News for today's 2018

Lenten Reflections: Part 2

5:09 PM Tukiyooo 0

II. CLEFT FOR ME The rocky edifices of my world are beautiful precisely because they are broken. Their very appearance above ground is the consequence of various geologic cataclysms, a shifting of tectonic plates, a volcanic eruption, or a glacial assault upon the earth. The great rocks themselves are marked by fissures, caves, and niches formed by wind, water erosion, and the insistent wearing of time. These rocks are marked by ages. Their beauty resides in the paradox of strength and brokenness. How can such solidity be fractured? Are the wind and water mightier than the rock? Was the seemingly impregnable stone fortress flawed, concealing secret faults, weaknesses waiting to be exploited? Or is the stone rather personalized by an inner consent to be broken, a submission to sacrifice for some more tender, even more human, inclination? The fissures, caves, and niches not only transform a flat surface of uniform disinterest into a complex portrait of aesthetic wonder, they offer shelter from sun, wind, and rain. Ironically, they shield the more vulnerable living creatures of the desert from the very same forces that break the rocks so that they may afford the shelter. That the Rock of Ages should be cleft is astounding. If the Rock is cleft by a force superior to itself, that would be the end of faith. It would mean the power of chaos triumphs over order, the power of nothingness (Karl Barth called it, das Nachtige) triumphs over Being. But suppose the Rock of Ages is not cleft against its will. Perhaps it is not subjected to such breakage by weakness but by the vulnerability of its own love. Hesed. “His mercy endures forever.” Suppose the Rock of Ages is not cleft by meaninglessness and chaos, but rather is cleft for a purpose the Rock deems worthy of such a sacrifice. The Rock consents to be broken. What purpose could justify the breaking of God? “Rock of ages cleft for me.” If the foundation of reality is only strength, then where is the place for my weakness? Where can I hide on the stony surface of such a reality? I need the strength of the Rock to save me with its power, but I also need the vulnerability of the cleft which is its caring, the costly caring, in which I take refuge. Neither power nor vulnerability standing alone will offer refuge. Love and power must be conjoined in the God of my salvation – the God who is both rock and person, the rock with the power to shield, but with a cleft which is his “wounded side.” God is infinitely more than human. Heaven and earth cannot contain the Lord. He cannot be confined in a temple, labeled with a name, or defined by an image. God is more vast that the universe itself. Yet, God’s greatness rests not in vastness but rather in God’s willingness to become human, to take on flesh, to subject himself to the frailty of mortal life so that we might not be alone. The greatness of God’s compassion exceeds the greatness of God’s might. God opens in vulnerable mercy to enfold us. “Let me hide myself in thee.” It is my very self I need to hide. It is my very self because that is what is threatened by the world, which is often indifferent, often even hostile to my presence here. It is not just my assets or my reputation. It is my very self that is at risk of being crushed or distorted by demands, manipulations, and judgments, crushed or distorted by fate, ill health, personal calamity. The person God made me to be is in danger of destruction or distortion by a world that wants me to be either entirely different or entirely absent. If I am not sufficient in myself to deliver myself, then where can I turn but to God? And so I do. I recite the words of Isaiah, Surely it is God who saves me, I will trust in him and not be afraid for he is my stronghold and my sure defense and he will be my savior. Isaiah 12: 2 Or I center myself with a one word prayer, murmuring the name of God alone, resting in God and trusting that God holds my life in his hand. I would rather hold my life in my own hand, but my hand is too small. It is not strong enough. There is a poignant solace in taking refuge in the cleft of the rock. God affords me refuge and that is good. But for the cleft to be ther for me, God has must be broken. A rift in God must occur in order to afford me that refuge. I did not break God. Even my sin is not so powerful as that. God is broken open by God’s own love. The Buddhist teacher, Chogyam Trungpa, used to speak of the heart being “broken open.” Just so, God is broken open by God’s own love to afford me refuge and that makes the place of refuge a place where I know I am loved, where I am valued enough to endure the fracture of mortality. That’s is what God shows me in Jesus on the cross – a God willing to walk into death with me, a God willing to descend into hell to bring me back from it. I can prostrate myself in awe of the Rock of Ages like a Pleistocene man before El Capitan. But awe is not love. I love the Rock of Ages because it is cleft. When I find myself unworthy to breathe the earth’s air, I find my worth in knowing the Rock was cleft for me. I wish I were more often moved to reverence and wonder by the glories of creation. But I am not. I am a prisoner of ego. I live in a small world of projects, plans, and petrifications of the heart. God’s glory only occasionally gets my attention and then it does not last. But fear gets my attention. It gets my attention so well, I would not blame God if God threatened me daily. But God does not. I cannot recall once being threatened by God – by preachers of hellfire and damnation, yes. But not by God. And the hellfire and damnation seemed too remote to pose an immediate threat. So whence cometh the fear that focuses my mind? Life is unstable. Buddha said as much in the 2nd Noble Truth. Heraclitus echoed him in his teaching on flux. Ecclesiastes despaired over it. A forgotten seat belt, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, the tremors of the earth or the economy or the emotions of those we love, all these variables can bring a grandiose life to rubble and ruin. Something as tiny as a blood clot or a bit of plaque broken loose from an artery will wipe away the miracle of the human mind. In John Irving’s novel, The World According To Garp, when the hero was a little boy wading in the ocean, his mother would call out warnings to watch out for the undertow. He misheard her, thought she was warning of a malevolent monster “the undertoad.” He misheard her word but caught her meaning. It feels as if the lion prowls, dash Nacthige undoes, the chaos monster scatters the sand paintings of our lives and loves. That is when I need to hide myself in the cleft of the rock. And I do. Over 60 years, so many disasters have almost happened. God has delivered me from most of them. Others have happened, and God has delivered me through them. I would far rather be delivered from than through. But the point is to be delivered, to see the sky clear and walk the earth again. The storms come. The storms pass by as we nest in the invisible castle, secure in the crag and the fortress of God, powerful as the granite mountain, caring as the wounded side. Like the rocky edifices of Nevada, God is beautiful in God’s brokenness. Copyright 2010 Dan T. Edwards

Lenten Reflections: Part 2

II. CLEFT FOR ME The rocky edifices of my world are beautiful precisely because they are broken. Their very appearance above ground is the c...

Tracking Thursday AND following the rules

11:33 AM Tukiyooo 0

Yesterday I ate healthy all day and tracked every bite. I wasn't paying much attention to how many points I was accumulating because my meals were what I normally eat, so I was sure it was all good. When I got home I logged on to the online tracker to see how many Points I had left for dinner. I was shocked to see I'd already eaten 21.5 Points for my breakfast, lunch and two snacks. My max is 21 with some weeklies, depending on how hungry I am. I couldn't believe I'd eaten all my Points. I went back over every item, but it was all correct. I evaluated what I'd eaten all day and realized I'd been adding in a few little things here and there that really added up. They seemed harmless at the time, but they're why I haven't been losing weight (and slowly gaining). Sugar-free creamer in my coffee when I use to always drink it black. Hummus with my raw vegetables when I always ate my afternoon snack of raw vegetables plain. A few extra pieces of fruit, when I was limiting fruit to a maximum of three a day. Cutting back my vegetables from five servings a day to two or three. I wasn't drinking my non-fat milk or eating my healthy oil. The bottom line:  I haven't really been following the Weight Watcher plan. I've been squandering my Points. Just like I budget money to pay the mortgage, the car payment and the utility bills, I need to budget to make sure I get in my healthy oil and dairy. If I have to cut out the hummus so I can have a cup of milk and a yogurt, it's what I have to do. Today I'm focusing on tracking, but also following the healthy eating guidelines. I know that's one of the keys to successfully losing weight. I've accepted exercise as part of my life. Now I need to follow through on the healthy eating and limiting my food. When I saw I'd already eaten 21.5 Points by 6pm I considered skipping dinner, instead I had dinner and some fruit. It was about 8 Points, but I thought that was better than starving. Today will be better, I promise. Tracking and following the rules.

Tracking Thursday AND following the rules

Yesterday I ate healthy all day and tracked every bite. I wasn't paying much attention to how many points I was accumulating because my ...

I’m going win this fight!!

4:22 AM Tukiyooo 0

Good morning my favorite blogger friends!! :) Wednesday I was still working on kicking this cold that’s trying to come on. I skipped my morning gym workout to get some extra zzz’s. I also took some rapid release Tylenol to help with my pounding head and I found some Airborne in the medicine cabinet and took one of those as well. Hopefully my stubborn-ness keeps it away too! ;) I’m staying positive!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cfQAb_bjm_c6lGL37nqF_FcEdrxot0lN0L_8B1JBxnEDyQjP3POAp0WqHlvM0LjITSs8_0hB_LKafPB3vmidcP0gTX0NCGKVlZidRmGJ0IqCQQchJvGDafaV8ATEQulHXf84jacNUiJa/s1600-h/DSC06173%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06173" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtTIv9W8FjENCNld5UfwtIEXXAS9r3CXO8Qd0s4mRz6gxHBFV8FgTJ6-oYTFhsNxWC3K0sfsvmGhPDDb6p1m__kLbqFc5qTnPgr_biVRRZC7HoQSO2LgmL91W04j3eSdR1sld1n7sVKI-/?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="DSC06173" width="404" /></a>  Oh and thanks for all the tips! I appreciate it. I’m going to by some ZICAM nose spray when I’m at the pharmacy today…but I’m not so sure about the peroxide in the ears! ;) But hey, I guess if it means I won’t get sick I should try it, huh?!?! For breakfast I just kept it simple. I peeled an orange (vitamin C!!!) and sliced an apple for 2 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZV8Adqd7W5Q3QkY4oUPbhwQ5jsPoHnKdPq_DeQ_l41x6nSKNS0Q2eidelCxKHLBvbDfQjVXL663ZEeXODBS2HEUrCOPJozz2dJEEm48l4MRlKzsooMorlcj3AH76k5rw5MWb4MfyVD4gF/s1600-h/DSC06174%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06174" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdZQintBakQScOpNIRO3nBNxS_qbIQb4j16wry9r5SXzBi_77c-iawWvRMQIea7hjMmR0UluOzyZ5q9e5PV9i39hpqoZPlYdwMof688F54XJr6XyidX08uwE2YjmdjsvLz5dfzaJthkD1/?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="DSC06174" width="404" /></a>  Before all my morning meetings started I mixed up my morning snack of strawberries, ww vanilla yogurt, and 1/4c <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html">homemade granola</a> for 3 points.  I am sad to say that this was the last of the 12 cup batch! I guess I know what I’ll be doing on Saturday!! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0JP1a_ZYoX_jy6Dvc8t-pXvGimEmQtDaxSOK8iRU8BqHrbpr9NrfrI8aSC2tX8s50SfcEVlS_yZ9hlAgJFVEYP7A4grzW1bJG7MnBRb6KGQf6iB_XyfeKCGmpI6KbFufpaiptEslejPS/s1600-h/DSC06175%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06175" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fjhG6AN1vTUP65ju-aSCHcHwSXFiTIFEM1rM9naRnfQ63qGc-aGB7ppuLEdBA9tWEs4O2olPtU0mhUQryZozPqgylfJRJFcYO3gGI9H671IDUvSxRCLrpY_GtWjSN4nl_-Vxy-lctHhV/?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="DSC06175" width="404" /></a>  After a morning filled with meetings I headed home to let the cable guy in over my lunch. I called our cable & internet provider and asked for a better rate and saved Kyle & I $30/month!! Hooray!! And the bonus was that we were even upgraded so he had to install something new!! Lunch was quick, simple, & delicious! I started out 1/2c cottage cheese w/pineapple and an orange (more Vitamin C!!) for 4 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKFSOxKF6tXPjzyefPVAYjDuuWdGfexqyihRyYlbjZjn5UkeZn9HOTf4y8YpQgTXtq3hOg6qcYAC3BklVjO4mJPCyqhg-YAbpt2bRF_Ae7_687FEaGNmExWU7AWD671s9ka-o9R2BGlOB/s1600-h/DSC06176%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06176" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBh6z1kpcM12LVq4Jdld2eVgmEyJpF5T7BYaYSGm1sd0yfa-fzRzSG-H-NXLl8co9wT0yElmPLxzS79PrBT6Y18tGxd5eBDLTJadgE_BOZa_ixIa9wLwY_Cho3Mje75Ot4LHbRme6cei_/?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="DSC06176" width="404" /></a>  And I finished off with a gooey, warm grilled cheese sandwich for 2 points. I even cut it diagonally like my Mom used to…felt just like a kid eating this! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2Spk4efIzsY_szGoaUyNdz_BUh4iNzHbOEYpWTEP82Nfjn5lECaViQoZWv1J6n0xV5Rgo_35UxoKRxpxfbIJDPt9fDjBP3c3oGs1ocVUIcfgPhlF02yj5gZgYY9WjvkdpfI7_KBaaLmi/s1600-h/DSC06177%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06177" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmm0fM4lKX29NdK7lfXSdwucocsyi5Q1vX_Sjh1KZ8tp1hMdFLP_pbBKi-FKMIBAVdpkQXYglwdJ8GwvVe53MJRhwrem2e4bo40Fog-DNu48J9_kJ_57MpgcKOq5OrQUKE_RLXKn08G3J/?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="DSC06177" width="404" /></a>  If you can believe it, I had more meetings yet in my afternoon. To get me through I sipped on some bubbly…no not champagne, diet sierra mist! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKR9G37FFfK5i9oWeLeRfpem7DRVRlAtwygtrijNeHKypbLgt5Ry9LrSxL8SJ_qswGqWI0VtcsFXVfmxQO-iLdc61tyK_hLIkSoZ6e3cM-dkqpqFurkEzDM4z0_6EacgfUE3_CWN9UNQnE/s1600-h/DSC06178%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06178" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-rqkPlXtPIE3boYU3hRD2ygXdt9zB0Fj8jAtebuCLBVziUMqlGZs8weB18HteeLTfJu5tFsXe4RODXOPnMalZ0mA3avuCv8sbPeVvTjaL3IWGxMNpOiQSkx9lbyoBBZTf2ABYJq0L1AM/?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="DSC06178" width="404" /></a>  Now I know I ate some baby carrots when I got back to my office. And I KNOW I took a picture…but my camera must have ate it! ;) Oh well…zero points anyway!! After work I ready to hit the gym! I got in 35 minutes on the treadmill. Now the exciting part…within that 35 minutes I ran a 5K in 28:29 minutes!!! Which beats my goal of 29 minutes for February!! I was super pumped!!! It wasn’t easy though, my chest was tight, but I finished! I think this is the fastest I have ever ran a 5K! After my sweat session I came home and whipped up beef enchiladas! I thought they turned out great, but Kyle wasn’t so sure of the beans! He says it’s not an enchilada if there are beans in it, it’s more of a burrito. I said who care’s what it’s called…it just tastes good! My serving was 7 points. I couldn’t get a picture on my plate…it just turned into a big blob of meat & cheese!! But oh so good!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCyrJTwW-eH2-HgOYIcRQ7JKMUDxPMK1iO_SURqBLiaogtFsb-quaTFBR6pAhcKxWGAKumcxnj1l04_CiKfvqCOqF7Ns6M3YCYzDixGBLQNvdWsPJGXrNkFpRFSU9apHouheZaIABexFFU/s1600-h/DSC06179%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06179" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-OXw5lwtDpPz2KOt6D-OVkgqHIzxsO7HUvjhUClgcSrq9426dsKvYJj0Uch9TMqZt3Cow8zpzUgKjUa5dhqFWmuRjnZY4yzMue1sQXuWJtmr6drfDIvtdzlt_FymNmdLao2Ib30DG7g5/?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="DSC06179" width="404" /></a>  I also had a 1/2c of corn on the side for 1 point. I always remember school lunches whenever you had a Mexican dish you always had corn with it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZPYGqvv5YM9bB705pv9b5Yb7Tim93o98PCmyAgvKGDsubk8s7mNxX17mWWrH0jT5jKtmgB1w7V8kxu9R_YTse0U-GfPGMTJyPryi9UMrPezEiQ8J1vOheoEWZy0zkXevqLNIa1WEJU74/s1600-h/DSC06180%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06180" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrsYIc7oK-6ZnBhG_IzH3bBhQUC2t8oW8iwuzGx2-Uxh8pnvbtEhw2eaHf1ROm2RoG_C5qiBDzoh79YJgjT7BYyujtXXaKhoeQQB7cxbhMUGKwEd5H0OlugetSmmgCvx0DZtmiIm5lgnn/?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="DSC06180" width="404" /></a> Beef Enchiladas (makes 12 Enchiladas or 6 servings.  2 Enchiladas is 5 points) <ul> <li>1 lb. Cooked lean ground beef </li> <li>8 oz. Kraft free grated cheese </li> <li>20 oz. Old El Paso mild enchilada sauce </li> <li>5 oz. Old El Paso fat free refried beans </li> <li>12 corn tortillas</li> </ul> <ol> <li>Cook ground beef. </li> <li>Mix ground beef and refried beans together. </li> <li>Add 1 can sauce, mix well. </li> <li>Warm tortillas in a microwave until soft and pliable.</li> <li>Spray with light cooking spray. </li> <li>Fill each tortilla with about 2 Tbsp. meat mixture. </li> <li>Roll, and fill pan.</li> <li>Pour cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes.</li> </ol> After supper I cleaned up a bit and was exhausted. I ended up going to bed around 8:45pm!! Hoping the extra sleep will keep my strong to kick this cold!! TUESDAY'S STATS POINTS = 19/23 WATER = 96 oz EXERCISE = 35 min run What was your favorite school lunch? I would have to say mine was chili & cinnamon rolls! I need to find a low point cinnamon roll recipe to make when we have chili!! Let me know if you guys know of anything!!

I’m going win this fight!!

Good morning my favorite blogger friends!! :) Wednesday I was still working on kicking this cold that’s trying to come on. I skipped my m...

Tracking Wednesday

1:04 PM Tukiyooo 0

It's almost 1pm and I've tracked my breakfast and lunch, as well as my activity in the online tracker. This is a huge improvement over every day the past week. During the past few months there's been a direct correlation between me not tracking my food and my weight slowly going up. Every day I make up some silly excuse of why I can't do it, the best one is that I don't have time. I'm on the computer for work a good portion of the day. It took about two minutes. The real reason I don't want to track my food is because I know I've been going over my allotted Points every day. That makes a failure in my book. I've made a deal with myself. Just for today, and today only, I promise I will track every bite, AND I'll eat within my Points limit. Maybe I'll make every Wednesday "Tracking Wednesday", just to see if I can do it. A couple pictures I found on my work computer. I may have shared these last summer, I'm not sure. They're from my visit to my sister in Fairbanks, Alaska in July, 2009. <div style="text-align: center;">The public restroom in Nenana, Alaska. I thought this was really pretty and very unique. It even had a flush toilet. :)</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47KI0bYpaeG2G5N2iptaGBGszgzn0bbOVOT-zICVEHwmYJ8EYyuhU_wMf_kDkBlyj4uu1kp2fCJNE_TgfHZLtXYhurt_9fJbfirzMxfizekrmSzw0zhl86EOfZDMuI9ol_vS0QhQ8OiSe/s1600-h/DSC03644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47KI0bYpaeG2G5N2iptaGBGszgzn0bbOVOT-zICVEHwmYJ8EYyuhU_wMf_kDkBlyj4uu1kp2fCJNE_TgfHZLtXYhurt_9fJbfirzMxfizekrmSzw0zhl86EOfZDMuI9ol_vS0QhQ8OiSe/s640/DSC03644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me at Chena Hot Springs, near Fairbanks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV7yR_QrAUlIC7umbu4u1izZY93oRRkkYWoORjS9HG9D5-7621cGgOwfERO0CxpSnp5PwsC51q58qQ4iw5X7Clv1WZNt1vMIAjZIF0xv-BZAYOQr4fk7VSDERbF9-GKqNf4bglkxDby4O/s1600-h/Picture+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV7yR_QrAUlIC7umbu4u1izZY93oRRkkYWoORjS9HG9D5-7621cGgOwfERO0CxpSnp5PwsC51q58qQ4iw5X7Clv1WZNt1vMIAjZIF0xv-BZAYOQr4fk7VSDERbF9-GKqNf4bglkxDby4O/s640/Picture+025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>

Tracking Wednesday

It's almost 1pm and I've tracked my breakfast and lunch, as well as my activity in the online tracker. This is a huge improvement ov...

Another day one or this is NOT maintenance

8:06 AM Tukiyooo 0

KCSARC Normally I post the night before, but yesterday was kind of a horrific day for me. One of my dearest friends and I ventured out on the new light rail from the airport to downtown Seattle to attend the <a href="http://www.kcsarc.org/" target="blank">King County Seaxual Assault Resource Center's</a> fundraiser breakfast. Although it was a kick to ride the light rail and catch up with each other, the intensity of the speakers at the breakfast was difficult. It's always like this for me when I attend their functions. They have guest speakers that were raped or sexually molested as children, some are still teenagers. One of my best friend's daughters was sexually molested when she was five. We sat at their table and as I always do, I cried when I listen to the stories (as did almost everyone, even the men were wiping their eyes). KCSARC is an amazing group of people and if  you live in the Seattle area and are looking for a great organization to donate some spare money to, this is the group. I've seen the results their counseling has had on a very scared and frightened five-year old that had the terrible experience of being sexually molested by a 21-year old neighbor. It would have been called rape but they have very odd definitions of rape. Penetration of one inch. I won't go into details, but it was beyond horrible what happened to her. She's now a vibrant, beautiful and well-adjusted 11-year old. KCSARC helped her get to where she is today. It was still a hard day and even though I took a lot of pictures of Seattle on our ride, I didn't feel like posting them. Not maintenance I had an epiphany while on the StairMaster this morning (which by the way, we only have one and no ever uses it but me - so weird). Every day is day one, which we all agree is true. So I only have to get through today, not worry about tomorrow. One day at a time, literally. That's all I'm focusing on today. Track my food, eat within my Points. Just for today. The other thing is that I seem to think I'm on maintenance. When I put on my size 12 dark gray dress slacks yesterday I felt like a sausage. They had a little stretch and by the time I got to the Westin they felt better, but still, I remember buying them about six months ago when my size 10's didn't fit and I had go up a size. They were baggy. I haven't tried them on for about three months because I gained another 10 pounds. I've been holding steady at 176, as if that was the weight I wanted to maintain. It's NOT my goal weight, I shouldn't be in maintenance! It's time to buckle down and get serious. Today is my day!

Another day one or this is NOT maintenance

KCSARC Normally I post the night before, but yesterday was kind of a horrific day for me. One of my dearest friends and I ventured out on th...

Still Fighting!!

7:28 AM Tukiyooo 0

Hello blogger friends! Hope everyone had a terrific Tuesday! Mine started out by NOT hitting the snooze button, but instead rolling over for a few more Z's and only getting 20 minutes in at the gym!! Yikes!! But it was a good 20 minute run, better than nothing at all right?!?! Breakfast was wonderful! I had the usual oatmeal with a sliced banana, and chocolate PB2. Today though I'm counting it for 5 points because I had a bigger banana. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjPSoRkoQMVrCv1zYVqpcFod2o1pMP589J6mlF3GyV0NhAH2jBntjs9_38_GGJppWVD_g1_aL9S5kzWEuklFbKRUALV8x2iDvmgrPCzbvL4fnvxOjeU3o4ZKpxhYfoU5IZ9WoWUjb7zoE/s1600-h/DSC06167.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441832623356536146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjPSoRkoQMVrCv1zYVqpcFod2o1pMP589J6mlF3GyV0NhAH2jBntjs9_38_GGJppWVD_g1_aL9S5kzWEuklFbKRUALV8x2iDvmgrPCzbvL4fnvxOjeU3o4ZKpxhYfoU5IZ9WoWUjb7zoE/s400/DSC06167.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> I was a little "off" today. I think this cold that is trying to come on is what did it. But I fought through and had a productive morning. My morning snack also helped, strawberries, 1/4c homemade granola, and ww strawberry yogurt for 3 points. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXbVunSxvULlxQTGH6oiSiubtk43dwwLKMagLV6758_ghW0ZbXwbD__iVE99ajNHHuWhAd6hYQ36WJwm0cVzh3bi4D-Vi5IcSiMmrtRImkB7DUSIM242H1mMqrXGly2gd1U5GC_RdMh1K/s1600-h/DSC06168.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441832619928018530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXbVunSxvULlxQTGH6oiSiubtk43dwwLKMagLV6758_ghW0ZbXwbD__iVE99ajNHHuWhAd6hYQ36WJwm0cVzh3bi4D-Vi5IcSiMmrtRImkB7DUSIM242H1mMqrXGly2gd1U5GC_RdMh1K/s400/DSC06168.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> I had to take an early lunch because of afternoon meetings I had. I wasn't feeling super hungry, but knew I needed to eat something! So I had a cheesy broccoli baked potato for 3 points. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2XS1bmOHRIqZJM2o1CQ2gEZSCUxZjxZf2G3YflZyI8VB6E207INvIlqT_R-M8c6sG9QFBScpoAcNwEpCZ5DLqI4muU2mgXhcdOyrHEihkVyDxzOt0BiJM5GN45HdEYV0LuDXHNusEqrX/s1600-h/DSC06169.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441832610928700386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2XS1bmOHRIqZJM2o1CQ2gEZSCUxZjxZf2G3YflZyI8VB6E207INvIlqT_R-M8c6sG9QFBScpoAcNwEpCZ5DLqI4muU2mgXhcdOyrHEihkVyDxzOt0BiJM5GN45HdEYV0LuDXHNusEqrX/s400/DSC06169.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> And then I had an orange to get in my vitamin C and also for the sweetness for desert for 1 point! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQzsnVwrJdeGqLsb7isgY_c8oVUvUosURQ1K_WH-ODOvm6vIGF72JlKTLPFGfryXHsFhLeX0VhibzbUGe09z5WYt_b51h9PbWOzkTOPH2EBhPJUJM78NqPX4zIe10MezbqC4j27WXA_yW/s1600-h/DSC06170.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441832603300392466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQzsnVwrJdeGqLsb7isgY_c8oVUvUosURQ1K_WH-ODOvm6vIGF72JlKTLPFGfryXHsFhLeX0VhibzbUGe09z5WYt_b51h9PbWOzkTOPH2EBhPJUJM78NqPX4zIe10MezbqC4j27WXA_yW/s400/DSC06170.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> The meetings went well & made my afternoon FLY! When I got back to my office I snacked on my some yummy crunchy baby carrots for 0 points! Hooray for zero point snacks! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcswrlqLeLg5GEK51ACoJAffaKUwm2LFeuPl5akajGgX4kPHPt7wn_n7KZQi8U-G2hGULSPMsRwwidx-UvZ1DF3ZamTrNV7pTwQKwwz8G9C-_FZUJXWNPVjy5Z8Ptz4zAYCa_gEbKE7vPt/s1600-h/DSC06172.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441832594882941842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcswrlqLeLg5GEK51ACoJAffaKUwm2LFeuPl5akajGgX4kPHPt7wn_n7KZQi8U-G2hGULSPMsRwwidx-UvZ1DF3ZamTrNV7pTwQKwwz8G9C-_FZUJXWNPVjy5Z8Ptz4zAYCa_gEbKE7vPt/s400/DSC06172.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a> We ended up closing an hour early because of blowing snow & slick roads. I took advantage of the extra time and hit the gym for my 2nd workout of the day! I got in 30 minutes on the cross ramp! After my 2nd workout a friend called and wanted to get together for supper. It worked out perfect because Kyle was working late. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera. But we went for Mexican...which is SO hard for me to be point friendly! I had chips & salsa and then ordered just 1 chicken quesedilla with a little white cheese dip. Good stuff!! I am estimating my supper to be 18 points, just to go high. I crashed early last night...hence the late post! ;) The cold was really getting to me and made my head feel like a balloon. I'm still fighting it though...hopefully I'll win!! ;) TUESDAY'S STATS POINTS = 28/23 WATER = 96 oz EXERCISE = 20 min run & 30 min cross ramp

Still Fighting!!

Hello blogger friends! Hope everyone had a terrific Tuesday ! Mine started out by NOT hitting the snooze button, but instead rolling over f...

S’ouvrir les portes des métiers de l'agroalimentaire : visite d'entreprise le 02 mars 2010

2:45 AM Anonymous 0

S’ouvrir les portes des métiers de l'agroalimentaire : visite d'entreprise le 02 mars 2010

La Maison de l'Emploi du Bassin d'Orléans organise une visite d'entreprise pour découvrir les métiers de l’agroalimentaire (opér...

Okay, maybe not stupid, just struggling

10:57 PM Tukiyooo 0

Maybe I'm not totally stupid, but I swear there's something deeply wrong with me. I'm sure I could benefit from therapy or drugs or maybe both, but I'm from the old school of I can fix this myself. So far though, I'm not being very successful. The thing that makes me kind of nuts is how hard I work out at the gym, almost every day, then I turn right around and throw away all the hard work by overeating. To make matters worse, I eat crazy stuff. Like too many strawberries or blueberries. Or a couple bowls of oatmeal with walnuts (that was last night). It's healthy stuff, but too many calories. Maybe someday I'll figure it out, but for now I'm continuing the struggle, some days are harder than others. Tomorrow is going to be a killer day. I have to get up at 4am, be on the road by 5am and head up to catch the light rail from the airport up to Seattle and be at the Westin Inn by 7am for a fundraiser. I get roped into this thing every year and just can't seem to say no. It's for the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC). It's a center that provides therapy for sexually abused children and their families. It's a great organization it depends a lot on the funds raised at the fund rasiers they have throughout the year. I started going about six years ago when my girlfriend's daughter was five and was sexually molested by the next door neighbor's "uncle". It's a horrible story and caused a lot of trauma for the child and the family. They always go every year to the KCSARC fundraiser. The little girl is now 11 (or maybe 12) and she speaks in front of the group (1,000 people tomorrow) about her experience. It makes me cry every single time. So even though it's for a very good cause, I don't want to go. For lots of reasons, hearing the tear jerker story again, feeling the little girl's pain as she tells what it was like to be forced to do something against her will when she was only five years old. I know I'll cry. Then there's the traveling to downtown Seattle at 6am. Another girlfriend is going with me, so we're going to try to make it an adventure. Neither one of us has ever ridden the new light rail from Seatac airport to downtown. I feel like a country mouse going to the big city. I'm more a suburbia girl than a city girl. Of course, I'll miss my early morning workout which makes me a little uncomfortable, but I'm dealing with it. I can miss working out on a normally scheduled day, and I won't die. Trying to roll with the punches here. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Today's pictures brought to you from my walk at noon with three friends. It's was another glorious day here in Seattle.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The trailhead - Des Moines Creek Trail, near by office at Seatac, WA</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHP0TeWJHnLgYFdUoMjX90chIAxuZewV3akGzDT0KrcX2eYRN7ISQ3E6LSOtF4JmRyJxgsaIrV7HpfDQVM54XVj1E6yU_5kIPdwKoLWP2SZ-jBBoRdaX_BJzfZ3ywbYx2YpEupM7sYAaN/s1600-h/Trailhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHP0TeWJHnLgYFdUoMjX90chIAxuZewV3akGzDT0KrcX2eYRN7ISQ3E6LSOtF4JmRyJxgsaIrV7HpfDQVM54XVj1E6yU_5kIPdwKoLWP2SZ-jBBoRdaX_BJzfZ3ywbYx2YpEupM7sYAaN/s640/Trailhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Des Moines Creek runs next to the trail</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNcibCyZWZrgCbf5Od3-rHesf6l7xK1PoIbSeme7bhQ4jEtc34Uw2QdHE82TMTFdBve_7T5zpEOlTP6Zd4enZQ3gxsfeQp2vSGc9t2IGl269FddCkcKKrEKDgkF9ahYpKZHmY3DP3NNW3/s1600-h/Des+Moines+Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNcibCyZWZrgCbf5Od3-rHesf6l7xK1PoIbSeme7bhQ4jEtc34Uw2QdHE82TMTFdBve_7T5zpEOlTP6Zd4enZQ3gxsfeQp2vSGc9t2IGl269FddCkcKKrEKDgkF9ahYpKZHmY3DP3NNW3/s640/Des+Moines+Creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ferns on the hill next to the trail</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nr2xkcd4NEWxRx7k_1VU-9ZAjY2aBuFJRlS6UpJEA8G2cgf4i9lcqxB5bj35DV4Xc8YxQdgn_COnH0UpxMBPapiTk0Rr6nuiC2KeDilytGJ1yc079aaQCl45LwRSIQomT7-8Zo9LbQgh/s1600-h/ferns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nr2xkcd4NEWxRx7k_1VU-9ZAjY2aBuFJRlS6UpJEA8G2cgf4i9lcqxB5bj35DV4Xc8YxQdgn_COnH0UpxMBPapiTk0Rr6nuiC2KeDilytGJ1yc079aaQCl45LwRSIQomT7-8Zo9LbQgh/s640/ferns.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friends decided not to wait for me as I as taking so many pictures. I had to keep running to catch  up with them. Talk about interval training!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95APc-cI9JmH1-LPw8IZs66SuxYFWnZOlgZN3h_dKgMDeOppkiQR7qBnou_nVMqQPzNd52lrNzVnh4b9GmEonIRauezMqxC6CPA7e2GdlJ5FQxIpILzr4rIVdrf1V9WLfbtbax3tfaOVC/s1600-h/my+friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95APc-cI9JmH1-LPw8IZs66SuxYFWnZOlgZN3h_dKgMDeOppkiQR7qBnou_nVMqQPzNd52lrNzVnh4b9GmEonIRauezMqxC6CPA7e2GdlJ5FQxIpILzr4rIVdrf1V9WLfbtbax3tfaOVC/s640/my+friends.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The dog guy. Every time I walk this trail at noon I see this guy. He has three of the sweetest, friendliest dogs you've ever met. They know me now and always run up to greet me, with tails wagging.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aN1nCAe9Z9tBJaiI7AtsXd05IkjcHrkXDVfiIs1joK7Cqzch8vaHyQTzj_OAX65jDcY8roSVafbcvEgZcu5Q2zLE_zWMWRWpshJI1UWtk7sh9osL_BNPo7UrnCdEto8-OZ_aiZZtqimd/s1600-h/the+dog+guy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aN1nCAe9Z9tBJaiI7AtsXd05IkjcHrkXDVfiIs1joK7Cqzch8vaHyQTzj_OAX65jDcY8roSVafbcvEgZcu5Q2zLE_zWMWRWpshJI1UWtk7sh9osL_BNPo7UrnCdEto8-OZ_aiZZtqimd/s640/the+dog+guy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;">Dog guy's dogs. The one on the left is 15 and had cancer two years ago until Mrs. Dog Guy starting making dog food for the dog. His cancer disappeared and now he acts like a pup (the dog, not the guy :).</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4d04ws0qGJ9qn0BJwEiPUtKw9wJH-_3e4lNKNA12UP8iNDUrVbsKyTtYdkOM2GXFZiSd81Ul2bf9KF_3-n1oRG_NWt8stKevbGGHqOtKkEFpOCQCdfOqVZhvyNOKJhdhDRDRxqwy-JgG/s1600-h/dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4d04ws0qGJ9qn0BJwEiPUtKw9wJH-_3e4lNKNA12UP8iNDUrVbsKyTtYdkOM2GXFZiSd81Ul2bf9KF_3-n1oRG_NWt8stKevbGGHqOtKkEFpOCQCdfOqVZhvyNOKJhdhDRDRxqwy-JgG/s640/dogs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These white flowered trees were all along the beginning of the trail. No idea what type of tree, but really pretty. Looked like snow (but it was 58 degrees today).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMdAsLUSr5_JZ3GXa7Nr5lNSV6Dt072WtCSZn-sRjI9ju-O451vBeCAC-SE-jq1IiL9Yox47vh0z1Qw1J8wYDjAe1x0vGwm4mrcVRtgQa2NAM5572dNajfUemAL2Qqqmm_VVikEz9_Y20/s1600-h/White+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMdAsLUSr5_JZ3GXa7Nr5lNSV6Dt072WtCSZn-sRjI9ju-O451vBeCAC-SE-jq1IiL9Yox47vh0z1Qw1J8wYDjAe1x0vGwm4mrcVRtgQa2NAM5572dNajfUemAL2Qqqmm_VVikEz9_Y20/s400/White+trees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>

Okay, maybe not stupid, just struggling

Maybe I'm not totally stupid, but I swear there's something deeply wrong with me. I'm sure I could benefit from therapy or drugs...

I refuse to get sick!

6:03 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hope everyone had a great Monday! Mine was just ho-hum. Nothing too horrible, but nothing fantastic either. In case you missed it, make sure to check out my weekend in Chicago <a href="vhttp://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/weekend-chicago-trip.html">here</a>. I got up without hitting the snooze button and did a few things around the house. Before I knew it it was after 6:15 and I need to rush to gym, otherwise I wasn’t going to get any workout in at all! I had just enough time to get in a 20 minute interval run. I love that after 20 minutes I am sweating like I just worked out for twice that amount of time! It felt wonderful to make my wonderful oatmeal this morning. It was the usual mix of chocolate PB2 and a small banana for 4 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qjzrx9IFTRe376CPRtsHpLEypie-MGSoR5yMm0LbYrn_jvVbPo-W-HdfKA0Jm11nDBbLWINhoziLJZ8vtf3q0dc-PvH2jTZAHoZ6Uk-gkujgibCAfz9YOWX7Ed3s22ObFvorTpB5sqPY/s1600-h/DSC06159%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06159" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrj3-cSpa89A3iRTxlibEgUVtbGUVF1vXlS0xWL8Sfz3v0ayemaPBrCkhtiKuUZ-H5Nh_zMkqw3fAD2EgScwct1nMd18dWKDwvz1sfQLdfy-75dKrVxK-iNfJ7L1iIUG6VnO2QQ3qpuHe/?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="DSC06159" width="404" /></a>  I spent my morning catching up from being gone on Friday. The only bummer about being gone from work! I mixed up my favorite combination of strawberries, 1/4c <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html">homemade granola</a>, and ww yogurt for 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmGRwecQac1O9nga2UPik5985nECqqJWi3o-0lRI-Ji1WEPXGJYKZFkwqGu4WFhpdnSmJTFN51Go7mfcww-oFLckcXSBN1ALsyquJr0gP3KdhjHjU5mnqa85lm_DGn_HWeRVdrsnIz4kE/s1600-h/DSC06160%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06160" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyMHTCg2PqroPr32FGY6rF_m9OjTBQEpdFjXXogUYAnBuKWslYZUjZJAx4s9X77GHhNM8efOJ3gVU8V1Ys2KE4x_J5rtBWP_cJcCnxPjIoCAv-c5IXCOujunno8zSRffibhgXJ6a-0v6-/?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="DSC06160" width="404" /></a>  I had a simple, yet filling lunch. My plate consisted of baby carrots, a turkey & cheese flat out, and 1/2c cottage cheese w/pineapple for 6 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Tgv_SqS6DwxR5yiCKi3ND281mFxhgL2tpZuo70MDUauyPZgRwIWz43bHJCbGrtost6pWwzvyIUJmaaZp6ShOBGrylJT4fmewYMxlSV63qm3l_EPhmY-_bymv2nsDIsyPFVi1cZ9ZdL49/s1600-h/DSC06161%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06161" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbd2TtDgWcivNCB5S5yZk1DxCGyqYI9mGULI2Udy6cznTIN5VdM_enkU-KVkpVziyt5otejyfDeALUnOwhULdSkxT3LcwDPyX2TeuiUak9pFwJOW3qq82ZFTcDrTZ63JZSKMwZgACb53E/?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="DSC06161" width="404" /></a>  I had a new try for my afternoon snack. All Kellogg’s products were 50% off at the grocery store so I picked up a few boxes of these. They come out to 2 points each. It was good and satisfied my sweet tooth, but was much smaller than fiber one bars. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P9u_M6vSyLAJOFuDPCK2riyYTM1WoIJR1CvylFc43-2chdZS7L9aYys_iyDEEcBXBFXrrr5Z1PZLsGq-gZX1OkHtHwnHO8VCLBB-4nTJDbGtU3Bxe6VoXw3oEoCkpaKt3PabLCyI6ISf/s1600-h/DSC06163%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06163" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqNYBhNdT3Xg2GdPsIwqg6-duy3fwxwZBaRTRCbMKs61BvBEFiKpkTuWbAeKzAd1_ozrRiDyeqSuqr_1No_zDRPspyjHzdlz1CelUsaSgHvXDc6OHFZj4wbfrAJspO7SBvRU5087Do427/?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="DSC06163" width="404" /></a>  Notice the giant 8% in the background? Yep I have that taped to my monitor because I HAVE to win the <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/12/sister-challenge-is-on.html">sister challenge</a>! I’m only 4lbs away! I think I’m coming down with a cold. My throat is hurting & my head is pounding. But I am refusing to accept it though. I came home after work and took a few Tylenol and gargled with hot salt water, a home remedy my Mom always had us do while growing up! Supper was delicious tonight! I had a chicken teriyaki sandwich with cheese for 5 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomWSOCkUm3MVgDvZdEw8GZ1RMKsibY1dmHYCygdLYwwed9NaU56sRekBfava1Xy4anezjw2IcBKx3DS9YYwm6xVkN0GorhgeFqS9U1EWRRRCPsmRP233uIIAXjEGyzr9a4pBHcdnWUN6e/s1600-h/DSC06164%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06164" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8njqSt4ajzDQGNy4QE9oSwHsavt4Vvu4shsh5Ejd3BJEpqWEw_94nPP1KfAPnaxtOSCyF8hEqijyvZejWOCYyoHxX_fpmwbNRwcj1PmcVtYV8qMxvSYBiCCaAVDdhKchDsmq_eyufY9l/?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="DSC06164" width="404" /></a> I had some broccoli on the side. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZOHOET6sPITR6yyoZ4UPRprwYd0-NHiDfYOM-uHEGu9Tp8pd3QVwDffp7-AyHn3-QB-73hUUCR2kTSDeN5DIDnisOvUM8NezYcinxMe58R36RucJFFLZeOwL-SP7dF5h3A41V1UCchuq/s1600-h/DSC06165%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06165" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EaGX7JrQTrmVPzruNAoUuA4w7PBHXw-FSWsf6ecUt_sVUR2amW3YSAC_T1aS_9OFC5Jt950ykNJgg-AOSr0Pc-YtQKM7iLi9ZNRIQPXMTReNN1x4HZnWxneHlDqn_vP1qlGdxWJOw572/?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="DSC06165" width="404" /></a>  And also an orange (1 point) for some vitamin C to fight off whatever is trying to come on to me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hFDf2nbR2_R_k7llguEbleESw2NjCXHoRkU_c3SZW9BMaiR8O_QyNHUak8alfv9ZTeJM37LI_Vt8zEheR7P0szw1vXOSJFe_jJrH1l9SxSeXErH9XRaiOvyN_MHwo3SyUxYEUa5YZCiO/s1600-h/DSC06166%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06166" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Yj0qbPf-kYPbJGsJCmm7kUoDI8AchcJkbEHLLeY4NglGkkIMRV701_o7sS0PvXE8wpZLglGoCLiFa3b_SwzkXuCFaeueC3uSXdInjlVnldCQHxvx2IMqlFolO-uwqK4s7hV5xA3aL6S/?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="DSC06166" width="404" /></a> MONDAYS STATS POINTS = 21/23 WATER =  120 oz EXERCISE = 20 min interval run So I mentioned earlier that I gargled with hot salt water for my sore throat. I don’t have any other symptoms besides a scratchy throat & headache….but you just never know when those other nasty ones will pop up.I would love to hear from you guys. Do you have any home remedies that helps fight off a cold quickly?

I refuse to get sick!

Hope everyone had a great Monday! Mine was just ho-hum. Nothing too horrible, but nothing fantastic either. In case you missed it, make sure...

Weekend Chicago Trip

12:47 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hey everyone!! Kyle and I made it home from Chicago on Sunday! We had a great weekend seeing the sights, shopping, and spending time with family! Warning: this is a picture heavy post! We drove to Chicago Thursday after a short work day. We got to Steve & Melanie’s (Melanie is Kyle’s sister and Steve is her husband) house and chatted into the wee hours of the morning! Friday morning Mel was a wonderful host and made us blueberry pancakes before venturing out into the city!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aFKZ-0bk_dRjC_8su8ZXUfdtHc2tqhcp5Wh927uUL5I_GE2GioPTuWhW5xfFNKvs518auVjHQBFAaHHve6lOt2gYYHXup0_mU_PZE_ngaPIFHt4RvhUgMIgzyatUZRR9xlP4ywVfl8V5/s1600-h/DSC06079%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06079" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aUNteAgGCrHfUY-RzNyL1b1kPu4X-T_p23xuQP2kYYrPZVbqH13MXsNO3WYoJYb4IeThjZbCBTkyrdrMGCHUgrpric6amPbBSuT8cGkcZYKTHgVKeL0TLlQa62rq17MT7o4YIruwG6PJ/?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="DSC06079" width="404" /></a>  We headed downtown to the John Hancock building. We decided not to do the Signature Room for lunch since it was still early and just enjoyed the views from the 95th floor! Lake Michigan & <a href="http://www.navypier.com/">Navy Pier</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfRH0lxuDByCUPJgM8Pnot2WC9zzWgIDNFhIk-GMfqv3q4foAz9n_GYaRYh6s5sinDbehY8PG_u8T0NxJvMCqBCovY-yt2CEFG93y_JBGWNrv6gY3pi1H3J70zTWLYnOuNTBrFkXrojIB/s1600-h/DSC06081%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06081" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRi4J7itjcEZmsJ9cexeYNniPzTyxlpGV8OGVuZ-bIB8DkCgz3iaQjq4cgRZGDugDvoa-BJQVGzYrPURbJpHGcq858of7ujjwgtmVtPA3veh56JIHF37HuaX81xu7r7QFIWCMJjiOr34r/?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="DSC06081" width="404" /></a>  Lake Shore Drive along Lake Michigan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyucVMOcfRNqjMGtQMLPvkRxHMTdK06kMniK1txMNTqiiqztekg9M3Zkb-vqcDRYQ7quoYPjchZdIVHtf1hXhAQHRroERV-aepHs0LzHksdTHHqbry_nqs9qV30cFGIgtVGeyZQStHwUI/s1600-h/DSC06083%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06083" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeTkf7CYEsIwUnZzOsUjdtFP-JwN2tguCxgNbkMhNdJ1HB_TuIWUmRmj4-n9yrM5350GMSUnRsjvMpyOhyphenhyphenUDevQmrRXOgMYQR-WID3v4nulQ1tgXES6oTG8dpHESB6jANS3FbzRy_LElI/?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="DSC06083" width="404" /></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zGjya_JMu81x-nNOyBKuD-g6GkB24pPgyIrL4G5gZc5cVnoghhcMkeQpzYkBPQquSHVSIwVhonXV3tydqEGQQ5pXfD7GIcmEW2D5qBaaXcJ9wRhiVrsWHjqMZZusJNRCA5sfeuOnbYUD/s1600-h/DSC06084%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06084" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgowi_CFXxeFzOvyCompGBQUhOhTd5R7QD13ELudOXY3wFTpZzYBO5-VHsb4OFuSYiN1SFXNEnk16ZpDbTXLzWK1Jm70rG_2hECnrtBXZOJhUbKi2u13H4rt3tCJLXoRavDmBY6TcSL05/?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="DSC06084" width="404" /></a>  More views of the city!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwKok7jkouChnZXvrNkY4lCXYp1wW_XPdxYeQzHxPKaEnsxJK2CC_LGTNSCvZBmAisYhqA0olaDqchid51clJoCL0iXxmVev-51mk9JcJRrmLDVDDKgd08AuykOq03jN6MNehQfV_xxsh/s1600-h/DSC06091%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06091" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQE0KA02ZWixTYpNkyPCzzd_fmHlmh9kZ5QGG6EYbJ4XpUfdG93zGHAVDOGUSwADajjvQmsgKjXvtZN6V6mADglEFQUcgcmxl5-UBTZkluPSThLAymGhIQMLO-QzOvZLEFyT5efU_fbwuL/?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="DSC06091" width="404" /></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFicHSZ0B_36-ufi7yA3Qm_K0siBFXYlGDRTY4PWTSoHnTVHqNE8NQ_vb_f4UXNEU6UGWLtxljK4YR2VW95wWwRnAs7hsMfsBl3rbYhgQvaqwPHKL-63cLhRwC93bVMuidQzAunOiJ-rPI/s1600-h/DSC06092%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06092" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjUo8Di8Hq0L6xwRV3gZez9TJm0cKYpuZuV2ohaCSyB8x0DElcxXJfX3k2y4vj5_UDpozeARRfpt9NwIsrBiU29TKvK0-CoPwy6ypeD-RvUgEi8dHP-XFyGutzmtUAf13IcgixjfwB_hnY/?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="DSC06092" width="354" /></a>  <a href="http://www.willistower.com/">Sears Tower</a> & the new <a href="Trump Tower">Trump Tower</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIeWI8yY4_PYtMv-w7i2MfU9CSpq_x9OMIG9GO35RLIoICE-wZ450CYV6rm-KIFHGm88ihQqXXWTuvKnj1Vfn1ZGUBegs664_mEdH4wwHYyDU8YyoKVABrxs-gHriIaYTxiGXOIPpck142/s1600-h/DSC06094%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06094" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9s16cOKwPnXNF41ZhTNy_9JYJvLy5B936fv0uhyphenhyphenQcqnOJyngYvqK_1OeDvGFPkqqhlzjk4Jk3L8_I5ytdKgXET2hKBYmR-yyzmyG3iI0QA3AGPnZ5nOuBky0NiHX5x8Hsv1uHFM70F0YT/?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="DSC06094" width="404" /></a>  A view from the ground looking up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfBX6ilKcUN_vn7EFnQl8AFTb5JIP-O1l4Q7-F3IzBG1077Ox-yBAUCSkfrjsXSk5blnOE87DZNpABSWzIc_Ty5f0gGLh1ZeM-r2BlNMSLjBk71froLivLePMBNXLPswpuXr8tEJbaX7W/s1600-h/DSC06106%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06106" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd2q7SRzEMCSQCMsR3zeOBqODObA1LLgCBY1EYdlikN0g5Qy66-CETrPjyVgwESczuw4GRDGPGdcUuEgy0vD3YxpwgJYrpOcTnFatI8p9wkwLH5HmhVc6DYOOoIt7qfcKUbZs7yiYnpk_/?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="DSC06106" width="404" /></a>  These signs were all over downtown! Luckily we didn’t get nailed with any falling ice! :p<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdiXMrWuJCwQd9Yq7Uqe-wwk37uOitQRODlbSWUe14Lb2iM6YQfiOTc34oktvMd-6jjwmZQLskCyDWnMNcTs0K61AP-gQ_x8toaKLGX5qdpAc7hT862fDYoOBo5WvYGLPa1M59fG4iTQF/s1600-h/DSC06107%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06107" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswyJeZxSgzFgdXpK-6sKNSGFXOw7XjDb7WHUj4tnnurSpJul07mLSOJ2vr345ug3ziokRLZEUUG5eZGI26IUtn2TCWhRJOCK1kL5sE8vGFImrcG5ppuO3IhTDOaqq9hLsqwjKCZOFR4CN/?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="DSC06107" width="404" /></a>  After the John Hancock building we walked a few blocks down to Nike Town! I was a good girl and only got 3 new head bands! I really wanted some of the new shorts they have out now! They are in fun colors and patterns!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZCexZIT71_6VQAkLPMbn8nm-e48soPtX8r5003Ll5y6E7Jt4IsGrzSlT-g3UHmZuTCXP45qKEvEGZ456wDELhQUYJyZ9dtD0OlPeUHXFI99xUkKe5G36eEzxOGZ_AzSCUZ5CdHuzvzBv/s1600-h/DSC06108%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06108" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSyCPE7go7jVeAKPI7sTcebB-jlKoYmqj6Ps5frEz6K4fpqnWAEveQS9oLdM6FkKILvA-cvPDpLi_hQPuaumPWoSp78XJdz-jyiujW8qAHDN0o5w-knDthE44t1aLK1DGzwz8O1oUvP7iy/?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="DSC06108" width="404" /></a>   After Nike Town we shopped at Water Tower Place. Kyle found a few major scores…American Eagle jeans for $15!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-LrfL9E4ebvz2AQ5JEK4BEWxuuSZ25fl4D0l57Deu5LPNaWU_NDvOaFdK98g-1nvpvvdOr6g8NFWWHcljD5PeEs5Ark6YfSarO3xNjTyBdwGY8Iy3i8M-bFEniN8JYCfGeySokolpXLC/s1600-h/DSC06110%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06110" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdk98mntep4BZLQ34X2093bkLGVfj-sJ_3JYa8LfWDUwpA6AKgU0wheIXbj0PCHJDrtCzf5LpTk2WDsp3pcmF5dhr8Uj9R_pgXNVO2LxsB752EgJErZO3-yfuqKHfUqcc6-4j7RTllEua/?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="DSC06110" width="354" /></a>  My  husband is a baseball fan as are Steve & Melanie so we did a drive by of Wrigley Field! The bleacher seats on top of the houses across the street were so cool! I had no idea there was anything like that!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMXH4F89uInZXPZyGgLbzRu8DF79dR505GZ2F3BOBef8CARzFQqEHw4ou-ar5WpeZ9uCJc_GLlu0BXS9CF1BR6bwJRHF52hGxp8bresbC9ZKx5OLiV97xHJkzu7H5faN4hXzKD8isihH_/s1600-h/DSC06115%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06115" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q6ov90Ev3faCx_sCLZRq3eaTqaGTKD25HSEOerz_eSe41GXLxmUmDzCexvmT-KnotnH7JPB2RW9d0MMV81RI4pmBJUJc3JYJ609MQmkDAVSoD5cC7DzLquBFuW8jygP4ACCM9NL0W0e5/?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="DSC06115" width="404" /></a>  We headed out of the city for a late lunch. <a href="http://www.portillos.com/portillos/">Portillos</a>! I guess it’s a Chicago thing to do!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEU99IxM-eS1ZYSQzfDJbRBfAG_0tA973Z6n9675XNAtO4kZWdUKXaBcOYdTBbjD3bDWMymfZkfkHfIIEvMcL5UX34dhT7xFXMtce52q0kyqih0DlTNfHCcbK2xSIP6Za2VPGQYtKxc8ED/s1600-h/DSC06116%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06116" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaqXqoWElZPvccnBqqChUXOcfQiVEMQmkYbQ4638PpQGQ9Pxqi13o3AG06AQIp4FAJza3wZFhZMQ-B7dFEOwYENnMDr98jlEm5tAYGqprX2ETLM13EtVhG3hK04_yBTBcqaXUc4FaNc90/?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="DSC06116" width="404" /></a>  I was boring and ordered a chicken sandwich. But Kyle got their famous Italian beef sandwich & a hot dog! I didn’t get a picture of the Italian beef…but here’s the hot dog!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuoSTvbZotBxhyYLAEGNJFcG1GKlhwci4iLGmnlVKKrLoIk9PVAPusNf2vOCXlSFqJr4CnRm-NEZsInHaOcKm0ZLl0udrjtBaP2npXBFiKLf3Bm1B7TVcQAUIX5G6J8KsXkK6WlSdnRL4/s1600-h/DSC06117%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06117" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEvRYYbvyk4fuX0mUnzScJYuYAZuaVHSP0bmUMPyO3aWZzkRTfg8FR0eXsaRjYtbkK5bHUwy95Zd16I0LYt6oGQYXcD5GLdNoyOXb7PwoPeerlYUTMB8dl7AvdUjIpYXQhyphenhyphencegSmKziNk/?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="DSC06117" width="404" /></a>  He goes in for the try…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieXqV7uIn7sT8heh17MWlE0jJFexAVmv1KL07qsXWIkfsB65t-6OTrRehyTn46ab4Cu1zrwnzpDVTJB-3KiL7Kf6FaktIS_iAw-ZUF1yN4lBQVjAG1_8uLMuH_0YhyphenhyphenQCfGcxkCvDmS_xA/s1600-h/DSC06118%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06118" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AtzjE_-CHfWzu4fpYxNGGqj9xODej7Jzn4at8uCFeryKIXZm18ip6WHFRHaqGrVaPEL-Qi66CvoINaGl6DL8mybK9GoFJhSWYGENFnJYzb2JJ3Uh2mrp8BP6UQCqHw4OXeRoUllV-HQt/?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="DSC06118" width="404" /></a>  Thumbs up!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZC-iKP4ZBwCqGUp1z6yKdyYOSiuAUzxQULUwLa8IxtCyDXGb1JEZOAWfPWbYfoCgjGNTg4H_p1-qOcA6tdkbUVcmLsrYxYO5F_uUcKmgKFfOEgNzi910ajLftvMNGmKSyHAiEn3SJ-VP/s1600-h/DSC06121%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06121" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfK3ML0dHzgahJSM4oYvdZ3y3mcnNJUIpAGLuQ5UIC_QgdKqtfFiQKfXkvAk3srx2ujlf4xBbOSw5gV-pvdR0bm4lH2MfA2wBXCEWC_QuMWcFM8aFmBArl-uuYfxkhplRdDWsiWv23pLWd/?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="DSC06121" width="404" /></a>  Melanie & I stuck with the chocolate cake!! This cake was SUPER moist & amazing!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZzdNyKfO0jRpNLI0PC6dJKEmjujV-7qGIXHQ1fnUdUXjcjCCgoflWjM-lfA4rGRNvArvZywlqFefWssHnUHKKtzTWOkDGKIris0DDhZZ-MoAn-6aS28ISq42lCFiK93ECjxxgYkFNb1pX/s1600-h/DSC06122%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06122" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZnwDPmD4qUvhyB7BhCdFhXezqZnWx0ZEs8i2KPDD_3wm2t-hF9TGSJoqy-9W3etNBln9kE6ENACI9D9Aa0hlO35ptaVJuiwNUNNZSByWbIyGrHCDVhWCgVEqcu4zBgK2aL-3N1HuJats/?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="DSC06122" width="404" /></a>  We enjoyed our new try!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsldWcrnkx3ylikGL7xs7wU29-OTz2OouqMSttR_7n6KcYobnUOTomrKOshayk1z069jXHWbsA071P1eilSpu_qvp7Gc1d5hepoTSC5xpZS-bgVN0rPzocYvcaXfYIj708NfWYaxYTfhlt/s1600-h/DSC06124%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06124" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2dhsPETP87yBDp_9_i5HqRIVrv4uOCP1oLcveaYFQo0PYWYKkYVRsdAlEp9M6TNYJ6Q9KG7XytI33AfJh3qcKtmb8EYsqVJss1z_aT0gyEp4eWbTfipdAIJjT1WABrObfabtFAN4syxT/?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="DSC06124" width="404" /></a>  We headed backed to their place and took a walk. Kyle thought he could wear my coat! Silly boy!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVITCoe4f_2KsxCcDnTZY2cIlxL4jxzilPImcVjEaeXB3IxOrkj8whOtcX9Sqx_aJAruX3onFru5Dc1u9MAsquCnjpotApv133j2axoCV8ZC8XCU2FiiNqhyDBuude4q3M9Ok94B75mVR/s1600-h/DSC06131%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06131" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUuV_79EGluhxx5J6CJtJzEzcNf3qBqzbkXBWKp5_QGoZi1twsGiTKluLI8g25VsijTuzsvvmBQpcRcwANtwXX988emX4lnnSy6C1fYs22v8eBeGZ5p4u9zghuQ4ZqxtwGACcwVis6eXQ/?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="DSC06131" width="354" /></a>   Sister-in-laws!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7WE842wzBV6vXUliA6WsGEgDO26zR6gZ-aKM_Gl-EarzryxYqOyTTxcI7L2OOhanDRKFPhQyhBK6Sri20hVw4QgCQlnP9zjxuFi-INDOsWGT0j0KIFlm9Lg9h4WmN3WCAPiM1s1YoRt4/s1600-h/DSC06132%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06132" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuejif-tFYQPMdlRG1iwDUjv_0W6ZTlUrmLLKYgdVPazi-oVF1QgCRGSRUJ_iYDxBZoJryBWO2-7FkuUM3-S4Hl68dYayi_1rhPEe5LmCvzwZUmsjiz5YAq1Bk8SHiiL7d2tvE1iBBXmC/?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="DSC06132" width="354" /></a>  We spent the evening playing at Game Works!! Too much fun! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUjywXKcfRJKUngPR6zCwLFSlzg1felsMKMghtERLREZMLbbnjdQ1LUyqVSe_ks_jC09VSn85pDybMppTstynAXaP9p1XraFB_bkNgXRWH4iHO_po1xNWVxeTXO2vgodd1o9FTodaCfkn/s1600-h/DSC06136%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06136" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ehsur9cG9KcfBUtGrWT-wSn8pZ0daBR4KAxlIS6cZzGQrdxfI_GQwEUZpyynxh5BRjJak1QF7Vl8YbBFt9aY7J94Nn78DwY9LLPMLvXgoOiBSaP7cz-DfTzAz44BkGtpb0MXnkAIM5_i/?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="DSC06136" width="404" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRb864VWkhhr6DxZ5K_7iyYadb8Hf-trXvwdyKELv35mDXPsKVuzuK6ya8UM5u1sdoVk88sgpZVebgz_-fnVa2ymPEu_YNa4JSvgyLcyoCJY38NUL5_mp9lf9oH6yJT1uVxFUqrHuiRCp/s1600-h/DSC06133%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06133" border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dwItI1ySzx52GW-0SJu6Th4ANyF6_5r9SddkBcbIhN5mpr1VkDhyphenhyphenlW8iXrhaxGGfyE8WxJaB6Cwyv7Oo8FNjjTvG_a1Ezemaz7YLVBdypRSd7eGD9R4gA6j_7jNPpUOa3gIjafmudUYi/?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="DSC06133" width="354" /></a>  This is Kyle’s saying!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw8LohQspw8STpMhVlk9q11KJySnJCubvkeBMn1aZra0CCiL00FquybcIu_3-KmkvYqgx19eMdGSJz15rMFAAvV2bAaRQ9rCoabJVzy4DBuCT8VP6HazS319AwJWwKOpWBultOrtj30bkH/s1600-h/DSC06138%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06138" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6dZkm8T9JtHqHgrt_FYUdY3s0Cev53clH2DEQNlaWBp2EAdwed4aHIIzRGw2rc6_XZfcGud05QaIWVcwbmUOtlDDqr3EJW9Q0sdOJeI693KDrGTNWjhXZMREWotFjdfv79AmTUR8_lh8/?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="DSC06138" width="354" /></a>  The next morning we had breakfast at a cute little diner that seemed quite famous!! Kyle ordered the strawberry pancakes & LOVED all the whip cream that came with it! :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpEeWwfhxGCIWLskZaE69wugdSRWXpTRGiL6YIILBPWqp5B9Vze1Rw1bKkMSrhSRqXuDD5c4ZeQ3_sXGW4t-w1y4D_MDIp57_QmQHxuonNIacpWFzo_jsPIVfkc2w326s8WT1pRgYZKMe/s1600-h/DSC06140%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06140" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpGzaj0pQ5DZ6zitV-mvUSrHpnCs1SoPxxgS6dPq2DIB17zIzjhBbEJtT9kQfZPngzvgxHRaF9mmXWkCenQxUsYEfx2J0uDxoKuMnnOMUvSwmWM6hGtACYinokqOKo_EANIFINg6Rd_tE/?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="DSC06140" width="404" /></a>  The rest of the day we pretty much just shopped! Which was super fun!! I will take a picture of my look to post later! We also fit in an afternoon siesta before going out for supper. We wanted to do another Chicago thing….so we went for pizza at <a href="http://www.giordanos.com/">Giordanos</a>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQFQpwEAa3EoZLw3_jrBBREuXVNKbkIJCvFY-RmL5m2FqhYCUb5L0wzrZEhpN9yYTt4dSrd2uQS2Ti-nKdtIzijP_YtuCclp6MoXzSAzaooBk23nnOPVhLGuCKleQVO0qPlU8NnZkTFSy/s1600-h/DSC06142%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06142" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcxl-ER2nD8DdK8UGKHnqBDhva_-g-_9K5RKZw96PzDwk-U38o4g-oxJd_bdmCC1yq1wSJUaG9F0QmOnE0vfreaqtzkPhsy1V624Zy0Jf5Bz9o_iUsXpX02OcPJ0YayUv0BBpNX2o79ClW/?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="DSC06142" width="404" /></a>  Pure amazing-ness!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpiQnft6vHfaQ8MgRPxD35OjuM-O6-HxveMw-gF-At4KBXi3c5NOIQbsBGilYnJ2VVB_6vrJwy2ACsYfNWpIKyvavXtpC1uRKdYCu1UrhUkWl1qQtKdVJl6bNJPgoGhImP4QQNSKK3i1m/s1600-h/DSC06143%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06143" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUJ4W1hB6cyPkTjIZXuth52yDslnBgkS5GhL7ug8nzHNvchvLJ2cJ4R_UNlcbz1YG15ORC2uTkNkBLL1vGxQi5QUvvVm3GbIoW0YiciWDPAi3vZOE7KK4L-fKAAnWW0j2vX8Pjw6HhEXx/?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="DSC06143" width="404" /></a>  We ordered Hawaiin and they got canadian bacon…look at all that cheesy goodness!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg7VgnCxzGMl7D6WLrYrZ_DErRItarZdIEA3P5upL_EE4KNgeTW4SwVVI0XAd1tEyqXkEsYDZNS7N7bnlwJGx3Y3dyLuV3E-tvCDpU3pi3WG8BnBCIFU6cvhrz0Ke6B1LdhEp3G0T6QbL/s1600-h/DSC06144%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06144" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbR7EEbXNnOaC8CcLhaOwiNx0YTaj_mtQjdzO3TA7nASVPIgkTcRK9rH1OLqX6tLqnoMCTvkqRgEQY1UImxRux-dn0i_y_kOf9jUzWMTXt1jCv-IvKABM8wqZW-Cu8Fnel7NAnqZxTnnr/?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="DSC06144" width="404" /></a>  This was our first time trying Chicago style pizza!! SO good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi-5hbh0Dk-iZiuJgjJ6H1X2sN3DSwOCsF31aPlHr12pDXUd1xj4ruxgsaLhFgTp8ACYH90GCaDCYgDXLJMO5UN41hUk3RdgHsy1RmMOFiGDM0UJLwUvbx1NlxE8o4wcr8-4-Q9DE3-6h/s1600-h/DSC06145%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06145" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaFOni_cPO78H8wopPB6z5H97ytT-wwE6mAfwKdJBiyYCuPkoYkJVVLSeim9UixScHeuIA7ojupnofh8pQNkrGeDSpT1c8gQ1flcfdE4UW_mcGV0IGc9JY4ZK0WPHoPx75jle2SpB2_dC/?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="DSC06145" width="404" /></a>  Afterwards we hit up my FAVORITE place…Coldstone!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZ0hXWsZR4yOQYs2jeTbnXPncu8GaMR4HQF3LkHYVKbZNgJBBNllFy-g38CKU0_fSwyqvCsGxJuCWoq9j25vzalcA7wVWtLIkqeFRDfho9cMaTkLydep-D91yWPbEtaG-C83VpmiL7ajb/s1600-h/DSC06148%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06148" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBmfkzoGazipycMscJTi3_9ZwqEHMbOpcIcKAJsYwq60Mh3etkQjbG-mgeaFVUhoBkXma_xRtN4aklrU9BVADuvOwE_LBZ4l-uobD3a-TR6hoe2oAjAg9YHlVRYuPAl8MwbGf3sV9D3tu/?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="DSC06148" width="404" /></a> We went the economical route and just bought a pint! Mmmm!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvkqIH__alzhkkYx6YPjdo2oIvq5O8ohySr3fTsqROy9JkMpV75eKEYAkyM61u3IQHQfodIRIsFPdkgn3SrBUT74gDaM-qQ9IXqq5XZqzCondbsWTCjoMzY1KNrgIehEl_C1QUSbrp0C_/s1600-h/DSC06156%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06156" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOsaHI2wshBtzo3zOEhlgiuFCqPkQr95_wUAE3QScovST0___zaumPigXLsNdXNOhy0asJ_NwbDm6zlOBIjh32vpwrE5xPsr88C8oMeKt45KdY3mjD_zlOveXH26yutR1n5hGPFNy9QFe/?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="DSC06156" width="404" /></a>  Sunday was pretty much just a driving day. Thanks Mel & Steve for a fun weekend and being great hosts! Can’t wait for our next visit.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0TrCuprEa0k5ZNntL-KvdSA8rQnp-cVOjbCRGFt_q-gaXLJx4_qXN0M4y0Cd5FhJYIBTWd2mDUGGePk5pXZwzo7-TyJNVJtO-b8TJYJrTYtT71CNVOE9SEy4-Zw6rL0b2PTY46y-EIf4/s1600-h/DSC06147%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC06147" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPg_JETmGv5GaYNOe7QFloqEiiflQNhf3tzI3St3VZDcn3xR9qdAWIedVp3Ud8rFUHsXk1Mf2tixv8fvWE6eTN65LcVpU8NnYZZb2QyApyXXWShueOvaAQWSoekUnvptz6g-0iD6HRFGu/?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="DSC06147" width="404" /></a> Food wise I was NOT a good girl. But I enjoyed myself and am now happy to be back in my regular routine! See you all later tonight, I’ll be back to my regular blogging!

Weekend Chicago Trip

Hey everyone!! Kyle and I made it home from Chicago on Sunday! We had a great weekend seeing the sights, shopping, and spending time with fa...