Since I had to be to work early yesterday, I was happy to see that my strength workout could be adapted at home, well, except for the calf press – turns out I don’t have one of those at home! I adapted that by doing calf presses while standing on my hand held weights. I used 10 pound dumbbells.
- barbell squats: 30 reps
- leg press: 30 reps
- stiff-legged deadlift: 30 reps
- barbell lunges: 30 reps
- calf raises on dumbbell: 30 reps
The premise is that you do all 5 sets back to back, rest, then repeat. I did that routine 3 times and it only took me 22 minutes to complete. I definitely felt it in my legs later in the day though!
The drive to work was so pretty.
I ended up eating two of my pumpkin spice pancakes with pecans, sugar free syrup and a couple slices of ham.
So no workout at lunch yesterday. I have some news. Tony lost his job a while back and while he’s still sending out resumes like its his job, no bites yet. I’ve been looking for part time restaurant work since September, and after several interviews, I’ve been hired as a server at a new restaurant called ZEAL that is opening up within the week. Throughout my life I have about 15+ years of restaurant/bartender/server/cook experience. And you all know how I love food! Turns out though that some things have change since I last worked in a restaurant in 2008. I had to take a course to serve alcohol. I thought it would be about 30 minutes – try 2.5 hours! I started it on Sunday at 4:30 and didn’t finish until nearly 7!
After I printed out my certificate, I had to take it to the village where the restaurant is and they will give me my personal license to serve alcohol. So that’s how I spent my lunch hour yesterday. Once I got back, I reheated some potato soup I had in the freezer. On the side delicious kiwi and a high fiber English muffin.
I knew I had a wine tasting after work at my new job, and while I thought they would serve food for us, I wasn’t sure, so I had a Chobani right before I left.
There is so much about wine I don’t know. And basically, as a server, you don’t have to like every wine you serve, but you should be able to describe it. Carrie, totally thought of you during this two hour tasting!
There are basically three things you need to know about any wine – body/dryness/fruit. If you can accurately describe a wine using those three techniques, you can pretty much sell anything. We tried several varieties – even a $120 bottle of wine!
We also tried this vineyard – Opolo:
Don’t you love my lipstick marks on this glass?!
The cork with my notes!
Sparkling wine for $225 anyone??
The menu is going to be 30% Italian food, 30% steaks/chops and 30% small plates of all ethnicities. And as a small world, the Chef and I went to the same high school, he just graduated 10 years before me. You know how most Italian restaurants will give you a bottle of olive oil/balsamic oil and Parmesan cheese for dipping bread? Apparently this Chef decided to bring his signature version to each table as they sit down. While it may not look good through my iPhone, this is amazeballs. A slightly thick balsamic glaze is poured over the top. I literally could eat this for breakfast/lunch/dinner!
I must not have transferred the picture from home, but I also had two squares of the Chef’s hangover pizza – thinly shaved roast beef, peppers and giardinera! So, so good.
I have a Chef’s tasting tonight and tomorrow night with more computer training on the POS station. Hopefully by Thursday I’ll find out the actual opening date and my schedule. Once I have that, I know I can schedule my workouts, etc. It felt weird only working out for 22 minutes yesterday!
Yesterday was also my high carb day – the goal was 219 carbs, 153 protein and 29 fat.
Stats for the Day:
- 1761 calories (included the wine tasting), 207 carbs, 75 protein, 24 fiber and 61 fat.
- 22 minutes strength – legs circuits
I know I’ll be off in my numbers simply because I have no idea what I will be eating tonight – but going into dinner I will have only had 45 grams of carbs – my total goal is about 100-125 for the day.
My other concern was what I was going to do about dinner – leaving one job and going to another, the thought of having to pack breakfast/lunch/dinner every day was a bit daunting, but luckily the Chef offers meals to staff before shifts – his choice. I always will have access to soup and salad, so that’s good.
So wish me luck!
Today at lunch I have Back and Abs – totally able to fit that into my lunch time workout time. Make it a great day! And thanks for all the wonderful comments on facebook/here about my six month review – you guys encourage me more than you’ll ever know!
Good luck!! I think you’ll be great!
Sorry to hear about Tony’s employment troubles. I live in Nevada which was one of the states hardest hit by this economy. I was out of work for TWO YEARS. I have very marketable skills and a great resume and background. Still I couldn’t find any work, and our entire savings was depleted because of it. I still carry a lot of guilt about it even though it was out of my control. It is so demoralizing and defeating. It affects everyone in the household. We are slowly but steadily getting back on our shaky financial feet.
So things will work out eventually! Tell Tony to keep his chin up! I think it is harder on men sometimes because they feel like they need to be the provider.
Side note: I love the snow flakes falling on your blog now that I know what they are! Thought I was having a stroke for a minute haha.
Biz, for some reason I haven’t been getting your blog in email though it does show up on my site. Sorry to hear about Tony. My husband has been out of work for a year. I have tried getting retail jobs and I guess I’m not qualified, though that is all I did during college. Well, that and restaurant work. Sounds like Tony is doing what it takes. Mine is still determined to be an entrepreneur. I could kill him, but I try not too. Hang in there. you are doing all you can-PLUS!
Gosh, Biz. Sorry to hear about Tony, but after state budget cuts a few years ago, I said goodbye to a teaching career, so I know what it feels like to have to start all over again. Tell Tony he may have luck searching Flex Jobs for a telecommute position; I’ve been lucky to pick up a few freelance projects along the way.
Onto lighter news. I think we have a connection because–
1. We put our turkey on the grill this year, too, but did it on a spit.
2. I just met the wine maker from Opollo–he’s in my monthly wine tasting group.
3. In mid-January, I’m returning to the food industry too, but I’ll be behind the scenes at a winery working on the menu for the tasting room and taking my stuff to their kitchen–and new pizza oven!
And–you look fabulous!
Sweetheart I admire you! Taking a second job, I’m getting tired already just reading about it. I’m curious how many work hours you are going get at the new job, is it everyday, is it just the weekends?
I hope Tony finds something soon too, I can imagine being at home isn’t fun anymore after a while if you want to work.
The restaurant sounds great and it seems to me you will be working with pleasure there.
Keep working out early in the morning though so you won’t have to worry about that anymore the rest of the day.
Good luck with managing everything but knowing you a bit by now, I think you will figure everything out what works best for you.
Not sure of my schedule yet, since they don’t know! That’s the difference between a new restaurant opening up vs. one that is already established. I think they are using the month of December to get the kinks out.
And I agree, I think if I get my workout in the morning, then whatever happens during the day, I am set.
Thanks Fran!
The restaurant you’ll be working at sounds awesome! Sorry to hear about Tony, I hope he gets a call soon 🙂 Hugs!
Thanks Sam!!
Another OPRFer, they are everywhere! That bread looks amazing. Good luck with the new job!
Yep, and guess who he knows? Steve Schuler from Schuler’s corner! Small world. And yes, us OPRFers are everywhere!
Congrats on the extra job. Maybe I need to take a wine class…just cannot find one I like. Just a beer girl here.
It takes time because there are so many varieties out there – some like sweet, others like super dry. Beer is always good too though!
Sorry to hear about Tony losing his job, your new job sounds awesome! Fun fact, I was once a bartender when I was 18…time of my life!
Yep, I started in the restaurant business at 16 – and pretty much stayed with it, at least part time, until my mid to late 20s – then back at it in my 30s. I love tasting all this good food!
Congrats on your new job….it does sound like fun, working with food and wine. Hopefully Tony will find something soon. I can see you two hanging out at the Zeal, sounds like and looks like a very good restaurant to go to. Can hardly wait to see some of the foods the Chef serves….maybe there will be recipes???
Oh…PS I like the way your snowflakes fall on that pretty picture of your drive to work.
Thanks Louise – its a setting on wordpress – “do you want snow on your blog until January 1?” Yes please!
Hope things will work out for Tony soon! In the meantime, congrats on the second job! Sounds like a nice restaurant!
Thanks Andrea!
Oh that bread – I could live on that alone!!! Looks like Zeal is going to be full of yummy food; glad you’ll get to try some every time you work!
Me too! My thought is if its too fatty, I can always stick to the soup and salad!
Congratulations on the new job!!! Sounds like an awesome restaurant! You are going to be super busy (busier)!!!
Yep – maybe it will help shave off the final 5.4 pounds to my 2013 goal! 😀
Can’t wait to hear about your new adventures! Congrats! I know nothing about wine…I’d be lost!! Those pumpkin pancakes look amazing
I don’t really either, but I guess it’s more of learning how to “sell” wine vs. liking it!
Oh man. Sorry that Tony lost his job, but I am glad you were able to find something to help in the meantime! MAK and I have been down that road several times; it’s always scary to think of “what if…”
Thanks Erin! 😀
I saw someone else make the same comment. I’m now sitting here wondering if I should get a second job at a resturaunt too! I’m sorry for Tony. Thinking positive thoughts!!!
That bread looked to.die.for!!!!
Thanks Meg! And yes, I could eat that bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner! The balsamic glaze makes it!
DUDE! I have not gotten ANY emails of your posts since your switch. Did I miss doing something????
I sent you an email – hopefully you are up and running on the new host site!
Congrats on the job – I really hope it goes well for you and luck to Tony in his continuing search!
That wine tasting looks so nice….! $120 bottle – not too shabby! 😉
Once it’s open Courtney I will give you the details – not too far from you since its in Schaumburg!
congrats on the job sounds strange (cause it sounds like a BUNCH of extra work) but congrats !! I agree with Kym..you should figure out funding for a food truck…between your yummy food & Tony’s yummy grill food you guys could make a killing in the business. I’m already imagining a menu full of shaved beef sandwiches, great soups, and a Biz special every day..and I think you definitely play on the NO ONIONS…I strongly dislike onions too..specially raw ones
A soup and bread truck would be amazeballs! 😀 Thanks for your congrats Heather!
Congrats on getting the new extra job! Sounds like a classy place! Fingers crossed for Tony too!
I didn’t know how you did all you do before and now taking on extra work…it amazes me! Good luck!! 😀
We’ll see how long it takes me to crash and burn, but so far so good. Thanks Sherry!
Sad to hear that he lost his job, SUPER glad that you are able to pick up in the service industry again. It got me started on my wine love. So many things you get to learn and not have to pay a high price! Looking forward to hearing more about it.
Thanks Renee!
It took me a minute to get that POS was “point of sale” and not “piece of shit.” LOL
Congrats on your new job! *hugs*
Hahahah – I love your mind Jenn, that’s why I like you so much!
OMG! I love this post! And it’s not only because you thought of me!
~First, congrats on your new job!
~Does Zeal have a website? I can’t seem to find it.
~I love describing wine! (And I’m much better at it than describing beer. Although, I feel like I’m losing that talent, too, through lack of use!)
~Okay- so now, Pop Quiz!!! How would you describe the Hoopes? I haven’t had it. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a $120 cab (Is that $120 on the menu or retail?) I love the label! I don’t always love labels because more often than not they = gimmicky/overrated wines.
~Did you know that OPOLO makes one of my favorite wines?!! OMG!! The Opolo Mountain Zin is one of our all-time faves that we always get for special occasions. The Summit Creek is good, too, but the Mountain is even better.
~Lovin’ the food selection. May just have to take a trip down to try this place out.. (Oh and meet you, too. 😉 )
So excited for you and much luck in your new endeavor! Cheers~
(P.S. Apologies for the extra long comment today… Just so excited for you!)
I always love your bullet point comments Carrie!
~First, congrats on your new job!
THANK YOU
~Does Zeal have a website? I can’t seem to find it.
No website yet, as they haven’t fine tuned the menu yet – I’ll link to it soon!
~I love describing wine! (And I’m much better at it than describing beer. Although, I feel like I’m losing that talent, too, through lack of use!)
I would have liked you sitting next to me!
~Okay- so now, Pop Quiz!!! How would you describe the Hoopes? I haven’t had it. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had a $120 cab (Is that $120 on the menu or retail?) I love the label! I don’t always love labels because more often than not they = gimmicky/overrated wines.
That is the menu price – not sure what retail would be. I actually didn’t write any notes on that wine in particular – but he was basically showing the difference between $40 wine and $120 wine, and boy is there a difference! I do remember that the alcohol content was on the high side, so it was pretty bold and had great legs when swirled. The guy named the wine after his dog Hoopes!
~Did you know that OPOLO makes one of my favorite wines?!! OMG!! The Opolo Mountain Zin is one of our all-time faves that we always get for special occasions. The Summit Creek is good, too, but the Mountain is even better.
Small world about the OPOLO!
~Lovin’ the food selection. May just have to take a trip down to try this place out.. (Oh and meet you, too. 😉 )
Anytime Carrie! 😀
Whew… I am tired already. I don’t know how you find the time to do the things you do and now this. You are good at time management. The food looks like it will be amazing. You of course will flourish at your new job. Maybe you and Tony should consider opening up a diner or food truck. The two of you would make a great team if you can get past the thought of serving onions. But maybe that could be your “gimmick.” I can only imagine the stories we will hear about your new job.
Yep, we’d have a NO ONION stamp on every side of that food truck! Maybe someday Kym! 😀
I’m sitting here wondering if I should look for a second job as a food server as when I work with food I really don’t want to eat much of it. I’d be skinny before New Year’s hahahaha!
The restaurant sounds amazing. It’s going to be a big change for you but fun for us to see the different things you get to experience.
The good thing is that other than the Chef’s dinner, no eating is allowed at all once you clock in. That’s one of my biggest pet peeves when eating out is seeing servers eat food while working on the floor.