Yesterday, right before I left work to go to class I completed a sustainability training. So as I was thinking about what pictures I wanted to take to represent the day, that training stood out to me. And that color green was prominent--literally!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Color of the Day
So my goal to have a post a day has not been perfect. But in my defense I had all of these pictures taken yesterday--I just did not have time to do the post until today.
Yesterday, right before I left work to go to class I completed a sustainability training. So as I was thinking about what pictures I wanted to take to represent the day, that training stood out to me. And that color green was prominent--literally!
Now I did pay enough attention to my sustainability training to know that it is more than recognizing the color green all-around me--so I looked for examples of sustainability all around me. And this piece of artwork stood out to me:
I am the person in the office that reminds people to recycle or questions people about the necessity to print off so many things, but I think the best thing that I do to further the sustainability goals that my employer has set for us and that I have set for myself is that I use public transportation to get to work.
All that being said--it was a lot of fun to take pictures of a bunch of the green things I saw on my walk to class.
Yesterday, right before I left work to go to class I completed a sustainability training. So as I was thinking about what pictures I wanted to take to represent the day, that training stood out to me. And that color green was prominent--literally!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Recipe: Low-Fat Banana Nut Muffins
I have made a rather big push towards a healthier lifestyle. I have been exercising six days a week (or trying to at least). I have been taking my lunch to work 3 to 4 days a week. But I have missed the opportunity to bake--and the opportunity to use up the bananas that I have not had a chance to eat before they turn black. So I have been searching for a recipe that I can feel good about baking--and eating.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup splenda
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts
2 egg whites
1 Tablespoon flaxseed
3 bananas, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a muffin tin. You can also use muffin liners--I did not have any so I did not use them and I did not have any trouble getting the muffins out of the tin.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, splenda, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cocoa powder and salt. I sifted the flour into the bowl.
4. In a small bowl mix egg whites, bananas, flaxseed and applesauce. Add the ingredients from the small bowl to the larger bowl and fold the ingredients together. Just before the batter is mixed well, add the nuts and then finish folding the batter until it is well mixed.
5. Pour batter into prepared muffin tin. I used a large spoon but I think an ice cream scoop would be even better.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of one of the muffins comes out clean. These cooked up really quickly for me, so I recommend keeping a close eye after about 10 minutes in the oven.
6. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.
Notes for changes I plan for the next time:
-Split the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
-More cocoa powder--it did not have as much cocoa flavor as I would have liked.
-I think oats or oat meal would be a great addition.
Overall though I loved the recipe--and my daughter loved them even more. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly she took to them. She kept calling them cupcakes, which made me happy because these were a much healthier alternative to most cupcakes.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup splenda
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup walnuts
2 egg whites
1 Tablespoon flaxseed
3 bananas, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a muffin tin. You can also use muffin liners--I did not have any so I did not use them and I did not have any trouble getting the muffins out of the tin.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, splenda, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cocoa powder and salt. I sifted the flour into the bowl.
4. In a small bowl mix egg whites, bananas, flaxseed and applesauce. Add the ingredients from the small bowl to the larger bowl and fold the ingredients together. Just before the batter is mixed well, add the nuts and then finish folding the batter until it is well mixed.
5. Pour batter into prepared muffin tin. I used a large spoon but I think an ice cream scoop would be even better.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 25 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted into the center of one of the muffins comes out clean. These cooked up really quickly for me, so I recommend keeping a close eye after about 10 minutes in the oven.
6. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.
Notes for changes I plan for the next time:
-Split the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
-More cocoa powder--it did not have as much cocoa flavor as I would have liked.
-I think oats or oat meal would be a great addition.
Overall though I loved the recipe--and my daughter loved them even more. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly she took to them. She kept calling them cupcakes, which made me happy because these were a much healthier alternative to most cupcakes.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
A Perfect Moment
So, I bet you thought I was flaking again--that I had forgotten my pledge to post a picture a day from my life. But I did not forget--well I did not forget to post a picture. However, I did forget my phone at work--my phone that was holding my perfect moment picture hostage...
But today I wanted to focus on a time when everything was lining up to be just a perfect moment. The weather was good (as opposed to today which is just hot!). The walk was nice (as opposed to today when I do not feel like walking). I was on my way home (as opposed to right now when I am eating my homemade lunch). And I pulled my phone out and the picture I took was just perfect. I do not think I could have taken a better shot if I had been trying to plan it.
So today I share with you my perfect moment picture--my moment when everything lined up perfectly.
This picture was taken at a park in Downtown Phoenix on my way to the light rail station.
But today I wanted to focus on a time when everything was lining up to be just a perfect moment. The weather was good (as opposed to today which is just hot!). The walk was nice (as opposed to today when I do not feel like walking). I was on my way home (as opposed to right now when I am eating my homemade lunch). And I pulled my phone out and the picture I took was just perfect. I do not think I could have taken a better shot if I had been trying to plan it.
So today I share with you my perfect moment picture--my moment when everything lined up perfectly.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
A Day At The Park
One thing that I feel I should clarify about this project of mine. I do not have a fancy camera--I figure that most of the pictures will be taken on my phone. I am not claiming to be a great photographer--I figure I am just a normal person sharing my normal experiences. It is all done in fun.
Today, my daughter and I went to the park to spend time with friends. This park is one of our favorites because it is covered! The equipment does not spend all day baking in the summer which is a big deal in Arizona because playground equipment can get unbearably hot.
These three pictures are my favorites--because my favorite person is in them!
This is her "cheese" smile that I see every time she sees a camera.
I think our time at the park will be some of our favorite memories together. As I sit watching her play, her strength never ceases to amaze me. I have never been someone with the upper body strength to pull myself up ropes or climb rock walls. My daughter can climb rope bridges and a few different types of obstacles without any trouble. She amazes me. And I hope that I can help encourage her to stay active throughout her life.
That is a big goal for me.
Today, my daughter and I went to the park to spend time with friends. This park is one of our favorites because it is covered! The equipment does not spend all day baking in the summer which is a big deal in Arizona because playground equipment can get unbearably hot.
That is a big goal for me.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
A New Focus...
One thing that I have really focused on in my life is focus. There are so many things I love to do, so many things I want to learn, so many experiences I want to have. It is hard to focus long enough on one project, one activity, one skill long enough to learn or master it.
I have found this struggle even harder after the death of my husband. I know how quickly everything can change and this has made me even more determined to do it all. Doing it all is good--but I think finishing the things I start would be even better.
With this in mind--I had a great idea for the focus of my blog. My life in pictures. Everyday I will post at least one picture with the story from that day that talks about why that picture is the focus for that day. If I show a food--I will share the recipe. If I show a project--I will share directions. But my focus will be more on showing you my life than just to tell you about it.
Ironically--this is the picture that sparked this idea for me. When I was walking by this plant (walking being one of my new things I am trying incorporate more often into my life)--it suddenly struck me that my family has always called that plant a "Bird of Paradise." Weird name for a plant, isn't it? Well--luckily I found online that my family was not alone. That is apparently the common name for this plant. Part of me wants to run out and find out why--but I am learning focus so I will save that research for another day because the point of my story is that thinking of that name reminded me of a song my granddaddy used to sing. A song that has always made me smile. And I thought I would share that song with you--or at least the chorus of it which is the part of the song I remember the most:
"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose"
"May an elephant caress you with his toes"
"May your wife be plagued with runners in her hose"
"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose"
(full song lyrics available here).
I was only about 8 months old when my granddaddy passed away, so I did not know him well at all. But so many stories that my family shared of him centered on his unique sense of humor--and this song was just one example of that sense of humor. And every time I think of the song--I think of the pictures I have seen of him. And I smile--because really how can you not with a song like that?
So walking today was a lot more fun because I had a smile on my face, a silly song in my heart, and my recollections of Granddaddy to keep me going along my way.
I have found this struggle even harder after the death of my husband. I know how quickly everything can change and this has made me even more determined to do it all. Doing it all is good--but I think finishing the things I start would be even better.
With this in mind--I had a great idea for the focus of my blog. My life in pictures. Everyday I will post at least one picture with the story from that day that talks about why that picture is the focus for that day. If I show a food--I will share the recipe. If I show a project--I will share directions. But my focus will be more on showing you my life than just to tell you about it.
"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose"
"May an elephant caress you with his toes"
"May your wife be plagued with runners in her hose"
"May the bird of paradise fly up your nose"
(full song lyrics available here).
I was only about 8 months old when my granddaddy passed away, so I did not know him well at all. But so many stories that my family shared of him centered on his unique sense of humor--and this song was just one example of that sense of humor. And every time I think of the song--I think of the pictures I have seen of him. And I smile--because really how can you not with a song like that?
So walking today was a lot more fun because I had a smile on my face, a silly song in my heart, and my recollections of Granddaddy to keep me going along my way.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Time Flies...
I know it has been a while since I posted--too long, but you know the old saying, "time flies when you are having fun." I am here to tell you that time also flies when you are mourning, when you are learning something new, when you are trying to move on. Time flies all of the time.
I have been very busy--and not all of it has been sad or mournful. A lot of my time has been spent working on meeting the goals that I set as part of my pledge to do something for me. For instance, I went for my first hike in years (since Girl Scouts honestly). It was brutal. We ended up having to come down from the mountain and then hike through the surrounding neighborhood to get back to our car. By I learned some things:
I have been very busy--and not all of it has been sad or mournful. A lot of my time has been spent working on meeting the goals that I set as part of my pledge to do something for me. For instance, I went for my first hike in years (since Girl Scouts honestly). It was brutal. We ended up having to come down from the mountain and then hike through the surrounding neighborhood to get back to our car. By I learned some things:
- Despite my friend and my mountain of research, we had not relied on the right sources (i.e., locals who had hiked that trail before) or maybe we were not asking the right questions? I am not sure yet, but we are going to visit a local hiking store to get more information about the trails from locals who are experts and who may (if we are very very lucky) have maps more accurate than the park's official map.
- Exercise, Exercise, Exercise. I have barely started my P90X journey and I could already see a noticeable difference--but it was not enough. However I must say that instead of discouraging me, it motivated me. I know I will conquer that darn mountain and when I do--I will celebrate! Until then, I will continue to work towards that and many other goals.
- Timing is everything. I am generally an early bird but my hiking buddy was not. We learned. In Arizona, you need to be up early to hike. We met at 9:30am but did not get underway until about 10:30am. That put us still on the mountain and then in the neighborhood through the lunch hour.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Doing Something for Me
One thing that has come from this sudden loss of someone close to me is that I need to live for today. Stop waiting for a time when I will have time to exercise, time for vacation, time to live. I need to make that time now--I need to work on being the person I want to be now because I never know when things may drastically change for me.
With this in mind, I made a list of goals that I wanted to accomplish, things I always wanted to try, places I always wanted to visit, just anything that came to mind and sparked my interest. And I am on a mission to start accomplishing, trying, visiting, or whatever I have to do to take things off that list.
I noticed that many things I had listed were for "after I lose weight" or "when I am in better shape." Well, when is that going to happen if I do not start making that a priority and making the changes in my life? It won't happen. So I have decided to do something for me--to start working on losing weight and getting into better shape so I can accomplish things on my list. It does not hurt that I feel like this is a great message to share with my daughter--we need to make time to take care of ourselves!
So I got a buddy and together we are doing P90X. Ok, I say together but really we are doing it alone but keeping up with each other on a daily basis about our progress/thoughts/what is working/what is not working/etc. So we are supporting each other even though neither of us has the time to drive to each others house to do it "together."
What has this meant for me?
1) 4am wake ups. To get the most out of any exercise program, I need to be focused on that program, on my own movements, on my breath, on listening to myself. Focusing on me when my daughter is around is difficult--if not impossible. So I am getting up before she wakes up every morning to put about an hour into my exercises. So far it has been good--until today when she woke up early so I missed the bonus round for my exercises. But I still got in a good workout--and I am still hopeful she will sleep until her normal time tomorrow!
2) Equipment. One reason I picked P90X is it did not require a lot of additional equipment, but I did have to go purchase some things (the only thing I owned before deciding to do this was a yoga mat). So I had to take some time to go find weights, bands, and towels. I really want a heart rate monitor but I have not had the money yet to get one.
3) Camaraderie. I have built a much stronger relationship with my friend who is going through this experience with me. We have connected and talked about things we never would have before. Heck--she even showed me her before and after picture from the last time she did P90X and that takes guts! I am so thankful for that connection.
4) Accomplishment. I have been wanting to do something for a long time, but I always had a reason or an excuse or a fear that prevented me from doing this. When I finished the first disc--the sense of accomplishment was amazing. Was I perfect? Heck no! But I did it. And I was proud of that. And that pride has helped me keep motivated and helped me drag myself out of bed this morning when I really did not want to wake up.
5) Momentum towards other goals. I want to bike more--maybe even mountain bike? I want to hike. All of these things seem more possible as I can feel myself getting stronger. No I do not think I can reach them today--but I feel like they are attainable goals now!
So what goals do you have on your list? What are you doing to accomplish them?
With this in mind, I made a list of goals that I wanted to accomplish, things I always wanted to try, places I always wanted to visit, just anything that came to mind and sparked my interest. And I am on a mission to start accomplishing, trying, visiting, or whatever I have to do to take things off that list.
I noticed that many things I had listed were for "after I lose weight" or "when I am in better shape." Well, when is that going to happen if I do not start making that a priority and making the changes in my life? It won't happen. So I have decided to do something for me--to start working on losing weight and getting into better shape so I can accomplish things on my list. It does not hurt that I feel like this is a great message to share with my daughter--we need to make time to take care of ourselves!
So I got a buddy and together we are doing P90X. Ok, I say together but really we are doing it alone but keeping up with each other on a daily basis about our progress/thoughts/what is working/what is not working/etc. So we are supporting each other even though neither of us has the time to drive to each others house to do it "together."
What has this meant for me?
1) 4am wake ups. To get the most out of any exercise program, I need to be focused on that program, on my own movements, on my breath, on listening to myself. Focusing on me when my daughter is around is difficult--if not impossible. So I am getting up before she wakes up every morning to put about an hour into my exercises. So far it has been good--until today when she woke up early so I missed the bonus round for my exercises. But I still got in a good workout--and I am still hopeful she will sleep until her normal time tomorrow!
2) Equipment. One reason I picked P90X is it did not require a lot of additional equipment, but I did have to go purchase some things (the only thing I owned before deciding to do this was a yoga mat). So I had to take some time to go find weights, bands, and towels. I really want a heart rate monitor but I have not had the money yet to get one.
3) Camaraderie. I have built a much stronger relationship with my friend who is going through this experience with me. We have connected and talked about things we never would have before. Heck--she even showed me her before and after picture from the last time she did P90X and that takes guts! I am so thankful for that connection.
4) Accomplishment. I have been wanting to do something for a long time, but I always had a reason or an excuse or a fear that prevented me from doing this. When I finished the first disc--the sense of accomplishment was amazing. Was I perfect? Heck no! But I did it. And I was proud of that. And that pride has helped me keep motivated and helped me drag myself out of bed this morning when I really did not want to wake up.
5) Momentum towards other goals. I want to bike more--maybe even mountain bike? I want to hike. All of these things seem more possible as I can feel myself getting stronger. No I do not think I can reach them today--but I feel like they are attainable goals now!
So what goals do you have on your list? What are you doing to accomplish them?
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