Insomnia

I can't sleep! And I have most definitely been trying.

I have so much GOOD on my mind.

Seriously, how awesome am I?

Finishing up my medical project for Debra tonight. SO boring. On my 2nd cup of coffee.

I am going to then get the rest of these children to bed and hopefully sound asleep before 9:00 so I can practice for at least an hour before I go to bed.

I can't believe I'm saying that. Me? Practice? Yeah, I know. I'm actually going to devote some serious time into my steno studies. I want to get out of that school and start having the income, confidence, pride, and worthy career to hold my head up even higher than I already do.

This is MY year. And I. AM. DOING IT.

Steno Stephanie

The last 200 jury charge I passed, I counted 42 errors and my instructor counted 48. That's out of 50 allowed errors so I barely passed, but pass I did.

Today's 200 jury charge I counted 16 errors. So in my eyes, that's a definite pass. Yessss.

Ravens win the Super Bowl. Awesome!

I'm motivated as all hell - even more awesome!

I've actually lost weight, not just wished it off..

This is so my year.

I remember when I used to think that maybe I might not finish school..and how bad would that suck to have ALL this steno-specific knowledge and no use for it, but NOW, I KNOW, I won't be one of THOSE.

The Speed of Light

Behold...

Now I may truly be a steno goddess.

In the meantime, I've been dieting and haven't cheated. No soda at all. Even my treats have been healthy. I've lost weight. I'm 6 pounds away from reaching my first desired milestone. I've been exercising with my 30-Day Shred video by Jillian Michaels. And I've been practicing. A lot.

Watch out. I'm motivated.

Period Survival

If you're like me and love chocolate more than most, it's probably harder than ever to abstain from sweet treats during that time of the month.

Determined not to stray, I started browsing Pinterest and such of the like to draw ideas of some low-calorie chocolate goodies I could make.

And here's a couple I'd like to share with you:

Milkshake/ice cream.

The difference between this becoming a milkshake or ice cream is just how long you freeze it. I heard it can also make a mousse, too, if you put the coconut milk in the fridge over night, but..

So, you want to get yourself some coconut milk. The thicker the better. Goya brand or something like that. I just eye-balled the amount of each ingredient I used, until it came out the way I liked it. Mix it with unsweetened, natural cocoa powder, and use your sweetener of choice. I used Truvia, but don't put a lot in. It doesn't really need much. Then freeze to your liking.

The other delicious treat I made (my fav) are low-calorie no-bake cookies. SO yum!

What you need:

- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup)
- Unsweetened, natural cocoa powder (1 tbsp.)
- All-natural peanut butter (1/4 cup)
- Almond or coconut milk (1/4 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Instant oats (1 cup)
- Natural sweetner (2/3 cup)

* Mix together the olive oil, cocoa, sweetener, and milk in a medium pot and bring it to a boil.  Boil 1 minute.

* Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until it's all combined.

* Add oats.

* Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper.


And then, depending on how hard you like them, put them either in the fridge or the freezer to cool. I put mine in the freezer. I sort of derived this from the weight watchers recipe, but changed a few things.

They're both delicious and low-calorie and made with healthier ingredients. They taste like any other chocolate snack, in my opinion. Enjoy! Feel free to share. :)

So I've started a new regimen. I wouldn't call it a diet because I'm not "following a script", I'm just analyzing the food decisions I make and making better ones.

Started out by throwing out all the CRAP in my fridge/cupboards.

I've purchased new things like:

- Truvia instead of sugar
- Almond milk instead of cow's milk
- Greek yogurt
- Lots of fruits, especially berries!
- NO sodas and only organic juices for the girls
- A 5 gallon jug of water for my water cooler that wasn't being used
- Lean proteins
- Whole wheat bread
- Whole wheat grain cereals
- Raw vegetables

to replace the easy crap I used to have.

I'm not sure how to start the exercising thing, but baby steps...baby steps.

I don't have a scale but I really want one.

So far I feel like I'm eating too much but folks say you SHOULD eat a lot if you're eating fruits and veggies.

And I'm definitely drowning in all the water I'm drinking.

If anyone wants to "weigh-in" on this matter, feel free. I'll be receptive of all tips and tricks. :)