Primal Journal ~* Diana Renata *~
(858 posts) (60 voices)-
Mmmm chicken. :)
And coconut milk hot chocolate? Explain please! Yum!You ARE gazelle intense and you make ME proud of you too. You work SO much.
A guy responded to my craigslist ad (I posted saying I can be a nanny for a family) and might need me to care for his grandkids who are 5 and 6 years old (boy and girl) from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday morning every week, including taking them to and from school Monday and dropping them off at school on Tuesday. Every week until April.
I gave him my rates and asked him if he would provide beds or cots for my house for them to sleep on, and booster seats for my car... and I REALLY hope it works out, because this would mean another $1200/month or so that we don't have. Then we could actually start saving for a house (our version of BS6 since we don't have a mortgage - we rent).
Posted 4 months ago # -
I absolutely LOVE the new place. Just wish I had time to get everything unpacked. I'm taking thursday OFF from both jobs. Got a car and doctor appointment, and lots of unpacking!
Posted 4 months ago # -
Ok...
I'm home, and using my computer. Finally!!!
Bigger surprise: My sister totally cleaned my house and organized things while I was working. I've barely had time to unpack a box, let alone clean! My place looks amazing. I have the best family in the world, I swear.
I've been eating Primal, though I could probably choose better. Basically I eat what I can, when I can. Lots of chicken lately (picked it up for free from work since it was going to be thrown out.)
Today-
B: 4 eggs scrambled, topped with marinara sauce.
L: 1/2 chicken, an apple, G&B chocolate w/ hazelnuts & currents.
D: Ceasar salad, minus crutons.
Been drinking a lot of coffee lately too. Trying to decide how concerned I should be. Both of my jobs are great. I don't think it'll be hard to keep pace with it.
Speaking of my jobs... some personal stuff. Opinions would help. Kinda wondering what's up with my trainer. We totally get along great and I swear I got the best trainer in the restaurant. Tonight he wasn't quite as off-the-wall as usual and I figured he was just annoyed with the other guy I work with. He doesn't like him much. I mentioned today was my friday and he said it was the same for him. We crossed that conversation a couple of times actually. Well, before I took off I was putting on my coat. He came up behind me and gave me a hug. There was some chit-chat and he said he'd be leaving soon too. Not thinking anything of it, I took off. Going down the road it crossed my mind. 1)I think what he meant by today being his friday was that he's going back to his home restaurant in Syracuse tomorrow. 2)Was he bummed to be going back? which leads to 3)Was the hug a way of suggesting he was interested? Should I have suggested hanging out after work?
Needless to say I suck at reading men, which is probably why I rarely date and am still single- lol.
Posted 4 months ago # -
OMG, I had the best day off ever.
I slept in a little bit then had a couple of appointments to take care of. After that, it was all about being domestic n' stuff. I made some crustless quiches for my busy mornings. I did some with spinach and some with peppers and onions. I figure they'd both taste pretty good with a dab of marinara sauce on top.
I did some unpacking and took care of some stuff out of the livingroom. It's looking pretty good. I'm pretty much down to just the bedroom now. I tried building a fire in the fireplace but couldn't get it to stay lit. I'm thinking the wood isn't dry enough, but it's been covered and we really haven't had any wet weather. I don't know anything really about this sort of thing, so suggestions would be great.
Ohh... I also made some of the most AMAZING muffins. I used a recipe from http://www.thisprimallife.com and threw in some chopped walnuts and dark chocolate chips (more like chunks!) Oh wow, I'm going to have trouble keeping my hands off of these. I think I found something yummy I can have for the holidays. I still have to get a macaroon recipe, and a minced meat pie recipe for Thanksgiving.
I've come to the decision that I'm done focusing on weight loss until after New Years. It's been almost 3 years and I'm tired. As long as my weight doesn't go up, that's the plan. I do have to start exercising again. Now that I'm getting used to the new "normal" that shouldn't be a problem. I do a lot of moving around all day, so really I just need one good sprinting session and two good lifting sessions a week.
Oh, and does anybody have a solution for repelling flies. I seem to have a problem with them in the house. I can get traps or sticky things, but how do I get them to just GO AWAY?
I don't even know what all I ate today. Mostly it was a lot of snacking.
- 4 eggs scrambled, topped with marinara sauce
- half a dozen dried figs
- a burger patty with fennel gouda on top
- a chocolate bar
- a bottle of kombucha
- some nutbutter, honey and muffin batter :PNow I'm going to have a starfruit and a prickly pear.
I learned something fascinating today. I was flipping through the produce book at Wegmans, and I learned that both hornmelon and shoot... another fruit I can't remember, supposedly has NO carbs. It was an exotic fruit that they didn't have at the store today. Darn it, I wish I could remember what it was.
Lastly, if any of you are techy sort of people, get your butts over to Amazon. They've got a free Kindle download today.
Posted 4 months ago # -
Flies are the worst... we had hundreds in our house after the move (because the door was open all day as we brought things in). It took about a week to kill them all / let them die off. I don't really have any tips other than that if they're on a window, spraying them with windex makes them not able to fly for a second so they're easier to kill.
Posted 4 months ago # -
The flies seem to be going away. I'm wondering if they're getting in from the attic.
I'm beginning to think the muffins were a mistake. I cannot stay away from them. I seem to have horrible, horrible self control lately. I think I've had 4 muffins today. They're just so good.
B: Mini crustless quiches! I topped them with marinara sauce and some cheese. Totally yummy.
L: Half a chicken, and a weird veg that I can't remember the name of. It's related to cauliflower but tastes like broccoli. Made me a little gassy, lol.
D: A couple burgers with cheese on top, and I boiled up some cabbage strands and topped it with marinara sauce.
I think I'm gonna get some extra sleep tonight. It was nice having a day off yesterday. I could use a few more. I think a vacation is in order when this year (or two) is through. I heard an interesting thing on the radio about vacation surgeries. It's where you go away to some beautiful place, get your surgery, and recover on vacation. I guess Costa Rica is pretty popular, and it's cheaper than getting it done in the US- plus the doctors that do these came here to study, so they're American trained, just not American prices. How cool would that be?
Posted 4 months ago # -
Metasequoia
MemberI love your journal, Diana! I keep a day to day food journal on another forum but I think there are only a handful of us TFers there at most & only 2 or 3 Paleo people. It's kind of awkward sometimes.
My daily foods look similar to yours. I've been more careful about treats like dark chocolate & Cabernet because I feel like I have some worsening blood sugar issues. You wouldn't think it by looking at me, I'm 5'9 & 120 lbs, always have been since I was 18. But my adrenals are shot therefore my blood sugar/insulin is really sensitive.
I can't have caffeine wither because it's just too hard on my adrenals.
Anywho, I'm going to slowly wade through your journal to get ideas. I LOVE dried figs, but need to really limit them.
Nice to "meet" you.
~Erin
Posted 4 months ago # -
Nice to meet you too Erin :)
Yeah, I've kinda let myself go with the treats thing. It's time to tighten up the leash a little.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I've sort of been away while moving. It feels so good to be back and posting. :)
Posted 4 months ago # -
Home! My feet are killing me. I really need to go out and do laundry. I think I'll just buy more work shirts. :P
I ate Carnivore all day today, and I feel better than I have in about 2 weeks!
B/L: 1/2 chicken (roaster from the restaurant) Woofed it down real quick before work.
D: 3 eggs, and about a pound (maybe it was a half pound) of side pork (aka pork belly or uncured bacon.)
I did some sprints up my driveway yesterday. It's amazingly long, and I am amazingly out of shape. I felt like such a loser, especially when I used to run 6 miles a day. I'm starting to consider taking up running again, even if it's only about 3 miles a day. I need to get some weights in too.
I'm starting to see a pattern in my work schedule, finally. Monday, tuesday and wednesday I work both jobs, so about 8am to 10pm, roughly. Thursday and Friday it's just the factory, so 8-5, then Saturday is 4pm-1am, and Sunday 11am-6pm. I think I can put some weights in on Thursday and Friday, working different muscles, and maybe do sprints Saturday morning before I go to work. Thoughts?
OMG, these flies are driving me INSANE. I need to grow gobs of basil and get some herbs hung around the apartment. Not only will it smell yummy, but I guess flies don't like certain herbs (mint, eucalyptus, citrus, and basil.) Has anyone tried this? If worse comes to worse, I'm thinking fly traps (not the plant), but they're ugly and I don't want anything that will attract flies.
Oh, and lately I've been having major cravings for kombucha. I didn't even like it the first time I tried it. I think it's because I drink so much water at the restaurant, I'm just itching for something with flavor (and apparently texture.) I need to find some good Primal drinks, other than tea. I'm a little tea/coffee-d out.
Posted 4 months ago # -
hannahc
MemberKombucha seems fine as a fizzy drink alternative, hubs kinda likes it. I don't dig the alcohol taste in there, it kinda weirds me out. I like alcohol in general, but the kombucha is just a bit weird to me :)
You have got quite the schedule there! I think you should alternate weights and sprints Thursday through Sunday: weights Thursday/Saturday, sprints Friday/Sunday. You could definitely put a 30-45 minute workout sometime Saturday morning, and putting a day between your weight sessions would allow you to do more full-body circuit type stuff. And Friday could be a longer sprint session (like longer sprints and longer recoveries, maybe 30-40 minutes total?), and Sunday could be a tabata sprint day just to get it done in 10 minutes in the morning :)
Can't help you with the flies, I hate them too but usually go the fly swatter route.
Posted 4 months ago # -
I don't really notice the alcohol taste, probably because I'm more used to wine. I would prefer no alcohol at all, but it is what it is I guess. And what it is, is yummy.
I like the alternation idea. My only problem is getting myself to work out after a day at work- lol. I really, really have to find a way to motivate myself. When it comes down to it, something is better than nothing for sure. :)
Today was sort of a blur.
B: Mini quiches with marinara sauce, coffee
L: 1/2 chicken and an apple
D: Dunno. Sorta hungry but not really. Might have a little snack.
I got some ketostix yesterday. Forgot to check this morning so I'll have to remember for tomorrow. I'm not expecting a huge response, though I haven't done a 24-hour fast in ages. I am curious to see what I pee with that- lol.
Posted 4 months ago # -
I'm with hannahc on the kombucha. It's weird. I used to make my own & the "mushroom" used to creep me out. It was on the kitchen counter in the corner and I would get the creepiest vibes from it when I cooked or did dishes. I've heard that from other people, too. My kids got waaaay too dependent on it; they'd drink that rather than eat. Ended up in the compost.
I like to add just a little unsweetned cranberry juice & some lime juice to seltzer or mineral water. It's a nice fizzy drink alternative.
Posted 4 months ago # -
I like the seltzer idea. I'll have to give that a try.
I'm so freakin' tired, but Dave Ramsey answered my e-mail yesterday and I'm listening to his show online to hear his answer- lol.
Today was a decent day. I should have exercised and will attempt some push-ups before crawling into bed.
B: The last of my crustless quiches w/ marinara
L: Half a chicken and an apple
D: IF
I know I ate very little today. Just no appetite lately- not to mention very little time to cook. I'm toying with the idea of IFing breakfast tomorrow too, going for a 24-hour fast, and breaking it with a nice hearty lunch.
Last night for dinner I ended up eating 3 tiny flounder fillets left from my "conventional" meat stores, and half a squash. I also ate a huge block of cheese and some pumpkin seeds. Not the best dinner, but it's what I had around. :P
I think I need a programmable coffee maker.
Posted 4 months ago # -
ooh what question did you send in to Dave? And do you have a link to the clip where he answers? I'd love to hear it.
The food you ate sounds so good but then again... I feel so gross I can't imagine actually eating it. :(
Posted 4 months ago # -
I do not know how it would work for flies, but in our Mead booth at the Texas Renaissance Festival, we would leave out cups about 1/8-1/4th filled with Mountain Dew to take care of Bees.
We noticed that all of the Mountain Dew cups one of our workers used ended up full of dead bees :P
Posted 4 months ago # -
Basically asked if he had any advice for me on figuring out what the hell to do with my life. I work 2 jobs and can't see staying in either field for the rest of my life. His advice was to read, read, read until I found something I'm passionate about, then go with that. I think I need some serious meditation and soul searching, to figure out what I'm good at, what my skills are, and what I like. I really don't know. A career coach would be SO helpful right now. I have "48 Days to the Work You Love" but the problem is... I don't know what work I love! LOL
Today wasn't too bad. I got to "play" with my ketostix last night and today. Last night before bed, having skipped dinner, I had "trace" amounts of ketones, and this morning I had "small" amounts.
I almost IFed breakfast too, but couldn't resist food.
B: Not 1, not 2, but 3 eggs, RAW. I took them in a shot glass- lol. Not horrible. Pretty flavorless. It's certainly faster than cooking! I'm gonna find some "raw egg" recipes and see if there's stuff I can add to them. Also, a handful of almonds.
L: My last roaster chicken, half a squash, an apple and some more almonds.
D: Undecided. I'm too tired to cook, but also hungry. I'll probably just IF
Ohh... and I'm proud of myself for stepping out of my exercise funk. When I got out of work I did 2 laps around the parking lot before getting into my car. I felt pretty good. I need to exercise more!
Well, I brought up the plastic surgery thing to my family. My older sister is supportive and said she'd even go with my to Costa Rica, even though she's terrified of flying. My mom thinks I'm being to extreme, and my dad said he doesn't support plastic surgery. Instead he's trying to get me to try all those internet gimmicks. *rolls eyes* I love my parents dearly, and I understand where they're coming from, but it's hard to explain to them how much it sucks being 27 and having a body that looks closer to 50. *sigh*
I'm beginning to think I'm being foolish about this. I really can't afford it, and I'll have to work my ass off at 2 jobs for about 3 years to earn the money. I am NOT going into debt for it, as tempted as I am. I would LOVE to have surgery, but I'm starting to wonder if it's even worth the fight- both to get money, and to deal with my family. I've gotten so depressed over this the last couple of days.
On the bright side, I only work one job for the next 4 days. Yay.
Posted 4 months ago # -
When dressed it hides well, but undressed... I'm kind of a mess. Everything between the boobs and the knees needs lifting.
Posted 4 months ago # -
Don't worry about what your parents think... you know it'll make you feel so much better and you have 100% of my support too. :) Heck, I might even go to Costa Rica with you if I can. :-D I love to travel.
Save the money and don't worry about "dealing with your family." This is your own private thing. It would be nice if they supported you, but you don't need their permission.
I didn't ask anyone for permission to get my breast reduction (my mom was SHOCKED that I didn't ASK my husband - who was supportive anyway btw). The only person I asked was my doctor, for a referral. When I started to cry he suggested therapy instead (ha) but I said, "No, I really want the surgery. This is physical, not psychological. Please put in the referral." and he did.
Posted 4 months ago # -
Thank you. OMG it would be so fun to have you travel with me!
The cost is very daunting, and I'm trying to figure a way to pull the money together. $15-$17,000 is hard when making only $9/hour. Any thoughts on raising the money? I really don't want to be working 2 jobs for the next 3 years... and I really don't want to wait 3 years to get this done.
I'm having better results than I thought from the ketostix. I expected to have almost no ketones but apparently I do. I'm hoping that means I can still burn a lot of fat and that it means I won't need the surgery. Maybe I just need to get really, REALLY (gazelle-like) intense with my diet and exercise again.
Who knows. If I work & save like a maniac, while eating right and exercising like a caveman... in 3 years when I have the money I won't need it, and I'll have the down payment for a house instead (or just a nice big chunk of money.)
Posted 4 months ago # -
hannahc
MemberI like your last plan! Seriously though, if it's important to you, then do it. You have to feel comfortable in your own skin (pun kind of intended) :)
Plus, if you really tone up and your skin shrinks down somehow while you're saving up for your trip and you don't need the surgery anymore, then you can just go to Costa Rica for the fun of it! And Emily and I will go with you and we can eat bacon and drink coconut drinks on the beach :)
Posted 4 months ago # -
Primal girls in Costa Rica! How much fun would that be!?
Posted 4 months ago # -
I hope you get to go to Costa Rica, too. A few years ago I would have been horrified to think anyone would want to have plastic surgery, but, ya know, after loosing some weight (and having 2 kids) and seeing the resulting saggy skin...well, if I were younger I'd certainly entertain the idea! Maybe you should set up a bank account or a paypal account that people could contribute to. Stick a link on your blog. I'd certainly help you out. It really sucks not to feel good about yourself.
Posted 4 months ago # -
It would be awesome to all go! :) Woot woot.
No ideas on how to save the money other than the usual DR techniques - more work, spending less, selling stuff. Which you're already doing.
Posted 4 months ago # -
I'm seriously starting to consider e-begging. If I could get enough people to just give me $1...
Posted 4 months ago # -
CHAIN LETTER. Hahahahhahaha. If people send you a dollar and pass it on to 13 friends their crush will kiss them. If they send 5 dollars andbpass it on to 20 friends their crush will ask them out. And if they delete the email a kitten will die...and so will they.
BWAHAHA.Posted 4 months ago # -
LMAO! Actually that chain letter idea would be kind of fun, and funny! Are you still allowed to do those things, or has some beaurocratic maniac made it illegal?
Today was a pretty good day, though I suspect I over-ate a tad. I couldn't help myself. The meatloaf was just so yummy.
B: IF. I really have to start waking up earlier for sure.
L: 1/2 lb side pork (aka porkbelly, aka uncured bacon) with 3 eggs, scrambled. A wild apple.
S: While cooking dinner, the remainder of the sidepork... about 4 ounces.
D: A large slice of my meatloaf. I ate probably about 1/2 lb of meat... there was bell peppers, onions, canned pumpkin, and spices mixed in. I totally forgot the egg. It held together well enough, until you try to pick it up with a fork- lol.
I also made that coconut milk drink, sort of. A can of light coconut milk (Yes, I'm watching calories), a can of water, 2 tbs vanilla, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and stevia to sweeten. I drank it all, but the whole can is only about 250 calories, so not horrible of me I guess. It's so relaxing. I need to find a good way to add chocolate to it. Cocoa powder is too much.
Oh crap, I almost forgot to add...
One of the guys at work managed to win us free lunch from the local radio station tomorrow. They're brining us "Salsarita's" which is sort of like the Subway of Mexican food. OMG, it's SO good. I absolutely LOVED the shrimp tacos before I went Primal. I haven't been there since. A couple people asked me "So what are you going to have, since you can't eat that stuff." I told them I'd eat the filling out of the taco- lol. Hopefully they'll bring taco salad too. I could do that. :)
Posted 4 months ago # -
So glad you liked the coconut milk drink. mmm.
And yay for free lunch! Gotta love free food.Posted 4 months ago # -
OMG, I just checked my paypal. I can't believe you guys! I've got $23 already! You guys are unbelievable!
I've decided I'm gonna beg- lol. My sissy's letting me borrow one of her swimsuits so I can take some "before" pictures. That way after my surgery I can post some gorgeous "after" pictures. Tomorrow when I update my blog I'll post my intention to "beg" and then when I get my pictures done I can actually start the project. :)
Posted 4 months ago #
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