2012 - My Year in Review

Wow...thank God for Facebook, because seriously?  This is really going to test my memory!  Ahh well...maybe I'll rely heavily on pictures to tell the story...

January

Stella had just wrapped up her first Christmas and was mastering that thing called sitting.  I somehow got the stomach flu for the first time in years...which had unfortunate timing since my dear husband had to stay home with baby rather than out with friends watching his college football team win the national championship.  Stella was also not a fan of sleeping all night yet.  Getting there...but not quite.  She was, however, already becoming the master of total cuteness.

February

Stella was working on the teeth thing.  I believe she had gotten two of them.  I was also gearing up for mass Girl Scout Cookie consumption and trying to figure out how soon I could get Stella into that so i had an in-house supplier.  The husband spoiled me by sending a dozen roses, chocolate and a big ol' monkey balloon (that lasted months) to work for Valentine's Day.  My grandmother and her twin brother celebrated their 80th birthday the end of February (or, I guess you could say their 20th, since they were leap year/leap day babies).  We also joined the Y...and I resumed spin classes.  Stella was not a fan of the Kid Zone there.  Maybe one of these days.

March

Getting close to baseball season!  I was also finally getting serious about returning to school to work on a MBA.  I went and visiting UT, found out what I needed to do and everything.  That was March.  We are now in the closing hours of 2012 and i haven't done anything more with that.  Decided that I need to take a much bigger chunk out of my current student loan debt rather than add to it.  Very unseasonably warm in March.  Matter of fact, we didn't get much of a winter at all (not that I was disappointed...at least not on a personal level).  Stella and I took advantage of the nice weather and started walking to the park on a regular basis.  My job responsibilities were changing a bit...the company I work for was (and still is) growing a lot.  Stella had also mastered the army crawl.

April

  

Ahh...April...baseball has arrived!  And, of course, that particular month is always closed out with my birthday.  April of 2012 marked the last time I 'celebrated' turning 30 something.  I have been through a lot of changes on a lot of levels the last few years and was feeling rather down about my birthday.  My husband, being the awesome guy he is, had sent me a few deliveries that day - flowers and an 'Edible Arrangement' (yum)!  A couple of my 'newer' friends took it upon themselves to take me out for my birthday...a wonderful time!  I also flew out to Arizona for a long weekend to see a good friend as well as see my favorite band!  That also marked the first time I had been away from Stella overnight...since she was born.  She was 10 months old by then.  I don't think she was too thrilled with me when I returned, but quickly forgave.

May

May was a combination of things.  Early on in the month...Stella ended up staying home from daycare for just over a week thanks to hand foot and mouth disease.  Good times (not).  Gotta love the daycare germs.  It was also around that time that I had an 'official' diagnosis of ADD (that took about 30 years to diagnose).  And finally, I got that 'kick in the pants' I needed to finally do something about my body.  It was as simple as trying on bathing suits at Target one afternoon.  And really, it wasn't that traumatic of an experience...but something in me just clicked.  It was also my first Mother's Day!  Stella got to go to her first baseball game (Verlander pitched, but the Tigers lost to the Yankees)!  By this time, Stella has gotten pretty good at the crawling thing and pulling herself up and cruising...but no walking.

June

Stella turns one!  We also starting planning for the husband's retirement from the national guard (when just months ago, we were planning for his deployment that was supposed to happen in July)!  Still no walking.  No hurry for that...but no walking.  Body transformation is slowly but surely gaining steam.  Summer is about to be in full swing.  Life is good.

July

Seems like so long ago!  Unfortunately, my little peanut had to have tubes put in her ears...but ended up being a good thing...ear infections have pretty much become a thing of the past.  Shawn is officially retired form the national guard.  Definitely starting to show some real progress with the body transformation.  Still no walking...but Stella has now been to a second baseball game (this time a minor league game...and she got to meet Muddy)!

  

August

  

Out with the old, in with the new (traded in the '08 Jeep for a '12)!  Surprise party for Shawn to celebrate his retirement from the national guard!  We celebrated our four-year wedding anniversary (and this time, I had my new bluetooth earbuds waiting for me when I arrived at work, and an Edible Arrangement delivered a bit later...yep, he spoils me)!  Stella still has no interest in walking...but getting there...and the curls!  She is turning into the cutest little girl!  And my transformation is starting to become noticeable to others.  I also took Stella up to one of the lakes in Michigan where her grandmother was saying.  Peanut really wasn't to enthused about the water, but was definitely the center of attention!

September

  

Started off the month with another trip to the zoo (I think by the time all is said and done, we took at least four trips there this year).  And...She walks!  Finally, she walks!  And in hindsight...oh how I miss the days she was barely mobile!  And the early days of walking, it was more like 'Frankenbaby'.  Made an attempt at getting Stella in gymnastics.  Didn't work out...planning on trying again soon.  On a side note...I bought my first pair of 'skinny' jeans.  Real ones.  Not the 'skinny' jeans for fat girls or the 'skinny' jeans for pregnant chicks...but honest to goodness real skinny jeans!  And rocked them!

October

   

Ahh...post-season baseball (and let's go right ahead and choke in the World Series).  Took a road trip to see one of my besties with my other bestie.  And took my handy dandy fancy camera to take some awesome pictures of Stella!  One more trip to the zoo.  And Stella transformed into Minnie Mouse for Halloween!

November

  

My favorite place for burgers has closed.  My favorite morning show is off the air.  The dryer died.  Starting to gear up for Christmas.  Peanut starts preparing to transition into her third room (her first toddler room) at daycare.  Sad.  She is growing up so fast!  And the first two molars made their appearance.  On a side note...suddenly I am in a size 4...how did that happen???

December

  

Crap.  Christmas.  18 months old.  Christmas shopping.  Weekend in Frankenmuth with my two best friends.  Work Christmas party.  Under 140 lbs.  New title at work.  Setting goals for next year. Work, personal, fitness.  Looking forward to the year ahead.  Vacation?  

And there you have it...that was my year.  It's done.  28 more minutes and it is in the books.  Looking forward to next year.  

yes, I'm slacking on the blog...

I have a couple of drafts started even...started a few weeks ago...and just haven't finished them.

So this is my update...

Christmas has now come and gone - Stella is now the proud new owner of a play kitchen:

It appears to be quite the hit!

The husband made out pretty good, too - the highlights being an iPhone 5 and a Garmin 910xt (for the whole triathlon training thing).  I didn't do so bad myself - a new Kindle Fire HD and a new lens for the good camera are the highlights!  

Still doing the gym/weight loss thing/body changing thing.  Getting it in as much as possible.  Bought lots of new gym clothes recently - a couple of pairs of compression pants from Old Navy (since I liked the first pair so much), some new tees, a couple of new sports bras I picked up at the Under Armor outlet (2/$30...it was actually a mistake, but they gave me that price anyway and I really really like them so bonus!).  

 

I am getting geared up to start trying to tackle one of my big goals for 2013 - running.  I even bought new shoes for the occasion (supposed to arrive next week sometime - I ordered them online, free shipping, etc. and ending up paying at least $40 less for them than I would have at Dick's).    I am also looking to buy some kettlebells for home so I can do more here, spend less time in the gym so the husband can get more gym time/tri training time in.  I think I am also going to start blogging my workouts.  I have today's written down that I will likely get to a bit later tonight (after the Peanut has gone to bed since she has just gotten up from her nap).

On the work front - I get a new title change for the new year!  From Administrative Assistant to Human Resources Generalist.  No huge raise or an office or anything...but it's a start!

No Excuses!

That was always one of my biggest downfalls...I always found an excuse to not work out, to not go to the gym...or even to excuse the way or what I ate!  Since I've been on my kick this year with the weight loss, fitness gain, etc...this is what has helped me achieve the results I have made this year - no excuses! 

I really put the 'no excuses' rule to the test last night.   Obviously it is a very busy time of year for everyone...but it is also the time of year where many of us fail at our diets and exercise programs...or at least slack off.  And perfect time of year to come up with every excuse possible not to work out.In between the last fall session and the new winter session starting January 7, my Y is doing a free mini-session...offering a limited number of classes and my favorite cycling (spin) class is included with that.  I okayed with my husband to go last night so was packed and ready before leaving for work for the day.  As the day wore on, I realized I forgot a towel to shower after the class.  That would have been an excuse for me previously.  And I debated using that as an excuse to not go.  But really?  I realized this before even leaving work, so I could have very well used the gym at work and been able to shower and go home (we have towels at work) so that excuse was no good.  I went on ahead in the direction of the Y...decided I would suck it up and drive home sweaty & smelly afterward and get a quick shower in before Stella's bath.  But then...something prompted me to check my bag for my lock (I have two different gym bags...sometimes, yes, I actually do squeeze in more than one workout - one at lunch and then a class or two at the Y) - and it wasn't there.  I couldn't very well leave stuff in my jeep at the Y...that's just not smart.  And I could NOT leave things in an unlocked locker.  My purse?  Phone?  The husband's Christmas present that is sure to make me wife of the year?  No.  THAT could have been my excuse.  And a great one at that.  I really really thought about it...but then I realized there was plenty of room in that particular classroom to stash a gym bag and extras (and plenty do it)...so I stayed the course.  I went to spin class.  Sweated my butt off, drove home smelling like a pig...but dammit, I did it...I did not let the excuses win!

A little showing off...

Yes...I am that dork flexing in front of the mirror in the locker room at the gym.  Couldn't help myself!  This was Friday afternoon...and I gotta say what I did in the gym Friday afternoon, I was feeling Saturday afternoon!  I really wanted to give my arms a workout since I was wearing a sleeveless dress that night.  By the time I was time, my arms were seriously shaking....and boy were they sore yesterday!

lazy Sunday

Actually...not all that lazy...just doing laundry while Stella and the husband are sleeping.  The new dryer (finally) arrived this morning so playing catch-up and once Shawn is up, I need to put a few hours in at work.  But in the meantime, just wasting time...and I feel the need to AW myself (taking yesterday after my workout):

Exhausted.

Yep...that is me.  Totally flipping exhausted.  So much overtime for the past couple of weeks and today was the day.  Actually just one of the days - but the main day that has been my primary source of overtime for the past couple of weeks...  My company's annual silent auction - it has been my 'baby' for the past couple of years.  It has absolutely worn me out, but at the same time has renewed my appreciation for my husband.  He has definitely stepped up with Stella duty since I haven't hardly been home during her awake hours...leaving before she gets up, getting home just in time to get her to bed.  Time away from her over the long weekend to get stuff done for the auction (and had to spend a couple of hours at the laundromat Sunday thanks to a dryer that gave up on life a week ago).  He has been a saint...and I think she is definitely becoming a Daddy's girl..

goals, lists, getting organized...oh my!

I am one the most disorganized people I know.  Perhaps the most disorganized.  I was diagnosed with adult ADD earlier this year...and truth be told, that's a diagnosis that should have been made years ago.  I started struggling in high school (despite the fact that up until high school I had been  considered a gifted or honors student).  I didn't go to college until my mid-20s and good lord was it a struggle for me.  If a class wasn't interesting to me at all, I just didn't do well.  At all.  No amount of studying would change that.  I finally did graduate (10 years later, and several changes in my major between the AA and BS).  I've struggled at work as well...trouble concentrating in meetings, starting projects all gungho and never following through.  Home?  Where do I begin?  Clutter, things I want to do, never get around to, difficulty staying on top of my finances, a history of immature behavior, etc.

With the 'official' diagnosis, I began prescription medication to help manage the symptoms.  And for the most part, it has helped.  My concentration has improved, my performance at work has - for the most part - improved...but I still feel...disorganized.  I feel overwhelmed.  Like I have so many things I'm juggling right now, and about to drop each and every last thing.  This was the scene at work when I went in Friday afternoon (a paid holiday for us, mind you):

That's pretty much how it has looked to varying degrees for the last month or two.  So much to do and the stuff keeps piling on.  This is a part, a big part, of what is currently overwhelming me.  I have a closet at home I want to clean out/get organized.  I want to redo our bedroom.  There are multiple projects that need to be done on our house.  I, like a good many people these days, have credit card debt.  I had actually wanted to be much farther ahead by the end of this year...but seems I've gone in the other direction between needing a whole new wardrobe, planning Shawn's national guard retirement party, making sure Stella has everything she (I) needs (want).  I did manage to reduce my car payment when I got my new Jeep...but my student loans have recently doubled.  The only thing positive I have managed to achieve this year is the weight loss/body transformation.  Working out has become my stress relief since I gave up smoking before I got pregnant, rarely drink anymore, don't socialize nearly as much, etc.  However, the amount of stuff I have going on at work is biting into my gym time...as well as my Stella/family time.  Matter of fact, over the course of this past week I had three breakdowns or near breakdowns.  Including a big ol' ugly cry Friday afternoon...I seriously was feeling like I was drowning in everything that has to be done and I'm always afraid of failing or letting people down, disappointing them or whatever...i couldn't find my work ID and I just lost it.  Shawn probably wonders from time to time who the crazy lady is that he married...can't say as I blame him.

So...I've been brainstorming...thinking on things...coming up with ideas...trying to figure things out. I do my best thinking while working out (solo...not during classes).  I've decided to come up with goals that I want to accomplish in the few years.  I figure that is a start.  Come up with the goals.  Then I will work on what I need to do to accomplish these goals.  Maybe...maybe this is what I will need to start getting things done!

My primary goals:

• Reduce debt
• Find a way to get organized at work
• Get organized at home

Actually...while the list may look small, it really isn't.   I look at the above list as 'starter goals'.  Not so much short term, but the initial goals I need to accomplish to move on to the next step.  The reduce debt part, for example...that is primarily credit card debt.  The farther reaching goal behind reduced that is having it knocked out totally by the time Stella starts kindergarten.  I also want to have a significant part of my student loans paid down in the next few years...I want to go back for a MBA...but not while I still owe a lot on my undergrad loans.  

So this is my big project...an ongoing thing - working on goals, getting organized...the lists that will surely accompany all this.  Trying to figure out the best way to tackle this.  Without, of course, getting too overwhelmed...

Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Ours ended up being quite low key.  Stella hasn't been 100% this week (they have the cornucopia of illnesses at daycare right now) and didn't want to deal with that out and about.  Not only that, but my husband had the not so fun night at work Wednesday night/Thursday morning (he's a cop...biggest bar night of the year...people do not respect cops (nor themselves apparently) these days).  And he ran a 5k when he got home yesterday morning.  We didn't see my mom because she wanted to keep the peace at home (Dad's an ass and it is has been at least 5 years since I've last seen or talked to him).  Mother in law is in Atlanta for the holidays.  We could have gone to Shawn's aunt's house...but it was an early dinner and he was out until late afternoon and my family just doesn't do anything as a group anymore.  So it was just my little family.  I actually cooked (pre-seasoned pork loan, stuffing out of a box, corn from a can and mashed cauliflower (actually pretty good).  It was enough for us...especially since we don't want to overdo it when both my husband and I are working on our fitness goals.  I did have to run to McDonald's after for dessert (a hot fudge sundae...the least offense calorie-wise).   Stella enjoying her dinner:

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving...

So I'll make my second blog of the night (hey...I'm playing catch up) one listing things I am thankful for (since I slacked off on my daily thanks on Facebook).  This list is inspired by The Walking Dead (my current absolutely favorite show ever):

• My daily hot shower (actually...most days it is two...one at home, one at the gym) - I mean seriously...just the general grime that coats the characters every episode and the occasional getting drenched in the blood of the dead and the walking dead...boy do I love my hot showers!
• A working modern washer and dryer (well...once we get a new dryer this weekend).  Nearly every episode it seems the characters are in the same clothes.  Every day.  Day in, day out.  I mean...how long was Rick wearing his sheriff's uniform?  Change it up some...geez!  
• Modern medicine (although apparently it isn't likely to find a cure for whatever brought on the Walkers).  Yes...Lori was annoying as hell...but man, what a way to go!  How Hershel survived his amputation (and didn't become a Walker) is beyond me.
• Electricity in general - Not just relying on a generator...but electricity.  Uninterrupted electricity.  Maybe we rely too much on it and any thing apocalyptic could just throw is into a total tailspin once the power goes...but still (I would never survive in that scenario)...and, wouldn't you know it...the end of the world is scheduled for less thn a month away.
• Phones...all phones - Not being able to get a hold of someone when I need to drives me nuts.  I'm not talking the kind of phone calls Rick has recently received...but being able to call  if I got separated from the group, or if I'm out hunting down needed supplies, etc.  
• The internet - How else would I keep myself entertained for hours on end...because I'd lose:
• My Kindle - I mean, I could still read books on it and play angry birds as long as I can figure out how to charge it every now and then...but still.
• Calenders - I need to know what day it is.  Every day.  I use a calendar for pretty much nothing else (wonder why I can never keep track of my appointments, due dates for different things, etc.).
• Restaurants - again, this is where I would likely not be able to survive in that kind of world.  I am not so much on dining out these days...the whole fitness thing, ya know...but I still want that option!
• Grocery stores - up and running, full stocked with fresh food...perishable fresh food.  Not picking my way through trying to find something that never goes bad (especially now that there is the potential of Twinkies going away for good).

I'm sure I could add more - a lot more - to this list...but I need to go to bed.  And with that...I will add that I am thankful for my comfy flannel sheets, my tempur-pedic pillow and my fleece pjs.

reviews: some new workout clothes

I picked up these last week at Old Navy:

Clearance. $7. Love them. Compression capris. Website says $19.99 but found them at the store for $6.99. I don't have any other compression anything workout wear and I really like. Seems to keep all the...excess...from moving around. Very comfy. Thicker than the non-compression stuff.  I wore them tonight for my kettle bell and spin classes and they were great (my shoulder, however, is apparently a different story). I may try other items from the ON Active collection. Maybe I can finally find a sports bra that truly works like I want it to. Which brings me to this:


I have been struggling finding a sports bra that works for me.  Especially post-baby, after weight loss/body changes, etc.  My bra size has gone from a high of 40E when pregnant to it's pre-pregnancy size of 38DD to most recently sized at 34DD (I think I am going to get resized in a few weeks).  I bought the above bra (Moving Comfort Vixen) about a month ago after getting some recs.  As a whole, it's not too bad...better than everything I currently had on hand...and for the most part and my activity, I guess it does work well.  However, when doing jump jacks or the like, there is still more movement than I'd like.  Not nearly as bad as with the other styles/brands I've tried, but not perfect either.  I will continue my search for the perfect (for me) sports bra.

We are on the verge of the holiday season...

The worst time of the year.  I don't so much have to worry about the family get togethers and such...but still.  It is the busiest time of the year at work.  There seem to be more goodies all around and more to come as everyone starts to flex their baking muscles.  It just seems I don't have the time I need to spend at the gym nor the will power to turn down most of what crosses my path.  I seem to have gotten off track over the past few weeks, but I am hoping that by putting it in black and white right here - putting it out there on the internet - I can get myself back on track...I can right this wrong before it goes too wrong...  I am lucky that I have a husband that understands my need to get/keep in shape, I just wish his schedule worked better with mine.  And I wish I didn't have the guilt I do at spending so much time away from Stella by going to the gym outside of my normal hours.  It is so hard...but I need to do this.  For me.  Not or anyone else...just me.

Movie Review: Skyfall (James Bond)

Last night was our once every month or two date night (yay!!) and we had this one planned in advance since it was opening weekend for the latest installment in the James Bond series (we love 007...I even bought the hubs the entire collection for Christmas one year and each time a new one comes out on video, I add to that collection).

I love Daniel Craig as James Bond.  When he was first announced as the latest Bond....I wasn't thrilled (and at that time, I didn't know who the heck he even was).  Not a fan of blonde men and it just didn't seem fitting that James Bond would be a blonde.  However, I saw Casino Royale and instant fan of Daniel Craig as James Bond.  In my opinion, he kinda took away that cheesiness factor that always seemed to be a small part of the whole James Bond franchise.  A tougher 007.  Not so much about banging as many chicks as possible.  I loved LOVED Casino Royale.  Quantum of Solace wasn't bad either...but the action in the one was nearly enough to leave a person exhausted.  Skyfall, however...

I've thought about this over the last 24 hours.  It was...okay.  But it wasn't what I would consider to be a great James Bond movie.  Some element was missing...can't exactly put my finger on it...but something was just not right.  Many of the reviews I saw, or the headlines of those reviews at least said this was the best Bond movie ever.  Um...not in my opinion.  It was very far removed from typical Bond save for the over the top Bond villain (Javier Bardiem...dude was extremely creeptastic).  Maybe if it was packaged as something other than a 007 movie I might have liked it more...or just not have bothered.  I don't want to give away the ending, but we were disappointed...saddened even.  New characters...and new faces for familiar characters were introduced.  Some a breath of fresh air...others?  A little on the snaggle tooth side.

I'm curious to see what the next one will be like a few years from now.  I'm assuming that it will likely be Daniel Craig's last turn at Bond since he is getting too old for the role.

On a side note...we saw the movie in a Rave Extreme theater.  Apparently it is supposed to be comparable to IMAX.  Had we not go there so late (awesome dinner before hand that led to us getting to the theater right before show time) and sat further back (we were right in front) it would probably have been worth the few extra bucks for the tickets.  But as it was, seat backs were directly in our view of the screen and that was rather annoying.  And with a screen that huge, and sitting that close up...kind of a pain in the ass.  A lot of the scenes in the movie were dark so that when daylight or a fire appeared on the screen, it was nearly blinding.  Not so good.

eBook Reviews: No Turning Back and Turn to Me (Kathleen Turner series by Tiffany Snow)

This past summer, I jumped on the bandwagon and read the 50 Shades trilogy.  Seems every woman in the country was doing the same...and even though I typically don't do what everyone else is doing, I did it anyway.  It was...okay.  Definitely not the norm for me, but I read it anyway.  The writing, as I am sure many will attest to, was less than stellar.  Very repetitive and rather unimaginative (especially given the subject matter).  Anyway...

I stumbled across 'No Turning Back' via the Pixel of Ink newsletter.  Yep...it was a free download.  Still isn't what I would typically read...it's a bit of the 'romance' genre, with action thrown in.  Actually, this is more like how 50 Shades should have been to make it a little more interesting (in my opinion).  More action (the only action, really, in the 50 Shades trilogy was the kinky sex and it really wasn't that impressive...at least not impressively written).  People are killed.  There's a little of the 'whodunnit' going on in addition to the romance/love triangle.  There are some similarities to 50 Shades - the female lead (Kathleen) is young, naive (not the virgin that Anastasia was, but just about)...the male lead (Blane) a wealthy playboy (and the secondary male lead (Kade) - his younger half-brother, also wealthy, also gorgeous).  While Blane does not have the long list of subs, he does have a reputation as a bit of a womanizer with at least one former fling (Kandi with an i) holding a grudge against him.  The trouble Kathleen is constantly finding herself in is a wee bit on the unreal side...but I guess it is what it is.  Wasn't digging the names Kade and Blane...worse than soap opera names of the 80s and 90s...but whatev.

So yes, I admit, I liked it.  As mentioned, 'No Turning Back' was a free download...and then I paid $4 to download the second in the series - 'Turn to Me' - and now I am anxiously awaiting the third installment in the series, available at Christmas.

And one minor gripe about the second installment:  I realize that not everyone reading that has read the first...but I found it rather annoying all the excessive explanations the author felt the need to make for the benefit of those that had read the first.  It got to the point I was skipping over paragraphs and perhaps even a page here and there.

eBook Review: Little Sacrifices (Jamie Scott)

Just finished this one tonight - another free (at the time, currently $2.99) download from my Pixel of Ink newsletter.

The story is definitely a change of pace from the normal zombie apocalypse, murder mysteries, tales of the supernatural I can typically be found reading.  The setting is Savannah in the late 1940s with the primary character a 16-year-old girl who had moved with her parents (who possessed rather radical ideas for that time - her father is a history professor with bold ideas, especially for someone newly transplanted in the deep South) from Massachusetts.

The story is actually told in first person - the teenager (May).  For the most part, there is nothing extraordinary about it.  However, it really wasn't a bad read.  The one year covered in the book predates the civil rights, but that does tie into the book...although nearly as an afterthought, just one small part of May's life.  Another side story are the love letters and diaries she finds in the house belong to the former (now deceased) resident and they eventually tie into someone May has grown close to.  Teen pregnancy, sexual abuse, and abortion (of the illegal variety...remember, it was the last 40s) also have small roles in the story.

Again...not a bad read, a nice change from the norm for me.  I didn't find it difficult to follow, not too many misses in editing (which I see too frequently with eBooks), despite no big plot twists, suspense, etc., it wasn't what I would call boring.  I would recommend it to others.

Oat Bran Muffins...Yum!!

This morning's attempt at cooking. And it was good. Again, this is from the Try-It Diet, Eating Clean eCookbook (okay...seriously...this book is CHEAP...and there are recipes in here that I am likely not to try because I don't care for the particular ingredients - so buy it!)

Ingredients:
1 cup 100% whole-wheat flour
1/2 cup crushed bran flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup Sucanat (I gave up trying to find this and used *gasp!* good ol' sugar instead)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 egg whites
1 egg
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (see my post last night about this yummy stuff)
1 tablespoon canola oil (I used vegetable oil)
3 tablespoons agave nectar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup dry rolled oats (I always have a large container of oats on hand...this is what Stella and I have for breakfast most mornings)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.  Grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line with paper baking cups (since I had no clue whether this would working for me or not given my baking history, I bought a 'disposable' tin with paper liners).
2. Combine flower, bran flakes, flaxseed, Sucanat (or sugar), baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.  Add egg whites, eggs, applesauce, almond milk, canola (or vegetable) oil, agave nectar, and vanilla and mix well (no need to get out the electric mixer though).
3. Pour muffin mix evenly into each of the muffin cups.
4. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of oats over top, and press down lightly.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a fork inserted into the center of  a muffin comes out clean.

And the nutrition facts (if you follow the recipe without making my subs):

Calories:  114

Fat:  4 g

Protein:  3 g

Sodium:  182 mg

Fiber:  3 g

Carbs:  18 g

Sugar:  13 g

As a side note...despite the healthiness, Stella really liked it!  I ended up eating two, because she kept taking bites!

And with the political BS out of the way...back to the healthy stuff

In my quest for healthier eating, I've been trying different things, I've been spending more time in the organic food section (actually, because it is so small at my local Kroger, it is just easier to find everything)...and last week I purchased almond milk for the first time (the intent for the purpose was for a muffin recipe I plan to try to tomorrow).  This is what I got:



In a word:  yum.  Seriously.  I did not realize this stuff is so good!  I am not sure I even have enough for that recipe.  I have had it nearly every day over a bowl of granola...specifically this (also found in the organic aisle):

I bought the granola for a different recipe.  I have none left.  Guess who is going back to Kroger tomorrow?

If I ever manage to have enough of either left over to try these recipes, I will be sure to post pics and a review (I'm not too confident though...baking with a gas oven has never worked well for me).

Seriously though....the almond milk is awesome!  Downside?   Carb count is a little high.

My lone solely political post - reposted from my current facebook status

And of course, I have cleaned this up a bit since the original status update was done from my Kindle Fire.

I have been too busy today at work to get to much of anything else but I am posting my thoughts here rather than add this to many other status update on everyone else's pages from throughout the day, because the political bullshit is really getting deep on both sides and everywhere in between. 

Here are my thoughts: leave the candidate bashing to the candidates. Don't tell me what you think the other guy is not doing or doing wrong. Don't tell me something that can't be backed up with a legitimate source. Tell me why i should consider your candidate. AGAIN: legitimate sources, legitimate reasons not the most convoluted reasons you can come up with (for example, I cannot believe the number of people that still believe the POTUS is a Muslim...and honestly, even if he was...what of it?). Don't tell me that everyone who supports the guy opposite your candidate is stupid no matter who you favor (while I see this primarily from those on the conservative/republican side, I understand that it does go both directions). I have deleted people the past couple of months because of bullshit like this they have posted on their walls. Everyone is entitled to their opinion...free country right? And just because there is such a thing as freedom of speech doesn't mean you need to get on here (meaning facebook, or any other social networking site for that matter) and spew nastiness. I witnessed plenty of it in the office where I was employed during the 2008 election (including a 'higher up' that walked into the office the day after the election and stated "I suppose we now have to call the 'White House' the 'Black House'.   And I am seeing much of that same nastiness here (facebook) now.  Get over yourselves people and show respect to all of your 'friends' on facebook!

One more thing to add that I didn't include when I posted this as my status update on facebook.  Whatever happened to political discussion being taboo.  Wasn't there a time where any political or religious conversations were to be avoided - I am guessing primarily to avoid the rudeness so many of us are now witness to?  I'm guessing facebook, twitter, etc. has apparently put an end to that as with most other manners these days.  Sad.

fitness class review: KettleBell

A description for this particular class:

Kettlebell training uses a series of swift movements to work the entire body as a synergistic whole (unlike traditional strength training, which uses controlled movements to isolate muscle groups.)

A new session started at the Y this week.  I am, of course, sticking with my twice a week spin class. And would have liked to also stick with the twice a week boot camp I started last session.  However, Wednesday night's class is moved up 15 minutes, so it would start before my spin class is over.  I will continue with the Monday night session.  To replace Wednesday night's boot camp, I started the Kettle Bell class.  I have been wanting to try something like this for a while, so now is my chance.

And?  I like it.  So far, at least.  I definitely felt like I got a workout.  And tonight, I definitely feel like I got a workout last night!  I am getting sore (the good kind, however)!  We worked arms and legs:  squats, lunges, presses, curls, etc.  Incorporated the stability ball on some of the moves, a lot swinging of the kettle bell, even some ab work.  The class definitely made me sweat (and can I just say, that I am really starting to enjoy ow my biceps look?- that's just an observation from watching my form in the mirror).

The only gripe about the class is just me being pissy - burpees.  Seems like every class these days, they gotta sneak those bad boys in.  I hate them!  Okay - it is because I am absolutely horrible at them...but still!

On a separate note regarding gym classes...I have a general gripe.  People talking in class.  Now quiet conversation with your neighbor is fine.  I guess.  But dammit...I don't want to hear your conversation from across the room!  I am (quite literally) working my ass off (okay, so i really didn't have one in the first place) and my working like that does not allow for easy LOUD conversations like yours!  I find it very disruptive to me and my workout.  I am paying to be in that class.  I am there to work on my fitness, not to socialize.  When I can't hear the instructor because there are loud conversations going on either side of the room...that is ridiculous!  When I am dripping sweat  and my thighs are burning and looking over to see you looking like you are on a leisurely bike ride through the park with your pal....argh!!!

Okay...vent over.

Phone Help?!?!?!

So I am just posting this all over to see if someone, anyone, may have words of wisdom to offer.

I am ready to scream - throw the phone across the room and see how well it shatters against the wall, etc.

I have a Samsung Galaxy II. Got it in February. I am with Sprint and have been for 14 years (if for any reason this information is needed). I HATE this phone...have not liked it since the beginning, but missed the window to return it and decided to stick it out since I have all my other gadgets (laptop, kindle fire, iPod Touch and the big fancy camera) too. I stopped into the BB store where I originally got it and asked what my options were outside of paying full price for a new phone. They could send it out for a refurbished. Is that my best option right now? Am I going to get another Galaxy only to discover it isn't just my particular phone but all Galaxies are horrible? I decided I may as well hold on to it...primarily because of the pictures/videos even though they all automatically upload to photobucket with the app. However, this morning, it has pretty much died. Dead. Totally. Well, not completely, the screen shows 'Samsung Galaxy S II' and I am guessing it will until the battery dies (which, if history repeats itself, shouldn't take too long).

What would you do? What should I do? Outside of getting this replaced with a refurbished phone since I have about a year and a half before I qualify for an upgrade, where can I legitimately purchase a new phone for some not so exorbitant price?

I feel the need to write something...

Something.

I kid.

Watching a horrible baseball game is making me nuts.

I keep starting a post...and then change my mind.  I should go to bed, but I can't.  I've already done the dishes, started a load of laundry.  And then returned to my seat in front of the my laptop trying to avoid glancing at the tv and watching this absolutely horrible baseball game.  

Some observations:

• Valverde just needs to sit out the rest of the series.  
• Verlander needs to be banned from all contact with Kate Upton until the off-season.  Yes, I am taking the popular stance of blaming her for any crappy outing he may have.
• While I dug long hair on guys when I was in high school, that was *ahem* 20+ years ago and I seriously want to run out on to the field in San Fran with a pair of scissors!

On a side note, totally unrelated to baseball or sports in general:  what the hell is up with the mouths of certain high profile Republican women???  I'm referring to Sarah Pailin and Ann Coulter.  Can't someone put a muzzle on them?

Fruit-Stuffed French Toast sandwiches

From the Try-It Diet:  Eating Clean:  A Two-Week Healthy Eating Plan
(F+W Media, Inc.)

4 eggs, beaten
2 tbsp vanilla almond milk (first time trying it was yesterday...never realized this stuff was so yummy)
2 tbsp agave nectar
4 slices sprouted grain bread (I am lazy, didn't search for that, used my old stand by:  Aunt Millie's fat free whole wheat)
8 tbsp sugar-free fruit spread (I went for reduced sugar concord grape Welch's) (and I didn't measure out, just spread it on)
1 cup nonfat Greek-style yogurt (oops...used plain...and again didn't measure out)
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1 sliced banana

Spray large skillet with olive oil cooking spray, place over medium heat.  Whisk together eggs, almond milk, agave nectar.  Evenly coat both sides of each slide of bread and place in the skillet (I didn't one at a time since I used a medium skillet).  Cook each slice until lightly browned on each side then remove from eat.  Spread the fruit spread evenly on side of all bread slices, followed by a thin layer of yogurt on all bread slices (since I used regular yogurt rather than Greek, it wasn't as thick and basically mixed with the fruit spread).  Layer the strawberries and bananas (and give the leftover slices to your toddler).  Close the sandwiches, place back in the skillet, pressing down on each one slightly.  Cook 2-3 minutes each side.

Enjoy!

About the book - I am finding with many of the recipe books I have downloading, the recipes themselves skip a step or two leaving the reader to figure it out on their own (which is not a big deal for people that cook regularly...I don't, but am trying to make that attempt).  I actually downloaded one that all the measurements were cut off.  I deleted that one.  I have a few other health eating cookbooks (including a vegetarian one) that I have downloaded that appear to have some yummy recipes!

Looks like Stella enjoyed it as well:


Could have been the messiness factor:

I'm fat.

I'm not saying that to fish for compliments (you know...the whole "I'm fat" thing and the "No you're not...your so skinny!").  That is not the intent.  I'm saying it because, well, I believe I am fat.  Yes, I realize that I am now more than 30 lbs. under my pre-pregnancy weight (weighed in tonight at an even 143 lbs.).  Since April/May, I have gone from a size 12 to a size 4 (at least at NY & Co).  For the most part, I think I look and feel great...

However, I see a picture like this (from the beginning of August):

Or this (from this past Thursday):

and I am brought back to reality.

This is what I saw tonight when I looked in the mirror after my workout:

Nope. I am not happy with it. I know that my body did an extraordinary thing just over 16 months ago. But I am not happy with the 'jelly belly' I see. The muffin top if my shirt rides up too high.  I don't get the women my size and bigger that have that body confidence thing going on and not afraid to show it.  That I posted the post-workout pic here is a stretch for me.  Much larger than that, I would not want anyone to see.

I suppose it doesn't help matters that there are some women I follow on instragram that are fitness fanatics.  I see their flat/sculpted abs and want that for myself...knowing darn well that someone in my family just can't have that.

I spent over $150 at the grocery store today with the intent of trying to do more 'clean eating'....we'll see how long I stick that one out.  I only wish my husband would be more open to that idea...after all, the is the one that has dreams of competing in an Iron Man competition!  I am sure a diet of fast food is not optimal for that kind of training!

I am fat.  My 40th birthday is in just over six months.  It really isn't that I want to lose a ton more weight.  I don't.  I just want to retrain the fat.  Is that really too much to ask?  

Friday Photo of the Week