#3

So I am thinking, my hind side hurts, no more bikes. the day was good, I ran into Lisha... she kept me going. I also have this little fear of working out by myself, I need to work on that...

I don't know why I think everyone is staring at me, am I so important, or am I so insecure... I am proud I made it through the morning, and was able to also motivate myself into finishing the workout.

Looking forward to my meeting/workout with Micah.

#2

Okay so I spent Sunday morning at the gym... yes you read it right... the gym. So I met with Lisha and Kim. And we spent some time on the bikes again (why aren't those seats bigger... I mean really) and then the elliptical runner thing, and my thighs were on fire... like bring the extinguisher. wooo. Then we went to the 29 minute re-shape circuit place thingy (if you look real close that is a technical term on the sign (you just need special spy-glasses).

All in all it wasn't bad... no really I mean it. Even through my "uncomfortable state" I felt energized a little. Now I know that sounds nutso, I used to think that people were nuts for saying that. But I am here to tell you that is true.

I think that having a trainer has been the key here, just from talking with him already I feel a little more "gym savvy"

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!