While watching The Biggest Loser on Tuesday, something trainer Jillian Michaels said about what one's potential gave me goosebumps.
For those who didn't catch the show, she basically had the contestants run at a 12 speed on the treadmill when the most they had run was a 8-10 (for about 20 seconds). They grunted and a couple commented that there's no way they could do this. Well, they did do it. The look of pride and accomplishment is one we all recognize when we reach outside our comfort zone and do it.
Afterwards, Jillian said something like this "This is glimpse of your potential people-you get out of your way so that you can can do it. When you have the right attitude and the right tools". She then asks "What else are you doing half-assed?"
How many of us stop way before our potential? I know I have. I get scared. I get lazy. I worry about getting hurt. I worry that I don't know what I'm doing and don't have the confidence. I'm not just talking about exercising. I'm talking about everything from parenting, cooking, learning new things, or just being your true self.
These past two days, I've been trying to get out of my comfort zone and work on redefining my potential. I have not swam, actually swam in a lap pool for six years because I've had babies and once I had time, my skin was mutinous with the rest of my body. Also, I've never been a strong or even good swimmer. Yes, I've bit the bullet a few times and got into the kiddy pool to play with my kids but actually workout? No.
I did yesterday though. I swam for 25 minutes and it was exhilarating. My arms felt strong. My legs kicked. I put on this floating belt and ran in the water for part of it. My knees felt great. It was a struggle but afterwards, I was sure proud of myself for getting out of my way. Oh, as for my skin, my lovely greased me down with two lotions and it stayed on so my skin didn't get irritated. I hope to add swimming once/month if my skin allows it to my workouts.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The very, very, very best buttermilk pancakes...ever.
Really. I have made many different pancakes and used many different recipes but this one I've had since I was 20 years old. Seriously. This recipe is why I keep bulk cornmeal around. If you've spent the night at my house or have brunch here, you've probably been served these pancakes and have asked for the recipe. I used to make this once a week when the Koo was one because he loved him some pancakes. I would freeze them and just nuke it for one minute and the boy would be so happy eating these.
Nowadays, the boys think it's torture if I serve them anything other than cereal. Warning folks: there is a darkside to making your kids homemade everything-they don't know how good they have it and beg for processed foods.
But I digress, for those of you still with me, give this a go. I have treasured this recipe for 19 years and it's time I share it. It needs to be passed on.
Nowadays, the boys think it's torture if I serve them anything other than cereal. Warning folks: there is a darkside to making your kids homemade everything-they don't know how good they have it and beg for processed foods.
But I digress, for those of you still with me, give this a go. I have treasured this recipe for 19 years and it's time I share it. It needs to be passed on.
I love the flavor of these pancakes because it has a subtle cornbread with the texture and flavor. Drizzle with maple syrup and it's fan-fabulous.
Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes
3 eggs
2 cups buttermilk
3 TBSP canola oil or melted butter
1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Large bowl. Add all the wet ingredients. Whisk until blended. Add all the dry ingredients and mix until smooth like pancake batter (ha). Heat griddle between 325 to 350F. Drop 1/4 to 1/3 cup onto griddle (I don't grease my griddle). Cook about 1 and 1/2 minutes on each side. Butter these bad boys up and drizzle with maple syrup.
What time in a day do you hate? What about it makes you dread this time? For me, it's between the hours of 3-5pm. This used to be the time my little ones would get up and we would have to find something to do before daddy comes home from work (usually he comes in way after 5pm).
So, here's what I dread. I am lethargic at this time. I am hungry at this time. If I'm going to hop onto the big numbers of the scale, it's due to munching during this time. I hate it when it gets dark around 4:30pm and everywhere around, it is quiet in the streets or if you see people, they are trying to hurry home or to whatever after 5pm appointment they've got to get there by.
What the boys and I have been doing during this time is watch House Hunters. The boys and I try to guess at the beginning what house the featured house hunters will buy. I think I had it though two days ago when I watched on where the woman was so picky, her husband was embarrassed. She even griped about the drapes. HELLLOOOOOO. YOU CAN CHANGE THIS. Also, the number of times I hear someone who doesn't cook say "oh, the kitchen appliances are not stainless steel" or "this kitchen doesn't inspire me to cook".
I know it's a lot of money to buy a house but keep things in perspective people. I think the boys and I might be watching something else or just turn the TV off now that it's getting lighter during this time.
Oh, and I would welcome all and any play dates at this time to pass the time.
So, here's what I dread. I am lethargic at this time. I am hungry at this time. If I'm going to hop onto the big numbers of the scale, it's due to munching during this time. I hate it when it gets dark around 4:30pm and everywhere around, it is quiet in the streets or if you see people, they are trying to hurry home or to whatever after 5pm appointment they've got to get there by.
What the boys and I have been doing during this time is watch House Hunters. The boys and I try to guess at the beginning what house the featured house hunters will buy. I think I had it though two days ago when I watched on where the woman was so picky, her husband was embarrassed. She even griped about the drapes. HELLLOOOOOO. YOU CAN CHANGE THIS. Also, the number of times I hear someone who doesn't cook say "oh, the kitchen appliances are not stainless steel" or "this kitchen doesn't inspire me to cook".
I know it's a lot of money to buy a house but keep things in perspective people. I think the boys and I might be watching something else or just turn the TV off now that it's getting lighter during this time.
Oh, and I would welcome all and any play dates at this time to pass the time.
Fruits
I love fruits.
Any kind.
There's not one fruit I dislike.
None.
I sometimes dream that I can pick an orange or plum. I get totally excited when someone asks me to come pick fruit at their place because they have too much. There's just no such thing as too much fruit. Fruit does not get a chance to rot in this house. If it even thinks about it, I will hurry scurry and make sauce, jams, or pies out of it faster than Ken Jennings can ask a question on Jeopardy.
I can eat fruit all day long as a stand alone and if I ever get any stuffed between two pie crusts, I will make out like flies to stink.
So this is where the problem lies, the new Weight Watchers has zero points to fruits and most vegetables.
Come again?
The weight isn't going down as fast as I would like because I don't think WW thought about fruities like me. So now, I'm trying to limit my fruit intake to three/day instead of double that.
Any kind.
There's not one fruit I dislike.
None.
I sometimes dream that I can pick an orange or plum. I get totally excited when someone asks me to come pick fruit at their place because they have too much. There's just no such thing as too much fruit. Fruit does not get a chance to rot in this house. If it even thinks about it, I will hurry scurry and make sauce, jams, or pies out of it faster than Ken Jennings can ask a question on Jeopardy.
I can eat fruit all day long as a stand alone and if I ever get any stuffed between two pie crusts, I will make out like flies to stink.
So this is where the problem lies, the new Weight Watchers has zero points to fruits and most vegetables.
Come again?
The weight isn't going down as fast as I would like because I don't think WW thought about fruities like me. So now, I'm trying to limit my fruit intake to three/day instead of double that.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Day of my dreams
Today was one of those days I will look back fondly because I got to do three of my favorite things: garage sales, race, and eating. The morning started out with an indoor "garage" sale with almost 100 different booths. Heaven. I bought tons of books, two bags, a jacket for my friend, a mini iron, Kitchen-Aid hand mixer (25 cents). It was fun.
Next, I ran in a 4-mile race. It was trail running at it's best. If you don't like running hills and bumpy, muddy surfaces you will not like this race. I love running hills and I loved the breathtaking views as the trail wound up and down hills at a state park. Oh, and I ran it in 45 minutes which was wonderful for me with my bum knees.
Last, I got to go out to eat Italian pasta. I love Italian food but don't do this hardly at all because 1) we don't have a fantastic Italian restaurant in my town 2) it's not my lovely's favorite, so on the rare occasion we eat out it's not Italian.
Oh, and the mixed feelings part? I go to go by myself without husband and kids in tow. My friend Ro went and she did awesome running and looking for treasures.
Next, I ran in a 4-mile race. It was trail running at it's best. If you don't like running hills and bumpy, muddy surfaces you will not like this race. I love running hills and I loved the breathtaking views as the trail wound up and down hills at a state park. Oh, and I ran it in 45 minutes which was wonderful for me with my bum knees.
Last, I got to go out to eat Italian pasta. I love Italian food but don't do this hardly at all because 1) we don't have a fantastic Italian restaurant in my town 2) it's not my lovely's favorite, so on the rare occasion we eat out it's not Italian.
Oh, and the mixed feelings part? I go to go by myself without husband and kids in tow. My friend Ro went and she did awesome running and looking for treasures.
Friday, February 18, 2011
TV shows
Do you ever scroll down your TV program guide and see shows you just can't figure out why or how it could still run especially reality shows like Dog the Bounty Hunter or Swamp People? Well, I'm one of those people that watches these shows. Here are the shows I make a point to watch when it's on:
1. American Pickers. LOVE THIS SHOW. I'm not into the stuff Mike and Frank pick but I love seeing the furniture, cars, and just knick knacks people have squirreled away on their properties. Plus, the owners are so intriguing.
2. Top Shot.
3. Dog the Bounty Hunter
4. Billy the Exterminator
5. Confessions: Animal Hoarding
6. Pawn Stars
7. No Reservations
8. Bizarre Foods
9. Auction Kings
10. Biggest Loser
11. Forensic Files
Seriously, I could lose two hours of my life on these shows. What are your guilty pleasures?
1. American Pickers. LOVE THIS SHOW. I'm not into the stuff Mike and Frank pick but I love seeing the furniture, cars, and just knick knacks people have squirreled away on their properties. Plus, the owners are so intriguing.
2. Top Shot.
3. Dog the Bounty Hunter
4. Billy the Exterminator
5. Confessions: Animal Hoarding
6. Pawn Stars
7. No Reservations
8. Bizarre Foods
9. Auction Kings
10. Biggest Loser
11. Forensic Files
Seriously, I could lose two hours of my life on these shows. What are your guilty pleasures?
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