We had Thanksgiving dinner at my uncle's house, which was delicious, then we had a get-together at the bowling alley/restaurant my brother in law works at. He volunteered a 12 hour shift on Thanksgiving so he could have Christmas Eve off.
We hung out and bowled. Well, they did. I hung out and drank blue slushies all night. His mom kept trying to get me to "eat something" despite the fact we had just come from a gorge fest with my family.
Tonight is their Thanksgiving and they still don't know what time they are having dinner. Sigh. We won't be able to go anyway, because Brian works 5-8:30 pm tonight, but we are still going over after he gets off work and changes.
Then Brian is headed out with his brothers for a night of drinking and general goofing around. It's his last hurrah before fatherhood. I was reassured by my brothers in law that I would indeed have my husband home again, and Brian promised me he wouldn't "get too stupid" lol. I told him to call me if he needs a ride home. I'll not be going. I'm going to be home with the dog and getting started on the next phase of nesting.
Which reminds me... Brian's nesting too. He has decided he wanted to take my "re-arrange the nursery" and raise the stakes to "re-arrange the whole apartment". I'll admit, I jumped all over the idea once it was suggested now he is stuck doing it all. Ha, because I can't help.
I've been doing the things I can help with, which is pointing and saying "No put it over here. You're right, it looked better over there!" and doing laundry/dishes/cooking. Womanly duties lol.
So far we got the bedroom done. We moved the bed against a different wall, the one that is shared with the nursery. The crib is going to be on that wall too, but on the nursery side. Then we have 2 computer desks & chairs taking up one wall and the dog's crate taking up the other one. We also have a full walk in closet and bathroom off the last wall. There's a lot of stuff in this one room, but it doesn't feel crowded. It's easily the biggest room in the apartment.
Next up is the living room. I guess we aren't doing the nursery yet (wtf!) because his brothers are coming over later today- maybe - so he wants to make sure the living room is done. Fine by me, I wanted to put the Christmas tree up this weekend. You know why? Because it's after Thanksgiving! Duh! Now is when it is seasonally-appropriate to put up the tree. Not after Halloween. Not before Thanksgiving.
After all of that... then we finally get to do the nursery. Hey, he's the one re-arranging and moving all of our heavy, awkward furniture, so he can do it in any order he wants.
Saturday we are back over to visiting my parents. Sunday he's working. We definitely have a busy, productive holiday weekend. Two get-togethers with each family. Cleaning and re-arranging the apartment from top to bottom. I may need another vacation from my vacation.
He took my last name when we got married. I took on the challenge of motherhood and losing the 80 lbs I gained
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Friday, November 25, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Valpo Recap
We went to Valpo and had a great time. Grandma and Grandpa had us go out for dinner again at Strongbow's, the expensive eatery in town.
We were having our Thanksgiving dinner and Grandma and I ordered the full turkey dinner meal from the restaurant. It came with freshly carved turkey (both white and dark meat- yum!) real mashed potatoes, and real dressing/stuffing (whatever you call it. I call it stuffing) with thick, home made turkey gravy, green beans and freshly made cranberry sauce. All real food, prepared that day. Fresh from the kitchen. That is one restaurant that I would LOVE to work at. (and gain 400 pounds, of course).
Brian had a turkey club sandwich with thick sliced turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and it was on toasted, freshly-made-that-day wheat bread. He said it was the best sandwich he had ever eaten. I was so stuffed, unable to finish all of mine, so we took the leftovers home and it fed us both. We also got dessert- I had vanilla ice cream (with real vanilla! I never knew vanilla ice cream had so much flavor!) and Brian had a slice of freshly made pumpkin pie.
Grandma had a slice of apple pie after her turkey dinner; Grandpa had the "light" lunch, which was a pretty nice sized turkey sandwich. He ate all of the cranberry jelly as well. I had a glass of cranberry juice (so good!) Their bakery is so impressive. I wonder what it would be like to work there. Probably hot and sweaty, but amazing!
We went back to their house and had more pie (also from Strongbow's; they get a lot of their food from there if you can't tell) and cookies shaped like pumpkins and turkeys. She sent us home with the cookies, potato chips, bottled soda and tried to give us the pies too. They loved their gift of hot chocolate mix and homemade cookies- Grandma thinks I'm a great baker (a few years ago, I brought pie!) and Grandpa loved the idea of me making him sugar-free dark hot chocolate mix. I didn't know this, but apparently, he's a bit of a hot chocolate lover. So I made the perfect gift!
We helped her with her computer, and we listened to stories of when they were growing up and Grandpa showed Brian all the music he composed on the computer. He put the music in a program that he could pick whatever instruments he wanted and it would play it back. He could edit the sheet music straight from the computer as well. He does string quartets and makes CDs of his music. Complete with printed labels on the disc and for the jewel case. Pretty impressive for an 89-year old man, am I right?!
They were telling us how nice it was for us to visit them this year on Grandpa's birthday, but next year, for his 90th, they are going to South America for a few weeks and they are going to go all over... in a 4-wheeler, because it sounds fun! LOL It was either ziplining, flying or 4-wheeling.
They completely wore out Max- I don't think he was prepared for how much attention they would give him. He was allowed to run and play, and he got treats, and lots of love (he even sat on the loveseat next to Grandma at her request). Anytime they got up to move, he followed them around. They recently adopted a stray cat and he left the cat completely alone. They were so impressed they were about to steal him! They kept making comments "when the baby comes, Max, you can come live with us, and Brian and Christie can visit you whenever they want, you won't be needed there. Too much chaos with a baby." Completely serious, too. They are so funny.
Grandma was telling us how she bought Grandpa's entire Wish List of books on Amazon for the Kindle on his birthday, and how annoyed he was some of her books were on his Kindle and told her to take them off. She called him an "ungrateful wretch" and he just laughed. She told us of the time they had taken Grandpa's mother to see a play years ago, and how they had to leave in the middle of it because the lady was so offended. Grandma couldn't believe that anyone could possibly be offended by a play, in which a woman jumped through a giant, detailed vagina on stage. Grandpa said it was shaping up to be a good play too. LOL.
It was so nice to visit for so long because we aren't going to be seeing them over Christmas (they want me home and near the hospital of course) and on our way to leave, she said next time we visit, she wants us to bring both the baby and the dog. We aren't allowed to leave Max at home if we visit.
She gave me a lovely glass doll figurine, and Brian a leather drum, and a few other goodies, including a few CDs of Grandpa's music. I am so blessed to be a part of his family. I have more to say on the subject, but it will have to wait until next week. I can hardly wait!
We were having our Thanksgiving dinner and Grandma and I ordered the full turkey dinner meal from the restaurant. It came with freshly carved turkey (both white and dark meat- yum!) real mashed potatoes, and real dressing/stuffing (whatever you call it. I call it stuffing) with thick, home made turkey gravy, green beans and freshly made cranberry sauce. All real food, prepared that day. Fresh from the kitchen. That is one restaurant that I would LOVE to work at. (and gain 400 pounds, of course).
Brian had a turkey club sandwich with thick sliced turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and it was on toasted, freshly-made-that-day wheat bread. He said it was the best sandwich he had ever eaten. I was so stuffed, unable to finish all of mine, so we took the leftovers home and it fed us both. We also got dessert- I had vanilla ice cream (with real vanilla! I never knew vanilla ice cream had so much flavor!) and Brian had a slice of freshly made pumpkin pie.
Grandma had a slice of apple pie after her turkey dinner; Grandpa had the "light" lunch, which was a pretty nice sized turkey sandwich. He ate all of the cranberry jelly as well. I had a glass of cranberry juice (so good!) Their bakery is so impressive. I wonder what it would be like to work there. Probably hot and sweaty, but amazing!
We went back to their house and had more pie (also from Strongbow's; they get a lot of their food from there if you can't tell) and cookies shaped like pumpkins and turkeys. She sent us home with the cookies, potato chips, bottled soda and tried to give us the pies too. They loved their gift of hot chocolate mix and homemade cookies- Grandma thinks I'm a great baker (a few years ago, I brought pie!) and Grandpa loved the idea of me making him sugar-free dark hot chocolate mix. I didn't know this, but apparently, he's a bit of a hot chocolate lover. So I made the perfect gift!
We helped her with her computer, and we listened to stories of when they were growing up and Grandpa showed Brian all the music he composed on the computer. He put the music in a program that he could pick whatever instruments he wanted and it would play it back. He could edit the sheet music straight from the computer as well. He does string quartets and makes CDs of his music. Complete with printed labels on the disc and for the jewel case. Pretty impressive for an 89-year old man, am I right?!
They were telling us how nice it was for us to visit them this year on Grandpa's birthday, but next year, for his 90th, they are going to South America for a few weeks and they are going to go all over... in a 4-wheeler, because it sounds fun! LOL It was either ziplining, flying or 4-wheeling.
They completely wore out Max- I don't think he was prepared for how much attention they would give him. He was allowed to run and play, and he got treats, and lots of love (he even sat on the loveseat next to Grandma at her request). Anytime they got up to move, he followed them around. They recently adopted a stray cat and he left the cat completely alone. They were so impressed they were about to steal him! They kept making comments "when the baby comes, Max, you can come live with us, and Brian and Christie can visit you whenever they want, you won't be needed there. Too much chaos with a baby." Completely serious, too. They are so funny.
Grandma was telling us how she bought Grandpa's entire Wish List of books on Amazon for the Kindle on his birthday, and how annoyed he was some of her books were on his Kindle and told her to take them off. She called him an "ungrateful wretch" and he just laughed. She told us of the time they had taken Grandpa's mother to see a play years ago, and how they had to leave in the middle of it because the lady was so offended. Grandma couldn't believe that anyone could possibly be offended by a play, in which a woman jumped through a giant, detailed vagina on stage. Grandpa said it was shaping up to be a good play too. LOL.
It was so nice to visit for so long because we aren't going to be seeing them over Christmas (they want me home and near the hospital of course) and on our way to leave, she said next time we visit, she wants us to bring both the baby and the dog. We aren't allowed to leave Max at home if we visit.
She gave me a lovely glass doll figurine, and Brian a leather drum, and a few other goodies, including a few CDs of Grandpa's music. I am so blessed to be a part of his family. I have more to say on the subject, but it will have to wait until next week. I can hardly wait!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Baking Queen
There's a reason why my gamer tag is CooknQueen. I love to cook! No surprise there, right? Well today, I am Baking Queen because I am mixing up something delicious in the kitchen.
First on the list is Sugar Free Hot Cocoa Mix.
I absolutely love hot chocolate and there is nothing better than homemade.. so I made a bunch from scratch. Here's the recipe via AllRecipes.com
First on the list is Sugar Free Hot Cocoa Mix.
I absolutely love hot chocolate and there is nothing better than homemade.. so I made a bunch from scratch. Here's the recipe via AllRecipes.com
Sugar Free Hot Cocoa Mix
Servings: 24
1.5 cups Splenda or other no calorie sweetener. granulated
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer (your choice flavor)
1 cup dry milk powder
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
The directions are pretty simple: Combine all in a blender and pulse until fine, then dump in an air tight container.
I used Hershey's Special Dark unsweetened cocoa powder, because according to the reviews, it gave for a much more chocolatey taste than regular unsweetened. I recommend using the blender (or Magic Bullet) to pulse the dry milk powder and sugar substitute together, as it makes the powders finer.
Naturally, after making a mess in the kitchen making this cocoa mix (it gets everywhere!) I had to try out a cup. I heated up some milk in a microwave and put in 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix. It dissolved simply, completely (better than I can say for any store bought brand) and it turned a kind of purple color. Probably because of the extra dark chocolate, but it's tasty. It's a chocolatey treat that doesn't taste sugary or overly sweet. Just the right amount.
I packaged it up in a mason jar and made a little card with some ribbon on it:
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| Drink Me! Yes a little reference from Alice in Wonderland :) |
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| Instructions and Nutritional Information :) |
Next up on my list was sugar cookies with peppermint frosting. I love sugar cookies, probably more than any other cookie, if you can believe that.
So I got a packaged cookie mix, which was said to yield 3 dozen cookies, but I made the bigger version (using tablespoon-sized drops instead of teaspoon). I got a little under 3 dozen that way- 33 cookies. I made them according to the directions and while the cookies were cooling, I put a drop or two of peppermint extract in store bought frosting, and mixed it up really well. It had just the perfect amount of peppermint flavor. A little goes a long, long way here.
I iced the cookies and then let them sit out for a bit so the frosting would stiffen up, making them easier for packaging.
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| They are so tasty |
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| About 2 dozen cookies fit in here |
I got extra bakey today because we are going to Valpo tomorrow morning to visit with Brian's grandparents and we are celebrating Christmas early. What better way to test my food gifts than on unsuspecting grandparents hehehe
Everyone is getting a jar of cocoa mix this year, but I think I will probably not do the cookies again. I might make Oreo truffles or peanut butter balls for everyone else :) Yes I spoiled the surprise... but come on, who doesn't love food gifts??? That's right, no one. Everyone loves them.
In addition to being extra bakey, I got extra cleany too. I did 3 loads of dishes by hand, 2 loads of laundry, and I gave Max a bath. So I am exhausted and it's time for bed. I'm up at 9:30 to pack and get ready (hair and make up etc) Nighty night.
In addition to being extra bakey, I got extra cleany too. I did 3 loads of dishes by hand, 2 loads of laundry, and I gave Max a bath. So I am exhausted and it's time for bed. I'm up at 9:30 to pack and get ready (hair and make up etc) Nighty night.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Update
Here's a bunch of random stuff that's happened. I don't really have a real update. Here you go.
I was so surprised to see Max sitting in the bathtub. Whataya doing you goofy dog?
I guess he heard the water running and thought it was time for his bath. He looked sad that I didn't give him one. But it made me laugh and laugh. So he wins some brownie points.
Brian's dad called. Wanted to know what we were doing for Thanksgiving. We're having it with my family this year. His family still doesn't know who's house it's going to be at or what time it's going to be... but we're invited. So are we coming? Probably not... just because no one has any idea of what's going on.
It's hard to believe that it is only Tuesday. I am so ready for this week to be over. Which is sad, since it just started really. We are going to Valpo this weekend and I am so ready to go. I'm ready to be out of the house.
Brian has three days off work this week. Blessing and a curse. We could use the money but he's been working 6 days a week for a few weeks now so it's time for a little R&R. Thursday he promised me that we were going to rearrange the nursery and we're in Valpo on Saturday. Sunday will be a do nothing day. Everyone needs a do nothing day.
I think I am still suffering from caffeine withdrawal. I keep getting nasty headaches-turned-migraines and my energy levels have been less than stellar. If I were to get a grade on it, I'd get an "N" for "Needs improvement" Or maybe a "U" for "Unsatisfactory."
I have 2 days to plan a grocery list. I think I'll start on that now.
Monday, December 20, 2010
I promise, I will never cry
Went to the chiro today and I found out my orthotic insoles will only run me about $200 and our health savings account will cover that. So yay!! Free insoles!! And apparently my insurance is covering my visits too, double yay!!
It really hurts when he massages my leg muscles. He said he knows from experience how much it hurts and I do my best not to even say "ow" even though all I want to do is cry. He gets in there and digs his knuckles into these muscles and stimulates them. These muscles have all but atrophied in the years of disuse and of course it is going to hurt. He said that he bruised them the other day when I told him how much pain I was in over the weekend but thought I was very brave for coming back. Not only did I go back, but Brian also rubbed them for me and helped me with my exercises.
The chiro said that he has had people cry in his office before at the muscle treatment so I know that it wouldn't be anything new. And even though I want to sob like a little girl, I also have to wear my big girl shoes and grit my teeth. I didn't bring a stick today. Maybe Wednesday.
It really hurts when he massages my leg muscles. He said he knows from experience how much it hurts and I do my best not to even say "ow" even though all I want to do is cry. He gets in there and digs his knuckles into these muscles and stimulates them. These muscles have all but atrophied in the years of disuse and of course it is going to hurt. He said that he bruised them the other day when I told him how much pain I was in over the weekend but thought I was very brave for coming back. Not only did I go back, but Brian also rubbed them for me and helped me with my exercises.
The chiro said that he has had people cry in his office before at the muscle treatment so I know that it wouldn't be anything new. And even though I want to sob like a little girl, I also have to wear my big girl shoes and grit my teeth. I didn't bring a stick today. Maybe Wednesday.
I plan to keep doing them at home, even if it hurts. The more I do it, the stronger they will get, and the less I will have to go. Which is always a bonus.
I am super stressed out today. A test + lady time = on the verge of tears. I actually got rather upset at one point when I got home and started crying. What did I cry about? Well, Brian said something sweet. A xanax, some coffee, and a cookie helped immensely.
Brian has a short week at work this week! His last day is Wednesday, he has Thursday through Sunday off. I work on Thursday as my first day of on the job nesting, and have Friday off, and work Saturday. I get paid time and a half for Saturday.
I was telling all of my friends and family that I was happy I was working Christmas and would have been upset had they not scheduled me. I was promised I could work holidays when I signed up! This may seem strange to some people, but I have a lot of my mom in me. I am a workaholic only because I am greedy and I need the money to keep afloat lol :) I have Sunday and Monday off, and then my regular schedule begins Tuesdays through Saturdays, 1:00-9:30 pm.
I'm starting to feel tired. This week I am focusing on going to bed "early" (meaning before 6am) and trying to get some quality sleep but it hasn't been easy.
There were 8 cookies left this morning (out of 36!!) and I had two. I sent 4 to work with Brian today. The other two are in the fridge. For some reason, if I put it on the bottom shelf in the fridge, I am less likely to eat them. Not because I don't like cold cookies, but because I would have to bend over. Laziness can be rewarding, sometimes.
Monday, November 29, 2010
New Weight Watchers Plan, 500th Post, and More
Let's start off with this:
I am sick. Sick as a dog. Thankfully I haven't yet regurgitated, but I have been expelling things at a rapid rate today. I have a sore throat, swollen glands, puffy eyes, stuffed up and running nose, as well as a massive sinus headache from all of the congestion. Not pretty. I have been guzzling decongestant cough syrup and I am on the mend. I hope this doesn't last long.
The new WW plan, PointsPlus looks a little intimidating at first. I have to say, I wasn't really keen on the idea of changing a plan but you know what? You can't expect things to change if you aren't willing to. So I am spending a few days reacquainting myself with the program, checking out the new things, and deleting all of my added foods.
Since the new plan started during my current week, its extra confusing. Now the week I tracked is gone- I went from 28 points a day to 36! I also get 49 weekly. But here's the rub: I had already used all of my weekly points for thanksgiving! I also deleted all of my added foods because I no longer have the nutritional information to make them accurate. Starting Wednesday, I start fresh. If you read any other bloggers who are on WW you likely know this: The new plan counts calories, protein, carbs, fat, and fiber. A much more complete nutritional package. This makes points values higher, thus the higher daily/weekly allowances. Not only that, but they got rid of "Filling Foods" and now have "Power Foods" Fruits are now 0 points as well, which is great, even though I am not a fan of fruit. I am wondering though, how will the vegans use all their points? Especially if they are strictly vegan? They can probably eat a lot. Jealous! .
I haven't taken time to look at the bulk of the website yet, but I am sure that I will be able to get some time looking at it tonight. All in all, I am very excited to be able to try out this program. Let's hope it does good things.
Next on my list: My 500th post is coming up. Soon! Like, in 4 posts or so. Depends on how many drafts I have saved, but I am sure its right around 4 or 5 until then. I am thinking of doing something special for my 500th Celebratory Post. I am going to do a vlog. On what? I am not entirely sure. Maybe Dance Central. Or maybe any other topics you guys have in mind. Anything you want me to answer? Want my opinion on anything? Do a live weigh in? Have a drill sergeant come in and yell at me? (That's easy... my dad was a sergeant!)
Work Related: Day 3 of training at work, we are getting into the good stuff now. The first section was pretty easy. I am on my lunch break now. I say "lunch break" but I actually ate while I was going over the material. I saved my break so I can blog, how crazy is that?? Work is surprisingly fun, even the training. There are a few people in my class who are a little clueless, but overall its a room full of peers who are all on the same level as me. Our instructor is very nice too, while he's not "tough" or anything, he can certainly keep us on task. Which is surprisingly easy. I guess when you do what you love for a living, its easy to stay on track.
And More: Every year around the holidays I donate some money to the salvation army, a dollar here or there when I can afford it. This year however, I am thinking I am going to donate $1 for every 1 pound lost. So far, I am looking at a total donation of $15 (and hopefully growing). I don't have a lot to give, but I think that now, especially during this time of year in this economy, its important. What do you guys think? I am hoping to at least put in $20 this year. I will do a special blog on it. When should my deadline be? Christmas Eve? I will do a special Christmas Eve post with a vlog. I'll make it extra cheesy- don't worry.
And....More: I went out to the store and I bought tupperware. 2 cup capacity, 5 for $2. I bought 2 sets (ten containers) I made a huge pot of chili. You should know by now that chili is one of my go-to meals. I made this one fiber-riffic. I soaked 2.25 lbs of beans; kidney, pinto, and black. I made a huge, huge pot. We are talking over 20 cups of chili when it was all said and done. I could have fed a small army.
What I did though, was write down all my ingredients and their weights, and I input that into Weight Watchers recipe builder. Then I made the chili. I dished out our bowls for dinner and then put the rest in tupperware in 1.5 cup portions. I froze half, and kept the other half in the fridge for quick eating. I used all 10 of my tupperware and 2 bowls for that night, so 12 servings. It came out being 5 points on the old plan, and 6 on the new one. I plan on doing this again with spaghetti, chicken and noodle soup, as well as my lasagna, my enchiladas, and all of my other awesome meals. I love having the conveinence of prepackaged meals but I hate paying so much money for them. At least I can reuse tupperware and still get to cook, which in my books is a win-win. I also need to make more breakfast sandwiches as well. Brian and I loved them so much, we were eating them all day long!
Well that's my break over, so I have to get back to my awesome job.
Tell me guys: What should I do for my 500th post vlog and what are you looking forward to for this holiday season? Did everyone have a good thanksgiving?
I am sick. Sick as a dog. Thankfully I haven't yet regurgitated, but I have been expelling things at a rapid rate today. I have a sore throat, swollen glands, puffy eyes, stuffed up and running nose, as well as a massive sinus headache from all of the congestion. Not pretty. I have been guzzling decongestant cough syrup and I am on the mend. I hope this doesn't last long.
The new WW plan, PointsPlus looks a little intimidating at first. I have to say, I wasn't really keen on the idea of changing a plan but you know what? You can't expect things to change if you aren't willing to. So I am spending a few days reacquainting myself with the program, checking out the new things, and deleting all of my added foods.
Since the new plan started during my current week, its extra confusing. Now the week I tracked is gone- I went from 28 points a day to 36! I also get 49 weekly. But here's the rub: I had already used all of my weekly points for thanksgiving! I also deleted all of my added foods because I no longer have the nutritional information to make them accurate. Starting Wednesday, I start fresh. If you read any other bloggers who are on WW you likely know this: The new plan counts calories, protein, carbs, fat, and fiber. A much more complete nutritional package. This makes points values higher, thus the higher daily/weekly allowances. Not only that, but they got rid of "Filling Foods" and now have "Power Foods" Fruits are now 0 points as well, which is great, even though I am not a fan of fruit. I am wondering though, how will the vegans use all their points? Especially if they are strictly vegan? They can probably eat a lot. Jealous! .
I haven't taken time to look at the bulk of the website yet, but I am sure that I will be able to get some time looking at it tonight. All in all, I am very excited to be able to try out this program. Let's hope it does good things.
Next on my list: My 500th post is coming up. Soon! Like, in 4 posts or so. Depends on how many drafts I have saved, but I am sure its right around 4 or 5 until then. I am thinking of doing something special for my 500th Celebratory Post. I am going to do a vlog. On what? I am not entirely sure. Maybe Dance Central. Or maybe any other topics you guys have in mind. Anything you want me to answer? Want my opinion on anything? Do a live weigh in? Have a drill sergeant come in and yell at me? (That's easy... my dad was a sergeant!)
Work Related: Day 3 of training at work, we are getting into the good stuff now. The first section was pretty easy. I am on my lunch break now. I say "lunch break" but I actually ate while I was going over the material. I saved my break so I can blog, how crazy is that?? Work is surprisingly fun, even the training. There are a few people in my class who are a little clueless, but overall its a room full of peers who are all on the same level as me. Our instructor is very nice too, while he's not "tough" or anything, he can certainly keep us on task. Which is surprisingly easy. I guess when you do what you love for a living, its easy to stay on track.
And More: Every year around the holidays I donate some money to the salvation army, a dollar here or there when I can afford it. This year however, I am thinking I am going to donate $1 for every 1 pound lost. So far, I am looking at a total donation of $15 (and hopefully growing). I don't have a lot to give, but I think that now, especially during this time of year in this economy, its important. What do you guys think? I am hoping to at least put in $20 this year. I will do a special blog on it. When should my deadline be? Christmas Eve? I will do a special Christmas Eve post with a vlog. I'll make it extra cheesy- don't worry.
And....More: I went out to the store and I bought tupperware. 2 cup capacity, 5 for $2. I bought 2 sets (ten containers) I made a huge pot of chili. You should know by now that chili is one of my go-to meals. I made this one fiber-riffic. I soaked 2.25 lbs of beans; kidney, pinto, and black. I made a huge, huge pot. We are talking over 20 cups of chili when it was all said and done. I could have fed a small army.
What I did though, was write down all my ingredients and their weights, and I input that into Weight Watchers recipe builder. Then I made the chili. I dished out our bowls for dinner and then put the rest in tupperware in 1.5 cup portions. I froze half, and kept the other half in the fridge for quick eating. I used all 10 of my tupperware and 2 bowls for that night, so 12 servings. It came out being 5 points on the old plan, and 6 on the new one. I plan on doing this again with spaghetti, chicken and noodle soup, as well as my lasagna, my enchiladas, and all of my other awesome meals. I love having the conveinence of prepackaged meals but I hate paying so much money for them. At least I can reuse tupperware and still get to cook, which in my books is a win-win. I also need to make more breakfast sandwiches as well. Brian and I loved them so much, we were eating them all day long!
Well that's my break over, so I have to get back to my awesome job.
Tell me guys: What should I do for my 500th post vlog and what are you looking forward to for this holiday season? Did everyone have a good thanksgiving?
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