Detox Day 3 and going Strong

I slept like a rock last night. I woke up feeling so refreshed, I couldn't believe it was only 6 am. Now granted, I was tired so I made it to bed at 10:20 or so which is about an hour earlier than normal. But still, I feel good today.

Now for the "icky" part. I did end up with one bout of diarrhea yesterday. But it was not too awful. Not burning or painful. It was preceded by some cramping that definitely got my attention and was not comfortable. But as soon as I went to the bathroom I felt fine.

The same thing happened today and that is the only BM I have had today. I've had a little more cramping, at least this morning. I was a little worried driving home from my kid's school that I was going to have a problem. But it really is just the intestine pulling the water in that causes the cramping. And it does not last, just for a moment or so and then it passes.

So far, the only big difference in the way I feel is that I have been sleeping well - and normally I wake up a lot. I also don't feel bloated which is nice. No significant changes in my weight, but I have been dieting for a while so I didn't really expect that. I hear you feel a big difference in your energy level by the end of the week. So we shall see.

Detox Day 2

Ok. so if you read my last post, and I assume you have and have commented because I am comment whore, you know that I have started a 7 Day Detox Body Cleanse from Arbonne. I was a little afraid at first about the idea. I have heard that some cleanses are actually PAINFUL. I've heard that you can have creepy things come out of your body. I've heard that they are unhealthy.

And sometimes I think they are, if you aren't careful about which product you choose. I haven't had that experience thank goodness - at least so far. Don't worry I will be honest with you about my experience. So here goes...

I am on Day 2. Day 1 was fairly uneventful. Uneventful because I was EXHAUSTED. I thought maybe it was because I was just tired from a long weekend, but after researching and asking around, that is totally normal. I could barely stay awake. I was in bed falling asleep as soon as the kids were down.

As for the bathroom issue - skip this part if you don't want to know - I'm gonna be honest. Yesterday was not out of the realm of normal. I think I had 2 or 3 BM. Also, since you drink 32 oz of water along with the detox solution, obviously you pee a LOT.

Day 2 has been slightly different. I have had some mild cramping and had 3 or 4 BMs so far and it is only mid-afternoon. I don't have diarrhea though and that is what I was expecting. Stools will be looser of course, but nothing that hurts or burns. I have heard that you want to avoid eating too much citrus because of all the extra "activity" during the detox week. The cramping is from the intestines pulling water into the intestine so it can cleanse the waste material through your system. That is why it is so important to stay hydrated.

Today I feel pretty normal. Nothing too drastically different, but the deep exhaustion is gone. I plan on going on a nice walk later. I hear that light and relaxing exercise is very helpful and that you should avoid strenuous workouts during your detox week.

I'll keep you posted!

Stuff You Should Know About...And Then Again Maybe Not

1. I just finished a FANTASTIC Bible study with my gal pals. It was Beth Moore's "A Woman's Heart". I'm not exactly sure why it is called that. It is a study of the Old Testament Tabernacle and how it relates to us today. How everything in the Bible, everything in that Tabernacle represented Christ and where the Tabernacle is today. When it was first introduced to me I thought, snooze fest. But it was actually one of the greatest and most intensely satisfying studies I have ever journeyed through. And I hope to do it again with Dan since I think it applies to both men and women.

2. On a lighter note, Weight Watchers just came out with a new ice cream treat. It comes in a package of two little containers of ice cream that are 2 points each. And they are MONEY! I like the mint chip flavor. The cup looks small at first, but they pack quite a bit in there and I feel satisfied when I am done. Other flavors are Chocolate Brownie and Cookie Dough. The cookie dough is pretty good, but I wasn't a fan of the Brownie. The texture of the brownie in it was a little "off" for me. But my neighbor, Dez, loves it. Give it a whirl, all my fellow chubby gals. It's worth a try.

3. I am on Day 1 of the Arbonne 7 Day Body Cleanse. It is part of their new SeaSource Detox Spa line. So far today I feel pretty sluggish. I feel tired and have a bit if a headache. But no running to the bathroom. I have always wanted to do a cleanse but was scared of a lot of the products out there. But after some research I have learned that it can really help with fatigue, weight gain, depression, body aches, sleeplessness and lots more. All of which I have experienced in the last several months. So since Arbonne came out with this product, and it much gentler than alot of the extreme cleanses out there I am giving it a whirl. I'm going to attempt to give a day to day progress report for anyone interested. The products comes in 7 little vials. Each day you mix one vial with 32 oz of water and sip it SLOWLY throughout the day for 7 days. So far I have heard day 1 and 2 are a bit rough, day 3-6 you start to feel a difference and by day 7 you sleep like a baby. I'm going to tell you what I really think and try not to hype it up. No real earth shattering news yet for you. I'll keep ya posted.
4. An finally - Sorry to mom if you are reading this - but I recently heard about an online "intimacy enhancer" store called Book22. Book 22 refers to Songs of Soloman, the 22nd book of the Bible. It has all kinds of games, toys etc. The owners remove pornographic and inappropriate packaging and focus on products that the couple can use together. I found the idea amusing and intriguing. Check it out and have fun!

That LOVE is MAGICAL

It seems that everywhere I look, there is love, weddings, engagement! Spring fever maybe? Dan and I attended a wedding last week. It was beautiful. Like most women, I LOVE weddings. It used to be I would go as a single woman, taking notes, silently critiquing and planning for my big SOMEDAY.

Now when I go, I like to just soak it in. The "remember whens"... Dan and I always watch the groom instead of the bride during the processional. They always have this big old sloppy grin. It is a face you rarely see elsewhere - and that love is something magical. I'll never forget Dan's goofy smile as I walked down the aisle. I'll never forget the terror that almost consumed me before the ceremony, before the doors opened and how it all fell away when I saw his face and the deepest calm I have ever known came upon me. That love is something magical.

As I watched the couple this last week join in their first kiss (she had no veil which I find so sad because aside from the sloppy grin, the lifting of the veil is the best part!) more memories flooded me. Dan's trembling fingers, how his tuxedo jacket felt against my hand, the way he leaned to one side and grabbed me with abandon and kissed me in a way that I'll always remember. That love is magical.

A week ago, my sweet friend Rachel got engaged. I am so filled with joy at this news. The happiness that I KNOW she is feeling, the overwhelming passion for a man and the realization that everything you had hoped for is standing in front of you and asking you that one question. To share your life together. I tear up as I look at the picture of her delicate hand and the shiny, elegant new engagement ring. I remember spending hours staring at my own. Waking up the morning after and giggling out loud like a little girl on Christmas day. Those moments are unbeatable, breath taking and nearly heaven. That love is magical.

It is all around me in tiny little ways. The sound of Dan's key in the door still makes me smile, my kids chasing one another and laughing loudly, the smell of Dan's skin after he shaves, the whispered "I love you, Mommy". These moments are what make life worth living. That love is something magical.

Gap Tooth

I have been wallowing in self pity this week. After 10 years and many narrow escapes, they got me. Held me down, plied me with sedatives and ripped those suckers out. My wisdom teeth. EEEEK! I guess after 3 kids and mind of mush I didn't deserve anything with the title "Wisdom".

It's been a great excuse to ignore my diet and eat an obscene amount of chocolate cake. (Hey - it's soft...) And ignore any attempt at exercise. (Bad for the stitches, you know).

I wonder how long I can milk this one?

Be Afraid

Frustrations

Ok, I have been back on my Weight Watchers journey for going on 5 weeks now. The first 2 weeks I did great. Lost about 9 lbs. Most of it water, yes, I know that. But Her it is 5 weeks later and I have not lost ANY more weight. I am feeling very frustrated. I have been a saint this week. Never going over on points, and never DARING to dip into those floating points. I have been active, keeping busy. What else can I do??

I don't want to give up. I really want to look nice for when we go to Hawaii so that I don't embarrass myself in a swim suit. Last week I set my goal. 7 more weeks until Hawaii. I want to lose 10lbs. It is looking bleak.

My desire to gorge and spread my whole body with a tub of chocolate icing is overwhelming. And yet I have refrained.

I am really mad at myself that I let the weight come back. If only I had just made myself weigh in a month earlier. If only....If only....

Uh-oh....the Easter candy is calling my name....Gingers mom....Gingers mom.... I better go hide.

Budding Life

The last 6 months have been a journey for me. I look back to last summer or so and see the way my life was and look at it now and in many ways I barely recognize where I was. For me, the fall brought about some pretty dark days. Some of you know the trials I have had to face with my middle born. For those of you who don't, I was in the midst of a very steep downward spiral with him. I would say that he was living up to his nickname, Stinky, but that barely scratches the surface.

My little man has so many wonderful, charming qualities. His startling blue eyes and round chubby cheeks make me melt. His soft, sweet voice begging my attention just one more time before I turn his light out at night. "You look pretty, mommy..." - at least 10 times a day. The qualities I've always known that are there...I could see those sparks of the tenderhearted man that I know he will become even when our troubles were at their worst. That is the coolest thing about motherhood - looking at your kids and always have the ability to see to the heart of them - the person they WILL become, the person you are hoping to mold them to be. And then on your knees in desperation, praying you don't mess it up.

Little Stinky put me through the wringer. No doubt about it. I'll probably continue to share more as I distance myself from the experience. But for now, I am happy to say that the clouds have begun to clear.

I've taken a long breather from Arbonne. As much as I loved it, my focus HAD to be on my son. And that took every ounce of my being and then a little bit more. As I am gaining emotional strength, I am considering my future there and not sure what I feel.

I look back to last summer and see someone desperately lonely. And today I can say, that really isn't true. I have had a burst of new friendships that have done wonders for me. I feel happier, more fulfilled. It is amazing what companionship can do for a drowning soul. I feel content with my life in a way that I have not felt in quite a while. Sometimes friendships just touch you in such a profound way you feel as though it is bigger than you somehow. Does that make sense?

I have been going to a Bible study every other Thursday night with them, which has been good for me. As much as I TRULY, WHOLEHEARTEDLY believe in my faith, I had become stagnant. Somehow, these new friendships have brought about a new "interest", or passion in my feelings and relationship with Christ.

We do playdates once or twice a week, we help each other with childcare. All the things friends do for each other - but I had somehow been missing in my life for a while. It has made me realize how the smallest things we do, can affect eachother so profoundly. And if we dig deep and look to Someone much greater, the help can found.

Never ask...

Mommy: Stinky, what does a pig say?

Stinky: Oink!!

Mommy: What does a bird say?

Stinky: Tweet tweet!!

Mommy: What does a dog say?

Stinky: Ruff Ruff!!

Mommy: What does a MOMMY say?

Stinky: Moo!!!

Mom

A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after. ~Peter De Vries