Zesty Makeover

So. A blog makeover. I can't even figure out how to put a different picture underneath by blog title. Zesty can you please help? I want to win so please don't enter, please, please, please! Okay, I guess I'll let you enter but please don't win...

Dear Mother Nature:

I know that I live at 7700 feet in elevation. I know that it is only February. I know that we all have bad days. I’m asking that you give us a break here in western Colorado. Really, does it have to snow for a solid three days and accumulate 3 feet of snow? Really, I mean, really. I notice that this type of weather behavior is not just here in my little mountainous area but other places as well. Didn't it snow in Florida recently? Have you given up chocolate for lent which might be the reason for such an attitude? May I suggest that you give up something else? Just a thought… Sincerely, Krista in Colorado

PS Maybe we should start exercising together as I seem to have the exercise blahs due to, um, “bad weather.”

Vancouver, Want some snow?

To Abstain or Not to Abstain

Get your mind out of the gutter, it’s not what you think! I’m talking about abstaining from some type of eating or abstaining from some type of activity for the next 40 days. Yes, my husband is Italian and yes, he’s catholic so I guess I’m catholic by default. We talked last night and he is thinking about what to “give up.” I threw out a couple ideas for me like not eating chocolate (husband rolls eyes because I rarely eat chocolate) so I guess I really wouldn’t be giving up anything. Then I thought that I would give up saying “bad things about people.” This one would actually be harder than not eating chocolate. Not that I am a horrible person but because sometimes I will say what I think about people and the stupid things they do. This can be as random as a comment like “I’m sick of dealing with stupid people” after an encounter in which I believe that there were absolutely no brain cells in use by the other party or maybe watching some guy drive his two wheel drive truck with chains on the paved road with sparks flying and my comment would be “way to go rocket scientist.” So, without me even knowing the person or the circumstances behind the situation, I immediately assume stupidity… So, I think I shall choose the later and abstain from saying bad things about people. My husband wanted to know if he would fall into this category and if I would refrain from saying bad things about him? I’m still on the fence about that one. Muah, love you honey… Will keep you posted. Happy day after Lent day.

Pop Pop Pop

Well, I'm talkin about Jaime's Popchip give away. These chips are amazing and low in fat. Maybe even a little good for you (wink, wink). Go check it out at Embracing Balance. Have a great Tuesday which is really Monday...

Hello, Hello, are you there?

Well, last night, my husband's cell phone rings. He picks it up and puts it back on the counter
I say - Aren't you going to answer that?
He says - No, it's my mother...
I say - Well you know she will just call (home phone rings) the home phone?
He says - Yes, I know just don't answer it.
I answer the phone (husband in the background mouthing I'm not here).
I say - Sure, he's right here, let me get him.
Husband flips me off.

Typical evening...

Given It Away

Well, Vanessa is doing a give away and as much as I hate to admit it, I do need it. It involves finances and sometimes I tend to not finance as well as I should. Go leave her a comment. Thanks, Vanessa

I Have Booty

Well, not as much booty as I used to but that's not the kind of booty I'm talkin bout. I have booty for Jaime over at Embracing Balance. Here is a little preview.

Umm, what could be in there?? You will just have to wait and see when Jaime opens it up! I tried one of these. These little gems get a thumbs up.

I had my WW meeting last night and we talked about "me time" and how if we don't make time for ourselves, we should. I believe that my exercise time is my "me time." Now, since the weather here is like this right now, it does cut down on what can be done outside.

But I also have a treadmill that I use at least 5 time a week. I put on my little apple green ipod and go for it. Yes, my treadmill is a little old school but the belt still moves! If it ever dies (god forbid), I will get another one maybe say from the 21st century.

The gentleman above really likes it when I exercise outside. So, spring/summer/fall months are spent walking, running, hiking becauseI live in a place where it is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for this type of outdoor fun! Okay, if I were to ask you what you do for "me time" what would you say?

I'm Collecting Stash for Jaime

So, I emailed Jaime over at Embracing Balance back in October letting her know that I would be up for a Colorado/Canadian exchange. Guess What? She is in and we will be exchanging some "booty" later this month. I will be out hunting and gathering this weekend. Don't worry, Jaime, I won't box up anything with fur!

I'm thinking of gathering up a few of the items listed below - yummy in my tummy.

Barney Butter, good with anything.

Kashi Cookies - who doesn't need a few of these bad boys.

Tried these, Jaime, pretty darn good and not as many calories as Larabars.

And I will throw in your requested Clif KidZ bars because I think adults can eat them too! I shall be shipping them out first of next week or so. I've never shipped anything to Canada. Should be interesting.

His and Hers

So, the first part of this post has nothing to do with His and Hers. But later in the post it will make sense, really. Had to share my crazy dog. This is him lying on the deck wondering why we aren't going for a walk. Notice he won't even look at the camera?

Well, now that I've said the magic words which happen to be really inventive. "Let's go for a walk!" This is what I get. Such a fickle animal...
Now, on to the his and hers. So, we went to the grocery store the other night and when we got home and I was unpacking I couldn't believe the difference in our purchases. See below. The only redeeming thing that he purchased is the Skippy Natural Peanut Butter. I've tried other brands that tend to be a little more healthy and got the well, if I have to eat it, I will line. This is his compromise.

So, he buys this.
I buy these.

He purchases the largest bag of Frosted Flakes that I have ever seen.

I go for the natural granola.

He buys a large box of these. Probably 5 grams of fat per bar. Notice that they are Peanut Butter? The man has a thing with PB.

I throw a few of these in the cart to try.

Truly shocked me once I paid attention. I eat what I like and what I hope is good for me. He really eats things that "taste good" no matter what the calories or fat. Well, they do say opposites attract. Have a good evening.

Up to the Challenge?

Well, here I am sweaty and redfaced after Amy's Challenge Workout Wednesday. I hit the trail for a 3.5 mile run/walk. Got up early as the Hubs had to go to work. We walked into town from the house which is about 1.0 +/- miles and then I walked back, took the long way around the river walking path, ran for about 2 miles, give or take, and walked the rest of the way. I was hot, sweaty and felt great. The dog on the other hand ended up in the river several times and was quite hot by the time we were done. So, bring on Workout Wednesday Week 4. Had some time in the morning after exercising so did some things around the house and then made some of this amazing banana fro yo thanks to Gena. This stuff is the "bomb." Here are some pics of the process. Remember, you need to have patience to make this stuff because it does take awhile. I started with three frozen bananas which needed to be peeled. Very cold, red hand! I put the banans in the food processor with the blade and let it do its thing. You have to continuely move them around or this won't work.

I added a tsp of vanilla which makes it taste even more wonderful. Here is the mixing, adding vanilla and the final product. So, if you are hankering for something to relax with on the couch before bed besides the Hubs, this treat is it. Some fresh strawberries on top aren't too shabby either. Have a good one!

I'm Trying to Get Back Into It

So, as you can see, it's been forever since posting. However, Amy's Challenge has brought me back into it. The challenge so far has made me think about exercise and making the right food choices. Here are some pics of last week's challenge. I hit the trail and worked it out for a little over an hour. I also had some four-legged help from my faithful golden retriever, Dudley. If I had four legs I could go faster too! The trail head for this 3.5 mile hike/run is a few blocks from work (uphill). So it's easy to head up after a long day of sitting at a desk. This is the start and believe me it's straight up for a good while. It then tapers and you get to go for awhile on a somewhat flat trail which is where I do the running. Then we go up again, straight down, flat, down, up, you get the picture.

We have to go down these after going across a very high bridge over a canyon and then through a short cavelike walkway through the mountain. The dog wasn't so hot on the high bridge or the cave. It took some cajoling to get him to do it! All, in all, it was a great workout. I did get eaten by mosquitoes at one point. Yikes. Update ya with this week's challenge later.

Challenge Results So Far

Progress on my goal as stated here. I have actually lost 1.5 pounds and exercised an average of 5 times per week. Not having met my goal, I'm feeling a little irritated with myself. I've also postponed taking the too tight pants pics that I promised. One would think I would take them soon so I can see how tight they really are and jolt me back into eating reality. Pictures will be taken and posted.

So, as you can tell from above, the challenge is underway and we are in week three. I have to say I wanted to be a little farther on the weight loss and exercise front but, alas, I'm not. I'm sure I could come up with some excuses, like I was sick last week, it snowed here all day Monday and Tuesday so I have no need to fit into summer pants, Mother's Day happened, I had elective bypass surgery (slipped that in to see if you were truly listening to my whiny excuses). Yes, some of these things did truly happen in my life but are really no excuse for not being more accountable.

Let's get it in gear, woman. It meaning your flabby derriere moving in some way to counter attack the lack of accountability.... I shall report better results in my next post.

The Challenge Begins

Okay, here's the skinny. Carolyn over at One Pound at a Time is putting together a challenge. I could so kiss you right now, Carolyn. Anyway, it starts tomorrow and lasts for 8 weeks (the true first day of summer - June 21st). Go check it out and sign up. What can it hurt? My goal is to be where I was last summer at this time and fit in ALL my summer pants. I will be taking pics of these too tight pants and we will watch the progress together. I've said I was going to this for about a month now and it's time to commit. In the next 8 weeks I hope to - NO - I will find my resolve, my adamant and unwavering ability to stay in control, my overall food composure and my weight loss mojo will return. I'm not calling Austin Powers. Its time to swing, baby...

Muffin Morning Sunday

I think I'm going to start a tradition. Every Sunday (well maybe not every Sunday) will be declared Muffin Sunday. The last two Sundays I have awakened and made muffins. Last Sunday it was Oooey Gooey Banana Muffins and this Sunday it was Blueberrific Muffins. Thank goodness to Vitamuffin Mixes, so good. Anyway, check them out. They are easy and taste wonderful.

The weekend has been good and crazy. I spent the morning yesterday trying on my spring/summer pants for my "too tight pants" debut. Well, I have to say that I must not be as fat as I thought, most of the pants fit, some more snug than others but overall, not as tight as I had thought. So, why does that not make me feel better? There were at least three pair that I am going to place on my lower half and have my other half take pictures. I will post them up for the world to see. These pants did fit last summer and I wore them many times. Sigh, what happened to my resolve, my adamant and unwavering ability to stay in control, my overall food composure? Have I lost my weight loss mojo? What can I do to get it back? Should I call Austin Powers? Or, I could just sew my mouth shut. That should solve my problem.....

I have been better than usual this weekend and I intend to keep things going during the week. I ran, I walked, I cleaned and I did some cooking. The walking path is almost free of snow and I will soon be out every morning for my two mile walk. Keep your fingers crossed that Mother Nature remains in a good mood or my hopes of walking in about a week will be just hopes and not reality.

Funny Story

Well, my youngest daughter is away at school and she called me the other day and told me the following story.

There is a girl in her class that is from Persia. Well, I wasn't sure about its location. My first thought was in the middle east somewhere. Apparently its in Iran somewhere between Afghanistan and Iraq. I'm no geography major so I looked it up.

This girl and my daughter have a "girl thing" going on as both are very competitive. The Persia card is played often in class to make a point to all that she is superior. Well, my youngest daughter is, how do I say this, a little "spunky," if you know what I mean. She finally had enough of the Persia card the other day and told her this. "You know, I'm from Italy, the country that's shaped like a boot and if you're not careful I'll shove it up your a___!" In front of the entire class mind you. At first I used the pursed mother expression thinking how could I have raised a daughter who would do such a thing. Then I burst out laughing hysterically. Can you just see it, a classroom full of students and she pops up with, "you know, the country shaped like a boot ...." I asked if she was now suspended or asked not to return. She said, "No." The teacher apparently had a hard time not laughing, turned his back to the students and continued with class. The classroom was full of muffled laughs and shaking shoulders as they were all trying to hold in their laughter.

I'm guessing that my daughter has won this round but there will probably be more. What do you think?

Ready for the Weekend to Be Over

Well, the weekend has been busy and crazy but also productive. A little too much over indulgence but I'm ready to say, STOP, GET A GRIP and move on. I did some grocery shopping, book work, house cleaning, laundry and, most importantly, we went out Saturday night with friends and had a great time but ended up playing Guitar Hero until wee hours in the morning. So, I'm beat today.

Oh, I also had some time to download some music to the old ipod. A little Daughtry, Duran Duran, Eminem, Buckcherry, Linkn Park. One thing I didn't have time to do is take my "too tight pants" pics. I am, however, bound and determined to get them taken this week. So, check back often for the preview!

I also made Oooey, Gooey Banana Muffins and Butternut Bisque today. Both surprisingly excellent.

Hope all had a good weekend.

Life is Too Short

You know, today I had to go to a funeral for a client who I have known for 20+ years. He was what I would categorize as "my absolutely favorite client." Kind, intelligent, funny, complimentary and always thinking of ways to "make a deal work." It's hard for me to think I won't be working with him anymore. I will truly miss him and his wonderful laugh.

So, because of the whole uproar in my schedule the last couple days, my eating and exercise have been erratic. And, can you believe, I have another funeral planned for tomorrow. A lovely little lady who taught piano lessons to local kids and who I have known since I was young passed away over the weekend. She will truly be missed in our community. So, I'm anticipating that my schedule, again tomorrow, will be crazy. My plan, however, is to not let that be an excuse to eat things not on plan or not drink my water or not at least attempt some type of exercise. I think by writing that down, I am doing myself a favor.

I will be taking those photos of my "too tight pants" for my tribute to the Glam Challenge this weekend. So, please tune in for my public humiliation.

Gone But Hopefully Not Forgotten

Well, it's been awhile since I posted and, frankly, awhile since I have been accountable to myself and my eating and exercise. I feel like I have been beating my head against the wall - or desk as the picture portrays. Life, work, eating, exercise seem to be overwhelming to me right now. I am also generally irritated with myself because at this time last year I was about 8 to 9 pounds less than I am now. My New Year's goal was to be back there by the end of March. Well, guess what, it's almost the end of March and I'm not there yet. I know, not the end of the world. However, I'm just irritated with myself for not doing the things I know that I can do to get to where I want to be. So, I know that Glam has a challenge out there and I am becoming a Glam Fan and hopping on the public humiliation wagon. No bikini but I do have some pants that I wore last spring/summer that I know will be too tight. So, my challenge to myself is to get back in those pants by the end of April/beginning of May. I will be taking photos of myself in those "too tight" pants and will be posting for all to see. Yes, public humiliation, here I come. Check back soon for those photos...

Menu for Monday

Here's the menu for today:

Bfast
WW Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal w/ 1/2 c. frozen cherries - 2.5
Coffee with 4 Tblsp FF 1/2 and 1/2 and 2 packets vanilla splenda - 1

Lunch
Knudsen Live Active Cottage Cheese with 1/2 Braeburn apple - 1.5
Carrots - 0
Snyders Pretzels - 1

Dinner
Stuffed Acorn Squash - 4
Salad with 1 Tbslp FF Italian Dressing

Dessert
1/2 cup Ben & Jerry's Light Cherry Garcia Frozen Yogurt - 4

Snack
Strawberry Curves Bar - 1
Handful of Marshmallow Cereal - 1
Orange - 1
Total 17

Lots of water.
Ixnay on the excerise. The early morning darkness threw me for a loop. I'm going to give a try tomorrow.

New Day, New Snowflakes

Yep, you heard it here. More snow. So much for my spring fashion shopping spree. I guess I'll be cross-country skiing in the morning in the pitch black, love that Daylight Savings Time. I think I complainith too much. I shall stop.

Let's talk about what's up with my food planning, measuring, eating, eating, eating. Oh, I seem to be stuck on eating, don't I? Kind of like my weekend. So, today is Monday and the greatest and bestest day to give it a go to have a good beginning to a great week. That's exactly what I'm going to do. So, I have great food in the house as I just went shopping over the weekend and there's no excuse not to eat well and be accountable. I know that I said I was going to try not to weigh and measure but as I thought about it I realized that the only time I have ever been successful at losing and maintaining is when I weigh and measure. So, I guess if I'm 90 and in the kitchen measuring out my Esure and prunes, so be it. There could be worse things in the world. At least I'll be a thin 90 year old!

So, I took Roni's advice over at Roni's Weight Watchen and picked up some light Ben & Jerry's. I grabbed the Cherry Garcia Light Frozen Yogurt. The stats aren't bad 1/2 cup for 170 calories, 3 grams of fat and .5 grams of fiber. Works out to 4 points per serving if you are doing WW (you could probably get away with 3.5 if you wanted to, I usually round up, though). Not too shabby. I've yet to try it but I'll report back and let you know. It was actually fun to look in the ice cream section and find something that I could fit into my life.

I also did something that I haven't done for awhile and that's mark point values on the foods I bought at the store. That way, I know exactly what my portion should be and what the point value is for that particular food. I had gotten away from doing that and I really think it helps me. I'm a nutritional label freak so I'm always looking at them anyway, why not figure out the points right off the bat. I write the points directly on the bag, box, etc. If I happen to dump the contents in another container, I cut the label off the bag or box, write the points on it and stick it in the container. I think it helps my "accountability." You know the old saying - Out of sight, out of mind. Well this makes it harder when the points are written in permanent marker on the container I'm eating from.

I'll try to stop back after dinner and post my menu for the day.