Dodging karaoke

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Last night, DH and I went out for a fish fry and drinks with a group of friends. I enjoyed myself immensely - got caught up with old friends and met some new folks. Fun, fun, fun!

One of my friends had a really rough week and overindulged a bit in the wine/liquor department. She was relentless about getting me to sing karaoke. My other friend was fantastic, explaining why, even though I'm a trained singer (opera, back in college), I don't sing karaoke. It felt good to know she had my back.

In the past, this type of situation might have cause me to binge when I got home. However, I have learned to employ new skills, attitudes, behaviors and resources. I got home and went straight to bed - I was exhausted, not hungry.

DH was a great listener on the way home, and feeling heard and understood helped a lot as well.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TEMPEST272002 8/14/2011 2:36PM

Well done using your new skills instead of your old habits. Report Inappropriate Comment

Contemplating adding pictures

Thursday, August 11, 2011

If there is one thing that has always been true about me, it's that I hate having my picture taken. Far too many pictures exist in which I am making the most frightful face possible, as if I'm trying to make a point:

"Take that, you awful photographer (professional or not)!
I'm gonna look ugly so you won't want to take my picture again!"
(Crosses arms - stomps away full of supposed self satisfaction)

Cut to my adulthood, when I realise that, if I'm lucky, people who don't exist yet might want to see what Grandma looked like at 12, or 35 or 60. It's not all about me, folks.

So, I now dutifully smile for pictures, hoping that I look kind and human to future generations. I sit there hoping that someone will someday say "That's what Grandma looked like at 46? I remember her. She was so good to me."

I'm thinking about adding some pictures to my Spark page, although I don't think it will get done before the fall. I'll have to dig up some of the truly great "grimace" portraits for you.

We could all use a good laugh, couldn't we?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

1MANKNEY 8/12/2011 12:02PM

You are so good to have your picture taken for future generations. I am not photogenic at all, but I do it for the kids. One thing you said really struck me. I was born after my grand parents had passed away, so I never had the opportunity to know them. My cousin is about 15 years older than I. One day we were looking at some photos and she said: "That's Grampa Fuller. I remember him. He was such a nice man." It made him real to me somehow and not just another stranger 's face in an album. So, post a picture. We don't care if you are gorgeous or not. Surprisingly, not all of us are gorgeous. (Check my SparkPage for proof!) But, it is nice to see who we are typing to. Report Inappropriate Comment

ZOMBIELOVER 8/11/2011 1:22PM

I am the same way and need to get over it. As you can see, I put a virtual model as my pic instead of the real me. Report Inappropriate Comment

AAAACK 8/11/2011 1:13PM

I know what you mean. I'm not even sure I reconcile who I am with the physical shell I see in pics. I think that's where my discomfort lies. You notice my Spark pic has me looking down. I'm also really private, though, and pics feel so...revealing. But it's funny b/c it's not like everyone else isn't looking at that person every day as I walk down the street, but when I see her in a pic, I'm like, "really? that's me?!" So yeah, post a pic. I doubt anyone here would laugh because many of us see the beauty in everyone but ourselves. So what may make you laugh, may make others see your beauty. post one, I double dog dare ya! Report Inappropriate Comment

Forgiveness, for yourself

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Today's Sparkpeople Reflections email about forgiveness contained a powerful message, and reminded me that if I don't forgive, I hurt myself most.

What I struggle with is that the person I find it hardest to forgive is a close family member and still exhibits all of the bad behaviors they always did, has stated that the problem is mine alone and that they are unwilling to change, but expect to still have a relationship with me. I only find relief in avoiding this person, as they are SO NEGATIVE it makes my stomach upset.

I don't call or see this person much (especially now, as I am trying to learn how not to overeat in response to anxiety and stress) and I wish I could.

I'll still work on forgiveness....for me.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CRAVINSUCCESS 8/11/2011 12:15AM

Forgiveness is for you. I had a relative that I felt the same way about for a long time. Ask God to help you to forgive and trust me..it will happen. You have already acknowledged how it is affecting you. This is the first step towards healing. Deliverance will come Comment edited on: 8/11/2011 12:16:22 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

CANNOTFATHOM 8/10/2011 8:41PM

Sorry that the relationship has problems. Hope someday there is some common ground. Penny Report Inappropriate Comment

CATHLEEN2009 8/10/2011 7:57PM

I know exactly what you are saying , I went through that a few years ago , and still forgiving people who have hurt me, but i remembered I was told , to do it for my sake and to have healing , not for theirs I am forgiving for me seeing it that way did help , so you can do it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PARKERB2 8/10/2011 7:40PM

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Kale and Feta Breakfast Casserole

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

When your garden gives you kale, Kale and Feta Breakfast Casserole.

http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2011/08/rec
ipe-for-kale-and-feta-breakfast.html#more

I got the recipe from Kaylyn's Kitchen Blog, so it is South Beach-friendly (I'm not on South Beach, but many of the principles makes sense and seem healthful to me.

Eggy, cheesy and delicious - - and all that nutrition! (216 calories per serving)

Tomorrow - kale chips!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HONBAD 8/9/2011 8:49PM

I need to give kale a try! Looks like a yummy recipe! Cheers! Liz Report Inappropriate Comment

Why roasting veggies has changed my life

Monday, August 08, 2011

Let me begin by saying that I grew up eating what my mom cooked, that it was a fairly balanced menu and that veggies were always included on the plate. My family ate a good variety of veggies including iceberg lettuce salads, tomato sandwiches, sweet corn and boiled green beans and carrots.

Home microwaves became available when I was in my early teens and my mom embraced this new technology along with most of the other women in the nation. With this, came the scourge of my vegetable-eating life - microwave-steamed broccoli. Blah.

Later, I dutifully cooked veggies for my own kids, slowly learning how to make them more appetizing. One of the best methods I've found for cooking veggies is to roast them with a small amount of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt in a 400 degree-ish oven. The flavors are concentrated (imagine sweet, caramelized carrots and onions), the edges get crispy (broccoli is yummy this way) and it's SO easy! I eat TONS more veggies now, as I actually LOVE them.

Here are resources for some of my favorite roasted veggie recipes:

Roasted Broccoli with Sesame
http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2008/02/roa
sted-broccoli-recipe-with-soy-sauce.html

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-g
arten/roasted-brussels-sprouts-recipe2
/index.html

Best Roasted Mixed Veggies
http://whatdidyoueat.typepad.com/what_di
d_you_eat/2007/03/quintessential_.html

There are many other sites and recipes to try - Enjoy!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KNH771 8/9/2011 7:13PM

Thanks for the info. I've been looking for ideas to increase my freggie intake. Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBSGETTINFIT 8/9/2011 2:26PM

I would have never thought of roasting Brussel sprouts and I love them - usually steam them - I will be trying this for sure. Thanks for the reminders. My husband says if it was left up to me we would never eat meat. I love vegetables - my mom said growing up I did not like sweets at all and would rather have a second helping of green beans and potatoes instead. I still don't actually eat a lot of sweets per say. Report Inappropriate Comment

WILDFLOWERMA 8/9/2011 8:50AM

Thanks for posting this! I have been eating mine raw or grilled in the skillet (i'm a bit challenged in the culinary arts :)) Report Inappropriate Comment

TULIPLANE 8/8/2011 11:01PM

Roasted cauliflower is a regular in our house, though with the intense heat this summer I haven't turned the oven on in more than a month. I grill green peppers and sweet onions on the George Foreman grill and they are really good, and we eat them with everything. Report Inappropriate Comment

TODAYIAM 8/8/2011 10:45PM

oooh... I love veggies!! This sounds good! Report Inappropriate Comment

FLAMENM 8/8/2011 9:47PM

Love roasted veggies. In teh summer, grilled veggies are amazing! Report Inappropriate Comment

HANAVAS 8/8/2011 9:44PM

I have to agree, it's the most delish way to cook them! Have you tried roasting radishes? They totally lose their peppery taste and are so sweet! Report Inappropriate Comment

CANNOTFATHOM 8/8/2011 9:30PM

It's good that you like vegetables :) Sounds like you gained an appreciation young :) Penny Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMYKJB 8/8/2011 9:05PM

Wow that sounds awesome! I made a roasted cauliflower with balsamic vinegar recently, I might have gotten it off this site . . and it was great. I'll have to explore more roasted veggies! I know what you mean about the veggies your mom cooked . . I grew up thinking zucchini was SOOOO disgusting cuz I had only had Canned . . which should be against the law!!! Report Inappropriate Comment