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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Stayin' alive, stayin' alive

And there's your earworm for the day.

Well. It has been awhile since I've updated this little blog. I've been a bit busier with this job than I had anticipated, mostly due to several weeks in a row of w-a-y more stuff to do (and therefore hours) than the average workday. It's like the Inventory Specialist gods threw everything at me at once to see what would stick. And you know what? I survived. And I learned. I was told when I started that it would take three months before I'd start to feel comfortable in this position; I'm almost at three months, and I have to say that I kind of have it figured out. (Probably the kiss of death saying that...) I'm by far the oldest one there, but it's nice to feel like I have a handle on things. And when my daughters aren't around to make sure I don't dress too mom-like, I have the girls at the shop. Like the other week when I bought this cute striped maxi skirt, Emma was helping me and pulled it down on my hips. She even said, "Cathy, don't wear this like a mom." I love honesty!

I wish I could say I've tried some fabulous new recipes, but I've been pretty much boring. You've seen these breakfasts before, and I swear they are brand new photos. I'm that dull.

PB bagel thin, berries, 1/2 cran, 1/2 Trop 50, and coffee

MaryLu's protein waffle, berries, and coffee

Oatmeal, 1 T PB, blueberries, almond-coconut milk, and coffee

Lunch is not only my least favorite meal of the day, but it's the hardest to fit into my schedule. I work at noon, so try to eat at 11:00 if I'm home (usually leftovers) but if I'm out running errands, lunch is either a protein bar or protein shake. I'd really rather eat real food, but you do what you gotta do. And the Atkins and Special K protein shakes are actually pretty good.

Emily gave me Gwyneth Paltrow's newest cookbook for Mother's Day, and my favorite new snack/lunch from it is avocado toast. (Which begs the question, how many avocados can you eat before it's no longer "healthy fat"?) I have to say, I heart avocados, and could easily eat an entire one at one sitting. Actually, I'm sure I could eat more; just haven't tried it.

There is a little mayo under the avocado. You could use hummus, but I just like mayo.

I did try a new recipe last night: crispy tofu with vegetables from Food Network magazine. (Jeanie gave me a subscription last year, and while there are some not-at-all-healthy recipes in there, there are several that are pretty healthy and 100% delicious. I was looking through the magazine and asked Dwight if he'd mind the tofu for dinner, and he said of course not. I am really lucky that way - I have friends, who unless their dinners include meat and potatoes, their husbands won't eat it. At our house, it's "Give it to Dwight, he'll eat anything." This was easy and delicious, and loaded with veggies. The only change I'd make next time is to season the tofu a little more, maybe with soy sauce.


Starting all the chopping. And yes, that is a vodka-grapefruit to sip while I cook. 5:00 somewhere...

Really, really good!

I have a few food finds that have made life enjoyable:


Add just a dollop of this to sliced cucumbers and onions

For when you need some chocolate - with the added benefit of some fruit

I remember my parents using this in the '60's - salt with some extra flavors
I LOVE grapefruit juice - and now at half the calories! Great for breakfast. Or with vodka. Or with vodka for breakfast. KIDDING!!!

I have to show you this great Under Armour shirt that Erin gave me. I may not be fast, but at least I look cute! (Do my kids know me or what? For Mother's Day I got a healthy cookbook from Emmy, a workout tee from Erin, and a gift card to Mulhalls, my favorite garden center, from Aly and Alex.)


And this is why I work out and try to eat healthy:

We spent some time in the cardiac care unit last week, and this was a visitor across the hall

And on that note, it's time to go rustle up some lunch before I head to the shop. Happy day-after-Memorial-Day!