**posted by Kyle
One of the cool things about losing poundage is that eventually, your fat clothes don't fit anymore. Between this, and the fact that I have been rotating between the same three pairs of dress pants for about two years now, I decided to go get some new clothes for my upcoming business trips. I am happy to report that I have finally been able to move from the "Big and Tall" section of the store to the "regular" section of the store when it comes to selecting pants. As the kids say these days, "Woot, Woot!"
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The I Don’t Care Bear
****Posted by Nicole
Today is a dangerous day because I don’t quite care what I put in my mouth. I don’t care if it’s cookies or fruit, I just want to be satisfied and not think about it. Dangerous words my friends. Pray that what I come across today is healthy and not greasy or fatty and that I stop before I am too full.
This could be a rough one....
Today is a dangerous day because I don’t quite care what I put in my mouth. I don’t care if it’s cookies or fruit, I just want to be satisfied and not think about it. Dangerous words my friends. Pray that what I come across today is healthy and not greasy or fatty and that I stop before I am too full. This could be a rough one....
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Thrill of the Grill
***Posted by Kyle
Anyone who knows me for about 30 seconds knows that I love anything dealing with grilling or BBQ-ing meat. I love standing by the grill (or sitting by the smoker), even when it's wickedly hot outside, with a cool beverage in hand, creating a perfect crust on the muscle matter of a dead pig, cow, chicken, fish, or any other animal really. This grilling obsession is fairly ninja friendly, too. As long as you don't eat too much of the high-fat stuff, its a healthy way to cook.
Recently, however, this activity has been more out of necessity. A couple of weeks ago, our oven went beserk. I'm serious- it started making all sorts of beeps (I think it was yelling at me), and then just won't turn on. It still makes a random beep every couple of hours, just to let us know that the demon is still inside of it. So, this has caused us to use the grill much more often, which is fine except that sometimes you need that warm oven.
I want my oven back.
Anyone who knows me for about 30 seconds knows that I love anything dealing with grilling or BBQ-ing meat. I love standing by the grill (or sitting by the smoker), even when it's wickedly hot outside, with a cool beverage in hand, creating a perfect crust on the muscle matter of a dead pig, cow, chicken, fish, or any other animal really. This grilling obsession is fairly ninja friendly, too. As long as you don't eat too much of the high-fat stuff, its a healthy way to cook.
Recently, however, this activity has been more out of necessity. A couple of weeks ago, our oven went beserk. I'm serious- it started making all sorts of beeps (I think it was yelling at me), and then just won't turn on. It still makes a random beep every couple of hours, just to let us know that the demon is still inside of it. So, this has caused us to use the grill much more often, which is fine except that sometimes you need that warm oven.
I want my oven back.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Fighting the Boredom Hunger Monster
***Posted by Kyle
This is one of those days where there is a bit of "down time" at the new office- I don't have anyone else here, and the bulk of my phone calls are done for the day. The problem with this situation is one that I have dealt with for years- I get bored, so I want to eat. I have already had a sandwich for lunch, but all I can think about is heading down to O'Aces Bar and Grill, and getting one of their patty melts. I even caught myself wandering around the office, headed towards the kitchen area, just to get up and moving.
So, if you are one of those people who tends to eat when you are a little bit bored, stay strong- I'm here fighting the fight with you!
This is one of those days where there is a bit of "down time" at the new office- I don't have anyone else here, and the bulk of my phone calls are done for the day. The problem with this situation is one that I have dealt with for years- I get bored, so I want to eat. I have already had a sandwich for lunch, but all I can think about is heading down to O'Aces Bar and Grill, and getting one of their patty melts. I even caught myself wandering around the office, headed towards the kitchen area, just to get up and moving.
So, if you are one of those people who tends to eat when you are a little bit bored, stay strong- I'm here fighting the fight with you!
Attack of the killer tomatoes!!!
****Posted by Nicole
This is me being attacked by the biggest freaken tomato plant ever. I was checking on the garden last night and the plants have gotten so big that Kyle couldn't see me.
No worries, the gnome saved me
The funny thing about it is that this mammoth of a plant has one tomato on it and it’s all gnarly and weird…
Can you see me on the left? I’m not even sure this is a tomato plant anymore!
The other plants seem to be doing very well. The basil and cilantro are out of control and we've gotten some jalapenos and tiny sweet peppers. This picture was taken of the basil after Kyle harvested most of it. We did get some little pear tomatoes for dinner last night and I got to eat my first fresh tomato and basil salad! Yum!
This is me being attacked by the biggest freaken tomato plant ever. I was checking on the garden last night and the plants have gotten so big that Kyle couldn't see me.
No worries, the gnome saved me
The funny thing about it is that this mammoth of a plant has one tomato on it and it’s all gnarly and weird…
Can you see me on the left? I’m not even sure this is a tomato plant anymore!
The other plants seem to be doing very well. The basil and cilantro are out of control and we've gotten some jalapenos and tiny sweet peppers. This picture was taken of the basil after Kyle harvested most of it. We did get some little pear tomatoes for dinner last night and I got to eat my first fresh tomato and basil salad! Yum!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Gigantic, Colossal, Massive Tomatoes!!!
****Posted by Nicole
The tomato plants that Kyle and our friend Kelly planted so many weeks ago are starting to produce already! Check out our first three tomatoes, they’re huge! I’ve never seen them so large before....
I mean, these suckers have to win a contest or something....
Ugh…. Okay, so maybe they are only cherry tomatoes and next to a regular sized tomato seem a little tiny, but man they were huge in taste! :) We put them in our eggs on Saturday and rather enjoyed them. I’ve heard that by the 4th of July we should be in tomato overflow so if yall want the extras that we can’t eat you place your orders now!
The tomato plants that Kyle and our friend Kelly planted so many weeks ago are starting to produce already! Check out our first three tomatoes, they’re huge! I’ve never seen them so large before....
I mean, these suckers have to win a contest or something....
Ugh…. Okay, so maybe they are only cherry tomatoes and next to a regular sized tomato seem a little tiny, but man they were huge in taste! :) We put them in our eggs on Saturday and rather enjoyed them. I’ve heard that by the 4th of July we should be in tomato overflow so if yall want the extras that we can’t eat you place your orders now!
Back in the Dojo
****Posted by Kyle
I'm not going to say that I missed the dojo. In fact, when I went down there today to work out, I winced a little. I had been in this spot before- trying to get back into an exercise routine. It was still a short enough time frame that I remembered what I could do regarding push-ups, bike, punching bag, etc but long enough that I had lost a step. I jumped on the bike, thinking "oh, no problem- surely I haven't lost that much stamina." Wrong again, bucko. Where I used to do five sets of intervals on the bike as a warm up, I felt like my heart was going to leap out of my chest after three this morning. Oh well, that's what I get for taking a month off, right? Bummer.
Food-wise, I will let Nicole cover what is going on with our garden. Remember Little Shop of Horrors? I'm fairly certain that plant lives in our yard.
Keep it up Ninjas- good to hear that Hollie, Chuck, Kimberly, and my folks are all back in the healthy saddle again. Also, let me give a shout out to Mark- his doctor told him to drop some weight, and to lower his cholesterol. We're rooting for you, man!
Peace.
I'm not going to say that I missed the dojo. In fact, when I went down there today to work out, I winced a little. I had been in this spot before- trying to get back into an exercise routine. It was still a short enough time frame that I remembered what I could do regarding push-ups, bike, punching bag, etc but long enough that I had lost a step. I jumped on the bike, thinking "oh, no problem- surely I haven't lost that much stamina." Wrong again, bucko. Where I used to do five sets of intervals on the bike as a warm up, I felt like my heart was going to leap out of my chest after three this morning. Oh well, that's what I get for taking a month off, right? Bummer.
Food-wise, I will let Nicole cover what is going on with our garden. Remember Little Shop of Horrors? I'm fairly certain that plant lives in our yard.
Keep it up Ninjas- good to hear that Hollie, Chuck, Kimberly, and my folks are all back in the healthy saddle again. Also, let me give a shout out to Mark- his doctor told him to drop some weight, and to lower his cholesterol. We're rooting for you, man!
Peace.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
A Creepy Red Robin, and a Movie sans Mike and Ikes
***Posted by Kyle
Last night, Nicole had a headache, and wasn't feeling well. Some of us guys went out to dinner and to a movie (A Team- I highly recommend it, especially if you like explosions). We headed to Red Robin for dinner. Part of the highlights of this joint included watching some poor sap dressed up like the robin, scaring the crap out of little kids, and a high school cheerleader with a baby- good stuff. I decided to forgo the 1400 caloric disaster of a burger, and get a salad with salmon. Blech.
We then headed to the movies. Let me say that this was a struggle for me. I'm the guy at the movie that spends half my paycheck at the dang concessions counter. I usually roll in with a XXXXXL Mountain Dew, a big ol' popcorn, and a 6 lb box of Mike and Ikes. Not this time, fellow ninjas. Not a dime was spent.
I'm almost mortified- you mean I can make it through a movie without snacks? Dang.
Last night, Nicole had a headache, and wasn't feeling well. Some of us guys went out to dinner and to a movie (A Team- I highly recommend it, especially if you like explosions). We headed to Red Robin for dinner. Part of the highlights of this joint included watching some poor sap dressed up like the robin, scaring the crap out of little kids, and a high school cheerleader with a baby- good stuff. I decided to forgo the 1400 caloric disaster of a burger, and get a salad with salmon. Blech.
We then headed to the movies. Let me say that this was a struggle for me. I'm the guy at the movie that spends half my paycheck at the dang concessions counter. I usually roll in with a XXXXXL Mountain Dew, a big ol' popcorn, and a 6 lb box of Mike and Ikes. Not this time, fellow ninjas. Not a dime was spent.
I'm almost mortified- you mean I can make it through a movie without snacks? Dang.
Def Con 4
****Posted by Nicole
My head still hurts. I’ve had this headache for at least three days now and yesterday it reached def con 4. (5 being the highest when it makes me pray to the porcelain gods) All I could do last night was lay on the couch in a Tylenol PM coma and there was so much that I could have been doing. I've learned through the years that I have to listen to my body and rest when it tells me to. So I’m praying that it will subside today and I can carry on with my life. Here’s to hoping the Excedrin Migraine works…..
My head still hurts. I’ve had this headache for at least three days now and yesterday it reached def con 4. (5 being the highest when it makes me pray to the porcelain gods) All I could do last night was lay on the couch in a Tylenol PM coma and there was so much that I could have been doing. I've learned through the years that I have to listen to my body and rest when it tells me to. So I’m praying that it will subside today and I can carry on with my life. Here’s to hoping the Excedrin Migraine works…..
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Just Go and Do It
****Posted by Nicole
My first day back on Ninja Fingers wasn’t too bad. I fought the urge to go on the hunt for chocolate in the vending machine and I repeatedly reminded myself that I didn’t have anything in my desk drawer to snack on. I treat it kind of like my pantry at home. I open it mainly to just stare at it and think that something will magically appear that I hadn’t seen before.... Yeah, Not so much.
The biggest battle I had was after dinner when it was time to workout. Here is how the conversation went in my head.
Should I bike or run tonight?
I don’t really feel like running, but it burns more calories.
My neck and head hurt, maybe I should just go to bed.
Okay, focus, Bike or run
I haven’t gone running in a long time so it might hurt and man, I need to do my nails, this one is chipped and I need to file that one
Oh, stop it!
Just go and do it!
So I did.
I started out on the treadmill but soon switched to the bike once I couldn’t control my breathing. I don’t know how far I ran, but I do know that I kept my heart rate up for 30 minutes. Woohoo!
Now it’s off to just say no to Oreos. One of my new teammates brought some in to get rid of them. I do wonder though, if I just eat one, will it help my headache go away? Hmmm....
My first day back on Ninja Fingers wasn’t too bad. I fought the urge to go on the hunt for chocolate in the vending machine and I repeatedly reminded myself that I didn’t have anything in my desk drawer to snack on. I treat it kind of like my pantry at home. I open it mainly to just stare at it and think that something will magically appear that I hadn’t seen before.... Yeah, Not so much.
The biggest battle I had was after dinner when it was time to workout. Here is how the conversation went in my head.
Should I bike or run tonight?
I don’t really feel like running, but it burns more calories.
My neck and head hurt, maybe I should just go to bed.
Okay, focus, Bike or run
I haven’t gone running in a long time so it might hurt and man, I need to do my nails, this one is chipped and I need to file that one
Oh, stop it!
Just go and do it!
So I did.
I started out on the treadmill but soon switched to the bike once I couldn’t control my breathing. I don’t know how far I ran, but I do know that I kept my heart rate up for 30 minutes. Woohoo!
Now it’s off to just say no to Oreos. One of my new teammates brought some in to get rid of them. I do wonder though, if I just eat one, will it help my headache go away? Hmmm....
Wow- people still read this thing!
***Posted by Kyle
Despite all of our whining, cussing, failing, and not posting, I was amazed to see the reaction about Ninja Fingers 2.0! I literally got emails, facebook messages, texts, and phone calls from people saying they are excited to see us ramping this thing up again. This go-around might be a little different, though. Last time, I was so fixated on my actual weight that I failed to see the great successes that I had in other areas. Sure, I dropped almost 40 lbs, but I wasn't celebrating the fact that my knee rarely hurts anymore (it still does on some occasions), that my acid reflux had all but disappeared, or that I was fitting into clothes that I hadn't seen since the second year we were married. In that spirit, I will only be weighing myself once a month, and really just focus on how my clothes fit instead. This morning I weighed 315, and I will post monthly weights as usual.
Thanks again for all the support- we couldn't do it without you all!
Despite all of our whining, cussing, failing, and not posting, I was amazed to see the reaction about Ninja Fingers 2.0! I literally got emails, facebook messages, texts, and phone calls from people saying they are excited to see us ramping this thing up again. This go-around might be a little different, though. Last time, I was so fixated on my actual weight that I failed to see the great successes that I had in other areas. Sure, I dropped almost 40 lbs, but I wasn't celebrating the fact that my knee rarely hurts anymore (it still does on some occasions), that my acid reflux had all but disappeared, or that I was fitting into clothes that I hadn't seen since the second year we were married. In that spirit, I will only be weighing myself once a month, and really just focus on how my clothes fit instead. This morning I weighed 315, and I will post monthly weights as usual.
Thanks again for all the support- we couldn't do it without you all!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Ninja Fingers 2.0
As my beautiful (and thinning) bride eloquently put it, we got lazy. It's true- when starting your own business, and working on it 10-16 hours per day, the last thing you want to expend more energy on is blogging, working out, and actually thinking about what to eat. I started noticing a couple of weeks ago that my acid reflux was returning, and I also had 3-4 people ask me about Ninja Fingers in the last couple of weeks.
We're back, and we're going to continue- this is the tough part. We need y'all to help keep us accountable. Ask us, chide us, encourage us, slap us, whatever it takes to remind us that someday we want to have kids, and it would be nice to be in good enough shape to run around with them.
Thanks folks- we truly love you!
We're back, and we're going to continue- this is the tough part. We need y'all to help keep us accountable. Ask us, chide us, encourage us, slap us, whatever it takes to remind us that someday we want to have kids, and it would be nice to be in good enough shape to run around with them.
Thanks folks- we truly love you!
Back in the saddle
****Posted by Nicole
This past weekend Kyle and I decided to have a “reboot” of Ninja Fingers. With Kyle starting a business and me traveling and working like I have it’s been a really easy to make excuses to not workout and not eat right. I have to admit that yesterday I stomped up a fuss when we discussed blogging every day verses once or twice a week. (And I literally stomped my foot like a child, one of my shining moments as an almost 30 year old adult) I wanted to blog once or twice a week and Kyle was saying everyday. The point of everyday will keep us more accountable and on target. Alright! Fine! Gosh! I’ll blog every day. But I don’t have to like it!!!
To be honest with you, I really didn’t think that anyone was reading Ninja Fingers anymore. This past week I had four people ask what the deal was. What happened? The short answer is that we got lazy and I’m sorry for that.
So here I am, once again ashamed of my weight and ready to start again. This time starting will be much harder to get into the grove of things because I’m not as excited. I do have a short term goal date in mind. My next big event is one of my oldest friend’s wedding. I would like to lose 20 lbs by August 27th.
Now for the embarrassing part, since my last weight in I’ve gained. I was at 193 and now I’m back up to 197. So frustrating! I had a minor melt down when I saw some pictures of myself from a family reunion back in April. I actually felt pretty decent about myself that day and the pictures proved me wrong. After my reality check I had to squeeze into my bathing suit and go swimming at a friend’s house. Ugh, I was so mad at myself not sticking to the plan. Oh well. I’ll get my strength from praying and from Kyle always reminding me of our goals. (even when it makes me angry!) :)
Thanks for reading and keeping us accountable!!!
This past weekend Kyle and I decided to have a “reboot” of Ninja Fingers. With Kyle starting a business and me traveling and working like I have it’s been a really easy to make excuses to not workout and not eat right. I have to admit that yesterday I stomped up a fuss when we discussed blogging every day verses once or twice a week. (And I literally stomped my foot like a child, one of my shining moments as an almost 30 year old adult) I wanted to blog once or twice a week and Kyle was saying everyday. The point of everyday will keep us more accountable and on target. Alright! Fine! Gosh! I’ll blog every day. But I don’t have to like it!!!
To be honest with you, I really didn’t think that anyone was reading Ninja Fingers anymore. This past week I had four people ask what the deal was. What happened? The short answer is that we got lazy and I’m sorry for that.
So here I am, once again ashamed of my weight and ready to start again. This time starting will be much harder to get into the grove of things because I’m not as excited. I do have a short term goal date in mind. My next big event is one of my oldest friend’s wedding. I would like to lose 20 lbs by August 27th.
Now for the embarrassing part, since my last weight in I’ve gained. I was at 193 and now I’m back up to 197. So frustrating! I had a minor melt down when I saw some pictures of myself from a family reunion back in April. I actually felt pretty decent about myself that day and the pictures proved me wrong. After my reality check I had to squeeze into my bathing suit and go swimming at a friend’s house. Ugh, I was so mad at myself not sticking to the plan. Oh well. I’ll get my strength from praying and from Kyle always reminding me of our goals. (even when it makes me angry!) :)Thanks for reading and keeping us accountable!!!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
One of my Bestest Friends!
****Posted by Nicole
A couple weeks ago I got to go visit one of my most cherished friends, Angela. We met in college through our bible study many years ago and quickly became bff’s. We got to share our clothes, families, apartments, and wedding days. Most of my fondest memories from college have her in them and I love her dearly as a friend.
The past few years she and her husband Jordan have tried to start a family and after many tests and doctor visits they figured that God was telling them to do something different. So they decided to adopt. My trip down to see she and Jordan in the great state of Texas had a bonus; I got to meet their son Rylin for the first time. After our emotional reunion in the airport, I was able to compose myself long enough to see through my tears of joy and take a look at his toothless grin for the first time. I’ve been following Angela’s blog so I’ve seen many pictures, but nothing beats the real thing. He was just as excited as Angela and I were and has the sweetest face I’ve ever seen.
I had decided that all bets were off that weekend when it came to eating and the first thing I requested to do was stop by Taco Cabanna to grab some fresh flour tortillas and queso for the road. Man they were good! Even though I wanted to indulge in all things naughty to eat, Angela kept me on the straight and narrow. She made us Texas caviar (with beans, veggies, and fat free dressing), and Tacos that had low fat meat.
It was so amazing to see a couple make something that can be so devastating to so many people into something joyful and beautiful. Not only have my friends been blessed with a child, but Rylin has the best parents a kiddo can ask for. It was such a treat to see my best friend in a strong marriage with a happy little boy and I feel so blessed to have them as my friends.
Thanks for a great weekend lady!!!
A couple weeks ago I got to go visit one of my most cherished friends, Angela. We met in college through our bible study many years ago and quickly became bff’s. We got to share our clothes, families, apartments, and wedding days. Most of my fondest memories from college have her in them and I love her dearly as a friend. 
The past few years she and her husband Jordan have tried to start a family and after many tests and doctor visits they figured that God was telling them to do something different. So they decided to adopt. My trip down to see she and Jordan in the great state of Texas had a bonus; I got to meet their son Rylin for the first time. After our emotional reunion in the airport, I was able to compose myself long enough to see through my tears of joy and take a look at his toothless grin for the first time. I’ve been following Angela’s blog so I’ve seen many pictures, but nothing beats the real thing. He was just as excited as Angela and I were and has the sweetest face I’ve ever seen. 
I had decided that all bets were off that weekend when it came to eating and the first thing I requested to do was stop by Taco Cabanna to grab some fresh flour tortillas and queso for the road. Man they were good! Even though I wanted to indulge in all things naughty to eat, Angela kept me on the straight and narrow. She made us Texas caviar (with beans, veggies, and fat free dressing), and Tacos that had low fat meat. 
It was so amazing to see a couple make something that can be so devastating to so many people into something joyful and beautiful. Not only have my friends been blessed with a child, but Rylin has the best parents a kiddo can ask for. It was such a treat to see my best friend in a strong marriage with a happy little boy and I feel so blessed to have them as my friends. Thanks for a great weekend lady!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)