New news

So, last night was choir kickoff and it was lots of fun! I have been fighting a horrid sore throat for almost a week and I couldn't sing at all. So when we all went downstairs for the prayer and worship service, I just sat and listened to everyone else singing around me. It was amazing! Ohmygosh, I cried. I cried last Sunday in children's worship as well listening to all the kids singing. I can't even describe what it felt like to just listen to everyone worshiping together. Amazing! Then we went back upstairs and had desserts and the prayer team came a prayed over us. It was really nice. I am hoping for vocal team auditions again this year. Maybe this time I'll make it.

Today, I improved my time to run a mile. Yesterday was 15 minutes and 15 seconds and today it was 14 minutes and 15 seconds! Yes! Tomorrow I am going to try to run a mile and a half. I am going to try to keep the mile in the same time frame, and see how long it takes to do the other half mile! Tonight I am going to do another upper body p90x workout! I am looking forward to it!

Happy Dance!

So, as you know, I started running a few days ago. Well today I ran for 20 minutes and did a mile in 16! I am really pleased with that! I rewarded myself with a chocolate protein shake, mmmmm!
In other news, or not news, whatever, choir is kicking off this week! Yay! We are having a party and I am making cheesecake brownies! Yum! But I can't eat them. Hopefully someone will bring something that I can eat. And hopefully this sore throat goes away so I can actually sing. Weird thing is, after I workout, it feels better. Strange.
My son is sitting beside me, eating chocolate animal cookies. And I want them. I have to tell myself that I can't steal food from my children, AND that I can't have them. But talk about temptation. Nothing funnier than a two year old hanging around in his underpants eating choco cookies. I love that boy.
Tonight is going to be homework and one more workout, gotta do the upper body. I do have a question. Does anyone know of a good protein powder with no stimulants added? I am using soy protein now because it doesn't add stimulants, but would like something not soy based. I you know of any, let me know!

P.S- try running to Celtic music! Really a fun experience!

Link to new workout!

http://www.bodyrock.tv/2010/01/12/buns-and-fat-loss-week/

Here is the link to the new workout I tried. There are lots of workouts here that I want to try. Most of them have videos, except for this one, of course!

www.bodyrock.tv

thoughts

So some of the things I have been thinking about...
I have been working on controlling how much I am eating as well as WHAT I am eating. So I am eating when I am hungry, taking my time and stopping when I am full. I am hoping that will help me become more of my eating habits and hopefully help me lose weight. I am also thinking of cutting out the creamer in my coffee. I am thinking about it, not sure if i can commit to that. I am just not sure why I am not losing weight, I know that inches matter, but I am really getting discouraged that the weight isn't going down. I know I have been working out hard and probably putting on muscle, but ugh. But I am going to keep working out and trying to eat right. I am happy with the loss in inches, I really am.
So tomorrow I will be trying out the same workout from this afternoon tomorrow while the kids nap and another p90x upper body workout in the evening.
So here's to working out, almost meeting some goals and not meeting others!

measurements and a new workout

So, I tried out a new workout. Four moves, lots of reps. You are supposed to go through it four times, but I could only do two rounds. It was killer! I'll post the link later!
But now for the moment you have all been waiting for! My measurements!

waist- 30 inches
Hips- 35 inches
Chest- 32 inches
arm- 10 inches
thigh- 20.5 inches

I took these this morning. I think they look pretty good. Not where I want them to be, but getting closer! Tonight I am going to do my Kenpo X, it's one of my favorite workouts! What will YOU be doing tonight?

Small Goups and a change in plans

We met our small group for the first time last night. It was really awesome. I really enjoyed it. We had our connection point meeting at church and afterwards most of us herded up our kids and took over Chili's. We took up THREE tables, one of JUST kids! But it was lots of fun, except that the food took a really long time to get to us! But we got to spend a lot of time talking and getting to know each other, so it was good.
Sunday is usually my day off from working out, however, our trip to Chili's and the fact that I didn't workout for several days this week mean that I will be working it hard today! I have two workouts planned. One for afternoon while the kids sleep, one for evening after they are in bed. It's gonna be brutal, but awesome! My afternoon workout is a new one that I am going to try, if I like it, I'll share the link to where I found it, if not, ehhh you probably won't get a link! Tonight will be Kenpo X, and I already know that I love it! So, see you guys later tonight!

First run

So, I went for my first run on my treadmill. I ran 1 3/4 miles at about 4 mph. I felt pretty good about it. I am really excited to have the treadmill. Tomorrow I will be able to work it with Tony! Yes, Kenpo x here I come! I may also try a new workout tomorrow afternoon if I can. I found this really neat interval workout that I want to try. It's a butt blaster and looks pretty challenging! I will take my measurements tomorrow and post them for you.

This morning for breakfast I had a serving of bran flakes. I hate raisins, so I don't buy raisin bran. I actually like the bran flakes. Lunch was a salad of lettuce, spinach and cheese and some pico on the side. Really yummy! Tonight for dinner will be turkey tacos with pico. I can't wait!

what to say?

What to say today? As I am sure you have noticed, I am not a great writer. I like to write, I'm just not very creative. So what can I write about to interest you? I am leading worship for the kids tonight, one of the few times I will be doing it this year. With school and vocal team and choir, my Wednesday is kinda packed.
So, if you could read anything on here, what would it be? I am willing to take some ideas.
:)

Workout updates

Still working out almost everyday! Mostly p90x routines. I'm tired and sore. Have lost about another inch off all measurements except my arms. I am beginning to wonder if my scale is broken because I still haven't lost a pound! Ridiculous! I've been trying to eat fewer carbs and see if that helps. But I just can't figure out why my scale isn't moving! But I feel good and my jeans fit better and I feel like I look better too!
We are getting a treadmill! Yes! I am excited! Now I can run, I really like to run. I'm not very good, but I will get better!

Love Me Tender

Love Me Tender Blog Interview

Janice Hanna Thompson

booksbyjanice@aol.com


Note from Janice Hanna Thompson, author of LOVE ME TENDER:
Hi everyone! Thanks for stopping by to share in the excitement of LOVE ME TENDER, my latest inspirational romance. When I heard about the new “When I Fall in Love” line at Summerside, I flipped! Why? Because I love the ‘50s, and I love music! (The line is based on song titles from the 1930s to the 1970s.) I happen to be a playwright with a really fun musical comedy titled JOHNNY BE GOOD, a story that’s near and dear to my heart. I decided to put a twist on that stage play and turn it into a rockin’ romantic novel! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this “Hollywood Heartthrob” interview with four of the main characters from the novel.

Hollywood Heartthrob, “Man About Town” Column

Welcome, readers! This is Sunset Sam, columnist for Hollywood Heartthrob magazine, here to interview several characters from LOVE ME TENDER, a new book by author Janice Hanna Thompson. I read the book in preparation for this interview and had a hip-hip hoppin’, be-be-boppin’ time reading about the characters down at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach. I’ve been to Sweet Sal’s many times, of course. Everyone in Hollywood knows it’s all the rage. Where else can you get a big, thick cheeseburger, hot, salty fries and the thickest chocolate malts in the country? Now that I’ve enticed you with the food, let’s have a little chat with some of the key players in our story. We’ll start with Debbie Carmichael, daughter of the owners of Sweet Sal’s.

Debbie, could you tell us a little about what your day-to-day life is like?

Most of the girls my age are in college, but I decided to stay in Laguna Beach and help my parents out at our family run soda shop. I have the best life ever! I live across the street from the Pacific Ocean, and love spending time at the cliffs, watching the waves lap the shore. When I’m at the soda shop, the jukebox is always playing. I’m gaga over Elvis’s new song, “Love Me Tender.” It’s all the rage with teen girls right now. Of course, I’m also head over heels for Bobby Conrad, but don’t tell my friends, okay? They think I’m more mature than most of the other teen girls who hang out Sweet Sal’s. Of course, I’m a little distracted by that new guy, Johnny Hartman. He’s so sweet and handsome, and I hear he’s a great singer, too!

Johnny, I read in another article that you came all the way from Topeka Kansas to Hollywood to make it big. How does Hollywood compare to Topeka?

There’s really no way to compare Topeka to Los Angeles. People out here (in California) are more up on current styles, the hottest tunes and the hippest actors and actresses. Back home, folks are so grounded. That isn’t always the case here in L.A. I hope I don’t sound too stuck up when I say that back in Topeka, I was a big fish in a small pond. And because my dad’s a pastor, I had plenty of opportunities to sing in church. But out here in L.A. no one even knows who I am. My agent, Jim Jangles, is working hard to get me a gig on television. I’m auditioning for Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts soon. Say a little prayer for me!

Bobby, I understand you were slotted to sing at the fundraiser at Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe, but had to cancel. Could you explain your sudden departure?

Yes, I was scheduled to sing at the fundraiser, but just got word that I’ll be filming my new movie that same weekend. I was really disappointed to have to tell the Carmichaels the news, but hopefully they understand. I think it’s going to be okay, because my agent, Jim Jangles, is sending his latest prodigy—a kid from Topeka named Johnny Hartman—in my place. I hear he’s quite a singer.

Sal, could you tell our readers about some of the Hollywood stars you’ve met over
the years?

First of all, thanks for including me in this interview! It’s been decades since I was a teen, but I still secretly read Hollywood Heartthrob magazine. (Shh! Don’t tell my husband, Frankie, or my daughter, Debbie!) I’m blessed to be the co-owner of Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe in Laguna Beach, and I’ve met a lot of stars who’ve come through on their way to places like Dana Point and San Diego. Here’s a list of some of my favorites: Doris Day, Gregory Peck, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Ozzie and Harriet. There are dozens more, of course. I want to personally invite all of your readers to stop by Sweet Sal’s Soda Shoppe so that they can see the photos on our walls! And while you’re here, why not enjoy a creamy chocolate malt?

Debbie, a little birdie told me that you and the other girls in Laguna Beach are gaga over Elvis, Pat Boone and Bobby Conrad. Now that you’ve gotten to know (and love) Johnny Hartman, what would you say sets him apart from the other great singers you’ve known?

Oh, no doubt about it. . .Johnny isn’t just a great singer, he’s got a heart of gold. I especially love his strong faith. Unlike so many of the other singers in town, he doesn’t put himself first. With Johnny, it’s God first. . .all the way! And when he sings. . .man! That voice! It’s a smooth as velvet. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s so dreamy! Talk about handsome!)

Johnny, you’ve been asked to fill in for Bobby Conrad at the Laguna Beach fundraiser. Can you tell us how you’re feeling as you look forward to the big day?

I don’t mind admitting I’m a little nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Thousands of girls from Orange County and beyond are looking forward to seeing Bobby Conrad in person. Now I’ve been asked to fill in for him. I’ll be lucky if they don’t boo me off the stage or toss rotten tomatoes at me! Hopefully my new love song—the one I wrote for the gorgeous Debbie Carmichael—will win them over. I hope so, anyway!

Bobby, many Christians have a hard time hanging onto their faith once they achieve
stardom. You seem so grounded. What’s your secret?

I always try to honor God in everything I do—whether it’s movies or songs for the radio. There’s a verse that I love, and it’s one I try to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The way I look at it, if I make a choice to put God first, He’s going to bless me above and beyond anything I could ever ask for, anyway. Even if He didn’t bless me, though, I would still serve Him. It’s really the only way to live a fulfilling life. (And trust me when I say that people out here in L.A. are looking for ways to live a fulfilling life!)

Sal, we were sorry to hear about your husband’s health problems. How is he doing now?

Praise the Lord, Frankie seems to be doing a little better. His heart attack several months ago really shook us up. And we got behind on the mortgage, which has made me a little nervous. Still, I choose to trust God. And now that everyone in town is banding together to put on the fundraiser to save the soda shop, I’m feeling more hopeful than ever!

Debbie, is there anything you’d like Hollywood Heartthrob readers to know as we end this interview?

Yes, I would like people to know that it is possible to live in Hollywood—to be a big star, even—and still be a person of faith. I’ve witnessed it in Bobby Conrad’s life, and in Johnny’s, too. I’d also like to share that putting your trust in God is really the only way to go. Some problems are just too big for us to handle on our own. When my dad got really sick, I made up my mind to try to “fix” the situation. What I’ve learned is this—only God can truly “fix” anything. And trust me when I say that His “fix” is far greater than anything we could ever dream up!

Thanks so much, folks! It’s been a great interview.

Well, there you have it, Hollywood Heartthrob fans. This is Sunset Sam, signing off for this week. See you next time!





Book can be purchased on my site at www.janicehannathompson.com or at www.amazon.com.

GIVEAWAY INFO: Janice Hanna Thompson is hosting a giveaway on her facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson). To enter, leave a comment on her page with the name of your favorite ‘50s star (movies or music) and explain why you liked him/her. The drawing to win the Be-Boppin’ ‘50s Basket (filled with great ‘50s memorabilia) will take place on the weekend of October 29th – 31st. Why? Because that’s the same weekend Janice is directing a local (Houston) production of JOHNNY BE GOOD the musical comedy that served as inspiration for LOVE ME TENDER.



To visit Janice’s webpage, go here: www.janicehannathompson.

Bittersweet

Potty training William has been a really bittersweet experience for me. While I LOVE that he is no longer in diapers and I do NOT miss changing dirty diapers, the thought of him being old enough to use the potty is kinda sad. It marks the end of a really long chapter in my life. The baby stage. He is really no longer a baby. That has been really tough for me to accept. I know that things change and our babies all grow up, but it always seems hard to pass one phase and on to the next. It's been harder knowing that he is the last baby. Unless God has other plans, we will not be having any more, so it's been hard to let it go. Seven and a half years of bottles, diapers, late night feedings, and potty training, it's coming to an end. But I know that bigger and better things are coming for our family, and that he will move on to other stages. But why is it soooo hard to deal with the fact that he is no longer my baby? I'm proud of him for potty training and look forward to the day when it's all done. And looking forward to what lies ahead for him and all my babies.

Fall

I love fall. It's my favorite time of year. The heat starts to die down, the leaves change and start to fall. I love the colors of fall, I have candles in fall colors on my mantle. Oh and fall candles! Apple cider, pumpkin spice, leaves...I love them! Fall is truly the best part of the year. It's cool enough to be outside with the kids, but it's nice to stay in and snuggle up. We like to go outside and look at the leaves changing colors and the kids like to play in them. I love fall.

no catchy title

just stuff... :)

It has rained ALL day today. I think I may go crazy. We have been stuck in the house all day, and with three kids, that is stressful! William is doing well on potty training, we spend lots of time running back and forth to the potty, but he seems to be getting the idea. He still fights me every time we go, and throws fits while he's on the potty. But he's so excited when he actually goes in the potty. Hopefully he'll settle down soon and the fighting back will stop and he'll start going on his own.
Gwen came home today, and Annabelle rejoiced. She missed her big sister soo much. Gwen got two days worth of homework caught up in about two hours today. She is so smart! She is doing really well on Switched On Schoolhouse. She really loves it and is getting better at using the computer as well.
Annabelle caught up her schoolwork today as well. She is doing well in kindergarten aged work. She is writing better and beginning to read a little more. She still has trouble writing her letters and numbers, but she will get it. She is still young, and doing well either way. I'm so proud of my girls.
William apparently knows some of his shapes. He was playing with a puppy with a heart on the tag and he yells out "heart!". Smart boy. He counts, usually not objects, but sometimes, and has gotten as high as 13. He can count objects up to about four. He knows some colors to! WOW! Where did he learn all this?

I did a new workout tonight. A set of 2 pull ups, 4 chair dips, 6 push ups, 8 weighted box steps for 20 minutes. Wow, hard. Then I ran for ten minutes afterwards. I'm tired. But it's gonna be worth it, right?

Measurements

I took my measurements this morning and thought I would share them with you!

Waist- 31 inches, down from 32
Hips- 35.5 inches, down from 36.5
Chest- 33 inches, down from 34...hmm
Arm- 10 inches, holding from 10 inches
Thigh- 21 inches, down from 22

Makes me pretty happy, even thought I weigh EXACTLY the same!

Today

Today was core synergistics day. Man, I'm tired! But it's all gonna be worth it, right? I'll admit that I had to take a few breaks, it really kicked my butt! But, I feel good, if not a little tired. Hoping to start to see some results, even just a little bit, soon. I also got William's toys sorted out and his room cleaned. I cleaned out a huge black trash bags worth of stuff he never plays with! Got the girls to go through their stuff as well and got a bag out of there as well. Vacuumed the living room in between that. The girls did a great job sorting out their old toys!

Tonight vocal team starts back up! Yay, I'm excited! Choir is next. I can't wait to get back to singing.

So, yesterday, I went out with my friend Me. and we got our nails done.(Me is Melessia) Phil took the kids to ballet and we took her little boy with us. It was fun, even though they set us in completely different areas! The lady who did my nails was really nice, up until she asked if I wanted my eyebrows waxed. That bothered me, more than when they asked if I wanted a pedicure. I hate when people try to sell me stuff! But we had fun and got to talk while we were at my house and in the car up there. :) But a big thanks to Phil for taking all the kids to ballet on his own! I know that was tough for him!

catching up

Yesterday was a dance workout day. I like to do them between p90x days, to recover a little! I'm actually getting better at the choreography! I have noticed a change in my clothes, even though the scale hasn't budged! Yay! Today is going to be core synergistics. Fun stuff!

Today Annabelle is going to catch up on her school work. We have missed a couple of days. SO we will be doing that this afternoon. She is doing pretty well, even if she is behind! Gwen is doing really well in her school work. She's so smart! I am going to load the spanish program onto her computer today, hopefully, so she can start working on that as well. Tomorrow is play day at the park! They really enjoy that.

Vocal team practice tonight, AND choir starts soon! WHOOOHOO! Looking forward to it!

So, how are you doing on your workout program? Making any progress? Share with me!!