Monday, May 28, 2012

RW Summer Run Streak

See these tweets? Yeah, that's what my running buddy had the nerve to do this afternoon...I have been thinking about participating in the RW Summer Run Streak since I saw something about it last week.  I hadn't told anyone about it because I wasn't committed, but I guess I am now...  






I got up and ran this morning.  I headed out as soon as I woke up.  I was slightly annoyed that my body wouldn't let me sleep past 6 a.m., but I got the day started off right!  It was nice to run when it wasn't too terribly hot.  It was humid as hell, but not hot.  If the humidity right now is any indication of the rest of summer, it is gonna be bad news bears around here.  


This afternoon the hubs and I spent most of the afternoon at our condo pool.  While we were out there, I stubbed my damn pinky toe on a piece of wrought iron furniture.  I am nearly certain that it is broken.  It is throbbing and swollen.  One good thing is that it didn't turn purple like the last time I broke toes.  I've got my toe-sies buddy-taped together and I am getting ready to go ice them.  Here's hoping that I don't get thrown off the streak on the second day.   

Friend Makin' Monday - One or the Other


If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers.   Add your links there too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!
FMM: One or the Other
1. Shower or Bubble Bath?  Shower
2. Money or Power?  Money
3. Country Music or Rap? Country 
4. Sunshine or Thunderstorms?  Sunshine!
5. Uniform  or Suit? Suit
6. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
7. Beauty or Brains? Brains
8. Newspaper or Online News? Online
9. Marinara or Alfredo? Marinara
10. Lip Gloss or Lip Stick? Lip gloss
11. Beach or Mountains? Beach
12. Talk or Text? Text
13.  CNN or Fox News? CNN 
14. Cake or Potato Chips? Cake
15. Movies at home or at the theater?  Movies at home
16. Bar or Bookstore?  Bar
17. Rock or Pop?  Pop
18. Manicure or Facial? Manicure
19. Book or e-reader? iPad
20. Planes or Trains? Planes
Now it’s your turn to answer this week’s questions.  Don’t forget to link up in the comments!  Happy Monday, and Happy Memorial Day!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

"Operation Fix Me"

For several years, I have hemmed and hawed about having reconstructive/plastic/cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin on my upper and lower abdomen and a breast lift.  Recently, this has come to the forefront of my mind and I had two consultations today.  I am scheduled for a third consultation next week, but I am fairly certain that I will cancel that appointment.  

If you are interested in seeing my thoughts and other info on each of the surgeons, feel free to keep reading.  At this time, I will be referring to the surgeons as "Surgeon 1" and "Surgeon 2".  This is simply out of respect for them and my decision-making process.  Once I select a surgeon and set a date for the surgery, I may decide to provide more information.

Here goes:

1.  Are you board certified and by what medical board? If so, how long have you been certified?  Both surgeons are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, North Carolina Medical Society, and North Carolina Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (Surgeon 2 is past president of the NC Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons)

2.  Where will my surgery be performed? If the surgery will take place in a freestanding surgical center or in the surgeon's office, your operating room accredited? If so, by whom?  May I see it?
  • Surgeon 1 - All procedures for those that are "healthy" are done in the office surgical suite.  The office has 2 full operating rooms.  I did not ask about accreditation and was offered to see the surgical suites if I selected their practice to perform my surgery.
  • Surgeon 2 - All procedures are performed at Rex Hospital.
3.  Do you have hospital privileges? At which hospitals? If not, did you lose those privileges?  Both surgeons have privileges at Rex Hospital, Wake Med (Raleigh) and Duke Health Raleigh Hospital.  

4.  Can I see before-and-after photos or your patients?
Both surgeons showed me an extensive photo library of patients. 

5.  How extensive will my scars be and where will they be located?
Both surgeons reviewed their proposals for a breast lift.  Both proposals were just as I expected them to be - and no different than any research I had done on the Internet.

Surgeon 1 - The proposal would be to do a "fleur de lis" (right picture) abdominoplasty.  This would combine the use of the regular lower abdominal incision and a midline vertical incision.  He explained that this procedure was reserved for those that needed extensive skin removal.  

I was pretty uncomfortable with this proposal.  The extra incision increases the risks associated with the surgery.  This would also lead to another very large scar.

Surgeon 2 - The proposal would be to do a traditional abdominoplasty, with a slightly longer/wider incision.  He basically said the incision would be "bed to bed" (hip to hip?) and would allow him to get the most tightness possible.  I asked about the possibility of his doing the "fleur de lis" type incision and he assured me that he could achieve the desired results without the extra incision.  
  
6.  How long will the surgery last and how long will I be under anesthesia?  Both surgeons said the surgery would be between 5 1/2 and 6 hours.

7.  Who will administer my anesthesia?  Both surgeons use a CRNA (nurse anesthetists) for anesthesia. 

8.  What would you do if I were to have a complication?
  • Surgeon 1 glossed over this question.  He stated that in all the procedures he had done in their offices surgical suite, he had never had a problem.
  • Surgeon 2 reminded me that my surgery would be done at Rex Hospital.  While I would be his patient while in the hospital, the hospitalists/surgeons, etc. at Rex are willing/able to assist if the need arises.  
9.  What types of medications will I be given and which pain medications do you normally prescribe?
  • Surgeon 1 prescribes two oral narcotics for pain management - oxycodone and hydrocodone.  
  • Surgeon 2 uses a "pain pump" for all abdominoplasties.  He believes that the use of well-placed long-acting pain relief is best for the initial 24 hours after surgery.  This does not eliminate the need for oral narcotic pain medications, but limits the need.    
10.  If I need anything after normal office hours postoperative, how will I be able to get in touch with you or your staff?
  • Surgeon 1 stated that the three doctors in the practice work very closely and one was always on call.
  • Surgeon 2 is in practice by himself.  He requires that patients having 1 or more procedures in a day stay at the hospital overnight.  This allows him to monitor progress during the most difficult period of the recovery (first 24 hours).  After leaving the hospital, he and his nurse remain available to patients.
11.  How long do you recommend I take off from work, school, etc. to heal properly?  Both surgeons suggested being physically out of the office for 2 weeks.  After about 1 week, I can work from home some but need to remember to take it easy.  They both suggested transitioning back into work with a part-time schedule for about 1-2 weeks.

12.  How long after will I be able to walk, exercise, run, or participate in contact sports?  Both surgeons said that I will need to be up and trying to walk regularly within hours after the surgery.  As far as running, etc., I am looking at somewhere in the 3-5 week range.  Surgeon 2 was very matter-of-fact and said that some of this is "...just plain 'ole common sense..."

13.  How much will my surgery cost, total?
  • Surgeon 1 - Total of $13,547.50.  This includes: extended abdominoplasty ($5,800), mastopexy ($3,187.50), plus anesthesia and facility fees  (This does not include an overnight hospital stay.  My surgery would begin around 8 a.m. and I would depart the office around 3 p.m.)
  • Surgeon 2 - Total of $12,318.  This includes: extended abdominoplasty ($3,850), bilateral breast reduction/mastopexy ($3,000), plus anesthesia and facility fees (This amount includes an overnight stay at the hospital.  I will be in my room around 2 p.m. and would depart around 2 p.m. the following day.)
14.  Are there any hidden costs that I should know about, such as for lab work, postoperative check-ups, additional medications, and postoperative garments?  All charges are covered in the fees above.

15.  Do you offer financing? Do you expect full payment up front?  Can I pay in installments?
  • Surgeon 1 required a $75 consultation fee.  A deposit of $500 is required to schedule the procedures.  All payments must be made 14 days in advance of the surgery.  There is financing available with M-Lend Financial.  
  • Surgeon 2 required a $50 consultation fee.  A deposit of $500 is required to schedule the procedure.  Payment in full must be made 21 days in advance of the surgery.  Financing is available through CareCredit.

New Recipes 29 and 30 - Skillet Enchilada Pasta and Chicken & Mushroom Marsala

Nothing terribly exciting going on around here...  Seems like the schedule keeps looking like this - wake up, go to work, work, work, go to gym/yoga/run, home, cook dinner, clean up dinner, bed.  Oh the interesting lives we lead!


This week, the hubs and I had two new recipes on the menu.  We were supposed to fix Skillet Enchilada Pasta on Monday night.  Unfortunately, I got stuck at the in-laws house because their neighbor was talking and wouldn't hush.  She "cornered" me and basically interrogated me for almost an hour.  By the time I got out of there, we scrapped the new recipe on Monday and decided to make it on Tuesday.


This is our "bastard" version of Skillet Enchilada Pasta. Our changes:

  • Used 1 red bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper and about 1/2 of an orange bell pepper
  • Added some squash (had extra leftover from veggies cut up for salads)
  • Used cheddar instead of feta - something just didn't seem right about using enchilada sauce and feta cheese

Last night, we fixed Chicken and Mushroom Marsala from CheapHealthyGood.  I have to admit that I almost didn't put this on the menu because she used the word "moist" in her blog title.  I hate the word "moist". Anyone else?  After I read that she disliked the word as much as I did, I figured I would let her use of the word slide ;-)  

Again, we have our "bastard" version of this dish.  I think the only change was the omission of parsley.  I didn't buy any and didn't think to use dried.  Blah.  Oh yeah, and I added a little bit more Marsala when cooking the mushrooms (1/2 cup as opposed to the 1/3 she called for).  This turned out wonderfully!  The hubs loves mushrooms - me not so much.  BUT, cooked mushrooms in wine?  I'm game!

Fixing this meal actually brought back memories that I had kinda hidden in the back of my mind...  After I sat down to dinner, I immediately had visions of sitting at the home of my childhood doctor and his (now ex-) wife discussing the day over dinner.  My childhood doctor and his wife had a son named Jack.  Jack was born with epidermolysis bullosa.  Poor Jack was covered with blisters, etc. that were similar to that of a burn patient.  Most days, I would ride my bike to their house, "play" with Jack (read books, watch Barney, etc.), and help Emily with various things around the house, etc.  Sometimes, I would join them for dinner after helping with Jack's bath.  Emily loved to fix Chicken Marsala.  It quickly became a favorite of mine.  Spending time with Jack was a great learning experience for me.  While he was only on Earth for eight (too short) years, he taught many people lessons that they would never have learned otherwise.  Wow...  Great memories. 

Monday, May 21, 2012

Friend Makin' Monday - Three Things



If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers.  Add your links there too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Three Things


1. Three of your favorite movies:
  • Pollyanna
  • Beaches
  • My Best Friend's Wedding

2. Three of your favorite things to drink:
  • Water
  • Crystal Light Lemonade and (black) coffee are tied for second
  • Cheerwine

3. Three of your favorite songs:
  • American Honey (Lady Antebellum)
  • Teardrops on my Guitar (Taylor Swift)
  • Hmmm...Hard to come up with a third.  I love to sing to the radio, but rarely remember song names or artists!

4. Three people who have recently been a positive influence on your life (outside of your family):
  • My running buddies - Mary, Debbie, Pam, etc.
  • My BFF Margaret - always encouraging me
  • Random stranger at the gym on Saturday that pushed me to keep going on the Arc Trainer

5. Three things you to do keep yourself entertained:
  • Reading
  • Watching "mindless" TV
  • Putzing around on the internet

6. Three things you’re attracted to in the opposite sex:
  • A great smile
  • Confidence
  • The ability to listen to what I have to say and know when I want or do not want advice, etc.

7. Three things you love about yourself:
  • My eyes
  • My innate desire to help others
  • My ability to "logistic-ize" anything!

8. The last three people who text messaged you:
  • The hubs
  • Running buddy, Mary
  • BFF (Margaret)  

9. Three things you’re looking forward to this week:
  • Getting important work meeting under my belt
  • LONG weekend!
  • Consultation with doctor re: reconstructive/plastic surgery

10. Three wishes specifically for yourself…What are they? (Be selfish, and be honest.)
  • Successful appointment with doctor regarding reconstructive/plastic surgery with insurance paying a portion of it
  • A little extra cash to do some shopping - sometimes shopping gets me out of my funk
  • No clue on a third...
11. Three of your favorite quotes:
  • "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful" - Mae West
  • "Love yourself, for who and what you are; protect your dream and develop your talent to the fullest extent" - Joan Benoit Samuelson
  • "Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars."

12. Three of your biggest fears:
  • ...Failure
  • Disappointing those around me
  • Gaining weight back that I have worked my ass off to lose

13. Three of your favorite TV shows:
  • Guilty pleasures - Real Housewives and Toddlers & Tiaras
  • Criminal Minds
  • Anything on HGTV

14. Three of your favorite things to purchase when you’re shopping.
  • Purses!
  • Cardigans (odd, I know)
  • Shoes

15. Three things that you enjoyed last week:
  • Baking lots of yummies for a friend's daughter's graduation party
  • Following through with several goals
  • Spending lots of time with the hubs outside

16. Three things that you always have in your bag or close to you if you’re not a purse kind of person. 
  • iPhone
  • Water bottle
  • Jif "to go" peanut butter and a spoon in a Ziploc bag (just in case my blood sugar decides to tank and a random moment)

17. Three types of food that you wouldn’t want to give up.
  • Pizza
  • Shrimp
  • Potato Salad

18. Three things you do to enjoy burning calories:
  • Running!
  • Arc Trainer
  • StairMill - love it, hate it, love it, hate it 

19.  Three things you dislike about blogging:
  • Seeing blogs I enjoy reading just disappear 
  • People that are rude/not tolerant to the opinions expressed by others
  • Sometimes feeling that I need to write because what I have to say might help someone, when in all actuality my blog is for me

20.  Three ways blogging has changed your life:
  • Accountability - reading others blogs makes me stay on the "straight and narrow"
  • Friends - While I haven't met any bloggers from other places, I feel like we are all "friends"
  • Makes me really express what I am feeling...Sometimes it is hard to tell friends/family certain things, but the slight anonymity of the blog sometimes makes it easier

Now it’s your turn to answer the questions!  Don’t forget to link up in the comments at AlltheWeigh, and have a happy Monday!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

New Recipes 27 and 28 - Creamy Chicken Baked Flautas and Quinoa Pilaf

Been a little distracted the past week or so, but still cookin' up some new recipes.  This week, we had two new recipes on the menu - Creamy Chicken Baked Flautas and Quinoa Pilaf.  To keep it short and sweet, both recipes were delicious, but were modified a decent amount by us....  


Creamy Chicken Baked Flautas:

  • Added extra onion and some chopped red and green bell peppers
  • Omitted the cilantro...I will always do my best to remove cilantro from recipes.  I have a mild allergy to cilantro and anytime I use it in a recipe, the food ends up tasting like soap to me!
  • Served with some steamed Asian mix veggies and taco sauce






Quinoa Pilaf:
  • Added some onion and omitted celery (hubs doesn't love celery)
  • Added chopped zucchini, squash, red bell peppers, orange bell peppers, and green bell peppers (cut up earlier in the week for salads but didn't use it all)
  • Added a little chili powder near the end of cooking because it seemed a little blah

Weekend review - a few days late

This past weekend, my best friend came up from Florida for her brother's graduation from Campbell Law School.  Margaret drove up to North Carolina on Wednesday and her 8-year-old son flew up on Thursday evening.


On Friday afternoon, after her brother's graduation, we met up with everyone for lunch at Buffalo Brothers.  It was great to sit on the patio, shoot the shit and just catch up.  After lunch, we went to our respective homes to rest up for a fun evening.


Around 6 p.m., we met up with Margaret and her Dad at World of Beer.  A few pictures from our evening:
Margaret and her Dad
Beer - glorious beer
Me - Margaret took this picture of me right after some idiot
thought I was her MOM!  Does this look like the face of someone
with a 30-year-old daughter??!!??
On Saturday mroning, I got up and volunteered for a race then headed to the gym.  After getting ready for the day, the hubs and I enjoyed a nice lunch outside at McAlister's Deli.  I love the spring - sitting outside for a meal is just fabulous in my opinion.


Later that afternoon we met up with Margaret and her family at Pullen Park.  Pullen Park has recently been renovated and we all thought her son would love it - we were right!
Just before getting on the pedal boats...Did they really think a
life jacket was necessary for 3-feet of water?
On the old-school carousel
Sunday was a lazy, catch-up day.  I went for a quick run with Debbie early that morning.  The rest of the day we just stayed home, relaxing - complete with brunch on the deck. 
Brunch - Egg "McMuffin", hashbrowns, strawberries and
blueberries, and coffee.  Yummy!


  

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Thank you and an awesome story

First things first, thank you to everyone that commented on my last blog post - here, Facebook, via email, etc.  While it was a very hard post to write, I needed to get it out.  I feel much better now that I have some kind of "plan".  It also feels good to have spent the time evaluating how I got to the other night.  Anyway, #1 change - no more hating.  I am gonna do everything I can to say at least 3 positive things about myself every day.  So far so good!  

I am considering going back to therapy.  When I was seeing my therapist in late 2010/early 2011, she and I discussed my going to talk to someone that is more of a "nutrition" therapist.  I need to really gain tools that focus on changing my view of food and to trust my ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  I haven't made the commitment to attend therapy yet, but I am seriously considering it.  

I have been seeing a video on various blogs and Facebook the past few days.  Each time I watch it, I have the same feelings...  I smile for Arthur.  I cry for his struggle.  I laughed.  I feel joy for him.  It also makes me feel joy for myself.  While we all have different stories, each of those stories is important.  Each one of us that has taken the reins of our health has a story that can help someone else.  I hope that by watching this video, you will feel as inspired as I did!
  

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Seriously - time for a change

Over the past 3 or 4 months, I have been having some "me" issues.  The issues wane back and forth between dislike, love, acceptance, complacency, hate, annoyance, etc.  Unfortunately, it has been more in the dislike to hate range recently.  


Every single time I look at myself in the mirror, clothed or unclothed, I hate how I look.  This is what I see... ----> 


That lovely picture to the right is probably the last picture of me at probably very close to my heaviest weight (340 pounds).  This was in November 1999.  I remember it like it was yesterday.  I was a sophomore at Meredith College.  My Mama and my Aunt Debbie thought pictures of my cousin and me would be a good Christmas gift for my Granny.  So, we had these pictures taken at the local Sears on Thanksgiving weekend.  That sweater was a size 4X. I had a burgundy t-shirt on under it and khaki pants.  That smile...Totally fake.


Now those of you that have been reading my blog or may know me in person, you are very aware that this is not reality.  This is no longer my reality.  I have moved past this physically, but not fully mentally and emotionally.  That is what I see.  This image from my past wakes me up at night, it plagues my dreams, and sometimes consumes every thought.  


I feel like all my progress since May 2010 has been obliterated.  That is not true.  The reality at this moment is that I weigh 186.2 pounds (at 6 p.m. tonight; I cannot believe I just posted that!).  My lowest tracked weight since making the decision to transform was 174.2 pounds.  I am a whopping 12.4 pounds heavier since this same time last year.  What gives!?! 


I have always, always, always had a love-hate relationship with the scale.  Up until the past 6 months, I hadn't had a scale in my home for over 10 years.  I have been getting on the scale once a week, as per normal, and lying to myself about what it said.  The number has been creeping up 'n up 'n up for months.  I chalked it up to holidays, stress, running more, lifting more, etc.  Uh...Yeah, not so much Regan.  I have let myself go.  Yes, I have been eating ok; yes, I have been exercising.  However, I also haven't been really diligent about tracking my food and/or calorie intake.  I have been consuming lots of beers on the weekend (so delish!).  


Well, that's all gotta change.  It is time to get my shit back in gear and back on the right track.  I want to feel really good about myself.  I want to look in the mirror and actually smile at myself.  


So, here's where all of you come in...  I need you.  I need your support.  I need you to help hold me accountable.  I want to be the best me I can be.  I want to drop at least 20 pounds (166.2 pounds).  Here's a few goals to start:


Eating:

  • Follow the 10-day "Flab Buster"/Organic Transformation plan for the next 3-4 weeks (weekdays only)
  • No more soft drinks - not even diet.  Significantly reduce and/or eliminate soft drinks, even diet.  (Tried to frame it in a more 'positive' light versus 'no')
  • No desserts after dinner.  If I "must" have something, then it should be a piece of fruit or some yogurt.  Reduce and/or eliminate desserts/snacks after dinner.  If I would like something, I need to keep in mind that it should be a healthy choice or a very small amount of something scrumptious.   (Tried to frame it in a more 'positive' light versus 'no')
  • Keep a realistic food journal, with accurate entries and measurements.
  • Beer - no more than 1 beer per outing or 3 per week.  
Exercise:
  • Walk (or run) at least 3 times a week during lunch.
  • Do the 30-minute strength circuit at Planet Fitness at least 2 (ideally 3) times per week.  
  • Up the weights on strength training each week, or more often if possible
  • Do at least 1 long run each weekend with my buddies.
I have to do this for me.  I am going to do this for me.  All of this affects me, but it also affects those around me.  It feels good to finally get a little clarity and get it down on "paper".  Cheers to my success!



  

New Recipe 26 - Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

Another new recipe last night....  And another Meatless Monday success!


I found this recipe on AllRecipes last week.  I used their easy-peasy ingredient search.  I wanted to have something for Meatless Monday that wasn't pasta.  So, I put quinoa and black beans in the search.  This recipe was the second on my results.  


It had a 4.5+ star rating so I figured we couldn't go wrong.  I went ahead and added it to the menu without reading any of the reviews.


Last night, we made this yummy, hearty chili for dinner.  A few modifications:

  • Left out the cumin - I was out!
  • Left out the chipotle peppers in adobo - forgot to buy them!
  • Used diced green chiles instead of chopped jalapeno
  • Added a little cayenne pepper
  • Added an additional can of diced chili-style tomatoes
All in all, it was a really good meal.  The next time we make this, I will definitely make sure that I have cumin on hand.  I'll also make sure to get the chipotles in adobo - I think that might have been the missing "umph" from the dish.  

Monday, May 7, 2012

Friend Makin' Monday - Q&A


If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers.  The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!



FMM: Q & A


1. What’s the most obnoxious word/phrase you use on a regular basis?  I have no clue!  Probably someone reading this could tell me...
2. What’s the most memorable bumper sticker you’ve ever seen?  Again, no clue...  I am so boring today...
3. Share one pet peeve that causes you more grief than it should. Hmmm...When people don't put things back in their "home"....I live by the phrase of "Everything has a place and everything in its place..."
4. What are your thoughts on re-gifting presents?  I admit that I have regifted.  I don't necessarily make a habit of it, but I have done it a couple times.
5. What was your biggest accomplishment this week?  I ran alone on Saturday.  Ever since finding a great bunch of running buddies, I don't run alone.  I hate it.  But, alas, I survived a solo run on Saturday morning.
6. What’s the title of the last movie you watched? I don't know the last movie I watched.  I have the attention span of a gnat, so movies aren't my thing.
7. If you could only choose one, would you rather have a full-time cleaning person or a full-time chef?  Chef!  I love to cook, but I would welcome the change.  
8. Do you enjoy shopping for clothes, or do you dread it? I don't love shopping for clothes.  If I am alone, I absolutely dread it.  If I can shop with the hubs or friends, I am good.
9. What’s your favorite sport to play/watch? My favorite sport to watch is probably football (Shh!  Don't tell the hubs!  He'll make me watch and ask me questions during the game!)  I don't know about playing sports...Not terribly competitive or interested...I'd say running if I had to name something.
10. If you could have coffee with anyone today who would you choose?  Again with the Rachel Maddow....I'd like to get her opinion on the Amendment One debate in North Carolina.
Now it’s your turn.  Don’t forget to link up in the comments at AllTheWeigh.  

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Weekend in Asheville

The hubs and I spent this past weekend in Asheville with his parents/my in-laws.  In short, it was a great trip and I can't wait to go back!  Here's how the weekend shaped up:


Friday:  We left Raleigh around lunch.  The hubs and I tend to leave Raleigh heading west just before lunch, so we can stop at The Cutting Board in Burlington for lunch.  We arrived in Asheville around 5 p.m.  A little while later we met up with his parents for dinner at Rezaz.  I have heard many great things about this restaurant and my experience was beyond awesome.  I enjoyed the Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque for an appetizer and the Seared Sea Scallops for my entree.  The scallops were served with white bean mash, broccolini, pepperonatta, and lemoncello sauce.  The scallops were flavorful, but the white bean mash was the best.  It is a different texture, but the flavor was so good!  


Saturday:  We met up with my in-laws around 10:30 a.m.  We headed to downtown Asheville to do a little exploring and to get some local beer.  We wandered in and out of several shops, including the Mast General Store.  A stop at the Mast store is a requirement for any visit to Asheville.  I had to get my candy fix - so many "old favorites" that I can't resist!  While exploring we ran across some interesting things...  
 
 Interesting car seen downtown....  Do you see the skull on the front?  So strange...

These Buncombe County Rescue Squad members were participating in the Our Voice "Walk a Mile in Her SHoes" event.  There were men of all shapes and sizes walking the streets that morning in heels.  

We had a nice lunch at Barley's Taproom.  We knew when we headed to Asheville that one requirement would be local beer.  Barley's didn't disappoint.  I had the Green Man Porter and the BBQ Chicken Sub for lunch.  Another meal that didn't disappoint!  

We also spent part of the afternoon touring the Blue Ridge Parkway.  My father-in-law grew up in a small town in Caldwell County, near the mountains.  He also worked in a small-ish mountain community as a City Manager.  So, he loves taking rides on the Parkway.  The weather was perfect for a ride with the top down on my mother-in-law's car.  By the time we got to Craggy Mountain, it started getting chilly and we made the guys take us home!


Sunday:  Sunday we didn't do too much....After being lazy the bulk of the morning, we finally decided it was time to get moving.  We decided to grab some brunch/lunch at the Early Girl Eatery before the hubs and I hit the road.   I am fairly certain that I had the least healthy items on the menu for lunch - oh well, you only live once!  I had the pan-fried chicken with herb cream gravy, collards, and squash casserole.  Another, meal that didn't disappoint!  After dropping the in-law's off, we hit the road back to Raleigh!  

The weekend was an awesome whirlwind!  Can't wait to go back!