Small

It's so strange and interesting how God gets our attention. A friend from high school sent me a msg on myspace (which I haven't been on in over a month). While I went to check out her comment I noticed an update from another high school friend. Something about her picture drew me to her "space". Shortly after arriving on her page I heard this song...



I hope you were able to listen to the words carefully. It's a simple and painfully honest msg but it's never been more profound. My heart needed this reminder. It's been a very dry summer for my soul.

What I'm currently reading...

My gf, Bianca, recommended this book (I Love Everybody by Laurie Natoro) a few months ago. I'm just now getting around to reading it and to my utter surprise I've totally found myself laughing out loud and completely identifying with most of her outrageous stories!! Just to clarify I'm not just talking the usual "haha" of a humorous line but an actual bring tears to your eyes, hold your stomach and continue laughing every time you think of the line you just read, kinda laugh! It's refreshing.

Music for my heart

Hey out there! I need new music because I'm currently sick of all "my music". I need some suggestions... Throw me a bone here!

love ya!

Recent Pictures!

It's been a bit of a busy week for me. I generally try to find time to blog during my lunch break at the office but lately time hasn't been on my side. Weight loss sucks. Working out sucks. And, life continues to move forward despite my minor set backs. All is well. I haven't totally given up. Sir Chadwick and I have an agreement. I'll owe him $20 if I don't get him a copy of my food diary from SparkPeople by Saturday. If I've learned one thing in all this time (aside from knowing that God has to be in the core of this journey) it's that keeping a food journal is essential for weight loss, at least it has been for me!!!

Here are a pictures taken tonight at a friend's surprise party.

Amber & myself

"D" & Me

My sister swears that I've made this face since I was a little girl. I posted it because it makes her smile and, because most of you don't get to see my silly side... I would've posted some video of us dancing but that would've been too funny (mostly for you) and way too painful (for me)!

Sculling

I generally get my swim workouts from Robin H or I go to http://www.swimplan.com/ and during this weeks swim routine I found that I was asked to do 6X50m of front sculling. Now I've been swimming for many many years I've never come across sculling. I wasn't even sure what it meant. So, I youtubed it.

HE'S A BOY!!!

My sister is cruel! This poor guy is never going to win. He's just a pawn in her hands....

Sorry, little buddy. =) haha

Veggie-Stack Pita Pocket

I neeeed this in my life TODAY!

Beans are packed with lean protein and make a versatile spread for all kinds of sandwiches. Mix and match with the vegetables your child enjoys and you've got a delicious, vegetarian, kid-friendly lunch.

1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas or white beans, rinsed and drained
1 to 2 tablespoons water
1/4 cup grated manchego or pecorino romano cheese
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
Pinch red pepper flakes
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 ripe Hass avocado, pitted and sliced
1 small cucumber, sliced or 1/2 bell pepper, seeded and sliced
10 to 12 whole-wheat pita minis (3 inches), lightly toasted

Combine the chickpeas, water, cheese, lemon juice, salt and red pepper flakes in a food processor and puree until completely smooth, about 5 minutes. While the motor is running, pour in the olive oil and process until fully incorporated and velvety. Season with pepper, to taste.

Spoon a scant tablespoon bean spread into toasted pitas. (Put remaining bean spread in an air-tight container.) Add avocado and cucumber slices, or other vegetables of choice and season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Wrap in parchment or butcher paper, and pack in a plastic container to keep from getting squished. Pack in a lunch box and send to school.

TIP: Remaining bean spread becomes a dip for vegetables or pita chips, or as another dimension layered in your child's favorite cold cut sandwich.

Copyright (c) 2008 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved

I'm a baaaad blogger!

My apologies for not blogging. I've been a bit preoccupied with... ahem... books. I'm almost embarrassed to say that I have totally gone bonkers with the Twilight Saga. I'm about to start the final book tonight! If you don't know what I"m talking about then do yourself a favor and don't find out! Just forget that I've ever mentioned it on here! Unless, you're into vampires, romance and suspense! =)

Quick recap on working out. I haven't forgotten about posting the one year mark pictures! I'm sad to say that I didn't reach my weight loss goals. I'll get some pictures posted soon. These last 6 months have sucked the life out of me.

Sir Chadwick and I are working out again. But, there's a twist in this story because he's not my trainer but my workout partner. We meet twice a week and hit the routine together. It's kinda nice to see him sweat.

I'll post extra this week.