My New Diaper

I bought my first pair of padded bike shorts this weekend. It was certainly an investment but one I was finally ready to make. After 25 miles on Saturday and a very sore rear, I decided it was time. The shorts really enhanced my ride this morning. I feel like I'm waddling around in a diaper because of all the padding but the shorts sure make a difference in comfort.

Here's the specifics:
The hardworking Pearl Izumi Quest Cycling Short is made to keep you cool, comfortable, and streamlined on the road. Made with signature Pearl Izumi Sensor fabric, a complex blend of 72 percent nylon, 28 percent spandex, the shorts wick moisture away from the body to the outer layer for easy evaporation. Featuring a 6 panel ergonomic design, the shorts are made to fit just right for riding, and with the supportive 08' 3D Pro Chamois you will have all the contoured padding you need for a comfortable seat.

The 9.25-inch inseam shorts have comfortable spandex leg grippers to keep the hem just where you want it and the seams are flatlock stitched for zero chafing to the skin. This simple short features superior workmanship, high-performance fabric on both the short and chamois, and ideal design for a perfect fit road short.


I also decided it was time to move up to clip in pedals for my bike. I've been riding clipped in during Spin class for a while. I thought I could live without clip-ins for my roadbike but it's not the case. I'm tired of spending so my energy on my feet rather than my legs.

Here's the specifics:
These are great pedals for the price. Why buy anything else Shimano pedals hold up better than other brands. This is a great pedal for your bike clips on both sides . PD-M501 technology with great cost-to-performance ratio. Open binding design, 8mm hex key mounting. They have a alloy body Includes SH-51 cleats SPD compatable Cro-mo Axle.

I was reflecting on my evolution of biking on the way home. I started spinning three years ago. Two years ago I bought my first pair of spin shoes. This year I bought my first bike. Then I bought padded shorts and pedals. I wonder what's next in the evolution. Gloves?

I am absolutely having a blast riding outside. The only drawback is the possible extra girth it's adding to my thighs. I need to ask Jessica or Kendra if that's a possible reason or perhaps that's just my attempt to rationalize.

My New Favorite Thing

I discovered something new this weekend - Yoplait Thick & Creamy Light Yogurt in Cinnamon Roll flavor.

Oh my goodness - let's just say it's *very* delicious and I should have purchased more than one container. I'll definitely need to go back to Target as they are on sale 10 for $5 this week. It's like eating a gigantic cinnamon roll. Okay not exactly like a cinnamon roll but the closest you can come without wearing the nourishment on your hips.

I also tried the Light Boston Creme Pie and that's equally as yummy.

I've never been a fan of Yoplait because it's more calories and less quanity than the Archer Farms or Dannon Light counterparts. The 20-30 calories and smaller portion are well worth the trade-off.

Delish!

Fulton Street Artisans Market

Patti came to visit me this weekend.

As usual, time went by really fast and we had a lot of fun. I was a little overwhelmed at first because she kept talking and talking and talking. It had been a while since she came to visit so I think she was making up for lost time! I feel so lucky to be living in the same state as her and able to see her on a fairly regular basis.

Her energy level is amazing! At one point, I put my hands on her shoulders and said "calm down". We both started laughing SO hard. It was like she was a kid in a toy store or something!

Today we ventured to the Fulton Street Artisans Market. It's held every Sunday at the farmers market and features arts and crafts of all types - go figure, right? I went earlier this summer and had a blast. After telling my mom about my finds, she wanted in on the fun.

A Window into Whimsy was selling checkbook covers. Very basic and easy to make - makes me think I should get a sewing machiene! Take cardstock, put contact paper over it and sew. For just $3, I have a new checkbook cover. I'm not sure how long it will last but the seller said she has been using hers for two months.

One booth was selling hula-hoops. The seller was very eager to have us test them out, so we did! My mom has a hula-hoop contest at work this week, so I guess this is her warm-up for the big contest. They were made of pipe and had water in them to help them propel. I don't have a real need for one but highly suggest these if you're in the market.

I bought a keyfob. It's a Vera Bradley print [made with her napkins, since they don't sell the fabric] and I'm in love! What's interesting is the seller can verbally tell the shoppers it's a Vera Bradley fabric but she can't advertise it in print because of copyright laws. Regardless, I have a spiffy new keychain for Roxy.

Loving Life

These tidbits were shared with me via a forward via e-mail. I detest forwards. Something made me stop and read this one. I'm so glad I did. These were apparently written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio, as she turned 90.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second=2 0one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingeri e. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life.. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

If #42 is true, I'm one lucky girl. I really don't know how that can be true. I've been humbled by my blessings this week.

Things about my yard that make me smile

In no particular order, here are a few recent photos of my yard that make me smile.

My power washed and newly water protected deck. Those water droplets almost look like the promotional photos for Thompson's water proofing. My backyard needs some TLC and will eventually need a new deck. I'm not sure when that will be in the budget or on the agenda but in the meantime, I'll prolong the life of the deck with a sealant.

My flower themed flower pot from Kim. She surprised me with it this spring. I love it!


My baby fern in the front yard. It's actually quite full this summer but the leaves are so tiny and petite. I just love it. I almost want to split it and put 1/2 of it someplace else but will wait until next year to see how big it grows.

This is one of my absolute favorite things about my yard - my flowerbed with impatiens. I put in 1 1/2 flats on Memorial Day weekend and BOOM they exploded! I need to keep this photo handy for mid-February when I question why I live in Michigan.

What are your favorite things in your yard or surroundings?

Lemongrass Home

I had the chance to visit one of my favorite shops in Grand Haven last week - Lemongrass Home. It's a quaint store and there's always something new to see. I found a pretty useful decoration and organization device when I was there in May. It's a basic wire rack with loops to hold stuff. I've made use of it in my home office by displaying photos, holding wedding invites to summer weddings, storing important coupons [free movie ticket!] etc.

I discovered their strawberries and pink champagne candles in May. I decided to forgo the purchase but have been wanting the candles ever since. Mission accomplished! The candles, even when not burning, make my living room smell so inviting. Hopefully I won't burn through this set and will have them for a shower I'm hosting in mid-August.

Lemongrass Home ranks in my top three favorite small town stores. I'm looking forward to exploring the Life is Good store in Petoskey in a few weeks, also in the top 3.

What's your favorite small town store?

*Here's a link to the site http://www.lemongrasshomegh.com/

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

It's a little odd to be writing about food in this post since my last post was about my independance from food but since it's a lifelong journey, I'll let myself do it.

I ventured up to Gaylord for the Kurt-extravaganza. They always have some sort of delicacy [Niles Special Cake, Fruit Salsa or Gazpacho to name a few...] so I figured I better bring my own creation to ensure my acceptance into the group. I think it just may have worked! Here's the recipe for you to try on your own crowds.

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (17-ounce) package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 large avocado, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper

Directions
Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl.
Cover and chill overnight.
Taste and add salt, pepper or more lime juice as necessary.
Serve with tortilla chips as an appetizer or with grilled chicken breast as a meal.

I suggest serving with the tortilla strips from Costco.

Use it or Lose It

Tomorrow marks my three year anniversary of adopting an active, healthy lifestyle.

I can't believe it's been three years since I started this journey. Some days are a breeze. Some days are challenging. Some days are a downright struggle. Regardless, I keep going. I finally accepted and realized my struggle with food, weight etc. would be a lifelong venture three years ago.

My mom shared the following quote with me recently and it supports the notion I'll never be done.

"You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it"
- Margaret Thatcher

Weight management is a battle for me. But it's one battle I'm going to keep fighting.

I had the opportunity to hear Kendra speak at the public dedication of the Spoelhof Center at Calvin College this winter. Since the facility is athletic in nature, it only made sense to have one of its shining alumni speak at the ceremony. Tidbits from Kendra's speech that day still resonate with me and guide me through this journey...

"Health is one choice at a time"

"Daily choices equal better health"

"We must be good stewards of ourselves"

She pointed out God gave us the gift of life. It's up to us to use our body to the fullest. Not a day goes by when I don't have to think about what I'm going to eat, how much I've eaten etc. The energy and effort it takes is sometimes exhausting but is necessary for me to be a good steward of the body He gave me, and gave me a second chance at.

I've had the opportunity to really dive into my relationship with food the past three months. I've uncovered some crazy stuff, deep rooted patterns/behaviors. It's tough finding out what I'm finding out but I have faith it will be worth it in the end.

Here's to another year of my journey. May you be a good steward of your body too. We have one chance at life. I made the decision to take control before my health took control of me. If today finds you in a similar situation, I encourage you to do the same.

As I said in my Healthy Lifestyles speech at work about two years ago, "life is still life, days are still stressful, there's never enough money, not enough time - you name it. But it sure is a heck of a lot easier carrying around fewer pounds".