to get some feedback about my new venture.
God bless you all. Remember how much He loves you!
We have something new possibly happening in our lives. We kept saying we wouldn't do this if we had Martie in the house...and look at us now. We are working on getting it done. What am I talking about? Getting a foreign exchange student.
It's not for sure yet. In fact we should find out by tomorrow if the girl wants to come to our small town. Martie is so excited. She's ready to have a "sister" in the house with her.
The girl we picked is from Norway. So it will be interesting to learn about her culture. And I hope she enjoys learning about our way of life. I think it will be a great learning experience for all of us. And of course Scott and I vowed we would not have another teenager in our house....I guess that's what happens when you say "never".
So, I'll keep you all posted on the possible new member of the "Musical Soodsmas".
What's another life change? Well, this one isn't for certain. It depends on how gutsy I get. I want to, but sometimes I get a little scared of failing. But I guess the only certain way of failing is not trying at all.
I love scrapbooking. It's my release from life and it gets my creative juices flowing. I love to watch the pages turn from nothing to something beautiful.
I want to create pages or even books to sell on e-bay or locally or wherever. But more than that I would like to offer a service for those people who have boxes of photos that are not even sorted. I would like to charge a fee for helping them sort thru their photos, and if they would like me to, I can scrapbook them personally. That is if they don't like to or have the time to scrapbook themselves, and don't want just a generic pre-made scrapbook.
This is something I have done for my mom. She likes to have scrapbooks of her photos, but she's not really into (and doesn't have the time to) scrapbook them herself. We have sat down and organized the photos. She tells me what they are (if I'm not certain) and then I get the supplies and scrapbook it all for her.
Now, of course for her I do it for free because I never thought of doing it as a business. And maybe it won't even work to do that as a business. I mean, maybe people won't want someone else scrapbooking their stuff. But boy would it be the perfect job for me. I can stay at home, and set aside certain times of the day and just scrapbook my heart away.
I guess if there's anyone out there that reads this that has a comment about whether or not this business would work, let me know. I will at least try to sell pre-made books and pages on e-bay and stuff if nothing else.
Who knows, maybe this is the start to a great booming business.....or maybe it's just me dreaming a dream. I guess we'll see.
So now that I've updated you all on how the "Musical Soodsmas" are doing and what's happening...I guess I'm done here for now. I hope to get some feedback about my new venture.
God bless you all. Remember how much He loves you!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Stevens Park
So this Sunday I am doing another Stevens Park Concert. I've been doing these concerts for like 10 years (I can't even remember exactly when my first one was). They are so much fun. It's so informal and there are those who do come just to listen, but for others they come and eat a picnic supper, play football or frisbee, and I'm just the background music.
I enjoy it so much. There's no explaining what it's like on stage while I'm singing. It's like there's this connection between me and the audience that would normally not be there. Depending on the situation and the songs I'm singing, it's almost as if sometimes I can feel what some people in the audience are feeling.
The strangest example I have of that (well, to me it was strange at the time) was the first time I sang the song I wrote (He Loves You) in public. It was at the end of what our youth group called "Yes Night". Which is just a praise night for teens.
I felt led to share the song with the group, but did not want to be pushy about it. So I prayed that if God really wanted me to share it that He open up the door to do so. Not more than just a few minutes later the youth leader asked if there was anyone who felt led to share something.
I hesitated for just a moment before raising my hand. Since my youth leader was the one who helped write the background music for the song, it was perfect. I went up there, told him what I wanted to do and he agreed that the song needed to be shared.
While I was singing it, there was a girl in the front row. She started crying when she heard my first verse and cried through the rest of the song. When I looked at her my heart broke, and then the weird part happened. It's like God opened her heart up and I was able to see it. I saw all the hurt, all the pain, all the emotions. It was almost overwhelming as I stood there singing and at the same time was singing to her pain.
I know some of you may not understand what in the world I'm talking about, but as I got used to it, I find it a regular part of my singing now. I've come to know that it's a gift the God has given me, a gift to feel other's pain and to try to communicate with them by the language of song.
Even if I'm never famous for singing, I feel (and should always remember to feel) blessed that God has given me this gift. He will allow me to touch whoever He wants me to touch. so today that's my prayer. That God will bring to Stevens Park, those who need a touch from Him. And I pray that I would be an open and willing vessel to speak His love to those who need it the most.
God bless!
I enjoy it so much. There's no explaining what it's like on stage while I'm singing. It's like there's this connection between me and the audience that would normally not be there. Depending on the situation and the songs I'm singing, it's almost as if sometimes I can feel what some people in the audience are feeling.
The strangest example I have of that (well, to me it was strange at the time) was the first time I sang the song I wrote (He Loves You) in public. It was at the end of what our youth group called "Yes Night". Which is just a praise night for teens.
I felt led to share the song with the group, but did not want to be pushy about it. So I prayed that if God really wanted me to share it that He open up the door to do so. Not more than just a few minutes later the youth leader asked if there was anyone who felt led to share something.
I hesitated for just a moment before raising my hand. Since my youth leader was the one who helped write the background music for the song, it was perfect. I went up there, told him what I wanted to do and he agreed that the song needed to be shared.
While I was singing it, there was a girl in the front row. She started crying when she heard my first verse and cried through the rest of the song. When I looked at her my heart broke, and then the weird part happened. It's like God opened her heart up and I was able to see it. I saw all the hurt, all the pain, all the emotions. It was almost overwhelming as I stood there singing and at the same time was singing to her pain.
I know some of you may not understand what in the world I'm talking about, but as I got used to it, I find it a regular part of my singing now. I've come to know that it's a gift the God has given me, a gift to feel other's pain and to try to communicate with them by the language of song.
Even if I'm never famous for singing, I feel (and should always remember to feel) blessed that God has given me this gift. He will allow me to touch whoever He wants me to touch. so today that's my prayer. That God will bring to Stevens Park, those who need a touch from Him. And I pray that I would be an open and willing vessel to speak His love to those who need it the most.
God bless!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Song for the week
I haven't done a song of the week for awhile. So here it goes once again. The song of the week. I picked one that I'm singing next week at my concert at Stevens Park. It's an oldie but a goodie. I've been singing this song since I was in high school, but it's been a few years since I've had it out and worked on it. With some of the things that I've been through recently, this song spoke to me tonight as we were coming home from my in-laws. You will have to just read the words and maybe you can look up the song on i-tunes or some other internet program that allows you to listen to songs. It's a good one. And it's true for me...He's my Adonai!
Adonai
One single drop of rain
Your salty tear became blue ocean
One tiny grain of sand turning in your hand
A world in motion
You're out beyond the furthest Morning Star
Close enough to hold me in Your arms
AdoniaI life up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are the Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
One timid faithful know
Resounds up the Rock of Ages
One trembling heart and sould
Becomes a servant bold and courageous
You call across the mountains and the seas
I answer from the deepest part of me
AdoniaI life up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are the Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
From age to age you reign in Majesty
And today You're making miracles in me.
AdoniaI life up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are the Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
Is He Your Adonai??
Adonai
One single drop of rain
Your salty tear became blue ocean
One tiny grain of sand turning in your hand
A world in motion
You're out beyond the furthest Morning Star
Close enough to hold me in Your arms
AdoniaI life up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are the Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
One timid faithful know
Resounds up the Rock of Ages
One trembling heart and sould
Becomes a servant bold and courageous
You call across the mountains and the seas
I answer from the deepest part of me
AdoniaI life up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are the Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
From age to age you reign in Majesty
And today You're making miracles in me.
AdoniaI life up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are the Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
Is He Your Adonai??
Monday, July 5, 2010
Colgate Country Showdown
I am so excited to be able to post this one. More excited than I've ever been. I have now entered a talent contest that should be so much fun. It's called the Colgate Country Showdown.
What is this talent show?
It starts at the local level (which for me is actually an hour away). This one is this coming saturday (July 10). I get to sing a song (for 5 judges) and they will judge me on talent, stage presence, and things like that. I was told there are 8 contestants at this level, so I'm one of 8. (not too bad for my chances, right??)
If I win that level I would perform at the state level (which is actually at the fair in the same town that I'm competing at the local level). The prize for that is $1,000.
If for some reason I make it past that level, I will go to regionals (don't know where they are at the moment).
If I win at the regional level, then I make it to nationals (which I think are in Orlando, Florida...Awesome!)
The winner of the national competition is the winner overall. This performance is on radio, internet, and possibly tv (I think). The winner of the whole thing gets $100,000. Plus a lot of publicity (even if you don't win).
I'm doing a Martina McBride song "Ride" which is one of her newer ones. I'm excited because it's a fun song to sing, and I get to practice having a bunch of energy on stage.
In fact right before I came downstairs to blog, I was working on this song for an hour. Just singing it over and over again working on stage presence.
I didn't realize how much energy you really have to have on stage for it to look good, really good. (I've always just been kind of average I think). Stage presence has always been something I know I need to work on, so I'm working really hard this week so I can look and sound really good.
I'm hoping to be able to video-tape it and maybe even put it on here or on facebook. We'll see how it goes.
I guess I better go. I'm a little tired and I'm ready for a good night's sleep. I plan to work on my "energy" for a few hours tomorrow.
Love ya'll and God bless you!
***Update....I did not make it past the first level. Let me tell you that there were some really good singers even at this level. I plan to try again next year. For now I'll keep singing where I'm at.
Loves to all!
What is this talent show?
It starts at the local level (which for me is actually an hour away). This one is this coming saturday (July 10). I get to sing a song (for 5 judges) and they will judge me on talent, stage presence, and things like that. I was told there are 8 contestants at this level, so I'm one of 8. (not too bad for my chances, right??)
If I win that level I would perform at the state level (which is actually at the fair in the same town that I'm competing at the local level). The prize for that is $1,000.
If for some reason I make it past that level, I will go to regionals (don't know where they are at the moment).
If I win at the regional level, then I make it to nationals (which I think are in Orlando, Florida...Awesome!)
The winner of the national competition is the winner overall. This performance is on radio, internet, and possibly tv (I think). The winner of the whole thing gets $100,000. Plus a lot of publicity (even if you don't win).
I'm doing a Martina McBride song "Ride" which is one of her newer ones. I'm excited because it's a fun song to sing, and I get to practice having a bunch of energy on stage.
In fact right before I came downstairs to blog, I was working on this song for an hour. Just singing it over and over again working on stage presence.
I didn't realize how much energy you really have to have on stage for it to look good, really good. (I've always just been kind of average I think). Stage presence has always been something I know I need to work on, so I'm working really hard this week so I can look and sound really good.
I'm hoping to be able to video-tape it and maybe even put it on here or on facebook. We'll see how it goes.
I guess I better go. I'm a little tired and I'm ready for a good night's sleep. I plan to work on my "energy" for a few hours tomorrow.
Love ya'll and God bless you!
***Update....I did not make it past the first level. Let me tell you that there were some really good singers even at this level. I plan to try again next year. For now I'll keep singing where I'm at.
Loves to all!
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