Pinterest is Yummy

I have been using Pinterest for awhile as it is great for getting teaching ideas.  Occasionally I come across a food photo that looks delicious so I pin it to make later and never get around to actually cooking it.  Last weekend I decided to specifically look for new menu inspirations for eating healthy dinners.  I found it extremely hard to find some healthy meals as most items pinned to the recipe board were dessert items. 

Here's what I made yesterday.

Chicken breast marinated in balsamic vinegar with mozzarella, basil, and roasted red pepper with a balsamic reduction.  I was out of balsamic vinegar so I used some red wine vinegar and honey garlic sauce.  I also used swiss cheese instead of mozzarella.  It was delicious with green beans as a side.

 Here's what I made tonight.

Tonight we had leftover chicken from yesterday as I made a double batch and I made these roasted potatoes.  Just slice 3/4 of the way through in thin slices and season with seasalt, pepper, and olive oil.  The kitchen got quite smoky when Chris opened the oven, but this side was a nice change - especially for me who doesn't really like potatoes unless they are mashed with gravy.

I would really like to make quinoa next week.  If you have a good recipe for it let me know.  What do you make for dinner to change it up or try something new?  Do you have recipes you go to time and time again?

You're Being Ridiculous!

I had plans to go to the gym yesterday.  I didn't go because I drove the placement student home and it didn't make sense to backtrack through town.  Reality is I still could have gone to the gym, but I'm willing to go with whatever excuse is available to me.  I did, however, think ahead and figure out how I could still fit in my three workouts this week.

That brings us to today.  I was supposed to be done work at 2pm, go to the gym, then be home just in time to pick up my husband from taking his car to the shop, and then he would go to the gym while I made dinner.  Sadly, I had a staff meeting after work I forgot about.  No problem, I decided I would just do the extra driving and go to the gym after dropping Chris off at his gym.  Problem - Chris took half the day off and already went to the gym.  My reasoning - no sense in driving all the way back into town after I just drove past the gym.  Chris' reasoning - I planned to go so I should go anyway.  Reality - I was annoyed that my gym plans had been changed twice in one day and it is hard enough for me to desire to go to the gym.

We argued about my reasoning and his.  Chris told me "you're being ridiculous" after he offered to go to the gym for a second time and pay the extra money to go to my gym with me.  I was stubbron and refused.  Then I thought about it.  I was going to go.  I did want to go.  I had been excited about going all day.  Why did two changes of plans throw me off?  Wouldn't it be nice to go to the gym with my hubby (something we don't do anymore now that we are at different gyms)?  Didn't Marion say in her blog Affection for Fitness that it is all about mindset?  Wasn't I committed to changing mine?  Didn't Marion write about seeking help from fitness people you aspire to be like?  Yes she did.  Isn't Chris a helpful resource?  Yes he is.

So I admitted to my ridiculousness and told Chris I wanted him to watch me workout and give me tips because I wasn't sure what I needed to do next to improve.  So my loving husband after already spending an hour running and cycling at the gym came to run another half hour on the treadmill beside me.  The karma Gods were in our favour as we arrived to find all the treadmills in use.  I was just signing up for a timeslot on the whiteboard as Chris complained how silly this process was when two treadmills, beside each other even, became free.  We hopped on and away we went.

I normally walk at 3.5mph and run at 4.5 to 5mph.  This is really more of a jog that is jostling because of the slow speed.  A speed which is truly only slightly faster than I can speed walk.  Chris suggested I try sprints.  I ran 30-45 seconds at 6 to 6.5mph then walked at 3mph for 30-60 seconds.  Sometimes I pushed myself to run longer or faster or walk faster and I ended with a new record time of 26 minutes 20 seconds for my 3km run.  I'm approaching try-a-tri times and I even walked for half my run!  Looks like this is more and more doable every day.  Glad I went.  No more being ridiculous.  Gym on Thursday...

The Liebster "Award"

My lovely husband has nominated me for a blog "award".  I say "award" because it is more of chain letter in blog world than an award for let's say an inspiring or motivating blog.  But, I will answer his questions and skip the pass it on part.

The Liebster Award

Here’s how it works-the rules:
Each blogger posts 11 random facts about themselves.
Answer the questions the tagger has set for you
            Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award to/nominate
            Come up with 11 new questions to ask your nominees
            Go to their page and tell them about the award.
            No tag backs!

11 Random Facts

1. I have two middle names.
2. I decided in grade 5 that I wanted to be a teacher and now I am - but I am still working towards getting my own classroom.
3. I am really good friends with my younger brother (like he comes and bakes cookies at Christmas and we go to each other's parties kind of friends).
4. I told my husband on our second date that he was the man I was going to marry (I knew on our first date).
5. I was first runner up in two beauty pageants (one as a baby and one in my teen years).
6. My mother still wears some of the clothes I owned as a skinny teenager.
7. I will never own a dog.  I like them, but I don't want to take care of them.
8. I am terrified of falling from high spaces, but I would love to go in a hot air balloon and maybe one day try skydiving.
9. I never tire of hanging out in water (pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, lounging on a dock or boat).
10. I sleep with two duvets and sometimes a heating pad for my always freezing feet.
11. I prefer things in even numbers (ie. setting the volume on the tv, eating grapes, etc.) 

Chris' questions for me

1. What are you passionate about? I am passionate about teaching and taking care of children.  My first babysitting job was when I was 11.  I would wake up at 5:30am, ride my bike to their house, and get their children ready for school before I went to school myself.  The parents were home, but worked opposite work shifts.
2. What motivates you to get things done? I guess the only thing that truly motivates me to get something done is that I get more of a reward by doing the thing than not doing it.  Sometimes that reward is just the satisfaction of doing it, sometimes it is because I want to help someone else, or learn something new, etc., and on odd occasions things get done because they have to be done so I can go on to the next thing I want to actually do.
3. What stops you from achieving your goals? Me.  Plain and simple.  If I truly want to achieve a goal I will.  Sometimes that requires changing your mindset.  I guess reality sometimes stops me too.  For example I would love to be able to fly (without flight equipment), but that is just not realistic or attainable.
4. Batman or Superman (Human physical and mental greatness or Alien god-like powers)? I want Bruce Wayne money, Clark Kent morals, Batman gadgets and villains, and Superman powers without the kryptonite weakness.
5. Do you have pets? I have two cats named after Batman characters I can live with as cat names otherwise they would be shunned by everyone based on the ridiculous names my husband would give them.  When we eventually have children our daughter will receive a Batman name and our son will receive a comic strip name for this same reason.  Heaven help me and them if we have more than one of each.
6. If you could travel anywhere for relaxation or excitement where and what would it be? I love cruising for relaxation.  I loved Vegas for excitement.  I would like to go to Europe to experience both within the next 10 years.
7. What is your favourite movie and why? I don't have a favourite movie.  I have movies that I could watch multiple times though and sometimes those movie choices surprise me.  For example I could watch Rounders over and over again and this boggles my mind.  I like classic girly movies like Grease and The Breakfast Club.  I also have guilty pleasures like Fifth Element.
8. Would you use a time machine to alter your past? Knowing that any changes made could completely change your life/knowledge/personality now? I would not use a time machine for that very reason.  I like my life.  I would like it better with less debt, but that will be resolved in time.
9. What’s your all time favourite band? Maroon 5 and Matchbox 20
10. What makes a good friend? I can be friends with anybody.  I have a lot of transient friends because I make friends with odd people that need a friendship for a short period of time and then they move on.  So I guess what makes a good friend is someone who is nice, who you share common interests with, and enjoy each other's company.  It's always great if you introduce each other to new ideas and activities.  I would love to make some more lifelong really close friendships at some point.  These are the people in my life that you can always call on for help or to get advice because you trust them.  They also know you so well that they will challenge your decisions or tell you when you are lying to yourself.
11. Why do you blog?  I started blogging as a way to think through my experiences, track my ups and downs, and learn from others.

Try This: How Fit Are You? (Women's Health Magazine)

My husband posted his results after completing the Men's Health Magazine Fitness Test from this month's issue.  You can read about it here: Men's Fitness Test at Wisdom, Courage, Power if you want to see the difference between men's and women's assessment activities.  I figured there must be a women's version out there to try instead of competing against the men's results.

Here's the link to the video that walks you through the 6 activities if you want to try them out: How Fit Are You?

I tried them at work in the 4x4 floor space between by u-shaped desk.  These were my results:

Leg Matrix (squat, squat jump, lunge R then L, lunge jump)
Tests: endurance
Below Average - less than 10 sets

Single Leg Balance
Tests: balance
Good - 10 to 20 in 60 seconds (achieved on both legs)

3 Rep Single Leg Squat
Tests: lower body strength
Below Average - unable to complete the 1st of 3 reps (could not achieve on either leg) ...I got down, but couldn't get back up

The Thomas Test
Tests: hip flexor flexibility
Excellent - leg drops below hips

Walk Out
Tests: core stability
Good - thighs less than 45 degrees to the ground, but not nearly parallel to the ground

4 Point Touch
Tests: agility
Have not tested yet as I need more than 15 square feet of space to test, but I'm guessing Below Average, maybe Good (but just barely)

How did you do?

Embarrassing Situations

6. Embarrassment

I like to think I don't embarrass too easily.  Putting yourself into awkward and quirky situations kind of comes with the territory of being an elementary school teacher.  Things that would embarrass me are not usually long lasting so I found this a tough topic. 

My best answer is that being overweight itself does not embarrass me.  I actually love how I look most days.  What would embarrass me is not being able to do something I could otherwise do if I was not overweight.

Some examples: (Tell me yours)

Tight spaces My husband and friends want me to particpate in Tough Mudder with them this year.  This is something that does not interest me in the slightest and would not interest me regardless of my weight or fitness level so I'm fine with saying no.  Where my mind goes though when looking at the obstacle examples though is to the "boa constrictor".  It is a series of tunnels going down a hill to a water pit and then back up.  You have to crawl on your tummy using your arms to pull yourself through and at the bottom you have mear inches between the water line and top of the pipe.  All I can think as I look at the pictures of skinny fit people belly crawling in and out of the tubes is what would happen if I tried this race and couldn't fit in the tube - or worse yet, fit at the start but get stuck partway, or reached drowning at the bottom because there was not enough space for me to arch my back and lift my head.  Embarrassing!

Rides I went to Canada's Wonderland a few years ago.  We were waiting in line for what was then called Tomb Raider and some guy climb on and the ride attendant slammed the cage down on him multiple times.  It wouldn't close so the ride stopped and the poor guy had to hop off, leave his friends on the ride, and walk out the exit gate infront of everyone.  I don't want that to be me.

Airplanes I've been reading the blog All the Weigh by Kenlie and she has taken up the fight with airlines about making policies consistent and upfront regarding flying as an overweight person.  You should really check out her blog for the full stories.  I can't imagine going through some of the situations Kenlie has been through when trying to board a flight (especially when she is returning home on a flight she took out without an issue).  All I can think is will my ass fit into a 17 inch seat? And will the seatbelt close without an extension?  It should as it has before and nothing has changed.  But let me tell you...just because I can fit my rear into a 17 inch seat does not mean it is only 17 inches wide at the widest part of my hips.  I just know I can squish.

Furniture I was at an outdoor wedding last summer.  Ladies - have you ever tried to walk across a grassy area, wet from the night before, wearing your best stiletto heels?  You know that feeling where your heels are sinking into the groud because you are trying to balance on a tiny point and you end up tip toeing around or saying screw it and picking one pose to stand in and just let your heels sink until you are wearing flats?  Hopefully you do because that was the scenario I experienced at the wedding.  Beautiful garden chairs with teeny tiny legs set up on the lawn.  Sit down and feel the legs sink into the ground ever so slightly.  Full panic - how far will it sink?  Thankfully not much.

Skinny friends I love my friends.  I also love that most of them are oblivious to the world of plus sizes.  All my friends know I'm overweight, but a few of them are truly clueless to how much of a difference there is between my body and theirs in terms of clothing and weight.  Part of me loves shopping with my skinny friends at every store in the mall, helping them pick out clothing and having them tell me I should try something on because clearly if they wear a small or medium I must only wear a large or extra-large.  The other part of me can find this embarrassing if I'm at their house and we have a change of plans and they toss me a baggy sweater and say "just throw this on and we can go" because there is no way it is going to fit.

Rude people I have to say that if I am going to experience being overweight at a point in my life I'm glad it is now and not when I was younger.  I heard stories from friends of the things they went through and the comments they were subjected to as young children and teens.  I was never teased for how much I weighed or what my body looked like because by the time I gained a lot of weight nobody really cared.  I did however, experience one day where I was mooed at by a passing car.  That wasn't so pleasant.

Night-time Snacking

This week I stayed on the healthy food bandwagon and I felt better for it.  The only downside...evening starvation.  Before my change in habits I seldom ate after dinner, but all these veggies have me craving carbs at night.  I am not low on calories for the day, but my stomach just feels empty.  This has me seeking out healthy night-time snack options.  If you know of any please share as a few blogger friends have been trying to come up with ideas themselves.

Fruit
apple with peanut butter
strawberries with banana yogurt (looked yummy so I will have to try)
grapes

Veggies
edamame (if I can only find it)
celery with cream cheese or peanut butter

Nuts
pistachios
almonds

Grains
small bowl of Special K/Cheerios
Arrowroot cookies
graham crackers with cream cheese or peanut butter
toast
Smartfood popcorn
small bowl of oatmeal with frozen blueberries

Dairy
yogurt with granola
Babybel cheese
cottage cheese with pineapple

Other
vanilla tea
miso soup

Breaking Records, Today's Menu, and Blog-a-Day Challenge

Went to the gym again today. Woohoo!  I'm keeping on track.  Cycled 10km in 24.5 minutes (1.5 minutes faster than last time).  Also, lost 1lb already this early on in the week.  I`ve also considered adding a forth gym day to do weights - we shall see.

I'm eating the same amount I normally do during the day, but somehow my mindset has me starving (tummy grumbling hungry) just because I am choosing not to snack on junk and lots of breads.

Today's menu was:
Breakfast - lemon cranberry muffin from Coffee Time, green tea
Lunches (I have 2 while teaching) - cherry tomatoes, orange bell pepper slices, carrots with hummus, and grapes, water
Snack (after gym) - mini Crispy Crunch blizzard as a treat
Snack - homemade cookie
Dinner - one proper serving of pasta with alfraedo sauce
Snack - 2 slices white toast with peanut butter, tea
Total: approx. 1700 calories (I normally eat between 1700-2000 calories because I usually drink pop)

4. Pet Peeves
I suppose this was to relate to fitness since it came from a fitness blog, but I think my number one pet peeve is open cupboard doors.  Chris leaves doors and drawers open all time - and not just when his hands are full - he simply does not care about whether or not they are shut.  I think this annoys me more because my mom and grandma are famous for this as well so I'm used to following along behind them shutting things.
Fitness-wise my pet peeve is broken equipment at the gym or a lack of available equipment.  It took me a lot of effort and self-talk to get me to the gym ready to workout.  I don't want to be thrown off track by a change in plans due to equipment failure.

5. Biggest Fear
I have a fear of falling.  I love being up high - I don`t love being up high and vulnerable to plummeting.  Step ladders are scary and so are balconies.  Airplanes and glass floors are fine.  I also fear falling while walking on slippery ice or while iceskating.  This is because it would hurt so I guess I fear pain.  I don`t do pain well.  Just ask Chris who listened to me moan in bed last night because of sore legs that wanted to move and stretch instead of stay still to go to sleep.