Soup to the Rescue!

The morning started off with a kale, strawberry, blueberry, coconut water, and kiwi juice. I know you are thinking I should bottle that juice up and sell it, but that isn't in the cards at the moment... It wasn't too bad, and it started off the last day of vacation on the right foot. However by noon, my stomach was ready for something else. Riley wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with cheetos (pure torture) and I just couldn't have another juice drink! Under duress, she accompanied me to Sprouts where we picked up some more produce to make a new soup recipe. Solid food at last! After 64 hours of only juice (with the exception of the dinner at my Uncle's) soup was a sight for sore eyes!!! The Green Vegetable Soup recipe on the "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" website was easy to make and very good! I doubled the recipe so that there would be plenty for lunch and dinner throughout the week.

Tomorrow will be a true testiment of dedication...going back to work with all the snacks that people bring and lunch with my friends will be hard to keep the self-control, but I have to do it!!! A couple of Delicious Green apples will be in my bag to keep me from digressing.

My sister started her juice fasting today and I haven't heard from her. Hoping she had a better first day than I did :).

I forgot to take any pictures today of the different foods, but I will try to remember tomorrow. Juicing on!!!

FruiTabulous!!!

We are now in our 55th hour of juice "fasting" and have made some realizations. Drinking just juice isn't going to cut it, so we have started to add some solid food to the mix. This morning started with an herbal tea with no sweetener and once Price got over, we made our morning juice, but this time it consisted of only fruit. If I had to drink a vegetable juice drink again, I was going to just fast in the traditional meaning of the word! To us, the fruit juice drink tasted like heaven and made the day start off right. We had the Blackberry Kiwi Morning Drink and it consisted of blackberries, kiwi, mint leaves, golden delicious apples, bananas, and pineapple...are you jealous?

As with any other diet, we have also realized that it must fit into our real world. We knew we were going to be going over to my Uncle's for dinner and wanted to judge the day accordingly. We had our morning fruit juice, then ate a REAL apple for a mid day snack. It helped curb the hunger and made dinner easier to make good choices. We couldn't possibly not have eaten their food, that would have been rude :-). Not to mention my will power is not that strong, nor do I want it to be. So...we did partake in a wonderful dinner with family for the new year! Eating a sensible dinner also renewed my spirits and dedication to continue on the juice diet tomorrow. Finishing off the day with some herbal tea and great company has started 2012 off on the right foot! We have decided that to make this work and to be realistic about it, we will eat a sensible, real meal once every three days for the next 15 days. That way we can renew our motivation and not feel so deprived... While at our Uncle Graham's, Riley met a new friend, but I wouldn't let her bring him home! She understood, but I guess that just means we have to go back again soon.

On to day three!

Gazpacho Smacho

First full day of "juice fasting". Not as exciting as the first (1/2) day.

Started off with the V28 juice. It wasn't very easy to get down, but we made our lunch juice at the same time, Gazpacho juice. Being that I am a fan of Gazpacho soup, I figured that this would be pretty good. So I choked down the V28 and patiently awaited the delicious drink in my future. It consisted of tomatoes, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime, celery, carrots, and cucumbers...all vegetables I like. 12:00PM...time for lunch! I pour the refreshing glass of gazpacho soup drink, feeling confident that it is going to leave a satisfying taste in my mouth. Lets just say, the Gazpacho drink tastes NOTHING like the soup. Not to mention the after taste continued to haunt me, well in to the new year. At that point, we had made three drinks each and only liked one of them...making the grand total for each drink $46! I was starting to get discouraged and knew that if I didn't eat some solid food soon, I was going to quit this new adventure faster than I had started it. So I went to the grocery store with the 500 other people who were getting their new years treats. Not the best idea. Juice fasting+being hungry+free samples around every corner+500 people=not a happy girl! After making my way around the store, I looked into my basket and realized every item in it was green.

Problem number 12 at least... But I was and am determined to make this work! I bought items to make an arugula and spinach salad with a mustard vinegarette. Sounds good right? It also had avocado and jicama so I knew I couldn't go wrong. I got home, and started to prepare the last meal of 2011. The kids ate scrambled eggs, toast, and had sparkling cigar. Price and I ate arugula salad and drank water. For the past 24 hours, everything we had put in our bodies was green, therefore, I had a hard time getting down the delicious salad. However, the best part of the salad was the avocado and jicama which at that point tasted like a prime rib steak!!!

To be honest, the rest of the night I felt a little naucious and didn't even feel like eating anything...I think that is the true reason why you lose weight...you would rather not eat than to drink that mess.

The documentary said that the first three days were the hardest! Hopefully they are right and hopefully we make it three days.......Wish us luck

To be Continued.

New resolution! Juicing Diet 101!

So my sister, Catherine, came in over the break and started talking about this "new diet phase" of juicing... I listened to her and just ignored most of it, but humored her anyway. After she left and I got on the scale, I realized I needed to do something to change how I was eating...I texted her and asked for the title of the documenatary she had been talking about, Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. My boyfriend, Price and I, sat and watched the whole documentary and proceeded to make our first purchase together....a Breville juicer....here goes nothing.
We went to central market because I figured if all I was going to be able to do was drink juice, I was going to drink the best juice I could make from the freshest produce! $75 later, we returned home and I put the ingredients for each recipe in separate bags to make it easier.

Friday we got home from walking to find the juicer on the front porch......can you imagine the excitement??? (sarcasm implied)

We made our first drink, the Giant Green Berry Blend consisting of beet greens, 24 strawberries with the green taken off, one golden delicious apple, two bananas, 2 cups of coconut water, and 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil....I know you are salivating now! Honestly, it wasn't that bad. Later we had some herbal tea and called it a night. Dinner of day one. We will have to see how it goes, but it is worth a try and surely can't hurt.

Don't worry, we are not subjecting the kids to any of this craziness, but they think we have lost our minds!!!

Only a year

Well.......

So yes, it has been awhile since I have updated my blog, and yes, I have lots of excuses, but bottom line....nevermind...

Since my last post I have nearly survived my first year as an Assistant Principal, Riley was in her first wedding as a flower girl (and did perfectly), Christmas...New Years...Easter....and a trip to the beach..... No one really wants to read all about it, so I will just post some recent pictures.

Where have the Mank's been???

BUSY!!!

I didn't even realize it had been September since I had posted last. I am sure if I had any real followers of my blog, I have lost them by now :) but so be it...

September was pretty busy. I started my new job as Assistant Principal at and Elementary school. I love it, but it keeps me busy for sure. All the changes all at once left me a little overwhelmed for a couple months. I have since snapped out of it and am floating instead of sinking :)

Riley is doing GREAT! She is back in dance classes and had her first dance performance of the year last weekend. She did great, but was very disappointed when it was over. She cried for the next hour because she wanted to be back on stage. I'm thinking this comes from her Auntie Cafern... :) She also got her first "real" haircut, and did very well. She loved the lady washing her hair. That she must get from her mom. I love people playing with my hair.

Instead of writing a whole lot, I am going to post pictures that tell our recent activities... enjoy!

Where does the time go?

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post.  Where does the time go???

Well, lots has changed since July... I did end up getting an administrative position

 at Dellview Elementary School as the Assistant Principal.  I was thrilled!!!!! I got a phone call at 9:00PM 

on a Monday night telling me to report to leadership training the next morning at 7:00AM.  Since then I have been running pretty fast to keep up.  I love it though!!! I am exactly where I am supposed to be!  

The second week of my new job, I went to drop Riley off at her school, to find out that there had been a fire the night before and they were being relocated to a different daycare for a couple of weeks.  All her teachers and friends also went to this new school so Riley was excited!  She thought it was so neat that mama and Riley both had "new schools" to go to every morning.  

In addition to Riley starting at her new school, she has also joined dance again.  I really didn't plan on enrolling her again after last year, and her apparent non-interest, but after the recital, she really wanted to be a

 part of it again.  The group she is now a part of has 2 performances a year so I am sure I will have plenty for your viewing pleasure soon...

I also took my mom and Riley to see Dora Live at the Majestic.  I wanted to take Riley because she still has an infatuation with Dora, and I wanted her to start having memories of going to the Majestic like I have from when I was young.  She absolutely LOVED it.  Hugh crocodile tears when it was time to go, and she is still talking about it.  The performance was at the end of July.  I can't wait to get another opportunity to take her to another kid friendly show.  

During my last couple of weeks of summer, I also tried to get a little home improvement done.  Here are some before and after shots.  I was pretty happy with how everything came out.  It will be awhile before I have time to do more.....

Summer fun!

For me, summer finally began the second week of July. Instead of writing a whole lot, I am just going to post a visual diary of our summer so far...
FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL--it was HOT HOT HOT

Riley's first amusement park ride on her own....

HORSE BACK RIDING

I think she liked it just a little.

SPENDING TIME WITH COUSIN HAILEY

BEACH-TIME

those are dolphins...not sharks... :)

As for me..... I am still trying to find an administrative job for the fall.  There is still a lot of movement happening in the district so it isn't too late, but I am biting at the bit to have a sure thing locked in.  I have had a couple of interviews, so my name is out there and that is always good.  I am not losing hope or motivation.  If it doesn't happen this year, it will happen soon enough....  I will keep you posted.

WHY?????

For about 3 1/2 years, my father has been telling me that Riley is a spitting image of her mother. I always took that as a compliment and hoped it would continue... About a year ago, he mentioned a phase in my life, when I was about 3, when every other word that came out of my mouth was, "Why?" Now when he was relaying this fond memory of my childhood to me, he didn't have the loving and longing look in his eye he normally does when he is remenicing about the past. I couldn't understand "Why?" that could be....
NOW I KNOW "WHY?"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Mama, WHY we aren't going to the gym?"
"Mama, WHY you have to water the grass again?"
"Mama, WHY we have to brush our teeth?"
"Mama, WHY I not going to school today?"
"Mama, WHY you being mean to me?"
"Mama, WHY you tell me no?"
"Mama, WHY WHY WHY..................

I am VERY proud of my precious girl for being so curious, and I know it will pay off in the long run, but there are days I want to change my name! Today was one of those days.

A week at the gym...

As most of you know, I have recently started a workout regimen of my own. My mother sent this to me not long after I did, and I nearly wet my pants while reading it. Enjoy!!!

A WOMAN'S WEEK AT THE GYM

If you read this without laughing out loud, there is something wrong with you. This is dedicated to everyone who ever attempted to get into a regular workout routine. AMEN!!!

Dear Diary,

For my birthday this year, my Husband (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Christo, who identified himself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

My husband seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

________________________________

MONDAY:

Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Christo waiting for me. He is something of a Greek god - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Christo gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which he conducted his aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Christo was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time he was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!
________________________________

TUESDAY:

I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door.
Christo made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then he put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. His rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.
_______________________________

WEDNESDAY:

The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Christo was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. His voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when he scolds, he gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Christo put me on the stair monster. Why the hell would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Christo told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. He said some other shit too.

_______________________________

THURSDAY:

Asshole was waiting for me with his vampire-like teeth exposed as his thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes.

He took me to work out with dumbbells. When he was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. He sent some skinny bitch to find me.

Then, as punishment, he put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

_________________________________

FRIDAY:

I hate that bastard Christo more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little aerobic instructor. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat him with it.

Christo wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the damn barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher . Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

________________________________

SATURDAY:

Satan left a message on my answering machine in his grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing his voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

________________________________

SUNDAY:

I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my husband will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

Riley's Recital

Riley's recital went SO well. After two weeks of her wanting to NOT put her costume on because it hurt her arms, I thought this was going to be a fiasco...however, once she saw all her friends with theirs on, she relaxed a little. TOOOOOO cute! Enjoy!

What's new at the Mank's???

Well, it has been awhile since I have posted anything, but Riley is with Darryl and I have some free time, soooo...

Since my last post, we have had Fiesta, Mother's Day, and life in general.
Fiesta was fun! Riley had a "Fiesta Parade" at her school that she has so excited about. I was sitting at the front of the parade entrance when she came out and she was soooo excited, she RAN over to me and gave me a huge hug, which brightened my day. I told her she needed to go back with her class and she jumped out of my lap to run back. She tripped on a purse strap and fell. So in the first 35 seconds of the parade, she was the MOST excited participant, and then the MOST upset participant.


After she recovered from her little fall...All was well.

In addition to Riley having Fiesta, mama had a little Fiesta celebrating too. I went down to NIOSA, but some of Steve's friends had gotten a room at the O'Brien hotel. The balcony looks over NIOSA so you can experience the festivities without the crowds. It was perfect!



After all the fun of Fiesta was over, The next event was Mother's day. Riley made me a beautiful card at school, but even more precious...on her own, after bath the Saturday before Mother's Day, she started singing Happy Mother's Day to the tune of Happy Birthday. IT was priceless!

Then Mimi decided we all needed to go buy fish for her pond. Riley thought it was a blast! One of the things she liked the most was chasing the butterflies.

NOW... we have three weeks left of school and I am counting down the days! Her ein Texas, several school districts completely closed for two weeks because of the "Swine Flu" scare. The district I live in closed and all the kids and teachers got a 2 week vacation to gear up for the last few weeks. Once people realized the panic was a little over the top, NEISD discovered there was confirmed case of Swine Flu...Happened to be at Longs Creek (MY SCHOOL). Do we close for ANY amount of time, NOOOOOOO! So, no rest for the weary and there are 14 days left :) I have been working really hard applying for administrative positions so hopefully by next year, I will be an administrator! I will keep everyone informed of my progress :) Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

So in case I don't get a chance to blog again for another month. By the next time you hear from me, hopefully I will be an administrator! :)