Okay, Break it Up People

Last night, MrMama and I were having a, er, discussion.

Me, in a slightly grumpy promising tone: Are we going to need to have a fight about this?

MrMama, calmly: No, I don't think so.  Why?

Me: Because you're being..... (struggles for word).... wrong!

MrMama chuckles.

I Can See Clearly Now

My new glasses are in!  You inspired me to try something new so here they are:

They are coppery brown with a cool design on the side and teal on the inside. 

I love them!

Once Upon A Prairie

About three years ago, in the land of Oz, there was a Mama who had no life was busy at home. Sometimes she felt lonely and would visit a homeschooling message board. There she was known for the story she shared about the time she trailed sugar over the entire grocery store and for her Peanut Butter Ball recipe. Eventually she found her way to a member's Blog, which she found quite entertaining. (It was also a great way to avoid housework.) The Mama thought it was fun to hear a child mispronounce "juice bag" and cracked up as this woman deleted messages from her answering machine without even listening to them. Oh, and the photos: there were beautiful photos on this blog. The spark was lit.

"I would love to take photos like that," the Mama told herself. If this mother, with no formal photography training, could learn how to do this, then maybe she could too. She emailed the Blogger who wrote back with information about her camera and kind encouragement.

The Mama got a Nikon d80 and started to learn how to use it. During this time she also discovered Flick and became BFFF (Best Flickr Friends Forever) with Miz Booshay. Miz B also had a new d80 and a child about same age as mine the Mama's.

Fast forward a few years. The Mama is still learning how to use her Nikon d80 (she's a bit slow in the technology department). But she has developed a passion for photography and an artistic eye. Friends and friends of friends started to request her photography. The Mama happily obliged. Now she sorta has a life. And virtual friends. And a few friends in real life too.

One of those friends is April, whom the Mama met a long time ago but re-met more recently (but that is another story). April and the Mama are going to go see that nice Blogger, who is now famous and is touring the country. And the Mama will probably take pictures of the famous Blogger who, if you remember, inspired the Mama to learn photography in the first place.

How cool is that?

Tag! You're It

There is a fad floating around Facebook right now - 25 Random Things About Me. It starts when you get "tagged" by a Friend. You create and post your list then tag other Friends. And they tag their friends. And, well, you get the idea.

Here's my list, mostly taken from here. Because, if you're a proper blog stalker, 25 just isn't enough.

1. I have been spelunking.
2. In college, I met Maya Angelou. She said, "Hi Baby" in her warm southern accent.
3 .When I was 19, I helped physically build a church in Mexico.
4. I grew up in what some people consider a religious cult and lived in a Commune.
5. I have sung on stage at Carnegie Hall in New York. Yes, in front of an audience.
6. I know Sign Language and have taught at a School for the Deaf.
7. I had a horse and can ride both English and Western.
8. I was an only child for 17 years.
9. I have a Green Belt in martial arts.
10. I love stargazing and will drag my children out of bed at 3 AM to watch a meteor shower.
11. Once I stood right next to Holly Hunter at an art museum and pretended not to know who she was.
12. I feel light-headed if I see, think about, or think I see a broken bone.
13. I have never pierced my ears. Neither has my mom. My sister and daughter do have pierced ears - I think they are very brave.
14. I am constantly putting my foot in my mouth. Not literally - I am not that flexible.
15. I have a very dry sense of humor. Many people don't get it.
16. I would rather have a cavity filled than get sick to my stomach.
17. I like a clean and tidy house but my house is not usually tidy. Or clean.
18.On my honeymoon, I stayed in a mountain cabin with no electricity and lots of rodents.
19. For the first time in my life, I can now do push ups.
20. I have Crohn's disease.
21. One time I backed my husband's car into my mother-in-law's van. Not on purpose!
22. I have never gotten a speeding ticket. Or been pulled over.
23. I remember words to songs and melodies and can sing entire musicals and 3 hour choral pieces to you. Please don't ask me to.
24. I can read a book then re-read it a year later and not know how it ends.
25. Both of my children weighed almost 10lbs at birth.

Don't Sniff the Cream

I was telling Master Munchkin about an upcoming outing with a friend - we're meeting this weekend for a quick bite at a restaurant and some much needed "girl time".

The Master immediately launched into his lecture mode.

"Don't sniff the cream. Or burp. Or say 'stink' or 'butt' or any of those bad words. Use your manners- say 'please' and 'thank you'. But most important, no sniffing the cream!"

I had forgotten that I told him how I almost did something very rude on my last outing. I always, always smell the cream before I pour it into my coffee. I must have had a traumatic experience once, because cream does not go into my coffee unless it passes my nose test first. It's just something I do .

Anyway, a girlfriend had me over for coffee and it took everything within my power to not smell the carton of half-and-half that she scooted towards me across the table. I have to admit, it would have been rude to do so. Somehow, I restrained myself. And the cream was fine, of course.

I had forgotten all about that incident, but apparently it made an impression on the Master. So much that he felt the need to remind me. Twice.

I'll let you know how it goes. Will she sniff or will she not? And are there any other sniffers out there?

Me At 14

This is Buddermilk. Bud for short. Before I met him, he was a wild mustang, roaming free in Wyoming. I bought him when I was 13. He was gentle and timid, he hated trailers and loved orange Popsicles.

Owning a horse was a good thing for me. I worked hard hauling hay, breaking ice, and cleaning stables. I had callouses on my hands and sore muscles. But the magic of having a horse made it all worth it.

Random Ramblings

Today:

Was the Master Munchkin's first full day of school away from me. Ever.

I ate an entire bag of my favorite snack.

I got a nasty headache from smacking my head against the mat in Martial Arts.

My Favorite Sister called me from college. She has escaped Gustav and is safe and sound.

Miss Munchkin started High School. As in Freshman.

Quiz!

Here's a short, fun quiz for readers of All Astonishment:

How Well Do You Know MrsMama?

Feel free to post your score in the comments. :)

Some Help from my Corner

You may already know that I am trying to get fit and somewhat not-fat before I reach forty. This week I received my latest cholesterol test results. The overall number went from 245 to 220; That is still high, but I'm heading in the right direction. Honestly, I was disappointed that it wasn't normal. I have been exercising 5 days a week, eating fairly healthy (hey, I gave up butter!) and have lost almost 20 pounds.

My next goal, becoming a Lightweight, is now within reach. I've been teetering near it for awhile, but with a little encouragement from my Corner (you, dear readers), I might actually make it. I have about 2 1/2 lbs to go.

Go MrsMama - you can do it! Oh wait - that's your line. :)

Five Generations

This photo represents five generations of my family. Me, my grandmother, my father, my son, and the grave of my grandmother's parents (Master Munchkin's great, great grandparents!).

It's Official

Last week I started Physical Therapy for my right arm. I officially have "Tennis Elbow", but mine is a result of boxing (and maybe repetitive cookie eating). I am wearing a wrist brace, which keeps me from putting extra tension on the damaged tendons in my arm, and am under strict orders not to punch with it or do push ups. For now, we are treating it with a combination of stretches, massage, ultrasound and moist heat. I am still going to Martial Arts classes, but I took a few weeks off of Kickboxing. I just started back and I can't tell you how much I hate not being able to throw my right cross!

A Little Inspiration

I love to listen to music when I have to do something unpleasant, like housework or exercise. I even took my mp3 player to the dentist recently to drown out the whine of the drill.

One of my very favorite things to listen to when I have to run is the orchestral score from the movie, Transformers. The movie was *OK*, but the music was incredible. You can hear snips of it from Amazon and you'll see what I mean. It is very motivational with its strong strings, driving beat and ethereal choir. Kinda Angelic-Technology meets Pirates-of-the-Carribean sounding. I've heard it compared to the Harry Potter score, but I haven't heard that so I can't really say.

Apparently this movie score wasn't available to the public for a long time. It was only released after a large, organized public movement and online petition. Even now, copies of the CD are hard to find. But you can download it easily online now from various places (for a reasonable fee).

Check out the clip from songs #12, Arrival To Earth and #7, Bumblebee. From Amazon, just click the little arrow to the left of them and you'll hear a free clip. That will give you a taste of what I'm talking about. You might even get inspired and get up and do something exciting! :)

Open Mouth, Insert Foot

I feel like I am constantly putting my foot in my mouth. I don't know why; I certainly don't intend to! I can't tell you how many times I find myself slapping my forehead in private and groaning, "I can't believe I said that." I can painfully recall embarrassing moments involving our Pastor's wife, my Boxing Coach and even my husband's boss. So I was quite happy to find this article, "Don't Say This - and Why". It probably won't stop me from making a fool of myself mispeaking, but perhaps it can save you a slap or two on the forehead.

Unexpected

When I signed up for kickboxing, I expected certain results such as stopping that lovely jiggle under my arm, and becoming fit enough to keep up with my children. But I didn't expect the pleasure of getting to know the people around me.

I have to admit that I've lived a fairly sheltered life. As a girl, I grew up in an Intentionally Planned Community, where everyone knew everyone and we were all fairly like-minded. During college, I hung out with people similar to myself - studious and rather predictable. As an adult, most of my friends are family-oriented moms who I've met though church or my children's school. And since I'm a SAHM, I don't often have the opportunity to interact with people outside of those circles.

But in Kickboxing, I partner with a short, single mother who rides motorcycles. I play shoulder tag with some really cool college kids. In Martial Arts, I am taught by a soft-spoken, gravity-defying young man from Japan and coached in boxing by a tall Irishman who would hold his own in a pub brawl. I've sparred with a crippled Indian disabled Native American and learned how to throw a double roundhouse from a gray-haired, energetic grandfather. These people are delightful and I've truly enjoyed getting to know them. They are different from me but it's OK.

Actually, it's great. And I didn't expect that.

100 Day Update

I recently started a One Hundred Day Onslaught exercise program and wanted to provide an update. I did get in 2 days with the extra 40 minutes of exercise but I've had a few setbacks as well. I've been having a sore elbow for some time now but it has worsened to the point where I can't ignore it any longer. It seems a few tendons in my right arm are inflamed and apparently boxing and punching with them 4 nights a week hasn't helped! I will have to take it easy in class and will probably have to postpone the extra push ups until I heal. Also, 2 guys named Breyers and Ghirardelli have been formidable opponents this week. I have to admit that they may have even won a round or two. But I'll still in the fight!

I'll let you know when I weigh in in the Lightweight division. :)

Digging In

Uppercut, originally uploaded by MrsMama.

It seems I have reached a plateau in my fight to get in shape. While I continue to gain flexibility and strength, I have stopped dropping weight. Since, according to my doctor, I still have 23 lbs to loose, I have decided that I need to do something above and beyond going to martial arts/kickboxing class 4 nights a week.

So yesterday, I came up with a 100 Day Onslaught (plan). Each day, for the next 100 days, my goal is to:

do 100 push ups (throughout the day, not all at once!)
do 100 sit ups
do 100 kicks
do 100 punches
exercise 100 minutes (classtime will count towards this)
not eat sugar or white flour

Sundays are a rest day.

If I can stick with this, I should be at or near my goal weight by my wedding anniversary this August.

Off to drag myself downstairs to my bag. Wish me luck!

Random Ramblings

Master Munchkin and I went to martial arts class this morning. Saturdays are family days, so the adults and kids train together (usually the kids are in 1/2 of the room and the adults are in the back, with a curtain pulled between us). There was a family of red belts, then me and MM and one other little orange belt. So the "lower" belts worked together and the "upper" belts worked together. I spent most of the class on my knees, pulling little boys' hair and "choking" them. The red belts worked on grappling and clinch holds. Even though they looked like they were having fun, they are all pretty intense and frighten me. just. a. bit.

I am feeling a bit down today. I am trying to focus on the positive - like Master Munchkin enjoying my white chili so much that he asked for a second bowl. And My Mister (husband) rubbing that tight muscle in my lower back. Ahhh. And the fresh pot of coffee that just finished brewing. And the fact that I have chocolate chips in the house and I know how to use them. There, I feel a bit better now.

Sucking Coffee and Fried Worms

Ugh. I just returned home from a visit to the dentist, and quickly sought some comfort in a cup of coffee. I soon discovered that doing one of my favorite things has become quite a bit more challenging! You try drinking a hot beverage from a large cup with a numb and useless front lip! After a few tries, I learned that it can be done, if I use a straw and place it...just...so.... Ahhhh, yes. Definitely worth the trouble.

While I was gone, The Mister (my dear husband) "forgot" to load the dishwasher. I can almost believe this. But he also forgot to feed Master Munchkin breakfast. That, I don't understand. Master Munchkin claims he dislikes to request food from The Mister, because of what he gets served. According to him, he only gets (insert dramatic pause) bread and water. AND he has to eat the crusts.

We've recently started listening to one of my favorite childhood books on CD in the car, How to Eat Fried Worms. Master Munchkin is quite amused! I've heard that this book has been banned in some schools, but I can't imagine why. We have found it a delightful way to pass the time while driving to and from town.

Weight Class

My husband and I are fairly new fans of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) and UFC. Some of the terminology they throw around can be a bit confusing so let's look at the Weight Classes.

The UFC currently uses five weight classes:

* Lightweight: 146 to 155 lb
* Welterweight: 156 to 170 lb
* Middleweight: 171 to 185 lb
* Light Heavyweight: 186 to 205 lb
* Heavyweight: 206 to 265 lb

In addition, there are four other weight classes specified in the Unified Rules which the UFC does not currently utilize: Flyweight (under 125 lb), Bantamweight (126 to 135 lb), Featherweight (136 to 145 lb), and Super Heavyweight ( above 265 lb).

To bring things down to a more personal level, I am a Welterweight. I started as a Middleweight and am currently trying to get into the Lightweight division. Ultimately, I'd like to be a Featherweight. That has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Maybe, when I'm a Featherweight, I won't have to get on the scale at the doctor's office anymore. I'll just tell them, "Oh, I'm a Featherweight," and they will nod knowingly and wave me by, jotting down a note in my chart. Y'think?

By the way, even though Miss Munchkin is a Flyweight, she can front kick me across the room! I'm so proud. :)

Not One and Twenty

Today is my birthday. Just like Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I will not own up to my age, but "I am not one and twenty." :)