I'm on a two day kick!
Our truck has finally decided to show it's age and neglect...the 18 year old (same age as the daughter) sits in the driveway with too many problems for me to describe. So the newest challenge we are presented with is...to purchase or not to purchase?
We have always been a two car family, but the reality of it is: we could easily be a one car family. Evil works less then a quarter of a mile from work and rarely goes anywhere requiring driving. If work does ask him to visit an off site, legally he could take the county car. I work five miles from the house; my biggest challenge is of course getting the children to their activities and different schools. I've become quite the biker! Just last night, I took both Riley and Cole in the bike trailer to McD's for dinner, then rode an additional 1.6 miles only to do it again later that night. I easily put in over 4 miles yesterday.
School challenge: I am in the process of filing my fafsa. Dragging my feat a bit because psychologically, if I dont finish then I dont have to interview and ultimately not get a job. So many teachers are without a job right now...I always seem to be just slightly behind the trend.
Weight loss challenge: still making progress, nothing quick but steady. I just might try a class next week.
Cooking challenge: Grocery shopping is not my fav and I've needed to go for almost 3 days now...a true challenge to be sure!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Yay...
Its Friday...Well that doesn't mean a whole lot, at least for another 2 weeks!
I went into work yesterday and started putting some books away and getting geared up for the next
school year to start! I saw some teachers and had some really good conversations...I love working!
I rode my bike yesterday with both Cole and Riley in tow...so that's an additional 80lbs for the almost 3 miles. But it felt good at the end to be sweaty. I went to the gym this morning and did 3 miles in 50 minutes (with 5 minutes warm up and 5 minutes cool down) then did some quick cable machine as Evil needed to be out the door to work and a doctors apt. The kids and I are not outside for some MUCH needed yard work and maybe a car wash...we will see
all in all I'm pretty pleased with the progress on my challenges (finally!)
I went into work yesterday and started putting some books away and getting geared up for the next
school year to start! I saw some teachers and had some really good conversations...I love working!
I rode my bike yesterday with both Cole and Riley in tow...so that's an additional 80lbs for the almost 3 miles. But it felt good at the end to be sweaty. I went to the gym this morning and did 3 miles in 50 minutes (with 5 minutes warm up and 5 minutes cool down) then did some quick cable machine as Evil needed to be out the door to work and a doctors apt. The kids and I are not outside for some MUCH needed yard work and maybe a car wash...we will see
all in all I'm pretty pleased with the progress on my challenges (finally!)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I did what?
Yesterday was a BAD food day. Very disappointed with myself, I slipped back into the bad habit of late night snacking instead of just going to bed. I blew my intake by about 600 calories.
Tuesdays are water park days and the kids had a blast; 5 hours have never flown faster!
Tuesdays are also gymnastic days for Cole and Riley, so it's easy to say he slept soundly last night.
Suppose to work out and run today, but my knee is very "twangy" so I might skip it and go to work and start getting my library into shape. Excuse or good reason?
No luck on soup...been too kid busy
Tuesdays are water park days and the kids had a blast; 5 hours have never flown faster!
Tuesdays are also gymnastic days for Cole and Riley, so it's easy to say he slept soundly last night.
Suppose to work out and run today, but my knee is very "twangy" so I might skip it and go to work and start getting my library into shape. Excuse or good reason?
No luck on soup...been too kid busy
Monday, August 1, 2011
Aug. 1st
and look...I'm posting :)
Challenge 1: looking for a new tortilla recipe...the purpose of the challenge was to make new, not what you already know. Therefore, I am on the prowl for a new and interesting recipe.
Challenge 2: I upped my miles today on the treadmill: 2.34 in 32 minutes with a ratio of 1 minute walk and 2 minute jog ; incline 2, walking speed 3.5: jog speed 4.0
I continued stregnth training on the cable machines alternating between 4 and 5 with 3 sets of 10 reps.
I was going to try yoga today, but Laurie didn't show and I was late soooo I did my thing.
Challenge3: Evil and the boys are just fine.
Challenge4: School/ Work starts in 22 days, I might make a paper chain to help count down the days...I am that excited :) Credential program starts 6 days later; no paper chain required.
All in all seems like things are in pretty good order...quick find some wood to knock on!
Challenge 1: looking for a new tortilla recipe...the purpose of the challenge was to make new, not what you already know. Therefore, I am on the prowl for a new and interesting recipe.
Challenge 2: I upped my miles today on the treadmill: 2.34 in 32 minutes with a ratio of 1 minute walk and 2 minute jog ; incline 2, walking speed 3.5: jog speed 4.0
I continued stregnth training on the cable machines alternating between 4 and 5 with 3 sets of 10 reps.
I was going to try yoga today, but Laurie didn't show and I was late soooo I did my thing.
Challenge3: Evil and the boys are just fine.
Challenge4: School/ Work starts in 22 days, I might make a paper chain to help count down the days...I am that excited :) Credential program starts 6 days later; no paper chain required.
All in all seems like things are in pretty good order...quick find some wood to knock on!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Dont Ask...but I'm here now
Where or where did May and June go?
Well it was push to get the homework done for the two worst classes of my entire Bachelor degree.
I struggled with the discussion for Stats and the rotten "isn't world civilization just the most important subject ever!?" Instructor. But come June 28th, I pulled out a B+ and B sooooo guess I can hold my head up for now.
I am officially done with the Bachelors degree and in August will head into the teacher credential program on my way to a Masters. In California, the extra credential can take up to 2 years to complete lets hope there is a job at the end of it.
Onto the other Challenges...
I did not make a soup for May and June... I know I know
July's ingredient was Quinoa
I tried out Peruvian Quinoa Stew:
Kaye will ask, did the family eat it? Yes, Yes they did. My boys now order soup at restaurants instead of salad. They are becoming quite the soup connoisseurs.
Challenge number 3...
After many many excuses I made my way back to the gym, running, and eating properly.
Right now, I am averaging a 17.08 minute / mile and am holding steady at 2 miles. I am babying my knee as it is prone to twangs. I am strength training with cable machines at a level 4, 3 sets of 10. I am thinking about entering the next "boot camp" class. I need to get over my social phobia first. This week alone I am down 4 lbs and 3/4 of an inch on my waist. We will call t his challenge as... In Progress :)
I started riding my bike. My sister's house is 1.3 miles from mine. Why am I driving this to take my niece home??? I have a bike trailer and a perfectly good bike! So I get at least 2.6 miles in at night
Challenge number 4...
The boys have all become money sieves! We "tried" gymnastics and they all loved it so we enrolled. 150.00 a month; Monday night for the big boys, Tuesday night for the Boo. Not to mention the back to school shopping, the amount of food they ALL eat, the gas to drive them around...on and on and on. BUT they are happy healthy boys, so I really cant complain.
That being said... I cant wait for school to start :)
Well it was push to get the homework done for the two worst classes of my entire Bachelor degree.
I struggled with the discussion for Stats and the rotten "isn't world civilization just the most important subject ever!?" Instructor. But come June 28th, I pulled out a B+ and B sooooo guess I can hold my head up for now.
I am officially done with the Bachelors degree and in August will head into the teacher credential program on my way to a Masters. In California, the extra credential can take up to 2 years to complete lets hope there is a job at the end of it.
Onto the other Challenges...
I did not make a soup for May and June... I know I know
July's ingredient was Quinoa
I tried out Peruvian Quinoa Stew:
| ½ cup quinoa |
|
| 1 cup water | |
| 2 cups chopped onions | |
| 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed | |
| 1 tablespoons vegetable oil | |
| 1 celery stalk, chopped | |
| 1 carrot, cut on the diagonal into ¼-inch thick slices | |
| 1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces | |
| 1 cup cubed zucchini | |
| 2 cups un drained chopped fresh or canned tomatoes | |
| 1 cup water or vegetable stock | |
| 2 teaspoons ground cumin | |
| ½ teaspoon chili powder | |
| 1 teaspoon ground coriander | |
| Pinch of cayenne (or more to taste) | |
| 2 teaspoon fresh oregano (OR) 1 teaspoon dried oregano | |
| Salt to taste | |
| Chopped fresh cilantro (optional) | |
| Grated Cheddar (OR) Monterey Jack cheese (optional) |
Challenge number 3...
After many many excuses I made my way back to the gym, running, and eating properly.
Right now, I am averaging a 17.08 minute / mile and am holding steady at 2 miles. I am babying my knee as it is prone to twangs. I am strength training with cable machines at a level 4, 3 sets of 10. I am thinking about entering the next "boot camp" class. I need to get over my social phobia first. This week alone I am down 4 lbs and 3/4 of an inch on my waist. We will call t his challenge as... In Progress :)
I started riding my bike. My sister's house is 1.3 miles from mine. Why am I driving this to take my niece home??? I have a bike trailer and a perfectly good bike! So I get at least 2.6 miles in at night
Challenge number 4...
The boys have all become money sieves! We "tried" gymnastics and they all loved it so we enrolled. 150.00 a month; Monday night for the big boys, Tuesday night for the Boo. Not to mention the back to school shopping, the amount of food they ALL eat, the gas to drive them around...on and on and on. BUT they are happy healthy boys, so I really cant complain.
That being said... I cant wait for school to start :)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
April was too fast
I can hardly believe April has come and gone.
I failed Feburary's soup challenge... with my whining and Kaye's willingness to choose an ingredient of my choice...I still didn't participate.
April I had asperagus to work with and it was good :)
I forgot to take pictures :(
Winter Potage:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon butter
1 cup thinly sliced asperagus
1/2 cup sliced celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 cup frozen shelled edamane (fresh soybeans - my choice)
1 cup frozen petite green peas
1 table spoon rice ( I used barely - a VERY SMALL AMOUNT)
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
3 cups fat free less sodium chicken broth ( I used the better than organic paste)
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt (can omit)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Heat oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add asparagus and celery: saute
4 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute. Add broccoli and next 5 intredients.
Stir in broth and wter; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Place one third of vegetabel mixuture in a food processor or blender; process until smooth. repeat with remaining vegetable mixture.
Calories 152
Really easy and tasted FANTASTIC. With the blending, kids didn't know what they were eating ( love this new trick) They dipped grilled cheese in it like tomato soup. Would do again and again!!!
The other challenges are failing as well...
After my surgery in December I've managed to gain 12 pounds
I have ZERO energy or motivation...family keeps buggin me to go to the doctors
but that takes energy and motivation to schedule the apt, the baby sitters, the taxi service for the older kids, and well I can't even do that
I did have the last week off from school...still carrying the 4.0, even if it did about kill me. I hated both my classes last session and glad that its over. Starting tomorrow I begin World Civilizations (needed to start the credentialing program) and Statistics (again needed for the program) and I will be done, done, done. Til Septemeber - ish, I decided there was no real rush to start the program and I am on burn out mode.
Kids and family are all doing well. Connor got to pitch in the last game, and will be the opening inning pitcher on Tuesday night. Caleb got to play 2nd base and its more responsibility then he cares for. He told coach to put him on the bench...that kid.
John got a new boss (city administrator) so he's on his best behavior...which let's face it, can use some refinement anyway :)
I say I'll post more often, but who are we kidding
I failed Feburary's soup challenge... with my whining and Kaye's willingness to choose an ingredient of my choice...I still didn't participate.
April I had asperagus to work with and it was good :)
I forgot to take pictures :(
Winter Potage:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon butter
1 cup thinly sliced asperagus
1/2 cup sliced celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 cup frozen shelled edamane (fresh soybeans - my choice)
1 cup frozen petite green peas
1 table spoon rice ( I used barely - a VERY SMALL AMOUNT)
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
3 cups fat free less sodium chicken broth ( I used the better than organic paste)
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt (can omit)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Heat oil and butter in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add asparagus and celery: saute
4 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute. Add broccoli and next 5 intredients.
Stir in broth and wter; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Place one third of vegetabel mixuture in a food processor or blender; process until smooth. repeat with remaining vegetable mixture.
Calories 152
Really easy and tasted FANTASTIC. With the blending, kids didn't know what they were eating ( love this new trick) They dipped grilled cheese in it like tomato soup. Would do again and again!!!
The other challenges are failing as well...
After my surgery in December I've managed to gain 12 pounds
I have ZERO energy or motivation...family keeps buggin me to go to the doctors
but that takes energy and motivation to schedule the apt, the baby sitters, the taxi service for the older kids, and well I can't even do that
I did have the last week off from school...still carrying the 4.0, even if it did about kill me. I hated both my classes last session and glad that its over. Starting tomorrow I begin World Civilizations (needed to start the credentialing program) and Statistics (again needed for the program) and I will be done, done, done. Til Septemeber - ish, I decided there was no real rush to start the program and I am on burn out mode.
Kids and family are all doing well. Connor got to pitch in the last game, and will be the opening inning pitcher on Tuesday night. Caleb got to play 2nd base and its more responsibility then he cares for. He told coach to put him on the bench...that kid.
John got a new boss (city administrator) so he's on his best behavior...which let's face it, can use some refinement anyway :)
I say I'll post more often, but who are we kidding
Sunday, January 30, 2011
January - Lentil
Lentil and Smoked Sausage Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 7 ounces dry lentils
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 vegetarian smoked sausages, diced
- 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cubes vegetable bouillon
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
we used Kielbasa instead of vegetarian sausage, because John absolutely refused. Being married to a carnivore has it's drawbacks. I don't get the pizza I want, I don't get garden-burgers, see a trend?
Anywhoo...I used Better then Bouillon chicken flavor in place of the vegetable bouillon, cause its what I had and its what I like
I need to purchase a Stick Blender, even though it doesn't call for it, I think it would make it more creamy.
Here's the final product:
Saturday, January 1, 2011
It's Here, It's here...ooooo It's Here
What is here, you may be asking...or you may not be.
It's not what you think...
Today is Jan 1, the official weigh in for the JEEZ -us challenge of 2011
and the first time I have EVER announced my weight in any sort of public
forum.
So, without further adieu
20% of 168 = 33.6
Christmas cooking and eating wasn't kind to me
Motivation this time around:
half marathon with Kaye in June
Crysta's graduation in June
MY graduation in June
oh lordy...
It's not what you think...
Today is Jan 1, the official weigh in for the JEEZ -us challenge of 2011
and the first time I have EVER announced my weight in any sort of public
forum.
So, without further adieu
20% of 168 = 33.6
Christmas cooking and eating wasn't kind to me
Motivation this time around:
half marathon with Kaye in June
Crysta's graduation in June
MY graduation in June
oh lordy...
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