Friday, March 29, 2013
Kettlebell fail
I worked at home today, and after I finished decided to do some kettlebell swings. I left my 18 lb kbell at work, so I used the 26 lb. After 100 swings, my back was hurting. It was a little tight before I started, and it clearly was not up to the 26 lb. Oh well, involuntary day off.
Friday ... finally!
The fam is on the road and I am so excited! I've bought some groceries, done some laundery, and cleaned to pool and kitchen.
Here is a picture of lunch:
Exciting, right??? I should start collecting dishes to try to make my food look more exciting! Ha ha.
Breakfast was "huevos faux-cheros" aka almost huevos rancheros. I made 2 eggs, with 1/3 cup refried beans and salsa. Very good and filling. Dinner tonight is chicken soup with vegetables and white beans. When I make soup (generally in the crock pot) I will automatically freeze enough for us to have it for another meal. After that, leftovers get put in a smaller tupperware so that if I need a quick weekend lunch I can heat up some soup and put it with a salad or wrap.
I had several things in the freezer and it was getting full, so over the past couple of weeks I've been using up what's in the freezer.
This may sound crazy, but its pretty normal for me to go to 2-3 grocery stores every weekend - sometimes more!
I hit W-M for non grocery items as well as canned veg, pickles & condiments - that sort of thing. They do have low prices on that stuff, but I don't care for their produce or meat.
For produce and meat, I go to a local store- they have a butcher, specific farms they buy from, make their own ground meats, sausages etc. in the store (they started as a bucher shop). And their produce is generally very nice.
Then for misc. items I sometimes go to: Aldi, Whole Foods, and Publix.
I do my grocery shopping early Saturday morning and do my food prep for the week on Sunday.
I know people who say "I can't imagine planning all my meals in advance!". I can't imagine NOT. I had a co-worker a few years ago, every afternoon she & her husband would have this huge conversatin around whether anyone had taken anything out of the freezer, what they needed from the store, what they were going to make, etc. It sounded like they were planning the D Day invasion! They had 2 young daughters, so getting a good meal on the table was important, but leaving it to the last minute when you both work is a recipe for disaster in my book.
Sometimes I make a change at the last minute, but its good to have most everything you need and a plan.
I started tracking my food in Sparkpeople. I was curious. I have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to eat, but I really didn't know the difference calorie-wise between lamb chops and pork chops. Is it important? I don't know. After tracking for a week, my calories tend to fall into a range of 1300-1450 calories.
I have no plans to take my computer with me to the Keys, so don't expect any posts next week (that it, if any humans continue to read this).
If I don't post again, have a good Easter!
Here is a picture of lunch:
Breakfast was "huevos faux-cheros" aka almost huevos rancheros. I made 2 eggs, with 1/3 cup refried beans and salsa. Very good and filling. Dinner tonight is chicken soup with vegetables and white beans. When I make soup (generally in the crock pot) I will automatically freeze enough for us to have it for another meal. After that, leftovers get put in a smaller tupperware so that if I need a quick weekend lunch I can heat up some soup and put it with a salad or wrap.
I had several things in the freezer and it was getting full, so over the past couple of weeks I've been using up what's in the freezer.
This may sound crazy, but its pretty normal for me to go to 2-3 grocery stores every weekend - sometimes more!
I hit W-M for non grocery items as well as canned veg, pickles & condiments - that sort of thing. They do have low prices on that stuff, but I don't care for their produce or meat.
For produce and meat, I go to a local store- they have a butcher, specific farms they buy from, make their own ground meats, sausages etc. in the store (they started as a bucher shop). And their produce is generally very nice.
Then for misc. items I sometimes go to: Aldi, Whole Foods, and Publix.
I do my grocery shopping early Saturday morning and do my food prep for the week on Sunday.
I know people who say "I can't imagine planning all my meals in advance!". I can't imagine NOT. I had a co-worker a few years ago, every afternoon she & her husband would have this huge conversatin around whether anyone had taken anything out of the freezer, what they needed from the store, what they were going to make, etc. It sounded like they were planning the D Day invasion! They had 2 young daughters, so getting a good meal on the table was important, but leaving it to the last minute when you both work is a recipe for disaster in my book.
Sometimes I make a change at the last minute, but its good to have most everything you need and a plan.
I started tracking my food in Sparkpeople. I was curious. I have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to eat, but I really didn't know the difference calorie-wise between lamb chops and pork chops. Is it important? I don't know. After tracking for a week, my calories tend to fall into a range of 1300-1450 calories.
I have no plans to take my computer with me to the Keys, so don't expect any posts next week (that it, if any humans continue to read this).
If I don't post again, have a good Easter!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Nothing ruins a Friday like realizing its Wednesday
This has been one of those weeks where it always seemed like it should be a day or two later than it actuall was. It was busy and I was dragging, so I am glad the end is in sight!
Anyway, not too much to say. Another good workout with Jeff today - shoulders and arms. The family is driving down from NC tomorrow and I am very excited! The house could be tidier, but who cares? I'm just glad they are coming down a day earlier than originally planned!
Anyway, not too much to say. Another good workout with Jeff today - shoulders and arms. The family is driving down from NC tomorrow and I am very excited! The house could be tidier, but who cares? I'm just glad they are coming down a day earlier than originally planned!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Easter menu
Normally, I don't do a big Easter meal. This year would be no exception except I picked up a 15 pound turkey for 40 cents a pound after Christmas. That sucker has been in my freezer ever since. The family (my mom, son, and his girlfriend) are coming down on Friday and we are headed out of town on Monday. So Sunday seemed like a good time to use the turkey.
My original plan was turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a dessert. Son asked if I would please make homemade dressing as well, so I am. It's like a Thanksgiving dinner, but a very streamlined version.
Since we are leaving town the next day I figured leftover turkey would be either frozen or used to make sandwiches for the road (or salad in the case of the hub & I).
Next week we are headed to the Keys for the week as a graduation present to the boy. Monday is SCUBA diving at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo (son and I are the only divers in the family), Tuesday is the Coral Castle (google Coral Castle museum if curious), Wednesday is snorkeling back at JP state park, then Thursday and Friday are doing misc. tourist things down in Key West. So, loads of being out in the warm sunshine - walking and swimming.
Woork is good these days but I am still looking forward to this trip!
My original plan was turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and a dessert. Son asked if I would please make homemade dressing as well, so I am. It's like a Thanksgiving dinner, but a very streamlined version.
Since we are leaving town the next day I figured leftover turkey would be either frozen or used to make sandwiches for the road (or salad in the case of the hub & I).
Next week we are headed to the Keys for the week as a graduation present to the boy. Monday is SCUBA diving at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo (son and I are the only divers in the family), Tuesday is the Coral Castle (google Coral Castle museum if curious), Wednesday is snorkeling back at JP state park, then Thursday and Friday are doing misc. tourist things down in Key West. So, loads of being out in the warm sunshine - walking and swimming.
Woork is good these days but I am still looking forward to this trip!
Had a good but difficult discussion with my boss. And it was genuinely good, just on a sensitive topic. I find conversations like that hard, and my immediate response after it was over was to look for something to soothe my feelings. Picked up a "treat", then put it back. I don't need it - the conversation is done and went well and yes it was stressful but it's over, so why eat to soothe now?
Food today was pretty much the same as yesterday so I won't bore you.
Exercise was 30 minute walk, 20 minutes yoga, 175 kettlebell swings, and a 30 minute back workout with Jeff the trainer.
Food today was pretty much the same as yesterday so I won't bore you.
Exercise was 30 minute walk, 20 minutes yoga, 175 kettlebell swings, and a 30 minute back workout with Jeff the trainer.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Monday
Exciting title, no?
Today was very quiet at work, which enabled me to get in a couple of 30 minute exercise breaks. So far today I have:
walked 30 minutes
done 45 minutes of yoga
done 175 kettlebell swings
done 30 minutes of challenging circuiut style lower body weight training with Jeff.
I appreciate having the fitness center, it makes getting in exercise much easier!
Food:
Breakfast was as planned - tomatoes & shrimp with feta
am snack was a boiled egg
lunch was salad with grilled chicken
pm snack was half an ounce of walnuts and 2 clementines
dinner tonight is going to be a roasted lamb chop, baked sweet potato, and roasted brussel sprouts.
It is so warm here that we got in the pool yesterday! I am hoping it will cool back down for a little bit - I love being able to have the windows open. OTOH, we are planning to go scuba diving and snorkeling next week, so a little warmth might be a good thing!
Today was very quiet at work, which enabled me to get in a couple of 30 minute exercise breaks. So far today I have:
walked 30 minutes
done 45 minutes of yoga
done 175 kettlebell swings
done 30 minutes of challenging circuiut style lower body weight training with Jeff.
I appreciate having the fitness center, it makes getting in exercise much easier!
Food:
Breakfast was as planned - tomatoes & shrimp with feta
am snack was a boiled egg
lunch was salad with grilled chicken
pm snack was half an ounce of walnuts and 2 clementines
dinner tonight is going to be a roasted lamb chop, baked sweet potato, and roasted brussel sprouts.
It is so warm here that we got in the pool yesterday! I am hoping it will cool back down for a little bit - I love being able to have the windows open. OTOH, we are planning to go scuba diving and snorkeling next week, so a little warmth might be a good thing!
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Lunch
Breakfast this week
This is something my mom used to make and serve over pasta. I just left off the pasta. I love it but it isn't one of hub's favorites, so I'm having it for breakfast!
The peanut butter is not on the counter for convenient snacking - that's what we use to give the dogs their medicines! Works like a charm. I'm not a big peanut butter fan myself, but I can't imagine wanting to stick a spoon in it after I've been using dog pills as scoops! :-O
Monday, March 18, 2013
Almost a month
I'm still alive.
Teeth are healing up. We're still here in Florida, working on the house, taking care of the dogs. Things are still largely the same. Our chihuahua has been sick, but she is doing well. She was given the incorrect dosage of a medicine, but has made a full recovery.
What else? Getting ready for spring break. We are going to the Keys for a week the first week of April, which is going to be a great deal of fun.
Jeff at work has set up an informal group that meets each afternoon to lift weights together. In a not so shocking development, I am the only girl. I love my kettlebells, but its nice to be doing some old school style weights as well. :-)
It's perfect winter weather here - nights in the mid to upper 50s, days in the mid to upper 70s - no need for heating or air conditioning.
The hub and I went to Everglades National Park a couple of weekends ago. I am posting a picture. I could not believe the alligators!
I just haven't felt like I have a lot to say here, but I am doing okay. I hate it when bloggers vanish, and a time may come where once again I have more to say, so I want to check in periodically.
Be well.
Teeth are healing up. We're still here in Florida, working on the house, taking care of the dogs. Things are still largely the same. Our chihuahua has been sick, but she is doing well. She was given the incorrect dosage of a medicine, but has made a full recovery.
What else? Getting ready for spring break. We are going to the Keys for a week the first week of April, which is going to be a great deal of fun.
Jeff at work has set up an informal group that meets each afternoon to lift weights together. In a not so shocking development, I am the only girl. I love my kettlebells, but its nice to be doing some old school style weights as well. :-)
It's perfect winter weather here - nights in the mid to upper 50s, days in the mid to upper 70s - no need for heating or air conditioning.
The hub and I went to Everglades National Park a couple of weekends ago. I am posting a picture. I could not believe the alligators!
I just haven't felt like I have a lot to say here, but I am doing okay. I hate it when bloggers vanish, and a time may come where once again I have more to say, so I want to check in periodically.
Be well.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Update
So, my oral surgery was on Feb 7, and the stitches came out on the 18th. During that time I was not able to wear my temporary applicance, could not exercise (or do anything to raise my blood pressure due to the pain it caused), and was on a soft diet.
As of Friday, I still couldn't wear my temp teeth. The dentist ground it down some, but she said the implants probably changed my gumline. I worked from home the first week and was on vacation this last week. We'll see how things go tomorrow - I have to go back to work. Hopefully she can make enoough adjustments without my having to have another temp appliance made.
My mom was here for a week and she helped me do some painting in the house, so that was good. Still looking at moving as soon as I can get work situated - no idea when that will happe, hopefully sooner rather than later.
We switched our dogs to new heartowrm/flea med. Vet gave us the wrong size and our chihuahua took a dose meant for a very large dog. They treated her for free, but once she had to go to the hospital the bills started mounting. She is on 4 meds and seemed to be doing better, but today she is not eating. I can't begin to tell you how worried we are. We were there when she was born and she is my husband's pride and joy. Besides the fact that we simply can't afford thousands of dollars in vet bills, basically they said "no idea. here's an antibiotic, call us if she gets worse."
If this post sounds negative, I have to tell you, I'm feeling pretty down. I've been randomly crying on and off for days and can't seem to stop. I am just so overwhelemed - by money, by being so far from family, worry over the dog... literally I feel like I can't get a break.
Between starting this post and now our son's bf came by to let us know his grandparents kicked him out. Can't even remember if I posted here, but his parents threw him out the weekend before Christmas and he lived with us for a month before moving in the his grandparents.
Like I said, cannot get a break.
Here is breakfast - veggie omelet. I keep trying even if I keep getting knocked down.
As of Friday, I still couldn't wear my temp teeth. The dentist ground it down some, but she said the implants probably changed my gumline. I worked from home the first week and was on vacation this last week. We'll see how things go tomorrow - I have to go back to work. Hopefully she can make enoough adjustments without my having to have another temp appliance made.
My mom was here for a week and she helped me do some painting in the house, so that was good. Still looking at moving as soon as I can get work situated - no idea when that will happe, hopefully sooner rather than later.
We switched our dogs to new heartowrm/flea med. Vet gave us the wrong size and our chihuahua took a dose meant for a very large dog. They treated her for free, but once she had to go to the hospital the bills started mounting. She is on 4 meds and seemed to be doing better, but today she is not eating. I can't begin to tell you how worried we are. We were there when she was born and she is my husband's pride and joy. Besides the fact that we simply can't afford thousands of dollars in vet bills, basically they said "no idea. here's an antibiotic, call us if she gets worse."
If this post sounds negative, I have to tell you, I'm feeling pretty down. I've been randomly crying on and off for days and can't seem to stop. I am just so overwhelemed - by money, by being so far from family, worry over the dog... literally I feel like I can't get a break.
Between starting this post and now our son's bf came by to let us know his grandparents kicked him out. Can't even remember if I posted here, but his parents threw him out the weekend before Christmas and he lived with us for a month before moving in the his grandparents.
Like I said, cannot get a break.
Here is breakfast - veggie omelet. I keep trying even if I keep getting knocked down.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Blogger fail
I don't know if I'm not cut out for blogging any more - I keep trying and not following through. I am still reading plenty of blogs, I just don't know what to say here.
I am walking, swinging kettlebells, making green drinks, eating vegetables, living my life.
Things are okay. We certainly have challenges, but we seem to be tackling them together. Still not thrilled to be in south Florida, but we continue to work on that.
I am having my dental implants next week. First they do the impants, then they have to heal (minimum 4 months) and then they can put on the crowns. This has been a long, crazy expensive process, which has sucked. Lesson learned: don't get your teeth knocked out in a swimming pool as a teenager.
I am walking, swinging kettlebells, making green drinks, eating vegetables, living my life.
Things are okay. We certainly have challenges, but we seem to be tackling them together. Still not thrilled to be in south Florida, but we continue to work on that.
I am having my dental implants next week. First they do the impants, then they have to heal (minimum 4 months) and then they can put on the crowns. This has been a long, crazy expensive process, which has sucked. Lesson learned: don't get your teeth knocked out in a swimming pool as a teenager.
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Juicing
For this week I decided to do juice for 2 of my 3 meals. It's an easy way for me to get in mass quantities of veggies. For me, when I say "juice" I generally do a sort of hybrid: I juice my hard veggies but then pour my juice into the BlendTec and add the spinach & that sort of thing. I do that because I have a centrifugal juicer (which I love) but it just doesn't do greens very well.
I've been doing a green drink in the morning (spinach, 1/2 banana, frozen mixed fruit), then 2 quarts of juice - I juice in the morning and put it into 4 canning jars, 3 of which I pack in my lunchbox with ice packs. I've also been taking a couple of the little clementines - I do love citrus season! My juices are mostly vegetable, not the largely fruit juices you often see recipes for.
Tonight I made a goulash in the crockpot which I served with leftover mashed cauliflower and 3 bean salad.
While I certainly want to lose weight (I think that's been true for the past 25 years regardless of what I've weighed), for me, the primary point of juicing is the cram nutrients into my body in such a way that they are highly bioavailable. The sniffly nose I had over the holidays cleared up less than a day after I started juicing.
I don't know whether I will juice for meals next week or cut back to a smaller amount of juice and add a small breakfast & lunch back in for next week. The week after that we will be travelling and I will be packing food rather than juice for sure.
Right now we have 2 guest dogs at our house (long story) so I can't really go for a walk unless someone is here to watch them, so I am getting exercise in while I am at the office.
Yesterday I was talking about the mild weather - well I take it back. It is miserable freaking hot and I sincerely wish I wasn't 1) too miserly and 2) opposed on the principal that using AC in December is WRONG because it is 80 in my house and I am sweaty.
I've been doing a green drink in the morning (spinach, 1/2 banana, frozen mixed fruit), then 2 quarts of juice - I juice in the morning and put it into 4 canning jars, 3 of which I pack in my lunchbox with ice packs. I've also been taking a couple of the little clementines - I do love citrus season! My juices are mostly vegetable, not the largely fruit juices you often see recipes for.
Tonight I made a goulash in the crockpot which I served with leftover mashed cauliflower and 3 bean salad.
While I certainly want to lose weight (I think that's been true for the past 25 years regardless of what I've weighed), for me, the primary point of juicing is the cram nutrients into my body in such a way that they are highly bioavailable. The sniffly nose I had over the holidays cleared up less than a day after I started juicing.
I don't know whether I will juice for meals next week or cut back to a smaller amount of juice and add a small breakfast & lunch back in for next week. The week after that we will be travelling and I will be packing food rather than juice for sure.
Right now we have 2 guest dogs at our house (long story) so I can't really go for a walk unless someone is here to watch them, so I am getting exercise in while I am at the office.
Yesterday I was talking about the mild weather - well I take it back. It is miserable freaking hot and I sincerely wish I wasn't 1) too miserly and 2) opposed on the principal that using AC in December is WRONG because it is 80 in my house and I am sweaty.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Happy Wednesday!
Ah Wednesday, the world is slowly getting back to "normal." Colleagues I haven't seen in weeks are getting back to work. I start the new year with a new boss, slightly altereed work role, new challenges.
Unfortunately, I am also starting the new year sleep deprived. I had another bout of insomnia last night. Sigh.
Still and all, the mild weather is helping keep my spirits up in the face of various challenges life continues to offer up.
I took some steak out of the freezer to marinate. The plan is for hub to grill it and I'll make mashed cauliflower and roasted green beans and fruit salad for dessert. Then take the dogs for a walk. He's been crazy busy with work (thank goodness!), so I am looking forward to a quiet evening at home.
Unfortunately, I am also starting the new year sleep deprived. I had another bout of insomnia last night. Sigh.
Still and all, the mild weather is helping keep my spirits up in the face of various challenges life continues to offer up.
I took some steak out of the freezer to marinate. The plan is for hub to grill it and I'll make mashed cauliflower and roasted green beans and fruit salad for dessert. Then take the dogs for a walk. He's been crazy busy with work (thank goodness!), so I am looking forward to a quiet evening at home.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Hello again
Happy new year!
Over the holidays I didn't get on the computer more very often. My family was down from NC and we just enjoyed our time together.
I didn't gain weight over the holidays, but I did eat some crap. So in january I am doing the Whole 30 and trying not to eat out except for 1 planned dinner out. We are going to NC for a week and we'll be staying with friends up in Asheville for a few nights. I plan to take them out to thank them for their hospitality. no idea where we'll eat.
I met with the nutritionist yesterday and shared my plans regarding Whole 30, food for the trip, and my exercise goals for the month. I re0established good habits in December and intend to kicj them up a notch in January.
There is still loads going on with work, home, and family. But there is ALWAYS something going on. That can't be an excuse to derail your goals. If anything, by sticking to goals you'll feel more in control of the things you can control, which I think helps deal with the stuf fyou CAN'T control.
In any case, if anyone is still reading this, Happy 2013!
Over the holidays I didn't get on the computer more very often. My family was down from NC and we just enjoyed our time together.
I didn't gain weight over the holidays, but I did eat some crap. So in january I am doing the Whole 30 and trying not to eat out except for 1 planned dinner out. We are going to NC for a week and we'll be staying with friends up in Asheville for a few nights. I plan to take them out to thank them for their hospitality. no idea where we'll eat.
I met with the nutritionist yesterday and shared my plans regarding Whole 30, food for the trip, and my exercise goals for the month. I re0established good habits in December and intend to kicj them up a notch in January.
There is still loads going on with work, home, and family. But there is ALWAYS something going on. That can't be an excuse to derail your goals. If anything, by sticking to goals you'll feel more in control of the things you can control, which I think helps deal with the stuf fyou CAN'T control.
In any case, if anyone is still reading this, Happy 2013!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Here
I'm here - meeting with the nutritionist once a week for accountability, working out with Jeff a couple of times a week.
My co-worker M died. First she has breast cancer, then they found brain cancer nearly a year ago. My heart hurts for her family, for her kids, and for the many, many friends she left behind. I've lost 4 friends to breast cancer.
Anyway. we've been busy working on projects areound the house. This weekend we painted the guest room and I hemmed new curtains. We have to put it back together, but it looks really nice.
My co-worker M died. First she has breast cancer, then they found brain cancer nearly a year ago. My heart hurts for her family, for her kids, and for the many, many friends she left behind. I've lost 4 friends to breast cancer.
Anyway. we've been busy working on projects areound the house. This weekend we painted the guest room and I hemmed new curtains. We have to put it back together, but it looks really nice.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Monday, December 03, 2012
Stress
I haven't been posting much because there is a lot I'm just not comfortable posting (some family stuff and some work).
But I am hanging in there. I met with the nutritionist at work today for some extra accountability in ticking with my good habits and Jeff and I are hitting the gym together. So I'm hanging in there!
Take care & enjoy the holidays!
But I am hanging in there. I met with the nutritionist at work today for some extra accountability in ticking with my good habits and Jeff and I are hitting the gym together. So I'm hanging in there!
Take care & enjoy the holidays!
Sunday, November 04, 2012
It’s been a long week.
I received some not very good news about my friend M (I’ve written about her in the past). I also received some concerning news about my (ex) stepdad and his treatment for cancer: they are doing stem cell treatment and he has to be in the hospital for 6 weeks and has to have a family member with him at all times. Again, I am thankful for the flexibility my son has with the virtual school schedule which will enable him to help out.
Mostly, I’ve just been really, really, down: not sleeping well, nose constantly in a book (a preferred form of avoiding life for me), not wanting to take care of things (like dishes), no dog walking, just not in a good place mentally. I am so looking forward to 1) hub’s temp job ending (the money is great but working 50+ hours a week leaves no energy for him to help at home) and 2) heading to NC this weekend to visit family. It’s a quick trip, but I am hoping that seeing family will help to recharge my mental batteries.
A lot of people are posting about the holidays. Honestly, I guess I’m an anti-social recluse because I don’t see this as a huge deal for me. I didn’t buy candy (no small kids in our neighborhood) and avoided what my co-workers brought in Thursday. For Thanksgiving we’ll have a nice meal but it’ll be scaled down since once again we’ll be renting a cabin in Georgia to visit my great aunt.
Anyway, I’m hoping a break and hub returning to a more normal work schedule (please let the temp agency return him to any work though!) will help snap me out of this funk.
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