tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099109501733350322024-03-12T20:26:36.203-07:00Teeny VictoriesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-70192280058804248252017-01-01T13:04:00.002-08:002017-01-01T13:04:49.308-08:00New Year, New FocusI totally skipped over 2016, there was not a single blog post. I realize in looking back that in a lot of ways 2016 was a whirlwind, but in terms of blogging, I derailed again on food and exercise and that left me feeling like didn't have anything to talk about here.<br />
<br />
So I'm beginning again, but this time with new focus. I've spent a lot of the last year working on self-care, dumping old bad habits (hey, codependency), and trying to modify my behaviors and actions in relation to how I function in the world. Reduce my anxiety. It's getting better.<br />
<br />
Last night I had friends over for NYE, a couple, T and P, and we were talking about new year's resolutions and T has always had the practice of giving her year a theme instead of making a single resolution and I just love that. I did it last year and my theme was art every day, which I was largely successful at, only a few missed days here and there and I can see how it elevated my skill. In the process, I fell in love with watercolor and have spent countless hours on that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vt0kbM7ss9I/WGluojXGi3I/AAAAAAAAD3s/kVJMsYVfU0033Z20q5Tq-tVhQqKrGEB8wCLcB/s1600/cat%2Bwith%2Btoys.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vt0kbM7ss9I/WGluojXGi3I/AAAAAAAAD3s/kVJMsYVfU0033Z20q5Tq-tVhQqKrGEB8wCLcB/s200/cat%2Bwith%2Btoys.png" width="160" /></a></div>
<br />
This year's theme is going to be about making space. I have been slowly purging my physical space (home) and holy crap, have purged a ton and still have so much more. I don't think a truly minimalist lifestyle is for me, but I do want to have fewer things to care for so I can increase the time I have in my schedule for things I love. That's what making space is going to be about for me. Whether it's relationships that are no longer relevant or working, things taking up too much space and time, or whatever it is I need to let go or move out of the way to make space, that's where my focus will be. I want more time for art, family, friends, and pet projects.<br />
<br />
This year I also plan to make space for job hunting. I've been in the same job for 8+ years and I'm ready for a new challenge. I plan to stay at the same place, just look outside my division for a better fit. Job hunting feels like this monumental task right now, but I know it will be a worthwhile endeavor and hopefully will make way for new challenges and a more fulfilling role. I've been beating my head against the wall in my current division trying to redefine my role and adjust perceptions to something that more accurately reflects my skills, but the reality is that I've been pigeon-holed and the culture of our department is not to promote from within. Time to quit hitting my head with a hammer, embrace the fear of a new place, and give it a whirl. I won't know if I don't try.<br />
<br />
So going forward this space will be a journal of sorts, a place to record the teeny victories along the way toward making space and whatever else is going on.<br />
<br />
This morning I hung three pictures and removed several nails in the wall that had nothing hanging on them -- the result of rearranging furniture. It took five minutes and this teeny little task has been on my to-list for months. What is it about humans that we tend to avoid or procrastinate about the silliest things, or is it just me?<br />
<br />
HAPPY NEW YEAR!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-6334289589805373702014-07-14T11:07:00.002-07:002014-07-14T11:07:30.870-07:00ChangesSomehow six months went by without me writing a darn thing. I blame Netflix and HuluPlus. I have become a full-blown addict. I have watched every episode of Six Feet Under, Parks & Rec, Scandal, The Mindy Project, New Girl, and about 1.5 seasons of The L Word. Enough is enough. Time for a TV fast. Today is day 2 of 7. I might go longer. I only missed it for a few minutes last night and then I was over it. I'm pretty sure my sleep will improve because I'm certain that falling asleep watching TV cannot be good if one hopes to get quality sleep, plus I easily convince myself to stay awake a few minutes longer so I can finish an episode. It's a slippery slope! I used to not spend so much time watching TV. I'm not sure what happened. Since I didn't spend my down time glued in front of the TV yesterday I got a ton of stuff done. In fact, I was so tired I went to bed at 10. That's pretty unheard of for me. Usually I'm pushing it to midnight or so to watch whatever I'm currently hooked on.<br />
<br />
Over the past few months I've been working on eating habits and increasing my exercise. I've been cooking more, eating more veg, and have developed an insatiable appetite for spicy and sour food. I recently made picked red onion and it was THE BOMB.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnGBDvpDaI4/U8QbrobwuLI/AAAAAAAABzE/vHiIKgdrkT0/s1600/lentil+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GnGBDvpDaI4/U8QbrobwuLI/AAAAAAAABzE/vHiIKgdrkT0/s1600/lentil+salad.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lentil salad, turkey burger with Swiss, and pickled red onion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been also been faithfully logging on MyFitnessPal for 90+ days and it's definitely helping my awareness. I don't have a very good sense of what I'm eating unless I track but I think that's getting better, too. Initially I was always hungry and trying to figure out how to squeeze out a few extra calories. Now, many days I leave calories on the table. I go over now and again too, but usually nothing major. I think the overall picture looks good. I'm also working on being OK with imperfections in this area. In the past I would chastise myself for not achieving 100% success and soon I would find myself discouraged and give up. Now I try to think something more along the lines of "pretty good day" or "meh, not your best day, there's always tomorrow." I am trying to give myself the same freedom to be a human as I would my friends. I would never scold a friend for a night's indulgence or one too many trips for froyo. I would tell them to dust off and try again. So far I've lost about 20 pounds. Same goes for the scale. I had a couple weigh-ins where I had gained a few. Instead of freaking out about what a loser I am I told myself, "oh well, try to be a bit more conscientious next week and see what happens. The most important thing is being healthy, not what the scale says." Inevitably, the couple pounds disappeared without me being a total bitch to myself. Usually the only thing I needed to adjust was increasing my water intake. I tend to be bloaty by nature and not drink enough water. Easy enough fix.<br />
<br />
On the exercise front I've been trying new things. Historically I have generally not been a fan of any sort of exercise other than maybe yoga. I just wrapped up an water exercise class that I really enjoyed. I've tried Zumba a few times with the BFF. Tomorrow I'm trying a yoga class at a studio I've not visited before. I'm trying to stay open and see what happens. My friend Kelly even promised to teach me to throw and catch so I can try out softball next year (a friend asked me to play this year). It's unlikely I'll become a hardcore athlete but it feels good to move my body and get around a bit easier. I've noticed that stairs are much easier than they were a few months ago. After knee surgery last summer my knee got very weak and it was really hindering my comfort in doing a lot of activities. Slowly things have started to improve. I've been walking a lot and taking the stairs when it's practical and sometimes just for a few extra steps. Oh! I got a Fit Bit. I <3 it. It's made such a huge difference in being able to gauge my activity for the day. I have a 6k daily goal and being able to see progress throughout the day really helps me plan my day. Since I work on a college campus it's pretty easy to find an excuse to walk somewhere most days. Lately it's been pretty damn hot for lunch time walking but I can still sneak in a few extra steps in the tunnels and by weaving in and out of buildings. Next up, I'm going to dust off my bike and take it for a spin.<br />
<br />
What have you been up to this summer?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-11989477652111127322014-01-10T21:29:00.001-08:002017-01-01T13:11:56.317-08:00Oh, HaiHi there friend, it's been a while. So much has happened...<br />
<br />
The Good:<br />
<br />
I got a Kick Ass Award! I am now the proud owner of a very tall trophy of a dude kicking a donkey's ass an was honored to be counted among a lot of really fucking awesome people in St. Louis. I'll be honest, I missed most of my introduction because I was so busy jumping up and down like a Price is Right contestant. Something about nice...community...helping others. Who cares! I haven't gotten a trophy since 3rd grade and everyone on the bowling team got one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AsWtpKfaHc/Us4lfC94HNI/AAAAAAAABp4/_dVfBDqo994/s1600/kickassaward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AsWtpKfaHc/Us4lfC94HNI/AAAAAAAABp4/_dVfBDqo994/s1600/kickassaward.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There have been foster kitties. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4pQyOr-JZY/Us4o-1lM_gI/AAAAAAAABqE/VNkBvGbn1AE/s1600/blueandtal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w4pQyOr-JZY/Us4o-1lM_gI/AAAAAAAABqE/VNkBvGbn1AE/s1600/blueandtal.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Tallulah and Blueberry got adopted on xmas eve!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then this little lady made her way into our life...meet Chryssi, the sweetest little bug-eyed kitty you ever did see! At a mere 10 ounces, Chryssi had been living in a hobo's coat in the freezing cold surviving on peanut butter sandwiches and beer. She's got funny eyes, but she's healthy and super snuggly! #beersaaveslives<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opGey9IPLV0/Us4pUBQhmaI/AAAAAAAABqQ/oeesNW6K4Ew/s1600/Chryssikitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opGey9IPLV0/Us4pUBQhmaI/AAAAAAAABqQ/oeesNW6K4Ew/s1600/Chryssikitty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">1 lb. 4 ounces of fluffball love!<br />
<br />
Also, Chryssi made it in the <a href="http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2014/01/dirty_deeds_done_good_for_charity_tenth_life_cats.php">Riverfront Times</a>. She's totally famous.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The not-so-good:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I lost two very dear friends this winter. First Judy, then Diane. Both were older and both had long lists of medical problems. Many, many tears were shed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
First, Judy. We have been friends for 17 years. We worked together for about eight of them. She was one of the smartest people I've ever known. I really do think she knew just about everything. Most of all she loved her family, beagle puppies, and the NYT crossword puzzle. She loved me and I loved her. We adopted each other long ago. Bon Voyage, Mama Judy. I miss you every day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbci4EFL9A0/Us4whPJnUkI/AAAAAAAABq4/iNvaDjhTqgQ/s1600/Judy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbci4EFL9A0/Us4whPJnUkI/AAAAAAAABq4/iNvaDjhTqgQ/s1600/Judy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Mama Judy being adorable like always.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Sweet Diane. Truly a gem in so many ways. She was one of the kindest and loveliest people I've ever known. We worked together for several years before she retired and she was loved by staff and students alike. Her legacy is encouragement. Even when her illnesses were seemingly getting the best of her, she always looked forward, encouraged others, and expressed gratitude. Her light still shines bright. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls2lBclbDnU/UtDORCoTVGI/AAAAAAAABrM/AUKc-ojCLSs/s1600/Diane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ls2lBclbDnU/UtDORCoTVGI/AAAAAAAABrM/AUKc-ojCLSs/s1600/Diane.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Diane helped celebrate my Grump Cat themed 40th birthday!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div>
My sweet Mr. Wobbles got ill and I had to make the decision to let him go. He was a good buddy for over a decade and my own personal teddy cat. I miss him constantly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X90IDJou7P0/UtDO2Hm7F5I/AAAAAAAABrU/Mf0yWAlvwjM/s1600/Mr.+Wobbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X90IDJou7P0/UtDO2Hm7F5I/AAAAAAAABrU/Mf0yWAlvwjM/s1600/Mr.+Wobbles.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;">Wobbz had the best fur, so soft and velvety!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All in all it's been a crazy few months. This last week or so has been consumed with homeless winter outreach. It's a regular winter gig for me, but we had some really severe winter weather and it's been more challenging than usual. It continues to be rewarding, but also very cold and super exhausting. To add some fun to the mix a pipe burst and my heat went out in the same 24 hours resulting a big soggy mess in the basement and no water for 48 hours. Mercifully, the heat was fixed the same day. Oh, the drama.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So some shit has happened, people. Grief and challenges aside, things are still relatively "good." I have an awesome kid, lovely friends, a warm bed to sleep in (with a fancy new electric blanket, thanks Santa!), a roof over my head, a job I mostly like, and lots of sweet furry animals to snuggle. Really, things are pretty ok. My therapist lady says I should journal so I'm going to bring this blog back from the dead and make a more regular appearance. The focus is changing though. I'm just going to see where the mood takes me and not worry about focusing on any particular topic. That's just where I'm at today -- a little all over the place. <br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-5720536541385450012013-09-05T09:37:00.000-07:002013-09-05T09:37:27.355-07:00Teeny Trainer Kicks My ArseYesterday was a definite teeny victory, perhaps even a biggish one. I had my first post-surgery workout last week and my first trainer meeting yesterday with Gretchen. Gretchen is the cutest darn pocket-size ball of fitness fire and boy did she ever kick my ass. I'm embarrassingly out of shape after a summer of Percocet and laying on the couch recovering. Gretchen is having none of that. For the next two weeks (until we meet again) I have the plan pictured below to master. For you fitter folks who aren't pathetically out of shape, you will probably snicker at my list, but let me tell you, I was sweating my ass off and I can barely walk today. Gretchen says I can whine all I want as long as I do it. No mercy! :P<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--2nuAEtmsmQ/Uiiu9EKRh4I/AAAAAAAABkg/w8asxpsF_SA/s1600/workout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--2nuAEtmsmQ/Uiiu9EKRh4I/AAAAAAAABkg/w8asxpsF_SA/s320/workout.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
The two items at the top were the killers. My knee is still really weak and it's going to take some time to improve my strength, I think. The bench squat is meant to be done by squatting to hover over the bench, but my knees are still too weak and I have to sit on the bench and get up again. The slow step ups are using a wooden box that's about a foot or so high and I have to step up and step down. Stairs are still really hard for me so this is a definite challenge. My knee just doesn't want to cooperate sometimes. I'm looking forward to when this becomes an easy task. I did finish<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, otherwise, things are going ok. I counted calories all week last week and gained three pounds. I can only assume water weight is responsible and I have not been drinking enough for sure. Today I have challenged myself to get all eight glasses in. Again, this probably seems easy-peasy for most folks, but it's one of those things I haven't been able to make a habit of. Coffee just always seems like a better idea. There's no time like the present, right?<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-55462134228586753402013-08-30T09:49:00.001-07:002013-08-30T09:49:26.515-07:00Calm and RelaxedWell, hello again.<br />
<br />
I'm on the upswing now, but there were a few weeks in there where I was eating my feelings. The end of a relationship, that was in many ways like trying to cram a square peg into a round hole, took it's toll more than I realized. As of late, I've been doing a lot of thinking about how I want to be healthier in general in every area -- emotional and physically. In relation to food, I'm hoping that this new sense of awareness will be the key I need to keep things under control. I'm not a big binge eater, or a jumbo portions person, but I will go straight for carby comfort foods and sugary treats when I'm looking for an emotional pick me up. I also realized I was sleeping WAY too much. I thought at first I was sick, but then realized later it's my easy escape from feeling anxious. If I get too anxious, then I get overwhelmed and just sort of shut down.<br />
<br />
Realizing this pattern was not really good for me overall, I decided it was time to get a new therapist (and some better coping skills) and I love her, YAY! My previous therapist and I were together for 8 years and she recently moved to Austin. Even though I didn't see her often it gave me a sense of stability to know she was there if I needed her. I guess I sort of dreaded starting over again, but I got lucky and hit the jackpot. I'm hoping to get some of this stuff sorted out a bit more for the long haul. One thing that she's doing that's new to me is hypnosis. I'm not 100% convinced it's working yet, but I'm working on being a believer. I have a recording of the hypnosis/guided meditation we did last time I was in her office and I've been listening to it a few times a day and it does seem to be helping. I'm not sure if it's the dedicated time to just sit and be quiet and relax (but not sleep) or the actual words that are being suggested, but oh well, I kinda don't care -- I'm feeling better and that matters more. The gist of the mantra is "calm and relaxed" so I made myself a little poster to hang up in my office as a visual reminder.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3369mASS6I/UiDH6ZF21bI/AAAAAAAABkM/42mH2gKLkMY/s1600/Calm+and+Relaxed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3369mASS6I/UiDH6ZF21bI/AAAAAAAABkM/42mH2gKLkMY/s320/Calm+and+Relaxed.png" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last night was my first trip to the gym since knee surgery. That felt good, too. I know that if I increase my activity, my energy and mood improves, so it's a definite step in the right direction. I didn't do anything crazy, just a little warm up (8 minutes) on the bike to get my knee loosened up, some free weights, leg presses and squats, then 15 minutes on the elliptical. It was a little uncomfortable since I've been essentially inactive all summer. Nothing I can't tolerate though. Next Wednesday is my first trainer appointment. Way back when I met with Gretchen once to do a fitness test (which is when I probably injured it -- not her fault, just dumb luck) so I'm looking forward to seeing her again. I've already paid for three hour sessions and I really need accountability to stay on track until I make habits. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One decision I have made is to cut way back on carbs, specifically wheat. God do I love anything with wheat in it, but boy does it make me bloaty and miserable. Soft pretzels might as well just go ahead and be crack. This weekend I'm going to take advantage of the long holiday and do some planning. The kiddo is coming home from college and we'll be spending the day at Carlyle Lake, but other than that I have zero big plans. I'm kinda excited about that, actually. Gym, garden, and some freezer cooking. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Enjoy the holiday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-81358823307634065402013-07-18T12:56:00.000-07:002013-07-18T12:56:11.840-07:00Accountable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Well, it's been a wacky few days, I got hit hard by carb cravings, but I'm committed to writing down the good, the bad, and the ugly. I figure even if it doesn't stop me from indulging every time, knowing I'm going to write it down does deter me from total pandemonium most days. I haven't gotten brave enough to publish my food diary from MyFitnessPal just yet, but I'm working on it.<br />
<br />
I seem to derail mid-afternoon and I suspect boredom is the culprit not real hunger since I'm a later luncher. Something about 3:30 just makes me hungry. Maybe I should try taking a short walk instead of stuffing my face with snacks. I'm still making some teeny victories along the way, making better choices over all even on the "bad days." Monday, I got half way to the vending machine when I turned around and marched to my bag full of veggies instead. Veggies and hummus is way yummier than anything in the vending machine. I also find that I like crunchy foods. It almost doesn't even matter what it is, as long as there is some crunch to it. Crunchy or sweet. Yep, that pretty much describes my two favorite food groups!<br />
<br />
Here are two of my favorite snacks:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkyYbx1Fp-g/UehHyaj2ysI/AAAAAAAABfM/omr6X_IMOek/s1600/Veg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dkyYbx1Fp-g/UehHyaj2ysI/AAAAAAAABfM/omr6X_IMOek/s320/Veg.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snack veg. Usually there's hummus, not Ranch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtqxtbUXL10/UehHfvt3D3I/AAAAAAAABfE/Qc-Jz6sQcpY/s1600/Chobani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TtqxtbUXL10/UehHfvt3D3I/AAAAAAAABfE/Qc-Jz6sQcpY/s320/Chobani.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least 3 days a week this is my breakfast and often an afternoon snack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />What do you love to snack on?<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-73594678094468462132013-07-16T21:14:00.003-07:002013-07-16T21:14:58.403-07:00It Happened...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So it happened. I turned 40.</div>
<br />
It was so much fun! For my birthday, instead of a somber event I decided to combine my graduation party and birthday party for one big silly bash with a Grumpy Cat theme. Grumpy Cat is so much better than an over-the-hill theme. Ptooey on that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwlsGe07lZw/UeYWqS0Am_I/AAAAAAAABeA/mKZk_gLgDDQ/s1600/Birthday+Grumpy+Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nwlsGe07lZw/UeYWqS0Am_I/AAAAAAAABeA/mKZk_gLgDDQ/s320/Birthday+Grumpy+Cat.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The invitation<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPkYWUat498/UeYW2Bga5KI/AAAAAAAABeI/r5iM46apWyc/s1600/grumpy+holly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPkYWUat498/UeYW2Bga5KI/AAAAAAAABeI/r5iM46apWyc/s320/grumpy+holly.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Me practicing being grumpy for the "photo booth".<br /><br />The photo booth was a huge success in that lots of people took photos with grumpy cat, but the construction was seriously lacking. I forgot about wind. Oh the elements, you are a harsh mistress! Oh well, fun was had! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AV4WZDq8S2o/UeYXEychoXI/AAAAAAAABeQ/YVKwj-xWtjs/s1600/grumpy+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AV4WZDq8S2o/UeYXEychoXI/AAAAAAAABeQ/YVKwj-xWtjs/s320/grumpy+cake.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The super awesome cake thanks to my buddy, Sira.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
People, a Grumpy Cat Cake? Come on, so awesome. Ask and you shall receive.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBGjSL_i4KM/UeYXhJLRH7I/AAAAAAAABeY/anvAwdBpq-s/s1600/redditors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBGjSL_i4KM/UeYXhJLRH7I/AAAAAAAABeY/anvAwdBpq-s/s320/redditors.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Some of not very grumpy friends. <br />This is what you get when you meet people on the internet. <br />Reddit, specifically. Aren't they adorbs?<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That last photo represented the Reddit section of my party. Those yahoos are all about ten years younger than me and mostly don't make fun of my age too much. They are still fairly new to me and already adored.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fL0OLOnq5BM/UeYYEmQdFjI/AAAAAAAABeg/84krVIpUFo4/s1600/Lady+Di.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fL0OLOnq5BM/UeYYEmQdFjI/AAAAAAAABeg/84krVIpUFo4/s320/Lady+Di.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">This is my friend Diane. She's really sick, like the kind I don't want to talk about and she took time to come to my party. Keep your fingers, eyes, and toes crossed that she's feeling better soon. Her lungs are being jerks and I love her so much. She is an amazing person who deserves to have every one of the days she has left pain-free and full of joy.<br /><br /><br />So basically, my day was super awesome. I think people had fun and I know I did. There were presents (I got a coloring book of unicorns and lots of other cool stuff), cake, snacks galore, and lots of laughter. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Thanks to every one of you who came to celebrate with me.<br /><br />XOXO<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-58911365244226076362013-07-12T12:29:00.002-07:002013-07-12T12:30:59.001-07:00Hobble Holly - Part IIGimp report: things are improving. Lots of physical therapy and good improvement. I'm sick of being broken though and would like to be able to return to my "nomal" activities with ease.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxil-xMyDTM/UeBWsmJozPI/AAAAAAAABdU/yaIjVgID2bk/s1600/PT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxil-xMyDTM/UeBWsmJozPI/AAAAAAAABdU/yaIjVgID2bk/s320/PT.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the knee squish. There's a pillow under my knee and I have to squish it with force 20 times.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm going to attempt to minimize the whining, because, of course, it could be worse and some people don't have the luxury of being able to go to PT. I still reserve the right to hate it though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlTPnUmoiQc/UeBXLWpDw0I/AAAAAAAABdc/bpdpshRAdKg/s1600/medicine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlTPnUmoiQc/UeBXLWpDw0I/AAAAAAAABdc/bpdpshRAdKg/s320/medicine.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pain meds. Hoping to make these a thing of the past soon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In more joyful news, this hummus is pretty rad. I have a confession, I'm an addict. I eat three or four containers of hummus every week. I love it. Anyhoots,this can of stuff isn't bad in a pinch, at all. It's got a really nice creamy texture, perfect for dipping veggies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6POSMbokzvw/UeBXmojHzvI/AAAAAAAABdk/ZR2JNKKpRog/s1600/hummus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6POSMbokzvw/UeBXmojHzvI/AAAAAAAABdk/ZR2JNKKpRog/s320/hummus.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been pretty good about counting calories lately and logging them on MyFitnessPal. Only a couple days have been over the maximum allotment of calories, so not too bad after all! YAY! I'm down a couple more pounds and wearing my "skinny" pants and not dying. </div>
<br />
Tomorrow is my gradubirfday party. I turned 40 on the 10th and we're celebrating my recent graduation from grad school and my 40th. It's a bit of a big deal birhtday. I'm excited! More later, taters.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-78261780997562094822013-06-28T11:30:00.001-07:002013-06-28T11:30:39.267-07:00Let's Get Physical (Therapy)I started Physical Therapy and it's kicking my ass. I can't believe a few tiny exercises are so exhausting! Even though the doc says I can do the elliptical, my physical therapist says only for five minutes and suggested waiting anyway. Based on how hard it's been, I'm going to heed her advice. My physical therapist's name is Allison and she's a cute little thing and has already warned me that she's a bit of a task master in a nice way. Bring it on, kid!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJYBdOy7MrQ/Uc3SK7TpjMI/AAAAAAAABcc/who49VHdj5Q/s640/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJYBdOy7MrQ/Uc3SK7TpjMI/AAAAAAAABcc/who49VHdj5Q/s320/photo+(4).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
The last exercise is my favorite. It is a really great hamstring stretch and I can actually walk less like the Hunchback of Notre Dame for a few minutes after I do it!<br />
<br />
In other news, eating has been going well this week. I feel like I've really gotten into the groove of things. I'm just doing old fashioned calorie counting with MyFitnessPal (southcitystudio if you want to be my pal!) and I can already tell a difference in how I feel and I'm less bloaty for sure. One thing I am doing differently though is changing my breakfast. The last couple days I have been eating a whole wheat muffin with turkey sausage and egg. It's been a much more filling choice than my usual Greek yogurt and almonds and is a fewer calories. Egg sandwich = 300 calories, Greek yogurt/almonds = 380.<br />
<br />
Lastly, the new foster babies are being adorable like usual and I feel it's important to share their cuteness with the universe. Meet baby Ellie (8 weeks) and Reilly (10 weeks). Two little adorable fluffy princesses. Ellie is the sweetest little snuggle bug and Reilly is too, but ornery like her big sister Fifi. She's been running laps around the house day and night. Both are available for adoption through Tenth Life Cats www.tenthlifecats.org.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSQxot7hbsc/Uc3Vtji4EtI/AAAAAAAABdA/UTLhCqGk6x8/s654/Ellie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XSQxot7hbsc/Uc3Vtji4EtI/AAAAAAAABdA/UTLhCqGk6x8/s320/Ellie.jpg" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellie, she was telling me a really juicy story.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2IUj7DOdMSo/Uc3U2QENiYI/AAAAAAAABcs/8nJTvJtWSoA/s640/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2IUj7DOdMSo/Uc3U2QENiYI/AAAAAAAABcs/8nJTvJtWSoA/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reilly is a funny and sweet brown tabby with white socks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-89334845252767888042013-06-19T15:15:00.003-07:002013-06-19T15:15:49.338-07:00Hobble HollyI don't seem to be very good at not getting injured. As soon as I got some steam going for getting in shape again, I blew out my knee. :(<br />
<br />
It started with a fitness test with the trainer I hired. My doc suspected I tore my meniscus doing a wall squat. (not her fault, just crummy luck) That's the squishy stuff that sits between your knee joint. I felt something burn, but I figured I was just being a wuss and I probably needed to walk it off or stretch more, or something. So, that weekend I still felt hurty, but I had hiking trip at Taum Sauk mountain planned with my friend and I didn't want to miss it being a sissy. Let's just say by the end of the hike (4,000 ft down, then back up 4,000 ft) I pretty much wanted to die. Again, I figured I was just being overweight and out of shape and told myself to buck up.<br />
<br />
By the following Monday, Memorial Day, I couldn't walk at all and spent the afternoon in the ER. If I can't get from my bed to the potty to pee, I will finally surrender.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KX9vVQY5A5o/UcItJr5s1AI/AAAAAAAABcI/Po71qrqAoxI/s1600/leg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KX9vVQY5A5o/UcItJr5s1AI/AAAAAAAABcI/Po71qrqAoxI/s320/leg.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Devil a.k.a the leg immobilizer. Don't let all that velcro fool you, that <br />sumbitch won't stay up where it should more than ten minutes at a time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This saga ends with me having surgery to remove a cyst, torn meniscus, spurs, and arthritis in my right knee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J33oF5ohdHM/UcIqoT8YJyI/AAAAAAAABb0/YQZ88GZFLPQ/s1600/surgery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J33oF5ohdHM/UcIqoT8YJyI/AAAAAAAABb0/YQZ88GZFLPQ/s320/surgery.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sexy outfit was free of charge at the surgical center. <br />My photos aren't cooperating today, but trust me, it doesn't improve if you flip it right side up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Surgery was last Wednesday and I'm coming along pretty well. There was a full 7 days of captivity on my couch/bed. I'm back to work today and finally off the heavy-duty pain meds. I can put together coherent thoughts again. I am on crutches, but only one most of the time. The past 36 hours have seen great improvement. YAY!<br />
<br />
My follow up with the doctor is next Monday and I'll find out how soon I can start going to the gym again and if I'm going to need physical therapy and whatnot. The anticipated healing time is 6-8 weeks and I'm hoping I can shave a couple weeks off that. A girl has things she wants to do! :)<br />
<br />
Later taters.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-73671171245741451332013-05-14T21:47:00.001-07:002013-05-14T21:48:34.878-07:00Hello, again. Looking Ahead.I won't waste time with excuses for why I've been absent, that just frustrates me, frankly I'm sick of listening to myself make excuses, and besides is probably nothing you haven't heard before -- busy, work, school, blah, blah. Well, my school excuse has officially run out, I graduate on Friday! *happy dance*<br />
<br />
Tonight was day #1 back at the gym and it felt good. I spent 30 minutes on the elliptical and burned about 475 calories. Which makes up for the crummy snacks I had earlier in the day, or mostly anyway. The gym felt like a big victory in a lot of ways, it's been that thing I'm not doing that I know I need to do sort of looming in the background. I'll admit peer pressure is playing a role in my motivation, I seem to be surrounded by health nuts at the moment. However, I must say, it's definitely a positive and encouraging vibe. On Thursday I meet with a trainer and will put together an plan for gym time. I am thinking also that I'll rotate in some belly dancing classes again and yoga. I know I like both of those things and hopefully that will help battle the boredom.<br />
<br />
I'm formulating an action plan. That's right where I'm at. Also, it's good to be back. :)<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-33735642145771781342013-01-07T11:38:00.001-08:002013-01-07T11:38:21.633-08:00Curry in a HurryYesterday, Parker and I had a healthy cooking day and whipped up a few things to start stocking out freezers with healthy quick foods. We pinned recipes all week, then picked out three to make. We settled on three hearty vegetable crammed recipes: turkey chili, sweet potato and turnip curry stew, and cabbage and chicken sausage stew. Once we decided what we wanted we made a list and headed to the Farmer's Market for supplies, then hit Aldi for the remaining items. We spent a total of $30 and ended up making about 36 cups worth of lunch stew and chili plus a nice vinegar slaw to use for a side dish. Nice! Less than $1/serving for preservative and chemical free delicious noms. We ended up adding brown rice to both stews and some cream cheese to the curry to thicken it and ease the heat (I may have been overly generous with the curry paste, oops!). Our little cooking adventure was really motivating and I'm excited to have some fast food that's good for me and my wallet! I'm also eating curry for lunch today and I might actually be breaking a sweat...that's good for my metabolism, right?<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3oBBu780O4U/UOskLN0hUgI/AAAAAAAABV4/zCmUHBr4ipY/s640/blogger-image--1522118599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3oBBu780O4U/UOskLN0hUgI/AAAAAAAABV4/zCmUHBr4ipY/s640/blogger-image--1522118599.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-62335860399477960422013-01-03T12:47:00.000-08:002013-01-03T12:47:15.935-08:00Hey, It's Thursday!Honestly, there's nothing special about Thursday in particular, I'm just glad after 10 days of vacation to have a short work week. If today is Thursday, that means tomorrow is Friday and I'm closer to another two days off work. WAHOO! I get excited about being the mistress of my time. If only I could find a way to get paid to pursue my hobbies. Le sigh.<br />
<br />
The past couple days have been pretty good. Last night, a couple hours after dinner, I was getting sort of hungry for nothing in particular (read: bored) so I went and burrowed under my covers with a circus of animals and went to bed. It was kind of nice actually, especially since I'm always freezing (thank you crappy thyroid) and I suppose it's no surprise that I'm pretty well-rested today. I'm not sure sleeping is a good long-term plan for dealing with boredom hunger, but it got me over the hump. Besides, those kitties needed some attention!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki9afg0rs9E/UOXtJGdfgmI/AAAAAAAABU0/M_mDR0ZdgVo/s1600/Zin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki9afg0rs9E/UOXtJGdfgmI/AAAAAAAABU0/M_mDR0ZdgVo/s320/Zin.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This kitty needed a scritch right under the cheek. See!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today has been good so far. I had blueberry Greek yogurt, cashews, and coffee for breakfast. String cheese for a snack. Lunch was a burrito bowl (seasoned chicken, pinto beans, grilled veg, sriacha sauce, tomatoes, etc.) , an apple, and then some dried apples because they tasted so good. My big challenge for the week is to drink a bottle (25 ounces) every 2 hours. I read somewhere that you should drink about half your weight in ounces (if you weigh 100 lbs, then 50 oz). I never drink enough water. It's going fine, but I'm not loving having to pee all the time. Oh well, small price to pay for good health. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tonight I'll have something quick and easy (I still have 800+ calories left) and then I'm off to do some homeless outreach. It's going to be 18 degrees by morning. BRRR! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have a lovely day!<br /><br /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-8883825024537653692013-01-01T21:54:00.000-08:002013-01-01T21:54:15.735-08:00Happy New Year!Happy New Year everybody!<br />
<br />
I am planning for the New Year to be one of success and achieving goals. My thinking got a little screwy for a while and I was able to mostly maintain without any big gains, but it's time to unkink my kinks and get back on the wagon for good. There's no time like the present and I'm going to focus on moving forward instead of punishing myself for every time I swore off unhealthy eating and fell short of my goals. It's a process and I feel ready again.<br />
<br />
I've got a buddy system set up with my pal, Parker who is going to lose 50 with me. I'm excited to have someone to support me and someone to support in this crazy process. Yesterday we took "before" pics so that we have something to compare to. Accountability is so, so, good. I think that's what was lacking before and how I got off track. Part of the reason, anyway.<br />
<br />
My current short-term goal is to lose 5 by Feb and focus on crowding out the "bad" with "good". First step, eliminate the white stuff. Heavily processed sugary treats, potatoes, and bread. I've been letting those creep, then flood my diet and I can feel the icky bloat that is the result. I'm going to focus on making better, lower-carb and lower-sugar choices because it feels good to be good.<br />
<br />
Return the Fraggle Rock's Red crazy cheering in my head for each teeny victory. Didn't eat the crap in the break room - Yayayayayayya! Dancing Fraggle explosion! Ate fruit instead of cookies - YAYAYY!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-me9lwTNrQVc/UOPIIzDcJ1I/AAAAAAAABTw/eHywlOT3ECg/s1600/fragglerock2lb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-me9lwTNrQVc/UOPIIzDcJ1I/AAAAAAAABTw/eHywlOT3ECg/s320/fragglerock2lb4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Over my vacation I watched Hungry for Change. In that film they talked about the importance of visualization. I need to dig up a photo of me from when I felt confident and happy with my body to post in my room as a reminder that I was there before and I can be again.<br />
<br />
I'm excited to have a partner on the journey to being fit. It really boosts my motivation to know I'm not alone. I've also got a couple friends who are running Facebook groups for fitness and diet that are a nice addition to the support network.<br />
<br />
On a totally unrelated topic... I've gotten involved in a group here locally that does homeless outreach in the winter (days where the temp is expected to dip below 20 degress) and it's been such a gratifying process to get to know these folks who are on the streets and being able to be a part of something that provides a little assistance and a little comfort to the suffering. It's made me really grateful to have a home to go to at the end of the day and especially grateful for the support of friends and family. It's a wonderful, humbling, experience to do outreach. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, I can't recommend something like this enough. It's good for the soul!<br />
<br />
In more unrelated news, I've decided to adopt my foster kitten, Fiona. This little stinker was in bad shape when I got her at four weeks old, nearly died, and spent a couple days in the hospital. She's 100% better and has totally stolen my heart. So cute and so much fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Nnv1Zz9Ka4/UOPLHMHNZfI/AAAAAAAABUU/UW7Qe1Ww14s/s1600/Fiona2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Nnv1Zz9Ka4/UOPLHMHNZfI/AAAAAAAABUU/UW7Qe1Ww14s/s320/Fiona2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
What's new in your neck of the woods?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-18346521241419646112012-12-21T08:48:00.001-08:002012-12-21T08:48:55.565-08:00Happy Holidays!I fell of the wagon and can't seem to get back up. I have put on 3 lbs in the past couple months, mostly due to my copious consumption of holiday baked goods. BOO. I am going to spend some time planning for success in the new year over the coming days. In the mean time, Happy Holidays everybody!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-48009240363244228422012-11-12T12:36:00.001-08:002012-11-12T12:45:33.248-08:00Crockpot <3In an effort to make sure all my meals are good ones this week, I busted my butt in the kitchen. I made black beans; white beans; pumpkin muffins; brown rice; chicken soup with veg, beans, and rice; steel cut oats with apples and raisins; cherry Jello; and last but not least a big ole turkey breast. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DwM-258FcoE/UKFd0mjS_NI/AAAAAAAABSQ/rarliAqDI4E/s640/blogger-image-1517449382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DwM-258FcoE/UKFd0mjS_NI/AAAAAAAABSQ/rarliAqDI4E/s640/blogger-image-1517449382.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This spice mix made delicious and super hot meatballs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vI36uEr8zIY/UKFd1HYumiI/AAAAAAAABSY/5HynOAVN8OE/s640/blogger-image--1835272811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vI36uEr8zIY/UKFd1HYumiI/AAAAAAAABSY/5HynOAVN8OE/s640/blogger-image--1835272811.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The animals were very happy when the turkey was done.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3yNnnC_z_0g/UKFd1wX8orI/AAAAAAAABSg/qdYzIooIAAo/s640/blogger-image-373147883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3yNnnC_z_0g/UKFd1wX8orI/AAAAAAAABSg/qdYzIooIAAo/s640/blogger-image-373147883.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soup in progress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zrZxkXs_VLA/UKFd2XZzu2I/AAAAAAAABSo/jUu_zQxOhBg/s640/blogger-image-1315456711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zrZxkXs_VLA/UKFd2XZzu2I/AAAAAAAABSo/jUu_zQxOhBg/s640/blogger-image-1315456711.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished soup!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-21409185124491275412012-11-10T09:48:00.001-08:002012-11-12T12:47:22.632-08:0070 degrees in November!Mackie the Wonder Dog and I went for a stroll. I can tell we haven't been exercising, there was some effort being heaved out on our hilly walk! Thanks to Girls on the Run for the inspirational sidewalk chalk messages. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O457rDMkuOo/UJ6TXA5AeeI/AAAAAAAABRY/FQTiaFk_eiA/s640/blogger-image--217016924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O457rDMkuOo/UJ6TXA5AeeI/AAAAAAAABRY/FQTiaFk_eiA/s640/blogger-image--217016924.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OaZKt5f0Z7c/UJ6TXm5eg5I/AAAAAAAABRg/8mmzD7HKZPw/s640/blogger-image--1716363364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OaZKt5f0Z7c/UJ6TXm5eg5I/AAAAAAAABRg/8mmzD7HKZPw/s640/blogger-image--1716363364.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wjWPHq9qjBs/UJ6TYPbEGXI/AAAAAAAABRo/sl8MIKANRVs/s640/blogger-image-1969063645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wjWPHq9qjBs/UJ6TYPbEGXI/AAAAAAAABRo/sl8MIKANRVs/s640/blogger-image-1969063645.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AeXqMVxmZUo/UJ6TY9czyoI/AAAAAAAABRw/_wQKDCA41OY/s640/blogger-image--1615844001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AeXqMVxmZUo/UJ6TY9czyoI/AAAAAAAABRw/_wQKDCA41OY/s640/blogger-image--1615844001.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-16569107387789207992012-11-09T22:32:00.001-08:002012-11-09T22:33:20.860-08:00FiberliciousTomorrow there will be delicious things crafted with beans. Magically delicious beans. I'm thinking cumin, curry, onion... Maybe something a little Indian in celebration of Diwali.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UZKAQqsPJsw/UJ308Vm7a9I/AAAAAAAABQ8/AcRpddzXqbI/s640/blogger-image-8625765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UZKAQqsPJsw/UJ308Vm7a9I/AAAAAAAABQ8/AcRpddzXqbI/s640/blogger-image-8625765.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-53028554182187350162012-11-04T19:16:00.003-08:002012-11-09T22:35:07.250-08:00The Office of Good DeedsI run this project called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficeOfGoodDeedsSTL">The Office of Good Deeds</a> - St. Louis and today we got together for the semi-annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharityStitch?fref=ts">Charity Stitch </a>event and made hats, booties, and tiny things for the babies at <a href="http://www.nfnf.org/about-us.php">Nurses for Newborns</a> a local nonprofit that provides assistance to families in need. It's a really feel good kind of day. My pal Autumn owns a cool shop on South Grand called <a href="http://www.upxchange.com/">The Upcycle Exchange</a> and she was kind enough to host us today. Smooches to Autumn.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYgwcH19Lfo/UJctRr6KpNI/AAAAAAAABQg/39E_BRrmKwY/s1600/Charity+Stitch+Nov+2012+final+count.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYgwcH19Lfo/UJctRr6KpNI/AAAAAAAABQg/39E_BRrmKwY/s320/Charity+Stitch+Nov+2012+final+count.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50+ hats, 3 sweaters, 2 sets of booties, and 2 washcloths!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Food report: Today was pretty much a fail. Potluck proved to be tricky. I didn't eat as much as I wanted to, but I'm feeling like a bit of a bottomless pit, so I'm not sure that's saying much. Better luck tomorrow.<br />
<br />
UPDATE: The Office of Good Deeds now has a blog! <a href="http://www.gooddeedsstl.org/">www.gooddeedsstl.org</a><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-84338898976720593992012-11-03T22:20:00.004-07:002012-11-03T22:20:28.587-07:00MimiMimi has nothing to do with dieting at all, she's my new foster kitty. I am smitten with this kitten! Mimi a little one-eyed love bug.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwsDdVVze_w/UJX5otQug-I/AAAAAAAABQE/pd26Ybq6MV4/s1600/Mimi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwsDdVVze_w/UJX5otQug-I/AAAAAAAABQE/pd26Ybq6MV4/s320/Mimi.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Food today was erratic. I need to figure out a way to plan for on-the-go days. I had a breakfast sandwich and hashbrowns from a fast food joint for breakfast then nothing for hours and hours. I went to a party and ate some snacky crap and cake since I was starved. Then afterwards I finally fed myself some soup. Even though the food was pretty poor quality, the calories were probably not outrageous. It definitely could have been worse. Tomorrow is going to be another goofy day. Hmmm. Maybe I need to figure out one day a week to do meal planning or something. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyway, daily victories - I actually ate way less than I wanted to at the party. I excercised some restraint and didn't go for seconds on cake. Last night, same thing. I went to an art opening and there was lots of crappy food. I told the cookies no and walked away from them. Not an easy feat for a girl with a big ole sweet tooth. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My eyes want to close. Hugs and smooches to you all. What's new in your world?</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-68594502207806675292012-11-02T08:25:00.002-07:002012-11-02T08:25:44.104-07:00Beginning Again...Turkey Day ChallengeTime got away from me again and in the mean time I managed to regain 3 pounds and eat way too many cookies. I'm doing a new dietbet.com challenge and part of it suggests that we record our daily victories. I'm going to try to put something down on "paper" daily here since the once in a while posting schedule is clearly not working. I need structure. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yesterday: I did great all day, but it sort of fell apart at dinner. I met some friends for Vietnamese food, which was delicious, but I have no idea what the caloric count looked like. Probably not too awful, but there was some white rice involved. Afterwards there was a mocha latte and a piece of key lime pie. That was not so much on track. On the upside, nary a piece of Halloween candy touched my lips -- that feels like a big deal. Today will be better, for sure!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This morning so far: Oatmeal with dried apples, a low fat mozzerella cheese stick, and I've been nibbling on grapes off and on. For lunch there is soup and salad. Dinner will be something light, not sure what exactly yet. I'm going to stay on plan today. Promise. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
:)</div>
<div>
Miss you all!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Holly</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-84841474980704376782012-09-10T21:40:00.000-07:002012-09-10T21:40:02.832-07:00AccountableThis post is going to be short and sweet because it's crazy late and I'm just now crawling into bed, but I need to claim my slackerness in the diet and fitness department so I can get back on track. I've been slowly back sliding for the past month, nothing tragic, but not where I want to be. Tomorrow I have plans to walk with my friend Amber (accountability, good!) and I'm going to make sure my food choices are better. Mostly, I think my biggest struggle, which seems to always be the case, is failing to plan then I find myself in a bind with only crappy choices. I had a nice weekend routine going for a while there, then I got busy, then I got sick, (insert excuses). I don't want to beat myself up, it's not the end of the world, but I do want to re-focus. I feel like I've been chasing my tail for at least a month. My weight has been pretty stable, up and down about 2 pounds, but I want to bust through this plateau and that will only happen with increased discipline and regular exercise. That's not really a mystery. At least I have a solution! I've got plans next week to walk with another friend on Tuesday. Having conversation to look forward to takes the edge of off the exercising part and makes it seem a little less dreadful. :) Okay, enough yammering. Bed time for this chica. I hope all is swell wherever you are.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-10961629347154181122012-08-27T17:27:00.001-07:002012-08-27T17:27:11.362-07:00Woosh!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If time went any faster, it would be warp speed. My apologies for my absence over the last couple weeks. There have been many reasons, most importantly I had to get this little lady off to college.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hDybPoEhkiM/UDwK-uC66sI/AAAAAAAABPU/CITkvrm9uEM/s640/blogger-image--1988315555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hDybPoEhkiM/UDwK-uC66sI/AAAAAAAABPU/CITkvrm9uEM/s320/blogger-image--1988315555.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's now safely tucked into her dorm with enough clothing to outfit the entire hall. My little girl sure is growing up fast. Today she declared a double major in pre-law and English education. I know whatever she puts her mind to will be a success. Hugs and kisses to my baby girl. I'm going to miss her lots.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, confession time. I fell face first off the wagon for a bit there. Well, maybe that's a little dramatic, but portions and "cheats" were starting to creep in a little larger and more frequently for a while. I only gained a pound and a half, but it's time to put a stop to the madness and get back on track. All in all, I'm still down a little over 30 lbs. Today was the official start of a new dietbet, this time, I'm the leader. I think that's going to be an important source of accountability for me. I'm doing week one of South Beach again to jump start things and so far so good today. I had plain Greek yogurt for breakfast because it was the item closest to the front of the fridge as I rushed out the door; I don't recommend it. It was pretty tart and blah without fruit. For a snack I had a little low fat cheese, then lunch was cauliflower soup (delicious and creamy with scant diary, see recipe below, sort of cream of potato flavor) and a nice big salad. Oh and sugar-free lime Jell-o. I'm really excited that soup time has returned. It really helps keep me feeling satisfied, it's cheap, and yummy. I had an event at work until 6 with lots of tempting appetizers, but I walked away from them all. I definitely have much better control if I don't start at all. I had some more soup when I got home. I need to get so more veg in before the day is done, so I'll probably make another salad in a while. I'm not hungry at the moment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Cream" of Cauliflower Soup</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(From the South Beach Supercharged book)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 medium onion</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 tbsp olive oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 head of cauliflower</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4 c of low-sodium chicken stock</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1/4 c of light sour cream</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
salt & pepper to taste</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
shredded parmesan and romano cheese for garnish </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saute onion in olive oil for about 5 minutes until onion softens. Add chopped cauliflower, saute another 5 minutes. Add chicken stock and cover. Simmer until cauliflower is easily smooshed with a fork. Process in a food processor or blender, pulsing until the soup is creamy and combined. Add sour cream. Mix again. All done! Serve with shredded cheese as a garnish. I bet scallions would be a nice addition also. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0gIeKL3QdKQ/UDwK-wQf3hI/AAAAAAAABPc/aARm5uh4oD4/s640/blogger-image--303562653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0gIeKL3QdKQ/UDwK-wQf3hI/AAAAAAAABPc/aARm5uh4oD4/s640/blogger-image--303562653.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So damned good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
I don't know exactly what the calories are for this, but I'm guessing you get a good 4-6 servings depending on the size of the bowl. It's not going to break the calorie bank though. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In other news, graduate school classes start up for me on Wednesday. I need to be extra careful in planning so I don't find myself snarfing something from the vending machine. I need to figure out something quick and tasty to eat after work, before class. Thankfully my job and my classes are at the same location so I'll be able to use most of the hour before class to enjoy a healthy dinner. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What else? I <strike>think</strike> know my dog has fleas, so he needs a trip to the groomer which he hates; I can expect the cold shoulder from him for about a month after. I'm dejunking the entire house drawer by drawer, purging feels good. The Solar Overlord has finally had mercy on us, so we can enjoy the outdoors again (with liberal doses of Zyrtec, thankyouverymuch ragweed, you jerk). I started watching Forks Over Knives again today at lunch which really has me thinking about alternatives to meat that are plant-based. I'm not able to eat soy because I have a thyroid condition (soy can suppress thyroid function), so I'm trying to figure out what would be a good replacement. Beans maybe? I don't think I'll ever go totally vegetarian, but I do want to cut back on the animal products. Other than that, not much else is new. I'll be back soon, promise!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-78153040348295925292012-08-11T20:38:00.002-07:002012-08-11T20:38:45.018-07:00Crazy Days of Summer with Bonus Mini-Rant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time is flying. I can't believe how fast the summer has gone. I can't believe it's been almost two weeks since my last post. There have been many teeny victories along the way. On the weight loss end of things, progress has been slow, steady, but very slow. I've decided to do week one of South Beach again to get a handle on my cravings and jump start things a bit. There is only about a week left in the diet bet and I want to win! As of now, I've lost about 2 pounds in the past two to three weeks. Not exactly earth shattering progress. Better than weight gain though. We'll chalk it up to a teeny victory! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Exercise has been really pitiful. My excuse has been the heat. The real truth is probably closer to heat + lethargy. Tomorrow I'm walking with my friend Amber, who is a fellow "loser" and is great about keeping up with exercise. Having a commitment will keep me on track and get this train rolling again. I'm going to do some walking at lunch this week too provided it's not too terribly hot. Otherwise, I'll work out at the gym or walk the pooch at the park in the evening after dinner. One of my students who is a premed for podiatry met me this week and did an analysis of my athletic shoes (she's also a long-time employee of Fleet Feet) and helped me get things properly laced for my feet. The good news is that I don't have any glaring problems. The odd news is that my heel strike is to the inside which explains why my shoes are always worn on the inside portion of the heel first. She said that my stride is nice and even though, so it's no biggee except that I'll go through shoes faster. In a few weeks I'm going to go get some new kicks from the place she works. Apparently the (ugly) ones I have now are more of a "fashion" shoe than a real workout shoe and she says that if I get something with better cushion I'll have less joint pain in the long run. Well, okey-doke, I like that!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I got my panties in a bunch earlier this week. A woman I am acquainted with made a rude comment on Facebook in response to an article. The comment she left was, "she's probably fat and in tact". Well, that's nice, isn't it?This got me really thinking about how much I really don't like that in addition to the public gay-bashing that's been going around lately that it's still totally acceptable to bash someone for their appearance. I made a comment back to the girl that was sort of lighthearted, "Hey, don't hate on the fatties, I'm one and I'm adorable" hoping to call her attention to the jerkiness of it all but still keeping it somewhat friendly. Her reply was something like, "don't take it personally." Ugh. How can I not? You called someone fat as an insult, I'm overweight, and and implied that because of it she's so gross no one would have sex with her. While I think the author of the article was a jerk too, that kind of banter is pointless and unintelligent. First of all, you just never know why someone is the way they are and making cheap shots about their appearance is immature and ignorant. If she was a person of color or disabled would it be okay to criticize them for it? Of course not. Secondly, suppose said author is a virgin, that's none of anybody's business, and holy crap, who cares? It's not my vagina. Maybe she's picky and that's not a crime. When are women going to stop bashing other women for their appearance and their rumored sex lives or lack of it? Can't we do better than that? My goodness, how many women do we know who have suffered emotionally because they didn't live up to cultural ideals? Oh, I dunno, just about all of us? How many of these women were perfectly fine and beautiful exactly as they are? All of them. Every single last one of them. Can we please stop measuring the worth of a person based on their outside package? I would like to lose weight, yes, but it's to improve my health. Are there things I'd like to have look different than they do right this minute? Sure, but I'm not less of a person because I have some jiggle on my thighs or a wobbly belly. Can we please focus on health and character development? PLEASE! Bigotry is all its forms is just ugly. /rant</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The remaining news will be via pictures. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NIihukCmq6E/UCcXJAhGvfI/AAAAAAAABNs/akbvq27kqGU/s640/blogger-image--952527788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NIihukCmq6E/UCcXJAhGvfI/AAAAAAAABNs/akbvq27kqGU/s320/blogger-image--952527788.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first crook neck squash! Kinda looks like a drumstick, but did not taste like chicken at all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u45mNIlZo5U/UCcXJtZP3SI/AAAAAAAABN0/6yNcLvm6eZc/s640/blogger-image-1618564040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u45mNIlZo5U/UCcXJtZP3SI/AAAAAAAABN0/6yNcLvm6eZc/s320/blogger-image-1618564040.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've been prepping a week's worth of salad on Sundays which has been working out GREAT and is a big money saver. A salad on campus is about $6/day. If I make and take it's under $10 for the whole week. I use store-bought spinach as the base then start piling on the veggies. From our garden - peppers, radishes, pickled banana peppers, radishes, and yellow pear tomatoes. I also pile on some chopped grilled chicken that I cook on the George Foreman grill and top with Greek Seasoning. It's yummy and really satisfying for lunch! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ksdJzobzhwo/UCcXLzTiKjI/AAAAAAAABOw/cv5lRQazpJc/s640/blogger-image-2144519790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ksdJzobzhwo/UCcXLzTiKjI/AAAAAAAABOw/cv5lRQazpJc/s320/blogger-image-2144519790.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-week haul from the garden. It's amazing how much a handful of plants can produce.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c6MMw5o8RZM/UCcXLq-6KII/AAAAAAAABOo/poVeXgxwe9A/s640/blogger-image-1201274519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-c6MMw5o8RZM/UCcXLq-6KII/AAAAAAAABOo/poVeXgxwe9A/s320/blogger-image-1201274519.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coworker tomatoes! My buddy, Elisa, has been bringing in beautiful slicing tomatoes and they have been amazing and sincerely appreciated. From some silly reason we forgot to plant the big guys and just have teeny 'maters in the garden this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RR3zedkUmnA/UCcXKyQe3YI/AAAAAAAABOY/vvvKsXnqLHU/s640/blogger-image-544314596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RR3zedkUmnA/UCcXKyQe3YI/AAAAAAAABOY/vvvKsXnqLHU/s320/blogger-image-544314596.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This map was from my camping trip planning. I'd show you pictures of our trip, but it was a flop and we got rained out and had to head back home before any fun was had. We arrived after dark, put up tents in the dark, then woke to thunder and lightening at 6:30 a.m. Because that wasn't enough fun, my car also decided to die exactly 2.1 miles from my house. Sigh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EIzU8jUKJ1M/UCcXJ09RMnI/AAAAAAAABOA/Uu7JgGpbZ_o/s640/blogger-image-145239726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EIzU8jUKJ1M/UCcXJ09RMnI/AAAAAAAABOA/Uu7JgGpbZ_o/s320/blogger-image-145239726.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pretty girl is still up for adoption. She's a big fan of The Bangles and wants to walk like an Egyptian.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qGwuTHr4M0A/UCcXKZF8qgI/AAAAAAAABOI/VjwnDJVN3V8/s640/blogger-image-2062252907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qGwuTHr4M0A/UCcXKZF8qgI/AAAAAAAABOI/VjwnDJVN3V8/s320/blogger-image-2062252907.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mock cable cowl has been on my needles for a year. I finally finished it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AhVlp5NKm8o/UCcXKm2CeOI/AAAAAAAABOQ/3rGN3IUKdwQ/s640/blogger-image--1958675134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-AhVlp5NKm8o/UCcXKm2CeOI/AAAAAAAABOQ/3rGN3IUKdwQ/s320/blogger-image--1958675134.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my girl, Singer. She's been mostly collecting dust, but I finally gave her a nice cleaning and got some sewing done. I had a custom collar order that I finished and delivered and I have a custom bag order up next. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z7DE0FGUJgY/UCcXLPMVbeI/AAAAAAAABOg/gi4CEOyTe0w/s640/blogger-image--377369028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z7DE0FGUJgY/UCcXLPMVbeI/AAAAAAAABOg/gi4CEOyTe0w/s320/blogger-image--377369028.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me waiting for the bus. Which, for the record isn't so terrible really. It's nice to not have to think about driving sometimes and the people-watching is pretty good. I went almost a week without my beautiful, slightly dinged and dented, 1998 Honda Civic. She's back in action now after $500 worth of repairs. Ugh. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JdwvNcJQ2lQ/UCcXI2nG-vI/AAAAAAAABNo/GYLvBWd0I-M/s640/blogger-image--2048611078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JdwvNcJQ2lQ/UCcXI2nG-vI/AAAAAAAABNo/GYLvBWd0I-M/s320/blogger-image--2048611078.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a fit of frustration I cut bangs this morning. I'm sick of trying to pin them out of my face. Also, this is picture of me and my girl cuddled up on the couch. She's going away to college in 12 days. sniff sniff. I've been making her cuddle as often as possible, which is next to never since she's always out with her friends. I'm really going to miss her. I really does seem not that long ago that she was getting ready for her first day of kindergarten. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The next week and a half will be busy busy with preparations for Alli going to school and the usual responsibilities. I'm going to do my best to stay organized and on track so I have the energy to tackle it all. I hope all is well in your world and you're feeling fine and dandy!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-209910950173335032.post-83164104010613817092012-07-31T11:01:00.000-07:002012-07-31T11:01:28.926-07:00Preparation is Most of My Battle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I did my Dietbet weigh in and lost about a pound and a half this past week. Anyway, I need to pick up the pace I'm on if I want my money back (It's only $15, but I'm thrifty). Not shabby, but not quite to goal either. </span><span style="text-align: left;">There was also a cherry pie turnover thing in there somewhere that I'm fairly certain I did not need.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">So after some thought this past weekend I realized that if I'm going to stay on track and keep my food intake in check, I need to be much better prepared. I have an extensive reading list piling up, but one of the things that I got some ideas from was the latest issue of Clean Eating. Really nice magazine with lots of good tips and recipes. I need </span>foodspiration<span style="text-align: left;"> regularly or I get bored and start grabbing whatever is handy instead of what's good for me. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cx3rXAyi8jg/UBYBPUQo36I/AAAAAAAABME/7rEacmN6pPI/s640/blogger-image--2045375048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cx3rXAyi8jg/UBYBPUQo36I/AAAAAAAABME/7rEacmN6pPI/s320/blogger-image--2045375048.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I won the gardening book at a garden swap this weekend. Yay!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I decided to make basil pesto since I've got tons in the garden and can toss it with chicken and a small dollop of mayo for a delish chicken salad. I used Mark Bittman's recipe from How to Cook Everything and it's fabulous. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4HOQSwZ5SrQ/UBYBQEbB6HI/AAAAAAAABMc/Cnc4xXIGYbg/s640/blogger-image-682083763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4HOQSwZ5SrQ/UBYBQEbB6HI/AAAAAAAABMc/Cnc4xXIGYbg/s320/blogger-image-682083763.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil waiting to be transformed!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fd0YVpTb5-E/UBYBRG14lxI/AAAAAAAABM0/6BQVy4efwWA/s640/blogger-image-775662259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fd0YVpTb5-E/UBYBRG14lxI/AAAAAAAABM0/6BQVy4efwWA/s320/blogger-image-775662259.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product - basil, olive oil, salt, parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next I started doing prep for lunches. After a quick trip to the store, I bagged up some delicious (albeit a little sour grapes) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xxDP0rAcFQM/UBYBQ8bi1HI/AAAAAAAABMs/pEeK51ccdh0/s640/blogger-image-34693338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xxDP0rAcFQM/UBYBQ8bi1HI/AAAAAAAABMs/pEeK51ccdh0/s320/blogger-image-34693338.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They make my face twist up funny, but they are way good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next I chopped and diced chicken I grilled on my handy-dandy George Foreman as well as a bunch of stuff from the garden -- yellow pear tomatoes, green and orange peppers, Swiss chard, and kale.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kYfohWKPF6Y/UBYBPvVT9UI/AAAAAAAABMM/9KDeUBgO2QE/s640/blogger-image-394413770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kYfohWKPF6Y/UBYBPvVT9UI/AAAAAAAABMM/9KDeUBgO2QE/s320/blogger-image-394413770.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I seasoned the chicken with Chicago style seasoning and another with Greek seasoning. Yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I was at my community garden plot picking the Swiss chard and the kale a lady bug stopped in for a visit.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-otbiaOWhAbY/UBYBSb_iUQI/AAAAAAAABNE/ReSIPOg4CUE/s640/blogger-image--357954766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-otbiaOWhAbY/UBYBSb_iUQI/AAAAAAAABNE/ReSIPOg4CUE/s320/blogger-image--357954766.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh hai lady bug! I bring the interior part of my salad spinner with me for harvesting. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I packed up salad for the next day in a big ole mason jar. Everything stays nice and crisp and fresh in mason jars, plus they are more compact for fridge storage. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3tk4tv-mPXg/UBYBSiK1O8I/AAAAAAAABNM/Z1DIbSmS2Bk/s640/blogger-image-1029023511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3tk4tv-mPXg/UBYBSiK1O8I/AAAAAAAABNM/Z1DIbSmS2Bk/s320/blogger-image-1029023511.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm on a hot food kick. The yellow rings are banana peppers from the garden that <br />I pickled with vinegar, spices, and red pepper. Wahoo! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For a nice protein snack I made ants on a log. Well, the logs anyway. Isn't peanut butter the best?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BDnn2Cv1p-Q/UBYBSEe4PPI/AAAAAAAABM8/nOtvy9iUpZY/s640/blogger-image--269918110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BDnn2Cv1p-Q/UBYBSEe4PPI/AAAAAAAABM8/nOtvy9iUpZY/s320/blogger-image--269918110.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also tried some fancy Pinterest tutorial hair. If my hair is dirty enough and there are enough bobby pins lying around, sticky hairspray, and a teasing comb, I can force my hair into submission. If it's clean it's too darned slippery and I have to put tons of crud in it to make anything stay and frankly, I'm hair lazy. I did learn a trick recently that helps give my hair some body for styling when it's clean. I spray and brush through dry shampoo (Suave brand rocks and it smells good. Most importantly, it's uber cheap). That seems to give my hair some stick without being all nasty from hairspray. Anyway, here's the result. I'm wearing basically the same thing today minus the braids. It only took a few minutes and I'm happy with the results. I've been in such a hair rut. It gets hot and I just want to get it off my damned neck and the default is a boring ponytail. I'm glad to have another option that looks a little more grown up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iJtbJKVCgvU/UBYBQgEZPLI/AAAAAAAABMk/K4J7axB3Ih8/s640/blogger-image-864309608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iJtbJKVCgvU/UBYBQgEZPLI/AAAAAAAABMk/K4J7axB3Ih8/s320/blogger-image-864309608.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What's shakin' in your world?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13793239920648658851noreply@blogger.com5