On the Road

Obviously, I didn't manage to get online from Dalton, GA last night. I think we were supposed to ask them to turn on the phone for local calls and we didn't. After trying to get online and having problems, I gave up and went on to bed. I was pretty tired last night anyway!

Up and back on the road today. Been doing okay with the eating. Drinking all my water has been tricky. I hate to stop every hour or so just to go to the bathroom. Thankfully, it hasn't been too horrible and I've managed to eek in twelve glasses both days.

Have the interview tomorrow afternoon. We're going to go walk on our favorite beach afterward and just relax. I will make sure I log in tomorrow and let everyone know what happened with the interview. Sure hope this drive wasn't for nothing more than Tim and I to get away for a few days.

Keep smiling and I'll be in touch!

Mystery Mini-Goal Unveiled

Though I don't usually call it official until Sunday, today I hit my mystery mini-goal. Those of you who are regular readers know that I've hinted about this mystery mini-goal frequently and then nothing for the last couple weeks. I was beginning to think I'd never make it! I'm proud to announce that today is THE day I made it to the mystery mini goal. They say a picture is worth a thousand words.

When I started this journey in February 2005, I weighed 530 pounds. When I stepped on the scale this morning, I am down to 404 pounds which means I've dropped 126 pounds as of this morning. I'm going to go ahead and log that in officially on NS as I don't know what's going to happen in the morning with travel and all. I'm making this my official weigh-in day this week.

Now for that picture that's worth one thousand words ...
My beautfiul daughter, Mandi, weighed exactly 126 pounds today. I have lost the equivalent of my baby girl in pounds. I'm no longer lugging this child around on my body anymore. WOW! It is mind boggling for me to even think of my weight loss in this manner, but it's true. I've lost my daughter! Wow!




That was my mystery mini-goal. To lose my daughter's weight in pounds. Now I continue onward. Those of you who follow my goals know that next to come is my mini-goal of 399. I'm not going to know if I hit it by March 1 as I'm not going to bring my scale on my trip to Florida. I promise to weigh in first thing Friday morning, though, to see if I'm there yet. You can see that one's now oh so close ... only 4.5 pounds away. Wow!

For those tracking I managed to shed 6 pounds since last Sunday to meet this mystery mini-goal. I didn't even think that was going to be possible. I'm going to officially end my end of month with this weigh-in so that means the month of February I lost a total of four pounds. It's four more pounds so I'm going to hold my head up high and keep on going. My loss is an average of 2.25 pounds per week. That's right where it should be and I'm pretty darn proud of it!

Pedometer steps this week were pretty good. I walked a total of 25,370 steps this week for a daily average of 3,624 steps. My goal was to walk a minimum average of 3000 steps per day. Goal met, woo hoo!

I plan to follow my eating plan and do well while I'm gone. I want so badly to be under 400 pounds at my next weigh in. It will be interesting to find out how I've done, because I rely on being able to weigh every day. I won't have that option. I hope to be able to post on my blog daily while I'm gone so check back for more info on the drive, the interview, and my life.

An Adventure In the Making

Okay ... first off, today was a pretty good day. I stayed within my calorie range and resisted French Silk Pie tonight at dinner. I did have a tiny sample of the chocolate filling on the edge of a toothpick, but who's counting, right? LOL

Got a phone call this morning that shocked me. I applied for a few jobs last week online. All of them were at hospitals owned by the corporation I worked for when I lived in Florida. I have to face the facts. There just aren't any jobs here in the area we live. I have honestly been trying to find employment since April of last year. In all that time I have sent out hundreds of resumes and had a total of TWO face to face interviews. TWO! So I applied for jobs at the hospital I worked at in Florida before as well as a couple positions in another hospital in the area (still same corporation). I also applied for jobs in Tennessee and Texas.

Well, today I got a call from a gal at a hospital in Florida (Tampa area). She had talked with the lady who hired me last time and had been given a glowing report. She wanted me to come for an interview. When she realized I was in IL and would drive down, she said she'd call back later and do a phone interview instead. Ends up during the phone interveiw she and the lead person decided if I would drive down, they'd like to finish things up and have me sign papers. She said someone would call me with the official job offer. Say what?!

So on Sunday morning, Tim and I will be departing for Tampa. We'll drive half-way which will be about nine hours and put us in Dalton, GA. We'll sleep and finish the drive on Monday. Interveiw is Tuesday afternoon. Then we come back home. They understand I'll have to return to IL to wrap some things up before I can start and said I could pick my start date. Wow! Also, I told them I would have to take time off in May for Mandi's graduation. She's my baby and I will not miss her graduation from high school. They said that wouldn't be a problem Wow! From the conversation, it sounds like I have the job if I want it. Man, I need to get back to work, so I will likely take this job if offered it officially. I'm hoping they wouldn't have me drive down there for nothing!

Mandi will stay here with her boyfriend, living in the home we have now. She has to decide where she's going to go when she graduates. She's talked about going to Kansas City, MO and she's talked about joining us where ever we are. She's also talked about moving 30 mintues west and going to school here in Illinios. She wants to major in business management. When she graduates, we can then figure it all out and sell this place if she isn't going to stay here. I know this probably sounds like we're irresponsible parents, but she's 18 years old and has said many times she'd move out now if she could find a place she can afford. We'll continue to pay the utilities here and she'll have money for food so all should be fine. My family is here if she has an emergency she can't handle and her boyfriend's dad and his wife (not the boyfriend's mom) are nearby.

Have to wrap some things up here before we leave. Need to download a codec so my laptop can play DVDs. It will be a trial version, but that's what I'll need minimum. I have to be able to walk with Leslie every day! I also have to figure out how to log into the SBC/Yahoo dial-up system while I travel or go back to People PC trial version for at least a month until traveling is over. I have to be able to touch base with family and friends and post in my blog! LOL

I asked Tim when I did those applications if I should wait until school was out. He said no. He didn't think anyone would call. Well, I finally gave in and applied because I didn't think anyone would call either. Guess we were both WRONG! I cannot pass up this opportunity, not with our income being barely enough now and it's getting cut in half in June.

I'll weigh in before I leave or late Sunday night when we stop. I'm going to make healthy choices and lose weight while I'm gone. I'll also be walking with dear Leslie. I have GOT to be crazy, huh?

I am a bundle of emotions right now. I'm excited. I'm scared to death. I'm sad to leave Mandi behind (but know she'll be just fine and may join us). I'm really sad to leave my dear granddaughter Ceci and hope she's old enough to remember her 'other grandma'. I'll miss our oldest daughter, too. When I see it in writing I want to scream at myself and ask what the hell am I doing. I'm doing what I feel I have to do to take care of Tim and I. The girls are grown and we have to go on living. Gosh, I've got a lot to do!

Challenges

A quick update on the drama from yesterday ... Mandi was up very early this morning. She isn't as upset as she was yesterday. She knows that she's better off without that job. She just worries about the family and how we'll make it the week or so she usually gives us money. I've already advised her and her boyfriend TO that he may have to step up and help out a bit more. He has lived here with us pretty much for free since last fall. He kicks in money for groceries once in a while and gives me half of the cost for HBO service on our satellite dish because he wanted some movie channels. It generally all adds up to less than $100 per month. Now, I don't know about any of you but I don't of anyplace you can stay for $100 a month and have heat, water, food, electricity, cable service, phone service, etc. He agreed he will kick in more when things get really tight. He's a good kid for the most part.

Now on to the fitness front. Regular readers know that I've been doing a Walk Away the Pounds DVD for the last couple weeks. I had written to Leslie Sansone (via email at her website) suggesting she do a much more gentle walk for those who are extra large and cannot keep up with her regular stuff. I got an email back from an associate at the company saying they have one and she would send me a free copy. It came earlier this week and I made the decision to try it out this morning.

Oh my goodness! It started out pretty much like the other one I have, but with just Leslie establishing she'll be my friend and walk with me anytime I want her to. Well, thank you very much! Isn't that sweet? :P It started out just fine. Made it through the warm-up and the first quarter mile was behind me. Whew! Then the tempo increased. Okay ... I expected that. Have to get to the fat buring aerobic workout so that fat calories are burned and not muscle. I get that, I really do! The tempo picked up again. I am sweating and huffing and puffing. My throat is dry and I am starting to think I've been bamboozled! Leslie kindly advises me that this is the most brisk the walk will be. Okay ... I'll just keep moving, but I feel like I'm running. The words are no sooner out of her mouth and the tempo increases yet again. Now I know I'm moving at a pretty good clip and feel like I'm jogging for sure. No freaking way! I had no choice but to sit down, but I kept the feet going. Man that was one rough workout! I made it through but dang ... it sure wasn't the gentle walk I was expecting! That video will be on the bottom and I'll not be doing it again for a long while. Going to focus on the one I'd been doing and master it before I try that again. Whew!

I had a great food today and am very proud of that. I created a challenge for myself and am proud to say I survived that. Mandi had been wanting a particular donut that happens to be my favorite. I didn't want to get them because I wasn't sure I could control myself. Given what happened yesterday, Tim decided we should stop today and get her two. Man oh man! I was fine in the donut shop. When the gal asked how many I wanted, I told her I want to say six ... two for my daughter and four for me, but since I'm on a diet, I guess I better just take two. She praised me for being able to step into the donut shop. We get to the car and Tim starts to joke about how we could each one on the way home and Mandi would be none the wiser. Mean, mean, mean man! I start to come up with ways I can suck the creme filling out of the middle (these donuts are like a bismarck with a vanilla cream filling covered in powdered sugar). It got pretty outrageous, but the donuts made it home, in tact. She doesn't know how lucky she is! I did open the bag at a stoplight and take a big sniff! LOL

I feel pretty good. Did a few push-ups on my fitness ball. I also tried to just balance on it with my arms stretched out to the side. I could balance for all of about one second doing that! It was fun, though.

I hope everyone's having a good week. The weekend is coming soon enough.

Drama

The day started out really well. The kids got up and went off to school. I popped in my Walk Away the Pounds DVD and walked for 19 minutes with Leslie. I took a shower and was in a great mood. I checked to be certain Tim's SSI money was direct deposited, wrote checks to pay bills, and filed receipts.

Tim and I headed out to the post office and then to the bank. We went out to lunch at a local pizza place because Tim said he was really craving pizza. I ordered two individual salads (at 90 calories each) and some baked chicken strips so I could make my own chicken salad. I didn't count on the Ranch dressing being so high in calories and hadn't brought my own because I didn't know this was where we were going. Need to plan better next time for that. I avoided the breadsticks (almost 150 calorie each) which I generally eat 2-3 of dipped in nacho cheese sauce. Tim was so sweet! To keep me from sticking my finger in the cheese (he knows me so well) he poured some dried hot peppers into it.

We got home about the time the kids came in from school. They changed and off to work they went. Ceci arrived about an hour later. She's now learned to open the drawers in the kitchen and had a great time unloading them over and over again. She certainly is a persistent little bugger! We had planned to take her out to dinner with us at the restaurant where the kids work. Jared Yates (a local who was the first eliminated male on American Idol last season) was performing there and my aunt always goes on his nights. She'd been wanting to see Ceci so I thought this would work.

Now comes the drama. About an hour before we were to leave for dinner I get a call from Mandi. She's in tears. She's hysterical and it takes me a while to calm her down. Evidentally, there has allegedly been money missing out of the cash register drawer at the end of the day to the tune of $700 over the last month. (Remember, this is the restaurant my cousin owns and Mandi has had problems with my cousin's wife in the past.) Anyway, the wife all but accused Mandi of stealing the money. This is likely the farthest thing from the truth. As a matter of fact, I KNOW Mandi would never take their money. Anyway ... Mandi is now upset and wants to quit. I told her she'd manage if she does (she worries about paying us for her car insurance, her gas money, and helping us when we fall short). I assured her we'd be okay but encouraged her to talk with my cousin and find out if she is actually being accused of stealing the money. She said she'd call me back and let me know what he said.

About 30 minutes later, the phone rings but it isn't Mandi calling. It's a co-worker asking me can I come get Mandi. I said of course. She said "I mean come get her right now!" Ah ... the drama. I grab Ceci and load her into the car. We head down there and when I pull up I see a police car. My stomach sinks. Mandi is sitting on a bench outside, crying hysterically (no coat). I go inside but my couin and the wife are nowhere to be seen. Evidentally, they were outside with the police officer.

Mandi tells me that her boyfriend called the police because the wife "put her hands on me". Now I'm livid. This woman weighs at least 300 lbs and Mandi weighs less than half that! The policeman walks up and tells me that the witness (who is Mandi's boyfriend) said the wife didn't hit Mandi. She may not have hit her, but she did grab Mandi by the arm. Anyway ... Mandi no longer has a job. (Thank goodness. I've wanted her out of there for a LONG time. Sadly, we don't know what kind of reference they will give and she can't exactly leave them off her applications. She has two years at that damn place!) Ends up, Mandi's boyfriend told the policeman that the wife didn't hit Mandi but did put her hands on Mandi, grabbing her. Ah well ... politics and all. Mandi has been in tears all night. I want to go kick that b**ch's arse! It won't solve anything, but I want to do it anyway.

Mandi cannot go back on their property. If she does they can have her arrested for trespassing. I get the lovely job of going back in for the next three weeks to get her paychecks. I know how my cousin and the wife operate. They think it's cute to tell people the accountant has to hold the final paycheck for two or more weeks and refuse to give it out. I'm saying right here and right now, that had better not freaking happen. I am betting that legally they cannot do this. I'll be checking with the IL Dept of Labor on this in the morning.

This sucks, but I'm glad she won't have to put up with the crappy they treat employees. What makes it the worst is this is family! I ate a decent dinner (actually didn't even eat half of it) so I handled the stress okay. I just wish Mandi wouldn't worry so much.

As I said ... ah, the drama!

Nothing to say today ...

...so enjoy this!

You Are Kermit

Hi, ho! Lovable and friendly, you get along well with everyone you know. You're a big thinker, and sometimes you over think life's problems. Don't worry - everyone know's it's not easy being green. Just remember, time's fun when you're having flies!

The Muppet Personality Test

Changes

Photo on the left was taken March '05. Photo in the middle was taken August '05. Photo on the right was taken February '06. Definitely a difference! (Click on the photos to enlarge and then use your back browser button to return to the blog homepage. I apologize for the grainy look to the photos. They were taken with my webcam.)

Too bad

It's too bad that today was not my official weigh-in day as the scale showed me down another 1.5 pounds this morning. I guess the exercise is finally going to catch up with me. I'm happy to have the scale moving downward again and I'm still hopeful I can reach 399 by the end of the month. It's a stretch but if I have a really good week this week and then a good couple days, I can do it!

I walked with my DVD friend Leslie this morning. I managed to log a total of 19 aerobic minutes. Woo hoo! When I was finished, I was so proud of myself. I was proud because I was so ready to quit at one point. I started to tell myself things like "keep going" and "you can do this" and "don't you dare give up now". Then I look and there is the .75 mark. I figured I only had .25 to go so there was no reason to stop so on I went. It was well worth it!

I also rolled around on my fitness ball today. I did one set of twelve push-ups. Gosh it was a challenge. I almost smacked the floor with my forehead once. I managed to catch myself, and remain on the ball, in the nick of time. I also got stuck once and had to have Tim come pull me back up. I was laughing so hard that there was no way I was going to be able to get back to start page without his help. Good thing he was right there!

Went out for lunch and ended up consuming 130 calories I didn't count on. I ordered a grilled chicken bacon ranch salad at McDonald's and asked twice for the balsamic dressing. Tim wanted Arby's so I picked up the salad on the way. Get to Arby's and they had given me the ranch salad dressing at McDonald's. UGH! The dressing I wanted has only 40 calories. This one had 170. Damn! I really hate when I'm not there and can't make them fix the mistake. So I used the ranch dressing and learned a valuable lesson. When going to this particular McD's, check the bag BEFORE I drive away!

I made a nice pot of veggie soup for dinner. It's been in the crock pot since early this morning and the aroma is wonderful. I can't wait to have some later. It's going to be a nice dinner. I'm not a fan of veggie soup, but once in a while I get a craving for it. It's been cold and I'm looking forward to it.

Okay ... I'm rambling. Hope everyone's having a great day!

Weighing in for Week 55

I was somewhat disappointed in my weigh-in this morning. I honestly thought with all the extra walking I've been doing that I'd see great movement on the scale this week. I did see movement, but it wasn't great! I also realize sometimes it takes things a little while to show up, so I'm not going to be discouraged, just disappointed.

And I'll continue to walk with Leslie every morning until the end of the month, then I'll do something to change up the excercise again. I'll make sure I'll still be burning at least the same number of calories in what I do. I'll also continue to walk with Leslie at least every other day in March. I want to be able to do the whole video without sitting down and moving my feet and I won't get there if I do it less than every other day. I'd continue to do it every day in March, too, but keep reading how you should change things up, so I will.

Been staying right around the same calories every day and in the range of 1500-1600 so I know that's okay. Water has been about twelve glasses most days with a day or two up to sixteen. I really think my body is just going through a resting period. I also know it's about that time for a week of water retention so I'm not fretting the slight change on the scale this week. Perhaps by the end of next week, the monthly monster will have appeared and gone and I'll be back to dropping pounds once again. I also have that doctor appointment on the 28th and will have my TSH level re-checked for my thyroid. I suspect I'll see another increase in my Synthroid and that will possibly help boost my weight loss again, as well.

Now that you're really wondering "how much did this girl lose this week" I guess I should tell you. First, though, how many of you skimmed this post looking for the number? Be honest, now.

I walked a total of 24,098 steps this past week. That's the most steps I've walked in a week since I got my pedometer. That was an average of 3443 steps per day. Wow! Of the total number of steps walked, 7645 of them were aerobic steps. Wow, again! Almost one third of my total steps were aerobic steps. Cool!

And now, since you've been so very patient with me, I guess I'll tell you what the scale registered as my weight for the day. This is my official weigh-in for week 55. It showed 410 pounds which is one pound less than last week. At least it is less and not the same or more so I'm going to be happy about it. The single pounds do add up with time and that's a fact!

Another day

Boy was it ever cold here today. I woke to a temperature of only seven with a windchill of sixteen below! YIKES! I really HATE this colder weather. You know it's cold when you can feel the nose hairs freezing while you walk outside! LOL Probably too much information, but that's how I know it's really cold outside.

I did not walk this morning, at least not with Leslie. My knees were really hurting so I made the conscious choice to not walk today. I did get in some walking later in the day, though.

Went out to lunch with Mandi and Tim. It was very nice. Gosh, I miss spending more time with her. She's either at school or work but today she was off work, so we did some quality time. After lunch we went to see the movie "Final Destination 3". It was actually not too bad, all things considered. If you like this kind of movie, it was pretty good. Much more graphic than the other two movies. I actually couldn't watch one part of it, it was just too gross!

We had some time to kill between lunch and the movie. I know I got dish detergent yesterday when I did our grocery shopping, but darn if I could find it today. Tim doesn't remember seeing it when we got home either. So we went to a store called The Dollar Tree. I got a bottle twice as large for the same amount of money, so I guess all's well that ends well. This is where I got some walking in.

Then when we got to the movie, I let Tim and Mandi out at the door. No reason all three of us should have to freeze! I parked the car and hobbled into the theater. It was a pretty good walk, but I made it. When the movie was over, I went back out and pulled up to pick them. Again, I figured no reason for all of us to become human popsicles.

I'm pretty tired today. I wonder if it's got anything to do with not walking with Leslie this morning. It's also probably the time of month that I tend to feel more tired and drained so maybe that's it. At any rate, I have a couple more things to do and then I'm heading off to bed. Cross your fingers for me that the scale is nice in the morning. I have no clue what it's going to say. I have a note here though, so I don't forget to weigh in like last week.

24 Hours Later

What a difference twenty-four hours made. My goodness was it ever cold here today! Brrrrr ... and the forecasters say we're going to bottom out near seven tonight. Seven freaking degrees without accounting for the wind chill factoring. UGH! Personally, I was enjoying the 60 degree temps yesterday!

I had a busy day today. Went to the post office and our check was waiting. Woo hoo! Off to cash it and then breakfast. We had absolutely no food in the house, so Tim and I went shopping. He almost fainted at check out but I reminded him I was out of everything so we did some extra shopping today.

Home to put the groceries away and I got a few minutes to check email. Then he decided he wanted to go run some other errands. Mind you, it's now 4 PM. So off we go again. Errands accomplished and then to Wal-Mart to get me some new socks. Nothing special, just some especially made for diabetics, but I like because they don't cut off the circulation to my feet and ankles. After that, a stop at the Dollar Tree to pick up batteries and toothbrushes. Last stop before dinner was a trip to Blockbuster to rent a movie or two. (We got three.) Dinner and then home and wow! I looked at my pedometer and am amazed. No wonder my knees are killing me tonight!

I logged 5150 steps on my pedometer today! Any who have followed my progress know that this is a HUGE number for me. Of those steps, 1824 were aerobic steps for 18 minutes. Yep, I earned those walking with Leslie this morning. I'm so proud of myself because this means I really am making progress.

I did a LOT of walking in the stores today. I did not walk in the grocery store (I knew I'd never make it) but did walk everywhere else. Progress is definitely being made.

We just watched the movie I picked. It was a cute romantic story called "Must Love Dogs". I got a bit confused as two characters looked a LOT alike to me. I had to ask Tim several times which one was in the scene. It was a nice movie with a happy ending. Awwwww .....

Busy day is coming to a close. I'm about to go to bed and rest my knees. Hope everyone is having a good week!

Storms and Such

Yet another uneventful day in Illinois (or at least at my house). Woke up at 6:30 this morning as the dog shook herself and stretched. Fancy Pants used to sleep under our bed every night but for months now she's refused to walk across the linoleum kitchen to get to the bedroom. In the wee hours of the morning I woke to thunder, lightning, and rain pounding on the skylight in our bedroom. It was a pretty nasty storm. I guess it scared the dickens out of Fancy, because when I woke up, she was right there in the room with us. Poor baby!

The real problem came in getting her back out of the bedroom. She stood in the doorway, peering into the kitchen, whining. Every time I'd go and try to pick her up to carry her back out, she'd run from me. Mandi tried to get her when she got up and Fancy ran from her, too. I threatened to go into the room and drop kick her out! It really was getting frustrating. Anyway, I finally went in to use the bathroom (the one in our bedroom is the one I generally use; can't get into the one by Mandi's room) and she let me pick her up and carry her back out, finally.

I did my walk with Leslie (and for the record, I'm talking about Leslie Sansone on my 'Walk Away the Pounds' one mile walk DVD --someone thought I was talking a life person named Leslie who comes to walk with me everyday) and again today logged 16 minutes of aerobic steps. I am amazed at that. The video is only 19 minutes long so it shouldn't be long until I log aerobic steps for most of those minutes. I have to remember she does do a warm up and cool down so it may never be 19 minutes of aerobic steps, though!

Stayed off of the fitness ball today. Just didn't get around to playing with it. I think I'll enjoy using it when I work it into my daily routine but for now, I'm really enjoying my walking time. I never dreamed I'd enjoy that darn DVD so much! It goes by quickly and I'm so motivated by my progress doing it.

Been stormy here in Illinois most of the day. We were under tornado watches and warnings for a while. Been having periodic thunderstorms lately. It rains really hard, with all the wonders of lightning and thunder, and then it just quits.

Tim and I decided to lay down for a nap this afternoon and as I was about to drift off to sleep I heard Fancy's nails clicking on the linoleum in the kitchen. She'd walk a little ways into the kitchen, stop, and run back. This went on for two or three minutes. Eventually, she started into the kitchen, got about half-way, and then I heard scrambling and she rushed into our bedroom. I just don't understand why she's so afraid of the kitchen. It happened a couple months ago and we never did figure out the reason. This meant I had to carry her back out later. That dog is too darn strange sometimes!

That's about it for today. Had french toast again this morning but put a little vanilla in the egg mixture today. It was really good. I made Tim's with the Weight Watchers bread today (mine too but until today I'd used English muffins for his). He said it was the best french toast he's eaten. Gosh, it was nice to know he enjoyed something so simple, so much!

Another Day Gone

Today was a pretty good day. I did my walk with Leslie and managed to log 16 minutes of the one mile walk in aerobic steps. The video is 19 minutes so I felt pretty darn good about that!

I decided to do an exercise on my fitness ball that I saw on a website today. You lay across the ball and roll forward as far as you're comfortable and then roll back to where you started. They called it ball walking and said it worked the arms and shoulders. I did okay the first few times. By the time I started to roll forward for the fifth time, I felt like my legs were too far apart. In trying to get them back together, I managed to slide off the ball onto Tim's feet and legs. It was quite a scene. Neither of us was hurt, but it was funny! I didn't feel like trying it anymore today. I'll give it another go, maybe tomorrow.

Had a good day with eating. Made French toast for breakfast, this time with Weight Watchers bread instead of an English muffin. It was really good and I'll probably have that again tomorrow. I haven't been very creative with breakfast lately. Then again, I've been out of most of the things I need to make the dishes I bake. Hopefully, we'll get a check and go to the store tomorrow.

Applied for some jobs in hospitals in Florida. It is rapidly becoming apparent that I'm not going to find a job near where we live now. Tim hates the cold and would like to go back to Florida. For once, I'm agreeing with him. I emailed a former supervisor at the hospital and she sent me a link to a posting by the corporation that runs the hospital. They had four positions open in hospitals in the area, including two at the hospital I was at before. I applied online and we'll see what happens. I honestly don't know what else to do.

Yeah, we worry about the hurricanes. We have considered Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona as possible places, but we're familiar with Florida and the area. I really wish I could win the $145 million Mega Million and not have to worry about it. *sigh* To win, one would have to actually buy a ticket and I don't, so ...

Valentine's Day

So today was (or rather is) Valentine's Day. Big deal! Is it because we've been together for 20 years that we don't bother anymore? Oh, we wished each other a happy day but that's about it. I feel old and tired today.

Made yummy french toast for breakfast this morning. Used English muffins and it turned out much better than I expected. I thought it was going to be tough but it was very soft. With my ICBINB spread, sugar free syrup, and veggie sausage patty I was still only at 330 calories. (Yeah, I used a regular English muffin because it's what I had. I'm going to pick up some whole grain ones later this week and see how they do.) Tim really enjoyed it and made me promise to make it again. It really was THAT good!

Nothing else eventful happened today. Got a call from Ceci's mom who shared that she hasn't turned lose of her panda yet. It warmed my heart because I know that Ceci will always think of her Grandpa when she has that panda or sees a stuffed. (Not that he's going anywhere, but it's nice to build the memories now.)

Walked with Leslie this morning. I wasn't going to, but I had to. My knees are really bothering me lately. I think it's more the change back to cooler weather than anything. Starting to move more could also be part of the problem but I can't let that stop me from walking. This is way to important. I'll double check with the doctor next week about it.

Other than that ... it was a pretty day here in Illinios. A bit on the breezy side, but warm and sunny. I hope everyone avoided the holiday goodies!

Happy Birthday & My Weigh-In

One year ago today, my granddaugter Cecilia Michelle made her grand entrance into the world. I was there and watched as it all happened. I snapped the very first photo ever taken of her. She has grown into a beautiful little girl with sparkling eyes and a quick mind. This is a picture of the birthday girl at her party before the festivities began.






And this is a photo of her after she did damage to her birthday cake. She sure had a lot of fun!



Now that I've taken care of that ... I did weigh in this morning and it was just as I expected. My official weigh-in shows me still at 411 pounds. I had gone up and down all week so staying the same works but I really want to see the scale going down and staying down this week. I'm doing all I can to get that to happen.

I have to share a discovery I made yesterday evening. I glance at my pedometer throughout the day to see how many steps I've taken, but I rarely look at the other info until I'm logging stuff for my own personal reasons in the evening. Last night, as we ate dinner, for some reason I clicked over and my jaw about hit the table. I had logged 17 minutes of aerobic steps yesterday. They had to be logged while walking with Leslie and I didn't do any other real intense walking. Woo hoo!

I walked with Leslie again this morning and logged 12 minutes with aerobic steps. I am amazed that I'm logging aerobic steps at all. I know each time I do the video I'm trying to push myself to stay on my feet longer. The real problem is in how heavy the lymphedema gets and if it gets in my way and slows me down. I realized yesterday that as it swells, it pulls on my outer thigh, which is what is causing the pain in that leg. Nothing I can do about it, so I'll just keep pushing through it and hope one day that it stops.

I also decided to just lay on my stomach on that new fitness ball to see how it feels. Then I rolled forward in an attempt to do a push-up I had seen pictured in the book. OMG! I almost smacked my forehead on the floor. Tim was watching me and started to laugh. I tried to roll backwards and couldn't get my arms to push. By now, I'm laughing which certainly didn't help any! We both got to laughing and I like to never get back to my starting position. I thought for sure I was going to roll right off that ball. I haven't laughed so hard at myself in a long time. I think I'm going to enjoy that ball once I learn how to use it properly!

That's my day. Went to Ceci's birthday party. It was at a Mexican restaurant. I had chicken fajitas with a salad. I also had a small piece of cake and two scoops of sugar free ice cream. It put me over my calories for the day but I'm confident I can lose weight this week. I want to be back where I was two weeks ago before the gain and then continue on downward. I know this is a temporary stall. I am going to get things going again!

Whew! Time for bed.

Yet another change

As you have probably already noticed, I made another template change today. Whew! I'm telling you, that is some work. Making sure to keep old code so you can keep the things from your old template you liked, while adding new elements. Wow! And then the fear of wiping the whole thing out if I mess up. Makes me glad I have the other two pages I can update first, so if I mess them up, all is not lost. It's still kind of nerve wracking. Anyway ... I liked the other purple template, but the font was too small and I could not find anywhere in the source code to change it. This template was pretty darn simple (compared to some I found) and uses pretty basic html. I found the spot to change the font size if need be. I think it's fine but if y'all still have a problem, let me know and I'll increase it one pt at a time and see how it goes.

I know most of you are checking in today to see how the scale treated me. All I can say is I'm guessing I stayed the same. I'm guessing this for two reasons. First, that's what I weighed yesterday morning when I got up and second, I totally forgot to weigh myself this morning. Can you believe that? I got up, messed around answering e-mails and then realized time was getting away from me and I was hungry. Instead of hopping on the scale, I made a two egg omelete with 1/8 cup shredded 2% cheddar cheese and 2 veggie sausage links, two slices of WW 40 calorie bread toasted with a tblsp of ICBINB spread and 1 tbsp Smuckers sugar free strawberry preserves. Then I sat down to eat. I was about half way through when I realized I forgot to weigh in. UGH! Ah well, I'll just do it in the morning and use that weigh-in for the official one.

I'm going up to my brother's house in a little while. He's going to inflate my new fitness ball for me. I'm excited about trying it out but concerned that it might slip away from me and I'll hurt myself using it. I'm going to be basically focusing on the core strength exercises with it until I learn more about using it. I'll also be using it when Tim or Mandi are around to help me should I fall off! It could be interesting.

Ceci is coming to play in a little while. Gosh, a year ago today I was sitting in a hospital room in the maternity ward rubbing her momma's back as she huffed and puffed through labor pains all day and into the night. That baby will be a year old tomorrow. I can't believe the time has passed so quickly!

I guess I should get off here and go do my walk with Leslie. She's waiting for me and I have no excuse not to walk, so ... off I go!

Progress

You can hardly escape noticing that I have changed the look of my blog. I'm not sure I'll stay with this, but it works for me for now. Whew! It took some digging to find a template I liked, then copy this code, change that code, take a preview, tweak some more ... It was a good couple hour project this morning. I also updated the linked Photo Album page and the Inspiration page. Also, there are some new items on the Inspiration page, so if you haven't peeked in over there in a while, you might want to take a look-see. I do feel the purple says a little more about who I am as it's my favorite color. I hope to update my profile picture here soon, as well.

I walked again this morning with Leslie and have amazed myself with my determination and resolve to make it all the way through that one mile walk without having to pause the DVD or sit down for a portion. I pushed myself this morning and was able to make it to the half mile point before I sat down. I'm pleased to report I didn't pause the DVD at all today. I did sit down, but I kept my feet moving and I continued to sweat! And I only sat long enough to rest my legs for a minute or so (watched the minute hand on the clock) and then back up and on I would press. I have to say I was quite proud of myself when the end came and I was still standing! Woo hoo, what a feeling of accomplishment. I can't wait until the day I can report I did the entire video without pausing or sitting down. I know that day's coming and it is what I'm challenging myself to achieve.

I didn't want to sit around inside today, so Tim and I went to Circuit City to get out of the house. I surprised myself again but walking all over that store. We looked at dream computers (never did locate their laptops), new digital cameras, flat screen televisions, I-pods, and video games. I also looked for a software that would enable me to watch DVD's on my laptop. When I bought it, I was told I could but it ended up there was no driver installed. At one time I found an online download that allowed it but it was a trial and I've long since deleted it. (Actually had little choice when my laptop crashed last fall and they reconfigured it at the shop.) Anyway, I'd love to be able to watch DVD's on my laptop so if I travel anywhere I can bring my workout DVD's and still work out. (I can't believe I just said that!)

Extra steps and more walking today are progress and reasons to be proud of myself. Tim commented on how I was walking without seeming to be out of breath. I also didn't even think about the walking, I just did it. I was pretty tired when we headed for the car and my knees are bothering me, but it is a nice pain. (Is there such a thing?) I think I've lost my doggone mind!

I'm finally getting the exercise deal to come together. Now if only the scale would go back to cooperating. I did take measurements earlier today. A couple more inches gone since September so it's all good. I kind of expected February to be a slow month for weight loss given the fifteen pounds gone in January. I do hope to get the scale moving again in the downward direction. Weigh-in comes in the morning. I sincerely doubt I'll be reporting a loss, but it also looks like I won't be reporting a gain either. Keep those fingers crossed and check back. Still no meeting of the mystery mini-goal so no announcement on that front other than saying ... stay tuned!

Walking ... with Leslie

I think I've definitely found the workout that can easily replace Richard. I'm enjoying 'walking away the pounds' with Leslie. Maybe it's just because it's new. Maybe it's just because I already have seen an improvement (I'll relate that in a moment). Maybe it's just because it isn't Richard with that annoying voice that you hate but love! Whatever it is, I am finding that I do enjoy this workout.

I had no problem motivating myself to walk with Leslie today. I made it to the half mile mark before I had to pause the video to rest and catch my breath. That felt like such an accomplishment and I'm so glad she has the marker to let us know as we make those quarter mile goals. I did end up sitting down to complete a good part of the last half, but I was still breathing heavy and sweating. That's one thing about this workout that differs from my workouts with Richard. This one must be more intense as I sweat. I didn't really sweat much with Richard, but I did 'feel the burn' in my arms as they got the brunt of the movements. I am almost positive I'll be walking the entire mile by the end of the month with no pauses and no sitting down.

I am wondering about tracking my progress using calories burned though. In a calorie burning tracking program like the one found here caloriesperhour.com do I put it under walking a mile in 19 minutes (which is technically what the workout is supposed to simulate) or does it go under aerobic exercise? If it goes under walking then I would burn 205 calories. If it goes under low impact aerobics I burn 310 calories. And lastly, if it is considered high impact aerobics I burn 434 calories. So you see, for the numbers game, I really would like to know how to classify this particular exercise so I am getting 'credit' for calories burned. Thoughts, suggestions, what would you count it as?

I felt a real sense of accomplishment when I finished this morning. I am starting to not really dread working out if it can be fun like this walk is. I did send Leslie Sansone an email. (Can't remember if I shared this here so if I did already, feel free to skip ahead.) I suggested she do a more gentle walk for those of us who are really big and can't keep up with the one I have which is called 'Getting Started'. I got a nice email back from someone on her staff that said there is one already out there that is a little slower. They are sending it to me for free! Wow! Sometimes it pays to write letters, huh? I'm excited to get it as it will give me one more option for my workouts. Gosh, I may just start to enjoy this moving stuff. Who knew?

Out and About

I tried to post this yesterday, but Blogger was down for maintenance and I was ready to go to bed. So here I am, reporting yesterday's news today.

Yesterday Tim had a follow-up appointment with his retina specialist to check for any changes. Tim said his vision seems the same and the doctor confirmed this. He also said that the retinal detachments have not changed and there is no new bleeding in Tim's eyes. Both are good news and a testament to how well he's been doing over time with controlling his blood glucose levels.

The outcome was the same ... Tim can opt to continue to monitor and see what happens or he can have surgery to repair the detachment in his right eye (which is really the only eye he has usable vision in anyway). Tim feels if it isn't broken, don't fix it. The doctor agreed surgery can wait because the risks right now are not worth what little improvement he might be able to get. He did say there could come a time when Tim won't have the option but for now he's willing to continue to wait and see. So a recheck appointment was scheduled for June 8th. Happy Anniversary, honey! (That will be our 21st wedding anniversary.)

I was a little irritated because the drive to get to the appointment is a two hour drive. There is one retinal specialist in our immediate area, but after a surgery he did on Tim's eyes a few years back, Tim had a drastic loss of vision and refuses to go back to him. This doctor is great and Tim likes him so the drive is worth it, but dang it all. I hate driving four hours round trip for a ten minute appointment. He was seen by the doctor for ten minutes, literally!

I do enjoy driving and Tim and I always talk about a ton of stuff when we're in the car, so it wasn't that bad. I just hated spending the money on the gas and putting the miles on the car. Again, it was worth it though, to know that everything remains unchanged for now.

Now on the diet front ... we went out for lunch at a place called The Pasta House. I asked about a calorie and fat content list but they had nothing, of course. They did have a couple things on the menu listed as low fat and low carb. They would have had no sauce on them and what would have been the fun in that? So ... I opted for the lunch size portion of eggplant parmeseano which ended up being two small slices of eggplant with just a little bit of marinara sauce and a little bit of parmesan cheese melted on top. (I asked for sparse toppings to cut some calories.) I also had a dinner salad (which was their house salad with Italian dressing already on it). I picked off the artichoke hearts and scraped most of the grated parmesan off of it. Lesson learned, don't assume a salad is just a salad in an Italian restaurant! I also had a nice sized portion of steamed broccoli and a small Italian dinner roll with Promise spread. I felt like I had made pretty good choices and was quite full by the time I had finished the meal. I had water to drink.

I didn't get to do my one mile walk DVD, but I did register more steps than usual on my pedometer because of the walk into and out of the doctor office. I've also found ways to take longer routes to the bathroom at home and don't mind walking farther when we're out. NSV was I made it all the way into the doctor's office without pausing to catch my breath and I really wasn't huffing and puffing, either. That felt really good!

I also forgot to mention a couple days ago that Tim made a nice comment. (Not that it's rare for him to do so, but it does highlight that someone notices I am making progress.) He told me that he's noticed I'm getting things for myself more and more instead of asking him or Mandi to get me things. He also said he notices that I am moving a lot easier and seem to be standing a bit taller. I think the height thing is because as the weight in my stomach lessens, it doesn't pull me down like it did. Lastly, he watched me get up from the floor the other day when Ceci was here without crawling over to anything to push up from and was amazed that I could do that! Heck, I was amazed I could do it!!!

So, the kids are out the door and I have an appointment to walk a mile with Leslie Sansone. Wish me luck and I'll be back later in the day to report how it goes.

Walk Away The Pounds

I'm not sure what I thought the workout was going to be like, but it was definitely NOT what I was expecting! I think I thought the Getting Started one mile walk was going to be a gentle stroll. I could not have been more wrong!

It started out okay. Some stretching and gentle walking. That was fine. I made it through until the tempo picked up and then I thought I was going to die! I had to pause that dvd twice in the first quarter mile. I was breathing like a freight train and my legs felt like jello. I sat only long enough to slow my breathing and then I would get back up and get right back at it again.

By the time I was at the half mile marker I didn't think I could stand up any longer. My lymphedema was so darn heavy and I was having trouble walking. I decided for safety sake I had to sit down. So I perched myself on the edge of an end table but didn't stop moving my feet. I continued to do the walking movement while sitting down. I was still breathing heavy and sweating so I figure I was still getting some benefit. I continued in that manner, walking while sitting and doing the arm movements until the one mile walk was over.

Whew! That was quite the workout. I was somewhat disappointed in myself for sitting down but I was also proud that I continued to move. I know that with time I'll build endurance and stamina and will be able to do the entire mile standing up. I did realize just how badly I need to be walking more, though. I really think this dvd is going to keep me going.

I'm wondering though, am I kidding myself? And I tring to make myself feel better by saying I benefitted from sitting down but still moving my legs? Should I have just stopped when I sat down and given up?

I am going to continue to do this dvd almost every day. On the days that I just can't make myself do it, and I can't imagine that happening but if it does, I'll do my Richard workout instead. And some days I'll even do my gentle moving video I did earlier in the week to add some variet. I am vowing now, that I will move my body to some exercise video every day for the rest of the month (except tomorrow when I have a four hour round trip drive to take Tim to the eye doctor) and the last day of the month when Tim and I both have doctor appointments. I will park farther from the building tomorrow so I get the moving in, though.

I'm tired and about to turn in for the night. Just wanted to share my thoughts and see if anyone has words of wisdom for me. Right now, I'm motivated and rearing to go again. Will that last?

A change is coming ...

I made a new online friend recently. Her name is Teresa and she has over 100 pounds to lose. She is not doing the Nutrisystem program. She and I clicked from the first post and she has since adopted me as her little sister. She's a little older than I am. She lives in Alaska and has been a big inspiration for me. She's always there, cheering with me, laughing with me, crying with me ... and I can't begin to say how much I've come to appreciate her.

I'm telling you about her because the most extraordinary thing happened today. I went to the post office and a package had arrived from Alaska. Wow! Inside was a copy of the DVD "Walk Away the Pounds" and an exercise ball with dvd, band, and instruction book. I can now have variety for working out. That is the change that's coming! I have to call my brother and see if he can pump up the ball for me. I'm really looking forward to giving it a whirl.

I've also noticed a lot of my blogger friends have new looks for their blogs. I've considered re-doing mine to make it more "me" but haven't found a template I like yet. I'm still looking, though. One day, you'll log in and find something different. I like this green one, but I also get bored easily. Change is coming!

I'll let you know tomorrow what I think of the WATP dvd. That will be my workout tomorrow. I'm going to do the first part which I read is about 18 minutes. It doesn't sound like much, but I'm betting it's going to be enough for me for a start!

Why Not You? ... Why Not Me?

Why Not You?
By Steve Maraboli©

Today, many will awaken with a fresh sense of inspiration. Why not you?

Today, many will open their eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to leave the ghost of yesterday behind and seize the immeasurable power of today. Why not you?

Today, many will break through the barriers of the past by looking at the blessings of the present. Why not you?

Today, for many the burden of self doubt and insecurity will be lifted by the security and confidence of empowerment. Why not you?

Today, many will rise above their believed limitations and make contact with their powerful innate strength. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live in such a manner that they will be a positive role model for their children. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to free themselves from the personal imprisonment of their bad habits. Why not you?

Today, many will choose to live free of conditions and rules governing their own happiness. Why not you?

Today, many will find abundance in simplicity. Why not you?

Today, many will be confronted by difficult moral choices and they will choose to do what is right instead of what is beneficial. Why not you?

Today, many will decide to no longer sit back with a victim mentality, but to take charge of their lives and make positive changes. Why not you?

Today, many will take the action necessary to make a difference. Why not you?

Today, many will make the commitment to be a better mother, father, son, daughter, student, teacher, worker, boss, brother, sister, & so much more. Why not you?

*****************************

I read this on a website this morning and it got me thinking about some things. I enjoyed going down the list to see what things I am doing and for others I asked myself "Why not me?".

I think I do wake each morning with a fresh sense of inspiration. I go through my email, I read many blogs, and I touch base with many of my online friends. And I am inspired each day because waking up is a precious gift. Waking up also means I can start the day with a clean slate and that inspires me. I wonder what my canvas will show for my efforts at the end of the day.

I do take time every day to look at my surroundings and take note of things that have changed seemingly overnight. Ever notice how it seems overnight the trees go from looking naked and dead to blooms on the tips and newly formed leaves bursting forth? I love the Spring as the earth comes alive after resting through the winter. Watching the flowers pop up, grow tall, and bloom is just one of the many things I find joy and beauty in.

I've only recently started to lay the ghosts of yesterday to rest. It's not an easy thing to do. I had to confront a few demons in order to move forward. It is a battle worth fighting every day, though, because it means I'm making progress.

I used to focus on the past. I used to fret and lament how I screwed things up. In the last couple years I've come to realize I can make much more progress by accepting the things I cannot change and live in today. I cannot change what happened yesterday. I cannot predict what will happen tomorrow. But I know what's happening right now!

I do not allow self doubt anymore. I used to indulge in negative self-talk. I used to second guess my decisions; not anymore. I make decisions with confidence and the assurance that all will work out. (After all, things do generally work out ... sometimes it just takes longer than we'd like!)

Hmmm ... rise above my believed limitations? I'm not sure I believe I'm limited in anything other than positive cash flow. I know many times during the day I am sometimes challenged to reach deep for inner strength.

I do have some bad habits. I think I'll always have bad habits, even as I replace some with good habits, it seems there are always more bad habits waiting in the wings to spread and take flight as quickly as I can banish the ones I have.

I certainly pray that I'm a positive role model for my girls. I believe I have been right up until I see one of them do or hear one of them say something negative that they learned from me. Now I have to work on things when my granddaughter is here.

Imprisonment of bad habits? I don't think this one applies to me.

I feel I live free of conditions and rules governing my happiness. It's taken me some time, but I have finally learned to put myself in the number one spot. The only person who can make me unhappy is me. The only way someone can affect my mood is if I allow it.

There is abundance in the simple things. One only has to look around to see that.

Why can't what is right also be beneficial? Why does one have to be seperate from the other. I guess the point is that sometimes our choices have to the one that is the right thing to do, even though we get nothing out of it. I believe I already do this but I'm going to check and see as moral issues come up.

No victim mentality here! I feel I have finally taken charge of my life and I am making positive changes. I surround myself with others who are positive in life as well.

I don't know that I make a difference on a daily basis. I'd like to think I do. I'm sure there are a few who might feel that I do. This is one I am definitely going to strive for.

Everyday I commit to being the best person I can be. I think we owe it to ourselves to challenge ourselves to do our best, be our best. Without the challenge and commitment what would be the point of waking up every day?

Gloomy Sunday

The scene outside my kitchen window matches my mood today; gloomy and depressed.

I tried to do a post last night, but couldn't get into blogger. Had an email from a friend who said he was having problems also so I know it wasn't just me. Whew!

Tim and I went to the movies yesterday to see "When A Stranger Calls". I loved the original one that came out (and have been informed it was a sequel to a movie called "Black Sunday" that I've not seen or heard of before) and when I saw it was being redone, I made Tim promise we could go.

I was not disappointed. Though it was a little different here and there (from what my memory tells me) it was pretty good. I jumped a few times and even had goosebumps a couple times. I'd definitely watch it again, but will wait for it to come out on DVD. There are a couple things going on in a background scene or two I want to look closer at.

So ... this is the end of week 53 for me. I had my one year anniversary date at Nutritsystem earlier this week (Feb 2). Even though I've not eaten NS foods since last April, I still consider myself doing their program. I follow the guidelines and it's worked so far.

I weighed in on Monday to find that overnight I had gone up six pounds. It was not a happy day. I know there is no way I gained six pounds of fat over a 24 hour period. It had to be fluid.

To support that, the lymphedema in my left thigh seemed to feel heavier and harder on Sunday. As the week has progressed, it once again seems to be larger than it had been. I wish there was a reliable way to measure it but I haven't found one. Today it doesn't seem as hard when I push on it so maybe it's going back down again. I sure hope so.

Stepped on the scale this morning and find that I have to report a gain this week. This is the third time I've had to report a gain. The scale showed 411 which means I am up three pounds from last week. ::sighs:: I'll just keep on going.

Before anyone asks, no I did not eat too many calories this past week. I was right in line with the four weeks prior during which I dropped 15 pounds. No, I did not consume something with a lot of sodium in it. I've been monitoring my sodium intake for a while now and actually been decreasing it a little. I did not work out with Richard this week. I will be starting a new workout DVD today and continue it through the month so we'll see how that goes.

I know that I'll keep going because I have goals to make. I am going to get under 400 pounds and then 300 and then 200. It's going to take a while, but I'm going to get there.

Now, for any who want to know more about lymphedema, here's a link to a spot I found good info this past week. Of course, it brings up all kinds of questions for my doctor at the end of the month, but it is informative.

Lymphedema

Have a great Sunday!

Friday

The scale showed some downward movement this morning putting me almost back to where I was last Sunday. Now if I can just get it to eek back to where it was (at least) and stay there until weigh-in on Sunday. It would be great if I could eek it a little lower but I'm not going to push it.

I made the stuffed french toast bowl for breakfast this morning using frozen mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries) and I have to say it was the best I've ever made. This is one of Christina Gray's recipes and one that I had made only twice before. The first time it was excellent (but I used sugar free strawberry preserves) and the last time it was just awful. I think last time was awful because I used Weight Watchers whole wheat bread, generic egg substitute, generic fat free cream cheese and well ... it was so awful neither Tim or I could eat it. This week I got Egg Beaters, English muffins (which is the bread product I used before), Philly brand fat free cream cheese, and the berry mix and it was wonderful. It was so good, that Tim wanted more when he finished his!



I highly recommend this one, but it does take a little time to put together and then about 30 minutes to bake in the oven. You will feel like you're cheating when you eat this one. According to Christina it is about 215 calories with 22-24 g protein depending upon the brands you use to make it.

Another Uneventful Day

Because I am really at a loss today I have completed yet another blog quiz. I seem to be in a food funk so here you go.

You Are Italian Food

Comforting yet overwhelming. People love you, but sometimes you're just too much.

What Kind of Food Are You?

I don't know how true it is but who doesn't love Italian food?


Well, dang! I post this and then check it out and see the date glaring at me and I am reminded. It was exactly one year ago today that I started my weight loss journey. Along the way, I've taken back the ability to do so many things I couldn't do before. I've made many new friends and a handful or so of really close friendships that go beyond just losing weight with them as my support frame. I look forward to the rest of this year and know that whatever it brings, I'm already so blessed and humbled by my experiences to date.

Not much happening

There really wasn't anything eventful happening today. Tim and I just hung out and enjoyed each other's company. We had the baby for a little while this afternoon. She's just walking all over the place now. And she proved she now has five teeth when she bit me, the little bugger!

We went out to dinner at a family restaurant. My cousin owns it and has live entertainment on different nights of the week. I totally forgot until we got there that tonight was Jared Yates night. Jared Yates is a local celebrity who appeared on American Idol last season. He was one of the top 24 but didn't last long. Actually, he was voted off on the first night he performed. He's pretty good though. The song he picked was pretty awful. I just read a bunch of opinions online as to why he didn't make it. Bottom line, hometown still backs their boy and he brings them into my cousin restaurant every Wednesday night. We did enjoy the music.

Rambled enough. It's already past my bedtime, so I'm off to catch some much needed rest. Hope you are all having a great week!