Run or walk this June and earn a beautiful medal!

Posted on May 30, 2014 by flamidwyfe

I’ve signed up and I’ve invited my Facebook friends to sign up… What a great way to get some exercise this summer and it’s for a good cause! I’m in China for most of June, so my walks will be here… Where will yours be?

run eat life

I loved my first virtual race so much that I thought I’d do it again! In April I raised over $1,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I would like to top this in June!

This June, run or walk 1k each night or run or walk a 5k any time in June to earn this beautiful medal (designed by Lahela Schoessler).

medal photo small

How does this work?
You can chose:

Run or walk a 5K fun run any time in June and enjoy the midnight sun! Take your kids, your spouse, your best friend and run or walk together!

Or:

Run or walk 30K in June. Run or walk 1K every evening and enjoy the midnight sun or break up the 30K any way you like. 30K is 18.64 miles.

How much will this cost?
$25 entry (profits will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). $30 for participants outside…

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BUSY WEEK!

Posted on December 30, 2013 by flamidwyfe

Wow! So, Merry Christmas! It’s been a few weeks. I really miss blogging!!! I have so little time to do it, but I must get better at posting.

I have 3 jobs… yes THREE! So I have very little time to do much else but work and squeeze in some exercise!

I’ve fun two 5Ks this month and begun doing Galloway Half-marathon training. This week we ran 6.34 miles so 10K +!!! I actually did it. I’m definitely feeling it today, lol, but the joy of actually finishing surpasses all of that!!!

6.37 miles which is a little more than 10 kms!

This morning at church, my friend Natalie took photos of the families… this is the one she took of my clan…

Front: Jose, Sofia, Shane & Sadie
Back: Joey, Tiffany, Sydnie, Me & Nick

After church my son and I decided to take a bike ride to breakfast….

On the way to breakfast!

And then a different route home…

Bike ride home from breakfast.

And a few pics to round things out…

Color Vibe earlier this month! Elizabeth, Linnea, Me and Michele!

My new bike!

Saw 50 Shades the Musical (which was HYSTERICAL!!!!) with my girlies!

And a night out with friends that turned out to be quite profitable for Sadie and her rubberband bracelet sales!!!

We had Christmas dinner at GOLDEN CORRAL! Can I tell you how much fun it was not having to cook and clean?!?!? And it was WAY cheaper than Thanksgiving! We had a fantastic waitress named Natasha who took very good care of us and we got to eat all we wanted to!!

I also had 2 out of town business trips this month! One to San Antonio, TX and one to Tallahassee, FL (which even though it’s in my state, it’s a 7 hour drive!) And assisted on a couple births, one a water birth 🙂

So that’s my December wrap up! It’ll probably be next year before I get another blog post in! LOL

Ciao!

2nd verse, same as the first!

Posted on December 10, 2013 by flamidwyfe

Well my first week of being 50 has been fabulous!

An old friend, Beryl, came to town from Georgia. She hadn’t been home in 7 years and we had a get together at Terra Fermata… one of my best memories of Beryl is that when I was so exhausted from being a new, young, single mom and working full time, she came over, packed up my baby and took him for an overnight. More than once! I cannot even begin to tell you how fortunate and grateful I was for that simple act of kindness.

Beryl’s welcome home party.

I also ran a 5K my first week of being 50. The Reindeer Dash. It was my first real run since fracturing my foot. I’ve done some minimal interval training, but no real running. I thought I was going to die! It is still hot and humid here in sunny South Florida! By mile one I was gasping for air, but I finished it! My friend Shannon and her daughter ran back to where I was and finished it with me. The support I have from my friends is nothing short of AMAZING! My friend Ed took first place in the mens 50-54 and Shannon took 3rd in the women’s 40-44. So super proud of them both! Elizabeth hit a PR and I think that Dana did too! This was 12 year old Breeze’s first 5K!

Done!

And my daughter Tiffany and I started the Attack phase of Dukan yesterday. I have gained back almost 30 pounds of my 100+ lb weight loss. I am eating well, but haven’t been MOVING or drinking enough water. It amazes me how fast it creeps on. But I will not be beaten! LOL… I am a fighter and just need to buckle down. I can make excuses all day long, but the bottom line is I am not making enough time for ME! I have spread myself out very thin and it is effecting my weight and my health. That stopped yesterday!

Attack Day 1:
Breakfast: 1 boiled egg, 1 FF Greek Yogurt, coffee
Lunch: Stir fry steak and onions
Snack: Boiled Egg
Dinner: Lean pork chop with onions, garlic and ginger
Snack: FF greek yogurt with flax seed meal
Water: 1000 mL (need to increase!!!)
Exercise: 32 minute walk with Tiffany and Kapone

So fortunate to be able to still be out walking on the waterfront in December in shorts and tank tops!

Tiff and I were suppose to fly to San Antonio Monday morning on a business trip for our billing business, but ice storms in Dallas prevented us from going. So we decided that Monday was the day to start, and we did! I’m down 1.5 pounds since yesterday morning 🙂

I hope everyone has a fantastic week! I sure plan on it!

Ciao!

Goodbye 40’s my old friend ♫

Posted on December 3, 2013 by flamidwyfe

Well…. this decade was a roller coaster, for sure! Tomorrow at 11:11 p.m. I hit FANTABULOUS FIFTY! I’m super excited about this milestone.

My 40’s were crazy. Love, loss, travel (lots and lots), delivering babies on every continent except Antarctica, 3 of those years living in the Middle East and another whole year living in China.

Dukan weight loss, learned to run, 5Ks, new friends, renewed friendships, ended friendships. Grandbabies!!! 6 of them born in my 40’s!!!

I had a fabulous party on Saturday night. I am so blessed with amazing family and friends in my life…

Cynda and Me

Teri and Natalie

Me, Nick and my Mom

Mom, Me, Hope and Tiffany

Jenny, Eric and Aydan

Mom, Me and Lisa… My mom is a hoot!

Denny serenading us!

The gang!

Me and My 3 and the littlest grandbaby, Steele.

I’m truly blessed and can’t wait to see what the next decade has in store for me.

Bring it on, 50!!!

Ciao!

50 to 50

Posted on October 14, 2013 by flamidwyfe

Wow… today marks 50 days until I reach 50 years of age. I am SUPER excited about this milestone. I know, you’re rolling your eyes, but I really am!

I am in better physical, emotional and spiritual health than I’ve ever been. And I feel great!

And I get to travel to catch really cute babies!

So join me on my count down! Tonights special… my first run since I broke my foot! WOO HOO!!!

Let’s Have A Catch Up!

Posted on September 18, 2013 by flamidwyfe

Well thank you, Mona, for the kick in the butt to write a blog 🙂

Where to start? The radio show I talked about in my last blog was so much fun! I had nausea all day that day, for nothing! The hosts made me feel like we were sitting in a comfy den, chatting over coffee. If you missed it you can click here: Sandi on Maternally Yours radio

The first weekend in September I traveled to our nation’s capital to visit my friend Rana, her husband Mohammed and their son Azooz. They were here visiting from Abu Dhabi. So wonderful seeing Rana. She is like a sister to me and I cherish our friendship!

I can’t believe how big Azooz has gotten!

On Monday morning my dear friend Danielle came visiting!

We had a wonderful breakfast with Rana and then she dropped us off…

We visited The Mall, the Lincoln Memorial at one end, and the new Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial. We even saw President Obama when his helicopter flew just above our heads at the MLK Memorial.

Oh, and this happened first thing Monday morning! I didn’t let it prevent me from walking all over DC!

I just did this…

And continued on.

On Tuesday I spent about 5 hours walking around Arlington National Cemetery. What an amazing experience.

The servicemen and women in this section were born in the 80’s and 90’s very sobering. I found myself whispering, “thank you”, over and over.

Then it was time to fly home. Wednesday morning I drove to work and then went to my chiropractor Ian Schtulman’s office for an X-ray. Diagnosis… Fractured 5th metatarsal. That’s a fancy word for broken foot. So I am now wearing this gorgeous fashion accessory…

That night was girls night out… Nothing like hanging with the girlies! I met some new friends who are just as awesome as the old gang!

Friday brought me to the International Institute for Health Care Professionals where I have the honor to teach student midwives. I have to say its the highlight of my week… Here are some of my girls at lunch with me…

Saturday I was suppose to run the 9/11 Heroes Run, but broken foot wouldn’t allow me. So I got up early to support my friends who were running it and took pics!

Saturday night was my friend Lorie’s 50th birthday party… It was a wear all white party, which I thought was an awesome concept… Then I found out why…

Yes, that’s me, all did up!

I was spared the color fun due to my broken foot 😀

Sunday morning spent with family at Life Church Jensen Beach… The part of the week I really look forward to! I stopped for a sunrise coffee…

Sunday afternoon spent having a BBQ with my friends Ed and Elizabeth… Watched my Dolphins win their season opener and the Serena win the US Open… Phone call from midwife colleague Tammy to GO NOW to an address she texted me… She had three births going at the same time! What an honor to assist one of my former assistants and be present at beautiful beginnings…
This is me charting on the electronic medical record on my iPhone (technology rocks!!) and assisting the baby with breastfeeding at the same time 🙂

At midnight the birth workers, having been present at 5 births total this beautiful Sunday, gathered at the Irish pub for libations and to exchange birth stories… I love these beautiful women!

Poured down the rain on the 70 mile commute on Monday morning. Cranky from the rain or lack of sleep? Nope… Thankful for the busyness of my life and for the rain to nourish my space here on Earth. I was rewarded with this, just as I pulled into work…

Busy, busy week working all my jobs… Monday & Wednesday the Birth House, Tuesday & Thursday SLB Billing (my midwife billing service), also did a ton of paperwork to help a sister midwife get caught up. Thursday night, Life Groups (another highlight of my week), Friday teaching in Boca at the midwife college.

Wednesday, September 11 was my baby Tiffany’s 28th birthday. We also buried my Uncle Russell at the So. Florida Veteran’s Memorial Park. Uncle Russ was my mom’s little brother and Tiffany’s Godfather. He will be missed. He was quite the jokester!

And then off on another travel adventure to catch a baby in the Virgin Islands…

I missed baggage check in by TWO MINUTES, so had to change flight to 8 hours later… Not a big deal. Had a yummy breakfast…

And hung out in the Admirals Lounge for the day. Even got to watch my Dolphins win the 2nd game of the season! I “checked-in” on Four Square from the Admirals Lounge and American Airlines TWEETED about me on their Twitter account… How cool is that???

Ill post an update from St. John in a couple of days… Need to make breakfast and get ready for the beach 🙂 Here’s a couple teaser photos…

Sunset

View from the flat I’m staying in.

I hope everyone is having an amazing September!

Ciao!

Dukan Recipe – Jerk Pork Chops – PV

Posted on August 9, 2013 by flamidwyfe

Dukan Jerk Pork Chops
Serves 2

1 Tbs coconut oil
4 lean pork chops
1 Tbs jerk seasoning
8 oz skinny asparagus cut in 2″ pieces
1 lg sweet onion
Handful of mushrooms

Preheat oven to 425F.
Melt coconut oil in baking dish.
Place pork chops in baking dish and sprinkle jerk seasoning on chops.
Place in oven for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, chop your veggies.
After 20 minutes place the veggies in the baking dish, stir into the juices.
Bake another 5-7 minutes.
Enjoy!

Dukan – Consolidation Day 451 of 550

Posted on August 6, 2013 by flamidwyfe

Monday was a PV day.

I commute 70 miles one way to work on Monday and Wednesday. I’m dedicated to the work that my fellow midwife Miriam does, and therefore have a part-time job as the administrator there. It’s fun, hectic, crazy, loud, beautiful, frustrating and awesome there.

Breakfast: Dukan pancake and cup of coffee
On drive: 500 mL water
Lunch: Spinach & arugula salad with chicken chunks, 500 mL water
On drive: 1000 mL water
Dinner: 2 lean pork chops with broccoli
Snack: FF Greek yogurt with splenda and flax seed meal

Exercise: 25 minute walk + 20 minutes of yoga

Today is a work at home day and lunch with a friend. I hope everyone is having a good week so far!

Ciao!

Dukan – Consolidation Day 449 of 550

Posted on August 4, 2013 by flamidwyfe

I can’t believe that I’ve been in Phase 3 aka Consolidation for 449 days! And that I’ve maintained my weight loss! And that I’m still wearing size 8 jeans and pants. And that it’s almost been 2 years since I started this journey. Time flies. With the exception of a 12 pound weight gain when I went to Australia, I’ve maintained a stable weight between 155 and 165.

Dukan’s True Weight: 165
Starting Weight: 255
Lowest Weight: 144 (I looked to thin at this weight, and decided 155 range was better for me).
Today’s Weight: 158

I’m happy with that. I’m happy with me. I’m happy in general 🙂

I’m walking everyday, sometimes twice! And I’ve started Couch to 5K again, because Tiffany wants to do it. I amped up my workouts….

Ignore that personal best pace… Sometimes RunKeeper screws up, lol.

Breakfast: 2 eggs
Snack: FF Greek yogurt
Lunch: 2 lean sirloin burgers with grilled onions (of course no bun)
Dinner: 4 pork spare ribs and asparagus spears steamed
Snack: FF Greek yogurt with Splenda and 2 Tbs flax seed meal

Water: 3+ liters
Exercise: Walk in morning (4.7 miles), 45 minutes of yoga, moved all boxes out if my 5×10 storage unit to get to the desk in the back and moved them back in.

Some pic from my walks this week:

KAPONE TUCKERED OUT AFTER 1 HOUR WALK!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Ciao!

5 Ways To Rephrase Your Food Choices

Posted on August 3, 2013 by flamidwyfe

This is an article emailed to me this morning that I wanted to pass along. The advise for staying on track with your weight loss or maintenance is invaluable!

The advise comes from the Paleo Diet Lifestyle folks… There was no link for an online article included, but I’ve linked their wonderful web site. The cool thing about Paleo is that it is Dukan friendly 🙂

5 Ways to Rephrase Your Food Choices

Psychological tips to help you stay on track.

We’ve all been there. Standing in front of the pastry case, asking ourselves, “do I really want this cream-filled handmade donut I’ve been craving for a week and can’t stop having incredibly vivid dreams about?”

Yes. Yes, you do. But you also know you shouldn’t actually eat it. This sets you up for a head-on struggle of desire vs. willpower – never a good position to be in, since willpower isn’t nearly as strong as most of us like to think.

Instead of heading down this road, avoid the conflict by rephrasing your question. Instead of asking “do I want this?” (desire vs. willpower), ask yourself…

Do I want a stomachache? (or whatever the consequences of eating the food will be). Put the negative consequences in the foreground. Don’t ask “is this worth a stomachache?” – make it even more clear-cut than that. “Do I want a stomachache?” No. OK then. Fork down; walk away.

Do I want to break my streak? Chains and patterns are a powerful motivational tool. Just the thought of breaking a however-many day streak of healthy eating can be enough to deter you from even the most tempting junk food. Keep a visual reminder handy of how many days you have under your belt, and challenge yourself not to break it.

Would I like a non-food treat? Sometimes, you just need some pleasure in your day. It’s not about the food; it’s about the emotional gratification of doing something nice for yourself. What about a new magazine, a bottle of nail polish, an interesting box of tea, or a CD? A fun novel, a mug, or a desk toy? Distract yourself by thinking about something else you want, and then go get it; that way, your desire and your willpower are both working in the same direction, away from the junk food.

How do I feel right now, and why? Are you lonely? Tired? Frustrated? Afraid? All of these emotions are unpleasant to feel; sometimes, we crave junk food as a distraction. Give yourself 10 minutes in a place away from food to write about the feeling, or just sit there and allow yourself to feel it. What can you do to address the real problem? This can be uncomfortable, but you cannot fix the real problem by trying to ignore it.

Will this food help me reach my ________ goals? (fill in the blank with “athletic performance,” “weight loss,” or whatever your goals are). The psychological power of goals is hard to overstate. Don’t ask yourself what you want in the moment; ask yourself what you want for your whole life, and how you can get there.

Asking questions like these is just one tool in your arsenal for defeating junk food cravings. For even more tips and tricks, check out the full article on surviving a rough spot: what to do when the going gets tough, and why.