My main grocery store, Harris Teeter, has a new electronic coupon program. So along with store sales and manufacturer coupons, they also offer coupons that you load directly onto your club card and come off automatically at the register! These can be combined with paper coupons to make for a great deal.
Here's one I did today:
Cracker Barrel cheese is on sale 2/$6.
Today I loaded an e-coupon off of HT's website for B1G1 free.
Well, the non-sale price came off at checkout!
So it was $6-$4.49 = $1.51 so $0.75 each!
Not bad :)
Wednesday, February 02, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
What A Week
1. I was officially discharged by my orthopedist. She wants me to wait one more month before starting any weight-bearing exercises, but I am fully healed. I have hard bone growth and excellent range of motion for my stage. Yippee!
2. Snow Day!! Both my place of work and the university where I was going to be guest lecturing closed today! I celebrated by going for a walk with my camera. I was going to go to the zoo but the trains were full and slow... so I walked through an exhibit at the Natural History museum and took the long way home from there.
I did some much-needed deep cleaning, laundry, ate lunch, and have the whole day stretching out ahead of me.
3. Significant Other is, unfortunately, gone for the whole weekend! But I have some plans with a few friends and I think the time will go by at a nice pace.
2. Snow Day!! Both my place of work and the university where I was going to be guest lecturing closed today! I celebrated by going for a walk with my camera. I was going to go to the zoo but the trains were full and slow... so I walked through an exhibit at the Natural History museum and took the long way home from there.
I did some much-needed deep cleaning, laundry, ate lunch, and have the whole day stretching out ahead of me.
3. Significant Other is, unfortunately, gone for the whole weekend! But I have some plans with a few friends and I think the time will go by at a nice pace.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Better Sleep, More Running, Less Eating
Hello 2011!
Better Sleep: for the past several years now I've been getting up very early to be at work by 6-6:15am. However, this is no longer working for me. I love getting off work at 2:30 but by the time I've run, showered, eaten, and unwound it's 5pm and I'm in for the night. By 8pm I can barely keep my eyes open, but by 1am I'm wide awake again and then I can't get back up when my alarm goes off.
So, I'm moving everything back a little. I want more time in the morning. I don't want to rush out the door in 15 minutes because I just can't get out of bed in time. So I'm getting up at 6am and spending a whole hour in the morning watching the news, drinking coffee, just having my own leisure time before leaving for work. And I want to try to stay up a little later so that I'm sleeping a solid 8 hours, not five hours followed by two awake followed by two more in a half-sleep state.
More Running: I'm still against medical advice as far as running does. It's not a matter of the shock absorption, my orthopedist just doesn't want me to trip and fall. But I just can't take it anymore. So I've been running, slowly, carefully, wearing my fracture brace, just getting out there and trying to revive some semblance of my former self. It feels good, but I have a long way to go to get back to my fighting form.
Less Eating: When my arm was broken I fell into a bit of a self-pitying state. I was depressed so I splurged to comfort myself. Why shouldn't I have a hot chocolate? I broke my arm. Why shouldn't I have frozen yogurt for dinner? I can just order a pizza, it's easy and I can't cook anyway.
Etc.
So now I'm back to no pastries for breakfast, no donuts at work (you laugh but we have them often!), black coffee only (no lattes), smaller portions.
Hopefully if I can get these three elements working together my life will start to come back together again.
Better Sleep: for the past several years now I've been getting up very early to be at work by 6-6:15am. However, this is no longer working for me. I love getting off work at 2:30 but by the time I've run, showered, eaten, and unwound it's 5pm and I'm in for the night. By 8pm I can barely keep my eyes open, but by 1am I'm wide awake again and then I can't get back up when my alarm goes off.
So, I'm moving everything back a little. I want more time in the morning. I don't want to rush out the door in 15 minutes because I just can't get out of bed in time. So I'm getting up at 6am and spending a whole hour in the morning watching the news, drinking coffee, just having my own leisure time before leaving for work. And I want to try to stay up a little later so that I'm sleeping a solid 8 hours, not five hours followed by two awake followed by two more in a half-sleep state.
More Running: I'm still against medical advice as far as running does. It's not a matter of the shock absorption, my orthopedist just doesn't want me to trip and fall. But I just can't take it anymore. So I've been running, slowly, carefully, wearing my fracture brace, just getting out there and trying to revive some semblance of my former self. It feels good, but I have a long way to go to get back to my fighting form.
Less Eating: When my arm was broken I fell into a bit of a self-pitying state. I was depressed so I splurged to comfort myself. Why shouldn't I have a hot chocolate? I broke my arm. Why shouldn't I have frozen yogurt for dinner? I can just order a pizza, it's easy and I can't cook anyway.
Etc.
So now I'm back to no pastries for breakfast, no donuts at work (you laugh but we have them often!), black coffee only (no lattes), smaller portions.
Hopefully if I can get these three elements working together my life will start to come back together again.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
I'm Fat
But getting thinner! Today I went running for the first time in 19 weeks. This was, unfortunately, Against Medical Advice, but I just couldn't take it anymore.
My orthopedist isn't actually concerned about the act of running, i.e. the shock absorption role that the arms and upper body take. She doesn't want me to trip and fall, that's the danger. So I went to the National Arboretum where there's a beautiful paved, dry road with no cars, and ran slow.
Very slow. And not too far. But run I did and I feel a lot more confident now about my body's strengths and abilities. I'm excited to get my body strong again and in shape. I run for so many more reasons than weight control and it's hard to find other activities that fill the role of running.
I definitely need to replace my shoes, though, they're totally dead.
My orthopedist isn't actually concerned about the act of running, i.e. the shock absorption role that the arms and upper body take. She doesn't want me to trip and fall, that's the danger. So I went to the National Arboretum where there's a beautiful paved, dry road with no cars, and ran slow.
Very slow. And not too far. But run I did and I feel a lot more confident now about my body's strengths and abilities. I'm excited to get my body strong again and in shape. I run for so many more reasons than weight control and it's hard to find other activities that fill the role of running.
I definitely need to replace my shoes, though, they're totally dead.
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Musings
I hate those naps where the clock says you slept but you don't feel like you did. I was exhausted after work today so I laid down for a few minutes. Ninety later I woke up but I couldn't be sure that I had acually slept until I looked at the clock. What a let-down!
In injury recovery news, I just can't take it anymore. I need to run. This weekend will be the first time out in almost 19 weeks. I'm going to go back to basics - a 5-minute run/1-minute walk rotation for about three miles. Just slow, gentle, easing my way back in. I know it will be a struggle and I'm prepared to be frustrated.
In injury recovery news, I just can't take it anymore. I need to run. This weekend will be the first time out in almost 19 weeks. I'm going to go back to basics - a 5-minute run/1-minute walk rotation for about three miles. Just slow, gentle, easing my way back in. I know it will be a struggle and I'm prepared to be frustrated.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Resolutions
Man, I love New Year's resolution time. Here we go:
1. Stop interrupting people. This is a terrible habit.
2. Pay off 15k of my student loans. At that point I hope to just knock the remainder off with my savings.
3. Develop a consistent running regimen. I don't care so much about mileage volume but consistency is key.
4. Follow my simple Bible in one year plan. Already started.
1. Stop interrupting people. This is a terrible habit.
2. Pay off 15k of my student loans. At that point I hope to just knock the remainder off with my savings.
3. Develop a consistent running regimen. I don't care so much about mileage volume but consistency is key.
4. Follow my simple Bible in one year plan. Already started.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas Dinner 2010
Okay, so photographing food is really hard! But here are my best shots from Christmas dinner.
Christmas medley of red peppers and green brussels sprouts:
Lots of roasted garlic:
Lobster tails ready for the broiler!
Finished product... flatiron steaks, lobster, brussels sprouts and red peppers with sauteed onions and bacon crumbles:
Christmas medley of red peppers and green brussels sprouts:
Lots of roasted garlic:
Lobster tails ready for the broiler!
Finished product... flatiron steaks, lobster, brussels sprouts and red peppers with sauteed onions and bacon crumbles:
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Eve 2010
Christmas is lovely in Washington, DC. The city clears out and for three days everything is peaceful and quiet.
We are taking advantage of having an excuse to make great food! Here was the menu:
Antipasti: soprasetta and salama with tuna, olives, and sweet peppers; St. Andre triple creme cheese and toasted baguette.
Main Course: homemade chunky crab bisque with toasted baguette.
Dessert: mini-mousse, lemon tart, and mixed berry tart.
Today we're going to go for a long, brisk walk and then hunker down for another day of eating, reading, napping, and documentary-watching.
We are taking advantage of having an excuse to make great food! Here was the menu:
Antipasti: soprasetta and salama with tuna, olives, and sweet peppers; St. Andre triple creme cheese and toasted baguette.
Main Course: homemade chunky crab bisque with toasted baguette.
Dessert: mini-mousse, lemon tart, and mixed berry tart.
Today we're going to go for a long, brisk walk and then hunker down for another day of eating, reading, napping, and documentary-watching.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Trying to Get Back in the Game
Well, this injury has been quite the learning experience. I'm really not supposed to run for another four weeks, but I've been cleared to walk. So I'm power-walking around the National Mall and feeling like a complete idiot. See, I always make fun of people who walk because, just run already! And I pride myself in having a strong body and a stronger mind.
Now, here I am, my pride (wanting people to know that I'm better/stronger/healthier/tougher than I look) and self-centeredness (assuming that everyone is judging me for walking rather than running) are coming through full blast. Yet I just can't help feeling this way. I really miss running. I want to run. It's frustrating to have to hold back. But for four more weeks I'll do it.
I've also started practicing my banjo again. Boy howdy have I regressed! My playing is slow, laborious, and non-expressive - but it's playing. So my goal is to play at least twenty minutes per day for the next few weeks and gradually increase my time and tempo.
In some ways I appreciate the down time. I always wind down in winter anyway - spend more time inside, more time reading, more time thinking - so I don't *really* need the additional enforcement, but it's better to have an authority figure to obey rather than beat myself up for not doing enough.
I'm looking forward to the Christmas and New Year's weekends. More to follow as those unfold.
Now, here I am, my pride (wanting people to know that I'm better/stronger/healthier/tougher than I look) and self-centeredness (assuming that everyone is judging me for walking rather than running) are coming through full blast. Yet I just can't help feeling this way. I really miss running. I want to run. It's frustrating to have to hold back. But for four more weeks I'll do it.
I've also started practicing my banjo again. Boy howdy have I regressed! My playing is slow, laborious, and non-expressive - but it's playing. So my goal is to play at least twenty minutes per day for the next few weeks and gradually increase my time and tempo.
In some ways I appreciate the down time. I always wind down in winter anyway - spend more time inside, more time reading, more time thinking - so I don't *really* need the additional enforcement, but it's better to have an authority figure to obey rather than beat myself up for not doing enough.
I'm looking forward to the Christmas and New Year's weekends. More to follow as those unfold.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Good Day
I had a good day at work today. It started early (0430h) but I got a lot accomplished and really helped some people.
Also, it's snowing! Just a few inches, which is causing a widespread panic, but it looks lovely. Not having a car makes snowfall a very stress-free event. Right now I'm drinking a beer, watching it fall, admiring the Christmas lights that are coming up on my block, and mentally digesting my day.
I feel good.
Also, it's snowing! Just a few inches, which is causing a widespread panic, but it looks lovely. Not having a car makes snowfall a very stress-free event. Right now I'm drinking a beer, watching it fall, admiring the Christmas lights that are coming up on my block, and mentally digesting my day.
I feel good.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Recovering
I've been sidelined with an injury for the past few months and finally feel good enough to get back into the swing of things, exercise-wise. Currently I can only walk, but walking I am. At work I take a half-hour walk in the late morning and call it my lunch break. It's been going well, so I'm going to start adding another hour of brisk walking after work, around the National Mall.
It feels strange to walk and not run. I love running and walking is slow, a little boring, and feels to me like an under-achievement. But it's all I can do and frankly I'm just thrilled to be at the point where I CAN walk for exercise.
I'm not necessarily looking forward to that first run, but I am looking forward to the point where I can run easily again. It'll take some time to get there but I'm ready for the work.
It feels strange to walk and not run. I love running and walking is slow, a little boring, and feels to me like an under-achievement. But it's all I can do and frankly I'm just thrilled to be at the point where I CAN walk for exercise.
I'm not necessarily looking forward to that first run, but I am looking forward to the point where I can run easily again. It'll take some time to get there but I'm ready for the work.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Jury Duty
I served jury duty today. I enjoy jury duty. I've only sat on a civil case before, but the experience was enlightening.
I really believe that jury duty is an essential civic duty and I get irate when people complain about it. Yes it's inconvenient. No, you are not important enough to be exempt just because.
Put yourself in the position of a crime victim. Or the position of a mom, dad, brother, or sister of a defendant. Suddenly you have a lot riding on the jury. How would it feel for people to be trying to get out of it, for people to just go along with whatever the majority says in deliberation? There's a lot at stake and it deserves to be taken seriously.
We're trying to have a society here, people! Serve. Take it seriously. Don't complain. And hope you are never on the other side of the jury box, because you could be - either in the defendant's chair or on the stand as a victim.
I really believe that jury duty is an essential civic duty and I get irate when people complain about it. Yes it's inconvenient. No, you are not important enough to be exempt just because.
Put yourself in the position of a crime victim. Or the position of a mom, dad, brother, or sister of a defendant. Suddenly you have a lot riding on the jury. How would it feel for people to be trying to get out of it, for people to just go along with whatever the majority says in deliberation? There's a lot at stake and it deserves to be taken seriously.
We're trying to have a society here, people! Serve. Take it seriously. Don't complain. And hope you are never on the other side of the jury box, because you could be - either in the defendant's chair or on the stand as a victim.
Gifts From my Father
I have a Christmas tree!! A real, lovely smelling, balsam, pre-lit Christmas tree!
Thanks Dad :)
Thanks Dad :)
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Every month...
... one more dollar of my mortgage payment goes to principal rather than interest. Still heavily favored towards interest. I am on the fast track to paying off my student loans (currently throwing 1k/month at the principal, or eight times the monthly payment) and can't wait to have that done so I can start killing my mortgage!
Ahhh... adulthood.
Ahhh... adulthood.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Untitled
Do you ever just fantasize about your absolute dream job but really don't see any avenue toward making it happen? I mean, a dream job that could actually be within reach, not the kind of dream job that's a total impossibility.
I've been doing this recently and I'm just not sure whether it's something to pursue or even how to pursue it.
I've been doing this recently and I'm just not sure whether it's something to pursue or even how to pursue it.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Under the Weather
My mom always laughs at me when I start to feel under the weather. As soon as I feel the first throat scratch or hint of sniffle my home looks like an aspirin factory exploded - I believe in treating symptoms early and yes, I take pills! Decongestants, NSAIDs, you name it. If it will relieve my symptoms I will take it and I feel that early symptom intervention is the key to staving off colds. Yeah, I'm a baby.
I bailed on meeting the girls for a drink, which I feel bad about, but I just think it's best to stay in and go to bed early. I'm making a big pile of spinach and roasted vegetables for dinner tonight, not that I have an appetite, but I think a healthy meal and good night's sleep will do me well.
In other news, I ordered my scooter last weekend!! It should be in on Friday, hopefully Thursday! I will definitely update and post photos as soon as I can. I bought a Genuine brand Buddy 125cc, seafoam green. It gets 96 miles to gallon. With my 6-mile round-trip commute to work, well, that's a lot of workdays before I'll need gas!
I bailed on meeting the girls for a drink, which I feel bad about, but I just think it's best to stay in and go to bed early. I'm making a big pile of spinach and roasted vegetables for dinner tonight, not that I have an appetite, but I think a healthy meal and good night's sleep will do me well.
In other news, I ordered my scooter last weekend!! It should be in on Friday, hopefully Thursday! I will definitely update and post photos as soon as I can. I bought a Genuine brand Buddy 125cc, seafoam green. It gets 96 miles to gallon. With my 6-mile round-trip commute to work, well, that's a lot of workdays before I'll need gas!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Crazy!!
Yesterday we went over to the Aquatic Gardens in northeast DC to wander around and take some photographs. To get there you have to go through a slightly stabby residential neighborhood, but it's not usually a problem - especially at 11am on a Saturday morning.
Driving down Douglas St NE, on the left there were two people working curbside out of the back of a van. It looked like they were cutting some wood with a table saw; on the porch of the house several people were sitting and hanging out. As we drove by I glanced over and caught the eye of one of the guys working the table saw. His look was friendly but neutral, which is interesting because most often I get the death stare from people in neighborhoods like this.
I was contemplating the lack of death stare, J said, "Does that guy have a gun? He has a gun!" I whipped around to take a look at the guy calmly jogging across the street in front of our car. I didn't see anything at first - my eyes were looking for a black handgun - and then I saw the RIFLE he was holding to his side! What?!
I immediately tried to call the police but, even though we were in DC, the call went to the Prince George's County 911 service who did not pick up!! I got a call back right away but by that time J had already tried to call, received a callback, answered, and was giving our location and description to the dispatcher.
Wow! How weird was that. We heard sirens right away but I'm sure that the kid was already inside the apartment building by the time units responded, and I'm equally sure that none of the residents or porch-dwellers wanted to give helpful guidance to the police.
We did end up having a nice time at the gardens, however. Here are some photos:
After we wiped ourselves out we went down to the wharf, bought a dozen crabs (plus five the guy threw in), had them steamed with lots of Old Bay, and ate them on top of a pile of newspapers at the marina, chugging cokes and sucking on our fingers where the spices get inside little cuts made from handling the crab claws. It stings!
Driving down Douglas St NE, on the left there were two people working curbside out of the back of a van. It looked like they were cutting some wood with a table saw; on the porch of the house several people were sitting and hanging out. As we drove by I glanced over and caught the eye of one of the guys working the table saw. His look was friendly but neutral, which is interesting because most often I get the death stare from people in neighborhoods like this.
I was contemplating the lack of death stare, J said, "Does that guy have a gun? He has a gun!" I whipped around to take a look at the guy calmly jogging across the street in front of our car. I didn't see anything at first - my eyes were looking for a black handgun - and then I saw the RIFLE he was holding to his side! What?!
I immediately tried to call the police but, even though we were in DC, the call went to the Prince George's County 911 service who did not pick up!! I got a call back right away but by that time J had already tried to call, received a callback, answered, and was giving our location and description to the dispatcher.
Wow! How weird was that. We heard sirens right away but I'm sure that the kid was already inside the apartment building by the time units responded, and I'm equally sure that none of the residents or porch-dwellers wanted to give helpful guidance to the police.
We did end up having a nice time at the gardens, however. Here are some photos:
After we wiped ourselves out we went down to the wharf, bought a dozen crabs (plus five the guy threw in), had them steamed with lots of Old Bay, and ate them on top of a pile of newspapers at the marina, chugging cokes and sucking on our fingers where the spices get inside little cuts made from handling the crab claws. It stings!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Day o'Chores
I have gotten a lot done today!
1. I passed the DC motorcycle knowledge test and now have my green-tinted learner's permit. The next step is to get a scooter and take the skills test so I can ride fully legally. Yay!
2. I got rid of my smart phone that gave me nothing but trouble and downgraded to a simple flip phone. I cut my bill, and my headaches, in half. Who needs a cell phone that's more computer than phone? Not me. I'm happy for the return to simplicity.
3. I practiced yoga. It's been going well lately... I feel strong and far less jiggly when I run. What more can a woman want :)
1. I passed the DC motorcycle knowledge test and now have my green-tinted learner's permit. The next step is to get a scooter and take the skills test so I can ride fully legally. Yay!
2. I got rid of my smart phone that gave me nothing but trouble and downgraded to a simple flip phone. I cut my bill, and my headaches, in half. Who needs a cell phone that's more computer than phone? Not me. I'm happy for the return to simplicity.
3. I practiced yoga. It's been going well lately... I feel strong and far less jiggly when I run. What more can a woman want :)
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