Dinner is served…

I wanted something a bit different today. I took to Pinterest to find a new chicken idea.

Balsamic Chicken…hooray!!

Super easy to make, but the glaze made a mess of my cast iron pan. Scrub, scrub, SCRRRRUUBBB!

Oh and those zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a tasty edition. Just a tad of minced garlic in the pan and toss over medium heat. Voila!

Making healthier choices is easier when you are prepared. I’m ready for tomorrow; lunch and gym bag are packed!

One day at a time!

The Rebirth of…

Well, it appears that I’m back!

I’ve been wanting to start blogging again for a lil’ bit now. There’s so much that’s been stirring in my brain. Sometimes, I just need to get it out. I’m not sure how often I will be blogging, but here we go….

The Happiest of Birthdays!

Today marks my 36th year on Earth.

As I reflect on all my years, I’d like to share some of my fondest memories.

As a child, I would look forward to my mom coming home from from school with my cake. Her assistant, Doris, baked my cakes every year. I was always so excited to see how it was decorated. My favorite had a carousel on it.

One year, my sister Beth took me to my first Laker game. That was cool because I got to share that with my mom. One of bucket list items was to see a Laker game!

When I turned 30, Edgar and my staff at OP threw me a party at the Rumba Room. We did it UP; limo, VIP. Bottle service, the whole nine. Good times.

Oh yea, one time when I was still pretty young…maybe 3 or 4. We went to our FAVORITE Mexican restaurant for my birthday. They sang Las Mañanitas to me. I cried and hid under the table. I didn’t understand what and why they were singing to me. I still don’t like to be the center of attention. LOL

Now my birthdays are pretty low key but memories are still made nonetheless. Here’s to many more healthy and memorable born days!!

Empathy

Tonight, watching Parenthood, something struck me. One of the Moms was diagnosed with breast cancer. It showed her trying to be strong for her family, for her kids, and for herself. But behind closed doors, she was a mess.

I can only think of my mom. When I was born, her whole world was turned upside down. She relied on everyone to take care of me. I can only IMAGINE her pain. Her emotional pain, along with the physical pain that goes along with cancer and radiation. Did she have someone to turn to? A rock? Who helped her get through that tough time? I don’t know any of the answers, but I know she beat that fucking cancer.

Not only to have to go through it ALL over again. But this time, not ever being diagnosed. I know in my heart that she lived with cancer and KNEW it. She didn’t want anyone to know. Why? Because she couldn’t fight anymore? Because she “lived long enough”? What were the reasons? What a hard thing to live with and not reach out for help. Just to live in pain.

I miss her so much and sometimes I wish that she did have more fight in her. But who am I to judge? I’m just a girl, who misses her mom and wishes she had one more day, or week or hour.

I hope that cancer never affects my family again. But if it does, I promise to be all I can for that person.

Zucchini Carrot-y Goodness!!

Finding my happiness in cooking…

Whole Wheat Zucchini Carrot Muffins

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (other flours would work here too)
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup raw agave nectar or raw honey
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup total of grated carrot and zucchini
1/4 cup rice milk (or milk of choice)
juice and zest of 1/2 a lemon
**raisins, walnuts or chocolate chips, if desired

Preheat oven to 350. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl, blend liquid in a separate bowl. Add liquids to dry and stir until completely combined. Pour into prepared muffin tin or cups and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Atychiphobia!!

Tomorrow I embark on a new adventure. I should be excited but, I’m not.

What’s the problem? Atychiphobia, fear of failure!! I bought a boot camp package on Living Social. Tomorrow will be my first session. Perhaps fear of the unknown is a part of it. I believe my brain is my biggest roadblock.

I know FOR A FACT, that once I conquer it, I will be excited. I just need to know that I CAN do it. For example, I’ve always said that I can’t run. And now I jog. I told C that I COULDN’T hike up the steep, unstable and rocky hill. With his support and cheer leading, I conquered it!! I am my own worst enemy!!

Wish me luck…

Day of Disney!

A typical Saturday at Disneyland!

A visit to the “World Famous Disneyland Band”! A great way to start the day!

Taking in all the sights; new Spring flowers, happy children, tons of goofy, unchapperoned teens, balloons and Spring Breakers!

The sister sib and I sauntered about looking for a “mostly” healthy lunch. We decided, errr I decided on a chicken salad at the Mexican spot! Yummy romaine lettuce, chicken, jicama, radishes and pepitas!! It was just enough!!

A new experience…the canoes. In all my visits, I’ve never worked that out. It was fun and a bit frustrating that my fellow rowers would NOT row!!

I brought along my new toy! The Heart Rate Monitor! I’ve always wanted to know how many calories I burn walking all throughout the park! Today’s magic number was 398!! Not too bad for a leisurely visit!!

We played with the 4S camera and took a few pics! Such a beautiful day!! I am so fortunate…

New and Improved!

I’m alive!

Been working on me!

About 2 months, eating healthy and exercising! Down 18 pounds!!

Still a work in progress! Motivation is key! I have my eyes on the big picture!

CAUTION: Emo Alert!

Not a fan of 2012 thus far! Not too much has gone my way since
I watched that damn ball drop. 


I will not go into detail... Three days of anxiety attacks 
lead me to post the most powerful lyrics that speak to 
me from Gary Jules', "Mad World"... 


Its just where I'm at...
 
All around me are familiar faces Worn out places, worn out faces  
Bright and early for the daily races 
Going nowhere, going nowhere  
Their tears are filling up their glasses 
No expression, no expression 
Hide my head I wanna drown my sorrow 
No tomorrow, no tomorrow 
And I find it kind of funny, 
I find it kind of sad 
The dreams in which I'm dying 
are the best I've ever had 
I find it hard to tell you, 
I find it hard to take 
When people run in circles 
its a very, very Mad world, mad world! 


Carry on!!

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Verizon Vent!!

Last week, my iPhone was stolen.  I had NO insurance.  Luckily, I have a new BlackBerry Bold that I used previously.  I turned that one on, but I am less than satisfied.

First off, I was just upset that I had to downgrade.  But then, I’m noticing substandard service.  So, I work it out and head to the Verizon Wireless Store to get my new phone.

Soon enough, I’m met with several roadblocks…

*The iPhone 4, 16g is retired.

*I have to ORDER the 4s 16g, and it takes up to 2 weeks.

*They will NOT change the shipping address.  I cannot receive packages at my current address.  The front gate stays locked, and I will be at WORK.

*I can only use ONE payment method.  I wanted to use a gift card that I received for Christmas.

 

In a nutshell, I had to bite the bullet and succumb to ALL there dumbass rules and stipulations.  As the delivery date approaches, I will have to make arrangements to get my phone.

For a person that lacks PATIENCE, it’s going to be a LONG 2 weeks. Pray for me!!

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