Old Rugged Cross

He is Risen!

FNL - Love is Stronger Than Pride

 LOVE IS

STRONGER

THAN

PRIDE

 

­

It’s all too clear

Things come and go

Hot Men

All right.
Enough.
I'm not waiting a second longer.
I'm giving my blog a "FACELIFT" --
something (anything) to smile about...

HOT MEN
We went to see Olympus Has Fallen over the weekend.
I could have enjoyed the movie if the sound died.
The visuals were seductively stunning.
And the plot was pretty awesome too.

fanpop.com

badboydeluxeblogspot.com

sweetandtalented.com

bestofprovateuse.com

heartthrobcandyblogspot.com

nowhavefun.com

fanpop.com

beautiful-pics.org

The man is beautiful.


 

Gotham City

How do people live in freezing climates year round?  How do they function?  What do they look forward to each day?

When watching old Batman reruns, I used to get depressed seeing skyscapes of Gotham City.  I would feel sorry for the people who lived there.  It seemed like the end of the earth.  Gloom and doom all around, no color, no life, no happiness or well being.

It’s March 26^th  No sign of spring in sight, and we all are still dealing with this pitiful wintry weather and frigid temps.  We are all living in the 'burbs of Gotham City.

I want sun.  I want green grass.  I want out.

Wish this was something Batman could fix.  
But it’s not.

This weather has morphed me into a very boring, lifeless, unsociable, cranky person.  I seem to unconsciously broadcast "Go away" in my body language.  All I want to do is crawl in a hole, turn out the lights and wait till spring arrives.  I don't want to talk to anyone, go anywhere, or do anything constructive.  I just want to be left alone.  This is not healthy.

I gotta climb out of this Gotham City frame of mind.  My sanity depends on it.

Friday Nights Live

MERCY, child!

 I've just discovered a new group
whose song "Bottom of the River" definitely gets my attention.

Delta Rae

“They made the full house sweat on a cold wintery night with a powerful performance 
full of roller coaster emotional highs and lows 
and glorious harmonies.”

~ Philly’s WXPN The Key

 

 

soul

blues

passion

precision-sync’d

raw, folk-rock rhythm

striking good looks

charisma

Yes, world—

This is music.

Let the weekend begin!

turn it up!

Silence

 

~ the weight of silence ~

 



Daydreaming

I was trying to concentrate

but my mind

kept wandering back to you

  



Flip-Flop Days...!

(sigh)

7-Minute Circuit

Saturday -- four days ago -- was the last time I was at the gym.  I began getting sick on Sunday, and managed to squeeze in 20 minutes of cardio on my elliptical at home.  It's been a downhill spiral ever since with my head and chest cold.  Constant coughing, sneezing, runny nose and aches.

/”“A healthy outside

starts from the inside.”

~Robert Urich



When I'm sick -- which, thankfully, I seldom am -- my bed feels like total paradise.  My haven of escape, bliss, rest.  There's nowhere else I'd rather be.  I seldom take a "sick day" off from work.  I attribute that to my addiction to clean eating and regular exercise.  But every now and then, I find that my immunity runs its course, and I get nailed.  I succombed yesterday, texting a message to the office that I felt horrible and planned to stay home and rest.  After getting up to see my son off to school and to print off some last-minute records that needed sent out for tax prep, I went back to bed at 9 and slept till 11:30. 

After showering, then arming myself with tissues and cough drops, I managed to go out with my son to upgrade his dying phone ...

- placed an order at the bakery for a COLTS birthday cake for C this weekend ...

- and snagged a few groceries. 

As soon as we got back home and groceries were put away, I prepared another cup of green tea, then headed back to my bedroom.  A restful afternoon nap in my darkened, blissful haven was calling my name.  Switching on the Sleep Machine app on my phone, then silencing all calls, I slept restfully for another hour and a half. 

Despite the two long naps, after arriving back from dinner out with the family, I eagerly dropped exhausted into bed at 9 p.m. and slept till 6:45 this morning.  My body was grateful for all of that extra rest to help recover, because I felt worlds better this morning.  The sniffles and occasional cough, but miles improved from yesterday.  Manageable.  No more achiness.  Congestion hardly noticeable.  Feeling rested and more energized.

This is as close to normal as I've felt since early Sunday moring.  Feeling blessed ~~~

Grapefruit actually tastes GOOD to me right now.  Funny how our bodies crave certain things when we're sub par.

My son being home from college, I find myself inspired by his recent weight loss and diciplined diet.  He looks great.  Strong and lean and healthy.  He wears it well.  He has shared with me a few of his secrets for sticking to his diet balanced with life, and I salute him for his focus and commitment to getting the goal accomplished.  Mind over matter.  He just does it so well!  The inspiration is contagious.  I'm anxious to return to the gym and to resume my attack on fat loss and body comp. 

After having my hair highlighted late this afternoon, I plan to try to make it to the gym for a light workout, easing my way back into my routine.  I've dug up a circuit that I had done a few times in the past and I want to add this back to my arsenal for fat loss in the next few days once my strength has returned to normal.  A valuable workout to have on hand -- no equipment necessary, and it can be done anywhere, anytime.

     torch it

              

A Dog's LIfe

It occurred to me this morning as I was getting ready for work, coughing my head off, wondering how I was gonna make it through our jury trial that was set to go today, that dogs don't cough. 

My little Chessie kept looking at me like:  What's wrong with you?  Why do you keep making those annoying noises?  Can't you stop?  How annoying.

I wanted to turn to her and say:  Stop staring at me like that.   I have no contol over this, you know!  It's not my fault.  And how would you know?  You're a dog.  You never have to worry about annoying coughs.

But then it occurred to me.  We have annoying coughs. That's life.  Dogs have annoying barks.  And that's life.  A dog's life.

Thankfully when I arrived at work I was told the jury trial had settled.  Whew.  Was I ever relieved.  I made the mistake of taking "non-drowsy" (right!) cold medicine in the hopes that it would keep me from coughing during the trial. (Reporters can't exactly cover their mouths when their hands are on the keys...or blow their noses...or sneeze into a tissue...or any of those "comfort" things that most people with colds take for granted)  The only purpose the medicine served was to make me sleepy, lethargic, out of focus, dizzy and somewhat nauseous.  I knew almost immediately as I was driving to work:  MISTAKE. 

Watching the clock as we worked our way through the morning docket, I began craving my bed.  My coughing had settled somewhat, but now I was fighting the sleep, desperately trying to stay focused, pretending to be alert and coherent.  Following court, my plan was to pack it up, take the rest of the day off, take a long nap, and hope for the best.  My son is on his way home from college for spring break, and I DON'T want to spread my germs.  I want to enjoy his visit home, not be stuck in bed or coughing my head off. 

This cough-and-cold monster reared its ugly head unmercifully on this household beginning Friday, and it hasn't left yet.  NOT a good weekend.  Not at all.

I've gotten my nap in and I feel somewhat better.  At least my head feels clearer and I feel more rested.  And I wasn't even distrubed by barking dogs.  Little blessings!

Do You Still Hear the Song

 

 



Never Gonna Keep Me Down

I seem to have found my rhythm again over the past couple of weeks.  Is it because spring is here?  Hope on the horizon?  Whatever it is, I want to stay.  I'm not letting go.

Getting back up when knocked down is what matters.  I'm up.  I'm fighting again.  And I'm winning.

Feeling strong. 
Focused. 
Energetic. 
Clean. 
Leaner.
Balanced.
Determined.
Disciplined.

Diet has been carefully chosen and adhered to.  Always proves to be 90% of the battle.

For breakfast this morning, I tried a new egg white omelette of sorts.  It was a little bit of this and a little bit of that, leftovers just thrown together, but it was actually pretty tasty.

4 egg whites
2 oz sliced cooked sweet pototo
chopped green peppers
2 oz roasted green beans

I sauted the veggies in Pam, got them slightly browned, then added the egg whites.  YUM.

Today was back and abs day at the gym, my fourth day at the gym this week.  I've put spinning on the back burner for a while.  Still doing cardio, just dialed back a bit.  HIIT once or twice a week.

I miss emphasis on lifting.  It keeps me strong.  Lean.  Tight. 

I want that back.

I'm on my feet again.

Super Foods, Super Easy

super foods!

Eating for my health and being proactive, I try to eat a diet rich in super foods daily.  Super foods are foods that are low in calories, high in nutrients and act as anti-aging catalysts and disease fighters. 

 

Super foods that I like to include in my diet most days of the week include:  Spinach, eggs, yogurt, nuts, berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli and salmon. 

One of my favorite quick and easy lunches, especially when I don't have any lean protein prepared (I like to prepare lean protein ahead of time and weigh/wrap/store in frig for quick meals) is a shrimp and spinach salad.  It's high in protein, very low in carbs and fat, and tastes delicious.

 

At our local Kroger store, you can purchase 4 oz bags of salad shrimp around $1.50 per bag.  DEAL.  This handy baby packs a whopping 27 grams of lean protein!  A frozen 4 oz bag can be thawed by noon.  I simply clip a small corner and drain it, then toss it onto my salad that I've prepared. I'm good to go. 

 

Easy Shrimp Spinach Almond Salad

 

4 oz bag frozen salad shrimp

2-4 oz fresh spinach

.5 oz chopped roasted almonds

.5 oz chopped fresh onion (optional)

1 oz chopped fresh green pepper (optional)

2 T Maple Grove Sugar Free Balsamic Vinaigrette

 

 

Nutritional Info:

 



 

I am what I am!

keep it cLEAN with green beans

My new favorite way to prepare green beans.  I must share.  This is so quick, easy, and so delicious.  I've even taken these to Bunco before when I'd forgotten it was my turn to bring a dish and was running behind on time.  They're that fast and that easy.  Everyone wanted the recipe.  Huge hit.

So since I'm going to be focusing upcoming blog posts on accountability for eating clean, exercising and fitness, this is as good a place to start as any.

I honestly could eat the entire two bags of green beans all by myself when prepared this way.  They end up with a yummy, light, caramel-ly-basil-ly, roasted taste.  Incredibly tasty!

Should there be leftovers, they can be stored in the frig for a quick bag lunch item the next day.

These are the ingredients:

2 bags frozen green beans (no need to thaw)
Dash of olive oil (or olive oil w infused basil, opitonal)
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
A dash of Lite Soy Sauce

Toss all ingredients
into a large mixing bowl and toss till evenly coated. 
Place on a cookie sheet
sprayed with Pam
and roast for 25 mins at 425.  Devour!

Everybody's Got a Dark Side

“Chocolate, men, coffee – some things are better rich!”

- Kickassgood

On my trip to the grocery store last night, I was delighted to see that my favorite dark chocolate was on sale, two for $4.00.  Suh-weet!  I bought two.  Only two?  Really? 

 

I'm going back for more.  When it's good, it's good.  Go back for more. 

 

Thinking ahead here.  After all, it's good to be prepared for "Moments of Timeless Pleasure."  And just LOOK at all the benefits!

 

Mentioned on the Fitday site, and worth a second look:

1) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Heart

Studies show that eating a small amount of dark chocolate two or three times each week can help lower your blood pressure. Dark chocolate improves blood flow and may help prevent the formation of blood clots. Eating dark chocolate may also prevent arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

2) Dark Chocolate is Good for Your Brain

Dark chocolate increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the heart, so it can help improve cognitive function. Dark chocolate also helps reduce your risk of stroke.
Dark chocolate also contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you're falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins, so eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier.
Dark chocolate also contains caffeine, a mild stimulant. However, dark chocolate contains much less caffeine than coffee. A 1.5 ounce bar of dark chocolate contains 27 mg of caffeine, compared to the 200 mg found in an eight ounce cup of coffee.

3) Dark Chocolate Helps Control Blood Sugar

Dark chocolate helps keep your blood vessels healthy and your circulation unimpaired to protect against type 2 diabetes. The flavonoids in dark chocolate also help reduce insulin resistance by helping your cells to function normally and regain the ability to use your body's insulin efficiently. Dark chocolate also has a low glycemic index, meaning it won't cause huge spikes in blood sugar levels.

4) Dark Chocolate is Full of Antioxidants

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help free your body of free radicals, which cause oxidative damage to cells. Free radicals are implicated in the aging process and may be a cause of cancer, so eating antioxidant rich foods like dark chocolate can protect you from many types of cancer and slow the signs of aging.

5) Dark Chocolate Contains Theobromine

Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which has been shown to harden tooth enamel. That means that dark chocolate, unlike most other sweets, lowers your risk of getting cavities if you practice proper dental hygiene.
Theobromine is also a mild stimulant, though not as strong as caffeine. It can, however, help to suppress coughs.

6) Dark Chocolate is High in Vitamins and Minerals

Dark chocolate contains a number of vitamins and minerals that can support your health. Dark chocolate contains some of the following vitamins and minerals in high concentrations:

• Potassium
• Copper
• Magnesium
• Iron

The copper and potassium in dark chocolate help prevent against stroke and cardiovascular ailments. The iron in chocolate protects against iron deficiency anemia, and the magnesium in chocolate helps prevent type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

indulge your dark side



There's Spring in Her Walk

...elasticity,

resilience...

...bounce!

A direct result of SPRING in the air.  Ah, spring!  How I've waited (not so patiently) for you!

Yesterday was in the high 70's here, and I was outside most of the day, soaking in as much D as I possibly could.  What a glorious day!

I'll have another one of those, please!

Haunting

 

See the mirror in your eyes
See the truth behind the lies
Your lies are haunting me

See the reason in your eyes
Giving answer to the why
Your eyes are haunting me

Falling in and out of love
In love, in love,
Falling in and out of love
Your love, your love, your love

See the mirror in your eyes
See the truth behind the lies
Your lies are haunting me
See the reason in your eyes
Giving answer to the why
Your eyes are haunting me

Why can't you see it
Why can't you feel
In and out of love each time
Why can't you feel it
Why can't you see it
In and out of love

I keep keep running
I keep keep falling
let it fade away
You keep keep running
I keep keep falling
let it fade away
Keep keep running

keep keep falling

let it fade away

away, away, away

let it fade away

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful



 



Style is Forever

 

Displaying 

my style

throughout my home is an ongoing task.

 

Task?

No, not a task.

A pasttime.  A hobby.  Simple pleasure.

No docket on Friday, so I took the day off

to work on a mile-long list of projects

that I had hoped to tackle --

well, I knew I wouldn't get them ALL accomplished,

but at least a running start.

 

My style?

Well, a little bit ...

- au naturel

- warm palettes

- rough on the edges here and there

- unpredictable

- eccentric

- bold

- time-honored

 

... to name a few.

 

I've been experimenting with glazing finishes,

white glaze, mustard glaze, raw umber glaze,

both on painted surfaces and wood-stained surfaces

to figure out what look I'm going for

and how to best accomplish it.

 

I love the release that art, creativity, and spontaneity give to me.

 

It breaks me free from the bonds of restlessness

and moodiness.

It's a retreat that offers a huge serving of

personal satisfaction.

 

I've listened to music pretty much non-stop

while working on my projects,

a little bit of Pandora,

a little bit of from youtube.

I'm having a ball!

 

On my list of to-do's this weekend whenever:

 

- White-wash-glaze (ugly) picture frames

-  Repaint and distress a kitchen bench

-  Stencil a favorite quote on the end cap of the kitchen island

-  Paint/distress an ugly walnut end table a rich eggplant,

(Home Depot calls it "polished leather")

then antique it with a white glaze

 

And run.

Definitely go for a run!

It's supposed to be in the mid 50's today,

and I'm NOT gonna let this yummy weather go to waste

hibernating inside on my ass.

 

Time's a wastin'...

 

Outta here.

 

 

 

 



Consider the Birds



This photo

snapped yesterday afternoon

from my kitchen window

portrays

quite effectively

the month of February

in the life of T...

wholotta

rain

cold

blahs, boredom

and

misery-induced eatin'!

 

The distinction being,

that little bird has daily earned his license to pig out.

 

Stay warm, buddy.

March begins today.



 

To live content with small means,

to seek elegance rather than luxury,

and refinement rather than fashion;

to be worthy, not respectable,

and wealthy, not rich;

to listen to stars and birds,

babes and sages

with open heart;

to study hard;

to think quietly,

act frankly

talk gently, await occasions,

hurry never;

in a word,

to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious

grow up through the common --

this is my symphony.

 William Ellery Channing

Back on Track (Again)

Health and fitness update:  I began this week feeling like crap.  Little did I know that I would be having a visit from "TOM" -- again.  My hormones are ALL screwed up, due to this lovely chapter in my life, and I get unexpected and intermittent visits that wreak hell on my body and my mind, not to mention my willpower.

I was hungry as a bear all last week.  Hungry.  Major cravings.  Major fatigue and aches.  I should have known.  I cancelled my spin class last Thursday and went straight to bed.  Scheduled for spinning on Monday, I drug my tired butt in there anyway.  Of course that was the night that the instructor decided to play drill sergeant on us, periodically walking around cranking up everyone's resistance and urging us to pedal harder, harder, harder!  (NO!) Totally kicked my butt, every inch of my body screaming for escape.

Tuesday was a total rest day.  Much need, much appreciated.  Cravings and hunger have subsided significantly.

I felt good Wednesday morning.  No morning cardio, I slept in again for an extra dose of rest, knowing that my plans were to hit the gym after work for lower body and cardio.  Good plan.  I watched the clock and willed myself to stop after 45 mins of lifting (I tend to wanna go on and on and on and on ... I'm addicted to lifting that way), finished with 20 mins of light cardio.  I made it to bed Wednesday night by 9:15 and slept until 6:00 Thursday morning, squeezing in about 15 mins of ab work before getting ready for work.  My body was coming around.  "Hey, you be nice to me, I'll be nice to you."

Thursday evening, back to the gym, this time for delts, arms & abs, and HIIT cardio intervals for 25.  I cancelled my spinning.

Tons of energy when I got home from the gym, so I cleaned the kitchen (after my post workout meal) and then made a batch of venison meatballs. 

My scale sits in the corner of the bathroom, shrouded in shadows, gathering dust.  And it will stay that way.  My measure of success will be two pairs of pants that are supposed to fit like a glove, but not a shrunken glove.  I know the pants won't lie to me. 

Today I'm up early (though running late) for morning cardio.  I feel like a whole new woman after a week of far more rest and dialed back workouts.  Get a clue, T.  You know these lessons, and yet you repeat those mistakes mindlessly.  You need ample rest!  And you need to listen to your body when training.

I feel wonderful this morning, full of energy, clear-headed, rested, light, focused, balanced, determined as hell.

Go forth, woman.  Seize the day.