The Pros and Cons that Accompany a Bad Day...or whatever....

Today was a horrible day.  It was actually a fine day, with one horrible moment.

But honestly sometimes, it's hard to separate the two.

Lest you think it all too perfect...

A man in our community called my motives into question.  Threatened my livelihood.

Those who know me best, cringe.

Yea, it didn't fair well for him.

This gentleman has a reputation for being condescending with women. And yet...

He emailed my husband "off line" for help dealing with me.  (Yup, that ACTUALLY happened)...

And, yet...

***

After I executed an IMMEDIATE, perfect fit...full of sarcasm and well timed eye rolls...

After I let him know EXACTLY what I thought about him and his 1980's jeans....

After I made it clear that he was a BULLY and I wouldn't tolerate that...infact I could BULLY right back...

After I informed him emailing my husband offline for help "dealing with me" was stupid.  After all, I am (commence shouting) A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS WOMAN FOR GOD'S SAKE!

After I had totally thrown out all maturity, common sense, level headedness and logic...

Once I had thoroughly lost my mother wit, and sweet reason....and even taken my annoyance with "this man" out on a friend....(people hoping to be my friend, beware...)

And in general become the version of myself I like the LEAST...

Well, after all that, I tried to say the RIGHT things...

"No Shanna, you don't get to eat a cupcake.  It's just anger.  It's just anger."

And this evening, after expending all that emotion...I'm left with the bottom line.

Bottom line is this, some people are just going to be difficult.  Some people are going to be bad listeners, poor communicators.  Some people will miss read your motives.  Be mean even.  Bone headedness exists.

  

Understanding this is important.  And this truth, doesn't have to ruin my day.

You and I can't spend precious hours dwelling on our critics.  What we do, what we are for, what we are called to do -- is too important.

If our shoulders are to get stronger -- able to carry more weight of glory -- the weight of larger businesses, growing families, and being a part of God's Kingdom even, we need to stay focused.  

The habit of ignoring a critic would appear to be paramount.

Ignoring a critic however, is different than receiving constructive criticism.

There was no truth in what this man was insinuating.  When my husband however quietly said, "You knew you wouldn't change his mind.  You know you'll never receive an apology.  You didn't have to respond immediately though.  It only made you feel worse.  You could have waited until you were less emotional."

Well, that was truth.  My response made this man's bad behavior look positively marvelous.  That's so precious.  And, unfortunate.

Lesson received.  Again.

So, at the sake of quoting song lyrics, I'm going to Let It Go.

    

I started by apologizing to the friend who had to get the ear full about it.  She was as innocent as I was.  Then, I said out loud, "I choose to forgive this man."  I don't intend to do business with him.  He isn't a person I respect.  He isn't, however, the world's worst human being.  So, I extend grace.  Because I need grace.  In this situation -- I need grace.  In life, in every single day real life, I need grace.  That's a fact Jack.

I thank my husband for being the kind of man who sees women as real people -- with brains.  And I smile at the thought of him giving out my phone number today, letting the other gentlemen know he was free to call me directly.  B's no dummy.

I forgive myself.  I've given myself good reason to remember why I need a Savior.  And that's ok.  Because I really, really do need a savior.

And, tomorrow is a new day.

2 Corinthians 4:17,

My Take on Protein Powder - Weight Loss, Muscle Gain

A few months ago, my children and I joined with a local ministry to pack meals for over seas orphans.  We were all assigned stations.  Eli's station?  WHEY PROTEIN.  One giant scoop per bag.

Upon hearing of his duties, my youngest responded excitedly, "Protein!  Oh wow!  My mom LOVES protein!"

Well, ok, I guess I have talked about protein a lot during the last year.

A lot.

Fair enough.

The focus of my diet is pretty simple.

60 grams of protein a day in 5 meals, and at least 60 oz of fluids.

Next, add in healthy fats, veggies, and carbs -- in that order -- and there ya go.

I have found a daily protein shake is INVALUABLE at helping me accomplish BOTH of these goals. ESPECIALLY on days where I'm busy at work, times I may get running behind with 5 kids, when I need something quick and on the go, or if I'm just to tired from said busy work day to cook dinner.  Oh wait, that's EVERY DAY.  So, I just know that about myself.  I plan for it.  A protein shake.  At least once a day, every day.

CHERRY CHEESECAKE

8 oz. Almond milk 

1 serving Vanilla Muscle Gain Protein Powder

1 cup frozen dark unsweetened cherries 

2 oz. fat-free cream cheese 

2 dashes ground cinnamon 

Optional ice cubes

Blend

When it comes to selecting a protein powder, there can be many things to consider, but there are 2 BASIC differences.  There are STRICT protein powders, and there are those which include fat and carbohydrates usually labeled MEAL REPLACEMENTS.

A strict protein powder will contain 20-25 grams of protein per serving.  It will be very low in fat, carbohydrates and sugar.  It will be lower in calories than MEAL REPLACEMENTS as well.  Whereas it MAY contain some added vitamins and minerals, the assumption here, is that you will getting the bulk of those things from the VARIETY found in your regular diet.

MEAL REPLACEMENTS are just that.  Intended to replace a meal.  They should be high in protein and will have more calories, fat and carbs.  Most will have a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.  They will also mix up thicker than plain protein.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUP

8oz of Almond or Dairy Milk

1 frozen Banana

1 serving Chocolate Muscle Gain Protein Powder

1 Tbs PB2 Powder

Top with crushed Nuts, optional

CURRENTLY, I personally prefer a strict protein powder.  I like that it mixes up thinner than meal replacements and that it's SOOOOOO versatile.  It forces me to think about VARIETY in my diet and allows me to be creative!

Over the past year, I've tried MANY brands of both MEAL REPLACEMENTS and PROTEIN POWDERS.  I've bought products from Sam's, G.N.C., Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, and some specifically made for bariatric patients.  My current favorite, for lots of reasons, is this...

Besides the fact that the packaging makes me feel like an Olympic athlete, I like it mostly for...

TASTE.

I can mix it up THIN in my morning coffee.  In fact, this is my current favorite way to use it...

MORNING PROTEIN COFFEE

8oz strong coffee

1 scoop Vanilla or Chocolate Muscle Gain Protein Powder

2 TBS Coffee Creamer of Choice

Whipped Cream, Optional

NOTE:  I DON'T RECOMMEND PUTTING PROTEIN POWDER STRAIGHT INTO HOT LIQUID.  FOR BEST RESULTS, YOU MUST TEMPER IT FIRST.  

My daughter and I also enjoy starting our day this way as well...

FRUITY PROTEIN BREAKFAST SORBET

1 1/2 cups frozen fruit

1 scoop Vanilla Muscle Gain Protein Powder

Enough liquid (milk, water, juice) to blend

So.  Good.

As I've been working with my mentor, Holly, on my own health, nutrition and exercise regimen -- I've come to deeply believe in the concept of putting QUALITY things into my body.  CHOOSING HIGH QUALITY NUTRITION  like MUSCLE GAIN, is the basis for everything my body does.  HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN gives me an easy, simple way to fuel my body -- and certainly helps my body as well as my mind function just the way God intended them too -- to think clearly, to be alert, to burn calories, increase in strength, and to maintain a healthy weight.

Working for AdvoCare, a health and wellness, weight management, vibrant energy and sports performance company is a dream come true for me.  Getting my certifications in personal training and nutrition -- are the icing on the cake.  I have imagined for a long time, that I would be that sitting down with others who are just as distraught and beaten down as I was 100 pounds ago -- helping them take their next step, and then the next, and then the NEXT in their own wellness journey, as unique as it may be.

If you are interested in purchasing some MUSCLE GAIN, or hearing about the other supplements, energy drinks, etc my family uses, this is my official, personal invitation for you to call or email us.  Billy is a long time athlete, basketball coach and sport performance person.  Either of us would love to share with you all the information we've gathered as well as the products and strategies our real family is using in the context of our real life to sleep better, be stronger, thinner, and all around healthier.

Coming soon...Website, 24 Day Challenge Group (where you can join us in a cleanse that will jump start your weight loss), a FIRST TIMERS GROUP for hiking the MANITOU INCLINE, HIKING A 14'er, RUNNING A 5K, and DOING A MUD RUN (join me on MY FIRST -- and don't make me do it alone), and a tutorial on overall body composition (yes, at this point in my own journey I'm going to take my body fat vs muscle measurements -- and make a push to increase one and decrease the other.  Can you guess?  Haha)

We hope you'll join us.  We really do.  Life should be more about what you CAN do -- not so much about what you CAN'T DO.

Many blessings,

  

Gastric Bypass Surgerversary - Year 1

Not too long ago, a friend asked in regards to my weight loss, "What.  Are.  You.  Doing?"

Me, "I TOLD you.  I had weight loss surgery."

Friend, "Ok, but that doesn't make you put healthy food in your mouth or drag your butt to the gym every day.  SO.  WHAT.  ARE.  YOU.  DOING?"

I can't really describe it.

But, it was an empowering moment for me for sure.

I am doing something good for my health.

I am capable of doing something good for my health.

And, on my 1 year surgerversary, I am holding steady at the goal weight set for me by my surgeon.

This I have come to know, a lifestyle change is a MIND change.  I needed all kinds of help changing my mind -- and a year later I STILL need all kinds of help.  Proof that one doesn't heal from addiction or obesity quickly.

Here are some reflections from the past year:

It's more about what I put in my body -- than what I keep out.

I feel amazing most days.  My energy level is high, I sleep better.  My best defense against eating things I should not eat -- is to actually eat the things I should.  Putting healthy, whole foods into my body matters.

It requires a lot of planning, and prepping.

I attempt to eat 5 meals a day.  Every 3 hours.  My calories MOSTLY come from healthy fats, protein and vegetables.  But, I also eat some carbohydrates and fruit.  And coffee.  Don't forget coffee.

It's mostly about what I can do -- not about what I can't have.

I enjoy (you read that right, enjoy) at least 1,000 minutes of exercise a month.  I don't have the time for it.  I make the time for it.

I've climbed to the top of Pulpit Rock.  I've skied Monarch.  I've walked in to new classes at the Y, with the "fit" people and held my own.  I've ran a 5k and PR'd my best time ever.

I love aerobics, and Pilates, and being on the treadmill.  I enjoy hiking and walks with Billy.  I love swimming and planking and wall sits.  Most recently, I've started doing an At-Home-Cross Fit routine. I look forward to trying a class this summer!

LISTS of new things I want to try and measurable goals are important to me.  I put things on my calendar -- for the shear pleasure of looking forward to them.

It's not all or nothing -- in life, or in weight loss.

Life doesn't go in a straight line.  I use to feel bad about that.  Like there was something wrong with me.

Now, I just know, no one's life goes in a straight line.

And, neither does weight loss.  I've had weeks where I've lost nothing, and weeks where I've gained.

The scale isn't ALWAYS an accurate reflection of my hard work.  The theory of calories in less energy expended = weight loss isn't always apparent.  However, if I'd given up...if I'd started eating junk or quit working out -- where would I be?

And, that attitude, friends, is far more difficult to maintain than it is to type.

I expect to say it to myself a lot in year 2.

Stay the course Shanna.  Stay.  The.  Course.

So, what's in store for year 2?

There are stages and ups and downs associated with weight loss surgery.  I expect year 2 to be more challenging.  Because my surgeon has told me it's going to be.

It's about growth -- not just loss.

So for year 2....

I have registered with the National Council of Certified Personal Trainers and am currently working on becoming certified.

Did I just say that?

The course work is ENORMOUS.  SO.  MUCH.  TO.  LEARN.

But I imagine working with the morbidly obese to be meaningful, healing work for me in the future.  People are capable of so much more than they believe.

I can't lay it all out here, but I plan to join up with a friend and do some work with a company that promotes health, wellness and weight loss.

I can't believe I said that either, but I know I believe in this.  I believe that calories from good nutrition matters versus just getting  or even counting calories.  And, I am looking forward to telling you all about what I'm learning.

In year two, I'm going to run a Mud Run, Hike the Incline and Climb a 14'er.  I'm gonna to weigh less, and try (try) to trust my choices more.

I've going to reach out and love more people.  Take a few more risks.  And continue finding healthy options to feed my body...as well as my spirit and mind.

Before, 267 lbs

1

Down 96.5 lbs

Pulpit Rock

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."  Proverbs 13:12

Greater things are yet to come.

Blessings,

{Lessons from Spring Break - Day 5} On Disappointment

I won't even TRY to explain this as a healthy breakfast.  I won't.  It's also not NEW.  But some days, just call for it still.

This morning...

Ladies and Gentlemen...BISCUITS AND GRAVY.

Billy loves gravy.  BUT HATES THE IDEA OF MAKING IT WITH GREASE.  Any kind of grease. Bacon grease.  Sausage grease.  Broccoli grease.  It doesn't matter.  He's not a fan of grease.

So, instead, I brown some sausage, DRAIN IT and use this...

Mix it with water, and wal-lah!  Deliciousness.

***

Billy got some disappointing news this week at work.  

We aren't strangers to disappointment.  Neither are you, are you?

Truthfully, we could write a book on it.

Most significantly though is what you decide to do with it -- and even MORE significantly -- what you decide to do with it as a couple.

We gave ourselves a few moments to catch our breath.  We contacted people who cared.  Who cared about the situation and more importantly -- who care about us no matter what our situation.

Do you have those people in your life?  If not, it would benefit you to stop everything RIGHT NOW and seek them out.  Everyone, EVERYONE, needs friends.

We made a decision to be patient with each other's reaction.

We spoke truth over each other and our situation.

And, we found reasons to quietly celebrate our life -- in our small corner of the universe -- just for a few moments, just the too of us -- even in the midst of disappointment.  

We recounted what we had learned.  Talked about the feed back from others we were FORTUNATE to get -- even if it didn't feel great.  How that makes us stronger candidates the next go around.  We talked about how we'd pleased God with right hearts (even if we'd had stupid heads) and that we were happy with our life as it was.  We would try to fix the "stupid head" problem, and we restated our resolve to continue trusting God in all situations.  Our conclusion is always the same.  Our life is one amazing, scary, wild, awesome ride.  And we are fortunate to be living it.

People, even in difficult seasons, you can find reasons to celebrate.  Even if it's a quiet celebration.  Even in the midst of disappointment and sadness.  The human heart is great and vast.  Capable of joy and pain -- all at the same time.

Just look.  The reasons to celebrate are right there, in the midst of your real actual life.  For couples, shared moments of gratitude and joy will not only ease disappointment (until it comes back around again), it will fuel your marriage and make it stronger.

Finally, a nod to wives when it's your husbands disappointment.  There are some things only you can do.  Be generous.

Today, I speak over you the same words I am currently speaking over the RamFam...

"Yahweh your Elohim is with you.  

He is a hero who saves you.  

He happily rejoices over you, 

renews you with His love, 

and celebrates over you with shouts of joy."  

Zephaniah 3:17

Blessings and Peace,

{Lessons from Spring Break Day 4} - Scheduling Family Time

HEALTHY BREAKFAST #4 -- QUINOA WITH CHOCOLATE CHIPS AND BANANA SLICES

Why can't I get this  right?  I mean seriously.

I've tried Quinoa a couple of times now.  

This was "plain".  I cooked it for 12 minutes exactly then let it set off heat for another 5.

The texture seemed right.

And, still...

Terrible.

I've enjoyed this as a savory dinner food, but sweet - for breakfast - it was GrOsS.

I like Oatmeal 1,974,209,234,234,487,456 times better.

I'm not giving up on this one however -- so if you have a recipe you like, do share!

***

We've had so much QUIET this week, I thought we should try to fit in at least one, loud, obnoxious FAMILY ACTIVITY.  When you have a family of 7, it's not always easy to get everyone together.  I mean, it used to be.  When our kids were all little, we could have friends over for dinner on a Thursday night.  We could have dinner on the table early and do family movie night on a Tuesday.  But as they all got older, got cars and jobs -- it got trickier.

When Elizabeth moved into Jr High School -- and subsequently got more involved with extra curricular activities and with various groups of people, I mentioned to a friend that getting all my family together on one night seemed impossible.  I am a "Quality Time" love language person -- and when I go long periods of time without seeing my kids or my husband, I feel "off".  And, by "long periods of time" I mean a matter of a few days.  

My friend suggested that it might be time to start "scheduling" family time, vs waiting for the moment to just happen as it had in years past. She suggested I simply put a date on the calendar for a couple of days away and give everyone notice.  

GENIUS. 

Make no mistake about it.  Sometimes, I require the help of others to think of the most simple ideas. Birthing 5 kids does that too you.  That and a lack of caffeine.

So, we decided to do this...

I won.  Except the opposite of that.

Today, I also read this to Eli....

Have you read it?  It's DELIGHTFUL.  I can't believe I haven't heard of it until now! 

Miss Rumphius is charged with making the world "more beautiful".  So, she carries flower seeds in her pocket and scatters them everywhere she goes.  Wonderful I tell you.  I think it's based on a true story.  At least, I hope it is.

We also read selections from ...

We ended our day by enjoying an adults only dinner with our inlaws.

It became an "adults only" experience when child #C and#D decided to make the world a more miserable place and started arguing with each other.  Again.

Sad for them.  Splendid  for me.  

Spring Break is almost over!  But only 9 more weeks until summer!  Almost time to make my Summer Play List!  Counting down!

Blessings,

{Lessons from Spring Break Day 3} - Inspiration, Positive and Relaxed Doesn't Just Happen

HEALTHY BREAKFAST DAY #3 was based on this picture...

Except I had no blueberries, and no avocado...

So, I did a bed of slightly sauteed spinach, chicken, strawberries and goat cheese.  All with a drizzle of Light Raspberry Vinaigrette.

And, for the first time all week...breakfast was VERY tasty!

Obviously, this dish also works for lunch and dinner.

On that note, to those of you trying to get VARIETY, don't be afraid to eat "lunch" and "dinner" foods at breakfast.  It works.

If you have left over meat for instance (roast or pork in particular), I like to saute onions and green peppers -- add the meat and some mozzarella to the saute and wal-lah!  A Philly Cheese Steak Bowl.

That's a freebie.  :)

Today everyone was gone.  A TOTALLY quiet house.  For 6 straight hours.  This never happens.  Ever.

Billy had an important meeting planned this evening and decided to disappear into the mountains.  To pray. To hike.  To sweat.  To fast.  To seek God. 

By 5:30, he needed to be focused and in inspirational mode.  And just so you know, FOCUSED and INSPIRATIONAL (as well as POSITIVE and RELAXED) -- doesn't always just happen around here.  

We believe in presenting ourselves to others -- truthfully.  As true as we can.  

And, presenting true in situations that may also involve stress, or a feeling of pressure (a job interview, a speaking engagement, landing a new client, reconciliation) -- sometimes involves more for us than just preparing notes on a page. 

In B's case it often involves a trip to the mountains.  To pray.  To hike.  To sweat.  To fast.  To seek God.

In my case, it involved being in a quiet house.  For 6 straight hours.  

Time.  To.  Think.

It also involved a 20 minutes Pilates DVD and an At Home Crossfit Workout.

This one in particular...

Body weight exercises should not be underestimated apparently.

Ouch.

And, that's all I'll say about that.

Anyhow...are you in a situation that requires you to be at your best?  Take the time you need.  Get up right now and PUT THE TIME ON YOUR SCHEDULE.

Feed your body what it needs.  

Sweat.  

Pray.  

Then, Go. 

And present yourself true.

Many blessings friends,

{Lessons from Spring Break, Day 2} - Changing Gears When You Have Too

My mom carries 2 driver's licenses in her wallet.  The EXPIRED one with the CUTE picture.  As well as, the CURRENT one with the NOT-SO-CUTE picture.  No makeup, hair in a pony tail, not smiling. Basically, what ALL my driver's license pictures have always looked like and probably yours as well.

When the clerk at the grocery store asks my mother to "see her license" she pulls out the one...

You guessed it.

...with the cute picture.

No point.  That's just funny.

***

My license expired in January.  Of course, how often does a person pay attention to that?  So...I just found this out last week trying to make a deposit at the bank.

Teller, "Are you aware that your license has expired"?

Me, "Is anyone EVER aware that their license has expired"?

Truthfully, I've never lived at one address long enough for anything to expire.

I made an appointment at the DMV.  The large one.  WAY down Union Blvd.  Where ALL the grouchy people in Colorado seem to be gathered at on any given day.

You know the only thing WORSE than having to be up early on the second day of Spring Break for an appointment at the DMV?

It is getting to said DMV only to discover your appointment was schedule for the DAY BEFORE.

DMV Lady, "You can take a number.  It's a 4 hour wait."

No.  I.  Can't.  Thanks.  Anyways.

Changing Gears.

You know what...

Over the past few years, I've worked hard at being able to "change gears" -- in my mind, in my plan, in my emotions.  I am seeing the fruit of that work -- and freedom is a glorious thing!

Hear me world!  FREEDOM IS A GLORIOUS THING!

I gave myself one whole minute in the car to be annoyed at the mishap, then disciplined my mind to START THE DAY OVER.  My emotions follow suit.  This is a GOOD thing.  A very good thing.

Home to this...

Enter:  Cantaloupe Protein Shake

NEW HEALTHY BREAKFAST RECIPE -- TAKE 2.

And still, a NO GO ON THAT.

I'll blame pinterest.  Yea, pinterest fail.  

I LOVE blending frozen fruit in my Ninja -- and with just a little bit of liquid (water, milk, juice), it's just like Sorbet.

I LOVE blending frozen cantaloupe.  

I DID NOT however like the taste of the vanilla protein mix added in.

So, on this one, I recommend getting your protein from another source and just eating the blended fruit as a snack.  It's awesome that way.  Like summer in your mouth.

After cleaning up, I grabbed my man child and headed out for a hair cut.  

Once our hair looked awesome again, I decided to run into the DMV on Research (as B suggested to me 100 times.  And I had ignored him 100 times.).

With no appointment, I was doubtful, but the nice lady informed me the wait would only be 10 minutes or so.  10 minutes?!?!  Only 10 minutes?!?!?!  Wait?  What?

I'll never doubt B again.

New Driver's License Acquired - check!

Now, it's 12 noon and since 1/2 my day was spent with less than perfect Spring Break activities already -- I decided to just dedicate the rest of the day to my work list.  I mean, instead of spread my "have too" chores and errands out over the whole week -- I decided to cram them into 1 or 2 days -- so a higher percentage of the other days could be filled with more "appropriate" Spring Break activities.  Like blogging and doing nothing.

So, the rest of my afternoon was spent picking kids up, going to football practice, carpooling to slumber parties, picking up groceries, lesson plans, April budget meetings for work and home, invoices, the mall and reading with Eli.

Hey, it's not always a party around here.

And, when it's not, 2 things work for me.

1.  The mental discipline to "start my day over" at any given moment.  Shifting gears, turning a corner, being flexible -- these are freedom gifts.  And, they haven't come easily for me.

And...

2.  Getting a lot of "have toos" out of the way early -- so that I can have more time for "want toos".  Then making sure I ignore the "should dos" and prioritize the "want toos".  :)

This evening I did manage to fit in a trail hike with Billy.  Where we solved all the worlds problems in 65 minutes.

Listen, if you have a spouse that can help you solve all the world's problems in 65 minutes, be grateful.  Just be very grateful.

Then, another Bubble Bath, Summer Hits of the 80's and the movie Gravity.

Did you guys see that on the IMAX?  I hope not.  My head was spinning just watching it at home.

Would love to hear about your Spring Break plans...and see your ugly driver's license pictures!  Haha

Many blessings,