News for today's 2018

Salvation (?) By Grace Through Faith

8:38 AM Tukiyooo 0

As Holy Week approaches, it is good to contemplate the core doctrines of our tradition, especially atonement. The three categories linked by the classic formula: salvation by grace through faith are abslutely central. The formula of salvation is complex and rich. I am wondering what to make of each of those terms we say so often their meaning can get rubbed off like the face of coin. What is salvation anyway? I grew up in a church where it was understood as a legal term. It meant essentially the commutation of a justly deserved sentence. In seminary, I learned that the Greek sourse of the word in the NT is actually a medical term. It is closer to cure of an illness, but more than that it signifies wholeness and fulfillment. Throughout all this time there was a joke about a bank advertisment "Jesus saves at 1st National Bank of Tyler." Funny but maybe not that far off base. I've just noticed that the financial metaphor could say something theological. "Jesus saves" could mean he keeps us to himself, reserves us in love, preserves us in love, rather than spending us for some secret cosmic project. That idea repudiates the "God's secret plan" theology that so enraged Ivan Karmazov. Somewhere along the line, I leaned that Richard Hooker (not so far from Calvin on this point) used "salvation" as an umbrella term for three processes: justification, sanctification, and union. And that the normative spiritual course was understood in the Middle Ages as purgation, illumination, union. Within all that abstraction runs personal memory. I remember being in despair and having that despair cut through by the prayer, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for we have been born a new to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." But I know salvation is more than that. It isn't just a lifting of my individual spirit. It is not for those who have the right experience. It is, as Paul said, the redemption of the cosmos. So what does "salvation mean to you" this Year of Our Lord 2009 as Holy Week draws near?

Salvation (?) By Grace Through Faith

As Holy Week approaches, it is good to contemplate the core doctrines of our tradition, especially atonement. The three categories linked by...

The Hour I First Believed and John Updike

9:52 PM Tukiyooo 0

This is a sequel to my earlier post about Wally Lamb's novel, The Hour I First Believed. Lamb has been called the Dostoevsky of our day, no doubt because he confronts the problem of evil with the relentless integrity of an Ivan Karamazov. But now that I have finished this fine book, and shed a few tears over it I admit, I'd say he is more of an Evelyn Waugh or Graham Greene in his develoment of plot and character. There is no simplistic conversion of creed, but a deeper transformation of soul. Caelum is not a hero. He is as flawed as any of us, maybe more so. Maureen's sanctity and his own confrontation with generations of woundedness make this story a masterful recounting of spiritual journey. At first I had trouble connecting the deliberately simple prose and the pipe wrench wielding plot developments with the subtlety of spirit moving beneath the text. But then there is the Gospel of Mark, written crudely but a story of grace. I loved it!!! And I look forward now to his earlier books, particularly This Much I Know Is True. But first I am reading John Updike's In The Beauty Of The Lillies. Updike is the 20th Century Protestant novelist. He was prolific and I have read only a few of his books. Lillies is the most explicitly theological. After his recent death, there was a flood of articles evaluating his work. In contrast to Lamb, Updike wrote poetically. His prose is elegant. Someone criticized his work for losing theme in style; they asked, "Is beauty enough?" Well, the idea that Updike lacked substance is just rediculous. But I am chiefly struck by that question: Is beauty enough? I would answer with a resounding Yes. We have too long held to an idea of God that failed to appeciate the beauty of divinity and the divinity of beauty. Thankfully, theological aesthetics has been rediscovered. Beauty is enough. More on the Beauty of the Lillies to come.

The Hour I First Believed and John Updike

This is a sequel to my earlier post about Wally Lamb's novel, The Hour I First Believed. Lamb has been called the Dostoevsky of our day,...

Day 133 (Tuesday 3/17)

10:47 AM Tukiyooo 0

Day 133 (Tuesday 3/17)

Hey everyone!! I don't have hardly anytime! But wanted to get one more post in before I leave in 12 minutes!!! :) Tuesday was an OP day ...

Day 132 (Monday 3/16)

8:50 AM Tukiyooo 0

I’m so close to Florida I can almost feel it! And this nice weather we are having here in Iowa is a great preview of what I hope to experience the week I am in Florida! Look at what my car temp said around 5pm yesterday: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp5Q1j1JGmXqg6-_WXKS2eF3MtaTDBxs9tBxGhANFtl_A5bCptRaY3JmTtFzqyUsjGhjmxnhNcqA4T4xsyvYsrNQYa6nTUXM-UK-9qdWxh-6Q9-lc-LMj-jhRmq-WGhKVtzXFzjqONJf0/s1600-h/DSC020835.jpg"><img alt="DSC02083" border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hRfpRH0DOjVfinNIsaJrj4VQ_QXECr97iVczbIM4lumoxx76dnr10pR1k_fXbjayv9PsI0Vj2MMbkyMLZCP2J1AU9b_QyykF7OrkKXXuQcgeQibOtBDPwR7KXageLt-05Y79YiBG9_MH/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02083" width="451" /></a> Yep 71 degrees!! It was a great! I hit the gym before work for a 32 minute run. While I was running I was wondering how in the world I am going to make it outside in the Florida heat! We’ll see how it goes! I hope to get in some form of exercise each day when I’m gone! Spring break has already started for students on campus so it was really quite at work today…which was nice! For breakfast I had oatmeal with blueberries and a sliced apple for 3 points. Looks like I waited too long to eat/photograph my apple…it was starting to turn brown! But don’t worry I ate it anyway! :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcd6-_cBn-p9YwqQj1oZaefWLrTl7TsNu-dvnxEldGKXxhV_pdSfIVvplRzxaxrq5lEX0SlJQIbcTd8EjadDRFbXaIndHF887OGyiAKWFcitTjc6fmHcZjUMBt5nhzbAGk3AVRFXJAtP7/s1600-h/DSC020783.jpg"><img alt="DSC02078" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yiUIZCDv_z0pln18GXtTxqUAdruRYfJtQbd5SY3t3duXLVQqOUghcqbQnbqYJfxVyFkazyOj4ttzqPm026i79HC8RJtV81nGsWGIoGl-pNyOPIxliMn0Hrqq9fqq7_5HW1NKPl4geE-k/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02078" width="450" /></a> Late morning I had a WW yogurt with 1/4 grape nuts for 2 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_XVfEe_3ImdxxlclIqpdXCwcxH2I-rVjFMI_5aGXtXyeixpZw6pfZfrTnnWyGpeHM-Pvm1ggPIH8YOfA_Q5d2k9jrEV73OFNRqz_V0pWqzr5CmhOpPi5REuivfV1seuvER5BB7naor06/s1600-h/DSC020794.jpg"><img alt="DSC02079" border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVqZn6KzDHFdNkqfUSnScRUam4tEltetMhWmuYiqrXhojU4WYE_7ClCVE6RzpaAEleJ5ZTemLZS_rGuHpbz75TvIHnvQuSghhm7IM4ZNIE9ycVGYsJdy4zyT4fGG7cYSE5vO29Bv1GLEa/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02079" width="444" /></a> Lunch today was great! On Friday I bought “Flat Out” wraps because they are over $2 cheaper than the wraps I was buying before and you get 2 more in the package. So I was excited to try it out today and they are very good. So I had a ham turkey & cheese wrap, 1/2 c cottage cheese, and a sliced banana for 7 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxS3Roo8i8LK49-aygVeeJUj6-g_VS1-cgx5N1N0wC8X9eD3OvOVe5nR_F6Vqf5hwGmOHpyFE5t7OSCvLsd_-CtHqZwV1EqDVASGmLmv2KYcSeEVxMtWARpRuUBh4OrO9kLuWagSf5TyU/s1600-h/DSC020814.jpg"><img alt="DSC02081" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlkL_lhLECzT7xxQAna9hAGRcmLIPyKn1VV0INsv6agnT_p2CXMyk2X0fwrMR3HEQIq_174GPxc1u2v82biCe-D2HkLWafdH7tLFQ8hIYpBwlH1KHTS5BVU3ElR4Vvce8tXs2i-S_dMe_/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02081" width="440" /></a> <a href="http://happytexans.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> had asked what kind of tortillas I used so I had to take a picture of the package because to be honest I had no idea! They are the whole wheat Lo Tortilla Factory tortillas. They come out to only one point. But I think I am officially converted to flat outs now that I found them…more bang for your buck!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5pjEeCtzKiVwx-XN0WW68nRq6NXaU99B-8csx4h8BL6MY0gaRnKL4Ws3-2KWzBC8pF0pwFXXHL5Ck89a2NI2ImjyXZIvtIs7xviTVrvLbiGEEKS-Gc0UL_Spx6hro6mTn1U9MVsHJnqk/s1600-h/DSC020803.jpg"><img alt="DSC02080" border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHWzeJKSuiuuv1N3KJ767seeQOBI4g3AS07kXSjvzm1GpljkTgqgub2Hbevf7vmUkNbwp62Iwrc609NZ9MU2Wi2fOgaHTkp8iB1Tgvh1pesZKgdgtht-0cYwafeK0iL_GNrAZpt5rh4DO/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02080" width="436" /></a> After work I rushed over to my favorite nail place to get a fill and a pedicure. It always feels so good to get pampered!! I love all the stuff to they do your feet to make them feel so nice and soft! I’ve been addicted to pedicures since I got my first one for my wedding almost 4 years ago! :) When I got home I was starving and supper wasn’t going to be ready for over a half an hour. So I tried one of the protein bars I purchased last week. It was just ok. If they go on sale I might try them again. But nothing to toot my horn about! This one was 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2stRzwqRvihpTtIEjZav25Al0_K0tCXA_9NKXiqPNq71mJOpv-GbX1rb1TFs1nFtDol3l6TZFs2oPD6-oWOeD6bidQ3f9WUJDpZV9-01i8jTOYDUHBnijLFVwWblIpyYqVaGS5fKO4KE8/s1600-h/DSC020843.jpg"><img alt="DSC02084" border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6dmkkFx_9geIT3NMyhA6visVkkVZl-94LuywAzjFnkBpxOVSV4UQJw67IF06pY6A9_V58E4EXEbQDn3zOBRrX5i2NXm2T7WrLY5UTrFETG-t4DQYGib1S7CdGr56Fe9PI3KPr7jVcC1N/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02084" width="435" /></a> Supper tonight was an easy favorite. <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/02/day-112-monday-223_24.html">Creamy ham & potato bake</a> for 5 points. You can click on the link if you would like the recipe. It is really easy and very yummy! And you get a lot for only 4 points!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_8G9dSlUibk0-f4Q0Kk9B_wUFKklmv9TAl2OpEyIFxRpvWGyTanTeAy5ItBebLSqdQjb5DiUZojF4bx9RzOlweXeVkaNobltd5xOvQFiGqwIdR6QT24Wdt-yNzurBW3O0DMdn1gdXbwb/s1600-h/DSC020854.jpg"><img alt="DSC02085" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTfN_PgZCtG-L4JAuwheitazE6a0LdZFmLZW0-ywoDGE3nZmQEJGlRGRvZrdB6e-DWH_X3J_3n4G5BSS3BMLNi6AtpkpIMMDDKKM4-eItgrtwaV02Os5LCyKbkUzpBAz9vywcr8XU3oO2/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02085" width="434" /></a> <a href="http://karitakingbackcontrol.blogspot.com/">Kari</a> had a question for me that I keep forgetting to answer: <dd> “Just out of curiosity because I look at your food pics every day and I just started wondering....do you and the husband eat dinners together? Does he eat what you eat?” </dd><dd> There really isn’t a simple answer for this question. It really varies for us. My husband runs a fast food restaurant so his hours are quite odd. So if he isn’t going to be home for supper I usually just make something quick for myself. But if he is home we usually eat together. But he doesn’t always eat what I eat. He isn’t a big fan of wraps, broccoli, cauliflower….so I will make some other kind of variation for him. I know this is a challenge for a lot of people…trying to cook healthy and something everyone likes. Especially if you have kids. That is why I like to find recipes like I made tonight that we both like and is ww friendly. Hope that answers your question Kari! For desert tonight I grabbed my new favorite ice cream treat, a skinny cow strawberry shortcake ice cream sandwich for 2 points. Mmmm!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqa9x2bncuk0icGpIlPNnk3mnZp1GlIgES0P1hHcSkaHPXZZhhktO8jPKdPO3e8OqzqZuPKL0QaBsL0FmbuMSdjSDbWruTkK70df1ygVFN3Adbdj7bIeh5F4EFMAFzfmF1jXPYzADiHre/s1600-h/DSC020877.jpg"><img alt="DSC02087" border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4C1tnxSk-vRHYsQnyO8ZT2qUoOYkLRA-RM2ZLbgHCGBLt46dKYI9gNVB02aW0Ao-F4kIitpKSstfFsAzucVCXTLSJfCBoONBy5swOPq24L4BNwRTIBzYtZLFD5dC13h6kCI1-qwFFC_nb/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02087" width="437" /></a> Well everyone I am down to just one day of work left…1/2 of today (Tuesday) & 1/2 of tomorrow! And then I’m on my way to sunny Florida! Can’t wait to have the fab 4 sisters reunited and see my Grandpa. Oh and I probably won’t be able to blog while I’m gone. My Grandpa doesn’t have an internet connection. So I will have just one more post. </dd> MONDAY’S STATS POINTS = 22/23 WATER = 116 oz EXERCISE = 32 min run

Day 132 (Monday 3/16)

I’m so close to Florida I can almost feel it! And this nice weather we are having here in Iowa is a great preview of what I hope to experien...

Days 130-131 (Saturday 3/14 & Sunday 3/15)

7:15 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I rolled over Saturday morning at 7:30am wide awake. I hate it when I have the day to sleep in and I just can’t! But that was ok. I got up and cleaned a little and hit the gym for a long workout. Well I guess it wasn’t that long, but longer than my latest workouts! I ran for 25 minutes, did 23 minutes on the cross ramp, and then got in 20 minutes of leg weights. I felt pumped and refreshed…ready for the day!! The scale FINALLY went down again. Granted it was only a 1/2 lb,but hey I’ll take it! So I’m down 38.5 lbs, only 8.5 more to go! When I got home DH was busy making brunch for my sister and I! How sweet of him! I had a blueberry waffle, sf syrup, small turkey sausage patty (not pictured), and an orange for 6 points! What a great filling breakfast! Thanks hunnie!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnktphFTPOacMgvB0KDz4dmSnUc_rZ-KMz2MfVzPwUmSyfQ-tIteqFea4LYs7taur0Era_BS9eFKmzNUfO9qgfxM5E36tdaa5h0E2tTT09COSh9nZKMfz7kan6MRSznouTTzCLdDGooy34/s1600-h/DSC020533.jpg"><img alt="DSC02053" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAVG2I_Ionscc9gjLF8ZBCz1h9Ld8zz95fA0_cV9rhDkeKqppJStyO_hPOXNAXul96LKVAnbiWRvcYkorrCyWZpimyDZveUasbAHOK4gShneqcOS36DTA-NuYMVpY-91IxdDeKjOPYbOis/?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="DSC02053" width="471" /></a> Since DH had the weekend off we just kicked back and sat around a chatted for a while with my sis. And then got ready and headed out to a movie. We saw Mall Cop. We think Kevin James is hilarious so both DH and I really enjoyed this movie. I had ff popcorn for 1 point…snuck in! Didn’t want that greasy full fat popcorn the movie theater sells for an arm and a leg! We picked up a few groceries and a couple bday gifts for DH’s bro & sis and headed home. DH suggested I try the strawberry shortcake ice cream sandwiches and boy am I glad that I did. I had to try one when we got home and they are SSSOOO good and just 2 points! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY5S1cB3qC3_IYfq1B1rDrnlbH8SBK7nbwMGG9E9gxVuUNsbS-j_cyE8lAdG1YoNFpvIM2zfOzRooT0totPDruGe6prvQ9zNS4r_3O-kQnuX5vBloMkn5wqx1jBzZ6iqhPnJGco-i8k0p/s1600-h/DSC020544.jpg"><img alt="DSC02054" border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4xeBDRrwLKmpN0MQmO4_lHoyU8d-ycTqpXO94XaBBcj9GhHu9PjOlkBM-OsSjTA9Tn125gZSe8PL4rTkaCkFFVjRL1bv0r2WiNi-XHIRTfPEbDtlwI8N0WUB66lcX76sH1vkzFb2joxF/?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="DSC02054" width="475" /></a> We got the groceries put away and headed to DH’s hometown to celebrate his twin bro & sis’ 22nd birthday! MIL made her famous homemade pizza. I felt I did a good job and only had two slices (cb & pineapple…she knows my favorite!). We played a few card games and then had birthday cake and ice cream! And of course I had that too! But I felt ok with my choices. I have a very thin sliver of the chocolate cake, a piece of angel food cake, and 2 small scoops of ice cream. I know that is probably more than I needed, but I enjoyed it and that isn’t something I do too often. I really didn’t estimate points for supper & desert.  I just enjoyed it and the time with DH’s family. I feel good that I have come to a point where I can “enjoy” an occasional meal and not stress about not knowing the nutrition facts to calculate the points. We left DH’s parents’ house and came back to town and ended up meeting up with a few friends at a newly re-modeled bar in town. And I have to say I was quite impressed. It looked great! I had 2 MGD 64s for 2 points! I love that they are only 1 point a piece! Sorry no pictures! We didn’t get home till after 1am, but we had a good time! I even set my alarm to get up for church Sunday morning, but for some reason I am getting good about shutting off my alarm without knowing it! So evidently I shut it off and next thing I know DH rolled over and said “Honey it’s almost 10am!” Holy cow!! I haven’t slept that late in a LONG time! I think it was ok though, DH needed the extra sleep to help recoup for his cold and I am sure it didn’t hurt me either! I was nervous the scale would jump up  from Saturday’s eats and drinks. But surprisingly it wasn’t! I stayed the same, 163.5! We joined DH’s family for brunch at our favorite buffet (I was pretty good!) and then came home and CLEANED like crazy! Felt good to give the house a “once over”! I didn’t take pictures of my food on Sunday. I got the muchines in the afternoon and ate some honey nut cheerios, string cheese, 2 ice cream sandwiches, and some cottage cheese. About 5:30pm I realized I needed to stop all the snacking and did just that! I didn’t eat anything else the rest of the night and felt completely ok….not starving at all! I didn’t make it to the gym before they closed so I decided to go for a bike ride ‘cause it was SUPER nice out and got in 30 minutes and then when I got back I felt so bad that I didn’t take my pup Abby so I took her out for a run that only lasted 10 minutes because she was barking at everything whether it moved or not! So I cut it short! But felt good that I got in some sort of work out! Which means I’ve worked out 14/15 days of March! Hopefully I will have time to get my Monday post done tomorrow morning! I need to charge my camera battery so I can upload my pictures! Nite bloggies! Oh and thanks for all the sweet comments on my wedding pictures!

Days 130-131 (Saturday 3/14 & Sunday 3/15)

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I rolled over Saturday morning at 7:30am wide awake. I hate it when I have the day to sleep in and I just ...

The Great Emergence by Phyllis Tickle

10:48 AM Tukiyooo 0

I have just finished Phyllis Tickle's latest book, The Great Emergence. It is quite a helpful read. She bases the book on a concise thesis from Bishop Mark Dyer of the Diocese of Bethlehem (PA): "Every 500 years, the church has a rummage sale." The metaphor has to do with moving out of an old house and disposing of things we no longer need or that no longer work. This odd adage is a solid historical observation. About every 500 years, give or take a few, the Church has a dispute, a big split (bigger than the little denominational chippings off that happen all the time), there is a new expression of Christiainity -- actually 2 new expressions because the old group is transformed too. The Church is re-energized and spreads the Gospel more effectively than before. It happened in the time of Gegory I, again in 1,000 when the East and West divided, again in 1522 with the Protestant Reformation -- and now, hmmm, my Blacberry reminder is beeping that it's time for a rummage sale. The reason for these periodic restructings is that the truth we proclaim is eternal but the culutre to which we proclaim it keeps shifting. So we have to revamp strategies and refine our language to communicate the faith to the generation before us. Divisions in the Anglican Communion are not, in themselves, big enough to constitute the Great Emergence described by Tickle, but they would definitly be part of it. So from Tickle's standpoint, the divisions we see happening are actually a good thing. But wait. Rememer Bill Bishop and The Big Sort. The dividing of our culture into ever smaller collections of the like minded make for dividing of our culture into collections of the ever smaller minded. So what to make of all this? Given my vocation to preserve and deepen the unity of the Church, I have to operate out of Bill Bishop's admonition to heal divisions and keep difference held together in the tension of an intenional unity. But when that fails, it's good to read a little Phyllis Tickle. God works in our divisions as well as in our Communion.

The Great Emergence by Phyllis Tickle

I have just finished Phyllis Tickle's latest book, The Great Emergence. It is quite a helpful read. She bases the book on a concise thes...

Day 129 (Friday 3/13)

2:57 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hey bloggers! Sorry I am a little behind on my Friday post! My sister spent the night last night so we had some fun together and I took a lil break! Friday was great. I got in my morning workout. 32 minutes on the cross ramp and 20 minutes of arm weights. Went to work for about an hour and had my usual breakfast, oatmeal with 1/4c blueberries and a sliced apple for 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAVJjo5wVPrxAZmAQ5I_KZ3wn9_pwZqbK-nFw9IRPvSEhfS8vcujROfsXEvZJo-2Frmta8CHTwB_E0MtMT0NB-7hIJpVZsDlVvo3TaJ2AxkEcV_OveCmLvd9A5bfuU47Ym6P7LglZUbXO/s1600-h/DSC02045%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02045" border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iGfrBXaaFZtM_lgWpiXoZkd_FdCVOJoW7C0bOdcF_1XJ9EqlouYmgTg-uwkAFquIXWhrpJEaHcn1C5TxGsGKwuPD089YAS8Qzu94mNEExbl5bYbfqXQx111n0srXgjF_UixpZo32eK7r/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02045" width="448"></a> I had a dentist appoint at 9am and boy was I glad that I did. I woke up with a horrible tooth ache and she fixed it!! Wouldn’t want to be heading off to Florida next week with a sore mouth! When I got back to work from the dentist I was hungry so I grabbed a banana for 2 points, something soft for my sore mouth. That numb feeling is so odd…I probably looked quite silly trying to eat this banana! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8JoU73DRBHu4GkfX5vsdTnU1vaTUo8rfQNIKGIGFeFQFYafOEgcKYhcrP4UToJJcEp8t2V-ZvzKGWxsKAhA4xYw1TsYeQQ6xyZnwZdFJV6DjcPPSomHHlp2_EaeRL4Z0LwOVTjwMFFxw/s1600-h/DSC02046%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02046" border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEemlA0ZRMW9z_asq6oMdA4HCWt6jkWKqT7HGXPPjzIwWpQ1FWsHV8jFu3VxQ5K2CJVVEhaOceN53XtVaFYfhRHBwUIceOyLnK0Y2l45LH5Uh4TTow3bccbk7r5LM2i_MptX759mFZheAL/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02046" width="465"></a>  My second snack of the morning was ww key lime pie yogurt with 1/4c grape nuts for 2 points. Don’t worry, I let those grape nuts soften up before I ate it! I don’t think my newly fixed tooth could have handled those right off the bat! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbamsJ8uNJZvoXVRlkFOHoRjav_i6IiOxLqBrbu1qwhvOcEc9cDKoj_04DR2LWDI38c5l33lLReb9-rrtyvd5cNVP_1tfpsKI7RXA-TXXYKK_2bZ1VJpALtsw397kNRnxgOiH8uAZqW5Pn/s1600-h/DSC02047%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02047" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4SEcQ8wnauiijstEGJM8VunWMPE5uppWF-eMbswNJ6rb6ogEN6VMUV7ps1RUGtCV2JniAebBaHiECh-tg3ctODoUs9mVp9diV-4ML4YHm7Wi58p9LA_WR52etl2IkQs7_j9e1MRameoa/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02047" width="472"></a> I needed something quick for lunch so I heated up a Smart One’s Creamy Rigatoni with Broccoli & Chicken for 6 points. One of my favorite smart ones. I don’t think to have them too often though because of the sodium content. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2VXd2BgpDsoHykkONGLONTwjN58ZivQzFMmUxemzPZHXIRR3Z_tSswlY996WUeSeCjdblJ0gTUfuXMwoVYSksu-q7YVw9GXhv4Chevnpz_zQV18EetNRd40BStJ1bJBfsnvKKQW_yP0c/s1600-h/DSC02049%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02049" border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqYeZgD-jy3LISlz9LTPAAYJ1Rg_3qTz5wyb0ZCx3IV9b0pzwCQ07lzpjeCG9X5w8OGjvGbsroC7ZytPhnLp_0OW0_CfnWJqhT5gDC1wqBuYNjvlDQd8J2nUZnAtov4TZF8ebztcY71q7/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02049" width="486"></a>  But I did happen to notice that it had 20 grams of protein! I was not expecting that high of a number at all! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizo7-jo1BDZ7TMOE_qL1-arE8c-vu4RzP-nD5ZdvOwkueTb7Vdmol1xZuSjK_WBUZ-w0tb5uuidr1c-mi6FY0K52sdg-A47ljB3o9gckm6iLVuLVB_zXFav478zbQfsEA3TiwjkqwqeuLR/s1600-h/DSC02050%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02050" border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPplKju9vK0O7V5zYg_VRvsFnr-hCmwBKR8AeJDcfijkSKvD1gFHdX3k9WJIaXaLsRUqMYI0OONhfYVapTaocndNW_pljYt3GOrtjym8YtBMHMkWtiVyJt63I8nQy32B966soAmNS7cz1n/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02050" width="292"></a> After work I met up with my sister for a little shopping. In between stops I snacked on a fiber one bar and a piece of string cheese for 3 points total. (no pictures)We got a few great clearance deals at Target and some cold meds for DH. And we also picked up two pizzas for $6 at our local grocery store! What a deal! But don’t worry, I was good. I made a smart ones pepperoni pizza for 8 points and let DH and my sis eat the pizzas. I guess I don’t know if it is necessarily “better”, but at least I knew the nutrition facts to calculate the points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZYjipcdSBbK-MAjY8c4dpT75SgpN7xTvHsyroyR_q79oety0XTfZCVpItI_YOPvZIjASZlpRug_N9x3zEnCDhklstutsMkdoSfhgKipTItoB8n4or7X7Ln-_QH99plwBIe9VoVCRLTSv/s1600-h/DSC02051%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02051" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQk8MZ22B-2PzX1fptBe7RuZFUiTFPHILIC2bBokskASK-Oef0OWknuhBxmEAKxeRvWFvykUs6aWno4TYQI6DPLMJzhEb-d6EnrHi2hxkHydH0S0VHQPAtcDNnpyl3RzWqbV5Qv2vH31f/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02051" width="440"></a>   We watched the movie Changleing (sp?). The one with Angelina Jolie where her son is kidnapped. It was good, but not what I was expecting at all! I snacked on a skinny cow ice cream sandwich for 2 points. I love these!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHvsi9IVTS7Vio8akrwRicoEZXCpJ8vSkUGkpJaTcsXsstPXylPYnMCljPgaQVDSs8jF92Cfav-RxoZ49Bo7oiUb4EwLdxa5XJ8En4mmVLUsdPlFGehBdZwqy70lRAZwaMkoP56J7Invm/s1600-h/DSC02052%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02052" border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVchkmQFUue6saftZGKdrfHrHnmGuaYfQpib71OGeFUHYQam5S-N_iUumuY3xEBfphSGwlqmaJ6LPqGDDnlPnVvIyGMIaXkGvjM1H1NpiDnhMSmtTWH7VMmStysp5Be08UQ3XIuTkDp1_/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02052" width="444"></a> FRIDAY’S STATS POINTS = 26 WATER = 130 oz EXERCISE = 32 min cross ramp, 20 min arm weights   Oh and I had a request to see some more wedding pictures! I am more than happy to share these with you guys! Weddings are such fun events and I enjoyed my day SSSOOO much! DH & I got married almost 4 years ago. We were high school sweethearts. This year marks 10 years total that we have been together! Some are the professional ones and some are just some snapshots. Enjoy!  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0rHyvlkHm953JB10CU01uzwAUwjNlz3ivgjHG_F2wr7czCBzJsbtsdeD0AnzRaF2N7r5xW4xTwOTlqQCn5BPCnX8mjgyfawLj3ZS8djktoU_G-0Jx531Bc1RLCi5wLiu2m_tl3wR52AK/s1600-h/wedding%5B5%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="wedding" border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpiudVuz7ysPcf31wyiB5F4dWLCfi9FuvJnindTk_qo4eOPFujePqmW-W0_yhUAgxt2pqjJ1nId5Phh3eoSSLnVFjKzdBrw8pOdQqw5tQRGQNw3cDfW7bfmaUThVMcsPDUhUztujeZIVu/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="wedding" width="392"></a>                             <img alt="kiss" border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUkB0lqSKvwd_MUdKfESX018S_s2VDIa4ScKTCWHyLmc0lobofSprrHdA6xFvSJReeHbmkiOACecW8pXAZBxHRMywL-8ZlyT_GerXrYfd2QOV6Kl4WOjRJK3e2JeKBL70GGKyJ04Sk3Qz/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="kiss" width="411">   <img alt="petal" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAdf0sFu0YYzR8v6dIQ3SpctAqfVTz5ipmmgEphOR78cB3X6OTD6fxBm8pAQ548kzm-cB_dvbVIg_8SlDxqVc0Lr4qJ54Jb44_xf3asOc9c8ZQoFNbybMIKPaqueaVggluReaPWjRTa23/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="petal" width="447"> This is me and my bridesmaids. Three of them are my sisters…can you guess which one doesn’t belong? :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mbHJfu0TBOleSfKCPlZpGg4y1QzUy35_TLBbYtgux97gAVy38RXbm-ZS3oasJ9KR_97hWh7rg-zCDODOQy3JhIPVZjbidov3oVLHiEmGQPmMfcrk76OUkIRNqjtFL5x1rIuz-fqFUJjW/s1600-h/me%20&%20the%20girls%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="me & the girls" border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuufiQKEH5Irz55VNhXVmHPJPmuVsGiVvJqiRDWYAFTFfY3xA6f9YORNXMXkV_6-Uy7KFdDlBfMxkhgbyc4WZqjWe2StRFmzIYmnur4NM-IafEB0XwJrHJ1IqEYyZBuUnTbyHYFi8WmIEP/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="me & the girls" width="450"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDdMqObWLCna0VTKq5uzQ15Df6FPW7aRaVJZ6tY8PhNEl2P0j05PyF_Rx5cAvfSaPWZzRZn5tEniBBIWNbbt_A4IxwrXlZ1PGDQ4glUk5OY29ue7xZCC6FZAJMEi7pTHbZwEcW48fYW99/s1600-h/first%20dance%5B8%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="first dance" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1_tYN6uPp8b1jIyxtYGTyI_rCjP1BfsLvvEkDMnEf7SKxKrC1ZLDE_O6qDiPiL7Rr6SPjU9cFv4CpIBUzFGtdnHkgY1Oy6tNyCBtqiVW6BOO3tSqLaYi6YKised3834cg26JRMgR3GZq/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="first dance" width="395"></a>                 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifF-rpuciGVjNCCTF7SYwr5sEy2jHMQicUfGFI1nXiepj3_sUZRO-j42ke4KfjI51O9LeBjO-6QH_LGWIjvTfnu9BLzFV7yKhGSx8kLiB5uf1BuTWN3w-YTmnbpeND0hAgrk1PALqnxDkx/s1600-h/head%20table%5B6%5D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="head table" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbegieCBIqcbaygvTG06I7KUsNWKyfcfCnjVJHERTIdc7vS4vUc3qotyyyyBxgWQXGuahsV8urXd82Ihj6QS8hjrRtdrHR8WilGPYYcbL32tooahR9YFE8eZUgeDIGHPEwb9M5qkZbsQKy/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="head table" width="397"></a>

Day 129 (Friday 3/13)

Hey bloggers! Sorry I am a little behind on my Friday post! My sister spent the night last night so we had some fun together and I took a li...

The Broken String

8:21 AM Tukiyooo 0

The Broken String

Grace Stuhlman's poem "The Broken String" tells a simple story with a simple point that feels central to my life. The great vi...

Day 128 (Thursday 3/12)

7:08 PM Tukiyooo 0

Happy Thursday everyone! I can’t believe tomorrow is Friday already…time seems to just fly anymore! I got up and made it to the gym again this morning! I piddled around the house too long though and only got in a 20 minute run, but that has to be better than nothing, right?!?! Breakfast this morning was an oldie, but a goodie! I don’t think I will ever get sick of eating oatmeal in the mornings! I had oatmeal with 1/4 c blueberries and a sliced apple for 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmDTgMUC4_F13uj79ysfX1gUfJ7KOGyuzOeWZso4aJaZ5xooMUBXBBL4X4Ko5MdeiCdPiFHg_H5DUCMVKbBC9fvDQiHIrUBcLFI1XSb3z1_ArYqzCcBBmcOv2FbHiwsLI_VicNy0eCU39/s1600-h/DSC02034%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02034" border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW9_5znTub8w7ab645BGXdXQDzTlQ2H0IxqAnx8U6XNrUOYrpKo630WNYMCngmXzaSRrLR5IAOZsuyDuvbkMfDrGim73enuxw12hSkQu1Rk8Ev5aM7HvswsYwo6MOtPQ39AP7Rw5usCzW/?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="DSC02034" width="420" /></a> Mid morning I had a vanilla ww yogurt with 1/4 c grape nuts for 2 points.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQb4Ot0qLmg1gEwKdD1hIm9mMRZEeTnMnfpOEsGLRVKuHXBCc7jNvlhMc887ZR40kxFYIf0YrDwUkeovrm6dLCS4UZoqtoxl-syi2pEkQJ8BE0AVjtIcUhh1i3s3-Ry69PQLujubAsBDMO/s1600-h/DSC02035%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02035" border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_xuiRFz3AC1L4PcqnXq0N7rUv6QoBzrcE6yLTw6K3wfF4FfBMZMVTSXRiFRcqLdkQjpvlIzIHaPiJxvg8oXBjkl8VIjVCkeRllTfLfNDAsKvzuXVQ8PnADIoyUnHs8eXh5pN_WoOqYhc/?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="DSC02035" width="427" /></a> I went home for lunch today hoping to have a quick bite to eat and see DH for a a little while (he had the day off). But the poor guy was cashed out on the couch. I think his cold is really getting to him. I am praying that I don’t get it. I decided it will be better for me to eat my “heavier” meal for lunch rather than supper. So I had a BIG lunch including a bacon chicken ranch wrap, 1/2 c low fat cottage cheese, and a sliced cucumber with ff ranch for 10 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4scmDW1Z5ymRQPt_k-fKzfX5rMBrSEmPnXSIF9hKy3LE264VCsdfY2OhSdZc0b-VQ7QQRJciZur3T4JeEcR4xS1aNXe0f40G2cKgnKnNh4H_XRycDLuyjGoriIkWtJdhCsL0TClae8imn/s1600-h/DSC02036%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02036" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmVLK3oSIh5x9BCRZlk45qUc4W4IZkveJzTe1iLkop-uodKKLiu4sh0fgZHzXc5k33otu9bdVUxtB7R8G8Tbxz8uZPKm5nH2CIChd5RwBPxtxNWpc1duSUd2_IY-5Nu-I7LViIrtKg-eo/?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="DSC02036" width="439" /></a> Late afternoon I planned to have a Clif bar because I (along with other two other co-workers) was hosting a baby shower for a good friend/co-worker right after work. So I thought the Clif bar (4 points) would help fill me up and not want the cake or punch we were serving at the shower. And it worked like a charm! I was ok until after 7pm when I got home from the shower! Oh and I liked this flavor. This was the first one I’ve had and it wasn’t too bad. But after reading <a href="http://karitakingbackcontrol.blogspot.com/">Kari’s</a> comment today on my post from yesterday post I checked out the sugar content and there was 44 grams! Ouch! But was very filling and had 10 grams of protein. So I think I might have to have once in a while. Plus they aren’t too cheap….so we’ll see!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaFLgJ1qmh9t355rajlZ0_0GETVRezZF_xfScqZDNWUqRikggA5sE1cgKSq5xEoCJxXsJsfQisIsH8orpJodnWWdkbGdNX0W3dIvPxh6kAqrjXLRWcAbwMars9xuIvUxBTXhkGq3Jdd-3/s1600-h/DSC02037%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02037" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFg0jXAClYkqSaYifz_9VbsXB_-mXrFUl367o4AfZHyD4JDndqYFRmNwUcHfDXQmVcbXFdAqQmCmcj1U4zjrTnbPxx-voEo_aHk8yD4YwQtQhMVoiqQVKIClBPo8e14tGIEDEaaQZI1Q4/?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="DSC02037" width="441" /></a> Since my Clif bar held me over till supper and that it was 4 points I wanted a light supper. So I had cooked broccoli with cheese, sliced strawberries, and a ham turkey & cheese wrap for 5 points. I ate later (after 8pm) than I wanted to. Something else I want to try is eat light suppers earlier in the evening. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPGrqA89jFsBtFX57_16PRvR5fO2Q8C0PiRzBwyHoRSjO3T7r1AOIou6kCnx1ioeN7L_AJ_PdHURvsQUMWuizBmlGg7f9Ro67-6Esdo_5oXiS_No5gIwZNh19in3HxJfb5C3baI7oJ-kd/s1600-h/DSC02044%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02044" border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7IjDsHdE-F7FbWXDQJcJD3kXnjUYuSCs5cK9yN-ZqAzzDr-C-A2mwfq4XGIpXSr8nMEII1rfCVM9Fz6ZvsN14K4QqaOx0ddrxMnp3VOcZlihTMQdTPz0Q-3MBLWU2z4XcHgeeIfDt5HE/?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="DSC02044" width="455" /></a> I am so excited tomorrow is Friday!! It’s jeans day at work and DH has the weekend off (rarely happens since he runs a restaurant). The bad part is that I have to go to the dentist again. But gotta get it outta the way! So now is as good as time as any! THURSDAY’S STATS POINTS = 24/23 WATER = 154 oz EXERCISE = 20 min run Oh and don’t forget to check out <a href="http://nhershoes.blogspot.com/2009/03/mixmygranola-giveaway.html">Bobbi’s MixMyGranola giveaway</a>!

Day 128 (Thursday 3/12)

Happy Thursday everyone! I can’t believe tomorrow is Friday already…time seems to just fly anymore! I got up and made it to the gym again ...

The Hour I First Believed

6:08 PM Tukiyooo 0

I was just sinking into the slough of despond from reading the late great David Foster Wallace's epic tome, Infinite Jest, (funny in a way that ultimately left me feeling empty) when I discovered Wally Lamb's novel, The Hour I First Believed. Let me tell you up front, I have not finished it yet. I don't know how this is going to come out. But it is one of the best books I've read in forever. Lamb's protagonist Caelum Quirk comes from an all too real sounding troubled background. Following a tumultuous marital break up and a fragile reconciliation, Caelum and his wife move west -- to Littleton, CO where they both work at Columbine High. Caelum's wife, Maureen, hides for hours in a cabinet while Klebold and Harris kill their victims within her hearing. Marueen's struggle with PTSD, consequent drug additiction, and her own subsequent tragedy which lands her in prison all raise the qeustions that devastate our belief that life has any meaning or that there is any foundation for hope. The characters hear and sometimes espouse the whole panoply of answers -- including the religious ones -- even chaos theory -- and they just don't bring much solace or sound convincing to the people in pain. At the point where I have just read, Maureen is toying with a faint sense of grace through sacrametnal worship in prison. Caelum ain't buying it. I don't know whether Wally Lamb will turn out to be a believer, a denier, or a man still in search of the all important but ever elusive answers. I do know he is a compelling story teller who is ruthlessly honest about life and compassionate for the characters who live it. I respect his search.

The Hour I First Believed

I was just sinking into the slough of despond from reading the late great David Foster Wallace's epic tome, Infinite Jest, (funny in a w...

Day 127 (Wednesday 3/11)

7:08 PM Tukiyooo 0

Good evening blog world! The week is over half over and next week at this time I will be on a plane on my way to sunny Florida! This morning I had to get to work early to get a few extra things done. I didn’t want to miss my workout so I set my alarm for 5:15am and got up! It was hard to get up, but SO worth it in the end! I got in a 30 minute run and 15 minutes of leg weights and made it to work by 7:15am! Breakfast was the same as every other day! Oatmeal with 1/4c blueberries and a sliced apple for 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLpWOcmOanf3cGTMFg8o_EvPFxxKc_uJ8vWADPuJZl2yLS51uqTvsprx6aqCLkCCf2i7qTWavuMdPD9H82iOPTN8TakC_CGwwLIAkVJGfFJk3LkwQQN0J6VbM4GhuEb5hoJ0jOlrINwBr/s1600-h/DSC02029%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02029" border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMoLYNooXm_eNBA-u1aeGZ3XTzS2NpQFanSucXuPIyppRJZc-lFb6j5Hj1qv1Nb8jlnboUEq-OwIcxyvGbgzlP4RVXL3ucxEwF2isu7jNCUrjmWmKZw6Ix1bLK6CJOZiYEL2yUzSpxWO0/?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="DSC02029" width="413" /></a> I had my morning snack much later than normal today. I guess the morning just got away from me! I mixed up my favorite combo sliced strawberries, ww vanilla yogurt, and 1/4c grape nuts for 3 points. Didn’t get a picture before I mixed it though so you get to see my mush of a snack!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz64CInd_YdD64blCpaF5I21onASv4WyJpmtaMCE8P6A8RtbOOyvKhIdp94mltP8gZbJCqqMnWT6U5YwwbH2e0ZxpzwpR1XEED7hwAAkT4FxHC8FvJVLnnEAJuqqOCLJX4d_m481AjcuUT/s1600-h/DSC02030%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02030" border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlgYen6BU8HDLD-hLDly5yOBSLyIoc2FUG709jXLz1V6Kwsbl4WfMLARA6j9qkiKOdPize1cOEpYweang-wd9nd2vmuXVQU_7X_ArHJU_ecid7knI-VhxMCeOoGfYjNk5m_JP7H9um4u3/?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="DSC02030" width="424" /></a> I spent my lunch break chatting my sis from Georgia talking about our up coming trip to Florida. I’m getting so excited for this trip. To be with all my sisters in sunny Florida for a week!! Ok…back to lunch! I made some cooked broccoli with ff cheese and a ham turkey & cheese wrap for 4 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnx52-m6KA8-fXoH-r2bqwXhEUcLhcxlK_p4npoNEuyrczbLNgtA9geQgR8FAovjEwquInt1wGTicNLm_vGYnPGx1frtGnOCHgyMQ7zoFrDIUcv5QC5XANIQGNN9Zj65BeZMFD8cQdYsMR/s1600-h/DSC02031%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02031" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliflnQLMScD-vaF-4v6mb4dZxhMn_DrB6tzv19BI0XB73r9TONl8dSWuY7yHIxh6D_kgaKyp38Xs9CAudnNd4AiH3vrr1FmfDlu3PmEfRva4J29JNIZvUZI7UHggmx1mlQOi6yC5Zpy_8/?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="DSC02031" width="436" /></a> I’ve been doing some research lately about protein and I think I want to increase my intake. I am going to try to do this by being aware of protein rich foods and also some protein bars & shakes. I stopped at GNC after work today. I had a coupon for “Designer Whey” thanks to <a href="http://thresholdofgreatness.blogspot.com/">Laura</a> – she told me a little about the protein shakes she takes and their websites, so I checked them out and found a $2 off coupon! Thanks for the info Laura…greatly appreciated! I picked up some chocolate designer whey, a blender bottle (pink of course!), a clif bar, and a muscle milk light bar. I think the extra protein is going to help me with my weight training and also the weight loss portion of it too. I still want to do more research, so if any of you have any good advice definitely let me know! Of course I had to try out my protein shake when I got home. It comes out to only 2 points per serving. I am anxious to try the bars now! But those are for another day.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq4gVzB0-1eWmDYmdd4tZumE72ASza2XzI11bg0JFDvTorf6YBbzRUqz-wJyIyg-2cRTf_QvC2ngd957SddhRbP-AhF511MIi3Twzey33une7w8dTH1AlvYGVt8ReSBDF2DPqJZT-ApI5z/s1600-h/DSC02032%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02032" border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1F9AgC-qJODlhmGkRvzqu6zQc_4D3zZQzAYVDTIHMnWWNdvMaD8Zy2oTLkeAsYngGDS-rL39CIM0A-52wd09NS6X3FERu7wK6dIA2FkUmRhLy-na6Lz0WKT_5v8M4wExR5ggZrwdId-14/?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="DSC02032" width="288" /></a> Supper tonight was “protein packed”! I had a total of 3 hard boiled egg whites, sweet potato fries, 1/2c low fat cottage cheese, and a chicken salad wrap(which I only ate half of ‘cause I was SO full!) for a total of 10 points. I mixed a few of the egg whites in with the chicken salad wrap. It was just ok, but a nice way to “disguise” them! I thought I really liked boiled eggs, but I thought wrong. They are just ok. So this was a high point supper, but VERY filling. I am sure I won’t need anything else to eat tonight….I’m more than satisfied. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxTLRFYjm4r2-SXBbKjRG_PmHMIDi25es7CJcLej5F5L6jafn2s-rfssdiD-0X5FFymQ3lElgO_sVayc6kevqWjbPsJIYV41-RWowqpCLNUupTTNMbPJd4VzNrJEc235WyL5x16mY3l_t/s1600-h/DSC02033%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02033" border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3eSKQDUvUkA3hYbKnYfo9PQOt_JXJBLZYfrAu0OIJ1US7gGuptjAk3_tywrFIy9BKe5V2pdXe6KOCwBFStuk2FLWQvNXoWmYPD3Ylbqvf9-1M3ybfPWHos3TTj6mMs_oV3TDK4ZN01UQ/?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="DSC02033" width="455" /></a> I guess we will see how this protein thing goes. I am hoping it helps! Well I am off to chill on the couch with DH and watch CSI NY. DH hasn’t been feeling well lately so he needs some tender lovin’ care! And I hope I don’t get that icky cold stuff that’s going around…need to be in tip top shape for my trip next week! WEDNESDAY’S STATS POINTS = 22 WATER = 130 oz EXERCISE = 30 min run, 15 min leg weights

Day 127 (Wednesday 3/11)

Good evening blog world! The week is over half over and next week at this time I will be on a plane on my way to sunny Florida! This morni...

Day 126 (Tuesday 3/10)

8:34 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hey everyone! I think winter has returned to Iowa. Its only 12 degrees outside…bbbrrrrr!!! I am sad to report to you that I shut my alarm off like I do every morning, but I didn’t get up 5 minutes later like I always do….I rolled over and it was 7:15am!!! Woa…barely enough to get to work on time! No morning workout. I made breakfast in a rush and ate on the run. It consisted of oatmeal with 1/4 c blueberries and a sliced gold delicious apple for 3 points.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VDKaTNnyPP_FIM0pacqSlGVfvYk016LaYGRs-w_-8jhzmXDz49RDdhar09GQg3ucQKniVm9kLKjtxJc6LCPj8sLHcjnO0KeUXWVezNED7YBmjk1PkvZ1b6HsLrqPmTiCiSain8657tAu/s1600-h/DSC02022%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02022" border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoticUle7YxcdWOASAzKGozhiJ0th3sTmO_OyNn7e_jCg1r9TAitHjiyiSCYhwWwE4e9vCE8Vlqriq9OEYJDQ4TXCCacFWNWEBaXsKerieUABXNvHyMe2Dnx6ufeI-7wtc0FH5TNx9iRl/?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="DSC02022" width="424" /></a> The morning at work went really fast. A few of us worked on a few things for a baby shower for a fellow co-worker. It was fun! All this baby stuff lately has really given me the “itch”! But don’t get any ideas….I need to get to my goal weight and maintain for a while first before there are any babies on the way! I had my favorite snack around 11:30 this morning, sliced strawberries, ww vanilla yogurt, and 1/4 c grape nuts for 3 points.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS7kg1cZEo2WmhtYBOhNaDCDekcSIgtW8afPj_NxXyxEwUa_YGINs-QOUJ_ZuKa8rR2x-iW2kLYqdOoi5oDj6_TdgC_779G0VAnQ8yNIHG5guIBkwtMzcEQygvpBaLyXtrmLB9VTTlbV6/s1600-h/DSC02023%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02023" border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIAIAR3w7xGGb8mCg1xFpYtCIHDmOQZpj8jflSZXg02_hNA538Z8wDulSDuzdC6PdbX0AIVl9-75Yzp_xXw8u5KXxUD28oIuwnWgmfMEB-egnAWBNrida8aTYJt0lhbs4ykj9rZJFhd5b/?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="DSC02023" width="423" /></a> Lunch today was inspired by <a href="http://dancingsweetpea.blogspot.com/">Dancing Sweet Pea</a>. She mentioned on her blog that she had tuna for lunch and I remembered how much I like chicken…the kind that is like tuna…I’m not sure what it’s called! But I made a chicken salad and cheese wrap for 5 points along with 1/2 serving of pretzel sticks for 1 point. I didn’t have time to eat the applesauce. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTUHW4TK1o9Y0JhbouPKmd4vW_WTRWktWarqfZszWFWhUSP0wrlmPY8mkjjupSX-RYM2-o4VWooT2eQNTw31lTy9-22u8v_qRY5tcO7aPseeRaisKB_CDL4aC1LykL4OLafSe3u7rRL4a/s1600-h/DSC02024%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02024" border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARZ84MBqQqMn7RkcMaAK38pUqLSs2gjeswrm0Z3Al-EMXbNUjEuOcGyUgRURt7de26ApbsVlUmstxMj-gp-WTxw-c_95ybIwdLpaxTZBUXJt6kg9cLSQUiW6ExIDKHvo_Mb4wS_dGly-7/?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="DSC02024" width="428" /></a>  I had ww tonight. I was nervous for the wi…lately they have been all over the place…not very consistent. Well I am happy to report that I lost 1.8lbs for a total (at ww) of 36 lbs! I was glad to see that. I am hoping the scale at home starts to go down again. I have been stuck around 164 & 165 these past two weeks. I REALLY want to be out of the 160s by the time I leave for Florida next week. So that’s a pretty HEFTY goal for 1 week! WW was having a sale on their 2 point bars so I caved and bought the chocolate caramel ones. What a RIP OFF!!! I got 4 bars for $3.50 and that was a $1 off on sale! Need to pay better attention. They are just kinda like a candy bar. I would rather have some kinda of protein or fiber bar that has some nutritional value. I had to taste test one on the way home for 2 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PRDv2Wn8xPLZ7crzKYbx1zpSe1272rt3WHnW6FfxF_SBAFtoQBNyDFuilcxmtj3HDj0IBIdbkhzM-fH2bBymO1GxGFOupMBPnVskY1uLV5n2x-s4LNUMUI5VNOYuV0fpOa4DOazImQ2E/s1600-h/DSC02028%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02028" border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jBUUqSSlZp3IPphVo4dToPGVOZIxn6sEJo95LT8qSjh6hC0hW6IQ17oSaZD2_kUqCeonccEi0nP3dstcViF-rgcHGbIn6WwW-SA4KiHw9x9PI94AcSGRtAY2oAMSOAo7DcIpnxfV2xqE/?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="DSC02028" width="433" /></a> I decided to finish up our leftovers for supper. This is the last of the chili I made last week. But it was just as good as the first! Perfect for a cold March  night! I had 1 cup for 8 points along with a little cheese (added after the picture) for 2 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAIoPH8jjXdexIfRLmi62tNGRYefnD4zUfMaonlTuPhgUKQg0p2kvcZLOPvZncranJfxKjkwHQFadwP3AxCOTf4saufUSTLSxuyfZjBjZk79JUJ6PTenh_gL_CfvDKv9r8Un9FN6I4ino/s1600-h/DSC02025%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02025" border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKo-3mP8FRKxodeOEdYfnJY0noqcnMXS2vOdMzV2HkPMBcIh6gJKOKOWImx_m-3u8PHMKonv72dEs8ROMpUWEiiVBqhsSotX04ABPChlkcTKE6GNn14fs4JGznSwt59TDDsoQBumEgYAi/?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="DSC02025" width="441" /></a>  I finished up the wedding invite order while watching the BL. I still don’t understand why they couldn’t have shown those first few minutes last week. I think we all guessed that he lost enough weight to keep everyone there another week. Duh!!! After my BL I knew I needed to get a workout in, but it was already 9pm and the gym was closed so I decided to let Jillian give me a good workout. So I did level 1 of 30 day shred. It was a great workout…I am contemplating going to level 2 next time….I am sure it will be super hard…but I’m always in for a good butt kickin’!! Oh and check out what got me through my workout with Jillian….a new pair of hot pink asics gel nimbus 10!!! Love em!! They are so light and airy, I can’t wait to get running in these kickin’ shoes!!! :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFC5my8O9vJBzIf7GGUTA20694BG7TpT8bcAt1VwuGCX1ynRPTwN_NczZstkg4ex63ylXw7CpIuhYHcmtMqjU8bT33xXS9ZEJZeQGPuulsF4slcVDLRhhGvkxKO2XI2jrbRA3Tc170oYK/s1600-h/DSC02026%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02026" border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9vuUqK9af1X4LVG4Gbh_DoB2f2kwRWgOqrqncREymbsMKmYK1QFkLa5InKc842MBBVbmxSID5lr-liW6iO4ABJmYKbDm3NPjsIt5LSST5ZxLEaDSFkyJb2m53DxQJ4TB5GedQfdsCA0jG/?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="DSC02026" width="449" /></a> I meant to share this a few days ago. Sunday I took  my measurements to see what happened to my body in the month of February. I was pleasantly surprised! I lost another 6 1/2 inches in 10 different places. The best was the each inch I lost off of each thigh!!! I guess even though the scale wasn’t going down like it had been in the first few months, my body was still changing.  Hope everyone is having a great week!! TUESDAY’S STATS POINTS = 24 WATER = 154 oz EXERCISE = 30 day shred dvd level 1

Day 126 (Tuesday 3/10)

Hey everyone! I think winter has returned to Iowa. Its only 12 degrees outside…bbbrrrrr!!! I am sad to report to you that I shut my alarm ...

Day 125 (Monday 3/09)

10:08 AM Tukiyooo 0

Hope everyone had a great Monday! I started mine out with a morning workout at the gym! I got in 30 minutes on the cross ramp and it felt great! I have to say though my “arm pit” muscles are a tad sore…I think it’s from the push ups from 30 day shred on Sunday! Breakfast was great today thanks to the wonderful blueberries! I had oatmeal with 1/4c blueberries and a sliced apple for 3 points. I looked up and the smallest serving of blueberries you can have for 0 points is 1/4 c so that is what I tried this morning and it was just the right amount! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpN2BVoZSIHtja18xiJp3ISvAdoZoIldA-oUh7Ymqp6xnP1Ymy147XrpoRZVMXJvLPMQnHNr0E_fiVd4sT-1tAAb7DaTK1j7WIBPd3MsXv0L-r5eKhMmXtgZmMp-iKJO81JMAad5wkWJC/s1600-h/DSC02017%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02017" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSZUkY-v3ctAY9M13KNnAXdINY237o-q_R9NbvpRhDOB0HKC1V1aQogCrvAD8aVxsG6AiFnbzCmyeXSAPqJrU_dR9FZCX2oWTvq6M9zglEMHFwNvjZp38dX62vz9qkHmMBpuGojfUzXBd/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02017" width="414" /></a> Mid morning I had the same snack as Friday…a sliced banana and strawberries for 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8vR0Rdh5a1uoGxJi4TXsMh8piN_SrvaIjTJtQOFvUej57kGLuFFxKWbgau9HANLe7oV9FgPOVnrBxDRaNMfuBON9WEHf1D1eCoCDQ6Ef4eIrA1tR99d0BSSZYr0otsVpG6HidYqd3rez/s1600-h/DSC02018%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02018" border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvcmuylI9T3qum_x9mCa6vsMH03BdcNdvFEA2Ohp0T1mJVZYfR5FfhO82FGpX4aFWEPsxhBUdMohw_00h9YM9wTIjyS3i19ccNAAo3FURGxyi_UPqvXxqJGAIiullzWKW8DEbtoEc31Rg/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02018" width="420" /></a> Lunch was a rush today! I like to tan on my lunch hours so I don’t have to go after work because they are always so much busier then (I think with everyone’s prom & spring break coming up!). But it sure doesn’t leave a lot of time to run home! But I made it. I had a ham turkey & cheese wrap, strawberry applesauce, ff ranch, and a sliced cucumber for 5 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxQ8eBhYBxLvZQUJGb8gy8Hvl1sofaQcpM-JAqC4ghaW6ntE0wj0AZxp6aZM8uMBBmdglMzVbwbPp-uRRhyphenhyphenX0cFYB_smkDGdPumUU1EqK8g-ozzVO1SUhNiueRrpFJ9M0S-IsyGk4Iqtf/s1600-h/DSC02019%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02019" border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8Qc65sQvY0ZmC83F11kH0dCkicMF5Te5vWo3ZBeX-NZFEsXlf-5541K-CF7C28_X5s14oaYC5pDU7hmw0GtytVVL6sTIP-lMJ1ZcD-BprA4hMCggnQH86euGQ7xRQw4eg38xq9euyk_O/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02019" width="423" /></a> I got groceries after work and stuck with my budget…I was quite proud of myself and so was DH! But man by the time I got home, got the groceries put away, and started supper it was already after 6:30 and I was hungry! I didn’t have an afternoon snack, but I did have an evening snack! My all time favorite, ww vanilla yogurt, strawberries, and 1/4 c grape nuts for 3 points! This helped “tide” me over until supper was ready and DH got home. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDy6S3Bpdg40Ez5bMv9o6TRe7nJK0WkwTDNuWZyLOb2NMKK-HxIrYNvw13eoB08CxJLBgQ0SBqOXhR9iLVtZA4jEJI5R-lrYo-Oawk3ybc2RYMWvC6TtLZL5aIy4fg9wTHzAT9drANylq/s1600-h/DSC02020%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02020" border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1p-HjbPAGlkSF1ZaNT3UvoUHpwuLE3IyJUxlsN0CXmnH65CvSI0tW3dY-GFJOkWwt1tp2c9RoO-p7-dMFNhwKN_RMf9OkwCAYJneZyL-MKh4mGpTuZQ8sVX1TCjltX1Rog5GUkZEC-tj/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02020" width="430" /></a> I was still pretty satisfied from my evening snack I couldn’t finish my supper! I ate my sweet potato fries & ketchup first (4 points) and could only eat half my baked chicken breast (2 points). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUyEQlAmuym2YcfhG3pmVsVeraEoL0fDh6uDiw9psHrS_Q7aYf8pO-lCJXvBcXhkWiaecjJOmbcqceA1QLojtvXHY_3n_UPg82PDqdapEec0x3Rx26ry6zODVgIjjw3J7bhusmqR8-2O1/s1600-h/DSC02021%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02021" border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAKHIpLyC7as8ptRLBoTEpET5NLWk53ylyhBt2xFnpvZ1ngemTDzd0xEB_IDW8z3SC0u3DMpuJ2Xs6PToHeyzXB16xhGrsP3w6HLnk_wTifUbjAInYNtvu6MixDXvNKXYBGH5tYHv7HVD/?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02021" width="444" /></a> I hope everyone has had a great start to their week. I think mine would be better if the stinkin’ scale would go down! I really want to be out of the 160s before I leave for Florida next Wednesday. We’ll see! MONDAY’S STATS POINTS = 20 WATER = 130 oz EXERCISE = 30 min cross ramp

Day 125 (Monday 3/09)

Hope everyone had a great Monday! I started mine out with a morning workout at the gym! I got in 30 minutes on the cross ramp and it fel...

Early Childhood Education

12:49 PM Tukiyooo 0

Spring is getting closer and soon it will be time to start taking your kids outside more and more! I can't wait to get my daughter out in the stroller or the front carrier on a hike. I'm very fortunate in that her daycare takes the kids outside on any day that is 25 degrees or higher and pleasant. So, she'll get to go out a lot during her time there. What are some ways that day cares and other early childhood care providers could get their students outside more often? What activities could they do? If you have some suggestions or know of any activities that you've used that have worked well with kids in day care, preschool or after school care, please post them here. We'd love to hear what you've done! Also, the National Project WILD office is in the midst of field testing activities for its upcoming Early Childhood Supplement to Project WILD. This new booklet will contain over 20 activities geared to pre-K thru 2nd grade. Some are modifications of existing activities, others are completely new activities. Some Ohio facilitators and teachers are participating in the field testing and we look forward to the release of this new guide.

Early Childhood Education

Spring is getting closer and soon it will be time to start taking your kids outside more and more! I can't wait to get my daughter out i...

Day 124 (Sunday 3/8)

7:20 AM Tukiyooo 0

Happy Monday everyone! I think I "unofficially" took a day off on Sunday. I didn't take pictures, I didn't track. But I don't think I was too bad eating wise either. Here is a quick recap (from what I can remember!): Breakfast: Oatmeal w/ 1/4 c blueberries & an apple. Snack: Fiber one bar & a banana. Lunch: whole wheat pasta & marinara sauce. Snack: a few club crackers. "Supper": strawberries (a bunch!), "dry" cereal (golden grahams). Snack: 3 homemade chocolate chip cookies. So overall not too bad, but the cookies could have been avoided...or I could've stuck with one. DH made them for his employees at work and he took his sweet time getting them in a container so needless to say they were on the counter too long and 2 extra hopped into my mouth! I made a quick trip to a friend's house who just had a her baby (less than 2 weeks ago). Boy was she a sweetie!! Got some major baby fever going on this weekend...shopping with my prego friend & then seeing a newborn!! I had to make the stop at their house short though because the weather got bad really fast. I wanted to get home before I got stranded! I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend and the time change didn't affect you too much. I got a nap in yesterday so I feel pretty good! :) I forgot...before I went to my friend's house I did get a workout in...30 day shred!!

Day 124 (Sunday 3/8)

Happy Monday everyone! I think I "unofficially" took a day off on Sunday. I didn't take pictures, I didn't track. But I do...

Days 122-123 (Friday 3/6 & Saturday 3/7)

7:46 PM Tukiyooo 0

Hello everyone and happy weekend! For some reason I was STARVING on Friday!! Here is a quick recap: Third time’s a charm!! Got in 31 minutes on the cross ramp this morning! Breakfast was oatmeal and a sliced apple for 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtOwbqr39R0DUxYGclgR7BhARUDMVtobk9y5fQSBKYGqoVT7AmaU4g3wCMUxk7GoLNVvbEXauciTr3iu6vux5shPfFsApzx9crxJtHJRTAzB5MEWx2S0qIN3GAZKz7bARe1mYxOM2xmvu/s1600-h/DSC02000%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02000" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-Ie5Qfw519kx4rPSdwt5bfjbq93e2hDNKV7Ah_bCpTB25_PlAiEOhTReoF5OWnUcRjBY0Xuy5eLVcgUVzJ6FzlZ8s9TnTxQFL6OyOngjn3lccALGUWJ-4K_c2T40iey1ncDiFfYb1Sb6/?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="DSC02000" width="400" /></a> My morning snack was a mix of a sliced banana and strawberries for 3 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-osoWcVZrjKwZMXAmCJ5LNeURnMwp7lsUav3qmSgjG0rwIgX4Tk3-xVn4UR-P-QhBW8ZfB3C0MAVznUl1rKXi-zzpKD_k7dQausB77O_X4iHQINEw8AsxxV59i-iXbzy8IrOOwBNTMQM/s1600-h/DSC02001%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02001" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippO-xbNtBOOjLT52_3j2k63dWN2PA_nckWhGmrGyHELsB-J0_2W2OgatnDcBYAmAoZOLXarRXfHnzBY67qhpEgfE1npjH9qyzwE1KBaDN7TEslpdOsGi-pP49S8r3t7FGpElALcAiCZ6E/?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="DSC02001" width="408" /></a> I could hardly wait for lunch. Not sure why I was so hungry?!? I made a smart one’s cheese pizza for 7 points. But while that was cooking I snacked on some honey nut cheerios and a few bites of peanut butter for 5 points. Why Darci…why??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbamZcAwSFor3TSGb9e_QO1qOaa3SMpshK0HFroaOh0KWzSUXEJdH9IlsyVJ__8i_Wx72x8ZKyDcq1fifCQIbCZ497f4jMWJDimJs6AJ5iUH2lGRA6_t9W8Kd3-YLbX9KCHQ7IXuVIJKa/s1600-h/DSC02002%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02002" border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhL7jKKZxrvixxMfhGaEV0Q4JzA47z7ZIbWb0c0tkZQenOf1Z2RbC1RkTg6vnbpZkbWrugRuc_Nnf4Y22wK78u6i5hwK_1U2ZtMy8DWqNzz0x0YCuNHwaFIMA1OIG4mbcNW4mSRNP-NMV/?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="DSC02002" width="413" /></a> You would think all those points would’ve filled me up….but nope I had to have desert before heading back to work. A skinny cow ice cream sandwich for 2 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5N4LWOmGOPk03yhBIuUwS7dnqnGRSaFIYiMuqnKbaZ3Imjgl_USGnSyh2SJRMdXmZcEmhpbsEvhNvHlnowIpe_heWaKIVS9g5SNEOF51dtTkiC5hWRdL3nPTXrU1MYuI_ZSkwIcWrnjO/s1600-h/DSC02003%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02003" border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixITajXNktDtZ9h90OeihvDXSSoLjbqUdBQmerlNI-uDzpxHJuumtmntknjDdqHbmCC2wOKJsOK3MNTVBns7Sd0ysU1JcWAzQ1JU7a6w25BOon0DIoHDRkacYSEpe130aMmggc9HDW7l7z/?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="DSC02003" width="419" /></a> A fellow ww co-worker brought around some brownies she made with “no pudge” brownie mix. I’ve never heard of it before, but definately going to check it out! This little guy was 1/2 –1 point…so I counted 1 point to go high. Mmmm I love chocolate! Thanks Melissa!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTO7pXgOivwDMToykMAddIcx0NkO7A0Nhk_tQ4CBV3uQiL6PXWh5tRPGv5uOCPq1VbFuxExAOUF2TKlCgFflnWinnkuSXhtvpGQ6z5Wk55cv73Sw2x5GU8idxfLCuXhngpnRDjbVQJd3K/s1600-h/DSC02005%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02005" border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73FMRC9x7qFghzxW8GEKO6el7Ki_Dvs08vyvHmcDWcZH7w2wvY6iLMeTBJDiYQ2tvxyLp6RiVk02qVWSe5gQmHy603hTrD0zeQkvhtjhm9c3W8rt-w2TkS07drn-aAYu7ZCIBNqhr72wj/?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="DSC02005" width="424" /></a> After work I did some running around and got home around 6pm, chatted with DH for a while, and then we had to run a few errands. I snatched a peanut butter fiber one bar for 3 points. And DH got me a jr. frosty for 4 points. We ended up coming home early ‘cause my sister stopped over for a while. By the time they left it was after 8pm and we still hadn’t had supper. I ate a quick bowl of honey nut cheerios for 6 points. And was asleep before 9pm!! Not sure why I was so tired…maybe it was all that food I ate! FRIDAY’S STATS POINTS = 34/23 (ouch!) WATER = 106 oz EXERCISE = 31 min cross ramp SATURDAY Today I shopped! But I was also good…food & budget!! I am so proud of myself!! I got up early and did a few things around the house and then hit the gym at 8am when they opened and got in a 21 minute run before me and two of my friends/co-workers headed to Des Moines (about 1.5 hours away) for a day of shopping! Got ready quick at the gym….check out my new hat! Nice to cover my “gym hair” for the day! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCihgUFVBg7ZaJWgrm4PpwDfjKPOjm57ek0PteT2UNFEt9E_QFgM8IEFnUaNMImn6UpW33zBNGzgg1EKruTwOBRFdjoy8XH-yEuO8roncUgG-AQKrWCUm2WWOVutAL3DWlHYGeU7ztOU0/s1600-h/DSC02014%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02014" border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic4BYfLtVO0cw8v8CimjJNvBXWCvV_96jTPy8jnTLjgYfIOpmgyyFKFhsQpjJ5d4MO1naV64Xc3IS1qMX9cbrJoW7RjTe5aJkls_RppTOjzC7xbVNQlZ5VXMdmK9i7KxMPHbS7GzEZ0YRv/?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="DSC02014" width="454" /></a>Once I was ready the gym people were nice enough to let me use their microwave to make my oatmeal! I didn’t have time to run back home or over to my office so it worked out great! So I ate it on the run along with my all time favorite…an apple for a total of 3 points. Since it was “on the run” I didn’t get a picture. I picked up my two friends and we hit the road. We had a great time and got some great deals! I was actually good…budget wise too! DH was proud! Oh and get this…I was in the Gap dressing room with my two friends just waiting outside the door and I was hoping 10s would fit…but wasn’t 100% sure since I only lost 5 lbs in Feb. Well I slipped into a pair of 10 long jeans, zipped, and buttoned them and without thinking squealed “THE 10’s FIT”!! I felt a little silly…but that was completely gone, because I felt great!! I didn’t buy the jeans though because that is my reward for being 160 and I’m not there yet. But I did get a pair of pin striped capris…well longer ones…I can’t remember what they’re called. But they were size 10!!! :D I was on CLOUD 9!!! We had lunch at the food court so that made it easy to stay OP. I had a 6 inch turkey sub with diet coke for 5 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_ASk8fllX2W73sJ-DfC9l6BSJqGj-tmGcLquDzej0CsLvYRG9aj6dKR5nUER0j6Tk9rqlbIbQrwcxDO-uSTQrA2X7HIHioPBRllOtDLG-DyaboVApdMPfLleyjz1n5SXEnHpG57p9pz7/s1600-h/DSC02006%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02006" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy_MZLXdgxXkw38LmUMIuu39LCItliMpeUPiZnLOH88sg8TWWFMvs229vqHVI58LzpF9FjFoxPeW_31QV-Mud0lKAFntOJnJdbY1VGFcriUPjc6woW5cKaNgGWA6u1p6uZngoH36b11-T/?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="DSC02006" width="469" /></a>After the mall we hit Sam’s Club and I stocked up on fiber one bars, blue berries, strawberries, and string cheese! Gotta love buying in bulk! On the way home I snacked on a fiber one bar, banana, and string cheese for 5 points.  Got back home around 8pm and realized I had a lot of points left over, so while catching up on all your lovely blogs I snacked on some strawberries for 1 point. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1DS-qIM0lv2aMJWZz3zgHsTn1Xj1IbnR8QJB_r06Oc98Dtu6HvocjR4005GyeIZ_7KYsWa_gFbYLrjT_iqBpcReRmjXt8zjzBYIMT9rd-NairWl7s6005t53FhkGrdtmeGXtmRZorvey/s1600-h/DSC02008%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02008" border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlTpHEpfT5XZBuc9yYYdT8r0Z_CAwKokkuQ4MzijP2Spr_4TYf8GrbHFS1-XP9eskcXjKN8yIkqV95q0mYsfRNvWZjwYTBYps4Ep-ND_LG3xfD2MgUTnujh646fRrc0wrCVSuPcshkGMo/?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="DSC02008" width="475" /></a> DH is helping a friend repair his floor so I am just waiting for him to come home. I have quite a few points left over, but its almost 10 and I really don’t want to eat this late and I’m really not that hungry. So we’ll see what happens! FRIDAY’S STATS POINTS = 13/23 WATER = 82 OZ EXERCISE = 21 min run & lots of walking around 2 malls!! G’nite everyone in blog land! I hope you’re having a super, FAB weekend!

Days 122-123 (Friday 3/6 & Saturday 3/7)

Hello everyone and happy weekend! For some reason I was STARVING on Friday!! Here is a quick recap: Third time’s a charm!! Got in 31 min...