This week has been a bit stressful for me: I have had more meetings at night than usual, I have had many things I need to accomplish before spring break starts next week, and I have had more commitments at my school on top of student teaching. Something that has been a driving force (especially this morning) is that I am going home on Thursday night. I am not a person who casually goes home on the weekend for various reasons, so school breaks are generally the only time I go home. I have not been home since the end of winter break and I am pretty excited to go home in a little more 24 hours.
Also, I think holidays are wonderful things and Easter is a great holiday. Christmas is my favorite holiday, but Easter is number two, and since I am in a list making mood, here are some of my top reasons to leave Easter:
1. Time with the family
2. Anticipation of spring and the start of nice weather (although maybe not this year)
3. Reese's Peanut Butter Easter Eggs (try them at your own risk: they are addictive)
4. The beautiful yet heartbreaking readings at the Good Friday service
Although this spring break I have to apply for jobs, work on my senior comp (a test, oral presentations, and essay you have to pass in order to be a Spanish major), and plan for the rest of the year at my school, I can do that in my pajamas. I can do that without getting up at 5:20AM. I can do that and bake homemade goodies. I can do that and do laundry for free. I can do that and chat with my brother. I can do that while lounging in bed. The idea that I will be home makes the whole deal sweeter.
Some personal goals I have over break include (I told you I was in a list making mood today):
1. Go to Starbucks with my little brother (that is our bonding place)
2. Read at least 2 books
3. Bake some sort of Pinterest recipe.
4. Make a great bean dip for my family Easter party
5. Watch a movie with my family
After making that list, I am now even more excited to go home.
Well I am writing this during my planning period and I should probably grade some projects, so I'll finish here. What are some things you love about Easter/family time?
-J
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
I Ate McDonald's, and I Didn't Like It
For some of my friends, just thinking of me eating McDonald's gives them a stomach ache. For others, it's no big deal because they eat there several times a month themselves.
I used to eat at McDonald's more often. I drive 45 minutes to one of my jobs 4 days a week and when I had been lazy and hadn't packed a lunch, this was an easy stop to make and under $5.00. Then Lent came. I knew I needed to lose weight for the Biggest Loser competition at my gym and I needed to have a healthier lifestyle. Because of that, I went all out this Lent. No sugar (skittles, soda, candy, ice cream, etc.). No meat. No eating out.
I did cave a couple times on some of those, but for the most part, I did really well this Lent. Yesterday was a cave in day. I know, I know. It's Holy Week. Just 6 more days and I can let go for a couple days. But I had been lazy and I was REALLY hungry after work. I had a McDonalds gift card so I decided to swing by. I got my usual: Cheeseburger with extra pickles, McChicken sandwich, small fry. I really wanted a Shamrock Shake since I haven't had one yet this year, but I restrained myself.
It didn't taste great. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as good as I remembered either.
And I felt what it did to me. I could feel it sitting in my stomach for the rest of the evening. I was shelving in the Children's section at my other library job and I just felt sick for the rest of the night. It's almost 24 hours later and I still don't feel like my normal self.
Is this what McDonalds has been doing to me and I never noticed? It's not as though I ate at McDonalds that often before Lent. Subway or Taco Bell were my choices if I did decide to eat out, but I would have a burger on occasion.
I do not want to feel that sick again. I have never had food poisoning, and never want to, but that feeling I had all yesterday and still a bit today is something I know now that I can avoid.
For those of you reading this who do eat out: try giving it up for a while. You'll save money, and if/when you do go back, perhaps you'll notice how different it makes you feel.
I won't be eating McDonald's burgers again. My solemn vow to you, my readers, but most of all, to myself.
~M
I used to eat at McDonald's more often. I drive 45 minutes to one of my jobs 4 days a week and when I had been lazy and hadn't packed a lunch, this was an easy stop to make and under $5.00. Then Lent came. I knew I needed to lose weight for the Biggest Loser competition at my gym and I needed to have a healthier lifestyle. Because of that, I went all out this Lent. No sugar (skittles, soda, candy, ice cream, etc.). No meat. No eating out.
I did cave a couple times on some of those, but for the most part, I did really well this Lent. Yesterday was a cave in day. I know, I know. It's Holy Week. Just 6 more days and I can let go for a couple days. But I had been lazy and I was REALLY hungry after work. I had a McDonalds gift card so I decided to swing by. I got my usual: Cheeseburger with extra pickles, McChicken sandwich, small fry. I really wanted a Shamrock Shake since I haven't had one yet this year, but I restrained myself.
It didn't taste great. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as good as I remembered either.
And I felt what it did to me. I could feel it sitting in my stomach for the rest of the evening. I was shelving in the Children's section at my other library job and I just felt sick for the rest of the night. It's almost 24 hours later and I still don't feel like my normal self.
Is this what McDonalds has been doing to me and I never noticed? It's not as though I ate at McDonalds that often before Lent. Subway or Taco Bell were my choices if I did decide to eat out, but I would have a burger on occasion.
I do not want to feel that sick again. I have never had food poisoning, and never want to, but that feeling I had all yesterday and still a bit today is something I know now that I can avoid.
For those of you reading this who do eat out: try giving it up for a while. You'll save money, and if/when you do go back, perhaps you'll notice how different it makes you feel.
I won't be eating McDonald's burgers again. My solemn vow to you, my readers, but most of all, to myself.
~M
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Cake Batter Rice Krispies
Hi all, J here. Sorry I have been away for a week, I will try to be more diligent like my big sis and post more often. Today has been a relaxing Sunday, which was needed since I have been very productive and worked more than usual this weekend. On this relaxing Sunday, I splurged and bought myself a pair of classic black pumps from DSW because I worked 10 hours yesterday. They are one of the most comfortable pair of heels I have ever worn and I currently in love with them. I have started planning my teaching outfit for tomorrow around those shoes. Today I also ate a Shamrock Shake (Happy Saint Patrick's Day!), watched part of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 on ABC family, and did some unit planning for my Spanish IV/V class.
This past week has been Spring Break for my classmates but since I am student teaching, my Spring Break is in two weeks. Because the dining hall has been closed, this past week I have been on my own for dinner so I got a small experience of my apartment life next year with buying my own groceries. Let me tell you that I am thoroughly excited for next year and making all the delicious food I want. I went to two different grocery stores and some goodies including pesto, cheese ravioli, fancy cheese, beans, avocados, and tomatoes among other delectable treats. It has been such a pleasure choosing what I want to eat every night, and I am very excited to buy avocados to my heart's desire next year.
Speaking of food, I was in a bit of a baking mood this morning and in celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, I decided to make Cake Batter Rice Krispies. They were very simple to make, but a little bit of a variation of the normal treat. For those too lazy to click on the link, here are the directions:
The recipe was very easy to make and yielded tasty results.
I think I would do some tweaking and maybe add more cake batter next time, but I think the result was positive overall. I mean anything that has Cake Batter in the title will more than likely be delicious. All of my friends are loving me as well because they are profiting from my baking whims.
That is it from here. Enjoy this lovely tune from the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfFlC05-nxk- J
This past week has been Spring Break for my classmates but since I am student teaching, my Spring Break is in two weeks. Because the dining hall has been closed, this past week I have been on my own for dinner so I got a small experience of my apartment life next year with buying my own groceries. Let me tell you that I am thoroughly excited for next year and making all the delicious food I want. I went to two different grocery stores and some goodies including pesto, cheese ravioli, fancy cheese, beans, avocados, and tomatoes among other delectable treats. It has been such a pleasure choosing what I want to eat every night, and I am very excited to buy avocados to my heart's desire next year.
Speaking of food, I was in a bit of a baking mood this morning and in celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, I decided to make Cake Batter Rice Krispies. They were very simple to make, but a little bit of a variation of the normal treat. For those too lazy to click on the link, here are the directions:
Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (10 oz.) bag of marshmallows (or 10 ounces of standard sized marshmallows)
2/3 heaping cup dry yellow or white cake mix
6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
1/3 cup (1.75 oz bottle) sprinkles
Directions:
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
In a very large sauce pan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the marshmallow and melt while stirring constantly. Once the marshmallows are just about completely melted, remove from the heat and stir in the dry cake mix a few spoonfuls at a time to ensure it blends.
Mix in the Rice Krispies and combine until coated with the marshmallow. Shake in a few sprinkles at a time, and mix. Add a few more, mix again. Continue this process until the sprinkles are evenly distributed among the Rice Krispies and you use up about 3/4 of the sprinkles.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and gently press into the pan so the top layer is flat and even. Distribute the remaining sprinkles evenly over the top.
These are not the Rice Krispies I made, but mine looked very similar.
The recipe was very easy to make and yielded tasty results.
I think I would do some tweaking and maybe add more cake batter next time, but I think the result was positive overall. I mean anything that has Cake Batter in the title will more than likely be delicious. All of my friends are loving me as well because they are profiting from my baking whims.
That is it from here. Enjoy this lovely tune from the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfFlC05-nxk- J
Thursday, March 14, 2013
A Day Where Everything Falls Into Place
Yesterday, March 13, 2013, was a wonderful day.
Papa Francisco, Papa Francis, was elected as Pope. I was able to listen to his first address to the audience live, in my car, driving back from work. You may wonder why I called him Papa rather than Pope Francis. That's just something my cousins and I do sometimes. I don't do it to every Pope. Just the ones I feel like I could connect with. The ones I really admire. Same thing with priests or others with titles as such. My dad's side of the family was, and still is, very close to the priest at the church where I grew up. Many of those people just call the priest by his first name. I've always liked that. Yes, some, like my Mom, use the title as a sign of respect. But if I want to respect someone, become friends with that person, have a relationship with them on an individual level, I would never use a title like that. They'd just be "Joe" or "Greg." I can't bring myself to be that casual with the person sitting in Saint Peter's seat of the Church. But I can humanize the title a little.
I'm thrilled we have a Pope from Argentina as well. J is almost done student teaching and will be a Spanish teacher next year. Our mom is a Spanish teacher too. I have a love for Spanish speaking countries because of this. And it's wonderful to have a nod to all the Catholics in Central and South America. He has set a precedent as being the first Pope in many ways. I'm just so thrilled. He seems wonderful.
Most of you likely know that I'm engaged to Kyle. He and I have been waiting on his acceptance letter to the colleges he applied for. Yesterday he received the acceptance letter to one of them! Finally, things are not quite in so much limbo anymore. I can start scouting out apartments and potential jobs now. I'm so happy to not be waiting anymore.
The last thing that made yesterday wonderful was once again related to my weight. The gym Kyle and I attend partnered with a local radio station for two months. They had a campaign and if you lost 10 pounds by the end, you were entered to win $1000. I weighed in yesterday at the final event and had lost 13.8 pounds which brought me down to 162.8! I had won a drawing earlier in the contest for a free pair of running shoes from a specialty shoe store if I did lose the weight so I have something to show for my diligence! Next week my feet will be all decked out in a new pretty pair of running shoes. I did not win the $1000, but I'm thrilled about the new shoes!
My day was complete at that point. Everything that could have gone right, did. Things are finally falling into place for us. I can't wait to see what surprises await us next. :)
~M
Papa Francisco, Papa Francis, was elected as Pope. I was able to listen to his first address to the audience live, in my car, driving back from work. You may wonder why I called him Papa rather than Pope Francis. That's just something my cousins and I do sometimes. I don't do it to every Pope. Just the ones I feel like I could connect with. The ones I really admire. Same thing with priests or others with titles as such. My dad's side of the family was, and still is, very close to the priest at the church where I grew up. Many of those people just call the priest by his first name. I've always liked that. Yes, some, like my Mom, use the title as a sign of respect. But if I want to respect someone, become friends with that person, have a relationship with them on an individual level, I would never use a title like that. They'd just be "Joe" or "Greg." I can't bring myself to be that casual with the person sitting in Saint Peter's seat of the Church. But I can humanize the title a little.
I'm thrilled we have a Pope from Argentina as well. J is almost done student teaching and will be a Spanish teacher next year. Our mom is a Spanish teacher too. I have a love for Spanish speaking countries because of this. And it's wonderful to have a nod to all the Catholics in Central and South America. He has set a precedent as being the first Pope in many ways. I'm just so thrilled. He seems wonderful.
Most of you likely know that I'm engaged to Kyle. He and I have been waiting on his acceptance letter to the colleges he applied for. Yesterday he received the acceptance letter to one of them! Finally, things are not quite in so much limbo anymore. I can start scouting out apartments and potential jobs now. I'm so happy to not be waiting anymore.
The last thing that made yesterday wonderful was once again related to my weight. The gym Kyle and I attend partnered with a local radio station for two months. They had a campaign and if you lost 10 pounds by the end, you were entered to win $1000. I weighed in yesterday at the final event and had lost 13.8 pounds which brought me down to 162.8! I had won a drawing earlier in the contest for a free pair of running shoes from a specialty shoe store if I did lose the weight so I have something to show for my diligence! Next week my feet will be all decked out in a new pretty pair of running shoes. I did not win the $1000, but I'm thrilled about the new shoes!
My day was complete at that point. Everything that could have gone right, did. Things are finally falling into place for us. I can't wait to see what surprises await us next. :)
~M
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Book Review: Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines
It's been about 3 months since I graduated with my Master's degree. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed the extra time I have to watch tv shows on Netflix and read print books for fun- not school. I'm not sure what is wrong with my choices lately, but this book was another dud. Perhaps I'm just not cut out for the adult Fantasy section.
Premise: (from Infosoup) Gifted with the ability to draw objects out of books, Isaac Vainio, A Libriomancer, seeks assistance from a Harley-riding dryad after a number of vampire attacks are reported by other members of his secret, magic organization.
The front flap of the book that gave a description enticed me more than the above would have. I was drawn in by by the title of the book. Any character that has a love for books in a book I read, should be someone I root for, enjoy reading about, and would have a bond with. I knew the book may be a bit of a stretch for me. I don't often read books from the Science Fiction/Fantasy section. But perhaps I would enjoy this one. He does work in a library after all, and how cool would it be if we could pull objects out of books?!
Unfortunately, this one was not the case.
I didn't have as terrible of a time finishing this book as I did Storm Front, but it was still a struggle. And some of the same claims apply. The author for this book did a better job describing background, the way those who possess magic are organized, and explaining why something was happening. However, I wanted some of that earlier. Not explained after the fact. I get frustrated when I read and something is confusing. I should be in the moment. On the edge of my seat (literally sometimes) wanting to know what will happen next. It just didn't happen and there were plenty of moments when I could have had that reaction and just was not involved.
This was the first book in a series so I was really hopeful for that reason too!
Hello. My name is M. And I'm a serial series addict.
The next time a Fantasy book looks interesting I'm going to get it in audio book format to see if that makes a difference. Hopefully it will!
Consensus: 2 out of 5 stars
~M
Premise: (from Infosoup) Gifted with the ability to draw objects out of books, Isaac Vainio, A Libriomancer, seeks assistance from a Harley-riding dryad after a number of vampire attacks are reported by other members of his secret, magic organization.
The front flap of the book that gave a description enticed me more than the above would have. I was drawn in by by the title of the book. Any character that has a love for books in a book I read, should be someone I root for, enjoy reading about, and would have a bond with. I knew the book may be a bit of a stretch for me. I don't often read books from the Science Fiction/Fantasy section. But perhaps I would enjoy this one. He does work in a library after all, and how cool would it be if we could pull objects out of books?!
Unfortunately, this one was not the case.
I didn't have as terrible of a time finishing this book as I did Storm Front, but it was still a struggle. And some of the same claims apply. The author for this book did a better job describing background, the way those who possess magic are organized, and explaining why something was happening. However, I wanted some of that earlier. Not explained after the fact. I get frustrated when I read and something is confusing. I should be in the moment. On the edge of my seat (literally sometimes) wanting to know what will happen next. It just didn't happen and there were plenty of moments when I could have had that reaction and just was not involved.
This was the first book in a series so I was really hopeful for that reason too!
Hello. My name is M. And I'm a serial series addict.
The next time a Fantasy book looks interesting I'm going to get it in audio book format to see if that makes a difference. Hopefully it will!
Consensus: 2 out of 5 stars
~M
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Snow Days and an Ode to Saturday Mornings
On Wednesday, I woke up to one of the best texts a gal can receive: snow day. I am starting to think that teachers enjoy snow days more than students do, but regardless snow days are beloved by all. This was my second snow day of the year, and since I will be graduating and leaving my student placement in May, I do not have to make up that day, so it was a no-strings-attached free day in the middle of the week. After I saw the text declaring the much needed snow day, I fell back into my bed and slept in. Although sitting on the couch and watching TV for the rest of the day sounded like fun, I ended up applying to the Madison school district, picking up my dry cleaning, tutoring a boy in Spanish, and grading papers. I got to spend the majority of the day in my pajamas, so it was a win. The snow day made the rest of my week pass quickly, and now it is Saturday morning.
I think that Saturday mornings are my favorite day of the week. On Saturdays, I do not have to set my alarm for anything and when I wake up I watch a little bit of TV or read. This morning, I had a lemon poppy seed muffin (one of my favorites) and a glass of chocolate milk while reading The Day of the Triffids (You can find a summary of the book here - http://www.readinggroupguides.com /guides3/day_of_the_triffids1.asp). In regards to the rest of my morning, I am going to work out (It is almost warm enough for me to go for a run outside!) Later I will do some grading and apply for another job.
Since this week is spring break at my school, my dorm is pretty empty. My spring break will be coming after Easter since I have to take my spring break with my school since I am student teaching. I look forward to being able to listen to my music in the mornings without fearing I will wake up my neighbors. I also get to be a big girl for a week and make my own meals since the dining hall will be closed. And like the list-addict I am, I made a list of groceries I need to buy and planned my meals for the week. I have also already made a list of what I need to do this weekend. I think I like making lists so much because when I am done I get to check the item off/cross it off and I just feel like I accomplished something.
In celebration of perfect Saturday mornings, here is my quote for this post:
 |
| Lemon Poppy Seed Happiness |
I think that Saturday mornings are my favorite day of the week. On Saturdays, I do not have to set my alarm for anything and when I wake up I watch a little bit of TV or read. This morning, I had a lemon poppy seed muffin (one of my favorites) and a glass of chocolate milk while reading The Day of the Triffids (You can find a summary of the book here - http://www.readinggroupguides.com /guides3/day_of_the_triffids1.asp). In regards to the rest of my morning, I am going to work out (It is almost warm enough for me to go for a run outside!) Later I will do some grading and apply for another job.
Since this week is spring break at my school, my dorm is pretty empty. My spring break will be coming after Easter since I have to take my spring break with my school since I am student teaching. I look forward to being able to listen to my music in the mornings without fearing I will wake up my neighbors. I also get to be a big girl for a week and make my own meals since the dining hall will be closed. And like the list-addict I am, I made a list of groceries I need to buy and planned my meals for the week. I have also already made a list of what I need to do this weekend. I think I like making lists so much because when I am done I get to check the item off/cross it off and I just feel like I accomplished something.
In celebration of perfect Saturday mornings, here is my quote for this post:
la vie est fait de petits bonheurs -life is made of little pleasures.
Celebrate your Saturday.
-J
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Book Review: Storm Front by Jim Butcher
Storm Front is the first book in a fantasy series by Jim Butcher. It was recommended to me by my fiance, Kyle, and he was told to read it by a friend of his. Kyle doesn't read as often as he let on in his online dating profile where we met. ;) But, this friend was persistent and Kyle finally read it over this past winter break.
He raved about this book. It was funny. It was clever. It was interesting.
It. Was. Not.
I have a Master's degree in Library Science. I have 10 years of experience working in libraries. One of my main memories from growing up is visiting the library every Saturday. One of my favorite things to do is to spend an afternoon reading a book. This hasn't happened lately because of my current addiction to The West Wing, but I digress.
It is extremely unusual for me to not finish a book. I can count on less than one hand the number of times it has happened. I did happen to finish this one, but it was a mighty struggle.
I don't often read books from the Fantasy or Science Fiction area. I'm honestly not sure why this is. I have been a Potterhead ever since The Chamber of Secrets came out. That is a fantasy series at its best. This book was just unable to reach me. I did not find any of it amusing or remotely funny. Kyle enjoys his puns, but I didn't read any of those either.
Premise: Harry Dresden is a wizard. He owns his own business and is even listed in the yellow pages. Harry is also a consultant for the Chicago Police Department. When they don't understand something and it looks the least bit strange or magical, Harry is called upon. A double murder is committed that has Harry stumped, but the person who committed it knows Harry is on the case. This person is out to ensure that this case is never solved- no matter what the price.
It sounded ok. A little iffy, but I can work with that. What I can't work with is magic being performed and not knowing why. Why are certain words being said rather than others? Why certain elements in the potion? Explain what these different levels of magic are. Give me an overview of the agencies that govern what magic is being used. I need to understand all this to connect with the magic being performed.
Most of the time, these weren't explained. Or if they were, I still had more questions. With Harry Potter, you learn with Harry as he encounters all these new elements of the wizarding world. This is not the case with the Dresden files. Perhaps things are better explained as you read more into the series, but I'm not willing to take the time to do that.
I do agree with Kyle on one thing. One of his favorite aspects of this series was that there is a limit to the amount of power a wizard has. Once it's gone, he or she has to wait for it to come back, kind of like a charge, I suppose. Elsewhere, often, it seems wizards or magical creatures have unlimited power. It was nice to see a difference in that for a change.
Consensus: 1 out of 5 stars.
He raved about this book. It was funny. It was clever. It was interesting.
It. Was. Not.
I have a Master's degree in Library Science. I have 10 years of experience working in libraries. One of my main memories from growing up is visiting the library every Saturday. One of my favorite things to do is to spend an afternoon reading a book. This hasn't happened lately because of my current addiction to The West Wing, but I digress.
It is extremely unusual for me to not finish a book. I can count on less than one hand the number of times it has happened. I did happen to finish this one, but it was a mighty struggle.
I don't often read books from the Fantasy or Science Fiction area. I'm honestly not sure why this is. I have been a Potterhead ever since The Chamber of Secrets came out. That is a fantasy series at its best. This book was just unable to reach me. I did not find any of it amusing or remotely funny. Kyle enjoys his puns, but I didn't read any of those either.
Premise: Harry Dresden is a wizard. He owns his own business and is even listed in the yellow pages. Harry is also a consultant for the Chicago Police Department. When they don't understand something and it looks the least bit strange or magical, Harry is called upon. A double murder is committed that has Harry stumped, but the person who committed it knows Harry is on the case. This person is out to ensure that this case is never solved- no matter what the price.
It sounded ok. A little iffy, but I can work with that. What I can't work with is magic being performed and not knowing why. Why are certain words being said rather than others? Why certain elements in the potion? Explain what these different levels of magic are. Give me an overview of the agencies that govern what magic is being used. I need to understand all this to connect with the magic being performed.
Most of the time, these weren't explained. Or if they were, I still had more questions. With Harry Potter, you learn with Harry as he encounters all these new elements of the wizarding world. This is not the case with the Dresden files. Perhaps things are better explained as you read more into the series, but I'm not willing to take the time to do that.
I do agree with Kyle on one thing. One of his favorite aspects of this series was that there is a limit to the amount of power a wizard has. Once it's gone, he or she has to wait for it to come back, kind of like a charge, I suppose. Elsewhere, often, it seems wizards or magical creatures have unlimited power. It was nice to see a difference in that for a change.
Consensus: 1 out of 5 stars.
~M
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Being Content
Hi all; I'm J, M's sister. I wanted to write this post about happiness and being content with life. While I was at mass this evening, I felt a sudden peace and happiness. This is not to say that I am normally not pleased with my life, but I just felt peaceful. Upon further reflection, I think the happiness has derived from being productive today. I volunteered this morning, cleaned my room, helped plan a bridal shower for a friend, and ate brunch with some of my favorites. Not too bad for a Saturday afternoon. I am currently working the front desk, I have finished my grading, and I am uploading the Les Mis movie soundtrack onto my iTunes. I feel on top of the world, and I am blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people.
So much happiness and so many smiles in my life right now.
Something that has contributed to my happiness right now is the amount of hummus in the dining hall. Today, the dining hall had a savory red pepper hummus that I had on a sandwich of whole grains, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It was delicious. (Cue drooling....Confession: I had that exact same sandwich for lunch and dinner. No shame.) Friday night I had pesto hummus. Two thumbs way up dining hall. If you have not had the joy of eating red pepper or pesto hummus, or just plain hummus for that matter, I would recommend it. (Here is a link to different kinds of hummus. I might consider eating beets in hummus form....maybe http://pamelasalzman.com/hummus-4-ways/).
That is all for me today, and I think that I am going to end almost all of my posts with a quote, because words and I share a passionate affair. I strongly believe that words have power.
Here is a quote from Margaret Thatcher that hung from my Freshman and Sophmore English teacher's podium that succinctly describes the source of my happy feelings.
“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it.” - Margaret Thatcher
J
So much happiness and so many smiles in my life right now.
Something that has contributed to my happiness right now is the amount of hummus in the dining hall. Today, the dining hall had a savory red pepper hummus that I had on a sandwich of whole grains, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It was delicious. (Cue drooling....Confession: I had that exact same sandwich for lunch and dinner. No shame.) Friday night I had pesto hummus. Two thumbs way up dining hall. If you have not had the joy of eating red pepper or pesto hummus, or just plain hummus for that matter, I would recommend it. (Here is a link to different kinds of hummus. I might consider eating beets in hummus form....maybe http://pamelasalzman.com/hummus-4-ways/).
That is all for me today, and I think that I am going to end almost all of my posts with a quote, because words and I share a passionate affair. I strongly believe that words have power.
Here is a quote from Margaret Thatcher that hung from my Freshman and Sophmore English teacher's podium that succinctly describes the source of my happy feelings.
“Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it.” - Margaret Thatcher
J
Friday, March 1, 2013
Wedding Weight Loss
Weight loss or gain is something it seems everyone is struggling with or has struggled with. I was a size 3 in juniors sizes when I started high school. I was up to a size 7 by the time I graduated. That was almost 10 years ago. I realize that part of that was a high metabolism, the fact that puberty hadn't finished with me yet, and that I was in cross country as a freshman and would have been as a sophomore if I hadn't broken my ankle at the end of summer.
My point, is that when I was a 3, or a 5, or even an 8, I thought I was fat. I needed to lose weight. Get rid of my belly, have more defined legs, tone the arms, etc. I didn't have this problem when I was in what would have been middle school if it hadn't been a K-8. Not sure when I started thinking this way, but it must have been in high school sometime. I look back on this and wish I could have talked to my 13, 14, 16 year old self. Let her know that she was beautiful, in shape, and not to worry about it.
This past year, I was at the heaviest I have ever been, topping out around 187. This is not healthy for a 5'6" person. I hate that I have to wear shorts of some variety underneath my dresses and skirts because my thighs hurt when they rub together. I hate that I get winded after I run a block. I hate that I have to buy new clothes because my cute old ones don't fit anymore. I hate how easily I get a double chin. I don't hate myself, in fact I'd say I have higher self esteem now than in high school, but I am not happy with where I am physically.
Because of all this, I joined Planet Fitness back in October. Also, for Lent I gave up meat and sugar. I am also not eating out. No drinks except for milk and water. No candy (I miss my skittles so much.....) No sugar cereal (The Captain and Golden Grahams are patiently waiting for me.) All of this has helped. It's helped so much that I tried on a pair of jeans today. These jeans I bought new last winter. This past September they didn't fit anymore. I tried these jeans on today and they fit. In fact, they are even loose! I'm getting married in June and my goal was to get down to a size 8 so I didn't have to alter the dress except for hemming. One more size to go! This is a great start to my weekend and continuing what I have started.
I realize this is not a "typical" post to start a blog. Especially a blog that won't be focused on weight loss or gain. But I was very excited about my jeans today. I wanted to write something meaningful, even if it's a bit serious. :)
Kyle, my fiance, is in class so I have time to watch one more episode of The West Wing (my current addiction) on Netflix before he's out. Happy weekend!!!!
My point, is that when I was a 3, or a 5, or even an 8, I thought I was fat. I needed to lose weight. Get rid of my belly, have more defined legs, tone the arms, etc. I didn't have this problem when I was in what would have been middle school if it hadn't been a K-8. Not sure when I started thinking this way, but it must have been in high school sometime. I look back on this and wish I could have talked to my 13, 14, 16 year old self. Let her know that she was beautiful, in shape, and not to worry about it.
This past year, I was at the heaviest I have ever been, topping out around 187. This is not healthy for a 5'6" person. I hate that I have to wear shorts of some variety underneath my dresses and skirts because my thighs hurt when they rub together. I hate that I get winded after I run a block. I hate that I have to buy new clothes because my cute old ones don't fit anymore. I hate how easily I get a double chin. I don't hate myself, in fact I'd say I have higher self esteem now than in high school, but I am not happy with where I am physically.
Because of all this, I joined Planet Fitness back in October. Also, for Lent I gave up meat and sugar. I am also not eating out. No drinks except for milk and water. No candy (I miss my skittles so much.....) No sugar cereal (The Captain and Golden Grahams are patiently waiting for me.) All of this has helped. It's helped so much that I tried on a pair of jeans today. These jeans I bought new last winter. This past September they didn't fit anymore. I tried these jeans on today and they fit. In fact, they are even loose! I'm getting married in June and my goal was to get down to a size 8 so I didn't have to alter the dress except for hemming. One more size to go! This is a great start to my weekend and continuing what I have started.
I realize this is not a "typical" post to start a blog. Especially a blog that won't be focused on weight loss or gain. But I was very excited about my jeans today. I wanted to write something meaningful, even if it's a bit serious. :)
Kyle, my fiance, is in class so I have time to watch one more episode of The West Wing (my current addiction) on Netflix before he's out. Happy weekend!!!!
~M
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