Another Be-a-u-tiful Day

I did it again! Another spelling lesson for everyone, that is how I have to say "beautiful" when I am trying to spell it. I think I must have slept through English in elementary school, not quite sure.

However, as the title suggests, it is another FREAKIN' GORGEUOUS day today. I may just have to break out the shorts.....or umm maybe get tan first THEN break out the shorts...yeah that sounds like a better idea.

Although today pretty, its already promising to be pretty darn hectic again as well. I HAVE to go to the hospital to see Jenie's new baby. I woke up this morning and had a text from her saying that he was born around midnight last night, and I could not be more excited to welcome the new little man into the world!

I have been trying to take it a little easy on the running this week, because my knees have been hurting a little. Nothing too bad, but I def. don't want to push it. I have been icing them and going on short runs, or just working out on the eliptical. But I do have exciting running news! On May 30th (when we are due to go to the beach in Charleston) I signed up for a 5K right on the beach! I was searching for a race that I could do while I was down there and that is the only thing going on the week. I have never ran a 5K, and honestly I'm kind of intimidated. Sure, I can run at a steady pace for a long distance, but at a fast pace in a short distance?! Im not sure. But, if nothing else, it should be really fun. Its right on the beach and it is in the evening. I also have something else exciting planned during my beach trip...but I'm gonna keep it a SURPRISE! haha.

This morning for breakfast I had some Honey Greek yogurt, with half a banana, some strawberries, and some All Bran Flakes mixed in...oh yeah and a few raisins, too.

This was nice and refreshing for the warm weather that we have been having. Did I mention that I am LOVING the sunshine?!!?

For lunch, I decided to mix it up a bit and NOT have a wrap. Instead I made a sandwich...I know, I know...big stretch right?!

Close-Up/Break-Down:

• Whole Wheat Bread
• Red Pepper Hummus
• Deli Sliced Turkey
• Spinach
• Cucumber
• Spicy Mustard

Now its time for a quick 3-mile run (outside, of course) a shower, and work. Busy, Busy Day! I do have some pretty big updates in the personal life area of Em. But, I think that will have to wait for when I have more time ;)

Hope everyone is enjoying their Saturdays and soaking up the sun!

Lots of Love, <3 Ems.

Two Down, One To Go...

Well peeps, I have made it through two interviews this week and now I'm waiting for my last one in about a hour. I'm telling you its been so rough and discouraging. I'm not really doing as well on the interviews as I would have hoped, and then when I do think that I do good I don't get the response that I expected. Yesterday's interview was just horrible, so I'm pretty sure I messed that one up. And then the interview that I had today I thought went really really well. Both while I was waiting to be interviewed I was listening to the guy that was being interviewed before me, and they hired him right on the spot. But me? they said they would call me next week. So, I dont know about that. The interview tonight is my second interview so I'm thinking that's a good sign. But its just a serving position at this little hip restaurant downtown. But a jobs a job, I guess and it is a really cool place. I probably won't be finding a teaching position until the beginning of the next school year, since summer is coming up soon. So, I need something to bring in the cash flow while I wait. ;)

Keeping with the warm weather theme, I wanted something cold for brekkie this morning...so I had some cereal!

• 1 Cup All-Bran Flakes
• 1/2 Nanner
• Cinnamon
• Blueberries!

For lunch I wanted something for my sweet tooth. Whenever I get a sweet craving for lunch I always fix up a yummy grilled peanut butter and Jayjay.

• Grilled Honey Wheat Toast
• 2 Tbsp. Mighty Maple Peanut Butter
• Other half of the 'Nanner from brekkie
• Blackberry Preserves
• Cinnamon

I wanted to try Chobani flavor #2. I have heard rave reviews of the blueberry flavor, so I decided this was the one for me today.

I added some chopped up strawberries, just cause.

Ok guys, I know that you all LOVE the Chobani, but I must say that while I do like it a lot, I think that I like the Oikos better. Its just thicker and creamier. But then again, I haven't tried the plain Chobani, so it might be a little thicker since it doesnt have the liquid fruit flavoring at the bottom. I think that if you were trying to ease someone into greek yogurt that Chobani would def. do the trick. But for someone who has been eating greek yogurt for a while, I have kind of built up a taste for the thicker kinds.

Now I have to freshen up and head out for my THIRD interview in the past 36 hours. This whole "job hunt" thing is really starting to wear on me. I feel like I have definitely at this really hard cross road in my life right now, and I still haven't decided which way I want to go. I have a lot of options that I have been considering and have made steps towards all of them, just to see what pans out. I need everyone's prays and support right now, its a pretty hard/confusing time! Right now my options include:

1. Grad School for my Masters in Education
• Steps towards this: I have signed up to take the GRE (which is like the ACT for grad school) and I take it next Tuesday. I have also applied for scholarships and financial aid.
• Pros: It will help me build up my credentials for a better chance at scoring a teaching job when I graduate with my masters. Also, the economy will hopefully be better when I get out of school
• Cons: I'm not sure if I want to continue with education, or do something else. I'm not sure if I would be able to pay for it.
2. Pursuing a second degree in Nutrition:
• Steps toward this: I have met with the nutrition director of my old college and reapplied for admission to ETSU for a 2nd degree.
• Pros: Nutrition is something that I am way interested in and would love to pursue it. Also, I think that with 2 degrees I will have more of a range when looking for a job.
• Cons: I'm sort of ready for a change of scenery and don't really want to go back to the same school I just graduated from.
3. Continuing in my job search for a teaching position:
• Steps towards this: Put in multiple applications and gone to interviews. Also, I am attending a job fair in April in Nashville for teachers.
• Pros: Well, obv. its what I set out to in the first place and it would be nice to be settled with a career (and steady paycheck).
• Cons: It's so hard to find and job with the economy how it is and nothing is guaranteed. Also, I'm not 100% sure that I am ready to settle into a career just yet.

So there you have it. This are the issues that have really been weighing on me lately. I know that everything will work out the way that they are supposed to, but it is just so hard and confusing! Any advise?!

Woah! I wrote way too much...I gotta RUN! I'll let you guys know how this interview goes when i get back!

Lots of Love <3 Ems.

Edited to add: I just got home from my last interview and I got the job! I start on Friday. Its just that job as a server at that little resturuant, but it will have to do for now. I need some cash flowage, so hopefully this will help while i decide what the HELL I wanna do with my life! Thanks for all the postive comments guys, you always put a bright spot in my bad days, it is much appreciated. PLUS, it totally made me day to hear that Katie thought I looked like Elisha Cuthbert :)

Interviews, Veggies, and Excitement in the Yogurt Aisle

Man guys! That interview was intense!! I spent all night "studying" for it and putting together a portfolio of my work that I did during student teaching. I didn't feel 100% prepared, but I don't think you ever do for these kinds of things. I was extra nervous because the school system that I was interviewing for is BIG TIME, I mean its hard to even get an interview much less an actual job. But, this morning I woke up...put together my new cute outfit that says "I'm professional, but still have a fun side", and had a little breakfast. I stuck with my usual, because I was limited with my morning time and I didn't want to do much experimentation.

Whole Wheat Toast with Apricot and Blackberry Preserves. Sorry, I was nervous and took a bite before I remember to take a pic.

1/2 cup fat free Cottage Cheese with Cinnamon

I, of course, threw down several cups of coffee as well. Hey, I'm trying to sell myself as "energetic" I need it! haha. So I get to my interview and see that I will be being interviewed by two women. Which was really intimidating! So,I had studied all night on how to answer questions that I thought that they would ask and the VERY FIRST QUESTION completely threw me for a loop! They asked "What do you think are the three most critical issues facing teachers today?" I completely blanked. I have no idea what I said, but I know it wasn't good. When I got home and was talking to my friend about it I could think of so many things to say, but I guess I was just nervous. Oh well, if anything it was good practice. But we will see what happens! I dont think I did horrible, but I def. didn't kill it.

For some reason today all i could think of for lunch that I was craving was celery. How weird it that?! Sometimes I just crave the weirdest things. But then I thought it would be yummy to make a big huge veggie plate. So I stopped by the grocery store to pick up some veggies. Im walking out of the store, past the yogurt aisle....and what catches my eye?! THESE:

Chobai Greek Yogurt. This is the first time I have ever seen it in the stores, so I of course excitedly put all four flavors that they carries into by basket! :)

When I got home I prepped my veggies while listening to some Lil' Wayne. Doesn't everyone listen to rap music while they chop up celery?! Here is my lovely plate o' veggies (With hummus for dipping)

• Baby Carrots
• Grape Tomatoes
• Celery (of course)
• Cucumber
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Garlic and Artichoke Hummus

And I of course could not wait to try the Chobani. I decided to go with the strawberry and mix in some fresh strawberries as well.

My first timer Chobani thoughts: YUM! Now I know why everyone seems obssessed with this stuff. It is def. my favorite greek yogurt that I have tried so far. And I cant wait to try the other flavors. It was very creamy for greek yogurt too and had a very nice strawberry flavor.

I swear, when it rain its pours...because I got calls for TWO more interviews tomorrow. One is at 145 and the other is not until 6! I'll be gettin the practice in, thats for sure.

Now, time for a run and maybe some shopping! Hope everyone is having a great day!

Lots of Love <3 Ems.

Lettin' Loose

So after the run yesterday I was def. ready for a fun Saturday night out on the town. My dancin partner in crime Britt came over and we got ready to go out.

Usual "bathroom mirror shot" No, she did NOT wear that t-shirt out. Its a t-shirt from my highschool that she had on while her shirt was in the dryer. haha

It was definitely a fun night. We ended up going out to our favorite dance spot and danced all night. By the time we got home I was exhausted and I crashed BIG TIME! I got up this morning and went to work, tanned, and now I am home again. WHEW! What a weekend. But I loved every minute of it :)

Random food shots from the last two days:

I tried the honey flavored Oikos yesterday and I liked it better than the vanilla. I still have the plain in my fridge and I have yet to find a blueberry. I think I would like the blueberry the best though, so that a total bummer!

They had Annie's Hunny Bunnies cereal on sale at the grogery store, so I picked it up and thought I would give it a try. I used it to make a new Breakfast this morning:

• 1 Cup of Hunny Bunnies
• 6 oz. nonfat vanilla yogurt
• Naner
• Handfull of Blueberries
• Cinnamon!

This combo was SUPER good and nice for a change of pace. Sometimes you just gotta mix it up a little! I really like this cereal too and I recommend it if you havent tried it.

It says right on the box "No icky additives or pesky preservatives"

Lunch:

Made up a wrap for lunch today before work. With all the usual ingredients.

Currently I just finished up the weekly viewing of Running with Heels with my roommate:

Its a reality show about three girls that are interning for Marie Claire Magazine, and it is one of my new "shows". It comes on Sundays at 8 on Style. WATCH IT!

Ok, so I have something that I just need to rant about. I really really hate to do it, but I just have to let it out. I can not be the only one who thinks this is wrong, so I need input! My roommate who is all ready at a perfectly healthy weight just started on this EXTREME diet and it is really bothering me. It makes me so uncomfortable when she talks about, and she talks about it all the time! Basically it is some sort of pill that makes it possible for her to live off of 500 calories a day!! And she is doing this for three weeks! I just wanna scream at her when she starts talking about it, because it is NOT healthy and I think she is crazy for doing it. I tried to look up info about it online, but I cant find anything that says its dangerous. But surely it is, right?! And I would think that it would only be used on people that were extremely overweight, which is she is not! I have told her before about some of the things that I have gone through, and that it makes me uncomfortable when people practice unhealthy habits. But, she continues to rub this in my face. Am I wrong for being totally annoyed by her right now?!

When I did some googling on whether or not this diet was safe I found an article from The Morning Show that really hit home for me. It talks about weight lose, but I think that it can be related to the feelings of ED as well.

"The only way to let-go of unwanted weight is to let-go of unwanted emotional baggage, let-go of fears and worries, let-go of guilt and shame, let-go of self-hatred and self-loathing, and let-go of the crazy beliefs about food, fat, weight, and dieting, that the “establishment” has fed you all your life. Look in the mirror. Look around you. What you’ve been told simply isn’t an accurate perspective of reality; it simply doesn’t work the way they say it does. It isn’t what you eat that’s making you fat; it’s what’s eating you. Most people say, “I’ll be happy when I lose this extra weight;” but, the truth is, this kind of “happiness” will last only as long as you keep the weight off. Finding true happiness, however, can be the greatest weight-reduction plan ever"

I just found that really inspiring, because I think that its so true, as long as you are happy with yourself and your life, weight will matter less and less. There is SO MUCH more to life than that and a lot of time and energy is wasted by worrying about external things. I am guilty of this myself, and it is something that I am working on everyday.

Ok, enough of that. Its just been on my mind all week! Now Im off to shower and have dinner and hit the hay...im EXHAUSTED!

Hope everyone is revved up for the week! Lots of Love,

<3 Ems.

Grocery Day = New Foods!

Wow! I have been busy running around all day! Not that I minded too much, because it was SO PRETTY outside. I think it was in the upper 70s and not a cloud in the sky. I cruised around in my drop-top (ok, maybe I just have sunroof, I can pretend can't I) and my bug-eye sunglasses and just loved every minute of it :)

I started the day with some brekkie. I had toast with TWO different kinds of jelly, because thats how I roll.

Honey Wheat Bread (toasted) with Strawberry and Apricot Preserves.

Fat Free Cottage Cheese with Strawberry

I can not tell you how much I love cottage cheese, as weird as it may be. The only thing is that is so damn expensive now! And I can only eat the Breakstone's Cottage Cheese because I think I have just gotten used to it. I tried a cheaper brand once and just had to throw it out, because it was GROSS! Does anyone else have a different brand that they like?

Anywaysss after breakfast I head on over to the gym. I didn't get in a great workout, but it was better than nothin' and I have kinda been in a yoga mood all day, so I think I'm gonna do a yoga download later on tonight. My workout included:

• 30 minutes on the eliptical - 250 cals burned
• 25 minutes on the bike - 150 cals burned

While I was on the bike I caught up on my intellectual reading with my all time favorite magazine:

If you have not read this magazine and have a slightly "off beat" type of humor, you will LOVE it. Most of the articles literally make me laugh out loud. Yes, I may have gotten some funny looks at the gym today and I may now be known as "the girl that laughs randomly while exercising. haha.

After the gym I ran home to check the mail and found this lovely surprise:

Free Greek Yogurt?! YES PLEASE!

The only problem is that I have NO idea where to find this. And the options at most of our grocery stores are pretty limited. So I ended up having to go to three different places before finally finding some.

My sisters and I have been trying to get my mom to eat healthier and try new foods. She is a southern mom to the core (I.E. uses lots of breads, butter, oils, etc. when cooking) You know, southern comfort meals. So after I picked these up I took some over to the parents house for my mom to try. She tried the vanilla greek yogurt, and said that she liked it a lot. Im hoping to get her into even more healthy eating habits. I wanted to take her picture and get her review for the blog, but she refused to be on camera. So my sister volunteered to give her "greek yogurt virgin" review.

In her words: "Its so thick! Its sticky to my lips!"

Im not sure how much she liked it, but I think it takes some getting used to after only eating regular yogurt...its very different. I told her though, that once she gets used to eating greek yogurt, regular will never be good enough. We'll see if she can convert. Right now the verdict is pending.

Another new product that I saw in the store and wanted to try was a new natural peanut butter, called Naturally More Peanut Butter.

It claims to have 50% more fiber, 25% more protein, and 20% fewer carbs and its made with flaxseed and flax oil. Here is the info.

Of course I just had to try it, so I whipped up one of my grilled pb&j's, here it is in the "hot seat" being grilled to prefection:

And here it is ready to eat! I always have to cut my sammies into triangles, it just feels better that way :) Anyone feel this way about cutting their sandwiches?

Honey Wheat Bread, Naturally More Peanut Butter, Cinnamon, Banana, Blackberry Preserves.

My Review of the PB:

When I first opened it up it was SO runny. I had to straight stir the stuff for a good 15 minutes! But after I got it all to a good consistency is was really good! The taste was great and I really like the texture too. I'm not too into smooth peanut butter, so I liked this because it was kinda chuncky and grainy. Of course it not Mighty Maple, but what is?!

Also, they had these babies on sale at the grocery store, and I have been craving all things fruit lately. So I threw it in the cart:

Now, let me first admit that I usually go for convenience when it comes to most food and I have NEVER tried to cut one of these things before. But I thought I would give it a go, theres a first time for everything right?...but of course I cut it the wrong way, if there is a wrong way.But thats what google told me.

I managed to get out all of the seeds:

Then I just cut it into small chunks. It filled up THREE tupperware containers!

For dinner tonight I had a nice BIG salad:

• Romaine Lettuce and Spinach
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Tomato
• Carrots
• Greek Dressing

And some fettuccini noodles with broccoli and Alfredo sauce (quick but good!)

Now Im off to shower, get in my PJ's, and watch the City. What is everyone else doing tonight?!Hope you all had a great Monday! Lots of Love <3 Ems.

Packages and Peanut Butter

I was having a pretty "Blah" day today and it was immediately brightened when I checked the mail and found this little surprise stuffed among all the junk mail:

What is it you ask?!...Well, I KNEW what it was, so I tore it open and first pulled out this beautiful card:

Still wondering what it is?! Wellll, CHECK IT OUT:

Thats right boys and girls, it was my "ohsheglows" hoodie that I won in Angela's contest. I was so excited that I just had to try it on right away (and get the roomie to snap a pic).

Represent! P.S. theres Boo-Tay shot #2 for ya Mica! haha.

I guess I could also update 'cha with some eats as well. Last night I just COULD NOT decide what I wanted to eat so I just whipped up an old fave:

Annie's Mac and Cheese with Peas.

I had the ol stand by lunch today as well. I was craving sweet, and we all know that peanut butter (especially Mighty Maple) always hits the spot when it comes to a sweet tooth ;). Here is my usual Close-Up/Break-Down:

• Honey Wheat Bread
• Mighty Maple Peanut Butter
• 1/2 Nanner
• A Few Raisins
• Cinnamon
• Blackberry Preserves
• Grilled to Perfection on the Georgie Grill

I also had some Pineapple Fat Free Yogurt on the side, with blueberry and Bran Flakes mixed in:

Now I am sitting here enjoying a nice cup-o-joe before work. Just look how cute this coffee is:

Its called "Moon Doggie" coffee, and this flavor is Butter Rum (but they have ALL kinds of different flavors). My roommates mom is a big animal rights advocate and the money from the coffee purchases goes toward fund raising for animal rights groups. If your interested you can visit www.moondoggiecoffee.com for more information and to place any orders. Its really great coffee for a really great cause!

Now, I must be off to work! See ya lata! <3 Ems.

Food Porn ALERT!

Oh my goodness...just look at this deliciousness in the form of a pb & j!

Honey Wheat Bread with Chocolate chip cookie dough peanut butter, strawberry preserves, and half a banana. grilled and warm and gooey! :) can you handle another shot?!

BAM!

Time for a close-up

And all together with some cherry yogurt and blueberries on the side. On my wonderful monster plate that I got from my secret cupid! :)

Okay backtracking to breakfast, I had my usual two pieces of whole wheat bread with blackberry and apricot preserves, and 1/2 cup of fat free cottage cheese with cinnamon.

After breakfast I also had a quick gym sess' that included:

• 35 minutes on the eliptical
• 1 mile run (for a cooldown)
• leg weights

Oh yeah and KATIE, you were right. That thing is an arc trainer and looks a little like this:

Has anyone ever used this?! According to the stats on the machine (which seem to be accurate because you have to enter in your weight, age, and sex, and it also has a HRM) I burn WAY more calories on this than I do on the elipitcal, but I am baffled as to why, it doesnt really feel like that much more of a workout. Does anyone know anything about this?!

Ok dears, Im going to hop in the shower and prepare to go to work for the night.

Hope everyone is having a great tuesday! <3 Ems

V-Day Recovery

hey hey pretty ladies! Hope everyone is having a relaxing Sunday and recovering well from the valentines weekend. Last night I spent V-day with my friend Tina. She was my date to the movies. We saw The Uninvited, which was surprisingly really good. I didn't think it would be scary at all, but it was and it had a really good twist at the end ;) After the movie we hung out at my house and drank some wine and talked about guys. haha. Pretty good valentines, I guess. Here is a pic of Tina and I driving to the movies.

This morning I was definitely feeling the wine that we drank last night and unfortunately I had to get up and work open to close today!! I packed up my lunch to go. It was a repeat of yesterday's "apple, peanut butter, and jelly sandwich." Because it was just THAT good. I mean look at this:

Honey Wheat Bread, Mighty Maple Peanut Butter, Blackberry Preserves, and half an apple thinly sliced. And allll toasted up!

Archer Farms Blueberry Pomegranate yogurt topped with blueberries.

All packed up and ready to go to work :)

After work I came home and made up some din-din.

Brown rice with Chinese veggies stir fried with soy sauce and served up with a side of steamed broccoli.

Salad with cucumbers, onions, tomato, celery, and green peppers with a light vinaigrette dressing.

Now I'm going to take a nice bubble bath and get ready for some sleep. I need it!

Goodnight dears! <3 Ems.

P.S. Am I the only one that was not aware that it was a holiday tomorrow?! What the heck is presidents day anyways?! haha. Does everyone have the day off?