What do people assume about you that would be wrong?

This is a loaded question, isn't it? I was just reading an article and the writer mentions this as the most difficult interview question ever.  The writer's answer was "Just because I'm nice people assume I'm a doormat."

The article had this to say:

What do people assume about me? I don't really know. So how could I say they were wrong? Should I admit I've never thought about that before and see if they would let me off the hook? Should I make something up that people might assume about me, or should I pick a terrible characteristic and deny it? No, that would be wrong because then I would be admitting that there is a reason why people would assume that. Yikes! This was an impossible trick question.

I think my answer would be along the lines of, "Just because I talk to people I don't know, and am a performer, it is assumed that I'm an extrovert."

Recently I took a Personality Assessment (Predictive Index) for work. "The test employs a free-choice (as opposed to forced-choice) response format, in which individuals are presented with two lists of descriptive adjectives, both containing 86 items, and are asked to endorse those which they feel describe them (the “self” domain), and then those which they feel coincide with how they feel others expect them to behave (the “self-concept” domain). Summing across these two domains yields a third implied domain (the “synthesis”), which can be interpreted as reflecting an employee’s observable behavior in the workplace."  [description from "What is Predictive Index (PI)?" article online]

I took it twice, because even the Talent Acquisition person had a hard time believing my first results... here are some of the results:

• Private, serious, introspective, and reserved, it takes her a long time to connect to and trust new people.
• Focused, she can concentrate on the task at hand for long periods. She more quickly notices and understands technical matters than social ones. Consistent and patiently thoughtful.
• Works at a steady, unwavering pace; most comfortable with familiar processes, environments, and co-workers. Doesn't easily change.
• Task-focused; she quickly notices and pushes to fix technical problems, assertively cutting through any personal/emotional issues. Has aptitude to spot trends in data or figure out how complex systems work.
• Independent, analytical, critical, and creative thinking and action; little need for external validation before action. Private.
• Authoritative and direct, she's driven to accomplish her personal goals; she pushes through roadblocks assertively. Communication is direct, to the point, and sometimes brusque.

Because I love to sing and perform, people assume I'm an extrovert.  Because I get people together for reunions or performance opportunities, people assume I am social. But truly, it is only those with whom I have a strong (and loving) connection with are the folks I adore being around and love being the instigator of social situations.

I am actually an introvert. People exhaust me. I love performing, and by nature love the spotlight... but that is about recognition (which the PI stated I needed). I absolutely hate and do my best to avoid being in a room full of people that I don't know and with whom I'm expected to have conversations. Even if we have something in common (like singing, scrapbooking, crafting, etc...). Small Talk. Blech. I prefer to be "task-focused." I wish, however, I could "assertively cut through... personal/emotional problems." At least, be more assertive fixing my own. Always easier to see through someone else's cow turds.

That being said, I'm extremely socially intuitive, and my gut reaction to people and situations is spot on. My Emotional Intelligence is pretty high (though it hasn't been officially/sociologically tested). My feelings about someone, even if I am unable to articulate why, are right on the money as far as if I instinctively know if I can trust them, or if I want to work closely with them. So, when I read from my PI results that I am going to "notice and understand technical matters more than social ones..." I guffaw.

I also laugh heartily at the "Authoritive and direct... pushes through roadblocks assertively... communication is direct, to the point and sometimes brusque..."  Because I see myself (and have been given feedback regarding it) as giving you the baby and the bathwater when it comes to communication.  I have a sticky by my computer to remind me "... If I Had To Say It In Bullet Points..." because I want to ensure everyone understands exactly what I mean.  I don't trust others to 'get it' so I over-compensate with over-explanation. (can you say "Controlling" ?!)

And then comes the many (many) times I'm proved right... that someone doesn't get the question, or the situation, and so much time is wasted going back and forth in email dialogue because of the initial misunderstanding. That drives me NUTS.

I'm in a situation right now where I've instigated putting together 7 other people to sing for a fun/humorous performance weekend in August. We'll sing two songs, and there is competition involved. You can win 1st, 2nd or 3rd place - or the Golden Banana... which is what everyone actually wants to win. In the past few years I was in a group that got third place, and the next year I was in a different group and we won the Golden Banana.  This time around, I wanted to work with people who hadn't done this Double Quartet experience before, and hopefully help grow some independent singing skills under the guise of having fun. Some of the gals in this group are brand new to this wonderful barbershop hobby, and others have been singing it for over 40 years.

Regarding this situation, I acknowledge that sometimes I actually might be "...direct and sometimes brusque..." because I want excellence (in work and play) as the end result. I like recognition for a job well done, and when my name is associated with something, I want to be able to have pride in what we've (I've) done.

And there it is. Pride. Writing this piece this morning has brought the mirror to my face, and so much crap in what I struggle with has to do with Pride. Caring what others think too often.

My comfort level in posting this (1 being low and 10 being high) is a -3.

Acceptance... of the gifts & talents... AND the 'Never Ever Evers...'

My new favorite blog/writer is White Hot Truth -- and THIS POST made me burst out in tears today.

I think we waste a lot of time wishing for things --

I wish I was... a naturally non-cluttered person;
I wish I was... more organized
I wish I was... better at math
I wish I was... more athletic

I wish for everyone that we become happy with who we are. Right Now. That we love who we are at this moment... that we are becoming exactly who we are meant to be - with all our natural abilities (maybe undiscovered), AND all our natural non-abilities (I have to work at keeping things simple and manageable). I have to re-remember every time all the reasons why exercise is what I want in my life... every single time I go to exercise.

I wish for everyone that we love ourselves for what we can do right now.

It isn't that I don't want to have goals or things to improve or work toward ~ but the inner beatings need to stop.  Accept that I'll never ever be a size 10... that I'll never ever have a flat stomach... that I'll never ever like to clean my house... that I'll never ever want to pull weeds or do the physical labor that is required for a beautiful back yard myself...

I am a natural singer, and have been blessed with musical genes from both sides of my family -- and I need to accept it, love it, use it and (hopefully) bless others with this gift. Stop comparing my special gift with others who ALSO have been given special gifts and talents.

Don't knock the talents you have just because it comes easily... there are people out there who wish they could do what we can -- and vice-versa. Enjoy the differences. Learn and challenge ourselves to improve... but love yourself all the time.

Day 225

At Medifast yesterday I was down 2.5 lbs for a total of 88 lbs down.  While I was only down 2 lbs over two weeks, my body scan showed that I have lost 7 lbs of body fat.  The walking 6 miles a week is helping!!

This morning on MY scale I saw a new number ~ 244.8.  Discussion with my MF counselor yesterday was focused on ... staying focused. Journalling. Making a plan of eating for the week... and I promised to get back to blogging every day -- putting this BACK on top of the priority plan.

Yes, life has things coming at us all the time, things which want to move us [DISTRACT!] from one direction to another... things that look more fun, or look like a better idea "in the long run," or... in my case... "Look! Shiny!" And before we know it, we've stopped the good habits we're trying to build.

And while I'm giving myself grace and forgiveness when I stumble for a time... that doesn't mean that my Health/Fitness actions move from the number #1 spot in my priority plan/schedule for the day, week, month, year, decade... LIFE!!

And God needs to be overall, in all goals, in all actions, in all plans... and I've lost sight of how helpful it is to take time every day to just "Be Still and know that He Is God" -- to release my worries, my stresses, my anxiousness to Him. 

As the Fabulous Renee Porzel said last weekend about chorus members on the risers... "[the director/choreographer's directions] release us from having an opinion."  ~ I think this relates fabulously to God and what He wants for us... His desire for us to follow Christ... (and the "Plan for Life" that is called the Bible) releases us from having to think about it.  Being obedient actually does give us a bit of freedom.

And this works for food, for exercise, for studying... just being obedient to the plan you're following, without argument, without cajoling, without bargaining... simplicity at its finest, really.

Ah... easier said than done, but what a good reminder for me today.

A number of years ago I lost 25 lbs doing the Weigh Down Workshop (Gwen Shamblin).  I think the foundation of the program (eat when you're hungry, stop when you're satisfied... and when you want to eat from any other reason other than fuel and energy for the body, then turn to God and His Word to fill that emotional hole.) is sound, though I think there was too much guilt, and then the program lost its way when her church started up (!)... ANYWAY... my point was -- Finding Freedom in Obedience was a mainstay of the philosophy, and 'being released' from having to argue or have an opinion is extremely freeing.
* * *

Yesterday was very busy... 4 hours on the road to Chandler... met my mom & step-dad for a brief visit and coffee after the MF appointment... then Craft Class (Fragrance Diffusers)... then picked up the soap we made in July... then dinner with a good friend... then home to my cute hubby and catching up on Project Runway.
* * *

My friend's been a widow 3 years today... I can't believe it has been 3 years since that tragic bicycle accident that took away the life of a vibrant, energetic, God-loving, enthusiastic, intelligent, oreo-cookie-loving husband, father & grandfather.

We never know what the day will bring.  It just reminds me again of what is important -- people and relationships -- not objects and possessions.

One More Thought...

"Order is Heaven's First Law." ~ Alexander Pope

I've started with getting my body & health in order... my mind should be following along closely... but I'm not sure about that ~ so I need to pay more attention.

Really getting rid of stuff isn't about the stuff.  I really like Peter Walsh, and am thinking I should take a trip to Bookman's and use my Bookman's Store Credit to see if there are any Peter Walsh books there.

This page on Oprah's site has some good stuff. I really like the last Q/A about completing the cycle... and that we all think we are 8 year olds thinking someone is going to clean up after us.  I'm so very extraordinarily guilty of that... and so is my wonderful himself.

"A lot of clutter is a lack of acceptance that a moment has passed. Maybe someone has kept all her college English papers because she wanted to be a writer, but she never put in the time and energy to make it happen." ~ Peter Walsh

Can we say, "Ah- HA!"

Day 109 ~ Time For A Real Reason To Get Up In The Morning

Well... today I've decided to begin to commence to start (*hee hee*) training for a half-marathon in Tucson in December. I'll be mostly walking/jogging (at least, that is what I believe I'll be doing at this point in my weight loss journey) per Jeff Galloway's  "Run Injury Free" methodology ..... he invented the "Galloway RUN-WALK-RUN™, low mileage, three-day marathoner training schedule [with a] ... 98% success rate." And when I'm in better condition to actually start training, I can download ipod sessions with the intervals all worked out for me. I ♥ Technology. (at least, I ♥ it today... it is a love/hate relationship with technology...) 

Just getting up in the morning to exercise hasn't really been pushing the right buttons to actually *get me to bed on time* and *get my you-know-what* out of my comfy-cozy snooze-fest bed. I know I need another reason that is more specific than "to be in better shape" or "to be fit" or "to lose weight faster."  For me, this would be a HUGE change in my life... and I'm committed to making this goal the number one priority (after sticking on the Medifast Diet 5 and 1 plan!!).

So: Tucson's Marathon (which is a Boston Marathon Qualifier, in case anyone wants to know) is Sunday, December 11, 2011. Holy Moly, I just clicked the "Register" button and it costs $70.00! With a Registration Fee of $4.84 and I have to purchase by the end of June.  I guess I'm just in time to put my feet where my mouth is (and have the money follow). 

Because I'm not in any sort of fitness condition to actually begin a training program... the Jeff Galloway site has an 8-week conditioning program -- I'll be just walking for now... I don't want to start jogging until I'm 25 lbs or less away from my goal weight.  As it is now, I'm 3 lbs from the weight limit on the elliptical we still have in the box... which I'm soooo excited to be so close to putting it together!
* * *

Eating: I'm up .8 lbs -- but still down (?!) if that makes any sense. I wrote out my list of "Tried and True" Lean & Green recipes and posted them on the fridge, (there are 9 of them) -- and over the next couple of days plan to try 4 new ones, and then find/try another 10 for a good rotation of meal options. Having the list on the fridge will hopefully help me write out the grocery list and plan a little better.
* * *

I start training with my new job on May 9th ~ I called the company and received confirmation that yes, I've been accepted as a new hire. I'm relieved, excited, kinda bummed about a real schedule that will have to be followed, but ultimately Very Very thankful, grateful and happy to have a larger paycheck in my future.

This was another reason to simplify my "GET UP EARLY AND EXERCISE" goal ~ if I'm working at 8am and it takes me 20+ minutes to get to work... I really need to start getting up at 5am (at the latest) so I can meet my running buddy nearby (i.e., get dressed and in the car), do the workout, get home, walk the dog, get showered and ready for work and leave with plenty of time. Call Center = No Likey Tardy Peeps.
* * *

I feel good today... I've been feeling really crappy the last couple of weeks -- headaches, shoulder aches, despondent thoughts, spirits down, bored with MF (due to my inability to move past the -54 lb mark, I'm sure...), and frustrated with myself and lack of follow-through with the getting up.

I feel like I've turned over a mental leaf.  I know there are people who are out there keeping me in their thoughts and prayers, and rooting for me... and I'm so thankful and grateful for you ♥.

Happy Good Friday...
* * *

Oh Yeah!!!! ~ One More Thing...

I tried on clothes that haven't fit me for awhile last night, hoping I'd have something "new" for Easter Sunday... and a blouse that really didn't fit when mom bought it for me, which I tried on about a month 1/2 ago and still was too snug... is something I think will be perfect for Easter Sunday!! WOOT!!

A favorite skirt that I've kept for ages fit too! Still a little snug around the waist, but it is a pull over/pull on skirt ~ and just being able to slip it over my head AND back off again without dislocating anything was a major feat! I can't wait to shop and find a couple of tops to go with it :-)

Day 69 ~ Tired in a Good Way

Yesterday's chorus coaching was awesome as usual.  The trick of course is remembering and doing what we are capable of (as shown by yesterday's singing)... how to inspire everyone to choose excellence every time -- to do their best 'first time out of the gate' - when the pitch is blown, the focus is there, the thought of "Air & Space with support" is there... the passion behind the words of the song ~ passion toward whatever the common goal for the unit sound... whether the song intention is *Havin' a Party* or *A Longing Yearning for a Loved One.*

Leaders can foster the environment and provide the tools ~ but like the proverbial horse to water; leaders can't make them drink.  The act of drinking (choosing to be excellent) has to be the horse's (our members, at whatever excellence level they are).

Does anyone out there have any thoughts or ideas on how to encourage and inspire someone who is happy with the status quo to strive to be the best they can be ~ all the time?

All The Time -- qualification... According to the Four Agreements - our 'best' changes from moment to moment, and there are times when our best isn't the same as our best from yesterday or what will be our best tomorrow -- but it is the best in that moment.  

 Perhaps my vision is blurred, my perspective jaded -- but I think there are a few horses who may be afraid to drink; that the water isn't going to be a refreshing thing, or they aren't thirsty (!) ... and they are perfectly okay with that.

But enough of that -- it was an inspiring day, and my back is sore and my feet hurt -- but all in a good way!
Plus, I was down a pound this morning, so that is good :-)
* * *

I've been slacking on my Food Log -- tsk tsk! Slap Slap -- this needs to get back into a daily thing! As with the regular blogging!

My Newest Habit: Going to Bed Earlier in Order to Rise Earlier and Get Some Chores & Exercise Done for the Day has waned.  I'm fighting myself.  I've been fighting getting sick the last 4 days - really sneezy - don't feel sick, just sneezy and blowing my nose 'with results' - if you know what I mean (!) -- so 3 cloves or garlic yesterday, drinking 2 TB of Apple Cider Vinegar (supposedly it is a natural help for Hayfever -- cuz it is Spring and there is nature stuff flying around outside, and dust was kicked up in the house this week while installing of the NEW A/C was being installed), taking Vitamin C, Echinacea & drinking even more water than usual.  I haven't been going to bed between 9:30 and 10:00 - and 10pm to 5am is only 7 hours as it is ~ ~ and I like 9 hours... as does my body when fighting off germs... so -- *heavy sigh* I have to be stronger about going to sleep!

I know some of it has to do with not getting done in a day what I hoped to get done -- procrastination falls into this; as does unforeseen circumstances (like a Gallbladder Attack or four in two weeks and having to really cook for himself, rather than let him eat processed food and high fat/salt stuff!). And putting my health habits first was pretty easy for two months -- now I have to put himself's eating healthy habits that we need to forge first -- and therefore things I want to do need to take a back seat to the things I need to do -- which wakes up my inner brat, who stamps her foot and demands her way more often than not.

*I just had a heart breakthrough, I think*

When I just wrote about "need to do"  -- I was thinking specifically of things I've signed up to accomplish in chorus.  I feel resentful of anything I "NEED" to do -- the rebellious feelings (that are still somewhat of a mystery to me of where they come from) roar up when they hear "NEED TO DO."

Yes, this is regardless of the fact that at some point I WANTED to do this -- and I lose sight of the motivation or inspiration or whatever it was that made me volunteer for whatever task it is that needs to be done and I WANTED TO DO IT.

This isn't a new thought - to "Change My Mind" -- but this particular one made the leap this morning from head to heart, and perhaps a breakthrough is happening about wanting to do these tasks again....! And keeping that 'Want To' attitude closer to my heart than in the past.

And perhaps... p.e.r.h.a.p.s. ... I will say "no" a little more often (?!?) Ha. We'll see.

Day 45 ~ More Emotional Sifting

Somehow I'm a day off -- This should be Day 46 -- but I'm just going to go with it.
* * * * *
Yesterday was a pretty awful struggle in the afternoon/early evening!

It is tied in with not contributing enough money to the household, and feeling quite poor all the time; though we certainly are not poor! We are considerably blessed -- and I have to really check myself when I start feeling all deprived... SOOOOOOO not deprived!!!

I'd met a friend at Starbucks, who has asked me to help her and her business partner market their website better -- and she'll/they'll be paying for my efforts.  Situations like this put me in a place of anxiety. Big Time!  I'm absolutely THRILLED that she thought of me, and has put her trust in me to do what I can (whatever that is). On the other hand, I know I'm lacking in a lot of knowledge that others out there possess as a second nature, almost, when it comes to this stuff (internet marketing).

We wrote some stuff down, and I have an idea how to get started -- I wrote her an email to recap what we'd discussed, and we came to a payment agreement; which I also recapped in the email (and, by the way, it suits me perfectly and the timing is amazing!).  This is one of those situations where I firmly believe that God has worked His perfect timing in an answer to prayer.  *But* I just had that thought about an answer to prayer this very minute as I've been trying to write this post and figure out what I'm trying to say!

Takes a moment to reflect and say "Thank You God - You ROCK!"

Back to the other stuff... when I got home, I was hungry - had a pickle, my soup, water, and himself discovered his battery was dead and told me he had to go into work today (and no, he didn't want to take my car so I could pile stuff in the van because it was the first opportunity he would have of driving with his super-duper spectacular radio that has blue tooth and a little mini screen so it can play DVDs too... cuz THAT is what you need while driving -- another distraction[!]), and all these things that I'd promised the Rummage Sale was going up in smoke; so feeling bad about not delivering on THAT promise [lesson learned: don't promise, just say 'do my best' and try, I guess... which wraps me up in wishy-washiness, which I really don't like!].

I got on the computer and went to their website, read my 'idiot's guide' about creating web pages and blogs regarding Meta tags... nothing about adding video on it, so more research coming... and getting hungrier... had a 'snack' (which I now realize is a meal replacement, not an optional snack -- oops!)... some tea... no idea what to have for dinner -- but the feelings are crying out for BULK and COMFORT.  And then I remembered I had Shirataki Noodles -- and remembered Lyn's Shiratake Noodle Bake was on her site, so went over there and used it as a starting point and digressed from her recipe almost 100% (*smile*)... but I didn't start cooking until like, 8:30 pm because of all the emotional crap I was fighting in my head.

I was feeling really crappy, and for the first time, really (since starting MF in January) --I had a concrete thought of going to food as a way to "Feel Better." My head knew that was crap, and I just took a few minutes to breathe, and asked myself  "why are you feeling like this? REALLY??!!" and processed my feelings, trying to figure out what was happening.  Expressing my frustration that plans I thought we'd made were only in my head, and being careful not to put blame anywhere and also express appreciation at how hard himself has been working at work and at home... and taking action on marketing myself as a singer for senior communities by drafting a letter to solicit business -- all these things brought my emotions back in balance.

I started realizing when I was cooking that I was going to be going over on my amounts -- this was quite conscious, actually (not that I started with the intention of going over, but realizing that I wanted ALL the noodles!!! and that I'd figure out the equivalents later, which I've done this morning) so my amounts were  = 5 Greens, Less than 1 Lean, 5 over on my condiments -- Plus I'd had an extra MF Meal because I thought the Parmesan Cheese Puffs were a snack, not a Meal Replacement... you can see my recipe here (very VERY loosely based on Lyn's from Escape from Obesity). As I say, I was more interested in Bulk & Comfort, I think -- the noodles were extremely appealing at the time of this minor emotional crisis...

 

as you can see... it looks pretty darn delicious.. and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I was completely satisfied after eating and while I knew I'd gone over and was off on a few things according to strict MF Guidelines...
 

I also knew that everything I was putting in my mouth was On Program -- it wasn't pasta, it wasn't potatoes, it wasn't Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, or chocolate! So I'm absolutely thrilled with my process and my progress and taking a minute to step back, get some perspective and HANG ON!

* * * * * 

So -- Yay ME! and as a reward -- I bought some songs on itunes! I'm planning a "Doris Day" set for a Cabaret Show, and need to learn a few songs -- so... got a few Doris tunes (I ♥ Doris Day!), AND remembered a song from long long longgggg ago that I've been meaning to get on my ipod for awhile, "The Last Time I Felt Like This (I Was Falling In Love)" [the song and clips from the movie on YouTube] sung by Johnny Mathis & Jane Olivor from the movie, "Same Time, Next Year" -- which is one of my all time favorite movies, that I keep forgetting I adore! 

I sang the song with good and very talented friend in High School for one of our choir concerts -- and was so happy last night when I remembered it... FOUND it... and listened to it again!!

* * * * *

So... today I am feeling better... the scale was still down 1 lb this morning, and I have the day off so was able to catch up on some sleep, write at a pace I like, load my car with the few things I've gathered for the Rummage Sale, and now off to deliver it - and make a stop at storage so I can plan for the Craft Class tomorrow!

Day 30 ~ Wow! 30 Days!!!

On January 31 the scale read 27 lbs down. Today is 5 lbs higher than that... I'm sure it is a combination of things, beginning with the amount of sodium! So, I did a count of the MF Meals sodium, and the sodium in the foods I had. But first...

For most people, the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council recommends 2,200 mg of sodium as a desirable intake.  That is equivalent to ONE TEASPOON of salt. (The average person has 20 times that amount, approximately 1 TB of salt every day) 

So here's the counts (from what I ate yesterday):

MF Oatmeal...135 mg Sodium

MF Chili...260 mg

MF Lemon Crunch...160 mg

1 oz Farmer Cheese...120 mg

pickle spear... 220 mg

Zucchini (1/2 C)... >01 mg

Cauliflower (per 50g)... 008 mg

Asparagus (per 50g)... 006 mg

Spinach (per 1/2 C)... 022 mg

TJ's Red Wine and 

 Olive Oil Vinaigrette... (2 tsp or 62 mg consumed) [190 mg (2 TB) serving size amount]

Wishbone Balsamic... (2 tsp or 92 mg consumed) [(280 mg (2 TB) serving size amount]

Pork Pattie... 053 mg (per 100 g = 3.5 oz)

Garlic Garni... (>1/4 tsp consumed or 20 mg +/-) [80 mg 1/4 tsp serving size amount)

MF Peanut Butter Crunch... 220 mg

MF Cappuccino... 110 mg

A Total of 1489 mg of Sodium for the day. That is 711 mg below the recommended amount. 

I was down 1 lb from yesterday... (yay!) BUT --- still up 5lbs from MONDAY! (Which was 5 lbs down from Saturday, which was 3 lbs up from Friday, which was 3 lbs down from Thursday, which was 1 lb up from Wednesday, January 27th; which was the last 'steady' day which held two days in a row)  Did you keep up? *lol*

I'm sure there are other things coming in to play -- more condiments than I should be allowing myself ~ however -- this little game that my body is playing with salt is definitely a lesson being learned that I'd never paid any attention to!  One of the Healthy websites I found while looking for naturally occurring sodium in foods said that many of us carry an extra 20 - 30 lbs of water weight just because of the high amount of salt in the American Diet.  Yikes!

So, I *know* that my first month on Medifast has been a loss of mostly water weight! As a friend said... "[I'm] peeing all my weight away!" and now I see that.  

I'm a little disconcerted about this realization.  A month just to get the salt washed away from my body? While it is a good thing, and my brain engaged in actually having to Pay Attention to this aspect of my food label reading is most certainly a positive thing... I'm bummin' a little.

That being said, my resolve is not dissipated one little bit. My visualization of my pants falling down around my ankles is still very much at the front of my mind (*grins!*).

So -- My Plan, you ask?

I've put together a document of low-salt marinades, rubs & seasoning mixes from a variety of sources, along with some home made dressing recipes.  I'll be printing that out and taste testing over the next month to find my favorites, and will try and change hubby's salt cravings, as he's probably retaining some fluid, too (he is a salt fiend, actually).

After reading the labels of my salad dressings that I'm using -- I didn't like the TJs Organic Red Wine & Olive Oil dressing on my salad, but it is FABULOUS over grilled veggies (I grilled Asparagus and Cauliflower yesterday for dinner), and pretty low in sodium for a salad dressing! Health Fat, though higher in fat that preferred at this point [2 TB is 140 cal, 15g Fat, 190 mg Sodium, 0 carbs]... will be asking about it at my MF Center appointment tomorrow.

* * *

I'm finding that dinner with Mahi Mahi seems to give me the bulk amount of food with a very great scale result in the mornings.  I bought some Tuna, so am eager to try that this week.  

The Shirataki Noodles are definitely noodle-y ~ but there is no way my brain is going to call them pasta... closer to Ramen noodles, I thought.  The ones I boiled in the VERY HIGH SODIUM Chicken Broth (so wasn't paying attention!) were tasty - very rubbery, but I didn't mind that. I took about 3 oz and stir fried them in the 'leftover bits' from the pan I in which I stir-fried the tofu and vegetables (note to self - "Soyaki" from TJs is tasty stuff but Totally. Off. Limits. Full Stop!), and crisping them up made them totally YUM!

The fish smell that everyone says is so awful (or, the "authentic" smell, as the label refers to it... ha ha ha!!!!), was totally less than what I was expecting after reading so much about it. Rinsing a few minutes under warm water, then boiling in (next time Low Sodium/No Salt Broth) with a minced clove of garlic gave them great flavor!

A New Beautiful Me Blog has some great recipes, and I have another package of them, and CodyJo has put a recipe up for Spinach Chicken "Noodle" soup, so I'll probably try that this weekend.

* * *

I've put other things first in the last couple of days -- I was in charge of testing the new chorus Video Cameras and setting them up, and downloading and editing the footage of the amazing coaching we had this weekend. I did plan ahead by looking at the menu at Chuy's and seeing what food on their menu I could have and still stay on plan (Yay For Me!)

I will have been out 3 nights of 5 this week (one night is driving up to my MF Appointment, so while that is within my 'Focus' - it is still 4 hours in the car plus 2 hours in Phoenix area having my appointment and spending time with my mom), and haven't come close to going to bed on time and getting up at 5am.  

This morning I started writing this around 6:30 am - it is now 8:10 am and I've got to get the shower in this morning!!

Food Log Updates tonight!