C’mon, now. You can’t kill off ARCHIE.

I’m digging deep, here, people.  Because all I want to write about is Lent and Easter and sugar and peanut butter Easter eggs dipped in honey.  And I KNOW you’re all sick of it.  Because that’s ALL I’ve written about.  For weeks.

I’m sick of reading my own blog posts myself, so I don’t blame you.

So today, I’m digging deep, and I’m talking about something else for a change.

One of the fond memories of my youth, even though I’d kind of forgotten about him, to be honest:  Archie Andrews.

Yes, there was a time when I was a big fan of the Archie comics.  Like, a really big fan.  I remember my mom introducing them to me when I was a kid.  I don’t think it was really an “introduction to reading” thing for me, like it was for some kids, as I always loved to read (The Babysitters Club & Sweet Valley High, anyone??) – but Archie was a special treat.

I remember the feeling of excitement when I discovered one of those comics in my stocking on Christmas morning, or in my Easter basket amidst the chocolate eggs and skipping rope (sorry, last time I say the word “EASTER” today, promise).  It was always a thrill if I was with my mom when she got groceries (I always hated grocery trips as a kid!) and at the check-out, she’d tell me it was OK to grab an Archie if I wanted.  Double Digests… I always went for the Double Digests, if she’d let me!

In my early teen years, it was with absolute glee that I discovered my neighbours Wayne & Brenda were also big Archie fans, and so when I was babysitting for their kids, after the littles had gone to bed, I literally had tons of Archies to choose from for my reading pleasure.

I loved Archie.  Really, seriously loved him.  I loved Pop Tate’s shoppe.  I loved Archie’s old jalopy.  I loved Jughead and all of his delicious-looking hamburgers.  I loved the love triangle with Archie, Betty & Veronica.  I loved Moose and Midge and Reggie… I loved it all.

It’s been years since I’ve read one, though.  A really, really long time.

And yet still, I was shocked yesterday when I heard them talking on the radio that Archie was going to be killed off in the near future.

What??  What?!?!

Dudes, seriously.  You can’t kill off the title character of a comic series!  What would Archie comics be without… ARCHIE?!?

It reminds me of that time in the early years of Grey’s Anatomy, there was like a 3-episode arc where Meredith Grey almost drowns, and there’s this whole “will she live or will she die?” thing happening.  Despite being caught up in the drama of it all, I kept telling myself, “It’s called GREY’s Anatomy.  They’re not going to kill off THE Grey!!”

Alas, it is true.  Archie is going to be killed off.  I researched it myself this morning.

But things have changed in the world of the Archies since I last read them, apparently.  There are different series going on.  The one that Archie is being killed off in is “Life With Archie”, which apparently has been following Archie as an adult.  Archie beyond Riverdale High, beyond the Chok’lit Shoppe, beyond…well… the 1950’s.  (BTW - Did you know Archie picked Veronica?!  I can’t believe it!) 

Apparently Archie will die to save a friend.  A hero.  A humble guy always there to help others.  Just like the Archie I remember from my youth.  The creators are calling it “a natural conclusion for the Life With Archie series”.

However, I’ve been assured not to despair.  There will still be Archie Andrews in the world.    The original Archie series is going to continue – WITH Archie – and there’s apparently also a Zombie Archie series?  (yeah… things have really changed in the Archie world since I last picked one up, evidently!!)

In any case, I was relieved to know that Archie’s not going to completely go the way of the dodo bird.  Because all of this Archie talk has me really wanting to pick one up again, for old times’ sake.

It’s been a long time since I’ve checked in with one of my favourite freckle-faced redheads.

And I think Archie and I are long over-due! :)

Wednesday Ramblings

Happy Wednesday, friends!  Let’s ramble on…

• I’m starting to wonder if it’s ever going to warm up around here.  The snow is going, slowly but surely, and the sun is shining brightly today, but it still feels so cold… I dream of going for a walk without a coat and toque!!
• Ah, who am I kidding.  There is no room in my life for other dreams.  And by other dreams, I mean any dream that does not involve sugar.  Or peanut butter.  Or honey.  I have been consumed by the sugary desserty chocolatey peanutbutterandhoneyey dreams.

• Pleased, though, that I’ve now gone two and almost a half days without the PB&honey.  So far, so good!
• I mentioned that I bought all my Easter candy last weekend, and then received more in the “egging” that took place at my house last Sunday.  So, where are all of these treats, you ask?  How am I resisting them?  They are hidden.  Double-bagged, with knots tied, and stowed away in a closet, upstairs, out of sight.  That is the only way I can trust myself to stay away.  When things are out of sight, I can usually keep ‘em out of mind.

• I’ve got a busy weekend on deck.  An eye appointment Friday afternoon, Book Club Friday evening, Canada Day Committee Poker Tournament on Saturday, and Palm Sunday, as well as celebrating my mom’s birthday on Sunday.  Wooo!  Gonna keep me on my toes, but I’m looking forward to it!
• THE SIGN IS GONE!  THE SIGN IS GONE!!  WOOOO HOOOOO!!  As my fellow Quebecers – and probably most Canadian friends – know, we had a big election in my home province this past Monday.  About a month ago, the political party that I despise the MOST posted one of their electoral signs pretty much right outside my house.  I have scowled at it for weeks.  In fact, I threatened many times to take it down, but my mom insisted I wasn’t allowed to touch it – apparently it’s a criminal offence to tamper with electoral signs.  It really stuck in my craw that it was there, though, and especially so close to a church (right next door to me).  Didn’t seem right.  Tacky & tasteless.  In any case… that political party, the Parti Quebecois, which held a minority government going into this election, went down in flames BIG time, as we elected a majority Liberal government, and it was with great delight that I discovered this morning that their sign had been removed sometime during the night.  We can all rest easily again, my friends!!

• I am so super-excited for Easter this year.  With it being so late, and combined with no-sugar-Lent, it feels like I’ve been waiting forever for it to arrive.  On Good Friday after church, I plan on taking my niece and nephew to a matinee movie, and then have them over for a sleepover.  I’m planning on baking some Easter treats with them either Friday evening or Saturday morning, and taking them to rent a movie at the store, as well as to buy some snacks for a little movie night, too.  I doubt they are as excited for this as I am! haha!  Then, after they leave on Saturday, I’ll have the rest of the day to prep food for our Easter dinner on Sunday.  I can’t wait!
• It’s all going to be lots of fun, but the part I can’t wait for the most is the Easter Eggs.  Lord, what I’d give for a peanut butter Easter Egg RIGHT.NOW.

• I’ve been planning Easter dinner in my head for weeks.  My menu has changed many times, but after discussing it with my mom (and, in turn, her discussing it with my sister), we have settled on ham, meatballs, scalloped potatoes, baked beans, salads, buns, pickles & cheese, and yet-to-be-determined dessert (although I’m still rooting for Hummingbird Cake).  Drooling.  A month ago, I was fighting for turkey dinner, but as the long winter dragged on, I eventually completely lost my appetite for turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes with gravy.  That screams “CHRISTMAS” to me right now.  And even though Christmas is my favourite time of year… I’m dying for “spring” tastes right now!!
• I was sad to hear that one of my favourite Ottawa Valley restaurants went up in flames earlier this week.  It was almost one year ago that we took my mom to TOSH in Arnprior for a huge family gathering and celebration in honour of her & my cousin Dave’s birthdays.  I haven’t been back since, and unfortunately, it looks like I won’t be for some time due to the catastrophic damage.  I hope the owners are able to rebuild, as it was one of the nicest places in our area.

Fam & friends at TOSH, almost one year ago…

• And now, because it’s sunny out & I’m feeling upbeat, here are a few of my current fave tunes:

“Shake” by Walk Off The Earth

“Not a Bad Thing” by Justin Timberlake (yes, purposely chose the vid from his performance on Jimmy!!!)

“Higher” by Classified ft. B.o.B.

“Wild Wild Love” by Pitbull ft. G.R.L.

Hope you’re all enjoying a wonderful Wednesday!! :)

The latest challenge. I know. Lord love a duck.

That’s right, folks.  I have LESS than two weeks to go with this no-sugar-or-sweetener Lent BULLCRAP that I am putting myself through, and I have decided to give myself ANOTHER challenge.

There’s something mentally wrong with me.

But the fact is, I have an addictive personality.  I’ve always known this.  When I loooove something, I really love it.  Like Wade Redden.  And chips and dip.  And Prison Break.  And Jimmy Fallon.

When I gave up sugar & artificial sweeteners for Lent, my main concern was that I would then be inclined to replace that addiction with something else.  My goal was to NOT fall victim to that trap.  Can’t have cookies and jelly beans and mini marshmallows for 40 days?  Fine, but do NOT decide to replace them with chips and honey roasted peanuts!

I’ve done that before, see.  I can talk myself into anything.  I gave up chips before (they are my biggest weakness in life, I think) – but then somehow convinced myself that Cheesies and Doritos and White Cheddar Popcorn were not chips, so I was allowed to eat them.

It’s really a vicious cycle in my brain.

Anyways.  So for Lent, I gave up desserts and sweets and Coffeemate and Diet Pepsi, and made it a goal to not replace them with another vice.

I have failed, friends.  I have failed.

Back during the 7-day Clean Eating Challenge that I took part in, a few of the girls in the group were lamenting over how much they really missed chocolate and sweets.  And I was all like, “Hey ladies, I gave up sugar for Lent and I’m already a few weeks in, trust me, the cravings pass!  It gets easier!”  All swagger.  All cocky-like.

And then, one of the other girls shared her remedy:  “When I get hit with a craving and can’t suppress it with a cup of tea, I have a spoonful of natural peanut butter drizzled with honey.  It helps.”

And then Jill goes, Hmmm… never thought of doing that.  It doesn’t violate any of my Lenten laws…  I’m allowed honey…  And I have a jar of natural PB in the fridge… I should try that!

Boom.  New addiction.

And you can bet your ass that this kid can NOT stop at just one spoonful.  Barely able to hold myself to five or six.

For the past few weeks, PB & honey has been my gig.  Most evenings, you would’ve been able to find me standing at my counter, hovering over my jars of PB & honey with spoons, pretty much whimpering with delight.  Sweet heavenly Jesus, it was good stuff.  I didn’t need bread or biscuits or banana slices.  Just my spoons and my jars.  That’s it.

It quickly became a problem.  I had promised myself that I would not replace my sweet tooth cravings with anything other than fruit & yogurt for dessert, and even though the PB & honey was within my rules, it had absolutely, 100% become the new addiction.

I seriously might as well have filled a bowl like this… 

I felt very guilty about that.

So I gave myself a new challenge.  Two weeks left to go for Lent 2014.  Can I go the rest of the way without my new favourite treat?

Yesterday was Day 1, and I’m proud to say I was successful.  Even though my mind drifted to the PB & honey many times during the evening, I held firm.  I didn’t crumble.  I kept myself busy all evening, doing laundry, dishes, some food prep for the rest of the week… and I successfully stayed out of the jar of peanut butter AND the jar of honey.

One day at a time.

Only 12 more days to go.

When I wake up on Easter morning, the first thing I’m going to do is eat a chocolate-covered peanut butter Easter Egg.

…I might even dip it in honey.

A good weekend. A really good weekend. :)

Yep.  I have to say, that was a really good weekend, for sure!

It kicked off with a wonderful phone call on Friday morning from one of my best friends, Lindsay, to share the happy news that she and her husband Ryan safely welcomed their new baby boy the night before!

I was pretty pumped, especially since I correctly guessed that it would be a boy (I NEVER get those predictions right!!), and I also correctly guessed that he would be named “Samuel”.  Samuel Ryan William weighed in at 8 lbs. 8 ozs, and is just as cute as can be!

Our company Team Meeting was on Friday at work, and I was given permission to leave early as soon as the meeting was over (pays to work for Baby Sam’s fam! haha!) to run up to Shawville to do groceries and to go meet the newest little man in my life!  I was so happy to snuggle with him and visit with the new mommy & daddy.  Everyone looked great, and he’s such a precious little bundle.  I could’ve held him for hours.  I just love to have a newborn in my arms!!

 

When I got home from Shawville, I called my mom to come join me for supper, as I had put on a big pot of my new favourite  Chunky Potato Tomato Soup (recipe here).  It was a blustery, cold, sleety/rainy evening, and so it was nice to sit down to a big hot bowl of hearty soup!  I was pretty zonked after the busy, exciting day, so I went to bed early and put on a movie – I think I fell asleep about 2 minutes in, though!

Saturday morning I was up early to work out, then lounged around catching up on some PVR’d TV shows, before getting ready to head out for a movie date with my mom, my sister, and my sister’s mother-in-law.  We decided to catch a matinee showing of Noah.  I enjoyed the movie, although I was a bit confused by parts of it (I guess they’re right when they say it doesn’t really follow the Bible story that closely, because I don’t remember there being any giant rock monsters in the Bible…) We had a lot to talk about after it was over, that’s for sure! 

We headed to Boston Pizza afterwards, where my brother-in-law met us for supper with the kids.  I treated myself big, buttery popcorn at the movies, Cactus Cut Potatoes and a small Tuscan Pizza at Boston Pizza, because I had reason to celebrate:  the workout accountability group that I have been part of since early January had hit 90 days!  It was a 90 day challenge group, and I never missed one workout or shake, so it was time for a big reward!!

Sunday morning started out with a big surprise, as I stepped out the door to head to church and was shocked to see a bunch of brightly coloured Easter eggs all over my front walk way.  My first thought was that the Sunday School kids must be having an Easter Egg hunt at church that day, but then I thought, “Huh?  They wouldn’t be doing that 2 weeks before Easter…”  It was then that I spotted a hanger on my door, which said that I had been “egged”!  It stated that 12 Easter eggs had been left in my yard.  I got to keep the treats inside for myself, but I had to refill them and egg one of my neighbours in return to keep the fun going.  Talk about putting a smile on my face!!

After I had collected my eggs and was heading over to church, my friend Stacy pulled up with her kids, and as we walked over to the church together, I was telling her daughter Maddy all about the surprise I’d found a few minutes before.  Maddy acted all aloof, like, “Whatever, no idea what you’re talking about,”  but I had my suspicions that she might’ve been my “mystery bunny”.  Sure enough, I saw this picture posted on Facebook later that day!

I had fun re-filling the eggs (luckily I had bought all my Easter candy on Friday afternoon, and I seemed to have gone a bit over-board in anticipation of the end of No-Sugar Lent, so I had plenty to share!!), and I took my turn at “egging” a neighbour up the street this morning before work!  I hope there are 2 excited little girls today when they discover the eggs, and I hope they didn’t catch me in the act! haha!

Sunday after church, Mom and I rushed off to a bridal shower for an old friend of mine, Jackie.  We were treated to a delicious lasagna lunch, while Jackie was showered with gifts!  After the shower was over, we decided to pop in on the new parents and babe again, as Mom had a gift to drop off.  (And of course, I just couldn’t wait to see Baby Sam again!!)

When we left Lindsay and Ryan’s, it was almost supper time, and after trying to decide what we had between us in our fridges, we decided to splurge again and go out for supper.  We ended up in Portage at the Bateau Royale, one of my favourite local restaurants, and treated myself – AGAIN! – to an appetizer of Bruschetta (they make the BEST Bruschetta!!) and an absolutely drool-worthy platter of Fish & Chips.  (but that’s it for the treats until Easter now! haha!)

It was the perfect way to cap off such a wonderful weekend!! :)

Things I’ve pinned lately.

Ah, Wednesday.  That means we’re at the half-way point!  Phewf!

It’s my first week back to work full-time, so that means the week is crawling by a little on the extra-slow side… It’s an adjustment, to say the least.  But I’m happy to be back at my desk five days a week.  Really, I am.  It means we’re getting that much closer to spring-like weather!!

So I thought today, I’d share some of the things I’ve been pinning lately.  (My Pinterest is here.)  A smattering of stuff.  Things I’d like to try.  Recipes that sound yummy.  Words that hit home.

Without further ado…

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Doesn’t this Spring Carrot, Radish & Quinoa Salad with Herbed Avocado look divine?  After a winter full of making hearty, warming soups, chilis, and pasta sauces, I feel like my taste buds are finally starting to crave the “freshness” of spring & summer.  This recipe sure did catch my eye yesterday, and I look forward to trying it out soon!

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I’m not sure why – perhaps the no sugar thing again – but I have such an urge to make Easter treats this year, rather than just buying the candy.  Hence, I feel like I’ve pinned every Easter-related cookie/fudge/cupcake idea in the world.  I’m planning to have my niece and nephew for a sleepover on Good Friday, and I thought it would be fun for us to make some Easter treats that day/night.  Of course, I wouldn’t be able to taste them until Easter Sunday, but I think Caden & Danica would be willing to sample them for me! ;)

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Another thing I’ve been craving lately is quiche.  I pinned this recipe for Crustless Asparagus Quiche the other day, mainly because of the asparagus.  I luuuurve asparagus.  Also, I’ve never attempted a crustless quiche, and I’m interested to see how it will turn out.  On my list of upcoming kitchen projects!

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I saw this on my Pinterest home feed this morning, and it was a nice reminder.  It seems lately I’ve been joking about how “old” I am, and how life has changed now that I’m getting so “old” – oddly, I still feel like a kid at heart (sometimes I don’t even feel anything like a grown-up), so I don’t know why I keep going back to this “I’m too old” crap.  Time to live life and forget the age.

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I’ve been intrigued by all the Cauliflower Crust Pizza rage lately.  I have yet to try it myself, but I admit to being skeptical.  This particular recipe post is the one I’d like to try the most, as a common theme in the reviews of most is that it’s delicious, but you can’t pick it up with your hands like you would regular pizza – this one claims to have the “secret tip” that allows you to pick it up with your hands to eat it.  And really, what's pizza if you can't pick it up to eat it??

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Of course, we all know of my current Jimmy Fallon adoration.  So yeah. Sometimes, I pin Jimmy.  This is one of my recent faves.  Blurred Lines was my summer of 2013 jam, and it still holds a special place in my heart.  Especially when Mr. Thicke is joined by Jimmy & The Roots playing it on classroom instruments!

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The day before no-sugar Lent began, I suddenly had this incredible urge to become a world-famous maker of scones.  I pinned about 40 different recipes to try - from sweet to savoury.  I still want to try my hand at them once Lent is over, but the predicament is this:  What to do with them all after I make them?  I'd permit myself one or two, but I can't keep oodles of baked goods in my home or I'll eat them all myself.  I'd need to give the rest away.  Hopefully I can find some takers. ;)

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I pinned these Sweet Potato Irish Nachos leading up to St. Paddy's Day, and this is the only pin I've actually made lately.  But I did make them on March 17th... and twice since.  These are so seriously yummy.  My new favourite "junk food".  I probably put too much cheese on them, but one sweet potato loaded up with peppers, olives, onions, tomatoes, black beans, and served with salsa & a dollop of non fat plain Greek Yogurt... mmmmm.  Makes for one healthy - and filling - treat!  SO GOOD.

I pinned a lot of info and recipes leading up to the 7-Day Clean Eating Challenge.  And this was one of them.  Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised to realize I've mostly already made most of these swaps in my diet - with the exception of the chocolate chips for cocoa nibs.  I'd definitely be willing to try them, though!  Just not sure they are something I can buy at a local grocery store.

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I saw this e-card and burst out laughing.  It is so true for me.  Even when I'm healthy eating, I'm always thinking about my next meal.  I seriously do plan my entire day around food.  It's what gets me through!

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Remember yesterday, when I went on and on about my dream dessert for Easter dinner?  I've changed my mind.  Again.  I want this Hummingbird Cake.  Doesn't just the name of it sound divine??  From what I read, it's a delicious cross between banana cake and carrot cake.  It looks heavenly.  I may even offer to make this myself for Easter if I can't convince my mom to make it for me... lol!

OK...I could go on and on, but I think that's enough for one day, don't you?  What have you been pinning lately?

April! Finally!!

I don’t know about anyone else, but boy, March felt like a loooong month.

I woke up this morning feeling extremely relieved to finally be able to turn the calendar page.

I think part of my problem is that the “no sugar for Lent” thing is starting to wear on me a little.  The Pancake Supper (my last taste of sugar!) feels like it was forever ago, and it’s STILL almost three weeks until Easter.

Oh, how those 40 days can start to drag!!

The thing is, at the beginning, I thought the no sugar stuff was a piece of…well… bad way to put it, but a piece of cake.  I was shocked at how easily I kicked the Coffeemate habit.  I was quite satisfied with fresh fruit for dessert.  After about a week, I wasn’t even craving anything sweet anymore.

Of course, there was the whole “healthy brownie” debacle, but after that, I came to the conclusion that I was better off with no dessert at all rather than a pan of blech masquerading as dessert.

I even bragged about it.  “I’m good with no sugar or sweeteners.  It’s really not that hard!”

But something has changed in the last few days.  And it’s not just a craving.

It’s become a fantasy.

Ever seen that old Max Fleischer cartoon about the kids dreaming about  candy and baked goods and ice cream?  I feel like those little kids…

You guys.  It’s a teensy bit ridiculous, but when I let my mind go there, I literally dream of sugar.  I imagine Easter Sunday, and the first thing that comes to mind is a pile of big fluffy pancakes drowning in golden maple syrup.  (yes, this is officially what I will be having for brunch after church that day.) Then I imagine chocolate covered peanut butter Easter eggs and jelly beans and little sugar-coated jujube bunnies and those heaven-sent Cadbury Mini Eggs.  And I keep changing my mind about what the perfect dessert for Easter dinner would be… a giant piece of Butter Brickel.  No, wait, a Pineapple Upside Down Cake.  Oh – oh – Cherry Cheesecake!  Or a Black Forrest Trifle.  NO WAIT!!!!  I want Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing!!!  And I’m going to down it all with a nice big giant icy glass of Diet Pepsi… mmmmm….

  

You see the pickle I’ve gotten myself in to?  The sweet, sugary, dripping-in-icing pickle?

can’t.stop.thinking.about.it.

Last week, I felt like I was distracted a bit by the Clean Eating Challenge.  I was so focused on sticking to my meal plan and not goofing that up that I didn’t have time to daydream about pancakes and Easter eggs so much.

But this week, it seems to be all I can do not to drink corn syrup from the bottle and eat brown sugar straight out of the bag.

(Okay, okay… that might not be true.  My teeth hurt just typing that.)

The fact of the matter is, I know that giving up sugar and artificial sweeteners has been very beneficial to my body.  I don’t ever intend to go back to putting Coffeemate or Splenda in my coffee, and I know that Diet Pepsi will remain a treat on odd occasions, like when I go out for dinner or go to the movies.  In all honesty, dessert is such a rare occurrence in my life anyways, reserved mostly for family dinners and birthdays, that it’s not like I’m going to be having pie and cake every day of the week once this is over – I never did before, and that’s not going to change.

But I do intend to get a good sugar buzz going on Easter Sunday.   I WILL be eating all the pancakes and Easter eggs and dessert I can get my hands on that day.

And until then, I’ll be making do with my new favourite fruit (the Ataulfo Mango…mmmm…), and my current crutch for when sugar fantasies hit (a spoonful of natural peanut butter drizzled with local honey… or several spoonfuls…whatever)

It’s finally April.  Less than 3 weeks to go…

7-Day Clean Eating Challenge: An Update

Hi folks!

Well, it’s Thursday, which means I’m on Day 4 of the 7-Day Clean Eating Challenge I’ve been taking part in this week.  It’s kind of hard to believe it’s already day 4!  This week has been flying!! I thought I’d give an update on how it’s been going.

As I’ve mentioned many times in recent weeks, I had already given up sugar & artificial sweeteners for Lent.  To some, they might think, “Hey, that’s enough, why add more of a ‘challenge’ when that one is already tough?!”

I chose to look at it this way: “I’m already cutting out sugar & artificial sweeteners, why not go the extra mile and try this ‘clean eating’ thing on for size?”  I’ve been gradually improving my eating habits over the past 15 months, but this is one extreme I had yet to attempt.  I was up for the challenge!

The “rules” of eating clean seem to depend on which website or article you’re reading, but basically the idea is to consume only what Mother Nature provides.  Whole foods.  Fruits and veggies, whole grains, grass-fed and free-range meats, low fat dairy products, unsalted nuts and seeds, and tons of water.  Avoid anything man-made, processed, refined, or pre-packaged.  Choose items that have as few ingredients as possible on the label – with only words that you can pronounce – or better yet, foods that have no label at all because they are in complete natural form.  No sugar, no table salt.

I thought I was already eating pretty “clean”, but when I started examining labels of foods I consumed on a regular basis (“healthy” pita crackers with my soup, the broth I use in my soups, seasonings I used on meat and vegetables, pasta, salad dressings, baking ingredients, etc), I was still not even close.  This week, and the preparation leading up to it, has been more of an eye-opener for me than I expected.

When I made the decision to take part in this Clean Eating Challenge, it seemed very doable.  I mean, it’s only 7 days, anyone can do anything if it’s only for 7 days, and I was hoping I’d pick up some new information and habits during the week.  Another big plus was the fact that when I looked at my calendar for that week, there were no big dinners out planned or birthday celebrations to throw a monkey wrench in things.  It was a good week to focus on the challenge without being too tempted to stray.

I drafted up a meal plan for the week, and on Friday I shopped for the groceries to fulfill my plan.  I then got rid of as much of the stuff in my cupboards as I could that would possibly lead me astray (mainly the crackers and Potato Thins that I had).  Then on my Monday off, I prepped.  I pre-cooked my salmon and chicken, my brown rice and quinoa, my hard-boiled eggs, I chopped up fruit and veggies, and assembled spinach salad into mason jars.

Here is how my week has looked so far:

Monday

Breakfast: 1/2 C. Cottage Cheese with a diced Asian Pear and sprinkle of cinnamon, Coffee with 1 Tbsp. of skim milk

Lunch: Strawberry Shakeology blended with 1 C. unsweetened Almond Milk & ice

Supper: Oven baked salmon filet seasoned with Epicure’s Lemon Dilly, roasted asparagus drizzled with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and sprinkled with sea salt and pepper, 1 C. cooked Quinoa with a drizzle of homemade Epicure Balsamic Vinaigrette, a handful of grape tomatoes; Strawberries & blueberries for dessert.

Snacks: snack-sized PC Blue Menu Finesse yogurt in the AM (not entirely sure if this is clean or not, but I decided to keep them), hard-boiled egg in the PM

Tuesday

Breakfast: soft-boiled egg with 1 slice of dry whole grain homemade toast, coffew with 1 Tbsp. skim milk

Lunch: Tuna Salad (1/2 can of Tuna mixed with 1 Tbsp. of nonfat plain Greek yogurt, green onion, celery, olives) served on a bed of Romaine lettuce leaves with 1 C. of Quinoa, a handful of grape tomatoes & a hard-boiled egg (These were supposed to be lettuce wraps, but ended up eating it as more of a salad. lol)

Supper: Strawberry Shakeology blended with 1 C. unsweetened Almond milk & ice

Snacks: yogurt in the AM, Strawberries & Blueberries in the PM, and a bag of homemade “Trail Mix” (raisins, walnuts, and sliced almonds) at Cheap Tuesday movie night

Wednesday

Breakfast: Oatmeal with a little bit of almond milk and a drizzle of local pure maple syrup, coffee with skim milk

Lunch: 1 1/2 C. of homemade clean Turkey Vegetable Soup, Egg & Tuna salad sandwich (made with 1/2 can of Tuna & an egg, plain nonfat Greek yogurt, celery and onion on homemade whole grain bread), and 2 small Morning On the Go Cookies (recipe here).

Supper: Strawberry Shakeology blended with 1 C. unsweetened Almond milk, a handful of spinach, and ice, Grapes & Strawberries

Snacks: Yogurt in the AM, mandarin orange in the PM

Thursday (so far)

Breakfast: 1 slice of homemade whole grain bread toasted with 1 Tbsp. of Natural Peanut Butter, 1/2 a homemade sugar-free granola bar, coffee with skim milk

AM snack: Yogurt

 

So… can you spot the times where it’s been a struggle?

Tuesday night at the movies of course was a toughie.  Lindsay and I had decided a while back that IF she hadn’t had her baby by this week, we’d make a quick trip to the movies to see Divergent on cheap night, as it might be our last chance to go for a while!  Since it was really up in the air as to whether or not we’d be going, I hadn’t given it much thought.  But when she told me on Tuesday she was good to go, I instantly knew that buttery popcorn was not an option, and that was a hard sacrifice for me to make.  Anyone who knows me knows the movie theatre is my “happy place”, and one of my favourite things about it is the delicious smell of buttery popcorn that literally hits you the moment you step through the doors.  I still kind of can’t believe that I went to the movies and DIDN’T get popcorn or a big-ass Diet Coke.  I really can’t believe I sat and ate a baggie of homemade trail mix and drank water bottles that I stowed in my purse instead.

I’m all for clean eating, but I won’t ever be doing that again!

The other big obstacle was that Wednesday was the monthly Soup & Sandwich Lunch at our church, and it is always a big treat for me.  I knew it landed on Challenge Week, so originally, I just thought I’d skip it.  However, my mom was making Turkey Vegetable Soup for the lunch, and after listing what she puts in it (her own homemade turkey stock, turkey, vegetables, brown rice, no salt added) – I realized I could eat it and stay within my guidelines for the week.  After finding a recipe for “clean” whole grain bread, my mom made a loaf of that for me for the week as well, and then made a tuna-egg filling that I could eat with it in a sandwich.  (spoiled rotten.  yes, I know.  My mom is the best.)

The really difficult part was the dessert.  This month, the desserts were cakes – chocolate-caramel poke cake, carrot cake with cream cheese icing, strawberry short cake, fresh apple cake with caramel sauce… ugh!!!  SOOOOO delicious.  My mother, God love her, had made me those sugar-free clean cookies, and I really liked them, but they were not cake.  Not even close.

Not gonna lie It was rough.  Sitting there, watching everyone with their giant pieces of cake.  While I nibbled and tried to savour my hippie cookies.

But I survived.  I lived to tell the tale.  And I’m kind of proud of myself for that.

The rest looks like it should be clear-sailing.  Not that the weekend will be easy, as that’s usually when I let up a bit on my healthy eating ways, and tend to treat myself (probably more than I should).  My mom and I often go to a restaurant for dinner on Fridays, and my family usually all goes out for brunch after church on Sundays.  I also hear the local chipstand might be opening this weekend, and I never miss opening weekend of the chipstand!  On top of that, there’s a big hockey tournament going on in the neighbouring town this weekend, and I usually try to get up there for a few games and to visit with friends – and anyone who has been to the arena knows allllll about the delicious smelling French fries up there!

I’m also taking the opportunity of my last Friday off to make a big batch of spaghetti sauce for the freezer, and it will be weird not to be able to taste-test it!  (The hamburger I bought for it is most certainly not grass-fed beef. lol)

So the final few days won’t be without temptation, that’s for sure.  But if I stick to the meal plan, and make sure that I am at home for scheduled meal and snack times, I should be OK. 

It’s all about willpower and determination, and I’m really confident I can complete this week without any major slip-ups!!

The Facebook group that has been doing the challenge along with me has been great.  People have been sharing recipes, asking lots of questions, commiserating over things we’ve had to give up or go without, posting about our “victories” – so it’s been lots of fun interacting and seeing how everyone else has been doing with it, too.

I’m not planning on completely falling off the wagon once this week is over, either.  I’m hoping to instill some of these new healthy-eating practices into my daily routines.

To be honest, I’m more looking forward to Lent being over so that I can have dessert once in a while again!  I’ve literally been daydreaming about Easter eggs… mmmm!!  Can’t wait!

But there’s still a few weeks to go before that.  Until then… I’ll be hangin’ tough! :)

“Born to Score”

My 5-year-old niece Danica is quite the cookie.

She’s not really a warm-and-fuzzy type of kid – at least not with me, her beloved auntie!  On the odd day, she’ll be cute and cuddly and “madly in love” with me, but those days are rare, so I soak them up when they happen.  As she gets older, she does seem to have a more pleasant demeanor – a little more skip in her step and more of a smile on her face - but honestly, I’ve always kind of liked the kid’s edge.  She glares at people when she’s not impressed.  Glowers, in fact.  She can be crusty and surly, and there’s something about that that I really like.  (Maybe because I can be crusty and surly, too… a child after my own heart!)

But when Danica’s excited about something?

Her blue eyes twinkle.

This past Saturday?  The twinkle was there. 

Because this girl was TOTALLY pumped to be playing her first “real” hockey game.

It was about a week before that my sister told my mom and I to plan on coming to Dan’s hockey in Cantley on March 22nd.  She’s been taking part in a learn-to-skate hockey program for girls (approx age 4-6) this winter, but up until now, they’ve just been having little drills, practicing skating, and having little scrimmages amongst themselves.

At this age, it’s about having fun and learning… not about winning or losing.

That being said, they had recruited an Aylmer team to come and play against her group of girls on March 22nd, and Kara thought it would be fun for Danica if we made a big deal of it – we’d all go and watch her play, then go out for pizza afterwards to “celebrate” her first game.

When Mom and I showed up at their place Saturday afternoon, Danica was already wound up and so excited.  I honestly think the highlight of my day was when Mom said to her, “Are you going to score a goal for Grandma today?” and Dan matter-of-factly replied, “Grandma, I was born to score.”

Seriously.  No idea where she heard that, but I’ve been giggling about it all week.  What a kid!

We all packed up and headed for the rink.  We got out to the stands early to get good seats under the heaters, and then waited for the girls to hit the ice.  It was really cute to see all these little kids lined up waiting behind the boards to get on the ice – they were so tiny, all you could see was the tops of their helmets!  Danica and her girls hit the ice, and then the Aylmer team came spilling  out the gate too.

Imagine our surprise when we discovered the Aylmer team was actually a team of boys!!

A group of teeny tiny little boys who very clearly had been playing in a league, and were a little more advanced in their hockey-playing and skating skills.

Right then and there, I figured the girls might be in trouble.

Well, that, and the fact that as the other girls slowly made their way in circles around the ice to warm-up, while Danica instead set up camp at center ice and had a nice big chat with her best buddy Rowan.

(That’s her in the middle with the white helmet)

When the puck finally dropped to start the “game”, the fun started.   Apparently at this age, they don’t have a real goalie – just unlucky little kids who take turns standing in the little wee nets holding a regular stick.  The boys were a little more accustomed to handling the puck and…well…shooting the puck, so it became quickly apparent that this might be a run-away game for the little boys.  Their goals came fast and furious.

Don’t get me wrong.  These boys weren’t exactly tiny versions of Wayne Gretzky or anything.  They fell down a lot.  And they crashed into the boards a lot.  They couldn’t carry a puck, and they often whiffed on their shots.  And sometimes they even skated in the wrong direction.

But they were a tad more advanced than the girls.

It was entertaining, nevertheless.  I especially enjoyed the little boy who totally body-checked one of the little girls… hey, if you’re gonna play with the boys, you gotta be ready!  I also really liked the little girl who, upon her turn in nets, discovered the best way to stop the boys from scoring five goals in one shift was to simply lie down in the crease.  At this age, they can’t put ‘er upstairs, so by just lying down and blocking the goalmouth, she managed to pretty much stymie them.  I say pretty much, because I do recall one sneaking by her, which resulted in her angrily grabbing the puck in her little glove and chucking it down the ice.

They were priceless, you guys.  Some serious quality entertainment on a snowy Saturday afternoon.  And the girls were having a blast.  At one point, as Danica waited in the line-up to get off the ice after her “shift”, my sister remarked that she was smiling from ear-to-ear.  “This is the happiest I’ve seen her all year!” she laughed.

“Eat my dust, boys!!!”

Unfortunately, Little Miss “Born to Score” didn’t live up to her prophecy on this day.  She didn’t even really get much of a chance.  Most of the girls really didn’t get much of a chance.  Danica’s big brother, 8-year-old Caden, was keeping track, and nearing the end of the 50 minutes, he declared the score was 20-0.  ( He was, quite literally, the ONLY person in the stands who was keeping track).

Too busy looking at the camera to be bothered with the game!

But with 30 seconds left in the game, one little girl finally put a puck past that stinky little Aylmer boy, and the cheer that went up was loud & proud.  Her arms went up in the air and the celebration was worthy of an overtime winning goal in the playoffs.

Danica emerged from the dressing room shortly after the game still beaming and totally thrilled.  Caden was taunting her, as brothers are apt to do, saying, “You lost 20-1!  You lost 20-1!”

To which she snarled back, “NOOOO!  It was FIVE to one, Caden!!!  And they were BOYS.  So it was HARDER.”

Like, duh.

The final score didn’t matter.

The post-game celebration pizza tasted just as sweet as a win!