Tag: health

saying-goodbye | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com Saying Goodbye…
Love and Life

Saying Goodbye…

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood6 Comments

Goodbyes are never easy…

I’ve been working at the Infusion Center for about 8 months now.  In these last 8 months I have learned so much and stretched myself further than I have in a long time.  I have faced some new fears (performing a therapeutic phlebotomy) and overcome some old fears (Am I going to remember how to be a nurse after taking an 8 1/2 year maternity leave?!). I have gotten to know some really awesome coworkers and met some great patients and their family members.

Overall the last 8 months have been enjoyable and a great learning experience for me.

For eight years, in the happiness and business of being a stay at home mom, I had almost forgotten what it is like to get attached to a terminally ill person…almost…

This past week was not an easy week at work. Even as I am writing this I can feel the pang of pain in my chest and my eyes getting teary. I had to say goodbye to a special patient.  He and his family had to make the tough decision to discontinue treatments and go on Hospice.

Mr. D* will always have a special place in my heart.  Like me he has a French last name, like me he also likes to talk a lot,  like me he often smiles even when things are not going his way…  After heading back to work after 8 1/2 years, he was the first IV stick I missed and subsequently so, the first IV I successfully started (he graciously let me try again for a second attempt.)  Something about that first little victory together made us fast friends.  Whenever he came in to get treatments, whether I was his nurse for the day or not, I always made sure I went and talked with him.

On Monday after he finished his infusion before leaving as he always does, he came over to say goodbye to me.  He told me that he wouldn’t be coming for treatments anymore and that they had decided to start Hospice care.  I wasn’t expecting to hear that and was caught off guard by his decision.  While I can usually keep it together, I had a very hard time holding my tears back.

I only hope that I am making as big of an impact on my patient’s lives as they are making on me!

Saying Goodbye is never easy | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

*Real names have been changed for privacy purposes.

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Martha Stewart’s 15 minute Sauteed Pork Cutlets
Delicious Recipes

Martha Stewart’s 15 minute Sauteed Pork Cutlets

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodLeave a comment

I’m a fan of Martha Stewart’s recipes and this pork cutlet one is no exception!

Martha Stewart's 15 minute Sauteed Pork Cutlets | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
Photo courtesy of Marthastewart.com

This quick and easy pork recipe can be made in only 15 minutes.  Not only is it simple, it is also delicious!

Martha Stewart’s 15 minute Sauteed Pork Cutlets

INGREDIENTS

8 pork cutlets (3 ounces each)

1 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 to 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (you can also use grape seed oil which is my oil of choice.)

Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon wedges for serving

2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus Parmesan curls shaved with a vegetable peeler for garnish (about 1 ounce total)

Fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish Grainy mustard, for serving

DIRECTIONS

  1. Place pork cutlets between two sheets of parchment paper; using a meat mallet or a small, heavy skillet, pound to 1/8 inch thick. Season both sides of pork with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Working in two batches, add pork to pan, and cook, flipping once, until golden brown, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side. (If pan becomes dry, add more oil.) Transfer to a platter .
  3. Drizzle lemon juice over pork, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Garnish with Parmesan curls and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges and mustard.
  4. Serve over couscous with green leafy salad .
  5. Enjoy!

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No Gym? NoProblem! #22 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com No Gym? NoProblem! #22
No Gym No Problem

No Gym? NoProblem! #22

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

The number one excuse that people give for not being able to workout is that they don’t have enough time!  Here is a quick 15 minute workout that doesn’t take up a lot of time or need a lot of space.  I love Jessica Smith, she is so encouraging!  You will definitely feel the burn after doing this quick workout!

Take 15 minutes and improve your day, your heath and wellness is worth it!  Remember to keep good proper form and warm up before and stretch after you exercise!

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

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Love and Life · Quote

Am I Enough?

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Do you ever ask yourself the question “Am I enough?”

Am I good enough? Am I doing enough? Am I happy enough?  Is my house clean enough? Am I beautiful enough? Smart enough? Skinny enough?… The list can go on and on.

Quite often I give myself a hard time.  I expect near perfection from myself and get upset when I don’t reach it. I need to remind myself that all I can do is my best and if I am doing my best I am enough!

I am enough! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

When I fail, I am still loved. I am not perfect, but I am still precious.

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No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #21

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I love to workout with weights! I like to use 8lb weights, but 3lbs or 5 lbs is great as well!   You can always push the up button by increasing the weight.

Start with one set of each move. As you get stronger,try to do the a circuit two or three times. After six weeks you can expect to see improvements in strength, muscle tone, and endurance. You will be shocked at just how strong you are!

As always…No excuses! Just do it!

No Gym?! No Problem! | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Click HERE if you would like to have a printable version of this workout.

Remember to keep good proper form and warm up and stretch before and after your workout!

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Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Review | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com Where Is the Body Revolution Review?!
Flab to FAB · Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Where Is the Body Revolution Review?!

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood1 Comment

**Please see below for an update.

Ok, so you might remember that for a while I was doing a weekly Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Review.  I reviewed up through week 6 and Cardio 2, then the reviews suddenly stopped… I completed workouts for weeks 7 and 8, although I didn’t review them, and I started Cardio 3 and weeks 9-10.  One night after doing workout 9 or 10, I rolled over and woke up from a dead sleep, my muscles were so sore and in pain that the simple movement woke me up.  It was then that thought to myself, “Why am I doing this to myself?!”

Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Phase 2 Workout 5 | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

My love for Jillian has not waned, but at this point in my life things are just so busy that I cannot be losing sleep or hobbling around due to muscles that are so stiff and sore from my workouts.  I hate to give up on something that I have started, but I cannot complete the body revolution at this point.

I am going to be honest, the moves in Cardio 3 are insane!  I did not enjoy the workout at all.  I found myself dreading it.  I love to exercise, I look forward to it everyday, and don’t want it to become a chore due to the type of workouts I am doing.  I love to challenge myself with my workouts, but I cannot risk injury while doing it.

So for now, my “Body Revolution” is on hold…

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**Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.

Love and Life · Quote

I Can and I Will

LauraJoli LookingJoliGoodImage2 Comments

This time of year is so busy and I often feel as if I can’t get every thing done while still doing it all well.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need a little bit of extra encouragement.  When things get busy and my schedule is packed full and I feel like I can’t do it all, I try to remind myself that I can and I will!  If you need a bit of extra encouragement today here it is…You can and You will!

I Can and I Will

 

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No Gym? No Problem! #20
No Gym No Problem

No Gym? No Problem! #20

LauraJoli LookingJoliGood2 Comments

Do you remember the Jessica Smith 15-Minute Kettlebell Cardio Strength Workout I posted a few weeks ago?  How did you like that one?  Here is another great Kettlebell workout that is a bit more intense (just a warning, it is Jillian Michaels, so you know it is not going to be easy!)

I love Kettlebell workouts!  Since kettlebell workouts incorporate both strength and cardio, you can get a great total body workout in a short amount of time.  You will definitely be feeling this one tomorrow!  Such a great arm, leg and core workout!

 

 

Especially when doing Kettlebell movements remember to keep good proper form and warm up before and stretch after you exercise!  You don’t even have to have an actual kettlebell weight, you can use a dumbbell too if you don’t own a kettlebell.

Are you enjoying these “No Gym? No Problem!” posts?  If so, you can check out the rest by clicking HERE!

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