What is a "Weight Watcher"?

Quote from my former Weight Watcher leader:  "Just because you're in a garage doesn't mean you're a mechanic, and just because you plant your tiny hiney here doesn't make you a Weight Watcher."<br /><br />I didn't make it to my meeting today. I had all kinds of good intentions, but it's my husband's birthday "weekend". Yes, we do birthday weekends. I started it a few years ago that during the weekend of your birthday, it's YOUR weekend. Whatever the birthday person wants, the birthday person gets. It's really fun on my birthday, and a hell of a lot of work on my husband's birthday!<br /><br />Between preparing him breakfast fit for a king, baking his favorite cake* from scratch and taking my cat to the vet, all before 11am, I missed all the Saturday morning meetings. I even forgot to step on the scales here at home. Tomorrow, I promise tomorrow I'll weigh in here at home.<br /><br />I've been really good about my eating, no junk food at all (not that I ever eat junk anyway), but more importantly, no binging. I don't know what happened or why, but since I posted the Secret post, I don't have this crazy urge to eat at night. I'm tyring not over-analyze the situation and just let it be.<br /><br /> I've cut back on the exercise just a bit, working out only five days a week for an hour or two hours, depending on how much time I have and if I'm in the mood for a 2-hour workout. I still feel like I'm cheating, but I feel so much better physically. It was getting where I was sore all the time, my muscles always ached and hurt. Now I'm giving them some recovery time. My workouts are stronger, and I'm not exhausted all the time. I'm even sleeping better. I'm trying to ease up on myself a little and not be such a nazi about the exercising. <br /><br /><strong>The weekend</strong><br />I screwed up royally on one of my husband's birthday presents. Several weeks ago he saw a commercial for the musical South Pacific playing at the Seattle 5th Avenue Theatre. It looked pretty cool and the reviews are great. He mentioned he'd like to go to see it, but we never discussed it any further. Last week as I was scrambling to get his gift (a really nice camera that I totally want for myself), I thought the play would be a fun thing to do together.<br /><br />I looked online at tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The seats for Friday and Saturday were horrible, way in the back where you'd need binoculars to see it. Sunday however, had great seats at the 1:30pm show. Right up front, perfect view of the stage. I bought the non-refundable, non-exchangeable tickets. Over $100 each. <br /><br />Yesterday my husband started talking about Superbowl Sunday. I asked, "oh, when is the Superbowl?" I'm not a big football fan unless it's the Seahawks or the Broncos. If it's not one of those teams I could care less. I almost fell over when he said this Sunday. Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!! Then  I asked, "you're not watching it, right?" He looked at me like I'd grown horns. His response was something like this..."are you kidding?! Of course I'm watching it! The Saints are playing!!!" My response, "who are the 'Saints'?<br /><br />I got an earful about the Saints and how much he likes them. I honestly don't know where I've been the past few months when he was watching the Saints play, but I had no idea he was a fan.<br /><br />Surprisingly when I told him the tickets were non-exchangeable and non-refundable, but maybe I could find someone else to go with me, he said no, he really wanted to go. Then he got excited about the show. He's actually a pretty understanding guy when I do this kind of thing, and I seem to do it a lot.<br /><br />We're going to record the game, but I doubt it'll be the same for him.<br /><br />*About the cake. It's chocolate, his favorite. I hate chocolate cake so I'm okay with it being in the house. No worries of me binging on chocolate cake. Now if it was carrot cake or German Chocolate cake, that would be an entirely different story.

What is a "Weight Watcher"?

Quote from my former Weight Watcher leader:  "Just because you're in a garage doesn't mean you're a mechanic, and just beca...

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If The Church Were A Safe Place

"Simon Stoker (not his real name), stand up! Your eyes are red with drink." So thundered the preacher from the pulpit of the rural church of my childhood.<br /><br />I love the church. It is in serving here I feel most alive. But I often do not feel at home. I often do not feel safe and I suspect that's why more and more people keep their distance from us. The church is not safe because of a spirit of judgment. I do not mean the willingness to discern right from wrong or speak out for justice. I mean a frozen, stiff spirit of moral superiority established by condeming others.<br /><br />The criteria for judgment vary. In the little congregation where I grew up, drinking was the number one thing to judge. "Oh Lord, please straighten out my brother in law who is a sorry alcoholic and has wronged my sister and their children so pitifullly."<br /><br />In the schismatic churches, it is judgment of LGBT people. In liberal circles, the folks who disagree with them about inclusiveness are labelled "hate-mongers." In total ministry circles, beware of using words like "rector," "pastoral," even "diocese." In traditional structures, they still call locally trained priests "Canon 9" -- which was abolished years ago. Then there are the high church and low church folks who hold each other in ecclesiastical disdain.<br /><br />We seem to compulsively generate criteria we can use to build ourselves up by tearing others down. Again, my problem is not with convictions held, but with the use of convictions as swords and shields.<br /><br />If the church were a safe place, we could welcome more people, serve more compassionately, and show the world God's unconditional love.

If The Church Were A Safe Place

"Simon Stoker (not his real name), stand up! Your eyes are red with drink." So thundered the preacher from the pulpit of the rural...

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Fun-Tastic Friday

<p>Greeting readers!! I hope you all <strong>wore red</strong> yesterday in support of <a href="http://www.goredforwomen.org/">National Wear Red Day</a>! I sure did; little <strong>pops of red</strong> at the gym for my workout and then an <strong>all out red sweater</strong> for work! Speaking of the gym, I got in <strong>25 minutes</strong> on the <strong>cross ramp</strong>!<img alt="DSC05937" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWHs7UiZ6y3UA9EJlj3qDj5hh6VZD6j6UnJtpz9X2-ZDStxZfHeR8dd1FPJF-aYxHriMqsKUXoOJAn0NM34T1PLEdo7pWP-4Ompo6g1CvCw8c0Jpjci4vXSgv4jK-lgQz-nXbjrKi1M6z/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05937" width="304" /><img alt="DSC05940" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWp73cWMyiWcnvBQeaPKpBHLengGCHKDYj87wLSXxAN2S-cdOS0lbRbbc07j6tsGPv4Y-wDjPv03ra-hmMKJscwVAs39-h9bak9J8zzjlT3iZrJZ3S8fBZidGJpVxU8D22QhJBL2QwRLE/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05940" width="304" /></p> <p>I tried something new for breakfast,<strong> </strong><a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2010/02/01/banished-from-the-face-of-the-earth/"><strong>overnight pumpkin oats</strong></a> inspired from <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/">Iowa Girl Eats</a>. If you haven’t checked out her blog, you should <strong>definitely do so</strong>!! Oh and another bonus, she’s a fellow “<strong>corn fed cutie</strong>”! ;) (AKA an Iowan!) The only difference between mine and hers were the nuts, I chose to use <strong>walnuts</strong> I had as a topping rather than sliced almonds. I don’t think I added enough cinnamon though…I will know for next time. My serving was<strong> 3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkwYQCF8yJpBhVTywi571tsaWhTm4tGDP9uivRfTBhBthwwLXDWM877VE5M_48FWCFdTo-K_KexA8sYL-bqkMCMJ66polPVS4H9pyYcbYdRLz_G_dHksthSWFd1P6FKWynF2ukVFS5ih9/s1600-h/DSC05939%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05939" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYEbOka7MEcwznqNLlde8jYHGC3jhLJiRzXX38wOF030ikmxM_2t7AjPceLqc0xk1keN0odkypxtdwlDDGA64OABuMjqunEZwDt9gjX1Rbi3TyO_ZXIINACH0ffi8la46-46ZrMqd2aeL/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05939" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">It was a <strong>white winter wonderland</strong> outside today! Light flurries all day…here is the view out my office window! I think the flurries are so light you can’t even see them in the picture!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIszLE_X_wxKp_QgQY10Omxu830IxoIieC4u8VSyPXEgBMhYbKwnugdu7464yKLXdRJ2eTKoVozT-fpfU0hG-ejcIm76ZeF7naFtuLsbFbZKjVBcQsYupF3-Voyy4rqhNoLDQgv0GxQ5i/s1600-h/DSC05943%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05943" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYo5w4W00IZ2VV0xmdQnNZ0oaPfS8J1ZrVIN3fr5jzqxs_fVzNpUGtdEmEHFrj9JC27s1RmPOU5o26LQksPPQEQVKreavWq6qvQng9BcwWJcRRnFSgbSxG4XuvptwZxfkCDggrPt_9hNF/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05943" width="304" /></a></p> <p align="left">I mixed up my favorite morning snack, <strong>1 1/2c strawberries</strong>, <strong>yogurt</strong>, and <strong>1/4c grape nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPS7iKnjeInTRHU9IBwqjQWzY6Fv-HJEM_wHnjIxMlT1y4I1FBG_roeGmSz5u6Nl2HMlXfh_ztyUKlSiQaiHXhOl_0Y5blpiqDDUDYUov_0RxkjqAaUzHJEOIzABH7KNPuDQigh0ba4U9/s1600-h/DSC05944%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05944" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWStQLQ-ASoT3O1Pgz8dL9cHV8gOnXu9RDzfsHQDuXhEyduzAjODtN9nwhsSk8AJdtSADucJGh2HhjeYAqM22vHSl_CRZHiMI1qM1jf8freH6aAGZ9hPEjSC0jCjQBQAxHEb273-eUiSL/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05944" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">I went for a nice & warm lunch today since it was snowy and cold outside. I had <strong>chicken noodle soup</strong> and a <strong>cheese sandwich</strong> surrounded by an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <img alt="DSC05945" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvgYVzDBFBGqx_AaZg58IbI5_R9SgxkS6g8EB7r6KpbrF-7G-o-a-UVKTsHe_aMw2UfgjThPkm7sztzod1GlCq2jHJ39vXCeh6W_wovRx9OtsrOZxZJLoMD0qkCLU-rwiGUYWVpsdLTDT/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05945" width="404" /><img alt="DSC05946" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1jOdu-O5yidRQ9nDzb3Y1X_BmLuEVa68tIyDSx0A9dA2A5KSdxpuvuFex4xpJD6pWBSecAY9MnPDItJKTplMfiV1hadXkAHO2-gegfzOKOOGp0LSZa6JsbuWDsEHPvWv8KyJIA1F5klE/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05946" width="404" /></p> <p>While I was home I got supper going in the crock-pot. Little did I know part of it ended up on my pants! This inspired me to go on the hunt for an apron. I found a few online I liked. The first three are the same design from the “<a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Womens-Sassy-Black-Apron/3906090/product.html">O</a>”. I really like all three…<img height="267" src="http://cdn2.overstock.com/images/products/L11950289a.jpg" width="267" /><img height="268" src="http://cdn2.overstock.com/images/products/L11950585a.jpg" width="268" /><img height="268" src="http://cdn2.overstock.com/images/products/L11950295a.jpg" width="268" /></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>OR….should I go something fun and get a personalized one like one of the ones below!!!<img height="352" src="http://i23.ebayimg.com/07/i/001/2a/81/2e2c_35.JPG" width="268" /><img height="268" src="http://www.brandisboutiqueshop.com/500_500_csupload_14191764.jpg?u=633988461300468750" width="268" /><img height="352" src="http://i.ebayimg.com/04/!BW0T09Q!Wk~$(KGrHgoH-CoEjlLlfZ3LBKZMh0iyZQ~~_35.JPG" width="268" /></p> <p><strong>So help me out blog friends, leave me a comment with the number of the one you like the best!</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>pink & brown from overstock.com</strong> </li> <li><strong>pink & black from overstock.com</strong> </li> <li><strong>black & white from overstock.com</strong> </li> <li><strong>personalized</strong> </li> <li><strong>other…you give me another idea!</strong> </li> </ol> <p>Don’t worry I wasn’t apron shopping on my afternoon at work! I actually did that this (Saturday) morning! My afternoon at work <strong><em>FLEW</em></strong> by though! I did have a<strong> peanut butter fiber one bar</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. Forgot to photograph until after I ate it! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhc11Ox-h0Q3krwngY_Q7uyfpjFCMOFKmlHGLaHqV7dHAGSR_01ehNq0YyTHiWJoSnZDLfrE6Q1W_RGMBOybOB8EVSKvfCChxTG9koMjhYCt-MVVwXwyc9AAFTef3IGK7Q8fSApZMBUXnK/s1600-h/DSC05949%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05949" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBKDf7pYy2LOj2_YDhWtUqRKyX_4xwvpOCsLz0nZ2Wcq5o6m2WONeZ9xJf2ArJ0sC6-FDB9x4rgbyRsdnIiGTDwFCFSVPYKetkBMlFvEhCREDsoAJUKUvTqYfnF20bPNQR05d6HIwm51d/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC05949" width="404" /></a></p> <p>After work Kyle and I headed to a visitation for a spouse of a retired co-worker of mine. Things like that are never fun, but she seemed to be in <strong>good spirits</strong>. Afterwards we headed home for supper that was <strong>all ready for us</strong> in the crock-pot!</p> <p>We had <strong>chicken cordon bleu</strong>, <strong>brown rice</strong>, and a side of <strong>veggies</strong> with <strong>ranch</strong>. My serving was <strong>8 points</strong>. </p> <p><strong><font size="4">Chicken Cordon Bleu</font></strong></p> <ul> <li>6 chicken breasts, pounded out thin </li> <li>6 pieces of ham </li> <li>6 slices of ff swiss or mozzarella cheese </li> <li>1 can cream of mushroom soup </li> <li>1/4 c milk </li> </ul> <p>Put ham and cheese on chicken. Roll up and secure with a toothpick. Place chicken in crock pot. Mix soup and milk; pour over top of chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until chicken is no longer pink. Serve with rice or noodles with the sauce it makes. Makes 6 servings, 6 points/serving. <img alt="DSC05950" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xAnIdAmdtsr3INio-v9Br6rMEAZeyd89yuqth9dx0JYfplTghnUaAeB1FJC9DNMdyeSyjBBsl7IMe9zrwxU9tFqOxw7Ab_RwpmwPNw6zN8N4n1JZg83AOhw7ruW36A7Na6ddnX9GsyIW/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05950" width="404" /><img alt="DSC05951" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAhSbDcz8HtMkBn4-hfOvGZqHmNXDthBZ-b3tGR7WYiI5diF7oIFY_f7-yhqfpelX43aLfiApdmHthRSaWNXkXIak40MVDAH5a6I7z8tDpS44DkWTDKKSCKJKtp2a995Se3utMR1bM7vS/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC05951" width="404" /></p> <p>After supper we made a quick run to Target, Redbox, and Wendys! I checked out the aprons at Target and wasn’t too happy with the selection of only 3! :p We picked up <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0986263/">Surrogates</a> with Bruce Willis from Redbox and I got a <strong>frosty</strong> at Wendys (<strong>5 points</strong>). </p> <p>We spent the rest of our evening curled up in the basement <strong>watching our movie</strong> with a few friends and also a <strong>few animal crackers</strong> that were calling my name (<strong>3 points</strong>). It ended up being a late night…didn’t get to bed until after 1am!! Hope everyone had a wonderful Friday and is ready for a great, OP weekend!!</p> <p>I’m off to the gym and then catch up with you guys later on!!</p> <p><strong>FRIDAY’S STATS</strong> <br />POINTS = 29/23 <br />WATER =  116 oz <br />EXERCISE = 25 min cross ramp</p> <p><strong><em>PS PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE ME A COMMENT VOTING FOR YOUR APRON CHOICE!!!</em></strong></p>

Fun-Tastic Friday

Greeting readers!! I hope you all wore red yesterday in support of National Wear Red Day ! I sure did; little pops of red at the gym for m...

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