It has been a thought in my head since I was a child that I would like to write a book. Early on, I had some creative bursts and would make up a story, often drawing on personal experiences. Now that I have even more experiences under my belt, like motherhood and understanding more about abuse and family relationships, I thought it might be a good time to actually write something down in earnest.
Nothing has been set in stone. I may just try my hand at making something into fiction. All I know, is that many people have said my life is so full of drama I figure there must be at least one story in there somewhere.
In other news, I fell down the stairs during our workday last Saturday. No one was able to watch the boys as I had initially planned (they got sick), so they were my first priority... but during naptime, I was going to organize and exchange toys from their play area. I had gone upstairs to soothe Jonah back to sleep and decided to bring a handful downstairs to add to my pile. Those of you who have been to our home know that our stairs are steep and the steps are shallow (your foot doesn't fit on the stair completely) and they are taller than normal stairs. On the way down, I wasn't holding the railing (because my hands were full) and my foot slipped.. and kept slipping down one stair, two, three stairs and finally on the fourth stair I completely lost it and fell headfirst down the rest of the way through the gate entrance. Thankfully, Jeremy was home and was able to wait on me the next couple of days... he even took Monday off work to help me with the boys.
As he has gone back to work for the rest of the week, I noticed my ankle (though not broken) has not been feeling better over time... it is actually feeling worse because I am needing to be on it so much taking care of the children. Oh, the complications of life.
Well, that is my little bit of excitement for the month.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day Three on South Beach
I have to be completely honest.... I do NOT like eating only proteins. Jeremy and I talked last night about this diet and he isn't convinced that this is very healthy to do to my body. Until yesterday, I had not cheated at all (except for a piece of gum... dire straits for my breath).
Jeremy also said he would help me with exercising more, so I went outside with him and helped rake and pick up grass piles to put on the compost. I broke a sweat and gained a few more mosquito bites, but I am convinced that exercise is key when it comes to losing weight (just ask Jillian Michaels). Back to my eating, though: since I was losing my desire to eat at all, I skipped supper and woke up so hungry I couldn't sleep. So I ate a cookie with a couple sips of milk.
And this morning.... I found I am FINALLY under 220!!!!!
I will stay on this diet to continue the weight loss, but will also "cheat" at times just for the sake of sanity.
Jeremy also said he would help me with exercising more, so I went outside with him and helped rake and pick up grass piles to put on the compost. I broke a sweat and gained a few more mosquito bites, but I am convinced that exercise is key when it comes to losing weight (just ask Jillian Michaels). Back to my eating, though: since I was losing my desire to eat at all, I skipped supper and woke up so hungry I couldn't sleep. So I ate a cookie with a couple sips of milk.
And this morning.... I found I am FINALLY under 220!!!!!
I will stay on this diet to continue the weight loss, but will also "cheat" at times just for the sake of sanity.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Day One on South Beach
Well, my day is half over and as I write, I have a plate of my attempted omlette on my lap. It turned out to be just a layer of egg (because I had too much I tried stuffing inside, it wouldn't fold) and scattered all over the top is a mixture of tomatos, orange pepper, turkey bacon, and mozzarella cheese. Honestly, it's not half bad.
My major concern is that I am badly craving my dairy right now. From everything I have read and people I have spoken to, cravings go away after about 4 days. Just waiting.
To start, I had to go shopping for key items for this new "way of life". Alongside my healthy choices, peppers, turkey bacon, ricotta cheese, nuts, etc. was also chocolate ice cream and orange juice. My family is not going on this diet with me, so these temptations will still be in the house with me while I am working to change my health and my weight (bummer for naturally thin and healthy husband and children).
Another struggle I am realizing is that I just do not take care of myself the way I ought to. Even though this is a diet where you don't need to be hungry... as usual, I am too distracted with my children to take care of my needs. This is not just a new phenomenon. Even when I am NOT dieting, I'm always hungry... I just tend to over-eat the wrong things once I do take the opportunity to stuff my face.
I did weigh myself first thing this morning... and I have stayed steady at 221 pounds. I am hoping to break the 220 mark sometime this week.
Have a wonderful day of eating healthy and wise!
My major concern is that I am badly craving my dairy right now. From everything I have read and people I have spoken to, cravings go away after about 4 days. Just waiting.
To start, I had to go shopping for key items for this new "way of life". Alongside my healthy choices, peppers, turkey bacon, ricotta cheese, nuts, etc. was also chocolate ice cream and orange juice. My family is not going on this diet with me, so these temptations will still be in the house with me while I am working to change my health and my weight (bummer for naturally thin and healthy husband and children).
Another struggle I am realizing is that I just do not take care of myself the way I ought to. Even though this is a diet where you don't need to be hungry... as usual, I am too distracted with my children to take care of my needs. This is not just a new phenomenon. Even when I am NOT dieting, I'm always hungry... I just tend to over-eat the wrong things once I do take the opportunity to stuff my face.
I did weigh myself first thing this morning... and I have stayed steady at 221 pounds. I am hoping to break the 220 mark sometime this week.
Have a wonderful day of eating healthy and wise!
Friday, July 30, 2010
South Beach Diet
Obviously, since marriage and children I have needed to lose weight. I can't seem to get out of the 220s, though.
I have been inspired by a friend to try the South Beach Diet which consists of 3 phases. The first phase is the most restrictive and lasts for at least 2 weeks (maybe a 3rd depending on my motivation and whether I think I need it). The second phase lasts until I have reached my goal weight and the third phase is just the maintenance for the rest of my life. It seems like a very reasonable way to go.
Seeing as how I have a couple of weeks before my first vacation this year (we have a total of three planned), I am going to start this tomorrow and see how it works for me.
Breakfast
Protein: Quantity is not limited.
Vegetables: Minimum 1/2 cup.
Fruit: None
Starch: None
Milk: None
Fat: 1 tsp mayonnaise or oil (optional)
Lunch
Protein: Quantity is not limited.
Vegetables: Minimum 2 cups.
Fruit: None
Starch: None
Milk: None
Fat: 1 Tbsp mayonnaise or oil.
Snack
Snacks are required. Choose from the Protein or Vegetable list, or eat nuts from the Fats list.
Dinner
Protein: Quantity is not limited.
Vegetables: Minimum 2 cups.
Fruit: None
Starch: None
Milk: None
Fat: 1 Tbsp mayonnaise or oil.
And, remember, this is only phase one. The choices are limited for 2 weeks and then I can start adding in fruit and dairy and some starches.
I have been inspired by a friend to try the South Beach Diet which consists of 3 phases. The first phase is the most restrictive and lasts for at least 2 weeks (maybe a 3rd depending on my motivation and whether I think I need it). The second phase lasts until I have reached my goal weight and the third phase is just the maintenance for the rest of my life. It seems like a very reasonable way to go.
Seeing as how I have a couple of weeks before my first vacation this year (we have a total of three planned), I am going to start this tomorrow and see how it works for me.
Breakfast
Protein: Quantity is not limited.
Vegetables: Minimum 1/2 cup.
Fruit: None
Starch: None
Milk: None
Fat: 1 tsp mayonnaise or oil (optional)
Lunch
Protein: Quantity is not limited.
Vegetables: Minimum 2 cups.
Fruit: None
Starch: None
Milk: None
Fat: 1 Tbsp mayonnaise or oil.
Snack
Snacks are required. Choose from the Protein or Vegetable list, or eat nuts from the Fats list.
Dinner
Protein: Quantity is not limited.
Vegetables: Minimum 2 cups.
Fruit: None
Starch: None
Milk: None
Fat: 1 Tbsp mayonnaise or oil.
And, remember, this is only phase one. The choices are limited for 2 weeks and then I can start adding in fruit and dairy and some starches.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Pezzner Family Reunion
I am certain, by now, all my readers (however few there are) know that I am adopted. Also, that I found my biological family within the past few years and have been keeping in touch with them through emails and phone calls. Since they live in California, we have never met in person. That is soon to change.
This is Terrie, the "mom", when she was pregnant with me.
Jim, the "dad", with half sister Samantha (age 16).
And... last, but certainly not least... my full-blood sister, Shanna. She is 24 (I think). She's a freakish look-alike.
What do you think?
Friday evening, I received a call from my "uncle", Rick. He informed me of the yearly reunion coming up the weekend of August 14th and said that he would like me and my family to be there as a surprise. And that he would be funding this trip. YOWZER!
That is cost for 3 plane tickets (Jonah doesn't need one, yet) and a hotel. That's a lot of money! I guess my "family" is quite comfortable in that area... a hidden blessing with sharp daggers at times.
Since we are going... yes, we are definitely going (who refuses a free vacation??)... I am making plans to meet up with a couple of people. Take a look at these pictures. Do you see any resemblance?
This is Terrie, the "mom", when she was pregnant with me.
Jim, the "dad", with half sister Samantha (age 16).
And... last, but certainly not least... my full-blood sister, Shanna. She is 24 (I think). She's a freakish look-alike.What do you think?Beef Shish Kabob marinade and Spoon Bread
As I mentioned two days ago, we were going to make Shish Kabobs again. It turned out so much better than the first time with the two marinades.
The marinade I used for the beef is as follows.
1/3 c. soy sauce (I actually used less since I was running out... 1/8 cup)
3/4 c. salad oil
1/8 c. Worcestershire Sauce (increased it to 1/3 cup)
1 tbsp. dry mustard
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. parsley
1 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
1 crushed garlic clove
1/4 c. lemon juice
After soaking for about 12 hours, it was absolutely beautiful. Jeremy's confidence in grilling greatly increased and it turned out perfect.
As a side to our meal of meat, fruit and vegetables, I had a spoon bread made from cornmeal. It is pretty bland, but goes well with so much flavor and pungency from the kabobs. The recipe is:
2 cups milk
1 1/3 cups cornmeal
1 tsp. salt
2 cups hot water
1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
4 large eggs, separated
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Combine milk, cornmeal and salt in saucepan; mix well. Stir in hot water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly (very important), until mixture comes to a boil. Boil 1 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter.
2. Stir egg yolks into cooled cornmeal in saucepan. Beat egg whites in a large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold cornmeal mixture into beaten egg whites.
3. Pour batter into prepared dish. Bake spoon bread until a knife inserted near center comes out clean, 35-45 minutes. Serve hot.
Have a wonderful week of cooking and cherishing your family and friends!
The marinade I used for the beef is as follows.
1/3 c. soy sauce (I actually used less since I was running out... 1/8 cup)
3/4 c. salad oil
1/8 c. Worcestershire Sauce (increased it to 1/3 cup)
1 tbsp. dry mustard
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. parsley
1 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
1 crushed garlic clove
1/4 c. lemon juice
After soaking for about 12 hours, it was absolutely beautiful. Jeremy's confidence in grilling greatly increased and it turned out perfect.
As a side to our meal of meat, fruit and vegetables, I had a spoon bread made from cornmeal. It is pretty bland, but goes well with so much flavor and pungency from the kabobs. The recipe is:
2 cups milk
1 1/3 cups cornmeal
1 tsp. salt
2 cups hot water
1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
4 large eggs, separated
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Combine milk, cornmeal and salt in saucepan; mix well. Stir in hot water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly (very important), until mixture comes to a boil. Boil 1 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in butter.
2. Stir egg yolks into cooled cornmeal in saucepan. Beat egg whites in a large bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold cornmeal mixture into beaten egg whites.
3. Pour batter into prepared dish. Bake spoon bread until a knife inserted near center comes out clean, 35-45 minutes. Serve hot.
Have a wonderful week of cooking and cherishing your family and friends!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Shish Kabobs
A very recent phenomenon has occurred at the Young household. We discovered Shish Kabobs. Unfortunately, once we discover something we continue it over and over to perfect it. We are in the midst of 3 weeks of shish kabobs. I haven't regretted it, yet.
The first time (last week), I made a marinade, touted to be awesome with beef, and soaked the chosen meat (round steak and chicken) for 24 hours. We found that it tasted the best with the chicken. So the search is now on for making our steak taste just as delectable and, preferably, spicy.
The marinade for "Beef" (use chicken... just trust me on this) is below.
1/2 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon vinegar (I used white)
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ginger
3/4 cup oil (olive is healthier and tastes just great... though it does look funky after 24 hours of soakage in the refrigerator)
1 green onion -- chopped (not completely necessary.. I used minced onion)
2-1/2 pounds boneless beef top sirloin -- cubed (used round steak)
1-1/2 1 pound Polish sausage links, low fat -- sliced (subbed for chicken... use the chicken!)
1 8 oz can pineapple, chunks -- drained (I bought a fresh pineapple... totally worth it)
3 green bell pepper -- cut in 1 1/2" pieces (used red bell pepper)
2 red onions -- cut in 1 1/2" wedges (bought only 1)
10 metal skewers
My darling husband has done his utmost to learn how to use our charcoal grill so he feels like he is helping and is "manly". What we have both realized is that grilling is a delicate balance of daring and expertise (neither of which he has in abundance). Me: "Jeremy... STOP opening the lid. It won't cook!!" "Yes, it is definitely done... it is NOT bleeding. You're not going to get salmonilla.. Just trust me."
So far, he has not been ill or died from anything I have forced him to take off the grill "even though it's still bleeding," but I'll keep you posted.
Tonight, I am going to be experimenting on a new marinade for tomorrow's Sabbath Eve supper (for which we are expecting an honored guest... Miss Sandra, a lovely woman who has graciously adopted our grandparent-less children). My children do have grandparents, but they live on opposite coasts from us in the midwest.
Until tomorrow... have a wonderfully blessed supper and cherish your family and friends.
The first time (last week), I made a marinade, touted to be awesome with beef, and soaked the chosen meat (round steak and chicken) for 24 hours. We found that it tasted the best with the chicken. So the search is now on for making our steak taste just as delectable and, preferably, spicy.
The marinade for "Beef" (use chicken... just trust me on this) is below.
1/2 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoon vinegar (I used white)
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 teaspoons ginger
3/4 cup oil (olive is healthier and tastes just great... though it does look funky after 24 hours of soakage in the refrigerator)
1 green onion -- chopped (not completely necessary.. I used minced onion)
2-1/2 pounds boneless beef top sirloin -- cubed (used round steak)
1-1/2 1 pound Polish sausage links, low fat -- sliced (subbed for chicken... use the chicken!)
1 8 oz can pineapple, chunks -- drained (I bought a fresh pineapple... totally worth it)
3 green bell pepper -- cut in 1 1/2" pieces (used red bell pepper)
2 red onions -- cut in 1 1/2" wedges (bought only 1)
10 metal skewers
My darling husband has done his utmost to learn how to use our charcoal grill so he feels like he is helping and is "manly". What we have both realized is that grilling is a delicate balance of daring and expertise (neither of which he has in abundance). Me: "Jeremy... STOP opening the lid. It won't cook!!" "Yes, it is definitely done... it is NOT bleeding. You're not going to get salmonilla.. Just trust me."
So far, he has not been ill or died from anything I have forced him to take off the grill "even though it's still bleeding," but I'll keep you posted.
Tonight, I am going to be experimenting on a new marinade for tomorrow's Sabbath Eve supper (for which we are expecting an honored guest... Miss Sandra, a lovely woman who has graciously adopted our grandparent-less children). My children do have grandparents, but they live on opposite coasts from us in the midwest.
Until tomorrow... have a wonderfully blessed supper and cherish your family and friends.
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