Current Weight: 231.2
+/- this week: -1.2
+/- this round: -1.2
+/- total: -35.8
Short Term Goal: 222.4
Avg weekly loss needed to reach 189 lbs by age 33 (34 weeks): 1.2 lbs/wk
Well. That happened. So that's good. Especially since I had a bit of a... snafu... on Sunday that involved me eating ALL THE FOOD. At least that's what it felt like. I ended the week 20 points over my weekly goal, which isn't as bad as it could be.
This week's a challenge. Date night last night (which included a margarita the size of a small infant), a birthday at work today with pizza & ice cream, and the women's retreat and birthday celebrations at book club on Sunday. We'll see. I am doing a lot better and it feels good to be back on plan again.
That's all for now!
Starting Weight 1 (Feb 2009): 267 lbs
Starting Weight 2 (Dec 2011): 249.8 lbs
Starting Weight 3 (Feb 2013): 232.4 lbs
Starting BMI: 41.8
Weight Lost: 35.8 lbs
Goal Weight: 160 lbs
Goal BMI: 25.1
Old Goal 1: 237.8 (5%) - Met 1/24/12
Old Goal 2: 225.8 (10%) - Met 4/10/12
Old Goal 3: 217 (50 pounds down) - Met 8/7/12
Old Goal 4: 213.5 (50% of final goal) - Met 9/25/12
Short Term Goal 1: 222.4 (10 pounds down this round)
Short Term Goal 2: 217 (50 pounds down [again...])
Short Term Goal 3: 207 (60 pounds down)
Short Term Goal 4: 199.9 (under 200 for the first time in 7+ years)
Short Term Goal 5: 192 (75 pounds down)
Short Term Goal 6: 189 (25% & no longer "obese")
Long Term Goal: 160 lbs
Total to Lose: 107 lbs
To Go: 71.2 lbs
March 6, 2013
February 27, 2013
Week 1: AGAIN.
Current Weight: 232.4
+/- this week: +22 since last weight (Oct 2012)
+/- this round: N/A
+/- total: -34.6
Short Term Goal: 222.4
Avg weekly loss needed to reach 189 lbs by age 33 (35 weeks): 1.14 lbs/wk
Well. Here we are. Again. This road sucks. Someone posted this in my healthy moms group on Facebook today, and it really hits home.
First off, I obviously haven’t been around here as much lately. I have these other huge projects going on in my life that are taking up whatever spare time I have, and this place has taken the back burner, and probably will continue to for a while. For now you can find me at Born in Bellingham, Your Movie Madness, and sometimes at Ready, Set, Birth. And of course you can always connect with me on Facebook. I’m trying to spend a little less time online too focusing on my family and finding a balance is just not easy. I may write from time to time, but for now the one thing I will really be focusing on posting here is weekly weight updates.
I saw a new doctor on Monday, a naturopath my mom has been seeing for a long time, and talked to him about everything – my thyroid, my hormones, my weight struggles. He’s really funny and I believe he’ll be able to help me get everything balanced out. It was refreshing to go to a doctor who basically said, ‘yeah, your body sucks. It sucks that you got this body with these problems and that you can’t just lose weight, and keep it off with a normal diet, that it comes back so easily and is hard to lose.’ He understands, and he sympathized with me, and I know he’ll be supportive and non-judgmental, which is what I need. It’s hard to go to a doctor after having gained 20 pounds in three months and not feel like kind of a failure, but he didn't make me feel like that at all. This morning I went and got 9 vials of blood drawn, and I’m going back next week because he’s basically testing everything so we can figure out my medications so that at least that won’t be in the way of my efforts.
So… yeah. In October, I was down to 210 lbs. Less than I’ve weighed in probably 8 years. I went off the plan. I have not been exercising. I’m working full time now, and I haven’t figured out a good way to get exercise in when I get up, get everyone ready, work all day and don’t get home until 6 or 6:30, and then am exhausted. It sucks because last year at this time I was spending 1-2 hours every day wandering, walking, or doing some kind of activity. It turns out that working also hasn’t been as good for my weight loss as I’d hoped in other ways too. I had hoped that being away from the kitchen would help, but there are temptations here – ordering food for lunch, candy and treats etc., McDonalds right there on the way to work every day. Today is my second day of counting points again. I did really well yesterday, and after dinner I was right at points. Then I ate 6 girl scout cookies…. That’s TWELVE points. UGH. I know I have my weekly points, and I’m trying to give myself a break since I’m just starting again, but it’s hard not to be annoyed.
I stopped at WW today and got weighed, which I’ll try to do every week. I’ll probably do it on Tuesdays since that is a morning where I won’t have Danny with me to drop off at day care and it’s much easier to do it on my own. I can stop there pretty easily after dropping Justin off at work, or on my way if I don’t drop Justin off.
I’ve decided that my goal for this year is to get to 189 by my birthday. 189 will mark no longer being considered ‘obsese’. I know that BMI is a crock of shit basically (honestly, the low end of my range is 120. Gross.), but I’m just using it as a marker anyhow because my goals have to come from somewhere. I’m still listing my long term goal here as 160, but I’m not sure I’ll stick with that. I was 180 for many years and was pretty happy at that weight, so we’ll just see how things are going if I manage to get to 189, and I’ll decide new goals from there. I really want to get under 200, and if I can get down to 180 or lower I think I’ll feel a lot healthier and able to do more.
I have short term goals listed at the bottom here, and my first one is 222.4 – lose 10 pounds. I know I can do this. I KNOW. I just have to find inspiration somewhere. Again.
Starting Weight 1 (Feb 2009): 267 lbs
Starting Weight 2 (Dec 2011): 249.8 lbs
Starting Weight 3 (Feb 2013): 232.4 lbs
Starting BMI: 41.8
Weight Lost: 34.6 lbs
Goal Weight: 160 lbs
Goal BMI: 25.1
Old Goal 1: 237.8 (5%) - Met 1/24/12
Old Goal 2: 225.8 (10%) - Met 4/10/12
Old Goal 3: 217 (50 pounds down) - Met 8/7/12
Old Goal 4: 213.5 (50% of final goal) - Met 9/25/12
Short Term Goal 1: 222.4 (10 pounds down this round)
Short Term Goal 2: 217 (50 pounds down [again...])
Short Term Goal 4: 207 (60 pounds down)
Short Term Goal 5: 199.9 (under 200 for the first time in 7+ years)
Short Term Goal 6: 192 (75 pounds down)
Short Term Goal 7: 189 (25% & no longer "obese")
Long Term Goal: 160 lbs
Total to Lose: 107 lbs
To Go: 72.4 lbs
+/- this week: +22 since last weight (Oct 2012)
+/- this round: N/A
+/- total: -34.6
Short Term Goal: 222.4
Avg weekly loss needed to reach 189 lbs by age 33 (35 weeks): 1.14 lbs/wk
Well. Here we are. Again. This road sucks. Someone posted this in my healthy moms group on Facebook today, and it really hits home.
First off, I obviously haven’t been around here as much lately. I have these other huge projects going on in my life that are taking up whatever spare time I have, and this place has taken the back burner, and probably will continue to for a while. For now you can find me at Born in Bellingham, Your Movie Madness, and sometimes at Ready, Set, Birth. And of course you can always connect with me on Facebook. I’m trying to spend a little less time online too focusing on my family and finding a balance is just not easy. I may write from time to time, but for now the one thing I will really be focusing on posting here is weekly weight updates.
I saw a new doctor on Monday, a naturopath my mom has been seeing for a long time, and talked to him about everything – my thyroid, my hormones, my weight struggles. He’s really funny and I believe he’ll be able to help me get everything balanced out. It was refreshing to go to a doctor who basically said, ‘yeah, your body sucks. It sucks that you got this body with these problems and that you can’t just lose weight, and keep it off with a normal diet, that it comes back so easily and is hard to lose.’ He understands, and he sympathized with me, and I know he’ll be supportive and non-judgmental, which is what I need. It’s hard to go to a doctor after having gained 20 pounds in three months and not feel like kind of a failure, but he didn't make me feel like that at all. This morning I went and got 9 vials of blood drawn, and I’m going back next week because he’s basically testing everything so we can figure out my medications so that at least that won’t be in the way of my efforts.
So… yeah. In October, I was down to 210 lbs. Less than I’ve weighed in probably 8 years. I went off the plan. I have not been exercising. I’m working full time now, and I haven’t figured out a good way to get exercise in when I get up, get everyone ready, work all day and don’t get home until 6 or 6:30, and then am exhausted. It sucks because last year at this time I was spending 1-2 hours every day wandering, walking, or doing some kind of activity. It turns out that working also hasn’t been as good for my weight loss as I’d hoped in other ways too. I had hoped that being away from the kitchen would help, but there are temptations here – ordering food for lunch, candy and treats etc., McDonalds right there on the way to work every day. Today is my second day of counting points again. I did really well yesterday, and after dinner I was right at points. Then I ate 6 girl scout cookies…. That’s TWELVE points. UGH. I know I have my weekly points, and I’m trying to give myself a break since I’m just starting again, but it’s hard not to be annoyed.
I stopped at WW today and got weighed, which I’ll try to do every week. I’ll probably do it on Tuesdays since that is a morning where I won’t have Danny with me to drop off at day care and it’s much easier to do it on my own. I can stop there pretty easily after dropping Justin off at work, or on my way if I don’t drop Justin off.
I’ve decided that my goal for this year is to get to 189 by my birthday. 189 will mark no longer being considered ‘obsese’. I know that BMI is a crock of shit basically (honestly, the low end of my range is 120. Gross.), but I’m just using it as a marker anyhow because my goals have to come from somewhere. I’m still listing my long term goal here as 160, but I’m not sure I’ll stick with that. I was 180 for many years and was pretty happy at that weight, so we’ll just see how things are going if I manage to get to 189, and I’ll decide new goals from there. I really want to get under 200, and if I can get down to 180 or lower I think I’ll feel a lot healthier and able to do more.
I have short term goals listed at the bottom here, and my first one is 222.4 – lose 10 pounds. I know I can do this. I KNOW. I just have to find inspiration somewhere. Again.
Starting Weight 1 (Feb 2009): 267 lbs
Starting Weight 2 (Dec 2011): 249.8 lbs
Starting Weight 3 (Feb 2013): 232.4 lbs
Starting BMI: 41.8
Weight Lost: 34.6 lbs
Goal Weight: 160 lbs
Goal BMI: 25.1
Old Goal 1: 237.8 (5%) - Met 1/24/12
Old Goal 2: 225.8 (10%) - Met 4/10/12
Old Goal 3: 217 (50 pounds down) - Met 8/7/12
Old Goal 4: 213.5 (50% of final goal) - Met 9/25/12
Short Term Goal 1: 222.4 (10 pounds down this round)
Short Term Goal 2: 217 (50 pounds down [again...])
Short Term Goal 4: 207 (60 pounds down)
Short Term Goal 5: 199.9 (under 200 for the first time in 7+ years)
Short Term Goal 6: 192 (75 pounds down)
Short Term Goal 7: 189 (25% & no longer "obese")
Long Term Goal: 160 lbs
Total to Lose: 107 lbs
To Go: 72.4 lbs
January 8, 2013
Find me at Your Movie Madness!
In December, the husband of a neighbor and friend who is in the film industry started a Facebook page (soon to be full website) for movie reviews. Writing for an entertainment website is something I've wanted to do for a long time, so I contacted him to ask if they were looking for reviewers. After submitting a review, I was able to join the team at Your Movie Madness!
I am very excited about it, and will be writing 2-3 reviews per week and am planning on posting links here, as well as linking to them from my Movies Watched list. I've seen preliminary designs for the website that will hopefully be up in the next couple of weeks, and it's sleek and clean. I'll be sure to post a link as soon as it's up. In the meantime, here are the three I've written so far!
Trouble With the Curve - 7/10
I missed Trouble With the Curve the first time around, but with the opening of a brand new theater in Bellingham I had the chance to see it on the big screen. I generally love a good inspirational sports movie, and I thought it looked like a touching story with some laughs along the way. This movie marks the first directing project for Robert Lorenz, who was the First Assistant Director for Eastwood on Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby. keep reading
This is 40 - 7/10 (10/10 for Soundtrack)
Judd Apatow is on my list. You know the one. The one you keep in your head of directors, writers, and actors whose movies are a given - you WILL be there. He has written and produced some of the funniest movies I’ve seen in the past 10 years, so I was excited when I started seeing previews for This is 40 a few months ago. I went to see it on December 22, the day after it was released in theaters. keep reading
Les Miserables - 7/10
It took me about 10 viewings of the theatrical preview for Les Miserables before I could watch it without crying. I have long been a fan of musicals, and if I could have any job in the world, I’d sing on stage (SO far from reality). Somehow, I hadn’t seen the stage production of Les Miserables until a bit over a year ago when it came to Seattle. Instant love. The film adaptation is directed by Tom Hooper, who won best director in 2011 for The King’s Speech. keep reading
Jack Reacher - 5/10
Truth: I have been really on-the-fence about Tom Cruise for several years now. I have never exactly been a member of his fan club, or one of those women who swoons over him, but some of his behavior has left a bad taste in my mouth. I have friends who won’t watch any of his movies anymore, but I’m still willing depending on the movie. When I saw the previews for Jack Reacher, I was not super excited but figured I’d probably go see it as I am a big fan of police/military type procedural movies. I didn’t realize until after the fact that this movie was directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who won the best screenplay Oscar in 1996 for The Usual Suspects, one of my all time favorite detective mysteries. That would have definitely contributed to my decision to see this one! keep reading
I am very excited about it, and will be writing 2-3 reviews per week and am planning on posting links here, as well as linking to them from my Movies Watched list. I've seen preliminary designs for the website that will hopefully be up in the next couple of weeks, and it's sleek and clean. I'll be sure to post a link as soon as it's up. In the meantime, here are the three I've written so far!
Trouble With the Curve - 7/10
I missed Trouble With the Curve the first time around, but with the opening of a brand new theater in Bellingham I had the chance to see it on the big screen. I generally love a good inspirational sports movie, and I thought it looked like a touching story with some laughs along the way. This movie marks the first directing project for Robert Lorenz, who was the First Assistant Director for Eastwood on Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby. keep reading
This is 40 - 7/10 (10/10 for Soundtrack)
Judd Apatow is on my list. You know the one. The one you keep in your head of directors, writers, and actors whose movies are a given - you WILL be there. He has written and produced some of the funniest movies I’ve seen in the past 10 years, so I was excited when I started seeing previews for This is 40 a few months ago. I went to see it on December 22, the day after it was released in theaters. keep reading
Les Miserables - 7/10
It took me about 10 viewings of the theatrical preview for Les Miserables before I could watch it without crying. I have long been a fan of musicals, and if I could have any job in the world, I’d sing on stage (SO far from reality). Somehow, I hadn’t seen the stage production of Les Miserables until a bit over a year ago when it came to Seattle. Instant love. The film adaptation is directed by Tom Hooper, who won best director in 2011 for The King’s Speech. keep reading
Jack Reacher - 5/10
Truth: I have been really on-the-fence about Tom Cruise for several years now. I have never exactly been a member of his fan club, or one of those women who swoons over him, but some of his behavior has left a bad taste in my mouth. I have friends who won’t watch any of his movies anymore, but I’m still willing depending on the movie. When I saw the previews for Jack Reacher, I was not super excited but figured I’d probably go see it as I am a big fan of police/military type procedural movies. I didn’t realize until after the fact that this movie was directed by Christopher McQuarrie, who won the best screenplay Oscar in 1996 for The Usual Suspects, one of my all time favorite detective mysteries. That would have definitely contributed to my decision to see this one! keep reading
January 7, 2013
What It Takes - Becoming a Birth Boot Camp Instructor
 |
| With Donna Damon Ryan (creator of Birth Boot Camp) and Sarah Clark (board member) after receiving my Birth Boot Camp Certification. |
Good things take time (My adventure in becoming a certified childbirth educator)
by Dani Long
When you sign up to take Birth Boot Camp childbirth classes, or refer one of your clients to me, rest assured that they are not only receiving the best birth education available, they are being taught by an instructor who HAS BEEN THERE.
One thing that makes Birth Boot Camp unique is the extensive list of requirements that an individual needs to meet to be accepted and eventually certified.
I was REQUIRED to have had a NATURAL birth. (I have times 3!)
I was REQUIRED to have breastfed for a continous year. (I have breastfed a total of 50 months and counting…)
I was REQUIRED to attend births.
I was REQUIRED to read a mountain of books on topics including, but not limited to: pregnancy, birth, labor progress, VBACs, postpartum period, breastfeeding, postpartum depression, sexual abuse in childbearing women, baby care and attachment parenting.
I was REQUIRED to compile a massive list of community resources.
I was REQUIRED to write several papers.
I was REQUIRED to complete a very extensive study guide.
I was REQUIRED to attend the near 30 hour, 3 day, instructor training workshop in Dallas, TX.
I was REQUIRED to practice teach at the workshop.
I was REQUIRED to pass a 3 hour written exam. (Closed-book!)
AND then the wonderful Birth Boot Camp Advisory Board decided if they wanted me – and they did!
Why was I required to do all this? Well because Birth Boot Camp wants to ensure that not only would I have knowledge to teach students about birth and breastfeeding, but that I had EXPERIENCE doing both. This is not some program that is a weekend long workshop you can show up to (without any prerequisites for) and walk away with a certification. (Yes, there actually are programs where no experience is necessary!). Sure, there are faster ways. But faster isn’t always better.
Birth Boot Camp certification is at least a 6 month process – and that’s if you are a fast reader (did I mention the mountain of books?!). It’s recommend that you allow 6-9 months of time to complete all your requirements before you head down for your final certification workshop. The reason so much time and effort is required is because Birth Boot Camp’s founders want my students to be sitting in my class FULLY confident that I am speaking to them from experience and that I know my stuff inside, outside, upside down. Expectant parents need to know that their instructor was committed to her practice, to her education and that she worked HARD to be able to provide them with the most thorough education they could hope for.
So when you are researching what childbirth class is right for you, find out what was required of your instructor to become certified. Has the person teaching you how to give birth actually given birth? Has the person giving you information about breastfeeding actually breastfed? Did this person have to meet rigorous requirements to be able to get up in front of you to teach? Did this person have to pass a closed book exam? If you are taking Birth Boot Camp – the answer is YES!
January 6, 2013
January 5, 2013
2012: In Memorium
Hi, remember me! I still exist! The last few months, well, the last year really I haven't been blogging or writing much. Now, it's a new year and I have a plan. I'm running 3 blogs now (more on that later), but I have a plan including a schedule and lots of ideas. Let's start of 2013 with a look back at 2012... Since I have a list loving problem, this will probably crop up here every year. You can find 2011's list here.
1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
Got certified as a Birth Boot Camp Instructor, got separated, experienced single motherhood, lost almost 40 pounds (and gained 10 back... more on that later too), read 58 books, became a working mother, took Sam to his first boy scout meeting, started an amazing website, saw a sex book become a bestseller, started writing reviews for a movie website.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year, I resolved to:
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My new friend Sarah had her baby a couple of weeks ago. We're not super close, but I think she's pretty cool!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
None.
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
More discipline about running my websites. Peace.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 12 - found out my sister is pregnant, June 19 - explained to Sam that Daddy was moving out, October 1 - became a working Mom, December 14 - Newtown School Shooting.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Last year, I said my biggest achievement was getting through it. I feel a little like that. But the achievement I am most proud of is becoming a Birth Boot Camp Instructor.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't feel like I can answer this really. There are many. I'd like to leave them behind.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Birth Boot Camp education, and my laptop.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My Mom. She is absolutely amazing and I don't know what I would have done without her this year.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No comment.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, living expenses.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My trip to Dallas for my Birth Boot Camp Instructor workshop (sensing a theme??), my sister's marriage & pregnancy (YAY!).
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Who Says by Selena Gomez.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, but it is not hard to achieve that. THINNER. Poorer probably.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Made time for each of us to spend time with Sam without Danny, worked on my novel, learned more about my camera, taken more photos, posted more on my websites.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Fought, eaten, been angry, procrastinated.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with my kids, Mom, her husband, Justin, my sister and her husband.
21. Did you fall in love with 2011?
No.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Really, just one? I can't choose. Supernatural, The Walking Dead, Flashpoint.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Gangnam Style. HAAAAAAAAAA.
26. What did you want and get?
A new laptop, love from my kids, a Birth Boot Camp teaching certificate.
27. What did you want and not get?
Peace.
28. What was your favorite film of 2011?
Argo.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my actual birthday I was in Colville at my sister and her husband's farm for Thanksgiving and I just hung out, took care of sick Sam and had a relaxing time. The first weekend in December I celebrated my birthday with a weekend in Seattle that included seeing Life of Pi & Skyfall and dinner at The Melting Pot with my friends.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011?
If it fits, wear it. Wish it fit better. Add bling, and lots of scarves.
32. What kept you sane?
Booze. Just kidding. My Mom. My friends. Hope. Faith.
33. What political issue stirred you the most?
Hm... the election I suppose.
34. Who did you miss?
My friends in Seattle, especially Brooke. My sisters and my stepmom.
35. Who was the best new person you met?
Tiffany Burke, Donna Damon Ryan, Sarah, my new co-workers, and all the women in my Birth Boot Camp training.
36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
I am strong.
37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"You got every right to a beautiful life, come on
Who says, who says you're not perfect
Who says you're not worth it
Who says you're the only one that's hurting
Trust me that's the price of beauty
Who says you're not pretty
Who says you're not beautiful, who says?"
-Selena Gomez "Who Says"
1. What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before?
Got certified as a Birth Boot Camp Instructor, got separated, experienced single motherhood, lost almost 40 pounds (and gained 10 back... more on that later too), read 58 books, became a working mother, took Sam to his first boy scout meeting, started an amazing website, saw a sex book become a bestseller, started writing reviews for a movie website.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Last year, I resolved to:
- Be under 200 pounds by my 32nd birthday
- Exercise at least 3 times a week.
- Reconnect with my friends through email, visits, and letters
- Schedule special time for Sam
- Learn how to use my camera for real
- Read 50 books
- Write at least 50 pages of my novel
- Improve my marriage
- Use a budget
- Be a better pen pal
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My new friend Sarah had her baby a couple of weeks ago. We're not super close, but I think she's pretty cool!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
None.
6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012?
More discipline about running my websites. Peace.
7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 12 - found out my sister is pregnant, June 19 - explained to Sam that Daddy was moving out, October 1 - became a working Mom, December 14 - Newtown School Shooting.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Last year, I said my biggest achievement was getting through it. I feel a little like that. But the achievement I am most proud of is becoming a Birth Boot Camp Instructor.
9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't feel like I can answer this really. There are many. I'd like to leave them behind.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My Birth Boot Camp education, and my laptop.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My Mom. She is absolutely amazing and I don't know what I would have done without her this year.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No comment.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, living expenses.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My trip to Dallas for my Birth Boot Camp Instructor workshop (sensing a theme??), my sister's marriage & pregnancy (YAY!).
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Who Says by Selena Gomez.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, but it is not hard to achieve that. THINNER. Poorer probably.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Made time for each of us to spend time with Sam without Danny, worked on my novel, learned more about my camera, taken more photos, posted more on my websites.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Fought, eaten, been angry, procrastinated.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with my kids, Mom, her husband, Justin, my sister and her husband.
21. Did you fall in love with 2011?
No.
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Really, just one? I can't choose. Supernatural, The Walking Dead, Flashpoint.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
24. What was the best book you read?
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Gangnam Style. HAAAAAAAAAA.
26. What did you want and get?
A new laptop, love from my kids, a Birth Boot Camp teaching certificate.
27. What did you want and not get?
Peace.
28. What was your favorite film of 2011?
Argo.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my actual birthday I was in Colville at my sister and her husband's farm for Thanksgiving and I just hung out, took care of sick Sam and had a relaxing time. The first weekend in December I celebrated my birthday with a weekend in Seattle that included seeing Life of Pi & Skyfall and dinner at The Melting Pot with my friends.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept of 2011?
If it fits, wear it. Wish it fit better. Add bling, and lots of scarves.
32. What kept you sane?
Booze. Just kidding. My Mom. My friends. Hope. Faith.
33. What political issue stirred you the most?
Hm... the election I suppose.
34. Who did you miss?
My friends in Seattle, especially Brooke. My sisters and my stepmom.
35. Who was the best new person you met?
Tiffany Burke, Donna Damon Ryan, Sarah, my new co-workers, and all the women in my Birth Boot Camp training.
36. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012.
I am strong.
37. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"You got every right to a beautiful life, come on
Who says, who says you're not perfect
Who says you're not worth it
Who says you're the only one that's hurting
Trust me that's the price of beauty
Who says you're not pretty
Who says you're not beautiful, who says?"
-Selena Gomez "Who Says"
November 19, 2012
Top Chef Seattle: Week 2 - "I want to be a James Beard and I want to have a nice ass."
I should be writing about my trip to Dallas. I should be writing about my kids (yeah, they are still alive!). I should be writing about what's going on with me. I should be writing about my new job (love it). But instead, the way I am blazing back onto the scene is by writing a Top Chef recap, which almost no one will read, but when I read it years later I will still make myself laugh. Welcome to my bizarre brain, which thinks this is just. the. thing. to publish today. 1. I love reading my old Top Chef recaps (yes, I know I am weird). 2. Top Chef was in Seattle this time - how could I not?? So, here you go. All 2 of you that are probably reading this.
Top Chef Seattle - 10x2: A Shock at the Space Needle
Recap: Last week, in the ridiculous new practice of showing us some people who never made it to the show (what's the point?), a man with a sweet handlebar mustache was axed. The token mean guy, of course, made it. After all, he was the most hated chef in Dallas, so that's pretty obvious.
Awwww.... Seattle! Tom Douglas better show up at some point.
So far, I don't like Micah. Did Chrissy just say that Stefan looks like a thumb? What did she say? I rewound it 3 times and still couldn't tell. First I thought she said bum, but that didn't make sense either.
I'm not sure how I feel about them being judged by past contestants.... who didn't win... I remember Stefan, vaguely remember, CJ, and remember the woman none.
HA! Padma had to shush Mr. Hated Chef. Hilarious.
Quickfire Challenge
They have 20 minutes to create a dish that highlights local shellfish - crabs, geoducks, other smaller and more regular clams, and mussels. Incidentally, I live in Washington and am pretty sure that no one has ever eaten a geoduck in my presence. They are battling for immunity.
I love that the beautiful model said what we were all thinking: "Geoduck is great. Except it looks like a penis. A really big one." She is at the top of my list as of now.
Other likable characters: the guy with the beard (although the fact that he is probably missing his child's birth to beon this show, I don't know about that... he couldn't wait for next season?) and mustache and the guy with the red hat. I don't know who anyone is at this point.
Carla points out that she is on the only all girls team, then tells us "I am a chef, but I am also a woman. When I am cooking, I like to look good. I want to be a James Beard and I want to have a nice ass."
Bart the Knight is talking about conquering ingredients. That's perfect.
Now they will taste and judge.
Lizzie foreshadows much to come this season with: "working with Carla is definitely crazy, and you can see it in the dish."
I liked the geoduck with apple dish because apples are huge here and that's another little touch of local flavor. Nice. Mustache man and awesome red hair girl are on the losing team with their soup. Don't make soup.
Stefan announces that the geoduck with apples is the winner. Glasses on the forehead is excited and gets the immunity.
Wait, WTF is happening???? Stefan, CJ and Josie are joining the contestants? Tyler thinks it's "bullshit." While I am pretty sure that Stefan will certainly provide me with entertainment, I have to sort of agree with his sentiment. On the other hand, what do you expect, it is a reality show. Mustache man says "Fuck them. It's our turn! None of them were able to seal the deal. I hate them all." I laugh.
Stefan says he has nothing to prove, but then why is he there? If his Porsche and restaurants are so awesome why is he there? Mostly because he hates Hosea and thinks he should have won I guess.
For the elimination challenge, they will remain on the same teams, making the three comeback contestants a team. I really don't remember CJ much, but he definitely seems to think he's pretty awesome now, which remains to be seen.
They are cooking in the restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. I have never been there, because it's is super expensive.
Elimination Challenge
Each team will serve one dish to our the top chef judges and local chef... Tom Douglas! I swear to god, I did not know that was going to happen. They have 47 minutes, aka the amount of time it takes for the Space Needle restaurant to rotate once.
Stefan and CJ decide to take eight quails, just to have them? I don't know what is happening. Redhead and mustache take a fish that they cannot identify. That's not going to end well.
After picking their seafood, they head to Olive 8, which is right downtown and looks gorgeous. The view! Jeffrey is gay and engaged. Aw, look how cute they are!
Two teams cook at once. I am super interested to see how this chili oil poached fish turns out. I think it's going to be either REALLY good, or REALLY awful. Almost immediately, I realize that Carla is insane and slightly annoying. Like Fran Drescher meets some sort of stereotypical Latin cha-cha woman who likes to ayiyiyi a lot.
Gail wants to go fishing while she's in Seattle.
Tom Douglas is adorable. Seriously.
I really can't stand how that dude is wearing his classes up on his forehead. It's off to a good start for those teams, the judges like both of the first two dishes. Stefan says he is used to bigger breasts than the ones the quails have. HA!
Josie says CJ's cherry emulsion sucks. The brown haired girl doesn't like the way the fish is cooked. And it's done. Stefan says that Gail gives him sweaty armpits.
The third set of teams is up, and luckily the yellow team have figured out that their fish is cod. Micah's team is making salmon.
The winner is the blue team with their chili poached salmon. Like I said, it would be awful or great - lucky for them it was the latter.
The veterans end up in the bottom two teams. Bummer deal. Padma asks Josie why she thinks they are there and she says "I think possibly something was imperfect..." to which Tom does his signature 'yeah no shit' eyebrow lift and Padma says "Clearly." Then Tom says "really?" to the idea that she suggests it has to do with texture. Tom says the quail was overcooked, and I actually feel bad for Stefan, he looks like he is going to cry.
The Knight says he took the lead on the gray team. He is unhappy at the judges critique. Stefan compares the top chef contestants to wounded zebras walking around in Africa, making the judges hungry lions.
In the end, Padma asks Jeffrey to pack his knives and go. Sad. The title of this episode was "A Shock at the Space Needle" but I'm not sure what the shock was? I didn't feel shocked by anything.
Next week: Thanksgiving in Seattle. Tom says "make cornbread not war." People swear and yell.
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