Greetings from FedEx/Kinkos TMobile Hot Spot in Columbia, SC!!
Thursday
We arrived at the lake just in time for cocktail hour yesterday. My PB&J surprisingly held me over all afternoon. I think it was the combo of a huge pile of veggies (fiber) along with it. I started to get hungry during the drive and had packed a handful of snacks but decided just to wait until I got there to eat.
Once we arrived I had a few mixed nuts…..
….And a glass of white wine leftover from our rehearsal dinner last summer!.
….And a second glass of white wine (both were small – maybe 3-4 oz?)
There are a bunch of cute dogs here!
Senora, the sweet rescue Chihuahua
Petey, the rescue Chinese Crested
Panda, the hilarious French bulldog
And Patches, the Jack Russell, who the boys’ have had since they were kids
Dinner
The dinner menu included grilled salmon and mixed veggies and rice.
The grillmaster (the husband’s dad) hard at work on the salmon –
Yum!
Salmon (with a lemon-mustard finish)
The most delicious grilled corn, which tasted like buttered popcorn
Zucchini strips and portabello mushrooms
Brown Rice –
My plate –
Conversing with the husband’s brother –
Dessert! I probably had 10-12 oz total, which was a little much for me but I love wine!
After dinner we watched the movie Sling Blade (the best line is when he walks up to the Frosty Queen and says “I kinda want somein’ nother ta eat.”!!) It was a favorite movie of mine back in the day but the boys had never seen it.
During the movie we passed around this jug of mixed nuts. Ummm…it’s all gone now! I had too many – probably 5-6 small handfuls – but there was something about those nuts that was filling a deep void in me and tasted SO good. Couldda been worse, right?
Friday
I woke up this morning not feeling that great because of my cold. My head was a balloon like on TV! The husband and I had plans for a run but we decided to take it easy and go for a long walk instead. 15 minutes in I felt much, much better and our walk turned into an easy jog. We ran for about 30 minutes, talking, and then ended with another 10-15 minutes of walking. I’d say we covered about 4-4.5 miles?
Brunch
The plan for today was to have a late brunch and then drive into Columbia to see Batman, do some shopping, and have BBQ for dinner. So after our run the boys wanted to go skiing before breakfast so I had a few plumble jumbles to hold me over until it was waffle time.
By the time they got back from skiing it was 11:00 and I was one starvin’ marvin’!
The husband and I split a blueberry waffle (I topped mine with mashed banana and a little lite syrup)
And had an egg on the side for some protein –
I ended with the best peach of the summer –
Lunch
I packed the husband and myself small turkey sandwiches with a half slice of pepperjack and avocado on english muffins to have as a snack around 2 or 3pm. I didn’t want to have to rely on popcorn at the movie if I got hungry. I asked the others if they wanted me to make them a sandwich and I got the smiling response “We’re rather have to eat unhealthy things 🙂 “
I also packed some veggies that I didn’t eat yesterday and a LaraBar –
I plan to do some water skiing and swimming tomorrow (but I am also terrified of lakes and fish!). I think the boys have already pooped out –
I’ll be back on Sunday for a full weekend recap
Marie says
Kath-Just wanted to comment on yesterday’s post, about you feeling like you were gagging down your salad. That happens to me more often than I’d like – I have been trying SO hard to incorporate more veggies in my meals. For instance, today part of my lunch was a big bowl of spinach salad with cut up tomato and mushrooms, drizzled with a little italian. Halfway through, I really really did not want anymore but forced myself to eat it anyway b/c of the nutrients. Then I wondered if it was a good idea to do so. Anyway, I thought of your post and wondered how often this happens to you and if you always make yourself finish it.
Thanks! Have a great weekend!
Chelsea says
Panda is about the cutest thing ever!
Victoria says
Those dogs are adorable!!
Laurenq says
your husbands brother totally looks like a grown up version of harry potter!!
Suzanne says
wow, Kath! I thoroughly enjoyed that post!
It started off with DOGS! My favorite! They’re all so adorable. I am a super DOG LOVER!
The husband’s father looks so pleasant! His food looks amazing. The salmon looks so good. My husband and I tried Bonefish Grill last night, and it was just not good. We rated each dish we ate and it was like a 5 or a 6. I don’t enjoying have to dig the shrimp’s poop out with my fork. Something about that just turns me off. My tilapia was watery and smushy. The only thing that was good was the bread and olive oil!
Anyone else try this place? I had high hopes since i love fish…..
When you said ‘skiing’ I thought you meant with snow. I was so confused for a second. My brain has got TGIF syndrome big time.
REGARDING: Exercising with an injury
I’m not sure if anyone remembers – but I tore a ligament in my ankle and asked everyone how I can keep in shape for the next few weeks….
I have been getting plenty of upper body and ab workouts in, but I haven’t done cardio in 2 weeks. And I feel GROSS.
Does anyone have ideas for cardio with an ankle injury? I’m desperate!
I’ve resorted to flailing my arms over my head to the beat of dance music. I look like a madwomen! And I probably only burned 5 calories. 🙁
Kate(the teenager) says
I was just in Columbia last week. A ton of my family lives there. Lake Murray is a pretty place!
Heather says
Great post, Kath!
LOVE all of the dogs- I want a french bulldog so bad!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend 🙂
BethT says
Awww, doggies. I have never known anyone who actually has a Chinese Crested! So nice that they are rescues.
Whaddya think about those Carolina BBall shorts your father in law is wearing? 😀
Allison K. says
It looks like you are proving a major point with your brother-in-law! Gotta love interesting dinner conversation!
Faye says
I see the Tulane shorts in the last pic of your brother in law! Anyway, I love nuts, sometimes I look at your pics of trail mix or nuts and wonder how you can keep yourself from eating more!
Evan says
Suzanne-
I sprained my ankle on New Years Eve while in Manhattan (don’t even ask!) Just trying to get around on crutches was actually enough cardio for me! I remember walking about 6 blocks (I live in San Francisco) and I was EXHAUSTED. But within a few weeks of my forced “exercise vacation” I was going nuts! I also think I was turning into an alcoholic. Instead of going for a run after work to unwind, I would have a glass of wine! (I really wasn’t, but I always need to do something after work to relax and I traded in running for wine. Like I said before, it was fun for about a week and then i felt gross).
I always ran outside in the woods after work but I knew that I couldn’t do this with my ankle. So I joined a gym and began doing small bursts of cardio. I don’t know if you can do the stairmaster, but it actually keeps your ankle quite level if you pay attention. Same with the bike. Eventually I began doing the treadmill (literally about 3 months after the injury!) and now I am back and healthy. My ankle is STILL not the same as it was, but it may never be because it was such a bad sprain. But like i always say, it didn’t take you 2 weeks to get INTO shape, so it won’t take you 2 weeks to get out of it. Just do some weights and relax, you’ll heal eventually.
Evan
Rae says
Suzanne:
Have you tried the rowing michine? Its a great workout and is all upper body. Also, swimming might help. Hang ni there!
Jill says
Those turkey sandwiches are a great idea!
ms says
Suzanne ~ I’ve been to Bonefish once (for my and my husband’s anniversary dinner, no less) and I won’t be going back. I was extremely disappointed also, especially since I had looked forward to it for so long. The sauce and salmon with my dinner ~ which was the night’s special ~ didn’t go well together at all. I sent it back and that is truly the first time I have ever done that at a restaurant. Even my husband didn’t like it and he eats everything (that’s how he earned his nickname of ‘catfish’!!).
Hope you have a great weekend relaxing, Kath. Your blog motivates me to exercise and try lots of new recipes and foods.
Suzanne says
Evan and Rae – Thanks for your stories and suggestions!
I don’t have access to a rowing machine or a stairmaster. I do kickboxing and treadmill for cardio (before the injury). 🙁
I’m going to try swimming this weekend though. Many people here have suggested that.
I guess walking is cardio too. It’s just really annoying walking with this big boot brace!
I envy all of you who can exercise normally! haha…
thanks again! 🙂
CourtneyS says
Suzanne, your post made me burst out laughing! Just the mental picture of an injured exerciser flailing her arms…it’s too much! I wish I had some suggestions for you, but my advice is just to let it heal so you can get back to it as soon as possible. Can you adjust your food intake a little and cut down until you’re working out again? I hope it heals soon.
Kath, I hope your cold feels better. Enjoy your weekend!
JJ125 says
There is a Bonefish by me. The food kinda sucks (actually really sucks) but we go there sometimes for happy hour. They have great drinks prices so after several cocktails/beers, you can actually stomach the appetizers 🙂
Erin says
Delurking to say – what is up with the husband’s father’s CAROLINA BASKETBALL shorts?
Sacreligious!
(I’m a grad student at Duke.)
Christin says
Suzanne…maybe do some bursts of jumps on one foot while on your walk? (Like 30-60 seconds at a time) it will give you at least a few bursts of heart-pumping to increase the rate as you walk…
Trina says
I have a jack russell terrier so I am deeply biased to them being the sweetest, cutest babies on the planet!! That jrt was super cute, like a grandpa dog!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
magpie says
I hope you feel better soon 🙂 Nuts and nut butters are definitely my weakness. A spoonful of nut butter for dessert is so goooood. I think I remember you saying that the husband does that?
Kath says
Hello again from Barnes and Noble wireless!
Marie ,
Normally I put enough “goodies” on my salads that it isn’t a problem: goat cheese, nuts, hummus, beans, fish/meat, fruit, etc. If I can eat the veggies WITH something, I love them. But when it’s just veggies and dressing, I do have a hard time with big salads.
Laurenq ,
I KNOW!! He does look like just HP. His fraternity made him run around with a lightening bolt on a mop “broom” during pledging 🙂
Suzanne ,
I second swimming!?
BethT and Erin,
I KNOW – it’s a major family conflict 🙂 He’s a huge UNC fan (went there for med school) but his dad (the husband’s grandfather) is a big Duke fan so thankfully so is the hub.
Faye ,
Yep, he’s going to be a senior this year.
Kath
Justy2003 says
Enjoy the movie! It’s a good one!
Is it just you and all those boys?! You poor thing!
Carrie H says
Marie —
I sometimes have that same experience with an all-raw salad. About halfway though, I just cannot seem to get the veggies down. I always finish as much as I can, but it isn’t pleasant.
I’ve found that cooked veggies on a salad are a lot more appealing for some reason. Actually, now that I think of it, I can’t remember the last time I had an all-raw salad.
I use raw lettuce and cold tomatoes and then stif fry peppers, onions, eggplant, carrots, squash, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, corn in a splash of soy sauce, hot sauce and garlic powder. I put them on top of my salad hot and I don’t even need extra dressing. (When I am craving an all-cold salad, I’ll steam the other veggies and run them under cold water before putting the on top of the salad and add a little dressing).
For some reason, this is about the only way I’ve been able to eat a salad lately … And they are yummy this way!
Trish says
You are not far off rom my old stompling grounds of Greenville. I loved visiting Columbia from time to time.
SweetsandSweats says
I don’t even know how to comment on the pups. Beyond adorable in their own special way.
I can’t wait to see the Dark Knight. I have tickets tomorrow! I hope it lives up to all this hype!
sweetsandsweats
Lauren says
Suzanne,
I’m so sorry you’re injured 🙁 I know how frustrating it feels to be out of commission for several weeks as a result of an injury. Unfortunately, I can’t really think of any cardio exercises that take into account an injured ankle. I think your best bet is to go back to cardio once you’re healed. I’m sure that this is not the advice you wanted to hear, but you definitely don’t want to attempt cardio before your body is ready, and only end up worsening your injury. Believe me, though, I understand how you feel! As a runner, I have sustained injuries that have left me unable to run well – or at all – for weeks at a time. I freak out when this happens, because, to quote you, I just felt gross, and I was also afraid that my mandatory hiatus would totally compromise my fitness and athletic ability. But in the end, these breaks have not done so at all. Rest assured that your body will remember exactly how to exercise, and will thank you for giving it the time to repair itself. I hope you’re better soon!
Lauren says
Actually, echoing Kath, swimming might work really well for you. It can’t hurt to try!
Debbie says
Loved all the doggies, too cute!
And that dinner on the grill looked wonderful! O for a bite of that corn. I think some corn on the grill is in the near future around here.
bethb says
When I go to the movies, which is not a lot, I always get the kid pack. They give you a small drink, a miniature candy bar, and a very small amount of popcorn. I love it, because I still get to have a treat, but it is not a JUMBO size popcorn or candy. Bringing a sandwich to the movies just seems wrong to me, but oh well! Did your husband really want that sandwich or do you think he secretly was wishing for some popcorn?
Sloan says
Excellent dog pictures! What a bunch of cuties…one question, though: Am I crazy, or is Petey wearing checkered shorts?!
hk says
cute puppies, cute boys, yummy food, water skiing, and relaxing by the lake, sounds like an AWESOME way to spend the weekend 🙂
thanks for the updates, enjoy!!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
What cute dogs!
fitnessista says
the puppies are adorable 🙂
looks like you’re going to have a wonderful time!
enjoy batman, it was super creeeeeepy :O
Jenny says
Love, love, love Panda. I used to have a French Bull named Duke. He was all-white, though. Unfortunately, he had cancer and passed away 8 years ago. I still miss that dog like crazy and I’ve never had another one since. I just can’t bear to lose them like that. We do have cats now but, while I love my cats, it’s just not the same as having a dog. Although, my cats are pretty adorable, if I do say so myself 😉
ModelBehavior says
I LOVE french bulldogs, perhaps KERF needs a new character of the puppy variety?
Ruby Red Vegan says
Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, your movie snacks are so cute! That “conversation” photo of you is too funny — you seem so passionate about what you’re saying!
And waffle brunches are the absolute best. Mmm.
Jennifer says
Suzanne and everyone else who swims:
www.swimplan.com is a great free website that generates swim workouts based on information that you plug in about your stroke preferences and speed. You can generate 5 new workouts each day. Swimming is one of the few cardio exercises I can do because of wrecked knees and I always feel like I get a great workout with their programs!
Jen says
Hah– I just left Columbia, SC this morning!! Wonder if we were anywhere near each other yesterday…
Re. Bonefish Grill– I just went for the first time in Columbia and had the corn chowder (saved up my WW points and it was TOTALLY not worth it so only ate about half) but the seared tuna appetizer was fabulous. Maybe the selection is key?
Michele says
Wow, the salmon and zucchini looks delish! So does the waffle. 😉
Glad you’re having a great time! I look so forward to the next post!
*smiles*
Michele
Chris says
Ditto on swimming…it’s so easy on the body, but it’s a great workout at the same time. I love swimplan.com!
Kath, those dogs are a riot, and they are probably loving all of the company and attention.
And, I just added corn on the cob to my shopping list for the weekend. We must try that!
JenP says
Mmm…the waffle looks delicious. And I honestly think that fresh summer corn on the cob is one of my favorite foods. I’m officially delurking and also stating that I’m psyched for Kath’s Boston dinner. 🙂 Can’t wait to meet other locals. Who’s going?
Every Gym's Nightmare says
PUPPIES!!
Patches looks like my dog, Porkchops. But of course, Porkchop is cuter.
Holy family resemblence. I knew that was his brother before i even read it. and you look like you guys are debating something important. and hes not agreeing with you.
and my mommy taught me you should always wear a shirt at the table 😉
www.groundedfitness.com
Sidi says
What a coincidence. I’ll be spending saturday trough tuesday in a round wood (bois rond) cabin in Mont Tremblant. The weather is about to be bad, but I hope our friends from Germany help with some better temps and no rain.
Jo says
Kath – that bbq food looks so good I’m going to have to have for supper myself! off to the supermarket in a minute to buy courgettes and portobello mushrooms! Quick question, did your father-in-law put anything on the veggies before he grilled them? And the salmon – ditto? When did the mustard/lemon go on – before or after cooking?
Unfortunately I’m not allowed to have a bbq – I have a balcony but I live in central london and my lease bans it – so I’m just going to have to make do with the grill (or I might use the george foreman) – what can I do to try and give them some BBQ flavour?
Ps – to Suzanne, I am always getting injured running and stuff and it upsets and frustrates me soooo much – I can’t run at the moment which is driving me insane although I can use the machines at the gym (ie X-trainer/bike/stairmaster) – the best thing to do is rest it as it will heal quicker and you’ll be able to exercise sooner – however, I never follow my own advice (!!!) and I see what I am able to do without it hurting and just do that – preferably low impact – swimming would prob be best.
C says
Those dogs are so cute!!! I want a doggie but dear husband says no 🙁
Kath, this post brings question to my mind that may seem odd. I just started a food blog and have, of course, been taking pictures of my food. Well, this post reminded me that I feel uncomfortable doing so in front of my inlaws. How did you broach this subject with them? Do I just bust out the camera and do my thing without regard to the odd looks? Dear husbands family aren’t really internet people at all so I am a bit nervous about this. But I know I can’t go the rest of my food blog life without taking pics when I am with them. What do you think?
Suzanne says
ms and other bonefish grill commenters –
haha…I’m glad we’re not the only ones who had a problem. I know it’s bad, but I usually don’t give restaurants a second chance. There are so many restaurants that I want to try out there (especially since I live by NYC) – that I just feel like moving on to the next new restaurant. My husband’s a little more little lenient though (softie!).
CourtneyS, Christin, Lauren, Jennifer, Christ, Jo –
Thanks to all of you for all your comments! I think Kath readers are the best – everyone always chimes in and shares some great advice/stories/compassion.
I’ve definitely cut down on my food/calorie intake since I got injured.
Christin – the one foot jumps sound like a good idea. I may even try to jump rope on one foot. 🙂
And heeding everyone’s advice, I’m going to try swimming this weekend. Just hope it doesn’t rain on me! Thanks to our friends Val and Mick for letting me use their pool! 🙂
Thanks, Kath and everyone! Have a great weekend!
Suzanne says
puhahaha….I just realized I wrote “Christ” instead of “Chris” in my post!
I’m sure you’re a great person, Chris – but Christ might be a little much, right? haha….
sarah says
“we’d rather have to eat unhealthy thing!” ha, i love the honesty!
i was just thinking of you as we are headed to asheville monday! we have the laughing seed AND cucina 24 on our list of dinner spots — i’m so excited!
Brittany says
Yum – Salmon, grilled corn on the cob, mushrooms, and zucchini – what a great dinner!
Shannon says
Hey, Kath — I rarely comment but have been reading for months and I love the blog. It’s such a great inspiration for healthy eating.
Anyway, I’m an avid reader of The New York Times, and I thought you might find this interesting:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/fashion/27blogher.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&oref=slogin
It’s about the BlogHer conference. 🙂
Hil says
Marie: I second the recommendation for cooked veggies. Raw salads aren’t the only way to get your veggies in. Greens cook down to a MUCH smaller amount of you just throw them in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil. I can et much more cooked spinach in a sitting than raw spinach. And you can roast pretty much any vegetable to a delicious, sweet point that makes me always want to come back for seconds. Brussel sprouts, carrot, cauliflower, asparagus and bell peper are all great. Roasted veggies are great leftover and cold, but my husband and I usually finish off even a big batch on the first go-around because they taste so good.
Hil says
And Kath, does your whole family just eat healthy food as a matter of course, or do you have them trained to make healthy things when you come over?
Heather says
Healthy choices at California Pizza Kitchen?
Kinder says
I went to a movie last night and ate a small amount of popcorn and felt so sick. It’s a good idea to take your own snacks, movie theatre popcorn is evil!
goalie30 says
my husband and i are going to batman tonite…i hope it’s as good as all the hype i’m hearing! i unfortunately LOVE move popcorn; and since i only go the movie theater maybe 4 times a year to see the very best movies, i don’t see a problem with enjoying popcorn on those occasions since i never eat it otherwise and i eat healthy 80-90% the rest of the time…i just don’t buy a large a bag and i share with at least one other person
Heather (a new one) says
Hi Kath,
Looks like you are having a great weekend so far. I know you often eat primarily grains and vegetables, so I thought I would ask you for some ideas. You see, starting on Monday, my boyfriend and I are going meatless for thirty days. If you or any of your readers have any suggestions for us, please check out our new blog and leave us a note.
Thanks and enjoy the rest of your relaxing weekend.
Heather
adria says
Whats up with the N.C. basketball shorts? Kansas totally beat the in the march madness stuff- even though NC’s coach used to be KU’s coach. And we won the title! I guess I have to be happy for them since I’m from KS, despite the fact that I’m going to KS State
Diane says
Kath (and anyone else), I was wondering what your opinion is on egg whites vs. whole eggs? I’ve heard a lot of people argue that the yolk has sat. fat and is bad for your cholesterol and I’ve heard others argue that it was good nutrients. What’s your view– full eggs or just egg whites?
Danielle says
Good food, good company… and puppies too! Sounds like my kind of day 😉 glad you’re having such a wonderful time!
Deb says
Suzanne, how about one of those “ergometers” (I think that’s what they’re called- it’s like a bicycle but just for your arms. And don’t discount weights- you can do some serious lifting and get a mild cardio workout by upping the intensity. I remember doing some rows while laying tummy-down on a swiss ball and my HR was 136!!!! And squats and lunges (stationary) will get your HR up. Not to mention all the muscle you’ll be building. You CAN get creative. I’ve done lunge/squat workouts (that’s ALL) where I’ve been dripping. Good luck and heal quickly. Ankles sadly take a while to heal!
Diane says
The ergometer, if done correctly, is a huge leg workout. You really need to push off with your legs. I be careful on the erg because if you are doing it incorrectly you can injure your back.
goalie30 says
Hey Diane,
If you have normal cholesterol levels eating even 1-2 whole eggs per day is fine. I personally have eggs maybe 1-3 times per week, and I tend to mix one whole egg with 2-3 egg whites, because there are some better proteins and vitamins that are in the yolk that you don’t get in just the whites alone. This way, I get those vitamins/proteins but I get more to eat than just 1-2 eggs with the extra whites mixed in fluffing things up a bit!
Kath says
bethb ,
He requested it! He speaks his mind and if he really wanted something else he’d just say so.
Sloan,
Haha – you’re right. It’s a diaper of sorts.
Jo ,
The veggies were plain (other than salt, pepper, seasonings) and the salmon had a quick marinade of lemon juice, olive oil and seasonings.
C,
My family members all know about the blog and
are respectful of what I do, so it’s not a problem. I do try to be discreet and try not to stop the meal or anything with my photos. You’d be surprised at how little time it takes to quickly snap a few while everyone is just starting to eat.
Shannon ,
Great article! Thanks.
Hil ,
I didn’t pick any of the meals – I think the husband and my father in law planned them. I just request small portions and/or sauces/butter type things on the side when I’m dining with others.
Diane ,
I agree with Goalie (nice to have you help me out again Goalie!). Unless your doctor has told you to reduce egg consumption, there’s no reason not to have whole eggs a few times a week. I also like to bulk up 1-2 eggs with liquid whites to get more volume without the extra calories and stuff. I don’t like the taste of whites without at least a little yolk.
Kath