Well I think the weekends are going to be the hardest part. Just because of the loneliness if nothing else. I'm used to spending the majority of my time during the week without Mr F so it doesn't feel as weird.
My goal is to take advantage of getting things done when the opportunity arises. I don't have the luxury of planning on how my days are going to turn out.... kids' moods, my mood due to their moods, house showings, etc.
Yesterday Kid was tired and sore from vomiting all day Saturday. I knew she'd just veg in front of the TV so I made sure to utilize the *free* time that offered me. While the kids watched an endless stream of cartoons I knocked out our taxes. I'm using TaxACT again this year and highly recommend it. We've even got 3 businesses, capital gains, etc., to file for and I can still manage it. I've got everything inputed and ready to go... I'm just waiting on a few final statements to come in the mail. I'm super proud of myself, it would have been really easy to just give in to being tired, and sad, and overwhelmed yesterday.
My next order of business is to force myself to workout during the day while Kid is at school. Some of you may recall that I prefer to workout in the evenings when it is more of a stress relief and a good break from a long day with the kids. Obviously with Mr F gone this is no longer an option. I know I won't be getting a stress release out of my workouts but I need to make sure I stay on track anyway. Getting out of shape is not going to help matters! A couple of days a week I only work part-time and that gives me about an hour and a half before I need to pick Kid up. On those days I'm going to have Baby watch a DVD on my computer in her bed while I do my step aerobics workout in the living room. The other days I think I'm going to throw The 30 Day Shred in once Kid is home and the kids can play a reading program on my computer while I bust that out since it is shorter. Hopefully, pending house showings, I'll get in 4-5 weekday workouts. I'm just going to try for that. I'm not counting on the weekends.
In other fronts I've got our bedtime routine figured out and even managed to get them to bed (and sleep) on time despite the time change (honor me!!! it was still light out!). I read to Kid in her bed while Baby plays quietly (ish) in the girls' room. Then I give Kid a book to look at while I put Baby to sleep in my room. Then I come back in and snuggle Kid for a minute. This is a big change from our usual routine which was a divide and concur method splitting the kids up between Mr F and I. This is also the hardest time for Kid since she is used to having a nice long snuggle with her Dad.
With Mr F gone we don't need to hold dinner for him... which means... we can bump up our entire evening by a half an hour. (Damn the time change and it's ever brightening evenings or I might have even been able to bump it up an hour!) That should help keep me from losing my mind. As it is I'm looking at 13-14 straight hours of child contact... that's kind of my mental/physical limit.
MENU:
Monday - Rotisserie Chicken, broccoli, mashed potatoes
Tuesday - Pan Seared Pork Chops, rice, veggies
Wednesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole w/ peas
Thursday - Pork & Veggie Lo Mein (reserve two pork chops from Tuesday)
Friday - out to eat
Saturday - Shrimp and Pea Pesto Pasta
Sunday - leftovers and/or breakfast for dinner
No point in recounting my cleaning/chores schedule. I clean the whole damn house all day every day.
Showing posts with label weekly menu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weekly menu. Show all posts
Monday, March 15, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
This Week The Plan
How did it get to be Wednesday already?!
Things have been going pretty well on all fronts these days. I have not been as overwhelmed with the childcare situation since putting the kibosh on the new baby. I only have a few days this month that have been difficult with 2 babies and 2 two year olds. It's manageable but it is incredibly exhausting and I have to put my PJs on as soon as they go home. The next two weeks are smooth sailing as one of the babies is on vacation. Although I just had to get Kid new glasses ($330!) and it would be nice if I could have paid that off in cash. Ah well. I am glad I haven't quit this completely as expenses do keep coming up that we wouldn't have been able to cover on Mr F's salary alone (like groceries). And I think that there was just an adjustment period to doing something so demanding and maybe I've finally crossed that hurdle. I think December was kind of like going through daycare boot camp... it was physically and emotionally overwhelming... but I've settled into it and my days are more predictable. I don't go to bed dreading the morning anymore. And that is a good thing. It also helps that it seems that Baby has finally adjusted to it too. She's not just lying on the couch checked out until they go home like she was for the first couple of months. Also a good thing.
On the job front (since I know some of you are waiting on that with baited breath)... there is no final word. This has been a long drawn out and tiring process. As Mr F said last night "They're not vetting me for the Supreme Court". They are taking their sweet old time and we do know it could be a couple of months before they move forward. So that is that. We have no reason to lose faith and everything has been positive but this process has been borderline emotionally abusive. There has been a whole lot of stop-go, stop-go, stop, go. Trying just to keep it off my radar as much as possible so I don't start baking. The good side of all this is that the likelihood of a sudden departure on Mr F's part seems unlikely. They are not rushing to fill this position and we may very well be able to stay until the end of the school year without too much solo flying even if he is offered the job. So I don't need to steel myself up for an immediate departure and that is also a good thing.
I'm working out. I'm back to marking off my workouts on my weigh-in calendar. I really find it motivating to see how much I'm doing and it keeps me from taking days off. I am not weighing myself for ONE MONTH. I just want to focus on upping my workouts to my maximum capacity for it's own sake and not for a weight reward. Right now I'm not seeing the results I think my effort should warrant on the scale and that can bring on a sabotage... I need to prevent that. Once I've settled into my new routine (I'm getting my step today... watch out I'm bringing it back) I'm going to weigh in and start making diet changes. Until then I'm focusing on one change at a time so I don't overwhelm myself. I sometimes forget that that is how I did it the first time. One step at a time not everything all at once. I'm making conscious food choices but my main goal is increasing my workouts as that is the habit I need to put back in place to reach and maintain my goal. I may not even need to *diet* to achieve them and I HATE HATE HATE to do anything that might make my kids aware that I am *dieting*. So I need to be very careful how, and how much, I alter my diet. Despite a sweet tooth I already eat a very healthy balanced diet and that is what I want to model not restrictive eating. So I'll readdress that in a month when I have a better picture of how I'm progressing. The reality is when I'm working out a lot my eating just naturally cleans up a bit as I feel better physically and emotionally.
Menu:
Sunday - Spaghetti, broccoli
Monday - Beef Stroganoff, egg noodles w/ butter & dill, green beans
Tuesday - pan seared pork chops, wild rice, cauliflower & carrots w/snap peas
Wednesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole w/ peas, salad, apple sauce (or if you're Baby... just applesauce)
Thursday - Quick Chicken & Dumplings (I posted this last week with a link... everyone loved it)
Friday - pizza, salad
Saturday - something involving avocados & chicken
Things have been going pretty well on all fronts these days. I have not been as overwhelmed with the childcare situation since putting the kibosh on the new baby. I only have a few days this month that have been difficult with 2 babies and 2 two year olds. It's manageable but it is incredibly exhausting and I have to put my PJs on as soon as they go home. The next two weeks are smooth sailing as one of the babies is on vacation. Although I just had to get Kid new glasses ($330!) and it would be nice if I could have paid that off in cash. Ah well. I am glad I haven't quit this completely as expenses do keep coming up that we wouldn't have been able to cover on Mr F's salary alone (like groceries). And I think that there was just an adjustment period to doing something so demanding and maybe I've finally crossed that hurdle. I think December was kind of like going through daycare boot camp... it was physically and emotionally overwhelming... but I've settled into it and my days are more predictable. I don't go to bed dreading the morning anymore. And that is a good thing. It also helps that it seems that Baby has finally adjusted to it too. She's not just lying on the couch checked out until they go home like she was for the first couple of months. Also a good thing.
On the job front (since I know some of you are waiting on that with baited breath)... there is no final word. This has been a long drawn out and tiring process. As Mr F said last night "They're not vetting me for the Supreme Court". They are taking their sweet old time and we do know it could be a couple of months before they move forward. So that is that. We have no reason to lose faith and everything has been positive but this process has been borderline emotionally abusive. There has been a whole lot of stop-go, stop-go, stop, go. Trying just to keep it off my radar as much as possible so I don't start baking. The good side of all this is that the likelihood of a sudden departure on Mr F's part seems unlikely. They are not rushing to fill this position and we may very well be able to stay until the end of the school year without too much solo flying even if he is offered the job. So I don't need to steel myself up for an immediate departure and that is also a good thing.
I'm working out. I'm back to marking off my workouts on my weigh-in calendar. I really find it motivating to see how much I'm doing and it keeps me from taking days off. I am not weighing myself for ONE MONTH. I just want to focus on upping my workouts to my maximum capacity for it's own sake and not for a weight reward. Right now I'm not seeing the results I think my effort should warrant on the scale and that can bring on a sabotage... I need to prevent that. Once I've settled into my new routine (I'm getting my step today... watch out I'm bringing it back) I'm going to weigh in and start making diet changes. Until then I'm focusing on one change at a time so I don't overwhelm myself. I sometimes forget that that is how I did it the first time. One step at a time not everything all at once. I'm making conscious food choices but my main goal is increasing my workouts as that is the habit I need to put back in place to reach and maintain my goal. I may not even need to *diet* to achieve them and I HATE HATE HATE to do anything that might make my kids aware that I am *dieting*. So I need to be very careful how, and how much, I alter my diet. Despite a sweet tooth I already eat a very healthy balanced diet and that is what I want to model not restrictive eating. So I'll readdress that in a month when I have a better picture of how I'm progressing. The reality is when I'm working out a lot my eating just naturally cleans up a bit as I feel better physically and emotionally.
Menu:
Sunday - Spaghetti, broccoli
Monday - Beef Stroganoff, egg noodles w/ butter & dill, green beans
Tuesday - pan seared pork chops, wild rice, cauliflower & carrots w/snap peas
Wednesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole w/ peas, salad, apple sauce (or if you're Baby... just applesauce)
Thursday - Quick Chicken & Dumplings (I posted this last week with a link... everyone loved it)
Friday - pizza, salad
Saturday - something involving avocados & chicken
Monday, January 11, 2010
This Week The Plan
I'm exhausted today. I'm now forced to kick ass all day Sunday to get everything ready in order to make it through the week. I mean yesterday I went grocery shopping at two stores, did several loads of laundry, cut Kid's hair, made meals, etc, and I feel like I have no downtime to recoup from what has become a pretty exhausting life. (Plus I watched Medium, and then Mr F was talking about The Mothman Prophesies in bed, and then the neighborhood dogs starting going ape-shit, plus I had read that Asheville has 2x the crime of the national average before bed.... so I did not sleep well) This week the baby that was a no show last week is coming EVERYDAY that the other baby is here. My stress level (which last week was non existent) went through the roof when I found out. This is the prime example of me making passive choices that don't make me happy... or don't contribute to my families ultimate happiness. One baby is doable... adds important income... and doesn't take away from my ability to meet Baby's needs. Two babies changes the dynamic considerably. I need to put all my energy into the babies, and for the pay, the deficits... the energy drain, the diversion of energy from Baby... are just not worth it. So I need to work toward being able to do something to change this... ie actually be upfront with people.
Menu:
Sunday - Salmon Noodle Casserole w/peas, sauteed mushrooms, salad
Monday - Hot dogs, homemade french fries, apple slices
Tuesday - Beef Stroganoff w/ egg noodles, broccoli
Wednesday - Chicken and Dumplings
Thursday - Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon, rice pilaf, zucchini beans & pepper saute
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Cilantro Chicken Enchiladas (Cook's Country 30 minute)
Diet & Exercise:
Last week I started food journalling again. I went all the way and measured and weighed everything. I had burnt out by the weekend after a disappointing weigh-in (sound familiar anyone?). So I gave myself the weekend to be disgruntled that my week's efforts didn't make me magically drop 10 pounds in five days. I'm over it. I'm back on board.
Last week I did several different exercise dvds and TV shows since our treadmill is in the garage and with the frigid temps I just couldn't bear to put my snowpants on in order to get my workout in. I also wanted to try something different and see how it went. If things change around here I will need to focus on workouts I can do on the main floor of our house where I can still be present for the kids. Anyone have the Wii Fit and actually use it? We don't have a Wii and it would be a pretty big financial expenditure for us to get one but if people use it and feel that they are getting a good (hardcore even) workout from it please let me know. If Mr F moves I might want to get one so I can keep a consistent exercise program going upstairs... the treadmill will be retired until we move (and then hopefully can move it INDOORS). Oh plus I've decided to go for 15% body fat.... which is not a thinness thing but a optimum humanness thing... and maybe just a straight up motivational challenge... we'll see. More on that later. First I have to finish these Candy Cane Hershey's Kisses...
That's it. No news yet.
Monday, January 4, 2010
This Week The Plan
Wow remember those posts?! Yeah... I'm bringing it back, which is probably the best indicator of how much more in control I'm feeling.
I'll be back with the plan.
First, I'm resting on the couch watching Little Women (a version I've never seen before... but is there a bad one?!), and refilling tea party necessities.
Which brings us to 2010 New Year's Resolution #2...
More Tea Parties
I'll be back with the plan.
First, I'm resting on the couch watching Little Women (a version I've never seen before... but is there a bad one?!), and refilling tea party necessities.
Which brings us to 2010 New Year's Resolution #2...
More Tea Parties
(I'm absolutely serious)
Menu:
Sunday - Shepherd's pie
Monday- pan seared pork chops, steamed broc & carrots, frozen pepper & potato mix
Tuesday- Spaghetti pie (ala Cook's Country), broccoli
Wednesday- Salmon, rice pilaf, vegetable saute
Thursday- Beef Stroganoff (from freezer), egg noodles, peas
Friday- Pizza, salad, carrot sticks
Saturday- Quesadillas and pineapple salsa
Goals:
To not eat like a pig.
Monday, October 12, 2009
This Week The Plan
Last week was kind of crazy what with all the lice interruptions. I was really wanting to get all the summer clothes put away and all the fall clothes washed and put in drawers. That is a LOT of processing. You've got clothes that are grown out of to store or get rid of, clothes that *might* fit next year to store, fall clothes that fit to put away and those that don't to store or get rid of. It is a MAJOR job. Well, the constant laundry & vacuuming & head checks (up to 2 hours a day!!!), kind of put a damper on my progress. As of today I still have fall clothes spread out on the couch. I did manage to process all the summer clothes and they are binned up and ready for the basement. Now all the fall stuff is clean and I just need to force myself to put it away and not continue to dress the kids off the couch. I even changed my own clothes over... but... they are clean and piled on the floor in front of my dresser. (I know how fascinating this is)
I've reworked our budget... and.... YIKES... we're pretty much negative unless I get my babysitting hours. Unfortunately my situation is all over the place. Ideally I'd like 3 full days... but some weeks (last week for one) I only pull in 10 hours and that's the minimum we need to meet our monthly financial output. Any little thing would put us over. We'll just try and toe the line and hope we don't have any medical expenses in the near future. As soon as we know what's going down in the near-ish future (still don't) I'll be able to recruit another kid or two (hopefully). If I had one steady full time kid we'd be doing alright... for the immediate term anyway.
I've also decided that I'm going to go for my body fat goal. Which means... since I can't control anything else... maybe it would be therapeutic to put in some solid effort and reap some solid results every week. You know? I kind of need that right now. In that effort I'm taking a 20 day challenge. I'm changing up my routine and giving a new one 20 days to sink in. I'm also going to go back to food journaling. I really don't want to calorie count unless I have to. I mostly just want to stay focused and accountable.
Okay yada yada...
Menu:
Sunday - black bean & turkey quesadillas
Monday - baked ziti & peas
Tuesday - cheap takeout/eatout for kids (read Mc D's or Cici's ... that's what we're down to) as I'm getting my haircut during dinner
Wednesday - molasses & sweet potato beef stew (batch cooking)
Thursday - potato & leek soup (this got bumped) (batch cooking)
Friday - pizza night
Saturday - crockpot chicken w/ roasted root vegetables
I'm feeling good about my freezer stock ups. I've got 4 beef stroganoff, egg mcmuffins, gingerbread waffles, chicken soup, italian sausage meat sauce for 2 dinners, sauce for 2 pizzas, rolls for 3 dinners. This week I'm doing the potato & leek soup and beef stew. It is a huge relief to know that I've been able to get so much put up. It is absolutely a pain in the ass to do.... but it really does make a difference... do it!
I've reworked our budget... and.... YIKES... we're pretty much negative unless I get my babysitting hours. Unfortunately my situation is all over the place. Ideally I'd like 3 full days... but some weeks (last week for one) I only pull in 10 hours and that's the minimum we need to meet our monthly financial output. Any little thing would put us over. We'll just try and toe the line and hope we don't have any medical expenses in the near future. As soon as we know what's going down in the near-ish future (still don't) I'll be able to recruit another kid or two (hopefully). If I had one steady full time kid we'd be doing alright... for the immediate term anyway.
I've also decided that I'm going to go for my body fat goal. Which means... since I can't control anything else... maybe it would be therapeutic to put in some solid effort and reap some solid results every week. You know? I kind of need that right now. In that effort I'm taking a 20 day challenge. I'm changing up my routine and giving a new one 20 days to sink in. I'm also going to go back to food journaling. I really don't want to calorie count unless I have to. I mostly just want to stay focused and accountable.
Okay yada yada...
Menu:
Sunday - black bean & turkey quesadillas
Monday - baked ziti & peas
Tuesday - cheap takeout/eatout for kids (read Mc D's or Cici's ... that's what we're down to) as I'm getting my haircut during dinner
Wednesday - molasses & sweet potato beef stew (batch cooking)
Thursday - potato & leek soup (this got bumped) (batch cooking)
Friday - pizza night
Saturday - crockpot chicken w/ roasted root vegetables
I'm feeling good about my freezer stock ups. I've got 4 beef stroganoff, egg mcmuffins, gingerbread waffles, chicken soup, italian sausage meat sauce for 2 dinners, sauce for 2 pizzas, rolls for 3 dinners. This week I'm doing the potato & leek soup and beef stew. It is a huge relief to know that I've been able to get so much put up. It is absolutely a pain in the ass to do.... but it really does make a difference... do it!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
This Week The Plan
Alright so I'm running a bit behind what with all the delousing and all.
Good news is that I haven't had any babysitting the early part of this week and I've been able to just focus on taking care of business. I think I've got a good handle on the lice for now.
I've also gotten started on my batch cooking and have been putting up one thing each day this week.
We also got the basement and garage pretty squared away mold-wise and I've been able to get back to my workouts. So this week has been a veritable pleasure compared to last week... even with the nit picking (literal) I put in 3 times a day.
Menu:
Sunday - Sausage & Onion Quiche w/ Tomato Soup
Monday - Beef Stroganoff w/ buttered egg noodles & peas (batch cooking)
Tuesday - Asian glazed salmon, fried rice w/ broccoli & peas
Wednesday - Chicken Soup & rolls (batch cooking)
Thursday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Friday - pizza
Saturday - Potato & Leek Soup (batch cooking)
When I'm making a batch meal I try and make enough for 5 dinners. I serve one and then freeze the others.
The beef stroganoff was pretty good. Kid said "I hate to say this but the meat doesn't taste very good and is dry." But then she ate two servings. And Baby only ate the meat... so.... mixed review. The taste was good... I think we're just not all about the crockpot meat cooking... it does sometimes leave you with over cooked meat. I wish I had used a cut of beef with more fat & connective tissue. This is sounding like a bad review... it's not... we'll happily eat it 4 more times. I just like my old traditional recipe (Joy of Cooking) that just calls for sauteing the meat better than slow cooking it.
I'm making my own chicken soup and potato leek recipes... so I know they're good. I'm also going to make a big batch of rolls and shape them and freeze them so they're ready to get baked the day I want them.
I also made a big batch of Gingerbread Waffles. These are really good. VERY gingery. Next time I might take that down a notch but that is just a personal preference. This recipe made 18 waffles at about 200 calories each.
I'm also going to make a dozen egg & english muffin sandwiches and wrap them and freeze them this week. Mr F & I both really appreciate having a quick on the go breakfast. On days when I'm sitting it is very hard for me to eat breakfast let alone make it. I've just got too many people coming in and out at the same time.
Off to the library... more to come!
Oy. Spoke too soon. Kid is back home with lice. Not actual lice. But they found another nit which sent her home... along with half her class. Ridiculous. So I'm keeping her home the rest of the week. I can't have her continue to get reinfected everyday... and I don't want her to have to keep getting sent home (talk about shaming). The kids aren't even having lunch time they are all (the entire school) standing in line and getting their heads checked at noon. This is obviously not working since almost every kid in her class has been sent home twice this week already... and they've all been medicated (which we can't repeat for 10 days... and which I'd prefer not to repeat if possible) and nit picked several times a day.
Good news is that I haven't had any babysitting the early part of this week and I've been able to just focus on taking care of business. I think I've got a good handle on the lice for now.
I've also gotten started on my batch cooking and have been putting up one thing each day this week.
We also got the basement and garage pretty squared away mold-wise and I've been able to get back to my workouts. So this week has been a veritable pleasure compared to last week... even with the nit picking (literal) I put in 3 times a day.
Menu:
Sunday - Sausage & Onion Quiche w/ Tomato Soup
Monday - Beef Stroganoff w/ buttered egg noodles & peas (batch cooking)
Tuesday - Asian glazed salmon, fried rice w/ broccoli & peas
Wednesday - Chicken Soup & rolls (batch cooking)
Thursday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Friday - pizza
Saturday - Potato & Leek Soup (batch cooking)
When I'm making a batch meal I try and make enough for 5 dinners. I serve one and then freeze the others.
The beef stroganoff was pretty good. Kid said "I hate to say this but the meat doesn't taste very good and is dry." But then she ate two servings. And Baby only ate the meat... so.... mixed review. The taste was good... I think we're just not all about the crockpot meat cooking... it does sometimes leave you with over cooked meat. I wish I had used a cut of beef with more fat & connective tissue. This is sounding like a bad review... it's not... we'll happily eat it 4 more times. I just like my old traditional recipe (Joy of Cooking) that just calls for sauteing the meat better than slow cooking it.
I'm making my own chicken soup and potato leek recipes... so I know they're good. I'm also going to make a big batch of rolls and shape them and freeze them so they're ready to get baked the day I want them.
I also made a big batch of Gingerbread Waffles. These are really good. VERY gingery. Next time I might take that down a notch but that is just a personal preference. This recipe made 18 waffles at about 200 calories each.
I'm also going to make a dozen egg & english muffin sandwiches and wrap them and freeze them this week. Mr F & I both really appreciate having a quick on the go breakfast. On days when I'm sitting it is very hard for me to eat breakfast let alone make it. I've just got too many people coming in and out at the same time.
Off to the library... more to come!
Oy. Spoke too soon. Kid is back home with lice. Not actual lice. But they found another nit which sent her home... along with half her class. Ridiculous. So I'm keeping her home the rest of the week. I can't have her continue to get reinfected everyday... and I don't want her to have to keep getting sent home (talk about shaming). The kids aren't even having lunch time they are all (the entire school) standing in line and getting their heads checked at noon. This is obviously not working since almost every kid in her class has been sent home twice this week already... and they've all been medicated (which we can't repeat for 10 days... and which I'd prefer not to repeat if possible) and nit picked several times a day.
Monday, August 24, 2009
It Is With A Queasy Stomach That I Announce....
The return of...
This Week The Plan
People. People! I'm not looking forward to this.
Menu:
Monday - Parent Orientation night... kids eat at Mr F's office
Tuesday - Shrimp Scampi w/ noodles & sauteed broccoli
Wednesday - Roast Chicken, crispy potatoes & Sherry and Garlic Sauteed squash & carrots
Thursday - Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon w/ seasoned rice & green beans
Friday - Pizza night w/ sliced tomatoes
Saturday - Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas
Sunday - Tomato & Meatball Soup w/ salad
Kid's School Lunches:
Wednesday - hard boiled egg, watermelon, yogurt, turkey sandwich, milk
Thursday - hard boiled egg, strawberries, yogurt, pb&j, milk
Friday - hard boiled egg, tomatoes, yogurt, tuna sandwich, milk
Errands & Chores:
Monday - laundry, vacuum, parent orientation
Tuesday - grocery shopping, put away clean clothes
Wednesday - 1st day of school, make returns (Lowe's, Michael's, etc)
Thursday - pick up girls' room
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Diet & Exercise:
I'll be addressing this in detail tomorrow.
I'm going to continue food journaling. Eating under 1400 a day. And working out 40-60 min a day. I'll be doing the 30 day shred 3x this week.
This Week The Plan
People. People! I'm not looking forward to this.
Menu:
Monday - Parent Orientation night... kids eat at Mr F's office
Tuesday - Shrimp Scampi w/ noodles & sauteed broccoli
Wednesday - Roast Chicken, crispy potatoes & Sherry and Garlic Sauteed squash & carrots
Thursday - Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon w/ seasoned rice & green beans
Friday - Pizza night w/ sliced tomatoes
Saturday - Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas
Sunday - Tomato & Meatball Soup w/ salad
Kid's School Lunches:
Wednesday - hard boiled egg, watermelon, yogurt, turkey sandwich, milk
Thursday - hard boiled egg, strawberries, yogurt, pb&j, milk
Friday - hard boiled egg, tomatoes, yogurt, tuna sandwich, milk
Errands & Chores:
Monday - laundry, vacuum, parent orientation
Tuesday - grocery shopping, put away clean clothes
Wednesday - 1st day of school, make returns (Lowe's, Michael's, etc)
Thursday - pick up girls' room
Friday -
Saturday -
Sunday -
Diet & Exercise:
I'll be addressing this in detail tomorrow.
I'm going to continue food journaling. Eating under 1400 a day. And working out 40-60 min a day. I'll be doing the 30 day shred 3x this week.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
This Week The Plan
Better late than never...
These last couple of weeks I have been slowly stock piling food in the freezer for Mr F to eat while we're gone. I've got chicken breasts frozen individually in freezer bags... kind of wish I had gone ahead and put some marinades in there for him but I second guessed myself and didn't do it. I am also going to put in a few hamburger patties & buns and this week I'll be making another huge batch of the BBQ chicken and freeze that out into small portions for a sandwich or two at a time. He can thank me later (or not... that heartless bastard). I'm trying to think what else I could make ahead and stick in there... maybe burritos.
Menu:
It's summer and I'm moving into more cold/room temperature meals. I am loving being able to get things done earlier in the day... makes getting dinner on the table so much easier.
Monday - Pesto Pasta Salad w/ Peas and Grilled Chicken (God I love pesto... We could eat this dinner everyday)
Tuesday - potato salad (supreme style w/ celery, green onions, yellow pepper, celery salt, mayo, mustard & a little Ranch dressing... Mr F said it was the best he'd ever had), corn, and Honey & Mustard Glazed Salmon
Wednesday - BBQ chicken sandwiches (on slider rolls) & coleslaw
Thursday - Hamburgers (make double batch freeze half the patties), watermelon
Friday - Pizza Night - made w/ leftover bbq chicken, red onions, cilantro... just as good as Wolgang Puck's
Saturday - Pita, Tomato & Onion & Parsley Salad, Hummus, Rotisserie chicken
Sunday - Leftovers
*I made a double batch of the BBQ chicken using 3 pounds of chicken, 1 c of italian dressing ( I used Newman's Own light), 1/2 c of brown sugar and nearly a whole bottle of BBQ sauce (24 oz or so). This made 5 dinner portions. I bagged them up in freezer bags and thaw one out the day we want it and just microwave it to heat it back up. Whatever is left from each night is usually just enough to top a pizza. I got the idea for big batching it HERE. Really so easy to make a big batch of this in the slow cooker... didn't heat up the kitchen... and I got a whole months worth of a weekday dinner out of it. This is my solution to no longer (EVER) having take out. On those days when I would just have Mr F bring something home... I've got a dinner I can literally throw on the table with no work. I am more and more interested in finding freezable (but not also labor intensive on the cooking day) season appropriate dinners.
These last couple of weeks I have been slowly stock piling food in the freezer for Mr F to eat while we're gone. I've got chicken breasts frozen individually in freezer bags... kind of wish I had gone ahead and put some marinades in there for him but I second guessed myself and didn't do it. I am also going to put in a few hamburger patties & buns and this week I'll be making another huge batch of the BBQ chicken and freeze that out into small portions for a sandwich or two at a time. He can thank me later (or not... that heartless bastard). I'm trying to think what else I could make ahead and stick in there... maybe burritos.
Menu:
It's summer and I'm moving into more cold/room temperature meals. I am loving being able to get things done earlier in the day... makes getting dinner on the table so much easier.
Monday - Pesto Pasta Salad w/ Peas and Grilled Chicken (God I love pesto... We could eat this dinner everyday)
Tuesday - potato salad (supreme style w/ celery, green onions, yellow pepper, celery salt, mayo, mustard & a little Ranch dressing... Mr F said it was the best he'd ever had), corn, and Honey & Mustard Glazed Salmon
Wednesday - BBQ chicken sandwiches (on slider rolls) & coleslaw
Thursday - Hamburgers (make double batch freeze half the patties), watermelon
Friday - Pizza Night - made w/ leftover bbq chicken, red onions, cilantro... just as good as Wolgang Puck's
Saturday - Pita, Tomato & Onion & Parsley Salad, Hummus, Rotisserie chicken
Sunday - Leftovers
*I made a double batch of the BBQ chicken using 3 pounds of chicken, 1 c of italian dressing ( I used Newman's Own light), 1/2 c of brown sugar and nearly a whole bottle of BBQ sauce (24 oz or so). This made 5 dinner portions. I bagged them up in freezer bags and thaw one out the day we want it and just microwave it to heat it back up. Whatever is left from each night is usually just enough to top a pizza. I got the idea for big batching it HERE. Really so easy to make a big batch of this in the slow cooker... didn't heat up the kitchen... and I got a whole months worth of a weekday dinner out of it. This is my solution to no longer (EVER) having take out. On those days when I would just have Mr F bring something home... I've got a dinner I can literally throw on the table with no work. I am more and more interested in finding freezable (but not also labor intensive on the cooking day) season appropriate dinners.
Monday, June 1, 2009
This Week The Plan
First things first... SLUG REPORT... things are getting better on this front. Several nights of slug harvesting really reduced the damage. Then I spent an afternoon collecting slug eggs (HUNDREDS) and removing them. Then I put out watermelon rinds to draw the slugs and pill bugs away from the plants and then applied the Iron Phosphate Slug killer (totally safe for everything but slugs). It also helped immeasurably that it stopped raining and we had two hot, dry, days to dry out those beds. My flowers are blooming again and only one plant seems to have been damaged beyond recovery.
Second... this is the first day of Kid's summer vacation. Wow that came quickly! I'm feeling both relieved, excited... and a bit overwhelmed. While in many ways we don't have to do anything I also feel like I should be taking advantage of all our extra time and should really be getting ahead of the game. Remember I have a newborn coming on August 24th (no not my own)!
On other fronts our fence is GREAT and has really made a difference in our outside time and enjoyment. It's also provided a good border to the neighborhood that has allowed us to utilize space that previously felt too close to the road. I moved our outdoor table set up to the front under the big maples... it makes me feel a little fancy. It would be even fancier if we couldn't see our garbage can... but I guess you can't have it all. Pictures to come.
THIS JUST IN: MY NEMESIS HAS INFILTRATED THE FENCE!!
Menu:
Sunday - bbq chicken pizza w/ herb salad
Monday - Pesto Pasta w/ Grilled chicken & zucchini
Tuesday - Honey & Orange glazed salmon, dill noodles, green beans
Wednesday - Tuna Pasta Salad
Thursday - Shrimp & Snap Peas w/ rice
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - out to dinner w/ friends
Sunday - my birthday and I'll be damned if I'm making dinner
Diet & Exercise:
Adding the pilates back in was key. I'm already seeing significant muscle definition. So I'm doing around a 30 min intense cardio workout most days followed by 15-30 minutes of pilates routines on my apparatus. Even when I'm really rushed I can do a shorter arms set, leg set & abs in about 10 minutes... I don't know why I waited 10 months to set it back up.
I'm also still food journaling. I have not been sticking exactly in my range and I'm not losing. I just kind of feel like it is more important for my energy and commitment to go toward the workouts right now and I really feel like I'm not in the mental place to be really hardcore committed on both fronts right now.
MORE TO COME.
Second... this is the first day of Kid's summer vacation. Wow that came quickly! I'm feeling both relieved, excited... and a bit overwhelmed. While in many ways we don't have to do anything I also feel like I should be taking advantage of all our extra time and should really be getting ahead of the game. Remember I have a newborn coming on August 24th (no not my own)!
On other fronts our fence is GREAT and has really made a difference in our outside time and enjoyment. It's also provided a good border to the neighborhood that has allowed us to utilize space that previously felt too close to the road. I moved our outdoor table set up to the front under the big maples... it makes me feel a little fancy. It would be even fancier if we couldn't see our garbage can... but I guess you can't have it all. Pictures to come.
THIS JUST IN: MY NEMESIS HAS INFILTRATED THE FENCE!!
Menu:
Sunday - bbq chicken pizza w/ herb salad
Monday - Pesto Pasta w/ Grilled chicken & zucchini
Tuesday - Honey & Orange glazed salmon, dill noodles, green beans
Wednesday - Tuna Pasta Salad
Thursday - Shrimp & Snap Peas w/ rice
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - out to dinner w/ friends
Sunday - my birthday and I'll be damned if I'm making dinner
Diet & Exercise:
Adding the pilates back in was key. I'm already seeing significant muscle definition. So I'm doing around a 30 min intense cardio workout most days followed by 15-30 minutes of pilates routines on my apparatus. Even when I'm really rushed I can do a shorter arms set, leg set & abs in about 10 minutes... I don't know why I waited 10 months to set it back up.
I'm also still food journaling. I have not been sticking exactly in my range and I'm not losing. I just kind of feel like it is more important for my energy and commitment to go toward the workouts right now and I really feel like I'm not in the mental place to be really hardcore committed on both fronts right now.
MORE TO COME.
Monday, May 11, 2009
This Week The Plan
Well this is about the third week in a row that I have been diligent with my exercise and food journaling ALL week... only to totally sabotage myself EVERY FREAKING weekend. I'm actually quite pissed with myself since at this point I could have gotten where I want to be already if I had been able to allow myself to stay on course.
As I said in my food journal today... I will not disappoint myself this week. Seriously. I really don't want to sit here and do this halfway so that in another 3 weeks I can be exactly where I am right now. I'm done acting out. I want to be successful. I know what I need to do... I just need to do it all 7 days instead of only 4.
Menu:
Monday - pasta w/ meat sauce, peas
Tuesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole, steamed veggies
Wednesday - Shrimp Scampi w/ Linguine & broccoli
Thursday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Friday - b'day party
Saturday - Fish Tacos w/ Guacamole (I'm using my cornflake crusted tilapia in the tacos... so freaking good)
Sunday - Quesadillas
Errands & Chores:
Monday - grocery shopping, cookie dough
Tuesday - bake & decorate cookies, laundry
Wednesday - get boxes ready for shipping, put away clothes
Thursday - clean kitchen
Friday - no school... clean bathroom
Diet & Exercise:
I'm going to stick to my calorie limit every fucking day. And exercise.
P.S. For those of you who are wondering... I have started having a snack ready for Kid when she comes home (typically a small portion of whatever Baby & I had for lunch) and it has helped immensely in regards to her constant asking for food. It seems if I preempt her she eats and then moves on. Regarding exercise we have walked home as many days a week as we can... also seems to change her entire perspective. If we walk she comes home and just continues being active... when we drive she comes home and continues being passive. Unfortunately we are having quite a rainy season so we haven't been able to walk EVERY day (although we do walk in the rain as long as it isn't pouring).
As I said in my food journal today... I will not disappoint myself this week. Seriously. I really don't want to sit here and do this halfway so that in another 3 weeks I can be exactly where I am right now. I'm done acting out. I want to be successful. I know what I need to do... I just need to do it all 7 days instead of only 4.
Menu:
Monday - pasta w/ meat sauce, peas
Tuesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole, steamed veggies
Wednesday - Shrimp Scampi w/ Linguine & broccoli
Thursday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Friday - b'day party
Saturday - Fish Tacos w/ Guacamole (I'm using my cornflake crusted tilapia in the tacos... so freaking good)
Sunday - Quesadillas
Errands & Chores:
Monday - grocery shopping, cookie dough
Tuesday - bake & decorate cookies, laundry
Wednesday - get boxes ready for shipping, put away clothes
Thursday - clean kitchen
Friday - no school... clean bathroom
Diet & Exercise:
I'm going to stick to my calorie limit every fucking day. And exercise.
P.S. For those of you who are wondering... I have started having a snack ready for Kid when she comes home (typically a small portion of whatever Baby & I had for lunch) and it has helped immensely in regards to her constant asking for food. It seems if I preempt her she eats and then moves on. Regarding exercise we have walked home as many days a week as we can... also seems to change her entire perspective. If we walk she comes home and just continues being active... when we drive she comes home and continues being passive. Unfortunately we are having quite a rainy season so we haven't been able to walk EVERY day (although we do walk in the rain as long as it isn't pouring).
Monday, May 4, 2009
This Week The Plan
Menu:
Monday - Fish tacos w/ guacamole
Tuesday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Wednesday - Shrimp Scampi w/ Linguine
Thursday - Pan Seared Steak Bites, Potatoes, Corn & Cilantro (recipe to come)
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Steak Sandwiches on "Easiest Loaf of Bread"
Sunday - Pasta w/ Meat Sauce (recipe to come)
Errands & Chores:
Monday - groceries, laundry
Tuesday - fabric store, plant front flower beds (holy moly!)
Wednesday - library, put away laundry
Thursday - unpack my summer clothes and pack up winter
Friday - pick up & vacuum
Saturday - get hostas
Diet & Exercise:
Still tracking on the food diary blog. Still upping our daily activity (walking to get Kid from school, grocery shopping & library trips) & trying for 6 hours of cardio on the treadmill. Still haven't set up my pilates reformer... but desperately need to!
Monday - Fish tacos w/ guacamole
Tuesday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Wednesday - Shrimp Scampi w/ Linguine
Thursday - Pan Seared Steak Bites, Potatoes, Corn & Cilantro (recipe to come)
Friday - Pizza
Saturday - Steak Sandwiches on "Easiest Loaf of Bread"
Sunday - Pasta w/ Meat Sauce (recipe to come)
Errands & Chores:
Monday - groceries, laundry
Tuesday - fabric store, plant front flower beds (holy moly!)
Wednesday - library, put away laundry
Thursday - unpack my summer clothes and pack up winter
Friday - pick up & vacuum
Saturday - get hostas
Diet & Exercise:
Still tracking on the food diary blog. Still upping our daily activity (walking to get Kid from school, grocery shopping & library trips) & trying for 6 hours of cardio on the treadmill. Still haven't set up my pilates reformer... but desperately need to!
Monday, April 27, 2009
This Week The Plan
Remember this time last year? Blogging definitely has it's seasons and as things quickly move from Spring to Summer here I am needed outside. Away from the computer... defending the girls against bugs of all sorts, applying sunscreen, cleaning up popsicle drips, drinking iced coffee, and showing off my boobs.
Because these are officially popsicle days.
And for those of you of my generation I would like to inform you of the greatest discovery as of late (potentially of my lifetime)... they have brought back Jello Pudding Pops! Okay it seems that they brought them back 2 years ago... but who knew? Obviously not me. They are now shaped like fudgsicles and made by Popsicle. You can thank me later.
The things you need to know about last week:
Onto this week:
Menu:
Monday - Steak bites, potatoes & onions, corn w/cilantro butter & scallions, salad
Tuesday - Scallion & Ginger Shrimp w/Noodles
Wednesday - Cornflake Crusted Tilapia & Coleslaw (make extra as fish sticks for fish tacos)
Thursday - Sauteed Chicken & Zucchini in garlic & parmesan noodles
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - Fish Tacos
Sunday - Steak Sandwiches
Diet & Exercise:
I am still food journalling and working out. In addition to walking to get Kid I am aiming for 7 days of cardio on the treadmill. Life gets in the way but I like to average out at about 5 hours a week. I also desperately want to get my pilates reformer set back up and to get back into my routine.
Errands & Chores:
Monday - grocery shop
Tuesday - vacuum
Wednesday - get clothes put away
Thursday - clean off desk
Friday - get pots & soil for new plants
Weekend - clean bathrooms
A special picture that I know will make some of you laugh...
Because these are officially popsicle days.
And for those of you of my generation I would like to inform you of the greatest discovery as of late (potentially of my lifetime)... they have brought back Jello Pudding Pops! Okay it seems that they brought them back 2 years ago... but who knew? Obviously not me. They are now shaped like fudgsicles and made by Popsicle. You can thank me later.
The things you need to know about last week:
- I lost three pounds... 5 to go to my ideal weight.
- We kind of cleaned up some of the house. We have a significant amount more to go... but we had a good weekend and had a lot of fun family time.
- I've been walking to get Kid everyday from school... despite the ridiculous heat and blazing sun. It means an extra 5 miles a week for me and 2.5 for her.
Onto this week:
Menu:
Monday - Steak bites, potatoes & onions, corn w/cilantro butter & scallions, salad
Tuesday - Scallion & Ginger Shrimp w/Noodles
Wednesday - Cornflake Crusted Tilapia & Coleslaw (make extra as fish sticks for fish tacos)
Thursday - Sauteed Chicken & Zucchini in garlic & parmesan noodles
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - Fish Tacos
Sunday - Steak Sandwiches
Diet & Exercise:
I am still food journalling and working out. In addition to walking to get Kid I am aiming for 7 days of cardio on the treadmill. Life gets in the way but I like to average out at about 5 hours a week. I also desperately want to get my pilates reformer set back up and to get back into my routine.
Errands & Chores:
Monday - grocery shop
Tuesday - vacuum
Wednesday - get clothes put away
Thursday - clean off desk
Friday - get pots & soil for new plants
Weekend - clean bathrooms
A special picture that I know will make some of you laugh...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
This Week The Plan
Last week was great. We had a really good time and maxed out our route to visit with as many people as possible. More on the trip (cause I know you're all riveted ;) later... for now I'm focusing on getting back on track.
#1 We left the house in a pretty clean state... but... you'd never know it now. It is like the car contents (and we were packed to the gills) has exploded all over the floor. It's a bit overwhelming... and somewhat dangerous.
#2 I am getting back on track with the weight loss/fitness goals. And yes after the trip I have weight loss goals. It's ridiculous that I gained that much. But it really was the push I needed to get back to 100% on doing what I need to do. It's funny how much easier it is for me to stay focused now that I have further to go.
#3 Laundry.
This week...
Menu:
Sunday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Monday - Salmon Noodle Casserole (did I tell you I've changed this recipe to be organic... and it's better?), mixed veg
Tuesday - Fried rice w/ broccoli & seared tilapia
Wednesday - ? (still need to go to the store... I'll update tomorrow)
Thursday -?
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - ?
Kid's lunches:
For those of you that actually enjoyed this feature... I've stream lined our lunches and it is almost always leftover dinner, fruit, hard boiled egg or smoked salmon & milk. When we make dinner Baby usually eats a half portion and the other half is the perfect lunch portion for Kid. We have a small Thermos brand hot lunch carafe... we just heat it up and put it in and it's still hot at lunch. It's made lunch prep a lot faster. Yes it helps that Kid actually likes dinner food. ;)
P.S. Do you all give your kids 2% milk or do you think I should get skim or 1/2 % ? Mr F would have a cow if he came home to skim milk (bwahahaha).
Errands & Chores:
I really just need to PICK UP THE DAMN HOUSE... it's going to take all week.
Oh and the lawn looks like an undulating field... and so... maybe I'll try and mow it.
Diet & Exercise:
I am seriously sticking to actually weighing and measuring my portions. I'm shooting for around 1650 calories. AND working out for 60 minutes EVERY SINGLE DAY this week. AND I'm walking to get Kid from school and to do our little errands.
Requests:
Please let me know if you are in need of some extra positive thoughts, energy, prayers (or whatever you call it) this week.
#1 We left the house in a pretty clean state... but... you'd never know it now. It is like the car contents (and we were packed to the gills) has exploded all over the floor. It's a bit overwhelming... and somewhat dangerous.
#2 I am getting back on track with the weight loss/fitness goals. And yes after the trip I have weight loss goals. It's ridiculous that I gained that much. But it really was the push I needed to get back to 100% on doing what I need to do. It's funny how much easier it is for me to stay focused now that I have further to go.
#3 Laundry.
This week...
Menu:
Sunday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Monday - Salmon Noodle Casserole (did I tell you I've changed this recipe to be organic... and it's better?), mixed veg
Tuesday - Fried rice w/ broccoli & seared tilapia
Wednesday - ? (still need to go to the store... I'll update tomorrow)
Thursday -?
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - ?
Kid's lunches:
For those of you that actually enjoyed this feature... I've stream lined our lunches and it is almost always leftover dinner, fruit, hard boiled egg or smoked salmon & milk. When we make dinner Baby usually eats a half portion and the other half is the perfect lunch portion for Kid. We have a small Thermos brand hot lunch carafe... we just heat it up and put it in and it's still hot at lunch. It's made lunch prep a lot faster. Yes it helps that Kid actually likes dinner food. ;)
P.S. Do you all give your kids 2% milk or do you think I should get skim or 1/2 % ? Mr F would have a cow if he came home to skim milk (bwahahaha).
Errands & Chores:
I really just need to PICK UP THE DAMN HOUSE... it's going to take all week.
Oh and the lawn looks like an undulating field... and so... maybe I'll try and mow it.
Diet & Exercise:
I am seriously sticking to actually weighing and measuring my portions. I'm shooting for around 1650 calories. AND working out for 60 minutes EVERY SINGLE DAY this week. AND I'm walking to get Kid from school and to do our little errands.
Requests:
Please let me know if you are in need of some extra positive thoughts, energy, prayers (or whatever you call it) this week.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
This Week The Plan
I feel like I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off (and sadly I do know exactly what that looks like... thanks Mom).
We've been debating (over and over and OVER again) about our New York/PA trip for the week after Easter. It has been a stressful and difficult decision. When your money is so tight it is really hard to make big ticket decisions. Is it worth it? What if something happens? I keep having Suze Orman's voice in my head yelling "Denied!". And know that, truthfully, we can't afford it. However it is one of those things we can't afford to miss either. I think it is very important to see my grandmother, who has been back in and out of the hospital) and I don't want to miss out on wedding dress shopping with my friend. Because we live in different states I just can't attend all the wedding functions and felt that this was the one worth making it out for. But, nonetheless, the financial stress has been needling me all week. It's just hard once you get in a super low budget zone to stomach going over it.
On other fronts I've been pretty lazy getting things out for Easter. I brought up the bin yesterday to occupy the girls while I got my gift box stuff together. And.... they pretty much destroyed the house. There are bits of Easter grass and whatnot ALL over. I should probably be cleaning...
Okay onto this week!
Menu:
Sunday - Sauteed Chicken breasts, pan fried potates & asparagus
Monday - Tortellini w/ peas & bacon
Tuesday - Cornflake Crusted Fish Sticks, Mixed Vegetables, Rice
Wednesday - Black Bean & Turkey Tacos w/ avocado
Thursday - Shrimp Scampi w/ linguine & sauteed broccoli
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - Quesadillas
Diet & Exercise:
I'm just focusing on trying to workout everyday. With Mr F's work schedule that usually means I have to miss 2 nights a week.. but I feel pretty good about 5 days a week. Still waiting to get my pilates reformer set back up! I'm going back (yet again) to food journaling. I have a goal and I'm staying focused on that.
Chores & Errands:
Sunday - grocery shopping
Monday - baking/ gift box making
Tuesday - Clean kitchen, Call about dog grooming, get haircut
Wednesday - Clean living room, vacuum
Thursday - Clean girls room (UGH), Target returns!!
Friday - Laundry
Saturday - pack
Need A Lift?
Okay this is the part where you all tell me if there is something going on in your life that you need some extra positive thoughts and energy to go to. Please tell me what your desired outcome is.
We've been debating (over and over and OVER again) about our New York/PA trip for the week after Easter. It has been a stressful and difficult decision. When your money is so tight it is really hard to make big ticket decisions. Is it worth it? What if something happens? I keep having Suze Orman's voice in my head yelling "Denied!". And know that, truthfully, we can't afford it. However it is one of those things we can't afford to miss either. I think it is very important to see my grandmother, who has been back in and out of the hospital) and I don't want to miss out on wedding dress shopping with my friend. Because we live in different states I just can't attend all the wedding functions and felt that this was the one worth making it out for. But, nonetheless, the financial stress has been needling me all week. It's just hard once you get in a super low budget zone to stomach going over it.
On other fronts I've been pretty lazy getting things out for Easter. I brought up the bin yesterday to occupy the girls while I got my gift box stuff together. And.... they pretty much destroyed the house. There are bits of Easter grass and whatnot ALL over. I should probably be cleaning...
Okay onto this week!
Menu:
Sunday - Sauteed Chicken breasts, pan fried potates & asparagus
Monday - Tortellini w/ peas & bacon
Tuesday - Cornflake Crusted Fish Sticks, Mixed Vegetables, Rice
Wednesday - Black Bean & Turkey Tacos w/ avocado
Thursday - Shrimp Scampi w/ linguine & sauteed broccoli
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - Quesadillas
Diet & Exercise:
I'm just focusing on trying to workout everyday. With Mr F's work schedule that usually means I have to miss 2 nights a week.. but I feel pretty good about 5 days a week. Still waiting to get my pilates reformer set back up! I'm going back (yet again) to food journaling. I have a goal and I'm staying focused on that.
Chores & Errands:
Sunday - grocery shopping
Monday - baking/ gift box making
Tuesday - Clean kitchen, Call about dog grooming, get haircut
Wednesday - Clean living room, vacuum
Thursday - Clean girls room (UGH), Target returns!!
Friday - Laundry
Saturday - pack
Need A Lift?
Okay this is the part where you all tell me if there is something going on in your life that you need some extra positive thoughts and energy to go to. Please tell me what your desired outcome is.
Monday, March 30, 2009
This Week The Plan
Last week was busy. We cleaned the house for company... including finally getting all my paperwork filed! It feels so great to have finally gotten our paperwork cleared out and to be able to process our mail immediately.
We also sold our Volvo. Thank you to everyone who encouraged us to do that. While there are some glitches as we wait until we replace it... we were able to pay off all our outstanding medical bills & our appliances. We also got the van new tires. That was over $4000 that had been hanging over our heads for MONTHS. It is a huge relief to be able to move forward debt free. Mr F has a 2K (maximum) budget to pick out the junker of his dreams. The remainder I'm setting aside in a car maintenance fund.
This week should be a nice basic week. Nothing unusual. That's pretty rare and I plan to enjoy it.
P.S. Do you all know about archive.org? I'm obsessed with this site. I'm sure it won't surprise you that I'm reading a vintage junior's home economics book.
Alright this week...
Menu:
Sunday - Crockpot Brisket w/ carrots & potatoes, green peas
Monday - leftovers of the above
Tuesday - Quesadillas
Wednesday - Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon, green beans, sauteed potatoes & onions
Thursday - Scallion & Ginger Shrimp w/ Noodles
Friday - Pizza, Salad & Carrot Sticks
Saturday - Mexican Fritatta
Sunday - Salmon Noodle Casserole
Diet & Exercise:
I'm hoping to have some renewed efforts this week. I was really exhausted last week after having been so sick the week before and ended up bailing on my plans until I had more energy. So this week it is game on. I'm back to food journaling and working out. Last week the orthopedic surgeon said I'm all clear to workout as I see fit.
We also sold our Volvo. Thank you to everyone who encouraged us to do that. While there are some glitches as we wait until we replace it... we were able to pay off all our outstanding medical bills & our appliances. We also got the van new tires. That was over $4000 that had been hanging over our heads for MONTHS. It is a huge relief to be able to move forward debt free. Mr F has a 2K (maximum) budget to pick out the junker of his dreams. The remainder I'm setting aside in a car maintenance fund.
This week should be a nice basic week. Nothing unusual. That's pretty rare and I plan to enjoy it.
P.S. Do you all know about archive.org? I'm obsessed with this site. I'm sure it won't surprise you that I'm reading a vintage junior's home economics book.
Alright this week...
Menu:
Sunday - Crockpot Brisket w/ carrots & potatoes, green peas
Monday - leftovers of the above
Tuesday - Quesadillas
Wednesday - Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon, green beans, sauteed potatoes & onions
Thursday - Scallion & Ginger Shrimp w/ Noodles
Friday - Pizza, Salad & Carrot Sticks
Saturday - Mexican Fritatta
Sunday - Salmon Noodle Casserole
Diet & Exercise:
I'm hoping to have some renewed efforts this week. I was really exhausted last week after having been so sick the week before and ended up bailing on my plans until I had more energy. So this week it is game on. I'm back to food journaling and working out. Last week the orthopedic surgeon said I'm all clear to workout as I see fit.
Monday, March 23, 2009
This Week The Plan
***Remember to enter my Easter box giveaway... time is running out***
The week in review:
Alright Ladies & Gents... I am officially better. Good God that was a complete nightmare, and at a certain point I actually started to forget how good normal feels. Let me tell you normal feels great. Even if every other part of your life is falling apart... being able to digest food is a big deal... so count your blessings. ;)
A lot of stuff is going down this week... I have my tailbone check up tomorrow. I'm curious what he'll say since I've been having some pain lately. Although this has gone on so long that I don't remember how much pain I had 6 weeks ago... maybe this is an improvement. We also all have EARLY morning dental appointments (7 freaking 30... if you know us you know it would actually be easier for us to stay up until then rather than get up then) that we are trying to squeeze in before we cancel our dental insurance.
RE: Insurance... that was actually not as simple to shut down as I had anticipated. I spent about 2 days on the phone last week talking with 100 people to get everything completely closed on those other two policies. (Hold Up: I just got 3 pieces of mail from them... so... maybe not)
I filed our taxes. Feds, Michigan, & North Carolina. They all owe us money. Aww yeah. Maybe we'll be able to get a fence (or at the very least eye hooks at the top of our doors)... so that I don't find Baby wandering outside on the sidewalk (unbeknownst to us) in her diaper. Don't worry she took Canine with her.
My mother and The Cougar are coming down at the end of the week for Kid's grandparents tea. I am SO happy about that. I'm happy that I'm going to see them but I'm also really glad Kid didn't have to be that kid with no one showing up to her event. Added bonus... we have a timely motivation to get the house in tip top shape.
Okay enough randomness, onto this week!
Baby is eating her oatmeal with a chopstick. This has bought me an unprecedented chunk of time... I might get through this all in one sitting.
Menu:
Well for the 2nd week in a row most of my meals have gotten bumped. The girls ate mostly happy meals last week (when your parents can't cook for you or pay attention to you the least you deserve is a little plastic toy... am I right?!... don't answer that).
Monday - Ginger & Scallion Noodles w/ Shrimp
Tuesday - Quesadillas (new use of leftover rice & taco filling) w/ avocado & salsa
Wednesday - Orange & Honey glazed Salmon (recipe coming), potatoes & green beans
Thursday - Tomato & Meatball Soup, dill rolls
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - go out
Sunday - Beef Brisket w/ Potatoes & Carrots
Exercise & Diet
You know that whatever loss I managed through acting like a human funnel for a full week is gone right? Yeah it is.
So now that I feel rehydrated sufficiently I will commence my daily hour on the old treadmill. Hopefully I'll get some good news from the butt doctor on Tuesday and I'll be able to add back in my pilates. Until then I'll be kicking ass (ha ha) on my incline workout while I catch up on Millionaire Matchmaker.
I'm also back on the food journal. I'm sticking back to my 1800 limit and then I'll adjust from there next week.
Errands & Chores:
Unbelievably I'm almost done with my desk area. That is my top priority. I need to get that baby to 100% so I can stick with a new regime of daily management. I got rid of all our old outdated paperwork and filed everything else. I've still got bits of miscellaneous crap that does not have a good *home*... plus a lot of shit I'm sick of holding onto. I'm about to get ruthless on all those weird business cards and old checks!
Sunday - major house clean up (Mr F & I almost had a fist fight over *how to get things done*... you should have been there)
Monday - groceries, laundry
Tuesday - put away laundry (wipe that smirk off your damn face Mr F), clean off counters
Wednesday - vacuum, toy clean up
Thur- Mon = guests
The week in review:
Alright Ladies & Gents... I am officially better. Good God that was a complete nightmare, and at a certain point I actually started to forget how good normal feels. Let me tell you normal feels great. Even if every other part of your life is falling apart... being able to digest food is a big deal... so count your blessings. ;)
A lot of stuff is going down this week... I have my tailbone check up tomorrow. I'm curious what he'll say since I've been having some pain lately. Although this has gone on so long that I don't remember how much pain I had 6 weeks ago... maybe this is an improvement. We also all have EARLY morning dental appointments (7 freaking 30... if you know us you know it would actually be easier for us to stay up until then rather than get up then) that we are trying to squeeze in before we cancel our dental insurance.
RE: Insurance... that was actually not as simple to shut down as I had anticipated. I spent about 2 days on the phone last week talking with 100 people to get everything completely closed on those other two policies. (Hold Up: I just got 3 pieces of mail from them... so... maybe not)
I filed our taxes. Feds, Michigan, & North Carolina. They all owe us money. Aww yeah. Maybe we'll be able to get a fence (or at the very least eye hooks at the top of our doors)... so that I don't find Baby wandering outside on the sidewalk (unbeknownst to us) in her diaper. Don't worry she took Canine with her.
My mother and The Cougar are coming down at the end of the week for Kid's grandparents tea. I am SO happy about that. I'm happy that I'm going to see them but I'm also really glad Kid didn't have to be that kid with no one showing up to her event. Added bonus... we have a timely motivation to get the house in tip top shape.
Okay enough randomness, onto this week!
Baby is eating her oatmeal with a chopstick. This has bought me an unprecedented chunk of time... I might get through this all in one sitting.
Menu:
Well for the 2nd week in a row most of my meals have gotten bumped. The girls ate mostly happy meals last week (when your parents can't cook for you or pay attention to you the least you deserve is a little plastic toy... am I right?!... don't answer that).
Monday - Ginger & Scallion Noodles w/ Shrimp
Tuesday - Quesadillas (new use of leftover rice & taco filling) w/ avocado & salsa
Wednesday - Orange & Honey glazed Salmon (recipe coming), potatoes & green beans
Thursday - Tomato & Meatball Soup, dill rolls
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - go out
Sunday - Beef Brisket w/ Potatoes & Carrots
Exercise & Diet
You know that whatever loss I managed through acting like a human funnel for a full week is gone right? Yeah it is.
So now that I feel rehydrated sufficiently I will commence my daily hour on the old treadmill. Hopefully I'll get some good news from the butt doctor on Tuesday and I'll be able to add back in my pilates. Until then I'll be kicking ass (ha ha) on my incline workout while I catch up on Millionaire Matchmaker.
I'm also back on the food journal. I'm sticking back to my 1800 limit and then I'll adjust from there next week.
Errands & Chores:
Unbelievably I'm almost done with my desk area. That is my top priority. I need to get that baby to 100% so I can stick with a new regime of daily management. I got rid of all our old outdated paperwork and filed everything else. I've still got bits of miscellaneous crap that does not have a good *home*... plus a lot of shit I'm sick of holding onto. I'm about to get ruthless on all those weird business cards and old checks!
Sunday - major house clean up (Mr F & I almost had a fist fight over *how to get things done*... you should have been there)
Monday - groceries, laundry
Tuesday - put away laundry (wipe that smirk off your damn face Mr F), clean off counters
Wednesday - vacuum, toy clean up
Thur- Mon = guests
Monday, March 16, 2009
This Week The Plan
I have a LOT of major stuff going on in my head these days. I've been thinking a lot about convenience and entitlement. I've been thinking about how much has changed in regard to these two things in my lifetime. I'll be writing about this or talking about it this week. The whole decision about whether or not to replace Mr F's car is falling smack in the middle of all these thoughts. I'm down with challenging the notion that we have the right to as little inconvenience in our life as possible. Mr F?... well... he's not exactly there yet.
Menu:
A lot of my meals got bumped up from last week since Kid was sick.
Monday - Salmon Noodle Casserole
Tuesday - Ginger & Scallion Shrimp w/ Noodles
Wednesday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Thursday - Turkey & Black Bean Tacos
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - Quesadillas
Sunday - Turkey Meat Pasta w/ broccoli & cauliflower
Turns out I've got the stomach virus Kid had last week... so... I'm not making any plans until I feel better
Monday, March 9, 2009
This Week The Plan
Oh Good Fucking Grief... the insurance nightmare continues. This morning we got pressured into (read we are total spineless wimps) a whacky (read fraudulent) policy. I have since spent the day putting stops on our checks and debating whether or not I need to shut our account down since they have our social security numbers and a check with our routing & account numbers AND our freaking signatures. The *independent* agent was... um... lying and was actually a representative of Mega Life. An insurance policy that pays you a cash stipend every time you go to the hospital... sounded a little fishy... so I looked into it after he left. A simple google search will net you tons of horrifying info. Awesome.
So my insurance woes are not over... they have only gotten all the more dramatic and exhausting.
Onto this week... let's hope it goes better than last week...
Menu:
Sunday - Quesadillas w/ avocado & salsa
Monday - Chinese Food (frozen)
Tuesday - Honey Orange Glazed Salmon w/ Green Beans & Sesame Rice
Wednesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole
Thursday - Ginger & Scallion Shrimp w/ Noodles
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Sunday - Chicken & Dumpling Soup
Diet & Exercise:
Well last week derailed my 7 days a week game plan. I'm back on it. Also my calorie range hasn't resulted in any weight loss so I'm thinking about lowering it a bit. But seeing as I'm probably not out of the woods, stress eating wise, I'm just going to give it another week where I'm at.
Errands & Chores:
Last week I started a 15 minute clean up before I made dinner with a 15 minute reading reward for Kid afterward. This made a huge difference so I'm sticking with that. My goal is to get my desk back in a place where I can maintain it everyday in 5 minutes. It'll take a fair amount of work to get it to that condition.
Sunday - grocery shopping
Monday - laundry, 30 min desk
Tuesday - put away laundry, 30 min desk
Wednesday - bathrooms, 30 min desk
Thursday - vacuum, 30 min desk
Saturday - finish desk & organize medical bills & tax papers
So my insurance woes are not over... they have only gotten all the more dramatic and exhausting.
Onto this week... let's hope it goes better than last week...
Menu:
Sunday - Quesadillas w/ avocado & salsa
Monday - Chinese Food (frozen)
Tuesday - Honey Orange Glazed Salmon w/ Green Beans & Sesame Rice
Wednesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole
Thursday - Ginger & Scallion Shrimp w/ Noodles
Friday - Pizza & Salad
Saturday - Tomato & Meatball Soup
Sunday - Chicken & Dumpling Soup
Diet & Exercise:
Well last week derailed my 7 days a week game plan. I'm back on it. Also my calorie range hasn't resulted in any weight loss so I'm thinking about lowering it a bit. But seeing as I'm probably not out of the woods, stress eating wise, I'm just going to give it another week where I'm at.
Errands & Chores:
Last week I started a 15 minute clean up before I made dinner with a 15 minute reading reward for Kid afterward. This made a huge difference so I'm sticking with that. My goal is to get my desk back in a place where I can maintain it everyday in 5 minutes. It'll take a fair amount of work to get it to that condition.
Sunday - grocery shopping
Monday - laundry, 30 min desk
Tuesday - put away laundry, 30 min desk
Wednesday - bathrooms, 30 min desk
Thursday - vacuum, 30 min desk
Saturday - finish desk & organize medical bills & tax papers
Monday, March 2, 2009
This Week The Plan
Well today is another Snow Day. Snow Day's are more fun (for the parent) when they are a surprise mid-week.
Things are turning around. Not at a quick pace... but... I they are indeed turning. This week I started working out again. I'm going to do 7 days a week for the entire month of March. No days off. It has been a long time for me and I really need to just throw myself into the routine of it. I'm still too susceptible to sabotage if I give myself a rest day. Also I'm not able to really challenge myself in my workouts and I know that in order to see the results I want to see I need to put in some serious time.
I also recommitted to both daily food journaling and calorie counting. Both of which are harder to start doing than to actually do them. I would really like to get back to where I was last year in terms of fitness and body composition and I'm giving myself a 4 months to do it. I'll be putting up progression shots for that soon.
On the financial front I feel like we are finally moving through this little by little. We are successfully not failing. And that is an accomplishment. Medical bills keep on coming and I'm starting to get confused about what I've paid and what I owe and to whom. I seem to have gotten billed for every aspect of my ER visit by every conceivable specialist separately... but also combined by the hospital. So this week I'm going to organize all the medical bills and see if I can't figure out what is going on. Then I'm calling the hospital billing department and asking what kind of discount they can give me if I can settle it in cash. My goal is to have it sorted out and paid by March 17th (which is when we get our next pay check and I'll have the cash in hand necessary).
Menu Planning:
Sunday - Steak bites, mashed potatoes & peas, jam thumb print cookies
Monday - Cornflake Crusted Tilapia, garlic sauteed broccoli, brownies
Tuesday - Chicken & Dumplings Soup, crusty bread, brownies
Wednesday - Turkey & Black Bean Tacos w/ avocado, brownies
Thursday - Tomato & Meatball Soup, lemon cookies
Friday - Pizza, Salad, lemon cookies
Saturday - Black Bean Quesadillas, ice cream sundaes
Errands & Chores:
Our house is actually in such a state that I can't even do a normal house cleaning. I have some goals for long term functioning but I plan on doing baby steps to get there and just acknowledge that when I don't and I get all extreme "all or nothing" I end up with nothing. Case in point my desk. So I am going to attempt to a 15 minute clean up with the kids each night at 5 PM. While they clean up toys I am going to spend that time picking up the kitchen. I'm also going to reward their 15 minutes with 15 minutes of book time before I start dinner. Oh and a quarter. I am also going to spend 15 minutes working on cleaning off my desk each night once the kids are in bed. JUST 15.
Sunday - groceries
Monday - organize art supplies (still haven't done this)
Tuesday - put away clothes
Wednesday - laundry
Thursday - put away clothes
Things are turning around. Not at a quick pace... but... I they are indeed turning. This week I started working out again. I'm going to do 7 days a week for the entire month of March. No days off. It has been a long time for me and I really need to just throw myself into the routine of it. I'm still too susceptible to sabotage if I give myself a rest day. Also I'm not able to really challenge myself in my workouts and I know that in order to see the results I want to see I need to put in some serious time.
I also recommitted to both daily food journaling and calorie counting. Both of which are harder to start doing than to actually do them. I would really like to get back to where I was last year in terms of fitness and body composition and I'm giving myself a 4 months to do it. I'll be putting up progression shots for that soon.
On the financial front I feel like we are finally moving through this little by little. We are successfully not failing. And that is an accomplishment. Medical bills keep on coming and I'm starting to get confused about what I've paid and what I owe and to whom. I seem to have gotten billed for every aspect of my ER visit by every conceivable specialist separately... but also combined by the hospital. So this week I'm going to organize all the medical bills and see if I can't figure out what is going on. Then I'm calling the hospital billing department and asking what kind of discount they can give me if I can settle it in cash. My goal is to have it sorted out and paid by March 17th (which is when we get our next pay check and I'll have the cash in hand necessary).
Menu Planning:
Sunday - Steak bites, mashed potatoes & peas, jam thumb print cookies
Monday - Cornflake Crusted Tilapia, garlic sauteed broccoli, brownies
Tuesday - Chicken & Dumplings Soup, crusty bread, brownies
Wednesday - Turkey & Black Bean Tacos w/ avocado, brownies
Thursday - Tomato & Meatball Soup, lemon cookies
Friday - Pizza, Salad, lemon cookies
Saturday - Black Bean Quesadillas, ice cream sundaes
Errands & Chores:
Our house is actually in such a state that I can't even do a normal house cleaning. I have some goals for long term functioning but I plan on doing baby steps to get there and just acknowledge that when I don't and I get all extreme "all or nothing" I end up with nothing. Case in point my desk. So I am going to attempt to a 15 minute clean up with the kids each night at 5 PM. While they clean up toys I am going to spend that time picking up the kitchen. I'm also going to reward their 15 minutes with 15 minutes of book time before I start dinner. Oh and a quarter. I am also going to spend 15 minutes working on cleaning off my desk each night once the kids are in bed. JUST 15.
Sunday - groceries
Monday - organize art supplies (still haven't done this)
Tuesday - put away clothes
Wednesday - laundry
Thursday - put away clothes
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
This Week The Plan
I'm definitely struggling with time management while managing 3 kids of vastly different ages, interests, and eating requirements. I also don't want to take too much time away from my niece's visit. We've had tons of fun (and spent way more money than I would have liked).
I'm still researching finance stuff up the wazoo. I'm learning a lot and feeling like I'm almost ready to put some new things in place. Stay tuned on that front as I will surely pass along anything I decide to do.
I'm freaking excited today because we got our new National Geographic in the mail. It's feature story is on saving energy at home. This is one of the big things I've been wanting to tackle. Our electric and heating bills have been through the roof since we moved down here and we need to find ways (and implement them) to cut our bills. Pronto.
My Tivo died (yeah the one that is less than 6 months old) so my workouts got sidetracked last week. We've got the replacement and I'm hoping to start up once my niece goes home tomorrow. I really need to get back in shape. The whole situation is killing me... physically, emotionally, the whole nine yards.
Okay... on to the plan...
Menu:
Sunday - Scallion & Ginger Shrimp w/ Noodles
Monday - Spaghetti & Meatballs w/ green beans
Tuesday - Black Bean & Turkey Tacos w/ avocado
Wednesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole w/ sauteed mushrooms, salad
Thursday - Cornflake Crusted Tilapia, broccoli in garlic oil
Friday - Pizza, salad, SANGRIA
Saturday - Quesadillas w/ rice & beans
Sunday - Penne w/ Turkey Meat Sauce & green beans
That's it for now. It's really hard for me to get anything done until we get back in our regular (non hosting) routine.
I'll leave you with this....
That's me attempting to make kettle corn... note the eye protection. We were chanting "horrible, horrible, horrible burns" the entire time after reading the warnings that went along with the recipe. The whole experience was traumatizing and better left to carnival professionals.
I'm still researching finance stuff up the wazoo. I'm learning a lot and feeling like I'm almost ready to put some new things in place. Stay tuned on that front as I will surely pass along anything I decide to do.
I'm freaking excited today because we got our new National Geographic in the mail. It's feature story is on saving energy at home. This is one of the big things I've been wanting to tackle. Our electric and heating bills have been through the roof since we moved down here and we need to find ways (and implement them) to cut our bills. Pronto.
My Tivo died (yeah the one that is less than 6 months old) so my workouts got sidetracked last week. We've got the replacement and I'm hoping to start up once my niece goes home tomorrow. I really need to get back in shape. The whole situation is killing me... physically, emotionally, the whole nine yards.
Okay... on to the plan...
Menu:
Sunday - Scallion & Ginger Shrimp w/ Noodles
Monday - Spaghetti & Meatballs w/ green beans
Tuesday - Black Bean & Turkey Tacos w/ avocado
Wednesday - Salmon Noodle Casserole w/ sauteed mushrooms, salad
Thursday - Cornflake Crusted Tilapia, broccoli in garlic oil
Friday - Pizza, salad, SANGRIA
Saturday - Quesadillas w/ rice & beans
Sunday - Penne w/ Turkey Meat Sauce & green beans
That's it for now. It's really hard for me to get anything done until we get back in our regular (non hosting) routine.
I'll leave you with this....
That's me attempting to make kettle corn... note the eye protection. We were chanting "horrible, horrible, horrible burns" the entire time after reading the warnings that went along with the recipe. The whole experience was traumatizing and better left to carnival professionals.
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