Just a little update:

Alright, this is the first time posting from my iPad, but I have to get used to this as opposed to my desktop, so here goes nothing. By the way, I can't wait to get a keyboard for this thing. We're now down to 5 days until departure. Yes, FIVE DAYS! That's crazy! But it's true and it's finally beginning to hit me. When I see people this weekend, it will be for the last time for almost a year for many of them. I won't be back for a long enough visit to see friends until Christmas. That's a really long time. I know I'll make new friends (how, I'm not entirely sure), but I'm going to miss everyone in my life so very much. These goodbyes are hard and I know that I'm eventually going to break down and sob, but I've maintained my composure thus far.

Throughout these past few weeks, me and my parents have made it a mission to eat at all of my favorite local restaurants before I leave. Needless to say, I haven't been particularly strict in my eating.... However, these are places and dishes I won't have a chance to enjoy for a very long time, so I don't necessarily feel guilty. I've done a decent job in keeping my eating during the week fairly healthy and low in calorie in preparation for all of these meals on the weekends. I've thoroughly enjoyed these meals, obviously, because they aren't what I would normally consume. I mean, hey, what's the point of dining at all of my favorite places if I'm not going to indulge in my favorite dishes?!

Once I've settled into a routine in my new home and job, I'll get right back to my healthy habits. I'll stick to healthy items, get back into a running regimen, and continue on in my quest for the goal weight/size. But for now, maintaining has been my focus. The special meals have been balanced by eating correctly during the week. All of the packing, painting, preparing has kept me busy and I'm going to be glad to be done with it. Did I mention that I'm going to be an aunt? Yes, my brother and his wife are expecting a baby in August! My room at home is going to become a nursery for all future grandchildren, so that's where the painting came in. I painted a beautiful tree and scripture on the walls of my former bedroom. I haven't had a reason to paint in a while, so it was quite a satisfying project for me.


Random recipe: If you're craving something chocolatey,sweet, quick, and easy to indulge in from time to time like I have been all week, try this:
-1 tbsp sugar
-1 tbsp flour
-1 tbsp cocoa powder
-2 tbsp light sour cream
-pinch of salt
-pinch of baking soda

-In a microwave safe bowl or mug, combine all ingredients until well blended. Microwave on high for 1:30-2 minutes. Optional: drizzle some sugar-free chocolate syrup or caramel. Enjoy :)

-serving: 1
-calories: approximately 115 calories, depending on what products you use and without any topping.

This a really good, dense, brownie-like treat. it's super quick, easy, and relatively guilt-free. You can also simply double the recipe for a larger portion or for two servings. I've tried it with yogurt instead of sour cream, but it just wasn't the right consistency, so I would stick to the sour cream. I've also tried half dark cocoa, half regular cocoa and it was delicious.

So, there you have it, my random little update of my life and impending adventures. The next time I post will most likely be on the road next week or from my new home in California, so until then, have a wonderful week and weekend. I sincerely look forward to sharing with you all the excitement of this adventure :)


This is the result of my painting day: