Brixey Banter

South Beach Diet - Day 14 - Phase 1 - Last Day of Phase 1!!!

So as usual, right before I fell asleep, I came up with this absolutely PHENOMENAL post. Yup. It was pretty awesome.

Of course, I can't remember it. So there! Ha!

Today is my last day at work for the week. It's going to be a doozy. Doosey? Doosy?

I weighed myself this morning and because I CHEATED yesterday and ate  1/4 or so of a bagel AND a slice of apple crisp. It was so good (not so much the bagel but def. the apple crisp). Anyway, I must get super dirty during the day because I weighed before i went into the shower and then directly as I stepped out (after towelling off) and by golly, I lost 1/2 lb! Woah. Same thing yesterday too. You'd think that with wet hair, I would weigh more. Nope.

Last night, after a HARD day at work (not really) I went home, got my recently finished library book and walked to the library. Have I mentioned how much I love my little town? If I haven't mentioned it ENOUGH, let me do that right now: I LOVE my little town. It was perfect evening walking weather so there I went to the library and decided to check out The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis. Yeah, he's Greek. Go figure. So far I've read 5 chapters (chapter 5 was UBER long) and it's great. Oh hey! My borrowed copy looks just like the one the amazon link goes to! Wow. That rarely seems to happen.

Obviously you've gathered that STUDYING hasn't been on my agenda lately.

Oops.

I'm so ready for a nice 4 day weekend away from work/NJ. Although it's supposed to be COLD in Boston. What's up with that Mother Nature? It's nice here today. So nice. It's sitting nicely right at 73 degrees right now and it's all sunny. Not in Boston though this weekend. Our highs average like 60 mixed with RAIN. Grossness.

So Andrea is thinking about running a 5K this fall and I think that would be a fabulous because it would MAKE me run if I signed up for something like that. Goodbye ghetto booty! Well, more like, goodbye excess ghetto booty, hello shapely booty!

I'm not very interesting so I'm going to get back to work.

Ciao.

South Beach Diet - Day 12 - Phase 1

It's Monday morning. I'm awaiting my next big exciting assignment at work. Woo.

Therefore, I am writing to you because apparently I'm bad.

Anyway, it was a weekend filled with non-exciting things but lots of accomplishments!

Friday night, I put the paper on the back of the second shelf and arranged it. A project done! I feel so much better. With that came getting all of the shelf junk off the floor. After I arranged it, I took any random leftovers upstairs to put on the shelves above the desk (uh. still not done.). I moved the little black shelf and put it under my kitchen desk and put the printer on it so I would have more room on top of the desk to put recipes and such. It's SO much nicer without the printer on top of it. I do have to make a little skirt for the table though, so that you can't see the printer and shelf. It's not terribly pretty. I also added a couple of frames with new pics I bought at IKEA some weeks ago. Butterflies. They look lovely with the Asian theme (pictures to come eventually). I think I did that on Saturday though.

I got the baby present all ready to sew but didn't get to sewing it. Too much to do!

I can't even remember what I did on Saturday. I did take a long nap with Venus though! I remember that!

Yesterday I took a lovely bike ride South on the canal. There was a TON of people out. It was such a beautiful day! Then I took my car and washed it and vacuumed it and when I got back to town I cleaned every square millimeter of the inside...although it's so stained and old in places, you can't even tell! But it is DEFINITELY clean!! Then it rained today of course. But whatever. The inside is clean! AND, I found my antennae! It was wedged into the seats in the back! Woo!

I also cleaned the bathroom, did marathon ironing and made my hair a beautiful shade of red. Sweet.

As you can see from the above ticker, I am down 6.5 lbs. In all actuality, I have really only lost 2 ish lbs, but since I bulked up a few weeks ago, I can count that, I suppose. According to the biggest loser at work, so far I've lost 4 lbs. Our weigh in is tomorrow. I'm definitely NOT the biggest loser. (well, maybe I am, but not in weight!).

That damn Martha Stewart had a whole episode on cookies on Saturday while I was hanging out with V and I had to watch it. Now I have the cookie fever. Not good when cookies are not supposed to be eaten by me. Ugh.

Over the weekend I watched There Will Be Blood. If I had known, before renting it, that it was based on Upton Sinclaire's book Oil!, I would never have even bothered renting it. I did NOT enjoy The Jungle. Granted, Daniel Day-Lewis' Oscar winning performance was indeed Oscar worthy, I HATED the story with every ounce of my being, plus the ounces that aren't there any longer. I watched it in three segments: part Saturday night, part Sunday afternoon and the rest a couple of hours later. Yeah, I'm weird. Big deal.

I have also been reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. It's good. I love it really. It's written by a 15 year old Autistic boy (well, it's fiction anyway, so it's MEANT to be written by a 15 year old Autistic boy - it's not really) who is a genius when it comes to numbers. Well, math. And physics. I am thoroughly intrigued with Christopher's thoughts and actions. Not that it's REAL but it's very interesting to say the least. That's why I love fiction though...it can SEEM real without really BEING real. I'm about halfway through it. I hope I finish it by the time I leave for Boston on Thursday (well, Wednesday night) so that I can check out another book before I leave.

I heart my public library.

Anyway, the SBD is going okay. I haven't cheated. Well, I did have a SMALL Mtn. Dew yesterday at Taco Bell. It could have been worse. I could have actually gotten FOOD at Taco Bell, but I just needed to break a $20 bill so I could do the car cleaning...other than that all is going well. Although thanks to that beotch MS, I am really craving cookies, especially sugar cookies. Damn!

South Beach Diet - Day 8 - Phase 1

Holy cow! It's already Day 8! It's the first day of week 2! Woah!

According to the scale at work I am 1 lb less than at home...should I go by that one? I think so!! So for the Biggest Loser at work I'm down 3 lbs. Of course, the final weigh in is Tuesday but whatever, I'm not in it to win...just to movivate.

I didn't realize that I had skipped a few days of posting. I still ate okay, especially after that little blunder with the chips. Doh! Anyway, I got to go to the grocery store the other night and spend way too much money on groceries. I think that groceries have gone up more than gas. Whatever.

I made a fabulous tilapia on the indoor grill last night with roasted veggies (red, green, yellow bell peppers, red onions and asparagus) and a small side salad (mixed greens, tomatoes and blue cheese). It was wonderful. I also made hamburger patties while I had the grill going so now I have lunch today along with leftover veggies! I also have dinner tonight with MORE leftover veggies and a second tilapia fillet.

I bought a ticket to go to KC in July to visit Alicia and help her get the new baby's room together and move Wyatt to the guest room. Although you can't really technically call it "moving" since he is still sleeping with his mama. Also, I'll get to see Farrah and Gus and probably my mom. It will be a nice 5 day weekend away from work with only 2 days taken for vacation! Woo!

So I guess that's about it. I'm going to run to the newer Target at lunch and get some supplies (CAT FOOD! - BEFORE THEY GNAW MY FACE WHILE I'M SLEEPING!). Too bad I can't partake in the Pizza Hut while I'm there! Darn!

Oh. I watched The Departed last night. It was awesome. Well, minus the ending which I thought totally sucked but was expecting for a Scorcese film, so whatever. It was a great movie. I heart Netflix.

South Beach Diet - Day 5 - Phase 1

Oh. It's just me again. Sitting at home on the floor eating dinner on the floor in the living room. While watching tv.

OMG. My feet are so STINKY. I've NEVER had stinky feet. It's because I wore my new favorite shoes, which are Payless and I swear to you my feet smell like vinegar. Which is totally funny because today when I was taping up Mom's Mother's Day box, I said "this tape smells like vinegar. Gross!" and now, that's what my stinky feet smell like. Blah.

I'm eating a slice of pork loin and a bunch of veggies courtesy of Whole Foods. I forgot to take the chicken out of the freezer to thaw this morning and the last thing I want to eat is a salad for dinner. Anywho, it doesn't matter because I am going to SOUTH BEACH DIET HELL.

That's right. I cheated. Yup. It's only Day 5 and I cheated.

Damn Cinco de Mayo chips and dip. I only had about a serving of carbs. They were tasty. I also had about 4 oz. of strawberry margarita. See? Big cheater! Ha!

Oh well. I guess I'll have to let by gones be by gones. I can't dwell on it.

I have decided to make a weekly goal (as I stated in yesterday's post) and stick with it indefinitely. This week's goal:

DO AB WORKOUT EVERY WEEK DAY.

That's 5 ab workouts. It shouldn't be that hard. I already did one for tonight...silly old 8 minute abs. They are fast and effective, according to the dude.

Other than that one cheating moment today, I've been really good with the SBD.

Well, I have some stuff to do. Ciao.

South Beach Diet - Day 4 - Phase 1

Double grossness. 'Venus is over in the corner eating a plant and throwing up and Mike Rowe is on tv helping to deliver a calf. It may be nature, but it's freakin' disgusting.

I think I might gag. Seriously.

Anyway, it's day 4 of the diet. I was actually up a half of a pound from yesterday. Oh well. I did have STEAK for dinner last night.

I am sitting here surfing various websites on the internet fighting sleep. I am SO tired. But I don't want to go to bed until at least 10 pm. Yeah. Lame.

I need to go pack my blender and various other fun stuff as we are having a little Cinco de Mayo celebration near the end of the day at work tomorrow. Of course, THEY will be celebrating. I'll be watching. Eating a piece of string cheese.

So today consisted of lots of bargain shopping at the mall, places such as TJ Maxx and the flea market.

OMG. They are going to show a cow Cesarean on tv. That's disgusting. Yet, I'll still watching it. Where did my remote go? Under my ass of course.

I did end up doing a lot around the house today but in the process made  a big ass mess so it's not like anyone but me can see any progress. Darn those lamps and my revamp.

I'll post pics sometime. My camera battery IS CHARGING! I finally found it AND remembered it at the same time. Woo.

I went to see Ironman today and all I can say is that RDJr totally rocks! And is SO steamy hot. He worked out for that movie. He's fine. The movie was FANTASTIC. I do have a predilection (right word) for action movies so I knew I would enjoy it, but it was beyond enjoyable. If I wasn't smiling with happiness during the movie, then I was gasping for fear of the characters. Of course, the girl was just as stupid as any other super hero movie. Do they ever get smarter?

They had trailers for The Dark Knight, Indiana Jones and The Incredible Hulk. First off, I love Christian Bale. Although I am still a bit freaked about how thin he got for The Machinist. Grossness. Anyway, he's just hot. Then, they had to go and add Aaron Eckhart into that sexy mix and I am head over heels drooling in the movie theater. God help us all when that movie comes out this summer. I heart Batman. Poor Heath Ledger.

Then, we have the Incredible Hulk. Yeah, I didn't even see the last remake, that's how bad I heard it was. However, I think that Edward Norton is the freakin' BOMB. He's hot in that creepy sort of way (not in a Nicolas Cage creepy way because he's just creepy in general). I love him. Not so much green but normal Edward Norton.

Finally, we have Indiana Jones. I love Harrison Ford. He's still steamin'.

Okay. I have to go to bed!! Goodnight!

South Beach Diet - Day 3 - Phase 1

Well, it's Saturday.

I had BIG plans for today. So far, I have done only one of like 20 plans. Oh well.

And yes, you read that right up there. I woke up this morning and after only 2.5 days, I have lost 4.4 lbs. Yes, I know. Water weight. It still feels good though.

I woke up late this morning due to a nagging headache caused from bad sleep. Blah. Ida and I just kind of laid (layed?) around and she purred to me. She's so cute when she's sleeping. Not so cute when she bites.

I finally got up and going and made a little Lambertville adventure. I went to the library and returned my most recent book (I read it too!!) - The Road by Cormac McCarthy. More on that in a second. After that I went to this AMAZING store called, well, I forgot. But it had like Art Deco and vintage purses. AMAZING. And very expensive but so so beautiful. I found a little clutch that I would LOVE to have...it was $145. I moved on to the next store. At Bucks County Dry Goods, I bought a vintage thermos for $22. I'll post a picture of it when I can (i.e. camera doesn't have a dead battery and when I get to work - tomorrow? - to download the pic). Then I went to No. 63, which is always my fave store, even though I haven't ever bought anything there besides candles. They always have a funky selection of mid century stuff (overpriced) in their store. Stuff I would love in my house. Right now they have a super cool medicine cabinet (turquoise metal with funky glass doors) that I would love. Too expensive.

Well, I've been looking for a pair of new lamps for the living room because one of my 8 year old Target lamps seems to have issues with its wiring. When I work out and bounce around and the light is on, it's like I have my own private disco light flashing. Not so good. So, the living room, with only one lamp, has been quite dark. I have found some ideas for lamps but nothing solid yet. Then I saw a pair for $65 in No. 63 and true love emerged. They are just the right color (although paintable) and just the right amount of mid century to them. Although they are a gold color on the accent, so is my pink poodle lamps. True love prevailed over common sense and they are no sitting around waiting for me to add shades to them. Yeah, they didn't have shades (those were sold last weekend apparently) but I'm just going to do something simple and white until I can find something to match the era (simple = cheap in this instance).

After my lamp purchase, I stopped by Boxwoods to get some fresh flowers. They had black calla lillies. Who knew those existed? I only got one and then 4 Gerbera daisies with really funky flower petals, for the vases along the hall wall.

Other than that, all I have accomplished today is getting Mom's mother's day box all packed, complete with belated 60th anniversary (and Mema's bday) presents for my grandparents. Now that I have the "new" lamps, I need to go ahead and reaarange my shelves, as the lamp on the entertainment center does NOT look good with the stereo next to it. No one wants that. I just need to do a little rearranging there and in the dining room (shelves) and then the two shelves flanking the window. It should be fun though. I have also picked out a pair of curtains for the living room that I'm going to look at when I go to Boston in a couple of weeks. I also found a SUPER CHEAP bamboo blinds that will actually fit the 84" tall window in the living room. I think I'll order those instead of spending $32 to go to SoHo to get them, just because I don't really want to go to NYC next weekend. So hopefully soon the living room will really start coming together. I'm also thinking about using my rewards for an Overstock.com gift certificate and order an accent chair for in here. Very exciting! Especially since the Ipod under cabinet system didn't work out (they sent me the wrong one and when I sent it back, it turns out they don't offer it anymore. It was kind of fate since my Ipod has decided to be funky when it plays...or usually when it doesn't feel like playing!) So they gave me my points back. Whew.

Anyway, all I have eaten today, since I missed breakfast due to sleeping in, was a leftover grilled rosemary chicken (half breast - leftover from last night's dinner) over mixed greens with the tomato cucumber salsa, also leftover from last night. The salsa has tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and garlic in it so it was like a glorified dressing to the salad. I have also had some mixed nuts and a string cheese. I also made sure to chew gum when I went into the Chocolate Box to buy a little somethin'-something' for my grandpa. I didn't eat any chocolate! Although I really wanted to!!!

Venus is sitting on the sofa using my leg as a pillow. It's so cute!

So I did clean my sheets today. That's good.

I guess the rest of my day will consist of cleaning and rearranging shelves. I'm excited.

I still will have to go to work tomorrow (instead of today) to work on the condo plans. Julie and MZ and I are going to see Ironman tomorrow too. I am so STOKED. RDJr here I come! Yum!

That's good. I gotta take my Saturday nap now!!!

South Beach Diet - Day 2 - Phase 1

It's day 2. I'm not starving today like I was yesterday. And between this morning and yesterday morning, I lost 1.5 lbs. Yes, I know it's water weight but it's nice. I actually feel skinnier in my belly.

Because I felt like I could eat a horse last night and was actually a bit lightheaded and sleepy (from being underfed) I didn't work out. I did do a quick abs workout before bed though. So that was a plus.

If it's not raining when I get home tonight, I'm going to either run or bike. Otherwise, it's another evening of Jilliam Michaels kicking my ass. Literally. We do butt kicks.

Last night's dinner was grilled salmon with grilled asparagus and a salad. It was yummy but it's stinky today as leftovers in my salad. Yuck.

Tonight is some kind of chicken dish.

So far I haven't cheated. So far...

South Beach Diet - Day 1 - Phase 1

 

No working out last night since I had to prepare for my South Beach Diet by going to the grocery store and spending way too much money on food.

It's seriously way too expensive to eat healthy. Veggies are super expensive, as is good meat, eggs and dairy. Dudes, it would be so much CHEAPER to eat junk food and what not. Soda is way cheaper than juice. Chips are way cheaper than veggies. Hot dogs and prepackaged meats are way cheaper than fresh meat and fish. So what I'm saying is that I'm totally bummed about grocery costs.

Anyway, I just ate my lunch: tuna fish (3 oz) with romaine lettuce, red pepper, onion, tomatoes and some sort of dressing concoction made from dijon mustard, olive oil and tarragon. It was good. Thank goodness it was more filling than breakfast (whisk one egg with 1/4 c. egg substitute, 1/4 c. 1% milk and 2 asparagus spears then scramble) and my snack (mixed nuts) combined!! I'm hoping my afternoon snack (10 cherry tomatoes and 1/2 c. reduced fat cottage cheese) will keep me going while I ride my bike - if it isn't raining!!! - until my grilled salmon dinner tonight. That would be nice.

I forgot to get frozen spinach and jello last night. The frozen spinach is for a make-ahead breakfast on the go quiche so I haven't made them yet. Jello is for dessert. I didn't like any of their other desserts. I seem to be doing okay so far...I guess I'll know exactly how well I do after the weekend is over!! I'm going to the movies and that could be my downfall! Yikes!

My eyes burn, everybody smokes.

So all I can seem to do is put on weight, rather than take it off.

I joined the South Beach Diet online. I have 15 lbs. to lose. I have my shopping list and am ready to begin Phase 1 tomorrow, which consists of ZERO CARBS practically. So sad. I hope it works.

I did it because it not only allows you to make a daily/weekly menu, but it prints out your shopping list. Sweet. It's $5 a week, but totally worth it. I guess we'll just have to see if it works! And if I follow it!

I'm feeling a bit ROTUND after the weekend spent in NYC bachelorette-ing it up. More news on that at a later date.

Anyway, I finish Phase 1 of the SBD the day before I go to Boston to spend the weekend hanging out with Christie and Rusty, and Julie is joining us later. At least I'll get to drink by then.

I wonder if I'll be able to drop a few pounds in the next two weeks. Hmm...

I did a Jillian Michaels video on Monday for workout and then rode my bike 12 mph for 40 minutes (i.e. 8 miles in 40 minutes) last night. Not bad. I'll be doing that more frequently in the evenings as they get longer. I love being on my bike. It's only 335 calories burned but it's better than none!!

I also, when it finally warms up AND doesn't rain, need to start taking a 20 minute plus walk at lunch...since I'll be bringing my lunch again every day.

Gotta get back to work. I'm here until 6 pm tonight. Stupid me, shutting off the alarm.

Oh. Tomorrow we find out if Baby Kolsem is a boy or girl! My money is on another boy...

"What's the skinny?"

Me! Soon!