Fit Friday - Everything in Moderation. Even Moderation.

Hello friends!

I am waaaay too ADD about my upcoming trip (Hawaii on Sunday, YAY!!) to actually write something of my own, but I did come across an article that I absolutely fell in love with. Please read it and let's discuss it in the comments. Yes, we are all in a quest to be healthy; and yes we are trying to be skinny bitches too. However, we don't need to feel like fat pigs just for eating a piece of bread with dinner. So read it. I promise you will love it.

Here's a teaser:
 " .. a woman who went out to “a public dinner” and broke into the kitchen and just tossed all the desserts in her purse and ran, just ran, gobbling a glorious purse-load of tiramisu as she went, floating along on a cloud of sugar and the distant but frenzied cheers of her comrades. Oh, I’m sorry. I was confused. She went out to a public dinner and had “three glasses of wine and, oh yes, the entire bread basket.”'

Eating bread does not mean you have an eating disorder

Rewind Wednesday - HANDS!!

A few years ago Brady and I went to the movies in full pig-out mode. We bough popcorn, a few types of candy, and a huge bottle of water. We were almost to the ticket counter before we realized the tickets were in his pocket. As we were juggling our goodies Brady looked at the ticket guy and said "Sorry, we don't have enough....." and trailed off. I blurted out - in an abnormally loud voice - "HANDS!" a microsecond before I realized the guy only had one arm.

I felt like such a jerk, flaunting my appendages like that.

Unexpected

Pokes

• David Lee Wood · Poke Back

  
  

I saw this yesterday when I opened my Facebook. Yes, that is the allusive best friend. This is the first communication since some really angry texts in September where it was re-decided that we couldn't be friends (again). Needless to say, I was surprised. Last I knew, I was still blocked as a friend. Now I'm conflicted. There was a lot of drama in the last few years of our friendship, and all of our actions were justified. I'm not really sure if I want to go down that road again.

How would you feel if your significant other was extremely close to someone of the opposite sex? And how would you react?

How would you feel if your significant other, turned fiancée, turned spouse was extremely uncomfortable with your friendship with someone of the opposite sex? How would you react?

How would you feel if your best friend of years and years suddenly started dating someone who flat out didn't like you (even though they hadn't met you) and asked that they no longer be friends with you? How would you react? I very much had a "who is this bitch? I was here first" attitude. I probably could have handled it better.

I had an idea that Dave and I would be friends until we were toothless and eating pudding in an old folks home. Our kids and grandkids would be best friends, and even our dogs would get along. What I didn't take into consideration is that someone might feel threatened by our closeness and that it could cause very serious arguments between them; to the point where my name is now a forbidden word. It's frustrating because the jealousy is unwarranted.  We've never had a physical encounter or done anything inappropriate, there's no attraction between us, and we feel and act like brother and sister.

Dave is my best friend. I want his marriage to be successful and happy. I know I'm still his best friend. I know he misses me everyday too. I really want him to be a part of my life but I also don't want to be the target of someone else's insecurities.

I don't know if I should even respond to this, or just let it remain a part of my past and move on. Can you reach a limit with a best friend?

Day 1 - Something you hate about yourself.

Do I have to pick just one? Ugh. That sounded awful. What I mean is that there are quite a few things about myself that I would like to improve: better communication, less impatience, giving back more... You get the idea. But one thing I truly hate is how unimpressed I am by myself. Blah. This is hard, I hate showing weakness!

I am super insecure about my looks. There, I said it. I wish I had something more deep and profound to say, but I don't. As I said before, I do love the shape of my body (although not always the weight), but everything else I'm really disappointed by. I see the same face in the mirror everyday, and frankly I'm over it. So plain. After I get ready in the morning I avoid looking in the mirror for the rest of the day, because I get frustrated by what I see. This is probably why I changed my hair so often and I am always making faces in my pictures.

Oh, it's you again.

I also use commas way too often. I dislike that, too.

PS. Not fishing for compliments, just making a confession.

30 Days of Truth

A friend of mine at Just Another Manic... Tuesday? has started the 30 Days of Truth. I've decided to give it a whirl myself. Instead of posting one of the topics everyday, I'm going to stretch it out and only use one or two a week.

Here are all the topics:

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Fit Friday – Calories are the Devil

Well, I’ve been trying to get in shape.. again, still, whatever. Over the past few years my focus has been more on what is healthy and less about what my jean size is. Unfortunately, I’m a bit ADD at actually applying what I learn, hence why it’s a continual learning curve. Since I research healthy living quite a bit, I thought I’d start sharing some of my knowledge with you!

I’m headed to Hawaii at the end of the month and it has inspired me to try something I’ve never done before: calorie tracking.  Let’s face it, we live in sturdy homes where we can control our own heat – we don’t NEED to eat as many calories as we do (although they are delicious). I wasn’t planning on actually changing my eating habits, but just trying to see how many calories I was really consuming per day. Let me tell you, it’s depressing.

Ok, day one I had a bowl of cereal with blueberries and banana slices for bfast, repeat for lunch (I forgot to pack one), a plate of grapes and 10 freaking saltine crackers. I’m already up over 1,000 calories and it’s only 3:00. How is this possible?! That’s more that half of what my body burns in a day. I would have guessed I was at about 600. Seriously. And this is me eating healthy because it’s a weekday; unlike on the weekends when I stuff myself with wild abandon on greasy, cheesy, delicious food and then top it off with a beer or six. Crap, crap, crap.

Speaking of beer, I looked up alternatives to the high cal stuff I really like. Bud Light is only 110 calories per beer, which is pretty do-able. In fact I feel really smug about this choice until I read on and it says something like “while 110 calories per beer isn’t bad, your body will certainly notice the 500-600 extra calories in your day”. Hmm, I guess I never thought about it that way. That’s just a normal Sunday watching football. On the upside my second favorite drink (Sweet Tea Vodka and water – try it) is only 64, and takes only 1-2 drinks to get the same effect as 5-6 beers.

So far I’m a week into calorie tracking and my eyes have definitely been open to the sneaky world of food. I’m still eating mostly what I want, but trying to make smarter choices. If I eat something fatty for lunch, maybe have something better for dinner. And beer is out until I get back from Hawaii.

Sorry, I meant this to be an encouraging and informative tip on being healthy and instead it reads like a suicide note for fun. I guess I’m still in shock. Anyway, Friday fit tip: try calorie tracking without necessarily trying to reduce your calories. It will get your thinking about what you’re eating and how you’re fueling your body.

If you're interested in seeing how much your body burns per day, and how many calories you are eating try www.fitday.com  They have a free service you can use.

Rewind Wednesday – 18th Birthday

My best friend and I were born a day apart, so every year we would celebrate two days of joint birthdays instead of one day of individual birthdays. For our 18^th birthday we decided to be super classy and go to Hooters for dinner. Halfway through our chicken wings the waitresses drug us up to the front of the restaurant where they made us climb on stools and dance while the restaurant sang us happy birthday. In case you’re wondering, the birthday song is not an easy rhythm to dance to..

Unfortunately, I no longer have pictures from that day. Instead here are the most popular songs for August 11, 2001 and August 12, 2001:

Destiny's Child – Bootylicious

Destiny's Child - Bootylicious (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: Destiny's Child

Alicia Keys - Fallin'

Alicia Keys - Fallin' - Click here for the most popular videos

Ugh, was that really almost 10 years ago?!

You're Dying to Know

I thought about having you guys ask me questions, and then I would answer them for you but… that never happened. So, instead I’ve decided to ask myself questions and answer them, saving you the trouble. You’re welcome.

Carly, what is something you got in trouble for when you were younger?

When I was 5 I ran away from home. For no reason, just seemed like fun. Oh, and there’s that time I got shot at and was grounded all summer.

Carly, what’s your favorite food?

Nachos. With beer. I’m a fat kid at heart.

Carly, who’s your best friend?

Dave. We aren’t friends anymore and that’s sad, but I refuse to replace him. Also, I never include family or significant others in that question because it’s weird.

Carly, how did you know Brady was the one? (Yeah, I said it)

Because he’s the bee’s knees. The cheese to my macaroni. The Hobbs to my Calvin. And he’s the nicest guy I’ve ever met in my whole life.

Carly, why are you addressing these questions to yourself? It’s your blog and I highly doubt they’re being directed at other people.

I don’t know. I just noticed that I was doing that and that it’s weird.

Carly, how is it that you can stay up until 6 am without noticing? (Brady has asked me this repeatedly, that’s why I put my name there)

I honestly have no idea. I can’t keep track of time.

What kind of puppies do you hate?

Who hates puppies?! What the hell kind of question is that?

 …

Pugs.

What makes a Carly?

Take some El Salvador and Palestine for height, awesome curves, and out of control hair; mix in some Poland and Sweden for coloring and high potential for sunburns; add a dash of Cherokee, because… why not?

Awesome curves, eh? Conceited much?

Heck yes! I love my body, most days. So sue me. But don’t really because I have zero assets.

This post is a little more random than usual, why is that?

This is the real me. I usually try to rein it in for you guys.

What scares you?

Zombie clowns. Holy mother of terror. And losing my parents because of their crappy lifestyle choices.

If you have your own questions, or questions about my questions, feel free to ask. I promise to answer.

El Salvador Day 5 - The End

My family insisted that I had to go to the beach at least once while I was there and who was I to argue with them? So for my last full day we packed up and headed to an extended family members beach property. Their property had several mini houses on it, one had a kitchen and bathroom, one had two bedrooms and a bathroom, and another had even more bedrooms. It also had plenty of covered outdoor space with hammocks everywhere. In short, my dream living. It was not beach front, but still less than a minute walk to the water. I stayed out in the sun for about 40 minutes without sunscreen and burned. Whoops. 

Afterwards we headed out for lunch and beers at a place on the water where I got a steak and lobster for $12 and mariachis serenaded us. Both were really good.

Remember: The men with guns are your friends

 My uncle’s cousin was at lunch, and he is a Captain in the Navy. After we ate he offered to take us on a private tour on the Navy ship, something most civilians would never experience. They even let us take my cousins’ dog on the boat so she wouldn’t have to stay inside the car.

My Aunt driving

Me and my Cousin

It was amazing, a perfect sunny day to be on the water. Once we got a decent distance from land they offered to let us go swimming. Neither my cousin nor I had our suits with us, so we just jumped in the water in our clothes.

After our swim we went to another outdoor restaurant for beers and snacks. One thing I love about El Salvador, they give you mini appetizers with every beer you order, every time. This restaurant was also right next to the ocean, and I was really surprised by the houses that were on waterfront property. My cousin explained that because of natural disasters most people with money chose to have their homes further inland. My US mind couldn’t help but wonder what kind of houses they would look like if it was, say, California.

Beach front property anyone?

After a long day of sun and beer we headed back to my grandparents house for one last dinner together. I packed up my things and the next morning woke up by 7 am. After an hour and a half drive I boarded the plane to fly back to the snow storm Seattle was having. But not before I promised my Grandma to visit every year.

Until next time.

El Salvador Day 4

This was the day I officially became a citizen of El Salvador. My dad and I went to get our DUI’s (Documento Unico de Identidad). It was worse than the DOL, no offense to my friend who works at the DOL. They had problems because my passport has only three names (Carly Frances Saade), but in Latin America they are required to use my mom’s maiden name as well. I’m not going to go into all the gory details, but I was fingerprinted four times, had two people sign for me, and over four hours later I was Carly Frances Saade Sanchez. Has quite a ring, don’t you think? It’s my new alter ego.

While waiting in line to get into the DUI building, I snapped a few pictures of the city. A first I was hesitant because I didn’t want to look “too much like a tourist”, before realizing it was already pretty obvious.

Fifteen Hour Fitness. For most of your fitness needs

Part of the town

Lady with a basket of goods on her head

After getting our spiffy ID’s we headed back to the house to nap, visit, drink wine, and eat. That's all we did until about 2:00 am. Rough life.

Me, my Dad, Grandpa, Grandma

My Aunt trying to dance, my Uncle restraining her

Oh, one quick thing. While at the DUI office I had this little conversation with a lady that works there: Her: “Habla espanol?” (Do you speak Spanish)

Me: “No”

Her: “Si, pero entienda espanol.” (Yes, but you understand Spanish)

Me: “No.”

Her: “…… No?!”

Me: “Haha… Si, un poco” (A little)

El Salvador Day 3

My third day in El Salvador was my Grandma’s 76^th birthday. 

Me and my grandma

My family and I woke up bright and early and had a typical breakfast of beans, pastries and coffee before setting out for my grandparent’s second house just outside of the main city. 

Yard in house #2

They built this house some years before, and it is perfectly round. The rooms are oddly shaped, but somehow it still works. I tried to capture the feel of it, but I think you have to see it for yourself.

Round House

Can you tell it's round? 

Awkward corners.

Now there was a little bit that was lost in translation here. I was told to be sure to bring my bathing suit so I could lay by the pool before celebrating the birthday, not realizing that the birthday was going be within 30 minutes of arriving and there were going to be a LOT of people there. So I didn’t bring a change of clothes. Or brush my hair. Or put on any make up. Oops. 

I just kept my sunglasses on.

Oh well… One thing was for sure, my family knows how to throw a good party; they hired cooks to make us dinner and a bartender for all your drinking needs. It's nice to not have to worry about anything.

Paella

The day was pretty relaxing. Lots of food, drinks, cake, and good conversation… with my grandma and I dancing around per usual.  She had more people attend and received more presents than anyone else I know. She only kept the whiskey though. All in all a great party, the only thing missing was my grandpa.

Dancing Queen

Afterwards we went back to the main house (headquarters) for more wine and relaxation. Aren’t vacations grand?