Day 40 (335) I got nothing whitty today

Ha Ha Ha I try to think of a correlating Title to what my post will be, but I've got nothing today. lol
It's been a busy weekend.  Lot of riding.  I rode 12 miles Saturday, too!  I was pretty proud of myself.  But, remember, it's laps at the park.  I'm riding 14 laps already.  talk about boring.  Yesterday instead of counting the number of laps, I did alphabet letters.  13 laps got me to the letter M.  And for each letter I'd list the things I like that start with that letter.  A - apples, Angela (my friend), Atlanta, August the B - my bubby, beer, baseball, bananas.....all the way to M and then even went to N.  I'm not sure how many more times I can do that.  I need a nice long open area to ride long distances.  at least 7 miles so I can go and come back.
We were going to check out the greenway today, but got too busy doing 100 other things!
I love my food processor.  Saturday we made homemade pizza.   Normally I mix up the dough, knead it for 10 minutes, roll it etc.  Let it rise, punch it down, let it rise again.  The food processer has all this done in like 5 minutes!   I couldn't even believe it!  And so much less of a mess!!!  Today I was going to make my baked veggie sandwiches - haven't had them in awhile.  Did it all in the food processor!  It's totally amazing!  So the dough is rising in the fridge and I'll bake them tomorrow.   Very excited about that!
This is phone via my cell phone.  I didn't have my computer fixed yet!

Okay, the official weigh in for day 40 is 162.0.  I didn't lose 1.3 pounds, but I feel much better.  I was surprised when I rode again yesterday, the scale didn't budge.  We'll see what happens this week!

Day 38 (337) 2nd post - I AM SO HAPPY!!!!

This afternoon my husband came home and I had 2 hours before we had to go to a pool party. It was 3:30pm. I wanted to go for a ride so bad, but I knew it was hot still, but I wanted to get some exercise in. Finally I jump up and got ready! I grabbed my bike and headed to the park.
The last time I rode was 10 laps or 8.6 total miles. I wasn't sure I could do that today, but I was gonna get out there. Oooh the first lap was ugly. I couldn't even think of 10 laps. So I just decided to take it a lap at a time and see where I ended up. I pushed myself especially up the hills. And my pelvic/right butt cheek didn't even hurt riding. 8 laps, 9 laps, oooh I could 10, and I did! But then I kept going. I was feeling pretty good!
13 laps for a total of 11 miles today! I am so happy! Last Thursday, I said I'd like to eventually get to 10 miles and today I surpassed that!
Then when I got home and showered, I weighed myself. 162.0!!!! I soooo cannot wait to ride again tomorrow!

Day 38 (337) Energized, Curtis Stone, and visitors

I am awake this morning!  I feel energized!
I got up with my husband at 3:45am and just felt like staying up!  I'm on my 2nd cup of coffee, had read all my blogs, got some ideas and am ready to get going today.  My weight has started to go back down after my beer binge, so that is good too.
It's been so fun to have my friend Shalene and her family down visiting this week.  We are long time friends that live hundreds of miles apart.  I rarely get to up to see her, but she and her family have come down twice!
We had a good time and weren't bad the majority of the time.

And here is my infamous Curtis Stone and Lindsay Price photo.  For my 2 followers you've already seen this photo, but any random lookers have not.  I've always liked Curtis on Biggest Loser when he'd show up and surprise everyone!  Yes, he's hot as hell and tall as can be, but he was SOOOO NICE!  I really cant' wait to check out some of his recipes and cook books.  The man can cook and he can cook healthy!  This will be my remind - eatting right makes you hot!  LOL

Click here to view these pictures larger

Okay so other than "that night" I've done well.  No eatting fast food and no potatoes.  I guess I technically have until Sunday to drop that 1.3 lbs this week. 

I pulled out my food journal, too.  My sister in law sent me a link to a great article on counting calories.  At first I replied - I dont' count calories anymore.   But the article was good and had good points.  Here is the link to it:
3 calorie counting rules for weight loss

So I'm going to try to keep track of what goes in my mouth - but maybe not the calories.

Day 36 (339) - =

Well today I'm recovering from a bit too much beer last night.  An old friend from out of town came in with her family.  She and I went out for a girls night.  Like a fool I didn't eat first - ha!  Me, not eat!  But I didn't.
Anyway, we did dance a lot - some exercise right? 
The exciting thing is we went across the street to a restaurant so she  could eat (I only stole a french fry - ha ha ha) and when we walk in, right in front of us is Curtis Stone and his girlfriend!  We couldn't believe it!  I asked if I could get a picture and they were so nice and did!  I'll post it soon - again computer issues!

But even better news is today I got a call for an interview for Vanderbilt!  I'm so excited.  My friend who used to work with me at this current job now works there and she told me she gets to work from home, too.  Please say prayers for me for this position.  I still can't even believe I could be getting paid well with benefits AND work from home.  It's almost too good to be true!

Drinking lots of water today!

Day 34 (341)

I have done great!  NO FAST FOOD!  And I took the kids through for quick things this weekend, I just went without!  When we cooked out I had turkey hotdogs and a couple of Doritos - not potato chips - and I really did just have a couple. 
I have not gotten in any exercise unless swimming around is exercise.  even that was minimal.  Oh I did mow lawn.
My downfall this weekend - Budlight Lime. 
Today I spent the day applying for jobs on line.  I really hate this.  But I did about 10 I think, in all.  I'll continue to hunt and search, but it's always just a wait.  I did get an email from my boss that next Monday we'll have a 30 minute refresher training.  oooh 30 minutes.  This is a hard decision for me and very stressful, but I can't go without work anylonger.  It's almost four months!!!  Totally ridiculous and unacceptible.
Today my computer went on the fritz - - - AGAIN!  So my lovely colorful photos are going to go MIA because I cannot download from an SD card to my work laptop - it's blocked.
I weighed in yesterday 163. 

Day 31 (344) It's been a month

Hope you like the changes I've made to this blog.  I just was never happy with the other design.

Well today is the start of my 2nd month on this adventure.  Here is a break down of Month 1.
Starting weight:     163.8
Month end weight: 162.5
Total Amount Lost: 1.3 lbs

Not very impressive, is it?  I should be losing 1.3 lbs per week not per month.  So that is my new goal, to lose per week this month, what took me a whole month to do last month.  That should put me at at least 157.3.  Oh man, that would be GREAT!!!!

I'm pretty happy with my exercise, although it could be a little more routine.  I'm really liking biking and it seems to relieve my feet and not effect my carpal tunnel too much so far.  I would like to alternate between biking and walking, though, if my feet will allow it.

I think, right now, eating is my downfall.  I've had a few too many falls off the wagon, i.e. McDonald's, too much wine/tea, and of course - POTATO AND POTATO PRODUCTS!!!  My goals for this month is ABSOLUTELY NO FAST FOOD!  This is going to be hard.  it's so easy to drive thru Burger King or Wendys. 

So that is my one month wrap up and my upcoming month's goals:
1.3 lbs per week and No fast food!

Day 30 (345)

Feeling much better today!  I don't know if yesterday was a funk or just a hard day.  This blog being health and happiness I have no problem discussing emotions.  It seems everyone is under a financial crunch anymore.  Whether one's financial crunch is as bad as yours or better than yours doesn't change the fact that a crunch is being made regardless.  And yesterday I was feeling my crunch was way more than another's.  And it wasn't a jealously issue at all, it was more of What am I doing wrong kind of thing.  One of those where you stop and really take a step back and analyze what is going on in your life.  Work for me is frustrating right now.  I have a job that makes good money - when they have me working.  And working from home is a blessing that I desired for so long.  Being with my kids before and after school is just such a relief, no daycare, no strangers, no extra expense.  I don't have to worry if my kids are sick, I'm there for them without question.  Field trips?  Class parties?  I'm room mother!  And this summer?  I've been home with the kids all summer long!  No camps to fill their days, the kids get to sleep in and stay up late.  It reminds me of when I was a child, and that is a rarity these days.  Now, don't get me wrong, I belittle NO ONE who has to chose daycare.  Before this job, we did, too and were lucky enough, again, to find personal inhome providers who loved my kids like they were their own.  So the benefits for this job, to me, are invaluable.  But when our down time gets longer and longer, that financial crunch starts getting tighter and tighter.  And I start to wonder if this is the best decision for us.  And then feel guilty that I don't work consistantly.  So I went to the other extreme and started applying for jobs all over Nashville.  That alone was a daunting job in itself.  Can anyone explain to me WHY you are requested to copy/paste or attach your resume, and then continue to have to fill out an online application that asks you the same dam questions you just answered by attaching your resume!?  It took me so long that by the time I finished and hit SUBMIT, the website timed out, erased all my answers and I had to start all over again!  And I'm a fast typer!!!  I was just drained by 3pm when my husband came home and I broke down into tears.  I consoled myself by sitting in my teeny tiny pink retro bathroom.  Barely enough room to sit - the toilet paper holder jabs me in the back, but I had alone time.   Then I sulked on the couch and watched Dr Oz.  This man is all my mom talks about, so I immediately roll my eyes when I see him on tv yesterday.  But now I'm hooked!  He didn't teach me anything I didn't already know yesterday, but he did remind me of the things I do know and have let slide!  Like I need 1000 iu of Vitamin D per day!   And that Vitamin D is the closest thing to a preventative to cancer we know of right now - especially breast and uterine cancer!  Lemons - oh Lord, this is where I really sat up!  He had a segment on what all lemons do for us!  It's a miracle fruit!  Here is the clip:

From digestion aid to wrinkle fighter, lemons are a great natural remedy. Learn more about how you can use this fruit to improve your health.

So then I took my Viactiv, had some energy and went for a bike ride.  I rode 8.8 miles!  Longest yet.  I hope to eventually get to 10 miles.  I am increasing my distance each time I ride.  And I rode at 6:45pm instead of 4pm and it was sooooooo much cooler and better.

Today I weighed in.  I don't know what it is about Thursdays, but I always weigh less on Thursdays?!?!?  Back down to 162.5  a few ounces less than last week ~ so I'll take it.  A pathetic amount most for 1 month, though.  I'll rant on that tomorrow. 

Has anyone tried turkey hotdogs?  I wanted to try these for awhile, but was unsure how they'd taste.  I bought Ball Park, as that is the beef ones we usually like.   First thing I noticed is they are fuller than regular beef hotdogs and a little darker. 

I threw them on the grill and they plump up just the same.  I thought I'd try it first myself and was surprised they tasted nothing at all different!!!!  I knew I could sneak these in on the hubby and kids.  Today we had them for lunch and no one said a thing!

I of course put it on a slice of whole wheat toast topped with

yellow onions, ketchup, mustard, and yes pepperonchino's! 

Summer sweet corn!  Who doesnt love this?  I got the little short ones cuz it's easier for the kids to handle.  We're trying to get my daughter's loose as a goose tooth to finally fall out.  An apple didn't do it.  So we tried corn on the cob today.  No luck - but we sure enjoyed eating the corn! 

I'm enjoying all the fresh fruits and vegetables of summer.  The calendar pages are flying off the wall so quickly, I just know fall will be here soon.  And THAT is when I really come to life!!!!!

Day 29 (346)

I haven't posted the last 3 days.  Just not a whole lot to say.  I'm not happy with my progress right now and Im in a little funk today as well.  Tomorrow is my blogger friend weigh in day, and according to the scale this morning, I've gained.  We'll see how tomorrow goes.
Biking has gone well.  I cannot remember if I posted that last week I rode 6.2 miles.  Well yesterday I went at 4pm in the 95 degree heat and rode 7.2 miles.  It wasn't as strong as a ride as the 6.2 miles came to me, but it was good.  The problem for me was the heat.  I didn't realize it was that hot , but my head started to hurt even though I was drinking water while I rode.  When I got home, I drove around flat ground to cool down a bit, but then just went in our bedroom and layed on the cool hardwood floor right next to the a/c vent.  That was a dumb idea.  Eventually I just felt worse.  My husband came in and saw me on the floor and said, Good God that a/c will make you sick!  Get outside!  And he was right.  I layed on the patio furniture outside then started to feel a little better, so I cleaned the pool and eventually just crashed into the pool to cool off completely.
Yesterday morning I had juicy red sweet tomatoes that I cut up and put on toast with lettuce.  So I guess a BLT without the B.  LOL

This picture doesn't do it justice for the deep red color the tomato had!

Tonight I used our grilled chicken left overs and mixed it with our brown rice left overs and toss it all with my homemade salsa.  I sprinkled and EVERY SO TINY amount of mixed cheese on the top just for looks.  It was really good, but really HOT!  I'm not quite sure why the salsa sometimes comes out mild and sometimes a little hotter.  But the kids really liked it.  And that's good, because when I made this dish last week with the ground beef, they were not fans.

I think I'll see if it's any cooler outside now.  Maybe I'll hop on my bike and ride.

Day 26 (349) Grrrrrrr

2+2=4,  right?
Exercise + pizza = it will be okay, right?
I got on the scale today and am a bit frustrated.  This week during the daytime hours I've done fabulous!  Oatmeal or Multigrain Cheerios for breakfast with coffee.  Lunch has been a delicious variety of salads!  Dinner has been chicken and/or more salads!  Now even with my potato incident this week, by Thursday I was down 162.9 and then Friday, what was it?  162.5?  Since then I've been good!!  No late night snacks, other than yogurt, I've biked further than I have yet, and yesterday I mulched and mowed all day long!!!  I get on the scale this morning, 164.5.  Explain THAT to me?  And I don't want to hear I'm building leg muscles from biking and muscles weigh more than fat.  In 2 days I gained almost 1.6 pounds?
I don't get it.   The only crazy thing I've done is after not eating most of the day yesterday, we had pizza for dinner.  But I did fill it was veggies?  I don't know.  If that killed me then so beit today.  =(
I'm really tired today.  Although exhausted from yesterday, I couldn't sleep!  So I read - Still Woman Enough by Loretta Lynn.  I really love that lady!  And sometimes I feel I can relate to her.  So work and lack of sleep, I'm tired today.  And, I feel a twinge of an upset belly since yesterday.  And, ha ha ha, not my muscle pain!  So if at all possible, i think I'm going to kick back today and, GASP, try to catch a nap.

Day 25 (350)

So tired.  We had a pretty labourious day. 
I helped hubby mulch for a customer.  Strangly enough, I enjoy mulching.  Sure, it seems every time I help him, it turns out to be an overcast or cooler day.  But I really love working in the mulch.  I kid my husband and say, "Some artists work with clay or paint, but I work with mulch!"  I enjoy getting down on the ground and spreading the mulch by hand.  Rakes don't work for me.  I smooth it, I spread it, I tuck it under flowers and plants, I pull and mold it so that the nice arches and angles form.  And when I'm done, I'm really proud of my creation.  Today we worked with black mulch.  I discovered long ago - wear gloves and clothes you don't care about when you work with black mulch.  But it looks great against greenery and bright flowers.  Here is a shot of today's work.

Unfortunately I didn't think about sunscreen since it was cloudy and overcast.  Later when we mowed for a few hours, I put spf on, but apparently it was too late!!  I'm a little red.

Speaking of hot, yesterday I picked the first jalepenos from my plant!  I'm not sure yet if I'll use them for salsa or I'll make some jalepeno jelly!

Yesterday when hubby first got home from work, I grabbed my helmet, a bottle of water, got on my bike and rode!  I really really wanted to ride my bike.  I only went to the park since it was so hot.  Last time I went 3.8 miles.  I was feeling so good though this time, I went 6.4 miles!!!!  Although there is monotony of going in circles of the park, coming up over the hill and the breeze hitting you off the lake each lap makes it nice.  I'll tell you the biking must be doing something!  I woke up today and my stomach hurts!  Like muscle hurt.  I can push on my soft belly and OUCH!  I turned around, a little concerned, and asked my husband, Does biking work your abs?  He laughed out loud, Uh yeah!!!!  okay, then.  ;p  I've never really had abs or even muscle tone of the abdominal area - ever.  Even when I was 117 lbs, I just had a nice smooth soft belly.  So how am I to know what to expect!  LOL

I wrapped up the evening with a game of catch with Max!  The temperatures dropped and there was little to no humdity.  It was a great nice to just sit outside.  He really enjoyed it and got some good exercise, himself!

Day 23 (352)

Well today was our weight in day for my Biggest Loser Bestfriend-Style group.  162.9.  I guess that bike ride from hell did a number on my potato chip frenzy!  Still so ashamed.
 Although I did not get to ride tonight, I did get photos earlier today of that hill I said was so bad.  it took 4 photos to get it all in!

This is the very bottom of the hill.  Look way on ahead, it curves around while still going up....

This is once you get around that curve, still more hill...

This is where one would start cussing or getting off their bike and perhaps even having to walk backwards for strength.  But do you see the very top there? 

This is stopping at the very top part of that last picture - still more freaking hill!!!

I can't ride during the day with the kids, and then I had to help hubby mow tonight and we didn't get home until late.  I did do some self weigh squats today and it felt good.  Worked some of the tension out of my quads from that ride yesterday!

What's for dinner?  Hmmm, ate the last of the grilled chicken last night in my manic mood last night.  But I did have a package of ground beef.  What to do with it?  I took a very small portion of it and fried it up with diced onions and cilantro until browned.  I boiled  1-1/2 cups water and tossed in 2 cups brown rice and 1 cup of Rotelle with the juices.  Let it simmer then cool and cook.  Then tossed it all together and topped with a cilantro leave.   Not too bad at all!  I ate it with a couple of bite sized tortilla chips and hubby rolled his up in a whole wheat tortilla with no fat sour cream and a sprinkle of cheese. 

The moon is so beautiful tonight.  I love taking photos.  I took a few and of course they were shaky and fuzzy and then I remembered - I have a tripod!!!  So I went and got it and took a few good shots!  I was so excited!!!  I wish I had better camera experience and a better camera.  But this is pretty good for a point and click!

Day 22 (353) Potatoes - Guilty Pleasure

I love potato chips.
Really....I just love potatoes in general.

Hashbrown casserole - made from scratch.  Mmmmmmmmm!!!  The crispy toasted buttery Cornflakes crushed and browned on hop, the melted cheese and sour cream.  Oh it's too much!  I've always said  if ever get to my goal weight, then I'd intend to lose 10 more pounds just so I could eat an entire pan of my brother-in-law's made from scratch hashbrown casserole. 



French Fries - Please!  There was a time if you even THOUGHT about LOOKING over at my tray/plate at my French Fries, I'd slap you, let alone if you actually took one!  And the saltier the better!



Mashed potatoes.  I think we've discussed this before.  My mashed potatoes only include 3 things: Yukon Gold Potatoes, salt, and butter.  When in doubt, add more butter!!  I could eat the whole bowl myself, armed with a few warm biscuts to scoop it with and wipe the plate clean.  OMG, I'm saying too much!



But I know this addiction that I have.  I know I cannot resist.  Yet what did I do last  night?!  The inconceivable.  While at the grocery store, I bought a bag of Lays potato chips.  And in all honesty, I had no intention of eatting them myself or at all!  My husband was complaining there are never any snacks around, so I intended on over doing it so he's shut it!  LOL  I almost opened the bag on the drive home.  How pathetic would that have been?  Good Lord I've even got more control than that!  I got home put the groceries away, grilled chicken ate that, went for my ride.  It was all good. 
Then later I wanted something quick, easy, and salty.  The cottage cheese was all gone and I didn't buy more so I wouldn't over do it on that (first chink in the armour).  I also forgot to buy more popcorn.  Strike two!  I saw the chips, but just looked past them onto the Kellogs chococate and pretzel 90 calorie snack bar.  Ahh, that'd be perfect. 
But later, once everyone was in bed, I got hungry.  I wanted a snack.  No, popcorn, no cottage cheese, I surely cannot have another bar.  Oh what would a few chips hurt.  NO!  Don't do it!  i even heard myself saying this.  Nah, you'll be okay, Sheri.  Just a couple of chips.  Then I did the stupid thing - I went to the couch turned on the tv and the computer and snacked while not paying attention!!!  HALF THE BAG WAS GONE BEFORE I REALIZED IT!!  Oh the guilt.  The shame!  The regret!  I guzzled water and water and water to flush it all out.
This morning, it was the morning after routine.  I felt fine.  no biggie!  LOL  So while on the computer later this afternoon what do I do?  FREAKING POLISH OFF THE BAG!!!!
normally I could get away with only my own guilt and shame, but when my husband came home to eat his late lunch, he says, "Did you eat all the chips?!"  I couldn't even lie.  It was horrible.

I did go get new ergonimic grips for my bike, had the seat lowered and the handle bars raised.  So after I go out and mow in the heat and attempt to sweat out salt and carbs, I'll also go on a bike ride.  I may have to cut out and pin a giant P on my shirt, just like the Scarlet Letter!  A big fat P for potato offender!

Day 21 (354)

Surprise!  I found this little frog by Max's food dish!  Max was messing with something, I figured maybe a bug, but nope a baby frog!  Mom was over visiting so I called her like the old days, "Moooooooooooooom!"  ha ha ha  She came, picked him up and I had to get a photo!  Then out she took him to the yard by our rock fountain.  But what a little treat of surprise today!

I was really hungry after working this morning - bad me, I skipped breakfast.  Not on purpose, just because I got busy.  So I chopped up my usual while talking to the kids and mom and before I knew it I made a ginormous salad and put dressing on it already!  I'm the only one who likes Greek Vinegarette so I was stuck eatting it.  I had no problem devouring it!

Doesn't it look good?!?!  Although large!

I like to make my own basic salad with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes if I have them, black olives and pepperonchinos.  Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on it and mix it up! 

I had another frustrating day and of course, my feet hurt.  I know I need to do something about it, but also tend to think - what are they gonna say?  Wear better shoes.  Well I've been down that road already haven't I?  Yet I've found myself Googling local podiatrists.  I think I've found one I'd like to make an appointment with, but I just haven't done it yet.  I really wanted to get out and sweat again today.  My blisteres are still tender so I couldn't walk.  I've been thinking about getting my bike out.  I like to bike, but I think it's more dangerous around here with lack of shoulders and sidewalks.  So I figured I'd just ride down to the park and around.  My husband said, maybe just 2 laps the first day.  And because I'm, well, accident prone.  LOL  Well I went but did 4 laps for a total of 3.8 miles.  I know it's not a whole lot, but the park is up hill, down hill, up hill, down hill, and being my first day I thought I did well.

Me and my bike, of course, it's red!

That is a busy picture, sorry ! Lots in the back ground and around! LOL

After I got home, I water the plants again and picked a few tomatoes

And my go to food lately - marinated grilled chicken.  I just use Kraft's Balsamic Vinegarette to marinade the chicken in for about two days.  Then grill it all up.  We make sandwiches, chicken and rice, chicken and veggies, and just big cut up chunks of chicken to eat.  The whole family loves it.

It seems everyone is talking about goals lately.  Bob Harper has a Boost  wall on Facebook through Anthem BCBS.  Yesterday's challenge was drinking at least 10 glasses of water a day.  Ha - no problem, but when I woke up today I felt DEhydrated?!?!?  I still continued to drink drink drink water today, though.  And today's challenge was 20 minutes of cardio 3-4 times a week.  And I did that today, too!
I looked at total weight loss the past 3 week and it was a whopping 1.8 pounds.  The at is not very impressive.  I need to step it up.  I hope biking does that.  I guess I'm not sure what kind of goals to set.  Heck I'd like to lose 5 pounds a week, but that sure isnt possible based on my track record.
So tangible goals are 10 glasses of water a day and 20-30 minutes of cardio 3-4 times a week for me seems good.  Maybe if I focus on those goals, then my 5 lb a week dream goal would happen.

Day 20 (355) 3rd week....hmmmm

Well it's the 3rd week of my life changing change.  I'm not seeing a whole lot difference.

I was barely cognitive of where I was when I woke up this morning, then stumbled back into the bathroom to weigh myself, but I couldn't find the camera!  I needed coffee.  LOL

So my weight is 163.4  - exactly what it was last week.  But I know why - it was a rough weekend here, and I turned to food and wine to get through it.  I hadn't had a good glass of wine forever.  When I do drink wine, we usually get a boxed light fruity red sangria - perfect table wine.  But I wanted to savor some wine, I wanted to taste it, really taste it.  There is one wine that does that for me Shiraz Bin 51 by Linderman.  Well, along with wine eventually comes snacking, but I think I did pretty well for that.  Lots of popcorn - not too bad.  Another thing is, I haven't gotten much exercise this week. 

So last night once my life seemed to settle every so slightly, I wanted to go for a walk.  I threw on my walking shoes and hoped I wouldn't get lost this time.  I didn't.  But boy was it HUMID!!!  I was sweating by the time I got down to the entrance of our subdivision.    But even for me, it felt good ~like the stress and anxiety and anger was all pouring from my body.  I still have to go back and drive the distance to see how far it was, but I am guessing 4 miles.  It took me 1 hour and 13 minutes and I was rolling in sweat  from the get go.  Close to the end I took this photo, but it was wosrse by the time I got home.

Now the down side of not having walked in about a good week or two after just purchasing new shoes...  Do you see that nice gnarly blister?  I have one on both feet.  So now I can't walk tonight.  And honestly, I'm upset about it, not copping out.  I would love to go out and sweat it up again tonight.  The heat index today is supposed to get us up to 110.  If I can't sweat a few pounds off in that heat, I'm never gonna.  I've thought maybe putting a bandage on, but will that hold for an hour for four miles?  Anyone have any thoughts?

I picked my first pepperonchini Sunday. 

I brought it in, chopped it up thin like I see in my store bought pepperonchini jar...

And after months of waiting for the seeds to arrive, then for them to sprout, then for them to transfer and then for peppers to grow, all ended up with a big YUCK!  Then I loooked at my store bought bottle and I know realize I like PICKLED pepperonchini's!!!!!!  So now I need to figure out how to pickle my little peppers.

You'd think this was a pretty candle on my kitchen table.  Nope!  It's a fruit smoothie!  My daughter asked if we could have smoothies for breakfast.  How could I say no?  And, as usual, they were DELICIOUS!

Although I'm "back at work," there is a lot of waiting.  Waiting for email responses, waiting for review calls, waiting for qa results, waiting for work to come in.  And since it's

I didn't feel that walking with two kids would be a good idea.  So I started playing with my food process when my mom popped in to visit.  We were BOTH very impressed - this is a quiet, solid, serious machine!  Looking in the booklet that came with it, still haven't watched DVD, they suggested starting out playing with food that you don't intend to eat - like a zucchini or potato.  I'm not sure why they said that you don't intend to eat, unless they meant it cuz you might not get the consistancy you desire?  So my 1" slices of zucchini turned into chopped zucchini and then it turned into diced zucchini.  I think it looks so pretty!

But I couldn't just throw it away.  That didn't make any sense.  And I didn't have any diced zucchini recipes, so I just tossed it with some olive oil, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning blend until slightly browned.  It tasted wonderful, but didn't know what to call it.  I wanted the kids to try it.  I put a few tortilla chips out and sure enough, they tried it and really liked it!

It looks like guacamole, doesn't it?!  I guess I could call it zuchini hash or zuchini slaw!  But it was good!

Then I decided to try some almond butter.  The receipe seemed simple enough:  toast 1 cup almonds, process, add 2 tsp olive oil, process more then enjoy. 

I ended up making what looks like poop.

I think the problem was I over toasted the almonds.  Live and learn, right? 

So I undertoasted the almonds the next time.

You can see a difference in color immediately!

 

The finished product. 

I'm not sure how I feel about it.  It's semi-thick, not silky smooth like I thought it would be.  I read in the recipe to add 2 tbsp honey if flavor is too harsh.  So I did.  But then that is when the texture changed.  So I don't know.  To be honest, it is sweet, but has a strong after taste of something not sweet. 

Kids did NOT like it.

Here is the comparison of the two.  I would say I definitely burnt the almonds the first time!  bwah haw haw

Well, I can't walk today, it's 104 outside, I have no work to do, so I guess I'll research almond butter. 

Day 18 (358) Much Better

Why am I smiling in this photo from this morning?  First of all it was my self proclaimed Casual Friday.  After my day yesterday, I just wanted to wear something comfortable that was not my pajamas.  I kept only one scrub top from the years I worked in the doctor's offices and hospitals - my favorite one, the pastel tropical one.  I actually kept it hung up in my closet.  Today was a good day to wear it - although the way I'm sitting in this photo, it looks like I have a butt shelf.    LOL  And that red wall is really really red in this picture!  LOL
But the 2nd reason I am smiling is because the last thing I did before bed last night, when I was so stressed, and upset, and just about in tears (again, but for different reasons), was check my work email.  My results were in from my QA on my 4th set of practice charts.  Remember, if I haven't said it 100 times already we need 95% across the boards!  Yesterday, I had 100, 95, 96,  and 100% .  When I read that - I did just about cry.  For those of you who don't know I'm a medical coder.  Now, my specialty is within coding is to audit charts - inpatient and outpatient,  for correct coding procedures with HCC (heirarchial coding) codes and error and coding codes.  in general - I'm looking at your chart (if your Medicare) and pulling out codes (diagnosis')  that are only Medicare Advantage approved and making sure if those codes have enough support.  For example the dr cannot just say, Sheri has breast cancer.  That doesn't cut it.  He has to tell me not only if the patient is being treated, but how - chemotherapy, radiation, medication.  And if they are on medication for how long and it cannot be over 7 years.  So for just about every diagnosis that is HCC I also have to make sure it's either chronic, degenerative,  and if not but is still HCC (confused/bored yet?) is there enough information to support the code.  So it does get quite specific, tedious, and OCD.  Most coders are very OCD!!!!  So to code 184 pages of teeny tiny type, where the dr's don't give half the information you need, let alone follow the rules of the minimum they need to include in a patient chart (pt name, DOB, dr signature, and credentials), and get 100% is very very good.
This is the email that followed later this morning.  It's from my boss's boss - the big wig, and she sent it out to the entire staff included in this week's Boot Camp!

How awesome that we all got over 90%?  And how grateful and blessed I am to have gotten 100%.  Tammy got 99%.  As you can see, Tracey still continues to add an addition R in my name!  LOL

I had more charts today, but was in good spirits!  The kids were cooperating beyond belief in letting me get my work done.  It was raining, so they were more than happy to read books, work on search words, color, and play Leggos!  Lunch came about and I was in crunch time.  What to make quick that won't really interrupt my work (we're timed on our chart progress - yes, more stress!!!).  I threw some whole wheat linguini (We'd been watching Ratatouille) in some water and returned to work.  Then when it was done poured warmed organic marinara over it and the kids LOVED IT!!!!  I did too!

Max, my shadow!  Sometimes I've wanted to just tear my hair out with him, he is my true little buddy! 

This was yesterday after work.  I deserved some wine.  I hadn't had Shiraz in ages!  For me it's a memory wine.  Fall/winter old friends.  Brings back many relaxing memories!

So the week ended well!  I just received notice I'll have to work some tomorrow, but I'm okay with that.  Then I hope to get some good humid sweaty exercise in!!!!  I think my body really really needs it.

I hope anyone that reads this blog understands, I am not perfect.  I vent.  I rant.  I will try my best not to curse or swear!  But I am human, and hope you can take me in all emotional aspects!

Day 17 (359) - today just sucks

it's one of those day.
I hate days like this.  a year ago I was a mess on a daily basis.  I was miserable, depressed, angry.  I thought I left that all behind.  I don't like the person that I was.  I'm better than that.  I'm a happy person by nature. 
I keep reading it, hearing it, singing it, preaching it - You have to be happy, no one else can make you happy.  Then why why why do I let other people make me miserable?!     
I do not want to be here right now.  I want to be on my happy path.  This path, today, just sucks!

Day 16 (360) catching up

Okay,  apparently I thought I had a lot more catching up to do than it appears!  That's a nice change!

Look what is growing!!!  I don't know if it's a pepperonchino or a jalepeno, but it's one of my peppers!!!  

 And the other potted peppers are also coming up.  I can't tell a difference though!  Can you?

 I'm pretty excited to taste them.  Of course, the jalepenos will be hot.  I actually don't think either of the above peppers resemble the jalepeno.  I guess we'll have to wait and see!

My father helped water a friends garden while they went on an Alaska Cruise last week (hate them - just kidding).  They told him to raid the garden so nothing rots.  So he brought me some zucchini and yellow squash.  God Love my mother, she is not a creative chef.  If it doesn't come in a box or a jar, she doesn't make it.  And that's fine for her.  I tried to tell her to slice and cook these in olive oil with some garlic salt and Italian seasonings and she just handed the vegetables over to me in disgust.  LOL  So I did take them home and make them just like I said!  They really good!

Fireworks Sunday night were nice.  We always sit in a big field next to our favorite Mexican restaraunt, La Lomas!  A margarita and then some fireworks!  What could be better!  I discovered my new camera has a firework function.  I think it did a pretty good job capturing the show!

My husband just loves to do his version of a cannonball into the pool.  He hits so hard that there is a pause while all the water sinks down with him and then comes atom bombing out over the pool in a mushroom like spray and soaks just about everyone around!  It's pretty fun to watch, but even more fun if you're in the pool cuz the waves roll you around!

My little sparkler.  WOW!  Did anyone else realize how quick they burned this year?  1 sparkler lasted about 5-10 seconds top!!!  I don't know if they do that for safety or if we got ripped off this year.

Awh, look at my little angel.  These are good times - simple, fun, down home.  Reminds me of being younger myself.

Today is going much better so far.  I did throw my phone once today, which caused the battery to pop out, but I didn't know it.  So then when I needed to call into the Webex, I was late!!  LOL  Even I have to laugh at that!  But work is going well so far.  I had a few chips and my homemade salsa for a snack after my oatmeal for breakfast.  So I am not incredibly hungry for lunch.  So I popped in a bag of Fiesta Corn and am munching it as I catch up here.  The clouds just opened up and its a nice rain.  Had thought about going for a walk, glad I didn't now!

The clouds just opened up and its a nice rain.  Had thought about going for a walk, glad I didn't now! But now I don't have to water the flowers and plants!

And I saw this on a healthy website last night!  Is this directed to me and my day yesterday or what?!

A healthy life consists of more than just eating right. It's about making sure that the people and situations we are involved in bring wholesome thoughts to us. Now is a good time to do self inventory and start to get rid of the people and the things that are not good for you. Are you aware of how many negative feelings you're carrying with you each day? How many positive feelings do you carry each day?
As simple as it may sound, negative feelings or energies will not only destroy your health, but they destroy others around you. If you feel bad or if you are in a bad mood, it affects everyone you come in contact with. You are in control of how you feel. So many times we allow others and situations to control us instead of us taking control and deciding how things in life will affect us.
So today, take a look at your life and see how much of it is controlled by you, and how much is controlled by others. Make sure your relationships are healthy, if you are not happy, that's a great sign that something needs to change. If your job is stressful, it's time to make a change. If your friends and family cause you stress, it's time to do something about it.
A Healthy Life is what you owe yourself. Start now looking for a better way to live a wholesome life. You'll be glad you did.