Inspiration....

I found this the other day on one of my favorite blogs,"Makeunder My Life".

People Who Lead Fulfilling Lives

“People who lead fulfilling lives generally have found a sense of “home” in what they do. They have a philosophy of life that connects them to a larger vision. They accept that life is a continuing challenge. More often than not, they are able to live according to their own schedules, choosing work that is interesting and complex enough to keep them engaged. They get excited about being effective and about being stretched to learn new things.

They have a few good friends who understand their vision and perhaps even share common aspirations. They are not driven by urgency, competition or the demands of the ego. People who are happy have found an internal harmony by participating fully in the world from the platform of their strengths and passions, having come somewhat to terms with their foibles and weaknesses.

For the most part, they do what they do best. They tend to be wholly involved and present in the moment, and not diminished by pride, envy, fear, or self-loathing. They usually know when they have made choices that are in alignment with their inner sense of moral rightness. They look forward to what life will bring each day, and, at the same time, honor their commitments and do what the say they will do. They care about the little things of life, and they also feel a part of the universal order.”

- Carol Adrienne, The Purpose of Your Life


Here's to a great week and the start of a relaxing weekend!

Spicy Pepper Shrimp/Garlic-Soy Spinach

I found this recipe in the hubby's "Men's Health" June 2009 issue. Not only was it delish, it was easy to prepare (perfect for a work night), and I had most of the ingredients (except for the hoisin sauce - that's new for me!). While I have the summer off from school, my goal is to try a new recipe each Monday, which is my day off. Adam is working late tonight, so I am hoping he likes it too!

Here are the recipes:

Spicy Pepper Shrimp
2 tsp peanut oil, 1/4 tsp red-pepper flakes, 1 cup bite sized pieces of red or green pepper (I cut them into 'fajita' style strips), 1/4 medium onion (I used a white onion), 1 Tbsp oj, 2 Tbsp jalapenos, 1 Tbsp hoisin sauce, 10 oz. medium cooked shrimp. Heat the oil and pepper flakes in a medium-hot skillet, and then add all the remaining ingredients except the shrimp. Cook the mixture 2-3 mins., stirring frequently, and then add the shrimp for another 2-3 mins. Serve over brown rice. (I also garnished with sesame seeds.)

Garlic-Soy Spinach
1.5 tsp sesame or peanut oil, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 bunch spinach (I used an entire bag of baby spinach), 1.5 tsp soy sauce, pinch sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame seeds.
Heat the oil in a wok or saute pan over medium heat. And the garlic and cook 1-2 mins. until it's very lightly browned. Add the spinach, saute, stirring, until the spinach is fully wilted, about 5 mins. (The spinach will cook down quickly to a much smaller portion.) Add the soy sauce and sugar, and cook another minute. Serve with sesame seeds on top.

Both recipes make two servings. For WW followers, 6 points for each spicy pepper shrimp serving w/out brown rice. For the garlic-soy spinach, 1 pt. per serving.

(Un) eventful weekends

The best part of marriage, and just being with Adam in general is that we can do nothing together and it is pure bliss! Here is what we did this past (un) eventful weekend....

Adam and I took the babies out on a walk to our new favorite park that we found in Fishers. It has a track that surrounds a huge green space for Fischer and Frankie to run and there are tons of trails and hiking too - we loved it! Adam also decided to sport his new favorite tee which he got on our honeymoon - very cute. I also had to throw in a pic of the hubby in his new riding gear - so proud of him - he rides almost every weekend now, and I can't wait until we get me a bike so we can ride together!

Don't stop believing....hold onto that feeeeling....

I have that journey song in my head today - probably because I want to still believe I can get back on track with WW -
Soooo.....
Today I went to WW for the weekly weight in - and GAINED a pound - but it was a struggle this week remembering how small a portion is, and to get used to eating whole foods and passing on those processed foods I love! (The hubby brining home fruity pebbles and double stuffed oreos didn't help either):) .

But....

I did get back on track today, attended my meeting, went and worked out and made a yummy lunch out of leftover veggies in my fridge. I have been on a kick recently with asian inspired foods - more posts on that later!

Today I simply stir-fried fresh mushrooms, broccoli and zucchini (sp?) in sesame oil and then a stir-fry sauce I got at Target that was SO good - and only 1 pt. per serving (see pic above). I served it over couscous and garnished it with toasted sesame seeds. It was like chinese takeout for only 8 points!

Back to business....

So anyone that knows me knows that I have been following - or, slightly following, the weight watchers plan for years now. I normally get reeeeallly close to my lifetime goal and then am happy and decide to celebrate - with some type of high fat or calorie-laden treat! Because that makes sense, right:)!

Honestly though - the past semester was chaos, so I gave it my best shot before the wedding - but now that I have summer "off" (just working - no school or wedding planning!) - I have decided to FOCUS on WW.

Last Saturday was my weigh in and HOLY SMOKES! I am 17 lbs. up from when I first met Adam...yikes! I guess you can tell I am in love, happy and comfortable! In all fairness, I started grad school at that point, and I think that had something to do with it. I did okay the first year, but over time, and as things became busier, I have had less and less time to work out and make healthy meals. And knowing my genetic makeup, I am one that will always have to work out - always. Which is a good thing - I used to hate that fact but as I am approaching 30 - I've learned - curves are good - and those "birthing hips" - as my husband affectionately calls them - those might come in handy - someday......:)I have resigned to the fact that this will have to become a lifestyle for me - and there will always be times in which life gets hectic - (when is it ever calm?) - but like last Saturday - at least I climbed back on the wagon!

So here's to getting back in the swing of things - taking care of my body - and treating it with the love it deserves! So far so good this week - so we'll see when I weigh in on Saturday!