tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14528673042370328032024-03-12T18:55:05.532-05:00Traviesa♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-22620323979928535322013-04-25T15:15:00.002-05:002013-04-25T15:17:46.632-05:00Hello...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My name is Nica, and welcome to my blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">That's what I feel like I should be saying since it's been so long! Bad blogger! I got caught up in...well...life. Work. Family. Finances. You know the drill. I finally had a free minute, and the motivation to post just swept over me today. I also realized that I hadn't updated anything on my progress with my weigh-ins, or mi vida in general.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So what's new? Here's a quick recap on the past two months with Weight Watchers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The ugly truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My weigh-ins have been all over the place over the past few weeks. Surprisingly, I haven't been that hard on myself the way I would have been in the past. I know <em>life</em> happens sometimes, and it's hard to stay focused 100% of the time. No more excuses though, because all this means is that two months of my hard work has been at a stand-still.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">March was a tough month for me, not only because it was birthday month for me. It's also crazy work month as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">State audit. Enough said.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I've admitted to you all before, I am an emotional eater. When I'm stressed, the first thing I turn to is food. And from there I take on the mind-set of, 'Well I already messed up, why not just blow off this week?'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Horrible. I know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But it's the truth. The ugly truth. Something I need to work on. And definitely even more of a reason why I continue to attend my WW's meetings. This is a lifestyle change, which means I will continue to work on improving myself for LIFE. There are no special tricks, no get out of jail free cards, and definitely no take-backs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What you do get, is a healthier you, a happier you, and tons of valuable life lessons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Life lessons like...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Being happy with yourself, before trying to make others happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Remembering to put yourself first sometimes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Loving yourself ALWAYS.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We got this chicas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm hopefully back for good, now that I have more time. Have a great week everyone!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-60924225179251709662013-02-21T14:27:00.000-06:002013-02-21T14:38:10.593-06:00Happy 'every holiday I've missed since my last post' Day...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hiiiiiii!! :D</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I know...I <em>know. </em>It's been over 2 months since my last update, and I can give ya'll every excuse known to <strike>man </strike>woman, but I won't. Instead I'll just pick right up where I left off, and update ya'll with everything that's been going on en mi vida since we last chatted. That's what old friends do right??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">First off, the holidays were pretty tough on me with tracking my points! I did pretty well over Thanksgiving, but the Christmas holidays weren't that great. Overall I didn't do too bad though, and ended up gaining about 7 lbs. total. I missed a few WW weigh-ins, mainly due to the site being closed for the holidays. Believe me, seeing that jump in the scale put me back in check! I don't want to go backwards, especially after all the hard work I've put in over the past year. I also didn't exercise as much as I wanted to during the holidays. I'm sure that was a huge factor in the gain I had, and I felt it also! My energy level just wasn't there the way it usually is when I'm active.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">With the start of 2013, I decided to try something a little different, and really dedicated myself to becoming a runner. I still want my 13.1 sticker one day!! I know I'm starting on the bottom, but that's okay, because that's where I started with my weight-loss too, and look where I'm at now? This past week alone, I only got to go out 4 times, but that's better than nothing. Here are my stats:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2/14/13</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> 3.02 miles - 48:44 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2/15/13</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3.20 miles - 48:41 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2/17/13</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3.02 miles - 46.35 minutes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2/20/13</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3.09 miles - 51:48 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Yeesss </em>I went running on Valentine's Day...sue me! lol I knew I had plans that evening, and I wanted to make sure I earned as many activity points as I could that day, so I could enjoy every last bite of chocolate I had later that evening. And I enjoyed every single piece too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now don't get me wrong chicas...when I say 'running', don't think I am actually 'running' the entire time. I'm starting off on the bottom remember? Right now all I can do is a </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">jog/power-walk combination, but enough to make me work up a sweat! I've been slowly improving my time, and on different routes as well. I <em>will</em> get there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The way I've been calculating so far, I earn approximately 5 activity points per run, which is still a good amount, but I'm not sure how accurate this is. I've been using eTools, and searching under the activities listed, Jog/Walk combination comes up. When I input my time, this is what I usually get. Weight Watchers <em>does </em>have a new ActiveLink tool, but I have yet to try it out. Mainly because I've been a little low on funds since the holidays, but I am very excited to give it a try soon! Basically, it is a small piece of equipment you wear at all times throughout your day, that accurately measures the amount of activity you do, and determines how many WW activity points you've earned. It almost resembles a pedometer in size, and I've seen members wear it a few different ways, including as a necklace, a bracelet, an anklet, or even attached their shoes/belt. It's small enough to hide, but from what I hear, it is a <em>much </em>improved way to track your activity. Can't wait to give it a shot, and when I do, I'll be sure to post about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anyhow, here are my weigh-in stats for the past several weeks...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As you can see, there were several weeks where I didn't get to weigh-in. On 12/25/12 and 1/1/13, the WW center where I attend my meetings was actually closed due to the holidays. On 1/8/13 and 2/12/13, I wasn't able to weigh-in due to not making it to the meetings on time. Work has been pretty busy since the start of the new year, and I know that's not an excuse, especially because I <em>haaatttee</em> missing weigh-in days!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As you can see, after my gain from the holidays I slowly started getting back on track. This weeks weigh-in went great, and I lost 1.4 lbs., making it a total of 138.6 lbs. total loss since January 2012. Yaaayyyy me!! It feels great to know that I've come so far, and to realize that one day I <em>will</em> accomplish my goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Aside from all that, I absolutely cannot complain about anything going on in my life right now. I have certainly received so many new blessings in the past few months, and I am grateful for everything and everyone that has been placed in my life up to now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Mi familia added a new member to the group in early January, and I am on cloud 9 status in love with my new niece!! Congratulations to my beautiful sister on welcoming her daughter Elisa to this world, on 1/11/13.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Isn't she gorgeous?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The three of them will forever hold my ❤.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Christmas and New Years Eve were wonderful this year, but came and went way too fast. There is never enough time in the world when you are spending it with your loved ones. Christmas was spent surrounded by my family, yummy food, gifts, and the thoughts of loved ones who couldn't be there with us that day. New Years Eve was great as well. My grandmother's homemade menudo, a few games of poker, fireworks, drinks, and the blessings of a new year. I can't believe February will be coming to an end already, but I <em>can</em> say that I am probably the happiest I have ever been in a very long time. I've recommitted myself to staying healthy and active, and it's almost as if I've given myself a second chance at life. I want to be around for as long as I possibly can for those three angels in the picture above, and I know making healthy lifestyle changes, and keeping a positive attitude will help me stick around for as long as He wishes me to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">❤.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">'J' has completely taken my heart chicas. Cloud 9...I see my future with you...permanent smile on my face...constant butterflies in my stomach...I never get tired of seeing you...I can be a brat around you and you still love me...HAPPINESS. Did that give you a pretty good idea of how I'm feeling? :) I know...I <em>know</em>. It's only going on about 4 months now, but my life has been completely uprooted and shifted to a whole other world. I don't know how else to describe it, but to list a few reasons why this man has held onto my ❤.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">He loves my family, and they seem to have accepted him perfectly. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">BBQ's, holidays, weekday dinners, birthday parties, movie nights, and future vacation plans...this man has been there for it all. I always told myself I wanted a partner in my life that made family a priority in their lives as well, and I've finally found him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">He has never judged me, and I can be my complete OCD, moody, bratty self around him. He never backs down, and brings me back up every time I fall. He pushes me to deal with my feelings, and not bottle them up the way I always have. And on those occasions where I go back to my old ways and close myself off to the world, he somehow finds a way in, and doesn't leave my side until I have a smile on my face again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I haven't lost focus of my weight-loss goals and lifestyle changes I started last year, regardless of having a partner by my side. This man encourages me, and accepts me as I am. I can weigh my food without shame, obsess over my points in his presence, and talk to him about new and healthy recipes I want to try. Weight has always been a sensitive subject for me to discuss with any of my partners in the past. I was always embaressed to even bring it up, or even exercise in front of them. Chicas...we've been going running together, and I <em>love</em> it!! It's so motivating and liberating at the same time. To be able to get all sweaty and out of breath next to this man, pushing all insecurities aside, and knowing that he still views me as the most amazingly beautiful woman in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Love with your all, your whole, your everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Love yourselves first, and love others without judgement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">When you do that, love will fill every part of your lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Have a great week everyone!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-40768675407900442012-12-06T11:50:00.001-06:002013-01-23T15:47:17.047-06:00I can finally breathe...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The past 2 weeks have gone by in a complete blur. Thanksgiving came and went, and all of a sudden we're pushed into the chaos of Christmas and New Years. Not that I'm complaining, but it just always feels like there is never enough time to finish everything on your list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">There's been so much going on lately, that I don't even know where to begin. Thanksgiving was wonderful! I spent the day surrounded by family and friends, eating some yummy food, watching football, and playing poker. Check out the 'crustless pumpkin pie' I made...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXTuJFD8uBQShcxEIH9TNWAGHo22N78negEoY5y5-iqbVxsdxFByxYryjooRV7vnURZVp7zbxgkiiV9yWMBqL4Wq1jmwVszYc6GE2h9euTGUHrZh7JTMMYqrTAVUjinRx7VIg-leydJo/s1600/pumpkin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXTuJFD8uBQShcxEIH9TNWAGHo22N78negEoY5y5-iqbVxsdxFByxYryjooRV7vnURZVp7zbxgkiiV9yWMBqL4Wq1jmwVszYc6GE2h9euTGUHrZh7JTMMYqrTAVUjinRx7VIg-leydJo/s400/pumpkin.JPG" width="341" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Yeessss </em>I love extra whipped cream on my pumpkin pie...don't judge me! lol I'll have to post this recipe for you all next time. It was reallly yummy. That's the beauty of Weight Watchers...you can still indulge yourself like this if you feel like it. Just track track track! I think I did a pretty good job this past holiday with my tracking. Lemme tell you...I was <em>prepared </em>chicas! I had my WW measuring spoons, and my trusty scale with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ain't no shame in my game! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I hope your Thanksgiving was just as lovely as mine. I have sooo much to be thankful for. This year has just been <em>beyond</em> amazing for me. Just to name a few, I'm grateful for...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>1. God.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My faith in you has only grown stronger and stronger over the past year. Through you, I have been able to accomplish more than I could have ever imagined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>2. Mi familia.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">You make my life so much happier, and I am forever thankful for everything you have ever done for me. You always come through, and have never failed me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>3. My niece and my nephew.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">You make my heart smile on a daily basis, and are my constant motivation to keep moving foward in making positive lifestyle changes. I love you babydolls!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>4. My sister.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I admire your willpower and free spirit sooo much. No matter what the circumstances, you always have a smile on your face, reminding me what a strong woman and mother you are.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">5. Cat.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Where would I be without you by my side? My best friend, my partner in crime. You keep me sane, and have never judged me, regardless of all the mistakes I've made.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">6. Krystal & Clarissa.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My favorite primas. You two know <em>all</em> of my secrets, and have stuck by my side through it all. I appreciate every phone call, every text message, and just every time you've been there.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">7. My job.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Regardless of how many times you all will see me complain about it, I know I have been blessed with this job. Almost 9 years and counting...I must<em> </em>love <em>something</em> about it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I could go on and on, but I'd fill up a whole book. I hope you all took a moment to remember all the things you are grateful for this year...life is too short not to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">State audit finally arrived at work for me. They decided to wait until the last week of the month, and I couldn't of been any happier to find out that it was 2 <em>great</em> surveyors they had sent down from the state. We were cleared with flying colors, and I am <em>sooo</em> glad that it's over and done with. I'm pretty much finished for the year, which means more free time and relaxing. Things should settle down a lot at work now, and I won't have that stress looming over my head. Biiiiiig relief. I can finally breathe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Weigh-in went pretty well this week...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SbchPhh9gNN54hz-_bcVgkWF92yXFrj0fvVOLZI6o7QZS4hgVew0UjIOuqN3XG2sQksxmWMz3Q4RKHHWsZ6S4IMGYYJKl-iTt9rWmJXwl1Vk3POckwNJ-X2AdWNscwUcGscPzfAJWNQ/s1600/WW3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8SbchPhh9gNN54hz-_bcVgkWF92yXFrj0fvVOLZI6o7QZS4hgVew0UjIOuqN3XG2sQksxmWMz3Q4RKHHWsZ6S4IMGYYJKl-iTt9rWmJXwl1Vk3POckwNJ-X2AdWNscwUcGscPzfAJWNQ/s400/WW3.PNG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I didn't get to weigh-in the week after Thanksgiving. I actually never made it to my meeting because of survey at work. I was a little bummed about it, because I was interested to see how I had done after Thanksgiving the week before. Oh well. This week I lost 3.8 lbs., pushing me foward to 137 lbs. total loss!! Oot oot!! Totally patting myself on the back! Hopefully the rest of the holidays will go just as smoothly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'The Fisherman' is over an done with I think. Aside from the fact that I was only hearing from him <em>once</em> in a blue moon, the majority of the time I think it was just to stroke his own ego, and keep me on the back burner. I was sooo over that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I want to be someone's </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">number 1...not an afterthought. I'm sooo happy to let you chicas know that I met someone new a few weeks ago. For blogging purposes and his privacy, I'm just going to nickname him 'J'. It's been an <em>amazing</em> few weeks, and I've been completely swept off my feet. Sounds so lame I know, but this one came out of nowhere chicas. It really is true what they say...it happens when you least expect it. For starters, I was suuuuper hesitant to even start talking to him, because of some of my own insecurities in my head. I finally decided to push them aside, and went for it. He's met the familia already, met my co-workers, and I even have a date for all the holiday parties coming up! I'm not 100% sure what this is going to lead to, but I can say that for once in my life I'm not worrying about anyone else but me, and my happiness. I used to let the thoughts and judgements of others influence me too much. Not any more. Like I said above, life is too short. I'll keep you all posted, so wish me luck!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Have a great week everyone!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-78173499802174889472012-11-21T19:43:00.000-06:002012-11-21T19:43:26.585-06:0013.1...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I WILL have one of these on my car one day. Watch me do it chicas!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNY0vUaE1-xe5B8q2Vs1LV-5di-KB9Ojz9B06ru9iDfHX-8U4eRcAY9z6ux-szfeAj0TQLsyDJounvcwe3bbcRtC347wZhqAcUd8J5juLcEvpzcZgmXFuQ0HB2kZth7j3zDbwYXtjF_0/s1600/13.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNY0vUaE1-xe5B8q2Vs1LV-5di-KB9Ojz9B06ru9iDfHX-8U4eRcAY9z6ux-szfeAj0TQLsyDJounvcwe3bbcRtC347wZhqAcUd8J5juLcEvpzcZgmXFuQ0HB2kZth7j3zDbwYXtjF_0/s320/13.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For those of you who aren't familiar with this sticker, don't feel bad. Up until a few months ago, I had no idea what it was either. Have any of you ever seen this sticker on someone's car? Or maybe you have one of your own, which would be awesome! I started seeing them a lot more often, and never thought to ask anyone what they meant. My bestie Cat finally filled me in, and told me that the sticker actually stood for 13.1 miles, the length of a half-marathon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">13.1 miles!! Omgosh. There's actually a 26.2 sticker also, which, of course you guessed right, stands for a full marathon, or 26.2 miles. Smaller runs include a 10k and a 5k, 6.2 and 3.1 miles respectively. I've <em>never</em> been a runner, but omgosh those thoughts have been in my head so much lately the past few months. I think it's partially because of my lifestyle change over the past year, and trying to be healthier and more active...but a lot has to do with reaching bigger goals that I have for myself. It just pushes me even further that my best friend is a runner, and just completed another half-marathon again about a week ago. She's been training for several months now, and she is amazing!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now you all know my usual routine has been Zumba, and occasionally going walking. It's been great for me, and gives me so much energy. I even mentioned once that I leave Zumba feeling like I can take on the world...with an 'IDGAF' attitude! For the past few months I've been trying to switch up my routine a bit. I feel like I may be reaching a plateau soon, and I want to make sure I feel comfortable trying other types of activities. I actually started alternating my work-out days between Zumba, and walking/jogging at the track. Don't get me wrong chicas...I'm starting off on the verrryyy bottom, and at this point can only jog for about a minute each time, but I'm going to do it! You have to start somewhere right? Even if that means walking, jogging, and switching between the two as you go along.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">A few weeks ago I started hearing about a 5k that was going to be held here in town. The <em>minute</em> the thought was put into my head, I started reading about it everywhere. I debated and debated, giving myself all sorts of reasons NOT to do it. 'I haven't trained long enough', and 'I don't have anyone to do it with me; I DON'T want to do my first 5k alone', were the main things going through my mind. I even visited the registration site online several times, but never signed up. Cat tried her best to convince me for several weeks before, but I was held back in my own insecurities, as usual.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well guess what?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gE83q2sExSaVKkrvVR4jRzB3YsERQDinAgx6ZlQh-IlKcvbLD2Jf68FVe5rrxhxhIgVGfM92OUrAtRPKNqqxzB4rJU3bHKV9l8FYop0am9RqLJka4TLTmMdZ3moG2-GxSN1rhQBJRBo/s1600/5k.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gE83q2sExSaVKkrvVR4jRzB3YsERQDinAgx6ZlQh-IlKcvbLD2Jf68FVe5rrxhxhIgVGfM92OUrAtRPKNqqxzB4rJU3bHKV9l8FYop0am9RqLJka4TLTmMdZ3moG2-GxSN1rhQBJRBo/s400/5k.JPG" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And omgoodness did it feel A-MAZING!!! The excitement I felt when I crossed the finish line was crazy! Not to mention how I felt the remainder of the day. If you've ever heard people use the phrase </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'a runner's high', it is sooo true. You feel like you're buzzing, and everything takes on a positive spin. Maybe it's your attitude carrying over into what you're doing and who you're around, but it definitely gets you happy and moving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here's what happened...the night before I was at home, totally having a Blockbuster night. I had already decided I was not going to do the race the next day, since I didn't have anyone to go with me. I hadn't really mentioned it to anyone, other than my close family and best friend. A few people I had asked either had to work the morning of the race, didn't want to pay the $20.00 fee, or just didn't want to do it period. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This was the second annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bulls5k" target="_blank">Running with the Bulls 5k</a>, supporting a local food distribution center called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Loavesfishesfood" target="_blank">Val Verde Loaves and Fishes</a>. After reading up on it, I learned that if you took 5 non-perishable food items with you on the morning of the race, you would be entered to win several different cool prizes, including a brand new Ipad. Plus, you were still allowed to register late that morning, which was great for procrastinators like me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">That night, Cat decided to interrupt my movie and try to convince me again. She gave me some great advice, and told me to get to bed at a reasonable hour, just in case I decided to change my mind the next day. I showered up, layed down in bed, and set my alarm for 6:00am, with all sorts of thoughts running through my head. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Was I really going to do this? Was I physically capable of doing it? What if I'm the only person walking? And the dreaded question looming in the back of my mind...What if I'm the last one to finish?!?!?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Insecurities...I knew I had to overcome them. The next morning when my alarm went off, I knew what I was going to do. I got up, got dressed in my favorite work-out gear, had a power breakfast, and was out the door and on my way. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">When I got to the site, I was totally not expecting what I saw. For starters, I had assumed that since this is such a small town, there would be very few people. I was completely wrong! There were so many people there already, I almost turned around and went back home. But instead, I parked my car, took a few deep breaths, and made my way to the registration line. I got my bib number, turned in my food donations, and blended into the crowd of runners stretching and getting ready for the start of the race. To my surprise, there were people of all different ages and body types there. A few people appeared to be alone as well, and that made me feel a lot better. I finished stretching, and the race started.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chicas...I walked the <em>entire</em> race. Power-walked, but yes, I walked it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And I couldn't have been any more proud of myself when I finished it!! There were actually <em>tons </em>of people walking along. Children with their parents, groups of girlfriends gossiping with each other, a few single mommys and daddys with strollers, and even the mayor of my lovely little city! I figured since it was my very first 5k, I didn't want to over-do it. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I see a lot more races in my future, and
I know I need to take it easy, and pace myself. I <em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">will</span></em> get there one day! Baby steps chicas...'poco
a poco'. You really have to experience the feeling for yourself. I'm sure you'll be hooked just like I was. I felt soooo proud coming home, and telling everyone I saw that day about what I had accomplished just that morning. My family was super supportive, and continue to remain encouraging on a daily basis. My best friend Cat...well she deserves her own special mention as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">If it wasn't for her consistent nagging (in a loving way of course) :)), and her words of advice, I don't think I would have decided to even give a 5k a shot. So thank you Cat! You're my best friend for those reasons especially, and I've truly been blessed with the 15+ years we've had as friends so far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On a different note, I know I've been a little M.I.A. lately, but November is my audit month at work. Yikes! So you only imagine that it's been crazy busy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">State audit + holidays = CRAZYNESS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've still been weighing in at my WW meetings every week. Here's a little update with my results from the past few weeks...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Officially down 133.2 lbs. yall!! I am beyond psyyycchheeedd!! Quick recap:</span></div>
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10/30/12 - gained 1.2 lbs.</div>
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11/6/12 - lost 1.6 lbs.</div>
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11/13/12 - gained 2.6 lbs.</div>
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11/20/12 - lost 6.6 lbs.</div>
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Talk about all over the place huh? That's what stress at work does to me. I'll be the first to admit that I am an emotional eater. But regardless of where I'm at after a weigh-in, I always pat myself on the back, and look foward. There's no point in looking behind you, especially when your past was what was making you unhappy. The way I see it...if you keep looking over your shoulder at what 'could have been', you're going to miss all sorts of opportunities passing you by...or you're going to run smack into a wall and get stuck where you were before. Either way is a no-win.</div>
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Forgive yourself, and move on.</div>
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Focus on living a happy and positive life. I know I am!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0_eIFGTOM1ns6xviKiXikFhtUGnjzlQAu2X1VKvEqJyjg3U41aLMbbp_cTlNF9UGyQd_4n7Po2Yuthbv_BDQlzc4aKTPFT2LGQJm1VLKMg7FML2qXcPwXRkiGwKGkn-4vf8_FkXzIPI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0_eIFGTOM1ns6xviKiXikFhtUGnjzlQAu2X1VKvEqJyjg3U41aLMbbp_cTlNF9UGyQd_4n7Po2Yuthbv_BDQlzc4aKTPFT2LGQJm1VLKMg7FML2qXcPwXRkiGwKGkn-4vf8_FkXzIPI/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The loves of my life...they make my heart smile!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_vj_T3LweB6Ike2UuQqIpiSwDAu9R4qpr5cWBmoiJ8gSIIfqQVjuYLWLpffwVBOJu5CoxHbPCbRTgmgXUCQX47ucvbIC2m2Ahb-9MydbXcPKlzyJlOg780oo5RZ8Tcs9VFGuY3f4plQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_vj_T3LweB6Ike2UuQqIpiSwDAu9R4qpr5cWBmoiJ8gSIIfqQVjuYLWLpffwVBOJu5CoxHbPCbRTgmgXUCQX47ucvbIC2m2Ahb-9MydbXcPKlzyJlOg780oo5RZ8Tcs9VFGuY3f4plQ/s400/photo+2.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful sister and I...YES we were kitties at SeaWorld!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8TXcoX6W5OqXWcQhNZwK_KtJCM2itUGoCE50or4y85kmDc8esp8x3hyuDXeBIDXiRx08aR0alAHprhZquN-l6MQTqi6bsDPXfnAzD_sGFP1OskN-kZzuzn2Wl_0l900btMMtostEF0Y/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8TXcoX6W5OqXWcQhNZwK_KtJCM2itUGoCE50or4y85kmDc8esp8x3hyuDXeBIDXiRx08aR0alAHprhZquN-l6MQTqi6bsDPXfnAzD_sGFP1OskN-kZzuzn2Wl_0l900btMMtostEF0Y/s400/photo+4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mi familia...enough said.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPm3SelemstWEG2iDP3-LcZZpVnBRBbN2xEQu3OYdCqgWGeQF48BpqH3k_qe9jBJQbNEDg-bIsONshxipjgMsF3TS3tDUOPSRVOI1JKEqnk_wiTMAhQA9-W8NgWoY_yG2yVW_13Ma2Mw/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPm3SelemstWEG2iDP3-LcZZpVnBRBbN2xEQu3OYdCqgWGeQF48BpqH3k_qe9jBJQbNEDg-bIsONshxipjgMsF3TS3tDUOPSRVOI1JKEqnk_wiTMAhQA9-W8NgWoY_yG2yVW_13Ma2Mw/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was a pretty cute kitty if I do say so myself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJf4vL8h-E2GnpFOE2BKY2_VHxobyRJ2QXuzc91SFAHHX1Pck_m6Rcry2p208U_MS1xVVq_qDbvELnm4oD54K4Fk81tLrS5OG5zCtDmDJSYx2EEIBo3FBdnBUf0YsbeJVcg3SPjpuFG0/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJf4vL8h-E2GnpFOE2BKY2_VHxobyRJ2QXuzc91SFAHHX1Pck_m6Rcry2p208U_MS1xVVq_qDbvELnm4oD54K4Fk81tLrS5OG5zCtDmDJSYx2EEIBo3FBdnBUf0YsbeJVcg3SPjpuFG0/s400/photo+5.JPG" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween night...LMFAO!!!</td></tr>
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Hope everyone has a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-42173969030934698732012-10-24T12:10:00.000-05:002012-10-24T12:10:39.148-05:00It's all in your head...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Half-way through the work week, even closer to Halloween, and I <em>still</em> don't have a costume for my annual party I have at work. I <em>thought</em> I had a great idea, but last night when I tried to put it all together in a practice run, it resulted in an EPIC FAIL. lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm heading up to San Antonio this weekend, so I really need to get my booty in check and find something. I'm out of options here in town, unless I want to go this route...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsLyv-VA8PvBOvOKkdQAbJNltON0anccjnxiGAXcCJvt98Juk7bOHqAd7CencXNdrp-tsLjNb2pr_9E-fX8yU2bKsX5M6p86UFPn4F-gxuyU__qnvt47U6pMDtXlXAwXn5QoJpcIltX8/s1600/230935_10151261334046282_1052045461_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsLyv-VA8PvBOvOKkdQAbJNltON0anccjnxiGAXcCJvt98Juk7bOHqAd7CencXNdrp-tsLjNb2pr_9E-fX8yU2bKsX5M6p86UFPn4F-gxuyU__qnvt47U6pMDtXlXAwXn5QoJpcIltX8/s640/230935_10151261334046282_1052045461_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ummm wait...what?? I think I'll pass. lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Aside from searching for a costume, I'll also be taking my niece and nephew to SeaWorld with the familia. Every year during the month of October, SeaWorld puts together some <em>scaarrryyy</em> fun for the </span><a href="http://seaworldparks.com/seaworld-sanantonio/HowloScream" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Howl-O-Scream</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> event. Check out the link I provided if you can. They have some pretty awesome areas of the park to visit this year. I am <em>sooo</em> looking foward to it. I freakin' love Halloween! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also went to my Weight Watchers meeting/weigh-in yesterday afternoon. I've really grown to appreciate all the members in the group. They are always so supportive of each other, and a few of them have become great friends of mine. I love the fact that we are able to laugh with each other about the day-to-day struggles we experience, and at the same time feel confident that noone in that meeting is judging you. We recently got a new group leader a few weeks ago, and she's been doing a great job so far! My previous leader Nancy was just as awesome. She kept me motivated the entire time since I started on my journey back in January, and I appreciate everything she did to show continued support and encouragement. Here's to you Nancy!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk3jRZLtuJ8ux2x2D-vC-NULZiDovPx4D1tpBNOftsf56g-N4u0aCPcfAMj5MIu9Q0jUgiXhKFnGUx25gRg9Ig7bLlp2N0QnoWftDN00N8oEyBL0r_GIkAQL6s8AvNexxc0KXWROxC2s/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk3jRZLtuJ8ux2x2D-vC-NULZiDovPx4D1tpBNOftsf56g-N4u0aCPcfAMj5MIu9Q0jUgiXhKFnGUx25gRg9Ig7bLlp2N0QnoWftDN00N8oEyBL0r_GIkAQL6s8AvNexxc0KXWROxC2s/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The pic on the left is of Nancy and I during the meeting when I reached my 100lb. weight loss. She did a little presentation, and gave me a certificate. Such a memorable day!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The pic on the right is of my Zumba instructor Andrea and I, after one of her amazing work-outs. This girl is just sooo full of energy and positive light. Muchisimas gracias Andrea!! Chicas, if you haven't tried Zumba yet, I highly recommend that you do, and soon!! If you love music, and you love to dance, then this is definitely the work-out for you. It doesn't even feel like you're exercising!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I couldn't have come this far on my journey without the help of these two amazing women. If you ever get the opportunity to have inspiration such as these people in your life, feel very very blessed chicas. Thank you ladies!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My weigh-in went pretty well yesterday, aside from the fact that I over-indulged in margaritas this past weekend at a quincienera. lol That's what happens when you haven't had a drink in awhile, and you're around friends and family. Ya gotta love any party that has a frozen margarita machine on hand!! Yummm!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I lost 2.2 lbs. this week! I am <em>sooo</em> beyond psyched chicas! This year has been life-changing for me, and I can't help but try to encourage others towards a healthier, positive lifestyle. It really makes me happy that my family has adopted some of the small changes I've been making. It's easier to make smart decisions when you have people around you that support you, and love you unconditionally. And that's all it takes! Really yall', if you ever feel alone, or that you don't have anyone around for support, don't ever hesitate to head in this direction. Send me a message or an email, and I'll do my best to help you in any way possible. It's a mental game chicas. Thinking positive will attract good things into your life, and before you know it, you'll be moving foward towards whatever goal you have your heart set on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We all have our bad days. Hell, I have them pretty often sometimes, but you're feeling how you're feeling at that moment for a reason. Does that even make sense? lol Ride out your emotions, and feel them. Don't bottle them up and ignore them. That's only going to make it harder on you when they resurface again. And chicas...they <em>always</em> do. We know this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stay positive my friends! Have a great rest of the week. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ohhhh...one last thing...just for a quick smile. This week is <a href="http://redribbon.org/" target="_blank">'Red Ribbon Week'</a> at my chiquita's school. Every day this week the school has a different theme for the kids to participate in, such as 'crazy socks day', 'crazy hat day', etc. Today was 'crazy hair day', so I got up extra early to help my niece with her hair. She insisted on the color purple, so that's exactly what we did. I have to say though, she should have just worn her hair straight out of bed!! This is the <em>REAL</em> crazy hair!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Poor baby was still half asleep!! lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-77147773461695095992012-10-18T13:44:00.002-05:002012-10-18T13:44:26.757-05:00Taco Thursday...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hola chicas!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope your Thursday is going by quickly...I know we're all waiting on Friday to finally show it's beautiful face! The next few weekends I have are booked with a lot of things to do...but trust me, I'm not complaining. There's nothing better than familia, parties, and road trips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last night I made one of my all-time favorite dinners, chicken tacos. They were complete yumminess, and I thought I'd share my recipe with you all. Now, I know everyone has a different spin on this dish, as it's a pretty common meal en familias Latinos. I used the WW Recipe Builder on eTools to create mine, so that it is PointsPlus friendly. These tacos still have the same flavorful taste, just made a little healthier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">(chicken taco filling)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 1/2 - 2 lbs. boneless/skinless chicken breast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 cup Spanish onion thinly sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">4 cloves garlic minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 1/2 cups tomato sauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">garlic salt to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">black pepper to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Begin by boiling the chicken for approximately 1 hour in slightly salted water, or until thoroughly cooked. I used boneless/skinless chicken breast for my recipe simply because it's easier to work with, but bone-in chicken breast will work as well. It <em>is</em> important to remove any skin before boiling though. After they are done cooking, remove them from the water, and set them aside on a plate. Also, think ahead chicas! While the chicken is boiling, use that time to chop up any veggies you'll use for your tacos, or in my case last night, making a side dish like Spanish rice. This can be a quick and easy meal if you prep prep prep.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MDl7Zg4LB8EaW5oqKjG391Yo0oPDvCInTW9iV6ZVfFthCKBu_dQkHoWaEpl0TPNurXTqUhYgwrlBvOeS0jf06OqjU5qdgv4FKOIeJuasvsxaO86yMKcw_38eu2JPL-pAjT2gbyUsk38/s1600/chicken+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MDl7Zg4LB8EaW5oqKjG391Yo0oPDvCInTW9iV6ZVfFthCKBu_dQkHoWaEpl0TPNurXTqUhYgwrlBvOeS0jf06OqjU5qdgv4FKOIeJuasvsxaO86yMKcw_38eu2JPL-pAjT2gbyUsk38/s400/chicken+1.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once the chicken breasts have cooled down enough for you handle, begin pulling them apart into thin shreds, or to your liking. I usually do this by hand, and although it is a <em>little</em> more time consuming, the chicken stays a lot juicier this way once all the ingredients are added in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Make sure the onion is thinly sliced, and the garlic is minced into tiny pieces. This is what gives the chicken it's sabor chicas.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhD9oNfWcVydJ2aPTkmEX4N6Y7FfSpN-Wnxau4Z0n5EmuuIjTyQ4vwJD25MzpsZHpUkqknS0Uxp9nY1J2TD5JGPFx7gux3ccB8HKNZ3VecWFyFAVwMn5j_G_maeUnnpU1qPSktnnOi1Y/s1600/chicken+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhD9oNfWcVydJ2aPTkmEX4N6Y7FfSpN-Wnxau4Z0n5EmuuIjTyQ4vwJD25MzpsZHpUkqknS0Uxp9nY1J2TD5JGPFx7gux3ccB8HKNZ3VecWFyFAVwMn5j_G_maeUnnpU1qPSktnnOi1Y/s400/chicken+3.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When you're ready, lightly coat a large skillet with non-stick spray and heat to medium. Next, add in the chicken and let it cook for a few minutes, just so that it warms up. After that, throw in the onions, garlic, and tomato sauce. Mix well, and season to taste with garlic salt and black pepper. Cook for approximately 5 more minutes while stirring occasionally, and it's ready! Now serving sizes will vary, but using the Recipe Builder and my trusty scale, this is what I calculated:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">PointsPlus Value= 3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yields approximately 10 servings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Serving Size= 4.3 ounces </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">(<em>yeessss</em> I like to be exact lol)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3vUYHfyTxHbLA067RiDeERpP5KrLBwvpvbxAtQA1ZDUtOHJHtuqPIaQ9EMbsI7Yl63EeidwKmbPCe-7X8jDNHjD3kO__q2Q02oko0UYJByq9cfLIZHLovL85ys41vq6rnmElkXHsTwc/s1600/chicken+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3vUYHfyTxHbLA067RiDeERpP5KrLBwvpvbxAtQA1ZDUtOHJHtuqPIaQ9EMbsI7Yl63EeidwKmbPCe-7X8jDNHjD3kO__q2Q02oko0UYJByq9cfLIZHLovL85ys41vq6rnmElkXHsTwc/s400/chicken+4.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is my finished product last night. Like I mentioned above, I served my chicken tacos with a side of Spanish rice, which is how I grew up eating this dish. I also chose to just warm my tortillas on a skillet, instead of the tradition to fry them. Soo much healthier, and still sooo yummy. All you have to do is add your own toppings, and you're set!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My plate above was <em>suuuper</em> filling, and totaled out to 10PP.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">(1/2 cup Spanish rice= 3PP, 2 Tia Rosa red corn tortillas= 3PP, chicken filling= 3PP, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup fat free cheese mix= 1PP, lettuce and tomato= 0PP)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">For those of you who have never had these before, try them out! I promise you're going to love them. You can also try adding salsa, or even yummy avocado. There's actually salsa on mine, but you can't see it, and I forgot to pick up some avocados at the grocery store, otherwise I would have had some too. It goes <em>greeeaaattt </em>with these tacos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm off for now chicas, but I hope I at least got you thinking about dinner tonight!! Have a terrific Thursday!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-3088562732110963362012-10-17T16:34:00.001-05:002012-10-18T13:50:10.698-05:00Tick tock...tick tock...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Where is this time going lately??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It feels like the year is nearly over, and I still have sooo much to do. I know with the upcoming holidays, the time is just going to swing by even quicker. It seems like every day is just hustle hustle hustle, and I never even have a moment to breathe for myself. Yikes!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">First things first, let me give you all my updated WW weekly weigh-ins from the past 2 weeks. I think I've been doing fairly well with my tracking, although I know I have a lot of room for improvement, especially when it comes to the weekends. Lately, I barely even glance at my iPhone throughout the weekends to track my food. No bueno. :/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At last week's weigh-in (10/9/12), I lost a total of 4.2 pounds. I have no idea how I did that chicas. The only thing I can think is that I am underestimating the amount of activity points I count for Zumba. It's a little hard to determine sometimes, because Zumba isn't listed as one of the 'workouts' under the activity list on the Weight Watchers website. I <em>do</em> eat any activity points I earn, and very rarely go into my extra weekly 49 points.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">At this week's weigh-in, I lost 1.2 pounds, making that a total of 126.6 pounds thus far! Last week I was also awarded another 25 pound ring for my keychain, which was reallly exciting! I got to speak a little about my journey so far, and I can only hope that my progress will inspire others to stay on track, and never lose hope that the program really <em>does</em> work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This entire year has been a true blessing for me chicas. I cannot stress that enough. I am thankful to God for putting me on this path, and helping me stick to it. I know I am making the best decisions for my future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cheers to a new week, and in moving foward!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In other parts of my life, work is getting crazier every day. I'm planning my annual Halloween party, and getting ready for audit next month. Before I know it, the holidays are going to be here, and we'll be starting another year! I'm still not 100% sure about a costume so far, but I will <em>definitely</em> be dressing up...it's tradition for our fiesta at work!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here are a few pics of my life over the past week or so...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My babygirl's 'candycorn' nails I did for her...I loooove my niece, but wow...these didn't last but one day tops! lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A trip to the pumpkin patch on a Saturday afternoon always calls for pictures!! They had a blast...and so did I trying to get my nephew to look at the camera just once!! lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My yummy breakfast I made the other morning...only 5PP chicas! 2 points for the whole-grain bread (2 slices of Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat), 1 point for the ham (1 ounce of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Honey Ham), 1 point for the cheese (1/4 cup HEB fat free shredded cheddar cheese), and 1 point for the three egg whites. I crisp the ham a little in the skillet, and grill the veggies in the same pan, so that they are warm and soft when putting together the sandwich. When the egg whites are cooked to your liking, add in the cheese so that it melts perfectly. No oil is needed...just a little non-stick spray, and you're good to go. The spinach, tomato, and banana are all freeeeee...which makes for a filling, delicious breakfast!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also made these steamed dumplings one rainy Saturday afternoon. I'll be posting the recipe soon. I always have fun experimenting with the WW Recipe Builder on eTools. I take any ideas I have in my head, throw them all together, and try to reduce the PP value. It's challenging, but I think I've put together some really great recipes so far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I also celebrated my bestie's birthday a few weeks ago. We had a blast!! Good friends, dinner, drinks, flamenco dancing, and lots of great memories!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Love you Cat!! Here's to many many more years of BESTfriendship. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The only update I have with The Fisherman is that I'm reaching a breaking point. I haven't really spoken to him in a few days, because he made me <em>really</em> mad over the weekend when he wouldn't answer a simple question! It was just something I had never asked him before, and he became soo defensive. Believe it or not...in the short time we've been 'talking', I've never asked him what his last name is. It's honestly just never come up, and for whatever reason, I thought about it while I was on the road this weekend. We were in the middle of texting each other, and I just flat out asked him 'By the way, what's your last name'? His response?? 'Why?? Uggg!!'. Ummm wait...what?? Warning sign, I know chicas. So I'm going to let things play themselves out..and I am definitely not going to hold back from saying <em>exactly</em> how I feel from now on. I know what I want out of a partner, and I'm honestly more pissed off than happy half the time we talk. Ask and you shall receive, right? Even if it's not the answer you want to hear, it still helps you moves foward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">By the way...I finally updated my progress pictures!! Make sure you click over to that page and take a look. It's amazing what positive thinking can get you...put your mind and <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤ <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">to it, and you can accomplish <em>anything</em>!!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have a great week chicas...it's almost Friiiiddaayyy!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-74923500640465338912012-10-09T14:11:00.000-05:002012-10-09T14:11:32.164-05:00Hit and run...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just sharing last weeks WW weekly weigh-in. Down 3.2 lbs. and going strong!! Later today I have my WW meeting, so I'll share that updated weigh-in and more. I have tons of pics to post, and lots to catch up on with you chicas! Back to work I go...busy busy busy...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-57788334638306717032012-09-27T01:03:00.000-05:002012-09-27T01:03:18.097-05:00Ummm wait....what??<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That's <em>exactly</em> the reaction I gave the lady in the UPS office earlier this week when I was dropping off a package for work. I see her about once every 1-2 weeks, and she always has the same smile on her face. Although I don't know her on a personal level, she always seems very friendly, and we conversate about different topics including our cars (we both drive Toyota Camry's), mutual friends, and life in general.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But this week was different. Before even saying hello, the first words that popped out of her mouth as I walked into the building were, 'Just how much weight exactly have you lost??'. To which I quickly and excitedly answered, 'Over 100 lbs. since January!'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Guess what her next question was?? Don't know?? Let me break down the remainder of the conversation for you....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">UPS Lady: 'Wow mija! Which weight-loss surgery did you have done?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Me: 'Ummm...I didn't have surgery.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">UPS Lady: 'Oh wow, that's great! So what pills are you taking?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Me: 'Ummm...I'm not taking any pills either.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">UPS Lady: 'Ay mija...are you sick?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Me: 'Not that I'm aware of.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now...mind you...after I was able to erase the look of <em>shock</em> from my face, I did explain to her that I had been on Weight Watchers for the past year, and taking Zumba classes weekly. However, I seriously didn't know whether I should take her questions as an insult, or a compliment. It was kind of like a double-edged sword. No matter which way I looked at it, this woman was automatically judging me, and assuming things about me, without giving it a second thought.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These types of scenarios happen to me almost on a daily basis now. I'm <em>still</em> not used to it. The majority of the time, people are not as direct as Miss UPS, but will still most definitely make a comment about how my appearance has drastically changed, and what I did to lose so much weight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Don't get me wrong chicas, I didn't leave upset at her, and I most certainly didn't go all crazy latina on her. I actually used the opportunity to teach her and inform her about this fantabulous<em> </em>lifestyle I've been sticking to over the past year. And that would make the <em>second time</em> that day I openly discussed my WW journey with someone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Right before my UPS visit that same day, I had stopped to pay a bill (Hey...this chica has to handle hers!!), and it was almost the same situation. When I walked into that office, the girl helping me said she almost didn't recognize me when she saw me getting off my car. Wow. I am totally not seeing what these people see, and I don't know if that's a good thing (because it will keep me pushing foward towards my ultimate goal), or a bad thing (self-love..still working on it...). This lady was a lot more subtle about her comments, and basically just had a <em>ton </em>of questions about WW, and how the program works. We actually had a pretty long talk, and in the end, I remembered I had some cards in my car from last weeks meeting for a 2 week free trial of eTools. I quickly ran outside to get her one, and I'm hoping the next time I see her she'll tell me she got to try it out, and that she loves it as much as I do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two more times today <em>alone</em> chicas. Once at the grocery store, where I ran into a friend of the familia that hadn't seen me in quite some time. She was just amazed at my progress so far, and even said she was going to tell her friends about me. The second time was at my Zumba class tonight. A few of the ladies pulled me aside before our warm-up, and asked me how I was losing so much weight. I gladly shared the info. with them, and they had so many questions! They even asked to see some 'before' photos I had in my iPhone. I thought it was funny because one of the ladies even asked me if I ate 3 meals a day! She couldn't believe it when I broke down my meals for today, and told her exactly what I had eaten. '<em>This</em> Mexicana <em>has</em> to eat her tortillas, and drink her Cokes! No diet foods for me!' she told me. I just smiled and answered, 'Well <em>this </em>Mexicana <em>still</em> eats her tortillas and drinks her sodas, just in a smarter way!'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Yes </em>I'm on my Weight Watchers soap box right now. I seriously love this program!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What I <em>do</em> appreciate out of all these different people, is that they all end up telling me the same thing. That I look soooo happy when they see me now, and that they are extremely proud of me. I'm proud of me too! I'm learning to remind myself of that every time I start to feel down about a situation, or when life just doesn't go the way I had planned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This week has <em>definitely</em> been trying, mainly in regards to several issues within my familia. I always feel like I'm taking care of someone elses needs, and putting myself last. Self-love is a long process, but one that I'm glad to finally be on board with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On a more positive note, I had an awesome NSV this week chicas. I was doing some online shopping, and finally ordered some jeans I've been wanting from <a href="http://www.torrid.com/torrid/Homepage.jsp" target="_blank">Torrid</a>.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Torrid</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The NSV part was that I was able to order a size I haven't worn in years, <em>and</em> fit into it too! I never thought I'd be as excited as I was that day, when I got my package in the mail. These jeans are <em>awesome</em> too by the way. They are the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Broadway Ankle Zip Stiletto Jeans, just in case any of you chicas are in the mood to do some online shopping while <strike>wasting time at work tomorrow</strike> browsing the internet at home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I also wanted to share my WW weekly weigh-in from this past Tuesday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yeaaahhh buddy...down 2.8 lbs. this week! I was absolutely <em>psyched</em>, especially since I had worked so hard at earning my activity points, and tracking my food. I am getting back into the swing of things...and I'm going to use all these opportunities I've been blessd with to give as much love as I possibly can. Regardless if it's in the form of teaching someone about Weight Watchers, accepting others for who they are, or dealing with life's daily problems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm off for the night chicas...it's waaay past my bedtime, and tomorrow is my Friday! I'm heading up to San Antonio for the weekend to celebrate my bestie Cat's b-day, which was earlier this month. I'm going to try my best to take as many pics as I can, to share with you all when I get back on Sunday. I want to try to give you all more of a glimpse into other parts of my life as often as I can. Oh and by the way...things have <em>not</em> improved with The Fisherman. In fact, I seem to have taken on an 'IDGAF' attitude towards him this week. We'll see what happens...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-87680413548861492532012-09-21T15:29:00.001-05:002012-09-21T15:29:54.562-05:00It's the freakin' weekend baby...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This week has just dragggged for me, partly because I was a MAJOR procrastinator the majority of the time, and because I have been 'on-call' for work since last Friday afternoon. I hope you chicas had a more productive week than I did! Let me catch you up a little on what's been going on en mi vida lately...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I've had familia visiting from out of town this week, so that's been pretty entertaining. My aunt recently had a baby boy, and let me tell you, it takes me back to when my niece and nephew were babies too. Middle of the night feedings, diaper changes, bath times...I'm trying to prepare for the next one my sister is having pretty soon. I don't think I had ever mentioned it, but yes, my sister is currently preggers :). She's my only sibling, so I couldn't be any happier for her. I absolutely adore those two angels. They are my <em>world</em> chicas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I cannot wait until number 3 comes along for my sister. She doesn't know what she's having yet, but I am secretly hoping for another little girl :). Only because I would love for my chiquita to have a younger sister, just like I do. Sisters are special, and I will dedicate a post to mine one day soon. These two make my days happy, and I can't imagine my life without them now. I would give them the world if I could, but for now I'm sure they're satisfied with watching Monster's Inc. (their favorite movie right now), building forts made out of blankets, and dancing with their </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">'ta-ta' to every <a href="http://yogabbagabba.com/#" target="_blank">Yo Gabba Gabba</a> song out there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This week a 'certain someone' started texting me again, after about 2 weeks of not speaking. I think I may have mentioned several posts back about having some dates set up. For privacy purposes ;), I'm just going to refer to him as 'The Fisherman'. I'm using that nickname for several different reasons, but mainly because of a certain tattoo he has, and because of something that was said to me during a tea reading I had a few months ago. (<em>Yessss </em>I said tea reading. Future post on this topic.) I'll have to do a separate post on him entirely, and how it all got started. Needless to say, I spoke my mind to him during a conversation we had earlier this month, and he didn't seem to like it very much. Let's just say, I put him on check. I can become very disinterested in someone <em>quickly</em> if they don't make a move, or show me somehow that they <em>are</em> interested in me. Don't get me wrong chicas, I'm not saying I like for things to move from A-Z just like that, but I have to know what you're trying to get at. I <em>do not</em> enjoy getting mixed signals, and that is exactly what The Fisherman has been doing since we first met nearly 2 months ago. We'll see what happens...and the only reason I'm even mentioning him in an actual post, is because the situation is beginning to irk me. He seems to be a little different this time around, the context of his text messages, the words he's choosing to use during our conversations, how often he's communicating with me...but do people ever really change?? I don't know that I'd want him to either. I've always felt that if someone is meant to be in your life, they <em>will</em> be, on their own free will. Plain and simple. Why force something that isn't quite working?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia;">Aside from all that, this weeks Weight Watchers weekly weigh-in has come and gone again. I had a small gain this past Tuesday, and I am <em>more</em> that okay with it. I had an amazing weekend before that, and wouldn't change anything about it. Anything involving mi familia, a party, drinks, and some good music makes for a fantastic time. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I gained .6 lbs. this week chicas, which still leaves me at 115.2 lbs. total loss. This week I've been doing pretty good with my tracking, and I'm finally feeling a little more like myself. I even managed to go to Zumba twice, and am going to try to make it to this evenings class if I can. I also racked up 13 activity points, which is not bad considering I'm taking my time getting back into the swing of things during class. I have to remind myself that it's only been about a month and a half since I had my gallbladder surgery, and that I need to take it easy. My Zumba instructor Andrea can't put it any simpler...'poco a poco', or 'little by little'.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With that said, I'm officially off the clock...well until I get the next phone call at least. Hope you chicas have a great weekend, and stay out of trouble! (well..a little trouble won't hurt you <em>too</em> much...it will be our secret! lol) Enjoy yourselves, and be safe!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-15004767774739642892012-09-13T13:36:00.001-05:002012-09-13T13:42:20.082-05:00I'm a loser baby...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1.6 lbs. gooneee this week chicas! Yayyyy me!! I'm officially at 115.8 lbs. total loss since embarking on this journey earlier this year. I know I still have a long way to go, but I <em>will</em> get there. This week has been craazzzyy to say the least, so sorry for the short post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This is exactly how I'm feeling this week...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-12740650209683902362012-09-05T12:32:00.000-05:002012-09-13T15:15:03.046-05:00A part of me is missing...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And believe it or not, I'm glad! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chicas...let me tell you...gallbladder attacks are NO JOKE. In case you've been wondering where the hell I've been, well let me start from the beginning...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Let's rewind to August 3rd, a little over a month ago. Prior to that awful Friday, I had been feeling pretty crappy that entire week. I was getting some unusual pains late at night, that would disappear in the morning. I wasn't sure what was going on, but I did know it felt similar to how I was feeling when I went to the ER in <a href="http://traviesa-nicalica.blogspot.com/2012/07/happy-4th-of-july.html" target="_blank">July</a>. I ended up going to work that Friday, and by 11:00am, I could no longer stand the pain. I don't even know how to describe it, other than 'sitting in my chair with my head on the desk cringing in half hard to breath' type of pain. lol I literally got up, walked out of my office, and miraculously drove myself to the ER here in town. After a few tests and A LOT of blood work (I am ALWAYS a hard stick :/), I was told that I was having a severe <a href="http://www.gallbladderattack.com/gallbladdersymptoms.shtml" target="_blank">gallbladder attack</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">YIKES.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And WOAH that pain. Just like that, I was admitted to the hospital, and scheduled for surgery possibly the very next day. I pretty much spent the next 24 hours drugged up to relieve the pain, and laying in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Fast foward about a week, and I'm home after surgery. Gallbladder and gallstones removed. Recovery from this surgery has been <em>terrible </em>for me chicas. I had an allergic reaction to one of the medications, and broke out in hives for several days. The itching STILL hasn't fully gone away, but at least the hives have. I still don't feel like myself. It completely threw me off track, and I'm still struggling to get back into my normal routine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I still haven't been able to return to my Zumba class, and just this week alone, I finally started tracking again. I missed a few weeks of WW weigh-ins, but it felt good when I did return. Here's a quick update from the past month...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I didn't get to weigh-in on 7/31/12, or on 8/7/12. I was out of town that last week in July, and didn't make it to weigh-in. The first week in August, well I was still recuperating from surgery. On 8/14/12 I decided to weigh-in, even though I had not been able to follow the program much. I had lost a total of 7.4 lbs., which I expected since it had been nearly three weeks since my last weigh-in, and of course I had been sick. On 8/21/12, I weighed in and had lost another 2.2 lbs. Then on 8/28/12, I had my second gain of 1.6 lbs. I did expect that since the week before I had pretty much gained my appetite back, and was really just eating anything I wanted, and not tracking. (Plus I had an awesome weekend with my bestie Cat, and got to go see JLo & Enrique Iglesias in concert! Another post on that coming soon.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Like I mentioned above, I finally shook myself out of the haze, and tried to get back on track. Yesterday's Weight Watchers meeting was awesome, especially since we had a guest speaker. It was amazing to hear one of the veteran members speak about her success, and how she had finally met her goal. I weighed in also, and here are the results...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I lost 3.8 lbs. this week chicas! Yaaayy me!! As you can see above, that puts me at 114.2 lbs. total loss. :) I am beyoond excited, and proud of myself. I know this little push is going to kick-start me back into gear, and I am soooo ready!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Set-backs, no matter what they are, are always a blessing in disguise. We don't always see them for what they are in the beginning, but trust and believe that eventually everything will fall into place, and it will all make sense. Don't let set-backs keep you rooted into the ground. Then you get stuck, and it's so much easier to say 'F-it!', and start feeling bad for yourself. I know I'm going to take that set-back I had a month ago, and use it as a stepping stone, hell...maybe even a trampoline, to just jump back into my happy frame of mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Positive thinking chicas...it makes the world go 'round.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-84026171921791123202012-07-29T17:51:00.000-05:002012-07-29T17:51:55.641-05:00Miss M.I.A....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hi there!! I know I know, I feel like I've been away far too long as well. Believe it or not, I had a good blogging flow going there for awhile, and it was so therapeautic for me. Just when you think things are looking up, you get HIT.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">With a broken laptop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yikes!! And it looks like I might have to send it off too...which is definitely no bueno. Right now I'm sitting on my cousin's comfy sofa, using her computer to update real quick. I definitely missed everyone though! I feel like I've been missing out on so much not being able to catch up with all your posts! It's just not the same on the ipad I have at home either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anyhow, I have to make it short, but the main thing I wanted to share with everyone was my WW weigh-in from earlier this week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I did it!!! I reached my goal of 100 lbs. lost!!! 102.4 lbs. to be exact. This past week alone, I managed to lose 5.6 lbs. All I have to say is...Zumba does a body goooood!! You would not believe how freakin' excited I have been this week. I celebrated with some friends and family, and took some time for <em>me</em>. Everyone needs a little me time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">With that being said, I'm gonna keep on pushing foward, in hopes to reach my ultimate goal one day. I don't care if it takes me months, or even years...I WILL get there. It seems like things are starting to turn around for the better in some parts of my life. I think it all comes down to the positive attitude I've been trying to have, and having the support of mi familia, y mis amigos/amigas. And I can't forget to mention the never-ending support I receive from Him on daily basis...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hope eveyone has a great Sunday evening, and an even better week!! I will try to update as often as I can while my laptop is under construction, and hopefully that won't take <em>too </em>long. :/ On a brighter note...wish me luck...I have not one...but TWO dates this week. I can't wait to see what the future holds for me now!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-15084762807710053792012-07-20T00:20:00.001-05:002012-07-20T00:20:46.269-05:00WW Weekly Weigh-In...and a peek inside...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My chiiccaasss!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This week has been <em>eventful</em>, to say the least, mainly due to work 'issues' coming up. I've never really disclosed much about my job, but if any of you all are interested, it's a mix between case management/social work. Dealing with people's lives on a daily basis is a <em>huge</em> responsibility. I don't know how I've managed to do it for over 8 years now. It's rewarding on so many levels, and although I <em>will</em> vent about it from time to time, it <em>is</em> where my <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤ belongs right now.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">I am really looking foward to this coming weekend. Guess what? I have absolutely NO plans! Sounds like a negative, but trust me, it's a <em>good</em> thing. I've been wanting to catch up on my DVR for <em>weeks</em> now chicas. <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/general-hospital" target="_blank">General Hospital</a> is calling my name!! lol Maybe I'll catch a movie also. Speaking of which, I DID finally go watch Magic Mike. One word.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">YUMMY.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Review to come. ;)</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Earlier this week I attended my weekly Weight Watchers meeting. You know what I was realizing on my way home that day? I have <em>never</em> missed a meeting since I first started WW back in January! Can we say NSV?!?! How's <em>that</em> for accountability? I love how this program is making me feel! It <em>really</em> is a lifestyle, and <em>sooo</em> easy to stick to if your mind and <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤ are ready. Plus, it is a biiig help if you get the support from friends and familia. My family has been awesome, and have actually been following along as well. Mi madre has lost nearly 40 lbs. herself! That is just a-mazing, and I couldn't be any happier for her.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1.2 lbs. lost this week! Yaaayyy me!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm gettin' there chicas...slowly but surely. I'm doing it for ME. Noone else.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">I have to admit though, having people to lean on is essential<em> </em>in <em>any</em> journey, no matter how big, or how difficult that journey may be. Awhile back, I said I would share a personal story with yall' about why I initially decided to join WW. It's not because I've always secretly yearned to be skinny, or smaller. It's not because I felt ugly or unwanted either. <em>Noone</em> can make you feel disposable or unloved, <em>if</em> you don't allow them to. Period.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">In July of 2011, I was faced with the seriousness of the possibility that I may never be able to have a child of my own. If that wasn't heart-wrenching enough, my doctor also informed me that there was a 5% chance that a few cells he had collected could potentially become cancerous. I would never have found any of this out, because I would <em>never</em> go to the doctor chicas. I finally listened to my own advice, after months of irregular cycles, and months of <em>no cycle at all</em>. Scary, I know. But that's how deep of a hole I had dug myself into, that I was putting my own health at risk, and ignoring all the warning signs. I made an appointment with my OB/GYN, and faced the truth. And yes, my weight unfortunately <em>did</em> play a big role in the start of these problems. When I got those two wake-up calls, my initial reaction was complete sadness. I lost all hope, and if it wasn't for the strength of the people around me, I don't think I'd be where I am now. I did have to have a minor surgery, which was scary as <em>hell </em>for me. I had never been under general anesthesia, much less have to visit the hospital for anything more than a bee sting in the past. (<em>YES</em> I'm allergic...badly.) The surgery went well, and I spent the rest of the year pretty much sulking. That honestly sums it up.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Shortly after the holidays last year, my aunt finally convinced me to join WW with her. I was hesitant at first, mainly because I was afraid of <em>change</em>. A light bulb literally lit up one day, and that was it. I decided I was ready, and I haven't turned back since. I keep telling myself that the loves I <em>do</em> have now, my niece and my nephew, are the lights that keep me going.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Fast foward nearly 7 months, and thankfully, all is well now. No more cancer scares, and the dream to have a child of my own one day is back. I <em>cannot</em> stress this enough though...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">I don't care if it's for a lingering cold, a migraine you've had for days, or a problem similar to what I had. You <em>ARE</em> important to somebody, and there <em>ARE</em> people who love and care for you. Sometimes we just shut them out, and ignore all the red flags waving in front of us. No bueno, either way. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Love yourself <em>first</em> chicas<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">You deserve it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Be blessed...and stay blessed.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">xoxo,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-46635222733722115652012-07-17T16:37:00.000-05:002012-07-17T16:37:33.071-05:00Texas Tuesday (Volume 2)<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Howdy yall'!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>Soooo</em> Texan I know...but that's the kind of mood I'm in, since it <em>is</em> afterall Texas Tuesday! We really do have our own dialect down here, and being in a border-town has an even greater impact on my vocabulary and accent. But that's a post for a different day chicas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Today I'd like to share some pics from a little roadtrip I took to San Antonio this past weekend. It was actually a family trip we had planned earlier this month, to take my niece and nephew to <a href="http://www.seaworld.com/" target="_blank">SeaWorld</a>. There are only three locations in the United States, located in San Diego, Orlando, and San Antonio. This is one of the many reasons that I love love LOVE Texas. As a kid growing up, going to SeaWorld was always a treat for my sister and I. They have it all! Amusement park rides, every sea animal imaginable, yummy snacks, games, an awesome aquarium, and just recently added, a newly built waterpark. I used to love getting on all the rides, feeding the stingrays, watching the seal show, and always at the end of the night, my favorite, the <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-sanantonio/Attractions/Shows/Shamu-Rocks" target="_blank">Shamu Rocks</a> show. This is an amazing performance of killer whales and their trainers put on in the evenings, with great music, special effects, and lighting. The kids...okay okay, who am I kidding...<em>everyone</em> loves it! And if you're lucky enough to get seats in the infamous 'Splash Zone', just make sure you put your phones and cameras away in a safe, <em>waterproof</em>, place. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">There are also <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-sanantonio/Attractions/Exclusive-Park-Experiences/Behind-the-Scenes-Tour" target="_blank">'Behind the Scenes'</a> tours, where you get to interact with a lot of the animals on a one on one basis, such as feeding the dolphins and stingrays, and touching a shark. We didn't take any of those tours this past weekend, as our main reason for visiting was the new <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/seaworld-sanantonio/Aquatica%20San%20Antonio" target="_blank">Aquatica Waterpark</a>. I have taken a few of the tours in the past, and they really <em>are</em> pretty amazing. Definitely memories that you keep with you forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Okay, so here are the goods chicas! Enjoy!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These are a few of the pics I took at the entrance to SeaWorld. I remember snapping pics in front of these killer whales every time I would visit the park when I was a kid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The aquarium at SeaWorld isn't the biggest in Texas, but it's still pretty awesome to visit. Plus, it gives you a chance to get out of the heat, and cool off in the air-conditioning. :) <em>Believe me</em>, we needed that little break after walking a few hours in 100 degree heat!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These pics are from the <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld_sanantonio_com/Attractions/Sesame-Street-Bay-of-Play" target="_blank">Sesame Street Bay of Play</a>. I actually hadn't been to this section of the park before, but seeing as I had my niece and nephew with me, this was definitely on my list. They had a <em>blast</em>, and actually got to interact with most of the Sesame Street characters walking around. This area of SeaWorld is all kid-friendly, and has some pretty nice 'splash' pools and playgrounds for everyone to enjoy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was the entrance to <a href="http://seaworldparks.com/seaworld-sanantonio/Aquatica%20San%20Antonio" target="_blank">Aquatica Waterpark</a>. The sand sculpture was even more WOW in person. Unfortunately I didn't get many pics<em> inside</em> the park, for fear that my trusty iphone would get any kind of water damage. No bueno. But ohmygoodness we had so much fun! I think I spent the majority of my time in the wave pool, relaxing and working on my tan. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It is a definite MUST visit, and I plan on going again in October hopefully.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">One of the other great things I need to mention is that if you have the annual pass for SeaWorld, you get free preferred parking, and <em>awesome</em> discounts on food and merchandise in the park. It realllly came in handy this past weekend. Plus, if you're on a budget like me, SeaWorld offers payment options online for annual passes, where you only pay a small monthly charge of about $10.00 per pass. This beats having to pay full price up front, AND you're able to easily print your ticket online. Love it!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I hope some of yall' get to visit SeaWorld in the near future, and if you do, share some pics with me! I'm sure you'll love it just as much as I do. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This is gonna wrap up my Texas Tuesday for today. And as a reminder, if you don't know what this link-up is all about, visit J over at <a href="http://www.ohheyitsj.com/" target="_blank">'An Unstyled Life'</a>, or Amanda over at <a href="http://www.princessofthepanhandle.com/" target="_blank">'Princess of the Panhandle'</a>. Anything and everything Texas is the motto!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm off to my WW meeting for my Tuesday weigh-in. Wish me luck chicas!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-76117243750671815592012-07-11T14:06:00.000-05:002012-07-11T14:06:22.215-05:00WW Weekly Weigh-In<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hey gorgeous ones! Happy Wednesday...happy hump day...happy who cares because it's almost Friday! And Friday the 13th at that! I am <em>definitely</em> looking foward to this coming weekend. My body has been back at the office all week, but my mind is still in vacation mode, thinking of sleeping in, swimming, road-trips, familia, and good eats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yesterday was my WW weekly weigh-in day, and let's just say I was <em>very </em>surprised with the results. I know I know...the number on the scale definitely does NOT define me. I just can't help but be excited, because it brings me even closer to a huuuggee goal I set for myself earlier this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yeaaahhhh buddy! I lost 3 lbs this week!! As you can see above, that puts me at a total of 95.6 lbs total loss since January. The reason I was so surprised is because I didn't exercise as much as I usually do. Thinking back, I may have only gone to 1 Zumba class, and went walking another night for only about 30 minutes. I normally rack up about 35-45 activity points for the week, which for all my non WW chicas out there, translates to <em>more</em> food points. This past week, I only managed to earn 15 activity points, and best believe I ate up every last point. I guess I need to take my own advice sometimes, and give my body a rest. It's not going to hurt me if I take a week off now and then, nor will I allow it to get me off track. Honestly though, I did feel it, in terms of the amout of energy I had. I felt like I was draggiinngg alll week long. Exercising really <em>does</em> give me that energy boost that I love, and not to mention, puts me in such a great mood. I leave my Zumba class with an 'I can take on the WORLD' attitude. I have been thinking about switching up my routine a bit, because I would love love LOVE to be able to run a marathon one day. Maybe start alternating between Zumba a few days, and walking/jogging 1-2 days, because chicas...I am nowhere near marathon material right now. One day....I <em>will</em> get there. Positive thinking is KEY.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My tracking wasn't all that great either, but it's okay, because I realize that I <em>am</em> going to have days/weeks like that. I am not perfect, and all I can do is continue to put my heart into reaching my goals. On a positive note, I had a few NSV's this week that made me feel </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A-MAZING. NSV's are non-scale victories, or in other words, all those <em>little</em> things that happen on your journey that mean the world to you, for your own personal reasons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Some of my NSV's for the past week included:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1. Being able to fit into clothing 2x smaller than what I was fitting into back in January.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">(You have no idea how excited I was in the dressing room...I think shopping is my new BFF.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2. Getting compliments from friends and family, and <em>finally</em> being able to just smile and say 'thank you'. I can't always do that. Some of my fellow WW members will understand why.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3. Giving myself a break, and letting my body rest for a few days. Yes...even though I kept thinking, 'I should be at Zumba' right about now', I <em>did</em> need the break. And going easy on yourself is <em>not</em> the easiest thing to do. At least for me it isn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Love love LOVE Nicki...and these quotes are perfect for today. It's been raining all week over here, and the clouds are starting to roll in as I'm typing. Better get back to work before I'm <em>forced</em> to leave. Office in a flood zone= no bueno.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Have a good one chicas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-74980775141393903482012-07-10T09:54:00.000-05:002012-07-10T09:54:53.173-05:00Texas Tuesday (Volume 1)<div align="center">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hey chicas! I am so super excited about this post, mainly because it's my first time participating in a blog link-up, specifically titled 'Texas Tuesday'. And yes, you guessed it...it's focused on all things Texas! I <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤ my Lone Star State!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Texas Tuesday will be a post dedicated to anything related to this great state of mine, and <em>anyone</em> is free to link-up! To read more about it, or to link-up as well, you can go over and visit J at <a href="http://www.ohheyitsj.com/" target="_blank">'An Unstyled Life'</a>, or Amanda over at <a href="http://www.princessofthepanhandle.com/" target="_blank">'Princess of the Panhandle'</a>. I absolutely <em>loved</em> their idea, so all you Texans AND non-Texans, feel free to join in!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">For my first Texas Tuesday entry, I'd like to share with ya'll some of my favorite celebrities, singers, rappers, actors/actresses, etc. that hail from the Lone Star State. There are tons more, but again, these are a few of my <em>favorites</em> for reasons listed below:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Photo courtesy of </span><a href="http://www.beyonceonline.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.beyonceonline.com</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Beyonce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Need I say more? She is aboslutely stunning, and I love love <em>LOVE </em>her style. Not only is she an amazing artist, musically, as well as in acting, her sense of fashion is off the charts! I was lucky enough to see her in concert many many years ago, when the original members of Destiny's Child were still together. She hails from Houston, and has established herself as a triple threat in the music scene, as an actress, and most definitely in the fashion industry, serving as a muse, for what's known as the <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.houseofdereon.com/" target="_blank">House of Deréon</a>. Add <em>all</em> that to the fact that she is married to one of hip hop's kings, <a href="http://rocnation.com/jayz/" target="_blank">Jay-Z</a>, and throw in adorable </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blue Ivy Carter.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Singing...<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmMU_iwe6U" target="_blank">'Who Run This Motha'</a>??</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.people.com/">www.people.com</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Matthew Mcconaughey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Happy 4th of July!!! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Again!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ummm...do I really need to keep typing?? Or can we just drool over him together chicas? Omgoodness he is the epitome of hotness! And to think I have YET to go and watch Magic Mike. Shame on me!! The ever so sexy <em>Mr.</em> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Camila Alves was actually born in the tiny <em>tiny </em>town of Uvalde, Texas. This little place is actually only about an hour and a half away from me. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of my favorite Matthew movies of <em>allll</em> time has got to be <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wknywxfcE5M" target="_blank">'Dazed and Confused'</a>. Really...<em>reeaallyy</em>...if you have not seen this classic, go watch it!! You heard me! I am officially giving you permission to close my blog, and call it a Blockbuster night. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope you all enjoyed my very first Texas Tuesday post! Again, if you're from this great state and love it, or even if you're across the country and maybe had an awesome experience here, feel free to link-up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have a great week!! WW weekly weigh-in is tonight!! Wish me luck chicas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></span></div>
</div>♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-43794266055015720122012-07-06T17:12:00.001-05:002012-10-18T13:51:18.276-05:00Wham bam thankya maam'...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">TGiF!! Or....not. For me, it just means that I'm closer to the end of my week-long vacation, and even closer to having to return to the oficina on Monday. No bueno. lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I do hope that everyone had a great 4th though. I relaxed, bbq'ed with the familia, and enjoyed some pretty fireworks after the rain finally cleared up. Yup...it rained on Wednesday night down here. Isn't that supposed to be a good sign? Or am I confusing that with the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">wedding day/rainy day myth? lol Either way, it was VERY welcome, even if it <em>was</em> just a one-nighter. I feel so <em>used</em> chicas!! ;) lol Anyhow, I </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">DO have an awesome recipe to share with ya'll, but first, here are a few pics from my 4th.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My precious nephew eating his home-made popsicle.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0p6fPUw_bZJB-iAIjURiiIZ3aj5L7DOJ01xOO2bm8DuM7iKYnyb0i1RnmqmG3lxuikYlWyxrycIYPHR7f1DRnPBX6pFKVSLNAnMte58HTXL1nBmudCCOc4Pj5kP7pt9rDIqRcV5wQ0Y/s1600/Mando+&+Erica.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0p6fPUw_bZJB-iAIjURiiIZ3aj5L7DOJ01xOO2bm8DuM7iKYnyb0i1RnmqmG3lxuikYlWyxrycIYPHR7f1DRnPBX6pFKVSLNAnMte58HTXL1nBmudCCOc4Pj5kP7pt9rDIqRcV5wQ0Y/s400/Mando+&+Erica.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My niece and my godson having fun in the sprinkler.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwI9mbGhlz4Pbo_Sqj1dGkGPzFU3djWfsJR24nKxdwhMmtnP-Pre_0fxHtW4v1t36DkXocmhmAZLgAWO-QXD7B6iHGFQsPdoRXUSAz72Didob1zqVT-Zedk471i8eR23c6g-B0-qGq1I/s1600/erica+&+rose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwI9mbGhlz4Pbo_Sqj1dGkGPzFU3djWfsJR24nKxdwhMmtnP-Pre_0fxHtW4v1t36DkXocmhmAZLgAWO-QXD7B6iHGFQsPdoRXUSAz72Didob1zqVT-Zedk471i8eR23c6g-B0-qGq1I/s400/erica+&+rose.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My niece (making silly faces), and her cousin having a blast.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VccjonCr1G2lgg6HvZFUa82DntnQyBtCeFoBasLuozQWpaeSTsD6344LR0h8J-4T5noVS6_cnfgar7xwo9xU-8XCtBCSPaIG9WiWwFqlOGDakaragZU4K2qc4uP3WAnc5-aFc42pbLs/s1600/flag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VccjonCr1G2lgg6HvZFUa82DntnQyBtCeFoBasLuozQWpaeSTsD6344LR0h8J-4T5noVS6_cnfgar7xwo9xU-8XCtBCSPaIG9WiWwFqlOGDakaragZU4K2qc4uP3WAnc5-aFc42pbLs/s400/flag.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The clouds started rolling in towards the end of the day, and my</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">grandfather's flag waved high in the stormy sky.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">These were just a few of my favorite pics from the day. How did you all spend the holiday?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yesterday evening we were going to have a bunch of family members over again for dinner. Mind you, this is a pretty common occurrence for me. lol 'Having family over for dinner', usually translates to 10+ people gathering together over good food. Maybe it's a Texas thing...but when I cook, I cook to feed to an army! lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I created this recipe using the WW Recipe Builder on eTools again. Remember, even though it's a recipe I created following the WW guidelines, it doesn't mean that if you're not on the program, you can't try it. I'm all about the flavor, and satisfying, filling meals, for everyone's lifestyle. Note, I did <em>not</em> say diet. WW isn't a <em>diet</em>, but a <em>lifestyle</em>. Love it. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's my take on home-made chinese take-out, 'Rice Noodle Stir-Fry'. Remember, I was feeding 10+ people that night, so this recipe will give you plenty of servings!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9osCcc9kqRQWE65kLsRobPM2cTfbnqX6DoBRVFK8tPbk-NnVZvnPHixBNM3GVZTJd5_2bVZv3w7DINnQx50WM6koUoWm-6eSfZBibXyju_euQb-qzuY7yQUy-MBMPAKcd7fM-Yuz7sNw/s1600/Rice+Noodle+Stir-Fry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9osCcc9kqRQWE65kLsRobPM2cTfbnqX6DoBRVFK8tPbk-NnVZvnPHixBNM3GVZTJd5_2bVZv3w7DINnQx50WM6koUoWm-6eSfZBibXyju_euQb-qzuY7yQUy-MBMPAKcd7fM-Yuz7sNw/s400/Rice+Noodle+Stir-Fry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are some of the ingredients that I used, just so you get an idea of the brand, etc.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4Gqywg0meSdmIXshroeZRJjEUHRPHXjMEYeUsFnO6zRRBPeRGGbKz8xzky9HU_EytR3kyv7a0wlhJ0sxv0h2AcoiWu1S1CMt-xXW2k-wXv-diwJpuua6OPUGUu30tyJKvkpJmI8ATlU/s1600/Rice+Noodle+Stir-Fry+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4Gqywg0meSdmIXshroeZRJjEUHRPHXjMEYeUsFnO6zRRBPeRGGbKz8xzky9HU_EytR3kyv7a0wlhJ0sxv0h2AcoiWu1S1CMt-xXW2k-wXv-diwJpuua6OPUGUu30tyJKvkpJmI8ATlU/s400/Rice+Noodle+Stir-Fry+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>1.</strong> KA.ME Rice Sticks. I bought these at Wal-Mart, and I found them in the 'Asian' section we have here. The package says 4 servings, and believe me it was more than enough. Prepare these per package instructions, and set aside after straining, and rinsing under cool water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>2.</strong> La Choy Water Chestnuts. Drain and set aside. Any brand will work fine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>3.</strong> HEB Central Market Safflower Oil. This is GREAT for stir-frys, <em>and </em>counts as a WW healthy oil.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>4. </strong>Argo Corn Starch. This is used to thicken the sauce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>5. </strong>Some of the produce I used. You can add or omit veggies per your preference, but it may affect the PP value of this meal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>6. </strong>Broccoli florets. I used frozen this time, but prefer fresh. Make sure they are somewhat thawed out before using them for this recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>7. </strong>Wash your peppers, deseed, and cut into long, thin, slices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>8. </strong>Wash your zucchini, and cut into slices similar to peppers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>9. </strong>Add shredded carrots to the bowl. I used the pre-packaged type.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>10. </strong>Take a damp towel and clean off any dirt from your mushrooms. For this recipe I used plain ol' button mushrooms, but you can take your pick. Mushrooms are so filling, and yummy! Once clean, chop into quarters, stem and all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>11. </strong>Wash your green onions, and chop into small pieces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">At this point, you've prepped all your veggies, which is probably the most time consuming part of this recipe, but well worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>12. </strong>Cut your chicken into thin slices, or per your preference. I used boneless, skinless chicken breast, which is a lot healthier than using beef. Season with 1 tsp. of salt, and 1 tsp. of black pepper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>13. </strong>Pre-heat your skillet on high, using 1/2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil. This is just to pre-cook your chicken. I actually used a wok for this recipe, but any large skillet will do. Chicas...this wok has been used sooo many times, but I LOVE it. It actually belongs to mi madre, and there is a <em>great</em> story behind the gifting of it to her...but another time/post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Once your chicken is all cooked (browned slightly), set it aside in a large bowl. Now comes the fun part!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>14. </strong>Add 1 tbsp. of safflower oil to your skillet, and heat on high. Once the oil is hot enough, add 1/3 of your zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir frequently, and season with 1 tsp. of salt, and 1 tsp. of black pepper. Sautee the veggies for about 4-5 minutes, so that they stay crisp, and fresh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>15. </strong>Next add in 1/3 of your thawed broccoli florets, water chestnuts, and green onions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>16. </strong>Take 1/2 tbsp. corn starch in a cup, and add 1/3 cup of water. Mix well. Using your spatula, form a 'pocket' in the center of the veggies, and add your liquid mixture. Then add 2 tbsp. of low sodium soy sauce as well. I used Kikkoman Soy Sauce, Less Sodium for this recipe, which I found at Wal-Mart. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(gotta love Wal-Mart! Or as you'll often see me refer to as 'Wally-World') Cover and let cook for about 1 1/2 - 2 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong>17. </strong>Uncover and add in 1/3 of your cooked chicken, and 1/3 of your rice noodles. You may have to rinse them under cool water again at this point, but make sure to strain them very well. Then add in 2 more tbsp. of soy sauce, toss it all together, and...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yummmyyness...I <em>know</em> chicas. Soooo filling, full of flavors, and colorful! I love when my meals have bright pops of color in them. Makes my plate look even prettier. Repeat the process two more times, as this amount of ingredients will make 3 batches. I don't know about ya'll, but left-over chinese food is the BEST to me. So whether you're feeding a large group, or it's just you and your close <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤'ed ones, you'll be more than prepared.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here's the 4-1-1 on this recipe for all my WW partners out there:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">PointsPlus Value= 5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Serving= 1 cup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yields approximately 16 servings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We had a great time cooking, eating, and laughing that night. This meal is a great way to get everyone in the kitchen helping, especially with all the prep work involved. Plan ahead, pre-chop the night before, or wait and put your familia to work!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hope you all get to try it out! Please let me know if you do, and what you thought chicas. I'm off to a pool party tonight...hopefully it will be the start to a FANTASTIC weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Have a good one chicas!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-30103908366179647132012-07-04T02:20:00.000-05:002012-07-04T02:25:18.099-05:00Happy 4th of July...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hope you all enjoy the holiday today, and get to spend it doing something fun, relaxing, and memorable with la familia and friends. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I had quite the weekend the past few days, starting with a trip to the ER late Friday night, and spending the entire day Saturday in bed. I must have caught a 24 hour bug, because ultimately when I left the ER that night, I was never really given a formal diagnosis for what was going on with me. In short, I was having a very sharp pain come and go for over an hour that night, in my upper stomach/abdomen area. It got bad enough for me to actually have my sister rush me over to the hospital here in town. (YIKES!! FYi...the ONE hospital here in town does NOT have the best reputation..speaking from personal experience with a family member in the past). Anyhow, I was hooked up to an iV, given some pain medication, some medication for my nausea, and sent home after a few hours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I spent the entire day/night Saturday in bed, which really did suck big ones, because I had plenty of familia in from out of town for the weekend. There was a baby shower planned for one of my tia's this past Sunday, and if any of my other mexicanas out there know...we do baby showers BIG lol. By the time the day came around, I was feeling well enough to get out of bed, and actually have a little to eat. The rest of the weekend was spent recuperating, and all in all, it turned out pretty nice visiting with some of my extended family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Apparently, my vacation week decided to start off on a crappy note, but has progressively gotten better. :) It's the 4th of July chicas...celebrate however you want, and for whatever reasons you want, as long as you are having a good time, and your heart is full.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strike>Yesterday</strike>..no wait....yes...yesterday (considering it's already 1:48am), was my WW weekly weigh-in. Considering the yucky bug I caught over the weekend, and the fact that I didn't consume much for a day other than Gatorade, soup, and crackers, I wasn't very shocked by the number on the scale during my Weight Watchers meeting Tuesday afternoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I lost 2.2 lbs. this week chicas, putting my total weight lost at 92.6 lbs.!!! And to make it even more awesome, yesterday marked exactly six months since I started the program on January 3rd earlier this year. I'm so pumped to be sooo close to reaching that 100 lb. goal!!! As I was looking at these pics and reviewing my progress up to now, it actually felt a little unreal to me. I'll get there one day...to the point where I can feel completely proud of myself, and acknowledge it too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now don't get me wrong, I am in NO WAY promoting or insinuating that not eating much for my 'sick' day was a 'plus' towards this notch off the scale. Believe me chicas...and all my 'Believers' out there, I was sweatin' it thinking about how I was not eating enough. Eating your daily PP values is VITAL towards your success on the program!! I hate when I go off track, especially when I'm forced!! lol And I especially hate those days when it's hard just to consume your daily total. I'll admit those days are few and far between, but they do happen sometimes. This chica's gotta eat!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And with that said...stick a firecracker in me...I'm pOpped/pooped...whatever. lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Nighty night mis chicas! Be safe tomorrow, and think of me as you're sippin' on your beer, grubbin' on that burger, and enjoying the color explosion in the night sky. I'll be doing the same!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
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</div>♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-21819843520091984412012-06-28T00:41:00.002-05:002012-09-13T15:03:30.074-05:00And the numbers are in...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hola mis chicas!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I hope ya'll are having a fantastical week so far! I'm in vacation mode these days, and I plan to do nothing but relax, catch up on my DVR, and hit the water as often as I can. This Texas heat is KILLER. Not kidding too...it was 106 degrees for what seemed like alll day today! The disadvantages of living sooo far south in a border-town. :/ My vay-cay doesn't officially start until Friday afternoon, but I'm counting since tomorrow, since I have to be out of the office for jury duty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On another subject, I wanted to share my WW weekly weigh-in with ya'll from yesterday. Drum roll please...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGytdZFb3zNWMo8ypFdvihEbVWC0qRYv99q6lEaHWGxE3ItjD_uvepgn4C27yKzwBjt2aRwBu1uiOTRrkx3TbJwtsQzbBNfTn7bRv8Jas7Vy_M2PJSKlqx6COue803zlWS9R1R2SlL4M/s1600/WW+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGytdZFb3zNWMo8ypFdvihEbVWC0qRYv99q6lEaHWGxE3ItjD_uvepgn4C27yKzwBjt2aRwBu1uiOTRrkx3TbJwtsQzbBNfTn7bRv8Jas7Vy_M2PJSKlqx6COue803zlWS9R1R2SlL4M/s400/WW+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I lost 2.8 pounds this week chicas!!! Yeaahhhh budddyy!!! And guess what else?? This weeks loss put me at 90.4 pounds TOTAL LOSS!!! I couldn't believe it myself when I stepped on that scale Tuesday, but there it was, right in front of me. I am sooo beyond excited chicas, even more so because I am nearing my first BIG goal I set for myself when I first started on the program months ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">During my WW meeting two weeks ago, my awesome leader Nancy set up a mini summer challenge for all of us who wanted to participate. It basically just involved setting a summer goal for ourselves, since this season can be particularly harder for <strike>me</strike> some people. My goal was to reach 100 lbs. lost by August. Amazingly, if I am able to accomplish this, I will have lost 100 lbs. in almost 8 months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm speechless chicas...I really am. It's still hard for me to 'see' the changes in myself. And I hear it nearly every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">No chicas...I am not being a self-absorbed bia gloating about these comments and compliments, but it's the truth. In all honesty, it's hard for me to accept any comment people tell me nowadays in regards to my weight-loss, much less a compliment. They all talk about what a change they see in me, and how they can't believe how much weight I have lost in such a short amount of time. They are even more speechless when I tell them that all I've been doing is Zumba classes several times a week, and Weight Watchers. Then of course come the questions like...'You HAVE to be doing something else...what kinds of diet pills are you taking to help you out?'. Ouch. That makes me even MORE uncomfortable talking about myself, and this tremendous accomplisment. Just to set the record straight...NO I am not taking any type of diet pills, etc. And NO I am not starving myself, or suffering from any kind of eating disorder. I am just sticking to the program, and exercising regularly. I eat gooood chicas!! Believe me!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">They talk about this alll the time during my WW meetings. About how difficult it will still be to accept the positive changes that are happening to your body. And how for a lot of people, they continue to look at themselves at the weight they originally started at. I don't know...but this has been especially difficult for me. I look at old pictures of myself, and can see the changes then, but when I look in the mirror, I don't feel it yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I want to be able to be as excited as I was above when I said I had lost 2.8 lbs. this week, allll the time. I SHOULD be happy when someone compliments me. I deserve it. But it's sooo hard sometimes, and something that I need to work on myself, from within.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Self-love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm getting there, and have come a looonnng way...trust me. I'm finally putting ME first, and I'm starting to love every minute of it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed chicas!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">xoxo,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Nica</span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-59757265944837138952012-06-23T03:15:00.000-05:002012-10-18T13:51:49.975-05:00My meatballs bring all the boys to the yard...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ohmygoodnessssss these are the bomb.com.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">No...seriously chicas...they were sooo yummy when I made them earlier this week, I had to share the recipe with you all. And if any of you are following the WW PointsPlus program, you'll be happy to know that I created this recipe using the eTools 'Recipe Builder' via the Weight Watchers website. Soooo suuupeeerrr easy to use (well at least I think so), and oh so helpful when you want to be on point with your tracking as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">These deeelish meatballs could actually be served many different ways, although the night I made them for dinner, we had them with spaghetti. Here's what you'll need:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4KTER4DfT7iCcVydRL7_ie2jAUcsXwof1AT2OISOk1QmvuvCtyy0gsRZ_zFg0bT56uLBagSDpC31rhNpt2TqKfH-BLIPRFHVHBIuyiFzW6YM3Nn1QJu1YoJKpRNPmffsc5X_PiyzpWI/s1600/Meatballs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4KTER4DfT7iCcVydRL7_ie2jAUcsXwof1AT2OISOk1QmvuvCtyy0gsRZ_zFg0bT56uLBagSDpC31rhNpt2TqKfH-BLIPRFHVHBIuyiFzW6YM3Nn1QJu1YoJKpRNPmffsc5X_PiyzpWI/s400/Meatballs.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Start by pre-heating your oven to 375 degrees. Also, go ahead and line a LARGE baking pan with foil, and spray it lightly with non-stick spray. Preferably not a flat baking sheet, since the meatballs will release quite a bit of liquid during the cooking process.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyhH0HNYDYzcCIBdEhi8p0CErB1c_-41jfJ-NnvBpO-SUIIFOCl_4DVzFaOMqnV14CNs9nDqXRCYpoivOB-umh5Qj_fAHD0kaAmTF3w7K9bzLoARi6LS7yKgGT4q6h37tXNZq91s64Os/s1600/Meatballs+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyhH0HNYDYzcCIBdEhi8p0CErB1c_-41jfJ-NnvBpO-SUIIFOCl_4DVzFaOMqnV14CNs9nDqXRCYpoivOB-umh5Qj_fAHD0kaAmTF3w7K9bzLoARi6LS7yKgGT4q6h37tXNZq91s64Os/s320/Meatballs+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Next, wash your bell peppers, de-seed them, and chop them up into small pieces, along with the onion. Mince your garlic, and add it to the mixture as well. Remember...most veggies are ZERO points in WW. Yummy, filling, and get those healthy checks in chicas!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDro8trfjeuT0Zcwo2Bks5LXebr8w2dnlS3cq2O0GX4xgv7ru36hjdERdsXs-9x9RuwQsKJeTaSi09_I_DSFyLvvqsytzV4K31uF5kidgkE0Ay8qzzFiLe2MLtcm1iaYAP1LH2G-UG2U/s1600/Meatballs+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDro8trfjeuT0Zcwo2Bks5LXebr8w2dnlS3cq2O0GX4xgv7ru36hjdERdsXs-9x9RuwQsKJeTaSi09_I_DSFyLvvqsytzV4K31uF5kidgkE0Ay8qzzFiLe2MLtcm1iaYAP1LH2G-UG2U/s320/Meatballs+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add your ground beef and 2 eggs to a large mixing bowl. For this recipe, and in most of my cooking, I use <a href="http://www.heb.com/home/home.jsp%3bjsessionid=FD692AB4378F3DE8697D4493BD85B377.O5sTrpuKaI8pl2H-pR4b-tTrXeM2" target="_blank">HEB</a> brand ground beef, 96% lean/4% fat. Also, I'm pretty sure you could use just egg whites to save on points, but to me, adding the yolks makes the meatballs moist.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qzRNYoo8xqArY-oMNkXmaKzj7yVQZWPiGBgbUCOaRq_IP0jqB_9GFTBKZeDyb2d7RQlak46az0u9pG_RiTVwdGRGVfhLW7smhtEkeAzlhvbADa1NP9z58vBQL2GUYwutya7hrq-3cW4/s1600/Meatballs+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0qzRNYoo8xqArY-oMNkXmaKzj7yVQZWPiGBgbUCOaRq_IP0jqB_9GFTBKZeDyb2d7RQlak46az0u9pG_RiTVwdGRGVfhLW7smhtEkeAzlhvbADa1NP9z58vBQL2GUYwutya7hrq-3cW4/s320/Meatballs+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add in your dry ingredients next. Here's what I used:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BSK3PWfrvVGz3xnmJudZ5y253hurlh6cnbIvMPRFCG0HIlGjnTFsJ9RN0Yj7j4gEpN06KUwS3dmLzz7D989Ebe1ozR3n6nNG3vY5cOSVcjroiWZigtMBjTlhCL_wpqsMnOUQvfQLkbo/s1600/Meatballs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BSK3PWfrvVGz3xnmJudZ5y253hurlh6cnbIvMPRFCG0HIlGjnTFsJ9RN0Yj7j4gEpN06KUwS3dmLzz7D989Ebe1ozR3n6nNG3vY5cOSVcjroiWZigtMBjTlhCL_wpqsMnOUQvfQLkbo/s320/Meatballs+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">FYi...I'm using <strong>reduced fat</strong> parmesan for this recipe. I'm pretty sure substituting regular parmesan cheese for this recipe WILL alter the PointsPlus value. Also, at this point in the recipe, I only add 1 tbsp. each of the parsley flakes, and the Italian seasoning. Now for the fun part. :) Add the chopped veggies to the mixture, and time to get your hands dirty chicas...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iq-CX8uKLE2C7iySGPh11qJ0MvRzDQcdppS277b7GPln83-Ls5pbaoPm4eWKZouZ2ATrx6d52DDnNjK05VVLwN8wurQk4My3mvpnnwvN6mxOvH4TyG1tOME4IVphGU7rEqfloeynSPQ/s1600/Meatballs+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iq-CX8uKLE2C7iySGPh11qJ0MvRzDQcdppS277b7GPln83-Ls5pbaoPm4eWKZouZ2ATrx6d52DDnNjK05VVLwN8wurQk4My3mvpnnwvN6mxOvH4TyG1tOME4IVphGU7rEqfloeynSPQ/s320/Meatballs+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Roll up those sleeves (I hope you washed your hands already! lol), and get to mixin'. Make sure that all of the ingredients are meshed well together, and then get started...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0pucPlVcybW7-54MGt_fQarfxS8f8vsnkappuRYqgsKdcyl2JA7I1_LLLRri0XaA5CbaBs3gM-AxFOGzIv4SIcB-9xdifawznVNqRCC7w1W0s0Za241EvR_tWwFz_biW7aT9ZPmj3J4/s1600/Meatballs+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0pucPlVcybW7-54MGt_fQarfxS8f8vsnkappuRYqgsKdcyl2JA7I1_LLLRri0XaA5CbaBs3gM-AxFOGzIv4SIcB-9xdifawznVNqRCC7w1W0s0Za241EvR_tWwFz_biW7aT9ZPmj3J4/s320/Meatballs+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Roll each meatball in the palms of your hands until a nice round shape forms. I personally use my digital food scale to weigh out 2 ounce meatballs. With this recipe, you should get about 24 meatballs, or 8 servings (3 meatballs/serving). Once weighed and rolled, place them on your foil-lined pan, and sprinkle with the remaining tbsp.'s of parsley flakes and Italian seasoning. Put them in the oven, and bake for 25 minutes. Your time may vary slightly based on your oven, but don't overcook. When ready, they should be light brown in color. I don't cover mine with foil or anything else during baking, and they come out juussst right every time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">PointsPlus Value= 5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">If anyone has problems follwing the recipe, or questions regarding how I calculated my PointsPlus values, feel free to holla at me. I'd love to hear if you tried the recipe, and how you liked it!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Unfortunately, I forgot to take a pic of the meatballs fresh out of the oven, but here's how I made them for dinner that night in my spaghetti sauce...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yuummynesss chicas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Enjoy!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">❤Nica</span></span></div>
♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-22634354659030730842012-06-20T17:22:00.003-05:002012-09-13T15:00:23.939-05:00Guess what...<div align="center">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm baaaaccckkkk!! Yeeaaahh buddy!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And it feels oohhh sooo good too!! :) The procrastinator in me took over for awhile there, but I was finally able to work on the blog design, and be SATISFIED for once. I updated things a bit, so make sure to take a peek around chicas. If you're brand new to reading my blog, click </span><a href="http://www.traviesa-nicalica.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-first-postwelcome.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> to read my veeerrryyy first post, which will give you a little interesting info. on muah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Anyhow, a few things have </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">changed</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><strong> </strong></span>since my last post, which right about now, feels like an eternity ago. I got a good kick in the boo-tay by my doc late last year, and...well...let's just say it put A LOT of things into perspective for me. I picked myself up off the ground, along with the support of my <span style="color: black;">❤</span>'ing friends and family, and started on a path to a healthier me. January 3rd, 2012 was a life-changing day for me people. I joined </span><a href="http://www.weightwatchers.com/index.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Weight Watchers</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, attended my first meeting, and weighed-in for the first time in years. Yes...YEARS chicas. And let me tell you...WOW. Big shocker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I used to be ashamed to admit that first recorded weight, and it actually took me several months to even reveal it to my closest <span style="color: black;">❤'ed ones. In fact, I couldn't even say the number out loud! But now...well...here I am. This type of post will usually be posted on Tuesdays since that is my 'official' weigh-in day every week, but since my internet was down yesterday :/....here ya go!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yup...you're reading that right! My starting weight nearly six months ago was 372.2 pounds...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">three hundred and seventy two point two pounds...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Fast foward almost six months later, and my official weigh-in yesterday at my weekly meeting was 284.6 pounds. Yup...calculate that correctly...I've lost a total of 87.6 pounds so far!! I actually lost 5.8 pounds this past week alone. Crazy...I know. But I'm telling you chicas...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Weight Watchers has changed my life, and for that...I am grateful. The same day I joined WW, I also started taking a </span><a href="http://www.zumba.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Zumba</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> class that I had read about on FB. Chicas...let me tell you...you'll be shaking those hips like </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Shakira" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Shakira</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> in no time! I love love LOVE it. BUT...let me say this much...it's all about the instructor you have, and how hard you push yourself. My instructor Andrea is AWESOME. I'll be posting soon about my class in more detail. By the way, you can check out a record of all of my previous WW weigh-ins since January <a href="http://www.traviesa-nicalica.blogspot.com/p/weekly-weigh-ins.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">here</span></a>, since this is my first actual weigh-in post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Gotta get started on dinner for now, but talk to you all soon!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Be blessed...and stay blessed!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">❤Nica</span></div>
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♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-77100477844462125582011-10-18T00:11:00.002-05:002012-06-16T23:35:40.827-05:00Time to make some changes...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A good friend of mine sent this to me a few months ago. Unknowingly, she had sent it to me at the <em><strong>exact</strong></em> time that I needed it the most. I read it...and re-read it..and read it again, until it <em>finally</em> sunk into my head. Lately, every time I begin to doubt certain things in my life, I open it up, and read it one more time. I even shared it on FB with friends and family there, so I hope it reaches out to one of you passing through, and helps you in the same way it made me open my eyes...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>An excerpt from T.D. Jakes:</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you, let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone. When people can walk away from you, let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left. The bible said that, 'They came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us; For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us' [1 John 2:19]. People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. Let them go. And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person, it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over, so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead. You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift. I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful. It's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have, He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat, I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You have to learn your worth as an individual. Remember the passions that you had <strong><em>before </em></strong>you lost yourself in another person. In the end, you can only depend on your own hard work, and your ability to forgive, and move foward in your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the last lines <em>always</em> repeats in my mind when I revisit this excerpt..'<em>I know whatever God means for me to have, He'll give it to me'.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your heart never lies to you. You know why? It's God whispering to you. Listen closely, and pay attention.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-size: large;">❤</span></span>Nica</span></div>♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com3Texas, USA31.9685988 -99.90181310000002726.6368288 -106.47061660000003 37.3003688 -93.333009600000025tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1452867304237032803.post-66246369143148719692011-09-28T14:53:00.006-05:002012-06-23T03:17:30.405-05:00My first post...Welcome!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hola everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">First off, I am soo sooo sooooo excited to be starting with this blog, and welcome to anyone reading or visiting! I started blogging over a year ago, and recently opened up 'Traviesa' for a change of pace. Lemme give you some details on lil' ol' me, as I've always felt the more you know about a writer/blogger/etc., what you're reading always becomes a little more real, and engaging. Sooo with that said, here are a few facts you might find interesting:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm from <strong><span style="color: black;">Texas</span></strong>!! [whoop whoop] I looove my <span style="color: black;">Lone</span> Star State, and have lived here pretty much my entire life</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">30 years old [blah-this is my 'OMG I'm getting old age'] lol</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mexicana [latina/hispanic/mexican american-take your pick lol]</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tia to a crazy 2 1/2 year old niece, and precious 9 month old nephew</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Grew up in a smaalll border-town [where I currently still reside]</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Career-Mental Health [and that's about allll you will hear about work...privacy laws/OSHA...geez lol]</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Currently single [:/]</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">LIKES: reading, cooking, art, movies, television, computers, blogging, friends, family, traveling, gaming, gambling, road-trips, sleeping, and procrastination [heyy..at least I'm honest!! lol]</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">DISLIKES: putting gas in my car [blah-pet peeve], the death penalty [don't EVEN get my father started on my opinion on this], being wrong [it's the Aries in me], other people driving my car while I'm in it [I'm a strange person, I know lol], long distance relationships, and people who beat around the bush...indecisiveness is a MAJOR killer for me, only because I am so darn impatient!! [lol-hey...like I said above..at least I'm honest!]</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So there ya have it. This blog is basically a personal diary about my life in general, things I love, things I could do without, and what is going on in my life at the moment. 'Traviesa' the title, can actually translate to a few different meanings. MY basic translation for it means 'trouble-maker'. No negative connotation here, just the simple, indirect ways that <strike>we</strike> I can tornado through my life sometimes, making a mountain out of a molehill basically. And the fact that..well, it IS fun to get into a little trouble sometimes [cmon' ladies...I know ya feel me on this one ;)]. So please, any interpretation you get from the title, I take as is, because the word is used in so many unique ways. [i.e. I call my niece traviesa alll the time, only because she tears through the house sometimes like a mini-tornado getting into all sorts of trouble and making messes lol]</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I read and follow a lot of blogs, different styles and topics. I always find that the more intimate ones that detail a persons real life are so interesting. It gives you a peek into another person's world, and makes you appreciate everything that you have in YOUR life even more. Not to mention, it's just so freakin' interesting to me to see how other people live, whether they be 2,000 miles away, or across the globe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">With that said, welcome again, and let's get this going!! Just so you know, I loooove interacting with anyone who communicates via the blog or email, and hope to make some awesome friends around here!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-size: large;">❤</span></span>Nica</span></span></span></div>♥ Nicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731882696896841808noreply@blogger.com0Texas, USA31.9685988 -99.90181310000002726.6368288 -106.47061660000003 37.3003688 -93.333009600000025