Romance package plus workout

Saturday was husband’s 37th birthday, and we celebrated with a night away from home. My mother agreed to watch our girl.

I did a little research on some B&B’s out of town, but we finally booked the “romance package” at the local Sheraton in Tyson’s Corner. It included a bottle of wine, a platter of cheese and fruit, plus breakfast for two and a late check out.  This being a holiday weekend, we knew traffic too far out of town may be a disaster. My husband only wanted to get just the room (to save money), but I insisted on the romance package.

We arrived shortly before 6:30 p.m. to check-in, and I mentioned my husband’s birthday, and voila our room was upgraded! They asked what kind of wine we wanted, and my husband spoke up and said red. I’m not much of a wine drinker myself.

Up to the room we went, and within a half an hour, we were delivered a beautiful assortment of cheese, crackers, strawberries, and these other little fruit that resembled mini green apples. They sort of tasted like apples too. We had planned to leave the hotel for dinner, but after filling up on cheese, we decided we would share a bite of real dinner downstairs.

The lobby and the restaurant were pretty deserted, and we were the only diners. After Thanksgiving said the waitress, it’s dead. Husband wanted fish & chips, and I wanted a side salad, so we shared both. I mentioned to the waitress about my husband birthday, and after dinner she presented him with a slice of cake with a candle on top! Luckily, he shared with me. It was banana chocolate chip cake with a crème filling that was divine.

After dinner we did a quick tour to view the pool and fitness center. Our plan was to hit both. To our surprise, we also noticed three racquetball courts, but two were being used as storage, and only one was opened. A sign said to ask the front desk for racquets, but we never got around to asking if the one available court, was really open for racquetball or not.

We pre-ordered our breakfast for the following morning and choose the “All-American Breakfast” with a choice of eggs, meat, bread, juice, and beverage. I had scrambled, he had sunny side up. I couldn’t decide between a Danish or muffin, so we checked both boxes and decided to share.

It arrived promptly this morning at the time we specified, the presentation was beautiful, and the food was delicious. We hit the mall and enjoyed a movie, Love in the Time of Cholera, and a small lunch afterwards.

Heading back to the hotel, we decided fitness center first, then the pool. The center had two treadmills, but only one worked. It also had two bikes, but only one worked. They also had weights so I decided to do cardio on the treadmill, while husband did weights. I did about two miles walking with one short run, plus put little time on the one working bike. We finished our workout, showered, changed, and jumped in the pool, and finished off in the hot-tub.

I’m not used to the royal treatment, and it was a great mini-vacation away. The best thing about my birthday present to him was that I got to enjoy everything too.

We may do this again for my birthday in six months.

Step Out walk – it’s no Marine Corps Marathon

This weekend in DC was a big one for walking and running events. Saturday was the Step Out to Fight Diabetes walk, and Sunday we had the Marine Corps Marathon.

Saturday I attended the Step Out walk, in the rain no less. I took the metro to the Archives/Navy Memorial stop and walked a few blocks to 3rd and Pennsylvania. I exceeded my fundraising goal and rose over $650 to help this great cause.

There were two paths a 2 mile walk and a challenging 6 mile walk. I had every intention of walking the 6 mile walk (I had been practicing long walks for the past two weeks), but when I arrived at the set up on, I heard the news that the 6 mile walk had been cancelled due to the rain. I stood in the registration line and collected my long sleeve t-shirt, and missed getting a medal by a few hundred dollars. The medal winners had to raise at least $1,000.

I also grabbed a banana, an Odwalla chocolate chip peanut bar (5 WW points) and a bottle of water from the fuel tent. I wore my rain slicker which had huge pockets and stashed my t-shirt and water.

I hit the 2 mile trail and switched between wearing my hood and using my umbrella. It had been pouring rain around 9 when the walk started, but it started to wear off shortly after. By the time we were done, the rain had stopped completely. We did have to avoid major puddles on the roads and sidewalks, but I was a bit relieved not to have to walk 6 miles in the muck.

I figure I’ll make up the 4 mile difference at the gym this week.

Pumpkin Pies

 

I love fall and especially baking. One of my favorite pies is pumpkin pie, and I just put two in the oven. Of course I have to lighten them up a bit and plan to only keep one for my family, and I’ll share the other one at work.

I used fat free evaporated milk, substituted egg beaters for the eggs and Splenda for the sugar. I also used pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon, ginger and cloves. I had one graham cracker crust and made another crust from scratch. We’ll see when they are done which one tastes best.

I based it on Libby’s recipe for Famous Pumpkin Pie. I shook the evaporated milk good, but it still came out a little clumpy. Any idea why?

I didn’t count the points for this, but I know it’s better than regular pumpkin pie, and tastes just as good.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Splenda	1 can (29 oz.) Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
3 1/2 tsps pumpkin pie spice	2 cans fat-free evaporated milk
1 cup egg beaters	2 unbaked pie shells

Directions:

MIX sugar, pumpkin pie spice in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk.

POUR into pie shell.

BAKE in preheated 425° F oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350° F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream before serving.

Honestly though, I hardly ever wait for 2 hours before I cut into it.

First spin class

At my gym, we have to call and sign up for the spin classes, I suppose because they are very popular and can fill up fast. Last night I called the gym, and put myself down for a spin class, my very first session. If you are new to the class, they ask that you arrive early for set up. How hard could this be, I thought?

So, after getting my hair cut this morning, I take my daughter against her will to the gym. I bribe her with a promise of a trip to the mall afterwards.

I arrive about 5 minutes early to class, and learn how to properly set up my bike.  The instructor helps me and gives me pointers while adjusting the bike. Seat should be about level with my hips height wise, when I sit my knees should not be bent in an angle greater than 2-3 degrees, and my knees should be above my ankles. She also says I may want to raise the handle bars since I’m new. Sure, why not!

She then shows me how to adjust the resistance and gives me a scale for 1 being the easiest, and a 5 about to the point where I need to stand up. We, the three of us students, start at a 3 for a warm up, and then about four other students show up. 

After setting up my bike, I place my pedometer on my shoe to count pedals. When on a bike, your hips don’t move much at all, so it won’t count like it should. Of course, you only get half the amount of steps in this way, but it’s better than nothing! And I’m not cheating, I read this tip somewhere.

We warm up sitting for a few minutes, then the time comes to stand up at a level 5. This is harder than it sounds. I try to stand up while pedaling, but it doesn’t work that well. My legs stop pedaling, and I just stand trying to push the pedals. Eventually I get going, but it’s not pretty. Luckily the room we are in is dark and only lit with black lights, and my bike just happens to not be in front of a mirror.

Then I learn I’m not standing right, I guess there are different levels of standing, and my butt needs to be almost touching the seat. It was much easier when I was just standing up. My thighs are burning less than 10 minutes into class, and my calves and feet follow soon after. I keep looking at the clock wondering when it will be over, but I know it’s an hour long class. I ran out of water about 30 minutes into class.

The instructor goes through several calls for us to do things, but I only understand a little bit of the terminology like climbing a hill and recovery. Oh well, I manage to do ok and follow along. Then we form “teams” and are racing with groups of us pulling the team along by standing. I’m drenched in sweat and dripping over the bars. This was a bit difficult, but I tried to keep up with my team and stood as much as I possible could. 

Neighbor asks if I’m having fun. Honestly I answer, “No.”

I’m looking at the clock and we only have 15 minutes left, yes! But not so fast, then we get to do these fabulous resistance drills that will build up our endurance. We push up the dial, stop pedaling and stand up, then have to start pedaling really fast then we can sit down, but have to keep pedaling fast.

The end of class didn’t come fast enough, but its finally over, and we cool down pedaling, stretch our upper bodies on the bikes, then get off the bikes to stretch our legs. I didn’t think I would be able to walk, but I survived.  My pedometer counted 4,300 “steps”. We’ll see how I feel tomorrow, and if I get delayed onset muscle soreness again.

My instructor was cool, not like this one at all, and at the end she said I did a good job for my first time.  I’m glad I stayed for the full hour.

Wendy’s fire right beside my gym

My beloved Wendy’s in Alexandria had a fire early on Thursday morning. I was driving to work and noticed all these flashing lights and fire trucks and saw a plume of smoke coming from the parking lot of the shopping center. The shopping center also happens to be home to my gym.

As I got closer to the traffic light, I then realized that it was Wendy’s that was smoking and firefighters were busy hosing it down. Police had arrived too at an earlier point, and Van Dorn Street was blocked in the opposite direction.

I called my husband’s cell phone and left him a very detailed message. The reason I love that Wendy’s is because, on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, after working all day, then exercising at my gym, I hit the Wendy’s for a combo with a side salad and diet Coke before heading to class. I’ll eat my sandwich in the car, and save my salad for class. Now I won’t have that luxury and convenience anymore.

My exercise classes run from 4:30 to 5:30, and by the time I get out, traffic is a nightmare on both Van Dorn Street and Duke Street, where I head towards Old Town to attend class. In a crunch for time and exhausted from my workout, I need food, and Wendy’s was right there.

I have a great affinity for Wendy’s, as it was my first “real” job besides babysitting in high school. I’m fond of McDonald’s, but Wendy’s is my favorite fast food burger joint. As a picky eater, I like ordering sandwiches my way, not with the default toppings. McDonald’s will make custom orders, but they were not always that way. When I was a child, I only liked ketchup on my burgers, and McD’s had ketchup, mustard (YUCK), pickles (YUCK) and onions (yuck back then, but not so much anymore) on their kids burgers.

So now I’ll have to find alternative dining arrangements after my workout. I didn’t go to Wendy’s every night before class, I did sometimes bring a frozen meal, but I’ll miss the convenience and snack in my car while sitting in traffic.

I took time this morning to stop and take a photo, for old time’s sake. The place smelled pretty nice, sort of like the scent of cooked bacon. Wonderful scent in the air, but a terrible visual. Made me crave a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger (only 7.5 points without mayo). Not sure how the fire started, but most of the roof was gone, so it could have been electrical.

The Alexandria Fire Department estimated damage to be about $750,000, so I wonder when they’ll have it rebuilt? Probably not in time before I finish grad school. 

Hard Times Café makes a mean salad

While Hard Times Café is famous for their chili, they make a mean salad that you should try if you are ever in the VA, MD or DC metro area. I’ve had their Monterey Chicken Salad in the past with fried chicken tenders, but decided to try something different this time with the Santa Fe Chicken Salad with grilled chicken instead. I had it a few weeks ago and asked for the dressing on the side but the homemade Mexi-Ranch dressing was divine.

I had to go back for one again last night. In addition to grilled chicken, the salad has sweet corn, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese and tortilla strips. It’s also supposed to have red peppers on it, but both times I’ve had it they were not included. This time I brought my camera to take a picture.

My husband had their vegetarian chili which was pretty good I must admit. I like the Cincinnati chili better, but the nutritional info for the veggie chili  is much better. My daughter had the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese from the kids menu. All the kids’ meals come with a choice of French fries, fruit cup or applesauce as a side, so we usually get the applesauce or fruit cup for her which is healthier than fries. I must admit though, that their homemade Roadhouse fries are delicious too.

Grandparent’s 60th Anniversary at Windows on the Bay

We celebrated my grandparent’s 60th anniversary at Windows on the Bay in Pasadena Maryland yesterday. My mom is one of four children who planned the celebration. We started out with a few appetizers of shrimp, chicken strips and fried mozzarella cheese.

They had a pre-planned menu where we had a choice of three selections, chicken, steak or crab cakes. I love Maryland crab cakes, so that was my choice. There was also a choice of crab soup or salad, and I picked the salad. Bread baskets were scattered around, but I only had one piece of bread.

Everything was delicious. I choose water to drink (instead of alcohol) and had several glasses throughout the meal. I also limited myself to a few bites of the appetizers, and I love fried mozzarella cheese, so that was hard to do. The other difficult thing, was not eating off my daughter’s plate. She had chicken strips and French fries, and the fries were hot and tasty.

After lunch came cake and champagne toasting time. We were each delivered one slice of cake, but after trying a piece, my daughter didn’t like it, so of course I had to finish it for her! I love great wedding cakes, and this one was wonderful.

Windows on the Bay is located in Pasadena MD, about half way between Annapolis and Baltimore. Along with our party, they also had a wedding party. I have so many nice things to say about the restaurant. The service and food was excellent, the staff was attentive and didn’t let anyone’s drink stay empty for long.  We had almost 30 people in our party, and everything was delivered fresh, hot and delicious. I even enjoyed the vegetables, which says a lot because I am normally not a fan of cauliflower.

I did get my boot camp workout done in the morning, and a little running around taking photos, so it worked out that I only went over my points allowance slightly. It was worth it.

Lunch on Tuesday at Tonic at Quigley’s Pharmacy

A group of five of us headed to Tonic at Quigley’s Pharmacy. K and K had discovered it on Monday and raved about their tatter tots. It is a newly opened restaurant and they are still in the process of getting their liquor license.

We arrived a little after noon, and had to wait for a short while for a table. Most tables seat four, and there are only a few that seat more. We had a booth, and the hostess added a chair for us on the end.

I decided on a Taco Salad with grilled chicken on it. It was very tasty, although the portion of lettuce was more the size of a side salad, and not an entrée salad. They were generous with the cheese, chicken and tomatoes, yet stingy with the lettuce. The dressing was something like cilantro lime vinaigrette and had a little kick to it. I asked for it and the sour cream on the side. Yummy, but I knew I’d be hungry later.

B also shared one of her tatter tots with me. They were fried, and oh so good. I sometimes do tots at my house, but we always bake them. Enjoy the photos of the tatter tots with the sandwich on the side.

I did not count points on Monday or Tuesday. It’s sometimes just to hard to do, so I tried to eat sensibly and just enjoy my lunches out.

I only had two little bites of the fried tortilla bowl. One of those could be my entire daily allowance of points.

Bagels, Pastries, Croissants, Cookies and Muffins OH MY

Tuesday morning, again a platter of pastries.

Afternoon breaks had a better choice of either cookies or fruit. I was good and choose the fruit. I asked if the cookies were good, but I think the consensus was they weren’t worth the points.