My first award – thanks, Billie! October 21, 2008

I started this blog as an outlet for me and to see if any other telecommuters had similar experiences, especially those with children.  And because I enjoy calling out scammers.  A lot.  I didn’t expect anyone to give me an award for it, but I got my first one and am stoked!  Billie at A Peaceful Serenity, another wahm, gave me this yesterday

Sweet, ain’t it?  Thank you so much!  I’m glad that my ramblings have helped and will keep doing what I’ve been doing.  Her blog is one of my favorite stops!

Part of accepting the award is:
*displaying the award
*linking back to the person who gave it to you
*paying it forward & nominating 7 blogs
*adding links to those seven blogs
*leaving comments on their blog telling them you gave them an award
*enjoying the award

Here are seven that I think you’ll like (I hope you’ve already eaten; if not, you’ll get hungry):

Telecommuting Truths – I love learning from other telecommuters and wish I had found this blog when I started on my job search 8 years ago.  I found Kelly on CafeMom and visit her telecommuting group and blog daily.  She’s a writer and inspires me.  Her recent post on time management is awesome!

Vegan Dad is another of my daily stops.  While I’m not a vegan, I get a lot of ideas for family-friendly meals here.  My kids are picky, but they have found several of his posts drool-worthy.

Vegemommy is another favorite.  Heidi has two little ones and is a total doll.  I’ve made a few of her recipes and my family thanks her everty time we have burgers.

Fairly Odd Tofu Mom caught me right off.  I saw her link on another blog and had to see what this one was about.  (My kids really like Nickelodeon’s Fairly Oddparents).  Vegan comfort food – yes ma’am!  Great stuff here, and her daughter even has a funny blog of her own starring Veggie Barbie.

Winning Friends with Salad tickled me, too.  I remember that chant during The Simpsons’ barbeque!  Kate (and Eva on occasion) discuss working out, eating well, and living life while you’re at it.  It’s real, and that’s what more of us working toward better health need to hear.

Julie Hasson from Everyday Dish shared the best vegan sausage recipe I’ve ever had.  I haven’t bought Tofurkey brats since I made these.

Comfort Food Vegan.  Inspiration, period.

There are more, but I am now starving.  Enjoy!

Tuesday Toot June 24, 2008

It’s that time again! I love the memes! They are a gift for any blogger with a touch of writers block!

This week I’m celebrating a couple of things. First, I figured out what made me sick and healed myself with food and drink instead of drugs. Second, even when dizzy, nauseous, and generally unpleasant to be around, I still scored 9s and 10s on my assignments. Yay me!

Swing by and toot your horn!

My weight loss & health improvement progress and a confession June 5, 2008

One thing that I’ve noticed about a few of the wahms and sahms that I’ve met is that we’re stressed. We spend a lot of time caring for the family and home while putting ourselves on the back burner. I’ve done it for so long that it feels strange to make time for myself. But it is something I had to do. Something we all have to do.

If we don’t care for ourselves, we will be in no shape to care for anyone else. It might not happen right away. Months may go by before your body gives out. Or your blood pressure become uncontrollable without meds. Or you lose hair, gain weigh, gain wrinkles and gray hairs, and/or make your families crazy.

I knew something had to change when my family started to tiptoe around me more often than not. And when I went shopping for an outfit for my brother’s wedding last December and it took forever to find something that wasn’t matronly. I’m not as big as I used to be, dangit, so I didn’t think it would be so hard. I wore a size 22 top and 18 bottoms. The pictures just about killed me.

In March of this year I decided I was no longer going to board the yo-yo express. I re-embraced my vegetarian way of life and pumped up the exercise. The exercise part was not easy because I’m recovering from a back injury & re-injury (and tend to be an all or nothing kind of woman). I walk, jump on the elliptical, mix in some yoga & pilates, and have added Turbo Jam & Slim Series Express (Slim in 6 part 2). While I still eat more fat and junk than I need, I have made some decent progress.

I started at 238 and am down to 227 (I gained 2 this week, dangit). I’ve lost 7 inches overall (4 on my waist) and reduced my body fat by 5%. I wear a size 18-20 top and 16 bottoms. I’m still off blood pressure and it only goes over 140/90 after coffee or black tea (which Ive cut to 16 oz. max a day – this is huge for this caffeine-addicted, insomniac mama). I was feeling great until Tuesday when my daughter graduated from 8th grade.

My baby’s going to high school! Sniff…. I digress.

After graduation we took a few pics with her friends and and us. I thought I looked pretty good. I was wearing a fab wine colored lace wrap top and a calf-length black skirt. I checked myself several times in the mirror to be sure it looked as good as I felt in it. Well, the pictures say something different. All I saw was the big girl looking even bigger while standing next to my gorgeous daughter. She’s 5’5″ and a size 3/4. We’d made dinner plans with my mother, brother and sister in law, so I put on a happy face when what I really wanted was to cry and scream. None of the progress I’d made mattered, just because of a few pictures.

Wednesday I felt better, but still bleah about it. Every bump and exaggerated curve bothered me. Being bothered by what I see isn’t enough to make me get off track for long. I am tempted, though, but not by sweets or fat. The desire to comfort myself by feeding my sadness is screaming out loud. I’m ignoring my inner demons and enjoying a cup of lemon tea and a big glass of water. I’m concentrating on the next 10 pound goal, not on the supposed quick fix that a sandwich would bring at 1am.

I now I’m not alone in this. There are hundreds of people struggling with those demons right now. And beating them back, eventually freeing themselves completely. I’m ready to be one of the successful ones. Who’s with me?

Tuesday Toot – a little late, lol May 29, 2008

But it’s been that kind of week!  School’s almost out for DD, DS is already out, and the house hunt has entered the final stages – we hope.  Throw in surgery for the pup (more on that later) and a vacationing hubby, and WAHM life is even crazier than usual.

This is the Tuesday Toot (Thursday in my case, lol).  Basically I get to toot my own horn and see how other blogging mamas are tooting theirs.  It’s inspiring, and not in a cheesy, Stepford-like way.

I’ve mentioned before that I’m improving my health and getting back into shape.  Well, I’ve been making awesome progress.  The scale isn’t moving as quickly as I’d like, but I’m down to 225, have lost 2 % body fat, and my endurance is way up.  I’m sleeping better, eating better, and feel better all aound.

Even on my bad days I feel good.  I couldn’t have done with without my hubby’s support & my girls – Lisa, Elizabeth, Carrie, Heather, Eboni, Char, & my CafeMom goddesses! All of my girls are online buddies, but are just as inspiring as if they were working out next to me or chatting over coffee.

Eboni says it’s not weight loss, but weight removal and I’m going to use that phrase from now on.  If you lose something it could come back, but once removed, it’s gone.

Have a fab Thursday and remember to always find something to toot your own horn about!

Playing with my food – 2 kinds of (vegetarian) burgers, Teese, & Sheese May 23, 2008

Hey all! I figured that a major cookout occasion would be a good time to share about what I’ve been doing in the kitchen. Yes, Memorial Day is much more than an excuse to fire up the grill, but that is a given. I appreciate all the sacrifices that our enlisted and retired brothers and sisters have done for me and I thank you all.

I am the sole vegetarian in my home, In my extended family, too. Family gatherings usually involve food, mostly old-school, Southern Sunday dinner-type food; not always veggie-friendly. I’ve been doing my part, bringing hearty sides that are mostly vegan, low cholesterol, lower fat, and wickedly delicious. But when it’s time to fire up the grill, this girl needs a little more than side salads and dessert. I’ve always liked burgers and dogs, but wanted to try my own creations instead of always pulling out Boca or Amy’s. I haven’t found a dog recipe, but Yves, Lightlife, and Morningstar Farms have good ones. Tofurkey and Boca sausages are yummy, too. If you’d rather make your own, try Julie Hasson’s Spicy Italian Vegetarian Sausages. Oh man these are good! I’ve made them twice now, with beans and with tofu. They hold up to grilling quite nicely and made my omni family smile.

As for my burger recipes, a friend suggested adding a little pecan meal to a meatball recipe for a heartier texture (thanks Heidi) and it works! They were deemed the best ever by the family so I’ve made pecan meal a staple around here. The basic burger recipe makes four good-sized burgers or 16 meatballs.

Combine the dry ingredients and sit aside -

• 3/4 cup tvp
• 1/4 cup dry oatmeal
• 1/4 cup pecan meal
• parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, & pepper to taste

In a separate bowl, mix

• 2 T ketchup
• 1 1/2 T soy sauce
• 3/4 cup water

Heat until near boiling (about 2 minutes in the microwave), give a quick stir, and pur over dry ingredients.

Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir in 2 T nutritional yeast. Shape into balls or patties, then cook in a nonstick pan until browned.

They freeze well and are great to keep on hand. I made a double batch, and use one as crumbles to quickly toss into soup, chili, salads, tacos, etc.

I mixed up another batch and made bacon burgers! I added Bacos to the dry mix , added a few drops of liquid smoke to the wet mix, and added 3 T of nutritional yeast. Hubby liked these more than the basic burgers.

I’ve done some shopping, too. I bought some Teese and Sheeze online and am glad I did. They were a little pricey, especially with shipping (about $25 total), but both are really good.

I’ve had Teese on pizza, in a quesadilla, and on a veggie reuben. The Sheeze is cheddar, so I’ve had it in a grilled cheese & with crackers. I haven’t liked any vegan cheese cold and these work. The Teese has a nutty flavor that worked really well on the reuben (starring one of my veggie burgers). The Sheeze reminded me of a crock cheese spread. When I snag some pimientos I’ll make pimiento cheese & let you know how that is, too.

Remember to have fun with your food, this weekend and every day. Be safe, be well, and take care.

A little more about my green life May 21, 2008

I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been a green mom longer than I’ve been a green biz mom.  I drove my mother crazy with my recycling, vegetarian-leaning, liberal ways, but I’m a better person and mom because of it.  I want to give our Mother as much love as I can and help heal her.  I know my individual efforts are small, but if each of us does our part, we can help.

Recycling is a given – paper, bottles, cans, dryer sheets, clothing – everything we can.  We donate the kids’ (and our) outgrown clothing to Goodwill, have reduced the amount of waste we produce and amount of energy we use, and reuse goodies that we can find.  I have an old console tv body that mom was going to toss and use it as a plant stand.  It means the world to me that my husband and kids are also on board, and that in general the world is becoming a greener place.  Even if it is the trendy thing to do.

Let’s go back to the beginning.  I was born at 11:59 pm on March 30, 1069…Too far back?  K.

When I was 12-13 I told my mom I wanted to be a vegetarian.  She said ok, then loaded my pate with meat, veggies cooked with meat, and rice cooked in chicken broth and told me to eat. She said that until I started cooking or had a job and could buy my own food, I had to eat what she cooked.  So I did.  Until I hit 17 and got my first real job (I wanted to work before then, but she wouldn’t allow it).  I started limiting meat and increasing veggies, bread, and cheese.  Oh how I loved cheese!  When I got my own place I discovered Books, Herbs, & Spices, a local  health food store, and became a regular.  My love of cookbooks and all things cooking blossomed then, and I saw food as an adventure.

[Yes, vegetarians can be heavy!  I just hadn't learned how to balance out the things I loved with things that I loved but should limit.  Even Fruity Pebbles is vegan, but that didn't mean I should eat it for breakfast, second breakfast, late snacks, etc.]

I also learned more about my impact on the environment and set on the path to reducing my contribution to Mother Earth’s pain.  I walked, rode my bike, and rode the bus more often than starting up the car.  I cleaned my apartment with vinegar, baking soda, Borax, & lemon juice concoctions.  Air freshener was usually some orange or lemon peel tossed in boiling water with a cinnamon stick or plain.  I bought a couple canvas shopping bags and took them everywhere – and had clerks put the plastic or paper bags inside the canvas bags.  I washed my cans and bottles & lugged them to the recycling center about 20 minutes from home.  And then DD was born.

I occasionally ate meat while pregnant because she craved it.  Then decided she didn’t like it.  Mom would drop off food after DD arrived – usually a roast or casserole – and I’d eat it because I was too tired to argue about it, hungry, and not up to cooking.  I went back & forth for a while flirting with a veg way of life and a generally healthier way of life.  Then I met hubby.  We ate out often.  By often I mean weekly.  I gained at least 80 pounds and was already heavy when he & I met.  I’m not sure how much I actually gained because I stopped weighing myself when I saw the scale hit 252.

Fast forward to more current events.  In April 07 hubster was away for a training session so I took the Toronto Vegetarian Association’s Veggie Challenge and was meat free for months.  Then I had a craving and fed it.  And regretted it over the following days while my body yelled at me.  Last October I joined Shaklee and started a new supplement regimen and between it and my way of eating I’d dropped a few pounds, gained energy, and reduced my blood pressure.  I’ve been visiting sites like Lime, Green Mommy Guide, and my fav veg communities and blogs for more tips and hints on keeping on track.  I participated in Earth Hour and spend my cash in places that do their part to save the Earth.  I receive and pay bills electronically and have cut down on a lot of mail.

I went veg for my health.  I went green for the Earth and my children.  I keep on this path because I couldn’t go back to living any other way  It’s a part of me and I know my family is happier and healthier because it.

There is a lot happening with this WAHM during Women’s Health Week! May 13, 2008

As usual, your friendly neighborhood insomniac workaholic wahm is busy. For once classes are not a part of the routine, but that will change in a couple of weeks.

It’s vet time for the dogs, my babies and my mom’s sweetheart, Rosie. That’s going to be a fun couple of days I tell ya. Meetings galore for my daughter this and over the next few weeks since she’ll be leaving middle school and headed to high. Sniff. My baby’s not a baby anymore – she’s a moody, angst-filled, Goddess! It had to happen. Can’t keep ‘em frozen in time.

All week I’ll be participating in MommyFest, but then again I’ve told you that. I’ve been enjoying it so far. It’s been good to see what the other blogging moms are up to, what their businesses, work, and lives are like…and to see that I’m not the only one chatting away in cyberspace.

On the health front, I’ve been challenged! I’m a Skinny Bitch wannabe and so are the girls plodding away with me. Most are vegetarians and all are trying to cut down and out the crap we’ve been eating. I’m also pushing play every day with a mix of walking, Slim Series Express (a Slim in 6 follow-up) and Turbo Jam, and Pilates – yep, another challenge. I’ve been successfully released from my third round of physical therapy and am cleared to do most exercise. As much as I’d like to hit Turbo Jam daily, I have to skip a day or two between those workouts. I’d rather see the slow steady changes in my body than end up on my back again because I tried too much too soon.

I’m also taking part in the WOMAN Challenge sponsored by the US Department of Health & Human Services. When I complete the 8 week challenge I’ll get a nifty certificate mailed to me and the satisfaction of reaching my goals. (Thanks Heather for turning me on to this! I’m headed cross country – you?) It’s free and there’s something about a challenge that gets me going!

If you decide to join and want to team up, just give me a shout. Our daughters can participate, too.

Speaking of health, did you know it was Women’s Health Week? Come on ladies, let’s get it in gear! Let’s get to know our bodies so well that we know when something is wrong. Check your blood pressure. Make note of your headaches and see what triggers them. Know your cholesterol & triglyceride numbers. Check those boobies monthly.

There’s another challenge for me this week. Well, it’s an everyday thing: make sure my loved ones know I love them. They always need to know. And if you’re in the middle of a disagreement, it makes you look like the bigger person when you express your love.

Until tomorrow!

Hey Vegetarians! Free veggie burgers at Johnny Rockets! May 9, 2008

Yeparooni! If you’re a vegan blog addict like I am you’ve probably already heard about it.

The Streamliner is JR’s veggie burger – a Boca patty w/lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, & pickle.  I order it every time, even before I went veg, and even the carnovire hubby think it’s good.  He ordered it last time we were there.  He also had a chili dog, but I digress.

Get the coupon here – http://www.vegcooking.com/johnnyrocketspecial.asp

And find a location near you here – http://www.johnnyrockets.com/locations/

Make sure you check the small print: Free Streamliner® with the purchase of a Streamliner® or any sandwich, starter, and drink. Only valid at participating locations.