tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23246348603758745462024-03-14T07:56:18.941-07:00She's Coming UnzippedThis body is a fat suit. I want out.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-10146071077312960222012-01-06T20:50:00.000-08:002012-01-06T20:50:19.573-08:00New Blog SpaceHi friends. I have moved this blog on to wordpress, where it will soon be shown more design love.
This page will soon redirect there.
Until then...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Click this link!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.comingunzipped.com/">TAKE ME TO THE BLOG! </a></b></div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-79256368884979802052011-11-11T16:20:00.001-08:002011-11-11T16:33:18.126-08:00I am Not a Quitter......but I am an Aries, and that means I like to start lots of things and bounce all over the place, sometimes completing them, sometimes losing track.
Like this blog. Well, and my body.
Many things have changed since I started this blog last year. I have changed a lot of bad eating habits in to good ones. I went from a soy hungry vegetarian to a carnivore again. I lost about 30 lbs, got myself in to at least passable shape, and managed to continue the basics of the plan I set up for myself in order to lose around 70 lbs.
However, there's a lot of things that have gone off track. I'm going to blame a lot of it on the fact that I spent my spring and summer in car accident hospital land. The stress and anguish I have gone through this year is nothing to joke about. I am sometimes unsure of how I managed to even get through it. Things are by no means normal now, but at least David is walking again and we're able to resume some of our normal life.
One big problem over the past few months for me was the fact that David lost 20 lbs - 20 lbs he couldn't stand to lose - while sitting in a hospital bed for a month. So, when he arrived home, it was important that I help him to gain back a lot of that weight so that he'd no longer look like one of those kids from the Christian Children's Fund commercials. It was harder than you might think. We eat at home most of the time, so I was cooking a lot of food - which made it easier for my portions to get larger and larger - even though we were eating good foods, I have been eating too much.
I've gained a bit of weight. Nothing major. But it's there. And, I really need to put my foot down and get back in to my old ways, when I was prioritizing the health of my body over other things, and allowing myself to manage stress my pushing my body.
I am not a quitter - and I am not going to stop working toward a healthier body and mind.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-35752293550041818422011-09-20T08:36:00.000-07:002011-09-20T08:36:17.951-07:00DefeatedI'm tired, I'm exhausted, and my life is one big bunch of stress and open ended questions that cause me to eat more chocolate than I should. I have gained weight, I have lost my exercise schedule, and I feel completely defeated.
I do realize that this time in my life is probably not the best for trying to stick to gigantic life changes. I'm just upset that I lost ground. I have changed enough that seeing what kind of damage falling of the wagon does to me makes me incredibly upset and disgusted.
I work constantly, for one job that doesn't pay me enough and asks way to much of me, and for another that pays me but forces me to finish specified projects each week on a time schedule. I am so tired. I hate all of it. I have no time to shoot, or even do work that I like doing.
I need something. I need something different. Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-84067221504519752832011-06-20T18:25:00.000-07:002011-06-20T18:50:12.469-07:00the scar<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5823156161/" title="scar by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/5823156161_fab84f662d_z.jpg" width="640" height="626" alt="scar" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-68195624150073084002011-06-15T00:10:00.000-07:002011-06-15T00:46:46.548-07:00i'm just not ok, yet.I've opened this window time and time again to try and write a bit, at least to update a little. It's just been sort of difficult to put in to words a lot of the emotions I have been going through day to day. <br /><br />Now that David is home and recovering here, things have gone back to a form of normal. We're in our own house. We can watch our own tv and he sleeps in his own bed (anyone who has gone a month and a half without sleeping next to their spouse will understand this). I get to cook his meals and not worry he isn't getting the right nutrition. We can even go to movies and out to eat once in a great while. <br /><br />This isn't a blog about my mental health so I'm not going to elaborate too far on how I'm feeling. However, where I am is a very lonely, sad, and scarred place. Around every turn, I'm reminded that I feel as if life right now is borrowed time that can be sent to collections at any time. <br /><br />Our life was already a massive question mark before this accident, and all of the things that were up in the air, important things about jobs and money and our future, now just line the bottom of the massive pile of things that must be fixed, decided, or figured out. And, I'm the only one who can walk right now. <br /><br />And, through it all, there's the haunted footsteps and soft white noise of this neighborhood, this town, this metro. <br /><br />I'm just not ok, not yet. I am thankful. I am enlightened. But I am in grief and I am traumatized and I am depressed. On top of all of this, the world keeps going; my friends work on getting pregnant and buying houses and going to Europe and landing dream jobs while we sit here in this house, waiting for whatever comes next. <br /><br />It's the opposite of how I wanted this year to go. And I'm sorry, but right now, I'm just not ok.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-60756372883420373972011-05-29T20:19:00.000-07:002011-05-29T20:32:19.550-07:00Skinnygirl MargaritaI admit it: I love Bethenny Frankel. I really don't care what you say. I have loved her since I first watched her on "The Real Housewives of New York" (My guilty pleasure show) and I watch all the episodes of her new show, "Bethenny Ever After" on Demand.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yMiPJdBM0gdNz2PpjK-R9L0yMFR-YoJbltU-5jRgNmmH9RyzxWNk0zUvyAIvgzhHDHjyb27OqSvlF3iP-O_9iaKplnfnrNJq4DpdSI0-hJxVtgmBMojHu8qADkD1FBGFYHdTcyeC6zE/s1600/_MG_6248.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yMiPJdBM0gdNz2PpjK-R9L0yMFR-YoJbltU-5jRgNmmH9RyzxWNk0zUvyAIvgzhHDHjyb27OqSvlF3iP-O_9iaKplnfnrNJq4DpdSI0-hJxVtgmBMojHu8qADkD1FBGFYHdTcyeC6zE/s400/_MG_6248.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612346477285608210" border="0" /></a><br />Judge all you want. She's a woman who actually works for a living, and has the life I dream of. Successful, inspired, and still down to earth while keeping a great sarcastic wit.<br /><br />Bethenny created a pre-mixed Margarita product called Skinnygirl, which boasts a great tasting, quality tequila margarita that comes in at only 100 calories per serving. I've seen it on her show forever and always kind of thought, "maybe someday I'll try it, if I remember..."<br /><br />I was at Bevmo a couple of days ago (where I accidentally spent $30 on a bottle of wine...long story) and they had cases of Skinnygirl at the checkout. So, I said, "What the heck?" and grabbed a bottle for $13.99. (this was when I had no idea that I grabbed a $30 bottle of wine. But anyway.)<br /><br />For dinner last night, I poured myself a serving of Skinnygirl right in to this here cherry tumbler. No, I don't have Margarita glasses.<br /><br />Verdict: it's very good. You can tell that it is a lower calorie Margarita (much less sweet) but that's hardly a bad thing. It's very drinkable, and definitely doesn't skimp on the Tequila. Considering ease of use (no mixing) and the fact that you know how many calories you're getting, I can definitely see picking up another bottle in the future for a dinner party or grillout. But, at $13.99 a bottle, I probably wouldn't choose it for Guitar Hero Night or Let's get boozy Saturdays (again, not necessarily a bad thing!)Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-87980693040404091812011-05-29T13:31:00.000-07:002011-05-29T13:34:29.523-07:00...says iPad Naysayer<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5769704325/" title="New friends by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5769704325_41ebc1b3de_z.jpg" alt="New friends" height="427" width="640" /></a>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-68647077342417484712011-05-29T13:30:00.001-07:002011-05-29T13:30:50.586-07:00Back to the GymBecause my sorry ass has gained 7 lbs of emotional misery.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-8574697578249309772011-05-21T15:22:00.000-07:002011-05-29T15:25:36.860-07:00Wedding<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bKYHGrE4q1-pH1wPcxqpEJABrDoIyAFNk8pW77CsMLWpubMvYIluuAWNl6mZ45jd9pZn8i5NunPuSXnFaJzSpbJlfonmyGnN6MrEGXUtjNuLLLLb3XqCD6u0tHspgwwg_Nt-KSrXg04/s1600/2011-05-21_14-17-27_589.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bKYHGrE4q1-pH1wPcxqpEJABrDoIyAFNk8pW77CsMLWpubMvYIluuAWNl6mZ45jd9pZn8i5NunPuSXnFaJzSpbJlfonmyGnN6MrEGXUtjNuLLLLb3XqCD6u0tHspgwwg_Nt-KSrXg04/s400/2011-05-21_14-17-27_589.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612267688543424562" border="0" /></a>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-40966504887070220132011-05-20T09:54:00.000-07:002011-06-20T18:54:56.269-07:004/14/11 - Part One<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>David and I had a trip planned, along with our friends Dave and Cho, to visit Red Rocks Canyon in southern California for a weekend camping trip. It's a long drive, so we were scheduled to leave at 5am on Friday, April 15th, but we'd meet the night before around 8:00 to pack up the SUV our friends rented to take down south.<div>Thursday, April 14th was a busy day. I worked in Sausalito until 4:30, drove back to our house in Richmond and picked up David to drop him off at band practice in Oakland. Since we only have one car, and I needed to drop Hank off with the weekend babysitter, Dave was to get a ride home from his good friend and bandmate, Alex, whose parents live just a couple of blocks away from our house. This was a common practice since Alex often stayed with his parents. This particular night, he needed to do some things there so it was easy for him to drop David off on the way. I'll always remember David shutting the car door and trotting away, drumsticks in hand, toward the practice space.</div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>I stopped in Piedmont to drop off Hank, chatting with Sara (the babysitter) for a good half an hour before heading back to Richmond, stopping at Target (to pick up my sleeping bag) along the way. I got back to the house around 7:00, and started organizing the rest of our camping supplies and putting food in to tupperware. At 7:20, I got a call from David saying that they were dropping off Brian, the band's guitar player, at his house, and then heading toward Richmond. That meant I should expect David home in about a half an hour. "Try not to stay too long" I remember saying. "You still need to finish your food projects for camping before Dave and Cho get here with the SUV."</div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>I continued what I was doing and didn't look at the clock until 8:30. Eight THIRTY? Where the heck is David? I started to get a little upset, because I didn't want Dave and Cho to get to the house with the truck without David being here and ready. I grabbed my phone and called him. It rang. It rang all the way to the voice mail message, to which I thought nothing of. "They're probably chatting and he didn't hear it-" I thought, since that happened often.</div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>So I called again. And again, no answer. That worried me a little. "Maybe they are still inside the warehouse, and can't get reception". I thought. I decided to give it 10 minutes and call back. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>And, 10 minutes later, I called again - and again, no answer. I called 5 times in a row. I started to really get worried. David never leaves me hanging. He has never ever not called when something came up, when he was going to be late, or when he was out. It just wasn't like him. Were they stuck in traffic? I realized maybe his phone had died, so I called Alex's phone. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>No answer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8">
<br /></div><div>It was then that I realized something was very wrong. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>I got on the computer and Tweeted (because, you know, that's what I do.) </div><div>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngHQ_qEQ9EH0PWnR4IkzlZYYrJ_YqtYXZCiG_A2znWNJIB8RXPw7TBq4lh-NEL8mVNOhrpMyBQdBWtntEvfADRY000sL17Cj2SgjLtS9TJzhDNLzbXA2zwfD-rHtHdKPn1TDMi27XU40/s400/tweet.png" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 359px; height: 186px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620484953745704194" /></div><div>Then, I gchatted Josh, who was online. "Can you call David?" I asked. "He's not answering, and I want to make sure it's not my phone". </div><div>
<br /></div><div>"Of course" he responded, and after a pause, he wrote back "No answer. Where is he at?"</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I divulged that he had been at band practice and that Alex would be dropping him off at home, but that they were seriously late. Josh looked up Alex's parent's address, to see if we should maybe stop there to see if the boys were, or possibly to get Alex's address in Oakland. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Then I had a terrible thought. I knew I had to check the Highway Patrol accident reports. That's...what you do when someone who is supposed to be driving is missing. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>So I did. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>And that's when the night took a turn. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Scrolling through, I saw a 2 car accident involving a truck and an car on the 880 corridor that had happened around 8pm. Which would have been exactly the time when Alex and Dave would have been there. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Almost instantly, Josh sent a message: "Do you know what car they were driving?" </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Alex's pickup truck had been having problems, and he'd wasn't always driving it. The week before, he'd been driving his dad's Volvo station wagon. Sometimes, he had his boss's giant truck. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>"I don't know." I responded. "I thought he had the Volvo". </div><div>
<br /></div><div>After another short pause, Josh sent another message. "I'm coming over". </div><div>
<br /></div><div>By this point, my body was shaking so hard I could barely type. Off and on, I'd feel the burning sensation of tears. The shaking was so intense I could feel it in my bones. I opened the doors and windows, so that any sound of a car or light from headlights would become apparent sooner. I pictured the Volvo pulling up, the passenger door swinging open, and David running out, apologetically. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>But, in reality, the CHP website scrolled along the screen of my Macbook in bright blue. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>* 2 vehicles involved</div><div>* truck ovrtned. Pssger trped</div><div>* red chevy pickup 2 pssgr</div><div>* 2 pssger trped unresp</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I kept calling. I called Dave, I called Alex. I left messages. I called Brian, who didn't answer. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>* wh kia stopped </div><div>* pssger still trapped</div><div>* ambulence responding</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Dave and Cho arrived. I was crying and shaking. Cho said, "What's wrong?" </div><div>"David is missing. I think he's been in an accident" I responded. </div><div>"There was an accident on 880 - but it wasn't your car, " She said. </div><div>"They're in Alex's car. " </div><div>"I didn't see any cars - it looked like an SUV!" She said. "I think he's ok, I bet he's just stuck". </div><div>
<br /></div><div>* debris in all lns</div><div>* SIGALERT needed</div><div>* 880 closed bth dir debris</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Josh arrives behind them. "Do you know if they had Alex's truck? Because the truck invovled in the accident was a red Chevy - and that's what Alex had, if they were in it". </div><div>
<br /></div><div>* tow resp</div><div>
<br /></div><div>As I pace, the phone rings. I shriek. It's Brian. </div><div>"Nissa, what's going on? Are you ok?" He asked. </div><div>"No. David and Alex are missing. Do you know what vehicle they were in tonight when they dropped you off?" </div><div>"Yeah, it was Alex's truck - red...either a Toyota or a Chevy, maybe?"</div><div>
<br /></div><div><div>* cancel tow/debris rem evidence</div></div><div>* coroner disp</div><div>*coroner/scene</div><div>
<br /></div><div>9:30. Do I call the hospitals? Do I call the police? Who do I call? I know, at this point, I know, that my husband has a 50/50 chance of being dead. I know that one of the boys in that truck did not make it through this accident that at this point I know included the vehicle my husband was riding in. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Dave picked up his phone and called the CHP. I remember his fearful eyes behind a strong, calm tone. "I'll call to see if they have any info". He took the phone outside. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>"He hasn't been incarcerated or hospitalized". He responded, calmly. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>Somehow that didn't calm me. I was still pacing, thinking, trying to process. What do I do? Who do I call next? The feeling of helplessness that I could do nothing but sit there and wait for something to happen was choking me and it took everything in my power to breathe. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>10:00.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>10:10. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>10:12. The phone rings. It's a restricted number. "HELLO" I practically scream in to the mouthpiece. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>"Is this Nissa Brehmer?" The caller asks. </div><div>"Yes!" I respond.</div><div>"This is the social worker at Highlands Hospital. I am calling to tell you that your husband is here..." </div><div>"OH MY GOD, IS HE ALIVE?" I scream, unable to control my volume. </div><div>"...dear, please just let me tell you, he is here, he is in stable condition.."</div><div>"THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU can I see him? Where is he?" </div><div>"Highlands Hospital. You may see him. He is stable." </div><div> I managed to thank her again - she had a soothing and helpful voice - before dropping the phone and screaming, "He is alive!" to my friends, who grab me and hold me as I burst in to tears.
<br />
<br /></div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-52030655039669792422011-05-01T15:00:00.000-07:002011-05-29T13:46:09.877-07:00Rest In Peace, Friend.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1R-zy9OuF7ieED5ZEYnT8Cq8tjC1ZhC-2j5pWuvLACR5w2W10WxJYrkrFm1c04p0joRilj4PPFmYMp0qqAdI5g32IS2NGKBxMp4BpFlZ9mQ26k3MWu2DJj_itaHvhl6DPc-WpyUqoJ8Q/s1600/191668_195883103765262_195869730433266_630412_2296336_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1R-zy9OuF7ieED5ZEYnT8Cq8tjC1ZhC-2j5pWuvLACR5w2W10WxJYrkrFm1c04p0joRilj4PPFmYMp0qqAdI5g32IS2NGKBxMp4BpFlZ9mQ26k3MWu2DJj_itaHvhl6DPc-WpyUqoJ8Q/s400/191668_195883103765262_195869730433266_630412_2296336_o.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612240708555828114" border="0" /></a>Alexander Chappell, 9.15.1984 - 4.14.2011<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">More on this story, to be continued.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-90368454380568786152011-01-12T23:44:00.000-08:002011-01-13T00:26:57.016-08:00Roasted Brussel Sprouts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My sister in law shared this recipe with us and since we're big brussel sprout fans, we naturally had to try it. I modified it just a bit. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350958125/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5350958125_8d838f8a3f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">To get started: </span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Get out a medium sized bowl and a cookie sheet</span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ingredients:</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> - As many brussel sprouts as you want</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Olive oil</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Kosher salt</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Pepper</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Green onions</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- Two garlic cloves</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">- balsamic vinegar </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Directions:</span></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1. Cut the brussel sprouts in half. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350957379/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5007/5350957379_8ee70ed78a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2. Chop the garlic cloves and green onions.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350944943/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5350944943_39de25e3dd.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5351560048/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5202/5351560048_88d98538a7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3. Mix the oil, balsamic, salt, pepper, garlic and onions in a medium sized bowl. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5351558982/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5121/5351558982_0f5a03a1c5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4. Dump the sprouts in to the bowl, and mix them around, making sure to get all of the sprouts covered. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350948601/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5049/5350948601_83a6d52a05.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350949573/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5249/5350949573_cfd3845c11.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5. Spray a little pam on your cookie sheet and place the sprouts on it. There will be leftover garlic and onion in the bowl - spread the pieces over the sprouts on the pan. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350950305/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5350950305_4d104c0f21.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">6. Cook for </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">35 minutes</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, turning occasionally. Everything will get pretty brown, but that's good - the oil gets pretty crunchy and really makes the sprouts taste great. </span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350951349/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5350951349_d1b2d3e55f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Halfway Through</span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350954497/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5350954497_6d555cb427.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Done!</span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tonight, we prepared two grassfed beef hamburgers to eat with the brussel sprouts. Hamburgers used to be a favorite of mine when I ate meat long ago, so it has been fun to integrate them again. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350952333/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5049/5350952333_ce22763a17.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5350953383/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5350953383_ac5775e06b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Our new frying pan, courtesy of a Bed, Bath and Beyond gift card from Grandma!!! </span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And, the final plate: </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5351568988/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5001/5351568988_0c334ebf77.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Of course, we ate our hamburgers without a bun, and added a little high fructose free ketchup on the side. </span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It was topped off by a glass of Old Vine Red by Marietta, a wine recommended to us by Dave's parents</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> It's a great low cost red wine. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5351567830/" title="Jan 12, 2010 by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5351567830_13edf40baf.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Jan 12, 2010" /></a></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I have tried lots of different non-lactose ice creams in the past, but I have never had Almond Dream before - it is free of soy, dairy and gluten - with no weird chemicals! It tastes AMAZING (think chocolate ice cream with almonds in it!). It will be a good treat once and awhile. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5351578338/" title="Almond Soy Ice Cream by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5170/5351578338_5dfcb55936.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Almond Soy Ice Cream" /></a></span></span></i></span></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-88175691925505136702011-01-08T22:55:00.000-08:002011-01-11T22:01:42.053-08:00In Which All Things Change (Or, the Story of a Vegetarian No More)About four and a half years ago, my husband watched a documentary on meat that changed our lives. Now, Midwesterners born and raised, we spent our lives up until this point eating hamburgers, roasted chickens, bacon - lots and lots of meat as it is the fruit of our homeland. After learning the horrors of meat and grain fed meat, antibiotics and hormones, removing mammals from our diet seemed to be the only choice we had. We quickly took up a vegetarian diet (pescatarian to be exact - we have always continued to consume fish) and didn't look back. <div><br /></div><div>Until last week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Upon the recommendation of a weight loss friend, I bought Tim Ferriss's new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Body-Uncommon-Incredible-Superhuman/dp/030746363X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294563467&sr=8-1">The 4-Hour Body</a> and read it cover to cover. Ferriss is a long time personal experimenter of the human body. He's done something like $250,000 worth of bloodwork to track changes or progress as he tries to do things that Doctors and experts say are not possible with regard to the human body and its systems. Now, I am not one for fad diets and I know that weight loss doesn't come without hard work. So, for those of you who are poo-pooing the book because of the name, wait! What Ferriss describes in his book is a way to revolutionize your life by cutting out bad and poisonous things - bad foods, stress, and un natural living - to become a superhuman. I was captivated page after page - his endless quest to find answers, to not take "that's impossible" for an answer, was enlightening. By the time I was finished, I knew I wouldn't be the same. </div><div><br /></div><div>After reading "The Four Hour Body", I got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Solution-Original-Human-Diet/dp/0982565844/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294563854&sr=1-1">"The Paleo Solution"</a> by famed Paleolithic diet researcher and advocate Robb Wolf. Five pages in to this one I was in tears. Fifteen pages and I knew that the next day, things would be changing. In the kitchen. ASAP. </div><div><br /></div><div>My husband David has suffered from gastrointestinal issues (GI) for most of his life. I'm not talking about a little acid reflux...I'm talking, bound over in pain GI. Last year, he finally saw a doctor to try and figure out what was going on, and the process was frustrating and fruitless. He was told to stay away from rice and cheese (binding agents) and sent on his way. Of course, nothing has changed - while the non-consumption of dairy and rice has given him a little relief on some days, his condition had ben basically the exact same: debilitating pain after eating. </div><div><br /></div><div>A year or so ago I started to suspect <a href="http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/">Celiac</a> may be the cause of his problems. I didn't know much about it in the first place, but a friend at work had tried to warn me of the dangers of gluten and explained that he had Celiac disease. I wasn't very interested in hearing what he had to say - I wish he would have talked a little louder then! </div><div><br /></div><div>Wolf, in the Paleo Solution, brings gluten to front and center very early. His take? Gluten is an anti-nutrient, a poison that no one should eat. Period. I am not going to go in to the advanced specifics of it because it's highly scientific and I will probably transcribe some of it incorrectly. If you're interested in the science behind gluten and what it does to your system, I highly recommend Robb Wolf's book, and you can<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Solution-Original-Human-Diet/dp/0982565844/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1294811280&sr=8-1"> find it here.</a> The short of it is basically that wheat reproduces by dispersing and germinating. Because it cannot disperse and germinate when picked and eaten by a human, it has ammunition that is released in to our system when we try to eat its "young". This is meant to keep us from eating it (because of the negative reaction it causes) but, most people do not notice it (because they don't ever go without it). Celiac is an autoimmune disorder in which gluten cannot be correctly digested through the small intestine. This causes major small intestinal damage. </div><div><br /></div><div>Reading this made so much sense, with regard to how David has been feeling. I have seen him daily in so much abdominal pain and felt so helpless about what to do. Doctors have never suggested Celiac. Now, he's gone five days without gluten and has had literally no gastric problems. None. </div><div><br /></div><div>And with that, our household has become gluten free. </div><div><br /></div><div>The main reason I am enchanted by the Paleo lifestyle is, absolutely, that my husband is no longer in debilitating stomach pain. The second reason is that the evidence presented by the Paleo community about the dangers of large amounts of carbohydrates (which are just sugar in the end, are treated as such, and cause communication problems between our hormones and our brain), gluten (which is not correctly digested by anyone, even those without Celiac), the incredible danger of soy products, ESPECIALLY for people with hormonal or thyroid deficiency (me), and the advantages of the protein as provided by grass fed/wild meat has convinced me to try this way of life, at least for a little while. The third reason? I gained more weight while being vegetarian than I ever have in my life. There has to be a reason - and now, I believe the reason is that I have been eating the wrong things and causing a hormonal and metabolic disaster in my body. People who have gone to the Paleo lifestyle have dropped bodyfat, FAST. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think it's ignorant to go on doing something you believe in when new evidence is presented in which that belief is challenged. When we chose to become Vegetarians, we were under the impression that a meatless diet was the most healthy. I no longer believe that, though I do still disagree with commercial farming. Choosing to bring meat back in to our life will be the most difficult part of this change. First of all, I have no idea how to BUY meat - I never have! Second, we are still absolutely anti commercial farming and are still convinced that we do not want to consume hormone filled, antibiotic treated meat that has been fed corn, grain and other meat. As we re-introduce it, we'll be doing only grassfed meats. About dairy - I have been almost dairy free for a long time, as I have always been lactose intolerant. However, I have VERY STRONG feelings toward the dangers of dairy consumption which remain the same as they have always been. I believe that cow milk is not meant for humans (just like human milk is not meant for humans - it's meant to feed our young - and cow's milk is meant to feed calves, NOT PEOPLE). Removing all dairy has been hard, as things like cream or trace milk is in everything it seems. However, it's now banned from my life all together. I am glad for this, finally - IMO milk is terrible, terrible stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the past week since we returned to California, I have been working to employ Ferris's ideals in to my life. In the face of all that is happening now in "adult land" for David and I now, all the decisions that must be made, sacrifices occurring, and job hunting, I am repeating this: I am a machine. My body was made to kick ass, move, live, and thrive. Our new, gluten, dairy, and soy free lifestyle is really kickstarting the year. </div><div><br /></div><div>And with that? It's all getting better from here. I can't wait to continue training and becoming a strong, lean, powerful human; I can't wait to stop allowing the stress of life to keep me from achieving my goals professionally. It's amazing how something like a DIET book can get you so motivated, right? ;p </div><div><br /></div><div><i>(I realize I have made many claims in this blog that may sound strange or wrong. I invite anyone to please ask questions about gluten/dairy/soy free living - I am more than happy to provide further resources for you! I look forward to it. )</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-66375674644125313632011-01-05T07:15:00.000-08:002011-01-05T07:24:51.012-08:00I am a MachineIn 2010, I lost about 30 lbs. I regained fitness. I started something very important.<br /><br />In 2011, things will change drastically.<br /><br />Our bodies were not made to suffer and sit. They were made to thrive, move, and kick ass. Physically and psychologically.<br /><br />I'm making a huge transition right now, as we speak, and I have a lot to say about it. I'm not quite ready to say it all right this second, so please stand by for a post by the end of the week highlighting my plan for 2011.<br /><br />Suffice it to say: I am a machine. So are you. This will change everything.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-51606274214088880802010-11-29T15:40:00.001-08:002010-11-29T15:41:10.425-08:00Offleash - The ProofI forgot to post this here, but in case any of you haven't seen it, here's Hank doing an offleash walk. We are very proud of him. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/C024IDR6msE?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/C024IDR6msE?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></span></div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-16600761880753681632010-11-28T12:26:00.000-08:002010-11-28T13:53:23.050-08:00The VoidI've spent a lot of my life being a support system for people around me. For certain members of my family, friends, and even people I don't know that well. I love giving advice, being an ear, and most importantly I love pushing the idea of positivity on people who are having a hard time or seeing things from inside of a hole. I love solving problems - it's a big part of who I am. I would never wish it to be any other way.<br /><br />I hate when there isn't an answer. It's partially my inability to be patient. But, also, I like progress and again, troubleshooting. For me, a problem is never the end. A problem is a reason to discuss, to think, and to use positive energy to find the solution.<br /><br />The positivity I can surround myself in has always been something I have been very proud of. It comes from two places: my Dad, who is a problem solver that taught me his ways, and the "can't do" attitude of my Mom, which taught me that being negative and stopping has absolutely no good results.<br /><br />And so, I have found myself as the one people come to with problems. The one who tells you straight, the one who helps you come up with a solution, with pretty much everyone I meet. And for that, I use so much of my positive juice. I take on the burden not of the pain others go through, but of the responsibility for others to have a place to go, someone to talk to, anytime they feel things are out of control. And, unfortunately, with the exception of about three people ( who for the most part live 2000 miles away), I realize that I am nothing more than that person - the one who will help.<br /><br />Now, there is the void: because I'm in the hole, and all of my positive juice is spent. I go to home to my husband who is also in his own hole and the phone never rings, an email never comes, and my chat boxes are empty. It feels as if the whole world is out enjoying their lives and I'm here, digging my fingernails in to the stone walls, trying to pull myself out in the dark. I'm tired. My fingernails are cracked and bleeding and the creeping little voice from my aching arms says, "give up".<br /><br />David's entire department was laid off after 5 years earlier this year, and now both of us have been laid off from a new job (for him, I have been there for 2 years). Of course, we both have other part time dealings that bring in some money but now we've lost our stable income. Twice. The job sucked and is no real loss mentally but it was funding a lot of things, two of which will now come to a halt - growing my photography business and finishing my education. We're lucky to have money saved, but in this terrible job market, the realization that we may not be employed well in to next year has finally knocked me out. From the beginning I was seeing this development as the time for me to finally kick my ass in to gear - I should be focusing all of my attention on my business, on my real trade - instead of wasting my time, and this job has allowed me to dwaddle around. But now, overwhelmed by the disgusting list of things I need to do and money I need to spend and fully realizing that we have no stable income, I'm locked up. The power's out and I don't see the way forward right now.<br /><br />I was hoping that writing this blog post would help me move forward, but still now, at the end, I'm blank. I'm going to finish the day locked up in this tiny apartment a million miles away from anyone or anything, as usual. Let's hope a week's worth of workouts doesn't go out the window. Where I'm at mentally is unacceptable, and it feels weird to be letting it win.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-9564229540117409282010-11-26T09:02:00.000-08:002010-11-26T09:06:19.089-08:00ThanksgivingWe had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. I feel extremely thankful for the wonderful people in my life, near and far, my family, and of course, for all of the opportunities and possibilities that come with life. <div><br /></div><div>I didn't do too badly yesterday. I did eat cornbread, sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes, but I don't feel bad about it - I had one, normal serving of everything. </div><div><br /></div><div>In celebration, here's a video of David carving our first Tofurkey dinner! These little things are actually very good. </div><div><br /></div><div><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iG9kw5UTT5w?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iG9kw5UTT5w?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-21930016544000718222010-11-12T20:21:00.000-08:002010-11-12T20:37:29.325-08:00Walking with the PackWe've been working with a private dog trainer lately who has been working wonders for Hank and the Drummer's relationship. Today we had another session at Fort Funston in San Francisco. It is an amazing park with gracious amounts of space for dogs to run, hike, and meet other dogs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9Be5WvJhRFz1vNjioioKC1poHuGum4wk9FlrEBlzxsDLcXTiNz0_cd69SsTZt-7MBhcvxMXfOzSMw2oxHq9P8UGT1A72do13prHD8337wW0EAfB1hyphenhyphenWYNmXQu-Hk9HRPsAqlWX48f9A/s1600/IMG_0882.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9Be5WvJhRFz1vNjioioKC1poHuGum4wk9FlrEBlzxsDLcXTiNz0_cd69SsTZt-7MBhcvxMXfOzSMw2oxHq9P8UGT1A72do13prHD8337wW0EAfB1hyphenhyphenWYNmXQu-Hk9HRPsAqlWX48f9A/s400/IMG_0882.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538887772624929874" border="0" /></a><br />Today, the trainer brought two other dogs, Jinx, a frightened female pitbull, and Ari, a young Morkie. Ari was so freaking adorable, I wish we could have a little teddy bear dog! Jinx was a sweetheart, too...I identify now with scared, timid dogs and seeing her shake and cower was so difficult for me.<br /><br />The idea was to create a pack so we could work on Hank's trust level. We had a great time! It's GREAT to hike through the park with all of the dog walkers, meeting packs of unique dogs<br />of all types. We're learning how to understand different types of energy in dogs AND how that energy is given from the owner. Toward the end of the session, David was instructed to drop the long lead and allow Hank to walk next to the pack with no hands on the leash! He did an amazing job - even sniffing, greeting, and enjoying the scenery while still being able to be recalled back to the pack.<br /><br />We would have never thought a year ago when Hank got here that he'd have started to trust David. But, he's our family now and we're dedicated to figuring him out - and the effort is producing some wonderful fruits.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwgCuqQn2dehEFyyLV_-DlOhWL4p4F7cWWJ23FiOkS1WoOyYGH1ZWWdhfxZa-PFBOw_PP9sVB06Sul4cddQraPS6ziLMHQLMP27Ty6iAeQDW35zJQZmdOkhIERgrrMUGrjHOp4zlETOw/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwgCuqQn2dehEFyyLV_-DlOhWL4p4F7cWWJ23FiOkS1WoOyYGH1ZWWdhfxZa-PFBOw_PP9sVB06Sul4cddQraPS6ziLMHQLMP27Ty6iAeQDW35zJQZmdOkhIERgrrMUGrjHOp4zlETOw/s400/IMG_0893.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538888452640930850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Fort Funston is GORGEOUS. This is how far behind I was walking to make sure Hank wasn't fixating on me instead of following David. </span><br /><br /></div>We arrived at the park at 9 am and spent two hours with the trainer, hiking and walking and moving and playing. We did around 5 miles and with all the hills, I was able to burn 1200 calories! A great workout, too.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-37342365847888656442010-11-09T23:14:00.000-08:002010-11-09T23:39:48.701-08:00Injuries, Change and FoodLots and lots of negative, crappy things happening lately in our little world. I am doing my best not to eat my way out of it. I am doing OK. Nothing terrible...a few more pieces of chocolate.<br /><br />I don't know if I have mentioned it before, but I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot. I have had two flare-ups s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/19568.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 192px;" src="http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/19568.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>ince starting my program...one was about two months ago, and the other was just last week. The first time I rested it and it felt better pretty quick. I could still tell that it was inflamed during especially long sessions or walks, but I got by. This time, the pain was so intense that I was unable to walk correctly for a couple of days. Really freaking annoying because the point at which the pain really comes from is almost exactly where my foot sort of bends when I run/walk/elliptical. Apparently there's little that you can really do besides rest it and condition the muscle, so I don't feel as bad that I don't have health insurance to go to the Dr.<br /><br />Anyway, after two failed attempts(I use the world failed liberally...I was still able to work out but unable to do what I wanted due to the pain) last week at the gym, I was finally able to do another 3 mile run today. I wanted to be up to 3.5 miles this week, but I am just happy to be running again. I am going to try not to push it so the muscle continues to heal.<br /><br />I don't really want to talk about the other crap going on because it consists of stuff I'm just sick of thinking about. I will tell you one thing: I am sick of dealing with other people's businesses and what those businesses choose to treat their employees like. I am sick of everything being about profit and nothing being about people. There IS a happy medium. I will admit that over the past couple of years, I've let the security of other these other people's payroll hinder my progress both as an artist and as an entrepreneur, but those days are over.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-43525651881121864242010-11-04T17:29:00.002-07:002010-11-04T17:30:05.198-07:00Progress: 10/31/10<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nissanicole/5138013276/" title="Lincoln Memorial by nissanicole, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/5138013276_19bd3aeb41.jpg" alt="Lincoln Memorial" height="500" width="333" /></a><br /></div><br />This is the first time in years I have been unafraid to be photographed. And I'm super happy I was.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-62144840244934664892010-10-27T00:06:00.001-07:002010-10-27T00:33:47.558-07:00The Big Giant ExcuseI had a really shitty day. Like, shitty in almost every single way possible. Tonight at the gym, I did a really hard workout which, during, was the first time all day that I didn't feel like closing my eyes, holding my breath, and just saying goodnight. After doing my strength training, I got on the elliptical machine and tuned out until three miles had gone by. Then, I got on the bike and did 5.<br /><br />There's a great high you get after a workout - I feel it much more intensely now that I'm able to workout hard for an hour or more without dying. I sweat, I gasp for awhile, and I push, but when I'm done, I'm awake. Alive. In touch with my muscles, my joints, and my skin.<br /><br />Usually, a shitty day means I'm going to eat everything in sight. Without pause. I can literally imagine it today, how eating numbs pain, causes pleasure, and allows me to just not deal with how shitty things are making me feel. It allows me to just get by without changing anything. Without progressing. Without having to solve problems. And, when I'm done eating, the weight of the crap I just put in to my system makes me a lump of nothing but gluttony that continues to sit and avoid. And then sleep, so I can do it another day.<br /><br />I knew from the moment the first shitty thing happened this morning, that I was NOT going to give in to food. Actually, no. I didn't know I wouldn't. I knew I was going to do everything in my power NOT to do it. And, running tonight, I realized that I did it.<br /><br />But, I also realized that if I had it my way, I would stay on that machine and run all night. Don't get me wrong - I obviously realize that there's a huge difference between the two - but there's also one big huge similarity. Denial. Avoidance. The ability to create endorphins and numb the pain and sickness life causes. Whether I'm eating or I'm on the elliptical machine I'm still doing the same thing.<br /><br />A blogger who I've referenced before, Bitchcakes, just happened to write a blog post tonight that is shockingly coincidental. I want you to read it, <a href="http://msbitchcakes.blogspot.com/2010/10/emotional-effects-of-reaching-goal.html">here. </a>She's at a very different place in her journey - she's reached her goal weight. But, what she wrote tonight resonated with me so deeply because she's on the other end of it. She's validating everything that I already had to deal with myself tonight - knowing, this journey is not about my weight. It's about my mental health. My SELF.<br /><br />The idea that being thinner, being rid of the fatsuit, will solve life's problems is beyond false. But, as someone who has been inside the cushy excuse of being overweight for most of my definitive years, it's almost impossible to really agree with that statement. There's a romanticism, when I'm running, that If I just finish this journey, this fight; I will find everything I'm looking for. I will find the strength to face this life. I don't think I entirely understand how much of me is visible to others.<br /><br />I want to believe that finishing this journey will simply remove the last hurdle. The last excuse.<br /><br />When I medicate with exercise I feel energized, awake, and ready to keep going. It's the opposite of how I feel after a food medication - I think, really, that's the key. I need to use the energy I'm creating to figure this shit out. If I'm going to have a defense, I'd rather it be the one that gives me the tools to change myself.<br /><br />But right now? I'm just not strong enough.Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-4138369528426807892010-10-19T23:38:00.000-07:002010-10-20T00:01:55.170-07:00OMG<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalQnQk0H0ykEaXjRBmuARklOFwPWXqmAwVe0OffwZWJ0dHkp4pEAYa9IxfVBpL5gy8BOjca2zImLPtecUW-uLYhXiGFmJNvvqeHNY5NkufP1Bsoi83ODqdj3n3TCcYZXvTHn20GX8Quo/s1600/1287552965950.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgalQnQk0H0ykEaXjRBmuARklOFwPWXqmAwVe0OffwZWJ0dHkp4pEAYa9IxfVBpL5gy8BOjca2zImLPtecUW-uLYhXiGFmJNvvqeHNY5NkufP1Bsoi83ODqdj3n3TCcYZXvTHn20GX8Quo/s400/1287552965950.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530019782751903554" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You Guys. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What have I been doing all my life? Apparently, being a total dummy, because today I went to the gym with my new membership. For the first time.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Now I've been to gyms before. In high school I even worked out at the city gym fairly regularly for a bit, but I just paid the entrance fee and didn't have a membership.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Ok, there's a backstory. On Sunday, my Elliptical machine broke. It's nothing special; I paid $400 for it and I never expected it would be perfect. I use it a lot and well, it's kind of shoddy, and some sodering came loose. We bought the extended warranty so someday soon I'll get Nordic Track in here to fix it, but in the meantime, I freaked. No workout? Not going to happen. So I got online right then and there and joined 24hr fitness. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was sort of a rash decision. Today, I went for the first time. This morning I went and got my membership validated, then walked around to see the place. It's pretty big, with every machine you can think of, plus a gym, spa room and a lap pool. I went at 9 so it was a little packed; I still managed to get on an elliptical. It's one of those fancy Precor ones, you know, that work and don't wobble, LOL. I did 2 miles in 20 minutes, no problem. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tuesdays are nice because I am not at the studio and work at home, so I generally get some pretty good workout time in. After the 2 miles this morning, David decided to take Hank to Pt Isabel for some walk training, and so we did two really fast miles there. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight, I couldn't stop thinking about the gym. I was imagining all that shiny equipment; I wanted to run, to bike, to strength train. I finally succumbed around 9:00 pm, and by 9:30 I was walking in the door. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was much less packed, and I think 9:30 will be a regular time for me to do nightly workouts. I jumped on the elliptical and plugged my headphones in to the machine; the machines allow you to listen to what's going on the big tvs on the wall. I watched The Biggest Loser (which I'd never seen before) and a part of a show called Parenthood. Before I knew it, 2 miles had gone by and I jumped off the machine to bike. Then I biked four miles. I figured I'd end the day with a cool down walk of a mile on a treadmill - a machine I've never used until tonight. </div><div><br /></div><div>All and all, I was there for an hour and I burned around 550 calories. And now, I'm in love. </div><div><br /></div><div>I need to find someone to help me get started on the weight and strength machines, because I'm totally dumb about them. But it will happen. I plan to swim. I plan to take one of the spin classes they have there. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm so excited. This amazing fitness day is just a reminder to me about how my life has really changed, finally. The way I felt about getting in there, to workout, to keep moving; that's nothing I've ever felt before. My priorities are changing and I'm getting healthier as my size goes down. This week has been really shitty so far and I really needed today. It came out of nowhere, and helped me to remember that I am in control of my life and I am making some amazing changes that have already started to pay off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, here's a look at my Gowear Fit activity monitor today. Looking at this makes me so proud. </div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>I burned 4331 calories today. My general target is 2000 and I usually burn between 2600 - 3000. This is an awesome milestone. </li><li>I walked over 18,000 steps! This includes my time on the treadmill and elliptical. That is a huge, gigantic record. I have yet to wear the GoWear fit to a wedding when I'm working, and I'd bet that I might get close or break that on one of those days. But this is another awesome milestone and record for me. </li><li>I had an elevated heart rate and was exercising for 2 hours and 38 minutes. Totally awesome. </li></ul></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8U27Df75U6WLNr8W0rvlOC4pY92Yuy8-HHkDqE1hHkHzsnGj7T0JMtg_J1q-KhDRXnNB825os8aAXUz7x5gJABQHpfOcYA1mGoXzxc-U_FEHzGcbmTyyK7s4N2_CGm3bfthOJ6QWAXNw/s400/Screen+shot+2010-10-19+at+11.33.13+PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530015611846410418" /><div><br /></div><div> </div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-40198988669435501322010-10-04T16:00:00.000-07:002010-10-04T16:03:25.293-07:00Progress 10.4.10<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ6n-cRuTQLclVJFHtYLRR0u_JxOSAwQcPTCVy8ZWeQfZMKErDzteUPl0MvqZ8tk-6htLFhEfhNZD0pj_rMIV5ULw2cC10XvCdVSZZVuv7-DhD8KHI7FxpNNRF0M0VmBu1pzR6WIV1FU/s1600/nissa2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 235px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ6n-cRuTQLclVJFHtYLRR0u_JxOSAwQcPTCVy8ZWeQfZMKErDzteUPl0MvqZ8tk-6htLFhEfhNZD0pj_rMIV5ULw2cC10XvCdVSZZVuv7-DhD8KHI7FxpNNRF0M0VmBu1pzR6WIV1FU/s400/nissa2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524330294635300930" border="0" /></a>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-18171669805899248792010-10-03T19:32:00.000-07:002010-10-03T19:40:28.197-07:00Baked Falafel<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIzMDxTfS-MdFYCvZXqIvCL-xe5KXa7uEHknTOm_Ys6WJm1NgLAxwdOJgNZU_lykPE51CtoaNQ24MA_dB2dVZAxV6JXfc9F5vv0qonTi0osIWlcGUyBK8lgBYVT8Voq5e9wGRPKheXhY/s1600/IMG_0617.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUIzMDxTfS-MdFYCvZXqIvCL-xe5KXa7uEHknTOm_Ys6WJm1NgLAxwdOJgNZU_lykPE51CtoaNQ24MA_dB2dVZAxV6JXfc9F5vv0qonTi0osIWlcGUyBK8lgBYVT8Voq5e9wGRPKheXhY/s400/IMG_0617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524014156762780994" border="0" /></a>We made this AWESOME baked falafel tonight for dinner. It's a Weight Watchers recipe, and while it's a little high in pts (7/serving) it is really filling and REALLY AWESOME.<br /><br /><div class="recipe_bod"> <div class="recipe_int"> <h4>Baked Falafel Sandwich<br /></h4> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr height="7"> <td colspan="2"> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <img src="http://www.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/css/icons/icon_filling_food.gif" id="rptrIngrediants__ctl0_divFillingFood" width="14" border="0" height="14" /> </td> <td> 15 1/2 oz canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <img src="http://www.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/css/icons/icon_filling_food.gif" id="rptrIngrediants__ctl1_divFillingFood" width="14" border="0" height="14" /> </td> <td> 1/4 cup(s) onion(s), chopped </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 1/4 cup(s) parsley, or cilantro, fresh, chopped </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 1 medium garlic clove(s), minced </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 1 tsp ground cumin </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 1/4 tsp ground coriander </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 1/4 tsp table salt </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 1/4 tsp baking soda </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 2 tsp olive oil </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 2 Tbsp tahini sesame butter </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 2 Tbsp water </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <img src="http://www.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/css/icons/icon_filling_food.gif" id="rptrIngrediants__ctl13_divFillingFood" width="14" border="0" height="14" /> </td> <td> 8 piece(s) lettuce </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <br /></td> <td> 4 large wheat pita(s) (we used 100 Calorie wraps)<br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <h4>Instructions</h4> <ul><li>Combine chickpeas, onion, parsley, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt and baking soda in a food processor or blender. Process until mixture is coarsely pureed and transfer to large bowl. Stir in flour; shape mixture into 4 large patties and let stand for 15 minutes.<br /><br /></li><li>Preheat oven to 400ºF.<br /><br /></li><li>Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook until golden brown, flipping once, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 10 minutes more.<br /><br /></li><li>Meanwhile, whisk together tahini, water and lemon juice in a small bowl.<br /><br /></li><li>To assemble sandwiches, place 2 lettuce leaves inside each pita, add 1 falafel patty and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of tahini dressing. </li></ul> </div> </div>Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2324634860375874546.post-48914333830781183712010-10-02T23:05:00.000-07:002010-10-02T23:16:01.465-07:00Weight Watchers - A Daily Snapshot<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMyi3t-dG0J8Bw1Hiym9yiwyBav2G0Wrem5G-Mu6yFSXssHg2aEayg_9ke62MAcKNhzBM_TkqauflQvFqBQ7xkd-IejhqYmG4e40C7IfxOhbN2JH8V25xjF3hJN7pLJB4XVQJFyGc32w/s1600/Picture+2.png"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMyi3t-dG0J8Bw1Hiym9yiwyBav2G0Wrem5G-Mu6yFSXssHg2aEayg_9ke62MAcKNhzBM_TkqauflQvFqBQ7xkd-IejhqYmG4e40C7IfxOhbN2JH8V25xjF3hJN7pLJB4XVQJFyGc32w/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523697137141225922" border="0" /></a><br />Here's a snapshot of my etools for Weight Watchers, where I track my food. This is what I ate today.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Used = </span>The points totaled for today<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daily Remaining=</span> The points I can still use today<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weekly Remaining =</span> These are extra points to be used if I were to go over my daily allowance.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Activity Earned=</span>These are the points I can use that were earned by physical activity, like running or elliptical.<br /><br />I have not tracked AT ALL this week and that's horrible. This morning I woke up and slapped my own wrist. I am always afraid that I'll be OVER in points, so I don't track - even though, seeing that over number is helpful to motivate you to get it together.<br /><br />So, I promised I would track today and get on the pattern of tracking, no excuses. I was sure I was going to go over in points (I get 26 a day) but as usual, I was well under my daily allowance. I hate the stupid fear of going over - when I'm not tracking, I'm still thinking of points, so I probably am not going over nearly as much as I think I am.<br /><br />Staying accountable from here on out!Nissa Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06217374387203988596noreply@blogger.com2