Time to Catch Up!

These past few weeks have been pretty busy. I need to catch up so I will try to make things short and sweet. First off, I finally have a tan. After 3 days at the lake over Labor Day weekend, I am not longer blinding white. I even managed to not seriously burn, which was pretty surprising for the lack of sun I had been exposed to over the last half year. The lake was so wonderful and relaxing. It was great to be able to hang out with all of my friends that came up and spend time practicing my water skiing. One big weekend and the season is over. Oh well, I'm excited for snow skiing next!

The most exciting part about Labor Day was Evi. She is my best friend from my exchange year and she was able to come spend 2 weeks with me. We both flew home for the lake, then flew back on Monday. She had to keep herself preoccupied for a few days while I worked (which she did just fine by sleeping, reading, shopping, and tanning) but then we headed to New Orleans for a weekend. We didn't get there till late Friday night, but we had a blast. Our hotel was in a terrific location, not even a block away from Bourbon Street. We hung out on the street, did a city tour, toured an Estate (we didn't have time for a plantation), and took a steam paddle boat up the Mississippi. I was so happy to get to experience such a fun city with Evi. She said Bourbon St. was a bit much for her, but other than that she loved it. On the way home we also managed to stop at a wonderful outlet mall. We were short on time, but we both managed to find some good deals and great clothes. She had to leave the next day (Monday) but it was a great 2 weeks and I can't wait to see her again!

Call Me Betty....

Betty Crocker that is. Now, I'm not the chef, nor do I have a vast knowledge of cooking, but I won't burn the house down. I haven't actively cooked a meal in probably 8 months. I've warmed things up, but actually cooking, yeah thats another story. Due to my new work out schedule and yearn to get into shape, i've been trying to watch what I eat a lot more. Now, that doesn't mean that McDonald's doesn't happen to get into my belly at lunch time, but I try to keep it at a minimum. Today, I resisted the donuts. So by little steps, maybe progress will be made.

Tonight, I cooked myself a chicken breast as well as some frozen green beans. I also cooked another chicken breast and got it ready for my lunch tomorrow. I left the other two in the baggie marinating in Ms. Dash's new no sodium marinade. So far, I really like the stuff. I also made chili and put it in the crock pot for Frito Pie tomorrow. Kathy and Ky (the ladies who own the house I live in) have been so nice to me and always give me some of their food, I thought it only fair that I return the favor. Now, I'm sure my trainer wouldn't 100% approve of the chili, but I figured if I can stay away from the fritos I might be ok.

Another issue I had today, reusable grocery bags. Now, I'm barely getting over the habit of not bagging my own groceries (I was helping the Target lady the other day and she didn't approve so she dumped out my bag and re-did it) but I still like to use the reusable earth friendly bags. What makes me mad, is that I pay $3 for this bag and the only benefit I get from it is knowing I'm doing good. In Europe, you had to pay for every shopping bag you used, so you were being punished for not thinking ahead or re-using. In America, you're basically being punished for using a eco-friendly bagging method. Where is my rebate on the money I'm saving the grocery store by bringing my own bags?? I think America has missed part of the lesson on this whole reusable/recycle concept.

Alright, enough for today. I have been getting up at 4:30 so that I can go to the gym before work and get my cardio in. It seems there just isn't enough hours in the day. I am always exhausted by about 8 so when 9:30 rolls around, I'm a grump. I hope everyone's week is going great!