it's that time of year and I want to bake lots and lots of really unhealthy, sweet things! I've been thinking about all of the things that I need to make and all of the things that I want to make for this holiday season. I know I have to make my caramel corn because people at work are demanding it. I also have to make sugar cookies because it just wouldn't be Christmas without sugar cookies. I've been searching for fun new recipes and I think I've come up with some good ideas. I have these no bake peanut butter bars and salty peanut brittle bars that I want to make. Also, nobody in Michigan knows what almond bark is so I'm definitely going to have to make some covered pretzels. It's a good thing I've been practicing being good the last few months :)
Anyway, I don't really know anything else. If any of my new recipes turn out well I'll share them with you! Have a great day!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Update #186
Ok, it's probably the 3rd or 4th update I've shared lately but it does feel like I've sent over a hundred to people via email, text, phone call, or through this blog. Today was a good day though and Jon is doing well. Here's a play-by-play of what happened the past few days and why I was stressing so much.
Wednesday 1:15pm: I walk back with Jon in the prep area before his surgery so he can change into one of those lovely gowns and get an IV started. His surgeon stops by (surgeons are not very personable by the way) and his anesthesiologist comes by to discuss his part in the surgery
Wednesday 2:50pm: Jon is taken back into surgery
Wednesday 4:45pm: The surgeon comes out and lets us know that the surgery went well. They were able to use Jon's actual tendon and not donor tissue from a cadaver. Jon's patella tendon actually ruptured in the middle and the surgeon was able to layer the top layer onto the bottom layer and weave them together again. He has two anchor points on the bottom of his knee that are holding the tendon onto his knee cap. They also did work with the tendons on both side his knee since they were damaged and they are also anchored onto the knee cap. They created a 6 inch incision down his knee and it's being held together with about 25 staples. I saw it today when I changed his dressing for the first time and it looks good (no infection).
Wednesday 6pm: We are called back to the recovery area because Jon is not feeling well. His surgery was designed to be same day....they wanted him discharged after an hour in recovery and taken home immediately. Jon had issues with anesthesia in the past too (feeling ill and nauseated afterwards). The nurses could not get his nausea under control and he was too light-headed and dizzy to get dressed or use crutches. After 7pm they decide it's best to admit him to Mercy Hospital (across the street) for a 23 hour observation. He's taken over by ambulance and I move the Jeep to the hospital parking lot.
Wednesday 7:45pm: Jon is admitted onto the Ortho floor and they keep giving him IV meds to try and make him feel less ill. Due to his nausea he's not given any pain meds. Fortunately he didn't feel hardly any pain that night because the anesthesiologist gave him a fermoral block (nerve block) after the surgery that's supposed to numb his leg for 18 hours.
The nurses are in continuously during the night for vitals and med administrations.
Thursday 8am: Jon is in horrible pain because the femoral block wore off quicker than anticipated. Since he wasn't given any pain meds the day before or during the night, he's not ahead of the pain and his really strong narcotics aren't working. Fortunately a doctor does allow for some morphine to be given and that cuts through the edge a little bit. Unfortunately right when it starts working, physical therapy shows up and makes him walk on his crutches since that's protocol that day after knee surgery. All the movement and handling of his leg cause the pain to sky-rocket again and he's even worse. Sadly they can't give him anything else for pain for hours since he's had a lot of narcotics already. He's a very miserable man. I understand the nurses cannot disobey doctor's orders but they were rather rude and not sympathetic at all. It was extremely disappointing.
Thursday early afternoon: A different doctor comes to check on his nausea from the night before and decides to order more morphine for him. That morphine was a godsend because it helped him calm down and get some sleep. He started making headway with his pain after that and in my opinion was "caught up" with his pain management. They did decide to keep him one more night though just to make sure he was in better shape for a discharge home. He did well overnight.
Friday morning: Physical therapy comes again and works with him on stairs to ensure he's using his crutches correctly. The walking and stair practice goes very well. They decide that he's more than ready to go home and he's discharged around noon. They change his pain meds again becuase they found something different that works better.
Friday early afternoon: I drove him home and his friend Dave met us here with his parents to help get him inside since he gets weak easily with his crutches. We got him into the house through the front door and got him settled. I took off for awhile to get Gavin and do some things in Ames. I returned later and spent the night with him since he has to get up every 3 hours for a dose of pain meds. I'm staying tonight too (Saturday) and tomorrow night (Sunday). I'll stay a few nights during the work week too but will take nights off of course since I don't need my parenting to suffer or work performance. I just hope the weather continues to hold out since the commmute could really become a pain if the roads are icy.
That's the low down. It was stressful and unpredictable but he's home now and settled. He goes back to the doc on Friday the 3rd. The main recovery is 6 months but I can tell he's going to succeed and make great progress.
I didn't really have a Thanksgiving. I did bop down to the hospital cafeteria Thursday night and got a couple scoops of stuffing since they were still serving Thanksgiving foods. Jon's mom brought leftovers from their meal so we have turkey, mashed potatoes, and other goodies to eat. I already ate the stuffing and some of the green bean casserole.
I hope you all had a good holiday and thanks for the support. It was actually lonely at times when he was sleeping or occupied so I appreciated the texts and phone calls.
I did a lot of thinking so I will have some profound lifestyle-based blog entries soon. It's amazing how much a person thinks about their health when they are staying at a hospital ha ha.
FYI...Mercy Hospital has a McDonald's in their facility! Sadly I did eat there Friday night since the cafeteria was closed but it shocks me that a fastfood joint is promoted at a hospital.
Wednesday 1:15pm: I walk back with Jon in the prep area before his surgery so he can change into one of those lovely gowns and get an IV started. His surgeon stops by (surgeons are not very personable by the way) and his anesthesiologist comes by to discuss his part in the surgery
Wednesday 2:50pm: Jon is taken back into surgery
Wednesday 4:45pm: The surgeon comes out and lets us know that the surgery went well. They were able to use Jon's actual tendon and not donor tissue from a cadaver. Jon's patella tendon actually ruptured in the middle and the surgeon was able to layer the top layer onto the bottom layer and weave them together again. He has two anchor points on the bottom of his knee that are holding the tendon onto his knee cap. They also did work with the tendons on both side his knee since they were damaged and they are also anchored onto the knee cap. They created a 6 inch incision down his knee and it's being held together with about 25 staples. I saw it today when I changed his dressing for the first time and it looks good (no infection).
Wednesday 6pm: We are called back to the recovery area because Jon is not feeling well. His surgery was designed to be same day....they wanted him discharged after an hour in recovery and taken home immediately. Jon had issues with anesthesia in the past too (feeling ill and nauseated afterwards). The nurses could not get his nausea under control and he was too light-headed and dizzy to get dressed or use crutches. After 7pm they decide it's best to admit him to Mercy Hospital (across the street) for a 23 hour observation. He's taken over by ambulance and I move the Jeep to the hospital parking lot.
Wednesday 7:45pm: Jon is admitted onto the Ortho floor and they keep giving him IV meds to try and make him feel less ill. Due to his nausea he's not given any pain meds. Fortunately he didn't feel hardly any pain that night because the anesthesiologist gave him a fermoral block (nerve block) after the surgery that's supposed to numb his leg for 18 hours.
The nurses are in continuously during the night for vitals and med administrations.
Thursday 8am: Jon is in horrible pain because the femoral block wore off quicker than anticipated. Since he wasn't given any pain meds the day before or during the night, he's not ahead of the pain and his really strong narcotics aren't working. Fortunately a doctor does allow for some morphine to be given and that cuts through the edge a little bit. Unfortunately right when it starts working, physical therapy shows up and makes him walk on his crutches since that's protocol that day after knee surgery. All the movement and handling of his leg cause the pain to sky-rocket again and he's even worse. Sadly they can't give him anything else for pain for hours since he's had a lot of narcotics already. He's a very miserable man. I understand the nurses cannot disobey doctor's orders but they were rather rude and not sympathetic at all. It was extremely disappointing.
Thursday early afternoon: A different doctor comes to check on his nausea from the night before and decides to order more morphine for him. That morphine was a godsend because it helped him calm down and get some sleep. He started making headway with his pain after that and in my opinion was "caught up" with his pain management. They did decide to keep him one more night though just to make sure he was in better shape for a discharge home. He did well overnight.
Friday morning: Physical therapy comes again and works with him on stairs to ensure he's using his crutches correctly. The walking and stair practice goes very well. They decide that he's more than ready to go home and he's discharged around noon. They change his pain meds again becuase they found something different that works better.
Friday early afternoon: I drove him home and his friend Dave met us here with his parents to help get him inside since he gets weak easily with his crutches. We got him into the house through the front door and got him settled. I took off for awhile to get Gavin and do some things in Ames. I returned later and spent the night with him since he has to get up every 3 hours for a dose of pain meds. I'm staying tonight too (Saturday) and tomorrow night (Sunday). I'll stay a few nights during the work week too but will take nights off of course since I don't need my parenting to suffer or work performance. I just hope the weather continues to hold out since the commmute could really become a pain if the roads are icy.
That's the low down. It was stressful and unpredictable but he's home now and settled. He goes back to the doc on Friday the 3rd. The main recovery is 6 months but I can tell he's going to succeed and make great progress.
I didn't really have a Thanksgiving. I did bop down to the hospital cafeteria Thursday night and got a couple scoops of stuffing since they were still serving Thanksgiving foods. Jon's mom brought leftovers from their meal so we have turkey, mashed potatoes, and other goodies to eat. I already ate the stuffing and some of the green bean casserole.
I hope you all had a good holiday and thanks for the support. It was actually lonely at times when he was sleeping or occupied so I appreciated the texts and phone calls.
I did a lot of thinking so I will have some profound lifestyle-based blog entries soon. It's amazing how much a person thinks about their health when they are staying at a hospital ha ha.
FYI...Mercy Hospital has a McDonald's in their facility! Sadly I did eat there Friday night since the cafeteria was closed but it shocks me that a fastfood joint is promoted at a hospital.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
More Updates!
Hey everyone:
I'm taking a break from my disorganized night. I've been cleaning primarily since my apartment is driving me nuts. Fortunately we have Gavin's winter wardrobe out and ready for use. His winter coat from last year still fits! So do his snow boots!! Happy Day! We also spent some time on his closet so he's now a boy with hanging shirts that are less wrinkled. I've also been sorting through things on my desk. Next I need to sort through the Christmas gifts I've purchased since they've been haphazardly put in my closet over the past months. I'm scared I'll forget to wrap something and I'll find it in July next year.
After I deliver Gavin to school tomorrow morning, I'm going to head to Ankeny and help Jon prepare for his surgery. It's supposed to be a same day surgery (which still surprises me). I think I'd feel better if he spent at least one night in the hospital. I'm nervous about bringing him home because I have no idea how mobile (or conscious) he'll be. Both entries into his home have stairs so I'm sure it will be a challenge. Fortunately his boss is willing to come over and help if we need more manpower.
Jon's patella tendon ruptured in the middle instead of the insertion point so he's getting a new one...well technically it's a used one from a donor that has passed away. They anticipate a six month recovery and it will actually take a year to get him closer to "normal" function. I just hope his pain will be managed appropriately. I will be less available starting Monday because ISU will be back in session (as well as DMACC) but I should be able to go down many evenings and spend nights.
It's very frustrating that I can't help further. My personality is severely kicking in and causing frustration. In most parts of my life, I strive for perfection and to do my best. I feel like I'm not being the best girlfriend right now because I'm getting frustrated at times and my schedule and other responsiblities are not allowing me to give 100%. I'm just worried that I'll continue to feel frustrated during the next 6 months and that certainly won't help Jon's frame of mind. Sigh.
I just needed to vent. I'm also scared about invading Jon's parent's turf. I don't want the situation to cause any tension. Anywho....every day is a new day. Thanks for listening.
I'm taking a break from my disorganized night. I've been cleaning primarily since my apartment is driving me nuts. Fortunately we have Gavin's winter wardrobe out and ready for use. His winter coat from last year still fits! So do his snow boots!! Happy Day! We also spent some time on his closet so he's now a boy with hanging shirts that are less wrinkled. I've also been sorting through things on my desk. Next I need to sort through the Christmas gifts I've purchased since they've been haphazardly put in my closet over the past months. I'm scared I'll forget to wrap something and I'll find it in July next year.
After I deliver Gavin to school tomorrow morning, I'm going to head to Ankeny and help Jon prepare for his surgery. It's supposed to be a same day surgery (which still surprises me). I think I'd feel better if he spent at least one night in the hospital. I'm nervous about bringing him home because I have no idea how mobile (or conscious) he'll be. Both entries into his home have stairs so I'm sure it will be a challenge. Fortunately his boss is willing to come over and help if we need more manpower.
Jon's patella tendon ruptured in the middle instead of the insertion point so he's getting a new one...well technically it's a used one from a donor that has passed away. They anticipate a six month recovery and it will actually take a year to get him closer to "normal" function. I just hope his pain will be managed appropriately. I will be less available starting Monday because ISU will be back in session (as well as DMACC) but I should be able to go down many evenings and spend nights.
It's very frustrating that I can't help further. My personality is severely kicking in and causing frustration. In most parts of my life, I strive for perfection and to do my best. I feel like I'm not being the best girlfriend right now because I'm getting frustrated at times and my schedule and other responsiblities are not allowing me to give 100%. I'm just worried that I'll continue to feel frustrated during the next 6 months and that certainly won't help Jon's frame of mind. Sigh.
I just needed to vent. I'm also scared about invading Jon's parent's turf. I don't want the situation to cause any tension. Anywho....every day is a new day. Thanks for listening.
30...what a lovely number!
Hey ladies I just wanted to share a major milestone with you. I stepped on the scale this morning to get a pre-thanksgiving weight and was shocked to see that I had dropped 30.6 pounds!!! I am so freaking excited. I never quite made it to the 30 pound milestone the last time I was losing weight and I am thrilled. Sadly, I gained more weight back than I lost last time so I'm still not at the lightest I've been in the last 2 years but I'm getting close.
Anyway, I need to go. Have a great thanksgiving!!!
Anyway, I need to go. Have a great thanksgiving!!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
More knee updates
Jon had his first appointment today in Des Moines. His parents took him since I had a meeting this morning and needed to be in Ames. The tendon that connects his patella is ruptured. They are planning on a surgery on Wednesday. I'm trying to make arrangements for Gavin so I'm available in the morning...Murphy's Law tells me the surgery would be bright and early in the morning. The back of his knee is quite black and blue but his pain has been better. I'll be heading there later tonight so I'm sure he'll have more information me then.
Thanks for thinking of him (and me) during this tough time. Yes, I'm stressed but it's been rather exhilarating knowing that I can accomplish all these tasks lately. Yesterday and today were very productive. I got a nice treat yesterday and since Gregg & Tiffany stopped by and visited.
Thanks for thinking of him (and me) during this tough time. Yes, I'm stressed but it's been rather exhilarating knowing that I can accomplish all these tasks lately. Yesterday and today were very productive. I got a nice treat yesterday and since Gregg & Tiffany stopped by and visited.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
It's so easy to be bad...
when it tastes SO GOOD! Ladies I am in trouble. I LOVE dark chocolate and I love mint. I love them even better when they are combined. Well, the fine chocolatiers at Lindt and Ghirardelli have decided to come up with festive, dark chocolate-mint candies for the holiday season. A few years ago I found Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares. They were excellent but they were milk chocolate so I could resist. This year they are also making them in dark chocolate. Sheer bliss! I bought a bag a while ago and I'm doing very well at rationing them...I'm actually kind of proud of myself. However, today when I went to the store to pick up a few items that I forgot yesterday I had to walk by the Christmas candy display to get to the pecans. As I walked by I happened to notice that Lindt now has a dark peppermint truffle. I had to get them. I ate one after my lunch today and they are divine! The worst part is that the truffles distracted me and I still didn't get my damn pecans for my sweet potato casserole that I'm making for Thanksgiving so I have to go back to the store again!! GAHH!!
Anywho, if you're looking for a really tasty treat and you like dark chocolate I would recommend either of the sweets mentioned above. The Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares are a little less sharp and are sweeter so if you don't like really dark chocolate I would go with those, however, if you're like me and think the darker the better I would go with the Lindt truffles. Either way you won't be sorry!
Anywho, if you're looking for a really tasty treat and you like dark chocolate I would recommend either of the sweets mentioned above. The Ghirardelli peppermint bark squares are a little less sharp and are sweeter so if you don't like really dark chocolate I would go with those, however, if you're like me and think the darker the better I would go with the Lindt truffles. Either way you won't be sorry!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
It's time for an update....
Well both you have made the commment that you've looked at this blog but not written entries often and I am in the same boat. I'm currently sitting at Jon's watching the last ISU football game of the season. Sadly we are losing so our bowl eligibility is going out the window.
The big news was Jon's major injury on Tuesday. He's still laid up and homebound. Sadly they weren't able to get him in for an MRI until Monday so we're still not exactly sure what is wrong with his knee, we just know it's bad. Surgery is expected but it's hard to say if they'll get him in for surgery before the holiday. My schedule is more flexible since ISU is closed next week for Thanksgiving Break so I'm able to come down here and help. Gavin and I have started spending the night here so I can help in the night and give his Mom and Dad a break too.
Work is going decently. My classes are on schedule and finals week will be here in 4 weeks. I still have one more meeting to plan for the teaching assistants (grad students) for the end of the semester. I'm also designing a structured meeting for them right before the next semester starts too. I signed up for extra Red Cross work in December that I know regret if I'm needed at Jon's. DMACC is DMACC. Student performance is disappointing but they are on the same schedule as ISU. I won't see those students again after 4 weeks. I teach the same class again in January but not in Ames. I'll have to commute to Ankeny.
My apartment is an absolute disster since I've been busy with work and Jon's new injury. I'm not where I want to be with Christmas shopping or decorating. I'm considering putting my tree up at Jon's house instead of my apartment.
Eating has been not under control or very healthy. My exercise levels are still below par too. I'll keep this one short since I need to leave soon Gavin will be done at the IMAX Theater. He went there with friends (who's mother was willing to get him in Ankeny on their way to Des Moines) so they are meeting me again at Culver's to drop him off with me.
Since I will be hanging around a lot indoors, I hope to post more entries next week!
The big news was Jon's major injury on Tuesday. He's still laid up and homebound. Sadly they weren't able to get him in for an MRI until Monday so we're still not exactly sure what is wrong with his knee, we just know it's bad. Surgery is expected but it's hard to say if they'll get him in for surgery before the holiday. My schedule is more flexible since ISU is closed next week for Thanksgiving Break so I'm able to come down here and help. Gavin and I have started spending the night here so I can help in the night and give his Mom and Dad a break too.
Work is going decently. My classes are on schedule and finals week will be here in 4 weeks. I still have one more meeting to plan for the teaching assistants (grad students) for the end of the semester. I'm also designing a structured meeting for them right before the next semester starts too. I signed up for extra Red Cross work in December that I know regret if I'm needed at Jon's. DMACC is DMACC. Student performance is disappointing but they are on the same schedule as ISU. I won't see those students again after 4 weeks. I teach the same class again in January but not in Ames. I'll have to commute to Ankeny.
My apartment is an absolute disster since I've been busy with work and Jon's new injury. I'm not where I want to be with Christmas shopping or decorating. I'm considering putting my tree up at Jon's house instead of my apartment.
Eating has been not under control or very healthy. My exercise levels are still below par too. I'll keep this one short since I need to leave soon Gavin will be done at the IMAX Theater. He went there with friends (who's mother was willing to get him in Ankeny on their way to Des Moines) so they are meeting me again at Culver's to drop him off with me.
Since I will be hanging around a lot indoors, I hope to post more entries next week!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Broken record...
Hey ladies. I can't tell you how many times I've come here to blog over the last week and didn't. It's not that I don't want to but I really have nothing to share, at least nothing new. I fear that I'm starting to sound like a broken record, I'm working out at 5:00 a.m., I'm eating well, I'm working out at 5:00 a.m., I'm eating well... So, to save you all from wasting time reading the SAME thing over and over again and to keep my from droning on and on I've decided that I'm just going share some random holiday fluff with you over the next week. If you don't want to read it you don't have to. But if you're bored and looking for a momentary distraction check it out! Thats all I have today! Cheers!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
News from Afghanistan and really bad hummus
Happy Wednesday all. I'm sitting in here letting my lunch digest a bit and thought I'd jot down a few things. First, I am loving this whole fall back thing for daylight savings. Yes, it's dark at night when I leave work and I get sleepy earlier but it's helping me to wake earlier and stay motivated for and be faithful to my 5 a.m. workouts. It's been really quite beautiful these last few mornings with the sun coming up, frost on the grass and lots of fog billowing about. I also have to say that I'm really enjoying the luxury of having a garage now...NO MORE SCRAPING!!! With the temps hitting the 60s each day this week it's hard to believe that it's almost the middle of November. I was looking at my calendar this morning before work and Thanksgiving is only two weeks away, which means that in 14 days Jessica will be at my place for her first visit to Michigan!!
I am so looking forward to her trip out here. Since I've moved to Michigan she and I haven't had a chance to just send time with the two of us so this bonding time is long overdue. Not only am I super excited to see Rishy but I am crazy excited to get to cook Thanksgiving dinner! Even though it's just the two of us we're going to have the whole feast: turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberries, rolls, pumpkin pie!!! I cannot wait. And, as an added bonus, because there will be so much food we won't have to cook the rest of the weekend! I'm going to have to make sure I work in a few extra workouts that week and weekend to help offset the over consumption of calories.
While I know that my Thanksgiving feast will turn out splendidly, I wish I could say the same thing for my many attempts at making hummus. I don't know if you've ever had hummus but it's a garlicky chickpea spread that is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. I had never had it and then at a potluck here at work someone brought it in. I figured I'd try it and when I did it was so good. I've tried many store bought brands and haven't really cared for them so I thought I'd try to make some at home. Every time I have high hopes and every time they are dashed. I simply just do not like them. I don't know if my taster was off the day I had it and liked it so much or if I just can't recreate the hummus the chick at work made but it just doesn't work. I attempted to e-mail the girl and ask her for her recipe but she no longer works at the hospital so it's a no go. I'm sad but maybe I'm just not meant to eat hummus. I know, I know, if this is my big tragedy in life I really shouldn't be complaining :)
The last thing I want to share with you is some news from Afghanistan. I haven't had a chance to talk to him but Dean has been calling his wife and much as he can while he's over seas and he's had a chance to be on Facebook too (it's crazy how much war has changed). While this news is disheartening to Dean and his fellow soldiers it's making everybody back home rest a little more soundly. When Deans unit got to Afghanistan there was a special op that they needed more men for. It was an active duty very high risk type op. Dean and some of his fellow soldiers were selected. They were trained and then left for this mission. Two weeks in, they sent the most recently acquired soldiers back to their bases. Basically they had recruited too many bodies for this op. Dean was in the group cut. It's very hard for him because he feels like the time he's over there now is going to be a waste. It's very exciting for us as family members because he is a lot more safe now than he would have been. I love him and I'm so proud of him but I'm not going to say that a part of me doesn't love the fact that he's going to be doing less over there. Especially considering the fact that one of the Marine battalions that is stationed near him are doing something similar to what he would have been doing and they lost 9 soldiers in 4 days. I don't care what he does over there as long as he comes home to us. Anyway, if you could keep him, his fellow soldiers and especially the families of those who have been lost in your prayers I would greatly appreciate it!
Alright, my lunch is almost over. Have a great week!
I am so looking forward to her trip out here. Since I've moved to Michigan she and I haven't had a chance to just send time with the two of us so this bonding time is long overdue. Not only am I super excited to see Rishy but I am crazy excited to get to cook Thanksgiving dinner! Even though it's just the two of us we're going to have the whole feast: turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberries, rolls, pumpkin pie!!! I cannot wait. And, as an added bonus, because there will be so much food we won't have to cook the rest of the weekend! I'm going to have to make sure I work in a few extra workouts that week and weekend to help offset the over consumption of calories.
While I know that my Thanksgiving feast will turn out splendidly, I wish I could say the same thing for my many attempts at making hummus. I don't know if you've ever had hummus but it's a garlicky chickpea spread that is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. I had never had it and then at a potluck here at work someone brought it in. I figured I'd try it and when I did it was so good. I've tried many store bought brands and haven't really cared for them so I thought I'd try to make some at home. Every time I have high hopes and every time they are dashed. I simply just do not like them. I don't know if my taster was off the day I had it and liked it so much or if I just can't recreate the hummus the chick at work made but it just doesn't work. I attempted to e-mail the girl and ask her for her recipe but she no longer works at the hospital so it's a no go. I'm sad but maybe I'm just not meant to eat hummus. I know, I know, if this is my big tragedy in life I really shouldn't be complaining :)
The last thing I want to share with you is some news from Afghanistan. I haven't had a chance to talk to him but Dean has been calling his wife and much as he can while he's over seas and he's had a chance to be on Facebook too (it's crazy how much war has changed). While this news is disheartening to Dean and his fellow soldiers it's making everybody back home rest a little more soundly. When Deans unit got to Afghanistan there was a special op that they needed more men for. It was an active duty very high risk type op. Dean and some of his fellow soldiers were selected. They were trained and then left for this mission. Two weeks in, they sent the most recently acquired soldiers back to their bases. Basically they had recruited too many bodies for this op. Dean was in the group cut. It's very hard for him because he feels like the time he's over there now is going to be a waste. It's very exciting for us as family members because he is a lot more safe now than he would have been. I love him and I'm so proud of him but I'm not going to say that a part of me doesn't love the fact that he's going to be doing less over there. Especially considering the fact that one of the Marine battalions that is stationed near him are doing something similar to what he would have been doing and they lost 9 soldiers in 4 days. I don't care what he does over there as long as he comes home to us. Anyway, if you could keep him, his fellow soldiers and especially the families of those who have been lost in your prayers I would greatly appreciate it!
Alright, my lunch is almost over. Have a great week!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
I never though I'd say this...
But I think I really love 5:00 a.m. workouts! I feel pretty darn good after my workout this morning and now I'm just waiting to cool down a bit so I'm not still sweating when I get out of the shower. I wish I had a more accurate way to estimate calories burned during exercise. The treadmill told me I burned 826 calories this morning which is not correct. I think they are over estimating my caloric expenditure because of my weight. Yes, I'm going to burn way more calories than a female who is my age and weighs 150 pounds but I still don't think it's in the 800 calorie range. Oh well, I suppose calories don't matter all that much. I know I was working in my target heart range of the greater part of the workout and I just feel good. What else really matters.
OK, I think I might have some breakfast and then shower. I know you're busy and don't have a lot of time to sit and read a bunch of lengthy blogs so I'm just going to leave you with a little workout humor!
http://www.fritzcartoons.com/2009/04/14/treadmill-of-life/
I love the Minnesota/Norwegian treadmill! :)
OK, I think I might have some breakfast and then shower. I know you're busy and don't have a lot of time to sit and read a bunch of lengthy blogs so I'm just going to leave you with a little workout humor!
http://www.fritzcartoons.com/2009/04/14/treadmill-of-life/
I love the Minnesota/Norwegian treadmill! :)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Fitness Magazine: a pleasant surprise!
Happy November 3rd! This is officially my favorite day of the month. No offense to all of my fantastic friends and family who have birthdays this month or to the girl(s) who are coming to see me later this month but I am just loving this day. NO MORE POLITICAL ADS!!!! It might seem like a small thing to get so excited about but I am thrilled that I no longer have to hear about the fact that regardless of who we put in office they will cheat, lie, steal, kick puppies and pinch babies. I'm not going to lie, I don't know that anybody that I voted for was actually elected into office but I am keeping my hopes high that whoever is making decisions will embrace a moderate attitude and do what's best for the state and the country. As someone who doesn't have a lot of money having republicans in control always makes me a little nervous, they're not known for supporting the lower and middle classes, but I'm going to put my negative opinions aside and hope for the best!
November has started off pretty well for me, especially in contrast to the end of October. I was terrible over the weekend. I didn't work out at all and I ate like crap. I don't feel too guilty about it but I need to get back in gear. I've started working out in the mornings again. I've attempted this many times and never really get into the habit. However, I've decided that if I really want to reach the goals that I set for myself, in the timeline that I want, I need to get more vigorous cardio during the week. Don't get me wrong, I've been doing cardio throughout the week but I cannot accomplish in my apartment what I can on a treadmill. So, it was either workout late in the evenings, meaning after 9:00, or get up at 5:00 a few mornings a week. I wouldn't mind working out at night but I already have issues sleeping and I fear that getting an energy boost that late in the evening will just escalate those problems. Right now I've decided that Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings are my treadmill days. The rest of the week I will fill in with resistance, flexibility and balance training. I really want to push myself. When I lost weight last in the late winter and early spring of 2009 I got to around 30 pounds off and then I lost focus. I not only gained back everything I lost but about 15 pounds more. I cannot keep doing this. Anyway, I'm doing really well right now and I keep adding monthly goals and have been pretty successful.
OK, do you remember last year when signed up to do Lighten Up Iowa we got a free years subscription to a magazine? Well, I ended up getting Fitness Magazine. I wasn't sure if I'd like it or if there would be anything in the magazine geared towards someone like me. When I got my first issues I browsed through it quickly and didn't pay much attention to anything. I saw a lot of half naked thin, fit women and workout pants for over $100. After that first issue I don't think that I looked at them again. Recently I started pulling them out again. I figure that if I look beyond the cover and thumb through them more carefully I might just find some interesting things. You know what...I did!
First, I like that there are healthy recipes in each issues. I've only tried one but I have intentions of trying more. I like that they often times have reviews of products for your everyday life. From shoes, to healthy frozen foods, to face creams. I like that they have real experts in areas of diet, fitness and weight loss who contribute to each article. I think some of the information that they share is definitely geared more towards the already fit population but they have things for beginners as well. I really, really like that they have success stories from people like us in EVERY issue. In each issue they have three women who have gone through the same struggles as us talk about their success. They are short snippets but they're there. It was in one such snippet that I found a motto that I think would work well for anybody who wants to lose weight and get healthier: eat clean, exercise dirty! I think the woman in question had lost 70 pounds and she said she did it mostly by eliminating highly processed foods and by doing her cardio. She ate well and sweat a lot! As busy women, it's not always possible to cut out processed foods completely but by cutting back we can certainly make a difference in our overall fitness, especially when paired with regular exercise. There have been other items of interest from the magazine...did you know that canola oil is actually better for you that olive oil (not to mention way cheaper) and I have actually enjoyed reading it. I don't know that I would be interested in subscribing once the free trial is over but it has been a very pleasant surprise.
I should go because I don't have much more to say. I hope that November is treating you well so far!
November has started off pretty well for me, especially in contrast to the end of October. I was terrible over the weekend. I didn't work out at all and I ate like crap. I don't feel too guilty about it but I need to get back in gear. I've started working out in the mornings again. I've attempted this many times and never really get into the habit. However, I've decided that if I really want to reach the goals that I set for myself, in the timeline that I want, I need to get more vigorous cardio during the week. Don't get me wrong, I've been doing cardio throughout the week but I cannot accomplish in my apartment what I can on a treadmill. So, it was either workout late in the evenings, meaning after 9:00, or get up at 5:00 a few mornings a week. I wouldn't mind working out at night but I already have issues sleeping and I fear that getting an energy boost that late in the evening will just escalate those problems. Right now I've decided that Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings are my treadmill days. The rest of the week I will fill in with resistance, flexibility and balance training. I really want to push myself. When I lost weight last in the late winter and early spring of 2009 I got to around 30 pounds off and then I lost focus. I not only gained back everything I lost but about 15 pounds more. I cannot keep doing this. Anyway, I'm doing really well right now and I keep adding monthly goals and have been pretty successful.
OK, do you remember last year when signed up to do Lighten Up Iowa we got a free years subscription to a magazine? Well, I ended up getting Fitness Magazine. I wasn't sure if I'd like it or if there would be anything in the magazine geared towards someone like me. When I got my first issues I browsed through it quickly and didn't pay much attention to anything. I saw a lot of half naked thin, fit women and workout pants for over $100. After that first issue I don't think that I looked at them again. Recently I started pulling them out again. I figure that if I look beyond the cover and thumb through them more carefully I might just find some interesting things. You know what...I did!
First, I like that there are healthy recipes in each issues. I've only tried one but I have intentions of trying more. I like that they often times have reviews of products for your everyday life. From shoes, to healthy frozen foods, to face creams. I like that they have real experts in areas of diet, fitness and weight loss who contribute to each article. I think some of the information that they share is definitely geared more towards the already fit population but they have things for beginners as well. I really, really like that they have success stories from people like us in EVERY issue. In each issue they have three women who have gone through the same struggles as us talk about their success. They are short snippets but they're there. It was in one such snippet that I found a motto that I think would work well for anybody who wants to lose weight and get healthier: eat clean, exercise dirty! I think the woman in question had lost 70 pounds and she said she did it mostly by eliminating highly processed foods and by doing her cardio. She ate well and sweat a lot! As busy women, it's not always possible to cut out processed foods completely but by cutting back we can certainly make a difference in our overall fitness, especially when paired with regular exercise. There have been other items of interest from the magazine...did you know that canola oil is actually better for you that olive oil (not to mention way cheaper) and I have actually enjoyed reading it. I don't know that I would be interested in subscribing once the free trial is over but it has been a very pleasant surprise.
I should go because I don't have much more to say. I hope that November is treating you well so far!
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