I seriously suck at keeping this thing updated. Whoa.
So Day 8 - Tuesday -
For breakfast I fried up 2 small sweet potatoes in some ghee.
Lunch was some of the Mexican chicken with broccoli and asparagus. Topped it with some delicious guac and ranch. I had some carrots and ranch for snacks. For dinner I was super starving and ate 2 hamburger patties, a tomato, half a jar of pickles, and a giant heap of sauerkraut. It was marvelous.
Day 9 - Wednesday -
I found some chorizo in the fridge. I LOVE chorizo!! How in the world I forgot about it is beyond me. So I made some with a potato and 2 eggs for breakfast.
Lunch was more of the chicken with asparagus and some honeydew melon. I snacked on celery and almond butter today, I like celery plain, but I really really like almond butter.
I wasn't really hungry for dinner (and I was canning for 3 hours) so I just had an apple and made some plantain chips.
Day 10 - Thursday - today.
Breakfast was again chorizo, sweet potatoes, and a green pepper from the garden.
Ate some more of the chicken for lunch on a salad with another fresh green pepper and some ranch. Snacked on an apple, more celery and almond butter, and a coworker brought in some pears from her tree. AMAZING. They are the most flavorful and juiciest pears I've ever had. Delicious.
Tonight I had my Practice Hair Appointment. Started to feel a little less stressed knowing that my hair is going to look stellar for the wedding. Then I came home and we met with our Preacher Man. He reminded me about the marriage license. This is on my list of things to do with a reminder to get 2 weeks before the ceremony. We are down to 16 days. Oh My Crap. So that needs to happen. But all in all, the 2 people we met with tonight have brought a bit of peace. I know that no matter what, at the end of the day we will be married and that's really all that matters.
So, dinner was late. Just fried up some chorizo with onions, jalepenos, and eggs. And now I'm munching on an apple from the neighbors tree. Something that I am continually reminded of when doing this is that quick and easy doesn't always have to be unhealthy. I made dinner tonight in 15 minutes. And the apple, wiped it off on my shirt. Eating healthy all the time is not unrealistic. But, I truly miss cookies, so much that there is one in the freezer at work with my name on it waiting. I think that doing this though does make you take a look at what goes in and also how much goes in. 1 cookie is ok. The entire package is probably a bad choice.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Monday, September 4, 2017
Day 8
After a long weekend, we met some friends for dinner last night. Eating out can be scary. I totally resisted the cheese fries and the fried cauliflower, both of which I love. Drank water and ordered a grilled chicken breast and a baked potato with salsa. Easy peazy.
I had a nice conversation this weekend about how days off always become days where you do all kinds of things and they are never relaxing. Yeah, that happened today. D has been working so hard preparing for our wedding and I was supposed to be helping him. I am not a good helper. Too easily distracted. I did a bunch of other stuff. But I did score points when I ran into town for some take out bar food and cold beer. Odie's (said bar) has crinkle fries. I have an unnatural love of crinkle fries. None of them made their way into my mouth. Although they really are "just potatoes", they are frozen with some kind of chemical that makes them delicious and crispy, and then fried in some unknown oil. Chemical and Fried = off limits.
Today I made a potato and meat hash for breakfast, surprise, surprise. I can't help it, just love it. For lunch I ate the leftovers from breakfast and for dinner I had a salad. Nothing too exciting today. Bedtime snack is a banana with coconut and cashews. Love this also.
Did make some more mexican chicken for lunches this week, so much easier when there is stuff in the fridge to just grab and go. So the recipe for this famous Mexican Chicken - chicken and salsa. That's it. Bake it. Eat it. And the homemade ranch, also easy - https://www.whole-sisters.com/dump-ranch/ - this is the one that I like the most. I use canned coconut milk, portion it out into baggies and freeze it. Then next time you need a batch, it's ready to roll.
Anyways, super tired. Canned pickles and salsa again tonight, after a long day outside. And then took a wonderous bath (sans candles, I'm now frightened after the last fiasco). Fresh air and warm baths wear me out, I'm kind of like a baby.
I had a nice conversation this weekend about how days off always become days where you do all kinds of things and they are never relaxing. Yeah, that happened today. D has been working so hard preparing for our wedding and I was supposed to be helping him. I am not a good helper. Too easily distracted. I did a bunch of other stuff. But I did score points when I ran into town for some take out bar food and cold beer. Odie's (said bar) has crinkle fries. I have an unnatural love of crinkle fries. None of them made their way into my mouth. Although they really are "just potatoes", they are frozen with some kind of chemical that makes them delicious and crispy, and then fried in some unknown oil. Chemical and Fried = off limits.
Today I made a potato and meat hash for breakfast, surprise, surprise. I can't help it, just love it. For lunch I ate the leftovers from breakfast and for dinner I had a salad. Nothing too exciting today. Bedtime snack is a banana with coconut and cashews. Love this also.
Did make some more mexican chicken for lunches this week, so much easier when there is stuff in the fridge to just grab and go. So the recipe for this famous Mexican Chicken - chicken and salsa. That's it. Bake it. Eat it. And the homemade ranch, also easy - https://www.whole-sisters.com/dump-ranch/ - this is the one that I like the most. I use canned coconut milk, portion it out into baggies and freeze it. Then next time you need a batch, it's ready to roll.
Anyways, super tired. Canned pickles and salsa again tonight, after a long day outside. And then took a wonderous bath (sans candles, I'm now frightened after the last fiasco). Fresh air and warm baths wear me out, I'm kind of like a baby.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Day 5, 6, & 7
Jeez, this is hard to keep up with!!
So Day 5 was Friday. I had the day off. It was wonderous. With the garden deciding that everything needs to ripen all at the same time, it was great to get a little canning done. I was still left with 4 grocery bags full of tomatoes, a bag of beans, and a bag of cucumbers. Thankfully, our friends have this stellar recipe for V9 juice (like V8 but WAY better, incredible Bloody mix) so we gifted a bunch and will anxiously await the arrival of those precious glass jars!
I honestly don't even remember what I ate that day, but I can almost promise you that it was some kind of veggie/potato hash for breakfast. I did make some Mexican Chicken for dinner with some of the days salsa renderings. And fruit. Tons of fruit.
Day 6 was Saturday. I ate 3 compliant sausage links on the way in to work with a banana. Finished the bag of almonds by 10am. For lunch, I got lettuce from the cafeteria and made a little "taco chicken salad" with the leftover chicken and some homemade ranch. Twas delicious. And then somehow I decided that working a double was a good idea and realized I didn't have dinner. Cue Addie to save the day. She brought me a pork carnitas salad with pico and guac from Chipotle so I didn't starve. So I munched on fruit for the whole day and had 2 salads as meals.
This salad thing makes me giggle. The first time I did Whole30, I had this underlying fear of salads. Like I didn't want to be on a "diet" that I could only eat salads. I wanted real food. Hearty food. I had 2 salads the entire first 30 days. These were in restaurants, and I had brought my own dressing. Not sure what it was, I actually really like salads, and I love that you get such a wide variety of veggies and flavors with salads, but for some reason, there was a weird fear of salads. Huh, guess that's over.
So today, Sunday, is Day 7. Breakfast was of course a hash. Sweet potato, white potato, onions, mushrooms, tomato, kale, jalapeno, and eggs. There was way too much for 1 meals, so bonus, lunch is ready as well. Breakfast portion I topped off with the leftover guac I made on draft night. Lunch shall be graced with some fresh salsa. I packed tons of fruit to snack on today as well.
So Day 5 was Friday. I had the day off. It was wonderous. With the garden deciding that everything needs to ripen all at the same time, it was great to get a little canning done. I was still left with 4 grocery bags full of tomatoes, a bag of beans, and a bag of cucumbers. Thankfully, our friends have this stellar recipe for V9 juice (like V8 but WAY better, incredible Bloody mix) so we gifted a bunch and will anxiously await the arrival of those precious glass jars!
I honestly don't even remember what I ate that day, but I can almost promise you that it was some kind of veggie/potato hash for breakfast. I did make some Mexican Chicken for dinner with some of the days salsa renderings. And fruit. Tons of fruit.
Day 6 was Saturday. I ate 3 compliant sausage links on the way in to work with a banana. Finished the bag of almonds by 10am. For lunch, I got lettuce from the cafeteria and made a little "taco chicken salad" with the leftover chicken and some homemade ranch. Twas delicious. And then somehow I decided that working a double was a good idea and realized I didn't have dinner. Cue Addie to save the day. She brought me a pork carnitas salad with pico and guac from Chipotle so I didn't starve. So I munched on fruit for the whole day and had 2 salads as meals.
This salad thing makes me giggle. The first time I did Whole30, I had this underlying fear of salads. Like I didn't want to be on a "diet" that I could only eat salads. I wanted real food. Hearty food. I had 2 salads the entire first 30 days. These were in restaurants, and I had brought my own dressing. Not sure what it was, I actually really like salads, and I love that you get such a wide variety of veggies and flavors with salads, but for some reason, there was a weird fear of salads. Huh, guess that's over.
So today, Sunday, is Day 7. Breakfast was of course a hash. Sweet potato, white potato, onions, mushrooms, tomato, kale, jalapeno, and eggs. There was way too much for 1 meals, so bonus, lunch is ready as well. Breakfast portion I topped off with the leftover guac I made on draft night. Lunch shall be graced with some fresh salsa. I packed tons of fruit to snack on today as well.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Day 3...& 4
Day 3:
This was an interesting day. Working long hours makes for lots of snacks.
For breakfast I had made a mash of sweet potato, onion, green pepper, tomato, kale, compliant sausage, and egg. Had some honeydew and strawberries as well. Super delicious and super full.
Lunch, Dinner, Snacks - all lumped into 1 here:
BLT salad - compliant bacon and homemade ranch make this salad
Grapes, Carrots, Banana, Orange, Almonds, hard boiled eggs and salami.
Got home at 12:45.
Day 4 -
Woke up late 7:05 - had a 7:30 meeting. I was only 5 minutes late, minus my socks.
So threw some junk in my lunch bag and out the door I went. Managed to scarf a banana on my way in, and had 3 compliant sausage links after the meeting. It was crazy busy. Crazy busy. Did manage to sneak in some strawberries and honeydew between patients, but was starving by lunch! I had grabbed a chicken breast, so I ran down to the cafeteria at lunch and added some steamed peas and onions, 2 hard boiled eggs, and salami. Washed it down with a nice refreshing sparkling water. Ahhh.
Now I'm home. Totally exhausted from my lack of sleep and super busy day. Fantasy football draft is tonight. I feel like this should be paired with a very large plate of nachos. So instead I baked some plantain chips and made some fresh salsa and guac. Close enough right.
And then I thought it would be great to relax in a nice bath, got in, let the jets do their thing on my terrible achy, tight muscles...and then my candle fell into the water. Yes, that happened. I promptly turned off the jets, let out all the water, and spent the next 20 minutes scrubbing the tub and then scrubbing myself. So much for relaxing. Anyone needs me, I'll be picking wax out of my hair.
This was an interesting day. Working long hours makes for lots of snacks.
For breakfast I had made a mash of sweet potato, onion, green pepper, tomato, kale, compliant sausage, and egg. Had some honeydew and strawberries as well. Super delicious and super full.
Lunch, Dinner, Snacks - all lumped into 1 here:
BLT salad - compliant bacon and homemade ranch make this salad
Grapes, Carrots, Banana, Orange, Almonds, hard boiled eggs and salami.
Got home at 12:45.
Day 4 -
Woke up late 7:05 - had a 7:30 meeting. I was only 5 minutes late, minus my socks.
So threw some junk in my lunch bag and out the door I went. Managed to scarf a banana on my way in, and had 3 compliant sausage links after the meeting. It was crazy busy. Crazy busy. Did manage to sneak in some strawberries and honeydew between patients, but was starving by lunch! I had grabbed a chicken breast, so I ran down to the cafeteria at lunch and added some steamed peas and onions, 2 hard boiled eggs, and salami. Washed it down with a nice refreshing sparkling water. Ahhh.
Now I'm home. Totally exhausted from my lack of sleep and super busy day. Fantasy football draft is tonight. I feel like this should be paired with a very large plate of nachos. So instead I baked some plantain chips and made some fresh salsa and guac. Close enough right.
And then I thought it would be great to relax in a nice bath, got in, let the jets do their thing on my terrible achy, tight muscles...and then my candle fell into the water. Yes, that happened. I promptly turned off the jets, let out all the water, and spent the next 20 minutes scrubbing the tub and then scrubbing myself. So much for relaxing. Anyone needs me, I'll be picking wax out of my hair.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Day 2
Breakfast was again a mash up. Today was compliant bacon, egg, and fresh salsa.
Then I went to the dentist and it was wonderful. I love clean teeth.
As I left the dentist, I was out to run some errands. Pulled into my parking spot at the grocery store and grabbed my purse. I recently switched to a smaller purse, which is ok. It prevents me from carrying around the kitchen sink. What I am still getting used to is a long strap. Well, that long strap caught on the side of my coffee cup...and dumped the whole thing (well like 3/4 since that was what was left) into my drivers seat. So now I have coffee all over my car seat and my butt. Walked through Aldi and Walmart with a coffee soaked bottom. Awesome.
Got home and made some lunch. I had leftover grilled chicken with some sauteed kale and tomato.
Snacks: Grapes, carrots, and celery with almond butter.
For dinner I went out with some of the ladies from work. Ordered a plain hamburger patty with the veggies, no bun, and a side of watermelon.
When I got home, D and I spent a good portion of time in the garden picking veggies. We filled 2 bags and a large bucket! Good thing I have Friday off to start the canning factory. As much work as it is and as overwhelming as it can feel at times, we are so blessed to have such a good garden and be able to not only put food away for the winter but also to share with our friends and family.
After I prepared 3 huge bags of beans for the freezer, I made one of my favorite snacks - banana with a handful of cashews and some shaved dried coconut. Try this. It's just plain good.
Then I went to the dentist and it was wonderful. I love clean teeth.
As I left the dentist, I was out to run some errands. Pulled into my parking spot at the grocery store and grabbed my purse. I recently switched to a smaller purse, which is ok. It prevents me from carrying around the kitchen sink. What I am still getting used to is a long strap. Well, that long strap caught on the side of my coffee cup...and dumped the whole thing (well like 3/4 since that was what was left) into my drivers seat. So now I have coffee all over my car seat and my butt. Walked through Aldi and Walmart with a coffee soaked bottom. Awesome.
Got home and made some lunch. I had leftover grilled chicken with some sauteed kale and tomato.
Snacks: Grapes, carrots, and celery with almond butter.
For dinner I went out with some of the ladies from work. Ordered a plain hamburger patty with the veggies, no bun, and a side of watermelon.
When I got home, D and I spent a good portion of time in the garden picking veggies. We filled 2 bags and a large bucket! Good thing I have Friday off to start the canning factory. As much work as it is and as overwhelming as it can feel at times, we are so blessed to have such a good garden and be able to not only put food away for the winter but also to share with our friends and family.
After I prepared 3 huge bags of beans for the freezer, I made one of my favorite snacks - banana with a handful of cashews and some shaved dried coconut. Try this. It's just plain good.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
This too I shall do
These keep showing up in my memories, and a friend recently blogged about her Whole30 journey, and I am reminded that sharing life and lessons and journeys is something that I really enjoy. And also feedback, I love feedback. So welcome back. There are quite a few things going on in life and I'd love to share just a few with you today.
I mention Whole30 above. It was an amazing journey that I also participated in this past May. A look at food - relationships, ingredients, it was incredible to see how food affected my body. For 30 days you change your food, strip out the "extras", and feel like a whole new person. No sugars (except those naturally occurring in food), no artificial sweeteners, no dairy, no grains, no alcohol, the list goes on.
For those 30 days, I did not have a single headache. Not 1. I used to get headaches fairly often, the kind where it feels like there is sand in the back of my head and there is a knife in my frontal lobe. And I'd get a pretty good migraine every couple of months where everything I did made me want to vomit and dark, quiet rooms were the only safe haven. During that 30 days, not a single one. And after the detox period, I felt like a million bucks. More energy, my mind felt sharper, my muscles didn't ache, I was sleeping better. It was terrific. And then May was over and I did really well into June adding things back in but still being mindful of what I was eating (black beans went back in right away. seriously.) Then you just kind of get back into the grind of quick meals (fast food), easy snacks (chips and ice cream), and alcohol (wine was missed desperately). I have not gained back any of the weight that I lost during this time; however, my body is seriously pissed off. And I have the bloating to prove it.
So I decided to do this again before the wedding. My dress fits just fine, that's not the issue. I want to feel good for my wedding. Who wants to feel like a tired blob on the happiest day of their life?
Yesterday was Day 1 (so this will be a Whole 20, as there are only 25 days left until the wedding - another post, I promise) and I found it so easy to get back into the swing of saying 'no thanks' to the cookies in the office. I would like to post daily to not only keep myself on track, but to give anyone else ideas on meals, easy swaps, and delish snacks.
So Yesterday - Day 1:
Breakfast: Potato, mushroom, onion, and chicken sausage "hash". Basically just fried all the ingredients in some ghee (dairy free butter since dairy is off limits) and it is so filling. This is one of my favorite breakfasts specifically for that reason.
Lunch: leftover grilled chicken with a tomato and green beans from my garden! And a sweet potato. I cut up the beans and sweet potato and fried them in some coconut oil for an extra sweet taste. It was delicious - and again so filling!
Snacks: Oranges and almonds. Again, a go to snack. Easy, delicious, sweet.
I stopped at the grocery store after work to pick up a few things. Usually I am a Hangry Mama after work and this is a seriously dangerous task. BUT, I was still not hungry, so it was easy to get in and out and not overspend (added bonus).
Dinner: I made beef and broccoli - 2 versions. I made 1 for the rest of the family with rice and not a whole lot of extra veggies. And then I made mine. Beef, broccoli, carrots, onions, celery, a whole zuchinni and fresh green beans (both from my garden!). I used coconut aminos for my sauce (soy is off limits) and it tastes just as good. I didn't get rice as I forgot to buy cauliflower at the store, which quite honestly was the main reason I went, but whatever, there were so many veggies that there just really wasn't room for more.
So there you have it, Day 1 in the books. Tomorrow I have the day off and lots of wedding stuff to finish up. And a visit to the dentist - I LOVE THE DENTIST!! Something about that clean teeth feeling really gets my motor going. Until then peeps.
I mention Whole30 above. It was an amazing journey that I also participated in this past May. A look at food - relationships, ingredients, it was incredible to see how food affected my body. For 30 days you change your food, strip out the "extras", and feel like a whole new person. No sugars (except those naturally occurring in food), no artificial sweeteners, no dairy, no grains, no alcohol, the list goes on.
For those 30 days, I did not have a single headache. Not 1. I used to get headaches fairly often, the kind where it feels like there is sand in the back of my head and there is a knife in my frontal lobe. And I'd get a pretty good migraine every couple of months where everything I did made me want to vomit and dark, quiet rooms were the only safe haven. During that 30 days, not a single one. And after the detox period, I felt like a million bucks. More energy, my mind felt sharper, my muscles didn't ache, I was sleeping better. It was terrific. And then May was over and I did really well into June adding things back in but still being mindful of what I was eating (black beans went back in right away. seriously.) Then you just kind of get back into the grind of quick meals (fast food), easy snacks (chips and ice cream), and alcohol (wine was missed desperately). I have not gained back any of the weight that I lost during this time; however, my body is seriously pissed off. And I have the bloating to prove it.
So I decided to do this again before the wedding. My dress fits just fine, that's not the issue. I want to feel good for my wedding. Who wants to feel like a tired blob on the happiest day of their life?
Yesterday was Day 1 (so this will be a Whole 20, as there are only 25 days left until the wedding - another post, I promise) and I found it so easy to get back into the swing of saying 'no thanks' to the cookies in the office. I would like to post daily to not only keep myself on track, but to give anyone else ideas on meals, easy swaps, and delish snacks.
So Yesterday - Day 1:
Breakfast: Potato, mushroom, onion, and chicken sausage "hash". Basically just fried all the ingredients in some ghee (dairy free butter since dairy is off limits) and it is so filling. This is one of my favorite breakfasts specifically for that reason.
Lunch: leftover grilled chicken with a tomato and green beans from my garden! And a sweet potato. I cut up the beans and sweet potato and fried them in some coconut oil for an extra sweet taste. It was delicious - and again so filling!
Snacks: Oranges and almonds. Again, a go to snack. Easy, delicious, sweet.
I stopped at the grocery store after work to pick up a few things. Usually I am a Hangry Mama after work and this is a seriously dangerous task. BUT, I was still not hungry, so it was easy to get in and out and not overspend (added bonus).
Dinner: I made beef and broccoli - 2 versions. I made 1 for the rest of the family with rice and not a whole lot of extra veggies. And then I made mine. Beef, broccoli, carrots, onions, celery, a whole zuchinni and fresh green beans (both from my garden!). I used coconut aminos for my sauce (soy is off limits) and it tastes just as good. I didn't get rice as I forgot to buy cauliflower at the store, which quite honestly was the main reason I went, but whatever, there were so many veggies that there just really wasn't room for more.
So there you have it, Day 1 in the books. Tomorrow I have the day off and lots of wedding stuff to finish up. And a visit to the dentist - I LOVE THE DENTIST!! Something about that clean teeth feeling really gets my motor going. Until then peeps.
Friday, December 27, 2013
2013 Holiday Letter
So since I am super busy (or just getting more disorganized by the day) we didn't get out any Christmas cards this year!! And I even wanted to do a letter since this was SUCH a big year for us! Biscuits! Thanks to modern technology, I can still share an abbreviated version of our letter. Since modern technology and I don't always agree, I lost the original version.
Mariah graduated High School! Whoot Whoot! She is doing well, working 2 jobs, going to college, and training and riding her new horsey Blue.
Addie started 7th grade this year and became a Cross Country All Star! She is keeping busy with band, choir, friends, the mall. You know all the typical pre-teen girly stuff. She made the Honor Roll at school for first trimester. We're pretty proud!
Deron's business' are doing wonderfully. He has been blessed with many opportunities this year!
I made a career change and couldn't be more happy about it! I am currently working as a Caregiver providing home health for seniors. LOVING IT! I will continue pursuing my nursing degree :)
We welcomed a new member to our family, Felon Myers Von Stauffenheim (or something very similar, but his papers are in the other room and I am too comfortable!). This little guy is a pain in our butts and a joy in our hearts. His paws are bigger than his head, so we are expecting another big boy!
In April, we got engaged - FOR REAL!! No big plans are in the works yet. Hey, it took us 6 years to get this far, patience people.
We also were able to purchase property that will be the new site of our forever home. Trees are being cleared (only where the house goes, we like the trees) and all kinds of work is being done. We're very excited!
So there you have it, the abbreviated version of our Holiday Letter. Now, I'm taking a short nap while Felon does. Wishing you all the best in 2014!
Mariah graduated High School! Whoot Whoot! She is doing well, working 2 jobs, going to college, and training and riding her new horsey Blue.
Addie started 7th grade this year and became a Cross Country All Star! She is keeping busy with band, choir, friends, the mall. You know all the typical pre-teen girly stuff. She made the Honor Roll at school for first trimester. We're pretty proud!
Deron's business' are doing wonderfully. He has been blessed with many opportunities this year!
I made a career change and couldn't be more happy about it! I am currently working as a Caregiver providing home health for seniors. LOVING IT! I will continue pursuing my nursing degree :)
We welcomed a new member to our family, Felon Myers Von Stauffenheim (or something very similar, but his papers are in the other room and I am too comfortable!). This little guy is a pain in our butts and a joy in our hearts. His paws are bigger than his head, so we are expecting another big boy!
In April, we got engaged - FOR REAL!! No big plans are in the works yet. Hey, it took us 6 years to get this far, patience people.
We also were able to purchase property that will be the new site of our forever home. Trees are being cleared (only where the house goes, we like the trees) and all kinds of work is being done. We're very excited!
So there you have it, the abbreviated version of our Holiday Letter. Now, I'm taking a short nap while Felon does. Wishing you all the best in 2014!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Rule Breakers
We had a rule. A simple rule. No More Heartbeats.
And of course, no one in this house can follow the rules.
So now, I'm sitting here in the dark, its 1:30 in the morning, I'm afraid to move a muscle, or make any noises, or even breathe for fear of waking the beast.
We've gotten a new puppy. His name is Felon. He is so cute it's a crime. And he doesn't like his kennel. And I'm not really good at letting him cry it out. I'm breaking the rules. And probably wrecking our puppy. In my defense, I couldn't do it with my human baby either, and she turned out ok.
I'm almost feeling like a new Mom. And I think that now I understand what it feels like to bring home the second baby. You already have a good routine down, sleeping times, feeding times, potty times, etc. And we have a big brother for our baby. Simba is a WONDERFUL dog, an even better (tolerant) big brother. And I'm very grateful for him. Especially now. I think this is how people get into the conundrum of feeling like they love 1 child more. Simba has NEVER had an accident in our house. Simba does not chew on anything. Simba does not follow you around biting your feet and ankles. He's a wonderful Fur Baby, and I am so thankful for him. And at this point (it's now after 7am), I'm sitting here and almost questioning our decision to "have another baby".
Please don't get me wrong. I love this little boy. Love, love, love him. Love him like I would love a human baby. And then it makes me think about Why. Me? The long-term self-proclaimed "Dog Hater"? Love a dog? Yes. I do love my dogs. And it's all because of another rule I broke, this guy.
The bestest ever dog that ever was. He taught me all about a dogs love. And why it's one of the best kinds of love there is. Unconditional. When we love a dog, we are rewarded with pure, unaltered, no holds barred love. Brewtus was and always will be a very large piece of my heart. He showed me it's ok to love fur. And dammit, I do.
As I type this, my little villain, this Felon, has passed out cold from all the activity this morning. And I can't even imagine my life without him. All the "No Bite"s forgotten. And my heart is swelling.
We might not be having any more human babies, but that certainly doesn't mean we can't share our love with Fur Babies. So see Sarah - we finally have that little boy you've been requesting :) And isn't he just perfect!
And of course, no one in this house can follow the rules.
So now, I'm sitting here in the dark, its 1:30 in the morning, I'm afraid to move a muscle, or make any noises, or even breathe for fear of waking the beast.
We've gotten a new puppy. His name is Felon. He is so cute it's a crime. And he doesn't like his kennel. And I'm not really good at letting him cry it out. I'm breaking the rules. And probably wrecking our puppy. In my defense, I couldn't do it with my human baby either, and she turned out ok.
I'm almost feeling like a new Mom. And I think that now I understand what it feels like to bring home the second baby. You already have a good routine down, sleeping times, feeding times, potty times, etc. And we have a big brother for our baby. Simba is a WONDERFUL dog, an even better (tolerant) big brother. And I'm very grateful for him. Especially now. I think this is how people get into the conundrum of feeling like they love 1 child more. Simba has NEVER had an accident in our house. Simba does not chew on anything. Simba does not follow you around biting your feet and ankles. He's a wonderful Fur Baby, and I am so thankful for him. And at this point (it's now after 7am), I'm sitting here and almost questioning our decision to "have another baby".
Please don't get me wrong. I love this little boy. Love, love, love him. Love him like I would love a human baby. And then it makes me think about Why. Me? The long-term self-proclaimed "Dog Hater"? Love a dog? Yes. I do love my dogs. And it's all because of another rule I broke, this guy.
The bestest ever dog that ever was. He taught me all about a dogs love. And why it's one of the best kinds of love there is. Unconditional. When we love a dog, we are rewarded with pure, unaltered, no holds barred love. Brewtus was and always will be a very large piece of my heart. He showed me it's ok to love fur. And dammit, I do.
As I type this, my little villain, this Felon, has passed out cold from all the activity this morning. And I can't even imagine my life without him. All the "No Bite"s forgotten. And my heart is swelling.
We might not be having any more human babies, but that certainly doesn't mean we can't share our love with Fur Babies. So see Sarah - we finally have that little boy you've been requesting :) And isn't he just perfect!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Stop Overwhelming Me!
I get overwhelmed when I think of all the "other" things I want to do in my daily life. Scrapbook more, garden more, clean up the leaves outside, exercise, count points plus values, volunteer, sell more things online, clean out my poor forsaken garage, organize my buffet, get a handle on all of the things I want to do and then do them, etc.
I had a mental discussion with myself earlier this month and decided that I would carry a full size notebook with me to track all of the things that I wanted to track. Track my eating, track my moods while I was eating, track my exercise, track my water intake, track my spending, track my irrational urge to spend money I don't have, track my communication (yes, I wanted to track that I touched base with at least 1 person who does not live in my house every day). Really, there were so many things - I read too much online about how to track to make your life more efficient. And then I thought to myself - WHAT!? Are you really planning on introducing so many things into your life that you need a full sized notebook? And really, how am I becoming more efficient if I am nailed down to this notebook? And also, the notebook is big, I would have to switch purses, and I am just not at a point in my life where switching purses is going to end well.
So, what we've (me, myself, & I) decided is that we will focus on 1 thing every day. This does not mean that all other matter of life will cease to exist. No, this just means, I will need to focus on just 1 thing. Taking the overwhelming out of the equation. If I want to obsess about my diet and exercise on the same day - sorry, 1 of these items will need to take a hike. I can mentally only focus on 1 extra thing in a day. There are too many other things that take up space in this pretty little head of mine. And they all require attention - I am ensuring that overload does not occur.
I plan on trying new recipes and a way to deal with my overabundance of apples, scrapbooking for the girls so they are caught up rather than being stuck in 4th and 9th grades, craft projects involving my ever growing stash of wine bottles, decorating our new home with all kinds of new fangled equipment, training a puppy without throwing it across a room, losing approximately 11 pounds, being able to do abdominal exercises without looking like a beached whale and many other new and exciting adventures. This could get very interesting.
So today, I am going to focus on "shipping items sold online". Really, I should have done this weeks ago (literally, I forgot they were listed on ebay and got an email 3 days after it sold, that was last week) I am a bit frightened of the feedback I will receive on this transaction. I've contacted the buyer and hopefully mended the situation. But here - on top of all the other things that will take up my day - the only thing that I NEED to get done today is "shipping items sold online". Should more good come of my day, so be it.
I had a mental discussion with myself earlier this month and decided that I would carry a full size notebook with me to track all of the things that I wanted to track. Track my eating, track my moods while I was eating, track my exercise, track my water intake, track my spending, track my irrational urge to spend money I don't have, track my communication (yes, I wanted to track that I touched base with at least 1 person who does not live in my house every day). Really, there were so many things - I read too much online about how to track to make your life more efficient. And then I thought to myself - WHAT!? Are you really planning on introducing so many things into your life that you need a full sized notebook? And really, how am I becoming more efficient if I am nailed down to this notebook? And also, the notebook is big, I would have to switch purses, and I am just not at a point in my life where switching purses is going to end well.
So, what we've (me, myself, & I) decided is that we will focus on 1 thing every day. This does not mean that all other matter of life will cease to exist. No, this just means, I will need to focus on just 1 thing. Taking the overwhelming out of the equation. If I want to obsess about my diet and exercise on the same day - sorry, 1 of these items will need to take a hike. I can mentally only focus on 1 extra thing in a day. There are too many other things that take up space in this pretty little head of mine. And they all require attention - I am ensuring that overload does not occur.
I plan on trying new recipes and a way to deal with my overabundance of apples, scrapbooking for the girls so they are caught up rather than being stuck in 4th and 9th grades, craft projects involving my ever growing stash of wine bottles, decorating our new home with all kinds of new fangled equipment, training a puppy without throwing it across a room, losing approximately 11 pounds, being able to do abdominal exercises without looking like a beached whale and many other new and exciting adventures. This could get very interesting.
So today, I am going to focus on "shipping items sold online". Really, I should have done this weeks ago (literally, I forgot they were listed on ebay and got an email 3 days after it sold, that was last week) I am a bit frightened of the feedback I will receive on this transaction. I've contacted the buyer and hopefully mended the situation. But here - on top of all the other things that will take up my day - the only thing that I NEED to get done today is "shipping items sold online". Should more good come of my day, so be it.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Memories
Many, many moons ago, Addie and I brought home my Dad's old computer. Gramma Debbie had gotten a new one and Addie wanted to use this one for school. We've been working on retrieving the photos from this computer forever. Apparently I am not as technically inclined as I would like to think, so I had to use my back up plan - Kevin. Whenever I need photos retrieved, Kevin is my go to guy. He's super smart, and I very much appreciate him!
So, I have had this CD for a while and been putting off looking through the pics - for obvious reasons - and when we did last night, we had such a fun time! I just thought I would share some of these with all of my friends and family - Enjoy!
Teaching the kids to make funny faces - always a favorite pastime!
So, I have had this CD for a while and been putting off looking through the pics - for obvious reasons - and when we did last night, we had such a fun time! I just thought I would share some of these with all of my friends and family - Enjoy!
Teaching the kids to make funny faces - always a favorite pastime!
Heisman Pose - made famous not by the trophy, but by The Father
Isn't this how everyone plays Barbies with their Granddaughter?
Cuddles are always welcome
Check out her shirt :) Traditions and Family are so important!! We miss Lana Banana!!
There were so many more, but just too many to keep posting (cause you know there are stories for each and every photo that we looked) Such wonderful memories, these are what fill the empty places in our hearts.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
TCRG - 2013
I've been trying my hand at this whole gardening thing now for a few years.
Things I've learned:
- I kill plants that require care
- Tomatoes like water
- Tomato cages are NOT as sturdy as one might think
- Beans and Peas are not fool proof
- Cabbage takes FOREVER
- Canning is a lot of work for what looks like little reward
This year, we have faced a lot of the same challenges we did last year - and they all relate to heat and water. I am not sure what the people of Earth have done to really piss off Mother Nature (well, I have a few ideas!), but seriously, these 'Heat Waves' have got to stop! The last time I remember rain - over a month ago. There was a few sprinkle showers here and there and I could be wrong, maybe we got one in there somewhere - but generally, I'm not wrong.
BUT on the plus side, I've learned valuable lessons these last couple of years. Like watering is a really important component of growing a garden full of deliciousness. Especially when you are growing water based fruits and veggies. So, lesson learned.
I harvested another bounty this morning and really I have nothing inspiring or funny or anything to say about my adventure in the garden this morning - other than I am so THANKFUL to have the opportunity to grow these things and feed my family without using poison in their food. And even though not everything I wanted to grow actually grew this year, we are still blessed with enough to can these nummies for the winter.
I've already made salsa and pizza sauce with some of our bounty and this morning picked enough tomatoes to do a batch of stewed. It is a lot of work to do canning, I never realized that! And now, I have a totally different outlook on it and I am so sad that I took it for granted all those years my Grammies would send me on my way with home canned goodies. I can certainly appreciate all the love and hard work that went into each and every one of those jars!
So, after picking a full bucket of tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peppers, and a couple honeydew this morning - I know what I'll be doing tonight. And I'm going to love every minute of it!
Things I've learned:
- I kill plants that require care
- Tomatoes like water
- Tomato cages are NOT as sturdy as one might think
- Beans and Peas are not fool proof
- Cabbage takes FOREVER
- Canning is a lot of work for what looks like little reward
This year, we have faced a lot of the same challenges we did last year - and they all relate to heat and water. I am not sure what the people of Earth have done to really piss off Mother Nature (well, I have a few ideas!), but seriously, these 'Heat Waves' have got to stop! The last time I remember rain - over a month ago. There was a few sprinkle showers here and there and I could be wrong, maybe we got one in there somewhere - but generally, I'm not wrong.
BUT on the plus side, I've learned valuable lessons these last couple of years. Like watering is a really important component of growing a garden full of deliciousness. Especially when you are growing water based fruits and veggies. So, lesson learned.
I harvested another bounty this morning and really I have nothing inspiring or funny or anything to say about my adventure in the garden this morning - other than I am so THANKFUL to have the opportunity to grow these things and feed my family without using poison in their food. And even though not everything I wanted to grow actually grew this year, we are still blessed with enough to can these nummies for the winter.
I've already made salsa and pizza sauce with some of our bounty and this morning picked enough tomatoes to do a batch of stewed. It is a lot of work to do canning, I never realized that! And now, I have a totally different outlook on it and I am so sad that I took it for granted all those years my Grammies would send me on my way with home canned goodies. I can certainly appreciate all the love and hard work that went into each and every one of those jars!
So, after picking a full bucket of tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, peppers, and a couple honeydew this morning - I know what I'll be doing tonight. And I'm going to love every minute of it!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Into the real world...
All kids grow up someday. It's a fact of life. They are born, they walk and talk, and start school...and then you blink...and then they graduate. And go out into the world and you pray to God that you have done what you could to produce a productive member of society.
Success, all of the above.
There is pride...and then there is this pride. I am filled to the eyeballs with pride. I was spilling out of my eyeballs with this pride. There really is nothing else to say. I'm so proud of this little girl, and I am so proud of the young woman that she has become. And I'm not scared to send her off into the real world. And yes, we will prolong that whole sending off thing as long as possible.
Success, all of the above.
There is pride...and then there is this pride. I am filled to the eyeballs with pride. I was spilling out of my eyeballs with this pride. There really is nothing else to say. I'm so proud of this little girl, and I am so proud of the young woman that she has become. And I'm not scared to send her off into the real world. And yes, we will prolong that whole sending off thing as long as possible.
Friday, May 17, 2013
A Love Story
Since the day I met The D, I always knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. Forever and ever, Amen.
Deron took me horseback riding - and I freaked out, promptly vacating the saddle - and he wasn't freaked out. He met me at the truck and wrapped his big, strong arms around me - and it was all over. In Love, that moment. Stick a fork in me, done. Forever and ever, Amen.
Last summer, we were at his Grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary. I got all sad because we won't get to be married for 60 years; unless of course, we both live to be like 112 years old. He, being the romantic gentleman that he is, said that if we couldn't be married for 60 years, he would ask me 60 times. He proceeded to ask me to marry him, for the 1st time.
On our 6 year anniversary, we had planned a nice, quiet getaway. No kids, no dogs, no work, no classes, no nothing, just us. Well it certainly turned into an adventurous weekend!
Sunday was marked with our tradition - a MN Wild Hockey Game.
Awe, aren't we so cute!!
And then the unthinkable happened...
Oh, but don't worry, neither one of us saw this - we were too busy with the drunks behind us who kept falling down and spilling beer on us.
So, on the way back to our hotel, there was an impromptu stop - at a church... in the middle of the night... in the rain...scary movie stuff! And it was there that I was asked the most important question of my life
And of course I said yes.
Deron took me horseback riding - and I freaked out, promptly vacating the saddle - and he wasn't freaked out. He met me at the truck and wrapped his big, strong arms around me - and it was all over. In Love, that moment. Stick a fork in me, done. Forever and ever, Amen.
Last summer, we were at his Grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary. I got all sad because we won't get to be married for 60 years; unless of course, we both live to be like 112 years old. He, being the romantic gentleman that he is, said that if we couldn't be married for 60 years, he would ask me 60 times. He proceeded to ask me to marry him, for the 1st time.
On our 6 year anniversary, we had planned a nice, quiet getaway. No kids, no dogs, no work, no classes, no nothing, just us. Well it certainly turned into an adventurous weekend!
Sunday was marked with our tradition - a MN Wild Hockey Game.
And then the unthinkable happened...
Oh, but don't worry, neither one of us saw this - we were too busy with the drunks behind us who kept falling down and spilling beer on us.
So, on the way back to our hotel, there was an impromptu stop - at a church... in the middle of the night... in the rain...scary movie stuff! And it was there that I was asked the most important question of my life
Saturday, March 30, 2013
New Beginnings
"There are 2 ways to go through life, happy and unhappy. You would be amazed how much of this you can actually control...you alone control most of the world you live in." Wise words, left behind by a very wise man, my Daddy.
These words have been echoing in my head for months. I'd been unhappy for months, even longer. Not with my everything, just certain aspects. I am very happy with my family, friends, home, life in general.
It was my job. It just isn't for me. I've been sitting at a desk for years. And I've always done that, because I needed a job. I needed an income. I needed health insurance. And I knew how to do this, it was comfortable. What I forgot about, was that I also needed to be happy. And this did not make me happy.
So, with a lot of thought and a heaping scoop of support from my family, I have embarked upon a new journey. One that brings happiness to my heart.
Over the last many years, I have had many different opportunities to be a caregiver, a teacher, a friend. Volunteering for many different organizations has given me a feeling of completeness in my heart, where it makes me happy. I've learned a lot about myself through these experiences. And I've learned that my heart is in helping people. Helping them learn, grow, and recover. Helping them cry, laugh, and celebrate. And helping them through the day - whatever that may entail.
So what if I didn't just volunteer. What if I got paid to do things that made me feel good? What if I got paid to help people? What if I got paid to comfort people? How does one do this?
One becomes a Nurse.
Step 1 - Quit said 'Desk Job' - Check
Step 2 - Get new job as a CareGiver - Check
Step 3 - Enroll in school - Check
Step 4 - Get 2nd job with another Home Health agency - Check
Step 5 - Start school - Coming in 2 weeks!
This move has come with some serious sacrifices - like making literally half of my wage at the desk job and working evenings and weekends and no health insurance and no vacation days (with first company; however, the 2nd job I just picked up does offer these benefits, I just have to put in the hours to earn them first, I start on Monday - so, I'm working on it :) ) - but on the flip side, it has come with so many more rewards.
When I spend the day with a Client and she tells me that she wishes I could come every day "cause that girl who comes during the week can't cook worth a damn". Or when I help a client get into bed at night and she tells me "you'll be a great nurse, you have such a gentle touch". And learning all about World War II Fighter Jets from an Air Force veteran with Alzheimer's - so I learn the same things over and over like it's the first time every time. And when I can talk to and comfort a cancer patient going through both Radiation and Chemo treatments (who by the way has opened me up to Hallmark Channel movies - we share the box of tissues). These are the rewards that overshadow all of the other things that I am sacrificing at this time. These are the things that make my heart happy.
It's been almost a month since I quit my desk job. It's been almost a month since I came home crying. It's been almost a month since I've felt stressed in my job. In that month, I've felt that what I do does matter. I feel like what I do does make a difference. I feel like if I don't show up for work, there will be real consequences - not paperwork consequences, but feelings hurt consequences. And I do not like to hurt feelings. Especially those of the wonderful clients that I work with.
So there it is - I've quit my comfortable job to follow a dream of helping other people. It'll be a few years before I'm back into a comfortable routine - but those few years will be worth every single minute. And with my family's support, I'm ready to reach for the stars!
These words have been echoing in my head for months. I'd been unhappy for months, even longer. Not with my everything, just certain aspects. I am very happy with my family, friends, home, life in general.
It was my job. It just isn't for me. I've been sitting at a desk for years. And I've always done that, because I needed a job. I needed an income. I needed health insurance. And I knew how to do this, it was comfortable. What I forgot about, was that I also needed to be happy. And this did not make me happy.
So, with a lot of thought and a heaping scoop of support from my family, I have embarked upon a new journey. One that brings happiness to my heart.
Over the last many years, I have had many different opportunities to be a caregiver, a teacher, a friend. Volunteering for many different organizations has given me a feeling of completeness in my heart, where it makes me happy. I've learned a lot about myself through these experiences. And I've learned that my heart is in helping people. Helping them learn, grow, and recover. Helping them cry, laugh, and celebrate. And helping them through the day - whatever that may entail.
So what if I didn't just volunteer. What if I got paid to do things that made me feel good? What if I got paid to help people? What if I got paid to comfort people? How does one do this?
One becomes a Nurse.
Step 1 - Quit said 'Desk Job' - Check
Step 2 - Get new job as a CareGiver - Check
Step 3 - Enroll in school - Check
Step 4 - Get 2nd job with another Home Health agency - Check
Step 5 - Start school - Coming in 2 weeks!
This move has come with some serious sacrifices - like making literally half of my wage at the desk job and working evenings and weekends and no health insurance and no vacation days (with first company; however, the 2nd job I just picked up does offer these benefits, I just have to put in the hours to earn them first, I start on Monday - so, I'm working on it :) ) - but on the flip side, it has come with so many more rewards.
When I spend the day with a Client and she tells me that she wishes I could come every day "cause that girl who comes during the week can't cook worth a damn". Or when I help a client get into bed at night and she tells me "you'll be a great nurse, you have such a gentle touch". And learning all about World War II Fighter Jets from an Air Force veteran with Alzheimer's - so I learn the same things over and over like it's the first time every time. And when I can talk to and comfort a cancer patient going through both Radiation and Chemo treatments (who by the way has opened me up to Hallmark Channel movies - we share the box of tissues). These are the rewards that overshadow all of the other things that I am sacrificing at this time. These are the things that make my heart happy.
It's been almost a month since I quit my desk job. It's been almost a month since I came home crying. It's been almost a month since I've felt stressed in my job. In that month, I've felt that what I do does matter. I feel like what I do does make a difference. I feel like if I don't show up for work, there will be real consequences - not paperwork consequences, but feelings hurt consequences. And I do not like to hurt feelings. Especially those of the wonderful clients that I work with.
So there it is - I've quit my comfortable job to follow a dream of helping other people. It'll be a few years before I'm back into a comfortable routine - but those few years will be worth every single minute. And with my family's support, I'm ready to reach for the stars!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Year of New Tastes - Recipe 1 - Chicken Lo Mein
2012 was a year of getting healthy and making small changes in our home to become, and continue to be, healthy. So 2013, I've decided to institute something new - well, kind of.
2013 shall be the Year of New Tastes. I've seen this many places before, or variations of it - because as your Grandmother (who uses onions for flavoring, but "you can't even taste them!"), and your Mother have always told you - You'll never know if you like it, if you won't try it.
When Miss A was a wee one, we had a 3 bite rule. You had to take 3 bites, and if you still didn't like it, you didn't have to eat it. This rule was strictly enforced and as a wee one, she liked everything. Well, mostly everything. But, hey, at least she tried it! This whole 3 bite rule has gone to the wayside and now I will hear, "I don't like that.", "I already know I don't like that.", and the ever famous, "I tried it last time you made it." While the first 2 may be true - the third is a total cop out - and will now be monitored - by my Handy Dandy new Menu Planning, New Food Trying System.
Every week on our menu plan, there is 1 dish (sometimes 2, just cause I love Pinterest and cookbooks so much, I want to cook and eat all the time!) that is new. Something I have never made before. And can be made (or modified) to be healthy.
So, last week it was Chicken Lo Mein. Who knew I could make some pretty awesome Chinese Food in my own kitchen!! AND the best part - it was mostly healthy!!
This came from Kraftfoods.com (actually, it came from an old magazine that they used to send out, but you can find it on Kraftfoods.com) and it is absolutely delish!! I of course modified it a bit :)
Chicken Lo Mein - makes approx 18 Cup Servings - 7 WW PPV
1 pkg Whole Wheat Angel Hair Pasta
1 lb chicken breast - thin strips
1/2 Cup Kraft Toasted Asian Sesame Dressing
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1/2 onion - chopped
1/2 package frozen broccoli
5 carrots - sliced into strips - UNpeeled
unsalted peanuts
Cook Pasta according to package directions - start water at same time as chicken so it doesn't sit and get nasty - DO NOT add butter to your pasta, it will throw off the flavor.
Heat the toasted asian in a large skillet - add chicken. Cook until no longer pink.
Add onions, broccoli and carrots. Cover and cook until veggies are ready. Add soy sauce and stir to mix well.
After draining pasta, add to chicken and veggie mix. Toss to mix. Garnish with peanuts.
This was delicious, in my humble opinion. And the votes came in as follow:
Don't Make Again - 0
Make Again - 4
2013 shall be the Year of New Tastes. I've seen this many places before, or variations of it - because as your Grandmother (who uses onions for flavoring, but "you can't even taste them!"), and your Mother have always told you - You'll never know if you like it, if you won't try it.
When Miss A was a wee one, we had a 3 bite rule. You had to take 3 bites, and if you still didn't like it, you didn't have to eat it. This rule was strictly enforced and as a wee one, she liked everything. Well, mostly everything. But, hey, at least she tried it! This whole 3 bite rule has gone to the wayside and now I will hear, "I don't like that.", "I already know I don't like that.", and the ever famous, "I tried it last time you made it." While the first 2 may be true - the third is a total cop out - and will now be monitored - by my Handy Dandy new Menu Planning, New Food Trying System.
Every week on our menu plan, there is 1 dish (sometimes 2, just cause I love Pinterest and cookbooks so much, I want to cook and eat all the time!) that is new. Something I have never made before. And can be made (or modified) to be healthy.
So, last week it was Chicken Lo Mein. Who knew I could make some pretty awesome Chinese Food in my own kitchen!! AND the best part - it was mostly healthy!!
This came from Kraftfoods.com (actually, it came from an old magazine that they used to send out, but you can find it on Kraftfoods.com) and it is absolutely delish!! I of course modified it a bit :)
Chicken Lo Mein - makes approx 18 Cup Servings - 7 WW PPV
1 pkg Whole Wheat Angel Hair Pasta
1 lb chicken breast - thin strips
1/2 Cup Kraft Toasted Asian Sesame Dressing
1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
1/2 onion - chopped
1/2 package frozen broccoli
5 carrots - sliced into strips - UNpeeled
unsalted peanuts
Cook Pasta according to package directions - start water at same time as chicken so it doesn't sit and get nasty - DO NOT add butter to your pasta, it will throw off the flavor.
Heat the toasted asian in a large skillet - add chicken. Cook until no longer pink.
Add onions, broccoli and carrots. Cover and cook until veggies are ready. Add soy sauce and stir to mix well.
After draining pasta, add to chicken and veggie mix. Toss to mix. Garnish with peanuts.
This was delicious, in my humble opinion. And the votes came in as follow:
Don't Make Again - 0
Make Again - 4
Saturday, January 5, 2013
2012 in Review
So, I'm sitting here thinking about all the things I want to do for 2013 - and it dawns on me that there are a lot of great things that happened to me in 2012!
Let's reminisce shall we :)
In January, my Baby Girl turned 11. She officially became a "Tween". My Baby Girl, while she will always be my Baby Girl, is a Little Lady. And she has taught me A LOT this year - about listening, about being a friend, about being a parent, and about life in general. She is a wise young grasshopper! She had a big year, and learned a lot as well. We are very blessed to have this little girl in our lives every single day, love her to bits and pieces.
In February, I signed up to start teaching a Life Skills class to a local place for kids who need some 'help'. At first, I only wanted to be a part of the program where we teach them to grocery shop, use coupons, and cook. Really, who wouldn't, come on! But I started at the beginning, just like everyone else, and wouldn't ya know it - I LEARNED SO MUCH!! And I absolutely LOVE it! I am still involved in this program and go visit the kids once a week for an hour and we cover all kinds of topics. And true to my life and how it works - I've learned more from these kids than they have from me. I am a caring person, naturally. I am a nurturing person, naturally. And I want to put all of these kids in my pocket and take them all home. I am not cut out to do the kind of work that the folks who work here do on a daily basis. Yes, there are success stories, and I get to share in the joy that these kids experience when they get a good grade on a test, or when they learn a new skill, or show a new interest in going to college, or when they successfully leave the program. These are all amazing experiences to share in; but of course, there are the few who don't leave successfully, and I applaud the workers here because truly it is a special kind of person to be here and help these kids. This has been a great opportunity for me, and I am thankful that I have been able to meet and be a part of these kids lives for the last year.
In March, my sisters came to see me!! This was a highlight of my year! Not too many people have made the trek to visit me in my new Locale, but they did!! It was so nice to have both my sisters at my house and enjoy some Sister Time somewhere other than the "Black Hole of Drama" (that's my pet name for Mankato!). I love my sisters, it was definitely a highlight that they came down!
In April, my sweet girl, KV, went to the Rainbow Bridge to await my arrival and we shall cross together. This was definitely not a highlight, but it was definitely a momentous occasion as I had no idea how hard that would be. I thought I knew, but I had no idea. I do not look forward to having my heart broken like that ever again.
And the very next day, D and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. Again, a momentous occasion as this is a really freaking long time!! D is the Peanut Butter to my Jelly. And we couldn't fit together more perfect. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I want to punch him in the throat, but I don't. Mostly because I would miss him too much while I was sitting in jail ;)
In May, Miss A started playing softball. And she absolutely LOVED it!! We saw great improvement in her throughout the summer. And her attitude towards hard work, practice, and teamwork - while always a good attitude - improved to levels I would not have expected out of an 11 year old girl. Both of the girls finished up the school year with wonderful report cards and set out to have a great summer vacation!
In June, my littlest sister made ANOTHER trek to see me!! It is so nice to have my family come down and visit. Have I mentioned that? Cause it's one of my favorite things in the world. Like Ever. We didn't do a whole lot, she got to spend some time with the teenagers and also helped Miss A with her technological gadgets that we adults just don't get. She is a nerd, technology is a gift.
In July, well, let's just sum up July by saying that Gardening in 1 million degree summers is a nightmare. There was also unwelcome intruders that made a home in the garden this summer. We've not had to deal with bugs before, this summer, we did. And every bug I met out there, bit me. We had worked so hard getting together a bigger garden, mixing in fertilizer, building a dog-proof fence (that is not dog proof BTW), and getting in all kinds of fruits and vegetables that we had not previously tried. We had more room this year, we were going to spend so much time canning beans and tomatoes, and making strawberry jam and wine. But, alas, the heat (and my lack of motivation to get my behind out there in the sweltering heat to water, weed, and properly care for said garden) brought us low yields. So low in fact, that we really only ended up with tomatoes. This is not so bad, we made salsa, pasta sauce, stewed toms, diced toms, all kinds of tomato products - but not nearly enough to last through the winter as according to the original plan.
In August, we finally took a much needed family vacation. Our family celebrated Gramma's 'milestone' birthday and retirement, as well as Auntie L's 'milestone' birthday at Vacationer's Inn in Alexandria, MN. We had a great time relaxing and spending time together playing games and doing puzzles. My cousin even let us borrow 'Ol Red for the week so we could take our kids out fishing and make all kinds of new memories with them in the same boat that holds so many great memories for me.
In September, the 4th annual Cedar Rapids Walk to Defeat ALS was held. This was a huge year in terms of planning and preparations! As a small committee of 3 dedicated folks, this was a challenge, but nonetheless, the challenge was met and the outcome was INCREDIBLE!! We were able to raise $49,715.95 - just $284.05 short of our goal. While we didn't meet our fundraising goal - we had a record breaking number of walkers and new teams. The ALS Association needs the money for the research and for patient care. For me personally, it is about getting the awareness out there, bringing more people into the loop and letting them know about this devastating, fatal disease. ALS Warriors are my heros - I can not imagine waking up every single day, knowing that I was going to die. And these people do it with courage, grace, and dignity. Everyone I have met as a result of ALS, is truly a blessing in my life and I am Thankful for each and every one of them!
In October, my middle sister finally joined The Dirty 30's Club :) It's crazy to think that she is 30 now too, that just makes it that much more real that I am over 30! Miss A and I made the trip to the "Black Hole of Drama" to help her celebrate. We even spent a little extra drive time on Sunday so that we could see Grandma and Grandpa 'Arizona'. It was so nice to see them and spend a warm, fall afternoon at the park and cleaning up some leaves. I love my Gram and Grandpa, we will for sure make a point of coming to visit more in 2013!
In November, I had a personally difficult month. On the anniversary of my Dad's death, my good friend joined the "I've Lost A Parent" club. It's not a fun club, don't rush out looking for membership cards. Dealing with the time of year where we said goodbye to the BEST (I don't care what anyone says, MY Dad, Larry Kelly, truly was THE BEST DAD EVER!!) Dad that anyone could ever be blessed with is hard enough. We reflected on a lot of the life lessons that he taught me, directly and indirectly. This pain was doubled now by also adding in another wonderful "Nana" who welcomed our family into hers. She welcomed us all with open arms and an open heart. We were blessed to have her in our lives, and continue to have her wisdom come through to us as well. I know my Dad was up in Heaven waiting for her, to show her the ropes, and show her how to mess with those she left behind. Yes, mess with. Because they never truly leave us.
We also hosted Thanksgiving for D's family for the 2nd year. I LOVE LOVE LOVE having company and hosting parties!! Our house gets really small, really fast - but do I care? NO!! Being with family is what it's all about. And next year, we'll have a basement :)
In December, our Oldest Spawn turned 18. A real ADULT now. I don't like this one bit. Not because I am afraid of anything, she is the most level headed and dare I say responsible young lady I know!! She really is wonderful and has a great head on her shoulders. But, can't they just stay young and in your home forever?! Can't she just be our daughter for a while longer? I know, I know, she'll always be our daughter. It's the other titles (that I know I will be so proud of her for) that come along with being a grown up that I'm having trouble with. College Student, College Graduate, Doctor, Wife, Mother (although, I am super excited to have Grandbabies someday!) - you get the picture. We celebrated with Bingo. We lost. But, we had fun and that's all that really matters :)
So - 2012 wasn't such a bad year. And there were obviously things that happened that were wonderful and not so wonderful that I chose not to write about. But there's the summary - Here's to 2013 and a whole new list of memories and milestones.
Let's reminisce shall we :)
In January, my Baby Girl turned 11. She officially became a "Tween". My Baby Girl, while she will always be my Baby Girl, is a Little Lady. And she has taught me A LOT this year - about listening, about being a friend, about being a parent, and about life in general. She is a wise young grasshopper! She had a big year, and learned a lot as well. We are very blessed to have this little girl in our lives every single day, love her to bits and pieces.
In February, I signed up to start teaching a Life Skills class to a local place for kids who need some 'help'. At first, I only wanted to be a part of the program where we teach them to grocery shop, use coupons, and cook. Really, who wouldn't, come on! But I started at the beginning, just like everyone else, and wouldn't ya know it - I LEARNED SO MUCH!! And I absolutely LOVE it! I am still involved in this program and go visit the kids once a week for an hour and we cover all kinds of topics. And true to my life and how it works - I've learned more from these kids than they have from me. I am a caring person, naturally. I am a nurturing person, naturally. And I want to put all of these kids in my pocket and take them all home. I am not cut out to do the kind of work that the folks who work here do on a daily basis. Yes, there are success stories, and I get to share in the joy that these kids experience when they get a good grade on a test, or when they learn a new skill, or show a new interest in going to college, or when they successfully leave the program. These are all amazing experiences to share in; but of course, there are the few who don't leave successfully, and I applaud the workers here because truly it is a special kind of person to be here and help these kids. This has been a great opportunity for me, and I am thankful that I have been able to meet and be a part of these kids lives for the last year.
In March, my sisters came to see me!! This was a highlight of my year! Not too many people have made the trek to visit me in my new Locale, but they did!! It was so nice to have both my sisters at my house and enjoy some Sister Time somewhere other than the "Black Hole of Drama" (that's my pet name for Mankato!). I love my sisters, it was definitely a highlight that they came down!
In April, my sweet girl, KV, went to the Rainbow Bridge to await my arrival and we shall cross together. This was definitely not a highlight, but it was definitely a momentous occasion as I had no idea how hard that would be. I thought I knew, but I had no idea. I do not look forward to having my heart broken like that ever again.
And the very next day, D and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary. Again, a momentous occasion as this is a really freaking long time!! D is the Peanut Butter to my Jelly. And we couldn't fit together more perfect. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I want to punch him in the throat, but I don't. Mostly because I would miss him too much while I was sitting in jail ;)
In May, Miss A started playing softball. And she absolutely LOVED it!! We saw great improvement in her throughout the summer. And her attitude towards hard work, practice, and teamwork - while always a good attitude - improved to levels I would not have expected out of an 11 year old girl. Both of the girls finished up the school year with wonderful report cards and set out to have a great summer vacation!
In June, my littlest sister made ANOTHER trek to see me!! It is so nice to have my family come down and visit. Have I mentioned that? Cause it's one of my favorite things in the world. Like Ever. We didn't do a whole lot, she got to spend some time with the teenagers and also helped Miss A with her technological gadgets that we adults just don't get. She is a nerd, technology is a gift.
In July, well, let's just sum up July by saying that Gardening in 1 million degree summers is a nightmare. There was also unwelcome intruders that made a home in the garden this summer. We've not had to deal with bugs before, this summer, we did. And every bug I met out there, bit me. We had worked so hard getting together a bigger garden, mixing in fertilizer, building a dog-proof fence (that is not dog proof BTW), and getting in all kinds of fruits and vegetables that we had not previously tried. We had more room this year, we were going to spend so much time canning beans and tomatoes, and making strawberry jam and wine. But, alas, the heat (and my lack of motivation to get my behind out there in the sweltering heat to water, weed, and properly care for said garden) brought us low yields. So low in fact, that we really only ended up with tomatoes. This is not so bad, we made salsa, pasta sauce, stewed toms, diced toms, all kinds of tomato products - but not nearly enough to last through the winter as according to the original plan.
In August, we finally took a much needed family vacation. Our family celebrated Gramma's 'milestone' birthday and retirement, as well as Auntie L's 'milestone' birthday at Vacationer's Inn in Alexandria, MN. We had a great time relaxing and spending time together playing games and doing puzzles. My cousin even let us borrow 'Ol Red for the week so we could take our kids out fishing and make all kinds of new memories with them in the same boat that holds so many great memories for me.
In September, the 4th annual Cedar Rapids Walk to Defeat ALS was held. This was a huge year in terms of planning and preparations! As a small committee of 3 dedicated folks, this was a challenge, but nonetheless, the challenge was met and the outcome was INCREDIBLE!! We were able to raise $49,715.95 - just $284.05 short of our goal. While we didn't meet our fundraising goal - we had a record breaking number of walkers and new teams. The ALS Association needs the money for the research and for patient care. For me personally, it is about getting the awareness out there, bringing more people into the loop and letting them know about this devastating, fatal disease. ALS Warriors are my heros - I can not imagine waking up every single day, knowing that I was going to die. And these people do it with courage, grace, and dignity. Everyone I have met as a result of ALS, is truly a blessing in my life and I am Thankful for each and every one of them!
In October, my middle sister finally joined The Dirty 30's Club :) It's crazy to think that she is 30 now too, that just makes it that much more real that I am over 30! Miss A and I made the trip to the "Black Hole of Drama" to help her celebrate. We even spent a little extra drive time on Sunday so that we could see Grandma and Grandpa 'Arizona'. It was so nice to see them and spend a warm, fall afternoon at the park and cleaning up some leaves. I love my Gram and Grandpa, we will for sure make a point of coming to visit more in 2013!
In November, I had a personally difficult month. On the anniversary of my Dad's death, my good friend joined the "I've Lost A Parent" club. It's not a fun club, don't rush out looking for membership cards. Dealing with the time of year where we said goodbye to the BEST (I don't care what anyone says, MY Dad, Larry Kelly, truly was THE BEST DAD EVER!!) Dad that anyone could ever be blessed with is hard enough. We reflected on a lot of the life lessons that he taught me, directly and indirectly. This pain was doubled now by also adding in another wonderful "Nana" who welcomed our family into hers. She welcomed us all with open arms and an open heart. We were blessed to have her in our lives, and continue to have her wisdom come through to us as well. I know my Dad was up in Heaven waiting for her, to show her the ropes, and show her how to mess with those she left behind. Yes, mess with. Because they never truly leave us.
We also hosted Thanksgiving for D's family for the 2nd year. I LOVE LOVE LOVE having company and hosting parties!! Our house gets really small, really fast - but do I care? NO!! Being with family is what it's all about. And next year, we'll have a basement :)
In December, our Oldest Spawn turned 18. A real ADULT now. I don't like this one bit. Not because I am afraid of anything, she is the most level headed and dare I say responsible young lady I know!! She really is wonderful and has a great head on her shoulders. But, can't they just stay young and in your home forever?! Can't she just be our daughter for a while longer? I know, I know, she'll always be our daughter. It's the other titles (that I know I will be so proud of her for) that come along with being a grown up that I'm having trouble with. College Student, College Graduate, Doctor, Wife, Mother (although, I am super excited to have Grandbabies someday!) - you get the picture. We celebrated with Bingo. We lost. But, we had fun and that's all that really matters :)
So - 2012 wasn't such a bad year. And there were obviously things that happened that were wonderful and not so wonderful that I chose not to write about. But there's the summary - Here's to 2013 and a whole new list of memories and milestones.
Friday, November 30, 2012
I'm a Nerd
I remember when I was about 10ish, we had a babysitter who had gotten in trouble for calling her little sister a Nerd. As part of her punishment, she had to come up with a positive meaning for NERD. It stuck with me:
Never
Ending
Radical
Dude(ette)
and I wear the Nerd badge proudly...most days.
I've discovered Pinterest. This is where my Inner Nerd is really starting to shine! If you follow me, you will start to see some of these projects I've done, with our own little twists. But what really gets me, is that there isn't just a few projects that I want to do. It's ALL of them. But woe is me, I am still in need of a laminator, cricut system, scissors with a sharp edge, and heavy duty magnets.
As I'm standing in my yard last night, looking around and thinking about all that I would like to do, I realized something. Sometimes, I overwhelm myself.
And then I went inside and looked around, and remembered all of the things that I want to do inside the house. Yes, sometimes, I overwhelm myself.
When the To-Do list is longer than there are days in a year, it gets a bit scary. And when I think about how much work is involved, I start to panic. I used to be really good at getting down and dirty and just getting things done. A real go-getter. Nowadays, not so much. I would rather be spending time with my family, not doing work. Yes, gardening and baking and crafting are wonderful times to visit with the girls and talk about our days and stuff in our lives. They don't want to do the other stuff. The hard stuff. Like pack up the inside of the garage. Or move rock. Or put away laundry.
Low and behold, some of these projects that I want to do...they WANT to do too! Addie loves to do crafts, especially ones she can wear and use. Ry likes to bake. Well not really, but she sure does enjoy the eating part! But she does like things that make you feel good or treats we could make for her HorseChildren.
So picking projects that are fun for all of us is the goal. And for D too, there are plenty of projects that I would like to do that he may also enjoy (some involve using a blow torch even!). Please be expecting lots of "Homemade With Love" gifts from our house this year :)
I've got a list. I've got some ingredients. I've got a sewing machine. I've got mason jars and mismatched china pieces. I've even got a borrowed Cricut System! And I've got a plan. Baby steps. One project at a time. We are all set. Almost.
If you don't follow me on Pinterest, you should, I'm a Creative Genius! Just kidding, but I'm trying.
Never
Ending
Radical
Dude(ette)
and I wear the Nerd badge proudly...most days.
I've discovered Pinterest. This is where my Inner Nerd is really starting to shine! If you follow me, you will start to see some of these projects I've done, with our own little twists. But what really gets me, is that there isn't just a few projects that I want to do. It's ALL of them. But woe is me, I am still in need of a laminator, cricut system, scissors with a sharp edge, and heavy duty magnets.
As I'm standing in my yard last night, looking around and thinking about all that I would like to do, I realized something. Sometimes, I overwhelm myself.
And then I went inside and looked around, and remembered all of the things that I want to do inside the house. Yes, sometimes, I overwhelm myself.
When the To-Do list is longer than there are days in a year, it gets a bit scary. And when I think about how much work is involved, I start to panic. I used to be really good at getting down and dirty and just getting things done. A real go-getter. Nowadays, not so much. I would rather be spending time with my family, not doing work. Yes, gardening and baking and crafting are wonderful times to visit with the girls and talk about our days and stuff in our lives. They don't want to do the other stuff. The hard stuff. Like pack up the inside of the garage. Or move rock. Or put away laundry.
Low and behold, some of these projects that I want to do...they WANT to do too! Addie loves to do crafts, especially ones she can wear and use. Ry likes to bake. Well not really, but she sure does enjoy the eating part! But she does like things that make you feel good or treats we could make for her HorseChildren.
So picking projects that are fun for all of us is the goal. And for D too, there are plenty of projects that I would like to do that he may also enjoy (some involve using a blow torch even!). Please be expecting lots of "Homemade With Love" gifts from our house this year :)
I've got a list. I've got some ingredients. I've got a sewing machine. I've got mason jars and mismatched china pieces. I've even got a borrowed Cricut System! And I've got a plan. Baby steps. One project at a time. We are all set. Almost.
If you don't follow me on Pinterest, you should, I'm a Creative Genius! Just kidding, but I'm trying.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Goals and Baby Steps
In September of last year, I set a goal to lose 25 pounds and become healthier.
I had done Weight Watchers previously and had great success...losing. It was the keeping it off that was the issue. I had gained back all the weight I had lost, and then some. So, when I saw this picture of myself:
I about threw up in my mouth.
WTF happened?!?! I had worked so hard to get the weight off! I realized that I had gained 'some' back, I just didn't realize how much!
Immediately, I printed off this picture and put it on my desk. This is my motivation picture, and it remains there still today. So I could look at it every day and it would serve as a constant reminder that wearing my boyfriends clothes (while very comfortable) was not what I wanted.
I wanted to be healthy. Never did I really have a problem with the number on the scale. Well, maybe a little bit, but my bigger focus was that I was not healthy. I was not eating to provide a full balanced meal (unless you count bacon and butter as food groups). I was not exercising to maintain a healthy inside. I was simply not making healthy decisions for myself, and I was not setting a good example for my girls.
Let me further explain this. I was setting a good example for them in that I was comfortable in my own skin. And by example, showing them that it is totally ok to be comfortable with the body you have. It did not matter if I was pushing 2 Bills or if I was at my lowest weight ever, I would still walk around the house in next to nothing. I am not ashamed of my body, not now and not ever. This is the body I get. What I do with it is up to me. This is what I tell the girls too. It's what's on the inside that counts.
So, what if the inside of you is not healthy? What if bacon and butter really aren't food groups? And what if the Doctor tells you that at 30, your cholesterol is so bad you're Heart Disease Walking? What then?
Go back to Weight Watchers, duh! So starting on October 10, 2011, I went back to my 'first' meeting. And wouldn't you know it, the first thing I learned...everything in moderation is ok. I learned to not deprive myself of anything. If I want bacon, or ice cream, or beer, or cake, or white bread, or anything else that is 'not allowed' on other diets, I can have them. And I could have as much as I wanted.
This was about accountability. Taking responsibility for my own food choices. Taking responsibility for my own activity (or lack of). I learned how to pick the better choice. And wouldn't you know it, most of the time I liked the better choice better!
So, after about a year, I've finally dropped those 25 pounds!! And it's been a struggle. I love to eat things that are not nutritionally sound - especially salt - but I've also learned that I can get a salt fix from some cucumber slices sprinkled with sea salt, just as well as I can from a bag of potato chips. Remembering these substitutions is key. Now, when I want something sweet, dark chocolate is my go to. If I'm craving crunchy, raw veggies crunch.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still a glutton during my "girl time". Salt can be in no better form than ham and directly poured on my hashbrowns & cheese. But picking up on the activity during this time helps even it out, right, maybe? :)
Just the other night, I substituted greek yogurt for sour cream in a recipe, when I figured out the nutritional and PPV difference, it was incredible. And this is when it hit me. I was so disappointed that it took me a whole year to drop 25 pounds. But it was a good reminder that good things come in time. Baby steps. I cut 250 calories from 1 meal the other night. Another 100 calories, I walked out on the treadmill on my break at work. A year ago, I would have eaten those calories, and not walked on my work breaks. A year ago, I was not moving much at all. A year ago, I was pretty unhealthy.
At my physical last month, my Doc was impressed with how my cholesterol is improving. I'm still dangerous, but it's getting better. Baby steps. She told me to exercise, I told her to shut it.
So while I've reached the number on the scale goal, I've still got healthy living goals to achieve. Baby steps, Wii fit, and dates with the gym on my breaks. Good Cholesterol, I'm coming...watch yourself!
I had done Weight Watchers previously and had great success...losing. It was the keeping it off that was the issue. I had gained back all the weight I had lost, and then some. So, when I saw this picture of myself:
WTF happened?!?! I had worked so hard to get the weight off! I realized that I had gained 'some' back, I just didn't realize how much!
Immediately, I printed off this picture and put it on my desk. This is my motivation picture, and it remains there still today. So I could look at it every day and it would serve as a constant reminder that wearing my boyfriends clothes (while very comfortable) was not what I wanted.
I wanted to be healthy. Never did I really have a problem with the number on the scale. Well, maybe a little bit, but my bigger focus was that I was not healthy. I was not eating to provide a full balanced meal (unless you count bacon and butter as food groups). I was not exercising to maintain a healthy inside. I was simply not making healthy decisions for myself, and I was not setting a good example for my girls.
Let me further explain this. I was setting a good example for them in that I was comfortable in my own skin. And by example, showing them that it is totally ok to be comfortable with the body you have. It did not matter if I was pushing 2 Bills or if I was at my lowest weight ever, I would still walk around the house in next to nothing. I am not ashamed of my body, not now and not ever. This is the body I get. What I do with it is up to me. This is what I tell the girls too. It's what's on the inside that counts.
So, what if the inside of you is not healthy? What if bacon and butter really aren't food groups? And what if the Doctor tells you that at 30, your cholesterol is so bad you're Heart Disease Walking? What then?
Go back to Weight Watchers, duh! So starting on October 10, 2011, I went back to my 'first' meeting. And wouldn't you know it, the first thing I learned...everything in moderation is ok. I learned to not deprive myself of anything. If I want bacon, or ice cream, or beer, or cake, or white bread, or anything else that is 'not allowed' on other diets, I can have them. And I could have as much as I wanted.
This was about accountability. Taking responsibility for my own food choices. Taking responsibility for my own activity (or lack of). I learned how to pick the better choice. And wouldn't you know it, most of the time I liked the better choice better!
So, after about a year, I've finally dropped those 25 pounds!! And it's been a struggle. I love to eat things that are not nutritionally sound - especially salt - but I've also learned that I can get a salt fix from some cucumber slices sprinkled with sea salt, just as well as I can from a bag of potato chips. Remembering these substitutions is key. Now, when I want something sweet, dark chocolate is my go to. If I'm craving crunchy, raw veggies crunch.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still a glutton during my "girl time". Salt can be in no better form than ham and directly poured on my hashbrowns & cheese. But picking up on the activity during this time helps even it out, right, maybe? :)
Just the other night, I substituted greek yogurt for sour cream in a recipe, when I figured out the nutritional and PPV difference, it was incredible. And this is when it hit me. I was so disappointed that it took me a whole year to drop 25 pounds. But it was a good reminder that good things come in time. Baby steps. I cut 250 calories from 1 meal the other night. Another 100 calories, I walked out on the treadmill on my break at work. A year ago, I would have eaten those calories, and not walked on my work breaks. A year ago, I was not moving much at all. A year ago, I was pretty unhealthy.
At my physical last month, my Doc was impressed with how my cholesterol is improving. I'm still dangerous, but it's getting better. Baby steps. She told me to exercise, I told her to shut it.
So while I've reached the number on the scale goal, I've still got healthy living goals to achieve. Baby steps, Wii fit, and dates with the gym on my breaks. Good Cholesterol, I'm coming...watch yourself!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
2 By 2
I was sitting outside the other night and something occurred to me. D and I must be direct decedents of Noah.
I was thinking:
2 Daughters
2 Dogs
2 Cats
2 Rodents
2 Blenders
2 Crock Pots
2 Apple Trees
2 Garages
You get the picture. We have a lot of pairs in our home!
And as I'm thinking deeper about this, since I am such a deep thinker - we've tried to have more or less of all of many items. But it always comes back to 2.
We had 1 dog, then 4, then 1, then 2, then 3, now 2.
We had 2 kittens, then 3, then 2, then 3, then 2, then 6, then 3, now 2.
Somehow we always go back to 2.
Maybe it's something underlying with my CDO ways, I don't know, but we just can't seem to have things in odd numbers. Like the volume on the TV. Or the number of projects I have going on at a time. Or the number of pies baked. Or the number of jars of veggies canned.
Something is deeply rooted here in the preference to pairs....
I was thinking:
2 Daughters
2 Dogs
2 Cats
2 Rodents
2 Blenders
2 Crock Pots
2 Apple Trees
2 Garages
You get the picture. We have a lot of pairs in our home!
And as I'm thinking deeper about this, since I am such a deep thinker - we've tried to have more or less of all of many items. But it always comes back to 2.
We had 1 dog, then 4, then 1, then 2, then 3, now 2.
We had 2 kittens, then 3, then 2, then 3, then 2, then 6, then 3, now 2.
Somehow we always go back to 2.
Maybe it's something underlying with my CDO ways, I don't know, but we just can't seem to have things in odd numbers. Like the volume on the TV. Or the number of projects I have going on at a time. Or the number of pies baked. Or the number of jars of veggies canned.
Something is deeply rooted here in the preference to pairs....
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
All I Want for Christmas
**Disclaimer, I'm talking about shooting animals - just FYI, if you want to stop now.
If not, don't say I didn't warn you.
We are still wrestling with our masked friends. They continue to disturb everything they possibly can out at our house. It's the fact that they have thumbs that really gets me. It's seriously like having a toddler trying to deter them from coming back.
We have 'pests' all the time. After all we live in "The Country". There are all kinds of critters out here. I've also decided that Boxelder Bugs, qualify as critters!! The deer eat the apples, we eat the deer, circle of life. Racoons eat grain, cat food, kitten legs, we eat none of the above. Food chain maybe fits here, not sure. Just let me go with this - killing little critters is not something I ever imagined would be happening in my first hand life, so the struggle is still there. I like to eat animals, yes. I do not like to look at thier faces before I eat them, no.
However, when they are as destructive as these little monsters, I'm considering sticking one of those fat boys in a crock pot with some BBQ sauce and eating it late night, outside my window, just to show that little bugger who has worked the shutter off, What's Up. And I'll hold and stroke so lovingly the kitten that he attacked. And when he looks at me with his little innocent eyes, I'll cry. That probably isn't the best idea. I'll just stay inside and let the rest of my family handle this problem.
I had posted this picture to Facebook a couple weeks ago.
The funny part of this story is that D told me I had to shoot it, like that would ever happen. To which I promptly replied that he had to shoot this creature - he is the Man, this is Man's work, I would just stay inside and make lunches for our family, this is Woman's work - and before I can finish this sentence, our little girl, a little Woman, comes tearing out of her room and asks if she can shoot it. Proud Daddy Moment. I did what any good Mom would do and grabbed the camera.
I was worried about what would happen when it was actually time to pull the trigger.
Now, mind you, this is the same child who last year when cleaning a deer, used the legs as telephones and had conversations with imaginary people while talking into the hoof. It was rather disturbing.
Nonetheless, I was still worried, she is my little angel, my kind hearted mini me, I could never do something like this, this is why I have D. I was thinking she would get nervous and not be able to do it. I was hoping that she would see it's eyes and change her mind. I was praying that she would have some overwhelming feeling regarding stopping another heartbeat.
But she didn't.
And she did it.
And was so proud.
And her Dad was so proud.
I threw up in my mouth and cried on the inside.
So, a few days later during a long practice session - she says all she wants in her stocking for Christmas is "a new can of BB's".
Lord help me, why does D steal all my girls?!?!?!
If not, don't say I didn't warn you.
We are still wrestling with our masked friends. They continue to disturb everything they possibly can out at our house. It's the fact that they have thumbs that really gets me. It's seriously like having a toddler trying to deter them from coming back.
We have 'pests' all the time. After all we live in "The Country". There are all kinds of critters out here. I've also decided that Boxelder Bugs, qualify as critters!! The deer eat the apples, we eat the deer, circle of life. Racoons eat grain, cat food, kitten legs, we eat none of the above. Food chain maybe fits here, not sure. Just let me go with this - killing little critters is not something I ever imagined would be happening in my first hand life, so the struggle is still there. I like to eat animals, yes. I do not like to look at thier faces before I eat them, no.
However, when they are as destructive as these little monsters, I'm considering sticking one of those fat boys in a crock pot with some BBQ sauce and eating it late night, outside my window, just to show that little bugger who has worked the shutter off, What's Up. And I'll hold and stroke so lovingly the kitten that he attacked. And when he looks at me with his little innocent eyes, I'll cry. That probably isn't the best idea. I'll just stay inside and let the rest of my family handle this problem.
I had posted this picture to Facebook a couple weeks ago.
The funny part of this story is that D told me I had to shoot it, like that would ever happen. To which I promptly replied that he had to shoot this creature - he is the Man, this is Man's work, I would just stay inside and make lunches for our family, this is Woman's work - and before I can finish this sentence, our little girl, a little Woman, comes tearing out of her room and asks if she can shoot it. Proud Daddy Moment. I did what any good Mom would do and grabbed the camera.
I was worried about what would happen when it was actually time to pull the trigger.
Now, mind you, this is the same child who last year when cleaning a deer, used the legs as telephones and had conversations with imaginary people while talking into the hoof. It was rather disturbing.
Nonetheless, I was still worried, she is my little angel, my kind hearted mini me, I could never do something like this, this is why I have D. I was thinking she would get nervous and not be able to do it. I was hoping that she would see it's eyes and change her mind. I was praying that she would have some overwhelming feeling regarding stopping another heartbeat.
But she didn't.
And she did it.
And was so proud.
And her Dad was so proud.
I threw up in my mouth and cried on the inside.
So, a few days later during a long practice session - she says all she wants in her stocking for Christmas is "a new can of BB's".
Lord help me, why does D steal all my girls?!?!?!
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