The OMG Booth, The Hills, The Sickness

Who says you can't have fun with the people you work with?! This is extremely important to me, especially as of late being that I've been working far, far more than a standard 40-hour-workweek. I know it will get more reasonable and my life will get more balanced (2012?! Q1?! Yes!). Anyway, I think I mentioned a plethora of end-of-year celebrations - everything from my leadership program graduation celebration to my team luncheon, department party and company holiday party. Here are pics from the department one! My team is part of the Marketing Department, and our awesome CMO rents out Eclipse Di Luna each year for a luncheon where awards are given, tons of door prizes (i'm talking iPad 2s, Kindle fires, etc.) are given and it's just kind of awesome. We get out at 2 and we're welcome to leave, or stick around and drink open tab until 5. GOOD times, friends! They also do a photo booth - why not, right?! So in addition to a yummy lunch and prizes (I only won a $50 gas card - not too bad though, right?!), I have these photos to commemorate my time with my company and co-workers/friends!

Love these peeps - been working with all 3 of them for 6 years!! So glad we took an 'old school' crew pic

The team! Well, minus Todd and our soon-to-be boss Randy on 1/3 and our soon to be associate manager Leslie on 1/9!

Stacy & I: Take 1 - I thought I looked goofy

Stacy & I: Take 2 - we were both disappointed and felt we looked ridiculous

Stacy & I: Take 3 - we went with this one - at this point we were laughing so hard we thought it best to just walk away !

Me, Stacy & our new Peeps who are AWESOME: Ali & Amanda!

There you have it, folks, pics from a work celebration - do you see why I like working with these people?! In all seriousness though, I feel so lucky and fortunate to be at a company that takes care of its peeps, does fun things like this in part to celebrate, in part to team build, but also to recognize all of the hard work everyone did throughout the year!

Back to life, back to reality. I've been in bed sick. I have some kind of funky/sinus infectiony/misery - grrrr. All I've seen is this:

Yes, it turns out I had stopped watching the Hills at Season 3.  The apparently made 3 more seasons and for some reason I thought it would be "funny" to watch one and see where I left off. Well I got sucked back in and have been watching it nonstop - eek! Save me! LOL

Q: Any holiday work parties for you?


Q: Photo booths: love 'em or hate 'em?


Q: The Hills: yay or nay?!

Time for NYC

Guess who leaves for NYC in a few hours?

Yes, me and Austin are off to the airport yet again, but this time for a fun NY trip - woo! We're going to visit our friend Tyson at his place in the West Village! He turns the big 30 so we must celebrate - stat. P.S. The picture above was brought to you by my friend Mary's late night picture taking on her birthday - thanks for the unflattering shots, Mary T!

So all that's been up on my end is MAJOR catching up on your bloggies and MAJOR stomach issues. Like, there is a bug going around and I have it. No workouts for me - just pain. SAD. Hopefully it's passed - i'm on medicine today and am, fingers crossed, not sick anymore. So yesterday was just work... no gym... just packing and resting and drinking fluids. EW! I ended up at 1,750 calories, 235 carbs, 40 fat grams and 98 protein grams. Here's what I ate.

A note about weight: When I left town for Punta Cana on Wednesday I was at 121. Almost a week later, on Tuesday morning, I was at 123.5 (so 2.5 weight gain on the trip). Then Wednesday I was at 122, and today 121. So i'm back where I started, but wonder if it's just the stomach bugg - eek!

Do you typically gain weight on vacay?

Have you been to NYC? If so, what's your favorite thing to do there/place to visit/eat/etc?!

Also, wanted to say thank you, thank you thank you for all of your sweet comments on our vacay photo posts! We had SUCH A FREAKING BLAST and I really appreciate you popping over even though I wasn't able to visit you as much as normal!

House Facelift, Feeling Better, Prednisone Warranted Fears

Thanks you guys! I’m already feeling better, although the doctor said I would as it’s the steroids masking my pain. Haha Made me laugh because I’m twisted that way. I’m still not believing I’m actually taking the dreaded prednisone. They wouldn’t give me the shot (which always makes me feel better and never makes me gain 10+ pounds), but me and the prednisone go WAY back. Back to when I was a 17-year-old size-zero senior who was on them for a month. Hello size 8. I mean really. In a MONTH. Scare bear. (not being a size 8, just going from such extremes in so short of time!) I haven’t taken it since but I’m on a week’s dosage and REALLY want to feel better so I’m taking them – wish me luck!

So today a few exciting things happened! Well, really, just one. I don’t get out much. We had our trees cut down! Here’s some before and after’s!!

Before (note the for sale sign during March 2009) I vividly remember saying, "love the house, hate the trees." I've since been calling them, as my sister coined, the tree monsters.

After (and exactly 1 year later; March 2010)

Close up

Close up of the two!

I'm pretty happy! Stacy says, "it looks like your house got its eyebrows waxed." I totally agree, and I think it's like a haircut, it takes some getting used to! Devon agrees, we definitely need to remove that bush "the gum drop" in the front by itself looking all random. Sidebar to laura: Stacy doesn't live in Acworth - her party was there at her future in-laws - that commute would be awful! She lives in Smyrna!

My only complaint? I asked for 6' tall. It's on the quote. These seem 5' to me... I know that may seem picky, but that's like 15% shorter... I'm going to measure later when Austin gets home...

What do you think?

Other than the trees it was a pretty normal day. Just work, took lunch to cook green salsa chimichangas and easy thai curry. Tomorrow i'm off work and plan to cook for the party, chill, go banking, etc. I love saying "go banking" rather than "go to the bank" - it sounds so much spicier. And it's fun because my friend Lauren works there - I already FBed to make sure she'd be in so I can make the visit more fun. If only I knew someone who worked at a gas station - i'm REALLY bad about going there (really bad...) but if it was a social call I feel certain I would! I'm rambling...

So you may be wondering, what in the H has that little Reuben been up to? Burning question, right? Mostly just this...

Yeah, I don't feel like a dummy at all for spending $ on new toys... He's also SUPER excited as his best friends, Cassie and Daisy, are coming in town this weekend via Teresa & Forrest - woo! Here's a pic of them tailgating a couple years back. I mean really - be cuter.

I'll have to get an updated pic of them this weekend in their green gear!!

Are you doing anything fun for St. Patty's?! We have a beer fest! I hope i'm feeling better.

Evil Girl Scouts, 7 miles, New Recipe, Sicky…

Long time no type! Eek! Here’s why…

Monday I woke up feeling sick. You know, runny nose, sore throat, burning eyes, etc. Grrrr. I tried to push it away and walked 4 miles at work, and even went wedding dress shopping with Stacy and her mom, future MIL, dad’s girlfriend and another BM – then when I got in at 9 p.m. it was like full on sickness. Benadryl and bed for me! I ended up at 1,893 calories, 237 carbs, 53 fat grams and 92 protein grams. Here’s what I ate. Yes, girl scout cookies were delivered that morning. Evil cookies. And Stacy’s sweet BM brought champagne, brownies and TJ’s dark chocolate hearts. Evil girl. J

Tuesday I woke up feeling sicker. I tried to push through, walked 3 miles at lunch, had lots ‘o meetings but just felt crappy! I headed straight home after work, making a few pit stops along the way – Party City for some St. Patty’s supplies, and Sears for a folding table and new cooler! Then I got home and passed out… woke up, made stuffed shells and packed Wednesday’s lunch bag/gym bag, then out again. I ended up at 1,616 calories, 209 carbs, 49 fat grams and 78 protein grams. Here’s what I ate. Damn those thin mints.

We got this - but in a graphite color. We were torn on getting stainless vs. something more 'outdoorsy.' We looked around and decided this may be best for leaving outdoor, no rust, etc.! I'm happy about it!

Today I woke up feeling like a total Benadryl zombie with the nastiest cough. I told myself to go in and just make it until lunch, then if I don’t feel good I’ll go home. Well, it was raining, so it took me over an hour to get in. Then I got to work, got lots done, had lunch but couldn’t make it anymore! At a little after 2 p.m. I forfeited, got gas, and hit up the doctor’s office. Sinus infection fo sho. At least nothing more. So off to the pharmacy for antibiotics, prescription cough syrup, steroids and afrin. Then back home to bed for water, rest and Gossip Girl/90210/Melrose – the usual suspects are BACK!

I HATE being sick. I seriously get angry when my body makes me slow down! I feel behind on my cooking, workouts, etc. – but what are you going to do? I have to heal and get better… GRRR.

So to not leave you with a boring, pictureless post – here is the new recipe I made on Sunday night (which by the way – I ended up at 1,403 calories, 171 carbs, 43 fat grams and 79 protein grams – here’s what I ate.). Another from Gina’s Weight Watchers Kitchen – just adapted a bit and I used chicken instead of shrimp! Here goes:

Garlic Chicken in Coconut Milk, Tomatoes and Cilantro for FOUR


1 pound chicken, defrosted
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
4 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
1/2 cup cilantro, diced
3 tsp minced garlic, jarred
sea salt
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
14 oz can light coconut milk
2 tsp lime juice

close up shot - love how CREAMY it was - nom nom nom

In a medium pot, heat oil on low. Add red peppers and sauté until soft (about 3 minutes). Add scallion whites, 1/4 cup cilantro, red pepper flakes and garlic. Cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes, coconut milk and salt to taste, cover and simmer on low about 10 minutes to let the flavors blend together and to thicken the sauce. Add chicken, put lid back on, and cook 10 minutes. Shred chicken into medium-size chunks. Add lime juice. To serve, divide equally among 4 bowls and top with scallions and cilantro. Serve over rice. (I used basmati rice – 1 1/3 cup rice; 2 2/3 cups water). Nutritional Information: 432 calories, 8 fat grams, 56 carbs and 31 protein grams.

It was REALLY good you guys! Very soupy and “restaurant-like” per Austin! It tasted like a panang curry sauce, we added extra red pepper flakes and a little salt before eating! Definitely a keeper, although I feel like it could have done without the green onion? (just to simplify it?) and I felt like I could easily add more chicken and make this SIX servings as it was pretty soupy. Austin LOVES his soupy - i'm on the fence - but that's definitely an idea to make it less caloric.

So... did you buy any girl scout cookies? I bought thin mints and samoas - i'm pouring through them - eek!

R U sick? seems like everyone is. I blame part of it on the constant weather change - snowing last week, sunny this week, heavy rain today. Glug. Who can keep up?

Snow Day, Sick, Weekly Menu, New Recipe Plans

Thank you all for your sweet comments and musical ideas!! I would LOVE to see Wicked, Billy Elliot, Annie and more! I’m going to look into that place Jacey mentioned, too! And thank you guys for your calorie feedback – the idea Kimmi posted was great so I’m going to try that today!! Thanks you guys – hope I don’t get too whiney about my weight I am happy with where I’m at, just feel like I’m getting a little more casual and my pants are getting tighter – eek!

Backing up to Thursday, ‘Mamma Mia’ night, I ended up at 1,781 calories, 225 carbs, 37 fat grams and 97 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Friday was a bit of a doozy on the exercise front. I drove into work – in zero traffic might I add – and everyone was like “we’re going to get to leave early – snow!” Our parent company confirmed we would leave at 2 p.m., so me and Stacy worked, went down and walked 4 miles, worked then headed out. Traffic was rough coming home but I got home around 3 p.m., worked from home until 5 p.m., then got out and took some Snow Day pics!

Snowy house

View of the neighborhood

Me and baby shih poo - to answer your question, Em, no - Reuben dislikes the snow! We have to carry him out to a pinestraw patch to use the restroom!

Austin shot some video in the backyard!

I tried to get artsy again

I thought the trees looked beautiful

Our bench looks like it's in CO or something Love it!

More snowy tree pics

The view from my kitchen window - what I spent a lot of time looking at the remainder of the day!


After our photo session, I got to cooking:

4 servings of pasta in creamy sundried tomato sauce

4 servings of chicken fried rice

8 servings of potato/egg/sausage breakfast burritos

And I prepped a few things for future meals! Then Austin got home, it snowed harder and I just never made it back to the gym. Oopsie! We had a nice night though – playing pool, playing games and hanging out with little Reuben. Good family stuff! I also took a ton of pics, and worked on my January video a good bit. Great night! I ended up at 1,973 calories, 231 carbs, 49 fat grams and 114 protein grams. Here’s what I ate.

Saturday I woke up feeling sick. Dang!!! My throat hurt, I was achey, I had a cold and felt totally crummy. However, I was PUMPED to try some new recipes. But which to try?! I decided to weave 4 new recipes into this week’s meal plan:

1. Buffalo Chicken Chili from Biz
2. Chicken and Roasted Garlic Lasagna from For the Love of Cooking
3. Breakfast Tortilla Strata from Cooking light
4. Spinach Mushroom Pizza from Fitness Magazine

My Menu

Sunday: Sausage/egg/potato burrito; buffalo chicken chili; chicken & roasted garlic lasagna

Monday: Muffin breakfast pizza; creamy pasta; chicken & roasted garlic lasagna

Tuesday: sausage/egg/potato burrito; margarita pizza; chicken souvlaki

Wednesday: Muffin breakfast pizza; chicken souvlaki; tostados

Thursday: sausage/egg/potato burrito; sweet and spicy tacos; baked shrimp in tomato sauce

Friday: breakfast tortilla strata; chicken & roasted garlic lasagna; buffalo chicken chili; spinach mushroom pizza

Saturday: breakfast tortilla strata; margarita pizza; easy thai curry

Sunday: breakfast tortilla strata; tostados; easy thai curry

I worked on this a good bit Saturday, as with new recipes I have to get them into spark people and tweak them for servings to figure out nutritionals, etc. Then I had a Big Love marathon, made a grocery list and Austin drove me to the grocery store, and by Petco to get Reuben a few things. When we got home I threw Biz’s Buffalo Chicken Chili into the crockpot and took a long, restful nap. Then I felt I was feeling a bit better so we did the usual: played some pool, played some games, had a few drinkies In retrospect, probably not the best idea as I don’t feel too well today. Duh! Oh well, I ended up at 2,136 calories, 244 carbs, 40 fat grams and 84 protein grams. Here’s what I ate and drank.

Today I’m just chilling, weighed 121 so better than 123 earlier this month! I'm SUPER excited to:

· Try Biz’s buffalo chicken chili (It smelled amazing!)

· Make For the Love of Cooking’s lasagna

· Cook some more stuff!

· Finish up the laundry

· Do some things around the house

· Hang the dining room project

· Finish my video

· And maybe hit the gym, buy a TV for my scrapbook room, and start reading my book club book (still waiting for the Amazon delivery to get here!)

What are you doing today?

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this week?

I'm Sick... I Made a new Recipe... I may be addicted to my Slow Cooker

So it’s official. I’m sick...

This means:

• No 755 club + sandlot at Turner field last night
• No shopping day today (planned to hit up Macy’s, American Apparel, Nordstrom, Forever 21 and Old Navy)… along with the bank. Had even taken off work!
• No gym…. Yesterday or today. Not even kind of happening.
• No going out in the Highland's tonight to celebrate my buddy's two-six.
• No meeting Jason/Crystal's baby... don't want to get baby sick. :(

Instead it means this…

• A visit to the doctor - I have a bacterial infection with sinisitus and a fever. I was given mucinex, antibiotics and a nose spray.
• Lots of fluids.
• Lots of time with pupper.
• Lots of time lying in bed, playing on computer, watching bad TV.
• Plain food... only turkey sandwiches sound good. And m&ms. Random.

Yes, i'm feeling sorry for myself. I HATE getting sick. I just feel helpless... but I also feel like my head is going to explode with a stuffed nose that runs (explain that, please?!), a sore throat, a nasty cough, a sore face (sinus pressure), a headache and a ear ache. My fever is a little over 100 so i'm also taking Tylenol. GRRRR.

So go - have WONDERFUL weekends without me. I'll be exactly where I am above, but maybe in different PJ's.

Real quick backtrack: Yesterday I never got out of bed. True story - I felt awful and it didn't get better, only worse, and I didn't sleep a wink. I DID have a new recipe from Real Mom Kitchen, Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. It's AMAZING - here's the recipe for FOUR large servings:

1 can black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can petite diced tomatoes (14.5 oz size - southwest style)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 1/2 cups water
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 can ( 10 3/4 oz) fat-free cream of chicken soup
2 cups fat-free milk
16 oz. chicken, boneless and skinless

In crock pot, mix the taco packet together with the water and tomato sauce. Add cream of chicken soup and milk and whisk together until smooth. Add chicken. Pour drained black beans, drained corn and diced tomatoes on top of that. Cook on low 6-8 hours. Before serving, take out chicken and shred, then put back and stir it all together. Serve alone or with 10 grams tortilla chips. Nutritional Information: 452 calories, 61 carbs, 4 fat grams and 40 protein grams. (before corn chips or other toppings). We really liked it! You could easily make it 5 or 6 servings, or less, and have as a side with a sandwich! I was just all about big, hearty bowls of soup!

Anywho, other than that shining meal yesterday was a wash. I ended up at 1,538 calories, 210 carbs, 45 fat grams and 80 protein grams. Here's what I ate.

K - off to watch another episode of Desperate Housewives and find some more slow cooker recipes. Austin's mom gave him Fix it And Forget It Lightly in college - we're about to become besties. Happy Friday, friends! I'll be reading your blogs so do update. hehe :)