Hi all!
To go with my new name I have a new blog!
Peep Toes and Combat Boots will be about my new life as an army wife, a police wife and the adventures we have along the way. I have lots going on in the next year, a deployment, an internship and who knows what else...so come follow me!
http://peeptoesandcombatboots.blogspot.com/
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Getting the heck out of dodge!
Finally, a weekend away with just the two of us!
The officer and I will be heading to Bethany, DE for a little break from reality. I'm excited about having a break from NY (and maybe the snow?) and just being away. We'll relax, go to the gym, maybe do some outlet shopping and just enjoy the time away. Our last two trips have been family related (his) so I have to admit that I am really excited. Something about just being near the beach just makes me smile.
Our big "event" for the weekend is a tour at the Dogfish Brewery in Milton, DE. We watched the Brewmasters show when it was on last month and really enjoyed it so I think it will be fun. We really are such nerds!
Now, this snow...is it ever going to stop? I love a snow day just like the kids but not really the rest of it. The ugly snow boots, the salt and sand everywhere...I've just about had it. It's fun when they're more spread out but we have had WAY too many, too close together. I heard today that this is storm #6 since Christmas! UGH!
On the goals for the year...I've lost another pound! Slowly but surely this weight is going to come off. I still hate the diet and I'm trying to find some variety but struggling. I would love some suggestions for lean protein dishes...I can not eat much more grilled chicken...I'm starting to feel like a chicken! However, I LOVE working out with the trainer. What I need to do is incorporate strength training in the other times I get to the gym, not something I'm good at. Maybe that will be a better goal "Strength train once a week on my own" (sounds scary)
The officer and I will be heading to Bethany, DE for a little break from reality. I'm excited about having a break from NY (and maybe the snow?) and just being away. We'll relax, go to the gym, maybe do some outlet shopping and just enjoy the time away. Our last two trips have been family related (his) so I have to admit that I am really excited. Something about just being near the beach just makes me smile.
Our big "event" for the weekend is a tour at the Dogfish Brewery in Milton, DE. We watched the Brewmasters show when it was on last month and really enjoyed it so I think it will be fun. We really are such nerds!
Now, this snow...is it ever going to stop? I love a snow day just like the kids but not really the rest of it. The ugly snow boots, the salt and sand everywhere...I've just about had it. It's fun when they're more spread out but we have had WAY too many, too close together. I heard today that this is storm #6 since Christmas! UGH!
On the goals for the year...I've lost another pound! Slowly but surely this weight is going to come off. I still hate the diet and I'm trying to find some variety but struggling. I would love some suggestions for lean protein dishes...I can not eat much more grilled chicken...I'm starting to feel like a chicken! However, I LOVE working out with the trainer. What I need to do is incorporate strength training in the other times I get to the gym, not something I'm good at. Maybe that will be a better goal "Strength train once a week on my own" (sounds scary)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Back in the saddle
In lieu of something great to blog about, I'll just tell you about life. We have had 2 snow days in the last 2 weeks of school and I still have NO interest in going to work. One of my 2 concerts has been snowed out twice and rescheduled for Feb. 17th!! Ridiculous if you ask me...which no one really did. I'm frustrated about it and there really is nothing I can do. I'm trying to keep the kids motivated when I'm completely uninterested myself which makes every morning that much less motivating.
I am continuing to go to the gym. I did well last week, with a 1.2% loss. I'm just about done working with the nutritionist, I don't think that the same meal plan for 12 weeks is what I want my life to be. It's a great basis for most days and has helped me in eating breakfast and lunch every day as well as portion awareness/control but not realistic for me. I like to cook and try new things way too much!
I love my new Kindle...I hate wanting to buy books all the time. I'm trying to read the free ones and use that resource but am finding that most of them are "inspirational" which can get old quickly. I don't mind an occasional reference but the last one was a bit much for me.
Okay...so I would love recommendations for blog topics, new recipes for healthy eating and cheap/free books that are Kindle compatible.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
2011 Goals
Ok...here goes. Goals for 2011:
1. Continue working with my trainer and lose 16 pounds.
2. When I have lost this weight, give the "fat clothes" away so I have no excuse to grow back into them!
3. Finish the application process and coursework for my administrative certificate. Start the internship in the fall even though it scares me.
4. Make it to MA+60 by August
5. Try another 10 new recipes this year...aim to make them healthy!
6. Get back into running and run a half marathon this fall.
7. Paint 2 rooms in the condo and pick out window treatments I like.
Something like this for the living room windows???
There may be a few more coming, but I think 7 is a good start on this year. I have the feeling there will be some changes on the horizon as well so I'm going to leave some room to add to my list as the year continues. 2011, here I come!
1. Continue working with my trainer and lose 16 pounds.
2. When I have lost this weight, give the "fat clothes" away so I have no excuse to grow back into them!
3. Finish the application process and coursework for my administrative certificate. Start the internship in the fall even though it scares me.
4. Make it to MA+60 by August
5. Try another 10 new recipes this year...aim to make them healthy!
6. Get back into running and run a half marathon this fall.
7. Paint 2 rooms in the condo and pick out window treatments I like.
Something like this for the living room windows???
There may be a few more coming, but I think 7 is a good start on this year. I have the feeling there will be some changes on the horizon as well so I'm going to leave some room to add to my list as the year continues. 2011, here I come!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Year in Review
I feel good about this year's resolutions even though I didn't meet all of them all the way. I have been LOVING working with a trainer and I think that's the step I'm most proud of. It's expensive but worth it because I've stayed motivated and actually lost a little bit over the holidays instead of gaining! And I'm talking miniscule amounts, but still WAY better than previous years.
So...let's see how I've done.
1. Lose 20 lbs
I have lost 20lbs...but not at all once. I think I'm at a solid 7 right now from the beginning of October. I believe the rest of these 20lbs will be found on my resolutions for 2011. What I have done that is more important is making lifestyle changes over the last 3 months.
2. Cook 20 new recipes, 10 of them must be healthy.
Absolutely! I think the venison stew was the most recent "big hit"
3. Run a 10k in under 1:03
Not even close. Oh well, maybe another year.
4. Read 20 books that qualify as literature, not brain candy.
I think so...the Kindle I got for Christmas from my parents this year should help me read even more this year. I stopped counting which probably means I'm over 20... I'm starting this year with Emma by Jane Austen and Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
5. Try 10 new classes at the gym or workouts
Absolutely yes, mostly thanks to my trainer. Spinning, Solutions and stairmasters were all new for me. Kettlebells are seriously a tough workout and I really love it when we do "caveman" workouts. Sledgehammers and big tires can be very empowering!
6 Complete 20 credits towards my 2nd masters degree
21!!! Oh yea! I have 4 more classes to take between now and August to make it MA +60
7. Be able to play at least 10 chords on guitar
Nope...decided I like my long nails a little too much for this one. Also, I live with a guitarist now so I'm much less motivated to need this. He plays all the time and I much prefer listening!
8. Give away at least 10 bags of stuff to charities
Absolutely! I dropped off one last bag on the 28th and it was great. I even gave away SHOES!
9. Try 10 new restaurants
Thanks to some traveling and friends this was the easiest one. Blue Fig in New City, Oliver's in Katonah and Garrison's in Montgomery were some of the highlights!
10. Spend 10-20 minutes every week working on budgeting in an effort to save more and spend less.
I don't know that I met the time requirement but I have definitely saved more. I haven't had to dip into long-term savings to pay for grad classes and I raised my 403b contributions so that I won't be broke when I'm retired. I want to be able to enjoy that time of my life even more that I'm enjoying this time.
This has been a great year. I am so thankful for my amazing friends, my dependable and wonderful man and especially my family. There were definite high and low points but I think that 2011 has even more potential to be great. I'm in a great place with my family, relationship and career and I don't know that I've ever felt that way before. Next post will have 2011 goals...not sure if they'll all relate to "11" yet.
So...let's see how I've done.
1. Lose 20 lbs
I have lost 20lbs...but not at all once. I think I'm at a solid 7 right now from the beginning of October. I believe the rest of these 20lbs will be found on my resolutions for 2011. What I have done that is more important is making lifestyle changes over the last 3 months.
2. Cook 20 new recipes, 10 of them must be healthy.
Absolutely! I think the venison stew was the most recent "big hit"
3. Run a 10k in under 1:03
Not even close. Oh well, maybe another year.
4. Read 20 books that qualify as literature, not brain candy.
I think so...the Kindle I got for Christmas from my parents this year should help me read even more this year. I stopped counting which probably means I'm over 20... I'm starting this year with Emma by Jane Austen and Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
5. Try 10 new classes at the gym or workouts
Absolutely yes, mostly thanks to my trainer. Spinning, Solutions and stairmasters were all new for me. Kettlebells are seriously a tough workout and I really love it when we do "caveman" workouts. Sledgehammers and big tires can be very empowering!
6 Complete 20 credits towards my 2nd masters degree
21!!! Oh yea! I have 4 more classes to take between now and August to make it MA +60
7. Be able to play at least 10 chords on guitar
Nope...decided I like my long nails a little too much for this one. Also, I live with a guitarist now so I'm much less motivated to need this. He plays all the time and I much prefer listening!
8. Give away at least 10 bags of stuff to charities
Absolutely! I dropped off one last bag on the 28th and it was great. I even gave away SHOES!
9. Try 10 new restaurants
Thanks to some traveling and friends this was the easiest one. Blue Fig in New City, Oliver's in Katonah and Garrison's in Montgomery were some of the highlights!
10. Spend 10-20 minutes every week working on budgeting in an effort to save more and spend less.
I don't know that I met the time requirement but I have definitely saved more. I haven't had to dip into long-term savings to pay for grad classes and I raised my 403b contributions so that I won't be broke when I'm retired. I want to be able to enjoy that time of my life even more that I'm enjoying this time.
This has been a great year. I am so thankful for my amazing friends, my dependable and wonderful man and especially my family. There were definite high and low points but I think that 2011 has even more potential to be great. I'm in a great place with my family, relationship and career and I don't know that I've ever felt that way before. Next post will have 2011 goals...not sure if they'll all relate to "11" yet.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Turkey Dinner!
So...even with the turkey, potatos and minced meat pie, I was down another .6% this week. My cardio workouts have been increased (yay!) but the food stays the same. If I can stay controlled this weekend in NC I think I'll be good. I woke up this morning with sore shoulders thanks to Trainer Mike and I'm looking forward to tonight's workout. I think I may have crossed into the insanity zone! I have to say that it's nice to know that I have actually LOST weight this holiday season so far.
I am off to Raleigh tomorrow morning for Amanda Watson's wedding and I'm excited. I picked up jewelry from my mom's last night (it's great having family to share with) and I think I know what I'm wearing. With the rehearsal and wedding itself being very dressy parties I had some stress. Oh, and I'm singing at the wedding so that makes me nervous too. I just want to help make her day perfect. The plan tonight is to figure out how to pack everything in one carry-on bag. I'm flying back Sunday morning because I have my last concert Sunday night in Nyack and don't want to have to waste time in the baggage claim. I HATE packing!
Next week...my b'day and Christmas!!!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Let the season begin!
The holidays are DEFINITELY here! The kids are nutty at school, the cookies are everywhere and I have singing galore. School is the biggest challenge...you don't want to crush their holiday spirit, but no, we can not have a "day off" because Hannukah started yesterday. Nor, can we sing about Santa and his reindeer every day. We have a concert in January that we're preparing for! Anyway, rant over.
Life outside of school is good. I was down 1.8% at the gym this week and feel like I'm finally making progress. My goal is to have another good week before the insanity really hits. (Wedding, b'day and Christmas all in 1 week!)
Saturday was my first concert of the weekend. The Hudson Voices is a small a cappella group associated with The Rockland County Choral Society. We sang for 3 different nursing care facilities in the area. It was both wonderful and sad. It's nice to bring some holiday spirit to the seniors in our area but also sad to see how many were alone.
Sunday night I made a really yummy stew with venison that was a gift from a friend. I don't hunt myself, but I have to say that it is nice to have friends who do! I prefer not to actually see the source of my meal...I know it's a bit wimpy but that's how I am. Venison is great because when it's cooked well it has a nice mild flavor and is REALLY lean. It's almost as lean as chicken so it makes for nice variety on the diet plan.
My big accomplisment for the week was getting into the gym 5 days and going for a good walk on another. I think 6 sessions in a week is part of the reason I was successful. I also tried another new class at the gym. (Finally getting moving on that resolution!) Solutions is a circuit training class for a half hour. You get a quick strength training workout and there is someone there to assist if needed. I did that Saturday morning followed by a half hour of cardio. Yay! I am hoping that along with my 2 sessions with the trainer I'll start to see even more results.
I have 4 concerts this weekend with Sing We Enchanted and will be cooking my first turkey on Sunday. Wish me luck!! We're having a small "holiday" dinner with some friends that we didn't see for Thanksgiving and won't see for Christmas. It's sort of a 2nd family type thing and I'm looking forward to it as well as being terrified. I'm doing the turkey, stuffing and a mincemeat pie. Everyone is bringing something else to make the dinner amazing. I'm really looking forward to trying some other peoples traditions.
Have a great week everyone and I'll check back next week with another update!
Life outside of school is good. I was down 1.8% at the gym this week and feel like I'm finally making progress. My goal is to have another good week before the insanity really hits. (Wedding, b'day and Christmas all in 1 week!)
Saturday was my first concert of the weekend. The Hudson Voices is a small a cappella group associated with The Rockland County Choral Society. We sang for 3 different nursing care facilities in the area. It was both wonderful and sad. It's nice to bring some holiday spirit to the seniors in our area but also sad to see how many were alone.
Sunday night I made a really yummy stew with venison that was a gift from a friend. I don't hunt myself, but I have to say that it is nice to have friends who do! I prefer not to actually see the source of my meal...I know it's a bit wimpy but that's how I am. Venison is great because when it's cooked well it has a nice mild flavor and is REALLY lean. It's almost as lean as chicken so it makes for nice variety on the diet plan.
My big accomplisment for the week was getting into the gym 5 days and going for a good walk on another. I think 6 sessions in a week is part of the reason I was successful. I also tried another new class at the gym. (Finally getting moving on that resolution!) Solutions is a circuit training class for a half hour. You get a quick strength training workout and there is someone there to assist if needed. I did that Saturday morning followed by a half hour of cardio. Yay! I am hoping that along with my 2 sessions with the trainer I'll start to see even more results.
I have 4 concerts this weekend with Sing We Enchanted and will be cooking my first turkey on Sunday. Wish me luck!! We're having a small "holiday" dinner with some friends that we didn't see for Thanksgiving and won't see for Christmas. It's sort of a 2nd family type thing and I'm looking forward to it as well as being terrified. I'm doing the turkey, stuffing and a mincemeat pie. Everyone is bringing something else to make the dinner amazing. I'm really looking forward to trying some other peoples traditions.
Have a great week everyone and I'll check back next week with another update!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
'Tis the Season
Happy belated Thanksgiving! I was lucky enough to start that day with a (slow) 5 mile jog at Rockland Lake with my sister and end it with an amazing dinner with my family and Officer BF. The Turkey Trot is an annual event here and I think they said there were 2900 people running! It's such a great way to start off a HUGE eating day and I love that even though I haven't run in ages I got out there anyway. I'm proud of that.
I'm now getting ready for my busiest time of year, which I'm sure can be said for just about everyone. I am singing two performances every weekend between now and Christmas including a wedding in North Carolina. I'm so excited for Amanda and Nick! It usually means that I put on a few lbs because I'm running here and there and don't think about what I'm going to eat. The parties and receptions don't help either. Have I mentioned how much of a sweet tooth I have?
For my local peoples...Nyack Library, Dec. 19th @ 7pm BE THERE!!
To combat the food and insanity involved, I've started something to help myself be a "better me" this holiday season. I have committed to working with a trainer at the gym twice a week and I'm working with a nutrionist as well. I haven't lost much in the last 2 weeks since I started but I can feel a difference in my muscles and my energy. It also keeps me honest. When I have a "bad" week (Thanksgiving leftovers??) I know it and have to be accountable. My only issue at this point is that I'm a little bored with the menu. Last night we discussed some different dinner choices and the plan is to add different lunches next week. It would be nice if this helped me finally reach my 20lb goal for the year but I don't think that's going to happen by Dec. 31. I'll take 10 and be happy with that...and promise not to re-gain it next year. Hopefully I'll have some good "recipes" to share in the coming weeks. Tonight I'm just looking forward to sweet potato instead of brown rice. Yippee!!
There is one downside...the stupid calipers I have to subject myself to each week. I hate the damn things! I try to think about the people on Biggest Loser and remember that their journey is way harder than mine so I have nothing to whine about, but it doesn't help me hate it any less. Who really wants to know exactly how fat they are?????
So, I'll try for another entry this weekend and then on Wednesdays in December I'll check in with my fat % loss for the week. Here's to a great last month of 2010!!!
I'm now getting ready for my busiest time of year, which I'm sure can be said for just about everyone. I am singing two performances every weekend between now and Christmas including a wedding in North Carolina. I'm so excited for Amanda and Nick! It usually means that I put on a few lbs because I'm running here and there and don't think about what I'm going to eat. The parties and receptions don't help either. Have I mentioned how much of a sweet tooth I have?
For my local peoples...Nyack Library, Dec. 19th @ 7pm BE THERE!!
To combat the food and insanity involved, I've started something to help myself be a "better me" this holiday season. I have committed to working with a trainer at the gym twice a week and I'm working with a nutrionist as well. I haven't lost much in the last 2 weeks since I started but I can feel a difference in my muscles and my energy. It also keeps me honest. When I have a "bad" week (Thanksgiving leftovers??) I know it and have to be accountable. My only issue at this point is that I'm a little bored with the menu. Last night we discussed some different dinner choices and the plan is to add different lunches next week. It would be nice if this helped me finally reach my 20lb goal for the year but I don't think that's going to happen by Dec. 31. I'll take 10 and be happy with that...and promise not to re-gain it next year. Hopefully I'll have some good "recipes" to share in the coming weeks. Tonight I'm just looking forward to sweet potato instead of brown rice. Yippee!!
There is one downside...the stupid calipers I have to subject myself to each week. I hate the damn things! I try to think about the people on Biggest Loser and remember that their journey is way harder than mine so I have nothing to whine about, but it doesn't help me hate it any less. Who really wants to know exactly how fat they are?????
So, I'll try for another entry this weekend and then on Wednesdays in December I'll check in with my fat % loss for the week. Here's to a great last month of 2010!!!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Catching up
I really, really liked the Education Law class I took. I HATE writing papers. The discussions and reading was usually fairly interesting but writing about it is the worst. I have a 18-20 page paper due at the beginning of next week and though I understand what I'm supposed to do, I can't get past the first paragraph. UGH!! Any ghostwriters available? (I totally stopped the blog here and picked it up tonight. Just finished above paper and will mail it out in the AM!!)
Officer BF and I have gotten to see the nieces and nephews twice in the last week which was wonderful. They really are 4 of the nicest kids I know, and I know quite a few. We got to have them for Veteran's Day which made my vet extra happy. We hung out at the house, played Wii games, had a great lunch at a Chinese buffet (everyone can find something they like!) and ended the day with burgers from a great place in town. According to Officer BF, it's mandatory to have burgers on Memorial and Veteran's days to celebrate being American. I can't argue with that logic, he's served in the Army and I haven't.
This past weekend was paper writing and rehearsals. I also had an eye doctor appt so I'll have some new specs in the next week or so. Pic will follow, promise.
I am continuing to be back on track with the workouts and weight control. I won't call it loss at this point but I'm definitely tighter than I was a month ago. I'm trying to focus on different goals, not just a number on the scale.
I tried a new chicken marinade (new recipe that was healthy!!) Friday night which turned out really yummy. It's sort of asian in flavor, I had to combine a couple of things I'd found online and adapt to what I already had in the house. I used light soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar, thai chili sauce and some oil. It was just spicy enough to keep me interested without burning my mouth. I made up some wasabi soy sauce to go along with that did! I made this with brown rice and broccoli for a yummy healthy meal.
Saturday night was dinner out with my girls Linda and Heather. We went up to Oliver's in Katonah for an excellent dinner. It's sort of an upscale casual type place with the most amazing looking burgers and sandwiches. I had a chicken burger with mushrooms and brie...awesome. We split an apple crumble for dessert that was almost as good as mine, but not quite :) We had great talks about school, guys, life, diets, all the usual girl stuff. I am so lucky!
I am going back to work on chairing the Junior All-County chorus here in my county. I don't know why I volunteer for this stuff...it's insane. The selection meeting was seriously stressful but I haven't received any kooky e-mails yet so hopefully that trend will continue.
I'm happy to have more of my life back...just in time for the holiday performance season...
This past weekend was paper writing and rehearsals. I also had an eye doctor appt so I'll have some new specs in the next week or so. Pic will follow, promise.
I am continuing to be back on track with the workouts and weight control. I won't call it loss at this point but I'm definitely tighter than I was a month ago. I'm trying to focus on different goals, not just a number on the scale.
I tried a new chicken marinade (new recipe that was healthy!!) Friday night which turned out really yummy. It's sort of asian in flavor, I had to combine a couple of things I'd found online and adapt to what I already had in the house. I used light soy sauce, lime juice, vinegar, thai chili sauce and some oil. It was just spicy enough to keep me interested without burning my mouth. I made up some wasabi soy sauce to go along with that did! I made this with brown rice and broccoli for a yummy healthy meal.
Saturday night was dinner out with my girls Linda and Heather. We went up to Oliver's in Katonah for an excellent dinner. It's sort of an upscale casual type place with the most amazing looking burgers and sandwiches. I had a chicken burger with mushrooms and brie...awesome. We split an apple crumble for dessert that was almost as good as mine, but not quite :) We had great talks about school, guys, life, diets, all the usual girl stuff. I am so lucky!
I am going back to work on chairing the Junior All-County chorus here in my county. I don't know why I volunteer for this stuff...it's insane. The selection meeting was seriously stressful but I haven't received any kooky e-mails yet so hopefully that trend will continue.
I'm happy to have more of my life back...just in time for the holiday performance season...
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Law Class Kicks My Butt
I know I haven't written in forever...but the graduate class I've been taking is seriously HARD!!! Educational Law is very interesting and I like it but it is more work than I have done in a long time. The reading, the research....it's insane. Then, to really throw me for a loop, the teacher suggested that I go to law school. Yikes! (P.S. I want a cake like this one...or to be able to make one for myself some day!)
So, the weight loss has halted so I'm going back to the gym big time! I've been doing strength training a couple days a week and trying to up the running. I did 4 and half miles on Sunday and felt pretty good afterwords.
I'm in the middle of another good book, The White Queen by Phillippa Gregory. I love her writing and the way she takes history and gives it a little twist.
Officer BF has been away a lot lately and I'm trying to get myself ready for when he's gone for most of December. We set up Skype accounts this week and I'm hoping that this will help us stay in touch. It was fun to actually see him while we were chatting last night, even when he was making silly faces at me.
Okay, back to homework so that I can finish this class sometime in the near future!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
I hate dress shopping
So, I have a wedding to attend next weekend and I could use a new dress. I spent 3 hours tonight trying on what felt like a hundred dresses...with NO luck. I feel totally awful. Everything was just so unflattering and really not cute. I don't want to look fat (difficult) or like an old lady! I am soooo upset right now. Time for some sit-ups...
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Busy bee!
Two great weekends in a row!
Last weekend I went to the Oktoberfest at Bear Mtn with my friends Linda and Heather. We had great food and the weather was perfect. It really felt like summer again and reminded me how much I appreciate that time off. We saw some great crafts, including clocks made from recycled liquor and wine bottles. Who doesn't want to be reminded that it's always happy hour somewhere?
Saturday was spent just spending time with the bf. He was away the whole week before in class so we just relaxed and enjoyed the day. We watched Revenge of the Nerds, which I'd never seen. It was pretty funny. We went for a walk into town for lunch and ate in the park which I love. It was like a mini-date and we enjoyed just catching up and planning the next week.
Yesterday was day 1 of my Educational Law and Policy class. This is NOT going to be easy, but the other people in the class are great so that should help. I have some good friends now that I've been in the program for a while so that's nice. We all try to help each other out and keep each other awake when we hit the "tired time" at 3:30 in the afternoon. Yesterday's was particularly bad because we were going through the syllabus...which just couldn't keep me interested enough. 8-4:30 is just a loooong day to be sitting in classes!
This morning I managed to get myself up and out for a run. 3 miles that were certainly not spectacular but I'm proud of doing them. I just needed to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. I also tried to really get into today's music to keep my mind occupied. Proud Mary from Glee is a GREAT running song! I also realized I need to update my playlist and will welcome any suggestions!
Officer BF is off at work tonight, so I get the TV all to myself. I'm tempted to check out the new show about sister wives on TLC. I love Big Love and find the whole lifestyle fascinating...definitely NOT something I could ever imagine doing. I do NOT share. Haha!
Last weekend I went to the Oktoberfest at Bear Mtn with my friends Linda and Heather. We had great food and the weather was perfect. It really felt like summer again and reminded me how much I appreciate that time off. We saw some great crafts, including clocks made from recycled liquor and wine bottles. Who doesn't want to be reminded that it's always happy hour somewhere?
Saturday was spent just spending time with the bf. He was away the whole week before in class so we just relaxed and enjoyed the day. We watched Revenge of the Nerds, which I'd never seen. It was pretty funny. We went for a walk into town for lunch and ate in the park which I love. It was like a mini-date and we enjoyed just catching up and planning the next week.
Yesterday was day 1 of my Educational Law and Policy class. This is NOT going to be easy, but the other people in the class are great so that should help. I have some good friends now that I've been in the program for a while so that's nice. We all try to help each other out and keep each other awake when we hit the "tired time" at 3:30 in the afternoon. Yesterday's was particularly bad because we were going through the syllabus...which just couldn't keep me interested enough. 8-4:30 is just a loooong day to be sitting in classes!
This morning I managed to get myself up and out for a run. 3 miles that were certainly not spectacular but I'm proud of doing them. I just needed to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. I also tried to really get into today's music to keep my mind occupied. Proud Mary from Glee is a GREAT running song! I also realized I need to update my playlist and will welcome any suggestions!
Officer BF is off at work tonight, so I get the TV all to myself. I'm tempted to check out the new show about sister wives on TLC. I love Big Love and find the whole lifestyle fascinating...definitely NOT something I could ever imagine doing. I do NOT share. Haha!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Whirlwind Week
What a week!! I'm sitting on the couch this morning trying to enjoy my one lazy morning before it's back to a full week of school. I have work to do on that later but for now, it's coffee and Project Runway DVR time!
Labor Day was nice and relaxed...hahahah! I ended up making dinner for 10 and having a great time. We invited our friend Michele and her 3 younger kids over for dinner and it blossomed from there. Her hubby is away for a 6 week training class so we wanted to do something nice for them before the start of the school year. It was the oldest boy's birthday so I had some serious work to do. I ended up making arroz con pollo, fried chicken cutlets (at the request of the b'day boy!) spicy black beans and a big green salad. For desert, a 3 layer yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I think it was good meal, and I love having place full of friends.
Tuesday and Wednesday was back to school. It was exhausting and a feel a little like I'll NEVER learn all their names. However, there were many bright moments. I have some very cute students and one of them is the son of a girl I worked with my senior year of hs. Candy was talking about starting her family then...and now her little boy is in my class. It's wonderful how that happens sometimes. She was a GREAT person to work with and I'm excited that her son is in my class and made a point to introduce himself. I could talk school for hours so I'll stop here.
Thursday was an errand running day that ended with a drive up to Little Falls. Tristan turned 1 on Friday and we had a great time celebrating his b'day. We had a great lunch with the family and the party on Friday nigh was fun. Watching all the kids play together is always fun, and seeing Officer BF with them is so great. We left right after breakfast yesterday to be home for a bridal shower at 2pm....more fun, friends and great food.
Today I'm singing at a local street fair with the Hudson Voices (1pm in Nyack if you're around!) and then home to help the man pack up for his week. He's heading out to a class for work tomorrow morning and will be gone until Friday evening. I'm gonna miss him...but won't miss having to share the TV! I think I have enough going on this week with lessons, a new yogilates class and trying to get back on the workout plan that the days will fly. I'm trying to be back on track with Sparkpeople, too. Happy Sunday Funday!
Labor Day was nice and relaxed...hahahah! I ended up making dinner for 10 and having a great time. We invited our friend Michele and her 3 younger kids over for dinner and it blossomed from there. Her hubby is away for a 6 week training class so we wanted to do something nice for them before the start of the school year. It was the oldest boy's birthday so I had some serious work to do. I ended up making arroz con pollo, fried chicken cutlets (at the request of the b'day boy!) spicy black beans and a big green salad. For desert, a 3 layer yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I think it was good meal, and I love having place full of friends.
Tuesday and Wednesday was back to school. It was exhausting and a feel a little like I'll NEVER learn all their names. However, there were many bright moments. I have some very cute students and one of them is the son of a girl I worked with my senior year of hs. Candy was talking about starting her family then...and now her little boy is in my class. It's wonderful how that happens sometimes. She was a GREAT person to work with and I'm excited that her son is in my class and made a point to introduce himself. I could talk school for hours so I'll stop here.
Thursday was an errand running day that ended with a drive up to Little Falls. Tristan turned 1 on Friday and we had a great time celebrating his b'day. We had a great lunch with the family and the party on Friday nigh was fun. Watching all the kids play together is always fun, and seeing Officer BF with them is so great. We left right after breakfast yesterday to be home for a bridal shower at 2pm....more fun, friends and great food.
Today I'm singing at a local street fair with the Hudson Voices (1pm in Nyack if you're around!) and then home to help the man pack up for his week. He's heading out to a class for work tomorrow morning and will be gone until Friday evening. I'm gonna miss him...but won't miss having to share the TV! I think I have enough going on this week with lessons, a new yogilates class and trying to get back on the workout plan that the days will fly. I'm trying to be back on track with Sparkpeople, too. Happy Sunday Funday!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Getting ready...
So I spent time Tues in my classroom and then had 2 work days Wed and Thurs at school. I walked out at the end of our day Thursday with another teacher and we were both saying that though we felt as though there were more to do we didn't know what it was. That sums up how I'm still feeling!
I've set up some music for each of my 3 grade levels. I'm working on seating charts this weekend, though I know they'll change throughout the first week or two. I'm trying to focus in on what the "other" stuff is that I have to teach in each grade level during the first quarter. What are the music reading skills I'm supposed to teach? How much sight reading is realistic to expect? How can I tell (in a class of 50!) which kids are giving 100% and who needs to have the "more effort needed" comment on their weekly feedback slips? This is the part of my job that I'm finding stressful this year.
Considering this is my 10th year of teaching it's odd to be this much anxiety about the new year. I know it's because I'm teaching new grade levels in chorus and a general music class I haven't taught before...but seriously? When I am going to start sleeping through the night the week before school?? I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve but instead of just being excited I'm worried I'll forget something important....gggrrrrrr!!!!
I've set up some music for each of my 3 grade levels. I'm working on seating charts this weekend, though I know they'll change throughout the first week or two. I'm trying to focus in on what the "other" stuff is that I have to teach in each grade level during the first quarter. What are the music reading skills I'm supposed to teach? How much sight reading is realistic to expect? How can I tell (in a class of 50!) which kids are giving 100% and who needs to have the "more effort needed" comment on their weekly feedback slips? This is the part of my job that I'm finding stressful this year.
Considering this is my 10th year of teaching it's odd to be this much anxiety about the new year. I know it's because I'm teaching new grade levels in chorus and a general music class I haven't taught before...but seriously? When I am going to start sleeping through the night the week before school?? I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve but instead of just being excited I'm worried I'll forget something important....gggrrrrrr!!!!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
New Adventures!
Friday night was girls night with Heather and Linda. Wine, cheese, crackers, fruit and Wii..it was so much fun. I'm so lucky to have great friends at work. They were a long time coming but totally worth the wait. Question of the night: what is Mr. Potato Head's first name?? We think it's Matt...
Saturday morning Officer BF and I took the motorcycle up to the Renaissance Faire for his sister's birthday. We had a great time with her and the kids and I tried mead for the first time. Yummy!! I was not aware that the first glass was such a big deal and there's an embarrassing video floating around somewhere of it...but it was fun. Hands free drinking is NOT my strength! The people watching at the Faire is half the fun and the Birds of Prey exhibit/show was a big hit. The kids are so much fun to do stuff with...Danielle has GREAT kids!
It's back to school Wednesday for teacher meetings. We have assigned seats at our staff meeting...I'm still not sure how I feel about that. What do you think?
Sunday, August 22, 2010
More trips!
What a whirlwind the last week has been!
I drove up to Shrewsbury, MA last Saturday to see visit Christine and her hubby Mike for their son's christening. I stopped by their house Sat. evening and got to see her for the first time since Thomas and it was such a great time. Little Thomas is a sweetie and I even got to hold him for a few minutes! How is it that babies always smell so good? I've known Christine since kindergarten so seeing her always feels like coming home a bit. There is something about friends who have known you forever...
Our friends Jackie and Don were at the Christening on Sunday with their little girl Eva who is 11 months old. It was great to catch up with them and Eva and I had a nice time together while her parents got a chance to eat. Jackie is another friend I've known forever so the two days were just fantastic for that reason alone.
After our respective busy weekends, Officer BF and I drove up to Point Judith, RI and took the ferry over to Block Island for the week. It was such a great vacation, we haven't really gone away like this together. Block Island is about 10 square miles total, they advertise as the smallest town in the smallest state! We left the car at the ferry and spent the week on bikes or walking everywhere.
Monday afternoon we pretty much crashed at the B&B we were staying in. We'd been up since 6:30 and were just exhausted! We took a siesta and then headed out for our first dinner. The dinner was good (clam chowder!) but the bike ride after was the most memorable! We decided to take a night ride up to Mohegan's Bluffs but somehow missed the turn off to get there. Oops! We ended up taking a 4-5 mile loop and had a good laugh about it. At least we worked off some of dinner, right?
Tuesday AM we made it to the bluffs...not an easy ride! It was almost entirely uphill and I was tired when we got there. The views were instantly reviving, simply gorgeous!
There is also a section where you can take a giant staircase down to the beach. Again, gorgeous views and it was nice to wade in the ocean. The shore is very rocky and it was a little cool out so we didn't swim, but took some great photos.
Wednesday we stayed nearer to town. We rented chairs, sat on the beach and read. It was a Hobday-style beach day. Again, no swimming, but it couldn't have been more relaxing.
Thursday we rode out to a nature preserve on the north end of the island. There's a lighthouse you can walk to from the end of the road, about a half-mile down the beach, which we did. It was a fantastic view and great workout. I bought some local honey on the ride back which I'm looking forward to enjoying in tea and some other recipes. (I have to get moving on the healthy recipe resolution!)
Thursday afternoon I went for a massage (lovely!) that was included in our 2nd hotel package. I love massages! It was followed by my favorite dinner out of the week. The food was amazing and the view was even more so. I had lobster mac & cheese. I couldn't resist trying it. It was outstanding and not nearly as heavy as I thought it might be. The lobster was sauteed with mushrooms and the sauce was more of a sherry cream sauce with a little cheese. It was perfect. The whole night was perfect....
Until Lauren the klutz slipped and cut her big toe open on the jetty outside the hotel. A night reading on the ocean turned into a night reading in the room. Still nice, but not quite what we'd planned!
On this vacation I'd say that I tried one new workout, riding the bikes, and we tried more than 5 new restuarants. Back to reality this week and back to work next week!
I drove up to Shrewsbury, MA last Saturday to see visit Christine and her hubby Mike for their son's christening. I stopped by their house Sat. evening and got to see her for the first time since Thomas and it was such a great time. Little Thomas is a sweetie and I even got to hold him for a few minutes! How is it that babies always smell so good? I've known Christine since kindergarten so seeing her always feels like coming home a bit. There is something about friends who have known you forever...
Our friends Jackie and Don were at the Christening on Sunday with their little girl Eva who is 11 months old. It was great to catch up with them and Eva and I had a nice time together while her parents got a chance to eat. Jackie is another friend I've known forever so the two days were just fantastic for that reason alone.
After our respective busy weekends, Officer BF and I drove up to Point Judith, RI and took the ferry over to Block Island for the week. It was such a great vacation, we haven't really gone away like this together. Block Island is about 10 square miles total, they advertise as the smallest town in the smallest state! We left the car at the ferry and spent the week on bikes or walking everywhere.
Monday afternoon we pretty much crashed at the B&B we were staying in. We'd been up since 6:30 and were just exhausted! We took a siesta and then headed out for our first dinner. The dinner was good (clam chowder!) but the bike ride after was the most memorable! We decided to take a night ride up to Mohegan's Bluffs but somehow missed the turn off to get there. Oops! We ended up taking a 4-5 mile loop and had a good laugh about it. At least we worked off some of dinner, right?
Tuesday AM we made it to the bluffs...not an easy ride! It was almost entirely uphill and I was tired when we got there. The views were instantly reviving, simply gorgeous!
There is also a section where you can take a giant staircase down to the beach. Again, gorgeous views and it was nice to wade in the ocean. The shore is very rocky and it was a little cool out so we didn't swim, but took some great photos.
Wednesday we stayed nearer to town. We rented chairs, sat on the beach and read. It was a Hobday-style beach day. Again, no swimming, but it couldn't have been more relaxing.
Thursday we rode out to a nature preserve on the north end of the island. There's a lighthouse you can walk to from the end of the road, about a half-mile down the beach, which we did. It was a fantastic view and great workout. I bought some local honey on the ride back which I'm looking forward to enjoying in tea and some other recipes. (I have to get moving on the healthy recipe resolution!)
Thursday afternoon I went for a massage (lovely!) that was included in our 2nd hotel package. I love massages! It was followed by my favorite dinner out of the week. The food was amazing and the view was even more so. I had lobster mac & cheese. I couldn't resist trying it. It was outstanding and not nearly as heavy as I thought it might be. The lobster was sauteed with mushrooms and the sauce was more of a sherry cream sauce with a little cheese. It was perfect. The whole night was perfect....
Until Lauren the klutz slipped and cut her big toe open on the jetty outside the hotel. A night reading on the ocean turned into a night reading in the room. Still nice, but not quite what we'd planned!
On this vacation I'd say that I tried one new workout, riding the bikes, and we tried more than 5 new restuarants. Back to reality this week and back to work next week!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Book club!
As a kid my sister Erin nicknamed me "Read-y Head" I'm pretty sure it was in retaliation for something mean I said to her, but it stuck because it was true. I love to read and there are times when it's all I want to do. This year I did a lot of reading for school so I didn't read as much for pleasure as I would have liked so this goal is good for reminding me to do something I really love. My beach trips gave me time to catch up on books I'd been wanting to read, and I still have a stack on my bedside table waiting to be read (or finished.) Here's my list so far of the books I consider "real literature." I will admit to some pieces of brain-candy in between some of these, I do love a good trashy chic-lit read now and then!
A great memoir from someone who attends the Cordon Bleu in France. I love the stories about the teachers, the successful (and some failed) recipes and how much work it takes to learn the classic French techniques.
House of the Seven Sisters
Pretty good story, a quick read. The relationships between the sisters, their lives and the family bakery that they run...I really like it
The Wise Woman by Phillipa Gregory
This one creeped me out a bit but was good. I got hooked on Phillipa Gregory with The Other Boleyn Girl a few years ago and will read just about anything she writes. The Virgin Earth is still my favorite by her, I think.
The Girl with The Dragon Tatoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire by Steig Larson
These are two of the biggest summer hits so I won't say much. I loved them both, they're very intense and were GREAT beach reads as well as being well written! Now I just need to wait for the 3rd to come out in paperback
The Spanish Bride by Laurien Gardiner
Another Catharine of Aragon story. I am ADDICTED to novels about Henry VIII, his wives and daughters. This was a great one, though it's always a sad story.
The Winter Prince by Cheryl Sawyer
I love period English stories...can't really tell you why.
Saving Fish From Drowning by Amy Tan
I really didn't love this as much as I wanted. The story is well done, but I think Amy Tan has written better books.
Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy
I really enjoyed this. It wasn't a challenging read, but the intertwining stories in the books are so great. I loved that it took me more than the first half of the book to really see how all the short stories were starting to touch on one another. I don't think I've read anything by her I didn't like.
Little Bee by Chris Cleave
There is nothing on the book to tell you what it's about...so I won't ruin it. Just read it. The book is great and really emotional. Thanks to Erin for passing it on!
Okay, so there are the first 10 books. I'm going to try to do a better job of tracking books because I know there have to be more than these...I'm just blanking at the moment. Also...do you think I can count books that I read for my grad classes but was surprised to like? If so, I'll have 2 more to add...Gung Ho! and The Outsiders.
I'm off to do some more relaxing. I'd love some recommendations for what to read next...I'm planning to start Racing in the Rain this afternoon.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Week in review
It's been a great week overall...even though it didn't always feel like it!
First: I finished my 2 summer classes! 6 more credits finished, which puts me at 12 total so far this year. I spent almost 8 hours working on stuff Wednesday but it's ALL done. I'm not sure I'll make to the 20, I've heard that the class I'm registered for this fall is really tough. But, I'm more than halfway finished with this goal which is HUGE. P.S. I got As!
2nd: I am completely moved in, though not entirely unpacked and organized. Things are moving slowly in the right direction.
3rd: Another new restaurant! We went to Iron Horse in Westwood, NJ on Wednesday with a friend of Officer BF's from the army. It was a good time and the food was good. We had sandwiches (yummy Reuben!) and the boys split wings.
4th: I made it to the gym 3 times and went running this week! I went to spinning twice and cardio kick-boxing. The kick-boxing is fun and a great full body workout, I think. I am back on track and have officially lost all the weight I gained on vacation and then some. Yup, that's right, I'm officially down 10lbs. That's the halfway point!!!
We're leaving in a bit to go upstate to spend some time with bf's family. His nephew is getting bigger by the day so I'm looking forward to some baby time while he's still a baby. There's a pool at his mom's house so I going to work on my tan as much as the upstate sun will allow. My running stuff is also packed and ready to go....can't lose momentum on the workout streak!
Have a great weekend!
First: I finished my 2 summer classes! 6 more credits finished, which puts me at 12 total so far this year. I spent almost 8 hours working on stuff Wednesday but it's ALL done. I'm not sure I'll make to the 20, I've heard that the class I'm registered for this fall is really tough. But, I'm more than halfway finished with this goal which is HUGE. P.S. I got As!
2nd: I am completely moved in, though not entirely unpacked and organized. Things are moving slowly in the right direction.
3rd: Another new restaurant! We went to Iron Horse in Westwood, NJ on Wednesday with a friend of Officer BF's from the army. It was a good time and the food was good. We had sandwiches (yummy Reuben!) and the boys split wings.
4th: I made it to the gym 3 times and went running this week! I went to spinning twice and cardio kick-boxing. The kick-boxing is fun and a great full body workout, I think. I am back on track and have officially lost all the weight I gained on vacation and then some. Yup, that's right, I'm officially down 10lbs. That's the halfway point!!!
We're leaving in a bit to go upstate to spend some time with bf's family. His nephew is getting bigger by the day so I'm looking forward to some baby time while he's still a baby. There's a pool at his mom's house so I going to work on my tan as much as the upstate sun will allow. My running stuff is also packed and ready to go....can't lose momentum on the workout streak!
Have a great weekend!
Monday, August 2, 2010
It's August already?
Okay, so it's been almost a month since I've written, but it's been a busy one! I've moved, been to 3 different beaches and plenty of other stuff as well. On the goals front, I've been to 1 new restaurant, will be dropping 3 bags of stuff off to Goodwill today and tried a new class at the gym. I've read 7 books as well, I'll have to start a list of what I've read this week to check how I'm doing on the "literature" resolution. Not too bad all things considered. I dropped another lb, only to gain 2 back during my last beach trip.
So, here's the brief overview of July. The week after the party I spent 2 days on LBI with my mom and aunt Eileen. We had a lot of fun talking, swimming, reading on the beach, the usual beach activities. It was nice to get a jump start on the summer with a couple of days away and I bought a new beach chair. I think it's the first one I've bought that was actually worth buying and it's been well-used already.
After LBI it was home for a couple of days then off to DE with Officer BF. We had a fantastic time...and totally forgot to take a single picture! It rained the first day so we had time to relax, watch movies and unwind. The next few days were spent taking a bike ride, going out to eat, visiting the beach/boardwalk and just enjoying being away for a bit. We had a particularly funny lunch when I decided to teach the man how to crack crabs. It did NOT go as planned...he wouldn't even try it after watching me start it off. Turns out he's not a fan of do-it-yourself seafood. So, that was a half dozen crabs just for me, YUM! We stopped at the outlets on the way out of DE and did some serious damage. We both needed some staples (tanks, Ts, etc) and picked up an ipod player for the condo as well. I think it maxed out his shopping time for the next few months, but we made it fun.
The yearly family beach trip to NC was the next week. I'll post photos instead of detailing what happened. It was a great week, and a little crazier than expected...but that's another story entirely. The highlights were the beautiful beach, Mom's b'day celebration, really hot morning runs and the fishing boat trip.
The week since OBX has been spent moving. All of my stuff is now out of Nyack and in PR. I have my work cut out for me this week. There are boxes and bags of stuff in the condo that need unpacking, more stuff that needs to be tossed or given away as I go through things and LOTS of organization to finish. We're doing well with compromises so far, here's hoping that it continues!
So, here's the brief overview of July. The week after the party I spent 2 days on LBI with my mom and aunt Eileen. We had a lot of fun talking, swimming, reading on the beach, the usual beach activities. It was nice to get a jump start on the summer with a couple of days away and I bought a new beach chair. I think it's the first one I've bought that was actually worth buying and it's been well-used already.
After LBI it was home for a couple of days then off to DE with Officer BF. We had a fantastic time...and totally forgot to take a single picture! It rained the first day so we had time to relax, watch movies and unwind. The next few days were spent taking a bike ride, going out to eat, visiting the beach/boardwalk and just enjoying being away for a bit. We had a particularly funny lunch when I decided to teach the man how to crack crabs. It did NOT go as planned...he wouldn't even try it after watching me start it off. Turns out he's not a fan of do-it-yourself seafood. So, that was a half dozen crabs just for me, YUM! We stopped at the outlets on the way out of DE and did some serious damage. We both needed some staples (tanks, Ts, etc) and picked up an ipod player for the condo as well. I think it maxed out his shopping time for the next few months, but we made it fun.
The yearly family beach trip to NC was the next week. I'll post photos instead of detailing what happened. It was a great week, and a little crazier than expected...but that's another story entirely. The highlights were the beautiful beach, Mom's b'day celebration, really hot morning runs and the fishing boat trip.
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| The fishing boat |
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| Bluefish...the star of dad's ceviche |
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| Electric Lemonades on the last night |
The week since OBX has been spent moving. All of my stuff is now out of Nyack and in PR. I have my work cut out for me this week. There are boxes and bags of stuff in the condo that need unpacking, more stuff that needs to be tossed or given away as I go through things and LOTS of organization to finish. We're doing well with compromises so far, here's hoping that it continues!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
BBQ Fun
I had a wonderful 4th of July weekend with a good balance of work and play. Friday was a work bbq with Officer BF, Saturday we cleaned, moved furniture and reorganized the condo and I made cake and then Sunday it was the friends bbq.
I was interrupted Sunday morning when finishing up my cake to do PT with Officer BF. We've been working hard to tone up, etc and Sunday was no exception. I was informed that the push-ups and crunches were necessary before the party...so we did them. It was funny and I don't know how helpful they were, but my arms still hurt.
Andy was a wonderful host on the 4th! He just moved into his first house so this was part house-warming as well. The pool was beautiful and sooooo necessary; it was hot! We had so much fun and I definitely ate too much but I'm back on track already. Lots of people came out for the fun, including Katie, Ted and Linda.
Today it's off to LBI with my mom and Aunt Eileen for 2 days. I love the beach and this is the first of 3 beach trips this month. I love my summers off!! It's also supposed to be 100 here today so I'm glad for an excuse to not be packing and moving stuff...it's too darn hot!
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