WIAW Party Time!

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Hello lovelies! It’s Wednesdaaaaaaay! And that means What I Ate Wednesday, thanks to the lovely Jenn at Peas and Crayons (love her, love WIAW).

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My pictures are pretty sporadic. What else is new, right? I can never remember to take pictures of everything I eat in one day … so here’s little snippets from the last several days.

Breakfast wrap:

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This was a loaded one. And a delicious one. I made a big breakfast for my man friend and I on the weekend (I regret not taking a photo of the kick ass eggs benedict I made) … and ended up with leftover hashbrowns. So I added them to my usual daily breakfast wrap, with two eggs, ham, chia seeds, hummus, and a bit of cheese. I was full after inhaling this bad boy.

Pistachios:

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WHY DO I KEEP BUYING THESE? I can’t stop. I snack on them while I cook.

Dinner mess:

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I’m starting to think my life wouldn’t go on without quinoa or lentils. This plateful is lentils + quinoa + chia seeds + fried tuna (I put it in a pan with EVOO until it gets all crispy, and I in turn fall in love). I threw some mustard on there (don’t wrinkle your nose in disgust, please) and mixed it all up after.

Necessary snack:

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Banana + peanut butter. Crunchy, obviously. Don’t you bring smooth near me.

Soup time:

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This was Mediterranean Vegetable and Pasta soup + quinoa + lentils. I threw cheese on top. I always do that :) I like to add stuff to my soup … much more filling that way.

My usual Subway:

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After a massage on Monday night, I was so sleepy and drowsy. The last thing I wanted to do was cook, so I stopped at Subway. That’s a Subway Melt (not the healthiest choice, so sue me) with every vegetable they have. Eaten in front of The Biggest Loser. It was a goooooood night.

Happy Wednesday! What’s the best thing you’ve eaten this week?


Why Today Will Be Great

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Monday is a crappy day. After riding that wonderful weekend high, who honestly wants to go back to work? Not this cat. Ever.

But today, I’m choosing to find reasons why this Monday will be fabulous. It can’t hurt to kick off the week with some positivity, right?

So here’s another one of my lists. I live my life through lists (seriously, I write at least three per day).

1. I have the least busiest work day that I’ve had since 2013 began. I don’t know how my brain is going to handle it … but it will probably be a welcome change.

2. The Biggest Loser is on tonight (and yes, I’m still obsessed with this season’s child obesity theme).

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3. I have leftover quinoa and lentils in my fridge. That means I’ll get to make a lunch that will keep me full until dinner. That’s rare, ladies and gents.

4. After doing a full upper body/cardio workout yesterday morning + 1.5 hours of Zumba class prep last night, I’m taking a rest day today. And I’m going to love every minute of it.

5. A big reason why I’m going to love today’s break? I HAVE A MASSAGE APPOINTMENT AFTER WORK. I’m so so so excited. I’m a massage junkie, but haven’t been able to make time for once since (I think) November. After having a not so great experience last time with my usual girl, I’ve found a new massage therapist who I’ve been told will “beat me up”. A coworker said she almost cries when she sees her!! I NEED THAT. I don’t like soft, wussy massages. I need some pressure. My shoulder blades, calves, and IT bands are screaming at me … and have been for weeks. With all of the extra work I’ve been doing for Zumba + the increased stress at work lately, I can’t wait to unwind during those 60 minutes. Is it 5:15 yet?

6. How I Met Your Mother is also on tonight. I like my Monday night TV shows, okay?

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7. And … there’s only five days until Friday. That can be on this list, right? ;)

What’s going to make your Monday great?


Just Rub My Shoulders

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Hey there!

I took some time for myself yesterday and cashed in some built up overtime hours. It was a wonderful day. I cleaned up my kitchen, took a long nap, finished my book, made some soup, and had a long workout. Success! It was a really great day away from the usual stress at work.

Another element of my day? My morning massage appointment. I should go for them more often, because I don’t have the best back. I’ve tried acupuncture, massage, the whole nine yards. It’s much better than it used to be … but I definitely should go more often.

Anyway. Sidetracked.

I left my 60 minute appointment annoyed as crap. Somewhere between my last appointment with her and yesterday, she got  very  into reading auras or chakras or something or whatever. I don’t know how it works. I do know she talked for my entire appointment. She told me which emotions I was feeling. She listed them. Doubt, criticism of myself, a lack of trust in myself, hunger (what else is new?), sympathy, empathy. And then had me list what areas of my life I feel them in. As in, talk back to her while my face was in the pillow on the massage table. I was unprepared for the soul searching. I felt like I was in a therapy. Then she would ask rhetorical questions, I wouldn’t realize they were rhetorical … and then I’d feel ashamed for answering them. She said I’m emotionally imbalanced. She didn’t mean to be offensive, but I took it that way. Oh, and because the right side of my body tends to hurt more than my left, I must have issues in the relationships I have with the men in my life (I can assure you, I most definitely don’t).

There’s a time for observations about someone. When I’m naked is not the time. When I have sore muscles and big knots that you’re MISSING BECAUSE YOU’RE BLABBING SO MUCH is not the time. I think self reflection is important. I think talking and learning is important. Just … when you’re qualified to do it. And aren’t touching my butt.

I’ll be finding a new masseuse.

Have you ever gone to an appointment and left severely disappointed?


Like Monica Geller

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I have looked like that most nights this week. I’ve never cleaned so much in my entire life. I even bought new rubber gloves. I don’t wear rubber gloves. But I did several nights this week, and it feels goooooood to have my apartment this sparkling clean. I like to call it spring cleaning, several weeks late. Jeez, it feels great. I know it’s impossible but I swear I can see my reflection in my shower’s white walls.

On a related note, how great does it feel to take a shower right after it gets cleaned?  A simple pleasure.

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I got my giveaway prize from Julie’s blog in the mail yesterday! I love this Oiselle shirt. I actually tore open the envelope in the elevator, and tried it on as soon as I walked in the front door.

It says “Fa – a long, long way to run”. I wish I could wear it today … but it’s not really office wear ;)

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I have a massage appointment after work today. It’s going to feel awesome, since I’ve been hitting the free weights hard lately. My muscles need some lovin’, especially after my Wednesday morning yoga session. I can’t wait! After my (60 minute!) appointment, I have dinner plans with a friend … and then we’re going to pick up all of the groceries for the BBQ I’m hosting tomorrow night. As part of my excessive Monica Geller cleaning spree this week, I even shined up this bad boy in preparation. You shoulda seen it before … it had the potential to cause nightmares.

Good as new!

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As I’ve mentioned before, I am a Subway FANATIC. I’ve been toying with the idea of trying their salads for a long time (I’ve honestly been deliberating … I make my Subway choices really carefully) and finally decided to get one last night. I worked until 7:30, so the last thing I wanted to do was cook.

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I turned a 6 inch roasted chicken breast into a salad, with all of the veggies (of course!). My verdict? Awesome! I mean, a little pricey … but Subway isn’t the cheapest to begin with. I’ll definitely have this again though. And let’s face it, probably soon. I eat Subway far more than I should.

Have you ever tried a Subway salad? What veggies do you get on your sub? I always say “all of the above!” and the sandwich maker looks at me like a crazy person. Probably because I’m so enthusiastic about my greens ;)


Relaxing

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Why can’t every weekend be as relaxing as the one I just had? Seriously. It was perfect, one of the best weekends I’ve had in awhile.

Does it have to be Monday already?!

Friday, I went to a local Italian restaurant for a meal full of carbs (my fave!). I had a personalized pizza + the unlimited bread/olive oil combo. I didn’t take pictures. I suck. I was overwhelmed by all the bready goodness.

And then this happened.

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The Lucky One was … alright. I had high expectations (which I shouldn’t have had), because it is my favorite Nicholas Sparks book. The book was definitely better, but having a man as beautiful as Zac Efron on the screen made up for it. Seriously, I’m not typically like that (putting actor before plot). But his arms could … bring about world peace? I don’t know what they could do exactly, but they’re amazing. I was mesmerized.

After the movie, I had plans to go home and be asleep by 11PM like a boring old lady, but then decided to go bowling/drink beer with some other media people in the city. That was fun! I bowled a consistent 47 in both games. It was stupid. I couldn’t even break 50! My first four throws (are they throws?) were gutter balls. I’m the worst bowler ever ;)

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When its beautiful outside and you spent the bulk of it indoors, do you feel guilty? That was my Saturday. I wanted to be outside, I really did. I ate breakfast on my balcony, and then just sat there for an hour or so after. But then I got bored. All the people I texted were busy, and I wanted company outside. I wanted to throw a ball around or walk to get ice cream or something. Then I got in a weird mood and decided to spend the day in my dark living room watching TV and napping. It was so relaxing.

I did get groceries that evening! Finally. And was up until midnight Skyping with one of my best friends, because we’re super cool like that.

I love Skype.

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It’s getting to be that time of year when it’s too warm in the morning for me to sleep in very late. I’ll get used to that soon, but yesterday I was angry that I couldn’t stay asleep as long as I had planned. So I rebelled by staying in bed as long as I could … and then a little longer. My laptop was right next to my bed, so I grabbed it and started doing a little bit of blog stuff.

Then, gym time. I’ve really been working on arms lately. And they’ve been sore a lot lately, mostly because I’ve rediscovered the beauty (and resulting DOMS from) hammer curls. They’re gonna look great. Just you wait. I’ll even photograph them just for you. The definition is already starting … but it’s just gonna get better :)

I’ll skip over the rest of my Sunday (in which, yes, I did go outside A LOT) to the portion of the program featuring my massage. What a way to cap off the weekend! It was definitely relaxing and needed.

I think there’s half of a spaghetti squash in that picture.

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What are your thoughts on massage therapists talking while they work? It bugs me, and my regular person tends to do it quite often. I feel like it would be rude to be like “can you please stop talking?” so I usually keep my answers as short as possible until she gets the point. Anyone else experience this?

She also did a little bit of reiki at the end of the appointment … which I didn’t get. It was strange, and I would have prefered if she just kept crushin’ knots. I don’t totally understand what the practice of reiki is. Maybe I should look it up. Whatever. It was still a wonderful time ;)

What was the highlight of your weekend? I seriously can’t pick just one moment. It was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time!


Nervous Nellie

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Last night was the first of it’s kind for me.

I’m a reporter in the city where I live, and the area happens to be in the middle of an election. I was asked to sit on the media panel for a debate featuring all the local candidates.

I was so scared. Public speaking is not a huge deal for me, I’ve been doing it since I was in elementary school. And I talk for a living.

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But if politics are involved? Buh bye confidence. I was afraid my questions for the candidates were dumb or would seem like I was ill informed. But, I put on my fanciest blazer and my favorite earrings and sat under the hot stage lights for two hours.

I’m happy to report that I survived, and looking back on it now, I realize it was a great experience for me to have (even though I’m pretty sure the audience could actually see my heart beating through my jacket).

But I’m 100% certain that I haven’t been that nervous in a long time. I honestly can’t remember the last time my heart beat that fast.

Except for when I see you, Ryan ;)

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When was the last time you were really nervous?

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Hurray for the weekend! I was beginning to think it was never going to get here. I’m happy to say that I don’t have a lot of plans this weekend, and that’s A OK with me :)

I’ve already bought my tickets to see The Lucky One tonight! That’s my favorite Nicholas Sparks novel … expect a gushy review and long winded sentences regarding Zac Efron’s muscles on Monday.

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I’m thinking tomorrow’s workout will probably be yoga, done in the comfort of my living room/pajamas. And then, coffee + a big stack of DVD’s (mostly Dexter, I’m on season 3 now for those of you keeping track). I’m not going out this weekend. I had a little bit too much fun last weekend ;) no, I will be spending quality time with my best friend Couch instead.

And for Sunday? Groceries are needed badly (I’m out of Greek yogurt and haven’t had time to get any … you know that’s tragic right?) and then I have a late afternoon massage appointment. Hallelujah! I haven’t been to my massage therapist in several months and I know there’s some serious knots in my back (and my butt, is that weird?) that need to get worked out.

That’s what I call a relaxing weekend!

What are your plans this weekend? Do you ever go for massages?