Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The No Good, Very Bad Day

I'm feeling a bit like Alexander today. Well, hopefully it's just for today. Only time will tell I suppose.

Just when you think things are going great. You think you have things under control. A terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day occurs.

We're no stranger to the occasional temper tantrum in our household but usually Little m gets over things quickly and is on to the next best thing in no time. Not today. No, no, no, not at all. I can almost find humour in it.

Three huge temper tantrums, each lasting 30-45 minutes each. I'm not even sure what caused them. Something about not wanting to play at the park for the first one. Who is this child? Picture a flailing girl, who when carried, attacks her mother - kicking, hitting, pinching, biting, screaming, crying, the whole works. When set down, she jumps up and down then throws herself to the ground. Bashes her nose on the sidewalk. Blood everywhere. Only a piece of paper to wipe up with. Nothing consoles her. I tried it all.

Two of the tantrums occurred in public places. I was so embarrassed. I could feel the stares. At one point I wanted to cry myself. The other happened at home, which resulted in me learning that the child can now climb out of her crib. She is powered by the rage!

It's so frustrating not knowing why this behaviour is occurring. I've come up with many possible excuses:

1) Teething? I think she's getting her top incisors, which I've heard can be brutal.

2) Weaning? Little m was weaned a week or two ago and ever since, she's been super clingy. Sitting side by side is not acceptable. She must be in my lap.

3) Homesickness? We've had a lot of visitors over the past two weeks. Does she miss her grandparents?

4) Terrible Twos? Is this what I'm in for? Please, no.

I am really hoping that these fits are over and done with once her teeth pop through. We are traveling this weekend and if this happens on the plane I might lock myself in the bathroom until landing.

Any thoughts? Could all of this really be caused by teething? A mixture of all of the above? I'm so confused. By the way, wasn't that such a good book?

source

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Making Some Moolah

A few months ago I noticed a bunch of the bloggers I follow were doing something called DietBet. I looked into it and knew I wanted to join. One thing I've learned about myself over the years is that I am motivated by money. As in, I'm super cheap and absolutely hate wasting or losing it.

The concept behind DietBet is that everyone who joins the game throws a set amount (usually around $20) into the pot. You then have 28 days to lose 4% of your body weight. In the end, whoever reaches their goal gets to split the pot with the rest of the winners.

Perfect. Winning money for losing weight? That is something I can get behind. I started my first DietBet in February and will be completing (and hopefully winning) my fourth one next week. So far I've won $50 in total and hopefully another $20 or so after this current one is over. So it's not like I'm making millions but 50 free bucks is 50 free bucks.

I've also been using the gympact app on my phone, which is another way of making a very small amount of money each time you work out. I make a pact of 5 workouts/week and if I reach that goal I end up winning around $2 each week. So again, nothing major, but it does add up over the months. If you already work out consistently, it's just an extra press of a button on your phone to check in at your gym, and money is made!

I still have about 10 lbs to lose to reach my overall goal, but slow and steady wins the race, right? Please cheer me on. I have been losing motivation lately with the combo of hormonal craziness caused by weaning and tons of guests visiting who want to eat out. I'll need to give it my all this upcoming week so that I can win my DietBet!

Here are some before and after pics. I've lost just under 20 lbs and actually fit into my clothes now, yay! I'm also not considered "overweight" on those ridiculous body charts anymore. Can you tell a difference from February to May?
 And now with my winnings I shall go by a more supportive sports bra :)