Late Dinner

Pot roast and grilled veggies! One step at a time! My mom has the best pot roast recipe!

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Parking Lots

Maybe I need to park farther out at work more often. Yes, that is my building in the distance!

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Comfortable concrete?

Graceful definitely isn't my middle name. Yesterday while helping my Dad in his garage, I apparently decided his garage floor looked appealing. We were moving stuff around and I was backing up between his trailer and his Ranger when I forgot that his tail lights stick out. Well, the tail light decided to grab my leg and toss me on the ground. I landed on my back. I actually theoretically fell the right way. However, I got turned around and landed weird... and now my back is messed up. Looking forward to going home and alternating heat and ice! I am pretty sure it's just muscle pain, because the pain is pretty far on the side. Need to tough it out for a few days, but take it easy at the same time. And I changed my work hours so I could go to the gym. But when you can barely walk right and can't throw your purse over your shoulder, it may be a couple days before I go to the gym! Thank God for ibuprofen!

 

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Good pain?

3 days of Kardio/Zumba in a row = soreness! Good pain?

Back on Monday! :)

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Back to the Basics...

Back to no carbs this week. Super excited... Or not. Luckily the late garden we planted is producing veggies! It its going to be a big tomatos and cucumber week! One thing I am thing to miss? Tomato sandwiches :( Hoping to go to Kardio/Zumba four nights this week on top of working 48 hours at the new job!

A Woman's Week At The Gym

A friend e-mailed this to me and I thought I would share this with my readers. Nearly cried laughing...

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM

Dear Diary, 
For my birthday this year, I purchased a week of personal training at the local health club. 

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try. 

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear. 

Friends seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.              

________________________________ 

MONDAY: 

Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god-- with blond hair, dancing eyes, and a dazzling white smile.  Woo Hoo!! 

Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines.               I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring! 

Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week!! 

______________________________ 

TUESDAY: 
I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door.  Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it!  My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile.  His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT!  It's a whole new life for me. 
______________________________ 

WEDNESDAY: 
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it.  I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals.  Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot. 

Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members.  His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying. 

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster.  Why would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators?  Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life.  He said some other crap too. 

__________________________ 

THURSDAY: 
Butt hole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl.  I couldn't help being a half an hour late-- it took me that long to tie my shoes. 

He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom.  He sent some skinny witch to find me. 

Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine-- which I sank.
_________________________________ 

FRIDAY: 
I hate that Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic, little aerobics instructor.  If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it. 

Christo wanted me to work on my triceps.  I don't have any triceps!  And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the darn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich. 

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher.  Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?
______________________________ 

SATURDAY: 
Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today.  Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.. 
_______________________________ 

SUNDAY: 
I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over.  I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun-- like a root canal or a hysterectomy.  I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!
 

Grilled Chicken & Veggies

Last night we put lots of veggies (onions, peppers, zucchini, squash, green beans, mushrooms, etc.) And some chicken in a casserole with a little but of evoo, very little salt, pepper, and some garlic. We baked it at 375° for 45 minutes. The chicken was the pre-cooked, frozen kind which we very very rarely purchase. As Rachael Ray would say, yum-o!

Stress

I have been exremely stressed out these past two weeks. I do NOT deal with stress very well.

In the last few weeks, we found out my Mom's breast cancer is back, my beloved Grandmother died, and they began cutting my hours in half at work. I literally have 20 hours this week.

During a new lifestyle change, how do I cope?

Three options:

1) FOOD, FOOD, FOOD

2) Don't deal with it. Usually by sleeping a lot.

3) Avoid people, even if they are trying to help. Withdrawing.

Correct answer? None of the above. I have kind of been defaulting to option 3. Which was kindly pointed out by my friend Tina on Facebook. (Thank you!) :)

Despite everything, I have had an enormous amount of support from friends and family, via text messages, Facebook messages/comments, flowers, cards, and lending an ear...

This week I *am* going back to the gym (and no carbs). 

Your continued support means the world to me.

<3

Recipes - Chicken Aparagus Frittata & Sweet Potato Hashbrowns

--Chicken Asparagus Frittata

-8 eggs

-1/2 bunch of asparagus

-1 onion

-8oz mushrooms

-2 chicken breasts cooked (opt)

-skillet that will transfer to oven or use pie plate

Chop veggies and chicken. Heat skillet on medium high heat with a little evoo. Saute chopped onions and mushrooms in skillet. After a few minutes add chicken and asparagus. Season according to your taste. We used very little salt, lots of black pepper and some red pepper flakes and garlic (we love things spicy). After asparagus becomes tender, add beaten eggs in to skillet. Mix with spatula. Turn heat to low (3) and allow bottom to set. Original recipe said 8 minutes, for me it was runny. I allowed it to set for 12. I don't like runny eggs! Transfer skillet to oven (or pie plate-grease it first) under broiler for about 10 minutes or until top is done.

Use whatever veggies you like! Be creative!

Optional: we are trying to use less cheese, but you can mix cheese in with the beaten eggs before you combine in skillet and use some on top.

--Sweet Potato Hashbrowns

-1 sweet potato per person grated

-1 onion chopped or grated

Use a little evoo in skillet, add sweet potatoes, onion, and season to preference. We use very little salt, lots of black pepper and some red pepper. (Mom said it was too spicy!?!) Watch sweet potatoes! They brown very quickly!

Recipes - Salmon, First Attempt

Tonight I made salmon for dinner. It was my first time making salmon. I found a super easy recipe... Just preheat the oven to 325°, add a tbsp of lemon juice, and slice an onion over top and bake it for 25 minutes. my mom raved over it. I served it with asparagus and mixed veggies. I think asparagus is our new favorite vegetable.

I am not a big fish person. I don't like eating it or catching it. (Partially because I can't stand baiting my own hook...) Now this is a shock for my family. We use to have fish fries at my grandparents' house when I was younger. Everyone thought I was nuts because I never ate the fish...

And I wasn't crazy about tonight's fish, but I tried it. It was good, I just don't like the texture. 

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G-free

So I just met with my trainer, Esteban's lovely wife, Angela. She is so nice! 

I am now on a new diet. Grain-free and gluten-free. I will admit, I am nervous about the cost... But the hardest option I think will be milk. I am picky about my milk. Years ago we bought a half-gallon that was spoiled, and we still hesitate buying half-gallons from that store even though the chances of that happening again are slim. We are skim milk people. 

She laughed when she heard my big sigh at no white potatoes. I explained my mom's family is from southern Virginia. Telling a hillbilly they can't eat potatoes is like a death sentence. ;)

Please feel free to send suggestion on how to spice up this new adventure!

Ready, set, go!

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It's official - I'm getting old. :(

I went to an orthopedic doctor today... (Thanks Sue Antolik for the referral!) And Dr. Wilcox thinks it its possibly a meniscus tear. So I got a shot of cortizone and nged physical therapy for a month. 

Bad news: In a month if there is still pain, I will need to go for an mri and possibly surgery. But controlled squats are still okay. (Thanks Esteban!)

Good news: If I feel no pain, zumba is OKAY!

Why I'm old: He says I also have arthritis I'm both knees. 

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Hit a slump?

 My knee is hurting now through the anti-inflammatory. I took a break from the gym for the past few days, but I have stuck to my 1650 calorie diet and now %40 protein, no carbs. I haven't had any pop since maybe Thursday? I drink too much diet pop, so that is a big deal. I have burned more calories than I consumed, but obviously not as much. I'm going to go back Monday (tomorrow) and at LEAST do upper body work. I also think Monday I'm going to have to break down and call a specialist for my knee. I have been talking about it for awhile, but it's been what, two and half months? I know my weight doesn't help at all, but I'm trying to lose!  And now it is hurting through prescription medication. I am feeling sooo frustrated and I'm losing my motivation. I'm trying to be optimistic, but sometimes is really difficult. I keep trying to tell myself it will be worth it, but I'm a total wuss when it comes to pain.

 

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No Cheese?!?!

So today I begin my new diet. Hardcore. 50% protein, no carbs. The worst part? No CHEESE! I was fine until I heard no cheese. At least  this is only for 2 weeks. So far, I have behaved. But it is only 4:30 on day 1! Here we go! 

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Bodybugg

My bodybugg is here. Keeps track of all of my activity! Neat little device. :)

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Overcoming Temptation

I go into the breakroom, determined not to purchase anything on break (usually, that is quick and unhealthy). What do I see? Picture #1. What do I eat? Picture #2, a turkey, cheese, and spinach wrap on a wheat tortilla, with raw broccoli and light ranch dressing. Devil 0, Me 1. He isn't gonna win this time!

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"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes."
Mark 9:23

I've got a trainer?!

Yeah, it is scary. I have a trainer! We won't officially start until next week... so I am enjoying my last week of freedom. Not meaning I can slack off all week. He is gone, so I am just enjoying one last week before I start getting my butt kicked! I'm nervous, excited, anxious and scared. This is gonna be hard. But I am sure that as long as I put in the work, I will see even more results.

I started back to Zumba on Thursday. It was nice to be back. One girl said she had been looking for me at work because she was worried about me! But I missed a few days of work due to Bronchitis as well. Later that evening they showed me some upper body moves on the TRX ropes (bands?). They actually aren't that scary. But one included squats. And even though I haven't done more than 10 minutes of squats, every muscle in my legs hurt. Squats are just so amazing. OR NOT! No pain, no gain, right?

For your enjoyment, here is a picture of my cheer/zumba shoes, which are great!

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Down 12lbs total! :)

The scales must be lying! So nice to see some progress! I really couldn't believe it when I stepped on the scale at the doctor's office (of course I had to take off my boots and empty my pockets first) and saw the number! Even after splurging on leftover dirt pudding earlier this week. Yes I'm guilty, but who can turn down dirt pudding? I did ask mom to hide the Girl Scout cookies though. Everything in moderation, right?

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Knee update

Dr. Long thinks it is just tendonitis. Bought a knee brace. Hopefully the brace will help. An Aspen employee said I could try TRX bands (resistance?) At the gym without my feet in them. I can just see myself hanging from them now... "help, help!"

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Doctor's Orders - No Zumba

Bad news per doctor's orders: no zumba until my knee is healed.

So I broke down and went to urgent care because my knee is still hurting. Hasn't gotten worse, but it hasn't gotten better. Got wheeled to x-ray (really necessary?) and scheduled a follow up with my family doctor next week. Because there is popping, there is a chance I might need to see a orthopedic surgeon.

I am pretty frustrated, even though they said it is perfectly normal when you start exercising and using different muscles. So I need your help, because I am afraid I will lose my motivation!

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5lbs down!

I did the dreaded weigh-in before zumba tonight. I was SHOCKED to see I am down 5lbs! I didn't think it was much is a first but then I picked up a 5lb bag of potatoes. 5lbs in the right direction! I am so so so excited to finally see some results from my hard work.
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"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes."
Mark 9:23 NIV

Ambitious?

This week, I did 4 zumba classes. Yes, my knees and back are killling me and my arms feel like noodles. Whoever said there was such a thing as good pain? I usually only do 2 classes, so 4 is a big deal! One class included forcing myself out of bed at 8am on a Saturday. If anyone knows me, that NEVER EVER happens. Next week I might be able to fit in 5! Next challenge, diet. Just after I started zumba, we did a huge shopping trip. One where you don't need to go again for a month or so. So we are going to the store this weekend. On my list? Carbmaster yogurt (I love yogurt), fruit, veggies, and turkey for turkey sandwiches (flatbread). Big goal this week? Less fast food. No buying crap on break at work. (Should save money in the long run.) I have already gotten a lot better about grazing junk food after dinner. Ready, set, go!

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"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes."
Mark 9:23

Monday, Monday.

I started this blog a while ago, but I am just now stepping up to the plate. Joined a gym Jan 31st, but started taking zumba classes a few weeks prior.

Today I really didn't want to go to the gym. Bad case of the Mondays. I forced my lazy butt out of bed. Went to a different instructor's zumba class because it fit better with my work schedule today. She was fun!

Worked 8 hours today. Hard not to have your relationship status rubbed in your face when men are buying flowers for the women in their lives. Ugh, Valentine's Day is tomorrow! I know my man is out there and I'm waiting. Patiently. Sometimes.

Since I started classes, I feel I have had more energy, been a little more optimistic, and I have dropped a couple pounds! Just a couple. It has been so nice to have everyone's support. I hope this can be a permanent lifestyle change for me.

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PS~ I do realize it is officially Tuesday... But it is about Monday.