The Smell Of Brownies

 Its nearing noon on a rainy Wednesday morning.  My Stepdaughter and I are sitting here watching "The Biggest Loser" on demand.  No choice.  We miss it every Tuesday night.  It conflicts with "Glee" and well..we just won't miss Glee.
It already seems as if its been a full day.  I had coffee with my husband, saw our youngest off to school, and by 0830hrs, I had completed my workout.  This morning, combined with what I did last night, I added eight more miles to my total for the year bringing me to one thousand four hundred and eighteen miles.  In case you haven't guessed, I've decided to shoot for fifteen hundred.
This morning, I faced a new challenge.  Our son has a big scout event tonight and I'm baking brownies... sweet, warm, chocolaty, totally sinful brownies.  Many of you have been in my shoes.  Our home smells so wonderfully decadent right now.  You can't escape it.  Really, why would you want to?  The smell of brownies takes one back to a simpler time, to childhood, to mom.  During childhood, brownies are a reward for well...being a kid and having an amazingly fast metabolism.
As an adult, most of us don't have that kind of metabolism anymore.  Its not fair.  I mean, how often have you had to make some sugary dessert for the kids?  Have you been able to somehow resist the temptation to sneak one yourself?  
I've been there.  I love chocolate.  Long long ago, a dear friend of my mother made me a beautiful lace dress for my 1st birthday.  I still have it packed away in the cedar chest.  I symbolizes the me that will never change.  That lovely little dress has a huge chocolate ice cream stain.  Be it ice cream, cake, or my husband's homemade chocolate chip cookies, there is no doubt about it.  I have always loved chocolate.
Even now, one might think I am torn between being naughty and being nice.  Strangely, I am not.

I haven't overcome some addiction and my love of chocolate has never subsided.  How I can resist nibbling on the crusty edges or even the moist center of those brownies?  The truth is I don't really desire one.  I have discovered alternate means to satisfy my need for chocolate.  And it is a need.  I know.  I know its not listed under Maslow's hierarchy of needs.  But it should be...don't you think...right there next in the physiological...right next to sex?  Well, you know what I say...Who needs to cheat?   I'm going to sit right here, watch "The Biggest Loser" marathon and have a tiny piece of that no sugar added Guylian Belgian dark chocolate.  Mmmmm.  Nice.   http://www.guylian.com/en/discover-guylian/chocolate-bars/no-sugar-added-bar/

 

A Soldier's Christmas

This morning, I woke my Stepdaughter and we walked the mall together.  Then we went shopping.  I've done over eight miles today bringing my total to 1410 for the year.  Walking around, seeing all the festive lights and decorations, I couldn't help but remember the many holidays I spent separated from family because of military service.  I've spent Christmas Eve driving up to Kuwait to deliver packages to my soldiers so they would have something to open on Christmas morning.  I've spent Christmas morning with our youngest son as we video teleconferenced with "daddy" in Iraq.  Over the years, I've been the single soldier, the deployed officer, and the spouse left behind to dry the tears.  As I walked around today with my Stepdaughter, I was so very thankful to spend this time with her, so very thankful that our family is going to be together this Christmas.  Please remember those who cannot be with their loved ones this Christmas and say a prayer that they come home safely.  Having been in their boots, I know I will.  

A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS 

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give,

and to see just who in this little house lived.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No Stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,

On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

A sobering thought came through my mind.

 For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,

 The home of a soldier, I could now see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,

Not how I picture a United States Soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,

and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,

because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wondering how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

 The very thought brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to one knee and started to cry.

 The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,

"Santa don't cry, for this life is my choice".

 I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,

My life is my God, my country, my corps."

 The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

 I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,

as we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

 I didn't want to leave, on that cold, dark night,

this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.

 Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,

whispered, "Carry on Santa...., It's Christmas Day...., All is secure.

       One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,

Merry Christmas my friend.... and to all a Good Night.

~ Author Unknown *~

Fourteen Hundred Miles And The Sky Is Falling

 My Journey To Date:
Total Miles Walked -1402
Weight repetitions - 60,500
Sit ups, crunches - 17,000
Push ups - 7850
Butt lifts - 11,500

This morning, as I cruised past the 1400 mile mark, the last of our post storm repairs began....the new roof.  Its rather disconcerting, the ripping and pounding disturbing my normally calm and quiet surroundings here in the heart of suburbia.  One would think my nerves would be on edge with all the stomping around.  They aren't.  I am perfectly fine.
When I realized the workers had begun demolition (if that's what they call it), I had to stop in the middle of my workout.  I ran out, completely drenched from sweat, and backed my car out of the garage.  Then I went back down and finished.  Down in the basement, I could barely hear them but, while I was in the shower, it felt like they were right above me.  The blinds were closed and I was expressly careful not to walk around partially clothed.
I'm not the exhibitionist I used to be.  I guess, with age, comes some modesty.
My Stepdaughter and I had to run an errand.  When we walked out the front door of our home, all these pieces began to fall.  I laughed and asked her if we should grab the umbrella or merely make a run for it.  We decided to just make a run for it and hope we didn't get covered by debris.

As we made our way to the car, I looked back to find nearly a dozen men on our roof and all but one or two were staring at us.  Mmmm...weird.  Maybe they were just looking at my car.
Soon after we returned from our little errand, the maid service showed up.   I'm sure they loved that.  I really hope no one falls off the roof ogling the pretty ladies.
So, our home is filled with all sorts of interesting noises today...the constant pounding on the roof and the hum of vacuuming inside.  The cat?  She hiding somewhere.  After today, we might not see her for days.
And here I sit...silently disbelieving the fact that I have walked over 1400 miles this year... its a bit overwhelming, you know?  Maybe my husband was right.  Maybe I will reach 1500 miles before the end.   Who could have guessed I would go this far beyond my goal?  All I know is...I'm on my way.      

Tis The Season To Party Naughty

Last night, my husband and I attended a holiday party at a co-workers home.  I was worried.  Would I be able to resist the usual massive quantities of decadent goodies that always seem to cover brightly colored tables at events such as these?  
When we walked in, we were greeted by our host in his "I've been good this year" Santa hat.  My husband was wearing his new "Grandma got run over by a reindeer" hat.  Our hostess was in the kitchen hurriedly preparing the finishing touches.  Almost everyone had dressed up for the occasion.  I was glad.  As I told my husband before we left, I was excited just to be wearing something besides workout clothes for a change.  No jeans for me.  I was wearing a dress.  
The host and hostess had a great idea for the evening's festivities.  They asked the guests to bring in gently used coats that they would in turn donate to a local charity.  We managed to come up with four or five we didn't need anymore.  I was surprised because we had just donated a bunch of bags of old clothes to the National Children's Center (or was it the Lupus Foundation of America?).  I can't remember, but I know we had donated coats as well.  We usually donate several bags every couple of months to whomever calls first.  
Their home was absolutely beautiful and the food looked amazing.  I had to laugh at the table centerpiece...a silly rendition of a reindeer with the peanuts strategically placed to the rear of the deer to symbolize well...deer poop.  I love a good sense of humor.
My husband poured us each a glass of Cabernet and we mingled a bit.  Then, we went grazing.  There is no other way to put it.  You grab a little paper appetizer plate and begin taking a bit of this and that.  There was a lot to choose from...cheeses, crackers, fruit, reindeer poop (AKA nuts), crab dip, veggies and cocktail shrimp.  I was extremely happy to see that most of what they had chosen to serve was relatively healthy.  This is often the most difficult time of the year to make healthy choices.
I detoured around the pepperoni and the meatballs in the slow cooker and I skipped the main dish, the andouille sausage gumbo with a side of warm bread.  No sausage and no pepperoni for me this year.  You know what?  The no beef, no pork restriction I placed myself on at the beginning of the year?  I'm going to continue it in 2012.  It works for me.  And you know what I say...whatever works, be it low sugar, low sodium, or low carb...go for it.
All in all, I wasn't too naughty last night.  I admit I filled my plate three times (they were really small and I missed dinner) and I did have a small chocolate cookie.  I doubt its going my alter my current status on Santa's list.  I hope I am on the nice list.  Mmmm...Is there an APP that lets you know your up to date naughty/nice Santa list status?  
When we came home, it wasn't long before I crashed on the couch.  I ended up going to bed early but I didn't sleep.  I was way too wound up to sleep.  I just lay there watching Saturday Night Live with the hubby.  Well, I watched through my eye lids.  He was tired as well so I presume he did too.  What can I say?  We aren't the night owls we once were.  But...we did get up early this morning and work out.   Between the two of us, we burned around one thousand calories.        

Even Our Tree Is Skinny This Year

Yesterday, my husband and I began our holiday decorating.  Most years, from dawn until dusk, we reach and bend and stretch getting all those decorations brought down and put up around the house.  All of these good exercise but, every year we'd decorate, I'd end up overdoing it and pulling or twisting something I shouldn't like my back or my knee or my neck.  One Christmas in Arizona, when my husband was deployed, I pulled my back out while attempting to sit on the floor and open presents with our youngest son.  I was fortunate that my brother had chosen that Christmas to visit us...because I was bedridden.  One Christmas holiday here in Virginia, I twisted my back so bad, my husband had to take me to the doctor.  I could not stand without his assistance.  The worst part was we had about forty people on their way to our home.  So, while he hosted a party downstairs, I lay in our bed drugged up on prescription pain killers.  I was missing out on all the celebration.  I was missing out on life.  And it tore me apart.
Then everything changed.  I began taking yoga classes, I started eating better, I lost weight, and suddenly when I did have the misfortune to injure myself...I healed more quickly, sometimes overnight.  The healthier I became, the less my disabilities... disabled me.  Living smarter, making better choices, I gained control of my life again.  Sure, I wasn't miraculously healed but, I did feel better and I wasn't missing out any more.  Winter's chill no longer meant inevitable pain.  
Last year was first holiday season in years that I didn't get injured.  At first, I was confused.  You see, injury had become something I expected like a seasonal cold.  Come to think of it, I rarely get those any more either.
This year I look forward to the holidays like never before.  My whole family has been working out and eating better in 2011.  Our friends have gotten into the whole healthy regimen.  The world is spreading...
Hey, I just noticed...even our Christmas tree is skinny this year.  How awesome is that?

Oh Yes, I Actually Had Pancakes..And Syrup!

http://bobevans.com/Menu/Category/71/Fit-from-the-Farm

http://www.smucker.com/sensibly_sweet/products.aspx 

As soon as our youngest was off to school, my husband and were out the door.  We needed to get my car in the shop for a service.  Afterwards, we went to breakfast at one of our favorite places...Bob Evans.  Our waitress was a sweetheart.  Her name was Debbie and she made us feel right at home.  I always seem to get the same thing when we go there...a veggie omelet.  But this morning, I noticed something new on the menu.  On the "Fit from the farm" menu, they offered the "Be Fit" breakfast, a no cholesterol egg blend with a side of cranberry multi-grain pancakes.  They forgot the fruit side but, to be honest, I never even noticed.  I wouldn't have had room for it anyway.  

What stood out to me was the cranberry pancakes.  They were amazing!  I liked them so much, I asked my husband if we could take a stack home to my Stepdaughter.  She always eats something quick like a protein bar on the way out to work.  I thought it would be nice to bring her something warm and tasty.  You know, something that tastes really naughty, but is secretly nice.  Well, just as I guessed, she loved them as well.  And, like me, she couldn't finish.  Who would have thought to put cranberries and pancakes together?  Bob Evans, that's who.  

By the way, check out the Smucker's Sugar Free breakfast syrup.  No more will we be forced to pour watery chemical laden syrup substitutes on our multi-grain or whole grain pancakes.  This one is made with Splenda and its as good as the original syrups.  Mmmm..  I can't believe I just had pancakes and eggs and I don't feel a bit guilty for it  (352 calories).  

This totally puts me in the mood to decorate for Christmas.   

More, More, More

I've added nine miles today and I'm thinking of going for another walk before nightfall.  Nightfall comes rather early now that we stepped in December.  I cannot believe its almost over but, I am happy with all I've accomplished this year...so far.
Today, I did my five miles on the treadmill at a 4.3 pace, with an incline up to 10.  I was bookin'.  I felt strong.  Sure, my knees hurt and my foot threatened to cramp up on me but, I just told myself..."Focus on something else.  You will be fine."  I watched "The Today Show" and, I was...fine that is.
Afterwards, I did my normal routine of exercises but, somehow it wasn't enough.  Lately, I've wanted more and more.  I've wanted to push myself and just doing my normal routine isn't enough.  Some might think its because I am in the final phase of my year long fitness journey, that, perhaps I am only pushing myself until I reach my goal and return to the status of sexy couch potato.  They would be wrong.  For one, I met and surpassed my goal months ago.  I am now drawing ever closer to the 1400 mile mark, 400 hundred miles more than I set out to walk.  Its not about goals anymore.  Its about loving who I have become.  I have regained my self respect and my sense of self worth.  I have taken personal responsibility for my health.  And well...it feels amazing.  There wasn't a pill or a magic diet involved.  My friends and family would tell you I never seem to stop eating.  I am merely more aware of what I put into my body.  I read labels, I don't really count calories.  I just "aim low"..low calorie, low sugar, low sodium.  I exercise because it makes me feel lighter, more limber, and less prone to injury.  And, when I am injured, I heal at what appears to be super speed.  I watch what I eat because I have a family history of type two diabetes and because I care about my body.  I walk because its what I am physically capable of doing, its easy and it works.
Anyway, my normal workout downstairs wasn't enough.  I wanted more.  I opened the front door but, the temps were still in the 30's...too chilly for me.  I opted to hang with an old friend instead, Ms. Leslie Sansone.  I went to my On Demand menu, Exercise TV, and sought out the walk section.  With my old friend Leslie, I did a 20 minute cardio routine.  Its funny but, I can remember when Leslie was a challenge to me.  This morning, I was left inevitably wanting more.
When my Stepdaughter came up after her workout, I asked if she wanted to go to the mall and walk a bit.  The mall is absolutely wonderful during weekdays when no one is there...its quiet and there are no crowds except maybe the one to see Santa.  I wonder what he'd say if one of us went up there and sat on his lap.  I'd bet he'd love that!  We still had a little time left before we had to head home so we popped in to Costco and got a shrimp tray.  My thought was that, combined with a steamed veggie, that shrimp would make an excellent low calorie/high protein dinner.  I apologize if you are allergic.  Me? I just love shrimp.  I can't get enough.  Just call me Bubba Gump, because I will eat shrimp anyway one can cook it.  As my father used to say, "Keep it comin' cause, I love me some shrimp."
http://www.calorieking.com/foods/calories-in-fresh-shellfish-shrimp-cooked-moist-heat_f-ZmlkPTYyMzgx.html
After we got home, we realized we were nearly out of Chobani.  I walked to the nearest grocery store but, they were "bloom-ing" expensive there..about $1.50 each.  OUCH!  I bought a few of the Oikos Greek as well.  They were only $1.29 each.  But, I can't complain.  I did get to walk there.  And you know what I say...IT ALL COUNTS...  I just wish the stores with the lower prices were closer.  With yogurt, you can't go too far.  You have to keep refrigeration in mind.  
Better go.  My youngest just got home and I've still got a couple of loads of laundry to do.  I'll take each stack upstairs individually so as to get more exercise.  Remember to make good choices.