Ginger's Big Adventure

2010-03-28T19:27:00.003-04:00

MOVING TO TUMBLR!!!!

I'm moving the blog over to my tumblr account!

Check it out!

www.adventureginger.tumblr.com

You can also follow me on Twitter and Youtube!

www.twitter.com/adventureginger

www.youtube.com/user/adventureginger

Wow! I need to blog!

2010-02-28T21:50:00.002-05:00

For those of you following me, let me just say that I am so, SO sorry for not blogging. I promise tomorrow (or Tuesday) that I will try to blog.

Things have been crazy with school (applying for transfers and school in general) and things have been blossoming in my love life.

Weight loss as been at a standstill for the moment, but I'm not going to get discouraged.

More to come soon!!!

Oh My God, You Guys!

2009-09-19T16:18:00.008-04:00

Where to begin? Where to begin? My life has been so crazy. I'll give you guys a little recap of all the mess that's been happening. For those of you who follow my blog, you all know about the craptastic ordeal that I had with financial aid. That problem was officially resolved August 25th! It turns out after I went and talked to the director of the financial aid department that I was going to receive more than I received for the '08-'09 school year. I was ecstatic! (This year I'm receiving a scholarship. Yay! lol) My books were $505.05. I couldn't make that happen again if I tried!)

After going through all the hassels registering, getting financial aid straightened out, finding out the day before classes start that a teacher cancelled a class and didn't notify anyone, etc. school is actually going quite well.

I'm taking intro to psychology, intro to theatre, intro to communications, and event planning. I know, those really random classes for a first semester sophomore, but what are you gonna do? Right? LOL I'm really quite excited about all of them! (I have a surprise about my theatre class coming in my next blog so stay tuned!)

I get my refund check on the 24th. Originally, when I first checked online it said I had $943.50 coming to me. I checked again a couple of days ago, out of sheer boredom mind you, and I got quite the surprise. My scholarship hadn't been listed online. My financial aid, as it had previously, paid for my tuition and my books. The $943.50 was the amount I had left over from my pell grant. With my scholarship tagged on, I'll be receiving close to $2000. TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS! (This may not seem like much to some of you, but believe me...coming from my background and being a poor college child to boot, this amount is amazing!)

Shame on me, I'm already trying to think of ways to spend it before the check is even in my hands. I know that I'm definitely going to get a laptop. It will help me with my schoolwork immensely. (I'd love to get a mac, but all of my money would be gone. If anyone reading my blog works for Apple, I love your products. Feel free to send me anything you'd like me to test out!)

With this money comes my ability to get a gym membership! FINALLY! I'm so excited. I'll be joining up the first week of October. I've already lost 3-5lbs due to pure stress from school so that's a good start! HAHA!

Do you guys have any suggestions on how I should spend my money/what laptop I should get?

Let me know! Post it in the comments please!

I'll try to start posting more frequently. :) More later lovies!

Financial Aid Catastrophe

2009-08-23T16:35:00.005-04:00

First of all, let me apologize once again for not posting regularly. My life has been CRAZY the last couple of weeks. I've been having to deal with my own problems (mild insomnia and battling food) and I've also been dealing with my college.

I recently received notice via my college email that I had "unsatisfied student requirements" in order for me to get my financial aid for the 2009-2010 school year. They were asking for tax information and whatnot. It stuck me as odd since they hadn't asked for it the previous school year, but I complied and turned in everything they had requested in a timely manner. After doing this and checking online, everything was still showing up as "received pending review". That same day when I checked my college email, I had received a notice saying "Tuition must be paid by 6:00pm tonight or you will be purged from your classes." It told me to go to the "confirm and pay" section of the web page, blah, blah, blah. When I got there, I saw this lovely message, "No Authorized Financial Aid exists on your record for the selected term.".

Seeking enlightenment on the situation, I went to the financial aid office on Thursday of this week, that same day, to make sure that everything was in order. (I had previously called 3 times, each time being told something different. Don't you love college communication?)

Once I go inside, I see all of the other lovely individuals who look equally confused/pissed. I'm sure they were hiding their happiness on the inside. There was a girl in front of me who had literally just turned all of her information in. (Not smart in my opinion, but whatever floats your boat.) The woman behind the desk told her that she most likely wouldn't receive her financial aid. The girl had informed her she had to have it to attend. The woman showed no sympathy and told her to go to the business office to "set up a payment plan". Ah, how kind these people are.

The girl left, walking out quickly. I stepped up to the desk to inquire about my situation. Once discussing my situation with the woman behind the counter, I was informed that I may not even have my financial aid in time to purchase my books on Tuesday. I quickly told the woman that my financial aid was essential, not only to pay my tuition, but also to pay my for my books. Her response, "I'm holding your classes and I'm not even supposed to do that."

As I continued to talk to her, the woman seemed as if she were trying to get me to leave. Slightly understandable since the office was filling up with people, but I had waited my turn and I thought "I'll be damned if I leave here before getting to have my say." I had faxed all of my information to the financial aid office early in the previous week. She told me that they hadn't received my faxed information until the day before. I told her again that I had sent all of my information over to her in a timely manner. Her response "We receive hundreds of faxes a day."

Now...explain something to me. How is it my problem that they "receive hundreds of faxes a day". It's close to the beginning of a new school year. If they're shorthanded, why not grab a few members of SGA and have them sort out. I would have loved to walk behind the counter to see the mass of fax papers in the floor in a large pile. I'm obviously not the only student with this problem and it pissed me off. No one should have to go through this. Why should we have to take the fall because someone couldn't do his/her job? I did my part. I don't understand why my college isn't doing what needs to be done.

I won't find out if I have my financial aid until Tuesday when I drive over to the campus to see if I can get a waiver for my books or not. (The campus is closed for in-service tomorrow. How delightful!) If I have no money, I obviously cannot purchase books. Oh what a fun time I'm going to have explaining to my professors why I'm not prepared for class! What rapture that will be!

I also have to wait until Tuesday to fill out a form for a student loan, my only other option for being able to attend this semester to pay for my tuition and books. However, if approved, it's highly unlikely that I'll receive it before classes start so I'm in the same boat either way.

I filed my FAFSA for the 2009-2010 school year back in January or February of '09. I shouldn't be having this problem. Why do I have to pay for the college's mistake? Can I please curse someone out on Tuesday? I know I have more couth than that, but it would really seem fun. I can see it now, me looking like a giant strawberry from being so red and expletives hanging in the air, following me around campus. (Alright, alright...I'll play nice.)

While this is a fantastic prize package, can I please choose what's behind door number 2? Sigh...President Obama, if you're reading this, can you please give my school a swift kick in the ass?

I'm off to have yet another cappuccino. I know, empty calories, but after all the stress I've had this week, I'm going to say it's worth it.

I know this blog wasn't about weight loss, but I really needed to rant. Thanks for listening.

Oh Where, Oh Where Has My Little Blog Gone?

2009-08-03T19:37:00.009-04:00

Alright, I know that I've left all of you hanging for a little over a week now and I offer you my most sincerest apologies. I volunteered to go on a excursion with my family AKA summer vacation. While it was supposed to be loaded with family fun, I usually end up being the only one that doesn't really get to enjoy the trip.

(Fun vacation fact: Every time we go on vacation, I always manage to fall down, haha)

We went to the beach. (The shot below is one view from our balcony, 11 stories up.)

Now, being a bigger girl, the beach is not my idea of fun for several reasons. The following are a few examples:

Heat-My ass will sweat like a pig roasting over an open flame.
Sand-I'm bigger than everyone else. While you may be able to get it off just fine, Skinny Benny, I find sand in places I didn't even know sand could hide for days.
Sun- I'm fair complected and even with SPF 85, I still manage to turn into a bright, lobster colored crisp. (This really pisses me off since everyone else who attended came home looking like a gingerbread cookie.)
Weight-I do NOT feel comfortable in a swimsuit. I bought a new one and actually felt sexy for once, until I stepped out in public. (No, I DO NOT have a self-esteem issue. It's a big girl mentality. If you've never been fat, you can't truly understand, nor can I properly explain it to you.)

While vacationing and eating out almost every night, it was very hard for me to eat healthy, especially with all of the temptation. I ate lots of seafood, but I am ashamed to say that I did cheat a little and had a bit of fried food. (The oysters made me do it.) I'm not going to worry about it too much. I did my best and that's all I can do. There's no sense in dwelling on the past when I can still look to the future.

Here are a few more photos from my trip.

(other view from the balcony)

(Come To My Window! View from the bedroom)

(Me and my mom on the beach. Please excuse my extreme case of Jello arms. As you can see, Mom's looking like a gingersnap and I'm chillin' like Casper the friendly ghost.)

I'm going to do my best to keep posting everyday. Being on vacation kind of knocked me out of the habit. I'll post another tonight with a recipe. :)

If you're new to my blog, you can follow me on Twitter @ www.twitter.com/adventureginger.

Also, if you like what you're reading, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! :)

Can Gluten Free Really Be Yummy?

2009-07-21T13:08:00.005-04:00

Instead of posting a blog this afternoon, I thought that I'd post a recipe. My cousin posted this on her facebook and it sounds delicious. She can't handle eating gluten and is always in the kitchen trying to find new ways to make her favorite foods gluten free.

In the beginning, I thought it sounded odd. Then, I took a look at the ingredients and completely changed my mind. :) I hope that all of you will enjoy this too. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Gluten free Caramel -Pecan Apple Crumble

1 stick butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
12 oz of sliced granny smith apples
12 oz of fuji (or whatever red they use in those pre-sliced bags)
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ginger (I like fresh ground ginger)

Spay bottom of in a 9x13 pan with Pam spray. Place sliced apple in bottom of pan. Sprinkle apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger. In a saucepan melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until mixture begins to boil, forming the caramel sauce. Pour mixture over apples in pan. Sprinkle with topping.

topping
1 stick of melted butter
1 cup pecan meal
1 cup cup almond meal
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cups chopped pecans

Combine all ingredients until a crumbly texture forms. Sprinkle over apples. The pecan and almond meal together kind of have an oatmeal-ish rustic taste so you're not missing the flour and oats.

Bake at 350 for about 45 mins.

Yum.

I may post a little later if I have time. :)

The Snacking Showdown

2009-07-20T23:26:00.003-04:00

It's that time of night again. You know the one I'm talking about. You've had your dinner, it's late, and you're "hungry". What to do, what to do? While some of have the willpower to stay on track, others, including myself at times, feel the need to eat.

Some eat out of boredom, others eat for comfort. Some just continue their late night snacking habits because it's become part of his/her nightly routine.

So here's the big question: If you MUST eat, what do you eat this late?

Cookies? Potato Chips? Leftover pasta salad? I don't know if there is a true "healthy alternative" that overweight individuals can fit into a diet where it won't come back to bite them in the rear end.

My tip for snacking is try drinking a glass of water or a small 8 oz glass of cold milk. Sometimes drinking something is all you need to curve your appetite and knock out those cravings. :)

" You Ate What?!" Ginger Makes Dinner

2009-07-20T16:07:00.011-04:00

At the moment, I'm currently cooking my dinner for the evening: Beef Stroganoff. Now, I know what you're thinking. "How can you eat that? It's loaded with fat!" If I were sitting down with an entire plateful, it would be awful for me, you're right. However, one key to success when dieting is to enjoy the foods you love in moderation. Chocolate cream pie may not be the best thing for you, but I guarantee if you have a tiny slice as a reward for all of your good work instead of depriving yourself the chocolatey goodness, you'll be less likely to cheat later down the road.

I'm making my stroganoff tonight using Wholesome Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff Mix.

I'm also using very lean ground beef as well as skim milk in my cooking. Along with my dinner, I'm having corn and green beans. (The corn may seem starchy, but it's actually a grain!)

My lunch consisted of 1 Ham and Cheddar Lunchable, complete with 2 vanilla sandwich cookies, equaling 410 calories.

(Detailed information: Serving Size: 1 package; Calories: 410, Total Fat: 21g, Carbs: 39g, Protein: 16g)

Those things may be little (and for kids), but they're actually a great dieting tool. You get the food you want and need and you also get a dessert item. (As small as those are, they're still amazingly filling.) Another benefit of the lunchable is the how they're already preportioned. True, they're not the greatest source of nutrition, but they're easy, affordable, and taste great.
For some, it's also a nice way to relive your childhood. Don't knock it until you try it!

Off to check on dinner! I'll blog a little more in a bit. Feel free to post comments and tell me what you do to make your dinners more healthy! :)

Sweet Tweets!

2009-07-20T12:30:00.011-04:00

Hey everybody. I just wanted to share my excitement with you guys. I've joined Twitter. I'll be tweeting in addition to my blogging now. :)

Something new I'll be introducing is a tip of the day. I may keep those solely for Twitter only, but in the beginning, for those of you who don't have an account, I'll post them on the blog as well.

Have a happy day!

Today's Tip Of The Day: Don't eat in front of the television. Turn that bad boy off! Eating in front of the TV = eating past being full. :(

IF YOU DO TWEET, ADD ME ON TWITTER!
http://twitter.com/adventureginger

Conquering The Midnight Munchies

2009-07-20T12:04:00.004-04:00

So after careful thought and consideration, I decided not to cheat and snack that late at night. It was far too late to eat and I sat at my computer content with my water. I began to have a chat with my friend Jason. He and I began discussing how we'd both like to lose weight, etc. It was all fine and dandy until our conversation took a turn for the worse. It went a little something like this:

"I love carbs a lot".

"Oh my God! Bread is so good!"

"Yes it is. Spaghetti is too."

"Yeah it is."

It all basically went downhill from there. While the conversation itself was hilarious, I'm pretty sure all we did was make ourselves hungry. The night went on as we continued to talk about food, telling each other periodically "DON'T DO IT!" when tempted to take the long walk down the hallway to the kitchen.

One thing that I know about myself also rings true of several people battling the bulge: We eat out of boredom.

It's not a nice realization, but it is something that we have to face head on. Grabbing a bottle of water instead of the big grab bag of Cheetos is not always the easiest option for some people. I know that this may sound silly to a few of you, but not everyone has the will power to take control, straighten up and fly right.

This may be the hardest thing I have to do. I'm going to give up my late night snacking. All that contributes to is empty calories and extra pounds. I'm quitting today. How about you?

Not Just Late Night TV

2009-07-20T00:54:00.001-04:00

Apparently when Conan, Craig, and Jimmy start coming on late at night, they're not the only things lurking in the dark. It's this time of night when those pesky little late night cravings sneak up on you. Why is it that your body chooses to make you feel those cravings? Why must we have to rationalize whether or not we're actually hungry, just thirsty, or bored? Why can't our body work WITH us rather than against us?

Look bod, tell me when you need to eat. Don't play with my head. This is not what I need right now. What I need is some motivation.

Motivation. Motivation. Motivation.

Okay self: You're not going to look anything close to this if you waltz into the kitchen and pick up a ding dong.

You're not going to look fabulous if you stick your hand into that bag of chips. (Fun sized my ass. There's nothing fun about extra pounds.)

I'm going to sit here and fight the temptation and merrily sip on my bottle of water.

I'm winning the battle...here's to hoping I win the war.

(Photo Courtesy Of Curtis Brown)

Shine Like The Sun

2009-07-19T19:03:00.001-04:00

When trying to lose weight, everyone needs to first set a weight loss goal. At the moment, I'm still afraid to step on that scale. I'm not sure how much I want to know exactly how much I weigh. In addition to setting a goal, some people (myself included), choose an individual that they look up to for weight loss inspiration. My inspiration is Broadway performer, Megan Hilty. Ms. Hilty has been in numerous shows Broadway shows, one of them being a person favorite of mine, Wicked.

Currently, Ms. Hilty is playing the role of "Doralee" in the musical version of 9 to 5. I recently wrote to her to tell her how I feel that she is a great role model for a positive body image and also mentioned my struggle with weight loss. She was kind enough to send me an autographed photo for motivation and also enclosed a small note.

I look at this note when I need motivation and I know that it will help me along my journey.

If any of you reading are in the NYC area, I really recommend going to see the show. It's amazing. Ms. Janney, Ms. Block, and Ms. Hilty all give outstanding performances.

And So It Begins....

2009-07-19T18:30:00.000-04:00

Hello world. I'm very excited to start blogging. FINALLY! I had an old blog before where I would just post silly things and I let that one go. I'm going to try to be posting daily. This blog is here to help me motivate myself to lose weight. I've been heavy all of my life and I'm ready for a change.

While I do love myself, I'd love to see myself in a smaller size and I know that no one can change that other than me. If I can take the time to blog, I can take the time to change my life. I'm ready for the new me. I've tried different diets and they all seem to be the same. The weight comes back and then some. While my girlfriends talk about their "skinny jeans" and their "fat jeans", I sit back, listen to them ramble on and just wish that I OWNED a pair of "skinny jeans".

It's time for Big Mama to change her ways. I'm ready to bust out of this body and reveal the true, sexy me that's hiding underneath. I hope that you'll be here along the way. :)