Day 2:
Breakfast - 3 points (egg on one a piece of toast, V8 Fruit Fusion)
Lunch - 10 points (peanut butter and jelly sandwich, 100 cal. cheese nips, yogurt and blueberries)
Dinner - 13 points (Panera mac and cheese, apple)
Snack - 6 points (mandarin oranges, triscuits, turkey & cheese)
Total: 32 points (24 daily, 16-8= 8 flex points left for the week)
I was happily surprised that our whole wheat bread is only one point per slice. I was also excited that triscuits, turkey & cheese is only 5 points! The Panera mac and cheese, while only 500 calories, has THIRTY grams of fat! I used a lot of restraint at Panera, getting the small portion and choosing an apple... 13 points isn't "bad" for dinner, but I was unprepared for the 30 grams of fat.
Day 3:
Breakfast - 12 points (Panera asiago bagel, cream cheese, coffee)
Lunch - 5 points (peanut butter and jelly sandwich)
Dinner - 9 points (Chipotle burrito bol with rice, veges, a teensy bit of sour cream and cheese, guacomole, and as suggested by LegallyBlond, lettuce)
Snack - 4 points (triscuits, cheese nips)
Total - 30 points (24 daily, 8-6= 2 flex points left for the week)
My body likes 30 points per day... if I eat a big breakfast, I can get away with a light lunch and not even miss it. In theory, my 35 flex points could be spread evenly to each day to give me 29 points each day. It seems I "must" go over my allotted flex points, but if I maintain 29-30 points per day I will consider it a success.
I could exercise to gain a few more points... ... ...
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In 350 days I will reach a major life milestone - age 30. For the past 29+ years I have self-analyzed, self-criticized and self-dramatized. But no longer! My goal is that, in 350 days, I will know which character traits I should invest time into because they can be changed, improved, strengthened... and which character traits I need to simply accept (or at least not worry about until I hit 40).
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Typical Day at the Doctor
How precious the typical day can be. In light of the teenager's departure on Wednesday, today's trip to the doctor was full of sentimental moments.
This morning, daughter had an appointment to flush out her ears in anticipation of her hearing aid check on Thursday. Teenager came along because he had to renew a prescription for skin stuff. So the three of us load up at 8 a.m.
We arrive at the clinic after a pleasant twenty minute drive. We patiently wait in line, then patiently wait as a pushy woman checked us in. After cutting me off the first time I tried to tell her that Teenager was there for a prescription renewal (informing me that it was a question for the doctor), she finally listened when I (a little more forcefully) told her that the Teenager needed the prescription, not the daughter.
There was this weird moment when she asked me when his birthday was. I thought, hey he's 18, he can take over from here. So I looked at him, and he answered, and then she pulled up his paperwork... but of course, I was the one who had to call the pharmacy. :-) The three of us sit down.
The nurse calls for daughter, and all three of us get up. I was kind of surprised when teenager stood up, and asked him if he wanted to go in with us. He said he didn't want to wait by himself. Well OK then. It was comical, and heart-warming, that five years later we were all still in the same doctor routine.
Except that five years later, daughter, teenager and I take up a lot more space in the waiting room then we ever used to! We get into the tiny room, and daughter sits on the bed, teenager sits with his legs stretched out, blocking any kind of walkway between the bed and his chair, I sit next to the nurse's station, and the nurse squeezes into the only open corner left in the room.
She puts drops into daughter's ears to "soften up" the wax, but as she is about to start the rinsing process daughter get a little concerned. So I quickly pull out a trick that never fails: I sing (and the nurse joins in) the Star Spangled Banner. And the Minnesota Rouser. And teenager just laughs, saying every now and then, "I wonder what people think outside this room." After one ear, daughter begins coughing and the nurse is concerned that she is getting nauseated. So she gives her a barf bag.
As she is working on the next ear, the nurse suddenly says, "I think it's going to come out in one big chunk." And then I looked in the bowl - seriously, this blacked chunk of ear wax was the size of my entire pinkie finger nail. For a minute I wondered if I would need the barf bag. Teenager kept asking me, Why do you keep looking at it? I couldn't help it - the mass of wax was so large it seemed utterly impossible it came out of her little ear. Teenager said she probably didn't need hearing aids anymore.
Then I thought, wow, it must feel so good to get that big piece of wax out, so I asked the nurse to check my ears and see if I should schedule a wax removal session. But apparently, I have no wax and simply don't hear well. Teenager thought that was funny too.
We left, after making a quick, sneaky pit-stop for teenager to measure his height (yes, he is 6'6"). As we drove home, Teenager and I had a pleasant conversation about nothing important. I was struck by the normalcy of the day. It makes me nostalgic to think about how much fun we have doing such average things.
This morning, daughter had an appointment to flush out her ears in anticipation of her hearing aid check on Thursday. Teenager came along because he had to renew a prescription for skin stuff. So the three of us load up at 8 a.m.
We arrive at the clinic after a pleasant twenty minute drive. We patiently wait in line, then patiently wait as a pushy woman checked us in. After cutting me off the first time I tried to tell her that Teenager was there for a prescription renewal (informing me that it was a question for the doctor), she finally listened when I (a little more forcefully) told her that the Teenager needed the prescription, not the daughter.
There was this weird moment when she asked me when his birthday was. I thought, hey he's 18, he can take over from here. So I looked at him, and he answered, and then she pulled up his paperwork... but of course, I was the one who had to call the pharmacy. :-) The three of us sit down.
The nurse calls for daughter, and all three of us get up. I was kind of surprised when teenager stood up, and asked him if he wanted to go in with us. He said he didn't want to wait by himself. Well OK then. It was comical, and heart-warming, that five years later we were all still in the same doctor routine.
Except that five years later, daughter, teenager and I take up a lot more space in the waiting room then we ever used to! We get into the tiny room, and daughter sits on the bed, teenager sits with his legs stretched out, blocking any kind of walkway between the bed and his chair, I sit next to the nurse's station, and the nurse squeezes into the only open corner left in the room.
She puts drops into daughter's ears to "soften up" the wax, but as she is about to start the rinsing process daughter get a little concerned. So I quickly pull out a trick that never fails: I sing (and the nurse joins in) the Star Spangled Banner. And the Minnesota Rouser. And teenager just laughs, saying every now and then, "I wonder what people think outside this room." After one ear, daughter begins coughing and the nurse is concerned that she is getting nauseated. So she gives her a barf bag.
As she is working on the next ear, the nurse suddenly says, "I think it's going to come out in one big chunk." And then I looked in the bowl - seriously, this blacked chunk of ear wax was the size of my entire pinkie finger nail. For a minute I wondered if I would need the barf bag. Teenager kept asking me, Why do you keep looking at it? I couldn't help it - the mass of wax was so large it seemed utterly impossible it came out of her little ear. Teenager said she probably didn't need hearing aids anymore.
Then I thought, wow, it must feel so good to get that big piece of wax out, so I asked the nurse to check my ears and see if I should schedule a wax removal session. But apparently, I have no wax and simply don't hear well. Teenager thought that was funny too.
We left, after making a quick, sneaky pit-stop for teenager to measure his height (yes, he is 6'6"). As we drove home, Teenager and I had a pleasant conversation about nothing important. I was struck by the normalcy of the day. It makes me nostalgic to think about how much fun we have doing such average things.
Labels:
Doctor
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Day 1: How many points in a mac and cheese wedge?
Today I am faced with the reason counting weightwatchers points is so hard: how do you deal with foods, like mac and cheese wedges, when you don't know their caloric content?
I had a House Salad and half an order of fried mac and cheese wedges for dinner. How does one determine the points? I looked online and there is no help. I had a granola bar for breakfast (4 points), left over vegetables and lamb chops from dinner last night (6 points) and a piece of triolade (let's say 3 points, since the nutritional information is in German), and a beverage and a breadstick with dinner (5 points) for 18 points, not counting the mystery meal. I get 24 points per day, plus 35 "flex" per week.
So... this site says LOTS of calories... so 10 points for the salad (I only had half the salad, which I admit might be more than 1 cup, but this isn't a hard science).
OK, let's make a deal. I'll take 10 points for them as well, which means I'm at 38 points worth, which is 14 points over, which leaves me 16 flex points for the week. Ugh I apologize for this boring and mathematically challenged entry. I brought my leftovers home, but I have now decided they are destined for either Teenager's lunch, or the garbage.
I had a House Salad and half an order of fried mac and cheese wedges for dinner. How does one determine the points? I looked online and there is no help. I had a granola bar for breakfast (4 points), left over vegetables and lamb chops from dinner last night (6 points) and a piece of triolade (let's say 3 points, since the nutritional information is in German), and a beverage and a breadstick with dinner (5 points) for 18 points, not counting the mystery meal. I get 24 points per day, plus 35 "flex" per week.
So... this site says LOTS of calories... so 10 points for the salad (I only had half the salad, which I admit might be more than 1 cup, but this isn't a hard science).
OK, let's make a deal. I'll take 10 points for them as well, which means I'm at 38 points worth, which is 14 points over, which leaves me 16 flex points for the week. Ugh I apologize for this boring and mathematically challenged entry. I brought my leftovers home, but I have now decided they are destined for either Teenager's lunch, or the garbage.
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Quest #9
The Scary Room Wins Again
Dear Scary Room,
I concede. You have won. I cannot mount a last-ditch effort to make you un-scary by the end of Tuesday night. The Teenager is leaving Wednesday, and I go back to school tomorrow, so there - you win. Now stop taking up precious space in my brain, stop stressing me out with your constant silent judgment as I pass by, and just love me for pretending I had enough time to turn you around.
I will worry about you when I am 40.
Love,
Free To Be Me in 350
I concede. You have won. I cannot mount a last-ditch effort to make you un-scary by the end of Tuesday night. The Teenager is leaving Wednesday, and I go back to school tomorrow, so there - you win. Now stop taking up precious space in my brain, stop stressing me out with your constant silent judgment as I pass by, and just love me for pretending I had enough time to turn you around.
I will worry about you when I am 40.
Love,
Free To Be Me in 350
Labels:
Quest #5
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The Teenager's Clean Sweep
Tonight, I sat with teenager as he worked on cleaning up his room in anticipation of moving next week.
How can it be? As he went through clothes that had been in his closet since he moved in five years ago... pulling out shorts that seemed to be made for a stuffed animal, they were so small when held up to his 6'6" frame...I remembered the last time that room was empty. Husband and I received a phone call in April that the teenager and daughter were moving in that June. We began a major remodeling process to make the upstairs livable - we laid new carpet, painted the rooms, drywalled in a wall and a door to turn the open room into a private bedroom.
When they showed up with their aunt and uncle, it was unimaginable that we could ever be a close, open and honest family. It was awkward. They didn't want to move from their hometown, and they certainly didn't want to live with us! Daughter, her Down syndrome a blessing in this instance, adjusted pretty quickly to her "new mom." (Perhaps I was helped by the fact that Rugrat's in Paris was her favorite movie, and Chuckie's new mom was ALSO ASIAN! I know...)
But it took a lot of learning on both sides before the teenager began to trust, and husband and I learned how to love like parents. And it seems like now, just when everything is perfect, when everyone is getting along and everyone understands and everyone has finally adjusted to all the changes, Now is when the most cruel change comes - when you drop the teenager off at his "new" home and drive away.
Sniffle.
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How can it be? As he went through clothes that had been in his closet since he moved in five years ago... pulling out shorts that seemed to be made for a stuffed animal, they were so small when held up to his 6'6" frame...I remembered the last time that room was empty. Husband and I received a phone call in April that the teenager and daughter were moving in that June. We began a major remodeling process to make the upstairs livable - we laid new carpet, painted the rooms, drywalled in a wall and a door to turn the open room into a private bedroom.
When they showed up with their aunt and uncle, it was unimaginable that we could ever be a close, open and honest family. It was awkward. They didn't want to move from their hometown, and they certainly didn't want to live with us! Daughter, her Down syndrome a blessing in this instance, adjusted pretty quickly to her "new mom." (Perhaps I was helped by the fact that Rugrat's in Paris was her favorite movie, and Chuckie's new mom was ALSO ASIAN! I know...)
But it took a lot of learning on both sides before the teenager began to trust, and husband and I learned how to love like parents. And it seems like now, just when everything is perfect, when everyone is getting along and everyone understands and everyone has finally adjusted to all the changes, Now is when the most cruel change comes - when you drop the teenager off at his "new" home and drive away.
Sniffle.
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teenager
Quest #9: Inspiration
Husband is a twin. His twin sister invited friends and family to a birthday bash tonight.
She. Looked. Fabulous.
She has really committed herself to being healthy, and her work has paid off. She exercises and eats right, and she brought in 30 with a BANG. Her other fabulous accomplishments include getting her Master's Degree and starting a new career, not to mention the help and support she offers with the kids.
I was suddenly inspired. As I watched her bring in her 30th Birthday with style, I realized that could be me. I had lost the vision a little... but I realized that I want to be in the best physical condition of my life by April 2011.
So I'm back to counting weightwatcher points. Thanks, TwinSis, for inspiring me back on track!
She. Looked. Fabulous.
She has really committed herself to being healthy, and her work has paid off. She exercises and eats right, and she brought in 30 with a BANG. Her other fabulous accomplishments include getting her Master's Degree and starting a new career, not to mention the help and support she offers with the kids.
I was suddenly inspired. As I watched her bring in her 30th Birthday with style, I realized that could be me. I had lost the vision a little... but I realized that I want to be in the best physical condition of my life by April 2011.
So I'm back to counting weightwatcher points. Thanks, TwinSis, for inspiring me back on track!
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Quest #9
Friday, August 27, 2010
Day 15: Moderate Success!
The scale has decreased in number! Woohoo! Granted, I only lost like 1.5 pounds, but in light of my high calorie lunches I was happily surprised. Only 25 more to go...
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Quest #8
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Day 14: Manna
For lunch today, I had a coke and two slices of Davanni's sausage pizza. I went here to calculate my calories - it's 262 calories a piece, for a total of 524 calories. That is 6 WW points each, for a total of 12 WW points... and 3 WW points for my can of coke... Ugh good thing I hauled a box of food six blocks and up three flights of stairs!
My lunch was free today, courtesy of Manna at law school. Manna is a nondenominational reflection activity offered at law school, where professors and students will share. I spoke today about my road to law school. The outline was:
1. Jeremiah 29:11 - My road to law school began with "leaving" teaching... As I said today, I technically resigned, but they definitely brought it up first :-) But God had a plan!
2. Psalm 127:1-2 - My first year was spent obsessively working, to the detriment of Husband and my family. I learned that year that it doesn't matter how Much or how Long I studied, if God wasn't in it, I wasn't going to succeed.
3. Mathew 16:24-26 - My second year was spent trying to find peace amidst the seductive beckoning of the world. Fame, fortune, and approval are constant temptations, and it is so easy to think you can put everything on hold for "just a few more days/months/years" and then live the life you Really want. I was pretty close to losing the really important things once, and I Hope to avoid getting remotely close to that situation ever again!
Some good law school friends came, it was a really emotional presentation. Law school has been hard, but by the grace of God I'm still married with two kids, and have a great job post-graduation.
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My lunch was free today, courtesy of Manna at law school. Manna is a nondenominational reflection activity offered at law school, where professors and students will share. I spoke today about my road to law school. The outline was:
1. Jeremiah 29:11 - My road to law school began with "leaving" teaching... As I said today, I technically resigned, but they definitely brought it up first :-) But God had a plan!
2. Psalm 127:1-2 - My first year was spent obsessively working, to the detriment of Husband and my family. I learned that year that it doesn't matter how Much or how Long I studied, if God wasn't in it, I wasn't going to succeed.
3. Mathew 16:24-26 - My second year was spent trying to find peace amidst the seductive beckoning of the world. Fame, fortune, and approval are constant temptations, and it is so easy to think you can put everything on hold for "just a few more days/months/years" and then live the life you Really want. I was pretty close to losing the really important things once, and I Hope to avoid getting remotely close to that situation ever again!
Some good law school friends came, it was a really emotional presentation. Law school has been hard, but by the grace of God I'm still married with two kids, and have a great job post-graduation.
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Quest #8
Happy Birthday Husband!
Today Husband turned 30! Teenager decided to buy him George from vat.com. George is a 9", 5 lb gummy bear filled with 12,600 calories and the equivalent of 1400 regular sized gummy bears (see the little one on his chest?) And then we had some fun...
Besides George, Husband's birthday was filled with food. I'm not domestic, so I had ordered a carrot cake, and Cheesemakers from husband's favorite sandwich shop, Nelson's Cheese Factory. I told teenager when I left this morning that I was getting Nelson's Cheese Factory and getting a carrot cake. At the end of the day, I carried a box filled with a 6" cake and four boxed lunches the six blocks from work to my car. And up three flights of stairs in the ramp. I arrived home, to see Teenager about to grill four massive steaks and four baked potatoes, not to mention cook a lovely batch of green beans. We stared at each other.
"I thought you said you were going to the Cheesecake Factory to get a carrot cake!"
Husband came into the kitchen, looked at all the food, and said, "Wow, we're really going to be full tonight..."
It all worked out OK. Teenager is willing to cook tomorrow night. He also made bread pudding, which was amazing, AND he cleaned the house. When he is this wonderful, it makes the fact that he is moving on Tuesday much harder!
So Happy Birthday Husband! The video references the burning questions and answers on the bottom of the vat.19.com page I linked to above.
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Birthday,
Gummy Bear,
Husband
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Day...13?
The numbering has gotten quite off. But, on Friday, I will weigh myself to see if Quest 8 had any kind of impact. I have not made it downstairs to our home gym yet. And this week I have not been doing my back exercises... so yes, I will need to start "back" up tomorrow (ha ha... I know, I'm so funny).
Today I spent about $18 for lunch, but it was a calamari salad, and I didn't get pop.
Another positive thing from the week is that I have walked to law school every day because I am part of a new student group that plans reflection activities for the student body. Today was a great discussion about faith and stress.
This week, my stress level has amped back up. Next week I start school and move the teenager out. I'm wrapping things up at the clerkship and participating in student activities. This transition is very emotional, and a passionate desire for God's peace has been awaken as well.
Today I spent about $18 for lunch, but it was a calamari salad, and I didn't get pop.
Another positive thing from the week is that I have walked to law school every day because I am part of a new student group that plans reflection activities for the student body. Today was a great discussion about faith and stress.
This week, my stress level has amped back up. Next week I start school and move the teenager out. I'm wrapping things up at the clerkship and participating in student activities. This transition is very emotional, and a passionate desire for God's peace has been awaken as well.
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Quest #8
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Day 11: E & G's and the Firm Family Event
For lunch I had Erbert and Gerbert's Jacob Bluefinger, with wheat bread. I was appalled to find out here that I only saved 10 calories by having wheat instead of white! For 10 calories, I'm never choosing honey wheat again. For 100, maybe...
So that's 12 Weightwatcher points in sandwich. If I'd had white, it would be 14 Weighwatcher points. Sliced honey wheat is 9 WW points. So perhaps it is a good idea to do wheat - and an even better idea to try this "sliced honey wheat" which I think means I get a sandwich instead of a sub roll.
Tonight the law firm hosted a family outing to watch the local minor baseball team. It would be my family's first debut as a unit at a firm event. I joked with husband that I just wanted everyone to think we were a normal family - to which he replied that one look at us: two 30-year-olds with a 6'6" blond kid and our special-needs daughter - would reveal we were anything but normal! :-)
To ease my nerves, husband and I played the game, "What's the worst that could happen?" We decided husband and daughter both throwing up, and perhaps throwing in a bout of diarrhea. Luckily, the most exciting thing that happened was when a high-ranking partner was laughing behind us, and daughter turned to stare at him and then said to me loud enough for him to hear, "Silly man." I looked at her, looked and him, and said with a laugh, "Yes, he is a silly man." I turned back around, holding my breath, until I heard the partner laugh and say to himself, Yes, I am a silly man. Whew! So the family debut? Great success!
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So that's 12 Weightwatcher points in sandwich. If I'd had white, it would be 14 Weighwatcher points. Sliced honey wheat is 9 WW points. So perhaps it is a good idea to do wheat - and an even better idea to try this "sliced honey wheat" which I think means I get a sandwich instead of a sub roll.
Tonight the law firm hosted a family outing to watch the local minor baseball team. It would be my family's first debut as a unit at a firm event. I joked with husband that I just wanted everyone to think we were a normal family - to which he replied that one look at us: two 30-year-olds with a 6'6" blond kid and our special-needs daughter - would reveal we were anything but normal! :-)
To ease my nerves, husband and I played the game, "What's the worst that could happen?" We decided husband and daughter both throwing up, and perhaps throwing in a bout of diarrhea. Luckily, the most exciting thing that happened was when a high-ranking partner was laughing behind us, and daughter turned to stare at him and then said to me loud enough for him to hear, "Silly man." I looked at her, looked and him, and said with a laugh, "Yes, he is a silly man." I turned back around, holding my breath, until I heard the partner laugh and say to himself, Yes, I am a silly man. Whew! So the family debut? Great success!
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Quest #8
Monday, August 23, 2010
Day 10: Forgetful Me
I noticed last week had two Day 6-es. Huh.
Today's update will be short. I had kind of a harried day. I had to get to work early, and I couldn't find my car keys. Then I forgot my planner at home. And a word document on my desktop that the teenager had to forward to me. And my wallet.
Since I had no money, for lunch I convinced co-worker to take me out for frozen yogurt at about 3:30 p.m. I was under the gun, and did a lot of "Serenity Now" chants...
Overall it was a good day, just kind of weird, and tiring. God is Great! And I'm going to bed.
Today's update will be short. I had kind of a harried day. I had to get to work early, and I couldn't find my car keys. Then I forgot my planner at home. And a word document on my desktop that the teenager had to forward to me. And my wallet.
Since I had no money, for lunch I convinced co-worker to take me out for frozen yogurt at about 3:30 p.m. I was under the gun, and did a lot of "Serenity Now" chants...
Overall it was a good day, just kind of weird, and tiring. God is Great! And I'm going to bed.
Labels:
Quest #8
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Hometown Weekend
The weekend was spent in Hometown, a small rural town of 600 people nestled among corn field, bean fields, and dairy farms. Highlights included celebrating SweetTalker and FarmerBoy's upcoming baby - who Daughter has named Miley Cyrus, and has predicted will come next Sunday - and participating in the Two-Club Tournament.
If we're being honest, actually playing in the Two-Club Tournament was not very much "fun" because, having not played golf all summer, I STUNK (And even more aggravating is the fact that me stinking it up isn't really a surprise to the rest of the family. I dream for the day when I amaze everyone with my flawless game...) FarmerBoy won easily, since GolfRat suddenly had to work. Dad, Husband and Teenager all placed respectably. I generally stopped keeping score towards the end.
But the meaning behind the Two-Club Tournament makes the humiliation worth it! The tournament started as a tribute to my late Grandpa, who could kick any grandkid's butt with only a 5 Iron and a Putter. The simplicity, the skill, the confidence... This year the tournament kind of fell together at the last minute due to lack of time to plan, but next year I foresee a little more time and perhaps a new trophy - for the highest score, that is!
The weekend was also marked with great family moments: hanging out with SpunkyAunt, having a special moment with a sweet cousin, laughing at the daily adventures of my GolfPro Uncle, catching up with SuperDuper's parents, not to mention the laughter shared with my immediate family. It's good for the soul to see family!
If we're being honest, actually playing in the Two-Club Tournament was not very much "fun" because, having not played golf all summer, I STUNK (And even more aggravating is the fact that me stinking it up isn't really a surprise to the rest of the family. I dream for the day when I amaze everyone with my flawless game...) FarmerBoy won easily, since GolfRat suddenly had to work. Dad, Husband and Teenager all placed respectably. I generally stopped keeping score towards the end.
But the meaning behind the Two-Club Tournament makes the humiliation worth it! The tournament started as a tribute to my late Grandpa, who could kick any grandkid's butt with only a 5 Iron and a Putter. The simplicity, the skill, the confidence... This year the tournament kind of fell together at the last minute due to lack of time to plan, but next year I foresee a little more time and perhaps a new trophy - for the highest score, that is!
The weekend was also marked with great family moments: hanging out with SpunkyAunt, having a special moment with a sweet cousin, laughing at the daily adventures of my GolfPro Uncle, catching up with SuperDuper's parents, not to mention the laughter shared with my immediate family. It's good for the soul to see family!
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Two-Club Tournament
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Day 7: Happy August
Twinsfan and I were back in fine form this evening - the rain held off, the conversation was fun, and the Twins lost BIG TIME but oh well. We were comparing our company's "August" celebration - they had Cub's food cupcakes, and we had Cheesecake Factory cheesecake brought it. Yes, she does work for the federal government...
We were discussing the things people do to be cool. Like go to sushi bars. She has friends she knows do not like sushi, but they go to sushi bars because its cool. I, on the other hand, like Sushi bars. In my world, the cool kids run marathons, drink Diet coke and play fantasy football. Where as I run to catch the bus, drink regular coke, and couldn't name five current NFL players. Oh well, I am a self-professed dork. Don't get me wrong - I do want to start running again, I'd like to only have one pop a week, and I'm still undecided about this Fantasy Football thing - but I want to do these things because I'm FREE to be ME, not because I'm forced through social peer pressure to do things to fit in.
Anyways, as for the quest - I ate the other half of my lunch from Tuesday, and managed to hold off taking a trip to the frozen yogurt counter, although the only reason I held off was because I walked into the kitchen and realized it was Happy August, and I saw a beautiful raspberry swirl cheesecake... While I ate pretty atrociously at the game, I also walked back and forth to my car several times throughout the day, for a total of about 2 miles. We'll see if I managed to keep off any of my sick weight.
We were discussing the things people do to be cool. Like go to sushi bars. She has friends she knows do not like sushi, but they go to sushi bars because its cool. I, on the other hand, like Sushi bars. In my world, the cool kids run marathons, drink Diet coke and play fantasy football. Where as I run to catch the bus, drink regular coke, and couldn't name five current NFL players. Oh well, I am a self-professed dork. Don't get me wrong - I do want to start running again, I'd like to only have one pop a week, and I'm still undecided about this Fantasy Football thing - but I want to do these things because I'm FREE to be ME, not because I'm forced through social peer pressure to do things to fit in.
Anyways, as for the quest - I ate the other half of my lunch from Tuesday, and managed to hold off taking a trip to the frozen yogurt counter, although the only reason I held off was because I walked into the kitchen and realized it was Happy August, and I saw a beautiful raspberry swirl cheesecake... While I ate pretty atrociously at the game, I also walked back and forth to my car several times throughout the day, for a total of about 2 miles. We'll see if I managed to keep off any of my sick weight.
Labels:
Quest #8
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Day 6: Noodle Bar
I says to my Asian co-worker, hey, let's do lunch. She says, where to? I says, let's do this Noodle Bar I saw a sign for. It's in the hotel restaurant. She says, What's a noodle bar? I give her "Seriously?" look, and explain it's like a pasta bar, with noodles and sauces. She says, isn't that just like a salad bar? I says, let's just go and you'll see.
So we go to the hotel lobby. I don't know what the restaurant name is, so I ask the guy behind the security desk. I ask, Where's the Noodle Bar?
He gives me the "Seriously" look and says, "We don't have a Noodle Bar."
Yes, you do.
No, we don't.
Sir, I saw the sign that you have a noodle bar in your restaurant.
Ma'am, we don't have a noodle bar.
At this point co-worker intercedes and asks where the restaurant is, he says fifth floor, and we're off. I'm steaming. And now becoming a little afraid. We arrive on the fifth floor... and I see a woman explaining to two other young women how the Noodle Bar works. Hooray!
Of course, I proceed to tell the hostess that the guy downstairs tried to steer us away. And our waiter. And the chef who was making our noodles (I was 5% sad it wasn't an Italian Noodle Bar, it was an Asian noodle bar). Everyone I told said, "Was his name Tyrel?" I said I didn't know.
On my latest rant to the chef, where my co-worker and I are trying to explain what he looked like (she said he had a goatee, was older; I was trying to find a politically correct way to say he was black) when this, er, guy came around the corner and said, "You found it!"
I looked at his name tag and it said Tyrel. I said to the chef, No that's not him. But then I looked again, and he knew who I was, and suddenly I realized, it WAS Tyrel (in my defense he put glasses on). And I was so incredulous that we didn't recognize him (and he did NOT have a goatee) that I forgot to be embarrassed that he caught me complaining about him. He was much nicer, I was much nicer, and we all lived happily ever after.
Noodle Bar. Lots of veggies, very fast, and only $10 (we got a 20% coupon, but then paid it back in tip). AND No DQ treat - although I really want one (probably because every night when I come home Husband is having a Dilly Bar).
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So we go to the hotel lobby. I don't know what the restaurant name is, so I ask the guy behind the security desk. I ask, Where's the Noodle Bar?
He gives me the "Seriously" look and says, "We don't have a Noodle Bar."
Yes, you do.
No, we don't.
Sir, I saw the sign that you have a noodle bar in your restaurant.
Ma'am, we don't have a noodle bar.
At this point co-worker intercedes and asks where the restaurant is, he says fifth floor, and we're off. I'm steaming. And now becoming a little afraid. We arrive on the fifth floor... and I see a woman explaining to two other young women how the Noodle Bar works. Hooray!
Of course, I proceed to tell the hostess that the guy downstairs tried to steer us away. And our waiter. And the chef who was making our noodles (I was 5% sad it wasn't an Italian Noodle Bar, it was an Asian noodle bar). Everyone I told said, "Was his name Tyrel?" I said I didn't know.
On my latest rant to the chef, where my co-worker and I are trying to explain what he looked like (she said he had a goatee, was older; I was trying to find a politically correct way to say he was black) when this, er, guy came around the corner and said, "You found it!"
I looked at his name tag and it said Tyrel. I said to the chef, No that's not him. But then I looked again, and he knew who I was, and suddenly I realized, it WAS Tyrel (in my defense he put glasses on). And I was so incredulous that we didn't recognize him (and he did NOT have a goatee) that I forgot to be embarrassed that he caught me complaining about him. He was much nicer, I was much nicer, and we all lived happily ever after.
Noodle Bar. Lots of veggies, very fast, and only $10 (we got a 20% coupon, but then paid it back in tip). AND No DQ treat - although I really want one (probably because every night when I come home Husband is having a Dilly Bar).
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Quest #8
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Day 6: Half a Lunch & a Mini-Blizzard
For the first time ever, in the fridge at work, there is a Styrofoam box with my name, and today's date written on it. With food inside. I know.
As a person attempting to be free of some extra self, it was a solid victory on the calorie front, as well as the finance front. Such a novel idea... stretch one lunch into TWO?
The idea came when I went to the Greek place and asked how much it would be for one lamb kabob and a side of yellow rice. The total was $3 more than getting the Lamb Kabob plate, which included 2 kabobs, yellow rice, 2 pitas and yogurt-sauce dip. Penny-pincher beat out calorie-counter, and I bought the Kabob plate and took it to go.
As I was eating at my desk (alone, as co-clerk and intern are back at school), I had this weird idea that, since I truly had twice as much as I originally wanted, I should eat only half! Yes, there was a moment when I thought my discipline would fade... as I looked at the other kabob, the yummy rice... and then I closed the box, wrote my name on it, and speed-walked to the kitchen fridge. VICTORY!!!!!
Tonight, I wanted a Buster Bar. ChoirFriend and I were planning to go to DQ either tonight or tomorrow for the new mini-Blizzard. I realized there was a strong possibility I would end up eating a Buster Bar tonight and a blizzard tomorrow, so we went for our blizzards tonight (I had a mini Buster Bar blizzard). The DQ Calorie Calculator says the Turtle Pecan Mini Blizzard is 430 calories - that seems to be the most comparable, pecans = peanuts, chocolate cone coating = fudge, caramel topping = chocolate. Which is still unbelievable. BUT I just looked up a Buster Bar, and it rings in at 480 calories, so yes people - it was a 50 calorie save for the night! (And, if i manage to avoid a second DQ treat tomorrow, a theoretical 530 calorie save... I believe that is 25% of 1 pound).
As a person attempting to be free of some extra self, it was a solid victory on the calorie front, as well as the finance front. Such a novel idea... stretch one lunch into TWO?
The idea came when I went to the Greek place and asked how much it would be for one lamb kabob and a side of yellow rice. The total was $3 more than getting the Lamb Kabob plate, which included 2 kabobs, yellow rice, 2 pitas and yogurt-sauce dip. Penny-pincher beat out calorie-counter, and I bought the Kabob plate and took it to go.
As I was eating at my desk (alone, as co-clerk and intern are back at school), I had this weird idea that, since I truly had twice as much as I originally wanted, I should eat only half! Yes, there was a moment when I thought my discipline would fade... as I looked at the other kabob, the yummy rice... and then I closed the box, wrote my name on it, and speed-walked to the kitchen fridge. VICTORY!!!!!
Tonight, I wanted a Buster Bar. ChoirFriend and I were planning to go to DQ either tonight or tomorrow for the new mini-Blizzard. I realized there was a strong possibility I would end up eating a Buster Bar tonight and a blizzard tomorrow, so we went for our blizzards tonight (I had a mini Buster Bar blizzard). The DQ Calorie Calculator says the Turtle Pecan Mini Blizzard is 430 calories - that seems to be the most comparable, pecans = peanuts, chocolate cone coating = fudge, caramel topping = chocolate. Which is still unbelievable. BUT I just looked up a Buster Bar, and it rings in at 480 calories, so yes people - it was a 50 calorie save for the night! (And, if i manage to avoid a second DQ treat tomorrow, a theoretical 530 calorie save... I believe that is 25% of 1 pound).
Labels:
Quest #8
Monday, August 16, 2010
Day 5 and End of Quest #7
Well, I stepped on the scale this morning and I lost three pounds. So a diet of rice, sprite, bananas, applesauce and toast is a winner! (I didn't even push the save button, I know it would be cheating). I'm feeling better, and will likely gain back those three pounds in no time. Sigh!
My summary for Quest #7 is this:
First, I stink at packing a lunch. Unless its something I really like eating, I won't pack it. So perhaps a manageable goal, for now, is to pack my lunch once per week, consistently. That seems manageable.
As far as cutting back on the sides, I am doing a little better at that. Coupled with my desire to eat less, I have been content with just a sandwich - instead of a sandwich, chips and a cookie. Although, when it's free... I usually don't exhibit as much restraint.
And it was good for me to keep track of my expenditures. I didn't quite realize how fast those sit-down lunches add up... when the receipts sit in your dark purse for weeks, you can live in denial for a long time.
My summary for Quest #7 is this:
First, I stink at packing a lunch. Unless its something I really like eating, I won't pack it. So perhaps a manageable goal, for now, is to pack my lunch once per week, consistently. That seems manageable.
As far as cutting back on the sides, I am doing a little better at that. Coupled with my desire to eat less, I have been content with just a sandwich - instead of a sandwich, chips and a cookie. Although, when it's free... I usually don't exhibit as much restraint.
And it was good for me to keep track of my expenditures. I didn't quite realize how fast those sit-down lunches add up... when the receipts sit in your dark purse for weeks, you can live in denial for a long time.
Labels:
Quest #8
Sunday, August 15, 2010
The "Bleh" Continues
Yes, this virus is a little more enduring than I had expected. Day 2 of bananas, applesauce, rice and toast.
I couldn't sleep this morning due to back and stomach pain, so I watched "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." Except I feel asleep for the last fifteen minutes - all I know is that the house is burning at the end. I remember wanting to see the movie when I was in high school because Leonardo DiCaprio was in it; when I watched it this morning, the movie was relevant to me but in a way I could not have foreseen in high school. (Leonardo DiCaprio plays the 18-year-old brother who is mentally retarded.)
The kids have returned from Grand Marais. I do love them; it's nice when they're gone, but a little nicer when they're back. :-)
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I couldn't sleep this morning due to back and stomach pain, so I watched "What's Eating Gilbert Grape." Except I feel asleep for the last fifteen minutes - all I know is that the house is burning at the end. I remember wanting to see the movie when I was in high school because Leonardo DiCaprio was in it; when I watched it this morning, the movie was relevant to me but in a way I could not have foreseen in high school. (Leonardo DiCaprio plays the 18-year-old brother who is mentally retarded.)
The kids have returned from Grand Marais. I do love them; it's nice when they're gone, but a little nicer when they're back. :-)
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Sick
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Was it the Lobster ravioli? Or the Pizza Hut crust?
Ugh. Something is wrong with my tummy. Well, actually I think it is heart burn... you know, you feel a burning just under your rib cage bone, and you feel like you might poop any moment, and sometimes when you run to the bathroom you DO poop, but sometimes you just sit there?
Yeah. Of course, the children are gone with their older siblings this weekend; instead of a fun day doing fun things with husband, we returned home early and I slept on the living room floor. Not only does my tummy hurt, but my back is its usual annoying self.
PITY ME! :-) Or say a prayer that I can enjoy the second half of my weekend...
On a quest-related note, all I've eaten today is a granola bar, a V8 Fusion (this was before husband informed me of the high acidity of V8), a plain bagel, sprite, and white rice. (I now hear husband digging around in the freezer for a DQ treat... I wonder if my tummy is ready for ice cream yet...)
Yeah. Of course, the children are gone with their older siblings this weekend; instead of a fun day doing fun things with husband, we returned home early and I slept on the living room floor. Not only does my tummy hurt, but my back is its usual annoying self.
PITY ME! :-) Or say a prayer that I can enjoy the second half of my weekend...
On a quest-related note, all I've eaten today is a granola bar, a V8 Fusion (this was before husband informed me of the high acidity of V8), a plain bagel, sprite, and white rice. (I now hear husband digging around in the freezer for a DQ treat... I wonder if my tummy is ready for ice cream yet...)
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Sick
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 4/14: Lunch of the Summer: Woohoo!
It happened people. Remember how I said this week I needed someone to pay me $5 to have lunch? Well, I walked away from this lunch with a new associate's salary, plus benefits!!!
The whole event was a suspenseful play. Act I was when the recruiting partner alluded he would know next week whether I could work during the school year, and when co-clerk and I got emails for Friday afternoon lunch to "answer any questions we might have." We dared to hope.
Act II began when the partner walked into the library to take us to lunch. I let out a big "Woohoo!" (Hey, I was hungry). We rode down the elevator. I asked where we were going, and the partner pointed to the nearby seafood restaurant. Without thinking, I let out another "Woohoo!"
I think I'm nervous.
Act III begins with the three of us sitting down in the restaurant. After some small talk, the speech begins. It seems like this is it. As he spoke, my mind wandered to Husband's marriage proposal... Wait, here it is... "And this is our formal offer..."
It seemed like I was supposed to say something. I looked at the partner and said, "It's taking a lot of effort to hold my third cheer in."
He smiled and did it for me. "Woohoo!"
For an encore of humor, I can barely contain my excitement after lunch. I managed to contain my excitement until co-clerk and I parted ways with the partner in the elevator bank. I turned to co-clerk and said, you know that part in Love Actually (click here) She nodded, and I proceeded to turn around and skip and jump and wave my arms in the air and then... unlike the movie scene... I forgot to mouth my excitement and semi-screamed, "IT HAPPENED" in the elevator lobby.
And as we popped out on the other side of the elevators on our way to get coffee, we saw the partner also walking, and DEFINITELY in earshot.
Sigh. I am such a dork!
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The whole event was a suspenseful play. Act I was when the recruiting partner alluded he would know next week whether I could work during the school year, and when co-clerk and I got emails for Friday afternoon lunch to "answer any questions we might have." We dared to hope.
Act II began when the partner walked into the library to take us to lunch. I let out a big "Woohoo!" (Hey, I was hungry). We rode down the elevator. I asked where we were going, and the partner pointed to the nearby seafood restaurant. Without thinking, I let out another "Woohoo!"
I think I'm nervous.
Act III begins with the three of us sitting down in the restaurant. After some small talk, the speech begins. It seems like this is it. As he spoke, my mind wandered to Husband's marriage proposal... Wait, here it is... "And this is our formal offer..."
It seemed like I was supposed to say something. I looked at the partner and said, "It's taking a lot of effort to hold my third cheer in."
He smiled and did it for me. "Woohoo!"
For an encore of humor, I can barely contain my excitement after lunch. I managed to contain my excitement until co-clerk and I parted ways with the partner in the elevator bank. I turned to co-clerk and said, you know that part in Love Actually (click here) She nodded, and I proceeded to turn around and skip and jump and wave my arms in the air and then... unlike the movie scene... I forgot to mouth my excitement and semi-screamed, "IT HAPPENED" in the elevator lobby.
And as we popped out on the other side of the elevators on our way to get coffee, we saw the partner also walking, and DEFINITELY in earshot.
Sigh. I am such a dork!
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Quest #8
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Day 3/13: Scrapbook Fever!
For lunch, Co-clerk and I were taken to a Brazilian Steak House. I wore knit. It stretches. I ate practically the rest of the day in an effort to counteract the massive amounts of protein consumed.
It is way past my bedtime. But I have four pages done of London - I am in Scrapbooking Heaven! Tomorrow might be tough...
Also, I had to use my aggressive bus catching tactics this afternoon. I saw the bus cross my street - it was EARLY - so I ran up the street about half a block until traffic subsided enough that I could dart across, and then I sprinted to the bus... as the doors closed ahead of me I heard a voice yell, "NOOOooooo!" and it wasn't until the busdriver re-opened the door and I collapsed into it that I realized that voice was my own.
Quick side note, last night my sister AngelOwner (and her dog Angel) picked me up from one park and ride and brought me to the other... I had parked in the "wrong" one since I left later that evenings. What a fabulous sister! Pretty sure husband would not have been thrilled about that phone call...
Ugh it's midnight!
It is way past my bedtime. But I have four pages done of London - I am in Scrapbooking Heaven! Tomorrow might be tough...
Also, I had to use my aggressive bus catching tactics this afternoon. I saw the bus cross my street - it was EARLY - so I ran up the street about half a block until traffic subsided enough that I could dart across, and then I sprinted to the bus... as the doors closed ahead of me I heard a voice yell, "NOOOooooo!" and it wasn't until the busdriver re-opened the door and I collapsed into it that I realized that voice was my own.
Quick side note, last night my sister AngelOwner (and her dog Angel) picked me up from one park and ride and brought me to the other... I had parked in the "wrong" one since I left later that evenings. What a fabulous sister! Pretty sure husband would not have been thrilled about that phone call...
Ugh it's midnight!
Labels:
Quest #8
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Day 2/12: Too many celebrations!
For breakfast I had yogurt. The day looked promising.
For lunch, co-clerk and I took Intern out, as it was his last day at the office. We went to a restaurant with the BEST macaroni and cheese - I got my mac & cheese with a side of King Crab sandwich, thinking it would be more healthy then the cream of mushroom soup. I was wrong - the King Crab was not slabs of seafood, but shredded crab in a heavy mix of mayonnaise and other tasty fats. I'm too lazy to check my total; I know I spent $26 for myself and half of Intern's meal, plus tip.
And dinner was over Office Happy Hour - essentially calamari and wine - in honor of Co-clerk's last week. Then to SassyRed's Going Away Party... and Monday night was ChoirFriend's Fabulous Fortieth Birthday party at the local pizza pub...
In conclusion, this week is really not a good week for beginning the new diet.
For lunch, co-clerk and I took Intern out, as it was his last day at the office. We went to a restaurant with the BEST macaroni and cheese - I got my mac & cheese with a side of King Crab sandwich, thinking it would be more healthy then the cream of mushroom soup. I was wrong - the King Crab was not slabs of seafood, but shredded crab in a heavy mix of mayonnaise and other tasty fats. I'm too lazy to check my total; I know I spent $26 for myself and half of Intern's meal, plus tip.
And dinner was over Office Happy Hour - essentially calamari and wine - in honor of Co-clerk's last week. Then to SassyRed's Going Away Party... and Monday night was ChoirFriend's Fabulous Fortieth Birthday party at the local pizza pub...
In conclusion, this week is really not a good week for beginning the new diet.
Labels:
Quest #8
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Day 1/Day 11: Lunch and Dinner Fun
Day 1/11: I packed my lunch this morning. Over my lunch that included such healthy items as a V8 fruit fusion, an apple, a yogurt, and some mac and cheese, I quizzed co-clerk and intern on how they maintained their stellar physiques. Intern confessed good genetics and regular pilates, while co-clerk said she ate ice cream once throughout the summer and almost no cheese. While these four snippets of wisdom sound impossible to this girl, I did take away a good suggestion for dinner: aim for one starch, one protein, and the rest vegetables. OK... I can do that...
BUT not tonight. A spur of the moment dinner date arose with SuperSaver, and SuperDuper (they have the same first name, so I thought I would replicate that). You remember SuperSaver from Costco; SuperDuper and I grew up together as cousins.
I left work and began the commute for our 5:00 p.m. dinner. Traditionally, SuperDuper is right on time and SuperSaver and I are anywhere from 15 minutes, to 1 hour, 15 minutes late. Road construction was putting me farther behind, despite my recent quest-related punctual training. At 5:01 I called SuperDuper to tell her that I was really close, but I just saw a sign that said certain roads were closed and I needed to know which exit to take. Instead of answering me, she exclaimed, "Are we meeting now? I thought we said 5:30!"
Oh Crap. And look - I just flew by a necessary exit. Whatever, so I'm early. I hung up with SuperDuper and, while navigating traffic, looked at my map. OK, I was going to loop north of Olive Garden and swing back around.
And then the monsoon came. Torrential rain. And the stoplights were hours long. And I had no idea where I was going, so I drove like an injured turtle.
Yup. I was late. 5:32. SIGH!
BUT not tonight. A spur of the moment dinner date arose with SuperSaver, and SuperDuper (they have the same first name, so I thought I would replicate that). You remember SuperSaver from Costco; SuperDuper and I grew up together as cousins.
I left work and began the commute for our 5:00 p.m. dinner. Traditionally, SuperDuper is right on time and SuperSaver and I are anywhere from 15 minutes, to 1 hour, 15 minutes late. Road construction was putting me farther behind, despite my recent quest-related punctual training. At 5:01 I called SuperDuper to tell her that I was really close, but I just saw a sign that said certain roads were closed and I needed to know which exit to take. Instead of answering me, she exclaimed, "Are we meeting now? I thought we said 5:30!"
Oh Crap. And look - I just flew by a necessary exit. Whatever, so I'm early. I hung up with SuperDuper and, while navigating traffic, looked at my map. OK, I was going to loop north of Olive Garden and swing back around.
And then the monsoon came. Torrential rain. And the stoplights were hours long. And I had no idea where I was going, so I drove like an injured turtle.
Yup. I was late. 5:32. SIGH!
Labels:
Day 1; Day 11
Monday, August 9, 2010
Quest #8: Back Pain = Lose Weight
It's time.
The moment when I can no longer pretend everything is A-OK. My lower back is acting up, and what is one factor? Potbelly. (The teenager says guys call it a beer-belly. I call it my Buddha... because I'm Asian).
In case you didn't remember, being overweight actually spurred this blog, see here.
Once summer started, I stopped doing my 30 minutes of activity. And I've been doing some significant overeating in the evenings (Did I mention last night husband made home-made blueberry waffles, with whipped cream and pie filling toppings, and fatty bacon, and sausage?)
I am in a state of pain that I no longer wish to reside in. I'm now going to crawl away, ice my back, and pass out.
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The moment when I can no longer pretend everything is A-OK. My lower back is acting up, and what is one factor? Potbelly. (The teenager says guys call it a beer-belly. I call it my Buddha... because I'm Asian).
In case you didn't remember, being overweight actually spurred this blog, see here.
Once summer started, I stopped doing my 30 minutes of activity. And I've been doing some significant overeating in the evenings (Did I mention last night husband made home-made blueberry waffles, with whipped cream and pie filling toppings, and fatty bacon, and sausage?)
I am in a state of pain that I no longer wish to reside in. I'm now going to crawl away, ice my back, and pass out.
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Quest #8
Day 10: $8.95
This week started off a little better than last week. Co-clerk, Intern and I had a fun lunch of Greek salads. I really should just pack my lunch... but I don't want to...
Labels:
Quest #7
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Trivial Pursuit Champion
Friday night, Husband and I defeated the team of Mr. and Mrs. LawLady, and the team of LegallyBlond and THH (Tree Huggin' Hippie), in a multi-hour game of Trivial Pursuit. Did you know there were three events in a decathlon? And that a decathlon is apparently NOT a triathlon with a few more events?
The Law School Study Group also took in the rural county fair, and tried their luck at the blackjack table. I lost in typical fashion, but everyone else walked away with double-digit returns: LegallyBlond $15, THH $60 (?), and Law Lady $75. Even the Teenager, who played for the first time, walked away with $50!
Don't worry, Teenager was given the gambling speech many times. "Gambling is for entertainment purposes only. This is not how you pay your bills." etc. He assured us all he would never return!
On Saturday I saw my parents and the two youngest siblings (GolfRat and FamousDiva). They were in the cities hanging out, and we had dinner with them and my brother FarmerBoy and sister-in-law SweetTalker. SweetTalker is pregnant, and I have already chosen names - SweetNiece if it's a girl, and SurpriseGuy if it's a boy. Baby due in early September!
The Law School Study Group also took in the rural county fair, and tried their luck at the blackjack table. I lost in typical fashion, but everyone else walked away with double-digit returns: LegallyBlond $15, THH $60 (?), and Law Lady $75. Even the Teenager, who played for the first time, walked away with $50!
Don't worry, Teenager was given the gambling speech many times. "Gambling is for entertainment purposes only. This is not how you pay your bills." etc. He assured us all he would never return!
On Saturday I saw my parents and the two youngest siblings (GolfRat and FamousDiva). They were in the cities hanging out, and we had dinner with them and my brother FarmerBoy and sister-in-law SweetTalker. SweetTalker is pregnant, and I have already chosen names - SweetNiece if it's a girl, and SurpriseGuy if it's a boy. Baby due in early September!
Day 9: The total climbs...
My bookend days - Monday and Friday - did not bode well for the grand total. I exceeded my Monday total with a whopping $26 (including tip - as a former waitress as long as you make a reasonable effort I tend to do 20%). Met up with some Law Journal Alumni at a favorite seafood grill - Crab salad was pretty yummy! My alumni friends, Interrogator and Buffer (so named because Interrogator once questioned me to tears, and Buffer is the arbitrator when Interrogator and I cross from collegial friendship into adversarial bickering) just finished the bar exam. Amongst other topics, it was interesting to discuss the "acting" aspect of being a lawyer - I want to reject the idea that I can't be my quirky self AND be a lawyer... but popular opinion in the lawyer community is that a professional image is EVERYTHING. Sigh!
So this week's total was $45. Last week was $20.51. So in theory, to even it all out to my $20 per week, next week needs to be negative five dollars. Someone has to pay me $5 to go out to eat... Oh dear.
An additional fun story is that I missed the bus for the first time. I wanted to catch the 4:39 home, and darn it if those buses weren't running like clockwork Friday afternoon! I was a block away and I saw the bus cross the intersection. I ran full speed; I checked my watch and yes, it was 4:40 so it was definitely my bus. I got caught at the light, but as soon as the traffic subsided I ran across - but the bus now had a green light.
In the past, I have watched people sprint to the bus, and seen the utter look of defeat as the bus drives away. I internally judged and mocked those people. With that in mind, I kept running past the initial bus stop. Part of me thought, maybe I can catch the lights right, run the next two blocks, and catch the bus at the next stop. Most of me thought, I can't let these people see that I missed the bus! So I ran... and ran... and ran until I was at one of the last downtown bus stops.
It was relatively deserted and I felt my pride was safe.
So this week's total was $45. Last week was $20.51. So in theory, to even it all out to my $20 per week, next week needs to be negative five dollars. Someone has to pay me $5 to go out to eat... Oh dear.
An additional fun story is that I missed the bus for the first time. I wanted to catch the 4:39 home, and darn it if those buses weren't running like clockwork Friday afternoon! I was a block away and I saw the bus cross the intersection. I ran full speed; I checked my watch and yes, it was 4:40 so it was definitely my bus. I got caught at the light, but as soon as the traffic subsided I ran across - but the bus now had a green light.
In the past, I have watched people sprint to the bus, and seen the utter look of defeat as the bus drives away. I internally judged and mocked those people. With that in mind, I kept running past the initial bus stop. Part of me thought, maybe I can catch the lights right, run the next two blocks, and catch the bus at the next stop. Most of me thought, I can't let these people see that I missed the bus! So I ran... and ran... and ran until I was at one of the last downtown bus stops.
It was relatively deserted and I felt my pride was safe.
Labels:
Quest #7
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day 8: Random Thoughts
This morning I was crabby. I knocked a precarious tower of remote controls, DVDs and cases, and other random crap off of the dresser this morning; I was critical of daughter's breakfast choice (a peanut butter sandwich, and trail mix that she was dipping into peanut butter) and I yelled in the teenager's face (First I yell for him to get up from the bottom of the stairs... then I pound on his door while yelling... then when he opened his door I just yelled AAHHHHHHH! Why can't he just set an alarm?).
Despite the day's rough beginning, it took a delightful turn at noon: Another free lunch! My work mentor took me out today.
This evening, CampingBride complimented my blog - and I didn't even know she was reading it! Thank you CampingBride!
Finally, the teenager informed me that when my parents stopped in yesterday to pick up my sister's luggage (she loaned it to me for Europe), the first thing they did was check out the scary room to assess its progress. Then, when they saw my pile of scrapbooking pictures, they told him I would never get to the scary room.
I'll show them. I'll get my Europe pages done AND the scary room. By the end of the month.
Despite the day's rough beginning, it took a delightful turn at noon: Another free lunch! My work mentor took me out today.
This evening, CampingBride complimented my blog - and I didn't even know she was reading it! Thank you CampingBride!
Finally, the teenager informed me that when my parents stopped in yesterday to pick up my sister's luggage (she loaned it to me for Europe), the first thing they did was check out the scary room to assess its progress. Then, when they saw my pile of scrapbooking pictures, they told him I would never get to the scary room.
I'll show them. I'll get my Europe pages done AND the scary room. By the end of the month.
Labels:
Quest #7
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 7: Monday's Lunch
Today I ate Monday's packed lunch. Italian pasta salad, one of two dishes that I make well (the other is cheesy hamburger bake). I was in a hurry, so the fact that my lunch was solely the pasta salad didn't seem significant until I returned home at 7 p.m. FAMISHED. Husband decided to try making home-made Bruschetta, and the sweetie that he is he waited for me to get home and made me my very own, personal-and-fresh batch. It was fabulous!
I just spent the past hour or so perusing online scrapbook stores because my Europe pictures arrived today and I am SO excited to relive the trip! It is now WAY past my bedtime...
I just spent the past hour or so perusing online scrapbook stores because my Europe pictures arrived today and I am SO excited to relive the trip! It is now WAY past my bedtime...
Labels:
Quest #7
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Day 6: Will Present For Food!
Today I served on a panel at law school to share about my experience in the OCI (or "On Campus Interviewing" process). LawLady was also there, and I'm sure we confused everyone because our strategies couldn't be more different! She is essentially the poster child of Career and Professional Services - she has great grades, a great interviewing personality, wears pearls and a black suit to interviews, and is focused on the work. I am the rebel applicant. I'm me... maybe a little "too" me. I wore big jewelry, I dared to utter the words "work-life balance" in my cover letter, and once at the end of an interview I told the firm representative (politely) that I would save him some time and withdraw from applying, because I didn't think we would be a good fit. We both got jobs... so what does that tell you?
Anyways, lunch was provided - always a plus!
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Web Site Hit Counters
Anyways, lunch was provided - always a plus!
border="0" alt="Hit Counters">
Web Site Hit Counters
Labels:
Quest #7
Monday, August 2, 2010
Day 5: Double-digit lunch....
Well...
In my defense, I owed co-clerk lunch. She offered to do a project for me when I was leaving for vacation, and then while I was gone the project turned into weekend work for her... I love my co-clerk, and thus I shower her with food (like Triolade).
We both brought lunch today. Yes, I actually packed my lunch today! Step one - check. BUT I failed on Step two - eat lunch. Instead, co-clerk and I went to Masa for lunch. The three items for $10 is very economical and tasty... but you can't go to Masa without getting their white rice. I asked if white rice could take the place of a mini-entree, and apparently I asked a little too eagerly because they said no, just knowing I would succumb and purchase the rice anyways.
And tax and tip. For a grand total of $33. Even if we subtract co-clerk's bill, my week total is already at $19.
Oh dear.
On the plus side, I asked Husband if he was appalled at how much I spent in Europe, and he responded he didn't know yet because the amounts were all still in foreign currencies. So I probably should use my credit card now, before Husband and his new Swiss Army Knife get a hold of it after the bill converts into dollars...
In my defense, I owed co-clerk lunch. She offered to do a project for me when I was leaving for vacation, and then while I was gone the project turned into weekend work for her... I love my co-clerk, and thus I shower her with food (like Triolade).
We both brought lunch today. Yes, I actually packed my lunch today! Step one - check. BUT I failed on Step two - eat lunch. Instead, co-clerk and I went to Masa for lunch. The three items for $10 is very economical and tasty... but you can't go to Masa without getting their white rice. I asked if white rice could take the place of a mini-entree, and apparently I asked a little too eagerly because they said no, just knowing I would succumb and purchase the rice anyways.
And tax and tip. For a grand total of $33. Even if we subtract co-clerk's bill, my week total is already at $19.
Oh dear.
On the plus side, I asked Husband if he was appalled at how much I spent in Europe, and he responded he didn't know yet because the amounts were all still in foreign currencies. So I probably should use my credit card now, before Husband and his new Swiss Army Knife get a hold of it after the bill converts into dollars...
Labels:
Quest #7
Sunday, August 1, 2010
August Changes
By the last day of this month...
1. Daughter will have new hearing aids
2. The dog will have been to the vet
3. Law school will be back in session
4. The teenager will be moved into college, and...
5. The scary room will be clean! :-)
It's a big month people!
1. Daughter will have new hearing aids
2. The dog will have been to the vet
3. Law school will be back in session
4. The teenager will be moved into college, and...
5. The scary room will be clean! :-)
It's a big month people!
Labels:
August changes
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