Bears game at Soldier Field

So for Christmas, and to make me come up and see him, my boyfriend got me tickets to see the Bears-Packers game!  I cheer for 2 teams all year, the Bears and anyone who is beating the Packers!  So I was excited.

Greg and I as we arrived at the Soldier Field

 I have seen the Bears live before but never at home, and Soldier Field is said to be an awesome stadium  Plus apparently (according to Greg) it is blasphemous to not see your team at home.   Greg did a great job and we had awesome seats, he kept warning me that we were way up in the nosebleed but honestly I did not think it was bad and we were right on the 50 yard line so we saw everything.

The view from our seats!!

I loved the stadium the architecture was awesome, it reminded me of the Parthenon in Greece. I won't lie I was super worried that I was going to FREEZE to death, especially since it had even been cold down here in Texas the last few days, but lucky it was only in the low 40's on game day.  It called for rain which had me worried but it never came. I honestly would have been okay with snow as that would have just added to the overall experience of a football game at Soldier Field but rain I was totally not okay with.  I would have been miserable sitting there all wet & COLD, No thank you!  It never did rain and I honestly didn't even feel cold until the end of the 4th when the wind shifted and came in off the water.  We lost the game (thanks to shitty calls, the refs were as bad as the replacement ones at the start of the season) but I still had a really great time. I learned something new too... apparently you can get a pass interference call on your own pass!! WHAT?!?  that makes absolutely no sense to me, how can I (Alshon Jeffery ) interfere with my self as I catch a pass to me?!? Its ridiculous I tell you.  Greg just laughed at me but I still think its a bogus rule and I always will.  Anyway we lost a touch down because of that call, and 2 other huge plays for the same!  I did see where the supposed interference  was on the lost touch down, he did push off the Packer player as he caught the pass but on the other two calls there were NO PACKERS players any where around Alshon.  So I did some cussing then felt bad in case there were kids around me but there were not and most of the guys around me were cussing too so it worked out.  All and all it was a great day.  I had a lovely hot chocolate in a Bears mug, a hot dog (disappointingly it was not Chicago style, they had no onions, pickles or celery salt) and got a free cooler!  Greg and I took the train down town and so we both got to sleep on the way back to our stop (last on the line) before going to his work Christmas party.  It was a bit awkward at first as it was the first time I was around that crowd as his girl friend especially when all of them know and some are even friends with his ex.  After the first few uncomfortable minutes though I had a really good time.  Well all Happy Holidays and good luck to your teams in the post season!!

Half Time: as you can see from his grimace we were down

Photo Challenge Day 9

Day 9, photo challenge: Something you are reading.

This is a book from my favorite author.  I am always in the middle of reading this book because I am constantly re-reading it.  Sometimes all of it other times just parts that have been floating around in my head.  Check out my past blog here for more info about the author and series.

Photo Challenge Day 8

Day 8, photo challenge: Ornaments

Today was a close up shot of some of the ornaments on our tree.  My cousin has a red / white theme for her tree.  I won't lie I was really missing my own decorations this year, mine are blue/sliver.  Maybe next year I will get them to Texas, or where ever I am by that point.

Photo Challenge Day 7

Day 7, photo challenge: Bright

Today to took a blurred out shot of our Christmas Tree to illuminate the lighting on it.  I hope you all enjoy.

Photo Challenge Day 6

Day 6 photo challenge: Shopping

What girl doesn't love to shop!  I have a real attachments to it since losing the weight this summer.  I love expanding my wardrobe since I had to ditch the old one entirely. Today I spent some time (and money) in one of my favorite stores Maurices!  Here are the pieces I bought today.

Photo Challenge Day 5

Day 5, photo challenge: Today's Temperature

This one is pretty self explanatory. 

Photo Challenge Day 4

Day 4, photo challenge: Joyous

So I cheated here. I did not actually this photo I stole it from my sister in law.  I just could not find anything that hit that tone better that this picture of my brother on the day his son was born.  He is such a proud papa.

Photo Challenge Day 3

Day 3, photo challenge: Red

The stockings on our mantel are a deep vibrant red, they match well with the red and silver of the ornaments on our tree!

Photo Challenge Day 2

Day 2: photo challenge: My Favorite Holiday Movie
I love White Christmas, I always have.  It is such a fantastic story and I love the singing and the DANCING is just so amazing.  I so wish that I had lived in a different era, I am way to old fashioned for this century.

What is your favorite holiday movie? favorite movie of all time?

Photo Challenge Day 1

Day 1, photo challenge: my view.  I took a photo of the view I woke up to :)

December Photo Challenge

I got this from a fellow blogger here is the link to her page A Content Housewife.

I have nothing better to do with my month so I decided I might as well take some photos.  
I hope you enjoy them!

Football Parties!

Now that I live in Texas I rarely actually get to see my Bears play because the local channels only show Cowboys or the occasional Texans game.  SO today my Bears played the Houston Texas so I actually got to see the game!! Not only that I had the day off so I hosted a football game party.  I won't lie I was very outnumbered when it came to Bears fans vs Texans fans but we still had a good time and I at least was a good sport when my team lost.  Even my boss came to watch the game, although he did make fun of me and my hatred of running plays. I do understand the need for them in the overall course of game play but I hate to watch them from a birds eye view because it makes no sense to me to try and run through a wall of 5+ guys up the middle every time. He just laughed at me and said "that's why women shouldn't get into football"

Now I understand that he most likely, okay so totally 100%, has a better overall grasp of the game given that he played in high school, college and the NFL and I did none of that but I still think that it is perfectly fine for women to be into football, and yes running plays are necessary for yards gained but they look stupid for the stands!  Okay end of my rant. Now onto the second best part of a football party (best being the game) the FOOD!

  

The Spread!

I made a delicious BBQ / Ranch chicken dip that I will have to share the recipe for because it came out way better than I expected and got devoured.  I had chicken enchiladas with green chili sauce and mini ham and cheese sliders.  My cousin made this awesome veggie n cream dip that was delicious ( I am going to have to steal the recipe)

The ham and cheese sliders were the biggest hit and the only thing that had no left overs.  But I think that is because my boss ate at least have of them himself.  LOL

The chicken enchiladas were also delicious and I was really glad there were left overs because that way I got to eat more of them ;) I specifically did not put the sauce on top of them to serve them, so that way they didn't get all soggy and could be stored for a later meal/snack.

The BBQ/Ranch Chicken Dip was also a hit, although we did have to re-heat it at half time.  It was much easier to scoop when warm.

I hope you all are enjoying your football season as much as I am.  I can't wait to see the Bears vs Packers game at Soldier Field coming up here in a few weeks!  Best Christmas gift EVER!

Slàinte,
Kat

A crash course in finance.

So today I got a quick reminder if why I did not do finance in college but went the management route instead. I hate numbers and acronyms, plus being dyslexic doesn't help my cause. 

I went in this morning to meet with a loan officer and see about getting pre-approved for a home mortgage.

This is a huge step for me, one I didn't think I would take till I was well into my 30's. Yet here I am not yet 30, although almost ... Such a scary thought, looking at buying a house.

I am pretty excited about it though.  The house its self is beautiful although I imagine it will need work.  I am not afraid of work, I am afraid of debt.  It is currently listed as a 5 bedroom Victorian in my house town of Hebron IL.  I will be close to family which is awesome and at the asking price even if I sell it in 5 years I will still double my investment.  Which is good because the though of permanent roots at this age is kinda scary for me.  There is still so much I want to see and do that I haven't had the chance to do yet!

Things at the bank went well considering I work as a bartender/server and 1/2 my income is cash only.  I did talk to her about me moving back to Texas for a few months to complete my lease down there (me and my stubbornness when it comes to financial responsibility) she said that would not be a problem as long as there was not a large gap in lack of employment and since I have a job down there lined up already I am not worried about it. Granted that is also a cash only job so I am not sure how I will prove my income :( and no I am not doing anything illegal just bartending at a little mom & pop place.  

So I did get preapproved!! For more than the asking price actually! I am so excited.  I called the relestate agent as soon as I left the bank to arrange a viewing!  I have not heard back from her yet but I will let you all know more when I do.  

Sláinte,

Kat

So the Insanity didn't last long

So I am a little disappointed in myself this round.  I have not stuck to the diet like I should have, I have cheated nearly every day and I only pushed my self do exercise for less than 1 week.  Now I will admit that some of it was my fault, well all of it really   I think I tried to do too much at the same time, given that I had not been doing anything at all. My eternal struggle with my lack of will power :( I need to get a handle on my depression.   All I want to do sleep or read.  Although I feel like all I do is work.  

But I still wish I had tried harder to stick to the diet portion   I did lose a few more pounds here and there but nothing work chatting about really.  I seem to have plated at 167-170 range.  I am have been floating there for what seems like weeks.

I really need to sit down with my self and decide what I want to do, the wedding is only 2 weeks away now and although I am going to look better than I every have I am not going to make my goal weight of being in the 150-160 range and toned. The wedding and being able to show off to Typh for all that he did to me has been a great motivator but even that has dwindled on me since he and the betrayer broke up.  I really wanted to throw it in her face how good I looked, and yes I know that is childish and petty but it was working for me.  Now I need to find my own personal motivator to keep me on track and going strong.  I need something to get me up out of this slump I am in and living/loving life again.  

Sláinte,

Kat

Insanity

Well here goes nothing.  Fit Test 1 Day 1

Move	Fit Test 1	Fit Test 2	Fit Test 3	Fit Test 4	Fit Test 5
	Day 1	Day 15	Day 36	Day 50	Day 63
1. Switch Kicks	49
2. Power Jacks	35
3. Power Knees	56
4. Power Jumps	21
5. Globe Jumps	7
6. Suicide Jumps	8
7. Push-up Jacks	10
8. Low Plank Oblique	17

So I don't know what has gotten into me this month but I just can't seem to drag my self out of bed.  When I am not at work, which honestly is not very often, I am usually sleeping.  I can't seem to stop sleeping, even when I set my alarm to get up and do things, to be active I just cant make myself get out of bed.  I think that maybe I need to get my blood work done again to check my thyroid levels.  It has been nearly a year at this point and I have lost about 45 pounds.

There is another sore point for me, I have been using the hcg again for nearly 3 weeks and I am only down about 4 pounds but I honestly have not stuck to the diet as I should. I keep eating carbs, especially at work. French toast, waffles, omelets and oh my gosh the cranberry muffins...They are so amazing.
I get mad at my self after I eat them but I have not shown the will power like I did last time to not eat them in the first place.  I am getting super angry with myself because I really want to look good for the weddings in July but I can't say that I have put in any real effort to change me or my habits in the last few weeks.
I can't seem to find the motivation inside my self to do much of anything.  I have not been out with friends, working on my projects around the house or even been playing my video games and reading all that much, just sleeping a lot.
Maybe I am depressed again,  now that I am putting this all down on paper, well on screen really, I can see the signs much more clearly.  I know that I have not been exactly happy lately but I didn't think I was this bad.  I miss my friends, I have family here which is great and I love being so close to everyone, but they have their own lives and friends.  I feel lost and very alone. I don't know if I should move back to Iowa though, everyone is moving on with their lives, getting married, going back to school ect, but not me.  So would I even fit in anymore?  Would I have a life there to step back into?
I have been thinking a lot about grad school lately and going back to when I was little thinking about law school.  But I have always been a poor test taker and I would need to take both my GRE and LSAT for that.  I don't know if I could handle that, so turning into what I always got mad at Xavvov for I am doing nothing in fear of failing.

Sláinte,
Kat

Good bye to binge eating

So I have spent the last two days eating just about anything I wanted. It was kinda nice but at the same time I was never really that hungry so that kinda diminished my joy in binge eating. 

I guess I have cured my self of that bored so I eat habit that has plagued me for so long.  Plus I am full after much less food now a days, also a plus. 

Well the reason for this stuffing my face few days is that I am "loading" once again.  I have decided to do one more round before the string of weddings that I have coming up at the end of the summer.  I am really proud of the progress that I have made and I am looking forward to making more.  I am really hoping to drop at least another 20 but we will see.  I need to get my ass to the gym or at least the Tai Chi classes that are offered at the spa at work.  Something besides working and playing on my computer. 

So tomorrow starts another 40 days of the very low calorie diet.  I am not so nervous this time as I know I can do it, I did it once already but I am worried about all the foods that I once again can't have.  Like peanut butter, mushrooms, eggs, cheese and having my veggie portions being unlimited.  Although I must say even with that my portions did not grow much, I ate a lot of salads with more lettuce that just the 3.5oz and with multiple toppings rather that just 1 veg and 1 protein.  I will miss my beautiful salads.

Well stay tuned for more.

Sláinte, 
Kat

Still Living in the Iceage

SO Diablo III goes live in about 5minuts now!  A game I purchased back in October and have been waiting 8 months for, exciting right?!?  Wrong! Living with my mom has one HUGE down fall ... no internet :( and for a girl like me YES it is the end of the world.  I have been using my cell phone as the internet for a month and a half now for simple things like paying my bills and checking facebook.  But when it comes to gaming there is just not nearly enough bandwidth.  I am super sad that all my friends are going to be logging on in well 2 minutes now and I won't be.  Hell I done even have the game totally downloaded yet and I started it yesterday!

Well to all you logging on tonight, have some fun for me.  I will see you in a few days, maybe, hopefully .... although by then I am sure you will be level 50 :(

Sláinte,
Katirina

Recipe of the Week: Homemade Taco Seasoning

One thing being on this diet has taught me is that there is sugar in EVERYTHING! It is a little crazy how may things that you would not think about contain sugar.  Like taco seasoning or garlic power.  You would think that garlic powder would just be garlic, but nope it has some salt, sugar and a few other ingredients thrown in there.  So a word to all of you who are trying to watch your calories, keep an eye out for hidden sugars!

So in order to continue and enjoy delicious taco salads I have ventured in the territory of making my own spices, minus sugar. 

Today I am going to share with you all my recipe for taco seasoning.
 It is super easy and totally worth the 15 minutes of prep time, plus it makes multiple servings so it is all ready to go for next time!!

Ingredients:
4 Tbsp. Chili Powder (be sure to check that it is sugar free.  I suggest buying the fresh and not prepackaged kind to better avoid sugar content)
1 Tsp. Garlic Powder (again use fresh to avoid sugar additives)
1 Tsp. Onion Powder
1 Tsp. Red Pepper Flakes (you can substitute Cayenne Pepper here as well)
1 Tsp. Oregano
2 Tsp. Paprika
2 Tbsp Cumin
5 Tsp. Salt (I recommend using fresh ground sea salt)
4 Tsp. Black Pepper

Combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix really well.  
Remember to store in a tightly closed/sealed container!

I use about 2 Tbsp of the seasoning mix for each pound of ground beef.  I also like to add about 3/4 cup of water to the beef while its cooking to give it more of a "saucy" consistency.

I hope you enjoy as much as I have.

Sláinte,

Kat

Diet Diary Day 16

Diet Diary, VLCD Day 14

Two weeks today of only 500 calories.  I am surviving.  I have done well sticking to the diet, I have not cheated.  The temptations have also been minimal, so hopefully I can stick it out even if what I really want right in front of me like it will be tomorrow.  My brother and his wife are coming to dinner and mom is making cheese stuffed manicotti which I absolutely love.  

Had a movie marathon with mom today.  She is not feeling well, so we just vegged on the couch and watched Harry Potter  Year 1 – Year 6.  I loved the books and have enjoyed the movies.  After each movie was over I had to explain all the things that the movie left out before I would put the next one in.  I didn’t want her to miss out on all the little plot points that did not make the movies, like Harry & Ginny’s budding romance.

Sláinte,

Kat

Diet Diary Day 15

Diet Diary, VLCD Day 13

Went to the Monster Truck Nationals tonight with my brother, his wife, my cousin, his girlfriend and an assortment of my brother’s other friends.  We had a good time, my only concern was that they had “mini monsters” made from like Ford Rangers and one was being driven by a SIX year old!! The social worker in me was appalled! I could not believe they would allow a 6 year old to drive a steroid injected ford ranger, Hell any vehicle for that matter!

My cousin and his girlfriend drove, they were so funny asking what kind of food I did not like because that was where they were going to stop to pick up their dinner because they felt back eating in front of me.  I assured them it was okay to eat whatever they wanted that I had my dinner with me as well.  I spent a good portion of the evening after the show just chatting and catching up with my cousin and his girlfriend.  They showed me around their new house before giving me a lift home.

The show was a bit less than what I was expecting but the jumps were cool and the truck big.  The company I was with was good, although a few of the young girls that came with were a bit annoying, reminded me of the “valley girls” from the movie Clueless … as in they were clueless.  LOL

Did a good job following the diet plan today.  No cheats, but some temptations at the show.  I made both my lunch and dinner at the same time today so I just had to grab and go when it was time for the show.  I was able to eat on the way, the same time that my cousin (driver) was eating his dinner that he had grabbed on the way.  It was a good way to decrease the desire for fast food because I did have food to eat at the same time.  So even though his food smelled delicious and made me want some too I was able to curb that with my dinner.  I had steamed broccoli from fresh and a hamburger made from 96% lean ground sirloin.  

Odd Craving of the Day: Popcorn & Dip n Dots Ice Cream (Saw/smelled them at the show)

Sláinte,

Kat

Diet Diary Day 12

Diet Diary, VLCD Day 10

So today was my first weight in and here are the results:

Weight: 206.3 (down 12lbs)

   Measurements:

Bust: 47 7/8” (down 2 5/8”)

Waist: 44 ¼” (down 1 ¾”)

Hip: 46 7/8” (down 1 5/8”)

Neck: 15 ¼” (down ¼”)

Thigh: 25” (down 1 ½”)

Arm: 13 ¼”  (down ½”)

I was so excited when I stepped on that scale.  I could not believe it 12lbs in 9 days.  Can you imagine how good I will look if I keep this up!?!?  That was definitely the pick me up I needed to stick with this.

Sláinte,

Kat

Diet Diary Day 9

Diet Diary, VLCD Day 7

One week so far of eating approximately only 500 calories a day.  I honestly don’t feel hungry at all which I guess is a good thing, I was afraid that I would.  I have not been taking the appetite suppressants for a while now and still I don’t feel hungry at all.  I am still fighting the urge to snack but I think that is more habit than any real desire/need for food.   My first weigh in at the clinic is this Tuesday and I really honestly don’t feel any different.  My clothing is still fitting the same, and I don’t see any changes when I look in the mirror.  It is a little disheartening to tell the truth.  I guess we will see when the times comes to step on the scale if there really are any differences.

Odd Craving of the Day: Pizza ... although for me that is not really all that strange, I LOVE pizza!

Sláinte,

Kat

Diet Diary Day 6

Diet Diary, VLCD Day 4

OMG I still am nauseous, I am about ready to toss this diet right out the freaking window.  The urge to snack today on top of the nausea was nearly too much for me.  I spent the day with my cousins and their boys.  I had a really great time, they are so freaking cute.  The hard part was not snacking with they were, spinach and artichoke dip with wheat thin crackers, cheese sticks, yogurt … it was so tempting.  I did not however give in.  I must say am proud of myself for not giving in. *pat self on back* Every other time I have tried to diet in the past I have not had the will power to follow through.  I have always given in to temptation and snacked or outright quit.  I am so torn internally.  I want to lose the weight, I want to be healthy and looking good but I don’t know if I have the will power to follow through and not cheat and I am super sick of not feeling well.  Like I said yesterday I cut out the appetite suppressants and that was not the cause because I am still feeling nauseous.  I think that tomorrow I will do some research into the antibiotic I am taking and see if that has anything to do with it. 

Odd Craving of the Day: that is pretty self-explanatory, everything that was in front of me!  LOL

Sláinte,

Kat

Diet Diary Day 5

Diet Diary, VLCD Day 3

Still not feeling well today, this is really getting old.  I am starting to question the decision to do this diet.  I feel nauseous all day long and am fighting back the need to vomit at random times.   I didn’t take the appetite suppressor today to see if maybe that is what is causing me to not feel good.  End of the day I still feel like crap, so that is not the cause.  I have not got any work done on the basement because I don’t feel like getting off the couch.  I have had a switch in my internal timer.  I am up at 6:30 or 7am every morning and I have not been going back to sleep like I usually would.  I have been watching a lot of Charmed reruns, my mom’s tv channel selection sucks. I really miss my computer and games.  I am dying to play some WoW or Skyrim right about now.  I am not even able to enjoy my time home and relax because I feel sick all the time.  It’s strange being totally disconnected from the world without my computer or the internet.  I also miss Gunner, I hope he is doing well with YaYa. 

Odd Caving of the Day: Kraft Mac and Cheese

Sláinte,

Kat

Diet Diary Day 4

Diet Diary, Day 4

Still fighting the nausea today.  Didn't do much around the house, like I wanted to.  I did take a look a the mess in the basement and my bedroom but there was just so much I felt totally overwhelmed and had no idea where to start.  I really need my mom to let me know how she wants everything laid out so that I can start putting things in assigned places.  Every time I ask she just says "well I just thought you could get me organized you are so good at that."  Yes I am good at it but until I know where/how she wants all the rooms set up I have no starting point!! Ughh moms! anyone else ever want to strange their parents??

So today I had left over roast beef and broccoli for lunch and shrimp with asparagus for dinner.  Again today I did not feel hungry at all during the day but the urge to snack was great.  I went to my cousions house for cards night with the ladies.  We did not actually play cards this week we played a mock game show game.  It was a good time and great to catch up with all the ladies.  It is the same group of girls I hung out with in high school.  The only struggle was the finger foods, everyone always brings something.  there were mini winnies, chips and guacamole and cookies.  I did good though.  I really really wanted some guacamole but I just ate my strawberries and had my propel water (they were drinking margaritas) and stuck to it!! Big pat on the back for me :)

Odd craving today: cinnamon at times I wanted cinnamon toast others with was a Cinnabon.

Sláinte,
Kat

Not feeling well

Day 3: 1st day of Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)

So I spent most of today curled up on the couch with mom watching tv because honestly I feel like crap. I have been fighting nausea and a headache all day.  Well the nausea for the last 2 days honestly.  I am a bit worried about what is causing it, it stays the same whether I have just eaten, not yet eaten, or if its been hours since I have eaten.
Anyway the food is good, and I have not felt hungry so that is a positive note.  The bestie came over for dinner again today, we all watched movies in the den and laughed at the dogs while we watched the Oscars.  She brought all 3 of hers over plus my moms.

The Oscars were good, Billy Crystal cracks me up.  Although I must say I was not digging Bradley Cooper with the stach, not a good look for him.  Angelina looked sickly she was so small, and I am pretty sure JLo had some nipple out while she presented.  Sandra looked awesome.  She is one of my favorite actresses.  I loved looking at all the dresses, some were really great, others I wondered what they were thinking.  The ladies from Bridesmaids had me laughing out loud, especially when they faked the drinking game with someone said Scorsese name.

What is this?? Is that supposed to be a rose??
 Not sure here what she was thinking but she missed the mark.

Gwyenth looked great in a tom Fordm

I know a lot of people didn't like it, but I thought she looked very elegant.

Some what ill fitting on top but I think she looks stunning in Marchesa. 

Okay back to diet talk.
I have my phone alarm set to remind my self to take my meds at 7am and 7pm, so far so good.  I have not missed a dose or been late.  I took an appetite suppressor with my am meds and they seem to be working well as I said before I have not yet felt hungry.  I have felt like I wanted more when I was eating but I just drank more water.

Via

I learned in my seminar on Thursday that drinking enough water is vitally important for weight loss for two reasons.

1. It keeps the skin elasticity so when you lose the weight you don't get the saggy skin
2. When fat breaks down in your body it flows through the blood stream, it needs the water to flush it out in the urine other wise it just redeposits its self else where in the body. 
** This is the same for when you are working out, your work out will break down the fat but you MUST drink the water to flush it from your body otherwise you worked for nothing.

I have been drinking 90-120 ounces of water a day.  I know that seems like a lot but I always have a water bottle with me or near me.  I drink when even I feel the need to snack, and for me that is often. That has been my biggest fight so far, not what I have had to give up or the portion control.  It has been controlling the urge to snack, especially since I am not working and just hanging around the house or with the kids while they are snacking all day.

Well that is all for now, hopefully I begin to feel better this nausea is killing me.

Sláinte,
Kat

Saying goodbye to carbs

Day 2: Load Day
So today was my second and last load day. I did not get to have Crandell's for the Fish Fry last night, so Mom, the besite and I went tonight.  I had their world famous broasted chicken, some ribs and mashed potatoes.  It was delicious and a decent good by to cabs, sugar and starches for the time being.

I spent the day hanging out with mom watching tv, cleaning the kitchen and reading. I honestly have not felt 100% and I am not really sure why.  I hope I am not coming down with something again.  I feel as thought I have been in some stage of sick since November!! Its getting a little ridiculous.  

I have decided to start out day 3 (very low calorie diet day 1) by taking the appetite suppressor right from the start.  I am a boredom eater so I really don't want to deal with the issue from that as well as feeling hungry when I know I can't have anything more.

I know this is not going to be easy but I am totally committed.  In the past I had not yet been to the point in my life where I was ready to make the necessary changes/sacrifices to lose the weight and get healthier.  I was not totally unhappy with the way I looked but not willing to work at it enough to change.  I am now!
I am looking forward to:
being healthier in general,  (not getting any younger)
being able to do my work-outs with out dying 1/2 way through,
to not always worrying if I am going to become diabetic,
to liking the image I see of my self in the mirror.
and rubbing it in the face of Typh and his GF is a real added benefit!! I won't deny that :)

Anyway stay tuned in for more progress :)

Sláinte,

Kat

A room with a view...

This is the view out my bedroom window this morning. I miss Texas already. Although knowing I don't have to work in it does allow me to enjoy the beauty of it.
Well here is to day 1: Load day.
I pretty much eat what I want, like before although they actually encourage a high fat intake while I wait for the Releana to get into my system. I am hoping mom and I can do Crandells fish fry for dinner, I love potato pancakes.
Not much else planned for today, just hanging around the house and getting my bags unpacked. Hoping that I kicked the infection, I felt like total crap all evening yesterday.



Sláinte,

Kat

It all starts today ...

Well tomorrow technically.  Tonight I had my initial weigh in as well as the lecture about the program.

Here are the results of my initial weigh in:

Weight: 218.3

Bust: 50 1/2"

Waist: 46”

Hip: 48 1/2”

Neck: 15 1/2”

Thigh: 26 1/2”

Arm: 13 3/4”

59 marbles to move = goal weight 160

Not pretty I know, my BMI was at 41 which puts me in the morbidly obese category.  It was depressing to see/hear.  I have know for years now that I am overweight but I have never been in a place where I was ready to really make the changes necessary.  I gained the weight during my first 2 years of college.  Eventually I was diagnosed with a thyroid disease which is what lead to the weight gain.  Once I got my thyroid issues under control I did not put on more weight but I also have not lost much over the years since.  It is not that I eat badly, I don't I actually eat fairly healthy but I struggle with portion control and snacking.  I am a boredom eater, and I snack when I game ... which is all the time.

Tomorrow I start my load day 1 of 2 along with the spray of Relena two times a day every day for the next 4 weeks.  I only have 2 more days to get in as much of the wonderful Chicago food I love before I have to say good bye to carbs.  I am ready for this as I have finally gotten to a point in my life where I willing to make the sacrifices to get healthy again.  I am sick of not liking the person I see in the mirror, well more so in pictures.  I don't always think I look bad when I look at me, yeah I am overweight but I don't see my self as obese but then I see pictures of my self and I am like "wow am I really that big??"  So here goes all of my savings to try and get healthy again, to a new me a me who likes the person I am in the mirror.

Well here is to healthy life changes!

Sláinte,

Kat

House Hunting Continues

So still looking for a place to live at the end of the month. Its very never racking. I still have no job, and I am guessing no perspectives since I have not heard anything back from the agency about the 3 I already applied for. I am starting to feel a little stressed here!

I have looked at several houses now, with no help from my roommate (thanks so much) and they all seem so very small! I guess maybe my standards are really high as I grew up out in the country in larger country homes. I did live in a duplex in college and an apartment for a while and those did not seem as cramped as some of these "houses" that I looked at this week. I am afraid that I will not have the money for a down payment as I currently have no income and I am quickly going trough my meager savings. 

It is times like right now that I regret leaving my stable job with a possible promotion on the line to move out of state to a place I have never been to just to run away from a boy. But on the flip side (I have to look at the flip side or I will go crazy with "what ifs") I do love the climate down here I have made at least 1 fantastic friend and I did not end up the dreaded "Other woman"! Yeah me!

Okay back to house hunting. I am looking for a place that is pet friendly without a huge monthly pet fee because there is no way I am going to afford that nor will I ever get rid of my baby. A fenced in yard would be amazing! I would like a decent sized kitchen as I love to entertain (when my roommate "allows" it that is) and a large enough bedroom for my desk and such as well. I do spend a lot of time at my computer so I would like to be comfortable while I am at it.

Most of the places I looked at this last week had tiny little kitchens which I guess I have right now but it is breeze way open to the eat in portion of the kitchen as well as the living room. where as these places that I looked at all had small closed off kitchens with the living room being the dinning room as well. That is how my first and last apartment was but the kitchen was open to that entire area not closed off by a faux wall. :( I don't know guess I will just keep looking, more internet research here I come!

Sláinte,

Kat

Missing Iowa

So I went to the bank today to cash in my change jar, being unemployed sucks, and the machine kicked a few coins back at me.

Said coins

After taking a look at them I realized they were tokens from Chuck E Cheese.  I was immediately swamped with memories of work and taking the kids to play games and have pizza.  I don't know who had more fun the kids or the staff.  

 the wonderful ladies of the Hunziker Community

I was melancholy the rest of the day missing what I had for those years.  I really did love working at Beloit I just hated working for LSI and their money centered politics.  They did not put the kids first, at all, and treated their floor staff (the heart of the organization) with a complete lack of respect.

I met my best friends working there. (Miss you guys!!) We always had such a good time both at work and out of it.  It was so hard to see the group of us break apart as working for LSI finally got to be too much for some and they left.  Although many of us moved together to a new organization, we called it Beloit South. 

I miss our Tuesdays at Old Chicago

 dollar slices and world beer tour

Wednesdays at Old Maine, dollar pints!!

all of us crammed into a big booth :)

We had such an amazing comradery together, and we (unlike admin) were there for the kids. 

Well I guess its time to stop reminiscing and get back to work.  All those wonderful coins I deposited today are going to pay my bills, and thanks the a fantastic Steam gift from Xavvov I have a new game to play while I sit at home and wait to see if any of my resume/applications get me a call back.  

Sláinte, 

Kat

Being Unemployed Sucks!!

It really truly does.  I thought I would enjoy a few days off as I have been in some stage of "sick" since November but after just 3 days off I am ready to be working again.  I love my bed and it has taken me no time at all to revert to being a night owl, up till 3 or 4 am and sleeping till 2pm. I have spent a lot of time cleaning the house, trying to mow the lawn, watching tv and playing video games.

I was really excited when my job was extended through February, originally I was scheduled to be done on January 24th but was extended at the start of the month.  It was perfect I would continue working at MiniGrip in Seguin (where I currently live) and that job would end as I moved and I would have almost a month and a half to find a new job in New Braunfels (where I am moving) Perfect right?!?  Wrong! On January 30th my new boss at MiniGrip came in and told me "Well since you are finishing up that project tomorrow with be your last day,  I will be doing something else with the inventory project you were set to start" 

Well Shit! That gave me exactly 33 hours to find a new job!  Hawkins, the temp agency I work for had not been submitting my resume anywhere yet as I still had a month to go on my job for MiniGrip.

A lot of my anxiety has to do with the move I need to make in 3 weeks, and now not having the income to afford it.  I am going to have to ask my parents for money and I HATE that.  I know that everyone is hurting in this economy and my mom has offered to help me out a few times already and I turned her down because it makes me feel like a failure.

Plus to top it all off I have no clue where I am moving too or whom I am moving with.  I have looked at a few houses but they are all very tiny and more expensive than what I am paying for my place right now.  So if anyone knows of a place in the New Braunfels area for rent at about $1000 or less a month please let me know. 

Sláinte,

Kat

Random Thought ....

So please don't think me racist, I don't mean this to be mean I just honestly don't understand.

Why do some people continue to classify themselves by the ethnicity in which their ancestors came?  I have come to notice since moving to Texas that many of the people down here talk about themselves in a very derogatory manner "I am a Mexican" yet many of these people have families who have lived here in Texas since before the civil war, sorry but that makes you an American.  My family has only lived in the US since WWI and I don't walk around saying "I am a German" or continually refer to myself as a German American like African Americans do.  You were born here, raised here you are an American!! End of story!!

Sorry if this post offends anyone, I personally just don't get it and its been on my mind so I decided to share it with you all.  

Sláinte,

Kat

Recipe of the Week

This week I made crock pot BBQ chicken.  It was delicious :) 

Granted I ate it one day later than I had intended but it was very good none the less. 

I stated the chicken on Saturday afternoon, and once I had it all in the crock pot and cooking I began to clean the kitchen.  Apparently at some point in  my cleaning I ended up unplugging the crock pot and I did not notice.  So for the 4 hours of cook time over I go to check my meal and realize that its still cold and not cooked.  At that point it was too late to cook it and have it for dinner that night so we (my roommates and I) had it for lunch on Sunday instead.  

The recipe for the sauce is as follows:
1/4 cup apple vinegar
3 cups BBQ sauce (I used home made see an old post for recipe)
1 tsp red pepper flakes (it called for flakes but I didn't have any so I just used cayenne)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
4-6 pieces of chicken

Frozen boneless breast of chicken

Mix the ingredients together 

Add chicken to the crock pot.  I put mine in frozen ... even easier

Pour sauce over chicken. 

Cook on Low for 4 hours

The finished product

  

A recipe a week

So I am setting a goal to myself to cook at least 1 new recipe a week.  I have gotten into too much of a rut with making the same dishes over and over.  I must say I truly miss Typh and his new creations when he would cook for me.  

This week I cooked Chicken Parmesan for some friends whom came over for supper.  I would say that it was a hit.

I used fresh boneless skinless breast of chicken.  

I made the breading with grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, cayenne pepper, salt, onion and garlic powder.

I trimmed the breasts then dipped them in melted butter, once covered in butter I rolled them in the breading.  I then dipped them into the butter again and added a second coating of breading.  

I baked the breasts for 30 minutes.  Then I flipped them over and added some marinara sauce to each. I let them cook for 10 more minutes before adding some cheese to the top of each.  

I served the chicken with a small side of whole wheat spaghetti and steamed broccoli.

Below is the finished product minus the broccoli as it had all been eaten by the time I took the picture.

Breading for 4-5 breasts
1 cup grated parmesam
2 cups Italian bread crumbs
1 tsp salt
1 tbl garlic powder
1 tbl onion powder
2 tsp cayenne pepper

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes flip & add marinara then cook an additional 10-15 minutes depending on the size of the breasts.

Sliante,

Kat