Surprised!

Flabbergasted!
I in no way expected such generosity.
And they are adorable!!!
It just goes to show...
Karma makes a circle.
Thank you the treat girl!!
I really feel treated ;)

ps. and I know you didn't know.. I got them on my Birthday! :)

Some wishes do come true...

We were invited to take part in a potluck at a local restaurant, Alaska Fish House, featuring dishes inspired by Julia Child. I chose to make Potage Parmentier (potato & leek soup). "Simplicity itself." I wanted to make it because it was the first recipe made by Julie Powell in the first chapter of her book, Julie & Julia. It was a success and a whole lot of fun!

I was so disappointed when I found out that the movie Julie & Julia was not showing when the rest of the world would get to see it. I had no hopes that it would even get to Ketchikan. IT DID!! and it was a wonderful movie! Just as I suspected it would be. After having read the the blog, Julie&Julia, the book and My Life in France by Julia Child, I do feel the movie left out a few things like how and why she started the blog and they didn't include the very first thing she made from the book. Apart from what they didn't include, I do love how Julia Child's life was incorporated. Overall a very fun and delightful movie :)

So if you haven't seen, GO! and then cook the Potato & Leek soup. It is divine :)

Straight from Julia's Kitchen Wisdom.

Leek and Potato Soup
for about 2 quarts, serving 6

3 cups sliced leeks (white and tender green parts)
3 cups peeled and roughly chopped "baking" potatoes
6 cups water (I used 4 cups chicken stock & 2 cups water)
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream

Bring ingredients to the boil in a 3-quart saucepan. cover partially and simmer 20-30 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Correct seasoning. Serve as is, or puree (I served as is), and/or top each portion with a dollop of the cream (which I did not).

I also boiled 2 more potatoes, mashed them and added them to thicken, as I like soups a bit thicker. It was still soup like :)

Enjoy!

To answer your question..

ChaChaneen asked: How has your transformation dealt with the inside if you don't mind me asking? Take longer to adjusting your mental image/mirror?

The mental me... It is hard to describe the feeling I have now.

When I was 315, I never saw myself that big unless I was trying on clothes or looking through pictures. I felt inside almost like I do now. As if I haven't lost that 18yr old self. I kinda feel like that's where I "live" physically. I remember that mental view of me so well.
Now at 158, sz 12, I feel like this is who I was all along and haven't seen in a while. I was 135, when I graduated high school, so I feel like I'm getting back to the "old" me. The hardest is the reactions others have toward me after they haven't seen me in a while. And another hard feeling is seeing someone react to how I looked at 315.

I'm comfortable at 158 now, and do want to reach the 155 goal the doc set for me. There are so many many benefits from having lost all this weight (although when I was incredibly sick I never thought I'd be able to admit to it).
I can climb multiple flights of stairs without losing my breathe or feeling like I'm going to pass out.
I can shop at Anthropologie, Banana Republic and in the Misses Dept of Macy's & Nordstrom's and things fit! Those are my fav stores :)
I have more energy.
I feel more brave, like climbing on trees, and skimping over rocks and cliffs, almost the dare devil I once was.
I don't mind pictures of me.

The part about taking longer to adjust... My perception is still a bit unbalanced, but I'm getting there. I am truly thankful for all the wonderful support you all have given me along this journey. It's not quite over yet, but we are almost there :)

One year ago today...

I was recovering from a life changing experience. Who knew I would lose 160lbs in one year! That's craziness. Thankfully, I feel great now. I do not feel 100% normal, but who does! LOL ;) I still eat very little, watch the sugar intake and intake period.

This is me today.

New Finished Knitting...

Just recently finished two new additions to my scarf collection.

The first one is based on the Jared Flood Noro Striped Scarf. I used two skeins, instead of four, making it a bit skinny. I like the effect.

The second one I made up myself.
I cast on 16 stitches, the next 12 rows are seed stitch, then the length is knit the knits, purl the purls, then back to seed stitch to finish.



I'm going to have accessories this winter :)

Dining Area.. What to do?

Ok, two views here. Not to much difference in the photos, but can you see my problem?

I don't know what to do with this blank space between the dining table and the glass doors there.

In the bottom picture you can see where the couch sits and that's the living area, I've got that figured out. So do I need more "living area?"
Leave all that empty space empty?
Would swivel chairs work there?
I don't know.. I'm at a loss for what to do.

What would you do with this space?

Do you think a runner from the kitchen into the dining area would look good?

This is driving me nuts!

Oh, and by the way.. the lady we are renting from will not let us take down the valence.

YUM!

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

Hal received this recipe in an email from a co-worker and we decided to try it tonight. It looks pretty and It was good. I think a bit dry, so next time I might cook it for 2 1/2 minutes instead of the recommended 3 minutes. I did exchange Splenda for the sugar (probably would have used Truvia if I had it on hand).
There are endless possibilities with this itty bitty recipe. I also think you could use bowls instead of coffee mugs if you like. Next time I'm thinking a raspberry sauce... Yummy! This would be super easy for a quick desert for a dinner party!

What ya think? Gonna try it? If you do, please let me know and how you changed it. It would be super fun to make with the kiddos :)