A Sensible Dinner - Pearlieq's Journal

[pearlieq]

4/24/05 - Faux Singlehood - Day Six

8:00am

--1 banana muffin
--1 light string cheese
--1 mug water

OK, the trick to these banana muffins is going to have to be one at a time. I stuck all but 4 in the freezer so hopefully it won't be an issue. I'm not too hungry this morning, but that's usually the case when I've had a big day the day before.

All right, it's time to play one of my favorite games called This Time Next Week! We get to play it all week, until it's time to go...

This Time Next Week We'll: Be sitting in our comfy seats on the airplane! We splurged on Spirit Plus for the trip down so we get priority boarding and check-in, front-row seats on the plane, our own cabin steward, and extra snack and beverage service. Our flight leaves at around 7:30, so we will probably be somewhere over the state of Indiana by This Time Next Week. DH might be snoozing, since we will have to get up by about 4:30 to get to the airport, park the car, check-in, etc. I will be wide awake, since I can't sleep on planes. I usually read--I save up my magazines for a few weeks beforehand and enjoy them all on the plane.

1:00pm

--1 Lean Cuisine Rice & Beans
--2/3 cup peas
--1 small pear

We have a friend who makes sauces and spices for a living. DH does IT work for him, but we're usually guinea pigs for new things he's trying. He's developing a new hot sauce and I figured I'd try to jazz up my meal a little by adding a packet. WOW! I know I'm a lightweight when it comes to spicy things, but this really hot! At least it will help me pace myself a little while I eat it...

And now for This Time Next Week! This Time Next Week we will have landed, gone on our mini-monorail ride, picked up the rental car and headed to OKW. After checking in, we'll be heading to DTD for lunch at Earl of Sandwich and some early shopping at World of Disney. We're AP holders, so we get a discount at World of Disney. We're going to go there first, get what we want and then we'll know what we'll need to buy in the parks. I forget where I read that tip, but it's a great idea!

3:50pm

--1/2 oz honey roasted peanuts
--1 apple

This Time Next Week: Hopefully we will have survived our attempt to find SuperTarget and now have all of our supplies for the week. This might be a quiet night in with pool time and relaxing around the resort, or we may go check out something fun to do at night.

7:45pm

--1 1/2 cup barbecue chicken succotash
--1 whole wheat roll
--1 cup milk

I don't know how else to describe my concoction tonight--it's chicken breast, black beans, peas, and corn, with barbecue sauce. It's really tasty. I've always been one to just start throwing things into a pan and see how they turn out. Most of the time I do OK--I would make this again.

Now for This Time Next Week (which will henceforth be called TTNW): I was planning on fixing dinner in our room at OKW--probably just a frozen lasagna and some veggies/fruit tonight. I think we might go out looking for some fun--Wishes? Fantasmic? Jelly Rolls? Not sure, we'll have to see what we're in the mood for that night...

8:45pm

--1/2 South Beach peanut butter chocolate bar

I picked this up at the grocery store today because it was on sale and I was hungry. I tastes pretty good, it's pretty well fortified and it has a decent amount of fiber and protien. Not a bad little treat.

I burned the heck out of my fingers--I have no feeling in my middle fingertip and a blister on the ring finger. I accidentally left the burner on low underneath my succotash pan (really stupid, I know ) and didn't realize it when I went to grab the pot to put in the sink. OUCH!!!

 

[goldcupmom]

You are doing so well. This week will FLY by.

I can't wait til I get to do the "This time next week" dance!!

 

[Lesli54]

Glad you enjoyed your time with your DH. Too bad he had to get up so early just to go golfing, but I guess sometimes you just have to PR a little in your job to make the in-roads.

If you ever want to go out for Greek food again, just give me a call. DH and I love Greek, but then he is Lebanese and there are a lot of similarities in the food. I enjoy Spanikopita, yummy. Then there is the flat breads and gyros and let's not forget the Baklava! Although, I make better baklava than most I have had. Not exactly healthy choice, but it sure tastes good!

I like playing "This Time Next Week". It sure keeps the week moving when you are getting ready for something great. Let's see, this time next week I will be getting ready to celebrate my birthday and beginning to go crazy over getting things in place for DD17's graduation.

Have a great day!

 

[pearlieq]

4/25/05 - Faux Singlehood - Day 7

7:30am

--1 banana muffin
--1 light string cheese
--1 pear
--1 mug water

I had to get up at 6 to put the trash out, but it actually wasn't so bad once I got out of bed. I'm close to finishing one of the big parts of my work project, so that feels good. I'm going to get going on it as soon as I update here. I'm trying to figure out how to get the cats to take their Lysine pills--I tried cutting them up and tucking them into some liver sausage this monring, but Diana just sniffed hers and Magellan licked at his until he got to the pills and then stopped. I think I'm going to try to crush the pills some more and either tuck them in smaller balls of liver sausage or tuna. We'll figure something out.

Now for TTNW! We will have enjoyed a nice breakfast in our room--maybe on the balcony? It's now time to hop in the car and head off toward EPCOT! After a quick stop to pick up my DDE letter (assuming I can't get them to fax it to me) we'll head straight for Soarin', maybe a couple of times, then off to pick up FP's for Test Track. We'll wander around FW until our window opens, or maybe ride TT standby before our window opens, if the wait isn't too long.

12:40pm

--1 Country Club from Jimmy Johns (no mayo, extra tomato)
--1 mug water

I'm super low on fiber today--gotta make that up this afternoon. I see popcorn in my future!

TTNW: After a fun morning in Future World, I'm sure we will have migrated to World Showcase by now. I'm hoping to catch lunch at a counter service location--anywhere but The Electric Umbrella! We always seem to wind up eating there by default and it's so generic! I was hoping for maybe the cafe in Morrocco or the Yakitori House in Japan--something a little different but maybe passably healthy. After lunch is usually when we're ready to head out. Maybe we'll drive over to the Poly or GF and take a spin around the monorail or do some shopping. Then back to the room for a siesta and some pool time--maybe I'll check out the weight room as well!

2:40pm

--1 1/2 cup barbecued succotash
--1/2 peanut butter chocolate South Beach bar

I'm going nuts--I have the TOM induced eat! eat! eat! disease. Hopefully this quiets it down for a while.

7:40pm

--1 Lean Cuisine roasted garlic chicken meal
--1/2 baked potato
--1 large roma tomato
--1 apple
--1 cup skim milk
--2 mugs water (1 from now, 1 from Curves)

Getting ready to settle down for a quiet night. I think I'm done eating for the night--I feel pretty satisfied. I'm a little irked at myself because while the Jimmy Johns was tasty, it was essentially 500 empty calories. I know I've touched on this before, but as I cut my calorie intake I've become more and more aware that there isn't a lot of room for empty foods in my diet--if I'm going to eat it, it has to be doing something for me--fiber, vitamins, protein, etc. Every once in a while I miss just eating whatever I felt like eating. But, I don't miss all the problems that go with it!

*Side note: It's so nice to have family that's supportive of your efforts to get healthy. Tonight Magellan must be concerned that I spend too much time relaxing comfortably on the couch because he's helpfully jumping on the counters every 5 minutes, forcing me to get up and go get him down. It's nice to know he cares...

Now for TTNW: After a leisurely afternoon, it's about time for my big brother to be joining us. Hopefully his flight will be on time and he'll find the shuttle OK and make it to OKW without much hassle. After he gets in I figure I'lll fix us dinner (probably turkey sausage and baked beans), show him around the resort, and then give him a crash course in WDW. Knowing him, he's probably going to want to go out to DTD right away. While I'd love to go with and spend time with him, I'm sure I'll be tired. But I'll be happy to show him where the boat dock is. I'm nice like that...

 

[Lesli54]

The sun is still shining, hoping for a little warmer weather today. It is the end of April and I feel like I want to hibernate.......wrong season for cold.

Looks like your day went well yesterday and I am enjoying the TTNW game! We like to go to DTD the first day we arrive as well. Then it is off to check out things on the Boardwalk. Where is World of Disney?

Hope your finger feels better and the cats take their meds.

 

[TPCShauna]

I am loving TTNW! I can't wait until I get to play!

I'm sorry your kitty isn't feeling well. We either grind our kitties' pills up and put them in soft food or use the "pill shooter" and put it down their throats. Usually the "pill shooter" is easier.

Good luck!

 

[rcyannacci]

Your thread is so entertaining! Lovin' TTNW!

My ancestors are also Lebanese, so I guess my love of Greek food comes naturally too. The last conference I went to in Chicago, we stayed in Greektown and I was in heaven! Austin is great, but I really miss Chicago restaurants.

BTW, here is a link to the lettuce wrap recipe: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=800452

 

[Strings]

I am loving TTNW. I may have to adopt this before our next trip. How is your finger?
Have a great evening.
Beth

 

[goldcupmom]

I LOVE TTNW!

When I raised persians we used to put the pill inside a straw, put something yummy on the outside of the straw (like Tuna water), hold the straw in your mouth and when they get close and open the mouth, BLOW the pill into their throat.

Tricky the first few times, but it worked. My DH got quite good at it!

Soon I can play TTNW about my trip to FL for fencing with DD and to see my DSis

 

[Clare]

I love TTNW - we play it before our WDW trips too!! We also play This Time Last Week once we get home......not as much fun, but we love reliving the memories!

Sounds like you are doing so well! Keep up the good work......you're going to be lookin' good for WDW!

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning!

TTNW is such a fun game to play. I think you did good on food, but you are right, making the intake really count is harder than just reducing food amounts. Sometimes, I still have that problem. Glad to hear that your cat is enjoying your increased activity and really misses it when you relax.

Have a wonderful day. Ready for more TTNW!

 

[pearlieq]

4/26/05 - Weigh In (off cycle)

334.0!

I know this is kind of cheating since my weigh in day is Saturday, but I was so bummed about being thisclose to my 25lbs clippie last week and not making it, that I promised myself I could update right when I made it instead of waiting for next Saturday. Hopefully the rest of the week goes well and TOM doesn't interfere too much!

Thank you so much to everyone who reads and comments. Your support means so much to me!

Lesli: World of Disney (I think) is that big, huge giant Disney Store at DTD. I love it, but I constantly lose my husband in there--I can imagine it would be terrifying for someone with young kids!

TPC Shauna: Thanks for the tip about the pill shooter--I'll have to check into that, because so far they're not taking the pills voluntarily.

rcyannacci - Thanks so much for the recipe! It looks so yummy!!! I can't wait to try it! What do you say we organize a restaurant exchange? I'll go down to Greektown and send you some good Greek food, and you send me a decent biscuit (if it somehow becomes calorie free in transit, that's a plus!)

Beth: My fingers are much better, thanks for asking. I still can't quite feel my fingertips, but that's better than them hurting!

goldcupmom: Thanks for the straw idea--that sounds promising. Can't wait to read your TTNW--it's coming up soon now!!!

Clare: I'm sure we'll play TTLW when we get home--just a way to help relive the fun of the trip! It helps make it last longer, doesn't it?

 

[pearlieq]

4/26/05 - Faux Singlehood - Day 8 (The Last Day!!! DH comes home tonight!)

8:00am

--1 cup ff yogurt
--1 cup frozen mixed berries
--1/3 cup Raisin Bran Crunch
--2 mugs water

I'm so happy DH is coming home tonight. I have absolutely no desire to work today--I just got a project almost finished and now I just got a message from our contact that the client wants it prepared differently. Hopefully it's not too hard to make the changes, but I just don't have the patience for it right now.

So, to cheer me up: TTNW!!! After a nice breakfast in our room, we'll head out to catch the bus for MK! Hopefully we'll get there just as it's opening. My brother hasn't been for years, so I imagine there will be a lot for him to take in. I know I'm going to get a little verklempt--there's something about the morning mist, the damp streets, the smells of main street, and that view of the castle that gets me so misty!!! I figure we'll head first to Frontierland and see if my brother wants to do Splash and Big Thunder Mountains. He says he doesn't really like roller coasters--Splash isn't really a roller coster and Big Thunder is pretty tame, so maybe he'll be game to try them. Then it will be off to Fantasyland to take a spin on Peter Pan, run back to hit HM, then any of the other dark rides he's interested in and the Teacups. Then off to Tomorrowland. We'll either jump right on Buzz if the line is short or grab a FP. If we have an FP we'll spin on the TTA and maybe hit CoP. After we're done in Tomorrowland, we'll cut back across the hub to Adventureland and hit Pirates and anything else we feel like seeing. There will a Dole Whip purchased! After Adventureland we'll head back up to Fantasyland and check on the wait for Philharmagic. We'll go right then or FP if necessary. If we get an FP we may go relax in the Hall of Presidents. It's going to be such a fun morning!

12:30pm

--1 Lean Cuisine Salisbury Steak meal
--1/2 cup peas
--1 light string cheese
--1 small pear
--1 mug water

I'm so hungry! Hopefully this should take care of things. I don't feel quite as snacky as yesterday, so hopefully things are passing.

Now back to TTNW! After a full morning at MK, we're going to catch the boat out front for the trip to Ft. Wilderness. We have a PS at Trail's End for lunch. This is the one place DH insists on each trip--he adores their macaroni & cheese. After a nice relaxing lunch, maybe we'll take the boat over the Contemporary and take my bro on a spin around the monorail look. Then, either back to MK to see shows and things we missed in the morning, or back to the room for pool time, weight room, and a siesta.

7:45pm

--1 black bean burger meal from Chilis
--1 sugar free pudding cup
--1 1/2 cup water

I was so starving by the time I got to dinner. Maybe it's time to reintroduce an afternoon snack. DH made it home safely--I'm so thankful.

Now for TTNW: I'll probably fix us dinner at the resort again before we head back out for the night. I think this is EMH night at Epcot--I figure we'll go after dinner and enjoy an uncrowded future world before staking out a spot for Illuminations--maybe the little cafe area in the UK? I figure DH and I might take turns showing by brother around World Showcase while the other holds the table. I may have to find myself a little snacks--a pastry from France? A wonderful chocolate from the UK? Kaki Gori? Some sugar free mousse from Norway for DH? After the show maybe we'll linger around World Showcase and enjoy the lights and then see what other trouble we can get into in Future World before calling it a night!

 

[Lesli54]

YAY! YAAHOOOOOOOOEY! You got the clippie, you got the clippie!

You are looking so good and your clippie looks good on you! Guess it is time to buy those new clothes for WDW and pack up the old!

Keep up the good work!

*****added*****
We have been in that huge store at DTD, I just never pay attention to the names of all the stores down there I guess. And yes, it is a great way to lose a few children, which reminds me......I better find that leash!

 

[toystoryduo]

Congratulations on your 25 pound clippie! That is wonderful!!!! Keep up the good work!

I love the TTNW game! That is such a great idea! Sounds like you will have a wonderful time at WDW!

Have a great day today!

 

[goldcupmom]

Twenty FIVE pounds GONE!!! YIPPEE!!!!

Just pick up a bag of cat litter and remember that used to be attached to you. It's a real eye opener.

You have done SO well with DH gone and keeping on track.

I am having fun reading your TTNW. I haven't been to Disney in about 7 years as my kids prefer Universal and DH hates crowds. I hope to get in a trip to DLand sometime soon - maybe just a Mom DD thing. DTD is always a must, tho. And the kids LOVE Disney Quest.

Keep doing what you're doing! It WORKS!!!

 

[TPCShauna]

Wow! Congratulations on your 25 lb. clippie!!! How great for you and what a wonderful feeling to have surpassed your goal for your trip! Way to go!!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Congratulations on your clippie! 25 is a big one! I'm so happy for you. I love your TTNW! Your descriptions are making me homesick!

Sunny

 

[mking624]

YAY!!! Congratulations on the 25 pounds GONE GONE GONE and your clippie!!

I love your TTNW...I have so much fun reading it!

 

[pearlieq]

4/27/05 - The last Wednesday before WDW!

7:20am

--2/3 cup egg beaters
--1/4 cup salsa
--1 WW english muffin
--2 t. peanut butter
--1 apple
--1 mug water

It's a nice day--finally warming up a little! I'm trying to get as much as I can done for work today, becuase I'm sure I'm going to get more and more useless and the week wears on!

Now off to TTNW: After another peaceful breakfast on our balcony, it's time for the 3 of us to hop in the car back to Epcot. We'll spend a nice morning in Future World checking out things we missed last night, and things to see again. We'll definitely hit Soarin and Test Track, along with a crash through all of the other pavillions--Turtle Talk with Crush, Living With the Land/Circle of Life, JIYI, Honey I Shrunk the Audience (they can see this one--I'll go shop), Innoventions, and Ellen's Energy Adventure. I'll also want to check out the Goofy frame by the Odyssey and see all of the cool topiaries and exhibits for the Flower & Garden Festival. This is definitely going to be our best place to get a present for my mom--she a gardening nut but not much of a Disneyphile. Hopefully we can find something cool for her.

1:10pm

--1 Lean Cuisine beans & rice meal
--1/2 cup peas
--1 large roma tomato
--1 light string cheese
--6 prunes
--1 mug water

Having a pretty good day. Work stuff is coming around. Part of the problem in the past was that I resigned this job 2 years ago, and they called me back because they really needed help. They gave me a pretty sweet deal, including the ability to work from home, but I'm still trying to do things I haven't done in 2 years, and when I quit, retaining the knowledge of how to do them was not a priority! Luckily, it seems to be coming back to me now and I feel much more comfortable and confident than I did before. Also, my new project deals with yogurt which is much easier to deal with all day than brownie mix and frosting!

Since I can't wait to go, time for TTNW: After a fun morning in Future World, we'll again migrate into World Showcase. We have a PS for lunch at the Biergarten restaurant in Germany. I've never been, but I thought my brother would get a kick out of it because he loves all things German and, of course, beer. Naturally he now decided he's on some kind of health kick, so I'm not sure how well sausage and beer is going to go over. We should all be able to find something, and, at the very least, it will be something new to try. After lunch we'll stroll back toward Norway and ride Maelstrom, maybe double-back and ride El Rio del Tiempo and then head around toward The American Adventure. I'd like to have a nice leisurely afternoon shopping, enjoying the WS entertainers, and stopping to smell the roses, both literally and figuratively! If my bro is interested we may stick around for the Flower Power concert, or we may just head back to the hotel for our usual weights/pool/siesta combo.

8:00pm

--1 turkey club wrap (no cheese, dressing)
--1 T ranch dressing
--1 cup garden vegetable soup
--1 end of a french roll
--1 1/4 cup cut fruit

I think we've started our pre-vacation cooking strike. OK by me!

So, for TTNW! After a nice quiet afternoon, it will be time to head out again! Maybe a nice late night for EMH at MK--I love MK at night. Otherwise, we'll head toward PI--take in The Comedy Warehouse, Adventurer's Club, Motion, and Rock n Roll beach club to get my Bro his pool fix. Or we may wander over to Jellyrolls--I really want to get there this time!