Snow Day!

<p>Happy Wednesday everyone! Well as I said at the end of my Tuesday post I had a delay for work and we ended up closing. One of the many perks of working at a college! :) We are in an ice warning, anticipating .25-.50 accumulation of ice!! But don’t worry I didn’t skip my morning workout! I slipped and slid my way to the gym and got in <strong>61 minutes</strong> on the <strong>cross ramp</strong> (burned over 650 calories!) and then I did <strong>10 minutes</strong> of <strong>abs</strong> and <strong>stretching</strong>. </p> <p>I stopped to see Kyle for a few minutes and then went to McDonalds…don’t freak out though, it was to get a <strong>RedBox movie</strong>…not <u>food</u>! But I have to admit when I pulled in, I was thinking, hmm a breakfast sandwich sounds pretty good right now! So instead of completely wasting <strong>14+ points</strong> on a drive thru breakfast (I’d like to say I <strong><u>never</u></strong> intended on doing <strong>AT ALL</strong>, I just like to compare!!!) I came home and made my own<strong> point friendly, nutritious breakfast</strong>!! </p> <p align="left">I picked up these <strong>whole wheat thin buns</strong> at the grocery store the other day. They are <strong>VERY</strong> good and only <strong>1 point</strong>!  They worked <strong>perfect</strong> for the <strong>breakfast sandwich</strong> I was <strong>craving</strong>!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JhjhwJPAa7C5afB6CSltaieq1uw7OykpAzih0F515fj9FRr9o7wkFJlSEE_379xj-tME6vx9hEhDXl4JYeGHl4GMeGaxVF1s81Zjktsh1oIoL-yMxPPOf17Oazy8xyHLKCG1wazAc0Eb/s1600-h/DSC05780%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05780" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUq2_2S_eYSLiYe9YSI3VxXrIuVuNqWpoYJgbjfJg4XqS5Y3xqGdzFQrTrLpMrbGJ8lWjBd6P588qQ5R8eSqkAJlKWixkzFgqNqds6g8-OXh676R_nq_gd2Ud100Y6CmuAMx55JQK54LH/?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="DSC05780" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I made <strong>3 eggs whites</strong>, added <strong>6 slices of sliced ham</strong>, and finally a <strong>slice</strong> of<strong> ff cheese</strong> for a delicious & filling <strong>4 point breakfast</strong> <strong>sandwich</strong>! (I split the ingredients and 2 open face sandwiches…makes it seem like you get more!) McDonalds <strong>doesn’t have anything</strong> on this!! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlisC_6-ZKxnIdDgITIL8kxEjOZcu0t65HET8QZkFCoeGz-bgOiRGGzHsZjCoQVlXtwu9iIhCEEWu8NY4cwZZyR8X5swaGXBIf7Uk2_WdfLfpnFTjJLzH65K4BLQfyE4KAaA0wsngG_gid/s1600-h/DSC05783%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05783" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KEZev48nffVd3Q1n-Dyw4G94mk1-6CmPObZPRYyQ0ubz2kBDWNvMVDxLPlMu4tO7sxEUvHlQA7ISaNW9RkKbQZOdAQnud2SwG4yz2D47nXWmGp9tG3FH5kaJrp1-oA4C69ltPCDcIHSJ/?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="DSC05783" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I also peeled an orange (<strong>1 point</strong>) to have on the side! So juicy and delicious!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAfHUkiZHJyr7xJOQczbymaoz31JoKxBhvVfGmMnW3vDl4KlmEW9U-7AZyri9lCr3xTBKbkqVWe96h3svEGYhTIzZfjSg-V8co7xX5hMepKK8PW9cyUDvjGD6Ecwp3x4-W_1bdV4cLAXs/s1600-h/DSC05782%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05782" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW6Ss2c2Y_4W0Nj3tAW14vbOXqY-r0km4jsR528gLHM1fUxG49JRhnHc_hHFmfEY8vsF6raDcQoWBgVJp8uUhDvt9W-nGMD-uEakRoU_C98278nXeBgjgEYjLgtgC38Q5Qh66mCaHkxoq/?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="DSC05782" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Well I’ve been back at it for 1 week and I couldn’t be happier! I’m feeling good, full of motivation and dedication! I stepped on the scale this morning and it said 169.5, a <strong><u>5lb loss</u></strong>!!! I was<strong> super excited</strong> to see that. Only <strong>10 1/2</strong> more <strong>lbs</strong> to lose for the <strong><a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/12/sister-challenge-is-on.html">sister challenge</a></strong> and <strong>19.5lbs</strong> to <strong>goal</strong>! <u>I CAN DO THIS</u>!!! </p> <p>Around 11am I got a call from Kyle saying he was <strong>getting off work early</strong> ‘cause they were slow!! I was <strong>SO</strong> excited to have a “<strong>snow day</strong>” at home w/my man!! We took a <strong>quick nap</strong> when he got home and when I woke up I was quite hungry so I snacked on a serving of <strong>wheat thins</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzGabaNLp08pXhKh7vBeD9-2RbbGYGuxiHAwAeUdIWRBZeP98o5xgUBz6oQqyxxO0S3hIghqbDrLVTtquCFgKOsL65bjxlCoQubWAzxjVZkmmWnFsh1i-IZ9haz77Rgk0uuR9In7VmjGN/s1600-h/DSC057866.jpg"><img alt="DSC05786" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqVvSOdmamgOBX9h9BrrxX3My5IO1mrp_KeLJlMDl7KH5pjvveMrdxaM57xKlhWA4aZHfwMJcwTodWH_ynTLh0bOdHKMgqczt_mowl8QluY4mzZwBbj37iW9Z5yqAAmLLIJFLGA-lWh7_/?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="DSC05786" width="404" /></a></p> <p>The wheat thins didn’t fully do the trick so I ate a <strong>small banana</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong> and that helped my hunger a lot! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-4Ej6WpAnIi6YeRincfaC3lmAZThI4qHFY2-MPxxnIsgXtjSjjc4LIf9cY9aZ_W5ZfuPw9_1UkuDbK_auq3bPgdPBEx84JdAJHCS9bcB_z8S02MaHwNyPYS5mXKt5cvpeOd0uPpRKwcH/s1600-h/DSC057854.jpg"><img alt="DSC05785" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV55riQxY0SRi3OJviEipx20TDZeJgY1NjSDAf5GjLbb9-D74E1tw8Li7SiabmLyrrk_gEL5yiPqG9rpYfNwyyvgIi8qMIt2zwh3_JCrabz_PiWLeQk8ic0pIhJ1oLLJxhqZi1NycVLObm/?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="DSC05785" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I spent the afternoon doing <strong>laundry</strong> and<strong> balancing</strong> our <strong>accounts</strong>. Later we ran a few errands and rented a movie. We ended up picking out the Invention of Lying. While watching it I munched on some <strong>light popcorn</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5zvEBI8eGVIb99_6qinplfiGn9aO4lFmS73WXDfrMjJTGRWt8-wJtBm3C4NJRFEv0KDmkB-d6AjkxmG3lMOXB1NvpUPAUgyOhFVRDDBs4wc31t85VZbeZIHN5dR3o308Lv-Pzay8KVCu/s1600-h/DSC05787%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05787" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRHrC5QQKNj90ebns6WagkRfZ8Cgl7utgudNCZrjJMYZ9pGbMTV57ap5N72n_7v6n50-B1CstI10KZ8TPt1kwGoZRHhyiuPo9ohf7SZUY2ry1x7Ai51WeFEaVgoGC7Gki4erwkxAU57So/?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="DSC05787" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Kyle warmed up some left over pizza for supper so I was on my own. I ended up making <strong>cheesy chicken</strong> & <strong>broccoli</strong> for a total of <strong>9 points.</strong> It consisted of<strong> 3 oz chicken breast</strong>, <strong>2 oz whole wheat pasta</strong>, <strong>2 oz 2% Velveeta</strong>, and <strong>broccoli</strong>! It turned out to be a <strong>HUGE</strong> portion…but I <strong>finished it off</strong> since I didn’t have an official lunch! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNM2OMk6po6n7xteJfarYZBukzUKYfQ1VYCuxeHgCvdwzgCgRKintDUbsymbgd-sMlx50Gxa1N384mNPQ02opPTEoJfhohMNituM2TskySrFVvZyMMeqvFVBlMRSgHsATYugSYmAxIk_X1/s1600-h/DSC05788%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05788" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJASfMOvFpd7Xgvg94sGRv8vIRReqi4piaF3btTEKN1GnbM-09sPpvJT-bop-iKaAaT0oxcsAZzH2WU7ghjufknPt6qxq7axd79PX6kVGZ9p9UdJG46QiRDGGuhJAZdZJ9zcHcYNQqOEtv/?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="DSC05788" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Schools are already starting to delay for tomorrow too, who knows I might get to sleep in a bit tomorrow! I know winter weather isn’t fun, but I sure to love when it gives me a free day(s) off work!!</p> <p>Hope everyone had a <u>wonderful</u> Wednesday!</p> <p><strong>WEDNDESDAY’S STATS</strong> <br />POINTS = 18/24 <br />WATER =  96 oz <br />EXERCISE = 61 min cross ramp, 10 min abs/stretching</p>

Snow Day!

Happy Wednesday everyone! Well as I said at the end of my Tuesday post I had a delay for work and we ended up closing. One of the many perks...

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S'ouvrir les portes des métiers de la coiffure : visite d'entreprise le 02 février 2010

<BR><br />En partenariat avec la Chambre de Métiers du Loiret et l'association <a href="http://www.articlub45.fr/" target="_blank">Articlub 45</a>, la Maison de l'emploi du bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les métiers de la coiffure (postes et conditions de travail) :<ul><br /><li>le mardi 2 février 2010<br /><li>dans les locaux de l’entreprise artisanale de <strong>Mme Emilie VACHER, Coiffeuse</strong> à Saint Jean de Braye.</li></ul><br /><br />Le transport est pris en charge par la Maison de l'emploi du bassin d'Orléans.<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>Mission Locale</strong>, 9 Boulevard de Verdun, 45 000 Orléans à <strong>09h00</strong><br /><BR>

S'ouvrir les portes des métiers de la coiffure : visite d'entreprise le 02 février 2010

En partenariat avec la Chambre de Métiers du Loiret et l'association Articlub 45 , la Maison de l'emploi du bassin d'Orléans org...

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We are not a statistic

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I hate reading this weight loss statistic: <strong>over 95% of people gain back the weight that they've lost.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I see this statistic everywhere this time of year, in people's blogs, on the Internet, in the e-newsletters I get from various weight loss groups. Even my Weight Watcher leader mentioned it last week. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Everyone quotes this statistic, but I can't find the research to back it up. I just spent 20 minutes Googling it, and although I found the statistic everywhere, I can't find out where it's coming from. My guess is that some research group did some sort of study and came up with it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This statistic infuriates me for many reasons. First of all, I want to know how they did the research. How did they come up with this number?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maybe they checked with Diet Center, where I lost 40 pounds in 1978 and quickly gained it all back. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maybe they checked with NutriSystem and saw in 1992 I lost 50 pounds, and re-gained it.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Did Jenny Craig tell them about the 70 pounds I lost on their plan in 1995 and regained the 70 pounds plus an additional 20 pounds in 1996 (putting me over 200 pounds for the first time in my life)? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Or was it my doctor that told them about the 110 pounds I lost with PhenFen in 1997 and then regained it all in eight months?  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Did Weight Watchers squeal on me, telling them about my first two attempts on their plan, where I lost 30 pounds and then lost 70 pounds, and gained it all back.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm not a poster child for weight loss, and maybe in the past I've been part of the 95% that lost the weight and gained it back again. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">On the other hand, I have manage to keep off a chunk of weight for over a year. I was 174 August 8, 2008. I'm 173 today, and I'm on my way back down. That's a 66-pound loss kept off for 17 months. Maybe I'm not a total success (still not at goal), but I'm not a failure either.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Secondly, I don't like hearing this 95% statistic because I think it hurts people more than it helps them. It gives people a feeling of hopelessness, of why should I even try if I only have a 5% chance of winning this battle? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know that feeling because that's exactly how I use to feel. During dark moments I would take that statistic and think I was absolutely doomed. There was no way I could do this if 95% of people couldn't do it either. That is a myth. Of course I can do this.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So why should you keep trying to lose weight when the odds are stacked against you?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>1.) I'm not sure that 95% is even a real statistic. Where did it come from? Let's say it was true five years ago, why would it still be true today? </strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>We're smarter now, we have more healthy food options. Weight Watchers is better than it was five years ago. We know how to do this and make it work. We can make it a permanent change. </strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>There are hundreds of bloggers now that can help us and support us through this journey.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>It's not the same world it was five years ago.</strong></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2.) Do you really have the option of not trying to lose weight? Imagine if you just totally gave up on losing weight. Where would you be in a year? In five years? Not a pretty picture is it?</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I know where I'd be in five years if I gave up on trying to lose weight. I'd either be dead or in a wheelchair or trying to be a contestant on the Biggest Loser or signed up for weight loss surgery. None of those options appeal to me.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Don't let this statistic define you. If it's true (and I really doubt it is), fight it. Beat the odds. Why can't you be in the five percent that keeps the weight off forever?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Better yet, what if we all joined together and really do this, maybe we can increase that 5% statistic to 10% or 20% or 30% or maybe even 100% of the people that lose weight do NOT gain back the weight they lost. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We can't change history, but we can sure change the future.</span>

statistics We are not a statistic

I hate reading this weight loss statistic: over 95% of people gain back the weight that they've lost. I see this statistic everywhere th...

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Cleaning Out the Fridge

<p>I skipped the gym this morning because of my late night with my cousin last night! Crazy thing, I still woke up at the time that I would to go to the gym! Could be a good sign!! Kyle took over as hostess though and made pancakes for them for breakfast!! Good job honey! :)</p> <p>I made a quick bowl of <strong>oatmeal</strong> with <strong>chocolate PB2</strong> and a <strong>small sliced banana</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>.  And then I was off to work.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX7Yxe-hgV3TxR0XheXFV5gypkh6CaI5Bu2YoHrlqO-8COZTbFCzLi-I2Xs2h5xsyA8jtfZt2jG1s5027naZ7cuWFJIagFg1SJksdSVqZB6THr15idifzuzNbjJGTPk51oYfEQCgjq7EVr/s1600-h/DSC05771%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05771" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJBLVnR6rSpLgSGD5LmpvESLbXGwBKNXjukvZVlnApNVsVIo62s8S53Cqle4Oinv3fqIxVMmb0Cyiu8n_1q_N54M1wZhArWEv-Cqm3gPsCDmtZec-7T-ojSxQ7iRpXLV4QyzhfvI0hHRC/?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="DSC05771" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I mixed half of this sample box of <strong>GoLean Crunch</strong>, from <strong>Kashi</strong> with my <strong>yogurt</strong> for a mid morning <strong>3 point snack</strong>. <img alt="DSC05773" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFLZAabeekXnZEXblGi9cGQiA-rwKV9c0Ly2_S4FDQDg7S2hdE67Nb5v8otLeltMQJlC0lpo3qq8u1GOhZiXcmfBYM1IdIX41RDfxfzrXP2Wfrx10pXWf0GzyLkKMjwJQYwwEq0MMIrPi/?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="DSC05773" width="254" /><img alt="DSC05774" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_Gm0lWTRzjjDvaRxVw6NUaJ54blxc273a_5SJgJVipWn_iYAmRcGEW7sG-Vf4F9C-5uK3SYcHa8E6IQIAZd_cIZlkM3oIwBQlf2LsbilBuf1N6TkA9AA5s6hbYgjLWv0c5t-rdYSm9q_/?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="DSC05774" width="254" /></p> <p>Things are finally starting to slow down at work so I was able to come home for lunch. I had <strong>2</strong> of these little <strong>tacos</strong> for lunch today using some <strong>leftover taco meat</strong> we had in the fridge! Didn’t want it to go bad. They totaled <strong>4 oz in beef</strong>, <strong>1/4 ff shredded cheddar</strong>, and a <strong>flat out wrap</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdiII2wgICbke0Rnfr8_km4dn0KdyoLuyE4eoZkBlfetCLmCgbTPUhrMFcWrSVCjCdp7dstDlkANRXOmxu-JwsuQJBp1uv4vQvqLKP_UPq34tl7AzuKxN2RWE318vYjif8VxNfQxIakX_/s1600-h/DSC05775%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05775" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kTp0xLYKUHTuA0Juy5Zrkq6jTec6N4z7SWzh59lqkN0ldqIbVmOMnsRIo6PFqfWhiUXWrag57z_tTEJ-inYMfzJRt1PfQ79Jbj8alG-OoJiSC0PKDs27sne5OJo0nNEo9W9rlA_pBkpd/?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="DSC05775" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I sliced up a <strong>golden delicious apple</strong> to eat on my drive back to work for a little <strong>1 point “desert”. </strong>And it looks like I must have one my sister’s containers…see in the initials on the side of it! Sorry Mindi! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZF4BqhxbKkHbZXCrcX0li2c3WzwCPjqljvTan-ZyKRAy2FoaoDYqZHIZj4-koBHgA8cNbFE_Q8BzDAuqNHJsK26-rI8fSECDpYGVlM6zH2oPai7fIII3agGtzqNhkWFkYSNsftVNe7otB/s1600-h/DSC05776%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05776" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oGslSnVSait35UD_7-m0Fl8OZbpTWLr0fTBLN9mYBrEqtiuWOeUaFOPJ2Ljyh23-X5juaIpjNPLKE0qrFJjZqZyWeekBhvzTb0pUeaEJoGHQ77-UCmou7z5zafnqdL-gf-Y36xdt5qqU/?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="DSC05776" width="404" /></a></p> <p>My cute little friend/neighbor, Mel,  texted me in the afternoon asking if i wanted to go to <strong>Zumba</strong>. We were planning on going on Thursday, but I didn’t know they  had a class on Tuesday too! So I said <strong>“of course”!</strong> (this is us a few weeks ago!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNSKnvT_5pgBG1EyvjhD7n4-ZwZ4Mrh-xkGJeXVwWhkdwumJRnjrTgb7LfgbhwICv9eTa1q-E76bhkHpXReYXAdWg5AedT8Uz5HN83lGUMsQ69rNr01S9xm728tp2i6AcL1Z8f5Dj8E7d/s1600-h/DSC05138%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05138" border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ffiqlNu2wc0ysWtHcS9noBvCBW5-GbN3Ok3rDD8lzco931Sp4BhPslnQTxtHrY0Z0VHxC6-qzvjr8OowXZYYZNKd6U1ZTpgU4RgLKtdTdsw_LmNo41Yvi2t1eZyAipqBHSeH_FUnEFfQ/?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="DSC05138" width="404" /></a></p> <p>So after work I quickly changed and headed to the gym. I got there early enough that I got in a <strong>15 minute run</strong> before the class started, which totaled <strong>1.45 miles</strong>. Nice little warm up! Then I headed down to the class, found Mel, and boy did we<strong> shake our hips</strong>!! It was a <strong>super fun</strong>, <strong>45 minute workout</strong>, and it went <strong>SO</strong> fast! One thing I know is that I have NO rhythm! I think we will probably do it again! Hopefully I catch on to some of the moves…I’m sure I looked quite silly! ;)</p> <p>I got home just in time to watch the BL and eat a quick supper. I didn’t realize it until I was posting this…but not only was my supper leftovers, but it was also very yellow! </p> <p>I started out with a <strong>1/2 c cottage cheese</strong> and a 1<strong>/2 pineapple left over</strong> from my Sunday pizza for <strong>3 points</strong>. I <strong>LOVE</strong> the <u>cottage cheese</u> and<u> fruit combo</u>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4za5KyWcbsimbNR5DIztug71gIq6dhZsmqxAgv_zZUg2JAju4T5EBCTeIFQcKMSXa8qZOMAqM6IKp2Uv3DiJfvFuNuJEaMx7Mz6zkbqpyWSPLbErbqaWLcj489GiKjOasqE40-R0NQoy/s1600-h/DSC05777%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05777" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgtKKn0_sQGWmrz6s7n4hAPh8r533f_t-vVRIxrhHQSwJAa8-OQe70MzVCwtfWV6pHEjGAiuO_Wgq4kR9w-mfW2l2UUnCe2J_SnaagjUDTkzMvNKUxPnyucFfOxMvBKgkK4iVTZPeGYnN/?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="DSC05777" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Then I found a little bowl of left over <strong>mashed potatoes</strong> and <strong>corn</strong> from last week for <strong>4 points</strong> (estimating high). Once again…didn’t want it to go back! So I heated it up and it was just as good as the first time! This is also a favorite  combo of mine, but usually I would LOAD it in butter, but not this time! And I still enjoyed it just as much. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD0TJGCJ6uNHatej6cMzt0qGenhFfXZUkA4uh5YaSIwrREYOMf5M9JDS37dIof1UR84P5iTleHbp8pZAbN3LR3awfi1gQMVHXmIgT80XYPPdf66U-rGrcDT4fXRriBko0_IUn_WTXoosz/s1600-h/DSC05778%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05778" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSur15Bj8KEtmhlbFKED5BQCbO24FInQoPCkD1RoKc-6-kk0m49PTU5mgjzABTZJv0gyZ_582xNTcTABZy4tWQusZi7NIN4DQ7-1YGIo3d2t7uagjvDti4iQvQmuEQbxx4Iuh6F7o5HlNz/?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="DSC05778" width="404" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Kyle and I enjoyed watching BL…but I <strong>hate</strong> all the <strong>game play</strong>! And what was up with the red team?!?!? They sure did <strong>pi$$</strong> Jillian off…did you see her<strong> run out</strong> of there as soon as the weigh in was over!!</p> <p>Well it’s already Wednesday morning and this girl needs to <strong>hit the gym</strong>! We are in an <strong>ice storm warning</strong> and I don’t want to get stuck at home and not get in a good workout! We already have a 2 hour delay, but crossing my fingers for maybe a <strong>day off work</strong>, but we’ll see!</p> <p>Later friends! :) Have a <u><strong>WONDERFUL</strong></u> day!</p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong> <br />POINTS = 21/24 <br />WATER = 116 oz <br />EXERCISE = 15 min run, 45 min Zumba class</p>

Cleaning Out the Fridge

I skipped the gym this morning because of my late night with my cousin last night! Crazy thing, I still woke up at the time that I would to ...

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Why yoga?

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm dead, dog tired tonight. I have no pearls of wisdom for you, I'm empty. I've been sitting here staring at my screen trying to think of something intelligent to say, or even something stupid to say, anything, but I'm just drawing a big, fat blank. It's like I've run out of words.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Why yoga?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I wanted to mention why I was thinking about a yoga class. Not so much for spirituality or chanting to the supreme guru guy (whoever that's suppose to be, I have no idea). I have my own guy I pray to, and he's not some guru in India.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The reason I'm thinking about a yoga class is because I realized last week at the Kundalini yoga that I'm totally out of touch with my body. Even though I didn't like the chanting and weird breathing in Kudalini, there was something kind of cool about actually noticing my body. Paying attention to my breathing, to the stretching, to how it feels to move my body very slowly, to acknowledge my body.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">When I hit the gym in the mornings, I hit it hard. I don't stretch to start, I just jump on that StairMaster or a spinning bike and away I go. My intent is to burn as many calories as quickly as possible in 30 minutes. According to my Polar Heart Rate monitor, it's usually around 220 calories for the StairMaster or 300 for the spinning bike. My goal is to get my heart rate up to around 150 and an average of 129. My resting heart rate is 54.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Then I hit the weights, trying to go as heavy as I can manage. Recently I've backed off a little on the size of weights since hurting my right shoulder and left elbow. Today my trapezius feels kind of shredded (thanks to Seated Rows with 67.5 pounds). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I'm still lifting 20-pound dumbbells and using 50-pound barbell for my lunges, but no crazy stuff like the 25-pound dumbbells. I doubt I'll ever work up to the 25-pound dumbbells. I think maybe I'm just not built like a guy and will never lift guy-sized weights. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I rarely stretch afterwards, simply because I don't have time. I'm in a hurry and stretching is a luxury. So that's why the yoga, and that's the only reason. I don't expect it to change my life or make me happy, I thought it might help my balance and make me more limber.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>Squat machine</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I discovered a cool new machine at my gym today that</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> I had never noticed. It's a squat machine. I hate doing squats (next to lunges) because I have this fear that I'll squat down and not be able to stand back up, or just fall over. It's part of a small, ongoing fear that the old lady (me) that works out with all the young, buff guys is going to embarrass herself one of these days. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The machine is a MaxiCam (one of the big boy toys) and it's called a squat/calf machine. I totally loved it and my buttocks are super sore tonight. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4M2MSBRdkeenHA7ztK1ohJlvUu2sX_3oQT5Lkxue3bRTozWNPp9ear0lZyL85meurPb_dUmtqMBxP-pzZD5Xl3FbBzaODa5TeHXdhAJDUwhCnLRg_-3dnOeA4mhbSApPNZNWIRUo0Cn0/s1600-h/squat+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4M2MSBRdkeenHA7ztK1ohJlvUu2sX_3oQT5Lkxue3bRTozWNPp9ear0lZyL85meurPb_dUmtqMBxP-pzZD5Xl3FbBzaODa5TeHXdhAJDUwhCnLRg_-3dnOeA4mhbSApPNZNWIRUo0Cn0/s320/squat+machine.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Binging</strong></span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I guess I need to mention the elephant in the room. The binging. So far so good. Last night was fine even though I slept the sleep of the damned. In other words, I'm not sure I actually even slept last night. Yet I still didn't go crazy with the eating. I had a couple small snacks, but I didn't eat any cheese (even though I know where to find it now). Actually, it's kind of lost it's appeal. It's just cheese, not crack or something.</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Strength Training Book</strong></span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I bought this book at Costco a few months ago and just started using it. I love it and it was only $11.99. I have six other books on strength training but this one is my current favorite. I love that it shows you which muscles you're working, and exactly how to do the exercises. Great book for a beginner or a pro.</span><br /></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/AVvXsEi-9Sz5QZFwFsMLPjbnUKYj98l-Mo43eeiK61muUkH5gYdA6BAMml83FCc3CaExO1iJfVFNt9kL9Ohf3p7oXil5iXr-Chj6Ai7cSx63_OLyBDruaAv0acQE2UcobtmxFMJI2WE8HeBbAor_/s1600-h/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9Sz5QZFwFsMLPjbnUKYj98l-Mo43eeiK61muUkH5gYdA6BAMml83FCc3CaExO1iJfVFNt9kL9Ohf3p7oXil5iXr-Chj6Ai7cSx63_OLyBDruaAv0acQE2UcobtmxFMJI2WE8HeBbAor_/s320/book.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Long post for someone out of words.</span><br /></div>

Why yoga?

I'm dead, dog tired tonight. I have no pearls of wisdom for you, I'm empty. I've been sitting here staring at my screen trying t...

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Kundalini Yoga...no thanks

It turns out I kind of hate Kundalini Yoga. This is what I hate: the chanting words that I don't know what they mean and I can't pronounce. The weird poses that hurt my ankle bones. The breathing. Oh my God!...the breathing by protruding my belly button when I breathe out makes me light headed dizzy. I hate all of it. <br /><br />At first it seemed kind of nice. It seemed comforting, relaxing in the yoga studio. The lights were dimmed, the soft Indian music, everyone spoke in whispers. We had a really pretty lady Indian yoga instructor. Then she told us to close our eyes and she started the chanting thing. <br /><br />She'd given us a paper with the mantra. I couldn't prounce the words. I couldn't get down the sing-song chanting thing she was doing. It felt weird and uncomfortable. I kept wondering what the words meant.<br /><br />AD GURAY NAMEH, JUGAD GURAY NAMEH,<br />SAT GURAY NAMEH, SIRI GURU DEVAY NAMEH<br /><br />I looked it on Google. The above mantra means:<br /><br />This is the Mangala Charn Mantra, and is chanted for protection. It surroundsthe magnetic field with protective light, and means "I bow to the primal Guru (guiding consciousness who takes us to God-Realization), I bow to wisdom through the ages, I bow to True Wisdom, I bow to the great, unseen wisdom."<br /><br />This just isn't for me. I have three more classes but I have no interest in going. It seems like a total waste of time. <br /><br />I've tried the hot yoga, you might remember my <a href="http://diana135.blogspot.com/2009/05/hell-hatha-hot-yoga.html" target="blank">post</a> on that one. I'd rather have my eyes poked out with a hot stick than go through that torture again.<br /><br />The only thing left to try is good old Hatha Yoga. There's a cute little studio down the street from where I live. They have a good reputation so I think I'll give them a try. I don't consider yoga exercise. I think of it more of as mental calming and relaxation. I could use some of that in my life so I'm willing to give it one last try. It can't be any worse than the last two yogas I've tried.

Kundalini Yoga...no thanks

It turns out I kind of hate Kundalini Yoga. This is what I hate: the chanting words that I don't know what they mean and I can't pro...

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Monday Is A Fun Day

<p>I started out my week just right, at the gym! I got in <strong>40 minutes</strong> on the <strong>cross ramp</strong>…burning over <strong>450 calories</strong>!! Felt great! Afterwards I made up my <strong>favorite oatmeal combo</strong> with <strong>PB2</strong> and a <strong>small banana</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkE65gREmcqREAyr_zbD7SHwaaFG8Wy9-GYCG8JoG_H1SduVtuI080gL6gDowZw3Wt0r6bs02bNaRsPCghyphenhyphenLtZ74H-z4wWRQoG-KEQe6oqhiXZckiBtqCFp8gK_esPtbZLUwPqQu3GZy_N/s1600-h/DSC05758%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05758" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR76ltz8aa9yvv9-X1moLe8LP6qNV1sO8AyG3oRy9rZahgTiN5BeWBJwakyrVoygePdAAuQ3zaVAXkqEOisYs7l96tmTXbBnRUsNDAW8sCAwVcPlrpTzcA2DDZa0osW9K8Sv-Iqthz4Kjk/?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="DSC05758" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Today was the day of snacks! It was a short work day for me, so I didn’t take an official lunch break. Around 10:30am I had my first snack, a <strong>gold delicious apple</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSobJDdAcUGe2WRyb_e05ZxutLn-N-h159FpIR_qnDXEorvnisClZTNzDWhh4n7w1IVoct14hbQDxkRD26ZZgQwuff8pU2KB7DHkRBvVfnmb9pq_sVTzexWdzAevR5hROd0F8oCRvOyKX/s1600-h/DSC05759%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05759" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuuS7gyywTeUi_dWFQ6Y2mtPO_XNr3y-pm8l7JRTeRlhpXjYY31xL9AaaBmd5EwcVjEKLp9y3w-pU-W-4vNh2ExHFYN0U_xm_YI_NJRIgl1uoVmEOoncGiqR2ZI8I2O72HnZwsb6oWvxc/?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="DSC05759" width="404" /></a></p> <p>A few hours later I munched on these delicious <strong>grapes</strong> for another <strong>1 point</strong> snack!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb15eiDNAnfywiyBBKRrgCa09b6UeshL_AXrgi49izmiBii0OrCM41noqgnuVM47-ZIc2sksz_b98LZFliFqQ4FSTBvJC15sxhnSK7DvNl-ybi-wL1nrEKnfL8-jxaXWX2vYoQPuNO2_zh/s1600-h/DSC05760%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05760" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheKeMWNY7y1w1gYo960IgeHWoLqJPIhEh94ofm0YXQmGXFvd56IzZIQJbu7EE7XGh-HZbdZqVeq6Zs-n5CqZ0yzeNCrKBo9f6Ya9xqKYNNXF2X7vhknwerI8S4H_4-cp-4WYByP2VVAARq/?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="DSC05760" width="404" /></a></p> <p>And then right before I left work at 2pm I mixed up some <strong>yogurt</strong> and <strong>grape nuts</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. I had to stop at the grocery store before I got home and didn’t want to be<strong> s-t-a-r-v-i-n-g</strong> while I was there and this <strong>did just the trick</strong>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvyrWyYaEOeb-sWosf9_iIYuMizlTOH9T22psRoUFiTBDZ47WoNviO5QAZUbSWfCr3d7xBj3Ade72Ypq7bia77GWmeIOIvsoWcWfgABMTIhQZkG4t9YvHiwqjj6ITmi6k8mEN9LKnIbQY/s1600-h/DSC05761%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05761" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIZYFwBVRSBWuqXjKyVht5NePGOR3rOrGMaKOkmsPx2-gUxZuUdH34EzmzzaTIFOGuYg9FfBxXmBAHZurkvvlyddcCc707aupkvhLD1wMe3K29MRv3Z0wut-s8k0Zp_TeYeqtA7NauIns/?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="DSC05761" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I did a little tidy-ing up when I got home while munching on some <strong>animal crackers</strong> in between (<strong>2 points</strong>)….because my cousin and her <strong>super cute little boy</strong> were coming to spend the night with us! They arrived around three and the <strong>chit chat</strong> <strong>didn’t stop</strong>! It was so fun to catch up with her and play with her lil guy!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjiH4xhyphenhyphenMmH3k9pYngst8rtD4OJOmepiEn9edPEY0Jt9GFYK72NoTwL_3kJesmAhzHqRVaiiIpT8cPlRzb_vuoJeg1l93D0ta5qIh1RDSvgz6QCaklZd7q1HxRnjxyeUI8ztx61szusjM/s1600-h/DSC05767%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05767" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgTzzcx9iMp8wcFxQIvHJI5ufT3gD1GplgTF_vHpCmv0GIRl6bqum6tctpeMBpkBBbjVTDkytIxUOMjzJFb32j4o5KgCXXqEkhkaevFP-oMcEvMC6KHkS1vH8a0-qopi2NdNZhv1_4HER/?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="DSC05767" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Since I was fresh out of baby food we had to make a quick run to Target to pick up a few things for him, but before we did I realized <strong>I still hadn’t eating any lunch</strong> :( so I had snack #5 of the day, a serving of <strong>cottage cheese</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong> to hold me over because it was already about 5ish. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclhx90pt89HaKdYC5WKRliBaFJYWg25Rd2hassDgjCg2DgmGNbll_5O5yQnSeJPlJv-TShR7JW0WYYOTTLB0QHY-2CFMqI8fmDZKjCKK03kkD_suwgdiQGOC21x9CXlZ1_cTOtgJxTUtR/s1600-h/DSC05762%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05762" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsCFZgM7AjIepeHWg-aIdlFwn3rRe0NRZWTSLZFX_Y5iuQosX2-GR4NCmRgWbxKwC_dl50v53FDC5zcPjSNbVCxD3d4TlG7qZffVIuKB3m26_gEbhp3JnvwE9Zc0ZhlCbH8ZZaC3akkxD/?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="DSC05762" width="404" /></a></p> <p>When we got home we had a nice, <strong>low point supper</strong>! I must say, my cousin was quite <strong>impressed</strong>, she couldn’t believe that it was low point! My plate consisted of <strong>green beans</strong>, <strong>grapes</strong>, and <strong>1 serving of creamy baked chicken</strong> <strong>(X2)</strong> for a total of <strong>9 points</strong>. Mmmm, so delish!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURfHNCIo_zm2rOei88UvXNTESgVJukqLZ3P-WjcI6xMswgYh-w7qV6j7TJ1QMCTKFVJjoFTw_QKZAYTSnLW96VelKWOWEdPa8nfveFIH0BmHRAWMgZxvjC1rAnxeMuWiIgHjPrcesYeAS/s1600-h/DSC05763%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05763" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxqd9gEvonDtpgvic0SgjTib2Mvv1WWmSIi2ni5P_f0CUe3IQfkp4NQQKSxcVCt4HJHhwpDHlQM6piYZWKwy-XMo9Ou4P2w4qDiFFfHvVprx5IZdOcof3MWd0yyUZRzV2Ve1xmkaSa2Pe/?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="DSC05763" width="404" /></a></p> <p>If you haven’t tried this recipe, you MUST!!! I got it from <a href="http://happytexans.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> over at <a href="http://happytexans.blogspot.com/">Happy Texans</a>. Not only is it good, but it’s also SUPER easy!! So without further ado, here it is:</p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Creamy Baked Chicken (4 </strong><b>pts/breast)</b></font></p> <ul> <li>4 6-oz chicken breasts </li> <li>1 can 98% fat free cream of chicken </li> <li>1/4 cup water </li> <li>2 cups Stove Top stuffing mix </li> <li>1 c. fat free chicken broth </li> <li>4 oz. low fat (or fat free) swiss cheese </li> </ul> <p>Cut chicken breasts in half so you have 8. Place in 9x13 pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix soup and water. Put Swiss cheese on chicken breasts. Pour soup over chicken. Sprinkle crushed stuffing mix over chicken. Drizzle chicken broth over. Bake for about 45 minutes or until done. Check it at 40 minutes because every one's oven is different. </p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>We spent the rest of the evening watching the Bachelor and catching up! She lives in WI, so we don’t get to see each other as often as we would like. And her little boy is probably the <strong>best baby</strong> I’ve ever been around. He  never got crabby once the whole day! Oh and she also help me download <a href="http://skype.com/">Skype</a>. I’ve heard lots about it, but never used it before. Her hubby is in AZ doing some training for the Army so they use it all the time to keep in touch! So we skyp-ed my <strong>SIL</strong> and then my <strong>cousin’s hubby</strong>…it is <strong>SO cool</strong>!!! <strong>Have you tried Skype??</strong> Or was I <strong>THE</strong> last person in the world to download it!! ;)</p> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS</strong> <br />POINTS = 21/24 <br />WATER = 116 oz <br />EXERCISE = 40 min cross ramp</p>

Monday Is A Fun Day

I started out my week just right, at the gym! I got in 40 minutes on the cross ramp …burning over 450 calories !! Felt great! Afterwards I ...

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The letter

<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Tonight I feel incredibly in control of my eating. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I feel so in control that I started thinking, I wish I could talk to myself when I get that crazy, out-of-control feeling and want to eat everything in sight. The sane, totally in control Diana talking to the crazy, out-of-control Diana, try to talk some sense into her.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then I had an idea. I see people write themselves letters to be opened in a year or five years or twenty years. They're letters of their current self talking to their future self. I thought why don't I write a letter to the crazy Diana. The one that can't stop herself from binging. </span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I wrote the letter and have put it in an envelope, with two of my fat pictures, taped to the refrigerator door. It's to be opened if I start to feel like I'm losing control of my eating.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here's the letter, from the sane Diana to the crazy Diana:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dear Diana,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you're reading this letter, it means you're considering embarking on mindless eating. A binge is about to happen. At least you had the presence of mind to open this letter and read it. That's a step in the right direction.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is your sane self speaking to your crazy self. You need to listen because this part of you knows what's best for you. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whatever you're thinking about eating, it wasn't planned and you don't have the Points for it. You need to really think about what you're going to do. Answer these questions before you proceed:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Do you really want to do this? Don't answer so quickly. Think about it for a few minutes. Never mind that you may have been thinking about it for hours, seriously and honestly think about it again. Is this REALLY what you want? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. Remember it will only be a moment of pleasure. As soon as you eat the food you'll want more, and you know you won't be able to stop. You wouldn't be reading this if you thought you could stop. You're reading this because you're feeling a bit insane and out of control. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">You need to get a grip on your emotions. Calm down for God's sake and think about what you're about to do. Is it really worth it? Is it worth throwing away all your hard work for a moment of pleasure? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. If you insist on eating the food that you shouldn't eat, do me a favor first. Prepare a low-Point snack. Make it a protein and a complex carbohydrate.Sit down at the dining table and use a real dish and utensils. Do not read or watch TV. Focus on the snack you're eating. Drink a glass of ice water with it or herbal tea. Pay attention to what you're eating. Put down this letter and go have your snack.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">4. If you're reading this then #3 didn't work. That's okay. Stop kicking yourself and beating yourself up about it. It's not the first time and not the last time. Whatever it is that's driving you nuts and you think you can't live without eating it, get one serving of it. Put it on a plate. Calculate the Points. Put them in the tracker first, then go enjoy your food...at the table.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you still have the crazies, continue reading before you make the ultimate decision to just give up.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Whatever you're thinking at this very moment, put it aside. Let me tell you what I think. Me, the sane part of you. Food is not your friend. It is not love. It will not comfort you. It is not pleasure. It can't make you happy. It is mere sustenance to keep you alive. If you derive pleasure from it, remember it's only a momentary and fleeting pleasure.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Please take a good look the pictures in the envelope with this letter. Remember that 240-pound woman. Remember the physical and mental pain she went through every day. Remember how tough it was to get to where you are now. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I will ask you one more question:  <strong>Is whatever you want to eat at this moment really worth taking a chance on going back to being that sad woman in the pictures?</strong> The woman with the fake smile, that hurt in her heart and in her body. The one that wore her failure for the entire world to see, and who felt shame at her weakness. The one that hated how she looked and how she felt. The woman that dreaded getting out of bed every day of her life. Who was consumed by her fatness. The one that woke up every morning and thought, I've got to do something about my weight.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">No, I didn't think so.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Signed,</span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The sane and in control Diana </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Click on the pictures for a larger view, if you dare. :)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This picture horrifies me. I don't even recognize this person.</span><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ_-QaTCSab_TweY7wMT8yIstgRMDDAAjEHLWAZ2wqczkI6UB3Q5bKr9QIR2bXFSVb-Xuj4okTV09VgN0Po8VFOQkkOf_FCF1HukvMs6ctsv2QbWjiDG2Oc_-3lTenEFf6ZTWhYoEiWov/s1600-h/Diana+_240+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJ_-QaTCSab_TweY7wMT8yIstgRMDDAAjEHLWAZ2wqczkI6UB3Q5bKr9QIR2bXFSVb-Xuj4okTV09VgN0Po8VFOQkkOf_FCF1HukvMs6ctsv2QbWjiDG2Oc_-3lTenEFf6ZTWhYoEiWov/s320/Diana+_240+002.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I can't believe I actually thought I was sort of cute in this picture. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Size 20 shorts are never cute.</span><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2I9re1pfGfv7TwbhbPnjmKpmPOfK4of2gr19St0nXkRHWsOpqoP82WomPU7ypGm_Czt8Y3I9r8eXMKoh7x38tLPTaaZYGkLG5X0HnXJytm83kfVC83yZwjVHenfINeBS3r-vM2_hl4JK/s1600-h/Diana+_+240+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2I9re1pfGfv7TwbhbPnjmKpmPOfK4of2gr19St0nXkRHWsOpqoP82WomPU7ypGm_Czt8Y3I9r8eXMKoh7x38tLPTaaZYGkLG5X0HnXJytm83kfVC83yZwjVHenfINeBS3r-vM2_hl4JK/s320/Diana+_+240+001.JPG" /></a><br /></div>

The letter

Tonight I feel incredibly in control of my eating. I feel so in control that I started thinking, I wish I could talk to myself when I get th...

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Making Headway!

<p>It was so hard to get out of bed for church when my alarm went off at 7:15am since we didn’t make it to bed till after 1am, but we did and it was worth it. Church was really good and we caught up with a few friends!</p> <p>Afterwards Kyle and I headed home and started making breakfast. It was already after 11am and I hadn’t had anything to eat, so I was <strong>quite hungry</strong> so I grabbed a <strong>small banana</strong> to eat for a quick <strong>1 point snack</strong>! </p> <p>It’s pretty much a Sunday tradition to eat breakfast/lunch with Kyle’s parents and any other siblings that might happen to be in town! Today we thought it would be good on our wallets & calories (for me anyway!) to make something at home! I had <strong>banana pancakes</strong> with <strong>PB2</strong> and <strong>sugar free syrup</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. I also had a <em>few bites</em> of <strong>scrambled eggs</strong> that I think I’m going to count for <strong>3 points</strong> just to be high. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Q3Gx6ogEGz1TbpQXdLprP-b-GpX2-vUgw5KqdYj1BBgQKhyphenhyphenVC6hZKuW9y9PKj-z6CQoC6G81kmXO8s4mmhbxJR4Y_VudNHEyTz-1uD9tKbjHKbGJTbpRCCTSjzxWInHNOoc_Yxehx9zn/s1600-h/DSC02414_thumb1%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02414_thumb1" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilp-26k_7JAJMMkHCVnb2RRoUVIsP78FxOffuBhFnj8L4lTiSHaXRmmBer-smLupq-Jv5pRpZ78_-GQh1CeIUdvHxM9emCIG0G6p2_GkqCPpPhIrVYr_ccY8zj0AVOUaZGbWZYmGinIi3c/?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="DSC02414_thumb1" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Everyone else had chocolate chip pancakes with cool whip, turkey sausage, and scrambled eggs! We ate our breakfast, or should I say <u>brunch</u>, while watching the <strong>Vikings game</strong>! It was a great game and they <u><strong>won</strong></u>!! Next week they will play the Saints! Hoping for <strong>another win</strong> and then on the <strong>SuperBowl</strong>!! While watching the half of the game I did sip on Diet Cherry Pepsi. <em>(I’m trying to track my pop intake better to see if it’s really true that whatever is in diet pop leads to sweet cravings…I’m hoping to prove that theory wrong!)</em></p> <p>After everyone headed out I knew I had to<strong> hit the gym</strong>! Kyle has had a nasty cold for the past 2 week and hasn’t been able to go to the gym. But I didn’t let the fact that he was home and couldn’t work out stop me! I got in <strong>40 minutes</strong> on the treadmill with a <strong>run/walk combo</strong>. I went a total <strong>3.33 miles</strong>. Now I know that doesn’t sound too great. But I ran <strong>3 miles</strong> in just<strong> 34 minutes</strong>, the rest was walking. If you recall, a few days ago it took me <em>32 minutes</em> to run <em>2.65 miles</em>, so I was happy with that progress!</p> <p>Oh and this picture is proof that I was <strong>sweaty</strong>…I took it when I got home, but I felt like I had gotten out of the shower for how wet my hair was with sweaty!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFulqizUgQvrTWb9O1m_is_A-Yzt2lkbmXtVQELX8yWzgIbpB82mijs_daht8D9wtfO0vdOyZ6n6KACuayLWyZpCTXtgNQgQhtoDjr0ok6vobX9aQJoa56ILrqMmd7CIeY6D4xYneKMMy/s1600-h/DSC057555.jpg"><img alt="DSC05755" border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR1OMShXXLA-aJAaK5gGu7km9vjx4p5E2JPpwwJIlpRFPeXXGQHcbrMEcnxiVb-a9fPVAFFwBB4RtwhpcuiOM9dG0vKzEEIgEv_MSWQ9aMaf0YXHknaSqlG67ZeHjkb9yUbdK5V_ThUL0/?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="DSC05755" width="304" /></a> </p> <p>Kyle wanted pizza for supper and I was excited because I remembered how much I <strong>loved</strong> <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/03/day-147-tuesday-331.html">making my little pizzas on english muffins</a>! Well, I mixed things up a bit this time! I made a<strong> ham & pineapple flat out pizza</strong>! It consisted of 1/4 sauce, 1/4 2% cheese, 1/2 pineapple, and a flat out, totaling only <strong>6 points</strong>! And look how big it is!! I also had a side of <strong>steamed cauliflower</strong> for <strong>0 points</strong>! Kyle ordered Caseys’ pizza and I said no thank you <strong>without any hesitation</strong>! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfLt1Wg6KR1FwlSFJsffWLxyHAsq_w8D0ciNIj9f6TAm5pTFxsIZ-6xldzK4hGDk5W6nJCgW-CoDbW4FGp5or44fcYx__HPWNnLettaypsRb3WknJZ4pvb4GdtSWmEH3Cfga5ds4y9j6o/s1600-h/DSC05757%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05757" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgP-zRBbzlP2ozsXFKsZeho101kIU37r0xcnX7eTYNzbIcEvwuBjRK3X9SmObqV631d3pjVqI-T9kmMycqPKO_FMeGsuKTOzqXnr3orHJSuCCZkTXted6o44kSEFDqLvpyupHxadIEqWq/?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="DSC05757" width="404" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_aa1QATpFwlnBwWGOsEYNN7224D74dsgedg8nWW8avPYYBjM5HdZMH26tzM8f3f8Fa-TtMKMGYXhTg8EM68toyWppoHodkezeftAAWX-Lr3OafnMPJMoV_iqs2Wv-k3CgtLIo6U1Neaqk/s1600-h/DSC05756%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05756" border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlxGHbT9eU9D7zO04Mr-Zpb60rvkxJINaKJtcjYOQVD3e0pMGSC0jKS6XkLTAKDOxoHF8f8Q_IdEoz4laIE0lQ4iQxgB0qBFzaQyIq4iUfefcTnYt-6z9SMjoqKNPZJAB0V1tFQEOhD_P/?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="DSC05756" width="404" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://ajourneytothin.blogspot.com/"><em>Mae Flowers</em></a><em> nominated me for the Beautiful Blogger Award, how sweet! You should definitely check out her blog if you haven’t done so! She is a beautiful fellow Iowan!!<img alt="Beautiful_Blogger_Award" border="0" height="191" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ISSkq8AjaE8/S1IfC6jkTrI/AAAAAAAAAsA/0MXFb7JKfjI/Beautiful_Blogger_Award_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Beautiful_Blogger_Award" width="191" /></em></p> <p>The rules are that I need to tell you all 7 things you may not know about me, then pass on the award to 7 more beautiful bloggers. Here we go!</p> <ol> <li>My husband and I have been together for 10 years & 1 month (as of today…really!!!). We started dating when we were 15! </li> <li>I <u>DEF</u> want kids someday…just not yet! </li> <li>I am teaching my first college course this semester. </li> <li>I love to dance…might not be good, but I love it! </li> <li>I got my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and have NO desire to work in that field! </li> <li>If you include in-laws & step…I have 8 sisters!! </li> <li>My <a href="http://bangertfam.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-guardian-angel.html">front tire fell off my vehicle</a> last week while driving home from work, yikes! </li> </ol> <p>And the<strong> 7 beautiful bloggers</strong> that I would like to nominate are (& you should <strong>definitely</strong> check out):</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://happytexans.blogspot.com/">Happy Texans</a> </li> <li><a href="http://tippytoediet.com/">Tippy Toe Diet</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.livesmilerun.com/">Live, Smile, Run</a> </li> <li><a href="http://prettyface59.blogspot.com/">Not Just A Pretty Face</a> </li> <li><a href="http://gonnabethinin2010.blogspot.com/">Gonna Be Thin in 2010</a> </li> <li><a href="http://www.loserforlife.com/">Loser for Life</a> </li> <li><a href="http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/">Simply Fabulous</a> </li> </ul> <p>That’s all for tonight blog friends! I’m off to bed!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>SUNDAY’S STATS</strong> <br />POINTS = 16/24 <br />WATER = 104 oz <br />EXERCISE = 40 min run/walk</p>

Making Headway!

It was so hard to get out of bed for church when my alarm went off at 7:15am since we didn’t make it to bed till after 1am, but we did and i...

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4 Things That Can Increase Your Chances of a Promotion

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/qy/ar5c1wr62v7q4g7lmzqy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/qy/ar5c1wr62v7q4g7lmzqy.gif" /></a><br /></div><br />With some companies beginning to emerge from the recession and pursue growth plans again, moving up the corporate ladder could be on your mind. Taking on a higher-level position -- and, ideally, the corresponding bump in pay -- could be especially appealing if you've assumed added responsibilities or put in longer hours during the downturn. What can you do to ensure you're on the short list of candidates for a promotion? Here are some tips:<br /><br />1. Talk to your manager. <br />Your supervisor has a large say in your chances of earning a promotion. Don't assume he or she is aware of your desire to grow your career. Be proactive and speak to your boss about your long-term plans. Your manager may know of opportunities within the department, or elsewhere in the company, and be able to help you evaluate and prepare for the opportunities. Your boss also has a more objective view of your professional strengths and weaknesses than you do and can provide an honest assessment of what steps you may need to take to assume a new role.<br /><br />By involving your boss in your quest for a promotion, you can discuss with him or her any questions or challenges you face. For example, if you are currently an administrative assistant in the marketing department and are interested in a position as an account executive, your supervisor's feedback could help you determine if such a transition would be right for you.<br /><br />2. Upgrade your skills. <br />There's a good chance you may lack some of the necessary skills or qualifications for a higher-level role. The supervisory position you're eyeing, for instance, may require knowledge of budgeting procedures or recruiting techniques. In some cases, you may even have to earn a new certification, license or degree.<br /><br />You also need to consider if you have the necessary soft skills. A promotion may require you to do less hands-on, technical work and instead manage people, oversee projects, generate buy-in from internal stakeholders or negotiate with vendors. If you lack experience in these areas, work with your manager to identify the appropriate training opportunities. Also, volunteer for projects that allow you to build skills in essential areas.<br /><br />3. Expand your network. Being connected at work has multiple benefits. Most obviously, you could learn of opportunities you might not have otherwise been aware of. You also may meet someone who can provide insight into the job or type of position you seek. A manager, for example, could outline the steps he took to move up from a staff-level role and warn you of any stumbling blocks he faced.<br /><br />Perhaps most importantly, networking with others allows you to boost your visibility within the company, increasing the likelihood that someone considers you when a position becomes available.<br /><br />4. Gauge your interest. The most crucial part of preparing for a promotion is determining if you truly want it. While it's safe to assume that you want any additional compensation or perks the job offers, do you also want the additional responsibilities? After you've learned more about a role you're interested in assuming, ask yourself if you can do everything the position requires. Take into account not only your skill set and qualifications but also your life outside of work. If you have young children, for example, will your work/life balance suffer? Will a higher-level position require you to play office politics? Are you comfortable transitioning from peer to manager if you take a supervisory role?<br /><br />A promotion is a great way to advance your career, but remember that it isn't an all or nothing proposition. You're unlikely to jump multiple rungs on the corporate ladder in a single move. So keep your eye on the position you want to assume eventually and focus on the steps, even if they seem small, that will allow you to get there.<br /><br />By Robert Half International the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.roberthalf.com.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

4 Things That Can Increase Your Chances of a Promotion

With some companies beginning to emerge from the recession and pursue growth plans again, moving up the corporate ladder could be on your mi...

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7 Jobs for Associate Degrees

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/jb/ar5c60z6bjhtgd3b3vjb.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/jb/ar5c60z6bjhtgd3b3vjb.gif" /></a><br /></div>Associate degrees have suddenly landed on the radars of many people who hadn't given them much thought. Why? The economy, stupid.<br /><br />Once the recession knocked us all on our backsides, we needed to find a new way to compete in this tough job market. Many people suddenly realized the importance of education when you're trying to stand out. Associate degrees became particularly attractive for several reasons:<br /><br />· You can typically earn one in one to two years<br />· The shorter schooling period makes them more affordable<br />· They can land you a high-paying and in-demand job<br />· You can obtain one at community colleges, which are often more accessible than traditional universities for many people<br /><br />If you're someone who thinks a boost in your education credentials could be the ticket to finding the right job, consider one of these professions. Keep in mind that some employers or states require a specific combination of a degree, experience and certification.<br /><br />Here are seven jobs you can get with an associate degree, their average annual salaries and the amount of workers they're projected to add between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:<br /><br />1. Computer support specialists<br />Computer support specialists work in IT departments and respond to problems employees are experiencing with different technological equipment -- most often computers. They troubleshoot software and hardware issues. Depending on their specific role in an organization, they might work as technical support or as a help desk technician.<br />Projected growth 2008-2018*: 78,000<br />Salary**: $54,963<br /><br />2. Dental assistants and hygienists<br />Dental assistants work under the supervision of dentists and perform tasks that prepare patients for the dentist exam or assist with procedures. They are allowed to perform certain tasks but should not be confused with dental hygienists, who perform more involved procedures and undergo separate training.<br />Projected growth 2008-2018: 105,600 (assistants) and 62,900 (hygienists)<br />Salary: $38,359 (assistants) and $69,907 (hygienists)<br /><br />3. Engineering technicians<br />Engineering technicians address technical issues in a variety of engineering fields and they often assist engineers in the research and development of products.<br />Projected growth 2008-2018: 25,800<br />Salary: $52,753<br /><br />4. Occupational therapist assistants and physical therapist assistants<br />Assistants follow the instructions of occupational and physical therapists to help their respective patients rehabilitate. They work with patients, record their progress and report a patient's progress to the therapist.<br />Projected growth 2008-2018: 7,900 (occupational therapist assistants) and 21,200 (physical therapist assistants)<br />Salary: $42,416<br /><br />5. Paralegals<br />Paralegals research and gather information on legal documents, as well as other relevant materials that attorneys need for trials and other proceedings.<br />Projected growth 2008-2018: 74,100<br />Salary: $58,236<br /><br />6. Radiation therapists<br />Radiation therapists administer radiation therapy to patients based on the instructions provided by the radiologist. They monitor patients' prescriptions and progress to ensure they are in line with what the radiologist prescribed.<br />Projected growth 2008-2018: 4,100<br />Salary: $70,512<br /><br />7. Registered nurses<br />Registered nurses work in every health-care facility imaginable -- hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and countless others. They care for patients in a variety of ways, including administering medication as prescribed by a physician, monitoring their vital signs and assisting with other needs.<br />Projected growth 2008-2018: 581,500<br />Salary: $67,217<br /><br />*Projected job growth figures based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics<br />**Average annual salary figures based on data from CBsalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert.com<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

7 Jobs for Associate Degrees

Associate degrees have suddenly landed on the radars of many people who hadn't given them much thought. Why? The economy, stupid. Once t...

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40 Top-Paying Blue Collar Jobs

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/3x/ar5c5cj6fbhjhm4rhc3x.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/3x/ar5c5cj6fbhjhm4rhc3x.gif" /></a><br /></div>If you turn on the TV, you're probably going to see a character who has one of the following jobs: lawyer, doctor, criminal investigator or generic business professional that requires wearing a suit.<br /><br />Not that we don't love those jobs (and those shows), but the media in general seems to forget about the millions of workers who are in other professions. To give some coverage to other occupations, we decided to highlight 40 professions that are in one of these industries: construction, maintenance, operations, production and material handling. These careers are typically considered blue collar jobs and are some of the top-earning in each field.<br /><br />Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and CBSalary.com, here are 40 top-paying blue collar jobs and their mean annual salaries:<br /><br />1. Aircraft mechanics: $54,506<br />2. Aircraft service technicians: $41,604<br />3. Boilermakers: $50,091<br />4. Brickmasons: $48,439<br />5. Carpet installers: $42,682<br />6. Chemical plant and system operators: $51,464<br />7. Construction and building inspectors: $51,815<br />8. Electricians: $55,188<br />9. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation and equipment: $44,450<br />10. Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment: $49,260<br />11. Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse substation and relay: $60,700<br />12. Elevator installers and repairers: $66,642<br />13. First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers: $61,280<br />14. First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers and repairers: $59,160<br />15. First-line supervisors/managers of transportation and material-moving machine and vehicle operators: $53,960<br />16. Gas plant operators: $64,608<br />17. Line installers and repairers: $54,300<br />18. Locomotive engineers: $70,116<br />19. Machinists: $49,626<br />20. Millwrights: $54,969<br />21. Mining machine operators: $45,570<br />22. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines: $44,300<br />23. Model maker, metal and plastic: $44,700<br />24. Nuclear power reactor operators: $73,510<br />25. Numerical tool and process control programmers: $46,360<br />26. Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators and gaugers: $54,950<br />27. Power distributors and dispatchers: $58,401<br />28. Power plant operators: $74,061<br />29. Plumbers: $49,169<br />30. Radio and telecommunications equipment installers and repairers: $52,650<br />31. Rail car repairers: $44,981<br />32. Railroad brake, signal and switch operators: $49,400<br />33. Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators: $44,870<br />34. Ship and boat captains and operators: $67,730<br />35. Ship engineers: $50,754<br />36. Stationary engineers and boiler operators: $50,098<br />37. Structural iron and steel workers: $47,170<br />38. Subway and streetcar operators: $55,318<br />39. Tool and die makers: $48,180<br />40. Transportation inspectors: $46,984<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

40 Top-Paying Blue Collar Jobs

If you turn on the TV, you're probably going to see a character who has one of the following jobs: lawyer, doctor, criminal investigator...

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Who Earns More Than The President? - 10 Jobs with better hourly pay

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/86/ar5c6b36p25gqqkrm386.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/86/ar5c6b36p25gqqkrm386.gif" /></a><br /></div><br />President Obama gets a nice little salary. Certainly some CEOs, entrepreneurs and movie stars are earning millions (and in some cases billions) of dollars, so he's by no means the richest person on the planet with his $400,000 annual salary. And he gets some pretty sweet perks -- a fancy plane, an amazing chef and one of the most famous addresses in the world.<br /><br />But if you stop to think about all his job entails, he's never really off the clock. Although he and every president take vacations, they can't completely clock out as long as they're in office. Regardless of where they are, the Secret Service is monitoring their every move and they must respond to any crisis that arises. The only other job that requires you to be on call 24 hours a day without fail is that of a parent, and no one's paying you to do that, unfortunately.<br /><br />We took Obama's salary (not including his perks) and divided it by the 8,765 hours in a year, to figure that he earns $45.63 per hour. Again, not too shabby, but considering what he has to put up with -- constant danger, huge responsibilities, graying hair, people throwing shoes -- it's a tough gig.<br /><br />Here are 10 jobs that, while very important and demanding, probably don't have the same pressure as that of Obama, and they earn more than he does:<br /><br />1. Computer and information systems managers are involved in technology administration for a company or organization. They work with leaders to ensure the company is meeting all goals and standards they have set for technology.<br />Hourly pay: $49.90<br /><br />2. Dentists perform routine maintenance on your teeth and gums, ranging from preventative treatment to certain types of procedures. In other words, they allow you to smile with confidence.<br />Hourly pay: $66.54<br /><br />3. General internists care for and treat adult patients for diseases or ailments relating to internal organs, such as heart or gastrointestinal issues.<br />Hourly pay: $55.61<br /><br />4. Judges and magistrates preside over various legal and civil proceedings in order to assign awards or punishment based on the law.<br />Hourly pay: $59.95<br /><br />5. Lawyers perform a wide range of legal duties, ranging from acting as counsel in a trial or working on behalf of organizations and corporate to ensure they are abiding by the proper laws.<br />Hourly pay: $54.35<br /><br />6. Marketing managers coordinate the promotion and marketing of a product or service for a company. They are involved in all marketing aspects for the company, from the initial brainstorming to the execution of the plan.<br />Hourly pay: $51.26<br /><br />7. Postsecondary business teachers teach business courses in college and universities. Their students are typically working toward an MBA, although they might be studying any number of fields.<br />Hourly pay: $60.92<br /><br />8. Postsecondary physics teachers instruct postsecondary physics courses at universities and institutions and often perform research, as well.<br /><br />Hourly pay: $57.76<br /><br />9. Psychiatrists work with patients to diagnose and treat mental and behavioral disorders or conditions. <br />Hourly pay: $71.93<br /><br />10. Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents sell stocks or bonds to investors in exchange for commission. They are in constant contact with customers to see what stocks or bonds might interest them and find out how they want to proceed.<br />Hourly pay: $53.54<br /><br />By Anthony Balderrama writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

Who Earns More Than The President? - 10 Jobs with better hourly pay

President Obama gets a nice little salary. Certainly some CEOs, entrepreneurs and movie stars are earning millions (and in some cases billio...

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Want to Earn a Doctor's Salary with a BA Education?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/36/ar5b0mq6xbqsytg4fv36.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/36/ar5b0mq6xbqsytg4fv36.gif" /></a><br /></div>Everyone wants to earn a hefty salary in their careers and it's no secret that some of the highest paying careers are doctors, dentists and lawyers. It's even less of a secret that those careers aren't easy to come by. They require years of extensive schooling and education -- something that not everyone can (or wants to) handle.<br /><br />But, don't despair. If you want to earn a lot of money, but don't necessarily want to earn a higher education, check out these 20 careers. Although you won't start out earning six figures, with your bachelor's degree in tow, you can easily work your way up with a goal.<br /><br />Here are 20 high-paying jobs that only require a bachelor's degree:<br /><br />1. Chief executives <br />Salary: $160,440<br />Education: Many top executives have a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, liberal arts or a more specialized discipline.<br /><br />2. Natural sciences managers<br />Salary: $123,140<br />Education: Natural sciences managers usually move up to management positions after starting out in as scientists. They may have a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline.<br /><br />3. Engineering managers <br />Salary: $120,580<br />Education: Engineering managers usually move up to management positions after starting out in as engineers. Nearly all engineering managers have at least a bachelor's degree in some specialty of engineering.<br /><br />4. Petroleum engineers<br />Salary: $119,140<br />Education: Engineers usually earn a bachelor's degree in an engineering specialty. <br /><br />5. Computer and information systems managers<br />Salary: $118,710<br />Education: A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field like computer science, information science or management information systems, is usually required for management positions. <br /><br />6. Marketing managers<br />Salary: $118,160<br />Education: Employers often prefer a bachelor's or master's degree in marketing, or business administration with an emphasis in marketing.<br /><br />7. Financial managers<br />Salary: $110,640<br />Education: A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics or business administration is the minimum academic preparation for financial managers, but many employers now seek graduates with a master's degree.<br /><br />8. Sales managers<br />Salary: $110,390<br />Education: A wide range of educational backgrounds is suitable for entry into sales manager jobs, but many employers prefer college graduates with experience in related occupations. Most sales managers start out as sales representatives with a bachelor's degree in business.<br /><br />9. General and operations managers<br />Salary: $107,970<br />Education: Just like their responsibilities, the formal education and experience required by general and operations managers vary. Most of these workers have at least a bachelor's degree and considerable experience.<br /><br />10. Human resources managers, all other<br />Salary: $103,920<br />Education: A bachelor's degree is typical to break in to the human resources field. It should be noted, however, that many colleges and universities don't offer degree programs in personnel administration, human resources or labor relations until the graduate degree level. This particular salary applies to human resources managers other than payroll and timekeeping, labor relations managers and training managers.<br /><br />11. Public relations managers<br />Salary: $101,220<br />Education: A bachelor's or master's degree in public relations or journalism is preferable for public relations management positions. <br /><br />12. Judges, magistrate judges and magistrates<br />Salary: $100,450<br />Education: A bachelor's degree and work experience are usually the minimum requirements for judges and magistrates. Many workers have law degrees and some are elected.<br /><br />13. Computer hardware engineers<br />Salary: $100,180<br />Education: Engineers usually earn a bachelor's degree in an engineering specialty.<br /><br />14. Political scientists<br />Salary: $99,320<br />Education: Political scientists with a bachelor's degree usually qualify for entry-level positions as a market analyst, research assistant, writer or policy analyst. <br /><br />15. Actuaries<br />Salary: $95,980<br />Education: A bachelor's degree and a strong background in mathematics, statistics and general business are needed to be an actuary. They're also required to pass a series of exams in order to become certified professionals.<br /><br />16. Advertising and promotions managers<br />Salary: $94,720<br />Education: Employers often prefer a bachelor's degree in advertising or journalism, along with related courses.<br /><br />17. Computer software engineers, systems software<br />Salary: $94,520<br />Education: A bachelor's degree is normally required for software engineering jobs, although a master's degree is preferred for some positions. <br /><br />18. Purchasing managers<br />Salary: $94,300<br />Education: Most employers hire applicants who have a college degree and who are familiar with the merchandise they sell and with wholesaling and retailing practices. Workers may begin as trainees, purchasing clerks, junior buyers or assistant buyers. <br /><br />19. Personal financial advisors<br />Salary: $92,970<br />Education: Personal financial advisors must have a bachelor's degree. Many go on to earn a master's degree in finance or business administration or get professional designations. <br /><br />20. Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents<br />Salary: $92,050<br />Education: Most positions require a bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting or economics. An MBA or professional certification is helpful for advancement.<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

Want to Earn a Doctor's Salary with a BA Education?

Everyone wants to earn a hefty salary in their careers and it's no secret that some of the highest paying careers are doctors, dentists ...

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5 Ways to Shake Up Your Job Search

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/mh/ar5b50n6gcj5tb010hmh.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/mh/ar5b50n6gcj5tb010hmh.gif" /></a><br /></div><br />With 2010 in full swing, things are hopefully starting to look up for those who had a tough time in 2009, professionally or otherwise. While the hope is that those who have been unemployed in recent months have found a job, recent numbers show us there are still a large number of people looking for work.<br /><br />Out of the 15.3 million people reported to be unemployed in December 2009, 6.1 million have been unemployed for more than 27 weeks, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In December, 4 in 10 unemployed workers were jobless for 27 weeks or longer. That's a long time for anything, especially to be out of work.<br /><br />This year, try doing things totally different than you've been doing in the past. Write a new résumé, revitalize your cover letters and kick up your job search a notch.<br /><br />Here are five ways to shake up your job search in 2010:<br /><br />1. Instead of job searching where you live ... try relocating<br />We know it's not easy to just pack up and move somewhere for a new job -- we're only suggesting that you think about it. Assess where you are, personally and professionally -- if there's nothing keeping you in your current city, expand your job search to other areas and see what you get. It's no secret that some cities have been hit harder than others, so try looking in thriving areas. It definitely won't hurt.<br /><br />2. Instead of networking with only friends and family ... try broadening your network<br />Everyone knows that one of the best ways to find a job is through friends and family -- hiring managers are more likely to pay attention to a résumé from someone they trust than by searching through hundreds of applications. If you've been doing this, but your job search is still coming up short, it's time to cast a wider net. Reach out to former co-workers and managers, old college professors or members of clubs or associations you belong to. Take your job search to Twitter or other social networking sites, so everyone knows you are on the hunt. Become a fan of your desired employer's Facebook page and engage with it.<br /><br />3. Instead of only applying to "new" companies ... try revisiting old possibilities<br />You might be hesitant to reach out to companies you have already applied to for fear of seeming impatient or nagging, but we beg to differ. It never hurts to get back in touch with people you've already contacted. You can let them know you are still looking for work to see if they know of anything that might be up your alley, or you can specify the type of position you were hoping to find in their company. Even if you interviewed with an employer, reach out to them and get feedback on why they didn't hire you. If they chose a more experienced candidate, for example, maybe they have an open position that is more fit to your qualifications.<br /><br />4. Instead of focusing on your strengths ... try strengthening your weaknesses <br />While you should focus on what things you do well, consider the fact that those aren't the things that need work. After all, it's not like you aren't getting a job because you are so good at something, right? Say, for example, that you know you look good on paper and you get a lot of interviews -- but nothing pans out after that. One might guess that your interview skills aren't up to speed. Instead of trying to "fix" something that works (your résumé and cover letter), try spending more time perfecting your interview skills. Review questions you've been asked in interviews before and had a hard time answering, and work through answers to questions you'll be asked all the time, like "Tell me about yourself," or "Where do you see yourself in five years?"<br /><br />5. Instead of waiting for a full-time job ... try looking for something in the interim<br />While most people might prefer to lock down a full-time job, these types of jobs are not in abundant supply right now. Try expanding your search to something temporary or part time. Any kind of work, no matter how many hours you put in, will help you build up your skill set, which can only benefit you in your search for a full-time job. Not to mention, any new supervisors or co-workers that you meet will likely serve as a reference or at least part of your network in the future. Lastly, if you're able to land a part-time gig in an area that interests you and in which you excel, you never know if it could lead to a full-time job.<br /><br />By Rachel Zupek writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

5 Ways to Shake Up Your Job Search

With 2010 in full swing, things are hopefully starting to look up for those who had a tough time in 2009, professionally or otherwise. While...

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Oops

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aDezHkqtzc33BpRBOYZ8XI4EP3xgvco_JAzUDfTAT3tydF68pw-pxZ5J-ycZtmy276e9vnUaIIIgvKJmpnQLuwYaAVzx6CF_EdXowB2B_aLYXp_vKPMo16J1XUi53qdy7dind0S4fF8-/s1600-h/Dubliner_Irish_Cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pQyOUpwsU7NI2-YtHJnYdHha-HhEHrMIlXtIq8_m2VDXNCxRI5wMURBrkVC17x6QxT9DHxK0Z3gbXZvtOFOHXr9AywYwF-SS648CePCXzJcGtTv1CowUOjr8ETqrCQAZflkun4Uau0fg/s1600-h/cheese-wax-controversy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pQyOUpwsU7NI2-YtHJnYdHha-HhEHrMIlXtIq8_m2VDXNCxRI5wMURBrkVC17x6QxT9DHxK0Z3gbXZvtOFOHXr9AywYwF-SS648CePCXzJcGtTv1CowUOjr8ETqrCQAZflkun4Uau0fg/s320/cheese-wax-controversy.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oops. I'm not talking about an object-oriented programming system. I'm talking about acknowledging a minor mistake.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, I had an "oops" last night. It involved cheese. An almond butter and jam sandwich. Cold cereal with milk.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The cheese is the same cheese from New Year's Eve that I had requested my husband hide from me. He hid it in the bottom drawer of the fridge in the garage. It was out of sight and out of mind and it didn't haunt me...until yesterday.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday my <s>cruel and evil</s> loving husband had a plate of cheese and crackers for a snack. He even asked me if I'd like some too, and went on to tell me how great the Dubliner Irish cheese from Costco tasted. I know this is unintentional cruelty. He knows I like cheese. What he doesn't know is that I LOVE cheese. That I could eat an entire block of the Dubliner Irish cheese if he wasn't looking.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had been perfect on my eating all day. I had a nice dinner and thought I was fine. We went to bed. I couldn't sleep. At midnight I got up and read for a while. I had a healthy snack of fruit and yogurt. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I started thinking about the cheese. I couldn't seem to use any of my newly learned skills to turn off the thought process. It was like I was possessed.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the cheese I had an almond butter and Huckleberry jam sandwich on two slices of Dave's Killer Bread.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the sandwich I had two large bowls of Kashi Honey Toasted Oat cereal with ice cold milk. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next was remorse, sadness, sleep.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning I'm better. It was merely a blip on my radar, a minor mistake. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I woke up late and had a healthy breakfast. We're going to the gym in the next hour where I will literally try to work my ass off (lower body workout today).<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normally I would hate myself right now, feel defeated and hopeless. Although I'm not thrilled with my behavior last night, I'm not surprised by it either. I can't expect to change a lifetime of bad habits in one week. That would be a ridiculous thinking. However, it's one slip in eight days. Not bad. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There will be more slips in my life. I'm not perfect. I'm human and flawed. Normal people have "oops" moments, but they recover and move on. I'm moving on.</span>

Oops

Oops. I'm not talking about an object-oriented programming system. I'm talking about acknowledging a minor mistake. Yes, I had an &q...

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Superb Saturday

<p>Happy weekend everyone! I started mine out just right, at the gym! It was a quick one though because my day was FULL! I got in <strong>35 minutes</strong> on the <strong>cross ramp</strong>. My gym doesn’t open till 8am on Saturday & Sunday’s and I <u>SO</u> wish that it opened earlier, like at least 7am! Does your gym open very early on the weekends?<img alt="DSC05728" border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmc469eJjHiAfz6MK2vnj0nonymTvKGSsGGs6LsmR2iw_yCw1OEGOIICMxTJvIuPpySgrmGqkHdzMGYl3jNhnMkFWc4sZRw6ltI0fGvzzjs7m4Nw-weTEWSpPc2YXJ2TTuIS7QK1Zfoxg/?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="DSC05728" width="404" /></p> <p>It was quite foggy Friday night/early Saturday morning and it froze so it made all the trees look so pretty! Looked like a white winter wonderland!<img alt="DSC05729" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1y25kXJwFD2GylhhMr7__be0HVLqhi9_Tlgry5BPOmYGszrthCVVHyBv_UF3fj0bDqRs5FfDT0eGmuRdEonT2UlofT61A8C31V71g4QgxNIkQQVJs_Nyakyxo4OTLVHfyCZo_kjiIii9/?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="DSC05729" width="404" /></p> <p>After my workout I stopped at Hy-Vee (our grocery store in this area) to get a few things that were on a SUPER sale this weekend. Check out my loot:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWpdv-G2dnIbY4IWPgHM2fEYcPm-8jBSihS5ZRvf8inTB3jv8tHGNRLiNpSvj4tYi690mbjqdIjB5koeoOFyhkdHqKfBg86PtLOSN1OliCYMfTkVumwxQgQvjbtH3by_TiFX25ZOkFSPb/s1600-h/DSC05751%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05751" border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhduAnnndUxujpbQkXOV_tFQaRHVLLop2JjKB6jK2lwxGlJ48QBpS46gFPPBEr4b4MjCvI-1NmYpBHv4Q0ShGpyBJIH6ChtggeeF0dBX_MqXVicHDqJzRjZZWz0usDoBpBzrcvqi6vEKC5c/?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="DSC05751" width="404" /></a></p> <ul> <li>6-Hy-Vee Strawberry yogurt $0.40/each. Reg price $0.62 </li> <li>4-Pepsi 2 liters $0.77/each. Reg price $1.68 </li> <li>Brown Rice $1.88. Reg price $2.19 </li> <li>Flat Out Wraps $2.59. Reg price $3.29 </li> <li>2 - Whole Grain Pasta $0.99/each. Reg price $1.39 </li> <li>Pizza Crust $4.49 (not on sale) </li> <li>Sweet Potatoes $0.99/lb. Reg price $1.18/lb </li> <li>Cucumbers $0.59/each. Reg price $0.99 </li> <li>Bananas $0.28/lb. Reg price $0.59/lb </li> <li>WW String Cheese $2.29. Reg price $4.29 </li> <li>2 - 2% Shredded Cheese $2.39. Reg price $4.49 </li> <li>Shaved Turkey $1.99/lb. Reg price $3.99/lb </li> <li>1% Low Fat Cottage Cheese $1.36. Reg price $3.05 </li> <li>Honeyhut Cheerios $1.50. Reg price $2.50 </li> </ul> <p>Total Bill $35.31 – Total Savings $19.28!! That is a 36% savings, not too bad! </p> <p>After my super savings on groceries I headed home to shower quick and then head to my hometown (about 30 minute south) for a baby shower for my of my high school BFF’s! I grabbed an <strong>apple</strong> to eat on the way there so I didn’t gorge when I got there at 11am from not eating anything yet.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1MrOBFlqSouId2A_uZCEKdtxWi312Pyi0_Y0dCNv-J0VLO4jq1Wl51y48ETm9sWfjbcOgK8YocUGSffPdc9sYpe3k8-DDmiHVhkmLOjlJX4URW5NJKsHu8Pi_W1eeYiA9m6Bz_mITm2sF/s1600-h/DSC05731%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05731" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTYcj3HC3n3IebuSfJ4eB7aCXQ3nJkzoz9YXD65RqpRZbWmOrm06Woj3zfLWfUJJhQWCLyFYIlpasYHS5ZPdTAv6tuVlbfx8Trn-WCk4zaffXoUgz0leEgFq-xljvLDDMnaLXJtIuzBrs/?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="DSC05731" width="404" /></a></p> <p>It was so fun to see her and her tummy!! She is due February 12th and they are having a girl!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFXv-7oUHiUcHDJKMm7h6HLF44HvU0Qcl9jRghd_aFVQjSN3eltJA0X4qMEga-66oG_PW6f6sWI7Nrqdmbe0AvXzNTtuOwbHhE26MCyETNuszJidEGIme6mGriaQCgRt6ztJw7_ouLpYx/s1600-h/DSC05743%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05743" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96nRx3lOFFykHx9uwWs03obTT1mpEzu6Z1N6OVkPsQZIrHAjoD04HovR5D1PwKG-LR8uGcTJTjHsNDQHfPy41sdVjClx7xz8vm9wookGRHPp81Saj_gH4PfaZj6bpyoCnbW3Z530t4ns8/?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="DSC05743" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I didn’t get a picture of my plate of food from the shower. But I am proud of how I ate. There were 2 options for the plates and I chose to use the smaller one. I had a piece of fruit pizza, 1/3 c chex mix, 2 tortilla roll ups, a mini cheesecake (I don’t even think it was an inch square), and a very, very small amount of punch. I ended up finding the bottled water later and didn’t drink the punch! I have never really liked to drink my calories!</p> <p>Points total = HAVE NO IDEA!! But I am happy with my choices, there were SO many  more things I could have ate (2 other desert options, maidrites, chips & dip, etc) and I could have gone for 2nds and I didn’t, so for that I’m proud!</p> <p>It was a baby filled shower! But the majority of them are still in tummies! Four of my good friends from high school are all expecting and were all there! It was fun to see them and hear about their pregnancies! Kinda of ironic, I got married first and I think I might be the last to have kids! :) Here is a picture of me with 3 of the 4 of my pregnant friends!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKPMteDe1taVeF163bNMQrdDXwJOrpk71W1jfqEhcTqOW8MnnFdCB75XGN6zm9SasjmmAwkD4-z8fLQInYt0r7UGGcSLV6w3hET_WjKav1nfGut5SHQnprg9527E1Mu3Ysbdg0D24jXMI/s1600-h/DSC05739%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05739" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-v_MWbYbidapBp6aUFGv4_Og_A07FtKaSlb5P5R_BXWomMDkvdbQ5c-aPRYMcVfwA875X3yxgQkl_oFWUmneD4oLl9mNr10uYjwgCdgv3kSK-j3oYoDDTJPsxOQ5LgVI4HtTDm7SjesA/?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="DSC05739" width="404" /></a></p> <p>After I left the shower I headed back home to let my puppy out and grab a few things and then I headed an hour north of my house to a my friend Sara’s house. By this time it was already after 3, so I made a lunch to go of 16 animal crackers & a turkey & cheese wrap. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXK0NENENGQBCslOmuxyfA7cckQZAz9o_vQxfSZEfdTtBZJgMAHS4mdrCIxlpg50H7fjXgCUs5C7E3JORs7mXd9U6e_W3meUthyQnmkj0XfSfD3bL3O3wB53SP_IX4GqRWzfBCDLJgWSy/s1600-h/DSC05745%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05745" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGv0xc9BsBkkF-n5Xn5qDHS6LXoWNQ9xAmTS5S8h7xoT9SlBMjUY2RYIdV8e3yDMyqulG3wMK53FDealIgbci0GxRSLEI5A2y5cSroEalqBIHP9ZguqKINdxNTXYy3Weemn2mke9ljPidF/?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="DSC05745" width="404" /></a></p> <p>She has a little girl that will be 1 next month and we wanted to get a jump on doing a few things for her party! It was such a fun afternoon/evening together! And we got lots done, invites, a happy birthday banner, and we made a bunch of pom pom’s out of tissue paper. I didn’t take any pictures, but I will get some at the party to show you all! Here is a picture of me and Sara’s little girl from a few weeks ago! I just love her!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBrreUR7kYnNkCLW3LVWou7DsBdlTcj_nLLZ6hLZSRtHql_fs3MGNN7Z-pKzo5dCBWLhDLup8V5Zv4mrGcisEk2UD9yYq_wN69PWCge0Xp0nkrZMjWW2hOhgoR6qY_d3aCZdHKOC_YWRC/s1600-h/DSC055141%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC055141" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SPtXRbldVYClyn33yxWJVgyhHEtM2TnO3CDdZ4blXPM8SNK_CNb1bwp9SyNu2tvIX6GUTjUaxXYfMIce2x1b0eOm_uKxjS2oxnyJv2_b1b8PSgFq2UTOgFymG8b4Nb-lVKdJQd6sQxT6/?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="DSC055141" width="304" /></a></p> <p>Food wise for the evening we pretty much just snacked. I had probably about 1 serving of wheat thins w/spinach dip and then we had some baked tortilla chips w/salsa later on in the night. Not the greatest, but also not horrible either!</p> <p>I didn’t leave her place until after 10:30! It was such a fun time, I only wish we didn’t live an hour apart. Kyle stayed up and waited for me to get home! We ended up watching a movie when I got home and I fell asleep on the couch! Hope everyone else had a great Saturday as well, we’ll see you later today for my Sunday recap!</p> <p>Go Vikings!!!</p>

Superb Saturday

Happy weekend everyone! I started mine out just right, at the gym! It was a quick one though because my day was FULL! I got in 35 minutes o...

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