walk like a... penguin?

Hey! A quick hiatus yesterday since I had a work thing that did not allow for blogging.  :)

I guess after not doing any type of leg work out for probably close to 3 months, I should have taken it a little easy on my poor butt and thighs yesterday, but instead, I am currently walking like a penguin. Getting in and out of my chair at work is quite the ordeal... it aint pretty. (side note... aint is not a word recognized by Google... further proves it is in fact NOT a word).

I was sure to do only do 3 sets of 8 reps for both my squats and lunges, I skipped any type of leg press, and didn't do any machines, thinking that would be "taking it easy." I even stretched a ton after my work out to try to ease any soreness I might have. What I probably shouldn't have done, was those lunges with 10 lb dumb bells in my hands... I think that is what did it. My legs are in PAIN today.

Somehow, even though I can barely walk, I managed a 3 mile run this morning. After the first few steps, my legs didn't feel sore and my run was pretty smooth. Now that they aren't moving, my legs are doing some complaining.

I ran the 3 mile loop close to Mike's (and most of you all's) work. It was really nice out there, with lots of shade and pretty scenery to enjoy. Of course I snapped a few photos for you.

I love changing up my running routes. It makes them go by so much faster and makes them much more enjoyable.

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I worked at the hospital last night, so let's rewind to Tuesday. We didn't get home from work/voting until almost 8 pm. Earlier in the day, I went to the store and got some bbq sauce since I was really in the mood for some bbq chicken. The last time I bought bbq sauce, I didn't really read the label, so I knew what we had at home would not fly.

Although it doesn't have the best (or few) ingredients, it doesn't have any HFCS and the sodium was relatively low (220 mg per 2 tablespoons). They have a bunch of other flavors, and since this was the ONLY brand I found that didn't have HFCS, I think I will be trying some of the others soon.

The grill master got to work.

Just before 9 pm, dinner was served.

I split my chicken breast and sweet potato in half and threw it in the fridge, which will be my lunch for tomorrow. Thanks to my company buying me lunch twice this week, I had enough lunches in the fridge for the rest of the week. I love being a day ahead of my leftovers!

After dinner, we each had some leftover butterfinger cake and ice cream. I can't wait until that cake is gone... this is becoming a nightly routine. It is just so good!

Luckily, along with the increase in cake consumption, I have had an increase in exercise this week. Balance... that is what it is all about!

I think I will waddle back to work now, and somehow find a way to work standing up. I just don't want to sit down or have to think about getting back up. :(

Tuesday's Stats:
Calories (+) 133
Sodium (-) 108
Protein (-) 1

Yesterday's Stats:
Calories (-) 340
Sodium (-) 326
Protein (-) 19

dinner al fresco

Back when Mike owned an Audi, we dealt with car trouble monthly. Since we traded in and got a Chevy truck, we haven't had too many issues, besides cosmetic and audio. Yesterday, Mike's truck wouldn't start... so he ended up working from home and we will be carpooling the rest of the week. I don't understand why Mike has the worst luck with cars in the world. It is truly a mystery.

Since Mike worked from home yesterday, he was able to get an even earlier start on the yard work than normal. By the time I came home, he was wrapping up watering and straightening the garden. I immediately started on dinner, which turned out to be a big hit.

I didn't want to go to the store, so I decided to use up everything I could from our fridge. Thanks to GoLocal, we had a bunch of veggies to use and dinner turned out fantastic. I browsed the web and found this recipe, which looked like a good starting point. I actually changed it entirely, but it was definitely my inspiration.

Coco-Chicken Noodles with Fresh Veggies
Serves 4
0.5 box of whole wheat pasta (we used spaghetti)
2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
1 large poblano pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini, sliced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 baby portabella mushrooms chopped
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 cooked chicken breast, cut into bite size slices
1 lb baby bok choy leaves
1 tablespoon flour (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (add more to taste)

Cook pasta per usual and set aside. In a large skillet or wok, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.

Add in the onion, pepper, zucchini, garlic, and mushrooms until all are tender, probably 10 minutes. Next, add in the water, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, chicken breast (already cooked) and half of the red pepper flakes. When everything seems to be heated throughout, add in the baby bok choy leaves and allow to wilt a bit.

If the sauce seems a little too watery, sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it up. Add more red pepper flakes to create the desired heat and then add in your cooked noodles. Toss together and serve.

We dined outside, which was such a nice change to the usual couch or dining room table scene. We talked about what we wanted to do about our back yard and how we want to make some big improvements this year. We are really hoping to create a really fun backyard, perfect for entertaining and enjoying.

While we were out there, we took a closer look at the garden and we saw cauliflower!!!

It is so tiny right now, but I am so excited that it is actually growing! Mike was also able to harvest an entire head of romaine lettuce last night.

I cleaned it up and put it in a container, so we have salads ready to go anytime we want them. Having a garden is so much fun... as long as you have a Mike to handle the planting, watering, monitoring, and harvesting. I just enjoy the eating part. :)

The dogs were cracking us up last night with their chasing game. Franklin will grab a toy and seriously just run in circles while Deluca chases him. Why isn't Deluca smart enough to cut him off and go the other way? It is pretty entertaining to watch.

Of course, if you just say Franklin's name, he will stop in his tracks and come running over to be pet.

They love the backyard too, and I hope with the changes we plan on making, we can be out there enjoying it with them more often.

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Yesterday's lunch was provided by my bosses in honor of Nurse's Day. It was really nice of them to buy me lunch and give me a card from all of my co-workers. It is nice to work for such nice people who appreciate you and your work.

When I got into work, there was an e-mail to myself and my cube mate asking what we wanted for lunch. Since she had already responded requesting Chinese, and I didn't want to be a pain, so I agreed and decided to request my sauce on the side. I took this picture and sent it to Mike with the caption, "the most boring Chinese ever."

Even if it was boring, I am still really thankful and appreciative that my bosses were so nice to buy me lunch. I ate about half of my food, except for the egg roll, and brought the rest home for Mike to have for lunch today. Someone should enjoy all that sauce on the side!

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This morning, since I am working the later shift, I dropped Mike off at work and then headed to the gym. It has been probably 3 weeks since I was last there, but I am really glad I went. I did a 5 minute warm up on the treadmill, and then did arms and abs. I did an ab workout using an iPhone app and realized it would be really easy to do at home. I am going to try to make it a goal to do that workout at least 3 or 4 times a week to tone up the tummy. Since I am almost to my goal weight, I would really like to get everything toned and in shape, which means I HAVE to get to the gym more often. It just has to happen.

I came into work and made some awesome oatmeal. Strawberry and banana, chocolate protein oats.

I added a few sliced strawberries, sliced bananas and a half scoop of chocolate protein powder to my oatmeal with hot water. So good!

Well, that is all I have for today, catch you all tomorrow!

Yesterday's Stats:
Calories (-) 19
Sodium (-) 214
Protein (+) 14

apples and oranges anyone?

I was put on call last night at the hospital since our census was low. As soon as I got the call, I was giddy with excitement since I knew I would be able to get so much accomplished with an extra night free. I could go for a run! I could get all the laundry done! I could get to bed early and have a good night's sleep! But, then...

Then, I left work and sat in traffic for over an hour. Then, I stopped to run just 1 quick errand that turned into 4 stops along my way home. Then, I didn't even walk in the door until almost 8 pm.

My main priority when I got home was to go for a run. Even though it was already getting dark, I convinced myself to get a quick 3 miles in before starting on any of my other chores for the evening.

Close up!

For having not run in a few days, my run went much better than expected. I actually ran up the monster hill that I normally walk up. I also ran the entire time, which normally I would take a few small walking breaks. My legs and feet felt pretty light, so overall, it was a good run and I am glad we did it.

By the time we got back to the house, it had gotten pretty dark outside.

After showering and getting some laundry going, Mike and I made something quick for dinner. Since I was supposed to work, we didn't have anything prepared. Mike had a bowl of cereal and I rolled with peanut butter and banana toast.

We got up this morning and I actually had a little time to make myself breakfast. I was wanting some eggs, so I made an egg and muenster sandwich to eat on the way to work.

It was mighty tasty. :)

Can you just take a look at our produce bin? It is overflowing right now. We can't seem to eat the oranges and apples fast enough!

We need to do some serious juicing or smoothie making or something. We have fruit stashed all over the place, and we bring it with us everyday to work. Luckily, our good friends at GoLocal Produce have a solution for us. Starting this week, we will be swapping out our apples and oranges for local strawberries! So excited about that. I will demolish some strawberries, so it will be a nice change from the other fruit. Maybe we can clean out that bin a bit before we get our next apple and orange delivery!

We got to bed pretty late last night, but at least we got everything done. Tonight we have some last minute packing to do, but it will be so easy since all the laundry is done! We just have to get through today and then a few hours tomorrow before it is OFF TO THE BEACH!!!!

Have a good day everyone!

Yesterday's Stats:
Calories (-)179
Sodium (-) 274
Protein (-) 12

leftover jack pot

Hello!

Thankfully, my shift last night went really smooth. I was walking out of the hospital at 10:50 pm, which hasn't happened since I started working there. I didn't ask any questions, since having a slow night is always a welcome change.

I also got to sleep in a little this morning. Since Mike and I are planning to run tonight and he had to be at work much earlier than me this morning, we drove separately and I got to sleep until almost 8:30. It was glorious.

Our goal for tonight's run is going to be 6 miles in preparation for the 10k on Saturday.  If we run 6 miles tonight, maybe 3 or 4 tomorrow and then just go for a long walk on Friday, I think we will be ready for Saturday. I am actually really nervous about Saturday. I don't think I am really prepared for 6 miles, but maybe I just need to do it to find out. I am not setting any goals for myself, only to finish, since this is my first time. I guess we will see how it goes!

I woke up this morning really wanting a smoothie. I have been feeling a little scratchy in my throat and run down, so I think I was just craving what my body probably needs - nutrients! I knew I didn't have enough time to make a smoothie this morning, so I am going to plan to make one for tomorrow morning. I am loading up on the vitamins and vitamin c supplements in preparation for what I am afraid is a spring allergy attack.

Instead, I packed up some leftover egg casserole that was in my fridge from brunch on Sunday. My eyes probably grew to the size of golf balls when I realized there were still casserole leftovers in there, so I dug in when I got to work.

I also grabbed some leftover strawberries along with a handful of granola that someone brought for the brunch. Whoever left this at my house, thank you!

A little bit ago, I realized that my bosses brought Krispy Kreme donuts for everyone, but no worries, I resisted the temptation. Instead, I grabbed a few fudge sticks that someone else brought for our team and that satisfied my sweet tooth.

Looking at everything I have eaten so far for the day, I am really glad today's lunch is a salad. haha. I brought some spinach, cut up veggies, hard boiled egg, and ceasar romano dressing. I am about to go dig into that since my stomach is starting to growl.

Have a good one everyone!

Yesterday's Stats:
Calories (-) 277
Sodium (+) 22
Protein (-) 14

Nurses Are Kinda Awesome

TGIF!!!! I am sooooo happy it is finally Friday, and I have nothing planned for tonight. It has been a while that we have had a Friday evening to just go home and relax. I am going to make dinner, make some cupcakes for tomorrow's tailgate and then just chill. I can't wait.

This morning I woke up very groggy from getting home late from the hospital. I ended up staying about 30 minutes later than usual, so I didn't get to bed until almost 12:30. Ugh... Sometimes, it just happens. Luckily, since I have been working at this part time job, I have only been home that late twice. I would have to think again about doing it if it were more often.

I got up and immediately wanted breakfast. I was starving! Must be that added cardio from running around like crazy for 4 straight hours. I eat on my way there and then just try to go straight to bed when I get home. Most nights, I will just have a glass of milk or some peanut butter on crackers to tide me over until morning. Last night, Mike had brought home some delicious pineapple casserole from work, and I just had to have a few bites. Layne - I must get that recipe!

Since my protein intake has been rather low, I wanted to make some eggs. After making those stuffed peppers on Tuesday, I haven't eaten any other type of meat, and it is easy to drop protein fast. I made 2 eggs (1 egg white and 1 regular) and put them on a piece of 12 grain toast. I added a little cheese in between and had a glass of milk. I usually only roll with egg whites in the mornings, but yesterday I was STARVING 3 hours later, so I figured today I needed a little more to hold me over until lunch.

For lunch, I will be having one of my last (sniff, sniff) stuffed peppers and a pear. I will be very sad when they are all gone.

I Love Being a Nurse

I have never regretted becoming a nurse. From the moment I entered nursing school, I knew it was meant for me. I love medicine and am so intrigued by things that most people would find "gross." I am proud to call myself a nurse and love the many options and career choices the profession offers. The opportunities are endless and I often think 'What can I do next?!'

A few years ago, I was completely burnt out from hospital nursing. This is something that happens to a lot of people in the medical field from being overworked, under-appreciated and under-paid. The most unfortunate thing about getting burnt out is that it usually is not a result of the patients. Usually, it is because of the millions of rules, regulations, documentation, and policies that the hospitals enforce.

Sure, I have had patients yell at me, hit me, try to hurt me, pee on me, throw up on me, and much worse... but, that is not why I left the hospital. I left because I felt like in a 12 hour shift (which always turns into more like 14 hours), I would spend 6 of those hours doing NOTHING for the patient. As a charge nurse, I would have to break up fights between other nursing staff, organize the oncoming shift assignment, and a lot of paperwork. As a staff nurse, I spent many wasted hours waiting on medications to come up from pharmacy, cleaning up after the previous shift's mess, and much more documentation than you could ever imagine. I also felt like in a staff nurse position, I had no where else to move up.

I left the hospital and have been in a research position for almost 3 years. The work is boring, the days are long, but I love the schedule, pay, and the amazing results that come from the work I am involved in. I can't really complain, because at least I have some time to shop, catch up with friends and family, and blog. :) The biggest problem I had with this job is that I missed working with patients.

Much to Mike's urging, I decided to take a part time job at the hospital to a. remind me what I wasn't missing, and b. to keep my nursing skills fresh and current. In an economy such as this and a career such as nursing, I need to keep my options open. You just never know what life will deal you.


Last night, I cared for an elderly man who was suffering from a chronic lung disease and diabetes. He was admitted to the hospital because he had gotten an infection that required IV antibiotics. He told me all about his life, how much he loves his family and his career when he was younger. He told me how he spent his entire life healthy and as soon as he retired, he became very sick.

This man had been through a lot already, but yesterday he was told there was a possibility he would have to have part of his foot removed. As upset as he was by this news, he had a smile on his face and thanked me for everything I had done for him. Later on in the night, his IV had gone bad and I had to start a new one. His veins are frail and weak and his arms are covered in bruises. I attempted to start the IV and I missed the vein. Another bruise on this poor, sweet man. I apologized several times and all he would say is; "Never apologize for trying, thank you."

As I was about to leave the room, he reached for something on his table. He handed me a small box of chocolates and said that he couldn't thank me enough for all I had done for him. It is hard to remember the bad things about being a nurse when you have a patient like that.

I love being a nurse. :)