Special Statistics

Heard some interesting statistics a week or so ago.  I guess they did some sort of test and found out that Utah has the lowest percent of people with STDs (though I don't think this surprised anyone).  There was also another test that revealed Utah has the lowest percent of underage drinkers - also not a surprise.  I'm not sure if this helps or hurts the reputation of the state.  Most Utahans, I'm sure, are proud of this.  Considering most of the population is LDS, it seems appropriate they wouldn't have a lot of diseases or drunkards.  On some level, it gives them bragging rights that they have such low statistics.  What great kids they've raised.  For other people, it gives them more rights to make fun of the state.  Anyone outside Utah has a very unique perspective of what actually goes on 'round these parts.  Unless someone has lived here, it's pretty apparent most think it's a crazy place full of weird cults.  So, to announce they have the least amount of not sexually-active and non-drinking teens just adds to the "weirdness."  Because honestly, everywhere else in the nation has plenty of it (except maybe Idaho too).

Omaha, for example, has the highest percent of STDs per capita in the nation.

We are super special there.

Creativeless.

Realized I have to have 11 more posts for my blog before the semester is over (technically tomorrow for this class).  So I have to come up with a bunch of random, useless, boring topics to write about.

I did it.  I went out and bought my mat last night.  It ended up being only $8 instead of $10, so I took those few extra bucks and bought some 2 lb ankle weights as well.  Decided to go all out and wear the ankle weights for 40 minutes worth of dancing to the Kinect and 20 'attempted' minutes of Pilates.  I did about 3 elevated leg crosses with my weights on before I fell over in pain.  My hubby suggested I start out a little easier.  I have a tendency to go full-force right away when I want something.  My back is not appreciative of that this morning, though otherwise, I'm fine and surprisingly not sore; I'm sure now I will be.

I can't believe everything I have due tomorrow for my English classes... yikes.  1000-word reflective essay for my Poetry class, plus a compilation of 5-7 poems, and a cover letter (though that will be easy since I already did it).  Then, I have 15 pages of non-fiction essays to get together, plus an essay I'm submitting to the radio (all of which still need edits done).

I think I need a nap.

Being a Bendorf

Having to deal with the fact that you're the "biggest" one in your family sucks.  And when I say biggest, I don't mean I'm morbidly obese and everyone else is a buck-ten.  I've just always struggled the most with my build.  Referring back to my previous post, I've come to terms with the fact that I'll never be as small as my mom or sister.  I was "blessed" with the Bendorf genes: small boobs; big butt; large, muscular thighs and calves; and broad shoulders.  Basically, I look like a man.  But then again, so do most of my aunts from the Bendorf side.  They say it's a good thing.  I haven't accepted that.

My sister got the Boardman genes, from my mom's side.  She has no butt (my mom and her always call them 'boy butts,' though I'm pretty sure my own husband has more butt than them), petite builds, and gorgeous, slim legs.  My mom, at the ripe age of 45, still has the best legs of any middle-aged woman I've ever met.  I suppose part of my sister's advantage relates to the fact that she's a cross-country runner; averages about 6+ miles a run.  I have no desire to run, ever, so I guess I can't be too upset with that.  My mom on the other hand, just has great legs because God loved her most.

Then there's my dad.  Before he had a double-hip replacement, he was an exercise king.  Aside from the fact that he's rapidly losing his hair, he does not look like most other 47-year-olds.  He'd run, bike, and/or swim every day.  He wasn't a health freak, but always ate well.  He hasn't been able to exercise as much since his surgeries (especially running- that's a major no-no) but he's working back in to biking and exercising.  He's gained 15 pounds and whines all the time about it.  If he hadn't told me, I'd never have known.

My brother is 13. He's barely started to hit puberty and is a walking stick.  He's got the skinniest little chicken legs and arms.  He's still hoping to fill out with football and weightlifting.  I'm convinced he got the Boardman genes and will be yet again a small sibling.

So when I go back home, it sorta sucks.  Everyone else is small(er).  What about my hubby?  Well, he weighs the same as me and he's 8 inches taller.  Think preying mantis.  He has the most ridiculous metabolism you've ever seen. After not running for an entire year, he went to the beach and ran 5 miles with my sister over the summer.  Yeah.  I always feel self-conscious going back to see them.  Do I look bigger to them?  Have my thighs fattened up?  I know they'd never say anything, but I worry about what they whisper to each other at night when I'm not around.  That's why this year, I'm going to finally be smaller like them.

Kick into Gear

I finally decided I want to look better, and I'm willing to work for it.  Not only for when I look in the mirror, but for my husband and in my clothes.  I want to be more comfortable with my body, something I've struggled with since middle school.  

I have an athletic build.  The ultrasound tech actually made the comment that I had such muscly legs while in my mother's womb.  So, I know I'm never going to have tiny legs or a tiny butt.  But actually, I'm okay with that.  I don't want to look like a supermodel.  They're too skinny.  Instead, I just want to be healthy and in great shape.

I've worked out before; this isn't some mind-blowing experiment.  I have these "kicks" that last about 3 weeks.  When I don't see dramatic changes in that amount of time, I quit.  I just don't have the gumption to keep at it.  I don't have the patience.  I want results NOW.  That's why I'm hoping posting my plan online will encourage me.  Granted, I don't think anyone reads my blog, so they're not going to know, but I'll know.  I'll know I put it out there and I don't want to wimp out and have to admit to everyone that I'm a quitter. 

Most people start their dieting after Christmas- the whole "New Year's Resolution" that actually only lasts until Valentine's Day.  My plan is to get a head start so that I won't be tasked with trying to shed an additional 5+ pounds after the holidays.  My schedule is going to include doing Kinect (cardio) and then doing Pilates- which is what I had started, and quit, after 3 weeks.  Truth be known, there was a difference.  It was very minute and not enough to convince me to keep going, but I saw it.  And I want it back - more of it.  

So, in addition to studying for finals, preparing for our trip back home, and working until 5 almost every night, I'm going to go to Ross, buy a $10 yoga mat, and start kicking my own butt.  

Tree Traditions

Since my husband sort of had a strange childhood, I've had to introduce him to some traditions my family has for the Christmas season.  One of the greatest things ever was putting up the Christmas tree.  The living room in my parents' house has a 2nd story ceiling, so they decided to get a pre-lit tree to go in there instead of trying to buy a 20-foot tree every year.  Every December, we'd take out the tree in pieces and "fluff" the branches while Dad hooked it all together.  Then, we'd crank up the surround-sound speakers in the room and dance to Christmas music (usually to Mannheim Steamroller) while putting up the ornaments.  And this is just the living room tree.  Because it's the biggest, and takes the most time to decorate, it's become the one we traditionally rock out to on some December night when we're all home.  That particular tree is the "Nutcracker" tree.  

My mom was a ballerina (almost became professional) and my sister and I both danced until we were about 10.  We were in the Omaha Ballet Company's rendition of the Nutcracker several years.  Because of that, we collected tons of Nutcracker ornaments, everything from the Nutcracker/Prince himself, to the Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Clara.  Mom always got the character we played.  Ballet had so many wonderful memories for us, and it was always my mom's intent to keep those memories around with special ornaments for the tree.  The tree also has beautiful, intricately painted glass balls, snowflakes, and various shapes of candy (also referring to Nutcracker).  

When my husband and I didn't get a Christmas tree our first year we were married, I was devastated   He made a decent point; that we wouldn't even be in town for Christmas so why have it when we couldn't really even enjoy it.  Nevertheless, after getting to Nebraska and joining in the tree-decorating festivities with my family, I was bound and determined to have a tree the rest of our Christmases together.  So, last year, we got one from the school for about $15.  It looked like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, but it was ours, and we got to decorate it together, and it was marvelous. My husband still thought it was unnecessary, but I insisted, and he obliged.  I still have yet to convince him to join me in going to see the Nutcracker ballet here in Logan, but we'll get there :)

I hope to make this our own Christmas tradition with our future little family, since it was something I loved so much growing up.  I want my kids to have a big tree one day, to jam out to "Deck the Halls," and to enjoy the time we have goofing off.  Something about just being together during the holiday is the greatest blessing of all.