Update!!!

Hello dear friends!

I know I have been away - so sorry... I have been extremely busy...

However, I promise to truly update you on my ongoing 'health & fitness' results...

 

good stuff!

 

Promise!

I will update you soon!

your constant companion,

~deirdra 

NO Sugar = -4 lbs! Yes!

I wanted to with those of you who have been sharing my journey with me. Today, I stepped on what I sometimes consider 'the enemy'. I stepped down and waited for the inevitable & guess what showed up... A 4lb lighter version of myself. I was beaming. I started this a week and a half ago and I have to admit the first few days were quite difficult - especially waking and Not partaking in my daily ritual... That first cup of coffee. So far at least 70% of the days I spent enduring headaches sans medication and some nightly restlessness. I just never realized what a hold sugar really had on me. Now, I eat pretty healthy, however, I never realized how sneaky sugar really was. When I started looking really close, I found t was incorporated into nearly everything... I am happy to report that I am feeling great without all of that sugar flowing in my bloodstream. I plan on incorporating fruits and grains in the next two weeks or less. By the way, I should also mention that I workout at least five times a week with a weekend workout typically being a sport of some kind and I hula hoop as well :)

Cheers!

your constant companion,

~deirdra
Love, Love, Love!!! It's where it's at!

~deirdra,

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Better days ahead... I hope -- or else... I am going to the nearest Starbucks!!!

So, I have been off of coffee since last week and let me tell you… it has been hard!  I know some people have addictions, i.e. pain meds, drugs, ciggs, what have you… however, mine is not as simple as that! I LOVE coffee! I love everything about it! I love the smell as I crack open the jar or can or pouch, I love the smell of it in the morning as I prepare it – I love the taste of it with my steamed milk and 1 or 2 Raw sugars, I love the smell of it in the evening when I have it (or had it)! So, every time I see it, pass by Starbucks or smell it from some one nearby – I am saddened… especially now as I sit here and blog about this… I am half heartedly enjoying my CALM Full Leaf TAZO tea from Starbucks… :/ ~~~ It sucks! Yes, I know tea is healthier for you without all the stuff that is added to coffee, however, it is not the same – when I wake in the a.m. I want Java! Tea does not satisfy me – it is like drinking flavored hot water… now, do not get me wrong – I have many great teas at home, however, they are for evening drinking, for calming, for digestion, soothing, etc… not for waking… ok, I am done! Sorry for the rant…

To throw more craziness into the mix – I have been fasting from carbs and ALL sugar! Yep, that’s right, I said it – SUGAR!  The last few days have not been easy, not because of giving up on the taste for these sneaky weight gainers, nooo… because of the awful headaches I have been experiencing… being off of the coffee has not helped either!  Thank God the restless nights have subsided…

On a great note ------- I have been back in the gym for the last two weeks and I feel great! Now, that I am done with all of my after work duties – it is Me time again!  I hope you are enjoying some Me time as well.  It is so important for us to do so.

Well, friends, I am off to enjoy my homemade grilled chicken and rocket salad with, of course, my now iced CALM Full Leaf TAZO tea J

Make it a great day & Healthy, Productive Day!

your constant companion,

~dee

Amidst the Rough Times... There is always time to dance!

This goes to show that you cannot beat down on someone's Spirit - at least not for too long!

Kudos to the people of Lebanon for showing us 'their' Spirit!

Beirut Duty Free Rocks Airport with Dabke Dance.mp4 on March 5th, 2011, Beirut's Rafic Hariri Intl. Airport came to life when I saw employees, security staff and passengers of all ages dancing to a mix of Lebanese folk & modern dance music! Gotta love the Lebanese spirit! I'm really amazed with that spirit with all the hard political and economical situations, still you will feel that secret spirit of Loving to Live proudly.....I love the Lebanese people....

© 2011 YouTube, LLC 901 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066

your constant companion,

~dee

Coffee and Lent...

Since I have gotten back on my game these last two weeks, I have been feeling great!  Every time I laugh or bend over – I feel those lovely pains reminding me that the work I am putting in is paying off J

In line with getting healthier and transforming myself daily… I am considering using the time of Lent as a way to begin my fast.  Lent is not something that is typically recognized in my denomination, however, being that it is a set time – it will work for me and the goals that I wish to achieve – spiritually and physically.  I am going to challenge myself to give up all sweets and dare I say this:::::::: Coffee! Ugh!  So, by sundown today, I will begin… for those who know me very well, this is going to be a challenge!  A very tough one indeed!  However, I am looking forward to a closer walk with my Lord and the health benefits that come along with it will add to my journey.

Also, I have been very interested in starting The Daniel Fast – since, I have not prepared myself for it (as they suggest you do) I was thinking that I might start it a week into Lent to allow my body the time to adjust accordingly.  Though I must say… many of the foods they encourage are already staples in my diet.

Are you sacrificing anything for Lent?  I would be interested to know and welcome the support as well.

your constant companion,

~deirdra

Buon Gusto! Buona Salute!

Sooo... On the great reviews of my fellow yelpers we went out and tried this place! Thanks people! We happen to be locals in the area and have never been here.  So glad we did!


Buon Gusto is like your typical Italian eatery in New York.  Looked much like a pizzeria, however, with a dining room that extended a bit back.  The wait was not bad and when we were seated - the servers were attentive.


I ordered the Gnocchi w Tomato Cream sauce and Geo had the Chicken Alfredo. Wow! Both dishes were fantastic!  We also had the Antipasto for an appetizer - too much food for me as a salad came with our meal.  Still, I have to say that it was so fresh that I did not mind eating salad twice.

With all the great choices on the menu from hot sandwiches to perfect pastas to fish entrees... we will definitely be back!  Next time we want to try their lunch specials.  The flavorful food compensates for the lack of pizzazz you would normally seek in a restaurant outing.


We are grateful to have found a great local spot!  I will highly recommend that you come and try it out even if you do not live in Henderson.
I am sure that Dominic, the owner, would love to have ya!


Buona Salute!


your constant companion,
~deirdra

MOZen Bistro Review...

MOZen Bistro @ Mandarin Oriental


Walking into the Mandarin Oriental I was overwhelmed by the simple beauty of the décor.  Red was the theme and I love Red!
We headed up to the bistro and after arriving and checking out the menu - I would say that they represent Asian fusion cuisine.  We noshed on some raw tuna, raw salmon and spicy tuna rolls for our appetizer.  They were delectable.  We started with the Salad Caprese and for our main courses Georges ordered the 72 Hour Kobe Short Rib and I had the Halibut.  Both dishes were very tasty.  I cannot say that the food was THE best, however, it was very good.  Things seemed to happen so fast as I was on a company dinner that, unfortunately, I did not take the time to savor the dishes.  If we go back again, I would probably check out the Indian offerings they had – I believe we missed out on the lamb… the trio of desserts was an okay touch – the crème brulee was okay – not the best (I am sorry to say that because I wanted it to be fantastic).

To finish our night… as suggested by the elevator gentleman, we headed on up to the 23^rd floor to check out the amazing views the lounge area offered.  I advise you do the same – up there I believe is also the check in area for the hotel.



your constant companion,


~deirdra