I was hoping to be in the 160s. . .but with a weekend like I had, I should be happy I didn't go up!!
I enjoyed LeeAnn Chin on Saturday, chips and dips at Heidi's on Saturday, and I made lasagna hotdish for Sunday night. Ahh . . I'm still doing good - maybe I should actually start exercising! :)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
At the Library
I love this photo of my baby brother and his baby girl:
I met Lon/Jaime/Alice at our neighborhood library the other night for story time and activities. Alice had a good time - it's really cool to watch her interact with other adults and kids. (Even the naughty little girl who wholluped my little niece. . . THREE times!!) Alice didn't freak out - but the lower lip did come out. . .
Here is Alice playing at the "build your own hotdog out of felt" station . . . (Story time theme was Mo Willems' Pigeon books . . )
I LOVE doing this kind of stuff!!! (Must be the teacher in me!)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
170.5
That's what the scale said this morning. Now, to be fair - the first "weigh in" was fully clothed in the middle of the day. . . this, ahem, was not. Buck naked - first thing this morning.
But - if it goes down again - THAT will be something to celebrate! Hey - did I mention that I've been loving my meals lately?? Saturday (for Heidi) I made Glazed Porkchops, Sweet Potato Fries, and broccoli . . . and tonight I made Cous Cous, Green Beans (with lemon & garlic in olive oil), and bought a Rotisserie Chicken. Never had Sweet Potatoes in that way - nor have I ever tried cous cous! Both were awesome! The cous cous I bought in a box - already flavored. . maybe someday I'll try to do my own - but for now - I want to go back and get some of the other "flavors". . . I think the "garlic parmeasan" is next! (So, I have dinner for tomorrow as well - as I had PLENTY left over!)
I also am doing the pork chops and sweet potato fries again this week. (Friday, I think)
It's pretty cool knowing ahead of time what I'm eating all day. It's kinda cool to be presented with a treat or snack offer - and know that I can turn it down - cuz I've got a yogurt or string cheese or an apple waiting for me. I kinda like making the "calorie deals" with myself - like "yes, you can eat that Ranch Popcorn at the movie - but no after-dinner snack tonight!" kinda thing. . .
And did you know that fiber-rich foods also fill you up more than foods low in fiber? It's pretty cool. I know, I'm almost 35 and just figuring this all out . . . but humor me. Let me bask in the joy that is yummy new foods - and in being in total control of what is going into my body. :)
But - if it goes down again - THAT will be something to celebrate! Hey - did I mention that I've been loving my meals lately?? Saturday (for Heidi) I made Glazed Porkchops, Sweet Potato Fries, and broccoli . . . and tonight I made Cous Cous, Green Beans (with lemon & garlic in olive oil), and bought a Rotisserie Chicken. Never had Sweet Potatoes in that way - nor have I ever tried cous cous! Both were awesome! The cous cous I bought in a box - already flavored. . maybe someday I'll try to do my own - but for now - I want to go back and get some of the other "flavors". . . I think the "garlic parmeasan" is next! (So, I have dinner for tomorrow as well - as I had PLENTY left over!)
I also am doing the pork chops and sweet potato fries again this week. (Friday, I think)
It's pretty cool knowing ahead of time what I'm eating all day. It's kinda cool to be presented with a treat or snack offer - and know that I can turn it down - cuz I've got a yogurt or string cheese or an apple waiting for me. I kinda like making the "calorie deals" with myself - like "yes, you can eat that Ranch Popcorn at the movie - but no after-dinner snack tonight!" kinda thing. . .
And did you know that fiber-rich foods also fill you up more than foods low in fiber? It's pretty cool. I know, I'm almost 35 and just figuring this all out . . . but humor me. Let me bask in the joy that is yummy new foods - and in being in total control of what is going into my body. :)
Monday, January 21, 2008
"I Need To Think About It"
Went out into the blustery MN January weather Saturday night with Heidi. We went to Chatterbox in S. Minneapolis to meet some coworker friends of hers. . .
Good time - I hadn't been there since before Melanie went to Thailand - so at least 3 years! It was as I remember it - but without the smoke. Instead of my clothes and hair reaking of smoke the next day - it was deep-fried-greasy smell! :)
So - one of Heidi's coworkers was totally hot - like totally "my type" . . . of course - none of this was discussed until we were in the safety of Heidi's car - headed home. . . .
Turns out this guy is one Heidi had thought would be a good "set up" for me. . . . cool huh?
Heidi (and I guess most of you??) had to work today - and mentioned to said coworker (we can call him "Mario" - as that was the video game he played the entire night. Yup, entire night) . . so Heidi mentioned to Mario that I thought he was a nice guy - and would he be interested in meeting me/going out/whatever she proposed. . .
His answer. . . "I need to think about it . . ."
Uhhh. . this is why I'm single. What?? You need to think about what? On whether or not you cand stand to drink a beer/coffee/eat a dinner across from me for like an hour or two?? I don't know - I'm trying to play devil's advocate - and like what if Heidi came to me and said that the balding-dorkus-across the table from me was interested - and would I want to go out with him sometime? Yeah - I probably would just say "no." Not "think about it and then say no. .. or never bring up again". ..
God - men suck. More specifically - dating sucks.
UGHHHHH
(OK - so NOT dating sucks even worse!)
Good time - I hadn't been there since before Melanie went to Thailand - so at least 3 years! It was as I remember it - but without the smoke. Instead of my clothes and hair reaking of smoke the next day - it was deep-fried-greasy smell! :)
So - one of Heidi's coworkers was totally hot - like totally "my type" . . . of course - none of this was discussed until we were in the safety of Heidi's car - headed home. . . .
Turns out this guy is one Heidi had thought would be a good "set up" for me. . . . cool huh?
Heidi (and I guess most of you??) had to work today - and mentioned to said coworker (we can call him "Mario" - as that was the video game he played the entire night. Yup, entire night) . . so Heidi mentioned to Mario that I thought he was a nice guy - and would he be interested in meeting me/going out/whatever she proposed. . .
His answer. . . "I need to think about it . . ."
Uhhh. . this is why I'm single. What?? You need to think about what? On whether or not you cand stand to drink a beer/coffee/eat a dinner across from me for like an hour or two?? I don't know - I'm trying to play devil's advocate - and like what if Heidi came to me and said that the balding-dorkus-across the table from me was interested - and would I want to go out with him sometime? Yeah - I probably would just say "no." Not "think about it and then say no. .. or never bring up again". ..
God - men suck. More specifically - dating sucks.
UGHHHHH
(OK - so NOT dating sucks even worse!)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
A Day In My Life - not typical
Ok - Tagged by Cousin Katey - It was a "department day" - so I was not in the classroom today:
6:10am - Alarm goes off - Rise to see roommate is in bathroom - in shower (snooze alarm - go back to bed for 9 minutes)
6:19 - alarm goes off again - roommate out of shower - I convince dogs they can wait until I'm dressed to go outside.
6:20 - leave cold bedroom (-4 degrees outside) to enter shower. Cold shower - roommate and housemates have apparently already showered.
6:25 - exit frigid water to put pjs back on - and attempt to "beautify" myself.
7:00 - exit bathroom to dress (crap - had hoped to be OUT THE DOOR by 7!!)
7:04 - completely dressed in "not seeing the kids today hoodie and jeans"
7:05 - put on jacket and shoes to bring dogs outside for "potty"
7:15 - back inside for treats and last minute grabbing of coffee - CRAP - creamer has chunks! - empty coffee mug - assess time - maybe if I hurry I can stop at Holiday on way to meeting!
7:19 - in car - thank god - no scraping needed!!
7:20 - leaving neighborhood - no time for my Holiday - will see how traffic goes - maybe I can stop in Anoka for coffee
7:37 - arrive in Anoka - traffic not bad - but meeting starts in 7 minutes - I will make this quick -
7:38 - stop at Sinclair for gas station coffee (and maybe a snack - as I rushed out without breakfast!!)
7:40 - no flavored cream - ughh - I passed
7:45 - arrive to meeting ON TIME!
10:25 - 1st half of meeting completed - uggh - we ran late - only 5 minutes of break before I have to be at the next part! Run to pee - and fill up water bottle (no coffee - and only a baggie of carrots consumed so far!)
10:30 - meet with 1 of 5 Elementary ESL Lead Teachers (transitioning 5th graders) - (colleague Joe is next to me - meeting with another Elementary Teacher from a 2nd school to help get this all done in one day!
11:55 - finished with that ONE school - Joe finished 2 smaller schools -
12:00 - leave building for lunch (YAY!) - made our way to Chipotle
12:10 - I don't like Chipotle - so I walk to neighboring Quizno's for a sub
12:15 - with toasted sub, baked chips, and diet pepsi in hand, enter Chipotle to enjoy lunch with the other Deptartment Leaders
12:28 - as teachers do, we were all done eating in less than 15 minutes
12:29 - what to do? - we find some things (unfortunately school-related) to talk about
12:50 - pile in cars to return to Anoka's meeting
1:00 - meet with 4th Elementary ESL Lead (only 1 of her 6 students will actually be registering as ESL next year) - heh - takes about 5 mintues
1:05 - meet with 5th and final Elementary Lead - had a lot of great questions - ended up bringing our (long-winded) Director in on our discussion
2:00 - pack up transition materials - head to Jackson
2:20 - enter parking lot @ Jackson - see Para Amy heading out - she gives me the "call me" sign
2:25 - enter office, turn on computer, call Amy's cell
2:30 - find Para Jane - who needs to talk to me
2:40 - walk into Counselors' office to find AP Jill
2:42 - am stopped by Counselor Amy who wants help figuring out how most efficiently to transition/schedule current 6th and 7th graders - is pleased to find out I finished 5th graders today
2:45 - am stopped by AP Becky about 2 7th graders who need a behavior plan because they are in the AP office too much - an missing too much class
2:50 - find AP Jill to talk about ******* (confidential info here) ********
3:10 - final bell rings - school is over
3:11 - stand in hall - talk with Counselor Kim about ******** (confidential info here) ********
3:12 - chat with Retired Teacher Sandy who subbed in my room today - whoops! Didn't leave paper for students to use on Book Report Projects. . .Oh well - they could use the time to READ instead! :) - Independent Reading Assignment/Book Reports DUE NEXT Wednesday - end of quarter next Friday - it's CRUNCH TIME, BABY!
3:15 - Niece Karly arrives to work on homeowork in my office (note - end of quarter crunch!)
3:16 - finally get to emails while Karly organizes her stuff
3:30 - start to compile the 5 spreadsheets from the Elementary ESL Leads into 1 document
3:31 - Karly leaves to go to her locker to get her planner (hmm. . didn't think she'd need that??)
3:35 - Karly returns with planner - which isn't filled out anyway - so yeah, probably not really helpful
4:05 - walk to my classroom where candy bars are stashed in desk drawer . . . . candy is needed
5:45 - Karly finishes math assignment - good time to break to go home
5:50 - enter cold car - yay - no scraping needed (too cold!!)
6:05 - drop Karly off - head for 94
6:30 - arrive home - dogs out to pee
6:40 - check emails/blogs
7:40 - realize dogs have no food - bundle up for Target-run
8:22 - arrive home, feed dogs, go pee myself, sit down to finish blog
8:23?? - EAT DINNER????
. . . and hopefully in bed by 10pm!
IF you blog - and you just read this - TAG - you're IT!
6:10am - Alarm goes off - Rise to see roommate is in bathroom - in shower (snooze alarm - go back to bed for 9 minutes)
6:19 - alarm goes off again - roommate out of shower - I convince dogs they can wait until I'm dressed to go outside.
6:20 - leave cold bedroom (-4 degrees outside) to enter shower. Cold shower - roommate and housemates have apparently already showered.
6:25 - exit frigid water to put pjs back on - and attempt to "beautify" myself.
7:00 - exit bathroom to dress (crap - had hoped to be OUT THE DOOR by 7!!)
7:04 - completely dressed in "not seeing the kids today hoodie and jeans"
7:05 - put on jacket and shoes to bring dogs outside for "potty"
7:15 - back inside for treats and last minute grabbing of coffee - CRAP - creamer has chunks! - empty coffee mug - assess time - maybe if I hurry I can stop at Holiday on way to meeting!
7:19 - in car - thank god - no scraping needed!!
7:20 - leaving neighborhood - no time for my Holiday - will see how traffic goes - maybe I can stop in Anoka for coffee
7:37 - arrive in Anoka - traffic not bad - but meeting starts in 7 minutes - I will make this quick -
7:38 - stop at Sinclair for gas station coffee (and maybe a snack - as I rushed out without breakfast!!)
7:40 - no flavored cream - ughh - I passed
7:45 - arrive to meeting ON TIME!
10:25 - 1st half of meeting completed - uggh - we ran late - only 5 minutes of break before I have to be at the next part! Run to pee - and fill up water bottle (no coffee - and only a baggie of carrots consumed so far!)
10:30 - meet with 1 of 5 Elementary ESL Lead Teachers (transitioning 5th graders) - (colleague Joe is next to me - meeting with another Elementary Teacher from a 2nd school to help get this all done in one day!
11:55 - finished with that ONE school - Joe finished 2 smaller schools -
12:00 - leave building for lunch (YAY!) - made our way to Chipotle
12:10 - I don't like Chipotle - so I walk to neighboring Quizno's for a sub
12:15 - with toasted sub, baked chips, and diet pepsi in hand, enter Chipotle to enjoy lunch with the other Deptartment Leaders
12:28 - as teachers do, we were all done eating in less than 15 minutes
12:29 - what to do? - we find some things (unfortunately school-related) to talk about
12:50 - pile in cars to return to Anoka's meeting
1:00 - meet with 4th Elementary ESL Lead (only 1 of her 6 students will actually be registering as ESL next year) - heh - takes about 5 mintues
1:05 - meet with 5th and final Elementary Lead - had a lot of great questions - ended up bringing our (long-winded) Director in on our discussion
2:00 - pack up transition materials - head to Jackson
2:20 - enter parking lot @ Jackson - see Para Amy heading out - she gives me the "call me" sign
2:25 - enter office, turn on computer, call Amy's cell
2:30 - find Para Jane - who needs to talk to me
2:40 - walk into Counselors' office to find AP Jill
2:42 - am stopped by Counselor Amy who wants help figuring out how most efficiently to transition/schedule current 6th and 7th graders - is pleased to find out I finished 5th graders today
2:45 - am stopped by AP Becky about 2 7th graders who need a behavior plan because they are in the AP office too much - an missing too much class
2:50 - find AP Jill to talk about ******* (confidential info here) ********
3:10 - final bell rings - school is over
3:11 - stand in hall - talk with Counselor Kim about ******** (confidential info here) ********
3:12 - chat with Retired Teacher Sandy who subbed in my room today - whoops! Didn't leave paper for students to use on Book Report Projects. . .Oh well - they could use the time to READ instead! :) - Independent Reading Assignment/Book Reports DUE NEXT Wednesday - end of quarter next Friday - it's CRUNCH TIME, BABY!
3:15 - Niece Karly arrives to work on homeowork in my office (note - end of quarter crunch!)
3:16 - finally get to emails while Karly organizes her stuff
3:30 - start to compile the 5 spreadsheets from the Elementary ESL Leads into 1 document
3:31 - Karly leaves to go to her locker to get her planner (hmm. . didn't think she'd need that??)
3:35 - Karly returns with planner - which isn't filled out anyway - so yeah, probably not really helpful
4:05 - walk to my classroom where candy bars are stashed in desk drawer . . . . candy is needed
5:45 - Karly finishes math assignment - good time to break to go home
5:50 - enter cold car - yay - no scraping needed (too cold!!)
6:05 - drop Karly off - head for 94
6:30 - arrive home - dogs out to pee
6:40 - check emails/blogs
7:40 - realize dogs have no food - bundle up for Target-run
8:22 - arrive home, feed dogs, go pee myself, sit down to finish blog
8:23?? - EAT DINNER????
. . . and hopefully in bed by 10pm!
IF you blog - and you just read this - TAG - you're IT!
Monday, January 14, 2008
176.5
Ok. It's right there in black and white. That's what the scale said when I finally got the guts to step on it. And that's the end of that. I've started Week 2 of the Glamour menus. . and am finding it really easy. As I said before, I am feeling better, and losing weight would be a bonus. . . . HOWEVER. . I am currently at my highest weight I've ever been, and I'm not thrilled about that. So. I march on. I continue with the menus. Amy in Anoka and I will probably start walking or doing this "Toning Together" program at our school. . . but at any rate - I've eaten more vegetables this past week than probably in the whole month of December! (So, yes, I kinda hope I lose some weight too!). . .
Strawberry Shortcake for dessert/snack tonight. . . . yum!
Strawberry Shortcake for dessert/snack tonight. . . . yum!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Veggie Tales
So I was perusing my latest Glamour magazine earlier this week, when I found a 1/2 page article entitled something like "Get to your Healthier Weight (In 30 Days)" . . or something. . . In a nutshell - it's a daily menu (including a weekly SHOPPING list!!). With all the healthy/weight loss stuff being advertised or talked about out there - I have no idea why this struck me - but it did - and at Day 4 (Tip 4) - I'm LOVING it! I'm not really on the menu this week (as I had not shopped for this week). But I am doing the helpful tips - and I am eating bagels, salads, pretzels instead of chips, string cheese, and carrots. I told Amy (In Anoka) - that even if I lose NO weight - as long as I FEEL this good - this is going to be a success! Amy is doing it too (oh yeah, and about 5 other people at work and home who have heard us raving about it). . . and she made the comment that she feels "in control" of what's going in her body. Yes! I had that feeling tonight at Rainbow. I went shopping tonight with next week's list in hand. I have NEVER had so many veggies or fruits in my cart - ever in my life! (Yes, this anti-veggie girl is trying just about everything on the menu - it won't kill me, right?? - ahem . . I am NOT doing the mushrooms. k. nuff said.) Let me tell you I spent about 25 minutes in the produce section alone! I didn't know where things were, I didn't know how the best ones should look, and there were a few things, I wasn't even sure what they were! (is there a taste difference between grape and cherry tomatoes??) The entire trip took over an hour - I spent a lot of time pouring over labels - but you know what?? About every other person was doing the same thing! (picking up box after box and checking labels!) So with cart full of healthy - low cal - high fiber foods (photo above!) I made my way to the checkout expecting the worst! - not bad. For a week's menu (and of course - many things will last longer than that - it was $97. (I've easily dropped $40-$60 bucks on a bag or two of snacks for a girl's night!) So, wish me luck! I'm off to a good start - and I start cooking from the groceries I just bought on Saturday. Stay posted for my progress . . .(ps - not to jinx it - but after 3 days - no tummy issues. Tummy - a - OK!)
And here - I had to post photos of Rock Star Alice as she jams on drums whilst Daddy and Auntie Carrie rock the mic and guitar (respectively) on Daddy's new "Rock Band" video game! (Note 2nd photo - she's using the foot pedal as well!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
All About Me Today
Today was good - after my 2pm shower - I ventured out into the frigid air for a "ME" day.
I went to Rosedale and spoiled myself. I bought shoes at DSW - both pair for $42!!! 
Then I went to Bath & Body Works and got some of my old Cinnabon Shower gel and some new Melon stuff. . .still on the lookout for Cinnabon Temptations Lotion. (so if you see some - pick me up some - and I'll pay ya back! :)
After I was feeling properly spoiled - I stopped at the Quarry for movies and dinner. I did the "Rent 3 get the 4th Free" thing - so it will take me a couple of days - but so far so good in my choices! :)
With movies in hand, I walked next door to LeeAnn Chin - for some Sesame & Mogolian Chicken and Noodles.
Puppies and I have been chillaxin on the couch watching movies all night - (Yeah - and Vanhtha got movies the other night too - so I actually only watched ONE of mine - and one of his tonight.)
2nd week of Vacation going well so far!
2007 in Review - a Survey
Stolen From Cousin Katey's blog:
Did you keep you New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I don't really do resolutions - so none to keep track of . . however, I DO have one for 2008 - to take some more classes/credits - to move LATERALLY on my pay scale.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Cousin-in-law Katie had Hannah Sophia on Dec. 22nd!
Did anyone close to you die?
no
What countries did you visit?
none
What was the best thing you bought?
my dining room table
Happier or sadder?
Happy - good year.
Thinner or heavier?
Heavier - pretty sure. . .not keeping track anymore. :p
Richer or poorer?
Richer - roommate to share some expences . . .
What do you wish you'd done more of?
More saving of money - want to buy house soon!
How did you spend Christmas?
With MANY friends/family. Jerome's on the 22nd, Sanner's all weekend, Mom/dad/Lonny/Jaime/Alice Christmas Day.
Did you fall in love in 2007?
nope
What was your favorite TV show?
Just about anything Reality, Grey's Anatomy, The Office . . . (I got my dvr working every night of the week! :)
What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
What was your favorite film this year?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
What did you do on your birthday?
Went to Red Lobster with my friends and family, obviously!
How old were you?
34
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Maybe if I met someone?? OR . . that could have made my year immeasurably more annoying. . . . you never can tell!
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
comfort - hoodies and jeans! :)
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year...
"Cause this is the life
Hold on tight
And this is the dream
It’s all I need
You never know where you’ll find it
I’m gonna take my time, yeah
I’m still gettin it right
This is the life"
(dear god this is a) Hannah Montana (song) :)
Did you keep you New Years' resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I don't really do resolutions - so none to keep track of . . however, I DO have one for 2008 - to take some more classes/credits - to move LATERALLY on my pay scale.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
Cousin-in-law Katie had Hannah Sophia on Dec. 22nd!
Did anyone close to you die?
no
What countries did you visit?
none
What was the best thing you bought?
my dining room table
Happier or sadder?
Happy - good year.
Thinner or heavier?
Heavier - pretty sure. . .not keeping track anymore. :p
Richer or poorer?
Richer - roommate to share some expences . . .
What do you wish you'd done more of?
More saving of money - want to buy house soon!
How did you spend Christmas?
With MANY friends/family. Jerome's on the 22nd, Sanner's all weekend, Mom/dad/Lonny/Jaime/Alice Christmas Day.
Did you fall in love in 2007?
nope
What was your favorite TV show?
Just about anything Reality, Grey's Anatomy, The Office . . . (I got my dvr working every night of the week! :)
What was the best book you read?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
What was your favorite film this year?
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
What did you do on your birthday?
Went to Red Lobster with my friends and family, obviously!
How old were you?
34
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Maybe if I met someone?? OR . . that could have made my year immeasurably more annoying. . . . you never can tell!
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
comfort - hoodies and jeans! :)
Quote a song lyric that sums up your year...
"Cause this is the life
Hold on tight
And this is the dream
It’s all I need
You never know where you’ll find it
I’m gonna take my time, yeah
I’m still gettin it right
This is the life"
(dear god this is a) Hannah Montana (song) :)
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