Things Currently Pleasing Me
1. My incredibly supportive family. I have always loved my family. I have not always appreciated them the way I should- I am impressed they still talk to me after my teenage years. This year has had a lot of big moments for my family. Back in January, my dad found out he a tumor (benign) on his pituitary gland, it ruptured, and he had to have emergency surgery (I didn't sleep much that night). This is when I really started to realize how often I have taken for granted that my family will always be around when I need them. I have been making a more conscious effort to appreciate my family and to do more with them and for them. They are good about doing for me when I need them, and I hope I'm doing better at reciprocating.
2. My insanely awesome friends. I love that I have friends who enjoy a lot of the same, random, crazy, fun stuff that I do. I also like that they let me be myself, even when I'm losing it, acting like a fool, or just being rather odd. They also know when and how to call me on my shit when I need it. I appreciate the tough love when I'm freaking out about some work issue, some guy, or just anything that's out of my control. We all make time for each other regardless of work, kids, and even if we no longer live in the same city/state. I could start listing the examples from just this year of all the things they have done for me, but I'm not sure I would be able to type it all before my fingers broke from sheer exhaustion. Y'all know what y'all have done, and I hope y'all know how eternally grateful I am. I hope I give them the same amount of time/respect/advice/love/acceptance that they give me. I know that no matter what life hands me, they will be there with a hug and a drink if need be. I am blessed to have such great people for friends.
3. My fantastic new job. Not to say that I have not loved my former students and colleagues, but I feel like I am where I am supposed to be. I actually feel like my supervisors trust me. The students are incredibly sweet, engaged, and respectful. I have been overwhelmed with how much they care for others through their service, and through times when I ask them to write notes of hope, or condolence, or Christmas cards for soldiers. It amazes me how seriously they take it all. I have also loved trying out new project ideas with them since we have more access to technology here than I have ever had before. It's crazy-cool what they come up with when I assign those. I love going there everyday, and I always have some story of the day to tell about why I love those kids. I also really like my colleagues there, they are so funny and helpful. They definitely make it a great community.
4. My wonderful new apartment. It's been six months already that I have been able to call these 460 sq. ft. my own :) I have arranged it and decorated it exactly the way I like it. I have real furniture (mainly thanks to my parents and Memaw) that's not only functional, but cute! I like my neighbors for the most part, and the staff here are always helpful and accommodating. I love living in Midtown- I can walk to so many of my favorite places. And while it may sound lonely to some, I love coming home to my own space where I can just relax and be alone if I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone. Also, I love having people come visit my place- I get to entertain! I even like cleaning it every week. I like having it look nice, even if it's just for me. I also like that get to decorate it for the holidays the way I want.
5. My ever-improving health. Aside from WW (which is totally awesome!), I have also looked into other health issues to make sure I'm okay. I had my moles inspected this year (cancer-free). I found out that two of my neck bones were starting to fuse (yikes, right?), and began going to physical therapy for it. That was one of my scarier health issues this year. Like, I was really worried that I was going to have to have surgery on my neck. And that, just, no, no surgery on my neck, that just won't work for me, it's too freaky and isn't guaranteed to help. Fortunately, the physical therapy has helped immensely- I almost never wake up with any pain, and I don't have to take my muscle relaxer pills anymore. I also got discharged from physical therapy a few weeks ago because he agreed that I was good again. Anyways, I like that I care about my health and that in addition to the weekly work outs and counting points, I am also staying on top of other big health issues as they arise. It makes me feel like a real adult.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
11/25- I know how it feels to be your age; you only have to do it once and never again.
Weight Loss for the Week: .5lbs
I did pretty well tracking points this week, planning ahead, and working out. I do think it's time to look into a gym membership though. There are fewer and fewer daylight hours, and it's getting a lot colder. I have put off looking into gyms for quite some time now because I like exercising outside. I like breathing the fresh air, I like seeing my neighborhood, and I like watching the seasons change. But now, I think it's time to see about joining a gym so I can keep exercising regularly, and maybe look into some exercises I can't just do on my own- or maybe some classes :)
School was pretty good this week. I got to chaperone the Sophomore Retreat on Friday. I actually enjoyed it- I got some work done when they were in their small groups, I got to see them in a more natural setting for them which was nice, and I learned about a few talents they have- like the ones who play in bands and are really good. It was a nice way to end the week. Now, I'm just getting stuff ready for a really short week with my classes. It will be a lot of presenting since we are done with our last units and it's not enough time to start new units.
I have had a nice weekend. I went out with Kerry to Slider :) I think they missed us there, it's been awhile since we graced them with our presence. It was a good Girls' Night- just what I needed to escape my own crap. Plus, she always has good advice and tough love tips to make me not dwell so much. My mom and I went to the Grizzlies v. Spurs game- and while they lost, we still had fun. I am proud to announce that I am almost done with my Christmas shopping, I only need a few more gifts, and then I can call it a day with that. Oh, and I can focus on baking. It may be a bit more limited this year since I do not have a lot of space in my fridge and freezer, but it will be fine.
Finally, I had over 300 people read the post I wrote on Wednesday. Thank you for your interest, and thank you to those who wrote supportive comments. Every time you realize you care about someone who doesn't care that much about you, it's hard. You'd think we would all start figuring it out sooner, but I know people far older than I who still go through this. Maybe I could care less, maybe I could be meaner, maybe I could become cynical and assume the worst in people. But, that would just be too negative an existence to live- for me anyways. Instead, I will keep working on seeing the positive while at the same time not allowing myself to be placed in the role of a placeholder now or a consolation prize later. I love myself too much for that.
At Slider- oh, did I mention I got my hair cut? Cute, right?
New shirt- love this slogan!
Tip of the Week: Never take yourself or your feelings for granted. Don't let others take you for granted either.
Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Popcorn- love this because it's crunchy, salty, and sweet! And I can make it and eat off of it for a few days :)
Ingredients:
6 cups air-popped popcorn
3-4 tbsp. light butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips
Pop the popcorn, melt the butter (and the chocolate chips if you are that skilled), mix together. Makes 3-4 servings- 5-7 points depending on how you split it.
Now, time to finish grading and prepping
I did pretty well tracking points this week, planning ahead, and working out. I do think it's time to look into a gym membership though. There are fewer and fewer daylight hours, and it's getting a lot colder. I have put off looking into gyms for quite some time now because I like exercising outside. I like breathing the fresh air, I like seeing my neighborhood, and I like watching the seasons change. But now, I think it's time to see about joining a gym so I can keep exercising regularly, and maybe look into some exercises I can't just do on my own- or maybe some classes :)
School was pretty good this week. I got to chaperone the Sophomore Retreat on Friday. I actually enjoyed it- I got some work done when they were in their small groups, I got to see them in a more natural setting for them which was nice, and I learned about a few talents they have- like the ones who play in bands and are really good. It was a nice way to end the week. Now, I'm just getting stuff ready for a really short week with my classes. It will be a lot of presenting since we are done with our last units and it's not enough time to start new units.
I have had a nice weekend. I went out with Kerry to Slider :) I think they missed us there, it's been awhile since we graced them with our presence. It was a good Girls' Night- just what I needed to escape my own crap. Plus, she always has good advice and tough love tips to make me not dwell so much. My mom and I went to the Grizzlies v. Spurs game- and while they lost, we still had fun. I am proud to announce that I am almost done with my Christmas shopping, I only need a few more gifts, and then I can call it a day with that. Oh, and I can focus on baking. It may be a bit more limited this year since I do not have a lot of space in my fridge and freezer, but it will be fine.
Finally, I had over 300 people read the post I wrote on Wednesday. Thank you for your interest, and thank you to those who wrote supportive comments. Every time you realize you care about someone who doesn't care that much about you, it's hard. You'd think we would all start figuring it out sooner, but I know people far older than I who still go through this. Maybe I could care less, maybe I could be meaner, maybe I could become cynical and assume the worst in people. But, that would just be too negative an existence to live- for me anyways. Instead, I will keep working on seeing the positive while at the same time not allowing myself to be placed in the role of a placeholder now or a consolation prize later. I love myself too much for that.
At Slider- oh, did I mention I got my hair cut? Cute, right?
New shirt- love this slogan!
Chocolate Popcorn
Tip of the Week: Never take yourself or your feelings for granted. Don't let others take you for granted either.
Recipe of the Week: Chocolate Popcorn- love this because it's crunchy, salty, and sweet! And I can make it and eat off of it for a few days :)
Ingredients:
6 cups air-popped popcorn
3-4 tbsp. light butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips
Pop the popcorn, melt the butter (and the chocolate chips if you are that skilled), mix together. Makes 3-4 servings- 5-7 points depending on how you split it.
Now, time to finish grading and prepping
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
11/20- It's the terror of knowing what this world is about
Things Currently Pissing Me Off:
1. Being too intimidating for nice guys to even consider dating
me. That’s what I heard most recently.
So, what, now just because I’m not some dumb bimbo, I get stuck with
assholes? Nice guys, grow a pair. I’m competent. I’m capable. I’m educated. I’m
ambitious. I understand that it apparently comes off as aggressive and bitchy
because I’m a woman. Get over it. Just because I’m not some damsel in distress
at all times does not mean I don’t want to feel wanted or needed. Being a
strong woman does not mean I don’t have weaknesses. I’m still just as
vulnerable as the next woman to having my heart broken. The only difference is
that I do my best to keep it together and keep my emotions in check when I’m in
public. It doesn’t mean I’m not hurting. It doesn’t mean I don’t care.
2. Flirting, or my inability to do so. I never quite acquired
the skill that so many of my sex just naturally have. I am awkward. I would
rather have a real and honest conversation any day than just flirt. It’s so
fake, so phony, such bullshit. I find it fun and amusing for, oh, about
five-ten minutes, then I’m over it. At that point, I want to know who you
actually are so I can determine if you’re worth my time. The problem is most
guys think that means I don’t like them. So, I don’t even get considered for a
date or a drink. Or maybe they just don’t like me. I don’t know. I’ve posted
before about how I feel about all of this, but it’s been bugging me much more
recently, so I’m just restating it. For more, see the post back in June or July.
3. All of these recent posts poking fun at overweight
women. How dare you make fun of
very serious issues in these people’s lives. It’s almost impossible to be fat
in this society and be comfortable, but now, you have to take pictures and put
your degrading comments on them? And then the rest of you share them and laugh?
You’re my friends and my relatives. Does that mean you think I, too, deserve to
have my photo taken at an unflattering angle and posted all over the internet
with some, oh degrading isn’t even the word- it’s too nice for crap you’re
pulling, some heartless, insensitive joke on it? Because that is all I can think
when I see them. It tells me you think I deserve the same fate. And it makes me
not want to deal with you.
4. The glorification of busy, and everyone’s attempts to out-do
each other’s busy. WE ARE ALL BUSY. WE ALL HAVE LIVES. Saying you can’t see
someone, do something, or whatever because you are always too busy just means
you don’t care. Don’t get me wrong, I know there are times when you really are
too busy to deal with anything but your own insane life, but there are also
times when you’re not and you just excuse it away as too busy. When something
or someone truly matters, you need to make the time. You never know when you
will lose the chance to do so again. Also, quit trying to tell me your busy it
more important or busier than someone else’s busy. Each and every one of us has
our own life to lead and purpose to fulfill. It means that right now, I am a
teacher, a daughter, a friend, a granddaughter, a sister, a stepdaughter, a
colleague, a traveler, and whatever other labels currently apply. I cannot and
will not compete with you and your busy life as a mother, a grad student, a
lawyer, a wife, a nurse, a doctor, a social worker, a writer, and whatever
other labels currently apply to you. I will respect your life and hope that you
respect mine, and I will not try to undermine your moments of insanity by
claiming that mine are worse. No one wants to hear that, they just want to be
heard. And I hope that if we each care about each other, we will find the time
in our busy lives to spend time together.
5. Name-calling, blaming everyone else, and all the issues that
come with that. This applies to so many things in our society. Quit focusing on
who is at fault and start figuring out what to do to solve the problem. I don’t
care if it’s the government shutdown, the typhoon, education issues, or your
own personal issues. We waste more time trying to assign blame for our problems
than we do trying to actually fix our problems.
We need to be accountable, and we need to understand that some problems
are incredibly complex. So few things in this world are black and white. We
live in the gray, and we need to understand that. It means that we can’t always
point the finger and pass the issue along. Sometimes, we just have to deal with
it and fix it ourselves. And honestly, sometimes when we do know whose fault it
is, we can’t make them fix it and/or they won’t fix it. We have to move on and
start being a part of the solution.
Okay, venting done, back to the routine.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
11/17- Come on, come on, move a little closer, come on, come on, I wanna hear you whisper
Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs
I did well tracking points this week. I did not get in all my walks this week. And I splurged this weekend more than I should have. Live and learn. Also, just live. It's what I like about WW. I can have a week where maybe I'm not perfect, good, but not perfect, but it doesn't mean it's all over and I'm going to revert back to my old ways. I simply start fresh with the new week and do my best to do better. It's realistic. It makes me realistic. That's the main reason I keep doing it.
School was fine this week, the kids are definitely ready for Thanksgiving- and so are the teachers! One and a half more weeks, we'll be fine. I finished units in both classes, now it's time to get ready for tests and follow-up activities this week. I will also be helping out with the Sophomore Class Retreat this Friday, and I'm actually pretty excited about it. I loved retreats in high school, and I hope this one is a good opportunity for bonding and faith activities for the kids.
I also had a busy social life this week. I tried out Theology on Tap this Tuesday. It was all about the development of the New Testament, so it was a lot of information I did not know but hope to apply to my teachings. Wednesday, I went to the Grizzlies game with Mom- fun even though they lost! Friday, Sunshine and I went out for dinner and a movie- go see Last Vegas! It's so funny! I have also started my Christmas shopping this past week. I'm not buying any big-ticket items, but it still all adds up. So, I decided to space it out as best I can.
Yesterday, I woke up early and went to help one of my mom's friends with setting up her yard sale. Doing things like that always make me wonder what will happen with all of my things down the line. Will my future kiddos want any of it? Will it be sold? Will it just get tossed in a dumpster? Who knows... Anyways, I definitely got my work out helping with that. Plus, I got 16 books, ornaments, and a Christmas wine glass (in addition to getting paid)! A very lucrative morning for me. Then, I crashed- hard. I finally got myself up, and then I got ready for my cousin Jamiee's wedding.
The wedding was very nice. It was great to see relatives I have not seen in awhile. It's amazing how much things change, and don't change, over the years. Anyways, the ceremony was very sweet and intimate. The food was tasty :) And we all laughed quite a bit throughout the reception. Weddings are always so much fun, hectic for those planning and/or in the bridal party, but still, so much fun! I was so glad to be included in the festivities.
Today, I went to Mass, did the regular chores around the apartment, and got my lessons planned before heading to my goddaughter's third birthday party. It was a total Princess Party! And she was so adorable all decked out in pink from head to toe. Amy outdid herself with the decorations for the party. And the food, most especially the Princess cake, was delish! I cannot believe she's already three- I remember when she was born, so tiny, but so strong. Now, she's so big, you'd think she was four, not three. Crazy how time flies. After the party, I came home and finished getting ready for the week ahead.
Grizzlies v. Raptors
Newlyweds!
Cousins!
Lizzy blowing out her candle!
Tip of the Week: Keep freak outs to a minimum, most things aren't worth the stress they cause.
Recipe of the Week: http://www.fitsugar.com/Low-Calorie-Crock-Pot-Recipes-28437951
Now, I think it's time for a relaxing bubble bath before beginning this week :)
I did well tracking points this week. I did not get in all my walks this week. And I splurged this weekend more than I should have. Live and learn. Also, just live. It's what I like about WW. I can have a week where maybe I'm not perfect, good, but not perfect, but it doesn't mean it's all over and I'm going to revert back to my old ways. I simply start fresh with the new week and do my best to do better. It's realistic. It makes me realistic. That's the main reason I keep doing it.
School was fine this week, the kids are definitely ready for Thanksgiving- and so are the teachers! One and a half more weeks, we'll be fine. I finished units in both classes, now it's time to get ready for tests and follow-up activities this week. I will also be helping out with the Sophomore Class Retreat this Friday, and I'm actually pretty excited about it. I loved retreats in high school, and I hope this one is a good opportunity for bonding and faith activities for the kids.
I also had a busy social life this week. I tried out Theology on Tap this Tuesday. It was all about the development of the New Testament, so it was a lot of information I did not know but hope to apply to my teachings. Wednesday, I went to the Grizzlies game with Mom- fun even though they lost! Friday, Sunshine and I went out for dinner and a movie- go see Last Vegas! It's so funny! I have also started my Christmas shopping this past week. I'm not buying any big-ticket items, but it still all adds up. So, I decided to space it out as best I can.
Yesterday, I woke up early and went to help one of my mom's friends with setting up her yard sale. Doing things like that always make me wonder what will happen with all of my things down the line. Will my future kiddos want any of it? Will it be sold? Will it just get tossed in a dumpster? Who knows... Anyways, I definitely got my work out helping with that. Plus, I got 16 books, ornaments, and a Christmas wine glass (in addition to getting paid)! A very lucrative morning for me. Then, I crashed- hard. I finally got myself up, and then I got ready for my cousin Jamiee's wedding.
The wedding was very nice. It was great to see relatives I have not seen in awhile. It's amazing how much things change, and don't change, over the years. Anyways, the ceremony was very sweet and intimate. The food was tasty :) And we all laughed quite a bit throughout the reception. Weddings are always so much fun, hectic for those planning and/or in the bridal party, but still, so much fun! I was so glad to be included in the festivities.
Today, I went to Mass, did the regular chores around the apartment, and got my lessons planned before heading to my goddaughter's third birthday party. It was a total Princess Party! And she was so adorable all decked out in pink from head to toe. Amy outdid herself with the decorations for the party. And the food, most especially the Princess cake, was delish! I cannot believe she's already three- I remember when she was born, so tiny, but so strong. Now, she's so big, you'd think she was four, not three. Crazy how time flies. After the party, I came home and finished getting ready for the week ahead.
Grizzlies v. Raptors
Newlyweds!
Cousins!
Lizzy blowing out her candle!
Tip of the Week: Keep freak outs to a minimum, most things aren't worth the stress they cause.
Recipe of the Week: http://www.fitsugar.com/Low-Calorie-Crock-Pot-Recipes-28437951
Now, I think it's time for a relaxing bubble bath before beginning this week :)
Sunday, November 10, 2013
11/10- Yeah, I'll tell you something I think you'll understand
Weight Loss for the Week: 1lb
I did well tracking all my food and activities this week. I had been slacking a bit the previous few weeks, forgetting a snack here, a dessert there. And that was not good, it happens, but it was not good. This week, I got back on track and stayed on top of all my tracking. It worked :) I got in some of my walks this week which was good. I enjoy walking around the neighborhood and park and seeing all the leaves changing colors. It's just such a pretty time of year, and I'm glad I get the time to properly appreciate it.
School was fine this week. My Theology classes have had class Masses this week, which has meant me staying on top of who is where in terms of the unit. One more class with a Mass this upcoming week, and then it's back to normal- well, as normal as we ever are ;) I had my Brit Lit kids present their Prezis, and I think they turned out pretty well. Definitely some good student work samples for the future.
I had a fairly social week this week. I went to the Grizzlies game on Monday with my mom- THEY WON!!! Tuesday night, I met up with Stephanie to try Greencork out finally- very tasty, totally a fun place for a girls' night :) Wednesday, I had dinner with my brother since I hadn't seen him in awhile. It was nice, busy, but nice. I ended up staying in on Friday just to catch up on some rest and relaxation.
Saturday, I went to the Dixon with my mom to see the leaves changing colors. Afterwards, I went with my mom and Memaw to Hallmark to see all the Christmas decorations, ornaments, and the like (stop judging, I have put nothing out for that holiday, I still have my fall decorations up for Thanksgiving). Then, we had lunch at Humdinger's which was fun. I then went to Book Club at Sunshine's where we discussed how we read another book with an unsatisfying ending. Hopefully, next month's book will be better in that regard. After that, I relaxed some, ran a few errands, and then did some early holiday shopping (again, no judging).
Today, I went to mass and fellowship with a friend. I ran more errands (adulthood is every bit as exciting as I thought it would be, must say). Then, I decided to make one of my favorite fall dishes- Penne with Ham in a Pumpkin Cream Sauce. I first had this in New Jersey when I was visiting family on my way back home from my brief stint as a nanny. My cousin Jennifer made it, and I was hooked. I got the recipe then and there, and have been making it ever since. It's just so tasty and filling and has all the right flavors for a crisp fall day. I look forward to eating it throughout the week :)
At the Grizzlies game.
With Stephanie at Greencork
Leaf on rocks at the Dixon
Book Club :)
Penne with Ham in a Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Tip of the Week: Be able to be goofy and laugh at yourself. It will help keep you sane.
Recipe of the Week:
Now, time to make sure I'm prepared for the week ahead.
I did well tracking all my food and activities this week. I had been slacking a bit the previous few weeks, forgetting a snack here, a dessert there. And that was not good, it happens, but it was not good. This week, I got back on track and stayed on top of all my tracking. It worked :) I got in some of my walks this week which was good. I enjoy walking around the neighborhood and park and seeing all the leaves changing colors. It's just such a pretty time of year, and I'm glad I get the time to properly appreciate it.
School was fine this week. My Theology classes have had class Masses this week, which has meant me staying on top of who is where in terms of the unit. One more class with a Mass this upcoming week, and then it's back to normal- well, as normal as we ever are ;) I had my Brit Lit kids present their Prezis, and I think they turned out pretty well. Definitely some good student work samples for the future.
I had a fairly social week this week. I went to the Grizzlies game on Monday with my mom- THEY WON!!! Tuesday night, I met up with Stephanie to try Greencork out finally- very tasty, totally a fun place for a girls' night :) Wednesday, I had dinner with my brother since I hadn't seen him in awhile. It was nice, busy, but nice. I ended up staying in on Friday just to catch up on some rest and relaxation.
Saturday, I went to the Dixon with my mom to see the leaves changing colors. Afterwards, I went with my mom and Memaw to Hallmark to see all the Christmas decorations, ornaments, and the like (stop judging, I have put nothing out for that holiday, I still have my fall decorations up for Thanksgiving). Then, we had lunch at Humdinger's which was fun. I then went to Book Club at Sunshine's where we discussed how we read another book with an unsatisfying ending. Hopefully, next month's book will be better in that regard. After that, I relaxed some, ran a few errands, and then did some early holiday shopping (again, no judging).
Today, I went to mass and fellowship with a friend. I ran more errands (adulthood is every bit as exciting as I thought it would be, must say). Then, I decided to make one of my favorite fall dishes- Penne with Ham in a Pumpkin Cream Sauce. I first had this in New Jersey when I was visiting family on my way back home from my brief stint as a nanny. My cousin Jennifer made it, and I was hooked. I got the recipe then and there, and have been making it ever since. It's just so tasty and filling and has all the right flavors for a crisp fall day. I look forward to eating it throughout the week :)
At the Grizzlies game.
With Stephanie at Greencork
Leaf on rocks at the Dixon
Book Club :)
Penne with Ham in a Pumpkin Cream Sauce
Tip of the Week: Be able to be goofy and laugh at yourself. It will help keep you sane.
Recipe of the Week:
Penne
with Ham in a Pumpkin Cream Sauce- 8 WW points
1
lb. Penne Pasta
2 tbsp. Butter
1½ cup Onion, chopped (you can use less if you don't like onion as much, and more if you do)
Salt & Pepper, to taste
15 oz. can Pure Pumpkin Puree (the stuff you make pumpkin pies with)
1 cup Heavy Cream (may be labeled as heavy whipping cream)
½ cup grated Parmesan Cheese
¼ cup Parsley, chopped
1-1½ cup chopped Ham or Turkey (or whatever meat you think will go well in this dish)
2 tbsp. Butter
1½ cup Onion, chopped (you can use less if you don't like onion as much, and more if you do)
Salt & Pepper, to taste
15 oz. can Pure Pumpkin Puree (the stuff you make pumpkin pies with)
1 cup Heavy Cream (may be labeled as heavy whipping cream)
½ cup grated Parmesan Cheese
¼ cup Parsley, chopped
1-1½ cup chopped Ham or Turkey (or whatever meat you think will go well in this dish)
In
a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain,
reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium low heat. Add onion and ham/turkey, then season; cook, stirring, until softened (about 6 minutes). Stir in the pumpkin and heavy cream and bring to a boil. Return the pasta to the pot with the reserved pasta cooking water and toss. Stir in the parmesan.
Top the pasta with the parsley and more parmesan.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium low heat. Add onion and ham/turkey, then season; cook, stirring, until softened (about 6 minutes). Stir in the pumpkin and heavy cream and bring to a boil. Return the pasta to the pot with the reserved pasta cooking water and toss. Stir in the parmesan.
Top the pasta with the parsley and more parmesan.
Makes 8 servings at 8 WW points.
Now, time to make sure I'm prepared for the week ahead.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
11/3- I don't care, I'm still free. You can't take the sky from me.
Weight Loss for the Week: 0lbs
Another week has come and gone, and suddenly it's November. We have less than sixty days left of this year. Weird to think about, huh? I swear, the older I get, the faster time goes by, and I start forgetting what month it is only to be fairly surprised when I do realize it. I'm happy with life for the most part, though, and I feel like I tend to accomplish what I need to and want to accomplish, so it's a good thing.
School was good this week. All my classes had tests the day before Halloween (at least it wasn't on Halloween, right?) which means new units are set to begin this week. On Halloween, since it was a jeans day, Halloween, and the last day before a three-day weekend, I decided not to fight it. My Theology students got to hear a discussion on Angels, Demons, and Exorcisms. My Brit Lit kids got to write and present Horror Stories. All in all, it went pretty well, and I got to prep for this week a good bit, which was very nice. It meant I definitely got to enjoy my weekend.
I have gotten to see a lot of my friends this week, i.e. my week was awesome. I went to dinner Wednesday night with Martha and Katey and laughed so hard I'm sure other tables were looking at us. I stopped to see Amy and the kids on Halloween before they went out. I considered joining them, but I was getting tired and my pajama's were calling my name. I did stop and see Ashly for a little bit before she went to get her paint on :) Friday, I went to Mass and lunch with Memaw and we caught up on each other's lives. Then, that evening was the last Cocktails for a Cause for the year. Martha finally got to come! She, Kerry, and Brittany and I had fun chatting, and eating, and all that good stuff.
Saturday, Mom and I went to the Zoo and visited all the animals. Then, we got lunch at Stone Soup (Memaw, don't be too mad). Afterwards, I decided I was tired of my closet exploding. So, I went through all my clothes- All. My. Clothes.- and I ended up donating a rather large bag of them to the Goodwill. I have had "Firefly" on in the background most of this weekend while puttering about the apartment and all that fun stuff. Nathan Fillion, why are you so handsome? I ended up having a late dinner with Sunshine during which we were treated to a nearby table singing all of Michael Jackson's greatest hits.
Today, I felt like I got to sleep in thanks to gaining an hour. I went to Mass, cleaned the apartment, ran errands, and made some food for the week. Since I got most of this week prepped last Thursday, I feel like I'm forgetting something. I keep double checking to make sure I really am ready for tomorrow. Is this what being on top of things feels like? I suppose so. Just another reason to be happy today :) That's the other nice thing from this week- Diane sent me a message telling me how happy I look these days. She's right, I am pretty happy these days. I love teaching at SBA. I love living on my own. I love living in Midtown. I love how wonderfully supportive my family is. I love how awesome and hysterical my friends are. I just love it all :)
Oven-Roasted Vegetables with Chicken and Cheese Sauce
My Jack-O-Lantern
Sizing each other up
Leaves changing colors
Tip of the Week: Never take your friends for granted.
Recipe of the Week: Oven-Roasted Vegetables with Chicken and Cheese Sauce- 8 points
Half of a Tomato
Third of an Onion
Whole Bell Pepper
1 cup Chicken Breast
1/3 cup Cheese Dip
Slice up vegetables, lightly coat them with olive oil in a casserole dish. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and any other seasonings you wish. Roast them at 350 for about 15 minutes. Add chicken now, if already cooked (if not cooked, add in the beginning). Roast for another 10 minutes. Place on plate, drizzle cheese dip. Enjoy!
Now, back to my "Firefly" marathon :)
Another week has come and gone, and suddenly it's November. We have less than sixty days left of this year. Weird to think about, huh? I swear, the older I get, the faster time goes by, and I start forgetting what month it is only to be fairly surprised when I do realize it. I'm happy with life for the most part, though, and I feel like I tend to accomplish what I need to and want to accomplish, so it's a good thing.
School was good this week. All my classes had tests the day before Halloween (at least it wasn't on Halloween, right?) which means new units are set to begin this week. On Halloween, since it was a jeans day, Halloween, and the last day before a three-day weekend, I decided not to fight it. My Theology students got to hear a discussion on Angels, Demons, and Exorcisms. My Brit Lit kids got to write and present Horror Stories. All in all, it went pretty well, and I got to prep for this week a good bit, which was very nice. It meant I definitely got to enjoy my weekend.
I have gotten to see a lot of my friends this week, i.e. my week was awesome. I went to dinner Wednesday night with Martha and Katey and laughed so hard I'm sure other tables were looking at us. I stopped to see Amy and the kids on Halloween before they went out. I considered joining them, but I was getting tired and my pajama's were calling my name. I did stop and see Ashly for a little bit before she went to get her paint on :) Friday, I went to Mass and lunch with Memaw and we caught up on each other's lives. Then, that evening was the last Cocktails for a Cause for the year. Martha finally got to come! She, Kerry, and Brittany and I had fun chatting, and eating, and all that good stuff.
Saturday, Mom and I went to the Zoo and visited all the animals. Then, we got lunch at Stone Soup (Memaw, don't be too mad). Afterwards, I decided I was tired of my closet exploding. So, I went through all my clothes- All. My. Clothes.- and I ended up donating a rather large bag of them to the Goodwill. I have had "Firefly" on in the background most of this weekend while puttering about the apartment and all that fun stuff. Nathan Fillion, why are you so handsome? I ended up having a late dinner with Sunshine during which we were treated to a nearby table singing all of Michael Jackson's greatest hits.
Today, I felt like I got to sleep in thanks to gaining an hour. I went to Mass, cleaned the apartment, ran errands, and made some food for the week. Since I got most of this week prepped last Thursday, I feel like I'm forgetting something. I keep double checking to make sure I really am ready for tomorrow. Is this what being on top of things feels like? I suppose so. Just another reason to be happy today :) That's the other nice thing from this week- Diane sent me a message telling me how happy I look these days. She's right, I am pretty happy these days. I love teaching at SBA. I love living on my own. I love living in Midtown. I love how wonderfully supportive my family is. I love how awesome and hysterical my friends are. I just love it all :)
Oven-Roasted Vegetables with Chicken and Cheese Sauce
My Jack-O-Lantern
Sizing each other up
Leaves changing colors
Tip of the Week: Never take your friends for granted.
Recipe of the Week: Oven-Roasted Vegetables with Chicken and Cheese Sauce- 8 points
Half of a Tomato
Third of an Onion
Whole Bell Pepper
1 cup Chicken Breast
1/3 cup Cheese Dip
Slice up vegetables, lightly coat them with olive oil in a casserole dish. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and any other seasonings you wish. Roast them at 350 for about 15 minutes. Add chicken now, if already cooked (if not cooked, add in the beginning). Roast for another 10 minutes. Place on plate, drizzle cheese dip. Enjoy!
Now, back to my "Firefly" marathon :)
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