What is a Calorie?

Calories are the little bastards that get into your wardrobe at night and sew your clothes tighter.

 

My closet is infested with the little sh*ts!

 

- courtesy of my mom's coworker

Salad Creations

I get bored of salad easily. Eating the same boring green stuff over and over. That's why I love it when I throw a bunch of random things in a bowl and it works out great! I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture of my salad creation, but just know it looks so colorful and tasted delicious!

In a bowl I poured a good cup or two of spinach. I had romaine for lunch, didn't want that again. I bought a 4oz piece of pre-cooked salmon at Target this morning, flaked that up, tossed it in the bowl. Next I cut 10 cherry tomatoes and 10 black olives in half and tossed them into the bowl. I bought a block of Feta this morning too, so I cut about a one ounce wedge, and crumbled into the bowl. Drizzled the whole thing with a little olive oil and ate it!

Man, I wish I had a picture. Food posts just aren't the same without pics. I don't have any more salmon, but I might sub in some steak or chicken last this week and I'll make sure to take a picture!!

Paypal Sucks

There are multiple Facebook pages dedicated to this. In case you didn't know, eBay and PayPal are the same company. So they charge you for listing, they take a cut of your sale, and then take a cut of the money transferred via PayPal, which is really the only way to pay via eBay. No other options, no choices. And yes, as a buyer is it nice to have the protection of safe money transfer and if you get scammed they will reimburse you. But as the seller you get jack squat. No protection from scammers, no trust, no help. Just fee after fee, shake down after shake down.

S had put several things up for sale and 5 sales were pending today. For some reason PayPal called me while at work regarding the account, and I didn't think anything of it but said I couldn't talk and hung up. Well, PayPal has decided S is selling things worth too much money and he needs to provide proof of shipping and until he does, they limited his account. Meaning he can't do anything, except refund. So he can't get the money to pay for shipping. PayPal says you are supposed to front that money and that shipping costs are a reimbursement. I'm pretty sure you pay for shipping first, no? I have never ordered stuff from a website and they've sent it out before I've paid shipping costs. So that's dumb. S decided to refund two of the five pending sales, but the other three he had already transferred the money to his account so he can't refund them since PayPal froze all his transactions. But he's adamant about PayPal not making any more money off him, and I don't blame him one bit. He's been selling on eBay for awhile now, and using PayPal, so I don't understand why now they decide he isn't legit.

It's just irritating that they make life so difficult, and then take your money on top of it. PayPal really sucks. It's no wonder S calls them the Thugs of Commerce.

Friday Fun Facts

• I like the word spooky
• You will never hear me say this again, but I think I'm sick of chocolate
• I want to see Fast Five (don't judge), but I don't want to see all the tools who think they're hot stuff with they're "pimped" out cars.
• Every time I hear "Evacuate the dancefloor" it makes me want to do the Dance Central dance routine.  
• I hate bras that fit in the store, and fit when you try them on at home, but the minute you cut the tag off and wear them, they warp and have giant gaps. WTH. Pretty sure I didn't change shape between now and then.
• I am extremely saddened by the tornado destruction in Alabama and the other five states affected. 
• I feel very lucky the storm system didn't hit the metroplex. 
• Since today is payday, and it's a gorgeous day out I almost feel like blasting Akon - I'm so paid with the windows down on the way home. 
• I have terrible posture. Must fix. 
• S says he has a surprise for me. He said that yesterday and it was a P'zone. I shall not get my hopes up today. Nice gesture though!

Happy Friday Ya'll!

Fat Week

Daily Caffeine Count: 1, and it's not enough.

I don't really know what else to call this week. Chocolate is now back in my life and I've had a craving for just. . . junk. Chocolate, carbs, pizza, Mexican, chicken biscuits, you name it, I want it. Sometimes veggies just don't sound appealing and my will power is seriously lacking. I think the most stress from all of this comes from the fact I'm failing at eating right, so I beat myself up over it and just fail more. This is a bad mental cycle. I'm going to be honest. I didn't go work out last night like I was supposed to. I didn't get up this morning like I said I was going to. Last night I was too busy eating a P'zone and watching the Vampire Diaries, and this morning I wanted to sleep. Sleep is an acceptable excuse; pretty sure P'zone eating is not.

I found some PDF's on Women's Health, with a two day eating cleanse which is just natural, all good for you items, a week long menu which was very varied of all good healthy food, another on how to trim 100 calories by just not eating the crust of pie or putting your candy stash more than arms length from you or skipping the cheese on your sandwich, etc. and one last PDF on a 15 minute fat blaster with simple movements that doesn't require equipment. I think that would be a good addition to my running. I feel so guilty I didn't go last night. Like I've said before, I never regret going, but I do regret NOT going. I enjoy it while I'm there. I like seeing myself progress and get stronger and increase endurance. 

So tonight, I'm going to work on my paper and then plan my meals down to every last detail for the next week. I'm going to go to Target on Saturday morning, early, and pick up everything I need. I'm going to prepare the things that take time, so during the week while rushing off to work and school I don't have to stop and waste time. And we'll go from there. I'm sick of yo-yo-ing. I don't wanna be chunky anymore! Why can't I just DO IT? It's like I'm afraid to succeed at something I've been working at for 10 years.

Duck Sauce

If you were hoping for a post regarding Chinese food, sorry to disappoint. Apparently there is a band called "Duck Sauce" and they have a song called "Barbra Streisand". Really. And it's pretty much the same "woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo woo Barbra Streisand" over and over. and over. and over.

I've heard this song in a commercial, but I can't remember for what. Watch the video if you dare. Five minutes of pretty much pure randomness. And yes, that is a persons head up someone dress.

External Hard Drive

I need one. Every time I go looking around my computer for my music folder with songs from like. . . 1998. . . on it, I can't find the damn folder! Every single time! And then my iTunes are somewhere else, and I can only transfer those songs five times before I can no longer listen to the music I purchased! Arg!

Ok, now that I've ranted, I've found my folder. It was hidden in "Documents" and labeled "Music". Can't believe I didn't think to look there. 

But I still I think an external hard drive would be a good investment to keep all my music and all my pictures safe from these evil machines that hold my documents hostage.

And if you are curious as to the song I was looking for. . . it's guessin' time!

If it's Friday night, I'm at the ballgame,
And first thing Saturday, if it don't rain,
I'm headed out to the lake,
And I'll be gone, all weekend long,
but I'll call you back when I get home,
On Sunday afternoon,
. . .

Yeah, so I was feeling sappy, what of it?

Cute as a button

Holy moley, ya'll! This nail polish is BRIGHT! I painted both my toes and fingers with the new Essie color I picked up last weekend. I think toes can pull off colors fingers can't. Now, it's not that it looks bad on my fingers. . .  just might not be "business appropriate", not that I'm too concerned I'll blind someone with color while sitting in my corner all day. 

Bottle shot:

Finger shot:

It's very vivid, and really doesn't "match" with much, but maybe that's some of the appeal? Things don't always have to coordinate. It's a fun summer color. I'll probably wear it more on my toes anyway.

Dishing for Dana II

I put my money where my mouth is and donated to Dishing for Dana this weekend! There are a few yummy recipes posted so far. I'm hoping to try out some very soon, and look forward to more being posted! 

If you don't know about Dishing for Dana, you can read about it here and find out more about donating and the perks here.

And you can follow Dana here.

I wonder if I can dig up a comfort food recipe to submit. I shall go dig!
 

Random pics from the road

So this person left one and a half car lengths between them and the white line. I almost wanted to pull in front of them. Cops will think you're drunk and pull you over for stopping SO far back!

Seriously, the silver car is where the line is. Look where the green car stopped!

And this person was parked out past the white line before the arrow turned green. Apparently they were in a real hurry.

And this was the road I had to drive on to get home last week during a major storm. I thought I was going to float away!

It was worse than it looks. . .

Just wanted to share =)

Essie Nail Polish

I've had the turquoise shade on my toes for a week now, and barely a chip! I even went swimming yesterday and chlorine is typically detrimental to my pedicures. I painted my fingers with the nude shade on Tuesday, and it lasted pretty well considering the amount of typing I do, washing of my hands, chores etc. I took it off this morning and it was SO easy! It's never that easy to take off polish. I think that reason alone might propel Essie into my number one nail polish spot.

I went to Target yesterday for a few necessities, and picked up two more shades of Essie polish; French affair (baby pink) and Cute as a Button (which is a pretty neon orange/pink color).

French Affair

Cute as a Button

I painted my fingers with French affair. I really, really like it. It goes on nicely, and lasts. I definitely recommend this brand! It's worth the money. 

I think it's a cute color!

Here's the Sand Tropez I purchased last time

I think I'll paint my toes with Cute as a Button later on this week. Love this brand and these colors!

Hurt

I am a very emotional person. I think a lot with my heart, and not much with my head. As a result, I end up with hurt feelings. A lot. There are very few people whom I trust 100% not to say or do anything that would make me sad or hurt my feelings, whether it be on purpose or not. These people know me pretty damn well, and have been great friends through thick and thin. 

Actually, I'm pretty sure for the most part no one intends to hurt me, but sometimes they do. And all it takes is one thing for me to close up like a clam. A second thing, you're lucky I answered my phone. Anything after that, be prepared to not really hear from me for awhile. I should know better by now. I need to be more careful when screening people to let into my life, rather than be wide open in the beginning, all trusting and stuff, and then have it thrown back in my face. 

I think this may be the first blog where I discuss other people, but you know what? This is my space so I'll do what I want. I'm not going to be mean, I'm just saying how I feel. I know I can't be the only one who sometimes feels this way.

I have a friend who I am close with. We used to be super close. Like talking all day via text, IM, phone, Gchat, in person, whatever/do almost everything together close. Circumstances changed and we were no longer able to do everything together, but I figured we would still make the effort or at least still be talking all the time. But the minute everything changes, we are no longer were telling each other everything like we used to. Or at least, I was because I thought we were still best friends. They weren't, maybe because I was no longer convenient? I felt hurt. I don't deal well with hurt. Hurt usually leads to me hanging up on you and then proceeding to withdraw.

Myself and this person don't talk much anymore. Not really because we don't want to - I'm certain it's not that. Just life, and schedules, and lack of effort (I obviously can't speak for the other person, so I'll just say lack of effort on my part because if I don't see effort on the other side, I again close up like a clam. And actually, I do put out little pieces of effort every now and then, and the majority of the time I feel shut down or ignored). When we do find time to get together or catch up, it's pretty much like nothing has changed and that's good. But I have other friends where we don't see each other much and when we get together it's like nothing has changed, and I don't feel hurt by them. I supposed you could say I'm insecure in this relationship. Friendship. It's a two way street, just like a romantic relationship. I am fiercely loyal until I feel hurt, or abandoned. And then I don't trust as much as I used to. I don't put in as much effort as I used to. Why give someone your precious time, when they don't seem to care as much as you? Why make someone a priority, when they don't make time for you? Am I alone in this?

I also know I should probably talk to the person I have a problem with, but that involves confrontation, and unless it's a salesperson who has wronged me, I really don't like it. My circle of trust is pretty small, and to have two (yes I know I only referenced one, but the same applies to the second) people hurting my feelings and making me sad is disappointing and hurtful. Almost frustrating. I just want to ask, "Am I not important to you anymore? Do you not care about me at all?" I guess this post is pretty cryptic, but I didn't want to air dirty laundry on the internet. Just wanted to address the masses and give a little insight as to how I'm a sensitive person, an emotional person, maybe too much of a trusting person. 

Tooting my own horn

Because I made an A on my microbiology annotated bibliography paper and I'm very proud of myself =)

Now I hope I can pull off another awesome grade for my unknown paper, on my remaining tests and in the class overall. I definitely feel I deserve it. 

Edit: 4/25 448pm - I made a 96 on my test. I missed two points. TWO measly points. But still. So awesome. I'm REALLY happy. And I feel smart =)

My Next Tweet

Oh, the things you find on the internet. Yes, That Can Be My Next Tweet predicts your next tweet based on previous tweets. Here's a selection of tweets that I may post in the future, apparently. 

• I didn't come with green sparkles = that quote has a god damn cricket underneath my tests tomorrow!
• What happens in my hands. Its so cold that I totally want to Grover.
• I know we are way too old to arrive!! I had to target wearing my socks have blue marker ALL over a funky.
• Dear other news, I'm getting my favorites this season. I've never regret going - $3.
• Ooooo good luck = choo! Happy Birthday to me, puts up 530!! love starting a month!!!
• Bruise on the bugs in my knee check out. just feels good one? And my desk!!
• Its so cold my E.L.F package is confused. I ate too many oreos Oh so sad the Michael Buble bandwagon.
• Being the Hot Hand award playing Enter to win! I'm amused that I physically can't get away!!
• I reference multiple blogs a Hello Kitty lunch was supposed to enter - can you buy canned pure pumpkin?
• Kimberly Long like this. ta da! Proud of blue, green and says Hook em Horns!
• That I'm a BIG spider on the doctor again. Story of this morning! Arg! Need to try to donate my life!
• Shopping at target wearing my favorite thiiiiingsssss!!!!!!!!!! Sugar and E.L.F quads!
• Parents, don't dress your headlights, you done something they regretted.
• Uh oh. Tiff's Tweet!
• Well my favorite! Solving crime using math. In other news, I'm in Dallas!

Uh oh, Tiffs Tweets. Don't dress your headlights, you done something they regretted. It's so cold my E.L.F package is confused and I totally want to Grover. My socks have blue marker all over a funky - I physically can't get away. Need to donate my life. I didn't come with green sparkles.


Enjoy!

Sunday's Random Tidbits

• I'm pretty sure I'm in a sugar induced haze.
• I've taken two naps today!
• I'm super cranky - there has been fall out. 
• My parents are awesome
• I mean really really awesome =)
• Painted finger nails super cute baby pink color. Looking at them makes me happy. 
• I really don't want to go back to work tomorrow. 
• S is still sick. Sad.
• I'm about to enter the worst week of this semester. Wish me luck.

Happy Easter!

Easter Eggs

I wanted to dye Easter eggs this year. I see Barefoot Kitchen Witch's egg posts each year and always want to try it out. I ran out of time again this year, but it looks like fun. I think the result it pretty. Mom says they look like eyeballs.

Egg Coloring 

Go try it. I'll live vicariously.  

Happy Easter!

Friday's Fun Facts

• This is more of a question than a fact, but when does Lent technically end? Palm Sunday or Easter Sunday. Pretty sure Jesus came out of the desert the week before he was nailed to the cross. 
• I completed week three of Get Running today. Very happy with myself. 
• This Unknown paper is a bia. 
• Have I ever mentioned I hate Times New Roman font?
• I want to see Water for Elephants, but I'm debating if I need to finish the book first. Long story.
• I have problems saying Phenylalanine. You try!
• However, peptidoglycan I have no problems with. . . 
• I want a new swim suit, but is it worth it if I'm still a chunky monkey? 
• I miss playing the piano. I feel so rusty. Think a baby grand can fit in my apartment? Yeah, me neither =(
• Looking forward to family time tomorrow and momma's home cooking! 

Today is the day

That I start my Unknown Microbiology paper. I have decided. I am determined. I will not be distracted by any more blogs, or Facebook, or other school assignments that are much more brain dead like making flashcards. No. I will write my paper. Even if it's crappy, I need a first draft. No more than 30 pages. Ok, I think I can do that. I am only allowed to do two things before this paper; Gym and groceries. I will also allow myself to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 with S tonight because he's been asking all week and I think I can take a break on a Friday night. Also, he's sick so I should show him a little love an attention. From a distance, of course. Can't be getting sick right now - it's crunch time! So that's the plan.

Married in Chicago's Giveaway!

And I want to win it! Alisha giving away a $50 Visa gift card!

Oh, just think what I could do with an extra $50. I have those Nursing apps and transcripts to pay for, it could fund my continued shoe addiction, more eyeshadows to play with, pay for one of my meals in San Francisco!

I've been entering a lot of giveaways lately, and haven't won anything so maybe this time I'll get lucky. 

So go visit Alisha's blog - she's a good read =) I guess you should enter the giveaway too, but if you win because of me, I'm taking commission!! ;-)

Life at the speed of a semihemidemisemiquaver.

I've decided I'm going for it and need to get all my transcripts, test scores and applications in for the University of Texas at Arlington Nursing program. Oh yeah, the deadline is June 1st. As in six weeks. As in holy crap I have to hurry! So I'll be running around like a headless chicken trying to get everything submitted in time. I haven't taken the HESI, so I need to do THAT as soon as possible, and since I've been to like four different colleges and universities, I need transcripts from them all at probably $10 a pop! This is for Spring 2012. That's far off. But I guess they do things way in advance. At least if I don't get accepted for Spring 2012, I can apply for Fall 2012 and have plenty time to save some money!

On another note, the semester is winding down a the speed of a semihemidemisemiquaver. Which in musical terms is like ridiculously quick. I also used the British term for emphasis ;-) I feel frantic and now I'm just adding to it! I think I might be crazy.

E.L.F Haul

I had another package arrive from E.L.F last week. They sent me a free shipping coupon and I couldn't resist! So I bought some eyeshadow quads and eyeliners to play around with. Sorry for the bad picture quality - I was rushed while taking these.
I picked out two eye pencils, just to try out some different colors. 

Iconic Ivory. I thought it was neat that it comes with a sharpener in the lid

Twinkle Teal. Looks nothing like this image!

I picked out some E.L.F quads so I can start doing full eye make up, and hopefully not look like a clown. Some colors go on well, others don't seem to stick as well. . .I'm not sure what's going on. They are pretty pigmented, which is good. I tried to pick a variety of shades - I definitely could have bought more!

Pretty n' Pink

Nymph Dreams

Luxe

I used one of the highlighters last week, and it went on well but didn't last long. I'm pretty sure this is all user error - I'll try again before my final decision, but given they are only $1, you can't expect much. 

These beauty encyclopedia's tutor your on how to apply full eye makeup and what shades to apply where.

This book is "Bright Eyes" with some bright purples and pinks as well as silvers, a green and a charcoal. They have some glitter to them. I ended up with a lot of fall out on my cheeks.

This one is more natural, everyday with the browns.

I haven't tried the cream shadows yet. I'm such a newbie.

Here is the page with the instructions. It's really not all that difficult, it's just matching the colors and blending directly so it doesn't look like a 5 year old did her momma's makeup.Which would be awkward, especially since I don't have a 5 year old.

That's all for this order. I was going to order some NYX, but shipping was about $6 so I'm probably going to stop by ULTA this weekend and see what NYX products they stock. There are some super cute and colorful palettes I really want, and someone recommended the single "skin" shade for highlight. 

Phone Phobia

I have an irrational phobia of calling strangers. Actually, that's not even true. I have a weird phobia of using the phone, period. Hey, if you call me, it's all good. But I get so weird-ed out having to pick up the phone and call out. Especially when it's someone I don't know and the possibility that they could be very unkind and rude is overwhelming. Sometimes even calling my friends makes me feel weird. I think this is why I rely so much on texting and IM-ing. It makes me sad a little bit.

This makes me feel awkward - this is such a dumb phobia. Well, are any phobias really rational? Yeah, that's a no. 

I need to call the University of Texas at Arlington Nursing Advising office. The deadline for Spring 2012 is June 1st. I have a lot of stuff to scramble together before that deadline if I want to be considered. So yes, I need to call, I need information and I need help. But I hate calling. I get this weird feeling in my stomach, like it's flipping over. I should have called today, but I put it off. I make up excuse after excuse and just think, "Hey, I'll do it tomorrow!" day after day. Just another example of my procrastination skills at work.

Sundays Random Tidbits

• Just over 6 weeks until vacation!!
• I really dislike cilantro.
• Do boys ever stop watching cartoons?
• One more week till Easter! One more week till chocolate!!
• I love crossing things off a to-do list. 
• The hurricane like gale is still blowing across Texas, and ruining my hair on a daily basis.  
• My brother, R, and his girlfriend, T, are going to Harry Potter World next weekend. I can't begin to describe how jealous I am.
• T is moving here after graduation from Baylor. She's my new happy hour buddy =)
• Why are the weekends so short?
• Daily caffeine count: 6!

After tomorrow, this week should be slightly less hectic, and our office is closed on Good Friday, which is nice.

Essie Nail Polish

I picked up two shades of Essie nail polish whilst grocery shopping at Target today. I had seen the taupe shade a week ago, but talked myself out of it. Today I decided these bottles would be my impulse purchase so I picked up the taupe color and a turquoise color. 

Turquoise!

This looks a little different on.

Completely random, but fun and summery. I put the aqua color on when I got home, and it is really cute. 

Ignore my weird looking feet

I'll see how long it lasts before commenting on quality and value and if this brand passes OPI as my favorite. 

Woohoo, free glasses!

I had an eye doctor appointment yesterday, four months overdue. Apparently, my eyesight has improved and my astigmatism has reduced, so that's good. That never happens. My eyes are always worse. I'm sitting at a -5.5 now, used to be -6. I know people who have worse sight, but trust me, it's bad when you can barely see 6 inches in front of your face without glasses or contacts.

The optometrist is right next door to the Target I shop at, so I went over to their optical center to order my contacts. I refused to pay out of pocket so I was just going to get as many boxes as my insurance would cover, about a six month supply. The guy said I had a frame allowance too, which I knew but I love, love, LOVE my Gucci frames and don't ever want to give them up, so I said just that to which he replied I could use them for sunglasses - it's a use it or lose it deal, so why not? We walked over to the sunglasses section and I was immediately attracted to the huge round bug glasses like my $10 pair from Walmart. I think they were DKNY and were about $60 or so. The guy showed me a pair of Ray-Ban's that were right at the $120 mark. Let me tell you, I look really dumb with those wayfarer type glasses. Not my style at all. But I found some cute square frames, like I used to have. I figured what the hell, free sunglasses!

I'm actually really happy with them. I can always have prescription lenses put in the them at a different time, which is handy. And today I feel like my insurance worked for me instead of screwing me over. So here they are:

 

And they came with a free case! 

Yay, free glasses!

A visual of my to-do

Today I wrote down all the micro and Spanish assignments in a list for the next month, from today until finals. Two times I have tests due the same day. I have so many papers/projects to do in such a short period of time. . . I just don't know. Here is what my April looks like:

I apologize in advance for any blog posts that are crazed, babbling or just plain incoherent. I have a couple packages coming in this week, so I'll make time to post those up. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to cook much this week. . . maybe even month. I'm feeling some brownies to celebrate Easter thought. Yum, yum chocolate. I can't wait!

Friday Fun Facts

• I dislike peach yogurt.
• I hate being bothered when I'm trying to focus. Especially when it took everything I had in me to focus in the first place
• If I'm not totally sweaty after a work out, I don't think I worked hard enough
• E.L.F sends me daily coupons - I'm having a hard time resisting.
• I enjoy looking at print ads with good creative.
• TV spots too.
• Maybe I'll post some.
• Not too many though. . .  
• I am a big advocate of napping. I think this is why I like weekends so much. 
• I am very tired of these gales blowing through Texas. This isn't Oklahoma, we don't need any "winds sweeping down the plains."
• I think I'll miss my micro class. It's been super interesting, and I find myself thinking about scientific things in real life. 
• Am I too old for a vacation countdown?
• I am in a delusional state - I'm shopping online at Bergdorf Goodman. 

Don't you feel like you know me so much better now?

Self Combustion

I finished my annotated bibliography last night around 130am. I emailed it to myself to proof and print at work this morning. Turns out I messed up one article, copying and pasting the same evaluation for two completely difference sources. Needless to say, I can't turn it in like this. I might explode. The correct evaluation for the source is on my laptop. At home. Where am I? At work. How do you spell the sound an explosion makes?

Daily caffeine count: 1, about to be 3.

Running, Part III

Ladies and gentlemen, we have just had our first knee pain free run!! I did my usual heating before hand, brace on whilst running, and now I'm icing it. I am very excited, because I feel this shows progress in my fitness. Obviously there are some occasions where you shouldn't push through pain because it can lead to severe injury, but sometimes it's worth it, and especially if you have a plan in place to look after the body part and help it heal and get stronger. I'll admit I am afraid to run without the brace and the heating/icing combo, so I think I'll keep this up for at least another week, another 4 "runs". 

I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far. I'm also proud that I dragged myself to the gym tonight, even after feeling so tired all day, calling today a failure after not eating so well and just generally failing at my weight loss plan. I had pretty much decided I sucked at today. These days happen, probably more than I would like. However, I'm glad I ended on a good note. Now to chug down some good ol' H2O and finish up my Micro paper due tomorrow.

What Would Justin Do, Part II

Daily Caffeine Count: 4!


I'm trying to focus on anything but food. I have a severe lack of will power and self control. I just like sugar too much. So I'm trying to keep in mind WWJD? and A*D is trying to help me too, texting me "Food bad"!


I ate dinner, left over piggies and some organic cheese puffs. Healthy and fulfilling, I know. But it's all I have right now. I need to tell myself no more, so I don't snack the night away. It's especially easy to do when I'm doing school work and staying up late. 


I didn't get to work out today, but if I were Justin, he'd get up early in the AM and work out before work. I hope I can get up and do so, but if I don't, I WILL go after work. And I will eat better tomorrow, too. Because that's what Justin would do. 

Hungry Girl's De-pudged Pigs in Blankets

I really like these quick and easy pigs in a blanket. They are only 134 calories for 4 piggies! With only two ingredients, the prep time is super short, and after 12 minutes in the oven they are ready to eat!

Love this book!

Two ingredients: Reduced fat Pillsbury Crescent rolls, and hot dogs - I used light wieners, but I've gone with the turkey dogs before. 

First, cut up each hot dog into four "equal" pieces

I used all five dogs in the pack. 

Open up the crescent rolls and unroll the dough

Take each triangle piece of dough and roll/push/stretch it out a bit and cut into three smaller triangles. Doesn't have to be the same size. Take a piece of hot dog and roll it up in the dough. 

Unrolled piggie

Rolled piggies!

Bake at 375 degrees. 
Pre-oven:

Post-oven:

Yummy golden brown!

I think these taste best fresh out the oven, warm, with some chili sauce. They do make good leftovers, but are better reheated in the oven than the microwave. I like making these because they are so quick and easy. It's a fun dinner, or even a cute little appetizer for a party. I think I did make them for TX/OU last season. Good reviews all around from my brother and his girl. 

Try them!

Sunday's Random Tidbits

• Mouthwash makes cashew nuts taste funny.
• I just ate the biggest cashew nut ever. It was SCARY big. 
• Regular Babybels are much creamier than Light Babybels
• I dislike the word creamier
• I hate the word creamy.
• Did you know Google Chrome will translate foreign web pages into English? Yeah, it's pretty cool.
• Is it Easter yet? Gimme chocolate!!
• Hotel booked for San Francisco - excited!
• Did you know Japan imports flying squirrels from the USA. True story. 

That's all for now. 

Running, Part II

I just got back from my first run of week two with the Get Running app. It wasn't too difficult and I made it about 3/4ths of the way through before my knee started to mildly hurt. I had used the heating bean bag before hand, and wore my knee brace. I definitely think that is helping. I'm icing it at the moment and cooling down before the rest of my crazy day. 


I'm happy I'm taking the time to do this. I've always wanted to be able to run, but I was either too fat or out of shape, or I'd build up a little bit of endurance and then quit. But I like this app. I feel like it holds me accountable. And it posts my results on Facebook, and tells the whole word when my next run is, so I guess anyone could call me out!


I've been going to the apartment gym, which is really nice because most of the time no one else is in there. Today I put on Sex and the City so I could read the subtitles and muted it so I didn't have to blast my music =) I still have my 24 hour membership, and I always feel reluctant to get rid of it because I got a really good rate when I signed up. And I can work out at any 24 which is handy. 


I'm gonna weigh myself in a bit, and report to A*D. I'm a bit disappointed because I ate badly yesterday morning, but I accounted for it. Brunch with friends. But last night I was hungry and instead of making a good healthy choice, we ordered a pizza. And instead of eating one slice, I ate two. I guess that's what happens when you don't eat for 12 hours. I'm hoping this isn't too detrimental to my progress. I also took front and side view photos of myself yesterday, which I won't be posting until I have some stellar after photos because I'm too embarrassed, but I'm hoping these will be inspiration for me. If I feel like eating just to eat, pull out the pics and remember when I don't need to be doing that. I want to look all slim and cute in San Francisco!


My next run is Tuesday, April 12th. I have a paper due Wednesday, but it's only 30 minutes and I need to make time for my health and fitness. It needs to be a routine, and something that I don't skip for any reason. 

Running

I've been using this iPhone app called "Get Running" on the recommendation of Stacy and her husband Eric. It's pretty neat, starting off slow with alternating one minute of running with one and a half minutes of brisk walking. It's supposed to build up stamina to 30 minutes of straight running in about nine weeks, if you don't repeat a week. 


I started last Sunday. It went well; I found it pretty easy. I even ran an extra three minutes straight afterward. Then after I got home, the problems started. I was sore, of course, after not working out for weeks and weeks. But my right knee hurt. And this wasn't even my bad knee, the knee I injured when I fell down the stairs awhile ago. That was terrible. So yes, the other knee. I'm pretty sure it was the joint. Monday it was hard to walk, bending my knee hurt. I was a little worried, but when I woke up on Tuesday and it was fine, I thought "Great! I can keep going.


So after work on Tuesday I headed over the to apartment complex gym. I started with the brisk walk and then started on the intervals. It wasn't good. Pain. Quite a bit of it. I stopped early, but probably not as early as I should have. I limped home. I put ice on it when I got there. It did ease some of the pain. 


Wednesday it hurt to walk again. I chatted with Stacy and she mentioned heating and icing, so I Google it. I decided I'd use this heating bean bag Stacy had made for me for a birthday/Christmas gift before working out, and ice my knee when I got home. I also remembered I had a knee support. 


I meant to go test this out on Thursday, but life got in the way, as it does. Today, Friday, I was determined to go and "test the waters". I sat with the heating beanbag for 20 minutes, strapped on the knee brace and walked over to the gym (I actually took the wrong key card the first time, so I walked over twice). I felt pretty good for about 3 runs, and then I felt a little pain. But nothing like Tuesday night. So I stuck it out. I think I'm glad I had the knee brace for sure. I made it through all 30 minutes and I do feel good. I'm currently icing it and it doesn't hurt. I will see how it feels in the morning. But I'm happy to think I may have found a solution because I didn't want to stop exercising right when I found my motivation!


My mom said it was from under use, and I agree. I haven't done any activity at all, other than walking around during daily life. Bad, bad, bad. You really need to keep all muscles and joints moving and working and supple, especially at my age. I don't need knee problems at 26.


I may or may not go walking tomorrow. Just walking. Sunday I'm going to try the Get Running app again. Hopefully my knee will get stronger each time and the pain will fade. Sooner rather than later!

Friday Fun Facts

• I can see a small glimpse of summer - it was 80 degrees out at 745am. Welcome to Texas
• I am definitely not getting enough sleep.
• I think I'm enjoying the use of bullet points too much
• Brunch w/ Zoe and girls tomorrow - excited!
• The makeup I'm wearing is yesterday's leftovers touched up. That's how much I cared when I got up today.
• I must remember to do laundry, or a certain someone might run out of underwear. And it's not me. 
• I think I need a drink. 
• And also, this weekend is the beginning of flat out crazy until the end of the semester on May 9th. Wish me luck. 

Happy Friday!

It's Super Juicy

Ok, I could be too old for Juicy Couture, or it may not be my style at all. I don't think I'd ever buy something with those dogs on it, or the giant jewel encrusted sweats, but this is neither. I saw this, and had to have it. And I got it 50% off, people! 50%!! I'm sorry, but anytime you get higher end labels for half off or more, I call that an excellent day of bargin hunting. To be honest, I don't think I would ever pay full price for Juicy Couture, like I would for say, Coach or Louis Vuitton (when that day comes).

Here is my new Juicy pride and joy. 

Front view

Inside view

I love the side bow

These are removable. I'm still deciding

Front pocket/perfect phone pouch!

Isn't it so much fun?!

I'm not usually a gold person, but I'm definitely a vibrant color and animal print person! I just thought this was so cute and it's not "in your face" with Juicy in giant letters or jewel encrusted dogs, or whatever it is they have going on. I think that's fine for teens who are wanting designer stuff, and had I known about Juicy 6 years ago, I probably would have bought that. But now that I'm on the fast track to 30, I'm trying to be a bit more sensible. Ok fine, purple leopard print may not be sensible, but I like it!

Update on 26 things

A quick update before I dive into the world of post logs. . .

• I had put a Walmart bag next to the trash can and asked S to put his Fanta cans in there, and I would put my diet soda cans in there. Looking in the bag this morning, he drinks way more soda than me. Anyway, my office has a can recycle bin, and somebody here collects the little tabs for the Ronald McDonald house, so I brought the Walmart bag in this morning to recycle our cans! It's a pretty small step, but it's better than nothing and pretty easy to do/remember/keep up with. I'm wondering how I can recycle all the wasted paper here at my office. We waste a lot of paper. Poor trees.
• Second thing - vacation to San Francisco, CA with one of my best friends from college (who lives in Austin) has been planned and flights are booked! I believe that's another two things to mark off the list.
• While there, we are planning to make a day trip to Napa and go wine tasting. Check!
• After the semester is over, I'm planning to go through my closet and do a mass donate to Goodwill. I can't check it off because it's not concrete yet, but that's another one in the works!
• I may have negotiated a new camera with S. Almost check! 

I'm making progress, and even if these are the easy things, I think it makes it easier to tackle the harder things when you are on a roll!

In regards to the reading more books goal, I think I'll post my "to-read". I would appreciate all recommendations!

Happy Friday =)

Just a few things. . .

My secret purchase was delivered, yay! Hopefully I'll get a post on that up tonight with pictures =)

Yesterday kinda sucked. I was really tired, so work was slow and school too. Then I went to the store to pick up Fanta for S, and in the process mowed down a card display. Yes, the cards went flying everywhere. No, I didn't pick them up. I feel terrible. 

So I got home in a crappy mood, and decided to go watch the Biggest Loser and cry. Because sometimes you need to cry. I have so much homework piling up and I feel like I'm making no headway. So I ended up going to bed late again. My eyes hurt this morning, and I still have a headache. Oh, and my knee hurts from running and I keep forgetting to pull out my knee support. 

Driving to work today, a bug hit me in the face. If that's a sign of how the day is going to go, I'm not impressed.

San Francisco, Here We Come!

A*D and I have decided to go on a trip post competition and to celebrate her birthday and I'll be celebrating no more school for awhile!! We decided on San Francisco, and I am so totally excited!! I can't wait to be in sunny (yet probably chilly since its north CA and that wind off the Pacific can be bitter) California!!!

I've had all sorts of songs referencing Cali playing in my head since Sunday. I'm excited to see the ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll through Chinatown, let the fat girl inside me eat some chocolate at Ghirardelli Square and have some yummy seafood at Pier 39!!

We're in the planning phase now, going to be booking flights this week then looking for hotels and then figuring out how to squeeze everything in to 4 days! This light at the end of the tunnel was exactly what I needed to get me through the end of the semester.


YAY!

 

Dishing For Dana

I'm a sucker for a heart-wrenching story of a person who has suffered tremendously, but has always stayed positive and keeps on fighting day after day. I know several people like this. It makes me desperately want to help and I wish I could do more. It sucks when bad things happen to good people. It's definitely making me realize I DO want to go into nursing, not just for a salary increase and to make my own life better, but if I really can help people feel and get better, I'll be happy. 

I also am lucky to have a good job with good health insurance. I've had a couple health problems of my own that I never would have been able to remedy without my insurance because I wouldn't have been able to pay for the treatment, and it wasn't life or death. But for some people, that isn't the case. 

Segue into a certain woman's story I read about today via GeekInHeels. 

The Broke-Ass Bride has an auto-immune disease that attacks her eyes. She constantly has to have medication to stop her own body attacking her eyes! How terrible. Dana and her husband are holding a FUNraiser to raise money to help pay for her medical bills and will donate 10% of all money received to the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association.

The problem
♥  When I was 19 I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Uveitis.
♥  My immune system doggedly attacks my eyes causing inflammation, visual disturbances and blurriness. It is incurable and will cause blindness if left untreated.
♥  I also have a very rare deep-tissue form of a disease called Granuloma Annulare, causing a different type of inflammation in my foot, for which I had surgery last year. It is so rare, I am unable to find a doctor who knows how to treat it moving forward.
♥  I’ve had 11 surgeries (at least one, each year, for the past 5 years), to control my diseases and their side effects.
♥  Last month my left eye came out of remission and I’ll be having a 12th surgery.

The Plan:

♥  We’re compiling beloved comfort food recipes and the stories behind them from the most bad-ass bloggers and beyond… available in varying forms, in exchange for donations to my medical care.
♥  There are incentives for varying levels of donation, which you can learn about here.♥  The recipes, photos and stories will be teased here on our Dishing for Dana blog, and once a donation is processed, a password to access the full recipes will be released to each donor.

The Goal:
♥  $13,000 to cover my current medical bills
♥  $6,032 to cover our health insurance premiums for the remainder of 2011
♥  $2,000 to donate to the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association toward helping others with autoimmune disease
For a total minimum of $22,000.

Note that this does not include the costs that will be related to my upcoming surger(ies) and ongoing care, nor for prescriptions or post-surgical supplies such as gauze and tape for my eye patch, or prescribed drugs to aid the healing process and protect from further inflammation and prevent infection, etc.

The Details:
♥  You can donate any amount you choose, no minimum, no rules. Because every quarter is a quarter more than we had yesterday. It all adds up.
♥  We will donate 10% of all proceeds up to our goal, to the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association, so every dollar contributed not only goes toward my medical care, but also toward researching a cure to benefit everyone with autoimmune disease.
♥  Anything raised in excess of the goal will be split 50/50 with the AARDA – our portion of which will be saved in a dedicated, interest-bearing account toward any future surgeries and ongoing medical care.

I'm trying to think if I have a good comfort food recipe to submit, but I know I definitely want a copy of all the yummy recipes I'm sure she'll be receiving. I think I can spare at least $10 to try and help someone else and in return get yummy recipes. Hmm, I'll have to think about how this will affect my diet. Maybe I can tweak them. Regardless, it's about helping a person in need.