LADDventure

WAIST Management - Week 8

Current Weight:  179.6

Weight Lost This Week:  1 lb

Total Weight Lost: 6.7 lbs

I've said it before, but I'm saying it one last time, I'm saying goodbye to the 180's forever.  I never want to see that unhealthy-for-my-size number on the scale again.  I'm so tired of losing and then finding the same few pounds hovering right around 180.  No more.  And the thing of it is, there are a lot of things in life that are out of my control, but my weight is not one of them.  It is directly and exclusively related to every food and exercise choice I make.   

Many of us make the unpredictability of life an excuse for not taking care of ourselves.  Yes, I could walk out the door and get hit by a car tomorrow, but it would be a lot less mortifying if I didn't have frosting all over my mouth at the time.  True, I could be struck by lightning in my own swimming pool, but is it too much to ask that I could at least be proudly rocking a bikini again when it happens? I might even have a chance to outrun that bear that randomly attacks on a hike if I could actually run, or if I hiked on purpose


In all seriousness though, I know we're all going to die, but I'd like to live before that, and being overweight limits the amount of living I do if I'm being honest. Don't get me wrong.  I also don't really think a life without cheese and the occasional cupcake is really worth living, so if I can teach myself healthy habits and true moderation when it comes to those things, I think I can die happy, and hopefully without any frosting on my face.

 

photo credit: bruce... via photopin cc

Citizen Way on Tour

I like to write about following dreams and doing exciting things with this one life we are given.  So along those lines, it's time for an update on the adventures of my brothers' band.

David is the drummer, and Ben plays bass, and together with Josh and Ben, another set of brothers, they make up Citizen Way. I've written previously about them getting signed with a label and hearing their single, "Should've Been Me," on the radio for the first time, and them visiting while in the Phoenix area for a few shows, but now they are on their first big national tour!  So, I thought I would ask a few behind the scenes questions to get their impressions of life on the road: 

Give us some info about the tour you are currently on.

We are on the Redeemed Tour with Big Daddy Weave and Chris August - awesome, hilarious dudes that we're glad to now call friends.

Tell us about your basic routine on a show day.

David:  Well, provided we stayed in a hotel instead of driving though the night, I get up about an hour before bus call to take a shower and then iron the living crap out of my poor clothes that have been rolled up into little tubes to all fit into my suitcase - gotta be crisp.  The days that I can't iron drive me NUTS.  Then we drive wherever we have to go, and after I'm done setting up my stuff on stage and sound check, I either retreat into my iPad or my Nintendo 3DS until show time.  I usually try to find a Chipotle as well so I can eat real vegan food and not starve.  Nighttime consists of getting FaceTime or a phone call in to Emily (my wife)....wash, rinse, repeat.

Tell us about a basic travel day or “day off.” 

Ben:  Basic travel day is a loose term since there is plenty of night travel. This tour in particular has some very spaced out routing. We can find ourselves packing up after a show and leaving a venue around midnight for a 9-10 hour haul through the night to the next city.
I’ve only had one day off, so I don’t really know what is typical. For Josh and me, in terms of the business stuff, off days are usually taking care of things like deposits, reports, and any other issues that might pop up.

You were signed with Fair Trade Services early last year, and it has been a crazy ride since then. What has been the most exciting part about this whole adventure?

David:  The most exciting part for me has been officially starting the career that I've had my eyes set on since middle school.  I have had professional musician tunnel vision since probably 7th grade.  I've never wanted to do anything else, and wouldn't allow myself to.  I am thrilled and blessed to be starting this new chapter!  It's literally a dream come true.

Ben:  It’s very difficult to narrow it down, but generally speaking, it’s exciting to know that you’re a part of what God is doing, and that what He is doing specifically involves you, your talents, and passions to reach people with the Gospel. Being a part of that big picture looks as different as the cities and people we’re in front of every night, but it’s the point of it all.

Unique circumstances teach us a lot about ourselves. What have you learned about yourself while traveling the country stuck in a van with 3 other dudes?

David:  I have learned that I love Red Bull.  I've learned that I'm even more OCD about personal hygiene (my own and others) than I ever imagined.  I've learned how much I am actually attached to my home, my wife, and my fat black cat. 

Ben:  No matter how well I know or like the people I'm on the road with, in our case actual brothers, space is a must each day. Whether it's grabbing a nap at a venue or going for a walk, it's
important for me to find solo time for things like calling home, praying, reading, relaxing. Without it,
it’s easy to start being very critical in your thoughts towards others for simply being themselves.

What is the biggest misconception you’d like to clear up about life as a signed and touring recording artist? 

David:  I think the biggest misconception is that we just get to play music and get payed lots of money for it.  At this stage in the game we play 15 minutes of music a night after a full day of travel and preparation.  The ratio of actually playing music to all the other work is crazy.  Since this is early in the game, we take on opportunities like this tour regardless of what little money we may or may not be getting paid.  I do it cause I love those 15 minutes every night dearly, and I know this is where I'm supposed to be and what I'm supposed to be doing.

Ben:  It’s not glamorous. It’s not easy. It’s not lucrative. It’s not a lot of what one might think, but it is great.  Like any pursuit, being an artist, whatever that means, is also a lot of thankless and unseen work and effort for mere minutes of the proverbial and literal spotlight.

Ok, now it’s time for the lightning round. Each of you give us a quick answer to these questions about life on the road:
Best thing…
David:  Having my job be to travel around and play concerts
Ben:  PLAYING MUSIC

Hardest part… 
David: Staying healthy and being away from my wife and cats  (huge animal softie)
Ben:  Being away from my wife and two girls….period

Something surprising…
David:  There are SO MANY CITIES that don't have a Chipotle.
Ben:  I thought I’d sleep more.

Worst thing you’ve eaten/drank…
David:   Fazolis ...ew
Ben:  Amarillo Texas trailer maintenance shop
coffee...wow. What was I thinking?!?!

Weirdest place you’ve slept… 
David:   Behind a decorative curtain up against the wall in a room that had just previously held like an Elks Club Lodge meeting or something weird like that
Ben:  It's a toss up between the floor of the green room in the fetal position, winter coat covering my face, and in the van in a random parking lot in Vegas.

Favorite tour stop so far…
David:  Oshkosh, WI because I had SO MANY friends and family there to support!
Ben:  I’ll let you know, still 30 some stops to go on this tour. I will say
however that I’m looking forward to the Northwest.  Portland was nice last time I was there, but our
stays are usually very very short.


Finally, when does your new album, Love is the Evidence, come out and what would you like everyone to know about it?

David:   I would like everybody to know just how much of a stink face I was making during every drum recording.

Ben:  The album is scheduled to come out April 23rd, and I would like you to know it’s for sale on April 23 and you should buy it….haha.  Seriously, we’ve worked very hard on the album, and are genuinely thrilled to share it with everyone, especially family and friends who have been so supportive.  Whether you're 15 or 50, there’s a song for you, and I would check it out…said the unbiased bass player.

FAIR TRADE SERVICES & CITIZEN WAY Inc.

Wordless Wednesday - Sometimes You Come Across a Treasure

Happy 30th Birthday Ben

Today my younger brother Ben turns 30.  He is only 2 years younger than me, so he was my first sibling, my first friend, and the first one I tormented.  When he was little, he was a shock of white blond hair, wild eyebrows and manic laughter as he ran around the house on his tiptoes.  As a typical older sister, I tattled on him and hurt his feelings, but fiercely defended him against all neighborhood foes at the same time.

Ben is passionate about everything he does and pursues things with an almost religious devotion to knowing all there is to know about that subject.  We probably poke too much fun at him for sharing all the knowledge he has found on said subjects at random moments, but the truth is I admire his wholehearted approach to life.  He is fluent in German, even living there for a short while, immersing himself in the language and culture.  He completely taught himself to play bass and is now a professional musician and signed recording artist with his band, Citizen Way.




 
He got married the same year I did to this lovely lady, and 7 years later, they have given us two beautiful nieces.



It has been amazing to watch him devote his trademark enthusiasm to being an incredible father and husband.  His family is missing him tons today as he is on tour, but I know their support means the world to him, and it is inspiring to watch them pull together and do hard things.  They are writing an incredible story on the lives of their family, and I am proud of them.

Intense is a great word to describe Ben.  He can't sit still, has no shortage of opinions, and is always hungry. But he's also loyal, principled, chivalrous.  He listens to stories with eyebrows raised, anticipating your every word, and he even laughs with intensity, his whole body convulsing and then crumpling to the floor in silent hysterics.

So happy 30th birthday, Ben!  Keep laughing, loving, and living with that intensity that is too often missing from this world.

WAIST Management - Week 7

Current Weight:  180.6

Weight Lost This Week:  1.8 lbs

Total Weight Lost: 5.7 lbs

I am back on track, which is a good place to be after last week's lovely weigh in (sarcasm).  I not only lost the 1 pound I had gained, but also an additional 0.8 lbs.  I am the type who easily gets thrown off track and uses it as an excuse to stay that way, not even bothering to locate the track again much less get back on it.  It is so motivating and encouraging to me when I make an honest effort all week to make the right choices and it pays off. Here's what I did right this week:

I got some exercise every day except Saturday - I dusted off my Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga DVD, and Bob Harper made every muscle I own hurt so good three days last week.  Then I took the dogs on a nice long walk every day, and yard worked my keester off yesterday.  Mr. Ladd even commented that he noticed I didn't complain once about the physical effort while doing the yard work.  This may not sound like much to some, but for me it is major progress.  In general I hate to sweat and love my couch, so doing something physically active, sometimes twice in one day, is good for me.  Baby steps.  What I really like about yoga is that I am dripping sweat at certain points with muscles I didn't know I had shaking with the effort of holding a position, but at the same time I can do it in bare feet, and it involves laying down at some point.  Score.

Budgeted my intake well - I knew we were going out for a romantic dinner Valentine's Day, so I was very mindful of  saving weekly points for that splurge.  It worked, and I didn't feel at all deprived at the end of the week.

A set dinner time -  With both of us having flexible schedules, it is sometimes difficult to manage meal and snack times, because they can be whenever.  But, I found that I was eating a lot between lunch and dinner because I was starving.  So we are going to try to have dinner around 6 or 6:30 every night so I can plan my lunch and afternoon snacks accordingly.  I don't make good choices when I am ravenous and mindlessly munching while making dinner or holding myself off.

Some go to snacks that are saving my life right now -
Cherry tomatoes (0 points) - I love them sliced in half and drizzled with olive oil, salt and pepper with an egg and whole wheat toast for breakfast.  But they are also great by themselves as a snack while I'm making dinner and want something more savory.

Light string cheese (2 points)- I am a cheese nut, and typically I think real food is better than fake, so I try to avoid the reduced fat business in favor of just more fruits, veggies, etc.  But, this string cheese has been great for those cheese cravings.

Turkey pepperoni (2 points for 17 pieces!) - I actually prefer it to regular pepperoni now and snack on it with a piece of string cheese and the cherry tomatoes when I'm feeling like something pizza-ish.  It's a very satisfying snack or mini meal.

Bananas (0 points) - Can we all just take a moment to reflect on the individually wrapped naturally sweet goodness that is the banana?  I am going through probably 2 bunches a week right now.

How are your fitness goals going?  Any great healthy snacks you couldn't live without right now? 

Five Minute Friday - Beloved

I am loving this Friday routine for writing.  Every Friday I check out what one word writing prompt Lisa-Jo Baker has for me.  Then I set the timer, write on whatever comes to mind with that one word for 5 minutes exactly.  Then I hit publish, and link up with other bloggers. If you have a blog or just want to write for 5 minutes today, give it a try.

Beloved

I celebrated Valentine's Day for the 16th time with Mr. Ladd yesterday.  We've been married for almost 8 years and together for 8 before that.  He has been my beloved on this lovely holiday since I was practicing writing his last name after mine in a tattered notebook in Geometry class.  I know some people despise Valentine's Day, but I am admittedly a bit of a hopeless romantic.  I think that's what happens when you marry your high school sweetheart.  You are destined to be sappy and nostalgic, and there is a special kind of romance in celebrating with your first true love. 
Yesterday I couldn't get enough of the red and pink, the surprises and love notes and red velvet cookies, the candlelight, and the wine, and romantic dinner with the only person that has ever had my heart.

Mr. Ladd Memes

I'm sure everyone has seen these Ryan Gosling memes like this one all over Facebook and Pinterest, right?

Well I ran across this blogging challenge to create some of my own about the Mr.  You should try a few about your main squeeze, but I warn you it is way too much fun, and you will spend much of your evening being extremely clever. Enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!

Wordless Wednesday - Phoenix Public Market

Learning to Drive in Great Grandpa's Car

My time had come behind the wheel of my great grandpa's sensible blue Mercury Sable, which my dad had sadly inherited.  My learner's permit fresh in my wallet, I sat in the empty Grace Church parking lot on a cold winter night and hesitantly pushed the gas.  I was surprised at how much it took to get it moving, surprised how I could feel the tires turning with the wheel, and that coordinating, hands, feet, and eyes took more concentration than I had expected. 

My Dad settled in the passenger seat next to me, leaning one elbow against the window.  He had me drive a few laps of the empty space, even telling me to go as fast as I could and then slam on the breaks.  He wanted me to know how it felt to be out of control a bit, scared of both how fast the car could go, and how slow it stopped when you needed it to. He wanted me to feel the skid of the brakes on ice and how the pedal jumped a bit in protest under my foot.

Just when I was starting to feel confident, my tense shoulders relaxing and small grin emerging, he leaned back comfortably and said, "Ok, drive us home."  I looked at him incredulously.  Me, who lived by a teenage anthem of "It's not fair!" and "I'm responsible enough!" suddenly didn't want the responsibility.  "What?" I asked, checking to see if I had heard him correctly.  "Drive us home," he repeated calmly.  "You know the way." 

I obediently white-knuckled the wheel, and carefully steered the bench-seated beauty the 5 miles home.  I clumsily navigated our driveway with such pride I could barely contain myself, beaming as I rushed inside.  My mom asked my dad expectantly, "How'd she do?"  "Well," he smirked, "She drove us home." "What?!" she asked with an nervous edge in her voice that told me she was only expecting parking lot practice, and that she was so glad Dad was the one teaching us how to drive.  "Yup," he said as he casually walked into the other room and turned on football.

I would eventually get my license in that car, drive my giggling friends around, break curfew, shuttle younger siblings to soccer and piano practice, and make out with Mr. Ladd down by Lake Michigan.  Our family had some growing up to do in that car, and Great Grandpa knew we'd be needing it.  He wasn't physically with us anymore, but I like to think of him looking down on us with a crooked knowing grin, as my parents practiced letting go, I fell in love, and together we navigated the road to adulthood.

photo credit: bigoteetoe via photopin cc

WAIST Management - Week 6

Current Weight:  182.4

Weight Lost This Week:  Gained 1 lb

Total Weight Lost: 3.9 lbs

Ok, so I could hand you a line about how it's only one pound and weight can just fluctuate especially in women, and blah blah blah. I had almost decided that I wasn't even going to weigh myself this week and just check in next week.  But, I didn't because I know better, and I need to be honest.

Basically I was emotional and PMS-ey (a word?), and so I ate all of the things this week.  I ate when I was hungry, which was all the time, and it should come as no suprise that it was not always fruit and veggies.  I ate when I was sad or happy or bored.  I ate things I haven't eaten in a while, and I paid for it, with a big fat stomach ache and feeling like absolute garbage by Saturday.  I felt like such garbage that I needed to leave my friends' house early Saturday night because it was going to get ugly. Then I pretty much spent the entire weekend on the couch.  I may have had a little bug or something, but it is more likely due to the perfect storm I had been creating all week with my food choices.

I could be discouraged by that, but it actually encourages me to know that my body is no longer used to that crap.  I'm encouraged because I know exactly why I gained a pound this week and what I can do to fix it.  I'm encouraged because I didn't actually like the way last week felt at all, and it motivates me to be better.

So here's to a new week of making one good choice at a time and being intentional about my health.