Ugh.

If we were indeed doing the weighing thing I don't think I would be reporting any sort of success this week. I have yet to show up at the gym bright and early as planned. I worked out there three times over the weekend- each time a 400 cal workout with a little weight training. I have been eating healthy food... just maybe not a very regulated amount of it. Oh yeah- yesterday I shoved about a quarter of a 'whoopie pie' in my mouth... don't ask.

I had been quite encouraged... for weeks and weeks. This week marks the first real week of doubt that I have had. I think it has to do with 1) our schedule and 2) the weather. I am a list person. I like to number my lists.

Joe has been very busy with his two jobs and other work related endeavors. This leaves me alone with the tot from 7-7 or 8:30, depending on the day of the week. This is our decided division of labour, not a problem... but it is now very, very cold outside. The baby guy and I like to spend our days outside and would normally racking up many, many, many steps on the ol' pedometer. Instead we are spending a lot of time on 'paint' or actually painting or spelling words with raisins. Ug. When 'Da' is home and frees up the car it is cold and dark and I am pooped. I would be rushing to that gym in the morning but, uhm, at 5am it has been something like 5 degrees and my bed and hubby are so warm and comfy and zzzzzzzzz.

This morning I woke up and did 30 sit ups. I am going to do a little hip-hop dancing (ha ha ha) when the tot is napping. We played a game this morning called "Dance! now Hug!" where the two of us dance like maniacs for a few seconds then pause for a little hug... repeat seemingly endlessly. Fun? I am trying to get the activity in! There is no doubt in my mind that I need to get back to the distance running and do it at 5 am about 5 days a week. When I was on that path I dropped two sizes so rapidly. Now I am sort of hovering in the same place.

Now on to the thing I am talented at:
This is terrifying, isn't it? I know, I know-- I am such a dork. What are they? We like to call them my 'quality control chicken meatballs' (copyrighted to me by the way, if I see 'em up somewhere readers, I will get mad).

Why are they quality control? Well... if you buy ground chicken you can't be sure 1) what part of the chicken it comes from or 2) just how fatty it will really be. I always imagine all sorts of terrible things are mushed up in there. That is why I do my own chicken selection and grinding. I am not a big fan or eater of poultry. It is the only meat I do eat, other than the occasional fish, so I am a nut about making sure it is not 'icky'.

This is a very low-fat/high-protein recipe. It can be tweaked to suit your fancy.

Chop 1.5 lbs of chicken breast into smallest pieces you can. I like to do it when still slightly frozen... easier to get smaller pieces without handling slime. I buy my chicken from a local butcher so I have to freeze it before. I know, whacky me.

Put chicken in moderate to large size food processor and whir the hell out of it until it is a nice slimey. Add one cup whole wheat bread crumbs, 1/2 cup egg whites (liquid), 1 tsp each: basil, marjoram, oregano and one clove garlic.

Roll into ball size of your choice. If they feel like there is too much liquid carefully add a bit more bread crumbs. Bake on cookie sheet at 375 for about half an hour. Check that middle of one ball is cooked through before serving! It is poultry people!

Some additional spicing suggestions? Instead of the Italian spices I like to use paprika, garlic, and a pinch of sage. How about dill and low-fat feta with chives?