as my faithful readers know (all 7 of them lol!), 2013 was the Year of 24 filled with goals for weight loss, exercise, Scrapbooking, and blogging. my goal was to focus myself on balance and doing what I needed/wanted to do. and yes, I pretty much surpassed all my goals.
for 2014 I do not have a laundry list of things to accomplish before I will consider the year a success. no magic number I want to see on my scale. no number of books I need to read. nada. nothing. zilch.
I have one single solitary THING that I want to be able to say I have done before we start having to correct our check dates to 2015 (if anyone is still writing checks)...........
I am going to complete a triathlon!!! (duh dun duuuuuu!)
now we aren't talking IronMan here or anything.....more like what are called sprint triathlons like 0.5 mile swim, 20 mile bike, 4 mile run. nothing close to 140.6 miles of exertion thankyouverymuch!! and no, it just isn't just a matter of time. it is more a matter of not having the time!
but, that is pretty much it for 2014. my guess if I work diligently towards not making a fool of myself in a triathlon then I will be eating healthy and exercising regularly. right?? so without some scale or calorie obsessing, I should be in darn good shape by working towards that tri goal.
and........since the year has already started, I will tell you that I have made an awesome step toward my goal. but, that is a post for another day!
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Monday, January 6, 2014
Monday, July 8, 2013
mid-year resolutions? courtesy @themotherrunner
first.........you have 2 days to enter the GIVEAWAY.....so you might want to go do that first.
second.......if you recall I set out to make 2014 the Year of 24 (dun dun dun!). it focused on a little scrapbooking (with less purchasing), a little weight loss, and a little Dolly walking. well, halfway in to the year I am doing pretty well on all accounts. Dolly isn't quite getting the 24 walks a month from ME, but she has put some serious mileage on her paws. funny, it is the scrapbooking that I am lagging the most on. probably because the focus has shifted. but that is okay too. I am still going to track my original goals (cuz I'm no quitter man!) but would like to see about tackling a new set provided buy the fun ladies over at Another Mother Runner.....A Virtual Aid Station.
third......or 13.1 to be exact:
1. Run naked—no GPS, no music, no watch, no agenda—regularly. Could be once a week or once a quarter: whatever feels possible for you and your level of anal retentiveness.
so......not bad overall, right? probably helpful that I am new to all this. I think that trail run is going to be the most "off the beaten path" item for me. I am not a dirt girl. wonder if that Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Run Cheree made me sign up for would count as a trail run?? still shocked I signed up for that!
second.......if you recall I set out to make 2014 the Year of 24 (dun dun dun!). it focused on a little scrapbooking (with less purchasing), a little weight loss, and a little Dolly walking. well, halfway in to the year I am doing pretty well on all accounts. Dolly isn't quite getting the 24 walks a month from ME, but she has put some serious mileage on her paws. funny, it is the scrapbooking that I am lagging the most on. probably because the focus has shifted. but that is okay too. I am still going to track my original goals (cuz I'm no quitter man!) but would like to see about tackling a new set provided buy the fun ladies over at Another Mother Runner.....A Virtual Aid Station.
third......or 13.1 to be exact:
1. Run naked—no GPS, no music, no watch, no agenda—regularly. Could be once a week or once a quarter: whatever feels possible for you and your level of anal retentiveness.
(whew! I thought they meant without CLOTHES!) most of the time I am listening to music or a podcast. I am not so super worried about time but like to know my finished distance. however, I can see where this is coming from.
2.
If you haven’t run on a trail, do so. If you have, up the ante
and try a trail race.
I haven't. isn't Cheree going to be so excited when she gets that text: find me a trail race please!
3.
Find at least one new running route from your house.
well, really ALL running routes from my house are really NEW ones, but as I have been pretty active in looking for new ways to get the miles in, I am comfy knowing this is continually happening.
4.
Promise yourself that if your knee, foot, IT band or other vital body part is
feeling the destructive kind of pain on a run—you’re wincing or changing your
stride or gutting it out—you won’t just plow forward with your training. You’ll
do your best to figure out the cause, then foam roll, strengthen your hips, or do what you need to do
until you’re not wincing, changing your stride, or gutting it out. Repeat after
us: No running-induced injury ever got better by more running.
I promise! I use my knee brace religiously. and in fact, I bought a foam roller last week, watched and bookmarked that very video and plan to work very hard to prevent injuries!
5.
When somebody asks you if you run, simply say yes. No qualifiers. Just
this: “Yes, I am a runner.”
yes mom! I am a runner! a Bad Ass Mother Runner!
6. Volunteer at
one race, minimum.
already planning on volunteering at the California International Marathon and volunteered at the Positive Energy Kids Triathlon. made me start thinking how fun a triathlon would be! and of course Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without volunteering at the Sacramento Food Bank's Run to Feed the Hungry! perhaps this year I can volunteer AND run??
7.
Run a race with just one goal: To take it all in.
I want to say that is how I treated the Bay 2 Breakers. how can you not? and seriously.....you take it ALL in whether you want to or not! but I hadn't gone there thinking I was going to do anything other than start, finish, and enjoy myself in the middle.
8. Set
a numerical goal. Make it slightly ambitious, but still doable
considering your schedule and running experience: Run X times weekly or
monthly; race X times in 2013; run X miles monthly or yearly. Adding those
little numbers is (almost) as fulfilling as a post-run high.
right after Boston, I joined a group whose goal was to do a bunch of 26.2s whether at one time or over the course of a period of time. I gave myself a week and made it even though Dolly and I had to push it on that last night. it was a little farther than the training plan but it felt good. I think that is what they mean here and I plan to keep setting various non-race related goals for myself. keeps things fun!
9.
Pick one run a week, cut it short by 15 minutes and spend those 15
minutes strength training.
I'll think about it. currently I take Mondays to do strength training. this will probably tie in nicely to the Nike SF half training program.
10.
If you run a marathon, don’t run at all for at least a week post race.
After a 13.1, give yourself at least two days of no pounding. And
then make your runs easy-peasy, no-more-than-30-minutes for at least
three outings. Your legs will thank you—and us.
well.....I was kinda forced to after the American River Parkway half when I flew off for work......except that I managed to get in to the hotel gym twice. I figured between sitting in the conference all day after the plane ride out there I would need to get the blood flowing! maybe after Running with the Bears??
11.
Whether they’re on foot or bike, have your kiddos join you on a run. They
set the pace and distance, of course.
okay, this one is FUNNY!!! I realize they view "kiddos" as those cute adorable little rascals that can sit on your lap and still finger paint. both my "kiddos" are taller than me. one doesn't do ANYTHING at a pace quicker than a "too cool for school" boy and the other I have decided is going to be my biking coach for next year's triathlon. HE had to slow down for ME last week! but......he did set the distance. (however, I will state here that I am currently beating them both at the 30 Ab Challenge. gotta get SOME props!)
12. Ask
a friend to run. If she’s a newbie, pace her nice and slow—a run/walk
combo is a great call—and go a little longer than she thinks she can. Before
you part ways, set up specifics (time, date, place) for your next run together.
yeah! totally done this! remember me convincing Lori to do the Spirit of Benny 10K? that was her first race. she was working up to a 5K at the time! she also did the Parkway Half and will be doing the Davis Moonlight Half. and poor Jenn got suckered into the Bay to Breakers and Davis Moonlight too. I am wondering when she is going to start ignoring my texts!
13.
On those days when you’re hit with the there’s.just.no.way.I.have.the.energy.to.run
blahs, head out for half of a mile; if you’re still not
feeling it, you can turn around, and you still got in one mile.
this has already happened several times. there are days (usually every 4 weeks on the dot......) that I wanna just curl up under the quilt. THOSE are the days that this one comes in to play! and yes, a couple times I have gone out for just a mile. it's okay.
.1. Tell
a friend about the another mother runner tribe.
okay....I'm telling you! I've told a couple others already.....one isn't even a mother! lol! but who can resist a great group of supportive women?so......not bad overall, right? probably helpful that I am new to all this. I think that trail run is going to be the most "off the beaten path" item for me. I am not a dirt girl. wonder if that Merrell Down & Dirty Mud Run Cheree made me sign up for would count as a trail run?? still shocked I signed up for that!
2. If you haven’t run on a trail, do so. If you
have, up the ante and try a trail race. The vibe is so different than a
road run or race, you owe it to yourself to give it a whirl.
3. Find at least one new running route from your house. (If your options are limited, at least run your regular route backwards.)
4. Promise yourself that if your knee, foot, IT band or other vital body part is feeling the destructive kind of pain on a run—you’re wincing or changing your stride or gutting it out—you won’t just plow forward with your training.You’ll do your best to figure out the cause, then foam roll, strengthen your hips, or do what you need to do until you’re not wincing, changing your stride, or gutting it out. Repeat after us: No running-induced injury ever got better by more running.
5. When somebody asks you if you run, simply say yes. No qualifiers—I’m so slow, I just started, I only do 5K’s—allowed. None. Just this: “Yes, I am a runner.”
6. Volunteer at one race, minimum.
7. Run a race with just one goal: To take it all in. Leave all thoughts of numbers behind and high-five every spectator you can; chat up your fellow runners; check out the scenery; don’t curse the lines at the Port-a-Potties; see if you can snag an excellent finish line pic. (And if that’s your usual M.O., for one race focus more on the clock and yourself: What are you capable of?)
8. Set a numerical goal. Make it slightly ambitious, but still doable considering your schedule and running experience: Run X times weekly or monthly; race X times in 2013; run X miles monthly or yearly. Adding those little numbers is (almost) as fulfilling as a post-run high.
9. Pick one run a week, cut it short by 15 minutes and spend those 15 minutes strength training: Lunge, squat, push-up, plank, crunch, triceps dip…you know the drill. Better yet: if the weather is cooperating, stop your run 5 minutes from the end, get in some strength at a park or quiet street, then finish up the run. (Promise, nobody cares if you’re lunging down the sidewalk.) If you want something more challenging, check out Sarah in Get Ripped Like a Mother.
10. If you run a marathon, don’t run at all for at least a week post race. After a 13.1, give yourself at least two days of no pounding. And then make your runs easy-peasy, no-more-than-30-minutes for at least three outings. Your legs will thank you—and us.
11. Whether they’re on foot or bike, have your kiddos join you on a run. They set the pace and distance, of course. And you make it fun: can you get to that stop sign? Can you sing and run at the same time? Can you run for 30 seconds then skip for 30 seconds? Can you beat me? (If you have to hold yourself back to let your kid win, soak it up, mother runner. Guessing it, like most beauties of childhood, doesn’t last long enough.)
12. Ask a friend to run. If she’s a newbie, pace her nice and slow—a run/walk combo is a great call—and go a little longer than she thinks she can. Before you part ways, set up specifics (time, date, place) for your next run together.
13. On those days when you’re hit with the there’s.just.no.way.I.have.the.energy.to.run blahs, head out for half of a mile; if you’re still not feeling it, you can turn around, and you still got in one mile.
.1. Tell a friend about the another mother runner tribe.
- See more at: http://anothermotherrunner.com/2013/07/04/running-resolutions-running-goals/#sthash.Cx0IqNQK.dpuf
3. Find at least one new running route from your house. (If your options are limited, at least run your regular route backwards.)
4. Promise yourself that if your knee, foot, IT band or other vital body part is feeling the destructive kind of pain on a run—you’re wincing or changing your stride or gutting it out—you won’t just plow forward with your training.You’ll do your best to figure out the cause, then foam roll, strengthen your hips, or do what you need to do until you’re not wincing, changing your stride, or gutting it out. Repeat after us: No running-induced injury ever got better by more running.
5. When somebody asks you if you run, simply say yes. No qualifiers—I’m so slow, I just started, I only do 5K’s—allowed. None. Just this: “Yes, I am a runner.”
6. Volunteer at one race, minimum.
7. Run a race with just one goal: To take it all in. Leave all thoughts of numbers behind and high-five every spectator you can; chat up your fellow runners; check out the scenery; don’t curse the lines at the Port-a-Potties; see if you can snag an excellent finish line pic. (And if that’s your usual M.O., for one race focus more on the clock and yourself: What are you capable of?)
8. Set a numerical goal. Make it slightly ambitious, but still doable considering your schedule and running experience: Run X times weekly or monthly; race X times in 2013; run X miles monthly or yearly. Adding those little numbers is (almost) as fulfilling as a post-run high.
9. Pick one run a week, cut it short by 15 minutes and spend those 15 minutes strength training: Lunge, squat, push-up, plank, crunch, triceps dip…you know the drill. Better yet: if the weather is cooperating, stop your run 5 minutes from the end, get in some strength at a park or quiet street, then finish up the run. (Promise, nobody cares if you’re lunging down the sidewalk.) If you want something more challenging, check out Sarah in Get Ripped Like a Mother.
10. If you run a marathon, don’t run at all for at least a week post race. After a 13.1, give yourself at least two days of no pounding. And then make your runs easy-peasy, no-more-than-30-minutes for at least three outings. Your legs will thank you—and us.
11. Whether they’re on foot or bike, have your kiddos join you on a run. They set the pace and distance, of course. And you make it fun: can you get to that stop sign? Can you sing and run at the same time? Can you run for 30 seconds then skip for 30 seconds? Can you beat me? (If you have to hold yourself back to let your kid win, soak it up, mother runner. Guessing it, like most beauties of childhood, doesn’t last long enough.)
12. Ask a friend to run. If she’s a newbie, pace her nice and slow—a run/walk combo is a great call—and go a little longer than she thinks she can. Before you part ways, set up specifics (time, date, place) for your next run together.
13. On those days when you’re hit with the there’s.just.no.way.I.have.the.energy.to.run blahs, head out for half of a mile; if you’re still not feeling it, you can turn around, and you still got in one mile.
.1. Tell a friend about the another mother runner tribe.
- See more at: http://anothermotherrunner.com/2013/07/04/running-resolutions-running-goals/#sthash.Cx0IqNQK.dpuf
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Today I am officially NOT obese!!!
okay seriously...... the definition of obese is to be grossly fat or overweight. I know I am overweight but I have always had a problem with the label "obese." I do not get winded with a minimal amount of exercise. I do not require a seatbelt extender on an airline. I can fit in my movie theater space (even the older ones with the hard skinny seats). I do not wear mumus or ride around on a motorized scooter. I do not have high blood pressure (actually very good blood pressure) or high cholesterol. My weight does not interfere in my daily activities. I weigh too much. I am overweight. I am not obese.
despite my protestations......my BMI until today was in the "obese" catagory. golly gee, now I am just considered "overweight"........doesn't that sound so much nicer?!?!?
and seriously........I would need to get down to 140 to be considered "normal weight." people......I would look sickly at 140.
but hey, apparently this health issue is no longer my fault. according to the AMA, obesity is now a disease. what a crock! that is as much bologna as me being obese in the first place! while the AMA has great intentions.....better focus on the problem, more medical intervention, etc.........I just see it as an easy way for people to discard their responsibility for their own health. "hey, I can't help it.......it is a disease!" no it isn't.......there are medical conditions that can lead to obesity.....thyroid issues come to mind. and there are medical conditions exacerbated by obesity......can you say diabetes??? but when it comes down to it.....unless there is a chemical imbalance in your body, your weight is a direct reflection of your caloric intake and caloric output. eat less, exercise more, weigh less. (of course that is a very view simplistic)
thankfully I am not the only one who thinks this "diagnosis" is ridiculous!! #IAmNotADisease has popped up all over Twitter and even an article on CNN. while I may not agree with Marilyn Wann's request to "end the war on obesity," I do think she brought up an ongoing issue for overweight people......one that will now become even more prevalent: whereas an overweight person seeks medical care for something not related to their weight but having their "medical professional" attribute it to their weight. um, no......my sinus infections will not be cured when I hit that magical 140lbs thankyouverymuch!
after all that, I read an article in the June Fitness Magazine that seemed to make sense out of all of this. Can You Be Fat But Fit? why, yes Virginia, yes you can! this article could have been written by my own internal thoughts and questions. despite what the scale says, if you are not on blood pressure, cholesterol, etc medications and are able to exert a reasonable amount of energy without having to take a break to catch your breath, etc, you are okay. yes you probably should still spend more time every day doing some type of exercise, but even if you do, no one can expect you to show up in a few months at the perfect weight with the perfect body. that just isn't going to happen for everyone.
like I said at the beginning, my blood work and blood pressure all tell you I am healthy. without knowing my weight and height, the doctor would proclaim me in great health. and I may not be in perfect health, but I am darn healthier than I was a few months (or years) ago. other than not being at that magical 140lbs, there is nothing wrong with my body!
so there!
despite my protestations......my BMI until today was in the "obese" catagory. golly gee, now I am just considered "overweight"........doesn't that sound so much nicer?!?!?
and seriously........I would need to get down to 140 to be considered "normal weight." people......I would look sickly at 140.
but hey, apparently this health issue is no longer my fault. according to the AMA, obesity is now a disease. what a crock! that is as much bologna as me being obese in the first place! while the AMA has great intentions.....better focus on the problem, more medical intervention, etc.........I just see it as an easy way for people to discard their responsibility for their own health. "hey, I can't help it.......it is a disease!" no it isn't.......there are medical conditions that can lead to obesity.....thyroid issues come to mind. and there are medical conditions exacerbated by obesity......can you say diabetes??? but when it comes down to it.....unless there is a chemical imbalance in your body, your weight is a direct reflection of your caloric intake and caloric output. eat less, exercise more, weigh less. (of course that is a very view simplistic)
thankfully I am not the only one who thinks this "diagnosis" is ridiculous!! #IAmNotADisease has popped up all over Twitter and even an article on CNN. while I may not agree with Marilyn Wann's request to "end the war on obesity," I do think she brought up an ongoing issue for overweight people......one that will now become even more prevalent: whereas an overweight person seeks medical care for something not related to their weight but having their "medical professional" attribute it to their weight. um, no......my sinus infections will not be cured when I hit that magical 140lbs thankyouverymuch!
after all that, I read an article in the June Fitness Magazine that seemed to make sense out of all of this. Can You Be Fat But Fit? why, yes Virginia, yes you can! this article could have been written by my own internal thoughts and questions. despite what the scale says, if you are not on blood pressure, cholesterol, etc medications and are able to exert a reasonable amount of energy without having to take a break to catch your breath, etc, you are okay. yes you probably should still spend more time every day doing some type of exercise, but even if you do, no one can expect you to show up in a few months at the perfect weight with the perfect body. that just isn't going to happen for everyone.
like I said at the beginning, my blood work and blood pressure all tell you I am healthy. without knowing my weight and height, the doctor would proclaim me in great health. and I may not be in perfect health, but I am darn healthier than I was a few months (or years) ago. other than not being at that magical 140lbs, there is nothing wrong with my body!
so there!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Remember when I did that half marathon???
you don't? well.....probably because I never blogged about it.......even though I think I manage to fit it into an average of 50% of my conversations! I knew I should have pre-blogged so I could quickly edit after the race and get posted before I hopped on a plane for a week!
on the way home, we three stinky people stopped and got our "13.1" stickers (seriously.....yes we did! I was still wearing my bib and bling too) and grabbed Chipotles. an ice bath and recovery drink later, I was in a worn out daze.....and then headed to the airport for a 6 hour plane ride just about 12 hours later!
btw, didn't take long......I am signed up for 2 more halfs and fingers crossed to get in to a 3rd. one of the races is a fund raiser for a group that supports foster youth. if you are so inclined, you can make a tax deductible donation to the cause here! every little bit helps!
it started when I foolishly told someone I could totally do a half marathon if I could walk it and she called me on my bluff. yeah.......that half marathon! but it gets better! not only did I do the half, but hubby joined me.....and my friend Lori got suckered in again!! (I wonder why I haven't heard from her in awhile?!?!?)
well.......we did it! we pretty much stuck together for the entire walk with Lori and I stopping for a quick bathroom break before super speed walking to catch up with Jeff. while our mile times fluctuated, we averaged 16:18 minute miles. not bad! we placed in the top third of the walkers but ended a few minutes over Jeff's goal of 3:30:00 for the race. we might have been able to make it if we had been able to maintain our beginning pace (hey.....our first half......we are learning here!).
mile 11 was hard. we were sore, it was hot (got up to 90 that day), and that mile had no shade! while no one said anything horrific like "I'll never make it", we were all feeling the toll of the heat and distance. by the time we crossed the finish line, we had spent the past 10 minutes describing all of our aches and pains to each other.
but we did it and I will admit to being a little teary-eyed when we crossed the finish line! afterall, I had been thinking about that moment, focusing on that moment, for the greater part of 2 weeks. that moment dragged me out of the house on days that, gosh, I just didn't FEEL like going out. and well, because I honestly didn't think at any point in my training that I really, truly, seriously, was going to make it!
btw, didn't take long......I am signed up for 2 more halfs and fingers crossed to get in to a 3rd. one of the races is a fund raiser for a group that supports foster youth. if you are so inclined, you can make a tax deductible donation to the cause here! every little bit helps!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
If I were a betting man.......
isn't that the phrase?!?!?
of course I am a woman......and I think betting is generally not a good idea. but that didn't keep me from joining a site called DietBet. the premise is that having placed a bet, you will be incented to try harder to lose the weight!
in most cases it is $25 to join and as many people as want to can join a group. there are some groups with higher buy-ins......and a few specialty groups. you can win a trip to the Biggest Loser Ranch, donate water to charity, etc. all very cool! at the beginning of the month you "weigh in" and send them a photo of yourself on the scale and one of the scale showing your weight. they give you a "secret word" to help time stamp the photos.
the goal is to lose 4% of your weight in the 4 weeks. I like this! the percentage thing levels the playing field. afterall, it would be much easier for a 300 pound person to lose 10 pounds than a 190 pound person. but 4% means your weight loss goal is personalized for you based on where you are at when you start. you will also be disqualified if you lose too much weight or they find out you used unhealthy means to lose the weight (not sure how they would do that.......perhaps you shouldn't have that box of Fen-Fen laying by the scale?!?!?) the whole plan seems well thought out and I applaud whomever sat there (or walked on their treadmill) working it all out.
however........at some point in a healthy lifestyle change, weight loss is not your main goal. yes, when your BMI says you are "obese" you need to focus on bringing the numbers down. but at some point you need to start thinking about the end game. if you work on toning and gaining some muscles, you are not going to lose weight. you will be more healthy, but you will not necessarily weigh less.
THIS is why I won't join another game. sure, I still have pounds to lose. but I found that I was making some decisions that benefited me for the game (btw, I lost 5.7% of my weight during the game so this isn't a case of sour grapes......oooh! wine! lol!). but these decisions weren't what may have been the best for me in the long run. had I not been in the contest, I might have added some strength training to my schedule. looking ahead, I am signed up for another half marathon that I want to do some running in. I should have started training for it two weeks ago (but was still training for my first half!) and it includes cross training and strength training. but muscles weigh more than fat! that would hinder the weight loss.....I might LOOK better but I didn't want to lose my $25!!
see my point?? at my weight and physical condition it probably isn't really an issue. I can build muscle AND still lose weight but I don't even like the feeling that my choices might be influenced. my end game is to feel GOOD and look good......not what the scale says.
of course I am a woman......and I think betting is generally not a good idea. but that didn't keep me from joining a site called DietBet. the premise is that having placed a bet, you will be incented to try harder to lose the weight!
in most cases it is $25 to join and as many people as want to can join a group. there are some groups with higher buy-ins......and a few specialty groups. you can win a trip to the Biggest Loser Ranch, donate water to charity, etc. all very cool! at the beginning of the month you "weigh in" and send them a photo of yourself on the scale and one of the scale showing your weight. they give you a "secret word" to help time stamp the photos.
the goal is to lose 4% of your weight in the 4 weeks. I like this! the percentage thing levels the playing field. afterall, it would be much easier for a 300 pound person to lose 10 pounds than a 190 pound person. but 4% means your weight loss goal is personalized for you based on where you are at when you start. you will also be disqualified if you lose too much weight or they find out you used unhealthy means to lose the weight (not sure how they would do that.......perhaps you shouldn't have that box of Fen-Fen laying by the scale?!?!?) the whole plan seems well thought out and I applaud whomever sat there (or walked on their treadmill) working it all out.
however........at some point in a healthy lifestyle change, weight loss is not your main goal. yes, when your BMI says you are "obese" you need to focus on bringing the numbers down. but at some point you need to start thinking about the end game. if you work on toning and gaining some muscles, you are not going to lose weight. you will be more healthy, but you will not necessarily weigh less.
THIS is why I won't join another game. sure, I still have pounds to lose. but I found that I was making some decisions that benefited me for the game (btw, I lost 5.7% of my weight during the game so this isn't a case of sour grapes......oooh! wine! lol!). but these decisions weren't what may have been the best for me in the long run. had I not been in the contest, I might have added some strength training to my schedule. looking ahead, I am signed up for another half marathon that I want to do some running in. I should have started training for it two weeks ago (but was still training for my first half!) and it includes cross training and strength training. but muscles weigh more than fat! that would hinder the weight loss.....I might LOOK better but I didn't want to lose my $25!!
see my point?? at my weight and physical condition it probably isn't really an issue. I can build muscle AND still lose weight but I don't even like the feeling that my choices might be influenced. my end game is to feel GOOD and look good......not what the scale says.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Wahoo! I have a ZIT!!!
how many 40 somethings are excited about a zit? how many any aged people are excited about a zit? probably no one. but I am proud because I know where it came from.
see.......I never really got zits unless I was super lazy and didn't wash my face when I was supposed to. I have always had oily skin and usually wash it twice a day. for a long time I took two showers a day so I could wash my hair a second time (can you say "date night"??). I only wear makeup when I am at work because most of the time it makes my skin crawl......not itch like an allergy.......crawl like my skin can't breathe!
but this zit is special. he is there because I have been exercising........and, blech.........sweating! and while I wash my face (and sometimes shower) afterwards......apparently I missed a spot right in the crack by my nose. no one can see it (yeah!) but I can sure feel it.
so while they don't give bling for 5 or 10Ks and I haven't done that half marathon yet........this zit is my running bling! and when I smile, blow my nose (hello Sacramento spring!), or move my face......the little shot of pain from my Friend the Zit will remind me how far I've come!
it's the little things.......
see.......I never really got zits unless I was super lazy and didn't wash my face when I was supposed to. I have always had oily skin and usually wash it twice a day. for a long time I took two showers a day so I could wash my hair a second time (can you say "date night"??). I only wear makeup when I am at work because most of the time it makes my skin crawl......not itch like an allergy.......crawl like my skin can't breathe!
but this zit is special. he is there because I have been exercising........and, blech.........sweating! and while I wash my face (and sometimes shower) afterwards......apparently I missed a spot right in the crack by my nose. no one can see it (yeah!) but I can sure feel it.
so while they don't give bling for 5 or 10Ks and I haven't done that half marathon yet........this zit is my running bling! and when I smile, blow my nose (hello Sacramento spring!), or move my face......the little shot of pain from my Friend the Zit will remind me how far I've come!
it's the little things.......
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
OWN's You Glow Girl House Party
last Saturday night a fun group of girls got together for our irregular Girl's Night. this one was kinda special thanks to OWN and their skin care products. the wonderful people at House Party set us up with a bunch of goodie bags.
we received:
OWN Dual Protecting Day Lotion (SPF 30......thankyouverymuch!)
OWN Refining Moisture Night Cream
OWN Day Lip Treatment (SPF 10)
OWN Nighttime Lip Therapy
and coupons for future purchases
the lip therapy products came in ice cream cone looking containers that we all thought were totally cute........and great feeling!
as part of the party, OWN gave me recipes for a "facial bar". I'm not sure if I was supposed to make them ahead of time or just have the ingredients......but I made them before hand so we could spend the evening drinking wine, chatting, and rubbing yummy smelling goo on our faces instead of chopping, blending, and cleaning. after making them, my kitchen smelled SOOO good!!
the other fun activity we had was downloading the My OWN App (in the iPhone app store) to get personalized recommendations. I had tried to practice before the party and the app seemed glitchy. every time I tried to go through the instructions the program would crash. then after taking a photo, the app kept saying it was processing and in the meantime I got an email with my results.....while the program still processed my photo. when I checked in to the app later at the party, it had done an analysis and had suggestions. it worked better for my friend Amy.
so after playing with the app and drinking a glass (or two) of wine, we started checking out the facials. I decided to do a half and half: banana honey on one side and blueberry oatmeal on the other. the two I didn't use were the cucumber and the green tea. no one used the green tea as the recipe didn't work. otherwise, we loved them all as you can tell in this less than stellar photo.
overall we had a great time! Jen and I have full sizes of some of the OWN products so I'll give you an update after I've used them for awhile. btw, you can find your own OWN items locally at Whole Foods.
Disclosure: If you hadn't figured it out from the preceding blog post, OWN gave me the products I passed out at the party and full size ones for my own use.
we received:
OWN Dual Protecting Day Lotion (SPF 30......thankyouverymuch!)
OWN Refining Moisture Night Cream
OWN Day Lip Treatment (SPF 10)
OWN Nighttime Lip Therapy
and coupons for future purchases
the lip therapy products came in ice cream cone looking containers that we all thought were totally cute........and great feeling!
as part of the party, OWN gave me recipes for a "facial bar". I'm not sure if I was supposed to make them ahead of time or just have the ingredients......but I made them before hand so we could spend the evening drinking wine, chatting, and rubbing yummy smelling goo on our faces instead of chopping, blending, and cleaning. after making them, my kitchen smelled SOOO good!!
the other fun activity we had was downloading the My OWN App (in the iPhone app store) to get personalized recommendations. I had tried to practice before the party and the app seemed glitchy. every time I tried to go through the instructions the program would crash. then after taking a photo, the app kept saying it was processing and in the meantime I got an email with my results.....while the program still processed my photo. when I checked in to the app later at the party, it had done an analysis and had suggestions. it worked better for my friend Amy.
so after playing with the app and drinking a glass (or two) of wine, we started checking out the facials. I decided to do a half and half: banana honey on one side and blueberry oatmeal on the other. the two I didn't use were the cucumber and the green tea. no one used the green tea as the recipe didn't work. otherwise, we loved them all as you can tell in this less than stellar photo.
overall we had a great time! Jen and I have full sizes of some of the OWN products so I'll give you an update after I've used them for awhile. btw, you can find your own OWN items locally at Whole Foods.
Disclosure: If you hadn't figured it out from the preceding blog post, OWN gave me the products I passed out at the party and full size ones for my own use.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The first step is admitting you have an addiction.....
so very true! but somehow it doesn't make that addiction any easier to deal with. well.......at least in my case. and no, we aren't talking anything life threatening......well....yes, I guess it can be if you think about things like obesity and diabetes, etc.....
my addiction....................... COKE!!!!
good ol' fashioned Coca Cola!!!
oh MY! how sweet, wonderful, refreshing, and perfect a Coke can be! why I remember days coming home from a particularly nasty day at work to pour myself 6 oz of Coke and having it wash away all my stress. oh, and a particularly hot and humid summer that I would have a frozen Coke from Burger King for breakfast. those were the days my friend!
as I learned about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup (what problem? it's just corn! NOT!!), I tried switching to Mexican Coke as much as possible but I could never make the jump to Diet Coke. a couple years for Lent I gave up Coke. it fulfilled two things that I felt were important in any Lenten sacrifice: it made me a better person, and it was giving up something that was hard to give up. I mean, I could have given up running in to oncoming traffic. that would make me a better person, but not really difficult to stop doing.
anyway.......... I survived my 40 days of no soda every time. what? I didn't just give up Coke? well for me the two are the same thing. Coke is the only one I care about.............no, Pepsi isn't okay (is Monopoly money okay? yeah, didn't think so!) then what is the problem giving it up FOREVER?? (duh duh dummm.....)
yeah, that is what makes it an addiction!
so I had tried to cut back on my Coke consumption and had gotten down to an average of 2 or so a week. I say average because there were days where I would have 2 or 3 and then not for another week or so. I told myself that I needed to go cold turkey and thought it would be great to do a Soda Free September. heck, I planned to out myself on my blog and tell the world what I was doing to keep myself accountable. the fact that I have a weekend long scrapbook retreat in the MIDDLE of my self imposed Soda Free September scared the bee-jeezers out of me! seriously!
then.......I read on a friend's blog about Rethink Your Drink. it was exactly what I wanted to do! (and look at all those scary statistics! YIKES!!!) so I signed up. nope, it wasn't September 1st........... but really why was I waiting? it is like those people (not me. never me.) who eat all the ice cream and cookies in the house so they can start their diet the next day.
I got weekly emails from Rethink reminding me of my pledge and giving me encouragement and alternatives to soda. heck, I already knew....... WATER, WATER, WATER! didn't make me want a Coke any less. and there were a few days where I could FEEL the craving. who would know? what harm would it do?? see.......A.D.D.I.C.T.I.O.N!
despite that, it was kinda cool to get the emails and think how I had survived another week Coke free. I even kinda lost track of time when I got the last email: I had gone THIRTY DAYS soda free!!! wahooo!!!!
so now I am 33 days soda free. I plan to continue. I even turned down the idea of a cola flavored shave ice last night thinking that it probably wasn't a good idea. see........like addictions, one taste.......on glorious beautiful mouthful of that amazing taste..........oh my gosh......and you are back at the beginning. I know it. I've been there before.....Easter morning with that bottle/can/whatever in front of me (btw, McDonalds Cokes are the best. don't know how. don't know why. but they are. take my word for it.)
33 days clean. I plan to keep going. this scrapbook weekend may or may not be the test. heck, today, next Tuesday, October 11th, anyday may or may not be the test. isn't that the way it always is?
but don't ever get me wrong...................... I LOVE COKE!
my addiction....................... COKE!!!!
good ol' fashioned Coca Cola!!!
oh MY! how sweet, wonderful, refreshing, and perfect a Coke can be! why I remember days coming home from a particularly nasty day at work to pour myself 6 oz of Coke and having it wash away all my stress. oh, and a particularly hot and humid summer that I would have a frozen Coke from Burger King for breakfast. those were the days my friend!
as I learned about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup (what problem? it's just corn! NOT!!), I tried switching to Mexican Coke as much as possible but I could never make the jump to Diet Coke. a couple years for Lent I gave up Coke. it fulfilled two things that I felt were important in any Lenten sacrifice: it made me a better person, and it was giving up something that was hard to give up. I mean, I could have given up running in to oncoming traffic. that would make me a better person, but not really difficult to stop doing.
anyway.......... I survived my 40 days of no soda every time. what? I didn't just give up Coke? well for me the two are the same thing. Coke is the only one I care about.............no, Pepsi isn't okay (is Monopoly money okay? yeah, didn't think so!) then what is the problem giving it up FOREVER?? (duh duh dummm.....)
yeah, that is what makes it an addiction!
so I had tried to cut back on my Coke consumption and had gotten down to an average of 2 or so a week. I say average because there were days where I would have 2 or 3 and then not for another week or so. I told myself that I needed to go cold turkey and thought it would be great to do a Soda Free September. heck, I planned to out myself on my blog and tell the world what I was doing to keep myself accountable. the fact that I have a weekend long scrapbook retreat in the MIDDLE of my self imposed Soda Free September scared the bee-jeezers out of me! seriously!
then.......I read on a friend's blog about Rethink Your Drink. it was exactly what I wanted to do! (and look at all those scary statistics! YIKES!!!) so I signed up. nope, it wasn't September 1st........... but really why was I waiting? it is like those people (not me. never me.) who eat all the ice cream and cookies in the house so they can start their diet the next day.
I got weekly emails from Rethink reminding me of my pledge and giving me encouragement and alternatives to soda. heck, I already knew....... WATER, WATER, WATER! didn't make me want a Coke any less. and there were a few days where I could FEEL the craving. who would know? what harm would it do?? see.......A.D.D.I.C.T.I.O.N!
despite that, it was kinda cool to get the emails and think how I had survived another week Coke free. I even kinda lost track of time when I got the last email: I had gone THIRTY DAYS soda free!!! wahooo!!!!
so now I am 33 days soda free. I plan to continue. I even turned down the idea of a cola flavored shave ice last night thinking that it probably wasn't a good idea. see........like addictions, one taste.......on glorious beautiful mouthful of that amazing taste..........oh my gosh......and you are back at the beginning. I know it. I've been there before.....Easter morning with that bottle/can/whatever in front of me (btw, McDonalds Cokes are the best. don't know how. don't know why. but they are. take my word for it.)
33 days clean. I plan to keep going. this scrapbook weekend may or may not be the test. heck, today, next Tuesday, October 11th, anyday may or may not be the test. isn't that the way it always is?
but don't ever get me wrong...................... I LOVE COKE!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Calories for charity shouldn't count!
as you may or may not know, I have been trying to be very good about the whole diet & exercise thing. having an energetic Dolly at home has certainly helped. she doesn't care if it is raining (or 108 apparently), she wants her walks!
overall I have done well. I have realized that my metabolism isn't what it used to be and I need more exercise to achieve what took less effort when I was younger, but most days I am okay with that. and I needed to focus on what I was eating. I thought I was doing okay. but upon reflections I figured out I had more treat days than not......and often multiple treat meals!
so now I am moving in the right direction with the exception of a few foodie lunches a week (which I do manage to work in to my overall day's strategy) and fundraisers. admittedly, it is my choice to go to things like the Sacramento Zoo's King of Feasts and the Ronald McDonald House Charity's Red Shoe Crawl. they are both awesome causes and the amazing diversity of food bites being offered can't be beat! and it was great attending the Sactown Dining Collective dinner for St John's Shelter. (look! they are doing a dinner almost every month at Plates! how can I resist??) again, wonderful food and totally worth every single darn calorie! but all this eating for a good cause makes it super tough to stay on track!
both the King of Feasts and Red Shoe Crawl are this weekend (I think tickets are still available for both if you want to join me). so if you see me this week don't offer me a treat kind of lunch. I'm saving my calories for charity!
overall I have done well. I have realized that my metabolism isn't what it used to be and I need more exercise to achieve what took less effort when I was younger, but most days I am okay with that. and I needed to focus on what I was eating. I thought I was doing okay. but upon reflections I figured out I had more treat days than not......and often multiple treat meals!
so now I am moving in the right direction with the exception of a few foodie lunches a week (which I do manage to work in to my overall day's strategy) and fundraisers. admittedly, it is my choice to go to things like the Sacramento Zoo's King of Feasts and the Ronald McDonald House Charity's Red Shoe Crawl. they are both awesome causes and the amazing diversity of food bites being offered can't be beat! and it was great attending the Sactown Dining Collective dinner for St John's Shelter. (look! they are doing a dinner almost every month at Plates! how can I resist??) again, wonderful food and totally worth every single darn calorie! but all this eating for a good cause makes it super tough to stay on track!
both the King of Feasts and Red Shoe Crawl are this weekend (I think tickets are still available for both if you want to join me). so if you see me this week don't offer me a treat kind of lunch. I'm saving my calories for charity!
Friday, April 6, 2012
March of Dimes......if you would actually like to sponsor me!
Guess I made a mess of the link in my previous post.....that you should really read!
But anyway, if you would like to sponsor my SIX MILE walk to support babies, you can by clicking on the link to the left of this post......or right here:
http://tinyurl.com/SusanMarches2012
The babies, my marriage and I thank you!
But anyway, if you would like to sponsor my SIX MILE walk to support babies, you can by clicking on the link to the left of this post......or right here:
http://tinyurl.com/SusanMarches2012
The babies, my marriage and I thank you!
Monday, April 2, 2012
The oddest March of Dimes story you will ever hear!
when you talk to people and find out they support the March of Dimes, you are apt to hear stories of saved babies, women getting necessary prenatal care, wonderful support during pregnancy, etc. those are all wonderful things and I love hearing them all! but this isn't a personal story anything like that.
back in 1989 (or was it 1990) I answered an ad looking for volunteers for a March of Dimes benefit. in those days, they held a Bid for Bachelors auction. single men would put together "date" packages and women would bid on them. the highest bidder got the date. when I called, I thought I would be one of the lowly schmucks that would say "thanks for coming, here is your program," put tablecloths out or whatever. I had no clue that I would end up on the committee for the event. I didn't have a clue about a lot of things at that point.
so, plans made, event organized. I am proud to say that I came up with the theme "Knight in Shining Armor" and even found some knights to come guard the door to the event and do a little sword fighting for entertainment. the night before the event there was a rehearsal. there I chatted up one of the bachelors. totally not my type, he was blond with blue eyes and extremely cocky. I won't go into the rest of the sordid details. you either know them already or can ask the next time we chat. needless to say it is definitely a "he said / she said" story and I did NOT buy Jeff.
anyway, we will have been married 19 years in a couple weeks......all thanks to the March of Dimes! so, when I walk on the 28th, I won't just be walking for those adorable sweet babies, I'll also be walking for an adorable former blond with blue eyes and 19 years of marriage! so please consider skipping your morning cafe mocha and support my walk? it is for love......young and old! lol!
Susan's March of Dimes page
told you it was the oddest March of Dimes support story you would ever hear!
back in 1989 (or was it 1990) I answered an ad looking for volunteers for a March of Dimes benefit. in those days, they held a Bid for Bachelors auction. single men would put together "date" packages and women would bid on them. the highest bidder got the date. when I called, I thought I would be one of the lowly schmucks that would say "thanks for coming, here is your program," put tablecloths out or whatever. I had no clue that I would end up on the committee for the event. I didn't have a clue about a lot of things at that point.
so, plans made, event organized. I am proud to say that I came up with the theme "Knight in Shining Armor" and even found some knights to come guard the door to the event and do a little sword fighting for entertainment. the night before the event there was a rehearsal. there I chatted up one of the bachelors. totally not my type, he was blond with blue eyes and extremely cocky. I won't go into the rest of the sordid details. you either know them already or can ask the next time we chat. needless to say it is definitely a "he said / she said" story and I did NOT buy Jeff.
anyway, we will have been married 19 years in a couple weeks......all thanks to the March of Dimes! so, when I walk on the 28th, I won't just be walking for those adorable sweet babies, I'll also be walking for an adorable former blond with blue eyes and 19 years of marriage! so please consider skipping your morning cafe mocha and support my walk? it is for love......young and old! lol!
Susan's March of Dimes page
told you it was the oddest March of Dimes support story you would ever hear!
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Theory of Applied Enthusiasm
I am one of those people who can't be spaztically excited about more than one thing at a time. yes, there are lots of exciting things going on, but I would probably have a melt down if I thought about all of them all of the time!
for instance, back in December, I was really excited (perhaps obsessed) waiting for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo movie to come out. perhaps you remember? at the time someone asked me if I was looking forward to The Hunger Games movie. um, I couldn't even THINK about a movie 3 months away when there was one JUST DAYS AWAY!
likewise, I can't focus on multiple goals at one time. I have my nice detail oriented list at work of the major tasks I need to accomplish for work........in chronological due date order.
and not surprisingly, the same goes for the causes I want to promote and am excited about! right now on my plate are the following events:
Social Media to Save Lives Marrow Registry Drive - next Tuesday
March of Dimes March to Save Babies - April 24th (you are welcome to donate, tee hee!)
both are near and dear to my heart! truly, they are! see, I met my husband at a March of Dimes event.....Bid for Bachelors a couple decades ago! (seriously) and yes, he WAS a bachelor and NO I didn't buy him! hey, I was a broke college student!
as much as I would like to go full on promoting the March, I can't do both it and the Marrow Registry Drive at the same time. I'd feel too scattered.....and am that way too much without any help. when it comes down to it, I shouldn't have to promote the Registry Drive. really, how hard should it be to convince people to come let someone swab their mouth to enroll them in Be The Match so that sometime in the future they might be able to give someone the best possible gift: the gift of LIFE! I'm not exaggerating here!
did you see that quote on the front page of the Be The Match site? it says 10,000 people need a bone marrow transplant and half get them! how sad is that? it isn't because they can't afford it, it is because a match can not be found! YOU, or your neighbor, or your co-worker, or your favorite barista (over the age of 18) could be that match!
so please consider joining us next Tuesday. it will take just a few minutes of your time and could add a lifetime of time to someone else. please consider asking your neighbor, your co-worker, and even your favorite barista to join us too! you never know when they might be the MATCH to save you or a loved one's life! print out this flyer and carry it around with you! (why not? it is light and foldable and has all the great info you need)
I'll be back after next week to spaz about the March, The Hunger Games, or something else. you just never know with me!
for instance, back in December, I was really excited (perhaps obsessed) waiting for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo movie to come out. perhaps you remember? at the time someone asked me if I was looking forward to The Hunger Games movie. um, I couldn't even THINK about a movie 3 months away when there was one JUST DAYS AWAY!
likewise, I can't focus on multiple goals at one time. I have my nice detail oriented list at work of the major tasks I need to accomplish for work........in chronological due date order.
and not surprisingly, the same goes for the causes I want to promote and am excited about! right now on my plate are the following events:
Social Media to Save Lives Marrow Registry Drive - next Tuesday
March of Dimes March to Save Babies - April 24th (you are welcome to donate, tee hee!)
both are near and dear to my heart! truly, they are! see, I met my husband at a March of Dimes event.....Bid for Bachelors a couple decades ago! (seriously) and yes, he WAS a bachelor and NO I didn't buy him! hey, I was a broke college student!
as much as I would like to go full on promoting the March, I can't do both it and the Marrow Registry Drive at the same time. I'd feel too scattered.....and am that way too much without any help. when it comes down to it, I shouldn't have to promote the Registry Drive. really, how hard should it be to convince people to come let someone swab their mouth to enroll them in Be The Match so that sometime in the future they might be able to give someone the best possible gift: the gift of LIFE! I'm not exaggerating here!
did you see that quote on the front page of the Be The Match site? it says 10,000 people need a bone marrow transplant and half get them! how sad is that? it isn't because they can't afford it, it is because a match can not be found! YOU, or your neighbor, or your co-worker, or your favorite barista (over the age of 18) could be that match!
so please consider joining us next Tuesday. it will take just a few minutes of your time and could add a lifetime of time to someone else. please consider asking your neighbor, your co-worker, and even your favorite barista to join us too! you never know when they might be the MATCH to save you or a loved one's life! print out this flyer and carry it around with you! (why not? it is light and foldable and has all the great info you need)
I'll be back after next week to spaz about the March, The Hunger Games, or something else. you just never know with me!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Donating blood.....and why perhaps I should change the name of this blog!
so I have mentioned before that I am a lazy blogger. if you look at the irregularity of my blog posts you can see it in living color. perhaps I should change the blog name to "Susan is a lazy blogger." but, I think I am a bit too lazy to do that! lol!
anyway, I am going to steal a blog post......or more politely, link you to a blog post. this one is about donating blood. why write what someone else has done such a good job of writing already? so.....please go read Leslie's post about her case for giving blood and then come back to read the rest of my blog. (see......SUCH a lazy blogger!)
done?? didn't it make you want to go donate? well....it should! I do have 2 of my own thoughts to contribute at this point:
1. if you have problems having sufficient iron (eat more dark greens, young lady!!), try tomato sauce in a cast iron pan the night or two before. have some tasty spaghetti and the tomato sauce will help your blood absorb oodles of iron from the pan.
2. you don't get to pick your bandage color. sad, isn't it? but now they have premade kits for the blood draws and no color choices. if this is the only thing holding you back, let me know......I'll send you a Hello Kitty or Pokemon bandaid! sheesh!
and that is what I am thinking today. with my last donation, I am at 32 pints. I can't stand needles so if I can do it YOU can do it!
anyway, I am going to steal a blog post......or more politely, link you to a blog post. this one is about donating blood. why write what someone else has done such a good job of writing already? so.....please go read Leslie's post about her case for giving blood and then come back to read the rest of my blog. (see......SUCH a lazy blogger!)
done?? didn't it make you want to go donate? well....it should! I do have 2 of my own thoughts to contribute at this point:
1. if you have problems having sufficient iron (eat more dark greens, young lady!!), try tomato sauce in a cast iron pan the night or two before. have some tasty spaghetti and the tomato sauce will help your blood absorb oodles of iron from the pan.
2. you don't get to pick your bandage color. sad, isn't it? but now they have premade kits for the blood draws and no color choices. if this is the only thing holding you back, let me know......I'll send you a Hello Kitty or Pokemon bandaid! sheesh!
and that is what I am thinking today. with my last donation, I am at 32 pints. I can't stand needles so if I can do it YOU can do it!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Meatless Mondays - Comedy or Tragedy?
A couple weeks ago we (ie: me) decided to start doing meatless mondays. Hadn't really thought too much about it or done any research. I know that we eat too much meat. Even enforcing portion control is difficult. I also wanted to expand the family's diet. The boys aren't vegetable fans, so I promised no straight out salads. (That is fine....I don't really like lettuce and we rarely have it in the house. A salad with dinner is usually more a bowl of chopped veggies.....which are then drowned in dressing! Oh well!)
The first Monday was easy. I was donating blood the next day so a simple marinara in a cast iron frying pan was perfect! That went over well and showed that no meat wasn't going to kill them. (And I aced the blood iron test!)
We skipped last week.
Last night we were back on track. Had planned on bean and cheese burritos but it was cold and foggy and was wanting some comfort type food. So I hit the internet for some inspiration. There is a site for Meatless Monday. (Who knew?) Thankfully it has loads of recipes! Found this one for Enchiladas. It looked easy enough and I was pretty sure I had everything at home so I was good to go!
Did you read the recipe? I didn't. I looked at the ingredients and the photo, assumed the veggie chili was filing, and went on my merry way. When I got home to make the dish, I noticed that you are supposed to make 12 enchiladas with 8 oz of cheese (and have leftover cheese to put on top) and the chili is put on top of these itty bitty enchiladas! And after all that, you make enchilada sauce??
Needless to say, I didn't follow the recipe. We ended up with what we jokingly called "Deconstructed Mexican Vegetarian Lasagna." You know, because we are quite the foodies! Layers of chili, cheese, and corn tortillas. Ended up using fewer tortillas and more chili and cheese than in the original recipe. It tasted okay, better than I think the recipe would have ended up.
In the meantime, I am working on my list of meatless meals that I know will past muster. Figure I can start with these and sneak in new ones as I find them. Any tried and true family loved meatless dishes you can add to my list?
The first Monday was easy. I was donating blood the next day so a simple marinara in a cast iron frying pan was perfect! That went over well and showed that no meat wasn't going to kill them. (And I aced the blood iron test!)
We skipped last week.
Last night we were back on track. Had planned on bean and cheese burritos but it was cold and foggy and was wanting some comfort type food. So I hit the internet for some inspiration. There is a site for Meatless Monday. (Who knew?) Thankfully it has loads of recipes! Found this one for Enchiladas. It looked easy enough and I was pretty sure I had everything at home so I was good to go!
Did you read the recipe? I didn't. I looked at the ingredients and the photo, assumed the veggie chili was filing, and went on my merry way. When I got home to make the dish, I noticed that you are supposed to make 12 enchiladas with 8 oz of cheese (and have leftover cheese to put on top) and the chili is put on top of these itty bitty enchiladas! And after all that, you make enchilada sauce??
Needless to say, I didn't follow the recipe. We ended up with what we jokingly called "Deconstructed Mexican Vegetarian Lasagna." You know, because we are quite the foodies! Layers of chili, cheese, and corn tortillas. Ended up using fewer tortillas and more chili and cheese than in the original recipe. It tasted okay, better than I think the recipe would have ended up.
In the meantime, I am working on my list of meatless meals that I know will past muster. Figure I can start with these and sneak in new ones as I find them. Any tried and true family loved meatless dishes you can add to my list?
- Cheese/veggie pizza
- Mac & Cheese (except Ryan will only eat the blue boxed stuff)
- Pasta w/marinara sauce
- Madras lentils & bulgar (an old WW fav)
- Soup & grilled cheese
Also, please remember to enter the Some Stuff You Might Win Giveway!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
if you can get past that L-O-V-E-L-Y family portrait to the right.....
please scroll down a bit and check out the Pound for Pound Challenge!! they will donate a pound of groceries for every pound I lose between January 1st and May 15th! how much more awesome can you get than that? so for every donut, cookie, or horribly unhealthy food choice I pass on, someone else will get some well needed food! AND the donations will be made to local food banks!
so.....check it out! if you have a resolution to lose weight, why not gain good karma at the same time?
so.....check it out! if you have a resolution to lose weight, why not gain good karma at the same time?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Wii bii fit
seriously! is there an actual Wii diet plan out there? can I actually lose weight if I use this regularly?
I ask because I did 16 minutes this morning (beginner step for a warm up, some yoga, then advanced step, and then a yoga breathing). then tonight after grocery shopping I didn't feel like hitting the treadmill (shouldn't the walking around in circles at the grocery store count for anything?!?!?) I decided to do my morning routine again.
there is no way that I am saying I got as much of a workout from my 32 minutes of Wii fun as I would have from my treadmill routine, but it wasn't like I was a complete bum, right??
anyway, for those keeping track at home, my Mii says I have lost 1.34 lbs since Sunday. fat chance! lol!
I ask because I did 16 minutes this morning (beginner step for a warm up, some yoga, then advanced step, and then a yoga breathing). then tonight after grocery shopping I didn't feel like hitting the treadmill (shouldn't the walking around in circles at the grocery store count for anything?!?!?) I decided to do my morning routine again.
there is no way that I am saying I got as much of a workout from my 32 minutes of Wii fun as I would have from my treadmill routine, but it wasn't like I was a complete bum, right??
anyway, for those keeping track at home, my Mii says I have lost 1.34 lbs since Sunday. fat chance! lol!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
perhaps a new resolution?
maybe in 2009 I will do a better job at posting? I would like to think so! I would like to think I am going to get my entire life back on track..... meaning more scrapbooking, more exercising, and more posting on my blog!
so far, as of the 3rd day of the new year I can report that I have done more of the first two items! I have completed a layout, Farm Camp 2006, and exercised all 3 days! we are trying to do Weight Watchers to get serious about some weight loss in this house and I considered using this blog, or starting another to keep track of points and stuff but have found that I can do the same thing on my Blackberry. I might have an issue with not being able to go back and see how I calculated points on a tuna fish sandwich or something, but other than that, why waste my time duplicating my work? I could be exercising, scrapbooking, or blogging with that time, right?
do you have an unusual resolution this year? I would love to hear them! my most out of the box one this year is to complete two 5Ks by the end of the year. not too exciting I know...... maybe the cutting back to 1 Coke or 1 Starbucks a week is more unusual?
so far, as of the 3rd day of the new year I can report that I have done more of the first two items! I have completed a layout, Farm Camp 2006, and exercised all 3 days! we are trying to do Weight Watchers to get serious about some weight loss in this house and I considered using this blog, or starting another to keep track of points and stuff but have found that I can do the same thing on my Blackberry. I might have an issue with not being able to go back and see how I calculated points on a tuna fish sandwich or something, but other than that, why waste my time duplicating my work? I could be exercising, scrapbooking, or blogging with that time, right?
do you have an unusual resolution this year? I would love to hear them! my most out of the box one this year is to complete two 5Ks by the end of the year. not too exciting I know...... maybe the cutting back to 1 Coke or 1 Starbucks a week is more unusual?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I am a snob....
atleast when it comes to water. We get bottled water delivered to our office. I don't know why but the company doesn't pay for it. We all chip in 3 or 4 bucks a month for water service.
Well......we have been waterless since Monday. The water dude gave Thanksgiving as an excuse but that was 2 weeks ago at this point. I noticed last night that I was getting ddehydrated so today I broke down and filled my water bottle from the tap. UUUUUGGGHHH!!!!! It tstes like DIRT!!!
So now I am drinking extremely overpriced water from the soda vending machine! At this rate I am going to be a POOR water snob!
Well......we have been waterless since Monday. The water dude gave Thanksgiving as an excuse but that was 2 weeks ago at this point. I noticed last night that I was getting ddehydrated so today I broke down and filled my water bottle from the tap. UUUUUGGGHHH!!!!! It tstes like DIRT!!!
So now I am drinking extremely overpriced water from the soda vending machine! At this rate I am going to be a POOR water snob!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
nothing but pathetic!!!
thank GOODNESS I didn't do any challenges like "post every day for a year" because I obviously would have lost!
the new job.....and yes, I still call it the "new" job to differentiate it from the "old" job! lol! well.... it is about killing me! on top of that I am trying really hard to get to the gym on a more regular basis. oh, and remember how I said I could mobile blog? the last time I tried it bounced back to me. maybe if I can get THAT working again I COULD blog from the gym...... treadmilling and typing away! I could be skinny AND current all at the same time! lol!
speaking of the gym....I found a great treadmill motivator = JEOPARDY!! I was just about at my distance goal last night when I noticed Jeopardy was on. so I plugged in my headphones to the little tv on my treadmill and stayed moving until the game was over!
so.....despite my blogging drought I actually DID take my photos on the 12th of October AND the 12th of November. I doubt I will post them but know that Oct 12th was busy doing things like waiting for SMUD to give us electricity and Nov 12th was so unmemorable that I can't remember anything to tell you about it. the highlight of that day was getting on the wrong train and luckily figuring it out at the next stop so I could get off and get over to the correct stop to get picked up! and before you think "what a ding dong you are, Susan" let me tell you that I was not the only one! for some reason there were about 5 or 6 of us who did the exact same thing that night!
anyway.................. PEGGY!!! your turn!
the new job.....and yes, I still call it the "new" job to differentiate it from the "old" job! lol! well.... it is about killing me! on top of that I am trying really hard to get to the gym on a more regular basis. oh, and remember how I said I could mobile blog? the last time I tried it bounced back to me. maybe if I can get THAT working again I COULD blog from the gym...... treadmilling and typing away! I could be skinny AND current all at the same time! lol!
speaking of the gym....I found a great treadmill motivator = JEOPARDY!! I was just about at my distance goal last night when I noticed Jeopardy was on. so I plugged in my headphones to the little tv on my treadmill and stayed moving until the game was over!
so.....despite my blogging drought I actually DID take my photos on the 12th of October AND the 12th of November. I doubt I will post them but know that Oct 12th was busy doing things like waiting for SMUD to give us electricity and Nov 12th was so unmemorable that I can't remember anything to tell you about it. the highlight of that day was getting on the wrong train and luckily figuring it out at the next stop so I could get off and get over to the correct stop to get picked up! and before you think "what a ding dong you are, Susan" let me tell you that I was not the only one! for some reason there were about 5 or 6 of us who did the exact same thing that night!
anyway.................. PEGGY!!! your turn!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
12 of 12......the man about town edition
or really it should be the WOMAN about town......but whatever!
sorry I haven't been blogging recently. it isn't as though nothing has been happening.......just no time. I really need to get mobile blogging set up! really I do!
and with that........ on with the show!
a little different order to my photos and you will see why at the end! but in general this is a tour of the art pieces and odd/interesting things I see in my day to day life as a downtown worker! this first one is the clock/sign from an old nolongerinbusiness bank. if I get off the train a stop early I get to see it after getting my Starbucks. I didn't think it worked and am still not sure. it was only off by about 10 minutes when I took this photo, but that might have been a coincidence! lol!
because the 2 blocks between that sign and Starbucks can be a little dicey, I instead walk through the downtown mall. it has security, business traffic, and a Jamba for those mornings where I don't want Starbucks but still want something. while waiting to cross the street, I can watch the Hard Rock guitar spin around and around.
supposedly they are going to get rid of this and update this end of the mall. I have heard they are going to replace it with a Time Square kinda rolling marque. I say forget it and keep the guitar! anyway........just past the guitar are the granite guards to the mall.
rather odd looking. this is the female of the pair. I actually like the tiles cascading down the column but have no clue why she is holding a ball, wearing that mask, or even there for that matter! pre-caffeine this is even more confusing.
not to be outdone by the cool statues and such located in our classy downtown area, our building has its own piece of art.
I actually tried to get a photo with a person IN it so you could see how tall and skinny this thing is. it has to be 20 feet tall. blech!
for lunch, I met a scrapping friend, Deb. she only works a couple blocks away so I walked over to meet her. on the way I passed the world's ugliest building. I believe once they actually finish it Guiness will be out to authenticate the title.
yes, that blue stuff is permanent! at first I thought it must be some plastic coating that was protecting something while construction was going on.......but no! and the tan stuff is a mottled fake marble kinda stuff. the darn thing looks like a hospital. a really ugly outdated hospital where people never seem to get better because it is depressing just being there!
but lunch was nice! we met at Il Forniao. not a regular haunt of mine, but it was really nice to have an enjoyable grown-up meal with a friend. (and get a rare photo of us together at the same time)
on the way back to the office, I snapped a photo of a statue that still catches me off guard when I see it.
perfect for a real estate broker's building, don't you think?!?!? it is actually a really neat statue and the detailing is wonderful. I don't know why I am still startled when I see it.
after that I snapped a nice photo of our building. not a super exciting building......but not a contender for world's ugliest either! lol!!
after finishing my day of work, I trot on over to catch Light Rail home. I took a photo of the Capitol, but you have already seen one in a previous 12of12. it looks the same! lol! though maybe I should do monthly shots of it like I used to my office window so we can see the changing seasons?!?! we shall see!
anyway, at the spot where I get off Light Rail (if I don't make a Starbucks or Jamba run) there is this sign. depending on how the lights are running I also pass it on my way to catch Light Rail in the other direction.
that is it! just this marker on the side of the light pole. ta-da! no synagogue, just a sign.
when I got to my Light Rail pick up spot about a week or so after starting to work downtown, I first noticed this building. it is the Stanford Home. I KNEW I wanted to get a picture of it! this is where famed Leland Stanford of the Big Four, former governor, etc used to live. I love the irony of his old house being dwarfed by the huge building behind him. I am sorry about all the street lights and such in the photo but atleast I waited for the vanpool bus to pull away. I was told that there is a state agency that uses the house for their offices!
then I catch the train and start the first leg of my trip home (or would it be the second leg after walking to the train being my first leg?!?!?) anyway, I take the train and on the way home we pass the Sacramento Cathedral. I don't have time to get off the train to take a picture, but can see it through my window twice a day.
sorry for the glare from the strip lighting in the train. guess it gives it all that *real* feeling?!?! anyway, I finish my ride home, walk to my car, and then die of heat stroke.......
yep! it was 70 when I got in the car this morning. and it got up to 109 while driving home. l-o-v-e-l-y!! and while usually one can brush it off with a quip about it being a dry heat........it has been MUGGY here recently! an energy sucking horrible heat! (which is why this didn't get posted last night)
that is my 12of12 for August! thanks for checking me out!
sorry I haven't been blogging recently. it isn't as though nothing has been happening.......just no time. I really need to get mobile blogging set up! really I do!
and with that........ on with the show!
a little different order to my photos and you will see why at the end! but in general this is a tour of the art pieces and odd/interesting things I see in my day to day life as a downtown worker! this first one is the clock/sign from an old nolongerinbusiness bank. if I get off the train a stop early I get to see it after getting my Starbucks. I didn't think it worked and am still not sure. it was only off by about 10 minutes when I took this photo, but that might have been a coincidence! lol!
because the 2 blocks between that sign and Starbucks can be a little dicey, I instead walk through the downtown mall. it has security, business traffic, and a Jamba for those mornings where I don't want Starbucks but still want something. while waiting to cross the street, I can watch the Hard Rock guitar spin around and around.
supposedly they are going to get rid of this and update this end of the mall. I have heard they are going to replace it with a Time Square kinda rolling marque. I say forget it and keep the guitar! anyway........just past the guitar are the granite guards to the mall.
rather odd looking. this is the female of the pair. I actually like the tiles cascading down the column but have no clue why she is holding a ball, wearing that mask, or even there for that matter! pre-caffeine this is even more confusing.not to be outdone by the cool statues and such located in our classy downtown area, our building has its own piece of art.
I actually tried to get a photo with a person IN it so you could see how tall and skinny this thing is. it has to be 20 feet tall. blech!for lunch, I met a scrapping friend, Deb. she only works a couple blocks away so I walked over to meet her. on the way I passed the world's ugliest building. I believe once they actually finish it Guiness will be out to authenticate the title.
yes, that blue stuff is permanent! at first I thought it must be some plastic coating that was protecting something while construction was going on.......but no! and the tan stuff is a mottled fake marble kinda stuff. the darn thing looks like a hospital. a really ugly outdated hospital where people never seem to get better because it is depressing just being there!but lunch was nice! we met at Il Forniao. not a regular haunt of mine, but it was really nice to have an enjoyable grown-up meal with a friend. (and get a rare photo of us together at the same time)
on the way back to the office, I snapped a photo of a statue that still catches me off guard when I see it.
perfect for a real estate broker's building, don't you think?!?!? it is actually a really neat statue and the detailing is wonderful. I don't know why I am still startled when I see it.after that I snapped a nice photo of our building. not a super exciting building......but not a contender for world's ugliest either! lol!!
after finishing my day of work, I trot on over to catch Light Rail home. I took a photo of the Capitol, but you have already seen one in a previous 12of12. it looks the same! lol! though maybe I should do monthly shots of it like I used to my office window so we can see the changing seasons?!?! we shall see!anyway, at the spot where I get off Light Rail (if I don't make a Starbucks or Jamba run) there is this sign. depending on how the lights are running I also pass it on my way to catch Light Rail in the other direction.
that is it! just this marker on the side of the light pole. ta-da! no synagogue, just a sign.when I got to my Light Rail pick up spot about a week or so after starting to work downtown, I first noticed this building. it is the Stanford Home. I KNEW I wanted to get a picture of it! this is where famed Leland Stanford of the Big Four, former governor, etc used to live. I love the irony of his old house being dwarfed by the huge building behind him. I am sorry about all the street lights and such in the photo but atleast I waited for the vanpool bus to pull away. I was told that there is a state agency that uses the house for their offices!
then I catch the train and start the first leg of my trip home (or would it be the second leg after walking to the train being my first leg?!?!?) anyway, I take the train and on the way home we pass the Sacramento Cathedral. I don't have time to get off the train to take a picture, but can see it through my window twice a day.
sorry for the glare from the strip lighting in the train. guess it gives it all that *real* feeling?!?! anyway, I finish my ride home, walk to my car, and then die of heat stroke.......
yep! it was 70 when I got in the car this morning. and it got up to 109 while driving home. l-o-v-e-l-y!! and while usually one can brush it off with a quip about it being a dry heat........it has been MUGGY here recently! an energy sucking horrible heat! (which is why this didn't get posted last night)that is my 12of12 for August! thanks for checking me out!
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