A Sensible Dinner - Pearlieq's Journal

[pearlieq]

Have a great day today. I hope your hip feels better. Do you have a extra pillow? I sleep with one between my legs everynight. It relieves the stress that gets put on the hips and back. You should try it. I know that things don't work for everyone but it is worth a try. Have fun getting ready for your trip.

Thanks for the tip! That actually helped quite a bit! I don't feel nearly as sore this morning.

 

[pearlieq]

8/4/05 - 1 day 'till DC!!!

No food yet though I'm kind of hungry so I should go get something. I'm having an army kind of day where I've done more before 8:00am than I do in some days! I'm running around all crazy trying to get the house ready. I have errands to run tonight and I need to begin packing. I don't want to wind up staying up too late on Friday because then we'll be exhausted for the beginning of the trip and you never really catch up.

10:00am

--1 LC beans & rice
--12 oz 1% milk

Still on the use-it-up and don't-make-any-dishes plan!

TTNW: DH has a half day of conference this morning. I may head over to the Natural History museum and check it out. It's another one of my favorites--they still have the old-school 70's style dioramas of the cave people and the like. It's almost kitchy, if you can say that about a history museum. I also love the jewels! I can't wait to see the Hope Diamond and all the emeralds and opals again!

1:30pm

--1 Wendy's double cheeseburger, no bun
--1 Monterey ranch chicken sandwich, no bun

It's funny, I pulled up to the window, fully ready to say "May I please have a Chicken BLT salad with the light ranch?" but when I opened my mouth somehow "I'll take a double cheeseburger no mayo, mustard, or onion. Oh and one of the Monterey ranch chicken sandwiches. Thanks" elbowed its way out. Something must have been lost in translation. I took the buns off of the sandwiches when I got home to stem the damage a little, and to my credit I didn't get a fries or sodas or Frostys. The sandwiches actually weren't bad, but the chicken was really spicy!

The irony is, I really wanted the Mandarin Chicken Salad but nixed it because of that sugary dressing and the fatty, empty calorie chow mein noodles. It really is a wonder I can tie my own shoes...

TTNW: Back to the hotel to meet DH. Not really sure about lunch, but I know we're planning to head back toward the mall. I love the Holocaust Museum (Though that doesn't seem to be the appropriate way to express it. I mean, I love Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, you know?) Anyway, it's really well done and I find it interesting, informative, and moving each time I visit. This will be DH's first visit, so I'm not sure how it will affect him. I guess we'll just take it slow.

3:00pm

--the rest of the cantaloupe
--the rest of the carrots (maybe 1/2 cup)
--2 pieces light bread toast w/light butter and jam

8:00pm

--1 McD's Chicken BLT sandwich

My schedule got all off today. I went to a neighbors to drop back some dishes I had borrowed and wound up staying and chatting for 2 1/2 hours! Then I had to rush around to get my errands done. Betweent he library and Petco I was starving and getting a headache so I pulled in for a sandwich.

These things are incredible!!! They're the new Premium Chicken Sandwiches and at least the BLT ranch one was amazing. Seriously--parades will be held, poems will be written, schoolchildren will sing songs about them!

TTNW: After seeing the museums, DH will head back to the hotel to change and freshen up and then begin the epic trek out to WolfTrap, which is a summer arts venue similar to Ravinia in Chicago or Tanglewood in Boston. We're seeing the Boston Pops and I can't wait! I have the biggest crush on Keith Lockhart, the conductor. DH tolerates it and even let me spring for decent orchestra seats.

We've got reservations for their restaurant before the show--I just hope we make it out there in time. We're supposed to be able to take the Metro to the end of the line out there and catch a shuttle. Fingers crossed that this whole thing works out!

10:00pm

--2 hot dogs
--1/2 beef sandwich
--1/2 piece chocolate cake

Wow! Is there a medal for eating fast food 3 times in one day? DH had to work late and brought this home with him. It was tasty but I could have done with one less hot dog. I didn't ask for the cake, DH was just being "nice". We'll have to talk about that again...

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

Glad to hear that your hip wasn't as sore this morning. The trick you used is highly recommended to pregnant women as well. It has something to do with the extra weight pulling on your spine and nothing stays in line including your hips. So the extra pillow helps keep things more in line. Something like that anyway. I can say though that as I have lost weight, any soreness and stiffness that I had from sleeping is pretty much completely gone. Some mornings I wake up a little stiff in places, but it is gone before I walk out of the bedroom. So much better than "before" when it would take most of the morning to get it worked out.

Hope you got all your cleaning done. We enjoy coming back to a clean home after trips as well.

Well, you had a pretty good day yesterday, let's hope today is just as good.

 

[rcyannacci]

Hey! Good luck with packing and cleaning! I know you're excited about the trip. Just think about how much added energy you'll have walking around D.C.!

FYI- the National Gallery is right next to the Natural History museum, and there is a great coffee bar in the basement between the West and East gallery- great for a quick break and caffine pick-me-up! Anything happening on the Mall while you're there? In June during my trip they had a National Folklife Festival...it was pretty lame actually. But I was there during Earth Day once, and that was great!

Have a great time!!!

 

[eeyore25]

Hi!

Good luck on getting everything that you need to get done today! Sounds like you are a busy one!!!!

Hope you are having a great day! Keep up the good work

 

[Jane E.]

Pearliq, thanks for mentioning Bride & Prejudice. I watched the previews for that movie ages ago. It looked great. I really wanted to see it; somehow I missed it when it came to the movie theater. Until you mentioned it, I'd forgotten all about it. I've already netflixed it for my queue. Thanks!

 

[Mykelogan]

It's funny, I pulled up to the window, fully ready to say "May I please have a Chicken BLT salad with the light ranch?" but when I opened my mouth somehow "I'll take a double cheeseburger no mayo, mustard, or onion. Oh and one of the Monterey ranch chicken sandwiches. Thanks" elbowed its way out. Something must have been lost in translation.
...
The irony is, I really wanted the Mandarin Chicken Salad but nixed it because of that sugary dressing and the fatty, empty calorie chow mein noodles. It really is a wonder I can tie my own shoes...

Hahahahaha! Thanks Pearlieq, I needed a nice chuckle today and that last line about tieing your shoes really got me going! LOL

I hope that you have a great night and a fabulous time in DC!!!
Mike

 

[pearlieq]

8/5/05 - DC tomorrow!!!!

8:30am

--1/2 piece chocolate cake
--1 light string cheese
--1 cup milk

By the time I got around to eating, I grabbed the first things I saw. They kind of cancel each other out, right?

So I've given some thought to how I want to handle this trip. DC is not exactly a major culinary destination, so I don't see the need to go crazy, but eating restaurant meals 3 times per day does present a challenge. I know myself well enough not to make any promises.

What I want to avoid most is getting caught up in an entire downward spiral where I'm bloated and sluggish and constantly craving more and more food because I'm on a carb bender! I want to "stay hungry" a bit for this trip because I don't want overindulgence to slow me down. There's too much I want to do to be in a food coma for a week.

I think my best strategy is going to be to cut refined carbs where I can. This could be removing buns, choosing non-starchy side items, skipping desserts or only having tasting portions, and ordering alternative items that aren't so carby. I think that's my best chance for avoiding the blood sugar swings and woes of not-so-great food. I'm hoping to find a little bodega or something near the hotel where I can pick up some fresh fruit. I'm taking plenty of South Beach bars as they make a really good breakfast. I've also got a few snacks for the airport.

Like I said--I know what I want to do, but I know travel and disruptions to my routine are very challenging for me and the only thing I can promise is that I'm going in with decent intentions. If I break even or come home 1-2 pounds up, I'll be happy.

TTNW: Last day! We're going to start the morning at the Spy Museum, which I hear is really well done! I'm looking forward to learning the histories of some known spies and checking out the ciphers and cryptography.

12:30pm

--1 grilled chicken ranch BLT sandwich
--1 large peach

I love this sandwich! It's even better with the grilled chicken than with the fried. It's one of the best things I've ever eaten at a fast food restaurant--most of the stuff there just is. A McD's cheeseburger doesn't necessarily taste good, it just tastes like a McD's cheeseburger. These sandwiches honestly taste great!

TTNW: This will be our make-up time. Anyplace we didn't make it earlier we'll hit this afternoon. Then it's time to head over to our other hotel. DH's work only covers the nights of the conference, of course, and the hotel won't honor the conference rate for more than one night before and after so I traded in some Hilton Hhonors points for a room at the Doubletree near the airport. We'll need to make the trek out there in the afternoon.

5:00pm

--1 light whole wheat muffin
--1 T light butter
--1 T jam
--1 cup strawberry applesauce

I was starving! I went swimming with the neighbors and we had a great time and it was a really good workout. Maybe I'll try getting back into swimming for exercise when our new gym opens up.

7:00pm

--1/2 medium sausage pizza

Dinner without dishes! It's a beautiful thing! We have a whole bunch of last chores to do tonight, but I think we're in good shape. I'm almost positive we'll have internet access in DC, so hopefully I'll be able to update from the road.

TTNW: At the new hotel, we've got dinner reservations at their restaurant called Windows Over Washington. Hopefully it will be a nice elegant end to our trip.

TTNW:

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning Pearlieq!

Great job on salvaging the first fast food meal. Don't you really hate it when you know what you want but your mouth says something else? Kind of like when you really want sprite and order coke.

I will have to admit Keith Lockhart looks pretty good.

Have a great time in DC and hopefully your day is a little more on plan today.

 

[Lesli54]

Me again. Great plan for tackling the food challenge of the trip. Staying busy with the sightseeing will really help. Also if you try to remind yourself (especially with the refined carbs & desserts) that if you could get it back home, it really isn't worth overindulging now. AND if you can't get it back home and really want to try it, then splitting is the best way to go. Pick up some fruit whenever possible for those snacky times.

Remember........Food coma, no good.

You can do this. It's just a matter of stopping for a minute or two before ordering. Well, maybe if you are feeling weak, you could write down your order before your mouth says something different.

Have a great day!

 

[lillygator]

Have fun at the museum and your plan on cutting "the buns" etc sounds great...!! I can't imagine how hard it must be trying to watch what you are eating while eatng out every meal!! You are doing great though - keep it up!

 

[pearlieq]

Well, maybe if you are feeling weak, you could write down your order before your mouth says something different.

I can just picture myself almost like a restaurant bank robber handing over my note "Salad. And only salad!" Something about it just tickles my funny bone.

Thanks for the encouragement and support. I really appreciate it!

 

[Lesli54]

I can just picture myself almost like a restaurant bank robber handing over my note "Salad. And only salad!" Something about it just tickles my funny bone.

"And make it all green, none of that stuff that looks like weeds." "And remember, no funny business, dressing on the side and DON'T call the manager."

That's pretty good. Thanks for the laugh.

 

[Mykelogan]

Pearlieq!!

Just wanted to wish you good luck "staying hungry" in DC!!! DC is so full of sights and culture I am sure you won't have time to get distracted by food!

Look forward to hearing about your trip!
Mike

 

[Lesli54]

Good morning, Pearlieq!

Just wanted to wish you a safe flight. Have with all the museums. I want to go to DC, so make sure we get a full report when you come back.

Have a great day!

 

[goldcupmom]

I'm just catching up and realize I'm back, and you're gone! Have a GREAT time in DC. I can't wait to go back and have time for the museums.

 

[Cruise04]

I'm seeing that you are gone to DC and I hope you are having a great time!!! Can't wait to hear about all that you did and ate when you get back!!!!

Keep on
Chris

 

[calena]

I love DC. My dad is from the Richmond area, so we would go there as kids and now my brother lives there. He works at the National Cathedral which is so impressive to visit etc. I love the Smithsonian and the zoo is quite nice too. I can imagine it is sweltering there now. We also went to Mount Vernon which the kids loved. We live in Canada (DH is Canadian) and DD,then 9, was so impressed by Mount Vernon she did her class speech on George Washington. She made it to the finals at the school and went to the Royal Canadian Legion finals with other schools. So there she was, under the picture of Queen Elizabeth II giving a speech about George Washington - the man who refused to be king!

 

[pearlieq]

8/6/05 - Weigh In

321.0 - Up 1lb

I feel a bit like Bridget Jones:

Weight lost in the last 12 weeks: 22 lbs
Weight gained in the last 12 weeks: 23 lbs

My goals for this week are rather simple--I just want to get through the week without being paralyzed and deadened by food. Anything else is gravy!

When I get home we can start working on how to get over this hump.

 

[pearlieq]

8/6/05

6:20am

--1 SB bar
--1 light string cheese
--1 strawberry applesauce cup

Yawn! We were up at 3:45 to get all the last things together and say goodbye to the kitties. They've been acting a big cagey the last couple of days. I'm pretty sure they know what the suitcases are for. Magellan crawled into bed with us and we had a nice time snuggling and giving him belly rubs. We got everything together and were ready to leave. I was a bit worried that it would be hard to say goodbye--I hate closing the door in their faces, but as luck would have it as DH opened the door to put our bags on the porch a moth got in. Well, this was better than Christmas for the two of them so the last thing I saw was two indistinct gray streaks flying up the stairs!

The trip to the airport was smooth and we were able to use curbside check in, so it was really only a few minutes until we were at our gate. Of course, we were directly in front of the McD's! I was on a crusade though, it was going to be a personal, moral victory for me to get out of that airport without and Egg McMuffin and by God I did!!!

The flight was also easy and soon enough we were piled into a cab on the way to the hotel. Cabs in DC proper are a little odd--they operate on a zone system and there's a complicated system of surcharges. I've gotten to the point where I just ask the driver how much I owe and if it's not $800 I give it to him.

Check in was also quite smooth. The lobby is pretty understated--it's small and mostly functional but does have beautiful marble flooring and pretty woodwork. It's supposed to be a 5 star hotel. It doesn't really look like one but there are certain service touches that do belay the standard of service I would expect from that type of hotel. We were upgraded to a city view room. The room itself if quite small, which I think is mostly because it a very old hotel and located right in the downtown area. It's not inadequate--a little more storage space would have been nice, but other than that we've got everything we need. There's just not much open space.

Our room has a window seat which is a lot of fun. From the left we have a pretty clear view down Pennsylvania Ave and can see the right side of the Capitol building and part of the dome. Closer to the center is the Reagan Int'l. trade building and then straight ahead we can see the top of the Smithsonian Castle. To the right we overlook the National Aquarium and have a clear view of the upper half of the Washington Monument.

11:00am

--small snack (may have been a few pita chips, a prune or two, or some Splenda almonds. I can't remember exactly but I know it was small.)

12:00pm

--tomato and mozzarella salad
--1 T. chopped bacon
--taste pasta salad
--fresh tomato slices
--1 T. ranch
--1 piece Italian bread w/herb butter
--3 squares fresh pizza
--3 ravioli in tomato cream sauce
--1/3 cup penne in cream sauce
--taste rigatoni Bolognese
--most of a chicken thigh, skin removed
--2/3 small chocolate cake square
--2/3 piece bread pudding
--whipped cream

This lunch was incredible!!! After we got settled in we hopped a cab over to Wisconsin and M in Georgetown. The restaurant we went to is called Filomena and we had a wonderful lunch! They offer a lunch buffet on the weekends for only $10.00! and we had a restaurant.com certificate to use as well. The food was amazing. I mostly tasted things, though I did have quite a bit of fresh pizza and a couple of portions of the tomato/mozzarella salad! The bread pudding was amazing as well--I don't even like bread pudding and I thought it was fantastic. It was baked up with marscapone, cinnamon, and vanilla and was heavenly!!! I resisted seconds, but it was definitely a highlight!

I left satisfied and but not stuffed. Afterwards we walked around the shops a little bit, but didn't pass much besides chain stores, so really, what's the point? Why shop at a overpiced Gap in Georgetown when I can shop in a slightly less overpriced Gap at home? I miss independent local stores!

We were accosted by environmental lobbyists who seemed to sincerely expect that I would give them my credit card or bank account information right there on the street and sign up for monthly contributions! They're possibly spending too much time with their hemp...

**************************************
After lunch and a bit of shopping we headed down toward the harbor to try to catch a river cruise. They offer 1hr Potomac tours for about $10. We found the one we were looking for. There were several companies working, some in some very sad looking trawlers. Honestly, while I'm glad we did it this once, I would not repeat the experience. There isn't all that much to see beyond the Kennedy Center and the back of the Jefferson Memorial. Everything else is kind of off in the distance and really better viewed from land.

It's quite warm and very humid in DC, so we splurged on a cab back to the hotel. Once we got back we both took a good long nap.

6:00pm-8:30pm

--snack (again, I don't remember exactly what, but it would have been a few prunes, pita chips and/or almonds)
--1 SB bar.

We had tickets to see the Capitol Steps tonight which is a parody/political satire group made up of former congressional staffers. The show was hysterical! They mostly parody songs interspersed with a few short skits. They had the 4 remaining liberal Supreme Court justices to a version of Stayin' Alive, they did one about airport security called Pack the Knife, that sort of thing. They did an hysterical sketch of the new GOPBS-run Sesame Street. We were really glad we went!

9:30pm

--1 turkey burger w/mozzarella, no bun
--1 small green salad w/vinagrette
--not more than 2 T parmesan peppercorn ranch dressing

I love the ranch dressing at the ESPN zone restaurants!!! It's so tasty! This whole meal was delicious and I really hope we can get back there again.