I’ve picked up reading again. Once upon a time, I consumed somewhere around two books a week. But that was when I had no bills and all my money was pretty disposable. That was also when I had a library that wasn’t completely out of the way and, quite frankly, didn’t SUCK (don’t get me started on my “local” library).
Not having the money to spend on books I’d consume in a couple days or to drive 10 miles out of my way to visit a crappy library really put a halt to my favorite hobby. But Paperback Swap has changed it all!
I received the two free credits when I posted 10 books to trade, plus I’ve sent out six books. That makes for eight credits, aka eight practically free books.
Right now, I’m re-reading “To Kill A Mockingbird.” I fell in love with this book when I picked it up as a huge extra-credit project in Mr. Wilson’s 10th-grade English class.
I think this will be my third trip back to Maycomb County with Scout and Jem, and I’m loving it as much as I did the first time.
Someone didn’t have their fingers crossed, because I’m disappointed: The scale read 154.4. Again.
At one point between my last weigh in day and today, I know I saw 153 a couple times. It’s so damn frustrating.
On the other hand, I’m eating well, I used my elliptical five times last week and added strength training to my regimen. Right now, I’ve started with Biggest Loser’s Power Sculpt DVD. It’s decently challenging, especially because I’ve never *really* used free weights before.
So maybe the scale is stuck because I’m building some muscle. Let’s hope.
Elvis smoothie
1 banana
2 tbsp. natural creamy peanut butter
1 cup milk
1 tbsp. honey
Blend until smooth
I decided to omit the honey since I wasn’t in the mood for anything super sweet. I must say, I didn’t feel like anything was missing. The banana made it sweet enough for me.
You might have noticed I missed my weekly WW weigh-in and progress update here. If so, you’re smart! 
It’s no accident or mistake on my part. I decided to take this week off of keeping track. Having visitors twice in the last two weeks threw just about every part of my routine out of whack. My working out has suffered, my grocery shopping has suffered. My sleep has even suffered as I feel like I’m trying to use more hours each day to get caught back up.
But for a quick update, I feel I did relatively well for basically having two weeks off of what had become routine, and the scale pretty much agrees with that (of course I still check that!).
But in other news, here’s a brief recap of what I haven’t said lately:
- My parents surprised us with a visit, which was pretty much awesome. They were here the week before St. Patty’s day and left on the 16th.
- Jen and Josh came for a visit Easter weekend. Their visit was also awesome. We ate good food, played disc golf, went out on the boat (first time this year!) and just enjoyed having our friends with us.
- I joined a club that allows me to trade books I no longer want for books I do want, and the only cost for me is shipping to send off my old books. I joined yesterday and already have five books I need to send away! Click the banner in the right-hand column of my blog for more info and/or to join. And if you join, do me a favor and put me down as your referral!
- I’m still amazed at myself and my new interest in all things fit and healthy. I finally understand how people can call “working out” a hobby.
- My flowerbed is in full bloom. I check it out each day to see what’s newly blooming, what’s growing, etc. Good news: the lilac we planted three years ago this month when we moved into the house (!!!) looks like it’s finally going to blossom this year. I’ve had gorgeous leaves since planting it, but the poor thing has taken three years to grow into being able to blossom. I can’t wait for that heavenly smell!
Stay tuned. I promise to have a proper weight-loss update on Sunday Monday. Keep your fingers crossed that I won’t be disappointed!
Rob got me a pretty Kitchen Aid blender for Christmas (yes, I wanted it. I’m that weird.). Since then, I’ve been scratching my head at smoothie recipes, trying to figure out a less pricey/complicated way to drink my fruit.
Nearly three months after I got the blender, I finally had a lightbulb moment today:
1/2 cup lowfat/fat-free milk (I use 1 percent)
2/3 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 banana
That’s it. No ice. No juice. No yogurt. Simple.
It made quite a bit, probably enough for two people. But since it’s not exactly packed with fruit, I slurped it down myself. I’m guessing it made around 16 oz., but it was quite frothy. For those interested in WW points, it’s approx. 3 points.
