In-Shape Challenge Day 1

Okay so, I just got back from my photo shoot, and gym registration. and let me tell you no side was the good side... I made it though. It was terribly nerve racking but I went at it like getting in the pool, just go for it and jump in... wait till afterwards to panic. "I got my eye on the prize", so at the very least I will have that to remind me of why I don't want to go back....

It was really cool to meet Joe and Cari, as it turns out they are real people... who would have guessed. They were fun and it helped to make it a little easier, familiar voices and such. I never realized just how much they are apart of my life.

3 of us stayed (the girls) after all the paperwork and orientation and worked our booties off (hopefully) it was more tiring than I imagined. They are motivators, keep me going. I am excited for tomorrows workout.... no really I am.

thanks to my darling hubby who made dinner... love ya babe.

OMG!!!

Man, I am panicking, today is picture day, that means a sports bra, shorts... and a person taking a picture..... and I am thinking. Talk about out of a comfort zone. And to just layer on some more anxiety, they are going to use this for advertising! ahhhhhh I don't even want to comprehend that.

So I know this is not productive at all so I thought I would air this out to you guys in hopes that it will clear my mind.

wish me luck.

Upcoming call for artists

Call to Artists for February Show at The Chris Sorensen Studio and Gallery...

Art submissions will be recieved on Saturday, January 31, 2009 form 9;00a.m. to 12;00p.m. The admission fee is $20.00 per pc. with a max. of two per aritist.
The Chris Sorensen Studio and Gallery is located at 2223 S. VanNess Ave. in Fresno next to the arch.
All art should depict expression of LOVE...
The show is dedicated to Chris Sorensen and proceeds will benifit The Marjoree Mason Center.
Applications will be available at the studio after January 15, or you can get them on the day of submissions.
Email Cynthia.Manuszak@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

____________________________________________________________________
Calendar art contest taking entries

The Tulare County Farm Bureau is now taking entries from kindergarten through 12th graders for its calendar.

Every year the Bureau accepts agriculturally-themed artwork to publish in its calendar. Winners will receive prizes and cash awards at the National Agriculture Week presentation with the Tulare County Board of Supervisors on March 17.

Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. Feb. 13 to the Bureau office at 737 N. Ben Maddox Way, Visalia, 93279. Entry forms are available at the office or online at www.tulcofb.org.

My MAC Miracle

Okay so just a little while ago I was doing the "I love my MAC dance..." (are you feeling where I am going with this) Well a few days ago the MAC went black screened.... not good. So yesterday I spent a little time on the phone with Apple and they finally said "oh just take it in to have the genius look at it." ... not good

So this morning we take him in to Fresno's Mac Store, and they take in to the back. and I started prayin' like mad... mercy god, please mercy, over and over, nearly uncontrollable. I felt like if I stopped it would be bad. The guy comes back and says "its your logic board" that's mac talk for motherboard... a death sentence.

Well I knew there was no way we could afford $500+ no matter how wonderful the MAC is. And my uber-fabulous husband was talking to the guy answer questions about when we bought it... another death sentence cause even though it is out of warranty it was also outside the Apple extended warranty they put out for these models because of the problems they have been having.

Then BAM!

The guy said "yeah we'll fix it" just like that... mercy. FOR FREE.... no parts, no labor, just come back in 5-7 days... mercy

I am amazed by this... I just kept thinking God I know this is just a computer but everything is on it for the business, for the art center, I have shows coming up... everything ... mercy

Thank you God

Habits and Weakness'

I have noticed that a habit that I have is too wait until I am so hungry that when I do eat, I eat like a gluten.

Also my weakness is snacking. I either never have snacky foods, or I have terrible kinds of snacks. So a snack for me becomes leftover fried chicken, but it is okay cause I used whole wheat flour... right.

So I am guessing that I should try to maintain a schedule or at least eat smaller meals. And have some descent choices for snacks, but not junky ones I hate, maybe string cheese or something, I guess really I don't know, any suggestions out there.

Recipe: Healthier Stronganoff

I almost forgot, I made a stroganoff that was pretty darn good. I am sure you can make these changes with your favorite recipe.

I used the recipe on the bag, these are the substitutes I made are in bold....

INGREDIENTS:

• 12 ounces sirloin steak, cut into thin strips (I used Chicken Breast)
  
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, halved and sliced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (I used alot... cause mmm!)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (fat free, even though I hate that)
  
• 1/4 teaspoon dill weed
  
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• egg noodles (I used whole wheat)
  

PREPARATION:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips, onion, and mushrooms. Cook, stirring, for 5 to 7 minutes, until chicken is cooked and onions are tender. Add sour cream and dill weed; stir to blend. Taste and add salt, as needed. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with green onions. Serve with hot buttered noodles or rice.

*I mixed a little chicken bouillon seasoning and water, about 1/2 to 1 cups worth and added it to the chicken and veggies and let it cook down a little bit before adding the sour cream so I had a little more sauce.

More Food for thought

Southern food, I was raised on it. My grandma was from Booneville, Kentucky. I ate things like mustard greens, fried chicken, cooked down green beans, biscuits and gravy... mmmm!

I have read and also talked to a nutritionist person and the general consensus seems to be avoid white sugar and white flour....

So I tried this Saturday to make a little change to my biscuits and gravy, whole wheat. So first we tried momma's recipe with all whole wheat.... not bad, not great, the recipe needs adjusting a little cause it was not uber fluffy. But the gravy was good I used whole wheat there also and man the only difference seemed to be texture but it was right on.

I usually by whole wheat pastry flour but this time I grabbed the wrong bag so it was just regular whole wheat. The difference being that it is ground more, it looks more like regular flour as well. So once it is perfected I will post it here.

Kduv Inshape Challenge shout out!

I am overwhelmed by the cheers and support I have received from my friends, and family. I know my support system will be strong. A friend gave me this verse...

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

I can feel change is coming
I just can't sit in idle anymore... I won't accept the norm anymore
I will rise up from this ash burned, consumed... but alive
I can feel change is coming.
...Auwbrey

Thanks everyone!

Mystery Meat Mondays: Brewbakers...

Okay so Brewbakers, it is small that is for sure but they trick you because they have a whole loft, which can be a long wait if you are behind me (stairs don't like my rickety body). The place is nice there is tv's everywhere, there is always a game on, and even an outside patio up top.

I would like to start off with I go there whenever I can. It is so yummy. I have had many things there, many favorites. There is however, one thing I get alot, Ultimate Combo plate, it is a nice assortment of yummy stuff, good if you want to chat with someone and have conversation not have to compete with a meal.

You get to pick three, I always get the popcorn chicken, mushrooms, and garlic fries (with a little exta garlic... and parsley sprigs for my breath after) oh and can I have some blue cheese dressing too. It is all batter fried, it used to be that the only place you could get fried mushrooms was at Jolly Cone (dust off those memory chips) they were everywhere, now they are random donut shops and taco shacks... mmm tacos.

Anyway, the mushrooms are really good, hot though, you have to resist temptation a bit, but it is worth the wait. They are not giant, they pop easily in your mouth, cause that is the way you have to eat them, or you get messy from the juices. The Garlic fries... oh my gosh, they are really tasty and if you really like garlic ask for more, I am not sure if it is garlic butter or what but I think next time I may see if they have parmesan cheese, now that sounds uber good.

The sauces are really good, I always ask for their blue cheese dressing. I think the blue cheese may be homemade, which is my favorite I am the only one at my house that eats it so I make it myself... I don't like store bought.

So this is my opinion... oh yeah I have heard that the beer is good, I don't drink alcohol anymore so I don't really know, their sodas are good, and they make them their as good.

so happy eating.

Did you know!

The serving size for cooking spray is 1/4 of a second!

Reality of the kduv in-shape challenge is kicking in.

Reality.. to great.. must have sugar....

Okay so last night I was freaking out a little, I thought just for kicks I would monitor (unofficially) what I was eating. You know cause I have this fantasy that I don't eat that much, and a magical mean little troll with a vengeance against me has not let me "lose all this baby weight". Isn't creating your own reality fun... I like it, no responsibility, no pressure.

Anyhoo, it goes like this.

morning-- 6 cups of coffee cream and sugar = 3 grams of fat, 300 calories (holy rusted metal batman!)
midmorning (had to work) --omelet with tomatoes, cheese, mushrooms, sausage, , 2 cups coffee cream and                                                     sugar= 70 grams of fat, 817 calories

Well so far for breakfast I have had 80% of my daily caloric requirements and surpassed my fat grams, yeah for me, I am an overachiever.

Lunch--- wasn't hungry... could have something to do with waiting till 11am and then eating.... but I had some coffee with cream and sugar...  .1 grams of fat, 150 calories, oh and an orange  thats good right!

dinner--  pasta casserole and meatballs (this is not looking good), and 2 glasses of soda                                                 16 grams of fat and 890 calories

grand total= 19.1 grams of fat and 2157 calories.... oh crud! 

What that's like a day and a half. dang!  That's really frustrating, and really I didn't think I was eating that badly...

Well I know if I go extreme I can get results, but I will probably burn out... I am however going to drop the sugar in my coffee... maybe nearly completely.  I see alot of sugar intake and seems like I am lovin' that fatty food.  I am going to have to find alternatives... 

Lookin at yesterday makes me wonder how it is that I convinced my daughter to eat so much fruit in a day when clearly I don't eat any myself.  This is a big wake up call!  probably worse than seeing myself on video!  And to think I was going to make mama's gravy and light bread this morning.

I think also that I will probably keep my food diary going, probably not on the blog, this was too hard to go public with.  Also I think I am going to make healthy alternatives for my favorites, those I will post here..

thanks for listening

TGI Friday

Okay deep breath everyone... its FRIDAY!!! We made it.

Okay so I changed some things around, and changed the background because, well that is just who I am... I also combined my blogs to just one, cause what was I thinking, not one of my greatest revelations to spread things out everywhere. So that is a new change too. I am still working on making my own page, but really who has that kind of time, I ask you... who!

Speaking of time (like that transition). I want extra time on the clock or something or maybe I can train my body to live on only 3 hours of sleep, you know I used to be able to do it. But I spoiled myself into believing I need like 7 hours. I think my agenda is too large, my friend Carrie a.k.a Carrot, she seems to have it right on though, her time management inspires me... one day I'll get that.

KDUV FM In-Shape Challenge

Ok so I got the call today about the KDUV FM In-Shape Challenge I am on the team and I am psyched!  

I couldn't believe it when Cari Kates called me... she probably thinks I am nuts.  I love her on the morning show.   I feel so blessed to be chosen and I will be hard chargin' and motivated.  

Art news

Take a Walk in my Shoes

a Stop the Violence Day art exhibit
Guidelines

The purpose of the art exhibition is to creating awareness how each of us are affected by domestic violence and of Stop the Violence Day.

We welcome all views and experiences

Use whatever materials you are most comfortable with to express your own story (pencils, paints, collage, clay, etc.) As you create your art, notice that you are offering the world a "window" of understanding into how domestic violence has affected you personally. Your reflections are valuable. Be sure to include an entry form for each piece of art. Note: Both men and women are invited to enter this is a exhibit of how violence. whether it is domestic, sexual, or otherwise, effects each of us.

New Exhibit Idea

Ok so Feb 14th is "Stop the Violence Day",  we are going to put together an exhibit titles "Walk a Mile in my Shoes"  it will utilize projects that will showcase the affect of domestic violence on the artist, and their personal journey towards freedom and healing.

Look for it in upcoming postings as it is developed

Sofa Art

Well it is Sofa Art Delivery day.... man this thing is obnoxiously huge.  The kids at Art Club put together this large sofa for  Arts Visalias' annual Sofa Art Exhibit, a show which basically pokes fun at the thought of matching your painting or print to your furnishings. 

The theme this year is Sofa Art goes to Vegas, Baby.  The kids sofa was completely made of cardboard and paper mache, it featured large pieces that represented some of the hotels. 

We are grateful to Richard & Virginia at Arenas Gallery for displaying our sofa.  And for their continued support of community and the arts.  Thank you for  being an important part of the art club, and for facilitating the art exhibit experience.

Writing a Book

Well I am writing a book now, and boy is that hard.  I thought hey I talk alot, you know I have alot to say, but wow it is really hard to get it down on paper... or screen.  It took a while to know what to write about, and my husband says, write about your life just change the names.  hmmm go on....  So I'll probably do that, you know life is crazy and chaotic and really the best books are ones you can relate to.  

So I am thinking I will post here excerpts as I go and you all can give me feedback...  I love free labor.... mmmwaahaa mmmwaahaa mmmwaahaa, oh!   I mean thanks.

Art in the Alley

Okay so today I want to talk about an upcoming new event in works... it will be out in April, May, and June.  Art in the Alley, it is a partnership with the Arts Council of Tulare County and The Farmers Market.  There will be art booths and activities and will be in conjunction with a farmers market... so keep your ear out its gonna be good.