Instant gratification
Don’t you hate it when you eat well, exercise regularly, and the scale doesn’t move???? Yeah, me too!
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….
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)