Days 165 - 167: New Weigh In, The Rice Festival, & Progress

Saturday was productive, fun, and a bit tiring. I love Saturdays when I get to sleep in and not be bothered by anyone for a while. I pretty much need them to stay sane!

I enjoyed the last of my egg whites and whole wheat naan with spinach and sriracha for breakfast.

After breakfast, I rushed out to the hike & bike trail and biked 9 miles. I wanted to do more, but my legs were still really weak from the evening before when I biked 15.

Upon my return, I weighed myself and discovered that I am now officially in the 134 range!

I figured I'd take my progress pic
somewhere other than my bathroom
this time around.

Upon my return, I was able to do 4 loads of laundry before I headed out to Winnie for the Texas Rice Festival! I was able to see my mom, my Uncle Obeng, Joyce, my Godson Ethan, and a few of my lovely friends from high school while I was there.

Here's the damage:

RICE BALL: chili, rice, crunchy coating and fried awesomeness

Mediocre cherry limeade.
I only drank half because it was disgusting &
I was too thirsty to care. 

Rudy's steak kabob. I only ate about 1/3 of it
and I saved the rest for the next day.

CAJUN PISTOL:  One of my favorites!
crawfish in a cheesy sauce stuffed inside a fried roll

chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick!?
I shared this bad boy with Amy

And we were unable to finish it.
It was pretty delicious, though!

And last but not least,
one fried OREO.

By the end of the evening, I didn't feel terrible, so I consider that a success. The weather was lovely when the sun went down, and I was truly happy to see my high school sweethearts! It's been 10 years since we graduated high school, and I'd say that we're all aging beautifully!

The next day, Sunday, was youth mass out in Fannett. I woke up later than I probably should have, so I rushed out the door and scarfed down a package of Skinny Cow Dark Chocoalte Dreamy Clusters on the way to Fannett. Dark chocolate, caramel, and only 120 calories? OK!

After church, I had a yummy homemade lunch with my parents and Nick's Uncle Steve in Fannett.

Menudo, rice, and cucumbers with a little sriracha.
There are always cucumbers at my parents' house! :) 

A little fruit salad for dessert

I snacked on half a banana while I was still at my parents house as well. I didn't have time to work out on Sunday because I had too much work to do after I left.

I supped on my leftover steak kabob from Rudy's Kabobs and a big salad of romaine, carrots, pecorino romano, and broccoli topped with Italian dressing. 

Today, Monday, was a busy day at work!

I had my usual Activia Breakfast blend while I checked my e-mails and made my to do list for the week.

I ventured over to Katharine & Company to pick up some lunch to go...

Grilled chicken caesar sandwich, spinach salad,
and a cup of tomato basil soup.

I went straight to the hike & bike trail after work so that I could get more work done at home in the evening. I was able to bike 11 miles this evening.

After my bike ride, I whipped up some eggs, steamed some tiny tree-like veggies, and worked the rest of the evening.

And that's the past 3 days in a blogshell!

I'm happy to say that I'm over the halfway point on my Heart Walk fundraising goal! A great big thank you to my beautiful friends Anna & Markette for their donations today!!!

Please click "SPONSOR ME" on the image below this paragraph. I know financial times are tough right now, but any amount would be greatly appreciated! If you cannot or would rather not donate online, please feel free to e-mail me and we can make other arrangements.

Days 163 & 164: Traditions, Reminders, & Thanks!

I have attended the Texas Rice Festival almost every single year since I was about 4 years old. My entire hometown shuts down when the TRF is going on to celebrate the year's rice harvest (I think). I've never known too much about the history of the Rice Festival, but what I do know is that it's always been a chance for us to eat too much, visit with old friends, and see some of the very interesting characters that Southeast Texas has to offer. Most of these characters are endearing, but some of them are just downright scary or like something you'd see off of one of those horrid reality shows about the South that are so popular right now.

With this in mind, I've been trying to be on my best eating behavior all week so that I can splurge a little on Saturday. Some of my high school girlfriends (and hopefully some guy friends) and I are meeting on Saturday to catch up and enjoy the food and Cajun music together. The must haves on my food list on Saturday are rice balls and a Cajun Pistol. Don't worry. I will take photos of these mystery foods on Saturday for those of you who have no early idea what I'm talking about!

Yesterday was a LONG work day for me. I had to attend the LIT Scholarship Banquet in the evening at the Elegante', so it was a chance for me to get a little dressed up and see some of the students and scholarship donors who help make my work place function!

Breakfast was yet another Activia Breakfast Blend. If you're looking for a yummy, healthy breakfast that will keep you full for a few hours, this stuff is ideal!

Since I had to work late, I didn't want to have leftovers or tupperware sitting in my car, so I picked up a chicken caesar salad from Jason's with a cup of tomato basil soup and some fruit. I ordered the smaller portion of the salad, but it was still massive!! At least I was able to restrain myself from eating all the cheese and croutons. I wasn't able to finish the soup either since the salad filled me up so much. Yay, lunch for Friday!

Seriously? WHY SO MUCH CHEESE? 

I LOVE Jason's Deli fruit.

After work, I drove over to the Elegante' for the banquet. Did a little mingling, and listened to all the speakers of the evening. It was a lovely and successful event! Dinner was pretty tasty and not too unhealthy, thank goodness.

There were salads at each place setting with what I'm guessing were gravy boats of green goddess dressing. 

Mixed greens, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes,
croutons, marinated mushrooms

The main course was pork with potatoes, a baked apple, and glazed carrots. I thought it was pretty tasty!! I was able to be strong and I didn't finish all the potatoes or the apple even though I REALLY REALLY wanted to!

The most difficult part of the meal was resisting the apple pie. I just couldn't do it...haha! I did manage to only eat about half, though...

The unfinished pie mocked me.

I got home on the later side after the banquet, so I just did a little stretching before I crashed.

Today was a nice and quick Friday because it was a bit busy! The rest of the week seemed to DRAG by, but today just zoomed by!

Breakfast was the last of my banana bread flavored Activia breakfast blend.

Lunch was my leftover Jason's Deli tomato basil soup with some veggies and the Greek yogurt ranch dip that I mixed.

I discovered a page on Facebook called The Heart Truth that has a campaign going where you print this page and write why you support preventing heart disease and upload the photo to their page. This is what I posted...

October is a tough month for Nick and me. I've always thought it was an interesting coincidence that I do most of my fundraising for the Heart Walk during this month...like she's trying to tell me something. The Heart Truth has a campaign going that asks you to print out this paper and write why you support Heart Disease Prevention, and this...she...is my main one. 

To those of you who've already donated, I can't thank you enough. If you are willing and able, please take the time to donate to my efforts to raise funds for the American Heart Association by clicking this link:http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=997880&supid=301662124

I am also selling paper hearts for $1, and I will be happy to make arrangements to accept donations under the $25 online minimum. Anything helps! 

Sometimes I just get hit in the middle of the day by remembrances of WHY I'm doing what I'm doing. It isn't just for tinier pants. It's because of how we lost Ms Ruth. It's for my health, and it's for promoting better health in others. I can only hope that I'm making some kind of difference in someone else's attitude towards heart health.

After work, I drank a TON of water, and then I sped out to the hike & bike trail where I was able to pummel through a GLORIOUS 15 miles in 90 minutes. It was a tough ride this evening because the wind was strong, but I was able to push through it. Part of me wants to start investigating getting a larger bike, but I'd feel like I'm betraying my little folding friend...and well...money. Plus, I don't want to get a bike rack for my car. Meh, nevermind. haha Besides, I think the tiny bike makes me work harder because I have to pedal more!

When I got home from my bike ride, I could barely make it up the stairs. I took out some salmon to thaw, and I took a shower. I baked the salmon and enjoyed it with some leftover kangkong/water cabbage and half a piece of whole grain naan. I know I'm not supposed to eat carbs after 5, but the expiration date for the naan is today. I intend to eat the other half with breakfast in the morning.

After supper, I played my piano for a little bit, I called my parents, and now here I am blogging my Friday night away. I look forward to tomorrow when I can see some of my friends at the Rice Festival! It shall be a productive and fun Saturday, I hope!

And before I conclude for the evening, I just want to thank everyone who donated today! I received donations from my Uncle Obeng and Joyce, my Godfather/cousins David & Edi, and my cousins Cici and Nick!!! I also got a pledge from my far away pal, Grittney! I reached half of my goal today!! Thank you all so so so so so much!!!! 

Also, today is my Uncle Rogie's birthday! Happy birthday to you, Uncle Rogie!!!!!!

Here's Uncle Rogie with Ena!

Speaking of Ena, she's been entered in another contest on Facebook that could get her to win some money for her college education! Click this link, Like Macy's, and please vote for the cute one daily!!!!
I know I posted the link already, but here it is again:

Please click "SPONSOR ME" on the image below this paragraph. I know financial times are tough right now, but any amount would be greatly appreciated! If you cannot or would rather not donate online, please feel free to e-mail me and we can make other arrangements.

Goodnight, and happy weekend, everybody!! 

Days 161 & 162: LONGEST. WEEK. EVERRRR.

Is it just me or is this week DRAGGING? 

Yesterday was my longest day of the week schedule-wise, and it certainly felt that way!

I had another banana bread Activia for breakfast.

T-shirt designs for the Heart Walk
are in progress! Yay!

Lunch was at the dining hall with Craig. I discovered that the walk to the dining hall from my office is actually about a mile ONE WAY...well awesome! The weather has been pretty lovely this week, so I've been so happy to take the time to walk all over campus when I get the chance.

Whole wheat pasta, pesto, carrots, some amazing steamed veggie
blend of zucchini + squash + asparagus + mystery vegetable,
plus garlic bread (my kryptonite)

I wasn't a fan of the cold asparagus or the cold chickpeas.

The walk to and from the dining hall was my cardio for the day. Better than nothing!

I ate supper with my parents at their house in the evening before choir practice. I was able to resist eating any rice with my meal, so that was good!

Smoked fish, more kangkong (which I have discovered
in English is "water cabbage"), and fresh cucumbers
in mixture of white vinegar,  water, sugar, pepper, & salt

When I got back to my apartment after choir practice at around 8:45, I was able to do some light ab work while I caught the new episode of Private Practice. 

-----------

Day 162...Wednesday....

I didn't get to eat much breakfast this morning. I had to go across the street to photograph an event on campus, so I popped one of those protein poppers that I've made for situations such as this. 

I snacked on a yummy gelatin/fruit cocktail that my mom made mid-morning.

I ate about 1/3 of this. Yay, more for later!

Lunch was less than exciting today, but it was nice to not spend any money or have to walk anywhere. My feet were hurting because I'm dumb and decided to wear heels to work today. I think I've given up on heels...they're not worth the pain. 

I ate a very dry chicken breast with a veggie mix. The chicken breast is part of a rotisserie chicken I purchased last week that is probably on its last leg. It was dry and bland, but I just made myself eat it because I was just thankful to have something to eat!

I added balsamic vinegar to it later, and it helped a little.
It was like eating paper...haha!

When I got off of work, I hurried over to the hike & bike trail and pummeled through 11 miles. I wanted to do another lap, and I had plenty of sunshine to do so, but I was starting to get a headache because I didn't drink my usual glass of water before I started. Never again will I make that mistake! Thankfully, the headache went away after my ride, and I was able to chat with my co-worker Tim, and a family friend from my church, Cherry Woodsmall, for a bit. 

By the time I got home, I was STARVING, so I made myself a "breakfast taco" with egg whites, spinach, skim mozzarella, turkey, and sriracha on a whole wheat tortilla.

YUMMMMMY!

I promise, the tortilla was the only carb I had all evening! This yummy wrapped up package filled me up!

Now, here I am blogging away. I will be home late tomorrow because I have to attend a scholarship banquet for work, so I'm hoping to do an Internet workout afterwards. 

I'm very glad that the halfway point of the work week is over. I've been SO tired all week, and I'm not sure why, so I look forward to sleeping in on Saturday! I probably need to sleep more, but I've been too excited with the new piano in my apartment lately.

We are ONE MONTH away from the heart walk!

Please click "SPONSOR ME" on the image below this paragraph. I know financial times are tough right now, but any amount would be greatly appreciated! If you cannot or would rather not donate online, please feel free to e-mail me and we can make other arrangements.

Day 160: Walking/Waddling & Upper Bodying

Hey, All! It's Monday again and it's a new month. Let's do this...

Breakfast was another kind of Activia Breakfast Blend this morning -- Banana Bread! Pretty tasty!

Keeps me full all morning, too!

Since it was SO SO gorgeous outside today, I decided to walk to Subway for lunch. It's about a mile walk round trip to Subway from my office, but I love to walk. When the weather is as lovely as it was today, I felt like it needed to be done.

I got a 6 inch Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwich on Italian Herbs & Cheese bread. It had cucumbers, onions, spinach, pickles, tomatoes, and sweet onion sauce. I also got a bag of kettle barbecue chips and a bottle of water.

I got home later than usual, so I was pretty darn hungry when I got back. I had some chicken with leftover kangkong + tofu & black beans that my mom made. (Sorry, but I have no idea what kangkong is in English...hahaha!) 

I did a light upper body workout while watching The Voice this evening. Lots of push ups, lots of weights with my 8 lb dumbbell friends. My legs are SOOO SORE from the squats I did yesterday. I've been walking around waddling like a duck all day thanks to the soreness, but it's kind of rewarding. Like a weird waddly badge of honor.

Welp, that's all that happened today, folks. Tomorrow's my long Tuesday, so I'm hoping I'll get to fit in some cardio during work again!

Please click "SPONSOR ME" on the image below this paragraph. I know financial times are tough right now, but any amount would be greatly appreciated! If you cannot or would rather not donate online, please feel free to e-mail me and we can make other arrangements.

Days 157 - 159: A Happy New Distraction!

Sorry for the late posts! It was an eventful weekend!

Friday didn't involve nearly as much walking as Thursday, but I did use it as my day of rest for the week.

Breakfast was more Activia breakfast blends. I found another flavor during a short trip to Wal-Mart on Saturday, so I'm looking forward to trying it Monday morning.

Nick's cousin Jake wanted to meet Nick and me for a super late lunch/early dinner, so I only ate a snack during the day. This is the banana I smuggled out of the dining hall on Thursday...

I left work earlier than usual and I went to Tokyo with Jake and Nick where we shared some edamame, onion soup, and sushi.

OMG ROLL. Nom nom nom

Orchid roll! Double nom nom nom

And like I said earlier, I used Friday as day off for the week from working out. :)

Saturday was pleasant despite all the rain. I got to sleep in and I made myself some brunch of wheat toast topped with Smart Balance made with Flax with 1 egg + 3 tbsp egg whites. 

After brunch, I was able to get in 25 minutes on the treadmill and another 25 minutes on the elliptical after breakfast.

It's just easier for me to video my work on the

elliptical because it turns off when you

stop pedaling. I have to slow down a lot

so you can read the numbers, though.

This is the view I stare into while I'm running on the treadmill...

On sunny days, the pool is super crowded

And sometimes I can watch some TV while running. I got to watch part of the Aggie/Arkansas game, so that helped the time pass a little more quickly. As little as I'm into sports these days, I still like to see how my ol' Ags are doing every once in a while. 

Hello, blurry football player man.

So Saturday was a little out of the ordinary because I got to see my cousin Stacy and my Uncle Herbert! They were on their way to Louisiana, and Stacy had mentioned to me on Facebook that they had an electric piano/keyboard that they weren't using that I could have for FREE. So Nick tagged along with me, and we met the two of them in Silsbee to get the piano from them. One of my biggest regrets in life has been quitting piano lessons when I was little, and this new and improved Melanie is ALL ABOUT killing any regrets if at all possible! I truly can't thank them both enough for taking the time to bring the piano down and to meet me! Thanks for all the fitness tips and for commenting on my piano post, Stacy!!!! It was so nice to see you and your dad! 

After the piano excitement, I went out and ran a couple of errands. Before I headed out, I had a quick/light dinner at my apartment

Leftover chicken & veggies

Sunday morning started off with a sprint to my apartment complex gym. I have missed biking this weekend, but the rain has not allowed me to go out to the trail. 

I started out with a mile walk/run.

Not sure why the pic is crazy distorted like that,
but my camera was too slow to catch the time/distance
in time before it went away.

I try to reserve Sunday mornings for heavy duty strength training because I can grunt loudly all I want since no one else is usually in the gym with me at that time. I did 9 sets of 12 reps of various types of squats on the Smith Machine. 

Hi, I'm a Machine named Smith.

I also did some upper body work with 10 pound dumbbells before sprinting back to my apartment to drink this before showering and heading to church...

After church, my mom had a lovely spread waiting for my dad and me for lunch. She wasn't feeling well, so she wasn't able to go to church, but I'm thankful she made some yummy things for us. She made a Filipino vegetable dish and some chicken mechado.

Cucumbers, kangkong (I have no idea what it's
called in English) with tofu and chicken mechado

We also had some fruit cocktail with
some kind of gelatin for dessert!

We watched a movie after lunch, and then it was time to eat again! I just had a chicken leg with some rice before I headed out. I was able to eat the rice before 5:00, so I didn't break my new no big carbs after 5 rule! Thanks for all the yummy food, Mom & Dad!

Whew! I'm now all caught up. I shall go and play my new piano for the rest of the evening and hopefully catch the season premiere of Revenge! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

OOOH! And special shout out to one of my most loyal readers! Happy birthday, Mrs. Laura Furry!!! Your words of encouragement are always inspiring! I hope I've been able to inspire you, too!

And of course, I can't forget to promote my fundraising efforts for the Heart Walk! 

Please click "SPONSOR ME" on the image below this paragraph. I know financial times are tough right now, but any amount would be greatly appreciated! If you cannot or would rather not donate online, please feel free to e-mail me and we can make other arrangements.