Wanting a change

Oct 18, 2011

I have posted about this before but felt the need to revisit it again as the feeling has gotten more pronounced and more frequent.  I moved to Florida in 2007 very abruptly.  I literally woke up one day and said "Ive had enough", I packed the car, left a house FULL of furniture and drove to Florida.  I had big dreams of living in Miami on the beach (I watched CSI Miami all day every day).  But then the reality of it set in that with no job and no money saved up there was no way that I could move to Miami.  So I became friends with a girl in Central Florida and we decided to help each other out....I have been here ever since.  I like it here but it is a big college town.  There are no family like activities.  No big kid attractions unless you want to pay an arm and leg to go to Orlando or Tampa....and I still haven't made it to Miami .  I enjoy my job on the good days, but I feel stuck here as well.  No upward movement.  I started out a receptionist and worked my way up to case manager....there is really no where else to go.  I am starting back to college (online) in a few weeks, so that will keep me busy.  I am bound and determined to get my BA degree and hopefully after that work on my Masters.  I refuse to allow myself to stay in a position because I chose not to further my education.  My associates degree is great....but I need to do more.  
I decided yesterday that I would honestly be willing to relocate anywhere in the US if I found the right job!  So I started applying.  It is hard to find a job in other cities because most employers want to meet you in person.  But I had a reply back from a position in New Orleans and one in Richmond, VA.  I do not know anyone in New Orleans....but I think the city is full of character.  In Richmond I do have a friend that is a sheriff's deputy that could show me around and help me get aquainted with the area.  But I still feel that I want to test the waters, see what else is out there.  But then I think about my son....he is making friends here, he has friends at his school and loves his daycare.  I hate up uproot him but at the same time if I was able to provide a better life for him somewhere else I think it would be worth it.  The overall mentality of a lot of people here is that they are owed something from everyone.  There are a lot of people here that don't want to work and think that they don't have to work.  Jobs here don't really pay a lot of money for what you have to do and put up with.  And then there is the "guy" situation.  I kind of feel like no matter what I do as long as I am in this city....he will be a thorn in my side.....ALWAYS.  And for that reason alone I would love a new start!

Now to the weight loss stuff   I started my vegetarian low gluten way of life on this past Sunday.  And I honestly have really enjoyed it so far.  It is something new and exciting.  I also love learning about all the new style of foods that I can make and things I can try.  I have a new receipe that I am going to try this weekend:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds and pulp, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick shell. Place zucchini in baking dish.

Steps

1. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the bread crumbs down center of zucchini halves. Combine all three cheeses with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Divide mixture evenly into zucchini; sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons bread crumbs.
2. Bake 20–25 minutes or until zucchini are tender when pierced with a fork and top is golden. Serve.

 Total Time: 35 minutes  Servings: 4

CALORIES (per 1/4 recipe) 210kcal; FAT 13g; CHOL 35mg; SODIUM 620mg; CARB 9g; FIBER 1g; PROTEIN 16g; VIT A 30%; VIT C 20%; CALC 45%; IRON 6%

I found this on Publix.com from their Apron collection. I am going to tweak the ingredients a little bit and leave out the bread crumbs, I know it is a thickening agent but I am hoping it will all stick together without it.  I will probably add some cheddar cheese as well.  I will post about it come Monday. 
I have been keeping my calories down but still no movement on the scale.  So I need to step it up somehow and the only thing I can think of is with exercise LOL....who would have thought.  So I am going to do everything in my power to find the energy to take a walk after work today.  I have the food and eating thing down now I just need to add exercise.  I am driving back to Indiana on November 23....I would really like to be at goal by then....I have over a month and 7 pounds to go?  Is it possible?  I believe so, if I really push myself and stay focused.  
On a vegetarian note....did you know that there are tofu lunch meats, sausages, burgers, all kinds of stuff.  I had no idea.  Also they have gluten free chips, salsas, tortillas, soups, breads, etc.  It is amazing.

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