Sunday, August 12, 2012

Headed in the Wrong Direction

So the last few weeks have been challenging.  I won't lie and say I searched for the positive.  No...a few times I just sat there and stewed in my pity.  This is not to say my troubles are all that serious.  It's just me giving in to stress (I know better) and sometimes letting it take over for days.  Once the stress has the upper hand, it makes me sick and pitiful.  When I'm sick and pitiful I give in to things that make it worse.  Things like eating bad for me food and skipping workouts.  But I think I'm back where I should be.  Mostly...


Starting out was hard.  People around me were making it difficult.  One rare cooler day I decided to go sit in my car for lunch and chill.  Thirty minutes into it a coworker comes and knocks on my car and hands me this Frosty.  WTH? Well, I didn't even get a chance to protest as she just walked away.  Well...I don't know that I've ever mentioned it but I'm not a big fast food freak.  But when I do get the hankering, I often end up at Wendy's.  When I'm at Wendy's I get a fries and a frosty.  That's it.  Needless to say this particular frosty did not get wasted.  I ate it all.  Just know that it is was much smaller than it looks on this picture.  It was very small. Very small...

I've also been lazy about my lunches.  I don't mean I'm going out eating everyday.  I still bring my lunches.  They are just lacking in creativity and balance.  Here is one lunch I threw together 10 minutes before I had to be out the door.  It looks pitiful but it was actually pretty good.  I've been digging the olives and pickles lately.  I don't know what that's about since up until a few weeks ago I didn't even like pickles.  

My last confession involves the workouts.  When I say I've been skipping workouts I really mean I've been dropping the cardio days.  I've said it many times and I'll say it again. I'm not perfect.  I'm so imperfect I'm going to go ahead and admit that I don't like cardio.  I'd say I hate it but that's a bit harsh.  I've never been crazy about it but add in stress and work and it magnifies the dislike.  Over the past couple of weeks I've been making my class on the strength and flexibility days and talking myself out of the cardio ones.  Instead I've been coming home and infrequently doing a video here or there.  Alex told me that it seems I have more motivation when I do it with the class.  He's probably right.

But when I walk in and see this image my motivation plummets. We've been on the rowers it seems every cardio day because it's too hot to use the track.  The rowers taunt me and tell me I going to be tired even before I sit down. Exaggeration?  Of course! But it's been hot, I have a lot going on at home and work has ramped things up.  Wah, wah, wahhhh.....  I know.  I'm whining and have been doing so for days. 

My husband gave me a 'pep' talk last night.  I won't go into detail but basically he said if I continue on this path I will be in a place where I will have to start all over.  He's right.  It's not like I didn't realize this but having someone else point out that they see where you are headed makes it more real.  So I got up this morning and hit the trail.  I chose the trail over other cardio because having nature around keeps me from giving in to the realization that I'm sweating and have miles to go. 

I'm going to be working overtime to get my head back where it should be.  Hopefully this will mean you'll get some entertaining posts out of it.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Trying It On

See that wall?  I climbed it.  Yes I did.  To some that might not seem like a big ideal but it was.  I attended the Try It On Events yesterday.  It was an event benefitting the ALS Association.  It was held at the beautiful Westin.  I was so digging that place.  I texted the husband telling him I had found our next date night location.  I was the first to arrive and got a free facial gift card.  The ladies at the registration desk were very nice and chatty and very open about it being their first time putting on this event.  I roamed around and checked out the vendors until more people began to arrive.

We started out slow because they were hoping several more people showed.  I had invited a few ladies but none of them showed.  Suckers!  They would have totally loved it.  Although I went just to try out all the events, I learned a lot about the association and the disease. The speaker/creator of the event was very informative and a great person. Well, everyone there was great but her presentation was passion-filled and witty. I liked her a lot.  The presentation was followed up by a fabulous lunch.  It was then I was invited to the table of a couple of great ladies.  We discussed work, New York, Austin (none of us were Austin natives), diet, exercise and men.  It's amazing how free a conversation can flow between strangers!  After lunch, the events began. 

Because the group was smaller than anticipated, they decided to have one event per hour allowing everyone to experience a little individualized attention.  We started with the Nia technique.  I had heard of it a few years ago but never explored or researched it beyond that.  Per the instructor Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts.  The class was so much fun.  I moved and danced and felt the music like never before.  I'm sure there was something deep to be experienced there but for me I just enjoyed freedom of movement and the fact there there were no 'wrong' moves.  I came away from it with a smile.

Next up was the climbing wall.  I had not anticipated doing this event because I'm afraid of heights.  But because of how the events were re-organized, it gave me the chance to re-evaluate that thought.  I figured this was a good time to face a real fear.  Besides that, the ladies in attendance were so very supportive that I felt like it was OK to show my fear.  We all trekked outside into the already hot parking lot.  I purposely did not look up at the wall.  I went straight to the table and signed the release before I could chicken out.  I was the 2nd person on the wall.  When I started climbing, one of the spotters was encouraging me to use my legs.  For a while his was the only voice I heard.  Once I got further away from him, I began to hear the ladies below encouraging me.  I don't know how far I got before I missed my handhold but it felt like 500 feet.  I clumsily sailed back down and the National Guard guy asked me if I wanted to do it again.  I bowed out from another try because my legs, arms, and face were still shaking from the fear of it.  But let me tell you, my mind was saying something else.  I was so amazed that I did it at all.  Fifteen feet or 500....I was very proud of myself.   I got congrats and applause from the ladies.  One said she was not going to try it but the fact that I did it while being afraid of heights convinced her.  Everyone ended up trying it at least once.  It was great!
Following that was Pilates.  I had never tried it and thought it would be interesting.  Let me confess to something before I continue.  I do crossfit at least 4 times a week and because of that figured I could do most any core class offered.  Well, Pilates knocked me back a little bit.  Oooo-wee!  That little lady wasn't playing with her planks and stuff.  I stuck with it (because I don't like to quit) and was sweating by the time we were done.  It was challenging and I think I'm going ot have to explore it further.
Next up...Bellydance.  That was something I was never interested in trying.  Maybe it was because I knew much of nothing about it.  The instructor did a preview for us during lunch.  She waltz in wearing a black flowing thing but once the music began, she disrobed to show off a gold and multi-jeweled wonder. Then when she started moving, it all worked it's way into something you couldn't tear you eyes from.  I don't exactly know how to explain it other than it was sensual without being dirty or sexual.  She had curves and a belly but it all seemed to belong together.  In a word it was spellbounding.  The class didn't quite make it to that level.  We learned to shimmy and move a little.  I felt confortable with my movements until she had those of us in the back move to the front.  That was a bit intimidating but after a little while I was having so much fun it didn't matter that I couldn't get my middle to roll like hers.  Not sure I will be trying it more but it was fun while it lasted.

After a short break we were invited to the Yoga room.  I had tried a class before for didn't have the best experience so I limited my learning to the DVD.  This instructor changed my mind about it all.  She was very detailed and made everything so easy to understand for us beginners.  She even used the yogi language and translated it for us.  She really knew her stuff.  By the end of the class I was so relaxed and calm.  It was amazing.  Who'd have thought I could get there?  Not me!

The final class was Zumba.  Now you all know I'm no stranger to this but each instructor is different.  This instructor was full of energy and rhythm.  The moves were complex and the music was great.  We sweat our way through a high energy workout and had fun to boot.  I will admit that my energy level began to fade midway through but come on....I had done so many other workouts before that one! 

My plate was refilled twice with veggies and bread
and cheese.  The sangria...uhm....maybe twice.

The day ended with the cocktail hour.  Teri (the presenter) is a dietician and gave us some pointers on throwing a healthier cocktail party.  We were so hungry after such a full day so this was the perfect ending.   There was a nice spread of fresh veggies, cheeses, fruit, bacon-wrapped shrimp, lamb lollipops, bruschetta, gazpacho shots,and the best sangria ever.  I ended up sitting with four of the most hilarious and intelligent women.  We were fast friends and ended up trading contact information.  They were not shy about eating and even less shy about the drinking.  Lol. 

While we ate and drank they gave away prizes.  I didn't expect to win anything but it turned out I got the last prize of the day which was a $100 gift certificate for the hotel's restaurant.  Date night here we come!

It was such a great event for an even greater cause.  My only regret is that more people didn't get to experience it.  I'm sure the next time will be packed because word of mouth is as good as gold and the ladies in attendance there will definately get the word out.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Tweak-kneed Race

This year's Caleb 5K was just as great as last year's.  And I didn't even have to do it alone.  My time was not great but I didn't expect it would be thanks to me and my tweak-kneed self.  I got a nice long lecture from my trainer last night about how to complete this walk without making things worse. We agreed that I could walk a decent 15 minute mile and that I would not get caught up in things and try and outpace anyone.  I was good and listened and walked my own race.  I forgot my brace but I did OK.  

This year my friend San joined me. She did very well running it in a little over 28 minutes.  This after being nervous because it was her first race in the competitive Austin.  Psht!  I told her there was nothing to be nervous about. I didn't get a lot of pictures this year because the husband was supposed to be taking all the shots.  Well, I called him from the starting line to warn him that we would be passing our place soon (it passed in front of our house).  He said he'd be ready.  When I reached that destination he was nowhere to be seen.  I called him and he said he didn't realize we were passing at the beginning.  He said he would catch us at the end.  Well, he did get a couple of shots of me at the end of the 3rd mile.  But then he got caught up in conversation with someone else walking and didn't get a shot of me crossing the finish line.  Major husband support fail!  Oh well.  Here are the few pitiful shots he did get.
  
He finally arrives at the 3 mile mark.

Yes I'm smiling because he was trying to make me laugh and forget my frustration at his lack of timing.

Don't know what I'm saying but I'm sure it was sarcastic.

Me (w/attitude) and San in our sweaty state. Did I mention it was humid as hell out?  Well it was.  We are misty at the starting line and drenched by the end.



Butt shots.  Why?  

Checking the times and I was glad to see I stayed on my 15 minute mark. 

After an hour of hanging around, we decided we could abandon the festivities and make the walk back to our place.  

It was indeed a very well organized race.  The cover band was awesome, the freebies were great and the chiropractor's adjustment was appreciated.  If I'm still in Austin next year, I'm going to try it a third time.  Hopefully I'll be able to run it.  See ya' next year!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Whip and Soda

Here's a shot of tonight's dessert.  The soda/whipped topping float.  It was so good.  We have several flavors of soda leftover from the 4th get together so this is a good way to get rid of it.  I think the husband is hooked!  He did one with Pepsi and loved it.  I'm not too big on the dark soda.  Fruity all the way for me.  

This was a mix of lemon-lime and a bit of strawberry.  You can't see it well in this picture but it was a nice blush color.  It was mighty tasty.  
I could have just let the cream melt into the soda but I like to mix it and make it thick and creamy.  I do hope y'all will try it.  

Enjoy!


Saturday, July 7, 2012

Pizza and Me (Part 2)

A few months back I did a small post about frozen pizza.  My consumption of pizza is far and in between but I do like to indulge when I get a craving.  On my way home from work I called the husband to see if he had already planned a Friday night meal.  He had just gotten home and had not.  I told him I wanted pizza.  He said if I wanted it I should order it.  I told him to save money I would rather just get a frozen one and I would stop home first and we could go together.  We did that and after checking out the deli take home pizzas, and the many frozen versions, I landed on the Freschetta's Harvest Supreme.  It was only $4.98.  That totally beats spending $12 + tip for delivery.

As you can see the packaging is very eye catching.  

I was pleasantly surprised to see there was plenty of ingredients. 

I baked mine on a pan as opposed to the rack because I have problems pulling it from the oven without making a mess.  It came out nice and crispy. 

How did it taste?  I didn't expect much but was pleasantly surprised.  The feta and spinach combination was great and the chewiness of the sun-dried tomatoes complimented it well.  The Italian sausage was sparse but I think more would have been overkill.  I will definitely try this one again. 

Friday, July 6, 2012

My Summer Table

 I've been lazy about cooking lately and I'm not ashamed of it.  I don't relish standing over the stove in this heat.  Sure...the AC is on full force but I like to save a little $$ by reducing the energy we use.  And saving money is just an added advantage to the nice fresh veggies and fruit summer produces.  So during the summer months you'll find our table holding simple and cooler meals.  This was my day's worth yesterday.

Breakfast (Egg white, crescent rolls, peaches, strawberries and Earl Grey w/milk)

Lunch (Hummus, cucumbers, grapes, strawberries and water)

Snack (Probably the best peach I've had in a couple of years.  So very sweet!)

Dinner (Pork strips, romaine, tomatoes, onion, avocado and Italian dressing)

Not pictured was a float I made using lemon lime soda and fat free frozen whipped topping.  The husband was not sure about it at first but even he admitted it was a great idea.  It's a great low-cost dessert for a hot summer night.   I'll have to make another and get a good picture to post.  The things I do in the name of blogging....lol.




Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Four Point Workday

It was such a long and hard day at work.  There was so much to do and plenty of time but not enough order to realize that.  I left feeling deflated.  On my drive home, I worked hard to try and tally up the good points in the day.  I figure if you are going to keep track of the bad parts, it's only fair to also tally up the good ones.
I was standing in the grocery line this morning and I noticed this display.  Well I noticed two things.  Candy is so much more expensive than it use to be.  I remember when it was like three for a dollar.  I also noticed that in the past I would have tossed a couple of packages on the conveyor belt along with my groceries.  Now I hardly even notice it and I  leave without picking up anything extra. I was so very proud of myself.  One point for me!

We've had near mutiny over white-out at work.  We started out with some pretty decent cartridges.  Apparently they cost too much so they found these gems.  This is what happens when you try to save money on office supplies.  They keep telling us not to buy our own because it could get expensive as we do a lot of redacting.  This particular type is just terrible.  It has the worst tension and falls of the reel and you end up with loose tape everywhere.  Being one who hates to waste (while everyone tossed theirs in the waste out of frustration), I figured I'd go the rub route.  It's time consuming but works and the end result is about the same. So what if I end up with this electrostatic mess.  It beats using the office powers that be's solution...white china markers.  Ick! Two points for me!

While we are on the topic of office supplies I might as well mention my sad stapler story.  I had a black, plastic cheap one.  It had a bad habit of getting hung up.  The beige beauty above is my 'new' one.  This is one I confiscated from the vacant back desk.  I saw it and thought it had that old-fashioned look that I like.  It's real metal and staples with purpose.  It does it's job and let's go of the paper like a proper stapler should.  I mentioned it to my manager today.  She laughed and said I should just switch them out.  Well don't mind if I do!  In my opinion this beats the ever-popular red Swingline any day. Three!

I managed to get to work this morning without realizing I had neglected to eat breakfast. About three hours into working, my stomach let me know what had happened.  And talk about a crabby mood!  Who knew?After whining and complaining about needing something to eat, a friend reminded me that I had food in the break room fridge.  This is what I ended up eating.  It's yogurt, blueberries, and a crushed nut mix.  Very tasty and it put me in a much better mood. Four points!


Four points.  I could go for five but I'd like to save some for another day.  Find the positive points in your day and tally 'em up!  You'll be pleasantly surprised. Happy Independence Day!





Monday, July 2, 2012

Loving Right Now

When I pulled my car into my parking space at about 5:30pm, I was filled with relief.  The workday was finally done.  I got out and was met with the neighbor from upstairs.  Her existence chipped away at my relief.  She hemmed and hawed before asking if she could borrow money.  Mind you I don't know her that well.  In fact I don't even know her name.  I loaned her a few bucks once and ever since she's like a fed stray cat.  She will not go away but I tolerate her.  But I draw the line at meeting me at upon my arrival home.  I told her I don't carry cash, I'm tired and I just want to go inside.  She said she understood.  She didn't but I don't think she's all there.  Luckily the Lord had pity on me and showed me a little more light.  As I was walking to my door, I saw Alex coming from the dog run with my Sofie.  Sofie saw me from afar and was unsure it was me.  She paused, stopped and the looked up at him and back at me.  He waved her to me and she took out at a full run towards me.  Man...that sort of doggy love makes you feel so much better.  After getting love from her I walked in and Baxter gave me attention.  Last but certainly not least, the husband welcomed me with open arms.  At that point, I was totally loving THAT now.

You might have noticed I've been MIA with the blogging.  June was a busy month and it doesn't seem like July will bring any relief.  The husband and I have been so busy we barely see each other even if we are home.  He's taking an accelerated accounting course and I'm seeing just how much of a perfectionist he is.  Whereas I would take a B grade in such a class and be OK with it, he pretty much considers it a fail.  We are very different that way. I'm crazy busy at work and have even been bringing a little bit of work home.  I've been working to organize our system a little more because the lack of order is driving me crazy. As a result, he's usually at the dining room table with books, flashcards, laptop and highlighters.  I work at my desk (or sitting in bed) with papers spread all around me and a frown on my face.  Guess you can say we've had a lot of Excel, PowerPoint, and Quickbook evenings.


On top of all that, we are both fighting to stay upbeat.  Family and friends can be hard on emotions and although the two of us are positive people, even we dip below the happy every now and again.  We've been dealt some hard blows of late but are blessed to have each other to talk it out. I've been guilty of wrestling between taking care of myself and taking care of other members of the family.  He had to remind me that if I don't take care of myself, I'll be no good to anyone else.  Of course I love the fact that I can turn around and say the same thing to him.  Together we are something else!

There are so many things that I've started to blog about and not finished.  It's not that I'm blocked or anything.  It's just that my focus changes from hour to hour.  I really need to work on that.  But right now I'm going to appreciate the fact that I am spending a work-free evening watching mindless television and snuggling with my best canine buddies on one side and the hubby on the other.  Yep....I'm loving right now!


Saturday, June 30, 2012

Picture Perfect Parents

I've been working on putting together a decent family album.  I came across my some pictures of my parents.  These shots were when they were dating.  How cute are they?!?  I'm not sure that many kids mooned over their parent's dating pictures the way I did.  These were always my favorites.  I'll bet you think it has to do with the whole idea of them being in love and all that jazz.  Well, not exactly.  I've always been a fan of classic cars and I was/am totally in love with this car.

Each time I see these pictures I feel the urge to call my Dad and drill him asking again and again why he didn't think about me before selling this beauty.  Lol.  Over the years he's given me different reasons. My earliest memory of his explanation was that he had to trade it in to pay the kidnappers that took me.  I was young but knew a classic tall tale when I heard one.

As I got older, I found other reasons to like these pictures. Never having been one for current fashion trends, I was crazy for the clothes they wore.  And I absolutely adored my Mom's hair.  Other than that I was secretly proud to have such good-looking parents.  Sure, they weren't so cool when disciplining us, helping us with homework, making us clean or sit still in church but whenever I looked at these images I always imagined they were the jet-setting, popular couple that movies are made of.

I am very fortunate to have had a good relationship with my parents. I miss my Mom but can still smile and even laugh at some of the conversations we shared.  When me and my Dad get together we share a few tall tales (lies) and more than a few belly laughs.  And when I look back on these pictures I feel like a kid again sitting there admiring my own personal heroes.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Lesson Learned

I got up this morning and completed a 4 mile walk/run this morning.  Took about an hour.  It was nice enough but I was alone due to the husband's injury and the dogs were just not cooperating enough for me to take them.  I put in an ear bud and listened to Prevention Magazine's 40 minute Chutes and Ladders podcast as I made my way to the pond.  Once I hit the gravel I was feeling pretty good.  It had been about 3 months since I used to the pod casts and I found that it was easy to keep up the pace this time around.  I've come a long way from my struggle to keep up the pace. I'm so proud of that.

What I'm not proud about is my lack of thinking.  When I got home, I jumped in the shower, got dressed and told the husband I would run out to get him a compression bandage, bread and a few staples.  I decided I would wait to have breakfast when I returned.  Big mistake!  While I was filling my cart, I began to feel a little dizzy.  My stomach was rumbling and all I wanted to do was lie down.  I struggled through filling my list and praying that I wouldn't pass out. Just to be safe, I picked up a muffin from the bakery and took a bite in hopes it would make me feel better.  By the time I got home, I was worn out.

I quickly scrambled an egg white and tossed some fruit and the remainder of my muffin on a plate.  It was a good breakfast but a little late.  Next time I'll have to force myself to slow down long enough to get something in my body before running full speed to my errands.  That's my lesson for the day.

Have a great weekend!

Saturday, June 9, 2012

My Weekly Rundown

It has been a long and busy week.  I've not had a lot of time to post but I have been thinking about it.  That just means I snapped a few bad pics with my phone just so I can remember.  Unfortunately, I don't quite remember what all I was going to say about each so I decided to just put them all on one post.

The husband and I sitting in the waiting room at the hospital waiting for the alternate hour to visit my brother. This after a long day of working, then over 2 hours of driving, eating fast food (although it was just grilled chicken tenders, water and fries), annoying teenage niece and nephew, and having to wait every 2 hours to visit.  We left after the 10pm visit and got home at midnight.  I had to be back at work the following day.  Amazingly enough, we still got a workout in.  The reasoning there was it would give us a jolt of energy to make it through the morning.  Did it work?  Yep!

This is a view from the inside of my gym bag.  It wasn't taken purposely.  My phone was in there and got jostled around.  If I had tried it probably wouldn't have come out so clear!

I was going on break at work one day and was passing this lady and halted when I saw her snack combination.  I told her this use to be my everyday afternoon snack.  It was something I thought I could never resist.  She offered me some of the chips but I refused.  I realized later that I have indeed come a long way from the days when I made such bad food decisions.  My coworker told me it probably wouldn't have hurt me to have this every now and again (she the worst at encouraging bad behavior!).  I told her I remember how I felt after eating this particular combination and I didn't care for that feeling again. The bloating and overly full feeling was not so good.  Funny how I knew how I would feel afterwards but would still go for it each day.  I guess my mind is in a different place now.

This was the snack I had instead.  I was out of dried fruit so it was naked nuts!  Lol.  Wow...that  didn't sound right at all. 
My husband prepared this breakfast for me one morning.  I was rushing, grumpy, and snippy.  Forever patient and understanding, he ignored me and went about making breakfast.  I thought he was cooking for himself while I was rushing around.  When I finally stormed from the bedroom, dressed and ready to go, he stopped me and said, 'You are already late.  Relax and eat and then consider how you want your day to go.'    I immediately felt terrible for my bad attitude but felt grateful for him.  Though I will say that line is not his.  It's totally mine.  I've used it on him several times.  How dare he turn it around on me!  Lol.  Love that man!

I was telling a friend that we were low on groceries but she said I couldn't be based on my meals I prepare.  She said this after seeing this combination of yogurt, blueberries and almonds for breakfast and a quick lunch.  Without even considering what it was, she incorrectly assumed this would be expensive to eat everyday.   This led to a debate in the break room regarding eating on a budget vs. healthy eating.  I think I proved my point when showing them my grocery receipt and giving examples of how I now eat.  But I will save that for another post as it was a pretty lengthy discussion.

My biggest accomplishment for the week was introducing a coworker to the wonderful world of Zumba.  She had tried Crossfit with me once but was discouraged by the intensity and quit after just one class.  She recently told me she was tired of being out of shape and was hoping I could help her find something she liked and was comfortable doing.  I suggested Zumba and found a class that was less than a mile from our workplace and had a class time she could fit in.  We agreed to take the Wednesday night class since it is my day off from Crossfit.  Because I wanted to be sure it was a good class, I went alone to the afternoon session on Sunday.  It was fantastic.  The instructor was had a great personality, could keep a beat and the music was all that!  By Wednesday I was excited and so was she.  She did have to use her lunch to purchase a mat as it was a Zumba Toning class.  We went, we danced, we sweat, we groaned....it was awesome.  She came away spent and smiling.  She said she loved it and purchased a 10 class card.  So very glad I helped her find something she liked.  I hope she keeps it up.

I rounded out my workweek with Friday being stuck in an 8 hour training course.  I had to carpool with a co-worker and this meant I ended up driving her and another coworker to find lunch since their rides stayed put.  Luckily I had packed some snacks (which I gladly shared with another coworker and some other woman sitting near us).  There were awed by my grapes, watermelon, nuts and cheese.  Said it never would have occurred to them to pack healthy snacks.  We ended up discussing nutrition and  physical fitness.  By the end of the class we were fast friends and the decided they wanted to try a class.  We got each other's contact information and  one will be joining me and the other friend for Zumba on Wednesday.  The other coworker (who's new) will be joining me for Crossfit on Monday.   I'm so excited!

So it's been a good week.  I'm so happy to be spending today relaxing.  The husband pulled a hamstring and is resting so he has no plans to workout today.  I however, have already completed my 3 mile walk/run, finished laundry and am going to sit down to some Disney, LMN, and HGTV for the day.

Have a great weekend!


Monday, June 4, 2012

Hungry Work

Today was crazy busy.  My desk looked like someone dumped a box of paper on it.  And we are supposed to be paperless!  Everything was a priority and needed to be done at about the same time.  I tried three times to take a break but the phone would ring, my manager would stop me or someone needed help with something.  By the time I finished with each, I successfully forgot that I was going to break.  Luckily I am prepared for these moments.  Unlike those around me who resort to the snack bar or the vending machine, I have a desk full of snacks that help get me through a rumbling stomach.  Today's snacks included nuts and fruit.

 This is a mix of pecans, peanuts, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seed, dried cranberry and semi-sweet dark chocolate.  A handful of this and I'm good for a while.  I don't know how healthy it is but it beats a candy bar any day.  I do only limit myself to a quarter cup and I generally use it when I'm craving something sweet.




I always try to get some fresh fruit as often as possible.  I mean, who doesn't crave a nice bowl of chilled fruit in the summertime?  This is one of my favorites that I had at lunch today.  Watermelon, blackberries, grapes and mango.  Yummo!








This is a snapshot of my bottom desk drawer.  It's just a random mix of things.  There is fruit of course.  There's an egg for my pre-workout, peanut butter, dried fruit (including prunes), yogurt drink shots, mixed nuts, green tea powder.  Of course I don't eat all of this in one day.  I just like to have it there when I need to fight the offers of cake, cookies, candy and other craziness.

I happened to have my drawer opened today and the co-worker who's always accusing me of depriving myself saw it.  She proclaimed, 'Wow.  That's why you can say no to all the temptations around here!'  I guess she's right.  

The Quote of the Day is just plain funny:   “I opened-up a yogurt, underneath the lid it said, "Please try again." because they were having a contest that I was unaware of. I thought maybe I opened the yogurt wrong. ...Or maybe Yoplait was trying to inspire me... "Come on Mitchell, don't give up!" An inspirational message from your friends at Yoplait, fruit on the bottom, hope on top.”~Mitch Hedberg





Sunday, June 3, 2012

My Support

Early morning with weights.  Fun....
Here I am once again drowsy and should be in bed after swiggin' water and a Vicodin.  I don't know what it is about being sleepy that makes me want to be productive.  Anyway, I'm fighting sleep and listening to my husband scream like a girl while watching the NBA game.  He's making me chuckle though now that I think about it, it could just be the meds.  Lol.

So yeah, bursitis flared up after a really good workout weekend.  The husband and I spent time with weights this morning and I was feeling pretty good and made it to the Zumba class tonight.  I had a blast.  Of course after settling in I finally had to admit that I was in some pain and needed something to get me through the night.

Despite all that I just wanted to admit that without the proper support, I would never have gotten where I am in this whole healthy living journey.  My husband has been my biggest cheerleader from the beginning.  A lot of times he's a silent one so he doesn't even know how much he's helped me.  He's probably the most determined and disciplined individual I know.  That being said, I want to publicly thank him for being there.  He admitted to me tonight that before marrying me, he could never have imagined getting up at 5am and working out.  He says he does it because he loves me.  Well, before marrying him, I infrequently got up at 5am to work out only to end up watching CNN or finding a good early morning LMN movie.  Lol.  Having him get up and get dressed sorta guilt's me into staying in line.  Whatever works!  So husband if you are reading this, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!  And I love you!


Quote of the Day:  "A happy, contented marriage is one where both partners are constantly looking for ways to build up the other."
 

Saturday, June 2, 2012

I Want It!

Every weekend the husband and I head out to buy french bread for the week.  I went alone this morning and when I came back he was on Skype with a family member.  He told him I went to buy bread.  The cousin was surprised.  He said he didn't know Americans went to town for bread. Lol.

I liked the image my mind formed with that phrase.  Unfortunately my trip for bread is not so glamorous.  It's more like leaving town to get into the hot car, drive 20 minutes in traffic moving to fast for a leisurely weekend, search for parking, wait for the bread to come out of the ovens (because coming even 10 minutes after they are done can result in no bread at all), and then standing in a slow moving line to pay.  By the time I get home I've spent 40 minutes and $12 for a weeks worth of bread.  How I wish the husband would adapt to good old American sliced white!  I've tried baking a few baguette's myself but as much as I like it, I will not be doing that every weekend!

I did have a point to all this.  While waiting on an oil change I came across a picture in a magazine. Well....actually a couple of pictures.  But one in particular made me think of our bread weekends.


I would love to have this to lug the baguettes around.  It's so cute and stylish.  Much better than my homemade tshirt bag.  Of course it also makes me wish I lived in an area where there are good weekend farmer's markets that I can walk to and wheel my wares back home....no car needed!

Well I don't live anywhere like that but that doesn't mean I never will.  We are in the market for a new place to live and if I can help it there will be specific qualities.   I will be looking for a small town feel with big city convenience, bike/walker friendly roads, decent public transportation, great parks and trails, a fresh market and community events.  Does a place like that actually exists?  We'll see...

Have a great weekend!



Friday, June 1, 2012

Free Pattypan and a Smile


I got up this morning with a headache.  I forgot to eat breakfast and was running late for work.  I must have hit every traffic light and vacationing slow driver possible.  My favorite parking spot was taken when I did reach my workplace.  The receptionist that I usually chat with was replaced by a stern-faced individual that had issues with saying a simple good morning.  I had a sinking feeling this was not going to be a good day. 

If I've learned only one thing in my many years, it's that each day brings surprises and there is always something to smile about.  Well this workday brought something for me to smile about.  Because I must have the smallest bladder around, my first stop after walking into my building is the bathroom.  I walked in and turned the corner and a free bag of pattypan squash.  There was nothing wrong with giving squash for free.  The problem is that it was put in the bathroom just outside the most frequently used corner stall.  Why put it there when there was a perfectly good table in the foyer area just outside?  This was a topic of laughter and conversation all day long. Lol. 

So my morning started rough  but I found that smile.

Quote of the Day: Before you put on a frown, make absolutely sure there are no smiles available.  ~Jim Beggs

  

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Worth It


I have this posted on my wall at work hoping it will get me through today's killing.  By killing I mean my rowing test.  I have to hit 2000 meters in at least 9 minutes and 15 seconds.  It doesn't sound like much but I've constantly been hitting a wall when trying to reach this goal.  Just 35 seconds shy of reaching it as a matter of fact.

Two days ago a friend came to me and said she signed us up to complete the test because it would be the last time until September.  Well...two days...two short days?!?  I scoffed in disbelief, shock and then fear.  After some time working on my mind I decided I had to do it.  If not now, when?  It's worth a try.

So I found this quote somewhere and decided it was speaking to me.  Hurt it will. The grunting that causes an acid like taste in my mouth.  The burning arms and legs. Yeah... I know this pain well.   Time....oh dear sweet time. I won't ever get it back.  It has taken a couple of months of dedication, willpower, healthier decisions and sacrifice.  There was temptation and for the most part I've turned my back on it.

My goal is 9:15.  It will be worth it!

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

I Ate It

Last week was full of food laziness.  I waited the last minute to prepare lunches, made bad choices and put off grocery shopping.  I have a habit of snapping pictures of my lunches and after viewing them, I've decided things were not so terrible.

I started out doing OK.  This was a salad of avocado, black beans, cucumber, tomatoes and vinaigrette with fruit on the side.  It was very satisfying.

This pitiful breakfast was the result of poor planning.  I was running late.  When I got to work I took half my lunch yogurt and a few blackberries and mixed them in a cup.  Luckily I found a half bag of sliced almonds in my desk that added just the crunch I needed.  Without crunch it is very hard for me to tolerate the texture of yogurt in the morning.

The same poor planning day resulted in this lunch.  It's turkey bacon, egg, cucumber and orange.  Surprisingly enough, it was fairly filling.

I was wanting something other than my apple to snack on at work.  I have a jar of crunchy peanut butter in my desk.  This teaspoon is used to make sure I don't go overboard as I find peanut butter sometimes tempts me beyond the tablespoon snack.  This went well with the apple.

Chai tea at my desk.  Tea is probably one of the best snacks I have at work.  It calms my stomach when I have nothing to munch on. Unsweetened with a drop of creamer and it's much better than a vending machine choice.

I did finish off the week with a decent meal.  I've had this one before because we tend to have leftover fish.  That's oven-fried tilapia on french bread with iceberg and tomatoes with a side of fruit. Yum!

There you have it.  My choices aren't always perfect but I do eat and I'm not too hard on myself.  I was recently accused of depriving myself because I turned down cookies at work.  Honestly, at the time I just didn't want them.  That doesn't mean I don't eat them.  I am just trying to be mindful about eating the junk.  Is that so bad?  No.  I eat and the meals don't always make sense but they give me enough fuel to make it through the day.

Happy Eating! 

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Edamame Avocado Salad Wrap

While drooling over food pics on Pinterest before work, I came across the Two Peas and Their Pod site recipe for Edamame Avocado Salad Sandwich. I had all the ingredients and I decided I would be having this for my lunch.  I actually threw it together about an hour before leaving for work.  It was fantastic!
I didn't have fresh cilantro but found these cubes I bought a while back. I also substituted bottled lemon juice, distilled vinegar and garlic powder.
Chopped edamame. This is where the preparation shots end.  Time got away from me and I still needed to shower and get dressed for work.  Sorry...
Some cucumber, shredded cabbage and fruit made for a fast lunch.
I had lunch in the break room and ended up printing out the recipe for several people that tried it before I spread it on my flat out bread.  I think it's safe to say this will probably become a regular go-to for fast lunches this summer. 

I had some leftover and used it as a dip for lunch the following day.  I dipped cucumbers, carrots, celery and crackers in it.  Very tasty and filling.

Here is my version of the recipe:

Edamame Avocado Salad

1 /2 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoons white vinegar
1 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cilantro cube
1/8 teaspoon wasabi paste
Green tabasco
Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread slices (I use wraps)
Cucumber, Lettuce, or Shredded cabbage for serving, optional

1. Place edamame in a food processor or blender. Pulse a few times to chop up the edamame, you don't want a puree. Scrape the edamame into a bowl. Add the avocado and mash the edamame and avocado together with a fork. 

2. Add in the garlic, green onions, vinegar, lemon juice, cilantro, wasabi, and tabasco. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spread salad on wrap with cucumber slices, lettuce (or cabbage). Serve. 

Note-The salad is best eaten the day it is made. The salad filling can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it might turn slightly brown due to the avocado. Save the avocado pit and place it in the middle of the salad or add a little extra lime juice to prevent browning.