Weighing in - Weeks 13 & 14

Let's just say that I've allowed the holidays to get the best of me.  I lost my willpower to say NO THANK YOU.  I quit working out at the gym and let the holiday blues kick in.  I was excited to have still eaten a few treats two weeks and ago and still lose weight.  But then I gave up and gained it all back this week.  For that, I'm not happy.  But I am going to move forward and get back to the gym today. I'm tired of hovering at the same number. 

Week 1 - lost 3.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 3 - lost 1.6 pounds
Week 4 - lost 1.0 pounds
Week 5 - lost 1.2 pounds
Week 6 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 7 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 8 - gained 1.4 pounds
Week 9 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 10 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 11 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 12 - lost 0.0 pounds
Week 13 - lost 1.4 pounds
Week 14 - gained 1.4 pounds

 TOTAL LOST - 12.8pounds

Only 72.2more pounds to go!

Tammy

The Coke Jar - 6 Months

I've been beginning to wonder if 6 months of deployment would ever roll around.  Ever since I booked our R&R vacation to Mauritius time has stood still.  So I've tried to quit thinking about it so much.  But when the weather is soooo cold, it's hard not to think that we will soon be on an island enjoying 85 degree weather!! 

Slowly but surely the jar is filling up!

Month 1 and 2

Month 3 and 4

 

Month 5 and 6

Tammy

New Arrival--Ashleigh Peyton DeLong

This afternoon, my newest friend arrived into the world.  Meet Ashleigh Peyton DeLong.  She was born at 2:59 p.m., weighed almost 8 pounds, and was 51 centimeters long!  She and mom have had a long day, but they are both healthy and doing well.  Irma was a brave woman and delivered Ashleigh alone.  Her husband, Bill, is currently serving our country in Afghanistan and won't be home for R&R until next week, and her mom was out in the hallway trying to keep her other two children under control.  I can't wait for daddy to meet his new daughter. 

She is quickly becoming a thumb sucker, which Irma does NOT want to have happen.  so we're introducing her to the binky TODAY!

Ashleigh is our field training baby.  Back in March, 2 SCR was sent to Hohenfels for 3 1/2 weeks for a training excercise to prove to the commander that they were ready for deployment.  One morning, Bill and Jared came to Vilseck to pick up some supplies that they forgot and to bring some soldiers home so they could go on emergency leave.  Before they left, Irma and I were blessed with the opportunity to see our husbands for a few minutes.  While Jared and I didn't get the job done, Ashleigh was conceived!!

So far Ashleigh is a very obedient child.  According to dad, she had to be born on the 7th, 17th, or 27th because everyone esle in the family has a 7 in their date of birth.  And that she did!

Tammy

Weighing in - Week 12

Wow!  I've forgotten how difficult it is to diet during the holidays.  There are Christmas parties to attend, Christmas markets to visit, cookie exchanges to participate in, dinners to join, goodies to eat at school, etc.  While I have pretty good will power, it's just not working for me this week.  I haven't been able to resist a piece of Key Lime pie, fudge, snickerdoodles, chocolate nut clusters, etc.  NO T GOOD!  Today, I left work feeling awful.  The sugar was only getting me through the final minutes of work as well as giving me a huge headache.   Thank goodness for a trip to the gym where I was able to rejuvinate and burn and few calories.   Tomorrow I'm going to bring lots of fruit to work and see if I can resist all the goodies.  

As for this week's weight loss, it didn't happen and there is nobody to blame but ME!  On the positive side, I didn't gain anything either!!  A new week is ahead.  I hope I make several better food choices.

Week 1 - lost 3.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 3 - lost 1.6 pounds
Week 4 - lost 1.0 pounds
Week 5 - lost 1.2 pounds
Week 6 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 7 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 8 - gained 1.4 pounds
Week 9 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 10 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 11 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 12 - lost 0.0 pounds

TOTAL LOST - 12.8pounds

Only 72.2more pounds to go!

Tammy

The Newest Marathon Runner

One of Jared's goals has been to run a marathon.  This year he ran his first 1/2 marathon on his birthday (September 11th).  About a month ago, he told me he signed up to run a marathon before Christmas.  Personally, I thought he was crazy.  Most people spend a lot of time preparing for one of these events, and I knew that his work schedule wouldn't allow him the time to go for long runs in preparation for this big event.  Once again, I couldn't  convince him to hold off.  He told me to quit worrying and that he would be fine!  He promised me that he would stop if he hurt himself or started feeling serious pains of some sort.  He also told me that his goal was just to finish and had 5 hours to do so.  If he wasn't done by then, a vehicle would come by to pick him up.

This morning was the day of the race.  Jared and two other coworkers set out to run their very first marathon in Afghanistan at 4 a.m.  I believe the course was set up so that they ran around the FOB twice.  This included running past the "poo pond."  The "poo pond" is exactly that--a pond where the backed up sewage goes.  That must have quite the refreshing smell!  lol  Jared ran the race and did a great job.  Below are his comments:

"I just finished my first full marathon. I finished in 4hours 47min I am glad I could run this race to blow off a little steam. Being in Afghanistan can be a drag so I got to keep finding things to do. I was listening to my mp3 player and Lee Greenwoods song came on it really made me feel good while i was running to listen to his song."


Then a few hours later, he said:
"my body aches because of the marathon or maybe im just getting old!"
 
Way to go Jared!  I love you and hope you recover quickly!
 
Tammy

Happy Anniversary

One year ago today, Jared and I were sealed in the Bern, Switzerland temple.  What a wonderful experience it was to knee across the alter from my best friend and to be sealed to him for time and all eternity.  Knowing that we will be a forever family as long as we keep our covenants brings great peace to me since he is currently serving in a war zone.  I like to think he is safe, but I know that no one is ever SAFE there.  Rockets are regularly flying overhead and accountability checks are regularly conducted. 

A special thanks to my mom and dad for flying out to Gemany to be a part of this special occassion.  I know they made a lot of sacrifices to do so. 

My parents flew to Germany to go through the temple with us!

Speaking of Jared, I haven't given an update or shared any FACEBOOK posts on him for a long time.  I guess that because there usually isn't anything new to report.  Whenever I talk to him, he is FINE but tired.  We get to Skype most Sundays at the crack of dawn, which has been fun even if I'm halfway asleep because we get to see each other. We are getting very excited to meet up in one month on a sunny resort island!  Below are some recent (or not so recent posts):

September 24, 2010
I scored a 275 on my pt test a small increase from last time. New personal best on the two mile run 13:49. I hope I can continue to increase al the way to 300

September 26, 2010
I tried to be anonymous while attending church in afghanistan but it just didnt work. A couple of weeks after I got here i was asked to speak in church. I spoke in church today on everything that happens has a purpose and the lord has a plan in mind

October 22, 2010
I am not sure why I have become a target in the Afganistan millitary branch of the mchurch.First I had to speak and shortly after speaking they asked me to be a counselor in the elders quorum presidency. They must have lowered their standards to call me

October 22, 2010Im being a little sarcastic, of course in that last post. I gladly accepted the calling just a little shocked I would be considered for it 

October 27, 2010
Why does time seem to be moving so slow right now. I cant wait for the holidays to be over then I know I will be out of this dirty, dusty, smelly place they call afghanistan for awhile

October 28, 2010
The joys of speaking in church on sunday. Just got notice I have to give a twenty minute talk on sunday. I guess they must have liked the last time I spoke, because its only a few weeks later and im speaking again.

November 9, 2010
tammy jackson the dvd you sent me for our anniversary with the photos and music almost made me cry. Keep trying ha ha ha!! Thank you for the wonderful anniversary present.

November 15, 2010
Had a great saturday went to the soldier of the month board and won it. I also scored a 279 on the pt test. I am trying to inch up to 300 its just hard to run faster when you get old like me. I have less than two months and R&R will be happening cant wait

November 24, 2010
No snow here in Afghanistan, a little chilly and lots of dust. A horrible smell is usually in the air in the morning blowing over from the sewage drain pond. Wish I was in the middle of a snow storm right now

November 25, 2010
Thanksgiving was not the greatest over here, they ran out of turkey when i got into the dining facility. I had prime rib and crab cakes and sweet potatoe pie. None of the food that was there could take the place of being with family and friends. The food doesnt taste like home cooked food. More like a british meal in afghanistan. Stuffing tasted nothing like stuffing and did not look like stuffing

December 1, 2010

just over a month left and I will get to leave this dusty, dirty, smelly and overall dump called afghanistan for a few weeks, then right back at it. Cant wait to get out of here

December 10, 2010

Less than a month before I go on leave cant wait to get away from here for awhile the final countdown for leave seems to be taking a long time.

As you can see from his more recent posts, he is really anxiously awaiting to get out of Afghanistan for a few days!

Tammy

Weighing in - Week 11

This week presented new challenges.  It started snowing here almost two weeks ago and it won't quit.  I shovel in the morning before work, during my lunch break, and after work!  As a result, I haven't been to the gym.  But I may develop a few arm muscles this winter.  The sun MUST come out and melt the snow before it can snow anymore because the piles are up to my waist, and the snow is so heavy that I can't keep shoveling it anymore without hurting myself. 

By the time I get through shoveling, I'm starving and don't want to wait to fix a healthy dinner.  As a result, I have eaten a lot of processed meals.  I've stayed within my allotted points, but I can tell that my body is craving something much more healthy.  I guess I'm going to have to stock up on freezer foods again or start using my crockpot more often.  Anyone have any good crockpot  meals?? 

All in all it as an okay week...
Week 1 - lost 3.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 3 - lost 1.6 pounds
Week 4 - lost 1.0 pounds
Week 5 - lost 1.2 pounds
Week 6 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 7 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 8 - gained 1.4 pounds
Week 9 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 10 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 11 - lost 0.6 pounds

TOTAL LOST - 12.8pounds

Only 72.2more pounds to go!

Tammy

Holiday Fun Trivia

Now that the holiday season is out in full force, how are you coming along?
Hours spent decorating :7 (It takes a long time when you don't have any help!)
Fire roasted nuts consumed: 3 packages
Christmas Markets Attended: 2 (Thurn and Taxi in Regensburg and Schloss Guteneck in Guteneck)
Christmas Movies already viewed: None--I need to get going
Christmas books read:  7
Times through the iTunes Christmas Playlist: Quit counting
Inches of snow on the ground: 12+ in a week and more in the future predicted
Falls on the ice/snow: 1
Hours shoveling: 5
Cups of Hot Chocolate consumed: 1
Gifts ordered: ALL
Gifts wrapped: Alomst Done
Gifts Mailed: NONE yet but need to get going
Trips Planned: 1 to Mauritius in January 2011
Late Delays/Early Releases/No work days:  6 out of 7 days!

This year is going to be a very low key Christmas for me.  Since Jared is not going to be here for Christmas and since his R&R is in mid January, we decided to forgo Christmas gifts and save our money to take a nice vacation during his break.  We are going to Mauritius.  It is a resort island South of the Equator and East of Madigascar in the Indian Ocean.  We are so excited!  The weather is supposed to be 30 degrees Celsuis (86 degrees F) while the water temperature is 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees F).

Tammy

Tis the Season

I know that Winter doesn't officially start until  December 21st, but it has officially arrived in Vilseck, Germany.  Last week was crazy.  On Monday it started snowing so hard and fast that the school and military base shut down at 1 p.m.  Tuesday ended up being a 2 hour delay to give people more time to shovel their driveways and get to work safely.  It snowed so much on Wednesday night that they cancelled school on Thursday.  Then Friday ended up being another 2 hour delay as well.  This week is following suit.  Today was a two hour delay and a early release (we left as soon as the students were gone).  And just now, I received another phone call about a 2 hour delay in the morning due to the snow that is currently falling!! 

While the snowy scenery is beautiful to look at, I have spent 15 Euros ($20) on phone calls this week informing staff members of these delays.  Our home phone plan is ridiculous.  I can call the United States for free.  However, I can only call the people with the same prefix as me for free within my base.  The majority of people that I call from work and church do not have my same prefix.  The bad thing is that our phone company has a monopoly on us military folk as there isn't another phone company to change to.  I think I'm going to have to get a 2nd job to pay for my current job's phone bill.

Oh, and did I mention that I'm not enjoying having to shovel snow off of 2 driveways alone?  It's the pits.  Maybe by the end of winter I will have strong arm, shoulder, and back muscles.  lol

Have a great night!

Tammy

Schloss Guteneck Christmas Market

This post is a week late...But on Saturday after Thanksgiving, Irma and I took her two kids to the 1st Christmas Market of the holiday season.  One thing you must know about Germany is that EVERY town has its own Christmas market during the holiday season.  It may last for one day or it may go from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas Eve.  Most of the markets are very similar..they all decorate with lots of lights and festive decorations as well as sell food and other knick knacks.  However, each market does have its own uniqueness about it such as where the event is held (in a castle, on the town, etc,), the food that is special to that town, or its festivities such as parades and carnival rides.  Neither one of us have ever gone to the Schloss Guteneck Christmas Market, so we thought we'd give it a try. 

It is nestled inside a courtyard and began with a parade with several hundred market folk, historical clubs, parades of fanfare teams and various music groups. 

Then the fun began.  As we were walking along the path and admiring the crafts, ornaments, crystal, etc. being sold at each of the different booths, Lizzy found the camel ride.  She really wanted to ride the camel but backed down once her mother told her she couldn't go with her as she was 9 months pregnant!  I told her I that I would go with her, but she was too scared.  Then out of nowhere, Mikaela decided that she wanted to go with me.  I knew I couldn't back down even though I was a tad bit scared.  I had ridden a camel up Mount Sinai when I went to Egypt and didn't care for the experience, but I was trying to make it sound fun for the kids (I'll think twice next time).  So off we went.

  

The camel held very still while Mikaela got off, but then he decided to move away from the stand while I tried to hop off!

Enough fun for me!!!  In the air is the fresh smell of lots of yummy food.  Fried doughnuts, langochs, and fire roasted almonds and peanuts!!

YUMMY--fire roasted almonds and peanuts!

  Before long, the kids were frozen and begging to go home!  A fun day was had by all!



Tammy

Weighing in - Week 10

Thanksgiving day came and went.  I didn't deprive myself of any food that I wanted to eat.  However, I did make sure to eat normal meals beforehand so I wasn't starving and I took small portions of everything that I wnated to eat.  YES, I even indulged in pumpkin pie and a pecan tartlet!  That wasn't all.  On Saturday, my friend Irma and I went to our first Christmas market of the season to Schloss Guteneck, Germany, and enjoyed a couple fried doughnuts and shared a Langosch.  Langoschs are a very yummy German treat.  It is a very large scone with either cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on it or it can me more like a pizza with paprika, mozzarella cheese, and a garlic sour cream dressing.

Since I knew I would be eating a little different this weekend, I made sure to up my excerise to compensate for the sweets that I knew I would eat.  Let's face it.  If I give up on all sweets during the holiday season, this diet is surely not going to last very long.  When I got on the scales this morning, I was pleased to see that I had actually lost a fair amount of weight for me. 

Can I keep it up for the remainder of the year??  I'd love to lose 10 pounds during the holiday season instead of gain 10 pounds that many people do.

Week 1 - lost 3.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 3 - lost 1.6 pounds
Week 4 - lost 1.0 pounds
Week 5 - lost 1.2 pounds
Week 6 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 7 - lost 0.6 pounds
Week 8 - gained 1.4 pounds
Week 9 - lost 1.8 pounds
Week 10 - lost 1.8 pounds

TOTAL LOST - 12.2 pounds


Only 72.8 more pounds to go!

Tammy