Hi! Yes, I'm still out here.

It is a very late Sunday night and I have been inspired to do some photo editing and such.  You get to see some of the results right here!  The heading of this blog is my new favorite photo.  I explored some things in photoshop elements that I had never tried before and "wha-la", here you go.  Nothing terribly difficult, I just hadn't taken the time and I'm just not that familiar with the program.  Someone that uses it all the time could do this VERY quickly.

Paxton is growing up quite nicely.  She is almost 3 now!  We have nearly conquered potty training.  We haven't had any "accidents" in quite some time (hopefully not jinxing myself) but sleeping through the night will take longer.  Sometimes she wakes up dry, sometimes she doesn't.  For you parents out there, you know this is BIG DEAL and understand our joy in not buying diapers anymore.

There has been much drama as of late, but that will be another post at a much earlier time in the day.
Good night!

An Update on my "Old Friend"

Well, my old friend has been good to me.  Today I have officially lost 20 lbs. since rejoining Weight Watchers.  Ok, technically since I'm a lifetime member, I can't ever quit.  So let's say I've lost the weight since returning to the weight watchers meetings.  Really loving the new Points Plus plan.  No, they don't pay me anything to say that.  I have to say, again, that I absolutely could not come this far this quickly without the amazing support of Jeremy.  He continues to weigh and measure for me when he cooks or gently remind me to check how many points that Thin Mint girl scout cookie is before I eat it.  (By the way, they are 1 point per cookie!)  He also continues to support my exercise efforts.  The treadmill and I have remained close, but I think it's time to expand the relationship to include some weights.   Here are some things that are now really fun to do.
1. Have the dilemma of figuring out what to wear now that most of my clothes are too big.  Thank goodness I saved a couple of things.
2. Plan my shopping trip with Siu Yan (my awesome friend and WW buddy too!)
3. Wear the Nike shorts that I thought would never ever fit again, but thankfully I didn't give away.
4. Look at the muscles in my legs
5. Enjoy a Skinny Cow chocolate truffle bar with absolutely no guilt because I had points left over
6. Run on the treadmill for 3.5 miles and only walk for a total of 2 1/2 minutes.

That's just a few things.  My journey is not quite over yet.  I still have 3.6 lbs to go until I am back to my official WW goal weight.  I truly hope I am setting (and continue to set) a good example for Paxton.  Really the biggest thing I've gotten from this whole process (other than the wonderful benefit of weight loss) is the change in eating habits to more healthy foods.  We go through crazy amounts of perishables in this house now.  I think that's a good problem to have.

Hello, old friend.

And that old friend would be Weight Watchers.  Yes, I'm back.  After seeing a picture taken of me on New Year's Eve, I'm so back.  The new points system has been working out well.  I think having to relearn a completely new way is good for me.  It forces me to not be lazy or think I know what I'm doing.  I have to go through it step by step, like I did, gosh, almost 10 years ago.  You forget a lot in 10 years.  Going to meeting and not having to run the meeting was FUN!  Plus my buddies Chris and Gretchen were there, so the whole team was back together.  And now I'm going to gloat about my husband.  He has been incredibly supportive.  Although I'm sure he is secretly so sick of hearing about points all of the time, he has gone far above and beyond what I would have ever expected.  When he cooks, he takes the time to measure my food for me and does his best to keep it healthy.  (Yes, I'm very spoiled by him)  Then there was today.  I came home from work, really tired, slight headache, really not feeling like getting on the treadmill.  When he got home (45 min later) I still had not even changed into my workout clothes.  We talked a bit, I told him how I was feeling, and he said "you have 5 min. to be in your workout clothes.  Go."  So I went.  And I was sooooo glad I went!  I was able to complete my run (which I totally had convinced myself I couldn't do) and stay on track!  He's been a great motivator!  He's patient with me too and I really appreciate that.  No pictures this time, but soon I'll discuss my progress.

Kujichagulia (Koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah)

Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) - To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves

Jeremy is currently doing a show with his elementary students called "December Nights, December Lights".  It's a nice show that teaches about different ways people celebrate the holidays in December.  Long story short, one of the holidays they sing about is Kwanzaa.  There are 7 principles of Kwanzaa and Kujichagulia (Koo-jee-cha-goo-LEE-ah) is one of them.  Lately around our house we've been using this word to describe Paxton and her antics.  People probably wonder what the heck we are talking about.  That's ok!  Keep 'em guessing.

Here is Paxton demonstrating a little Kujichagulia.

Chatty Cathy

Well, we are now fully immersed in "toddlerhood".  Paxton is 19 months old today, and seems to be adding words to her vocabulary at breakneck speed.  Virtually anything we say gets repeated back to us now, which has made for a couple of interesting moments.  I will definitely have to "filter" myself a little better, especially when I am driving with her in the car.  This may be tough.

Here are a couple of conversations that have taken place in our house recently.
Dad:  "Paxton, do you want to go take a bath?"
Pax: "babblebabbleyadayadaiddlediddle bath"
 (roughly translates into "I really don't feel like taking a bath")
Dad (trying again): "Paxton, it's time for your bath."
Pax: "iddlesidjflasdjkgajsdkfasewickwedief bath"
 (again, "I said I really don't feel like taking a bath")
Dad (3rd times a charm, right?): "Pax, let's go take a bath."
Pax: "No."
The End.  I guess he was told.

A very similar conversation took place later involving the potty.  She isn't trained on the potty at all yet, but we keep trying to get her to spend some time on it in hopes that something may happen.  I could type it all out, but if you just substitute the word "potty" for "bath" you get the idea.

Paxton is becoming QUITE the independent and opinionated one.  I have no idea where she gets it.  :-)

Dirty Girl

Paxton love to dig in the dirt!  Thankfully we seemed to have finally moved past tasting the dirt.  Here are a few shots of our girl in action today.  First she sits in the dirt and rubs her hands all around in it.

Next she moves it from "here" to "there".  This is the part where she grabs handfuls of dirt over and over and drops them.

Sometimes she puts the dirt in her hair....

....where it gets piled up on her cute little pink bow.  Such a lady!

And when the excitement finally wears off, she stands up and we get to see this.

The End.

My new favorite picture

In case you haven't seen this yet, here is my new favorite picture of Paxton.

The expression on her face is one of pure orneriness (is that a word?) and I love it!  Although a picture is worth a 1,000 words, here's a little more about that day.  Jeremy was outside shucking corn and Paxton was "helping".  Paxton LOVES corn on the cob and within a minute or so was happily munching away.  No, we had not cooked the corn yet, but she didn't care.  Here's a pic of her corn-eating face.

After she was done with the corn, I decided it was time for a small photo shoot.  The light was good and she was in a playful mood.  First she had to get into her chair.  This required a great deal of effort.

                                              

Next I fixed her hair and she posed nicely.  If I could post all of the pics from this setting, you would notice her right leg swinging back and forth.  This is a back shot, not a forth.  Just had to clarify.

The she got out of her chair and looked right into the lens.  I thought this picture was absolutely beautiful.  Her eyes look very big and thoughtful.  She also looks about 5 years old, but I don't want to think about that right now.

Right after this shot was taken, she started squealing with laughter and I got the picture that I posted at the beginning.  After that she took off and I captured one last moment of joy...

My daughter....

Never ceases to amaze me.  It's been so interesting getting to know this new little person.  I LOVE how her personality is becoming more clear.  For example, if you want her to do something, it's best to make it seem like it was her idea.  When I want her to take a drink from her sippy cup, holding it up to her mouth usually doesn't work.  She will just bat it away.  However, if you just make sure she sees it, then put it within reach, 9 times out of 10 she will take a drink.  Saying "no" just makes her cry, so redirecting seems to make everyone happier.  Although, at times, no's are inevitable.  Her communication is getting better too!  When she wants to go outside she says "bubbles" and starts bringing shoes to you.  It doesn't really matter whose shoes they are, she just starts hauling them over.  Recently we were outside playing with the bubbles and the bubble stick seemed to disappear.  (She was standing on the front porch which has boards with gaps in them)  After looking around a bit, I finally just looked at Paxton and said "what did you do with the bubble stick?"  She then proceeded to point down at the boards and speak toddler to me, which sounded a whole lot like "it's down there".  Sure enough, she had stuck the bubble stick between the boards and it was now under the porch!  It was an interesting moment of communication for us.  I can't wait to hear what she has to say next!

Back in the Saddle Again

After 1 year and 8 months, I finally got back on the motorcycle. I think it took as much mental as physical preparation. There are so many issues, mostly riding confidence, but also the whole new added element of concern for another. There is a new fear. What if a car pulls out in front of me? What if I hit an animal? What if there is some loose gravel in a turn? What if??? What is not forgotten, however, is the complete joy I felt when riding. The sense of freedom and relaxation finally became great enough that I was able to overcome the fears that were gripping me. I began small, just a ride to work and back, but it was a huge step for me. On a more humorous note, the "trying on" of gear that used to fit was frustrating. At least I have some new motivation to continue the diet and exercise. Those leather pants and jacket cost too much to throw out because I weigh a little too much! At the end of the day, Jeremy and Paxton were waiting for me. Jeremy let Paxton sit on the bike with me and we documented my return to "Biker Mama".

Oh Danny Boy....

The pipes, the pipes are calling....

At Friendship Hill....and across the big meadow.....

(sing it in your head or out loud if you want)

Yesterday Jeremy, Paxton and I decided to go for a walk at Friendship Hill. "Bring your camera" says Jeremy. I was already walking out the door and had my hands full of diaper bag stuff, so I decided not to this time (HUGE MISTAKE) thinking "I've taken lots of pics there, probably won't see anything new today." Dumb.

Of course as Murphy's Law would decree, we pull into to the parking lot and lo and behold, there is a guy there who is practicing his bagpipes. Nope, not kidding. If I would've listened to my husband I would now have a lovely photo to share with you of this interesting sight, so just imagine a guy in shorts and a gray t-shirt walking around with some bag pipes and playing some tunes.

What I can't capture with a photo is how surreal it was to hear the echo of the pipes across the vast field as we walked through the park. There is something kind of magical about their sound that is hard to describe. Maybe it's the Scotch/Irish blood in me that begins to stir. Who knows....

Little Miss Personality

Oranges!!

Paxton's favorite sippy cup

Playing outside at Papa's house

Dressed for Easter

Miss Paxton has been very entertaining as of late. She's had some big changes going on and she has just been so much fun! The big things are 1. walking (ok, cruising) and 2. personality. The second one is really amazing. She reacts to things now more emotionally, whether it's laughter or displeasure. For example, when she hears the monkey sound on her zoo toy she laughs and makes it back. Conversely when we tell her "no" she makes a pouty face and sometimes even sheds a tear or two. She definitely understands no now, and (so far) actually obeys! I was amazed the first time that worked. She's also getting quite adept at her sippy cup and has been exploring the food range a little more. Tonight she ate exactly what we did (tilapia, brown rice and broccoli) just pureed and with a little breast milk and she LOVED it! That makes momma happy. She also does funny stuff. Lately it's all about imitation. She likes to imitate the monkey and bark at the dog. She claps when we clap and sings along with us a lot too. She likes to sing in the bath tub (very loudly!!) and babbles along when "reading" a book. Physically there are big changes too. She can get pretty much anywhere she wants to go now which is good and bad. Today at the baby sitters she climbed into a little rocking chair and rocked back and forth for awhile. That's good. Later at home she crawled into the kitchen while we were fixing dinner which is sort of good, but there were a lot of "no's" being issued when she was checking out the trash can, cabinets, etc. Pouting ensued for a bit, but she recovered. This is shaping up to be a really fun age with her although I feel the twinge of sadness at seeing infanthood coming to an end.

New Job

Yes, I have a new job! I am now a middle school band director. This is something I really wanted to do, but didn't think I would have the opportunity this soon. The former director took a position that opened up at our high school, which in turn opened the door for me. The district decided to move us into our new positions right away because the band has some pretty important parades coming up in the spring. So far it's been kind of like trying to cook in someone else's kitchen. I've had to spend a lot of time just figuring out where "stuff" is and how the building runs. I have a fantastic schedule where I basically spend the day teaching lessons, then have band during the last period of the day. I go NONSTOP all day, but am loving it. With this transition I've been pretty consumed with work, but am really missing my camera. So, that being said, pictures tomorrow!

Unexpected gifts

I think unexpected gifts bring the most joy. Ok, now I'm not taking anything away from the gifts we receive on special occasions like birthdays, etc. but let's be honest. They are......well, expected. However, the unexpected gift is different. There is no precursor, no expectation, no anything. And one can't help but feel humbled by the generosity of the giver of said gift. At this point you are probably wondering if there is a point to this chatter. Actually, there is a story. Tonight, Jeremy, Paxton and I went to dine at Ruby Tuesday's. While there we ran into John, who is the owner of the jewelry store where, among other things, Jeremy bought my engagement ring and I bought his wedding band. As far as being a jeweler goes, I always felt very comfortable with him and felt that he was always honest with me. You don't really get that in the mall. Anyway, he was very happy to meet Paxton and shared an amazing story with me about the adoption of their first child. Soon after our meal arrived, Paxton grew fussy and we asked for boxes and our check. The manager arrived shortly after along with John letting us know that our bill had been taken care of. We were absolutely speechless! We both thanked John and probably looked rather dumbfounded sitting there. I looked at Jeremy and could see that his eyes were welling up like mine. We held it together though and gave thanks for such a good person in this world. So if the opportunity presents itself, think about giving an unexpected gift. It will really touch someone's heart.

For Jeremy

He loudly insisted that I post this pic.....

Yes, I think it needs to go in my new office. More on that later.

Beginning to thaw

Jeremy and I actually had to return to the work force today. I am very thankful that we have jobs that give us time off when the weather is bad. It was still rough though. We were pretty spoiled from sleeping in and wearing PJ's most days. It's not like summer vacation where you can actually enjoy being outside with little effort. Paxton seemed happy to see Jean, Sarah, Grace and Seamus (he's the cat) today. She may have been a little tired of only seeing our mugs for the last two weeks! After work, the sun made a rare appearance, so I grabbed the camera to get some pics of our icicles that are beginning to melt. There are some places that have HUGE icicles that I would love to photograph, but I'm a little nervous. I certainly wouldn't want to be around when they come down. Here are some shots of the melting ice.

A new/old goal

_MG_2386, originally uploaded by cyclechickmary.

I've been slowly re-introducing myself to the treadmill. Today I decided to step it up a little and actually break into a jog. I've got a plan and a goal. "They" say that if you say your goal out loud it helps you stick with it, so here it is. My goal is to run (ok, jog) the entire 5K at the Race for the Cure.

Lamby

_MG_2371, originally uploaded by cyclechickmary.

Almost forgot....here's yet another gratuitous depth of field shot. I'm having waaaaaay too much fun with those!

Blue-eyed girl

We had a rare day of good light today, so I quickly took advantage of it and grabbed the babe. We thought it would be fun to stick her in the laundry basket that was on the bed. I was extremely happy with how the shots came out. Her blue eyes really sparkled and since I actually had a shutter speed above 20 for once not too much blur! Since I only know how to post 5 pics at a time on here, you only get a few. Just jump over to flickr to see the rest.

Valentine's Day

We had a nice Valentine's Day around here. How can you go wrong when the day begins with chocolate chip pancakes? We decided to let Paxton try a little bit of chocolate syrup. She really liked it!

Future Rock Star

Paxton has recently figured out that she can make cool noises with her toy microphone (yes, it really works!). Here are a few shots of our budding rocker with her Dad/Coach giving her some pointers.

"Ok, I think you have the microphone a little too close...."

"That's better!"

"Sing it from the heart!"

Loving the spotlight!!

Practice, practice, practice...

And another gratuitous depth of field shot for the photogs out there! The keys on her toy make it even more obvious.