March 25, 2011

Fitness Friday

9:04 AM 0 Comments
Well here we are again...
I've got to say I was a little disappointed with my weight loss number this week. I know I have to be realistic-I'm not going to lose 2 pounds every week-but I have been super focused on counting my points and watching my portions this week. I know exactly what would boost my weight loss (and metabolism)- exercise! The question is-when?
Yup, back to the night shift problem. One night of work affects 2 days, so by the end of the week, I'm all out of time! I love going to Zumba classes at my gym, but they offer them on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. So, if I work Monday and Wednesday nights (which I typically do), I can't go! One more reason why day shift just makes so much sense : )








I have thought about running. My neighborhood is great for it, and the weather has warmed up quite a bit. But guess what? I hate running. Always have. Believe me, I have tried to enjoy it...but maybe I should try again?
Sorry for the ramblings today- I am using this post as a brainstorm for exercise ideas. I am going to leave you with a tasty WW recipe:




Parmesan-Thyme Popcorn

Need: 
1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is always best)
1 tsp ground thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp table salt
8 cups air popped popcorn (plain), hot
Cooking Spray

Directions:
Mix cheese, thyme, garlic powder and salt in a small bowl. Spray popcorn with a few sprays of the cooking spray. Toss cheese mixture into the popcorn. Delish!
2 cups/serving= 2 points 
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March 21, 2011

Exciting News!

11:02 AM 3 Comments
I bet you thought I was going to announce something super exciting like a new house or pregnancy. Nope! But...at this stage in my life, this is what I get excited about...

I am moving to day shift!
The good news: Same hospital, Same unit, Same type of work...just 7am-7pm rather than 7pm-7am.
The downer: I don't quite know when the move will happen. My manager has to hire and orient somebody to fill my night position, so it may be quite a few weeks. Also, this isn't any closer to my dream of having evenings, weekends, and holidays home...BUT I do get to sleep next to hubby every night and my life can resume some type of normalcy. 

I am super excited for this opportunity, but I am truly going to miss my night shift peers. There is something about nights that brings people closer together. I have made friends with some great people over the last few months, and shift-change catch up will not be enough. Hopefully, I can coordinate some time outside of work to hang out with these ladies. 

In the meantime, I will remain 100% dedicated to my night shift and make the best of the time I have with them. (But of course, secretly be SO excited I don't have to deal with the 6am Motrin rounds!)
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March 17, 2011

An Irish Blessing

1:05 PM 1 Comments
I am maybe 1/16th Irish. I don't get super excited about St. Patrick's Day. I like green, so that's always fun. (Although I am working tonight and our scrubs are all blue...)
What I always think about when St. Patty's Day rolls around is a choir I was in throughout middle school and high school. Georgia Regional Girls Choir is a girls choir separate of school and church. In my 7 years of membership, I formed some amazing bonds with the girls and our director. We traveled together (including Italy!!) and held concerts in venues and street corners. GRGC was a huge part of my high school life.
The GRGC "theme" song is "The Irish Blessing". At the end of every biannual concert, current members and alumni join to sing this anthem-it is an amazing feeling to sing with them again and I try to make it to as many concerts as I can.



So, for me, St. Patrick's Day is not all about drinking and green leprechauns and kissing people. It makes me think of the friendships made and the memories created while in Georgia Regional Girls Choir.



"The Blessing" from our Spring Fling 2003 CD: 
(Sorry about the random pictures-had to make a video to upload an mp3)
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March 16, 2011

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March 12, 2011

Aaaaand...Life

10:33 AM 1 Comments
I have been such a bad blogger lately! I have been really busy with life, and as I go through my day, I think "Oh, this would be great to blog about!" Then I just run out of time!
As I left work Friday morning, I realized that I had been either coming from or going in to work for 8 days straight. Boooo. SO! I am so excited to actually have this weekend off. Oh wait, I am "babysitting" my sisters & Jack all weekend. 2 kids, 2 dogs? How am I even blogging now? Anyway...here are the things that have been on my mind lately:


1. Ben and I celebrated 8 years together on March 3! It is such a blessing to know and love someone for that long.
Can you imagine marrying the dude who took you to Junior Homecoming?

Or Senior Prom?


It is amazing how well we knew each other, yet still learn something new every day!

2. My weight loss challenge has taken a turn...for the better! See my Fitness Friday post for details.

3. I love love love my sorority sisters. One of them recently (and suddenly) lost her brother, and I have received no fewer than 5-10 email exchanges per day planning a care package for her and flowers for her family. The support and love from the sisters is amazing, and I know we are always there for each other during trying times and to celebrate during the joyous moments!





4. Home Buying...what a pain. That is all.

5. I don't know if it's because I am older and pay attention more to world news, but it seems like there have been a lot more natural disasters in the past decade. It's devastating to so many. 

Love to all!
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Fitness Friday

10:28 AM 0 Comments
Well, I finally broke down and joined Weight Watchers online. A friend at work was telling me about the new Points Plus program, and after 2 weeks of trying to stick to the old Points program, I just had to check it out!
The Verdict? LOVE it. I payed for 3 months of online access, which was about $50. After that, I will only pay $17.95 monthly. So worth it!


The old program counted Calories, Fiber, and Fat to make up points. 
The new program counts Fat, Carbs, Fiber, and Protein to make up points plus.


It's a much healthier way of eating, and SO easy to follow. The online system comes with lots of tools for tracking, plus great recipes and food ideas. 
I joined almost 2 weeks ago, and I have lost 3 pounds so far. I don't feel deprived at all. I read an article this morning about losing weight slowly, and how much healthier it is. The program is designed for you to adapt a new lifestyle and a new relationship with food. There is never a "dieting" phase.


I am so excited to continue to see weight come off!
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