Saturdays rock.

Even though I am in the middle of Christmas break, and I have days off during the week, there is just something about Saturdays.

I made a delicious breakfast this morning thanks to a last minute grocery stop last night on my way home from out of town.
I had driven to Akron to go to a wedding ceremony of a good friend that I used to teach with. It was a beautiful mass, and she looked radiant!! I felt bad that I didn’t stay for the reception as I RSVP’d that I would, but there was bad weather coming this way, and I wanted to beat it home. It was supposed to arrive at 7:00, but it didn’t end up coming until after midnight. So, I could’ve actually stayed for part of the reception. Doh.
Hindsight is 20/20. I am such a nervous driver in bad weather.
Anyway, on the way home from Akron, which is about three hours away from my house, I stopped at Kroger to get us breakfast food for the week. I just started our 2013 budget to help us pay off debt, and not get ridiculous with impulsive purchases, so it helped me stick to my list and I only spent $15. This is unheard of for me to spend that little at the grocery. I think it helped that I didn’t get a cart, so I could only get what was in my hands. Maybe that should be my new grocery strategy. ha ha.
Anyway, I have been craving eggs, and that’s what my husband has every day, so I got eggs, and turkey bacon, and hash brown potatoes for him, and potatoes o’brien for me.
So…that was a long story to show you my breakfast.
But, here it is, Potatoes O’Brien topped with scrambled eggs and egg whites, and a Laughing Cow Swiss Cream Cheese wedge.

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(oh, and of course, I added ketchup to the mix…)

Then a few hours later, I had one of my sister-in-law’s homemade chocolate chip cookie dough truffles.

YUM.

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While my dog just stared and salivated..

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I have no idea why she is looking so jealous. I took her to the vet two days ago because she has been itching like crazy, and the vet thinks she has become allergic to her dog food. (After ruling out hyperthyroidism). So, we had to switch to a salmon-potato blend that is 50% more expensive than her old Iams. I had to put it in the 2013 budget as it’s own line item. We are in the process of doing the switch over, and from what I can gather, she LOVES the new food. We also got her new bowls, because her old food bowl was a tad…seasoned, if you will…or maybe gross is the better word. And her water bowl was a piece of gladware.
Also, because her skin is so dry, and itchy, she also recommended fish oil.
I am going to start that at dinner tonight.
Man, alive. She is expensive. But, as I’ve said before, she’s lucky of one thing!

I love her to pieces and she’s so damn cute.

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I am going out with my girlfriends, tonight, and I can’t wait!

Love,
Beth WA

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Hello fruits and vegetables, I’ve missed you.

I’ve had such a lovely holiday. It’s been so nice to hang out with family, relax, get stuff done around the house, sit on the couch, read blogs, eat sweets, and just generally be mostly stress free.

Over the last few days, I’ve eaten lots of delicious food…

My sister-in-law, Dawn’s cheeseballs….

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My other sister-in-law, Georgi’s marshmalow “salad.” It’s got marshmallows, cottage cheese, pineapples, mandarin oranges…yummmm…

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My mom’s most amazing sugar cookies (they are my gramma’s recipe)

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This crockpot concoction with frozen chicken breasts, chicken broth, roasted corn and black bean salsa, tomatillo verde salsa, ranch seasoning packet, taco seasoning packet, frozen corn, a can of black beans and a can of kidney beans. I served it over elbow macaroni.

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Not pictured…
Chicken Marsala cooked by my brother. I have to get the recipe and post it because it was DIVINE.
My mother-in-law’s macaroni salad with hardboiled eggs on it, her egg bake, her biscuits, and her delicious shredded chicken.
My sister in law, Dawn’s homemade chocolates and this chocolate dessert trifle she makes that is sooooo good

I was so full today, that I didn’t eat breakfast until 1:00, about 5 hours after I woke up.
Today was the day I decided to welcome calorie counting and fruits and vegetables back to my life!!
I already feel better.

Yesterday was such a nice relaxing day, which I am continuing to today! I am having an Alias marathon. It is my favorite show. Ever. (Along with Sex and the City)

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We had a “blizzard warning” all day yesterday, so we were homebound, and I didn’t mind at all catching up with Sydney and Jack Bristow, and Vaughn (Michael Vartan).

I hope everybody had a nice Christmas. I was so excited when my husband surprised me with a…

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and a…

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He’s sneaky!! And I love it. These gifts were totally over the top, and I was so surprised.

Anybody else get an over the top gift that totally surprised them?!?

(I know Christmas isn’t all about the gifts, but they sure are nice! : ) )

Have a great day, friends!
-Beth WA

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‘Tis the Season…

It has been a really good break so far. Just the right mix of social and solitude.
Our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are pretty leisurely as we don’t have children. We go to my parents’ house on Christmas Eve and to my husband’s parents late Christmas morning until afternoon. Then we come home and exchange our gifts for each other.

Today was a really nice, relaxing day. I started the day at 10:30 mass, and it was just a great mass. Sometimes I get more out of it than others, and today it was a good one. Good music, good homily, good vibe…and then at 2:00, my husband and I went to watch my niece in her church’s kids’ Christmas play. It was adorable. The kids wrote it and it was a spin on the story of Jesus’ birth with superheroes and a bit of humor.
My niece was “Shephard #1”

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Then, we stopped at our local liquor store to get some beer for my husband. They know him there, as it is the local shop that has the best craft beer selection. As luck should have it, they were having a tasting of beer and wine, so my husband was super happy about that. Well, the beer part.

Then we met some family and friends to watch some football, and now we are relaxing at home. ..

Last night I got to hang out with two of my dearest friends. We laughed, and chatted until late in the evening. My friend Tracy’s son is so freakin’ adorable. Here he is loving the gift bag I got him.

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It was the best picture I could get of him, as he lives in California, so he doesn’t know me, and wasn’t that into me, ha ha. And I do not like to be “in your face” with kids who are uncomfortable. I was a shy kid, and so I think I am super sensitive to kids who are that way.
He is the most adorable little boy ever. He has such a fun personality, and seriously, he is devastatingly handsome,

So, I saw this thing online that said, “Don’t have any food in your house that you can’t eat responsibly.” Well, that list is rather extensive for me, but as of this week, I have 2 more things I add to the list. I don’t know why I even put them in the cart.

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I highly recommend both of these cookies. Especially the ginger ones. Mmmmm…. They are made by Carrs, who make my favorite table water crackers.

I think I am going to rent a movie on demand, as I just finished wrapping all of the presents.
Don’t tell my husband I am renting a movie. He is not a fan of that. Ha ha.

Merry Christmas to all of you!!!

Beth WA

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Snow Day

Well, today was supposed to be the last day of school before Christmas break, but then this happened…

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SNOW DAY!

It is our first one since the 2010-2011 school year. So, it is very exciting. Truthfully, I was really pulling for a 2 hour delay, though, so the kids could still have their Christmas parties. But, believe you me, I am NOT complaining. I am enjoying this extra day. I am having a leisurely morning, eating holiday breads for breakfast.

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So many kids brought me so many awesome gifts yesterday. I am so lucky.
This is one of my favorite gifts:

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Another of my favorite gifts requires a back story. You see, I love kids. I love teaching them, I love their knuckleheadedness, I love their resilience, their willingness to forgive, their potential, and their view of the world.
But, I do NOT love sharing my supplies with these kids. They break all of my stuff. So, I got a really nice stapler last Christmas, and I have put a post it note on this stapler and labeled it, “Mrs. Allman’s stapler.” And, then I have an old fashioned Swingline stapler that I have labeled, “Kids Stapler.” They complain about this all of the time. Because, honestly, my stapler is pretty bad ass and their’s is pretty sucky.

So, I about died laughing when I got this gift yesterday:

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I just love my students. They are so funny, and so sweet. My favorite part of Christmas gifts from the kids is what they write on the cards. I get teary eyed every year as I read the thoughtful things they write to me that remind me of exactly why I do this job!

So, my to do list for the next 72 hours is a mile long, but this unexpected snow day morning is going to be leisurely before I start the craziness….

Anybody else have last minute shopping to do?

Beth WA

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The Reason for the Season.

So many people I know are so stressed, and so overwhelmed this time of year.
And it is made even worse with the tragedy in Connecticut.

And that’s just not how it is supposed to be.
It is supposed to be a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus.
A time to eat good food.
A time to be together, and laugh, and have a good time.

We are all here for one another.
To be kind to one another.
To take care of one another.

I pray that those who need it find peace in their hearts, laughter in their days, and delicious food in their belly.

oxoxo,
Beth WA

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Oh my darling…

I can’t remember if I used that title before, but darn it, I just love clementines.

I actually made dinner tonight, and it was pretty freakin’ good if I do say so myself. And it was followed up with 2 of the most delicious clementines I’ve ever had.
Actually, I was SUPER productive today. I think I am starting to feel back to myself again. I’ve felt so crappy for the last few weeks with this cough and cold.
I stayed after school to help this other teacher do a “craft club,” that she started. It was super fun. Then, I went to the grocery store! Yup. I ran an errand.
We were so desperate for produce. I bought our staples, apples and bananas, the aforementioned clementines, and a million other things. I broke the rule about going to the grocery store hungry. And of course, I overbought yogurt. Damn it.

For dinner I made a version of this delicious salad that Beth FS taught me how to make. It’s romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, black beans (or pinto or kidney), roasted corn, and chicken. The best parts of the salad are the roasted corn, and the dressing.
The dressing is equal parts ranch dressing and barbecue sauce. It sounds weird, but trust me, it is SOO good.
Avocado is also good on the salad, but I couldn’t find a ripe one at the store. I love avocados, but I am terrible at picking them out…

Here is a picture of the salad,

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Well, I have to go finish grading 6th grade math tests. I have 20 out of 60 of them finished. YAY.

later taters,
Beth WA

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Queen of Takeout

So, I had this grand goals to go to the gym, catch up on grading, finish laundry, clean the kitchen, but the week isn’t going quite as planned.
I just can’t let go of this cough, and it is WEARING ME OUT. By the time I am done teaching all day, I am wiped. Yesterday I slept for an hour and a half after school.
The good news is that despite not reaching my goal to work out, I have tracked my calories, and been close to my goal or just slightly above the last two days.
That’s a HUGE step for me.
I feel that I am finally heading in the right direction.

Now, if only I would start cooking again….ha ha….
I’ve been the queen of takeout.

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I ate so little from 7-4 today that I had a TON of calories left, and coincidentally, I was starving. So, I got Chipotle. I was only able to eat half of it, so that was good! Now, I can have the other half for lunch tomorrow.

This was my dessert….
(They are SO delicious)

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and we have 3 cans of regular A & W root beer that my dad brought over, so I had a can of that, because we don’t have any other pop, and I just wanted some pop.

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Who watches Parenthood?? I am so in love with that show. I need to go back and watch the first several seasons. I’ve only been watching the last two, and I am hooked and in complete love with the Braverman’s.

So glad that most of the week is over – one more week after this, then CHRISTMAS BREAK!
YAY.
I can NOT believe that next Friday is the end of the second quarter. That means this school year is HALF way over. That is crazy to me.

Have a great Wednesday…

Beth WA

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Off the Wagon

I have been off the Fitness Pal wagon with the exception of a few days since Thanksgiving. And it is terrible.
For the last 8 days I also have had a sinus infection/cold/cough that makes only one food sound appetizing, McDonalds cheeseburgers.
And I haven’t exercised regularly in months.

I have been afraid to get on the scale, but my clothes are telling me what I already know.
Waaaa…..
this is turning into a full fledged pity party.

All of these things are taking their toll on me.

So, I am going to set a goal for this week.

My first goal is to go to the gym 3 times; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

My second goal is to cook dinner the rest of the week:

I need to eat home prepared dinners the rest of the week that include lean protein and vegetables and greens. They may not taste delicious to me right away, but I will get my taste back eventually.

But, for tonight….

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Have a good night…
Beth WA

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It’s your birthday, BETHIE!!!!

My girl has a birthday today!!!

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Happy Birthday to one of the best people I know and my partner in this blog.
I love our daily texts, our nearly lifelong friendship, and that I know, no matter what, we will always be besties.

I am so thankful to have your friendship and loyalty, your ear to listen, and your shoulder to cry on, and your wine to drink. : )

Looking forward to making so many more memories …

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On again – off again

I have a weird relationship with yogurt, hummus and oatmeal.
It is all texture related.
I like all three foods very much, but in limited quantites, only at certain times, only prepared certain ways, and only flavored just right.

For instance, the other day I have this oatmeal a rave review.

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But yesterday when I was eating it, I could barely choke it down without activating my gag reflex.

The same thing goes for yogurt. And the bad thing about yogurt is when I was grocery shopping this time, I was all “pro yogurt” that day, so I have a ton of it to eat. I have been packing it for lunch, then not eating lunch because it sounds gross, but then scarfing it down after school because I am so starving.
Lesson learned: Do not buy copious amounts of yogurt to pack in my lunch. I like sandwiches for lunch.

That is why I love Kath’s Whipped Banana Oats. They are the only oats that I can eat at any time, and I can eat a normal amount, and never feel like I am going to throw up. They just take a long time to make for me, and so I only can have them on weekends.

On the days that I am liking yogurt, here is a delicious Quaker yogurt. It has a lot of calories for a yogurt (220), but it is so creamy! And it is relatively filling with the carmelized almonds giving the mix 13 g of protein.

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There are also some with chocolate pieces to mix in, and honey, and a few other ones that I saw.

And with hummus, I love the taste of it, but because of the texture, I like it with pita chips and pita, but I can’t love it with vegetables like carrots, except sometimes. And I definitely can’t imagine throwing it on a salad like some people do on blogs – but then, sometimes I can imagine that.
See what I mean?? On again. Off again.

So, in conclusion.
I love yogurt.
I love oatmeal.
I love hummus.
Yogurt makes me gag.
Oatmeal makes me gag.
Hummus makes me gag.

HA HA. Clear as mud, right?
I am just an oxy-MORON.*

What foods do you have texture issues with, if any?

Happy Saturday – I am going to decorate for Christmas, do laundry, and clean because my in-laws are coming over at 5:00. That is after I finish drinking my coffee, blogging, reading blogs, and watching DVR for a bit.

xxoxo,
Beth WA

*please note i know the real use of this word, i am using my poetic blogging license

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