Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Something For Everyone

Do you ever have one of those nights where you have a lot of stuff on your mind and you know that you won't be able to go to sleep till you get it out of your head?  Well, tonight is one of those nights.  I have a bunch of things I want to share or just get your opinion on so hopefully at least one of the things below will amuse or make you think...

1. Breakfast Smoothies that both my hubs and I agree to love.  Ever since I gave up soda a few weeks ago (and still going strong, thanks for asking), I've struggled with what to have for breakfast.  Read my post..you'll understand.  ANYWAY, I've been searching and searching for a way to incorporate my new found love of chia seeds because they are a great protein punch and not to mention the great fiber and Omega 3s.  One day I was on Pinterest and there it was...you could almost hear the angels singing.  Now granted, I take things I see on Pinterest with a grain of salt.  Sometimes they don't always turn out as good as they look but this is not one of those recipes. Over at the Yummylife.com , she really did a great job of walking you through the steps and they came out exactly as stated.  Did you know Chia Seeds can be used as a thickening agent?  Who knew?  Anyway, I've made two batches now and will be making more.  How can you not with stats like this:
  • 286 calories, 4.8g fat, 53.8g carbs, 12.6g protein, 7g fiber
  • High in antioxidants, fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, folate, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, riboflavin, and Vitamins A, B12, B6, C, D
  • Weight Watchers PointsPlus: 6-8 points (I didn't get consistent results using the WW calculator, but this gives you a general idea)



2. When does an obsession become an addition? I think we can all agree that fitness is a passion of ours.  It's probably an obsession to some of us but is it an addiction?  Reason I bring it up is that every day and sometimes 2 or 3x's per day I see this older woman running in my area.  She always runs in a triangle swimsuit top and sometimes even swimsuit bottoms.  The look in her eyes when she's running isn't like the looks I see on others I run with.  It's different.  It's almost compulsive.  She seems to be moving pretty well, but I do worry about her sometimes.  I wonder why she feels compelled to run that much every single day.  What does she do when she's not running?  She's my constant reminder to keep my obsessions in check.  There is life outside fitness.  What do you think?

3. Jewelry and the gym..my husband asked me today why I was wearing a necklace to the gym.  I'd like to say that I just want to look my best for the meatheads but that's the farthest thing from the truth.  Honest answer is that when I'm doing workouts with a lot of squats and things that require you to focus on one spot so you don't fall over, I focus on that little diamond around my neck. It keeps me centered.  Kind of like sighting in open water swimming.  It's the "thing" I look I look for in the mirror. 

4. Work..I'm in a very weird spot right now at work and I'm even a little nervous to post but I'm going to try it.  I can sense that I am being given the opportunity to step up, play a bigger role in what's going on and maybe, just maybe get promoted.  The problem is that with everything else going on in my life (grad school, toddler, family loss), stepping up at work is adding a LOT of stress.  I like what I do and the level I'm at but I also know that my career aspirations are to continue to grow but I'm just unsure if I should take the leap.  I want to do what's right for the company and for myself but I'm nervous.  Do you ever struggle with these types of thoughts? 

5. E..So E is battling is 5th ear infection (this one's a double).  I knew something was wrong late last week but I hesitated to call the doctor thinking that maybe it was just a molar trying to come in.  On Monday morning, mother's intuition won out and I called.  We went in and sure enough that's what we found out.  I felt terrible for not getting him in sooner.  I know..you can only do what you can do but still.  We're on day 2 of medicine and he seems to be feeling a little better.  I love that kid with my ENTIRE heart and then some.  To see him in pain is not something I want to do.  As you can see, his appetite is back and he's back to rocking out.  And..while I know he's still sick, I'll not going to feel guilty about cuddling with him at night when he wakes up.  Who wants to let their sick kid cry?  Not this mom!

E loves his Pesto Chicken Pasta



Ok, so there's my ramblings.   I'm curious to get your thoughts on  any or all the above.  Sometimes you just need some feedback.

12 comments:

  1. You are so right about the fine line between passion, dedication and obsession, compulsion. You do show focus (even when not seeing the necklace in a mirror) by being able to notice the woman who runs every day even as you are pushing yourself. I wish her happiness with her activities. Cuz what is fitness for if not to improve life, rather than make it grueling? (K)

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  2. Great job on giving up soda!! I love th eidea of wearing your necklace to the gym to use as a focal point!!!!

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    1. The soda thing was tough for area days but it's not bad stall now.

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  3. Balance is key :)

    Good job on giving up the soda!

    In terms of wearing jewelry, as long as it doesn't get in the way of my exercises, I really see no issue with it! (so wearing big hoop earrings and chunky necklace is out of the question lol)

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    1. Thanks! I'm all for wearing whatever you want to the gym!

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  4. I can't tell you how often I second guess myself with my kids and they are 6 and 10.

    Good luck with the job thing. I've found that opportunities often present themselves at bad times. Sometimes you just have to take that leap and believe that everything else will fall into place.

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    1. Thanks. I think you're right about the job. I'm strongly debating what my next move is.

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  5. Awesome! I can tell that you definitely had some throughts running through that noggin. Great to put them out in the cyber-verse and generate feedback. I'm going to make a go at each one (short and sweet tho).

    1. Those breakfast smoothies look great. Now I'm sad about my coffee.
    2. Fine line between fitness and obsession. I think if you no longer enjoy it, or enjoy the rewards, it can become a problem. Work out because you WANT to, not because you HAVE to.
    3. Never thought of it that way. Great insight.
    4. Work is work. Focus on what is important, family, friends, etc. Priorities are key. Sometimes we can't do everything.
    5. I have a 7 month old, is this what I have to look forward to? It kills me when she has a slightly stuffy nose.

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    1. I tell you what..someone once told me being a mom is the most difficult job you'll ever enjoy. Seeing them suffer is so TOUGH.

      Thanks for the support on the other topics. Sometimes it's such a struggle.

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  6. I'm kind of baffled at why someone would run in a bikini top and bottoms...I can't imagine that's very comfortable!

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    1. I saw her again today!! This woman might need to see a therapist. Same bikini top with shorts.

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