Wednesday Weigh In

Starting Weight: 320
Last week's Weight 238
Today's Weight 235

So I realized I did not do my weigh in last week so this three pounds is for the last two weeks, not just last week...but that's okay, I'll take it.  I can't say I've been really on track these past two weeks.  I have started my holiday baking....

this is never good.

However, this year I can't put away quite as many cookies as I've done in the past.

I'm hoping to not gain that 5-10 pounds over the holidays that I never get off and still lose....maybe not as quickly, but still lose.

So what, besides baking, have I been doing with my time since I haven't been blogging?

Making ornaments. 

I give a neighborhood ornament-exchange party every year to sort of kick off the season, and I try and make some fun party-favor ornaments to give away.  Some years they are complete duds, other years I do well.  I'm happy with this year's ornament.

For directions on these puppies -- if you are so inclined to be crafty -- can be found on my other blog, Zimmerhouse.  

Oh and then there's the kids' schedules....my goodness.  I'm glad they are both active boys who are interested in so many different things...but it's kind of exhausting for this mom at times.

We, and by that I mean Jason, are also in the midst of an IKEA-hack project where we are taking some 'billy' bookcases and making them look like built-ins. We started this in October, I really thought it would be done by now....but no....this is why it's taken us 5 years to remodel this house, it takes us forever to get anything finished....I shouldn't say remodeled like we are finished...we still have the basement and the back yard.

Oh, and an update, I didn't get the job I went for at the hospital.  They thought I was 'lovely' but I didn't have the skill set they were looking for and they needed someone up and running right away.  I'm okay with this (except that blow to my ego).  I've done a lot of thinking about this and my spiritual side is telling me that God's plan for me lies elsewhere.  I really do love my current job, the problem is that I don't get paid enough and Jason and I would really like to retire before we're 70.... I spent a lot of years out of the job market and need to do some catch up.  On the other hand this job is a good fit for our very busy family.  I also have wanted to try hospice off and on in the past couple of years.  Hospice nursing would be so rewarding and I'd be so good at it. So I think I'll stay put for this year and enjoy the benefits of school nursing -- hugs from the kiddos, autonomy, school hours and then this spring-summer begin to look around for hospice jobs.  Unless the school association (a less 'strong' version of a union...no unions in our district) can miraculously pull off a pay increase for the nurses that matches us with a teacher's salary....you all know how much teachers get paid, in our district the nurses are paid at almost the same level as the secretary staff -- who work hard -- but they only need a high school diploma to get their jobs, while we need a minimum of a BSN and have to be certified by the state. Just getting on the teacher-pay salary would be an almost 15k raise (master's plus experience would bump me up quite a bit on a certified pay scale rather than the classified one we are on).

I'm also up for my review next week.  I'm stressed out about it...a little..and here's why...I like to look good...and I'm not going to look that great at this review, I have a ton of stuff to do and haven't gotten a good handle on it...I'm managing 800 plus students and this is my first year in my own clinic (last year I followed one student).  I know I'm good at the relationship with the students and taking care of their immediate needs for care, but the paperwork...OMG, it's intense.  I still need to do vision screenings for half the students too.

So even though I'm okay with where I am, given my experience and the volume of my work...I'm not going to get distinguished marks...I'm going to get basic and proficient...and those would be accurate.  I just like to shine :D.

A big thanks to my friend, Martha, another nurse in the district, who came to help me (on the down low) in the clinic yesterday so I could get organized.

Wow, that's a lot more than I was planning on sharing....suffice it to say, yes it's been a stressful, emotionally topsy-turvy, busy couple of weeks.   Okay, now I'm off to make 4 dozen mini cheese balls (that party I mentioned above is in less than a week -- gah).

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Happy Thanksgiving

We all have so much to be thankful for! No matter how little or how much.  For me, I have a wonderful husband who makes me laugh every day (sometimes intentionally). My boys are smart, handsome, talented and funny.  I believe they are going to grow into good men. I have a job, it's one that I love -- it's one that allows me to have holidays off. We can feed and clothe our family and have a little more for 'extras'. I live in a great neighborhood with neighbors I call friends (and mean it). I have friends who have been friends for years and they still love me.

I am blessed, and for this I am thankful!

Wednesday Weigh In - life as a baseball mom

Starting Weight: 320
Last week's Weight 245
Today's Weight 238

Pounds lost 7
Total pounds lost 82 (whoo hoo)
Pictures to come later

When I first looked at the scale I had a bit of a freak out because I was looking at the 8 -- I was expecting to see a 2 hopefully a 1 (as in 241-242) so it didn't register that it was 2-3-8, then I went from freak out to happy dance.

It's been a wild week.  We got back from Italy, I barely got my bearings and my oldest and I were off to Albuquerque, NM for a baseball tournament. I tried to keep my food in check, I can't say I did a great job but I ended up losing quite a bit of weight.  So? who knows? Let me tell you though about our last day there.  Let's just say the day was so bad we just ended up laughing, because there was nothing else to do.

It started with Jake spilling all the ice and drinks out of the cooler, in the hotel elevator.  The staff had to shut the elevator down to clean it all up....He did it as we were getting off on the main floor, in front of his entire team.  Who good-naturedly laughed at him and blamed it on how he was wearing his pants...they're too short because he's had a huge growth spurt and he's been tucking them into his socks and wearing them 'old' style.  So he untucks his pants and wears them down.  We get into my friend's car (we car pooled with another family) and on our way to the game we get into a fender-bender. Everyone is okay and there was plenty of time to still get to the field.  We pull off to the side, exchange information and call the police.  Jake decided to tuck his pants back into his socks since a fender-bender is much worse than spilling ice in an elevator.  We're done with what we need to do, go to start the car and it won't start.

OMG.

The couple that hit us ended up jumping us and since they knew we were out of town gave us their number in case we needed anything else (super nice of them).  We get the boys there. Jake hits a great ball, gets another batter in and gets to first.  He's been having a hard time hitting lately so we're super happy about that. He also eventually scores a point for the team.  The game's going our way and we have a chance at third place (won one and lost one in the seeding so we were playing for third at that point---can I just say the winning teams had a few kids over 6 feet and some of them were sporting facial hair -- steroids much? -- oh 14 year old league in case you were wondering at my shock when I saw these MEN on the other team). The other coach is a complete putz,  he complains about every call the ump makes, he yells at his kids.  Their pitcher put on a white underarmour shirt (it was freakin' cold...way too cold for baseball, but whatever) you're not supposed to wear white as the pitcher  because it detracts the batter from the ball.  One of our kids had a hard time seeing the ball so the ump told the pitcher to pull up his sleeves.  Our coach offered him one of our batting jackets...because it was cold! The other coach lost it, started using swear words, started yelling at OUR kids and our coach.  Well our coach lost it and told the other coach to 'shut the f--- up' well that's all she wrote...The ump called a double forfeit. Part of me was happy because we got to start our 8 hour trip back to Denver at 4pm instead of 6 pm. ---Our coach apologized to the kids, told them this was not the way to behave etc, he felt so bad about losing his temper.

So....

We get back to the car and it won't start again.

yup

I wish I were kidding.

It took two jumps.  Thankfully two other families caravanned with us to make sure we got home safely.

I told my friend that next time, we'll be taking my car.

And I still lost weight.

Yay me.

So glad baseball season is over...and basketball season is inside and there's no traveling.

Wednesday Weigh In

Starting Weight 320
Weight 2 weeks ago (I took a week off for Italy) 247
Today's Weight 245

Well it wasn't a stellar two weeks, but I didn't gain! I have to admit the last two days I've been a stressed out eating machine, not drinking enough water and have been very inactive.  A combination of jet-lag, being overwhelmed and freaking myself out because I interviewed for a new job.  If I get this job it'll be a challenge, one that I'm looking forward to.  But it's stressful to research the position and practice all the possible questions you could get asked.  I typed out three pages of possible questions and scenarios and practiced them.  It does feel good to go to an interview prepared but no less stressful. The main stressful thing? is telling my bosses (principal of the school and the head of nursing) that I'm quitting.  They're both lovely people, good bosses, I love working with them.  It doesn't feel good to tell them I'm leaving especially knowing how hard it is to find qualified nurses to fill school nursing positions.  But I'm being premature, I didn't get the job yet or at all, I just stress myself out thinking about it.

Sigh.

deep breath.

Here's what I am looking forward to -- no more political ads...OMG can I get an Amen?

Have a great Wednesday to all of my blog friends out there.

Individual Meatloaves made in Muffin Tins

I've been seeing these individual meatloaf recipes on Pinterest. I've been wanting to try them and Jake, the eldest has been asking for meatloaf recently AND because we just got back from Italy (in the wee hours of Sunday morning -- can you say jet-lag anyone?) I decided to make a typical American meal to celebrate being home.  Also, after eating authentic Italian food, I realized my Americana-Italian cooking is not so bellesimo. I also think it's a great way to pre-portion some food to help with portion control.  Not that anyone out there needs that...it's just good for me.

After a huge trip to the grocery store, a couple hundred loads of laundry and catching up on some of my shows (love my DVR) I made some mini meatloaves.  I used my own meatloaf recipe though.  It's a super easy recipe, made easier with these muffin tin meatloaves so I thought I'd share.

Individual Meatloaves

(made in muffin tins)

Mix together:

1 lb lean ground beef

1 egg

1/2 zucchini peeled and grated

1 carrot peeled and grated

2-3 tbs roasted red peppers minced

1 small sweet yellow onion minced

2-3 tbs chili sauce

1/8 cup of Italian bread crumbs

After mixing, place in Pam-sprayed muffin tins. This recipe will make 12. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes.  I don't like any part of my meat to moo so I baked them for 25.

Guess which one is my plate

Here is the breakdown of calories and nutrients per each individual loaf. Not a bad way to get a punch of protein.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 serving (90.9 g)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 102 Calories from Fat 26

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 2.9g 4%

Saturated Fat 1.3g 6%

Cholesterol 44mg 15%

Sodium 284mg 12%

Total Carbohydrates 6.0g 2%

Dietary Fiber 0.7g 3%

Sugars 2.3g

Protein 11.3g

Vitamin A 25% • Vitamin C 6% Calcium 2% • Iron 8%

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Liebster Award Responses

oh my gosh, oh my gosh -- hands waving in front of my face, tears down my cheeks -- I've gotten an award...people like me, they really really do, well at least one over at Super Snail's Pace. Seriously, thanks you Karen for giving me the:

I have no idea what this is, but don't care -- someone thought of me and that's all that matters (but for the record it's an award given to up-and-coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. I wish I had actually googled this up BEFORE choosing my own nominees, but I'm too lazy to check and see where they are in the being followed category).

The rules:

1. Think of 11 facts you'd like to share about yourself.

2. Answer the questions I asked.

3. Think of 11 questions you'd like to ask (come on, have fun, it's a way to be nosy without being rude)

4. Nominate 5 bloggers (apparently they should have less than 200 followers).

Alrighty -- here's my stuff.

11 Facts about myself:

1. I am a procrastinator - this is not something surprising to people who know me. In fact I am procrastinating right now by doing this post.

2. I suck at spelling and yes, I was an English major - my grammar isn't that great either.

3. My ultimate career would have been an interior decorator. It's actually the one thing that has been consistent my entire life. As a kid I would make doll houses out of shoe boxes, complete with floor plans. Then given them to my sister so she could play with the dolls in the houses. I would start on a new one, because that was the fun part for me.

4. I redecorate my friends' houses in my head instead of counting sheep.

5. I love being a mom.

6. I have great kids, so it's easy to love being a mom.

7. HGTV is on right now and I watch it all the time. I love it when the boys watch it with me. They like to guess which house the people pick in Love it or List it and in House Hunters.

8. I love being a nurse. I love helping people and teaching them to advocate for their health.

9. Nursing school almost killed me. I don't really believe being treated in such a way made me a better nurse, it rather terrified me and broke me down. Making it through, did not give me a sense of confidence either, it made me resigned and bitter to those who thought they were trying to 'teach' me lessons.

10. If I ever had my own HGTV show I would call it RX for Design Disasters and I would wear scrubs -- I think that would be a fun way to combine my nursing love with my decorating love.

11. I have the best husband evah! I know those of you married to great men think I may be wrong, but I am not, he's awesome! We've been together 27 years and married 20.

Questions asked by the person who nominated me, Super Snail's Pace.


1.What careers did you consider before the one you are in currently?

Actress, but then I realized I was terrified talking in front of people, Lawyer, because my parents thought it would be a good idea, given I argued a lot and was good at it, Nun, yeah, not sure why, decorator or writer. I’m a Gemini, there were many many more considerations.

2.What were you most afraid of as a child? What are you most afraid of now?

The dark and monsters under the bed. The dark and monsters under the bed.

3.What type of music do you enjoy?

Pop, ABBA (don’t judge), 80’s

4.What is different about your life today that you never would have predicted 10 years ago?

I’m actually a nurse and working full time.

5.Do you watch any sports on TV? Which ones?

No, it’s on in the back ground because my 13 year old watches everything. I will watch my kids do their sports though.

6.What was your most favorite vacation?

We just went to Italy and it was fantastic, but my all time favorite was Hawaii – because it was so relaxing!

7.Star Wars or Star Trek?

We have a Star Trek tree at Christmas (it’s my husband’s)…’nuff said.

8.What is the last movie you saw in a theater?

Trouble with the Curve, I took Jake because I thought it was more baseball and less whatever it was. I liked it, Jake did not.

9.Do you wear a watch? If you don’t, why not?

Yes

10.What do you look forward to about the holidays? What do you dread about the holidays?

I love, LOVE the holidays; I throw a couple great parties. I love decorating, planning the parties, visiting with friends, shopping, being with family, cooking…love it all. I am not looking forward to putting all the crap away

11.If you were the leader of your country (i.e. president, prime minister, etc.), what are the first changes you would make in the country’s policies?

Do away with political ads and include more debates. No one makes their decisions on a 1 minute sound bite.

Questions I want to ask my nominees. 

1. Was there a pivotal moment that made you decide to take on this weight loss challenge or a combination of different moments and what where they?

2. If you could tell something to the 20 year old you, what would it be?

3. What is your favorite holiday/season and why?

4. What is your favorite thing about blogging? Your least favorite thing?

5. If you were in a zombie apocalypse what would be your weapon of choice (this question brought to you by my children).

6. How well to you take advice? How well do you give it?

7. Think of a time that makes you smile....describe what happened.

8. Name one thing on your bucket list.

9. Name a pet-peeve -- particularly if you do it yourself so it's even WORSE when other people do it (not that this is EVER a problem for me).

10. If money and size are no object where would you shop for your clothes.

11. Do you think people are essentially good, or bad and why?

My nominees (please please play):

I Just Ate my Willpower

(isn't that just a great name for a blog)

Lapping the Band (Run Chelle Run)

(I want to be her when I grow up, even though she's younger than I am)

Am I Underweight or Overtall

(A big congratulations to her first 50 pounds)

Not an Effin' Diet

(She's an awesome blogger with a lot of wit and leaves thoughtful responses)

Banded Cow Girl

(She's new to the WLS world as well as WLS blogging world, and by the way she writes, I really think I'm going to like her)

Eating While on Vacation

Whew, that was a whirl-wind trip we took. But we're back.  I'll post Rome pictures later, but before then, let's get back to the reason for this blog...weight loss (or the hope for weight loss at least).  My goal was to NOT gain weight over the vacation.  And I didn't..I actually lost a pound.  And from the looks of my ankles after 16 hours of flying, lay-overs, several time changes and daylight savings...I might lose a couple more in the next day or two if I'm good about pounding my water.

I really wanted to load myself up on the yummy pastas and desserts...I mean I was in ITALY after all.  But really, I was in ITALY and it wasn't really about the food, it was about experiencing the city itself. About being with my family (even the whiney ones) and visiting with my brother and his lovely family.  This is a new mindset for me....I'm sure there are plenty of people who would look at me like I had an extra arm when I say how much I miss food, how much I enjoy food, I mean I enjoy cooking it, I enjoy thinking about it, I enjoy planning the menus etc..It's more than just eating the food (and trust me, LOVE that) it's about enjoying all parts of food. Part of traveling for me is enjoying the food of the countries, states, areas we go to.  Well, with VSG, this looks differently (well, if you're working your VSG that is).

Here's what I did, and I think it worked really well.

I only had a piece of pizza once, it was a choice between the pizza or a plate of pasta, I figured I could 'control' it better with the pizza.  I promised myself one, not only off-plan, but derailed and a chuck-it kind of meal....just one.

I didn't worry about fat, salt, or calorie content with anything else, I just made sure I had protein and veggies choices for almost every other meal. And everything tasted so darn good, it wasn't deprivation at all.  One meal was prosciutto and melon -- the melon was sweeter than any dessert and combined with the saltiness of the prosciutto --way yum! It helped that we stayed with my brother and his family and so for breakfasts I had a boiled egg and of course a cappuccino.

Now, I got my 'fixes' along the way, with a bite of Jason's or the kid's pasta. A bite of pizza here and there, a sip of wine, a sip of limoncello, or a little lick of the kids Gelato (and believe me there was NO chance those kiddos were going to let me have more than a lick).

Not once did I feel deprived.

Or even sorry for myself.

The trip was wonderful.

I don't feel guilty about my eating.

I didn't gain weight, I may have actually lost some (we'll find out on Wednesday :D)

I feel great on so many levels about our vacation and it's nice to say that not having overindulged is another way I feel good.

Do any of you have good tips for your eating plans when you travel?