Eating Well at Blogher?

Since this IS a blog mostly about fitness and weight loss, I feel the need to get back on track a bit and chat about my eating habits during the past week.

I don't think I did too bad. Although, I probably had WAY too much coffee. With all the time zone adjustment, I kept sucking it down! LOL. But, I also drank a lot of water. The water and the coffee was most likely the reason for all the peeing I did while on the West Coast. Snead and I finally decided to stop counting our trips to the bathroom. There were just too many.

I have to say that we stuck to mostly the nutritious side of the foods that were offered during the conference. One morning I broke down and had half a danish in the room. For breakfast the days before Blogher officially started, we were very good girls and had oatmeal, eggs and fruit. (Okay, we both also had a slice of bacon...sue me.)

There were excursions into the unhealthy side of the buffet table on my part. Day before yesterday I had both pecan pie during lunch and a brownie as a snack later on in the day. Ugh.

I guess I should also confess the bag of Cheetos I bought at Target. Luckily, the cheese puffs, when opened, tasted and smelled burnt, so I only ate a handful and threw the rest away. Probably a good thing.

The worst thing was getting out of my exercise routine. Yes, we did a lot of walking through airports on Tuesday, but the only other really great exercise I got was the up and downhill trek we took in San Francisco on Wednesday. After that, the only movement in my day consisted of strolling back and forth between conference room, the pool and our room. I'm really going to have to rev up my walking/jogging this coming week.

I've also decided to go back on South Beach on Monday.

"My name is Leona, and I am a carboholic."

My intake of veggies has gone downhill fast during the summer, which is strange since I usually eat MORE fruits and veggies this time of year. They are fresh and plentiful. I think I am in a rut. Bored or something. Anyhoo, it's time to lay off the bread, potatoes, and fatty meats and try to maintain a better balance. For me, South Beach is a pretty easy way to do that.

I'm going to attempt to post my daily menus here for the next two weeks, but don't shoot me if I falter.

Leona

Technorati Tags: blogher, fitness, weight loss, diet, South Beach Diet

Home again, Home again...jiggity jig!

Sunday...on the way home. Snead and I are sitting on the plane from San Jose to Dallas in zombie-like comas (These are Snead's words. They sounded good, so I stole them. hehe)

We both tried sleeping, but it's just not happening. Probably gonna pass out immediately when we get home. Or, even more cruel, we'll NOT be able to sleep at all for the next three days.

The Blogher conference wasn't exactly what I expected it to be, but I still learned a lot. I am looking forward to opening my electronic goodie box when I get home and reading all the recaps from each session.

We got to meet several A-List bloggers, and Snead got chummy with Nancy White. We sat in a great session about writing about sex and sexuality on the Net. Maybe I'll spice up my blog a bit after this. No, there will be no porno, so don't get that excited.
;-) And, the names will be omitted to protect the innocent.

I really enjoyed meeting DrowningInKids, who hails from Canada. I'd read her blog several times, so it was kewl putting a face with it, and she was delightful. I also wrote down a TON of new URLs of blogs I'd like to check out. One that really intrigued me was a foodie blog called Egg Beater. We also met Halley, of Halley's Comment, and Susie Bright. I have visited Susie's blog MANY times, and it was great to meet her and hear her speak in the Sexuality panel.

I also met Amalah. I read her blog quite a bit. And, I met Karianna, who writes The Karianna Spectrum about her PDD-NOS (a mild form of autism) son at ClubMom. She and Snead, who also blogs at ClubMom (Use Your Words), had a really animated discussion about their sons and the various aspects of raising a child with autism. Shout out to Karianna!

I also sat in on a session on Group blogging. I was hoping it would be much meatier than it turned out to be, but I did get some good ideas from it. When I get home, I'll be creating a group blog for the Gainesville High School Swim Team. I had considered creating a website for the team, but I think a blog will give us a place to post all our stats, schedules, etc., and also allow the kids to have access to post themselves and share their photos and other things that interest them. I'm hoping they'll enjoy the experience. I just have to figure out what the best platform will be. I'm going to look into Movable Type this week. I really want to get it up and running before school starts.

The most amazing thing was just to be in a room with almost 800 women at once...all of them smart, funny, creative, empowered and more!

Can't wait to be home. I am missing Brandy, the kids and my nice, soft mattress. The hotel beds were like sleeping on bricks. Ugh. All-in-all, though, the Hyatt turned out to be better than it first appeared. The Internet connection was touchy and service was kind of slow, but the room was super clean. And, the staff did a good job of setting up our rooms for the conference as well as all the food and beverage stations. It was a plus that they served Starbucks coffee.

The girls called yesterday to tell me that Colton found a kitten near the yard. Naturally, they are dying to keep it! I have no idea what I want to do about that. I'd really like to stick with only the two cats we currently have, but who knows what I'll be suckered into when I get home. *sigh*

I'm hoping more than anything that the house is not a terrible, horrible, very bad mess when I walk in the door. That always stresses me out, because I know that I'll have to clean it in order to start my week off right. I have a hard time concentrating on work with a mess all around me.

Time to shut up before I ramble on.

Leona

Technorati Tags: blogher, blogher06, blogging, Halley's Comment, Susie Bright, Nancy White

Google Potty Story

I, um, had a bit of a bathroom issue the day after we arrived in San Jose (July 26, 2006)...okay, I get constipated when I travel. There, I said it. Anyhoo, I had tried to solve that with many mucho cups of java at breakfast. Unfortunately, the coffee didn't kick in until we were screamin' down 101 North towards San Fran.

We passed Ebay and Yahoo's headquarters and waved as we went by. Snead said, "You know, it would be so cool to see the Googleplex while we're here. That would just make the trip!"

A few minutes later, I informed her that I needed to find a bathroom...NOW. We saw a sign for the Amphitheatre Parkway exit and took it. I immediately said, as I squirmed in my seat, "I don't see any fast food joints or gas stations here. I don't think we'll find a place at this exit." Snead said, "Don't worry, we'll find something."

We were concentrating so hard that it took both of us a few minutes to register that the sign on the parking lot we had just pulled into read GOOGLE, in all it's fun, colorful glory. We both sat in awe for a few moments.

Snead says, "Just go in and ask if you can use the restroom." I said, "No way!" She pursed her lips together and gave me "the look". "Okay, okay...I'll try," I said as I stepped out of the car.

I had no idea where to enter, so I just picked a random door.

I walked into a modernly-appointed lobby where a fresh-faced young guy sat behind a large wooden barricade, or reception desk. He smiled. I smiled. I asked if there was a bathroom nearby that I could use.

He said, "Oh sure! It's right over there behind that door...Do you have a badge?"

Darn it!

I said, "I sure don't. I am here for a conference." I didn't mention the conference was in SAN JOSE, but he didn't ask either.

He smiled again and said, "Oh no problem. I'll let you in with mine."

A few moments later the door beeped and I was behind it and breathing the air in the inner sanctum of the Googleplex! If I hadn't had to go to the bathroom so bad, I am sure I would have stood there for a moment in silent prayer, but...

So, I made the instant left turn into the Google women's potty. At first glance, it looked just like any other office restroom. Lines of stalls and all that. But, when I went into one of those stalls, I balked just slighty. (Man, I WISH I had taken my camera!) There were all sorts of lines attached to the toilet and little electronic boxes on the walls with digital readouts and buttons. Holy CRAP, Batman! Literally.

I sat down to find that the toilet seat was cozy warm. Heated toilet seats? Unreal. I frantically searched out the toilet paper dispenser to make sure I didn't have to find a digital button to work it. Whew! It just unrolled normally.

Minutes later I was back in the hallway. I took one longing look towards the murmur of working Google employees in their cubbies and then turned and floated out of the inner sanctum.

The young man at the desk was kind enough to point me back to the 101 North. Perhaps he'll never know that he saved me from embarrassment and also made my entire week by allowing me tread on almost holy ground for a blogger. He was the hero of the day.

Leona

Technorati Tags: blogher, Mountain View, Google, Silicon Valley

Cable Cars, Golden Gate and GREAT Chinese Food!

Yesterday, Snead and I got up early. We actually both woke up at 3:59 a.m. PT and sat up to stare weirdly at each other across the room, until we realized that our body clocks were not yet synched and we still had a few hours to sleep! After some tossing and turning, I did manage to drift back off again.

Neither of us could make it past 6 a.m., though. We got dressed and walked over to the Hertz office, which is located handily right here in the Hyatt, and picked up our reserved rental car. It's a cute little charcoal gray Mazda 6. Looks like a mini-van got personal with a sedan. hehe

After breakfast, we set out for the 40-mile drive from San Jose to San Fran.

The trip was mostly uneventful, except for one side trip to the Googleplex. It's an interesting story and warrants a blog entry of its very own, so stay tuned. :-)

When we hit San Fran it was easier to find the big landmarks that we'd expected. We drove down to Fisherman's Wharf and stowed the Mazda 6 in a parking garage. Then, we hit the sidewalks and decided to do the cable car. There was more walking as we finally found the start of the Hyde-Powell line, paid for our all-day tickets and got in line.

While we were standing in line, the fog lifted just enough for us to see the red shadow of the famous Golden Gate bridge peeking out. Snead had promised she would squeal with delight when she finally saw it, and she didn't disappoint.

Riding the cable car was so incredibly San Francisco that I felt like a little kid on a ride at Disney World! Going up and down the hills and fearing that the breaks would give out at any moment and send us hurtling to our bloody deaths pumped all sorts of adrenaline into my system. I have to admit it was quite a rush.

We got off at the end of the line and paid a local guy a dollar tip to tell us where we should go next.

We headed up to Grant and walked until we hit Chinatown, where we browsed through all sorts of quaint little shops and cheesy little shops. We admired the interesting offerings in the outdoor markets and listened as folks haggled over prices in Chinese.

Snead was determined to find a "good" place to eat, so we peered into every little place until we found one that seemed to be overflowing with locals. That was the place! We ordered one #1 Special -- Mongolian Beef, Chicken with Cashews and Fried Rice, along with a couple of bowls of Hot and Sour soup. There was so much food that we couldn't possibly consume it all, and there was a DELICIOUS!

When we had gorged enough to pop, we waddled back out onto Washington and climbed the hill until we found a cable car back to Fisherman's Wharf.

Along the way, we shopped for stuff to take back to our loved ones at home. (Kisses to all the loved ones reading!) I bought a kewl apron (I have a thing for aprons) with the Fisherman's Wharf crab logo on it. I got my boy at little cable car with a dinging bell. And, finally, we ended up having Anchor Steam beer (thank you, Michelle!) at the Hard Rock Cafe. (Girls, you've got t-shirts coming!)

We ended our San Fran day with a stroll around the pier. We gazed at Alcatraz and the Golden Gate and took some photos of the sea lions barking away on the floating docks.

The chilly wind whipped up and reminded us that it was high time we got back on the road for San Jose. What an unforgettable day! I hope the photos turn out.

Leona

Technorati Tags: blogher, San Francisco, cable cars, Golden Gate Bridge

Do you know the way to San Jose?

Well, I do! You leave Gainesville, Fla., at 6:48 a.m. ET and drive through Waldo, Starke, and Lawty, Fla., where you diligently obey the posted speed limits to avoid the local redneck law enforcement's wrath. (If you are from North Florida and have even tried to get to Jax from the Gulf Coast you'll know exactly what I am talking about!)

You then arrive at Sneadwoman's house at approximately 8:30 a.m. (after sitting parked in the sea of other traffic trying to get onto I-95 S. from I-10). There is time to suck down about half a cup of Snead-brewed coffee before it is time to head out to the Jax International Airport.

(Ummmm...Let's not mentioned that whacked-out missed turn that lead you back onto I-10 for a brief moment!)

We arrive at the airport, take the shuttle bus to the terminal after parking 10,000 miles away in the ecomony lot. (Did I mention my company is NOT paying for this conference?) We use the handy-dandy self-check-in feature, get our electronic boarding passes and blaze through the snaking line of security with amazing dexterity.

On the other side, we immediately go in search of a Starbucks, only to realize that we just freaking don't have TIME! OMG. The world could have come to an end!

We have just enough time to grab a danish and a muffin at Yucky Airport Food Slinging Place (name changed for legal reasons) and within minutes are boarding our plane to San Jose...no wait...DALLAS/FORT WORTH!

(Simulate bumpy 2-hour plane ride here.)

Upon arrival in Dallas, we have two hours to kill. We share a burger and slug down a couple of Coronas in an airport burger joint. As we are sitting at our table, we both spy a Starbucks cup bopping by in the hands of a blond chick. Our search for Starbucks began anew. And, *Hallelujah* there were TWO of them to choose from.

Two Java Chip Frappachinos later (and a brand new set of magazines) Snead and I were both feeling human again and boarding the flight for San Jose.

As we buckled in, Snead had to point out that her ass was hanging over the crack that divided our seats. From my end, this didn't appear to be the case, but she didn't believe me when I told her so. She gets this way on long flights, so I have to placate her.

As the flight progressed, we were privy to the loud conversations of the three preteen girls sitting in the seats on the other side of the eisle. The word "like" was used more times than I can even count. The girls were traveling alone, but had befriended each other in the terminal and the flight attendents were nice enough to wiggle EVERYONE around so they could all sit together.

She also wiggled an older lady and gentleman into the seats in front of us. Snead's enthusiastic reaction to the article about Oprah and Gayle's friendship in the most recent "O" Magazine caused her to bump the tray table and illicited an angry response from the bitch...ummmm...lady in front of us.

Other than that, the 3-1/2-hour flight was rather uneventful. We took off a little late and landed a little late, putting us in San Jose at around 4:30 PT (7:30 ET). Needless to say, we were pooped.

A friendly shuttle deposited us at the Hyatt. We checked in, hand dinner (which was good, but too expensive) in the hotel restaurant and then struggled to stay awake long enough to stave off too much jet lag.

Dr. Phil was still gabbing away about too much plastic surgery when my eyes closed of their own accord around 9:30 p.m. PT.

So, yes, I know the way to San Jose, and it takes a long freaking time to get here. LOL.

We're off to a day in San Fran. Later!

Leona

Technorati Tags: blogher, San Jose, airline travel, Starbucks, Hyatt San Jose

Blogher Bound!

Tomorrow, I head out for the annual blogher conference in San Jose, Calif., where I hope to meet lots of other women bloggers and learn how to make this bit of the Internet I own really sing. (Or at least hum a better tune.)

For a week, my friend Snead and I have been constantly on the phone discussing the merits of carry-on luggage. I found a rockin' Diane Von Furstenburg bag that I think will do the trick. I have all my clothes laid out on the bed, and I am now worried that they won't all fit. Fine time to come to THAT realization.

30-minutes later...

I had to nix one outfit, but I managed to cram it all in there. I have one outfit for each day and two extra shirts I can alternate, depending on the weather. I bought travel bottles for my toiletries and put the possibly-leaky ones in a ziplock baggie as well.

I've also filled my laptop bag with the residuals...including my black Reef flip-flops. Can't leave those behind.

I'll check off my list again in the morning, but I am pretty sure I have enough underwear and that's all that matters, right? hehe

...leeeaavving, on a jet plane...don't know when I'll be back again...

I think I'm prepared. We shall see.

Blog ya when I get there!

Leona

Technorati Tags: blogging, women, blogher, carry-on luggage

Beach Blanket Blues

*sigh*

I thought I was doing great. Why do I let this scale rule my world?

Last week, I went to the beach at Treasure Island, Fla., with my mom, two sisters, my three kids and two nephews. Our two condos were on the third floor of the complex, so we were up and down stairs several times a day. I was thinking, "Hey, my ass is going to look SLAMMIN' when I get home!"

We also swam in the ocean once a day and hit the pool in the afternoons. Plenty of exercise, right? I didn't pig out on chips or snack all day long.

Okay, so how in the hell did I end up coming home almost 5 lbs heavier than I did when I left? Huh? Can someone PLEASE explain that to me?

I know, I know...it's not the end of the world. But, damn it! I feel like I constantly take two steps forward and four back on this weight loss/fitness journey.

I need to go cry now. I am sure I'll feel better when I relieve that stress.

Technorati Tags: Treasure Island, weight loss, Florida, beach

New Exercise Regimen

Okay, as promised, I am blogging about my new exercise regimen.

I had already started to walk once a day and had set a nice 20-minute route that suited my needs. At this time, 20 minutes is about all I can spare with work breathing down my neck.

Anyhoo, after walking almost daily for a month, I noticed that my walk seemed to be getting shorter. Hmmmm...turned out the ROUTE wasn't getting shorter, but I was getting FASTER. I had to lengthen my route.

Amazingly enough, after a week or so my time was shrinking AGAIN! One evening, I scraped my husband off the couch and enticed him to walk with me. About halfway through the walk, he turned to me and said, a little breathlessly, "You know, at this pace, you should just run."

Good idea!

The next day, I alternated by fast walk with a jog. Had to add to the route again, but it was exciting and invigorating to know that I could actually JOG without dying. Woo Hoo!

I am hoping to start walking and jogging on alternate days soon. Keep reading.

Leona

Technorati Tags: exercise, weight loss, jogging, walking

Back on the wagon, going public

Dear Readers,

Are you still reading? Probably not. And why in the world would you be? I haven't posted anything to read in almost two months. Good grief!

You'd think I haven't posted because I got discouraged. Well, perhaps I did...a bit. But, the main reason I haven't posted is lack of time. And, to be honest, I am lazy. I have been working my tail off at my job job, and I haven't allowed myself time or made time to keep up my writing.

I think that my biggest flaw as a person is that I don't make time for myself and the things that "I" want to do. I tend to put other stuff first. Work...well, you have to put that first if you want to be able to afford a roof over your head, food on your table and, yes, GAS in your car. (I could write an ENTIRE blog post on the topic of gas, but I won't go there now.)

Writing is my passion, and I neglect it. My excuses? I have too much work to do. The kids need [insert various things here]. My husband needs [insert stuff here]. I have bills to pay. I have errands to run. I have to run children here. I have to run children there. I may miss [blank] TV show. The list could go on and on. What happened to my dream of writing the great American novel? I think it's really all just fear. Fear that I will not be good. Even that this blog will not be good. Hence, I have not attempted to draw much attention to it.

The good news is twofold:

1) I am not only back on the weight-loss wagon, but I have stepped up my exercise regimen, and I am pretty sure I'm losing inches. The weight continues to stay around 143 lbs. But, I think I'll make my 10-lb first goal by the end of July.

2) I am shaking off my fear and taking this blog public. I am going to bare my heart and soul to the world, for better or for worse. Wish me luck.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's entry where I will astound you with news of how my exercise is going.

For now, goodnight.

Technorati Tags: writing, weight loss, exercise, fitness