Kale Chips, Moving, & Running

I've heard many good reviews about kale chips so I decided to try making some of my own. I found a recipe on Food Network that was insanely basic (I need basic, I'm not a good cook), bought some organic kale from Earth Fare, and dug out our salad spinner.

First I cut the stems off...

Washed and dried the kale using our nifty spinner...

Then spread the leaves out on parchment paper and drizzled with olive oil...

The leaves went into the over at 275 for 20 min (stirring once after 10 min) and came out nice and crispy...

I sprinkled some sea salt on them right after cooking and the verdict? They taste AWESOME yet smell like total crap when being cooked. I thought the funky smell was coming from one of the dogs but no, it was the baking kale. I will definitely be making these again in the future although I'm not sure AB would be into them (baby steps).

While cooking the kale I stuffed my face with scuppernong grapes. My dad's family used to have a small vineyard with these grapes by the Pamlico River and I remember loving to eat them as a kid. Needless to say, they're just as good now...

Since stopping the Whole 30, I've been able to run every other day without any issues. I started doing some calf raises and squats, so my legs are sore right now, but at least I'm still progressing. I spoke to several coworkers today who have agreed to run the Color Me Rad 5K with me in October and I'm looking forward to not having to run alone! I still absolutely despise running, but it is the easiest and cheapest way to get in shape while still destroying my knees for the [distant] future.

AB and I are still contemplating our move next year; I think we're pretty much narrowed down to Colorado or Oregon. Alaska is just to far (especially for our older pets), Vancouver BC is too expensive (and there's the whole work visa thing), and Utah...well, AB isn't big on me having brother husbands. I keep saying we'll go where the jobs are but the area in Colorado we're considering is SO PRETTY! Sigh.

Whole 30 Update

So...the Whole 30 for me ended up being a fail. I know, I know, I'm such a quitter. Days 1 & 2 went okay but by Day 3 I was so exhausted that I was dragging my way through work. I got a full 9 hours of sleep Wednesday night and by Thursday morning I thought I was dying. At no point did I really have any cravings, and as someone in the medical field I completely understand that my body was just reacting to the lack of sugar and carbs, but it was getting to be too much. Several of my coworkers on Thursday asked me if I was okay and I was informed that my face was puffy and my eyes red and squinty. I figured "Okay, I can do this" anyways. Friday morning I was even more exhausted and decided that I actually couldn't do it anymore.

Based on the book I know the exhaustion was supposed to improve but I hadn't run in over a week, my dogs were getting gypped on their daily walks, and all I could think about was my bed. To add to the frustration, I gained 2 pounds during the week. Yesterday evening I decided to treat myself to a Gigi's cupcake and this morning I was 2 pounds lighter. Go figure. I still recommend this program for anyone that wants to clean out their system- and I fully intend on staying away from dairy and white flour/processed foods as much as possible (aside from Gigi's) from this point on- but my body and my mind needs energy and I need to run! I have a 5k in October and I don't need my non-running sister whooping my butt.

Today I woke up early (for a Saturday) and headed to my 4th laser hair removal appointment. I've been getting good results in some areas and crappy results in other areas (they use 2 different lasers) so when I told the woman today she didn't hesitate to blast it all super-strength. For anyone considering having it done, it DOES work and I would highly suggest Katie at Wake Health Medical Group in Raleigh, NC. It's not the most comfortable thing (I have to hold a stress ball and I repeatedly jump off the table) but it beats waxing every month.

Most of the afternoon has been spent watching LOST reruns with my husband and...he managed to get my computer working! Yay! I almost bought a new one last night but I'm glad I didn't. It's missing a lot of programs now but he managed to restore it to an earlier date and so far, so good. I hope to get lake pictures on here shortly.

This evening I decided to cook dinner rather than go anywhere to eat. I still had a load of veggies in the fridge from Earth Fare last week so I sauteed those, dumped in some pasta sauce, and made a half/half mixture of whole grain penne and regular (my husband refuses to eat all whole grain so we have to compromise some). It ended up being chunky and yummy. Of course I had to add in a Hell's Belle beer from Big Boss Brewing (we had this same beer at our wedding) because I do love my drinks. Tomorrow I will start back with the running (cross fingers) so I don't get too far behind.

Our compromise

Squash, zucchini, onions, and red peppers in olive oil with salt/pepper

The mixture with some turkey meat balls

Best beer ever aside from Newcastle and Blue Moon

Whole 30 Day 2

I feel exhausted! Tuesday is one of my scheduled running days and I literally could not get out of bed this morning to exercise. I thought I slept decently well but my energy is completely zapped. I realize this is probably due to my body being denied it's limitless amounts of sugar and cupcakes but I'm hoping it passes sooner rather than later. I hit the snooze button on my alarm from 6:30am-7:50am. Fail!

I have been eating better than usual, and sticking to the guidelines for the Whole 30 Program. Since I prefer to pack my 2 meals/day for work, I've been taking the easy road and making salads the past 2 days. I don't want to over-do them, but considering I don't like salads they've been rather tasty (and filling). I've been using organic greens, grilled chicken breast, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, Fiji apples, and olive oil/vinegar dressing.

My husband was nice enough to slow-cook me some chili today while I was at work. He managed to leave the beans and potatoes out that he loves so much so that I don't cheat any on the program. I believe he ended up using ground turkey, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and peppers but I can't say what the seasoning is (mainly because I know nothing about cooking). I had a small bowl when I got home and it was fabulous; I think it will make a good meal for work the next few days.

I definitely plan on sticking with the program the entire 30 days but I'm crossing my fingers that the energy levels increase. I'm training for the 5K in October with my sister and I don't want to be dragging behind.

Random thing: someone gave me an orchid about 5 years ago and it never bloomed again after that year...until AB managed to get it to last week. He's very proud of himself.

Whole 30 Day 1

Today began my attempt to complete "The Whole 30 Program" in hopes of getting some more energy and clearing my skin up a bit. I did have a headache most of the day (totally missed my Starbucks macchiato) but I wasn't starving by any means. I woke up late so I only had time to grab some eggs and fruit, but for lunch and dinner (hey, it's hard to pack lunch sometimes) I made myself salads with organic greens, grilled chicken, avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, Fuji apples, and oil/vinegar dressing. I'm not a big salad person but these were pretty good!

I fully intend on getting some "before" photos, but since AB really wanted to watch "The Hunger Games" after I got off work, the picture taking will have to wait.

As for my goals while on the program:

• Get more energy
• Sleep better
• Wake up easier
• Improve my running time and distance
• Get rid of random aches and pains
• Clear up acne
• Lose a few pounds

My starting stats:

• Weight: 161.5
• Measurements: 39-32-39 (gasp)
• Sleep 7-9 hours a night but hit the snooze button 10 times and am still tired all day
• Hormonal acne on cheeks and chin
• 13+ min/mile running; max distance so far 1.7 miles
• Random aches and pains, especially in my back and knees

Preparation fo Whole 30

Tomorrow I start "The Whole 30" Program and I'm feeling a bit intimidated! I went to Earth Fare and Lowe's Foods to stock up on veggies and meat for the week, and the eggplant and kale is mocking me (bc I have no clue what to do with it). I'm also having a last hurrah of pizza, beer, and Gigi's cupcake. I am the stereotypical person who gives up something and therefore feels the need to eat all of it before I start. I am going to attempt to take before/after pictures, especially of my face (which ironically doesn't look as bad as usual right now), while I'm doing the program.

An amazing Gigi's cannoli cupcake

In-Law Pictures

My sister-in-law on my husband's side of the family really wanted some pictures that included all 3 of her kids and me. While up at the lake she managed to convince everyone to have some photos taken this morning, and they ended up being fairly good. The photographer gave us the rough drafts on a DVD so I'm adding my favorites below- just keep in mind they haven't been cropped or edited. I definitely plan on sending the photos to my sister to Photoshop before I use any as our Christmas card this year.

The Family (husband's side)

A2

Silly but totally using for Christmas

Tomorrow we're headed to the boat show, to Best Buy to [hopefully] buy me a new computer, and to Whole Foods so I can stock up on "Paleo" type food for the next week. My "Whole 30 Program" begins on Monday so I'm finishing the book up as quickly as I can and trying to get psyched about not getting cupcakes anymore!

Whole 30, 50 Milers, & Versed

Recently a coworker told me about the Whole 30 Program, which is essentially a way of eating that cuts out grains, dairy, sugar, and processed foods and is comprised of meats, seafood, eggs, veggies, some fruits, and healthy fats. The developers of the program claim that 30 days of eating as outlined can increase energy, solve sleep issues, increase performance, and cure skin issues among many other things. Since my dermatologist recently suggested I cut out milk and sugar in an attempt to treat my hormonal acne, I figured I would give this 30 day program a shot. It seems pretty strict, but I need to work on my willpower, and anything to give me energy would be awesome. I foresee some struggles since AB eats anything and everything, but maybe I can get him to at least meet me half way. I went ahead and purchased the book "It Starts With Food" even though the website lays everything out in PDF files (what can I say? I'm a book whore). The reviews for the book are 99% good so it's hard to argue that! AB and I are headed to the lake one more time this weekend with his family so I will plan on starting this coming Monday.

One of the things that helps me with running is getting motivation from "real" runners' blogs. There's a list of blogs that I frequent on the right side of this one and I recommend all of them. Last night I was browsing them before bed and discovered that one of the bloggers- Runner's Rambles- is currently training for her (second) 50 mile race. Holy crap- I have trouble running 2 miles and this chick can run 50! I couldn't help but read about her first 50 mile race and surprisingly I wanted to go straight out and try to run as far as I could (which at this point means I might make it to 2.5). Unfortunately, it was 11pm so I would have to bottle my sudden burst of motivation for another day. I have absolutely no intention of ever trying to run 50 miles, but it definitely makes me want to try for a half-marathon if anything. Tomorrow morning I'm trying for 1.5 miles and although I'm increasing my distance slowly, I'm determined not to injure myself.

On the topic of blogs, another coworker today showed me a blog that an RN writes and I have to say it is one of the FUNNIEST things I have ever read. This person types a caption and then follows it with an animated clip that describes the caption. If you're not a nurse it won't be as entertaining, but if you are one then there's absolutely no way you won't have a sore stomach from laughing so hard. I give the author crazy props for being so creative.

Patient Stories:

Pt: Are you new?
Me: Yes sir, it's my first day. (It was not my first day by any means)
Pt: Really? You seem to know what you're doing. 
Me: Thanks. You're my first patient.
Pt: I never would have guessed. You must be bright.
Me: I have my moments.
Pt: Are you nervous?
Me: Nah, my shift is almost over. You're still alive so I'm optimistic that my second day will be even better.
(Pt had a sense of humor and I knew this before we had this conversation. Just FYI)

Pt: I need to go to the bathroom.
Me: I'll get you a urinal.
Pt: I need to do a deuce.
Me: I'll get you a bedpan.
Pt: No, I need to get up.
Me: You just had surgery, you're not getting up.
Pt: Well I'm not going in the bed.
Me: You're right- you're going in a bedPAN.
Pt: I'm getting up.
Me: That's not going to happen.
Pt: But I need to use the bathroom.
Me: So I'll get you a bedpan.
Pt: You're saying you won't let me get up.
Me: I'm saying you have 2 options- 1 is getting on a bedpan and 2 is holding it.
Pt: I'll hold it.
(2 minutes later)
Pt: I need to get up and go to the bathroom.
(Repeat above conversation. Sometimes I actually DON'T like Versed)