Love

I can't believe I forgot to write about this before. I've seen many kinds of love in my life but I recently witnessed a new one.

I know the hubs loves our pup. I love our pup. But when Codie got home after her surgery recently, the hubs was very gentle and thoughtful of her needs.

After she woke up from her anesthesia-induced nap he decided to get dinner for her. He grilled her her own chicken breast.

This may not sound like much but knowing that the hubs won't cook unless he's begged, for him to open a package of chicken for her one piece, and to stand in the cool rain outside on the deck to make his puppy dinner...that was a new kind of love.

Frumpy

I'm feeling frumpy lately. Between my newly baggy clothes and how I spend my nights and weekends I'm not feeling like a million bucks.

I had a meeting/collaboration thing to attend today. I was seeing some people I hadn't seen in quite a while and I was excited at the prospect of looking differently to them. I'm not an overly casual dresser so I had on khakis and a black button up shirt. Normally this is an outfit I feel nice in-I like the color combination, it seems fairly forgiving of any excess bumps and bulges.

But then it happened. I was walking down a hallway from one room to another when I passed a rather long series of glass panes protecting bulletins and posters of some sort and *gasp*. What in the world? What the? Blech! I look like THAT?!

Somehow overnight I had gone from lazy and chubby to someone a size or two smaller-but still walking the chubby girl's life--and wearing the chubby girl's clothes. It's that really uncomfortable point though where I don't want to buy new clothes. My word, it's not pretty but I'm not done changing.

Which brings me to my second point of frumpiness. What are you doing with your Friday or Saturday night? Hot date? Fun plans? Me? Oh, you know...it's just too exciting to talk about. It will probably make you jealous.

Awwwww yeah. Workin' out, doing dog tricks. What more could a girl ask for?

Small Obsession

Okay, so I may have more than one. What's your obsession? Mine is yellow. Although, my favorite color is peach...peach like a Push-Up Pop. Isn't that such a delicious color?

Speaking of food, tonight I made veggie burgers. They were okay but that's entirely my own fault. I added way too much ginger.
"Mmm, I love ginger."
Scrape, scrape, scrape. (That's my microplaner)
Scrape, scrape, scrape.
Scrape, scrape, scrape.
Scrape, scrape, scrape.

Yeah, they're ginger-y.

In retrospect, I think I'd also smooth out the patty mixture more thoroughly next time. These were rather chunky and while I appreciate a good chunk, tonight wasn't the night.

I liked having the english muffin to cushion the burger, baby greens, and my yellow obsession.

These probably would have been much better grilled but well, it's been snowing the ENTIRE day, all day long. I'm not about to stand outside and grill in the snow. I'm fine with my lovely pan for frying.

My obsession? This isn't the half of it.

After a couple of bites, I flipped it over and covered the bottom side with mustard too. I've always loved mustard. Always.


Now onto the non-food talk. I Shredded tonight. I tried doing some of the lunges but very gently...um, bad idea. My poor knees. I will remember this.

Today I had-
Green tea with mixed berry-only a little
Small black coffee
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and HBoOs (see the rest of the week)

Leftover turkey quinoa burger
Pineapple, mandarin oranges, whipped strawberry yogurt

Veggie burger
English muffin
Baby greens

All right, I'm tired, the pup has already gone to bed, and I have to get up early in the morning. Ciao!

P.S. I think I may have a small crush on Apolo Ohno. It may be that facial hair...or his composure. He's about to race right now...it's hard to concentrate!
But shhh, don't tell my husband.

Sleepless Nights

This is one department where I am very lucky. I don't often have sleepless nights but the hubs, he's just the opposite. More often than not he'll wake during the night and once he's up, that's it. He'll toss and turn until he's frustrated. When this happens he tends to take solace in our couch.

Really, this couch should have a name because we seriously spent months couch shopping before we finally committed to this one. Can I lay on it stretched completely out? Can we both fit on it laying down? Does it have good back support? Is the fabric what we like? And on and on it went.

So, needless to say, we love our couch. When we first got our puppy she wasn't allowed on this couch. It drove her mad. But we've since relented because we're suckers and love to snuggle with her.

Which brings me to last night's sleepless night for the hubs. I heard him get up once but I could have sworn he came back to bed. It wasn't until the puppy was nosing at my face this morning did I realize he wasn't there. Insert sad face.

When I finally rolled out of bed, oh it was around 8, I came downstairs to find this.

I think she may even be mimicking his body language. Aren't they sweet? Happy Saturday.

The Shred-Day Twenty Six

I'm eating as I type tonight. And the puppy is staring me down. I got brave and decided to make my own sushi, thanks to Jen. I must say, it's not the same without the tuna. But it's not bad.

Okay, so on to business. Day 26 behind me now! I can't believe I've come this far. I know I have a far journey ahead of me but man, it feels good.

I have to do some major cleaning and arranging tonight before my parents get here tomorrow. With John being sick I really got behind on things.

The Shred went okay today. I'm struggling to get through the sumo squat things and the jump squats without keeling over. However, I'm not Anita-stylin' those, hello Natalie. I think the next thirty days through will be interesting. Will I find those other levels just as hard or easier?

Menu today-
Can I just interject, there were Friendship Bread and bagels in the lounge today. I didn't even give them a second glance. Dang, I so used to be that girl. "I'll just eat one," and now look at me! No more.

Green tea with mixed berry
Low fat Greek yogurt with granola nut bites and honey

Chicken noodle soup
Mixed fruit (yum yum yum)

Mixed fruit (I stayed after to get all my stuff ready for next week-I needed to tide myself over)

Sushi! Rice, cucumber, avocado, cream cheese, ginger. Although, I'm not doing too much damage to it. I think I've had 5 pieces, maybe 4 (I gave one to the pup) and I'm about stuffed!
I may have some mixed fruit later after I get to cleaning.

We made it to Friday now it's time to relax a little and enjoy the weekend.
Happy weekend Shredding everyone!!!

The Shred-Day Twenty Four

I'm having the hardest time keeping track of which day I'm on. I usually guess one day behind...and have actually titled two posts incorrectly, giving me double titles! (Which I have since fixed...)

Today was a toughie. My poor hubby spent the majority of the night running to the bathroom (talk about an ab workout). Then there's me who can't sleep through that because it makes me feel awful-him experiencing pain and discomfort. Then the puppy can't figure out what the flip is happening so she's getting up and down. It was a long night last night. Then today having to leave him here. Mainly, I knew he wouldn't feed himself and whatnot so I tried loading him up with things he could stomach. He got an apple, a banana, saltines, and two glasses of water. He actually ate more than I thought he would-the banana and some saltines.

I had to run an errand after school but hurried home to make him some homemade chicken noodle soup. I did have to stop at the store for a few things, celery, chicken broth, Tylenol, and Sprite. When I got home I shoved everything into the stockpot and was going to work out but thought it best if I tended to the soup so hubs could eat before midnight.

Too bad I forgot to pick up noodles. I didn't realize we only had a small portion of egg noodles left and started to panic. I didn't want to have to go back out to the store (um, less than 10 degrees with the windchill today) so I panned the pantry and came up with a solution. Lasagna noodles. And it worked! Granted, it's more like chicken and dumpling soup but it turned out well! There's really nothing like homemade chicken noodle soup. I have plenty leftover to freeze and keep for another emergency sickness.

Tomorrow I have to be gone to a training all day so I had to get sub plans around. Do people-non teacher people-realize what a pain it is to be gone from work??? I can't just call in. There is so much work to be done to be gone. But at least I get to sleep in a bit tomorrow. I'm normally up around 5:45 so tomorrow I'm sleeping until 6:45. Watch out!

I really like Level 3. I know I've said it before but I'm serious. I like feeling like I'm making a difference. I can feel my thigh muscles. I can see my arms toning up. This is great. Next month Jackie is proposing a mixture of The Shred and The Biggest Loser's Last Chance Workout. Any takers on joining us?

Today's menu:

Green tea with mixed berry

Low fat Greek yogurt with granola nut bites and honey

(Do I ever get sick of this....no)

Chicken Chili--Hey it's fast and easy...and it was very good today

Mixed fruit

(ha! I was just thinking, I could go for something sweet then I typed the fruit, I'm so having some in a minute!)

Apple

Chicken noodle/dumpling soup

Mixed fruit

I have noticed my appetite curbing. I hope this sticks. I haven't had a morning snack in a few days. I usually start to get hungry around 11:00 and by that time I can wait until lunch at 11:30.

I do get hungry in the afternoon, around 3:00 (but hey, I did eat lunch at 11:30...) so I usually eat an apple or banana.

Then come dinner, I take what I think is a smaller portion than I had in the past and still can't finish it all. Yip!

I'm being a bad mom tonight. The pup is not getting a walk. It's toooooo cold outside and I have a sick hubs to tend to.

Good night and Happy Shredding Thursday tomorrow!

**Post edit! I forgot--I ate a cake ball this morning. I didn't make them, which made it taste all the better.
Oh, and I ate my fruit but then had a bad craving so I ate one serving of Dark Chocolate Chex. Yum.

The Shred-Day Twenty One

Level 3, yes-sirree. I can't wait until I'm a few days in and not feeling like a complete idiot. I tried doing mostly Natalie moves but absolutely could not do the rockstars or the final abs move anyway other than Anita style. I have a positive outlook about this level though. I like the different moves so I'm hoping it's going to go well.

One thing I didn't like is there is so much bouncing around that everything in the room I was in was rattling. Not doing too much for the self-confidence with hubby in the next room watching tv quietly. I'm going to just have to suck it up though because both Monday and Tuesday I have after school meetings which means it's way likely the hubs will be home before me.

The pups got her daily walk again. So far so good-being consistent anyway and she's loving it!

Oh, so one good thing today. The hubs said he's starting to tell a difference. He said I'm starting to look like I'm slimming down. I certainly hope so! Tomorrow morning is/are (how should I say that?) weights and measures...don't make me cry on a Monday morning. Although, after the menu today I shouldn't get my hopes up too high.

Grub:

Green tea with mixed berry
1/2 a waffle with butter and syrup

Apple

Chipotle chicken nachos from Houlihan's. I went with these for a couple of reasons. One, I love them and the hubs loves them so we usually both munch on them. Two, they were included in their happy hour special--all apps for $6.00. However, I thought about doing two healthier apps but then it became a price thing. Yes, I could have had one of the healthier apps (tuna wontons or lettuce wraps) but there is no way just one would have been enough.

But here's the thing, I'm paying for eating them. For the second night in a row my body is telling me bad choice. Why do the things that taste so good do such bad things for you? TMI but I even regurgitated this evening...not good. So what is this all telling me? Eat at home.

I'm excited about tomorrow's snack! I made a fruit salad with kiwi, red pear, apple, and mandarin oranges. I wanted to add bananas but our store was OUT. How does that happen? Is it just my store? They weren't even on sale.

Happy week ahead ladies. Keep up the great Shredding!

The Shred-Day Twenty

Saturday, January 23, 2010. I have completed Level 2 of the Shred! I really procrastinated this morning but I finally got my rear in gear and got it done.

Yesterday hubs and I got to talking about how small changes can make a big difference. For instance, 1/3 cup of cheese compared to 1/4 cup. I had already decided to nix mayo from my diet as a condiment. What I mean by that is if it's in a recipe that's one thing, but on top of a burger/sandwich no more. Small changes.

Today my small change was I didn't put any meat on my breakfast burrito. Yes, it's protein but it's also fat and calories.

So far I've had:
Green tea with mixed berry. This is really our favorite right now and it smells great!

Breakfast burrito-egg, cheese (very small amount), hot sauce, avocado
10 chips for extra avocado

Low fat Greek yogurt with Corn Flakes

Water, water, water...

Oh, and yes, the little pupster got her walk already today. We've had issues with her biting and tugging on the leash but she's really getting better. Yeah--huge battle we've been having. And now, she's napping next to me on the couch. If I didn't have so much housework to do I'd snuggle up with her.

Happy Saturday. Happy Shredding.

The Shred-Day Nineteen

Yes, it is 9:50 pm right now and yes I did just finish my workout. I do certainly feel as though I may yack at any moment. And have I learned a lesson? Surely.

Okay okay, so it's no longer 9:50, rather it's 10:10. You see, there was this pathetic-faced pup doe-eying me in the background. I think she can read. No really, this dog is freakishly smart. So I think she knows I said I wanted to walk her every night. But she missed the fine print of *when it's not past 8 pm. Oh well, it was a nice walk and it actually feels like it's warming up outside. And by warming up I mean into the low 30s.

So my mistake? A little establishment known as Cancun. Dang, we love their food. And we haven't been in a while. Actually, we were there December 30th with friends but it seems like it's been forever. My poison? Tacos de carne asada, sin frijoles, con arroz con queso. Muy bien! Then you pile on all the chips and salsa I ate and it makes for one pre-workout stomach ache!

You know that feeling when you've swallowed too much food and it aches going down your throat? Yep, that but in my gut. What's the deal? I did not clean my plate and in fact I only ate two tacos. And these are 6" diameter tacos...with cuts of steak...and pico...oh and some rice...and HOT sauce! I actually think of all the dishes on the menu, it has to be one of the healthier pics. Wouldn't you think? I even resisted the margarita tonight. I told hubs, had it be post workout I so would have gotten one.

So, it's Friday-hip hip! Hubs has TWO gigs tomorrow. One on the east side of the state, an outdoor thing. Did you notice earlier I said it's warming into the low 30's? And then another one at a local bar. I told him it might be fun to tag along tomorrow to the outdoor gig. I'm kind of regretting that decision. My whole day will be gone, I will have to Shred at night instead of early afternoon (like I do on weekends), and no cleaning will get done. I may redact later.

Today also happens to be my dad's birthday! Happy birthday Pops! Guess what he had for his birthday dinner? An omelet! Both him and my mom had to work late today so they're headed out on the town tomorrow--and to one of my favorite restaurants, so jealous.

My menu-

Low fat Greek yogurt with Cornflakes (Touch of Honey)
Green tea with mixed berry

Cottage cheese with peaches (blech, they were so tinny and gross)
Apple

Leftover scalloped potatoes

Apple

Tacos de carne asada!
Chips and salsa

One more day of level 2 and then on to level 3. This can be done and I can do it!

The Shred-Day Seventeen

Oookay! Day 17 down. The Shred done, dog walked, papers graded, Idol watched.

This is actually day three of walking the pup post Shred. It's working out okay. It would work out better if I didn't have to make dinner-like tonight. More on that in a minute.

There are definitely parts of level 2 I loathe. Those squat press arm flies or whatever they're called-those are no fun. The cardio in circuit 2, I don't like either of them. I might try swapping the order to see if it gets a bit easier for me. But again, I can do level 2, so I'm not complaining too much.

My dear aunt finally arrived-on a way late train. Tonight she's definitely letting me know she's hear. Can you say ouch?! Although, it's nothing compared to when I'm inactive.

It's Wednesday night which means tomorrow is Thursday, also better known as Friday Eve.

Menu today:

Green tea with mixed berry
Low fat Greek yogurt with granola bites and honey

Cottage cheese with strawberries

Leftover chicken parm (see last night)

3 granola bites

Breakfast burrito-tortilla, proscuitto, eggs, cheese, hot sauce
A couple handfuls of Sour Cream and Cheddar Baked Lays (yum!)
1/2 serving cashews, I was starving still!

Nothing too inspired today. Maybe tomorrow (o:

The Shred-Day Fifteen

Halfway there! Super sweet.

So, despite this morning's disappointments I'm persevering. I did level 2 this afternoon after a day of shopping (of the grocery and deal-getting sort) and then as soon as I finished I took the pup for a walk. Why I don't do that every day, I'm not sure. I might try to make that my new resolution.

Again, things are getting more doable. I'm not doing the double jump ropes-sorry-just plain jump ropes. Today I had a harder time with balance, strange. No big deal though.

In six more days I'll be transitioning to level 3. That seems incredible. I certainly hope I start seeing more results soon.

Menu:

Low fat Greek yogurt with honey and a little bit of granola--that's all that was left.




See all this blank space? That's me, not eating.
I hadn't planned on being out too long today, an hour or two tops. Turned into 6 hours! I did take an apple with me but by the time I remembered that, I had bought a spicy tuna roll from one of our grocery stores (make it fresh right then and there). I shoved half in my mouth en route to the next store.

1/2 spicy tuna roll


other 1/2 spicy tuna roll (4 hours later-post workout)

For dinner we're having hamburgers except (and hubby didn't want me to mention this--I think it's creative!) they're on hot dog buns, because that's what we have, so they're shaped like rectangles.
Green beans
Baked french fries--I'm keeping these to a minimum

I might try to throw in a grapefruit later too. Happy Monday!

The Shred-Day Seven

The tale of two hot dogs.

It all started when hubby got up at a normal time. This never happens after a gig. I was totally banking on him sleeping until 11 or so and with my spare time I would work out, go to the grocery store, and then be back to make breakfast. But no. He got up at 9:00...shortly after me and wanted food then. So, I made us both toast--this was my breakfast and his appetizer. I hoped then to work out and go to the store. Nope. Instead, I went to the store and wanted to work out. Guess what? "What's for lunch?"

Luckily--not for my weight loss--I had purchased hot dogs today. Why would I buy those at 14 grams a fat per dog?! They were free! Meijer was doing lots of 10 for 10 sales and then I had a coupon. So free fat. Anyway, I stuck two dogs in boiling water, cut up some pickles and onions, and prepared to Shred day 7.

I DID NOT STOP. Although, when doing those torturous jumping jacks I did switch the weight from one leg to another just to keep going. But better than yesterday!

I continued with the five pound weights the same as yesterday. It makes those side lunges a bit more bearable (sp?) with the lighter weights.

So, onto the hot dog story. I decided I also wanted two hot dogs for lunch and figured since it was right after the work out (did you know the first 20 minutes after a workout are the best time to eat?!) it wouldn't be so bad, combined with my really light breakfast.

Yep, I was totally trying to rationalize it to myself. Anyway, I warmed the buns, put pickles and onions on the bottom, then finally plopped the hot dog onto the bun and topped them off with a heap of mustard and a stripe of ketchup.

We rarely have or use paper plates but had some left over from Thanksgiving so today was a good day to break one out. Yes, one. I reused hubby's plate. Anyway, I sat down next to the hubs on the couch and began to eat the first hot dog. About three bites in, the dog made a lunge for my lunch and I jerked the plate away causing the second hot dog to over turn, mustard and ketchup side down.

**insert angry face.

I think it was the world's way of telling me not to eat the second hot dog. I shared this speculation with the hubs, to which he took a hubby sized bite, and ate about half, and gave the rest to the pups. So, I'm getting only 20 grams of fat instead of 28. Ugh, isn't that insane?!

For dinner, the SIL and our nephew are coming over. We're having Paprika Chicken from this lovely blog. (apparently you have to hover over "lovely blog" to see the link, strange) My personal changes are that I am using green onions, am not using peppers (neither of us can stomach cooked peppers), and low fat sour cream. I wanted to serve it over quinoa or couscous, but hubby requested rice, so brown rice it will be.

Today's menu in one place:
Two slices of Portuguese Sweet Bread, toasted and buttered

Two (almost two!) hot dogs with pickles, onions, mustard, and ketchup

Low fat Greek yogurt with honey and Corn Flakes
Green tea with mixed berry

Go day 7!!! Like Jackie said, 23 days to go!