Looking forward to watching The Closer tonight. Love that thank-you-sayin', candy-eatin', take-no-prisoners, confession-gettin' LA Deputy Police Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson and her hottie fiance FBI Agent Fritz Howard. Mmm. Mmm. Love that it's on Monday nights--something to look forward to since there's still such a long work week ahead.
But before that, I've got a recipe for you. I left work a tad early today (5:15) to get myself to the grocery store to pick up the ingredients for Thai Chicken Wraps--a recipe I concocted a couple of years ago for who knows why now. It's light, easy, and yummy--perfect for 85-degree summer evenings such as this one.
Mix together:
4 chicken breasts, cooked & diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 medium carrot, shredded
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 large can mandarin oranges, drained
1 c bean sprouts (if desired)
1 small can water chestnuts (if desired)
1 c peanuts
Brianna's Ginger Mandarin Dressing, to taste
Place in center of your favorite kind of wrap, roll it up, and enjoy!
Here's a picture of the filling (I can never seem to wrap anything gracefully enough that it isn't tearing or spilling or otherwise splooching all over the living place. If anyone out there has any wrapping tricks, I'd love to be enlightened):
Speaking of Brenda Leigh Johnson, aka Kyra Sedgewick, she's going to be 42 next month (I Wickipedia'd her), and she's got a six-pack on her that could stop a train. Not that I've ever come even close to having a six-pack or a four-pack or even a two-pack at any given time in my life, but I'm going to be 45 years old this coming December and the aging process is starting to freakin' yell at me. Every single thing I put in my mouth seems to go straight to my hips these days and it's getting down right obnoxious. So, I was thinking, maybe if I announce to you, my dear blogfriends, that I'm on the warpath to reduce, right here, right now, in front of my Dell laptop computer and all you lurkers, I mean witnesses, maybe I'll be able to stick to my plan. But don't worry, I'm not going to turn into one of those born-again health freaks who needs to talk about every single morsel of nourishment that goes into her mouth. In fact, I won't post about it again until I've lost my first ten pounds--but I will keep a tally of my progress on this page--and if you're interested, you can check in and see how I'm doing.
My plan? Well, I'm not in favor of dieting, because I don't think that dieting changes habits. What I do know works is to eat less and move more. So, today I started by hopping on the elliptical for 44 minutes burning a total of 372 calories and I've eaten healthy meals and snacks all day. Portion control is a big part of my problem, that and Reese's Miniature Peanut Butter Cups, so I'll be watching both of those as well. Oh yes, and let's not forget the wine. That's right, friends, I'm giving up wine--on the weekdays. Let's be rational here. It's wine, people.
So, big announcement? Not so much. But I do think that maybe if I know someone else is watching (I am too easily deceived by yours truly), I might lessen my chances for sabotage. And heck, if you'd like to join me, by all means, please feel free, and keep me apprised of your progress.
My goal? With a BMI of 30, this website says:
You are considered "hefty" and should find ways to lower your weight, through diet and exercise. You are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses at your present weight. You should lose weight by changing your diet and exercising more.
Hefty. Hmm. Yeah, that about covers it. To get my BMI down to a healthy level, I need to lose at least 30 pounds. I'll let you know how it goes.
On a lighter note, I decided to try something new today and blog outside on the porch, give the ol' computer battery a run for its money. It's a lovely evening out, and I thought it might be nice to try a different point of view as I usually blog from my living room. So here are all my current vantage points, I hope your vantage points tonight are pleasant ones, too.
Happy Monday and thaynk eyou!
If you're hefty, I must be hefty too. Remind me never to read your blog again. LOL!
Posted by: Stefanie Hamilton | July 29, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I'm with you! Although, you are the only one I'm telling that I am dieting. I'm tired of being tired and the only exercise I get is opening and closing my desk drawer at work to retrieve a handful of tootsie roll midgies. My ultimate goal is to lose 50 lbs so here's to a healthier lifestyle for both of us!
Sue in Alexandria VA
Posted by: Sue | July 29, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Okay, I'm laughing at Stef's comment right now -- too funny! This recipe looks delicious. I'll definitely have to try it out. And best of luck with the weight thing. With all the “exciting” changes going on at work it might be easier to avoid those chocolate temptations. If that doesn't work, I've found the Stressed Out diet also does wonders. :)
Posted by: Brandy J. | July 29, 2008 at 05:58 PM
I will be watching you!
And I hope that the pressure works, LOL!
I really need to follow suit, but my dark M&M's mock me when I try to walk away from them...
B-
Posted by: Becky Olsen | July 29, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Good for YOU Cath! You can DOOOOO it :D
I could stand to reduce my BMI a bit myself {a few months ago my 15+ year addiction to nicotine was replaced with an addiction to Cheez-Its....my lungs and future grandkids are thanking me, but my gut and @$$ have increased exponetially!}
Best of luck to you...
from a fellow Sag (and lurker!) ;D
Posted by: rae | July 30, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Aw those beautiful pictures of your porch bring back some lovely Utah memories. And good luck with your new health goals :)
Posted by: Kalyn | July 30, 2008 at 04:44 PM
What a beautiful place to be blogging! Love that patio. Thanks so much for the delicious sounding recipe! I can not wait to try it. I found it very interesting that I have just decided that I have to get rid of exactly 30 lbs too. I know how hard it will be so I wish you luck with getting healthy. I have started walking a mile and a half with dh every evening but it will take a bit of time on the little bike in front of the tv too.
Hugs,
suz
Posted by: susan stringfellow | July 31, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Cath, you seriously have the best porch! I know I've said it before but I love it!!
Posted by: Dawn McVey (dawnsing) | August 06, 2008 at 08:40 AM