Beautiful Behaviors - April 2017

@fitzmonkey13 - Hope your job interview went well. Sounds like you got some great activity in with the bike rides! I love when a workout leaves me exhausted or/and sweaty!
@alaskandelight - Wowzers! That hike sounds exhausting yet wonderful Sounds like you are doing a good job with activity and cooking!
@aleahurst - I'm sorry that you are under this stress. Finding insurance isn't always fun. Glad you are getting into the doctor, and don't worry about no change on the scale, you are trying. Keep up thinking healthy and beautiful thoughts. I will be sending good vibes your way.
@jessiquoi - Just for you - I will share my (well, it's not mine, but) 'Protein' cheesecake recipe... Yay, Protein!


2 Eggs
2 scoops Protein powder (I used vanilla protein powder. Note: some protein powders may bake better than others. I probably didn't use the best, but I thought they were good. I used Five Star Whey Protein Vanilla.)
1/4 tsp Salt
3/4 cup Sweetener (This actually could be excluded from the recipe. I used Truvia and I only used about 2/3 cup and I don't really care for the "diety" sugar after taste - but they're still delicious. *Next time I will probably try using just a tiny bit of honey to sweeten it.)
1 tsp Vanilla extract
12 oz Cream cheese, fat free
12 oz Greek yogurt, plain nonfat

Obviously you could play around a little with it.
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl - I used about 3-4 speed on my mixer.
Preheat oven to 325 F.
Line muffin tin with cupcake liners. Spoon into liners.
*** I folded in blueberries into some, strawberries into others and just barely a couple of chocolate chips into others.
Bake at 325 for 15 minutes, then turn off the oven and let sit until middle is set.
Remove from oven and let cool.
Once cool, refrigerate for 30 minutes. Voila!
Notes: If you like your cheesecake extra sweet, you can add some liquid stevia drops. You can also make this into an entire cheesecake - in that case, cook at 325 for about 30 minutes and then let sit in warm oven until set.

**I only used a scoop in a half of protein powder - but next time will add the full 2 scoops for more protein.
The macros for mine - 12 g Carbs 1 g Fat and 8.5 g Protein
Mine made about 16 cupcakes and I put in 1 cupcake as 1 serving = 63 calories per cupcake for mine (yours may differ)

Update: I completed 87 minutes of Von Moger chest and stair intervals with the bf last night. My arms will be sore and tired and I love it. Hoping for either back and cardio or maybe just cardio tonight. We will see.

There's a little bit of drama at work. My coworker - suppose to be my equal (lol). She manipulates time and actually ends up getting paid for time she isn't even here or working. This has been going on for a year and half and management doesn't seem to care. I religiously count my time and do not go over. I was raised with rules, morals, values and to have a conscious. I guess I'm supposed to have an open mind and embrace this new generation/thought process coming into our society?! I don't want to use the term millenneal way of thinking because it's not even a specific age group. There are older people who act this way at the company. I just view what she is doing as theft - getting paid when you are not working. I should have went over the management's head and reported it to corporate, but I feel that now she hides it so well - that they wouldn't be able to find all the inaccuracies. I don't know why the director puts up with her, she is not even good at what she does?! ***Rant over*** It's a shame that karma has not yet caught up with someone who seems to be a cheat.

Deep breath - and let it go because this is someone whom doesn't even matter in my life. 'Just do me and let time run it's course.' Focus on me, focus on me ---ok, and I'm back lol

Thought for the day: Be who you say you are. **Just like actions speak louder than words. Take action, don't just hand out promises and not follow through. None of us are perfect, but I try not to commit unless I know I will be able to make it or take on the task. Be truthful in what your intentions are and what you want to do. *We all know how it feels when someone continues to promise change and it never happens.

@alaskandelight I am jealous of your hikes! My area around here is so flat that the hikes are a little dull. Can't wait till I go north for the May long weekend where walking through the woods means hills and rocks! And I can't wait to try that Peanut Sauce.

@aleahurst I love that in spite of all your health issues, you go out to garden, fight off bees and kill rattlesnakes like it's no big deal. You are way tougher than you give yourself credit for. If my cat brought me a rattlesnake I'd nuke the site from orbit! (It's the only way to be sure.)

@jessiquoi I know this change is hard for you. Once you have a kitchen again, maybe you'll be able to find more foods that satisfy and make it easier to stay the course. We're all pulling for you. You've been strong and we know you can keep doing it!

@CT0526 Yay new scale! Tracking every day is a good goal. Information is your best weapon in the fight for your health. You can do it!

@happysherri It's amazing what a little work drama can do to ruin your day and seep into your real life. You have the right attitude. Shake it off as best you can and don't give that person free real estate in your brain.


Thanks to everyone who wished me luck on my interview. I did not get the job. I was messaging with a friend last night when she got the offer and the relief I felt was like a weight dropped from my shoulders. I knew when I applied that I would not be a good fit for the job and would not like it. I also knew that if they offered it to me I would take it because I'm the primary breadwinner in my family and in spite of a generous separation package and my eligibility for EI, I will lose my mind if I am off work for too long.

So, today I am focused on finishing up my tasks at the office before I'm done, reaching out to my contacts to let them know I'm available and applying to jobs. This morning before I left for work I applied to 5 interesting positions. I also scheduled a couple of shifts at the medical school for next week (I sometimes work as a practice patient for medical students to learn interviewing skills). And I picked up a couple of sewing jobs for my time off.

Busy is best. It will keep me from eating the whole kitchen while I'm between jobs. I was unemployed for a year once and gained at least 30 pounds from eating my feelings and sulking instead of exercising.

This weekend I am going to write a schedule for myself to budget my time between pick up jobs, real job hunting, exercise, and maybe a little quality time with my gaming console as a treat.

Hello everyone. This morning when my coach was talking to me, he said, " I'm not quite sure how to ask this, but are you smaller than you were before?" I told him, yes, I lost over 20 lbs. He said he hoped I was doing it in a healthy way. I assured him that I was. Then someone asked me in the locker room later how much weight I lost.

I think the suit I was wearing was sagging. I might have to stop wearing that one. But I am happy that people are noticing. Especially since I seem to be in a plateau with losing.

My son made the elite meet with the 7th fastest mile time in the state and I am super psyched!

I finally lifted weights again on Sunday after over a month off. Unfortunately, my sinus infection is not getting better and I need to go to the ENT later today.

@fitzmonkey13 - how did the interview go? When do you find out?
@ParanormaLauren - nice recipies - very inspiring
Jess - great job with the carbs - maybe you just need to search some more for some protein that you like...
@alaskandelight - sounds like a great hike - I am sure you burned a ton of calories climbing out of the snow
@happysherri - nice job - days last week - that is always my goal for swimming - I swam 5 and lifted once
@fangcat623 - sugar is addicting - good job recovering
@wellthenwhat - it sounds like you had a lot of fun on your weekend and your attitude is good with just moving forward

Keep thinking healthy everyone and enjoy your day!
Nicki

@jessiquoi - Oh, forgot about the no oven thing. Sorry. GOLD STAR - you get 2 gold stars for sticking to the low carb diet and it's paying off!!! That is fantastic and keep it up
@fitzmonkey13 - Haha, I had an emotional meltdown this last TOM too. And I truly don't normally have them, so... that's fun. Sorry about your knee. I have to wear a compression sleeve on my right knee when I do leg day - not pain I just feel a tiny catch sometimes and don't want it to get worse. Fantastic work on being aware of your eating habits. Fast food is easy and quick to grab, just noticing patterns and working toward breaking them is progress. Glad you have that food in your freezer! Feel better soon.
@str8bowbabe - How did upper body day go? Hope you worked out any stress. Glad to see you in here
@nickiphillips1 - CONGRATS to your son! Woot Woot!!! Don't you love when people notice and actually comment?! That's just too awesome. ...and, Girl, get yourself a new suit - you've earned it!!!
@aleahurst - Next time, we are going to need you to record your dancing - that's great. 2 mile walk?! Wow, great exercise right there! Keep it up

Update: I took a rest day yesterday, because after 5 straight days at the gym I felt it was needed. However, I did mow my front and side yard (took me about an hour), so I got some steps in and I actually got sweaty. The bf can do the backyard. Hoping tonight that I will feel up to going to the gym. Right now I feel energetic but normally after lunch I go downhill and feel tired. I may just have to drink some pre-workout to pump up.

Thought for the day: Don't wait for everything to be perfect to enjoy your life. ***This!!! I use to put off doing things or planning things that I enjoy because of this or that. And I believe I've mentioned this before but I now have adopted saying "yes" to adventures. This weekend a coworker/friend and I are taking a quick trip to Chicago (I've never been). It's right next door to my state and she wants to show me around. I will be eating all of the FOOD and we will be walking bunches - so that's a plus. Say "yes" to adventure no matter how small, even if it's learning something new (crocheting, piano, rock climbing, gardening, -unerwater basket weaving LOL) Live Life!

Happy Wednesday, I can't believe it is only Wed. I dragged myself to the pool this morning and struggled. I got so dizzy at one point, I had to stop. But then I stayed in and finished workout. Glad I stayed.

I am on new anti-biotics and more steroids. Had to go into work the last two days and am taking a day trip with my boss tomorrow, so no swimming. Our flight leaves at 7:10.

@jessiquoi - I am so proud of how you are sticking to the low carb thing and am so glad it is working! You rock girl!
@happysherri - I love your thought for the day - living it!
@fitzmonkey13 - What is a physio? I wish you the best of luck on Friday. Keep us posted. It is tough not to push it when you get injured. Maybe your husband will surprise you with something tasty for dinner. Sorry about the job, love your attitude.
@aleahurst - what a relief to have insurance! I hope you have great coverage. My insurance has a $50 co-pay for specialists (like the allergist, neurologist, and ENT). It starts to get spendy... Take care of those lungs!

I haven't slept well this week, which is not good for me with my fatigue and MS. I am thinking it has to do with my trip tomorrow and my boss's boss coming in yesterday.

Good thoughts though. My boss is great and it will be nice to spend time with him tomorrow and bond. My current project is moving along nicely, I meet with someone Friday that should help me move things forward.

Then I get to see my son run Friday night and Saturday. And I have to get my younger son his driving permit this week as well.

Enjoy your week and be good to yourselves! and do something nice for yourself today!

@aleahurst I use exercise as a definite stress relief. When I play pickleball I always tell everyone, I have aggression issues to get out so they know I will be slamming on some people. LOL

@happysherri It was a good workout and then got to shoot my bow at the end of the day so that helps with the upper body too. Overall great workout.

@jessiquoi Glad to hear the low carb diet is helping. Keep up the good work.

Everyone have a good day! And keep on keepin on!

It's midnight. Wow, I could stay awake for a long time with just a little stress! Zing!

Good morning, all!

@wellthenwhat - Isn't that great. Food off your mind. Some days I think about eating a lot and then other days, I just don't. But the days I think about it - I think about all the treats and chips.
@nickiphillips1 - I hope your trip goes smashingly!!! And I hope you get some rest. I commend you for the workout and for listening to your body at the same time.
@aleahurst - sending good vibes and prayers for your stress, that's the worst. I use to stress eat - but now it's more sad eating. I actually have switched to where if I'm super stressed I don't eat. *Oh, I also tired eat, which is bad because I'm tired a lot lol Hang in there and know that you are doing the right thing.
@plantgift92 - Whoa, Man!!!! Congrats on the loss! Yep, same here, I get comfortable after losing a bit when I know I could do better. Sounds like you are doing a great job, keep it up (don't make me come over there) haha
@jessiquoi - No muffin for You! (if you've seen Seinfeld you said this in soup nazis voice) lol Be strong. Moderation is key, but I think you already know. I'm so happy for you that you found a way to feel better. You are doing so well, despite any struggles. Keep going
@rdevol - Just remember it is perfectly fine to allow away time to deal with other things. Yes, we strive to eat healthy and exercise but sometimes we have to take a "pause". As long as you view it as that and don't unpack your bags and live in "pause" mode - then you have nothing to worry about!!! Give yourself some slack and do what you have to.

Update: Completed 80 minutes of Von Moger back and treadmill sprints. Last night's lifting session felt amazing. My bf had to meet me there because he was running late.

OemWOW! The drama at work just got worse and I have to sit by and watch it unfold. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so close to me - but I literally sit facing this drama queen! I try to stay out of it all - because I am almost 42 years old and I hate drama! I will keep you updated. I just think it's sad that I love my job, the pay however there is only 1 single person out of over 1300 employees here that causes issues and at times gets my thoughts on leaving! I wish I could distance myself literally from this immature adult! Ok, well, I will survive

Thought for the day: I'm very font of you, you're just my type!!! LOL -I couldn't help it, crackin myself up! As I read all of your journeys and feelings, I feel like you are all very strong! I admire how smart, caring and relentless this group is (relentless to not give up). I look forward to reading updates every day! So today, know that even if you're having doubts - I believe that each of you are strong, beautiful, kind, smart and fantastic!

@jessiquoi - Yea, but your practicing moderation - so that's a good thing! Love it
@nchippiechick - Welcome! OMG, girl, Yes! I lost myself in my unhealthy marriage and held on too long (I give people too many chances). I started below rock bottom (both our checks were getting garnished, we didn't truly own much worth fighting over - I got the 1987 minivan, it's long gone now lol). I can relate! But I took back my life and I feel so empowered, you will get there. Sounds as if you are already taking control, love it. I started with at home workouts and got in great shape only working out at home. My kids used to try and join in - so cute. Glad you're here and keep it up.

Hello and Happy Friday!!!

Update: Took a rest day yesterday because I finally got to have dinner with my son! I tackled him with hugs and kisses even if he's 6'3 tall. I told him that's what he gets for being so busy. I weighed myself this morning and was down a bit (almost to my lowest in 2 years). I expect the scale to go up a bit after my road trip this weekend because we are going to be "foodies". I am not tracking this weekend and just enjoying. I will be starting a "cut" in about a week, after my birthday. Not sure if I will get a workout in tonight, we'll see. However, I do think my friend and I are going to the hotel gym Sunday morning

Thought for the day: You're only one workout away from a good mood. **This for me. I feel so much better and happier when I am consistently working out. I don't always feel like getting up and working out but once I am getting that extra rep in at the gym or even when I'm finished and sweaty; I feel like a million bucks! The times I don't have much motivation - I just try and remember this feeling and remember the progress I've made and where I want to be. Know when to push yourself and get up and go! Have a good weekend!

Hello my beautiful people!! This has been quite a week! We had a lovely romantic dinner for my husband's birthday. I felt sick the next day after from eating so much rich food. What a wake up call on how much more connected I am to my body. In the past I would eat ALL the things and more without really connecting that I felt like crap because of food. I took home 3/4th of my steak and my dessert. I've been really killing it at the gym and improving my cardio for more of these crazy hikes! woot! Good news on my dad! The doctors are planning to send him back from Seattle. I am over the moon about this since my sister's wedding is less than a month away and it just wouldn't be right if he couldn't somehow be there. He's kinda the life of our party. Reading about what each of you are going through is really inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

@str8bowbabe my husband only eats one serving of that soup (and I eat the rest all week) unless he's feeling "like the beer is catching up with him." He is waaaay more into it if I add steak. It is then the prized meal prep of the week and we fight over it.
@fitzmonkey13 everything happens for a reason! I'm glad you didn't go for a job that wasn't going to work for you in the long run. Take it easy with this knee situation. I totally screwed myself over by not adjusting for an ankle injury. I'm so glad your going to get it checked out. Biking, ab work, and grocery list for the husband. Be straight up and tell him he needs to step up so you can recover quickly and get back to it. He can help you keep your family on the right nutritional path!
@aleahurst look at you taking care of business with insurance! I'm sorry for your anxiety and stress. I HATE those feelings. Take a moment for yourself and reflect on all your accomplishments. This soapy taste business should be something you bring up to your doctor. Maybe you have some sort of nutritional deficiency? In any case, great job in prioritizing yourself!
@jessiquoi you do what's good for you! I'm glad you ate that healthy muffin. Also, don't pay too much mind to the scale. My friend on the keto diet and good blood sugar did not lose weight between tests...give it time. I'm sure your body is trying to sort its self out over these changes.
@happysherri I am going to make that cheese cake!!!! well, after I make my husband's birthday carrot cake and the infamous pizza cake for a party this weekend. Hang in there with work drama, I have been giving my coworker some support over a similar issue. A young cocky guy likes to shine it on like he's all that, but really doesn't do much and gives her (his boss) and other women he thinks he can mess with a hard time. (He ALWAYS makes excuses for mistakes or blames other. No accountability.) I have noticed this since he started (2 years ago) after he treated me like crap over his mistake that I brought to his attention. I've been logging his shenanigans ever since and it's proving to be helpful. These people get their's eventually. You're son is sure blessed to have such a great mom!
@nickiphillips1 and @wellthenwhat way to be active and focus your energies in beautiful ways! You are rockstars!

All you other beautiful people, keep being amazing! Over coming traumatic relationships (@nchippiechick and @mcglothinm @happisherri) is one of the hardest things anyone can deal with. Your strength, bravery, and ability to make the call to put you and your children first is inspiring. Giving support to others and taking time to heal during grief is crucial @rdevol ! Take care of yourself!

My beautiful behavior's for the next few days is to be mindful of my calories during this upcoming party and focus on de-cluttering my home. My parents were "collectors" and I find that I have to be mindful of STUFF building up in the same way I can mindlessly eat. :-( Someone gave me the tip of asking yourself "does this item bring you joy?" If not, donate it.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!