Hello Your Majesty

Ok, so I wish I could say this to LeBron James tonight but I know it ain't happenin'. I even fixed my hair today in preparation for our big meeting...just in case.

I'm not a big fan of the NBA and all their shenanigans but for whatever reason I'm really stoked about the game tonight. Actually I'm probably more stoked about spending some quality time with my main squeeze.


This was dinner last night...

A gigantasaurus salad, some broccoli with light butter sauce and a few (times 10) slices of turkey pepperoni. Almost immediately after scarfing all that down, I started reintroducing myself to carbohydrates...

I'm taking it one step at a time. Step number 1- an apple. Hello there lover, sorry I was away for so long. I promise to never leave you again!


After dinner was study time...I can feel my brain just bursting with knowledge. Not really, I'm sure I'll never use this information in life, but what the heck. Then it was...T-SHIRT TIME!!! Don't act like you don't know what I mean...Duh...Thursdays are Jersey Shore night! Was it just me, or was that darn "grenade horn" scene the most hilarious thing ever? We also snuck in a little Vampire Diaries, another guilty pleasure. Scott and I have been seriously missing out on one of the greatest inventions of all time...DVR. So now we are able to watch a show in almost half the time that it takes live...I don't know how we've made it this long without it. 


Breakfast this morning was a Chocolate Peanut Butter Atkins bar...probably not the most nutritious choice but I was on the go...and some coffee of course. I had an orange for a mid-morning snack and then I enjoyed this delightful creation for lunch...

Thats chicken, lettuce, tomato, olives and onion all wrapped up in some spinachy goodness.


I'm prepared for afternoon/car ride snacks, but I'm not so sure about dinner. I know it'll be eaten on the road, so hopefully we'll be able to find something semi-nutritious. I thought about trying to wake up EXTRA early to get in a workout before I left for work this morning, then about a second later nixed the idea. Today is going to be a rest day/cheer on the Heat day but I'll make up for it Saturday and Sunday.


Well, I'm off to finish my work day and to run through what I'm gonna say to King James and D. Wade tonight...Ta ta!


Whitney

Epiphany.

Over my lunch break I had an epiphany...

I was sort of looking at my most recent posts and they all seem to have one thing in common...I'm tired, and kind of grumpy too. I couldn't really figure it out. It's not like me at all to feel this cruddy and unmotivated. So I put some thought into it. Yes, I've had a lack of sleep...but not that much. Yes, I'm a little stressed with school and moving...but stress doesn't usually have this much of an effect on me. Then it dawned on me...I NEED CARBS! For the past couple of weeks I have really been limiting my carbos...as in consuming less than 50 a day. That was sort of my unspoken goal...but this is obviously just not going to work with me and the whole active lifestyle thing. I don't want to cut back on my cardio, I NEED that cardio for not only my physical health, but also my mental health. In order to accomplish 50 to 70 minutes of cardio activity on most days, I need to eat more carbs or it just ain't gonna happen. I can't keep going at the pace that I'm going with the level of energy that I have. Granted, I'm still not going to go crazy about it, but I think I at least need 1 piece of fruit a day and some sort of oats or whole wheat something or another to get me back in gear.

Not only has my energy level been suffering, but I've also logged my diet into www.myfitnesspal.com for the past couple of days and noticed a HUGE increase in the amounts of cholesterol I've been consuming. This is something that I never have really paid attention to before, but I know it's definitely not good. Heart and blood pressure issues tend to run in my family and I don't want to give them a leg up, even if I am only 24.

Needless to say, I am going to be incorporating some carbs back into my diet. I'm sure this will not only help my energy and motivation, but my mood too. No carbs = Whitney the Grouch.

It's all about the food...and a tiny confession

I'm feeling much more energized today. Probably because I got a lot more sleep last night...and because I had coffee with breakfast...and I'm having coffee right now (there was my confession). I know I'm consuming way more coffee today than I have a right to, but that's just the kind of mood I'm in I guess. Call it my version of being rebellious. I was also being a tad rebellious when it came to the gym last night. When I left work I was still feeling totally blah and unmotivated, so I decided to postpone my workout until later in the evening. I went for cooking dinner first instead and I think it was a good choice.


When it came to cooking dinner I felt a little adventurous. I was inspired by a few other blogs to try...tofu. I made the purchase a couple of days ago at the grocery store, completely uneducated on what type to buy. Who knew there were so many different types of tofu? I settled on the light, firm kind. I googled a few different tofu recipes and decided that I would start off with something seemingly unoffensive- scrambled tofu. I modified the recipe some and ended up with this...

Who knew that something so plain and boring looking could be so tasty?! I started by "smashing" half the block of tofu (only 100 calories!) to get most of the water out. I cubed it up and put it in a skillet that I had coated with olive oil cooking spray. Once it was starting to brown a little I added in a couple of egg whites, chopped green onion and fresh mushrooms. I let it all simmer for a lil bit and then topped it with some grated parmesan. A nice big leafy green salad was enjoyed on the side as well. Totally yummy, easy and healthy.


I knew that H-E-double hockey sticks would have to freeze over before the Scottster would eat this with me...so this is what I whipped up for him...

Baked pork chops, baked potato and corn...what can I say? He's a mid-western boy through and through. And yes, don't hate on him...that is a big blob of ketchup on his plate. He eats ketchup on everything but cereal- Ok that might be a little extreme, but seriously...he'll douse a $30 steak with ketchup. I've tried telling him that this is sort of a slap in the face to the cook, but he likes what he likes I guess.

After letting my food settle a bit I was finally in the mood to get my sweat on. Scotty had to go back to work to finish a few things up, so I drove over to our condo complex (am I still allowed to do this since we technically don't live there anymore? Who cares, we're still paying for it so I'm still gonna do it) and decided to use the gym there. I knew I had some major iron pumping to do (haha) and I really hate doing this at my real gym...there's usually a bunch of 'roided up guys there that make me sorta intimidated. Anyways...I started off with 53 minutes on the treadmill. I had planned on starting out with the elliptical, but the treadmill was calling my name. 
After that I had a killer upper body workout. I can really tell that my hard work is paying off. I'm lifting more weight and I'm beginning to see a little bump on the bicep that I think might be a muscle...I'll see if I can snap a pic sometime before it deflates.


I did manage to get in about 45 minutes of studying before taking a shower and hitting the sack...can't believe how the night flew by and I didn't even watch any TV except for a little American Idol on the treadmill. That show is just not even entertaining to me any more.


I came to work with skank hair today because I didn't wake up in time to wash it. I had actually intended on making it look sorta cute and presentable but that just wasn't in the cards. At least I had time to whip up a delicious and nutritious breakfast...aka 2 egg whites, 1 whole egg with some veggies. Unfortunately I didn't have time to eat it all, but I made sure to gobble up all the eggs...I'm really working on upping that protein intake. 

I'm getting excited because tomorrow we're hitting up the MIA...and I get to leave work an hour early! Woo Hoo, starting the weekend off right. I'm not really into the NBA but I'm pretty stoked about seeing some of these big name guys. 

Ok--back to the real world now, so long bloggy land. Ta ta!


Whitney

Is it Friday yet?

What? It's only hump day? Arghhhh...


I am so sleepy today and very unmotivated. What in the heck is wrong with me? Could it be the fact that I didn't get to bed until 11:30? Why yes, I'm sure thats it. 


Last night was a very pleasant night however. After the gym (50 minutes treadmill, followed by lower body weights instead of upper body like I had planned on), I went to the grocery store, spent way too much money, and headed home. Almost as soon as I got the groceries loaded in the trunk and got in the driver's seat, the skies opened up. It poured! Which is extremely unusual for southwest Florida this time of year. It was raining so hard and the wind was howling like crazy. I could hardly see the road as I was driving and I was afraid my car was going to fly off the road. After a really slow crawl home I was able to back my car into the garage...wow, was that the most amazing thing or what? I'm used to hauling $150 worth of groceries up 4 floors...this usually takes 2 trips if Scotty isn't home to help. But yesterday it was a walk in the park, even in the rain. I have to say this could be one of the best parts about having a house now. I whipped up a big, leafy green salad for myself and a small burger patty and used the rest of the ground beef to make my babes some beef stroganoff. We ate dinner with the patio doors open listening to the rain pour down. It was very refreshing and relaxing...that was until we were ready to watch a little TV and we discovered that our beloved Direct TV was down due to the weather...boo. This was probably a blessing in disguise though because I knew I had to get some studying done, and Scotty will take any excuse to play a game of football on his Xbox 360. 


After study time and finally a little TV time we made it to bed around 11:30...poor decision. I'm paying for it today. I woke up a little late this morning and only had time to whip up some celery sticks with PB, lots of PB, and some coffee for breakfast. I had my morning snack of almonds but my belly is already growling for lunch. I've definitely learned that I need something substantial for breakfast or else it's hard to get going.


Gym today is 30 minutes elliptical, 30 minutes treadmill and upper body weights/abs. Dinner is looking like either turkey kielbasa with mixed veggies or maybe breakfast food. I'll leave it up in the air for now and decide when I get home depending on how I'm feeling then. More studying is on the plate for this evening as well...thats a big thumbs down. I can't wait for this whole school thing to be over with!


For now, I'll leave you with a couple of pictures from Sunday before the football game.

That's me, anxiously waiting for the game to start.

And there's Scotty, totally relaxed waiting for the game to start.


Boring, I know, but thats all I've got today. Ta ta for now!


Whitney

Totally Awesome Tuesday

It's my mission today to make this a totally awesome Tuesday!


Last night was night number 2 spent in the new house...I think I'm already starting to adjust and that makes me so happy. I was in bed by 10:30, kitchen cleaned up, studying complete and I even had time to shower. I slept MUCH MUCH better. Scotty had the fan on so it was a little chilly but completely perfect under the huge comforter. I love sleeping in cold rooms with lots of covers. I think Mercedes likes it too...

Another thing that makes me happy to report is that our pool now looks like this...

This however, was not always the case. I know I never posted a before pic, and be thankful for that because you probably would have thrown up. When we bought this house the pool had been seriously neglected for like 2 years I swear. Just imagine this thing filled to the brim with the most disgusting chunky black water you've ever seen. So, now that it looks like this, which I never thought possible, I have to give the Scottster major props. He really has this pool water chemical thing down pat now. It took a little while but it looks so pretty now!


This morning I woke up in plenty of time to make the two of us breakfast, including some scraps for Little Miss Thing, and make my own coffee (yay me! Add $2 to the car fund). Made it to work early today because I'm leaving an hour early on Friday for...Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons! So exciting...I get to see King James live in the flesh. This was one of my Christmas presents to Scotty. He's never been to an NBA game and I've only been to one, so I figured we should take advantage of having the Heat so close. We're planning on making it an overnight trip and staying with some family friends who live in downtown Miami. 


I can already tell that this day is going to fly by...seems like I just got here and it's already time for my mid-morning snack. I'm chowing down on these little babies...

Thank you Mom for introducing them to me...they are olive oil and sea salt skinless almonds...tasty and low-carb too. 


Running is on the agenda at the gym today and I can't wait to sweat it out. I've also got some core work and upper body strengthening planned. 


Time to get back to the daily grind...Ta ta!


Whitney

Short and sweet

This is going to be short and sweet because I am about to head home for a much needed rest day. Didn't get to bed until pretty darn late last night, why you ask? I was super pumped about the football game! THE STEELERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL! It was a blow out at the half, but in true Steelers fashion, the game ended up being pretty darn close. I'm lovin' it though and have pretty much been donning Steelers gear since Friday...and will continue to do so until the fat lady sings on February 6th! Go Steelers! Woot woot!


I had an excellent 45 minutes on the stairs yesterday, then we just did a bunch of lazing around and watching football. 


Today is all about the rest and studying. I have a final on February 3rd that I need to ace, and I plan on it! I'll probably also take the dog for a quickie walk, so I can't be called a complete bum.


Last night was the first night spent in the new house and it felt really weird. The new bed is extremely comfortable, just like sleeping on a cloud, but just being there doesn't feel quite like home yet. I'll be anxious to get everything all moved over and see if that feeling changes, I sure hope it does!


Breakfast was 2 eggs and turkey sausage links, coffee from Dunkin Donuts (Hey! I was running late!).
Lunch was some deli meat rollups, string cheese and a sugar free jello cup.
Dinner is turkey kielbasa with stir fried veggies. 
Snacks for the day have included almonds, a few pieces of beef jerkey, and celery sticks with PB.


Ok, I'm outta here. Hallelujah we made it through Monday! Ta ta!


Whitney

Two posts in one day?

Woah, what is going on? Usually I only post once a day, but I had to post an update on my delish dinner. I started some chicken cooking in the crockpot on low this morning about 10am. At around 5:45 I took them out and let them cool a bit so I could shred them up. It was roughly .75 lbs of chicken total, maybe just a tad less. Once shredded, I added 2 Tbsp of light sour cream and 2 Tbsp of light mayo. I thawed some chopped broccoli and added a tad over a cup (sorry for the wacky measurements but I have a thing for never following a recipe) and a can of chopped up water chestnuts. I seasoned the mixture with a little salt and some garlic powder and spread it into a baking dish. The last step is topping it with shredded cheese. It would probably be tasty with any type but I used the fiesta blend kind. I baked it at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes and voila! It was very very yummy. It didn't make as much as I was expecting. Usually when I whip something like this up most of the left overs end up in the trash because I can't eat them all before they go bad (and Scotty would never help me eat something like this). But in this case I think I'll be able to handle it. There's probably enough left over for 2 more meals. I ate it tonight with a side of green beans...

I should have taken the picture before I scooped it out on to my plate...but I was a little eager I guess. You get the idea...


I did finally manage to muster up enough motivation to get my workout in...even though it wasn't as planned. Stairs were planned but I was in the mood for a quick run. I did 45 minutes on the treadmill and every upper body exercise I could think of afterward. To the stairs: I promise to conquer you tomorrow.


In more exciting news, this afternoon I went to the nail salon to get my nails done in support of the big game tomorrow...

Thats right, glittery gold tips to match my gear for tomorrow's game. Big pimpin'...


It's getting late so I'm headed to bed to watch The Nanny, Scotty is playing football on the XBox...you know you're a loser when that is what your Saturday night consists of...oh well, at least I'm content with it. Ta ta until tomorrow!


Whitney