The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
photo by c0r0
Happy almost-weekend everyone. I’m off work today, which I think is fitting since I worked 40 hours by Thursday morning. So, yeah, I’m just sitting here relaxing.
Ha.
That’s funny. Because I’m really scurrying around the house trying to get as much done as I can before I fly to Buffalo for a fun girls’ reunion. Or, um, my friend’s wedding.
So, about that title, huh? Don’t get any crazy ideas. This isn’t a post about Clint Eastwood. Well, OK, you can have one just for fun:
photo from here
There, get it out of your system. Good. Moving on, here are the good, bad, and ugly revelations of my week:
THE GOOD
photo by presta
I think it was Charlotte who suggested a while back that I freeze my pancakes and toast them at work. Well, after trying that I’d file it under The Brilliant, but then it wouldn’t work with the whole theme I’ve got going on here. So just know that this idea is very, very good. I just throw hot pancakes into a freezer bag straight from the griddle. When I’m ready to eat them, I defrost then toast them. Topped with peanut butter, they’re a delicious but offbeat lunch.
photo by lululemon athletica
Of course that’s how I downward dog.
It’s been 20 centuries since I did yoga (what, I haven’t had knee pain for that long?) but the other day I rolled out my mat and did a podcast from yogadownload.com. My body was screaming at me, and it went something like this: STOP! WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING TO ME? YOU MASOCHIST! STOP THESE KINDA-SORTA-PUSH-UP PLANK THINGIES RIGHT NOW! (Yep, my body talks in all caps. Annoying, I know.) I told it to shut up and I kept going. I’m glad I did, because my body felt strong and all sorts of amazing after. And, um, no knee pain. Woo. Hoo. Next up: Trying these exercises. (Before you start squealing, I’m not pregnant. But I do need to open hips made tight from sitting all day.)
THE BAD
photo by jek in the box
I’m not sure how this happened, but my suitcase is just as big for my two-day trip as it usually is for a weeklong one. I think I have a serious case of Can’tMakeupMyMinditis. Sure, I could just bring the black dress and be done with it. (Maybe use the rest of my day to read a book or take a nap or pluck my eyebrows. You know, seriously fun stuff.) But no, my disease forces me to wonder what would happen if it were cold. Or hot. Or what if I didn’t feel like blue on Saturday? And what would happen if I didn’t pack but suddenly really wanted to wear that eye shadow I used once back in 2006? So I hem and haw and then pack it all. Then I let out a deep sigh and start removing pieces. Apparently The Man needs to bring clothes, too.
photo by dmi82
Because knee pain really isn’t so bad, my body has given me another injury. And this time I’m sure it didn’t just shout in all caps. It did it with attitude, too. LADY, YOUR FOOT’S GOING TO HURT FOR A WHILE, it said. Why? Why can’t you just let me be with my knee pain? BECAUSE I’M YOUR BODY AND I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT. HA HA HA. HA HA. And it laughed an evil laugh, I swear. So here’s the deal: The bottom of my foot hurts and the pain gets worse when I exercise. If it keeps up for a few more days, I’m taking it to the doctor. I don’t need another chronic injury thankyouverymuch.
THE UGLY
photo by brew ha ha
I’m kind of ashamed to say this after confessing about my eggplant mishap here, but here it goes: I roasted eggplant last night for my pasta and I wasn’t impressed. It didn’t burn and it looked OK. I know I should like it and I know I’ve liked it before, but something is off when I make it. I’ll probably try to make it again, but not for a long while. (OK, fine. I’ll make it pretty soon after this fail since I still have another eggplant in the fridge. But after that? We’re going on a break.)
photo from amazon.com
If you’re like me, you’ve probably thought to yourself, I wonder how Regis Philbin stays so slim and trim. (Let’s hope that’s where your thoughts of Regis’ body ends, mkay?) Then check out his old workout video—plus two others, one by a Golden Girl. That’s all I’ll say, then urge you to enjoy the flick.
What are your good, bad, and ugly observations from the week?
24 comments
That pancake idea does sound brilliant! I’m going to have to try this one weekend when I actually get around to making pancakes. Glad your body finally succumbed to the yoga. I do 15 minutes each morning, and my body is always frustrated with me at the beginning…but afterward I’m pretty sure it loves me. Have fun in Buffalo!
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Tracey Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 9:59 am
FoodFitnessFreshair–I think what I love the most about the idea is you can whip up a batch all at once and have a quick breakfast/lunch ready when you’re feeling lazy. Not that I ever get lazy or anything. Oh, and I’m hoping my body gets back in yoga shape soon. It’s kind of pathetic how hard it is seeing as I was pretty good at it a few years ago!
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Its impossible to not pack big for a wedding weekend! There’s rehearsal dinners, day attire, wedding attire, and hungover airport attire
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Tracey Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Estela–Yep, I’ve pretty much stopped caring if I look totally put-together in the airport. With the little amount of space I get in my seat, I shoot for comfort.
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The pancake idea, awesome. I do that with other kinds of bread and it’s genius!
Sorry to hear about the foot. Boo to injuries.
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tracey Neithercott. Tracey Neithercott said: Happy Friday! New Post: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly of the week. http://bit.ly/96E3oK [...]
have fun at the wedding!! i did yoga for the first time in 20 centuries just yesterday, and i freakin loved it and am now re-hooked. i am obsessed with freezing pancakes and reheating them on the go too, has saved me from going hungry at school many a morning
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I just wanted to say I love your blog. I’m 25 years old and have knee problems too. I’ve had 3 knee surgeries (2 before I even graduated high school) and will probably have another one after the racing season this year.
I can’t wait to read through more of your posts.
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Tracey Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Jill–So glad you found my blog! I’m so sorry to hear about your knee problems. That’s so young to get two knee surgeries (and counting)!
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Hi there, I know you posted it a week ago, but I just wanted to say how much I liked your post about Perspective…I have had problems with the nerves in my ankles for 10 months now. They though I just had tarsal tunnel syndrome (pinched tibial nerve in the ankles) until I started getting problems in my elbows and wrists as well so I have more tests coming. Anyway, your post made me think that although I am still so frustrated that I can’t drive or walk anywhere without thinking about where I am going to find a “chair”, I am so grateful that I can now stand to take a shower and walk to the bathroom without crying in pain like last fall. Best of luck to you and I love your blog!
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Tracey Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
Katie–I know our injuries are completely different, but I totally related to your comment. I’m constantly thinking about what I can use as a “chair” when I’m out and about. Nothing wrong with sitting on the ground in the middle of a mall, store, or busy sidewalk, right? Oh, and I’m still using a bench in the shower. I can do it without, but my knees do get tired if I do something like shave or relax. So glad you can walk to the bathroom without pain. Believe me, I know how silly it sounds but how important it is!
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Oh..and one more thing. I totally understand the panic about a potential second injury. When I started getting nerve problems in my hands and arms as well, I FREAKED OUT at first (because I love to exercise and right now all I can do is swim using only my arms). But just remember, everything you learned from dealing with the first injury will serve you well with this one too (if it is even an injury) and you will know how to go about things much better this time and not get the doctor run-around so bad!
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Tracey Reply:
April 30th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Katie–This is SO true: “everything you learned from dealing with the first injury will serve you well with this one too.”
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Oh man those pancakes…love this post! So glad you get a day off! My week?…ugh – where’s the good?…wait , trying to be positive – so…yeah…let’s not go there…um, your posts are good
…have a GREAT w/e in Buffalo !
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I immediately thought of Clint Eastwood when I read this.
Very creative. Pancakes = super yum.
Good = i can move soon
Bad = its not a good place, very temporary, so still in midst of looking for other place (i.e., dump) in less than a month from now…
Ugly = i am financially about to be put in jail…i hate my job, but i will kiss the earth and do just to be able to pay rent..
Have a nice weekend.
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haha i love your observations girl!!!!
PANCAKES ARE ALWAYS GOOD!!
Good: SUMMER!!
Bad: havent seen my grades yet!
Ugly: hmmmmmmm i dk?! lol!
LOVE YOU
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I love your observations Tracey because I think almost exactly the same way you do. It’s a tiny bit scary actually.
Good – my stomach doesn’t hurt
Bad – I’m worried it’s going to start hurting after I eat lunch
Ugly – Things could get really ugly later if my stomach starts hurting.
I have a one track mind!
Have a great trip! And tell your hubby to take his own suitcase, thus creating more space for your stuff which is obviously 10X more important.
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i always forgot how easy it is to freeze pancakes! thanks for the reminder.
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I don’t remember the last time I made pancakes…I was probably five and I just stirred the batter while my babysitter did all the “big person” work. Yes, my babysitter. It was definitely not my mother, because her idea of cooking is putting a lean cuisine in the microwave. The freezer idea is good one though, and I might give pancakes another shot. They sound too good.
I have a very hard time packing- I am a chronic overpacker. Then I buy things while I’m out of town and can’t fit them or my luggage is overweight…and most of what I pack, I don’t end up using. Let me know if you find a cure for cantmakeupmyminditis. I could use one.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend love.
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I have only had eggplant once and that was at least 15 years ago. I couldn’t stand it and haven’t tried it since!
I love the freezing pancake idea – we do freeze a lot of things for easy!
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I really don’t know what the deal with eggplant is. Sometimes I roast it and it turns out DELICIOUS…perfectly soft and flavorful. But other times I’ll cook it the *exact same way* and it turns out dry and…nasty. Sorry, can’t help ya with that one :/
Have a great time in Buffalo!! Oh, and don’t worry about the overpacking. I’m *this* close to looking into “overpackers anonymous” meetings…
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Hope you had a wonderful weekend ! The pancakes look divine but I’m sorry about the eggplant; I like the roasted ones better when they’re the type without the seeds. My week’s “good” includes eating well for 3 whole days (gasp) and going for a swim last night… I felt a bit silly wearing a wetsuit to visit our neighborhood pool, but what the heck, I was lovley and toasty
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Freezing pancakes!? BRILLIANT! I need to do that! I did some yoga this weekend and my body screamed back, too. IN ALL CAPS, TOO! I was going to squeal thinking you were pregnant after clicking the link, too! Glad you had a disclaimer
And I hope you had a good weekend! 
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Great post! Love the idea of freezing pancakes – so much more convenient. Regis workout video? That is hilarious! I heart Regis.
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