And I’m off!!!

<p>Wednesday morning I hopped right out of bed. It's so much easier knowing you only have a 4 1/2 day ahead of you! Oh and I made sure to wear my green! I don't own very much green, in fact this is 60% of my green wardrobe/accessories!! I need to get some more green!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8iV7rgfV5ihjbY6XHeoIUMHMddDlVPzOA94Q93l2tfjnBzn8KRmd2EFufqHxZIKop93YnCsLWa1zJvmiaCwmeLSkZFGnEHa8RxLH__nTsv671YmCMoH5GyPa_InAIVkAKIRjTCZpNhBD/s1600-h/DSC06420%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06420" border="0" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv2sv0JDmfJTEybFoxcX9hLruMVj2R-agms0I8ycXlnyUjJPY5yDFBUZ2DCiPbTWCCwieeoe-PQg9CP2BLGvmq_a2CafvsTVuxLVbWv2Q52GAMJc5qpjGaJOb8OabhMtyEFRzPe9H_7_n/?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="DSC06420" width="361" /></a></p> <p>Wednesday was a good day!</p> <p>I ate some food:<img alt="DSC06413" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX_8HFDHkyfyOmPekvrRm8rdKuhN0HJSqgQ9B5ODLJg-h76160L4aZs9R4gytCokhU2tjYM348OCJSOf9TKgYGYhYyvPr3suLdVCt2E3FtK1z7IvISyyJRh2lrcxdAPlS1x29ovw0IxVj/?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="DSC06413" width="264" /><img alt="DSC06414" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-ftNTE9NQndt37Ry3HnH688UV3OT2CJEY9lMDSVb1CMDTnCm_9N-36khQElabZ-n-KNGpHzlnQjDwPrgksfp2sd_QaQKw0IlT3IsR1GC77dVBZbFJOPZYOrXIIITGm-kZZhDoz7TuojJ/?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="DSC06414" width="264" /><img alt="DSC06416" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5WIyRlqOkO-bBMYYDBlfD7sRZ2xJRwWcjK4kFqWFX_26xxqFNrAWcAdJwuVHtZfE3OAqE3RLrAWTCXcfrXEm7gzwO2G534Nnh0l2b3CKO5ZzTEW9FItAwgvM5EAMqCXLBmE6_p0F1hYW/?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="DSC06416" width="264" /><img alt="DSC06418" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0F0Nkg0kMYkXnHEqHJuyPlc3ltgf1EeHW5LBxLpiHCKegDJ42MHaUwYNLpDGkULm_KBj2DB04PuzNEqE1mAX4qmZTOAmvpN-JkbYplqenHnWK4C00ZRu0OKPwn_Og5m0LdbvnpChFQWTA/?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="DSC06418" width="264" /><img alt="DSC06428" border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gfUpGRFt06AhW3UIt1C3sIUyhHE2hR6HI28EkifmiIvBUEWtFHvMlGaZ90I4jNRpl4rOlk7GaxalJYtsMhGSW1TePNNEPIfViNG42MvNDBBbqD1EKmSuKfoZ7rfkxJz_S_0BQNvJ4rwE/?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="DSC06428" width="264" /></p> <p>I only worked 1/2 day!</p> <p>Gave myself a pedi!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMLYi2ovl1qAzOgOEZB0B7tdPn7p5EBnWK-BgUAkepvZ8nA4YU0z0aYBDzXEqfeHNIYEpBq-JBK1zLtWiG8bVMWNsWnG8DyvtErniDjFkal4rNQ80eyZt9_KUvHEv6T3NqGLS7DF5tM-G/s1600-h/DSC06424%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06424" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdSBjEixkF_eooUXECMbN_gjThad1X8J_CnRVWIfrB5jE7VziywRW-FPZgntgUahDaORM_XRuIh9Gb-Z4NRLPECJ5rmkqTirL-ZgnfUu4dB3lx-NclJEdMH41I_EKtgtWuC5IltYTh0xg/?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="DSC06424" width="404" /></a></p> <p>And packed my bags for Florida!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Lu5Ekwh7zRBXJnrCv54uMGClcywUguT8ev_DbAgNzcENhvAZuQw_3JAs4CKSw7SXJoQKhPeyOhGc7w1ZK2cKh9IVeIPoUUUccMLuqOicNohM8jHgrh3hayCYXGyXcEpqXXoZGVTFPa6n/s1600-h/DSC06423%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06423" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Up1yeD5VCimU92C6eLUgGxN3MPxv7UBArQGwCbr6p1jnOUQcrsjnr4IogG_Y86ZH-vdS4fxZSFxlovbb8RmKTvi4mzuMxo9bExnv78oyhyK6sLw9p2SAM07JIMuCYdIYCfCkJgpuJDvs/?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="DSC06423" width="404" /></a></p> <p>After my afternoon of packing & pampering, Kyle and I headed to a friends house for pizza & green beer! It was a fun night! This is my friend’s little boy…he is SUPER smiley!<img alt="DSC06425" border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodm1mUJqti9cD8WX5zRPrM4m56TeLb315pBr7nkiptD0VGrK5NbFkGiw4FuYKSEOpHzD32jFl96ol242tkACoWdH-ZFo3G35UFfXoXWFYeHxtJjaVfQDZRPllf1iWIs3_WOcHN8FsAfw7/?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="DSC06425" width="262" /></p> <p>I made a special St Patty’s day treat!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBdG_MYheCmOxeK1AHKmWt3BCV2BvI5zaWMUsoC0OSml7oUkSP7cYHZpvDxE9ku3PBuUECAb2rxNhKiyD2a4obL-W3enSaE3rRPiMJNuJz5xIsT-4wA52FFyz_18lqwIDvIpjV_9AAuKn/s1600-h/DSC06430%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06430" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2QQa2d3o689CjQmRxoxIqRgFBDpaETAiUCs6ynfnqAHa6xXVQFxLZ_bFcqZLnlAotMK51L-jdGy007fCVLe3tIhFl4un3H1roNHr2LoyY8P9wqcGg6rBgNfMT1L4yvkm3evOVA_Pc6CQ/?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="DSC06430" width="404" /></a></p> <p>And we totally rocked out! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnotetgCLHZhWiJCefv8JeY3FQfZ-Q50ZiKpucoUal0FKe2iImopVUAFsMpTt7AdolBBdtDuHYJa-OdI6qqSLJpuGqlwc70YgmKlL_5ccPWNKaCMUxFNEwgwxHnVOmStfu-Rn9SqehDxs/s1600-h/DSC06442%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06442" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZK-plJhugLHs3RLSb9C0h2XF075-PDIp6HcNviJX0Kr-QXLZETZEFOxkBs6rWQfxlpEBCct1VagkG0VvFa_LXo8aXEERs93W8C6NRL4ixGlxURcowTf3hN3No57CKK7Ji2fN9M220p-u/?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="DSC06442" width="404" /></a></p> <p>So unless this is the first post you've ever read of mine, you know that I'm headed to Florida tomorrow so I won't be posting much, if anything at all. :( Sad, I know...but I don't want you guys to forget about me! I've lined up a few special "guest posts" from a few people that are VERY SPECIAL to me that I know you'll love and will inspire you! </p> <p>I’m typing this from the airport…only 20 minutes till we board!! And check out my super husband!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsJfgcmjP7oQkZosD8ZKOUtI4NKod-nlEMQ7Fa3F2OGLx4iIZ6n-09u8pcs_Lc4sKsXQaKDSo81yTcv1qttxjvGfUFROdBCZhCl1cLVVZ3xUv47aKyEz0o2EmCaDhpgyCi9tuI3AAKjtW/s1600-h/DSC06443%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06443" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwqNgmo4gEzMXBjO6owvqDqiiSbUSpnHuy5jhEdmdzt_WCbzbhbDoLjW9W5JbaQaYLGwoZmHZTo1guuR6UuHFcCtrJFVRYUYDR-AAeIFA-rXsha2vGjQjQ7gmbq-Q_smuyXnGEMifJl7-/?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="DSC06443" width="354" /></a>    </p> <p>Hope everyone has a GREAT week…I know I sure will!</p>

And I’m off!!!

Wednesday morning I hopped right out of bed. It's so much easier knowing you only have a 4 1/2 day ahead of you! Oh and I made sure to w...

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Eight hours

I simply can't believe the difference eight hours of sleep a night, every night, is making in my life. Why didn't I do this thirty years ago?<br /><br />For as long as I can remember I've been a night person, and stayed up as late as possible. Every morning was torture for me as I'd drag myself out of bed, feeling more tired than when I'd gone to bed five, four and sometimes even three hours earlier.<br /><br />In the last two years I've been a night AND a morning person, going to bed at 11pm or midnight or even 1am and getting up at 4:30-5am to hit the gym, almost every week day. Weekends I'd try to "catch up" on sleep. Just for the record, you can't catch up on sleep. It's something you need on a daily basis. <br /><br />I've literally been walking around in a sleep-deprived state for years. It's a wonder I've even been able to function. It feels so good not being in a physical and mental fog all the time.<br /><br />The best side effect of eight hours of sleep is how I feel about food. It's not that I don't get hungry, because I certainly get hunger pains and sometimes even get that feeling of "if I don't eat right now I'm going to perish off this earth from starvation". The difference is that I feel mentally stronger to fight the compulsion to overeat. I feel like I actually have some control over what I put in my mouth. My mind is stronger, and I can reason with myself. Who knew?<br /><br />The only downside of sleeping eight hours every night is there aren't as many hours left to read blogs. I'm falling behind, and I'm not commenting as much these days. That bothers me. I love my readers' comments. They lift me, encourage me, and make me feel like I'm not in this alone. I want to return the favor. <br /><br />Somehow I need to find more hours in the day. Any suggestions?

Eight hours

I simply can't believe the difference eight hours of sleep a night, every night, is making in my life. Why didn't I do this thirty y...

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tuesday = thursday

<p>Happy "<u>Thursday</u>" everyone...oh wait, it was only "Thursday" at work for me! Sorry guys! ;) Tomorrow is my Friday...if you haven't noticed, I'm excited for my little upcoming vaca! Only a 1/2 day of work left!!!</p> <p>Since I ate light last night I was pretty hungry this morning, which I figured I would be! I snacked on a serving of <strong>girl scout cookies</strong> while getting ready for <strong>2 points</strong>. </p> <p>Since that was a pretty light breakfast I got my morning snack out a little early. Today I mixed in 1/2 a sample box of <strong>Fiber One Honey Clusters</strong>. The honey clusters were <u>MUCH</u> smaller than what they made it look like on the box, but still was a nice added <strong>crunch</strong> that I like with my yogurt/strawberry combo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolqGhXrLMFsx7R1udomf_XETeqpeIQxV1GL8wNb3Le91RAC5vbkHWev8U2LgHNrrWfJzmleDx9oJNODSUbwbmWv9u6yMnFH6Yju5RuCey2o0WfYZzdSrCuMPa9g9K_vchQA43u2OIA85E/s1600-h/DSC06404%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06404" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPzFjLn_LrZNM-lgoYL8wnOs01KLFbMGKqzigfyibCdDD7WfMl9M8SclfknUVtsQAKKYP_B4-Usk06rGu3mAI0yGlisO7rPAHpEPXZjbd667lS0nJU428qpNhxMCOe2KA2FfIdyzMutSU/?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="DSC06404" width="354" /></a></p> <p>The total mix of<strong> vanilla yogurt</strong>, <strong>1 c strawberries</strong>, and<strong> 1/2 sample box</strong> of<strong> Fiber One</strong> was <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3FF8YX3mKBwtvp9oMqimw5NooC5yOkAkRQlZAObLzauipQ35ofT5p6dDjkUFfacmCdqwwc5grspKJorlBQbQXisSI_tZz9jZ645ljsQQk__ccHOnE_FZoQiJnL1eEAMfPaNKKOlvrn-7/s1600-h/DSC06405_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06405_thumb" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIG9-wFp-cNb4zqTpf5y1MtL5QzyI75pTUMZYeRLsVUg6jqueKpXmwhQ6-uBb7R7MAtRc_0RMJjFMVAalDUQE9Ft3SJjoWPpDLZHwh7MfpVUT5nzCRKWiPiTtxFeu5LiKBuLhe5B750wa/?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="DSC06405_thumb" width="404" /></a>   </p> <p>I was still feeling “snacky” so I grabbed some <strong>grapes</strong> from my fridge for <strong>1 point</strong>. Mmm love the crispness!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXhLv2IC_MpICcuj7w5zYRh1I-sdki5Fg_Zbc7uTjB3GX1PuQdw20l2qFfCmxnIX9d5Hwsqz988EBWcz-hQppasR8JsbHbdLeTk_aB7ehGECNehT1qyGleaBb47D0yXMXKhOlGCdaEEfq/s1600-h/DSC06407%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06407" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivg84_BhDa4hAHuwN09XEBfMiuYOQclH4SzYrkX9vLOkv8OLexqKNsAbDnMppERJe8Nq0TqJTeKdPcw1kooPOdcl-LT6Hfud0cf2QlzxYcNBEQ_XnVqOSDsIGTGb2MymSaKzv2qWgOypbZ/?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="DSC06407" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I didn’t go to lunch until later than normal so I had another serving of <strong>girl scout cookies</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. </p> <p>I made a quick stop at the bank and then headed home to make my lunch. I made a <strong>broccoli & cheese baked potato</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNCVy98Z0ZdFaGrNnjjZxsGHRJIfDMVQ8z7HIKnSPQzkL76vYLX04ULE9etrWqPVacMSxQuPW9a-1MyXzq_Z6rHvjFrnAbvU0Q6QOMwSNkVlRZlKgAUtLOwWpSsjjC2RFT7VGi1m8AtYW/s1600-h/DSC06408%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06408" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvMuzQtMtNbNXB9dLaOMWRG7VEpfAxqFRRN28DbgdLN1xS9mswy2mKDkmE5y6sGfC_zlY3T6lYnyQnpWWEsyQR6O20cpPQDpiP23z5f__mQVuDev-S8yBpyJiAcsyUoePWrdRMPrsI4-7/?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="DSC06408" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Since I took a late lunch I only had 2 hours left of my afternoon and it FLEW!! :) We had a <u>fun filled family evening</u> planned!</p> <p>Kyle’s sister and brother came over for subs and a movie! Kyle & his brother picked everyone up <strong>$5 footlongs</strong>. I only ate half & saved the other half for lunch tomorrow.</p> <p>My plate was filled with a <strong>6 inch turkey &  ham</strong> on <strong>wheat</strong>, fresh sliced <strong>pineapple</strong>, and a serving of<strong> sun chips</strong> for <strong>9 points</strong>. And I ate another serving of <strong>chips</strong> during the movie for another <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkFcuxshJvRNSG7QTLdeNSglh0t7JeO7IBujP2c3Zr3GFJ9R0zmKrWp-4HfimXjqhMNlToTHK-f6_iyar2L8UyxF7vikwMm94C84sqA5jvskmhSk10j7KuxmmbTXTYC-ojn3eBAp_gb5q/s1600-h/DSC06409%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06409" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUawP-Ylyjeavr1X7obPuDZRVuM8ps7yEyWRnD5tZIFOJEvHVHpqap7jld8IQKKuiog5zh4qyJnwBi8Eutcml9lGVCRaCJb205joJ4gf0CBeUdcrkKCeAlHIuYdFsprzW1vvK4bm8r9Fg/?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="DSC06409" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Thanks for the ideas for Florida everyone! Obviously we are going to be basking in the sun on the <strong>beach</strong> and <strong>SHOPPING</strong>! I go to see my Grandpa every year for spring break so I’ve pretty much done all the tourist-y things! Kyle wants to go deep sea fishing. I’m looking forward to some <strong>relaxation</strong> and time with my family!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS <br /></strong>POINTS = 23/23 <br />WATER =  52 oz <br />EXERCISE = none</p>

tuesday = thursday

Happy " Thursday " everyone...oh wait, it was only "Thursday" at work for me! Sorry guys! ;) Tomorrow is my Friday...if ...

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Putting the binge monster to sleep

I haven't had a binge for five nights in a row. The solution, which many of you suggested, was so simple that I can hardly believe it worked.<br /><br />I've changed a few things, but the one thing I think is the key is I'm in bed and asleep by 8:30 to 9pm every night. I know that sounds insane because it's so early, but it works, and I feel about a hundred times better. I think it's a combination of getting eight hours of sleep that makes me emotionally stronger, and the mere fact that I'm asleep during my peak eating hours. <br /><br />I thought this wouldn't matter, and I'd just choose some other time of day to stuff my face, but I don't. In fact, it's actually changed how I look at food. I feel like I'm in control of my food, not that my food is in control of me.<br /><br />A few other changes recently that are helping, in addition to the sleep:<br /><br />1. Water - I'm back to guzzling the water. Sure, it's inconvenient, more trips to the kitchen at work for water and more trips to the bathroom, but it's my health and that's a priority.<br /><br />2. Healthy oils - I'm getting at least two teaspoons a day. I've always thought it seemed like a waste of Points but it's necessary.<br /><br />3. Dairy - I'm drinking two cups of milk a day. It should be three because I'm over 50, but I take a calcium pill so I think I'm covered. <br /><br />4. Snacks - this one is big and I think has really made a difference. I'm been following Lyn's blog, <a href="http://escapefromobesity.blogspot.com/" target="blank">Escape from Obesity</a>, as she writes about MediFast. First of all, I'm not an advocate of using MediFast long term. However, I think what Lyn is doing is perfect for her. What's even better is she's sharing tips on what she's eating. For example, the snacks should be a combination of a carb and a protein. I've known this for years (from a nutritionist friend), but I chose to ignore it.<br /><br />It makes a huge difference in how satisfied I feel with my snacks being a "complete snack". Instead of just blueberries or just an orange, I'll have half the portion of fruit I use to have and add some protein, like 1/4 cup of cottage cheese or some yogurt, or even a couple ounces of sliced turkey. <br /><br />5. My lunch and dinners are smaller, but I eat more snacks and eat more often. I think this one is huge too. If you're following Lyn's MediFast diary, she eats often. Usually every three hours she eats something. Always something low in calories, but high in nutrition and fiber. All the food has added fiber.<br /><br />I've found about three hours after eating I'm feeling hungry. After four hours I'm starving. If I get to the starving mode, all bets are off and I lose control. The key is to not get to that "I'm starving to death and am going to chew off my own arm" stage. Eat something for God's sake! I can't believe the difference in how this makes me feel less out of control.<br /><br />6. Cutting out the crap - this one was tough for me, really tough. When I say "crap" I don't mean cakes and cookies and candy, I mean "diet" crap. Like diet sodas. I may only have a couple a week, but I cut them out totally. Weight Watchers ice cream bars are banned from this house. Sugar-free Coffeemate, I poured it down the drain. I like my sweets but I switched from Splenda to Stevia. I don't know if that's really better for me, but at least taste a lot better. I only have a packet once or twice a day in my tea and it seems to satisfy my sweet tooth.<br /><br />So far, so good! The giant monster called my out-of-control hunger is resting peacefully.<br /><br />Exercise<br />None yesterday! My gym was burglarized (all TVs stolen) and vandalized. It was closed for a police investigation when I got there at 5am. Then my iPod that's three years old completely died. Not a dead battery, it's just frozen and I can't reset it (I think my sweat finally destroyed it). I can't workout without music so no evening workout either.<br /><br />I'm now the proud owner  of a new 5th generation pink iPod that I bought last night. It makes movies, has a built-in pedometer and an FM radio. Now if it only worked out for me. :) No wonder when I tried to buy a new armband for my old iPod last week the guy at Best Buy laughed at me, saying, wow, they don't even make those anymore! It was "only" three years old. In technology world that's like 20 years. Anyway, love the new iPod!<br /><br />Have a totally awesome day everyone. And tonight, get to bed early so you're not so darn tired tomorrow. :)<br />~Diana

Putting the binge monster to sleep

I haven't had a binge for five nights in a row. The solution, which many of you suggested, was so simple that I can hardly believe it wo...

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S’ouvrir les portes des métiers de l'imprimerie : visite d'entreprise le 26 mars 2010

<BR><br />La Maison de l'Emploi du Bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les métiers de l’imprimerie<ul><br /><li>le vendredi 26 mars 2010<br /><li>dans les locaux de l'entreprise <strong>Imprimerie Nouvelle</strong>.</ul><br /><br />Le transport est pris en charge par la Maison de l'Emploi avec l'appui du PLIE.<br /><br />Le nombre de places est limité.<br /><br />Pour s'inscrire, contacter la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans : 02 38 24 18 03 ou <a href="mailto:accueil@news-these-days.fr">accueil@news-these-days.fr</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Départ</strong> : <strong>PLIE</strong>, Espace Saint Marc, 5 place du 6 juin 44, 45 000 Orléans (dans l'espace d'accueil), à 09h00 (<a href="http://maps.google.fr/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=fr&geocode=&q=Espace+Saint+Marc,+5+place+du+6+juin+44,+45+000&sll=47.905526,1.937199&sspn=0.040851,0.077162&ie=UTF8&radius=1.79&split=1&filter=0&rq=1&ev=zi&hq=Espace+Saint+Marc,+5+place+du+6+juin+44,+45+000&hnear=&ll=47.906217,1.937199&spn=0.039412,0.077162&z=14" target="_blank">Plan</a>)<br /><BR>

S’ouvrir les portes des métiers de l'imprimerie : visite d'entreprise le 26 mars 2010

La Maison de l'Emploi du Bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les métiers de l’imprimerie le vendred...

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Counting down the days!!

<p>Happy Monday everyone!! I'm so excited that this week is FINALLY here!! I only work<u> 1 1/2 days left</u>, then on Thursday Kyle & I are off to Florida!! </p> <p>I got up this morning with great intentions of hitting the gym. I stretched while Kyle was eating his breakfast and when he went to work I went back to bed. We ended up staying up way too late last night and I regretted it this morning. </p> <p>I ended up over sleeping and barely made it to work on time! Once there I whipped up my usual <strong>oatmeal breakfast</strong> (oatmeal, small sliced banana, & PB2) for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4DZ7zNpIYIKebHMFUhdqa1twaBCG-tC66lSKNHPs046XrdAHqE8VlogJH9GcbMHEFQq0vLQFLCeoIMzRow_rSMilrTmS8cyCKWx6FM8wxwSFW53Bks41OL0iq63l6WbErMusyFbR7lNnz/s1600-h/DSC06395%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06395" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONfu0zQyscoAFUil_ThtU6ghwpm6LI8QAPkah3vx91Dt4KOU7ZPP5rvgWFmHV1ZENe1kHXcAPvHn5Gd__EudP5my1ntyiFDAjarlBeGoKMq_03l_rz1xBEkHapOVnA5B8ur0nB21J4UOP/?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="DSC06395" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I have a feeling these next few days at work are going to c.r.a.w.l!! I can only think about FLORIDA!! </p> <p>I had my morning snack, but doesn't it looks <u>wrong</u>? I didn't have any cereal or granola. :( It was still yummy though! <strong>Strawberry ww yogurt</strong> & <strong>1 c strawberries</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-GXOlTc_suky3XgJlc9uiq9vPGhsgBh0rq4zttYmWtV1U1kg-uVinWWGVxq9BZMmHqrZ4HgnSiVwkb1r-wnswwuBd3RQ6hezT3NRr9kq7gFjsZCGVWxWkJzKU_HJ-tWEdDZhRNCEOj0S/s1600-h/DSC06396%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06396" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLo05x3dMGPPBijf_or7XaPuEn_Zr_yJiXJTVhkNzeA8j990IEgcC4XPgxRYgR5VXhzgkJWaHk74M-iRyPMyse7Gdpt1SZZbpM_GG0zfk21rKrB8-nkYzVwZkxd9JbrqV9ieNSEAv5JnxF/?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="DSC06396" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I picked up a<u><strong> free</strong></u> Redbox on the way home for lunch. I've been getting coupon codes in my email a lot lately! They must miss us since we haven't watched a movie in a while! </p> <p>Before leaving my office I had a small <u>appetizer</u> of<strong> baby carrots</strong> & <strong>ff ranch</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3JFljMQdNuhEoPsvUQ0PzFDbPoYq2dbXZe-g-7Ei2Q4OzCyDk7s1T5EYn03JMXIk3ewDTjyhbDugVPEl_3xk3v7k2cRchyM-Af4Dkw7KIUADgo3bozc97wcalFaXbkjh9_KvnemIYQHK/s1600-h/DSC06397%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06397" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-dKpdlfudFtRq6a67YwrIr722Ftizh0YMKYMLOcQpa1oyFFP4UJvDrqki50KmaLcJhyphenhyphenGQs0yPzLqf50s-YfLr7DeWMFb8qMnQwZGfJm4TCH3Flvw8XPDff5LmDc-C2ICUuDzWHvbp7C9/?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="DSC06397" width="404" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tTmpFzYtlMqeM4UjQxUEz-0DakmFXdfB9r2yS8KNlyMo2JPpwp8I72WqBC-xSoY112q3yX6gw6QFacVsVMGVTP3-o301M3WI9a9nKTxZxwvlF0vu71NU8Ax5J9ZzrIacU-yI6QWAoaK2/s1600-h/DSC06398%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06398" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlzSitSu-rzuODcQs6OtG5oE1nOwGPXhW-ZNJTBohMSDNlT8ib3ZMbNHRc3gxluc7OzeE47iojP8c4KfIEN-ptH6tAjeaIqtFWkQ_wnxRxAbyQQ6tUxWM3V9hh75CqzvzKX4cMsrssjNp/?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="DSC06398" width="404" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Lunch was a <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/03/priceless.html">copy cat</a> of last week! But just made by me, not my hubby! I had <strong>1/2c cottage cheese w/cantaloupe</strong> and an <strong>egg white & cheese sandwich</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>.    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4s_divHuZPMY94NaeWyFHF4hrzWwMJU1wG8x8msFl7InZZk-Kwgjb7YdqKhXAStcqRi-kV_eJFodU_JV3ruCQ3y-NhpRR_pLIYg2hY9MuHXIZmMwfKnZ1cE1l87wMF8c_etQmII_rab_/s1600-h/DSC06399%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06399" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JVskYpzljobj0kZQ1Y6u-P_t78YRchNQjq0v9W946-KBwDC0EvxL_baVjuiKbaxpWEN0Cw8iDGMwc-lacIpiwVCZe1A6hJhrc7PT1V175YnlUkGvYS8C1SROA3UMg7vx8xWfVBM9C65R/?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="DSC06399" width="404" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuzZMWlX6F5Mp8iGZsyYIJvSU6VQfBY9m_D_giqGJGC6sbKqqgzc0rI2WLqjrT-kaZnqFWbVmVrAazYNUgpvV47WR6Mv9xiUt7oaa4aJjFA70sxgK-QjQgXDq5s5tHEcjCNPtq-rTIXSW/s1600-h/DSC06400%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06400" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7rZU_hIjy8LexJCu_hKR6uDLChmRPnys5_S7cHF5xDNivTMvsBBQHn3agaPgrWwynQbt8qM_01PZ_qWZxAFfqp6TJsSwoDk27bJ7qqsykQ4I_lkJ9T9g_MbdIqOw7yvsb3ApKPbMZGqe/?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="DSC06400" width="404" /></a></p> <p>My afternoon went relatively fast and I was home free for the evening! We brought some <u>treats</u> to a few of our neighbors and chatted for a while. Gotta love good neighbors!</p> <p>By the time we got home it was about 8pm and I wasn’t really hungry. I decided to make a <strong>smoothie</strong>. Tonight it contained <strong>1 small frozen banana</strong>, <strong>1 1/2c strawberries</strong>, <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong>, and <strong>1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisto2uMv1hgqVy4g5ALjsJUOqP7J3ZZ3651lHr3S4osFsMPhyphenhypheno4w-gY9CFIV1W_3Z3szbKQTQ5E7V9BWmDjWkts-KHoEBq_rR0uxZuobRHzwadOBGJtCuagJgHhjV_xBGNLO2q3wMyVYCW/s1600-h/DSC06401%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06401" border="0" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPOzsdr_xBDfbGbbFqL3x1zNHzDayfExeo94BCcrGSbeOSTGgjKIL2J9KS5rDxtJkhI1lZOjFpoaxqy4HcNma0zNVJEyxhVEM0NWBJqB93xYtai5x7So2ewxMC5pww5XnuRuBV0MqR4jL/?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="DSC06401" width="357" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> I was still a little hungry after my smoothie, but wasn’t feeling 100% “right” so I had a slice of <strong>toast</strong> with a little <strong>strawberry jelly</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>. Like my <u>Easter egg plate</u>? Pottery Barn <strong>clearance</strong> a few years ago!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ju3qMWBT9Ga-L8bxRVKve_6Bshz47mllmYvrq00TKcG1X-T2rXdDrn5lcqtrIonraT6RGNk9vuPdx72fRRJLLEEs8YGaCITRNOobLsJL4oFeUWZWchlBaoiAnQRDAYRZ6keZ4vDDo797/s1600-h/DSC06402%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06402" border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-D7XXNZbIIFlqu1za0Yp9AnoSYHWIZzdsTD2MsFxXe2yiHPHNBlLbeN4H5BqkwEaIGl_1zRsgwelX6vWedVt1XdWNAEkCjwasDYLYgNZvzyZdex9uLExss7G652L45DsfX3t6sfdvthvU/?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="DSC06402" width="304" /></a> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Kyle and I are now snuggled in enjoyed our free Redbox! Crossing my fingers that the scale shows a loss tomorrow…need to get those lbs gone before Thursday!!</p> <p><strong>MONDAY'S STATS <br /></strong>POINTS = 17/23 <br />WATER =  80 oz <br />EXERCISE = none</p> <p><strong>Does anyone have anything fabulous & fun they recommend we do while we are in Florida? We usually just kick back & relax…but we can always squeeze in a few things!</strong></p> <p><strong>We will be in the Tampa area and then also the West Palm Beach area. </strong></p>

Counting down the days!!

Happy Monday everyone!! I'm so excited that this week is FINALLY here!! I only work 1 1/2 days left , then on Thursday Kyle & I are...

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Home from the Dash!

I started this post at noon and now it's 6:30pm. Before I finished it I went on a crazy house-cleaning, throw-away-every-piece-of crap-we-own rampage. It's like I was on speed or something (only once in college and never again).<br /><br />I hate crowds and decided this year I was going to skip the Seattle St. Paddy's Day Dash. Then a friend of mine, a 30-year old marathon runner, had purchased her bib and timing chip for the Dash. At the last minute she decided to go snowboarding instead so she gave me her bib and chip (a $30 value). <br /><br />I convinced my husband to go with me and we'd walk it because he's not a runner, and since my knee popped out a couple years ago while I was on the treadmill, I gave up running. He agreed to walk with me, and I purchased him a yellow bib (the slowest wave and last to leave from the starting line, we're talking baby strollers and wheelchairs). <br /><br />After horrendous traffic like you can't imagine (15,200 runners/walkers participated) and impossible parking, we were 15 minutes late to the start. We were literally the last people to cross the start start line at 9:15am (start time for yellows was 9am). While we were driving in the traffic, both our tempers flared and I think I said "I hate you" at one point. Yeah, fun times.<br /><br />Once we got to the starting line, I don't know what came over me, but I decided to try running it. Or at least run/jog/walk it. Part of it was because I was wearing Cindy's bib...it was green. Green is for the first wave, the hardcore runners that are actually racing. They have a timed chip that starts when you cross the start line and ends at the finish line. Every time I passed a green bibbed person, I had a feeling of accomplishment.<br /><br />Or perhaps my decision to run was because I was so annoyed with my husband. I just needed to get away from him for an hour or so. Whatever it was that pushed me to attempt running, I'm glad it did because I gave it my best shot and it felt great.<br /><br />About five minutes into the race I realized I was dressed too warm even though it was only 41 degrees. I had to stop and take off my bib, take off my fanny pack, take off my sweater and tie it around my waist, pin the bib to my t-shirt, put my fanny pack back on, then take off again. I think this cost me at least two minutes. <br /><br />Here are my results and the route was 3.7 miles, and had some good hills in it. I also burned 623 calories according to my heart rate monitor. Not too shabby for a 47 minute workout. Did I mention the hills? :)<br /><br />bib number: 202 <br />age: 30 <--------my friend's age, I'm 54<br />gender: F <br />location: Seattle, WA <br />overall place: 6812 out of 7824 <br />division place: 668 out of 814 <br />gender place: 3431 out of 4319 <br />time: 48:58 <br />pace: 13:14 <br /><br />It's probably closer to 47 minutes because of the shirt fiasco after crossing the start line. It's not fabulous results, but not too shabby for a fat, fifty-four year old with bad knees. <br /><br />I'm psyched right now. I've been totally on plan for three days, eight hours of sleep each night (I'm a new woman!) and lots of water and tea. I've even been to Starbucks twice in two days and ordered a grande green tea both times. Zero Points! No skinny lattes for me anymore. Two Points is too much to waste on a beverage. I feel totally back in control.<br /><br />By the way, my absolute favorite tea is TAZO Zen green tea. It's what you get at Starbucks when you order green tea. It's wonderful tea and of course, zero Points. It's sort of hard to find in the stores around here, but I finally found it at Metropolitan Market in Seattle.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbG1Q9PD0rDTtL1lqw9iDEkv0oy4PTArLCwH6fJcTiXtZ4zirCT5x1DkG-9nJphhBD92p9h_CURailvfNifycj_LU4WuLbswzyz8AwjtupT44n-n_-uisHlztIRTcgoECBT6iUi2KeElv/s1600-h/TAzo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbG1Q9PD0rDTtL1lqw9iDEkv0oy4PTArLCwH6fJcTiXtZ4zirCT5x1DkG-9nJphhBD92p9h_CURailvfNifycj_LU4WuLbswzyz8AwjtupT44n-n_-uisHlztIRTcgoECBT6iUi2KeElv/s320/TAzo.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><br /><br />Now for pictures of the day. Unfortunately there's not a single one of me. I tried to take a couple shots of myself but they came out horrible. Here are all the other crazies....<br /><br />This doll creeped me out. He looked lik that Chuckie in the movies. Scary. He was sitting in DeLoean car.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxUEGlXVkTXizKT1udBHJAVPPDMJOqB-objxCgdbWhFdT1pZEyb_QBhb9GpKRwvztvFEGtjgnpqf32qrHDMKHYyEIWOAZO0qEyzNBSJRdKSqkd8SwkbNo6wEz06RKndmBS3NKx2XvvYrr/s1600-h/Chuckie+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxUEGlXVkTXizKT1udBHJAVPPDMJOqB-objxCgdbWhFdT1pZEyb_QBhb9GpKRwvztvFEGtjgnpqf32qrHDMKHYyEIWOAZO0qEyzNBSJRdKSqkd8SwkbNo6wEz06RKndmBS3NKx2XvvYrr/s640/Chuckie+doll.jpg" vt="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Daffodils everywhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnTpO2dwgCsGGzHoPpuriSyq-DLelh5LVL7t3yNl5k54zm1RJUVfTWcXbq3l6iVgvggCc1KWswKa3EVZkOekYH2Y0bQWK1G5eBlYQEODKpQ7j9aBj2PhNGF3F1__zx7NK8J-uMQ8eTBIG/s1600-h/Daffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTnTpO2dwgCsGGzHoPpuriSyq-DLelh5LVL7t3yNl5k54zm1RJUVfTWcXbq3l6iVgvggCc1KWswKa3EVZkOekYH2Y0bQWK1G5eBlYQEODKpQ7j9aBj2PhNGF3F1__zx7NK8J-uMQ8eTBIG/s640/Daffs.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The fountain by the Space Needle</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv0j_65ILfAgNPnizpE92Lrp774kTHlRwENsEUbDfjgtamqcVm6NyCvCtmeEFAg2ybbWLoAX9NQCMUdG-B1TYtgan0-9e1qwRnyGKeVb_tWwDIWHmVWIZA9dDDuZsN6fNk5fx9fT8g13u/s1600-h/fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMv0j_65ILfAgNPnizpE92Lrp774kTHlRwENsEUbDfjgtamqcVm6NyCvCtmeEFAg2ybbWLoAX9NQCMUdG-B1TYtgan0-9e1qwRnyGKeVb_tWwDIWHmVWIZA9dDDuZsN6fNk5fx9fT8g13u/s640/fountain.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Standing looking at all the people after I crossed the finish line. I passed all these people (okay, I was gloating big time here).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSX670ngDDGB8dG5zSlj6kgFKe2IxOasFL0XZUtg0jflvbm34lgL33HBkkDuPLpnxi6-Ox8jp_BXpFY6ojwWtPzJuIXvbzJn-CLHu_x7TCDJ7Du8wikuPeMqJLE733hHKORgJL4E1V2pF/s1600-h/people+behind+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSX670ngDDGB8dG5zSlj6kgFKe2IxOasFL0XZUtg0jflvbm34lgL33HBkkDuPLpnxi6-Ox8jp_BXpFY6ojwWtPzJuIXvbzJn-CLHu_x7TCDJ7Du8wikuPeMqJLE733hHKORgJL4E1V2pF/s640/people+behind+me.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">More people that were behind me and I passed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-IPCh_V6CIuDFcQ1cec9GhGeDiTuQsyzudhvwAwmlmCl2_ywcnhjbAMyZRUbINlt0UE9Fa-pwnI1uPYyY7nXynVk3K_-kLZ-vx_FdRfsYfzi89qZaXCoaOFlQuppYUeKnHpzM2BVcWoD/s1600-h/Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-IPCh_V6CIuDFcQ1cec9GhGeDiTuQsyzudhvwAwmlmCl2_ywcnhjbAMyZRUbINlt0UE9Fa-pwnI1uPYyY7nXynVk3K_-kLZ-vx_FdRfsYfzi89qZaXCoaOFlQuppYUeKnHpzM2BVcWoD/s640/Pic+1.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More peeps (that I passed!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwznmAs6V9Sgu48remL-5eRlIaGDmBk1J4aU9_06y5ZFMSq_TFgc98q9zIneTYg54kCpEGXyYBeWQXcjJWGRCbi8g3oEi4kh1scA-PZLjnEDLF0-RumMUKcDYVqcWz-WY5_RqgEjfun6Vi/s1600-h/pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwznmAs6V9Sgu48remL-5eRlIaGDmBk1J4aU9_06y5ZFMSq_TFgc98q9zIneTYg54kCpEGXyYBeWQXcjJWGRCbi8g3oEi4kh1scA-PZLjnEDLF0-RumMUKcDYVqcWz-WY5_RqgEjfun6Vi/s640/pic+3.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Space Needle next to the finish line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMd1tsMV0lAn2N0uQV8j7xMoqGbYRwNBxRt5eoF6l4tCrZEdQrmHsz3y3ObFQ7wMsypoW0VyvDIbGqzztxFRGNpgk9-wvwsZE89LGcfwOEsYstqa9XIn25rvlpqJK5vmdJGIezRUgA80q/s1600-h/space+needle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMd1tsMV0lAn2N0uQV8j7xMoqGbYRwNBxRt5eoF6l4tCrZEdQrmHsz3y3ObFQ7wMsypoW0VyvDIbGqzztxFRGNpgk9-wvwsZE89LGcfwOEsYstqa9XIn25rvlpqJK5vmdJGIezRUgA80q/s640/space+needle.jpg" vt="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cupcakes at Starbucks that looked yummy. I looked it up later and one of these cupcakes is 8 Points and they're tiny! Totally not worth it! I didn't really want one anyway and ordered my plain Tzao green tea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiJUIwP4DuMNFwcsq-gNiDM5kDPxUhABPE3M9lyxKQ9TXAZ3zFmjVJSZgieteumPoQkX099XYkd__agJCMGwYWCYtAFVQqLh9_yWP-IA6ZenYoAn9TFSIPVcVCRhfEQce5XLeSVH2abQu/s1600-h/Starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiJUIwP4DuMNFwcsq-gNiDM5kDPxUhABPE3M9lyxKQ9TXAZ3zFmjVJSZgieteumPoQkX099XYkd__agJCMGwYWCYtAFVQqLh9_yWP-IA6ZenYoAn9TFSIPVcVCRhfEQce5XLeSVH2abQu/s640/Starbucks.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />More people, and I was still amazed I had passed all these people. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1wkZNr2kjyoik0wWDZm8_u8nYfue1cxdI5odSR84WCWKVxe6FvoeCItieDtdXSwKDBZPDqh0-0sHSPKDk1gwd_3SRC2HDIwqIPLQc-djpc7hYUKS4v8IEm6tOxNy0ZdYPlpJyhC2i3c6/s1600-h/started+before+me+finished+after+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1wkZNr2kjyoik0wWDZm8_u8nYfue1cxdI5odSR84WCWKVxe6FvoeCItieDtdXSwKDBZPDqh0-0sHSPKDk1gwd_3SRC2HDIwqIPLQc-djpc7hYUKS4v8IEm6tOxNy0ZdYPlpJyhC2i3c6/s640/started+before+me+finished+after+me.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />A pretty tree at Seattle center...I love these trees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4UX8MF4Qxa2BOmRt5Qy0-wogW4oJKVbsXoClFRckY7kJF90C4y6hVSQ-Y03SniAgZDUVApBCkMqjZtWLfeaEi_9qk83avEiuj5Si4njdcvEo-Eh0e7KL0xSmYsfUy6gwr8rzXIvVkmOv/s1600-h/Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzXCCXiPY9z1xV3Y3SWqy4e_VjvdakDrCddaL8OnN2bsZUrwEw7PPiM91hy0xezKioZhp-zAsH3muvs4h6OhpYns6g4nZiSU5tOhqfNZ9_eQ3HUWF3qsjH3Rly8HLfb5q-_IoCFUEnHzc/s1600-h/Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzXCCXiPY9z1xV3Y3SWqy4e_VjvdakDrCddaL8OnN2bsZUrwEw7PPiM91hy0xezKioZhp-zAsH3muvs4h6OhpYns6g4nZiSU5tOhqfNZ9_eQ3HUWF3qsjH3Rly8HLfb5q-_IoCFUEnHzc/s640/Tree.jpg" vt="true" width="640" /></a></div>

Home from the Dash!

I started this post at noon and now it's 6:30pm. Before I finished it I went on a crazy house-cleaning, throw-away-every-piece-of crap-w...

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An OP Weekend on the Move!

<p>Happy “spring ahead” Sunday! Hope everyone remembered to “spring ahead” last night!</p> <p>Here is a recap of my last three days!</p> <p align="center"><strong><u>FRIDAY</u></strong></p> <p>Friday morning I did not go to the gym and I planned that because I wanted to get to work early because I knew I would be leaving early. </p> <p>I sliced up a <strong>cantaloupe</strong> for breakfast. Only <strong>1 point</strong>, but very filling. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0u8MkMB-9Gogrf4IfJzJaKh_Nj81QdkkNX6hMA6bNsxMiSNnEeBSCdqyewkpYOBTxHXM3qDAIF37F9vfvLLT0luLsbvS18cdWioZG1fDAXafW4cEFwfHVxEVGQdyllZowAPTEpDG33Lg/s1600-h/DSC06353%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06353" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK9Q1K19VWc5H3NGSINltRk5YO_cFHdcTkl213u3JLrvpaYDRl2LfePTL-flFKE4RrSbFGvAGbcpfzQS6JWb-a3e110PcJtwFmFAiYio7NFkjg3y7jP3tmguGGhoMKP6UXlvLoMXj_GS-/?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="DSC06353" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Since I had a light breakfast, I had my morning snack earlier than normal. It was the usual combo of<strong> ww vanilla yogurt</strong>, <strong>1 c strawberries</strong>, and <strong>1/4 c grape nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmh0POZm0kHer8oQLxVrNPPIRVRFExL7UFw-h5k2xBiCoJp5NhcUL4V_Xzk_qMfnKHnlcUKmImSBhWTazu8diaeQkbFrEvYrZadFPVHrPFFN4CN8ZrAuIPBEzSTmKNd1rt5TvjhziQXU4/s1600-h/DSC06354%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06354" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIIrxAjuHSu-n60xw2fqfVVQQHkOQ5QxXJUeZCsQxmOnEDOdqcLVCf6_C6YaSbd5BVuJdk-aTMkRLDo2aJ2LZBfsn2KaItk-ZPo7Jz6nOLZ9iL0l6E424BBrxLi_ogRA08t0GCrNJJXO-/?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="DSC06354" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Lunch was quick & at my desk since I left work early. I had a <strong>turkey & cheese sandwich </strong>for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsOKetlZLcX_zOcrl1O9MyPDN1me4W_gDKmyWcQyURCh0HgKlOkxMNSw0z2CmOCfnrFifwKchWOta9ZuLRcpC3YHnvUqZBlohns7Hr4CELdtgKj8IX-jFuHk3b8KpPlGQZBJhLMHNioYd/s1600-h/DSC06355%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06355" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsQof25DcJQz9SuOUt3W_P5M-gJ8i-nzeSt_A9nEfpbslQkLJDdy4-R720iXERK5wlGjUl0dnJ3zZ7QwVAf8Tb8j09pmfLr2DHnvZga15Yh7Kf6HyEn2Kf2jxiA7cdSncZxBIWL8Lmla4/?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="DSC06355" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>And I also had some <strong>cantaloupe</strong> with <strong>1/2c cottage cheese</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3bjTMXj-8C0djEMXe07TL6WG93AZPxqkBRQoKlckvne5jPd3x1Pvtlv_Lm54mmfxqjTYdSVMGzB78pdxs9Xd8fF8id8NAc9vYe2tLOEDRp8AybBOJOa9d6WkU3U2wywPCksOHXulhMfC/s1600-h/DSC06356%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06356" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2re4ukinJC0nqWrkadzc1y77lqiF5os47qZwu2fKxbqTcBQ4Pudi0JVyxhmdGuLykrXDfiT-NMafAiopeXz-F0UtVmpJmc0vwgwtaAPpCmFqjQSwunSe6QqIwYxM_8UmUZTQQGF-slGvt/?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="DSC06356" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I left work around 3pm and headed to meet my Dad. I rode with him to my sister’s in Omaha. If you missed my Thursday post, I went there to help her and her husband move to their new house!</p> <p>On the way I had a <strong>fiber plus bar</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZznxYBo9DxH-0Cmtv-ynfgPfdYMLrJPS8ISu4iLtvWMrmrH3gbTTTgdZu6yXhA8o-YeWBrBUi7kHy7sXEv5ONX6fr0XXwjRMR4TQC5fadTxbhyphenhyphenAvf-CtH1RxviCE6-_5NeJgHhdGlxPpJ/s1600-h/DSC06358%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06358" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGhLSZCCV78wcrmEHoJodo_wNe4LVjUvYRPUKrIzZOsGHmHE25RfE5S4UJgdoIuKmU3R3DTsuF6a1C7J3pR_btFkazg6ddfd8UJ2VUMfqiFHdviFKRposWrGXjA1tQx2Hm8AV6OJBJ_PU/?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="DSC06358" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>We made it there and met up with my sister & her husband at their new house and then headed back downtown to their loft to get some supper. </p> <p>One perk of living in the city is that you have a restaurant in your building! ;) So we ate at Barley’s, the restaurant on the main floor of the building they lived in. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBj8YeZ0o9yfudEm-VEFpZVQxOauGT0CcmzwF1TkTzNhAHuknIOGN3fExgDYpf-t1BUoRNo8yYdWwZHMt08Lregri7Wm8jw6iJDqojupNoydu20xExwMl4hAGux-RbJqfON9g7Dex5tJgv/s1600-h/DSC06361%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06361" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYxRPKMdc3I3RqaAnWErkLCI0rZuTTDzvGzKHwJZli57CywDydy3sSm4CTdzDaOTGgjLkD0mJC1QqML2As8WEkayllCBmRf4ihySiUGBshvZY-NzPvnA7Oe68UAbv2C7JZ4SQtdMH7acHq/?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="DSC06361" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>They ordered homemade chips, salsa, and dip. To know how much of a portion I ate, I took<strong> 3 chips</strong> & a scoop of <strong>salsa</strong> and put them on my plate and enjoyed them slowly. I am going to count them for <strong>1 point</strong>.  The homemade chips were SO good, light & crisp!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcu4EfwYdUYfiq9ie5YecwoUw9arSUuHoM2wH_vjUuzgWZcXtiTDlKPwurJcmDKvszgZg6fB0XW6-MDF1Q2Muh8ro1eP6INM77TZZEfAsLn2JiUgyRDSbBeuBm4E828OvCjOWCKpUWR6O/s1600-h/DSC06362%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06362" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQA1UjD14DBZybA2U70a2VIUKsP0CVBPwQ2xReuiC4Fkl4vOVZ52ktanvbOZly-0jsQzalEaw296F4Wl6JGLvkNWuBUIlpVXpx2iJpCz27JaCivS44BG_YXpxCwM7W9CcFRGPfk1FqtsJq/?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="DSC06362" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>This is what I ordered:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwIYWkIQ0dLtjkuVcLb6SndYG0PSMsxfpVSfCH321DQ4shVE6apiRy61sQmtuB_SsiSC6ZThj5ZtpuuQJyaW-ovr4AwdZ7paovJq6XhZ3WXrpB3aFYy7-7bhcwFSoRa1WtKRc7tB1mSXE/s1600-h/DSC06367%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06367" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEy2SxR6V1pF7IqVgCcXFUrE32LQweThO_SlBB65_kI8KO1wxf7oL6B7-fDUzymWvgYQ3UtmE3IITatxzKP_Pm9GoDHcBribZs3K_6gc-9sjZJIs_MalgxQQ6DulKkuvEH-UGwh5slJyL/?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="DSC06367" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Here is my plate…<strong><u>before</u></strong>:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhum36ATvvoyVcm271tTebBFnH4FCAV96bd3D1n2rQM0v2tuV4VQ3yhWVOScAYF9QUW3wK9LS4X-qRJ7QG7Uwr790U_77QNWJxGV2t_5uWXvpfZrpw8__3bDmjd1uX0-KF9xgHOwO1dh04R/s1600-h/DSC06364%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06364" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzla65xYSA2r57UNTYzwm8QSkzn5xaEmQ427svILO4j5-R85XC3AUBatlkEyZkMv1YXlyBcZ0wgBf1AAUa135LyVLQPLmw1-gbkKlfaOpA_yw3vAiCYOURaExvCrAueHc7ZHiAesZG8MgN/?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="DSC06364" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p>And <strong><u>after</u></strong>! I ate about <strong>2/3</strong> of the <strong>chicken</strong>, the<strong> steamed veggies</strong>, a few bites of <strong>cottage cheese</strong>, and about <strong>2/3</strong> of the <strong>rice</strong> as well. I am going to estimate high that I ate <strong>8 points</strong> worth. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYIk2ZPwUtxNqLHviDsTJ2HCDRJSFOl3ITEKJ0iFecEiKBxkhnMtWOq7LLWpKFMAeY9g9M5gAQ1oZR61soVjNUQRkV8J2q6arkG72bzz8ED2EknhkrFYTNeyLmaur9HrcmdoAfwnF98CX/s1600-h/DSC06366%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06366" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hUfXf3WqkymBE7g83cfrodxNi0mBnSvR5GHtkQ1C4zmr_R76h4LRZmJ2_4AwITT3S7wi8qYmBJj6AuyDSmGpTf4EOeB2ls_GamEDso6HqXO8zGEuRfR7EvsVitwN3tCTLv-zpOWiFu3I/?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="DSC06366" width="404" /></a>    </p> <p>After supper my other sister, BIL, and my Mom also arrived. We enjoyed our evening together! Family time is always good!</p> <p><strong>FRIDAY'S STATS <br /></strong>POINTS = 20/23 <br />WATER =  104 oz <br />EXERCISE = none</p> <p><u><font color="#c94093"></font></u></p> <p align="center"><strong><u>SATURDAY</u></strong></p> <p align="left">We got up fairly early and got right to work packing up a few last things of my sister’s. She made sausage & egg burritos for everyone else. I decided to make my own breakfast:<strong> 3 egg whites</strong>, <strong>1/8 c 2% cheese</strong>, <strong>salsa</strong>, sliced <strong>apple</strong>, and a slice of <strong>ww toast</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtftJGe8G6AH8JLa3SD-W0cKJEKZ1wZiw2RxoxzZ6ELWArBU6uHFChCezDfqSPNsyVJZD6Pt69M4YOPQESxmD2St3lcXPPZkhwNcvRElsVnVKgjktbAHN4C48vLw3pTSxQvwiktETSqJhk/s1600-h/DSC06370%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06370" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV4s2x_GeMU7jgKnmDRsk1M9yLhJXlPpyEJeOjgpDEMgxE4nHsKZAkumYW-l8a2NcIsqw9-AvW7We0t6BKuH9aS127cAPG5Wci8aOF3AnWDb9onPOESf1NB4bdJBYiVv8R6woIPtdpNPE/?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="DSC06370" width="404" /></a>         </p> <p align="left">Once breakfast settled everyone got right to work loading the trailer. They lived on the 3rd floor of their building, so there were lots of trips up & down the elevator! They had a total of <em>10 people</em> to help and it went <strong><u>GREAT</u></strong>!</p> <p align="left">It took 2 loads to get all off their stuff to their new house. Once we got it all un loaded at their new house my sister & I went to get lunch. Thankfully she chose Subway!</p> <p align="left">I had <strong>1/4</strong> of a <strong>foot long turkey & ham</strong>, <strong>12 sunchips</strong>, a few baby<strong> dill pickles</strong>, and<strong> 1 c grapes</strong> for a total of<strong> 7 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33IhhyphenhyphenYER7zl31SAw2MEERWpEpQIKvNffvBnJdM-IT0TarQfpwSoWaS7YrcBZ9V3BgynH0y1atoR4A4cdtOTx5lvnQbktJSU6MLRTEW2ZTRiwoTuVkaDSxDsIUCSfMYl9ponzhY7s0LlU/s1600-h/DSC06379%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06379" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_0ClrJDqQ6jnmUPvfh6338WQbk3aOOxm3s5P52h41ae4DIweHeSpiNcDaZjht-rIwreEpoBIKxRDC9_mgQyD8DVi6-PDwXvd20MwALzNXbtxImiaBkAkM_dYMxosbTBGYHY20oOhb8Be/?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="DSC06379" width="404" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirON9rTDKpRgMiVoqv5tohgXcUlAmMl-XppQgSr4dI_rLZI-mPGsMWaQ3doTvs7RCQYypFjnLmniUu4hZzWrizt1P22dbdMLa7bCpXc9tSldUBaGzjPBHOZ9Z5GWLHLzR1vA4E8mahUQwr/s1600-h/DSC06380%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06380" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1WFKxeICinuhEYkic-a4-UgW53QJLkQEOww6WfSPOWM1eQokxGStPZMbxdKTcA05xIvrbChg3wqT_XhjHY_GZQX8JFV2czZFHHTJF2Se1d5U1KaUaQT4t_U02-U0XDopdKVFZS15Uasm/?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="DSC06380" width="404" /></a> </p> <p align="left">And I couldn’t resist desert, a slice of a <strong>rice krispie log</strong>! They are pretty much my family’s specialty! I am estimating it as <strong>4 points</strong>. I am sure that is high, but I would way rather estimate high than low! I need to sit down & figure the points sometime, these are always at my family gatherings!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV_SiOPPPf3y_qxjs_n6mggt7DVgchGSfp125YBToKvWO7z6D_Ny6sE6C5e94F1J3q5t_x5E3G_S2eWqChEiboxnvfEq7aRf2ps9x8SWzd_6EzyJDrlWI6LEkl5wEQbNw9_ZJYE6yi5zz/s1600-h/DSC06381%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06381" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0zWqqcqA4ntB1lxSnqfuQgCAKEBpkzkwip3-zQxqMcv6JfoXcTdScbc9KEzh39_aZG64FSOySeQYXLEOBXGOaCIYLTHBZBRWIv69qVMZIJphbrhLOUr0PjTULLXf2jY5XA9EtRxv1Q-Nn/?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="DSC06381" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">We got a few of their things un packed and then hit the road. The trailer my Dad & I pulled didn’t have working lights, so we didn’t want to be traveling the entire way in the dark. </p> <p align="left">I can’t wait to come back to my sister’s house and help her pick out decorating ideas! Oh and I forgot to mention the best part…their house is on a <strong><u><em>lake</em></u></strong>!!!</p> <p align="left">On the way home I snacked on a serving of the <strong>100 calorie girl scout cookies</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkIHN47VPpeBnDCMHdmplOIKl1JNGGPpkZG5zipLT9Rk359R_6VcDikGYSrDw_kfpR6IboKqHULSLB5JlFKGo69DSMHBRcsIxSX1chR_6CK8uPu8f6F7TYHuiqeKBiOBuhqQCCcdPjipW/s1600-h/DSC06389%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06389" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3dhwGu8sDN7p4a8xWJ5tk0tE4bvZzAIxPJnqrWCJsPs5EP2DRd1jXse9rAZMZ3j2ebbKZc0DYUvfw8jyBXrdiOoQpiL8OMY5zStuzkYToaSPtx0USY8UmV25iPs_Uvg3QoBCHRqRgK2s/?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="DSC06389" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">When I got home I had a <strong>peanut butter fiber one bar</strong> and a few <strong>animal crackers</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. </p> <p align="left">When I got back to town I showered up and Kyle got home and we met up with some friends for a quick beer. I had a <strong>Budweiser Select 55</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>. And then I realized how incredibly tired I was and we called it a night early at 11pm…which was really midnight! ;)</p> <p align="left">When we got home I realized I really didn’t eat supper, I ate a few <strong>random leftovers</strong> in the fridge and I’m going to estimate I had about<strong> 3 points</strong> worth! </p> <p><strong>SATURDAY'S STATS <br /></strong>POINTS = 25/23 <br />WATER =  104 oz <br />EXERCISE = 4 hours of packing, boxing, & lifting!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><strong><u>SUNDAY</u></strong></p> <p>Even though we had a little bit of a late night Kyle and I still got up for church. Aferwards we went out with Kyle’s family for his twin brother & sister’s 23rd birthday!</p> <p>We went to a local brunch buffet and I SO proud to report the following pictures of what I ate!</p> <p>My first plate was loaded with <strong>fresh fruit</strong>. I am counting this for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbl0TQfn9wuXxzyy61-fejiJDFSVsJv6tnBzNdVXJmLvuvfNO-NDN3ZO8dPF5jJs2H3yAjaBwc51oYShdzjgyGfNFgmzem2t2dERQoQszuDab3hVg6-24YKq3ukvXEu4EsU0FNv6dQ07Z/s1600-h/DSC06390%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06390" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuGsYx_o2kI0tP_78n9jk8Szbl5NnLJSVDC4gI-MgkRcT0tuAnIzEEz6QmRoaVZqo4yeSPUT38agdD4FAFvevS7b7C_2NrPGIk_Bg-CY2H8ntw0qTQwE3EG0Ee1vACSyBHCOR74I9J8XR/?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="DSC06390" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>The buffet had an omelet & waffle station, I asked if I could get an omelet with only egg whites & they were<strong><u> more than willing</u></strong> to accommodate my request! </p> <p>I am counting my <strong>eggs</strong> with <strong>salsa</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7KX3aX4DLxlCZacB68ALIihj_u03M_08vl7Lhgj6HZVBTvXjK8oRK-bs36fP-SWijCc3LrFFYXBd9oc7_cHDP6i4RYBlfTTI1nXeWNRLAxEmroZVhr8UJ-ki3p9rRmupu6Wa6ILOvYpk/s1600-h/DSC06391%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06391" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAM7RTH7ipcUwc1Luqoedn6pS20F88keLOW7oXqGKIVkiftEOpQ27CrPG0E7u5klPA9ncBC4qIBM5IbFXqVbcXu3SnufvvCXF1bUsn31yYtFh22ulVvVsjotO7x8pZBozHc293jPdf2uq/?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="DSC06391" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I ended with a <strong>1/2c vanilla ice cream</strong> with <strong>strawberries</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>…mmmm!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlECJpVP1kyNCTH3ZrgMr77fN4cntmHECu-Ju6IRPwH8_q1fW_ApL07mzsj8nP0JlaaX8UOBkVOcff7yhdAIKbD1VTRebLr-N8OB3JPRKWcbOy-rHVT36rtiQNKArSXfY09wHCb1oahU0V/s1600-h/DSC06392%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06392" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJC2hO6mpOhRPfc1Wt466TNlwHTniLjMumVzxj1TaVgfnhbydr-5F68943Dd9hFy_ZhjaHGXmJDVfoEoUQ0ghU4Ejc_zmp0olA0Izo_7QAwzWLsvPCRdqrT7L80mwzz7X5RA-B0fcrDEk/?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="DSC06392" width="404" /></a></p> <p>After brunch Kyle and I got a few groceries. Not many though…we are only 3 days away from our <strong>Florida trip</strong>! :)</p> <p>I sample a few bites of ff cottage cheese…no points there though! I didn’t eat the entire sample. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-GVq4csu6Qno2MCEP6-dg_4pQZs2eD-3qwLgJoov1jc7XLhGcq7HSXZwB4Cjqx4wgzVg3nRHmDoj_8JCzQbz3Bn-nLsbeJm0zc5292UUEVmrq3O5sjL3r6PzHIzbyJ6TnwjEPELlbu3dE/s1600-h/DSC06393%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06393" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdLAMt6Zyjpmt1fLyssPKAtzxBBGH1vGJPELMZrB41ed6Kdz5E3FjXkz5iFBDHz6WKJFGVTj1TSve4nZ_K3qChKc40bJMMmYc88LalVkz7DHfqqeTNWDD0gee4hQlpURk2uWuwZnmld8Me/?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="DSC06393" width="404" /></a>  </p> <p>We got home, unloaded our groceries, and napped! I LOVE Sunday afternoon naps!</p> <p>I did have a few <strong>animal crackers</strong> when I got up for <strong>2 points</strong>. </p> <p>After our nap we got up and cleaned up the house and couldn’t believe it was after 6pm and still light out!</p> <p>Supper was a cleaning out out the fridge meal! Don’t want to let food go bad when we leave for a week!</p> <p>I had <strong>cantaloupe</strong>, a <strong>turkey & cheese sandwich</strong>, and a few steamed <strong>veggies</strong> (I didn’t finish them though because I cooked them too long and they were mushy) for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihoUw5tUm2PjthkUqhxSH0cO0kmnKymggKq3Hxq_7b2lUe-PrQ_pNMt0tG1arx9QXQyRirjht4vkXyvU6-BPJHMMFy-i4NkNpBwne2_XmHkAaP0S94hTaj5JDxPCJSXNcQJlrkr8ZT9XPx/s1600-h/DSC06394%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06394" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFDYkjCCWWSLpv1xsE815X0ZE-bVlVJXyuMepsTwDAgDusMjN4bjQwcQGpRtje3yKt1F3k96IR6C9BLUiki79UH-trZLDaEFK8NwBkDHgQcxFTpFTPCD21iDyQH-xUFXsJuITZhp-6HaO/?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="DSC06394" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>I am going to finish my evening the laundry room! Only 2 1/2 more days of work before we leave for Florida…I’m SUPER pumped!! :)</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <strong>SUNDAY'S STATS <br /></strong>POINTS = 16/23 <br />WATER =  96 oz <br />EXERCISE = none <p></p> <p></p> <p>It’s been a while since I’ve given an update on my weight. Last Monday when I got back on the band wagon I weighed in at 166lbs. Sad…I know. I was down to 162 before my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/03/10-days.html">bad week</a>. I’m happy to report the scale said 161.5 this morning and my goal is to be 159 Thursday morning when we leave for Florida which would mean I would <strong><u>win</u></strong> the <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/12/sister-challenge-is-on.html">sister challenge</a>!! Fingers crossed!! </p>

An OP Weekend on the Move!

Happy “spring ahead” Sunday! Hope everyone remembered to “spring ahead” last night! Here is a recap of my last three days! FRIDAY Frid...

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Planning de la semaine du 15 au 19 mars 2010

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 15 mars de 9h à 12h30<br />- le mardi 16 mars de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 17 mars de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 18 mars de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 19 mars de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de Gestion</a></strong> (sur rendez-vous)<br />- lundi 15 mars de 13h30 à 17h<br />- vendredi 19 mars de 09h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a></strong> - mercredi 17 mars de 10h à 12h30</li></ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 16 mars de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 17 mars de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 16 mars de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 18 mars de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 19 mars de 10h à 11h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 19 mars de 14h à 16h</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Information collective</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2010/03/information-collective-sur-le.html">Dispositif Local d’Accompagnement</a></strong> - jeudi 18 mars à 17h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 15 au 19 mars 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 15 ma...

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I've reached my breaking point

Yesterday morning I stepped on the scale, 181.6. What the heck am I doing to myself!? I honestly don't understand this self-sabotage. Yes, I'm beating myself up about this because it's about time someone did. I'm angry for letting this happen, and it has to STOP!<br /><br />I've been down this road so many times in my life, lose a ton of weight and gain it all back. This cycle has been repeated numerous times in the past 40 years. This time I refuse to be defeated. Not again.<br /><br /><strong>The best advice I ever heard on losing weight</strong><br />About two years ago I was in a Weight Watcher meeting when our leader said something I've never forgotten. He said we get the best results when we make drastic changes. Little changes give us little results. No changes, no results. Big changes, big results.<br /><br />When I think back to each time I lost weight consistently, I was tough on myself. I weighed and measured my food, I ate within my Points, I tracked everything, followed the healthy eating guidelines. I tried to be perfect every single day.<br /><br />I was a Nazi with my eating. Nothing past my lips that I thought might hinder my weight loss. Every week for months I consistently lost weight. Maybe a small gain every few months, but I was the poster child for Weight Watchers. <br /><br />When I hit 85 pounds lost I thought, as we all think, I WILL NEVER GAIN THAT WEIGHT BACK! NEVER! Famous last words.<br /><br />Some people might say who can live a life like that? Always watching what I eat, always trying to be perfect. That's the point, "try" to be perfect. I know I won't be perfect all the time. There will be times I'll eat junk I shouldn't, or eat too much, but I have to at least make the attempt. Lately I haven't even been trying that hard. I kind of do, then I kind of don't. Enough already. <br /><br /><strong>Rules</strong><br />I need rules. I'm a big rule follower in my normal life. I need to set rules for myself for weight loss. Rigid, solid boundaries, and I need to adhere to them. <br /><br />Rule #1 - Weigh and measure everything I eat. After all this time I should know how much is a cup of milk or 4 ounces of chicken without the measuring cup and scales. Actually, I do know, but I want to eat more so I cheat. Kind of silly when you think about it. The only person I'm hurting is me with my cheating. No more guessing.<br /><br />Rule #2 - Stop eating at 9pm. No more binge eating at midnight. Fight the urge with everything I've got.<br /><br />Rule #3 - Drink water! This is so easy, but somewhere along the line I stopped drinking water.<br /><br />Rule #4 - Cut out the processed crap, like Weight Watcher ice cream bars. It's crack! <br /><br />Rule #5 - Treat my Points like gold. Budget them, make the most of them. <br /><br />Rule #6 - Get some sleep! I'm running on 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night. Very bad. I have a new bedtime. 10pm or earlier.<br /><br /><strong>Exercise</strong><br />I'm good on the exercise but I can still be better. I read an article today in More magazine about stepping up the exercise. The article was <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Are you pushing yourself hard enough?</span> It said even if you may think you're working out hard, but you could probably work out harder, and should to get the maximum health benefit.<br /><br />You have to keep pushing yourself, heavier weights, different exercises or different variations of the same exercises. The book I bought at Costco, <a href="http://www.more.com/2028/11680-debunking-workout-myths" target="blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Women's Health The Big Book of Exercises</span></a>, is the best $12 I've ever spent. I love this book! <br /><br />My plan for exercise is to have a plan before I get to the gym. I spend too much time deciding what I want to do. I should know what I want to do when I walk in the door, not plan as I go. I could probably squeeze in another exercise or two if I had a plan. Pick out the strength training exercises before I get to the gym. <br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />I can do this. I've done it before and feel confident this is doable. My first goal is to get down to 172 by April 15. Eight pounds in four weeks. I know that's aggressive, but I'm making some aggressive changes.<br /><br /><em><strong>Update - 3/12 6 a.m.</strong></em><br /><em>Yesterday was the first day of my new plan. It was a success! I even slept eight hours last night.</em><br /><br /><em>I'll admit I felt kind of hungry most of the day, a feeling I'm not use to anymore. </em><br /><br /><em>I measured and weighed everything. 21 Points isn't very much food, so I used 5 of the weeklies and 4 of my Activity Points (I earned 7 yesterday). Still didn't seem like a lot of food. </em><br /><br /><em>No night binge since I was in bed by 9pm. I'm down to 180.0 this morning. Down 1.6 from yesterday.</em><br /><br /><em>I also started wearing my pedometer again, trying to get in 10,000 steps a day (Of course, I don't wear it at the gym :). I didn't even come close yesterday, only 3,000. I'll try to do better today.</em><br /><br /><em>I'm feeling 100% more like myself today. I wonder if a good night's sleep had anything to do with it. :)</em>

I've reached my breaking point

Yesterday morning I stepped on the scale, 181.6. What the heck am I doing to myself!? I honestly don't understand this self-sabotage. Ye...

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