Amber's Best Life Journal

[Foxfiregrrl]

So it has been raining off and on all day. All Cherry Blossom events have been canceled for the day. It was so dreary that DH and I decided just to stay home and not go shopping or do any actual housework MIL & a friend stopped by. Other than that we've just been chillin' all day.

I'm in kind of a funky mood and not feeling like sitting at my computer to finish typing the last day of my trip report. Maybe I'll work on that tomorrow.

I didn't get up in time for class today. I really think I needed the extra sleep though. I did get up and do "Namaste Yoga" that I recorded off of FitTV. It was considerably harder than the class I go to, but is only 30 minutes instead of an hour.

Food:
l- leftover soup, 1 slice of leftover pizza
drink- lots of coffee
s- 3 fried shrimp and half a hushpuppy leftover from last night
d - will be - mushroom, artichoke, & turkey pepperoni quesadillas w/ some italian veggie side dish. I know it is weird, but we are just kind of throwing together ingredients we already have. I'm looking forward to it because I think it will turn out yummy.

K, gonna go lay on the couch and read I think. It is one of those curl up w/ a book kind of days.

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Still haven't made it to the couch I ended up reading trip reports until DH decided to start dinner.

I just had to come back and brag/gush about the dinner we just had

We don't go to the grocery til tomorrow, so tonight's dinner needed to be from stuff we already had. So DH thought and concocted an idea that sounded good to me & him. He ended up naming it "shrimp, artichoke, & mushroom quesadillas with Mediterranean Zucchini Salad" It turned out ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!!! So, I thought I would share with you guys how he did it. Plus that will preserve it for us to try it again sometime.

First let me say that I had 4 blackened shrimp leftover from eating out last night that we ended up adding to the quesadillas, however I think the dish would still be perfectly delish without any meat or w/ a substitute of any leftover meats you have hanging around.

"Shrimp, artichoke, mushroom quesadilla" (makes 3, but we only at 2)
3 whole wheat tortillas ( we found a new brand Tam-X-Icos, that are whole wheat & flax and are Very good, way better than what we've had in the past)
4 leftover shrimp, diced small
1/2 can artichoke hearts, chopped small
4 oz. mushrooms, sliced
1/2 small onion, diced
mozzarella - about 1/4 cup each
Olive oil about 2 tsp
small amount of butter
thyme, oregano, garlic powder - dash or two of each
salt & pepper to taste

Saute the onions & mushrooms & seasoning in olive oil until mushrooms cook down & onions translucent. Add artichokes, cook for minute or two. Then add shrimp and cook. Set this pan aside.

In a cast iron pan, melt small pat of butter.
On half of one tortilla spread 1/4 cup of mozzarella then add 1/3 of the mushroom mixture. Fold in half and place on the hot cast iron skillet. Place another cast iron skillet on top to hold the fold and squash the quesadilla.
Cook for a minute or two, then flip over and cook for about a minute until nicely browned and cheese is melted.
Repeat with the other two Tortillas.


"Mediterranean Zucchini salad" makes 2 side servings
1 large zucchini, sliced into half moons
1/2 can artichokes, chopped
1tblsp sliced green olives
2 tsp feta cheese
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp prepared pesto mix

Saute zucchini in olive oil w/ salt & pepper for few minutes. Add artichokes & olives, pesto & balsamic vinegar, cook for minute or two. Just before serving add feta.


It was all VERY good and quick to make. It may have had a slightly higher fat content than most dieters would prefer, but it was all Whole foods and every bite was a delicious taste explosion!

So that was dinner... plus some Riesling wine. Wine makes everything more enjoyable. But, I'm sure non-winos will still enjoy this dish

Have a good night!

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Today so far:

b- kashi, milk, coffee
l- ham casserole, roll, corn on the cob, sweet tea
s- chocolate graham cracker, peanut butter, milk
d - ?

We went to the arts and crafts festival that is part of Cherry Blossom. There were some good looking and smelling junk foods there, but I didn't get Anything! I was proud of that

no exercise today, taking a rest day.

I'm sore today... I guess it is from the yoga yesterday so taking it easy again

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Sunday night we ended up having Chicken, veggie and fruit curry w/ couscous. It was really good! I also had a snack of hummus (homemade) w/ triscuits.

yesterday was a bit hectic, so I didn't make it online at all. Work was the typical yucky Monday. After work I went to water aerobics class. Then a big group of us from class went out to Carrabba's to celebrate one of the lady's 79th birthday. We had a good time, but DH and I didn't get home until 10pm I ate fairly good and ended up with half of my meal leftover

Food:
b- kashi, soy, coffee
l- half a quesadilla (leftover), salad w/ nuts, raisins, cranberries, alfalfa sprouts, croutons, light ranch
s- spoonful of cashew butter
d- 2.5 pieces of bread in olive oil rolleyes1 ), lentil & sausage soup, half of my chicken Bryan w/ pasta
Exercise - 1 hour water aerobics

I did my weigh in this morning.... 190.2 That is back down to what I was before Vegas I can't believe it took me a month to get back there though!

ACTUALLY... I went back and looked... my lowest weight so far this year was 192, so I'm at my lowest as of today!! I've just gotta keep this momentum going!!

K, better get back to work!

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

today:

b- kashi, soy, coffee
s- part of a box of raisins
l- leftover Chicken Bryan w/ pasta and one slice of bread
d- pork chili
alcohol - large vodka, cranberry juice, & OJ - not sure what it's called
exercise - none... I worked until 7:45

Got a lot done at work today, then had a late visit that turned into a Really late visit Anyway... things are getting a bit better at work these days. I finally caught up on last months documentation, which puts me way ahead of most of my coworkers, but only barely makes me feel normal for the moment

Gonna catch up a bit then go watch biggest loser

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Today I was not very well behaved on the food front...

b- kashi, soy, coffee
l- 5 chicken nuggets, baked potato w/ butter and sour cream, sweet tea (Wendy's)
s- 4 oreos
d- (haven't eaten yet) pork curry on couscous - leftovers
Exercise - water aerobics

I was pretty beat today when I got home and didn't want to go to workout, but I made myself. I'm glad I did. I feel better now.

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Yesterday I went out for lunch with my coworkers. I ate a shrimp ceasar salad and was trying to be good. Then the waiter brought us each a free slice of cake w/ chocolate drizzled on it. So of course I ate mine

Then last night DH and I went out to celebrate our anniversary... we will have been married 6 years on Sunday (dh is on call this weekend). We went to the "Fondue Experience". We got the deluxe meal for two thing. We started with salads, then cheese fondue w/ bread, apples, cauliflower, and carrots for dipping. Then the meats were lobster tail, mahi mahi, shrimp, pork, chicken, sirloin, and filet mignon w/ veggies. You cook these in a red wine broth. We finished off the meal with the Grand Marnier Dark Chocolate fondue w/ poundcake, banana, strawberry, cheesecake, pineapple, marshmellow, and Fried Brownie Bites (YUM ). The dessert was the BEST part and I was almost too full to enjoy it... nevermind actually finishing it We also ended up ordering two bottles of wine because the first one was gone before we even got to the meat We were there for THREE whole hours!! We had a really good time and really enjoyed ourselves.

What is funny is last time we went we were only there about 2 or 2.5 hours and ended up eating pretty much all of it. This time we had a Bunch of meat leftover (they made us cook it before we could bring it home) we did order a different meat selection this time though, so maybe that was it

Today-
b- kashi, soy, coffee
l- chick. sandwich, veggie soup
s- white cheddar popcorn from the vending machine (I was hungry ALL day and this caught my eye at lunch and called out to me later)
d- Five Guys cheeseburger (by default a double ) and cajun fries

DH and I ordered one small order of fries, but they give you a TON anyway. I pigged out and ate my whole burger and Way too many fries. I'm not hungry anymore though

Not sure what was up today, but I just stayed hungry constantly. After awhile that gets to me and I cave to being bad.

I've only gotten 2 workouts in this week, so I'm going to have to be really good this weekend and try to get 2 in I CAN DO THIS!!!

Have a great one guys!

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

So, I'm not making good on my promise to workout twice this weekend. I overslept yesterday and was not really in the mood to do either of the home workouts I had available. I was going to make myself do the yoga.... then DH starts talking about how he is panicking about having to do the taxes. He suggested I do them. This irritates me because I have volunteered to do them in the past and he wouldn't let me, then last year I did them and asked him to look over my work. He complained about that, saying if he has to check it he might as well do it Anyway, I ended up not working out and doing our taxes instead. They are done now, I just have to make copies and mail them out.

Food yesterday:
l- pork curry LO, 1/2 a can of veggie soup
s- 4 cups of coffee throughout the day
s- hummus w/ triscuits
d- scallop & veggie soup - I'm not a fish/scallops person, but I really tried to give this soup a shot I couldn't make myself like it. I ate a little over half and then said I would eat some other leftovers. I ended up deciding that I was full and not eating anything else.
s- cadbury egg with milk (only chocolate that I bought from Easter - and only one)
alcohol - wine

Today, I just cannot get motivated to get my body moving. I tried to convince myself to go ahead and do a workout then make my coffee, but instead I'm sitting here typing sans coffee what good is that? That is what I like to look like at my puter

I think I'm gonna go make coffee now. Today is my anniversary so I may do some light but other than that we will probably take it pretty easy.

Have a great Sunday!

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

yesterday I went to Hi/Lo cardio and today I went to the gym and did 23 minutes on the elliptical.

I have NO energy this week. I have been eating decently, but just VERY blah. I think it is PMS, but not positive.

Anyway, gonna take a brief journal break this week. I will be back this weekend, but probably not before that. I think I just need to step back and give myself a little break.

So, until the weekend, Have a lovely week!

 

[lindalinda]

Hi Amber! Sorry I havent checked in much. I have been busy since vacation and am trying to get my trip report done. Check it out if you have a chance.

Doing hi/lo cardio and the elliptical is awesome. I think you are doing fine, dont try to get it all figured out at once.

Are you still thinking family thhis summer? Maybe thats just weighing on your brain abit.

have a nice week!

linda

 

[kmp1191]

PMS blahs....I can totally relate!!!
Take a day or two, but then you have to come back....I DID!!

hang in there girl...

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Hi, guys! I have begun to miss you guys a bit over the last few weeks. My journal is a little lonely without my long time buddies

I am back. I had joined the 100 day challenge and said that I would post everyday what I ate and my exercise. Somehow that made posting a Real Chore, even though before that I was pretty much posting everyday anyway So, I just ended up dropping out of the challenge. I did sign up to do the BL5 challenge though which runs from today until May 23rd.

I went to water aerobics on Wednesday, but didn't get any exercise in yesterday or today.

I was really out of it during the early part of this week. I was really tired and just felt really scatter brained and just out of it. Yesterday things started to come back together though So, I'm gonna try to get some decent sleep this weekend and hopefully will have a better week next week.

DH's friends are over tonight and will be here tomorrow also, so a full weekend of the guys. I think DH's best friend is bringing his two girls over tomorrow, so I'm doing babysitting duty. I went and bought flower boxes for the deck and some herbs to plant in them. I also bought a few flowers with the idea of planting them next to the patio... however I'm thinking that may be more work than I wanted to take on tomorrow We'll see. Then I went to the dollar store and got a bunch of outdoorsy goodies for the girls to play with. I got bubbles, sidewalk chalk, frisbees, a ball, and playdough.

So, I should be playing outside most of the day tomorrow. I volunteered to have the girls come over, but did say that their mother needs to come pick them up by 5pm. We'll see if that happens. If not, I am prepared to make a stink. But only because we have been having a lot of round and rounds about this issue lately. Basically their mother does not want to have anything to do with being friends w/ Dh & I, but she is more than happy to ditch her kids on us Don't get me wrong, the girls are very sweet and not much trouble (mostly they run around outside and entertain themselves) BUT they don't ask first and just assume that I will watch them. Then she will usually call about 4pm and say that she has all this shopping to do but she was goofing off and lost track of time, so she's not coming until 7 or 8 to get them What is bad is that the husband is here, but he is so absorbed in playing with the guys that he is not watching the girls.

Anyway, last session she supposedly "just found out" that "he" was ditching the girls on me and not actually watching them himself duh. She knows that this is his one weekend a month (if that often) that he actually gets to hang out with his friends, does she really think that's the ideal daddy/daughter time I don't know it is really hard to explain without going on forever. I do rant about her WAY too much in real life. I just feel like she uses and takes advantage and is not willing to give any "capitol" to the relationship.

I feel bad for the husband and the kids though, so I said that they could come tomorrow and I would watch them. I also said that when she comes to pick them up she is more than welcome to stay for dinner. I doubt she will, but at least I'm extending my hand.

Well, I think that is enough for tonight. See ya'll tomorrow!

 

[lindalinda]

Hi Amber! I know how hard it is to stay focused and it gets boring posting all the time (esp if you've been bad) I really like reading your journal and even tho I have been really lazy lately about it, I am going to try and keep up with reading them and posting.

I think it is good that you are standing up and not letting your friends wife take advantage with the babysitting. I hope her husband didnt tell her it was ok tho. Men do stuff like that sometimes, esp if it means they can "escape" for a bit. I am thinking maybe that if you mention that you expect lots of "payback" when you have your little ones, you might see less of them!

Have a good week!

linda

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Hey, Linda! I have been pretty bad on the food front lately and that does make it harder to post here. But I know that it is an ongoing lifestyle change and that I have to crawl before I can walk. I think it was just a combination of things that made me need a break.

On the issue with our friend's kids... I could rant for hours (or pages ) I do understand that the husband was not being 100% truthful with his wife about the kids coming over and me being "fine with it", but this is more a symptom of the fact that they do not communicate AT ALL.

But I didn't end up having to put my foot down, because at about 2:45pm "S" (Dh's friend) had not shown up with the girls, so DH calls. Well, the wife is at home and had sent "S" to the store with the kids She said that that it rained (sprinkled lightly early in the day) so they didn't think we would want the girls to come over Hello!! She could have called, either way! I had sat there waiting most of the day for them to come over! Plus, it kills me that she knew that he wanted to come over and hang out, but instead of letting him come and bring the girls and she could have run to the store herself - which seems the logical thing to do (esp. since she Likes to shop!) - Oh, no! She had to keep him from coming over and send him to the store! I truly believe that she is just selfish and inconsiderate and does things purposefully so that her husband is as miserable as possible

"S" had actually told DH earlier this week that she told him that she would prefer that he quit gaming with the guys all together WHAT! I mean WTH is she thinking?! Who tells their husband that the one thing he really enjoys doing, the one social interaction that he has outside of work, that she just wants him to quit!?! ARGH!! I just cannot understand them AT ALL!

Anyway, I was really disappointed on Saturday because I had actually been looking forward to having the girls come over. I had bought toys and had a general plan for the afternoon.

I think it also just really hit me that after 6 years of trying off and on to cultivate some sort of relationship, it is just not going to happen. I had always pictured Dh & I and him and his wife hanging out and vacationing and raising our kids together. no such luck. I had been pretty close to "S" during the 4 years that DH and I dated & before "S" met and married her, so I was still hanging on to this dream that we would all be one happy "family" and get along and I think it just really hit me this weekend that it is all a fantasy Oh, well. I can't control their lives or marriage, I can only ensure that I don't make the same mistakes in my own life

I think I have also been just a TOUCH overly emotional over the last few days... it's TOM so that has a lot to do with it. I had a very nice Sunday w/ DH, but we got into some deep conversations and for no real good reason, I just burst out crying and then cried through most of the rest of the conversation go figure We were talking about social connections and my lack there of so it wasn't completely uncalled for I'm working on it though. I think that I hide here on the net and pretend that I'm ok because I have "online friends" and, don't get me wrong cause I love you guys, but that just doesn't cut it as your only social connections I am working on cultivating a couple of friendships with the girls I work with. It is just kind of a nerve wracking thing for me... stepping past casual acquaintance into friendship not really sure why, but it is what it is.

So, food yesterday wasn't bad, but I had a lot of wine. Today I was crampy and tired so instead of going to the gym I came home and took a nap. I couldn't tell you the last time I actually took a nap! Then, because I've been in a bit of a mood, I asked DH to take me out for dinner. We had calzones and I had wine

I will have to do better during the rest of the week because I would like to actually be down when I weigh in for BL5 on Friday.

It's late, so I'm gonna call it a night! See ya'll later!

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Hello!

I've been feeling kind of blah for most of the week, so I wasn't exercising or eating very well.

Today I am feeling a bit better today and actually made it to water aerobics after work. I am planning to go walk/jog on the treadmill at the gym before work tomorrow. I already prepared my lunch and everything so that I can get out of the door faster in the morning. Tomorrow my plan is to come back home to shower and eat breakfast after the gym. I know that this is not a realistic plan long term though because it is about 15 minutes from the gym to my house and it isn't exactly on the way to work (to come home).

My plan is to start going to the gym on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning before work and then on Monday and Wednesday go to the classes after work. Then I just have to figure out a workout for either Saturday or Sunday.

I am going to have to figure out breakfast and coffee solutions that I can take with me for after the gym on those mornings. I also will have to pack my lunch and prepare my clothes the night before It is starting to sound like a lot of work to go in the AM, but I think it will be worth it in the long run. PLUS I've gotten into a BAD habit of going to work LATE (Really Late!), so this will help me to get there on time... hopefully

k, that's it for tonight.

 

[lindalinda]

Hey Amber!

Sorry your saturday was messed up by that wench! I dont blame you for being peeved! You do need to get some good girlfriends tho. I dont know what I would do without them. Who do you beech about your hubby to?

As my friend debbie says, the men , they come and go, but girlfriends are forever!

So it is with that that I suggest some new social situations of some type that do not involve men. Could be at the gym, but that may be difficult if you are in a rush. Maybe at work, but that sometimes gets a bit sticky. Maybe church? Bunco group, those are great! Me and deb have a girls night out movie thing once a month (or at least try). Book clubs are big now, you could check at your local bookstore. (I think I may join one of these). Of course, after you have a baby, there will be tons of "mom" groups to join. That may be your best bet.

Just because you have a great hubby doesnt mean you dont need your girls.

Anyway, you have tons to look forward to, so dont get in a rut!

Keep doing the baby-steps, you will get there.

linda

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

I agree Linda, I do need to work on some "girl power" friends I'm thinking of starting a scrapbooking get together at my house and see if that won't help grow a group. I admit that part of me keeps thinking that I can just wait until I'm a new mom and do the mommy group thing... That seems to be the easiest route

I don't really have much time to post tonight, but I wanted to tell the world about my morning!!

This morning I got up and went to the gym! AND I did the first day of the couch to 5k program, which meant that I warmed up for 5 minutes then I ran for 60 seconds, walked for 90 seconds and repeated. I did this 7 times (the total time is supposed to be 20 minutes which is 8 run/walk cycles). So on the last cycle (number 8) I ran the entire 2.5 minutes! I felt really good throughout the whole thing too!!! One key that I think helped me was that I read last night that you should run slower than you think you should. Recently when I have been running I go like 4.7 miles per hour, but today I decided to start with 4.4 mph. I walked at 3.6mph. It worked out really well and I was SO PROUD of myself!!! I don't think that I have EVER ran or jogged for 2.5 minutes straight before !!

K, so after that the rest of the day my food was REALLY bad, but hey, one step at a time right plus I had a crazy day at work today. Some people never learn and I think they get stupider by the minute!!

Good night!

 

[Foxfiregrrl]

Gonna try to keep it somewhat short tonight so that I can get over to other journals and hopefully Linda's TR

Today I am a bit sore from the jogging yesterday. My shins hurt a good bit. I'm also a bit sore on the outsides of my upper thighs I plan to look up advice regarding protecting myself from shin pain. I kind of feel like some level of soreness is to be expected though because my body is not use to that exact movement. Hopefully I can continue working on the jogging thing though

So tomorrow morning I'm leaving with my mom and two sisters to go to North Carolina for a wedding. It is for one of my second cousins. It is an outdoor wedding, so I really hope the weather is nice Weather.com is showing rain until 4pm tomorrow... the wedding starts at 4pm maybe it will pass earlier than scheduled. On our wedding day it rained in the morning and cleared up for our pictures. Then right before the wedding started it sprinkled big drops, but it stopped RIGHT before I walked down the aisle The rain cleared long enough for the wedding and for everyone to get securely into the reception building, then within half an hour or so it POURED down

Anyway, we will be in the Asheville area and spend the night. I don't think we will do much before coming home on Sunday because my sister has a Kickball practice she wants to be back for by 6pm. She just joined a new kickball league that they are starting here in town. She tried to get me to join... I know it would be good exercise, but I STINK at team sports plus it was a lot of time commitment AND on Sunday evenings not sure that is what I want to do to end my weekend. I told her I might come watch a game and drink but not play

So, I won't be online tomorrow, but I'll check in on Sunday some time. Have a great weekend!

 

[lindalinda]

Good job with the running Amber! I have to keep it short because of computer issues. The interval training is great, even if you have to continue the walk run stuff for a long time, it works. I hope you dont have shin splints tho. Oh and I remember someone saying to shorten your stride too, when you run.


nite

 

[kmp1191]

Hey Amber~Good job on the running! Take it slow girl...don't want any injuries starting out!
Sorry to hear you've had some blah days...that sucks! Keep your chin up....it will get better!
I agree with Linda....bookclubs, if ya like reading, or a womans group at church...if you go to church. Bunco...someone at work MUST play bunco...ask them if you can join in...even as an alternate! I was never a Mommy's Group person....other peoples kids bug me....heck....so do my own.
I don't have a lot of friends on my own. I have the women I work with....and there have been occasions that we've gone out, but here lateley, some things have REALLY gotten on my nerves, so I'm limiting social activities/conversations with them. DH and I have gone out w/ some of his co-workers and their spouses, and that has been fine, but as far as me calling one of them up and going to a movie...I don't know.
As you know, my kids and the photography keep me pretty busy....so I guess that's why I'm not much help on the social connection topic. Sorry.

Hang in there girl!
marie