Today I was just not feeling the gym! I’ve been transitioning the classroom over to the new teacher, which means this afternoon after lunch I had nothing to do at work. Nothing to do at work makes you really tired! I couldn’t believe it. By the time school let out I had no energy and did not feel like going to the gym. But, I have a trick I use that gets me there … I walk to school (across the street from my house), so on my way to work I put my gym bag in my car. On the way home I walk right to my car instead of into my house. It works every time = pack that gym bag, people!!!

I went to the gym knowing I would be kind of lazy, but I figured that something was better than nothing and twitter confirmed this! Once at the gym and in my clothes I got going. I ended up doing 50 minutes on the elliptical and a few leg machines.

Just like yesterday I did the post-gym, pre-dinner snack. Today’s was a little odd – a banana with a little bit of a secret spread that will be in Lindsay’s cookbook.It was good, but not v. filling.

Anyone know what that exclamation point in my car is?

For dinner I made this Smoked Refried Bean Soup I haven’t made in over a year! I’ve been waiting ever since then to have some refried beans to use up. I made a bunch of changes, but the basic idea was the same: Veggie Broth + Refried Beans + Tomatoes + Corn + Beans and Spices = good.

I wasn’t sure if Mark would consider this a meal, so I also made the Trader Joe’s Spinach Pie and had a piece of that and a salad. I guess this was a three course meal!

And FYI I had way more Spinach Pie than that.

Soon I had a hankering for chocolate and I caved to two of Dan’s Chocolates Balls.

I think the key is not being too hungry that you’re famished at dinner. Today I had the snack, but I don’t think it was big enough. I always thought spoiling my dinner was a no no, but now I kind of think it’s kind of a great idea!

P.S. Mark is working on a post!

Hi Everyone! Thank you for your thoughtful words on my previous post. It’s interesting to see how others perceive time, change, growth and loss. You are all wonderful readers who I appreciate and adore!

I quickly wanted to tell you about something awesome that Musselman’s is doing to support Breast Cancer Research.

For every package of Musselman’s Natural Apple Sauce purchased in the month of January, they are donating ten cents to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The NBCF is dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need.

For more information, watch Peggy Fleming discuss her experience with breast cancer and Musselman’s efforts. So, get out and buy your applesauce!

After a busy first day back at work I headed to the gym. I planned to run today, but then my hip, not my foot, was giving me some trouble. I do not want to make that worse, so I did the elliptical instead. I think for now I am going to stick to running small amounts every two or every other day.

When I came home I made something fast and quick: A baked sweet potato topped with refried beans, Greek Yogurt, and salad on the side.

The whole thing was pretty tasty, but the Trader Joe’s Fat Free Refried Beans were v. salty on my tongue.

And even though I think an important part of my Action Plan Part II is limiting my evening snack, this was a kind of small dinner and so I snacked on toast and PB after while watching T.V. I think a lot of the PM snack is habit, one which I need to break ASAP.

What are your tips to stop that evening nibbling?

I usually try to find something else to do and get some tea or other liquids, but sometimes my cravings win out even when I’m not hungry at all. What else can I do to keep my mind and hands busy?

P.S. When Mark came home from Virginia he was super impressed with my cleaning skills! The kitchen floor was shining due to a good hands and knees cleaning and all rugs were vacuumed. I rock.