Wendy | Wendy Damonte - Eat, Play and Live - a Lifestyle Blog

DONNER LAKE HALF

June 13, 2013 By Wendy D 5 Comments

I’ve done it! I picked my race! I’m officially registered. And I want to throw up. Who knew officially registering for a race was such an emotional step. I feel like I’m in middle school and I’ve just agreed to “go” with the hot guy I’ve had a crush on all year. Because now what?? What does “going” mean? Will he pick me up at my locker? Will he hold my hand on the way to 3rd period leadership class? Will he call me tonight or should I call him first? There’s so much pressure when you’re officially “going”with your 14 year old boyfriend. And that’s EXACTLY how I feel about this race. Will it be too hard for me to finish? Will it abuse me and just toss me aside for a real triathlete? Will it laugh at me as I struggle to keep pace with other racers who obviously are more competent? I feel like there are so many unknowns now that I know which race I’m doing. I’m committed to the Donner Lake Half. This is my “guy.” No more flirting with other races. No more googlie eyes at different distances. I’ve agreed to “go”with this ONE race. I’m now in a committed relationship. At least I will be until July 28th. So about 2 months. Yeah, that’s about how long the relationship lasted in 8th grade as well. And I survived that one so I guess I’ll survive this one as well.

The Donner Lake Half is a half Ironman distance triathlon. 1 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and 13 mile run. The swim will be in 65 degree water with wetsuits optional. OPTIONAL?? WTF? The only option is to wear a wetsuit in my book!

The bike is 56 miles. Not bad, except when you look at the elevation. We ride up old highway 40 out of Donner Lake. Here’s the elevation map… it sucks:

The run is 13 miles. THIS IS GOING TO REALLY SUCK. It’s twice around Donner Lake. Not bad, except the backside of Donner is extremely hilly. Maybe not to your standards, but for this girl, the backside SUCKS. And I get to do it twice. The website doesn’t even give you an elevation map. Need I say more??

Back in 8th grade, there were moments I wondered why I made this decision to “go” with said hunk. And as of right now, I have those same regrets. Aren’t there better guys (races) out there? Aren’t other boys (races) more attractive? Wouldn’t a less hot boy (race) be nicer to me? STOP THINKING ABOUT IT WENDY! You’ve made your up your mind, now go be a good girlfriend (athlete!). I hope I chose wisely!

Filed Under: Play, Wendy Tagged With: inspirational, sports, swimming, working out

ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE

June 12, 2013 By Wendy D 2 Comments

I am that lame. Yes, I am that girl who sits at home watching infomercials… and actually buys the stuff. Especially when it comes to “It will make you look 120 years younger” facial products. Example? I bought Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford. I used it for about 6 months before admitting to myself, “I bet Cindy doesn’t even use this stuff!” So I dropped my subscription (oh yes! every three months they would send me more!) and went back to my plain old tub of Cetephil. I use Cetephil because several dermatologists have recommended it to me. But it’s just not sexy enough. It’s too cheap. It can’t be that good!

So imagine my excitement when my friend, Sarah Sommers, said she was selling Rodan and Fields ( www.ssommers.myrandf.com) and wanted me to try it. It’s the same company that developed Proactiv® Solution. And if that’s good enough for Jessica Simpson it’s certainly good enough for me! So here I go again. Switching up my facial regimen and trying something new. I’m so excited! I’ll let you know what I think in a few weeks. But between now and then, if you see a 22 year old anchoring the news, it’s just me!

Filed Under: Live, Wendy Tagged With: aging, GROWING OLD, life

AH NUTS!

June 6, 2013 By Wendy D 2 Comments

Have you ever opened your refrigerator to this sight?

After 13 years of being married to a Damonte, I’m still not used to this sight. A bag full of nuts. I guess it’s the same as being married to a fisherman and coming home to a frig full of crab. Oh wait. No it’s not. These are calf testicles. Not crab legs. Nope, hard as I try, I just can’t compare this to anything in the normal world. And I know what you’re thinking. “Did she really cook them?” “Have I ever been to her house and been offered an appetizer of mystery meat only to be tricked into eating testicles?” “I’m never eating over there again!” “Does she feed those to her kids?” OK, allow me to answer that final thought you’ve all had. No, I haven’t cooked them for the kids. But, yes, we did trick them into thinking they ate them. We are that mean. We look for every chance to humor ourselves, even at the expense of our children. The other night, I made a Chinese dish with some chicken. After Eva and Domi finished their plates Darrin said, “Wow you guys really like calf nut stir fry!” Eva ran to the sink. Domi looked at me with surprise and disgust on his face. It was the same face I saw at his first communion last month when he finally got to take the host. For years, I’ve told my kids the wafers have flavors. And it’s a different one each Sunday. Chocolate, strawberry or my favorite coffee. Immediately after accepting communion for the first time, he glanced over his shoulder and slowly shook his head when our eyes met. I chuckled, he glared. Humor is subjective I guess. You know what else is funny? I just combined calf testicles and the holy communion into one post. That is my life, people.

Filed Under: Live, On The Ranch, Wendy Tagged With: family, KIDS, Ranching, wendy's family

BREAST DENSITY LEGISLATION-THE REAL STORY

June 4, 2013 By Wendy D 14 Comments

It was Monday morning and I had just wrapped up a great mountain bike ride with my Little Friend Lynn. It was 10:50. I was sweating, muddy and sporting a sweet helmet head look. My phone chirped, signaling a new text massage. It was from Gina at my work making sure I knew AB 147, the breast density bill I’ve dedicated the past 4 months of my life to, was going to be signed into law today by the Governor at 11:30. WHAT????????? was my reply. Governor Sandoval’s office had called and emailed me… but on my work contacts. So the only warning I got was 40 minutes before the bill was to be signed. I’ve posted before about how my life is like a duck; calm on the surface, but paddling like hell beneath. That was me on this day. I literally ran to my bathroom. Showered in less than 2 minutes. Threw a dress on. Combed my dripping wet hair and ran back to the car. I called the kids’ school and said, “I’ll be there in 7 minutes. Make sure the kids are outside.” At 11:05 we were heading down to Carson City. We found a decent parking spot at 11:25. As we briskly walked into the state capital, I was pulling on my belt and shaking the remainder of the water from my hair. 11:38, we were escorted into the Governor’s office… as if that was my plan all morning long! Governor Brian Sandoval was amazing. He engaged my kids in conversation. He showed them is coin collection. He answered their many questions about the state and his family. He even asked them which desk he should use to sign the bill into law. Normally in Nevada, the Governor uses a small historic desk. But my kids wanted his grandiose, every day desk and he obliged. He then had just the kids and me come behind him so we could get official pictures taken with just the four of us.

He then invited assemblymen James Ohrenschall and Randy Kirner (sponsors of the bill) and lobbyist Audrey Damonte to join us for the official signing.

And this was a live signing. Sometimes it’s just ceremonial and the actual bill was signed ahead of time. But he saved this piece of legislation for us to witness him signing it live. He used several pens and then gave each of us one of them. He also handed me a copy of the bill, personally signed to me by the Governor. And he gave the kids his Governor coin.

All in all we were in his office about 25 minutes. 25 great, historic minutes. I cried out of pride and sadness. I’m proud to have helped pass a law that will save women’s lives. I’m sad this bill came too late for my mom. But days like this make the sadness easier to tolerate. And I know my mom was watching. When I got home that night, I put on some shorts and was making dinner. For no reason, I put my hand into my back pocket. My fingers curled around a thin piece of paper. Surprised, I pull it out and broke into laughter when I saw what it was. Two 5 dollar bills. One for Eva. One for Domi. A present from my mom in heaven saying, “Good job guys! Well done today.”

Filed Under: Live, Wendy Tagged With: breast cancer, DENSE BREAST TISSUE

BREAST DENSITY LEGISLATION

June 3, 2013 By Wendy D 5 Comments

The fight has just begun. Even though today it ended here in the state of Nevada. The fight will continue all across this country. I’m talking about breast density legislation. Today, Governor Brian Sandoval signed AB 147 into law. This will make it mandatory for physicians to inform women who get mammograms what type of breast tissue they have. Why is this important? Because dense breast tissue is more prone to develop breast cancer. AND tumors are harder to see on a mammogram for women with dense breasts. For example… my mom had a CLEAN mammogram and then 6 months later, she was diagnosed with end stage cancer. She had 4 tumors in her left breast. 1 in her neck. And of 54 lymph nodes taken out, 38 were cancerous. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE for cancer to spread that quickly. My mom had breast cancer, undetected in her annual mammograms, for years! She didn’t die of breast cancer. She died because she had dense breasts. Had she known she had dense breasts, I’m positive she would have paid the $150 a year for additional screening. Her cancer would have been picked up years earlier. She would be alive today. Here’s the story of the signing:

KTVN Channel 2 – Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video –

OK, now that I’m off my soapbox (momentarily) I’ll return to humor tomorrow. Because you will not believe what happened moments before the signing occurred. Only in my life would something so important happen so haphazardly!

Filed Under: In Case You Missed It, Wendy, Wendy's Work Tagged With: breast cancer, DENSE BREAST TISSUE

DR. TERERAI TRENT

May 30, 2013 By Wendy D 2 Comments

I had the huge honor of meeting Dr. Tererai Trent today. What? You’ve never heard of her? OK, to be honest, before today, I hadn’t either. Even though she is Oprah Winfrey’s all time favorite guest. She’s from Zimbabwe. She wasn’t allowed to go to school. She became a wife at age 11. And by 18, she had 3 of her 5 children. You know what kills me about that? My daughter, Eva, is 9 1/2. I can’t imagine losing her to a man in just a year and a half. As tears fill my eyes, let me tell you a bit more about Dr. Trent. She believes in education. And it was her determination for an education that set her free from a life of poverty in Africa. Two weeks ago, she attended her daughter’s college graduation. For most of us, that’s a given. For her, it was a dream. You’ll understand after watching this video by Oprah:

Filed Under: Fascinating People, Wendy Tagged With: inspirational

WENDY’S WORKOUTS 5/13 TO 5/19

May 20, 2013 By Wendy D Leave a Comment

MONDAY: Rode my wind trainer for 1 hour 30 minutes. Boring. Same ‘ol thing. Why do I subject myself to this workout??? Totally dreading rerun season!

TUESDAY: Went mountain biking with my Little Friend Lynn today. We rode Galena for 2 hours 30 minutes. I normally take Donner when we mountain bike, but today we had to cross the Mt. Rose Highway so I left her home. Boy was I in trouble when I got home all muddy and still high from endorphins. She looked at me and played dead.

WEDNESDAY: Swam 3700 yards. 1500 swim, 1500 pull, 700 swim.

THURSDAY: I ran for 1 hour 45 minutes today. My kids had 4-H so I left the fairgrounds on foot and ran through my alma mater. If you’ve never visited the University of Nevada, you should! It’s beautiful. It’s designed after the University of Virginia which was one of Thomas Jefferson’s creations. I came across the quad all decked out and ready for graduation the following day. This brought back some GREAT memories.

FRIDAY: Swam 2800 yards. 1500 swim, 1200 pull, 100 swim. Rode a stationary bike at the gym. Have you ever sat on one of those seats?? How do people ride on those? I made it 45 minutes and had to get off. I walked like an old cowboy from a spaghetti western the rest of the afternoon.

SATURDAY: No workout.

SUNDAY: Rode my wind trainer for 1 hour 15 minutes.

Filed Under: Play, Wendy Tagged With: working out

PALEO BREAKFAST WAFFLES

May 16, 2013 By Wendy 2 Comments

Good Friday morning!! “What’s for breakfast?” Those are the first words out of my kids’ mouths every morning. I cringe upon hearing them. “Hell if I know!” is what I want to reply. But if I did, the rest of the Girl Scout cookies would suddenly become the breakfast of choice. But now my problem is solved thanks to these AMAZING Paleo waffles created by the good people who wrote “Eat Like A Dinasaur.” It’s a kid friendly Paleo cookbook. These waffles are the first things I’ve tried from their website but they are so good, I’m going to buy their cookbook.

I wish I would have taken a pretty picture of the waffles all plated with raspberries, a dollop of whipped cream and some macademia nuts sprinkled all over them… but we ate them too fast. So instead, you can look at my empty batter bowl and plain Jane waffles. Seriously, Wendy, get some better pictures rolling! Oh ya, and here’s the recipe:

http://paleoparents.com/featured/elads-frozen-waffles-and-other-naturally-green-st-patricks-day-recipes/

I recommend doubling it. It makes enough for one good breakfast for 4. I make extra and them put them in the freezer and toast them as needed in the days ahead. Splash a little 100% grade B maple syrup and you are in hog heaven!

Filed Under: Eat, Wendy Tagged With: eat healthy, paleo, paleo diet, paleo recipes

IS ALCOHOL PALEO?

May 15, 2013 By Wendy D 2 Comments

You all MAKE ME LAUGH! I write a post about being healthy with lists of great foods we should all be eating. And EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU who emailed me about that post asked the same question. Is alcohol allowed with this Paleo diet thing??? THAT’S WHY I LOVE YOU GUYS! You are all my kinda people! So here’s the dish on a glass of wine. Word for word from Gary Taubes, author of Why We Get Fat:

“At first, avoid alcohol consumption on this diet. At a later point in time, as weight loss and dietary patterns become well established, alcohol in moderate quantities, if low in carbohydrates, may be added back into the diet.”

I’ve also interviewed Robb Wolf, author of The Paleo Solution, and he says “less is usually better.” However, he’s quick to hand out his Paleo margarita recipe which is high quality tequila over rocks with lime juice and a splash of club soda. Delicious!

And note, I took a picture of a bottle of wine… not a glass. That’s because I can no longer drink wine, or any alcohol for that matter. My friend Amy, the one who took the crazy cake, challenged me to a no drinking contest. WTF?? Remember in college when you would challenge your friends to a drinking game?? Now that we’re in our 40s, apparently it’s a NO drinking game. She sucks. Who does that to a friend?? Side note: This wine is Berghold from Lodi. Lodi zins are my new favorite wines! Well, they will be once I take Amy down!

Filed Under: Eat, Wendy Tagged With: paleo, paleo diet, paleo recipes, Wine

THINGS WE SHOULD EAT EVERY DAY

May 14, 2013 By Wendy D Leave a Comment

Just give me a list! Sometimes that’s all I want. I want someone to hold my hand and tell me exactly what to eat so I don’t have to think. I’m tired of thinking. I’m tired of doing what I think is healthy only to find out eating whole wheat bread is making us fat!!!! Dammit! At least that’s if you believe Gary Taubes. He’s the author of “Why We Get Fat.” You can read my book report here. He sights so much research, dating back to the 1800′s, I have a hard time not believing what he says. And he says don’t eat refined carbohydrates or sugar. Why? Because they are what make us fat. So now that you know what not to eat, here’s Gary’s list of foods to eat when you are hungry:

Meat: Beef, pork, ham, bacon, lamb, veal or other meats. For processed meats, go with sausage, pepperoni, hot dogs. Check the labels…carb count should be about 1 gram per serving. Chicken, turkey,duck or other fowl. Any fish, including tuna, salmon, catfish, bass, trout, shrimp, scallops, crab and lobster. Eggs: Whole eggs are permitted without restrictions.

This is a list of foods Gary says we should eat every day:

Salad greens: 2 cups a day including arugula, bok choy, cabbage (all varieties), chard, chives, endive, collards, mustard, kale, all lettuce varieties, parsley, spinach, radicchio, radishes, scallions and watercress… in other words, if it’s a leaf, you may eat it!

Vegetables: 1 cup (measured uncooked) daily including artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, jicama, leeks, mushrooms, okra, onions. peppers, pumpkin, shallots, snow peas, sprouts, sugar snap peas, summer squash, tomatoes, rhubarb, wax beans and zucchini… do you think he would allow rhubarb pie which I just so happen to be eating as I type this!

Bouillon: 2 cups a day as needed for sodium replenishment.

Here’s a list of foods that should be allowed in limited quantities: Cheese (up to 4 ounces a day), cream (up to 4 tablespoonfuls a day), mayonnaise (up to 4 tablespoonfuls a day), olives (6 a day), avocado (half a fruit a day), lemons/limes, soy sauces, pickles and snacks like pork rinds/skin (seriously?? gross!), pepperoni slices, ham, beef, turkey and other meat roll ups and deviled eggs.

I’m missing the cheese fondue from his lists. And where is the chocolate lava cake? How about a chip? Unfortunately they didn’t make his list but certainly are on my “Every once in awhile” list. I mean we only get one crazy ride on this merry-go-round we call life. So a greasy hot pastrami on rye with fries will still be eaten by this gal! But I have to say, eating carb and sugar free (OK, “free”‘ is a stretch… how about carb and sugar “limited”) has been successful in my family. Remember when I mentioned I had headaches for about 10 days straight… it was during the time frame I cut out most sugars and almost all refined carbs. I truly believe my body was going through a detox. Darrin lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks with zero exercise and eating lots of food! That’s one thing about Paleo eating, you’re never hungry. I’ll start sharing some of my favorite recipes I’ve cooked up over the last few weeks. But many of you have mentioned you want the chicken nugget recipe from Paleo Spirit I posted on Facebook a while back. So here you go! I doubled the recipe and made half regular and half with the hot sauce. My entire family preferred the hot sauce nuggets! I say go for it! Enjoy!

http://paleospirit.com/2013/paleo-buffalo-chicken-nuggets/

Filed Under: Eat, Wendy Tagged With: eat healthy, how to lose weight, losing weight, paleo, paleo diet, paleo recipes