News for today's 2018

Silence is not always golden

11:08 PM Tukiyooo 0

I haven't posted since Monday. That's very unusual for me. I've been posting almost daily for two years. It wasn't because I didn't have anything to say this past week. I had a lot to say, but all of it was negative, sad, and depressing. I felt like I'd fallen into a pit of despair and self-pity. For some reason I just couldn't bring myself to share it with the world. I've never really suffered from depression for more than a day or two, then I'd always bounce back and all would be well with my world. This time it feels different. I can't even watch the news without crying. Tonight at the gym I was on the treadmill trying to run, seeing if my knee would hold up (it did). CNN was on the TV in front of me, a special report on Haiti. Just what I didn't need to see. I was literally in tears and had to get off the treadmill and head to a different area of the gym (sans TV). I'm short-tempered at work lately, which is totally unlike me. The co-worker I work with the closest pointed out to me that I was rude to him in a meeting last week. I didn't even realize it, but I remember he irritated me, and I said something I probably shouldn't have said. It's been a string of things in the past few weeks that seem to be weighing heavy on me. Nothing specific that I can blame for this darkness in my soul. It's like a shroud of despair is hanging over me. I feel a deep sadness that I've never experienced. I'm not suicidal but I do wonder about the purpose of life, specifically, the purpose of my life. Do I really matter to anyone? I'm married but I really believe my husband would be happier with someone else. Someone who shares his same interests, his same beliefs. Somewhere along the way in the past 21 years we have grown apart. Sometimes I fear it's too far apart and we may never be able to fix our marriage. I'm still hanging steady with my weight at 176. That's depressing me. I feel fat. My size 12 jeans are very snug. My size 10 skirt barely zips, and I can't even wear it in public. My size 10 blazers feel tight across the shoulders. Yet I seem paralyzed to do anything about it. I want to lose weight but I'm barely able to not gain any additional weight. I guess you can see why I haven't posted all week. Who wants to read this kind of crap? It's not uplifting, it doesn't inspire or encourage. If anything I'm probably pulling you down with me. Maybe I'll figure this out. Maybe it's just a phase and it'll pass. Maybe I should shut up about it now. Maybe silence IS golden.

Silence is not always golden

I haven't posted since Monday. That's very unusual for me. I've been posting almost daily for two years. It wasn't because I...

Thinking Positive!

2:33 PM Tukiyooo 0

Thursday morning I knew I wasn’t going to make it to the gym since I stayed up a tad too late on Wednesday. So I slept in a bit and then got ready for work. For some reason I thought I wanted something different for breakfast. I decided to make a fruit & granola salad. I chopped up a pear, an apple, and a banana and threw about a 1/4c of my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html">homemade granola</a> on top. Oh my, I couldn’t even eat it all!! Next time I will only choose 2 fruits!! My eyes were definitely bigger than my tummy! I am estimating I ate about 3 points worth. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cyJmFYMGBgR81Kry_NY3pg-P8qkcDkODdOENWHc4fMl72vFWqXTRxvstzEKfHmbCfxh68jTTdvMhRA_O4411uEwuFahyphenhyphenahZNRe1OErH6RhAT5nzmM2LlNk98MMtfd1FTqEPBzm8yqEdE/s1600-h/DSC06009%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06009" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD17LYBekqylqouK6NydijrEWPglUuGbi3fIin7_e3tQ9gQrANqmXs4U_Y2xnM09osc-jBDo9KXHa_etQgJbIXdhpOmk9xUiQ-h6IpuAuPXeANffriYOQxBu14j39QnRHGQlXfmLrc5h3/?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="DSC06009" width="404" /></a>  My morning snack, yet again, included more <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html">granola</a>! I can’t get enough of this stuff!! I mixed up 1/4c with some ww vanilla yogurt for a delish 2 point snack! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqyhuJxoTJOEkOOtX905caEviNAA4zctVU0Bxm-byjDs7pnEcg0q8jbH1zaS1hCihqYdlFEWQw91EowaaE0jxcc7t2P1rPxpFm9_PFf26xWlZ6HRzNbqYDkxDvjjGwffmKm-HXEnklQDB/s1600-h/DSC06010%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06010" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tkjxblEoXA65sg__iWWu9xc-dyqgt1UOwqVM3MJuD0_FPhQ5pZVzU2pclbggLdf5UepomJlE5aOB9x44FsTrL83oMtFSktxCsoDSg2OXqCzgeT4vTMSAifH2wiXg5OYmDyh8BxKA_uSr/?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="DSC06010" width="404" /></a>  Before lunch I snacked on some crunchy baby carrots. I also had a little bit of ranch on the side for dipping. A yummy 1 point appetizer to my lunch! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6MJhFPqEJgHFM0jO0onu5hzVKpxFnG_bH-uHyNTWB8hPCciS4cdgdyDZyqrwXx__YWD3CrGEd53o515Kuue0bfl7YtLezxRc0x0iL0wuzh0LigfvC1YK2DoRazva3ab_sRX203ty0h6m/s1600-h/DSC06011%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06011" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSdiln8NHOlJ6JQQbT4B0NiO4EEdDEMLK3UO7WXAnYCgeRCQB2LeG4_Q6bMtwTJMps5YNXkodNZxuXmBgNrd6TZIn-YJgRFUon-LHRr5rLVRWdbZqw_yio9rXCmGDwkv6vJ4dp8XplpJB/?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="DSC06011" width="404" /></a> Subway is practically a neighbor to my office so I got that for a quick lunch. I got a 6 inch turkey & ham on wheat for 5 points. But after I ordered I realized I should have got a foot long 'cause they are $5 all month long!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6KPDJLdlaFpt3Xc8vnDb93aYk_O9F7205On3AoNCYKSGV1oQW8CrYQF65OI2Sa4tQU9xXaxHxF3HGYUIiI4LzYK_V5FCETI_jyIodusld2GvxXHfWtcyOThS_8Pts3p538WA9xemhFi-/s1600-h/DSC06012%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06012" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5Tu9RfFzeBFOwctClIdeEOFD5Ab1VQWXdYPJIHB2NV8mhsCzIkyIlTgzYqchPsJbv9UfrX7tBQWp0jatLIALK6hmo-GU6F3K4NoudJzV15ZegJngVMaDkjcUVf9Z55XZ5hh13HS-R-V0/?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="DSC06012" width="404" /></a> For supper I made another new try, Cheesy Chicken and Macaroni. If this isn’t comfort food, I don’t know what is!! Super yummy & would never guess that it’s healthy! On the side I also had 1c of grapes and a serving of green beans for a 7 point supper. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigXnQFuvork9oYLYu9ojiDmXc9SqBQes2sXSMG4l19l4CH6hsNNvkLFDo9gdarrz0uK_ugT3PNkRAKJyF9d0gEmWdFc4MneLtW3LHcd1KQ3f6WEO9k_4bqpqX7r6w0wkhqcaH2biKsxvS/s1600-h/DSC06013%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06013" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobw4Yjb8_DoXnwsvlQfEqBRu4I7RwpupAFcoN1psRKwYaF5_2TfyZaM8-Z-w9X3YcMt_1XElZ3hcjZY_CZyc8qhc3iRrykMqtGo7PaDr-Uuv6Bm1wXqLBkAMoL-DnicUwycuDimJPPBnj/?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="DSC06013" width="404" /></a> Cheesy Chicken & Macaroni <ul> <li>1 1/2 c macroni (dry) – cooked </li> <li>4 oz cooked chicken breast, diced </li> <li>6 oz lite Velvetta, cubed </li> <li>1 can cream of chicken soup </li> <li>1 c lite sour cream </li> <li>1 tsp chicken bouillon granules </li> <li>1/8 tsp pepper </li> <li>Garlic & salt to taste </li> </ul> Preheat oven to 350. Spray baking dish. Combine all ingredients and cook over medium heat. Spoon into baked dish and baked for 30 minutes. Serves 6, 4 points each OR 4 servings, 6 points each. After supper I whipped up a batch of brownies. Once they cooled I cut them out with heart cookie cutters, frosted them, and topped with sprinkles. I wanted to give a little Valentine to the staff in my office!<img alt="DSC06014" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HUAFLwrwR5_c6Q4AfAAm_BFnbaa_zfaqZxo-RtJt-maL5AxIcorck7_f6_VUQ_d_3RM6Pd6eHv8QXcLjTeDcgshbWQdc_yYO47xo_Y4lzUJUtoNTn6IngL2MuypS9kQvHQSNvqpGMbcP/?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="DSC06014" width="404" /><img alt="DSC06015" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzDVJTSrEzvoE5_vqdLRgrpre2AilnQ6t6niJ8Hmii9BI-nFMx7tctlBUkSAKI4BapDhgeL4zU8NI4USPvvx7vg3uci7Js3kYUKygVfqRfJHN8jREgguwQ0wIoklQBLD6HNVTwszGKn2K/?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="DSC06015" width="404" /> As you can tell it’s now Friday. I had a great list planned for my day. <ul> <li>5am wake up </li> <li>blog </li> <li>gym </li> <li>get ready & eat breakfast </li> <li>8am work </li> <li>4pm get off work and welcome friends who are staying at our house for the weekend. </li> </ul> Well it didn’t quite go like that. :( Here is a better summary of my day. <ul> <li>5am wake up </li> <li>lay on couch ‘cause I just wasn’t feeling right </li> <li>run to the bathroom </li> <li>back to bed to sleep </li> <li>bathroom </li> <li>sleep </li> <li>bathroom </li> <li>sleep </li> <li>etc. </li> </ul> You get the picture? Ugh!! I think I’m feeling a tad better, but I think I need to give it more time. I’m so bummed, I made Valentines for my staff, my friends are here for the weekend… Well complaining won’t help, I’m trying my hardest to just rest, think positive, and get better ASAP! Later friends!

Thinking Positive!

Thursday morning I knew I wasn’t going to make it to the gym since I stayed up a tad too late on Wednesday. So I slept in a bit and then got...

Passeport formation

1:22 PM Anonymous 0

Créé par les partenaires sociaux dans le cadre de l’accord de leptembre 2003 et confirmé par celui de janvier 2009, le « passeport formation » est un document personnel, établi à votre initiative et qui reste votre propriété. Ce document permet d’identifier et de faire certifier vos connaissances, compétences et aptitudes professionnelles, acquises dans le cadre de la formation initiale ou continue ou lors d’expériences professionnelles. Le passeport formation inclut notamment :<ul> <li>les diplômes et les titres obtenus au cours de la formation initiale ; <li>les expériences professionnelles acquises lors des périodes de stage ou de formation en entreprise ; <li>les certifications à finalité professionnelle (diplômes, titres ou certificats de qualification) obtenues dans le cadre de la formation continue ou de la validation des acquis de l’expérience (VAE) ; <li>la nature et la durée des actions de formation suivies au titre de la formation professionnelle continue (y compris en cas de chômage) ; <li>le ou les emplois tenus dans une même entreprise sous contrat de travail, ainsi que les connaissances, compétences et aptitudes professionnelles mises en œuvre à cette occasion ; <li>les activités tutorales ; <li>dans une annexe et avec votre accord, les décisions en matière de formation qui seraient prises lors d’entretiens professionnels et de bilans de compétences dont vous avez bénéficié.</ul> Son objectif est de faire émerger chez chacun l’envie de se former, et ainsi de concourir efficacement à la construction de projets successifs de qualification tout au long de la vie professionnelle. Pour le salarié, l’avantage du passeport formation est de pouvoir faire valoir ses compétences à tout moment preuve à l’appui. Pour en savoir plus, vous pouvez : <ul><li>consulter le <a href="http://www.passeportformation.eu/">site</a> <li>télécharger le <a href="http://www.passeportformation.eu/PasseportFormation.pdf">passeport formation</a> <li>télécharger la <a href="http://www.passeportformation.eu/PFnotice.pdf">notice explicative</a></ul>

Passeport formation

Créé par les partenaires sociaux dans le cadre de l’accord de leptembre 2003 et confirmé par celui de janvier 2009, le « passeport formation...

A Few Updates!

12:27 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hey everyone! Yep, I got to spend the day at home on Tuesday, yet again! One HUGE perk to my job!! :) I got the text notification around 5:45am that we were going to be closed and I went back to sleep! :) Kyle and I slept in till 8:30am and then got up to survey the “damage” the storm left!! In total we got 10+ inches and the wind is whipping it ALL around today! We got our driveway blown out, as well as our neighbors and Kyle headed off to work for the day. I came in and wanted to figure out something new & fun for breakfast! I knew just the thing…a new & fun blog I have been reading, <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/">Chocolate Covered Katie</a>, had an amazing looking post yesterday. <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2010/02/08/introducing-the-next-big-thing-in-breakfast/">Pancake Roll Ups!</a> While I reading through her post I stumbled over <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/faq/veganism/ccv-in-a-box/test/door-1/up-a-tree/henry/you-again/brownie-batter-for-breakfast/">this, Brownie Batter Pancakes</a>! So I thought I wanted the pancake roll ups, but this quickly derailed that idea and I went for the chocolate!! :) I had to modify her recipe to use things I already had on hand. So my modified version came out to be Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes! Thanks for the inspiration Katie, I love your blog!! :) 1/2 c pancake mix 1/2 mashed banana (slice other half on top) 1 TBS chocolate chips 1/3-1/2 c water (depending on how thick or thin you want your pancakes…personally I like thin!!) 1 tsp cocoa (i might trying using more next time or maybe chocolate protein powder!) 1 TBS lite chocolate syrup Serves 1 - 8 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0G8bFn-XQ_90Rvo9UyD7jFGuygDNgblDhg-dGG-59f_BnF4oQG37csRluqG5-4iEuC4eTWQVMD8VEFAK4NiFVibuhapKkWnHU5m2N5kxEbGTDWdFPgg0zsHipvacUmL_xA-lrfH_sXKV/s1600-h/DSC05988.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437086027859980210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0G8bFn-XQ_90Rvo9UyD7jFGuygDNgblDhg-dGG-59f_BnF4oQG37csRluqG5-4iEuC4eTWQVMD8VEFAK4NiFVibuhapKkWnHU5m2N5kxEbGTDWdFPgg0zsHipvacUmL_xA-lrfH_sXKV/s400/DSC05988.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> I spent the afternoon in the kitchen! I've been wanting to make my own granola. Many of the options in the store are very high in fat and calories and I knew there had to be an option out there that was better! Yep, there was and I tested it out!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi3uok8Qo9C2e_At23sgtfc8AWfTwd8YFk417oOmGHvmQORY2583BY7BDYp6TZqzPRc4cX2_0sn_qEEqVSJFT-AebCHPWbGME25mJVTtSm6Mk1cNDqIFkAUq5bEmnxKkjijd6NyTeNANt/s1600-h/DSC05995.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437085722019332866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdi3uok8Qo9C2e_At23sgtfc8AWfTwd8YFk417oOmGHvmQORY2583BY7BDYp6TZqzPRc4cX2_0sn_qEEqVSJFT-AebCHPWbGME25mJVTtSm6Mk1cNDqIFkAUq5bEmnxKkjijd6NyTeNANt/s400/DSC05995.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> Here is the recipe I used: Weight Watchers Granola Makes 12 Cups 1 cup = 4 points Ingredients • 4 cups old fashioned oats • 1/2 cup sliced almonds • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/4 cup oil • 1/4 cup honey • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 1/2 cups raisins or dried cranberries Directions 1. In a bowl, mix oats, almonds, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. In a sauce pan, warm the oil and honey. Whisk or stir in the vanilla. Carefully pour liquid over the oat mixture. Stir gently with wooden spoon, finish mixing by hand. 2. Preheat oven to 300 F Spread granola in a 15x10x1” pan. Bake 40 minutes, stirring carefully every 10 minutes. 3. Transfer granola-filled pan to a cooling rack. Cool completely. 4. Stir in raisins or dried cranberries. Seal granola in an air-tight container or self sealing plastic bags. 5. Store at room temperature for 1 week or the freezer for 3 months. I couldn't wait to test it out! I mixed 1/4c with yogurt and LOVED it!! This is definitely going to be a staple in our house from now on!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuD0ng6d6vPWvdUSjQb0bN5W5mGmuHr1-FRRkq92Zk4yvPiXDyrCgs-_GrVPLlDWmE6W95iyYFIkpMv8kf97a-wsh3FSp9TH5wLIpM7KaQ5GJzl21ycuxtaOKnVJtoCJYS3aM5JjA6m_Hf/s1600-h/DSC05994.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437085730156098850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuD0ng6d6vPWvdUSjQb0bN5W5mGmuHr1-FRRkq92Zk4yvPiXDyrCgs-_GrVPLlDWmE6W95iyYFIkpMv8kf97a-wsh3FSp9TH5wLIpM7KaQ5GJzl21ycuxtaOKnVJtoCJYS3aM5JjA6m_Hf/s400/DSC05994.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> Supper was filled with new trys also! I made green bean casserole (ww friendly, of course!), baked herbed potatoes, and crunchy baked fish! Green Bean Casserole - Serves 4 (3 points each) 1 can green beans (I'm going to use 2 next time) 1 can ff cream of mushroom soup 1/2 c fried onions 3 oz lite Velveeta Spray 8X8 baking dish. Mix beans, soup, cheese, and 1/4c onions together. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with remaining onions and bake for 5 minutes. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLmr4PwIYM5oSQuxupIWweYdcNq0oTgM8avmD_ZGiiHJ1PXOJxO8AfSTj6r4994o-N6Ulj2elmJT48XFsVCDsSgzqmtnTuXN9SDMGfJZpfWpIoBlwib2T-jd_9oBDd5L1ErboZ3lUbZQV/s1600-h/DSC06001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437086019146848498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLmr4PwIYM5oSQuxupIWweYdcNq0oTgM8avmD_ZGiiHJ1PXOJxO8AfSTj6r4994o-N6Ulj2elmJT48XFsVCDsSgzqmtnTuXN9SDMGfJZpfWpIoBlwib2T-jd_9oBDd5L1ErboZ3lUbZQV/s400/DSC06001.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> Crunchy Baked Fish - Serves 4 (3 points each) 1 lb fish fillets 1/4 c lemon juice 1 tsp pepper 1 c corn flakes (crushed into 1/3 c crumbs) Wash & dry fillets and cut into serving size pieces (3-4oz). Pour lemon juice into a shallow bowl. Add fish and let marinate in juice for 15 minutes. Drain fish. Coat with cornflake crumbs. Arrange in one layer in sprayed baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes at 475 degrees. There wasn't anything special about the potatoes. I just sliced up a few potatoes, drizzled melted butter over them, and added basil, salt, & pepper. I baked them for 20 minutes covered and the remaining 15-20 minutes uncovered. Delish! No big updates for Wednesday. I was back at work, busy as ever! And I left my camera on the kitchen table so I didn't get pictures of 75% of my food for the day. :( I'll be back to my normal posts tonight!!

A Few Updates!

Hey everyone! Yep, I got to spend the day at home on Tuesday, yet again! One HUGE perk to my job!! :) I got the text notification around 5:4...

A Snowy Monday

6:40 AM Tukiyooo 0

Another week is here my blog friends! I wish I could say I popped right up out of bed ready to hit the gym, but I didn’t. :( But I did make it to the gym, I just had to drag myself there! It was cold & snowy, I thought for sure we would have a delay so I think that is why I was slow-going.  In the end, I made it there and got in 27 minutes on the cross ramp. After my workout I headed to my office and made my oatmeal with chocolate PB2 for 3 points. Can you tell…something is missing? I forgot my banana at home. It was still good, but just not as filling!  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7am1TWE4puA48i_uWdT4nfe9aE6ahA2xcKGUdj24FKtcxxF0hELhTkq2nniDpO4k1QaOmqaQs6BBKPNYVEKgjl_oJ2zv1ZJ2M_HUM0H9-9RrLGH1RyyloOxS45GyXEy3WRsEfoKUR9nk7/s1600-h/DSC05982%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05982" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQebfsHWGNilZKJNiRhROPA5K_Hpw4995NkneJYM7sGTWFrOXrd3IUpb3cppH96CM-uhB0aiM4BX1OLZApD44euwXoOSmNADaJm9bwZV9AoKcMYlDUaP-73HnWl5F0sBNgFYjpAsPh-em/?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="DSC05982" width="404" /></a> It wasn’t long and we got the e-mail saying we were closing early. So I rushed around to get a few things done and before I knew it was noon and I was home free for the day! We are supposed to get up to 9 inches today, a few more tomorrow, and the wind will be picking up making making for blizzard conditions! Who knows, might have the day off tomorrow too! ;) When I got home I had lunch right away. I had 1/2c cottage cheese w/peaches and <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/fun-tastic-friday.html">left over chicken cordon bleu</a> with 2/3c brown rice for 9 points. <img alt="DSC05983" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiLOqVIW3pvI-kHhHdaD0fC1lMiI2mKRHFNE3oFun6MLjh7Hupme7yLsBVvoB_GhWrbkJjqdSp4zZF2tepsjfQZs_NFXa71fb2KTp3qnjICssR0BvSIUn233OmTnB-pJEX821hrA3VjhE/?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="DSC05983" width="404" /><img alt="DSC05984" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7ONik2GXxT5owMumIO5r1vpb5PWASfWehp7eT9MzG9GOzjSlmdcz4svrVJcu9T3PWJP4j-6JLL05IRMOXG7DObeTN65_TkXb6FVr0pJb4tGV_ICrbHd3_4OnfYZ-7qubhUPRpcEPy_n-/?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="DSC05984" width="404" /> I spent my afternoon catching up on blogs and emails. While doing so I munched on 1 c of crisp green grapes for 1 point. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJl5IbAmz6OYWlOBotDk-UexUUEhyYKxiaSqp-msXi60uAoTFk45-1DX2cxjP1CYsCJ4Cp1YJgZqSziFhc6mDt83YN4oEnKE4v_xcY8O9eB5W6Qy3wT4CpMCxj7ZIx_fvO21HVZ9G0Y2b/s1600-h/DSC05985%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05985" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmmySBbaWBWvlmS_sIlRr5oQQ8SbrZvuz11WWQeCeK1VHt-D988iErlFp9M3bEJjTElgXUNL5i-_4hPzxThqYXEkVBd0b6Jk2N61Dn9kLUw2jzDWzegfmkQzrXaAemIyzkACwxiS7ENNA/?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="DSC05985" width="404" /></a> Then I headed out into the snow to blow out our driveway and ended up doing 2 of our neighbors ’as well I ended up being outside for a good 2 hours or so! It’s kinda like a little social outing during this cold winter season! ;) I came inside and whipped up a pot of chili, the perfect supper on a cold snowy day! Our neighbor and Kyle’s brother joined us for supper as well! It was a fun night! I had 1 c chili, with a sprinkle of cheese, a grilled cheese sandwich, a few baby carrots, and 5 saltine crackers for 10 points. <img alt="DSC05987" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbMdvzHrU7l_GZGop8sfmojHXW2RkjutL4uUvpPqXVVNY2hUBKbnKHXokDS0MPhS-wUimBrDm_sbEqgabyV7BOWH6p7CfsG2Glizii0yziL3jaHJ-rX8pcXFJl7QifvBnWloSuVlgd_uc/?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="DSC05987" width="404" /><img alt="DSC05986" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLACGFKl4Yg8kskPM68H9JFCewbMyBqb4ArTV8I1hPprrjkG-NRwUXwPWfYAYJ0-OmNuavriCRvKhjwwFYoYQt-pTe5eT3RpnbaEcm5nUW7mqrMyncUmh6NZOXEej3e0kCMPV0ZHchoHp/?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="DSC05986" width="404" /> Later on for desert I had another cup of the pumpkin whip I made <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/weekend-recap.html">Sunday night</a> with some animal crackers for 5 points. If you like pumpkin you should definitely click on the link and try this out, it’s SO good!!! It’s now Tuesday morning and the wind is whipping around just as they predicted blowing snow like crazy and I am, once again, home for a snow day! Hope everyone is keeping warm!! MONDAY’S STATS POINTS = 28/23 WATER =  92 oz EXERCISE = 27 min cross ramp

A Snowy Monday

Another week is here my blog friends! I wish I could say I popped right up out of bed ready to hit the gym, but I didn’t. :( But I did make ...

Guess I'm not normal after all

8:33 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DufVFF4lRJi1EKAYjLfijGDD1_78snbehYIwtyMvHjlmKXYNBhWisijvYTVggHhgpC8Xov8cGuvYplQANBkhdy4_W98WOVGndoPD5T-ZqI1WjR0CEEkAJvN2b1VONillrcyyikDbWkB6/s1600-h/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DufVFF4lRJi1EKAYjLfijGDD1_78snbehYIwtyMvHjlmKXYNBhWisijvYTVggHhgpC8Xov8cGuvYplQANBkhdy4_W98WOVGndoPD5T-ZqI1WjR0CEEkAJvN2b1VONillrcyyikDbWkB6/s320/cake.jpg" /></a></div>I had a run-in with that damn cake last night. I know I said I wasn't even interested in it yesterday, but as soon I hit "Publish Post" last night, I thought, cake...yummy. (that's not the cake, but it looked very similar) I fought the craving until about 11:30pm then thought to hell with it, I'm having a piece of cake. It's not the chocolate cake I'm crazy about, it's the stupid frosting. It's a vanilla butter-cream recipe I found on FoodNetwork.com (5 stars by about 57 people). It's made with 2 cups of butter, heavy whipping cream, vanilla and powdered sugar. All for just one cake. It was the best frosting I've ever eaten in my life. The big difference between me last night and me two years ago is that I didn't eat the entire cake. Just one piece. Seriously, in the old days I would eat an entire cake in one sitting. I was kind of sick that way. I weighed myself this morning. 176.6. Up a couple more pounds. Drat! I may as well face it, I'm not ever going to be a "normal" person that can have a "bad" food in my house. There is such a thing as a "bad" food. Vanilla butter-cream frosting on any kind of cake is a "bad" food for me. I can't resist it and it's nutritional bad for me. The rest of the cake has gone to cake heaven, otherwise known as the garbage disposal. I'm referring to the garbage disposal in my kitchen sink, not my stomach.

Guess I'm not normal after all

I had a run-in with that damn cake last night. I know I said I wasn't even interested in it yesterday, but as soon I hit "Publish P...

Weekend Recap

11:56 AM Tukiyooo 0

Hey everyone, hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I sure did and I hope you stick around to read about it! ;) Kyle had the weekend off so we didn’t have to wake up to an alarm Saturday morning, which was amazing!! Once we did get up we hit the gym first thing! I started out with a 20 min interval workout on the treadmill and then finished up with 30 minutes on the cross ramp. Breakfast was protein packed & super filling! I made an egg white burrito with ff cheddar cheese and salsa on a flat out. I also had an orange on the side for a total of 5 points. <img alt="DSC05952" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNzRFSB8SvvgKhok1bIFae5QELM49ljrJuyyCEW0ncRHloXk-xcbufmhws_4oVUX4pR-42eJ0L5Qz_yS_cHNlWeFOj6GpCcHbwWwV7RRAvXlWrMVFFPs8GHgXjsF8ULreksJhv0R9fKu4/?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="DSC05952" width="404" /><img alt="DSC05953" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNCmbcaSEPhT6dSMuzguxB54qQNhr2X-ntRoMdVtcqbddp68UuDHuJKyMc3xKTdL3zdpPmT8PeAlsKIHW2LVnBWmP3uO5hezMoTFgr07M1Wz40Zn7XoHuPjPjIio-NjE1zb53-8gYXQnF/?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="DSC05953" width="404" /> I was busy girl all afternoon. I did laundry, cleaned the kitchen, did our menu planner, and cleaned the floors! Then we both got ready for our fun evening! We had a birthday party to go to for my friend/neighbor/zumba buddy, Mel! We started out the night at a nice local restaurant. I ordered a Bud Select 55 to start out for 1 point. I hadn’t tried this before and was pleasantly surprised. I defiantly like d it much better than MGD 64. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvf1GwKbnhVNbqiQIOenkU9hAZY08ROJJTwGn45Z3Ox-kHPIAqIxeuf-9o6QPzIbdMJrsLNOXng5uVidrbMeg5LjF_kKbxlE8s4PDr5cxW3tODVg7KKsR5_gNKkgkZdzRBV9C2TJZxKbM/s1600-h/DSC05954%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05954" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjve7-gReXTQGr-SrtaFNNiN123jrR9fuAkW7FerQtwnsaNQrxYZ-B_qRLovTKS3evXr4cAKADOv-V6hgacffx_Y8omZNlSGoo5mrnB9LptUTrrV_byBd2dHif30fywBvXOJ073igKrCUOg/?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="DSC05954" width="254" /></a> For dinner I ordered grilled chicken (it came in the shape heart!!), cottage cheese, and 1/2 baked potato. I am estimating my total meal at 9 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsMineLjXjJ_aRBurmCt0SuRK2hRv1y7CZgOzXjyXkMvxI5FJuVv-BW1AbIWOGZix0QQVX5whIYMGyM9qGGTd43HkcPksFaJihFEJWb4zbL_4Na1j57acIXX6QRaAIKJFyJxFY4zyIWbT/s1600-h/DSC05956%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05956" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6x7j5zXW3nZOsm2riySHfzej4dGQBVJ16KsWOJR-REgBdqMn5MchMvLL-KsYWTXe9WTyfFXPhe_TtRu4AxKep9zRzjs3XMRassQxD1QZM5NdaZt9JoXh1aN2esaSoycbpfi4raoMQ2IX/?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="DSC05956" width="404" /></a> It was also a few other friends’ bdays so they all blew out their candles together!! Check out the cake my friend made…it was a snowman! No worries though, I didn’t eat any!<img alt="DSC05957" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSJJzA-dDyvT2d33s1ZTup-JtiaLCNaFgWdOFaxC0io19U6_Sc79kMmUYVvD2C8Pyk_CW9glirv4-05OMmKWSYsEnMv4myenMmZqoyse74leiPyj-ZtggaxHqFVohvSWOQEmj4jSbuQLE/?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="DSC05957" width="404" /><img alt="DSC05959" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-Pe2ohxEowraRbf12pU8sp-gnrL9hikhP_Ir88HxFvb3wOUBHmAx-mjGF22oyadJI6ZjryzfCT8TND4kCcfDrgQk_RUyHFm-k62riLa8D9yKWmq_vSzb4TbRau0Eq62w1qewEZiyJ-Vw/?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="DSC05959" width="354" />  The restaurant did offer our whole group (I think there were 16 of us!) complimentary champagne to toast with our cake! I am estimating my glass at 2 points. After dinner we all headed to the bowling alley to do some cosmic bowling!! I did have a few beers at the bowling alley, I am going to estimate that I had about 8 points worth. Here are a few pictures from the night!! Kyle had a superman shirt on under his button down…you could see the symbol in the black light! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eAP1SYwM4NkEp95v52qz1kpRF7HL2c3Fc6MDGA-nIT6MmVxSjc4ML9LWAHQdxuUrchkrp_eV3Y5Guxkp6cCn255kJPPFLvaMv227LTC6BHH1W-6w5m_4SI3Gs32VtptVey24AxVCQJqA/s1600-h/DSC05960%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05960" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9OTg7cJZqdXOxmTEmzYSLmElHgsii0nQK3jrprbyqyKrAlugv3J2kWIwoAe1mWpnyR9S3VuF3LdSC6kqC1nWVCfeUjNUKBXBhAgE0Le4_qbT13KgRP8uJD2V64IzxGtoDJ_LGfIp2sroS/?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="DSC05960" width="404" /></a>  Me with the birthday girl, Mel! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw1uXzVM763wlTPS9W64t0l67dpOOp7T69L8BfnYDvszAh7rI0ukLbHSmzUMia4-b8qnt4XGxMhfgSODL8x6kAXAje11r28yhbSpq-9UPLYengpD41Z5jjPvNHAirC35OUMuaoQLB23PAz/s1600-h/DSC05962%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05962" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1l1whKbFn-yepxnY-dANn5Zf700gNjUpR2utQpozskS5CYdvHc1KB-iftXNtr0xuxahI5BbGyqZFvSiowfAPXXFG60wGLbmtGW_rrlRKEXwq8WKg5rYMzSindnGXzbJryoHhInH6D1QJ5/?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="DSC05962" width="354" /></a>  Kyle has all the “moves” at the bowling alley! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdCyqbricEjfhhA-9Z8zwj_yS7reCBhXqNnMl02jAEFa0DM3retQTp7WoaGDEEmMBrkYj5OMAYHIlb2GCWw9V2x6aWAff1Gg7NjbEicKK6YAnezubosyXBKp1GaxE0mOAWL1uD55DWVa_/s1600-h/DSC05964%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05964" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv03yXxEl8IGkWqTf9mhnATJa03s5UCWnvTD2J4aRZzHqvEpu4_e_o-mNrpMqf93-YHtwQC23lQXXOnILj160F6nqalB6VLsjIfuAPpwA7j2DR7InLY6UgnTWZU1JDRpaZzjat4aYBvuF_/?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="DSC05964" width="404" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtNY5HYawRHTv2iAjpwWR2EJ3XU5vuvYDGgGSAJMMrxUDzolvIAmZKvBF7O6mGpMit5I9FV736ijoOIwiJEYMaVyKkHppXeFEivsDC1glsWB7st0y0gjAlOIvYJZGaugb4f5HcvOz0yAB/s1600-h/DSC05965%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05965" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzOr0fFyUA2qDqNJymV7nYB2112e8UmOqrMzAmQ08nk_6TQCK0R3WbzDir0cMYC6w33j3WICFo1svNbEa1gFExDBrfk5ytOsOLpeQ-Qi0FhEn7iIFBnz16i2KSvXuT8mXRJQCZ-DIF6k6/?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="DSC05965" width="404" /></a> When bowling ended at midnight we went out and got our groove on! Not sure if I’ve mentioned this before, but I LOVE to dance!! May not be the best at it, but always have a fun time!! And we decided to call it a night around 3am!! Too late for this girl!! :) SATURDAY’S STATS POINTS = 25/23 WATER =  72 oz EXERCISE = 20 min interval run/30 min cross ramp SUNDAY Sunday I woke up around 7:30am and was SUPER hungry. I had a peanut butter fiber one bar for 3 points and a banana & chocolate PB2 wrap for 4 points . After a while I decided I was NOT ready to be up for the day yet AT ALL!! I went back to bed and didn’t wake up till 2:30pm!!<img alt="DSC05933" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwzujH3cTs5I2ipCwVo0Qdh52V0jf2QGNRwX7l3HDFoFHpHJhbzXN56ID3BLd3l5qHWpY_OAloPkz5_meo93suklu3xf4rbv-jldNFZs8XL8qbsG6bzS8KHZg0LrOWqzasEnFhEWngXgA/?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="DSC05933" width="400" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0jjzIlhthvyFCAf2Y7Z3YnvyMES5YTsrC3Zma0N_GS3xAZCKq-NwCvU3cRasf9-pZGvPcQGEFjXyYUGWLqSaxORcWYFumBHa1i1dtvK4iyQRWvzgLJ_Rf239oQkt5-4MxL-bLRTzknMD/s1600-h/DSC05979%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05979" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz5Y6uTIzHSPpt-tRPIQFqJG2M9r2cwfzueSSRCHsHZknoO2ANdiAf8VbmD3spYW-D8-Ku1dZlgobuIH3oTSnC7G-tMX-bnxAuko3ZGjULJLD1OUpaQ1mHIul8rAnEJOnuffpmH-U0STk/?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="DSC05979" width="404" /></a> We headed to the grocery store for our weekly run! We didn’t realize how close it was to kickoff and had to rush home for the Super Bowl!! I made a hawaiian pizza for Kyle and whipped up a little something special for me, spinach artichoke dip! My plate consisted of 16 reduced fat wheat thins, baby carrots, 1 slice of pizza, and a serving of spinach artichoke dip which totaled 8 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4wYA2TSbxhy9SyWl8WM8y24Tv6hujp2WRH_dUB_fZ-PcyAxhFptQ953dNif7Hk62T6EZ6D-7UsFsvVvXqkuQQ2xzd6E9OC5B9H4ZAC59UXuLtEw9hj8h4nvm7GAF2i0wnGEgJsrqtD7Q/s1600-h/DSC05980%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05980" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4fD3EAktbJ6hKn6sFog8bJPi8uqaWPttaAYNhO8wJ5NqDrty1eIdL7Dxbo4UXTeitMnDlJe7YbA1uuMSS5WaXzPME2vS9RboYl4RFNGpl2MvMIuFp6r6gHFCxUCtIm3yF_mMT7pi66DZ/?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="DSC05980" width="404" /></a>  I modified a recipe from Kraft to make it more point friendly. Here is what I used: Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip <ul> <li> <div align="left">1 - 14oz can artichoke hearts, drained, finely chopped</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 – 10 oz pkg frozen spinach, thawed, drained</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">6 tps reduced fat parmesan cheese</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">4 Tbs lite mayo</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1/4c ff shredded mozzarella cheese</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1/4c 2% shredded mozzarella cheese</div> </li> </ul> Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients until well blended. Spoon into 4 ramekins. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Each serving is 2 points.  Spinach artichoke dip is one of my favorite things and I love that I can still have it and fit it into my daily points. And it’s a HUGE serving also!! I was craving something sweet so I whipped up some “pumpkin whip”(2 points) !! It totally satisfied my sweet tooth! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMo5ba7oW7UGBpjwcV0_oRvTG8XATy83S4Mh2vD3I1l6EQx_T2fz3r8LCr1GraNASFCuQyFsmFYjCCD7nH-EZs_E-5NZ8h0HpPxFNoFwCicwntYg7TfWA0FrF-B-E5UCs4WbQabqGaTVuW/s1600-h/DSC05981%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05981" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW18gN1GX_F6kN961uT93CWm9t6eDrKW2PYKotO8pYQ8Yfy8YCQnr3AIBR-BxnWiefXA85RI5TbAX3jU75-8J4Ucy_JuLHW6RNzjVs07-yIqnEVUfXHpWwDWTo5E3P2jjKHS4T_qEBIRaU/?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="DSC05981" width="404" /></a> Pumpkin Whip <ul> <li>1 sm. pkg. FF butterscotch pudding mix </li> <li>1 1/2 c cold milk </li> <li>1 c canned pumpkin </li> <li>1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice </li> <li>2 c FF Cool Whip </li> </ul> In a mixing bowl, beat putting and milk until well blended (1-2 minutes). Blend in pumpkin and spice. Fold in Cool Whip and spoon into 4 dessert dishes. Chill. Garnish with 1 tsp. Cool Whip. Makes 4 servings, 2 points each. SUNDAY’S STATS POINTS = 17/23 WATER =  48 oz EXERCISE = none

Weekend Recap

Hey everyone, hope you all had a wonderful weekend ! I sure did and I hope you stick around to read about it! ;) Kyle had the weekend off...

I know who the Saints are now

10:10 PM Tukiyooo 0

The Saints are only the greatest football team in America! We made it home from the 5th Avenue Theater by half-time. Downtown Seattle to our house, about 24 miles, in less than 20 minutes. A record. The last half of the game was amazing! Speaking of football, we saw Blind Side on Saturday. I agreed to go to it because I'd messed up about the Super Bowl. Best movie ever! I'm usually not into football movies but this movie was really good.. It's a must-see. It's based on a true story which makes it even cooler. I cried a lot and laughed a lot, my requirements for a great movie. A++ My husband and I had an interesting conversation at brunch this morning (where I ordered scrambled egg whites with as little oil as possible, and sliced tomatoes). I told him I felt guilty about dinner Saturday night. I had a large piece of prime rib, a twice baked potato (with lots of cheese), Marsala mushrooms, roasted Brussels sprouts where I didn't even measure the olive oil, champagne and two pieces of cake. I didn't like the chocolate cake, but I loved the homemade buttercream frosting. He didn't understand my guilt about eating food. He seriously didn't get what I was talking about. He told me why would you feel "guilty"? It's just food. I told him it was because it was so many calories and it made me feel bad that I just ate whatever I wanted and didn't even think about the calories and fat. It was the champagne that made me nuts...when I drink I lose all common sense. Something he said really hit home with me. It's not anything I haven't heard before on other blogs or in comments, but when he said it, it made it finally made sense. He said, "It's not like you eat like that every day. You always eat healthy. In fact, when is the last time you had prime rib or a piece of cake?" I really can't remember the last time I had prime rib, maybe three or more years ago. The last time I had a piece of cake, a real piece of cake and not just a bite, was probably at least two years ago too. When I weighed 240 pounds. Today I'm completely back on track with my eating, and I worked out an hour and a half at the gym. I didn't have any sugar cravings or cravings of any type today. The big dinner with the cake for dessert didn't send me down some path of food debauchery and gluttony. I'm not even interested in having more cake. I had it, it was good, but I'm over it. Is this what normal people feel like? It's a new concept for me--to actually eat a meal I would consider "bad" and not deeply regret it and beat myself up about it. Like he said, it's just food. What is there to feel guilty about?

I know who the Saints are now

The Saints are only the greatest football team in America! We made it home from the 5th Avenue Theater by half-time. Downtown Seattle to our...

Planning de la semaine du 08 au 12 février 2010

5:52 AM Anonymous 0

<h2>Permanences </h2><ul> <li>Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 08 février de 9h à 12h30 - le mardi 09 février de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h, - le mercredi 10 février de 13h30 à 17h - le jeudi 11 février de 13h30 à 17h - le vendredi 12 février de 13h30 à 17h <li><a href="http://www.egee.asso.fr/" target="_blank">EGEE</a> - lundi 08 février de 13h30 à 17h (sur rendez-vous)</li></ul> <h2>Ateliers </h2> <ul><li>CV - mardi 09 février de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 10 février de 13h30 à 17h <li>Lettre de Motivation - mardi 09 février de 13h30 à 17h <li>Préparation à l'entretien - jeudi 11 février de 13h30 à 17h <li>Pôle-emploi.fr - vendredi 12 février de 10h à 11h30 <li><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a> - vendredi 12 février de 14h à 16h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 08 au 12 février 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 08 fé...

What is a "Weight Watcher"?

12:04 PM Tukiyooo 0

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

What is a "Weight Watcher"?

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

If The Church Were A Safe Place

11:10 AM Tukiyooo 0

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

If The Church Were A Safe Place

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

Fun-Tastic Friday

8:36 AM Tukiyooo 0

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

Fun-Tastic Friday

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

The hard way is the easy way, the easy way is the hard way

12:00 AM Tukiyooo 0

lackadaisical 1. without interest, vigor, or determination; listless; lethargic: a lackadaisical attempt. That pretty much describes me this week in regards to trying to lose weight. It's been a weird week. For the first time in two years I completely lost interest in tracking my food, measuring everything I ate, weighing myself every day (something I've done almost every day for two years) or even reading blogs. I certainly had no interest in posting either. I was losing interest in everything. A dangerous thing for a girl like me. I've still worked out every day, tried to watch what I ate, even when I ate out at a pizza place and an Italian restaurant this week, but my heart just wasn't into it. Then I watched Oprah tonight. I rarely watch Oprah but I kind of like that Dr. Oz guy. He was on tonight talking about diabetes. Scared the holy crap out of me. If you didn't see it, you need to see it. Here's a <a href="http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Dr-Oz-Talks-About-Diabetes-Video" target="blank">link</a> to a clip where Dr. Oz talks for a few minutes about diabetes, but Oprah show isn't online yet. First they showed how diabetes works, what it does to you. Then Dr. Oz shows what too much sugar does to your insides. It's like shards of glass going through your body. He wasn't just talking about white table sugar, but carbs like white bread or processed foods that turned to sugar. Dr. Oz interviewed a patient of his, a 40-year old woman with diabetes. She was on dialysis because her kidneys were destroyed and half of one leg had been amputated, as well as part of her foot on the other leg was amputated. You could she'd been a beautiful woman at one time, but she looked terrible. Much older than 40 and so very sick. It was absolutely horrifying. I keep thinking, well, I'm not that fat. Techinically if I was to go by my highest acceptable weight according to Weight Watchers I'm "only" about 20 pounds overweight. I don't want to weigh 155, I want to weigh 135, but I play that stupid game with myself that 155 would be okay, and 175 isn't so bad. Dr. Oz burst that bubble for me. He said measure your waist at the belly button. I always measure my waist at the smallest part, which is about three inches above my belly button, so it's 32 inches. I already knew that your waist should never be more than half of your height. I'm 5' 6" so my waist shouldn't be more than 33 inches. I thought I was okay, but at my belly button my waist is 40 inches! I'm high risk for diabetes! Yes, I'm just a little bit freaked out by this little fact. I can't remember how much it increased the odds of me getting diabetes, but it was huge. This means it's time to get off my lazy butt and get serious again. It means the end of my lackadisical ways. Back to tracking, back to measuring and weighing and Weight Watcher meetings. In high school my best friend's dad use to always say 'the hard way is the easy way, the easy way is the hard way'. It took me years to understand that, but basically it means if you do the hard work now, it'll be easier for you in the long run. If you take the easy way out now, it'll be hard for you in the long run. Let's see...which would I choose, have my legs cut off or do all that other stuff to get healthy? I choose the hard way (which in the long run will be the easy way!) p.s. - my girl Pink is on Oprah today, and I have today off work. Woohoo!

The hard way is the easy way, the easy way is the hard way

lackadaisical 1. without interest, vigor, or determination; listless; lethargic: a lackadaisical attempt. That pretty much describes me this...

Rockin’ Thursday

7:10 PM Tukiyooo 0

Happy Friday Eve my blogger friends!!! I’m especially happy for the weekend this week because my dear hubby actually has it off work!! Three cheers for a weekend with my man!! Hip hip hooray! :) I hopped out of bed this morning at 5:10am without even thinking twice about hitting snooze!! The “evil Darci” wasn’t anywhere to be found today!! :) I hit the gym and got in 35 minutes on the treadmill. I walked at 4.0 mph at a 4.5 incline! Great work out on the legs!! I LOVE to read while I workout (if I’m not running)! Right now I’m finishing up the Shopaholic series (Shopaholic And a Baby). I know a lot of people weren’t a big fan of the movie, but the books are an easy read and really keep you in it!! I haven’t watched the movie yet, but plan to when I finish this book. I’m looking for another book series to read next! Drove to the other side of campus to my office building to make my yummy breakfast! It was the usual oatmeal with a small sliced banana and chocolate PB2 for 4 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcV7iPds69cyZHk22z3Ty36mZ2Hp1miIAwvw7nrdohXeg6OgkqpJNt49R5fx0I1FZ7zgKqNHq1GmU4k2Ov4rxffirUJ5FGKiSnlFc7W6-suL-q-2FXk9URqSUKfpKRj3hpbitpiC6LXVgj/s1600-h/DSC05930%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05930" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbJf1f_g7sbietnDPxKAs_9GBNEWQU1vSJ-wxb7ATwsZPRt-CseNpluDhbQmXwd1GL7A1UPbrhd7eUO5IyVsT_8m_sSWu8k88LcYfCrkHP1LGmZWgaZ1asiHNzbbt82VU_2NEe8LAvSi8/?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="DSC05930" width="404" /></a>  Work is slowing down a tad so it felt good to get caught up on a bunch of stuff today. I had the same morning snack for the 4th day in a row…but it’s oh so good!! 1 1/2 c strawberries, vanilla yogurt (hey that’s a change from the previous 3 days!), and 1/4 c grape nuts for 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip6kOd9CvSgm8a0aag1VEDEoMla1AiA6G7f2ywSwTYP59iaMQ-OoKGAaAVJqLfk4-jey49Q2EXIXY4w4X_kWmPaF7Dyrw1841PvWUIauv1YjHnWA-4YRtUL7tv1lUa5LMMhih6pPHT16u8/s1600-h/DSC05931%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05931" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjWxOpAIiXvYPeQJ1v6WSLaDmo1m4zMdm2srbu0-BG_LiIy6gAk5Fqket2kfLJomvD4hX7AD0JB_aKrRpcQqvg2iLKDGX895yzqyvhWJRgS2hD_LL8EMXiHzSC1v9Ebp2HUg_oZWk5-YXf/?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="DSC05931" width="404" /></a> Broke for lunch around 1pm. I wasn’t sure what today so I just kept it simple. I had a chicken salad on a thin bun with cheese and sliced up a golden delicious apple for 5 points. If you haven’t tried thin buns (I know there are many other names out there as well) before, you need to…they are VERY good!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLEec1ph0xzKluHNdLR6AefBYwBo2OZrn9HEtyv6ILm-5XjtJO9inFarIOrZxTVkR4bVyzlJeQWhaUqMsql2eLqZpWdo01YT0I3lPaCDDPIPhIE10gTYbw4ANxMvDMYScqqWCF-cfQ11N/s1600-h/DSC05932%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05932" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvZPvKeLjDubCDljyy_O7ftTzIrKcHhCFnSSupBLjYOgE3yvmuF7oBHohH6bEhbbP_z9B4oq2PiRaoGVkQ4Tg1JboH2hnAgRjCyg7R4jH6X4nSRGHa8mycGHjxYRHTpnw3BbsECp5lm4g/?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="DSC05932" width="404" /></a> I wanted something sweet after lunch so I had a peanut butter fiber one bar for 3 points on my short little jaunt back to work. And it did just the trick!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFmKZ6Ses5s2lff7sCD569HeFmrnId16U7hln5ANtQcZlMBlo-VlbfxhPPR2mjLnSMsc7bOSHFppKJsNi3UpYuK0h37fMb_RnbpsnA-s-ZLZkUVo0Do-Q99nBBcZQiRiTBuZRFmCJ9KeOT/s1600-h/DSC05933%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC05933" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGVZCKiR5mUsLTNwP0yDtJQwkroeN5M987URHT8EFCwMnrabOfC8-SusrzCiQs_yHI_cpUHHernGEd9e9z47kqoXUyQNlpLBvXYPA8KsN2I0y1LNSchGwxap0CkbSaHBLIaQhVRZRoTXK/?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="DSC05933" width="404" /></a> My afternoon was super productive. Afterwards I put on my sweaty gym clothes (from my morning workout!) and went back to the gym for 3rd two-a-day of the week! Tonight was ZUMBA!!! I love this class more and more each time! And I think I pushed myself extra tonight ‘cause I was sweating a whole LOT more than I remember from Tuesday! When I got home I got right to work in the kitchen on supper! Another new try tonight! I made Deep Dish Pizza Casserole. It was pretty good, but I think next time I will add some green peppers & maybe some onions to the mix so it isn’t so meaty. I also had a side of corn to round out my meal for a delicious 7 point supper. <img alt="DSC05934" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGbydjG-pu8JopT6k_VC1JrWymYsYS5egyKtrp66ABBVUNfGI762ZvLNe4CPBz9XxhgT4T-LY6twchqdN0uk-mHacdDc5_Du9bsEcDljZhJOezGLSAGpXzjJKfuXjm_jp0mhT02SI5t96/?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="DSC05934" width="404" /><img alt="DSC05935" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrgtMzwst7zfI8hOrwOu6QE7C_MJ2aag3kHx29HYoXZbE2hHfZlhsbeHZG3Xgd_a9VsptwMNS_TLvSs24xwaX0tnB0o5OUz9x4kPW-gbO99Es-b3qjLARgCTwQOo6bkF5efcVjq2g7tt4/?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="DSC05935" width="404" /> Deep Dish Pizza Casserole <ul> <li>1 lb ground beef or turkey </li> <li>1 15 oz can tomato sauce (the recipe called for chunky itlaian style…we aren’t fans of tomato chunks tho!) </li> <li>Cooking spray </li> <li>1 10oz can refrigerated pizza crust </li> <li>1 1/2 c 2% shredded mozzarella cheese </li> <ul> <li>Brown meat. Drain if necessary and return to skillet. Add tomato sauce and cook until heated. </li> <li>While meat cooks coat 9 X 13 baking dish with cooking spray. Unroll pizza crust dough and press into bottom and halfway up side of baking dish. Top with meat mixture. </li> <li>Bake uncovered at 425 degrees for 12 minutes. Top with cheese and bake for 5 additional minutes or until crust is browned and cheese melts. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings. 6 points/serving </li> </ul> </ul> My gym bag is packed, supper dishes are done, and food is ready for tomorrow! Now it’s time for bed!! I feel like a grandma going to bed at 9-9:30ish…but boy I just can’t get up very well if I don’t go to bed early!! So I think I choose feeling like a grandma over not working out!! ;) THURSDAY’S STATS POINTS = 19/23 WATER =  116 oz EXERCISE = 35 min walk @ incline/45 min Zumba Do you read while working out? Do you have a good series to recommend I start next? (PS I’ve already read Twilight!) What’s your favorite book(s) of all time? edit: Make sure to over to <a href=" http://enduranceisntonlyphysical.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway-oiselle-running-apparel.html">this blog</a> for a wonderful giveaway!!

Rockin’ Thursday

Happy Friday Eve my blogger friends!!! I’m especially happy for the weekend this week because my dear hubby actually has it off work!! Three...