Monday, January 25, 2010

Weekend Recap

Classes have been going alright - I have my first exam in Psych tonight and my first mini-essay due in English today. Nervous about the exam, as I am not quite sure just what to expect, but am sure I will do alright.

Friday, I left work early with a headache I had woken up with and just an overall feeling of yuckiness. So I napped and caught up on my DVR shows. I felt a lot better by the time Jon got home, so we went to dinner at Ballard Mandarin. Not the best, but convienent. Then, for lack of anything "better" to do, we went bowling at the lanes where we have our weekly league bowl with Underdog Seattle. We bowled three games, and they gave us the league pricing, so the evening was pretty cheap! I bowled pretty well and Jon bowled pretty consistently. Hopefully we can do the same tomorrow at league.

Saturday, Keren picked us up and we walked around Greenlake, then went to breakfast at Mae's Cafe in Phinney. They have great breakfast! Keren wanted a place with good pancakes, and I think she was pleased with our choice. Jon and I both had a benedict - he had the ham, I had the florentine. We were full up till dinner time! The rest of the day we just lounged, which was really great since I have been working every Saturday, and haven't just had a day to really relax yet this year! Then, Saturday night we went to see a play at The Rep in Seattle, to see Speech and Debate. It was a really fun play, with current topics and music. Then we drove out to Issaquah to do karaoke at a little Mexican restaurant. The people there weren't quite ready for karaoke I think - there wasn't any rotation really, because no one was signing up to sing! Oh well, their loss. I sang all I wanted to! As if that weren't enough, we then drove out to Snoqualmie Casino and tried our luck at the slots. Jon managed to do pretty well, but I lost every cent I bet. :( Makes up for the money I won last time I guess...

Sunday, we went downstairs to the coffee shop in our building, and I studied while Jon did some work. I think were there for about three hours! I got a lot done though. To break up the studying, we went to Target to pick up some necessary items - body wash, laundry detergent, shampoo - then stopped at Jewel Box Cafe for a bubble tea. Yum! Then back home to study some more!

I also attempted to knit a hat on Friday, but after about the 16th row, I pulled something out and had to start all over! I hate when I do that. Oh well. I will finish it someday. I also need to re-start my fingerless gloves....

I made my first test teacup candle, using a mini teacup instead of one of the really pretty standard size ones. It turned out! I had added some apple cinnamon scent, but I'm not sure if I'm going to make them all scented. I might just want to do unsented, since some people are sensitive to smells. I think I can sell them for $10/each on etsy....which is nice, since it doesn't cost that much to make them. I have 8 teacups with saucers to use up. Then, if my sales go well, I might try and pick up more! We'll see.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Asparagus + Sweet Potatoes = Dinner!

Being in school makes my eating habits a bit interesting. I ate a bowl of cereal and some celery with peanut butter the other night for dinner, and tonight I roasted up some asparagus (appetizer) and sweet potatoes (main course). It's not unhealthy, at least. Just unusual. I will need to, sooner rather than later, put some actual meals together so that my boyfriend does not eat like he's in college too. Pizza, top ramen, and spicy wings are not good dinners! 


I've been doing pretty well, as far as I can tell, without keeping a record of everything I eat and its nutritional value - I did keep an accurate journal last Wed-Fri of my caloric intake, and on Wednesday, I only consumed about 1,000 calories, which I now believe may have contributed to my almost complete breakdown - the stress of being in class had almost caused me to lose it and it was only the first week! An underconsumption has been a problem in the past - not that I'm trying to starve myself, but I eat something low calorie but full of nutrients like protein, then forget to make sure I eat something more to meet my daily calorie needs. 


Eating out hasn't been an issue yet, as we've hardly gone out to eat. We did go to
The Macaroni Grill with Jon's family and I looked at the menu before we left to feel out what I might order. Without the nutrition facts available online, I still managed to choose the healthiest option on the menu, at only 290 calories!


Jumbo Shrimp Spiedini - "Succulent jumbo shrimp seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon zest. Grilled on skewers with fresh rosemary and served with colorful roasted vegetable"...


So I also ordered a cup of soup, to ensure that I would stay full for the rest of the evening.
I just got Real Simple's February issue, and it contains 400 calorie dinners, which were also advertised in an email I received today, offering a month of 400 calorie dinners. I think I'll take a look and see what I can do with the time I have. 


I also received a Cooking Light the other day, which will be great for meal planning as well. I forgot that I had ordered a subscription and was quite surprised when it showed up in the mail box!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Back to School

I have now completed my first week of classes. English seems like it will be the easier of the two, as Psychology has already required two assignments and a quiz.

The next 6(ish) years are bound to bring a lot of stress and a big workload, but I just have to remind myself that it's worth it for the next 30 or so years of work! It's kind of hard to believe that we have to work so long. Basically, we spend the first 65 years working hard to maybe enjoy the last 10 - 15. I at least want to have a job I worked hard for and am interested in. Something where I can help people.


I began knitting my first pair of fingerless gloves and am so looking forward to completing them, if only I could find the time! Hopefully I will have time today to work on them, after my massage at Re-Leaf Massage.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year

2010 begins with rain and wind, in Seattle. It begins with motivated inspirations and goals, in my heart. This year, I desire to do more than ever.

A New Adventure
On Monday, I begin classes at North Seattle Community College. English and Psychology. These are the first two courses on my adventure to Occupational Therapy. If all goes as planned, I will be an Occupational Therapist in about 6 years, finally holding a degree and heading into a career of my choice and that suits me well.

The Usual
Of course I always plan an intricate sort of weight loss plan that never works because I lose motivation to track every bit of food that goes into my mouth and avoid going to the gym after a few weeks, always with a good excuse. This year proves no differently, and I resolve to get to the gym and eat healthier than ever.

Sustainable Living
On that note, I plan on seeking foods that are more organic, more environmentally sustainable, and more meaningful to my diet. I love getting my veggies from Full Circle Farm and just yesterday I picked up my first carton of eggs with them. Looking for some meat and poultry sources as well. I know there are a ton at Eat Wild but the list is long  and daunting.

Knitting
As I have recently learned the craft of knitting, I look forward to beefing up my skills and taking on more difficult projects. Next up: fingerless gloves. I have thoroughly enjoyed knitting and the projects I've created so far, and hope to show them here as well. I love the patterns I can find on Ravelry.

Domestic Diva
I love to be in the kitchen, when I have the time to pour over a meal or recipe. I am always complimented on how well things turn out, and as I rarely follow recipes, I take this as a sign that I'm just  a natural at it. My kitchen resolutions revolve around making, photographing, and sharing my creations more often. Skills cannot be honed if they are not even practiced!