Well... I have always liked school. So nothing to fear there, and I'm never nervous, I'm excited. I conquered all 5 ...yea, I have five MWF. A lot in a day, and a lot period, but people do more, so it's no biggie. All are going to be great--except English. It's going to probably lower my GPA. I would drop it for communication, but then I lose my honors status. UGH. Speaking of... I have a lot of reading to do for that class, and no book 0.o another UGH.
LOTS of walking. Wow..... Good breaks through out the day, take my protein with me, and the cafeteria has a salad bar (with unidentified dressings :/) and I can make sandwiches (with full fat mayo). So I'll take my own condiments, but I don't mind! There's worse things that have happened!
The days are long, and getting home late and tired and trying to workout is really hard, but it's only on Mondays that that happens.
Bulking is such a joy! I made cinnamon bread pudding, and it's amazing! No protein powder necessary! I'm really having to use some control not to eat the whole thing. It's ....orgasmic! ;)
It's amazing! And my appt smells delish! Someone referenced it to me, and I altered it of course, because that's what I do best. It's supposed to be Ezekiel Bread Pudding...But I changed it to Trader joe's bread pudding... with egg substitute and coconut oil! I used half of the prescribed "butter" (oil in my case) and it turned out fine. Actually... it's like dessert. And I'm in love! It's SO easy too!
Heard this on the radio before it was released, and I now own the album... I love this one though!
So I'm on the tail end of my carb up for the week, and I got my box of amazing goodies yesterday. It's weeks like this that remind me why I was going to do culinary. I love cooking.... SO much! Or what ever it is one would call what I do. I bring to you some creations that are tried, and loved. All proteinlicious, and all delicious!
Our first takes me back to when my mom used to cook for me. She used to make cream of wheat with sugar and butter, and it was probably my favorite breakfast! I had her make it probably twice a day when I had surgery last year.
Pumpkin Cream Of Wheat!
I personally, LOVE pumpkin. I've been known to go to extreme lengths to find canned pumpkin. Just can't beat it. If you want to try it... Here.
Second, I bring you something that combines everything blissful in life; Peanut butter, Chocolate, and Bananas. (Bread is rather yummy I must say!) A friend who is an "IF-er" tossed this at me, and even though I might've accidentally tripled the coco, it was delightful!
Recipe? (I don't know anyone brave enough to try it... but hey, you never know!)
1 cup 0% CC
1 scoop Chocolate protein (I used Optimum Nutrition Milk Chocolate)
2 cap fulls Davinci Toasted Marshmallow sugar free syrup (Any flavor that goes with choc is good).
2Tbs PB2 (You can use real PB too)
Mix. Enjoy!
Last, I have classics combined to make something delectable. While this isn't mine, I suppose I made it my own when I forgot a main ingredient!
Banana Rum Cake Baked Oatmeal!
I cut the recipein 1/2 for obvious reasons. And ....I forgot the banana :) Which I turned into a great milk shake!
If you try one, I need to know. It's vital to my survival! Food is ma thing homie ;) I have a song for you too! I'm loving this these days.
Two weeks ago, I hit the ultimate boredom wall. Summer is one of my least favorite seasons. Way too much time, and nothing to do. I moved, I went to Atlanta a lot, but those things don't last long. Therefore, two weeks ago, when someone suggested something called The Ultimate Diet 2.0, I was quite interested. It's actually a book, not just something someone told me about. So, I started reading. I started googling. I started thinking. After hours of searching, reading, learning, and deciding, I said... Why not? It's two weeks, not enough time to cause damage, and it's complicated enough that it gives me something to do. I spent hours writing pages of plans, and figuring out, as a vegetarian what I would be able to eat to get in what it says to.
At times, it was boring still, after I finished the planning, but I always had/have it on my mind. Always working on or looking at what is coming, what I've accomplished, or what others have. I initially didn't want to post about it, because it looks extreme. And well, maybe it's not just how it looks, maybe it IS, but I enjoy the challenge, and it's safe done correctly. I've absolutely killed it. I've had to pull out my old self control, creativity, and patience. All things I'd missed in myself.
My two weeks are coming to an end, and I said when I started, because of my lack of multitudes of fat to begin with, there would be no more fat loss after the two weeks. I'm totally fine with this. I no longer see a heavy person in the mirror. As a matter of fact, these two weeks have changed the way I see my reflection immesnsely. And I'm beyond greatful. I was tired of seeing a fat girl, when that's not what I was actually looking at. Tired of those fat days, and low self esteem moments. I didn't do a 180 however. I still see myself as I am, I don't think I'm the most gorgeous person out there, or the strongest, or skinniest, and I hope modesty is something I always posses. The minute I lose that, I've lost myself. But there's something to be said about confidence, and a lack of self loathing. Especially after you've had the opposite of those for a long time. I had a feeling this would only encourage what many would call my food or counting obsession, but it's been the total opposite. Because of the complexity, I plan the entire week the week before. Takes maybe an hour or so, and when the week comes, I don't have to think about anything. All I do is eat what I'm supposed to, and know that it fits because I already set it up. Such a relief.
You may (or may not) be wondering what this UD2.0 thing is. It's a program to lose fat, while gaining or maintaining LBM (lean body mass). It's hard, and not for the faint of heart. Its right up my alley. I spend 3.5 days eating at a large deficit, and lifting higher rep lower weight full body. Come thursday, I do mid range rep, higher weight. After that workout, through Friday, I carb load. Saturday, I drop to low rep, high weight. And Saturday and Sunday are just normal eating days. Then you start over.
I'm good at, and comfortable eating at large deficits. At first, I was concerned it might ignite my old fire of bad ways. But it opened my mind. It's showed me that under the right circumstances, the extremes I was putting myself through, can be ok. Few would agree, and I understand where they're coming from, because, months ago, I had a friend doing the same diet, and I told them they weren't being healthy, or they were hurting their body. Thank God they had patience with me though. They never told me what it was that they were doing, and I never asked. I figured it was something they came up with on their own. They're quite bright, and could explain it, so I figured they had done their research and put together a terrible plan. Months later, I run across it, and quickly realize it's what they were doing. After reading the material, I understand how it's ok. So when people doubt, I see no reason to attack. Quite the contrary, I understand exactly where they're coming from.
School starts on Monday, and I'm so ready. Some aspects about it suck, like walking in the intense heat as fast as possible so I make it to my class across the world in only 15 minutes. What were these people thinking?! Some plus' too though. The Rec center is amazing, and it will be used by yours truly. I get out at prime traffic time, so after school is a great time to hit the gym while I let traffic die down! They have a lounge-ish area that resembles a mall good court. Win! I have friends there already. Win! Uhm..... that's about all I can think of, other than enjoying having some homework, or something to keep me occupied.
I really have an appreciation for the lyrics in this song. Enjoy :)
I love thunderstorms. I feel like they put me in a vulnerable mood somehow. Weird, I know, but for some reason they make me start to think and what not. I woke up to intense storms... it's all gone now, sadly, but I was surprised my power didn't go out, or someone just appear after a loud crash of thunder, like in scary movies. Trust me, I looked around a few times.
My thoughts took me to think about how all these people I'm so close with, and love, won't be here, or we won't be as close in the coming years. I got a call from a friend yesterday telling me a guy from my home gym got shot. I wasn't super close to him, and I doubt he knew I exist, but I know he exists, and I know his name, what he looks like, who he knew there... and it kills me inside. This is the second guy this year I've had to see die. Both teenagers. It makes me think... that could be me. I could be driving, and next thing my parents and friends are getting calls I was killed in an accident. There's so many things I really want to do, and I want to be all "seize the moment" but everything takes money. If I were to get in a wreck today, I would (if I could) always wish I had gotten to do some of the things I never got to do. One of those moments, when you want to hug everyone that you're close to, and tell them genuinely what you think of them.
Back to "lost" friendships. I remember when I moved here how close I was with the people I grew up with, now, I barely ever talk to them. I know, years from now, all the people I care about, want to meet, love, cherish, they won't be in the same position in my life as they are now. Honestly, it makes me sad. I understand life moves forward and you can't mourn what you're losing, and you have to move and grow with it, and new experiences are great, and blah blah... but I'm not sure.. Something makes me want to be able to keep what I have. Somethings I would drop, somethings I would choose to advance, and some I wouldn't want to change. I think about even 3 months ago, where I was, and how I would give a lot to be there again, because even just in 3 months, I've gotten farther away than I would ever want to be from a lot of people. Not a pity party here, just thinking.
I heard a song in the car the other day I've now identified, and here it is for you.
Why do I barely ever look nice, cute, or hot? Because... it takes time. Not that I don't value myself enough to put it in, but I spend most of my time at the gym, and when I do go out, it's usually to go to the grocery store. I can't say I see the point in putting in an hour to get ready, when the outside world is going to see my for 10 minutes at the most.
There's a prime reason to be ready for school! When I'm in school, I look nice almost daily. (Until I start working out at between classes, and keep my gym clothes on, but my classes are back to back, so no chance to do that this semester!) For some reason, my hair evidently only looks nice when straight. Which... sucks, because it's definitely curly naturally, and I would much rather not have to blow dry and straighten. TIME! Means getting up 40 minutes early, when I have to leave at 6:45.... I don't want to get up early than I have to! I feel like out there, somewhere far, far, away... There's someone that will love me even if I wear gym clothes every day. Ok... probably not, but I sure wish there was.
Then there's heels. I love them. We all think they emphasize a woman's legs, and that they're sexy as all get out. Only thing is... they're really painful! I MIGHT be able to get by if my classes are close, or if I invest in a good pair... but the cute pair I currently have, and love the look of, happen to be blister inducing! I won't lie, I love my legs! I would love to show them off! I think there's a way using platforms... maybe.... Zuzanna Light pulls it off using platforms! I'll look into that!
Make Up. Oh make up! I'm very used to my face without you... and I'm cool with this. Little mascara, makes my eyes more noticeable, and that's all I want. Not only does make up add time to my getting ready (ok.. minimum, but everything adds up!) but I would rather someone think I'm hot, cute, whatever, being me. Yea, I know, it's just enhancing, but what's wrong with the color and blemishes I already have? They're not going anywhere! ...Probably the opinion of a child, but I think women can look beautiful with out anything to "enhance" them. I'll work on my want to enhance... give me time ;)
Earrings? Yes. They're great. I have no objections to them! But let's be honest, they take 20 seconds to put on, and they make a big difference! No time wasted, enhancement made, and I didn't drastically change my personal face.. just added to it. I guess that's what make up is supposed to do too.. SIGH!
I mentioned a while back that I wasn't into the gym I was currently going to.. and I can't remember if I ever updated, but I have 4 friends there now! One works there, so I'm not sure if he counts, but he talks up a storm! One said something to me, because I was sitting in between him and a friend, and they were having an opinion difference (in good fun) and naturally asked the random person between them. Sadly for the one that talks to me now... I wasn't on his side. Steelers Vs. Cowboys? GO STEEEELERS! The third, I talked to first, and I did so because he was tossing weights around like a mad person (drop sets), and it was entertaining to watch. He's there every time I am, which will soon change as I have to go in the afternoon... Tear. Last, is my good friend whom I met because I love what I do! You can read about him here. He talked to me again since them, well, actually, everytime we're there at the same time, we converse quite a lot. His guess yesterday.... "How old are you.. 21?" HA! The day prior, he let out his past, and his troubles of the day. He's a super sweet guy (probably late 30's). We clash on ways to work out, but we don't usually talk about them, just about life. Which he has a good bit of experience with, good and bad.
This song NEVER fails to put a massive smile on my face :) And this video... love it!
Sooooo I'm (again) ready for school to start! I'm finding constructive things to do with all of my summer boredom (except the summer reading, which I need to do. Or should I say listening. Audio book heaven!), and this week is flying by, so I'm sure I'll be in school in no time!
I'm spending my days at the gym, or on the greenway, or supporting people trying to achieve fitness goals online, and it's pretty fun! Unless, of course, you've done if for 2.5 months haha! I'm great friends though, with Justin, Neal, and Julie, our local news anchors, and Josh, Robin, and George, our Good Morning America anchors. Yes, that's right, first name basis by now! We're practically BFF's!
I'm excited to see who's in my classes, and the teachers, and the cafeteria, and where my classes are, and try out Einstein's Bagels! I've always wanted to eat there :D (yes..... I know.) The first day is so fun to me. Nerves aren't really my thing, especially since this is my third first day of college. It loses it's scariness pretty quickly. If only all those poor freshmen could be told it's just like high school, except without rules.
In my boredom, I've filled it with fitness and nutrition learning, and I'm loving it! Seeing as my major will have to do with that, I feel like I can only be helping myself.
I don't have a song for you today, but I'm sure you can think of something that would remind you of me!
I feel like I've been out of my routine for a month now. As most humans, I believe, I'm a creature of habit. I have the same weekly routine, shaped around my lack of social life and the gym. Love every minute of it! This past month though, has felt rather insane. Not in a bad way, just an usual way. I've been out of town, or had people in town every weekend for a month, which means money spent, eating out, and being very tired. I have no idea if it's over yet, but I've been out of my blog routine, (not that there really is one...) and anything normal to me. It's nice to change it up every once in a while, but it's always nice to get back to my comfortable niche.
I don't have much important to say, as nothing story worthy has occurred.. well... I played an epic game of dare last night. I wasn't aware what I was getting into, but I loved every minute of it! The dares I received consisted of switching clothes with a guy (I had a strapless dress on), so that meant going into the bedroom and stripping with someone I've never met hah! I conquered that. Second, I had to climb up a ledge in the house and do a sexy dance to music, and third I had to strip to my bra and underwear and skip to a stop sign and back with another in his underwear. I was used in one, while they had to lick my armpits twice. Let me tell you... I screamed very loudly.
Other things happened like fitting 4 adults in one bed, or eating an entire slice of cheesecake (from the only place to buy cheesecake.... THE cheesecake factory :)) for my birthday. It's been a good long month, but I'm good with getting back to the norm.
I get my body stats done again tomorrow, I'm hoping my month has been neutral or helpful haha. I sadly tend to lose weight when I get out of my normal, but maybe I did better this time :D
Matt Kearney just released a new album, and this is one of my fav's off of it.
