Sip and See...

One of the couples in our small group is about to have a baby and we wanted to host a shower for them. With all the crazy schedules, it's been hard to find a time when everyone is in town and together so we determined last night that we are probably just going to have to do something after the baby is born. "I guess we can just have a "Sip and See"." I volunteer. The girls nod in agreement and I noticed that the men in the room were having a little trouble processing what that might be. Our friend, Daniel, finally says, "A Sip and See? I'm sorry but what's a Sip and See? First, does any other man in this room know what she just said? And secondly, if he does, is anyone manly enough to admit it?"

All of the men in the room confirm they have no idea what that is so I go on to explain that it's a shower that you have after the baby is born..."You know", I say, "you have something to "sip" on and you get to "see" the new baby." Daniel grins and goes, "OOOOOOOHHHHH! You mean a "Gulp" and "Gawk". Now that I'll do but a "Sip" and "See" I will not."

I was still laughing about his statment this morning when he showed up for the men's class at FitLab so I brought up the "Gulp and Gawk" again. I look over at another class member, one I was sure would know what I'm talking about, and say, "Ryan, you know what a Sip and See is, right?" to which he replies, "Huh?" Daniel laughs and says, "Exactly my point!"

I wasn't not going to give up so easily so I ask another class member, "Steve, do you know what a Sip and See is? to which he promptly says, "Is that like a scratch and sniff?" By now I'm cracking up laughing, which only feeds Daniel. "I'm just sayin...but a Sip and See makes my pinky finger immediately shoot out and I'm sorry but that just isn't happening!"

So for all who are interested, I'd like to introduce you to new, male friendly version called a "Gulp and Gawk". We agreed that's what our small group will be having!

Praying for Elizabeth...

One of the couples who used to be in our small group at church just recently found out that their 4 year old little girl, Elizabeth, was battling Stage 4 cancer. It began with some swelling in her cheek, tingling in her legs, and her parents noticed that she was eating less and less and sleeping more and more. Within 30 days, their lives have been turned upside down. Please pray for our friends, Jessica, Peter, and their little girl, Elizabeth, during this trying time. Our God is a big God and is mighty to save!

You can read more about her story here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/elizabethcooke and I encourage all who feel comfortable to leave a message letting them know that people all over are praying for peace, comfort, and healing for their family. If it were you, wouldn't knowing there are hundreds praying serve to strengthen and give you hope?

We Aren't Snooty, We're Just Clean...

DW & I were signed up for a 10K in Rome, GA, this weekend on the Berry College campus, which was breath-taking. And although I didn't end up running the race for reasons that would be too tedious to explain on here, I did go to support Dusty and pick up my t-shirt so I can be a total and complete poser...but one with a cute t-shirt none-the-less.

Ford Dining Hall

In typical Walker-style, we waited until the last minute to book our hotel, so we had to figure out our sleeping arrangements next. As we were driving along, passing potential locations, we kept saying, "Nope, looks filthy!" or "No way, that looks dangerous!" Riiight as the thought occured to me, DW said, "Are we just snooty?!" I thought for a moment, and then said with conviction, "We aren't snooty, we're just clean." He pauses, and I laugh, knowing what he's thinking and sure enough, he says: "Is that what snooty people say to make themselves feel better?" I'm not saying it's true, I'm not saying it isn't.

Shortly after, I gunned the engine to get DW's attention since he was pre-occupied with checking email on his computer. Without missing a beat - or looking up - he said, "Careful, Bud, you might break one of their legs." "Huh?" I say, and look around for whose leg I could have broken. "Whose legs?" I repeat, still confused, and then laugh when he says in a redneck voice, "One of those horses under my hood..." Um, yeah, our V6 engine is just full of horsepower!

We wanted to stay at the Claremont house but cheap-ies that we are, we are saving that for next year. Instead, we stayed at another run of the mill hotel and I had panic attacks about when the last time the comforter was cleaned. That said, I lived and no limbs have fallen off yet and Dave Ramsey would be proud. We are this close! :-)

After registering for the race and figuring out hotel details, DW and I got a recommendation from his contact at Berry College about where we should eat in Rome. We chose Bella Roma, a local Italian place that was given rave reviews. It didn't look like much on the outside, but it was a classic case of looks being deceiving.
A small glass of red wine (yes, just one, Mom!) served with our fresh bread dipped in garlic clove shavings drowned in olive oil was a small bit of heaven. We followed that by a Spankopita appetizer (phyllo dough wrapped around spinach, and covered in fresh mozzarella crumbles) made on-the-spot when DW, who couldn't stop himself, ordered it...and then I couldn't stop myself from eating it. His excuse? "Carb loading." My excuse? This girl just likes to eat.

Next, they brought out a small pizza covered in fresh ingredients and DW and I both died and went to heaven on the first bite!!! We both wanted to eat and eat and eat until we died.

I couldn't get Dusty to stop long enough to take a picture at first...
But then he conceded a little later when his belly was full...

And, may I point out, we got all of the above for under $35...crazy, right? If you find yourself in Rome, it's a must-do.

After dinner, we chose to go to the incredibly romantic local mall (ha!) so I could get makeup. I've been out for a few weeks and I'm starting to look like something out of night of the living dead (ok, not that bad). As I got out of the car, a middle aged woman and her mother were walking up near our car, and DW made a very real tooting sound and exclaimed, "Baaabe!" as if it surprised him. The woman and her mother just stared and I turned three shades of red while DW laughed at his obnoxious little prank. "Oh, it hurts..." he said when he finally came up for air, his eyes full of laughter-tears. "Good." I say, but I melt a little when he wraps his arm around me and says, "Kiss me!"...his way of begging for forgiveness.

Inside the mall, I found out the rumor is indeed true...my brand of makeup that I've been wearing since I was 16 years old has been discontinued. Goodbye, Prescriptives. I'll miss you. I hit the gumball machine hard to drown my sorrows...and to cover our garlic breath from our fabulous dinner.

We drove past the movie theater, considered it, and then decided that we were tired and DW needed to get a good night's sleep before he ran...and I just wanted to sleep. When we got to the hotel, I was making myself some hot tea so DW headed to our room and when I got there, I found this stuck in the card reader on the door:

The next morning, we got up early and DW and I headed back to Berry College so he could run. He ended up getting 7th in his age category, set a PR, and came in Top 30 overall so he was really proud of himself and I was really proud of him, too.

Quite honestly, it was just the weekend we needed...something different, something fun, and lots of laughs.

Next weekend, the zoo with Chris, Shanna, and Elizabeth Reese...

Fitness Friday: The Skinny On Fats...

Let’s face it: “Skinny” is in. That buzz word is in the title of top-selling cookbooks, it catches our eyes as we walk by the magazine section in the grocery store, and it’s (too) often interlaced in many of our conversations throughout the day. On the flip side, “fat” is a word that we associate with our embarrassing lumps and bumps and it’s the reason that weight loss supplements and programs are a multi-billion dollar industry. But what if we were to change our view on fats and start focusing on what it’s purposed for: organ protection, insulation, and hormone production – rather than letting our fear and loathing of fat control us?

How can you decipher a healthy fat from a bad fat – and how much fat is too much? The most important thing to know is that fats should make up 20 – 35% of your daily intake but should come from healthier sources, which lower your risk of heart disease and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Below I have described the types of fats, listed healthy sources, and exposed the fats that you should limit or kick out of your diet completely:

What are the healthy fats?

Monounsaturated fats:
- Avocados (1/4 of avocado is 1 serving)
- Nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds, brazil nuts) – aim for raw, unsalted
- Seeds (flax, sunflower)

Polyunsaturated fats:
- Olive oil, peanut oil, or canola oil, vegetable oils (safflower, corn, sunflower, soy, and cottonseed oils), nuts and seeds.

Omega-3 fatty acids:
- Salmon, Mackerel, Herring, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Halibut

Low fat Dairy

Eggs: limit to 2-4 regular eggs or 14 liquid egg equivalents per week

What are the fats that should be limited?

Saturated fats: Animal products (such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy products), lard and butter, and coconut, palm and other tropical oils
- Should be less than 10% of daily intake
- Trim off visible fat

Trans fats: Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, commercial baked goods (boxed items in your grocery store), fried foods, shortening, butter, and margarine

Nutritional References: Mayo Clinic and the American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Memphis '10

DW was out of town all week for a conference for work so I drove over there on Thursday to pick him up and spend the weekend with some of the most important people in my life! I literally couldn't keep from flooring it in the car the closer I got to Memphis because that meant I was going to get to see Bartee, my BFF!!! If you don't know who Bartee is, he's all things in this world precious to me (as you can read about here and here)!

I got into town around dinner time so we headed straight over to Newk's, one of our regular lunch spots when I worked for him. As soon as he walked in the door, my heart melted...as soon as he saw me, his eyes lit up and he said, "Well, HEY young'un! It's been too long!" and gave me the biggest hug. I had to take a deep sniff because I love the smell of Bartee's pipe that he smokes because it's just him! As we stood at the register to order, he jabbed me and said his normal joke about how I was going to order their shitken salad (which is what he calls chicken b/c he hates it). Afterward, we went out to the Farm to spend the night with him and Mary (his "child bride" as he calls her).

The next morning, I was happy to find out he'd taken the day off to spend it with me and we headed over to our other favorite spot to eat together - Colletta's, the first pizza place in Memphis. Once of the things I LOVE about spending time with Bartee is that he has lived in Memphis forever, went to school with Elvis, and every time we spend time together, I learn something completely new and unique! He seriously has the best stories!

Bartee and I at Coletta's:

Unfortunately, our time together went too fast...I just can't get enough of him & Mary! Soon after we went separate ways, I headed to pick up DW at the airport and then spent the rest of the weekend with DW and the Bradford family: Jason, Diana, & Aidan! We made sure to get in plenty of cuddle time with Aidan (aka Manimal b/c he's quite the beast for his age) and plenty of quality time with his parents!

DW, Aidan, & I... Diana and Amy...
My beautiful bestie and I...

Thanks to Jason's parents, David and Patti, we also got a chance to sneak away, go grab something to eat, and get in some adults-only time on Saturday.

Diana & Jason (or JB, Sr. as he likes to refer to himself):

DW and I...
David (Jason's brother), Jason, and DW...

The future SIL's and I...

And then, of course, I had to share these pictures of my self-proclaimed nephew!

He's got Shiloh Jolie-Pitt lips...perfection!

DW was showing Aidan the dogs out back and I caught this one:

...and this one, which is proof that men are even hotter when they hold babies! ;-)

Aidan LOVED DW. Every time DW talked or laughed Aidan would turn, find him face, and either just stare or smile at him...and although he wouldn't sit still long enough for me to hold him, he just chilled with Dusty.

Love this smile...

...I did snag him for a minute or two when I could and his face says it all! Really, Amy? I'm kinda busy here! I had to bribe him with toys so he'd hang around!

On Saturday night, Diana took her future sister-in-law (who is pretty wonderful) out for dinner to celebrate the upcoming nuptuals in Cabo and I got to tag along!

Ashley & Diana at Bosco's in Memphis:

Ashley & Diana's friend, Randy, also came along:

Right before we hit the road on Sunday morning, Aidan was getting a little fussy and the grandparents were watching him while Jason & Diana caught up on some much deserved and needed ZZZZZ's. I walked in at the right time and managed to rock the fussy boy until he fell asleep on me...giving me a much-needed little taste of heaven...and a serious case of burning biceps!!!

Gigantic sleeping baby!

We left in the morning and got home at dark, making for a very long day...but I can honestly say that my time with our friends didn't last near long enough!

Let's not wait so long to do this again!

Fitness Fridays

Here's the article I wrote for "Fitness Fridays" on the Dogwood Radiance blog this week Thought I'd share:

Core Strength: What is It?

Chances are that you’ve heard your Doctor or your Group Exercise instructor say that you need to “strengthen your core”…but what exactly does that mean? Most people associate it with working abs, which is an important part of giving shape and definition to the waistline, but it’s really more than that. Strengthening your core is important for increasing stability, maintaining good posture and alignment, supporting your spinal column, and protecting it from injury. While the core is often associated with only the abdominal muscles, it actually also involves your Erector Spinae, a collection of three muscles running along your neck down to your lower back. So when you are thinking “core muscles”, make sure to mentally include the abdominal group and the lower back muscles. A formula you should remember:

Strong abs + Weak Lower Back = Lower Back Pain!

Here are a few of the muscles in your core that you need to focus on:

Target Exercise: Center Crunch
o Exercise How-To: While lying on your back on the floor, bend your knees, feet flat. Hands should be behind your head with your elbows out of your peripheral vision. Pull your belly button toward your spine and keep it there as you raise your chin toward the ceiling, and pick up your shoulder blades about an inch off the floor. Keep your abs tight throughout the range of motion – up and down. Think of your abs as an accordion opening up and folding tightly back together.

The ladies in my classes can recite my favorite ab-related phrase by heart: “If you push out, you will build out!”

Target Exercise: Crunch Crossover
o Exercise How-To: Repeat the “set up” instructions for the center crunch but you’ll take your right elbow and reach across your body, twisting at the waist toward your left knee. Make sure to keep your abs in tight throughout the twist, chin off the chest. Your shoulder blade should push up toward the ceiling and over toward your opposite knee. Switch sides.

Earlier I mentioned the Erector Spinae, an area that is super important but often neglected. Below I have included an exercise that works that muscle group. Each time you do abs, you should also do this exercise as well. As with all things in life - emotionally, spiritually, and physically - balance is important!

Target Exercise: Back Extension
o Exercise How-To: Lie on the floor on your stomach, hands behind your head. Flex your feet so your toes are touching the floor and keep them glued in place. Keeping your head in alignment with your spine, lift your chest and elbows off the floor, hold for 2-3 seconds, and lower back down slowly. Do this 10 times. You will feel it in your lower back, in the area you may have heard referred to as your “muffin top”.

For a strong core, you should repeat these exercises at least 2-3 times per week for 2-3 sets with 10-20 repetitions.

Amy Walker, our “Fitness Friday” guest Blogger, is a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Counsel on Exercise and holds additional certifications through the Cooper Institute of Dallas that include: Nutrition and Dietary Guidance, Special Populations, and the Biomechanics of Resistance Training. Amy owns and operates FitLab Metabolic Services.

Stick It Where The Sun Doesn't Shine...

Today is one of those days where my brain functions only in a random and unexplainable fashion. I swear, it's an art form. It may be because I hit my head against the soap dish in our shower last night and I'm dealing with the aftershocks. Why did Amy hit her head on the soap dish you may be thinking? Well...Samson, our newest addition to the family is one of the biggest "lovers" I know. When I crawl out of bed and lay down beside him to say good morning, he buries his nose in the curve of my neck and nibbles and snorts in pure, sleepy happiness to see me. If I get up, he's up. If I'm cooking in the kitchen, he's riiiight behind the back of my knees, focusing intently on the floor because he hasn't figured out where the food comes from, he only knows the floor is where to find it. Samson reminds me of some of the offensive lineman I know...strong as an ox, sweet as can be, but might have been hit in the head too hard one too many times. I'm rattling...oops sorry...

So, I come home from teaching class last night and put the dogs straight out in the backyard for a potty break in the 30 degree weather and booked it into the bathroom to run a scalding hot bath - which I do about 4 times per day right now because it seems to be the only way I can get warm once I'm chilled. It's atrocious for my skin and DW is probably loving that water bill, but it's an addiction! Anyway, I'm about to hop in the bath when I remember the pups are probably freezing so I grab a towel, throw it around me, and haul to the back door to let them in. Then, I run back to the bathroom, toss the towel on the rack, and I'm about to stick my foot in when I realize I should probably do a quick temperature check before committing. I lean down and WHAM! Samson jams his 32 degree nose right where the sun doesn't shine to say hello! It both surprised and disturbed me so much that I jumped about six feet and the leg that was on the side of the tub slipped, causing me to to hit my shin. Then, I fell down over the side, catching myself with my right hand and breaking my fall with the help of my forehead against the soap dish. All of this occured so quickly that I had NO idea what in the world just happened, but I knew it wasn't good and it definitely wasn't appropriate. I turn to face Sam, full of confusion and feelings of extreme violation but how can you be mad when you yell, "Samson!" and he does this because this is the face he makes when he's in trouble, which he hates:


Really? I obviously can't help but forgive him, but it reminded me of a couple great life lessons...

Oh wait...

Yea, it really didn't. I just didn't want to share another Walker dog story without making it seem like I have a point. Ha! Night y'all!

Cancel...Next...

I was talking with the accountant we hired for FitLab and we somehow got on the subject that I was going to Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity" conference in Atlanta in April. I told her I couldn't wait because I both loved Beth and needed the help! When I said that, she looked at me really surprised and said, "That surprises me that you struggle with insecurity - you don't seem like it at all!" Are you kidding me? I said. I'm by far, my own worst enemy! Usually people are surprised when I tell them how much I struggle with self-doubt and self-esteem...I somehow manage to throw a very different vibe on the outside than what I feel on the inside, although I try to be very transparent.

DW has the "insider" point of view...so he knows what a struggle it is for me and I always welcome his feedback and opinions when there is something I need to work on. Because of that, it didn't surprise or offend me when he came to me to talk through a chapter in a book he's reading (called Success Is Not An Accident) about how detrimental negative self-talk can be and to ask if we could work on some things the book suggests together. He said that he wanted me to do a couple things that I thought a LOT of people, especially women, could benefit from so I thought I'd share:

The biggest hurdle I've had to overcome is knowing that I'm thinking unhealthy. To figure that out, I simply have to ask myself whether I would say that to my very best, most important friendship. For example, when I say to myself out loud or inside something like, "I don't look fit enough to run a business that is a weight loss business...why would anyone listen to me?" I'm supposed to ask myself whether I would say that statement to by best friend...the truth is, I wouldn't EVER say that to someone else - because I wouldn't want to hurt them - but I ALWAYS say things like that to myself.

The second step is when you start having thoughts like that (above) you have to say to yourself: "Cancel...next" as in, I'm cancelling that negative thing I'm telling myself and moving on to something more healthy.

I've always known that I'm not exactly very full of grace toward my own flaws and failures but actually focusing on how much negative I allow into my life has been really eye opening! I'm glad DW thought to share these concepts with me and I'm really trying to do better.

I guess that's all just part of the journey...

Impromtu Day Trip...

DW and I spent our Saturday working in the morning and hanging out with DW's "little", Chris, through Big Brothers Atlanta for the rest of the afternoon. We took him out to eat and then took him by the Atlanta Humane Society to play with the puppies and to see what happens when people either can't - or don't - take care of their pets. He had fun but he also (I think) learned a great lesson!

Chris & DW:

On Sunday morning, we both woke up with the itch to get out of town and decided that a quick trip up to the North Georgia mountains for the day would be a great way to handle that and get some exercise in for both us and the pups. Now that we have three...yes, three...it's a little tricky to get everyone ready and loaded up, but craziness makes for a lot of fun!

Samson (left) was being a little difficult:

...but we finally got a good one of our 3 fur babies: Samson, Tucker, & Cooper

Once we were all loaded up, we made the trek up to Carter Lake and DW tried to show Samson how to get in the water. For a Lab, he's strangely scared of the water even though Cooper is wide open!

Samson just stands there and waits for Cooper to bring the ball back:

Cooper, on the other hand, can't wait...

Besides the water (which he's finally warming up to), Samson HATES the camera...every time I point it at him he squints, but I ADORE this dog! He was only supposed to be a part of our family until he had him kennel trained and good with all basic commands. Our plan was to find the perfect home and we knew we were in trouble when he and Cooper became best friends:

Samson

And my sweet old man, Tucker...how can you not love this face?

DW and I...

It was SO good to get away...DW and I had some amazing conversation and just enjoyed the time together since he's been out of town pretty much the whole month of February for work. I love long, slow easy days like these!

All Alone...

If you're here from the Kelly's Korner blog post about your ministry, click here to read mine. It's a post I wrote at one of the lowest parts of my journey with infertility. Hopefully having someone else that you know relates will help you...I know that's been one of the most amazing parts of having this blogging community for me...the support, the fellowship...it's been priceless!

In Him,

Amy