Workin' my way back to you, babe

Last night was pretty funny.  Hub and I were both SO exhausted!  We did what we had to do to finish getting ready for the work week (in fairness, his week starts Wednesday night).  Laundry, cooking - you know the routine.  Anyway, we were both so tired that he grilled the chicken for our salads and left it sitting out.  Oops!  Go to plan "b"! :-)

I was in an all day training class today.  Thankfully it got out an hour early.  I got home early enough to feed everyone (dogs and myself), reboot dishes, do a couple of loads of laundry, shower, and do a bit of food prep on tomorrow's lunch.  Amazing!

Have you ever noticed how much more energy you have if you eat plenty of fresh raw veggies?  Cooked veggies are good, but for me, a large daily salad is important.

Anyway, the point is that eating is largely on point.  I miss exercise - especially lifting weights.  I am excited - I was talking to my friend in the car on the way home and we were discussing how much we both enjoy lifting weights.  It has to be (for me) the most fun and satisfying form of exercise.

The fact that I miss it and am excited about getting into that routine again is great.  I feel like I am getting reacquainted with a long lost friend - me. :-)

Oh hello, is this about fitness?

See how easy it is to lose focus when life keeps happening?

But that's the point, isn't it?  Something is always happening - that's life.  The trick is to find the balance to do the things you NEED to do, plus a few you want.

IMO, part of the challenge is learning to tell the difference.  Some things are easy (tv), other things may be more nuanced (stuff around the house).  Anyway, any time your life changes to have to find your way again.  Nothing stays the same, does it?

Work is good, hub is happy, boy is .. well, 19 is a tough age.

I have signed up for swim lessons and water aerobics and am excited.  I continue to make good quality foods, and eating out is generally kept to a minimum, unless traveling.  And then I work to make good choices.

I am worried about my son - that's part of parenthood.  But mostly I'm in a really good place right now.

A good friend rode to Wilmington with me for the weekend. We fished and laughed and it was so nice to be around a good friend.  Lord how I have missed that.

Be well. :-)   

what's beyond pooped?

Had a good weekend in Wilmington.  But I am tired.  I can't believe I have to go to work tomorrow! ;-)

Anyway, just a quick check in to say hello.

Have a good night.

Too pooped to pop

Hub butt dialed me at 5:20 and I never went back to sleep.

I'm tired.

Going to bed early so I can get up - Heading to Wilmington to visit my son for the weekend.

Take care, have a good weekend, be safe out there. :-)

More of the same

Mom and the boy headed to Wilmington.  He's up and down - sometimes ok, sometimes really down.   The producer of "Sleepy Hollow" wanted to use his houseboat in the show, but apparently the writers decided on a sailboat instead.  Oh well. :-)  fyi, they film quite a few movies and shows in Wilmington.  Not sure if he's disappointed or relieved - or a little of both.

My great aunt is ok I guess - she is slowing down, like I said.  Her daughter has early onset Alzheimer's, her grandkids don't do shit for her, so mostly she sits in the world's most boring assisted living facility, doing very little.  It sucks.  There is a great place in town but she can't afford it.  Why?  Why do people work hard their whole lives, only to be warehoused until they die.  I wish we could do more.

A society is only as good as it treats its most vulnerable citizens.  America is failing.

Ok, sorry to be a downer.  On the trip home I promised my mom I wouldn't slap anyone at Alma's funeral. :-)

Work is good, hub likes his new job, we actually have money for stuff.  I'm kinda lonely, but its cool, cause I'm home.

Take care.

A lot to say

Still here.

Busy taking care of things here while mom was out of town.  Then we went to Georgia for the weekend to visit my great aunt.  Very bittersweet - she is beginning to slow down some.  Anyway, we had a good visit.

Keeping busy, doing okay, life is busy.  Good though.  The boy is doing a little better.  It helps she's acting like a horses ass - it makes is easier for him to be angry and not just sad.  I think we've all been there.

Take care.

Good morning

Just wanted to say good morning and enjoy the rest of your weekend.

I did more yard work today, exchanged a workout top, and my plan for the day is food prep and laundry.  Lifestyles of the rich and famous! *lol*

Mom went to Wilmington.  The boy and his girlfriend have broken up - she did the breaking and he is VERY upset.  This is his first serious relationship.  I wasn't thrilled when they moved in together, I thought they were too young

He's going through a rough time anyway, and this is just so hard.  I hate it for him.

Anyway, mom went down to be with him.  We're going to Georgia next weekend and if needed, she will go back the week after.  I was planning to go down the following weekend anyway.

It doesn't get any easier once your kids get older.

Change of plans

Park near the house.

So, due to an unforeseen change of plans, we are headed to Georgia NEXT weekend.  Today I did yard work (there is still loads more to be done, but its a start).  Then I went to the farmers market.  And just for the record: I've been going since before it was the hipster thing to do. 

Did a bit of grocery shopping (since I now have to feed myself for the next week), and bought workout clothes and stuff for lap swimming.  Yes, I am a baby and require a nose clip.  And goggles.  And a swim cap.  Don't judge me.  Also, I need cute workout clothes to motivate me because I can be shallow that way.

I am signing up for water aerobics and intermediate swim lessons for July, and plan to try Body Pump next week.  In my cute clothes.

Have a good day!

Why do I feel this way?

I woke up with a nasty headache.  My first thought was "I need a nap."  My second thought was "Is it Friday yet?"  For real.

I have felt out of sorts all day.  Like when you wish you had an of switch so you could turn yourself off until the random crankiness had moved on.

What I'd really like is a bacon sandwich and a beer (alas, no bread or beer).  I took a walk.  It isn't the same.

I ate a healthy dinner, but I have a pit in my stomach yet I feel bloated.  Grrr.

This will pass.

In the end, only people matter

Thanks for the comment Plum Petals, my husband is doing ok.  A kidney stone is probably the most painful not serious thing that can happen to a man. :-)

Although I whined a bit yesterday, I'm not really upset.  Life happens, and I'm thankful we are in a position where we can help family. 

When I first met my MIL, she was a much more selfish person.  She's still lacking in people skills, but she is a lot more caring of others.  Like her desire to take hub to the emergency room so I could sleep (since I had work the next day).  And the fact she is always willing to dog sit any time we go out of town.  I wouldn't want to board my dogs, and it would cost a fortune.  But thanks to her they get to stay home and they love her because she showers them with affection.

Our family is close knit and loving and we do for each other.  My quest for fitness is about optimizing my health so I can live to the fullest and enjoy my family the longest.

Life isn't perfect, but after being so isolated, I am so grateful to be with them.

This weekend mom and I are going to Georgia to visit my great aunt.  She is 94 years old and her mind is better than mine! :-)  We always have a wonderful time.

I am reading your blogs and checking up on you guys!  Glad to be back!

Take care.

I don't like sandwiches

I think I am now a part of the "sandwich" generation.

Mother's day we spent over $500 fixing my MIL's car.  She doesn't have the money, so we did it.  Two weeks ago, we bought our son a car.  It's a 2003 Honda Civic.  (He needed a reliable vehicle and he's in that school/work/ trying to grow up but not there yet phase.)  We spent about $5000 plus a few hundred on repairs.  The kids came up for the weekend, and we spent a couple of hours Sunday fixing food to send home.  Monday hub spent the day running errands with his mom (getting her food stamps fixed, banking stuff).  Last night I showed her how to balance her checkbook and set it up in Excel so I could check it every week.

Last night she spent the night in the emergency room with hub - kidney stones.  Unfortunately, the good insurance with his new job doesn't start until August.  The crappy insurance with my contractor job doesn't cover much, so I'm sure last night will be pricey.  (A CT scan runs about $2000 by itself).

Pulled in both directions, bleeding money in every direction.  That's the "sandwich".

Having said all that, I'm glad we're here.

The time and place I miss th emost

Going to the Y tonight to sign up.  Time to admit that walking in the 'hood isn't enough and that there is no place at this house to work out.

This is the new reality

Hub drove to Asheville yesterday for the new job.  Today is the new reality: living here while he is there.  The dogs moped, it was ridiculous.  At least I understand it. I moped too.

Anyway, work was fine, eating was mostly fine.  I have GOT to figure out exercise people.  UGH.

I had baked fish for dinner but I really wanted pizza.  Apparently I am five now.  Oh well, suck it up sister.

Hope you are all doing well.  Despite a bit of griping, I am so thankful we are both in NC and we both have jobs!  That's no small thing.

Hello from my new laptop

At my old job, I spent my entire day at the computer.  That's true of my new job as well.  The difference was that I was able to use my lunch break to check blogs, occasionally post, pay my bills, etc.  As a result, I had an old as the hills, rarely used laptop at home, complete with Windows XP.

I didn't feel comfortable paying bills etc. on a computer that was no longer supported.  So we got new computers.  Then hub went out of town and mine wasn't set up.  Then we spent a week looking for a used car for our son.  Which we bought and I drove to Wilmington yesterday.

Hopefully things will begin to settle down. 

Hub starts his new job tomorrow.  There are plenty of positives and one big negative: it's 4 hours away.  So he is staying with friends during his work week and coming home on his days off (which aren't the weekend).  It isn't ideal, but it'll be okay.

Eating is okay, but I need to join a gym.

Happy Memorial Day.

A feeling of peace

Hi there!

Work is still very busy, and even if it weren't, no blog surfing allowed.  I am checking in the evenings, but haven't been commenting.  I miss you guys, and I am working on getting back into a routine.

I am so happy to be here with my family.  Things certainly aren't perfect, but mostly I am just so thankful that we are all together.  I feel blessed.

Take care. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Just a quick note to wish you a happy mother's day (if you celebrate it), and a nice weekend.

We went to Wilmington yesterday and spent the day with the boy & his girlfriend.  It was very nice.

Today I am cleaning, doing laundry, etc.  But we (mom, hub, MIL, and I) are hanging out, having a nice lunch (at home - I don't go out to eat on this holiday!), and puttering around the house.

I feel like that next weekend we'll be fairly settled in and I plan to just enjoy a quiet weekend at home!

Work is still tough, but I am enjoying it.  Not the level of work politics & stress of the old job.

Take care & have a good day!

Some days you're the windshield, some days you're the bug

Today I was the bug.

MIL's car is going to cost nearly $600 to get it running - and that's before she tries to get it inspected. 

Since she's broke, that's one heck of a Mother's day gift.

Le Sigh.

I ate a healthy dinner anyway. :-)

Getting into a new routine

Hello again!

I'm getting a bit better at posting, and am beginning to read blogs.  It's a slow process, but I'm beginning to get into a routine.

Hub and I are walking every evening - we are NOT used to all the hills!  That should really whip us into shape! ha ha!

Food is getting into a routine as well, I'm planning better and eating more according to my plan.  That first week it was just me & mom, and it was a bit "seat of the pants".

I am glad to be here with the family & dogs.  Things aren't ideal, but overall I am grateful.  :-)

Take care!

A little bit closer to settled

Hello there.

The weather was lovely and we got a lot done this weekend.  Took some stuff over to the storage unit, and took a couple of things out.  Planned meals & grocery shopped.  Got a bit more organized around here.  That sort of thing.

Hub has been offered a full time job.  It's 4 hours away, but 12 hour shifts, so he would be home 3 days each week.  The pay and benefits are really good, so he is going to give it a try and see how it works.  It isn't ideal, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?  At this point he's doing temp work, and is out of town anyway.

Work is still going well, busy and I'm learning a lot.  The folks are nice, but it's kinda tough being the new person.  I'm used to having some good friends at work and I don't have that yet.  But things are pretty good.

Next weekend we are going to Wilmington to visit our son & his girlfriend, and we are stopping in Raleigh on the way to have brunch with a very dear friend, so that will be really nice.  I'm looking forward to having more time to hang out with friends.

I can't check internet at work and I'm busy, so I apologize for not commenting.  I'm trying to catch up on blogs.  I miss reading about you guys!

Take care!

Hanging in there

This weekend was super busy.  My aunt was in Asheville from New Mexico, so we drove up to visit with her Saturday.  So that was a full day. Sunday I spent cleaning and organizing hub's stuff so I could begin to unpack and organize mine.

Work is good - just a long day and tiring since its so much to learn.  I come home wiped out. 

Also, I can't surf the web at work, so any blog checking must be done at home.  Evening time right now is some chilling, some unpacking, and prepping for the next day.

In other words, I haven't been reading up on my blog friends the way I would like, but I hope to get back to very soon!

I'm doing okay - lots of changes, but good ones! :-)

Take care.

Briefly checking in

Hi there!

I hope you are doing well.  I haven't been checking blogs - no time at work and I've been busy getting settled in here.

Things at the new job are going well.  The learning curve is HUGE and it can be a bit overwhelming, but I think I am going to be very happy there.

I am keeping an eye on food and walking, and hope to get a more structured schedule next week.  But I am keeping up with my healthy habits fairly well, and am happier than I have been in a very long time.

Take care and I hope to catch up with you all next week!

Service will be spotty....

Good morning!

Hub and I are back in Florida and today is my last day at work.  We are driving to Jacksonville tonight, then on to NC Tuesday.  Then new job on Wednesday.  Whew!  A smart girl would have left the beach a day early, but who wants to spend their birthday on the road instead of with their family??

We had a great time, but loads to do the next few days.  I may not have time to check in before the weekend.

Take care!

Back next week

Gone to Edisto Island SC.

I'm losing my mind

Monday I forgot my gym bag.  I've regularly left my water cup somewhere because the water & ice machine is across from the bathrooms, and I go in and run into someone and tell them I'm leaving and we get into a big discussion and then I get back to my desk and realize I've forgoten my cup....  Today I packed my lunch and left it at home.

Also, there were no boxes.  And I feel like I have a ton to pack up and do.  Like I said, I am leaving Satuday after dinner to spend the night with my step sister before driving to the beach house Sunday.  Then hub and I come back the next Sunday and Monday he loads the moving truck (because we have a little bit of furniture plus some misc. stuff left in the garage) while I'm at work.  And then after work we drive to Jacksonville, then onto NC the next day (Tuesday).  Then we unload everything and we both go to work the next day (Wednesday).

So I feel a little overwhelmed and stressed.  And then there's my emotions.

Everyone keeps saying "Aren't you so excited!" or "Aren't you so happy!" and yes, I am both of those things.  But as my mom put it so well "It isn't that simple."

I tend to angst over past decisions, because we all know how productive THAT is, right?  So I ask myself whether we made the right decision to move to Florida?  And did I make the decision for the right reason?  (Because let's be honest, I made the decision).  And does the primary breadwinner get to be selfish and keep their comfortable, well paying job that they don't really want to leave even if it means moving the family?  Was I being lazy and selfish?  Did I fail my family, because this move was tough for both of them?

And am I a failure because it didn't work out?  Am I a failure because moving back means taking a job that is a contract position (although with benefits and a high likelihood of turning into a regular full time job - this is the way the lady likes to hire people, by hiring them as a contractor first)?  Am I a failure because I am taking a 20% pay cut, even though we thankfully can afford for me to do that?

See, these are the things you think when you were raised by a father that acts like the worst stereo types of a jewish mother and who always made you feel like you were never quite good enough....

And with no family here to care for, has my self care crossed over the line into self absorption?

ugh....

Box Wednesday

Today is licquor delivery day!  Which means I am going after work to pick up some boxes. :-)

I am also meeting a friend for dinner at a mexican restaurant, which should be a lot of fun.  It's mainly a take out place, but they have about 4 tables and the food is excellent!  And its surprisingly easy to make a good choice at this place.

I didn't sleep well last night, so I opted to sleep in.  No walk, no packing this morning.  But I'm doing okay. 

The drive to the beach house is ouver 8.5 hours, so I opted to drive up to my step sister's in Coccoa Beach Saturday night.  That's about 2.5 hours and will make the next day much easier.

Anyway, things are moving along here.

Have a good day!

Nothing new to report

Still here in Boringsville - walking, eating, packing, etc etc etc.

I forgot my gym bag yesterday, so no T25!  Oops!  I brought it today.  I can't believe I did that.

Anyway, knocked a bunch of things off my list yesterday - mainly going to websites to change physical and/or email addy.  Ran a couple of errands after work.

I had a chance to do a kind deed for someone when I was out & about.  What exactly doesn't matter - just that it made me feel really good to be able to be kind to a stranger.  Generosity pays you back 3-fold.  It felt good to spontaneously seize that opportunity.

Looking forward to the beach next week.

I have a LOT of anxiety about starting a new job after 14+ years.  Reminding myself I will be fine. :-)

Have a good day!

Accomplished

Despite the fact that I felt all over the page mentally, I got a lot done this weekend!

Bathroom cleaned.
Food bought.
Room cleaned.
Laundry washed and put away.
Mother's day gifts - pillowcases for mom and MIL made - they just need a final ironing after they were washed.

I'm still feeling all over the page mentally, but I am just focusing on 'the next thing'.

This morning I got up, walked, packed 2 boxes, packed lunch, showered, ate, got dressed and headed out for work.  I did stuff one thing at a time.

This morning I am working on a list of things I need to get done this week.  I plan to pack 1 or 2 boxes each morning.  By the end of the week I will have gotten a lot done!

It feels overwheleming, but really, it isn't.  It's a lot, but I DO have the time AND energy, if I stop looking at the forest and just check out the next tree, you know?

Excited, nervous, overwhelmed, but baby stepping it.  Doing ok.

Hope you had a great weekend!

Thoughts

First of all, I want to put out there that I have neither gained nor lost weight.  I lost 5 pounds doing the Whole 30, I regained 2 and have stayed there.  Given all the stress, I'm okay with that - for now.  But I want to focus on doing better the next couple of weeks.

Okay. 

So, I work for a really good company.  They treat their customers and employees very well, and overall its been a great run.  Sure, I have had bosses that weren't the best - who hasn't?  But its been good.  It got tough when we moved to Florida - the family went through a LOT of rough patches (some of which are chronicled here, some are too private), and work didn't feel quite the same.

The last year has been particularly challenging at work with a huge re-org.  But at the end of the day, what drove our decision was the fact that our son went back, our folks are in NC, hub never found a full time job here and was terribly unhappy, AND I wasn't very happy at work the way I once was.

So the decision seems pretty straightforward, and it was.

But.

There are things I really like and will miss.  I guess it's like when you break up with a boyfriend that wasn't right for you but there are still things you loved and you'll miss, if you get what I mean.  Nothing is all good or all bad.

Since we leased the house and I've been renting a room, that was a bit awkward at first, but I confess I kinda love it too.  R and I get along great and have become good friends.  And hey, if the kitchen floor is dirty?  Not my problem!  I worry about my room, bathroom, and cleaning up after myself in the kitchen.  Sure I can't spread my crap around, but I spend maybe 20 minutes a day cleaning, and an hour (tops!) on the weekend.

I don't worry about what hub is eating or wants to eat, nor do I have to prep his food.  Not having to worry about that stuff has been WONDERFUL.  Yes, I miss my family but I'm being honest here - not being responsible for all that stuff after so many years of being THE person who did it or made sure it got done?  That's been really nice.

And of course a new job.  New boss, new co-workers, a bunch of new stuff to learn.  I know I can do it, but it's like the first day of school times a hundred cause I may be in this role for several years.  So, a bit daunting after being comfortable for so long.

So, a lot of mixed up, conflicting emotions, tired from coming down from so much stress (my gums have been swollen for two days), and loads of things to get done.

Maintaining and not gaining seems ok for now.

 

Surprisingly Emotional

Thank you for the congrats and good wishes!

This has been a rocky road, these past 3.5 years, and finding a job (and coming to that decision) has been a long road too.

As you can imagine, my brain feels like marshmallow fluff and my legs feel like jello!  I have so much to do, and so many emotions.

There's a lot I want to put down here, but my head hasn't been able to organize my thoughts into something coherent.

Doing okay, walking, doing T25, packing my food.  Thankfully those things are on autopilot, because my head certainly isn't there right this minute.

I'll do a more in depth post as soon as I get my thoughts organized.

Take care!

Why I fell off the side of the planet

Whew.

So, last Monday I got a call for a screening interview, which I had Wednesday.  4 hours later I got a call for a face to face interview, which I did Friday.  In NC.  Got the offer today, gave notice 5 minute later.  I start my new job in NC on the 23rd.

I work for a Fortune 50 company you've heard of, and I am going to work for a Fortune 50 company you've heard of, so I tend to be very careful about what I post regarding work around here.  Hence the secrecy.

But the cat is out of the bag and I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be back with my family in just a couple of weeks!!!!!

Still here

Good morning.

Sorry for the disappearing act - it has been one crazy week.  Stress is through the roof, although it is good stuff.

Anyway, I plan to be back Monday with more details.

Take care of yourself!

Monday, already!

Good morning.

Yesterday I roasted a whole chicken to use in my lunch salads this week.  It came out good and it will be a nice change from my plain old baked boneless skinless thighs.

I didn't have any leftovers for breakfast (since last night was leftovers from saturday night).  I did have a sausage patty left from breakfast yesterday, and I had that with 2 boiled eggs for breakfast today.  Lunch is my salad and dinner is ???.  I didn't take anything out of the freezer - oops!

I got up and walked this morning (again).  It's getting muggy, which means my hair is getting frizzy.  But the walk was very good.  I spent the time thinking about things I've accomplished and achieved.  Lately I've been really hard on myself and honestly it's not fair.  I think that's made it difficult for me to feel like I'm worth my own effort, which is not true.

Have a good day!  You are worth your best effort - and so am I.

Sunday

Hello there.

Hope you are having a good weekend.  Mine is going pretty good.  Got up and took an extra long walk this morning, followed by a shower and a nice breakfast (sausage and eggs).  Did my food prep, cleaned the kitchen, and made a nice salad for lunch.  Tonight's dinner is leftovers from last night - steak and asparagus.

I've tried to spend some time today just being quiet and thinking.  It's harder than it sounds.  :-)  I haven't reached any profound conclusions, but I am feeling more positive.  I continue to focus on all the good things in my life and to try and appreciate them now.

Take care.

Time to get real

(Everything is better with a dog picture!)

Happy Friday!

I came to a realization last night - well, I've known it I just ignored it.  Slowly I've let a couple of poor food choices creep back in.  My mood has been pretty low this week, and a bad cycle was beginning.  Last night I realized I HAD to stop it.

Why do we do this to ourselves?

I am so fortunate to be blessed with good genes and good health, and I need to preserve that - not abuse it!  Sure, I was packing and eating healthy meals, but too many pistachios is a bad choice.  And beer?  Hello, I know better!

I have really been in a funk.  It's more than just missing my family (although I certainly do).  I know where I want to be with my life, but the path to achieving those goals is so uncertain.  In many ways I feel paralyzed by uncertainty - but no choice is a choice that leads down a path too.  I feel like I'm drifting.

Ugh.

I'm not trying to sounds vague, I just honestly don't know how to articulate my feelings and confusion.

I keep telling myself that time will provide clarity, but I feel like I'm not getting anywhere - that I'm just spinning my wheels.

HOWEVER.  All that may be, but I still have to take care of myself.  I have to care enough to do that.

Here is my plan for this week:

Walk daily.  Plan, prep, eat healthy meals.
Brush, floss, get plenty of sleep.
No beer.

Starting today.

Cruising Along

Again, not too much to say today, but I wanted to check in.

Had an omelet for breakfast, packed my salad for lunch, and tonight is salmon, sweet potato fries, and a tbd green veggie.

We are now in our 6th week of doing T25, which means we have moved up from the "alpha" workouts to the "beta."  I can't say they are harder per se, but they certainly move faster.  We're all just trying to hang in there & do the best we can. :-)  I will say I am really enjoying this program!

My husband offered to buy a web cam for his computer so I could Skype with Jordan. :-)

I hope you have a great day! 

I hate the phrase "hump day"

Happy Wednesday.

Feeling some anxiety, but its at a maneagable level.  No tears or panic attacks.  Thank you lord for modern medicines!  Right now the extra help is much appreciated.

I was thinking about dishes earlier.  I LOVE dishes.  Two things my house has too much of are books and dishes.  I love living in a clean, uncluttered home.  But as many times as I have pared down my books, I still own a lot.

And I've pared down my dishes too, but I still have a lot of those as well!  My everyday dishes belonged to my grandmother.  They aren't necessarily what I would pick if I were going to the store, but I love them.  Every time I eat off those dishes I am reminded of my grandparents and my family, and eating off them when I was a kid. 

There's another up side to using those dishes as well: Have you noticed the size of modern dishes?  Plates are giant platters and bowls hold a pound of pasta!  Modern dishes are significantly larger!  My grandmother's dishes have both dinner and luncheon plates.  The bowls are a reasonable size.  Using those dishes is a form of built in portion control because they hold the right amount of food! 

It sounds like a little thing, but its a nice visual reminder of how much food is "enough". 

I hope you have a good day!

Stormy Tuesday

I woke up this morning fully intending to take a walk, but I woke up to a stormy morning.  T25 will have to be my exercise for the day.  After saying I planned to switch my walks to the evening, I found that dark was preferable to muggy and hot, so mornings it has been.  Until today!

I don't really have a lot to say - feeling kinda blah.  But I am doing ok - made breakfast, packed lunch, have a good meal planned & prepped at home tonight: baked eggplant with a homemade meat sauce and roasted green veggie of some sort.

Just wanted to check in so I could be accountable and let you know I'm still here.

Have a good day!

Happy Monday

Hope you had a nice weekend - mine was pretty low key.  The usual chores plus I met a friend for breakfast yesterday, which was really nice.

I went for my annual physical and got a clean bill of health.  She suggested I lose a few pounds, and I agreed.  She suggested Weight Watchers, but I prefer to continue on the primal path.  I feel good, have good energy, sleep well, etc.

After doing the Whole 30 I think I will add back in enough greek yogurt to make my ranch dressing - that's a half cup per week.  Other than that, I will largely leave out dairy - I like my almond milk fine and cheese is just too much of a trigger food for me to have in the house.

I don't miss my stevia in my coffee, not do I miss soda.  They are gone, and that's fine with me.  I'd given up pasta and grains before doing the Whole 30, and I don't miss them much.  I do miss the occasional bread.

The big thing I realized is that beer has to be banished - not only is alcohol not helpful to weight loss, it makes me snacky, and that's bad.  So its gotta stay banished.

That's about it.  Take care.

A Friday post about sushi - and finding loved unexpectedly

Sushi

Sushi is defined as "a Japanese dish consisting of small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored cold cooked rice served with a garnish of raw fish, vegetables, or egg."  I define it as "heaven on earth."  I love sushi, but .. rice....

I am bringing this up because recently our cafeteria at work began offering sushi freshly made, right after I started my Whole 30.  I could walk past all the cookies, cakes, and pastries in the world, but the sushi was tough.  One day I stopped to look and discovered that they actually had a roll that was vegetables in the center, surrounded by crab.  No rice!  Which I guess means it technically isn't sushi, but it's close enough for my taste buds!  I plan to try one today.

Love

Several years ago, my husband and I decided that we wanted to get a second little dog to be a playmate to Bess, our chihuahua mix.  The shelter where we lived didn't often have small dogs, but when my mom saw one as the "pet of the week" on the local tv show, she offered to meet me there over my lunch hour to see if we could find a good companion for Bess. 

We found an adorable yorkie mix called "Little Miss Sunshine", who seemed perfect.  I called my husband and we adopted her.  Since she hadn't been spayed, she couldn't come home with us right away.  Later that evening I got a call from the shelter, asking if we had taken the dog home.  I said no, that she had to be spayed.  Turns out she had been stolen from the shelter!

I was very upset.  They offered to let me come in and pick out another dog.  I explained that we were looking specifically for a companion dog for our chihuahua and that they didn't have any other dogs that fit our bill.  The lady said they had a couple of recent intakes that weren't yet out in the general population and that I could come in and get a first look.  Tearfully I agreed.

The next day I again met my mom at the shelter.  We sat in the waiting room and one of the ladies brought out a white jack russell chihuahua mix.  I was concerned she would be a little large to be a friend to Bess, but my mom disagreed.  We played with her for a bit and mom really liked her.  I referred to her as "consolation dog."  But I agreed that this could be the replacement dog.

Well, the rest is history.  Playmate to Bess?  Eh, sometimes.  For the first several months Bess just looked at her in disgust.  I think she's happier being the sole princess and center of the universe, although occasionally she shocks us all by pretending to be a dog and playing with Jordan.

Instead of becoming Bess' best friend, Jordan became mine.  She is the dog of my heart and I am her person.  She loves my husband, she loves my son, but she thinks I make the sun come up each day.  It may seem silly, but that little dog makes my world a better place.

On that note, have a wonderful weekend!

 

Mixed Bag

Yesterday was a mixed bag.  Workday was good - productive, busy.  Ate the packed food, did my T25 workout - all routine.  After work I picked up a couple of books at the library, then prepared a nice dinner (baked pork chops, green beans, and sweet potato fries).  I like chopping the potato into fries because they cook in the same time as everything else.

After dinner I was kinda in a funk.  And I was craving sweets!  That never happens - I'm not a sweets person really.  I can easily eat 1 cookie, or 1 small slice of pie (like at my son's birthday) and not touch it again.  That was weird.  And I didn't sleep well - the thermostat was up a degree higher than normal and I was hot.  I dunno.

I didn't manage to get out and go for a walk - which I should do in the evening since its so dark in the morning.  I will tonight.  There I said it - now I have to!

I am loving the tweak of eating my leftovers for breakfast and going back to my big salad at lunch.  For one it makes it easier to get in veggies in the morning (I had green beans and a pork chop this morning).  For two it means I'm getting a good 4-5 cups of raw veggies at lunch - I was missing my raw veggies!

I have a number of small tasks I really need to take care of today and tomorrow.  Sadly, my motivation came back for a day and is now playing "hide and go seek". 

Having said all that, I am feeling much better than I was this time last week!

Have a good day!

Thanks

First of all, thank you for the kind comments yesterday.  There are plenty of people with problems far more serious than my own.  It still gets me down, but I try to keep things in perspective.  And I know that sticking to my healthy eating and exercise habits will support my mental and emotional health as well as the physical.

Yesterday a friend called me in the middle of a panic attack. I was glad that I was able to help her settle herself using some of the breathing and relaxation techniques I have taught myself.

Not too much to report here. I may change my morning walk to the evenings - I don't like getting up and walking in the dark.  Enjoying having my lunch salad back in rotation.

I found a recipe for a salad dressing the other day which relied on chia seeds to thicken it.  I am wondering if you could use chia or ground flax combined with almond milk as a base for making a ranch style dressing?  I've been making my own ranch for years.  I used almond milk and greek yogurt, but with no dairy on the Whole 30 I am looking for an alternate thickener.  Hmmm, I may play with that this weekend.

Have a good day!

Struggling

Guys, I have been really struggling.  I'm not talking about food - I mean mentally, emotionally.

At first I just thought it was seeing my family, and being separated all over again, and getting out of my routine.  It took me a few days to realize there was more to it.  (Hey, I readily admit I'm not in tune with myself!). 

I have been working with a recruiter up in NC.  Before I left a job came up that seemed like a really terrific fit.  The hiring leader was interested in me and it seemed to be going well, but then they had to put their hiring on hold.  It could still pan out, but I realized that I was terribly disappointed.

Trying to find a job via internet is extremely frustrating - it feels like you drop resumes into a black hole.  So it was great when this job seemed to come my way and seemed like such a great fit. 

So I'm back here, without any concrete prospects.  Sigh.  It's hard being the sole/ primary bread winner. 

I'm not counting days in my Whole 30.  Right now I am focused on one day at a time, one hour if need be.  When washing your hair seems like a major chore, you don't focus on the "big picture". 

I've made a "to do" list, and I'm focused on crossing a couple things off it each day.  Times like these the fact that I plan and prep my food in advance is a godsend.  That keeps me eating the way I need to.  My veggies are bought and prepped for my lunch salad.  Homemade dressing is done.     

Anyway, admitting that I am having a tough time is a good step.

Good morning

For me, one of the things about being on a computer at work all day means that when I get home I don't want to be on the computer!

I generally log on enough to check personal email and spend a few minutes checking in with friends on facebook.  But this weekend I didn't log in at all.  I did my chores (shopping, food prep, cleaned the bathroom etc.) and other than that I read and watched movies.  Kinda boring, but I needed some down time after a rather whirlwind trip to NC.

Still doing Whole 30.  I have rearranged my meals slightly.  I missed my big lunch salad, so I decided to move my dinner leftovers to breakfast.  It's not like I was having traditional breakfast anyway.  And this way I get my salad back, which I missed.

Tonight is the last night of my sewing class.  I have learned a fair bit and I would definitely take another if the opportunity came up. 

Hope you have a good day!

I'm back, and I'll be back here

Good morning.

I didn't have a computer in NC, and didn't bother using anyone's.  It was a really nice visit, but it was hard to leave my family (again).  So I've been in a bit of a funk since my return.

Before leaving I planned, prepped, and froze some foods so I'd have them for the remainder of this week until I go shopping Saturday morning.  So that has made things easier.

I plan to be back to regular posting on Monday.

Have a good weekend!

Tired

Slept like poop.  Tired.  Inadvertently confirmed my flights before changing my checked bag to a carry on.  Must remove stuff I don't want lost and shove in purse.  Hate checking a bag - why did I choose that option?  Gah.
 

Hmmmm.... funk, I think

I enjoyed sewing class last night.  We made another (but very different) little bag.  The nice thing about this one is that you can easily adapt the pattern into a really cute purse, or beach bag, or whatever.  I can't say I really like the teacher, but I am learning a lot.  So I am glad to be taking it.

I can't believe I am flying out tomorrow!  I am very excited.  I feel like I need a break.  I'm just feeling kinda ... meh.  I think part of it is just leftover aftermath from the shocking news of the weekend, part missing my family, part job stress, part life uncertainty. 

I will say I feel like my stress levels are beginning to drop.  I am of course eating healthfully, exercising regularly, and continue my evening routines to help ensure quality sleep.  I have added 2 additions to my regime: I am on day 2 of Lexapro, and I began using my "Brain Sync" CDs.  I bought 3 or 4 of these a few years ago, but haven't used them in years.  I am currently going to sleep to the one entitled "Deep Relaxation". 

And I continue to work on having faith that things are going to work out, and be okay - maybe in a way I can't even imagine right now!  Faith can be hard for someone who likes to be in control, you know?

I haven't had my physical yet, but the doctor's office called me with my lab results: they said I should take an OTC vitamin D supplement - everything else looked good.  I've been getting my bp checked by the nurse here at work so I'll have a few readings over the 3 weeks to take in to my physical - they are a little elevated, but not super high.  So we'll see what she has to say.  So overall, things seem to be looking good on that front!

This morning I did a 20 minute yoga video in addition to my AM walk and ongoing T25 workouts.

Anyway, food:

B: meatballs and marinara,
L: baked fish and broccoli
S: strawberries and 12 almonds
D: pork chop, butternut squash, brussel sprouts

Here's the thing: I feel SO MUCH BETTER not eating junk or snacking too much in the evening.  The difference is huge people.

Hit save instead of publish last night.....

Whole 30, Day ???

Just wanted to reassure you guys that NO, I am not just giving up.  I fell down, I'm getting up.  I don't know how to "count" my days, but I'm not going to let a minor thing like that serve as an excuse to quit!

Today I had my food planned and/or prepped, so it was on track Whole 30 all day.

B: turkey meatballs with homemade marinara
L: cube steak and sliced tomatoes
S: strawberries and 12 almonds
D: baked fish, sweet potato fries, broccoli

I thought I was share these pics because I appreciate those of you that follow along and take the time to comment.  Your support, friendship, knowledge, and what you share on your blogs makes my world a happier place.

Thank you!

What's next?

So, I went off Whole 30 this weekend.  So there's that.  I was upset and used food.

I can't say I pronounce it a failure - I feel like I took some good stuff away from this.  I am much more connected with how certain foods make me feel and I am more motivated to make sustained improvements in my diet.

I have all my Whole 30 meals planned for the next few days, but then I started thinking about the fact that I'll be travelling and have my son's birthday coming up. Do I jump in, knowing there will be caveats?  Or do I say, okay - I'll strive for 90% while I'm gone (no falling into a pizza), and I'll restart when I get back?

I'm not sure.

It was a tough weekend.  Right now I feel crappy (from 2 whole beers, good lord), tired, and sad.

Having said all that, I'm neither giving up nor giving in!

Still got up and walked - still going to T25.  Still eating my Whole 30 meals.

Misc.

Here is a pic of the little cosmetic bag I made last Monday.  This weekend has been busy with the usual.  I also made 2 sets of pillowcases: one for my son for his birthday and one for his girlfriend for her birthday.  I'll give them some other stuff, but I thought something that was made especially for them would be nice.

A bunch of our friends were at a medieval event yesterday and a friend of ours died.  He collapsed and was pronounced by the paramedics.  We weren't super close, but I've known him over a decade and hub knew him over 15 years.

Hub is pretty shaken, as am I.  It's hard when that happens to a friend, and hard when its someone your age, you know?

I am watching movies and have no will to put away my laundry, pick things up, or do anything else productive.

I got nothing else.

Friday Random

In the Whole 30 timeline they mentioned this intestinal stuff does happen to some folks as they adjust to using fat and protein for fuel v. lots of readily accessible carbs.  I dunno.  (It's not TOM - nowhere near..)

I'm not actually eating more produce - that's about the same.  But I am eating less raw produce simply because I used to always pack a huge vegetable salad for lunches.  These days I am cooking dinner then taking the leftovers for lunch the next day.  Still getting a lot of veggies, just more cooked ones.  But that's been true for the past 2 weeks....

I had my prunes and coffee this morning and plan to stay the course.  It does seem better today.  So who knows!

I am down another pound this week.  I was a little grumpy but I told myself to quit whining and be happy that I am feeling good and the number is moving in the right direction!

So, next Wednesday night I am leaving for a week.  I am not going to quit the Whole 30, but I do know there is one meal that I can say right now will not be Whole 30 compliant: my son's birthday dinner.  It won't be terrible and I'm not using it to go off the rails - we are planning to cook at home: surf and turf.  So I can have a really good portion controlled meal with plenty of vegetables.  But I do plant to have a couple of bites of my mom's homemade pecan pie which she makes using my granddad's recipe (son's 'birthday cake' of choice.)

I seriously thought about it.  I knew this trip was coming up.  But I didn't want to postpone the Whole 30, nor did I want to quit halfway through.  So I plan to continue after that meal.  I also know there will be a couple of times it will be tough - I have to be to the airport insanely early the following Wednesday.  And I'll be staying on my son's boat a couple of nights and food choices will be limited. 

I don't plan to use any of these circumstances as excuses to make poor choices.  But I don't want to just give up when I am faced with some sub-optimal food situations, you know?  I also want to continue to have the scale move in the right direction.

Yesterday I did a 30 minute stretch video, which felt really good.  I also continue to walk in the mornings.  Except this morning, because I apparently forgot to set my alarm and I overslept.  Oops!

Today marks 2 weeks down in the T25 program.  It's HARD, but I like it!  Except when I am doing it! Ha ha.

Plans for the weekend include grocery shopping, food prep, housework, and some sewing. You know, the usual exciting things I do.  I may go to the beach Sunday morning.

Food today:

B: same old ground turkey and veg mix - over it!
L: leftover goulash and veggies
S: mixed fruit and 12 almonds
D: shrimp, sweet potato, roasted green beans

For an after dinner snack I had 12 more almonds, a few olives, and a couple of slices of pickled beet. It satisfied my need to nosh.  Then I scrubbed my teeth and washed my face.

Good night!

Whole 30, Day 11 - SOS

No coffee this morning since my bloodwork was fasting.

Intestinal distress since yesterday afternoon.  Gas, bloating, diarrhea... oh my.

B: ground turkey mix
L: leftover broccoli and salmon, sliced tomatoes
S: mixed fruit and 12 almonds
D: goulash (with no noodles obv.) and roasted green beans.  5 pieces dried pineapple

I hope the stomach situation improves.  This was mentioned in the Whole 30 timeline.  One of my biggest complaints is that it feels similar to hunger and so I want to eat. 

Staying strong.

Whole 30, Day 10 "Just super, thanks for asking"

(Today's blog title is a song lyric.  I guess I haven't mentioned it in a while.  Physically, I am doing quite well if not totally super.)

My husband sent me this picture.  She looks so precious asleep, doesn't she?  But Jordan is 19 pounds of jack russell terrierist mixed with?  Tasmanian devil?  Energizer bunny?  The shelter said she was mixed with chihuahua, which is possible - she's very small for a russell, and has a bit of a chihuahua look in the face.

I love her very much.  She's the kind of dog that is a total scamp, but loves her person with a passion.  She loves life and forces you to love it with her.  She makes me laugh, smile, and throw my hands up in the air when she breaks the world speed record for toy destruction.  I miss my family, furry family included.

Since I had a doctor appointment this morning, I made myself a leisurely breakfast at home. Woo hoo!

B: 2 eggs with avocado and 2 slices of bacon, coffee with almond milk
L: leftover sauteed chicken sausage and cabbage
S: 16 almonds
D: salmon, sweet potato. broccoli

I'm not a big egg fan, but avocado makes everything taste better!  I buy the nitrate free uncured bacon.  I confess, I can't say I like it quite as well as the unhealthy stuff, but it is good.  Bacon is a special treat around this place, but I prefer my food without the cancer agents, thanks very much!

I'm not doing a lot of cooking since I share a kitchen, so food is getting a bit dull.  I need some inspiration for no fuss meals!

So, the seminar last night.  It was interesting.  The presenter wasn't the greatest (he seemed a little awkward), but he clearly knew his topic well and presented the material pretty well.  He spent a lot of time talking about studies which showed the mental and physical benefits of meditation.  He talked about HOW to meditate, and led us through two 5 minute meditation sessions.  We also received a packet of materials on meditation.

I have a CD of guided meditation, but this method (the Jyoti meditation) is based on being quiet and focusing on your "third eye" or "inner light".  I may experiment with both.  Can't hurt, will probably help, right?

On the doctor visit: Why didn't I find this lady 3 years ago!?!  I really like her, but sadly I won't be here much longer! I am going back to an actual physical in 3 weeks, today was just a new patient intake visit.  She did write me a prescription for Lexapro to help with anxiety.  So we'll see what happens.  She asked me to get my labs done and have the nurse at work check my bp a couple time a week and bring that in.  She said the machines can be inaccurate so she'd like some good readings.  She also seemed pretty confident that losing a few pounds and handling  my anxiety would probably normalize my bp - so that made me feel good.

Okay, off to watch ice skating!

 

Thought for the morning

I am headed to the doctor (should I say "a doctor" since she was selected from a list on my insurance site?) this morning.

It's not that I dislike going to the doctor, I'm just frustrated that the ones I've seen down here so far have been so crappy.  Maybe this one will be better.

Anyway, I will be back later with food and all that jazz.  Last night was fine - ate dinner, went to the seminar on meditation, came home and watched a little tv then went to bed. 

Take care of yourself today!

Whole 30, Day 9

Good morning.

I got home at 8:45 from sewing class last night, and all I did was read a few mintes and crash out.  I was pooped all day yesterday - zero energy.  I made a really cure little zippered make-up (or whatever) bag in class last night and learned how to put in a zipper!  Woo hoo!  My plan is to make a couple more this week so I can "set" the skill in my brain.

Still feeling a little down but okay.  Whole 30 is going along.  Here's what I'm eating today:

AM: coffee with almond milk
B: my "scramble" or stir fry - sauteed ground turkey with mushrooms, onion, peppers, garlic, and zucchini with a little montreal steak seasoning.  Very good.
L: leftover tandoori chicken (recipe from Paleo Porn web site), a couple of chunks of sweet potato, and steamed broccoli. Oh, and 2 sliced tomatoes.  I LOVE tomatoes.
S: 12 almonds and 3 strawberries (all that was left).
D: chicken breast sausage sauteed with cabbage and onions.

I may have a serving of fruit after dinner - I have some frozen mixed fruit from C0stco.

That's all I've got for now.  Have a good day!

Monday, sorta

I'm at work, but a lot of folks here took the day off.  I'm saving it for my trip NEXT WEEK!!!!

Doing okay.  Food packed. Blah blah blah.

Sewing class tonight - making a make-up bag.  Shoudl be fun as I learn to do zippers.  Looking forward to this one a lot.

Have a good day. :-)

Good morning

Another night down.


I am making a good recipe for dinner that I found on nom nom paleo (I think).  Made a stir fry for breakfasts this week and making some korean inspired compliant soup to go with (or for) lunches.

I don't have much on the agenda today.  I am hanging in there, staying compliant.  For the most part I feel excellent physically.  Definitely having a tough time mentally.  I guess you don't change 30+ year old habits without some pain.

I read a really nice thing poking around the Whole 30 web site.  Everyone reads the whole "This is not hard.  Cancer is hard." manifesto, but they wrote another piece, just for people who have or do suffer from disordered eating that says "For you, this IS hard, but worth it."

It made me feel better to see in writing that yeah, this isn't just about physical changes - for some people this represents some pretty big mental changes.

I keep reminding myself that I NEED to do this - for my health, and that I am worth all the effort and I am so blessed to have a chance to do this at a time when I don't have to worry about cooking for anyone but myself.

Most of the day I don't even THINK about food.  I have my meals planned, I eat them, done.  It's that window between dinner and bed when I have nothing to do that is tough.  I watch movies.  I don't have a family to care for, or a house to keep up.  And in some ways that is so relaxing and refreshing, but its also a strange sort of half life to be away from your family, with time on your hands.  

So I come here and vent, then I put on my nightgown, brush my teeth, and tell myself I'm not going anywhere or eating anything else.:-)

I'll be back later to post food etc.

Have a good one!

Whole 30, Day 6

From the Whole 30 timeline, Day 6 is supposed to be "I just want a nap" but "Kill all the things" has been held over another day.  I have been pissy all day, sorry but that's the perfect word.  Every little thing has ticked me off.  I have been cranky beyond belief and I want a glass of wine and some mashed potatoes. Argh!  Why is this so hard??? 

Got up and took a nice walk. I was meeting a friend for "breakfast" but knew there was no way I could wait until 11 to eat, so I had 2 eggs and a grapefruit before I went shopping.

Brekfast: 2 eggs, grapefruit
cup of coffee, 2 prunes
Lunch: hamburger patty with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mustard
Snack: 12 almonds and 6 pieces of dried fruit
Dinner: steak, sauteed mushrooms, asparagus

S: not consumed, but I will prob have a few nuts before I brush & floss just to satisfy the raging beast.

Today was errand day.   Traffic was the usual, which is why I prefer to do my errands as early as possible.  I did go to WM early but did the rest after lunch, so it was afternoon and therefore nutso.  I went to the asian grocery and fabric shop, came home for a nap, then got a pedicure.  All those things made me feel like grumpy cat for one reason or another.

Tomorrow is food prep and laundry.  I have 30% off coupon for K0hls, so I may go and look for a couple of work shirts - I need some dressier work clothes.  I don't want to buy a lot, but a top or 2 would be helpful.

The weather here is PERFECT!  Sunny and mid to upper 70s -it's been a great day to enjoy the outside.

It is now 7 and I am grumpy.  My roomie offered me a glass of wine, which I turned down.  This HAS to get easier!!!

I made it

I'll be back later in the day.  I just wanted to post quickly to say that I made it last night!

Even though I was feeling tired and stressed, I took a bath and put on my pajamas because I knew I wouldn't have the energy to get dressed AND run to the convenience store for crap.

Another day down and I have to believe this will get easier.

Whole 30, Day 5 "Kill all the things"

I got on the scale this morning.  I've lost just over 4 pounds.  I've NEVER lost that much weight in a week. 

Of course, thanks to my wacked out relationship with the scale, I spent the first part of my 1 mile walk fantasizing about how I could reach goal in a month at this rate!  And firmly reminding myself that was ridiculous.  I started formulated schemes and charts in my head, which is also ridiculous (and why I don't weigh daily).  I reminded myself that the number will be what it will be and I just need to continue to focus on behavior.

Speaking of which, one of my colleagues came by with a big bag of candy to pass out.  She pulled out a handful and a huge bag of kisses and asked me what I would like.  I took one Hershey's kiss, which I placed in my drawer. I thanked her and wished her a happy day.  Then I threw it in the trash.

So, I can throw out bad food, just not good food.

B: greek meatloaf with tomatoes
L: leftovers - salmon, sweet potato (not much), and broccoli, with sauteed zucchini
S: 12 almonds and strawberries
D: a steak, sauteed mushrooms, sweet potato
S: 1/4 c pistachios

T25: Today was lower body.  OMG, it was very tough!

On the Whole 30 timeline, days 4 and 5 are listed as "kill all the things" and it talks about anger at being "denied" things you used to have. Yeah, I was feeling a little of that today.  It wasn't Valentine's, it was the crowds while I was trying to do my grocery shopping.  It was terrible - I totally didn't expect that!

This morning I woke up with slightly puffy gums (a sure sign my immune system is stressed).  So it may be my slightly sniffly nose and lack of energy the other day are due to a cold trying to come on. Symptoms are very mild, thank goodness. 

Ready a really good article on what's in yous supplements:

http://blackgirlsguidetoweightloss.com/supermarket-swindle/supplement-er-supermarket-swindle-whats-really-in-your-herbal-supplements/

Take care!

Happy Valentine's Day

 

 

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

I'll be back with an actual post later.

 

Whole 30, day 4

Except for the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, this picture of a car bursting into flames on a messy road in Raleigh is real.  I have friends who were stuck for hours.  No one expected ice, or so very fast.  Kinda glad I'm in Florida right now.

AM: 1 mile walk

Breakfast: greek meatloaf with tomatoes
Lunch: baked chicken chopped up in a big veggie salad with guacamole for the dressing.
Snack: 12 almonds and strawberries, then 1/4 cup pistachios when I got home
Dinner: baked salmon, roasted broccoli, sweet potato and mixed fruit

T25: Today was the abs workout, which included a few "sprints" in between, just to keep the suffer level high.  I was seriously tasting those raw peppers in my lunch salad!  Ugh.

Tomorrow is Valentine's day.  My husband is hundreds of miles away, so I don't plan to do anything special.  I am considering stopping and buying myself a steak, but I would have to do it in a frying pan since I don't have a grill.  Undecided.  I have nothing scheduled for dinner tomorrow except the crock pot leftovers that I didn't enjoy when I had them for lunch.  Which sounds a little too masochistic to eat for dinner on Valentine's day when I'm alone.  Maybe a nice meal I prepare for myself with care will allow me to avoid any potential pity party.

Saw this and had to laugh, but thankfully this hasn't been me on my Whole 30 - at least so far! :-)

Whole 30 Interlude

Last night I caved and ate the 2 slices of havarti cheese that were left in my fridge. (I cannot throw food out.  Just can't).    I convinced myself that since other low carb/non processed diets permit cheese, it was okay.  So I ate the chesse and added it to the grocery list!

No it isn't okay, because THIS diet doesn't permit cheese.

This morning I removed the cheese from the grocery list, gave thanks that there is no more in house, and decided that instead of abandoning my Whole 30 I would see what lessons I could take away.

1.  You know that whole thing about milk producing mucus?  Well, I woke up this morning with a stuffed up, slightly runny nose.  From 2 slices of cheese.  Not saying I'll never eat it again, but I'm clearly pretty sensitive to milk products!  Interesting.

2.  If you look at my food, you will notice zero starchy vegetables.  That may be contributing to my evening hunger (yes, I was genuinely hungry, not just bored).  I may need to add in sweet potatoes or squashes to make my dinner more satisfying.  They are allowed, so adding them in is preferable to being hungry and making poor choices.

I was a little sleepy when I woke up this morning and got ready for my walk with only one eye open at a time, but I feel a little more energetic (at least so far) and zero headache, so that's good.

I'll be back later in the day with food & exercise.

Have a good day!

Whole 30, day 3 "Whole stole my life force?"

Last night I wanted some food for entertainment.  And a glass of wine.  I had neither.  I did have 2 prunes - for medicinal purposes.  Enough said.

Breakfast: greek meatloaf and tomatoes.
Lunch: Same thing as last night - crock pot chicken with tomatoes, artichokes, and olives, and green beans.  Didn't enjoy it this go round.  Huh.
Snack: 12 almonds and 7 strawberries and a cup of coffee.
Dinner: 8 oz of shrimp sauteed in ghee and lemon juice with garlic, over steamed asparagus.

T25: total body circuit didn't happen due to a dental appointment.

Came home after dentist to work at home.  Had to resort to a 20 minute nap and a second cup of coffee.  Felt like a zombie.

Post dinner and I am feeling better.  Off to take a hot shower & wash my hair, then settle in with a cheesy movie or two.  I'm using this alone time to watch all the trashy sci-fi and horror flicks hub turns his nose up at.

Hanging in there, but this afternoon I would have loved a shock of carbs to shock my energy.

ugh

As I was getting ready to start my Whole 30, one thing I read was the "Whole 30" timeline on the web site, just to give me some insights.

Day 1 was fine.  Day 2 and 3 they advised you might feel low of energy.  I was good yesterday, but today?  Oh man.  I have been dragging butt all day.  I even had a second cup of coffee with my afternoon snack!  I am so freaking tired, and have no energy to do anything.

Days 4 and 5 are supposed to be "Kill all the things" and I kinda hope not since I have a meeting with my boss in the morning.

I guess I'll take it easy tonight and try to get some good sleep.