I've been thinking about "me" time and what that means to some people. I just heard someone complaining about not having enough. She just married not too long ago, and made a comment about envying the single life. Some one else replied that you get used to it, you become "one with your husband", and that family time takes up all your time.
WOW. I couldn't disagree more. As a side note, agreeing or disagreeing is generally absolute and not relative. You either agree or disagree, right? ...But I wanted to sound dramatic. Ok, moving along now...
I know people in my family that have adopted that point of view: living a life with no "me" time. You know what happens at the end of the day? When your family is grown and on their own, when you're alone with yourself and no husband around, you don't know what to do. That's because you don't even know who you are anymore. Scary.
I've seen people in that situation (not naming anyone) that become really depressed at that point in their life. Some of our patients are like that. Ever see the movie Failure to Launch? The mom towards the end of the movie is a prime example. Thinking about it makes me want to cry.
So! I always make sure I've got time to myself at least a couple times during the week. Some of my favorite things to do are: read, go have some coffee and read, write short stories, go shopping, make something crafty (like hair accessories, jewelry, paintings), and most of all - go shopping!
All about my lucky life, and how much I love it!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Stuff on the brain
A lot of little things have been floating around my brain, either to encourage me or annoy me. Just little things, but a lot of them. I'm hoping that writing about it will get everything straightened out in my head.
It seems that there's not enough time in the day. I spend 11 hours a day away from home with work and my commute. I have to come home and cook dinner, take care of any chores, and then find some time to unwind. I also need to find more time to go to the gym, read more books, play more video games, watch movies or shows. Sometimes I feel like all I do is work and come home to cook. Goodness, if I had kids I'd have even less time for myself.
Ultimately, I wish that work and home were closer. Right now, that's not an option. I have a court date set in August to sue a delinquent account for the clinic. I can't exactly just leave them hanging on that. After we see how this case works out, we may send a whole group of accounts through the court system. Another commitment is coming my way! I found out quite a while ago that court dates are usually full for about 6 - 8 months out. Do people really sue other people or companies that much around here? Jeeeeez.
I've filled out all my thank you cards (as of three weeks ago), and I've given them to Mark to mail out. He still hasn't done that. I don't want to be a nag, but come on!!!! Mail the damn thank you cards already. How annoying...
Lots of my friends are tying the knot! Yay! I know I'm about to sound really shallow here, but whatehv. I'm going to put this out here anyway. Ladies, when you put on that fabulous and perfect corset back wedding dress, please don't cinch yourself in so tightly! I've seen a couple of very pretty gowns on girls in fairly good physical shape that are tightened too much. Then you know what happens? Muffin top and back crease. Seriously! Look at this:
I know I wasn't exactly "slim and trim" on my big day, but I'd like to imagine that I wore a flattering dress that fit my body type well. Who knows? Maybe I was delusional... It wouldn't be the first time. ;)
I tried something new today! I woke up around five-ish this morning and hit the gym before work. It was nice because the gym wasn't crowded. It was also a pain because I was sleepy and couldn't get moving enough to burn a significant amount of calories. I'm going to keep at it though. I think I just need to go to bed a little earlier and get used to the routine. Then on days I don't go workout, it will feel like I get to sleep in. Right?
It seems that there's not enough time in the day. I spend 11 hours a day away from home with work and my commute. I have to come home and cook dinner, take care of any chores, and then find some time to unwind. I also need to find more time to go to the gym, read more books, play more video games, watch movies or shows. Sometimes I feel like all I do is work and come home to cook. Goodness, if I had kids I'd have even less time for myself.
Ultimately, I wish that work and home were closer. Right now, that's not an option. I have a court date set in August to sue a delinquent account for the clinic. I can't exactly just leave them hanging on that. After we see how this case works out, we may send a whole group of accounts through the court system. Another commitment is coming my way! I found out quite a while ago that court dates are usually full for about 6 - 8 months out. Do people really sue other people or companies that much around here? Jeeeeez.
I've filled out all my thank you cards (as of three weeks ago), and I've given them to Mark to mail out. He still hasn't done that. I don't want to be a nag, but come on!!!! Mail the damn thank you cards already. How annoying...
Lots of my friends are tying the knot! Yay! I know I'm about to sound really shallow here, but whatehv. I'm going to put this out here anyway. Ladies, when you put on that fabulous and perfect corset back wedding dress, please don't cinch yourself in so tightly! I've seen a couple of very pretty gowns on girls in fairly good physical shape that are tightened too much. Then you know what happens? Muffin top and back crease. Seriously! Look at this:
I know I wasn't exactly "slim and trim" on my big day, but I'd like to imagine that I wore a flattering dress that fit my body type well. Who knows? Maybe I was delusional... It wouldn't be the first time. ;)I tried something new today! I woke up around five-ish this morning and hit the gym before work. It was nice because the gym wasn't crowded. It was also a pain because I was sleepy and couldn't get moving enough to burn a significant amount of calories. I'm going to keep at it though. I think I just need to go to bed a little earlier and get used to the routine. Then on days I don't go workout, it will feel like I get to sleep in. Right?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Not Me! Monday
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama (and I found it through my dear friend at Just Thinking. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
After being so dedicated to meal planning, I definitely did *not* whine about it every night. I certainly do *not* feel trapped by routine. Mark and our budget have definitely improved with this new plan of action, and I would *never* consider just throwing that out the window. I'm *not* a crazy lady.
Dr. Williams is back today from his vacation! I have *not* been slacking off and playing on facebook the entire time he was away. As a result, I did *not* have to bust my butt the last few days just show that I did something productive. I would *never* waste company time and money just because I'm bored.
This weekend was lots of fun! A surprise birthday party for Amanda was on Saturday, and I did *not* lie to her all day via text message to keep it a secret. I would *never* deceive my friends for a noble cause. Also, I did *not* have three friends barfing at the end of the night. I would *never* let guests over indulge in alcohol to the point of sickness.
Fathers day was nice! We went out to Landry's in Kemah for some great seafood. I did *not* have beer with lunch. I would *never* deviate from my eating plan. I have a figure to watch!
That's what I've *not* been doing, and I'm very proud to have acted so mature over the past week. ;)
After being so dedicated to meal planning, I definitely did *not* whine about it every night. I certainly do *not* feel trapped by routine. Mark and our budget have definitely improved with this new plan of action, and I would *never* consider just throwing that out the window. I'm *not* a crazy lady.
Dr. Williams is back today from his vacation! I have *not* been slacking off and playing on facebook the entire time he was away. As a result, I did *not* have to bust my butt the last few days just show that I did something productive. I would *never* waste company time and money just because I'm bored.
This weekend was lots of fun! A surprise birthday party for Amanda was on Saturday, and I did *not* lie to her all day via text message to keep it a secret. I would *never* deceive my friends for a noble cause. Also, I did *not* have three friends barfing at the end of the night. I would *never* let guests over indulge in alcohol to the point of sickness.
Fathers day was nice! We went out to Landry's in Kemah for some great seafood. I did *not* have beer with lunch. I would *never* deviate from my eating plan. I have a figure to watch!
That's what I've *not* been doing, and I'm very proud to have acted so mature over the past week. ;)
Eating for two
Congratulations to me! I've been keeping up with our menu planning for two weeks now! Mark likes it, so even though it's a pain, it's here to stay. This week, I've made a this menu pool to choose from. Here it is...
Chicken with peppers and rice and steamed broccoli
Meatloaf with quinoa and baked cauliflower
Chicken with vegetables and pasta
Mahi Mahi fish tacos with black beans and pineapple salsa
Salsa verde pork with steamed spinach and rice
Leave a comment if you want me to post the recipe for any of these.
Chicken with peppers and rice and steamed broccoli
Meatloaf with quinoa and baked cauliflower
Chicken with vegetables and pasta
Mahi Mahi fish tacos with black beans and pineapple salsa
Salsa verde pork with steamed spinach and rice
Leave a comment if you want me to post the recipe for any of these.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Dinner Time - All the Time
Don't know if it's just me, but everyday when I come home the first thing I start is Dinner. I have to think about what to cook, how long it will take, prepare the day before (or end up making a trip to the store), and it feels like it never stops haunting me. I get bored with the same types of food, so I'm quite frequently trying to think of new recipes and how to make them healthy. I guess it's like cleaning or laundry: it never ends.
But enough with the bitchin'. I've got my food in the oven right now as I type. What's that? Already in the oven? Yes, and pretty much done, too. I know last night's crab cakes didn't turn out as firm as I'd have liked, but I'm giving Rachel Ray another chance. It's a 30 min meal, hence the amazing finishing time, and I'm feelin' lazy. SO, don't do me wrong a second time, Miss Rachel. ;)
Shepherd's Pie!
4 potatoes
1 cup light sour cream
pot o' water
Cube the potatoes and boil for like 12 minutes. Drain them and mash with sour cream.
1 lb ground beef
2 carrots diced
1 onion diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 clove of garlic minced
salt and pepper to taste
Cook all this stuff together until it's done.
drizzle of olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup beef broth
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
Medium heat, cook flour in olive oil for a couple of minutes (starts to turn golden brown) then whisk in broth and sauce. Cook until it looks like gravy.
Now - mix the meat and vegs with the gravy. Put in a casserole dish. Layer the potatoes on top. Bake at 250 for however long you feel like.
Go sit down, have a beer, and blog about something.
I LOVE LAZY COOKING.
But enough with the bitchin'. I've got my food in the oven right now as I type. What's that? Already in the oven? Yes, and pretty much done, too. I know last night's crab cakes didn't turn out as firm as I'd have liked, but I'm giving Rachel Ray another chance. It's a 30 min meal, hence the amazing finishing time, and I'm feelin' lazy. SO, don't do me wrong a second time, Miss Rachel. ;)
Shepherd's Pie!
4 potatoes
1 cup light sour cream
pot o' water
Cube the potatoes and boil for like 12 minutes. Drain them and mash with sour cream.
1 lb ground beef
2 carrots diced
1 onion diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 clove of garlic minced
salt and pepper to taste
Cook all this stuff together until it's done.
drizzle of olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup beef broth
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
Medium heat, cook flour in olive oil for a couple of minutes (starts to turn golden brown) then whisk in broth and sauce. Cook until it looks like gravy.
Now - mix the meat and vegs with the gravy. Put in a casserole dish. Layer the potatoes on top. Bake at 250 for however long you feel like.
Go sit down, have a beer, and blog about something.
I LOVE LAZY COOKING.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Dinner Time!
In order to facilitate a healthier lifestyle, Mark and I have started Meal Planning! Grocery shopping will be more efficient, and we can be more careful about what we eat. This should make things much easier, right? Errr... Kind of. For some reason, I can come home and whip up dinner in a few moments without even thinking about it. When I start planning it out, I run dry on ideas.
Cookbooks are coming in handy now! Just scan through and pick a few. I have a couple of Rachel Ray cookbooks, but all her food seems to consist of some unhealthy main dish paired with some crazy salad. WTH, Rachel? You're not making this any better. What I've ended up doing is this: taking a couple of her recipes and making them healthy. For example, cutting out the extra butter, cheeses, and sauces she loves to top food with, and using whole grains and whole wheat instead of white breads and processed flour. Hmm... That's better!
So that I don't feel "blah" about meal planning, I've made a pool of recipes for the week. That way I can have a little bit of flexibility on what I feel like eating or cooking on a particular day. Planning out each day feels like a trap and makes me want to rebel. Instead, I just pick from a list and it's all good.
This week's recipe pool:
Crab cakes with quinoa and steamed spinach
MahiMahi fish tacos with black beans and pineapple salsa
Shepherd's Pie
Turkey Burgers
Spaghetti with chicken, mushroom, and onion, with tomato sauce
Tonight is Crab Cakes!
Another incentive to cook more and eat out less (saving lots of money!) is this great new Chef's Mat Mark purchased for me! It's filled with a wondrous gel that makes my feet feel cushy! I very sincerely believe that everyone should go to Bed Bath and Beyond and purchase your own. It takes the tired feeling away from your feet, knees, and hips while you slave over a hot stove.
And then it doesn't even feel like "slaving" anymore. ;)
Cookbooks are coming in handy now! Just scan through and pick a few. I have a couple of Rachel Ray cookbooks, but all her food seems to consist of some unhealthy main dish paired with some crazy salad. WTH, Rachel? You're not making this any better. What I've ended up doing is this: taking a couple of her recipes and making them healthy. For example, cutting out the extra butter, cheeses, and sauces she loves to top food with, and using whole grains and whole wheat instead of white breads and processed flour. Hmm... That's better!
So that I don't feel "blah" about meal planning, I've made a pool of recipes for the week. That way I can have a little bit of flexibility on what I feel like eating or cooking on a particular day. Planning out each day feels like a trap and makes me want to rebel. Instead, I just pick from a list and it's all good.
This week's recipe pool:
Crab cakes with quinoa and steamed spinach
MahiMahi fish tacos with black beans and pineapple salsa
Shepherd's Pie
Turkey Burgers
Spaghetti with chicken, mushroom, and onion, with tomato sauce
Tonight is Crab Cakes!
Another incentive to cook more and eat out less (saving lots of money!) is this great new Chef's Mat Mark purchased for me! It's filled with a wondrous gel that makes my feet feel cushy! I very sincerely believe that everyone should go to Bed Bath and Beyond and purchase your own. It takes the tired feeling away from your feet, knees, and hips while you slave over a hot stove.
And then it doesn't even feel like "slaving" anymore. ;)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Trolling is bad... so very bad
Trolling is never nice. Sometimes I do and don't mean to, and other times I'm just feeling bitchy and do it anyway. I've gotten into a couple of times on theknot.com's snarky bride board, and twice on facebook. The first time on facebook was an accident, but this second time (today) was definitely on purpose. I feel kinda bad, but I feel little better in a way.
Long story short, a friend said she was frustrated by someone trash talking her. Someone commented and said to kill them with kindness. I commented and said to quietly sabotage them. Then I get my ass jumped for giving bad advice. Original poster knew I was joking (any of my friends would), so I pointed that out... and then told her to un-wad her panties. Then the madness begun (apparently I dissed an "aunt")...
Rachel I want to beat this little girl that is talking shit.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
To Alcohol!
So... from my last blog post, I'm taking a good hard look at my eating habits. I had a talk and a boo-hoo whine with Mark late in to the night. Ha ha ha, I was never counting calories from all the alcohol I drink! A couple of beers here, a glass of wine there, and etc, really add up. While my eating habits are great, my drinking habits... not so much. ;) But I'm working on that.
I have a rough plan here. I can either cut out drinking (boo!) or drink less and exercise more. While I do hate exercising, I do love to drink. I'll cut out drinking for a little while, then try drinking lower calorie drinks and exercising a bit more. There's no point in working so hard and then sabotaging myself with alcoholic beverages. Tasty, tasty sabotage!
Also, my list of things to do before I have kids is still sitting there with nothing checked off. I swear I will finish that painting by tomorrow, even if it takes all night and a few pots of coffee. Pictures WILL be posted!!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Health and Nutrition
Lookin' Good Ma'am! Well, it is a very flattering angle, and I am wearing a pretty dress... and lots of people in my life tell me I look great! I feel great too! But... after talking to my doctor, things aren't so great after all.
All I've ever done is fad dieting, and eating consciously in between crazy diets. The truth of the matter is it's not healthy. What I eat in between dieting is actually way better than the dieting itself. Have oatmeal with dried fruit in the morning, last night's dinner for lunch, low fat yogurt as a snack, and then another round of lean meat with vegetables for dinner. I don't use butter, sometimes a bit of EVOO, not a lot of salt, the carbs are whole grain... so why doesn't it work well? I lose more weight when dieting - which is really bad for my liver, apparently!
With eating right (I estimated about 1300 calories a day), I lose about 1/2 pound per month (with sporadic exercise). Hmmmm... at that rate my doc says it should take about 10 years to reach a healthy weight. Damn that's so totally lame. Doc wants me to get blood work to see if it's a thyroid issue, but I honestly think that is a total cop out. Seriously, fat people that say "I have thyroid problems" just sound lazy - like it totally justifies being fat. WHATEVER, 'cause it really doesn't. I don't want to be "thyroid issues fat chick" - that is so much lame sauce.
Anyway, I think I might be missing something here. So! Miss Kristin-pants at Just Thinking has inspired me to really take a look at what I eat and cook down to every ingredient and portion. The answer will be revealed. Ugh... but it's going to be a pain in my butt to measure and record everything. I have a feeling it will do me some good though.
And while I'm on the subject... dang Mark! I make a small adjustment to our eating habits and that fool loses weight and looks great like nobody's business. I will get him for this; I really really will. *shakes fist in air*
Ha ha, but seriously. I am going to really watch what I put into my body and start exercising with more regularity. Luckily, my gym offers free classes (like body bump) and my man likes some junk in the trunk.
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