25 Best-Paying Jobs for Women

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder Editor <br /><br />When you look at Forbes magazine's most recent list of highest-paid CEO's (chief executives of the 500 biggest companies in the United States), you won't see a woman until No. 48: Irene B Rosenfeld, CEO of Kraft Foods. In a country where women make up 47 percent of the workforce, women make up just 3 percent of Fortune 500 CEO's. In addition, women who worked full time earned an average of just 80 percent of what men earned in the same positions in 2008, according to the BLS. <br /><br />But is salary disparity between genders the issue or is it something deeper? <br /><br />In the Harvard Business Review blog, Avivah Wittenberg-Cox wrote: "Women represent one of the world's biggest and most under-reported opportunities. The business world has been so focused on stories like the rise of China that it has not been invited to see that, much closer to home, business could be reaping the benefits of the rise of women. Companies -- and their business school feeders -- have been slow in adapting and profiting from this shift, and part of the reason is that media too often focus on small, sensational and misleading parts of the story, including aspects like the wage gap." <br /><br />Catalyst's February 2010 Pipeline's Broken Promise report examining high potential graduates from top business schools around the world found that, even after taking into account experience, industry and region, women start at lower levels than men, make on average $4,600 less in their initial jobs, and continue to be outpaced by men in rank and salary growth. Only when women begin their post-MBA career at mid-management or above do they achieve parity in position with men -- a situation that accounted for only 10 percent of the women and 19 percent of the men surveyed.<br /><br />Whatever the cause, the BLS reports there are only a handful of occupations where women's earnings are equal to or exceed men's including construction and extraction occupations; special education teachers; installation, maintenance and repair occupations; life, physical and social science technicians; and counselors.<br /><br />We wanted to know, what jobs pay women the most money? Here are 25 jobs where women earn $1000 a week or more, according to the BLS. One thing to note is that they all earn a fraction of their male counterparts.<br /><br />Pharmacists<br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,647 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,914 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 86.1%<br /><br />Chief executives <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,603 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,999 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 80.2%<br /><br />Lawyers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,509 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,875 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 80.5%<br /><br />Computer software engineers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,351 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,555 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 86.9%<br /><br />Computer and information systems managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,260 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,641 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 76.8%<br /><br />Physicians and surgeons<br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,230 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,911 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 64.4%<br /><br />Management analysts <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,139 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,391 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 81.9%<br /><br />Human resources managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,137 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,433 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 79.3%<br /><br />Speech-language pathologists <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,124 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: * <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Computer and mathematical occupations <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,088 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,320 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 82.4%<br /><br />Computer scientists and systems analysts <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,082 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,240 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 87.3%<br /><br />Physician assistants <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,077 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: ** <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Medical and health services managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,066 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,504 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 70.9%<br /><br />Physical scientists, all other <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,061 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,535 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 69.1%<br /><br />Postsecondary teachers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,056 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,245 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 84.8%<br /><br />Marketing and sales managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,024 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,601 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 64%<br /><br />Physical therapists <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,019 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,329 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 76.7%<br /><br />Occupational therapists <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,016 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: ** <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Registered nurses<br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,011 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,168 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 86.6%<br /><br />Managers, all other <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,010 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,359 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 74.3%<br /><br />Psychologists <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,004 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: ** <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Computer programmers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,003 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,261 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 79.5%<br /><br />Architecture and engineering occupations <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,001 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,286 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 77.8%<br /><br />Advertising and promotions managers <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,000 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: ** <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: **<br /><br />Education administrators <br />Women - Median weekly earnings: $1,000 <br />Men - Median weekly earnings: $1,398 <br />Women's earnings as percent of men's in same occupation: 71.5%<br /><br />*No data or data that do not meet publication criteria.<br /><br />** Data not shown where the male employment base is less than 50,000.<br /><br />Kate Lorenz is the editor for CareerBuilder.com and its job-seeker blog, www.TheWorkBuzz.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow CareerBuilder on Twitter www.twitter.com/CBforjobseekers.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

25 Best-Paying Jobs for Women

By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder Editor When you look at Forbes magazine's most recent list of highest-paid CEO's (chief executives of ...

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Why Do Employers Care About Your Credit?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/sv/ar5m6ly680lntn7gd7sv.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://emj.icbdr.com/artieimages/sv/ar5m6ly680lntn7gd7sv.gif" wt="true" /></a></div>By Rachel Farrell, CareerBuilder.com writer <br /><br />When you're looking for a job, you're probably not thinking about your credit score. <br /><br />But, you might want to start. <br /><br />Though many people argue that credit scores have nothing to do with their capabilities on the job, some employers say differently. Sixty percent of employers recently surveyed by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) said they run credit checks on all or some potential new hires. That's up from 43 percent in 2006 and 25 percent in 1998.<br /><br />Opinions on whether or not this is fair vary. Supporters of credit checks don't think it's any different than checking a candidate's references. But opponents see it as unfair -- especially in this economy. And rightfully so. Medical issues, divorce or a job layoff and subsequent missed bills can wreck an otherwise perfect credit score in an instant. <br /><br />"There are lots of good reasons not to hire someone. Usually, bad credit alone isn't one of them. And yet, it's become the reason du jour, to disqualify an otherwise highly qualified person to do a job they're particularly well suited for," says Milan P. Yager, president and CEO of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations. "As job fields become closed and increasingly competitive, you can bet that more employers are utilizing credit check options than ever before." <br /><br />So, why do employers look at your credit history?<br /><br />The reasons vary. Sometimes it may be because of the nature of the position to which you're applying. <br /><br />"Certain categories of employers regularly review credit histories [such as] banks, brokerage houses, government and other financial institutions. Evaluation of credit history is [also] frequently applied to accounting and money management positions where there is potential for fraud and embezzlement," says Wendy Powell, author of "Management Experience Acquired." "Employers have a responsibility to assure that the proper due diligence is applied. Be prepared for the possibility of a credit review, not only in the application process, but also throughout the employment relationship."<br /><br />Other employers look at credit histories in order to separate one candidate from another.<br /><br />"Credit report information is an excellent data point when comparing and contrasting two or more candidates for the same position," says Jay Meschke, president of EFL Associates, an executive search company. "If, for example, an applicant reports a significant level of personal debt obligations or credit delinquencies that might distract that person from his or her job responsibilities, then a hiring entity may take that information into consideration when comparing such an applicant to another comparative candidate without such distractions."<br /><br />Or, maybe a company just wants to get a better idea of the person it's considering to hire.<br /><br />"Financial information may not be the employer's priority. Insuring that your employees are responsible and ethical is a must," Yagar says. "Relying on character references is becoming less reliable than verifying records and professionally screening workers beforehand. It's true that credit checks can verify demographic and location information. They will include identifiers such as name, spouse, social security number, alias, address, phone and previous employment."<br />Barry Maher, author of "Filling the Glass," adds that a credit report can provide a snapshot of a person's economic life that may confirm or contradict the résumé. <br /><br />"Perhaps someone claims they made a good six-figure income for the last 10 years yet they show repeated credit problems during that period. Are they lying about their income? Are they poor money managers? Do they have a major financial issue that's draining their resources? Any of these might (or might not) have a negative effect on their job." <br /><br />The Fair Credit Reporting Act governs almost all issues related to the use of credit reports. Job applicants have the right to a copy of his or her credit report, and law requires the hiring entity to provide a copy to the job applicant. In addition, if an employer decides not to hire a candidate based on the results of a credit report, the candidate must be told the reason why and be provided with the credit report information.<br /><br />Job seekers must be prepared with how to deal with a potential employer looking at their credit report.<br /><br />If you have a less than stellar credit score, here are three things you can do: <br /><br />1. Be prepared for the scrutiny<br /><br />"Just as you would if showing your home to a prospective buyer, tidy up your credit record before you put your career on the market," Yager says. "Know your credit score, and examine your credit record. If there's an error, U.S. residents can visit the Federal Trade Commission's website to learn step-by-step how to dispute and correct the error. But keep in mind, there is no quick fix that instantly raises a credit score so have some patience."<br /><br />2. Bring up issues on your own<br /><br />"As an applicant, if you've got credit problems and the company asks permission to run a credit report, you're far better off if you bring up any issues they're likely to uncover proactively, getting out your side of the story before the company even realizes there is a story," Maher says. "A lot of people have problems with their credit, particularly nowadays. But you need to control the story, not let the credit reporting company control it. Hiring companies understand no applicant is perfect but they want to understand that imperfection, whatever it may be."<br /><br />3. Realize you're not alone<br /><br />"In most cases, a degradation of credit history is a slow process and would most likely affect those candidates that have been out of work the longest the most. Remember, if your credit history has been damaged, you're in the same boat as countless job candidates. And don't forget, it's a huge boat!" Powell says. "Employers have a responsibility to hire the most competent and qualified candidate. Be prepared and have a plan."<br /><br />Get the latest job search news and advice on CareerBuilder.com's job seeker blog www.TheWorkBuzz.com and follow us on Twitter @CBforJobSeekers.<br /><br /><a class="addthis_button" href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&username=rockfordlink"><img alt="Bookmark and Share" height="16" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" width="125" /></a><script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=rockfordlink" type="text/javascript"></script>

Why Do Employers Care About Your Credit?

By Rachel Farrell, CareerBuilder.com writer When you're looking for a job, you're probably not thinking about your credit score. But...

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Forget low energy, I have NO energy

I'm not sure what is wrong with me today but I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep forever. I'm exhausted and that's after eight hours of sleep last night. Maybe it's the twelve and half hours of flying in the last week and a half. Seattle-Denver-Seattle, Seattle-Dallas-Seattle, almost back to back.<br /><br />I just feel like my life's blood has been sucked out of  me. I managed a really good workout last night at the gym. Thirty minutes on the StairMaster and fifty minutes of heavy strength training. I'm dressed right now for the gym but just the thought of exercising is exhausting me. I'm not sure how I'm going to actually get there and do a good workout. <br /><br />In addition, I'm hungry! Sometimes I just have days where all I can think about is food. Today is one of those days. It's not even lunch yet, and I'm starving. <br /><br />Tired and hungry is a really bad combination for me. It makes me feel weak and really susceptible to out-of-control eating. I guess today is going to be one of those "one minute at a time" kind of days. <br /><br />I'm heading out to the gym and then run a few errands. My plan is to be home by 2pm so we can just relax before the work week starts. Maybe a nap is in my future. :)

Forget low energy, I have NO energy

I'm not sure what is wrong with me today but I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep forever. I'm exhausted and that's after ...

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Planning de la semaine du 17 au 21 mai 2010

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 17 mai de 9h à 12h30,<br />- le mardi 18 mai de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 19 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le jeudi 20 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br />- le vendredi 21 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de Gestion</a></strong> (sur rendez-vous)<br />- lundi 17 mai de 13h30 à 17h <br />- vendredi 21 mai de 09h à 12h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/solidarits-nouvelles-face-au-chmage.html">Solidarités Nouvelles face au Chômage</a></strong> - mercredi 19 mai de 10h à 12h30</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 18 mai de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 19 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 18 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Préparation à l'entretien</strong> - jeudi 20 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 21 mai de 10h à 11h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 21 mai de 14h à 16h</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Rendez-vous Grand Maillage</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong><a href="http://www.grandmaillage.org/article-petit-dej-grandmaillage-20-mai-2010-48887931.html">Petit déj Grand Maillage</a></strong> - jeudi 20 mai de 08h30 à 10h <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineha-kWXe2qGMxu8B4N0rXcx-SNjM0dfZr9KBWe4E8lYbWyGP9zbBODLp8i4_Fw82ul8fvXc6J7SiaHnJBMSuJyyriXIaRYj_9yf_6vMInRNmZeH-dpmDibjau1Yl71qauPgjcHQ4hIdC/s1600/Petit-Dej-20-mai-2010-copie-1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472145936295213938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineha-kWXe2qGMxu8B4N0rXcx-SNjM0dfZr9KBWe4E8lYbWyGP9zbBODLp8i4_Fw82ul8fvXc6J7SiaHnJBMSuJyyriXIaRYj_9yf_6vMInRNmZeH-dpmDibjau1Yl71qauPgjcHQ4hIdC/s200/Petit-Dej-20-mai-2010-copie-1.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" /></a></ul>

Planning de la semaine du 17 au 21 mai 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 17 ma...

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I'm still alive!

It was a very busy week. Last weekend we were in Denver for my niece's graduation and got home on Sunday. Driving in to work Monday morning and thinking about all the things I needed to do at work that day it hit me, I had to go to Dallas on Wednesday and return Thursday night. Somehow I had totally forgotten about this trip. <br /><br />The Dallas trip turned out to be fine. I was a bit apprehensive since I was traveling with a coworker that was fairly new to my team (one year), and I barely knew him other than a few casual conversations. We got to knew each other better and he's a really great guy. I think I've found a new friend on my team. It always amazes me the experiences people have had in life and what interesting lives they've led. John was no exception and has had a very fascinating life (formerly a musician traveling with famous rock bands and now a software developer - I had no idea). <br /><br />Yesterday was my fine needle aspiration on my thyroid, which is a biopsy to check for cancer. 95% of the time these thyroid nodules are benign. I was prepared with  my eye mask, my noise canceling headphones and my iPod, and I was on Xanax. I won't say I didn't feel a thing, because I did, but it wasn't bad. It was more the idea of needles being stuck in my neck that was sort of causing me anxiety than the actual process.<br /><br />The doctor told me he wanted to do six needles, but most people stop him at four. Six is the preferred number because each needle only gets one or two cells. After four needles (and I was counting) he lifted my headphones and said we've done four, can we go on and do six? I told him no problem, go for it, I was fine. <br /><br />The weird thing he was doing is that the needle doesn't just go in and come out, but it goes in then he pumps the needle up and down several times. It didn't really hurt since I had a local anesthetic in my neck, but it didn't feel good either. I lost count but knew he'd done more than two additional needles. <br /><br />When he was done he told me I was a real trooper and that he'd done twelve needles in my neck and thought he had gotten some really good samples to send to the lab. Again I told him it really wasn't that big of a deal and he said most people wouldn't agree with me. I'll get the results back next week. A phone call if it's serious, by mail if it's not serious.<br /><br />The sweet nurse told me my neck was thin and long so it was easy for the doctor to get to my thyroid. A lot of people have short, thick necks and the thyroid sits down on the collarbone making it really hard for the needle to get to it. I never thought I had a long neck but apparently it's longer than most. I don't think that's really a compliment, but if it causes less pain for something like this then I'll happily live with my long, skinny neck. <br /><br />Exercise this week hasn't been the best, with only two good workouts on Monday and Tuesday. I attempted working out in Dallas on Wednesday and Thursday but the hotel fitness center was tiny, the equipment kind of wobbly and rickety, and everything felt sticky from the humidity. Plus I was just totally exhausted. I attempted to work out both days and actually got on the elliptical but only last five minutes each time. It felt like it was going to fall over sideways. Plus it was hot, humid and I was tired. <br /><br />Considering I was walking and standing up both days in the airport while I worked, I think I burned a few more calories than I would have if sitting at my desk all day.<br /><br />I tried to eat healthy both days in Dallas, eating salads at T.G.I. Fridays, the only restaurant that had halfway decent food near our gate, having grilled chicken breast and double the broccoli at the hotel restaurant where I happen to know they serve the great Chicken Alfredo. <br /><br />At the hotel I ate the free breakfast buffet, but skipped the gravy and biscuits with bacon (which my coworker ate), and had two boiled eggs, a banana, and a bowl of raisin bran with non-fat milk. I ate a tiny little 4 ounce non-fat yogurt and read the ingredients later. Corn syrup and 16 grams of sugar! My breakfast was 12 Points. I was somewhat horrified since I usually have a delicious 6 Point breakfast at home, but the damage was already done. <br /><br />I weighed in this morning at 162.6. Not bad, almost a four pound loss since my last weigh-in of 166.4. <br /><br />One thing I want to mention is that I don't have this all figured out. A couple posts ago I wrote this is my new normal, eating right and exercising. For the most part that's true. <br /><br />Yet sometimes I still have moments where I feel really hungry and really want to eat massive amounts of unhealthy food. My guess is that this is similar to what smokers and alcoholics go through after they quit smoking or drinking. I have to fight the urge with all willpower when this happens. It's been weeks since I've had a serious binge (maybe months), but I know it could still happen at any time. I'll have to remain on guard the rest of my life.<br /><br />I received a postcard from my Weight Watcher leader this week. It said "I'm so proud of you. Do this until you die!". My husband thought it sounded morbid, but I know she speaks the truth. I have to do this until I die. It's just a fact of life, and I'm okay with it.

I'm still alive!

It was a very busy week. Last weekend we were in Denver for my niece's graduation and got home on Sunday. Driving in to work Monday morn...

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Tired Tuesday

<p>Hello friends!! Was that totally mean of me <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/celebrating-mothers-day-saturday.html">yesterday</a> or what? Well I won’t keep you in the dark any longer!!</p> <p>Remember <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/coming-clean.html">last week</a> when I was honest with my weight and that Tuesday’s are my WI day, well I weighed in this morning and the scale said <strong>168</strong> which means a<strong> 4.5lb loss</strong>! I’ll take it!</p> <p>Monday night I didn’t sleep well at all (maybe an hour or 2)! I ended up taking a 1/2 day off work to catch up on sleep. Kyle was kind enough to make me breakfast when I got up for my day at 11am! He made me <strong>ff pancakes</strong> with <strong>bananas</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cXgK3MXrJJNvKwrB2dnpTNnJCIahWGEmdlLvR7eW2_MnKm3Ie7PMaXIsgB_WwOI8-d7gmqaWSqlPWZ2urRHpNztkYGio5ZX4K4Rsq7fgMdi9ruujIV018BlM3TXfKS5ObFQitSHXNsGc/s1600-h/DSC07255%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07255" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdonnlmAO5EZOj3Eu0SGp83Mo-jUx1mCrXijoqOXQAov2s6RQ11JU3j8ZzpCcx74uEU_zME5zxBvQ1Q2M3ojFHRqBxUZI1MqfJa52jkNF1QUJS7GkFV1l3QZ0FpI4cz4KOVwi-zgIuopH/?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="DSC07255" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I got to work mid-day and didn’t slow down until I left at 7pm! I did take a little time to have some <strong>yogurt</strong> with <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html"><strong>homemade granola</strong></a> for<strong> 2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7G3JyhMKRR9gJS7bputJ844jus7Hx_LG_LE2BhnjASjuDPZyk96DvOEepQbAd6nyvvyQw1FJVYXVZJa5Y7yNBjM2KNkTXnFqXhfVqkhPrsaPSRUKb3CHyNnCTAlK1T_GHzQ8167A1yRo/s1600-h/DSC07256%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07256" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjGqwNtpuAFa02wd2nNxq5EilTQTaJyQiiwxjrKnaUxd8pRVFOVvkcMCIDIDWPZbuBNu37-uuHxI8MAs_n4T5dirFmX140Blh24fkAMTq_72Mr_8231R_r77H8brtV_rD6NsBFblxDBDT/?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="DSC07256" width="404" /></a></p> <p>And I can’t forget my super sweet husband brought me and my staff in my office some <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/ram-5k-park-time.html">lemon ice cream from the Dariette</a>! I think we all appreciated it! I was so excited though and didn’t get a picture. (<strong>8 points</strong>…it was a big serving)</p> <p>I think Kyle is on a role today because he also made me supper! I had this delicious looking plate ready for me when I walked in the door! It consisted of <strong>ff hot dog</strong>, a <strong>cheeseburger</strong> on a <strong>sandwich thin</strong>, <strong>strawberries</strong>, & <strong>grapes</strong> for a total of <strong>10 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTeI54Ds6SdULfHGNrsc6g3uYMuK-O0UWKA3bqlu14O45S_lTf-NRxdKA2MKz6xgFaaOioZuA6DWCANmTUxicYojbfjKus6kT3pUzwRuPw7_tisi695AkBHkBOQwEh0goyCz9vpLtrZE3/s1600-h/DSC07257%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07257" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrCzEXzVJ43KombIx0D_d_1npdeSSDy-56tqdIFfwzzGqCtIjNTrGMU7frs6zWeULpnG0jy_SrNkItVKynxV33D6b0WQSiI0S9FA-U62aPFMVhKxMECbF1pXjdv9_btOI_PHSI3TXLPNAc/?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="DSC07257" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I haven’t ran since Sunday, but I can’t let it get to me. I need to take care of me. If I am exhausted from little sleep and stressful days at work I think it’s ok to rest from work outs, as long as its just a day or 2. </p> <p><strong><em>What’s your take on rest days?</em></strong></p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 26/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 3 used/32 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   0 today/0 week <br />WATER = 64 oz <br />EXERCISE = nada</p>

Tired Tuesday

Hello friends!! Was that totally mean of me yesterday or what? Well I won’t keep you in the dark any longer!! Remember last week when I ...

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Celebrating Mother’s Day

<p>I’m going to try to keep this short, but sheesh I didn’t realize how many pictures I took on Saturday (over 70)!! </p> <p>I started my morning out working at our graduation ceremony at work. I was bummed I couldn’t sleep in, but once I got going I was a-ok!</p> <p>Afterwards I raced home, chatted with Kyle a bit, and then met my Grandma and 2 of my sisters at a local tea room!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZKsun_bWq1yRknUEhr2n3lTZ5qJD6iFHkmacASDbS7yakbhRv5uXXaVPVN7bEoaXTAGOrYWJGtIhXhNluCBfYzHiH_A2q3kQbzkkDzExCtV50THITk0h9WpG1B-lr5oWgthSo2Z7cdRE/s1600-h/DSC071983.jpg"><img alt="DSC07198" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o6I4MRvjuuSQaoMo3nXUVGdFFxq792Q9qZGdcO1Zb0oGpHoF_X6-op0z1tUM4uIckgQi4TF2V64QcGJsgsOnXe4oR8VKuDdeJmJfiXjRY4TIslTfuYXN-fKTyGhVs3dVhh7vN7OSFQSN/?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="DSC07198" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Tea rooms hold a special place in my heart. A farmer/neighbor growing up owned one and I started working there when I was 12. Yes, 12! I drove the 4 wheeler to work on all gravel roads! I started a dish washer and after that (and I got a little older!) I waitressed, hosted, and worked in the gift shop! It was so fun. But unfortunately it closed. So whenever I get the chance to go to one I’m all for it!</p> <p>The menu changes each day while keep a few of their “staples” like soup in a bread bowl or their famous chicken salad! I ordered the <strong>Almond Chicken</strong>. Here is the description from the menu:</p> <p align="center"><em>A boneless breast of chicken is lightly breaded with crushed almonds, and seasoned bread crumbs. Baked and served with real mashed potatoes, and smothered in a creamy baby Swiss cheese sauce, and served with candied carrots, a homemade Italian Style cole slaw, and our home baked sweet bread.</em></p> <p align="left"><strong><em><u>Amazing!!</u></em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4adxtWTv6Txb70G2UoT64HgKGdIq6LNMZn7ioFIWkJhT3E0Ts669wkcojGhjrShR7Pc4fNan9KUfGTrw7uoibQ_in46dVVEgBZ2XPcz7kxvBB0aPli6Q712t1n6jBJwpa-k722retrtk/s1600-h/DSC071953.jpg"><img alt="DSC07195" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqQItBWtJP4Q3aqY9hxRy7XGZmc-rSlFIvFO0DmWlB-WDriY22do1QJk1WqYBeu82zL-2vdCDL9Pgs_BjqI5MyEUpoejxkRD0qZX4nNUb98vr1sNdDWV3j6JjVDfApMLreZ9REiBgewBF/?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="DSC07195" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">For desert we ordered the puff pastry…look how HUGE this thing is!! The middle is filled with vanilla mousse, strawberries, banana, and whip cream. Don’t worry, we split it 4 ways! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsQ6O8vzVtADGhjy89cYRHfrddhTOG5pZmUqLr8qPPxrBEjPfCd2OTRABKc4PkoDsVT_9B87kTbv0LbMMPTov5zFfxTDsJBN6O3Rf1XkAgQBZrB2g7RvNAik_Ru_gq8gUtoojn47DVIYC/s1600-h/DSC071963.jpg"><img alt="DSC07196" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE19stZolIu4OuoMZ7IS-0_NPtq2d6x4DKgxzU_mZbXvKl37rE2Di-64cv0jTLBplaOyLwfULH2emqZWHlNQJ23Ss1Mu2irluG-6D_Vx6Vy9kQdpCMqoSj4KjyOu5qo75R1riRaxkdXcAk/?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="DSC07196" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">Happy Mother’s Day to my Grandma! We had a wonderful visit and didn’t leave there until after 2pm!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cIx8rySHQwWFbPVLceSOdBoPBc-hothmYD5bboUgT5PM4x3O5mGV3vlROwJDKZjJQODSK1Lj8dhyphenhyphen-2NVV2HtrCHZgsO1sosR4b9PC_NivJnOmiyo5xDi9xwJHhyJF1Ftep2vfWi8iIaI/s1600-h/DSC071973.jpg"><img alt="DSC07197" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcXw97bRpgqazVqnYt1iBpMiiwO9-sLWnVAyVSW86wYZweRHFi7hQWqvRF6Z5nfRR5_WZrR559hBIWSk62i6z7xn3pemeY4HPFv9qDfy4biD49U-u0tPPERGMg5ZgDZ5Pv0d1g4JraS6K/?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="DSC07197" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">Next up was celebrating <strong><em>Mother’s Day with my Mom</em></strong>! And can you believe in the 6 hours we were at her house I forgot to get a picture with her. Here is one from my little sister’s college graduation this past December. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pY0YuE7povZIXfUB_yZdApkxXGhplkJkX8pCbo3CQBEfR5CnRfmYZPU6HCoct4RuCSgdN5d85K6uq7PGzGmDJJ9svlHG0FqDkqBWQjQnZiWjDfqvG_5vifZ39nJ2oNgEthcxZ3pTLftz/s1600-h/DSC053003.jpg"><img alt="DSC05300" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-qycO3gAmyGv9MOGgM0hWouw92S6j3J7Wu-LuWXC96SGP28dYzmULDXwY5bhymHsmGCGAUBwK-S3wjX7KlvLdqObiSaCmmzMZQVV2XlFtUpqvtEVHFH29INMwreKwlHrEyp3krFIE-jg/?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="DSC05300" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">My Mom & Step Dad were watching my niece, Maya, while my Step-Dad’s daughter & her husband were on a mission trip. It was fun to have a little 4 year old add some extra entertainment to our evening!</p> <p align="left">She took an extra special liking to Kyle! Here they are giggling on the couch!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxLNoYKR2QNojEUVWKHp_D9FJriHNTMfYCswPZiM5206Cy6KRoyjZ2hYm_J9Vonhm-rcyiFPdLGURPudd2rFSzQCnxhyks6CYvbKCQsv0R7pub6Hq8OWN1VVqI1Gt_oSvaUn1voiSJ-bY/s1600-h/DSC072003.jpg"><img alt="DSC07200" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK_aeT_xsC4thurrtqY5SpxfSuRyIz-NLEHo4QTyO3ZvZ_vjyUVGz9acwU35_ysLwbYpim-pY0DNOQXhpu5Owrx5Arh-jrwJRGIIIYpO43Z25BmVpIMGJu5SR_w5oMFKo5c2IEEoxMprbn/?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="DSC07200" width="404" /></a></p> <p align="left">We grilled for supper. Here is what my plate consisted of: ff hot dog, roasted potatoes, asparagus, and fruit salad. You MUST try this salad!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVrn1cIkite16-DJHbGLgYbvdAToTYjlUk39INZTuuwi7WdFDvghcJWIAh4Uj6Ez79SrFysHxd_xT-vGworDwzDK1hYidkKW0RtlyCgAxCGAtpshalHZPzQlEZ6KaoKgt-Q99Y9zhc1OS/s1600-h/DSC07202%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07202" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gYCWpNLIRngE440Nv5lCOD1p7qIFXdKCYg2gtq6M4Ml6L4eqgPqpApcRZB6f3WBuz85T2L2iMXRDWrB43dJEKaCWMPB1u7AP-tiDAwG_oj1VIph0DcWS4KtmfpcwGrvI1Q_2baSD_GFD/?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="DSC07202" width="404" /></a></p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">3 c sliced fresh strawberries</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 c grapes (i sliced mine in half)</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 container of ff cool whip</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 sf instant vanilla pudding</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 can crushed pineapple</div> </li> <li> <div align="left">1 c marshmallows</div> </li> </ul> <p align="left">Mix pudding and crushed pineapple together, then fold in cool whip. Then add fruit. 1 c = 1 point!! You can also substitute 3 apples for the strawberries. This recipe is from my friend, <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/03/guest-post-2-jenna.html">Jenna</a>!</p> <p align="left">Maya thought it was silly that I photographed my food and wanted her picture taken too!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixcnF3lRFD3Ol8zyz6kND1jKPZ83x13HSactEUJDEySuS9ZZPIMcSM0gjhwzVz6QKT5YufDqeLKmrbELpLADfBaqkykUmhynTAARJMvgFPbcrBh6wVAXG2PdjOkA2yQNMotaILyIn1Lrt/s1600-h/DSC07203%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07203" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgKrM_NeBaf_V__PIZj_nhv5-CXoOnmuHx_OgirjFGEQLN8aurltPF9xIKQ42d3JYJjQMFF9M1j82KEW6DfFngB4FExeK4sA9cD79T81qGtNbRa5o9GreR0ghMtwcKBnek-CUmEpU5B6ou/?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="DSC07203" width="404" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> And her plate too! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKriQXIoySB6m22CFtkTZ3IWbDs7htwzMh1V79Jaqp_K1iytH05fLWb0fIA87bKz1Z04WE_UyEH4jitnWxNSHZ5FUCRUcxn3oFSff__ajgr8tC8I_FxrdHDFcBb0AXaDD7shL6syKSOx7/s1600-h/DSC07204%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07204" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6bgqLhkPurdmaeP2XLrQHwTsxtMECVO7C6mb6vjp0vvNYEZzip4-ADYXJjmW7hLXeMZo0mSL__VCMK_ohKaVznn4nfmMS86wM2djThKihB8Xk9Dndcaus7o1iQLphDTct7a8S6Sdd_oS/?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="DSC07204" width="404" /></a> <p></p> <p> After supper we went for a walk…the whole family!  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcsPgUPr-jvA_E-PTAn7RiXpQDnLSSvyJ3KbrcuMHRmclpOt963-BOUjfuq37zGueq6HDfN1EmAlyR9_nWJTXcm3HMd_9nJdRkr7LpFweGertoiOGhwYNTvTZyh1aayoiVHkNI4ywCBe6/s1600-h/DSC07206%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07206" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PZY3AicAj4wX8IcDkHdXwoYyxgiVPU8qaXkLyhvoZmhDVAvjlhG9_TbCUDk7MjTCO3tcwPzIXN81rly_ggxltydpxFooC1_yRLaLps93lXlSmhqAsP0vmL5PYZ7JE3Ulc1mg19ZFx159/?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="DSC07206" width="404" /></a></p> <p>We made a stop at the park for Maya…<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNLhekK49GUmg86xoeToS3UHnc323ng3Y7lBGIlqcvOcwuhVNchtjm_syEn5Zu1rF4fUr4276lT_xPhkUF-2eD_C-x2O7mAaYC_JTYJLtxF7ImQaupNnX7Fh0QU6WoCCcpAAunJUlKMqF/s1600-h/DSC07215%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07215" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SsBJ4FcEYKAvQ-YOIMFmxQMzJjv4WzZaM9jrd0Ln-R9jRYU5eUjEEaY-f72LfiYuvjkr_n3wzGyFVb8yATauvurIWM4JL7vH2ViiKzvT26OBVdVO_NyYYZVCCWNMJFNeNf5tUBdswGyj/?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="DSC07215" width="404" /></a></p> <p>And maybe for the “big kids” too! ;)     <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr9lDegucaLoWJqTVXvTChoKqSYwDf7eAVhu2DQSEml84Mhi1GdV7pwQ17LamdFGM5PrI5Q6U7Xd0LY4Pz7Ab3X2BBN9w-w5oKXwcD3yaQBOYCTNFwH5Wo3bLVpmw71KllFx8ZSqkw-IAQ/s1600-h/DSC07217%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07217" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvHH5sgCQxdGUpHQjyq9rQ2lx0Fou53qGe6FgoB5Db-TlWClUVaNbNtNx6nR-YFEdjtZ2fC6VBuhihIzKRaTOMOnguZdcC5yQdKOBYny67qTNLaD5F9yAw4VFWmW62_HXpfKl4lcMA28s/?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="DSC07217" width="354" /></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF64ch3dTAfvcDLL0mPlRLMsDffBwu4URKEZTmdiAiZfIi11GTNVVy56v5hkl6T2RlnUY4nCgNHXhLq9ujjkH5iVQPLLtxjai4FzwrQgFPFKOfgL4ueR66ZTueoTVURtrCyaiy_QrFTlnl/s1600-h/DSC07219%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07219" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtifp2KoMLHEloKBHdQfpnSAIWBeq1sUYnweuq6on9Cx9oyWsyexp5HEoTSOEd0JJSqBl3JTyUw-1HWtsX1ZW9cQDFGRubXx9t0qcfdeR6ITzDegl9wdmLrajF7_DF9GRr-FkIsqwQRPL/?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="DSC07219" width="404" /></a>  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRm8j83_7WKdCDLWF5xXtybGL2Nl4w2pyf3VlulNC8VIr7-E9Z0YpVsxEFveb24JjRAo74zM7JtI_F6dLaNbzUxWve9yo1pVDZrWpVSAci_K4Uo3DkM2hg07GiQXl5T83ymN3Lma9Ryz6l/s1600-h/DSC07221%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07221" border="0" height="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW59zWzmDai9dmwCzntgPZnkNyzi_Bb_JAXrtBQxaxTnVq-ZFu-Qz1Ay83cWIL7944Z0fs1R1OoLxL7Hf4vduHzg20Py0Pm1P-2S1RVJPgpnLBMpUi0ajQi9K6-sxMljZ0FpdFCn2DNEb8/?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="DSC07221" width="384" /></a>    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_Pxf2KmmkcOOM1rd_tcnD5BGXxt57fMAuSU9q8XfC3dLkJmJaHSUDNMJnvsKhp3jCVrikLmG1X_qdMs3XBalj3A-YK4VZ-tAPKnDcU8t-NceNU2o3_l8oWLTpxxDnP56cLuKijKEMBNb/s1600-h/DSC07225%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07225" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnM5IjgRkTFAIoWx7ZaJhFQEFqW2aReK2pgzstP4y1RGmP054Pg62qGDrNCVYC3U-7zNQcCOHAc-OLHK47NmnCrn6Ar5ekuX3-ARbpRt4inHkk2Ai2U6gKSmqBJb9hllF6VSmy4Zwe5gQ/?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="DSC07225" width="404" /></a>           <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEKoB4MYK7PAAYK6N-pJBzDFbq54ivzIQat9Bi7xf66PlKevrHWC1R5sSZxEnX3pzZ2ms78jWnFVkjsClLr4u6xed8KYMmsG2G5tHCFR7pHd1WVZq2aWkcpsns0DpCk5LAN9Pb-nb2-LR/s1600-h/DSC07236%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07236" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5H0GXuo5a9iXCp71-AeARH3-_g9Ts7D6HOKhu4Sa9JQhtu8y9Q1jB_zRFF8zXi6llbEw44e-k9vR8A9kuRcgdCLlKNH-HTWSW7RfzL31ZoUDBJOKSZNibr2wZfp1CSIOgnG2lnO-z4Sk/?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="DSC07236" width="404" /></a></p> <p>After our park time we finished up our walk and headed back to my Mom’s. (You can tell from the pictures that it was getting dark!) We had desert and called it a night!</p> <p>Sunday we celebrated Mother’s Day with Kyle’s Mom with going out to a brunch buffet after church. It was a great weekend celebrating the wonderful Mom’s in our life. I hope you were able to spend some time you Mom!</p> <p>So I know this is late getting posted, but wanted to share my weekend with you guys! The beginning of my week has been eve CRAZIER than my busy weekend, if that is even possible! But I have good news for you guys….</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>.</p> <p>But you will have to wait till tomorrow find out! ;)</p>

Celebrating Mother’s Day

I’m going to try to keep this short, but sheesh I didn’t realize how many pictures I took on Saturday (over 70)!! I started my morning out...

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Forum Intercommunal de l'emploi de l'entreprise et de l'alternance à St Jean-Le-Blanc

<BR><br />Un Forum Intercommunal de l'emploi de l'entreprise et de l'alternance aura lieu :<br /><ul><li>le <span style="font-weight:bold;">Jeudi 20 mai 2010</span> de 10h00 à 12h00 à 14h00 à 17h00<br /><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Salle Montission</span> - Saint Jean-Le-Blanc</ul><br />Seront proposés des ateliers d'initiation à l'entretien, des offres d'emploi, une aide au CV, des informations sur la création d'entreprise ...<br /><br />La Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans, la Mission Locale, Pôle emploi, la Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie, la Chambre de Métiers et de l'Artisanat, le Conseil Général du Loiret, des organismes de formation et d'insertion, des CFA et des entreprises du bassin d'Orléans seront présents sur le forum.<br /><BR>

Forum Intercommunal de l'emploi de l'entreprise et de l'alternance à St Jean-Le-Blanc

Un Forum Intercommunal de l'emploi de l'entreprise et de l'alternance aura lieu : le Jeudi 20 mai 2010 de 10h00 à 12h00 à 14h00...

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I waited two months to see the WRONG doctor! Seriously?!

After taking a Valium, and getting myself all worked up about my thyroid biopsy, the doctor told me, "Whoops! Looks like someone made a mistake. You're not suppose to see me, you're suppose to see the doctor that does the biopsies down where they do the ultrasounds. So sorry you waited two months for me but I'm not the person you need to see."<br /><br />I took the day off work, took a Valium that's still making me feel light headed and nauseous, got myself in a tizzy just by thinking about needles being stuck in my neck, and all for nothing. <br /><br />My doctor screwed up. She made the appointment for me with the doctor that removes the thyroid nodules, the surgeon! They need to do a biopsy first, before anything is removed.The doctor that does the biopsies doesn't have an opening until Friday. I was very unhappy since I just wanted to get the whole thing over with. I kept my cool and only said, "no worries, mistakes happen". Inside I'm thinking, gosh you guys are idiots. Don't you go to school for something like eight freaking years to be a big, important, and hopefully smart doctor? Don't you even know what doctor I need to see?<br /><br />Oh well, the worst part of my day was the Valium. I've taken it before, but it's been years. It gave me a headache, and I feel really sick to my stomach. I think when I actually have the biopsy done on Friday I'll skip the Valium. <br /><br />At least I had a really good workout in this morning before going to the doctor. My eating is good, and now I'm just super tired and still nauseous. I had chicken and Brussels sprouts for dinner, with Fage 0% Greek yogurt and blueberries for dessert. I actually feel sort of sick now so I think I'll go to bed early. Maybe it's the Valium, or maybe the stress of the day, either way I feel lousy.<br /><br />Thank you everyone for all your well wishes. I'm sure it won't be a big deal when it finally happens. On Friday.

I waited two months to see the WRONG doctor! Seriously?!

After taking a Valium, and getting myself all worked up about my thyroid biopsy, the doctor told me, "Whoops! Looks like someone made a...

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Dreading today

Today is the day I've been dreading for the last two months. A thyroid small needle aspiration biopsy will be performed on me this afternoon. Ugh!<br /><br />Two months ago during my annual physical my new doctor noticed my thyroid was slightly swollen on one side. After an ultrasound, I was told my thyroid was full of "nodules". These are little growths that are very rarely cancerous (95% are benign). Just to be sure they want to stick six needles in my neck, and dig around to get samples for a biopsy. <br /><br />They'll give me a local anethestic, but I'll be awake for the procedure. I'm really dreading this whole thing. I'm not really afraid of the results because I've read that thyroid cancer is very rare, but I'm afraid of the needles and the "digging around". I just have zero tolerance for pain and this sounds kind of painful to me. My breast biopsy a couple years ago hurt like heck, and this is my neck, which sounds a lot more painful to me.<br /><br />I took the day off from work to have this done, even though it only takes about forty minutes. Actually, I'm still really tired from the Denver trip and wanted a day at home to relax before returning to work. Of course this is in the middle of my day, which kind of wrecks the relaxed mode I wanted. <br /><br />Other plans today are the boring stuff like unpacking and going to the gym for a great workout, before the doctor visit.<br /><br />Plus I'm kind of on a post-vacation downer mood today. Fits right in with the biopsy appointment. Hopefully I'll get back to my happy self soon. Maybe the gym will help, which is where I'm going in about 15 minutes. :)

Dreading today

Today is the day I've been dreading for the last two months. A thyroid small needle aspiration biopsy will be performed on me this after...

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The new normal

I'm back from Denver after a very busy five days. The graduation was great, my niece gave the welcome speech, and received here Bachelors and her Masters of Business Administration. She turned 23 last week.<br /><br />We spent a lot of time with my husband's family and a lot of eating out. I heard the comment several times that I look amazing (an exaggeration, but it was nice to hear), and wow, you kept off all your weight. They've watched me go up and down with my weight for the last 22 years. This is the first time they've seen me in two consecutive years where I weighed the same. <br /><br />I was very picky about my food when we ate out. At the hotel breakfast buffet I'd always order a three egg white omelet with tons of vegetables and just a dash of oil. <br /><br />When my sister-in-law made dinner she made sure there were plenty of things I could eat. She didn't make something extra or special, she just made sure there was salad, lots of fresh vegetables and fruit. Sometimes I could eat the main course, sometimes I'd just have a bite. I didn't starve.<br /><br />I also managed to get in two really good workouts. Not as many workouts as I wanted, but there just wasn't much free time.<br /><br />Something my Weight Watcher leader said a week ago really stuck in my head the entire time I was in Denver. She said this is our new normal. How we're eating now, the exercise, the focus on getting and staying at a healthy weight, these things are all our new normal. We will do this until we die. <br /><br />What I did this last week wasn't hard or a challenge, I just did what I had to do. I didn't really give it a lot of thought, it's second nature to me to eat healthy. This is my new normal. 

The new normal

I'm back from Denver after a very busy five days. The graduation was great, my niece gave the welcome speech, and received here Bachelor...

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A Smidge Late!

<p>Hey friends! I don’t think I have slowed down since I woke up Friday morning!</p> <p>I forgot to mention on <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-won-today.html">Thursday</a> that I also whipped up a <a href="http://fitnessista.com/2008/11/something-worth-waking-up-for/"><strong>breakfast cookie</strong></a> while I was in my “mode”! I pretty much followed the recipe on the link, but for my mix in’s I was 1/2 banana, raisins, and cinnamon. It was a delicious <strong>6 points</strong>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzWehxDeILVqoBbignyzwuEVs01gXu2VHxa2bmZNz_lGnbzA33wuHVkRPEiGlJnGT3QxtS6djsfc3c_nVfzoreaMxCEbetGkVCTXJxohrcRpqwM4QGyLnoQDPBYZ3HQJOkphfnKahGoiC/s1600-h/DSC07180%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07180" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8ZPURJ0VPzxZYCkuH_gh_knKcVaYprB_9XQRs2Wy5sZzZsHcwP0a9GdBrQpZY4WAo4KVCDA4yfJM60bpgxnCFUQ3Skf4OxM9Px_TbwT3OBc0QpsX2XBHpjViz7M7FqIhLOsfIIaAqaZS/?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="DSC07180" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I couldn’t wait to test out my granola in my morning snack! I had <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong> with <strong>1/4c</strong> of my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html"><strong>homemade granola</strong></a> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkS8YnBj9nTlqgQuu8YSnlzJ0Qi5DrS6_22Hi5zjJ3Xn_3PbT7WQtqoJid8IdJ3X4nYUmKJpcJaeVMUTC_diZdcFWsUkzpAJqOps24zYMlLo2ZJJmO8h7YoJcY5kArvTr8i4cNy6RZN1B/s1600-h/DSC07181%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07181" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIOMeH2oMvI_yaNCz7kEnxlgH78KiMeIuflI2XydnztZSaEEsaaIlo7aI8gXzsVW7eSq3ZDVoJ6_JiaZlILCR84jT9nCZg5I6pvZ1dDMuQuzfGMOto_hiSmCbkCL7co9nlxB5EGMUNTM1/?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="DSC07181" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Lunch was at my desk…but pretty good, I had a <strong>Smart One’s</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong> (i think…can’t completely remember!). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio975uOMDsWSnwRrppx8HB4EBoF2ViSCPUZTavGAgaXMI6XmVSTr72Vdh9OTZ3r-ocQyS0rSCHaSGlv8SiABHRxldYXP0gDvD6jND-3N2rRVOnFglelYWuVkn2u6AfZxz2EODQCiw7u4-2/s1600-h/DSC07182%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07182" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2X2KJTAkx1t-1LS60fnOd0KHGytgwhPvnRVz9d31AJCP9mKllY98ygMR_IDLWO4cgPgoLn0vDC-wuBdbzlAn0JT_RPkT2Enb8DnIx9HwUpWwiwnwFgOqt-jn8lLymsci3H4pIXhj36iYw/?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="DSC07182" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I couldn’t wait for 4:30 and the weekend to be here! We had fun dinner plans with my <strong>BFF from junior high</strong>! We met at Applebees for supper. I ordered the <strong>garlic herb chicken</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>. I took the picture a tad late…the only thing you’re missing is a few more broccoli stems! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64Fifbv148hvAl9Xx062byej8LTKnert6L4qTP4EMkWJEufTZCQSLOaY1khjGqd0IS3mELoEV6bySg7MJ4_VzPGYqZC23wQCa0jnT-ev_8xM6xVrzSj2QFChp-7gCxeuZgoYECkqdB6D2/s1600-h/DSC07183%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07183" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7ZNgYP-QzEPHfWDTeI2aGO71LrIx_8vbzrfZ5C8jMnygRUurskuoQ31fpcK-OCIrODkRfeOsa6X4GT_awrPv5eTAFUzQVPLsMAts4M3QWl8MSsQz8LeD0baBj5ByW3ND6GRnDYEpKkyP/?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="DSC07183" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I don’t think we stopped laughing or talking the whole night! It was such a good time! Look what greeted us when we walked out the door! <strong><em><u>A FULL RAINBOW</u></em></strong>!! I loved that you could see both ends! Just a reminder of how wonderful God is!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvLqWvuwAPAN0c5YlmZC8HEChQ8qH1MsTGAoAYokE0f6SAwIyqmu9C0UqdZrpCSBC4t0PUqEEDGEg6lQitSSMLqw8U5PQ1ELDc7rwk6F0MLl97T7AqYU6rBiRBu8BvLKtHf5M5iWt2KQB/s1600-h/DSC07185%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07185" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2LdSYqNNtOewuexGi4SatGH3I5LEQoOV0gYvBjmOrMfxvew774gyJgkwXbH0NjMr7N0IfPTHIi99WyH1t7ut3gv0dYeCB3fKKI-8IF4kQobpQm5mKxsYfwjbf86pdCZc-Af3moW6P3Pj/?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="DSC07185" width="404" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7AFPHTbOnIhFrbb1d8gfhBxmkKXVCiFBCpgV4uexQ7tPogAswdAInS0ACMJhQ4HPVR-xUPAP0AxCfgyEkQYeu6atcBqU-Nd2NvAbzkHTIOkJobDCCqKVxCDlxcPVM53RsjF7jd1manLc/s1600-h/DSC07187%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07187" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7oIkVg2DT9UxMdNPrT8tpp7RWrRYV61lhq88Tx-lDzioU2CQxMOYN6A6s27vvlCoCdlriZuFXSGLANjZzqoWhucTU_MmJyP6NKBz6IVlZ1LDau9LTRuKyUZB64h9cnBpLcDV3HTm8qBW/?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="DSC07187" width="404" /></a></p> <p>This is Tawny…my junior high BFF! We don’t see each too often, but when we do it’s like we hadn’t missed a beat! Those are my favorite kind of friends!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw1_Plc01-FwAl4kjjrhbdLCuN5tGZBSX5fGUuJ49HgHHQtwW835-9nK8drQtb45YkE_mNwWfqgaMtOJ0clAb-Kutg9bpR0xZSEbYxtuUH1KrvV6EYstyqwKIAZ8rBD150hQzHDUjKpSQ/s1600-h/DSC07189%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07189" border="0" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictupSmCIRgAdJPQqfYq297HXqaKHD1iQ7u8g-tbnqW4eGEZZV4lE7T80Bm2xnVL5Zvk5sbJe-vj0PZKVkNu1FFc2cjebX-KiYmgpOvDf_eGHFGNYvskf7CqfGIPv2RwoByci0EbFfhUE6/?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="DSC07189" width="354" /></a></p> <p>After supper we headed to the <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/ram-5k-park-time.html">Dariette</a> for some desert! It was much <em>too cold</em> though to eat on the patio so we headed to their place! I had a <strong>lemon cone</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. I’m sure you guys are going to be sick of hearing about the Dariette by the end of summer…what can I say? <strong>I <u>LOVE</u> ice cream</strong>!</p> <p>We didn’t call it a night until almost 11pm when we left their place, but we had <strong><em>SUCH</em></strong> a good time! </p> <p><strong>FRIDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 27/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 8 used/27 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   0 today/8 week <br />WATER = 112 oz <br />EXERCISE = nada</p> <p>Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! I will continue to catch you guys up with a Mother’s Day post coming up next! </p>

A Smidge Late!

Hey friends! I don’t think I have slowed down since I woke up Friday morning! I forgot to mention on Thursday that I also whipped up a br...

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Planning de la semaine du 10 au 14 mai 2010

<BR><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Permanences<br /></span></strong></h2><ul><br /><li>Le <strong>Conseil Général du Loiret</strong> sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans<br />- le lundi 10 mai de 9h à 12h30,<br />- le mardi 11 mai de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 12 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/01/egee-nouveau-partenaire-la-maison-de.html">EGEE</a></strong> - lundi 10 mai de 13h30 à 17h (sur rendez-vous)<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2007/11/boutique-de-gestion.html">Boutique de Gestion</a></strong> - vendredi 14 mai de 09h à 12h30 (sur rendez-vous)</ul><br /><h2><strong><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 113%;color:#005c9b;" >Ateliers</span></strong><br /></h2><br /><ul><li><strong><a href="http://www.mlo.fr/" target="_blank">MLO</a></strong> - <span style="font-style:italic;">Simulations d'entretien</span> - lundi 10 mai à 09h30<br /><br /><li><strong>CV</strong> - mardi 11 mai de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 12 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 11 mai de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 14 mai de 10h à 11h30<br /><br /><li><strong><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2009/07/atelier-situtilises-tu-trouves.html">Sit'Utilises tu trouves</a></strong> - vendredi 14 mai de 14h à 16h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 10 au 14 mai 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 10 ma...

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I won today!

<p>I know I started my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/run-won.html">Wednesday post</a> out just the same…but I can’t help it! You guys are <strong><u>awesome</u></strong> and keep me <strong><u>motivated</u></strong>!! So…<strong><em>THANK YOU</em></strong>!! I SO appreciate our comments…keep em coming! :)</p> <p>For my oatmeal this morning my banana was <strong><u>EXTRA</u></strong> ripe so I mashed it up and mixed it in. Since I didn’t have a “<em>topping</em>” I crumbled up a<strong> 90 calorie fiber one bar </strong>and I still had the usual <strong>PB2</strong> (which I’m getting low on…not sure if it’s in the budget). ;) The total for my <strong>oatmeal</strong> this morning was<strong> 5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimGDm4kovFOLvh0k_GG3Ik00JKQoZbrOaKanlJ3OEAaL7lORPHaAKtVpPC2N88SCY8pmY2Cooz3wpvUBsNXmdqb1tatc3yOvdtox3BKx0-WsYXamffuIJXMPHOoyg2rbN9hh-0ykKhwj9j/s1600-h/DSC07172%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07172" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh452x8vGa_IbH6GuoNIEowI1kWpgGKzTg2875xMtw7eQCrQzfhATwYF1aU25TUWxEjiGaXwnDXxRg41gvOUs_PwjF_D2r2f12efdhY5hQLSIYd4DOq3vlWZIDGKiMWkUEjEv65DLlOAPny/?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="DSC07172" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Another duplicate today was my <strong>yogurt</strong>…nothing fancy, just mixed in <strong>1/4c grape nuts</strong> for a <strong>2 point</strong> morning snack. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_aIGASYlgdZY1zojHvkuhC-WXZeOspb6WfcGNCSnJ883hYn6-hRD1yOq1GFOD3nizHHU9XkhmCiUcsFDmXi1d5u31pTTwQKzoyAGHHO4x2rndpHUDBvOk89HB9BygTOUxCK6iGK1Q9OWe/s1600-h/DSC07173%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07173" border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfSevhQ_zOvsIgK8XRW7K1wDCGx-WbtoNdIMh81UzTulUGn6PlmIyGT8vK_s_nbFeT0lvyKIpNGmOG0rSlFNoErfjhwV9VpAYyqzvADBNu65FQzcyPA8BDju2-uAFwlln7BAPMgfLVmNa/?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="DSC07173" width="304" /></a></p> <p>To say that my day went fast is a <strong><em>HUGE</em></strong> under statement! I didn’t get home for lunch until almost 2:30! I had a <strong>baked potato</strong> with about <strong>2/3c chili</strong> for a total of <strong>8 points</strong>. Very filling!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRritzqCNP2TO21LmepIv2JgX6AWWM-Yjxh127vO3Zsl9GxgwiWq_4dNhOTnqViqf1xJaK3AcVcFAR43uxH-pR7b_VLyBazu2k7Icdg8iEUwrr2u8p9HKk4u-ksLfoOavGb3QyHAS1fkAH/s1600-h/DSC07175%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07175" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9Cg183skh_BlhDBA3XYzym5zkeqoIEEZCZ4hQce37Cg4eMybaDTgB4noxGOkL0EuZPtkMI8DnKQAd4DqhLRrn4vyFxScVx-clsxl6pxhFevPteQGJaPPoYTc2QNlyRorK3o2Qjg1gZma/?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="DSC07175" width="404" /></a></p> <p>We closed our office an hour early today for an “End of the Year Celebration”. Basically appetizers & drinks. I didn’t get a picture because I forgot my purse in the car. :( But I had<strong> 3 lil smokies, 1 small chicken wing, 1/4c spinach artichoke dip, 2 club crackers, and, 10 bite size tortilla chips</strong>. My best estimate for all that is about <strong>11 points</strong>. Sound like enough? I looked up each food’s nutrition facts & estimated from there. </p> <p>After the “celebration” I headed back to campus to teach my final class of the semester. Luckily it was a test and everyone finished early so I could get home to run!</p> <p>Before it got dark or rained I got in<strong> 3.63 miles</strong> in <strong>37 minutes</strong>. It felt <strong><u><em>AMAZING</em></u></strong>! Isn’t it crazy that one day you can feel like each step is SO hard and you don’t want to go any further and the next day you could run & run & run! I was sporting my <strong>Hawkeye</strong> gear tonight! ;)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTiikafUP6Fb9ikBO22R_QINEtUvAazyMpO1fIJ8vzNUqbIDPmDmuhzF248IuyqYnhzSmMbR8KXug2TliPUwNRvG8ZsdeKQD0Mc_FvKxv9yU1YTdaC7aT02fz-4LR3zggv3TgPxot2nCfu/s1600-h/DSC07176%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07176" border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGcL-cdcY6f73AUyCayKn4ZZch-nfBQG2HPBVoD-a0BuKeI7MHVVZDdEA7BuUOmaNSWD2nXMe65SCKMN98dpsEvE9EEmdxAJfPknLwgeqm5Vz-zyrI14ZBvT5_FBWxkwNIMXbVqBPzvIj/?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="DSC07176" width="304" /></a></p> <p>I think conquering my run put me in the “on top of the world – I’m super motivated” mode! I peeled and <strong>orange</strong> (<strong>1 point</strong>) & got to work in the kitchen! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtys42263FEXnIaH1TeWkpzbT_NK5QisK37SJ6GXkmuQ2180yT5Y-VJGdCNrvBhY6VHHL_B48trriR3y30XCy2fRyawcrMyeKMzN0_5jWxxwNCvAzrAEJGbhdbP5o7aUSScqzwlH3IPgE6/s1600-h/DSC07177%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07177" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNSgCxRIfV8x10Luflzmz_usyML-e6CTDy4Mtf6kNwswQphUYDEawhyiGLeZTusgW8g5MqFoHic_cW6ohxFHsU5Edf9pFUzcrACGXTRkm5Xbm4TvkIPLrlYb80i1-OGzV_hKxODCrHKwm/?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="DSC07177" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I mentioned <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/run-won.html">yesterday</a> I’ve been wanting to make my homemade granola again so I did just that! You can get the recipe <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html">here</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc7Mqd3jTk3HNKtTNdA8WcTdps6og6Nk5r5Nvh0BXh-j_mC-wkCj-Ys5dLHFfYFb9LOjWHoL7kkkPR35eYq9kttMGB3-OwFdWwYmWLSekfXUoFuAXcZhap-tQ0Bf-35prhtPLEIkkmaB7/s1600-h/DSC07178%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07178" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1wQWJqOp9zHR96tRsvwVreaRoc7B3KzuoVxwZuc798n6zN9-KTGXaSeqxOrJLOTn-sgle3JjRGvwlXhYyyS0X3s1T3iG_WTPp7hdoH04dfa7LPD9l0aT1k8UU8WKwSV1RwgbTQKOnmUWM/?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="DSC07178" width="404" /></a></p> <p>While that was baking I realized I had 2 VERY RIPE bananas and wanted to make something with them. I found <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/me/kyoddie/diets2.html#10">this</a> recipe and decided to try it out!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNJzBxFl45_0HffPpBk1Vu3qFBOOtgohyphenhyphenf1T95Lz5RmTbd0qlSYAUsCyWsXWgXcLd5mXls_66eLbuQ9_ZWvoMGp1ePt6sn6UQwYXl0tApT5WlplgOFObe1oLP9aaY9tfUEugO0ZOh3zWb/s1600-h/DSC07179%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07179" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB5MYdGqVAtRX5Ep5TvvQXdor85g5NzVY3KKmB-BJFoP9XLl8FkZOv1vgQFvIg42FEpjpVdZ6QzVlCII3jyITt2-4KxD_3NzUkZjk67D7duiNGX3VgMhVIZSs0R9F283j_rKaIV-OYRWI/?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="DSC07179" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Either Darci is a “ditz” or needs glasses ‘cause she cant’ read! Instead of using oat bran like it says twice on the recipe I used regular rolled oats! Sheesh!! So I’m not sure what they are going to taste like! lol Nevertheless, I thought I’d share the recipe anyway!</p> <p><a href="http://www.angelfire.com/me/kyoddie/diets2.html#10"><strong>Oatbran Banana Muffins</strong></a></p> <p><a name="10">2 1/4 cups oat bran <br />1 tablespoon baking powder <br />1/4 cup brown sugar -- packed <br />1/4 cup chopped pecans -- or walnuts <br />1 1/4 cups skim milk <br />2 bananas -- very ripe <br />2 egg whites <br />2 tablespoons canola oil <br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract </a> <p>Preheat oven to 425º. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix the milk, bananas, egg whites, and oil in a bowl or blender. Add to the dry ingredients and mix. Line the muffin pan with paper baking cups and fill them with batter. Bake for 15 minutes. Watch closely that these do not overcook. Makes 14 muffins. <br />Points per muffin = 2 <br /></p> </p> <p><strong>THURSDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 27/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 4 used/31 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   5 today/8 week <br />WATER = 112 oz <br />EXERCISE = 3.63 mile run</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Ok friends, this post is getting too long & it’s much too far past this girl’s bedtime! Nighty, night!</p> <p>Tomorrow’s Friday, woo hoo!!!</p>

I won today!

I know I started my Wednesday post out just the same…but I can’t help it! You guys are awesome and keep me motivated !! So… THANK YOU !! I...

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The Run Won

<p>Hello everyone!! We’re over half way through another week!! I just have to say that you guys are the BEST!! I <strong><em><u>appreciate</u></em></strong> all the support and feedback from my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/coming-clean.html">Coming Clean</a> post on Tuesday!!</p> <p>Here is a quick recap of my Wednesday…I need to get out to the door to work!</p> <p>I started my morning out with an old favorite…<strong>oatmeal</strong>! I mixed in a <strong>small sliced banana</strong> and <strong>PB2</strong> for a total of <strong>4 points</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwd1lcg0FYbk_kFivQTEAt0uZTothLc5TJl0dXZM_9dSqVdEt_jrafLpg-yjIqIwc6_vN7Wm3w8cCoqhBifXPvAkMZ5VRnTOeYRAH7PYd4Kx-5Wd44mG7r67ARvF-N-2_a5GQcrXKaTr7/s1600-h/DSC07154%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07154" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWci9TcChX4M7M48vTjiFkSZLkwc2Dco-bmiJaMfN5jYmk8ZsWwptKmhFmdgBAnW54asgaWqplxHNQ0ISLty2t5JEtLSb4OsdtWAioQP0n0XFUdRpqnU9zdCOIr-x-shUWHSJ3oRwxt11/?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="DSC07154" width="404" /></a></p> <p>For my morning snack I had <strong>strawberry yogurt</strong> with <strong>1/4c grape nuts</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. Which reminds me I really need to make another batch of my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/02/few-updates.html">homemade granola</a>!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCczHdTjjFcVcd43qZNAQ76J8H_rec7rklHnczLnah4oH9m4UjStUT4Fb48cTT3c9b4qK9Kbx9hwuNcgn2CPI_NxN79uw3tJpdTP7yX1jeaGaj1NBIOx5YaxuSs9fOZfLESmKl01e3U7tG/s1600-h/DSC07155%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07155" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_raw0DL7f4AojYVVyYIe3Fu6Acl9kfefLXadVOFhp0u8IGHZH4jk2zyjDfguX1TL_dTCSEly2RFtpDUyFO0Od5iTDd4HjDivNG866MvP7HTf_MEK55cOWpcp3o_heWBt2i_m_t1ONKxh/?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="DSC07155" width="404" /></a></p> <p>Before lunch I snack on these <strong>petite carrots</strong>! I love the skinny ones!! <strong>0 points</strong>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKQ5fyq-sNGrYaZ9BxRBRgoBeP9R5-lIMr4SPq7P-8nzuJSZP40L_RUyxMY-TbePxejVfSI6LuMuuQ4ceIiC6sPjy5wzG_D0ihIRTWJA12gTxLzjLgdnrqdPey_zUzED9Y3IxwHbGCatb/s1600-h/DSC07156%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07156" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwn0gwN1OaVzoPa-zlLssVX6ma5hs49q7TB9SQyu22bTl3ntN-5AZfbP9FjEpPLtlfeRvzYEi7KssIRh5Ghx833xBOmKKujVAssU6AJFrZWItnmRyQz7ocriu9eSqjsrMYAtiKy7nmTiE/?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="DSC07156" width="404" /></a> </p> <p>Lunch was, once again, at my desk. I had a <strong>Smart One’s</strong> and <strong>1c fresh pineapple</strong> for a total of <strong>6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYswRb8gvGXuCWvM9L2AeWXltvG2VKGlvVml1_-1wKKZ8oXUhPQL-dqfBT1EB1L3XtPZn7MFfk4LX52xn87dmoVQCoNc2_sSIHtXDrErF0gf_v6qQo3tHMIWrVOIsJjRYb7um6u0nbvmhm/s1600-h/DSC07157%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07157" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTNTtT0EuQs0oaA6ovw8T0280htTY0dvX6lr6DkuRrwfr7Cm3YDBZJIY8BMHEZa5hEvVUtiZ6ncu07KF_2vxQa_Yk0cYSGWEaUzxW1ERmqZ6uE2BJhDXiipQlxyjW-6e-Fv2sLs-i3rdxC/?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="DSC07157" width="404" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQv5idKzz4_4hWzn2H3rizVpfyEg_XtFLVwd2OSHUyz0p04QJIqbNRInhnr8-mLQ7XpQZm1RFOPIW63IFV_AlVRwpB93ySP0wvscatoHjvDmuyY7s4LzkqpiKeBY5PTM7r_mzW7BWTMtEB/s1600-h/DSC07158%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07158" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzUGL5_Vybb0hOqrFY6WeUQfN1R7oGHM4IsdRXq8eSKdx6wa0DYeOKjW-AVUyUnmsOmhYTj123NL0Qz2DvHVv1454yOldpmOwjkdqiuhCwugkYfaUsGC55yuqvOHPOEni1YeiMxgxRVTX/?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="DSC07158" width="404" /></a></p> <p>It was another long, yet productive day at the office! When I got home Kyle and I decided we would have <strong>tacos</strong> in honor of <u>Cinco de Mayo</u>! My consisted of <strong>1/2c lean ground beef, 1 flat out</strong> (cut in half), <strong>1/4 ff cheese, 2 T ff sour cream</strong>, and <strong>taco sauce</strong> for a total of <strong>7 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30DPqkKJ0dSm1EI0zt0IX29d9loz_8B1fahyphenhyphen4Ll6nF6mP-RBfHJONQMfb2OvvwNGVsARNX6O3petCqEzFyzo6h8KVrEui3KY3BWnLhMRewgP82GLWtAOiKidOHyjG3rgzurfzV2z1jRQN/s1600-h/DSC07159%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07159" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWawat1gmQphi-IONFZ8pFGpxlTmR-sVk4rE8sCPsO1xhi8GZuQuog6Iwf1Diw3KctbOKX1LUFf7qhhziu9n4I3hk2h4_nlxJV0ey8W25rbd4IXXMq5kyH-NVsAdk4LMrpIrMYw4sknVg/?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="DSC07159" width="404" /></a></p> <p>But before our little fiesta we had a <strong>short run</strong>. Yes <strong><u>short</u></strong>. :( I just couldn’t get into it. There were many factors & they are just excuses. In total we put in <strong>2.5 miles</strong> in just under <strong>25 minutes</strong>. I was disappointed at the end for giving up, but then decided not to feel like that and thought “hey it’s better than not running at all”! <strong><em>[right?!?!]</em></strong></p> <p><strong>WEDNESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 19/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 0 used/35 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   3 today/3 week <br />WATER = 104 oz <br />EXERCISE = 2.5 mile run</p> <p>Hope everyone has a <strong><em>GREAT</em></strong> Thursday!! I’m going to have to be strong today…it’s <strong>food day</strong> because it’s someone’s last day, we’re having a <strong>“end of the school year” celebration</strong> at work with all kinds of <strong>hors d'oeuvres</strong>, and silly me bought a <strong>giant bowl</strong> of candy for my students to munch on during their final tonight! <strong>I CAN BE STRONG & RESIST!!!!</strong></p>

The Run Won

Hello everyone!! We’re over half way through another week!! I just have to say that you guys are the BEST!! I appreciate all the support an...

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St. Bart and the Atomic Testing Museum

On Saturday, we drove up the lovely green Pahranagat Valley to White Pine County. We were visiting St. Bartholomew’s, Ely – not the regular annual visit but a special visit. I was there to dedicate their Memorial Garden. It is a lovely place with a superb sculpture of St. Bart in the center. The congregation commissioned it in memory of their late priest, Fr. Dale Miller. The statue represents the good saint leaning forward toward the street extending a hand as if to help a fallen child to her feet. It is a gesture of simple compassion. I have heard stories of unchurched folks who found the faith through the good works of St. Bartholomew’s, Ely “proclaiming the gospel” by such simple compassion. Their garden is the most serene and aesthetic spot in Ely – itself a blessing and sign of deeper blessings over the years and for years to come.<br /><br /> Then it was on to St. James, Eureka. Frank the musician, who plays old time evangelical hymns on the piano while Ministry Developer Norma Engberg accompanies him on the xylophone, had the heat on for us. The little church was toasty warm on a chilly sunny day. The congregation was Frank, Norma, Linda, a state patrolman, his fiancée, and me. It is small now, but there will soon be a mission there, a big mission. The molybdenum mine will open in the near future, hiring 400 miners, most of whom will bring families to this hard life in the wilderness. I hope we can find ways to help them with their daily struggles.<br /><br /> Monday was another day on the road back down the Valley – the Upper Pahranagat Lake is bluer than blue with bright green grasses -- enjoying a sandwich stop at Windmill Ridge. South of Alamo the vegetation switches from pine and willows to Joshua Trees and wild flowers. Stopping for road construction, we rolled down the windows and were awed by the depth of silence.<br /><br /> The St. Bart’s Memorial Garden lingers in my mind. Partly it is because the garden is such a beautiful work done so lovingly by good people. But there is something more. Tonight I will be at the Atomic Testing Museum with Nevada Desert Experience to say a prayer for an event to support the New START Treaty. Ely was downwind from the test site and has a high incidence of cancer. People there with some forms of cancer get special federal benefits because of the atomic testing connection. I think of the statue, St. Bartholomew reaching out a generous hand to suffering people there. Life is already so fragile and so precious. It makes war unthinkable; yet we keep thinking it and doing it, bombing others, bombing ourselves for practice. “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” by us now.

St. Bart and the Atomic Testing Museum

On Saturday, we drove up the lovely green Pahranagat Valley to White Pine County. We were visiting St. Bartholomew’s, Ely – not the regular ...

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Coming Clean

<p>Happy Tuesday, friends!! I want to start out by saying <strong><u>thanks</u></strong> for all your kind comments <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/announcement.html">yesterday</a> on the<strong> big change</strong> going on with me and Kyle. If you missed it, click <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/05/announcement.html">here</a>!</p> <p>Since Kyle has some free time he took me to work this morning! I could get used to that! :) I ate breakfast when I got to work, an <strong>oats & chocolate fiber</strong> <strong>one bar</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjperbMINmp1YnwvCD56NeTju3N35gxaQO81nN3c0OA3OA3vxUkYNeOYmexjtJ-Sy8vYDk99G83HkGBLSEoGZLLl5IIFBgkYoiItSf_p3wPd-2hji0d9J45AEJlfbX6boGcWg8NYRJedjrE/s1600-h/DSC07149%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07149" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIfIhTxpT-DQvf3UhfiSdvsGPHmN5XrqHFH9a0XhWkgIE6Tp2KXE8XYVgZfVhDFBb14KfuJMceBJMlKU_2N97s3ZfC8k-LkCAr31WOcDA6n35uHHA61SwGmtVP0EhGW66dw_bNJUqRfUQ/?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="DSC07149" width="404" /></a></p> <p>A little later on I mixed up some<strong> strawberry yogurt</strong> & <strong>1/4c</strong> <strong>grape nuts</strong> for a <strong>2 point</strong> snack. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ZtX3OXoDjWhsSGDALw3pGgwqZ-1TQuutJRXQaIpdNgZp_u-Y0m-6eBSGW2aop_62n2wAQGVDXyyWi4nwhCKx8z_ncPbPxPILT-QCIcBmlmX7PKz-N19pV9zrZHIYE_9rKlBpN7v64X6X/s1600-h/DSC07150%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07150" border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RnYEBPgkTDTH8J0CyCPp9vMsstGIfY1W7D97O9-f1VP8GUmuFynFB4G1bA5WTvkPUmxqWHxyZZ0VoxPJ_Q_1P0jK7Y7HR6Gs-hhAhg2St5tlZ9UhIrssEA0H5tzKHGDLqwHcAopD5zvo/?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="DSC07150" width="294" /></a></p> <p>Like I said yesterday, work is super <strong><u>BUSY</u></strong> right now! Since Kyle brought me to work and I had no wheels to go anywhere for lunch, I ate at my desk so I could get more things done. I had <strong>1/2c cottage cheese</strong> with a <strong>1/2c peaches</strong> and a <strong>Smart Ones meal</strong> for a total of <strong>6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHQIsKj4KjCKWPk7gbAy_zCWd3vKjrdGEXcS77qfecdaiGRxHofIDNgzbGFc0jfiA2xGKJqbCnykjGZXUR7rsk0Jfpj7s95X7fhe-Vsq0BXkAw75ameuV9GeEJcL42bnF8S-t9PDXyhq9/s1600-h/DSC07151%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07151" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SH1C9Lj3PpXQ3xQfN9kvAs24hb0qvx9T_J3jIlZXsL6aI0IWaj9wyjNBfTLGyjyk4Ne92Ke2II7iXUuL7NQY3fKiiSu9opwR0g07LlpKqrfonHFfKi4X-lQGiytlcrhrRpfIsNPuve5J/?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="DSC07151" width="404" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEADTmex8YqdnLPAnhFOOStYTNSMgqPt6Qgc8dUj-uosytgvhiH5OJbAn4dvkqeOkJ5BztcLCiS0FZp0c0MZoGp4n38Ow7i5-bw4RXyMaCizdz54fWz3ygBOyMFzXA403MOIhKkKRF0rGq/s1600-h/DSC07152%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07152" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8TC0EU2z_-kPxi-IJ_vroA_bQ-G6mzAhzL1E4Ydd24Ab8hxJSF4h5uvJifcsF6Dqe1WnE3UBd3vblsWkjo6wqdhjrCJwa-ELnfcTdjCGlfoNSV7L-euUxmONZtu-_MY7LARNe0p-O_uv/?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="DSC07152" width="404" /></a></p> <p>When Kyle picked me up after work he had Abby with him so I had to bring her in to the office to <strong>show her off</strong>! She loved the attention and everyone loved her! :)</p> <p>We stopped at the Dariette on the way home for a<strong> lemon ice cream cone</strong>! I forgot a picture though. :( Click <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/ram-5k-park-time.html">here</a> for a similar one, I had a regular cone this time. (<strong>6 points</strong>)</p> <p>We had breakfast for supper tonight! I had <strong>2 eggs</strong>, a<strong> bagel thin</strong>, and <strong>1c pineapple</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. I <strong><u>LOVE</u></strong> fresh pineapple!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mKfUA4GNENmA-0JRQIK4Lp3vw3HfAXQK8AicDzVKvjvXP4vkBqD5JGHN5WTpqoFYKehXRVICATwuaa5z8qo-VvlQqpq0LCe6qET8Pl_Tkx9VWzgygBjGprcG-rT8g7jyttZvEvTiIEA2/s1600-h/DSC07153%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC07153" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhGZKgdtmbxi6RrO3a6qW2Qjz6r9OWEyvlreyE4lnURZ5BiD6P7GeQMV7PpxIzqtDcBafZ3-PeiNJWVH5iJNEwuCul5ihfeBkeWya2MZ-OpNNungRmd2YZeIBvFkm3aR_T2rPB60w0_CL/?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="DSC07153" width="404" /></a></p> <p>I tried to keep this short….but here is the low down on my weight:</p> <p>Yesterday I also mentioned I was going to “<strong><u>come clean</u></strong>” with what the scale told me this morning. It wasn’t pretty and I’ve been thinking about it all day. I was <em>frustrated</em>, <em>embarrassed</em>, <em>disappointed</em>, yet <em>determined</em> all at the same time. Ok, I’ll just put it out there….<strong>172.5</strong>. Ugh!!!</p> <p>I’m going to have Tuesday be my WI day and the start of my week for allowance points.. It used to be the day I went to WW (back when I still went to meetings). When I get back to within 2 lbs of my WW goal weight I plan to go back to meetings. I KNOW those are key in keeping the weight off and being successful.</p> <p>My WW goal weight was 161 so I need to get to 163 so I can go to meetings again without having to pay. Ultimately though I want to be 150 so I am hoping they won’t make me change my goal weight when I continue to lose weight beyond my WW goal weight. I really do not want to pay again (esp since we are a 1 income family!). </p> <p>I’m not happy with my current size. I need to remember how I feel right now…defeated & frustrated that I let myself do this AGAIN. All that bad food I ate was NOT worth it. I’m going to focus on that part that, I’m going to stay determined and move forward. That is all I can do!</p> <p>So my blog friends I’m asking for your help, keep me accountable and if things get out of hand give me a swift talking to or a good kick in the butt!! I’m sure I’ll need it! :)</p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 22/23 <br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 0 used/35 remaining <br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED =   0 today/0 week <br />WATER = 88 oz <br />EXERCISE = none</p>

Coming Clean

Happy Tuesday, friends!! I want to start out by saying thanks for all your kind comments yesterday on the big change going on with me an...

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Monday night and I'm well into my week of success

A very quick post because I'm totally exhausted. Three days of tracking my food under my belt, and I feel much more in control this week.<br /><br />Wednesday is a three-day trip to Denver for my niece's graduation in Boulder, Colorado. After five years of college she's graduating with her Masters in Accounting. She's only 23 and already has a job lined up. She's a very smart and pretty young woman. I remember when she was three and told me her brother was acting "dangerously". So cute and so sweet and now an adult. How time flies.<br /><br />I booked us at the Doubletree in Westminster because they have a pool and a gym. I'm going to get my workouts in regardless of what's going on with the family. <br /><br />Also, I had a record yesterday on the StairMaster. 142 floors in 30 minutes, a 77 steps/minute rate. Weight Watchers Activity tracker only has a 24-step and 30-step rate available for calculating your Points. <br /><br />Fading fast so off to bed for me!

Monday night and I'm well into my week of success

A very quick post because I'm totally exhausted. Three days of tracking my food under my belt, and I feel much more in control this week...

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Announcement

<p>Remember when I said this <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/weekend-recap.html">LAST</a> Sunday: "I should be back to my normal daily posts this week now that I’m feeling better!"? Well I'm sorry friends, that was a lie! My life has been <strong><u>VERY</u></strong> full lately! </p> <p>Here is a run down of my days last week: </p> <p>6am - wake up, get ready for work <br />8am-1:30pm work (we're SUPER busy right now) <br />1:30-1:45 Eat lunch at my desk <br />1:45-6:30pm or 7pm work <br />6:45ish-8pm get home from work and run <br />8:15pm-9pm make & eat dinner <br />9:30pm CRASH in my bed! </p> <p>Some days I worked longer, one day I had to teach until 8pm, one day we had a meeting a church till 9pm, and I think I spent 12+ hours on the phone with my sisters & parents last week! And a stinkin’ cold was trying to come on during all of that too! </p> <p>I have to say that I missed you guys <strong><u>SO much</u></strong>! So I am going to try my hardest to get back to my daily posts! </p> <p>Remember when I talked about how <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/04/to-verify-or-not.html">Kyle & I are tightening our "budget belts</a>"? Well I can FINALLY tell you guys why!!! No we aren't moving or pregnant! <br />. <br />. <br />. <br />. <br />. <br />. <br />Kyle decided to leave his job....yep we went from being <strong><u>DINKS</u></strong> (Dual Income No Kids) to <strong><u>OINKS</u></strong> (One Income No Kids)! It was a hard choice that has been coming for a LONG time! We decided that <strong><u>happiness</u></strong> and<strong><u> time off</u></strong> are <em>WAY</em> more important that any amount of money! So this past Friday was his last day at his job! And we both couldn't be happier! He is going to go back to school full time to get his bachelor's degree and hopefully find a less stressful job! <img alt="DSC07141" border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYA33cZme7CHcBne7TcnnG8ST4CTU4467YbK9vEPA9t5lw1_FUTCY7l3vDwSylkjp2X4A3L_j27zA5yxb0gwTJC1G3qeINLMxpu1i7duPgc_fHc9cXQFV9Zr4KmLOfVNdscwwVhIOmRsLX/?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="DSC07141" width="354" /></p> <p>As far as food this past week I was <strong>NOT</strong> a good girl! So I have <strong>LOTS</strong> of work to do. Summer is right around the corner and I really would like to be  feeling more comfortable in my clothes! So it's the beginning of May, I'm going to make a fresh commitment to stick with my points and get my workouts in! Hold me accountable friends! </p> <p>I'm going to hop on the scale tomorrow morning (probably have a heart attack) and be open with you guys on what it's telling me! I haven't talked about my weight much since before I went to Florida, which was mid-March! YIKES!! The <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/12/sister-challenge-is-on.html">sister challenge</a> is STILL on! I would LOVE to win!!!  </p>

Announcement

Remember when I said this LAST Sunday: "I should be back to my normal daily posts this week now that I’m feeling better!"? Well I...

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Another swimsuit shopping trip

Twice in one weekend I went shopping for a swimsuit. I'm truly a glutton for punishment.This time I tried on every suit that I thought might fit me, but I had a different focus today. This is not a suit that I'll wear at the beach and try to pretend I look sexy. This suit is to wear for swimming as exercise at the gym. <br /><br />I only had a few requirements:<br /><br />1.) cover my butt (no easy feat)<br />2.) cover my boobs (also difficult)<br />3.) straps that would stay in place while I was swimming<br /><br />Speaking of boobs, I don't know what the heck happened to mine recently (and if you're a guy, sorry, probably too much information for you). When I was this weight last time (about five years ago), I wore a 38C bra. I've been wearing a 38C for the last year, but my bras didn't fit right. I was constantly fussing with them (and these were expensive bras). I finally decided it was time to get fitted for a bra, something I hadn't done in years.<br /><br />A sweet, young 20-something at Victoria's Secret measured me and told me I was a 36DD. I told her no way, she was wrong. She insisted. She brought me a box of bras in size 36DD. I looked at them and thought she had to be kidding. No way would those fit me. They looked HUGE. They fit me perfectly. <br /><br />I don't know what happened, and I'm not exactly happy about it. I've actually always wanted to be smaller on top (and bottom), always wishing I had a more athletic build. My dream would be to have the kind of body where I didn't even have to wear a bra. I've never wanted cups that runneth over. Maybe it's the chest presses or something that caused this, but I'm just hoping when I lose the rest of my weight they'll shrink.<br /><br />Back to the swimsuit, I found one. It has one of those built in girdle things, but they all did (I guess that's a good thing). It covers everything that needs covering. I opted not to go for a skirted suit and just let my thighs be out in the open for all to see. They aren't slim and trim, they're lumpy and bumpy, but they're strong and powerful legs and that's really what's important. <br /><br />I'm really looking forward to getting into the pool a couple times a week. This is going to be fun!

Another swimsuit shopping trip

Twice in one weekend I went shopping for a swimsuit. I'm truly a glutton for punishment.This time I tried on every suit that I thought m...

Read more »