Day 7 Italy - End of Journey

Italy Day 7, Last Day of the Journey

Today was fairly uneventful; we mainly traveled via interstate from Venice to Rome with a couple of quick uneventful or memorable stops along the way.

The hotel here in Rome is nice, a conference hotel and the bed looks comfy.   I can’t wait to crawl in it.  We had a nice end of the tour group dinner & the wine flowed freely.  It was great – we have to be ready for a early pickup tomorrow, 6:30 am to catch the plane home.  So goodnight, sleep well.

Italy Day 6

Italy Day 6

Today was a jam packed day.  We left the hotel @ 8AM and walked to the dock where we hopped a boat to an area near the city center.  We then walked to St.  Marks square and took a tour of the Dogass Palace, the jail and St. Marcs church.

We then went to a glass blowing shop and saw how it was made – it was really neat.  However, Venetian glass is very expensive, I saw a Chandelier for 27,000 Euros!

We walked around and window shopped a bit, then met back with some of our group to go to Burano Island where they are known for their lace.  We had a good lunch, though it was a bit fishy for me and then walked the shops.  I bought a few things and generally had a good time though I admit I as getting tired.   We then hopped on the boat and came back to the mainland.  The trip over we sat on the top, but this time the inside bench made a good bed.

Once we got back to the main island we had some time on our own.  We took a good hour and ½ meandering back to the hotel.   It was nice and we shopped a bit along the way (Mama haggled).  I love Venice, the relaxing nature of it, even if it is crowded.

We then came upstairs and got a shower, by this time I was beat.  We relaxed for a bit in the room and then decided to go outside.  We ran into other people from the tour downstairs in the lobby and spent a good hour visiting.  It was great – this group is so inclusive, I love it.

Jack & I took a stroll outside with Doug, one of the guys from our group.  We were delighted to find a street performer (fire).  It was a mazing & still the day is not over.  When we got back to the hotel we met up with Mike & Jenny, another couple from our group.   We went up to the balcony and talked or two more hours.  It was really a great evening.  Jam packed day, but I loved it.  Now I must sleep.

Italy Day 5

Italy Day 5

Today we left Florence & headed for Venice.  Mostly, it was a traveling day, however we did stop for lunch in Verona, which was nice.  They have an amphitheater similar to the Coliseum, but smaller.   This is also the town Romeo & Juliet were based in.  The town is mainly shopping, but it was pretty & a nice little stroll.

One thing to note here is I paid .70 Euro to use the potty only to find a sunken toilet in the floor.  So basically a whole that I stood over, interesting to say the least…

We then headed to Venice which is fascinating.  The water city!  We rode in a Gondola.  I worried we were going to tip over or Mama would fall out…  We also took a water taxi which is very expensive to dinner.  I wasn’t impressed with the service tonight at dinner, but it was good overall.   Jack and I waltzed in St. Mark square before we headed back to the hotel.

Day 4, Italy

Italy Journal
Day 4, 9/5/12

This morning we got a late start; it was 7:50 before the bus left.   The breakfast was terrible; Italians can’t cook breakfast, but it was on a rooftop dining room so the view made up for the food.

We then made our way to downtown Florence were we 1^st went to the Academia Museum & saw the statue of David.  Our guide obviously loved art and made Michelangelo come to life.   There were 4 unfinished works that were awesome to see.  You cold kinda see the process he went through, which was just awesome.   David itself is Massive, 20 ft high.

We left there and walked to the city center of Florence – this town has a lot of walking.  We saw the Church of Croce which is gorgeous and very unique.     We saw Duomo & Babtistry Buildings – one has Gold doors and we saw the Piazzo Del Signoria which is an open space sculpture muse am.  The guide went at a good pace which allowed me to wonder and take pics which I enjoyed.  Overall I like Rome more, but Florence has its charms.  It is a lot more crowded though…

Once the guide was finished we were given free time to eat lunch and wonder.  They are is known for  leather and gold, but the $$$ were steep.   We got a few gifts and I got some glove, Jack a belt and that was it.  I just didn’t want to spend the $, this trip is already costing a pretty penny.

We also wondered up to the Ponte Vechhi Bridge, which has buildings on it & is the oldest of its kind left.  It was neat to see, but very crowded so we headed back to wait for the group at the square.

We then left Florence and went to San Gimiignano which is a medieval town with walls and towers.   The view off of the top was Tuscany countryside and it was great.   The buildings were awesome.  It was quaint with shops and ice-cream parlors; a little touristy, but I liked it.

We then headed back to Florence & had dinner.  Overall it was nice day, but very tiring.   I’m glad we get to spend time on the bus tomorrow.

Italy Day 3

Italy Journal
9/4/12

Today was a day of traveling. We left Rome at 7:0 and headed to Tuscany. The landscape has changed to one of rolling hills divided by bushes. We made a short stop at the leaning tower of Piza & I was very impressed. You always see the tower, but there are two gorgeous buildings there. Overall the area is very touristy - some would say "tourist trap", but we enjoyed it even though some street vendors were pushy.

We then got on the bus and drove a few more hours to Florence. Our room is big by European standards; but the bathroom is tiny. However it does have shutters that open to let the breeze in. Very relaxing and peaceful.

After a few minutes to regroup we left for a nice dinner in the Tuscany countryside. The countryside is gorgeous & the restaurant quaint. We sat with a couple from Penn. and had a nice conversation. The wine was free and several o four group members enjoyed it. They were singing on the way back to the hotel and having a great time. It was really great and relaxing.

After we got back to the hotel we were ready to come to the room, but several people told us the view from the 5th floor was great & it was. We sat around, had a drink and shot the shit with people from our group for an hour a so. It was a great time. The group & being included in it was awesome.

Today was bien.

Italy Day 2

Journal - Day 2, 9/3/12

Today was our first official day of the tour and it was jam packed. We got up and had breakfast. It was was buffet and it was jammed with people. I wasn't very impressed with it. WE then loaded on the bus and were on our way to The Vatican Museum which is breath taking. Tapestry with gold weaved in, amazing paintings and architecture. Ceiling paintings that looked like sculpture. We then went into the Sistine Chapel which was so amazing. The room was smaller than I thought it would be, but the detail was exquisite. Peoples voices would raise as they spoke and then the guard would shout and all would quite down be quite again, then the cycle would repeat. It was rather humorous. I did fairly well today, only a couple of small moments of unease due to the crowds. After the chapel we left and went to St. Peters Cathedral. Again the architecture was amazing, the cross of Christ was there, but behind statues where you couldn't see it. To protect it I'm sure. It was amazing, the colors, the statues, the history. you could spend a month and not see it all.

We then left and headed to the Colosseum. I felt a little rushed, but it was still astounding to see. To think of men dying on the stones while others cheered, barbaric, and the fact they built it so long ago.

We also walked up, and saw the remains of the forum where the Ancient Greeks ruled from. The columns and relics still standing as a marker of history. We then came back, grabbed some pizza and Ice cream and took it back to the room, where we took a much needed nap as we did walk for 4 hours this AM.

Then we left the hotel again for the afternoon excursion. We went to the top of the Spanish Steps & walked down like all of the models do. The street is famous for shopping (Gucchi, Prada, etc...) We sat on the steps for a while & watched the people.

We then walked onto the Pantheon. It was also amazing to see the ancient structure in the heart of town. It also had amazing architecture and art work. Through the walk we saw various obelisk and monuments. WE also sat outside the Pantheon for a bit and relaxed. Once we did that we went to our last stop of the day - Novana Plaza. Tons of art work for sale, great buildings and generally fun.

We left there, came back to the hotel an grabbed some dinner. It was a great day. My feet hurt, but it was awesome.

*Journal After Thoughts

- Breakfast in Itally proved to be lacking. They don't generally eat it and it was absolutely horrible. But they make up for it with dinner.

- Sorry for all of the "amazings" I was tired and other words would not come.

- Pictures didn't turn out that great - too rushed and many places didn't allow the flash.

Italy Journal - Day 1

9/2/12

Well it is my first journal in Italy. It technically is a journal of two days for our journey began yesterday at 8 am.

We got up and went and had a nice breakfast @ Sunrise Grill; our new favorite place. We then made our way to the Augusta Airport. Our flight was scheduled to leave at nooon, but we arrived super early at 9:30. I'm always ok being somewhat early, but never late. We read, talked and waited. Luckily the plane left on time w/o incident and we were on our way. The flight from Augusta to Atlanta was uneventful and took right at an hour, gate to gate.

We de-boarded in Atlanta and went in hunt of the new International gate. It all went really smooth and then we decided to grab some lunch given the 3 hour layover. We went into the eating area and I got a little panicky - like I can in crowds; this typically makes me whinny and bitchy, lovely eh? We found a table off to the side and Jack told me to go get my food while he minded the bags. I went to Panda Express and really couldn't see for the crowd of peps - which made me edgy to begin within so I went back and told Jack "I want chow-main and on the entree surprise me." Chow main was the side dish. I also tol him I wanted a spring roll; so he goes off.

Mama comes back with her food and I'm sitting there relating to her that I could eat a horse when Jack comes back - he had 1 plate and this itty bitty box plus 2 drinks. I asked him "where is mine" and he said "this is it - thought we would share and if you want more I'll go back". Now keep in mind I'm bitchy and whinny at this point. I felt so deflated, he didn't get me any food. No of course he had and his way was really a better idea, but I didn't see it that way at the time. I was so irritated. It seems so silly now, and he really did do what was best, but there I was; eating my "share" of the food which had no chow-mein on it growling from the inside and hungry. He asked if I wanted anything more, but hell would have frozen over 1st so I said no. WE finished eating lunch - I guess - and went to the terminal to wait. I ate a box of our raisin reserves, go carry-on bags.

We then boarded the plane for our 9 hour flight to Rome, about 2 hours in I realized I was a bitch and apologized for such... The plane ride was very uncomfortable and I was seated between Jack and Mama with no room, but we are here now and looking back it wasn't that bad.

Once we arrived in Italy we swept through customs with no problem. He barely even glanced at my passport... and found our tour company. We then drove to the hotel where we met our tour guide Maria. She gave us some basic info, got us our rooms and set us free until 5 pm.

Now we thought we would go directly to sleep, but another couple (Doug & Carol) on the tour said the best way to get through jet lag was to push through and it made sense, so we did. We went upstairs to our room, got a shower, etc... and headed out. The three of us alone in Italy. It was fun, we wandered to see a castle (St. Angelo). We wondered along the bridge and took pictures of the statures. We said no to street vender's and enjoyed the whether. It rained on us a little, but it was all good.

By this time it was 1 pm and we were all really dog tired so we decided to wonder back to the hotel. I was also starving so we dropped Mama at the hotel, given she didn't want to go eat, and we went for food. We at eat this nice place - I felt odd as we just wanted a light meal to hold us over so we split a lasagna. It was good, not like the kind we at a home at all, cheesier/lighter and yummy. We then came back to the hotel and took a nap.

We woke up at 4 pm and got dressed, then went and officially met our group. We stat through a brief 45 minute intro and then headed to a nice dinner. We sat with an Australian Couple who were nice. The good was also good - mostly.

1st course, meet and cheese tray = ok, Second Course - Some Red Sauce Pasta & Green Sauce Pasta - Yummy, 3rd Course - Pork and Spinach with Salad = not so good, Desert - Berry Pie w/ boisenberries = Ick. But the experience was nice. We then went on a lighted tour of the city. Everything is so pretty with all of the old architecture. Much of it we will see tomorrow, but we did get to go see the Fountain of Trevi which was crowded but gorgeous. It was really a great day or well 2 days. Now I need my rest so I can start tomorrow fresh - so g'night.

End Journal 9/2/12

After thoughts - Just as a note the journal so I will remember.

* The tour guide - Maria - she was terrific throughout the tour. I really enjoyed her. She was always happy and just well great at what she did.

** Driving in Italy is crazy, they obey no laws and the streets are really tight. Our driver was awesome, however when he would get really close to something that she would see from the front she would say "oops" or "mama mia" it was so cute.

*** Cokes are expensive - between 1 and 6 Euros (1 Euro = 1.2 Dollars). Everything is more expensive over there. Their cost of living is outrageous; especially in Venice.

**** On Day 1 a guy at the Fountain of Trevi a guy offered to take our picture, he had a nice camera so I let him (My judge to see if they are going to run off with it), but Jack didn't trust him and watched him with his eye while we were getting a shot kissing (funny pic) and true enough, he handed the camera back to us and then wanted to get a picture we would "pay him for" - umm - no.

Ramblings

I don't get on here very often any more. I'm not sure what that means... have I reached that point in my life that I'm content and thus don't feel the need to pour my soul out into the faceless void or am I just lazy? I don't know the answer to that, but what I do know without a doubt is that no matter the day, no matter the event - Life goes on.

The hubby and I are well; in fact we are fantastic. Things fall apart around us, unexpected circumstances arise, breakage occurs - and we stand. We stand stronger; we stand boldly and with joy. We stand... I'm excited by that fact, excited in a world where things make no sense, we make sense. We are and and by God's grace we will remain. I love having that - it's like a permanent security blanket that is warm and fuzzy. Fuzzy Pants for the soul :)

And onto other rambling ideas:

- Someone at work the other day compared the US to the Roman Empire, how they were the wealthiest Nation, how they prospered until their morality began to circle the toilet, how they justified their actions and how that justification eventually lead to their collapse. I couldn't help but see his point, how long will the US stand if we continue to be morally bankrupt? I don't know the answer, but I pray I'm not here to see the collapse.

- Speaking of praying - I need to work on my own moral compass. I need to find a church, start back my daily reading time and generally live like I should live vs. how I want to live. I could justify myself and almost did as my fingers fly over the keyboard, but there is no excuse. As a recent blog I read stated - I need to brush my moral teeth.

- And continue the rambling - Some recent finds that are true gems:

1) http://michaelpatz.com/ -> I love this guy's way of thinking. Wish he was pastor at a church near here.

2) Awesome Band I recently found at a local talent night - http://www.facebook.com/SheNSheSounds?ref=stream#!/SheNSheSounds

- Politically I watch and read more than I ever have - the past 3 years I have become a spounge reading all kinds of articles, websites etc... and while I live in a state that will never vote with me I will vote - I will vote for Obama. I didn't vote for him in '08. I didn't want him as my President, I don't even know why - I wasn't educated enough to tell you (our voters really need to be able to tell you about the issues on some level), but then he won. So I engaged - I wanted to see what hole he would bury us in. What did I find? I found a man who I largely agreed with, one who honestly tries to help the American people, not just the rich. I found someone who at least on some level "gets it" and so I will vote - I will vote for my President, Mr. Obama because he cares.

- I got my birthcontrol for free this month - Obamacare :) so rightfully named because he does care.

And with those random thoughts with some political tyraid I bid you a good night. Til next time, whether that be next week or next year. Though I have a feeling it will be in sooner as we are going to Italy in 3 weeks and I have to share my travels :)

Love you blogland.

2012

So it is now 15 days into 2012 and I find myself discovering/analyzing what I want to focus on for the upcoming year. I don't want to do resolutions - for they most always fail, but I do want 2012 to be a great year.

My brother was just down for a weekend.. It was nice to see him and his family. His daughter is growing into such a little lady. I enjoyed their visit, but as they left I also found I enjoyed the silence that followed. Don't get me wrong, I'd love for them to have stayed another few days. I just noticed the silence once they were gone, the peace of it and the fact that my spirit found rest and joy in it.

So I guess my first thought is I want 2012 to be a year of quiet reflection. Of soft moments of pleasure and contentment.

I also find that I want to do more with my time. I want 24 hours to be streched into 30, but since I can't do that I just need to figure out how to do more. Don't get me wrong, I still love my days of rest... those days where you do nothing but veg and read a good book or have a tv marathon, but I also want to accomplish more that...

- I want to work around the house and do several projects that are burning in my mind: closet, stain decks/bridges, build laptop box, etc...
- Work on growing professionally
- Get more active with my scrapbooking either paper or digitally
- Finish uploading all pictures
- Do more of the books for our vacations
- Continue at the gym, ramp up my workouts and be diligent about getting both my cardio and my weights done.
- Get up earlier and have time for a morning Yoga and Time with God... this is going to be my hardest challenge.
- Get more serious about my bible studies
- Spend time with God daily
- Live my life as God would have me live it - including getting rid of my attitude issues, my grumpiness, my foul mouth, my self-centered expectations and etc...
- Learn to listen to my husband more, critize less - grow in our marriage. Continue to treasure the comfort of knowing he is there regardless. Treat him like the jewel that he is.

And with that I need to learn more than ever to sit quietly, enjoy things more and stop taking myself too seriously.

Have a great 2012 blogland... Love you!

Goodbye 2011

*Typed at 5:30 PM 12/31/2011

2011 is drawing to a close and I want to reflect back on what the year has been. It is difficult to do though; it really hasn’t been a memorable year. Which in many ways are good, there were no major catastrophe’s in my life, no major upheavals that upset the balance of nature… we just were. If anything 2011 was a year of togetherness.

Jack and I bought the house in Grovetown in 2010 and this year we found most of our free time working on it. We learned how, or at least learned more of, how to work with one another. We learned when to push, when to pull and when to sit quietly and let the other one vent. We learned and we grew closer.

In January I got really sick for the second or third year in a row and decided enough was enough. We completely revamped our diet and joined the local Y. Other than during the Christmas season we have gone steady for this year and plan to jump right back in after the New Year. We eat more fresh food (less Hamburger Helper); eat more turkey and a lot more veggies… I take 4 vitamins a day now: Flintstones Multi, C, E and B12… My energy level is good, though not as good when I was on Steroids in Feb… WOW, I know how that stuff is addictive.

Major projects on the house were done this year: Jack installed the back screened in porch for my anniversary, We had sod and a sprinkler system installed, painted the front porches with red and green, had rip/rap laid in the back, Mama cleaned out the front ditch and we finished the rock garden.

Inside things didn’t change much. Jack refinished the dressing table that now sits in my bedroom, awesome job and he stained a shelf we bought unfinished. I finally cleaned up the spare bedroom and now have a crafting area to call my own – one I rarely use…

We grew closer to Alice and Ty this year… I met her at work and they are really our only social connection down here, great people. Ty helped Jack with the screened in porch…

Jack and I went to NY for our anniversary only to have Hurricane Irene put a major damper on it, though I can now say I was in NY when it slept...

Other than that it was a quiet year. Jack and I find ourselves more in a rhythm than ever before. I just know without question he is there and he loves me. That in itself is source of quiet relief in my soul, but even better I know I love him without question or doubt. To know I have a partner in all things good and bad is such a blessing and a comfort. As I said on Facebook a while back, God is my rock and Jack is my walking stick.

And with that Jack and I bid 2011 ado and look forward to a bright 2012.

Recap

Bed time -- Day at work was... hopping/rough/stressful/humbling - I said things I regret and regret to admit I still feel them. Day at home was - Great - Hubby that works beside me, that is my partner in all things - A mother that is at all times my truest friend - A house that frustrates and challenges me depending on the day. Obama's Speach - Classic / Congress Faces Unforgettable - Here is praying out congressmen/women get over themselves enough to do what is right and get America headed back to where it needs to be, the land of opportunity... So with that I go to bed - Maybe tomorrow will be great on both fronts and Congress w/ decide to look out for the people vs. themselves.

NY Trip

We have been back a few days, but as always I wantd to put my log up here for those that are interested and so that I can look back later on.

Thursday - 08/25

We got up early and went about our daily routine. For me it was a crazy busy day at work - I was trying to get ready for the few days out of the office and my desk exploded. Howerever, I was able to leave on time and picked Jack up to begin our weekend adventure.

We went to the Augusta airport & went to check in for our flight. We few US Airways for the first time and their first impression was not a good one. We waited for over thirty miintues for a clerk to show up and when they did th efirst guy was rude and lecutruing. One lady had two children an ddidn't have seat assignments - his answer was to leacture her & say good luck. Well, with an attitude like that I really wonder how he has a job.

We went to the 2nd clerk and he mumbled. We found out our bag was overweight so, instead of costing us $25 it cost us $115 - lesson learned. Afterwards the service at the airport improved, but it wasn't a great impression.

Then we took off and landed in Charlotte and later connected to NY. Our taxi ride from th e airport to th ehotel was chepaer than expected and the city was still alive despite ti being 12:30 on a Thursday night. We then arrived at the hotel. It is very nice, the staff friendly and the hotel spacious and comfortable. I slept like a baby.

Friday - 8/26
Today we got up around 9, go dressed and headed out. We ate at a diner near the hotel for breakfastand it was fairly good. The coffee was strong, but the french toast was good.

We then headed down to see lady Liberty & Ellis Island. Everyone says New Yorkers are rude, but we had a very niceg guy help us find our way. He is probably still laughing about us asking where the subway was given we were standing right next to it.

We took the subway down an dheaded over to the Castle to bouy our tickets. We later learned that there would be two lines - one for our tickets and one for the boat. Overall the lines took about two hour, but it wasn't that bad. The ride out was nice and the view great. Lady Liberty is huge and great to see. Ellis Islan was also neat, but I was ready to go.

We left there and headed to City Hall. The building was hgute and neat to see. There was a street vendor there and we got some chicken/rice dish and ate in the aprk. It was nice, even if I was worried about birds shitting on me. We then headed down to 911 -> very sobering, but not much to see. A whole lot of construction.

We then headed down to the Flat Iron district - the Flat Iron building is super neat and the area around it was relaxing. There is still a ton to see, but after the dissappointment that our Broadway show was cancelled (a hurricane is chasing us) & the fact my legs are killing me it was time to come back to the hotel for some down time... So here we are.

More to come later ;) Have a great day blogland.

Slacker

Yep, I've been a blog slacker - still eating fairly well (though no where near as meticulous as I was in Jan) and still going to the gym. Really wish those steroids I took in Jan were not habit forming - I miss the energy they gave me :)

Yard is coming together - Family is good - I'm Me - Life is good - Hope you are well.

Miss you blogland - I hope to be back more regularly soon.

WoW! Long Day!

Today was good and the Lord blessed me with safe travels to Atlanta and back. It was a good day, my meetings went well - I got to see my old Wells Fargo colleagues and friends which was nice. However I am tired - 5:30 came early this morning.

The gym was killer tonight. I tried a new machine for my cardio that was killer... I only made it 7 Minutes on it, I'm so out of shape. Working on it though, did my 40 minutes of cardio overall and my weight routine for the day. Amazing how much harder weights are when you are tired, hee.

Well other than the food log that is below that is all I have to share for the day. My brain and my body is mush, I'll sleep good tonight that is for sure. God Bless you, I hope you had a great day!

Food Log:

2/8 - Tuesday

Breakfast:
- Oatmeal
- Piece of Raisin Bread
- Coffee

Lunch:
- Sandwich on Wheat Bread with BBQ Chicken Sandwich Meat
- Grapes
- Salad
- Apple Juice

Dinner:

- Shrimp Pasta Bake - ***** Oooh it was good, I'll have to type the recipe out, but will share it soon.
- Salad
- Brusel Sprouts
- Wheat Rolls
- Tea

Wednesday - 2/9

Breakfast:
- Oatmeal
- Piece of Raisin Bread
- Coffee

Lunch:
- Business Lunch @ Chili's
- Beef Fajita's with cooked onions/bell peppers
- Water

Dinner:
- Left over shrimp bake from last night
- Water
- Wheat Rolls

Back in the Saddle

Sorry I've been absent, I know you were sitting on the edge of your seat (hee). We went to see my brother and his family in Yulee FL this weekend. It was good to see them - I really enjoyed the visit and the time away. That being said it is also to be back home. Not sure what is going on, but I'm finding myself wanting to be home more. Guess I'm turning into a home body...

My energy is dissipating and it's getting harder to get up in the morning, but I'm still doing it and still thankful for my new life. I'm keeping to the food changes pretty well, though I wasn't great this weekend. However - I was out of town so hey :)

Below is the log of my meals. It's Mama's week to cook this week, but she is trying some new recipes so I'll share those as the week progresses. What she is making right now is smelling good - making me hungry :)

For those leaving who are not interested in the food log I wish you a great day! I hope you are doing well and wish you a terrific evening. May the Lord bless you with a great night sleep and a terrific evening.

2/5
Breakfast:
1/2 Grapefruit
2 Pieces of Oatmeal Raisin Bread

Lunch/Second Breakfast
- 4 Pieces of French Toast (Restaurant)
- Sugar Free Syrup with Powdered Sugar :)
- 1 link of sausage
- 3 cups of Coffee

Snacks
- Sunchips
- Orange

Dinner
- Roast with Veggies and White Rice
- Chicken & Dumplings
- 2 Biscuits
- Tea

Desert
- Banana Pudding

2/6
Breakfast
1/2 Grapefruit
Water

Lunch/2nd Breakfast
- 4 Pieces of French Toast (Huddle House)
- Coffee - 2 Cups
- Sugar Free Syrup

Snacks
- Low Fat Caramel Popcorn
- Banana Pudding

Dinner
- Tomato Basil Chicken (recipe linked last week)
- Field Peas (canned)
- Pumpernickel Bread
- Salad with low fat Dijon Mustard

Monday 2/7

Breakfast
- Oatmeal
- Banana Raisin Bread (homemade), not as good as the Orange/Blueberry bread from last week but good. It is good I just don't like it as much.
- Coffee

Lunch
- Left over Basil Chicken
- Salad
- Bread
- Apple Juice

Dinner
- Chicken & Rice Casserole (and old favorite, but cooked with brown rice), couldn't tell difference
- Tomato and Cucumber Salad
- English Peas with Carrots (canned)
- Tea

Friday!

TGIF! The week has been good, but hey - who isn't glad to see the the weekend come?

We are going to see my brother this weekend in Yulee (an hour east of Jacksonville). I'm looking forward to the visit as well as the escape from here. Not that here is bad, but a change of scenery will be good. So if I'm silent till Monday you know why :)

Things are still going well. Work is work and I'm thankful for the job. I'm getting stuff done and feel good about it. The lady I work with daily is doing a terrific job and while we have some hiccups we are working through them well. Its a great thing and I'm grateful for it.

I didn't get to do my cardio last night due to an eye appt, but I did get the weight lifting in. I think I need to push myself a bit more in the cardio arena, but we are enjoying the adventure.

Last night I didn't really try anything new at dinner other than roasting veggies. It was a recipe out of a book and you could really do any veggie. Heat oven to 475 and put veggies in a roasting pan or glass dish as I did. Roast them for 10 to 15 minutes until soft. I did asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, onions, and carrots. (you cut everything into small pieces, small sticks of carrot etc...) I don't think I'll do the broccoli again and the asparagus was a little gummy but everything else was great. I also put some salt/pepper on them. Super easy and good - I give it 4 stars and will cook it again.

- Steak :) always yummy and only read meat I've cooked this week.
- Left Overs from previous meals of the week - Clean out the fridge Thursday :)

Only thing I ended up throwing out of any quantity was the Zucchini Saute, next time I make it I need to cut it in 1/2 - it makes way too much for 3 people.

For breakfast

-Oatmeal
-Raisin Bread
-Coffee

For Lunch
-Left Over Meatloaf
-Left over Veggies from previous meals
-Tea

Snack
-Grapes

And with that I'll wish you a dynamite Friday! I hope its full of joy and good things. TGIF!

Tonight's Dinner

First and foremost,God answers prayers! I lost my keys on Monday (house/car/house security fob/Jack's car/office/all of them...). I've been praying and have asked my FB family to pray they turn up. Today Sam's called and had found them!!!! Yes God is good all the time.

Today overall was really good - productive. For the first time since I started at B&C I feel as if I may get caught up. What I know, don't jinx it, but I can't take the credit. I have a new lady working with me that is really helping and I really have just handed the job over to God. It's amazing what you can do when you aren't trying to do it alone.

I did pretty good today with the food too though one recipe didn't quite work out. For those interested the food log is below, along with the link from last night's dinner. For those of you checking out due to not needing new recipes thanks for letting me share my day with you. Thanks for being my sounding board in the void of the internet. I love you all and wish you a great night's rest followed by a a day filled with joy and wonder.

Last Night (Sorry I didn't link it in the last post, I ran out of time this AM):
- - This was really good and super quick.
-Mexican Lime & Cilantro Coleslaw
Spicy Skillet Chicken - Not going in my recipe book, but Jack really liked it. I didn't care for it and neither did Mama.

Breakfast
-Raisin Bran Cereal
- 1/2 Piece of Orange-Blueberry Bread
- Coffee

Lunch
- Ham Sandwich on Honey Oat Bread
- Grapes
- Water

Snack: Tangerine & a miniature Mr. Goodbar :)

Dinner:
- Turkey Meatloaf ***** - Mama's Meatloaf Recipe with Turkey Vs Hamburger Meat. I couldn't tell the difference and Turkey is so much better for you!
- Garlic Cauliflower - **** - Super good, I liked the bite with no garlic, then next bite would have some effect. FYI - You could use frozen cauliflower w/ no issue in this recipe and I used Olive Oil instead of butter on the sauce.
- Farmhouse Carrots - I won't be making this again, but I am saving the recipe for the sauce that is created and poured over the carrots. The onions were delicious! The carrots were just carrots, they tasted like carrots, the glaze did not change their flavor at all. Why go through all the work just to eat a carrot. I can do that by opening the fridge and grabbing one. But the sauce was good on the onions, really really good. I'll make that again.
- Sweet Tea
- Bread

And with that I'll leave you since my eyes are trying to close. Good night blogland I love you.

Food Expierements Continue

Yesterday was a good day, productive and well just good. I got to this weeks email in my inbox, which is unheard of for me at work so I'm celebrating the small things :) Still behind, but man that feels good!

We got 2 miles of walking in at the gym and did our weight workout :) Loving it! Loving the fact my family is doing it with me.

Then I came home and tried some new recipes. Ratings are below. This expierement is fun and healthy. How can you beat that?

For those who are leaving now due to not being interested in food logs. I hope you have a great day filled with joy and the Lord's blessings.

Breakfast

1/2 Grape Fruit
1/2 Piece of the Orange Blueberry bread I made Sunday
Cofee

Lunch
I was bad and ordered my norm @ chick fil'a without thinking.

- Chickfil sandwich (fried)
- Fries
- Sweet Tea

Oops - But it was good :)

Dinner
Spicy Skillet Chicken (will enter link later, running late...) **** - I'll make it again.
Mexican Lime & Cilantro Coleslaw, I didnt' like it, neither did Mama. But Jack loved it.
Sweet Tea

The Day

Well, this is the first day since the new me that I can say it wasn't perfect. But with The Lord's help I think I handled myself OK. A lady at work made it a point to let my manager know about something that I forwarded to her late, of course my manager knows how behind I am - I've made sure of that so she handled it for me. But it was this person's only intent to get me in trouble. The item I forwarded her was a documentation email only, nothing critical. I'll admit it upset me and it took some serious will power and God's help not to loose my cool completely. But a preacher I heard recently, or maybe it was a journal I read, not sure said that if someone is pushing your buttons and you start praying for them your frustration will lesson. I did it and you know what, it wasn't instant, but I can think about it now and just feel pity for her. I'm still a little peeved, but with the grace of God I'm not mad. It is what it is :)

The second thing that happened today and I need your prayers... I decided to go to Sam's to return something before I went to the gym. Somewhere between the car and the membership desk I lost my keys. After an extensive search I still have not found them. Please pray someone finds them and calls me (my # is on them) or turns them in at Sam's. It has so many keys on it, some of which are expensive to replace. Please say a prayer... God is good, hopefully he will find it pleasing/fit to return my keys to me.

So... Jack was nice enough to go home and get the spare, bring it to me and then we went to the gym. We only walked 30 minutes to getting there late, but we did a little over 2 miles - so while it wasn't our normal 40 at least we got something in.

We then came home and I tried out a new successful recipe. Food log for the day is below. I highly recommend dinner and breakfast :)

And with that I'll leave you for the evening and watch this movie. Have a dynamite and blessed evening.

Breakfast
- Piece of Orange / Blueberry Bread I talked about yesterday. Loved this for breakfast - Super, Super Yummy!

Lunch
- I took the chicken from yesterday, put some herb & garlic marinade on it and heated it up in a skillet, gave it some flavor :) **** - Ease 8 of 10
- Left over Zucchini Saute
- Left over Veggies from the Chicken Dish
- Sweet Tea

Dinner
- Shrimp, Sweet Corn and New Potato Boil - Everyone loved this dish! 5 Stars! Ease 3 out of 10. I did use real potato's and red potato's. I cooked the potatoes about 15 minutes before I added the corn and then started following the recipe. I was afraid since I changed the tater up that they wouldn't get done in the time the recipe called for...
- Salad, always a winner.
- Left over Zucchini Saute
- Left over Veggies from Chicken Dish
- Bread

This dish also made about just the right amount for 3, we only had about 1 leftover dish.

Yesterday's Food Experiment

Well, yesterday was a super busy day, but blessed. I started yesterday at 6:30 and didn't stop till I went to bed at 9:30! But with God's help I got everything done on my list.

Mama and I went to church at The Sanctuary, Jack was having issues with a Kidney Stone and had to stay home (he is feeling much better now). Both of us really liked the service, you could certainly tell God showed up! The church is extremely large though, over 700 people. I've never gone to a large church and think I would miss the connections. Of course you are connected as you want to be, so ... We are going to try it a few more times and pray about it. God has the right church for us and he will let us know if this is it.

We then about our day. Had our "treat" lunch at Chili's! yummy. I had a ton of running around to do and got all of it accomplished. Question blogland - what grocery store do you use? I've changed from Publix to Walmart and/or Foodlion due to prices. But I don't like Foodlion's veggie's (not very appealing) and their meat dept doesn't have a lot of options and Walmart is lacking in options on everything else so I end up having to go to both, which isn't fun. Anyone have a great, affordable grocery store they use?

After my grocery store run(s) I came home to continue our experiment into healthy cooking.

First I made a breakfast bread for the week. Blueberry Orange Bread I cooked it like the instructions said except I used "olive oil" and I didn't do the glaze at all. It gets 5 stars on both ease and yumminess! Plus now I have it to eat on all week for breakfast. Next time I make it I'm going to substitute wheat flour, but I wanted to try it once w/o messing with it too much :) Note - Walmart doesn't sale the Fiber One cereal it calls for.

Next came dinner.

-Rosemary, Lemon Herb Chicken Dish - It was edible and I will finish it as my lunch left over, but it was a pain to make and it was super bland. I don't recommend it.

-Zucchini Saute - Ease was 4 out of 10, only due to timing. Yumminess 4 out of 5. This one will go into the keeper basket as a healthy good side. I liked the flavor. Note though, use a spaghetti pot, not a skillet. 4 zucchini take up a lot of room.

- Salad - Always a winner
- Pumpernickel Bread
- Sweet Tea

I also cooked breakfast yesterday.

- French toast (using Honey-Oat Bread) - *****
- Apple / Raisin Topping from a cookbook I have (1 cup Applesauce, 1/3 cup raisins, tablespoon Cinnamon, stir it up and put in microwave for a 2 min till warm). Yummy, super easy. I could eat this by itself or on top of French Toast/Pancakes/Etc...
- Scrambled Eggs w/ cheese
- Smoked Sausage
- Coffee

Ease of dishes 2 out of 10. Yumminess 5 out of 5.

And just for tracking - I had the Chips and Salsa + Chicken Fajitas at Chili's with Water.

I'm still enjoying this cooking adventure. Tonight is a shrimp dish :) Wish me luck!

Have a great day blogland!