Live From Las Vegas II: Galilee, St. Jude's, and Splashing Children

This morning seems years ago. So much has gone down at Santa Fe Station. Good prayer services morning and evening. A tribute to Sr. Faith, an upbeat presentation by UNR students about Vocare. Reports on the Frensdorff School, Camp Galillee's resurgence, new evangelism training and resources, our partnership in Haiti, and more. Tonight we heard Mildred Springer's compelling personal account of the watershed General Convention in 03 and a plug for the Book of Occasional Servcies and Holy Women, Holy Men -- our new book of saints.<br /><br />The high points of the day were the report from St. Jude's Ranch where we are restoring a parntership in mission to abused and neglected children -- a partnership unnecesarily interrupted by theological differences in years past -- and the report on Latino/Hispanic ministries particularly as it is touching the lives of families, youth, and children. It was a true blessing to have Fr. Anthony Guillen with us from Latino/ Hispanic Ministries of The Episcopal Church and to see the grace, positively visible grace, in the slide show of our own people presented by Fr. Bernardo and Delores. The best pics showed the children spashing in the fountain at Christ Church, Las Vegas.<br /><br />Tomorrow, God willing and a quorum arriving, we will slog through the business of elections, canons, and one resolution; but the main theme tomorrow will be Christian formation. The Rev. Dr. Susanna Singer, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, will deliver the keynote address and faciliate large and small group discussions. Should be a good day.

Live From Las Vegas II: Galilee, St. Jude's, and Splashing Children

This morning seems years ago. So much has gone down at Santa Fe Station. Good prayer services morning and evening. A tribute to Sr. Faith, a...

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Trying to Cling to the term "Career Tiger"

I have read the book <em>Al Kaline and the Detroit Tigers </em>by Hal Butler about three times now. My father owned a copy, and I think I was bored one day and he suggested I read it. (This was before I asked him what number I should wear for softball - I told him I was playing right field and without a beat he said "six.") The book is great, and it really helped me realize how great Kaline was for the Detroit Tigers. His leadership over those seasons, from an eighteen-year-old rookie to the wizened veteran hoising the World Series trophy, was crucial for that team of amazing talents. Not to mention that he was a stellar outfielder and slugger. <br /><br />I think the thing that impressed me the most about Kaline was his committment to the Detroit Tigers themselves. They weren't giving multi-million dollar contracts at the time, but each year the Tigers offered a contract, Kaline accepted it. And now, for many of my father's generation, he is their favorite Tiger of all time. He never gave his heart to another pro franchise, and he remains a part of the organization to this very day. <br /><br />This man was a career Tiger.<br /><br />Think about Steve Yzerman. It's a different sport, yes, but I think it still applies. He came to the Red Wings as a fresh-faced rookie on a pretty terrible team people liked to call the "Dead Things." The Wings knew they had something special and made him captain at age 21. He helped create the ultimate team of the 90s (in my humble opinion) which won back-to-back titles after a 42-year drought. <br /><br />The man was committed to the team and the fans embraced him back. I loved watching him on those teams - he was never the highest scorer on the team, nor was he the hardest hitter, but you could feel his presence holding the team together for one common goal.<br /><br />This man was a career Red Wing. <br /><br />It is very rare for there to be a player who is with the same team for his whole professional career. It may be due to the team deciding he's not worth it. It could be for injuries. It may be just for more money. But the offseasons of pro franchises are filled with "This guy's going here" and "We just got this guy!" It makes me excited when we can get a player like Tracy McGrady (the injury-free one) or Mike Modano or Miguel Cabrera and they really embrace their Detroit-ness. But it's always great to have a guy that's been in the system since his first day turning pro. <br /><br />Now I'm not trying to compare Steve Yzerman or Al Kaline to Brandon Inge here, but the announcement yesterday that he had been re-signed for two more years did make me excited. In all the articles it talks about how he was drafted by Detroit in 1998, played for one of the worst teams in baseball history in 2003, and went to the World Series with that very team in 2006. <br /><br />In my years as a Tiger fan (which has grown since that 2006 season - before that I was more of a spectator to a losing team), I remembered Inge, whether he was the catcher or at third. I remember for one Spring Training the only thing people could talk about was Inge's complaints about getting paid. But I remember a few seasons after that voting for him as many times as humanly possible so he'd be the last player voted in to the All-Star game!<br /><br />Ever since he's been given the third base position outright, he has turned into a fine fielder. He led all third basemen this season with a .997 fielding percentage and only nine errors. I want to be able to trust the player in the Hot Corner with every ball hit to him, and Inge has proven himself this season. He won't be the big bat you hope for, but that can be arranged in other areas of the lineup. <br /><br />I also know that he lives in Michigan. While all the other Tiger players retreat to their warm winter homes (some to their home countries, to be fair), Inge has set up permanent residence in Michigan in a time where everyone is seemingly leaving the state. That gives me a huge sense of respect to this player. <br /><br />I hope that this is the last contract he signs, whether he plays two or three seasons with the Tigers. I want him to retire as a Tiger - and not one of those day-contract things, either. I'm still clinging to the belief that there are players that are work-hard career players who are committed to their team. <br /><br />It's more than likely that Inge will never be inducted into the Hall of Fame or anything. But when Brandon Inge does come back to Comerica Park for something, whether it's for a special event or as part of a front office, I know that I'd give him as much of an ovation as he deserves. He stuck with us through thin and thick, and I will always respect him if he sticks with us to the end. <br /><br />So how about it Brandon? You wanna be a career Tiger?

Trying to Cling to the term "Career Tiger"

I have read the book Al Kaline and the Detroit Tigers by Hal Butler about three times now. My father owned a copy, and I think I was bored o...

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The endless journey

"The Endless Journey" might have been a better choice for my blog name. There are so many twists and turns in trying to figure out the right way to lose weight or even if there is a right way, that this journey is never going to end. It's a lifelong process trying to figure out what works.  <br /><br />Some people figure out what works for them very quickly in the game, some people give up and never figure it out. Then there are people like me, learning something new every single day, that have some of the answers, but certainly not all of them. <br /><br />Geneen Roth's book Women, Food and God provides a lot of the answers on what's wrong with me. It works if you follow her guidelines. If you don't, it doesn't work. It's just like every other plan, you can't just read the book, attend a workshop and then forget about it. You have to continue to work at it.<br /><br />What I'm finding is that it's not easy to feel the pain instead of eating. In fact, it kind of hurts like hell. It's like ripping a band aid off of a wound and the scab sticks to the band aid and now you're in excruciating pain. I'm not sure how I feel about this type of introspection into my psyche. It's not pleasant and some days I'm just not up to it. <br /><br />On the other hand, I suspect it's the only way I'll ever feel okay about food. I know this is a very slow process, undoing forty plus years of using food for comfort, not facing my reality, and it isn't going to change overnight. <br /><br />I haven't posted since last Sunday, four days of silence. It was an odd week where I was extremely tired every day. Each night I came home and could barely move. I skipped the gym three days in a row due to pure exhaustion. Wednesday night I went to bed at 7:30pm and woke up at 7:30am Thursday morning, twelve hours of sleep. I guess I was tired. <br /><br />I have today off from work, for no particular reason. I just felt like I needed a day off. I weighed this morning and I'm 174.6 which is oddly almost exactly the weight in my blog profile. I think that was posted a couple of months ago. Although I'm not gaining weight and I'm eating well (probably a little too well), I'm not losing weight. <br /><br />I'll be honest, I don't like following Geneen Roth's eating guidelines. It's  a lot harder than it sounds. My least favorite guideline is #3. I find it almost impossible to just sit quietly and eat, without doing anything else. On Geneen's CD that I purchased at her workshop, she said you should try to do this once a day in the beginning, more often if possible, and at the very least a few times a week. It's not easy.<br /><br />Geneen Roth's Eating Guidelines<br /><br />1. Eat when you are hungry. (Truly hungry, body hungry not mind hungry)<br /><br />2. Eat sitting down in a calm environment. This does not include the car. <br /><br /><strong><span style="color: red;">3.Eat without distractions. Distractions include radio, television, newspaper, books, intense or anxiety producing conversation and music. </span></strong><br /><br />4. Eat only what your body wants. (Big difference from what your MIND wants!) <br /><br />5. Eat until you are satisfied. (This is different than full). <br /><br />6. Eat (with the intention of being) in full view of others. <br /><br />7. Eat with enjoyment, gusto and pleasure. <br />I've decided on a different route to get to my goal weight. It's a hybrid of the above eating guidelines AND Weight Watchers. I realize this doesn't sound possible, but it really is possible. I can still do the above eating guidelines but also attend Weight Watcher meetings and follow their eating plan. <br />  <br />My goal is by December 31, 2010, lose ten pounds. That's not a crazy amount of weight in ten weeks, but it is the holidays which makes it a tiny bit harder than normal. I feel more at peace with this idea than just doing it on my own. I also know at my current weight that my weight loss is pretty slow, unless I starve myself. I have no intention of starving myself. Been there, done that and it doesn't work in the long run. <br />  <br />The endless journey continues...

The endless journey

"The Endless Journey" might have been a better choice for my blog name. There are so many twists and turns in trying to figure out...

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Les métiers en 2009

<BR><br />Une publication conjointe du Centre d'analyse stratégique, de la Dares et de Pôle emploi sur l'évolution des métiers en 2009 vient d'être publiée.<br /><br />Cette étude met en avant la forte baisse de l'emploi en 2009 dans de nombreux secteurs provoquée par la crise économique ce qui n'est une surprise pour personne. <br /><br />Il semble cependant que quelques métiers aient bien résisté, essentiellement des métiers de service.<br /><br />Parmi les domaines professionnels qui ont le moins souffert de la crise, on retrouve essentiellement des métiers du tertiaire : métiers de la santé, de l’action sociale, culturelle et sportive et des métiers de services aux particuliers et aux collectivités.<br /><br />Les métiers de l’aide à la personne sont un exemple de ces professions peu touchées par la récession et font l'objet d'un focus particulier dans cette publication.<br /><br />Les domaines du commerce et de l’administration et la gestion des entreprises ont également été moins touchés par la crise que la moyenne. Dans ces domaines, certains métiers ont vu plus que d'autres leur situation se dégrader sur le marché du travail, tels les cadres et professions intermédiaires du commerce ou les secrétaires de direction.<br /><br />Ces évolutions conjoncturelles ne remettent pas en cause les tendances mises en avant notamment dans le rapport de prospective publié en 2007, Les Métiers en 2015, même si la crise a pu les amplifier ou les atténuer temporairement.<br /><br />Pour en savoir plus : <ul><li><a href="http://www.travail-solidarite.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/2010-069-2.pdf">Les métiers en 2009</a><br /><li><a href="http://www.strategie.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Rapp6_DF_complet.pdf">Les métiers en 2015</a></ul><br /><BR>

Les métiers en 2009

Une publication conjointe du Centre d'analyse stratégique, de la Dares et de Pôle emploi sur l'évolution des métiers en 2009 vient d...

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Happy Birthday to my Pops!

It's FRIDAY!!!! Woo Hoo!!! (just picture me doing a little dance!!) Only a few more hours and the weekend is officially here!<br /><br />Ok, but we can't forget about Thursday! Here's a quick recap! I made <span style="font-weight:bold;">eggs & toast</span> for breakfast for<span style="font-weight:bold;"> 5 points</span>. I don't think they sat well in my tummy though, it was turning all morning. :(<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz67zmfvKBkK3ipLMpZjxzSGxLMBsYtNdxwFIfIsqVVKTGefdajNnK8aGGircn40AxDXE6eLrzD_o65uiwNzbElfe8Gl1ELf_Kwb1Ycs3BzaeF4DgkwV_ujr1Q7hGHHG22e0523Wsue_q/s1600/DSC09079.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530857230730724738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz67zmfvKBkK3ipLMpZjxzSGxLMBsYtNdxwFIfIsqVVKTGefdajNnK8aGGircn40AxDXE6eLrzD_o65uiwNzbElfe8Gl1ELf_Kwb1Ycs3BzaeF4DgkwV_ujr1Q7hGHHG22e0523Wsue_q/s400/DSC09079.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I tried snacking on a <span style="font-weight:bold;">granola bar</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">2 points</span> to see if it would help, no such luck though. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGIPH38A78EibkzVAFtLtW2nD5B4Sb5JD-_Z-Pve2yhEBX1DnKNyTiez_fdBkRrsM6FRzmeunS3yoGBnS98bKFPomLBfJog8KFIw59EbeBDLOVgTW7FRmS_Nu9e-nX64VbPVctpR4BFwe/s1600/DSC09080.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530857221692899266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiGIPH38A78EibkzVAFtLtW2nD5B4Sb5JD-_Z-Pve2yhEBX1DnKNyTiez_fdBkRrsM6FRzmeunS3yoGBnS98bKFPomLBfJog8KFIw59EbeBDLOVgTW7FRmS_Nu9e-nX64VbPVctpR4BFwe/s400/DSC09080.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Lunch was <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/wonderful-weekend.html">leftovers</a>...again! But don't worry, this is the last of the <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html">creamy baked chicken</a></span>! There were 1 1/2 pieces left and I ate <span style="font-style:italic;">BOTH </span>for <span style="font-weight:bold;">6 points</span>. Thankfully lunch helped settle my stomach, not sure what the deal was.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5iDX00w000SP8X_NbpHWYcaxAUjcuuWToc6TRLrEG6gO-5So_H3zg-IRN65z2y9WcqybjY66B6zFZ7MXJSXVKjt5oqV9rHdEs1mkDOEZuNqQv1BwDbnZRFEkjqgHXTvFA8at7ga08tDM/s1600/DSC09081.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530857211611669618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5iDX00w000SP8X_NbpHWYcaxAUjcuuWToc6TRLrEG6gO-5So_H3zg-IRN65z2y9WcqybjY66B6zFZ7MXJSXVKjt5oqV9rHdEs1mkDOEZuNqQv1BwDbnZRFEkjqgHXTvFA8at7ga08tDM/s400/DSC09081.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Remember my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/soup-fail.html">soup fail from Wednesday</a>? Well I had made such a big pot last weekend and was planning on taking it to my Mom's house for my weekly Hayden visit, but since it didn't turn out the best I made a back up, <span style="font-weight:bold;">chili</span>! It's always good! ;)<br /><br />I had <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 1/2 c</span> with a sprinkle of <span style="font-weight:bold;">cheese </span>and some <span style="font-weight:bold;">corn chips</span> for a total of <span style="font-weight:bold;">10 points</span>. Mmm good! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfK3ioIA9wvKPwxot9ph1oXqiRxdZBZ5yjt2Wv3tsRANmhNX0H_tBmb-VcotMlipdauvmxbZdjc47Ouuo5GSt_lNccDW07UTi1aTL3IYju795LZYBOWTM1RxTdgu6EZKw8C7M2aB9sGHR/s1600/DSC09082.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530857207305441842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfK3ioIA9wvKPwxot9ph1oXqiRxdZBZ5yjt2Wv3tsRANmhNX0H_tBmb-VcotMlipdauvmxbZdjc47Ouuo5GSt_lNccDW07UTi1aTL3IYju795LZYBOWTM1RxTdgu6EZKw8C7M2aB9sGHR/s400/DSC09082.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I spent the rest of the evening with this little cutie! Well actually he slept most of the time, but that's ok!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzB0LbaGiCI1Me6ZtNqKrEKlL4h8M1udp_obLtz5gnxjd4cF7Ro9Gkb3xxPDatY3PALgiIAPay12G07EvNqrhuQiXqrJKuo1myixx9jyfdUtnd_U0FKPOyXlXnb_vSqrBjSO_RY45D89Y/s1600/hayden.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530859045207116594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzB0LbaGiCI1Me6ZtNqKrEKlL4h8M1udp_obLtz5gnxjd4cF7Ro9Gkb3xxPDatY3PALgiIAPay12G07EvNqrhuQiXqrJKuo1myixx9jyfdUtnd_U0FKPOyXlXnb_vSqrBjSO_RY45D89Y/s400/hayden.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I have to give a shout out, Thursday was my Dad's birthday!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUomnKdiYWGEZ09ui5v4fYwEBgFCkVuYk5kG9tNbY0yU9Ms-PG9p4_RKyKkCi62mv9gy2ZEuOsH-8l5jllvpajmHbe_ZVLH8buos8b-sh7QckfMMHbAxb8BJRdvWcHAyqLoWNZlZJBu9lN/s1600/4286_522229627583_210200185_30980151_5536638_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530865066137243458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUomnKdiYWGEZ09ui5v4fYwEBgFCkVuYk5kG9tNbY0yU9Ms-PG9p4_RKyKkCi62mv9gy2ZEuOsH-8l5jllvpajmHbe_ZVLH8buos8b-sh7QckfMMHbAxb8BJRdvWcHAyqLoWNZlZJBu9lN/s400/4286_522229627583_210200185_30980151_5536638_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I brought a <span style="font-weight:bold;">strawberry rhubarb pie</span> down for his birthday(he's more of a "birthday pie" kind of guy!), but he's one busy farmer (it's that time of year!) so we had to have a piece w/o the birthday boy. I looked up the nutrition facts and 1 slice is about <span style="font-weight:bold;">9 points</span>!! <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THURSDAY’S STATS</span><br />POINTS = 32/23<br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 11 used/24 remaining<br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/1 week<br />H2O = 120 oz<br />EXERCISE = none<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">What's your preference? Birthday cake, pie, or something else?</span></span> Me - I like all of the above(plus ice cream)! ;)

Happy Birthday to my Pops!

It's FRIDAY!!!! Woo Hoo!!! (just picture me doing a little dance!!) Only a few more hours and the weekend is officially here! Ok, but we...

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Live From Las Vegas I: A Latino Kick-Off To Convention

The Diocese of Nevada Convention kicked off tonight with a Fiesta reception at Todos Los Santos. I have been to a lot of opening receptions for church conventions -- but never anything remotely like this. Think of words like packed, loud, joyful, celebratory, festive. There was a large mariachi band, the kind that normally gets paid $400 per hour, playing for us for over 2 hours, just out of piety and personal affection.<br /><br />Fr. Bernardo and his incomparable wife, Delores, outdid themselves. The feast was Mexcican, Ecuadoran, Honduran, Salvadoran. I spoke with Fr. Leslie who, God and the Standing Committee willing, will be our next Latino priest. I saw Fr. Hilario who serves at St. Luke's now, and with the new grant from The Episcopal Church, will begin model Latino/ Hispanic ministries at St. Matthew's and St. Thomas in the near future. I met his charming, sophisticated diplomat wife, Ruth, who has recently come here from El Salvador and is eager to begin work in Christain formation.<br /><br />But the most fun was watching Episcopalians from around the diocese who have heard of what is happening here but had not seen it. There were Chuck and Hallie of Carson City dancing to the Latin beat. I saw amazed delight on many a fellow Anglo face. Veteran Nevada Episcopalians said this was the biggest and best kick-off for Convention ever.<br /><br />A simple point: What we Anglo Anglicans call Latino/ Hispanic ministry sometimes looks a whole lot like Anglo ministry done by our Latino/ Hispanic brothers and sisters. We were all blessed tonight.

Live From Las Vegas I: A Latino Kick-Off To Convention

The Diocese of Nevada Convention kicked off tonight with a Fiesta reception at Todos Los Santos. I have been to a lot of opening receptions ...

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Soup Fail

G'day my blog friends! :) Hope everyone had an enjoyable Wednesday! Check out my day:<br /><br />I started out with my favorite <span style="font-weight:bold;">oatmeal </span>combo, <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 T peanut butter</span> & a <span style="font-weight:bold;">small sliced banana</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">5 points</span>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkINQLYkpXyYIHouV7IxfWJrgzJgJf1PNA_9mE7g93qA5hvG3SELvAOkWt9r2SjHT43MZLwLx4J1m6-wTH2Qb2lnetq5oFG_cq_KoKecIETlrlK8Tb5xxlq1cK7x8bv6vfdF0NyvvlCF4g/s1600/DSC09070.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530487034454479778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkINQLYkpXyYIHouV7IxfWJrgzJgJf1PNA_9mE7g93qA5hvG3SELvAOkWt9r2SjHT43MZLwLx4J1m6-wTH2Qb2lnetq5oFG_cq_KoKecIETlrlK8Tb5xxlq1cK7x8bv6vfdF0NyvvlCF4g/s400/DSC09070.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I've been trying to get better about eating my morning snack in the morning, instead of around noon! Today it was about 11am and I had <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 c</span> fresh <span style="font-weight:bold;">pineapple </span>for <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 point</span>. Mmm, I wish it wasn't so $pendy, I'd eat it all the time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFLpVXxWNlvE_S0U1EbQ635fzwXpKeVm9vzF37DKYqWtpAtWb-L3rpoRkVjyOJlGRELLxohw4OVaCRV6IBxz6FtMIqus2MBXTlschTYDwguE8AZpS0hQsV-Kn2KBQlEYA3Sr9hAiznQJF/s1600/DSC09071.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530487025576592578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFLpVXxWNlvE_S0U1EbQ635fzwXpKeVm9vzF37DKYqWtpAtWb-L3rpoRkVjyOJlGRELLxohw4OVaCRV6IBxz6FtMIqus2MBXTlschTYDwguE8AZpS0hQsV-Kn2KBQlEYA3Sr9hAiznQJF/s400/DSC09071.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Remember on <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/wonderful-weekend.html">Saturday </a>when I said I made a big pot of soup? I finally had some today! <span style="font-weight:bold;">Enchilada Chicken Soup</span>, click <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/week/weeklydetails.php?isid=1971">here </a>for the recipe.<br /><br />My friend <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">Jenna's Mom</a> made it for me a few weeks ago to <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/motivated-monday.html">sample</a>, well I loved what she made, unfortunately mine didn't turn out the same. :( It wasn't bad, but not as good as I remember. I had <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 1/2c</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">3 points</span>. <span style="font-style:italic;">(Betty, what's your secret?!?!?)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdITCdAG4EJiC4owBQvm0PHHSvhixOn_47RDs6ebaGtPnFWjUFOf1pquKFNGgTqvp6vsB8H7qLMEvlIW24OguI2olBBqtLlKHNrlXp9sJitAf5qfJTUMPFavd2138deu82HHzhXqbS23H5/s1600/DSC09073.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530486894150384658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdITCdAG4EJiC4owBQvm0PHHSvhixOn_47RDs6ebaGtPnFWjUFOf1pquKFNGgTqvp6vsB8H7qLMEvlIW24OguI2olBBqtLlKHNrlXp9sJitAf5qfJTUMPFavd2138deu82HHzhXqbS23H5/s400/DSC09073.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I also had a <span style="font-weight:bold;">cheese sandwich</span> on the side for <span style="font-weight:bold;">2 points</span>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJIvhR-L1Dg0CiUi2mBpqfqgqo4GTByhZgSfgsfA3vFBYsli_g13zFYKTJ9TMu9HLNpttHMazuW-zwA1J5B5P7cYdOTuaoLfU0MeBF_cn6TKHmL-q90NirjcfE_enp0ITpOpDKCrRb7Ky/s1600/DSC09074.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530486886346567442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJIvhR-L1Dg0CiUi2mBpqfqgqo4GTByhZgSfgsfA3vFBYsli_g13zFYKTJ9TMu9HLNpttHMazuW-zwA1J5B5P7cYdOTuaoLfU0MeBF_cn6TKHmL-q90NirjcfE_enp0ITpOpDKCrRb7Ky/s400/DSC09074.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I had an afternoon snack today, something I usually don't need! I had <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 c</span> of <span style="font-weight:bold;">grapes </span>for <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 point</span>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbP3hR2JsKzq7pNA79Ezq89b-0_ElIC3U6KvqBO_mu0va7MfpDpuenbGv-TfGNMPdnElg9JszONhKdjlOXQUEV10h_MkIOEunUklxAfl2oKgvFvaSYi3WJx8AR_QZDCaa-4XF3a3fAB0I/s1600/DSC09075.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530486874521260162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbP3hR2JsKzq7pNA79Ezq89b-0_ElIC3U6KvqBO_mu0va7MfpDpuenbGv-TfGNMPdnElg9JszONhKdjlOXQUEV10h_MkIOEunUklxAfl2oKgvFvaSYi3WJx8AR_QZDCaa-4XF3a3fAB0I/s400/DSC09075.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />After work, Kyle and I went on a <span style="font-weight:bold;">30 minute walk</span>. It was so relaxing and nice to just get out and talk about our day!<br /><br />Get this, my wonderful hubby made supper for me again! I'm getting spoiled! We had <span style="font-weight:bold;">pork chops</span> and some <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/wonderful-weekend.html">left over</a> <span style="font-weight:bold;">roasted veggies</span> for a total of<span style="font-weight:bold;"> 6 points</span>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeIRbadCeOQP6rpUdBDSXGXg12s_KU3EiICEFt2DRIfieNf0Z80qsCvda87orxeN-b4TdwbMJrcIgoxjq7UD90wrL6Z4jFSCAEdmmJgZrOdrjnGge5b7-W_Gao3-G2V0kx3WRBWNaRsco/s1600/DSC09078.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530486850241550402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeIRbadCeOQP6rpUdBDSXGXg12s_KU3EiICEFt2DRIfieNf0Z80qsCvda87orxeN-b4TdwbMJrcIgoxjq7UD90wrL6Z4jFSCAEdmmJgZrOdrjnGge5b7-W_Gao3-G2V0kx3WRBWNaRsco/s400/DSC09078.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I love that he even cut the meat up for me! ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyHIz6uhaCPLiwHtu06ppORpjGI6x-in706_bkwGb6C5T9QsPe0eWA8uXzg0ld5u7HvsoJtPsO9XhZ_Cv3r4-JCp-ryM7zQJUqSLoUZ1EODmI4KKHddhpwMjgZ_scPGsikxNghXCJeerG/s1600/DSC09076.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530486865518564290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyHIz6uhaCPLiwHtu06ppORpjGI6x-in706_bkwGb6C5T9QsPe0eWA8uXzg0ld5u7HvsoJtPsO9XhZ_Cv3r4-JCp-ryM7zQJUqSLoUZ1EODmI4KKHddhpwMjgZ_scPGsikxNghXCJeerG/s400/DSC09076.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br />I did end up having a <span style="font-weight:bold;">pb & j sandwich</span> later in the evening for <span style="font-weight:bold;">4 points</span>. I think no matter how old you are pb & j will always be good!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">WEDNESDAY’S STATS</span><br />POINTS = 22/23<br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 2 used/33 remaining<br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 1 today/1 week<br />H2O = 130 oz<br />EXERCISE = 30 min walk

Soup Fail

G'day my blog friends! :) Hope everyone had an enjoyable Wednesday! Check out my day: I started out with my favorite oatmeal combo, 1 T ...

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Auction Fun

Hello friends! Yet again I have a late post! Please forgive me! <br /><br />Tuesday = WI day for me! I wasn't sure what expect considering the <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/10-reasons.html">past few weeks</a>! But I hopped on the scale and it said <span style="font-weight:bold;">162</span>, a <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 lb loss</span>! I'll take it! :)<br /><br />I started my Tuesday out with my favorite bowl of <span style="font-weight:bold;">oatmeal </span>with a <span style="font-weight:bold;">small sliced banana</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 T</span> of <span style="font-weight:bold;">peanut butter</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">5 points</span>. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSCI6xyuzlhwrbgjbRCjeAWwmbRNQHxo3pOOU2FSEt_xAUgbC5ptlqkp7Sv7G-rx-jClxwf88taI4UUSf3UyBZoLTOdLNcjxr44tdYTMD0DW0YlCb8uCy035HFprOM2O107aJxn8_7YJW/s1600/DSC09061.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530148398851479698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSCI6xyuzlhwrbgjbRCjeAWwmbRNQHxo3pOOU2FSEt_xAUgbC5ptlqkp7Sv7G-rx-jClxwf88taI4UUSf3UyBZoLTOdLNcjxr44tdYTMD0DW0YlCb8uCy035HFprOM2O107aJxn8_7YJW/s400/DSC09061.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />For my morning snack I sliced up an <span style="font-weight:bold;">apple</span>, to only find out it was <span style="font-style:italic;">quite tart</span>! Not sure what it kind it was. No sticker! I had my sister try it out and she agreed, that apple was meant for a pie, not my morning snack!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzr7YK5XbgZtlKX-Hse8UrQfmsFp-eDR-6sM9Si225nlQFg-1qdUgArp-2kUGKuXA9qEPCPR5LAGZYC-7b4yJXqYLPSjQspeaDxzT9wh99ERumd_FkvU0UfpJOQntYVuF7m5e764DLJB5/s1600/DSC09062.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530148396308875970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXzr7YK5XbgZtlKX-Hse8UrQfmsFp-eDR-6sM9Si225nlQFg-1qdUgArp-2kUGKuXA9qEPCPR5LAGZYC-7b4yJXqYLPSjQspeaDxzT9wh99ERumd_FkvU0UfpJOQntYVuF7m5e764DLJB5/s400/DSC09062.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />Lunch was leftovers from <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/wonderful-weekend.html">Saturday</a>, they were just as good as the first time around! I had a serving of<span style="font-weight:bold;"> roasted veggies</span> and...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7WJUK8h_hmitwff8HCl_9fbB4ykiaqPi7dyDD-BULFClVIm0MrYCWvpYntzTrk9A5-z1qTo0iGgBpmBHc-gH0-jTdbjCZFDnYL_aqQXKERte9EOfIr_muT34u7bM3zU2kNe0h9pAwuUb/s1600/DSC09063.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530147965650848402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7WJUK8h_hmitwff8HCl_9fbB4ykiaqPi7dyDD-BULFClVIm0MrYCWvpYntzTrk9A5-z1qTo0iGgBpmBHc-gH0-jTdbjCZFDnYL_aqQXKERte9EOfIr_muT34u7bM3zU2kNe0h9pAwuUb/s400/DSC09063.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />...a serving of <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html"><span style="font-weight:bold;">creamy baked chicken</span> </a>for a total of <span style="font-weight:bold;">6 points</span>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpwwn8g1upjWyIRFySO718sm4c2-U_8m75oW4v5bm-2sVqkAMIAcMqIfwCuDpkWX4JatA4a1yI0vOIsNrSvrhHDT6ythqPAAF8huTIXVK2pBbRGrNAMBU9_Ev_D-2bbfuGmiHyDOaxqjZ/s1600/DSC09064.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530147962175572066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpwwn8g1upjWyIRFySO718sm4c2-U_8m75oW4v5bm-2sVqkAMIAcMqIfwCuDpkWX4JatA4a1yI0vOIsNrSvrhHDT6ythqPAAF8huTIXVK2pBbRGrNAMBU9_Ev_D-2bbfuGmiHyDOaxqjZ/s400/DSC09064.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />My sweet tooth was a little out of control yesterday! I had 1 serving of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Reeses Pieces</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">4 points</span>. You know me, I LOVE peanut butter! ;)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnLsWa2XbuzBfoNM6J2Tv2PEUGJQwhPB91IcvRAz7Qe7ZFvymnH_ocbdcarKaXgau4otsEUIijO3lfSUHuj4fgGf8iiLKrqa-ppY9nstdA1JDz4dqix9BJu2cUYdb5BgfwNlfcb7YSDrv/s1600/DSC09065.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530147957645124978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnLsWa2XbuzBfoNM6J2Tv2PEUGJQwhPB91IcvRAz7Qe7ZFvymnH_ocbdcarKaXgau4otsEUIijO3lfSUHuj4fgGf8iiLKrqa-ppY9nstdA1JDz4dqix9BJu2cUYdb5BgfwNlfcb7YSDrv/s400/DSC09065.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />After work I met up with one of my sisters at an auction! It's always fun to see what kind of "treasures" you can find! I ended up getting a <span style="font-weight:bold;">patio table</span> & <span style="font-weight:bold;">4 chairs</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">$12.50</span> <span style="font-style:italic;">(something I had been hunting for on Craigslist ALL summer long!)</span> and some <span style="font-weight:bold;">garage shelving</span> for Kyle for <span style="font-weight:bold;">$7</span>! Score!<br /><br />Supper was cooking when I got home, thanks to my wonderful hubby! I had <span style="font-weight:bold;">2 oz whole wheat pasta</span> with <span style="font-weight:bold;">1/2 c marinara sauce</span> and some <span style="font-weight:bold;">cheese </span>for <span style="font-weight:bold;">5 points</span>. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB54H9VHg1cPhrSeWQQgYnaAB4ib50sqangOTssyDJKS6mDjXiBiyvo9iximUnG-q3BkF3eRpZNjOate3sdyAW1QXfyb5fPDjRWArKAscRD65-2oGmht9wlFpglahF51mFVXpqlfVTbzfu/s1600/DSC09066.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530147948182816434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB54H9VHg1cPhrSeWQQgYnaAB4ib50sqangOTssyDJKS6mDjXiBiyvo9iximUnG-q3BkF3eRpZNjOate3sdyAW1QXfyb5fPDjRWArKAscRD65-2oGmht9wlFpglahF51mFVXpqlfVTbzfu/s400/DSC09066.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />For desert we finished off the <span style="font-weight:bold;">mint brownie ice cream bars</span> from <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/wonderful-weekend.html">Saturday </a>for<span style="font-weight:bold;"> 4 points</span>. Mmmm, good!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXENvhWH847zA35FP5a3XGD3_qyr0exU8jFeFOMiMHdfqFMc9Z79jhCU36klY6JupQk2DXrcsL_vz5I62-FFhCzNNklu9OFTPPlVIuc1e4xvzyBGBNYAP52GuUv2KEqYmCO7hCnQOh7va/s1600/DSC09067.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530147939453902418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXENvhWH847zA35FP5a3XGD3_qyr0exU8jFeFOMiMHdfqFMc9Z79jhCU36klY6JupQk2DXrcsL_vz5I62-FFhCzNNklu9OFTPPlVIuc1e4xvzyBGBNYAP52GuUv2KEqYmCO7hCnQOh7va/s400/DSC09067.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">TUESDAY’S STATS</span><br />POINTS = 25/23<br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 2 used/33 remaining<br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/0 week<br />H2O = 114 oz<br />EXERCISE = none <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">Have you ever gone to auction before? If so, what has been your best "find"?</span></span> I'm kinda new to going to auctions, but man I got into it! My hand just kept wanting to go up & bid!

Auction Fun

Hello friends! Yet again I have a late post! Please forgive me! Tuesday = WI day for me! I wasn't sure what expect considering the past ...

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The M Must Stand for Misery

I guess we know which fork Michigan picked.<br /><br />It's really unfortunate. The past two games have shown pretty much all of Michigan's weaknesses. The game against Michigan State showed their terrible defense. The game against Iowa showed their terrible special teams. And in both cases, the offense didn't prove that a team could just get by with...well...a good offense.<br /><br />Also, does it seem like Denard Robinson is injured in some way in <i>every </i>game? I think I've seen him being walked off the field more often than fans at a World Cup match. (it's a few months old, but I think it can apply.) I don't know whether to roll my eyes every time it happens, or be thrilled it's not more serious. (I'm looking at you Stafford.)<br /><br />These next three games could salvage a season. But does Michigan really have what it takes to defeat three mediocre teams in the Big Ten? They had a hard enough time with Indiana!<br /><br />This bye week could not have come at a better time. It's been a roller-coaster of a first half for Michigan, and the games only get tougher. A game at Happy Valley under the lights. Another against a pretty formidable defense. And a final one against a team that looks pretty bad, but will probably bring out everything against this team. Everyone brings their A-game to Michigan, unfortunately.<br /><br />Hypothetically, we could still end this season 8-4. But is it a good season if you lose your third straight game to MSU, your third straight <u>Homecoming</u> game (aren't those supposed to be pancake walks?), and quite possibly your gajillionth straight loss to Ohio State? (Doesn't it seem like a gajillionth by now?) I just can't justify that. They have to show improvements against Penn State. The defense can't run out of gas after the first quarter, like it seemed like it did on Saturday. Wide receivers can't drop passes. Everything needs to click.<br /><br />Can Michigan save this season? That is really the question on people's minds. And it will stay in their minds for the next two long weeks.

The M Must Stand for Misery

I guess we know which fork Michigan picked. It's really unfortunate. The past two games have shown pretty much all of Michigan's wea...

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Tired Monday

I'm a little late on my Monday post, obviously! ;) I was overly tired yesterday, not feeling 100%, so I listened to my body and crashed in bed around 8pm!<br /><br />I woke up this morning feeling refreshed & ready to take on the day! Hooray! :)<br /><br />Ok back to my Monday eats! I had wonderful bowl of <span style="font-weight:bold;">oatmeal </span>with <span style="font-weight:bold;">1 T</span> of <span style="font-weight:bold;">peanut butter</span> & a <span style="font-weight:bold;">small sliced banana</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">5 points</span> this morning. We finally got peanut butter again, I missed it so!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9ma8iR48geP98WIRTBjl-B3tp-4LPO1Yaw8OWpSCovZWNcSu4YGs_Lb6KR6Fb1D1Nk0NhYyg3ZpjT4NuIveq20RlNnAXUrQ1jNfQ0pWoFNjQzF_5BUaCeIQgHHq2mgQdnQlIylGpFPqA/s1600/DSC09056.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529813982398787570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9ma8iR48geP98WIRTBjl-B3tp-4LPO1Yaw8OWpSCovZWNcSu4YGs_Lb6KR6Fb1D1Nk0NhYyg3ZpjT4NuIveq20RlNnAXUrQ1jNfQ0pWoFNjQzF_5BUaCeIQgHHq2mgQdnQlIylGpFPqA/s400/DSC09056.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I just wasn't feeling 100% throughout the morning. I tried my morning snack of <span style="font-weight:bold;">Greek yogurt</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">2 points</span>, but it just didn't settle my stomach. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQPDo5CAgr29vBAagccUrdOzPvaJxx9WiExZhm5vZHag6nCbyUMXp0syMiOrbs8WBxbd12DeUzltxaML1hyHl4EYMgA_Tt452MtPFgCRw1DXf29K5ezEl8NWIu3ws13Z0NFd0UkGtuJoR/s1600/DSC09057.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529813969128946242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQPDo5CAgr29vBAagccUrdOzPvaJxx9WiExZhm5vZHag6nCbyUMXp0syMiOrbs8WBxbd12DeUzltxaML1hyHl4EYMgA_Tt452MtPFgCRw1DXf29K5ezEl8NWIu3ws13Z0NFd0UkGtuJoR/s400/DSC09057.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />I figured I give my lunch a try to see if that would do the trick! I had a <span style="font-weight:bold;">SmartOnes</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">6 points</span>. Thankfully it helped! I must have just been hungry!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPEDmD1UhaIQ2k7CdJvSVKTVlJ7eeINudXruRcTlWZ6NH5V4xEBSKVGDnLKtF5QyplYRwDCyBrztYv1m4Ytu3iCPj2AhJoBifLEsQIT4CHs8rLoJhM2DuuWY1xHjfohQipP0sZ6pVP2dD/s1600/DSC09058.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529813961390898738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPEDmD1UhaIQ2k7CdJvSVKTVlJ7eeINudXruRcTlWZ6NH5V4xEBSKVGDnLKtF5QyplYRwDCyBrztYv1m4Ytu3iCPj2AhJoBifLEsQIT4CHs8rLoJhM2DuuWY1xHjfohQipP0sZ6pVP2dD/s400/DSC09058.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />My stomach was ok, but boy oh boy was I tired!! Usually my days at work fly by, but not this afternoon! I was a bad clock watcher!<br /><br />Thankfully a friend at work helped me get through with a WW friendly <span style="font-weight:bold;">brownie</span>, only <span style="font-weight:bold;">2 points</span>, she dropped off! (Thanks Melissa!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdthbFMhoMy-lU-CjSi_ls5MYTHxc1CvQ9K5_xdC19q5BCL4Ty32-WF3HV0F-aG_IdP-cR5CHjOmWpGp68rl8_2O-bwAsGh6lLmfBgiZxnOkPDj46yxHD5jVUE-c_CDsV-ELdmq9CfHfQm/s1600/DSC09059.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529813949849374738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdthbFMhoMy-lU-CjSi_ls5MYTHxc1CvQ9K5_xdC19q5BCL4Ty32-WF3HV0F-aG_IdP-cR5CHjOmWpGp68rl8_2O-bwAsGh6lLmfBgiZxnOkPDj46yxHD5jVUE-c_CDsV-ELdmq9CfHfQm/s400/DSC09059.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />But finally quitting time rolled around and I was outta there! I made a quick stop at Hobby Lobby for a project I'm working on (can't wait to share w/you guys!). <br /><br />Supper was some left over <span style="font-weight:bold;">buffalo chicken dip</span> from <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/wonderful-weekend.html">Saturday </a>that I forgot to share with you guys. My friend, <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/03/guest-post-2-jenna.html">Jenna</a>, gave me the recipe. I had 1 serving with some <span style="font-weight:bold;">baked tortilla chips</span> for <span style="font-weight:bold;">5 points</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPONBedOmKNi93MB1tzirMTA__fd_uiWk7zbT9t3u81j-tp1ceYpu761jn12bi-HSc7zFNNcySvBLRdWE-WF6RItXn1b-Hnf2Q4LygalkHx3TPOSrmdC4vquERKrtiby9YE1fJbfRf2Qz/s1600/DSC09060.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529813943146815106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPONBedOmKNi93MB1tzirMTA__fd_uiWk7zbT9t3u81j-tp1ceYpu761jn12bi-HSc7zFNNcySvBLRdWE-WF6RItXn1b-Hnf2Q4LygalkHx3TPOSrmdC4vquERKrtiby9YE1fJbfRf2Qz/s400/DSC09060.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Buffalo Chicken Dip </span><br />2Pts - 1/3 c. serving <br /><br />1 (12.5 oz.) Can 99% Fat Free Chicken in water, drained <br />1/4 Cup Hot Sauce <br />1 (8 oz.) Package Fat Free Cream Cheese <br />1/2 Tablespoon Fat Free Ranch Dip Mix <br />1/2 Cup Fat Free Sour Cream <br />1 Cup Fat Free Cheddar Cheese <br />1 (4 oz.) Can Diced Green Chilies <br /><br />In a medium microwave safe bowl; combine the chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, ranch mix, sour cream, cheddar cheese and green chilies. Mix well to combine. Microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring often until the mixture is warm and smooth. <br /><br />A must try for sure!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">MONDAY’S STATS</span><br />POINTS = 20/23<br />WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 2 used/33 remaining<br />ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/6 week<br />H2O = 80 oz<br />EXERCISE = none

Tired Monday

I'm a little late on my Monday post, obviously! ;) I was overly tired yesterday, not feeling 100%, so I listened to my body and crashed ...

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The House That Jack Built

<div align="center"> <br /> <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXESnRLkg8tkOsnvRSnOcUKNyXSd_avIPApiaCk62ooag2BKaWHwUfA2XP0_6tImst9_EOc2FbfsZEarEYkpqyfWq_xveGOt4WioaVYQr7Xq0_quQeSDDFSrLTBJqUu8F0EhX1J1BwDhb7/s1600/gilbert+john.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXESnRLkg8tkOsnvRSnOcUKNyXSd_avIPApiaCk62ooag2BKaWHwUfA2XP0_6tImst9_EOc2FbfsZEarEYkpqyfWq_xveGOt4WioaVYQr7Xq0_quQeSDDFSrLTBJqUu8F0EhX1J1BwDhb7/s320/gilbert+john.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Gilbert</td></tr></tbody></table>  <b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Estate was Home to Hollywood Notables for 55 Years</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the mid-1920s, when he was a top star at MGM, leading man John Gilbert built a house at 1400 Tower Grove Road in the Benedict Canyon area of Beverly Hills. A two-story Spanish-colonial with tennis court and swimming pool, the estate was on a narrow road that curled up a hill behind the Beverly Hills Hotel. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Gilbert’s daughter, </span><a href="http://classic-film-tv.blogspot.com/2010/08/about-john-gilbertan-interview-with.html"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Leatrice</span></b></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, then a young girl, remembered her father greeting her from the top of a long, red-tiled stairway when she arrived for her first visit to his home in the early 1930s. She recalled soft light filtering through high, leaded windowpanes as she climbed the steps.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">During one of her visits, he showed her a secret panel in an alcove adjacent to the living room and a button hidden under one of the bookshelves. The button opened a door to a stairway that led to the basement. He told her there had been a bar in the basement before Prohibition was repealed. </span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Fy3kbYJt7CXibdNYYT4rqFhSmiV4fSbZ8npR1w6WWfK_G0rYLHW-54DvGKEj4D7eYR26OOGn20f6HfKWzI16KISV1dnvUegYpLm4OiZNUYl7jOEENJHDk5lfCMpEPeaL612hK9iHjzR/s1600/Gilbert+Home+Rendering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7Fy3kbYJt7CXibdNYYT4rqFhSmiV4fSbZ8npR1w6WWfK_G0rYLHW-54DvGKEj4D7eYR26OOGn20f6HfKWzI16KISV1dnvUegYpLm4OiZNUYl7jOEENJHDk5lfCMpEPeaL612hK9iHjzR/s320/Gilbert+Home+Rendering.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1400 Tower Grove Rd., early '30s (click picture for larger view)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She recalled that one evening at sunset, while they walked up the hillside in back, her father warned her to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes... and Leatrice remembered that from the top of the hill you could see "all Los Angeles out to the ocean" and Santa Catalina Island on the horizon.  </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Leatrice later wrote that it was clear to her even as a child that her father loved the place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When it was built, the first floor of the main house featured an entry area and a large space for entertaining. Blessed with stunning panoramic views, the second floor held the living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom and bath. Most rooms were furnished in 17th-Century Spanish reproductions, a style popular in Hollywood at the time.<br /><br />Harold Grieve, a silent-era art and set decorator (<i>Ben-Hur, The Thief of Bagdad, The Sea Wolf</i>) who was a founder of AMPAS and later became an interior designer, worked on the home several times over several years. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmNDIky8LyAk4Ga7kLnc3MQjQPjsbiAS-iYGnGtNiK8GHK0aP7wZul-x4A23o4MlzFSIqLqnVDWd0u4dVlsALfLGglBy0KrHMK3pZsAsa2LTqjQ4xvflX3BrJftM1BVxain_dyagXjUqR/s1600/gilbert+home+hopkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmNDIky8LyAk4Ga7kLnc3MQjQPjsbiAS-iYGnGtNiK8GHK0aP7wZul-x4A23o4MlzFSIqLqnVDWd0u4dVlsALfLGglBy0KrHMK3pZsAsa2LTqjQ4xvflX3BrJftM1BVxain_dyagXjUqR/s200/gilbert+home+hopkins.jpg" width="163" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Miriam Hopkins</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Gilbert's wives and girlfriends were many, and his master bath and bedroom were redecorated as women came and went, according to Grieve. For example, when Greta Garbo came into the picture, Grieve installed walls and a sunken tub of black marble in the master bath. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">John Gilbert died in January 1936 and, soon after, actress Miriam Hopkins purchased the home and hired Grieve to redecorate it once more. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The house was redone in the emerging Art Moderne style. The newly contemporary walls of Miss Hopkins’ living room provided a showcase for works from her art collection, paintings by artists such as Picasso, Renoir and Matisse. </span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB6OaOTXChpno02dKn9aqNELIQTQ9Eo_y9zEgBcVA4FVjQWOvdTeR-HmZpLZsD9Sy2NpC6jWVNDQSdgnkLIXXP76TfOpbcghk4J-uxVfBvDZTNmCIvUbtLC_bxwRYhMu9IwbZIiuis6Wt/s1600/gilbert+home+selznick+and+jones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPB6OaOTXChpno02dKn9aqNELIQTQ9Eo_y9zEgBcVA4FVjQWOvdTeR-HmZpLZsD9Sy2NpC6jWVNDQSdgnkLIXXP76TfOpbcghk4J-uxVfBvDZTNmCIvUbtLC_bxwRYhMu9IwbZIiuis6Wt/s320/gilbert+home+selznick+and+jones.jpg" width="252" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">David O. Selznick and Jennifer Jones</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Tower Grove Road property's legend was enhanced with the arrival of its next resident, producer David O. Selznick, in 1945.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Selznick rented the house when he separated from his wife <a href="http://eves-reel-life.blogspot.com/2011/09/conversation-irene-mayer-selznick-life.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Irene</b></span></a> (L. B. Mayer’s daughter) after he'd become involved with actress Jennifer Jones. Selznick purchased the property from Hopkins just before marrying Jones in 1949. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With this sale, the home was substantially remodeled.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADvOQ_lLDIXdqT1RZ5OTY6dddnoIXB5ym6Owst2B1znY7FX8YSaV60Q57HSlnjbwSe2HyH3pNY_Tkd0xgA5YRdwxH9ZklPajQQjByZdwnXTGh9mytllKF7xd0CjBTsDMrOXQ1xKjNLNCP/s1600/gilbert+home+when+selznick+owned+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjADvOQ_lLDIXdqT1RZ5OTY6dddnoIXB5ym6Owst2B1znY7FX8YSaV60Q57HSlnjbwSe2HyH3pNY_Tkd0xgA5YRdwxH9ZklPajQQjByZdwnXTGh9mytllKF7xd0CjBTsDMrOXQ1xKjNLNCP/s200/gilbert+home+when+selznick+owned+it.jpg" width="198" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Selznick/Jones grounds</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Plate-glass windows were installed to dramatize the views and bring indoors the lush beauty of the foliage surrounding the house. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Another notable change, the addition of a first floor bedroom/dressing room for Jennifer Jones, featured a striking waterfall just outside her window that could be turned on and off with a switch.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO0aW4lutlDBlq_1KM-qGtI04lEGKmkIvVhvyOpUHstj3woO1FaeCV-oxYl5w8Jfh_BLpb_RTpvLdrFd3UYOubs2WztGI0By6iGzvsYJUiQOwb1aHDUE6nsoWP6juBUU54iT8MixAsD4C/s1600/gilbert+home+selznick+hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO0aW4lutlDBlq_1KM-qGtI04lEGKmkIvVhvyOpUHstj3woO1FaeCV-oxYl5w8Jfh_BLpb_RTpvLdrFd3UYOubs2WztGI0By6iGzvsYJUiQOwb1aHDUE6nsoWP6juBUU54iT8MixAsD4C/s200/gilbert+home+selznick+hall.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Selznick/Jones home</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Selznicks hosted dinner parties, screened movies and lived a grand life on Tower Grove Road for twenty years, until David O. Selznick’s death in 1965.  Selznick's obituary in the New York Times reported that he had "lived in an elegantly rustic home on an estate atop a hill overlooking Beverly Hills." Jennifer Jones and their daughter remained there until 1969. The house was then sold to <a href="http://www.classicfilmtvcafe.com/2010/12/ted-ashleywarner-brothersand-new.html"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ted Ashley</span></b></a>, Chairman of the Board of Warner Bros., the man credited with overseeing one of the studio's most successful eras, 1969 - 1980. It was during Ashley’s residence that Leatrice Gilbert Fountain was invited into the home her father built, a place she had not visited since childhood.</span>  </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZOv1NgMLXm9FOZRX0bbsh9d4zKTMR0069llpXwaHPVffhwCZVi2FCA80WQ75GW7QqhUwYvUAd8zUb3D2CdyFXO3BCgEttccsJ8gK-s64TSFbYyg04Ae0RJeADcycuG7Ph1WsdZajQtmq/s1600/gilbert+ted+ashley+left+w+warner+and+valenti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZOv1NgMLXm9FOZRX0bbsh9d4zKTMR0069llpXwaHPVffhwCZVi2FCA80WQ75GW7QqhUwYvUAd8zUb3D2CdyFXO3BCgEttccsJ8gK-s64TSFbYyg04Ae0RJeADcycuG7Ph1WsdZajQtmq/s200/gilbert+ted+ashley+left+w+warner+and+valenti.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ted Ashley, Jack Warner & Jack Valenti in 1969</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Eight years later, in 1977, hit-maker Elton John bought the house. John’s style was more flamboyant and his taste included Art Deco and Art Moderne (echoes of Miriam Hopkins!). His master bedroom featured a wall covered in mirrors and another covered in ultrasuede. Not too unexpected for a rock star of the '70s, especially one famous for appearing on stage in outrageously over-the-top costumes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXW1brNNJcqqrx6uVljM93Uc90vkBQ1F3QMLkZV7jAEkQRAQbIAflBy8Vuvbk2V5WUkOyM3hwhEJp7suoVZPaW4hnmZl97ky6MjFvjKOEKbLO9IN4AXgGIIkctuMDCyHQ8i3EbisL8PX3/s1600/gilbert+elton+john.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXW1brNNJcqqrx6uVljM93Uc90vkBQ1F3QMLkZV7jAEkQRAQbIAflBy8Vuvbk2V5WUkOyM3hwhEJp7suoVZPaW4hnmZl97ky6MjFvjKOEKbLO9IN4AXgGIIkctuMDCyHQ8i3EbisL8PX3/s200/gilbert+elton+john.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Elton John in the 1970s</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> In 1981 the house was sold to its first non-entertainment industry resident. The businessman who purchased it had apparently planned only to remodel, but structural problems were uncovered and the building was demolished to make way for an enormous mansion.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When John Gilbert lived on Tower Grove Road, other major stars like Harold Lloyd and Jean Harlow lived not far away. Today Jay Leno, Halle Berry and other 21st Century A-listers reside in the area.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /> <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQZ5kik9mdlK4kfZ8VCh6b_21GXbWOU9klF22Z-iBmx_KsfoXXiU9Em57X9EFxX-_mTjTIH1SU1rbiV6TkFZB7Xmr9LkHULgjgpA39k_hQnw7GyXL29qs-GSyr8rhTM2ET8FLQ0tGtXsP/s1600/gilbert+home+selznick+study.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; height: 149px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 251px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQZ5kik9mdlK4kfZ8VCh6b_21GXbWOU9klF22Z-iBmx_KsfoXXiU9Em57X9EFxX-_mTjTIH1SU1rbiV6TkFZB7Xmr9LkHULgjgpA39k_hQnw7GyXL29qs-GSyr8rhTM2ET8FLQ0tGtXsP/s320/gilbert+home+selznick+study.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Selznick/Jones study</span></td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div></div>

David O. Selznick Elton John Jennifer Jones John Gilbert Leatrice Gilbert Fountain Miriam Hopkins Ted Ashley The Lady Eve (author) The House That Jack Built

  John Gilbert   Estate was Home to Hollywood Notables for 55 Years In the mid-1920s, when he was a top star at MGM, leading man John ...

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A great day for a ramble

On two occasions since my last posting, I was sharply reminded of the fact that I do not get outside enough.  Or, more importantly, I don't take my daughter outside enough.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhPpefwvY7Ts7J1eLJJGQCnOhNRAxkuYdfxk_39uHcnVC_dvSteUN_UBNTFs_JCsMvQ0nhVO_1ofecDO21oMLoWoGfkkPtumIQTazJ8HAkBGExDK-PAxAuVlrooySMbopSa0b6lorro1x/s1600/IMAG0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhPpefwvY7Ts7J1eLJJGQCnOhNRAxkuYdfxk_39uHcnVC_dvSteUN_UBNTFs_JCsMvQ0nhVO_1ofecDO21oMLoWoGfkkPtumIQTazJ8HAkBGExDK-PAxAuVlrooySMbopSa0b6lorro1x/s320/IMAG0231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The first was a short and, what I suspect was, an off-the-cuff speech at the <a href="http://www.ohiolnci.org/">Statewide Leave No Child Inside Call to Action Rally</a> on September 24th by the Director of Ohio's EPA.  Chris Korleski stood up and lamented not spending enough time outdoors with his own children and openly wondered how much he was missing.  Director Korleski then advised us all to "get off our butts" and get outside with our children before too much time has passed.  It was an informal and funny pronouncement, but it hit home with a lot people.  Shortly afterwards, ODNR Director Sean Logan introduced a Proclamation from Governor Strickland that reads that all Ohio children shall have the opportunity to by physically active, have access to nature, discover plants and animals, and learn how to give back to nature.  These two speeches gave me pause about my own efforts with my daughter.  And, I know I wasn't the only one in the room looking in the mirror as it was one of the primary discussions at the end of the event.  <br /><br />The other was a small, seemingly insignificant act that my daughter did the other night.  I'd had a bit of a rough day at work and, while I normally am pretty good about not bringing work home, either in my hands or in my head, I had gotten on the computer to check and see the progression of a discussion that was ongoing on emails at work.  My daughter, who is not quite two, came up and physically pulled my hand off the computer mouse and repeated "Outside!!" over and over again as she pulled.  At first, I tried to put her off, but she is a pretty persistent little girl and kept pulling and yelling "Outside!"  Then it hit me...she's right!  And off we went.  <br /><br />I put her in the car and we went down the road to the new Natural Play Area I'd read about at <a href="http://www.metroparks.net/NaturalPlayAreas.aspx">Prairie Ridge Metropark</a>.  It was a beautiful fall evening and I was surprised that there weren't other people there.  But, I was also glad.  We had the whole place to ourselves.  So, we took a walk, she got filthy dirty in her pink bibs as she stumbled and bumbled around down the paths.  It put me to mind of one of her books where Piglet tells Pooh "It's a great day for a ramble."  These natural play areas are really a great way to let kids explore off trail the way we used to when we were kids.  I'm glad that parks are starting to add these to their offerings.  And, I know my daughter loved it too.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNecwE7VMuheVxcC7hHb_URDLkhLxpIV2NhP5yPcqd-K4lFbvdU5KJOwLwWyIKZnueunszy484AgMQkrFl9xjJ5G6ZDnAaHywru7HojoJaPQIjGs6qJGGL2qeEPmdYWyKYQ2H7K7FqnmmI/s1600/IMAG0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNecwE7VMuheVxcC7hHb_URDLkhLxpIV2NhP5yPcqd-K4lFbvdU5KJOwLwWyIKZnueunszy484AgMQkrFl9xjJ5G6ZDnAaHywru7HojoJaPQIjGs6qJGGL2qeEPmdYWyKYQ2H7K7FqnmmI/s200/IMAG0230.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Have you rambled with your kids today?

A great day for a ramble

On two occasions since my last posting, I was sharply reminded of the fact that I do not get outside enough.  Or, more importantly, I don...

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The lost weekend

I said I'd post my driver's license pictures from the last twenty years today. I started to but after fighting with Photoshop for about an hour trying to crop them and change the blurriness I decided I'm just to tired and it's past my bedtime. Maybe later this week. They all look like mugshots anyway so I'm not sure why I want to post them. Some of them are really bad pictures. Especially the one where I weighed 240 pounds that was taken five years ago. I look like I'm wearing a fat suit.<br /><br />My weekend was okay, but I worked both days. Saturday from home and today I went into the office. All I can say about that is "yuk". Not fun to work on the weekends. I want my life back.<br /><br />My scales lured me back on to them today. Old habits are hard to break. I was actually down to 173.6. So I actually lost the 1.4 I gained plus another .4. In the big picture, that's really nothing. I still want to lose at least another thirty or more pounds, but I refuse to go on a "diet". <br />I like not being so stressed out by my eating. I even had a glass of wine yesterday without guilt. I'm cutting back a bit on my portion sizes. I know how much I should eat and this isn't a free-for-all where I can eat until I'm stuffed. The idea is still to lose weight, but not get so crazy about it. I don't want it to consume me like it has in the past. <br /><br />I want to write more about the other eating guidelines, but right now, I can barely stay awake. Later, I promise.

The lost weekend

I said I'd post my driver's license pictures from the last twenty years today. I started to but after fighting with Photoshop for ab...

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Wonderful Weekend

<p>Howdy friends! Can you believe it’s already Sunday evening?!?! Hope everyone made the best of their weekend! Mine was <strong>great</strong>!</p> <p>Saturday morning I was up before 6am for some reason! The positive? I got lots done before 8am! Breakfast was <strong>2 eggs</strong> with <strong>2 slices</strong> of <strong>toast</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. I love to dip my toast in the yolk! What’s your egg preference?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPUhBvi06RRMe_HXUCjR2mvZJlccW8wZGKW65uW5ibBi5W337ZYOy389pUbVntHhWLf4dq8KOgGdhDbJFsF6-nSViRshaYXr77tvKb6sIDo4jVXkIKqmNZJHKPdURbuw3um-RHEoMZ7yc/s1600-h/DSC090373.jpg"><img alt="DSC09037" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0X2BwOLqsQ25b3G-AshwSQx8fHDtc3_ayFM3J3Eez1R-p17HZVhxc6v5uTiFz5VSiUYh4ygyklIXeSuLxIHmzdlieKBKsFNhyoq7q4k5SShvyJ4fo8p_cjwejWPK4yuU4GPZGLtFWlrk/?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="DSC09037" width="404"></a></p> <p>Kyle and I hit up the grocery store to stock up for the week! The majority of the rest of my day was spent the in the kitchen! I cleaned, chopped, peeled, cut, etc our foods for the week! I also made a big pot of soup! More on that another day!</p> <p>Lunch was quick in between everything! I had 2 oz whole wheat pasta, <strong>1/2c marinara sauce</strong>, and a sprinkle of <strong>mozzarella cheese</strong> for 5 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPiBNLmVhFGTtL4rE-Kmy4gnhHz_AvX6Dl4UF407AHEOtePskj_NcMf7RNPl4sRs9_mUprvplJZhF8c7s93CFx-V2cuFcg5xoQOz0dxHWwhiQsTyPoRM54H0iJr4jh5JFDsSUsq3jkgJU/s1600-h/DSC090383.jpg"><img alt="DSC09038" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZV0GiabeSyBwkJYsaGUCPF0Yho0r-SGJqNPXQ8zftPVyZ80lUEOpsbiDPjwiKRLSW9suUTDz_HMo6Vat4dTxRe_y1C31sAkETThbBYD3sTt2nutPM7luWhz8GYagJ1MjSvap7cWLvSRr9/?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="DSC09038" width="404"></a></p> <p>We spent the afternoon cheering on the Hawkeyes to another win! Woo hoo!!!</p> <p>I was anxious for our evening, we had dinner guests! :) I made <strong>creamy baked chicken</strong>, <strong>roasted carrots & potatoes</strong>, and had <strong>pineapple</strong> on the side. My servings totaled <strong>7 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIVyFP_1a4dTb-2aqzeRa19P8upLaL1YpA4xAGKN2Cv7qsarjAcdKu5Yo59hnBefooKIwCi0gcay6vMhwPigVDy3yPFc24gSWFwisW_IFlDtyKvhSknFAlBBSnAT-GCfY9RIN5WKvFhGT1/s1600-h/DSC090393.jpg"><img alt="DSC09039" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQgNAxQQh7MnfvWqQX3yrnLySaNujgg0aeEDJ16nOr-ix9pSOAnjI_59nic7evZYCAYVvSqEhtKoBfGV0qA97X3t2IYr0xFJKuGB8CWTvmflrrRwZ0W-f3BoDSxIt00oN30nRGokCBBj3o/?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="DSC09039" width="404"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJiwUznSXNYRQ8ennDeZDFTw2YcDVApKSxfd9kYl1y_Xv_7NjivifbPGqXysE10Q4ju9ELf0w1xkOgYmtDWz18iiN8gW9a37hhzGy6Agwprg_hP8dZqp9D7-YGgEPlHpAbY0j6iEcSqC5/s1600-h/DSC090403.jpg"><img alt="DSC09040" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofVcujhOXLO5CjcnG3y2SV4-11zuvU_PhKL1zIR73l2wjvgBQztr3wt5bVs_FF8YjJxRXAdfHAyPyrEIyOq-qGsYRkRwMWADhkhgFz_gsjzYa8XEy2YIttDPlTmM463rVOnYcWNMDJ9G7/?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="DSC09040" width="404"></a></p> <p>We can’t forget desert! I made <strong>mint brownie ice cream bars</strong>, <strong>4 points</strong>/serving.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRQ4fdKe2N7rS2CkCRMdVbWpBM21fBqz6qDqtnkkSJrl3_O45_DsEq2a6Y6j1qZIVkyZi0vzhfZvMQB9QnLbn4TrzBy5H2P08gClO4Nbv9S1tFx0mbaLpbzPxdh4ezSWpY5abpO7i6xpa/s1600-h/DSC090413.jpg"><img alt="DSC09041" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYayjWeEMi6SADihaIto0aHJCdm8_BBEWh6ZUfMjoM2IHfezMikDnFheFYikwFvCv-km4TkHTJl1D1_6dWHQ7rMz54TloHJMfpiAFazcSUEzAglSCtVDXVie-1Ir5gto0JN9vlZkY3LzzI/?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="DSC09041" width="404"></a></p> <p>This was a recipe from one of my many WW cookbooks!</p> <ul> <li><em>1 13.7 ounce package of ff fudge brownie mix</em></li> <li><em>2/3 c vanilla low fat yogurt</em></li> <li><em>3 cups vanilla low fat ice cream, softened</em></li> <li><em>1 t peppermint extract</em></li> <li><em>18 chocolate thin mints, chopped</em></li> <li><em>2 T chocolate syrup</em></li></ul> <p><em>Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions, using 2/3c yogurt. Bake in foil lined 8X8 baking dish. Bake at 350 for 34 minutes. Cool completely. Combine ice cream and mint extract, stir well. Spread evenly over brownies. Cover & freeze for 8 hours or until firm. Sprinkle chopped mints over ice cream. Cut into squares; drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving. Yields 12 servings. </em></p> <p>We spent the evening watching the #1 team get upset and talking all things pregnancy & baby, they are 9 weeks pregnant! Too fun! :)</p> <p>Sunday we went to church, had lunch w/Kyle’s family, napped, I got a 2 mile run in, and we caught up on house stuff! An over great day!</p> <p>I don’t have my usual food pics for the day, but I do have this one! I picked up a fall wreath for our door! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvJk972hi8SCgoHiWCPXKlA28T1DnLvralbtMPMAQIk0qdi1KB4OaG9c0ciBbmxVE4kGtEBYtzOacfcAw1Gq_z84W-DbIedCvVKdU-LiQdQ7Bg2GDgjNCMxl0FMJNlZ8xliTzLFrYWG9V/s1600-h/DSC090553.jpg"><img alt="DSC09055" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG55ftF3MuX3xT6sdDUT6v9xkKZ0h3JG2oooh1qjC2bx5gGwKTr9mx0ULI3jJf2SeIaI49ja_cRyWVHNviAoJUQbzwvr5hJHz-uT5r_seqXWq8UTUEdASrMtNsO7Q0ODfd5gfgD1eFtjrc/?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="DSC09055" width="404"></a></p> <p>That’s all for me friends! <strong><em>How was your weekend? What was the highlight?</em></strong></p>

Wonderful Weekend

Howdy friends! Can you believe it’s already Sunday evening?!?! Hope everyone made the best of their weekend! Mine was great ! Saturday morn...

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Planning de la semaine du 18 au 22 octobre 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 18 octobre de 9h à 12h30,<br />- le mardi 19 octobre de 9h à 12h30 et de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le mercredi 20 octobre de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le jeudi 21 octobre de 13h30 à 17h,<br />- le vendredi 22 octobre de 13h30 à 17h.<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 20 octobre de 10h à 12h30<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 18 octobre de 13h30 à 17h<br />- vendredi 22 octobre de 09h 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 19 octobre de 9h à 12h30 et mercredi 20 octobre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Lettre de Motivation</strong> - mardi 19 octobre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><span style="font-weight:bold;">Préparation à l'entretien</span> - jeudi 21 octobre de 13h30 à 17h<br /><br /><li><strong>Pôle-emploi.fr</strong> - vendredi 22 octobre 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 22 octobre de 14h à 16h</ul>

Planning de la semaine du 18 au 22 octobre 2010

Permanences Le Conseil Général du Loiret sera présent dans les locaux de la Maison de l'Emploi du bassin d'Orléans - le lundi 18 oc...

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I'm amazingly okay with my weight gain

Today is my weigh-in day. After a full week of practicing Geneen Roth's Women Food and God eating guidelines I stepped on the scales. I knew I had gained a little. Over the years I've become very attuned to the ups and downs of my weight. I always know if it's going to be a gain or a loss.<br /><br />Before I looked down at the number I had a conversation with myself. It went something like this:<br /><br />"Diana, it's okay. If you've gained and you probably have, it's not a big deal. This is an experiment. Something new you've never tried before. It's just a number. It doesn't define you. Remember, this was a good week regardless of what you see on the scales."<br /><br />I looked down and saw 175.4. Last week I was 174.0. A gain of 1.4 pounds. Did I have just a twinge of regret? Yes, just a twinge. Not a foot-stomping, full-out "I hate myself" reaction that I would normally have over a weight gain.<br /><br />I realize I don't really understand when I'm hungry. If you consider that for 42 years I've either been on some sort of restrictive diet to lose weight or on a full-out binge streak, it's not surprising that I don't know how to listen to my body and give it what it needs. I haven't been listening to it for 42 years. Things aren't going to change in a week. <br /><br />Although I have made huge strides this past week. Things happened that I never thought possible. My night eating almost stopped. I slept better than I have in months or even years. I didn't feel stressed out about my eating. I felt more relaxed. I felt satisfied with my food. I ate healthy, wholesome food.<br /><br />Then last night happened. It was not a good night for me. I got home late from a Toastmaster's function and then proceeded to get into a huge argument with my husband. He went to bed mad at me. I'd eaten an early dinner at 4pm before the function and it was 11pm. I was starving. <br /><br />I ate until I was stuffed: a big handful of pecans, a piece of bread, a banana, a large bowl of my South Beach veggie chicken soup, 1/2 of a cantaloupe, a tapioca pudding cup and about 1/2 cup of Redi-Whip straight out of the can (I would have had more, but the can was empty). I felt physically sick and mentally hurt.<br /><br />Why did I do that? It's pretty obvious. I was frustrated, angry, hurt, and feeling lost and alone. Not good emotions. I was also very tired from another incredibly stressful work week. I didn't want to feel the pain of all of it so I ate. I shoved those feelings down with food. I knew what I was doing but I did it anyway. <br /><br />On the other hand I ate normally the rest of the week. 167 hours of normal behavior with food. One hour of craziness. I say that's about a 99% improvement over my past behavior when it came to food.<br /><br />I didn't follow all the eating guidelines perfectly last week, but it isn't about perfection. They're guidelines, not rules.<br /><br />It's more about trying to be more normal. Learning to listen to my body. More importantly, figuring out if it's hunger or something else. I was amazed at how often I identified it as something else. I think that's a big reason why I stopped eating late at night, with the exception of last night. I would consciously think, am I really hungry? Or is something else bothering me? Most of the time, it was something else. <br /><br />Last night I was a little hungry when I got home since it was so late, and I'd eaten at 4pm. I was also extremely tired. Even though I was very aware that I should stop eating, and that I was actually really angry and hurt by the argument with my husband, I still chose food. I just wanted my old friend, food, to comfort me. It didn't work. I woke up today feeling like the food was still in my stomach. Feeling sluggish and more tired than when I had gone to bed. <br /><br />On the exercise front I've been doing excellent. The past seven days I've hit the gym every day for a great workout. The old StairMaster at my gym finally completely stopped working about three months. It was my favorite piece of equipment. I spent many hours on it climbing the stairs to nowhere. <br /><br />A couple weeks ago I asked the young receptionist if there was a possibility they could get a replacement StairMaster from another gym. A friend told me the Ballys in Bellevue had three new StairMasters. Now we had none. Why couldn't we get one of theirs? She said she'd look into it and she did!<br /><br />I walked in yesterday and there sat a beautiful, almost new StairMaster. It was like Christmas! I jumped on it even though I'd already done 45 minutes of cardio on the CrossRamp in another room, but I did 20 minutes on the StairMaster. She was quiet and smooth as I climbed her stairs and her heart rate monitor works! She could read my Polar heart rate monitor. Oh how I love thee!<br /><br />So another week of trying to follow the eating guidelines. I'm still not tracking my food or counting Points or calories, although it's really hard not to add things up in my head. After years of restriction or binging, this isn't an easy process. <br /><br />I still won't be weighing in every day. That's another really  hard habit to break, but it was also freeing. It felt good to get up and know I didn't have to beat myself up over my weight. I'll weigh in again next Saturday. I don't have a fear of another gain, although it could happen. I'll probably cut back a little. My bowls of soup have been about three times what I would normally eat. I probably took the "what my body needs" to more of what my mind wants instead. <br /><br />Tomorrow I'm going to post my driver's license pictures from the last twenty years. I found them in a box from my decluttering my life binge I've been on lately. Kind of interesting how my weight has gone up and down during the years and how much I lied on my driver's licenses about it. The only time I told the truth was in 1995 when I weighed 126 pounds. I remember weighing that morning before I went to the DMV and thinking wow, I can actually tell them what I really weigh and not be embarrassed about it.  That was probably the last time I was actually happy with my weight. Fifteen years ago. Sad.

I'm amazingly okay with my weight gain

Today is my weigh-in day. After a full week of practicing Geneen Roth's Women Food and God eating guidelines I stepped on the scales. I ...

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Hello to the weekend!

<p>We made it through the week! Ah, the weekend, everyone’s favorite 2 days of the week!</p> <p>Friday morning I finished off the last of the <strong>pumpkin pancakes</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>! They were just as good as the <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/saturday.html">first time around</a>!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgdGMqpTl5MXN37avvUZ-jjA8kRjwKbmoB0WDMe6uG8sOW2ETF6A7bj0Ow5_1ARX-i2DFzZPw5geOOo1-k0Ma23-bAp8bLibPgyJFj5NGIQ6UPAMe6KNCYPNvUdMdP3G-5eCNrgPArL-i/s1600-h/DSC09028%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09028" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriecv7lWG9u3hyphenhyphen8od3i_Vtr_ytO99OoA-eXyyvLch9SzH3sW2Xs5zUjQZ3us0FXQ-xdk8BqcEHwZJBKh-xXpjUvMr8epQK2yxmRfd_FIA2WllnmB4u9K2bGenetqfaVg5F34qHQi61e4R/?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="DSC09028" width="404"></a></p> <p>My morning snack was a new try! I’ve only had <strong>greek yogurt</strong> once and wasn’t a fan of it. I decided to give it another try! Surprisingly I enjoyed it! <strong>3 points</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3w9ATQpwN3ta3y3LpwDa86P_eyC4k5wMdhelN6-lo2wqxjPSuh_gU3S_5jgQ26-qumPl_vDbciHBHX68mMd7SAB7k3QWubEN3R2X-NqrNQ4bdgWdED1kVDMg8ezW939ScycpNhExb-7Qi/s1600-h/DSC09029%5B3%5D.jpg"><strong><img alt="DSC09029" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9brwJRSHfiI5AQQjClgdcFFYU42LOZUEQyKxqcSplXF9TRYe2FxhA1ZIq8aPmaclOni27_1mYAPiO-Ab2-7lx_N_D4RZn2DIJzs_Tc9UAsH2CTBp8BDyLqMN3eErjNe76sxxWgtifJIO/?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="DSC09029" width="404"></strong></a></p> <p>I had a few errands to run on my lunch break today so I grabbed a <strong>Smart Ones</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong> to make for a quick lunch!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioN5wS5EzouEYULLgrv-X-HT8zrrgl3M_tx0La3gdLRCcpyvOZ6ivr1-xEivoHobIKGNE_cbPThV5Qpn4LEAm2YpVvFkQfYqLaBG94pNgWOZQ59HyKWSmZOtuQLEMdTmEq7sERTAlMFvbf/s1600-h/DSC09030%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09030" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG91zYnOwwk5eUqnZ7GEZ7vWVV_8E2cwH3gQg4hjBmzhTmAijSKCxAa0L8qjguw7AL6BT3vbPeC6XsSan_kKsOrii8thyeZx6KnPoLy_ZirayMTF5meooMiiO_12rbj41WPbiQ5a3IBwrw/?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="DSC09030" width="404"></a></p> <p>4:30pm rolled around and I gave 3 cheers for the weekend! Hooray!! :)</p> <p>I jetted home quick to let Abby out and grab a snack. The last of the delicious <strong>apple cinnamon muffins</strong>. I love that they are only <strong>1 point</strong>! Click <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2010/10/10-reasons.html">here</a> for the recipe. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBN8a7kGcogXziE7Ko5UIZvLu006H4_UOTLqC3HfEKYwexE_FO1eGeLi3Uss9gAM7_f4c9p1NMJkJ5Liw0toViHuoN2obpQSrFJf7Mpf6Yn_Lh11LE4oNwR3WPIoiuM5LSWDRor2nk8Xf/s1600-h/DSC09031%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09031" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLKdrjbutu80NqtcPMoLHR9RTIcI3obnifUfR4SIGmZpbmiS9s1XCGSQBjHLOB2AZEA8zTgI-Cq_YCioOSPqpT1jQtizfIwmnT-yvswC7_bunrQNdk1kzaB1f36SXNsNakbKhc7vqYC9j/?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="DSC09031" width="404"></a></p> <p>Kyle headed west to go see his Grandma and I head east to go see my Grandpa in the hospital. Hopefully nothing serious and we’re thinking he might get to go home soon, so that’s good! His spirits were high and he talked my ear off! Grandparent time is always good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Yhl1x6-UWA_AFu8vajGx28ZPQnihVeadd3F7HeXot5J5p_U1Vnpa_qBZBhje89fiyryVhQJAyTYPa6B33wjXsQICdqJDkeYIPMlSB32QLeYrGm2kSgh84FVl0ODquJDWufLonkoS0CFm/s1600-h/DSC09032%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09032" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yb6DY7ley6JS60YkJtZm4_vtj3IOtb9gHjIr4feSIksdCv47bSvlAg04eDiF-OHqjOW25D8L2pvSR7Lm4iWFNhQYZr7LHt6LpQYZwVyx-du4PlUhoBDOvRlDl6EkhpbcZdnVBt-UpFvQ/?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="DSC09032" width="404"></a></p> <p>By the time I left the hospital I was <em>STARVING</em>! It was already after 9pm! I stopped at <strong>Subway</strong> for a quick supper for the drive home. I had a bag of <strong>Sun chips</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ7gDQtoOUE0Sizum6FuhW-kv96RqHJzaysiIYAV4KvKHhO1i4V4Ag-y82t-nlVKSwmuhx9e2WCxnkOvPW9RkX9tlJ0ws00JDj-p98isTt98O-rI03KQqg-o81L3UkNob2LPHNHbYtbZ-/s1600-h/DSC09033%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09033" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1yIXJ60lFzcFJfstAjwZIrb_aCJZMYzueqJ_uBL5tvU4f2QOJzUXS9LlsgB6MhOBoPXs6Wyb-Mkgj4gn5ZGIZKDCtvJHj1x5IKehLIardTDCUfP-dMGYoYP-MOTE7nBIPqvL1syRksot/?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="DSC09033" width="404"></a></p> <p>And a <strong>6in ham & turkey</strong> on <strong>wheat</strong> for<strong> 6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIhaekq9o8vYlDx4FIRsd3rhQelaqNTAZZRmgRgGLxo5Fv2JeB5bNevN4E5Wbc5wTCqbOKtAqMjCbd2ChTTznKupTtBYFkmImW2IqRduiTOiPfUc1pLCJpq7_cTUOmLnJkwFrpeDX1Nkm/s1600-h/DSC09035%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09035" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqpplyd47wFtCWhwiX3AdO90rqMH9dRJ1sIfnApL2CKrLZ2r5MuVgRVuu33vZEjvUbtijphCRKZMS0tPyHLh_9pU3OorA7BU0hYkoCx0yz5UVmHzD16zItNcs7LW45D4BE1O6NSQAqETz/?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="DSC09035" width="404"></a></p> <p>I made a quick stop at the store when I got home for a few essentials and also a <strong>sweet treat</strong> for<strong> 2 points</strong>! I <3 ice cream!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhan_xLzFNBn5S2xCWLMwN2e9wq70BfWN6wso4Wju-C5Tt3TRcwpa4Vl4fHh74hmHte2zyd17fU69QARm7t1V33Qmc6FVWmVkrSNK8jhqhmRBx77_FBC0cnUvoz5m8UCLhi6gzjE08ldZoq/s1600-h/DSC09036%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC09036" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc-18Q_A8x9x3re4bD0IVHD2833qFmmKUTEtG1V3-zilxqe4r-UH_WJ4pvVKJxj-fPQcU4Fs2vHPeRyutBTSqkvzffsNMfhL8dxtu5H4adH0zsutpqUiCr9hFbfPg_zVs4bP2IzuYwioTB/?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="DSC09036" width="404"></a><strong></strong></p> <p><strong>FRIDAY’S STATS <br></strong>POINTS = 25/23 <br>WEEKLY ALLOWANCE POINTS = 2 used/33 remaining <br>ACTIVITY POINTS EARNED = 0 today/6 week <br>H2O = 114 oz <br>EXERCISE = none</p> <p>Alrighty, time to get to work! I’ve got a little <strong>cleaning</strong> to do and then need to <strong>stock up</strong> at the grocery store, we’re having dinner guests tonight! Oh and can’t forget about <strong>cheering</strong> on the <strong>Hawks</strong> too!<em> I’m thinking it’s going to be a great Saturday!!</em> ;)</p>

Hello to the weekend!

We made it through the week! Ah, the weekend, everyone’s favorite 2 days of the week! Friday morning I finished off the last of the pumpkin...

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