a rainy, gloomy Monday...

It's a rainy Monday morning here in Upstate, NY. It's one of those days when you just wanna call in "gloomy", stay in your PJs and just lounge under the covers in bed. I didn't...I was a good little girl and went to work, but I didn't want to. LOL

I haven't updated on my health/weight loss goals and what not lately. I think that part of that is quite intentional. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time...you know that it is basically ALL I talked about last year while I was losing weight. Seriously? It's as if it was the only important thing to report in my life....and in what way is that any kind of good?

After I lost a bajillion million pounds...and settled into the "healthy" world...I got a little too comfortable...too cocky and low and behold, I gained some weight back. SHOCKING...I know. I stopped fitting into some clothes and stopped feeling good about how I looked...even though I was still light years away from the unhealthy that I was a couple of years ago.

So, since about February I decided to get back on the healthy train. I needed to recommit to working out...and just being more mindful of what I put into my mouth. I didn't need to obsess about it or do any kind of dramatic weight loss plan...just not decide that eating a bag of M&Ms is a good dinner choice, ya know?

so far...so good. I've gotten back to working out a good 4-5 days a week. My elliptical and I are back to a healthy relationship. (I am SO happy I bought it...it's made all the difference in the world). I also plan ahead what I am going to eat. I still eat a large variety of food...and it all tastes pretty yummy...it just no longer is candy and chips and a pint of ice cream.

I'm also looking at some of the mental mind fucks that my last diet did to me...and working on correcting it. Example #1: I often consider fruit to be unhealthy or off limits almost instinctually. Really? Seriously? In what world is fruit unhealthy or something that should be avoided? Well, in a low carb world. So, I tend to gravitate towards veggies and neglect my fruit friends. I am working on adding in fresh and frozen fruits into my diet. Let's face is...no one gains weight or gets fat because they ate too many bananas. lol Example #2: When I look at the nutritional labels, I immediately look at the carbs in it first. Another side effect of counting carbs and doing a low carb plan. Carbs are not the devil and are not evil. Certain types of carbs are to be avoided...simple sugars and refined carbs. Carbs are good though. They are fuel. I still need to keep an eye on my carbs because I am a vegetarian and so I can easily eat 95% of my calories from carbs...and end up not getting enough protein, but at the same time...I need to stop seeing carbs as the enemy. When I pick carbs...I just need to pick the right ones.

In terms of weight loss, I am doing well. I'm losing on average about 2 lbs per week. I want to lose I think about 20 lbs. This time, I don't care as much about the weight. I want to fit back into a pair of pants and a couple of shirts. Once I get there...who cares what the number is on the scale...I'm done, I'm there. ta da!

I'd also like to get back to street jogging. I'm rocking the elliptical, but haven't braved the outside and the elements yet this year. I missed a race in March because I wasn't ready for it...which made me sad. But, I also know there are more events and races coming up in the spring/summer. I just need to convince my booty to get outside and get jogging. The weather is warming up...so the time is a comin'!

Happy gloomy Monday folks!! Enjoy the day...

Watched some movies this weekend....

I don't often go to the movie theatres...mainly because I am cheap. I wait for movies to come out on DVD and watch them then.

However, I have gone more often lately. I went to see He's Just Not That Into You a few weeks to a month ago. It was good..even though it reminded me why dating sometimes sucks more than life. lol

On Friday night, I went to go see I Love You, Man. It was funny and super cute. You basically know how it is going to start before it begins, but that's ok. I adored it. Parts were out of control funny. It stars Paul Rudd and Jason Segel. Paul Rudd's character is getting married and realized that other than his fiancee, he doesn't have any friends...so he goes out in search of a best man. He finds Segel..and lots of funny happens after that. Rudd and Segel have a great comic timing and chemistry. They had a few small scenes together in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and they were just hilarious. If you are heading out and want to see a funny flik...I'd highly recommend it.

I also watched some movies on DVD. I watched Disney's Bolt...which was cute for a kid's movie. Of course, one of the voices was Miley Cyrus who I can't stand...and John Travolta who's I like other than his obsession with his crazy religion. I think I got most excited when the voice of one of the pigeons was Nick Swardson, who is one of my favorite comedians.

I also watched Twilight. It's that new teeny bopper vampire movie. I was just interested if it was any good. I didn't have incredibly high expectations. It's basically this generation's Lost Boys. I saw it....it was alright, but Lost Boys definitely kicks that movie's ass. First of all, the vampires don't get killed by the light...their skin just changes and gets all sparkly. So, the whole idea that you are safe until after night goes out the window. And two, that a whole town had no idea about a family of the walking undead. Not buying it...but it's a movie so I am going to forgive it. The one thing that amused me and made me laugh...is the main vampire...describing himself as a vegetarian because they drink blood, but not from humans. It made me chuckle.

So, did I do anything else other than watching movies?? Sure. I worked out a few times...spent some time outside since it was beautiful. Did a bunch of laundry. Watched some crap tv. Went to church. Yadda yadda yadda.

The Food Stamps Debate

Our local newspaper had an article yesterday about the use and abuse of the Food Stamps Program. It's an interesting read with an even more interesting debate going on in the comments section.

I spent probably close to a half an hour discussing the issue with a co-worker/friend at work. I really am of two minds when it comes to the issue.

I hate the idea of people actively abusing a system which is set in place to help them. I know that it is done...and it might be more common than we think it is. Of course there are people who use their food stamps money to buy only soda and chips and candy, etc. I am sure there are some people who sell their card to someone else...so they can buy beer and cigarettes and maybe even crack.

However, I am not sure that because some abuse a system...and that they are using a system which is funded by the local tax payer...I am not sure that gives us, the local person, a right to judge or decide what should or should not be in their cart when they walk up to the checkout line.

They qualified for the program...which means they make little to no money. They are awarded an amount to be spent on food by the government which is related to their income. The less they make...the more food stamps they get. It can be used for anything that is classified as food. That's the system in place. It can be used for fresh fruits and veggies, but it can also be used for chips and soda.

Yes, it would be disheartening for me to see someone with a cart full of frozen pizzas, chips and soda. And not one fruit, veggie, etc. I would be disheartened no matter how that person was paying for their food. I will admit, I am constantly looking in people's carts...and seeing what they are buying. I am a food judger. I often hate to see lots of processed foods in people's carts. I am one of those believers that people should shop along the walls of the store, not the aisles...where the fresh food is.

However...that can be a complicated issue when you are on food stamps or on a restricted budget. Let's be generous and say you get $80 a week...that you need to shop for a family of 4. You could buy fresh milk, fruit, veggies, meats, etc. And if by chance...you don't get to using that food when you need to...and it goes bad. You end up having to throw it away. If you buy frozen dinners, mac n cheese, chips and any other kind of junk food. Even if you don't eat it until 2 years from now...trust me, that food is still going to be good. That's not a good thing, but it can be for a person on a budget. Plus, that food is easy to make, etc...and it usually is cheaper. A bag of baby carrots at Hannaford costs almost 4 dollars. You can get boxes of mac n' cheese for a month for that price.

The article and people commented also said that the program should model after WIC...where you can only get certain items. Ideally, I would support that. It would be great for the program to allow people to get more healthy and nutritious items regardless of the cost. However, it is much more difficult to manage. Have you ever been in line behind someone who is using WIC vouchers? It is a pain in the arse and takes FOREVER! If I see someone in line with WIC vouchers, I usually move myself into another line.

So, I understand the debate...but as the tree hugging social worker, I still end up on the side of the debate that just because someone is using a goverment program doesn't mean I should be able to say what they should or should not have in their cart. It's not my call...nor should it be. I can advocate that the system be changed, but it doesn't mean someone else's business is now my own.

Thoughts??

tee, hee, hee...

I was just watching this week's episode of The Simpsons that I dvr'ed. It was an episode about when Homer and his dad go to Ireland, buy a bar and start running it. Shenanigans happen...and Homer and co. end up in a boatload of trouble.

I adore The Simpsons. I can remember just loving the show when I was a kid...and it comes and goes now, not as funny as The Family Guy, but still hella entertaining.

Anyways, I heard the best Simpsons line ever...especially being the BoSox fan that I am.

Homer says to his dad when he doesn't want him to worry as they are trying to get out of some legal trouble in Ireland:

"America is the New York Yankees of countries. Powerful and respected until the year 2000."

HA HA!

The Yankees can SUCK IT!

busy-ish weekend...

It's Sunday right?? It doesn't feel like one.

My Saturday was all over the place busy. I had to work this Saturday morning/afternoon. About once a month or so, I teach an alcohol and drug education class for young people. Mainly it is for teenagers who got caught at an underage drinking parties or with some pot, etc. Of course, most times the teens at the class think it is ridiculous that they have to be there, etc. This Saturday's class was chuck full of punks. No wait, I take that back...about 3 out of 15 were punks. I guess it is true that a few bad apples can ruin the bunch. Most of them...at least listened and discussed the topics. Those 3...we'll see them again in one sense or another.

I got outta work...jetted home and got a quick workout in. I was tempted to skip it, but I am glad I didn't. It's amazing how different I feel about myself and how I look when I workout. A couple of months ago, I was feeling huge, fat, etc...you get the picture. Now, I feel comfortable and confident in my skin. What's interesting is that I am heavier than I was a couple of months ago. But...unlike before when I was in the process of having my weight creep on up...now, I am in the process of my weight creeping on down. I think I am just happy about being healthy...and that shows. Alright, enough of the Stuart Smalley moments....moving on.

And the rest of my busy Saturday. I was involved in an event/fundraiser at my church. It was a Murder Mystery night with a Maui theme. I was one of the characters in the mystery. My character was Leilani, the local luau dancer in town. It was a BLAST! I am so happy I was asked to be a part of it...and said yes. Was I the murderer??? Of course not...I don't have that kind of evil in me, or do I??? It was great...and reminded me of my high school and to some extent, college days...when I had more of a flair for the dramatic than I often do now. We plan on having another one next year...and I am looking forward to being a part of it.

The event did make me miss my mom something fierce though. Church was always something that mom and I did together. It was our thing. I still sit in the same row and seats that my mom and I sat in...when I go to church. I thought numerous times during the murder mystery...how much my mom would have really enjoyed going to that event. She would have laughed and smiled through the whole thing. Plus, I know she would have been proud of me for participating. So, it was a happy memory of my mom...and how much she enjoyed things in life, but also reminded me just how much I miss her in the day to day.

Luckily...Sunday has been a more low key day. I got up, went to church...did some grocery shopping with dear ol' dad and now hunkering in for some crap tv, laundry and getting some much needed chores done.

It's almost SPRINGTIME!

Tomorrow is the first official day of Spring. Thank freakin' god. It could not come soon enough. I am usually a fan of the winter and the snow and even the cold. I love wearing sweaters and I might even love being slightly chilly when I go to sleep at night.

However, this winter has been longer than long. It seemed to start so early...and never give up. It snowed every 2.2 seconds and if it wasn't snowing...it was sleet or freezing rain.

Not that I am complaining...just looking forward to spring being right around the corner. I'm looking forward to that crisp, fresh smell in the air...looking forward to birds chirping and waking me up in the morning...looking forward to the snow melting and being able to see the grass (dead grass that it is) on my front lawn.

WBC and banned substances

I've been watching the World Baseball Classic. At first, I didn't think I was incredibly interested, but the games have actually kept my attention.

First off...congrats for Team USA for coming from behind in the bottom of the 9th to beat Team Puerto Rico and advance in the competition. I was actually on the edge of my seat..and that isn't supposed to happen when watching baseball games in March. So...you go Team USA. Rock on with your bad selves.

But what I really wanted to talk about is something one of the commentators said during the game last night. One of the pitchers for the Puerto Rican team, JC Romero was in the game last night. He's currently on the Phillies roster.

So, why is that interesting? Well...on opening day, Romero won't be able to pitch for his team. He'll be sitting on the bench in Philly. Why? Because he tested positive for a banned substance. He has been suspended for 50 days from opening day. He says it is for something that was in an over the counter supplement that he bought from GNC. But honestly, I don't care...these athletes should know what is in things they are taking and what they can and cannot have. He tested dirty...case closed.

So, the guy tested dirty for a performance enhancing drug and therefore has been banned from the MLB for 50 days...but he can pitch in the WBC.

I call BULL to the SHIT on that. I think if you can't play in the MLB...you shouldn't be able to play in an international competition.

Not right. Just NOT RIGHT.

P.S. And since this is all about the WBC...it was just announced that the last remaining Red Sox competiting, Kevin Youkilis, is out of the competition. He sprained/hurt his ankle and is heading back to the Red Sox to get it checked out and get treatment. Youkilis is in a long list of players from Team USA who have had to step down due to injury. Sheesh. Maybe the team is cursed.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

(Not really...I might smack ya!)

Happy St. Patty's Day...the holiday that is made for redheaded, Irish girls like me. I forgot to wear green, but I figure just walking out the door with my red hair and pale skin is celebration enough in St. Patty's Day.

I went out last night in celebration of a friend's birthday...so I am staying in tonight. Plus, I am not the bar type...so heading out with everyone else to crowded, loud bars is not my idea of a fun night...especially on a Tuesday when work is still required on Wednesday.

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday. If you drink...please do it safely. Don't drink and drive!

Sunday morning observations....

Okay...so I am on my way to church this morning and two interesting things happened.

Interesting thing #1: So, I was driving at a completely normal speed. About 30 or 35 mph. I noticed this minivan all over my car's booty. Seriously. Right on top of me. I kept trucking along...and as soon as I turned onto the bridge where it goes from a 2 lane road to a 2 lane road with a turning lane...the minivan jets out into the turning lane...guns it...and zooms past me. I beeped my horn...since I've already in a previous week flipped someone off on the way to church and decided that it isn't the best way to say 'ello to God and all. The van in front of me...keeps revving because the car in front of him or her...is not going fast enough either. Sheesh. The kicker...the van veers off into a church's parking lot (not my church) and parks. So, the person was all driving crazy and what not...on their way to church. Yes, I flipped off someone once on the way to church...so, I know...who am I to judge?

Interesting thing #2: Once I got to church...a bunch of people were outside looking at something in the sky. Armageddon?? No. So, I turned around...and wouldn't you know that there is a hot air balloon in the air. Coolness. I love hot air balloons. When I was a kid I would spend the whole Balloon Festival weekend chasing balloons with my bike...hoping to see one touch down. Also...seeing a balloon up in the air is just more evidence that spring is on the way.

tweet tweet tweet

I'm still not sure I truly know what twitter is...or how I am going to use it other than to see what random things Jimmy Fallon has going on in his life at any given moment.

But...if you read here...and you are on twitter...follow me or what have you. So there can be more people on there who I actually know, etc.

Back in the computer land....

I just got my computer back today...after my computer people having to for about 2 weeks, if not a little longer. I was going into serious withdrawal. I've been able to use my dad's...and that has been super duper sweet and nice of him, but there is something about being able to use my own.

Now I can go back to reading non-stop about the Red Sox. And not feeling shame about reading the daily highlights from perezhilton.com. And just being able to surf the internet on MY OWN COMPUTER!!!

Phew...

And now I am off to mindlessly surf the internet once more!!!

Thursday morning ramblings....

Hey all out there on the internets....what's shaking???

This week has either been boring....or crazy busy. Nothing really in between. Luckily...knocks on wood....I think I got through that cold/sick business and didn't get it. Of course, as soon as I say that....I am going to start coughing up a storm...mark my words!

So far, my no pizza and candy for Lent is going well. Right now, I am sitting here looking at my full candy bowl on my desk. I always put candy I don't even really like much in my candy bowl...so I will be less tempted to eat it. I usually have an assortment of hard candy and also some tootsie rolls. I don't hate them, but they are not my top favs. Let me put it this way...if I put Milky Ways and Butterfingers in there, I would have to buy a new bag of candy every single day. Having said that....even with candy I don't really like, I noticed that I had been eating it much more than I used to be. If it was a long day or a stressed day...I'd find myself eating tootsie rolls for lunch instead of the yummy and healthy salad I brought. Since Lent started, that candy bowl has stayed much more full.

Speaking of healthy and all that....my recommitment to a healthy lifestyle is going well. I have lost a few pounds....and I've gotten back to eating healthy food and working out every other day. I used to workout every single day...but in reality, I am not looking to get back to that. I find that I have more energy and am able to really push my workouts when I workout every other day. Right now, I am doing straight cardio. I am rocking the elliptical for about 45 minutes on MWF and Saturday. I am going to add weights back in...either next week or the week after.

About the pounds lost...I care, but not nearly as much as I used to. I know I will never allow myself to weigh over 200 lbs again and the rest...is just vanity weight. I want to be healthy...instead of wanting to weigh a certain number on the scale. In the vanity realm, I do want to lose 15 pounds or so...but I am content with losing that slowly...much like I gained it. I am just going to continue working out and continue watching what I am putting in my mouth...and if I do that, the weight will come off.

Let's see...any other update tidbits???

Anyone else watching The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon but me? I love Jimmy...think he is too funny. The show is definitely working out the kinks...and I don't think he's found his niche or his voice yet, but still....I have been chuckling while watching the show. Tina Fey was on Tuesday night and I could watch those two just chatting and catching up for DAYS.

I don't watch The Bachelor, but I guess it was all drama central. Serves the women right for thinking they were going to find their dream guy on a reality show...while he is trying a dozen other women on for size. If I am going to watch a show with a premise like that...I'm just going to watch Rock of Love since I don't think those women have any delusions that they are going to find true love. I think they just want to find Bret Michael's bed for a few nights. Mission accomplished!

The week went by SOOO slow...and the weekend just flew on by....

Ah, it's March 1st....how times fly. First of all, congrats to Shelley since I decided I was going to post for the whole month of February...at least once a day and I did it. There were some days I didn't really have much to say. There were some boring posts throughout the month, no doubt....but if you've learned nothing about me so far...when I make a commitment, I tend to live up to it.

And of course, I did pick the shortest month of the year. Oh well...a month is still a month.

I went to church this morning. I've been fighting back a cold and REALLY wanted to skip it, but since I said I was going to church every week during the 6 weeks of Lent, I got up and got going to church. See...there is that commitment thing again. I also threw more money into the plate...since I said I was going to do that as well. I am glad I am doing those things again because they mean more than not eating candy or pizza. The not eating crap food...in reality, is all about me and has little to nothing to do with spirituality or god. In more ways than one, the lent ban on candy and pizza is more about using god as a motivation...to help me focus on not eating food that I know is bad for me. I'm alright with it, but I am glad I am coupling it with something else that really adds to and feeds my faith.

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. I just lazed around the house and hoped...prayed...that I've been successful at nipping this cold in the bud. *crosses fingers and does a magic dance*