Superior Trails Ahead

Getting all packed up tonight to head out after work tomorrow for the Superior Hiking Trails. We're hiking and camping Friday morning to Sunday afternoon.  We've never hiked these trails before though so I don't know what to expect in terms of terrain or climate.  My pack is very heavy right now...scaring me already!

This will be the first time I've hiked with a large pack. But, since we are heading out to Montana in a month to do just this very thing for two whole weeks, I thought I might like to get some experience under my belt instead of jumping in blind.

B is walking around our tiny apartment talking to himself about all the things he might be forgetting. Keeps saying "Gah, we might be alright" while his hands are in his pants. Is this normal behavior? Unsure, but will continue to silently mock him. He does the same to be...but without the silent part.

We live a few hours away from Superior so we've got a bit of a drive after work, but we are staying in a hotel Thursday night because I couldn't bear the thought of camping in our car (the cheapest alternative) or a campsite in the park.  We found a Groupon for a hotel close to the shuttle and it was a pretty good deal so we went with that. Hot shower, warm bed, and hot food before I plunge into a forest full of bugs, damp nights, cold air, and uncomfortable sleeping bags.

I keep trying to convince myself that I can be this outdoorsy girl. That I don't look totally butch in my hiking clothes and shoes, that I don't mind pulling wood tics out of random places on my body. (Deep calming breath). But it's freaking hard!  I hate bugs and ugly clothes. However the trade off is that I can spend time with a wonderful guy, enjoy some peace and quiet, and burn some calories without really noticing.

Let the long weekend adventure being!
  

Memorial Weekend

Spent Memorial weekend waiting for the rain to stop. Met with success Sunday afternoon when the weather turned a hot and humid 90 degrees. Went for a boat ride around the lake and later a jet ski ride with my husband.

Today is a lazy day of afternoon napping followed by stopping in at a few family cookouts. Got some major details of our summer trip hammered out this morning over cinnamon Chex with strawberries. Delish!  Didn't even mind that B ate about half (per usual). 

Jumping back to this weekend, I was able to pick the brains of some friends who have a six month old. I asked about what kinds of things they bought for baby that were a waste of money and what was really worth it. I learned a few things:

Buy:
Nanny Nap thing
Diaper Genie
Bumbo -with the tray
Baby Bjorn bib
Bassinet

Don't Buy:
Tons of baby clothes - Baby won't even wear half of the stuff before they grow out of it.
Tons of toys
Lotions and soaps- wait to see how sensitive baby's skin is first. 

Obviously there are more things to buy than not buy, but it was good to hear from new parents. I've started looking for a few things, like a diaper bag and crib, but there are so many things to buy that's it's overwhelming.

Hot and Boozey

I have two things to share:

1.  I ran three miles today and it was uncomfortable.
2.  I found a gluten free beer I like:  New Grist.

Amid all the BS today brought, I found time for a run outside in this beautiful weather. Up here you take what you can get when it comes around.

After my less than pleasant run, I went to the liquor store (this was not motivated by my crappy run) conveniently located behind our apartment building and they had two gluten free beer brands. I went with New Grist at $8 something a 6-pack and had one for dinner tonight. It had an after-taste reminiscent of mineral water if that makes sense. In all the gluten free nonsense, I haven't missed many wheaty foods, but beer has most definitely been missed.

It almost makes up for that uncomfortable run.

Tides of Change

So as you can probably tell, I am not a dedicated blogger I blog when the mood strikes. Well it struck again! I want to start sharing my latest quest in life. To become a mother. Now you may think "well it's not that hard, just go get pregnant." But, being the planner that I am, I want to go about this in the right way. It also doesn't help that my husband is even more of a planner than I am (if that's possible).

Before I even approached him with the idea of baby M, I took some time to consider the things I wanted out if this pregnancy.
1. I know that I want to be comfortable with myself and my size before I get pregnant.
2. I want to stay physically active during my entire pregnancy.
3. I want to develop good eating habits that will carry into my pregnancy and beyond.
4. I want to be financially prepared.
5. We need to move out of this beautiful...but tiny apartment.
6. I want to make sure that this is something my husband wants. It can't be all one sided.
7. I am in my mid to late 20's and don't want to wait anymore.

I know I have more reasons, and will continue to think of them. This is a good place to start.

I have been struggling with getting to a comfortable weight and size. I am not what you would call fat. Mostly just have that Midwest body type. I am 5'7" and guestimate that I weigh about 135. I do not own a scale and do not judge "healthy" by a number. I just want to feel comfortable in the clothing I own and wear.

I have been working out a few times a week for about 2 months now. As the weather has warmed up here I've become more motivated. I have noticed that the tire around my stomach has gotten smaller (thank god) and the cellulite in my Midwest ass is diminishing (insert sigh of relief here).

Last month I decided to go Gluten Free, not because I have Celiac's but to see how I feel. Well, I feel great so I am going to continue with it, even though I miss pasta, pizza, and cupcakes. I keep reminding myself I can still have them, it just takes planning.

Well this was a good starting point today. Off to the gym for an hour of hell. ;)