on my mind
I have so many things on my mind right now...things that feel like at any given moment they will break me...My son is finally starting to feel better and has developed bumps on his arms, legs and lower back. I'm hoping, praying, crossing my fingers that it's an allergic reaction to his new nebulizer meds and not chicken pox (it really looks like the beginning stages of chicken pox). I gave him Benadryl before bed. I guess I'll see what he looks like tomorrow morning.
My work load is crazy big and I am so behind on what I need to get done after having him (6 year old) sick most of last week with his asthma and then again since Sunday with the sinusitis, asthma and subsequent hospitalization.
I accidentally locked myself out of the house today. My husband wouldn't come home and unlock and go back to work.
The job that brought us back "home" sucks. That's really the nicest word I can use at the moment. My husband hates it, I hate it, he's never around and the kids and I miss him. I know we should be thankful he has a job that pays well (and we really are) but OH-EM-GEE the stress on him, our marriage, our family is almost too much to bear most days (without going into detail here on the blog).
I'm also having an issue with a family member. One that I love with all of my heart. This person is putting distance between us and our relationship is strained. Strained because of gossip and resentment (not on my part). I keep reaching out and the door keeps getting slammed in my face. I miss this person so much. I would give anything to fix it. But my hands are tied. It's impossible to defend myself against lies made about me. And it hurts my heart. So much.
what's cookin
Menu planning is something I struggle with...figuring out what everyone's going to eat, making sure it's healthy, making sure everyone likes it (I won't fix 4 different meals for the 4 of us), having a little variety so meals don't get boring and actually going to the store and buying what I need - just thinking about it is exhausting. Obviously, if I were rich and famous (or just rich) I would hire a chef. Because that would be bliss, yo. But since I'm a work-at-home-mom with bills like everyone else, that isn't happening and it's left up to me to make sure my family eats right.In an effort to share with anyone else struggling with What's for Dinner??? I decided to try and start sharing my menu plans as I get them ready. I'll make extra for leftovers so my weekly menu can actually stretch a little longer than that (i.e. don't look for a post on this every week...truth be told, I'll be lucky to remember to share this once a month).
So what's cookin this week?
- Lasagna with salad
- Italian Spinach and Chicken Skillet
- Savory Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
- Garlic Lime Chicken and Pepper Squash Saute
- Taco Night!
- Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli
- Breakfast (this varies but can be eggs, omelets, waffles, etc.)
Tell me, what's cookin at your house this week?
Oh and if you have any favorite websites for quick, healthy, delicious meals send the links my way. Extra points for those that utilize a slow cooker.
shrinkvivor challenge weigh-in #3
GO TEAM PURPLE, aka PURPLE POWER SHRINKERS!!!!
Last week's weight: 200.2
Challenge Starting Weight: 202.1
Change This Week: +0.5
Change for Shrinkvivor Challenge: -1.4
Total Pounds Gone since 9/8/2010: 2.9
I gained a half-pound this week. I started strong on the challenges for the week - no drive thru and 120 minutes of exercise by the weekend; however, the weekend took a bad turn and my 6 year old ended up in the hospital. Hospital = fast food, cafeteria food, etc. and because I promised I wouldn't leave him (and I keep my promises to my kiddos) I didn't exercise while I was there (even though running up and down the stairs would've been a good way to relieve stress and get minutes in as we were on the 4th floor).
So that's my week. I plan to lose that half-pound by next Wednesday though and discover just how fast I can run a mile.
shrinkvivor challenge weigh-in #2
GO TEAM PURPLE, aka PURPLE POWER SHRINKERS!!!!
Last week's weight: 202.1
Challenge Starting Weight: 202.1
Change This Week: -1.9
Change for Shrinkvivor Challenge: -1.9
Total Pounds Gone since 9/8/2010: 3.4
My personal goals for this challenge...how I did this week:
- Water, water, water: 4 out of 7 days I hit my goal of 100 ounces
- Train for the Disney 1/2 marathon: No training this week with sick kids and the husband with a crazy work schedule. Hope to resume SOON.
- Count calories: Interesting to note that the same day I hit my water goal I also hit my calorie goal.
- Continue to work on silencing my inner mean girl: She's been pretty quiet this week. Success!
Given the fact that I've had a kid with horrible asthma problems this week, another with allergy/cold issues and a husband that hasn't been home (work), I am really happy with the week I've had. I'm tired but I did well given my obstacles. The one thing I *really* need to improve on next week is my training for the Disney 1/2 marathon. I may have to work on getting up earlier in order to get it done which is tough for me cuz I loves me some sleep.
let's talk about you tuesdays
I decided to link up to this week's Let's Talk About You Tuesdays because it's about Christmas and I big puffy heart Christmas. So much.1. When do you start listening to Christmas music? November. But my dad called me last week because Christmas music was already streaming on AOL Radio and he was listening to it!
2. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Not yet.
3. Do you make a list or just buy when you feel inspired? Depends on the person. I always shop when inspired for my mom and best friend. Others in my life require a list. I prefer to be spontaneous when I shop for presents.
4. Do you spread out your shopping or get it done in a weekend? Spread it out. Roo loves to shop!
5. Do you venture out on Black Friday? Are you a crazy early bird or wait for the crowds to die down? Or do you just wait on Cyber Monday? All of the above.
6. When do you put up your Christmas tree? Weekend before or after Thanksgiving. Depends on our schedule.
7. Clear or multi-colored lights? Both!
beautiful tribute to a daughter/friend/wife
{Direct YouTube Link}
shrinkvivor challenge weigh-in #1
Ladies and gentlemen (are there even any gentlemen that read my blog?), today is the official start of the Shrinkvivor Challenge over at the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans! Along the premise of the show Survivor, but SHRINKvivor, there will be 1 winner that will Outfit, Outlose and Outlast everyone else. Pretty cool, huh? I'm not really sure how they continually come up with awesome challenges like this but they do. They're so creative.
I am on TEAM PURPLE, also known as the PURPLE POWER SHRINKERS, and we've already started chatting it up on the hood and Twitter getting to know each other. I love it!
I will admit I've been up and down, up and down on the scale. I'm done. Done doing things halfway. Done losing a half pound only to gain 2. I need this challenge. Even if I don't win the grand prize I will still win in the end because I will be healthier and more fit. Not maybe. I. WILL.
One thing I'm changing this time around is posting my weight. I never have before because, well DUH, I'm embarrassed. And I don't want to admit the number. But I'm hoping that facing the number will help me address the issues. And I have many issues...but that's a story for another day. Or 4.
So I'm starting with last week's weight and working forward. On a good note I AM down this week. Yay!!!
Here's my picture. Taken post-shower with my cell phone so it's super-steamy but you can still see the number. I did you the courtesy of cropping out my toes. I'm so thoughtful. I know.
Last week's weight: 203.6
Challenge Starting Weight: 202.1
Change This Week: -1.5
Change for Shrinkvivor Challenge: N/A
Total Pounds Gone: 1.5
My personal goals for this challenge:
- Water, water, water
- Train for the Disney 1/2 marathon
- Count calories
- Continue to work on silencing my inner mean girl
training for the Disney 1/2
I was working on a training plan to run/walk the Disney Half Marathon in January. I've gone out several times to run/walk and my body just isn't cooperating. Something funky is going on with my hip and running is aggravating it (this is on the opposite side of my last injury...go figure). However, walking I can do. And unless something magically changes and my hip problems disappear, I will be walking the half.For some crazy reason I feel like a failure admitting I won't be running it. But I shouldn't feel like that. I know this. So why do I? I'm going to train, give it my best and walk my booty off to make that 13.1 and cross the finish line. Who says I have to run it to finish? Just my inner mean girl. Excuse me while I go kick her butt. With the side of my body that's hyped up on steroids and feels no pain.
to my girlfriends
Many times (okay, most of the time), we girls tend to be too hard on ourselves. Critical, even. We look in the mirror and our view is skewed. We don't see what the world sees, what our family sees, what our friends see. We don't see that we are beautiful. Without makeup. Believe when you receive compliments. Be flattered. Say thank you. Accept it. Accept you. You are beautiful. Period.Post inspired by this song:
Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are from That Guy on Vimeo.
Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)
Oh her eyes, her eyes
Make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day
Yeah I know, I know
When I compliment her
She wont believe me
And its so, its so
Sad to think she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look okay
I say
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are
Her nails, her nails
I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh, her laugh
She hates but I think its so sexy
She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day
Oh you know, you know, you know
Id never ask you to change
If perfect is what you're searching for
Then just stay the same
So don't even bother asking
If you look okay
You know I say
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are
The way you are
The way you are
Girl you're amazing
Just the way you are
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are
best banana muffins ever
So last night I had 4 very ripe bananas that I didn't want to toss. I tweeted: "I have 4 overripe bananas I need to use ASAP. Suggestions?" Lots of tweeters came to my rescue, but these are what I opted to make - Banana Crumb Muffins. They are the best banana muffins I have ever tasted. I tweaked it a little to use what I had on hand (4 bananas instead of 3, whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose) and it was seriously amazing. The recipe says it makes 10. I got 14 out of my batch and only used about half of the topping. Warning - at the estimated 263 calories per muffin on the recipe site it's not a low-cal treat. But my mind is already turning and I have several substitutes I think I could make without sacrificing flavor. Next time I make these (and there will be a next time or my husband and kids will beat me) I may try those out. If it's a hit with the substitutes I'll share my version.confession time
It's Tuesday and that means it's confession time over at the Sisterhood. Forgive me, Sisters, for I have...
- Not had enough water this past week.
- Have eaten more fast food than could even remotely be good for me.
- Been ignoring that voice in the back of my head that is telling me I'm headed down the wrong path, I'm out of control and I need to refocus.
bear with me
UPDATE: YAY! I did it. All of the posts from my former blog are here.Bear with me as I try a few things out...specifically importing posts from See Mama Run to this blog. I'll try not to break anything. If I do I think Christy might pop me. I'm just sayin...
i survived
Woo Hoo! I survived 2 jam packed days with my family and we had FUN. We visited the Choo Choo Barn on Saturday and Dutch Wonderland on Saturday and Sunday. We rolled in close to midnight on Sunday night and I am so, so tired. But it was so worth it.Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend. Of course, they're of my children! *grin*
kick back and relax
Go ahead. Put your feet up. Grab a drink. Relax. All will be quiet here this weekend as I drag my tired self out of town for a fun-filled family weekend that will include a water park and amusement park. For 2 days. If I don't post by Tuesday, send out the troops. I may need to be carried away to a kid-free, husband-free zone for an undetermined amount of time.Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!
i am...
...exhausted. I can barely keep my eyes open. Getting through the simple tasks of taking care of the kids (even with 1 now in school) is hard. I'm tired. I can't focus. I feel like I could curl up in bed and sleep for a week. Maybe two. This isn't normal, is it? I mean I get tired but sheer exhaustion, daily, for weeks? I posted on August 20th that I was running on fumes. I still am. And I wonder when the fumes will run out and I just collapse. But I can't collapse. I just can't.enter craziness
Let the craziness begin. I am here and ready to start blogging without worrying about certain, ummm,What will I write about? Whatever strikes my fancy, actually. Kids, me, my weight-loss journey, product finds that I love, my obsession with caffeine and there might even be deep posts like learning to love myself and being a domestic violence survivor.
I love the friends I have met through blogging and Twitter and hope to make many more (one can never have too many friends!).
I'm not in it for any type of compensation although I love entering giveaways and winning stuff. I'm here for the friends and the therapy. And we all know I need the therapy...even if it's just writing therapy.
Thanks for being here as readers AND friends.
XOXO
final check-in: down & dirty in 30
Up .3 for the week. Up 2.3 for the challenge. Apparently I forgot to mention to my body we're supposed to be going in the opposite direction. I could get all crazy negative and beat myself up but I won't. I refuse to do it.
My team on the other hand? They ALL lost pounds - 22.6 to be exact. I'm VERY proud of them! Go Exotic Gangstas!
cutest lunch ever
This is probably my favorite creation of the week - cause it's so stinkin cute!
mini sausage biscuits, cheddar cheese stars, a bear with pistachios, fruit leather strips and strawberries
kid tested, mother approved
Pizza Pepperoni Pasta
3 cups uncooked whole wheat spiral pasta
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2.5 cups garden-style spaghetti sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp pepper
3 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz sliced pepperoni (I found that 2 ounces was more than enough for our tastes)
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook turkey and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, basil, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and pepper; set aside.
Drain pasta. Transfer to a 13x9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Top with spaghetti sauce mixture and pepperoni. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Cover and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
1-1/4 cups = 299 calories, 10 g fat, 5 g fiber (using the full 4 ounces of pepperoni)
Source: Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Magazine - Aug/Sept 2010 Issue
