If at first you don't succeed...

Last week could have gone better with my eating. I never wrote about it here because I was pretty down on it all. I didn't make it to the gym a single time. I only got out to walk the dog twice. My eating wasn't awful, but it wasn't very good either. By the time Friday rolled around, I found myself downing a bowl of fresh guacamole and chips and drinking two powerful margaritas.

It was all stress, and i need to learn, as I've said many times before, to channel that differently. Yesterday I tried on a pair of capris that I bought last year and couldn't get them buttoned. It made me break into tears. This morning I got on the scale, and my weight is back to where it was on New Year's day. My 9 pounds is all back.

Today went really well though. I had lots of veggies - broccoli with lunch, corn and a salad with dinner. I had lots of fruit - a nectarine with breakfast, watermelon with lunch, strawberries after dinner. My only splurge was the baked cheetos after I went to the grocery store (which I didn't need in the first place).

Quinn (my dog if I haven't mentioned his name before) and I went for a nice long walk this evening after I got back from the grocery store. I spent $109 and change at Meijer tonight. I stocked up on some things and I feel set for the week. I am limiting myself to only eating out on Thursday night with my girlfriends for sushi, and Chris has agreed to stay in with me and not suggest eating out this weekend. So i'm set for some pretty interesting meals. I bought a pork tenderloin filet, and plan to make a Morrocan spice rub for it. I've got bok choy, tofu and fresh farmer's market asparagus for an amazing stir fry. I bought ground turkey and have the ingredients for fresh salsa - thank you again farmer's market - so we'll be having tacos this week.

We have dog training on the agenda for tomorrow night, but i'm slated for the gym Wednesday and Thursday nights (no sushi for me unless I promise to work out that night!).

I'm back. And I'm trying hard. And knowing that I have a network of friends out there doing the same is really helping me - thanks to all of you whose blogs keep me inspired!

Cleveland LOVES Don Henley

We had a really really fun weekend in Cleveland. And to qualify my headline (my husband will be proud!), we heard Don Henley/The Eagles all over the place up there. After a long drive up there Friday night, we went to bed around midnight, only about 45 minutes after we arrived.

Saturday morning, I had to be up to be at a 9am photo shoot about 45 minutes from my friends' house, where we were staying. I was quite a nervous wreck about the whole thing, and didn't sleep really well. I worried for nothing, because it all went really well, and I was back to our friends' house by noon.

We left for lunching at the Willoughby Brewing Company. It was excellent. Kelly and I split a portobella wrap and fries, and our boys each got their own personal heart attacks on a plate. Afterwards we went bowling. We had a blast. I realize I am totally immature by starting this, but it sure made the day fun. We started the "that's what she said" game. By the end of the second game of bowling, my sides hurt from laughing. It's way too easy when you're bowling especially. For example, Frank said "man, I just can't seem to find the right spot with this ball." THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!

Okay, maybe it was funnier if you were there!

We also went out to dinner that evening, and I fared well with king crab legs and a salad. Then came dessert. And Chris refused to share his. Yes, they were that good. So I ordered my own and made everyone share it with me. For the record - it was one of the best cheesecakes i've ever had.

Sunday we drove back early, so Chris and I could both attend separate evening engagements that I won't even go into.

Today though? I'm in my points range. I walked the dog tonight, and i'm heading to the gym. I'm going to the grocery store afterwards to stock up on some food for the week. I'm going to have a great week. I can feel it!

On another note: I found out that Chris is apparently reading this blog from time to time. But I bet he's too shy to say hello!

Mid-Day Snack Update!

I brought fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes and lite balsamic vinaigrette for a mid-afternoon snack today.

I just wanted you all to know that it was HEAVENLY!

Oh the fried pickles!

I had a fantastic time at dinner with Andrea last night. We caught up for over three hours and talked about a lot of stuff...thankfully, most of it was not work related!

Regardless, I had about 10 points left when I went in there for dinner. I ordered a Leffe (a wonderful belgian beer). Andrea ordered fried pickles. I wanted to punch her and kiss her at the same time. One became three. My good word. How do I count those?

I stuck to the plan on the sandwich - mostly. They didn't have wheat bread (huh?). So I ordered it as is with slaw instead of fries. It came out and was gigantic. It was cut in half, and I strategically chose the smaller half and took the top piece of foccacia off. It was good, and it filled me completely. I didn't even touch the slaw. When I got home, Chris devoured what was left.

Pilates didn't happen. But a long walk with the dog this morning did. It's a small victory.

Andrea and I are going to get drinks tonight around 8pm with some other friends. I want to get out of the house so Chris can study. I have promised myself only one beer, and that I WILL go to the gym and at least do cardio beforehand.

The Lasagna

Holy cow was it awesome. I lightened the recipe significantly with light cream cheese, 1% milk, and part skim mozzarella.

It's my new favorite dish. I can't wait to make it all over again!