Baked Chicken & Pasta

I found this recipe in the March issue of Real Simple. It called for all sorts of things that Matt and I thought were less than healthy in the amounts that they requested.... so I modified it. Because I am smart enough to be able to do that. 

Here is what I needed:

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1/4 c. flour
• 2 c. skim milk
• 1 c. sour cream
• 1 box pasta (we used shells, but rotini or elbows would be good too)
• 2 c. shredded chicken (I make some every weekend, Matt snacks on it all week)
• 5 oz. baby spinach
• spices
• Spray butter
• bread crumbs (we used corn flake)

Here is what I did:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
2. Heat skillet and melt butter. Add flour and whisk together to avoid burning. Add milk in two parts. Keep whisking.
3. Take butter off stove and whisk in sour cream.
4. Cook pasta. I learned elsewhere in the magazine that you should always cook in lots of water (we knew that) and to salt the water once it has boiled, not before. Drain and return to pot.
5. Add chicken, spinach, milk mixture, and spices to the pasta. Mix and mix. And then get Matt to mix. 
6. Put everything into a glass 9x13 pan. No need to grease it up. Sprinkle with crumbs. Spray with butter. 
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Until it is crispy enough for you. 

Ours needed more spices. Ours also had cheese and corn. But not enough of either.  And remember how I took this out of Real Simple? Well, I wrote on the recipe what I did differently and what it needed. That way I know for next time.

This was a totally standard pasta bake. It wasn't spectacular. But it was dinner tonight. When I eat it for lunch tomorrow, I will add broccoli and some more spices.

Magazines, Clutter, and Dinner

There was a consensus this year about my holiday gifts.  Many of my favorite people gave me magazines. I love magazines. But they take up a ton of space! 

So we have a system to tackle the problem. Matt gets the mail and places it the bin between my keys and purse. The mail and magazines are separate. We used to use a wicker basket, but with the magazines, it was a bit of a mess.


I told you I was getting a ton of magazines! These are just the ones I have gotten in the last month!! It is almost as tall as a can of soda! That is ridiculous.

So the plan of attack? I don't keep magazines like I did in high school. (The last time I looked, there are 2 years worth of Cosmo magazine from the late 90's in my bedroom at my parents' house that I never went back to read again.) So, as I read the magazine, if there is something I want to keep - organization ideas, recipes, craft activities, I rip it out. That is right. I said it, typed it. I RIP THE PAGES OUT OF THE MAGAZINE! HELLO BRILLIANT!!!!!

Look at the difference between the stack of magazines and the papers I actually want to keep. Amazing! Not even the size of one magazine. And then? You know what I did? I organized the pages!

Martha has a new Home Office line at Staples. (Sorry Ken, but you don't carry them. I felt bad the whole time. And went to the worst Staples in the area and got no service at all. Even check out was bad.) So Martha is a genius. She created VERTICAL FILE FOLDERS! They fit in magazine holders, which are so much slimmer than filing systems. Then I categorized the folders. I have one for dinner, desserts, and organizational tips. And I circled the recipes I was interested in. It is all about FOCUS.

I also have my papers to be filed into our bigger filing system in there. This way, I can quickly put things away and not make large piles of papers that hate me.

This was an amazing way to spend my afternoon.  And then, as I was finishing up, Matt asked me a simple question, that he asks me almost every day. "What's for dinner?" So I handed him a stack of recipes. And we picked something. And we made it work for us. Which means??? This system works! IT WORKS IT WORKS IT WORKS IT WORKS!!!!

Which leads me to another thought. I don't want to manage two blogs. At all. Not even a little. So I think... that I am going to start including recipes here. Instead. Because food and eating are part of being a Reese. And part of being Jewish. So I am going to start putting my recipes here not there. Love you.

Lookie what I did last night!

OMG. I am AMAZING!!!!!!!! Not to toot my own horn. But I did something awesome last night. It involves me, my sewing machine, and 8 little pieces of fabric.... Curious?

Well, so was I! And I forgot to take pictures in the process until I was close to the end. But lookie lookie what I did! I made TRIANGLES!

So the process was easy, relatively. I cut 4 - 2.5 inch squares from 2 fabrics. I placed two squares - different fabrics - right sides together and I drew a line down the center diagonally. I sewed them together on both sides of the line and then cut down the line. Making a square!

Repeat 4 times! Then I started sewing them together. And all of a sudden, I had a cute little square that I put together.

Now don't judge my cute little square. I am fully aware that the two inside triangles were sewn on backwards. I couldn't believe I did that. And then I wasn't willing to rip it out, because I was just trying to sew triangles. But do you see how square (ish) that square is? Everywhere except the bottom... 

So let's see here.... stars and triangles in one month? SERIOUSLY AWESOME!!!!!!

Fitness Week 6

WEEK SIX

W6D1 – Sunday, February 12 –

This is going to be a long workout.

Warm Up Strength Routine:

Complete 4 Sets of the following exercises

1) 15 x Squats – holding 10lb. medicine ball

2) 15 x Plank Knee Tucks (Alternating left & right knee – 30 in Total)

3) 15 x Shoulder Press – using 5lb. weights

4) 15 x Bentover Row – using 5lb. weights

Time: 10:52

Cardio Component:

Set your interval timer to 50/10 and complete 2 rounds of the following exercises:

140/140  – High Knees

50/40  – Prisoner Jumps

2x – Jog/run On Spot

27/20 – Switch Lunges

I am sooooo out of breath. Shocker? I didn’t think so.

Cool Down Strength Exercises: (explain to me how these are cool downs?)

Complete 3 Sets of the below

1) 15 x Squats – holding 6lb. medicine ball

2) 12 x Push Ups – leaning on bench

3) 15 x Bentover Row – using 5lb. weights

Time: 7:04

That was lovely. That kicked my butt. Hard. In the second set of strength exercises, the rows didn’t hurt at all.

Matt gave me my Valentine’s Day present early. He gave me a 10lb. weight! I know, oh-so-romantic! He offered me something shiny. And then he offered me more workout equipment. And then he offered to give me a space in the basement to store it. I thought about it, but then rejected it. I like working out here in the dining room. Partly because I have to let the dogs in and out sometimes in the middle of my workout, and partly because I don’t really like the basement.

W6D2 – Monday, February 13 –

Small problem. They don’t post the workouts until the afternoon. So when I went to check for a workout last night, it wasn’t there. I knew this would happen. Nope. I didn’t. I didn’t even think about it until last night. It never would have occurred to me not to workout yesterday… well it would have if I had known. But there I go taking off days again. And I wasn’t going to do that again until Friday… whoa is me. Is that the right whoa? Focus lady focus.

I am going to ZUMBA. I haven’t done that in forever. And I have a feeling, more like a burning hope; I am going to be restricted in my workouts soon. And restricted to things like ZUMBA. So I am going to get used to it and enjoy it.

But I didn’t.

W6D3 – Tuesday, February 14 – Happy Valentine’s Day!

My gift to me? I slept in again. I haven’t been sleeping well these last few nights. I don’t know what is wrong… no seriously. I don’t. Tomorrow this thing is on like Donkey Kong!

Hey guess what?!?! Matt bought a … thingie for his Xbox… the thing that can see what you are doing? Crap. This is bad. I have no idea what it is called. Kinect maybe? Sure lets go with that. And we played a few games where you had to jump and duck and move and stuff. And both of us felt our heart rates go up. And we almost got sweaty. That will be a fun afternoon “workout.” And we can do it together!

W6D4 – Wednesday, February 15 – ZUMBA ZUMBA!

I am awake! I love sleeping. I had an awful thought. What if I stopped working out in the morning? And then I thought – Deb, shut up! We all know this is the only time you can commit to working out, and if you want to workout in the afternoon, you are going to have to start committing to it! So I am awake.

And the DVD is in.

And the workout is over. And I am sweaty. And I remember why I do this. Because I really like working out. I love sleeping. But I really like to workout also. 

W6D5 – Thursday, February 16 –

W6D6 – Friday, February 17 –

W6D7 – Saturday, February 18 –

Yup that’s right. I didn’t do anything productive for three days. Do you remember how good I was? I was awesome. And then I fell hard. Maybe next week is the week for me?

Fitness Week 5

WEEK FIVE

W5D1 – Sunday, February 5 – Super Bowl!!!

OMG. Seriously. I slept in until 10:30. With both my husband and dogs. This is unheard of! And seriously strange behavior. Unfortunately, I didn’t work out. I read a lot. And that was good for my psyche? And my legs hurt. And I am bullshitting you. It is Sunday. And I didn’t want to. And it was a rough day for Matt & I, and working out just wasn’t in the cards. Tomorrow with Jillian. Because I want to go to bed and the list of things for tomorrow doesn’t make any sense to me at all.

W5D2 – Monday, February 6 – Welcome to good decisions week

That’s right. I am making smart decisions and getting back on track and today is the day to do it. Can you imagine if I had started doing this when I said I wanted to back in October? It wouldn’t be week 5, but more like week 11. That is crazy. I can’t wait!!!!!!!

Except I didn’t this morning. Matt & I were up until almost midnight talking about things that needed to be aired out. So I slept in. In fact I remember being very confused in the middle of the night and resetting my alarm.  Tomorrow. No excuses.

W5D3 – Tuesday, February 7 – I am serious this time

Okay this workout is longer and harder. It is different. It has 24, 30-second rounds. Do as many as possible. And just get through it. It should take me 16 minutes. So this one is perfect to do alone. Without one of the videos.  I am intimidated by it just because it looks brutal. But I can’t wait.

Bitches – I am up and working out today. SMART DECISION MADE! AND COMPLETED!

So here is what I was able to do: Body Rock – Week 3 – Day 2

Stretching first!!

6 – 1 Push-up + Burpee + Tuck Jump

71 – *High Knees Skip

16– Switch Lunge

71 – *High Knees Skip

11 – Press up

79 – *High Knees Skip

3 sets – High Knees x 10 + Mountain Climbers x 10 (so out of breath!!!)

72 – *High Knees Skip

10 – Side Burpee & Oblique Abs

77 – *High Knees Skip

6 – Push-up + Plank Twist HALFWAY!!!! (want to die a little)

66 – *High Knees Skip

0?? – V Abs Left (laying on your left side) (I don’t think I can figure this out even when I am watching the video at the same time)

82 – *High Knees Skip

0??? – V Abs Right (laying on your right side) (yea I got nothing)

82 – *High Knees Skip

44 – Jumping Jacks

82 – *High Knees Skip

12 – Single Toe Touch Abs (lift one leg, then lift up to touch toe)

70 – *High Knees Skip

13 – Squat

80 – *High Knees Skip

12 – 1/2 Burpee + 1 Push-up

70 – *High Knees Skip

Stretching last!!!

Oh wow. That was very hard. I loved it. But I am sooooo itchy right now from sweat. I cannot wait to shower! That was great. I have to figure out what those V abs things are. Because I was lying there doing what I thought I was supposed to and it was a rest period. I didn’t feel out of breath or like I was working anything. So, yea, that will be me with the video again trying to figure that out for the 3^rd time… it just hasn’t clicked yet. Sweat dripping down my face right now!!! I feel amazeballs!

W5D4 – Wednesday, February 8 – Follow Through. I have some!

That’s right. Two days in a row. You know what that means right? I have a horse and I am back on it in full swing. WHOOO HOOOO!

On a different note. I hate going back through Body Rock’s workouts to find the day I am on. So I am going to jump ahead. Don’t be angry. They post a new video EVERY DAY! Hello. So I will never catch up otherwise. I am also going to start calling the workouts the same thing they do. That way if you (or more likely I) want to go and find a workout and watch the video that goes with it, it will be so much easier. I will write the post date too. This way there are no excuses. I am NOT going back to post date. That would be redonkulous. By a lot.

Feb 6 – Sexy Fit Test

So here is what I was able to do:

50 seconds on/10 seconds rest – TOTAL: 8 minutes

22 - Squat Jumps

17 - Push Ups

10 - Burpees

140 - High Knees

17 - Switch Lunges

46 - Prisoner Jumps (like jacks with the arms behind your head)

20 - Tricep Dips

12 - Straight Abs

No lie. I thought I would kick this fitness test’s ass. I didn’t. After high knees (which I was able to do a ton of – HIGH FIVE!) I was so out of breath and sweating. But that’s what this is all about. Pushing it and sweating. And then sweating some more. So – glory to the sweat. I love it. And today was a great day for a fit test because I woke up with some serious abdominal cramps. Like, stop you in your tracks this hurts right now kind of cramps. Ouch. So I could fit 8 minutes in for a workout without dying in the middle.

So its tonight already. And I thought I would give you some feedback.

1 – I love waking up and working out. Still. But I am exhausted today. (It might be from teaching in a really hot computer lab today, but it might not.) So it is not even 8:30 and I am already sitting in my bed and getting ready for tomorrow’s workout. It is going to be killer! In a good way.

2 – Since quitting WW, I am still conscious of my food. I am paying more attention to portion size than I ever did on WW. On it, I was only concerned with points. Now, I am trying to pay attention to whether I am still hungry. Today, I wasn’t. I ate a slice of homemade pizza, and then I stopped.

          **** SIDE NOTE – my pizza had pesto, spinach, cheese, mushrooms, and black beans. IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!

3 – my calves are tight. Not in the “UR my homie and we’re tight” way. In the “someone is not good at remembering to stretch both before & after workouts” way. Sad face. Well, sad calves. I need to remember to stretch. That is the only thing I don’t like about Body Rock. They don’t remind me to stretch the way the DVDs have it built in. MUST REMEMBER!!! OR have tight legs. You know. Whatevs.

W5D5 – Thursday, February 9 – Happy almost Friday

I went to bed early last night. I was in my bed before 8:30. The workout yesterday knocked me out – in a GREAT way. But I was so tired from waking up early the last few days. So I took care of myself. Today’s workout has two names. It is a 300-rep challenge & the FAT SLAUGHTER workout. Like seriously. Is that name completely necessary? I can only imagine how tight my muscles will be today if I don’t stretch.  L Very sad face.

Sean’s workout needs some instruction. As a repetitive workout, I am doing 10 of each, then 9 of each, then 8 of each. You get the math right? All the way down to 1 of each. I am going for speed. I don’t think I will get this done in less than 30 minutes. Hell I might not get it done before I need to shower. But I am going to try my hardest and make sure I have enough time for Abs.

Feb 7 – 300 Rep Challenge

So here is what I was able to do:

1) Alternating hand sand bag swing (using medicine ball)

2) Shovel left (across body)

3) Shovel right (across body)

4) Clean and Press Left (using 5lb weight)

5) Clean and Press Right (using 5lb weight)

Time: 14:26

Ab Routine using interval timer to 50/10

1) Reptile Pushups – 17

2) Mountain Climbers – 48

3) Plank jacks – 25

Put a pin in me. I am done! I made it. So total time 17:26. Not bad. I don’t think… wait I know I could have done this with heavier weights. I tried to up my medicine ball to the 10lb. one, but it messed up my motion. So, next time – bigger ball! (hehe)

I learned something this morning! I like Sean’s workouts too! They intimidated me originally. But I was wrong. His workouts are fun. And I can do them!  But I anticipate my arms feeling like spaghetti later today. Must stretch!

W5D6 – Friday, February 10 – Happy Friday!!!

I have a thing for not working out on Fridays…. They seem to be my rest day. And I am okay with that. I am supposed to have two. And the first few weeks I took only one on Saturdays. But I think my body thinks that Friday should be my rest day. I am going to listen. 

W5D7 – Saturday, February 11 –

I woke up this morning. And I lay in bed for an hour playing word games. And then I screwed around on the internet. And now it is 4pm and I still haven’t worked out. BAD! So I am doing this right now.

Feb 8 – Tighten it Up

So here is what I was able to do: x3

21/19/18  – Sandbag Shoulder Lift & Drop (L & R Shoulder) – using 10lb. medicine ball

12/14/8 – Push-ups

5/4/4– 10 High Knees & 10 Mountain Climbers – holding the 6lb. medicine ball for high knees

20/15/26 Prisoner jacks – Tuck Knees & Explosive Star Jump

Okay that felt good. I am sweaty. I am out of breath. I can barely type. I didn’t fill up my water bottle before I started working out. So partway through, I was out of breath AND out of water. Lethal I tell you.

There was supposed to be an Ab workout too. But I nixed it today. Sorry abs. You will just have to work it tomorrow. 

This was a great week for me. I got out of my working out funk and I feel good. 

Our Love Story

I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Blue Eyed Bride, and she was participating in a link party. So I thought, well I have never done this before but why not!

So all I have to do is answer some questions.

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

Matt & I have been together for 6.5 years. 

 

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

It was the first day of my first teaching job. The whole staff was in the cafeteria for breakfast. Matt walked up to me and asked if we knew each other. I didn't know anyone except for my bosses, but he was insistent: from University of Maryland?, from education classes? from Habitat for Humanity? But, I was new to the state and didn't know anyone. When he gave up with the questions, he helped me set up my classroom and numbered all my books (even though I later learned we did it wrong). 

On Friday, he invited me to happy hour with his friends. Someone suggested tequila shots and I suggested doubles. What a cocky kid. Let's just say, we both puked that night. 

We went on our first date 3 weeks later.

 

3. How long have you been married? 

We got married November 7, 2009. So two and a half years. 

4. Where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? 

We got married in Connecticut, 30 minutes from my parents' house. It was in the most beautiful French restaurant. Le Chateau is a mansion that was built in the very early 1900's.  And we packed it! We had 174 people, and it could only fit about 165 comfortably. We packed the house and had a rocking wedding! We would get married all over again if we could afford to throw the same party again! When the band stopped playing, the dance floor was still packed. I wish we had told them to keep playing and we would keep paying.

  

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

We actually don't. We aren't nick-name kind of people. 

 

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

1. I love that he puts up with my BS. I am messy, and he is very clean. I know it drives him nuts. And I do try to put all my stuff away. But I am not very good at it. 

2. I love that he is soooooo handy. He can fix anything. He can build anything. 

3. I love that he is willing to fight for us. When the going gets tough, we fight through it.

He loves that I can't stay out of the kitchen. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert. I am having a affair with my kitchen. 

 

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

I figured it out. He wasn't sneaky. He was looking at engagement rings on my computer. 

We were taking a repeat trip camping. Something we did the first three years we were together. But he was making a big deal out of it that year. So I knew something was up. When we got there, it was rainy and cold. I was nervous for him. And I worked myself up into having a cold. So we couldn't go on the amazing hike that we did three years before. So we found a kick hike to the top of the Appalachia. When we got to the top, we were standing in the middle of a cloud. Matt had the pack, and asked if I wanted an apple. When I turned around, he was standing there with a ring in his hand. It was very special! He had prepared a little something (that I still have today!!).
Then we spent the rest of the day walking around a street fair drinking wine. 

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

He buys me flowers because he knows I love them. He doesn't care about any of the stuff. He just cares about me :)

 

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

I love the beach. I would spend every day there if I could. But I really love being with my hunny. So I will pick him over any location or activity. 

 

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

I want to start a family with him. I love him so very much. And we would have very cute (and smart) babies. Also, I would like to buy a house that needs a lot of work and gut it. Matt would be in heaven if we could gut a house and build it from scratch! And he promised me that he would build me my dream kitchen someday.

 

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day. 

The only thing that makes Valentine's Day special is Hallmark. I just like it when my hubs and I have fun together. We will probably go out for sandwiches (his favorite) and see a crappy movie (my favorite). We call that a compromise!

 

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

The only thing I ever ask for is a card. My mom did this growing up. All she ever wanted was a love letter. And that's all I want too. But then he surprised me! And asked me if I wanted something shiny! Or new gym equipment. And that is what we call a VERY HARD DECISION! I think I am getting a necklace and a kettle bell.

 

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love. 

Fight for what we love. But not aggresively. If something isn't right, you have to stand up for yourself and tell your partner what is important. And stand up for each other. 

 

14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Fitness Week 4 - otherwise known as the lackthereof

WEEK FOUR

W4D1 – Sunday, January 29 – Ummm

W4D2 – Monday, January 30 – Ummm, again

These two days were wonderful. I slept in both days. I spent time with my family. And I ate reasonably healthy. I made mostly good decisions, and had two slices of cake. One with lunch and one after dinner. So tomorrow, I will be working out with Jillian. Then I will be back to my routine. Thank goodness for a good routine. I can’t wait!

W4D3 – Tuesday, January 31 – Jillian Michaels’ Level 2

So here is what I was able to do: #1^st set – exercise – 2^nd set (last time)

stretching

1st circuit 

5 (6) – walking pushups – 4 (4)

30/5lbs (25/5lbs) – static squat & dumbbell rows (open) – 19/5lbs (18/5lbs)

High knees/mountain climbers

20 each (20) – crunch alternating leg lift (I pause the DVD & do 20)

2nd circuit

23/5lbs (29/5lbs) – static lunge & dumbbell row (closed) – 16/5lbs (20/5lbs)

18/5lbs (24/5lbs) – pendulum lunge & hammer curl – 19/5lbs (19/5lbs)

Oblique twist / skaters

16 (17) – leg lifts

12 (10) – double crunch

3rd circuit

12/5lbs (10/5lbs) – military press & leg extension – 15/5bs (10/5lbs)

20/3lbs (20/3lbs) – squat & V raise – 19/3lbs (19/3lbs)

plank jacks/ double jump rope

23 (30) plank twists

You know that feeling of “I’m going to die because of this workout, so it must be really good for me?” Yea, I had that today. From a workout I have been doing. So I guess that means my body really likes it when I workout every day as opposed to what I did for the last week. I think I worked out twice since last Tuesday. Hmmm. Memo received body, memo received.  I even felt like I had a lot of acid in my throat. Like I needed to vomit. Nice! Great workout! Way to push through this body. I am very proud of you!

Also, today is my last day with Weight Watchers. My subscription ends today. So I need to go steal as many recipes as I can for the foods I love. Last night I found a 3 point Alfredo sauce. STOLE IT! I know there was a fried rice recipe I want also… Now you know what I will be doing this afternoon…

W4D4 – Wednesday, February 1 – I don’t feel good…

I woke up this morning and felt like my head was going to implode. I have pressure on my temples and it is just uncomfortable. My nose is dripping down the back of my throat and it feels raw. All in all, I woke up feeling pretty crappy. And then I went back to sleep. It wasn’t even good sleep. I just lay there. And the whole time I was thinking, GET UP & WORKOUT! You might not feel good now but I bet getting your blood moving would make you feel better. But did I listen? Of course NOT! I am not that bright! HELLO. THAT IS WHY I HAVE THIS WHOLE ACCOUNTABILITY THING GOING ON! HELLO! EARTH TO DEB!

So I still don’t feel good now. Like at all. I have just taken meds, so I have about 30 minutes to get myself together before I pass out. I am getting ready for tomorrow’s workout, because regardless of how I feel, I am doing it.

Okay, I tried. The Internet is down. Bastard. What a jerk. So I guess I will do a DVD in the morning and be happy about it. It will be okay as long as I work out. Endorphins here I come.

W4D5 – Thursday, February 2 – I learned a bad lesson

I reset my alarm clock again. I knew that I had set the second alarm on my clock for the right time from yesterday… and so I misbehaved. I would like to blame the internet from last night, but that is only partially true. Most of it is because I wanted to sleep so badly this morning. My head feels like it is 120% under water. The pressure and the breathing. It is too much. And mornings seem to be the worst time of day; followed by the moment when the medicine wears off.

So I have learned again today. When I break a good habit, I destroy it. How many days did I do in a row without problems? Almost 3 weeks. And now, it has been too long since I have been productive. So I am going to be realistic. Tonight I am going to bed early. Tomorrow I am sleeping in. I am being realistic. Saturday, I start again. WITH A WORKOUT. And I move forward. I am not going to dwell in the setback that is not working out. I am going to focus on getting myself healthy and back in one piece so I can move on.

W4D6 – Friday, February 3 – Taking care of me.

Except for Happy Hour. I was great today. And I was in bed by 9… but not for healthy reasons.

W4D7 – Saturday, February 4 – Getting back on the horse

And I slept until 10 this morning. So I lost track of where I am in the 30-day workout series. I think I am in Week 2, maybe on Day 3 or 4. And I am getting tired of going back and looking for the old workouts. Which is my own fault for not doing their workout every day like I am supposed to… Okay, well, enough complaining. Here is my workout for today.

Wait, one more thing. I just want you to know that I went back and checked where I am by reading the workouts. (otherwise known as stalling again). And I am at the 600 rep challenge! That means I finished the 2^nd week! Huzzah!!!!

So here is what I was able to do:

100 High Knee Skips

100 Lunge kicks (50 each leg) holding 6lb medicine ball above your head

100 High Knee Skips

100 squats holding 6lb medicine ball behind your head

100 High Knee Skips

25 Straight Abs

50 plank twists

25 Bicycle Abs

Time: 17:55

I was convinced I was going to die in there. The lunges & squats were brutal. I didn’t think 100 was that bad… until I did 50 and couldn’t imagine doing it again. So lesson is still learned – I need to be diligent and not reset my alarm clock ever again. Because when I pause, I pause for too long. And then I feel bad about it. And that is a problem.

—PS—I am covered in sweat. You know, in case you were curious. 

I am looking forward to Week 5 - and to making really smart decisions. 

Oh MY! Big news x2!

Have I told you how much I love quilting? No! I can't believe that at all! I thought I was very clear about my adoration of all things quilting. So, some big news in the Land of Quilting. To be honest, this should be two separate posts. But. You know how life is. It doesn't wait for you to sit down and share your big news. It just keeps going. Wait, I digress.

So big news numero uno. I made a star. Yup. I quilted 9 pieces of fabric together to make a star. You might ask yourself: "how did she figure that one out?" And that would be a fair question. You remember the fat quarters sale? Well, if you bought more than 51 fat quarters, you earned a free pattern. Now, we know I don't teach math, and that I am not about ripping people off, but I bought more than 102 quarters... and I was only allowed to get one pattern. Booger. I thought for sure I would get two. Apparently I am not so good at the fine print. Especially when they didn't type it up. But, I digress.

Check that out! So the first pic is the sample picture (not quilt) that came with the pattern. Just to show me what it could look like if I followed directions... I went to Capital Quilts & asked Joyce all sorts of questions about how to actually go about doing this. She told me to cut the pattern pieces out of pattern plastic (or whatever she called it) and then follow the directions. So I did. I was so paranoid about getting the pieces mixed up that I labeled everything. The pieces say if they are star or background, which end is up, which piece they get attached to. You would think I never made a star before - which I didn't! HELLO! So I did this section by section. 3 pieces together to form a part of the block. Then 3 sections together to form the block. Easy as pie. Except for one thing. My edges didn't fit together perfectly. Not that I expected them to. But it would have been AWESOME!!!
What, it would have! It would have been glorious! So I am going to see Joyce about it this week and see what advice she has to offer me about what I done gone and did. 

In case you were curious. This is cheapy fabric that they gave me because it was awful and they were going to throw it out anyway. But I do kind of love the orange and purple together.

And big news #2? You thought I forgot getting all excited about that star over there didn't you? Well, I did. Until I looked at the pictures and realized - WAIT! HOLD YOUR ROLL! There is another thing that needs to be shared ASAP!

On Wednesday, I received an amazing gift. From a very unexpected place. Here is what happened:
I was at work, sitting at my desk, being very grumpy (because I didn't feel that great - it was the beginning of the cold) and I was pretending to write my lesson plan for the day. I mean... put my lesson plan... oh well. Secret is out I guess. I was getting myself together to teach in 20 minutes. And my door opened. I was prepared to be grumpy and grumble at a student for interrupting me before the bell rang when I realized it was a teacher. And a friend of mine. In walks Nicole. And she has a gift for me?
She has a bag filled with fabric pieces! From her MOTHER! Her mother made an amazing I-Spy quilt for a friend of ours.  So I learned that Nicole (hey!) reads this here blog that I have going on. And that she talked to her mom and, well, one thing led to another, and I have a bag filled with wonderful fabric pieces!!!!

I have gone through this pile a number of times and these are my favorites so far. I should have counted how many there are, just for fun, but I don't care. I just love the fabrics! They are so cute! And there are sooooo many! I am really very grateful!

Thank you so much Mama Powell! This is too sweet! You have sent me the best gift by helping me get started! 

Thank you Nicole! for reading!