Back on Track and well over 50

[Chris55]

Trying not to get my hopes up, but the interview went well. Two people, one of whom thought she recognized me from past work at a member agency, the other person had worked at LLBean in an area near where I worked, then handled their United Way campaign which he liked so well that he applied to be their campaign director. They stressed how good the training was and how they like to choose people who will not only be good and organized, but who will get something out of all the training and work. I was very amazed and impressed - sounds perfect for me, only an 11-week commitment, but it will give me great experience. Keeping fingers crossed - should hear by the end of the week.

Food is good again today. I'm finally focusing. My usual egg/bean breakfast, nuts for the car trip to interview, salad for lunch, banana and yogurt in a little while, turkey chili for dinner. Last night I picked some raspberries from the garden and topped them with a scoop of lf ricotta, some agave and vanilla. Not quite ice cream, but good enough.

Your kitchen tool sounds like fun. Someone on the board here was using some kind of spiral cutter with a crank that turns veggies into "pasta".

[feminista]

Hi Chris. Sounds like you had a very good interview! And the ricotta/rberries and agave sound good, too!
I am off to Marist this morning to work on the conference I co-direct (its in Oct. but, the we need to review the proposals and send acceptance letters fo the panelists...so, pehaps we can get the program done early!)
Its cooler today--supposed to rain.
Turning a crank to turn veggies into pastalike strips sounds like something Evan would like to do...is it similar to an apple peeler? I'll have to keep my eyes open for something like that at a yard sale. The one I have is called a julienne peeler...
too sharp for little fingers.
Food today: hard boiled eggs and bacon for breakfast, turkey roll ups with veggies and dinner will be kitchen sink salad (anything that can be chopped into the salad is fair game) . I have to make some hummus later, too.
Miscalculated how much coffee I needed between Costco runs, so have to buy another pound to get me through.
Todays NYT has an article on box wines (a friend likes them for their convenience in their fridge...)
Went to Kohls yesterday, and LK bought 4 tee shirts, got 2 tops myself ( a bit dressier than tees for school--one was a $28.80 vera wang top) and a something (more) for LX for her b-day, and the total was $56.04...for basics you cant beat that! Amazing !
Well, I am off...enjoy the day...eat Sobe!

ciao

[Chris55]

Still on track with my eating, that makes two whole days, LOL! Had some cherries last night for dessert, but ended up awake at 4am, came down and had tea and some ricotta then slept until 7. Was very tired yesterday, couldn't wait to get to bed, not sure what that's all about besides stress.

Sounds like a fun trip to Kohl's. I haven't bought much there recently, but I like browsing their housewares. Not sure how much I should buy in clothing, so putting off shopping. If I get the UW job, I'll need to dress nicely, but if I just end up at LLBean I can wear my pajamas for all they care. I did buy a few summer blouses to wear for interviews - a deal with a coupon at Penney's, two from TJ Maxx, pants from Goodwill. I had cleaned out all my size 12's so not a lot left in my closet and most of my jackets are very colorful (aka loud) so can't wear them for interviews. I discovered the Chico's outlet at Woodbury Commons and bought a nice outfit there, but it has cropped pants. Wondering if I can get away with them and tall boots to make them more office-like. I almost never wear skirts unless they're long because I hate pantyhose passionately (along with my sagging knees) so I try and only wear long skirts and knee high hose.

So far so good with food again today. Sticking to my black bean/egg combo because it fills me up. I know I've been going a little overboard with the cheese, though. Found that my local mom and pop shur-fine brand of lf ricotta is actually smooth and delicious - surprising since other store brands are almost gritty when not cooked. Everyone is home for dinner tonight, doing BBQ chicken since DD has missed most of our grilling this summer. I should probably do something about a dessert, too. I have some nice local corn and zucchini to grill also - it won't all fit, though, so will do the veggies first and nuke them. I'm low on coffee, too. Bought two vats at TJoe's a few weeks ago, but ran out and am drinking Folger's right now and even that's almost gone.

Need to do my yoga stretches and ice my thigh again today. It's getting better in terms of pain, but still very stiff.

[feminista]

You got rid of most of your size 12s! I am impressed--size 12s are the mainstay in my closet...I have figured out that all I need new for this school year is footwear: flats, boots & sneakers...I would like a suede barn jacket--but that will be if I ever find one in a thrift or Good will store... otherwise I can go shopping in my closet: big chunky sweaters are in, got a few; scarves, got them; etc.

Breakfast this morning: granny smith apple, hummus and cheese, turkey dog and salad for lunch, dinner grilled shrimp, veggie & salad...bought some fennel to munch on (been craving licorice!)

We all have been suffering from dropsies lately--just unloaded the dishwasher and our glasses shelf is 1/2 empty, and the concept of having even four that match, not happening! Guess I will be cruising Kohls' /Pier One's glasswares when I see a sale...

Well, to write...

ciao

[Chris55]

My let is so much better today. I did my yoga stretches and iced it again, cut down to one ibuprofen. Then walked the 2 blocks to the library (instead of hobbling!), came back and iced again. A few more days of this routine and I should be ready for anything. My flexibility is improving so much - I really need to discipline myself and do the stretches every day. I can do them anywhere on the floor at any time, but I do much better with the DVD on following the very slow instructions so it takes a while.

I'm also feeling less bloated and fat, so that's good. I'm sure I've lost water weight but haven't gotten on the scale in ages - too scary. Yes, I got rid of most of my size 12's. They were huge on me. The tops looked really baggy and off the shoulders. Occasionally I'll find a brand where I need a large top, but mostly in fitted blouses. I'm wearing a Chico's size 1, which is an accomplishment for me, too. I need to keep to the same size now - can't afford to restock my closet.

Food was excellent yesterday, just a glass of wine as a treat. It helps that it hasn't been really hot so I'm not craving ice cream. Today is cloudy and 70's - a good day to clean. I'm trying to get dorm stuff more organized and actually into boxes so I can stack the stuff instead of having bags spilling everywhere. My poor house needs some serious cleaning - not my favorite activity.

[goingforward]

Chris55: maybe we should get together and clean our houses, Lol My house is begging for some cleaning, but I seriously have not had any time at all, with my school going, and kids at home you can imagine. Yesterday my older son who is 8, heard me complaining about not having time to clean the house. So, he says to me, Mom, but you always have time to go to the gym, and I replied, Oh, yes, but that is a MUST, and he goes, so our house is not?? Well, I guess not. Believe me, between having time to go to the gym and cleaning the house, I choose the gym, it keeps me going.

[Chris55]

If he thinks it's so important, he can clean! LOL!! I taught my kids to do laundry for extra allowance as soon as they could reach the bottom of the washer to take the clothes out. Now I've got a front loader, so it would be even easier. Gave them each a laundry basket for their rooms and never looked back! I also don't have to try and walk into their rooms, either!! I will wash sheets once in a while if they take them off the bed and put the new ones on, and I wash their towels, but if they run out of t-shirts or underwear, too bad. One or two emergencies and they get it together.

Very exciting news to report - I got the United Way job, will be starting at the end of August and working through the beginning of November pretty much full-tilt. Great group of people, and I'll have great training to bring to my next endeavor. So that's a huge relief for me - someone who knows what they're doing actually wants to hire me, and the money will be very helpful. I'll need to do a mini celebration this weekend.

Food was good today - stuck to my no grains plan for another day. Roast pork, leftover zucchini, and salad for dinner - made the rest of the crew baked potatoes. I was really craving crackers or bread (new fresh loaf of rye appeared with my son this morning), but had a glass of milk this afternoon to fill me up instead. I've been trying to make sure I get my dairy in so that I feel a little more satisfied. I had been slacking off on that and it seems to make a difference somehow.

[feminista]

Congrats Chris! Celebrate with a glass of wine tonight!

I don't think I will buy too many tops that are not 12s or L because I have broad shoulders (think Cybil Shepard)...and sans boobs, I don't want anything tight...bottoms, thats a diff't story and depends on cut and length. ..

Today is day 5 without bread, pasta or ice cream...bacon & eggs for breakfast, salad & rollup for lunch, dinner will be eggplant parm & salad. Last night had some green wine wiht LK & the kids on the deck (LX was having boyfr troubles, and her bffs and his bffs were discussing and who finally shows up, the Boy...ahhh, melodramas)

AS for cleaning house--LK swears I am clutter & dustbunny blind...but not as important in my book as a clean kitchen...so we have divided the housework thusly...she and LX do a thorough cleaning every two weeks, and just find the floor the other week (between dog & cat fur & Evan's toys), i do laundry & maintain kitchen... also who ever cooks does not do dishes...

Just looked at my schedule for the fall-- a three day on campus schedule--but two of those days are very long ones--10-7 on Tuesdays and 10-9:30 on Thursdays(without real breaks--my breaks are office hours...Thursday before my evening class I will have my office hour at the Chinese Restaurant, so will have to budget for that)

Off to write...ciao

[Chris55]

Coffee with a friend and the Farmer's Market this morning - huge load of veggies this week, plus bought some extra tomatoes and some organic corn (DD gets stomach cramps from GMO stuff). Then came home and gave the youngest one a haircut. Oldest finally bought his new iMac with a huge monitor last night, so he's playing with it right now. He still has some money left and is getting paid weekly, so this coming week's project will be finding him a car so I can have mine back! DD is off working a double shift at the restaurant. Drama there, too, but she's been hanging out with a new guy (musician) who is well aware that she's "leaving on a jet plane" very soon.

Food is continuing to go very well. Woke up again last night and had tea and a snack. I think I need to bring another fan upstairs. It was raining, so DH took the fan out of the window and put it on the floor so I couldn't feel it - hot and clammy doesn't make for good sleeping.

Had a slice of real bacon, chopped along with mushrooms and onion for my egg scramble this morning. Peanuts for snack, lunch will be leftover chili, dinner possibly a chicken stir fry w/rice for the others. I'd love to make it through at least the weekend without caving into the grains again, then try and limit myself to one serving at dinner.

[grace2]

Congrats on your new position at United Way, Chris! That's excellent

It's busy (still) for me, for us. Work, training at work, getting our house on the market - whew! I am eating a fairly beachy diet, but have not hit a scale in while. I find with working I need to be more careful packing enough veggies for lunch...

[Chris55]

I'm assuming you have a new position, grace, or is it a promotion in the same place? I seem to have missed where you're going (or misplaced my brain!). I didn't realize you were moving, too. That's a lot to juggle while trying to eat healthy! I think having veggies handy is really key, even if it's just some cans of V8. Last summer while I was living out of my car doing census work, I made small bags of veggie strips to keep in the fridge for a few days and I'd grab a few every morning along with some cheese sticks and nuts - enough to make a mini meal and keep me from stopping at a convenience store to buy something.

I slept better last night - brought another fan upstairs and took a melatonin. It's nice to not be up at 3am. I also did my stretches before bed, so my leg didn't bother me. Will keep doing them twice a day until this goes away. I shouldn't have to be doing stretching exercises just so I can walk 2 blocks to the library!! Hopefully it will resolve itself so I don't have to go see my chiro any more.

I think it was you, grace, who was talking about not taking statins. You got me reading about them again and thinking about the muscle cramps I was having, so I've gone off them for a few weeks to see how I do. My cholesterol was 224 before taking them, so not crazy high like some people, but I have a bad family history. Reading about a link to ALS did it for me - my older sister died of ALS a few years ago and any mention of links to the disease make me a bit paranoid. I need to get my cholesterol checked again soon, though. I did start thyroid meds at the same time and am hoping that alone will be enough to get my numbers down where they should be.

Still trying to stick to no grains this weekend. I did have a small spoonful of white rice last night. I made a stir fry with a kind of General Tsao's sauce at the request of the kiddos, and needed a tiny bit of rice to soak up the sauce (which I shouldn't have been eating in the first place since the base is apricot jam!). Anyhow, back to being stricter today. I'm OK without the grains, just tend to be overdoing the cheese instead! I wish I liked hummus with my veggies - it would be more filling than just dip and not as calorie-laden as my cheese spread. Tonight will be grilled beef, hopefully outside if the weather holds, lots of veggies including a beautiful tomato.

[feminista]

Hi all...Heading up to Tanglewood tonight for a concert on the lawn (but weather predicts t-storms...so...I hope they hold off!), we're meeting Peter & Peter, so we are bringing the appetizer--veggies,cheeses and hummus and the chopped salad...

I add a tablespoon or more (depends on how much I am making) of roasted red peppers or a bruschetta into my hummus, that helps those who are hummus adverse eat it...yesterday's batch had a few spoons of an artichoke & sun dried tomatoes bruschetta (from Costco)....
Going to the shore tomorrow for three days with friends, so will hit Costco on our way north besides getting lots of jersey tomatoes! Packing food for breakfasts . lunches and snacks...dinner will be with friends. I will stick to salads and fish... So if I am off line, its because of the shore...of course, weather predictions are for t-storms all three days...guess we'll hit the casinos then....I might even play in a poker tournie.

Grace, catch us up!!!

Food today: chopped salad with feta for breakfast, hummus and salad forlunch...dinner will be appetizers above and whatevery Peter makes (which will be delish,of course).

ciao

[Chris55]

Ahhh, Tanglewood. Heard Beethoven's 9th there with Seji Ozawa years ago. My son would love to go to one of the John Williams concerts there (his hero!), but staying overnight in the area is astronomical. I was trying to work it out so he could go when we were doing his brother's move-in at New Paltz, but it got way too complicated and involved too many hotel nights. Maybe next year....I remember sleeping in the car in the rest area the last time - drove the rest of the way to our P'town vacation the next morning. Couldn't even book a motel in Mass for one night on a summer weekend back then.

Food was good today until dinner. Everyone was out so DH and I decided to go out to dinner. It's mobbed here with tourists and I wasn't in the mood to deal with crowds, plus we needed to do some shopping, so we went to our favorite pizza place. I ended up with a whole small shrimp scampi pie (my favorite, which I hardly ever get to have) and a soda. Other than that, the day was all P1 plus some fruit. Back on track full-time tomorrow though. I'm not letting one huge splurge of a meal throw me off.

We ended up shopping for towel racks and a dorm fridge. Picked up that badly needed coffee in Target, too, but left it in the cart after we loaded the fridge into the trunk. Darn!! I have barely enough coffee for the morning, so will have to pick some up in the morning.

DS got a new car today - an '01 Subaru Outback. He already has it - we got it insured and he will do the financing on Monday. This IS Maine, but I'm always in shock when car dealers let you drive away with the car when you haven't even put a deposit on it. Such trust! So now I only have to share my car with two children instead of three!

[feminista]

Congrats on the new/old car for DS#1...one crisis under control!

It poured yesterday afternoon/and stormed in the evening so Tanglewood picnic & concert were a wash out, boo. Instead, stayed at home and had a rainy Saturday reading and ate pop corn (oops) last night... we have slept in our car too many times to count--sometimes because when traveling back and forth to Iowa we did not stop in time to get a room --I spent the evening of my 40th b.d. with my head on the steering wheel of our pickup, in the parking lot of some motel, pouring rain...for my 50th LK made sure we had a room at some luxury b&b, lol.


I did my usual fall alseep for 30 minutes and then up for 3 hours, and up again 3 hours later....could not fall back to sleep at all this a.m.

Could not find Maggie's peanut butter for her pill this morning--someone elese used it it and actually put it away, but in the wrong place...(Not Me still lives here, lol).

Well, we are off for 3 days...hopefully the weather will be fine.
ciao

[Chris55]

Sorry about your restless night. I hate when that happens, especially when I'm so tired that I fall asleep at 9 or so and then wake up at 11 and can't get back to sleep. I've been into Sleepytime tea lately and another Tazo one that I think is called "Rest" or something - it has valerian in it.

Pouring buckets all day today, dreary and damp. We have the A/C on low just to get the humidity out of the air. I seem to have survived my pizza binge last night. Had a nice omelet for breakfast, a very lean burger on one slice whole grain bread and a small salad for lunch, healthy snacks. Dinner will be beef grilled on my cast-iron griddle inside, veggies, maybe an ear of corn. I didn't make it through the weekend without grains after all, but I still feel pretty good and on-track. Not even looking at the bread and crackers hanging around.

Enjoy your beach trip - hope the sun comes out down the shore!