Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

I can't figure out if I'm coming down with a fever or I'm hormonal today, but my make-up, no scratch that, I'm only wearing moisturizer right now is running down my face.  I'm HOT!  Of course it could be I exercised this morning and now I'm drinking coffee and we don't have the a/c on yet...March isn't really summer but we are feeling it here in Rural, USA.  I have an oscillating fan on me right now as my jeans are sticking to my legs.  Of course that could be the Jergen's Natural Glow moisturizer I put on this morning after my hot shower.  I'm thinking it's time to pull out the summer wardrobe and pack away the winter clothes.  (Kitzilla and Big Lazy Cat are running and playing catch- me- if- you- can all around the room so that's also adding some not needed heat!  LOL)

I really didn't want to talk about my physical body temperature but my emotional body temp today because I'm feeling good.  Garbage Gut woke me up at 4:30 a.m. to be let out (we really should get a doggie door!) and then he promptly went back to bed.  Problem was I couldn't get back to sleep so I tossed and turned and finally got out of bed and did some morning exercising...nothing big...stretches, kicks, sit ups, leg lifts...you know the kind of exercising that you don't turn on the lights and call attention to yourself!  You know what I mean, right?  All was quiet in the house; I even huffed and puffed quietly as I exercised, but I did do the breathing..I wasn't holding my breath.  Honest.

Several years ago (and I might have mentioned this in a previous post) I worked at Curves fitness studio for women.  I loved it; I love talking as some of you know and I was able to get in some exercising.  I didn't lose weight because you really need to exercise non-stop for 30 minutes and I never had time while I was working.  The phone would ring or a customer would need help but I know I was feeling stronger.  I will say I witnessed several women (who were 100% on program with eating healthy AND working out at Curves) lose a tremendous amount of weight.  Our Curves couldn't survive here for many, many reasons-- I won't go into detail but if you have a Curves in your area and you don't have a good exercise routine, you might want to give them a try.  I bring this up because I started lifting weights too...nothing big but you know, building up some strength.  Strength training (I'm not talking muscle or body weight training..unless that's what you want to do) is vital for aging women...no matter what your age.  We continuously lose muscle.  Some communities offer free (or a minimal fee) strength training for women.  Check it out and let's get hot, Hot, HOT for the summer!!!

Can You Say....

Mañana...as in true Scarlett O'Hara form~"I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."  Why fiddle-dee-dee, that's me!  Why do something today when I can put it off till tomorrow (or the next or the next)?  What's the title of my blog?  Oh yeah, going against the grain STILL.  I am a hopeless procrastinator, but don't tell my children (aw, who am I kidding!).

So we are nearing the end of March and I can tell you with absolute pride (puff puff) that I have enjoyed healthy breakfasts thus far.  But here's the bad news....I haven't lost a pound!  Yep, I'm confessing.  Eating healthy breakfasts (for me) didn't change how I ate for the rest of the day.  Now to be truthful, it did at the beginning of the month.  I was starting out healthy but by the end of the month, I noticed my bad habits kicking back in.  This is truly a roller coaster for me and I hope you aren't disappointed but hey, I'm being truthful.  The fact of the matter is---eat healthy in the morning and continue during the day.  Now I believe I can have that Sonic chicken burger once a month and it won't break the bank or my waistline, but having that yummy thing once a week is not helping me save money nor shed the weight.  Eating that delicious ice cream sandwich every night while watching cooking shows is not the answer either!!!!!   "Aye aye aye" as my inner Ricky Ricardo would say while slapping his shaking head and I would have to agree.  Being honest with you as I type it out I'm truly slapping my shaking head and exclaiming "Aye aye aye; what is the matter with me!"  It's liberating...try it...type or slap...you pick your own "aye aye aye."

Sooooooo......in conclusion March has marched off and April is rounding the corner of this weight loss parade and here is my April challenge:  no more ice cream sandwiches for the month and I'm kicking the couch potato habit.  I'm moving my bones and marching to a different drummer.  Watch out April; these boots are made for walking!

I love Go-Go boots! But I would break my neck in these puppies!

Too Cute

Just what I needed: another TV series to fall in love with or with which to fall in love?  A couple of weekends ago, Rat Mom treated me to a concert and not just any concert.....HEART~ Ann and Nancy Wilson!  They still rock.  And not just anywhere either....A CASINO!!!!!  We had a great time and it was during a down time that she found a TV show on Animal Planet (what other channel would a girl who already has a dog buys a rat and has names picked out for her next dog, horse, goat, and donkey...and those are just the animals and names she has told me??!!).  Animal Planet has a delightful show named "Too Cute" and it is. (Don't worry Mom, I'm not planning to use anymore birthday, anniversary, Christmas, or "just because" money on another pet.  I've learned my lesson with Garbage Gut!)  Beware if you dare to watch this cute cuddly program;  I guarantee you will start dreaming about kittens and puppies.  My mama always warned me that cute little kittens and cuddly little puppies would soon grow up to be cats and dogs.  I can definitely attest to that.  Kitzilla only wants to be snuggled with Garbage Gut.. I have enough photos to prove it!  I watch that program and want to snuggle with all my animals and let me tell you one of them stinks.  I tried grabbing Kitzilla and she meowed and bolted.  I guess she doesn't like to be grabbed from behind and squeezed.  Who knew?

I'm also enjoying another program: Cupcake Wars.  It is just as cute and cuddly as "Too Cute."  Some of the concoctions these bakers come up with is hysterical.  Jalapenos and pineapple...in a cupcake???  But the judges love it and on to Round Two for that Chef.  I am getting to be the Ultimate Couch Potato flipping through Dancing with the Stars (were we really surprised she got voted off?) to Chopped to Animal Planet to PBS.  Yikes..stop...get off the couch and move, Strawberry!  Even Hubby (the truly Ultimate Channel Surfer) got fed up with it and went to the bedroom to read a book.  Ha ha ha, she laughs evilly; now he knows how I felt all those many years ago when I witnessed his sports channel surfer while sprinting to the radio for those events NOT on TV and then back to the TV.  Now that's what I call a sport!

As far as the casino goes, let's just say, they didn't earn enough to pay a light bulb between the two of us.  I lost $1.97 out of my $2.00 limit and Rat Mom lost $1.85 out of her $2.00 limit.  I'm so...sniff sniff....proud.  Although I might have to start playing the slot machine to earn a little extra to pay for The Cooking Channel.  I hear they have some good programs too....like Losing 5 pounds with Good Housekeeping!  I'm gonna need that show if I don't get off the couch.

Spring Cleaning

It hit me this past weekend- that nesting feeling or rather that clean up the nest feeling.  I spent all day Saturday baking.  I helped host a bridal shower on Sunday so Saturday I spent all my day in the kitchen...cooking and cleaning the dishes and pans and counter tops.  I've decided that's a good way to clean the kitchen~ cook!  My refrigerator desperately needed cleaning but frankly I just didn't have the energy after cooking all day.    I did clean it out a little by using some items for my recipes.  That counts as cleaning, right?

I finally used that puff pastry that had been taking up residence in the freezer for who knows how long.

Yummy pizza using puff pastry

One side: just cheese please; other side: contents of fridge~  Yum!

 Every time I opened that fridge door, an onion smell wafted out and I kept noticing the strawberry jam (or what seemed to be strawberry jam!) at the bottom of the inside of the door.  I can't tell you how many science projects were molding in there.  It seemed someone spilled something and didn't clean it up and we kept ignoring it.  On Sunday I was geared up with plastic gloves and hot soapy water and a sponge.  I took out shelves and bins and cleaned that sucker from top to bottom.

sparkly clean happy fridge

Tomorrow I start on the bottom cabinet--you know the one that houses ALL the plastic containers and lids!!!!  Yikes...what a mess.  It is definitely "spring" at the strawberry patch; I'm springing into action.  What to join me?

Friday Morning!

Gosh, where did my week go?  Oh yeah, now I know....work!  Part of my job is taking care of the bank's safe deposit boxes and this was spring cleaning week...not the contents in the boxes themselves, mind you...it wouldn't be a "safe" deposit box if I could get in them and clean them for you.  Sidebar:  you wouldn't believe how many people think we have an extra key at the bank of your safe deposit box.  The reason it is safe is because YOU are the only one who has a key to your box.  If you lose your key, you have to come to the bank while we get it drilled open and it ain't cheap.  Just ask the 3 customers who lost their key and had to pay almost $150.00 to drill.  Ouch!  Okay, I'm done with the sidebar.  So I spent my last 2 days going through the available boxes...matching keys to the available box...making note if we didn't have a key to a box and WE'D have to drill and pay the price, etc. etc.  Doesn't sound hard, right?  It wasn't except for the fact that the boxes are high enough and low enough that I was getting some exercise in there.  Try doing the crab walk along the floor of one of your rooms or walking around the perimeter with your arms above your head-- I did this from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. except for my 45 minute lunch "hour."  Can you say extremely out of shape strawberry?  I hurt; I'm walking like my legs are non-bendable tree trunks.  I thought I needed to go in for a mammogram because my boobs hurt- lifting my arms, remember?  Last night was bowling night and this morning I thought I'd need a crane to hoist me out of bed.  Ohhhh,  oooooohhhhh.....boo hoo.  I'm contemplating purchasing one of those chairs that lift you up and out!

On the brighter side, look what was waving at me this morning....

Hope you have a wonderful day and perfect weekend.  The weather here in Rural, USA is supposed to be fantastic!

Do you believe?

Last Friday a rather odd thing happened to one of the tellers at the bank.  She was handling a customer's transaction when all of the sudden 5 lollipops in her candy basket flew at her.  We have it on tape!  She is convinced a ghost threw them at her.  It is hard to tell on the tape what exactly happened but I can tell you no human touched those lollipops.  Ha...strange, right?

I must admit, I love drama but I'm kinda getting tired of THIS drama and so are some of the other co-workers.  A few of us don't believe in ghosts.  I mean, really, we are talking about a bank.  What paranormal thing would go after lollipops when there is a whole vault full of money?  Not to mention the HUGE vault door.  I mean if you want to scare the hell out of us, why not slam that vault door closed?  Now that would get my attention.  Lollipops...pffff.

Our conversation about ghosts got us talking about angels.  It's all kind of funny that this is happening now.  This past week (before the ghost incident which I will refer to as BTGI) I got a hankering to watch Jodie Foster in Contact..you know the movie discussing life on other planets.  Coincidence?

What about you?  What do you believe?

Rainy days and Mondays

I'm really hoping it isn't going to be one of "those" days, but it looks like it will be.  I gained a little bit over the weekend.  I'm a little blue because the college kiddos went back to school.  It's raining here in Rural, USA AND it's a Monday!  The dogs are wet and and one of them jumped in my chair (I just found that out!).  I dropped the veggie spray and it's one of those new sprayers so the nozzle cracked and I sprayed veggie spray all over the pan, the stovetop, and myself.  Yep, I've got a blue heart, a wet butt and a sticky chest and belly.  This truly is a day to sing that old Carpenter song.  I could let it "get me down" and take everyone and everything with me, but I'm not gonna.

I had a fantastic time with the college kiddos.  Rat Mom and I went to the Heart concert at the Winstar Casino.  Every time the family drives back from South Texas I want to go in and see the place-- now I have!  The rain will give the plants some much needed nourishment.  The veggie spray didn't cost that much so if I need to replace it, I'll replace it.  My butt will dry, I can change my shirt, so my Monday morning smile will not turn to a frown-- I will not bark at my co-workers and anyone else who happens into my path.  They had nothing to do with my sticky/ messy start of a morning.  I can get back on my diet plan today and relish the good moments and memories I had with my kiddos.

So how's your Monday morning?  I'm hoping you were off to a better start!

Where's the Beef?

I apologize to my grainiveg friends but I was craving beef this morning; sort of like one craves pancakes for dinner.  So I'm writing this blog while enjoying a hamburger patty with cheese and sour cream and salsa!  Crazy breakfast, I know.  I think I'll have to do a backwards day today.  Dinner for breakfast and breakfast for dinner.  Today is also Boss' birthday and everyone at the bank is bringing food.  The last email I received B was bringing a chocolate sheet cake and a huge crockpot full of queso con carne and M was bringing the Tostitos!  I decided right away to bring a veggie plate; now all I have to do is wash and cut the veggies and this strawberry will be good to go.  Willpower....willpower....willpower....I sit right next to the food station at work.  Yesterday I ignored the left-over pizza and pizza desserts!  Good grief...who knew working was so detrimental to your health!!!  It has taken a while to get off some weight but there have been some changes along the way and not just my attitude.

Here's what I noticed just this morning:

• I can stand and see my feet (something I hadn't been able to do in awhile)

• The normal-sized bath towel can fit around me (something it hadn't been able to do in awhile)

• Several items in my closet are not only fitting but loose! (can I hear an "amen?")

•  Several people have noticed and commented on the weight loss (one seemed almost timid to ask about it; aren't we funny that way?)

Something else happened yesterday.  I was told I'm beautiful on the inside and out. I haven't heard that in awhile and it felt good to hear.  She went on to say that we get so caught up in our looks and our weight and our beauty has nothing to do with it.  But how many times have we lost weight only to hear "You are so beautiful!"???  As if our beauty is connected to our weight.  Those of us on this weight loss journey need to remember to tell others "you are beautiful" no matter what their size.  Just as the house is NOT an extension of the woman (that's a different post topic for another day!), we should not be defined by our size.

YOU are beautiful on the inside AND out.  Now go and spread the good news.

One Day at a Time

There is an old gospel song with that very title and I can claim it as my own today.  Yesterday I had a fantastic sticking- to- program day.  I planned out my meals and ate them and nothing more.  Oh yes, I've planned meals before and then ate what I'd planned AND the rest of the refrigerator.  Not yesterday.  I was a good strawberry.  Today is a new day.  It is not complete so I'll save the hip hip hooray for tomorrow. 

I did make out a meal plan last night before the "zzzzzz"s began buzzing...(can we just do away with daylight savings???  PLEASE!!).   This morning I packed my lunch and ate my planned breakfast.  My tote for work is ready and make-up and hair done...I'm even dressed to my shoes! 

I really dislike having to think about food so much, you know?  I tried letting those early months of eating right and losing weight take over but my "old" self came back.  I was making unhealthy choices....like "what can one ice cream sandwich a night hurt?"  Plenty, I've now found out!  That wasn't the only thing I was eating! One ice cream sandwich invited a bag of popcorn to the party and pretty soon I was making homemade bread (and you know me and bread) and the pantry party continued.  I'm not able to go against my grain on auto-pilot yet.  I think it will take more than 3 months of working at it.  For now, Grainiacs, you're stuck with me taking it one day at a time...for how long?  God only knows.  But I will try to discuss other topics, like maybe the weather.  It is beautiful here in Rural, USA.  I wish I could walk to work but I'd have to start out an hour early and I'm just not up to that....yet!

Giving Up

I have a friend or two who have "given ______ up for Lent."  Some of these people have given up chocolate.  WHAT?!  Really?  I would much prefer to give up housecleaning...I'm already succeeding at it so there's not too much risk involved.  Several years ago I gave up (not for Lent, mind you) Diet Coke.  I was drinking way too much and felt it would be better for me to stop drinking it all together.  I succeeded for almost one year.  But then I had that one sip, then a gulp, and I was a goner.  I know my friends worry about my DC addiction.  So a couple of weeks ago, I gave up going to the convenience store or (yikes) Sonic for a crunchy ice diet coke...again, not for Lent. I just wanted to see if I could do it.  Of course I could, but let's face it: an addiction is addicting!  Some struggle with drugs or food or diet coke.  We are all powerless when it comes to our addictions, right?  Shopping/ sex/ gossip/ it doesn't matter what it is...try giving it up for a while and you'll know what I'm talking about.  Again, forever late to the party, I'm wondering what I can "give up" for good.  I wouldn't give up chocolate...I know I can't keep that up.  I would like to say I'll give up diet cokes with the crunchy ice, but I know that would be a struggle especially while I'm trying to lose weight.  The only responsible thing to give up right now for me would be the 8 pounds I'm trying to take off before April 1st.  I think I'll restate my goal and say for Lent I'm giving up 8 pounds for good.  I won't ask for them back or resume to get them back after Easter.  I will gladly and joyfully give up 8 pounds for Lent.

Update:  kitchen sink was clean for 1 1/2 days.  The bathrooms are/were clean and shiny.  The thing I despise about housework is it is never done.  No sooner had I cleaned the bathroom then someone went in and used that sparkly clean bowl.  I mopped the kitchen floor only to have the muddy dogs run back through.  So welcome to my pigpen.  We are happy and if it really bothers you, I'll show you where the broom and mop are!

Flying?

A while back I posted about time flying and how I'd begin using the book Sink Reflections by "Flylady"  Flying  Unfortunately I had forgotten about my own post and well.....  this is just a glimpse of the state of my house!  Not a pretty picture

As a working Strawberry, I am so very appreciative of other working strawberries who CAN work and keep a clean house.  Gee, even when I wasn't working I couldn't keep a clean house so I shouldn't be shocked at my little strawberry patch.  But I am!!!!  I don't like living this way.  Just this morning I popped my whole wheat eggos (I'm having oatmeal for dinner.....save!)  in the toaster oven while I started on this post.  The ding-er went off and I had cold eggos in my toaster.  The night before, Boy had changed the settings to "oven" and since I turned the "toaster" knob- no heat in the "toaster" oven!  Second try and thus I see how my morning will go.  I'm falling back into my old unorganized self.  Flying by the seat of my pants.  I've been on this journey since August and yes I move ahead 3 spaces and fall back 15.  This is why I don't gamble!!!  I'm horrible at the betting, but you know, I'm still betting on this Strawberry because I am determined to go against my grain; I can do it.  I know I can.  For 9 days I've been eating healthy breakfasts and once that is second-nature to me, I'll add another challenge.  One little baby flight at a time.

GWTG

Good morning, Grainiacs,

It's raining here in Rural, USA and I don't mind if I'm inside but I get all gussied up for work (make-up/ hair/ HAIR SPRAY!!!!) and I don't want to get out in the rain.  Oh yes, there is the umbrella but you've heard the song about Oklahoma and the wind and most of my umbrellas wind up inside out and not a whole lot of help when it rains AND the wind is sweeping down the plain.  As a child, I laughed at the ladies wearing their plastic rain scarves over their heads but now I'm thinking... hmmmm...... Yikes!  I must be getting old!!!!  Somebody stop me if you see me trying to buy a plastic rain bonnet......please!!!!

Boy's alarm went off so "the time is now 7:33 a.m."  Do you remember calling in to Time and Temperature?  Do they still have a T&T number since the invention of the internet?  Why dial 7 numbers when you can click a button and ta da-- the time and temperature for all over the world!?  Just a random thought for this morning.  Boy's alarm is still going off; I look at the handy time clock in the corner of my computer and it is now 7:55 a.m.!  I wonder how someone can sleep with an obnoxious buzzing sound right by their head.  I will wake up every time a mosquito buzzes around my head.  That is probably where the first inventor of the alarm clock came up with his/her idea.  Buzz....buzz....swat....hey, I think I'll invent an alarm clock (thank you, Al Gore; I know YOU really invented the alarm clock [wink wink buzz]).

Well, I've heard from some of you Grainiacs about breakfast.  Thank you.  And the winner is:     OATMEAL.  Yep, you Grainiacs love your oatmeal in the morning.  I prefer to have oatmeal with some vanilla yogurt swirled in (I do love yogurt...I wish I could have it in the mornings...sniff sniff).  But some of you like oatmeal with peanut butter swirled in.  I've never had peanut butter in my oatmeal before but there's always today.  One Grainiac mentioned she likes oatmeal with raisins (Hubby's favorite) and peanut butter AND cheese!  Never had that combo before!  She also eats yogurt with fruit and 1/2 - 3/4 cups of bran flakes added for a nice crunch.  Fruit is always a favorite.

So in honor of my grainiacs, I'm starting my week with a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast.  Yes, I can start my week any time I want and my week starts on a Thursday!  I also started my New Year's Resolution in March, remember?  I'm "Going With The Grains" starting today.  What?  You thought GWTG meant "George, where's the goat?"  or  "Gee, who's that geek?"  Rev. Hubby thought it meant "Give wonderfully to God" but then added it could also mean "Go wind the gong."  LOL

Bacon and Eggs

That's my healthy breakfast today.  Some might not think it's too healthy but others will say "it is the breakfast of champions!"  Strawberry says I was craving bacon and eggs and so I'm a gonna have them!  I haven't heard from anyone so I'm assuming 1) you aren't on a healthy breakfast challenge with me; 2) you don't eat breakfast; 3) you already eat a healthy breakfast so there is no challenge; or 4) and most likely- you have stopped reading this blog and I'm talking to myself (again!).  That's okay- I'm still up for the challenge.

I got on the scale and I'm down 1.6 pounds. Yipee!!!  Could it be the good start in the morning?  If I start off eating right, does that guide my choices during the rest of the day?  I guess I'll know by the end of the month.

So for now, Tootles, Graini-self.

Going Strong

Day 5 and that is 5 days of healthy breakfasts!  I can do this but I will NOT get cocky so soon.  I know myself and 5 days is still earlier enough to fall off the health train.  I must admit, I am getting energy.  I didn't see it on Day 3 but looking over my Day 4 and now this morning, I can tell a difference in myself-  of course it could be psychosomatic.  I believe that the mind has great influence over the body (of course I'm not the only one, but I'm just saying "I believe it too!").  But what happens when you have a great attitude that you will lick that weight struggle and it just doesn't happen?  Does that mean you don't really have a great attitude- that I CAN DO THIS resolve?  I don't think so; just like some with 98% positive attitudes about defeating cancer can still succumb to this hateful, awful, sickening disease.  It isn't fair.  She had the right stuff to beat the odds yet she still lost her fight.  RIP Janet and may God comfort your family and friends during this time. I believe we can have that 98% (let's face it, doesn't doubt creep in?) determination and still fail?  Of course, we can think it but until we do it, it's just that-- in our minds.

I might have mentioned in a previous post that I moved my stationery bicycle back into the TV room.  Last night I got off my duff and put the pedal to the metal or actually the pedal round and round!  I spent 40 minutes on the bicycle and felt great.  That's the energy I'm talking about since I've started the day on the right path.

Day 4 was a busy day at the church.  We invited a neighborhood apartment complex to breakfast.  I was busy cooking and serving so I didn't get a chance to sit down and eat (I did sit down and visit...you know this Strawberry--has to meet new people).  Thankfully I woke up with enough time to eat a bowl of oatmeal.  Yum.

Day 5- more oatmeal and a banana.  Not exactly a huge "queen" meal, but I hit the snooze button too many times!!!

Have a great day, Grainiacs and remember I love you and am rooting for you.

 

And We're Off

Good morning, Grainiacs!

I have good news.  I have completed 3 days of my healthy good eating good for you breakfasts.  I'd like to tell you I have more energy, my temperament is excellent and everyone loves me, but alas I'd be lying.  I DO feel better but as for the energy- I'm still a couch potato.  I work 9 - 5 with about 45 minutes for lunch (driving time subtracted), I get home and want to vegetate in front of the TV vs. putting on jogging shoes and wobbling down the street.  I did "walk away" a few pounds while washing dishes-- thank you Leslie Sansone.  So as you can see there is still much work and I continue to fight with myself and try to go against my grain.  I know I'm making healthy choices now and ingraining healthy breakfasts into my DNA so I will reach for a whole grain waffle instead of a doughnut (although I was dreaming about them last night!).  I want to think healthy for the rest of my life and not for one month.  You know?

Day 2 Healthy Breakfast:

Day 2 of eating like a Queen!

2 whole grain waffles (generic variety) with 2 Tbsp of all natural peanut butter and a banana.  I've always heard about peanut butter and banana sandwiches but never EVER to my recollection had one.  The thought of it never appealed to me.  Going against my grain (I almost wrote "brain"  LOL --I guess it would be apropos) I decided to try the combo.  Can I just say it is not at all bad?  As a matter of fact, I kept one waffle banana free but decided to add slices to my second waffle.  The brown stuff on top of the banana waffle is cinnamon lest you think I hated it and spit it back out!  I will check how large the holes in the cinnamon container are before I sprinkle dump cinnamon onto my dish.  (for my WW grainiacs, this breakfast was 10 points but before you spit your milk out through your nose, remember, I'm eating breakfast like a queen, lunch like a princess, and dinner like a pauper!  My most or next to most points come at breakfast time).


Day 3:  Aya en el rancho grande

not pretty looking but good!

  Scrambled eggs with bacon bits and chunky salsa and pear slices.  WW- 7 ppts  Arriba!!

Are you taking the healthy breakfast challenge with me?  I'd love to hear how it's going. 

Got Milk?

I don't "got milk" or rather I can't...at least in the mornings.  I take a thyroid hormone replacement pill and am warned not to consume calcium or iron for at least 4 hours after taking the little pill.  This wreaks havoc with my love for yogurt and specifically my fruit and yogurt parfaits.  But a challenge is a challenge and today is Day 1 of my March Breakfast Challenge.  Onward, Grainiacs!!!

This morning I dined (or breakfast-ed) on a ham and cheese (shhh, I can't totally go without dairy in the morning) omelet topped with peppers and onions-- my poor co-workers.  As I didn't have any fresh fruit, I pulled out a bag of frozen peaches.  (sidebar: I did plan and I did go to the store but our one and only grocer was trying to sell old fruit.  That is a different post for another day!) Those peaches didn't look any better than the dried up, smushy fruit at the store so fruit for breakfast was out today.  It must have been a very old bag of fruit; that's all I've got to say or my store is taking their old fruit and bagging it and selling it as frozen fruit.  I don't know.  But anyway, I got my protein and veggies in this morning.  I also pulled out the fine china and crystal.  I did not, however, pull out the silver.  I would have had to polish it and I'm not into polishing silver at 7 a.m. or anytime of day really.

All in all, Day 1 of the breakfast challenge was a success.  I am satiated and happily posting on my blog.  Success.  Hope you are having a great breakfast challenge day and here's hoping it isn't a challenge!

The omelet is hidden under all the peppers and onions!

P.S.  I dished up my delicacy on a salad plate.  I've read where we are to fool our eyes and we tend to eat less when we serve our food on a salad plate.  Something to do with it looking like more food on a plate.

P.S.S.  The "table cloth" is a Native American blanket....or so I thought.  I tried taking a picture for you but it wouldn't come out so I'll have to tell you what it says.  On one side: "Especially for you from the children at St. Labre Indian School."  On the other: "Ashland, Montana  100% Polyester.....Made in China."  hee hee hee