So I am struggling a little tonight as I attempt to make a grocery list to start for next week. I am not in the mood to plan a "HEALTHY" list so I decided to just stop and wait till I am ready to. Eating healthy is a forever adventure for me. Ups and downs!! But I know it's important for me to do so. I feel like I have accomplished getting off of caffiene so now I am attempting to be more consistant in eating healthy. I have gone from picking up Diet Mt Dew through out the day to constantly refilling my water bottle which I'm really excited about! Getting past the headaches was a little tough but I'm so glad I stuck with it.
Tonight I made the Baked Zitti from the Weight Watcher's facebook fan page. I actually used wheat pasta instead and James liked it! So we are slowly building our list of healthy recipes that we like. I've got to get better at doing alot of cooking on the weekend so that I can freeze those meals and have them ready for during the week. It's when I am coming home and very tired that I am most likely to cook something quick and unhealthy. It would be great to be able to pull that meal that I cooked over the weekend out of the freezer and warm it up. It's a goal so I'm working towards it. It will not start this weekend though, but I will work towards it making next weekend's goal.
This is a very busy week. Through all the personal goals I have and the daily schedules I just keep telling myself "just keep swimming, just keep swimming!" Praying God keeps my energy level up so that I can keep up with all of the demands on my schedule! Praying this week as people prepare for Easter Sunday that they will remember what Christ did for us even after this Sunday has past. Praying people find a church family they can connect with and continue coming and growing in Christ. I would love for everyone to experience the joy and the blessing it is to grow in Christ and to serve Him. Hope everyone has a restful night!! I'm sure hoping I do :)
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Over This Weekend...
Over this weekend I have noticed some things...
I could visibly see my child growing older.
I faced a "small" fear and survived.
James really thinks alot of our preacher. James was heart broken when it started raining Friday evening and he couldn't cook out...his words were: "But he deserves steaks not pizza". So sweet...
Our preacher has a growing interest in karoake that will be much fun to encourage!
My heart truly goes out to young girls/teens/women that are searching for acceptance and confidence...
I have a crazy husband...need I say more?
My neighbor enjoys the company of the neighborhood children.
My husband can not dance with out injuring himself.
WBCC teens are awesome.
I have not had a headache for a couple of days and I am on day 8 of no caffiene!!
I am getting to know people better at church and am cherishing those moments.
My husband is stubborn and still thinks he can do anything even though he's not suppose to be on his leg :)
Madison has been super sweet these last few weeks and doing a wonderful job in listening and doing what I say.
I am truly enjoying the Easter Drama this year because I chose to not sing as I would normally do. I decided it was okay to not be in the "Cantata" as some expected. God blessed my decision!
I saw some of God's little blessings that made me smile.
That was my weekend in a nutshell. My once again very random blog. Looking forward to this very busy week and the blessings I know it will bring!
I could visibly see my child growing older.
I faced a "small" fear and survived.
James really thinks alot of our preacher. James was heart broken when it started raining Friday evening and he couldn't cook out...his words were: "But he deserves steaks not pizza". So sweet...
Our preacher has a growing interest in karoake that will be much fun to encourage!
My heart truly goes out to young girls/teens/women that are searching for acceptance and confidence...
I have a crazy husband...need I say more?
My neighbor enjoys the company of the neighborhood children.
My husband can not dance with out injuring himself.
WBCC teens are awesome.
I have not had a headache for a couple of days and I am on day 8 of no caffiene!!
I am getting to know people better at church and am cherishing those moments.
My husband is stubborn and still thinks he can do anything even though he's not suppose to be on his leg :)
Madison has been super sweet these last few weeks and doing a wonderful job in listening and doing what I say.
I am truly enjoying the Easter Drama this year because I chose to not sing as I would normally do. I decided it was okay to not be in the "Cantata" as some expected. God blessed my decision!
I saw some of God's little blessings that made me smile.
That was my weekend in a nutshell. My once again very random blog. Looking forward to this very busy week and the blessings I know it will bring!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Quick and Healthy Snack
I love it when I find a healthy snack that I actually enjoy! So I thought I'd share. This is a recipe I found from Weight Watchers. Enjoy!!
Hot Fiesta Dip
You will need:
10oz package frozen whole kernel corn
1 1/2 cups refridgerated salsa
3/4 cup reduced fat shredded mexican style cheese
2 tbsp chopped scallion
Microwave frozen corn according to the package directions. Drain. Combine corn and salsa in a microwave safe 9 inch pie plate. Cover with plastic wrap; vent. Microwave on high 2 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over corn mixture; cover and let stand 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Top with chopped scallion.
When we make this snack we actually make it with out the chopped scallion. But you make it how you like it! Serve this dip with baked tortilla chips.
Hot Fiesta Dip
You will need:
10oz package frozen whole kernel corn
1 1/2 cups refridgerated salsa
3/4 cup reduced fat shredded mexican style cheese
2 tbsp chopped scallion
Microwave frozen corn according to the package directions. Drain. Combine corn and salsa in a microwave safe 9 inch pie plate. Cover with plastic wrap; vent. Microwave on high 2 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over corn mixture; cover and let stand 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Top with chopped scallion.
When we make this snack we actually make it with out the chopped scallion. But you make it how you like it! Serve this dip with baked tortilla chips.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Being Uncomfortable
I read a facebook status today that I really liked. I have blogged on it before but it was a nice reminder for me today. I think God works like that. God uses our everyday life to remind us of those little things to direct us back to Him. It was a status that talked about living a comfortable life. I've blogged before how I felt I was currently living a comfortable life and realized that in order for my faith to grow I would have to step out of my comfort zone. So that has been on my mind tonight.
It's always exciting to try something new, yet scary at the same time. Sometimes it's necessary to do things out of fear. Sometimes our faith doesn't kick in until we are doing something that we have no idea how it will turn out. I know that when I am doing something that requires faith to get me through it's then I am really doing what God wants me to do. Not everything we do will require "being out of our comfort zone" but there should be times when we are taking those uncomfortable steps of faith. Another facebook status I read a while back that ties in to this is "what are you doing today that requires faith". That too was a reminder yet more like a slap in the face. What am I doing today that requires faith?? Really and honestly, not a whole lot! We live very comfortable lives that we plan out. We know how much money to make to pay our bills, we plan our grocery list so that we have food to eat, we make plans for vacations that we desire to take in order to get away from the every day norm, etc. But what are we doing that is out of the norm. How are we applying God's word to our every day life. Now don't get me wrong on this, I'm not saying that if you are not living out of your comfort zone then you are not living for God. But what I am saying is if we are comfortable day in and day out then maybe we need to reevaluate our purpose in life. I know I have to reevaluate regularly. I get very comfortable in what I do. But I have found in my moments of complete nervousness that it's after those moments that I have grown.
People are so different so what may be uncomfortable for one person may not be for another. Something that I really enjoy doing yet find that does not come naturally is being hospitable. Something as simple as having people over to my house can be stressful. I find that I have so much fun having people over but the part of preparing is nerve wrecking for me at times. And the more I look at my reasonings to why, I realize that it actually has nothing to do with having people over to my house. I find that I am very uncomfortable with the idea of having to cook for guests. I know that I can follow simple directions and recipes but I also know I am no chef!! While this may all seem very little in the light of how we would normally view taking leaps of faith for God, I know that it is part of everyday life for me that I am yet to be comfortable with. Something I had to learn was that I needed to not try to make new dishes or try to make things that were difficult to make. For me, the key is keeping it simple. And so having people over now is an absolute blast. We get to know people so much better when we have had them over to our home. And isn't that what it's all about? Getting to know people and sharing your life with them. Of course in our world, it's not always necessary to have them in our home since our world is becoming more and more virtual. Which is another positive to my blogging.
You will find in our home that we are very laid back. Sometimes I may not be the best host and have the nicest things to serve your food on but hopefully you will enjoy your time here and learn a little bit of what we are about. I find that sharing our life with others is so very important, weaknesses and all!! I know that I will grow in my area of hospitality as I get older but I do view it as something I am taking a step of faith on. Hopefully I am not the only one that struggles with this and if so, I know that God is there with me even in these little things. We all have those little things that we feel we should not be fearful in doing but yet we still are. Just know that it's okay and that is what faith is for.
It's always exciting to try something new, yet scary at the same time. Sometimes it's necessary to do things out of fear. Sometimes our faith doesn't kick in until we are doing something that we have no idea how it will turn out. I know that when I am doing something that requires faith to get me through it's then I am really doing what God wants me to do. Not everything we do will require "being out of our comfort zone" but there should be times when we are taking those uncomfortable steps of faith. Another facebook status I read a while back that ties in to this is "what are you doing today that requires faith". That too was a reminder yet more like a slap in the face. What am I doing today that requires faith?? Really and honestly, not a whole lot! We live very comfortable lives that we plan out. We know how much money to make to pay our bills, we plan our grocery list so that we have food to eat, we make plans for vacations that we desire to take in order to get away from the every day norm, etc. But what are we doing that is out of the norm. How are we applying God's word to our every day life. Now don't get me wrong on this, I'm not saying that if you are not living out of your comfort zone then you are not living for God. But what I am saying is if we are comfortable day in and day out then maybe we need to reevaluate our purpose in life. I know I have to reevaluate regularly. I get very comfortable in what I do. But I have found in my moments of complete nervousness that it's after those moments that I have grown.
People are so different so what may be uncomfortable for one person may not be for another. Something that I really enjoy doing yet find that does not come naturally is being hospitable. Something as simple as having people over to my house can be stressful. I find that I have so much fun having people over but the part of preparing is nerve wrecking for me at times. And the more I look at my reasonings to why, I realize that it actually has nothing to do with having people over to my house. I find that I am very uncomfortable with the idea of having to cook for guests. I know that I can follow simple directions and recipes but I also know I am no chef!! While this may all seem very little in the light of how we would normally view taking leaps of faith for God, I know that it is part of everyday life for me that I am yet to be comfortable with. Something I had to learn was that I needed to not try to make new dishes or try to make things that were difficult to make. For me, the key is keeping it simple. And so having people over now is an absolute blast. We get to know people so much better when we have had them over to our home. And isn't that what it's all about? Getting to know people and sharing your life with them. Of course in our world, it's not always necessary to have them in our home since our world is becoming more and more virtual. Which is another positive to my blogging.
You will find in our home that we are very laid back. Sometimes I may not be the best host and have the nicest things to serve your food on but hopefully you will enjoy your time here and learn a little bit of what we are about. I find that sharing our life with others is so very important, weaknesses and all!! I know that I will grow in my area of hospitality as I get older but I do view it as something I am taking a step of faith on. Hopefully I am not the only one that struggles with this and if so, I know that God is there with me even in these little things. We all have those little things that we feel we should not be fearful in doing but yet we still are. Just know that it's okay and that is what faith is for.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Day 3
It's day 3 of no caffiene. If you have ever gone through any kind of withdrawal you know how I am feeling. I have had a painful headache all day. Makes it hard to focus on what's going on and even trying to engage in a conversation. Despite how I have been feeling it has been a good day though. I know I will get past these initial days of withdrawal and it will be worth it.
Today we had clinicals and then training so it was nice to have something other than the usual office day. Our training was a nice reminder of making sure we are taking care of ourselves not only as professionals in our job but also as individuals away from our job. We all talked about ways we relieve stress and take time for ourselves and one of my ways was blogging. I have found that blogging has been very therapeutic for me. Now granted, it means you guys are catching all my thoughts!! But it has been a nice journey and a nice way to unwind at the end of the day.
Something else we were reminded of at this training is that the clients we serve are individuals too. Sometimes it's easy to get into the swing of things and a routine and judge a person by the diagnosis you have given them rather than looking at the positives in that person's life and the events that have made that person who they are today. We should never think we are better than someone else. I work with people who are on probation and also with paroles, people who have been in prison. It's easy for us to think that we are better but we're not. I have to be reminded sometimes that these very people in my office need to feel like they are one of us, like they belong. They are already placed with a stereotype once entering the court system with a record that will follow them, so our clients need to see that not everyone is looking at them with the same light. They need to know that someone still has that hope that life doesn't just get worse from here. I like knowing that I can be that light for someone. Makes the job worth it.
And of course, my husband reminded me of the very same thing today. We were talking on the phone and I was telling him how I was still having headaches from not drinking caffiene and how I knew if I just drank a diet dew my headache would go away. James, being the humbling man that he his ;), reminded me that my clients go through that every day. They experience those withdrawal symptoms at a higher intensity and even stronger urge to use knowing it will make them feel better for the moment. I love him and how he always puts things in perspective. And while I know my client's go through these things, it's been a positive reminder for me coming off something as simple as caffiene. It's a reminder for me to be more empathetic towards my client and to meet them where they are on their road to recovery.
So what do I have the urge to do when I have headaches from no caffiene!!??? Eat!! Which reminds me! Virginia, here is your recipe :) James and I do like this recipe and I espcially like it because it's super easy to make. It's also from the Weight Watcher's cookbook and is only 5 points. It's 292 calories, 3 g fat, and 4 g fiber.
Baked Stuffed Potatoes with Ham and Cheese:
You will need: 4 (8 ounce) baking potatoes
1/3 cup fat free sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup diced lean deli ham
1 cup shredded fat free cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh chives
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. With a fork, prick the potatoes in several places. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes.
3. Wearing oven mitts, cut off and discard a thin slice from each potato. Scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a 1/4 inch wall. Transfer the flesh to a medium bowl and mash with the sour cream, salt, and pepper. Spoon the filling evenly back into the potato shells. Top the potatoes evenly with the ham and cheese.
4. Preheat the broiler. Return the potatoes to the baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with the chives.
Hope you enjoy the recipe!! I'm always looking for quick and easy recipes that are healthy. Trying to get the strength to follow through this evening with the dinner that was planned but I'm not sure how that will go. May have to be a quick dinner night instead. Now I am off to clean a little and get my mind off this headache!!
Today we had clinicals and then training so it was nice to have something other than the usual office day. Our training was a nice reminder of making sure we are taking care of ourselves not only as professionals in our job but also as individuals away from our job. We all talked about ways we relieve stress and take time for ourselves and one of my ways was blogging. I have found that blogging has been very therapeutic for me. Now granted, it means you guys are catching all my thoughts!! But it has been a nice journey and a nice way to unwind at the end of the day.
Something else we were reminded of at this training is that the clients we serve are individuals too. Sometimes it's easy to get into the swing of things and a routine and judge a person by the diagnosis you have given them rather than looking at the positives in that person's life and the events that have made that person who they are today. We should never think we are better than someone else. I work with people who are on probation and also with paroles, people who have been in prison. It's easy for us to think that we are better but we're not. I have to be reminded sometimes that these very people in my office need to feel like they are one of us, like they belong. They are already placed with a stereotype once entering the court system with a record that will follow them, so our clients need to see that not everyone is looking at them with the same light. They need to know that someone still has that hope that life doesn't just get worse from here. I like knowing that I can be that light for someone. Makes the job worth it.
And of course, my husband reminded me of the very same thing today. We were talking on the phone and I was telling him how I was still having headaches from not drinking caffiene and how I knew if I just drank a diet dew my headache would go away. James, being the humbling man that he his ;), reminded me that my clients go through that every day. They experience those withdrawal symptoms at a higher intensity and even stronger urge to use knowing it will make them feel better for the moment. I love him and how he always puts things in perspective. And while I know my client's go through these things, it's been a positive reminder for me coming off something as simple as caffiene. It's a reminder for me to be more empathetic towards my client and to meet them where they are on their road to recovery.
So what do I have the urge to do when I have headaches from no caffiene!!??? Eat!! Which reminds me! Virginia, here is your recipe :) James and I do like this recipe and I espcially like it because it's super easy to make. It's also from the Weight Watcher's cookbook and is only 5 points. It's 292 calories, 3 g fat, and 4 g fiber.
Baked Stuffed Potatoes with Ham and Cheese:
You will need: 4 (8 ounce) baking potatoes
1/3 cup fat free sour cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup diced lean deli ham
1 cup shredded fat free cheddar cheese
Chopped fresh chives
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. With a fork, prick the potatoes in several places. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes.
3. Wearing oven mitts, cut off and discard a thin slice from each potato. Scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a 1/4 inch wall. Transfer the flesh to a medium bowl and mash with the sour cream, salt, and pepper. Spoon the filling evenly back into the potato shells. Top the potatoes evenly with the ham and cheese.
4. Preheat the broiler. Return the potatoes to the baking sheet and broil until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle evenly with the chives.
Hope you enjoy the recipe!! I'm always looking for quick and easy recipes that are healthy. Trying to get the strength to follow through this evening with the dinner that was planned but I'm not sure how that will go. May have to be a quick dinner night instead. Now I am off to clean a little and get my mind off this headache!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A Little Edgy...
I think today has been a very long day for me. I didn't realize just how long it really seemed until about ten minutes ago. I am on day two of no caffiene. I have replaced my diet mountain dew with water. I know it's the healthy thing to do and it will make me feel so much better. I am currently going thru the withdrawal of having no caffiene so I have had a headache all day long. I know that I can do this and I'm thinking I should be past most of the withdrawal by tomorrow. And let's hope for James' sake I am over it! Withdrawal can make a person a little edgy!!
It's crazy how addicted we can get to things and how difficult it can be to take it away. But I'm finding that the idea of just having something to drink is what I need. So now I carry a water bottle with me to work instead of a diet dew. I find that I can think much clearer and am more productive at work. I have been on kicks before where I stopped caffiene and it was great but somehow that dew snuck back in the picture :)
Tonight for supper I made stuffed baked potatoes with ham and cheese. It was another recipe I got out of the weight watcher's cook book. It's very filling. After dinner we all were pretty tired which worked out for me being the caffiene addict and all ;) So we had some down time after dinner and then we decided to get in some good time with Madison by playing in her room with her. She's so funny with her daddy. She loves to pretend he's the pirate and that she needs mommy to save her. Gotta love kids!
You'll have to excuse my thoughts as I really do have quite the headache tonight. So my thoughts may not flow too well. James and I were talking about our plans for the weekend and we are looking forward to the company we have coming over Friday night. We've been wanting to have this couple over for a while now and between busy schedules and life I think we may finally get too! I talk about it all the time but it's crazy how our schedules fill up. Saturday we are going to see Grandma Grace and Grandaddy Carol. We are planning to stop by that morning to spend time with them and then hopefully have a day for James, Madison, and I to hang out maybe at the beach or where ever we decide. I would love to get some good pictures of Madison at the beach. I also need to find her an Easter dress. I know....I've waited to long right?! I do it every year honestly but I know I will find her a pretty dress. I want to get her Easter pictures taken. I'm really bad about going out to get professional pictures taken but I do want to for Easter. So I better get on the ball with that!! I am always snapping pictures of my own but it can be nice to have pictures that are professional on occasion.
I'm hoping the rest of my work week goes well. I know once I get past this caffiene withdrawal I will be fine. It's just getting there. I guess once I officially get off caffiene I will think about what will be my next step to work towards. Hope everyone is having a good week! Don't forget to slow down and spend time with your family even if you are too tired and don't feel like it. I remember a while back before I had a family being told to always go out with your family and spend time with them even though you just got off of work. To not rely on how tired you are feeling but to decide to go and have fun after work despite that. I have remembered that for years now and I have tried to practice that. Having fun with the family doesn't mean that I even have to leave my house but it does mean that I need to make sure I am attentive to my family despite the huge desire to just crash!! It's so rewarding. So thankful for the family God has blessed me with and the people in my life that make life so worth it.
It's crazy how addicted we can get to things and how difficult it can be to take it away. But I'm finding that the idea of just having something to drink is what I need. So now I carry a water bottle with me to work instead of a diet dew. I find that I can think much clearer and am more productive at work. I have been on kicks before where I stopped caffiene and it was great but somehow that dew snuck back in the picture :)
Tonight for supper I made stuffed baked potatoes with ham and cheese. It was another recipe I got out of the weight watcher's cook book. It's very filling. After dinner we all were pretty tired which worked out for me being the caffiene addict and all ;) So we had some down time after dinner and then we decided to get in some good time with Madison by playing in her room with her. She's so funny with her daddy. She loves to pretend he's the pirate and that she needs mommy to save her. Gotta love kids!
You'll have to excuse my thoughts as I really do have quite the headache tonight. So my thoughts may not flow too well. James and I were talking about our plans for the weekend and we are looking forward to the company we have coming over Friday night. We've been wanting to have this couple over for a while now and between busy schedules and life I think we may finally get too! I talk about it all the time but it's crazy how our schedules fill up. Saturday we are going to see Grandma Grace and Grandaddy Carol. We are planning to stop by that morning to spend time with them and then hopefully have a day for James, Madison, and I to hang out maybe at the beach or where ever we decide. I would love to get some good pictures of Madison at the beach. I also need to find her an Easter dress. I know....I've waited to long right?! I do it every year honestly but I know I will find her a pretty dress. I want to get her Easter pictures taken. I'm really bad about going out to get professional pictures taken but I do want to for Easter. So I better get on the ball with that!! I am always snapping pictures of my own but it can be nice to have pictures that are professional on occasion.
I'm hoping the rest of my work week goes well. I know once I get past this caffiene withdrawal I will be fine. It's just getting there. I guess once I officially get off caffiene I will think about what will be my next step to work towards. Hope everyone is having a good week! Don't forget to slow down and spend time with your family even if you are too tired and don't feel like it. I remember a while back before I had a family being told to always go out with your family and spend time with them even though you just got off of work. To not rely on how tired you are feeling but to decide to go and have fun after work despite that. I have remembered that for years now and I have tried to practice that. Having fun with the family doesn't mean that I even have to leave my house but it does mean that I need to make sure I am attentive to my family despite the huge desire to just crash!! It's so rewarding. So thankful for the family God has blessed me with and the people in my life that make life so worth it.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Thoughts As I Wind Down...
I just wanted to slow down a bit and take a few moments and blog. It's been a good weekend and a good start to my week. I don't have too much on my mind this evening other than a blog I've been keeping up with and a few other things. I'm praising God that Jennifer and Dave now have a baby of their own. Praising God for how He has worked in their life. Makes me especially thankful for my little family and the way God has worked through us.
I want to let you guys know about the Easter Drama that will be put on at our church. It's at West Belhaven Church of Christ on April 1 & 2 at 7:00, which is a Thursday and Friday. It's going to be amazing. I'm playing the part of the harlot and it's a very humbling role. Yes, go ahead and chuckle....I found it amusing too. But getting into the "role" will be a very emotional thing as I put myself in her shoes and the shame she must have felt as she approached Jesus. I encourage you guys to come out and see it. There's been alot of time and effort put in planning it from alot of good people at WBCC. It will be worth your time.
I'm looking forward to my evening with my family. Had a full day at work and now it's time to relax. We're cooking out hamburgers and spending time with Madison until her bedtime. Once she's in bed we get to have movie night :) Such a sweet life...
I want to let you guys know about the Easter Drama that will be put on at our church. It's at West Belhaven Church of Christ on April 1 & 2 at 7:00, which is a Thursday and Friday. It's going to be amazing. I'm playing the part of the harlot and it's a very humbling role. Yes, go ahead and chuckle....I found it amusing too. But getting into the "role" will be a very emotional thing as I put myself in her shoes and the shame she must have felt as she approached Jesus. I encourage you guys to come out and see it. There's been alot of time and effort put in planning it from alot of good people at WBCC. It will be worth your time.
I'm looking forward to my evening with my family. Had a full day at work and now it's time to relax. We're cooking out hamburgers and spending time with Madison until her bedtime. Once she's in bed we get to have movie night :) Such a sweet life...
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