skip to main |
skip to sidebar
I finally went through my closet and got rid of the remainder of my too-big, unwanted, outdated clothes! Yay! It was quite the bloodbath. :) Now, everything in my closet is something that fits and that I will actually wear. And no, there's not much, but that's OK - now, I can start building it up again. You wouldn't believe the amount of empty space in that closet now. I feel so liberated and unencumbered. In addition to two large garbage bags full of clothing, Brian will also be taking one bag full of hangers to Goodwill - it's insane how many hangers I had! I had a fairly accomplished weekend, all-in-all. I went through my next sculpt class, working out the kinks and finalizing it for Wednesday, went to Walmart (got some new tank tops, nail polish, lip color, etc.), did laundry, cooked and baked, dusted the house (somewhat), cleaned the toilets, rehearsed my Easter solo, painted my toenails, gathered and packed up a bunch of kid clothes and toys to take to a resale shop, ordered a new bed-in-a-bag for Nick, gathered the documents Brian will need to have our taxes done, etc. Whew! When I see it all in print like that, I really feel like I got a lot done. Brian was also quite helpful this weekend - he set up our new printer (The old one finally gave up the ghost, but we had had it for 10 years!), vacuumed the house, took stuff to Goodwill, and generally kept Nick occupied while I got stuff done. The week ahead is busy as usual. I'll be chauffeuring Nick to school, working out, going to a Love and Logic class, doing laundry, grocery shopping, paying bills (including the first payment on the Caliber - blech!), teaching my class, going to the dentist, attending parent-child night at Nick's school, going to Rolla, etc., etc. My niece is supposed to be visiting next weekend, which I'm looking forward to very much. Hope everyone had a great weekend, and I wish you a good week ahead...
I just made these today, and they are absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS! I highly recommend that you make them as soon as possible. :) They do have oil, honey, and sugar, so are not exactly health food, but they're also full of really wonderful, healthy things, like oats, almonds, wheat germ, and whole wheat flour, if you use that. Also, I would imagine that you could substitute applesauce for the oil - I didn't have any, so I didn't try that. Enjoy! Oat, Almond, and Cranberry Breakfast Bars1/2 cup vegetable oil1/2 cup honey2 tsp. vanilla extract1 lg. egg2 cups old-fashioned oats, uncooked3/4 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour1/2 cup packed light brown sugar1/2 cup sliced almonds1/2 cup toasted wheat germ1/2 cup Craisins or raisins3/4 tsp. salt1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9 x 13" baking pan and set aside.2. In a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, stir oil, honey, vanilla, and egg until mixed. 3. In a large bowl, with fork, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, almonds, wheat germ, Craisins, and salt until combined. With a rubber spatula, stir honey mixture into dry mixture until blended and moistened; scrape into prepared pan. With a wet hand, pat mixture evenly into pan.4. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pan on a wire rack.
I made this recipe for dinner tonight, and it turned out great!1 lb. chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut into strips1 pkg. (11 oz.) refrigerated Pillsbury Thin Crust Pizza Crust1 cup pasta sauce, divided1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained1/2 cup shredded Colby/Monterey Jack cheese blendmilkgrated Parmesan cheese1. Heat oven to 400. Boil a cup of water in a large skillet, add chicken and return to boiling. Cover and simmer 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool, then chop.2. Spray a large cookie sheet with Pam, and unroll pizza crust into a 12 x 14" rectangle on the cookie sheet. Spoon half of the pasta sauce down the center, leaving 3" on either side. Layer spinach, chicken, and shredded cheese over sauce. Cut 12 strips on both sides of crust. Fold strips over filling so that they overlap in the middle. Brush with milk and sprinkle with Parmesan.3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until nicely browned and crisp. Serve with remaining pasta sauce.
OK, so I'm not going to go on quite as much about tonight's class, because I don't want to annoy anyone. :) Suffice it to say that it went great - I was confident, poised, and in control, and I led my students through a very good strength workout. I had 18 (!) students, and I even stood around after class and talked with a few of them. So, there I was, feeling the endorphins again, really happy with how the class went, feeling very good about myself. Then, I came home, and my husband kindly pointed out to me that I had A HUGE CHUNK OF SPINACH STUCK BETWEEN MY TEETH. Seriously. Could I be more of a cliche? A really big chunk of bright green spinach, right there, front and center. While I stood in front of 18 people for an hour and taught a class. While I talked with people after class, in close proximity. In that moment, when Brian told me about the spinach, I absolutely wanted to die. It was as though I were a balloon and someone had stuck a pin in me. I completely deflated, and I was horrified. Now, my memory of that class is completely tainted, and I am red-faced even now as I type about it. I mean, why does no one tell you when you have spinach in your teeth? I ACTUALLY WANT SOMEONE TO TELL ME! But no one will, because they don't want to embarrass you. Instead, everyone was just probably inwardly amused the whole time, and felt embarrassed for me. Aaarrrggghhh! I know I'm making a really big deal about this, but it's how I feel, however ridiculous that makes me. I wonder if they think I have questionable personal hygiene. I'm just so incredibly embarrassed. What I really need right now is for someone to say something to me to make me feel better about this. Please?
Brace yourself. I'm going to sound very full of myself in this post. But. I. Don't. CARE!!!! My step class was frickin' amazing! I cannot get over how perfectly it went. It was virtually flawless. I never once lost count, lost my place, or had a misstep. I never forgot to cue or cued late. I never lost my cool. I had the class by the balls the entire time, from start to finish. The whole thing went so smoothly and I had such poise! I did a really good warm-up and then got into the stepping, and a couple of minutes into the first combo, I just knew it was all coming together. Between step combos, we did one-minute bursts of intense cardio, and they loved it! I was sure to get their heart-rates down properly, and I always made sure to show low-impact options, as I had a couple of older ladies in class. At the beginning of each combo, I demonstrated the less basic stuff (Charleston, I-step, mambo-cha-cha-cha, for example, for those of you in the know). I explained things as we went and explained what body parts we were stretching at the end of class and made sure everyone had proper form to get a good stretch. It was just all good. People, do you know what a feeling of power it gives you to tell people to do something unpleasant, like jog really hard for a minute, and they actually DO IT? Just because you told them to? Shut up! It's awesome! :) You have probably guessed by now that I'm on a serious high. It's almost like I've done drugs or something (not that I'd know). I just can't get over how well that went - way better than anyone's first class should ever go. You know - I realize that the second time I teach, I might completely screw up, and right now, I don't even care! Right now, I'm on top of the world. OK - I think I'm done. Oh, one more thing - after class, a couple was being shown around the gym, and I started talking to them and telling them about the classes. It was so cool to shake the lady's hand and say "I'm Amy. I'm an instructor here."
I have apparently gone insane - I just hope it's temporary! :) I have volunteered myself to sub for the step instructor at my gym (she's got strep - she's a streppy stepper) and teach step class tomorrow night. This is happening before I even teach my first regular body sculpt class on Wednesday! Part of me is excited and part of me is terrified. But, I think it's going to be good for me. The head instructor jokingly said to me this morning "Wanna teach step class tomorrow night?" We had a good laugh about it, but as the day went on, I couldn't get this niggling thought out of my mind - "Maybe I DO wanna teach step tomorrow night!" I think I know what I'm doing enough to get through a simple class, and if I make it through, then my first regular sculpt class will be a cake-walk. I think I'm looking at this as a way to prove myself and to stretch myself and work through my fears. So, wish me luck!
I am now a certified group fitness instructor! This certification was a sort of "quickie" one, done through an online test, in order for me to begin teaching this body sculpt class next week. In the fall, I'm going to be completing a much more rigorous certification workshop, which I'm really looking forward to! I might even complete a kickboxing certification. We shall see. For now, though, I'm legit to teach, and I'm really excited about getting started. I think I'm going to do a good job, and as I'm very passionate about women doing strength-training, this class is right up my alley. I've got my first class all ready to go...wish me luck!
I have not even been home today until just now, and I feel like I have a million things to do and my life is spinning out of control. You know the feeling? Why on earth did I think it would be a good idea to take on tap class, teaching at the gym, etc. all at the same time? I'm most stressing about the fact that I have to teach my first class in 8 days, and need to finalize my class plan! Wish me luck. Anywho, Nick had his 5-year checkup today, and it went fine (except for his behavior). He has a small heart murmur which is apparently nothing to worry about, and he seems to manufacture way too much ear wax. :) Other than that, he's all good. He weighs 47 lbs. and is just under 44" tall, putting him in the 70th percentiles for both. The nurses spent a really long time irrigating his ears, for which I was thankful. He was pretty awful, especially anytime we were alone in the room. At one point, I chastised him quite harshly, and he broke down, exclaiming "You're a monster! I don't even know who you are anymore!" :) Thought that might make you smile for the day...More later.
Hey, peeps! We survived the big wedding/birthday party/portrait weekend, and it went great! I'd love to tell you all about it, but for some reason, I seem to have 8 million things to do this week. So, posting might be sparse for a bit. Bear with me! Life is very good, but very busy. Should calm down a bit mid-April. :)
1. We were in the car, and all of a sudden, Nick started asking about Santa Claus, out of the blue. He asked how he can fit down chimneys, even when they're really small, and I said "Santa can fit through any space, even tiny ones, because he's magical." Nick replied "I find that hard to believe." :)2. A little while ago, I told Nick to do something, and he said "Yes, your majesty!"
People have been doing this quiz on Facebook, and I did it and then thought it would be fun to post it on my blog, too. I'd love to see the answers from some of my readers' kids! Grab your kids and do the quiz...1. What is something mom always says to you?I love you.
2. What makes mom happy?
when I hug her
3. What makes mom sad?
when Miss Jutta went to Germany
4. How does your mom make you laugh?
by making silly jokes
5. What was your mom like as a child?
a princess
6. How old is your mom?
13 (I'm all about seeming younger than I am, but come on!)
7. How tall is your mom?
Nick was very scientific on this one. He made me stand up and then he went and got his little tape measure. I had to hold one end at the top of my head and he pulled it down, but it wasn't long enough. So, he asked his Dad, who told him the correct answer: 65".
8. What is her favorite thing to do?
hug me
9. What does your mom do when you are not home?
paint her toenails
10.If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
for being a princess
11. What is your mom really good at?
measuring things
12. What is your mom not good at?
flying up in the sky
13. What does your mom do for a job?
working out at the fitness center
14. What is your Mom's favorite food?
frozen dinners
15. What makes you proud of your mom?
when she fixes things
16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Wanda on Fairly Oddparents
17. What do you and your mom do together?
play games
18. How are you and your mom the same?
We have the same painted eyeballs (We both have brown eyes.)
19. How are we different?
She's big and I'm small.
20. How do you know your mom loves you?
because when she's mad at me for doing something bad, she still loves me
21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
They're friends.
22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
bowling (What??? We do this maybe once a year.) :)
Here are some miscellaneous pics from the past couple of months. The first is from our first significant snow, at the end of January. I love the way Nick is imitating his snowman!
This picture was taken in the library at Nick's school last month. There was a "pajama party", where we wore our PJs to the library to read books together and eat popcorn. Nick had a blast!Here is a picture of the 9-10" snow we just got last Saturday. Of course, today our high temperature was in the 80s. Gotta love the Midwest!
Nick had a blast playing in all the snow last weekend in his new winter coat.
Here, finally, are some pics of the new car. I'm really enjoying it! It's got a distinctive look about it, and I like the shape and lines of the exterior. The interior is a comfortable fit for Nick and me, and I like that it sits higher than most sedans. I love the sunroof, and the hatchback is great, too.
Earlier today, I emitted a little burp, to which Nick responded "Oh, Mommy - you're such a charmer." :)I finally washed my new car and took pictures of it, which I will be sharing here in the very near future. Stay tuned! For dinner tonight, I made the following recipe. It's really good, and couldn't be easier! It's not exactly low-cal or low-fat, but it's high in fiber and protein and contains some nutrition power-houses. And rinsing the beans cuts down on the sodium.Spinach Tortellini with Beans and Feta1 9-oz. package refrigerated cheese-filled spinach tortellini (I used Buitoni Spinach Cheese Tortellini.)1 15-oz. can cannellini (white kidney) beans, drained and rinsed (My store didn't have these, so I substituted great northern beans.)1 4-6 oz. package crumbled garlic-and-herb flavored feta cheese (I had to substitute tomato-basil feta cheese.)2 Tbsp. olive oil1 large tomato, choppedground black pepper1 bag fresh baby spinach leavesCook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and return to cooking pot. Add drained beans, feta cheese, and olive oil to the pot, and stir gently until cheese is melted and beans are hot. Add tomato and cook 1 more minute. Sprinkle with pepper to taste. Place desired amount of spinach on 4 dinner plates (I didn't use all of it.) and top with tortellini mixture. Enjoy!
Another change that I'm really pumped about is that I hope to be getting my second tattoo within the next few months. I want a cascade of stars on my right shoulder blade, but I hadn't been able to find a design I like. So, my niece, Madeline, is working on a design for me! How cool will it be to have a tattoo designed by her? She's even going to work her signature into it. Lately, it just feels like Christmas, ya know?
...and sending a frisson of excitement down my spine! This just seems to be a year of new things and progress for me. I'm thrilled to have gotten almost my whole house purged, and I've gotten a very respectable start on getting my holiday decor into plastic tubs (This might not sound very exciting, but for the likes of me, it is!). And of course, I just got a new car, which I like more every day. I finally have some great sunroof weather, and I'm lovin' it! And, though I hate to spend the money, I'm sort of excited about buying yet another new spring/summer wardrobe and showing off the "finished product" of my weight-loss to the world. I've been cooking more and really enjoying it (not the clean-up, though) - tomorrow evening's dinner will be spinach tortellini with beans and feta. Even though it will be somewhat expensive, we've pretty much made the decision to visit Brian's parents this summer, and they will be thrilled! Nick and his grandparents need a chance to spend time together. We may have to sacrifice a trip to Germany this year, but that's OK - this is more important. The biggest excitement for me, though, lies in the fitness arena. I'm just loving my classes, and excited at the prospect of having some personal training, and I also think it's really cool that Brian is going to be joining me for yoga from now on. I was thinking about taking a tap class, but it would make me miss yoga, and I've decided that for now, yoga is more important to me. There will always be another chance to take tap, at a time that doesn't interfere with something else I love. I'm so thrilled lately at the sculpting and definition that I see in my muscles - particularly my shoulders and arms! I just feel very strong and vital, and like I could take on the world. The most exciting development lately is that it looks like I might be getting my fitness instructor certification and teaching a lot sooner than I thought. I had been planning on putting it off a little longer, but my gym really needs someone to fill in for the Monday night cardio/core class and the Wednesday night strength class, and it's possible that that person could be me! I need to get certified quickly, which I'm looking into. So, I could be teaching really soon! It's scary, but also very exciting. I'll keep you posted...
Whilst Nick ate his lunch today (fish sticks with ketchup, canned peaches, flappy dairy, and Goldfish, in case anyone was wondering), we were talking about his impending birthday. I said "Just think - you'll have birthday cake at your SpongeBob party at PaPa's, and then two days later, you'll have a birthday cupcake at school!" His response? "My butt itches."
It snowed heavily all day yesterday, from about 9-5, and we ended up with about 10 inches! We couldn't get out yesterday or this morning, but we got plowed later this morning, and Brian just left to sally forth to Walmart for a few things. He hasn't come back yet, which I take as a good sign. I'm really ready for spring!
