FMM: Happy 2014

Happy Monday! Today was my first day back to school after 2 weeks off, and let me tell you, it was difficult. I think it was as hard for me to be there as it was for my students.  But like I told them, we get MLK day in 2 weeks, then February Break (President’s Week) the week after Valentine’s Day,  then one l.o.n.g. month of March where we’ll need a mental health day or two, then Spring Break in April, and then it’s all smooth sailing from there!  These 5 months of the second semester really will fly by.

One of the things I’m really trying to do in this new year, besides my other Goals for 2014 is to read and comment on blogs regularly.  I love reading blogs, but making the time where I just sit down and read them isn’t always easy.  But like I said about my goals, if it’s a priority, I’ll make it happen.  I know how much I appreciate when people read and comment on my blog, so I plan to reciprocate.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Happy 2014

What has been your happiest moment in 2014 so far?  I think it might have happened today, when a woman at my district office, whom I haven’t seen in over a year, got tears in her eyes as she told me that she is so happy for me and my weight loss progress.  She told me,  “you look so much younger, not that you were old before, but now you have this sort of youthful spark.  You have a sparkle in your eye, and this energy about you.  You look amazing!”  She was so sweet and made me feel so good about myself.  I definitely walked out of that office smiling from ear to ear.

2. Share the last compliment you received.  See above. Oh, and I’ve been getting a lot of compliments on Match.com from the potential dates.  Of course, some of them think “you have a juicy booty” is a compliment, so consider the source.

3.  What is one thing that you plan to accomplish in the next week? I’m going to run/walk in the Hot Chocolate 5K in San Francisco on Sunday, and I can’t wait! My plan is to hit another PR time with this 5K.

4.  What is your favorite TV show currently on air? While I’m very happy about the return of Downton Abbey, and I have to agree with Kenlie that Scandal is a show I really look forward to watching every week, I’m obsessed with American Horror Story: Coven.  I love that it’s set in New Orleans, enjoy the dynamics of the witches vs. the voodoo priestesses, and am impressed that it’s dealing with slavery and racism.

This was one of the few photos I could find online that wasn’t overtly sexual and/or offensive. Gotta love a show like that, right?! 😛

5.  If you could go anywhere in the world free for the next two weeks, where you go?  For those who know how much I love the beach, I’m sure you’d guess that I would choose some exotic location like Tahiti or Hawaii, which would definitely be nice, don’t get me wrong.  But at the moment, my thoughts are in a completely different direction.  I’d love to go to Lake Tahoe because I’ve been really interested in going to the snow and learning how to snow board/ski.  I may actually have the opportunity to go to a cabin in the snow with a group of teachers during part of our February Break, which is really exciting.  So… since I don’t know how to do either, would you recommend that I try snowboarding or skiing, and why? I’m going to have to rent everything, so it’s just as easy to rent one set of equipment as another.

6.  Describe a significant event in your life that caused you to change your values system.  I haven’t changed my value system. My beliefs have been the same for most of my adult life, which is not to say that I don’t learn and grow, but that I know who I am and always have.

7.  What made you decide to live where you currently live?  This is where I was born and raised, where my family lives, and where I’m most comfortable.  San Jose was just named the richest city in America, and the neighborhood I live in is the most affluent.  Although I am nowhere near “rich,” it is nice to live in a beautiful, safe area where people take pride in where they live.  If you read the article, you can also see why I have no goals of ever owning my own house, and I’m completely ok with that decision.

8.  What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about GOD? I think about the Golden Rule: treating others as you want to be treated.

9.  If you could have a long conversation with someone famous (and alive now) who would you choose?  I’d love to hang out and have a drink and a convo with Johnny Depp.

10.  List three things that you’re thankful for today.  

1. That my 49ers won yesterday against Green Bay!!
2. My students, who make getting up at 5:30am worthwhile.
3. That I took the time to plan my meals for the entire week, including buying the groceries.  I feel so organized!

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions!   And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments!  I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM.  You never know who you’ll meet today.

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FMM: My Favorite Holiday Recipe

Happy Monday! OMG – I am still excited about the game last night!  What game, you ask?  The West Coast rivalry between the SF 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, of course! The game was back and forth the entire time, both teams playing at such a high level, and my stomach was in knots for about 30 minutes after it ended.  Luckily, my 9ers won!!!  In celebration, this was my outfit today:

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Sharing a Favorite Holiday Recipe

This week Kenlie asked us to do something a bit different – she had made some amazing cookies (go check out her post – they look way too cute to eat!) and thought it might be fun to have us share our favorite holiday recipes.

My recipe is one I found last year on Skinnytaste.com – Baked Brie Phyllo Cups with Craisins and Walnuts. I made this recipe as an appetizer for Christmas Day last year, and everyone raved about it.  They had no idea that it was “skinny.” (Each tart is 60 calories – I’ll let you look at the original site for the full nutritional details).

What I love about the recipe is that there aren’t a ton of ingredients:

• 3 oz light brie, skin removed, cut into 15 cubes
• 4 tbsp craisins
• 4 tbsp chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp honey
• 15 Mini Phyllo Shells***

***These shells were the hardest part of the entire recipe. I had to go to three different grocery stores to find them, but I finally did.  So, I’d recommend not waiting until the week before Christmas to look for them (like I did last year).  They’re in the frozen section of your grocery store, so you can get them well ahead and keep them in the freezer).

The directions are simple:

Preheat oven to 325.

While you’re waiting for the oven to preheat:

• place the phyllo cups on a cookie sheet
• cut the brie into pieces
• combine the honey, walnuts, and craisins in a bowl (this is sticky!)

Fill the phyllo cups with 1 piece of cheese, and then top with the walnut/craisin/honey mixture.  This was the “hardest” part of this whole thing, because the mixture is really sticky and it wasn’t easy getting it into the phyllo  cup without getting my hands dirty.

Once all the cups are filled, bake for 5-7 minutes.  Serve warm.  These are great reheated in the toaster oven the next day, if you have any leftover.  As you can see from my photo, I doubled the recipe – people will love these, so I highly recommend that you do the same.

I love how festive they look, and believe me, they taste even better!

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions!   And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments!  I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM.  You never know who you’ll meet today.

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FMM: The Holidays and More, Part 2

Happy Monday! Today I’m especially happy because I have the day off.  This is the first year that my district has given us the entire week of Thanksgiving off, and this week-long break couldn’t have come at a better time.  I’m looking forward to spending extra time with friends and family, and I have a few other fun plans, too.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: The Holidays and More: Part 2

1.  What state/country do you live in?  I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, California (USA)

2.  Where were you born?  Were you raised there?  I was born and raised in the same neighborhood I live in now.  I love it here, and have no plans to move.

3.  How do you feel about stores like Wal-mart opening on Thanksgiving Day for pre-Black Friday sales?  Will you participate?  I think it’s a terrible practice.  I don’t like Wal-Mart for so many reasons, but especially the way they treat their employees.  I definitely won’t be participating.  I don’t even shop on Black Friday.  I prefer to stay home (or away from the malls) and do my shopping online.cyber Monday.

4.  Have you ever participated in a Turkey Trot?  Will you do one this year?  Yes, I did one several ago, when I was having all those problems with the numbness in my feet/legs.  It wasn’t easy at all, but I did complete it – slowly.  I’m signed up for the Turkey Trot this year, and I know that it will be a whole different experience this year.  In fact, I plan on having a PR!  In anticipation of the event, I bought this great turkey headband (for $1.99 at Party City), and I’m really excited about the shirt – in a size L!

5.  What was your favorite toy as a child?  I don’t know if I can name just one.  I absolutely loved reading my books. I also loved riding my bike and putting on my roller skates, but in terms of toys, I loved playing with Barbies. Even as I got older, I loved styling the hair of my Barbie head:

My Barbie head didn’t have the cool colors in her hair, but it was pretty close to this one.

6.  Will you count points/calories on Thanksgiving Day?  Yes, I track my food on MyFitnessPal every single day, every single meal, and Thanksgiving Day will be no different.  This is a lifestyle for me.  Which is not to say that I won’t enjoy my food, but I’m going to use the built-in portion control of my sleeve to make sure I don’t go overboard.

7.  Will you watch football Thursday?  I love football, so I’m sure we’ll watch the games.  I’m more excited about tonight’s Monday Night Football game featuring my 49ers!

8.  Do you decorate inside/outside of your home for the holidays?  Yes, I am really looking forward to Friday, when I’ll completely decorate my house (living room and dining room) and front porch.  I put on my Christmas music playlist and just enjoy prepping the house for Christmas.  It puts me in such a wonderful mood.  I don’t put a Christmas Tree up, but I do think my house is really festive and inviting anyway.

9.  Do you have allergies that prevent you from eating traditional holiday meals? No.

10.  Is it snowing where you live?  It never snows here. Although the snow is about 4 hours away, in Lake Tahoe.  I’m actually very interested in heading to the snow at some point this winter.

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions!   And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments!  I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM.  You never know who you’ll meet today.

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FMM: Food Matters

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday!  I am loving the time change – the extra hour yesterday, the shorter days, the cooler nights – fall is a great time of year.  This weekend was a nice balance of work, errands, working out, and fun.  Saturday I had a great dinner with my parents and sister where I made a fantastic, low cal recipe that’s perfect for this time of year.  Then on Sunday a couple of girlfriends and I went to one of my favorite wineries to do some tasting and celebrating my 100 pound loss.  I can’t ask for a better weekend.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Food Matters

1. Are you familiar with GMO’s?  Is it an issue that matters to you?  Yes.  In fact, I’ve taught a unit on it in my classes.  I think it’s really important for us to eat locally and in season.

2.  List a few items that are typically on your grocery list.  Lately it’s all about the protein, so chicken, ground turkey, shrimp.  I also like to have a variety of veggies like butternut squash, mushrooms, and Brussel sprouts.

3.  What is your favorite place to shop for produce?  Lately I’ve been going to either Sprouts or Whole Foods. I do get produce at Trader Joe’s too, but usually only bagged lettuces.  I don’t find most of their other produce very good.

4. Do you eat processed foods?  Yes, but I try to eat as much whole food as I can.

5.  Do you look for the “organic” label when you shop?  I do when it comes to produce, and sometimes other items, as well.

6. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?  I made my own version of Yummy Life’s pumpkin pie oatmeal. In my version, I used splenda brown sugar and sugar free caramel Torani to cut down on calories/sugar.

7.  How many meals per week do you cook at home?  I don’t eat out much at all.  Last week I went to sushi with an old friend, but otherwise, all of my meals were ones I cooked for myself at home.

8. Do you think that foods that have been genetically engineered should be labeled? Absolutely.  People need to make informed choices.

9. What matters most to you when you’re choosing a restaurant?  The food, the reputation, and the atmosphere.

10.  What is your favorite meal to cook at home?  I’ve been making a lot of soups lately.

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions!   And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments!  I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM.  You never know who you’ll meet today.

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FMM: What If ?!

Happy Monday!  I went on a field trip to University of the Pacific with the AVID classes from my school.  In the 10 years I’ve been working at my current school, it was my first field trip, and since I’d never been to UoP  before, I was probably more excited than the students.  What a gorgeous campus!  So lovely.  Here are a few of the photos from today:

Pretty, right?  It reminds me of a school you might find on the east coast, rather than in Stockton, CA (which isn’t the most desirable locale).  Since it’s a relatively small (3800 students at the main campus) private school, it gave the AVID students a great idea of another college option.

But now let’s get to FMM.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: What If?!

1.  If you had something in your teeth would you want someone to tell you, or would you prefer to figure it out on your own?  Definitely tell me, because I’m surely going to tell you!

2.  If you had to listen to one song on repeat all day today, which song would you choose?  I’ve been loving Lourde lately, so I’d say Royals.

3.  If you could trade places with someone famous, with whom would you trade?  I’d love to trade places with one of my favorite authors, Jen Lancaster, because she gets to spend her life doing something she loves, is completely down-to-earth, and remains totally in touch with pop culture.  All of which I can relate to.  We’re a lot alike, actually, except she gets to travel to promote her books, owns a great house in the suburbs of Chicago, and dresses a bit preppier than I do.  Oh, and she’s a Republican, but to each her own in their political views, I suppose.

4.  If you could speak another language fluently, which one would you speak? Italian, of course!

5.  If you could read one person’s mind right now whose would you choose?  I’d rather not read anyone’s mind – that’s too much information!

6. If you were forced to go back in time, which period of your life would you choose?  I love the retro fashions and sophistication of the 1950’s.  Think early Mad Men.  Love it!  Except of course for the social problems with race inequality, women’s rights, etc.

oops, I just re-read the prompt and realized I didn’t see it correctly the first time – I didn’t see that it said a period of MY life.

Well, in that case, I’d say that I’d go back to my 20s, right after my fiance-at-the-time broke up with me and I went into a low-grade depression that caused me to gain lots of weight.  I would hope that on “take two” I’d know that I was stronger than any broken engagement and that I would persevere.  And hopefully, I could avoid the weight gain because I’d use the gym as my “me time,” instead of zoning out in front of the TV.

7.  If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?  See #6.

8.  If you had to give up twitter or Facebook, which would you choose?  Twitter. I’m not on it as much as I probably should be, and I love that I can catch up with so many of my friends on FB.

9.  If you could have a present today, what would you want?  A $1000 gift card to Macy’s.

10.  If you had to choose between celebrating Halloween or Christmas, which would you choose?  I love fun of Halloween, but nothing beats the warm-hearted atmosphere and human kindness that goes along with Christmas.

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions!   And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments!  I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM.  You never know who you’ll meet today.

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FMM: All About the Blog

Happy Monday! In an effort to write on this blog more than once a week, and since I find myself with a bit of time on my hands this afternoon, I thought I’d participate in this week’s FMM.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: All About the Blog

1. How long have you been blogging? I started my original blog, Bella’s Bold Brilliant Blog, back in February of 2007. Then I began this blog in 2008, and managing two different blogs was too time consuming, so I made the decision to forgo my other blog and keep this one. Plus, the main focus of my thoughts/actions/free time for the past 6+ years has been weight loss, so it made sense to focus on Bella on the Beach. I can’t believe I’ve been blogging for almost 10 years.

2. What is the overwhelming theme of your blog? Weight loss, health, and fitness.

3. Have you connected with people in person after meeting them through blogging? I haven’t met anyone in person, but I’ve connected with several people through this blog. Because we live across the country from one another, we’ve kept our contacts to emails/texts/phone calls/FB. But I feel closer to some of my blogging buddies than I do to some of my real life friends.

4. What do you enjoy most about blogging? It’s such a creative outlet for me. I’m able to express my thoughts, frustrations, plans, and triumphs. I don’t know what I’d do without this blog.

5. How often do you blog? I used to write almost everyday, but this school year has gotten so busy that I’ve only been blogging once or twice a week, on average. I really want to try to write more frequently.

6. Share one thing that you don’t like about blogging. I really dislike the “trolls” who think they know everything about my life because they’ve read a few blog entries. They hide behind the anonymity of the internet to say mean and hateful things. Then again, all I have to do is click “delete” and “block,” and I never really have to worry about them again.

7. Do you talk about your blog in everyday life? Select friends and family know about my blog, but it’s not something I share openly with everyone.

8. What is the coolest and most unexpected thing that has happened to you as a result of blogging? I’ve made some amazing friendships, as I mentioned already. I’ve also had some really unique opportunities, like being asked to join the Sweat Pink Ambassadors.

9. Are there topics that are off-limits on your blog? If so, name a few…Nothing is off-limits per se, but I do try to be respectful of others’ privacy.

10. If you could accomplish one thing through your blog before the end of this year, what would you want to accomplish? I’d love to inspire someone reading my blog to make a positive change in their health through weight loss.
Now it’s your turn to answer the questions!   And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments!  I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM.  You never know who you’ll meet today.

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FMM: Relationships & Dating

Happy Monday! It’s been a few weeks since I’ve been able to write up an FMM post, and I’m really looking forward to participating.  This weekend was a fun one – I went to a Beauty Trend Show at Nordstrom on Saturday and treated myself to a couple of products as a reward for losing 90 pounds.  Sunday I spent the day with family, watching my 49ers lose, and saying goodbye to Dexter as I watched the series finale.

But let’s get to this week’s Friend Makin’ Monday. I’m really interested in this week’s topic because after years of taking myself off the market when it comes to dating, I think I *may* finally be ready to dip my toe in the pond.  My friends keep encouraging me to join an online dating site, and I think I may do it next month.  (One of my goals for the year was to join an online dating site before the end of November, so this would be a bit ahead of schedule).

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

 

FMM: Relationships and Dating

1.  List five characteristics that you think are important in a significant other.

1. Attraction – It’s not all about looks, but I do think being physically attracted to someone is a big factor.
2. Intelligence – He’s got to match me, otherwise I’ll be bored.
3. Financial Security – I want my guy to at least make what I do, which isn’t too difficult, considering the paltry sum I get paid to teach.
4. Ambition – I’m very ambitious, both with my career and in the goals I’ve set for myself, and it would be better if my guy was of a similar mindset.
5. Fun – It’s really important that we can have a good time together.  Our idea of how we like to spend leisure time should match up.

2.  If you had to choose between staying single for the next two years (as in, no dating at all,) or receiving $10,000, which would you choose?  At first I thought I’d take the money, but $10,000 isn’t enough to for two years.  If it was $50K or more, I’d probably choose the money. I’m used to being single (I haven’t dated in 4 years), and I can always use more money.

3.  What is your relationship status?  Are you satisfied with it?  I’m single and have been for longer than I can remember.  Even when I was dating over 4 years ago, it wasn’t really a “significant other” situation.  So, I guess I’d say I’m very comfortable with the life I’ve created, but having someone romantic in my life would be a nice addition.

4.  Would you date someone who has children?  Since I’ve made the decision not to have children, I’d prefer if the guy I’m dating doesn’t have children living with him.  Or has children who are older – late teens.

5.  Would you date someone who’s shorter than you?  No.  I’m 5″3′ and I don’t want to date someone who’s less than 5″9′ in his socks.  I like taller guys.

6.  Would you date someone who has different political views?  No, I’d find it difficult to date someone who’s core beliefs were vastly different from my own.

7.  If you were going on vacation together, would you choose the beach or the mountains?  It really depends.  I think both venues could be really romantic.  I love the beach (obvi – blog title and all), but cozying up in a mountain cabin could be really fun, too.

8.  How do you show someone that you’re interested in them?  Flirting?  It’s been so long I’m wayyyyy out of practice.  I think in person, it’s all about eye contact.

9.  Do you prefer to date people who are older than you or younger?  It really doesn’t matter. I think I’m young at heart, so I could date younger very easily.  But as long as the person had the characteristics I’m looking for, older would be fine, too.

10.  Share some details of your dream date. A dream date would be anything the guy put effort into planning.  I have lots of interests and can enjoy all sorts of venues, so something that meant he was thinking of me as he figured it out would mean a lot and really impress me.

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions!   And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments!  I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM.  You never know who you’ll meet today.

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FMM: School Days

Happy Monday!  This week’s topic is really apropos because today was my first day of school.  I had a fantastic day, met some really great students, and even had a whole classroom full of kids applaud me when I shared how much weight I’ve lost. (95% of the students in my Journalism class were in my honors class last year, so they already knew I’d lost weight, but when I shared the actual number, they were really impressed).  My dress looked adorable, and I just felt on top of the world.  I really can’t ask more from a first day of school, well, except that I hope the AC works tomorrow, since it was out today, and it was a scorcher.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: School Days

1.  What was your favorite subject in school?  English, which is why I now teach high school English.

2. Did you attend elementary school and high school in the same town? Yes, in fact in the same neighborhood.  Both were Catholic schools that my sister and I could walk to from our house.  The elementary school was less than 10 minutes away and the high school was less than 5 minutes.

3.  Are you still friends with anyone that you met during school?  Most of my best friends are girls I was friends with in high school.  I have many FB friends who went to elementary school with, but we don’t often see each other in real life.

4. What activities were you involved in as a student? I was in the pep club, student leadership, and journalism.  None of which should be surprising to anyone who knows me.

5. Did you bring your lunch, or did you get it at school? Elementary school only offered hot lunch on Wednesdays, so I brought my lunch everyday.  In high school, they offered lunch, but I brought it – my mom is a much better cook than anything we could’ve bought.

6. Did you enjoy shopping for clothing and school supplies?  I wore a uniform, a blue, plaid skirt, for 12 years, so clothes weren’t really fun for me.  But I did love going shoe shopping, and I’m still a sucker for school supplies.

7. Name a song or a band that reminds you of high school.  The Cure.

8. Did you like school?  I loved it.  When we were young my sister and I would “play school” in my bedroom.  I even had a chalkboard.  We’d make a class out of all of our stuffed animals, and I’d teach.  My sister hated it when I called on the stuffed animals before I called on her to answer the questions.  LOL.

9. How long have you been out of school?  It’s been 24 years since I graduated from high school, and I finished up my masters degree in 2008 (5 years).

10.  What did you like most about school?  What did you dislike most about school?  I loved learning, being social, seeing my friends, getting to know my teachers.  I disliked any of the mean girl bullshit that went along with school; luckily I dealt with it very little compared to most.

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions! And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments! I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM. You never know who you’ll meet today.

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FMM: 10 Things That Make Me Happy

Happy Monday! I have a lot of fun things in the works this week, and I’m excited to share them with you as they happen.  Look for some great posts this week. One thing I’ve been really lax on lately is reading and commenting on blog posts.  I feel like ever since Google Reader announced its departure, my reading habits have been thrown a curve ball.  So I plan to rectify that, beginning today.

But now let’s get on with this week’s topic.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: 10 Things That Make Me Happy

1.  First and foremost, my family.  They are the people who forgive me at my worst and celebrate me at my best.  They have been absolutely amazing in cheering my weight loss, and never shy away from complimenting me.  I am the person I’ve become because of their guidance and unending support.

2.  My friends.  So many of the women that I consider my best friends are people I’ve known since high school.  Friendships that last 24 years are solid friendships, to be sure.  But I also feel really close to people that I’ve met much more recently, because sometimes you meet someone and you just click.  You know the type of friendship I mean – the kind where you feel as if you’ve known the person your whole life.  I value my friends and remain loyal to them through thick and thin.  If you’ve heard the term “ride or die chick,” that’s who I am for my friends.

3.  Sofi!  You knew she was going to be in the top 3, didn’t you?  This pup has brought unending joy and happiness into my life. She helps me live in the moment and to appreciate life’s special, little moments that I might otherwise miss.  There’s nothing better than going on a long walk with Sofi.

I love this little one even when she’s being a monkey and tearing up the roses in my yard! (She loves eating the petals!).

Her favorite resting position. Does it get any cuter?!

4.  Teaching.  As much as I complain sometime about the workload/grading, I really do love what I do.  I adore hearing from former students and knowing that I impacted their lives in a positive way.  I enjoy watching them mature into bright, mature people who are ready to be contributing citizens.  It sounds corny, but I am so lucky to be able to do what I love for a living.  (Remind me of this in the middle of the semester when I’m drowning in honors essays, ok?).

5.  A great pedicure.  There’s really nothing like feeling like you toes look their best, especially in sandal season.

6.  Reading.  Not only does reading offer a much-needed escape from reality, but it often allows me to learn, grow, and expand my thoughts.  From the moment I was taught how to decipher words on a page, I’ve loved reading, and I know that love will last with me forever.

7.  Writing. This blog is my outlet, my creative space.  A place where I share my thoughts and emotions, my dreams and my frustrations.  Who knows if it will ever become something more, something greater.  I’m just glad I have an ability to express myself through the written word.

8.  The beach.  I go to the beach as often as I can, and still it’s never enough.  Someday I would love to retire to a small little cottage on the beach so that I could take morning walks along the ocean.  How amazing does that sound?  Believe it, be it, right?

9. Cooking.  Over the years, I really have become someone who loves to cook for myself and for others.  I love every aspect of it, from finding the perfect recipe, to planning the menu, to shopping, to chopping, to cooking, and tasting the final product.  Cooking is another creative outlet for me, and it’s been so much fun adapting the foods and flavors I love into my new post-surgery lifestyle.  I love a challenge!  Food is a huge part of my Italian culture, so the fact that I’m able to carry on my family’s traditions through some of the meals I make brings me great joy.

10. Shopping! Whether it’s shopping for a gift for someone else, or adding to my own wardrobe, I adore shopping.  I get a rush when I’m looking for that special something and find it.  I’ve always loved the way that clothes make me feel about myself, but now that I’m seeing the results of my efforts on the scale, clothes are even better.  I haven’t had any major shopping trips yet…but I’m biding my time until that first major shopping trip.  I cannot wait.

11.  (I know Kenlie asked for 10, but I just have to add this last one).  Working out.  Who would’ve thought that I would have written those words.  But it’s so true.  I love the feeling I get when I tackle a new fitness milestone. And the sense of accomplishment that comes when a really good workout is over.  I even love the way my heart pounds out of my chest as I try to match the tempo of my workout tunes while I’m on the elliptical machine.  I love the way working out feeds my competitive nature.  I know fitness is going to be my hobby/obsession from here on out.  As things get easier to accomplish because my overall health is improving, I know I’ll try to overcome bigger challenges.

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions! And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments! I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM. You never know who you’ll meet today.

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FMM: Foodie Questions

Happy Monday! Happy Tuesday!  My day got away from me yesterday, but I was really interested in the topic, so I’ve decided to write it, even if it’s a day late.  Now let’s get on with this week’s topic.

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Foodie Questions

1. Do you make grocery lists?  In the past I only made lists when I had a specific recipe that I was making, but I’m working really hard to stick to a budget, and to do that, lists help.  Plus, now that I’m  eating so much less thanks to the wls, I tend to overbuy without a list.

2.  Do you have a routine when shopping in your favorite grocery store?  I start in the produce section and move my way around the store.  This is going to sound very OCD, but I’ll just say that I organize my grocery list by the department of the store, that way I can get in and out quickly and efficiently.

3.  What is your favorite seasoning?  Anything that adds a bit of spice to my meal.  Sometimes it’s cayenne pepper, sometimes it’s Sriracha, and sometimes it’s Tabasco.

4.  What is the healthiest food in your fridge right now?  I just finished making my version of Eggface’s Breakfast Bites, and I have tons of nonfat Greek yogurt, and produce.

5.  What is the most unhealthy food in your fridge now?  Butter.  But I’ve decided that since I eat such tiny portions now, I’d much rather enjoy butter in my cooking rather than margarine.  More bang for my buck.

6. What is the most exotic produce you’ve ever had? I’m not sure how exotic it is, but it’s the first one that comes to mind: lychee.  I actually don’t like them at all, but my sister and her kids LOVE them.

7. Tell us about your favorite local restaurant. I don’t eat out very much, but one of my recent favorite places was the restaurant that my friend took me to for my birthday.  It’s called Dry Creek Grill, and they have a great menu.  It’s mostly a steakhouse, but they also have great salads, and a carpaccio to DIE for.

8.  What kind of pasta do you prefer (regular, whole wheat, etc.?) I haven’t been eating pasta at all, and it will be at least four more months before I try eating pasta again.  In which case I’m going to try fresh semolina flour pasta.  Might as well eat the good stuff, since I’ll be eating a small amount (if I can tolerate it at all).

9. If you could make one food calorie-free for an entire week, which food would you choose? This week I’d choose almonds, because I’ve been enjoying them as a snack.  They’re so good for you, but they sure are high in calories/fat. 

10.  If you had to choose would you rather give up french fries or chocolate? Chocolate.

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions! And also be sure to go back to Kenlie’s blog and leave a link to your FMM post in the comments! I really encourage you to comment on as many people’s posts as you can – I’ve met some fantastic people through FMM. You never know who you’ll meet today.

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