Friday, December 18, 2009

Friday Wrap Up

First of all, thank you for the GREAT costume suggestions! I loved them! From Sunny's use of a "boatload" of cotton balls and going as snow (giggle), to Camevil's pink bunny suit ala A Christmas Story, to Steelers6 idea of putting a pillow in my workout top and going as Mary, about to give birth to Jesus (double giggle), y'all just cracked me up! Several of you had the candy cane idea, and Rudolph, as well as a Christmas tree. I am going as one of your ideas - actually, a combination of what a couple of you suggested. I got all inspired on Wednesday afternoon after I read the comments and put my outfit together...not going to ruin the surprise - you'll just have to wait until next week when I post the picture of my awesome costume. I just hope I'm not the only one in my group who dresses up - Jenny, Kathleen - are you listening? Don't let me down, ladies!!!

Ok, remember how impressed I was with myself for doing those chest curls using 20 pound dumbbells? Well, in a conversation Thursday evening, my 69 year old coworker let it be known that she does chest presses using 40 pound dumbbells! Of course she tried to be nice about it by saying that she only does three sets of fifteen, not one hundred like me...but heck, that's almost half of one hundred at twice the weight! My bubble is burst. I have a long way to go, apparently. Sigh.

And now, on to another salad - this one had such potential - it had clementines, dried cranberries, broccoli, lots of (don't look, Biz) green onions, cucumber, mushrooms, avocado and of course lettuce - I used my favorite Newman's Own Light Balsamic Vinaigrette for the dressing...but it didn't quite come together. It was almost too "squeaky" if you know what I mean. Any suggestions?
It looked pretty, anyway...

I am happy to report that I made it through last night's annual work event that tripped me up so badly last year. This is a huge Christmas party with tons and tons of sweets and savories - and last year I got started on the food and never stopped...in fact, I actually took some of the super delicious sugar cookies that night and put them in my desk drawer for the next day! It was B-A-D bad, people. But this year, knowing how far off the deep end I was capable of going, I had an apple and a couple of clementines as a late afternoon snack, and then eventually had two tiny meatballs, something that was herbs and cheese, baked into little squares (one square for me), a bit of bruschetta tomato mixture on two little pieces of garlic bread, one peanut butter/Hershey's Kiss cookie and one coconut macaroon. That was it! I consider that a victory compared to last year. Controlling myself around that much food was much easier this year - I don't know...maybe I've had more practice?

13 comments:

  1. Feta cheese on that salad, maybe blended into the vinaigrette. That would be yummy!

    And dang - 40 pound dumbbells for a chest press? I can do about 70 pounds with a barbell chest press, and 3 sets is pushing it!

    Bravo on the work event! Enjoying but not overdoing is the key to success.

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  2. I love clementine's. I wish that I could find them year round! That salad looks really good. :-)

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  3. The feta cheese idea sounds perfect! Looks marvelous!

    Congrats on making it through the party; you did awesome!!!!

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  4. It's missing oven roasted turkey breast. Turkey, clementines, cranberries...divine! My daily lunch! Try it - I bet it's the missing ingredient!!!

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  5. Girl, don't let your bubble be burst with that 40 pound comment. You keep that bubble going. You are in awesome shape. I'm in awe when you talk about your workouts.

    And a big high five for the great self control at the party. That's great!

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  6. Shelley I'm proud of you how you've handled yesterday at your work event!

    I've had a Christmas lunch today at work, had two small plates with food but I stayed far away from the dessert buffet and didn't have any of that.

    I'm looking forward to your costume.

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  7. You do more reps, so I do consider that a victory!!

    Maybe sub out the clementine's with apples - does look like it had potential, and I will avert my eyes to the onions! :D

    Kudos on your work event too - I was glad I stuck to one small plate too.

    Happy Friday my friend! (p.s. I tell my husband "you know my friend Shelley, the one with the pink bike?" and he's like, she isn't your friend, you don't even know her!)

    Well, even if we've never met in person, I consider you my friend from afar! :D

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  8. Having just left work and having consumed TOO MUCH FRUITCAKE I am giving you a standing ovation on your work party success.

    I am wondering how you are feeling after doing those 100 chest curls. I think that is harder than doing the smaller amount of a heavier weight. At least that's the way it works on me. Not that I have done 100 of anything...

    Salad ideas: I love your description that it was too 'squeaky.' I totally get that. I LOVE to shred carrots and zucchini in my salads. Adds a great texture and a little moisture, I guess. My favorite dressing is 1 tsp each of balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, and olive oil. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

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  9. Shelley - you look so damned good. I loved the post about food and the holidays. I also hide things in my desk these days. It's very very BAD. The dish you photographed looked really good. What was missing? Someone suggested turkey breast. That sounds delish. I love Newman's own salad dressings. Sooo good. Happy Holidays to you!

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  10. Good job getting through a party, those are tough. I love your blog, I am new to it. Congrats on the weight loss you look great.

    *check out my raw revolution bar giveaway -over tomorrow*

    monicaonthego.com

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  11. That's so cool that you're doing so well with the party eating! I turn into an appetizer-scarfing machine at parties, so it's good I don't get invited to many. (Hmm, related maybe?)

    And I can't believe you have a 69 year old colleague who can do 3 sets of 15 chest presses with 40 lb dumbells! I'd say doing so many with 20 lb'ers is a huge accomplishment.

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  12. The salad is gorgeous. I love fruit on my salads....and I love onions on my salads....but I never, ever mix the 2...it's either or for me.

    I had a fantastic salad the other day you might want to try...simple but good. Greens, cut up canned pears, mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds and toasted sugared pecans. It was fabulous!

    Forget that comment about the exercise...you're in great shape and should be very proud of how far you've come, and that you're still building on your current awesome fitness level. You rock.

    Can't wait to see the costume...and congrats on pulling in the reigns at the party w/ all that yummy food. You have indeed come a long way...proud of ya girl. :)

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