Thursday, September 29, 2011

Chicago Trip

Beers on the Rooftop!

Molly's Cupcakes...YUM



Turtle Races

Hat/Trendy Day

The Bean, Millenium Park



Chicago Style Hot Dog

Fancy Girls!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Getting back on the Workout Wagon

Okay, so I admit I haven't been serious about working out since I finished my 1/2 marathon.  Yes - it was in April and now it is September.  I guess now is a better time then ever to get back on the workout wagon.  Last night I hit up the gym and hopped on the treadmill and wow!  I felt like I was dragging a bus behind me, and keep in mind just 6 months ago a 3 mile run was just a warm up.  I made it two miles and then I had to start actual work at the gym (I am a desk manager).  I was exhausted!

I am almost certain one of the worst feelings in the world is feeling out of shape.  It is so difficult to get motivated and even more difficult to actually exercise because when you do you are so out of breath and sore.  I think the most difficult thing for me is motivation.  I have no problem making it to the gym when I have motivation, for example...my wedding.  I had every reason to get to the gym because I knew I wanted to be a beautiful fit bride.  Then I started signing up for races and that was my new motivation. 

This is a terrible time to feel like I am lacking motivation because the number of races, 5K's, 10K's are dwindling and I decided that in the near future I want to stick to shorter races so 1/2 marathons are off the list.  I better figure something out!  It is too bad "being healthy and loving myself" don't get me motivated, because I love myself whether I am pumping iron at the gym or polishing off the last oreo cookie!

What motivates you to stay fit and hit the gym?

Julie

PS.  On another note...stay tuned for pictures from my recent trip to Chicago!

Friday, September 16, 2011

Quick Update...don't get your hopes up.

Happy Friday Everyone!  Not that anybody is waiting at the edge of their seats or anything, but I wanted to update you about my doctors appointment on August 31st to discuss our options for..."what next" in my battle (at least that is what it feels like) against infertility.

I asked Dick if he would come along with me and he had the day off so he could come.  We got to the appointment on time, but since they have a new computer system they seemed backed up, not that anybody mentioned that we needed to expect a wait.  So we sat in the waiting room and watched countless 7-8 months along pregnant women bustle in and out.  Oddly none of them looked happy or excited.  This was odd to me.  I guess going to the doctor is never an exciting thing and I don't know their story so maybe I should just shut up.  One that really stuck out in my mind was this had to be 16-18 year old girl who was so pregnant she looked like she was going to fall forward with how small she was and how big her belly was.  She was just strutting around the reception room back and forth between what I assume was her boyfriend and the front desk lady.  The boyfriend did not look at all happy to be there.

Such wonderful blessings these people have been given and not one of them seemed happy about it.  Then again, I shouldn't judge because I don't know their situation, but it is hard not to.  Anyways, the deal is we waited about 45 minutes and finally about the time we were ready to find out what was going on.  They called my name and we went back.  I tried to plead my case about the pills and how moody, bipolar and crazy they made me, but she reasoned with me that everything seemed to be getting on a regular cycle and getting through this will all be worth it.  I had to agree.  Three more months on the pills, the tracking, timing everything out and then we will discuss what we want to do.  She is going to recommend IUI.  I said, I hope we don't need it.  The end.

I am looking forward to a nice weekend away to do a little hunting (opening bow hunting season), spending time with the in-laws, and preparing yet another naive young woman to join the MRS. GOSS club.  (Kate if you are reading this that is only a joke ;)

Julie

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Red or White?



Great friends, great wine! 1950's theme night!
  This post is to all my "wino" friends!  I have decided to begin a quest to transition myself from a white wine drinker to a red wine drinker.  Why?  I don't know, maybe because it seems more sophisticated, I have heard it is healthier, well I guess I don't really know why!

Anyways, I was reading on Wine Lover's Web Page that many American's bascially grew up drinking and eating things that have been artificially sweetened and that is why when we drink wine we generally prefer white.  This makes sense!  I like my sweet white wine cold (another thing they mention is that we generally prefer drinks cold.)  I remember traveling overseas one thing I always noticed is that they never put ice in anything.  So this also makes sense.  The main thing that really was helpful in this post was that you aren't supposed to compare the experience of drinking white wine to drinking red wine.  Ah-ha!  I don't have to be a "red" only I can be both!  It is like comparing iced coffee to green tea.  They both have caffeine, but they are two completely different drinks!   You see where I am going with this.

Okay so where to get started?  The first thing I would like to do is get to know my red wines and why they are different and maybe find something that can get me started in the "reds".  Most people don't start drinking their coffee black right?  Now I need your help.  If anyone can recommend a nice red that is not too dry, but a serious "red" wine (not just a fruity, red in color wine) for a red wine drinker I am all ears.  I don't want to just make a guess and end up disappointed.

Any other advice is much appreciated.  I also want to share a good website for all you Wisconsin wine drinkers out there.  This is the homepage for the Wineries of Wisconsin: http://www.wiswine.com/.  There is nothing like a good wine tasting!

Don't forget to leave your comment below or on my facebook page!

Julie

Monday, September 5, 2011

Oh Fall...I love you!

Okay, so it isn't officially fall, but it kind of feels like it doesn't it?  Many of you who know me, know that I love to decorate this time of the year.  It is kind of dorky, I know, but I know there are others out there.  I've actually had discussions over santa vs snowmen and scarecrows vs spooky.  Anyways...here are some of the things I put up over the weekend...




My reading corner.

New oil warmer.

A few kitchen updates.


Okay, okay maybe I am a little out of control, but I think there are things that are worse than being really hyped up about fall.  Anyways, I had a great weekend and got a lot done.  Bosko and Lady made sure to stick by my side all weekend until they had no energy left :). 

Happy Labor Day Weekend everyone and Happy Fall!!!


Julie

The Chickee La La's

It took us years of discussion to finally pull the trigger on being "Chicken People".  Let me tell you why, our dog Lady has Cock...