This and that
I made salad dressing last night - mine was from the class I took this past weekend. I also made french for hub subbing almond butter & water for some of the oil, but I used too much and it came out "too creamy and muted". Le sigh.
I got up, swung my kettlebell and took a short walk. I looked at the blender and just couldn't face another smoothie, so I had some of last night's leftover salad for breakfast - I added some chickpeas and a few sunfloer seeds to give it a little more staying power. Oddly, it made a good breakfast.
It is our day to volunteer. It's supposed to rain - yuck. Normally I'm pro rain, but not when I have to walk dogs in it. Last week I was getting a puppy out of his cage and put him up to my chest to hold him. He'd pooped in his kennel and stepped in it and got it all over my shirt. I told the boy I was glad I didn't have to go buy dinner from the Whole Foods deli wearing a poopy shirt. This week I have no dinner (I forgot to cook the beans last night and I was running too late to get anything in the crockpot anyway), so I sure hope I don't leave with a poopy shirt again!!!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The post I don’t want to write
Well, I think things with my grandma are settled. After talking to some folks, mom is of the opinion that this whole thing probably began because my grandmother has gotten harder to care for, and this was a way for the current place she’s in to force her out. (If you think that sounds like conspiracy theory, you haven’t spent much time in nursing homes lately).
They recommended she be moved to the regular unit from the Alzheimer’s unit so she could get Hospice. Once moved, they told my mom she made $76 too much to qualify for Medicaid and would have to move. They then wanted to send her to the hospital for ‘dehydration’ in the hopes they would keep her for 3 days, because then she could be transferred to a skilled nursing facility as a Medicare rather than Medicaid patient (they pay more, so we’d have more choices). But there was no way they were going to keep her, so mom nixed that idea.
After asking & calling around, mom looked at one place that several folks have said has a reputation for good care. Mom described it as looking “like a 1950s post-war Berlin nursing home” – cramped rooms, tight hallways. But they have 1 female Medicaid bed available.
Mom also called a place in Winston (35 minutes from her house) that’s supposed to be good. Right now they have no beds, and the hospital gets priority. We can put her on the waiting list, but we need a place to move her NOW, so post-war Berlin it is.
In the week or so since grandma has been moved, mom has found her about to fall out of her wheelchair (they ordered a different kind but she wasn’t put in it and another resident found her on the floor this morning). She had diahrrea for 3 days and no one gave her anything until my mom demanded they do so. Her window was left open the night it dropped down to 38 degrees. Oh, and I think they’ve managed to send maybe 3 meals that were food she could actually eat. The scary part is that she isn’t the only one that this stuff is happening to, but unless you go every day, you just don’t see it. Ugh.
Well, I think things with my grandma are settled. After talking to some folks, mom is of the opinion that this whole thing probably began because my grandmother has gotten harder to care for, and this was a way for the current place she’s in to force her out. (If you think that sounds like conspiracy theory, you haven’t spent much time in nursing homes lately).
They recommended she be moved to the regular unit from the Alzheimer’s unit so she could get Hospice. Once moved, they told my mom she made $76 too much to qualify for Medicaid and would have to move. They then wanted to send her to the hospital for ‘dehydration’ in the hopes they would keep her for 3 days, because then she could be transferred to a skilled nursing facility as a Medicare rather than Medicaid patient (they pay more, so we’d have more choices). But there was no way they were going to keep her, so mom nixed that idea.
After asking & calling around, mom looked at one place that several folks have said has a reputation for good care. Mom described it as looking “like a 1950s post-war Berlin nursing home” – cramped rooms, tight hallways. But they have 1 female Medicaid bed available.
Mom also called a place in Winston (35 minutes from her house) that’s supposed to be good. Right now they have no beds, and the hospital gets priority. We can put her on the waiting list, but we need a place to move her NOW, so post-war Berlin it is.
In the week or so since grandma has been moved, mom has found her about to fall out of her wheelchair (they ordered a different kind but she wasn’t put in it and another resident found her on the floor this morning). She had diahrrea for 3 days and no one gave her anything until my mom demanded they do so. Her window was left open the night it dropped down to 38 degrees. Oh, and I think they’ve managed to send maybe 3 meals that were food she could actually eat. The scary part is that she isn’t the only one that this stuff is happening to, but unless you go every day, you just don’t see it. Ugh.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Raw food class: a review
To start, I would say this is a class geared toward folks who are new to raw food (that would be me!).
This first class covered foods made in the blender. We made a total of 5 recipes: one green drink, 2 puddings, 1 salad dressing, and 1 carrot/almond butter spread (the carrots had been cooked in that one).
She spent a lot of time going over ingredients: why she uses the ingredients she does and what nutritive value they offer. For people that aren't familiar with umeboshi paste or chia seeds (for example), that's helpful. Plus, she lists resources where you can get the more hard to find items, or items you might want to buy in bulk.
We had a couple of breaks and I took some of the time to practice knife techniques with a professional chef who was assisting. That was cool.
A few observations: Lenore leans toward chia and hemp seeds - no recipe she made called for flax seed. I want to ask why. Also, she used a lot more seeds in her green drink than most of the recipes I've read - 3 T whole seeds per serving. She used her seeds in both pudding and salad dressing as a thickening agent. I can see that's a good way to cut back on the oil in dressing - I'll try that one in other salad dressing recipes as well.
After the first class I am definitely looking forward to the future classes. It took a big chunk out of my weekend (basically all day Saturday when you add in travel time) but I think the time investment will pay off in terms of my increased comfort with raw foods.
To start, I would say this is a class geared toward folks who are new to raw food (that would be me!).
This first class covered foods made in the blender. We made a total of 5 recipes: one green drink, 2 puddings, 1 salad dressing, and 1 carrot/almond butter spread (the carrots had been cooked in that one).
She spent a lot of time going over ingredients: why she uses the ingredients she does and what nutritive value they offer. For people that aren't familiar with umeboshi paste or chia seeds (for example), that's helpful. Plus, she lists resources where you can get the more hard to find items, or items you might want to buy in bulk.
We had a couple of breaks and I took some of the time to practice knife techniques with a professional chef who was assisting. That was cool.
A few observations: Lenore leans toward chia and hemp seeds - no recipe she made called for flax seed. I want to ask why. Also, she used a lot more seeds in her green drink than most of the recipes I've read - 3 T whole seeds per serving. She used her seeds in both pudding and salad dressing as a thickening agent. I can see that's a good way to cut back on the oil in dressing - I'll try that one in other salad dressing recipes as well.
After the first class I am definitely looking forward to the future classes. It took a big chunk out of my weekend (basically all day Saturday when you add in travel time) but I think the time investment will pay off in terms of my increased comfort with raw foods.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Serendipity
I decide to buy a new serger and a friend puts her Viking up for sale. While it took a bit of effort (mostly from another friend), it is now up & running!
I found a 3 part course on raw food in Asheville which starts … this Saturday. I changed my weekend plans (road trip to Mary Jo’s for fabric) so I can attend. It puts a crimp in my road trip budget up to JM’s, but it’s the only class I’ve found that doesn’t involve thousands of dollars and hotel stays/flights. The class is 3 Saturdays over a 6 week period, so it doesn’t affect my trip up to visit JM. Sweet!
I hate that I am committing so much weekend time for the next few weeks, but this is something I really feel like will be useful and it’s something I want to do. I’m just tired of feeling like I have no time.
Then we have the anti-serendipity:
In order for my grandma to have Hospice, she had to be moved out of the Alzheimer’s unit and into the other part of the assisted living facility. Having moved her, they now think she may make too much money to qualify for Medicaid in that unit. So my mom may be forced to move her to an entirely new facility. While that might be best in the long run, I know my mom is feeling a HUGE amount of stress over this.
On the up side, MIL is #3 on the list and there are several units currently being cleaned etc. for new occupants at the senior subsidized apartment complex. It looks like she will be moving by the end of the month!!! YAY!!!!! Would it be mean to hope she’s moving on the weekend of a cooking class??????
I decide to buy a new serger and a friend puts her Viking up for sale. While it took a bit of effort (mostly from another friend), it is now up & running!
I found a 3 part course on raw food in Asheville which starts … this Saturday. I changed my weekend plans (road trip to Mary Jo’s for fabric) so I can attend. It puts a crimp in my road trip budget up to JM’s, but it’s the only class I’ve found that doesn’t involve thousands of dollars and hotel stays/flights. The class is 3 Saturdays over a 6 week period, so it doesn’t affect my trip up to visit JM. Sweet!
I hate that I am committing so much weekend time for the next few weeks, but this is something I really feel like will be useful and it’s something I want to do. I’m just tired of feeling like I have no time.
Then we have the anti-serendipity:
In order for my grandma to have Hospice, she had to be moved out of the Alzheimer’s unit and into the other part of the assisted living facility. Having moved her, they now think she may make too much money to qualify for Medicaid in that unit. So my mom may be forced to move her to an entirely new facility. While that might be best in the long run, I know my mom is feeling a HUGE amount of stress over this.
On the up side, MIL is #3 on the list and there are several units currently being cleaned etc. for new occupants at the senior subsidized apartment complex. It looks like she will be moving by the end of the month!!! YAY!!!!! Would it be mean to hope she’s moving on the weekend of a cooking class??????
Monday, May 03, 2010
Medical rants
Enter at your own risk
My MIL: My MIL is what we southerners call “bat-sh&^ crazy.” Is she mentally ill? I don’t think I’d go that far (but I’m not a professional), but she is not a fully functioning member of society. She was never firing on all cylinders according to hub, but after a robbery while she was managing a Public Storage facility 5 or 6 years ago, things really got worse. Since then, she hasn’t been able to successfully keep a job or really take care of things.
After the robbery, she was put on Seroquel – either for sleeping troubles or PTSD, depending on when you talk to her. She’s remained on it ever since. Because she’s never had health insurance, she’s bounced around from one organization serving the uninsured to the next, never staying anywhere more than a few months to a year. She’s on all these different medications, and she’s one of these people that just goes along never questioning anything. She also has a propensity to twist things to support what she wants. As an example, she once went to the doctor and her blood sugar was low (she’s diabetic), so they gave her a granola bar and a Coke. She interpreted that as “granola is an acceptable substitute for my morning oatmeal” and “I can drink sugared Coke any time I want.” Remember the time she ate an entire cake in a 24 hour period?
Anyway, a social worker (who she is now taking medical advice from) came out to evaluate her – she is getting an appointment with a local group that serves the uninsured. I hope she can get all this mess straightened out, but if we’re depending on her to have a conversation with the doctor then it won’t be happening. She has loads of health issues, is on loads of various medicines with no consistent medical review – it’s just a mess. I’m not blaming any of the doctors she’s seen – how can you treat someone effectively when you see them once or twice and they don’t provide you with accurate information?
And then there’s the fact that she’s a total bullshi&^er, and over half of what comes out of her mouth is made up – all designed to make her look good. Given what my mom is going through right now with my grandma, I don’t know how she stays sane.
My grandma: Monie has had Alzheimer’s for over 20 years. She has no quality of life – she doesn’t speak, she’s in a wheel chair. The place she is isn’t taking care of her. She was moved to a different area of the same outfit so she could get Hospice, but so far she doesn’t seem to be getting better treatment. Hello, she’s on mechanical soft food (think toddler food) but you send out a plate of salad for her to feed herself???? If my mom didn’t go over there every day, I’m not sure the woman would ever be properly fed or clothed. It’s outrageous.
Needless to say, the stress of trying to figure out (on her own) what to do in terms of where to put my grandmother & how to make sure she gets the care she needs is wearing my mom out. Add my MIL as a roomie, and it’s no wonder my mom is feeling so stressed out. And I’m really worried about the whole thing.
One good thing is that MIL is now up to #3 on the waiting list for subsidized senior housing, so at least she can be loonie in her own place instead of my mom’s.
Enter at your own risk
My MIL: My MIL is what we southerners call “bat-sh&^ crazy.” Is she mentally ill? I don’t think I’d go that far (but I’m not a professional), but she is not a fully functioning member of society. She was never firing on all cylinders according to hub, but after a robbery while she was managing a Public Storage facility 5 or 6 years ago, things really got worse. Since then, she hasn’t been able to successfully keep a job or really take care of things.
After the robbery, she was put on Seroquel – either for sleeping troubles or PTSD, depending on when you talk to her. She’s remained on it ever since. Because she’s never had health insurance, she’s bounced around from one organization serving the uninsured to the next, never staying anywhere more than a few months to a year. She’s on all these different medications, and she’s one of these people that just goes along never questioning anything. She also has a propensity to twist things to support what she wants. As an example, she once went to the doctor and her blood sugar was low (she’s diabetic), so they gave her a granola bar and a Coke. She interpreted that as “granola is an acceptable substitute for my morning oatmeal” and “I can drink sugared Coke any time I want.” Remember the time she ate an entire cake in a 24 hour period?
Anyway, a social worker (who she is now taking medical advice from) came out to evaluate her – she is getting an appointment with a local group that serves the uninsured. I hope she can get all this mess straightened out, but if we’re depending on her to have a conversation with the doctor then it won’t be happening. She has loads of health issues, is on loads of various medicines with no consistent medical review – it’s just a mess. I’m not blaming any of the doctors she’s seen – how can you treat someone effectively when you see them once or twice and they don’t provide you with accurate information?
And then there’s the fact that she’s a total bullshi&^er, and over half of what comes out of her mouth is made up – all designed to make her look good. Given what my mom is going through right now with my grandma, I don’t know how she stays sane.
My grandma: Monie has had Alzheimer’s for over 20 years. She has no quality of life – she doesn’t speak, she’s in a wheel chair. The place she is isn’t taking care of her. She was moved to a different area of the same outfit so she could get Hospice, but so far she doesn’t seem to be getting better treatment. Hello, she’s on mechanical soft food (think toddler food) but you send out a plate of salad for her to feed herself???? If my mom didn’t go over there every day, I’m not sure the woman would ever be properly fed or clothed. It’s outrageous.
Needless to say, the stress of trying to figure out (on her own) what to do in terms of where to put my grandmother & how to make sure she gets the care she needs is wearing my mom out. Add my MIL as a roomie, and it’s no wonder my mom is feeling so stressed out. And I’m really worried about the whole thing.
One good thing is that MIL is now up to #3 on the waiting list for subsidized senior housing, so at least she can be loonie in her own place instead of my mom’s.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Stop the insanity
Yesterday was not a very good day, on many levels. The day began with my doing the first of my “Insanity” workouts. I’d say it was my last but I didn’t finish. It led to the shocking (although why it was shocking I’m clueless) realization that I have lost far more of my fitness level than I realized. It was pretty demoralizing.
I had applied for a job in another department, which I did not get. Granted, the rumor intelligence network had another guy that already works closely with the team as a shoe-in, and I am pretty happy in my current role, but it is still disappointing.
The I realized that careless spending plus a series of continued financial events (car repairs, dead dishwasher, etc.) have led us to add quite a chunk to our debt burden. Hub and I had a serious “come to jesus” about that last night. We must be more vigilant about our discretionary spending!!!
After dinner we went and took a tour of the Y. We were members back when I started this blog. We switched to another gym for a couple of reasons, but lately we’ve been missing some of the amenities at the Y (pool, sauna, hot tub, steam room…) and they have expanded their hours of operation, making it more convenient. Even though it’s a little more a month, given that we aren’t using the current gym at all I think it’s worth it. Even though we are committed to cutting our spending, I think we both realize we’ve got to make fitness a priority. Notice I don’t say “top priority” – at this point any priority at all would be good as it doesn’t even seem to appear on the radar.
Right now I’m just feeling sad.
Yesterday was not a very good day, on many levels. The day began with my doing the first of my “Insanity” workouts. I’d say it was my last but I didn’t finish. It led to the shocking (although why it was shocking I’m clueless) realization that I have lost far more of my fitness level than I realized. It was pretty demoralizing.
I had applied for a job in another department, which I did not get. Granted, the rumor intelligence network had another guy that already works closely with the team as a shoe-in, and I am pretty happy in my current role, but it is still disappointing.
The I realized that careless spending plus a series of continued financial events (car repairs, dead dishwasher, etc.) have led us to add quite a chunk to our debt burden. Hub and I had a serious “come to jesus” about that last night. We must be more vigilant about our discretionary spending!!!
After dinner we went and took a tour of the Y. We were members back when I started this blog. We switched to another gym for a couple of reasons, but lately we’ve been missing some of the amenities at the Y (pool, sauna, hot tub, steam room…) and they have expanded their hours of operation, making it more convenient. Even though it’s a little more a month, given that we aren’t using the current gym at all I think it’s worth it. Even though we are committed to cutting our spending, I think we both realize we’ve got to make fitness a priority. Notice I don’t say “top priority” – at this point any priority at all would be good as it doesn’t even seem to appear on the radar.
Right now I’m just feeling sad.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Insanity: yes, it is
This morning I did day one of my Insanity workout - the fitness test (I was supposed to start yesterday, but I overslept. Ooops). It consisted of eight exercises: you do each exercise for one minute – as many times as you can. There is a one minute rest between each exercise. Let’s just say it was …. Embarrassing. Not that anyone else saw me, but I was dismayed at how hard it was. The program is 60 days – you do a tougher schedule of workouts in the second half than first. I may do the first half twice before I move on. We’ll see. It’s HARD.
We went out to a Vietnamese restaurant last night recommended by a friend. It was great! The boy couldn’t get over the size of the bowl of soup they brought out for each of us. I got vegetable & tofu and have the leftovers for lunch today, plus some leftover stir fry.
I had a green smoothie for breakfast and a piece of peanut butter toast later at work. I am trying to make diet pepsi a “sometimes food”, so I haven’t had any today. I just don’t think it can be very healthy, even if it doesn’t have calories. Tonight I am making chicken adobo – it’s in the crockpot since we are volunteering tonight. I put a piece of “chicken seitan” in for myself. I have no idea how it will react to spending all day in the crockpot, but I figured I’d give it a shot. We’ll put rice & green beans with it.
They had my favorite potatoes in the cafeteria at breakfast this morning – they are boiled then sautéed with some onion & seasoning & have a tiny bit of cheese. They are great in a burrito. I didn’t get any because I knew I’d be starving later and the pb toast would stay with me. Which was a wise move because it’s 20 minutes until lunch and I’m very hungry! I guess you can tell by all the talk about food!
I did some sewing this weekend, which means that come Monday my house was a mess and my cooking wasn’t done. It seems horribly unfair that I either have time to take care of my home & family OR time to pursue hobbies I enjoy, but never both. Sigh. Too bad winning the lottery isn't a serious consideration!!! :-)
Have a good day!
This morning I did day one of my Insanity workout - the fitness test (I was supposed to start yesterday, but I overslept. Ooops). It consisted of eight exercises: you do each exercise for one minute – as many times as you can. There is a one minute rest between each exercise. Let’s just say it was …. Embarrassing. Not that anyone else saw me, but I was dismayed at how hard it was. The program is 60 days – you do a tougher schedule of workouts in the second half than first. I may do the first half twice before I move on. We’ll see. It’s HARD.
We went out to a Vietnamese restaurant last night recommended by a friend. It was great! The boy couldn’t get over the size of the bowl of soup they brought out for each of us. I got vegetable & tofu and have the leftovers for lunch today, plus some leftover stir fry.
I had a green smoothie for breakfast and a piece of peanut butter toast later at work. I am trying to make diet pepsi a “sometimes food”, so I haven’t had any today. I just don’t think it can be very healthy, even if it doesn’t have calories. Tonight I am making chicken adobo – it’s in the crockpot since we are volunteering tonight. I put a piece of “chicken seitan” in for myself. I have no idea how it will react to spending all day in the crockpot, but I figured I’d give it a shot. We’ll put rice & green beans with it.
They had my favorite potatoes in the cafeteria at breakfast this morning – they are boiled then sautéed with some onion & seasoning & have a tiny bit of cheese. They are great in a burrito. I didn’t get any because I knew I’d be starving later and the pb toast would stay with me. Which was a wise move because it’s 20 minutes until lunch and I’m very hungry! I guess you can tell by all the talk about food!
I did some sewing this weekend, which means that come Monday my house was a mess and my cooking wasn’t done. It seems horribly unfair that I either have time to take care of my home & family OR time to pursue hobbies I enjoy, but never both. Sigh. Too bad winning the lottery isn't a serious consideration!!! :-)
Have a good day!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Here
I'm here. I was off work Friday since our team volunteered at the Special Olympics. I fell in a hole. I'm okay, just a nasty scrape/cut/bruise. Friday evening we drove to Georgia to visit my great aunt. Came home Sunday, then I took half a day Monday off since it was my birthday. I got a much needed pedicure.
I think I'm finally caught up on sleep from last week.
The power struggle between the two men at my house continues (sigh). Last night the lawn mower got left in the yard overnight and I threatened to kill everyone and burn down the house etc. I swear, those 2 make me crazy sometimes!!! It always has to be this pissing contest between them. Aren't the teen years great??????
Oh well. I hope to get some sewing done this weekend - I want to do something I want to do instead of chores all weekend long!
I'm here. I was off work Friday since our team volunteered at the Special Olympics. I fell in a hole. I'm okay, just a nasty scrape/cut/bruise. Friday evening we drove to Georgia to visit my great aunt. Came home Sunday, then I took half a day Monday off since it was my birthday. I got a much needed pedicure.
I think I'm finally caught up on sleep from last week.
The power struggle between the two men at my house continues (sigh). Last night the lawn mower got left in the yard overnight and I threatened to kill everyone and burn down the house etc. I swear, those 2 make me crazy sometimes!!! It always has to be this pissing contest between them. Aren't the teen years great??????
Oh well. I hope to get some sewing done this weekend - I want to do something I want to do instead of chores all weekend long!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Normally I do my mom’s taxes, but for some reason she wanted to do them on her own this year. Then she hit a snag, and I said I’d take a look. Tuesday morning I grabbed them from her house, but I was too tired to do anything about them that evening. Yesterday she came over and was going to try again, but when I got home there was a note “Didn’t have time. I’ll be your BMF (best mom forever) if you’ll finish them.” Hee hee. Sadly, I didn’t feel like doing them last night (drinking beer and watching “Dr. Who” in prep for the new season was a MUCH better idea IMO), so I got up a 5 AM and did taxes. Next year I’m doing hers when I do mine – in February!!! I ended up re-doing her fed (which was finished) because I have NO IDEA where she got a couple of numbers.
I did not inherit my mad mathematical skillz from my mom. Ahem.
Made ji gae for dinner last night, which was enjoyed by all, and there’s plenty for lunches. Woo hoo! Tonight I have to get hub to clean out his car because we are driving it to Georgia because we are taking Alma a new recliner for her room. Assisted living places suck. Really. The boy refers to hub’s car as “the garbage can”. We’ll be vacuuming that bad boy out before I go anywhere in it!
I emailed a friend and asked about coming up for a sewing weekend. While I am very excited to see her, can I be a baby for just a minute and admit I haven’t driven that far all by myself in ages? Good lord I feel like some clinging vine “ooh, I can’t go on a trip out of town without my husband to help me drive.” Sheesh. Time to re-claim my independent woman card!!!
I did not inherit my mad mathematical skillz from my mom. Ahem.
Made ji gae for dinner last night, which was enjoyed by all, and there’s plenty for lunches. Woo hoo! Tonight I have to get hub to clean out his car because we are driving it to Georgia because we are taking Alma a new recliner for her room. Assisted living places suck. Really. The boy refers to hub’s car as “the garbage can”. We’ll be vacuuming that bad boy out before I go anywhere in it!
I emailed a friend and asked about coming up for a sewing weekend. While I am very excited to see her, can I be a baby for just a minute and admit I haven’t driven that far all by myself in ages? Good lord I feel like some clinging vine “ooh, I can’t go on a trip out of town without my husband to help me drive.” Sheesh. Time to re-claim my independent woman card!!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday night around 11:30 my mom called to let us know she had called 911 because she thought she was having a heart attack. The 3 of us quickly dressed, jumped in the car, and headed for the emergency room.
Turns out she didn't have a heart attack (thankfully!), but they aren't really sure what it was. The doctor wanted to admit her so they could test some more and observe her. Around 4:30 we left to get breakfast and head home. I wanted to wait until she was in a regular room before we left, but the boy was passed out in the waiting room and hub was fading fast, so I felt like I needed to take care of them more than I needed to just wait., but I still hated to leave.
We got breakfast - hub made it to Herbie's but I had to drive us home. Funny - he's the late night person, but when it comes to late night driving, I have to pitch in a lot! We got home around 6:15 and headed for bed. The dog woke me up at 8:30, I left the guys sleeping while I headed back to the hospital. Mom was released and I took her home.
We all stayed home yesterday (except the boy did volunteer) and puttered around and napped. The boy said someone was looking at Jack, so I hope he gets adopted this week!!!! Hub picked him up and went in to look at the chihuahuas - they had just gotten back from getting fixed, he said they were all sacked out.
We are going to Georgia this weekend to visit my great aunt, but hub is staying home since he has to work. :-(
I was planning to take Monday off work (it’s my birthday), but I guess I'll just take half a day - I'll need some time to grocery shop & food prep after getting home.
Anyway, I'm tired - thankfully, today is actually a low key day at work!I went to the optometrist and ordered new glasses. They should be ready in 5 days. She knocked $40 off b/c she felt bad I'd had such a hard time! They are cute and it'll be nice to have a pair I can leave at work and have one for home.
I ordered a workout thingie from an infomercial. I know that sounds cheesy! I just feel like having some structure will help me out – I feel like I’m drifting. It’s a 60 day program. The reason I like this one more than some others I’ve seen is because it requires no equipment – it’s bodyweight exercises only. Right now that sounds pretty good.
My weight is up and seems to be staying that way – right now I don’t want to write numbers, even here. I feel self conscious even thought I don’t think anyone I know in “real life” reads this. Also, I am having my blood work done Friday and my annual check-up next Friday, and frankly I’m a little concerned. Not because I feel bad or anything, I just feel like I need to make some improvement. I’ll keep you guys posted with the results of that.
I started using my heavier kettlebell this morning. Wow! I forgot how much more difficult it is!
Well, that’s all I’ve got.
Turns out she didn't have a heart attack (thankfully!), but they aren't really sure what it was. The doctor wanted to admit her so they could test some more and observe her. Around 4:30 we left to get breakfast and head home. I wanted to wait until she was in a regular room before we left, but the boy was passed out in the waiting room and hub was fading fast, so I felt like I needed to take care of them more than I needed to just wait., but I still hated to leave.
We got breakfast - hub made it to Herbie's but I had to drive us home. Funny - he's the late night person, but when it comes to late night driving, I have to pitch in a lot! We got home around 6:15 and headed for bed. The dog woke me up at 8:30, I left the guys sleeping while I headed back to the hospital. Mom was released and I took her home.
We all stayed home yesterday (except the boy did volunteer) and puttered around and napped. The boy said someone was looking at Jack, so I hope he gets adopted this week!!!! Hub picked him up and went in to look at the chihuahuas - they had just gotten back from getting fixed, he said they were all sacked out.
We are going to Georgia this weekend to visit my great aunt, but hub is staying home since he has to work. :-(
I was planning to take Monday off work (it’s my birthday), but I guess I'll just take half a day - I'll need some time to grocery shop & food prep after getting home.
Anyway, I'm tired - thankfully, today is actually a low key day at work!I went to the optometrist and ordered new glasses. They should be ready in 5 days. She knocked $40 off b/c she felt bad I'd had such a hard time! They are cute and it'll be nice to have a pair I can leave at work and have one for home.
I ordered a workout thingie from an infomercial. I know that sounds cheesy! I just feel like having some structure will help me out – I feel like I’m drifting. It’s a 60 day program. The reason I like this one more than some others I’ve seen is because it requires no equipment – it’s bodyweight exercises only. Right now that sounds pretty good.
My weight is up and seems to be staying that way – right now I don’t want to write numbers, even here. I feel self conscious even thought I don’t think anyone I know in “real life” reads this. Also, I am having my blood work done Friday and my annual check-up next Friday, and frankly I’m a little concerned. Not because I feel bad or anything, I just feel like I need to make some improvement. I’ll keep you guys posted with the results of that.
I started using my heavier kettlebell this morning. Wow! I forgot how much more difficult it is!
Well, that’s all I’ve got.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Nice weekend
I had lunch with a friend Sunday - the kind of thing I never seem to find time for. It was so nice! Sometimes I get so caught up in all the stuff I'm doing, I forget to connect with other people....
The boy has his leaner's permit! That was a big deal for him.
I am avoiding the scale - right now I feel like there is nothing I can do to change my weight, which is a crummy way to feel.
I had lunch with a friend Sunday - the kind of thing I never seem to find time for. It was so nice! Sometimes I get so caught up in all the stuff I'm doing, I forget to connect with other people....
The boy has his leaner's permit! That was a big deal for him.
I am avoiding the scale - right now I feel like there is nothing I can do to change my weight, which is a crummy way to feel.
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Ugh!
It's 1 step forward, 2 steps back sometimes. I was so pleased with the drop on the scale, then a frustrating day with data & Excel, plus the fact that my glasses STILL weren't ready (oh, and they wanted an extra $90) left me in tears by the time I got home yesterday.
I had beer & ramen for dinner. Then I ate the dinner my husband brought home for me. Not the way to lose weight.
It's 1 step forward, 2 steps back sometimes. I was so pleased with the drop on the scale, then a frustrating day with data & Excel, plus the fact that my glasses STILL weren't ready (oh, and they wanted an extra $90) left me in tears by the time I got home yesterday.
I had beer & ramen for dinner. Then I ate the dinner my husband brought home for me. Not the way to lose weight.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Hello again!
Yesterday AM I was very tired and time was tight, so I didn't get in my AM kettlebell workout. I was able to pack healthy food though! I walked at lunch and then went and volunteered at the animal shelter in the afternoon. I was walked by several large dogs in the 90+ degree heat. Talk about wiped out!
I went home, had a quick supper (vegan stuff off the Whole Foods hot bar), took a bath, then had to go back to work for 2 meetings! I ended up getting home at 11:30! Ugh! Not a night owl...
So my plans for getting up this morning and doing a double workout (k-bells and walk) became zero workout as I slept in! Okay, things are NOT going as planned.
The good news is I dropped 2 and a half pounds of that vacation gain and eating is going well. I'm getting in plenty of raw foods (green smoothie for breakfast, raw nuts & fruit for snack, a huge salad for lunch) and I think it's helping me get back to normal.
Even though it's hard work and I don't always know exactly what I'm doing, I feel like volunteering at the shelter is making a difference. And frankly it feels more rewarding than all the political garbage that goes on in our medieval group! Dogs don't have politics - they're just happy to be out of the kennel and going for a walk.
It makes me kinda sad to see them there, but I'm glad it's a no kill shelter. otherwise they might all end up at my house!
Yesterday AM I was very tired and time was tight, so I didn't get in my AM kettlebell workout. I was able to pack healthy food though! I walked at lunch and then went and volunteered at the animal shelter in the afternoon. I was walked by several large dogs in the 90+ degree heat. Talk about wiped out!
I went home, had a quick supper (vegan stuff off the Whole Foods hot bar), took a bath, then had to go back to work for 2 meetings! I ended up getting home at 11:30! Ugh! Not a night owl...
So my plans for getting up this morning and doing a double workout (k-bells and walk) became zero workout as I slept in! Okay, things are NOT going as planned.
The good news is I dropped 2 and a half pounds of that vacation gain and eating is going well. I'm getting in plenty of raw foods (green smoothie for breakfast, raw nuts & fruit for snack, a huge salad for lunch) and I think it's helping me get back to normal.
Even though it's hard work and I don't always know exactly what I'm doing, I feel like volunteering at the shelter is making a difference. And frankly it feels more rewarding than all the political garbage that goes on in our medieval group! Dogs don't have politics - they're just happy to be out of the kennel and going for a walk.
It makes me kinda sad to see them there, but I'm glad it's a no kill shelter. otherwise they might all end up at my house!
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Where do we go from here?
Well, my weight was up (quite a bit) after vacation. I guess that isn't too surprising since I mostly sat on the porch and ate and read books.
I wasn't as active as I wanted to be, but honestly I was just feeling so burned out. It's been a tough year for many small reasons and it was nice to just sit & watch the ocean.
I'm feeling better. I still need to get more focused, but I am feeling more at peace than I was when I left. Right now my focus is to make the time for the things I need to do - like making healthy meals, exercise, and relaxing!
Well, my weight was up (quite a bit) after vacation. I guess that isn't too surprising since I mostly sat on the porch and ate and read books.
I wasn't as active as I wanted to be, but honestly I was just feeling so burned out. It's been a tough year for many small reasons and it was nice to just sit & watch the ocean.
I'm feeling better. I still need to get more focused, but I am feeling more at peace than I was when I left. Right now my focus is to make the time for the things I need to do - like making healthy meals, exercise, and relaxing!
Monday, April 05, 2010
And so I'm back
We made it back from vacation. Sigh. it was nice. it would have been nicer if I didn't need so much of it just to decompress! Also, boy was bored b/c no friends could come. other than that, very nice.
Glad to be home and back in a routine - and away from South Carolina pimiento cheese (OMG)!
We made it back from vacation. Sigh. it was nice. it would have been nicer if I didn't need so much of it just to decompress! Also, boy was bored b/c no friends could come. other than that, very nice.
Glad to be home and back in a routine - and away from South Carolina pimiento cheese (OMG)!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
A trifecta of excuses
Number 1: Time change has totally kicked my butt. I’ve had a hard time going to bed until 10, which has made getting up to exercise a no go. Yesterday I was able to get up at 5:30 (finally).
Number 2: Allergies? Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I had a lousy headache.
Number 3: Last week I was exhausted and worn out and miserable, and I didn’t want another week like that.
Scale remained the same, but with the minimal amount of exercise I did, that’s pretty good.
I am trying to cycle my calories – i.e. have low eating & high eating days, in an effort to move the scale. The results have been mixed: the first day I tried it I felt like crap and went home & pigged out, the second try I did great until after dinner when I had ½ a brownie and ½ a scoop of lf ice cream, and the third time I was starving, work was crazy, and I ate a bean burger.
So I dunno. Maybe I’ll give it a go again next week. Maybe I’ll just try to exercise more.
The week after next is spring break and we have rented a beach house at Edisto. I am so excited! It will be quiet, peaceful, and fun. We’re taking our bikes (it’s an awesome place to ride) and I will probably take my sewing machine and some jewelry making supplies. I can’t wait!
Have a good weekend!
Number 1: Time change has totally kicked my butt. I’ve had a hard time going to bed until 10, which has made getting up to exercise a no go. Yesterday I was able to get up at 5:30 (finally).
Number 2: Allergies? Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I had a lousy headache.
Number 3: Last week I was exhausted and worn out and miserable, and I didn’t want another week like that.
Scale remained the same, but with the minimal amount of exercise I did, that’s pretty good.
I am trying to cycle my calories – i.e. have low eating & high eating days, in an effort to move the scale. The results have been mixed: the first day I tried it I felt like crap and went home & pigged out, the second try I did great until after dinner when I had ½ a brownie and ½ a scoop of lf ice cream, and the third time I was starving, work was crazy, and I ate a bean burger.
So I dunno. Maybe I’ll give it a go again next week. Maybe I’ll just try to exercise more.
The week after next is spring break and we have rented a beach house at Edisto. I am so excited! It will be quiet, peaceful, and fun. We’re taking our bikes (it’s an awesome place to ride) and I will probably take my sewing machine and some jewelry making supplies. I can’t wait!
Have a good weekend!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Not much to report
Daylight savings time is kicking my butt. I’m having a rough time getting up in the morning. Ugh. Weight has stayed the same so far this week. Weather here is lovely. I walked yesterday, skipped Monday, and I’ll do kettlebells and walk this afternoon. Since I’m volunteering tomorrow, I HAVE to get up in the morning.
Daylight savings time is kicking my butt. I’m having a rough time getting up in the morning. Ugh. Weight has stayed the same so far this week. Weather here is lovely. I walked yesterday, skipped Monday, and I’ll do kettlebells and walk this afternoon. Since I’m volunteering tomorrow, I HAVE to get up in the morning.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Doing the Friday happy Dance
TGIF. I am pooped! I swear I feel like I could sleep for a week!
Walking/cleaning up after/playing with the dogs at the Humane Society last night was fun but pretty hard work and tiring. And of course I desperately needed a bath when I got home!
This week I dropped the 2.8 pounds I gained last week (yay!). I’ve have gotten up and exercised every morning Monday-Friday – doing either kettlebells or the 2 mile loop. I have walked at lunch 4 weekdays and walked 2 afternoons after work. Overall, I give myself an A!
It’s supposed to rain all weekend here. I am doing shopping and going out to dinner tonight. Mom and I are hitting the farmer’s market and Costco in the morning but other than that (and getting my toenails painted – it’s that season) I plan to putter around the house this weekend.
I feel the need to be a slug!
Have a great weekend.
TGIF. I am pooped! I swear I feel like I could sleep for a week!
Walking/cleaning up after/playing with the dogs at the Humane Society last night was fun but pretty hard work and tiring. And of course I desperately needed a bath when I got home!
This week I dropped the 2.8 pounds I gained last week (yay!). I’ve have gotten up and exercised every morning Monday-Friday – doing either kettlebells or the 2 mile loop. I have walked at lunch 4 weekdays and walked 2 afternoons after work. Overall, I give myself an A!
It’s supposed to rain all weekend here. I am doing shopping and going out to dinner tonight. Mom and I are hitting the farmer’s market and Costco in the morning but other than that (and getting my toenails painted – it’s that season) I plan to putter around the house this weekend.
I feel the need to be a slug!
Have a great weekend.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Do you follow recipes?
I think of recipes as guidelines rather than instructions to be followed verbatim. This morning I was putting dinner in the crockpot since I won't be home till 7 (work then volunteer at the animal shelter then pick up the boy from drivers ed). Hub is in charge of "making dinner" which means making rice to go with the dinner in the crockpot.
Have I ever mentioned I love my crockpot?
Anyway, I was making curry and I had a new recipe. But I wasn't quite sure about it (didn't sound spicy enough) so I pulled out an old tried and true recipe, then split the difference. Sadly, I'll never be able to replicate it exactly. I do write down my recipes sometimes, but my mom always thinks it hilarious when she calls to ask for a recipe and I ask which version and then begin to rattle it off b/c they live in my head.
I was grating ginger into the crockpot. Until recently I wouldn't have had fresh ginger on hand and would have been stuck using ground ginger as a poor substitute. But I read a tip somewhere about cutting your fresh ginger into 1 inch pieces and then freezing them. Well duh! Why hadn't I ever thought of that? Fresh ginger that's never withered and forgotten in the bottom of the veg drawer. It's the little things that make me happy sometimes.
Warning: MIL Whinge ahead
It's no secret that I'm not MIL's Number One Fan. I find it hard to empathize or have any patience with someone as hell bent on making themselves a victim as she is. (If you wonder how someone like that has a son like Hub, just know that she didn't raise him.)
The Saturday before moving down here she got her prescriptions refilled. In the week and a half since she has been down here, she has established a routine: sleep till noon, crochet & watch tv. She made a halfhearted attempt at seeing a doctor but when she found out where she used to go isn't accepting new patients, she didn't pursue it any farther. Now, this is a woman with health problems, among them diabetes and a broken foot that is healing VERY slowly. And stomach problems. And high blood pressure.
You think going to a doctor and seeing about 1) getting prescriptions set up and refilled and 2) seeing someone about the fact that she feels bad (her foot is hurting plus she's having a lot of body aches) would be a priority. But not so much. Oh, and she's on the new diabetes diet. I call it "a cake a day keeps the doctor away." My mom bought a small pound cake at fresh Market. She had 2 small slices. My MIL ate the rest - in one day. She also drank A WHOLE GALLON of coffee creamer (vanilla, NOT sugar free) her first week of living with my mom. Oh, and she's been busy on a half gallon of ice cream as well.
Now, I am not a medical professional, but in my medical opinion if I were to design a diet which would enable a diabetic to commit suicide via food, I think this would be it. As long as she takes care of what she needs to in order to get this apartment in K'ville, then whatever. But she isn't going to just sponge off my mom's kind nature.
Hub called yesterday & told her she needed to get off her a$$ & start taking care of stuff. My mom agreed, but in a nicer way. I told mom to keep us posted and if she hadn't made any progress by next Wednesday we'll be coming by for an in person come to Jesus.
I think of recipes as guidelines rather than instructions to be followed verbatim. This morning I was putting dinner in the crockpot since I won't be home till 7 (work then volunteer at the animal shelter then pick up the boy from drivers ed). Hub is in charge of "making dinner" which means making rice to go with the dinner in the crockpot.
Have I ever mentioned I love my crockpot?
Anyway, I was making curry and I had a new recipe. But I wasn't quite sure about it (didn't sound spicy enough) so I pulled out an old tried and true recipe, then split the difference. Sadly, I'll never be able to replicate it exactly. I do write down my recipes sometimes, but my mom always thinks it hilarious when she calls to ask for a recipe and I ask which version and then begin to rattle it off b/c they live in my head.
I was grating ginger into the crockpot. Until recently I wouldn't have had fresh ginger on hand and would have been stuck using ground ginger as a poor substitute. But I read a tip somewhere about cutting your fresh ginger into 1 inch pieces and then freezing them. Well duh! Why hadn't I ever thought of that? Fresh ginger that's never withered and forgotten in the bottom of the veg drawer. It's the little things that make me happy sometimes.
Warning: MIL Whinge ahead
It's no secret that I'm not MIL's Number One Fan. I find it hard to empathize or have any patience with someone as hell bent on making themselves a victim as she is. (If you wonder how someone like that has a son like Hub, just know that she didn't raise him.)
The Saturday before moving down here she got her prescriptions refilled. In the week and a half since she has been down here, she has established a routine: sleep till noon, crochet & watch tv. She made a halfhearted attempt at seeing a doctor but when she found out where she used to go isn't accepting new patients, she didn't pursue it any farther. Now, this is a woman with health problems, among them diabetes and a broken foot that is healing VERY slowly. And stomach problems. And high blood pressure.
You think going to a doctor and seeing about 1) getting prescriptions set up and refilled and 2) seeing someone about the fact that she feels bad (her foot is hurting plus she's having a lot of body aches) would be a priority. But not so much. Oh, and she's on the new diabetes diet. I call it "a cake a day keeps the doctor away." My mom bought a small pound cake at fresh Market. She had 2 small slices. My MIL ate the rest - in one day. She also drank A WHOLE GALLON of coffee creamer (vanilla, NOT sugar free) her first week of living with my mom. Oh, and she's been busy on a half gallon of ice cream as well.
Now, I am not a medical professional, but in my medical opinion if I were to design a diet which would enable a diabetic to commit suicide via food, I think this would be it. As long as she takes care of what she needs to in order to get this apartment in K'ville, then whatever. But she isn't going to just sponge off my mom's kind nature.
Hub called yesterday & told her she needed to get off her a$$ & start taking care of stuff. My mom agreed, but in a nicer way. I told mom to keep us posted and if she hadn't made any progress by next Wednesday we'll be coming by for an in person come to Jesus.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
High quality or not, they still feel like problems!
I have what a fellow blogger refers to as “high quality problems”. Not knowing whether your kids will have enough food and a warm place to sleep tonight – those are problems. Are what I have really “problems”? They feel like it.
I went to get a 2nd pair of reading glasses made. First they were put into the wrong frames, then when I got them they didn’t work. Turns out (and this doesn’t make sense to me, but whatever) when I asked for a copy of my prescription at the eye dr’s office, they gave it to me, just not for reading glasses. My insurance covers 1 pair per year, and they are useless. The dr’s office is faxing me a copy of the right things & said just take it with the glasses and tell them it was a dr’s change and they should re-make them. (It’s Wal-Rip, so we’ll see what happens.) But how frustrating! Last night I just sat & cried. Is it really that big a deal? No. But it sure felt like it.
I think it’s just that things are feeling very busy right now. Part of it is that with the boy in drivers ed and not getting home until 7, my mom isn’t coming over (and helping out) and he isn’t having time to help, and a fair bit ends up falling to me. So I got up this morning & walked, then picked up the house, did a couple loads of laundry, re-booted the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen, and colored my hair. And fixed breakfast for the 2 of us before driving the boy to school. Then I got to come to my full time job.
Despite and beer and a couple of baked tortillas with cheese, things are going pretty good. According to Gillian McKeith (on BBCA’s “You are what you eat’) to lose weight you should do 3 30 minute sessions of exercise per day. That seems like a lot, but I think she’s right. She isn’t talking anything extreme – just getting out & walking. So I am trying to do that. Some afternoons I can’t (like today I’m working late & tomorrow I’m volunteering at the animal shelter) and I don’t try to walk at lunch on the weekends (I’m a lot more active on the weekends anyway than I am at my job). But for people with sedentary jobs, I think that makes sense. But if you look at it as 1.5 hours of exercise per day, I can see how you’d want to just go eat a cookie and whimper.
I’m down a bit over 2 pounds so far this week. Woo hoo!
I have what a fellow blogger refers to as “high quality problems”. Not knowing whether your kids will have enough food and a warm place to sleep tonight – those are problems. Are what I have really “problems”? They feel like it.
I went to get a 2nd pair of reading glasses made. First they were put into the wrong frames, then when I got them they didn’t work. Turns out (and this doesn’t make sense to me, but whatever) when I asked for a copy of my prescription at the eye dr’s office, they gave it to me, just not for reading glasses. My insurance covers 1 pair per year, and they are useless. The dr’s office is faxing me a copy of the right things & said just take it with the glasses and tell them it was a dr’s change and they should re-make them. (It’s Wal-Rip, so we’ll see what happens.) But how frustrating! Last night I just sat & cried. Is it really that big a deal? No. But it sure felt like it.
I think it’s just that things are feeling very busy right now. Part of it is that with the boy in drivers ed and not getting home until 7, my mom isn’t coming over (and helping out) and he isn’t having time to help, and a fair bit ends up falling to me. So I got up this morning & walked, then picked up the house, did a couple loads of laundry, re-booted the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen, and colored my hair. And fixed breakfast for the 2 of us before driving the boy to school. Then I got to come to my full time job.
Despite and beer and a couple of baked tortillas with cheese, things are going pretty good. According to Gillian McKeith (on BBCA’s “You are what you eat’) to lose weight you should do 3 30 minute sessions of exercise per day. That seems like a lot, but I think she’s right. She isn’t talking anything extreme – just getting out & walking. So I am trying to do that. Some afternoons I can’t (like today I’m working late & tomorrow I’m volunteering at the animal shelter) and I don’t try to walk at lunch on the weekends (I’m a lot more active on the weekends anyway than I am at my job). But for people with sedentary jobs, I think that makes sense. But if you look at it as 1.5 hours of exercise per day, I can see how you’d want to just go eat a cookie and whimper.
I’m down a bit over 2 pounds so far this week. Woo hoo!
Monday, March 08, 2010
Whole lotta cooking going on
Good lord, I can’t believe I have ignored my blog for this long. Poor little blog, I’ve missed you!
Overall, things are going well. Scale has bounced around a bit, but is headed in the right direction. I did loads of cooking this weekend: meat for the boy to add to vegan dinners (it’s a compromise), I made seitan “pepperoni” (pretty good) and seitan chicken cutlets (really good). That’s stuff that is portioned out and in the freezer for use as needed.
Then of course I made breakfast & lunch foods, as well as some pre-cooking for dinners. Even though I did loads of cooking and cleaning, I feel refreshed after the weekend. Fun things included walking the dogs (the weather was great!) and I did my kettlebells.
The weather seems to have turned and mornings now are bearable and afternoons are in the 60s/upper 50s. Yay spring!
Good lord, I can’t believe I have ignored my blog for this long. Poor little blog, I’ve missed you!
Overall, things are going well. Scale has bounced around a bit, but is headed in the right direction. I did loads of cooking this weekend: meat for the boy to add to vegan dinners (it’s a compromise), I made seitan “pepperoni” (pretty good) and seitan chicken cutlets (really good). That’s stuff that is portioned out and in the freezer for use as needed.
Then of course I made breakfast & lunch foods, as well as some pre-cooking for dinners. Even though I did loads of cooking and cleaning, I feel refreshed after the weekend. Fun things included walking the dogs (the weather was great!) and I did my kettlebells.
The weather seems to have turned and mornings now are bearable and afternoons are in the 60s/upper 50s. Yay spring!
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Snow
Yes, it's snowing again. This wasn't supposed to stick, but it is. Ugh!
Got MIL moved - it was tiring, frustrating, etc, but it's done. Her stuff is back in a storage unit until an aprtment becomes available.
Not too much to say - exercise is going well, overeating still happens, but this weekend was pretty good.
Yes, it's snowing again. This wasn't supposed to stick, but it is. Ugh!
Got MIL moved - it was tiring, frustrating, etc, but it's done. Her stuff is back in a storage unit until an aprtment becomes available.
Not too much to say - exercise is going well, overeating still happens, but this weekend was pretty good.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What’s going on
The scale is bouncing up and down. I am still struggling with stress eating. I’ve just been feeling overwhelmed lately, but if you asked me why I couldn’t give you any rational answer! I’m working on that bit….
In the meantime, exercise is going great! I am walking 2 miles in the morning, and doing my kettlebells. Right now I am doing 3 work sets with the 18 pound bell – my goal is 5 work sets with the 26 pound bell. So I’m making progress! More importantly, I’m remembering how fun, quick, and easy kettlebell workouts are!
The guest room is back to being a guest room. The boy’s friend is back at home on a permanent basis, and seems to have severed his friendship with our son. We have no idea what happened. This gives me a quiet place to work out in the mornings, which is nice.
We are headed up to Virginia to move my MIL this weekend. As expected, things blew up where she was living (she really couldn’t afford the place to begin with and the landlord had gotten overextended and was trying to squeeze her for money, not to mention both the landlord and the tenant were making outrageous demands in terms of doing errands etc.).
She will be staying with my mom until an apartment becomes available. Last we heard she was number 7 on the wait list. Because the rent is based on income, it will be affordable and it isn’t conditional on a job, so hopefully this will work out.
The boy does seem to be doing better in school. We signed him up to repeat Spanish – he’s passing but I think 2nd year would be too much as he really hasn’t mastered the basics.
We are down to 4 dogs, the hub remains (knock on wood) employed, I have a job, we have a house, we are healthy.
Part of my stress was coughing up $1400 to make plumbing repairs and that meant no hardwood floors. Since I have pet allergies, that was a real blow for me. And I guess I haven’t really found my focus work-wise for the year.
My big thing I guess is that the past few times I’ve checked it, my blood pressure has been elevated. I have an appointment with my doctor in April – I hope a good diet and regular exercise will remedy the situation, but I admit it has me worried.
The scale is bouncing up and down. I am still struggling with stress eating. I’ve just been feeling overwhelmed lately, but if you asked me why I couldn’t give you any rational answer! I’m working on that bit….
In the meantime, exercise is going great! I am walking 2 miles in the morning, and doing my kettlebells. Right now I am doing 3 work sets with the 18 pound bell – my goal is 5 work sets with the 26 pound bell. So I’m making progress! More importantly, I’m remembering how fun, quick, and easy kettlebell workouts are!
The guest room is back to being a guest room. The boy’s friend is back at home on a permanent basis, and seems to have severed his friendship with our son. We have no idea what happened. This gives me a quiet place to work out in the mornings, which is nice.
We are headed up to Virginia to move my MIL this weekend. As expected, things blew up where she was living (she really couldn’t afford the place to begin with and the landlord had gotten overextended and was trying to squeeze her for money, not to mention both the landlord and the tenant were making outrageous demands in terms of doing errands etc.).
She will be staying with my mom until an apartment becomes available. Last we heard she was number 7 on the wait list. Because the rent is based on income, it will be affordable and it isn’t conditional on a job, so hopefully this will work out.
The boy does seem to be doing better in school. We signed him up to repeat Spanish – he’s passing but I think 2nd year would be too much as he really hasn’t mastered the basics.
We are down to 4 dogs, the hub remains (knock on wood) employed, I have a job, we have a house, we are healthy.
Part of my stress was coughing up $1400 to make plumbing repairs and that meant no hardwood floors. Since I have pet allergies, that was a real blow for me. And I guess I haven’t really found my focus work-wise for the year.
My big thing I guess is that the past few times I’ve checked it, my blood pressure has been elevated. I have an appointment with my doctor in April – I hope a good diet and regular exercise will remedy the situation, but I admit it has me worried.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Cheesy and new-agey?
First off, the weather here continues to be cold! I feel like it's never gonna warm up! I've been faithful about doing my kettlebells at home, and I still want to try the class at the gym - just the darn weather has kept me from getting there! SOS (sick of snow).
I have decided to print out pictures that fit with my vision of how I'd like my life to be. My health coach (the first one, not the one I'm going to now who is actaully here in the office rather than over the phone) asked me to make a vision statement, but this is one of those instances where pictures are far more powerful IMO.
I'm looking for pics, and then I'll print them out, make a collage, and hang them in my room. The pic at the top of the post is a favorite because it's about peace, nature, fitness.... so many things!
Anyhow, things are going okay!
Another big new thing is that the boy has to do 15 hours of community service for one of his classes. We are going to volunteer together at the Human Society. I've been wanting to do something like this for a while and I am very excited - this is just the push I needed to act on my intention.
Moving us to local sources of food (esp. animal products) is going well and gives me a good feeling.
Anyway, things are going along!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
We'll just look at the sun & pretend it's spring!
Yesterday as I left work, I heard the sound of rushing water. You know - like a river of large waterfall. It was, in fact, the wind in the trees. It was so windy all the flags were taken down at office buildings.
But it was sunny! And this morning was lovely, even if it was butt ass cold. So I am going to pretend it's spring.
This morning I got up and swung my kettlebell & did some push-ups. Not a lot, just enough to get my body used to it again. I remember now how hot I get doing the k-bell - I went & stood outside to cook down!
I've lost one of those 5 pounds I gained in January, so I am headed in the right direction.
Progress.
Yesterday as I left work, I heard the sound of rushing water. You know - like a river of large waterfall. It was, in fact, the wind in the trees. It was so windy all the flags were taken down at office buildings.
But it was sunny! And this morning was lovely, even if it was butt ass cold. So I am going to pretend it's spring.
This morning I got up and swung my kettlebell & did some push-ups. Not a lot, just enough to get my body used to it again. I remember now how hot I get doing the k-bell - I went & stood outside to cook down!
I've lost one of those 5 pounds I gained in January, so I am headed in the right direction.
Progress.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The sun will come out, today!
The sun is out! It's horribly cold and we're supposed to be getting tropical storm force winds today, but at least it LOOKS nice.
I got up this morning, swung my kettlebell (just the light one is in use these days), and then did some warm-up stretching and a few weights with Gilad. I don't want to overdo it with the k-bell - a little goes a long way!
Weight is drifting back downward, I am doing a bit of the hold white knuckling after dinner (and drinking no-alcohol beer), but I am beginning to feel better.
There was a step class at the gym last night, but the very thought... ugh. The going back out, the going to a class, just ugh. I do want to start back going after work and using the elliptical with my Cardio Coach. That is fun.
The sun is out! It's horribly cold and we're supposed to be getting tropical storm force winds today, but at least it LOOKS nice.
I got up this morning, swung my kettlebell (just the light one is in use these days), and then did some warm-up stretching and a few weights with Gilad. I don't want to overdo it with the k-bell - a little goes a long way!
Weight is drifting back downward, I am doing a bit of the hold white knuckling after dinner (and drinking no-alcohol beer), but I am beginning to feel better.
There was a step class at the gym last night, but the very thought... ugh. The going back out, the going to a class, just ugh. I do want to start back going after work and using the elliptical with my Cardio Coach. That is fun.
Monday, February 08, 2010
State of the eating
I have been making condiments. Many commercial ones are just plain full of junk. So far I’ve had very good success with ranch and French salad dressings, as well as bbq sauce.
My next attempts will be mayo, ketchup, and sour cream.
My mom went for her check-up and the doctor upped her cholesterol medicine. She’s ready to get serious about cleaning up her diet, which helps since hub and I want to do so as well. She is going to cook more with me and when I make stuff like condiments, she can take some home.
We are working to eliminate/severely limit animal products in our diet, stuff like high fructose corn syrup, etc. We’ve agreed that animal products will be purchased from local farmers only. We are lucky that we can do that. Yes, it’s more expensive, but we can be sure we are getting quality stuff (and our dollars are staying closer to home). I know quality products are produced elsewhere, but it’s easier to be assured of what you’re buying when you can stand there and speak with the person that has raised what you are about to eat.
So, more cooking, but I think the payoff is worth the effort.
It’s been a very stressful week and we had more snow, so exercise has been tough. I’m so ready for spring!
I have been making condiments. Many commercial ones are just plain full of junk. So far I’ve had very good success with ranch and French salad dressings, as well as bbq sauce.
My next attempts will be mayo, ketchup, and sour cream.
My mom went for her check-up and the doctor upped her cholesterol medicine. She’s ready to get serious about cleaning up her diet, which helps since hub and I want to do so as well. She is going to cook more with me and when I make stuff like condiments, she can take some home.
We are working to eliminate/severely limit animal products in our diet, stuff like high fructose corn syrup, etc. We’ve agreed that animal products will be purchased from local farmers only. We are lucky that we can do that. Yes, it’s more expensive, but we can be sure we are getting quality stuff (and our dollars are staying closer to home). I know quality products are produced elsewhere, but it’s easier to be assured of what you’re buying when you can stand there and speak with the person that has raised what you are about to eat.
So, more cooking, but I think the payoff is worth the effort.
It’s been a very stressful week and we had more snow, so exercise has been tough. I’m so ready for spring!
Spring cleaning in the dead of winter
Upcoming weekend guests were just the impetus we needed to get our butts in gear and spend the weekend doing a good old fashioned “spring cleaning”!
For one, the boy’s friend Tim spent all of Christmas break at our house but hasn’t been there but one or 2 nights since. (My theory: either other family members or folks from their church wondered why they didn’t have their child with them for Christmas so they decided to start acting like parents again. After the holidays they had a group of elders come over from their church to stage an “intervention” for Tim’s behavior. Without going into all the Jerry Springer-esque details, let me just say that people like that give Christianity a bad rep.)
ANYWAY. Our guest room looked like a teenage wasteland and my craft closet had become a scary, scary place. I emptied the closet, sorted all my fabric and craft stuff, and put it away in appropriately sized clear rubbermaid tubs that have content labels.
The entire house is deep dusted, vacuumed, air filters changed, 2 loads of stuff sent to Goodwill, and the boy even got in the act and worked on his room! He really likes the shelving system hub built in the guest closet, so I think they’re going to put something similar in his.
Even though I’m neither dirty nor a slob, the place just feels fresher.
I sincerely hope that we don’t get ice tomorrow. Really. Also, my backyard looks like some sort of motocross mud track of doom.
Upcoming weekend guests were just the impetus we needed to get our butts in gear and spend the weekend doing a good old fashioned “spring cleaning”!
For one, the boy’s friend Tim spent all of Christmas break at our house but hasn’t been there but one or 2 nights since. (My theory: either other family members or folks from their church wondered why they didn’t have their child with them for Christmas so they decided to start acting like parents again. After the holidays they had a group of elders come over from their church to stage an “intervention” for Tim’s behavior. Without going into all the Jerry Springer-esque details, let me just say that people like that give Christianity a bad rep.)
ANYWAY. Our guest room looked like a teenage wasteland and my craft closet had become a scary, scary place. I emptied the closet, sorted all my fabric and craft stuff, and put it away in appropriately sized clear rubbermaid tubs that have content labels.
The entire house is deep dusted, vacuumed, air filters changed, 2 loads of stuff sent to Goodwill, and the boy even got in the act and worked on his room! He really likes the shelving system hub built in the guest closet, so I think they’re going to put something similar in his.
Even though I’m neither dirty nor a slob, the place just feels fresher.
I sincerely hope that we don’t get ice tomorrow. Really. Also, my backyard looks like some sort of motocross mud track of doom.
Friday, February 05, 2010
For now, just a recipe
Jigae my way
Jigae was probably invented by poor folk as a way to use up leftover bits of whatever and finish off the kim chi that had gotten too “stinky” (fermented) to be considered tasty. So you can be creative! Warning: we like stuff pretty hot. This is milder than it would be if served in a Korean’s home, but still pretty hot!
Ingredients:
A glug of sesame oil
1 lb meat (optional) Many recipes call for pork – use a blade roast or something with a bit of fat. But you can use seafood or whatever, or leave it out!
8 oz tofu, diced
Small onion, halved and sliced thin
4 green onions
4 c kim chi (you can use fresh, but in this recipe, older is better!)
5-6 cloves garlic
1 tsp powdered ginger
2 T rice wine (buy at the Korean store where it’s not crazy expensive!), or just use regular white wine
2 T gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 T miso or stock base – I use a little of each
2 T gochugaru (Korean dried chili flakes)
Dash of soy sauce
2-3 cups water & kim chi juice (try to get about ½ c juice, but it’s not necessary)
Rice cake noodles – I use about 1/3 of a 1.7 lb bag.
Directions:
Heat a cast iron pot until hot, then add the oil, meat, and sliced onion. Allow some of the fat to render, then add the kim chi and garlic.
Saute until the mixture is very fragrant, then add the kimchi juice, water, ginger, cooking wine, gochujang, miso (or stock base) and soy sauce, stirring everything together to combine.
Bring to a boil and add the gochugaru. Then add the tofu, turn down the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat and kimchi are tender.
Stir in the rice cake noodles – these cook very fast – just a couple of minutes.
Lastly, stir in the green onions. Put a trivet on the table and serve it straight out of the pot along with a bowl of rice.
That’s my answer to an ice storm!
Jigae my way
Jigae was probably invented by poor folk as a way to use up leftover bits of whatever and finish off the kim chi that had gotten too “stinky” (fermented) to be considered tasty. So you can be creative! Warning: we like stuff pretty hot. This is milder than it would be if served in a Korean’s home, but still pretty hot!
Ingredients:
A glug of sesame oil
1 lb meat (optional) Many recipes call for pork – use a blade roast or something with a bit of fat. But you can use seafood or whatever, or leave it out!
8 oz tofu, diced
Small onion, halved and sliced thin
4 green onions
4 c kim chi (you can use fresh, but in this recipe, older is better!)
5-6 cloves garlic
1 tsp powdered ginger
2 T rice wine (buy at the Korean store where it’s not crazy expensive!), or just use regular white wine
2 T gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 T miso or stock base – I use a little of each
2 T gochugaru (Korean dried chili flakes)
Dash of soy sauce
2-3 cups water & kim chi juice (try to get about ½ c juice, but it’s not necessary)
Rice cake noodles – I use about 1/3 of a 1.7 lb bag.
Directions:
Heat a cast iron pot until hot, then add the oil, meat, and sliced onion. Allow some of the fat to render, then add the kim chi and garlic.
Saute until the mixture is very fragrant, then add the kimchi juice, water, ginger, cooking wine, gochujang, miso (or stock base) and soy sauce, stirring everything together to combine.
Bring to a boil and add the gochugaru. Then add the tofu, turn down the heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat and kimchi are tender.
Stir in the rice cake noodles – these cook very fast – just a couple of minutes.
Lastly, stir in the green onions. Put a trivet on the table and serve it straight out of the pot along with a bowl of rice.
That’s my answer to an ice storm!
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
There's got to be more than this
Maybe it's the weather. We got 9 inches of snow, and we're supposed to get more bad weather this weekend.
Maybe it's the fact that my hall bathroom has been torn up for 3 months and finishing doesn't seem to be a priority, even though I've been doing extra in other areas so hub has time to work on it.
Maybe it's because I feel like my life is a never ending series of chores.
Maybe it's because I'm worried about money and I'm the only one that's concerned.
But there has to be more to life than simply trudging along with your head down.
Maybe it's the weather. We got 9 inches of snow, and we're supposed to get more bad weather this weekend.
Maybe it's the fact that my hall bathroom has been torn up for 3 months and finishing doesn't seem to be a priority, even though I've been doing extra in other areas so hub has time to work on it.
Maybe it's because I feel like my life is a never ending series of chores.
Maybe it's because I'm worried about money and I'm the only one that's concerned.
But there has to be more to life than simply trudging along with your head down.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Well. That didn’t work out as planned.
So, I gained 5 pounds this month. I didn’t weigh the first 2 Fridays, and the Friday when I got back from San Francisco I was up 5 pounds. Then I went down 2 & back up 2. I’d say I gained a couple, then 3 more in SF, then I’ve maintained.
While there are some good things I’ve done (exercise is happening more frequently, continuing to work on diet, meeting with the health coach) there have been plenty of instances of emotional eating and I haven’t started doing weights. Weights are critical to my success.
Time to dig dip and just take it day by day.
I would like to be down 25 pounds when we go on vacation in 26 weeks. That will require consistency over “the long haul”.
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan
So, I gained 5 pounds this month. I didn’t weigh the first 2 Fridays, and the Friday when I got back from San Francisco I was up 5 pounds. Then I went down 2 & back up 2. I’d say I gained a couple, then 3 more in SF, then I’ve maintained.
While there are some good things I’ve done (exercise is happening more frequently, continuing to work on diet, meeting with the health coach) there have been plenty of instances of emotional eating and I haven’t started doing weights. Weights are critical to my success.
Time to dig dip and just take it day by day.
I would like to be down 25 pounds when we go on vacation in 26 weeks. That will require consistency over “the long haul”.
“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Snap out of it!
Last night I cried and went to bed. I swear, there are times I can’t help but wonder if I don’t suffer from manic depression. Obviously not sever since I am (for the most part!) a functional member of society without medication. And having friends who suffer the disease, I have seen how difficult it can be to function without medication for some people. (Isn’t it great how we’re the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn’t make sure it’s citizens have access to medical care. Don’t get me started.)
But I suffer these mood swings and I’m left looking for an explanation and sometimes I just can’t find one. Right now I just feel tired & defeated. Part of it is being back to winter weather, I’m run down b/c I’m fighting off something (the fever blister on my lip is always a clear indicator that my immune system is working overtime), but really I can’t think of a rational explanation for my mood. Sometimes I wonder who’s in the emotional driver seat around this place!
ANYWAY. My lunchtime walking buddy is back after being out of the office for 2 weeks (2 out of state deaths in the family), so we are walking at lunch again. I am going to have to walk in the afternoon – mornings are too cold again. Also, I lost the power cord to my MP3 player so I haven’t had music for doing cardio or access to my cardio coach workouts. I ordered one and it arrived, so I have workout music again!
Hub is going to work on the hall bath this weekend, I am going to continue to organize around the house. The cleaning lady comes today ($75 per month well spent IMO), so it will be clean and I can focus on organizing & small projects.
A year (or more) ago I bought a handmade fabric purse off etsy. I love it! The fabrics are appropriate for spring or fall (tans, muted greens, that sort of thing) but I felt like it didn’t match in winter. But it’s the perfect size. I pulled out some wool & an old Simplicity pattern and made myself a similar purse for winter. I like it so well that I bought a couple of fat quarters so I can make myself one for summer too. Not sure when I’ll do that, but I am tickled with my black wool one!
In the meantime, I will just force myself to mush one and know I’ll pop out the other side of this emotional black hole soon and I don’t want to have gained too much weight!
I will post the ji gae recipe – I really do need to sit down & write it out so I can replicate the performance!
Have a good day!
Last night I cried and went to bed. I swear, there are times I can’t help but wonder if I don’t suffer from manic depression. Obviously not sever since I am (for the most part!) a functional member of society without medication. And having friends who suffer the disease, I have seen how difficult it can be to function without medication for some people. (Isn’t it great how we’re the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn’t make sure it’s citizens have access to medical care. Don’t get me started.)
But I suffer these mood swings and I’m left looking for an explanation and sometimes I just can’t find one. Right now I just feel tired & defeated. Part of it is being back to winter weather, I’m run down b/c I’m fighting off something (the fever blister on my lip is always a clear indicator that my immune system is working overtime), but really I can’t think of a rational explanation for my mood. Sometimes I wonder who’s in the emotional driver seat around this place!
ANYWAY. My lunchtime walking buddy is back after being out of the office for 2 weeks (2 out of state deaths in the family), so we are walking at lunch again. I am going to have to walk in the afternoon – mornings are too cold again. Also, I lost the power cord to my MP3 player so I haven’t had music for doing cardio or access to my cardio coach workouts. I ordered one and it arrived, so I have workout music again!
Hub is going to work on the hall bath this weekend, I am going to continue to organize around the house. The cleaning lady comes today ($75 per month well spent IMO), so it will be clean and I can focus on organizing & small projects.
A year (or more) ago I bought a handmade fabric purse off etsy. I love it! The fabrics are appropriate for spring or fall (tans, muted greens, that sort of thing) but I felt like it didn’t match in winter. But it’s the perfect size. I pulled out some wool & an old Simplicity pattern and made myself a similar purse for winter. I like it so well that I bought a couple of fat quarters so I can make myself one for summer too. Not sure when I’ll do that, but I am tickled with my black wool one!
In the meantime, I will just force myself to mush one and know I’ll pop out the other side of this emotional black hole soon and I don’t want to have gained too much weight!
I will post the ji gae recipe – I really do need to sit down & write it out so I can replicate the performance!
Have a good day!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
It’s my blog and I’ll rant if I want to
Okay, the weather is crappy, it’s supposed to SNOW this weekend, and my family all need a boot in the backside!
I am rather disgusted with my whole eating this past weekend. And last night. I’m killing myself to make healthy meals, my house is a wreck, and so I’m eating crap to comfort myself. Truly the human mind is a strange place.
I felt icky Monday and stayed home. I did a few things around the house and was feeling better. Hub came home early not feeling well. I was mad because I wanted to be by myself.
He was really sick with a nasty stomach virus and stayed home yesterday. I took him to the doctor. I worked really hard – working from home and doing stuff around the house.
I made a really good dinner which the boy refused to eat because it didn’t have meat. He was supposed to clean the kitchen and did a crap job. I went to the stab-n-go for beer.
Work up in the middle of the night with insomnia, then overslept this morning. Hub stayed home again.
Gee, dontcha love weeks when you diet & exercise your way UP the scale???
I have a long list of things about which I am angry right now. These include:
I am tired of this treasurer job and ready to pass the proverbial buck.
My hall bath has been torn up since Thanksgiving weekend. I am ready to hire a contractor to finish the damn thing I’m so sick of it. Oh yeah, my husband is a contractor.
I am (still) angry that I had to drive his mom home while he went & played D&D. I realize he’s entitled to a break, but why should he have one when I never get one?
I want it to be warm weather so I can get outside and walk without my ears and nose snapping off.
With the exception of one activity in February, we are not going anywhere until that damn hall bathroom is done. I don’t care if I sound like I’m being his mommy or his boss, I’m sick of it.
Guess what we’re having tonight for dinner? Last night’s leftovers. I’ll stick a piece of boiled chicken on the boy’s plate & tell him to have at it.
I realize I sound like a shrew. I feel like one too.
WHEN WILL IT BE SPRING???????
Okay, the weather is crappy, it’s supposed to SNOW this weekend, and my family all need a boot in the backside!
I am rather disgusted with my whole eating this past weekend. And last night. I’m killing myself to make healthy meals, my house is a wreck, and so I’m eating crap to comfort myself. Truly the human mind is a strange place.
I felt icky Monday and stayed home. I did a few things around the house and was feeling better. Hub came home early not feeling well. I was mad because I wanted to be by myself.
He was really sick with a nasty stomach virus and stayed home yesterday. I took him to the doctor. I worked really hard – working from home and doing stuff around the house.
I made a really good dinner which the boy refused to eat because it didn’t have meat. He was supposed to clean the kitchen and did a crap job. I went to the stab-n-go for beer.
Work up in the middle of the night with insomnia, then overslept this morning. Hub stayed home again.
Gee, dontcha love weeks when you diet & exercise your way UP the scale???
I have a long list of things about which I am angry right now. These include:
I am tired of this treasurer job and ready to pass the proverbial buck.
My hall bath has been torn up since Thanksgiving weekend. I am ready to hire a contractor to finish the damn thing I’m so sick of it. Oh yeah, my husband is a contractor.
I am (still) angry that I had to drive his mom home while he went & played D&D. I realize he’s entitled to a break, but why should he have one when I never get one?
I want it to be warm weather so I can get outside and walk without my ears and nose snapping off.
With the exception of one activity in February, we are not going anywhere until that damn hall bathroom is done. I don’t care if I sound like I’m being his mommy or his boss, I’m sick of it.
Guess what we’re having tonight for dinner? Last night’s leftovers. I’ll stick a piece of boiled chicken on the boy’s plate & tell him to have at it.
I realize I sound like a shrew. I feel like one too.
WHEN WILL IT BE SPRING???????
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Happy Friday!
This has been a good (but long) week. Hub and I have walked every day but one since Sunday. My weight is down 2 pounds. Vegetable consumption is up.
Last night I made kim chi ji gae (korean cabbage stew) for dinner. My husband got that look on his face - pure bliss. This stuff is uber expensive to order in restaurants (not that we have a good korean restaurant nearby) and it is so good - and healthy! I can't believe it came out that good on my first try!!!
My plans for the weekend are to pick up my house and take down the Christmas ornaments (yeah, I know....)
Have a good one!
This has been a good (but long) week. Hub and I have walked every day but one since Sunday. My weight is down 2 pounds. Vegetable consumption is up.
Last night I made kim chi ji gae (korean cabbage stew) for dinner. My husband got that look on his face - pure bliss. This stuff is uber expensive to order in restaurants (not that we have a good korean restaurant nearby) and it is so good - and healthy! I can't believe it came out that good on my first try!!!
My plans for the weekend are to pick up my house and take down the Christmas ornaments (yeah, I know....)
Have a good one!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
I guess I needed that!
Tuesday I ended up ahving to work late, and when I got home I fell across the bed & fell asleep for half an hour! So, no kettlebell class. :-( Luckily they have one every week and next week's is Saturday morning - which will be easier.
I have walked every day with hub and I am so proud of him! Yesterday afternoon we took the dogs with us as well and it was really nice. I hope the boy will start coming with us also, but he seems to have hit a moody patch just lately. Not sure if it's exams or the fact that one of his wisdom teeth places got infected (again!) or just hormones. I know he won't walk mornings, but afternoons when we walk the dogs would be nice.
I found a great new web site www.vegandad.blogspot.com. No, we aren't going strictly vegan, but it's easier to afford organic when we're using less animal products - not to mention we feel better because it forces us to eat more vegetables and beans!
Anyway, things here are chugging along. I have an appointment tomorrow with our on site health coach. I'll keep you posted!
Tuesday I ended up ahving to work late, and when I got home I fell across the bed & fell asleep for half an hour! So, no kettlebell class. :-( Luckily they have one every week and next week's is Saturday morning - which will be easier.
I have walked every day with hub and I am so proud of him! Yesterday afternoon we took the dogs with us as well and it was really nice. I hope the boy will start coming with us also, but he seems to have hit a moody patch just lately. Not sure if it's exams or the fact that one of his wisdom teeth places got infected (again!) or just hormones. I know he won't walk mornings, but afternoons when we walk the dogs would be nice.
I found a great new web site www.vegandad.blogspot.com. No, we aren't going strictly vegan, but it's easier to afford organic when we're using less animal products - not to mention we feel better because it forces us to eat more vegetables and beans!
Anyway, things here are chugging along. I have an appointment tomorrow with our on site health coach. I'll keep you posted!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Catching Up
The rest of our trip was 1) medieval group stuff followed by 2) a trip back into the city for a bit more sight seeing (with me driving so hub could gawk) and a lovely Russian dinner.
I still haven’t gotten everything put away and my house needs a serious organization session, but the vacation was well worth it!
On the job front: hub is still working but it’s kind of “day by day.” They finished up a major construction project for a local university, and the university has been keeping his company on to make changes and do some repairs. He really has no idea how long this will last, but it certainly beats unemployment. But it certainly stressful to feel like you have this ax over your head and no idea when it will fall! So, exercise and de-stressing is really important!
I ordered a set of book from Dr. Joel Furman and began reading them. I want hub to read at least some of the info, and I’ve been sharing what I’m reading. Over the weekend I really solicited his feedback but developed very nutritious breakfasts and lunches for him. His breakfast is a bean patty (with a bit of sausage for flavor) topped with an egg & hot sauce on an English muffin. Then he has 3 pieces of fruit and a large vegetable & bean salad with sliced avocado for lunch. I also sent some soup today. His body is adjusting to the amount of raw vegetables. Ahem.
This week I’m having a slice of German sunflower seed rye for breakfast with hummus, carrot, cucumber, and spinach. Snacks are 6-8 almonds with a piece of fruit and lunch is the same cauliflower salad with avocado as hub. Overall I’d say were doing well, although I did get MAD at him and have beer & cheese dip Sunday. Sigh. How is that logical???
Hub has walked with me for the past 3 days!!!! He is slow and we are doing a mile, but we are walking!!! My goal is to walk in the AM, then walk the dogs 3 times per week in the afternoon. He’s working on that before he tries to add the gym in to the mix. I told him right now the main thing is nutrition, followed by simply establishing the habit.
My gym is offering kettlebell classes. No idea of the quality, but I am going to one tonight to check it out! I’ll report back!
I’d like to lose 25-30 pounds this year – hub needs to lose around 60 (but it doesn’t look like that much because he’s huge and built like a linebacker!). He has high blood pressure. The past couple of times I’ve had mine checked it’s been elevated – that’s a new development and one I don’t like!!! I haven’t mentioned it to anyone (I don’t go to my dr until next month) – I know not saying it doesn’t make it not true, but maybe this newfound dedication to diet & exercise will help. I know this morning I would not have gotten out of bed if I hadn’t been walking with hub, so having a partner really does help.
The rest of our trip was 1) medieval group stuff followed by 2) a trip back into the city for a bit more sight seeing (with me driving so hub could gawk) and a lovely Russian dinner.
I still haven’t gotten everything put away and my house needs a serious organization session, but the vacation was well worth it!
On the job front: hub is still working but it’s kind of “day by day.” They finished up a major construction project for a local university, and the university has been keeping his company on to make changes and do some repairs. He really has no idea how long this will last, but it certainly beats unemployment. But it certainly stressful to feel like you have this ax over your head and no idea when it will fall! So, exercise and de-stressing is really important!
I ordered a set of book from Dr. Joel Furman and began reading them. I want hub to read at least some of the info, and I’ve been sharing what I’m reading. Over the weekend I really solicited his feedback but developed very nutritious breakfasts and lunches for him. His breakfast is a bean patty (with a bit of sausage for flavor) topped with an egg & hot sauce on an English muffin. Then he has 3 pieces of fruit and a large vegetable & bean salad with sliced avocado for lunch. I also sent some soup today. His body is adjusting to the amount of raw vegetables. Ahem.
This week I’m having a slice of German sunflower seed rye for breakfast with hummus, carrot, cucumber, and spinach. Snacks are 6-8 almonds with a piece of fruit and lunch is the same cauliflower salad with avocado as hub. Overall I’d say were doing well, although I did get MAD at him and have beer & cheese dip Sunday. Sigh. How is that logical???
Hub has walked with me for the past 3 days!!!! He is slow and we are doing a mile, but we are walking!!! My goal is to walk in the AM, then walk the dogs 3 times per week in the afternoon. He’s working on that before he tries to add the gym in to the mix. I told him right now the main thing is nutrition, followed by simply establishing the habit.
My gym is offering kettlebell classes. No idea of the quality, but I am going to one tonight to check it out! I’ll report back!
I’d like to lose 25-30 pounds this year – hub needs to lose around 60 (but it doesn’t look like that much because he’s huge and built like a linebacker!). He has high blood pressure. The past couple of times I’ve had mine checked it’s been elevated – that’s a new development and one I don’t like!!! I haven’t mentioned it to anyone (I don’t go to my dr until next month) – I know not saying it doesn’t make it not true, but maybe this newfound dedication to diet & exercise will help. I know this morning I would not have gotten out of bed if I hadn’t been walking with hub, so having a partner really does help.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
I left my waistline in San Francisco
When the hub got home from work last Wednesday, he arrived to find me cutting out a giant raven from black wool. I remembered that I had a fair amount of black wool I purchased some years back for 50 cents per pound at a fabric warehouse going out of business sale. I wouldn’t have to worry about finishing the edges! So I cut it out & pinned it on, then threw the puppy into my carry on – I needed to finish it before Saturday.
Our flight left at 7 Thursday and was uneventful. I worked on the sewing in the Atlanta airport and our flight left early enough that we were not impacted by the delays & cancellations caused by snowy weather. We arrived in SF about 1:30, collected our bags & rental car, and headed for the hotel. I had printed out directions, but it’s been a while since I’ve driven in the thick of big city downtown traffic, so I was glad I wasn’t driving!
Is there anything more civilized than pulling up to your hotel and being met by a bellman and valet, waiting to assist you? No, there is not. We stayed in the Hilton in Union Square – I highly recommend it. I upgraded our free continental breakfast to the buffet for $10, and my room was upgraded for free. We had a king size bed on the 36th floor with a balcony overlooking the bay. Very nice.
We sat down, had a beer & nested for a bit, then walked the couple of blocks over to Chinatown. We walked pretty much the entire length, poking into shops & checking out side streets. Near the end, we found what we were looking for: a restaurant with poultry hanging in the window & no white faces in sight. Ah, Chinese food, with hot tea. On the way back I stopped in a shop to pick up my mom’s gift: miniature food for her dollhouse (oh, I picked out a bento box with rice & sushi for my house!).
We called our friend E (who we were out there visiting), told her not to eat, and headed for Berkely. We thought it was late, but traffic was still nuts. On the way to her house we drove past a Gracie ju jit su studio and hub seriously wanted to go in - for an autograph I think! Hee hee! Took our leftovers, had a good visit, but I was fading fast so we had to keep it short.
Friday we went down & had breakfast – I had a brotchen with meat & cheese from the “European” section of the buffet, followed by rice, miso soup, & salmon from the “Asian” section, and some wonderful fresh fruit. Why have bacon & eggs when I can have smoked salmon & miso????
Our hotel was right next to the cable car station, so we jumped on & headed down to the wharf, where we walked around quite a bit, had a great lunch (fresh Dungeness crab & clam chowder of course!) and bought the boy’s gift: a black wool fisherman’s cap. Then we rented a “go car” – sort of a motor scooter thingie with seats. It took us on a GPS /voice guided tour of downtown – it was a blast!!! After that I think we took a nap. :-)
Dinner was at a Korean place recommended by a friend. What can I say? WE LOVE KOREAN FOOD!!!
Saturday we got up, ruefully ate our last meal at the breakfast of goodness, and went upstairs so I could finish sewing the buttons on the hub’s costume for that day. Then we said a tearful farewell to our lovely hotel, and headed across the bay to 12th Night.
To be continued….
When the hub got home from work last Wednesday, he arrived to find me cutting out a giant raven from black wool. I remembered that I had a fair amount of black wool I purchased some years back for 50 cents per pound at a fabric warehouse going out of business sale. I wouldn’t have to worry about finishing the edges! So I cut it out & pinned it on, then threw the puppy into my carry on – I needed to finish it before Saturday.
Our flight left at 7 Thursday and was uneventful. I worked on the sewing in the Atlanta airport and our flight left early enough that we were not impacted by the delays & cancellations caused by snowy weather. We arrived in SF about 1:30, collected our bags & rental car, and headed for the hotel. I had printed out directions, but it’s been a while since I’ve driven in the thick of big city downtown traffic, so I was glad I wasn’t driving!
Is there anything more civilized than pulling up to your hotel and being met by a bellman and valet, waiting to assist you? No, there is not. We stayed in the Hilton in Union Square – I highly recommend it. I upgraded our free continental breakfast to the buffet for $10, and my room was upgraded for free. We had a king size bed on the 36th floor with a balcony overlooking the bay. Very nice.
We sat down, had a beer & nested for a bit, then walked the couple of blocks over to Chinatown. We walked pretty much the entire length, poking into shops & checking out side streets. Near the end, we found what we were looking for: a restaurant with poultry hanging in the window & no white faces in sight. Ah, Chinese food, with hot tea. On the way back I stopped in a shop to pick up my mom’s gift: miniature food for her dollhouse (oh, I picked out a bento box with rice & sushi for my house!).
We called our friend E (who we were out there visiting), told her not to eat, and headed for Berkely. We thought it was late, but traffic was still nuts. On the way to her house we drove past a Gracie ju jit su studio and hub seriously wanted to go in - for an autograph I think! Hee hee! Took our leftovers, had a good visit, but I was fading fast so we had to keep it short.
Friday we went down & had breakfast – I had a brotchen with meat & cheese from the “European” section of the buffet, followed by rice, miso soup, & salmon from the “Asian” section, and some wonderful fresh fruit. Why have bacon & eggs when I can have smoked salmon & miso????
Our hotel was right next to the cable car station, so we jumped on & headed down to the wharf, where we walked around quite a bit, had a great lunch (fresh Dungeness crab & clam chowder of course!) and bought the boy’s gift: a black wool fisherman’s cap. Then we rented a “go car” – sort of a motor scooter thingie with seats. It took us on a GPS /voice guided tour of downtown – it was a blast!!! After that I think we took a nap. :-)
Dinner was at a Korean place recommended by a friend. What can I say? WE LOVE KOREAN FOOD!!!
Saturday we got up, ruefully ate our last meal at the breakfast of goodness, and went upstairs so I could finish sewing the buttons on the hub’s costume for that day. Then we said a tearful farewell to our lovely hotel, and headed across the bay to 12th Night.
To be continued….
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Some things that work
A lot of times I (and other people) write about the obstacles we face in achieving our goals. Which is perfectly normal and a great way to solicit ideas! But sometimes it’s good to write about success as well – it helps you remember what works so you can continue and reinforces that you can succeed!
Some recent successes and things that work:
Hub bought a new pair of walking shoes. I sat down and talked to him about my plans to actively turn my health into a “hobby” and I asked him to participate – specifically, I asked him to walk with me. His old walking shoes were worn out. Our son had a $25 gift certificate to a local show shop which hub used to buy new walking shoes. He thought up the idea himself – I didn’t have to prod him!
I made great strides this past year in decreasing my consumption of animal products and increasing my consumption of vegetables. One thing I read somewhere really stuck with me – “Instead of eliminating foods from your diet, crowd them out with new ones.” What a simple yet profound concept! Once I started basing a lot of my lunch ideas around beans with some grains thrown in, there really was no need for meat. Add avocado or olives (both yummy, decadent treats in my world!) to a meal and who needs cheese?
Spinach in my morning smoothie, wilted spinach as a side or in something (like spaghetti sauce), tossing a box of Green Giant vegetables into my lunch box (I stock up when they go on sale) have all been easy ways to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. Also, a snack I’ve enjoyed this past year was either hummus (I went on a kick with the single serving packs from Costco there for a while) or baba ganoush as a dip for vegetables - a great mid morning snack, not to mention cheap, easy, and majorly nutritious!
All in all, great strides in terms of nutrition in 2009!
So keep that going and focus on the exercise side of the equation now!
A lot of times I (and other people) write about the obstacles we face in achieving our goals. Which is perfectly normal and a great way to solicit ideas! But sometimes it’s good to write about success as well – it helps you remember what works so you can continue and reinforces that you can succeed!
Some recent successes and things that work:
Hub bought a new pair of walking shoes. I sat down and talked to him about my plans to actively turn my health into a “hobby” and I asked him to participate – specifically, I asked him to walk with me. His old walking shoes were worn out. Our son had a $25 gift certificate to a local show shop which hub used to buy new walking shoes. He thought up the idea himself – I didn’t have to prod him!
I made great strides this past year in decreasing my consumption of animal products and increasing my consumption of vegetables. One thing I read somewhere really stuck with me – “Instead of eliminating foods from your diet, crowd them out with new ones.” What a simple yet profound concept! Once I started basing a lot of my lunch ideas around beans with some grains thrown in, there really was no need for meat. Add avocado or olives (both yummy, decadent treats in my world!) to a meal and who needs cheese?
Spinach in my morning smoothie, wilted spinach as a side or in something (like spaghetti sauce), tossing a box of Green Giant vegetables into my lunch box (I stock up when they go on sale) have all been easy ways to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. Also, a snack I’ve enjoyed this past year was either hummus (I went on a kick with the single serving packs from Costco there for a while) or baba ganoush as a dip for vegetables - a great mid morning snack, not to mention cheap, easy, and majorly nutritious!
All in all, great strides in terms of nutrition in 2009!
So keep that going and focus on the exercise side of the equation now!
Monday, January 04, 2010
2010 – the year of de-stressing
My walking buddy and I were talking at lunch today about how 2009 started off in fear; the economy was bad & our company was laying off employees. Even though we are both still here, 2009 was a very stressful year! There was the whole national economy & fear of job loss, but also stress related to my hobby, stress related to what felt like a bazillion financial “emergencies”, fear of hub’s potential job loss, concern over his mom & her situation. No wonder I’m tired!
One of my big goals for this year is to proactively work on defusing stress through the use of exercise, yoga, meditation, positive imaging, and whatever else might work! There’s still stuff to be stressed about, but this year I want to do a better job of controlling my stress instead of letting it control me.
My walking buddy and I were talking at lunch today about how 2009 started off in fear; the economy was bad & our company was laying off employees. Even though we are both still here, 2009 was a very stressful year! There was the whole national economy & fear of job loss, but also stress related to my hobby, stress related to what felt like a bazillion financial “emergencies”, fear of hub’s potential job loss, concern over his mom & her situation. No wonder I’m tired!
One of my big goals for this year is to proactively work on defusing stress through the use of exercise, yoga, meditation, positive imaging, and whatever else might work! There’s still stuff to be stressed about, but this year I want to do a better job of controlling my stress instead of letting it control me.
Friday, January 01, 2010
New Year, Same Me
I think “New Year, New You” is probably one of the most annoying article titles to ever be slapped on the cover of a magazine. I like the old me just fine!
Of course, there are things I’d like to be different this year, and there are things I’d like to do differently.
Last year I lost (and kept off) 25 pounds. My fitness level has improved. I’d like to build on that success.
The first part of the year we saved money – the second part of the year we spent money on necessary things like a new roof, a new heat pump, a car… Overall, I hope we can get all that paid off and start saving again. And no more financial emergencies this year please – we had more than our share last year!!!!
Work was good and I hope that continues!
Hub may be laid off next week. He’s been so happy with this company, I hate it. I hope he is happy with whatever comes his way.
My medieval re-enactment group was all too often annoying due to politics, personality conflicts, etc. I am stepping down from my treasurer job. One major responsibility I took on ended when my friend stepped down from her role (I was her assistant). I volunteered for another but wasn’t selected. Yeah, I’m a bit disappointed, but it is also an opportunity. This year I intend to put less time and effort into this and more time and effort into a new hobby.
Fitness is my new hobby for 2010. I am collecting and organizing my tools at home for home workouts in my room. I started out last year with good intentions (and success!), but got unfocused toward the end of the year. By divesting myself of other hobby priorities, I can focus on this, painting my house, and my doll house. All of which sound fun and very gratifying.
Rather than treating fitness as a chore or task, I am going to look at it as a leisure past time – read about aspects of it, learn, try, practice.
Hope you enjoy a wonderful new year!!!
I think “New Year, New You” is probably one of the most annoying article titles to ever be slapped on the cover of a magazine. I like the old me just fine!
Of course, there are things I’d like to be different this year, and there are things I’d like to do differently.
Last year I lost (and kept off) 25 pounds. My fitness level has improved. I’d like to build on that success.
The first part of the year we saved money – the second part of the year we spent money on necessary things like a new roof, a new heat pump, a car… Overall, I hope we can get all that paid off and start saving again. And no more financial emergencies this year please – we had more than our share last year!!!!
Work was good and I hope that continues!
Hub may be laid off next week. He’s been so happy with this company, I hate it. I hope he is happy with whatever comes his way.
My medieval re-enactment group was all too often annoying due to politics, personality conflicts, etc. I am stepping down from my treasurer job. One major responsibility I took on ended when my friend stepped down from her role (I was her assistant). I volunteered for another but wasn’t selected. Yeah, I’m a bit disappointed, but it is also an opportunity. This year I intend to put less time and effort into this and more time and effort into a new hobby.
Fitness is my new hobby for 2010. I am collecting and organizing my tools at home for home workouts in my room. I started out last year with good intentions (and success!), but got unfocused toward the end of the year. By divesting myself of other hobby priorities, I can focus on this, painting my house, and my doll house. All of which sound fun and very gratifying.
Rather than treating fitness as a chore or task, I am going to look at it as a leisure past time – read about aspects of it, learn, try, practice.
Hope you enjoy a wonderful new year!!!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Safe and sound
Hub made it home safely, but the trip was awful. Lots of traffic, wrecks, and they made the mistake of coming home on US 29 – which was very icy. On the way home after he & my mom picked her up, Saunooke said it was the first time he’s ever heard his mom say “thank you”.
I fed mom’s dogs, ran a couple of errands, and had a relaxing night at home. I really didn’t want to sew, so I took a bath, watched a little tv, and just piddled around. Then I got up and did a bunch of picking up around the place – things are looking good. My plan is to make the grocery list tonight (mom and I discussed who’s eating what and where through the holiday) then pick up the few items I need tomorrow.
I don’t understand my friends that can come home after work and sew on anything that requires thought. That’s a talent I wish I had! My current plan is to sew like a mad woman on Thursday till time to go to my mom’s house for church & Christmas Eve dinner. (I can't remember if I've mentioned, but I'm making some new stuff for our trip out to San Fran where we'll be going to a medieval thing).
After I’d gotten loads of picking up done, I did a few minutes of a stretch dvd. It wasn’t much, but it felt good and helped me unwind.
I saw the nurse here at work yesterday. I still have a nasty cold that had moved down into my chest by last weekend. She recommended I switch from Robitussin to Mucinex (because it’s stronger). It does seem to be helping. I’m using my salt water – no infection and I don’t have bronchitis or anything, but this thing sure does seem to be hanging on for all eternity. I’m making sure I drink my wheat grass every day! The worst thing is that I feel yucky at night and have a hard time waking up in the morning. Ugh. I hate being sick!
Hub made it home safely, but the trip was awful. Lots of traffic, wrecks, and they made the mistake of coming home on US 29 – which was very icy. On the way home after he & my mom picked her up, Saunooke said it was the first time he’s ever heard his mom say “thank you”.
I fed mom’s dogs, ran a couple of errands, and had a relaxing night at home. I really didn’t want to sew, so I took a bath, watched a little tv, and just piddled around. Then I got up and did a bunch of picking up around the place – things are looking good. My plan is to make the grocery list tonight (mom and I discussed who’s eating what and where through the holiday) then pick up the few items I need tomorrow.
I don’t understand my friends that can come home after work and sew on anything that requires thought. That’s a talent I wish I had! My current plan is to sew like a mad woman on Thursday till time to go to my mom’s house for church & Christmas Eve dinner. (I can't remember if I've mentioned, but I'm making some new stuff for our trip out to San Fran where we'll be going to a medieval thing).
After I’d gotten loads of picking up done, I did a few minutes of a stretch dvd. It wasn’t much, but it felt good and helped me unwind.
I saw the nurse here at work yesterday. I still have a nasty cold that had moved down into my chest by last weekend. She recommended I switch from Robitussin to Mucinex (because it’s stronger). It does seem to be helping. I’m using my salt water – no infection and I don’t have bronchitis or anything, but this thing sure does seem to be hanging on for all eternity. I’m making sure I drink my wheat grass every day! The worst thing is that I feel yucky at night and have a hard time waking up in the morning. Ugh. I hate being sick!
Monday, December 21, 2009
“The more things change, the more they suck.” – Butthead
Taking your life tenants from an MTV cartoon character cannot be good, people.
Hub is driving up to Manassas today to pick up his mom. Her plan was to spend Christmas at his brother’s up in Sykesville Maryland. Well, apparently things are pretty difficult around their house these days. Difficult enough than when MIL asked BIL if it would be better if she just went home, he answered yes. Which meant my MIL drove from north of DC to Manassas in a blizzard Friday night.
Hub is mad with his brother, to put it mildly. MIL had then planned to spend Christmas alone, but of course we wouldn’t hear of that. We checked road conditions and Hub had planned to drive up yesterday, but we were a bit concerned so he elected to wait until today to head up there. My mom is going with him so he isn’t making the drive alone, thank goodness.
I didn’t get as much done as I wanted this weekend. And my house is a mess. But I watched “Cars” and “Ratatouille”!
Why must I be at work when I have so much to do at home???????
Taking your life tenants from an MTV cartoon character cannot be good, people.
Hub is driving up to Manassas today to pick up his mom. Her plan was to spend Christmas at his brother’s up in Sykesville Maryland. Well, apparently things are pretty difficult around their house these days. Difficult enough than when MIL asked BIL if it would be better if she just went home, he answered yes. Which meant my MIL drove from north of DC to Manassas in a blizzard Friday night.
Hub is mad with his brother, to put it mildly. MIL had then planned to spend Christmas alone, but of course we wouldn’t hear of that. We checked road conditions and Hub had planned to drive up yesterday, but we were a bit concerned so he elected to wait until today to head up there. My mom is going with him so he isn’t making the drive alone, thank goodness.
I didn’t get as much done as I wanted this weekend. And my house is a mess. But I watched “Cars” and “Ratatouille”!
Why must I be at work when I have so much to do at home???????
Friday, December 18, 2009
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
The weatherman is calling for about a bazilliondy inches of snow. I stopped by the grocery on the way home yesterday & bought what we needed for the next couple of days. They were out of sugar-free coccoa mix though, and I forgot to look up the ingredients for snow ice cream, so I'll be making a quick stop on the way home today.
I plan to leave work at 11, roughly an hour or so ahead of the storm.
Tomorrow AM I plan to practice some of the new exercises of my kettlebell dvd.
Snow! Yay!!!
The weatherman is calling for about a bazilliondy inches of snow. I stopped by the grocery on the way home yesterday & bought what we needed for the next couple of days. They were out of sugar-free coccoa mix though, and I forgot to look up the ingredients for snow ice cream, so I'll be making a quick stop on the way home today.
I plan to leave work at 11, roughly an hour or so ahead of the storm.
Tomorrow AM I plan to practice some of the new exercises of my kettlebell dvd.
Snow! Yay!!!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
From Russia, with Tough Love
I ordered Pavel Tsatsouline's kettlebell dvd "From Russia with Tough Love." I love it!!!!
If you are looking for a workout dvd, this isn't it. If you are looking for a videotaped "workshop" that shows you the correct form for a number of basic moves (shows them over & over & points out what wrong looks like also), that then allows you to build your own workouts? THIS is that dvd. I feel like I've been taught to fish. I'm also gratified to know that the couple of basic moves I do know I've been doing right!!!
Found out last night a friend (not close) of ours was killed in a car wreck Tuesday. I think I'm still in shock over that one.
It's supposed to snow here tomorrow and Saturday - I'm stopping by the grocery on the way home.
I guess this post is all over the page.
Oh, MIL isn't coming for the holidays, so no trip up to the DC area for us this weekend, thank heavens.
Shopping is done, I plan to finish wrapping today or tomorrow. Decortaing is mostly done - just need to get hub to put the boxes in the garage.
I'm still sleeping like a log and havign to take medicine for the chest congestion. At least I'm not hacking up a lung all day - just a bit of cough left.
I ordered Pavel Tsatsouline's kettlebell dvd "From Russia with Tough Love." I love it!!!!
If you are looking for a workout dvd, this isn't it. If you are looking for a videotaped "workshop" that shows you the correct form for a number of basic moves (shows them over & over & points out what wrong looks like also), that then allows you to build your own workouts? THIS is that dvd. I feel like I've been taught to fish. I'm also gratified to know that the couple of basic moves I do know I've been doing right!!!
Found out last night a friend (not close) of ours was killed in a car wreck Tuesday. I think I'm still in shock over that one.
It's supposed to snow here tomorrow and Saturday - I'm stopping by the grocery on the way home.
I guess this post is all over the page.
Oh, MIL isn't coming for the holidays, so no trip up to the DC area for us this weekend, thank heavens.
Shopping is done, I plan to finish wrapping today or tomorrow. Decortaing is mostly done - just need to get hub to put the boxes in the garage.
I'm still sleeping like a log and havign to take medicine for the chest congestion. At least I'm not hacking up a lung all day - just a bit of cough left.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ouchie!
I have done something to my left big toe. Who knows what? It was hurting when I woke up this morning. I am still fighting this darn cough – taking Robitussin for chest congestion. I am sleeping quite a bit, but overall feeling pretty good.
The boy has stayed at his grandma’s the past couple of days and I think we’re gonna let him take Friday off to go to Virginia with his grandpa. Boy #2 is over at his house for the school week, and the potential new dog is with the boy at grandma’s. So, this has been a very quiet week at home.
I’d say relaxing, but not so much. Hub is having to replace some of the new tiles due to damage to the finish (it’s a flaw with the tiles) and it’s looking like he’ll be laid off in a couple of weeks.
He offered to pick up beer last night, but I said “no thanks.” Go me! I did have an after dinner snack and a glass of wine, but that’s better than where the evening might have been heading!
I’m weighing myself every day so I at least stay aware. Mornings have been very cold, but I have my Gilad dvds and a new kettlebell dvd on the way
I have done something to my left big toe. Who knows what? It was hurting when I woke up this morning. I am still fighting this darn cough – taking Robitussin for chest congestion. I am sleeping quite a bit, but overall feeling pretty good.
The boy has stayed at his grandma’s the past couple of days and I think we’re gonna let him take Friday off to go to Virginia with his grandpa. Boy #2 is over at his house for the school week, and the potential new dog is with the boy at grandma’s. So, this has been a very quiet week at home.
I’d say relaxing, but not so much. Hub is having to replace some of the new tiles due to damage to the finish (it’s a flaw with the tiles) and it’s looking like he’ll be laid off in a couple of weeks.
He offered to pick up beer last night, but I said “no thanks.” Go me! I did have an after dinner snack and a glass of wine, but that’s better than where the evening might have been heading!
I’m weighing myself every day so I at least stay aware. Mornings have been very cold, but I have my Gilad dvds and a new kettlebell dvd on the way
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
One step at a time
Things around our house are a bit stressful right now. I'm hoping things will calm down once school lets out for the holiday break (this Friday).
Stuff I've done lately:
Moved small tv/dvd player to my bedroom
Rented Gilad's 15 10 minute workout dvd set from netflix. Did the first one this morning until the dog decided to get in on it.
Made myself a healthy lunch for the week!
I cooked a bag of pinto beans and made a pot of quinoa. This morning I took out 3/4 cup of each, added lemon juice, red wine vinegar, a dab of olive oil, sliced olives, feta cheese, basil & parsley. Had that with a side of sauteed spinach. YUM!
More Gilad tomorow. I have more workout dvds in my queue - this one seems pretty good.
Things around our house are a bit stressful right now. I'm hoping things will calm down once school lets out for the holiday break (this Friday).
Stuff I've done lately:
Moved small tv/dvd player to my bedroom
Rented Gilad's 15 10 minute workout dvd set from netflix. Did the first one this morning until the dog decided to get in on it.
Made myself a healthy lunch for the week!
I cooked a bag of pinto beans and made a pot of quinoa. This morning I took out 3/4 cup of each, added lemon juice, red wine vinegar, a dab of olive oil, sliced olives, feta cheese, basil & parsley. Had that with a side of sauteed spinach. YUM!
More Gilad tomorow. I have more workout dvds in my queue - this one seems pretty good.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I feel good
Lately I’ve been mentally beating myself up about not going to the gym. Add that to the facts that 1) it’s been cold and yucky outside a fair bit and 2) we have a semi-permanent guest in our guest room (where I used to work out) and the sum total is a big old slugfest.
Instead of continuing to flog myself over the lack of exercise, I decided to brainstorm and figure out what I could and would do. So I decided to not give my tv/dvd combo to my MIL and keep it for myself. I can either set it up in my bathroom (yes, my bathroom is THAT BIG), or in the bedroom. But if I put it in the bedroom I have to kick the dogs out, which is why the bathroom is looking like a pretty good idea. Either way I have a place to work out.
I need to move my exercise stuff & dvds out of the guest room and into my room. I have placed several workout dvds in my netflix queue. One is a 2-disc set of 15 10 minute workouts by Gilad. I like his dvds a lot and I figure even I can squeeze in 10 minutes. The main thing is to re-start the babit. I also ordered Pavel Tsatsouline’s “From Russia with Tough Love” kettlebell dvd from amazon.
It feels good to have a plan.
Lately I’ve been mentally beating myself up about not going to the gym. Add that to the facts that 1) it’s been cold and yucky outside a fair bit and 2) we have a semi-permanent guest in our guest room (where I used to work out) and the sum total is a big old slugfest.
Instead of continuing to flog myself over the lack of exercise, I decided to brainstorm and figure out what I could and would do. So I decided to not give my tv/dvd combo to my MIL and keep it for myself. I can either set it up in my bathroom (yes, my bathroom is THAT BIG), or in the bedroom. But if I put it in the bedroom I have to kick the dogs out, which is why the bathroom is looking like a pretty good idea. Either way I have a place to work out.
I need to move my exercise stuff & dvds out of the guest room and into my room. I have placed several workout dvds in my netflix queue. One is a 2-disc set of 15 10 minute workouts by Gilad. I like his dvds a lot and I figure even I can squeeze in 10 minutes. The main thing is to re-start the babit. I also ordered Pavel Tsatsouline’s “From Russia with Tough Love” kettlebell dvd from amazon.
It feels good to have a plan.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
State of the union
I haven’t meant to abandon this poor blog. Life has been pretty hectic.
A new dog: I know I’ve mentioned my mom’s childhood friend – we’ll call her Ann. She has anorexia, depression, anxiety attacks .. Ann decided she wanted a dog. Okay. But instead of getting a small, adult, already housebroken dog, she got a puppy. Which of course was way more than she could possibly handle. The day after Thanksgiving she called my mom in a total state and asked her to come down. Ann was going to have to take the dog back to the (not no kill) shelter – there was no way she could manage. Mom brought the dog back. He’s actually doing pretty well at our house – he sleeps with the boy and until Christmas break, he’s spends the day at my mom’s so she can help with the potty training. He’s a short haired dachshund mixed with some sort of terrier I think.
A new boy (kinda): My son’s friend – we’ll call him Tim. He lives with his aunt & uncle. His uncle lost his job over a year ago and was diagnosed back then with major depression. Since he didn’t stay on his medication and hasn’t gone to counseling, things have gotten worse. Things over at their house are pretty bad and as a result, Tim spends most of his time at our house. He is (for all intents & purposes) living in our guest room. Sure, they’ve said he can’t move out until he’s 18 (in less than 4 months), but since he spends 5 or so nights per week with us and we are the ones giving him lunch money (they don’t)… well, if he’s NOT living with us he might as well be!
Me: I’ve gained 6 pounds from my lowest and time for myself has become a distant memory. Not good.
I haven’t meant to abandon this poor blog. Life has been pretty hectic.
A new dog: I know I’ve mentioned my mom’s childhood friend – we’ll call her Ann. She has anorexia, depression, anxiety attacks .. Ann decided she wanted a dog. Okay. But instead of getting a small, adult, already housebroken dog, she got a puppy. Which of course was way more than she could possibly handle. The day after Thanksgiving she called my mom in a total state and asked her to come down. Ann was going to have to take the dog back to the (not no kill) shelter – there was no way she could manage. Mom brought the dog back. He’s actually doing pretty well at our house – he sleeps with the boy and until Christmas break, he’s spends the day at my mom’s so she can help with the potty training. He’s a short haired dachshund mixed with some sort of terrier I think.
A new boy (kinda): My son’s friend – we’ll call him Tim. He lives with his aunt & uncle. His uncle lost his job over a year ago and was diagnosed back then with major depression. Since he didn’t stay on his medication and hasn’t gone to counseling, things have gotten worse. Things over at their house are pretty bad and as a result, Tim spends most of his time at our house. He is (for all intents & purposes) living in our guest room. Sure, they’ve said he can’t move out until he’s 18 (in less than 4 months), but since he spends 5 or so nights per week with us and we are the ones giving him lunch money (they don’t)… well, if he’s NOT living with us he might as well be!
Me: I’ve gained 6 pounds from my lowest and time for myself has become a distant memory. Not good.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
“Offshore resource” is a code phrase meaning “sleep deprivation”
After putting in a full day at the office, I had a half hour break before I logged on at home and remained on until after 10, when I was falling asleep and decided to just go to bed. A tech project I am managing is scheduled to be implemented Thursday, and we are conducting testing. Unfortunately, the testing is being done in India. I say unfortunately because of the time difference. We send the sample file and then, before the batch jobs refresh at 10:30 PM EST, there is a narrow window of opportunity for our resource to sign in (at butt crack o’dawn her time) to check these on the test server before it all turns into a pumpkin. That’s a very long explanation for “I’m working a lot this week and I’m tired.”
I know I didn’t really write much about my weekend. Saturday hub drove to Raleigh to retrieve our dining room furniture from a friend’s garage. Our house is a bit crowded right now (we are still making decisions about some old stuff), but I’m glad to have the dining set – I love it!
While he was away, I got a good bit of housework done, including cleaning up in the guest room and emptying out a couple of drawers so the boy's friend T could store a few clothes. I also pulled out a piece on linen I bought this past summer . It was a very bright red – as in, if red could be fluorescent, it would probably look like this. I dyed it and it came out a very nice subdued, darker red color.
I am so equivocating on my paint selections. For one, I think I don’t like the blue in the kitchen. I like the blue, but I had originally selected it for a bathroom. I think it would look good there, but the kitchen feels a little too cold to me. I’m thinking a version of my original plan: green. Only I may do a dark taupe under the chair rail in the breakfast nook. This is no big deal – it’s $20 worth of paint.
I’m still set on green for the bathroom (which I intend to paint this weekend). If I’m feeling froggy I’d like to paint the bedroom on the 14th, but again I’m undecided about the colors.
Originally, my plan for the bedroom was a dark taupe type color. But I have a set of Drexel Heritage bedroom furniture that includes a dresser with 2 massive mirrors, a chest of drawers, and a queen sized 4 poster bed. The finish and general style are much like this china cabinet from the same line.
I’m thinking taupe walls plus massive brown furniture = giant dog turd. I have some painted furniture in the room (2 book cases and 2 small chests of drawers) – I could paint those brown. But what color for the walls? Blue? I dunno…. Would that feel restful????
After putting in a full day at the office, I had a half hour break before I logged on at home and remained on until after 10, when I was falling asleep and decided to just go to bed. A tech project I am managing is scheduled to be implemented Thursday, and we are conducting testing. Unfortunately, the testing is being done in India. I say unfortunately because of the time difference. We send the sample file and then, before the batch jobs refresh at 10:30 PM EST, there is a narrow window of opportunity for our resource to sign in (at butt crack o’dawn her time) to check these on the test server before it all turns into a pumpkin. That’s a very long explanation for “I’m working a lot this week and I’m tired.”
I know I didn’t really write much about my weekend. Saturday hub drove to Raleigh to retrieve our dining room furniture from a friend’s garage. Our house is a bit crowded right now (we are still making decisions about some old stuff), but I’m glad to have the dining set – I love it!
While he was away, I got a good bit of housework done, including cleaning up in the guest room and emptying out a couple of drawers so the boy's friend T could store a few clothes. I also pulled out a piece on linen I bought this past summer . It was a very bright red – as in, if red could be fluorescent, it would probably look like this. I dyed it and it came out a very nice subdued, darker red color.
I am so equivocating on my paint selections. For one, I think I don’t like the blue in the kitchen. I like the blue, but I had originally selected it for a bathroom. I think it would look good there, but the kitchen feels a little too cold to me. I’m thinking a version of my original plan: green. Only I may do a dark taupe under the chair rail in the breakfast nook. This is no big deal – it’s $20 worth of paint.
I’m still set on green for the bathroom (which I intend to paint this weekend). If I’m feeling froggy I’d like to paint the bedroom on the 14th, but again I’m undecided about the colors.
Originally, my plan for the bedroom was a dark taupe type color. But I have a set of Drexel Heritage bedroom furniture that includes a dresser with 2 massive mirrors, a chest of drawers, and a queen sized 4 poster bed. The finish and general style are much like this china cabinet from the same line.
I’m thinking taupe walls plus massive brown furniture = giant dog turd. I have some painted furniture in the room (2 book cases and 2 small chests of drawers) – I could paint those brown. But what color for the walls? Blue? I dunno…. Would that feel restful????
Friday, October 30, 2009
Day 1
I decided to face the music & get on the scale. In the past 2 weeks I have gained 5.2 pounds! Argh! I'd say "how did that happen?", but (sadly) I know.
B: green drink (spinach, kiwi, frozen mixed fruit, amazing grass brand amazing meal).
S: nuts, grapes
L: home made stir fry (leftover)
S: hummus, cucumber
D: tbd - leftovers.
I'll keep you posted.
I decided to face the music & get on the scale. In the past 2 weeks I have gained 5.2 pounds! Argh! I'd say "how did that happen?", but (sadly) I know.
B: green drink (spinach, kiwi, frozen mixed fruit, amazing grass brand amazing meal).
S: nuts, grapes
L: home made stir fry (leftover)
S: hummus, cucumber
D: tbd - leftovers.
I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Blog, what blog?
Congratulations, you are probably the only person reading this because I have been so lame about updating. Actually I’ve been lame about a lot of things for the past 3 weeks. Having made really good progress on my weight loss, I’ve spent the last 3 weeks acting like food is about to be declared illegal, with prohibition coming back to boot.
The sad thing is I feel stressed and vaguely depressed, with no idea why. It’s hard to act when you don’t know what’s wrong.
Here’s to baby stepping my way to sanity … again.
Congratulations, you are probably the only person reading this because I have been so lame about updating. Actually I’ve been lame about a lot of things for the past 3 weeks. Having made really good progress on my weight loss, I’ve spent the last 3 weeks acting like food is about to be declared illegal, with prohibition coming back to boot.
The sad thing is I feel stressed and vaguely depressed, with no idea why. It’s hard to act when you don’t know what’s wrong.
Here’s to baby stepping my way to sanity … again.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A bit more detail (but not too much)
Sadly, DHRAMA was to be had at the medieval event last weekend. It didn’t ruin our visit with our house guests, but it made things way more stressful than was necessary.
So I wasn’t in the best mood headed into this week. Add in to the mix rain every day but one, a possible job layoff for the hub (think good thoughts for us), and the MIL thing. Is it any wonder I’ve bought beer on the way home the past 2 days??????
Yes, MIL moved last fall/winter when she lost her job. She lived with a friend a few months, then moved in with another friend. Friend 2 and her hub have a rental house they are renovating. It has a basement apartment and they are letting MIL stay there cheap/free if she keeps an eye on things. Sort of a property manager type deal I guess.
She’s never found another job and given her health opted to draw early social security. I hope she can make it on that. Hub & the boys (son and friend who pretty much lives with us) are planning to load the truck Friday. We’ll get up early Saturday to drive it up (5 and a half hours), have lunch with friends, then drive home. Sunday hub and the boys have to go finish up a side job so we need to get back in time for everyone to get a good night’s rest.
As for the possible layoff…. As you know, hub is in construction. The job he is currently working on will finish up sometime in December or January. Currently, they don’t have any work for most of the crew beyond that. There is a job that just started, but they have to get the foundation poured & some other basics done before it will be to the point where they need to bring in folks. That depends to a certain extent on the weather, but that job may be ready for folks by the time this one runs down (fingers crossed). The down side is that it’s 2 hours from home. So hub might end up staying down there during the week. Things are just up in the air right now.
Anyway, trying to pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep going with my sanity intact.
Sadly, DHRAMA was to be had at the medieval event last weekend. It didn’t ruin our visit with our house guests, but it made things way more stressful than was necessary.
So I wasn’t in the best mood headed into this week. Add in to the mix rain every day but one, a possible job layoff for the hub (think good thoughts for us), and the MIL thing. Is it any wonder I’ve bought beer on the way home the past 2 days??????
Yes, MIL moved last fall/winter when she lost her job. She lived with a friend a few months, then moved in with another friend. Friend 2 and her hub have a rental house they are renovating. It has a basement apartment and they are letting MIL stay there cheap/free if she keeps an eye on things. Sort of a property manager type deal I guess.
She’s never found another job and given her health opted to draw early social security. I hope she can make it on that. Hub & the boys (son and friend who pretty much lives with us) are planning to load the truck Friday. We’ll get up early Saturday to drive it up (5 and a half hours), have lunch with friends, then drive home. Sunday hub and the boys have to go finish up a side job so we need to get back in time for everyone to get a good night’s rest.
As for the possible layoff…. As you know, hub is in construction. The job he is currently working on will finish up sometime in December or January. Currently, they don’t have any work for most of the crew beyond that. There is a job that just started, but they have to get the foundation poured & some other basics done before it will be to the point where they need to bring in folks. That depends to a certain extent on the weather, but that job may be ready for folks by the time this one runs down (fingers crossed). The down side is that it’s 2 hours from home. So hub might end up staying down there during the week. Things are just up in the air right now.
Anyway, trying to pick myself up, dust myself off, and keep going with my sanity intact.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Fits and starts
I had a kinda crappy weekend. The whys aren’t important, but at the end of the day I went into this weekend with laundry unwashed, groceries not bought, meals not planned. I’ve got some ideas about dinners and we’re just winging it this week.
I was hoping for a quiet weekend, but the MIL is moving – Friday hub will load the moving truck at the storage unit and early Saturday we will drive it up to Virginia. I will follow in the car. His brother & kids will unload it, so all we have to do is load it & get it up there, but it’s a good 4 + hour drive (one way), so Saturday is pretty much shot.
My plan is to get the meal plan & grocery list done Thursday, do as much shopping as possible Friday, and then Sunday I will cook and hopefully have some time to myself to do a few things.
I had a kinda crappy weekend. The whys aren’t important, but at the end of the day I went into this weekend with laundry unwashed, groceries not bought, meals not planned. I’ve got some ideas about dinners and we’re just winging it this week.
I was hoping for a quiet weekend, but the MIL is moving – Friday hub will load the moving truck at the storage unit and early Saturday we will drive it up to Virginia. I will follow in the car. His brother & kids will unload it, so all we have to do is load it & get it up there, but it’s a good 4 + hour drive (one way), so Saturday is pretty much shot.
My plan is to get the meal plan & grocery list done Thursday, do as much shopping as possible Friday, and then Sunday I will cook and hopefully have some time to myself to do a few things.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Crazy week
This week is particularly hectic: we are going out of town with friends that are coming in town tomorrow evening. They’re staying at our house tomorrow, then we’re headed out together Friday. Also, another friend called hub last night and THEY may be here this weekend and need crash space.
So I’ve been busy finishing up an outfit for the weekend, getting the house clean, getting ready to go, etc. I’ve yet to make it to the gym. Sigh. Despite that, I’m down 0.8 pounds and holding.
I’m taking 2 hours off work this afternoon so I can get done the things I need to AND get to the gym. I really feel like I need to go. Eating has been good, but losing weight without the benefit of exercise is tough. I’ll feel better mentally if I get in a good workout. I may not make it back tomorrow, but I can go Friday morning before we leave. That’s better than nothing.
Besides being busy making a new outfit for this weekend, I’m getting excited about painting. While I was cleaning the guest room, I changed the curtains and put a fitted cover on the chair that’s in there. It looks nice.
Next project is the master bath.
Anyway, my plan is to keep November low key since we have a lot going on both this month and in December.
This week is particularly hectic: we are going out of town with friends that are coming in town tomorrow evening. They’re staying at our house tomorrow, then we’re headed out together Friday. Also, another friend called hub last night and THEY may be here this weekend and need crash space.
So I’ve been busy finishing up an outfit for the weekend, getting the house clean, getting ready to go, etc. I’ve yet to make it to the gym. Sigh. Despite that, I’m down 0.8 pounds and holding.
I’m taking 2 hours off work this afternoon so I can get done the things I need to AND get to the gym. I really feel like I need to go. Eating has been good, but losing weight without the benefit of exercise is tough. I’ll feel better mentally if I get in a good workout. I may not make it back tomorrow, but I can go Friday morning before we leave. That’s better than nothing.
Besides being busy making a new outfit for this weekend, I’m getting excited about painting. While I was cleaning the guest room, I changed the curtains and put a fitted cover on the chair that’s in there. It looks nice.
Next project is the master bath.
Anyway, my plan is to keep November low key since we have a lot going on both this month and in December.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Sometimes it's the little things
Last week was kinda crazy - I was on jury duty Thursday and Friday, so my schedule was completely thrown off. Add in to that the fact that Sunday was hub's birthday, we have guests coming this weekend (so we can all go to a big medieval event together) which meant the guest room had to be put into some semblance of order - it all adds up to several days of no gym time.
Despite that I lost 0.8 pounds last week, and the same (so far) this week. Those aren't huge numbers, but it's progress in the right direction. But bigger than the scale was the fact that this morning, I was able to once again wear my grandmother's wedding ring. Next stop, blue jeans! Woo hoo!
Even though I have loads to do this week, I AM going to the gym this afternoon. Priorities!!!!
Last week was kinda crazy - I was on jury duty Thursday and Friday, so my schedule was completely thrown off. Add in to that the fact that Sunday was hub's birthday, we have guests coming this weekend (so we can all go to a big medieval event together) which meant the guest room had to be put into some semblance of order - it all adds up to several days of no gym time.
Despite that I lost 0.8 pounds last week, and the same (so far) this week. Those aren't huge numbers, but it's progress in the right direction. But bigger than the scale was the fact that this morning, I was able to once again wear my grandmother's wedding ring. Next stop, blue jeans! Woo hoo!
Even though I have loads to do this week, I AM going to the gym this afternoon. Priorities!!!!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Since it worked, we’ll call it a “strategy”
Here’s the deal: last week I lost 0.4 pounds. BUT. I weigh on Fridays. So, I weighed, then when I weighed on Saturday I had lost the weight, then I stayed the same all week despite careful eating and plenty of exercise.
So this weekend involved plenty of rest from exercise and extra calories. Nothing of epic proportions, but I ate too much.
Yesterday it was back to watching what I eat and I’m down 0.8 pounds. Now, I don’t know if my body really “needed” the extra calories so it would know food was still plentiful or if the scale would’ve gone down anyway. But it certainly helped me mentally to eat cheese!
Slowly, slowly, it feels, but I’m working my way back down!
Here’s the deal: last week I lost 0.4 pounds. BUT. I weigh on Fridays. So, I weighed, then when I weighed on Saturday I had lost the weight, then I stayed the same all week despite careful eating and plenty of exercise.
So this weekend involved plenty of rest from exercise and extra calories. Nothing of epic proportions, but I ate too much.
Yesterday it was back to watching what I eat and I’m down 0.8 pounds. Now, I don’t know if my body really “needed” the extra calories so it would know food was still plentiful or if the scale would’ve gone down anyway. But it certainly helped me mentally to eat cheese!
Slowly, slowly, it feels, but I’m working my way back down!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Trick or treat, give me something good to eat
Grrrr.
Saturday when I weighed I was down 0.4 pounds from Friday. I've stayed the same ever since. Typically, the scale will "stick" for a day or two, then show a drop. But not this time. The same thing, 5 days in a row. Despite interval workouts on the elliptical, walking, no evening snacks, healthy choices.
I feel great (a little tired, I'm taking today off the gym), but really great. So why won't the damn scale move????
Grrr.
Grrrr.
Saturday when I weighed I was down 0.4 pounds from Friday. I've stayed the same ever since. Typically, the scale will "stick" for a day or two, then show a drop. But not this time. The same thing, 5 days in a row. Despite interval workouts on the elliptical, walking, no evening snacks, healthy choices.
I feel great (a little tired, I'm taking today off the gym), but really great. So why won't the damn scale move????
Grrr.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Christmas came early
Would you believe I weighed a half pound less at the end of the weekend as I did at the beginning???
Things I did:
Went to spin class Saturday morning
Bought myself something special from the Earth Fare deli (it's similar to Whole Foods) Friday afternoon for Saturday. I got mock chicken salad and sesame kale salad. It was nice to have something healthy that felt like a special treat.
Ate stuff I enjoyed, but watched portions.
Didn't let myself get so tired I felt I needed to eat - I took a nap!
Promised I could split a small cheese dip with my husband Wednesday night! :-)
Would you believe I weighed a half pound less at the end of the weekend as I did at the beginning???
Things I did:
Went to spin class Saturday morning
Bought myself something special from the Earth Fare deli (it's similar to Whole Foods) Friday afternoon for Saturday. I got mock chicken salad and sesame kale salad. It was nice to have something healthy that felt like a special treat.
Ate stuff I enjoyed, but watched portions.
Didn't let myself get so tired I felt I needed to eat - I took a nap!
Promised I could split a small cheese dip with my husband Wednesday night! :-)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Flattery will get you everywhere
Yesterday I showed a loss of 2.2 pounds from the week before - and this morning I showed another 0.4 pound loss. Score!
This morning was so nice that I wanted to go for a walk, even though I knew I was going to spin class at 8:30. There were several people out walking dogs, jogging, etc. One lady stopped and said "You've lost a lot of weight haven't you? You look great!" That was so encouraging to me.
Which was helpful when a few hours later my husband announced his chain saw could not be fixed and he needed to buy a new one. $300 we don't have, on top of $300 to get the garage door fixed last Thursday. I admit, I broke down in tears. When I got home from grocery shopping (I was on the way home when he called), I was dirty (when I got home from the gym the dish washer was running), tired, hungry, and demoralized.
I really didn't want the cold lunch I'd planned, so I ate some leftovers instead of the tacos I wanted. I didn't go get a beer. After eating I went and took a nap. When I got up I took a long bath.
I had great plans to clean house today but I don't think I'm going to do a thing. I'm just really feeling tired & ragged out. I think a day of doing nothing is in order.
Yesterday I showed a loss of 2.2 pounds from the week before - and this morning I showed another 0.4 pound loss. Score!
This morning was so nice that I wanted to go for a walk, even though I knew I was going to spin class at 8:30. There were several people out walking dogs, jogging, etc. One lady stopped and said "You've lost a lot of weight haven't you? You look great!" That was so encouraging to me.
Which was helpful when a few hours later my husband announced his chain saw could not be fixed and he needed to buy a new one. $300 we don't have, on top of $300 to get the garage door fixed last Thursday. I admit, I broke down in tears. When I got home from grocery shopping (I was on the way home when he called), I was dirty (when I got home from the gym the dish washer was running), tired, hungry, and demoralized.
I really didn't want the cold lunch I'd planned, so I ate some leftovers instead of the tacos I wanted. I didn't go get a beer. After eating I went and took a nap. When I got up I took a long bath.
I had great plans to clean house today but I don't think I'm going to do a thing. I'm just really feeling tired & ragged out. I think a day of doing nothing is in order.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Not a banner day.
So, the boy's 1st quarter progress reports came home - 2 Bs, 1 c, and 2 Ds. I am so pissed I can't see straight.
Also, I wanted to go to Body Sculpt tonight but we need to have a family conference so I can't. I am in a very dangerous mood where I want to eat the universe, or at least some cheese dip. And that is made all the more frustrating by the fact that I saw a 2 pound loss this morning on the scale - my increased exercise and persistence in not eating after dinner paid off - this is the lowest number I've seen since before vacation.
Grrrrr.
So, the boy's 1st quarter progress reports came home - 2 Bs, 1 c, and 2 Ds. I am so pissed I can't see straight.
Also, I wanted to go to Body Sculpt tonight but we need to have a family conference so I can't. I am in a very dangerous mood where I want to eat the universe, or at least some cheese dip. And that is made all the more frustrating by the fact that I saw a 2 pound loss this morning on the scale - my increased exercise and persistence in not eating after dinner paid off - this is the lowest number I've seen since before vacation.
Grrrrr.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Hi, my name is N--- and I am a home improvement junkie.
Two days ago I was watching "Bathtastic!" (could I make that up?) and they re-did a bathroom where they put in a bamboo countertop just like I keep telling Hub I want AND they had a butt ugly vanity like ours which they painted and it looked totally nice. Which I would like to do with ours. (This is when we do the major remodel on the master bath which is supposedly scheduled for 2 years from now but we have most of the stuff already so why wait?).
ANYWAY. On an episode (maybe the same one but who can remember when you're watching back to back home improvement shows like an addict) they put in this great pottery sink that sent me searching the web site to find the place that made it. Which I did but it was in Minnesota or something but I found a pottery place that makes sinks that are totally reasonable. As in a handmade pottery vessel sink for $250, which I think is a very good price. Then I found some great ones made in Mexico like we saw on our trip - but they aren't very restful and neutral. Eventually I ended up at Overstock which has gobs of beautiful vessel sinks and I would have totally ordered one for the hall bath except Hub reminded me that he would have to remake the countertop (slate tile). Oh well.
I planned to go to the gym yesterday but I had a headache and Bootcamp with a headache would have meant death for someone so instead Hub and I packed Jordan into the car (and then into a cart) and went to Lowe's, where I picked up 60 bazillion paint chips to paint the bath & bedroom. All of which will likely need to be repainted before I move because it has to be neutral when we sell it.
No worries – I walked yesterday morning and at lunch so it’s not like I got no exercise. I went to the gym Monday afternoon and I have my bag packed for today as well. I loaded 2 new Cardio Coach CDs onto my MP3 player, so I’m set. Except that the elliptical I like is broken and the only other one with swinging arms only lets you go for 30 minutes (grrr).
I’ll get in a weight session Sunday (in addition to Body Sculpt tomorrow night), sp I should have 2 for the week.
Eating is on plan – another benefit to last night’s trip to Lowe’s (in addition to paint chips) is that I was out of the house and so I didn’t snack before bed. Woo hoo!
Two days ago I was watching "Bathtastic!" (could I make that up?) and they re-did a bathroom where they put in a bamboo countertop just like I keep telling Hub I want AND they had a butt ugly vanity like ours which they painted and it looked totally nice. Which I would like to do with ours. (This is when we do the major remodel on the master bath which is supposedly scheduled for 2 years from now but we have most of the stuff already so why wait?).
ANYWAY. On an episode (maybe the same one but who can remember when you're watching back to back home improvement shows like an addict) they put in this great pottery sink that sent me searching the web site to find the place that made it. Which I did but it was in Minnesota or something but I found a pottery place that makes sinks that are totally reasonable. As in a handmade pottery vessel sink for $250, which I think is a very good price. Then I found some great ones made in Mexico like we saw on our trip - but they aren't very restful and neutral. Eventually I ended up at Overstock which has gobs of beautiful vessel sinks and I would have totally ordered one for the hall bath except Hub reminded me that he would have to remake the countertop (slate tile). Oh well.
I planned to go to the gym yesterday but I had a headache and Bootcamp with a headache would have meant death for someone so instead Hub and I packed Jordan into the car (and then into a cart) and went to Lowe's, where I picked up 60 bazillion paint chips to paint the bath & bedroom. All of which will likely need to be repainted before I move because it has to be neutral when we sell it.
No worries – I walked yesterday morning and at lunch so it’s not like I got no exercise. I went to the gym Monday afternoon and I have my bag packed for today as well. I loaded 2 new Cardio Coach CDs onto my MP3 player, so I’m set. Except that the elliptical I like is broken and the only other one with swinging arms only lets you go for 30 minutes (grrr).
I’ll get in a weight session Sunday (in addition to Body Sculpt tomorrow night), sp I should have 2 for the week.
Eating is on plan – another benefit to last night’s trip to Lowe’s (in addition to paint chips) is that I was out of the house and so I didn’t snack before bed. Woo hoo!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
And now for something completely different
In the 5 weeks since I returned from vacation, I have basically lost weight during the week and re-gained it on the weekend. Five weeks later and I’m still up 2 pounds on my pre vacation weight. This is ridiculous.
Our work has this new “healthy living” initiative. One of the things they offer is access to a “health coach”. It’s over the phone, but I thought this might be a good way for me to get some feedback and be accountable to someone.
Our first appointment was next Tuesday, and unfortunately we have to re-schedule. In any case, I will keep you posted!
In the 5 weeks since I returned from vacation, I have basically lost weight during the week and re-gained it on the weekend. Five weeks later and I’m still up 2 pounds on my pre vacation weight. This is ridiculous.
Our work has this new “healthy living” initiative. One of the things they offer is access to a “health coach”. It’s over the phone, but I thought this might be a good way for me to get some feedback and be accountable to someone.
Our first appointment was next Tuesday, and unfortunately we have to re-schedule. In any case, I will keep you posted!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday
When I got home yesterday, I took a short nap, did a bit of sewing, made dinner, and then went to the gym
I was the only person in class! It was “Playball!” which is a body sculpting type class with medicine balls. I was thinking old school, but these were smaller lighter, squishy weighted balls. Anyway, it was a great workout. There was one other lady that showed up at 6:40 (she thought the class was at 6:30). She came in & did a bit with us.
At home, the guys caught a lucky break because the cleaning lady came yesterday – right day, wrong week! Way to get out of vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms!
I sat down with a calendar yesterday and wrote down what hub and I need to accomplish around the house this fall. Looks like we’re booked through October pretty much. Between your usual home maintenance (seal the deck, trim some limbs, paint some windows) and my desire to do some painting inside, we’re full up.
Work is doing a new thing where you can get money added to your health savings account if you do things like take a health assessment, sign up with a health coach, etc. Since my weight has been stalled for time & all eternity, yesterday I called and signed up with a coach. I figure it will help me be accountable to my plan.
I need to get a bit more frequent with the physical activity and dial back a bit on the weekends with the calories. I’m so close – I’ve maintained for a while, so I’m ready to take it to the next level. Overall though I'm doing really great!
When I got home yesterday, I took a short nap, did a bit of sewing, made dinner, and then went to the gym
I was the only person in class! It was “Playball!” which is a body sculpting type class with medicine balls. I was thinking old school, but these were smaller lighter, squishy weighted balls. Anyway, it was a great workout. There was one other lady that showed up at 6:40 (she thought the class was at 6:30). She came in & did a bit with us.
At home, the guys caught a lucky break because the cleaning lady came yesterday – right day, wrong week! Way to get out of vacuuming and cleaning the bathrooms!
I sat down with a calendar yesterday and wrote down what hub and I need to accomplish around the house this fall. Looks like we’re booked through October pretty much. Between your usual home maintenance (seal the deck, trim some limbs, paint some windows) and my desire to do some painting inside, we’re full up.
Work is doing a new thing where you can get money added to your health savings account if you do things like take a health assessment, sign up with a health coach, etc. Since my weight has been stalled for time & all eternity, yesterday I called and signed up with a coach. I figure it will help me be accountable to my plan.
I need to get a bit more frequent with the physical activity and dial back a bit on the weekends with the calories. I’m so close – I’ve maintained for a while, so I’m ready to take it to the next level. Overall though I'm doing really great!
Friday, September 04, 2009
Insert heavy sigh here
This week I lost the half pound I gained last week. Other than a beer, slice of cheese, and 5 chips Wednesday night, I ate really well. I went to the gym Tuesday (cardio) and Thursday (body sculpt, led by one of satan's minions). I have to remember that some weeks that's just how it is.
Have fun with the remodel Jack!
If you are celebrating, have a nice Labor Day weekend!
This week I lost the half pound I gained last week. Other than a beer, slice of cheese, and 5 chips Wednesday night, I ate really well. I went to the gym Tuesday (cardio) and Thursday (body sculpt, led by one of satan's minions). I have to remember that some weeks that's just how it is.
Have fun with the remodel Jack!
If you are celebrating, have a nice Labor Day weekend!
Thursday, September 03, 2009
All's quiet here
It's been a good week. The whole family went to the gym Tuesday afternoon - yay! Both boy and hub have commitments this afternoon, so I plan to hit a body sculpt class. The kitchen is laregely put back together - I just need to finish & hang the curtains.
I've tried to eat a better dinner so I don't feel the need for an evening snack, and that's going pretty well. Hub has Monday off, so I've decided to take the day off as well. Not sure what we're gonna do - Sunday I'm headed to a friend's to do some sewing. So I'm looking forward to a quiet holiday weekend. Weather permitting, we'll grill out!
Take care.
It's been a good week. The whole family went to the gym Tuesday afternoon - yay! Both boy and hub have commitments this afternoon, so I plan to hit a body sculpt class. The kitchen is laregely put back together - I just need to finish & hang the curtains.
I've tried to eat a better dinner so I don't feel the need for an evening snack, and that's going pretty well. Hub has Monday off, so I've decided to take the day off as well. Not sure what we're gonna do - Sunday I'm headed to a friend's to do some sewing. So I'm looking forward to a quiet holiday weekend. Weather permitting, we'll grill out!
Take care.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Lesson (Re-) Learned
Something I know but tend to forget: If I fail to eat a sufficient dinner, I get hungry later. I realize that sounds self evident, but in my efforts to make healthy choices, I sometimes fail to eat enough dinner.
After Saturday night’s “taco incident”, the scale was up 1.5 pounds. No surprise, it was salty and I ate a fair amount of food late. I became frustrated Monday when that pound was still there. But then I realized that I ate a very light dinner Sunday, so later I had a snack. Not bad, but 1) it was late and 2) it was a bit salty. So it’s no wonder the scale hadn’t budged! Last night I ate a substantial dinner, didn’t need a snack, and lo and behold the scale was back down.
I got up and walked this morning - it was a wonderful 56 degrees with just a hint of “crisp" in the air. It’s been in the mid 90s here and even the nights have been warm and muggy, so this morning was a pleasant surprise. Hub is back on a M-F 7-3:30 schedule, so he will be getting home in time to go to the gym with the boy and I. We are going this afternoon! So that is wonderful – I’m so glad that we’ll all be going.
I know that day to day it sometimes feels (and sounds) like I’m not making progress. But I’ve still lost 20 pounds this year and while things like vacation etc. have made the scale bounce up and down, overall I’m headed in the right direction.
Something I know but tend to forget: If I fail to eat a sufficient dinner, I get hungry later. I realize that sounds self evident, but in my efforts to make healthy choices, I sometimes fail to eat enough dinner.
After Saturday night’s “taco incident”, the scale was up 1.5 pounds. No surprise, it was salty and I ate a fair amount of food late. I became frustrated Monday when that pound was still there. But then I realized that I ate a very light dinner Sunday, so later I had a snack. Not bad, but 1) it was late and 2) it was a bit salty. So it’s no wonder the scale hadn’t budged! Last night I ate a substantial dinner, didn’t need a snack, and lo and behold the scale was back down.
I got up and walked this morning - it was a wonderful 56 degrees with just a hint of “crisp" in the air. It’s been in the mid 90s here and even the nights have been warm and muggy, so this morning was a pleasant surprise. Hub is back on a M-F 7-3:30 schedule, so he will be getting home in time to go to the gym with the boy and I. We are going this afternoon! So that is wonderful – I’m so glad that we’ll all be going.
I know that day to day it sometimes feels (and sounds) like I’m not making progress. But I’ve still lost 20 pounds this year and while things like vacation etc. have made the scale bounce up and down, overall I’m headed in the right direction.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
How it’s going
Back to school is always a challenging time of year. Besides all the running around to find supplies, clothes, go to open house, every year we have a new routine to adjust to. This year my son’s bus comes over an hour later than it did last year! So, a huge swing in our schedules.
For the first few days at least I want to be home long enough to ensure he’s up, clean, fed, and ready to go to the bus stop. That translates to me getting in to work much later than I have in the past.
Normally I get pretty stressed this time of year but somehow it’s going better this year. For one, he didn’t start back to school immediately after vacation, so we had time to get everything vacation-related cleaned and put away. My house is clean & organized and hub did the same for the garage. Second, I acknowledged that all my habits wouldn’t magically gel into a new schedule. I’ve gradually added things back, and that’s gone great.
I’m back to packing healthy meals and snacks, I’m getting up and walking in the morning. Yesterday the boy and I visited the gym in the afternoon to see how crowded it was and talk to the guy at the desk about when it begins to get busy. We are going to try going in the afternoons, starting next week. Weight is drifting back down. Hurray!
But most of all it feels good to be eating my healthy foods and going for those morning walks.
Back to school is always a challenging time of year. Besides all the running around to find supplies, clothes, go to open house, every year we have a new routine to adjust to. This year my son’s bus comes over an hour later than it did last year! So, a huge swing in our schedules.
For the first few days at least I want to be home long enough to ensure he’s up, clean, fed, and ready to go to the bus stop. That translates to me getting in to work much later than I have in the past.
Normally I get pretty stressed this time of year but somehow it’s going better this year. For one, he didn’t start back to school immediately after vacation, so we had time to get everything vacation-related cleaned and put away. My house is clean & organized and hub did the same for the garage. Second, I acknowledged that all my habits wouldn’t magically gel into a new schedule. I’ve gradually added things back, and that’s gone great.
I’m back to packing healthy meals and snacks, I’m getting up and walking in the morning. Yesterday the boy and I visited the gym in the afternoon to see how crowded it was and talk to the guy at the desk about when it begins to get busy. We are going to try going in the afternoons, starting next week. Weight is drifting back down. Hurray!
But most of all it feels good to be eating my healthy foods and going for those morning walks.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday - already!?!?!
I had the most amazingly productive weekend possible. And since the job site was closed, hub had a whole weekend off! Which was good, because it took him the entire weekend to get the garage put back together and all the vacation stuff put away!
Went out to dinner with friends Friday after work.
Saturday I got up early and walked, grocery shopped, and cleaned my kitchen. As in I went through every single drawer and cabinet and cleaned, organized, and culled out stuff I don't need/use. Goodwill is going to be very happy. Then we had an amazing dinner with friends – yummy and good company.
Sunday was laundry day. I also got the vacation stuff in the sewing room put away, that room mostly tidied up, and organized the linen closet. I had a big stack of old towels & some pet stuff that went to the animal shelter. We had friends come over for lunch, which was a nice break for us and it was nice to catch up with them. I also made a nice meal for dinner and got a bunch of embroidery done on my dress.
Is it Friday yet? I'm tired. hee hee hee
On the down side, I ate too much. Grrr.
I had the most amazingly productive weekend possible. And since the job site was closed, hub had a whole weekend off! Which was good, because it took him the entire weekend to get the garage put back together and all the vacation stuff put away!
Went out to dinner with friends Friday after work.
Saturday I got up early and walked, grocery shopped, and cleaned my kitchen. As in I went through every single drawer and cabinet and cleaned, organized, and culled out stuff I don't need/use. Goodwill is going to be very happy. Then we had an amazing dinner with friends – yummy and good company.
Sunday was laundry day. I also got the vacation stuff in the sewing room put away, that room mostly tidied up, and organized the linen closet. I had a big stack of old towels & some pet stuff that went to the animal shelter. We had friends come over for lunch, which was a nice break for us and it was nice to catch up with them. I also made a nice meal for dinner and got a bunch of embroidery done on my dress.
Is it Friday yet? I'm tired. hee hee hee
On the down side, I ate too much. Grrr.
Friday, August 21, 2009
No, I haven’t abandoned this blog.
I know I haven’t updated in forever. I haven’t even caught up on the blogs I read since we got back! We were on vacation for 2 weeks (it was very nice). Then we got back on the 9th and since then work has been super busy for hub & I, we’ve been busy getting things cleaned up & packed away, and the boy had freshman orientation the past 2 days and school starts next week!
One good thing I did was to give myself permission to ease back into my routine. Rather than trying to jump back in & be “perfect”, I spent a week getting my eating routines back in place, this week, I started walking again in the morning, next week I’ll add weights, etc. The net result is much less pressure on myself. According to my weigh-in this morning, I gained 2 pounds on vacation – pretty good!
I’m back to eating mostly vegan and feeling much better for it. This weekend is visiting with friends, sewing, and giving my kitchen a thorough cleaning & organizing in preparation to paint it!
Well, back to work but I wanted to make time to at least check in.
Have a good weekend!
I know I haven’t updated in forever. I haven’t even caught up on the blogs I read since we got back! We were on vacation for 2 weeks (it was very nice). Then we got back on the 9th and since then work has been super busy for hub & I, we’ve been busy getting things cleaned up & packed away, and the boy had freshman orientation the past 2 days and school starts next week!
One good thing I did was to give myself permission to ease back into my routine. Rather than trying to jump back in & be “perfect”, I spent a week getting my eating routines back in place, this week, I started walking again in the morning, next week I’ll add weights, etc. The net result is much less pressure on myself. According to my weigh-in this morning, I gained 2 pounds on vacation – pretty good!
I’m back to eating mostly vegan and feeling much better for it. This weekend is visiting with friends, sewing, and giving my kitchen a thorough cleaning & organizing in preparation to paint it!
Well, back to work but I wanted to make time to at least check in.
Have a good weekend!
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