Could It Be? A Spring?!

Could it be that we might actually have a Spring this year? I hate to say this, as to not jinx myself. Because, well, Mother Nature has been known to dump a few feet of snow on me for my birthday in years past.

I think it's pretty safe to say, however, that we dodged a bullet this winter here in the great state of Maryland. Our snowfall was minimal. It wasn't terribly cold. Which was great for my heating  bill. Hell, hubs and I even got a snowblower from my uncle, bracing ourselves for a craptastic first winter in our house. Because, let's face it, we now have a driveway and a sidewalk to clear. But at least we never have to dig our cars out again. Hooray!

I had myself thoroughly convinced that, as soon as hubs left again, we'd get dumped on with the blizzard to end all blizzards. However, this week's forecast has no snow in sight. Instead? Sunny skies with highs in the 70s. That's what I'm talking about. I'll certainly be packing up the pups for some walks outside. Only after I get Wiggles' dagger nails trimmed. Those bitches are LETHAL right now. And since he's a total weiner, I have to take him to Petsmart and let them figure out how to trim them. Because my tactic of holding him against the ground with my body, while trying not to show him that I have nail clippers so he doesn't scream like a little girl, is not working anymore. I'll gladly shell out the $11 for that peace and quiet.

And thanks to Daylight Savings, I've got about an extra hour to get all this done. This week will be rough. I did lose an hour of sleep after all. It takes me a few days to get that back. It also takes me a few days to get used to it being pitch black when I get up. I think my workday should start at 10:00 AM, so I can get up in the light. No?

Happy Monday!

Hubs is Gone...Again.

I can't believe it's March already! You know what that means? It's my birthday month. I do accept gifts in all forms. Goods, services, praise. March 22....one year away from 30. The sheer horror of it makes me want to vomit. I'm getting so old.

In other news, hubs is gone again. Blah. You all know how much I hate it when he leaves. It's been almost a year since he's had to travel for work. So I kind of got used to having him around. It's nice. I like having a present husband.

He left yesterday morning. He's only traveling domestic this time, so that's definitely a positive. A little bit less to worry about. But he's working 7 days a week, and nightshift on top of that. Our conversations are sure to be few and far between. He'll be gone for anywhere from 45-90 days. I told him if he's not home to mow the lawn, I'm calling breach of contract on this marriage. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I don't do outside work. It hates me. I hate it. When hubs signed on for this marriage, he signed up for ALL outside work, short of planting pretty posies and weeding flower beds. I don't mow lawns. I don't prune trees. I certainly don't mulch. And I absolutely don't use the weed whacker.

Call me stuck up. Call me a priss. Whatever, go ahead and hate. My allergies hate weeds, grass and pollen.

Last night was rough. You know what I'm talking about. The first night in your house alone. Every sound is suspicious. Is it an intruder? A ghost from the Great Beyond? A mouse? My imagination? That's probably more like it.

My attack dogs are less than vicious. But Peanut does alert me of any obscure noise. That's a blessing and a curse for sure.

On the positive side? Hubs has a job. A good one. It affords me the house that makes all the crazy noises at night (that certainly aren't there when he is.) And I'm truly thankful for that. And at this juncture, I'm way better off than him. Living in a tiny hotel room for that period of time? No thanks.

That's my life right now. Take it or leave it.

Meal Planning 101

A few people have asked me recently about meal planning. I've been doing it for years, mostly because that's what my mom did. When you grow up in a town with one or two restaurants for takeout (pick up only, no delivery for us) eating out wasn't ever really an option anyway. So knowing what was for dinner was crucial to my mom's sanity. 


Many bloggers have tackled this topic. Recently, Sarah did a great post on it. Her and I tend to have the same philosophy. Although, mine only involves planning for 2, not 4. 


If you're trying to lose weight and/or save money, planning your weekly (or biweekly) menu ahead of time is really the way to go. That way, you'll know what you're having, have the ingredients on hand and it will take the guess work out of "What's for dinner?" and also avoid a pizza/fast food/Chinese take out dinner (although, we totally have those nights now and then.)


I use my planner to jot down our meals, as well as put in ideas for meals for the future. And I also print out recipes from Pinterest so I have them on hand. 

I realize this picture is upside down, but Blogger is being a bitch and not uploading the right orientation. Please, cock your heads. 

Usually, I'll sit down during the week, ask hubs if there's any meals he desires, take a look at the sale papers, my coupons and plan the meals accordingly. My grocery list consists of what we need to make meals for that week, plus extras (stuff for lunch, snacking, etc.) 

And, for the nerd in me, I also have a spreadsheet on Google docs of our favorite meals. Split into beef, chicken, fish, pasta, vegetarian. It's on Google docs so hubs can reference it as well. And honestly? It's nice to have them all in once place. Because sometimes, I make dishes that are a TOTAL fail. Those don't make it on the list. Only our go-to meals.

Once it's all planned out, I'll write it down on our fridge menu planner. Because hubs always needs to know what we're having for the week...and if he's cooking, what he'll be making.

And anything I need that I forgot during the week goes on our message board. This whole fridge system was a part of my resolution to become better organized in 2012. 

I do my shopping on a weekly basis. I wish I could do it on a bi-weekly basis, but with the amount of fresh produce we eat, we typically run out by the end of the week and/or it goes bad. 

We allow ourselves one night out. It's usually a Saturday, unless we're going out with friends during the week. So, I always plan for 6 meals. 

If your grocery store is like mine and runs meat sales periodically, use this time to stock up. I always buy chicken breast when it's on sale. Then come home, separate it into half pound portions, wrap it in foil and label it. Thanks to my sister for turning me on to the foil method. I was using freezer bags, but was still getting some freezer burn. Using the foil really helps. 

I also always have staples on hand. You'll always find in my kitchen:

• Onions and garlic
• Potatoes
• Brown Rice
• Chicken Stock
• Diced Tomatoes
• Tomato Sauce
• Canned Beans
• Hot Sauce (duh, Hubs is kind of obsessed)
• Soy Sauce
• Lemon Juice
• Vinegar (balsamic, rice wine, red wine)
• Olive Oil
• Whole Wheat Pasta

Tonight? We're have ribs in the crockpot! Hope this was helpful!

Body Backfire

This week has been, well, how should I say it? Shit? Yes. Shit. For no reason in particular. 


This past weekend we had a friend come in from Chicago for a visit. Which meant that I didn't stick to my routines that I love so much. Instead, I inserted pizza, candy and wine into my mouth. Workouts? Well, I did make it to yoga on Saturday morning, but that was the best I could muster. Needless to say, the weekend of indulgence left me feeling like a pile of Wiggle poop. And on top of that? My stomach decided to give me all kinds of fits. I'll spare you the details. And AM workouts this week? Didn't happen. Not.a.one. For shame.


I've desperately tried to get back into the swing of life this week. Getting my workouts in and for the love of all things green, get some vegetables back into my system. The closest thing I had to a veggie this weekend was the baked potato served to me with no utensils at Medieval Times. Which I promptly picked up and shoved in my face, barbarian style. Now, I'm not complaining. It was a fabulous time. But my body is paying me back. Especially with that extra pound I gained from eating like a garbage truck. 

Exhibit A: Medieval Times (Hubs, Houseguest *Colin*, Christopher)

This week has been about getting some sleep, getting some exercise, getting some greens and hopefully, removing some lard. I was doing so well and this is a minor set back in progress. Guess it goes to show you that once you change your eating/exercising habits, straying away can make you feel even worse. 


Clearly, I skipped Fitness Friday last week. I was too busy hanging out at the Inner Harbor guzzling some cocktails. I did get in 5 workouts last week regardless. Two of them were yoga, and although it's great for toning, it doesn't burn a ton of calories. 


What's for dinner tonight? I'm going carb-less. 

Easy Garlic Chicken

Source: food.com via Heather on Pinterest

And warm broccoli slaw with peanut dressing. A recipe that I'm making up myself. I'll let you know how that one goes down. It can't be all bad, right? 

Routines. I Has Them.

Routines. We all have them. We're creatures of habit (at least hubs and I are.) We like to know what's coming next. 


I've been known to be a person who doesn't like to go out on "school nights." I like to save my socializing for the weekends and Friday nights, when I can stay out late and not worry about being up and at 'em for work the next day. 


A typical day in the life for me goes something like this:


5:00 AM - Alarm goes off...I hit snooze.
5:30 AM - Still hitting snooze
5:55 AM - Now I'm getting my butt out of bed to get changed to head downstairs and hit the treadmill (please note that the AM workouts don't make it into my daily routine, but usually about 3 times a week.)
6:00 AM - Let the dogs outside, prepare my lunch/breakfast for the day, let dogs in.
6:05 AM - Start up the treadmill while watching Army Wives
6:35 AM - Head back upstairs for teeth brushing, showering, changing, primping.
7:10 AM - Out the door for work.
7:30 - 7:40 AM - Arrive at work. Eat breakfast, drink coffee, check email.
4:00 PM - Out the door and headed home.
4:30 PM - Take out the dogs, change into workout clothes.
4:45 PM - Back on the treadmill for another 30 - 40 minutes. Then about 15-20 minutes of strength training.
5:30ish PM - Shower, start dinner
6:30ish PM - Dinner time.
7:00 PM - Chores, relaxing with hubs, TV
9:30 PM - Head to bed to brush teeth and read until I pass out.


Wow, I'm pretty boring, right? But hey, that's what works for me. Besides that, I plan our meals out a week in advance and usually hit the store on a Saturday or weeknight. I get seven kinds of stressed if I don't have our meals planned. We only eat out once a week (usually on Saturdays) because if we ate out more than that, we'd weigh more and have a lighter wallet. Nobody wants either of those things. 


Tell me I'm not the only one that hates doing stuff on a "school night?" 

Random Tuesday

I've been seriously lacking for things to write about on here recently. Perhaps it's my lack of anything really exciting going on in my life. We're boring people. And for the most part? That's ok with me. 


What do I have for you today? Some random thoughts. 

• I just tried Chocolate Peppermint Luna bars for the first time ever. I can't believe it's taken me so long! If you haven't tried them, I suggest hitting up your nearest retailer (they were on sale at Target last week) and scooping them up. Delish. 180 calories. 12 grams of sugar. Not too shabby. I ate one for breakfast with some fruit.
  
• Speaking of food, I made Skinny Taste's Chocolate Chip Scones last night. Also delicious and 199 calories. Although, if you're not used to the taste of wheat flour, it could be hard to get past. You could probably play with the ratio of wheat to white flour. But clearly hubs enjoyed them because he had 2.5. Speaking of Skinny Taste, I made her Stuffed Cabbage Casserole the other night as well. It was awesome! I highly recommend making this on a Sunday and having the leftovers all week.
  
• Hubs' job is slowly driving me to drink. One day he says he's traveling. The next he's not. They need to make up their minds already so I can prepare myself mentally.
  
• Speaking of drinking, I think I've found my new favorite cheap wine. I got myself a bottle of Gewurztraminer from Sutter Home (vintage 2007.) Very smooth white. If you know anything about me, you know I base my cheap (because I don't always drink on a budget) wine consumption on alcohol content. No 7.5% fruit juice for me. The biggest bang for your buck is 11% minimum. And this bottle? 13%. $5.99. Can't beat it. (I kind of sound like a drunk now, right? I swear I'm not.)
  
• I'm in love with my Kindle Fire. I pretty much have it with me at all times when I'm home. I stalk Facebook, check my email, play Words with Friends (heatherjp12...play with me and you're guaranteed to win because I'm AWFUL,) Plants vs. Zombies. And, oh yeah, I read. Speaking of, I'm on the third book of the Hunger Games series. If you haven't picked it up yet, this series is a MUST read. Even hubs is on board. I'll be looking forward to the movie release in March!
  
• I only have a four day week this week because we have a friend visiting from Chicago. Today is Tuesday, but it's really my Wednesday. Booyah!
  
• I haven't been on Twitter in over a month. I should really get back to it, especially since I have my Kindle with me at all times...or my iPhone. I'm surrounded my technology.
  
• By the way, did you know my husband has a blog? You should read it. I triple dog dare you not to laugh out loud. His sense of humor was a definite reason I married him. Only he knows how to make me laugh so hard I piss my pants. True.

New Year, New Resolutions

Ah, yes. The New Year's Resolution. Many set them, few achieve them. 


I have a track record of setting them. Not achieving all of them, but certainly striving for them. Goals are an important thing to have. It gives you something to work for; a way to make yourself a better person. So what if you don't always meet them? At least you're having some ambition, right?


What are some of my goals for this year? Let's see...

• Lose weight. Duh. That's always on my list. It will always be on my list. And although I haven't lost as much as I've wanted to this past year, I certainly feel healthier. I'd like to keep that momentum going.
• Have a baby. Phew! That's a big one, folks. This year, I turn 29. These eggs aren't getting any younger, am I right? 
• Run a 5K. I mean, run. Not run/walk. Run. I can do this one. I just have to set my mind to it. 
• By the same token, be able to run 30 minutes straight. The above and this one go hand-in-hand.
• Organize my crap. Yes, we have this big house now. Meaning we have more places to shove crap. Leaving it an unorganized mess. Well, my friends, it's time for a change. I hate clutter. Clutter clouds my mind. So I'm working on the house room by room. Stay tuned. I have my first project in the works.
• Take more time to create. Sure, I craft occasionally. Pinterest has certainly offered a source of inspiration. Now it's time to actually start completing more of the projects that I pin.
• Get back in touch with my spiritual side. I really need to reinvent my relationship with God. I feel that I've lost it over the years and I really need to commit to rebuilding the spirituality I once had. That doesn't mean going to church every week (at least not for me,) but putting my trust in Him and turning to Him for support and guidance.
• Stop swearing like a sailor. I've GOT to stop with my potty mouth ways. It's unbecoming. And I can't have my kids cursing as soon as they can talk. Now, let me be clear here. I'm not going to stop swearing all together. I'm just going to stop swearing like a sailor. Got it? Let's not have unrealistic expectations.

That's a pretty good list, don't you think? What are your resolutions?

Christmas Hangover

I can't believe the holidays are over and we're headed into 2012. I said to hubs today that it feels like I was just putting up all the holiday decorations, and now I'm about to tear them all down. 


Santa was VERY generous this year. Perhaps a little too generous. Wait until my dad sees my mother's credit card bill ;) She definitely spoiled my sister, myself and both of our husbands. 


My favorite gifts this year were my Kindle Fire from hubs. I've pretty much been holding onto this thing nonstop since he gave it to me. I just finished my first book on it...The Hunger Games. If you haven't read this book yet, it's a must! Definitely one of the most captivating books I've read in a long time. 


Momma got us a Keurig, which we've been wanting for quite some time. There's something  to be said about brewing your coffee one cup at a time. 


She also got us a sherpa throw that it so warm and soft, I've been practically carrying it around the house like Linus's blanket since we brought it home. However, right now, Peanut has claimed it's cuddliness and is curled up in a tight ball taking a nap.


I also got some great jewelry from Lia Sophia. My momma certainly knows my taste! And we both got lots of clothes and odds and ends.


And my dad? He outdid himself this year and got my mom, sister and I all matching necklaces made from diamonds from my grandmother's ring. Definitely a special gift. 


The puppies? They got some bones. Plenty of snuggles and a Christmas bath. I'm sure they were grateful for everything but the latter. But at least they smell nice! 


Now that we're back in town, we're pulling the house back together. I've reorganized my kitchen about 5 times to fit the Keurig in just the right place. And my laundry pile? Rivals a small mountain. But hey, at least I'm off until Tuesday. I can tackle all the choirs...or waste time on my Kindle :)

Currently...

Today, I'm linking up with Jen over at Perfectly Imperfect for:

currently . . . 

current book(s): Deep Down True and The Non-Marathon Runner's Guide to Running a Marathon for Women (PURELY for running inspiration, not because I'm going to try and run a marathon. Plus, the author is hysterical!) 

current playlist: All Christmas music, all the time. I'm still trying to figure out if I like Michael Buble's version of All I Want for Christmas. You really shouldn't mess with Mariah, you know?

current drink: Alcoholic? Champagne. There's just something about the bubbles. Makes me giddy. Non? Coffee with Peppermint Mocha creamer

current food: I'm currently back on my Chiobani kick...Black Cherry and Mango.

current favorite show: The League...it's absolutely hysterical. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it! And Army Wives. I just started Season 1 on Netflix while working out on the treadmill. Love.

current needs: Serenity. A few days off. A nap. Oh, and new cushions for my dining chairs since they've seen better days.

current triumph(s): Running for 13 minutes straight and not dying.

current bane(s) of my existence: By the same token, running. I want to love it, I really do. But I hate it.

current celebrity crush: Ryan Reynolds. Always.

current #1 blessing: My family. They're always there to listen. I'm very blessed to have a wonderful mom and sister that listen to my crazy ramblings and bring me back to reality.

current indulgence: Dove Dark Chocolate Promises

current outfit: Black pants (standard), magenta long sleeve top with ruffles from the Loft, black boots.

current excitement: Christmas! It's my favorite time of year, you know.

current mood: Pretty good, actually.

current favorite holiday decoration: My mantle and all that it entails. Garland, berries, lights, snowmen.

current #1 item on your wishlist: Kindle Fire
current new year's resolution: Oh...where to begin. I really haven't put too much though into it yet. Details later.


Go check out Jen's blog and see what she's doing currently! 

Life Plan

For the most part, I'm a pretty Type A personality. I like to have control in all aspects of my life and it gives me some serious anxiety when I don't. 


I, like I'm sure many of you, had a life plan for myself. And for a long time, I was right on track. Married by my mid-20's, had a job in my field, owned a house, owned a dog (plus 1), etc. 


However, I've been recently struggling with said life plan. Because by now? I wanted to be in a managerial position at my job, have a baby and lose the weight I set out to lose so long ago. And guess what? None of the above have been accomplished. 


My weight? Ugh. It's a struggle. I'm not sitting on the couch eating cake. If I was, then I would deserve every ounce of chub I have. Instead, I engage in an active lifestyle (workout 5 times a week), count calories and overall try to make healthy decisions. But my weight? Doesn't reflect that. Hubs is telling me to work harder. I should be working out longer, harder, faster. And perhaps he's right. Clearly whatever I'm doing now isn't helping me lose the pounds. 


My career? I'm just not where I want to be. I should be a manager. I should be making more money. I'm doing none of the above, and I only have myself to blame. 


A baby? Well, that's also directly related to my weight. I wanted to lose weight before putting a baby inside my belly. Because I didn't want to have to lose the baby weight on top of the extra weight I already had to lose. Plus, I know my time will be constricted once I have said child. Hubs and I haven't been "preventing" pregnancy, but we also haven't been "trying" too hard either. I guess when the time comes, it will come.


It's all been weighing pretty heavily on me lately. And in turn, making me anxious and depressed. I guess I just need to accept that everything doesn't always happen as you've planned.