At LaLa's last doctors visit it was mentioned that she was below average in weight. KiKi is also slightly below average in weight. I am overweight and their dad according to Air Force standards is overweight (even though to normal people he is a healthy weight). LaLa's doctor mentioned to me that I need to pack on the calories in her diet. He recommended peanut butter, nutella, cheesy sauces, creamy sauces, basically anything that has a shed load of calories packed into not much food since she is a child and has a child sized appetite. I of course agreed with him while in my head I groaned because being a heavier person myself I have a hard time resisting things such as peanut butter, nutella, cheesy sauces and creamy sauces (and chips, and cakes, and chocolate, and bread, and french fries, and cheese burgers...).
LaLa the whole time was listening with intent and when we got back into the car had loads of questions for me.
La- Mom, what does it mean that I am under weight?
Me- It means that you are really thin.
La- What are calories?
Me- They are the energy in food that give your body what it needs to run. If you eat more calories than your activity burns off then you gain a bit of weight. That is what the doctor is asking me to do, give you more calories.
La- So I need to get fatter?
Me- I wouldn't say fatter, but you could stand to gain a few pounds in order to be more healthy.
La- Do veggies have calories?
Me- Yes.
La- Do I need to eat veggies? I don't like them.
Me- You need to try to eat more veggies.
La- *sigh* So, also because I exercise so much I need to eat more calories?
Me- Yep, because your body keeps burning all those calories that are in your food off.
About a week ago I started WeightWatchers. LaLa, being the ever observant seven year old that she is, noticed that I was paying a lot of attention to the food labels and plugging them into a special calculator before I would eat this week. She finally started asking questions a couple of days ago.
La- Mom, are you trying to eat a lot of calories?
Me- No, I don't need to gain weight like you do. For my age and height I am overweight and it is kind of like you being underweight. It isn't very healthy and I need to be healthy so that I can be able to play more with you and your sister.
La- So you are trying to eat less calories?
Me- Yep.
La- You need to exercise too!
Me- I certainly do.
La- OK. That sounds good.
It sure does little perceptive one, it sure does.
I don't think that children should be held in the dark about health and how weight can affect health. I do think that children should know that self worth should not be tied to weight. I think that children should know that maintaining a healthy weight is about health and not appearance. I also think that teaching children how their bodies work is good! This important knowledge that they can carry on into their adult lives. Maybe if us parents stop dancing around the issue and start teaching our children about healthy living and healthy eating we wouldn't have an epidemic of overweight children.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Dear So and So...Hope Your Weekend is Reasonable
It's Friday! Dear So and So time or as I like to think of it, time to say exactly all the thing that I have wanted to say all week. It really is cathartic.
Dear Radio 2 Presenter Simon Mayo,
You made me laugh so hard last night. For once I have the perfect example of the British understatement. While I was driving home you said "I hope you had a reasonable Thursday" and I seriously laughed so hard it made my belly hurt. It wasn't "had a great Thursday" or "a wonderful Thursday" but "reasonable". We wouldn't want to have too much fun now would we? A reasonable day is all we need. Any more than reasonable would be overkill.
Thanks for making my evening, Kat
---------------------
Dear Weight Watchers,
Yeah a I caved and joined your weight loss program. You better keep up your end of the bargain because I am gonna keep up mine.
Hopefully, Kat
--------------------
Dear Darling Husband of Mine,
Changing the words of Justin Beiber's song "Baby" to "gravy" actually does make the song a bit more tolerable. *sings* Gravy, gravy, gravy, oooooo! Gravy, gravy, gravy, ooooooo!
Thanks for that, Kat
--------------------
Dear Primetime TV,
Could we please start playing the good stuff promptly at 8pm? I have been having one too many late nights lately and I am too darn stubborn to record the shows I like. From now on I would like all the good shows to be over by 10pm. K thanks.
Zzzzzzz, Kat
----------------------
Dear Willpower,
Good job these past 2 days. I am impressed.
Love, Kat
-----------------------
Dear Sam Kitty,
Quit laughing! It really wasn't THAT funny when you tried to run inside the house with a dead mouse in your mouth. In fact, if you don't quit doing that crap I am going to have to restrict you to the house. How do you like THAT bag of apples, eh?
Love That Human That Gives You Proper Kitty Food, Kat
--------------------
Dear Readers,
You know the drill. If you have letters of your own, please link up!
Love You Guys Forever and Ever!, Kat
PS- Have a reasonable weekend.
--------------------
Dear Radio 2 Presenter Simon Mayo,
You made me laugh so hard last night. For once I have the perfect example of the British understatement. While I was driving home you said "I hope you had a reasonable Thursday" and I seriously laughed so hard it made my belly hurt. It wasn't "had a great Thursday" or "a wonderful Thursday" but "reasonable". We wouldn't want to have too much fun now would we? A reasonable day is all we need. Any more than reasonable would be overkill.
Thanks for making my evening, Kat
---------------------
Dear Weight Watchers,
Yeah a I caved and joined your weight loss program. You better keep up your end of the bargain because I am gonna keep up mine.
Hopefully, Kat
--------------------
Dear Darling Husband of Mine,
Changing the words of Justin Beiber's song "Baby" to "gravy" actually does make the song a bit more tolerable. *sings* Gravy, gravy, gravy, oooooo! Gravy, gravy, gravy, ooooooo!
Thanks for that, Kat
--------------------
Dear Primetime TV,
Could we please start playing the good stuff promptly at 8pm? I have been having one too many late nights lately and I am too darn stubborn to record the shows I like. From now on I would like all the good shows to be over by 10pm. K thanks.
Zzzzzzz, Kat
----------------------
Dear Willpower,
Good job these past 2 days. I am impressed.
Love, Kat
-----------------------
Dear Sam Kitty,
Quit laughing! It really wasn't THAT funny when you tried to run inside the house with a dead mouse in your mouth. In fact, if you don't quit doing that crap I am going to have to restrict you to the house. How do you like THAT bag of apples, eh?
Love That Human That Gives You Proper Kitty Food, Kat
--------------------
Dear Readers,
You know the drill. If you have letters of your own, please link up!
Love You Guys Forever and Ever!, Kat
PS- Have a reasonable weekend.
--------------------
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Gallery- Children
This photo was taken of KiKi and I a couple of years ago when we were still living in Missouri. It still makes me giggle every single time I look at it. It is funny how the expressions on a child's face are worth far more than a thousand words.
Submitted as part of Tara's Gallery
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Review of Nokia N8 and Ovi Maps Software
This is a sponsored post. I was provided a Nokia N8 handset in order to complete this review.
When I was approached by Nokia to review the Ovi Maps software I jumped at the chance. I am a bit of a phone geek and love fiddling with new technology. I was completely excited when I got my BlackBerry Storm a couple of years ago and truthfully have really been let down by that phone. I wondered how the Nokia N8 would stack up against the my BlackBerry and the iPhone 3GS that belong to my friend that I have played around with. I have now been using the Nokia N8 for roughly a month and I am extremely impressed.
First of all, I would like to say that I love the slimness of the Nokia N8 in comparison to my BlackBerry Storm. It feels more like a phone than a brick in my hand. However, it doesn't feel flimsy and is quite sturdy and has held up to the amount that I tend to abuse my phone. The smoothness in the touch screen transitions was also superior to my BlackBerry. I also liked that the phone vibrates as I touch the screen to let me know that a key has been pressed. I found with the BlackBerry touch screen I had a tendency to "fat finger" the letters as I was keying in words. I have had a lot less of an issue with the Nokia in respect to that as well.
I like the functionality of the email and web software on the Nokia N8. The texting screen is also easier to read than that of my Blackberry because each line has an underline. I have found that it is easier for me to keep track of what I have read or what I am writing with the underline under the text. Think of it like using lined paper when you are writing a letter. Although, Nokia sent me an international sim card to use in the N8, I couldn't figure out how to get it work so I switched out the sim from my BlackBerry in order to test the call and text functionality of the phone. I found that the antenna on the Nokia is a lot stronger than that of my BlackBerry and I get better coverage from my provider on the N8. Also, the speaker quality on the handset is also nice.
I really like the camera on the N8 as well because it is easy to figure out. When held sideways the camera functions just like any hand held 35mm digital camera. There is a zoom feature and a shutter button. The 12megapixel camera takes good quality photos and there is a flash built into the phone for night time photos. I transferred by photos easily to my MacBook using bluetooth.
Photo taken with Nokia N8 camera in low light.
The Ovi Maps software (which is free for Nokia users in the Nokia Ovi Store) is really easy to use. I have used it instead of my SatNav to navigate while driving and also to find locations by foot. I also like that it will help you find points of interest, restaurants and events happening in locations. It is especially nice to have a back up to my SatNav, which I often forget at home, since I am not originally from England and sometimes get "misplaced" when I am driving. I especially like the different ways that you can view the maps on the Ovi Maps software. You can view them in Map view, Satellite view, Terrain view. You can also view them in 3D, add landmarks or in night mode (like when it becomes night time and your SatNav goes to the black background w/the colored lines to make it easier to see in the dark). I have honestly found the Ovi Maps software to work just as well as my expensive SatNav in giving me turn by turn voice directions.
Another feature on Ovi Maps that is really nice is that you can record and upload your own voice or your kid's voice to give you directions. There are also a lot of other voicepacks in various different accents to pick from to give you directions. My favorite so far is the pirate voice. Who wouldn't want to have a pirate give them directions? It is much nicer than that bossy lady on my Garmin SatNav who gives me directions now!
For those who are looking for a touch screen smartphone I highly recommend the Nokia N8. It might not be as hyped up as a BlackBerry ,iPhone, or Andriod, but it has great techie features like the ability to connect it to your home theater using an HDMI cable, watch on demand WebTV (BBC iPlayer, CNN, E!, and National Geographic come on the phone), download music, download games and applications from the Ovi Store, or record HD videos. I just can't see myself switching to an iPhone now like I had intended. I have been converted into a Nokia fan. I hope Steve Jobs doesn't find out.
When I was approached by Nokia to review the Ovi Maps software I jumped at the chance. I am a bit of a phone geek and love fiddling with new technology. I was completely excited when I got my BlackBerry Storm a couple of years ago and truthfully have really been let down by that phone. I wondered how the Nokia N8 would stack up against the my BlackBerry and the iPhone 3GS that belong to my friend that I have played around with. I have now been using the Nokia N8 for roughly a month and I am extremely impressed.
First of all, I would like to say that I love the slimness of the Nokia N8 in comparison to my BlackBerry Storm. It feels more like a phone than a brick in my hand. However, it doesn't feel flimsy and is quite sturdy and has held up to the amount that I tend to abuse my phone. The smoothness in the touch screen transitions was also superior to my BlackBerry. I also liked that the phone vibrates as I touch the screen to let me know that a key has been pressed. I found with the BlackBerry touch screen I had a tendency to "fat finger" the letters as I was keying in words. I have had a lot less of an issue with the Nokia in respect to that as well.
I like the functionality of the email and web software on the Nokia N8. The texting screen is also easier to read than that of my Blackberry because each line has an underline. I have found that it is easier for me to keep track of what I have read or what I am writing with the underline under the text. Think of it like using lined paper when you are writing a letter. Although, Nokia sent me an international sim card to use in the N8, I couldn't figure out how to get it work so I switched out the sim from my BlackBerry in order to test the call and text functionality of the phone. I found that the antenna on the Nokia is a lot stronger than that of my BlackBerry and I get better coverage from my provider on the N8. Also, the speaker quality on the handset is also nice.
I really like the camera on the N8 as well because it is easy to figure out. When held sideways the camera functions just like any hand held 35mm digital camera. There is a zoom feature and a shutter button. The 12megapixel camera takes good quality photos and there is a flash built into the phone for night time photos. I transferred by photos easily to my MacBook using bluetooth.
Photo taken with Nokia N8 camera in low light.
Another feature on Ovi Maps that is really nice is that you can record and upload your own voice or your kid's voice to give you directions. There are also a lot of other voicepacks in various different accents to pick from to give you directions. My favorite so far is the pirate voice. Who wouldn't want to have a pirate give them directions? It is much nicer than that bossy lady on my Garmin SatNav who gives me directions now!
For those who are looking for a touch screen smartphone I highly recommend the Nokia N8. It might not be as hyped up as a BlackBerry ,iPhone, or Andriod, but it has great techie features like the ability to connect it to your home theater using an HDMI cable, watch on demand WebTV (BBC iPlayer, CNN, E!, and National Geographic come on the phone), download music, download games and applications from the Ovi Store, or record HD videos. I just can't see myself switching to an iPhone now like I had intended. I have been converted into a Nokia fan. I hope Steve Jobs doesn't find out.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Ill Fated Coffee Run
I had two things on my to do list this morning that really needed to be completed. The first order of business was coffee. I needed caffeine this morning and there was a disturbing lack of it at my house this morning. Monday mornings need caffeine. That is a rule. Dammit. The second order of business was I needed to get my car washed and detailed on the inside because, well, kids are gross and the inside of my car will testify to that. Easy peasy, I can get this done.
First stop- the car wash on base. I removed my radio antenna, put the $7 into the machine, pulled my car into the car wash and waited for it to work it's magic. Only, it didn't. Why isn't that machine working?!?! Was there a button I was supposed to push? Oh yeah...So I walk back to the machine that took my money outside the car wash and press the button and RUN FOR DEAR LIFE to get back into my car before the spiny washy things start to wash my car. Barely. Made. It. Back. To. My. Car before the machine started. This was my first mistake of the morning and why I should have made my first stop Starbucks. After the machine stops and my car is gleaming on the outside, I pulled out of the car wash and put my radio antenna back on, cranked the tunes and headed to the Starbucks on base.
Second stop- Starbucks. Venti skinny mocha no whip cream. Thank you very much. Mmmmm delicious. Caffeine in system. I only drink half of it because I know I will be standing outside while my car is getting detailed at the next stop.
Third stop (and this is where things start to go really pear shaped)- car detailing place located on gigantic roundabout called the 5-ways (always has really hot Turkish lads working). So, I pull in pay my £10 to have the inside of my car vacuumed, the trim wiped and polished, and OH DEAR LORD I FORGOT THEY USE BABY POWDER SMELLING AIR FRESHENER.
(For those of you who don't know, I hate the smell of baby powder. Actually I have a physical reaction to it. It makes me hurl. Logic? Baby powder reminds me of baby bum, poo comes out of baby bums, gag. So, the smell of baby powder in my head smells of poo. They may as well have rubbed baby poo all over the inside of my car and been done with it.)
Now, I have to drive home in a baby powder smelling car. My worst nightmare come to life. It might only be 5 degrees C outside but all four windows are down on my car on the way home. I am trying not to spew my Venti skinny mocha no whip cream on the freshly vacuumed floor boards and oh hey lookie there a police officer just pulled behind me so there is no chance of speeding home. I had to drive 30 mph for 10 minutes before the police officer finally turned, meanwhile I am about 10 shade of green and considering hanging my head out of the drivers side window like a dog to avoid the smell in my car. I get out of the 30mph zone and hit the 50mph zone that goes to my house. I floor it. I could not get home fast enough. I pulled into my driveways and barely got the car into park before I jumped out of the car and took a deep long breath of non baby powder smelling air. For the record I didn't spew.
Lesson learned? Watching hot Turkish guys vacuum out the inside of the car is not worth the drive home. From now on, I will quit being lazy and vacuum out the inside of car myself.
First stop- the car wash on base. I removed my radio antenna, put the $7 into the machine, pulled my car into the car wash and waited for it to work it's magic. Only, it didn't. Why isn't that machine working?!?! Was there a button I was supposed to push? Oh yeah...So I walk back to the machine that took my money outside the car wash and press the button and RUN FOR DEAR LIFE to get back into my car before the spiny washy things start to wash my car. Barely. Made. It. Back. To. My. Car before the machine started. This was my first mistake of the morning and why I should have made my first stop Starbucks. After the machine stops and my car is gleaming on the outside, I pulled out of the car wash and put my radio antenna back on, cranked the tunes and headed to the Starbucks on base.
Second stop- Starbucks. Venti skinny mocha no whip cream. Thank you very much. Mmmmm delicious. Caffeine in system. I only drink half of it because I know I will be standing outside while my car is getting detailed at the next stop.
Third stop (and this is where things start to go really pear shaped)- car detailing place located on gigantic roundabout called the 5-ways (always has really hot Turkish lads working). So, I pull in pay my £10 to have the inside of my car vacuumed, the trim wiped and polished, and OH DEAR LORD I FORGOT THEY USE BABY POWDER SMELLING AIR FRESHENER.
(For those of you who don't know, I hate the smell of baby powder. Actually I have a physical reaction to it. It makes me hurl. Logic? Baby powder reminds me of baby bum, poo comes out of baby bums, gag. So, the smell of baby powder in my head smells of poo. They may as well have rubbed baby poo all over the inside of my car and been done with it.)
Now, I have to drive home in a baby powder smelling car. My worst nightmare come to life. It might only be 5 degrees C outside but all four windows are down on my car on the way home. I am trying not to spew my Venti skinny mocha no whip cream on the freshly vacuumed floor boards and oh hey lookie there a police officer just pulled behind me so there is no chance of speeding home. I had to drive 30 mph for 10 minutes before the police officer finally turned, meanwhile I am about 10 shade of green and considering hanging my head out of the drivers side window like a dog to avoid the smell in my car. I get out of the 30mph zone and hit the 50mph zone that goes to my house. I floor it. I could not get home fast enough. I pulled into my driveways and barely got the car into park before I jumped out of the car and took a deep long breath of non baby powder smelling air. For the record I didn't spew.
Lesson learned? Watching hot Turkish guys vacuum out the inside of the car is not worth the drive home. From now on, I will quit being lazy and vacuum out the inside of car myself.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Dear So and So...Today Is Canceled
Dear Everyone,
It has been a rough week. KiKi was sick on and off all week and then was kind enough to pass it along to me. Therefore, I have declared that today is canceled. You can have today if you like; I am going to lay on the couch and watch Ghost Hunters all day long. I might fold the two baskets of laundry sitting in my kitchen too. I also might do the dishes that are in my sink. Oh who are we kidding? I can't cancel the day, but I sure would like to!
Love the Runny Nosed One, Kat
------------------------------
Dear KiKi,
Thanks for sharing. *cough cough cough*
Love, Mom
------------------------------
Dear LaLa,
Inside voice please. Just cause Mom is sick, doesn't mean she is hard of hearing.
Love, Mom
----------------------------
Dear Hubby,
Yes, I will make your sandwiches for you so that you can have dinner at work, but if you come down with this cold it is your own fault. Consider yourself warned and pray you are immune to this crap.
Love, Kat
--------------------------------
Dear Readers,
If you have a letter please feel free to link it up!
Love, Kat
-------------------------------
It has been a rough week. KiKi was sick on and off all week and then was kind enough to pass it along to me. Therefore, I have declared that today is canceled. You can have today if you like; I am going to lay on the couch and watch Ghost Hunters all day long. I might fold the two baskets of laundry sitting in my kitchen too. I also might do the dishes that are in my sink. Oh who are we kidding? I can't cancel the day, but I sure would like to!
Love the Runny Nosed One, Kat
------------------------------
Dear KiKi,
Thanks for sharing. *cough cough cough*
Love, Mom
------------------------------
Dear LaLa,
Inside voice please. Just cause Mom is sick, doesn't mean she is hard of hearing.
Love, Mom
----------------------------
Dear Hubby,
Yes, I will make your sandwiches for you so that you can have dinner at work, but if you come down with this cold it is your own fault. Consider yourself warned and pray you are immune to this crap.
Love, Kat
--------------------------------
Dear Readers,
If you have a letter please feel free to link it up!
Love, Kat
-------------------------------
Sunday, January 16, 2011
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