I love Fridays!!!

Breakfast: veggie, bacon, cheese omlet.

Water: 1 bottle, working on another. Another bottle with lunch.

Pills: thinking about it.

Coffee: not yet.

Lunch: chicken and vegetables w/fettucini cooked in garlic olive oil. Alfredo on the side. 3 bites of chocolate cake.

Snack:

Dinner:

Exercise: 2 trips to the 3rd floor... up the steps with a spring in my step!

How I'm feeling

Morning - still proud of myself for having a good workout last night. Got to work early today and hope to finish up early too!

Afternoon - FULL from lunch. Good food, but heavy. That was what was being served as the celebration special for the docs.

Evening -

Happy Doctor's Day

Today we are celebrating National Doctor's Day. It's actually on March 31st, but we are celebrating today and tomorrow at work. So if you see your doctor, take a moment and thank him or her for the work they do.

Breakfast: veggie omlet with a little bit of cheese. (with the docs)

Coffee: 1/2 cup so far with cream and another 1/2 cup with cream. Plus 1/2 cup with no fat cream in the evening.

Water: One large glass almost finished. One bottle. Another bottle. 1/2 bottle with dinner. Another bottle at the gym.

Lunch: Turkey & Veggie wrap sandwich. A few chips and a handful of mini carrots

Snack: 6 peanut butter crackers. I also had a piece of plain chocolate. Shame Shame!

Dinner: turkey and provolone on whole wheat with Miracle Whip.

Exercise: Planning to hit the gym later tonight. Did it! Tonight's work-out was one of our best work-outs since we've started going. Stretches + 4 laps around the indoor track + 25 minutes on the recumbant bike + 30 minutes on the treadmill. I'm so pumped!!!! But I didn't do any weights tonight, but cardio is probably what I should be focusing on anyway... at least for now! I'm so proud of myself!

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Rush Rush Rush... got to get out the door in a jiffy! Need to get to work early today. 1) doctors day breakfast and 2) need to get home early to tidy and sweep before our company arrives.

Afternoon: Tired. I want to be done with work already.

Evening: Awesome after a good workout.

Over The Hump Day -- Woo Hoo!!!

Breakfast: Cheerios with skim milk.

Water: couple bottles during the day. Large glass with lunch. Gatorade in the evening.

Pills: Just vitamin.

Coffee: 1 cup with cream

Snack: A couple bites of Keith's peanut crunch bar.

Lunch: two plates of salad and a cup of creamy potato soup.

Dinner: On the run - Wendy's turkey and swiss and a few french fries shared with Keith. Diet coke.

Exercise: Steps at work and a lot of misc house work - steps... doing laundry.

How I'm Feeling

Morning: I'm obsessing over the fact that we are to have company tomorrow evening, yet the house is a wreck. I need cleaning time, and should have taken that into consideration last night when I decided to hang-out with Re-Re. Hmmm... Tonight we have Disciple II class and Keith wants to work-out after that. Thursday I'll likely get home just in time. So... what to do what to do what to do. Hmmm... Well, I suppose I should get this day on the road and figure it out as I go!

Afternoon: Rushed. Leaving work early to go home to do some more house work.

Evening: Rushed. Class... need dinner... TIRED.

Off To A Rushing Start On Tuesday

Breakfast: Honey Bunches of Oats with no-fat creamer. I know - this is crazy! I just want to buy milk already, but it won't keep unless I freeze it and that's no good. Ugh.

Pills: Forgot. Oops.

Water: Hmm... Large glass with lunch. Working on a bottle now. Finished and a peach green tea with dinner.

Coffee: 1 cup with no-fat cream.

Lunch: Salad w/ Caesar dressing and a half order of fries

Snack: green tea frap at Starbucks

Dinner: roast beef, mashed potatoes, and salad with bleu cheese dressing. THANKS Re-Re!!!

Exercise: Steps at work... not much else.

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Tired. Slept ok. Tried to get to work earlier so I can get out earlier.

Afternoon: Full from lunch, but salad isn't as heavy as the usual sandwich, so that is good. I have much to tackle and am right on it already.

Evening: Lazy. Board. A little tired. Ready for bed.

No Time For Dilly Dally

Breakfast: Raisin Bran w/ non-dairy, no-fat creamer.

Pills: Yes, but on the run.

Water: Yes, but also on the run. Large glass with lunch. One bottle in the afternoon. Another in the evening.

Coffee: 1 cup with no-fat cream.

Lunch: salad, 3 half-slices of pizza hut pizza, and one breadstick. (probably not the greatest choice.)

Snack: None yet, but if I decide that I need one, I have mandarin oranges.

Dinner: 1 small cube steak, mashed potatoes, and a healthy helping of sliced beets.

Exercise: Steps at work. I had forgotten that my employer has a gym subsidy program. If you sign up for the wellness program at work and go to your gym of choice at least 3x per week, you get a reimbursement subsidy. There are multiple levels of reimbursement depending on the level of improvement that is achieved. Given our recent commitment to use the fitness center at our community center, I think this would be a nice additional benefit. Thus, I shall schedule the initial fitness test to establish my baseline fitness level. Went to the gym -- stretches, 25 minutes on the recumbant bike level 3 (moderately hard), and 5 laps around the indoor track. I skipped the weights because it was really busy tonight.

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Rushed so far.

Afternoon: Too full from lunch. Have to get back to work. Break is over.

Evening: Too warm in here. Feeling pretty good having just been at the gym. Going to work on my devotions a while and then settle in for the night.

Sunday's Re-cap

Sunday was rather a blur for us.

Morning began with raisin bran with a little bit of non-dairy no-fat creamer. It was better than water, but probably not the best idea; however... refrig is still on the fritz.

Went to our niece's baptism and had a lovely pot-luck type lunch afterwards. Had all sorts of yummy goodies... potatoes, sandwich, carrots, sausage, and even a tiny piece of cake. With so much variety it was easy to have a plate full fast. Punch and coffee to drink.

He watched the race in the afternoon and I took a little nap. Hmm... that's odd. My last couple of weeks must have caught up to me?

Evening rolled around and Keith was leaving for work. He noticed someone had been into his car and stole the garage door opener; thus we now have a new one, which we needed to get anyway. Dinner was a cheese sandwich on healthnut bread and a bowl of boiled veggies - broccoli, carrots, and water chestnuts. YUM-O

Somewhere in between I drank a couple bottles of water.

What's New Pig Kickers?!

Breakfast: The milk is sour this morning. I think we seriously need to check the refridgerator temperature because Keith's milk spoiled quickly too. So, what to have for breakfast... Hmmm... I have been known to eat cereal with water. I'm thinking about it. The winner is - Honey Bunches of Oats with water. I know - it doesn't sound so good. Don't knock it until you've tried it. You'd be amazed how much you don't need the milk. It just needs to be wet, not drowned in liquid.

Coffee: Going to a coffee seminar this morning. Holding out for that. A few tastes of Espresso. (not my bag) Tall (aka small) white chocolate mocha with no fat milk and light whip. YUM-O!

Water: 1 1/2 large glasses at lunch.

Pills: Yes.

Lunch: half of a buffalo chicken flat bread sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and bleu cheese dressing, a few french fries, and a handful of zuccini fries. (new favorite -- zuccini fries!)

Snack: None.

Dinner: Chicken & Rice with vegetables.

Exercise: Stretches, few warm-up & cool down laps, 20 minutes on stationary bike "rolling hills" level 2, some weight training too.

How I'm Feeling

1. Morning: Annoyed about the milk situation. Proud because Keith looks so professional and will be presenting the coffee seminar. This one is focused on equipment.

2. Afternoon: blah blah blah.

3. Evening: A little sore and a little tired after a good workout. Ready to hit the sack.

It's Friday... Let's Dance!

I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm T-I-R-E-D this week. It's been chalked full of stuff. I need to get moving early so I can skip out early.

Breakfast: Raisin Bran with Ultra Skim Milk

Water: Half bottle in the morning. 1 large glass with lunch. 1 medium glass with dinner and 1/2 a gatorade in the evening. (I still don't know if those count)

Coffee: 1 1/2 cups with no fat cream.

Pills: Ooops totally forgot as I was in a rush to get going this morning.

Lunch: Half turkey and swiss on a light bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, and 1 spoonful of dilled potato salad.

Dinner: Satisfied a craving. Funny - I don't eat fish - YUK, but... Long John Silver fish I will eat a little. Is it weird that I craved this food that I really despise? 1 piece of fish and 2 planks of chicken, 2 hushpuppies, a few bites of coleslaw and a few french fries. I didn't finish the meal, but it satisfied the odd craving I had.

Exercise: Steps at work. Steps in the evening in Pittsburgh.

How I'm Feeling

1. Morning: A little bit sore from working out last night. Slept pretty good though. As much as I'd like to linger on the computer this morning, I must get to work early so I can get out early.

2. Afternoon: Can't remember. I should have blogged it when I got back from lunch.

3. Evening: I love date night. Feeling lazy, but still put some make-up on and perfume and set out for a nice evening with Keith.

Feeling Like I Blew It

I think the sandwich and fries were a NO-NO last night. I immediately felt guilty, and as if I would have been satisfied with HALF of that scenario, or just with a salad. Oh well... today is another day! It might be a "VEGGIE DAY."

Breakfast: LaCreme Vanilla Yogurt

Water: 1/2 bottle on the way to work. Large glass with lunch. Another bottle this evening and working on another.

Coffee: one cup with NO FAT cream.

Pills: Yes.

Snack: 1/2 of a peanut crunch granola bar - split with my coworker.

Lunch: mashed potatoes with chives and a little bit of herbed gravy, roasted vegetables, scoop of cottage cheese with peas, tomatoes, and 5 green olives.

Dinner: 2 eggs with american cheese, bacon, and wheat toast -- What is wrong with me???

Exercise: Steps Steps Steps!!! Ya'll would be so proud... We finally joined the Community Center!!!! We worked out for an hour tonight. I did some stretching, walking, some biking, and some weight training while Keith did mostly weight training with a little bit of stretching and walking. I took the "Fitness Test" on the recumbant bike. It asked for my age and weight etc. Upon completion it flashed in large print on the screen "SUPERIOR." How cool is that?! I knew all those stairs were a blessing. Now - I wonder what my target heart rate should be? Hmmm...

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Well rested but must get going! A little rushed. Why?

Afternoon: Just ran up those steps! Out of breath, but feeling good. I've got to tackle more things here.

Evening: Pumped!!! But tired. Ready to hit the sack.

Wild Wednesdays

YEAH!!!

SPRING HAS SPRUG!!!

Morning. Looking forward to a day full of crazy! Work work work and then study study study!!!

Breakfast: A banana - YUCK! But I made myself eat it because my eye has been twitching. I think I must need the potassium. And a bowl of Honey Bunches Of Oats with Cinnamon.

Water:...

Pills: Just the vitamin.

Coffee: One cup with cream.

Lunch: half of a turkey and cheddar with tomato and mayo on wheatberry toast, a few french fries, and a side salad with bleu cheese (dipped).

Snack: None.

Dinner: Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwhich, Fries (shared) and a diet coke.

Exercise: Steps at work. Otherwise none other than mind exercise... had Girls Group and Disciple II last night.

How I'm Feeling

MORNING: Feeling good. Lot's on my mind. Refreshed. Got to get this day on the road!

AFTERNOON: FULL from lunch. Should have had less. Dragging.

EVENING: Like a scholar... study study study... and connected well with hubby - great theological discussion over dinner! Awesome!!

Mid-March and Still Kickin'

Computer's up and running again. YIPPIE! Back to the norm at our house and into the present age. Many thanks to my Mom for some new piggy artwork.

Breakfast: Raisin Bran with Ultra Skim. I bought hubby his very own half gallon of whole milk this week. He has some protien drinks he's making with them and whole milk is much better for him than skim. On account of his circumstances, I have bought myself ULTRA Skim, which actually is just fine despite my long time love for whole milk and sometimes even raw milk. Ahhh... I must resign myself to the latter.

Pills: Yes (Good girl)

Water: Does Gatorade count? I'm not sure because it has sugars in it. I bought a case of water, but it is still in the car. Is my laziness shining through? I had this nice bottle of Gatorade in the fridge and thought I'd substitute this morning. Hmmm... Large glass with lunch.

Coffee: 2 cups with cream at work.

Lunch: Side salad with caesar dressing and a small bowl of cream of mushroom soup. Two packs of crackers.

Snack: 2 Hershey's mini chocolates. I HAVE TO STOP WITH THE CHOCOLATE!!! On another note - Today was "Free Fruit Day" at work. I chose a navel orange, but I haven't eaten it yet.

Dinner: A cuup of whole wheat penne pasta with a 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese and 1/4 cup of salsa. (I make it up as I go)

Exercise: Stairs as usual. I'm still trying to climb them a little faster than usual. When I get behind someone slow I can definitely feel the drag in the climb. I don't like that. On another note, I can feel the muscles in my legs reminding me that I have been doing a lot of squats every night. They are not fully accustomed to it yet, but that will come in time. 15 Minutes on the treadmill. Not much - but just trying to create a habit, even if it's short.

How I'm Feeling

Morning: Up at the usual time despite the idea of sleeping in. Feeling like a huge pressure has been lifted at work, yet more to come in very short order. Fumbling along this morning and will be on my way to work shortly. I miss my hubby. I did not get to see him yesterday. I don't like it when our work schedules pan out that way.

Afternoon: Actually I am feeling rather tired and worn out. Am I coming down off a high after my two cups of coffee? Or maybe it's just my lunch slowing me down? I don't know. I need to snap out of it! There is much to accomplish before this day comes to a close.

Evening: TIRED!!!! When will the energy come? I so wish that Keith was home tonight because it would be a great evening for tennis. :(

Another Mad Monday!!!

I'll try to do my best keeping up with blogging from the workplace - at least for Kicking the Pig - until we get the home ISP on the mend. I hope that's today, but hubby was sleeping so soundly when I left. I suspect he will awaken just in time to rush out for work... and so maybe he won't have time to follow-up on our internet woes.

Anyway...

Breakfast: Vanilla LaCreme Yogurt with sunflower seeds

Water: 1/2 bottle thus far. Large glass with lunch. Working on another bottle now.

Pills: Oops - completely forgot this morning!

Coffee: Working on a cup. Make that 2 cups with cream.

Lunch: half of a turkey & swiss on a light bun with lettuce, pickle, tomato, and mayo and a side of fruit and Sun Chips.

Dinner: Chicken Marsala (only a little bit of gravy), brown rice, and roasted vegetables.

Snack: 1/4 cup of chocolate ice cream with 1 Tablespoon of peanut butter and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. (Why?????)

Exercise: Steps Steps Steps -- still trying to keep a spring in my step! In the late evening I did some squats, stretches, simple weight training for my upper arms/torso, and some sit-ups.

How I'm Feeling -

Morning: Blah - have tons to do today in very little time. Not feeling the rush yet, but will be very soon I'm sure. Stiff neck on the left side. I must have slept wrong or something.

Afternoon: Achy - Sore. A little bit tired, but staying busy. It's the weather I'm sure. Can I sleep in tomorrow?

Evening: Relieved that it's over... (meeting at work) yet completely beat and ready to rest.

Can You Believe This Week Is Almost Over?

Morning folks. Ahhhh... the pay offs of exercise!!! I've tipped the scale a little further south this morning. YIPPIE!!! Ok, so it wasn't THAT much, but I didn't log my slight gain last week, but I am glad to report that I have compensated for that plus a smidge more. What a way to start the day!!! Do you suppose there is a way to brain-wash myself into obsessing about exercise? I suppose in this time of year, I may not need it as much as other times. Keith and I have agreed that the membership to the community center is a good investment. We are both motivated this time of year. Even if we use it for a few months it will have been worth it. So we decided that Friday would be the day we sign-up!!!!

Breakfast: Raisin Bran

Water: 1/2 bottle thus far. Will finish it on the way to work.

Pills: Yes (Oh I am so good this week)

Coffee: 1 cup with no-fat cream at home.

Snack:...

Lunch:...

Dinner:...

Exercise:...

How I'm Feeling

• Morning: PUMPED over the minimal progress on the scales this morning! Somewhat of an energetic mind-set this morning, likely due to the exercise two nights ago!


• Afternoon:...


• Evening:...

Morning Pig Kickers

Breakfast: Raisin Bran with 1% milk

Water: 1 bottle and working on a glass

Pills: yes (good girl)

Coffee: 1 cup with non-dairy cream (Ahhh!!! I'm so convicted when I drink non-dairy!)
2 cups of hot tea with cream and sugar at lunch.

Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with bleu cheese dressing (dipped)

Snack: 1 little cookie and 1 piece of candy

Dinner: left over chicken rice casserole with extra veggies

Exercise: Three flights of steps x3

How I'm Feeling -

Morning: SORE all over. Hmm... could be the weather and could be the exercise. I'm figuring it's a little of both. Feeling okay though and ready to get the day on the road.

Afternoon: Need motivation. I'm going to drink some water in hopes of finding that. Headache arrived on the way to work. Still lingering despite Tylenol.

Evening: Rushed. Just squeezed in a quick dinner and now on our way to a new class at church.

Challenge for today... Undecided thus far. How about - try not to get stressed out?

Pay Off For Good Behavior

The results are in...


August 06 March 07 Progress

Chol: 240 --> 228 --> -12

HDL: 63 --> 59 --> -4

LDL: 155H --> 141H --> -14


While overall my cholesterol is still considered "High," I am happy to report these slight improvements. It pays to watch what you eat. Having this labwork done certainly helps me to re-focus. Although I am watching, I have not been overly strict. I'm not really sure how much to expect for 6 months of efforts.

I always thought that HDL + LDL = Total Cholesterol, but I must have been mistaken.

I almost forgot that I had a doctor appointment. Overall she tells me that I am doing very well. My cholesterol is not considered critical as I'm not having any other major health issues that effect that, but it must continue to decline. She said that ANY reduction is good. I was so glad to hear that. We're going to have another check in 6 months. YIPPIE!!! I love my doctor. She is so caring and provides a great deal of encouragement. I think as far as doctors go in this busy world, that is a characteristic that is often hard to find. Kudos to my PCP!!!

Temptation Tuesday

Morning. Today's challenge will be resisting temptations, especially after yesterday having succombed to consuming two pieces of candy.

Challenge Tally:

• My coworker brought in some leftover cookies from her daughter's wedding reception this weekend. They smell SO GOOD!!! It is all I can do to turn my head and keep my fingers from wandering in that direction!!!! I'm happy to report that I am meeting this challenge head-on and it is HARD. Thank God for helping me with discipline in this area.
• When I got home from work I so wanted to chow down on some sort of carbs - like bread or cereal or whatever. I settled on a spoonful of peanut butter.

Breakfast: 1/2 cup of vanilla low-fat (99% fat free) yogurt with walnuts.

Coffee: 1 1/2 cups with non-dairy cream (I know I know - not holding up my end of the dairy-princess bargain).

Water: Working on a bottle. Will finish it on the way to work. Done. 1 bottle at work. 1 large glass with lunch. 1 large glass after lunch. 2 bottles this evening.

Pills: Baby Aspirin and Vitamin.

Snack: Spoonful of peanut butter. Popsicle.

Lunch: BLT and a side salad with ranch to dip. 2 potato chips and 3 potato chip crumbs.

Dinner: chicken, veggie, rice casserole.

Exercise: We played tennis tonight!!!! I'm so delighted to have such fabulous weather!!!! AND we walked up the hill to check out the new equipment in the Community Center. Wow, they have treadmills, bikes, elipticals, a stepper, and a lot of weight lifting equipment. The "couples" membership is only -- get this -- $100 per year (12 months). That's amazing!!! And they are open 6AM - 11PM every weekday. (other hrs on the weekend) Additionally there is an indoor track, open gym, a lounge with a pool table and more. We are thinking if we used it together at least once per month that it would certainly pay for itself. Hmmm... $100 Hmmm... We did not have our wallets with us so we haven't done it yet, but it's definitely being considered. Well, should we or shouldn't we????? There was a time when I paid almost $40/mth just for my own membership. I cancelled it when I got married because we couldn't afford the fees for both of us while he was a student. I must say that this is a deal that I hate to pass up!

How I'm Feeling:

MORNING: Still a little tired. A cup of coffee should take care of that. I didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I wanted to rest more. Why is that? Regardless, I need to get this day on the road.

AFTERNOON: Panic! Forgot that I had a doctor appointment this afternoon!!!

EVENING: Hmm... a little tired after some good exercise. A little tired after a long day. A lot on my mind - it races. Hmm... need to relax already!

Drum Roll Please....

Happy Monday Fellow Pig Kickers and others hanging out with us trying to live a healthier life! Green is for SPRING!!! Which seems to be poking its head into our lives.

I had my labs drawn this morning to check my cholesterol. I am hoping that all my efforts will show at least a little in the results of this testing. We shall see...

Breakfast --> Raisin Bran with Skim Milk

Coffee --> One cup with non-dairy cream

Water --> None yet - and there is a bottle sitting right here. I better get started! Large glass with lunch. Working on another bottle.

Pills --> Not today. Fasting for labs so skipped those.

Lunch --> Half of a turkey with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and pesto mayo. Side of pasta salad. I like the serving size for sides here at work because it's less than a half cup - more like a quarter cup and I don't need any more than that.

Snack --> 2 pieces of candy. Shame shame - but not killing me.

Dinner --> Whole wheat spaghetti with sauce. 1/2 cup of yogurt with a sprinkle of walnuts.

Exercise -->

• Up three flights of stairs with a spring in my step. Got tired 3 steps from the top. Will make it the whole way next time!
• Up three flights of stairs with a spring in my step the whole way WITH an armload of things ta-boot!

How I'm Feeling -->

• Morning: Rested. The weekend wore me out. I could have stayed in bed longer, but opted to get my butt moving. Lots to do at work. No time to waste.
• Afternoon: Busyness consumes me. It has been a quiet day so it has been productive, but not in the areas in which I had aspired to focus. Ugh!
• Evening: TIRED. WHIPPED. BEAT. READY FOR BED!!!

Hmmm... challenge for this week... Hmmm...

TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF TGIF I needed it!

This week has been entirely stressful. The next couple of days will be no exception despite the fact that the weekend is upon us.

Breakfast... half of a peach muffin.

Coffee... 2 cups with non-dairy creamer.

Pills... oops... forgot.

Water... one bottle on the way to work. one large glass with lunch. working on another now.

Lunch... half a turkey with muenster cheese on a light bun, roasted red pepper mayo, lettuce, tomato and pickles. Mmmm... with a side of potato salad.

Snack... nah... not yet anyway.

Dinner... Hmmm... going out with my friend tonight. We are going to a concert in Pittsburgh. I wonder what we'll do for dinner? Hard to say... I'll report back later.

Exercise: See Challenge Tally

How I'm Feeling

MORNING... Tired, but making it. Should I eat breakfast or shouldn't I? I need to have those labs done but I just don't really feel like doing that today. I'm not hungry, but I know I have to eat.... blah blah blah

AFTERNOON... WOW, this day is rockin and rollin. I mean it has been a constant rush. Everyone needs something and I'm the one they are asking. My two co-workers are off today so it's just me and the Big Cheese and our offices are across campus so we hardly bother eachother. Still... busy busy busy. I am thankful to be able to take a short break and log my lunch consumption.

EVENING...

MOVE IT MORE CHALLENGE TALLY

• Up three flights of stairs with a spring in my step
• Up three flights of stairs with a spring in my step - whew!!! This is not easy!!!
• 15 squats while waiting for the printer (no coworkers here today so nobody is weirded out over it) LOL
  
  

I'm a little frustrated. I'm feeling like I have had the energy to meet this challenge this week, but not the time. I mean really... every work day has been a late one. I come home exhausted to a messy house and a hungry husband who has also been having a stressful week. I am moving, but I'm not so convinced that it is "more." I did put a spring in my step when I take the stairs at work. Believe me -- it's not easy. I know it's not enough though. Maybe I should start doing squats and stretches at the copier? I think my coworkers would be a little weirded out by that tho. Oh well... I shall press on.

One Day At A Time

FYI - I'm completely annoyed because the home computer is malfunctioning somewhat. I am now posting from the workplace.

Breakfast - simple bowl of Honey Bunches Of Oats with cinnamon and 1% milk.

Coffee - one cup with no-fat cream at home. 1/2 cup of tea with nothing in it. 2 cups of coffee with cream at Panera for GG. (I know - shouldn't have)

Water - one bottle on the way to work. one large glass with lunch. Having another bottle now.

Lunch - baked chicken with a smidge of gravy for moistness and roasted vegetables.

Snack - celery sticks

Dinner - fish sandwich, green beans, and potato salad

Exercise - See Challenge tally

How I'm feeling:

Morning - Annoyed about the computer. Annoyed because hubby said he would get up and have coffee with me but then slept in until it was time for me to leave. Had I known he would do that, I would have skipped the coffee and left early to have my labs drawn. Oh well, maybe tomorrow?

Afternoon - Overwhelmed with duties, backlog, deadlines, and interruptions. It will get better. I MUST keep a positive attitude!

Evening - Tired. Exhausted. Spent. I was on the phone with the internet guy for over an hour tonight and he was in INDIA!!! Hard to hear and hard to understand.


MOVE IT MORE CHALLENGE TALLY

• Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step.
• Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step.
• Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step.

Turning Stress Into Energy

Is that possible? Can I really turn stress into energy?

Breakfast: Raisin Bran with 1% milk.

Pills: Yes - Baby Aspirin and Vitamin

Water: 1/2 bottle so far. Taking it on the road with me. I'm still trying to trick myself into the habit of drinking water while driving. Finished that one. 2 small bottles at work so far. I should go get a nice big glass full.

Coffee: Not yet. 1 cup with cream at work.

Lunch: 1 piece of pizza and a salad w/ bleu cheese dressing (dipped not drenched)

Snack: 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt with fresh strawberries

Dinner: 2 mini quich'e, a spoonful of fresh fruit, 1/2 of a round of fried mozarella cheese, and a few fresh veggies with ranch dip.

Exercise: At least three trips hoofin' it up the steps today with a bounce in my step. Why aren't they getting easier? I'm beat by the time I get close to the top.

How I'm feeling

• MORNING: Pretty good. Rested again. Prayerful for Keith who is also anticipating a stressful day. He's supposed to be observed by the Regional Manager again today. They have him on the fast-track for becoming a manager. He needs to meet his challenges head-on with an opportunistic attitude. As for me... well... I best get into work where my own stressful situation awaits me.


• AFTERNOON: Oh ya... the stress rolls on. I'm sinking, but deliberately taking a break at the moment. I'm feeling a little bit of tired creeping up on me. Perhaps I might grab another cup of coffee? Or maybe I'll just catch up on water and then re-assess in about an hour or so. Maybe I just need to hydrate?


• EVENING: Completely beat! Had meetings until 730 PM. These long days are killing me.

MOVE IT MORE CHALLENGE TALLY: ...

1. Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step
2. Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step
3. Steps to the 3rd floor with a spring in my step
4. What's next??? More steps?!.

New Day New Week

Yes folks today we can celebrate the freshness of a new day a new week and pretty much... a new month! YIPPIE!

Just so you know, the weekend was good. I made homemade potato soup and pretty much that is all I ate besides a slice of olive oil bread with it and some wheat toast for breakfast. I did get some exercise, which is refreshing. So much so that I cannot decide what it is about exercise that deters me from it. It always makes me feel good, but yet I'm so lazy. I suppose maybe it's more important for me to find a variety of exercise that fits my need for constant change. I've been thinking about picking up an exercise ball. I'm not sure if I will truly use it regularly or not... hmmm... Well, spring is on its way and that will get me out and about. I relish the idea of walking at the park, jogging a little too, and riding the horses with Rene'e. This is generally the time of year that I find myself running in my sleep. I used to run at the track daily. I can't believe how long ago that was. When I walk at the park and see people running, I think to myself... I could be doing that! Why don't I? I always have an excuse, usually it's that I need better shoes. I wonder if I will get the motivation to try it again? Hmmmm.... Something to ponder. My problem is that I can't stick to just one type of exercise. I want to walk, run, play tennis, ride the horses, dance, take up aerobics, work out at the gym, try kick boxing or tae bo. The list is endless! See what Spring brings out in me??? This is wonderful!!! Perhaps this weeks new challenge should be another "MOVE IT MORE" week?

Breakfast: Honey Bunches of Oats w/ Cinnamon Clusters. 1% Milk. (yes, fooled him again!)

Coffee: 1 cup with no-fat cream. Another 1/2 cup at work with cream. I wish my co-workers would go for non-fat creamer. I mean - I support dairy in every way, but I have to make some sacrifices. This seems like a really easy area to cut back on.

Pills: Yes - vitamin and baby aspirin

Water: Taking a bottle on the road this morning. Large glass with lunch. So far not doing so hot with this one. I best get on it! Thank God for blogging to remind me of such things!

Lunch: half of a turkey and swiss sandwich with sundried tomato mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickle. Side of fruit salad - melon, grape, and pinapple. YUM.

Snack: Cheerios - no milk, just a crunchy snack.

Dinner: 2 pieces of 4 cheese pizza and a strawberry yogurt smoothie.

Exercise: Still on the steps at work. Today I've tried to put a little spring in my step as I conquer the steps. The first time I ran up the steps my coworker said "You look washed out." Uh, I just ran up 3 flights of steps for no apparent reason. Of course I look washed out!!! Ha ha!

How I'm feeling:

• MORNING: Rested - finally. I'm surprised because in my early morning sleep I was wrestling with dreams about this little house that we saw for sale down the road that we really liked, but I'm trying to strike it from my mind and focus on contentment. Feeling delighted that I have been afforded a few minutes with my hubby enjoying our coffee this morning.


• AFTERNOON: The race is on with my work. I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed. One good thing is that I have not experienced the stress headache that often accompanies the busy busy time. Seriously, last month I had like 7 files to work on. This month I have upwards of FORTY yes "40"!!! It's crazy I tell ya. I have an extra 10 new files I'm working on too. I need to go through and see if any of them are ready and if they are I need to schedule their interviews. Ugh... this is crazy!!!! Meanwhile I experience consistent interruptions all day long and then there are requests for applications to be addressed and new privileges to establish and monitoring to be done. The list is endless. Thank God for my break during the day when I can take a deep breath and spew this all out on my blog. :)


• EVENING: Actually feeling pretty good. I worked until 7:15 PM and when I arrived home, Hubby already had pizza ready for dinner. What a gem he is. So as the day goes... it's almost over. I shall grab another bottle of water and head upstairs to get ready for bed. Tonight's the night we like to watch Two And A Half Men. It's due to be on in just a bit.

MOVE IT MORE CHALLENGE TALLY:

1. Steps with a spring in my step - x2 so far.
2. Brisk walk to the car too.

I'm a little disappointed that I'm not squeezing in more exercise. I shall resolve to do some squats and stretches before snuggling into bed to watch the tube.

Thursday's Thing

Thursday's Thing is to eat lots of vegetables. I have to do it!!! It's so good for me.

Breakfast - not yet. Don't want it. I guess I have to tho! I will think on it.
Coffee - not yet.
Water - not yet. Need to get some at the store.
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Exercise