Weekend Recap

Race4Rescues: 

SO MUCH FUN!!  Tons and tons of stuff all for the dogs!  Swag, socializing, rescue talk.  We brought all 3 with us.  Duke was a champion at running.  He was the first small dog to finish.  There were some mighty hills, but we did well.  Off to a rocky start with another dog, so I held back until we had a clear path.  Finished in about 28:30.  My worst 5k time ever, but given the start issues, big hill, dog drink stops ... I'm proud of us.  Sporting my new running sun glasses -- anti-fog, rubberized and mirrored.  Didn't expect the mirrored look, but, hey, doesn't look horrible :)  The weather was picture perfect too.  

Birthday Dinner Pioneer Woman Style:

It was a nail biter on the meat.  I didn't realize I needed twine ... rookie mistake.  I thought it was a center piece because of the packaging.  The skinny end was doubled over.  I think my top oven is having a calibration issue too.  Everything took much longer than expected (meat, roasted garlic, cake). Even so, the meat was delicious.  The middle was more rare than we like, so I sliced it and put a few pieces under the broiler.

New mashed potato recipe was great.  I made the "old" kind too for comparison sake.  It was a tie - come on people - make a decision.  I guess both will make the rotation.  Since they were made with cream, none for me.

And the cake - OMG!  The BEST chocolate cake I've ever had - no exaggeration.  Moist, flavorful, perfect.  I only had a bite of the actual cake because gluten and whipped cream.  It was beautiful and delicious.  Family said it was probably the best cake they've ever eaten.  Wow.  The recipe is perfectly proportioned so you can make as many single layers as you want.  It's a keeper!  Next time I can use gluten-free flour and cool-whip if I want to have some.

Perfection!  And my new-old cake plate from the antique store.
Sold as depression glass.  Not sure if it's a knock-off, but I love it anyway. 

Five Day Challenge:

Last we last left off, event #3 was over (because it didn't happen) and it was an easy day.  No fooling the universe though ... event #4 was the Mount Everest of challenges.  OMG I wanted a glass of wine.

But, I'm so desperate for a win, I needed to keep the promise to myself.  Event #4 and #5 and I held strong.  Last night was hard for just a minute, but I was so busy with dinner, it was no huge feat in the end.

The feeling from KEEPING my PROMISE is HUGE!  It was worth the effort.  I feel stronger mentally and feel better physically (for not drinking 5 nights in a row).  Turing the tides?!?!  I hope so.

My next social-things-that-involve-alcohol are this weekend.  Beer Festival for Releash Atlanta on Saturday and Dog Festival on Sunday.  Stay tuned ...


Next Challenge:

I want to continue these mini-challenges.  I think if it had been a 30 day challenge, I might have succumb and decided to "start later."

For this challenge, it's EAT LESS.  I know that's very diet-like, but that's what I'm going for ... I want to REDUCE (the food I eat and my waist).  Restricting for a short time is not an issue.  Longterm has negative repercussions.  I can eat what I want, but calories will be lower.  If I restrict the WHAT and the HOW MUCH, that will be play with me mentally, so this is just the HOW MUCH.

I thought about doing 3 days, but that's a copout.  5 days.

Eat less is vague, but I know what that feels like to me.  How hungry I should feel between meals.  How hungry I should feel before bed (a little hungry, not starving).  This is nothing new to me -- good or bad -- I've dieted lots and lots.  Often, eating less feels good to my body.

Five days to see how it feels.  That's all.  Experiment.  Trial and error.  Notice what works and what doesn't.  What feels good and what doesn't.  If it's too restrictive, that will change after 5 days.  PS I'm not talking about being starving ... just watching portions and high caloric foods.


Lastly:

This is a busy week.  Every single day.  I need to be on my game and make it happen.  Healthy habits will go a long way to helping me through the week.

Self-care is a must too.  Can't give up on that because I'm busy.  I ALWAYS can MAKE the time (I'm not THAT busy).  Journalling, listening to (or reading) from my gurus, working out.

Happy Monday!  Later gators.