It's cold. It's Iowa in January, but still, we're going for a low of 1-below tonight and a wind chill around 10-below, awesome. That has led my household to seek the warm solace of a great bowl of soup.
Lori, the roomie, is really into this book by Anna Thomas called "Love Soup". I love soup too, so Anna and I would get along famously! The greatest thing about soup is that it's one of the easiest dishes to make your own. Admittedly if you skip something here or tweak something there, you won't get the chef's exact intentions in your pot, but who cares if you like it.
Earlier this week we had Cauliflower Bisque, the link to this recipe mentions "Buttered Breadcrumbs", I didn't get those, but then again, Lori is trying to support my healthier habits. It really was tasty and surprisingly mild, cauliflower can sometimes have more bite than you would like. One tip: we made it with cream cheese, when we do it next time it's going to be goat cheese. (And then it will be perfect.)
So, I challenge you to go out find a soup that suits you. There are so many wonderful low-fat or low-calorie soups to be had. From chili to chowder and everything in between, you can keep warm and be satisfied this winter. The bonus: Most recipes make a ton, so you have lunch or dinner for most of the week.
Yours in Health,
Kate
Showing posts with label lori. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lori. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Introducing: Dr. Sheldon Cooper
Not this Dr. Sheldon Cooper:
This Dr. Sheldon Cooper:
This kitten is very smart. He convinced me to feed him Sunday night after he talked to my youngest cat Mischa. I fed him each night through Wednesday. That night he decided to be social and be petted as gratitude (that's how cats work, 'I am so fabulous, petting me is a reward').
 |
| Dr. Sheldon Cooper as played by the Emmy winning Jim Parsons |
This Dr. Sheldon Cooper:
This is the newest addition to our home. We call him Sheldon and he chose us. The adventure of Sheldon becoming part of our household made for a long week, but he's very sweet, so it's all worth it.
This kitten is very smart. He convinced me to feed him Sunday night after he talked to my youngest cat Mischa. I fed him each night through Wednesday. That night he decided to be social and be petted as gratitude (that's how cats work, 'I am so fabulous, petting me is a reward').
shut the doors, because my boy cats were so distracted. Twenty minutes later, as I was readying my attempt to go to bed, I hear him trying to get in the screen door on the front porch. Obi-Wan, Charlie and Mischa rushed down the stairs to see what the noise was about.
I opened the door and the kitten meowed. I stepped out and petted him for a few minutes. Then I really needed to get ready for bed and went inside. I felt a bump on my leg, looked down and there he is standing next to me in the house- too quick for me. He also found himself face to face with a very confused Mischa. So, I scooped him up and he, appropriately, bedded down for the night in the guest room.
Lori and I agreed he should go to the ARL, even though he was very sweet. So, during my lunch hour Thursday, I put him in the carrier and drove toward the south side. Suddenly I realized I didn't know whether that location was open again after the flooding.
I called Tom Colvin's office and his assistant Sara said it was and I told her the story, including that he bit me. She got kind of quiet and then told me about the ARL's bite policy - they don't adopt out biters. I reiterated that he didn't do it maliciously and she said they might make an exception. The air went out of me. I couldn't be responsible for a perfectly sweet kitten being put down because I broke the rule of strays - be extra careful and do not pet them too much. (By the way, I totally understand the ARL's policy in cases where the animal is, by nature, violent.)
So, I called Lori and she gave me the nod to take him to the vet. The rest of the story - I had them do the works, that included neutering him. Lori and I had agreed that we would find someone else to adopt him, but once I had put way too much money into his care, we had a good laugh and agreed we would keep him.
But now we ARE full at the Drake House Inn. LOL. All other strays WILL be taken to the ARL - we have taken 5 others there this year. We theorize the cats have our house marked somehow with a note that says, "These people will feed you and get you a warm home". And the note is right.
That's the story of Dr. Sheldon Cooper.
As to his name, if you are not familiar with the show, Sheldon is named after the lead character on "Big Bang Theory". He's a brilliant, geeky, hyper-intelligent and incredibly fastidious funny man. Jim Parsons, his portrayer, has been able to make an otherwise grating persona greatly endearing and sweet. (It won him an Emmy.) I am sure that our Sheldon will prove himself just as endearing.
Yours in Health,
Kate
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
My New Baby
I teased that my Saturday went to hell because I was shanghaied, this little minty baby is why. I am now the proud owner of a 2011 Ford Focus! Roomie Lori keeps calling it 'pistachio', which is technically accurate, but probably not the name I will ultimately choose - cars have to show a personality first. :)
My Mom and step-dad Bruce were the catalysts for this new purchase and were awesomely helpful - so yea to them! We agreed with my brother Gordon on the precipice of going to medical school, he would have no time to keep nursing Bertha the Buick along to her inevitable end.
I was hesitant, because it's a big purchase and a big decision and I had not done any research. My parents just called and informed me, "We're car shopping." Well, I couldn't very well let them go without me, since the vehicle would be mine.
We ended up at a dealership that will remain nameless, but the sales guy talked himself out of a sale by becoming more and more rude and belligerent. The capper was when Bruce asked for a breakdown of the figures and the guy snatched the paper out of his hand and went, "Ugh, I guess I will HAVE TO DO THAT THEN!" We stood up and walked out. I was literally sick to my stomach after that and wasn't sure if I wanted to continue.
My parents pressed on and we went to Dewey Ford in Ankeny. I wanted to be Ford for a number of reasons: they didn't take Federal bailout money, the dependability is second to none - I have owned Ford and non-Ford and the former has been in the shop MUCH less and I believe if Ford can weather this economy so well, it will be around to maintain my car for its lifetime.
To say Dewey was much better was an understatement. Their commercials say, "Do we treat you better? We do, Dewey Ford" and yes, they do. From the moment we met up with salesman Chris Leo to the after market rep to the finance lady to a sales manager, the experience was pleasant and best of all - above board. They showed us the invoice, we negotiated on a few fees and we had a deal. They even searched for the best interest rate out there - not just Ford Motor Credit.
Now I have a safe, reliable ride that can get me wherever I need to go! Including, of course, the gym. My new Focus has delivered me swiftly the last couple of days to the YMCA Healthy Living Center to meet with trainer Gwyn. That's one of the best parts, I get to take care of me, while giving little thought to my car. This is so refreshing.
Here's the picture:
Cute, huh? So, thank you again to my brother Gordon for seeing me through to the end with the Buick. Thank you to roomie Lori for lending me her car, often. Thank you to my parents for helping me with a great deal. And thank you to Chris Leo and the gang at Dewey Ford for an honest deal that helped me walk away with a smile, not a stomach ache!
Yours in Health,
Kate
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Weekend is Over - Darn it
I woke up this morning just exhausted. Basically one of those days that an IV of coffee wouldn't have been out of the question. Now, I just ate a ton of broccoli for lunch (Lori would approve) and I am swelling like it's Thanksgiving - you can have too much of a good thing. ;)
Anyway, the breakdown of the weekend:
I worked Saturday morning and then headed to the YMCA Healthy Living Center. My muscles were beginning to ache from mowing the lawn on Thursday night and I knew I needed to stretch them out. So I did a water workout. This is when I realized that my right foot was hurting on the outside because I made the mistake of putting the mower at an awkward angle in an attempt to make the lawn look nicer on the hill. That's a big joke because really the 'lawn' is just clover, creeping charlie and a hand full of grass blades that valiantly sprouted from spring seeding. Which, of course, explains why, by yesterday morning it looked like it needed to be mowed AGAIN. Ah, spring in Iowa.
Then on Saturday I went to my grandmother's to help her move pictures from her desktop computer to her new lap top. Grandma is 81 and one of my biggest inspirations. She is forever on the go with my grandfather. When I call, I never know where she will be - Arizona, Missouri, South Dakota - she has places to go, hence the new lap top. I am going to be just as go-go at her age!
On Saturday night it was Wine Fest. I ate way too much cheese, but took it easier on the wine because you can easily dump what you don't like and I liked very little of what I tried. But it was a good experiment to find out what I do like so that I don't waste calories. (That's what I told myself. :) ) I did find a new favorite, I like sweet and white and it's called Risque, it's sparkly too! Also I was reminded that red wine is bad for Kate.
I took four drinks of a glass of red, it was really good and then promptly broke out in flop sweat. I was like, "Man, it's really humid in here." And then I looked at Lori and she was fine. She said, "Remember, red wine makes you sweat." I had totally forgotten the 'sweat through my clothes' incident at the Naturally 7 show. Ugh. Thank goodness we were able to go outside in the breeze so I could dry out!
Yesterday, no drinking, just lots of work and one chocolate chip cookie. I was working an event at a church and the little ladies really wanted me to eat. I said no thank you, which didn't go over that well. So, then they came with the second round offer and they got one past me - homemade chocolate chip cookies - now that's a weakness. But I split it with Shelley from Sales, so it wasn't as bad.
Then for dinner last night it was veggie burgers, potatoes from the farmers market and the first corn of the season from Indiana. I know, that's wrong (not being from Iowa), but Lori bought it and I couldn't help it. Sweet corn on the cob is one of the things that makes it okay that I have to sweat my butt off every summer. :)
Well, I better go, enjoy your day!
Yours in Health,
Kate
Anyway, the breakdown of the weekend:
I worked Saturday morning and then headed to the YMCA Healthy Living Center. My muscles were beginning to ache from mowing the lawn on Thursday night and I knew I needed to stretch them out. So I did a water workout. This is when I realized that my right foot was hurting on the outside because I made the mistake of putting the mower at an awkward angle in an attempt to make the lawn look nicer on the hill. That's a big joke because really the 'lawn' is just clover, creeping charlie and a hand full of grass blades that valiantly sprouted from spring seeding. Which, of course, explains why, by yesterday morning it looked like it needed to be mowed AGAIN. Ah, spring in Iowa.
Then on Saturday I went to my grandmother's to help her move pictures from her desktop computer to her new lap top. Grandma is 81 and one of my biggest inspirations. She is forever on the go with my grandfather. When I call, I never know where she will be - Arizona, Missouri, South Dakota - she has places to go, hence the new lap top. I am going to be just as go-go at her age!
On Saturday night it was Wine Fest. I ate way too much cheese, but took it easier on the wine because you can easily dump what you don't like and I liked very little of what I tried. But it was a good experiment to find out what I do like so that I don't waste calories. (That's what I told myself. :) ) I did find a new favorite, I like sweet and white and it's called Risque, it's sparkly too! Also I was reminded that red wine is bad for Kate.
I took four drinks of a glass of red, it was really good and then promptly broke out in flop sweat. I was like, "Man, it's really humid in here." And then I looked at Lori and she was fine. She said, "Remember, red wine makes you sweat." I had totally forgotten the 'sweat through my clothes' incident at the Naturally 7 show. Ugh. Thank goodness we were able to go outside in the breeze so I could dry out!
Yesterday, no drinking, just lots of work and one chocolate chip cookie. I was working an event at a church and the little ladies really wanted me to eat. I said no thank you, which didn't go over that well. So, then they came with the second round offer and they got one past me - homemade chocolate chip cookies - now that's a weakness. But I split it with Shelley from Sales, so it wasn't as bad.
Then for dinner last night it was veggie burgers, potatoes from the farmers market and the first corn of the season from Indiana. I know, that's wrong (not being from Iowa), but Lori bought it and I couldn't help it. Sweet corn on the cob is one of the things that makes it okay that I have to sweat my butt off every summer. :)
Well, I better go, enjoy your day!
Yours in Health,
Kate
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Can I take a Nap Now?
It has been a long weekend. Right now I am sitting at work and I will be here another couple of hours. Then it's off to a birthday party. Then, I hope, home to do some yard work - something I haven't been able to do in two weeks. Thank goodness for Lori or we would have been given a warning by the city for growing our own jungle!
And as the sun weaves in and out of the clouds, all I really want is a nap, because this long weekend has left me exhausted. Oh well, perhaps all the other things I need to do will give me the energy I need to make it through to bedtime tonight.
BTW - Today is a day off from workout, unless you count the possibility of yard work - but that brings me great satisfaction, so I won't notice if I break a sweat. :)
Yours in Health,
Kate
And as the sun weaves in and out of the clouds, all I really want is a nap, because this long weekend has left me exhausted. Oh well, perhaps all the other things I need to do will give me the energy I need to make it through to bedtime tonight.
BTW - Today is a day off from workout, unless you count the possibility of yard work - but that brings me great satisfaction, so I won't notice if I break a sweat. :)
Yours in Health,
Kate
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Support - It's More than just a Sports Bra
While a great sports bra is imperative for any big woman starting to work out, there is something more important - people around you willing to help or at the very least, not get in the way.
When I dropped my weight last time my family struggled to understand and relate. By the time I was at my lowest weight they were whispering about anorexia - 150 pounds at 5' 4" is not dangerously thin.
My co-workers had no intention of sabotaging me, but man they are all great bakers and cooks!
This time, something is in the air and I am about to benefit from it. My mom and step-dad are working out. My brothers and sister-in-law all have intentions to be healthier in 2010. And more than half of my workplace is doing something to get in shape and/or be healthier. Combine that with the unwavering support of my healthy-cooking roomie Lori and I think this will be easier.
Yet 'easy' is a relative word when it comes to losing substantial weight and being healthier. Really I am hoping for 'consistent' and 'ongoing', because 'easy' is also a cookie.
Yours in health,
Kate
When I dropped my weight last time my family struggled to understand and relate. By the time I was at my lowest weight they were whispering about anorexia - 150 pounds at 5' 4" is not dangerously thin.
My co-workers had no intention of sabotaging me, but man they are all great bakers and cooks!
This time, something is in the air and I am about to benefit from it. My mom and step-dad are working out. My brothers and sister-in-law all have intentions to be healthier in 2010. And more than half of my workplace is doing something to get in shape and/or be healthier. Combine that with the unwavering support of my healthy-cooking roomie Lori and I think this will be easier.
Yet 'easy' is a relative word when it comes to losing substantial weight and being healthier. Really I am hoping for 'consistent' and 'ongoing', because 'easy' is also a cookie.
Yours in health,
Kate
Thursday, February 19, 2009
bodybugg
I love mine. I am becoming addicted to know how many calories I expend in a day. This sucker keeps track of calories burned and steps taken. I plug it in and bam - I know where I am for the day.
Add that to my religiously logging food (a.k.a the FLog) again and I am on my way.
Just two weeks in to my recommitment to me and I have more energy. Thank goodness, because it was getting brutally hard to work 10 and 11 hours day every day. At least now when I walk away I still have energy to go home and get dinner before passing out. :)
Didn't get a workout in today, because work ran so long. But that's o.k. I have every intention of making this my one and only day off this week.
Yours in health, Kate
P.S. - Lori fixed an extremely low cost, reasonably caloried and very tasty meal last night for dinner. I will ask her to post it on her blog and link over.
Add that to my religiously logging food (a.k.a the FLog) again and I am on my way.
Just two weeks in to my recommitment to me and I have more energy. Thank goodness, because it was getting brutally hard to work 10 and 11 hours day every day. At least now when I walk away I still have energy to go home and get dinner before passing out. :)
Didn't get a workout in today, because work ran so long. But that's o.k. I have every intention of making this my one and only day off this week.
Yours in health, Kate
P.S. - Lori fixed an extremely low cost, reasonably caloried and very tasty meal last night for dinner. I will ask her to post it on her blog and link over.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Lori's Actual Crush & I'm Off
Turns out, as Lori informed me on the way back from Henry Rollins tonight, her real media crush at the moment is Keith Olbermann. (There you go roomie, the record has been set straight.)
As for the show, Henry rocked, of course. He told old stories and new. He was funny and poignant and intelligent and (as usual) I walked away thinking harder than when I went in.
On the way back Lori and I got into this hilarious 'fight'. When we are both amped up and punch-drunk-tired we tend to banter about absolutely nothing of importance. We laugh hysterically as we come up with even more convoluted scenarios and explanations to make each other crazy. It's all a game, but if anyone ever heard us, they would think we were loons.
As for the other part of this post title, "I'm Off". Besides the obvious, that I am a bubble off plum, I am actually off work today (Friday). It is my first vacation day since becoming full-time at the radio group. And I have asked that someone to cover my weekend shift as well. That means, for the first time since January 2006, I will have three days off in a row!
To be honest, I am feeling a bit lost. It's weird. I have been working so hard, so long, that it just feels like it's part of me. But I know I have earned it, so I am going to try to enjoy. I hope to sleep in this morning. Then go put in a long, hard workout, use the pedicure certificate Caelen, Annette and Casey got me and meet my mom for lunch. Beyond that, I have no clue.
Lori is gone most of the weekend, so I am looking for some form of trouble...
Yours in (mental) health, Kate
As for the show, Henry rocked, of course. He told old stories and new. He was funny and poignant and intelligent and (as usual) I walked away thinking harder than when I went in.
On the way back Lori and I got into this hilarious 'fight'. When we are both amped up and punch-drunk-tired we tend to banter about absolutely nothing of importance. We laugh hysterically as we come up with even more convoluted scenarios and explanations to make each other crazy. It's all a game, but if anyone ever heard us, they would think we were loons.
As for the other part of this post title, "I'm Off". Besides the obvious, that I am a bubble off plum, I am actually off work today (Friday). It is my first vacation day since becoming full-time at the radio group. And I have asked that someone to cover my weekend shift as well. That means, for the first time since January 2006, I will have three days off in a row!
To be honest, I am feeling a bit lost. It's weird. I have been working so hard, so long, that it just feels like it's part of me. But I know I have earned it, so I am going to try to enjoy. I hope to sleep in this morning. Then go put in a long, hard workout, use the pedicure certificate Caelen, Annette and Casey got me and meet my mom for lunch. Beyond that, I have no clue.
Lori is gone most of the weekend, so I am looking for some form of trouble...
Yours in (mental) health, Kate
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday Inspiration - Happy Mother's Day
Many women have inspired me over the years:
My Mom, Marcia - She's my hero and she hates that I say that. She has made sacrifices for my entire life, from conception on and with a little complaint. She is strong, stubborn, tough and soft as a bunny all rolled into one. I am just like her in many ways and I couldn't be more proud. She has supported me on this journey and I thank her.
My Grandmother, Jean - I know more about her history than she may realize. She has been a kind-hearted rock even in times when her life couldn't have been worse. She always has a smile, a kind word and love - even when she wishes you hadn't made a certain choice. She has a quiet strength that is unmatched. I often wish I were more like her, she isn't loud and brassy, but she is still effective as all get out. I am always impressed.
My Great-Grandmother, Irene - We lost her in 2006. The later part of her life was hard for me to watch, she gave up a little. But the first 90 years were pure fight, fire and power. She was hard working, opinionated, tough, fun and drove like she was at Indy all the time. I don't have her lead foot, but people often tell me I am very much like her. I hope that is true.
My Step-Mom, Lorie - Throughout her life she has faced adversity and won. She is wise and witty and never fears fun. Yet, she can give a withering look and quickly bring the out of control back to Earth. She has been a good friend and a good foil.
Lori, my roomie - While not technically a mother in the biological sense, we do share three cats. She is also an amazing Auntie to Ben and Abby and to my own nephew Caelen on occasion. I didn't like her when we first met, she was too quiet for my taste. Turns out that's because she is always sizing up a situation and preparing the perfect rapier comment for when she deems a situation worthy. That's just one of the ways I wish I were more like her.
There are a myriad of other women who have inspired me - my sister-in-law Annette, Geneva at the office, women in politics, women at non-profits, women fighting disease and just women I have bumped into that have an amazing story.
Whether women actually have children or not, (I don't) doesn't really matter on Mother's Day. This is really a celebration of women. We take care of the world. We deserve appreciation.
So go forth and appreciate your women today.
Yours in (mental) health, Kate
My Mom, Marcia - She's my hero and she hates that I say that. She has made sacrifices for my entire life, from conception on and with a little complaint. She is strong, stubborn, tough and soft as a bunny all rolled into one. I am just like her in many ways and I couldn't be more proud. She has supported me on this journey and I thank her.
My Grandmother, Jean - I know more about her history than she may realize. She has been a kind-hearted rock even in times when her life couldn't have been worse. She always has a smile, a kind word and love - even when she wishes you hadn't made a certain choice. She has a quiet strength that is unmatched. I often wish I were more like her, she isn't loud and brassy, but she is still effective as all get out. I am always impressed.
My Great-Grandmother, Irene - We lost her in 2006. The later part of her life was hard for me to watch, she gave up a little. But the first 90 years were pure fight, fire and power. She was hard working, opinionated, tough, fun and drove like she was at Indy all the time. I don't have her lead foot, but people often tell me I am very much like her. I hope that is true.
My Step-Mom, Lorie - Throughout her life she has faced adversity and won. She is wise and witty and never fears fun. Yet, she can give a withering look and quickly bring the out of control back to Earth. She has been a good friend and a good foil.
Lori, my roomie - While not technically a mother in the biological sense, we do share three cats. She is also an amazing Auntie to Ben and Abby and to my own nephew Caelen on occasion. I didn't like her when we first met, she was too quiet for my taste. Turns out that's because she is always sizing up a situation and preparing the perfect rapier comment for when she deems a situation worthy. That's just one of the ways I wish I were more like her.
There are a myriad of other women who have inspired me - my sister-in-law Annette, Geneva at the office, women in politics, women at non-profits, women fighting disease and just women I have bumped into that have an amazing story.
Whether women actually have children or not, (I don't) doesn't really matter on Mother's Day. This is really a celebration of women. We take care of the world. We deserve appreciation.
So go forth and appreciate your women today.
Yours in (mental) health, Kate
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Where did the week go?
I just looked at the blog, I haven't posted since Monday. I had every intention, but it just didn't happen, so here's a recap:
Monday - Worked out hard - did an impromptu cross-training session. Fast walk, weights & abs, bike, weights & abs, crossrobics (reclined star-stepper), weights & abs, stairs, weights & abs, run, weights & abs, elliptical, weights & abs. Yep, got kind of crazy and my glutes taunted me for it both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tuesday - The first day of Walking Club at my office. I am the ring leader. Last year it was just me and two or three guys on a regular basis. But people kept saying, "If only you were doing it during the day". So this year I am having outings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Noon and 5:30 p.m. There should be fewer excuses. Tuesday at Noon, just Joe joined me. At 5:30 Chandler was going to join me, but I got stuck in traffic in Urbandale/West Des Moines, so I didn't make it back. It's raining today, so no walking with the Club. I am hoping for a better turn-out on Tuesday, we will see.
Wednesday - A forced day off. Lori's best-friend Jodee's mom died late last week. Yesterday was her funeral. It was awful. She was feisty, funny, athletic and full-of-life until diabetes began to rob her of so much of her health and abilities.
Today - Back to the gym. In fact, I need to eat something, edit something and then head to the gym in about an hour. So, I better stop posting and get it in gear. I don't want to let today get away from me as well.
Yours in fitness, Kate
Monday - Worked out hard - did an impromptu cross-training session. Fast walk, weights & abs, bike, weights & abs, crossrobics (reclined star-stepper), weights & abs, stairs, weights & abs, run, weights & abs, elliptical, weights & abs. Yep, got kind of crazy and my glutes taunted me for it both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tuesday - The first day of Walking Club at my office. I am the ring leader. Last year it was just me and two or three guys on a regular basis. But people kept saying, "If only you were doing it during the day". So this year I am having outings on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Noon and 5:30 p.m. There should be fewer excuses. Tuesday at Noon, just Joe joined me. At 5:30 Chandler was going to join me, but I got stuck in traffic in Urbandale/West Des Moines, so I didn't make it back. It's raining today, so no walking with the Club. I am hoping for a better turn-out on Tuesday, we will see.
Wednesday - A forced day off. Lori's best-friend Jodee's mom died late last week. Yesterday was her funeral. It was awful. She was feisty, funny, athletic and full-of-life until diabetes began to rob her of so much of her health and abilities.
Today - Back to the gym. In fact, I need to eat something, edit something and then head to the gym in about an hour. So, I better stop posting and get it in gear. I don't want to let today get away from me as well.
Yours in fitness, Kate
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The Evil That Women Do
Or, why my roomie should be banned from borrowing baking cookbooks.
I have and will continue to benefit greatly from Lori's vast culinary skills; I am grateful. Without her guidance early on I never would have found my way through the brambles of healthy eating and eventually lost over 110 pounds.
However, the woman has a penchant for cookbooks. She collects them, borrows them and photocopies them. We have recipes in our household for anything under the sun, though we lean toward chicken, turkey and vegetarian dishes.
At Christmas it looks like Meredith Publishing off-loads a magazine rack straight into apartment of cookie, cake, candy and homemade food gift periodicals. At the holidays I have come to accept that my home will be filled with hand rolled truffles, perfectly baked cookies and chocolate treats of all shapes. But yesterday I got a surprise.
Lori has found a new baking cookbook that she loves. It's all chocolate. Dark chocolate, my favorite. She decided to produce a recipe from it - peanut butter Rice Krispie treats with dark chocolate drizzle. Yummmmmmm. And, oh god. One is bad enough, but now she is plotting further calorie laden treats to adorn our place.
Work offers up enough treat options, having anything other than plain old everyday dark chocolate at home can be a recipe for disaster for lil 'ol sugar addict me.
Lori realized the error last night when all she wanted to do to was eat the entire pan in one sitting. She did not, instead she snacked on one and headed to yoga. On the way out the door she informed me I would be taking the rest to work this morning. Huh? I hesitantly agreed.
Then I sat there thinking about being faced with them on the back food table - every time I went to warm up my coffee. The idea made me a bit crazy, because I ate one last night and it way WAY too good.
I found the bag of treats waiting by my coat this morning and I shook my head. I went about my business and got ready to go. I headed to work (where I am now) and realized about 10 minutes after arriving, I had forgotten them. LOL. My subconscious likes my thighs smaller!
Never fear, those from work who are reading this, I will undoubtedly have them shoved into my bag for me when I get home, so I don't 'forget' them again.
I would swipe her library card, but it would be in vain as long as there is a Borders, Barnes & Noble or Half-Price Book Store within her reach.
Yours in health, Kate
I have and will continue to benefit greatly from Lori's vast culinary skills; I am grateful. Without her guidance early on I never would have found my way through the brambles of healthy eating and eventually lost over 110 pounds.
However, the woman has a penchant for cookbooks. She collects them, borrows them and photocopies them. We have recipes in our household for anything under the sun, though we lean toward chicken, turkey and vegetarian dishes.
At Christmas it looks like Meredith Publishing off-loads a magazine rack straight into apartment of cookie, cake, candy and homemade food gift periodicals. At the holidays I have come to accept that my home will be filled with hand rolled truffles, perfectly baked cookies and chocolate treats of all shapes. But yesterday I got a surprise.
Lori has found a new baking cookbook that she loves. It's all chocolate. Dark chocolate, my favorite. She decided to produce a recipe from it - peanut butter Rice Krispie treats with dark chocolate drizzle. Yummmmmmm. And, oh god. One is bad enough, but now she is plotting further calorie laden treats to adorn our place.
Work offers up enough treat options, having anything other than plain old everyday dark chocolate at home can be a recipe for disaster for lil 'ol sugar addict me.
Lori realized the error last night when all she wanted to do to was eat the entire pan in one sitting. She did not, instead she snacked on one and headed to yoga. On the way out the door she informed me I would be taking the rest to work this morning. Huh? I hesitantly agreed.
Then I sat there thinking about being faced with them on the back food table - every time I went to warm up my coffee. The idea made me a bit crazy, because I ate one last night and it way WAY too good.
I found the bag of treats waiting by my coat this morning and I shook my head. I went about my business and got ready to go. I headed to work (where I am now) and realized about 10 minutes after arriving, I had forgotten them. LOL. My subconscious likes my thighs smaller!
Never fear, those from work who are reading this, I will undoubtedly have them shoved into my bag for me when I get home, so I don't 'forget' them again.
I would swipe her library card, but it would be in vain as long as there is a Borders, Barnes & Noble or Half-Price Book Store within her reach.
Yours in health, Kate
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Final Side Dish (#5) and more snow
Man, let me tell you, if I skied I would be rockin' this Iowa winter. Yes, it's coming down like the background of a bad holiday movie again. This time, the world isn't panicking though and there are very few delays and closings, it helps that school is out.
Me, I am getting ready to take Lori out to dinner at Dos Rios and to the play "The Santaland Diaries". I finally told her what her gift was this morning. She really liked it. But she liked it more that it turned out not to be too weird. I had her a little freaked out by asking her to dress nice.
The recipe today is mine. Everyone is a little suspect about the sour cream in this classic, but it gives it a nice zing. I throw in the peppers and mushrooms to sneak in extra veggies. The onions are not fried, my apologies to the traditionalists, but get real, there is NOTHING healthy about fried onions.
I do not have the nutritional break down on this, because I made it up. But it's not too bad, if you don't eat half a pan.
Kate’s Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (98% Fat Free)
1/4 cup milk
1 container low fat sour cream (if you’re in Iowa it can only be AE)
1 tsp. Worcester sauce
½ teaspoons ground black pepper
5 cups cooked cut green beans (start with fresh and blanch them or go with frozen and thaw them, because canned beans are full of sodium and frankly, soggy)
½ red pepper chopped
1 cup white cap mushrooms chopped (the ones you typically find in the produce section)
1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced or chopped very small
Directions:
For the onion topping:
Use parchment paper or spray pan onto a cookie sheet, spread onion thinly. Bake in 400°F oven until they begin to brown and crisp. Pull out and put aside.
For casserole:
MIX soup, milk, sour cream, Worcester sauce, black pepper in bottom of casserole pan until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Add beans, mushrooms and peppers and stir until coated completely.
BAKE at 350°F. for 25 minutes or until hot.
Pull out and sprinkle onions on top. Bake 5 more minutes.
Yours in health, Kate
Me, I am getting ready to take Lori out to dinner at Dos Rios and to the play "The Santaland Diaries". I finally told her what her gift was this morning. She really liked it. But she liked it more that it turned out not to be too weird. I had her a little freaked out by asking her to dress nice.
The recipe today is mine. Everyone is a little suspect about the sour cream in this classic, but it gives it a nice zing. I throw in the peppers and mushrooms to sneak in extra veggies. The onions are not fried, my apologies to the traditionalists, but get real, there is NOTHING healthy about fried onions.
I do not have the nutritional break down on this, because I made it up. But it's not too bad, if you don't eat half a pan.
Kate’s Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (98% Fat Free)
1/4 cup milk
1 container low fat sour cream (if you’re in Iowa it can only be AE)
1 tsp. Worcester sauce
½ teaspoons ground black pepper
5 cups cooked cut green beans (start with fresh and blanch them or go with frozen and thaw them, because canned beans are full of sodium and frankly, soggy)
½ red pepper chopped
1 cup white cap mushrooms chopped (the ones you typically find in the produce section)
1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced or chopped very small
Directions:
For the onion topping:
Use parchment paper or spray pan onto a cookie sheet, spread onion thinly. Bake in 400°F oven until they begin to brown and crisp. Pull out and put aside.
For casserole:
MIX soup, milk, sour cream, Worcester sauce, black pepper in bottom of casserole pan until thoroughly mixed and smooth. Add beans, mushrooms and peppers and stir until coated completely.
BAKE at 350°F. for 25 minutes or until hot.
Pull out and sprinkle onions on top. Bake 5 more minutes.
Yours in health, Kate
Saturday, September 8, 2007
A Good Year
Today is my birthday! For the first time in years I am really into celebrating it. And despite the fact that my best laid plans this weekend keep going going awry, I will have fun, damn it. LOL. But seriously, a look at the previous year...
I have been broke, as usual. That's probably not a highlight, but it is a fact. Somehow with creativity and Lori's eternal patience I haven't let it stop me from having fun.
I was able to spend another formative year with Caelen, hence why I was broke. But I would never trade a single moment of that time for any amount of money.
My family has been blessed with each other and miracles. My mother is even, from all reports, recovering amazingly from ovarian cancer. So blessed. Casey and Annette were married. My step-sister Cori married Jonah. And Caelen is healthy, happy and now 4 - his birthday was Thursday.
This picture is of Caelen and me at his birthday party Thursday night. He is proudly displaying the light saber I got him, he has wanted one that made noise since he was about two. (By the way, this is the first picture of myself I have allowed for public consumption, well, for as long as I can remember.)
My work is more fun and fulfilling than ever. I have wonderful co-workers and bosses, it's kind of scary. I am four and a half years into working for DMRG and I am happier than ever here. While I still yearn to write the great American novel, I know the time to sit down and write will come soon.
I have great friends. They are kind, smart and supportive. I am also finding more interesting and intelligent people who have potential to be great friends as well. It's an unexpected gift.
My health is better than ever. After a scare two weeks ago (I'll explain in another post) I am back up and going full speed. In fact, I started the day at the Farmer's Market, helped Lori take the produce to the car and then took my run as the way to get to my dad's house. I had to pick-up my still ailing car. But I am not ailing, I am 103 pounds lighter than I was nearly 14 months ago and have more energy than I could have imagined. I feel fitter, more confident and more open to the whole world. I smile more and I like myself more. Losing weight has lifted me from existing to enlivening any situation I get into. It's fantastic!
So, as I said in the title of this post, it's been a good year. And I am looking forward to an even better one as I step into this next year of my life.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 157 pounds (Yes, I have lost 103 pounds now.)
I have been broke, as usual. That's probably not a highlight, but it is a fact. Somehow with creativity and Lori's eternal patience I haven't let it stop me from having fun.
I was able to spend another formative year with Caelen, hence why I was broke. But I would never trade a single moment of that time for any amount of money.
My family has been blessed with each other and miracles. My mother is even, from all reports, recovering amazingly from ovarian cancer. So blessed. Casey and Annette were married. My step-sister Cori married Jonah. And Caelen is healthy, happy and now 4 - his birthday was Thursday.
This picture is of Caelen and me at his birthday party Thursday night. He is proudly displaying the light saber I got him, he has wanted one that made noise since he was about two. (By the way, this is the first picture of myself I have allowed for public consumption, well, for as long as I can remember.)My work is more fun and fulfilling than ever. I have wonderful co-workers and bosses, it's kind of scary. I am four and a half years into working for DMRG and I am happier than ever here. While I still yearn to write the great American novel, I know the time to sit down and write will come soon.
I have great friends. They are kind, smart and supportive. I am also finding more interesting and intelligent people who have potential to be great friends as well. It's an unexpected gift.
My health is better than ever. After a scare two weeks ago (I'll explain in another post) I am back up and going full speed. In fact, I started the day at the Farmer's Market, helped Lori take the produce to the car and then took my run as the way to get to my dad's house. I had to pick-up my still ailing car. But I am not ailing, I am 103 pounds lighter than I was nearly 14 months ago and have more energy than I could have imagined. I feel fitter, more confident and more open to the whole world. I smile more and I like myself more. Losing weight has lifted me from existing to enlivening any situation I get into. It's fantastic!
So, as I said in the title of this post, it's been a good year. And I am looking forward to an even better one as I step into this next year of my life.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 157 pounds (Yes, I have lost 103 pounds now.)
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Intense Guilt
Tonight I took my first non-scheduled night off from working out in a long time.
My friend Marianne was unable to join me as we had planned. I called Gordon hoping he would be available to join me, he was working. And he said I should take the night off because I sounded tired and my dehydration incident may have affected me more than I realized.
I sat at Jordan Creek Town Center (where I had gone to meet Marianne) and I debated.
I didn't really want to workout, I am tired and I have to work at 4 a.m. But I should workout, no matter how tired I think I am. I walked around some more and called Lori. She had talked about going to the gym and I thought, well, if she is, I will buy a day pass and workout inside. That would lessen my chance of ending up sick again. She was wiped out from a very busy day at Penzey's.
Well, that was it. I decided to give up and head to the store for veggies and home for dinner. That's where I am now. And I am about 15 minutes away from bed.
Gordon told me not to chastise myself, a day off now and then was o.k. I know he is right. But I tried on a couple of dresses for Annette's bachelorette party today and was reminded, by the undressed body in the mirror, how far I have to go.
On the way to the grocery store I felt sick to my stomach from guilt because I didn't workout. I have never felt that way about exercise before. I'm not entirely clear if that's good because it has become a part of me or if it's sick because I shouldn't be obsessed.
Either way I will be back at it tomorrow.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 166 pounds
My friend Marianne was unable to join me as we had planned. I called Gordon hoping he would be available to join me, he was working. And he said I should take the night off because I sounded tired and my dehydration incident may have affected me more than I realized.
I sat at Jordan Creek Town Center (where I had gone to meet Marianne) and I debated.
I didn't really want to workout, I am tired and I have to work at 4 a.m. But I should workout, no matter how tired I think I am. I walked around some more and called Lori. She had talked about going to the gym and I thought, well, if she is, I will buy a day pass and workout inside. That would lessen my chance of ending up sick again. She was wiped out from a very busy day at Penzey's.
Well, that was it. I decided to give up and head to the store for veggies and home for dinner. That's where I am now. And I am about 15 minutes away from bed.
Gordon told me not to chastise myself, a day off now and then was o.k. I know he is right. But I tried on a couple of dresses for Annette's bachelorette party today and was reminded, by the undressed body in the mirror, how far I have to go.
On the way to the grocery store I felt sick to my stomach from guilt because I didn't workout. I have never felt that way about exercise before. I'm not entirely clear if that's good because it has become a part of me or if it's sick because I shouldn't be obsessed.
Either way I will be back at it tomorrow.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 166 pounds
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Dehydration, it isn't pretty
I was busy today, apparently far too busy. When I went for my run tonight I paid the price.
It was only 85, but high humidity, so I started sweating almost immediately. I was about a mile and a half in to the run and I started to notice I felt funny. By the end of the second mile, I knew I was in trouble. Thankfully I had kept pretty close to where I had parked my car, so I slowed to a fast walk and made my way back.
By the time I threw myself into the car, I was quite clear on what was wrong, I was dehydrated. The thing is, I have worked out in much hotter weather and worked much harder for that matter and not had a problem. Today though, I had been busy and really slacked off on my water intake. Normally by the time I hit the road I have consumed at least 12 glasses of water, plus I will down another 16-20 ounces about 30-40 minutes before hand.
I looked back over today and if I drank 10 glasses, including the one I took in about an hour before my run, I am lucky. And, I hadn't packed water for after the workout, because I planned to head straight for Panera, where I planned to eat, just two blocks away. Normally not a problem.
Actually, I am lucky. Lucky I didn't pass out or end up even more incoherent than I did or worse yet, wreck my car. That's right, I was so out of it, I came up with the idea of driving down the street to said Panera. I made it safely, got out to stagger in to get water, locked the car, shut the car door and promptly realized the key to that door was sitting inside the change dish in my car.
That's right, I was so far gone, I locked myself out. Upside? I had grabbed my purse and could still buy water and dinner, plus an old water bottle to fill in the sink in the bathroom. (That way I could have some warmer water to start rehydrating more quickly, because I could take in more. Proof that my brain wasn't completely fried.) Downside? I had also locked my cell phone in the car and I had a meeting at 7.
I wandered in, filled the bottle in the bathroom sink, downed it, filled it again. Half way through the second bottle I found my sense of taste and threw out the rest of the West Des Moines tap and headed inside to order my dinner. (And more water.)
But first I figured I had better call for help on the locked car situation. The young lady, who offered kindly to help me with my order, gets my sad tale told to her as I drip sweat on the counter. She is very nice and offers what would become unlimited use of their phone.
My first call, as always, was to Lori. No answer, I left her a message. I tried my mom, she said she didn't think they had an extra key to my car, but I should call my step-dad Bruce. I think I am calling Bruce, but still out of it, I call Gordon. He says he will come get me. But surprisingly, before I agree to this, I realize that will only get me so far, because the house keys are also locked in my car. I promise to call him if I remain stranded. This time I really call Bruce and he informs me, no shocker, they do not have an extra set of my keys.
Okay, back to Lori, still no answer. I decide to breathe and get more water in me. I head over and another friendly Panera employee helps me get my dinner. (I sweat on his counter too.) I go sit down and plot to use the phone again in 10 minutes to continue my hunt for Lori. While I am eating and drinking God's gift - water - I start freezing from the dehydration and the air conditioning cooling my apparently unstoppable perspiration.
Well - to finish the story quickly - because I could go on as it continues, with more dialing and waiting and sweating.
I found Lori, she brought my extra keys (furthering her application for sainthood), I bought her dinner for her trouble and I was able to make my 7:00 meeting somehow. Another highlight, by the way, Gordon was extra sweet and called Panera to make sure things were getting handled, he's so great.
So, if you needed any other motivation to stay hydrated when losing weight and working out, I hope I have just supplied it. Because believe me, on this end, lesson learned.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 166 pounds (Yes, I lost 2 more!)
PS - I will be making a plethora of extra keys to sprinkle among my family tomorrow.
It was only 85, but high humidity, so I started sweating almost immediately. I was about a mile and a half in to the run and I started to notice I felt funny. By the end of the second mile, I knew I was in trouble. Thankfully I had kept pretty close to where I had parked my car, so I slowed to a fast walk and made my way back.
By the time I threw myself into the car, I was quite clear on what was wrong, I was dehydrated. The thing is, I have worked out in much hotter weather and worked much harder for that matter and not had a problem. Today though, I had been busy and really slacked off on my water intake. Normally by the time I hit the road I have consumed at least 12 glasses of water, plus I will down another 16-20 ounces about 30-40 minutes before hand.
I looked back over today and if I drank 10 glasses, including the one I took in about an hour before my run, I am lucky. And, I hadn't packed water for after the workout, because I planned to head straight for Panera, where I planned to eat, just two blocks away. Normally not a problem.
Actually, I am lucky. Lucky I didn't pass out or end up even more incoherent than I did or worse yet, wreck my car. That's right, I was so out of it, I came up with the idea of driving down the street to said Panera. I made it safely, got out to stagger in to get water, locked the car, shut the car door and promptly realized the key to that door was sitting inside the change dish in my car.
That's right, I was so far gone, I locked myself out. Upside? I had grabbed my purse and could still buy water and dinner, plus an old water bottle to fill in the sink in the bathroom. (That way I could have some warmer water to start rehydrating more quickly, because I could take in more. Proof that my brain wasn't completely fried.) Downside? I had also locked my cell phone in the car and I had a meeting at 7.
I wandered in, filled the bottle in the bathroom sink, downed it, filled it again. Half way through the second bottle I found my sense of taste and threw out the rest of the West Des Moines tap and headed inside to order my dinner. (And more water.)
But first I figured I had better call for help on the locked car situation. The young lady, who offered kindly to help me with my order, gets my sad tale told to her as I drip sweat on the counter. She is very nice and offers what would become unlimited use of their phone.
My first call, as always, was to Lori. No answer, I left her a message. I tried my mom, she said she didn't think they had an extra key to my car, but I should call my step-dad Bruce. I think I am calling Bruce, but still out of it, I call Gordon. He says he will come get me. But surprisingly, before I agree to this, I realize that will only get me so far, because the house keys are also locked in my car. I promise to call him if I remain stranded. This time I really call Bruce and he informs me, no shocker, they do not have an extra set of my keys.
Okay, back to Lori, still no answer. I decide to breathe and get more water in me. I head over and another friendly Panera employee helps me get my dinner. (I sweat on his counter too.) I go sit down and plot to use the phone again in 10 minutes to continue my hunt for Lori. While I am eating and drinking God's gift - water - I start freezing from the dehydration and the air conditioning cooling my apparently unstoppable perspiration.
Well - to finish the story quickly - because I could go on as it continues, with more dialing and waiting and sweating.
I found Lori, she brought my extra keys (furthering her application for sainthood), I bought her dinner for her trouble and I was able to make my 7:00 meeting somehow. Another highlight, by the way, Gordon was extra sweet and called Panera to make sure things were getting handled, he's so great.
So, if you needed any other motivation to stay hydrated when losing weight and working out, I hope I have just supplied it. Because believe me, on this end, lesson learned.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 166 pounds (Yes, I lost 2 more!)
PS - I will be making a plethora of extra keys to sprinkle among my family tomorrow.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Demanding Vegetables
So, I thought Lori, the roomie, was going to kill me tonight on the phone.
I eat very little meat. Strike that. I stopped eating red meat about 5 years ago. I eat very little poultry and on occasion (though it should be more often, because it's good for you) fish.
You see as my diet has become more healthy, I have taken to eating an amazing amount of vegetables. In fact, I eat vegetarian at least 5 days a week. One of my fall off days is inevitably Sunday; my mom can't bring herself to not cook meat. I even seem to desire them more than my roomie, the former vegetarian.
Well I log my food, because keeping track of calories, fat, protein, saturated fat, cholesterol and nutrients has been key in my weight loss. I called Lori and asked what veggies we were having with dinner. I knew we were having a small serving of chicken tonight because we discussed it this morning. We are trying a new spice blend from Penzey's Spices - Smoky 4 S - Lori works there, so she has a preview for us, the public will have a chance soon.
Regarding the veggies, I suggested corn on the cob, because it's July in Iowa and it's so good it will curl your toes; she agreed to corn. She then offered up that we had green beans and carrots too. I said great, let's have them all. She just started laughing.
Now this is where I need to note that Lori is already up for saint status for living with me. She has only furthered her cause these last several months as I have been home little and she has been left to do everything. She even willingly cooks amazing meals for me when I do turn up. Without her, I would not be 92 pounds down and counting.
When she started laughing I knew I had gone too far. I was demanding vegetables. I laughed too. She laughed harder and it was getting a bit maniacal. So, I apologized and said I would take what I could get. We are having corn and carrots.
Lori is so patient.
And I am laughing at the absurdity. I have come a long way, no longer am I hoarding chocolate mousse cake, I am demanding vegetables. Ah, the thighs they are a changing.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 168 pounds
I eat very little meat. Strike that. I stopped eating red meat about 5 years ago. I eat very little poultry and on occasion (though it should be more often, because it's good for you) fish.
You see as my diet has become more healthy, I have taken to eating an amazing amount of vegetables. In fact, I eat vegetarian at least 5 days a week. One of my fall off days is inevitably Sunday; my mom can't bring herself to not cook meat. I even seem to desire them more than my roomie, the former vegetarian.
Well I log my food, because keeping track of calories, fat, protein, saturated fat, cholesterol and nutrients has been key in my weight loss. I called Lori and asked what veggies we were having with dinner. I knew we were having a small serving of chicken tonight because we discussed it this morning. We are trying a new spice blend from Penzey's Spices - Smoky 4 S - Lori works there, so she has a preview for us, the public will have a chance soon.
Regarding the veggies, I suggested corn on the cob, because it's July in Iowa and it's so good it will curl your toes; she agreed to corn. She then offered up that we had green beans and carrots too. I said great, let's have them all. She just started laughing.
Now this is where I need to note that Lori is already up for saint status for living with me. She has only furthered her cause these last several months as I have been home little and she has been left to do everything. She even willingly cooks amazing meals for me when I do turn up. Without her, I would not be 92 pounds down and counting.
When she started laughing I knew I had gone too far. I was demanding vegetables. I laughed too. She laughed harder and it was getting a bit maniacal. So, I apologized and said I would take what I could get. We are having corn and carrots.
Lori is so patient.
And I am laughing at the absurdity. I have come a long way, no longer am I hoarding chocolate mousse cake, I am demanding vegetables. Ah, the thighs they are a changing.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 168 pounds
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
I would never have believed it...
Today I did something that would have made me gripe and be in ample pain three months ago; I could never have done six months ago; would have killed me 9 months ago.
For Mother's Day my mom ordered herself 36 rose bushes, she said all she wanted from the three of us kids was for us to plant them. Now, I have two younger brothers who are big, strong guys, so this was going to be no problem. They would dig, I might bury them and someone else could come along to fertilize. Last night, in an otherwise unremarkable conversation with my, now week and a half post-op, Mom to check on her health, she mentions that the bushes have arrived early. (They were due late NEXT week.) So, my step-father, who has his own very serious weight problem, is going to plant them all, by himself. Uh, no. I ask Mom if he wants help, she says, "Sure, I think he would like that."
This morning I call over to see what time he is starting, I am informed - "When you get here". I load up the nephew and head over. When I arrive I find that my step-dad's not prepared for what lies before him, the digging is bothering his back and he can't kneel, because of old knees injuries exacerbated by his weight. So that leaves me to dig and his 81-year-old mom to bury the bushes. I am a bit surprised and in my head, I am freaked at the idea of digging all day, "Can I even do this?"
Meanwhile my Mom is trying to "help", which mainly involves me yelling at her to stop because she's going to tear her sutures. Ever the organizer, I know I need reinforcements and I whip out the cell phone. My brothers and soon to be sister-in-law are at 9-5 jobs. That leaves my trusty and EVER patient roomie, with the flexible job.
I call her and query, "Are you in the middle of anything Earth shattering?"
Her - "Why?" So suspicious.
Me - "Well..." I give her the lowdown.
Her - "I have to..." She went into a laundry list of things she needed to do for work and she still hadn't eaten.
Me - "So..."
Her - "I can be there in about an hour."
See, patient and a saint.
So, having dug places for and planted the first ten bushes, along the front, I take my now melting down nephew inside for food. (Men in my family should always keep their blood sugar up, it's a fact.) We will now eat and wait for Lori.
Ninety minutes later, (and yes I thought about calling to inquire as to where she was, but I didn't want to die) Lori arrived. She is like me, we met in politics, she wants to have a plan and tends to take charge. As we faced having to plant 26 more bushes in the backyard, she wanted to dig too.
Problem, only one shovel and by god, it's mine. So she decides to grab the large spade and take a swing.
Problem, the location where we are digging has been landscaped on three separate occasions in the 16 years my folks have lived there. There are layers of gravel, landscaping cloth and mulch to be dug through. After attempting to dig one hole Lori accepts that I will be shoveling.
Now, mind you, I have no idea why I wanted to be the one doing the physical part. Frankly, it's not like me. But something got into me today and I was empowered. The more I had to stand on the shovel to cut through the seemingly endless crap before me, the more I twisted and sweated and dug in, the more I wanted to do. It was this weird physical and mental challenge that had been thrust upon me. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I met it head on, no blinking.
So, I did it. I dug 34 holes today. They were 1.5 feet wide, 1.5 feet deep and round. And I didn't bitch, I just did it. I wasn't even in pain at the time. I know I am definitely going to feel it tomorrow, because I am a realist.
Right now though, I am feeling pretty great. I even enjoyed it a little. Don't ask, I have no idea.
So, here's to doing something you would never believe too.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 185 pounds (Yes, I only lost 1 pound this week and I wasn't even bad. Hopefully next week 2.)
For Mother's Day my mom ordered herself 36 rose bushes, she said all she wanted from the three of us kids was for us to plant them. Now, I have two younger brothers who are big, strong guys, so this was going to be no problem. They would dig, I might bury them and someone else could come along to fertilize. Last night, in an otherwise unremarkable conversation with my, now week and a half post-op, Mom to check on her health, she mentions that the bushes have arrived early. (They were due late NEXT week.) So, my step-father, who has his own very serious weight problem, is going to plant them all, by himself. Uh, no. I ask Mom if he wants help, she says, "Sure, I think he would like that."
This morning I call over to see what time he is starting, I am informed - "When you get here". I load up the nephew and head over. When I arrive I find that my step-dad's not prepared for what lies before him, the digging is bothering his back and he can't kneel, because of old knees injuries exacerbated by his weight. So that leaves me to dig and his 81-year-old mom to bury the bushes. I am a bit surprised and in my head, I am freaked at the idea of digging all day, "Can I even do this?"
Meanwhile my Mom is trying to "help", which mainly involves me yelling at her to stop because she's going to tear her sutures. Ever the organizer, I know I need reinforcements and I whip out the cell phone. My brothers and soon to be sister-in-law are at 9-5 jobs. That leaves my trusty and EVER patient roomie, with the flexible job.
I call her and query, "Are you in the middle of anything Earth shattering?"
Her - "Why?" So suspicious.
Me - "Well..." I give her the lowdown.
Her - "I have to..." She went into a laundry list of things she needed to do for work and she still hadn't eaten.
Me - "So..."
Her - "I can be there in about an hour."
See, patient and a saint.
So, having dug places for and planted the first ten bushes, along the front, I take my now melting down nephew inside for food. (Men in my family should always keep their blood sugar up, it's a fact.) We will now eat and wait for Lori.
Ninety minutes later, (and yes I thought about calling to inquire as to where she was, but I didn't want to die) Lori arrived. She is like me, we met in politics, she wants to have a plan and tends to take charge. As we faced having to plant 26 more bushes in the backyard, she wanted to dig too.
Problem, only one shovel and by god, it's mine. So she decides to grab the large spade and take a swing.
Problem, the location where we are digging has been landscaped on three separate occasions in the 16 years my folks have lived there. There are layers of gravel, landscaping cloth and mulch to be dug through. After attempting to dig one hole Lori accepts that I will be shoveling.
Now, mind you, I have no idea why I wanted to be the one doing the physical part. Frankly, it's not like me. But something got into me today and I was empowered. The more I had to stand on the shovel to cut through the seemingly endless crap before me, the more I twisted and sweated and dug in, the more I wanted to do. It was this weird physical and mental challenge that had been thrust upon me. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I met it head on, no blinking.
So, I did it. I dug 34 holes today. They were 1.5 feet wide, 1.5 feet deep and round. And I didn't bitch, I just did it. I wasn't even in pain at the time. I know I am definitely going to feel it tomorrow, because I am a realist.
Right now though, I am feeling pretty great. I even enjoyed it a little. Don't ask, I have no idea.
So, here's to doing something you would never believe too.
Best always, Ms_H
Weight - 185 pounds (Yes, I only lost 1 pound this week and I wasn't even bad. Hopefully next week 2.)
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