New Year..... New You?

"New Year. New You?"

Or are you as over that little jingle as I am? Not that there isn't some truth to it... but what is it that makes the mark of a new year so important that it makes people instantly motivated to DO GOOD for themselves finally? Personally, I get annoyed by it all and the sudden flood of people to they gym. I'm sorry, I've been going to the gym of our apartment complex at least 3 days a week for almost 6 months now and when we went Tuesday night it was RIDICULOUS!

Todd sarcastically even asked " you all live here?!" when we walked in... of course no one heard our mumbles over their blaring ipod's, but still... Where the heck did these people come from. We of course saw the two faces we always see at the gym... but there were about 30 other sweaty, determined faces we'd never seen in all our time at the gym. All the cardio machines were taken and wait lines had started. Most of the equipment was occupied and most of the floor space was being hogged. I almost left, but I was feeling quite motivated that night and finagled the last empty bench and got to work. Impressively, I felt GREAT that night. I did an upper body workout since I was going to be limited by the crowd.... but it was worth it.

I won't worry about the crowd too much. In a week or two they'll be gone.....

Well, I should say it more like... they'll all be coming at different times and more sporadically because of other engagements, work, dinner, etc.... I do hope they all keep up the good work though! (just not when we want to hog the gym! ;) hehe) It is inspiring to see everyone working hard, but I wish it wasn't just a "fad" the new year brought on to so many people.

I realllllly want Americans to see their health differently. It's not just putting hours in at the gym. It's about what we put in our body and what we push our body to do. I've said it a hundred times before, but our body is the one gift from God we must cherish and care for to fulfill our Purpose. This is one gift we can't exchange, we can't return and we don't get a "replay" button on. I want everyone to do their best always to care for their body... not just for a few weeks at the new year...  and here or there. Always! Yes, we aren't perfect, and yes, I love a few too many peanut m&m's at times... but I acknowledge these errors in my day to day living. I cut out calories elsewhere or tack on an additional 10 minutes in my workout to burn the extra 100 calories. It's all choices I make. There isn't a little devil twisting my arm telling me to eat these m&m's or not to get my work out in today.... it's alllllllllll me.

That's true for all of us. We make time, money and energy for everything we WANT to do. So why isn't a healthy lifestyle you WANT to have?!

As most of you know, if I can get on my "roost" about anything... it's all about this. Making yourself a priority. Love yourself enough to make yourself important. Important enough to take care of.

In 2012 make the decision this year to make LIFELONG changes and commitments to YOURSELF! Make small changes all the time for the better... it's easier that way. It's always harder to stop smoking overnight than it is to taper off of the cancer sticks.... all decisions are like this. Start low and go slow.... eventually you'll make many changes for the better and be able to MAINTAIN those changes forever!

-This week, add more water. Even if it's just one more glass a day..... whatever it is, just start.
-Next week, walk more. Start with ten minutes a day and add a minute each day once that starts to feel "do-able".
- Try to skip the salt. Just move the salt shaker from the table and enjoy your food the way it is, naturally. :)
- Next month, do jumping jacks in the bathroom on your breaks. Short bursts of cardiovascular activity not only help with your endurance, but aid the body in "pressure washing the vessels" of plaque and cholesterol build-up!
- Get a physical. Seriously - find a doctor. Go to your appointment. Write down your numbers - your height and your weight. Make sure they check your cholesterol, blood sugar (and A1C), thyroid, etc... Don't forget your numbers.
- In a few weeks, try a workout class. Any kind. Do something for FUN. Make friends while you're there. (they'll probably convince you to come back).
- Next month - cut out your sugary drinks.

These are just a few examples you can change or add to your routine. Share your ideas and goals with the other readers... You might have an idea that has helped you and can help others too!!

I have high hopes for us in 2012 friends! I'm working on my personal goals (for another post) and want to help you with yours. Trust me - I'm going to need LOTS of encouragement this year from you guys.... but know, I'm here for you too!

Share your thoughts and ideas, questions and comments. We're all in this together. We all need accountability, and you're mine. :)

Hugs and Love! Happy 2012!
- a.

Well Wishes for the NEW YEAR!!

HELLO!

I can't believe it's been an entire month (practically) since I've written. This was not by choice, I swear. I have about 6 drafts started and almost ready to publish.... but they haven't been due to the Holiday buzz, the crazy work and travel schedules and last but not least - our malfunctioning modem and router issues. UGH!

So finally, after hours of Todd patiently holding, calling Comcast and troubleshooting galore... hopefully we'll stay in business! :)

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas together here in D.C.. It was actually a little weird at first. We did all of our family visits before Christmas weekend and I didn't have to work on the holiday. It was wonderful waking up Christmas Eve to each other, casually having a nice breakfast and coffee, taking in the peace that surrounded D.C. on our 10 mile run and knowing we didn't have to rush off to someone's house for all the hustle and bustle that's become an expectation for us. It's not that we don't enjoy our family time, but when you spend more time in the car than with each side of the family.... it's more and more difficult to do (I don't even like thinking about the madness it would be with KIDS!). We realized this summer with our move, we wouldn't be able to take the time off of work that would allow us to be in NC over the holidays to see everyone we want and need to be with. So we made adjustments and split the visits over Thanksgiving and Christmas. What a difference it made. We in no way spent as much time with our family and friends as we wanted to, but we did what we could with the time we had.

Christmas Day was also a nice calm day for us. We slept in and then went to church. We haven't found a home church here in the DC area yet. My work schedule and Todd's training schedule haven't given us a whole lot of Sunday's to join in on fellowship.... but, thankfully, we had Christmas Sunday together to fellowship with the kind and open hearts of Clarendon Presbyterian Church. This small church was breathtakingly beautiful. Small and quaint, but gorgeous. I'm not sure how old the structure is, but the sanctuary is gorgeous. I think there were 10 of us total there Sunday morning. We sang together, read the Christmas Story, and shared our favorite memories as families from Christmases past. It was casual, kind, and  a beautiful way to start our Christmas morning.

I'm thankful we had the opportunity to join this church family in their Christmas morning service. We will certainly be back for a "traditional" service to meet and greet a few more faces!

I hope that each of you had a special and wonderful Christmas holiday celebrating the birth of Christ.

There will be much more to come in 2012. Todd and I have lots of goals for this year... mostly around running/fitness, professional development, financial and as a couple, but all are exciting! :) And yes, as always, I do have a goal to do MUCH more through and with this blog.

Hugs and Happy Holidays friends!! :) I love you all!
-a.

Whew!

Hola!

Well… it's been awhile… AGAIN. Sorry! Life has taken another turn for straight up CRAZY in the Delp household. Seriously. We're always used to a moderate amount of chaos but now we've upped the anti!

So here's the skinny:

-Ginger got "fixed" and she's becoming quite the lovely young lady! J

- I've been in orientation working hard and loving every minute of it. I've finally adjusted (sort of) to life on the "dark side" and can actually enjoy being a night-owl while I'm at work now.

- Todd's career hunt continued

- In April, Todd got asked to come in for another interview.

- A few weeks later, he got an offer.

HE ACCEPTED!  We're now going to be moving to our Nation's Capital – Washington, D.C.!

So, in the mean time I have been "tossed" out of orientation and put on the telemetry monitors until I leave… Out of good faith and in doing the morally "right" thing of telling my employer about Todd's new and fabulous job well in advance from our departure I had high hopes of not playing the game of politics with Novant. Instead it's worse: It's straight up TORTURE! Take an active, can't sit still employee and paste their ass to a set in front of two computer screens all night long (yes – 12 hours) and only give them about 45 minutes of "off your ass time" as I call it to eat, move around the unit, run stairs, go to the bathroom and WAKE UP again. It's been a major adjustment for me and it's really starting to impact my exercise routine… I'm so tired when I get home FROM SITTING… that my runs are getting shorter, slower, and no where near the level of intensity I really enjoy (and need!).

I've discovered why people with desk jobs complain that they're so gosh dern tired all the time! It's just ridiculous.

Yes, I'm bitter that of all the flexibility I offered and willingness I showed to be "fair" on my part to Novant and the ICU…. I've received little compassion or concern. If it weren't for the awesome nurses I work with each day/night I'm pretty sure the pressure to "resign" and move on with it would have had me sprinting for the door of FMC. I am sad that this is the result of course. I've LOVED Novant (RRMC and FMC) from the get-go…. And I had really hoped for a little more commitment in return. I am not a "money pit" even if you want to get all technical about it. I'm almost out of orientation here. I'm a hard worker. I'm smart. I'm great with our patients and families. I get a long well with my team and our leadership…. And if we ever come back to this area, the ICU is exactly what door I'll be bustin' down again for a job. I love it.

I'm just so sad the game of politics and crap has to be played…. FMC might loose one of Its future superstars forever now.

But – I'm really excited about our move! I really am sooo proud of Todd and excited about our future that these few weeks of "sitting" are worth it. This change is needed in our life, our careers, and for our future as a family. I know it will be so worth it in the long run. So, I'll continue to sit and "save lives" through a PC screen. HA!

For now – we're lucky to have movers and packers coming the first week of June to help us get out of our half-way-house for GOOD! Yes, I'm going to miss my sweet neighbors and Ginger might miss all her doggie friends… but I'll never be sad about leaving "Smallsbury".

We'll officially be city peeps June 20^th (right after Todd's cousin, Kera's big wedding!!)!!

More will come as it happens. I'll be sure to give everyone our address as well. Which reminds me – if you think I don't have your address, will you send it to me?! Email is always best: amandadelp@gmail.com

Hugs & Lots of Kisses Friends! I've missed you – but I promise to get back on the blog more often. We Need each other now!

-red.

The State of OUR Union...

Tuesday evening Todd, Ginger and I cuddled up on the couch to watch the President address us, our country.  Regardless of your political stance and preferences, being involved and informed is important but above all, being respectful towards each other and our leaders has always been critical in my political point of view. [I can't imagine the challenge it is being the President, regardless of party affiliation. Being the President of the United States is a huge honor and one I have great respect for - Republican, Democrat, or something else, I will not be the person you'll hear "bashing" a President for any reason.]

Face it - we don't all believe, think, see or smell the same. Politics are no exception.
In President Obama's address he said this quite early:

"Now, by itself, this simple recognition won’t usher in a new era of cooperation.  What comes of this moment is up to us.  What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow.  (Applause.)
      I believe we can.  And I believe we must.  That’s what the people who sent us here expect of us.  With their votes, they’ve determined that governing will now be a shared responsibility between parties.  New laws will only pass with support from Democrats and Republicans.  We will move forward together, or not at all -– for the challenges we face are bigger than party, and bigger than politics."

FYI - This post is not to discuss politics either.... I just had a few things to say and point out about what MY version of "healthcare reform" might be! :)


 As everyone of you know, I'm a healthcare worker, a total health advocate and "junkie". I truly WANT the best health for each and every person in the United States. It's a topic of discussion that I am quite passionate about. As I see it, and like President Obama said in his address, America's health crisis is a challenge bigger than politics.

President Obama has taken a big step to start change in our healthcare systems. I can't and I won't say I know all the in's and out's of the proprosals, but I do know and believe that changes do need to be made. Yea, insurance access is good and stuff... but to me, the "issues" I care most about haven't been discussed (or I've missed it) beyond The First Lady, Michelle Obama's platform on childhood obesity.


If I could make some changes [and I would if I could!!], mine would be along the suggestions of our FOOD supply and policy, and to our MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH "system" (or lack there of if you ask me).

In a nutshell (I'm trying to make it a small shell), I believe that an overhaul of our mental health system would change TONS within the whole system. We can alleviate the demand, resources and wait times (for those admitting for assistance and those in the waiting rooms) of our Emergency Departments.... which would drastically change how the REST of the hospital works and runs. But also, by providing ADEQUATE assistance to individuals with psychological needs and substance abuse problems.... we could decrease repeats through the system and hopefully, the end result would ultimately create a healthier (mentally and spiritually) person/society.

Yea, that's big wishing, but hey.... you've got to start somewhere! :)


Now, as to my really BIG IDEAS! *grin*

- Support our Farmers once again
- WIC and other governmental support for food should allow and cover ONLY real food and those GREAT for the body - good ole broccoli, mangos, lemons, cabbage, root veg, bananas, spinach, whole wheat and hearty breads, milk alternatives (soy/almond/rice/etc), etc. Skip the processed crap that's "cheap" and convenient... I just don't understand how was as tax payers can sit back and fund programs that only make health issues (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, etc) WORSE and in the short and long run... cost us MORE in healthcare costs (b/c duh! - if you need help providing food for yourself and your family, you're probably getting help with your health coverage as well)!!
- Let people plant their own personal gardens (no HOA laws prohibiting this!!); we're not feeding the neighborhood

- BMI checks and requirements for insurance coverage and assistance  - no, I don't think you should be denied coverage b/c of your weight, but how much coverage and assistance you get, yes! Obesity is a serious epidemic in our society and extreme measures I think are needed to help "cure" it. (I'm not sure there is enough intrinsic motivation amongst our culture to change this but I believe that a "monetary" motivation of sorts will help reduce our nations belt line.)

(okay.... now get ready for it... my favorite!!)

- Prescriptions for PHYSICAL ACTIVITY! (FYI - there's a whole campaign for this moving up!)- For physicians to Prescribe exercise just like they currently do w/medications, PT, OT, Speech Therapy, etc. This too follows you on your medical record and if non-compliant... it will also show (in the patients numbers).
- Reward those of EXCELLENT health! I'm not sure how we'd do this... tax break, coverage cost break, a free lottery ticket.... not sure, obviously, but I think it's a motivating factor to help our nation TAKE CARE OF ITS SELF!!


And, like President Obama closed his speech, "we do big things". We, the people, need to do big things! Big things for US!

We're American's. We were founded by hard-working and determined individuals. When did we become so lazy and unmotivated about life's BASICS and the only life we have been given to enjoy?! Really...?


Love them or hate them... but you must admit, I make some great points and I have some great ideas! :)
Get up friends! Get moving for something. Let's help our country by helping OURSELVES FIRST!
-a.

Meet Ginger

Holy Cow! We're parents. 

A puppy-parent that is! :) Todd and I are now parents the a precious little "Shorkie" (Yorkie, Shih Tzu mix) named Ginger. She is the sister pup of my sister's (Megan) pup, Charlie.

I didn't quite know we'd become puppy parents this quickly, but the opportunity knocked and we took it. Time to take another thing off my resolution list! Ginger has been so good too. She is about 15 weeks old and teething like mad, but she is taking to her crate at night very well, isn't a big eater (well, how much can 3.2lbs eat?!), sleeps like a champ, is listening well and hopefully by this weekend will have mastered her box training so when I start working again she's not having too many accidents in her little "ginger zone" while we're gone.

 Here she is yesterday morning taking a little morning nap.

Here is our precious fur ball playing with Todd. It was so cute watching her and Todd play together and then all of a sudden she walked up his back, to his neck and made herself a little perch. This picture is a little blurry, but at least you can kind of see what she was doing!

Well, now that you know what I've been up to this week (after Todd recovered from a really NASTY bug Monday - Wed.), I'll get back in my routine soon. I hope to have another post for you guys this evening. 

Time for a run... xoxo

What's YOUR Resolution?

Any new year brings with it "a fresh start". I was at work yesterday and almost everyone was talking about their resolutions. Facebook has been littered with all my friends talking about their goals for the year. The Today Show hasn't stopped running segments on a variety of resolutions.

So, what's yours?! 

Todd and I have given this question a lot of thought lately. We still haven't really made any, but we've talked about several. For me, like everything else, I struggle to make up my mind or just do ONE thing.  Here's a variety of what I hope to accomplish (not limited to or by all means, ALL of my goals):

• Start a blog (DOING!)
• Go to church more 
• Run a half marathon (13.1 miles)
• Run a full marathon (26.2 miles)
• Possibly get a dog (I know, CRAZY!)
• Eat BETTER (less sugar, no diet soda and more REAL food)
• Move out of Salisbury
• Love my Husband even more
• Pray more
• Clean my home with more natural products (vinegar and baking soda)
• Visit my sister and brother-in-law
• Visit Rebekah and Paul
• Go on our Honeymoon (Europe!)
• Run with lots of little girls

 Whew! That's already a lot... but I can do it. So, again, what are you doing this year?! 

I know you can accomplish what ever your resolutions and goals are for 2011 - as long as you work towards them! 

You can't start to lose the weight if you don't CHANGE something. Drink more water. Add more fiber. Walk to your mailbox. Walk with your sweetie after dinner for 15 minutes. Make your prayer time while you walk/run. Meditate. Learn where your food comes from. 

Whatever you do, love yourself enough to - JUST DO IT and don't stop. No excuses! Give it a week and it won't be so hard. Give it 21 days and it's a habit. Longer - It's a LIFESTYLE.

GOOD LUCK! :) Let's get this year moving and groovin'. Here's to a happier and healthier YOU! 

The Fittest Year of Your Life

LOVIE! 

-a.