Every Mistake...

I took this photo a few years back on a cross country drive from Phoenix AZ to Damascus MD.

It was an amazing trip, and inspiration for the sentiment of the type.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sobriety

Now I don't want to turn this blog into something too serious, but the last few days have been pretty rough for Ryan and I.

On a related note- I have been sober since July of 2011 and last night I had a standoff with myself. I had made myself a drink, set it on the table, and I sat there thinking for 30 minutes.

I eventually got up, poured it all down the drain and made myself a cup of chamomile tea. It wasn't difficult- and I definitely wasn't thinking about the drink the whole time. About 5 minutes before I got up I thought to myself: "I want to, but I'm not going to." (Which was my mantra when I had first quit)

And I only had to say it to myself once, it was that easy for me this time around. And although I still feel like sh*t, I feel much better than I did last night and I still have pride in my sobriety.

Disclaimer: This is not meant as advice, just a little snippet of something that works for me.

Games I Love #1:

I want to do a post about Wii Fit, because I know I need to get in the habit of playing it every day. It is such an easy way to get some fitness time it.. but in all honesty I haven't been playing it enough so instead this post will be featuring: DRAW SOMETHING

I love this game, but you really have to exercise the full potential of the fun by thinking creatively. I actually made my own DIY stylus to use with my iPhone as well because I got SO into it very quickly.

Here is a photo of my DIY stylus:

I used a small metal screwdriver, a regular scotch kitchen sponge, and basic scotch tape. I didn't have to get the sponge wet or anything, or cover it. You can Google how-to's if you'd like to make one too.


And here are some of my drawings:

Discovery: Oatmeal Drives Away My Mid-Morning Growls

Typically, I NEED to eat around 10 or 11 am. I always feel it'd be too early for lunch, but since I have breakfast around 5 or 6 am, it's understandable that I would be hungry. What I had been focusing on is having a healthy snack, like some fruit or a Nature Valley Granola Thin.

Though the past two days, I wasn't getting hungry. Totally weird and unexpected. But then I realized I had been having oatmeal for breakfast- and I wasn't getting as hungry, even at lunchtime!

I know this isn't any new discovery. But for me, actually experiencing and realizing the "magic" of it was pretty awesome. So I thought I'd share :)

And thanks to anyone who visited my blog to check out my lettuce wrap photos, it was much appreciated!

Photo Update: Homemade Lettuce Wrap

Chicken Breast Slices
Reduced Fat Colby Jack Cheese
Tomato
Lettuce
Salsa
Salt and Pepper

My new favorite: Lettuce Wraps

Here is one of the biggest problems I have faced in my struggle to lose weight and stay fit: I LOVE bread.

I know, I know... Who doesn't? But I not only love bread- I eat it in excess. When the bf and I grab a loaf of French bread from the bakery, I will eat at least half of it before we even begin dinner if I'm not careful. And even if I am, I eat the rest after dinner.

And sandwiches... it's one of my favorite ways to consume bread. And I always find a way of convincing myself that since I have the veggies on the sandwich, it's not so bad. But with the new vegtably-focused diet I'm trying, I needed to kick the bread from my lunches.

So yesterday at work I ordered a Jimmy Johns Hunter's Club Unwivh- without mayo. And OH MY GOSH! It was soooo good. I couldn't believe it. And the best part is that I decided to buy some lettuce today to try it out at home, and it was also amazing. Especially for less than 150 calories! (JJ's was over 277)

I'll be uploading a picture the next time I make it, which will probably be tomorrow :)

Love quote of the week:

This quote from Bob Marley really spoke to me. I simply modified it a bit to work almost like wedding vows (very broad and alternative, but vows nonetheless).

It really sums up how I view my relationship with Ryan. And adds some great pointers for keeping the peace. I just love it!

I am thinking of having it printed large and framed.