Remembering Elko From Ely

It is Saturday night at Ely's Historic Hotel Nevada, founded in 1929 and going strong. My shirt is from Elko's J. M. Capriola Western Wear, founded in 1929 and going strong. Signs of hope for our time.<br /><br />It is night. I have turned on not a single light, but the room is filled with a soft yellow effulgence. It comes from outside. Across the street, flashing yellow lights dramatize the solid bright blues and pinks of the Jailhouse Casino signage. Just outside my window, the Historic Hotel Nevada's own progressive flashing bulbs are tireless in their quick footed cicumambulation of the wooden sign. For some mysterious reason, a Mexican flag is waving in the Nevada night wind, patriotically illumined by flood lights, right beside my window.<br /><br />Below on the street, car engines growl and tires hum past and away. Hark, there is another unrecognizeable mechanical sound calling for some unknown reason. It seems to be imitating the mating cry of a migratory bird.<br /><br />Here I am, and glad of it. This may be an acquired taste. If so, I have acquired it. The lights outside my window remind me of long past callow youth when my legal aid office was above Wong's Chinese Restaurant, announced in pink neon outside my window where I worked many a late night.<br /><br />But that was Boise. I intended to remember Elko. The big event of course was ordaining two new priests and meeting with parish leaders to imagine their future. All that was splendid -- bagpipes, a colorful Caholic deacon preaching, hymns galore, the whole shebang -- but you had to be there -- so I won't say more about it.<br /><br />What I will say is that Elko was happening this weekend! I alway seem to be in Elko when the town is in high gear. Last time was the biggest event of the year -- the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This time it was the 2nd biggest event, the biker rally. If that were not enough, the biker rally schedule overlapped an RV convention. But wait, there's more: the Cinco de Mayo parade was transferred (like a Saint's day) to today. All this and a double odination.<br /><br />This great day was presaged on Friday by a full frontier moon. Beneath that moon, it was Karaoke night at JR's Bar -- my other favorite bar -- really I only have two. A variety of performances were given <em>gratis</em> by the good, the bad, and the ugly. It was the democratization, the <em>perestroika</em> of art, with decidedly mixed results. Let me focus on the good -- though I enjoyed the bad and the ugly just as much.<br /><br />One guy was a bona fide first rate star quality country singer. He was a swarthy man with black hair and a black mustache. He was about 8 beers a week away from handsome, as his wife was about 12 beers away from stunning. But vocally he was prime, and he sold his songs.<br /><br />Another guy with a a hayseed persona, including the scraggly beard and a missing front tooth, sang Frank Sinatra oldies like The Lady Is A Tramp and My Way. While he sang, an old couple who are there every single Friday night -- an old couple without wedding rings -- an old couple in Western attire -- I have seen them at Cowboy Poetry two years running -- this old couple danced in front of the stage. Not to be missed.<br /><br />I will say one thing about today. At the ordination reception, I sat across the table from the 87 year old father of one of the new priests. He was a retired lawyer from Grand Junction, and yes, a Cowboy Poet, who had grown up in Idaho. He recited a classic style poem of his own creation, "The Old Cowboy" -- a prototypical Western lament about the closing of the range and the loss of the old way of life.<br /><br />If ever this life, which I have been so undervedly graced to share, should fade from the ways of the earth, I will write a lament.

Remembering Elko From Ely

It is Saturday night at Ely's Historic Hotel Nevada, founded in 1929 and going strong. My shirt is from Elko's J. M. Capriola Wester...

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Day 184 (Thursday 5/7)

<p>Happy Thursday everyone!! And we all know what comes after Thursday right?!?! </p> <p>Alarm went off the AM, I jumped outta bed, got dressed, and hit the gym!! I am <strong>LOVING</strong> this!! I got in a 12 minute run before my sister & BIL got there. And then I lifted with them. My BIL is very smart on the "<strong>weights side of the gym</strong>"....the side that I say looks like a jungle gym and usually steer clear of!! But he was <strong>great</strong> with my sister & I! (I felt like we were little ducklings following him around asking all kinds of questions!) We worked mainly <strong>bi's</strong> today and a little <strong>leg work</strong> for a total of <strong>30 minutes</strong>. I am looking forwarding to more lifting with them!! I really want to tone some of this <strong>darn chub</strong> that refuses to leave my body!! </p> <p>After getting ready I headed over to my office and had breakfast. But was quickly saddened when I realized I had used all my blueberries yesterday and forgot to bring more. So today was just plain, old boring <strong>oatmeal</strong>...it was still <strong>good</strong> though!! Along side I had an <strong>orange</strong> as well for a <strong>3 point</strong> breakfast. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTH27hyphenhyphen4IULHiXQAjRSChmXNzlUJLwfsLXAi8N0L7F5FYyKh5Lp3U27VpGZwl2YqLSosBGWOa7CSVi0qrxKiEQHa6g8iA3wQt9l2Dkrh0WIIyKY-uOSRlO7QbGN4ayBt4kKEyNw9jWC0gC/s1600-h/DSC02492%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02492" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREZDdmfUIJveIVkUs2x35o-jD2GLQruSQRW1k0HZz3nS0lteAsbCKbV1GeZyvp4XRYm8E93gp1zx3W0inofjg9eVscb7tS0ttrmSA6iwgJ7xK2AxDLHReG_tN9nifFFLao0Nn6PogKRN4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02492" width="353"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmA8eFC1qn2GWdxjSbmA-pL2MhE-vRRJLIm0WgquVnmyxA_QBfgUHJGUTRIUJjrLZ4x-LSmfnekZ3w31r08gfd-MWyzVVMg3GNRhu-WOvqjtHVEj1un7gqeRjudinnjsYV9HSNfY9IthD/s1600-h/DSC02493%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02493" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5d6oYXB1Y0MySfeU1UPZssZMkd6jd3kSjiu1Diyzn7osekQEfpIfpgQkE7d3Q_QNk3nXw-jSgO1KvFCVxHrIbaIiJxgIbIfRRllO0qs85TvuvA3FwUXAdLD9dJ7MsPUdDUmBEZUO6cS7/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02493" width="353"></a></p> <p>For a morning snack I had, <strong>you guessed it</strong>, <strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>yogurt</strong>, and <strong>grape</strong> <strong>nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>! I just don't know what I would do without my favorite snack...it's so <strong>delish</strong>!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaidla9L_T82VE29-0l2FPXmDGWkyrpv-YRB9DL2j7elz4Bz9D9ES1J6IsC5vvAR0FRYG0KMJCFiUHmwGbPf03AMrp7IAct9hQW-GjF9o8vq8vjNV0gF439-uxSnnvI2uJaSN-QGxdPwWq/s1600-h/DSC02494%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02494" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50u-cFYk5peQxn6o8GLXuMcM_Sk9JUqkoJWmwztjcffOzSLCRAe3ryo0rNGY_VMdmkUDN6AmyrmDCKoadkETqizJICxtun9f-g41k2V2bKAY_Qb_wHQqtaXVzZK7x5urj_658oJ1CE2ry/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02494" width="400"></a></p> <p>My "<strong>appetizer</strong>" on the way home for lunch was some <strong>petite baby carrots</strong> for <strong>0 points</strong>. Hooray for 0 point snacks!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2nDDp2oN9mG20V8l3C7GqCzmYcf0PbWR-xQCdSA6-rvkHwEKydc6gkShY1feOKiZdtTGAdc3pr3pF0RzoHUDwGDbY_nQAFIoWBi8ccp0DtKoUwsezedBP-wqUrZRXbn-2lWG0BkrTBC7/s1600-h/DSC02495%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02495" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4Bc2C5Xw9BQDnI0U4aZOOU_0zMUKgalNUcn369m-o0MmQ6VvSBGo7s_uoy81Y257giUeztrQMowybPyzlD60FyfpH1PcEV-Gv3qt1jx4Vmq2qSVelp0W4nxLI9m-d90JfDeLYDEObTGU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02495" width="454"></a></p> <p>Lunch was <strong>simple</strong>, <strong>filling</strong>, and <strong>delicious</strong>! I had a <strong>hot ham & cheese wrap</strong>, a <strong>sliced</strong> <strong>cucumber</strong> with <strong>1 TLBS ff ranch</strong>, and 1<strong>/2c cottage cheese</strong> for a num, num yummy <strong>4 point</strong> lunch! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzG65eVRRL9g_uwmbfI6-4wxLyVoZlLZ1EWPDSpvIOYZ0U_L39EGbKnReAbSU03eQRf95SbS92DcVIjkcC6Fg93Q0c2NcU60wBSG83mAUiLbfnuLk_EhKW5SIP1Gmijua03Q7s_XJLWml/s1600-h/DSC02496%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02496" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNvgqmvsh82BLGnP9hc6bUv2v3OsForQdsbx9UOV_rONoaS6jpE3exlRggf4d7cbrKNavnvag1ew8PjCylhEK4plSI6ukBMawlulsMqZZt1NG9xn6MkxvL6JvJKTvxuUZh4fvnUueHFDv/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02496" width="329"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEclc-UHYJoP8rW2Fcxow9iwhdYGvuRPv23kAVsoxcnxwwaae5y6yAI57PwYSF8i7QV8DhgbVE2AIxUt5Sk61L0aSMkWGrpdYHECmU4VAHVYHz_RZhdIFOQRFt30FCvdU-7GW5b54ZK6Tg/s1600-h/DSC02497%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02497" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedOjh2GumMq_PmPeQ-t25HIl0ZHEBr8tXfZcFlz_o8F4-gTHXZR5dSUnvFl0qkw7MbzcJLxxhbMV6YlAYiniGLLD_To-2zkogo5NoSKoI4Rsz5v9TKRK3DrNHopSm2xHING7SxId-s3rz/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02497" width="329"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKQIrhp2CkBNSiBa2qU034AAOf8Jql6CiG_dqoqDfTvgABqjDQkkcdfQKwuGZWUQzmKi0_RhdZ1v8g0gPO3ruT6MgCiFtKs67UuDIX1rKInE2Khtl8y0seBHElvBEk0gvjXxEYZbnwdikC/s1600-h/DSC02498%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02498" border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbfEOs9jg8R8l_JP2CRI2PxAq-DThcGvq3MBYUJvyc48qwEo7IY5mn0Xj5QfluPEhxX-rqlIGuFyz9Grrt6lS8RamhcE_SLvgRebgSRCyZjHEF9SyADuwYgHyq5wxiLrj-4OGp_v4bXJS/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02498" width="329"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI9LNx0FJHkFWxn8KvIMCuDEPnzH8SUyx83yM8ucLwF0KXrs_qtW02ey3tTGKQKvTThsQhFafe9SrzRGGbSlKFxSiWaT7JG4EsFIqEHE47g5hrgl65bao9mCcAnJyb5imFb5nuthtkrVT/s1600-h/DSC02499%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02499" border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYZXYAvmU4LwcQsv-CxHW_UsbJ3ITVBuagg-2cAcw_VQa6VSA9EPFluZv33UYMcVUWmknA9ZDDyzZfyY3FduszhOyTzL0vd6_1SZIf7TJPzaZCLY-dglgE6QGX8cmuAMdoZXUxDNiJVba/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02499" width="254"></a></p> <p>After work today I rushed home ‘cause I knew I had lots to get done before <strong>SIL’s bridal shower</strong> this weekend (<strong>at my house</strong>….eeekkk!!)  DH & I mowed the lawn and then cleaned the house and re-organized the furniture so we can fit <strong>20+ people</strong> in our living room! I feel much better after all we got done. Saturday should be <strong>fun</strong>!</p> <p>Since we were cleaning and working like crazy I didn’t eat until after 8:30! I wasn’t really in the mood to cook anything so I had <strong>2 servings</strong> of <strong>Honey</strong> <strong>Bunches</strong> <strong>of Oats</strong> with 1<strong> C skim milk</strong> for<strong> 6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmWPOaeN9LjzD0kEBH062vPWTamCdE0KpJxgXSLwhtlNYo5w1bXdQmSelAq2RvRFDPjLqLXqHURv1v1LIpxFgSAP9_mi655gWXSinoU5qwhDc_Y3IQzKRTkpiUFKxbeROk3hL1RM6Cd7O/s1600-h/DSC02501%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02501" border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHi7Pgo0H2xFlUYHEdiQC0QNj6-SrC8Z4i43FGxmg0dszC6CNvO_FUtVw3HXSSHpmFdj9H9pJkmHSKULaInHC_K2znabmYJnTamgVrmRI6Nz-pFv7-vIDJZa5J25mkMfCqLz8pADlTqoV0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02501" width="430"></a></p> <p>couldn’t wait any longer!! I had to try the <strong>Larabar</strong> that I was given!! And I <strong>LOVE</strong> it!! So good and the ingredients are SO simple(ie dates, nuts, etc)!! It was <strong>4 points</strong> though so that is kind of a bummer, but hey I had some wiggle room tonight so it worked out perfect!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UXWzfoDyap4ZPnoFbY6CJC9wMUxaTc-f8JLeZbv_0Q5l_rohP9TrZ6kbiK4_DjxULwdsKmI0OKUZycQ-8H6x29F2q_Y91LprcwjKwv9rTdqqaV-87Gf3DQgCfYViQ3gp4GszsIUsvpyx/s1600-h/DSC02502%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02502" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFBlNnzKqbP_aXgk2_SN95kSVU1Sd9jI_-qR8N-BSGD2xZeZ58p3mYX7MRiKUau0NDJDDks9NCbQjTVlFHk3IFnA4ePDSMLq_GlpXg1QM-snFH8ba-iTHczK7AUmhB_98Ohi7amlZinco/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02502" width="404"></a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>THURSDAY'S STATS</strong> </p> <p>POINTS = 20/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 8 used/27 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 4 today/9 week <br>WATER = 130 oz <br>EXERCISE = 12 min run, 30 min weights</p> <p><a href="http://trimthefat-marisa.blogspot.com/">Marisa</a> over at <a href="http://trimthefat-marisa.blogspot.com/">Trim the Fat</a> is having a great <a href="http://trimthefat-marisa.blogspot.com/2009/05/rover-gets-giveaway.html">giveaway for your favorite furry friends</a>!! Abby is keeping her paws crossed that we win!! ;) Make sure to check it out, ends on Friday, May 8 @ 12:00 p.m. EST. </p>

Day 184 (Thursday 5/7)

Happy Thursday everyone!! And we all know what comes after Thursday right?!?! Alarm went off the AM, I jumped outta bed, got dressed, and h...

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The Long, Lonely, Lovely Way To Elko

I drove north from Las Vegas. Near Creech AFB I saw a sureal silver plane gliding through the bluest sky -- not a Thunderbird -- it was a slim cylinder with narrow wings straight out from the sides. Between Indian Springs and Beatty, I saw a mystery. A Native American man in white was running south along the highway carrying something that looked like a sheaf of grain in his hand. He raised whatever he was holding toward me in a salute or greeting. A good long distance later, I saw anohter Native American man holding the same thing and he greeted me too. Another long distance, and there was another. All in all, it happened about 6 times. Some of the runners were women. They did not greet me. All were Native American. The last one was carrying a pole with something that looked like a dream catcher at one end. He raised it toward me as we passed. At Tonopah Station, I asked the waitresses who told me there was a Pow Wow and that this running and the objects the runners carried was a spiritual thing.<br /><br />At Tonopah, I bought the Parhump Mirror, Nye County's Only Independent Newspaper, and learned that the ACLU has issued a report hightly critical of the jail in Pahrump. It pleased me to think I had only last weekend I read in the Lincoln County paper about the flap between the Lincoln County Commissioners and the Lincoln County Fair Board over the plans (or lack of plans) for a 2009 County Fair. The ill feelings have subsided, apologies have been given, and the fair planning is well under way. I like knowing what is happening East and West.<br /><br />Outside Tonopah I caught Nevada 376 north through the Big Smoky Valley where I had never been. It was quietly, then awesomely, beautful. Driving beside the the Humboldt Toiyabe Range which curved in front of me and soared upward gave a long slow view of its snow capped majesty. I thought to myself how much I prefer highways named Nevada to Highways named I or U.S. The broad valley leading toward the blue white mountains felt somehow consoling.<br /><br />Carvers is the city to note in the Big Smoky Valley. It is a picturesque town. The Carvers Cafe is a small but elegantly rustic place. The waitress was perky and polite. The view from the parking lot was mountain beauty brought to earth by the caterpillar tractor parked beside the simple car wash across the highway. Yes, this was all value added to the cup of coffee. But $2.09 for a small sytrofoam cup of Maxwell House! A grande Starbucks is a dime cheaper in Las Vegas!<br /><br />Near Eureka I turned east on Hy. 50 and wondered if Hy. 50 really is the loneliest road in America. It is pretty lonely alright and it is longer than Nevada 376, but mile for mile 376 is lonelier. Hy 50 had more traffic and there are actually towns along it -- some of them pretty substantial, like Ely, Fallon, and oh yes the state capital Carson City. Still, I passed through not a single solitary town on Hy 50 on this trip and I was on it long enough to feel the lonely seeping in. So I truned on my cd player and listened to a bit of Leonard Cohen:<br /><br /> Ring the bells that still can ring.<br /> Forget your perfect offering.<br /> There is a crack -- a crack in everything.<br /> That's where the light gets in.<br /><br />A subtle allusion to something Dame Sitwell once said about William Blake.<br /><br />Then I turned north again on Nevada 278 through the Pine Valley. I didn't see many pines but it was positively verdant. Wallace Stegner said to appreciate the West "you have to get over the green thing." Not entirely, you can drive through the Pine Valley in May. Perhaps its all those miles of gray-green bushes that make these green fields and pastures such a joy. There is irrigaion equipment operating in the fields, but the green is not just there. At first I couldn't see what was greening the land. Eventually there was a winding little creek which grew into a sensously curving river, the South Fork of the Humboldt, I think it was. I had no idea such a river flowed through the center of our state. It was magnificent. All this close at hand, while the snowy grey blue Ruby Mountains looked down from the distance, and I thought of Shoshone Mike who led the last "Indian uprising" in Nevada in the early 20th Century. He and his small clan were trying to get back home to the Rubies when they were tracked down and killed by law men out of Winnemucca. The whole tragic story began when some members of Shohone Mike's family had killed a few cowboys in Idaho who had wantonly murdered Mike's son. Later they killed some white men in California who they mistakenly believed were hunting them.<br /><br />Eventually I came to I-80 near Carlin, and as I passed the dramatic rock formations just beside the road east of East Carlin, I realized I had been unfair to highways named I. Dear old I-80 celebrated in the Buckaroo Girl, Adriene's album Highway 80, has much to offer -- like these rocks outside East Carlin and the broad shouldered hills West of Fernley.<br /><br />Now here I am in Elko at the Gold Country Inn. The only thing that could be better is if it were Cowboy Poetry Festival. But I'll be back for that when the snow is on the ground.<br /><br />And yes, I know this is not the shortest way to Elko from Las Vegas. I have already driven the shortest way. And I will go home that way, via Ely. But this trip I wanted to see these valleys in Springtime. I'm so glad I did.

The Long, Lonely, Lovely Way To Elko

I drove north from Las Vegas. Near Creech AFB I saw a sureal silver plane gliding through the bluest sky -- not a Thunderbird -- it was a sl...

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Day 183 (Wednesday 5/6)

<p>Guess what????????????? I got my rear of out of bed this morning and went to the <strong>gym</strong>!! (Oh and Kelly, I didn't need the alarm clock I have to chase either!!! lol) It was <strong>GREAT</strong>!! <strong>Thank you sis</strong> for getting me there!! I did a <strong>12 minute run</strong> while I waited for my sister to get there and then we did <strong>36 minutes</strong> on the <strong>bikes</strong> <strong>together</strong>!! I felt <strong>so great</strong> to be back in my old routine!! </p> <p>I headed over to my office and made breakfast of <strong>oatmeal</strong> with <strong>blueberries</strong> and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. Mmmm!! Oh how I missed you oatmeal!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoQUtOK83z6iU3S6ejs1oRnMLzdBUMb3snfFRifKbT9cuepAttHrJbjSay5GcBJr4xoFwljhykz9Xh8tagz2IZntxg3aA9RyVkKzAIcuYhq4fZ2C0yjeR4FCmcW7zx1OS52wwV_ZCjX23/s1600-h/DSC02470%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02470" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPIHCeL2UbwCPJzHeQ-wETZn99ZpVpq9VgLZzvNNnPmCTEaR2HT1UdVPe-cWWOb3WwqkrmcQ-fp9kZU9_X4w_-gQuaJDiE8D1s9jnQLZYwKquaBcrjJO02kRwj4h4PWR8rlufBXR4qbhE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02470" width="404"></a><img alt="DSC02471" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx79q8ZTD9t0_W_KwcYsZh8bj0nFldKW-Wajks6pxXxjealg7dwksNoGVUAQZv23EIDJ6iireRFQpt8viL__lWHv8z42VtSQFV1tqN9pptY-w8yIBYXOKzjJBcoAUH89P7yhQrpNEZkiDE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02471" width="244"></p> <p>I wanted to check with you guys...I've heard that with my new header it<strong> cuts the words off on the far right</strong>...is this happening with all of you? I am wondering if it is just on smaller screens or what?? I look at my blog at work and home and both screens are 17". If it is happening with everyone I will re-work my header! I don't want you to miss out on anything I write!! Ha ha...like's its that exciting!! <strong>Let me know if it cuts off for you and what screen size you have!! Thanks!! :) </strong></p> <p>Around 10am I had my "<strong>morning mush</strong>" (that is what one of my co-workers calls it!)...<strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>yogurt</strong>, and <strong>grape nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>! </p> <p><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsTr008DYQPPabK2ClkmzvK9LE7oSw3YLt-OPKRzu0lUiock2vbumnPPzAPYrNUFhV-e_k1apj9K1s99tzYdtqA9KRGGq5H1FkjCLXxzzDI60YItg4bpq8r81Fny13azDL5mtnTwITuu8/s1600-h/DSC02472%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02472" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy60lDYrE3kuX2oGhyphenhyphenrifUs5-oW1j6YzK9iTOb6zMBDRjCr8Tmogvh6Lq1xZEX42-yVNvzrPbAj-IQwqVISpw2GHxUbMDcRP9hMrG2xU0liUTqA5cgWMpt7BZxU_05HSUggOa_MKiWDTu4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02472" width="400"></a></strong></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>I had to run a few errands for lunch so I grabbed some <strong>grapes</strong> to munch on while running around town for <strong>1 point</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWnywi31ObO5RWNbjXOwOcA7bmGuNts4o8HAZg633isOJzCuKqNlQWpM6CR6Xw0lJsMd9KpJspYwkIcUDl1CPgVxQBy65YDoDfuMte5_3B0LxeD12kCeqnLFByk9B-hF1zzNkdDC1Qj6e/s1600-h/DSC02474%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02474" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyvwHKN-vic5cnvd7z-BvHM_U1Hrfat6IeglNuh0KHVM5HiVVVyqLB90tu-a5cgi0daDRv13TMpRsBGS46C4_-edUlQIaQbkOoEzE8koV2OthCEk51V0cjtSQFeyXG3Ckmzf5CfARDjg9/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02474" width="404"></a></p> <p>When I got back to the house I made a <strong>chocolate PB2</strong> and <strong>banana wrap</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>!! I looked at <a href="http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/2009/05/06/raw-wednesday-being-a-teacher/">Leah's blog</a> before going to lunch and knew this was what I wanted!! And plus I was reading "<a href="http://adauntingtaleofscalewarfare.blogspot.com/2009/05/ordered-package-of-pb2.html">A Daunting Tale of Scale Warfare</a>" this morning and saw you could get <strong>$3 off PB2</strong>!!! So I ordered some! I had to call though because the coupon code wasn't working online. The offer ends at <strong>midnight</strong> tonight so check out their website <a href="http://www.bellplantation.com/">http://www.bellplantation.com/</a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUYLXtntA7SB2KgP1VM1J5p22INuymaMKqccWaYAsU1nNFKaBE71GqB6e3ObGmkgscBAScDuwAbxd7zuSzJkPxLJ1OXaCBmcO6kUaD52_cLvLq2ZGu-I7irxboxfuVQ9IMvCk6TzYFJ-S/s1600-h/DSC02478%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02478" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc5XLRcWXLvsGiC0jRLN_9NA5atKYKJLLcakRmN5WXkXXle8_IEiEd8WPbgDoquS9MCAHGVK5ZyuEfLvXvZbXUmSuK4kcBl4QD9BB8I5kKXT_rlgvhj3GNvMuoKY4f71n6hUB0CCrkUDA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02478" width="404"></a></p> <p>Sorry...back to lunch. I knew the wrap wouldn't quite hold me over all afternoon so I decided to make a <strong>smoothie</strong> again to take back to the office. Today it consisted of <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong>, <strong>strawberries</strong>, a <strong>small banana</strong>, and a <strong>bunch</strong> of <strong>ice</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. I sipped away at it all afternoon! De-lish!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIsRisYOf9hqhCs_FHx45wJwRGpvikz_ZBA29Mk8kjK6I2lowdvWsETQ529lv9GAvekxKDfHavv_SpiZ5Cv34IucHrGCECgNydaoY6ljiVyVX1VftbQLSvmCsJlHXTaGmg4e7ZxBwBIIY/s1600-h/DSC02476%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02476" border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lhy4UD84qslKMq28XLuoClhuS5od86E0eJloixIdDrbWifnZFhiFBG6beegJiH3ByYCsZWpf-VjR3bjFIBKnw_EyaDgZ5Ak_VOzPaSzYaeMPcozwNZsQBJuj3_LLoeL8EsZPAv7lhoyg/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02476" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrU7EI4wdyoVWHGDCwvyH0uNJ7Ek2mV8Ta5TboFgHF2s0RiX4B0doVd9HOG4ujIsb1QoQy5y-IWdy6F0yPph7zhtfG0ZoLeH76FYOPno1xdemnq-udvriri6ZRnxLo-MH8BzXQo-NQRVA/s1600-h/DSC02477%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02477" border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov5kHSFNiicP8KU3liIfIkiIJa2bqqTNgwk2dH69lenY-55-TQHPPWiLRs1abHa0rw2f7hNfLCO8FPjudg08xRj6fYBdy48aStqp_Xv2Y4z69MFDzTY2qlPlk4QFRcAwm5L2h2QMnM2Ku/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02477" width="353"></a></p> <p>For supper tonight we went to our favorite Wednesday nite “hot spot”….Third Base! You get free <strong>chips</strong> and <strong>salsa</strong>, 50 cent <strong>tacos</strong>, and $1.50 margaritas!! I had some chips and salsa and two tacos. I decided not to have a margarita because they are like 5 points each…so instead I had a couple <strong>Bud Lights</strong> with my food…so total <strong>13 points</strong> for everything! It was a fun evening with everyone!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjItPEpqGppwHzmE8jxutOxPWRtw07qUD66UfMYLOpSsPSfvnb-w1DjGx8LVnux2tm0DV3Gmg6cxbZwUBaDctKniXTv7bU_kZHnVd10RBVAZVUwpKWdYdA3Hsz4FWeWkbGkiH79UNPnee/s1600-h/DSC02479%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02479" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSDND7n1PTvaXEv2iLxuZ-bZ3ux1rplVb35wTDdalAYdwaF6zH_EUxKpsvVmzndkaOL-nrHkNCAk_CGqPe6fXHGT_6zQomOj8n5VogrJlwMSyChoUPzVCXzvyUonjm_Xre6Igg3QMqQGe/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02479" width="305"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5uS3HzjXFjV11nz3dmzZqi_MqxHHmaFGWSzlJFKk30n4rbpWUH-9Cnl4x0-0FMjRD_NIHb0gbkHfRvBlxW74xhqpgJXR_dHDEwY0z5c3xA9OOunwr_b0cuFs13cCLCOppmsPGeY2itjM/s1600-h/DSC02482%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02482" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAnNtMP6R3ZJionzS0G1RK_6u1EFTpCC5aVNfCU95MqHSmVbnhZyME6ZStQoDMB6qvOpgc5f6rAOKGLXCsGN4kKhiAMEZ_mX-BDYseXgutwprS2zSdgivewDE2DKRcHe1GBTMy3xsFjvS/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02482" width="404"></a></p> <p>A friend of my sisters (<strong>my new friend</strong>!) joined us as well! We e-mailed a bit throughout the day and she mentioned she had to run to the store to pick up some <strong>Larabars</strong> before she came down because they are on sale. Now I have seen these all over the “blog world” and of course had to inquire what she thought and what her favorite flavor was. She said <strong>cinnamon bun</strong> and one other (can’t remember!). Well she showed up to Third Base and brought one for both my sister and I!! <strong>How sweet</strong>….<strong>Thanks Randi</strong>!! Can’t wait to try it!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHR_9EP39qoYlexZjn6tz7hZxIvvTdHY-IuiyKOXUAIBEunuFPxa8cNBs0ipuipULSIwyuR0Q-UKGkKXkyOhaZS7X0s5dU1wfjXX6mQfSeKLrvmAwfuy1YDkXq5o_uygvMjXGGCn95NzU/s1600-h/DSC02480%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02480" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDep_sK1PxxKQNT4utH2K9aiBzybKJocQm6aItAfym42pvv39gAF3Mvisy_FyYX4-qfGnIUJjuajLNWWCYmjAPo6a7UDbaYYp5Y3ufKpHjn1W80cnNvTSLPyKSw_c8lJL2keV7QTM4hx7/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02480" width="404"></a><br><br>This is me and my sister…the one who got me to the gym this AM!! Thanks sis!! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YWRwFLz_G-DJcWsaLbdfKLHctVKq7QYOpCcEBPjbn89Bpz_NQkqsHVLvRESFGciD1igX6pof_WRTF3ngn8p6ssMV_5GxlEh_Dn0WgVEokXGy1kzvtjP2dEyyPZmTw2faHyqKhimHAAWw/s1600-h/DSC02483%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02483" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uhelBsKxUJDKK78hjV7LIL4fZaasUtlR3_YoVuDtA0-_qU6wtSIEIABe21lTkq3dSZbGLXQlnthcSudA8eb7zRNLxXeET0xfsTU5iX5E2K3LuR-UvyLmJtG30FBICEEla_-CNPagpJYN/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02483" width="324"></a></p> <p>After tacos and drinks we headed about 2 blocks away to a locally owned ice cream shop for one of my <strong>favorite</strong> summer treats!! They have a <strong>new flavor</strong> each week!! Last week it was mint, this week it was <strong>strawberry</strong>!! And if you haven’t noticed….I <3 strawberries!! :) So I had a <strong>small cone</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1J3DePNJuXSUW_1RPNwceC-_LwyzZOT7SZgFJj4i3RMadPz1iJ5Kd7ud2qRfmwuTs7fo0x9EiDoQWA1xBhINmSGhmxtBzGcFLhAIM0FS643cPgpU36FkKQBHo2W_TfhNoyC4rgx42eYh/s1600-h/DSC02491%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02491" border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieygjBFoChFzvng10KyBjrH85SoazFK8myziZ2h1tDy20jiB50W_3EYG_RCylckQL1rr6f8_8QHqaONXu-IKr9cG_cTogRhAvsS9eTZ9SOo3IEVMCO8nEEn8m0StTxqT6WNCX4TYur5AXo/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02491" width="354"></a></p> <p>Well everyone I am bushed!! It was a great day, started out <strong>great</strong> and ended <strong>great</strong>!! I hope everyone’s was just as great, or even better!! :) See you tomorrow my favorite blogger buddies!!!</p> <p><strong>WEDNESDAY'S STATS <br></strong>POINTS =31 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS =8 used/27 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 5</p> <p>WATER =106 oz <br>EXERCISE = 12 min run and 36 min bike</p>

Day 183 (Wednesday 5/6)

Guess what????????????? I got my rear of out of bed this morning and went to the gym !! (Oh and Kelly, I didn't need the alarm clock I h...

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Transforming Hate

I was standing in line at McDonald's in Hawthorne, NV. The man in line ahead of me looked like he might have been a biker. Longish hair, droopy mustache, a muscle shirt. The shirt is why I noticed his triceps. Along the left tricep was written the word "WHITE". Along the right tricep was written the word "PRIDE". It gave me pause.<br /><br />That aggressive statement of racist feeling struck me harder becasue of something a good friend is dealing with. She has just discovered that another good friend of hers is a Nazi. She had known he held a racist ideology, but she only recently discovered the depth of his hatred for ethnic minorities and even greater hatred for whites who befriend ethnic minorities.<br /><br />I had also just read in the newspaper that Aryan Nations is actively organizing in Northern Idaho again. I honestly didn't know they had stopped, but apparently there was a hiatus of several years. Now they are back.<br /><br />Were hate groups always so active? Am I just noticing it more now? Or is the Department of Homeland Security right that the emerging threat to our national security is more from home grown right wing terrorists than Moslem infiltrators from the Middle East? Homeland Security was picking up on a violent (not meaning intense, but literally violent in its propositions) opposition to the Obama administration, the proliferation of guns, and the economic distress and untreated PTSD afflicting too many veterans. Strangely, this Homeland Security memorandum was decried for disrepecting veterans. It seemed to me it was an alarm that we absolutely must do more for veterans.<br /><br />Guns and violent opposition to the government: The day before I saw the White Pride guy in Hawthorne, a shopkeeper in Austin showed me a $O bill with President Obama's picture on it, showing him smoking and looking disreputable. He got the bill from someone who got it at a Gun Club in Reno.<br /><br />It seems to me there is a tide of demonic hatred loose in our time. There is a tremendous amount of hope and light to celebrate. But the great lesson of the 1930's is that we cannot ignore the "blood-dimmed tide loosed upon the world." If we do not ignore it, what are we to do about it?<br /><br />According to today's New York Times, the Enlgish have banned a number of people from their shores. Some are Muslim militants, as you would expect. But the list includes several Americans with established track records of hate-mongering: The Rev. Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper (who have brought their message to Nevada more than once and on the most bizarre pretexts); Michael Savage (San Franciso radio talk show host); Eric Gliebe (web radio broadcaster); Donald Black (of Florida, former KKK grand wizzard, whose web site they say stirs up violence); and even a militant Jewish-American, Michael Guzofsky. I don't know about any of these folks myself, except Fred Phelp who just amazes me, not with the depth of his animosity, but the breadth. His contempt for so many people is astounding.<br /><br />I don't blame the English for not wanting our people spreading hate in their land. But what are we to do here? Especially, what are we as Christians to do? I don't believe it is to respond in kind. Our ire and contempt will not help. Our righteous indignation will not help. We must be more creative, more clever, and more kind than that. But I don't know how that should be carried out. I would love to hear your thoughts on how Christians should respond to hate in our time.

Transforming Hate

I was standing in line at McDonald's in Hawthorne, NV. The man in line ahead of me looked like he might have been a biker. Longish hair,...

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Day 182 (Tuesday 5/5)

<p>Feliz Cinco de Mayo!! Using some of those Spanish skills I learned in high school!!! :) I didn’t eat any Mexican food today…maybe I'll have some tomorrow! Thinking….50 cent tacos!! :)</p> <p>I didn’t have time for breakfast and around 10am I had my regular morning snack for breakfast, consisting of <strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>yogurt</strong>, and <strong>grape nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmdZ9ThqAwEzWVQ-OX5o2MGDKjc8srFhz2ApEYmw6y5DgySZ92ESORw-KoGTJVGoP_2pv2BnTYSFGWE_1-qkGSptJxFRRg10MAkG24SSkNv8YaGMI4NUd8cw7pkK7RL_bklZIttVkb8Tr/s1600-h/DSC02460%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02460" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYDIHSxlBtPuaD0ZITK370vYBpoFnoiXrmze6tvUa-TnY4fJY2nk53eKRp4CECiAv1iSq18oysltgdRsQ4xXrac89-7ZNemnaFVrAO0x6pmryNlhyphenhyphenjFG5uwW0ZCumbD5SknnsI0qhsT5vE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02460" width="404"></a> </p> <p>Before I went to lunch I grabbed some <strong>petite baby carrots</strong> for <strong>0 points</strong>. Have I said how much I love these little guys?!?!<a><img alt="DSC02461" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtQ9MsysrEw-X9DjKElQwb42QBg1FONUtBIFA3qeRHUHEbJade6qMPlMUaOap2Tn62-9iLqGbGtMnItNYhaKwCj3jE60yhw7s-jaNaWUK2dWsK1-w1__o8RB3y4K5LIoUyVriFQGJVbJ1/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02461" width="404"></a> </p> <p>I couldn’t figure out what I wanted for lunch and decided on a smoothie that I could take back to work and sip on throughout the afternoon. My smoothie today consisted of <strong>1/2c skim milk</strong>, <strong>1/2 banana</strong>, <strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>ice</strong>, and <strong>yogurt</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL11BgTRzH-WRm3WH4EKnTCA0o8a172Nrk6Za3e1qTZcjRrVBNpGAAAUVlcbHLpH_Y0JKVdw9SSdV26zdwRAzqkPcyKaLTzcth4Yn5LlP5TuFHNaSp1Ovvst7pQtX-fmk3hdbxIwIYz1y/s1600-h/DSC02462%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02462" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJ87VE5FB6Tgl5rZXFmJBMT8xVL_DeCAKP896_T2bRKqi36xR3S-p8jZDMMwEUFHnc7oRNMTTvJ92roD-B885-DCCiVNVZxDMRf9LRuQnSxVFMsHrqBQZi-7pHS-QjQ9D772jvHQhTGis/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02462" width="305"></a></p> <p>I worked a little late tonight so I almost missed WW…but don’t worry I still went! I was so nervous about gaining, but I STS and I am COMPLETELY ok with that! I thought for sure that 10 point sugary piece of pie would throw me over!! I really hope to buckle down and FINALLY lose next week. </p> <p>I was e-mailing my sister today and we are going to the gym together in the AM. I think it helps that I know I have to meet someone there! I need to get back in a better routine. Running with DH has been good, but I don’t think it’s pushing me enough and I not getting enough minutes of workout time in either. So hopefully getting back to the gym reeves up my weight loss again, I really want to get to goal for ww so I can go for free!!</p>They were passing out free samples again so I snacked on this on the way home. I’m not too much of a chocolate mint fan, but this was pretty good for just <strong>1 point</strong>. <br><br><em>Note to self: need to get my nails filled!!</em> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YjnttngwQ_1Eoc5Hf0XtBmr9YS8ipKu7utcS4u95DtUSIOfnmfmnEeCQCtKjQzMpQVXZ2r27PoEi_WYfMf5tlitCQ7atwSPyQe3d1_UflqbHrZZP5StuIV6eDnvAAun_ljn5U-DJQKQs/s1600-h/DSC02464%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02464" border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjUpeJcEXbZPv7QPNGvjS8Z7pLrpBp0H63b04cafHYhDpl3bUUYUS_wAiFUDWT1WOLYo4t88utLogtVyLAtaCTsvLrQi9F4C-DgACnocZs98pofxlxHyw4bE86Pkf5xzlqpIdyl5xASSJ_/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02464" width="504"></a></p> <p>After WW I headed to my sister’s house to borrow some serving dishes and table cloths for my SIL’s bridal shower I am hosting this weekend. It’s always good to catch up with my sis and her hubby. I am really looking forward to working out with them in the AM!! While there I had a <strong>PB fiber one bar</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_QLufcEc3XDNPCSghE61erNlBk-mSMyfiNAa_sHSgl-sKpvyibT_MjF8oZySoiFN2ELkKmHaXN5bK9zwzDYgj-EkcXzQIV8T1Zymwi7zDTIHZ1IsRo0C10KdJgus87vKV0nX7mJkR8rL/s1600-h/DSC02467%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02467" border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHuAe7iZZF5BZxvad6mSDAdbstZ1Y3QY0KzsKrJwNF6Fw7O_mTySqZ-OcI_yxcdSCi1J5O3eUNhz47Ro3-Vfqb8f7_k_-sBLD-2LlGFKTEKFY6WzMHlZepIxRkPmaGGQBs8HE6pzsH-yJ8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02467" width="504"></a></p> <p>I  stayed at my sister’s longer than planned, but that was ok! I <3 my sis!! :) Got home and DH was just getting home. Our house is a MESS!! Thank goodness DH is a good hubby, he cleaned up the kitchen for me!! It wasn’t pretty after that pie I whipped up last night! :) And what do I do while he is cleaning…eat another piece of <strong>pie</strong>….dang there goes <strong>10 points</strong>! I am happy to report though I shared the rest of it with our neighbor where we got the rhubarb! He was happy to get some pie and I was happy to get the temptation out of my house!!</p> <p>DH was a naughty boy and brought me home a small chocolate frosty!! I also <3 frostys!!! :) For a small one it’s <strong>4 points</strong>. Mmmm!! Well now you know…that is how my hubby earns a living…flipping burgers at <strong>Wendys</strong>!! He hates it when I say that…technically he is the store operator…or something like that!! We would love to get into ownership someday! I am very <strong>thankful</strong> for his job and all he does to support me. Sorry for that detour… Oh yeah, back to my yummy frosty…guess what I added to it….a <strong>BANANA</strong>!!! For just <strong>1 point</strong> ‘cause it was a pretty small one!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCpZ4FRQJnwsHkcHz3dV3myabdhfewi2MzFyWBgOwpWQOQ5I7haiP4eCsq2c-UbJ9gQAMA5oMxlmLowzrH1-6awSkjHgLuArz1qJzj6ViLfvVN6g1K2SynW-PcXqJ0L8kQZWNvtZXZB7p/s1600-h/DSC02469%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02469" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl3Z5OrORZaVuSrQED_PQmJZ5jOL1qiult3ckvoFYVrR2NE3TmguWnyl1XJQJJyIEWyt8TWclPl6_B_O3xEufSMCgs4OcpABzwx1ag4ipwoWJP3tZlYtk3nS2_yStWfCGv9UfsC0fqYKP/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02469" width="305"></a></p> <p>Can you believe the BL??? I missed the first hour because I was at my sister’s house, but I caught the 2nd hour. It makes me want to go run after seeing Tara finish the marathon! I know a lot of people don’t like her, but sure hope she wins, she has worked so hard and has the highest percentage of weight loss of the remaining ones. <strong>So who do you want to win? Who do America will vote for? Michael or Ron?</strong> I am guessing they will vote to send Ron to the finals since that is what America did last time with Hebba and Ed. Can’t wait for the finale next week!!</p> <p>I’m off to get my gym bag and eats ready for tomorrow.  G’night bloggies!!</p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 26/23</p> <p>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS =35 used…had to use 2 of AP’s</p> <p>WATER = 72 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = day off</p>

Day 182 (Tuesday 5/5)

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!! Using some of those Spanish skills I learned in high school!!! :) I didn’t eat any Mexican food today…maybe I'll h...

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Time For Some Examination Of Conscience

CNN recently pubished survey results showing the more often people attend church the more likely they are to approve of torture. What's more, the most torture-approving denominations are the mainline Protestants like us.<br /><br />I woud like to think that's a fluke survey. But I remember a diocesan convention in the "liberal" Diocese of Atlanta on the brink of the Iraq War. Several anti-war resolutions were offered, but the Committee replaced the anti-war statements with a resolution simpy affirming St. Augustine's criteria defining a "just war." This led to an extended debate over the critierion that a just war does not target civilians. We wound up passing a resolution endorsing St. Augustine minus the protection for civilians -- a standard the military upheld while the church abandoned.<br /><br />I don't know what to think -- even less what to say. But it seems to me we have some big time soul searching to do.

Time For Some Examination Of Conscience

CNN recently pubished survey results showing the more often people attend church the more likely they are to approve of torture. What's ...

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Day 181 (Monday 5/4)

<p>First off, sorry I didn’t get this posted last night!! We had a busy one!! :) I hope everyone had a great Monday!</p> <p align="center">I started out my Monday with <strong>honey nut cheerios</strong>, a <strong>small sliced banana</strong>, and <strong>1/2 c almond breeze</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. I think this is one of my favorite breakfasts’!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXZx2cWCidGJDgwB5mfZiku2OOIrwvZBnI6uZWQmYT-FuYIBZao3b2JodlVtVOuyPKW0p75L1_E7UoQJjBVGbNxFP9IErOPGk4TsIj8vmK5BMMVgaFN2IKgHu0eKt6eTR5DX45p3Q92XRq/s1600-h/DSC02454%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02454" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HtweeExkSF8hM_rKXxWq3YzgmC0ofcVmRl5EBLrjG00tjEb64Bi2_GW8PUqi72WgreqRKk2Xrj4EIbGC8XfklFd94DII6J-7mbKwAB1XrJ_ypIyLYwjxPpO-2tpVb01OsZ6rta2IkXlT/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02454" width="400"></a></p> <p>Work has just been SO crazy lately!! But it sure does make the days go fast. Before I knew it, it was noon and I hadn’t had my morning snack. So I quickly mixed up my favorite combo of <strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>yogurt</strong>, and <strong>grape</strong> <strong>nuts</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupzOTeBkHTHq6CUQhhVR_KOfcF00ny31K5VSwrbciD_rX9AJwR4uraD8ZBNWmN581f1_8N-KNGnbDtkeB7l5PN-71V8mxORgPJKKU35NazO_xd96mH5uwIGCV9sNh9BBiF_Yx3XrHFZFe/s1600-h/DSC02455%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02455" border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI0ltjqsDXtux1JMpu-xBCVGd5-gHs1V9yl6mgI4h_gH2GdLajk1Lmh0QbVKEnLRunCNZCO01Bv2nbhjYcvFZ9QQh0wJaXIEF1RzipQNfq6iqN0_V4TDBEX2DACTb5pCJJOE7W9djrYob/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02455" width="504"></a></p> <p>I started out my lunch on the car ride home with a bag of <strong>petite</strong> <strong>baby carrots</strong> for <strong>0 points</strong>…this is my FAVORITE form of carrots!!<img alt="DSC02456" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeEFPPjQIQZoxR6yOxtJoYIpvOROW2w3sZGyalimY6nfYVN4gZ3-kYMCWrIc5Fbwr_4Sg1l6yu_JL7iFi748YA2s_Aly55-F_2PrDSAxRxpkftz0p1hE4Qkd8B6Gww5jM7BsoErxxeSTe/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02456" width="244"> They’re just so skinny and crunchy!! :) Then, once home, I made a<strong> hot ham & cheese wrap</strong> with a side of<strong> 1/2c corn</strong> for a <strong>3 point</strong> lunch</p> <p>I didn’t go to lunch until about 1:45 so getting back to the office at almost 3 is great!! Really makes the afternoon go fast!! :) I snacked on a <strong>fiber one bar</strong> before heading home for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2V4jVNmzLpkasvtIaM2RnYeY8DCD61FEpkv_UOqreIN6cJnvUYNChJJn_xVegCyb8icuJFM194qOWtc0mBwe9P8AaFRJrMkLNATu9DqlOAhrPpmtsqyQ8lF5dMczUOE5F4I1TyOd71_C/s1600-h/DSC02458%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02458" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDeMbfKPuFb01deMjdLrNHVkHYGPU4XQ3htohBSjkQEXRaKh3MhV3wHFo0tONZVdpEGGGHoR4g3XNW4SqBVnOrSMO9jXtxBe60IhRA-c44CWVfwxk2AKmYmsgPdG8P9aUWaH7hJwkTwfm/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02458" width="404"></a> </p> <p>Once home DH and I had to talk ourselves into going for a <strong>run</strong>. I had a splitting headache for some reason, but we did it. Not for long though. Pounding the pavement and a pounding head are <strong>NOT</strong> a good combo. So we cut it short around mile 2, wasn’t quite a <strong>20 minute walk/run</strong>. Before we headed out the door I snacked on a bag of <strong>smart food popcorn</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. </p> <p>When we got back home our neighbor was out so we went over and chatted with him…which ended up being a REALLY long chat. We didn’t get back in the house till almost 9!!! Those guys can sure get to talking! But it’s ok, we like our neighbor!! :)</p> <p>I picked some of his rhubarb and when I got in the house I got the itch to make the strawberry rhubarb pie I had been thinking about!! So that is just what I did! And of course I had to sample it too!! I put the ingredients into recipe builder on ww’s website and it came out to <strong>8 points</strong> for an 1/8 of it! Wow!! It didn’t quite turn out right. It called for 2 cups of sugar and that made it WAY too runny. I think I might try it again and cut that in half.</p> <p>Maybe I’ll try to lighten it up a bit…any suggestions?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgyDKTLlpq155HEe_v3gIYEhP_8KYUw4t3PVZY3M1aX7vtXNlufpUIRaeKFmwhlQnJ30_XAkXexuv7LK34oxToGEHz0fFHesjzd_s9ydCzuQgyfQKDGY6yoNQA-hYYVwKUOQXniORXpr1/s1600-h/DSC02459%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02459" border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXftH-SQpEspXHJqEPiEIH0zVc4i4_Ypp0hDuuIzKYBzctxyiwXpr8Pw_J6oJ6yCKj-B6bllSuQvd-hEJG8nZVJ6MglMZWQsThJZHQyFQ53hZMKS3K-WfIFNMofI5-3Y25NuWcyDlOj6x/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02459" width="504"></a></p> <p>Rewind a tad, forgot about all the stuff I ate while the pie was baking!! I had a bowl of <strong>honey</strong> <strong>nut</strong> <strong>cheerios</strong> and a <strong>sliced banana</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>. And DH and I each had the rest of that <strong>chocolate ice cream</strong> that was calling our name in the freezer, I had <strong>1 c</strong> of it with another <strong>sliced</strong> <strong>banana</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>. If you haven’t noticed, I think I am really starting to like adding bananas to <strong>EVERYTHING</strong>!</p> <p>Oh and I forgot about the <strong>banana</strong> (<strong>1 point</strong>…it was small!) that I ate on the way to the grocery store to pick up a ready made pie crust…yes I used a ready-made one…didn’t want to undertake pie crust at 9pm!!! </p> <p>It’s Tuesday now and I’m SO nervous about WI 2nite after eating a sugar filled slice of pie and ice cream last night!! Wow-zer…but hey can’t do anything about it now and I can’t let it get to me. I’ll work it off this week!! :) </p> <p>Later bloggies…gotta get back to work!! ;)</p> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 37/23</p> <p>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE = 34 used/1 remaining</p> <p>WATER = 96 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = 20 min run/walk</p>

Day 181 (Monday 5/4)

First off, sorry I didn’t get this posted last night!! We had a busy one!! :) I hope everyone had a great Monday! I started out my Monday w...

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Visiting Pioche

It was a pretty normal week in the life here in Las Vegas -- meetings with aspirants, treasurers, wardens in negotiations with landlords, and the like. The best part may have been attending a staff meeting in which high school teachers, counsellors, and Communities In Schools folks strategized how to help four students at El Dorado High get their degrees and launch toward independent living. I hope the Church can help.<br /><br />Saturday began with the Daughters of the King Assembly. They are a great group. Forget what you have heard about the secessionists on their national board. The rank and file of DOK are loyal, faithful people committed to lives of prayer, study, and service in the Episcopal Church.<br />They did, however, get behind on their schedule so that I had to miss the Communications Committee meeting in order to celebrate DOK's closing Eucharist and install their new officers. Fortunately the Communications folks are a forgiving lot.<br /><br />Then it was on the road to Pioche -- first across the sage lands, then up, up, up to the place of buffaloberry, squawbush, scrub oak, and golden currant -- past the lower Pahranagat, Middle Marsh, the Upper Pahranagat. Green pastures with grazing sheep. The road to Pioche is perhaps the most dramatic set of topographic and vegetation changes I travel. On the way back Sunday, we saw Cathedral Gorge. Picasso would surly be envious of what a prehistoric lake can do with minerals. The Panaca Formation and buff cliffs are a wonder.<br /><br />Pioche itself, to the ousider, is a beutiful little mining town rich in Old West history. We visited the million dollar courthouse and saw the truly draconian dungeon of a jail. It wasn't what we used to see on Gunsmoke by a long shot. That was coddling criminals by comparision. Frankly, no movie or tv western has shown anything like this grim. But maybe it was the times. The docent said they had burried 78 victims of violent death in the local cemetry before they buried anyone who met a natural end. I said Pioche is a beautiful little mining <em>to the outsider. </em>I am told the place is regarded by its neighbors, Caliente, Alamo, and Panaca, as still being a bit rambunctious. I, however, have not seen that side of it.<br /><br /><br />Once in Pioche, our friend Matthew and his partner Randy fed us dinner, a first rate chile prepared by Matthew using his own special recipe. Over dinner we plotted how to get him started in a micro-enterprise of producing and purveying fair trade salsa.<br /><br />The 20 folks good and true who came to church on Sunday were lively and engaged. We had a good conversation afterward over a tasty potluck lunch. They had two pressing concerns. One is the need to insulate the walls and put siding on outside. The other is their desire to be better connected with other parishes in the diocese. I continue to hear about this need. You expect it in Pioche, Tonopah, and Austin. But I hear it in Las Vegas too. People want to feel more connected. The Regional Vicars used to be the connectors. Now they are gone, we are going to have to come up with some new way to help people know they belong to each other across these poignantly beautiful miles.

Visiting Pioche

It was a pretty normal week in the life here in Las Vegas -- meetings with aspirants, treasurers, wardens in negotiations with landlords, an...

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Une aide en faveur des publics en difficulté

<BR><br />Le décret n 2009-479 du 29 avril 2009 met en place une <strong>aide exceptionnelle</strong> versée sous la forme de <strong>chèques emploi-service universels</strong> (CESU) préfinancés, destinée aux <strong>bénéficiaires de certaines prestations sociales et à certains demandeurs d’emploi</strong>. Cette aide est financée par l’État ; la durée de validité de ces CESU préfinancés expirera le 31 janvier 2010.<br /><br />A compter du 1er juin 2009, l’aide exceptionnelle versée sous forme de CESU préfinancé, d’un montant de <strong>200 €</strong>, est attribuée :<ul><br /><li>Aux personnes ayant un droit ouvert au 1er mars 2009 à l’allocation personnalisée d’autonomie (APA) ;<br /><br /><li>Aux bénéficiaires au titre des mois de janvier, février ou mars 2009 du complément de libre choix du mode de garde de la prestation d’accueil du jeune enfant (PAJE) pour lesquels les revenus du ménage ou de la personne sont inférieurs ou égaux au plafond de l’allocation de base de la PAJE augmenté de la majoration pour double activité ;<br /><br /><li>Aux bénéficiaires au titre des mois de janvier, février ou mars 2009 de l’allocation d’éducation de l’enfant handicapé.</ul><br />Une aide exceptionnelle sous forme de chèques emploi-service universels peut également être versée, sur <strong>prescription de Pôle emploi</strong>, aux <strong>demandeurs d'emploi</strong> ayant des enfants à charge lorsqu'ils prennent ou reprennent un emploi ou à l'occasion d'une entrée en formation.<br />Un <strong>arrêté</strong> (<em>à paraître</em>) <strong>fixe les modalités d’attribution </strong>de l’aide ainsi que son <strong>montant</strong>, qui peut être modulé en fonction des situations individuelles des demandeurs d’emploi. Son versement ne peut intervenir après le 31 décembre 2009. <br /><br />Le décret est consultable sur le <a href="http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000020563688">site Légifrance</a>.<br /><BR>

Une aide en faveur des publics en difficulté

Le décret n 2009-479 du 29 avril 2009 met en place une aide exceptionnelle versée sous la forme de chèques emploi-service universels (CES...

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Planning des permanences - Semaine du 04 au 07 mai 2009

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Permanences</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a></strong> - mercredi 06 mai de 10h à 12h30<br /><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br /> - le lundi 04 mai de 13h30 à 17h,<br /> - le mardi 05 mai de 13h30 à 17h,<br /> - le mercredi 06 mai de 13h30 à 17h,<br /> - le jeudi 07 mai de 13h30 à 17h.</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Ateliers</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 05 mai de 9h30 à 12h30<br /><li><strong>Lettre de motivation</strong> - mardi 05 mai de 13h30 à 16h30<br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 07 mai de 13h30 à 16h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Information collective</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong>Boutique de Gestion</strong> - lundi 04 mai à 14h</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#6633ff;">Visite d'entreprise</span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/04/souvrir-les-portes-des-metiers-de.html">Visite de l'entreprise Antartic</a></strong> - lundi 05 mai à 09h<br />La visite sera suivie d’un atelier <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2008/12/atelier-parcours-emploi.html">Parcours Emploi</a> animé sur site.</ul>

Planning des permanences - Semaine du 04 au 07 mai 2009

Permanences Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage - mercredi 06 mai de 10h à 12h30 Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les loca...

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Day 180 (Sunday 5/3)

<p>First of all…<strong>HAPPY BIRTHDAY</strong> to my favorite little furry friend…<strong>ABBY</strong>!!!! She turned <strong>2</strong> today!!! :D</p> <p>DH and I overslept a tad, but still made it to church and ran a few errands afterwards with the in-laws.  AKA…needed to get our little girl a <strong>birthday gift</strong>!!!  I wanted to make her a little cupcake…but I figured if I did that I would end up eating some too and I ate enough points yesterday!</p> <p align="center">She ended up getting a new toy…one hopefully that she won’t rip to shreds!! She may be cute…but boy does she sure shred any sort of toy you give her!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpJENtxhpAlqpBYOivExCAa0Hp88goSgUbXSQjXSwbjJ0NAE17Xde51uagafBfT9AlzSQl4IcBU3HUrquj4QpRvvE9AbL4ITJdSqo9yj2rKX_7NRlE4FKi7tDQuSkMZZksbiG35aXbpbB/s1600-h/DSC02433%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02433" border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejn3A-v46DZ0pHuXlszqWhZTaJeoJte_kVgX4McFFyXmG8ThzAy3pKMbVdEPWbssHgK3aQj8nB7tUY370iP08kt3vhP9a3nYahL55tPk2_fan4ZQEWcAiQ1_q0H-M9XPbocMjiYa1BZ2o/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02433" width="254"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIbXjhU6rpqJ9Yx39O5fY4ZotUbHySgnj9jxOslZldcAN5PAhVmddtHdj2KluSokBhr9ZlDgo0WLSoPg8Mx9JPtAF0VgAE66zH0VUiGDmEOgmZE2vtw9kpgkLgu1yyjTIcggGdUP1TTb9/s1600-h/DSC02432%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02432" border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XNWJvdRUWlP_EDWSHN15LvShrGbohUJZ6yqu9ootTjgAsXLEsmkihVni9rukl2Vs3T2VGeE_PI38KcRtAihoQlmV_MJvEGUuui-FIOA3uhtT6ZrQuezD4vheSo4kXcLOK_aMVm0ZLL5z/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02432" width="203"></a></p> <p>We kept lunch simple & light, Subway! I had a <strong>6 inch wheat turkey & ham</strong> with NO cheese and <strong>pickles</strong> w/part of a bag of <strong>baked Lays</strong> for <strong>8 points</strong>. I <3 Subway!! Once again no picture…haven’t told the in-laws about this blog. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4lpx2TffiiPkN9AFqZwiDbpgZBJvT7edjFq08VHsW9-ZNqV4s0-3IQ7kyZe_PFc1C5gnrdoz67-t5scNHsGj7d5nGUN5Wo3HPYKUGRTsOpL8x5xlai7OUBfnIVLTwpUN06-O0fyRfH2B/s1600-h/DSC02449%5B3%5D.jpg"><u><font color="#000000">After eating we headed home, started the laundry, and got to cleaning. We also got our food ready for the week…cleaned & sliced <strong>6lbs of strawberries</strong>, boiled, cut, & peeled a <strong>dozen eggs</strong> (for DH’s salads!), peeled & sliced <strong>2 cucumbers</strong>, and cleaned out the fridge! It was over a <strong>productive</strong> afternoon!</font></u><img alt="DSC02449" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89BqA3UOzTxIlQ5Hn5ecmdQ8uZDDroJD1fpFQ9uARyF9mVWmJWK-uZOv8uCscbNTAw7O7iJ-k5mpzzF5wFJthQ79G0ka-P7UoBSRX7-cZT0dtNJZbLTuZ7MwFwLE2jJd3UzvRkvjcGpnl/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02449" width="400"></a></p> <p>After cutting all that fresh produce I had to have some! So I finished off the <strong>watermelon </strong>and had a few <strong>strawberries</strong> that didn’t fit in the bowl for <strong>2 points</strong>!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjS3KsbyOK1laQY_smGQSzKkrpbjUS3Vim77g29J5PABw_n1K6IPqks6hjiZJ5PYnUJsjermzuvP0vEFa1Pw8Bq0RygSYstBPSOM-LSfNGOwI3qxsjdjxX7wbabCwwQDJUwzO4t61XIal/s1600-h/DSC02435%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02435" border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMxoJNMm3Lr0_IiAp6wSSUkoIShxQWId2GY8I9VZaOvn6f6DLymDv1P1QJCnyqfcL_NuN2VggrarQ8y-j0q7N4IDWhtMhkVScP4NEwA2geq6QA4P1yq5RIL_ACo8o58K1MBIqAeAjushz/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02435" width="304"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxm1eRNwlRfYLYzajeu8ymp8ZqVyDKC-XxTIIhfH0pmx3WLW8N59IfMyKDmoUVDFskrjtzzFXrnjR8J6DQr-UD7u5dZROQ1mGZtljUYf1udCEGiWkczksQZNWOygHXOA35ieBRVQA7WF1s/s1600-h/DSC02448%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02448" border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRBi1NrGlWDxOOXrGZA4fV9FU7N2deyGWabW0UrrQP_o1-TnNlpQQ91u9RzPh2vpNHDznwlVZ7Npi-2wi9qhyphenhyphenwTbfaVwGocLjZhAT4dCPksTf5pMBX1QGK2TqEMEwIRD9Xc_YOwf8nHKR/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02448" width="304"></a></p> <p>I’ve gotten a few awards lately so I need to get them passed on! :)</p> <p>First of all thanks to Kelly over at “<a href="http://happytexans.blogspot.com/">Happy Texan</a>” for this award!! I think Kelly is SUPER!! :D Seriously if you haven’t seen her blog CHECK IT OUT…her posts are ALWAYS great!!! I was truely touched by the comments she made in the post…crazy to think that I can inspire someone…but Kelly I’m glad I did and that you joined the blog world!! <img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3nJQesxR59sCKU0WkpB_0WhvNiWQV04AdISi4YSSuXJARj3KMedlpiM6oLSFzgP0dvxPAHE2hDAcja_R_jVIFwRDJmkSI4rhj1imkrYZ0cX3xU5Gr3VU974_Z6cvSGmSGBx__nEP1qVO/s400/super+blog.jpg"></p> <p>And now the rules of the award: </p> <p>Tape it up on your blog somewhere. </p> <p>Pass it along to 5 fellow super bloggers, and comment on their blog to let them know how lucky they are today! </p> <p>When you present your Super Blogger awards, link back to the super blogger who gave it to you</p> <p>Like Kelly said how in the world can I pick only 5 blogs? Have you seen my blog roll?! LOL So I think I am just going to leave it open…obviously if you’re on my blog roll I think your blog is <strong>SUPER</strong>!!! And if you’re not on my blog roll, let me know ‘cause I probably just haven’t read your blog to find out that it is SUPER!!! :D Thanks again Kelly for the award!!!</p> <p>And the next one is from Becca over at “<a href="http://becomingahotmama.wordpress.com/">Simply Fit</a>”. She is a new “blog friend” and enjoy her posts (her son is SUPER cute!!) and always leaves the sweetest comments!! :) Thanks Becca!!</p> <p>As a recipient of this award, I am to share why I love blogging: </p> <p>I originally started a family blog back in 2007 and last November started my weight loss blog when I joined WW. I scoured the net for about a WHOLE day straight reading blogs (many that I follow today!) and was completely inspired. I LOVE the blogging community and have “met” so many wonderful people that inspire me on a daily basis. My weight loss journey would not be the same without all of you!! So for that, I have to thank you from the bottom of my heart…you guys are GREAT!!! Oh and I LOVE your comments…keep ‘em coming!!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfysss3GN7Z5nLSJvkg0LKHJ9lOpejPCDalhEddXtp6XtRqlfWVogIOsrBVBro0sBKxebYRN_358kxblSIUP4LCHM5bhFKrsTj0XWu-_Z_9k74roF9FW77vHI3hSvb9Udr3c-XXMMHJaF/s1600-h/DSC02451%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02451" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWntKqDUmttK3_a1H2zgJixUM-MnBESX8TTG88N2757mgCd_7T_5HLorUEk3IEySEazFhnLXTKr30IIhtEYib-baGoWE7C5Dg57KMSjZEule7u0759FfrWYKLUt60qDGUv8pgZ844uVVGe/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02451" width="400"></a></p> <p>After relaxing for a while this afternoon I made a smoothie…it’s official, I’m hooked! Today my <strong>smoothie</strong> consisted of <strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>key lime pie yogurt</strong>, <strong>1/2 c almond breeze</strong>, and <strong>ice</strong> for a total of <strong>3</strong> <strong>points</strong>. I thought for sure DH would like this one so I put it in two glasses…but nope he made an “eewww face” and gave it back to me…so I had a two fisted smoothie! It was great! :) Someday I’ll make one he likes!!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgon9pG4a4P12t84vMwyrUpNh7TSpFIOrqeTDbGqDZzXiEIdOQSPCongguwnly0USZBMgvLEPgAMs_VLZKxuunItlawMQYxMxHdY6VcHh58njTmN7nG3nxn-mFGUHhaYFVgBWquAnlDTcxP/s1600-h/DSC02453%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02453" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQPMsKgZtUfdSTq-OkWW8MZ4szH1hDZnHBZJyzU6RInx2fg795VdWd5Bpv2esU8yHmHbjAKLa_oc9HJIMGyyct2g1nIi5rWrSijjRM0J_cr36WK7TAMANGJlhbzFiWVWc_6iWVxyYb72e/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02453" width="429"></a></p> <table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="400" align="center">It was starting to get a little late and I hadn’t worked-out yet and before I knew it DH said “Hey we need to get our run in today!”. I was so excited when he said it. So we decided to do intervals today and took a different route. We had a slight detour…DH’s Great Aunt & Uncle lived on this route and were outside and we stopped and chatted with them for a while. They are such sweet people. DH’s Uncle even gave me a pair of slippers that he made himself!! He makes baby ones too that are <strong>SO</strong> cute…can’t wait to get a pair of those!! ;) (Don’t get any ideas…I just love everything baby!!!) We ended up having about a <strong>30 minute total run</strong> and I did <strong>10 minutes</strong> of <strong>lunges</strong> and <strong>abs</strong> when we got home. I was wiped by the time I got done!</td> <td width="400" align="center"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Supper tonight was quick, easy, and delicious! I had an orange, 1/2c cottage cheese, sliced cucumber, carrots, and lite ranch for 4 points. I didn’t eat the pickles…they had a funny taste.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ghKeH7BckQS9lKd8FF_98_700r9HUeDYuu7h_qjyIQOwhoKDgqQEDuQD3D5DzTibHWOVu0G2GK8mkW8XjT4F_v71wgB3VAiZdpYevgJAqiklpNW7RPyJKdp2QYyNjWo-ZtElVbXSnj9r/s1600-h/DSC02452%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02452" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUB5cAYfzTfFL-8kuFG24VLuzQnan_EM-moP70KbixcMcNZmpwtJNDZ6JGRRSL2guYhw27un_8i1UgFTTEX11XTdnWi3yQURF9WJFeQHsy0cdlGofvL-3MsV_0ej20JlKXHMzDshf0HtqH/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02452" width="400"></a></p> <p>I hope everyone had a great weekend, overall mine was great…nothing too exciting, but still great! It is quickly coming to a close so I off to spend the rest of it with DH and our b-day pup!! :) A haircut may be in the works for DH!</p> <p><strong>SUNDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 17/23</p> <p>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE = 19 used/16 remaining</p> <p>WATER = 72 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = 30 min interval run & 10 minutes abs and lunges</p>

Day 180 (Sunday 5/3)

First of all… HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite little furry friend… ABBY !!!! She turned 2 today!!! :D DH and I overslept a tad, but still m...

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Day 179 (Saturday 5/2)

<p>DH didn’t have to be to work this morning until 11am so we slept in…well if you call sleeping till 8, sleeping in! And I would say that is considering we usually are up before 6am!!</p> <p>Since it is the start of the month I took my measurements this morning. I didn’t take  them at the beginning of April…well not sure why, I was kind of a slacker at the beginning of the month. But that me is GONE!!! So in <strong>two months</strong> I lost another <strong>6 1/2 inches</strong> in <strong>10 different places</strong>! And a total of <strong>35 1/2 inches</strong> in the <strong>6 months</strong> I’ve been on this journey!! My biggest loss to date is from my <strong>butt/</strong><strong>hips, 6 </strong><strong>1/4 inches</strong>! No wonder none of my pants fit anymore! ;) </p> <p>For breakfast I made <strong>banana pancakes</strong> (regular for DH!) with <strong>chocolate</strong> <strong>PB2</strong> and <strong>sf syrup</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. I think I made the batter thinner this time because it made a lot more pancakes than last time! I just <strong>love</strong> these!! :)<img alt="DSC02414" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5R5F1Iz-4nm4hBMtkzbMp8QAhMFItDLI1scXXq8bLXrIHRL-ZQK7LaJGN1wy5r8z8F17rriNcrvLM4oWS1FSbXesUPztv8smCaLwWlwaXxGbyFMIN8pV_4HkmAPMM6P951eL5B9s_8HAh/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02414" width="400"></p> <p>Can you believe this? These are some of the flowers that DH got me TWO WEEKS AGO!! They still look amazing!! They’ve brightened our kitchen for two weeks!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-KudelrLiWsBbvFF4WAQyoJkK96OpYjPWtnZmNiCMhT1_rJVfzJSKVkgjot29eOqo9IlECIZMn8E0dqrPYtTckRVg6qIVaZWwNSaqkszbN9astHt51p_Q7WjUNroih8IfH04neaqmEow/s1600-h/DSC024154.jpg"><img alt="DSC02415" border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Cgi8gfgLQB8YhZbl6OqJU0VK1UEG8ESGf6puOj3er6lO7GG_9GVOpeZt1C235mk6Wt51oqSZn2Hp937m3KSDkIgOEgyFtoSV4snhu6c0zAX41n0nCC0yhaIlPMtU8hWRBtECC99yBap/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02415" width="400"></a></p> <p>DH headed to work and I was ready to hit the road…but no on 4 wheels…just 2! Instead of driving around for my usual Saturday errands, I rode my bike! :) Did you know that May is National Bike Month? I found like online. </p> <p align="center"><em><strong>Two biggest cycling organizations The League of American Bicyclists and the local Cascade Bicycle Club are major promoters of this national event, which is suppose to "help promote individual health and recreation as well as have positive impacts on the community and environment". Among the goals they are trying to reach are :</strong></em></p> <p align="center"><em><strong>- getting more people riding more often, more safely. <br>-increasing the voice and visibility of the cycling community <br>-leading the way toward improved facilities and the cycling environment. <br>-promoting cycling as a transportation alternative.</strong></em></p> <p>Well I love to ride my bike. So I rode to bank, returned our rental movie, and went to the bike shop! I wanted to go to the bike shop for many reasons, but the #1 was getting <strong>HELMET</strong>!! Ever since reading about <a href="http://graduatemeghann.com/2009/03/09/the-helmet-that-saved-my-sisters-life/">what happened to Meaghan’s sister</a> and wearing my sister’s while I was in Florida, I was convinced that I needed one! And they fit one to my head right there! It was great. Of course the first thing I wanted to know is if they had a <strong>PINK</strong> one!! :) And they did!!! Now I wish it was more pink like the youth one that was there…but this is great too! :) In total my actual <strong>ride time</strong> was about<strong> 40 minutes</strong>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8qKSUWWmPvFHHMVoOOb4z89H6TCPkwthrOwsP_2nQOznTYVYHuebAPPWpkI_7mT7xn_oTS6wT8BBPEqRtn0NtiWYp41aCcyiCgAvvedQ8lJNxjJE5UBPH7Ta5ws0xdqRbxtzxKwqP8ru/s1600-h/DSC024195.jpg"><img alt="DSC02419" border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6iexecm5G2-Cz35M5p59apEBXCZz6UE53QCbMYz6Vjg-nhL_ePtmWlwDWnJ1MNk9qoD9_SmLx1TDWTZRyk5XrUeZERCv1mtcry4_IieqSyIqZmK2c3k6vAStPKpNURgcdiTbSVJSCeBJ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02419" width="281"></a></p> <p>Got home from my ride and NO desire to sit inside so I wandered out to the shed to see what I could do about all those pesky wild flowers that decided to grow in our yard. Found some weed killer and sprayed the whole yard down…now we just have to wait and see if it worked! I think it was killing Abby that I was outside and she couldn’t be (the chemicals in the weed killer). She was either watching me the whole time or I could her whining! What a mis-treated dog!!! :P</p> <p>For some reason I got the MAJOR munchies in the afternoon. Took “0” pictures and ate a lot…here’s the list:</p> <ul> <li>fiber one bar – 2 points <li>smart food popcorn – 2 points <li>kettle corn – 1 point <li>wasa crsipbread w/salsa – 2 points <li>string cheese – 1 point </li></ul> <p>DH didn’t have to work too late today so when he got home we hit up the grocery store and then hooked up the trailer and headed over to a friend’s house to pick up their pool table they don’t need anymore. Score!! I think DH was pretty excited about his new toy! We didn’t play yesterday, but I am sure there will be some rousing games coming up! :)</p> <p>Eating wise went completely downhill after we got the pool table. I wasn’t in the mood to cook and our friends, who we got the pool table from, came over so I did Applebee's Carside To-go and ordered my favorite <strong>spinach artichoke dip</strong>….oh wait…for some reason they also threw in a couple <strong>triple chocolate meltdowns</strong> too…huh don’t know how those got in there! ;) So DH and I split one and our friends split one. I am going to estimate <strong>10 points</strong> for the dip and <strong>6 points</strong> for the chocolate cake based on the nutrition facts I found on the daily plate dot com.</p> <p>And if that wasn’t enough food for the day I broke out the <strong>chocolate ice cream</strong> that insisted on getting bought at the grocery store today and had a <strong>cup</strong> of that with a <strong>sliced</strong> <strong>banana</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>! Wow-zer!! Sunday needs to be lite-day!!</p> <p><strong>SATURDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS= 37/23</p> <p>WEEKLEY ALLOWANCE = 20 used/15 remaining</p> <p>WATER = 72 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = 40 min bike ride</p> <p>Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!</p>

Day 179 (Saturday 5/2)

DH didn’t have to be to work this morning until 11am so we slept in…well if you call sleeping till 8, sleeping in! And I would say that is c...

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Day 178 (Friday 5/1)

<p>Happy Friday & May Day everyone!! The work day is over and I’m free for over 2 days!!! :)</p> <p>I didn’t fall asleep last night till after midnight so it was hard to get up this AM. But I did…enough to say goodbye to DH and then hit the hay again until Abby woke me up at 7:35!!!! AAHHHH!! I have to be to work at 8am! I made it there by 8:04!!!</p> <p>When I got there I found like on my door handle…a May basket!! I was so tempted just to eat away at it all day since I didn’t have time to eat breakfast, but luckily I only had a <strong>Butterfinger</strong> and a <strong>pb cup</strong>…I’m guessing it around <strong>2 points</strong>. After that I gave it to a co-worker because I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist it the rest of the day.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAffjeUnFDtOuHUgUijEvait7IA5dwqgEqbS7M2O8-S8XnxLe51QqFpGUZHYBIybDEsY83Q2aeE7Ckft4v-QF19pgtntIewli2PpO5h7OknYpyKw4CbazBieMNsJ1-E79v1K-9Si4OJzmW/s1600-h/DSC02401%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02401" border="0" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHh1C0g1_MJF5suM2lFX9mj21ECoMGhEOSmKkkraJRKHqBNXBSxwdUS9r1B_f79XsvJn23ySr1uV857u0BLQUGtM81WUUoyTnOroLw6oy5G_wJ_2_6-WfMHJ4lpWXLfLvyCLHL3IoKiIFr/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02401" width="312"></a> </p> <p>I made breakfast at work. <strong>Oatmeal</strong> with <strong>blueberries</strong> and an <strong>english</strong> <strong>muffin</strong> with <strong>cream</strong> <strong>cheese</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. I forgot how much I like oatmeal after not having it for so long!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FcKBg8_SVfByQtCOp_Q6eMpeWzrmYGdvbdSnkKMUttCSLvoIH8YTy_uhoUwOwKL2kVw_czkkfgMyW4N-Q4VC1qODgU65Tuw3nFWZ_4n__1bUvWl3t9C3sHdWJPI770KXD11GpZSYKz3I/s1600-h/DSC02403%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02403" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz81kClzUXYOThY1yM0Lj6NqISoMv1AaN4XupLD9E43NQTv2KCBdTauhSbmVqSNGBLfRdt5UXQQGrjmw9twChwvuyrIkfWrtrQ5dB4c70QtoGTn7yLl8dj_NdnhLbXfmr8E-L2qdbbIWN/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02403" width="471"></a> </p> <p>Around 11am I had my morning snack of <strong>strawberries</strong>, <strong>grape nuts</strong>, and <strong>yogurt</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QFZp_zfhGVkPmP4IXXuuB521DFl7Kw6Yqjw4kL51ES2XzrPTS00z2XBjFIUc_fn_4u9xC9lyEFRqyotLEkKRgyinEgAZ2pny3xXm9tihOcqIbT7pSZJdtiL7yywn-Xz3wq-fG1QYn1bI/s1600-h/DSC02404%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02404" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU00of9p2wTvVXp-cJTISWWlGAucztBScRGRM2wSlQArjALWg8EaR4E0WszlLXLPvE262RJIYAaaT2Ieu4dfVjQ3Gerp5ACY0DdpceuAmQ2-abJZLwmOVs9l9U7jdnAh_JzctwmrPhilU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02404" width="471"></a> </p> <p>Lunch today was a repeat of supper yesterday…a <strong>crack wrap</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>! I couldn’t figure out what I wanted and figured this was quick and easy! I also had a <strong>VitaTop</strong> with <strong>PB2</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuslbOAZJdsymmkc59ZzNQCAELPHdHY_kB4nm2-VStdT4oRluJ7hAsLDFIwddd_KJYAqf7bmBSMf-uNU1nainhQI03wVSU0VEi_7G28Cekc9ZCJl9-s12olY-3fI1kgLD09ZH6pacbUf14/s1600-h/DSC02405%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02405" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlA2gyPXyiQxcEDhmrgRkE0unBwQey3EYzK_-nglFVwyNIoTKd9iZmsI0kazNt-kp-_8REqRXvgcclKrA7FexlGnTDxSyRu37XZ00HTE6MACIFwCzl2BO8SP7ovDQ0kyTpfNIVQDWiM9Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02405" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0vyBfnSVFUgtRPliMIrJwhNDMu5BxjiYk0ui2-t_dvKfO-2LhP30MSSl4MICjUr8x1eminR99oSmuXwM6ZIf2m4x6Olm0hPgGL4t4aItFd1vRFVsZ5oXWQ1Fz6H9Ob7t16fCCxCPkvLC/s1600-h/DSC02406%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02406" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEJ5kW-0ye9c18TAdoBStMajw5Zzqwi_AotnVNi5GbGYUtzqVmqbj2XNaX2fiUzM53wfM1otAdOc9ktRcq5UuVhdPBhr_n04TRtafPE6pLinICZsStRAQbdCdqdSaWw7EUEM-vE5w-7jF/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02406" width="404"></a></p> <p>After worked DH and I hit the pavement for a 30 minute run. It is so fun to have a running buddy, I think I like it more than my ipod! We chatted the whole time! Wait maybe I should say talked instead of “chatted”…might be too girly!! ;) Oh and Abby was a better running buddy today…she kept up the whole time! </p> <p>What do you think of my new header? I really wanted to incorporate some pictures, but I couldn’t find the “right” one(s). So this will have to do for now!</p> <p>I really had NO idea what I wanted for supper. I was craving another smoothie and DH was wanting me to have a protein shake with him so I combined them! Wow…I think I went overboard on this one…it FILLED my Cuisinart blender (not sure how many cups). My smoothie contained: <strong>1 c almond breeze, 1 1/2 c strawberries, 1 banana, 1 scoop protein powder</strong>, and <strong>ice</strong> for a total of <strong>6 points</strong>. Look how much it made!!! That GIANT Hawkeye mug (Yep…<strong>GO HAWKS</strong>!!!) is the size of my head!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_r6XHNrZdNe0DxnHuGRobmzvGprtGy11tp0lHCnfE0pg7x9JDsdwxj7s-6kjwZrg6YnaBcPOc2LsT22sWq5pNkHLeFo73QX91ykzjvC_jleCiwoi0__RzFlECwxQqtx2dZKObPRXUo1L/s1600-h/DSC02408%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02408" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglU9aUV4kguSoKjBSkPlrzajD60bKYNLuOjl0qZU2DKPWQYfwSL8WIgQNdf7-b4WDEhg7-02VmNj_xGg_WmYk51GQ5YuLaDFGMrkw-Fks5hFXIVTB_4yOuaWcTwVi1r9iEKKs7mtEkVCmV/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02408" width="404"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4424kyfvIHLtsgzo2bBdPl1euCGNkbmuRKGbNo4ULoBhhgC7tlVhl1ZACg9Ae4spEFvD26srgy4BIeXzs6QN-3wi8XyyDqP554y0r6W57VNimBLqaQHxs7MJTD6sn2daOZE3EHFjQva-6/s1600-h/DSC02411%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02411" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJ_sqMP9BgzQ5ZlTMVcf-nBWAMXd_mTpGBrdowKpy3XuwJpwc97YPm-TnTZefD6RGPUZgkqvf9k2W4N2xadDujLR0ZvqCFA0vXfsZvwhCvdifDAx_ELtpEQzdLQqGI23dqGEpYtVDF2Qw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02411" width="404"></a></p> <p>Since it’s May now I figured I should do a re-cap of my April goals and post my May goals. So without further ado, for your reading pleasure, here are my April goal recaps and May goals! :)</p> <p><strong>April Goals</strong></p> <p>1. Continue no Cool Whip during Lent - ACCOMPLISHED</p> <p>2. Try 2 new WW friendly recipes – ACCOMPLISHED – banana pancakes, fruit dip, crack wraps, and homemade smoothie!</p> <p>3. Workout 5 days/week – I don’t think I quite made this goal…the beginning of the month was rough. </p> <p>4. 158 lbs by 4/30/09 – Didn’t hit this goal either…the scale isn’t being nice to me lately, but I’m NOT letting it get me down!!</p> <p><strong>May Goals</strong></p> <p>1. Sign up & run Dam to Dam 5K (May 30^th!)</p> <p>2. Blog everyday</p> <p>3. Workout 5 days/week</p> <p>4. 155 lbs by 5/31/09</p> <p>Around 10PM DH got a “wild hair” and wanted to rent a movie…so we hopped our bikes and rode to the video store. In total to and from was a 30 minute bike ride. It was kinda fun to ride at night…not the safest, I know. And I haven’t got a helmet yet either, I think we might get one this weekend!</p> <p>We are now settled in for the night watching our movie! G’nite my favorite blogger buddies!! Hope everyone has a FAN-TAB-U-LOUS weekend!!</p> <p><strong>FRIDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 21/23</p> <p>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE = 6 used/29 remaining</p> <p>WATER = 96 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = 30 min run, 30 min bike ride</p>

Day 178 (Friday 5/1)

Happy Friday & May Day everyone!! The work day is over and I’m free for over 2 days!!! :) I didn’t fall asleep last night till after mi...

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