Auntie "Issy"

As I mentioned Friday, I was going to Massachusetts for Easter weekend to see my family, especially my little nephew Scott! I had a blast. I hadn't seen my nephew since Christmas...wow, does time fly and do they change so much in such a short time period! 

Saturday was spent with Scott adjusting to who I was. Not going to lie, it made me sad at first. Especially because I know what a great relationship Scott has with my other sisters that live down there and see him much more. It's hard being 3.5 hrs away, especially while they are this little and they still haven't figured out who you are. However, by the end of the day, Auntie "Issy" was created. Once that was a hit, things were good -- I got hugs and kisses and we played together.

Sunday we tried out the toys that Santa...I mean the Easter Bunny left for him (ie: the grandparents), decorated some cupcakes, and just vegged out. We even had a #selfie session! I was sad to leave, especially since it could be another 4 months before I see him again (it won't be, I won't let that happen), but I don't see him as much as I wish I could. I'll just have to start sending him mail every week with a picture of Auntie "Issy" so he remembers me -- I'm sure my brother would LOVE that. LOL. 

All in all, Easter was great. I got to see my nephew, my siblings, my parents, and last but not least my brother from another mother Pat Chung (yes, that one). I also ate...and ate, and ate until my pants didn't fit. Which really means, it was an AWESOME weekend! 

~Melissa

Current: Happy :)

Goal: 150-155lbs

No One Died!

So, I stepped out of my comfort zone of spaghetti, chicken stir-fry, shepherds pie, and mac-n-cheese (box mind you) last night..and made this amazing Baked Chicken and Rice with Black Beans dish. Now, I'll admit - it isn't the healthiest meal ever - but you could always tweek it to be a little "better" for you (or maybe not). Either way...it was SO GOOD! The next time I make it I want to try to spice it up a little: use spanish rice instead of yellow rice, add some jalapenos...yum! 

Now for some this may not seem like a big deal - wow Melissa cooked dinner - but that means you don't know me! I'm not exactly Betty Crocker, or Susie Homemaker...seriously I can burn water. So, this post is me bragging and you have to deal with that. I'm also sharing the recipe because it was so good -- I mean even the boyfriend ate it, and not just because he had too -- he went back and was eating out of the pan, so I know that means he liked it (hehe). 

• 
  
• Ingredients: 
• 1 (10-oz.) package yellow rice mix
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped carrot
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained
• 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
• 2 cups (8 oz.) grated Monterey Jack cheese

1. Preparation: 
2. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare rice according to package directions.
3. 2. Meanwhile, sauté onion, bell pepper, and carrot in hot oil in a medium skillet over medium heat 10 minutes or until tender.
4. 3. Combine hot cooked rice, onion mixture, chicken, beans, diced tomatoes and chiles, and 1 1/2 cups cheese in a large bowl. Spoon into a lightly greased 3-qt. or 13- x 9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
5. 4. Bake, covered, at 350° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Voila -- there you have it. Now, it might not "look" beautiful -- but it tasted amazing. It easily feeds 6 people (unless you are feeding lumber jacks, then you may need to cook more). 

Now to top off this night the boyfriend washed dishes. No no... this is bigger than me cooking something new. His own daughter and roommate had to double take what was going on when they saw the facebook photos. He's kind of amazing...almost as amazing as my chicken, black bean, and rice! 

I'm off to Massachusetts this weekend to see my family for Easter and love on my adorable little nephew. I'll be back Monday with a re-cap of the weekend I'm sure. I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend...and it's Easter -- eat lots of chocolate, peeps, and jelly beans -- the gym will be there Monday morning for you! 

~Melissa

Current: Who Knows!

Goal: 150-155lbs 

9 Things I Suck At

Today I was thinking about things I suck at. Random right? No, it was brought on by something, but none the less, I started compiling a list:

1. Staying on top of this blog - I have clearly failed miserably at this. I told myself 2014 was the year of DO -- and while I have been doing many other things that are productive and great, following up with my blog daily (or even weekly) is not one of them. I really need to spend time each week for "ME" and when I have this me time write at least one or two blogs for the week. I'm sorry to my blog fans that I have let you down. I'm sorry I let myself down too. Kinda sucks giving yourself and goal and failing... which brings me to number 2. 
2. Staying on a "lifestyle" change - I had a 40 Day Challenge to lose 12lbs (yea, failed beyond fail on this one). I was doing well, having my shakes, eating right...then, life happened. I just stopped. Not going to beat myself up, because it's not like I've just been sitting on my butt doing nothing. I'm non-stop with life and working...but still need to get back to doing!
3. Going to the gym - My motto of do not try, is not happening right now. But it's April -- which means I still have 8 months to get back to DOING! Starting last night... Jillian Michaels kicked my BUTT in some lower kickboxing and ab workouts. PHEW -- forgot what a good workout felt like! 
4. Driving (I don't think so, but others do) - I may have road rage. I may not. Depends on who you are in the car with me. I may dance, sing, put makeup on, talk on my phone...things you shouldn't do when you are driving. But let's just note (knock on wood) I have never been in an accident or gotten a ticket... so if you don't like my driving stay outta my car or outta my way! 
   
5. Trusting people - I try. I try so hard. This is a blog all its own really. But short version. I have been lied to, cheated on, pushed aside, etc...and the people in my life that I have trusted the most or should be able to trust the most have always seemed to fail me. So, yes, trusting is a challenge for me and I suck at it. I'm a work in progress...
6. Saying "No" - I'm sorry, what? What is this word you speak of? Never heard of it. In all reality though, for a woman as independent and stubborn as I am, when it comes to family, friends, and work - saying NO just isn't in my vocabulary. Sometimes that's ok, but usually, I'm just being overly nice and walked all over. Eh, who needs a backbone?
7. Finances - I'm getting better. But I LOVE shopping. I have a problem with this "saving" thing. I really need to be that girl that puts a budget together (excel sheet and all) -- and follows it, but no promises on this one. 
8. Scheduling my time - Working three jobs (ok kinda like 5 right now) it's hard to put your life together. I recently bought a scheduler / planner / calendar thing -- it's helping a little. But I still think I need an assistant. OR a thought -- I need to quit a couple of my jobs. 
9. Keeping in touch with Family & Friends - So between the 3 jobs, life, and all that comes with it. I really suck at keeping in touch with everyone. Friends from high school, college, after college -- unless you are in my "immediate" circle, I probably don't keep in touch enough. So for that I'm sorry -- I do facebook stalk you though, because you are in my thoughts! Family near or far. I feel like I need to schedule phone time within my new planner. I try...but being the year of DO -- I'm failing and I'm sorry. Road trips are beginning to make their way to the planner / calendar -- I'll be visiting more in 2014.  However - to both family and friends please feel free to call / text / facebook me too -- because sometimes my life just gets so busy I zone out on days of weeks, months, etc... seriously I had no idea it was April 17th already. When you have no days off -- you kind of just "go" and once in a while pick your head up and say "holy crap where'd the month go." 

That's all for today. I'm getting back to the gym, writing my blog, and staying in touch. With that -- if you want to schedule a lunch or dinner date let me know or if you want to go to the gym with me I have a black card to Planet Fitness...or phone time -- I can pencil you in!!

~Melissa 

NO IDEA how much I weigh right now

Goal: 150-155lbs