Carmen · Carmen's Thoughts · college · Uncategorized

Carmen’s Thoughts – Finals Week

I have one year of school left before I graduate with my bachelor’s degree, and finals week always stresses me out. It stresses all students out. I’m borderline between grades in most of my classes, and there is never enough time in a day to get everything done. Add studying and homework on top of working at an online retail company (where people call and get really mean). Ugh.

But with some coffee, and maybe some yoga if I can squeeze it in, I can get through it. Just a few exams stand between me and a break. That, and some of these classes I’ll never have to take again (as long as I pass – I should, but still).

Good luck to anyone else going through finals. We can do it.

Bacon · Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

Bacon

The only way to cook bacon is to bake it. No splatter, remains crispy.

Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil, place the bacon in a single layer on the pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until the bacon is done to your liking.

This is always perfect! And, we love bacon.

Blessings.

Beth Moore · German · German Sauerkraut · Mom · Oma's Kraut · Quotes · Sunday · thoughts · Uncategorized

Sunday Thought – Mom and Food

“Sometimes you cook stuff for holidays that your mama made, not because you like it so much but because you liked her and miss her the most.” – Beth Moore

Wanting kraut and missing Mom.

Blessings.

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Be Kind · family · friends · pictures · Social Media · thoughts · Uncategorized

Social Media

Last night I shared this picture:

Everyone posted asking if I was okay. The tag line was tired. Just tired. I was ready for bed, and you can see it.

Went to sleep…and got up…not tired. Still have decorations to finish for Christmas, and boxes are everywhere but:

Volunteered this morning in the Raiders concession stand. It was fun. David and Carmen came along to help as well. Our friend Ryen came as well. So nice to spend time with her and to make new friends.

Had to wear a hat…now I have hat hair but a really good day. Still tired but a nap might be in my future.

I didn’t realize I needed to be so aware of my pictures on social media. Everyone genuinely cared that posted their concern with the first picture. I think we need more of those kind of pictures, and the ones with a bit of chaos around us. It is reality. I think I need to see more of them. At least I don’t feel like I am failing at life with everyone doing all of these great things, continuous smiles and happy families. Life happens, and we all go through days of being tired.

So…happy Saturday.

Blessings.

family · friends · thankful · Uncategorized

Family

1.4

Blessings!

blog · Blogging · family · friends · Holiday · Quotes · thankful · Thanksgiving · Uncategorized

Thanksgiving

“Thanksgiving is a very important holiday. Ours was the first country in the world to make a national holiday to give thanks.” – Linus

“What if, today, we were grateful for everything?” – Charlie Brown

gallery-1447355901-wdy-quotes-10There are so many things I am thankful for this year.  We are healthy, have a home, have food to eat (more than enough).  We have family here at the moment.  We have friends that we enjoy and care about like family.  We have jobs.  Really no complaints.  I miss my Mom, but I always do at this time of year especially.

I am thankful for you.  Thank you for reading, liking, and commenting on my blog.  I appreciate you.  Thank you.

Continued blessings – especially today!

Jerry Ann

Carmen · family · time · Time Flies · Uncategorized

Baby Girl

Baby girl came home last night.  So excited to have her home for the holiday.  Missing this little one, but grateful I have the friend in the woman she has become.

Beginnings Continued...

Hoping to get some things decorated for Christmas while she is here.  Not sure if we will get anything else accomplished -hopeful for some homework?  Nah…but just being able to spend some time with her will be wonderful.

Blessings!

Bariatric Surgery - My Story · cheese · hamburger · pasta · Recipes · Uncategorized · WLS

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

I am scrolling through Facebook the other day, and came across this Tasty post with four different meals you can do with hamburger.  We are stretched a little tighter this time of year, and we have hamburger in the freezer so I thought I would give it a go.

You can see the preparation and original post here at Tasty One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta.

Ingredients

for 6 servings

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 16 oz fusilli pasta
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • green onion, sliced, to serve

 Preparation

  1. In a large pot over a medium heat, add ground beef, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, worcestershire sauce, and ketchup. Break up the beef to incorporate the seasonings and cook until browned.
  2. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
  3. Add the pasta and simmer for 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked throughout and the broth has cooked down.
  4. Pour in the milk and cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted.
  5. Serve garnished with some sliced green onions
  6. Enjoy!

I used chickpea pasta instead of regular pasta – and that was my only substitution.

It was a hit!  Stephen loved it, as did David.  I could eat 3/4’s of a cup.  Not bad really since it is with protein pasta.  I think the flavors needed more a kick, but the boys liked it so that is really all that matters.

Blessings!

accomplishment · Bariatric Surgery - My Story · Bucket List · college · Goals · Uncategorized · WLS

18 Months

Wow…it seems like forever ago that I had my Gastric Sleeve Surgery.  Then again, it seems like yesterday.  It is much harder to work at maintaining especially now with my gain of eight pounds.

I had my 18 month check up Friday. My doctor was concerned about the gain, as am I.  I do not want to go back there.Stephen has this picture hanging up in his room.  I thought I looked good at the time.  It was a good picture of all of us.  I have a fear of this.  I know that I can’t get there quickly, but it will creep up on me if I am not careful.  I know the gain I have had is directly linked to the lack in my planning of meals, or my exercise.  It shows.

So as I said yesterday…resetting my focus.  Reclaiming that I can do this, and will with God’s grace.  Having the support of my nutritionist in what I want to do with my diet, I plan on beginning after Thanksgiving.  I don’t want to start only to set myself up for failure.  Planning my meals and exercise will be the key to my daily success.

I have a month to get off 4 pounds, and have my follow up appointment with my nutritionist.  (Realistic goal – 4 pounds; would love to have all of the regain gone at 8 pounds!)  David and I will be gearing up for the Ho Ho Hustle 5k on December 9.  So exercise is a must to beat my time from last year.

Side note:  I am continuing to take college courses (YAY), and will be taking Nutrition next semester.  It will count as an elective in my AA, but for me personally, something I have had a long desire to learn.  I have a want to relearn what is healthy, and how to be healthy in everyday life.  I think it will benefit my family as well, well hopefully.

Happy thanksgiving week.  Stay safe.

Blessings.

Beth Moore · Quotes · Random Stuff · Random Thoughts · Sunday · Uncategorized

Sunday Thought

Reset.  That is the thought for me today.  Resetting of my thoughts and actions.  Regaining composure and strength.  So going back to the basics.  One step at a time.

“See the thing through.  Every road worth taking offers a mid-point to get bored, scared or distracted.  Quit quitting.  It’s meant to be hard.” – Beth Moore

Blessings!