LOL of the Day

I think I recently came out as a cat lady… so yeah…

Source: Pinterest

Happy Friday the 13th!

Thoughts On Dating

Or, why I’m always single.

I’m just going to put it out there. I really don’t like dating. I worry that there’s something wrong with me. That people think I’m weird. That they whisper behind my back because they notice I’ve been chronically single for years now.

In fact, I haven’t dated since I started on my fitness journey. And dating was part of the reason I was feeling so miserable prior to this journey. Around that time, I had gone off the pill (I had been on it for so long, I wanted to see how I would feel off of it). Well, my sex drive came back in rage and I was going after men hardcore. Internet dates, trying to pick up guys in bars. I didn’t like the way the men were treating me, or the way I was treating them. My brain battled against my body for what I really wanted. I ended up going back on the pill after six months.

During that time though, I wasn’t happy going out on internet dates. It was too much work. I felt too busy. It took away from my “me” time. And to top it all off, it’s really hard to get excited over someone you’ve met online.

What happened to meeting someone and having a slow excitement about them grow as you get to know them? You build a foundation as friends and feel that tickle that there could be something more. That warm rush when you run into them unexpectedly. All those wonderful/terrible feelings of wondering if they’re feeling the same way. And then that feeling of happiness when you finally connect on that level.

All of that is lost with internet dating. Internet dating is forced. All those messages back and forth create a false sense of getting to know someone. On a first date, I don’t want a hug hello from a stranger. A nice handshake is fine by me. We’ve just met! But I’ve heard that guys think it’s weird when a girl offers a handshake over a hug. On the same note, the guys always go in for a goodbye kiss. To me, even if I’ve enjoyed your company, you’re still a stranger and I don’t want to kiss you yet. I want to go home and think about the last few hours and see if I think you have potential. Or if I am willing to spend more of my precious free time with you on a second date at least.

Most guys don’t get second dates. I’ve been called the wrong name. I’ve been borderline mauled (even after saying “no”). I’ve had guys look nothing like their pictures. I’ve met very nice guys that I’ve felt no sense of attraction to. I’ve had guys I haven’t even met yet messaging me about their morning wood. I’ve had guys go off on me because I want to meet them in a public place first (when they kept suggesting we cuddle on the couch). I’ve had guys severely hurt my self esteem by stopping messaging me after asking for a more close up picture.

And if that’s what I have to put up with, I’m okay being single.

In fact, most of the time I don’t mind being single. I’m fairly independent. I like having my alone time. I keep busy with friends and hobbies. I like taking care of my home. I have my cats for company.

I wasn’t raised with the mindset that one day I was going to get married. My parents talked about me getting an education and a job. Never a husband. Perhaps because they were divorced they didn’t focus on marriage so much.

I also don’t know if I want kids. I feel like I don’t, but so many people have told me that I’m going to change my mind that I partially believe them. But I also don’t feel my biological clock driving me to find a mate.

Yes, I do think about how nice it would be to have a companion. I read an article this morning on the most romantic places in the South. And I wanted to visit them. I imagined visiting some of those places with a man I love. I even imagined doing it with a man I used to (maybe still do a bit) love. I wish I had someone to run races with me. I miss being held. It would be nice to have someone handy around.

But none of that is enough for me to actively seek out a relationship. I think because the only way I know how is through the internet. How else do people meet in today’s world? At work, I feel like a number. I’m not the type of girl that gets approached by men often either. I’m a bit shy.

Mostly I think that the next one will be the “right” one and we’ll meet when we’re supposed to meet. Isn’t that how it tends to work anyway?

Healthy Bowl Recipes

I came across this Fitness Magazine article while browsing Pinterest and was instantly intrigued. Healthy Bowl Recipes for dinner.  That sounds really easy and actually kind of fun! I think they know just how to hook you because I probably wouldn’t have been as excited if everything was neatly portioned out on a plate. But mixed together in a bowl? Now that caught my interest.

I’ve been craving steak and Mexican, so I thought I’d do some Mexican Steak Fajita Bowls! Other than accidentally overcooking my steak, they came out really good.

Here’s what I put in each bowl:

• Steak (obviously)
• Quinoa
• Black beans doctored up with some spices
• A little bit of corn (it was in the freezer and I love it)
• Sauteed onions and peppers
• A fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice and a little salt

It was something easy and different. And you can customize them based on what you’re craving or your eating style. And all the protein in this kept my full for a while!

Have you tried anything like this yourself? What other combinations are good?

Social Butterfly

It was another busy weekend. I had social events all three nights. Which meant the healthy eating plan went out the window. I really need to figure out how to work on moderation in social situations. This is especially important because…

I booked a cruise in May for my (and 4 of my high school friends’) dirty 30! With an unlimited beverage package.

I’m excited. But also a little terrified of a potential week of gluttony. I plan to bring exercise clothes to use the ship’s fitness center. But what if I’m too hungover every morning? Or too tired? And at the same time I also want to enjoy my vacation. Not stress about what I’m eating and drinking.

So how do I train myself that when I don’t have my day’s meals and snacks laid out for me (planned out the night before in MyFitnessPal), I don’t go completely overboard (LOL cruise pun) with what I eat?

I don’t have the answer tonight. I’m going to work on finding it in the next two months though.

Right now, I’m tired and cranky. And full. My glutes hurt a ton from pistol squats and I can’t believe it’s already after 8 pm.

I want my hour back.

Excitement and Changes

Isn’t it funny how the smallest change can make you feel so many things? I got a hair cut last night. I’ve been wearing my hair the same, kind of blah way, for a while and I wanted to do something different so I had layers put back in. I love the sides but I’m not positive on the length in the back yet. The good news there is that I can always have the length chopped off so it’s not so rounded.

Not mullet-y, right?

What do you think? It’s making me feel pretty, nervous (can I style it the same way myself?) and unsure (probably about styling it, maybe about other people’s reactions). And it’s just a haircut!

I’m just going to try to just rock it at work today.

Now on the excitement. My friends and I have been trying to plan a 30th birthday trip this year for months. We’ve finally decided on something. I woke up to rates from my travel agent this morning. I am super excited, but part of me is worried that this could all still fall through. Keep your fingers crossed for us! It’s been a while since I’ve gone on a big vacation like this.

Split Pea Soup

It’s no secret that I’ve been on a soup kick lately. Split Pea Soup is one of my favorites from childhood. I love it, although it kind of bums me out that it’s so high in carbs. But there’s a decent amount of protein (and lots of fiber) in it, too!

Yummy

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried split peas
• 7 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon marjoram
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 8 oz ham, chopped
• A few twists freshly ground pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• Additional 1/2 cup water
• Salt to taste

Directions:

• Combine ham, 7 cups water, bay leaves, bouillon cubes, pepper and marjoram in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add onion, carrots and celery and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally.
• Add additional half cup water if soup seems thick. Season with salt, if needed.

Quick-glance nutrition information (from myfitnesspal app)

Servings: 9 (1 cup) | Calories: 197 | Fat: 0.5 grams | Carbs: 40.5 grams | Protein: 20.5 grams

Can I Have Another Day?

I’m tired. I’m bummed that it’s pretty much time for bed already and the weekend is over. So I’m going to keep this short. It was a busy, but nice, weekend! I:

• Got my second pedi ever in my life – they’re so nice, I just don’t like spending the money.
• Invested in a good set of basic plates from Crate and Barrel – goodbye Correlle ware, it’s been nice. I actually got kind of choked up after I bought the dishes because it felt good, like I was investing in my future (and not waiting for a bridal shower that might never happen to have nice things… but that might be a whole other post).
• Had my body fat measured – it’s actually down from the fall, even though my weight is up. Guess I’m putting on muscle!
• Spent some more money on a new TV stand (for my future new TV) and matching side tables – they match the sofa table I have now. Yay for matching furniture!
• Panicked a little over spending money… but I have a tax refund and bonus coming, so it’s okay, right?
• Did some freelance editing for a friend.
• Also did all my cooking, cleaning and laundry.

I’m beat! How was your weekend?

Daily affirmations

My mom has always told me about (harped on) the power of positive affirmations. Telling me to say things like, “I turn this to good” when something isn’t going my way. It’s not something I’ve ever really bought into. Perhaps because it’s a little too vague. Because I don’t know how to turn whatever the specific situation is to good. I’m practical. I like to have action steps.

Recently, I started working with a health/weight loss coach through a free mobile app pilot that my work is offering. (hey, why not, right?) She suggested we do a daily goal check in. It reminds me of the positive affirmations my mom tells me about, but I like it much better. When we first talked, she listened to what I was doing and why, and framed it as a list of goals. I get them in my email every morning and I’m supposed to read them out loud and report back that I did it.

Here’s my list:

I am embarking on this journey…

• to improve my overall health.
• to look better.
• to continue to increase my level of confidence.
• to feel happier in my own body.
• to continue increasing my physical activity.
• to train for a half marathon.

I find that I’m actually really liking this task. (And maybe I really am committing that to that half marathon this year??) It helps to start my day hearing my goals in my own voice. It sets an intention for the day.

Have you tried any strategies like this? Have they worked?

Turkey and Spinach Meatballs

I’m usually not a big fan of touching raw meat. In fact, I’ll go way out of my way to avoid it – think rubber gloves, awkward use of two forks. But I have made these meatballs twice now and willingly smushed raw ground turkey around in my hands. I guess I just like them that much.

The first time I made them, I followed the recipe as directed here. But this time, I decided to make Italian meatballs to pair with spaghetti squash. I like both versions of the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
• 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/2 cup fat free milk
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1/4 onion, minced
• 1 box frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and extra liquid squeezed out
• Hearty shakes garlic powder, dried oregano and basil
• 1 cup spaghetti sauce

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8 pan with cooking spray.
• Combine all ingredients except sauce in bowl. Mix well with your hands.
• Form 16 meatballs. Top with sauce.
• Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

Quick-glance nutrition information (from myfitnesspal app)

Per meatball | Calories: 70 | Fat: 2.5 grams | Carbs: 5.3 grams | Protein: 7 grams

Adapted from here.

A Run Outside! and An Ongoing Obsession

Today was a good end to the weekend. Waking up to snow, cooking and cleaning all day… none of that could put a damper on the glorious sunshine and 40 degree weather. I went for a run outside!

3.3 mils of sun!

It was actually kind of rough. My legs felt tired pretty quickly. The treadmill is turning me into a pansy. But soon enough (almost) all runs will be outdoor runs!

Meanwhile, in the dressing room…

Another thing that popped up again this week is my obsession with buying workout clothes. At first I was buying them because I needed them when I joined the gym. And then I needed stuff for running when I started running. Then I needed fall/early winter running clothes. Now I just like buying exercise clothes. And Kohl’s got new stuff in.

At least I didn’t buy all of it…

I was shopping like I had a 30% off coupon. And I didn’t. There’s just something fun about a cute new outfit to get your sweat on in. Where do you go to get the best deals on workout clothes?