A year ago at this time I was less than a week away from my wedding day. I was cutting calories (and carbs!), exercising, and thriving on stress. I was planning and preparing and struggling with sleepless nights trying to get everything done, both in my brain and in the real world. I'm so glad now that I blogged about the little mundane things, because they are lost in my memory banks somewhere far far away now.
And this year, this week is much the same in a very different way. I'm still frying food for the Mister and having to substitute for myself. But now instead of subbing a big salad and a bowl of fruit, I'm eating extra mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy, and ice cream or strawberry shortcake to make up for my inability to consume fried things :)
I'm still watching my waist line, but instead of measuring it daily to see if it's shrunk, I'm watching happily as it grows and becomes more round with each day. Rather than digging out my skinny jeans, I'm putting them away and opting for stretchy things (finally hehe).
Exercise? Well, I'm not running. I'm not even walking. But I waddle now and then :) Burning calories these days means climbing the stairs or taking the laundry to the laundry room.
Spending? It all goes to Target hehe. We needed lots and lots of baby things, and slowly but surely we have acquired at least the basic necessities. I'm not shelling out money for a beautiful dress or decorations. Now I'm buying diapers and blankies and everything in between.
Stress? Yes. But now I'm worrying about baby names and bedroom things rather than flowers and cake. Mmmm. Cake......
Oh and I'm a bit distractable ;)
It's funny how much can change in a year.
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weight loss. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Marks of Love
"Mom, why can't I have macaroni and cheese every day?" Chloe asked me the other evening.
"Well, it's not very good for you," I explained. "It's just a lot of fat and fillers. It's ok now and then, but you don't want to eat it a lot," I told her. She pondered what I had said.
"You don't want me to be chubby like Suzie, do ya?" she concluded.
Stop. I had to stop and contemplate what I would say to her. This was a prime time to discuss body image, and I didn't want to give her the wrong idea. How did I tell her that no, I don't WANT her to be "chubby," as she put it, but that if she IS chubby, she should love herself anyway and not be obsessed with skinny. I have a hard time embracing my own body, how can I teach HER to do it?
"I want you to be healthy, but I don't care what you look like as long as you are healthy," I told her.
"Ahhh!" she said, as if having had a EUREKA moment. "I see. So you let me have mac and cheese SOMETIMES even 'doh it has fat, because I need to grow my curves."
"Huh?"
"Girls shouldn't be straight like a boy. Day need ta grow dere curves so dey will be pretty like a lady," she told me. I smiled.
She was right. I find myself struggling so often with weight and body image, and from the mouth of a five year-old comes a nugget of wisdom. Here I was trying to teach HER a lesson, and she was teaching me one.
But the kicker came just a few nights ago.
Every night after we have both taken a bath, we sit together and put on our lotion. She struggles with eczema, so I have to keep her hydrated, and it's no secret she loves getting her back and belly rubbed every night. She, in turn, likes to put my belly balm on my belly, being sure to get IN my belly button so that the baby can have some, too ;)
As she was putting it on the other night, she asked me why I just put it on my belly.
"To keep it from getting too dry," I replied. "When my skin is dry, it gets really tight, and with the baby growing and pulling my skin, it will stretch easier if it's not so dry," I went on to explain.
"Did you use it wif me?" she asked? I told her I did. She put some more on her little finger and rubbed it just below my belly button.
"Here. Let me put some on your stretch marks. I was a big girl, wasn't I? To make dose."
I was quiet. There are one or two things I'm super-sensitive about, and those scars of motherhood are definitely one of them. "I don't want to talk about those," I told her quietly.
"Why? Dere so beautiful," she said with a smile.
I know she picked up on my tone and my mood. I know she knew it bothered me and was just trying to make me feel better.
"I don't think so," I said.
"Day are. Day make your skin look like it's got pretty lace on it. Like your weddin' dress. See my belly? My skin is just (scrunchy face) all plain and boring. You have a lacey belly. I hope when I have a baby I get a lacey belly," She said with a smile.
And while I KNOW they're not pretty and they DON'T look like lace, the fact that she went to such great lenghts to try and CHANGE my perception amazes me. Now every time I see them, instead of ugly scars, I see wedding lace. And I feel love. And now it's more than just the mark of becoming a mother. It's a mark of love.
The biggest thing I learned? Teaching her about body image may not be as important as SHOWING her how to love your body. A lesson that SHE taught ME.
"Well, it's not very good for you," I explained. "It's just a lot of fat and fillers. It's ok now and then, but you don't want to eat it a lot," I told her. She pondered what I had said.
"You don't want me to be chubby like Suzie, do ya?" she concluded.
Stop. I had to stop and contemplate what I would say to her. This was a prime time to discuss body image, and I didn't want to give her the wrong idea. How did I tell her that no, I don't WANT her to be "chubby," as she put it, but that if she IS chubby, she should love herself anyway and not be obsessed with skinny. I have a hard time embracing my own body, how can I teach HER to do it?
"I want you to be healthy, but I don't care what you look like as long as you are healthy," I told her.
"Ahhh!" she said, as if having had a EUREKA moment. "I see. So you let me have mac and cheese SOMETIMES even 'doh it has fat, because I need to grow my curves."
"Huh?"
"Girls shouldn't be straight like a boy. Day need ta grow dere curves so dey will be pretty like a lady," she told me. I smiled.
She was right. I find myself struggling so often with weight and body image, and from the mouth of a five year-old comes a nugget of wisdom. Here I was trying to teach HER a lesson, and she was teaching me one.
But the kicker came just a few nights ago.
Every night after we have both taken a bath, we sit together and put on our lotion. She struggles with eczema, so I have to keep her hydrated, and it's no secret she loves getting her back and belly rubbed every night. She, in turn, likes to put my belly balm on my belly, being sure to get IN my belly button so that the baby can have some, too ;)
As she was putting it on the other night, she asked me why I just put it on my belly.
"To keep it from getting too dry," I replied. "When my skin is dry, it gets really tight, and with the baby growing and pulling my skin, it will stretch easier if it's not so dry," I went on to explain.
"Did you use it wif me?" she asked? I told her I did. She put some more on her little finger and rubbed it just below my belly button.
"Here. Let me put some on your stretch marks. I was a big girl, wasn't I? To make dose."
I was quiet. There are one or two things I'm super-sensitive about, and those scars of motherhood are definitely one of them. "I don't want to talk about those," I told her quietly.
"Why? Dere so beautiful," she said with a smile.
I know she picked up on my tone and my mood. I know she knew it bothered me and was just trying to make me feel better.
"I don't think so," I said.
"Day are. Day make your skin look like it's got pretty lace on it. Like your weddin' dress. See my belly? My skin is just (scrunchy face) all plain and boring. You have a lacey belly. I hope when I have a baby I get a lacey belly," She said with a smile.
And while I KNOW they're not pretty and they DON'T look like lace, the fact that she went to such great lenghts to try and CHANGE my perception amazes me. Now every time I see them, instead of ugly scars, I see wedding lace. And I feel love. And now it's more than just the mark of becoming a mother. It's a mark of love.
The biggest thing I learned? Teaching her about body image may not be as important as SHOWING her how to love your body. A lesson that SHE taught ME.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Excuses, excuses!
Before I give you the big announcement/excuse, I wanted to do one *LAST* WWL update.
I am back down my 4lbs. BUT.
Three weeks ago I started cutting carbs and fat, eating mostly whole grain and white meat chicken (grilled of course)...all the while still cooking for my Mister and frying him pork cutlets, making fried potatoes and smothered gold potatoes. Iwas a raging Hulk making those fried yummy dinners for one wasn't jealous one bit. I started walking (THANK YOU LORD for sunny days!) and lifting weights daily. So while I have not lost a lot in the pounds department, in the inches area I'm doing a lot better! I'm becoming toned and tanned FINALLY, and though my numbers aren't a lot different, my physique is changing. I have a few more sessions to complete, and over all I am happy with my end result. I look better, I feel better, and several of my little fat pouches have turned to brown skin pulled tight over firm muscle. YAY!
That beign said, I have kept my wedding date and information quite elusive on here, but now it's time to tell you.
I'M GETTING MARRIED SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahhh there. Now I feel better.
I tell you that, to say this:
I don't have plans of posting at all this week. Should I find an extra minute or hour, I would love to continue The Beast saga and do a 5QF, but I honestly don't see that happening.
In fact, I'm cutting into my cleaning time right now just TELLING you this :)
So please excuse me while I prepare myself and ride into the sunset on my prince's white horse.....
er, ah, in his white truck....this is a farm, not a castle ;)
I'll miss you, bloggy friends, but I'll be back soon with wedding pictures and tales of becoming my Mister's Misses.
Until then......
I am back down my 4lbs. BUT.
Three weeks ago I started cutting carbs and fat, eating mostly whole grain and white meat chicken (grilled of course)...all the while still cooking for my Mister and frying him pork cutlets, making fried potatoes and smothered gold potatoes. I
That beign said, I have kept my wedding date and information quite elusive on here, but now it's time to tell you.
I'M GETTING MARRIED SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahhh there. Now I feel better.
I tell you that, to say this:
I don't have plans of posting at all this week. Should I find an extra minute or hour, I would love to continue The Beast saga and do a 5QF, but I honestly don't see that happening.
In fact, I'm cutting into my cleaning time right now just TELLING you this :)
So please excuse me while I prepare myself and ride into the sunset on my prince's white horse.....
er, ah, in his white truck....this is a farm, not a castle ;)
I'll miss you, bloggy friends, but I'll be back soon with wedding pictures and tales of becoming my Mister's Misses.
Until then......
Monday, March 21, 2011
WWL: A Failure
I haven't updated on my Operation Wedding Weight Loss in a while because it sucks. I've cut out a lot of things from my diet, been active, and I'm doing worse than ever.
It's frustrating.
It makes me feel like a loser.
My Wii Fit thinks the most "healthy" weight for me is -24lbs. I can't even keep four off.
I eat a salad for lunch every day. Every. Day. And I'm not talking about a ranch and cheese covered salad. Greens, a few croutons, and light Italian dressing...very little.
I'm walking up to two miles a day, at least three days a week, which is more than I was doing this winter when the most exercise I did was walk from the couch to the fridge.
I quit snacking during my nighttime tv altogether. If I get hungry I eat whole grain cereal.
I cut my dinner portions, and usually opt for a grilled chicken salad at least one or two nights a week instead of whatever I'mfrying preparing for my Mister.
I miss pizza and McDonald's. I miss brownies and ice cream at night. And for what? For NOTHING.
=/
It's frustrating.
It makes me feel like a loser.
My Wii Fit thinks the most "healthy" weight for me is -24lbs. I can't even keep four off.
I eat a salad for lunch every day. Every. Day. And I'm not talking about a ranch and cheese covered salad. Greens, a few croutons, and light Italian dressing...very little.
I'm walking up to two miles a day, at least three days a week, which is more than I was doing this winter when the most exercise I did was walk from the couch to the fridge.
I quit snacking during my nighttime tv altogether. If I get hungry I eat whole grain cereal.
I cut my dinner portions, and usually opt for a grilled chicken salad at least one or two nights a week instead of whatever I'm
I miss pizza and McDonald's. I miss brownies and ice cream at night. And for what? For NOTHING.
=/
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Spanx Me!
When Chloe was about six months old and I was teaching (aka wearing clingy dress clothes five days a week), I invested in a good pair of Spanx. Please tell me you're familiar with Spanx.
I don't care how fat or skinny you are, EVERY woman needs a pair. For real.
ANYWAY. Fast forward about a year. I was on the Stress Diet against my will, of course, but on it nontheless. I lost fifteen pounds in a matter of weeks, and another ten came off over the following six months. Miserable, yet hot, I stuffed the Spanx away in a drawer, smugly telling my old "fat" self that I would never need them again.
Ah hem.
Fast forward two years to a ridiculously happy me. Heard the term fat 'n' happy? Yeah. It's me. I'm not saying I'm obese, but as far as the range of Andrea goes, discounting pregnancy weights, I'm on the "fatter" side of my own scale. Misery looks amazing on me, but I wouldn't trade my happiness for the world!
Today is wedding dress shopping day. As you may or may not know, I have successfully lost 4.3 lbs this month, and hope to lose twice that by the wedding. However, I'm still kinda squishy. Kinda lovable. Kinda smooshy. Mostly around my middle [Ohhhh how I bragged I only gained weight in my belly when I was preggo....and THAT'S where it all stayed. Nice..]. I look alright in clothes, but I was rather nervous about trying on form-fitting dresses, because, let's face it, most wedding dresses are clingy. And barring wearing my jeans and button up shirt for the hitchin', I didn't feel I could pull off a pretty dress.
Then I remembered Ye Olde Spanks. I dug them out of a drawer, THANKFUL that the "you-spent-thirty-bucks-on-those-things" angel on my shoulder won over the "you-won't-need-those-again-unless-you-become-a-fat-ass" devil when I was packing. Whew!
If you've not been in Spanx, lemme just tell ya, lookin' good ain't no easy task. Imagine putting on a pair of pantyhose four sizes too small...but really that's the right size. I wriggeld and squeezed, pulled and tugged, shifted and smooshed, and after nearly breaking a sweat (burning calories yeah!), I had them on.
And I. Looked.Good. Better.
They're not magic. They can't delete the fat, but they do a good job of firming it all up, squishing you into a tight little form, and keeping that baby belly from peeking over your pants.
I'm ready to shimmy into some slinky dresses now! Thank God and QVC for Spanx ;)
ANYWAY. Fast forward about a year. I was on the Stress Diet against my will, of course, but on it nontheless. I lost fifteen pounds in a matter of weeks, and another ten came off over the following six months. Miserable, yet hot, I stuffed the Spanx away in a drawer, smugly telling my old "fat" self that I would never need them again.
Ah hem.
Fast forward two years to a ridiculously happy me. Heard the term fat 'n' happy? Yeah. It's me. I'm not saying I'm obese, but as far as the range of Andrea goes, discounting pregnancy weights, I'm on the "fatter" side of my own scale. Misery looks amazing on me, but I wouldn't trade my happiness for the world!
Today is wedding dress shopping day. As you may or may not know, I have successfully lost 4.3 lbs this month, and hope to lose twice that by the wedding. However, I'm still kinda squishy. Kinda lovable. Kinda smooshy. Mostly around my middle [Ohhhh how I bragged I only gained weight in my belly when I was preggo....and THAT'S where it all stayed. Nice..]. I look alright in clothes, but I was rather nervous about trying on form-fitting dresses, because, let's face it, most wedding dresses are clingy. And barring wearing my jeans and button up shirt for the hitchin', I didn't feel I could pull off a pretty dress.
Then I remembered Ye Olde Spanks. I dug them out of a drawer, THANKFUL that the "you-spent-thirty-bucks-on-those-things" angel on my shoulder won over the "you-won't-need-those-again-unless-you-become-a-fat-ass" devil when I was packing. Whew!
If you've not been in Spanx, lemme just tell ya, lookin' good ain't no easy task. Imagine putting on a pair of pantyhose four sizes too small...but really that's the right size. I wriggeld and squeezed, pulled and tugged, shifted and smooshed, and after nearly breaking a sweat (burning calories yeah!), I had them on.
And I. Looked.
They're not magic. They can't delete the fat, but they do a good job of firming it all up, squishing you into a tight little form, and keeping that baby belly from peeking over your pants.
I'm ready to shimmy into some slinky dresses now! Thank God and QVC for Spanx ;)
Friday, February 18, 2011
Just in case you're on the edge of your seat...
I got up the nerve to weigh this morning. I was down 1.1 lbs :) So that puts me back to -4.3 lbs. YAY! I know it's just a drop in my bucket...er ah, is it a drop OUT of my bucket? Yeah I think so. Either way, I'm 1/3 of the way to my wedding day goal with six to twelve weeks left to go. That's confusing to you, I know. But I know how much time I have ;)
So, if you were just sitting there on the edge of your bloggy little world wondering how I did this week, now you know :) It's been easier since the weather has been nice and I've been more active.
I caught a glimpse of my shadow today and it wasn't one of those stretched-out shadows, either. Pretty well to scale. I liked how it looked. A little curve around the hips, and I'm ok with it. If I can do nothing more than MAINTAIN this -4.3 lbs I will be happy. But I'm still gonna shoot for that -13.
So, if you were just sitting there on the edge of your bloggy little world wondering how I did this week, now you know :) It's been easier since the weather has been nice and I've been more active.
I caught a glimpse of my shadow today and it wasn't one of those stretched-out shadows, either. Pretty well to scale. I liked how it looked. A little curve around the hips, and I'm ok with it. If I can do nothing more than MAINTAIN this -4.3 lbs I will be happy. But I'm still gonna shoot for that -13.
Friday, February 11, 2011
I once had a pegasus "tattoo"
It's FRIDAY!!!!!!!! Are you excited? Are ya? I am! I don't know why. I have NO plans this weekend, and Chloe will be with her d.a.d. all weekend. BUT. It's Friday anyway, and for whatever reason that always makes me happy.
What makes me unhappy? Today was WWL weigh day. I gained 1.1 lbs =/ I did my best this week, though, and I am noticing more muscle tone in my arms. But after my bad eating last week, and being ridiculously sick Monday and Tuesday, I figure it's finally caught up with me. Also know what makes me unhappy? The result of being sick is are two fever blisters. One in each corner of my mouth makes it nearly impossible to yawn, drink, or take normal sized bites of food without pain and ugh cracking. But it's FRIDAY!
Ok. We are back to 5QF this week, so without further ado, here it is.
1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?
Ohhhhh Extreme Home Makeover. Not that our home isn't sweet and all. But if I was going to choose one or the other, I'd like a brand new home built from the ground-up with all new EVERYTHING. I suck at decorating, and I would LOVE to have it allll done up for me. Chloe would have an amazing room, and we'd be set for many many years. Of course you're thinking I NEED What Not to Wear because you don't think my daily t-shirt, jeans and boots is very fashonista of me? Guess what? I don't care. I would rather chill in my Mizzou shirts and Silver jeans in my awesome new home than hobble around Poe-Dunk USA in pointy shoes and clingy tops. Just sayin' :)
2. Do you have any tattoos?
I do not. But I came soooooooo close to having one on my wrist a couple years ago. It was circumstance that nixed the operation, not a change of heart. Now I just don't have the wild desire for it I once did (or the extra cash), but I might one day. It's definitely a possibility.
When I was very close to getting the tattoo, I had a guy friend who sent me a "caution" e-mail, begging me not to do it, telling me I'd regret it, blah blah blah. His little tirade really struck a nerve (and I was in my "I do what I want" mindset anyway), so I played a little pranky on him :) My friend's hubby actually had a gun and some transfers, so I had him put this huge pegasus transfer (a purple-ish pattern) on my shoulder, snapped a picture, and sent it to my friend telling him look what I got! I still need to get the colors filled in but isn't it AWESOME!?!?!?! Bahahahaha A friggin PEGASUS! Oh he couldn't believe I'd done it, yet he didn't want to be mean. I finally told him and I think he was mad at me for some time. It still makes me giggle.
3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?
I tell Chloe more than most parents probably think appropriate, but she's not really to an age yet where she asks about my growing up. I tell her stories now about myself that she can relate to, from when I was her age. I would say I will continue to do so as she grows, and while I am not proud of everything I've ever done, my teen years were extremely mild in comparison to, well, most people. The "worst" thing I ever did growing up would be something most parents would probably breathe a sigh of relief over. My Mister still doesn't believe how naive and "good" I was.
4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?
I usually slow down, unless I'm in a big hurry, following someone, or sick of stopping at lights.
5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?
Oooooh that's tough. How about chocolate chips? Not even funny was it? I tried. Anyway, I guess if I HAD to choose one or the other I would choose chocolate. I love it. But I ESPECIALLY love it after eating something salty..like, say...chips. I couldn't live without chocolate, though, and chips I could.
What makes me unhappy? Today was WWL weigh day. I gained 1.1 lbs =/ I did my best this week, though, and I am noticing more muscle tone in my arms. But after my bad eating last week, and being ridiculously sick Monday and Tuesday, I figure it's finally caught up with me. Also know what makes me unhappy? The result of being sick is are two fever blisters. One in each corner of my mouth makes it nearly impossible to yawn, drink, or take normal sized bites of food without pain and ugh cracking. But it's FRIDAY!
Ok. We are back to 5QF this week, so without further ado, here it is.
1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?
Ohhhhh Extreme Home Makeover. Not that our home isn't sweet and all. But if I was going to choose one or the other, I'd like a brand new home built from the ground-up with all new EVERYTHING. I suck at decorating, and I would LOVE to have it allll done up for me. Chloe would have an amazing room, and we'd be set for many many years. Of course you're thinking I NEED What Not to Wear because you don't think my daily t-shirt, jeans and boots is very fashonista of me? Guess what? I don't care. I would rather chill in my Mizzou shirts and Silver jeans in my awesome new home than hobble around Poe-Dunk USA in pointy shoes and clingy tops. Just sayin' :)
2. Do you have any tattoos?
I do not. But I came soooooooo close to having one on my wrist a couple years ago. It was circumstance that nixed the operation, not a change of heart. Now I just don't have the wild desire for it I once did (or the extra cash), but I might one day. It's definitely a possibility.
When I was very close to getting the tattoo, I had a guy friend who sent me a "caution" e-mail, begging me not to do it, telling me I'd regret it, blah blah blah. His little tirade really struck a nerve (and I was in my "I do what I want" mindset anyway), so I played a little pranky on him :) My friend's hubby actually had a gun and some transfers, so I had him put this huge pegasus transfer (a purple-ish pattern) on my shoulder, snapped a picture, and sent it to my friend telling him look what I got! I still need to get the colors filled in but isn't it AWESOME!?!?!?! Bahahahaha A friggin PEGASUS! Oh he couldn't believe I'd done it, yet he didn't want to be mean. I finally told him and I think he was mad at me for some time. It still makes me giggle.
3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?
I tell Chloe more than most parents probably think appropriate, but she's not really to an age yet where she asks about my growing up. I tell her stories now about myself that she can relate to, from when I was her age. I would say I will continue to do so as she grows, and while I am not proud of everything I've ever done, my teen years were extremely mild in comparison to, well, most people. The "worst" thing I ever did growing up would be something most parents would probably breathe a sigh of relief over. My Mister still doesn't believe how naive and "good" I was.
4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?
I usually slow down, unless I'm in a big hurry, following someone, or sick of stopping at lights.
5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?
Oooooh that's tough. How about chocolate chips? Not even funny was it? I tried. Anyway, I guess if I HAD to choose one or the other I would choose chocolate. I love it. But I ESPECIALLY love it after eating something salty..like, say...chips. I couldn't live without chocolate, though, and chips I could.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Snow days hinder WWL
Last week was my kick-off week for WWL. I did awesome. I lost 4.2lbs and felt really good about my food choices. I was gung-ho, as they say, to see what week two would have in store.
Then the snow storm hit. I had stocked up on food and snacks (bad Mama) knowing I'd be inside with the family for several days, and knowing Chloe would need a variety of treats and lunch choices to keep her sane. I did not expect the following:
"Sweetie, will you fix me some lunch? Two grilled ham-and-cheese sandwiches?" he asked so sweetly. Ok. It probably sounded more like, "What are you fixing for lunch? I want grilled ham and cheese. Two of 'em," at which point I gave him "the look," and he revised it to the previous statement.
I stood in the kitchen, my mouth watering at the smell and sight of melting cheese and butter, with ham warming between. I couldn't be satisfied with a salad. I just couldn't. So I had tomato soup as a compromise. With crackers.
Monday night was cashew chicken, of which I partook only mildly. Chlo doesn't like it, so she begged for goulash (the Americanized kind. You know. Spaghetti 86 spaghetti noodles sub elbow macaroni) Since I had to open a new jar of sauce, I deemed Tuesday night spaghetti night.
Spaghetti is my Kryptonite. For real. Noodles...ohhhhh the noodles. And the garlic bread. I can eat it until my stomach bursts and still not be satisfied. I didn't, though. But I came darn close =/
Today I had cereal for breakfast, and no snack. I fixed the Mister grilled ham-and-cheese AGAIN, and even though I decided in my mind I'd screw it and just eat one, my will-power prevailed. I had my usual salad.
Oh. Did I mention they requested my amazing chocolate chip cookies for dessert? The kind made with a half pound of real sweet cream butter, brown sugar, and semi-sweet morsels? The kind that are even better before they're baked? I only had one cookie....but that's not counting the seven I ate in dough ;)
Hopefully all the snow-trudging I did yesterday, and pulling the sled up the hill will make up for it...but I'm not looking forward to Friday. I'll be ready to get back to our normal routine, which somehow makes it easier to stick to my Operation WWL. Until then....wish me luck!
Then the snow storm hit. I had stocked up on food and snacks (bad Mama) knowing I'd be inside with the family for several days, and knowing Chloe would need a variety of treats and lunch choices to keep her sane. I did not expect the following:
"Sweetie, will you fix me some lunch? Two grilled ham-and-cheese sandwiches?" he asked so sweetly. Ok. It probably sounded more like, "What are you fixing for lunch? I want grilled ham and cheese. Two of 'em," at which point I gave him "the look," and he revised it to the previous statement.
I stood in the kitchen, my mouth watering at the smell and sight of melting cheese and butter, with ham warming between. I couldn't be satisfied with a salad. I just couldn't. So I had tomato soup as a compromise. With crackers.
Monday night was cashew chicken, of which I partook only mildly. Chlo doesn't like it, so she begged for goulash (the Americanized kind. You know. Spaghetti 86 spaghetti noodles sub elbow macaroni) Since I had to open a new jar of sauce, I deemed Tuesday night spaghetti night.
Spaghetti is my Kryptonite. For real. Noodles...ohhhhh the noodles. And the garlic bread. I can eat it until my stomach bursts and still not be satisfied. I didn't, though. But I came darn close =/
Today I had cereal for breakfast, and no snack. I fixed the Mister grilled ham-and-cheese AGAIN, and even though I decided in my mind I'd screw it and just eat one, my will-power prevailed. I had my usual salad.
Oh. Did I mention they requested my amazing chocolate chip cookies for dessert? The kind made with a half pound of real sweet cream butter, brown sugar, and semi-sweet morsels? The kind that are even better before they're baked? I only had one cookie....but that's not counting the seven I ate in dough ;)
Hopefully all the snow-trudging I did yesterday, and pulling the sled up the hill will make up for it...but I'm not looking forward to Friday. I'll be ready to get back to our normal routine, which somehow makes it easier to stick to my Operation WWL. Until then....wish me luck!
Friday, January 28, 2011
WWL SUCCESS!!!!!
Ok ok the whole thing isn't a success yet. I still have a ways to go, and somewhere between 11 and 15 weeks to maintain this lifestyle.
But for now....
Just for right now....
Can I get a big fat
BOOOOOO YAAAAAAAAH!!
What for, you ask?
I lost 4.2 lbs this week :) Since Monday! I've worked at it and I've given up at least half of the things I love. Yay me! Let's hope I can keep the trend! This makes me much more determined to "be good" this weekend rather than let myself "off the hook." :D
But for now....
Just for right now....
Can I get a big fat
BOOOOOO YAAAAAAAAH!!
What for, you ask?
I lost 4.2 lbs this week :) Since Monday! I've worked at it and I've given up at least half of the things I love. Yay me! Let's hope I can keep the trend! This makes me much more determined to "be good" this weekend rather than let myself "off the hook." :D
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Powdered Paranoia
I stepped into the kitchen and saw them staring at me. You know that feeling when you're not looking at someone, but you can FEEL them looking at you? Yeah. It was like that. I could tell they were crowded around the little window, just watching my every move, willing me to turn around and open the door.
I brushed past them without a glance, but inside they were all I could think about. I put two pieces of whole-wheat bread in the toaster and I waited.
Still they sat, motionless, watching my every move. Tempting me. Begging me to fall. They tried looking friendly and docile, but I know inside they were laughing and plotting against me. They were hoping to trick me with their look of innocence, then laugh in my face when I fell for it.
Their nutrition information was cleverly hidden from my view.
Their soft, powdery surfaces were pressed against the clear plastic, taunting my tastebuds from afar.
My face remained stone-cold, I showed no emotion, yet inside my mouth begged me to open them.
"COME ON! JUST ONE! One won't hurt! You can work it off later! PLEASE!"
I resisted, but I'm not sure how much longer it will last.
Here's hoping Chloe consumes eighteen powdered doughnuts today, because I'm just not sure I have it in me to resist their forces another day.
I brushed past them without a glance, but inside they were all I could think about. I put two pieces of whole-wheat bread in the toaster and I waited.
Still they sat, motionless, watching my every move. Tempting me. Begging me to fall. They tried looking friendly and docile, but I know inside they were laughing and plotting against me. They were hoping to trick me with their look of innocence, then laugh in my face when I fell for it.
Their nutrition information was cleverly hidden from my view.
Their soft, powdery surfaces were pressed against the clear plastic, taunting my tastebuds from afar.
My face remained stone-cold, I showed no emotion, yet inside my mouth begged me to open them."COME ON! JUST ONE! One won't hurt! You can work it off later! PLEASE!"
I resisted, but I'm not sure how much longer it will last.
Here's hoping Chloe consumes eighteen powdered doughnuts today, because I'm just not sure I have it in me to resist their forces another day.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Operation WWL: The Wii and Mii
I decided I'd go crawling back to my Wii Fit today. I've been playing Just Dance 2 on a (somewhat) regular basis, and my Wii Fit is a great way to track calories burned and weight loss/gain. Once I fired it up, though, I remembered why we got in a fight to begin with.
I've gained 7lbs. SEVEN since we got into it several months back. I realize I can rationalize most of it as "holiday" weight (I'm still carrying a little holiday weight....who said it??) But still. That puts me seven more pounds away from my goal, which was made from my last known weight. GAH!
I've been eating better little by little, and I've VOWED to only weigh on Mondays so my daily progress won't be hindered. Here's hoping next Monday is better.
Last week I cut out ice cream/reality tv snacks for healthy cereals. This week my goal is to get a grip on potatoes. Actually I guess my goal is to release the grip potatoes have on me :) Wish me luck. I'm going to need it!
I've gained 7lbs. SEVEN since we got into it several months back. I realize I can rationalize most of it as "holiday" weight (I'm still carrying a little holiday weight....who said it??) But still. That puts me seven more pounds away from my goal, which was made from my last known weight. GAH!
I've been eating better little by little, and I've VOWED to only weigh on Mondays so my daily progress won't be hindered. Here's hoping next Monday is better.
Last week I cut out ice cream/reality tv snacks for healthy cereals. This week my goal is to get a grip on potatoes. Actually I guess my goal is to release the grip potatoes have on me :) Wish me luck. I'm going to need it!
Friday, January 21, 2011
5QF, WWL, True Love and Sleep.
It's Friday! It's Friday with no school and lots of snow! YAY! I'm currently still snuggled in my bed trying to tap the keys quietly so not to wake the little sleepy head in the next room. She loves to sleep in as much as her mama does, but between a whining puppy and the Mister's alarm going off five times this morning, I couldn't return to slumberland.
Yesterday was a success as far as Operating WWL goes. I had GrapeNuts for breakfast, a salad for lunch (vegetarian salad with no naughty things), and a dry cereal snack. I DID eat ashitload good size portion of mashed potatoes, but I didn't have any ice cream or any other "white" carbs, so I justify the taters. Mmm they were good, too. I also danced my tushi off on Just Dance 2. My entire BODY is revolting now. One false move and my muscles remind me that I might be too old, or too out of shape to shake it like that ;)
Anyway. You don't care about that! You're ready for 5QF aren't ya?
Heeeeeeere we go!
1. When you met your spouse, did you instantly know it was love?
Mmm. Not when I "met" him, no. The first time we spent time together, though, I knew there was somethin' there. And then the first time we really talked, I just knew. I knew we were going to be together forever. I told him I was gonna marry him one day...and here we are, planning a wedding. We had an instant connection and there was just no stopping our little hearts from beating for each other. <3 I love him :)
2. What is your favorite room in your house?
Our bedroom. It has my lovely, wonderful bed. It's where I sit to Sharpie. It's the only place in the house I get clear cell service (darn you, T-Mobile!), thus the only place I can use the computer (unless the Mister is home). It's my little sanctuary and I love love love it!
3. Can you wiggle your ears?
Mmmm nope. But just like Mama, I can touch my tongue to my nose :)
4. What is your evening ritual?
I wash any dirty dishes at 4:30.
I start dinner at 4:45-5:00.
I fix everyone's plate and drink when the Mister gets home, usually between 5:30 and 5:45.
We eat dinner and are usually done by 6:15.
The Mister watches TV until 7, when one of my shows usually comes on ;)
7:00 Mama gets the TV. Yay. If none of my shows are on, we might play Wii. This is also the hour in which the Mister or I might take a shower if we're evening bathing. This is also the time of "Baby will you...." and "Mama can I have...." and "Please while you're up..." I usually burn out by 8:00 and declare myself "off" for the day :)
8:00 Chloe gets in the tub. I brief her on what has to be done (hair washed or no? bubbles or scrub?)
8:30 "MOOOOOOOM! I'm ready ta get out now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "Just a minute!" (She never yells during a commercial. Never!) Her naked bum is dried, jammies put on, teeth brushed. She picks a book and gets her drink. We read the book, snuggle, say goodnight, hugs, kisses, etc.
9:00 The Mister and I watch tv until he gets sleepy, usually around 9:30. I get my grape juice and shut off the lights and tv. We go to bed and spend time together, usually sleeping by 10 or 10:30, depending on how chatty I am or how long he can listen without falling asleep on me ;)
5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
This is the honest truth. If I'm left alone to wake completely on my own, I will sleep ten hours almost to the minute. It's true. Doesn't matter if I'm super tired or super wired, once I go to sleep I will sleep ten hours. It's safe to say I get at least nine hours of sleep every night, and any less makes me VERY grouchy. I can't help it. I need my sleep :) And I love it. It's tempting to go back to sleep now.....but I won't.
Yesterday was a success as far as Operating WWL goes. I had GrapeNuts for breakfast, a salad for lunch (vegetarian salad with no naughty things), and a dry cereal snack. I DID eat a
Anyway. You don't care about that! You're ready for 5QF aren't ya?
Heeeeeeere we go!
1. When you met your spouse, did you instantly know it was love?
Mmm. Not when I "met" him, no. The first time we spent time together, though, I knew there was somethin' there. And then the first time we really talked, I just knew. I knew we were going to be together forever. I told him I was gonna marry him one day...and here we are, planning a wedding. We had an instant connection and there was just no stopping our little hearts from beating for each other. <3 I love him :)
2. What is your favorite room in your house?
Our bedroom. It has my lovely, wonderful bed. It's where I sit to Sharpie. It's the only place in the house I get clear cell service (darn you, T-Mobile!), thus the only place I can use the computer (unless the Mister is home). It's my little sanctuary and I love love love it!
3. Can you wiggle your ears?
Mmmm nope. But just like Mama, I can touch my tongue to my nose :)
4. What is your evening ritual?
I wash any dirty dishes at 4:30.
I start dinner at 4:45-5:00.
I fix everyone's plate and drink when the Mister gets home, usually between 5:30 and 5:45.
We eat dinner and are usually done by 6:15.
The Mister watches TV until 7, when one of my shows usually comes on ;)
7:00 Mama gets the TV. Yay. If none of my shows are on, we might play Wii. This is also the hour in which the Mister or I might take a shower if we're evening bathing. This is also the time of "Baby will you...." and "Mama can I have...." and "Please while you're up..." I usually burn out by 8:00 and declare myself "off" for the day :)
8:00 Chloe gets in the tub. I brief her on what has to be done (hair washed or no? bubbles or scrub?)
8:30 "MOOOOOOOM! I'm ready ta get out now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "Just a minute!" (She never yells during a commercial. Never!) Her naked bum is dried, jammies put on, teeth brushed. She picks a book and gets her drink. We read the book, snuggle, say goodnight, hugs, kisses, etc.
9:00 The Mister and I watch tv until he gets sleepy, usually around 9:30. I get my grape juice and shut off the lights and tv. We go to bed and spend time together, usually sleeping by 10 or 10:30, depending on how chatty I am or how long he can listen without falling asleep on me ;)
5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
This is the honest truth. If I'm left alone to wake completely on my own, I will sleep ten hours almost to the minute. It's true. Doesn't matter if I'm super tired or super wired, once I go to sleep I will sleep ten hours. It's safe to say I get at least nine hours of sleep every night, and any less makes me VERY grouchy. I can't help it. I need my sleep :) And I love it. It's tempting to go back to sleep now.....but I won't.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Operation WWL Day One Re-Cap
Day one of Operation Wedding Weight-Loss has (almost) come to a close. You wanna know how I did? Let me tell you.
I had a grilled chicken salad for lunch.
I had dried apples and raisins for an afternoon snack.
I had a full portion of spaghetti for dinner. With garlic bread.
I'm having Special K red berries for a snack during Idol.
I did three songs on Just Dance 2. I have no rhythm. FYI.
It doesn't sound like I did all that well, but wait! There's more!
My salad was romaine, chicken breast, and lite Italian dressing ONLY. Nothing naughty.
I had the fruit rather than my normal afternoon cookie binge.
Although I had a full dinner portion, I only had ONE piece of WHOLE WHEAT garlic bread rather than my normal two pieces of white.
And the cereal in place of my monster ice cream cone. Even if it DOES have whole milk on it.
I decided I'm going to try to make better food decisions throughout the day and just watch my portions at dinner. It's hard to give up dinner. It's always the highlight of my day.
My Wii Fit and I had a pretty big fight a while back. We both said somethings we shouldn't have said. I need to go crawling back and beg for forgiveness, but I just can't swallow my pride yet. So for now, I dance :)
Here's hoping tomorrow goes as well. If I don't burn myself out I will do ok. If I don't take away tooooo many things, I won't rebel.
I mean, let's face it. I'm a girl who loves to rebel with food. Skinny jeans too tight? I'll show those motherlickers. I'll eat FOUR scoops of ice cream! The Mister under my skin (WHAT? yes, it happens on occasion) I'll show him! Bahahahaha did you know I can eat a whole loaf of home-made bread in one sitting? So naturally, taking too much away from myself would be very counter-productive.
Baby steps.
So far so good.
Wish me luck.
OH! And you wanna know when the wedding date is? And what we're thinking? And our story? It's allllllll on Wedding Tales. You know, the limited access blog site? If you want reading rights, send me your e-mail ok? Ok. :) You know you wanna. Yes you do!
I had a grilled chicken salad for lunch.
I had dried apples and raisins for an afternoon snack.
I had a full portion of spaghetti for dinner. With garlic bread.
I'm having Special K red berries for a snack during Idol.
I did three songs on Just Dance 2. I have no rhythm. FYI.
It doesn't sound like I did all that well, but wait! There's more!
My salad was romaine, chicken breast, and lite Italian dressing ONLY. Nothing naughty.
I had the fruit rather than my normal afternoon cookie binge.
Although I had a full dinner portion, I only had ONE piece of WHOLE WHEAT garlic bread rather than my normal two pieces of white.
And the cereal in place of my monster ice cream cone. Even if it DOES have whole milk on it.
I decided I'm going to try to make better food decisions throughout the day and just watch my portions at dinner. It's hard to give up dinner. It's always the highlight of my day.
My Wii Fit and I had a pretty big fight a while back. We both said somethings we shouldn't have said. I need to go crawling back and beg for forgiveness, but I just can't swallow my pride yet. So for now, I dance :)
Here's hoping tomorrow goes as well. If I don't burn myself out I will do ok. If I don't take away tooooo many things, I won't rebel.
I mean, let's face it. I'm a girl who loves to rebel with food. Skinny jeans too tight? I'll show those motherlickers. I'll eat FOUR scoops of ice cream! The Mister under my skin (WHAT? yes, it happens on occasion) I'll show him! Bahahahaha did you know I can eat a whole loaf of home-made bread in one sitting? So naturally, taking too much away from myself would be very counter-productive.
Baby steps.
So far so good.
Wish me luck.
OH! And you wanna know when the wedding date is? And what we're thinking? And our story? It's allllllll on Wedding Tales. You know, the limited access blog site? If you want reading rights, send me your e-mail ok? Ok. :) You know you wanna. Yes you do!
(Not-so) Secret Op
The Mister and I sat down last night and began discussing the wedding plans. My plan: sneak away somewhere pretty and get married just the three of us. His plan: wedding.
I agreed to a small wedding if we keep it simple, and informed him we needed to pick a date if we are going to plan a wedding. Spring sounded far away to him, apparently, but knowing what goes into planning even the smallest of weddings, I knew we had no time to waste.
So we set a date.
And I'm not going to tell you that date, cyber world. Quite frankly, there are some of you reading who just don't need to know. You know who you are.
But what I CAN tell you is that I will be the Mister's Misses in no less than ten weeks, and no more than sixteen. That's exciting, and while it's a short amount of time, I think we can pull off a nice little wedding. However, I've come to the realization that I HAVE to at least firm up the body I have, and I gotta do it fast!
Any suggestions? I did a modified Adkins diet once and lost weight pretty quickly. I know, I know, eat right and exercise. I'm trying. But I need a pretty good push to get started. The first step should probably be quitting the tv snacks at night (ice cream mainly), but it's going to be hard. I'm going to get cranky, and you're not going to like me very much.
I'm going to try to update on the (not so) Secret Operation often, mostly to keep myself accountable to myself. I'm also possibly going to make those posts available to a limited audience, so if you don't follow my blog with Google and you want to stay in the loop, you should do that.
Alright, I'm off for now. Wish me well, friends. Operation Wedding Weight-loss begins.........NOW.
I agreed to a small wedding if we keep it simple, and informed him we needed to pick a date if we are going to plan a wedding. Spring sounded far away to him, apparently, but knowing what goes into planning even the smallest of weddings, I knew we had no time to waste.
So we set a date.
And I'm not going to tell you that date, cyber world. Quite frankly, there are some of you reading who just don't need to know. You know who you are.
But what I CAN tell you is that I will be the Mister's Misses in no less than ten weeks, and no more than sixteen. That's exciting, and while it's a short amount of time, I think we can pull off a nice little wedding. However, I've come to the realization that I HAVE to at least firm up the body I have, and I gotta do it fast!
Any suggestions? I did a modified Adkins diet once and lost weight pretty quickly. I know, I know, eat right and exercise. I'm trying. But I need a pretty good push to get started. The first step should probably be quitting the tv snacks at night (ice cream mainly), but it's going to be hard. I'm going to get cranky, and you're not going to like me very much.
I'm going to try to update on the (not so) Secret Operation often, mostly to keep myself accountable to myself. I'm also possibly going to make those posts available to a limited audience, so if you don't follow my blog with Google and you want to stay in the loop, you should do that.
Alright, I'm off for now. Wish me well, friends. Operation Wedding Weight-loss begins.........NOW.
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Table Tale and Other Things...
I have a few things to update, and Apron Strings to write, so I'm going to squish it all together here :)
First of all, my Thirty Days of Thanks.
November 6th - Do you drive a car (or have you seen one) that has radio controls on the steering wheel? I realize that cars have come a long way since 2008, and there are even cooler features, but I am thankful for the little radio buttons on my steering wheel. A self-proclaimed "flicker," I am constantly looking for something different to listen to. Without taking my hand from the wheel I can change songs on my CD, scan stations, and adjust volume. When my passenger changes my radio, I can flick it back without ever even moving my thumb :)
November 7th - Ohhhh Ben (Franklin, that is). I'm so thankful that this very man (the same one I will curse in April) allowed me to sleep another hour this morning. I like the earlier daylight (I actually wake up earlier now), and while I don't dig the 5:30 darkness, I LOVE setting the clocks back and look forward to it every year.
November 8th - I'm thankful for my washer and dryer. Even though it's not the biggest, or the fastest, it saves me from toting the MONSTROUS pile of laundry down to the crick and scrubbing my clothes out by hand. As I stare at the ridiculous Vesuvius we call a laundry basket, and it's spewed clothes in a lava lake around it, I must be thankful for my washer and dryer. It's the only thing that keeps me from going completely insane looking at it :)
Now, for update number two. Remember how I have a problem? Well I have been working on that. I haven't done anything drastic or crazy, but I admitted my problem and am trying. The first step of my journey was phasing out the grilled cheese. I started this on October 13th by replacing my daily Doritos with a small salad. By the end of that week, I'd cut to half a sandwich and a slightly larger salad, and by October 16th I had switched solely to salad. I have now been grilled-cheese free for 24 days (counting today). I had a minor slip-up one late Friday night and had a sandwich then, but I hadn't had dinner so I didn't count it. From what I can best calculate, with my real butter and all, each sandwich was about 264 calories, and 12 grams of fat, and that's without Doritos. I haven't seen a huge weight loss, though after day 10 I was down two pounds (I steer clear of my Wii Fit when I'm eating well, because if he tells me I gained, I go on a bread binge ;) So even if I'm not losing weight (yet), I am cutting some calories and fat, and I'm getting a good hearty veggie serving that I was missing before. Yay me.
Finally, Apron Strings :)
I don't have a "generalized" topic today, so I thought I'd entertain you with the tale of one of my tables. This isn't an outrageous table, and one day I will do a "Fly on the Wall" post with some of my favorite quotes, but for today, here is a table tale fresh in my memory.
It was a busy Sunday morning when my 5th table was seated. It was an older man and woman, and there were four menus. I always like it when a couple of people are waiting on a couple more. I can greet them and know I have some extra time since their party hasn't arrived. I greeted the guests and asked what they'd like to drink.
"Two waters with lemon," the old lady barked. Did you know we are "judged" by how many waters we serve? It prints out on our "stats," so to speak, so waters annoy us a little. Just saying. Anyway, then the gentleman chimed in.
"Actually, uh, one water with lemon, one without." Being the "ass" I am, I assumed he was correcting the lady, and I wrote down W and W/L. I took some food to another table, and took an order from another, then grabbed the two waters. When I arrived at the table, another guest had arrived. I placed the drinks, then asked that guest what she'd like.
"Water," was her reply. ".....with lemon." So I scurried away and brought back her drink. By that time the fourth guest had arrived. Apparently the husband of the barker. I set the water in front of guest number three.
Barker immediately barked, "We need one more of those. There are FOUR of us." I then realize that she had ordered two waters with lemon, and Gentleman wasn't correcting her. He was ordering IN ADDITION to her. As I processed that in my brain she said, "I TOLD you two waters with lemon." Cringing on the inside, I similed and returned the fourth water. They were looking at the menus, so I didn't bother them (SIDE NOTE: if you're ready, close your menu. I can usually tell when you're ready, but if you're reading the description of Fiesta Lime Chicken while you wait for me to come over, I might think you're still deciding and give you extra time).
Did I mention I had four other tables? Each of which had 4-7 guests? So in addition to these four grouches, I had 21 other people to please.
I finally made my way back to the grouch table. "Have you decided what you'd like to order?" I asked politely.
"Do you do senior discounts?" Barker barked.
"Yes, we do." I replied.
"Ten percent, right?" Barker.
"Yes." I answered.
"Ok, well we're ALL seniors so we all GET it," she demanded.
"Alright," I replied cheerfully (well, fake cheerful) "what can I get for you?"
Let's not make this any longer than we have to. They ordered their food. Half salads and burgers and such. One lady wanted the Oriental without (86 we say) rice noodles. I ordered it that way, I did. The new cook overlooked it, and while it only took a minute (LITERALLY) to fix, the lady said, not-so-quietly as I walked away, "She's not very good at this." Oooooh you got me lady. That hurt right to the core ;)
Barker demanded more dressing, they wanted water refills, and they wanted me once to stop and listen to their request for more water when I was passing by with three plates of hot food.
Evan discounted the ticket for me, and I split the check, as I wasasked barked at to do. I always drop the check, then come back in a few minutes so you have time to find your card, count your money, or whatever you need to do. I had no more than walked through the kitchen to get drinks for another table when Gentleman was standing in the aisle.
"I can take care of that for you, Sir, I'll be right there," I explained as I balanced two full drinks in one hand, one in the other.
"I want to pay for all of it," he said.
"Ok," I said as I walked away. I came right back and took his card. He had both detailed checks in his hand, added them in his head, then I returned the credit slips. He signed my copy, and I left him with the detailed check (which also showed the exact discount).
I was so glad for them to be done and gone I didn't even care if they stiffed me. I was expecting it. I went back to the kitchen and loaded up with hot plates for another table when Jessi came back.
"Hey, Andrea? There's a guy out here looking for you," she said. I thought maybe Bryan had come to eat. I wondered who had stopped to speak to me. As I emerged from the kitchen, Gentleman was approaching me. GREAT.
"Did you give us the senior discount?" he asked, hatefully.
"I sure did," I replied, not-so-cheerfully.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes. It was on your checks..." I told him.
He walked back to the table and announced to Barker that I did, in fact, give them the discount. I don't think she believed him.
Note for the day: Be nice to your server unless she is a bitch first. Oh, and don't turn grouchy when you get old.
First of all, my Thirty Days of Thanks.
November 6th - Do you drive a car (or have you seen one) that has radio controls on the steering wheel? I realize that cars have come a long way since 2008, and there are even cooler features, but I am thankful for the little radio buttons on my steering wheel. A self-proclaimed "flicker," I am constantly looking for something different to listen to. Without taking my hand from the wheel I can change songs on my CD, scan stations, and adjust volume. When my passenger changes my radio, I can flick it back without ever even moving my thumb :)
November 7th - Ohhhh Ben (Franklin, that is). I'm so thankful that this very man (the same one I will curse in April) allowed me to sleep another hour this morning. I like the earlier daylight (I actually wake up earlier now), and while I don't dig the 5:30 darkness, I LOVE setting the clocks back and look forward to it every year.
November 8th - I'm thankful for my washer and dryer. Even though it's not the biggest, or the fastest, it saves me from toting the MONSTROUS pile of laundry down to the crick and scrubbing my clothes out by hand. As I stare at the ridiculous Vesuvius we call a laundry basket, and it's spewed clothes in a lava lake around it, I must be thankful for my washer and dryer. It's the only thing that keeps me from going completely insane looking at it :)
Now, for update number two. Remember how I have a problem? Well I have been working on that. I haven't done anything drastic or crazy, but I admitted my problem and am trying. The first step of my journey was phasing out the grilled cheese. I started this on October 13th by replacing my daily Doritos with a small salad. By the end of that week, I'd cut to half a sandwich and a slightly larger salad, and by October 16th I had switched solely to salad. I have now been grilled-cheese free for 24 days (counting today). I had a minor slip-up one late Friday night and had a sandwich then, but I hadn't had dinner so I didn't count it. From what I can best calculate, with my real butter and all, each sandwich was about 264 calories, and 12 grams of fat, and that's without Doritos. I haven't seen a huge weight loss, though after day 10 I was down two pounds (I steer clear of my Wii Fit when I'm eating well, because if he tells me I gained, I go on a bread binge ;) So even if I'm not losing weight (yet), I am cutting some calories and fat, and I'm getting a good hearty veggie serving that I was missing before. Yay me.
Finally, Apron Strings :)
I don't have a "generalized" topic today, so I thought I'd entertain you with the tale of one of my tables. This isn't an outrageous table, and one day I will do a "Fly on the Wall" post with some of my favorite quotes, but for today, here is a table tale fresh in my memory.
It was a busy Sunday morning when my 5th table was seated. It was an older man and woman, and there were four menus. I always like it when a couple of people are waiting on a couple more. I can greet them and know I have some extra time since their party hasn't arrived. I greeted the guests and asked what they'd like to drink.
"Two waters with lemon," the old lady barked. Did you know we are "judged" by how many waters we serve? It prints out on our "stats," so to speak, so waters annoy us a little. Just saying. Anyway, then the gentleman chimed in.
"Actually, uh, one water with lemon, one without." Being the "ass" I am, I assumed he was correcting the lady, and I wrote down W and W/L. I took some food to another table, and took an order from another, then grabbed the two waters. When I arrived at the table, another guest had arrived. I placed the drinks, then asked that guest what she'd like.
"Water," was her reply. ".....with lemon." So I scurried away and brought back her drink. By that time the fourth guest had arrived. Apparently the husband of the barker. I set the water in front of guest number three.
Barker immediately barked, "We need one more of those. There are FOUR of us." I then realize that she had ordered two waters with lemon, and Gentleman wasn't correcting her. He was ordering IN ADDITION to her. As I processed that in my brain she said, "I TOLD you two waters with lemon." Cringing on the inside, I similed and returned the fourth water. They were looking at the menus, so I didn't bother them (SIDE NOTE: if you're ready, close your menu. I can usually tell when you're ready, but if you're reading the description of Fiesta Lime Chicken while you wait for me to come over, I might think you're still deciding and give you extra time).
Did I mention I had four other tables? Each of which had 4-7 guests? So in addition to these four grouches, I had 21 other people to please.
I finally made my way back to the grouch table. "Have you decided what you'd like to order?" I asked politely.
"Do you do senior discounts?" Barker barked.
"Yes, we do." I replied.
"Ten percent, right?" Barker.
"Yes." I answered.
"Ok, well we're ALL seniors so we all GET it," she demanded.
"Alright," I replied cheerfully (well, fake cheerful) "what can I get for you?"
Let's not make this any longer than we have to. They ordered their food. Half salads and burgers and such. One lady wanted the Oriental without (86 we say) rice noodles. I ordered it that way, I did. The new cook overlooked it, and while it only took a minute (LITERALLY) to fix, the lady said, not-so-quietly as I walked away, "She's not very good at this." Oooooh you got me lady. That hurt right to the core ;)
Barker demanded more dressing, they wanted water refills, and they wanted me once to stop and listen to their request for more water when I was passing by with three plates of hot food.
Evan discounted the ticket for me, and I split the check, as I was
"I can take care of that for you, Sir, I'll be right there," I explained as I balanced two full drinks in one hand, one in the other.
"I want to pay for all of it," he said.
"Ok," I said as I walked away. I came right back and took his card. He had both detailed checks in his hand, added them in his head, then I returned the credit slips. He signed my copy, and I left him with the detailed check (which also showed the exact discount).
I was so glad for them to be done and gone I didn't even care if they stiffed me. I was expecting it. I went back to the kitchen and loaded up with hot plates for another table when Jessi came back.
"Hey, Andrea? There's a guy out here looking for you," she said. I thought maybe Bryan had come to eat. I wondered who had stopped to speak to me. As I emerged from the kitchen, Gentleman was approaching me. GREAT.
"Did you give us the senior discount?" he asked, hatefully.
"I sure did," I replied, not-so-cheerfully.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes. It was on your checks..." I told him.
He walked back to the table and announced to Barker that I did, in fact, give them the discount. I don't think she believed him.
Note for the day: Be nice to your server unless she is a bitch first. Oh, and don't turn grouchy when you get old.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Step 1: Admit You Have a Problem
Hi, my name is Andrea and I have a problem. With food. Actually I DON'T have a problem with food, and that's my real problem.
Ok, I'm not one of those wackos who eats inedible items or has food fettishes (is fettishes a word? and no offense, btw if you are, indeed, one of those 'wackos' ;)
Anyway. I love food. I love to eat. I look forward to dinner. Eating out is a hobby I indulge myself in, not something I do to nourish my body. I reward myself with food. I abuse it when I had a bad day (much like many adults would pour themselves a stiff drink). I use it for socialization (let's do lunch!) What's worse is I'm picky, and quite frankly the things I love are allllllll bad news.
For instance.
I love real butter. I love it on bread, on toast, in my (almost like clouds from heaven) mashed potatoes, in green beans, on muffins, in cookies, I love it here or there, I love it anywhere! I even fry fried potatoes in it. I KNOW! Stop judging me.
I love whole milk. To drink. In those potatoes I told you about. When I cook. For breakfast. In my cereal. I used to drink 2% but when Chloe started cow's milk and they recommended whole for her, I saw no use in buying two gallons, so I joined her in the all fatty chlostrum goodness (is it bad that doesn't gross me out??).
Chocolate is one of my best friends.
Whole wheat what????? I want white bread (if you know me AT ALL you already know my bread obsession) or sourdough, or something not brown. I like bread with every meal. I like crackers (in whole milk oh man I love that!), I like pasta (not the brown kind). I want toast for breakfast and grilled cheese for lunch (with real butter of course) and rolls with my dinner. Then I want crackers and milk while I watch my shows. I. Love. Carbs.
Sweet tea is my other best friend (don't tell chocolate). And I don't care what anyone says, Splenda DOES NOT taste like SUGAR! Holy nasty substitute, Batman! I'll drink unsweet tea when I'm out, but at home I want it sweet. With sugar. The kind from cane. White and grainy and FULL of calories. I also like Coke, though we've become more distant since I don't sit at a desk all day. And my milk.
Red meat. Bacon. Sausage. Bologna (yep I said it). I eat my fair share of chicken and the healthier parts of Senor Porky, but I'd rather have hamburger or steak any day.
All those things they tell us to modify so we can still have the things we love are things I hold onto with every fiber (ewww not that kind of fiber) of my being! Just getting me to switch to margarine would be a battle like no other. They say have spaghetti, but go whole wheat. NO! I'd rather just eat something else altogether. Use splenda? You already know how I feel about that. Why does everything YUMMY have to be so bad?
I look at my expanding waistline and realize I have to do something. It's CLEARLY my eating habits that keep me from being my slimmest self. But I think I'm going to need more than twelve steps to get in gear. I did well today. I had grapes for breakfast, and juice. I had half a grilled cheese (the bad kind...oh and Chloe's crust) with a salad (lettuce and croutons and lite dressing only) rather than Doritos for lunch, and frozen grapes for a snack. Now I am dreaming of spaghetti, ready to eat my way through anything refined, and waiting for dinner time HOPING I can make a wise choice and call this day a success. And thinking if I have to eat one more motherlicking grape to keep myself out of the fridge I'm going to explode...
But then I have to get up tomorrow and do it again. And I don't want to. It's like making me go to the dentist two days in a row. This is more than willpower, friends. This is a severe disease, nay, love affair (ok that's a little far) that calls for drastic measures =/ Wish me luck.
P.S. if you're picturing me now as Fat Bastard from Austin Powers, please know that I am hungry. I am carb-deprived, and it's my crazed hunger talking, not "normal" me. Oh, and I am still in the "normal" range on my Wii Fit, so skinny me can still be saved =)
Ok, I'm not one of those wackos who eats inedible items or has food fettishes (is fettishes a word? and no offense, btw if you are, indeed, one of those 'wackos' ;)
Anyway. I love food. I love to eat. I look forward to dinner. Eating out is a hobby I indulge myself in, not something I do to nourish my body. I reward myself with food. I abuse it when I had a bad day (much like many adults would pour themselves a stiff drink). I use it for socialization (let's do lunch!) What's worse is I'm picky, and quite frankly the things I love are allllllll bad news.
For instance.
I love real butter. I love it on bread, on toast, in my (almost like clouds from heaven) mashed potatoes, in green beans, on muffins, in cookies, I love it here or there, I love it anywhere! I even fry fried potatoes in it. I KNOW! Stop judging me.
I love whole milk. To drink. In those potatoes I told you about. When I cook. For breakfast. In my cereal. I used to drink 2% but when Chloe started cow's milk and they recommended whole for her, I saw no use in buying two gallons, so I joined her in the all fatty chlostrum goodness (is it bad that doesn't gross me out??).
Chocolate is one of my best friends.
Whole wheat what????? I want white bread (if you know me AT ALL you already know my bread obsession) or sourdough, or something not brown. I like bread with every meal. I like crackers (in whole milk oh man I love that!), I like pasta (not the brown kind). I want toast for breakfast and grilled cheese for lunch (with real butter of course) and rolls with my dinner. Then I want crackers and milk while I watch my shows. I. Love. Carbs.
Sweet tea is my other best friend (don't tell chocolate). And I don't care what anyone says, Splenda DOES NOT taste like SUGAR! Holy nasty substitute, Batman! I'll drink unsweet tea when I'm out, but at home I want it sweet. With sugar. The kind from cane. White and grainy and FULL of calories. I also like Coke, though we've become more distant since I don't sit at a desk all day. And my milk.
Red meat. Bacon. Sausage. Bologna (yep I said it). I eat my fair share of chicken and the healthier parts of Senor Porky, but I'd rather have hamburger or steak any day.
All those things they tell us to modify so we can still have the things we love are things I hold onto with every fiber (ewww not that kind of fiber) of my being! Just getting me to switch to margarine would be a battle like no other. They say have spaghetti, but go whole wheat. NO! I'd rather just eat something else altogether. Use splenda? You already know how I feel about that. Why does everything YUMMY have to be so bad?
I look at my expanding waistline and realize I have to do something. It's CLEARLY my eating habits that keep me from being my slimmest self. But I think I'm going to need more than twelve steps to get in gear. I did well today. I had grapes for breakfast, and juice. I had half a grilled cheese (the bad kind...oh and Chloe's crust) with a salad (lettuce and croutons and lite dressing only) rather than Doritos for lunch, and frozen grapes for a snack. Now I am dreaming of spaghetti, ready to eat my way through anything refined, and waiting for dinner time HOPING I can make a wise choice and call this day a success. And thinking if I have to eat one more motherlicking grape to keep myself out of the fridge I'm going to explode...
But then I have to get up tomorrow and do it again. And I don't want to. It's like making me go to the dentist two days in a row. This is more than willpower, friends. This is a severe disease, nay, love affair (ok that's a little far) that calls for drastic measures =/ Wish me luck.
P.S. if you're picturing me now as Fat Bastard from Austin Powers, please know that I am hungry. I am carb-deprived, and it's my crazed hunger talking, not "normal" me. Oh, and I am still in the "normal" range on my Wii Fit, so skinny me can still be saved =)
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