525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear.
525,600, how do you measure, measure a year?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wow, it's been a while since I updated this thing. I took a little break from blogging. I just wasn't interested in doing it anymore. Now, I'm ready to start again. I guess it was just one of life's ebbs and flows. I love how things usually tend to work. One area ebbs while the other flows. Over the past month, I've had some really good opportunities come my way both in my work, financial and personal life, so I've really been focusing on those things. I've had some "defining/not.so.good" moments as well (ugh...Captain D's and the $7 accounting mistake that cost me almost $300) but as always, you can either learn from them or let them derail you. After a mini pity party, I chose the former and things are really on track right now in several areas of my life. Sometimes I guess when we get a little too comfy in one place, we need a little kick in the pants to get us moving again. Unfortunately, I got two, straight in the ass!!!! BooooHisssssBoooooo!!!! Anyway, I'm in the process of implementing some of those opportunities so I definitely want to document my progress in my blog.
Mmm..this is so good! I made a batch yesterday. It takes a little longer to cook than I'm used to but to me it was worth it. I'll post the recipe as I found it, but I added more spices to suit my own tastes. Next time I'm going to try it with one of the flavored unsweetened applesauces like maybe peach or pear. I had some on a bagel but I'm thinking it would be really good on some egg white french toast.
I was able to get 20 tbsps from my batch but this will probably vary depending on how thick you like your apple butter. I'll post the macros for the entire batch and then it can be divided by the number of tbsp you get.
Homemade Apple Butter
1 (14-oz) can unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup (2-oz) apple juice - I used juice boxes (Eden's Harvest) so I wouldn't have to buy a large bottle of apple juice
1/4 c. Splenda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 40-50 minutes or until thick and smooth, stirring occasionally.
After cooling, refrigerate in a closed container for up to 3 weeks.
I've been trying to get a little more creative with my cooking lately. I've been experimenting with different herbs/spices, just trying to add a little more variety to my diet. I made this last night and it was pretty tasty. I'm going to try it with raspberry next time.
Apricot Chicken
1/2 c. sugar free apricot preserves ( I used Pollaner's) 1 tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. chopped fresh sage or thyme ( I used thyme) 1 clove garlic, minced 4 small skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Preheat the broiler. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the apricot preserves, lemon juice, chopped sage/thyme, and garlic. Microwave for 15 seconds, and stir until well combined. Set aside half the sauce. Coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Place the chicken in the baking dish and brush with half of the remaining apricot sause. Broil for 6 minutes. Turn the chicken and brush with more apricot sauce. Return to the broiler and cook for another 6 minutes. Serve with remaining apricot sauce.
Yield: 4 servings
Each serving: 162 calories - 10 carbs - 3 g. fat - 27 g. protein
Next on my list is homemade apple butter. I love love love apple butter!!
I saw this on another board I post on and thought it was awesome!!!
"I'm Great whether you agree or not. Instead of worrying about my Greatness, figure out why you're lacking in the Great department."
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Just sitting here waiting for my pedi to dry. I painted the toesies lavender shimmer in honor of spring, and in hopes that spring will hang around for more than one day. The weather in Atlanta has been crazy this year. It was in the 70's last weekend, then it snowed on Monday and now back to the 70's.
I'm still keeping busy with work. It's hard going from a job that you know everything about into one where you know absolutely nothing, but I'm enjoying the process and learning new things. New things always help out the ol resume.
I trained HARD tonight at the gym. I'm sure I'll be paying tommorrow and Friday but it will be worth it. I feel fabulous right now.
Tonight's program was:
DB Split Squats Close grip lat pull downs Cable Pull throughs Seated DB Press Standing Calf Raises (one of my favs) I lurvs some shapely calves on women. Pulldown Abs DB Laterals (Ghey) Planks (Double Ghey)
I've decided that for me personally, when it comes to diet and training, I can't have any days off because they tend to turn into weeks off. I'm like the typical alcoholic that just tries to drink one drink and then before you know it ends up sprawled out drunk in a carport clutching an empty Sprite bottle and calling out someone else's name. Well maybe not that bad, it you get the idea. Days off just don't really work for me, at least not now. So what to do, what to do???
Changing gears.... I've been wanting to volunteer in some capacity for quite a while now. Since I really don't like folk much, I've found the perfect solution...
Soon I will be volunteering at a pet foodbank. I'm on a waiting list for the one closest to my home. The one that has openings now is clear across the city, which means in Atlanta traffic, an hour one way easily. Hopefully the other one will need more volunteers soon. I'm so excited. I love love love dogs (cats are OK) and since my current lifestyle isn't really conducive to owning a pet right now, this is perfect. I get to spend time with animals and help make sure they have plenty to eat. Again, I'm so excited!!!!
Woosa!! I can’t believe it’s March already. This year is going by so fast. I’m loving it though, here are a few high points:
January 2010: Actually the transition started in December, but January 2010 began with me in a new position at my place of employment. I.Love.It!! I still have the same boss and she is FANTASTIC. I love working for her. I have learned so much from her. She’s not only a great boss but a great mentor as well. She has really caused me to reevaluate some of my professional goals and to be objective about which areas need improvement. One of the most helpful tools in finding out which areas you are strong in is Tom Rath’s Strengths Finders 2.0. All employees here have to take the online course.
Below are my top 5 strengths and they TOTALLY fit who I am as a person. I was stunned by the accuracy of the assessment. The assessment is much much more in depth but here is a basic thumbnail sketch:
• Input: People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more (maybe this is why some people tend to think I’m nosy). Often they like to collect and archive all kinds of information.
• Context: People who are especially talented in the Context them enjoy thinking about the past (anyone who knows me, knows I’m a HUGE history buff; I’m the dork who took ALL of the history classes offered in college just because I wanted to). They understand the present by researching its history.
• Intellection: People who are especially talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.
• Futuristic: People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. (I think this explains my strong beliefs in all of the Universal Laws, mainly the Law of Attraction as well as Quantum Physics and the power of the human mind). They inspire people with their visions of the future. (Inspire maybe, but I know I annoy a few people LOL)
• Learner: People who are especially talented in the Learner them have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them. The underlined portion says a lot about my non-competitive nature. I truly enjoy learning a process vs. the actual outcome which may explain why I 9/10 know tons about a subject but often struggle with applying the knowledge. Unfortunately, this is often characterized as being lazy or “ just not wanting something bad enough”.
February 2010: After 8 years of not having a car payment I threw in the towel and bought a new car. My 1993 Pontiac Bonneville is happily retired and is looking forward to becoming a donor to other less fortunate Pontiacs who might be in need of parts assistance. I bought a 2008 Hyundai Sonata which is very similar to probably a Toyota Camry in size and body style. Our new relationship kinda got off to a rocky start though. A bad body sensor was draining the battery and eventually fried my radio. I went through 3 batteries the first week I had the car (my radio is still on backorder. Grrr!!!) Luckily diagnostics and a 10 yr/100,000 mile warranty brought us back together and now we are happier than ever. :grin:
The first 3 days of March have been pretty uneventful, just work , work and more work but I’m not complaining. It’s challenging leaving a job that you knew everything about and moving into a new one in which you know NOTHING. I’m making it work though and am very excited about everything that is to come this year.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Yep, I’m changing the name of my blog yet again.
525,600 is the number of minutes in a year. If you've ever watched the movie or the play Rent, you've probably heard the song "Seasons of Love" and how it talks about how we spend those 525,600 minutes. Actually I remember hearing it for the first time as the background music for a then local NBC television station's annual look back at the top stories of the year. I hummed the chorus for at least a year before I discovered that Google was my friend and found the correct name of the song. I still find myself humming it on a daily basis.
Anyhoo, we’re 50 days into 2010 and I was reflecting back on when I first started my blog and what my goals and intentions were and how they are the same and yet in some ways different from the ones I have for today. One of the major things that I now think is important is to capture all 525,600 minutes in some way, shape or form. The little things are just as important as the big things. I think random pictures, quotes, videos, thoughts etc. in all areas of my life are just important as the “biggies” and should be equally celebrated. While my main focus definitely still needs to be on physique/diet improvements, I also have financial, spiritual, relationship and personal goals that need to be documented and given equal time as well. Creating balance is one of the things that I am continuing to focus on throughout this new year and beyond.
Below is my very first blog entry and my first comments received from last year. I love looking back and comparing where I was then to where I am now. Some things have changed and others have remained the same. The main thing I remember was that I was so excited to finally get a blog up and going and then actually receive comments of support right off bat. It was an awesome feeling.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 I thought it be really interesting to document the step-by-step emancipation of the lean, chiseled, 5 inch heel, blinged out suit wearing figure diva that is now trapped under 200+ lbs of flubber that is currently me. This will be a long process but in the end, it will be something that will be truly amazing to look back on and see exactly where it all started.
My name is Lyn and I am fat..so fat that I have the beginning stages of a F.U.P.A. If you don't know what one of those is, well, then Google is your friend, look it up. Anyway, like I was saying, I am fat. I am not thick, big-boned, heavy-set or any of those nice words people like to use to describe the obese. I prefer to keep it real and call 'em like I see 'em. I am simply fat. I did not get this way due to a thyroid issue, or any type of medical issue. I got this way because I ate too much and exercised too little. I am a lover of all that is fried, buttered, greasy, sweet and fat-laden. I have never met a combo meal that I didn't like. But you know what? I am a lover of me too and I know this is not the me I want to go through life being. I am vain. I want to look good and I want others to think I look good. I admit it. I will enjoy the jealous and bitchy looks that I will one day receive. I will enjoy the attention I get from men. I will not care that the attention will piss off wives and girlfriends. That will be their issue, not mine. ...just keeping it real. I'm not by any means saying that I will go out of my way to dress or act inappropriately, but I will enjoy the fruits of my labor. Another reality is that one does not lug around 200+ lbs of fat for multiple years without some wear and tear on the body. When all is said and done and before I hit the NPC stage (or any stage) in my red crushed velvet suit and my 5 inch heels, I will need plastic surgery. I will definitely need a breast lift and a tummy tuck. I am saving for those now. It's quite possible that I will need some work done on my inner thighs as well. I plan on documenting all of that here as part of my process. I am also a very strong believer of the power of the human mind so my thoughts, feelings, frustrations etc will be documented as well. I want to remember everything, good and bad. Nothing is insignificant if the diva is to be freed.
During this process I am very lucky to have the support, knowledge and guidance of some very special friends, some of who's identity will be kept a secret for now, but when revealed will only make the end result that much sweeter. I know that not every day will be a victory, but I am ready for the battle. I am keeping in mind some famous words from Winston Churchill, "It's not enough that we do our best; sometimes we have to to what's required."
Posted by Anissa.Lynette at 6:52 PM 4 comments: The Urban Perspective said... Love the premise of your blog :) It's always good when you can laugh at yourself. You got me curious as to what's underneath it all. Look forward to more from you .
January 28, 2009 8:27 PM Lis said... LYN!! I can't wait to follow this journey that you have chosen to take. You're right, it's going to be A LOT of work but the rewards are even greater. I'll be checking in on ya!
Always support, LM
January 29, 2009 3:21 AM Sportsgirl said... I'll forgive you for dissing my Steak 'n Guinness pie.
Look forward to following your journey!!
Your blog is all pretty with these pink bows on the side!
February 1, 2009 2:01 AM kevamykaikam said... I love the intro! You are always so well with words, not to mention funny. I can't wait to see you debut your hot body!!
February 1, 2009 10:00 AM
Oh and here’s a link to the video of the song that inspired the name change of the blog. I love the message.
I'm not a huge fan of snow, especially a lot of it. I can pretty much take it or leave it. It snowed here yesterday; reports say 3.5 -4 inches average in most areas of metro-Atlanta, GA. Here are few pictures from my home. It's pretty and it did get me out of work yesterday a few hours early, but now I'm ready for it to melt so I can get back to my regularly scheduled programming.
In a few days I will have a new number for the new year. I am looking forward to 2010 and the many changes it promises to bring. So....if you happen to NOT get my new number, then YOU are apart of that change.
“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” Oren Arnold
Funny how times flies. This time two years ago we all had just returned from a trip to Canada. I swear it sometimes seems just like yesterday and sometimes it seems life a lifetime ago. I can't wait to go back sometime in 2010.
We don't get this much snow in the south. It was fun to visit and leave in Canada.
Ana's Christmas Tree, well half of it :grin: I'm too lazy to resize. Yeah, I'm a dork when it comes to pictures.
Noel and her Ketchup Chips. Man I wish we had those here. They are quite tasty.
Ana, Cindy, Ileen, Laura, me and Noel.
Ana and Cindy
Me and Noel. Noel had this picture framed. I love it.
Sexayyy!!
Sexayyy!!! II
Lightweights.
Again, don't feel like resizing these puppies.
I wonder if these bad boys are still around? Stylish eh? They were a gift for someone who hates Crocs and bandanas. I had to finally give up my love for classic Crocs shortly thereafter, but I still like some of the newer styles. Shhhhh!! and of course I still love my bandanas.
