Thankfully, today felt long.
(...things you don't often say...)
I needed a slow Sunday to unwind, do whatever, and basically get my mind right for the week ahead. I have a few vacation days coming up, in which I will be MIA for the sake of humanity.
Time to regroup.
Refocus.
...and perhaps read more than 10 pages of a book without falling asleep mid-paragraph.
(Story of my life).
It was quite the week with work, catching up with friends, and following up with my doctor...
Yeeeaaa, about that...so my liver enzymes were "elevated" and after missing 2 phone calls from her assistant with messages to call her back as soon as possible, you can imagine the panic mode I suddenly went into.
I pretty much went zero-to-60 and started writing my will by the time I listened to the second voicemail.
It was 2 hours before I was able to get a nurse on the phone and explain that to leave a vague but concerned voicemail to someone who was just in for panic attacks ranks up there with water torture.
She clarified my numbers were not alarming,...which was good, because I was honestly trying to figure out when I was unknowingly beating my liver with jager bombs and causing this internal craziness.
Ridiculous.
Conveniently though, Duke has everything online so you can easily access your doctor's notes, text results, etc...
I've reached a new level. "Current Health Issues:..."
Spasmodic colon
Anxiety problem
Mood problem
Holy crap Doc, thank you for making me sound awesome. You shouldn't have.
No really...
I'd argue with the mood problem, but adding "denial" to the list would be too much right now.
Onward we roll...
Another recipe coming your way tomorrow. 3 main ingredients. So easy.
Again, why we make it so hard is beyond me. Back to the basics folks...whole, real foods.
I'll touch on more of that later...
Monday madness coming up...I have a packed day and several new clients to start the journey. Very pumped.
And yes, when I initially meet people I am analyzing absolutely every aspect of their personality and self-perception. The stories they share, their tone when talking about their fitness/body/habits, what they say, what they don't say, ah the list could go on. It speaks volumes to not only where they are, but the extent to which they are willing to do whats necessary to get where they claim they desire to go.
Full day ahead.
On that note, I am off to read a few more pages, perhaps catch up with what Sparkles is getting into tonight, and then hitting the bed...
Night folks!
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Stress, Orbitz,...and Dad's Shamrock Unmentionables
Sunday, here we are.
Its been a quiet day for me,...nothing planned, just some me time. Did that happen to include a nap, coffee, and premeditated shoe purchases?
Maybe.
What can I say,...the flip-flops were practically calling my name, and the fact that I generally wear the display size is like handing me the metaphorical flask.
Consider it done.
In all seriousness though, after my doctor's appointment Friday, it was a wake-up call to the amount of stress I allow and, ok, induce upon myself on a daily basis with my schedule.
I'm still waiting to get blood work tests results, and after watching the woman take 8 panels I started to feel like a research project. Needles don't necessarily freak me out, but losing sensation in my extremities 3 minutes after discussing panic attacks with my doctor doesn't exactly help the situation.
I was about 2 panels shy of a blackout and/or wetting my pants.
...and if both, hopefully in that order.
Bottom line:..my life is nuts. My schedule is nuts. And its effecting my health.
She kind of laughed and said "well, normally we recommend people starting with a healthier diet and exercise."
...ummm....yeah...like telling a goose to poop...everywhere...all the time.
Wasted. Breath.
Buuuttt, I do need to create margins somewhere. (And all my friends nod their heads wide-eyed).
I'm a work in progress...
In other health-related news,...I haven't had gum in almost 3 weeks.
Probably why I'm stressed.
Who cares that I've saved roughly $30. I'd pay 40 for some Orbitz bubblemint and that initial 10 seconds of chomping euphoria right about now.
I wish I were kidding.
BUT, I've refrained...and thank you to Tyler who is holding me accountable ;)
The weekend was great...dinner with a friend, family birthday, coffee with a friend...I make it sound like I am a social butterfly.
I am not.
More like a moth.
Nonetheless, it was what I needed after a couple panic attacks and sleep-deprived week. I'll leave you with a couple pictures from the family b-day dinner.
And yes, that is dad...at 60...dressed like a leprechaun. I don't ask questions anymore.
He said mom gave him matching underwear....which, thank God were never displayed. I can handle a lot of things, but my father in shamrock boxers is not one of them.
Between mom's fairy dust and dad's willingness to dress in bedazzled holiday apparel, I should charge admission to Parker gatherings...
Its been a quiet day for me,...nothing planned, just some me time. Did that happen to include a nap, coffee, and premeditated shoe purchases?
Maybe.
What can I say,...the flip-flops were practically calling my name, and the fact that I generally wear the display size is like handing me the metaphorical flask.
Consider it done.
In all seriousness though, after my doctor's appointment Friday, it was a wake-up call to the amount of stress I allow and, ok, induce upon myself on a daily basis with my schedule.
I'm still waiting to get blood work tests results, and after watching the woman take 8 panels I started to feel like a research project. Needles don't necessarily freak me out, but losing sensation in my extremities 3 minutes after discussing panic attacks with my doctor doesn't exactly help the situation.
I was about 2 panels shy of a blackout and/or wetting my pants.
...and if both, hopefully in that order.
Bottom line:..my life is nuts. My schedule is nuts. And its effecting my health.
She kind of laughed and said "well, normally we recommend people starting with a healthier diet and exercise."
...ummm....yeah...like telling a goose to poop...everywhere...all the time.
Wasted. Breath.
Buuuttt, I do need to create margins somewhere. (And all my friends nod their heads wide-eyed).
I'm a work in progress...
In other health-related news,...I haven't had gum in almost 3 weeks.
Probably why I'm stressed.
Who cares that I've saved roughly $30. I'd pay 40 for some Orbitz bubblemint and that initial 10 seconds of chomping euphoria right about now.
I wish I were kidding.
BUT, I've refrained...and thank you to Tyler who is holding me accountable ;)
The weekend was great...dinner with a friend, family birthday, coffee with a friend...I make it sound like I am a social butterfly.
I am not.
More like a moth.
Nonetheless, it was what I needed after a couple panic attacks and sleep-deprived week. I'll leave you with a couple pictures from the family b-day dinner.
And yes, that is dad...at 60...dressed like a leprechaun. I don't ask questions anymore.
He said mom gave him matching underwear....which, thank God were never displayed. I can handle a lot of things, but my father in shamrock boxers is not one of them.
Between mom's fairy dust and dad's willingness to dress in bedazzled holiday apparel, I should charge admission to Parker gatherings...
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Birds of a feather,....become my burger...
Tuesday and I've got bird patties on the brain.
Hamburger crave.
This is my go-to. As much as people turn up their nose at the thought of a turkey burger instead of artery-clogging 80/20 ground beef, if you use the right spices to add flavor, it tastes great and your body doesn't hate you afterwards.
Who would have thought?...
...and yes, I will put avocado on anything...
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1 pound 96-99% lean ground Turkey
1/2 tsp mesquite grill seasoning or any hamburger-like spice(s)
1/8 tsp sea salt
1 egg
lettuce
1/3 avocado
1/2 ounce cheese (I used colby jack...and go for the block versus pre-shredded, it has less ingredients/less processed = healthier)
other optional toppings: pickles, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms
1. Combine turkey, seasoning, and salt in small bowl. Make patties in roughly 3 or 4 ounce portions.
2. Place on grill or pan. Once you flip, go ahead and add cheese slice and start another pan to cook the egg.
3. Use lettuce as your "bun"... a few pieces of green leaf or iceburg tend to hold a little better than other types. Enjoy.
Hamburger crave.
This is my go-to. As much as people turn up their nose at the thought of a turkey burger instead of artery-clogging 80/20 ground beef, if you use the right spices to add flavor, it tastes great and your body doesn't hate you afterwards.
Who would have thought?...
...and yes, I will put avocado on anything...
1 pound 96-99% lean ground Turkey
1/2 tsp mesquite grill seasoning or any hamburger-like spice(s)
1/8 tsp sea salt
1 egg
lettuce
1/3 avocado
1/2 ounce cheese (I used colby jack...and go for the block versus pre-shredded, it has less ingredients/less processed = healthier)
other optional toppings: pickles, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms
1. Combine turkey, seasoning, and salt in small bowl. Make patties in roughly 3 or 4 ounce portions.
2. Place on grill or pan. Once you flip, go ahead and add cheese slice and start another pan to cook the egg.
3. Use lettuce as your "bun"... a few pieces of green leaf or iceburg tend to hold a little better than other types. Enjoy.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
It's Always The Prius' Fault...
Sunday here we are.
What a week...I finally got back in my house Tuesday night, and I've never been so excited to turn on a light switch in my life. Power on. Yessss.
The upside of not having power was staying with David, Kelly, and the girls. Related: I need to work on my character-voice-change while reading Snow White. I got a witch, a princess, and 7 creepers. The expectations for a flawless delivery are slightly unrealistic, but by God I will give my best effort.
Dramatic effect.
That's the goal.
In other dramatic news, I got in a slight fender bender on Wednesday.
That was fun.
As fate would have it, it was with a Prius.
Yep, don't want to discuss the irony, but shockingly it was her fault. Go green, dodge the tree, hit a Mitsubishi....
But honestly it was nothing major and conveniently since I don't wash my car, the marks blend in with the dirt, bug debris, and bird feces.
Look I'm conserving water.
Fitness,...
After mentioning my sub-par workouts last week I was back to the grind over the last few days. She's baaack. Which is good,...for my own sanity.
Someone asked me this week how often I weight myself. Honestly? About once every 3 months. Maybe twice if I have the sudden urge to see just how much water one can retain after a sushi night.
I know when my clothes don't feel right, so I don't need a number in my face to remind me. Is it beneficial for some to have that accountability on a regular basis? Sure. But everyone's journey is different and I've been a size 2 at 95 pounds, and a size 2 at 125, so that number is irrelevant when I strap on the lycra/spandex blend and boldly face the day as a gym ninja.
I am not a ninja.
This is unfortunate.
Speaking of health,...I have a physical/check-up this week with a new doctor. As health-oriented as I am, I am ashamed to say that the last time I had a physical I think Tupac was alive.
Perhaps a little exaggeration, but it was awhile ago and I am overdue for another.
Personally, I can't wait for the "The doctor will be with you in a minute"....as I sit for the next hour in nothing but a oversize paper-towel, socks, and what little dignity I have at that point.
By the time she gets there I've read every poster 4 times and diagnosed myself with asthma, shingles, and a string of the bird flu.
The entire experience is well-worth the copay and awkward Q&A session. I try to refrain from sarcasm, but its too tempting when the word vagina is thrown around the room like a hacky sack for 20 minutes straight.
Needless to say, I will report back with my adventure...
On that health note, another recipe to come either tomorrow or Tuesday, and its bedtime for yours truly...
Game time tomorrow!
What a week...I finally got back in my house Tuesday night, and I've never been so excited to turn on a light switch in my life. Power on. Yessss.
The upside of not having power was staying with David, Kelly, and the girls. Related: I need to work on my character-voice-change while reading Snow White. I got a witch, a princess, and 7 creepers. The expectations for a flawless delivery are slightly unrealistic, but by God I will give my best effort.
Dramatic effect.
That's the goal.
In other dramatic news, I got in a slight fender bender on Wednesday.
That was fun.
As fate would have it, it was with a Prius.
Yep, don't want to discuss the irony, but shockingly it was her fault. Go green, dodge the tree, hit a Mitsubishi....
But honestly it was nothing major and conveniently since I don't wash my car, the marks blend in with the dirt, bug debris, and bird feces.
Look I'm conserving water.
Fitness,...
After mentioning my sub-par workouts last week I was back to the grind over the last few days. She's baaack. Which is good,...for my own sanity.
Someone asked me this week how often I weight myself. Honestly? About once every 3 months. Maybe twice if I have the sudden urge to see just how much water one can retain after a sushi night.
I know when my clothes don't feel right, so I don't need a number in my face to remind me. Is it beneficial for some to have that accountability on a regular basis? Sure. But everyone's journey is different and I've been a size 2 at 95 pounds, and a size 2 at 125, so that number is irrelevant when I strap on the lycra/spandex blend and boldly face the day as a gym ninja.
I am not a ninja.
This is unfortunate.
Speaking of health,...I have a physical/check-up this week with a new doctor. As health-oriented as I am, I am ashamed to say that the last time I had a physical I think Tupac was alive.
Perhaps a little exaggeration, but it was awhile ago and I am overdue for another.
Personally, I can't wait for the "The doctor will be with you in a minute"....as I sit for the next hour in nothing but a oversize paper-towel, socks, and what little dignity I have at that point.
By the time she gets there I've read every poster 4 times and diagnosed myself with asthma, shingles, and a string of the bird flu.
The entire experience is well-worth the copay and awkward Q&A session. I try to refrain from sarcasm, but its too tempting when the word vagina is thrown around the room like a hacky sack for 20 minutes straight.
Needless to say, I will report back with my adventure...
On that health note, another recipe to come either tomorrow or Tuesday, and its bedtime for yours truly...
Game time tomorrow!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Some Salmon For Your Monday
As promised, here is probably my favorite salmon recipe. 3 main ingredients,...little prep time,...enjoy..
3-4 ounce cut of salmon
1 whole egg (add a couple of egg whites if desired)
1/4 avocado
salt to taste
1. Heat skillet on med-high for salmon (may also grill). Pan-sear salmon approximately 4 minutes on each side (make sure cooked all the way through).
2. In a separate pan, heat on med-high for egg(s). Crack egg and pop yoke (Add additional egg whites here). Flip egg(s) when cooked on one side and can slide spatula under egg mixture.
3. Once cooked, remove egg from heat and slice avocado onto egg. Add a dash of salt to top of avocado then place cooked salmon on top.
4. Devour like a champ.
*I sometimes add a tsp of benecol light to the salmon
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3-4 ounce cut of salmon
1 whole egg (add a couple of egg whites if desired)
1/4 avocado
salt to taste
1. Heat skillet on med-high for salmon (may also grill). Pan-sear salmon approximately 4 minutes on each side (make sure cooked all the way through).
2. In a separate pan, heat on med-high for egg(s). Crack egg and pop yoke (Add additional egg whites here). Flip egg(s) when cooked on one side and can slide spatula under egg mixture.
3. Once cooked, remove egg from heat and slice avocado onto egg. Add a dash of salt to top of avocado then place cooked salmon on top.
4. Devour like a champ.
*I sometimes add a tsp of benecol light to the salmon
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Power.......fail.
Where do I begin?...
Two days ago I navigated my way to work amidst some ice and what not, then came home to no power. In the middle of a hectic schedule, selling a house, and trying to maintain some level of normalcy, Old Man winter keeps sucker punching us all. (I write this as its 68 degrees and sunny outside. Welcome to NC bipolar weather...) As of now, I am not projected to get power back for another 3 days.
And I'll be completely honest,...I have no desire to win any kind of award for survival or braving life without modern conveniences, etc etc...
Do I need 3 ply toilet paper and a heated towel? No. But I'm not trying to wipe with a leaf and shake-dry either. Whether or not I should feel bad about it is well, irrelevant at this point. I don't.
I enjoy lights.
I enjoy a working fridge to store my meat that I didn't have to hunt down myself.
I enjoy heat when its 30 degrees out.
Needless to say, when I come home and am actually able to turn on anything in my house, I will probably hurt myself from excessive celebration in the form of interpretive dance and a few tears.
In other exciting news,...
the Parkers will welcome the first nephew to the mix in August!!!...adding some testosterone to the group and yes of course I cannot wait :)
The girls were a part of the big reveal,...yes, they are rocking swimsuits in the middle of winter. You don't ask questions, you just roll with it...
.JPG)
Back to the grind tomorrow.
Over the last few days I've felt in a rut with my own routine,...just dragging a little and easily distracted by everything going on. That bugs me beyond no end. Mainly because that is my time and I simply want to sweat, not think too much, and just be.
The last few workouts have been anything but.
I find my mind racing and before I know it I'm lost in distracting thoughts that have nothing to do with the task at hand. I get on my clients all the time about this, and mainly because it's not fair to yourself to mentally battle through things you cannot do anything about at the moment. Period.
O so much easier said than done,...I get it. I do.
So I have to get my mind right for tomorrow...on all levels...
Also coming tomorrow...my go-to salmon/egg/avocado recipe.
Its overwhelming.
And easy.
Remember, we like easy.
Its that time....the bed is calling, and I am pooped. Night folks!!
Two days ago I navigated my way to work amidst some ice and what not, then came home to no power. In the middle of a hectic schedule, selling a house, and trying to maintain some level of normalcy, Old Man winter keeps sucker punching us all. (I write this as its 68 degrees and sunny outside. Welcome to NC bipolar weather...) As of now, I am not projected to get power back for another 3 days.
And I'll be completely honest,...I have no desire to win any kind of award for survival or braving life without modern conveniences, etc etc...
Do I need 3 ply toilet paper and a heated towel? No. But I'm not trying to wipe with a leaf and shake-dry either. Whether or not I should feel bad about it is well, irrelevant at this point. I don't.
I enjoy lights.
I enjoy a working fridge to store my meat that I didn't have to hunt down myself.
I enjoy heat when its 30 degrees out.
Needless to say, when I come home and am actually able to turn on anything in my house, I will probably hurt myself from excessive celebration in the form of interpretive dance and a few tears.
In other exciting news,...
the Parkers will welcome the first nephew to the mix in August!!!...adding some testosterone to the group and yes of course I cannot wait :)
The girls were a part of the big reveal,...yes, they are rocking swimsuits in the middle of winter. You don't ask questions, you just roll with it...
Back to the grind tomorrow.
Over the last few days I've felt in a rut with my own routine,...just dragging a little and easily distracted by everything going on. That bugs me beyond no end. Mainly because that is my time and I simply want to sweat, not think too much, and just be.
The last few workouts have been anything but.
I find my mind racing and before I know it I'm lost in distracting thoughts that have nothing to do with the task at hand. I get on my clients all the time about this, and mainly because it's not fair to yourself to mentally battle through things you cannot do anything about at the moment. Period.
O so much easier said than done,...I get it. I do.
So I have to get my mind right for tomorrow...on all levels...
Also coming tomorrow...my go-to salmon/egg/avocado recipe.
Its overwhelming.
And easy.
Remember, we like easy.
Its that time....the bed is calling, and I am pooped. Night folks!!
Monday, March 3, 2014
Toddler Tats
Another day in paradise.
And by paradise I mean freezing rain with a 80% chance of bitterness.
Yesterday was 68 degrees and I was practically breaking out the shorts and goggles. No they don't go together, but my god when its that nice in early March you get a little crazy and make poor decisions. Shorts and goggles being a good starting point...
It was a busy weekend with friends, work, NAPS (oh the excitement for daytime sleep), and temporary tattoos from my nieces. I'm sitting there chatting with Kelly and the next thing I know Payton is using my arm as an art project.
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Which was fine,...lets be honest, she could have plastered some 4 year old version of Chinese letters on my neck and I would not have cared.
I'll probably go back next week for a matching tramp stamp.
Fat Tuesday is tomorrow...amazing after all these years they couldn't come up with a better name...
I've spoken with numerous clients who are taking part in Lent and giving up some food item, facebook, cursing, etc. No, I'm not Catholic, but I think it is a good practice to focus on positive change and self-discipline. All that to say, to start my 40 days of self-induced deprivation, I'll give up gum.
Ugh,...hurts my soul to even think about it.
WWJD? Probably turn the water into Orbitz bubblemint and chew like a champ.
The first 3-5 days are the worst. I did this a couple of years ago and I found myself extremely frustrated, cursing more, but less gassy. Not sure that was a win/win or a lose/win....either way I survived.
And bottom line, as I told one of my athletes, the very thing that comes to mind that would be hard to give up, is the very thing you need to.
Within reason,...anything relating to personal hygiene can stay. Period.
I had several people email me this weekend about easy, healthy recipe ideas. SO, I will post more on here (going to shoot for one a week),...and for those of you at the gym, I will print and post them there as well! It always amazes me how complicated we try and make it. Every meal does not have to be a gourmet, take 3 hours to prepare, practically kill-the-chicken-yourself, kind of meal.
I need fast and easy.
...Keep it in context people...
But I do get a lot of clients throwing their arms in the air out of some kind of nutritional surrender thinking there is either a meal that takes forever and has 24 ingredients, or the drive-thru. Let's find a happy medium that does involve a little prep, but no desire to take the ladle to someones head post-dinner...
8:20...my goal is to be in bed by 9.
Living. The. Dream.
And by paradise I mean freezing rain with a 80% chance of bitterness.
Yesterday was 68 degrees and I was practically breaking out the shorts and goggles. No they don't go together, but my god when its that nice in early March you get a little crazy and make poor decisions. Shorts and goggles being a good starting point...
It was a busy weekend with friends, work, NAPS (oh the excitement for daytime sleep), and temporary tattoos from my nieces. I'm sitting there chatting with Kelly and the next thing I know Payton is using my arm as an art project.
I'll probably go back next week for a matching tramp stamp.
Fat Tuesday is tomorrow...amazing after all these years they couldn't come up with a better name...
I've spoken with numerous clients who are taking part in Lent and giving up some food item, facebook, cursing, etc. No, I'm not Catholic, but I think it is a good practice to focus on positive change and self-discipline. All that to say, to start my 40 days of self-induced deprivation, I'll give up gum.
Ugh,...hurts my soul to even think about it.
WWJD? Probably turn the water into Orbitz bubblemint and chew like a champ.
The first 3-5 days are the worst. I did this a couple of years ago and I found myself extremely frustrated, cursing more, but less gassy. Not sure that was a win/win or a lose/win....either way I survived.
And bottom line, as I told one of my athletes, the very thing that comes to mind that would be hard to give up, is the very thing you need to.
Within reason,...anything relating to personal hygiene can stay. Period.
I had several people email me this weekend about easy, healthy recipe ideas. SO, I will post more on here (going to shoot for one a week),...and for those of you at the gym, I will print and post them there as well! It always amazes me how complicated we try and make it. Every meal does not have to be a gourmet, take 3 hours to prepare, practically kill-the-chicken-yourself, kind of meal.
I need fast and easy.
...Keep it in context people...
But I do get a lot of clients throwing their arms in the air out of some kind of nutritional surrender thinking there is either a meal that takes forever and has 24 ingredients, or the drive-thru. Let's find a happy medium that does involve a little prep, but no desire to take the ladle to someones head post-dinner...
8:20...my goal is to be in bed by 9.
Living. The. Dream.
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